Liangzhou, the Liang King's Mansion, by Tingchao Lake.
Several dozen bonfires burned brightly, illuminating the surroundings as if it were daylight.
Old Huang, holding a wooden box, stood leaning against a pillar. Beside him stood a man in white with a handsome face, arms crossed, gazing indifferently at Xú Fēngnián.
"Plop!"
Xú Fēngnián glanced back at the two, tightened his grip on the ** in his hand, and leaped into the lake. He intended to release Chǔ Kuángnù. He had been saved by Chǔ Kuángnù in his youth, and today was the time to repay the debt.
"This saves me some effort."
Old Huang looked at the lake, stroked the wooden box, his gaze gradually deepening. After a long while, ripples appeared on the lake surface, and Xú Fēngnián climbed ashore along the stone steps.
"Boom!"
Water splashed as a figure erupted from the water like a dragon.
"Hahaha! I'm free!" "Xú Xiāo, you couldn't keep me imprisoned forever!"
His wild laughter shook the heavens. Dozens of eyes hidden in the darkness of Tingchao Pavilion instantly locked onto Chǔ Kuángnù.
"Chǔ Kuángnù, why don't you come down quickly?" Xú Fēngnián shouted loudly, but received no response.
"Since you saved me from my predicament, I'll spare your life." "But..."
Chǔ Kuángnù lowered his gaze and swept it over Xú Fēngnián. When his eyes shifted towards Tingchao Pavilion, a brutal glint suddenly appeared in them. His body shot up from the ground, charging directly at the tall pavilion.
"Are you insane?" Xú Fēngnián exclaimed in shock. Who knew how many powerful experts were lurking within Tingchao Pavilion? Such recklessness was akin to seeking his own death!
"Young Master, don't panic. Old servant is here."
Old Huang grinned, revealing his smoke-stained yellow teeth, and waved reassuringly at Xú Fēngnián. Before his words fell, his withered body had already taken to the air, intercepting Chǔ Kuángnù's path.
"You actually know martial arts?" Xú Fēngnián's eyes widened. He had long suspected this old servant possessed extraordinary skills, but the man had always pretended to be deaf and mute.
"Just a tiny bit!"
Old Huang looked back with a sheepish smile. His wrinkled palm, however, struck the old wooden box heavily. With a crisp crack, the box split open, and a chilling sword energy shot out like a silver bottle shattering.
"Sword · Unsheathed!"
A cold glint flashed, a rainbow slashed across the sky. A green sword tore through the twilight, passing inches from Chǔ Kuángnù's nose, forcing him forcefully back to the ground.
"Sword Nine Emperor?!"
Chǔ Kuángnù staggered on the ground, his chains lashing out like poisonous snakes spitting tongues. "Again!"
Old Huang remained calm, his withered finger flicking. A second ancient sword roared out of the box, and the chains were instantly severed into scattered fragments, flying everywhere. The sword's momentum unabated, it headed straight for Chǔ Kuángnù's throat.
"Bang!"
A wave of energy exploded, sending Chǔ Kuángnù flying back several yards.
"Fall!"
A third long sword pierced the air, forming a triangular killing formation with the previous two. The cold sword tip was only three inches from Chǔ Kuángnù's brow, its trembling hum sounding like a venomous bee's wings.
"Sword Nine Emperor..."
Chǔ Kuángnù's face twitched. Under the menacing pressure of the three swords hanging over his head, he finally lowered his chains with unconcealed reluctance.
"Young Master, it's done."
Old Huang turned his head, his gaze falling on Xú Fēngnián, his expression calm, as if he had merely acted casually.
"Old Huang, I really didn't expect you to be so strong."
Xú Fēngnián's eyes flashed with excitement, and he smiled, giving Old Huang a thumbs-up. According to Lín Tiān, Chǔ Kuángnù had already reached the Vajra Realm twenty years ago. Although he had been trapped at the bottom of Tingchao Lake for these twenty years, unable to advance his cultivation or break through his realm, his inner strength had only grown more profound, reaching the peak of the Vajra Realm. Such strength, being so easily suppressed by Old Huang, showed the man's true capabilities.
"Heh heh, a small matter, a small matter."
Old Huang smiled bashfully and waved his hand. The three long swords surrounding Chǔ Kuángnù instantly flew back and disappeared into the sword box.
"Come with me somewhere. Once things are settled, I'll grant you freedom. How about it?"
Xú Fēngnián didn't pay attention to Old Huang's shyness. He looked up at Chǔ Kuángnù and spoke casually. He wanted to take Chǔ Kuángnù to the Number One Under Heaven Tower to confirm whether Lín Tiān truly knew this person.
"Where are we going?"
Chǔ Kuángnù frowned, his tone impatient. When he glanced at Old Huang, a trace of resentment flashed in his eyes. Twenty years ago, he had been defeated by Old Huang and imprisoned at the bottom of Tingchao Lake. Now, twenty years later, he was still no match for Old Huang.
"You'll know when we get there."
Xú Fēngnián's smile did not diminish.
"Where does Young Master intend to take him?" Old Huang walked closer, carrying the sword box, and asked in a low voice. He also did not know why Xú Fēngnián wanted to bring Chǔ Kuángnù along. The reason Old Huang agreed to release Chǔ Kuángnù was that he was about to leave. He needed someone to protect Xú Fēngnián after he was gone.
"Old Huang, he's been imprisoned for over twenty years. Logically, the Storyteller at the Number One Under Heaven Tower shouldn't have seen him, but why did Lín Tiān know about his existence?" Xú Fēngnián's lips curved slightly, and he glanced at Chǔ Kuángnù. Old Huang immediately understood. So, Young Master wanted to test Lín Tiān's background.
"Young Master is indeed wise."
Old Huang nodded solemnly, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. Xú Fēngnián had truly grown up, no longer as naive as before. This saved Old Huang a lot of worry. He had always hoped Xú Fēngnián would practice martial arts and roam the Martial World. Now, there was no need for further words. From the moment Xú Fēngnián decided to take Chǔ Kuángnù to the Number One Under Heaven Tower, he had stepped into the Martial World. Old Huang, having roamed the Martial World for decades, had very keen insight. When he was at the Number One Under Heaven Tower, he had already foreseen that it would not be long before it became the focus of attention for the entire Martial World. Lín Tiān knew far too many secrets.
......
Time flies like an arrow; it was already the next morning. It seemed there was still some time to wait. Lín Tiān had kept watch all night, but Yāoyuè had not finished her cultivation, though her vital energy surged more fiercely. The Yihua Connects Wood technique was indeed profound. Lín Tiān had not practiced it and did not know exactly how long Yāoyuè would need. Today was another storytelling time, so Lín Tiān decided to go downstairs first, leaving Yāoyuè to continue her secluded cultivation here. Although Yāoyuè had told him to **, Lín Tiān knew clearly that there must be experts from Yihua Palace lurking in the shadows. Palace Mistress Liánxīng was likely next door or outside the door. He was not needed at all. Having made up his mind, Lín Tiān washed up and pushed open the door, preparing to go downstairs to begin his storytelling. Yú Xuánjī was already waiting outside the door. "Young Master, you and Palace Mistress Yāoyuè..." Seeing Lín Tiān come out, Yú Xuánjī couldn't help but ask in a low voice. Although she had left earlier last night, she had been paying attention to the movements in Lín Tiān's room. Yāoyuè had not appeared since entering and had stayed the entire night. "Hush, she is practicing at the moment. You don't need to come down with me today; stay here and make sure no one disturbs her." Lín Tiān put his index finger to his lips, gesturing for Yú Xuánjī to lower her voice. Lín Tiān knew that there must be experts from Yihua Palace hidden nearby, but he still decided to proceed as planned. "As you command." Yú Xuánjī's eyes flickered, and ripples stirred within her heart. Lín Tiān's knowledge had long since captivated her. When she encountered Yāoyuè last night, she had been speculating about Lín Tiān's connection to Yihua Palace. She had initially thought they were just old acquaintances, or perhaps Yāoyuè needed something from this prodigious talent. Now she realized it was entirely different—Yāoyuè was in seclusion and practicing in Lín Tiān's room. If they weren't extremely close relatives or friends, who would entrust such a matter? Lín Tiān nodded slightly and turned to go downstairs. The hall was crowded with people, and many unfamiliar faces had appeared. These new listeners had all come upon hearing the news, and some travelers had not yet arrived. After all, Lín Tiān had only been storytelling for a few days. "Everyone, today we will reveal the New Thirteen Jias of Spring and Autumn. Why not guess what they will be?" "It's truly hard to say!" "Young Master Lín's mind contains myriad knowledge, understanding ancient and modern times. How can we possibly fathom it?" "He even knows the Secrets of the Liang King's Mansion like the back of his hand. It's no exaggeration to say he knows everything." "That's very true." "Why hasn't Young Master Lín appeared yet?" "It's killing us with anticipation!" "With a beauty by his side, it's a life for immortals. It's normal for him to be a little late." "Hahaha, excellent!" "I'm afraid he'll need support to walk –" Amidst the roaring laughter of the hall, a figure in a bamboo hat in the corner had white knuckles, and cold light glinted in his eyes. "Understands matters of the world?" "Hmph, to dare to discuss my affairs, you are already seeking your own death." This person was Yuè Bùqún. That day on Mount Hua, after he had exterminated dozens of experts from the Sword Sect, he descended the cliff to search for the discarded Bixie Sword Manual. Unfortunately, he couldn't find it anywhere. Yuè Bùqún guessed that it might have been blown elsewhere by the mountain wind. Fortunately, he had already memorized the content of the manual, so he could practice it even without the book. For this reason, he had specifically come to the Number One Under Heaven Tower. If it weren't for Lín Tiān, how would his secret have been exposed? How would he have become a laughingstock of the Martial World? ...... In a private room on the second floor, a graceful figure sat by the window. Her slender fingers held an embroidery needle, embroidering a phoenix. She was Dōngfāng Bùbài. After hearing Lín Tiān recount the secrets of the Bixie Swordplay, she had abandoned her duties as leader and rushed here. On the way, she learned that Lín Tiān had commented on the matter of the Lung Jia, which made her even more curious about this storyteller. "Is this person Lín Tiān?" "He is indeed as handsome and distinguished as the rumors say." Dōngfāng Bùbài gently turned her gaze, looking at the figure downstairs through the gauze curtain. The Martial World widely rumored that this storyteller, not yet twenty, was not only handsome but also knew all sorts of strange tales, seeming to know everything. "Is he Lín Tiān?" In the corner, Yuè Bùqún's eyes flashed with cold light, and killing intent surged. Just as he was about to make a move, a roar of applause suddenly erupted from the hall. "Young Master Lín has finally arrived!" "Young Master Lín!" "Hurry and begin! Everyone is eagerly waiting!" "Young Master Lín, which Jia will you speak of today?" ...... After only two days apart, it felt like years to everyone. Yuè Bùqún suppressed his rage and quietly left his seat, walking through the crowd towards Lín Tiān's storytelling platform. "My apologies for keeping everyone waiting." Lín Tiān cupped his fists in greeting and sat down calmly. "Today, I will speak of the 'Solitary Jia' from the New Thirteen Jias of Spring and Autumn!" Before he finished speaking, the entire hall erupted in uproar. "Solitary Jia?" "What does this mean?" "Could it be another person who leaves no heirs?" "It couldn't be another self-castrator, right? Like that Yuè Bùqún..." ...... Amidst the whispers, Yuè Bùqún's name was mentioned again. Who in this Martial World didn't know Yuè Bùqún now? "As everyone knows, throughout the various dynasties, the Martial World has not lacked powerful figures who dominated their regions." "Among them were those who commanded tens of thousands of troops and shook the martial world." "The one I will speak of today also hails from the Dà Míng Martial World." "He is precisely the leader of the Heavenly Alliance –" "Xióng Bà!" The moment these words were spoken, everyone was astonished. "Huh? Xióng Bà of the Heavenly Alliance?" "As expected of Young Master Lín." "Young Master Lín actually knows about Xióng Bà?" "Xióng Bà is the Solitary Jia? Young Master Lín, what do you mean by that?" "Young Master Lín, please tell us quickly, why can Xióng Bà be called the Solitary Jia?" ...... As soon as this was said, everyone's interest was piqued. Xióng Bà's name far surpassed Yuè Bùqún's. The might of the Heavenly Alliance far exceeded that of the Mount Hua Sect. Xióng Bà's personal strength had already reached the Finger Profound Realm, just one step away from the Heavenly Phenomenon Realm. His subordinates, the Wind, Cloud, and Frost Hall Masters, were all experts in the Vajra Realm. Compared to Xióng Bà, Yuè Bùqún was not worth mentioning. "Lín Tiān..." Within the crowd, Yuè Bùqún listened to the crowd's mockery, his face filled with shame and indignation. Unable to suppress his killing intent, he suddenly unleashed his vital energy, pushing back those around him. He swung his long sword, and a cold glint shot directly towards Lín Tiān's throat. "Tsk..." Lín Tiān's eyes deepened, his vital energy secretly circulating. Just as he was about to make a move – a sudden change occurred! Upstairs, Dōngfāng Bùbài flicked her finger, and an embroidery needle shot out from the air, heading straight for Yuè Bùqún. "Clang!" The needle tip collided with the sword's edge, sparks flying. The immense force sent Yuè Bùqún crashing down from the air. "As I suspected, you have backing, and someone is protecting you." Yuè Bùqún shot a cold glance at Lín Tiān, his sword tip turning, slashing towards where Dōngfāng Bùbài was located. The Mysterious Art practiced by Lín Tiān caused his internal vital energy to be contained, making his aura completely undetectable, like an ordinary citizen. Yuè Bùqún paid no attention to this, his eyes only fixed on the hidden expert. As long as that person was dealt with, Lín Tiān would be no threat. "You're courting death!" Dōngfāng Bùbài let out a cold laugh. Her vital energy surged, stirring up a fierce wind, and the gauze curtains fluttered. She leaped down and shattered the sword energy with a palm strike.