Chapter 155 - Come Home with Me
“Is that even possible?”
Shen Lin widened his eyes and straightened up. “When you left Blistook Pavilion, you barely reached the seventh level. It hasn't even been a month, and you've already mastered it. Are you trying to find an excuse to stay here and accompany that child?”
The more he pondered, the more furious he became, unconsciously slamming the table.
Bam!
Whoosh!
“Um…”
The stern master of Blistook Pavilion angrily pounded the table, then gradually eased back into his seat.
He cleared his throat twice, eyeing the sword protruding three inches from Sun Fen's sheath. Its sharpness was almost painful to behold. After staring at it for a while, a slight ache crept into his eyes.
The overwhelming killing intent withdrew, condensing into a silence that seemed to reverberate like thunder. Despite its apparent calmness, its concealed power was unfathomable.
His lips twitched slightly as he glanced upward.
Sun Fen remarked, “Brother, can you sense the sword intent within the Green Lotus Sword?”
“I can.”
Shen Lin was dumbfounded, thinking to himself, ‘Indeed, as one grows older, a girl can't be easily contained.'
Nevertheless, Sun Fen had indeed broken through to the seventh level of the Green Lotus Sword Chant. This level was historically the most perilous, as the accumulated will of Destiny's Song Sword Cultivators throughout generations surged forth. At this stage, the Sword Son's comprehension of the Sword Dao soared, along with a significant boost in combat prowess. Yet, one wrong step could lead to qi deviation.
The chaos that would ensue if Sun Fen emerged from seclusion during such a crucial juncture was unimaginable.
Fortunately, the journey remained uneventful. She even engaged in a confrontation with the chief judge of the Honed Reaver Sword Sect, who held animosity toward the Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator. Eventually, she secured a judge from the Sword Singing Conference, significantly boosting the reputation of this generation's Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator.
It could be perceived as a fortuitous turn of events…
“It was my mistake to emerge from seclusion without authorization,” Sun Fen admitted, averting her gaze. She sheathed the Green Lotus Sword and lifted her head, “But if I hadn't sought him out, the turmoil in my heart would have persisted. Deviating from the path of Qi was inevitable.”
Shen Lin inquired, “Do you comprehend now?”
His breakthrough to the seventh level indicated a significant insight, allowing him to make rapid progress within a month.
Indeed, in the realm of swordsmanship, advancement in higher levels often hinges on comprehension rather than mere training in lower levels.
“I've made my decision. Once the Singing Sword event concludes, I will return to the pavilion.”
Sun Fen smiled and remarked, “Every journey must have a beginning and an end.”
Shen Lin silently breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed prudent to temporarily set Sun Fen's affairs aside.
Observing her relaxed demeanor, he found reassurance. Evidently, she had thoroughly considered her decision.
However, Shen Lin had heard rumors concerning the young master of the Profound Yin Family, who recently arrived in Night's Fall Sword City. Guo Fan, disguised as Xia Shui, seemed inseparable from him.
Although Xun Yimu remained veiled, her maid Xuegang remained conspicuous. She was easily identified by onlookers.
Rumors about Xia Shui continued to proliferate.
Moreover, it was rumored that he frequented the Qin Lou Chu Pavilion and had close ties with the City Lord's personal guards.
Considering his sister's temperament, how could she let him off so easily after discovering him, especially now?
Shen Lin pondered whether Sun Fen had already discussed matters with Guo Fan. If she managed to convince him, Shen Lin, who understood Sun Fen's character well, would hold this individual in high regard.
Yet, from a brother's perspective, even if Sun Fen chose to forgive him, Shen Lin resolved to teach Guo Fan a lesson. To engage in such recklessness warranted reprimand.
It was evident that the Lord of Blistook Pavilion, single for many years, still hadn't discerned how to “test” that sword technique.
……
“The Night's Fall Sword Array is ready.”
The situation was relayed to Fang Xiang by Yueh. With Xun Yimu bringing several skilled masters in formations, the adjustments to the formations proceeded smoothly.
Yijun's demonic Qi was indispensable for the search and precise positioning.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Sword Singing Conference was set to conclude the following day. The pinnacle moment of commendation would witness the full force of participants, ensuring the formations were at their most precise.
“Are the concealed guards prepared?” inquired Fang Xiang. She diligently massaged Guo Fan's shoulders, despite lacking previous experience as a servant, her efforts were satisfactory.
As Guo Fan felt the gentle touch, he recalled tales from official novels where multiple beauties would serve as living furniture. He quickly dismissed such thoughts as inappropriate.
Suppressing his thoughts, Guo Fan coughed inwardly. He prided himself on maintaining propriety and refrained from entertaining harmful ideas.
Nevertheless, the allure of power held a certain sway. It could instill a sense of control, fueling endless desires within.
Historical tyrants, at times, were not entirely to blame for their lack of restraint.
Yueh provided detailed arrangements while Fang Xiang issued additional commands. After a brief moment with Guo Fan, he returned to the inn.
Each visit under the guise of the “City Lord's Award,” yet the true contents of the award were far from what outsiders presumed, certainly not Medicine Pill equipment.
The occupants of the inn found themselves in an uncomfortable position, having previously disregarded Guo Fan. With the Sword Singing Ranking now at fourth place, the uncertainty of tomorrow's outcome left them feeling petty and uneasy.
Meng Jin hesitated to speak with Guo Fan, each attempt thwarted by his own reservations.
Guo Fan inquired, “Is something the matter?”
Resolved to address the issue before departing, Guo Fan decided it was best to confront the matter head-on. While there was no deep animosity between him and Yan Bazi's acquaintance, it would be amusing to exchange words before leaving.
Meng Jin's expression froze, and he averted his gaze. “It's nothing,” he muttered.
Guo Fan's lips twitched in response.
While tsundere behavior might be endearing in other circumstances, seeing Xun Yimu, a delicate and attractive girl, adopt such a demeanor was both amusing and unexpected.
How could a clever girl like her indulge in tsundere antics?
“Oh.” Guo Fan turned around and left.
“Wait!” Meng Jin couldn't help but reach out his hand.
“…”
Guo Fan heaved a deep sigh, then turned around, his expression devoid of emotion, and uttered, “Speak quickly.”
Meng Jin clenched his teeth and finally decided to swallow his pride. “That day, you claimed to have ascended from the sixth step to the ninth step using despicable means. Was that a falsehood?”
Guo Fan shook his head. “It wasn't a lie. It was an unconventional method of cultivation.”
Meng Jin exhaled heavily. “But considering you reached the Core Formation stage instantly, your aptitude must surpass mine by far. In essence… You accused me because I was overly fixated on the issue at that time.”
Guo Fan was slightly taken aback. “You comprehend this?”
“I'm not a fool. I do understand!” Meng Jin's voice rose as he continued, “Despite the numerous humiliations you subjected me to, had you chosen to flaunt your talent that day, my future would have been ruined… Thank you.”
“I'm expressing gratitude for your conscience. Let's forget about what transpired earlier. If you ever decide to visit Mount Gargantuan in the future, I won't turn you away. That's all.”
With that, Meng Jin huffed coldly and departed, flicking his sleeve.
Despite Guo Fan's intelligence, his character wasn't entirely flawed. His downfall stemmed from excessive arrogance, inevitably leading to setbacks.
Observers exchanged puzzled glances, unaware of the exchange's details. Nevertheless, it compelled Meng Jin, typically prideful, to genuinely express gratitude. Xia Shui wasn't merely powerful; he possessed commendable character traits as well.
……
The next day.
The final showdown of the Sword Singing Conference began.
Although the conclusion held some intriguing elements, it failed to captivate much attention.
All eyes remained fixed on the fierce competition for the top three positions.
Besides Guo Fan, three other victors from the Core Forming Stage remained. Today would determine the ultimate champion, while the defeated would face a second challenge.
Guo Fan had recently entered the Core Forming Stage. Despite possessing superior skills, he had outgrown the novice phase. Lacking exceptional weapons and sufficient Spiritual Energy support, ascending ranks in combat proved exceedingly arduous.
Armed with a secondary weapon, the Azure Yang Sword of moderate quality posed significant limitations. Though he vanquished the third contender, confronting the second adversary demanded the ancient Fox's Twisting Arrow in conjunction with the Azure Yang Sword's six light orbs, unleashing a dazzling spectacle of power.
Yet, this victory came at a cost: half of the Azure Yang Sword lay in ruins, its blade riddled with tiny fissures.
Standing atop the platform, Guo Fan extracted the green sword embedded in the ground, anticipating another visit to City Lord Fang for assistance.
Were it not for Fang Xiang, an esteemed swordsmith, Guo Fan would need to replace his sword monthly.
Nevertheless, being a bow soldier, he instinctively regarded swords as consumables.
Given a bow and arrows of equal quality, he would undoubtedly cherish them.
All attention converged on the climactic final match.
Sectless cultivator “Chasing Sun Green Shadow” Xia Shui faced off against Soaring Wisdom Sect's “Wind Xiujian” Song Ru.
Despite playful gestures from his opponent, indicating readiness to concede some moves, Guo Fan could only express resignation. Given his current level and inadequate equipment, victory against Song Ru, seasoned in combat, remained unattainable.
As expected, he succumbed to Song Ru in the end.
The decennial Sword Singing Conference drew to a close.
Despite acquiring the eight-star Floating Light Sword, Song Ru seemed partial to her original weapon. Guo Fan overheard her murmuring about returning the sword to Eldest Senior Sister.
Guo Fan, too, received the seven-star Floating Light Sword as his new weapon.
The sword's name perfectly mirrored his current state. Guo Fan inspected it, contemplating the imminent opening of the Night's Fall Sword Array.
Sun Fen, situated at the distant judging panel, took a decisive step forward.
Brandishing her long sword, its light gleaming with clarity and chill, Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator fixed a serene gaze on the bewildered Guo Fan.
Beneath the collective scrutiny, she offered a gentle smile and uttered, “Come home with me.”
……
After covert observation, Dai Tu and Mo Meng signaled to proceed.
“Advance!”
A deep rumble ensued…
The Ice-Crowned Heights trembled as sword beams erupted from the heart of Night's Fall Sword City, resonating with myriad buzzing formations encircling it.
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