Chapter 90 - The Word ‘Lord'
Night's Fall Sword City, City Lord Mansion.
The gate opened with the highest standard, welcoming the guests of Profound Yin Family.
“Kada…Kada…”
Xuegang gently tugged on the reins, causing the rhythmic sound of the beasts' hooves as they leisurely pulled the resplendent carriage towards the entrance.
The surrounding guards waited with reverence, their heads bowed to convey their respect.
The City Lord Mansion spanned about five miles in circumference, occupying the central hub of Night's Fall Sword City. In addition to City Lord Fang Xiang's residence, the mansion featured guest chambers, small gardens, courtyards, and pavilions, exuding grandeur and elegance.
There were two particularly significant locations—the Night's Fall Sword Array's relic, the Million Sword Tower, and the residence of City Lord Mansion's covert agents, the Golden Orchid Small Building.
Following the guide's lead, the carriage swiftly reached Fang Xiang's private abode.
Situated in a secluded corner of the City Lord Mansion, this courtyard was surrounded by various types of trees, their foliage providing cool shade and casting dancing shadows. Small pathways crisscrossed the courtyard, with flowers and plants dotting the landscape. Compared to the imposing edifices they had passed on their journey, it held a more charming allure.
Recognizing that Profound Yin Young Lord would not be able to appear in public, Fang Xiang had chosen her personal residence as the rendezvous point instead of the formal meeting hall within the mansion.
The guide halted and approached, bowing respectfully. “Miss Xuegang, this is the City Lord's private sanctuary. Please park the carriage to the side of the courtyard. Apart from the concealed guards protecting the City Lord, no one else is permitted near this place. Safety and discretion are assured.”
“We have complete faith in the City Lord's arrangements,” Xuegang responded with a slight smile. She disembarked from the carriage, reined in the horses, and paused, turning to extend her hand. “Young Lord, we have arrived.”
Once more, the carriage's curtain was lifted, revealing the slender hand of a young girl as the first glimpse. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her brocade attire exuded beauty, and her veil added an air of mystery. The tinkling of a jade pendant at her waist filled the air. Her figure possessed elegance, yet her face remained veiled in mist, rendering it impossible to discern her features clearly. Only her deep and serene eyes shone through.
Xun Yimu clung to Xuegang's arm as she descended from the carriage. Even her steps were delicate and gentle, mirroring that of a fragile, tender young girl.
The guide extended an inviting gesture. “The City Lord has been awaiting your arrival inside for quite some time.”
Xun Yimu offered a slight nod, her gaze sweeping over several corners of her surroundings.
A few women dressed as maids stood there in silence. They seemed to blend into the background, but they were, in fact, concealed guardians possessing at least Nascent Soul level strength.
The Night's Fall Sword City Lord's Golden Orchid Guards… It was said that these elite death warriors were handpicked and would not hesitate to sacrifice their lives to protect Fang Xiang, their loyalty unwavering.
“Creak~”
The intricately carved wooden doors swung open in both directions. A woman clad in a form-fitting black suit entered and half-knelt. She gathered her long hair, concealing half of her face beneath a wooden mask that covered her upper visage, revealing only her sharp chin.
“City Lord, the representatives from the Profound Yin Family have arrived.”
The woman, who had been kneeling in front of the table, ceased her writing and proceeded to add the final stroke to her work.
The word “Lord” was completed.
Fang Xiang lifted her head, revealing a stunningly fair face. She squinted and offered a smile.
“Well, why are you still lingering out there, Young Lord? Please, come inside.”
She exhaled gently as she blew on the parchment spread across the table, setting aside her brush. Adjusting her sleeves and wrists, she sighed. Beneath her loose-fitting peacock blue attire, her figure was graceful and voluptuous, particularly accentuated by her generous bosom. One could say she embodied allure.
Fang Xiang secured her ebony hair in a high bun, leaving only a jade hairpin adorning it. Her neck and skin were as lustrous as alabaster. Her entire being exuded an alluring and mature sensuality. The phrase “fragrant and supple jade” seemed tailor-made for her.
Yet, the ancient martial sword hanging at her waist, devoid of any adornment, added an underlying edge to this warm and enticing “soft jade.”
Xun Yimu advanced with measured steps and took her seat at the table, maintaining an air of composure. Xuegang stood nearby, ever attentive.
Upon settling into her seat, the young woman's gaze was irresistibly drawn to the parchment on the table.
More accurately, she was drawn to the word “Jun.”
For reasons she couldn't quite articulate, she harbored a particular sensitivity to the words “Jun” and “Ah, Ah, Xuan.” At that moment, the sight of “Jun” filled her vision, causing her heart to skip a beat. An inexplicable sense of wariness enveloped her.
Xun Yimu raised her gaze once more, fixing it on the Lord of Night's Fall Sword City.
The widow of the former Sword Pavilion master, she bore the appearance of a delicate and lovely woman. However, most were aware that her iron-fisted rule governed Night's Fall Sword City. After her husband's passing, she seldom ventured outside, dedicating most of her time to managing affairs within Night's Fall Sword City and the Sword Pavilion.
While it might seem incredulous, the information they possessed indicated that her life was rather uneventful. Despite holding the highest authority in Night's Fall Sword City and commanding a formidable cadre of death soldiers, she led a remarkably private existence.
She even had the reputation of being a law-abiding person.
So… it was highly likely that she had no connection with Xiaobo, correct?
Not to mention that “Jun” could simply refer to “you” or even be a random word.
Xun Yimu shook her head privately. She realized she was becoming overly suspicious. Even a widow might be unjustly doubted. If she were to entertain doubts, she might as well consider Fang Xiang's daughter, Fang Jie.
Fang Xiang waved her hand and dismissed the female who had reported. She then noticed the young girl's gaze lingering on the table.
She offered a slight smile. “What's the matter? Finding something unusual? Sometimes, my days at the City Lord Mansion can be quite dull. I also engage in calligraphy and exercise.”
Xun Yimu shook her head. “The City Lord's calligraphy is truly exquisite, elegant, and full of character.”
Fang Xiang smiled and replied, “To receive praise from Profound Yin Young Lord is indeed an honor.”
Xun Yimu maintained her composed gaze, clearing her throat lightly. “I do not often commend others. I merely speak the truth. If someone is mediocre… naturally, I'd remain silent. The reason for my visit, I believe the City Lord already comprehends.”
Fang Xiang nodded, speaking with a hint of helplessness. “Young master, the temporary usage rights for the Night's Fall Sword Array. For Night's Fall Sword City, it's like Tai Ah holding back the power of the _. This matter is of immense importance. Forgive me, as I cannot solely decide. After all, I am not the sole authority in Night's Fall Sword City. As for the well-being of the city's residents… I'll take responsibility for it.”
Xuegang picked up a teacup from the table and poured tea for both Xun Yimu and Fang Xiang.
The young girl took a sip from her teacup and remarked, “An A-grade spirit vein.”
Fang Xiang observed Xun Yimu's calm demeanor, massaging her temples. She also took a sip of tea, feeling a headache coming on.
She had heard that this generation's young master of the Profound Yin Family was extravagantly generous. When she first arrived, the guards reported that he had casually handed over 500 Soul Jewels to someone. She was aware of this, but hadn't expected it to be this extravagant.
An entire spirit vein, treated so casually…
Fang Xiang set her teacup down. “Currently, it's the Tide-watching Sword-listening Conference of the Sword Pavilion. If there's any issue…”
“Two A-grade spirit veins and a supply of Mirage Ocean Dark Iron.”
Mirage Ocean Dark Iron was the raw material used in forging the Hastsend Depths's sword pearl. Even a single piece could render Core Forming Stage cultivators combat ineffective.
After Sword Pavilion developed this magical treasure, they had made considerable profits. However, due to the shortage of raw materials, mass production was not possible.
“…”
“Add the Heavenly Ether Sword.”
Fang Xiang, who had been silent, was taken aback. Her pupils contracted, and her breath quickened. She extended her hand and placed it on her chest to still the rise and fall of her clothing.
Xun Yimu's demeanor remained unchanged. “Back when I gained control of the Sword Pavilion, I, Xuan Yin, possessed ten extraordinary swords. Don't you desire to reclaim them?”
“Of course, I do.”
Fang Xiang couldn't help but chuckle, her gaze probing. “But may I inquire, even after paying such a hefty price, why would you still need to deploy the Night's Fall Sword Array just once? What is the reason behind it?”
Xun Yimu responded, “For one person.”
The young woman lowered her gaze, fixing her eyes on the white paper resting on the table. “It's rather coincidental, now that I think about it. His name happens to contain the word ‘Jun.'”
Fang Xiang was taken aback, and her expression suddenly grew more intriguing.
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