Chapter Twelve: A Distant Journey to Forge the Sword
The man looked at the mother and daughter, both lonely and helpless, then glanced at the talisman pasted above the doorframe.
“I am Zhou You, from Mount Wuwang. Last night, my junior apprentice brother went beyond the city walls to capture the murderer who killed your husband.”
The woman instantly recalled the two immortal masters who had visited yesterday.
Earlier today, a county official’s clerk had come to inform her of this news.
Zhou You looked at the dark-skinned little girl and continued, “This girl has an extraordinary constitution, a promising candidate for cultivation. You may take your time to consider. I will be waiting at a teahouse near the south gate all day tomorrow. If you decide, feel free to find me.”
With that, Zhou You vanished in a flash.
———
Elsewhere, inside a tavern in Nanyang City.
A young man and woman sat by the window, enjoying a meal of four or five dishes spread before them.
At that moment, a towering figure appeared in the empty seat beside them.
The beautiful woman’s eyes sparkled. “Senior Brother?”
The burly man smiled gently. “Xiaosuiyi, Guxian, long time no see.”
Their faces lit up with joy upon seeing him, and the young man in the azure robe asked, “Senior Brother, when did you return?”
The man answered softly, “On the day you descended the mountain, but I came back through the rear path. You had just left then, so we didn’t meet.”
“I see,” Gu Xian continued. “Senior Brother, have you eaten?”
He shook his head lightly. “As soon as I entered the city, I went to the Liu household and dealt with some unruly scoundrels.”
Gu Xian immediately called the waiter to add another set of chopsticks and a few more dishes.
Zhou You sighed, “The food down the mountain is tastier after all.”
The three fellow disciples, reunited after a long separation, had endless things to talk about. With Liu Suiyi, a lively spirit, present at the table, the atmosphere was even more vibrant.
Gu Xian inquired, “Has Master agreed to bring that little girl to the mountain?”
Zhou You nodded slightly. “Master has instructed me to take the girl as a disciple. I’ve already explained everything to the mother and daughter today. Now we just await their decision.”
“To become your disciple is truly her fortune.”
Gu Xian had noticed the girl’s remarkable constitution that very day and mentioned it to Master in passing at night—never expecting that Senior Brother himself would personally accept her.
Disciples of Mount Wuwang are all brought up by Master, but in the beginning stages of cultivation, Senior Brother personally teaches the ways, which is why all disciples share a deep bond with Zhou You.
The second senior brother ascended the mountain ten years ago. According to him, Senior Brother’s appearance has remained unchanged since then.
———
Senior Brother spoke softly, “Master has received your letter. Once matters here are settled, I will head north to visit Ran Yi Alley.”
Gu Xian and the others were moved; they understood Senior Brother intended to stand up for them.
But thinking further, Ran Yi Alley was the most formidable assassin faction in the entire Dafu realm. With Senior Brother’s strength, it was like a stone against an egg. They couldn’t help but worry.
Liu Suiyi gently called, “Senior Brother.”
Gu Xian solemnly said, “Senior Brother, there is no need for this. I will pay them a visit myself in the future.”
Zhou You reached out to tousle the heads of his junior brother and sister. “You’re still young. If the sky falls, there’s a big guy like me watching over you. For now, just enjoy your youthful pride. I’m only visiting some old acquaintances. Don’t worry.”
His face brightened with satisfaction, then he smiled confidently. “Besides, even if I can’t defeat them, I have a few new tricks for a quick escape.”
Hearing this, the two knew there was no persuading him.
Though Senior Brother usually wore a cheerful demeanor, never retaliating or arguing with anyone, once he set his mind on something, no one—not even Master—could dissuade him.
Gu Xian could only say, “Then Senior Brother, please be careful. If it’s impossible, don’t force it.”
The smile on his face grew broader. He nodded lightly and declared with heroic spirit, “Don’t worry. It’s just Ran Yi Alley, not the end of the world.”
Then Zhou You added, “By the way, Master has new arrangements for both of you.”
Gu Xian’s ears perked up instantly.
……
———
Early the next morning, the sky still gray and overcast.
North of Nanyang City.
A young man and woman were bidding a reluctant farewell.
The man wore an azure robe, carrying a bookcase on his back and a long sword at his waist, resembling a scholarly traveler.
The woman was stunningly beautiful and graceful.
Nearby stood a man dressed in coarse linen, like an elder seeing off his young kin on a distant journey.
Gu Xian patted his senior sister’s head. “It’s all Master’s arrangement, so it must have his reasons.”
“Remember to practice your swordsmanship well there. Strive to become a great sword immortal famed across the world by the time we meet again.”
The woman nodded firmly, eyes shining like stars. “Yes, I will.”
She couldn’t help but complain, “That old man—when I return, I’ll pluck out every single one of his beard hairs.”
The man in the azure robe took out a pure white jade pendant, its surface shimmering with spiritual light, and handed it to her.
“Senior Sister, this is a storage treasure. It can also serve as a defensive artifact in emergencies. Inside are some things I prepared for you, along with a booklet. Instructions on how to use both the treasure and its contents are recorded inside. Remember to read it.”
These were hastily exchanged treasures from the Wuwang Immortal Mirror last night, after learning of his sister’s impending journey, using up all the accumulated Daoist merits.
Liu Suiyi took the treasure, her eyes slightly reddened. “Xiao Gu, remember to take good care of yourself too.”
The man in the azure robe smiled and nodded.
Zhou You softly said, “Xiaosuiyi, it’s time to leave, or you’ll miss the immortal ferry.”
The girl nodded slightly and departed.
Only after her figure disappeared beyond the city gate did the two withdraw their gaze, Gu Xian feeling a profound sense of loss.
Zhou You looked at the man beside him solemnly. “Junior brother, don’t forget Master’s instructions. You must visit that secret realm.”
Gu Xian responded with equal seriousness, “Senior Brother, rest assured, I won’t forget.”
The man patted his shoulder. “Among all the senior and junior brothers, you are the one I trust most.”
His expression softened somewhat. “Don’t worry. Where Suiyi is going, the third senior brother will be there to support her. Besides, that girl is always clever and resourceful; she won’t suffer any harm.”
Gu Xian’s worries eased a little.
“All right, I’ll wait at the south gate, then leave on my own. No need to worry about me anymore.”
Gu Xian nodded, and the two senior brothers parted ways.
The young man in the azure robe strolled down the street, thinking about what tasks lay ahead.
According to Master’s original plan, he and his senior sister would travel together, slaying demons and monsters. Once each had slain a foundation-building stage demon, they could return to the mountain.
But last night Senior Brother suddenly brought new orders from Master.
Senior Sister was to journey tens of thousands of miles away to a continent for sword refining, where the third senior brother would assist her.
As for him, he was to venture into a secret realm within Lingzhou territory.
He shook his head, unable to help but mutter, “I really don’t understand what the old man is thinking.”
Just then, a breathless voice came from behind.
“Gu Xian, so you’re here. You were really hard to find.”