Chapter 48

This change happened in the blink of an eye.

I regret that I cannot personally intervene in every matter. Fortunately, Madam Xiang was present. She landed beside Sheng Ningyu, nodded slightly to the people from the Sword Pavilion, and then lowered her head, saying, "Elder Yang."

Unlike the dashing, meteor-like disciples of the Sword Pavilion that many people imagine, Yang Xiuzhu, although also a sword cultivator, suffers from a strange poison, has been unable to walk since childhood, and is in poor health, spending most of his time in his specially designed wheelchair.

Therefore, Yang Xiuzhu rarely leaves Jian Ge and is a figure who lives in legend.

A Sword Pavilion elder who is disabled in both legs but possesses exceptional talent.

With such a commotion, and the involvement of the Sword Pavilion, disciples from many other sects are watching this place openly and secretly.

This is the Sword Pavilion!

When the Sword Master Mingyue fell, everyone lamented and felt sorry for him. However, only a few years later, rumors began to circulate that "the Sword Master Mingyue was nothing special" and "the name of Sword Master was undeserved." The rumors spread like wildfire, and many people initially did not believe them, but as they listened, they inevitably began to have doubts.

Is the Sword Master of Bright Moon really that powerful?

There were once arrogant young people who thought that no matter how powerful those demonic seeds were back then, could they be as troublesome as the puppet silk of today? The Bright Moon Sword Master simply took advantage of a good time and happened to become famous.

Rumors were rampant, and private speculation was never lacking.

However, this time, the demonic seed returned, delivering a crushing blow to these arrogant youths.

Just two demon seeds caused almost every sect in the Fourteen Continents to be in a state of chaos, dealing with numerous follow-up issues.

But back then, the Sword Master of Bright Moon faced a full ten demon seeds.

Someone sighed, "If the Bright Moon Sword Master were still alive, would the Sword Pavilion have let her lead the team this time at the academy?"

"I really want to see the Sword Master in person."

"The Sword Master is as bright as the moon, and naturally cannot be compared to some people who only have a pretty face."

That's how people's hearts are. When they hate you, you're nothing but dust; when they love you, you're wonderful in every way.

Sheng Ningyu was never bothered by these rumors. She openly took the hand of the person next to her and complained, "Why did you take so long to arrive?"

Yang Xiuzhu was taken aback, and shifted her gaze from Sheng Ningyu to the person beside her.

The white robes were as pure as snow, with faint silver patterns floating on them, somewhat resembling lotus flowers, but not quite the same as ordinary lotus flowers, as if they had several more petals.

Under the sunlight, the shimmering light made his features appear even more exquisite, like jade carvings and snow sculptures. A single glance from afar would shake one's soul and fill one with endless awe.

When did such a brilliant and talented person emerge in the world of cultivation?

No, that's not right.

Not a member of the righteous path.

Yang Xiuzhu realized that, apart from the righteous path, there was another possibility.

This person is a demonic cultivator.

Demonic cultivators are inherently bloodthirsty. Unlike righteous cultivators, the more powerful a high-level demonic cultivator is, the more unrestrained and irrational they become. This is why, although it is easy to cultivate demonic arts, even though many cultivators crave power, they dare not deviate from the orthodox path.

Who would willingly become a bloodthirsty monster devoid of reason?

However, recently, a piece of news has been secretly circulating among the noble families of the Fourteen Continents.

Those violent and unruly demons all bowed down to one person.

Could this be the "Lord" who commands countless demonic cultivators to submit?

...completely different from ordinary demonic cultivators.

They have absolutely no resemblance.

However, just as Yang Xiuzhu was pondering this, she saw the aloof person in front of her, who seemed to be a snow lotus on a mountain peak, lower her eyes. The moment her gaze met the person beside her, her expression softened, and the sharpness between her brows turned into a faint smile.

"Didn't you say that I shouldn't bother with you unless absolutely necessary?"

Sheng Ningyu tapped his neck and said righteously, "That's not what I originally said. Don't be unreasonable."

It was nothing more than playful banter between a loving couple.

Yang Xiuzhu frowned almost imperceptibly, his gaze shifting between Xie Qianjing and the masked Yunwang Palace disciple beside him.

To joke so intimately with others...

But she doesn't seem like Senior Sister Sheng anymore.

Yang Xiuzhu had seen Sheng Ningyu with her unmarried Daoist partner.

Senior Sister Sheng treated the young master of the Chu family no differently than she treated him.

If we really have to compare, Senior Sister Sheng is even more affectionate towards him.

Yang Xiuzhu was filled with all sorts of thoughts, but he always kept his word. Even with his doubts, he nodded slightly to the people from Yunwang Palace.

"Greetings, Madam Xiang."

"Gah!"

Yang Xiuzhu tightened her grip slightly: "And who is this?"

Madam Xiang said, "This is Young Master Feng's distinguished guest, and also the son of Daojun Zhenren's old friend."

"Gah!"

Xie Qianjing smiled slightly: "Greetings, Elder Yang."

Sheng Ningyu leaned against Xie Qianjing. When she saw that Da Huang had suddenly fallen silent, she poked her head out again. Taking advantage of Xie Qianjing's presence, she gave Da Huang a provocative look. Then, when everyone was looking at her, she became affected and pitiful, accusing him: "The disciples of Sword Pavilion have always been upright and honest. How come the cranes they raise are so sycophantic, flattering the powerful and bullying the weak?"

This is distorting the truth! It's impossible to distinguish between loyalty and treachery!

Sheng Ningyu was startled and instinctively hid behind Xie Qianjing. Then, unwilling to give up, she tilted her head and revealed her bright eyes, whispering, "A dog relying on its master's power."

Yang Xiuzhu: "..."

Sword Pavilion disciples: "..."

Yunwang Palace disciple: "..."

The situation is rather subtle.

Yang Xiuzhu held the crane's wings, but dared not actually grab it like that person had done years ago. Also, since he was in a wheelchair, theoretically, his posture should have been quite anxious and disheveled.

However, this is not the case.

Yang Xiuzhu maintained the spirit of the Sword Pavilion and gestured for Sheng Ningyu to enter.

Madam Xiang, with her elegant demeanor, remained unyielding: "I wonder where Elder Yang intends to take my disciples?"

"Madam, please don't worry. Elder He simply likes this young friend very much and wants to spend more time with her." Yang Xiuzhu sat in his wheelchair, his handsome face expressionless, as stiff as a stone.

However, at this moment, the stone fixed its gaze firmly on one person.

Yang Xiuzhu composed himself, but no matter what he did, he couldn't smile as warmly and naturally as the person beside the disciple. In the end, he simply gave up, keeping a serious face, and said, "I wonder if this young friend would be willing to come to Tianjiao Pavilion for a chat?"

...

Chu Le and Chu Yanshu were taken back to the Chu family.

Regardless of the elders' sympathy for them, some of the retainers and guests seemed to want to stand up for them, surrounding Chu Le and complaining.

"It's all that guy's fault! He couldn't even completely eliminate a few demon seeds back then!"

"Isn't that right? Not only did they leave behind the puppet barrier as a threat, but the demonic seed is still not eradicated, causing our Chu family to suffer injustice for no reason."

With a loud "bang," the person who had spoken was so startled that their words caught in their throat, making the scene both comical and laughable.

Chu Yanshu's expression was somber, and he did not speak.

She wasn't highly regarded at home, but Chu Le wasn't afraid of that.

Relying on the favor shown to him by the head of the Chu family, when has Chu Le ever been afraid of anyone?

The biggest loss he ever suffered was, in fact, at the hands of... that person.

But ever since that amazing sword in the illusion of the demonic seed, Chu Le has been completely convinced.

Such a person, such a sword.

She was born to soar to the heavens, and her sword should be revered by all.

No one can insult her.

Chu Le's face was gloomy, and his gaze, like a cold sword, swept across the faces of his retainers one by one.

"From now on, I don't want to hear anyone speak ill of the Bright Moon Sword Master."

The retainers were greatly alarmed.

Having spent a considerable amount of time with this young master, they naturally knew what Chu Le's inner conflict was.

He always felt that the patriarch valued the deceased Sword Master Mingyue too much, so even when he went out to search for people, Young Master Chu Le was always unwilling and would occasionally make sarcastic remarks.

In the past, these retainers liked to choose such times to agree with the young master's words and flatter him. Often, the young master would slip a few spirit stones between his fingers, which was already a considerable reward.

Practice makes perfect, and the retainers had long been accustomed to saying things that slandered the Sword Master of Bright Moon in order to gain some benefits.

But who would have thought that the young master would change his ways today?!

The change was so drastic, it was like an upheaval, that the retainers looked at each other in dismay and dared not speak for a moment.

The vast hall was completely silent, with only faint shadows of trees swaying in the wind.

Chu Le waited and waited, but did not hear the answer she wanted, and her anger burned even more fiercely.

These people know nothing, yet they dare to fabricate stories about the Sword Master behind his back!

Seeing Chu Le stand up, a long sword already formed in his hand, the retainers below felt increasingly miserable.

Under heaven, who dares to lay a hand on Chu Le?! Unless they have a death wish and want to bear the wrath of the Chu family patriarch!

Chu Yanshu tugged at his arm and shook her head.

"The Sword Master of Bright Moon will not like you like this."

What kind of talk is that?

The retainers below the stage were filled with despair, but what surprised them even more was yet to come.

Just that one sentence.

The once willful and spoiled young master has completely changed his mind.

Chu Le took a deep breath, the spiritual energy in his palm dissipated, and finally returned the sword to his side.

He sat back down in his chair, crossed his legs, propped his head up with one hand, and said impatiently, "Are you all mute?!"

If someone familiar with Sheng Ningyu were to see this, they would find that this young master has imitated Sheng Ningyu's usual slow and unreliable manner to a great extent.

The tense atmosphere suddenly eased, and the retainers below all breathed a sigh of relief, casting grateful glances at Chu Yanshu and hurriedly saying, "Yes! We will follow Young Master Yue's words!"

Chu Le waved his hand, dismissing the crowd, but little did they know that his actions had caused them to mutter to themselves in disbelief.

The head of the family... because of the marriage agreement from back then, the head of the family has fallen deeply in love with the Sword Master Mingyue, which is understandable. But what about Young Master Yue?

After leaving the residence, one person wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and muttered to himself, "Could it be that the Sword Master can cast Gu spells from a distance?"

Why do they all seem to be bewitched?

"Shut up! Do you want to be punished again?!"

The group was speaking quite loudly, which inevitably attracted attention.

Chu Qing, who was in a hurry, stopped in his tracks, his wrinkled face full of authority.

"When did you all start making a ruckus?"

Although his cultivation level was not high, he held a prestigious position in the Chu family because of Chu Jiye's respect for him.

Once that voice rang out, no one present dared to act recklessly anymore.

Chu Qing didn't want to listen to their noisy chatter. He gripped the spirit scroll in his hand tightly, thought of countless responses in his mind, and then walked into the room.

The elderly steward bowed deeply before the young master.

"The patriarch requests that you go to the Bright Moon Pavilion on the sea to pay your respects to... the reincarnation of the Bright Moon Sword Master."

The boy was arrogant, and Chu Qing was prepared for Chu Le to make a scene and be completely uncooperative.

Fortunately, he could use this as an excuse to make the head of the family reconsider his plans.

However, this time, he miscalculated.

Unexpectedly, Chu Le neither flew into a rage nor uttered any arrogant words on the spot.

The young man opened his beautiful eyes, which were exactly like those of the family head, and looked at him with an incredulous gaze. Without thinking, he spoke decisively and firmly.

"No, that could never be the reincarnation of the Sword Master!"

How could it be the Sword Master?

Chu Le clearly heard that Sword Master, even when he thought he was about to die in the Demon Seed Illusion, leave behind the instruction to "destroy the Bright Moon Pavilion on the Sea".

In this world, probably no one hates the Moonlit Pavilion on the Sea more than the Sword Master.

Moreover... Moreover, such swordsmanship, with its imposing and inviolable divine presence, was instantly reduced to black smoke by a single thought of one person...

Anyone who has witnessed such a scene will never forget it.

Chu Le didn't believe it. Could this "reincarnation of the Sword Master" really use such swordsmanship?

Before Chu Qing could speak again, Chu Le had already strode out to the outer room. Using his spiritual power as a thread, he raised his hand and summoned countless waves. Countless pearls of the vast ocean condensed around him, instantly transforming into a flying phoenix in the shape of a Kunpeng.

Someone actually dared to impersonate the Sword Master and deceive his most respected uncle!

Chu Le was filled with hatred.

In any case, in the end, he did achieve his goal of getting the young master to persuade the head of the family.

Ignoring the strange feeling in his heart, Chu Qing sighed deeply and stood up respectfully.

"I will obey Young Master Yue's orders."

...

Sheng Ningyu declined Yang Xiuzhu's invitation.

She grasped Xie Qianjing's hand and said, "Thank you for the invitation, Elder." She looked at Da Huang, who was craning its neck but for some reason dared not shout at her anymore, and felt a surge of joy in her heart, but put on a cautious expression.

"Now that I'm back at Qingyi Academy, there are still many things to finish, and I really can't get away. If the elders are free in the future and wish to see me, I will definitely go and bother them."

Hearing this reply, Yang Xiuzhu was not surprised.

Or rather, this kind of response is the answer that should appear here.

only……

Yang Xiuzhu's fingertips trembled, and her expression became increasingly tense.

He looked at the disciple's cautious and careful demeanor, but he realized that the person was very different from the one he remembered.

If she has this kind of personality and a face similar to her senior sister, it will only bring her a lot of trouble.

These thoughts passed in an instant.

Yang Xiuzhu dislikes noise and even less likes meddling in other people's business.

Madam Xiang thought for a moment and said gently, "I heard that the Thousand Mountains Trial will begin soon, but these disciples are all too young and probably have little experience in fighting against others."

Yang Xiuzhu: "What Madam means is..."

Madam Xiang smiled, just as Yuan Bushu turned around and landed beside her. He said succinctly to Yang Xiuzhu, "Yunwang Palace and Banbi Sect want to have a competition with the Academy before the Thousand Mountains Trial. I wonder what Sword Pavilion thinks?"

Yang Xiuzhu thought for a moment and saw no objection: "Working behind closed doors is never ideal. If it were the Palace Master..."

The three important figures were thoughtful and meticulous, and even while traveling, they went out of their way to help their disciples.

The disciples following behind them were not idle either.

The Sword Pavilion disciples hurriedly took the fluttering crane from Yang Xiuzhu's hands. The crane, clearly aware that it had been replaced, became even more arrogant, leaving the Sword Pavilion disciples speechless with despair. They could only plead repeatedly, "Elder Crane, please be quiet."

Sword Pavilion disciples: "..."

What a strange sound.

Yang Xiuzhu was a beat slower, turning her head slightly.

The female disciple from Yunwang Palace obtained a red rope from somewhere, twisted one end into a ball, wrapped the other end around her finger, and tossed it up to the crane repeatedly.

The crane was clearly terrified of the red thread ball, but having lived a life of luxury in the Sword Pavilion for many days, it was obviously furious at being teased by others. It raised its neck, flapped its wings, and was about to catch someone!

The red ball is tossed over.

The red ball swung back.

"Gah!!!"

With a swift and skillful maneuver, he not only escaped injury from Elder He, but also caused Elder He to expend a great deal of energy in his movements.

Sheng Ningyu: "Oh, these are puppet threads refined by Yunwang Palace. Don't worry, although there is still demonic energy on them, they can no longer control others."

During those few days in the Phoenix Clan, Sheng Ningyu had nothing to do, so she spent her time tinkering with these things.

The Sword Pavilion disciples were dumbfounded: "Is this even possible?!"

Tsk, the younger generation of Jian Ge these days really lacks creativity. They have so many fun things to offer, yet they haven't come up with anything.

She's not like she was back then.

Sheng Ningyu, itching to show off her skills, and seeing the blue and white disciple uniforms of the Sword Pavilion, felt a sense of familiarity. With Xie Qianjing by her side, who must have activated a soundproof array, she lured the Yunwang Palace disciples into sharing many novel ideas.

Under the admiring gazes of the Sword Pavilion disciples, the Yunwang Palace disciples were extremely proud.

Sheng Ningyu blended in among them, her hands behind her back, concealing her accomplishments: "It's nothing serious."

It's all about practice makes perfect.

A stern voice rang out: "The academy has only recently reopened, how come you are 'unfinished in many things'? Is it because you have too much homework?"

Yao Youling proudly said, "No, no, it's just that we haven't finished copying the academy's rules yet."

Why copy the palace rules?

Both of them were struck heavily on the head by Yuan Shuhe with a tree branch-like magical artifact, but it was too late.

Yang Xiuzhu had somehow ended up among them.

The young man sitting upright in the wheelchair was handsome. Although his legs were not able to walk properly, his posture was outstanding. The solemn and conservative elder's robe did not ruin his appearance at all. On the contrary, it made him look like he was shrouded in mist, like a pearl.

Yuan Bushu: "Elder Yang, spring has arrived, so Yunwang Palace will proceed ahead of us."

Yang Xiuzhu, who was always polite, did not respond.

His gaze swept over the crowd, settling on one person in the distance.

The disciple seemed startled, his whole body trembling slightly. Yang Xiuzhu paused, then looked away.

Sheng Ningyu breathed a sigh of relief.

She shook her head at Xie Qianjing, hid behind him, and flicked the red thread intermittently.

After the Sword Pavilion group left, the Yunwang Palace disciples, having been separated for so long, were reunited. After confirming that everything was alright, Yuan Bushu simply left with his wife, letting them make a ruckus.

Besides exchanging greetings and reminiscing, the disciples also expressed their feelings.

"So that was Elder Yang from the Sword Pavilion."

"Yes, everyone says he has a bad temper, but after meeting him just now, I realize that what people say is often biased and not entirely true."

“This is not that stone.” Jin Xianyao put his hands behind his back, shook his head, and said, “The spirit of the Central Court stands tall, and the sword and bamboo are sculpted within the stone.”

"Elder Yang is indeed the most famous person in the Sword Pavilion today."

Elder Yang Xiuzhu of Jian Ge.

He was known to the world as being unemotional. Compared to Yuan Bushu's cold nature, Yang Xiuzhu was more like a stubborn rock. Even his swordsmanship was as rigid and inflexible as he was.

After the Sword Master's departure, Rong Que, though named a sword cultivator, was actually more like a sound cultivator. It was this once quiet junior brother of the Sword Pavilion who upheld the glory of the Sword Pavilion.

"Some say that it was only because he was too young back then that Elder Yang's character was more in line with that of the previous Sword Masters." The Yunwang Palace disciple spoke quickly. "Fellow Daoist Wang, it seems that everyone says you look similar to the Bright Moon Sword. What do you think about this?"

Xie Qianjing turned his head away.

Sheng Ningyu smiled and said, "That makes sense, that's how it should be."

If Xiuzhu hadn't been unable to move around easily back then, the position of Sword Master should have been his.

The wind of late autumn is heavy, always carrying a hint of loneliness.

Sheng Ningyu recalled the past.

In fact, the original state of the bamboo plant could have been restored.

But that method... was stopped by her.

Sheng Ningyu did not want to acknowledge Yang Xiuzhu, not because she was afraid he would blame her, but because she was afraid he would not blame her.

Especially when she saw that Yang Xiuzhu was still sitting in a wheelchair.

Sheng Ningyu was once full of ambition and vowed to find a legitimate way to restore sensation to her junior brother's legs, but she broke her promise.

It's fine as it is now.

Xiuzhu still became an elder of the Sword Pavilion. Presumably, in a few years, he will take over the Sword Pavilion and become the new "Sword Master" who commands all the swords in the world.

Sheng Ningyu smiled nonchalantly and took a sip of spiritual tea.

Each to its proper place.

Now that things are on track, why should she interfere and cause trouble for no reason?

"Um, may I ask where Fellow Daoist Wang Jiu is?"

A Sword Pavilion disciple dressed in a blue and white Taoist robe landed outside the Springtime Scenery Pavilion, cautiously using his spiritual power to amplify his voice.

The disciples of Yunwang Palace all stopped what they were doing.

Sheng Ningyu was pushed out by them, and then she saw the Sword Pavilion disciple breathe a sigh of relief as a letter kite flew straight towards her.

Bamboo paper and bamboo slips, plus the unique seal of the Sword Pavilion elders.

Sheng Ningyu: "?"

She was certain that her performance with Xie Qianjing today had completely won over Yang Xiuzhu's wooden heart, but why would the other party still send her a letter?

Seeing the people from Yunwang Palace craning their necks, Sheng Ningyu didn't do the same; she simply unfolded the letter.

I believe you are very suited to learning swordsmanship. If you are willing, you may come to the Sword Pavilion to learn.

The signature at the end reads in bold characters: "Yang Xiuzhu".

Sheng Ningyu: "..."

She was the one who taught this kid how to do kendo back in the day!

Now you actually want to be her master?

What a brilliant example of the reversed Heavenly Gang!

Although she knew that Yang Xiuzhu didn't mean it that way, Sheng Ningyu still found the whole thing rather funny.

But at the same time, she also had some questions.

Now that Yang Xiuzhu has achieved his goal and become an indispensable pillar of the Sword Pavilion, why does he want to take me under his wing?

Do they really want to experience what it's like to "reverse the Heavenly Gang"?

Yao Youling was utterly shocked: "Is the Sword Pavilion openly undermining my Cloud View Palace?!"

Yuan Shuhe: "No, no, you can't say that..."

He glanced cautiously at Sheng Ningyu, thinking to himself, if we really count it, it is their Yunwang Palace that is audacious enough to harbor even the Sword Master of the Sword Pavilion.

No, the most audacious one has to be the one beside the Sword Master.

Recalling what Xie Qianjing had done, Yuan Shuhe immediately straightened his back.

No matter what Yunwang Palace is like, they never said to the acting head of the Sword Pavilion, "This is a disciple of my Yunwang Palace!"

Yao Youling and the others were unaware of the turmoil in their senior brother's mind. They had never seen Sheng Ningyu wield a sword, nor did they know her identity.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, and someone whispered, "How did Elder Yang determine that Fellow Daoist Wang is suited for swordsmanship?"

The young girl, Ji Qingwu, asked hesitantly, "Could it be her facial features?"

Kim Hyun-yo rolled her eyes: "I think it's about looks, isn't it?"

Sheng Ningyu: "."

She couldn't figure out what Yang Xiuzhu was up to, so she simply stopped thinking about it and leaned back in exhaustion after returning to her room.

However, Sheng Ningyu did not fall into the silver-threaded soft chair, but instead landed smoothly in a warm embrace.

The man put his arm around her waist, letting her lean against him, his voice carrying a faint smile, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

"Another person who is thinking about you."

He laughed, his voice rising at the end, like the sweet, lingering memories of honey.

"I heard Elder Yang insisted on not accepting the title of 'Sword Master,' it seems he misses you very much." He smiled, gazing at the person in his arms for a long time, his voice as soft as a whisper, "Should we go and acknowledge him, Sword Master?"

Sheng Ningyu suddenly opened her eyes and met those pupils that were filled with a blood-red aura.

Why does this person always talk in a sarcastic or sarcastic way lately?

besides……

"It's just a small matter." Sheng Ningyu paused for a moment, sighed, placed her hand over his, then supported herself on his palm and turned over to sit up, making a restrained and cautious suggestion.

If someone who didn't know better came in and saw this, they would think she had raided a den of demons!

-----------------------

Author's Note: Junior Brother Yang is really stubborn; he's genuinely inflexible, haha.

Chu Chang'an and Yan Ru learned about it around the same time as the court assembly, and also about Rong Que...

Hmm, the countdown to Gui Canglou's major identity reveal is about to begin!

The last day of 2024!

Leave a comment on this chapter and receive a red envelope within 24 hours!

On the last day, give your loved ones a hug (deeply affectionate), and slap those you hate (big yellow thumbs up x).

In short, be happy, kids! [dove]