I deeply regret this body
In July of the Jianwu era, the Qi and Yu dynasties established a border between the two states, with Wanshou Township in front of the Shanhai Academy, Tongguan, Luoyang, and Qingzhou as the boundary.
On the seventh day of the eighth lunar month, an uninvited guest arrived at Shanhai Academy.
"Headmaster, a distinguished guest requests an audience, he..."
"He claims to be Xiao Jie, the eldest disciple of the leader of the Yue Kingdom's Xiaoyao Sect, and requests the successor of the Xin family's swordsmanship to come out of seclusion for a battle. Headmaster, do we still have any disciples from prominent martial arts families in our academy?"
Ni Zuilan was filled with doubt. Which of the disciples she had recruited had this other identity?
"Headmaster, the head of the family has sent Madam Wen to deliver a message."
Someone else came to deliver a message to Ni Zuilan. She lowered her eyes and pondered: the army had captured Luoyang, and most of the royal family members and their aristocratic officials had gone to Luoyang, the eastern capital.
Nowadays, apart from the generals guarding the Shan Hai Academy, only the pregnant Sui Zhixu and a few members of the Sui family are there to look after her.
As the prime minister, Cong Lan had to stay in Luoyang with the emperor.
I learned that Xu sent Madam Wen to deliver a message. Could it be that the Xin family sword technique is related to her?
Where has Yue Ling gone again? Does she not care about the state of the world, nor about her own apprentices?
"Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to enter the mountains. If necessary, troops should be stationed there."
Wen Ke stood in front of Xiao Jie with her sword drawn, saying, "She won't see you. Go back."
"I've come all this way because I'm determined to fight the successor of the Xin family. I heard that Xin Yi, who once roamed the martial world, is dead. I missed her, but I'm sure her last disciple is no less capable than her!" Xiao Jie's eyes gleamed, eager to try.
Wen Ke flashed annoyance, "She is six months pregnant and it is inconvenient for her to compete with you."
"Ah!" Xiao Jie looked disappointed. "I've never heard of any of the other major families having any connection with the fairy. Could it be that the person who married her wasn't from a prominent family in the martial arts world? That would be too unworthy."
"When is she going to give birth? I'm pretty free, I can wait until she gives birth."
Anger flashed in Wen Ke's eyes as she drew her sword and held it to his neck. "Don't be so presumptuous!"
"Why should a recluse get involved in the mundane world? The Mountain and Sea Academy is not a place for you to settle down. It would be better to leave as soon as possible."
Sui Zhixu's voice echoed from the mountains, hollow and ghostly, yet clearly piercing the ears of the two.
"As expected of the Sword Fairy's disciple! Even while pregnant, she can still reach such a level by shouting from afar."
"You didn't listen to a word she said. She's not only a member of the martial arts world, but also the head of a powerful family in Qi. Even if the people of the Xiaoyao Sect in Yue are carefree, they can't be completely without a shred of cunning, can they?"
"Why do you have to be so sarcastic, my lady? I'll come back in a year, and by then, you'll be able to fight me!"
Wen Ke sheathed her sword, her expression indifferent, clearly indicating that she wanted to drive him away. Xiao Jie wanted to say something more, but seeing her like this, he didn't say anything more.
"I shall take my leave now, and will certainly return to keep our appointment a year from now!"
Wen Ke leaped away, leaving him only with a blurry silhouette.
"Wow, her internal strength doesn't seem deep, but her lightness skill is amazing! There are so many talented people around this fairy. I will definitely come back in a year!"
Xiao Jie exclaimed in surprise, then turned and left with a flourish, saying, "Our Xiaoyao Sect is named Xiaoyao (meaning carefree and unrestrained). How can we, in the martial world, only consider our status as officials in the imperial court?"
Wen Ke flashed back to Sui Zhixu, her tone grave, "There's an undercurrent of evil in his actions. How could he find this place at a time like this?"
"The alliance between Qi and Yue is well-known in the martial arts world, and it's not surprising that they know I'm in Chang'an. It's just a bit troublesome. They don't care about my identity; what they want is the Xin family sword technique."
Sui He grasped her hand, "What kind of unparalleled swordsmanship could possibly warrant them traveling all the way from the Yue Kingdom?"
“Xin Yi’s father, Xin Weizhi, the former master of Xin Family Sword Manor, should have been a contemporary of the late emperor. Mother may not be familiar with Xin Weizhi, but she should know about Xin An of Yue Kingdom.”
"The son of Xin Ji, the general of Yue?" Sui He looked surprised. "He has already passed away."
"Yes, but he didn't die."
“When Xin Ji was defeated in the Battle of Jiannan, the previous King of Yue listened to the slander of treacherous people and punished the Xin family, having Xin Ji torn apart by five horses.”
"Xin An's mother came from Mingjingtai. She switched Xin An with another woman and sent him away. He changed his name to Xin Weizhi, fled Yue Kingdom to Qi Kingdom, vowed never to enter the court again, created the Xin Family Sword Technique, and used this sword technique to fight against the head of the Donghai Quanyu Hall, the four protectors of the Jiangnan Killing Sect, and the geniuses of all the major and minor sects in the martial arts world. He established the Xin Family Sword Manor in the wilderness and became the first person to establish a sect. How could such a sword technique not be sought after by people in the martial arts world?"
"Of course, none of these are the most important. The Xin family sword technique was mastered by Xin Weizhi and swept across the martial arts world. Later, Xin Yi improved it, but one move was not modified."
Wen Ke frowned. Xin Yi was stern and taciturn, and usually preferred to drink alone. She knew nothing about these past events.
"The master has perfected the art of swordsmanship; has this move perhaps reached its pinnacle?"
Xu nodded, “This move is based on the Mirror Platform and is called Penglai. This move is not about killing, but about entering a state of enlightenment.”
Wen Ke was stunned for a moment, then asked hesitantly, "It's actually entering the state of mind?"
Sui He didn't know these things, so she explained simply, "Mindset is a special realm, a pinnacle of martial arts. It is said that those who enter the Mindset can learn the secret technique of the Mirror Platform, 'Withered Tree Rejuvenates,' which allows them to be reborn."
"It sounds like the magic of Tsukiyama."
Sui Zhixu waved his hand, "Legends, legends, if they're repeated too many times, they'll become exaggerated. It's said that the last person to learn how to revive a dead tree was during the Zhou Dynasty."
"Then what do they have to be concerned about? But learning something doesn't guarantee you'll master it. They even believe things from a thousand years ago." Wen Ke sneered, holding his sword.
Sui He shook his head. "Everyone has desires, whether it's to live forever, to turn back the clock, or to get rid of illness. Their greed is too great, and Xin Weizhi just happened to give them hope... Over time, they became the target of everyone's criticism."
"I've met the leader of the Free and Unfettered Sect. He's both righteous and wicked, and acts as he pleases. His eldest disciple is very much like him. They also came to ask me for sword techniques, but it wouldn't have been of any use to them even if I gave them to them. The reason Penglai was created by Xin Weizhi is because of his life-and-death tribulation. It's about acting according to one's heart, using the heart as the sword, and transforming inner strength into reality. Only the purest and most virtuous people in the world can master it. What use is it to them who are filled with greed?"
"Why doesn't the original poster say anything? Wouldn't it be bad if word got out?"
"The plaque at the entrance of Xin Family Sword Manor reads 'Pure and Good.' He once said that everyone thought he had ulterior motives."
Sui Zhixu gently placed her hand on her stomach. "He's here. This is just the beginning. It's really troublesome."
Sui He: "Your period is due, you absolutely cannot let any fools come up the mountain."
"Anyone who doesn't know their place can't beat me."
Sui Zhixu narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled faintly, looking like a satisfied cat.
Sui He pointed at her and said, "You become like the company you keep. I think you're becoming more and more like him."
The swords clashed, and one sword was drawn from its sheath and landed steadily in Sui Zhixu's hand. She stroked the blade and said, "Life and death are intertwined. So many years have passed. Let me see if their swords have improved."
August 15
Xiao Jie joined the Sima clan and declared war on Xu, the governor of Sui, while guarding Wanshou Township. A large group of people stood guard at the mountain pass.
The general guarding the Mountain and Sea Academy shouted, "Form ranks and defend!"
Sui Zhixu relayed the message from afar, "Get lost!"
She couldn't care less about these people right now; the pain was unbearable.
"ah!"
She turned her head and caught a glimpse of Fan Lingzhang's face through her blurry vision; it was as beautiful as a lotus flower.
It's really beautiful.
"Go to hell."
"Don't talk, save your energy." Fan Lingzhang wiped the sweat from her forehead with one hand, while she held onto his other hand tightly.
His eyes were red, and Sui Zhixu glared at him fiercely, "What are you crying for? Don't cry."
"I won't cry. You really shouldn't talk. The midwife told you to save your strength."
As she gripped his hand tightly, her vision went white, and countless people and events flashed before her eyes.
Thirteen Sister seemed to be holding her hand and speaking to her. What did she say?
Why can't she hear anything?
Don't laugh, don't laugh at me as if you're saying goodbye.
Cao Ning grabbed Thirteen Sister's arm and mumbled something, trying to say that she was in excruciating pain and that they could come closer to her so she could hear them.
They seemed to hear her speak, shaking their heads with smiles, glancing back longingly as they turned away before walking into the distance.
"No...no..."
"Ah Ling, Ah Ling, don't sleep, wake up!" She was delirious. Fan Lingzhang turned around and called out to Dan Hong, "Dan Hong! Dan Hong!"
Dan Hong's expression was cold and stern. She quickly pulled out the needle and inserted it again. "How could my wife fall into a nightmare at a time like this? You must try to awaken my wife."
"good."
His gaze fell on Sui Zhixu's face; her wet hair clung to her face, making her usually indifferent expression appear more vulnerable.
“Ah Ling, do you remember the first time I went with you to the Xuanping Prince’s Mansion? You were quiet and followed Madam Gu back to Lingye Courtyard. I saw the words you wrote: ‘I regret that your body is not yours.’ Ah Ling, wake up. The past is gone, and we have a new future now. Ah Ling, wake up.”
"Wake up..."
“I…” Sui Zhixu slightly opened her eyes, her gaze returning to clarity.
The full moon shines through the window, its bright light streaming into the room.
"Master, push harder, we can already see the child's head."
Sui Zhixu held his hand, bit her chin, and told him not to make a sound, to conserve his strength.
She didn't know how much time had passed when, amidst her pain, she heard the midwife's excited voice.
This was followed by the loud cries of a baby.
"It's born! It's born! Master! It's a girl! She's calling for her young lady so loudly!"
Fan Lingzhang breathed a sigh of relief and slumped to the ground, saying, "Thank goodness, it's finally over. I'm so glad you're alright. You scared me to death."
He was still holding Sui Zhixu's hand in his, and looking at the pale-lipped, weak person on the bed, he couldn't help but feel his eyes redden.
"I will never have any more children." He reached out to hug Sui Zhixu, but didn't know where to start.
He kept chattering away, but Xu had no energy left and didn't want to pay attention to him.
Childbirth is so painful, even more painful than when she and Xin Yi were seriously injured in the fight. It felt like all the bones in her body were being stretched open.
"Shut up."
"oh."
Sui He held the newborn child, walked up to Sui Zhixu, and said with heartache, "You've suffered so much."
"fine."
Sui He looked at Fan Lingzhang, who was kneeling by the bed and holding Sui Zhixu's hand tightly, his eyes red, and was quite satisfied with him.
"I'll take care of the baby first, you rest for a while. The baby was born on an auspicious day, the fifteenth of August, it must be a good omen."
"Where are A-Niang and Wen Ke?" Sui Zhixu glanced around the room but couldn't find her.
"She was so frightened by you that she fainted. Wen Ke went to take her to the hospital."
Upon hearing this, Xu felt helpless. One by one, who exactly was the one who gave birth?
"Have some water."
His phoenix eyes were red at the corners, and tears welled up in his beautiful face. His eyes revealed his heartache. He lifted Sui Zhixu's head to feed her water, while she stared into his eyes.
She reached out her hand, and Fan Lingzhang pressed his face against her hand, her fingertips landing on the corner of his eye.
Seeing this, Sui He quietly withdrew, leaving the two of them alone.
"I think I dreamt of Thirteen Sister and Ah Ning, but I couldn't hear a word they were saying, and then they left."
"They're probably here to see you. They definitely want you to be alright. Get some sleep now, I'll take care of the rest."
Sui Zhixu nodded, her face pale and weak. She was really tired. After she stopped talking, her head slumped and she fell asleep.
Fan Lingzhang sent people to clean up and then went to prepare medicinal cuisine according to Dan Hong's recipe.
The cool moonlight shone on the earth. On the Mid-Autumn Festival, the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, both sides laid down their weapons without engaging in battle.
Gu Qingyi was uneasy and couldn't sleep all night.
"You finally got back from the palace, are you going to leave again in the middle of the night?" Chu Ye grabbed her hand, stopping her from getting out of bed.
"No, I just can't sleep."
Chu Ye hugged her waist from behind and buried his head in the crook of her neck. "Does seeing me and Yong'er make you so unhappy?"
"No, it's none of your business."
Gu Qingyi lowered her eyes. People always think of certain things and all the people on certain nights.
The time should be approaching.
These actions seem to confirm that she still loves him, but how could she love him?
Her heart was like a grape, crushed and oozing only sour juice, the veins of the flesh exposed. Her heart, too, was a tangled mess, a desolate wasteland.
I deeply regret that this body is not truly mine.
When Sui Zhixu woke up again, she had returned to her room from the prepared delivery room.
Just as she was about to sit up, Fan Lingzhang heard the noise and came in with a bowl. "Ah Ling, you're awake. Have something to eat. I just cooked it."
What kind of porridge?
"A gentle, nourishing medicinal diet." Fan Lingzhang fed her. "You need to take good care of yourself during your postpartum period. After that, A-Ling can do whatever she wants."
Sui Zhixu raised an eyebrow; her facial expression was subtle, yet it was clear she was smiling.
"It sounds like you're coaxing a child."
Fan Lingzhang laughed, "Then you should obediently finish your porridge."
"Ah Ling, Ah Ling!" Jiang Li rushed in when she heard that she was awake, pushed Fan Lingzhang aside, and stroked her all over.
"Let Ah Niang take a good look."
Knowing that Xu's face was red from being rubbed, she reached out and held Jiang Li's hand, "I'm fine."
"You scared me to death! Giving birth is so terrifying! It's all your fault!" Jiang Li glared at Fan Lingzhang, wishing her eyes could turn into sharp blades to cut him.
"It's my fault. I will definitely take good care of Ah Ling."
“He also said that you are even more unreliable. Who fainted last night and I had to carry her back?”
Before she arrived, her voice preceded her. Wen Ke snorted and stepped over the threshold.
Sui Zhixu grasped Jiang Li's hand and smiled faintly, "Who is it?"
Her clear, peach-blossom eyes curved like a crescent moon, full of teasing.
"I'm scared." Jiang Li turned her head away, not wanting to talk to her anymore.
"Where's the child? I haven't even seen her yet."
Fan Lingzhang finally found an opportunity to interject, "My mother-in-law is here; she should be surrounded by her disciples right now."
Xu was surprised. As he said, the disciples of Shan Hai Academy adored children. She was beautiful and delicate, with round eyes that made people's hearts melt.
A group of people rushed to hug her, and Sui He couldn't stop them.
"Ah Lan! Look at your student, that child was just born."
Ni Zuilan said innocently, "I can't control them either. They're so energetic, I'm just an old woman and I can't stop them. By the way, haven't you chosen names yet?"
“Ah Xu hasn’t taken it yet; she’s the child’s mother, so we should ask her first.”
"That makes sense."
As for the name, Sui Zhixu waved his hand and said, "Let's call her A Yuan for now."
More than a month has passed, and being a martial artist, she has recovered well after childbirth.
Finally, I can leave behind those weird restrictions: no air conditioning, no washing my hair, no certain foods...
She talks on and on all day long, and now she gets scared whenever she sees Danhong and Suihe.
After washing up, she took Wen Ke's hand, lightly touched the ground with her toes, and leaped up, swaying in the mountains.
"Are you crazy?"
"I'm going crazy from holding it in." Sui Zhixu and she landed on the osmanthus tree on the back hill. Osmanthus blossoms fluttered down, forming a golden rain of flowers.
She pulled Wen Ke to sit on the tree, and took out a bottle of wine from her sleeve. "Want a drink?"
"drink!"
Wen Ke took the wine bottle and clinked glasses with her, "Are you tired?"
"I'm exhausted, even more exhausted than when I was practicing martial arts."
"Practicing martial arts is like drinking water and eating to you; how can you compare them?"
Sui Zhixu smiled without saying a word, then tilted his head back and drank.
"A thousand pieces of gold for a tael of wine, the wine newly brewed by the Sword Immortal."
"...Drunken Spring Breeze, a sword of Xin Yi. The Drunken Sword Immortal has been in seclusion for many years since his defeat in the battle with the Lord of the Pavilion. This time, he has actually come out of the world and brewed Drunken Spring Breeze."
Wen Ke tilted his head back and drank, looking even more carefree than Sui Zhixu, as if he wanted to drink away all the chaos and troubles in the world.
"It's all old news, it's her story."
As Xu stared at the reflection on the wine, he vaguely saw the figure of an old friend.
"The liquor is strong... but a bit bitter. Alright, I've finished the liquor, I should go now."
Where to?
"Go to the appointment, and kill."
Wen Ke urged her, "Let's go, let them see the splendor of the world's number one swordsman! Let them see the brilliance of the Xin family's swordsmanship!"
Sui Zhixu picked up his wine jug, leaped up, and went to the foot of the mountain where the Mountain and Sea Academy was located.
Xiao Jie happened to be waiting there. He jumped down from the tree and said, "You are the Sword Fairy's disciple. No wonder you became the most outstanding person in the martial arts world after only showing your face once. With such a beautiful appearance, let me see your sword."
“I’m only a few months pregnant, yet you keep coming to my door one after another. Even your master Xiao Chong didn’t dare to be so arrogant in front of me back then. I should be the one to see your sword.”
“I’m not confident on my own, but what if we add the Three Immortals of Mingjingtai?” Xiao Jie waved his arm, and the three of them, dressed in colorful clothes, appeared in front of Sui Zhixu.
“Interesting.” Sui Zhixu’s expression was icy as he glanced at the three of them.
"A senior disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect and three immortal attendants of the Mingjing Terrace, all from the Yue Kingdom, have joined the Sima clan's camp. I wonder what General Yan thinks of this?"
General Yan planted his spear firmly on the ground, creating a powerful gust of wind. "So, people from the martial world are now involved in court affairs? I will certainly report this to the Two Emperors and have your sect punished!"
“General Yan, Mingjingtai only wants to take back its own things. Xin Yi is a descendant of the Xin family and has Mingjingtai blood in her veins. Mingjingtai has not made a move for many years, but this lady does not have Mingjingtai blood in her veins, so Mingjingtai will naturally make a move.”
"Sure, give it a try." Sui Zhixu moved swiftly, closing in on him.
The third move of the Xin Family Sword Technique: Snow Covers a Thousand Mountains.
The world changed, and the fallen leaves blown by the autumn wind instantly turned into fragments and hid in the wind and snow formed by internal energy. The blades of wind and snow covered the entire sky.
"Such powerful internal energy, could it be that you've cultivated a state of mind?" Xiao Jie, holding a long sword, charged forward.
"you guess?"
As Xu manipulated his internal energy to create wind blades that rose upwards, forcing him back.
"This is truly difficult to deal with; he's a man of such composure. Why aren't the Three Immortal Attendants making their move?"
The three looked at each other and said, "Let's go."
The group became entangled, while Fan Lingzhang and Wen Ke hid behind trees along the mountain path.
Wen Ke couldn't bear to look at his infatuated expression.
"Ah Ling is really amazing."
“The people from Mingjingtai made a move. They shouldn’t have. Although Xin Weizhi’s mother is a disciple of Mingjingtai, she is not the biological daughter of the person from Mingjingtai.”
Fan Lingzhang came to his senses, his expression turning cold. "Mingjingtai and Yueshan are from the same lineage. They should know that A'ling is a disciple of the Imperial Preceptor. Why would they still take action? There must be something we don't know about. Perhaps it's related to Xiao Jie joining the Sima clan."
“You’re not the richest person in the world, figure something out.”
Fan Lingzhang frowned: "You want to bring another person into the game."
"Besides Gu Qingyi, I can't think of anyone else who can stir up trouble in the world. The situation is already in chaos, so we might as well bring them all in."
"The martial world is neither too big nor too small. There are seven people in the world who dare to become immortals through swordsmanship. Three of them are dead. Only the Jade Hall Sword Immortal of the East Sea Spring, the Ghost Sword Immortal of the Western Regions Man City who entered the realm through unorthodox methods, and the immortal Jade Sword Immortal of Mingjingtai remain."
“Ah Ling has entered a state of mind and should stand alongside them, but it was Mingjingtai who made the move. I’m worried that Jade Sword Immortal will come. Mingjingtai and Xiaoyao Sect are joining forces to stand on the Sima family’s side, which means that the Sima family has a sword immortal behind them. That old codger must have a backup plan to stay alive until now. I’m worried about Ah Ling.”
Fan Lingzhang continued, "Of the remaining two sword immortals, the Mysterious Sword Immortal acts strangely and his whereabouts are unknown. Even Tianquelou, who is known as the know-it-all of the martial arts world, last caught a trace of him ten years ago during the royal war in the Western Regions. Meanwhile, the Drunken Sword Immortal has emerged now and brewed the Drunken Spring Breeze. He loves nothing but wine and money. With both, you want to take down the Drunken Sword Immortal."
Fan Lingzhang turned around on the spot, "But besides loving wine and money, he is also a gentleman. A gentleman loves money but acquires it in a proper way. I can't go there rashly. I need to think of a plan."
What are you thinking about?
Upon learning that Xu Luo was standing in front of them, Fan Lingzhang jumped in fright and peered down the mountain, asking, "How come the fight is over so quickly?"
She said calmly, "Useless. Four people can't withstand a single sword strike from me."
Wen Ke: "It is appropriate to inform the people of the martial world that you are the new Sword Immortal, and there are four other Sword Immortals in the world."
Sui Zhixu sheathed his sword, saying, "Didn't you say I was the best in the world just two days ago?"
"At that time, the Drunken Sword Immortal and the Jade Sword Immortal had not yet appeared, and the whereabouts of the Ghost Sword Immortal were unknown. You were the number one in the martial arts world. Now that they have appeared, especially since one of them is standing behind the Sima family, you must be careful."
She lowered her eyes, and the two could not see her emotions. "Mingjingtai is indeed in some trouble. I need to go see Yueling. The matter between Yueshan and Mingjingtai has been going on for a long time. I didn't expect that she would bring it to the forefront this time. A teacher is still a teacher. She always thinks one step ahead of me."
"I will try to contact the Sword Immortal. I never expected that the struggle between dynasties could bring together martial arts masters again. Madam Gu has truly turned the tide." Fan Lingzhang's tone was one of admiration, but also concern for them.
"Don't make any rash moves yet. After all, Xin Yi died at my hands. I don't know as much about the matter between the Drunken Sword Immortal and Xin Yi as Gu Qingyi does. I'll go find Yue Ling to discuss the Mingjing Platform matter first. Wen Ke, keep an eye on the foot of the mountain and let me know if anything happens. Zi Rong, go and take care of A Yuan and A Niang."
In the blink of an eye, seeing the two nod, he turned and left.
She went to the back mountain to look for Yueling. "The master-disciple mark on Yueshan tells me you are here. Where are you? You wouldn't happen to be afraid of the people from Mingjingtai, would you?"
A face suddenly appeared in front of Sui Zhixu, and her heart jumped. She then realized that it was Yue Ling hanging upside down on the tree.
"Oh, this is tough. Your teacher is amazing, he's got everything planned out." Yueling climbed down from the tree and sat on the stone bench.
"Back then, I watched her plot with the Crown Prince, strategizing and winning battles from afar. Now, after all these years, I have also been drawn into her chessboard."
"Among the four sword immortals in the world, including you, you entered the realm of all living beings and cultivated the Way of All Living Beings. The Drunken Sword Immortal entered the realm of emotions, the Deceptive Sword Immortal entered the realm of fear and cultivated the Way of Deception, while the Jade Sword Immortal Yue Wuxin cultivated the Way of Ruthlessness. The Mirror Platform mainly cultivates the Way of Ruthlessness."
“Mingjingtai separated from Yueshan a few years ago. Unlike Yueshan, which has several branches scattered across various countries, it is a place where martial arts practitioners stay in a deep mountain forest in Yue Kingdom. This is also due to the reason for their martial arts. Others came for the Xin family sword technique, but Yue Wuxin is definitely not one of them. I think Gu Qingyi was able to persuade him because it is related to Yueshan.”
The two said in unison, "System."
Sui Zhixu's face darkened. "After all this time, it's still related to it."
"On the Lantern Festival, Senior Brother sensed a familiar aura, and we launched a secret investigation. After reuniting with you, I investigated something: the Heavenly Dao trapped me in the Imperial Preceptor's Hall, and the Mirror Platform was behind it."
"I was puzzled from the beginning. Heaven rarely intervenes directly in human affairs, so why was I punished so severely for inquiring about the system? The system is an extraterrestrial being that has descended to this world. It must have the assistance of the Mirror Platform. They may not know the origin of the system, but perhaps they have calculated something."
"That makes sense. Moon Mountain was born in accordance with the Heavenly Dao, and so was the Mirror Platform. When I first sensed Zhou Changyuan's abnormality, the Heavenly Dao clearly rejected the system, but later it punished me for the sake of the system. It was all because the Mirror Platform was secretly manipulating things."
"I suspect that Mingjingtai's desire to reap the benefits without lifting a finger is related to your luck."
Sui Zhixu's expression remained calm, but his words carried a hint of sarcasm, "I am the one who is precious."
Yueling said, "I don't know their true purpose. It's really not a good thing for martial arts practitioners to get involved in the war between the two countries. Yue Wuxin's ruthless path is a path of punishment. I was careless in sending He Miao there. I have already told my senior brother that there are records about the Mingjingtai in Yangyue Palace. I hope we can find a way to deal with Yue Wuxin."
"I hope so."
"Is the fighting still going on in Luoyang?"
Sui Zhixu hummed in agreement, then suddenly remembered the Drunken Sword Immortal. She wasn't sure if he was someone she could win over, so she asked him.
Yueling thought for a while, but she wasn't sure either. "Everyone knows that Yao Shaozhi, the Sword Immortal, loves money, but he has his own set of principles. Only he and Xinyi probably know about what happened back then. You can try, he won't make a move easily."
Sui Zhixu nodded. "Let me think about it."
After she finished speaking with Fan Lingzhang, he volunteered to go, but Xu was not very happy about it.
"He won't lay a hand on me."
"If he attacks you, you won't have time to talk to me."
The sword immortal's attack naturally resulted in his immediate death. Fan Lingzhang touched his nose and retorted, "Why did he attack? It would be best if we could reach an agreement, but if not, we'll meet again later. Ah Ling, I'm a businessman, and my judgment is never wrong."
“Besides Alu, I’ll send Wenke and Aniang with you. If they can’t win, they can run away. I don’t have any plans to change Ayuan’s father for the time being.”
Sui Zhixu raised her peach blossom eyes to look at him, her indifferent gaze reflecting his image.
"Because it's you, I believe in you. I'm waiting for you to come back, waiting for you to come back safely."
Fan Lingzhang reached out and hugged her. "Don't worry, I will come back to find you and Ayuan. Ayuan will bless us to be reunited."
"Um."
Sui He carried A Yuan over, and Sui Zhixu picked up A Yuan and poked her cheek, saying, "She really is so round. It was definitely the right name to name her A Yuan."
Sui He flicked her forehead, "How dare you poke a child's face like that?"
She was flicked twice by Sui He, and she turned her head to dodge, saying, "It hurts."
"They've all turned red," Fan Lingzhang said with concern.
Sui He carried A Yuan back, saying, "They're all acting like adults, especially those who have learned bad habits from you."
Fan Lingzhang, who was being pointed at, was stunned and looked very innocent. "I'm innocent! This is clearly a match made in heaven. We are destined to be together."
Sui He: "..."
As she spoke, she ended up praising herself, and she wasn't wrong at all.
Sui Zhixu and Sui He carried A Yuan in their arms as they saw Fan Lingzhang and the others off. A Yuan squeaked and waved her arms to reach for Sui Zhixu's hair.
Sui Zhixu picked her up and gently rocked her in his arms, saying, "We will be reunited."
In October of the 29th year of Jianwu, he followed Zhi Xu to sit in Wanshou Township of Shanhai Academy to accept sword tests from people in the martial arts world.
"Gentlemen, if you want the Xin family sword technique, you should consider your own strength before throwing your lives away."
Sui He stood behind Sui Zhixu and said, "Now the only people from Mancheng in the Western Regions that we haven't met yet."
“Jiang Yun sent me a message that the people from the Western Regions were stopped by him and Shan Yue.”
"I see."
Sui Zhixu had mentioned Jiang Yun and Wu Shanyue to her once; they were her older brother and his wife, whom she had grown up with since childhood.
Sui Zhixu gripped his sword tightly. "Why hasn't Jade Sword Immortal Yue Wuxin appeared yet?"
Sui He patted her head and said, "Go back and rest. Although they may not be considered sword immortals in the martial arts world, many of them are only one step away. There is also the army of the Prince of Wei, which is numerous and powerful. You have been fighting for so long and you are sweating profusely."
"The situation on the borders is different now. Luoyang has captured nine cities, but Qingzhou is missing thirteen. The two sides are at an impasse at the Mountain and Sea Academy. I have not seen Jade Sword Immortal Yue Wuxin, nor have I seen Prince Wei Chu Ye. Chu Ye is not a Jianghu person, but his martial arts are not low. He is a very strong opponent. If he fights me to the death, it will be very troublesome."
Sui He said in a deep voice, "Chu Ye has guarded many places in the north and has made great military achievements. He is highly skilled in martial arts and is indeed not easy to deal with."
“Yeah, he’s so strong, why didn’t Gu Qingyi let him come?” Sui Zhixu narrowed his eyes. “From what I know of her, she either doesn’t move or she wins with one decisive blow.”
Sui He supported her shoulders, "You don't need to worry about Luoyang because your father and the others are here. Although Qingzhou is in decline, Luoyang has already sent troops to help. Although Gu Qingyi is deep in thought, she can hardly control the situation thousands of miles away. Her goal is still to defend Chang'an."
“Her target… is me. Her Gu family perished because of the Lu family, leaving her the only survivor. She hates the Lu family, and she hates me for hurting her.”
"Why are you acting like a little bitter gourd?" Yueling sat on the tree and broke off a branch, throwing it at her head from above.
"Gibberish, Yue Wuxin is almost here, his final move."
In the blink of an eye, a person dressed in a jade-white Taoist robe gracefully descended from the sky, his body rippling with waves of energy. Sui He was instantly shaken away by the fluctuations of his internal force.
"Mother!"
Sui Zhixu grabbed her hand and pulled her back to his side.
She looked up at Yueling, who was standing in the tree, and said, "Yueling, take your mother away."
"Okay, I'll come back later."
Yue Ling suddenly appeared in front of Sui He and hugged her, saying, "Be careful."
"clear."
After Yueling left with Suihe, Suizhi Xu finally looked at the newcomers.
With white hair and a youthful face, his three thousand white hairs were draped behind him, a red dot between his brows and eyes that revealed both pity and ruthlessness beneath them.
Sui Zhixu bowed and greeted him: "Immortal Jade Sword, Yue Wuxin, I have long admired your name. I am Sui Zhixu, disciple of Xinyi, the master of Tianque Tower."
"The Mirror Terrace, the moon is without heart." He nodded slightly, placing one hand on his chest, which looked quite like a Buddhist greeting gesture.
"I heard that your master Xinyi has died. You are the new Sword Fairy. You are so young. Your master was thirty years old when he entered the Heart Dao."
"The title of Sword Fairy is indeed impressive, but I don't like it."
He looked like a younger relative greeting an old friend, asking her, "So, what do you like?"
He then drew his sword, declaring himself "the best in the world."
She struck first, her inner force transforming into a sword blade of wind and snow that covered the entire sky and hurtled straight at him.
His sword was drawn and swirled in the air, deflecting all the blades.
Sui Zhixu gripped his sword. "Since you're here, let me see the Jade Sword Immortal's ultimate move, Tu Mi."
"As you wish." He drew his sword from his sleeve, the silver-white blade swirling like a silver dragon, and thrust it toward Sui Zhixu.
The wind howls with chilling force, a sorrow that has lasted for eternity.
The sixth move of the Xin Family Sword Technique will endure forever.
"Sad? What's there to be sad about? Don't you know what you've done? You dare to set your sights on me? Do you really think I'm easy to bully? You old geezer!"
Greenery clung to the twin swords, and as they exchanged blows, the sword energy rippled outwards, causing a dramatic change in the landscape of the mountains surrounding Wanshou Township. In an instant, autumn winds howled, leaves fluttered down, and a desolate scene unfolded. Then, rain fell, spring returned, and all things revived, with new green covering the mountains and fields.
The entire world was shaken.
"Quick-witted and eloquent."
"You old, damned dog, pretending to be all respectable while hiding in the shadows for so long. Even the ancestors of the Ruthless Path should be ashamed of you; you clearly had ulterior motives."
Yue Wuxin sneered: "The Way of the Common People? No wonder you are the Chosen One. No matter how many twists and turns you go through, you will still protect the common people according to the will of Heaven."
"This is my choice, it has nothing to do with fate." As he blocked Xu Yijian's attack, he swung his other sword at him.
The sword energy surged for miles around, causing turmoil even in Chang'an.
Xiao Jie was recuperating in Chang'an from serious injuries. "The battle between the two sword immortals truly shook the heavens and earth. Heh, I wonder who will win."
"Naturally, it's our sect leader. Our sect leader is the number one person in the martial arts world."
"Not necessarily. The Sword Fairy is too strong. I have never seen her sword energy before. Her sword energy is so contradictory, but she combines them very well. It is like the Dao of All Living Beings. Is this the Dao of All Living Beings? Her state of mind is too strong."
"Our sect leader has cultivated his mind through the Path of Ruthlessness for many years; how could a mere young lady compare?"
Gu Qingyi, her face cold and stern, strode in. "What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket! I sent the divine physician from Medicine King Valley to treat you, not for you to gossip here!"
"May Lady Gu be well."
Everyone straightened their clothes and bowed respectfully.
Yang Xu put down her work when she saw her arrive. "Madam Gu, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be having Father give you acupuncture at this hour?"
Gu Qingyi's expression softened when she saw her, "I had the acupuncture done earlier today."
Yang Xu sighed softly, "Heart ailments are hard to cure. If you can't let go of these things, no matter how many acupuncture needles Father gets, it won't help. You saved Mother back then and also gave Father medicine. You are so kind as to repay your debt. I will take care of things here. You should go back and rest more."
"You felt the fluctuations outside too, didn't you?"
"Her sword aura is very strong; she is indeed a young prodigy."
"That's because she walked through mountains and fields, and saw the common people..."
That's how she died at the hands of wandering ghosts.
Yang Xu smiled and said, "What Madam Gu said is absolutely right."
"Fine, I won't bother you anymore." Gu Qingyi left alone, walked to the end of the road, stood on a high place, and looked out at Chang'an outside the palace gate.
Killing her is the best option, isn't it? Gu Qingyi.
Why is she a member of the Lu family? How did she end up being a member of the Lu family?
Something unknown altered her memory, making her believe that Ah Ling died in the martial arts world.
When she learned of A-Ling's death, "Xin Yi" told her that she was Lu Jia Huai's biological daughter...
Gu Qingyi clutched her heart. Why was she the daughter of the Lu family? How could she be entangled with the Lu family again and again, unable to break free?
Her reason told her she should hate her, along with her parents, but her heart couldn't bear it.
Every word and action she took after arriving in the Central Plains was taught by her. She was clearly just her disciple, occasionally acting cheekily and calling her "Auntie's child."
Nothing is more sorrowful than parting from loved ones.
She lamented that this body was not truly hers... Fate was unjust; her long-cherished wish remained unfulfilled. She was merely a ghost in the underworld completing what was left unfinished.
Perfect fulfillment is rare in this world. Blame it on fate; destiny plays tricks on us.
"It's snowing! It's snowing in Chang'an!"
"No, it's not snow, it's from the fighting outside Chang'an City."
"Who's winning?"
Sui Zhixu wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and asked Yueling, "Who won?"
Yue Ling's expression was grim. "It's a draw. He was hit by your 'Snow Covers a Thousand Mountains,' and you were hit by his 'Mountain Spirit.' You can't continue fighting, or you'll both go berserk."
"Cough cough... As expected of the Jade Sword Immortal. I know his purpose now, he's a madman too."
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