Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The white-clad disciple pushed through the crowd and ran a few steps to kneel before Xunuo, bursting into tears. Between sobs, he exclaimed, "Master Lu, your disciple has missed you dearly."
The remaining Outer Sect Disciples realized at once that this was an elder from their sect. They hurried over to bow and pay their respects, while Xunuo urged them to rise and speak.
The white-clad disciple got up and quickly sent one of the faster ones up the mountain to report the news before turning back to converse with Xunuo.
Xunuo was completely unaware of the events following the beast extermination operation and needed to ask for clarity before making any decisions. He called on the Outer Sect Disciple to summarize the important matters.
It turned out that Xunuo's team was not the only one that encountered mutated ferocious beasts during this extermination mission; nearly half of all teams entering the Ten Thousand Great Mountains faced similar threats. Consequently, this operation turned out to be one of the most devastating in nearly a century, with less than thirty percent of those who entered surviving. Some smaller teams were entirely wiped out by the beasts.
Afterward, the surrounding Martial Arts Sects summarized the situation and concluded that due to the lack of ferocious beasts wreaking havoc in recent years, they had become complacent, allowing these creatures to grow unchecked and ultimately become a menace.
These Martial Arts Sects then reestablished regulations, deciding to conduct exterminations every three to five years regardless of whether there were any beasts causing trouble. This latest operation left them severely weakened and truly pained, which made the new regulations easier to implement.
Xunuo had bravely lured away an Ironback Black Wolf while Zigong Changhe led his disciples to eliminate the remaining black wolves. They set off in pursuit of Xunuo's direction but soon lost track of him. Zigong Changhe, unwilling to give up, searched frantically through the forest with his uninjured disciples.
After searching for over ten days without finding Xunuo, they encountered another team from Wuhua Sect being chased by a mutated beast. Zigong Changhe could only merge their two teams together to defeat the beast. However, he sustained serious injuries in the process, and fewer than ten individuals from both teams survived, all battered and bruised. With no other choice, Zigong Changhe returned to report back to their sect.
When Ximen Tower and Tian Feiyu heard that Xunuo had lured away the Ironback Black Wolf, they assumed he was doomed. Everyone lamented—some mourned for Xunuo while others regretted losing the Azure Wind Sword—but they all sincerely admired Xunuo's willingness to risk his life to save his fellow disciples and juniors.
In time, more than ten Martial Arts Sects reviewed their gains and losses from the extermination operation and reestablished a schedule for future missions. Xunuo's reputation spread throughout all Martial Arts Sects, becoming known by everyone.
After discussions among these Sects, they felt that Xunuo's actions were worthy of chivalry. Upon learning that he had taken the Azure Wind Sword with him, they decided that whoever obtained it must return it to Wuhua Sect. The leaders of over ten Martial Arts Sects agreed on this matter and issued proclamations in honor of Xunuo. In this way, Wuhua Sect managed to salvage something from their losses.
As for Nanyue Sect, it was said that they suffered the most significant losses this time. Not only did they lose two of their most outstanding young disciples, but Elder Gu—one of Nanyue's Three Swordsmen—also mysteriously disappeared. Alongside him were two Hall Masters and several elite disciples who did not survive.
Upon hearing this, Xunuo couldn't help but feel astonished. His greatest concern upon returning was exposing his identity as a Cultivator. If those who knew his identity had perished in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, he could continue hiding and cultivating at Wuhua Mountain. For Xunuo at this moment, that would be the best choice available.
Xunuo had been waiting for the white-clad disciple to finish recounting the events before he clapped his hands and said, "I didn't expect so many stories to unfold. Let's head up the mountain first."
In truth, Xunuo had been patiently listening from below, eager to know whether the Wuhua Sect was aware of his identity as a cultivator. If news of him had leaked out, he planned to turn around and leave without hesitation. Only when he heard that everything was fine did he feel relieved enough to ascend the mountain.
As for the few individuals who had accompanied Elder Gu, they had truly met their demise in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, and their deaths were both unjust and frustrating.
Initially, Goat Elder had instructed these individuals to guard the Blazing Sun Grass while he pursued Xunuo. However, Xunuo managed to enter a passage and escape into the territory of the demon clans in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.
Although Goat Elder knew that Xunuo would likely die there as well, he could not provide evidence of it nor prove that Xunuo had actually perished at his hands.
This time, Goat Elder was willing to exert effort because he coveted a spiritual herb from Nanyue Sect that was hundreds of years old. Returning empty-handed would make it impossible for him to demand any herbs again. In a fit of anger and humiliation, he ruthlessly burned all remaining members of Nanyue Sect to ashes. This inadvertently helped Xunuo by allowing him to continue hiding within Wuhua Sect and pursue his cultivation in peace.
As Xunuo climbed halfway up the mountain, he suddenly saw a group of people rushing down from above. Leading them were several senior brothers from Seven Star Sword Hall. Zigong Changhe rushed forward and embraced Xunuo, weeping uncontrollably. The others couldn't help but shed tears upon witnessing this scene.
Seeing them felt like a reunion after ages for Xunuo. The dangers he faced during this journey were beyond words. He too joined them in shedding tears of relief.
After a moment of heartfelt exchanges, the eldest brother, Zhang Shoufeng, urged Xunuo, "Lu Shidi, don't linger here any longer. The sect leader and our master are waiting for you at Seven Star Sword Hall to hear your account. I want to hear news of your safe return; other elders from various halls will be coming as well. Don't keep them waiting too long."
Upon hearing this, everyone quickly wiped their eyes and surrounded Xunuo as they made their way up the mountain path. The sides of the path were already filled with inner and outer sect disciples who had come upon hearing the news. Seeing Xunuo's unusual attire did not strike them as odd; instead, they praised him in unison. They believed that someone so extraordinary should naturally behave and dress differently from ordinary people; if he were like everyone else, that would be strange.
Xunuo was inherently more reserved. As he listened to the disciples' nonsensical praises along the way, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed—especially when one female disciple exclaimed, "Master Lu's hair looks so stylish!"
Her voice trailed off into an almost shrill pitch, leaving Xunuo unable to maintain his composure any longer. Ignoring his accompanying senior brothers, he took off running up the mountain. The disciples lining both sides of the path cheered him on with shouts and screams.
Xunuo found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions as tears streamed down his face while he sprinted towards Seven Star Sword Hall.
As expected by his eldest brother, Seven Star Sword Hall was already bustling with people inside. Hall Masters and Vice Hall Masters from various halls had gathered, along with several long-absent seniors who came to see this remarkable individual upon hearing the news. After all, no one had dared face mutated ferocious beasts alone for hundreds of years—let alone escape from one.
The main hall and both sides were filled with people seated on chairs. Second-generation disciples stood densely behind their respective masters. Xunuo hurried forward to pay his respects to all the elders present.
Ximen Tower was overjoyed to see Xunuo, gazing at him for a while. He asked, "Why is Liu Shizhi dressed like this? What’s the meaning of that blue cloth wrapped around his head?"
Xunuo blushed and replied, "On the way back, I encountered a forest fire, and my clothes and hair were completely burned. I asked a few wandering monks for some clothing, so please don't blame me, Master."
Ximen Tower quickly waved his hand and said, "It's no trouble; the important thing is that you made it back safely."
The elders then began to chatter excitedly, inquiring about Xunuo's experiences.
Xunuo had already prepared himself and spoke calmly. He recounted how he had been chased by an Ironback Black Wolf to a gorge and fell in. In the depths of the gorge, a master saved him and taught him some profound sword techniques and skills. After mastering them, he finally broke free from the gorge.
Tian Feiyu's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he eagerly called for Xunuo to demonstrate the sword techniques. Xunuo was not shy; he drew the Azure Wind Sword and with a flick of his wrist sent forth a burst of Sword Flower. It was the legendary One Sword, Five Flowers technique.
In the entire Wuhua Sect, there were very few who could execute One Sword, Five Flowers with such finesse. Only Tian Feiyu and Gao Weiji, who were the highest skilled swordsmen present, could recognize that Xunuo's Sword Flower was executed effortlessly without any strain. It seemed that One Sword Six Flowers would also be within his grasp.
The onlookers were left dumbfounded, collectively gasping in awe.
An Elder with Long Beard sitting beside Ximen Tower suddenly remarked, "Your swordplay is quite natural and shows considerable skill. Come here."
Xunuo sheathed his sword and walked over to the Elder with Long Beard. The Elder raised his right hand, spreading his fingers and pressing them against Xunuo's chest. He channeled his Inner Strength into Xunuo's body. Xunuo remained calm, allowing this Inner Strength to flow through his Meridians.
Comment 0 Comment Count