Remould the Glory of Sword Art

The carriage jostled.

Jiang Qihu didn't bother with pleasantries with Xie Xuanyi; once past the mountain gate, he promptly settled into the carriage.

The carriage was narrow, the space already limited.

With the clumsy tiger aboard, Jiang Huang was forced to shift his position.

"This is indeed comfortable."

Jiang Qihu chuckled as he squeezed next to Jiang Huang, "On True Hidden Peak, a bunch of big shots crowd together to drink tea. I've always detested crowded places in my life — such places feel like sitting on pins and needles, and even a moment longer is discomforting."

It was evident last time at the Wave Viewing Pavilion.

Over the years, Jiang Qihu had remained unchanged, poor at socializing, and even though he operated in the Imperial City, under the guidance from the archive, he still maintained a "childlike heart."

"So, you came to find me at the mountain gate?"

Xie Xuanyi sighed.

"It is in deference to the teacher's orders."

Jiang Qihu said seriously, "Junior Brother Xie, you need not be so polite. You and I are old acquaintances from Qing State and fellow students from the archive... Since you've come to Da Sui to attend the Sword Qi Ceremony, as your elder brother, I naturally have to back you up."

"Junior Brother?"

Xie Xuanyi rubbed his temples, rather surprised by the appellation.

"Exactly."

Jiang Qihu grinned, "The teacher instructed that this time your entry into Da Sui is under the 'archive' identity. Should anyone inquire, I am responsible for covering for you. Hence, this junior brother title is a little advantage I must take to avoid raising suspicions."

Xie Xuanyi gave a resigned smile.

He understood completely.

In fact, even before the Ruyi Order had communicated it, Chen Jingxuan had already fully prepared.

What was the biggest trouble with entering Da Sui Sword Palace?

Identity.

Whether publicly or secretly, he needed an identity.

The name Xie Zhen wasn't enough.

This young name that had suddenly appeared in the Qing State files had already been thoroughly vetted by the great lords of the Dachu Dynasty.

If it were not for the archive backing him.

If it were not for Chen Jingxuan fabricating a set of real-looking files.

Then his time here would absolutely not be this stable.

"Senior Brother Jiang."

Xie Xuanyi earnestly called out and then added, "… I am grateful for your care during this period."

Having the identity of an archive disciple.

Indeed made many things more convenient!

"No need for thanks, no need. When there is no one around, you and I can still address each other casually as we did in Qing State,"

Jiang Qihu coughed once and laughed, "Mr. Xie, pardon my earlier oversight for not realizing... You've hidden yourself so deeply."

"Hmm?"

Xie Xuanyi slightly raised his eyebrows.

"The teacher hinted to me."

Jiang Qihu glanced at Jiang Huang, carefully whispering, "This time your visit to Da Sui Sword Palace is to 'investigate a case' for the archive."

"Investigate a case?"

Xie Xuanyi was momentarily speechless, then asked, "Has your teacher told you what case we're investigating this time?"

"Mr. Xie, no need to pretend anymore. I know the rules. Since the teacher has entrusted this case to you, I will assist with all my might. Anything I shouldn't ask, I won't ask."

Jiang Qihu shook his head, saying earnestly, "The teacher also said that the archive is the largest 'private academy' in the world, teaches without discrimination, and is not considered a clan power. Any disciple, if they wish, may leave the archive at any time. So although you bear the archive's name, Mr. Xie, you need not worry. Just go and compete for the entry into Lotus Peak and the 'new master' status of Xuanshui Cave Heaven."

He had rationalized the reasons and titles, all planned out for him.

"In that case... very well."

Xie Xuanyi held his forehead and sighed.

Chen Jingxuan really had been too thorough, almost to the point of spoon-feeding him...

This kindness certainly could not be let down.

"Lord Jiang, do you know Huang Su, the master of Lotus Peak?"

Since it was so, Xie Xuanyi no longer stood on ceremony and directly asked.

"Huang Su, you want to meet her?" Jiang Qihu raised an eyebrow.

Xie Xuanyi nodded.

"Tsk tsk."

"This person is wayward, hot-tempered, keeps to herself, and disregards others. Wanting to meet her... won't be easy."

Jiang Qihu changed his tone and smiled, "But count yourself lucky; I have known her for many years. If it's just meeting her, there should be no problem."

...

...

Moments later, the carriage stopped.

Da Sui Sword Palace, with grounds spanning a hundred miles, included six major peaks and nearly a hundred smaller auxiliary peaks.

The abode prepared for Jiang Qihu on True Hidden Peak this time was a beautifully constructed mansion halfway up the mountainside, located in a secluded area, serene and uninhabited.

"This mountain offers a scenic view, abundant with primordial energy."

Jiang Qihu stood in front of the mansion, gazing at the distant mountains and clouds, softly remarking, "No wonder everyone says the Da Sui Sword Palace is like a paradise on earth. If one could settle down and cultivate here, they could indeed live many more years... It's a pity the teacher has never been here."

After Xie Xuanyi paid the silver, and settled Jiang Huang, he joined Jiang Qihu at his side.

"Lord Jiang, how are things going?"

Jiang Qihu's mood for enjoying the scenery immediately vanished.

He sighed deeply and produced a sword tassel, "The matter of your wanting to meet Huang Su, I haven't dared delay for a moment."

"How is it?"

Xie Xuanyi, observing the clumsy tiger's demeanor, knew the situation had not gone smoothly.

"That yellow-haired girl has really picked up some tricks."

Jiang Qihu gritted his teeth, "She actually ignored my summons, truly not taking the Jiang family seriously... Wait for some time, and I'll definitely file a fierce complaint."

Upon hearing this, Xie Xuanyi maintained his composure outwardly, but inwardly he smiled slightly.

Huang Su's character remained unchanged.

As always, domineering.

However... based on his past understanding of her, in this enormous Sword Palace, there still were people who could make her listen.

Jiang Qihu's sister at Yu Ping Peak was one of them.

"But don't worry, matters are still within control."

Jiang Qihu smiled proudly, "I contacted Junior Brother Si Qi from True Hidden Peak, and I had him pass on your request for a meeting."

"Oh?"

"Junior Brother Si Qi said that now Huang Su temporarily oversees Lotus Peak. With Da Sui Sword Palace's mountain opening and many dignitaries arriving, today is somewhat special... she can't leave just yet."

As Jiang Qihu spoke, he observed Xie Zhen's expression.

Noticing that Xie Zhen's expression remained unchanged, showing no hint of disappointment,

He sighed and revealed openly, "However, Si Qi also mentioned that after hearing about the incident at the mountain gate, Huang Su found it quite amusing and expressed that once he's done with the trivial matters, he would personally pay a visit."

The misunderstanding at the mountain gate.

It had already spread throughout the entire Da Sui Sword Palace.

The vast majority of people simply took the matter as a joke...

Especially those important figures who were currently sitting on True Hidden Peak drinking tea, one could only imagine how they must be laughing.

The Jiangning Xie Family had worked hard to build momentum, but the Dragon Horse Giant Carriage of Prince Jiangning ended up merely embellishing a dilapidated wagon.

Such a grand display.

All of it had married itself onto Xie Zhen's head.

"...Understood."

After hearing this, Xie Xuanyi grasped the implications of Si Qi's message.

The misunderstanding at the mountain gate had caused a significant portion of the attention, which should have been concentrated on Prince Jiangning, to divert to him.

Every move he made, every word he spoke, was under scrutiny.

At this moment,

If Huang Su were to leave True Hidden Peak and come directly for a visit, it might spark another controversy.

"Junior Brother Xie, where are you heading?"

Jiang Qihu saw Xie Zhen leave and couldn't help but follow him for a few steps.

"I'm just going down the mountain for a walk alone."

Xie Xuanyi calmly said, "Having long heard of the great name of the Sword Palace, how could I not wander around now that I'm here?"

Jiang Qihu anxiously said, "Brother Xie, your status is special now..."

Xie Xuanyi patted his conical hat, while at the same time waving his hand, signaling that there was no need to see him off.

Jiang Qihu was helpless.

...

...

Da Sui Sword Palace comprised several major peaks.

These were Lotus Peak, Golden Turtle Peak, Jade Screen Peak, True Hidden Peak, and Xiao Chong Mountain.

Each main peak had its responsibilities.

Golden Turtle Peak was in charge of administration of punishments, overseeing all peaks, and in special circumstances, could act on behalf of the Sect Leader if he was not present.

Jade Screen Peak was stationed at the Sword Washing Pool, guarding thirty-three Grotto Heavens within the Sword Palace.

True Hidden Peak was responsible for recruiting Guest Elders, consolidating external living forces for Da Sui Sword Palace, and managing many subordinate branches under the palace's command.

As for Xiao Chong Mountain, it was where miscellaneous staff of the Sword Palace were placed, responsible for alchemy, sword forging, and various other trivial matters.

As for the highest-status Lotus Peak.

It was purely a place for the cultivation of Sword Qi.

Only a True Disciple who had obtained the Da Sui Lotus Token could step into this place.

And to be accepted into Lotus Peak was no easy task...

Many years ago, before the Sword Palace was sealed, there was a widely circulated saying.

"It's easy to pay homage to the Sword Palace, but difficult to climb Lotus Peak."

In the past years, the Sect Leader Zhao Chunyang, who presided over Lotus Peak and the entire Da Sui Sword Palace, had reached an estimable level of cultivation.

This so-called Lotus Peak.

It was specifically reserved by the Da Sui Sword Palace for the Sect Leader's succession.

The last time Zhao Chunyang took disciples was twenty years ago.

Xie Xuanyi picked up Si Qi, and Huang Su.

At that time, there were only a few True Disciples on Lotus Peak. After Xie Xuanyi was gone, only Huang Su remained, still residing at Lotus Peak.

Si Qi went to True Hidden Peak, Jiang Miaoyin retired to Jade Screen Peak, and the eldest senior brother withdrew to Xiao Chong Mountain, living in solitude, undistracted.

Xie Xuanyi donned his conical hat.

Alone, he walked under the peaks of the Da Sui Sword Palace.

The noisy sounds gradually diminished, but there were still quite a few pedestrians on the road.

There were quite a few disciples wearing the Sword Palace's black robes.

Having been sealed for ten years, the last batch of disciples who entered the Sword Palace were no longer young, almost none were fourteen or fifteen years old.

These Sword Palace disciples, however, were modest and polite. If pedestrians greeted them, they respectfully returned the gesture.

Of course, there were more people on the road who were cultivators from all over, participating in the Sword Qi Festival.

This grand scene slightly blurred Xie Xuanyi's vision.

He felt dazed.

It was as if he had returned to the bustling days of the Sword Palace years ago, when he was one of the disciples in black on the road.

Face after face flashed before his eyes, as well as across his Heart Lake.

At this very moment, it was just like those years.

He was radiant, following the crowd, heading toward the place with the brightest lights and loudest noises.

After ten years, the Sword Palace remained the same.

Every blade of grass and tree seemed just like the past, as if someone had preserved the years of this place.

Ten years had passed, in the blink of an eye.

Nothing had changed.

Only himself...was no longer the same as before.

Xie Xuanyi silently changed direction, heading against the crowd to a more secluded and quiet place.

Soon, the sounds gradually faded away.

Among the swirling mists, Xie Xuanyi thought he heard the sound of Sword Qi.

With a "clang"!

A Flying Sword flashed out from the mist, hovering precisely in front of Xie Xuanyi.

The Sword Intent was chilling.

If it advanced even an inch further, it would draw blood.

"This is a forbidden area, no entry for the uninvited!"

An extremely stern voice called from not far away.

From out of the mist, a young female sword cultivator dressed in a snow-white robe emerged, with a bright red cinnabar mark on her forehead, exuding an ethereal presence.

Xie Xuanyi snapped out of his daze.

He stepped back, looking up with a complex expression toward the cloud-enshrouded mountain gate before him.

Three characters were inscribed there.

Jade Screen Peak.

...

...

(I'm kind of stuck, sorry for the long wait. There's another update tonight, those who can't wait may go to sleep first. :))