Remould the Glory of Sword Art

After the departure of Prince Jiangning, the hall on Golden Turtle Peak became lively once again.

Xie Xuanyi no longer sat in the lower seats, but had moved to the seat of honor, and for a moment, many people came to offer toasts, surrounding him completely.

He had previously sat at the very bottom… because he was but an unknown figure.

But now, things were different.

He was a disciple of Lotus Peak, and the current direct disciple of Xie Xuanyi.

This identity afforded him a place of respect.

Xie Xuanyi knew.

What these people respected was not "Xie Zhen," but Lotus Peak.

"Mr. Xie! I am a disciple from Cold Jade Mountain in the Northern County! I've long admired you!"

"Mr. Xie, I come on behalf of the He Family from Qing State. We've met once before at the mountain gate, haha, you probably didn't notice me, but I 'accompanied' Lord Jiang at the mountain gate for quite some time!"

For a while, Xie Xuanyi felt somewhat dazed.

He seemed to return to his youth, a time of splendid attire and spirited horses.

It was just like that time.

No matter where he went, he was always surrounded by crowds, flanked by countless flowers and supporters, full of flattery and high praise.

Once one stands at the peak of worldly fame.

Then, the people around you are all kind, good people.

Thinking about it, it truly is ironic.

These same people had just recently been surrounding Prince Jiangning… but in the mere time it took to drink a cup of tea, they had already found a new patron.

The loud and noisy voices suddenly quieted down a lot.

The crowd parted to open a path.

"Mr. Xie."

Xu Nianning carried a cup of wine over to Xie Xuanyi's side.

She said in a somber tone, "Thank you for your assistance earlier."

The reason the crowd made way was not just because of Xu Nianning… by her side stood a tall figure.

It was none other than Xu Qi, the Family Head of the Xu Family from Bingzhou and one of the garrison commanders defending the Great Wall of Northern County, one of the Dachu Dynasty's proud Generals of the Cycle.

The Xu family's status in Bingzhou is probably equivalent to that of the Jiang Family in Qing State.

"Miss Xu is too polite."

Xie Xuanyi stood up, and spoke indifferently, "It was but a trivial matter, no need for formalities."

"So young, and yet distinguished, truly fitting to be a disciple of Xie Xuanyi."

The Xu Family Head looked at the young man before him, his eyes brimming with admiration and praise, and could not help but to pat him, saying, "I look forward to your victory at Xuanshui Cave Heaven tomorrow… Young brother, if you ever visit Bingzhou, make sure you let me know."

Xie Xuanyi has always had a good impression of the Xu Family.

Majestic and mostly unassuming after glory.

Bingzhou, located in the northwest, is known as a "barren" land, but the men who walk out of Bingzhou, facing the loess and turning their backs on the heavens, tend to be rugged, hardworking, steady, and industrious.

The Xu Family Head is a prime example, with calloused palms; his light pat, somehow reassuring, unfoundedly gives people a sense of inner peace.

This is a man one can rely on.

"It seems your young maiden is not keen on joining the Sword Palace?" Xie Xuanyi gave a bow, smiling as he spoke.

He noticed that Xu Nianning had declined all invitations.

Including those from Huang Su.

In the case files of Square Mile Court, she was ranked second in the competition.

Just behind Prince Jiangning.

The Xu Family Head laughed, about to speak.

Suddenly, Xu Nianning spoke first, saying, "I didn't want to before."

I didn't want to before?

The meaning of these words was quite clear… it meant she now wanted to.

"Several years ago, Xie Xuanyi once visited Bingzhou."

The Xu Family Head spoke with a sonorous voice, bearing a hint of regret, "Back then, he gave lectures in Bingzhou to answer the queries of sword cultivators from all over the world, and also personally gifted three famous swords… one of which, he gave to my daughter."

Xie Xuanyi remembered that it was a bitterly cold winter with swirling snowflakes.

As was customary for Da Sui Sword Palace, he traveled to Bingzhou to give lectures on the Sword Dao as the leader of swordsmanship.

Following the teachings of his Pure Yang mentor, he gave away three renowned swords from Lotus Peak to three "sword cultivators" with whom he felt a connection during his lectures.

That year, Xie Xuanyi chose three children.

Who would have thought that, over a decade's time, those children who received the swords had grown up and were capable of holding their own.

"Oh?"

Xie Xuanyi couldn't help but ask, "Where are the swords you were gifted?"

"The gift sword is deeply stored in our estate and is not usually carried out."

The Xu Family Head's voice dropped, slowly stating, "Being granted a sword by your master is an exceedingly rare honor in the world… it must be treasured."

Xie Xuanyi merely smiled without saying much more.

He actually knew.

After he was declared wanted, and his reputation tarnished… whoever stood by Xie Xuanyi was, in effect, opposing the Dachu royal family, so how could the swords given away back then be easily shown?

What the Xu family did was a wise move.

"I only wished to see the scenery of Da Sui Sword Palace."

Xu Nianning spoke softly, "I was too young before and had never left Bingzhou. I thought that if I could come here once, it would fulfill a wish. Since Xie Xuanyi has passed away, there is no reason to linger amongst the various peaks of the Sword Palace."

That was why she had earlier rejected the invitations from the other peaks.

Xie Xuanyi's expression grew complicated.

He was slowly realizing that in this world, he had left behind a bold and vigorous stroke.

Death was not the end, after all.

Many things he left behind were changing this world, changing those people he had never seen before.

Some cloister themselves on mountain peaks, while others painstakingly examine old cases.

Many people in this world are willing to pick up a long sword because of Xie Xuanyi.

Xu Nianning, perhaps, was just one among the thousands and millions.

"Mr. Xie, after the contest for Xuanshui Cave Heaven is concluded, please agree to a sword duel with me, no matter what," Xu Nianning pleaded with earnest eyes, "I'm different from Prince Jiangning… I'm devoted to the Dao, and in crossing swords with you, I only wish to clarify the doubts that have lingered since the time I listened to the Dao years ago."

The name Xie Xuanyi became the heart demon of many.

Similarly, it also became the hope and support in the hearts of many others.

Xu Nianning had always wanted to meet Xie Xuanyi, to listen once more to his teachings on swordsmanship… but sadly, death extinguishes life, and knowing she had no chance, she cast aside that wish.

But now.

Xie Xuanyi still has a direct disciple alive in this world!

Therefore, her shattered hope is also preserved in half!

"..."

Xie Xuanyi looked at Xu Nianning, his thoughts drifting back to the lecture in Banzhou from many years ago.

That little girl with a face full of confusion and naivety.

She had now grown into a young Sword Immortal with a firm sword heart.

How wonderful.

He smiled and said, "Good, I agree to your request."

The Family Head of the Xu Family from Banzhou left with his beloved daughter, and the crowd surged forward once again.

But Xie Xuanyi no longer engaged in conversation with them. He stood up and walked straight towards Yuan Yi.

The Reed Sword trembled lightly.

The few female disciples beside Yuan Yi became somewhat uneasy in their seats.

At this moment, they finally understood why Yuan Yi couldn't forget this young Master Xie.

Undoubtedly, Xie Zhen was the most dazzling person at today's banquet on Golden Turtle Peak.

Countless people wanted to exchange a word with Xie Zhen.

But at this moment, Xie Zhen paid them no attention whatsoever.

"Miss Yuan, thank you for lending me the sword at today's banquet."

Xie Xuanyi returned the Reed Sword to its original owner, aimed the tip, and slowly sheathed it.

Immediately after, he bowed to the disciples of Baihua Valley, and then took out a stack of yellowed papers from his bosom: "I feel guilty for not having arrived in time for the battle at Beihai Ling. Now that my identity is publicly known, I need not hide any longer. This is a summary of swordsmanship essentials left by my master. I have organized some of them these past days, hoping they might be of help to Miss Yuan, as well as all the Daoist friends."

As these words were spoken.

The breath of many people in the hall hitched.

Xie Xuanyi's swordsmanship essentials?

Yuan Yi quickly shook her head, her voice trembling: "No, this is too precious... How can Baihua Valley accept this?"

Xie Xuanyi looked towards Ye Qinglian.

"It's alright."

Ye Qinglian said calmly, "If Xie Zhen gives it to you, then accept it... After you return, allow the sisters of Baihua Valley to ponder over it."

Yuan Yi was still somewhat fearful, but after her master had spoken, she reluctantly accepted it with unease, not forgetting to whisper, "Thank you, young Master Xie."

"You're welcome."

Xie Xuanyi replied calmly, and transmitted his voice telepathically: "A Sword Cultivator should have an indomitable spirit, and your courage is too small, you should practice bravely often. The residual Sword Intent on this Reed Sword can be contemplated after you return, and it should be beneficial."

Yuan Yi's body stiffened, and she looked up blankly at Xie Zhen.

There was no follow-up.

After leaving these words.

Xie Xuanyi turned and left, exiting the grand hall.

Many people still wanted to follow and continue the conversation.

But atop Golden Turtle Peak, a wisp of snow-white Sword Qi surged out, and in just an instant, Xie Xuanyi had vanished without a trace.

...

...

Xie Xuanyi stood on a wisp of Sword Qi, flying towards the sky.

The wind howled, and the Great Moon hung high.

The furious wind fluttered his clothes and also blew through Xie Xuanyi's hair... from the moment Prince Jiangning sent out Sword Qi to strike the clock array, Xie Xuanyi had thought about flying with Sword Control.

Everyone was very curious what had happened during the ten years when Sword Palace sealed the mountain.

Of course, he was no exception.

Now.

He had met the Sect Leader, Miao Yin, Qi Lie, Huang Su, Si Qi...

He had seen almost all the old friends once again.

Only the Law Enforcement commander guarding the back mountain of Golden Turtle Peak and the Sect Leader in seclusion were left.

Xie Xuanyi knew that the Law Enforcement leader did not have a good impression of him.

After revealing his identity as a disciple, there was probably even less of a chance for a meeting.

But what about his master?

He had revealed his identity as "Disciple of Xie Xuanyi."

Golden Turtle Peak was lively.

Da Sui Sword Palace was lively.

But... Lotus Peak was very quiet.

Xie Xuanyi did not see the person he truly wanted to see.

So he just stood on the Sword Qi, circling the top of Lotus Peak again and again, until finally, he landed in a secluded and gloomy grove, somewhat lonely and despondent.

This was the most remote place on Lotus Peak.

Ordinary people would never come here.

Even... the Divine Thought of the Law Enforcement leader would not cover this area.

Because beyond this point was where the Pure Yang Sect Leader secluded himself.

Xie Xuanyi stopped and stood at the edge of the gloomy grove, looking at the dimly lit silver-glittering mountain wall array patterns not far away.

The sounds of the bustling Golden Turtle Peak could still be heard in the distance.

But it was silent to the extreme here.

The heaven-sent drizzle continued to fall, the droplets meandering down the parched mountain wall, twisting and turning like snakes.

Xie Xuanyi stood in front of the sealed gate of the Pure Yang Sect Leader's seclusion, standing for a long time.

He sighed softly and said, "If you're afraid, you shouldn't have followed me here."

In the dark and dense forest, a hard and piercing sound rang out.

The drops of rain falling on the dead wood, on the mountain walls, and on Xie Xuanyi's clothing all made a soft sound.

But the sound at this moment.

It was like rainwater falling on iron, on a blade's edge... or perhaps on some enormous armor.

"Why should I be afraid?"

A cold, inhuman laughter emerged from the woods.

"Is it because this place is near Zhao Chunyang's seclusion, or because... you are Xie Xuanyi's disciple?"

Xie Xuanyi turned slowly around.

He gently broke off a tree branch and said calmly, "Because you will die."

"What if I say."

The tall figure in the dark grinned and asked, "I'm not afraid of death?"

...

...

(PS: My daily routine is really a bit off, brothers, tonight I need to properly rest.)