It was Li Xuanfeng’s first time seeing Chi Zhiyun, yet he found him familiar. Narrowing his eyes slightly, a thought stirred in his mind.
When all was said and done, the fame of their sword immortal was owed to this man. Back when Chi Zhiyun was still the sect’s young master, he had been overseeing Li Chejing’s journey to the southern border. By now, seventy to eighty years had passed.
Chi Zhiyun was now at the late Foundation Establishment Realm. No one knew how many secret techniques he had mastered, but his spiritual qi radiated warmth and grandeur. He had likely consumed many treasured panaceas. Standing at the top, he exuded a commanding presence.
“Greetings, Sect Master!” The gathered cultivators saluted, but Chi Zhiyun was focused on first bowing to Yuan Su, respectfully saying, “Greetings, Daoist Master Yuan Su.”
Yuan Su waved his hand dismissively, merely lowering his head slightly toward the central memorial plaque. He was acknowledging Yuanwu’s passing. The Ning Family members then stepped forward to pay their respects one by one. Chi Zhiyun watched coldly. When the formalities were complete, he glanced meaningfully at Ning Hejing.
Ning Hejing turned to Ning Heyuan and said in a low voice, “You all may leave.”
Ning Heyuan’s eyelid twitched at the command. He turned to gauge Yuan Su’s expression, but seeing the Daoist Master remain indifferent, he had no choice but to silently lead his people out.
Though brief, the exchange told Li Xuanfeng everything he needed to know. Once everyone had left, Yuan Su finally spoke, “Where is Senior Suiguan?”
At the mention of this name, Chi Zhiyun’s hand tensed slightly on the hilt of his sword. A faint smile appeared on his face as he responded in a soft voice, “The honored master is elusive as a dragon, roaming the great void, traveling between the mainland and the seas. We juniors, naturally, do not know his whereabouts.”
Even as he spoke, the jade talisman at his waist swayed slightly. Li Xuanfeng’s pupils contracted ever so slightly as he lowered his gaze in silence.
That jade talisman, there was no mistaking it. It was the very same one he had used overseas to reap countless lives, tying dozens of storage pouches to it. And now, it hung from Chi Zhiyun’s waist.
Is this a warning… or a hint? thought Li Xuanfeng.
He scrutinized Chi Zhiyun, only to find that the young sect master of Azure Pond was silently observing him as well.
The nephew of Li Chejing, thought Chi Zhiyun. Of course, he remembered that boy from back then. Eighty years had passed in a blink, yet he had never forgotten that one sword strike. Every time he practiced with his blade, the image of a crisp breeze and bright moon would surface in his mind, making him pause and reflect in silence.
As his cultivation grew and his sword techniques and spell arts became more refined, he was no longer the Chi Zhiyun who once rushed through his training. Yet, that sword strike had been so dazzling that it left him feeling unworthy, so much so that he rarely used his sword anymore.
With an uncle like that, it’s no surprise his nephew turned out like this!
The Li Xuanfeng before him was even sharper than that boy from long ago. He was weathered, ruthless and was clad in armor reeking of blood. He was like a blade, so perfect that one would want to treasure and collect him.
Having consumed many treasured panaceas, Chi Zhiyun still looked youthful, while Li Xuanfeng bore the visage of an old warrior. As Chi Zhiyun was momentarily lost in thought, Yuan Su finally spoke, “Suiguan intends to bring you to the ceremony?”
Chi Zhiyun quickly snapped back to attention, cupped his hands, and respectfully replied, “Yes, Master!”
Yuan Su nodded slightly, casually pointing at Li Xuanfeng as he said, “My family is full of useless people. I’ll only send this junior. If you get the chance, you should exchange pointers with him.”
Ning Hejing was inexplicably insulted but dared not protest. After all, he was only at the early Foundation Establishment Realm, his innate ability inferior even to his younger brothers. Knowing Li Xuanfeng’s reputation, he endured it in silence.
Chi Zhiyun was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly recovered, a kind smile appearing on his face as he nodded and said, “As you command, Master.”
Yuan Su nodded again before departing with Li Xuanfeng, leaving the three men standing in the hall. Ning Hejing remained in the corner, silent as ever. At last, Chi Zhiyan, who had not spoken all this time, finally broke his silence. His expression was dark and sinister as he muttered, “So this is Li Xuanfeng!”
Chi Zhiyan’s features closely resembled Chi Zhiyun’s, but his expression carried a more sinister and cunning edge as he spoke coldly, “That Li Chejing must have used some underhanded trick to defeat you back then… Our family has always held a grudge against the Li Family… Many have long harbored resentment toward him! Once Yuan Su dies—”
“Zhiyan!!” Chi Zhiyun immediately cut him off with a sharp reprimand, “How dare you!”
Chi Zhiyan fell silent, while Chi Zhiyun’s expression darkened as he strode forward, his voice icy, “How many times have I told you? Li Chejing defeated me fair and square with his sword intent! There’s nothing disgraceful about it! You lot keep distorting the truth and twisting it in circles. That’s the behavior of sore losers!”
Seeing Chi Zhiyan scoff, he snapped harshly, he said, “I admitted defeat under broad daylight and never sought to harm the Li Family afterward. That’s how I salvaged my honor! Yet your family keeps scheming recklessly, meddling with the Yuan Family. That’s what’s truly putting me on the pyre!”
Chi Zhiyan, now thoroughly chastised, shut his mouth in embarrassment.
Chi Zhiyun had never been truly bothered by his defeat at Li Chejing’s hands. Even now, how many in Jiangnan could wield sword intent? A loss was a loss. He had never stooped to petty tricks to cover it up.
And yet, as his position as sect master became increasingly precarious, Chi Zhiyun found himself struggling to find capable subordinates. Instead, he began to regret, saying, “If our ancestor hadn’t plotted against Li Chejing back then… how many competent aides would I have now?! Not only was Li Chejing unparalleled in sharpness, but his intellect was also top-tier! If I had him at my side, I wouldn’t have to suffer the stupidity of this lot!
“And beyond that! There’s still Li Tongya, Li Xuanfeng, even Li Xizhi. Each one of them capable of holding their own and guarding a territory! How did I end up stuck with only these imbeciles…”
Chi Zhiyun sighed in exasperation but suddenly realized that his brother had gone completely silent. Turning back, he saw Chi Zhiyan looking dazed, and his heart clenched in alarm as he questioned, “What have you done this time?!”
Chi Zhiyan had been lost in thought ever since the mention of ‘harming the Li Family.’ Now that his brother had called him out, he was visibly uneasy and mumbled, “Nothing much…”
Chi Zhiyun scrutinized him carefully, his tone turning frigid as he asked, “Hejing… The spirit bell tolled six times. Did Li Xizhi return to the sect as ordered?”
Ning Hejing pondered for a moment before shaking his head and answered, “No, he has not.”
Chi Zhiyun’s heart sank, and in a sudden burst of fury, he shouted, “You fool! Li Xizhi was still useful to me! If you’ve harmed him, how many capable people do we have left in the sect?! You’re ruining me!”