Chapter 124: Chun Lan and Qiu Ju
At this moment, Sang Zhe was also quite anxious.
He had been holding his sword for quite a while now.
Of course, he didn’t plan to commit suicide with it; he wasn’t that stupid.
But if you’re going to put on a show, might as well go all out! To establish the image of a pure-hearted and deeply emotional sword immortal protagonist, you must have some flashy actions.
Isn’t that how martial arts novels are written? “Death to repay the debt” and all that!
Then, someone would step in to stop him, giving him an out while still saving face.
But right now, he had the sword against his neck for quite some time.
Sang Zhe was still waiting for that person to give him an out.
In an awkward moment, he closed his eyes and, in slow motion, cut a small mark on his neck with the sword.
He eagerly awaited someone to persuade him to “spare their life.”
Finally, he managed to hear Gu Yingmian’s voice echo in the hearts of everyone present.
At that moment, it wasn’t Xiao Cui and Hua Hua who relaxed the most.
It was Sang Zhe himself.
He nearly ruined his act entirely!
“This gentleman.”
The Yellow-Clothed Girl Qiu Ju timidly approached Sang Zhe, elegantly bowing: “Our palace master requests your presence.”
Sang Zhe nodded and followed her.
As they passed by Chun Lan, the blue-clothed girl let out an unhappy huff and muttered, “Lucky you.”
Sang Zhe couldn’t recall when he had offended this woman.
But it seemed that from the first time he met her, she had always been giving people a hard time.
Complaining in Pengxu Mountain.
Complaining at the promotion conference.
Still complaining now.
What a nagging girl.
Despite her delicate looks, she had an expression like everyone owed her a fortune.
At least Qiu Ju seemed a bit sweeter and more approachable.
Qiu Ju appeared somewhat shy and reserved.
Even though she was leading Sang Zhe, he could clearly see her palms sweating and steps quickening, as if she wanted to introduce the Sword Flower Palace to him but feared being too forward.
Her cute round face had a hint of baby fat, making her utterly adorable.
Watching the two beautiful girls with distinct expressions, Sang Zhe couldn’t help but marvel.
No wonder the Sword Flower Palace was a holy place that only accepted female disciples.
Pretty girls are indeed abundant!
——
——
Following Chun Lan and Qiu Ju, they arrived at the great hall of the Sword Flower Palace.
The hall was majestic, yet the interior was simple and elegant.
Once they stepped into the main hall, Chun Lan and Qiu Ju quickly bowed respectfully: “Palace Master, we’ve brought him.”
Sang Zhe’s gaze landed on the figure at the front of the hall.
On the elegantly simple throne sat a figure in a light-colored ethereal robe, without any hairpin, letting her long, dark hair flow freely down her back.
Her delicate, slender hands were clean and pure as jade, and she wore a thin veil over her face, allowing only a glimpse of her radiant cherry lips.
… So this is the legendary sword immortal Gu Yingmian?
Sang Zhe didn’t dare look for long and immediately bowed his head respectfully: “I’m Sang Ce, it’s an honor to meet Elder Gu.”
Gu Yingmian’s voice was as light and pleasant as he had heard in the holy place. She slowly spoke:
“That roar from the trial sword stone earlier, was it you?”
“I took the liberty of trying it out. I didn’t mean to offend your sect. Please punish me, Elder.”
Sang Zhe spoke sincerely and courteously.
But the next moment, Gu Yingmian replied, “Good. Then I shall punish you.”
Sang Zhe: “?”
No, no.
I was being polite!
Why are you taking this seriously?
That’s not how the script goes! I just gave you an out; aren’t you supposed to let me off the hook now?
“The Sword Flower Palace has strict laws; men are not allowed inside.”
“Since you have trespassed into the Sword Flower Palace, regardless of the circumstances, that should warrant death.”
“However, recognizing your exceptional swordsmanship that could provoke such a reaction from the trial sword stone…”
“A talent should be cherished, everyone knows this.” She said coolly, “So, you will be confined for ten days.”
“After ten days, you may return to discuss this further with me.”
Ten days in confinement?
Well, that’s not too bad.
Sang Zhe sighed in relief and slowly bowed his head: “Thank you for your mercy, Elder.”
“Qiu Ju, take Young Master Sang to the confinement chamber.”
Qiu Ju timidly nodded and led Sang Zhe away from the main hall.
After they left, Chun Lan frowned in dissatisfaction and said, “Palace Master, ten days’ confinement for a man trespassing? Isn’t that a bit lenient?”
“Lenient?”
Gu Yingmian slowly shook her head: “If I weren’t afraid of breaking the rules, I wouldn’t have even bothered with confinement.”
Chun Lan: “Huh?”
“It’s been over a hundred years since I met someone who could provoke a roar from the trial sword stone half a mile away.”
A fleeting glimmer of delight and fervor crossed her eyes beneath the veil: “I want to test swords with him right now.”
“But the rules…”
“Rules are made by people.”
Gu Yingmian shot Chun Lan a sidelong glance: “You should tone down your temper these days; don’t irritate this rare guest.”
“It’s been a while since I met someone I’m so interested in.”
“I thought I’d have to wait in loneliness and boredom before facing the Demon Cult’s Prison Master.”
“Now it seems… I finally have something to pass the time.”
Even though Chun Lan still felt resentment in her heart, she dared not speak against Gu Yingmian.
In the end, she could only pout and quietly respond, “Yes, Palace Master.”
Gu Yingmian lowered her head, and in her palm, a deep, cool silver-white long sword gradually materialized.
The long sword shimmered with an ethereal glow; its patterns were deep and obscure, exuding an ancient charm that could dazzle anyone who glanced at it, making them dizzy.
“… Treasure.”
“You’re excited about that person too, aren’t you?” she softly caressed the sword hilt, her voice gentle.
The long sword trembled slightly as if responding to Gu Yingmian’s touch with a soft hum.
——
——
“This room is our Sword Flower Palace confinement chamber.”
Led by Qiu Ju, Sang Zhe entered a room that looked fairly bright and spacious.
The room wasn’t large, but it had everything needed. For someone like Sang Zhe, who could easily live in a small rental for months without moving, the conditions were quite good.
“Other than not being allowed to go out, please feel free to make any requests, Young Master.”
Sang Zhe nodded.
“Is your name Qiu Ju, sister fairy?”
“Eh?” Qiu Ju seemed a bit flustered, lowering her head, her voice hurried, “What sister fairy… I should be younger than you, I’m only seventeen…”
“In that case, let me boldly call you Qiu Ju sister.”
Sang Zhe smiled and asked, “That girl in the light robe resembles you, is she your sister?”
“That’s my sister Chun Lan.”
Qiu Ju’s face turned slightly red as she quietly said, “My sister and I have been in the palace together since childhood for over ten years now.”
“Now, only my sister and I serve the palace master. In the Sword Flower Palace, our roles as sword attendants are more prominent.”
Oh, I see.
So you two are the closest people to Gu Yingmian.
Sang Zhe smiled at Qiu Ju.
For some reason, that smile made Qiu Ju feel a bit shivery inside.
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