Chapter 134: The Sword Doesn’t Work
In the plaza of Sword Flower Palace.
It seemed that all the disciples of Sword Flower Palace had received the news and knew that today was the day Young Master Sang’s confinement ended, so many disciples had gathered early, staring from a distance.
Young Master Sang swayed along with the Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum sisters, making their way to the plaza.
From far away, he spotted Gu Yingmian in her white gauze dress, gracefully seated on the high platform beside the plaza with her veil covering her face.
“Palace Master, we’ve brought him.”
As soon as Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum reached Gu Yingmian, they immediately put away the various expressions they had while in front of Young Master Sang, and respectfully bowed before stepping aside to hold their swords in silence.
Young Master Sang quickly got into character, bowing humbly:
“Junior Sang Ce, greetings to Palace Master Gu.”
“No need for formalities.”
Gu Yingmian seemed to be itching with anticipation. Beneath her veil, her beautiful eyes sparkled with eagerness as her voice soared melodiously:
“The matter of Young Master Sang trespassing into Sword Flower Palace has been compensated with confinement. Now, after a minor punishment, I can listen to your request.”
Having prepared for this moment for days, Young Master Sang immediately got into his act, kneeling sincerely:
“Although I’m just a wandering cultivator, my family has practiced swordsmanship for generations. My father devoted his life to the sword, entrusting his lifelong passion to it.”
“Until his last moments, he reminded me to travel the world and explore the sword techniques of the great masters.”
“For many years, I have carried his wishes, wandering alone across the land, yearning to spar and discuss with sword cultivators of unparalleled skill.”
“Now, all that remains is the sacred land of swordsmanship—the Sword Flower Palace.”
He bowed deeply: “I hope Palace Master Gu will generously impart your teachings!”
His heartfelt words were moving, as if he were genuinely a sword fanatic passionately seeking knowledge.
The disciples present, including Gu Yingmian, nodded slightly.
Only Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum, who knew Young Master Sang’s true nature, had their own thoughts.
Autumn Chrysanthemum’s face turned crimson as she hung her head in silence.
Spring Orchid, on the other hand, glared at Young Master Sang, teeth grinding in irritation.
“Anyone who has immersed themselves in the sword like your father deserves my utmost admiration,” Gu Yingmian slowly said. “Earlier, I saw you demonstrate your sword intent at the testing stone, reaching a height that could make a tiger roar half a mile. I’m quite interested to witness your sword skills.”
“To be honest,” Young Master Sang suddenly felt shy, “my swordsmanship is inherited from my father. For many years, I have only grasped its form, not its essence—merely a facade.”
“If Palace Master is interested, I shall show my clumsiness.”
With that, he slowly drew his iron sword from behind, his expression becoming serious.
As he got serious, his demeanor seemed to shift dramatically.
Young Master Sang’s aura grew steady and imposing, radiating a dominating presence that looked down on all things.
The moment he gripped the sword, it felt as if all distractions were irrelevant to him.
His eyes were solely fixed on the sword in his hand.
Seeing him filled with spirit, youthful energy, and confidence, many sword flower palace female disciples let out awestruck gasps.
Even Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum looked at him with astonishment.
Is this serious swordsman really the same guy who’s all charm and mischief, always plotting something?
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Young Master Sang slowly posed his starting stance.
An extraordinary sword intent gradually materialized on the iron sword.
Gu Yingmian’s captivating eyes suddenly brightened.
She could instantly tell that this sword intent was extraordinary.
Looking across the worldly realm, Gu Yingmian considered her knowledge of swordsmanship vast.
Yet, this sword intent still surprised her.
She was increasingly eager to see the complete form of this sword intent.
Gu Yingmian even stopped hiding her excitement and enthusiasm, leaning slightly forward, eyes locked on Young Master Sang.
Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum also looked at him.
The disciples outside the plaza were also focused on him.
All eyes converged on Young Master Sang as he took a deep breath and swung his sword with a powerful chop.
“Whoosh!”
A crisp sound rang out.
Everyone watched in disbelief as Young Master Sang’s sword shattered into a pile of iron shards.
Gu Yingmian: “…”
Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum: “…”
The disciples: “…”
“Oh dear,” Young Master Sang looked at his sword and instantly lamented, “I’m so sorry, Palace Master Gu. I’ve spent all my savings seeking sword cultivators and haven’t had money to replace this old weapon.”
“This sword has accompanied me for years; it’s been battered and broken. I’ve even been too afraid to use it to its full potential while practicing.”
“I didn’t expect that right when I wanted to go all out today, my old companion would… would… Wuwuwu.”
With that, Young Master Sang pretended to feel deeply and wiped away a few fake tears.
Seeing him so sorrowful over his sword, Gu Yingmian couldn’t help but comfort him:
“Ah, swords are weapons and also dear friends. The pain of losing a dear friend is indeed hard to bear.”
“However, like people, swords all have their time. Since its fate has run its course, let it rest in peace.”
Young Master Sang nodded, still a bit glum.
Noticing that Young Master Sang’s mood was slightly better, Gu Yingmian quickly continued:
“You don’t need to feel sorry for yourself. What we have most in Sword Flower Palace are famous swords. There are so many swords in the Sword Repository, surely there’s one that suits Young Master Sang.”
“Hurry, Spring Orchid, Autumn Chrysanthemum, get a sword for Young Master Sang.”
Her voice was quite urgent.
After all, she had nearly seen that sword intent, but it had been interrupted for this reason.
It was like being right on the verge of something then suddenly freezing up.
Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum immediately complied and left in a hurry.
Young Master Sang patiently waited in place.
After all.
No matter what sword they brought, Young Master Sang had already thought up various excuses.
None of them would be good enough.
After all, his goal was never some random useless sword.
His target was singular.
—
—
Before long, Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum returned, each pushing a small cart full of swords.
Sword Flower Palace truly deserved its title as the sacred land of swordsmanship, with an impressive array of swords that dazzled the eye, some of which even made Young Master Sang’s heart race.
But in the end, he managed to hold himself back.
“This one won’t do, it’s too heavy, I can’t get used to it.”
“This one’s too light! Does it come with a feather? How can I use it like this?”
“Too thin and soft, not gonna work.”
“Too thick! Is this black, thick lump really a sword?”
…
After a series of selections, the vast majority failed to catch Young Master Sang’s fancy.
And in order to not offend Gu Yingmian’s face, Young Master Sang deliberately picked out a few high-grade swords and tried them.
But they all ended up “accidentally” destroyed by Nian Nian using props.
Turning them into a “burden unable to bear my sword intent” kind of look.
Sure enough, after the test, Young Master Sang bowed to Gu Yingmian with a regretful and apologetic expression:
“Palace Master Gu, I’m truly sorry. I didn’t expect my sword intent to be so violent, breaking so many of your exquisite swords… You’re magnanimous, you wouldn’t ask me to pay for them, would you?”
He cautiously glanced at Gu Yingmian.
As expected.
A contemplative look flashed across Gu Yingmian’s face.
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