Heaven Revelation City, Hall of Know-All.
The white-haired man wearing a Ghost Mask crushed the note in his hand into powder, then laughed triumphantly: "Hahaha, that guy actually issued a Sword Challenge to Unrivaled."
"Master, why are you so pleased about someone else challenging Wushuang and making a name for themselves?" The young man beside him searched his memory for the name. "Zhuo Yuean... never heard of him."
This master-disciple pair were naturally Ji Ruofeng, the master of Hall of Know-All, and his imperial disciple Xiao Chuhe. They had just arrived at the hall today when they received this important news.
Ji Ruofeng shook his head: "No, you've not only heard of him, you've even met him and fought him before."
"If we fought, did I win or lose?" Xiao Chuhe asked.
Ji Ruofeng chuckled: "If you trained for a few more years, you might have had a chance."
"Oh, so I lost. I rarely lose. And he's a swordsman... could he be..." Xiao Chuhe pondered, "It shouldn't be him. I remember that person being aloof and not talkative. Why would he do something so flamboyant?"
Ji Ruofeng nodded: "Seems you've guessed his identity."
Xiao Chuhe was startled: "It really is him! That expert from Dark River, what was his name... Umbrella Ghost Su Muyu? Why did he change his name?"
"Zhuo Yuean is his real name. The young master of Swordless City. If not for sudden misfortunes, he would have had the chance to study at the academy when he grew up." Ji Ruofeng sighed softly. "How fate plays tricks on people."
"Shall we go watch the excitement?" Xiao Chuhe asked.
Ji Ruofeng shook his head: "You're still a prince after all. Leaving Heaven Revelation City is a big deal, let alone going to Peerless City. If discovered, it would cause major trouble."
"Fine." Xiao Chuhe waved his hand. "This prince title is so boring. If I ever stop being a prince, I'll definitely roam the martial world freely with my sword."
"Hahaha, you're destined to be emperor." Ji Ruofeng patted Xiao Chuhe's shoulder. "The martial world is fated to have no connection with you."
"Shh." Xiao Chuhe made a silencing gesture. "Master, how dare you say such things so casually?"
Ji Ruofeng shrugged: "Why wouldn't I dare? I only became this White Tiger Envoy because your father and uncle begged me to. If I get unhappy one day and quit, they'll be the ones distressed."
"That's exactly why being emperor isn't great. Even just the master of Hall of Know-All has them caught in a dilemma. Being a martial artist is better! As long as I'm peerless in the world, there's nothing to fear, no mundane rules to bind you." Xiao Chuhe laughed. "Master, I mean this seriously!"
Ji Ruofeng looked into Xiao Chuhe's eyes—they were indeed clear and sincere. He smiled: "What a way to say 'just the master of Hall of Know-All.' If you wish to walk the martial path, your master will accompany you."
"Great. Then let's go watch the excitement together." Xiao Chuhe's expression instantly changed, revealing a sly smile.
"You brat, so this was your plan all along." Ji Ruofeng smacked Xiao Chuhe's head. "But this current excitement isn't big enough. It needs to be grander."
"How much grander?" Xiao Chuhe asked.
"Wouldn't it be lacking without a Sword Immortal?" Ji Ruofeng said mysteriously. "Have all arrangements been made?"From the corner emerged an Iron-Faced Official, who nodded with a deep, muffled voice: "We had already made arrangements before the Hall Master's orders."
"Oh? Learning to anticipate my intentions now?" Ji Ruofeng chuckled.
Fengxuan City.
Fallen Cherry Pavilion.
"These long summer days are truly unbearable," remarked an elegant scholar in white robes as he raised a cup of chilled tea to his lips and drained it in one gulp. "Thankfully, this pavilion's tea keeps me company through the heat. A single cup refreshes the entire body."
A monk sat across from him, flipping through a book with an amused smile. "When you said you wanted to read here, I didn't think much of it and invited you. But these past few days, you've nearly emptied my tea reserves. No, no—before you leave, you must leave me a few handwritten calligraphy pieces. Otherwise, I'll have to chase you out now."
The scholar laughed. "Naturally, that won't be a problem."
"Hahaha! Calligraphy from the renowned Confucian Sword Immortal must be quite valuable!" The monk immediately refilled the scholar's cup.
This scholar was none other than the illustrious Xie Xuan, the Confucian Sword Immortal. Rumors said he traveled the world solely to read every book—evidently true, as he had recently been spotted at the Academy of Shili Langdang and now appeared at Fengxuan City's Fallen Cherry Pavilion.
"Hahaha! But I'm called the Confucian Sword Immortal for two reasons: first, I've read many books, and second, my swordsmanship is exceptional. As for my poetry... forgive my bluntness, it's unbearable to look at!" Xie Xuan roared with laughter.
Just then, a figure appeared at the pavilion's entrance.
The man wore a wide-brimmed hat with gray veils obscuring his face.
The monk's expression tightened slightly, his hand resting on the iron staff beside him.
"No need for alarm, Master Qiu," Xie Xuan waved dismissively. "Judging by your attire, you must be from the Hall of Know-All."
"Indeed. Hall of Know-All, Song," the veiled man replied.
"What does Ji Ruofeng want with me?" Xie Xuan asked. "Surely it's not time to revise the Martial Rankings again. Ask him if he can remove me from that Sword Immortal Ranking."
"The Martial Rankings are not due for revision yet," the man replied.
"Then what is it?" Xie Xuan frowned.
"Su Muyu, head of the Dark River Su Family, has issued a Sword Challenge to Unrivaled against Peerless City's leader, Song Yanhuai," the veiled man said slowly.
Xie Xuan's brow furrowed. "What does that have to do with me?"
"Master Xie has read all the books under heaven, but not all its swords. This is an excellent opportunity," the man replied.
An unnamed town.
In a tavern without even a signboard.
A burly man set his greatsword on the table, grabbed a wine jug, and downed it in one go. Wiping his lips, he glared at the veiled man sitting across from him. "You flies—why do I run into you wherever I go?"
The veiled man chuckled. "If Yan Zhantian doesn't wish to see us, just lift your sword, and we'll all scatter in fear."
A few years ago, Yan Zhantian's name meant nothing in the martial world. Now, it struck fear into all.
Yan Zhantian, the Wrath Sword Immortal—the most bloodthirsty among the Five Great Sword Immortals.
"Hmph." Yan Zhantian snorted. "I despise you lot, but I don't mind Ji Ruofeng. Speak—what brings you here this time?""The hall master has nothing urgent to seek Mr. Yan for, only an amusing incident he fears you might miss," the straw-hatted man said quietly. "An amusing incident related to swords."
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