"Ziying, wait a moment." Seeing Murong Ziying preparing to leave, Han Lingsha immediately called out to him. Murong Ziying stopped in his tracks, turned around, and looked at Han Lingsha as he spoke, "What is it?"
"I never expected you, Ziying, to be such a kind person," Han Lingsha said with a smile after staring at him for a while.
During this period of time together, although Murong Ziying had always maintained a cold demeanor, Han Lingsha and the other three had come to understand his true nature. If it were someone else facing the four of them and their bold antics, mere verbal reprimands would not have sufficed. Yet, Murong Ziying, by now, had become immune to Han Lingsha calling him by name instead of addressing him as "Shishu" (uncle-master).
"Stop dodging the subject." Murong Ziying's expression flickered momentarily at her compliment before he quickly returned to his usual demeanor.
"I heard from other disciples that you, little Ziying, like swords and items related to them. I've been carrying this item with me, but I don't use it. It's just been sitting around collecting dust, so I thought I'd give it to you." As Han Lingsha spoke, she took out a golden object.
"This is... the Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel." Murong Ziying's typically stoic face revealed rare emotion as he gazed at the item in her hand.
"Wow, little Ziying, you truly have an eye for treasures. This indeed is a sword tassel made from ten-thousand-year-old silkworm threads and crafted using the special 'Nine Dragons Silk Binding' technique." Han Lingsha seemed particularly delighted, perhaps because it was rare to see such an expression from Murong Ziying.
"This is an item only the royal family possesses. How did you come by it?" Murong Ziying didn't reach out to accept the Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel that Han Lingsha offered.
The Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel wasn't something that ordinary people, like Daniel Davis, Yun Tianhe, or even Liu Mengli, would understand the value of. However, Murong Ziying, as a descendant of the Yan Kingdom, was well aware of its significance. Its value didn't lie in enhancing power but rather in its symbolic status—akin to owning a rare antique, luxury bag, or car in modern times.
Although it was a sword tassel meant to accompany a sword, it wasn't strictly limited to that purpose. It could also be worn as a decorative accessory, much like the Fire Rain Agate that Nongyu had or the Imperial Jade Pendant that Liu Mengli owned.
"This is far too precious. I can't accept it."
"People say giving a grand gift to one's master shows sincerity. Since you're our uncle-master, we've never given you anything. This is the perfect gift." Smiling, Han Lingsha placed the Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel directly into Murong Ziying's palm.
"Nonsense. The Qionghua Sect is a pure and sacred place of cultivation. There's no place for such worldly customs." Murong Ziying immediately attempted to return the tassel.
"So old-fashioned," Han Lingsha muttered under her breath. Though she spoke softly, at such close range, Murong Ziying naturally heard her. However, it seemed he had already become immune to such remarks, as his expression didn't change.
"A fine sword suits a hero, and beautiful flowers are gifts for beauties. The Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel in your possession wouldn't disgrace it." After her muttering, Han Lingsha said this cheerfully.
"No need to say more. I won't accept it."
"Alright, I understand. Then how about this: could I trouble you to find a sword that's worthy of the Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel? When I acquired this tassel, there was no sword accompanying it. This way, we can find a fitting home for it." Faced with Murong Ziying's resolute refusal, Han Lingsha had to come up with another excuse.
"In that case, I'll keep it for now and see if I can find a suitable sword," Murong Ziying hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Had it been another item, even with Han Lingsha's reasoning, Murong Ziying might not have agreed. But this was the Nine Dragons Silk Binding Sword Tassel, and as a sword enthusiast, he couldn't bear to see such a treasure remain unmatched.
"That's better. Now, since we still have some time, let's head back and rest for a bit. See you at morning practice, little Shishu."
"Tianhe, rest early."
The group first escorted Yun Tianhe back to his room and left him to rest. Then, the other three went to a secluded area far from Yun Tianhe's room.
"Daniel, why did you call us here? And why keep it from Tianhe?" Han Lingsha asked as soon as they stopped.
"I'm older than you, you know," Daniel Davis said with a hint of exasperation at her persistent habit of calling him "little Daniel." He had tried correcting her at first, but like Murong Ziying, he eventually gave up. Among the four, Han Lingsha was the youngest, yet she had a habit of adding "little" to everyone's name. Yun Tianhe and Liu Mengli weren't spared either, though she called them that far less often than she did Daniel and Murong Ziying.
"There's something wrong with the Qionghua Sect, and it likely has to do with Tianhe's parents," Daniel said quietly.
"Why do you say that, Daniel?" Liu Mengli asked immediately.
"It's simple. The words of the Sect Master and Xuanxiao are contradictory. Tianhe's parents couldn't have been ordinary disciples. Whether it's the Wangshu Sword or the circular jade used to open the forbidden area, do you think these are things that ordinary Qionghua disciples could possess?" Daniel paused briefly before continuing.
"Furthermore, Xuanxiao's words today were partially untruthful. Don't you find it suspicious that the Wangshu Sword led us straight to the forbidden area? For a sect's forbidden ground, the fact that the four of us entered without any resistance is highly unusual."
"It's true. I've always found the Qionghua Sect to be mysterious. No wonder you kept this from Tianhe. These are things he really shouldn't know about," Han Lingsha said thoughtfully.
"Be extra careful from now on. I'll quietly investigate what happened back then. If something's amiss, we'll leave the Qionghua Sect immediately. Lingsha, can I count on you?" Daniel turned his gaze to Han Lingsha as he spoke.
"No problem. I haven't found what I'm looking for here anyway." Han Lingsha's expression dimmed as she spoke. The absence of any sign of immortality in a cultivation sect left her feeling lost.
"Lingsha, don't worry. We'll find a way to resolve the issues in your village," Liu Mengli said, trying to comfort her.
"Alright, time's up. Let's all get some rest."
"Freeing Xuanxiao."
Three days later, Yun Tianhe gathered everyone, including Murong Ziying, to discuss his plan. During these three days, Daniel had continued his usual cultivation routine. Yun Tianhe, however, had found joy in secretly visiting Xuanxiao each night. He had even sworn brotherhood with Xuanxiao and now wanted to help him regain his freedom.
As soon as Xuanxiao's potential freedom was mentioned, Murong Ziying immediately agreed without hesitation. Murong Ziying deeply respected his master and the teachings left behind by his grandmaster, Zong Lian.
"Since he's your sworn brother, we naturally have to help. But where can we find the Three Cold Artifacts?" After exchanging a glance with Daniel and Liu Mengli, Han Lingsha smiled and spoke up.
Although Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli were wary of Xuanxiao due to Daniel's warning, they couldn't dampen Yun Tianhe's rare excitement.
"Xuanxiao Shishu said two reclusive elders of the sect might know the whereabouts of the Three Cold Artifacts. We're planning to visit them now."
Under Murong Ziying's lead, the group passed through the stunningly beautiful Zuihua Valley and reached Qingfeng Stream at the rear of the Qionghua Sect. There, amidst a serene setting of bridges, flowing water, valleys, and wooden huts, they found themselves in a tranquil retreat.
"Disciple Murong Ziying requests an audience with Elders Qingyang and Chongguang," Murong Ziying said respectfully in front of the humble huts.
Moments later, two streaks of sword light appeared before the group. When the light faded, two figures—one tall and one short—dressed in the robes of Qionghua Sect elders, came into view.
"The younger one looks so young. So, the taller one must be weaker than the shorter one," Han Lingsha remarked, surprised.
The shorter elder, with short white hair and a face that seemed almost youthful, looked even younger than Murong Ziying. The taller elder, on the other hand, had white hair as well but bore wrinkles that hinted at his age. The contrast made their relative strengths obvious.
"So young," Han Lingsha exclaimed as she stared at the younger-looking elder.
"A sword box forged from Cold Moon Ice Essence—you must be Zong Lian's successor. These years, Su Yao has managed the sect well. We've been retired for years and have no involvement in sect affairs. You may leave," the tall elder said.
Murong Ziying's arrival led the two elders to assume that Su Yao had sent him. Being aware of Su Yao's management, they chose to remain uninvolved.
"Esteemed elders, the Sect Master didn't send us here. In fact, she doesn't even know we've come. It was Shishu Xuanxiao who instructed us to seek your help," Murong Ziying quickly clarified.
"Xuanxiao? How did you disciples come to meet Xuanxiao?" the tall elder asked urgently.
"I accidentally stumbled into the forbidden area and met big brother Xuanxiao there," Yun Tianhe stepped forward and explained.
"Yun Tianqing... is that you? Have you returned?" the tall elder asked in surprise upon seeing Yun Tianhe.
"Qingyang, look closely. That's not Yun Tianqing. He just resembles him," the short elder, Chongguang, reminded.
"Indeed, it's not Yun Tianqing. Who are you?" Qingyang asked after realizing his mistake.
"Yun Tianqing is my father. My name is Yun Tianhe," Yun Tianhe replied.
"Yun Tianhe? And you just called Xuanxiao your big brother?" Chongguang asked, studying Yun Tianhe carefully.
"Yes, I've sworn brotherhood with big brother Xuanxiao," Yun Tianhe said firmly.
"Sworn brotherhood? Well, that's certainly unexpected." Qingyang sighed with a wry smile.
"Respected Elder Chongguang, is there anyone in the Qionghua Sect who has achieved immortality?" Han Lingsha stepped forward and asked.
"Immortality? There's no such thing. At most, one can extend their lifespan by a few years," Chongguang replied with a shake of his head. However, as he was about to shift his gaze away, he seemed to notice something and took a closer look at Han Lingsha.
"Young lady, what's your name?" Chongguang asked.
"Han Lingsha," she answered promptly.
"This young lady doesn't seem to be in good health, and her spiritual energy is the weakest among you. Chongguang, I think you should teach her a cultivation technique," Qingyang suggested after observing her.
"Very well," Chongguang sighed lightly.
"Me? Are you serious? Thank you so much!" Han Lingsha was ecstatic at the prospect of learning a cultivation technique from a reclusive elder.
"I'll only say it once, so listen carefully." Chongguang then recited a unique cultivation technique, distinctly different from the Qionghua Sect's foundational methods.
"This technique is suited only for the young lady. The rest of you won't benefit from it," Chongguang explained, glancing at Daniel and Liu Mengli.
"Ah, so it's meant to complement the Wangshu Sword."
The Wangshu Sword and the Yihe Sword each had their unique techniques. If the Qionghua Sect weren't so close to its confrontation with the Huanming Realm, they might have considered nurturing Han Lingsha further. However, given the limited time and Xuanxiao's confidence, such measures were deemed unnecessary.
In the end, the sect planned to let Su Yao temporarily wield the Wangshu Sword.
"None of the Qionghua Sect members seem to question their ascension plan. They only pity Han Lingsha," Daniel thought to himself. After all, the plan had been in the making for generations, and elders like Qingyang and Chongguang were still invested in seeing it succeed.
"Now then, you mentioned Xuanxiao instructed you to find us. What does he need?" Qingyang asked, shifting his focus back to Murong Ziying.
"He's sealed in ice and wishes to be freed," Yun Tianhe quickly interjected, drawing the elders' attention back to himself.
"Let me explain," Murong Ziying said and recounted the events in detail.
"Xuanxiao managed to suppress the excessive yang energy within him? Truly a genius. But can the Three Cold Artifacts alone truly keep it in check?" Qingyang asked, though his tone carried some doubt. After all, he knew the severity of Xuanxiao's condition firsthand, having sealed him in ice himself.
"Big brother said he's cultivated a technique called the Frozen Seal Art, which allows him to suppress his internal issues. The Three Cold Artifacts are just a precaution," Yun Tianhe explained.
"The Frozen Seal Art?"
"Yes, I've learned it too," Yun Tianhe said, demonstrating the technique. Instantly, the surrounding temperature dropped sharply, and a faint frost appeared in the air.
"To achieve such effects as a beginner... it seems Xuanxiao truly might be able to free himself this time."
------------------
If you're enjoying this novel, please check out my new work: I Am Zeus, KING OF GODS ⚡
Your support means a lot! Reading, commenting, or voting with Power Stones helps the story grow and reach more readers. 🙌
------------------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get early access to chapters by joining my Patre@n!
Find me at: patre@n*com/Mutter
You can read each novel for $5 or get them all for just $15.
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]