The Sword Strider Saga

Xu Longxiang jerked his horse to a sudden stop, shouting his brother's name several times. Seeing no reaction from the latter, he thought his brother had died, and broke into loud sobs. It was only after Old Huang hobbled over and whispered a few words that Xu Longxiang started to laugh while sucking in his snot, giving the old servant a pat on the shoulder that landed as a slap so hard, the old man fell squarely on his butt.

After bathing and changing attires at Wutong Garden, Xu Fengnian made his way to the Tingchao Pavilion. Upon opening the door, he climbed to the third floor, where white fox-face was searching for sutras on a ladder. "Holla." Xu Fengnian sent a greeting. White fox-face jumped down from the long ladder, and the two locked eyes but no one said a word. The atmosphere was neither warm nor affectionate.

A hundred cavalry stayed poised and quiet, their Fresverds exuding a cold bloodthirst in the dusk. The general Ning Emei in dark armor holding a hundred-pound iron halberd of shining black on a black horse, built a sharp contrast against the hundred white-horse calvary. Meanwhile, thirty-six gleaming swords of the Divine Empyrean Array were aimed at the outsiders in front of the main hall. And between the cavalry and the array were Lyu Qiantang, Shu Xiu and Yang Qingfeng, among a clutter of bodies on the ground.

All good things must come to an end. Upon reaching the desolate border where two provinces met, Xu Fengnian's carriage came to a halt as Qing Niao heard a faint sound from inside. Xu Fengnian lifted the curtain, stepped out, and found himself lost in thought when he gazed at the far less impressive sceneries of Northern Liang compared to the South. With the arrival of Frost's Descent, the trees withered, leaves fell, and the insects entered hibernation. Outside, the gentle breeze now carried a chilling bite that could penetrate their clothing. Xu Fengnian had set off on his journey during the warmth of spring, and it was already winter upon returning to Liangzhou Province.

Lyu Qiantang dismounted and drew his Durandal before heading towards the Empyrean Array. Wu Shizhen frowned in disbelief. Xu Fengnian knew this could be a messy and uncontrollable fight. He put little Shanzha in Wei Shuyang's care and said to Yu Youwei, "Take Que'er down the steps with them and stay there unless told otherwise."

Xu Fengnian and his group took a slight detour on their way back and arrived at Guangling River. Today was the height of the August tide, and visitors from far and wide gathered to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle. Swallow Rock, renowned for its picturesque views, stood unrivaled among all as the premier location for tide-watching. On this particular day, the Guangling Navy organized a grand fleet review, and Zhao Yi, Lord of Guangling, graced the occasion. As the tidal waters rushed into the bay, a majestic warship, proudly flying the Guangling naval flag, led the way. Spanning a stretch of three miles along the riverbanks, the huge crowds of people dressed in exquisite garments were drawn by the scene.

Swarms of Taoists pouring out of the Qingyang Temple boosted Wu Shizhen's confidence. He scuttled away from Xu Fengnian, pointed to a stone tablet in front of the temple and sniggered, "All Men on Foot Hereon, decreed by His Majesty."

As Deng Tai'e's six seaxes buzzed and chirped, Zhao Xuansu's soul that failed to ascend to the Heavenly Gate and lost its physical attachment still lingered, floating in mid-air. With the blade in his hand, Xu Fengnian slowly stepped back, mocking, "It's what they say, even a centipede won't die easily. These stubborn old Taoists just won't let go." Zhao Xuansu, who was unable to enter the Heavenly Gate, turned his gaze back to the ocean where the golden light was pouring, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions.

The Crane Pavilion was said to be inhabited by cranes, but Xu Fengnian's party didn't even find a pheasant there when resting the horses. However, they did see six or seven female disciples around a handsome young man dressed in a Taoist robe.

In the bustling City of the Peerless, a sight both wondrous and extraordinary graced the skies as nearly two thousand swords shimmered and floated, casting an enchanting spectacle. As the city gates stood witness, an old donkey, weariness etched on its face, ambled its way into the city. Seated on the donkey was a servant-looking young boy with an empty scabbard adorning his waist. With a furrowed brow, the boy lowered his head toward a middle-aged man who was leading the donkey's steps, "Master, I have worked so hard to save up for the sword. Li Chungang assured us he sought only to borrow swords from those within City of the Peerless. So why does he lay claim to mine? We have yet to even reach the city!"

Xu Fengnian walked away holding hands with Shanzha and Que'er. Old memories started rushing back to the underachieving bandit of Old Meng. Years ago he and his men intercepted Xu Fengnian who was touring around Qingcheng with a servant. Attempting to rob him of some coins, they were all dumbfounded by all those banknotes and curious books stripped from the young man. He was not someone to be trifled with.

Before departing from Mount Longhu, Xu Fengnian crafted three plaques for the temple, utilizing old peach wood from the mountain. Maester Zhao Xituan couldn't contain his joy. He smiled broadly, showering Xu Fengnian with compliments, "The sages once said that a plaque is the heart and soul of a family. Even with good writing, without an imposing presence, it can only serve as an adornment. Only when it contains vibrant and expressive artistry can it truly be a masterpiece. Are you sure, Your Highness, you won't pop over to the Maesters' Mansion for a spot of tea and a vegan meal?"

Xu Fengnian left the Fane musing to himself, "Lord of Qingcheng... sounds pretty mighty, huh. Wanna go take a look?" Wei Shuyang merely smiled. After breakfast, Xu Fengnian went looking for the old God of Sword and found him standing upright, his hand tucked behind. Xu Fengnian lowered his voice and said, "I just put some new stuff in the document chest inside the carriage. If we ever had to run for our lives, kindly take Jiang Ni away, with the chest in tow."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng sat in the rain for a long time, looking lost. Seeing that she had no intention of getting up, Xu Fengnian reminded her, "Xuanyuan Qingfeng, you can't let me hold the umbrella for you forever. Now that Guniu Peak is leaderless, it is a great opportunity for you to realize your aspirations. Don't waste it." Xuanyuan Qingfeng struggled to get up, and sneered, "I can realize my aspirations, or Your Highness can control Mount Huishan?" Xu Fengnian replied brazenly and sarcastically, "You are very straightforward. I like it. Since you mentioned it, shall we have a discussion?"

Xu Fengnian looked at Shu Xiu, who was making all the effort to suppress her murderous rage while acting all flustered and skittish. Still hugging Yu Youwei's slender waist, he teased, "My good fellas, if I hand over this beauty for you to dote on, can you let us off?"

On Snowgrand, the middle-aged scholar walked against the wind slowly, his sleeves fluttering, and his figure distinguishing. He's been waiting for this for twenty years. Now, he showed his true self. Along the way, he kept coughing with blood oozing from his mouth. Xuanyuan Jingcheng stopped to look at the tall figure at the other end of Snowgrand, and murmured, "Finally." That man was unusually burly. He was an ageless man. Some of the white hair on his temples had turned black again twenty years ago. He stood at the gate of Guniu Mansion with a serious expression and a majestic aura. It was like he could hold out against ten thousand.

Lyu Qiantang entered the courtyard and interrupted their mealtime, saying softly, "Your Highness, we have company. Thirty over people, but they're all common bandits." Xu Fengnian laughed, "Let them all in. Lyu Qiantang and Yang Qingfeng, keep yourselves out of sight, lest you scare them. Oh right, Yang Qingfeng, you might as well notify Ning Emei and standby for orders. Shu Xiu, you stay here."

In the backyard of Xuanyuan Jingcheng's place on Guniu Peak, a woman in gorgeous attire stood in front of a glass fish tank with a small porcelain bowl in her hand. She threw the fish bait into the tank, and the red carp swam happily. A tall, strong man let himself in and walked straight to the fish tank. He touched the glazed tank and said with a smile, "My sister-in-law, we are all alone now. Maybe we should make the most out of it?" The woman stared at the carefree red carp, and said coldly, "Xuanyuan Jingxuan, aren't you worried that a bite of this is going to roast you from your tongue to your insides?"

The group departed after finishing their teas, and according to the itinerary they were supposed to rest in a city around dusk. But Xu Fengnian decided otherwise. He made Lyu Qiantang pick a side path from which to enter the Qingcheng Mountain Range. There were sixty-four peaks in the Qingcheng Mountain Range, forming an encirclement like ancient citadels. The evergreen ancient trees adorned the region with lush verdant colors, hence the name Qingcheng, a citadel of luxuriantly green.

Xu Fengnian didn't know that someone in Mount Huishan happened to look at Mount Longhu not long ago. Xuanyuan Qingfeng and his grandfather Xuanyuan Guoqi stood behind the railing of the river-facing passage on top of Mastery Pavilion. Mastery Pavilion was built on the cliff, and it was windy and cold there. Xuanyuan Qingfeng adjusted the collar to keep herself warm. Seeing this, the old man with gray temples smiled, "Do you feel cold? You lazy girl. Just like your father, you are unwilling to practice martial arts. It's not all about fighting and killing. It can keep you strong and healthy."