Chapter 502 - 299: Today I Draw My Sword for You
Chapter 502: Chapter 299: Today I Draw My Sword for You
Xiao Jinghong paused, got up, and went outside, looking up at the dim night sky.
Through the pouring rain, she immediately spotted the bald eagle soaring in the sky, a small tuft of white feathers on its head.
"An urgent report from Grandfather..."
Xiao Jinghong frowned, placed two fingers in her mouth, and let out a loud whistle.
Hearing the sound, the bald eagle didn’t circle but instead flapped its wings, flipped, and dove straight toward her. Only when it neared the height of the wooden cabin did the bald eagle flap its wings to slow down. It landed steadily on Xiao Jinghong’s shoulder, rubbing its head against her cheek in a fawning manner.
Xiao Jinghong gently patted its head, then removed the small bamboo tube from its claws and took out a slip of paper.
[King Landu’s Grand General, the ’Jackal’ Du Cang, has captured the Eldest Miss! The ’Dragon Spear’ Liu Wu has rushed to her rescue!]
[Furthermore, there is a major matter to discuss!]
[The Marquis hopes the General will return swiftly. —Hidden Guard Xiao Jing]
Seeing the end of the message, Xiao Jinghong’s expression changed slightly. Without hesitation, she turned back into the room, took down her Long Sword, and fastened it to her waist.
As she quickly gathered her things, she instructed, "Something major has happened at the Prefecture City. Stay here and keep a close eye on the laborers. If you encounter any trouble, immediately consult with the people of the Mountain Race!"
Seeing her expression, Su Zhenyue didn’t bother asking further questions. She handed her the half-armor mask from the table and bowed. "Your subordinate obeys!"
Xiao Jinghong put on the mask, hurried out of the wooden cabin, and shot into the sky. She patted her waist, and the Long Sword inside the scabbard fell beneath her feet according to her will.
The next moment, a streak of silvery-white sword light flared in the dimness, crossing dozens of miles in the blink of an eye. It left a galaxy-like fluorescent trail stretching northward across the overcast night sky.
Just a few breaths later, as Xiao Jinghong erupted with True Essence to hurry anxiously on her way, she saw a figure transforming into a rainbow and flying toward her.
His features were dignified, his expression cold, and he was dressed in white clothes that surpassed snow. Like her, he stood upon a Long Sword. The difference was that the streak-of-light speed Xiao Jinghong could only achieve by going all out was used with effortless grace by that white-clad Swordsman.
Upon seeing the newcomer’s appearance clearly, Xiao Jinghong subconsciously raised her guard. However, the man seemed not to see her at all, brushing past her without a change in expression. He merely left behind a few words.
"Li Wudang’s disciple? On the fifteenth of the tenth month, Gongye Bai and I will duel at the upper reaches of the Chishui River. You are qualified to come and spectate."
Before Xiao Jinghong could respond, the white-clad Swordsman’s voice continued to carry over. "Could you pass a message to your master for me? After my duel with Gongye Bai this time, I hope to test my sword against his as well."
Immediately after, his next words echoed from afar, "The time... and location... will be decided by the old man..."
Hearing his voice, Xiao Jinghong’s figure stalled. Standing on her Long Sword, she turned to look back.
She only saw the retreating silhouette of the white-clad Swordsman standing with his hands behind his back as he sped away. He acted as if it were only natural that she would obediently follow his orders after hearing his words.
After observing carefully for a moment, a flash of realization crossed Xiao Jinghong’s eyes. She thought, "It’s him. To think he has already reached the Land Immortal Realm..."
After some thought, Xiao Jinghong silently memorized the date of the fifteenth of the tenth month, turned around, and headed toward the Shu State Prefecture City once more.
While anxious about Xiao Wan’er’s safety, some old Jianghu tales she had heard while by her master Li Wudang’s side also surfaced in her mind. Naturally, this included the several peerless Swordsmen in today’s Jianghu. Such as the "Willow-Bending Sword" Chen Zhitang, the "Sword Venerable Jueyun" Jiang Mianliu, and the swordsman whose white clothes surpassed snow just now—the "Monarch Xue Jian," Lone Immortal Ye!
"Standing alone on the snowy peak for nineteen springs, plum blossoms fall on his shoulders without staining him with dust. Today I draw my sword for you, only to realize I am also a fool."
"This Lone Immortal Ye has a talent for the Sword Dao rarely seen in a thousand years. Furthermore, he devotes his entire being to the sword, allowing him to advance at godlike speed within the Sword Dao. Perhaps in a few years, he will come to challenge your master..."
Recalling these things, a trace of worry appeared on Xiao Jinghong’s face.
She was clear about Li Wudang’s situation. Having sealed his sword and retired for several years, he was likely inferior in many ways compared to Lone Immortal Ye, who had newly advanced to the Land Immortal Realm. In a duel between Swordsmen of such Cultivation and Realm, a single misstep would result in perishing along with one’s sword.
Although out of selfishness she did not want to inform Li Wudang about this matter, she also knew that since someone like Lone Immortal Ye had spoken, Li Wudang would learn of it even if she kept silent.
A duel between the two was likely inevitable.
Xiao Jinghong felt slightly flustered. It wasn’t until the Prefecture City neared that she made a decision.
She thought, "The fifteenth of the tenth month... I’ll ask martial uncle when the time comes."
Fortunately, Immortal Bai had instructed before leaving that she could seek him out if anything happened. Thus, Xiao Jinghong would be able to broach the subject. For her master’s sake, she had to be more cautious.
After all, although Lone Immortal Ye held the title of "Monarch Xue Jian," he had always done as he pleased. Especially when it involved matters of the Sword Dao. It wasn’t an exaggeration to call him a "Sword Fool."
Thinking of this, Xiao Jinghong restrained her Heart Spirit, put away her Long Sword, and landed directly in the front courtyard of the Xiao Family’s home.
Without waiting for the surrounding Armored Warriors to speak, she asked loudly, "What is the situation now? Has Eldest Sister returned safely?"
Standing nearby, Wang Lixing hurriedly stepped forward and bowed. "Reporting to the General, the Eldest Miss returned safely two hours ago!"
His expression slightly agitated, he added, "We failed in our duties as guards. I beg the General for punishment!"
Xiao Jinghong’s expression cleared up a bit, and her tone softened. "It’s good that she’s back... Since that’s the case, let Grandfather decide the rewards and punishments for this matter."
After speaking, she ignored Wang Lixing and the others kneeling around her, heading straight for the Qingjing Residence.
A moment later, within a hundred feet of the Qingjing Residence, it was completely empty of people.
Xiao Jinghong sat in the hall. Elder Master Xiao, dressed in casual clothes and sitting with a straight back, smiled and said, "The situation arose urgently. I didn’t know if the ’Dragon Spear’ Liu Wu would be able to save Wan’er, so I had Xiao Jing urgently summon you back."