Chapter 1054: The Sleeping Old Man
The two of them exchanged blows, but without utilizing any Spirit Techniques to amplify their power, neither was able to land a hit on the other.
If it came to running away, Lin Nuo was faster, but the opponent, Hui, excelled at dodging just when it seemed he was about to get hit, evading attacks with impressive speed. In this way, neither could touch the other.
Lin Nuo foresaw that if both of them unleashed lethal Spirit Techniques, their blurry bout for onlookers would likely result in nearby casualties, and they still wouldn’t have finished their fight.
No wonder this squinty-eyed guy had a few tricks up his sleeve. Lin Nuo decided against using his Demon Power to avoid escalating things and accidentally destroying the mountains behind them mid-battle.
Eventually, the fist and foot showdown led to a dull stalemate, with neither landing a hit, only the wind stirring up swirling dust.
After some time, they both retreated slightly, indicating the sparring session was over.
“Aiya, it’s been ages since I exercised like this. It feels refreshing! Hahaha, if only I had a jug of wine, that would be even better.”
Hui’s eyes squinted back up, laughing boisterously. In battle, his sharp gaze could send chills down one’s spine, but afterward, he returned to his usual demeanor.
When it was time to laugh, he laughed heartily; during battle, he never held back.
“Young man, you’re truly impressive. No wonder none could rival you. I appreciate that you respected me and didn’t injure me, hahaha.”
“There’s no need for flattery; I wanted to injure you, but your body is surprisingly agile. Your dodging skills are unexpected given your physique,” Lin Nuo remarked, and Hui laughed again, his laughter fading before he continued:
“Yeah, I’ve indeed changed. But rather than changing, I’d prefer to have my wine. Time for me to find a place to sleep; God knows how long it’ll be when I wake again.”
“Sleep? Let me ask you something; with the demon arts flourishing and everyone aware, it’s hard to understand why you, an elder-level immortal from Zifeng Valley, would just sleep and be idle,” Lin Nuo inquired.
“There’s nothing hard to understand, young man. Just as we can’t grasp why you chose the path of demon arts. Each has their own aspirations and ways. I need to find some wine. Old Lu, we ought to part ways,” Hui said.
“! The realm needs you now; how can you go back? You didn’t even use your full strength just now—it’s too much of a joke,” Lu Yi questioned, but no arguments could sway Hui.
Lin Nuo listening thought it sounded like he was using his full strength.
If both were to use their full power, it would lead to the death of everyone else except the two of them, shaking the earth and splitting the heavens.
“No one has mandated that all immortals have the duty to save the world, nor that demons must cause havoc among the people—everything has its own resolution, with or without me,” Hui spoke with the wisdom of someone who saw all.
But Lin Nuo felt that this guy was just slacking off.
At such an age, slacking off was perfectly reasonable; it was high time he enjoyed his retirement.
You bunch of young immortals really are unmotivated, relying on an old man to save the world.
However, Lin Nuo was a bit curious about Hui’s sleeping habits, asking, “Have you really slept for that long?”
“Haha, I’m quite embarrassed. I’ve been asleep for years, just woke up not long ago, and now I’m sleepy again. But Old Lu, I still have to keep an eye on you. If I leave, that little demon brother won’t let you pass. You wouldn’t stand a chance against him.”
“I am the Master of Sword Tomb; I’m not as embarrassing as you say,” Lu Yi retorted stubbornly.
“Hahaha, Old Lu, sometimes you really shouldn’t resist old age. Take your disciple and leave,” Hui advised, realizing that if he left, no one could withstand Lin Nuo, who would definitely obliterate the master and disciple pair.
“I’ll be on my way,” Lu Yi insisted, maintaining his pride.
“Li Sheng, since you are my disciple, we’ll leave it at this for today. Given the current situation, it would be easy as pie for me to kill you. Should we meet again and you’re still foolish, don’t blame me for forgetting our past.”
With that, Lu Yi took Du Xuan and the other disciples of Sword Tomb and fled.
Lin Nuo felt a twinge of disappointment; what was the point of reminiscing? Just kill him and be done with it—mercy was futile when one could barely afford four meals.
Meanwhile, Dong Xiyan remained, seemingly waiting for something.
“Xiyan, why aren’t you leaving?” Hui asked.
“Senior Hui, I want to see my disciple Ruo’er,” she replied.
“The fox girl from inside the mountain? I doubt these two brothers would be willing; I won’t involve myself in this mess. You should leave quickly—I’m tired; if I sleep, you’ll die here,” he warned.
“I… still want to see… Lin Nuo, may I meet her?” Dong Xiyan asked, her eyes filled with anticipation, hoping Lin Nuo would comply.
“Ask him if he’ll allow you to pass,” Lin Nuo pointed at the Sword Saint. How could the old father let her through?
“Not allowed,” the Sword Saint coldly stated.
Dong Xiyan replied, “Um… I…”
She momentarily found herself speechless; her strength was limited, and she couldn’t force her way through, so she had to leave.
Lin Nuo turned back and realized that Li Ruo’er was also watching the situation.
Being the villain in her presence wouldn’t leave a good impression, and he sensed that Ruo’er was quite grateful; she probably had things she wanted to say to Dong Xiyan.
“Then let’s hear Ruo’er’s opinion. If she’s willing to see you, you may go,” he said.
With that, Lin Nuo returned to Ruo’er’s side in the mountains and asked her, “Li Ruo’er, Dong Xiyan wants to see you. You can decide.”
“Dong Xian… um… Master is unwilling; I also don’t wish to,” Ruo’er replied softly.
“Don’t look at me; follow your heart. You needn’t worry about her; my sword is faster than hers. How about it?”
“Um… then, Master, I’d like to see her,” Ruo’er said.
“Alright, come with me,” Lin Nuo agreed readily, respecting Ruo’er’s feelings; being a good person in her eyes would only deepen her loyalty.
In reality, they had already reached the limit.
Lin Nuo protected Ruo’er, not out of worry for Dong Xiyan, but for fear of the Sword Saint.
If he got too excited and embraced her, wouldn’t that count as a case of indecent exposure? He’d be sent to the sky for sure.
Watching Ruo’er approach, the Sword Saint felt increasingly excited, though he didn’t show it on his face.
Being up close to Ruo’er, he realized he was not alone in this world; he had his own daughter—so adorable was this white fox girl, with her sparkling eyes melting the proud heart within him.
“Um… hello, Senior Sword Saint,” Ruo’er greeted politely, a fatal blow with her sweet and cute voice, making the world feel filled with hope.
If she could call him “Dad,” he’d have no regrets in life.
“Um… good…” The Sword Saint, overcome with excitement, even stumbled over his words.
Lin Nuo noticed this peculiar situation—was the Sword Saint really capable of such behavior?
Was he a charming daughter-con or what?