In the bustling world of the Jianghu, the scattered heroes perked up. After all, the Qingyuan Sect was the top dog of Ziyang Mansion!
Then, from the front of the audience, the sect leader’s carriage rolled open, and out hopped a pair of striking young figures.
The girl was as clear as a cold moon, her breathtaking beauty radiating an aura of pressure that left the crowd momentarily speechless—was it awe or just fear of talking?
Beside her stood a boy who appeared friendly and cultured, the kind of guy you’d expect to come with sunshine and a warm smile.
They seemed to be chatting away.
“Are those disciples really that young? They look no older than seventeen or eighteen!”
“Brother, your world is too small! That’s the current top dog of Qingyuan Sect, the Master of the Tian Shuang Sword! Rumor has it, she’s slashed through everyone in her path and even taken down a few in the Observation Realm.”
“No way! I’m an outsider; don’t mess with me!”
“So, the true disciples from the big sect can probably squash us with just one move?”
“That sounds a bit believable. But what’s the catch?”
“The gap between Qingyuan Sect’s true disciples and us is the same as that between Ying Bing and Qingyuan’s true disciples.”
“And what about the boy beside her? If he stands beside Ying Bing, he must be a prodigy too!”
“What are they even talking about? Could they be discussing some deep martial arts secrets?”
……
To the outsiders, they seemed utterly unfathomable.
Every word was steeped in mystery.
But in reality…
“Tsk tsk, nothing beats the watermelons from our side! Perfect timing to come back during watermelon season.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I’ll stash the watermelon in your room tonight; it’s gotta be icy cold! Oh, have you ever tried ice cream?”
“Ice cream?”
“Tonight I’ll show you how it’s done.”
Li Mo reminisced about his own backyard, feeling a pang of nostalgia, but alas! There was no going back for now.
He penned a letter home describing the situation, needing someone from Dongli Village to send it off.
The Qingyuan Sect’s convoy rolled into the village.
Elders Xue Jing, Qian Bufan, and Yin Huaxuan were greeted by a senior from Fen Yu Lin, heading off for discussions.
As they departed, Old Xue winked at Li Mo.
“Looks like it’s gonna rain soon.”
“I’m aware, Master.”
Li Mo nodded.
Once the elders left, the disciples all made their way to the main hall for the feast.
The hall was still rather empty, probably because the Qingyuan Sect arrived early.
Luo Yu, as the chief disciple, welcomed guests at the door, accompanied by a chattering girl—naturally, that was Luo Yao.
“Brother, has the king of the Northwest Hammer arrived yet?”
“How would I know?”
“Did you find out about the Hard Gang?”
“I’m working on it. Go on and blend in with everyone at the hall; I’ll let you know if I find anything.”
Luo Yu was now quite flustered.
His sister was great and all, but she had a big mouth and loved the spotlight.
As soon as she heard everyone gathering from Dongli Village, she clamored to come along to ‘broaden her horizons and meet the world’s heroes.’
“Haha.”
A laugh rang out nearby.
Luo Yu turned, and his expression turned sour.
It was Li Mo, clutching a notebook and a pen.
“What are you doing here?” Luo Yu snorted.
Li Mo chuckled, “You still owe me a favor, you know.”
Luo Yu: “……”
Thinking of those two strings of candied hawthorns, he quietly turned back.
Li Mo didn’t dwell on it and got down to business.
He spread out his notes, covered in a flurry of names.
These were intel gathered by the Divine Eye of Fate!
As it stood, he only had information about the Qingyuan Sect folks.
He had compiled details about each person and also categorized them.
This was both for investment purposes and preparation for entering the secret realm.
He even planned to try his luck at encountering Han Zhen.
“Luo brother.”
A burly figure approached, muscles popping in the upper body, while his lower half was draped in thick clothing.
Following him was a group of equally sturdy bro-types, like a pack of bears.
The muscle squad didn’t require any guessing; they were definitely into physical training… oh wait, no, they were probably all about the muscle show.
【Name: Tie Qi】
【Age: 27】
【Constitution: Copper skin and iron bones, born with divine strength.】
【Realm: Observation with Two Apertures.】
【Fate: Blue】
【Evaluation: Lost his legs at an early age, relying on willpower to gain respect from the Hall Master of the Courageous Gate, currently the leading disciple.】
【Recent Encounter: Heard that the bl**d Phoenix is miraculous and can resurrect the dead. He hopes to try his luck to restore his broken body. Fierce and vengeful, known as the ‘Big Brother’ of the Courageous Gate.】
Li Mo: “…..”
Forget the odd nickname for a sec.
This muscle guy seems like a solid investment, his evaluation is high even in the blue-fate category.
“Hey?”
“I just saw you writing; do you know everyone here?”
Luo Yao shuffled closer as her brother ignored her.
One reason was…
She felt that this earnest disciple writing away looked a bit familiar… but she couldn’t quite put her finger on where she’d seen him before.
“Know them,” Li Mo replied, then predicted her next question:
“I don’t know the king of the Northwest Hammer, thanks, not close.”
“Then…”
“There’s nothing much to the Hard Gang either.”
“Oh…..”
Luo Yao lowered her head in disappointment.
Li Mo’s mouth twitched: “Why are you so fixated on finding him?”
Luo Yao sighed:
“I keep telling them the king of the Northwest Hammer is the real prodigy of the Eastern Wilderness, but they just don’t believe me! They say I’m daydreaming!”
“Can I just sit back and take it? No way! I’m definitely going to find Big Hammer Bro and slap their faces silly!”
She’s seen tons of so-called prodigies before.
None can hold a candle to Big Hammer Bro!
Too bad no one believes her.
Big Hammer… Bro?
Watching the girl clench her fists and turn into a little fangirl was a sight to behold.
Li Mo mused if this martial arts world had any rare treasures that could erase memories.
Please, just forget me!
Little Li wanted to maintain the suave image in people’s minds—an elegant, laid-back swordsman.
He was even considering changing his nicknames.
“By the way, what’s your name?”
“Sword Qi spans thousands of miles, with a sword’s light chilling nineteen states; you can call me Li, the Jade Capital Sword Immortal, Mo.”
Li Mo puffed out his chest, asserting with confidence, showing no signs of embarrassment.
The Crimson Sky Sword trembled slightly, possibly feeling a tad embarrassed too.
Maybe the nickname was a bit long.
Luo Yao stared at him dumbfounded:
“Li what Mo?”
“Jade Capital Sword Immortal!”
“Li Jade Capital what Mo?”
“Sword Immortal, duh!”
“What Jade Capital Sword Immortal?”
“……”
So how come the king of the Northwest Hammer remembered you so clearly in one go?
Li Mo started to wonder if it was his fault—was his nickname just too long?
“Ha…”
Suddenly, a disdainful laugh interrupted him.
Li Mo raised his eyes to see a man with a fair face, donned in elegant robes, looking rather dapper, although his triangular eyes gave him a slightly mean edge.
In his arms, he cradled a long sword that looked like jade, sharpness almost oozing from the sheath.
He wasn’t alone; older folks accompanied him, all looking agreeable, of course.
【Name: Que Jinghong.】
【Age: 24】
【Constitution: Containing Light Sword Body.】
【Realm: Observation with Six Apertures.】
【Fate: Blue with Purple.】
【Evaluation: Third chair of Hengyun Sword City in Langya State, lightly climbed to the eighty-ninth on the Qianlong List. Sharp temperament with a haughty disposition, overly competitive.】
【Recent Encounter: Heard that Ying Bing can slay with serene breath, her sword skills are exceptional, hoping to sharpen himself through her, desires to find the bl**d Phoenix Diagram in the bl**d Phoenix Secret Realm.】
Both Hengyun Sword City and Que Jinghong had quite the reputations.
As soon as he stepped in, he caught the attention of the crowd, but he kept his gaze focused ahead, showing no interest in interacting.
Li Mo: “?”
How come everyone seems to know about Ying Bing taking down Laughing Amitabha?
Which gossiping scoundrel spilled the beans?
Achoo—
Luo Yu sneezed suddenly.
