"Fu Character Tower?"
Wang Anfeng's mind conjured the image of the hundred-zhang-tall building he had seen upon first entering Fufeng County City, a structure soaring into the sky, its eaves adorned with tiger head sculptures, golden bells hanging from the corners tinkling with the breeze, and red silk fluttering below like fierce flames, scorching the eyes of onlookers.
Jiu Zizai nodded, glancing at the youth as he spoke,
"Looking at you, you seem unaware of the matter of Fu Character Tower."
"Once the birthday feast is over, you can go there."
After taking another sip of wine, the old man casually asked,
"Right, your martial skills are not bad, who is the master you've paid homage to? How come he never told you about Fu Character Tower?"
"… I am not a student."
The old man looked askance in surprise and saw the young man scratching his head as he said,
"I am a keeper of books."
Qingfeng Edge・Pill Pavilion.
Xue Qinshuang lay on the bed, extending her right hand, while her hazel pupils darted around as if wanting to escape but, being watched by the aloof-faced Gong Yu next to her, she dared not move rashly. Beside her sat an elderly woman with a kindly face and silver hair, seated on a low stool. She placed her hand on the young girl's wrist, channeling her Inner Strength through the meridians into her body, causing her to cry out unexpectedly in surprise,
"This is all wrong, all wrong."
"This is truly too reckless."
Gong Yu stood to the side and asked,
"Grandmother, how should she be treated?"
Her tone and attitude were extremely respectful.
The elderly woman before her had experienced a great adventure in her youth and once traveled the world by the side of a sage herbalist. Afterward, she had been apprenticed several times to renowned doctors. Although her martial arts barely reached the Sixth Rank, in terms of medical skill, she was the best within Qingfeng Edge; therefore, Gong Yu was not worried she would be at a loss.
Upon hearing the question, the old woman withdrew her hand and first reassured Gong Yu there was no need to worry. She then turned to Xue Qinshuang with a smile and said,
"Little child, your injuries are severe, yet the solution is simple."
"But you must listen and behave."
Xue Qinshuang nodded obediently, and the old woman continued,
"Take medicine and rest; with your foundation of Inner Strength combined with the effects of the medicine, recovery will come swiftly."
"However, during this period, do not engage in any martial arts, and avoid alcohol, meat, sweets, and any food with strong flavors altogether, or your injuries may get worse."
The young girl's smile became slightly strained, and her pretty hazel eyes widened.
At that moment, she felt as though the entire world was slipping away from her.
Meanwhile, the old woman had already turned around to instruct her disciple about some matters. Due to her advanced age and declining energy, she had not been frequently present at the Pill Pavilion in recent years. She had come personally this time only because Xue Qinshuang's issue was related to Fufeng Academy.
Shortly after, Gong Yu and the old woman's disciple saw the elderly lady out of the Pill Pavilion.
Curiosity sparked in Gong Yu as she asked,
"Grandmother, does her injury really call for so many restrictions?"
The old woman chuckled and replied,
"Of course, not. With her Inner Strength and with her martial skill level, a few days of rest with the help of elixirs would suffice. Why would there be a need for so many restrictions?"
The old woman paused in her step, laughing as she said,
"These young ladies nowadays are always fighting and killing."
"You don't know, but those of us who learn medicine find these sword-crazed individuals most troubling, never knowing when they'll come back full of injuries."
As if recalling something, the old woman's voice faded, yet she shook her head in amusement, dismissing the thought:
"So I decided to let her taste some hardship."
It wasn't until Xue Qinshuang had taken the elixir and was barred from entering the Pill Pavilion's front hall that Tuoba Yue and Baili Feng finally could visit. They had already heard from the disciples outside the Pill Pavilion that Xue Qinshuang's injuries were not too serious, so the anxiety that had been gripping their hearts began to ease.
After a brief comforting exchange, not wishing further to disturb Xue Qinshuang's rest, the two got up to leave.
Baili Feng, with a Mo Blade slung over his back, and a carefree demeanor, walked out. Tuoba Yue, on the other hand, said a few more words. At the moment of parting, her steps hesitated, and she turned at the doorway to look back at Xue Qinshuang, who was lying on the bed, looking somewhat listlessly bored, and said:
"Young Master Xue Shuang..."
Xue Qinshuang blinked in surprise and looked forward.
Tuoba Yue pursed her lips and said softly:
"Is it Miss Xue Shuang?"
Xue Qinshuang did not attempt to hide anything and simply smiled:
"You've seen through me."
Just now, under the waterfall, although the water that soaked Xue Qinshuang's white clothes had been evaporated by his inner strength, the loose black hair and blood-stained lips revealed a sense of heroic spirit and casual beauty that moved even her, who was of the fairer sex, stirring feelings deep within her.
At that moment, she instinctively realized that this 'Young Master Xue Shuang' could not possibly be a man.
Now, with her realization confirmed, there was a sense of regret, yet also a bit of relief in her heart.
Flooded with complex emotions which were too personal to express to others, she simply bid Xue Qinshuang to rest well, then turned and left the Pill Pavilion. As she looked out at the distant scenery, the view was stunning, with a complex expression on the girl's face; she took a soft breath.
Sometimes she really resented the unfairness of the world.
Why must there be such great disparity between people?
The thought had barely surfaced when Tuoba Yue raised her hands to her cheeks, using the pain to suppress the weakness in her heart; her eyes once again brightened. She took a deep breath, her spirits high.
She had yet to master that secret manual.
Invigorated, Tuoba Yue quickened her pace and swiftly left.
Meanwhile, at Qingfeng Edge, atop a green stone cliff, Baili Feng sat cross-legged carrying his Mo Blade, gazing blankly into the sky where clouds churned, the normally carefree smile now gone from his face, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
Xue Qinshuang commanded a hundred swords with a single thought.
Wang Anfeng's swordplay shattered all the Hundred Sword Techniques.
The young man let out a sigh of turbid air, frustratingly scratching his head, leaning backward, not crashing to the ground but instead balancing on the green stone with one leg, maintaining his body parallel to the ground, showcasing a solid foundation. His arms dangled to the side, touching the ground as he looked up at the gathering and scattering clouds,
"Truly impressive..."
Baili Feng sighed. With a powerful movement, he twirled through the air, adjusted his posture, and landed lightly. Standing up to look at the scenery below the mountain, he felt an indescribable sense of oppression weighing on his heart. Even with his carefree nature, he struggled to break free.
He was unwilling and indignant.
But most importantly, he was unwilling to be left behind.
Proud youth never wanted to fall behind others.
With clear eyes, Baili Feng sat down on the green stone, the Mo Blade in his back casting a sharp light as he positioned it on his knees. His left hand brushed the handle while his right flicked the blade's edge, eliciting a clear, resonating hum. His eyes half-closed, his spirit focused on the secret manuals he had found at Qingfeng Edge, attempting to resonate with the Mo Blade.
He was very clear in his mind.
There was no difference between swords and blades; if one could nourish a sword, why not a blade?
The sword and blade were both made of common iron.
It was the wielder that brought them to life.
The sound of his breathing became longer and more tranquil, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.