“Since I’ve already fallen out with the Crown Prince of Southern Tang, Yin’er fears nothing. The barefooted aren’t afraid of those who wear shoes. No matter what, you are the Dingguo Marquis—I expect he wouldn’t dare make any major moves!”
“Well said! Grandfather has never seen such a bold and spirited Yin’er. Grandfather is pleased!”
He stretched out his large palm to stroke the top of his granddaughter’s head. “But what about your swordsmanship? Swordsmanship prevails in this age; the strong are revered, and only those with superb sword skills earn respect. You have barely reached the rank of Elementary Swordsman—the lowest tier. Grandfather worries about you.”
These words were filled with concern and a trace of melancholy. His granddaughter had been called a useless good-for-nothing. How could he not be furious? Yet what they said happened to be the truth.
“Grandfather need not worry about Yin’er. Having passed through this life-and-death crisis, Yin’er has seen through many things. As the saying goes: what happened yesterday is as if it died yesterday; what happens today is as if born today. The former Xiao Qianyin has long since vanished with the wind. Standing before you is a brand-new Xiao Qianyin. Yin’er will not let Grandfather down!”
Beigong Du’s lips trembled. Yin’er had lost her mother at a young age, and her so-called father and so-called family completely ignored her. Out of pity for her, he had indulged her, fostering an arrogant and willful temperament. After being accused of being a useless good-for-nothing, he had never expected her to speak such words. His heart surged with emotion.
He pulled his beloved granddaughter into his arms, choking up as he said, “Yin’er is Grandfather’s precious little treasure. No matter how Yin’er changes, she will always be Grandfather’s good child. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Yin’er. What Grandfather wants is for you to be safe and sound.”
“Mn, Yin’er knows.” Xiao Qianyin nestled obediently in her grandfather’s embrace, basking in the old man’s warmth.
She had lost both parents when she was young, and it was her master from Mount Shu who had raised her. Although ancient martial arts swordsmanship had declined in the modern era, Mount Shu was an undeniable swordsmanship cultivation sect. Her master had treated her well, but her master also had her own children and couldn’t devote all her care to her. What she had always desired most was sincere familial affection.
“In a few days, Grandfather will take you to Lushan Academy to formally withdraw. What do you think?”
“Thank you, Grandfather.” Xiao Qianyin smiled.
“I am your grandfather, not an outsider. There is no need for thanks between us.”
“Yin’er understands!”
That night—
Xiao Qianyin sat cross-legged, murmuring mantras. Crimson light flickered around her body, gradually turning yellow, then directly skipping green and cyan to reveal blue. She suddenly opened her eyes, brilliant light bursting from her pupils. She picked up the long sword beside her and began to dance.
Mount Shu’s Longevity Art paired with the Longevity Sword Technique just happened to be perfectly suited to Xiao Qianyin’s physical aptitude. Combined with her comprehension ability, she forcibly broke through ranks. She had already leaped from Elementary Swordsman to Advanced Swordmaster. With this level, if placed in the outside world, she would absolutely be a once-in-a-generation supreme prodigy. Those so-called geniuses weren’t worth mentioning before her.
She had set up Mount Shu’s unique restrictions around the room, so there was no need to worry about alarming others. She could fully unleash her abilities.
One could see her movements were as graceful as a roaming dragon. A soul-shaking sword intent surged forth like a flood dragon emerging into the world. Sword qi crisscrossed in all directions. If not for her concern for the furnishings in the room, all the objects would likely have been shattered to pieces by now.
The sword sang like a sigh, trembling unceasingly, tracing breathtaking arcs with her every movement. There were no lights in the room. In the darkness, the sword’s gleam illuminated the maiden’s elegant face.
The long sword returned to its sheath. Xiao Qianyin was quite satisfied with her current state. Although her level was at Advanced Swordmaster, she possessed the strength to contend with an Intermediate Sword Immortal. She might not necessarily fall to a disadvantage. She had the Longevity Art to thank for this. Mount Shu’s Longevity Art was unparalleled in the world. Cultivated together with the Longevity Sword Technique, it provided an exceptionally solid foundation, enough to make one’s strength skyrocket.
Who would still dare to look down on her? She would make those who underestimated her slap their own faces!