Chapter 17: The Sword Saint
Bian Ruxue had won.
With one precise strike, she knocked Li Dongbai’s sword aside and held her blade only half an inch from his throat.
The boy froze, stunned, and when he finally recovered, he quickly backed away a few steps, looking at the young girl with a mixture of shock and fear.
This scene took everyone by surprise. They stared at Bian Ruxue in disbelief—Li Dongbai, who had been training here for eight years, had actually lost to a girl who had only trained for one. Was this the difference that innate talent could make?
Bian Ruxue withdrew her sword, her small face breaking into a radiant smile—she had won.
She looked up at the boy before her and, in all seriousness, said, “I want you to apologize to Brother Hao.”
Apologize? To that so-called “waste”? Li Dongbai’s face flushed red with shame. Clenching his teeth, he replied, “I admit I lost to you, but I will never apologize!”
“You…” Bian Ruxue frowned, unsure of what to do.
After thinking for a moment, she said, “If you won’t apologize, I’ll challenge you again.”
“How childish!”
Annoyed, Li Dongbai turned and ran off the platform. Feeling the gazes of the others upon him, he said nothing and stormed out of the training ground.
The old soldier in the military uniform didn’t stop him from leaving. Some setbacks are best handled on one’s own.
Instead, it was this young girl who amazed him. That strike of hers was nearly flawless.
Her technique was part of a high-grade swordsmanship style, one with a considerable level of difficulty.
The Ninth-Class Battle Body only enhances one’s speed in cultivation, not in mastering techniques. This made Bian Ruxue’s sword talent—alongside her cultivation aptitude—exceptional and rare in the world!
“So, just a minor defeat yesterday was enough to spark her potential?” The old soldier chuckled to himself.
In the training grounds, the other disciples born from concubines looked at the young girl with complicated expressions.
They had just witnessed the proud Li Dongbai suffer defeat, but they had also seen firsthand the difference in talent between themselves and the children from the main family courtyards.
“Xue’er, you’re amazing!”
A few small figures rushed over to Bian Ruxue as she descended from the platform. It was a brother and sister from the Fifth Courtyard, as well as Li Yuanzhao from the Sixth Courtyard.
They were all around Bian Ruxue’s age, with only a few months’ difference. The youngest was Li Yun’s sister, Li Zhining, who had just turned six and hadn’t been in the training grounds for long.
Their older sister, Li Wushuang, had already left the estate to train under a renowned master.
It’s Brother Hao who’s truly amazing, Bian Ruxue thought to herself.
The three children chattered excitedly around her, with Li Yun, Li Wushuang’s younger brother, being the most talkative.
…
“Xue’er, would you like some milk pastry?”
Li Yun suddenly produced a small, elegantly decorated wooden lunchbox. As he opened it, a rich, creamy aroma filled the air. Inside was a soft, snow-white pastry, as delicate as jade.
“It’s all for you,” he said.
Bian Ruxue’s nose twitched as she inhaled the delightful scent, her eyes sparkling with joy. “All for me?”
“If you like it, you can have it all,” Li Yun grinned.
“Thank you.”
Bian Ruxue didn’t forget to thank him and accepted the whole box.
It was also the end of the day’s training, so she waved a small goodbye, holding the lunchbox in one hand and her sword in the other, and left.
Li Yun stood there watching her back, chuckling to himself.
Beside him, his little sister, Li Zhining, looked up in confusion. “Brother, isn’t that the treat mother made for you? I haven’t even tried it yet.”
“If you want some, just ask mother to make more. Xue’er’s never had it before,” Li Yun replied with a silly smile.
Li Zhining huffed, puffing up her cheeks in a little pout as she turned away.
“Here, Ningning, you can have mine,” Li Yuanzhao, the chubby little figure beside her, chased after her with a big smile.
“I don’t want it!” she retorted, smacking his hand away.
...
...
In the pavilion, Li Hao was midway through a game of chess when he heard Bian Ruxue returning.
He glanced over casually and saw the unmistakable smile on the young girl’s face. Guessing what had happened, he continued studying the board.
“What’s got you so happy? Tell me, and let me share in the joy.”
“I won!”
Bian Ruxue jogged into the pavilion, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked at Li Hao, as if waiting for him to praise her.
Li Hao smiled and placed a piece on the board. “No surprise there—you’re incredible, Xue’er.”
Hearing his praise, the smile on her face grew even brighter. “Hao-gege, you go ahead and finish the game. When you’re done, I’ll give you something delicious.”
“Oh?”
Noticing the wooden box in her hand, Li Hao didn’t ask further and continued his game with Li Fu. Soon, the match was over.
“What’s this tasty thing you’ve brought?”
Li Hao turned with a grin, looking at the wooden box.
Bian Ruxue set her sword aside on a chair, brought the box to the table, and opened it, releasing a wave of rich, creamy fragrance. “Someone gifted me these milk pastries—they look delicious. Try one, Hao-gege.”
“Who gave them to you?” Li Hao hesitated to reach for one, a hint of caution flashing in his eyes.
Bian Ruxue blinked, thinking for a moment before shaking her head. “I forgot to ask his name, but Hao-gege, you’d probably know him. It’s that boy we often see at morning greetings with Aunt.”
“Those kids?” Li Hao raised an eyebrow.
Li Fu shot him a look. You’re a kid too, you know.
But he was already accustomed to Li Hao’s habit of speaking with an air beyond his years.
“Yes.” Bian Ruxue nodded.
Li Hao felt a bit more at ease. “You should try to remember their names. You’ve trained together at the training grounds for a year now.”
Bian Ruxue looked at him, a bit aggrieved. “They never told me.”
“I’m sure they did. Even if they didn’t, their attendants would have mentioned it. You just didn’t pay attention,” Li Hao replied, a bit exasperated.
“Then I’ll ask next time,” Bian Ruxue said with a pout.
Li Hao sighed. “You need to be more sociable; otherwise, you might be bullied in the future.”
“No, I won’t,” Bian Ruxue lifted her head proudly. “Teacher said I have great talent. I’ll be strong one day, and then I’ll protect you, Hao-gege, so no one can ever bully you again.”
“You just take care of yourself; I’m not being bullied by anyone,” Li Hao replied, feeling quite content with his daily life of chess and leisurely strolls around the courtyard—a premature retirement, really.
“You brat, Xue’er’s just being thoughtful, and this is how you respond?” Li Fu scolded, unable to hold back.
Li Hao gave him an exasperated look. Despite being only in his forties, Li Fu often acted like a stubborn old man.
Not wanting to argue, Li Hao said, “Uncle Fu, why don’t you try it first—to test if it’s safe. Those kids aren’t bad people, but I’m cautious of being used.”
Li Fu nodded slightly, giving Li Hao a look. This kid was a paradox—thoughtful at times, yet frustratingly ungrateful at others.
He took a piece of the creamy pastry and closed his eyes as he tasted it.
After a moment, Li Hao grew impatient. “Well? It should be safe, right? Say something, Uncle Fu.”
...
“It tastes quite good,” Li Fu said, opening his eyes.
Li Hao rolled his eyes and immediately urged Bian Ruxue, “Eat up quickly, before it gets cold.”
He took a piece himself and bit into it, savoring the flavor. “It tastes a bit like something from Fifth Aunt’s recipes. Was it Li Yun who gave it to you, or his sister Li Zhining?”
“It was the brother,” Bian Ruxue confirmed.
“Next time, tell that kid to bring more. This isn’t nearly enough,” Li Hao devoured the pastry in no time, though he left half for Bian Ruxue.
“Got it,” she nodded, making a mental note.
Li Fu shook his head to himself, observing Li Hao’s cheeky demeanor. For such a young boy, he seemed surprisingly shameless—a stark contrast to the dignified style of the Li family.
...
...
A few days later, the Divine General Mansion received an unexpected guest.
The mansion was abuzz with excitement as the ladies from each courtyard rushed to pay their respects, for they had learned that the guest was none other than the renowned Sword Saint from the Sword Abode.
If they could establish a connection and secure his mentorship for their children, their future would be immensely promising.
The concubines, especially, were the most proactive; since their children had fewer resources than those from the main family, they had to compete on their own for access to the best training.
He Jianlan received her guest in the Changchun Courtyard. Noticing the shadows flitting around outside, she could guess what those women were planning. However, it wasn’t until the esteemed Sword Saint spoke that her face registered surprise.
After a conversation, He Jianlan gave a slight nod and rose to see her guest out.
Before long, Shanhe Courtyard bustled with activity as a large group of people arrived.
Li Hao, who was playing chess in the pavilion, looked up at the commotion, surprised. He saw the lead woman, his aunt, and next to her, an unfamiliar elderly man with long, snow-white hair.
The elder had sharp brows and high cheekbones, giving him a wiry, robust appearance.
Standing beside the unfamiliar elder was another old man—the military veteran from the training grounds, with whom Li Hao was somewhat familiar.
“What’s going on?” Li Hao murmured, confused.
Across from him, Li Fu recognized the white-haired elder, his pupils shrinking as he hurriedly stood up, visibly shocked and secretly thrilled.
Li Hao, noticing Uncle Fu’s reaction, realized that this elder was an important figure; few could command such treatment in the Li family.
Reluctantly setting aside his unfinished game, Li Hao waited patiently for what was to come.
“He Jianlan gestured to Li Fu and Li Hao, calling out, “Hao’er, come over here.”
Li Hao stood and approached.
“Where’s Xue’er?” He Jianlan asked.
Li Hao pointed to a part of the courtyard, “Practicing swordplay over there.”
“Xuejian, go and fetch Xue’er,” He Jianlan instructed the maidservant by her side.