Chapter 18: The Unparalleled Seedling
"Respected Sword Saint, this is the child of Tiangang, Li Hao."
Taking advantage of the moment while the maid went to fetch Bian Ruxue, He Jianlan introduced the young boy beside her to the elderly, white-haired man. "To think, the name 'Hao'er' was personally bestowed by Emperor Yu. What do you think of this child?"
At the mention of Emperor Yu, the elderly man glanced at the woman, immediately understanding her intentions. Though he felt a tinge of displeasure, he remained silent and carefully observed the child before him.
Li Hao, meanwhile, was also studying the old man in return.
Upon hearing the way his aunt addressed this elderly figure, Li Hao was slightly taken aback, understanding why Fu Bo had reacted so strongly earlier.
Previously, while searching for chess manuals in the Tingyu Pavilion, he had also come across stories about notable figures and events in the martial world.
For the past century, only three individuals had been recognized with the title of Sword Saint.
One lived in the Southern Sword Abode, another had retired to the green lakes and yellow sands of the Northern Desert, while the third was as elusive as a dragon glimpsed only by its shadow.
These three individuals were revered as Sword Saints for their mastery and fame with the sword, each capable of shaking the world with their swordsmanship.
People had endlessly debated over the past hundred years about who among the three Sword Saints was truly the strongest.
Even his own third uncle, though exceptionally gifted in the sword arts and powerful enough to shatter half of Jingzhou's martial and demonic factions with a single strike, had not attained the title of Sword Saint. This fact alone hinted at the terrifying strength of the old man standing before him.
Who could this old man be among the three?
Their gazes met, and immediately, Li Hao sensed within the elder’s dark, calm eyes a sword intent so profound it seemed as deep as an ocean, concealed beneath a tranquil surface. If not for his own second-level understanding of Sword Dao, he would have been unable to perceive it.
"I heard that Tiangang's child failed in both Foundation Building and Blood-Melting, with no innate aptitude for martial arts?"
Jian Wudao looked dispassionately at the child before him. To the common folk, a Kirin child of the Divine General Mansion was revered second only to imperial scions, but to him, such a position held no significance, and there was no need to please a mere child.
He Jianlan’s expression grew slightly stiff, and she nodded faintly.
"Yes, that’s why I wanted the Sword Saint to see if the child has any potential for the sword. If he could one day cultivate his body and refine his sword skills, he might be able to serve the nation, guarding a frontier for Great Yu."
At the words “guarding a frontier,” Jian Wudao’s gaze shifted, softening ever so slightly.
Given his status, he had no reason to concern himself with the intentions of the second or third generation so long as the older generation of the Li family remained.
However, the legacy of the Li family, built over thousands of years, demanded respect. Particularly in recent decades, with sporadic outbreaks of war at the borders, six of the Li family’s nine sons had perished on the battlefield. This alone was enough to inspire solemn admiration.
"Let’s wait and see," Jian Wudao said calmly.
He Jianlan’s face lit up with joy, and she nodded eagerly.
Moments later, Bian Ruxue arrived, led by Xuejian. The young girl looked nervously at the crowd of adults gathered around, instinctively positioning herself behind Li Hao to shield half of her small body.
She had witnessed scenes like this before—back when Li Hao was undergoing his Foundation Building and Bone-measuring ceremony. However, the gazes of the adults back then had only brought her sadness.
"Sword Saint, this is the sword prodigy I asked Bai Jing to mention to you."
When Bian Ruxue arrived, an elderly soldier took a small step forward and introduced her respectfully.
Jian Wudao nodded slightly. He had come primarily due to the relentless urging of his third disciple, who had spoken of this little girl from the Divine General Mansion as if she were a miracle. His love for talent had compelled him to leave the Sword Abode for this journey through worldly splendor.
"Tongli Realm, perfection. Her bones are strong—impressive."
Jian Wudao immediately discerned the girl’s cultivation level with a single glance, his eyes revealing a satisfied glint. He had heard she possessed a Ninth-Class Battle Body of supreme aptitude, meaning her cultivation path would be effortless in the future.
"Little one, show me your best sword technique," Jian Wudao said.
Bian Ruxue hesitated, her gaze shifting nervously to Li Hao.
Understanding that her opportunity had arrived, Li Hao smiled and nudged her forward. "Don’t be afraid, don’t be nervous. I’ll be right here beside you."
With Li Hao’s encouragement, Bian Ruxue felt her anxiety fade. She nodded and stepped forward. Without waiting for a signal from He Jianlan, the adults present made space for the girl without hesitation.
Soon, Bian Ruxue began her sword routine, graceful and fluid like a snowfall or a cascading waterfall, with a light and agile stance resembling the elegance of a startled swan. Her sword technique was both proficient and dexterous, showing a hint of simplicity that belied its depth.
Jian Wudao, who had immersed himself in the Sword Dao for nearly a century, immediately sensed this unique quality. His sharp eyes, as keen as a blade, widened slightly, betraying a rare flash of excitement.
This was more than just a talent for the sword—she was a once-in-a-century prodigy!
For someone her age to have perfected an advanced sword technique was remarkable enough, comparable to his most exceptional disciples. But she also exhibited traces of a natural, effortless mastery.
An extraordinary candidate for swordsmanship indeed!
"Hahaha…" Jian Wudao’s laughter rang out, his resounding voice causing the withered leaves of the nearby trees to tremble.
This was worthwhile—truly worthwhile!
The crowd understood instantly from the Sword Saint’s loud laughter that the young girl’s fate had been decided. Though her position within the Divine General Mansion was already revered, having such a legendary teacher opened a path to true greatness. She would undoubtedly become a household name, remembered for generations.
In that moment, countless complex gazes converged on the young girl with the sword.
Bian Ruxue stopped her movements, feeling the weight of the attention on her. Nervously, she looked at Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled at her, giving her a thumbs-up.
This gesture, she understood, meant she had done well.
Relaxing, Bian Ruxue’s face lit up with a smile.
"You made an excellent recommendation—truly excellent!"
Moments ago, Jian Wudao had maintained a stern expression of authority, yet he now cheerfully patted the shoulder of the elderly soldier beside him. Had it not been for his acquaintance with his third disciple, he would have missed such a rare talent.
"Senior, your words are too kind. It’s a blessing for Xue'er to become a disciple under the Sword Saint." The soldier was both flattered and honored.
Though they looked similar in age, the gap in status and power was vast.
Jian Wudao, still in high spirits, walked up to the young girl and bent down, his tone warm and gentle. "Little one, you enjoy the sword, don’t you? How about I take you to cultivate?"
Bian Ruxue blinked, asking, "Where to?"
"Sword Abode."
With a smile, Jian Wudao named the sacred place longed for by sword practitioners everywhere. "I will teach you swordsmanship there and give you the finest techniques."
Bian Ruxue didn’t fully understand and asked, "Is it far?"
"It’s about nine thousand miles south—so yes, it’s quite far for you," Jian Wudao replied with a smile.
Instantly, Bian Ruxue looked toward Li Hao and asked, "Hao-gege, will you go too?"
Jian Wudao realized then that he had forgotten about the other child.
Just then, He Jianlan stepped forward, offering a gentle smile. "Respected Sword Saint, you have yet to test Hao'er’s talent for the sword. I have heard he has a certain affinity for it."
"Indeed, Senior."
Beside them, Fu Bo could hardly contain his excitement, quickly adding, "Whenever Miss Xue’er practices her sword, the young master often watches and offers insightful suggestions. Although he has never formally trained, the young master seems to have his own understanding and talent for the Sword Dao."
...
Jian Wudao looked somewhat surprised as he glanced at Li Hao, his brow briefly furrowing. However, he nodded, saying, "Very well. Give him a sword and let him demonstrate any technique he knows."
"Thank you, respected Sword Saint!"
Fu Bo expressed his gratitude joyfully, then turned to Bian Ruxue. "Miss Xue'er, please lend the young master your sword."
Bian Ruxue nodded obediently, passing her sword to Li Hao.