Chapter 9: Resolving Doubts

Xie Yun offered a faint smile at Shen Qingci's inquiry.

"Miss Shen has a sharp eye. Black Wind Stronghold has committed many atrocities in recent years, and our Celestial Sword Sect has long kept an eye on them.

"However, the sect has been plagued by a series of matters lately, leaving us no hands to spare.

"Now that I happen to be passing through, I figured I might as well wipe them out completely to stop them from harming the common people anymore."

"The Celestial Sword Sect truly lives up to its reputation as the leader of the righteous path in Qing Province, and your chivalry, Young Hero Xie, is even more admirable." Her gaze paused on the Black Sword upon Xie Yun's back before she continued with a smile. "Since you are heading to Black Wind Mountain, Young Hero Xie, there is no need for us to take a detour. With a young hero like you accompanying us, the petty thieves along the way surely won't dare to act rashly, which will also save me half a day's travel.

"I wonder if you would be willing to travel together, Young Hero Xie?"

Xie Yun glanced at the woman and child on the ox cart, then at Lin Yan, who remained silent at the front. After a moment of thought, he nodded. "Very well. However, when the fighting starts later, weapons have no eyes. Miss Shen, please be careful."

Shen Qingci nodded with a smile. "I understand."

Lin Yan did not interject at any point. Seeing that the two sides had come to an agreement, he shook the reins again, and Old Niu slowly set off. However, Lin Yan's gaze would occasionally land on Xie Yun.

He had always been curious about this world's Jianghu. It was just that his introverted nature made him dislike initiating conversations. Coupled with the immense secret of possessing a system, he had become even more cautious. But this sword-bearing youth before him allowed him to clearly feel the weight of the word 'Swordsman' for the very first time. It was a sharpness radiating from the inside out, like a blade hidden within its scabbard; though unsheathed, its Sword Qi was already palpable.

The group resumed their journey.

Xie Yun walked on the left side of the ox cart, maintaining a moderate distance from the shafts. The mountain path gradually narrowed, flanked by deep, secluded woods. Occasional bird calls slipped through the dense foliage, only serving to accentuate the surrounding silence.

After walking for a while, Xie Yun suddenly asked, "How should I address you, my friend?"

"Lin Yan," he replied.

Xie Yun's gaze circled him before abruptly asking, "Have you ever practiced martial arts, Lin?"

Lin Yan's heart stirred slightly, but he kept his expression indifferent. "I've just blindly practiced a few peasant routines."

Xie Yun shook his head, a sharp gleam appearing in his eyes. "You are far too modest, Lin.

"I see that your breathing is long and steady, and your vitality is condensed without dispersing, much like the style of a Buddhist Sect Protective Skill.

"If I am not mistaken, your Horizontal Training has already reached a level of true mastery, hasn't it?"

Lin Yan paused slightly, then smoothly went along with the assessment. "I saved an old monk when I was a child. He taught me for a month and then left. Over the years, I've just been practicing blindly on my own. I have no idea if I'm even doing it right."

Hearing this, Xie Yun actually nodded, a hint of approval appearing on his face. "To reach such a stage through self-study shows that your talent is truly exceptional, Lin.

"Buddhist Martial Arts emphasize purity. The fact that you could practice all the way with single-minded focus is rare in itself.

"If you ever have the free time, you should visit the Celestial Sword Sect. The sect has collected many Horizontal Training manuals that might be of some use to you."

Lin Yan pursed his lips and simply replied, "Thank you."

He didn't elaborate, and Xie Yun minded little. There were plenty of eccentric people in the Jianghu. Those who didn't like to speak were often the most reliable sort.

Seeing the atmosphere cool down, Shen Qingci smiled and took over the conversation. "Young Hero Xie, I have been raised in secluded quarters since childhood. Although I've heard my father and brothers recount anecdotes of the Jianghu, I have never truly understood it. I wonder what the current state of the world is like?"

Xie Yun had a straightforward and open disposition, so he wasn't annoyed by the question. As they walked, he explained, "In today's world, our Daqian naturally reigns supreme. Among the Two Prefectures and Thirteen States, our Qing Province isn't the most prosperous, but it balances both civil and martial pursuits, making it neither poor nor weak.

"Within the righteous factions of Qing Province, my Celestial Sword Sect barely commands some renown. Additionally, there are factions like the Divine Water Palace and Meihua Mountain Villa protecting their respective territories.

"However, if you look at the entirety of Daqian, our local strength doesn't count for much."

"I see. Have there been any interesting events in the Jianghu recently?" Shen Qingci asked again.

Xie Yun pondered for a moment. As a sword fanatic utterly obsessed with his practice, he didn't actually care about such things. Yet, since she was asking, it would be impolite not to answer.

"If we're talking about interesting events, it would have to be the Second Miss of Meihua Mountain Villa running away from home."

"Oh?"

"I only heard this from a junior sister in my sect. This Second Miss is quite an extraordinary woman. Not only is she as beautiful as a celestial maiden, but her personality is also vastly different from ordinary people.

"Dissatisfied with her arranged marriage, she left behind a letter on her wedding day and vanished. This infuriated the Meihua Manor Master so much that he declared anyone who could bring back his daughter would be granted one request from Meihua Mountain Villa."

"She is indeed an extraordinary woman." Shen Qingci's expression turned somewhat wistful, as if recalling something.

Seeing this, Xie Yun racked his brain to recount a few more tales he had heard. However, his expression remained far too serious. Thus, no matter how amusing the stories were, they lost their flavor coming from his mouth. Fortunately, Shen Qingci was good at playing the supportive audience.

When he finished, she gently patted the swaddled baby in her arms and sighed in admiration. "So the Jianghu is this exciting. If only I were a man. Then I might have been able to roam the Jianghu just like you, Young Hero Xie."

Xie Yun chuckled. "Miss Shen, coming from a distinguished family, you will naturally have the opportunity to see a broader world in the future."

His gaze then turned to Lin Yan. "Your Horizontal Training is truly rare, Lin, but it ultimately lacks a deeper foundation. If the opportunity arises, it would be best for you to pay a visit to the Buddhist Sect."

Lin Yan said nothing, merely giving a slight nod.

The mountain terrain ahead grew increasingly treacherous. Discarded scraps of cloth and rusted blades began to appear by the roadside, and a faint, charred scent drifted through the air.

Xie Yun raised his eyes toward a corner of the stronghold's walls faintly visible halfway up the mountain. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and the smile on his face slowly faded. Shen Qingci followed his gaze, instinctively tightening her hold on the child.

"It is dangerous ahead. You two should stop here."

Without waiting for Shen Qingci to reply, Xie Yun vaulted into the air, shooting toward the mountainside like a great roc.

Lin Yan stared blankly at that dashing figure. Truthfully, if he could, he too would have loved to wield a three-foot blade and make a grand display. After all, who didn't want to be Ximen Chuixue? But alas, the system only gave him things like the Golden Bell Shield or Vajra Indestructible. They were strong, yes, but not exactly stylish.

"Envious?" Shen Qingci chuckled softly beside him.

"Not at all." Lin Yan withdrew his gaze and gently shook his head.

"When you suggested following this Young Hero Xie earlier, were you plotting something?"

"That sounds awful. I don't like it."

Shen Qingci puffed out her cheeks like a little girl. "You blockhead. I was kindly trying to save you some effort, and this is what you think of me?"

Lin Yan instantly fell silent. He never argued with women, especially not one who had just given birth and lost her husband.

"Let's hurry up. If we can cross Black Wind Mountain before dark, the rest of the journey will be easy."