18. A Peerless Talent
Chapter 18: A Peerless Talent
"Sword Saint Senior, this is Tian Gang's child, Li Hao."
As the maid went to fetch Bian Ruxue, He Jianlan introduced the white-haired elder beside her, "Li Hao's name was bestowed by the Yu Emperor. What do you think of this child?"
Upon hearing the mention of the Yu Emperor, the white-haired elder glanced at the woman, immediately understanding her intentions. He felt slightly displeased but said nothing, instead turning his gaze to the child before him.
Li Hao also looked up to study the elder.
When he heard his aunt refer to the old man as the Sword Saint, he was surprised, understanding why Uncle Fu had reacted so strongly.
Previously, while searching for chess manuals in the Tingyu Pavilion, he had also come across anecdotes and stories about prominent figures in the martial world.
In the past century, there had been only three individuals renowned as Sword Saints.
One resided in the Southern Sword Lodge, another retired in the green lakes of the Northern Desert, and the third was as elusive as a dragon.
These three were masters of the sword, shaking the world with their skill, earning the esteemed title of Sword Saint.
Debates about which of the three was the strongest had persisted among enthusiasts for nearly a century.
His third uncle, with an exceptional talent for the sword, had shattered half of Jingzhou's martial world and demon forests with a single strike yet did not receive the title of Sword Saint. This showed just how formidable the elder before him must be.
He wondered, which of the three was this elder?
As the elder and the young boy's gazes met, Li Hao could sense an unfathomable and ocean-deep sword intent in the elder's eyes.
This sword intent was veiled beneath the calm darkness of the elder's eyes. If not for Li Hao's level two understanding of the sword, he would have been unable to perceive it.
"I heard that Tian Gang's child failed both the Foundation Establishment and the Blood Fusion and lacks martial talent?"
Jian Wudao looked at the child before him with indifference. To the outside world, the God General Mansion's prodigy was supremely prestigious, second only to the imperial heirs. Yet, in his eyes, this was nothing, and he did not need to cater to a child.
He Jianlan's expression stiffened slightly, and she nodded.
"That's right, so I wanted you to see if the Sword Saint Senior believes this child has any talent for practicing the sword? If he could one day refine his body and cultivate the sword, he could serve the country and guard a region for the Yu."
At the mention of "guard," Jian Wudao's eyes flickered, his gaze softening somewhat.
With his status, as long as the elder generation of the Li family did not appear, he need not heed the thoughts of these second-generation and younger ones.
However, the Li family's great achievements over the centuries commanded respect, especially in the last few decades, where, despite occasional border conflicts, six of the Li family's nine sons perished in battlefields. That alone was worthy of deep reverence!
"We'll see about that," Jian Wudao said calmly.
He Jianlan was delighted and nodded.
Soon, Bian Ruxue was brought before them by Xuejian, the maid. The little girl, facing a crowd of adults, appeared visibly nervous.
She instinctively stood behind Li Hao, using him to shield half of her body.
She had seen similar scenes before, during Li Hao's Foundation Establishment and bone measurement. But the adults' expressions afterward had left her feeling sad.
"Sword Saint Senior, this is the sword prodigy I mentioned to you, the one Bai Jing told you about."
When Bian Ruxue arrived, the military veteran stepped forward and spoke respectfully.
Jian Wudao nodded slightly. He had come primarily because his third disciple had tirelessly requested him, praising the God General Mansion's little girl to the skies. With a love for talent, he had descended from the Sword Lodge to visit this prosperous world.
"Perfected at the tenth level of the Penetrating Power Realm, with full bones, not bad."
With one glance, Jian Wudao discerned the girl's cultivation level, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. Hearing about her ninth-grade combat body, an extraordinary talent, he realized she would not require much worry in her cultivation.
"Little girl, show me your best sword technique," Jian Wudao said.
Facing the imposing stranger, Bian Ruxue was a bit nervous and instinctively glanced at Li Hao.
Understanding that this was Xue'er's opportunity, Li Hao quickly smiled and nudged her forward, saying, "Don't be afraid, don't be nervous, I'm right here."
With Li Hao's encouragement, much of Bian Ruxue's fear dissipated. She nodded and walked to the side. The others, without needing He Jianlan's instruction, willingly made space for the little girl.
Soon, Bian Ruxue's swordsmanship unfolded like snow and waterfalls, her movements light as a startled swan, skillful and agile, with a hint of returning to simplicity.
This quality was instantly captured by Jian Wudao, who had been immersed in the way of the sword for nearly a century. His sharp, sword-like eyes widened slightly, revealing undisguised delight.
This was more than mere sword talent; it was a sword prodigy unseen in a hundred years!
At this age, to have honed a high-grade sword technique to perfection was already on par with his best disciple, let alone exhibiting traces of utmost spirit.
A peerless seedling for sword training!
"Hahaha..." Jian Wudao couldn't help but laugh heartily, his cheerful voice causing the dry leaves on the nearby trees to rustle and fall.
Worth it, so worth it!
The trip to the human world hadn't been in vain.
Hearing the Sword Saint's booming laughter, everyone around immediately understood that the girl's destiny was taking off from that moment.
Although already immensely esteemed within the God General Mansion, admired by the world, encountering a master like the Sword Saint meant truly climbing to the peak. Her future held the promise of becoming a household name, remembered for ten generations!
Instantly, countless complex gazes in the courtyard focused on the sword-wielding little girl.
Bian Ruxue ceased her swordplay and, feeling the eyes on her, nervously looked at Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled at her, showing a thumbs-up.
She understood this gesture meant he thought she was great.
So the little girl relaxed and smiled brightly.
"You recommended well, recommended well!"
The previously stern and authoritative Jian Wudao now laughed heartily, patting the military veteran on the shoulder. If not for his acquaintance with his third disciple and his strong recommendation, he would not have stumbled upon such an extraordinary sword talent.
"Senior, you're too kind. It's Xue'er's fortune to apprentice under the Sword Saint," the military veteran said, pleasantly surprised.
Though they appeared similar in age, both as elderly men, the differences in their actual age and status were vast.
Jian Wudao smiled, his mood excellent. He walked to the little girl, bent down, and said kindly, "Little girl, do you like the sword? Would you like to come with me to train?"
Bian Ruxue paused and asked, "Where to?"
"Sword Lodge."
Jian Wudao smiled, mentioning this sacred place longed for by swordsmen across the world, "I will teach you swordsmanship there, give you the best sword techniques."
Bian Ruxue didn't understand and only asked, "Is it far?"
"It's about nine thousand miles south, so yes, it is far for you," Jian Wudao replied with a smile.
Bian Ruxue immediately turned to Li Hao, saying, "Brother Hao, will you go too?"
Jian Wudao then realized he had forgotten about another child.
He Jianlan timely approached, smiling gently, "Sword Saint Senior, you haven't yet assessed Hao'er's talent for swordsmanship. I've heard he has a natural affinity for the sword as well."
"Yes, Senior."
Li Fu, feeling excited and seizing the opportunity, quickly added, "When Miss Xue'er practiced swordsmanship, the young master often watched and gave her some good suggestions. Although he hasn't trained, he seems to have his own understanding and talent for the sword."
Jian Wudao was somewhat surprised. He glanced at Li Hao, his brow furrowing slightly, but with He Jianlan nearby, he said, "Alright, give him a sword and let him perform any move he knows."
"Thank you, Sword Saint Senior!"
Li Fu was overjoyed and thanked him excitedly. He then turned to Bian Ruxue, saying, "Miss Xue'er, please lend the young master your sword."
Bian Ruxue nodded obediently and handed the sword to Li Hao.