99: The Ultimate Swordsmanship, the Divine Sword!

Chapter 99: The Ultimate Swordsmanship, the Divine Sword!

The following days, Li Hao left the Shenjiang Manor to accompany Bian Ruxue around Qingzhou City.

He took her to taste delicacies, watch plays, and listen to storytellers.

They also ventured to a nearby lake to catch dragonflies and butterflies, making butterfly specimens using a sword manual as a book cover to gift her.

Though both were exceptional individuals, they still found joy in doing ordinary things, their faces always filled with smiles.

During a countryside outing, Li Hao brought along paper and ink to paint numerous portraits of Bian Ruxue, each with different backgrounds and angles. He painted over a hundred pictures, nearly exhausting his experience points. However, painting for her was not just about gaining experience for Li Hao.

At another small demon lake outside the city, different from the Blackwater Demon Lake his second uncle Li Muxiu had taken him to, Li Hao brought a fishing rod to fish while Bian Ruxue sat beside him. The white fox, Xiaorou, lay in the girl's lap, playing with her.

When tired, the girl rested her chin on her hands, quietly watching Li Hao fish.

Watching the boy focus on the fishing float reminded her of their childhood, making her lips curl into a smile.

In her mind, she saw a courtyard from her childhood.

While practicing swordsmanship, she would hear a young, innocent voice from a nearby pavilion: "Uncle Lin, you made a wrong move again!"

"The piece should be placed at the intersection, not inside the box!"

"Uncle Lin, you lost again!"

Every time she got tired of practicing, she would look at the pavilion to see the boy, and feel a sense of comfort.

His joyous laughter from that time still seemed to echo in her ears.

While the boy stared at the fishing float on the lake, the girl watched his profile, both lost in thought.

Suddenly, the fishing float moved.

The boy yanked the fishing rod, pulling up a demon fish at the Tongli level. For such monsters below the Jihun realm, using these sturdy metal fishing rods and special fishing lines made it possible to catch them.

"Brother Hao, you're amazing!"

The girl, snapping out of her reverie, clapped her hands and cheered.

Li Hao smiled, killing the demon fish with a flick of his hand, then tossing it behind him. Seeing that it was getting late, he packed up the fishing gear, released the ordinary fish he had caught back into the lake, and called for the white fox.

"Let's go home," he said.

"Okay," Bian Ruxue smiled and nodded. Li Hao carried everything, while she walked behind him, her steps light and playful.

As they walked back, they passed through a melon field guarded only by a dog. Li Hao smiled, sending Xiaorou to distract the dog while he sneaked in to steal a watermelon.

Running a bit farther, he casually tossed two taels of silver back into the melon patch.

On a distant hillside, Li Hao split open the watermelon, its red flesh exposed. He handed half to the girl.

While Li Hao dug in messily, juice splattering everywhere, Bian Ruxue gracefully used her sword to slice her half into several crescent-shaped pieces. She handed one to Li Hao, who accepted it with a smile.

"Days like these are truly relaxing..." Li Hao said, reclining on the hillside, his hands supporting him from behind, watching the sunset.

Bian Ruxue paused her eating, then smiled, "Yes."

Li Hao finished his half, while Bian Ruxue shared hers with Xiaorou before they headed home.

When they returned, their boots and pants covered in mud, Li Tian'gang scolded Li Hao: "Take Ruxue to better places, not dirty ones. And what if she gets bored while you're fishing? Think about others."

Li Hao listened expressionlessly, seeming to smile before nodding and saying "okay" in a flat tone. He then turned and left.

Bian Ruxue quickly explained to Li Tian'gang: "Uncle, it was my idea to watch Brother Hao fish. He's very good at it, and he loves it. I could see that."

Li Tian'gang, who adored his future daughter-in-law, softened his expression: "I know he likes it, but you're rarely here. You can't always go along with him. If your nature stays this soft, it will be tough for you."

"Uncle, don't say that. You'll be fine," Bian Ruxue quickly said.

Li Tian'gang smiled, "Good girl, don't worry about me. Think more about yourself."

Bian Ruxue was startled, then nodded, "I will."

Days continued with Li Hao taking Bian Ruxue to explore the city. They heard of a fair happening in the western part of the city, and excitedly went to enjoy fireworks, acrobatics, and shadow puppet shows.

Even as the fair was winding down, they weren't entirely satisfied.

Sitting on a roadside stone, both looked out at the sunset beyond the city walls.

"Are you happy?" Li Hao asked with a smile.

"Yes," Bian Ruxue's eyes sparkled.

Li Hao turned to observe her profile, noticing remnants of her childhood features, but also the changes brought by maturity. She had become more radiant.

Yet, such radiance often came at a price.

Like a meteor, it shone brightly but burned out quickly, sacrificing everything.

Li Hao silently watched her, both sitting quietly.

After a moment, Li Hao asked, "Do you wish these days could last forever?"

Bian Ruxue was startled, then turned to look at Li Hao.

Their gazes met, eyes conveying countless emotions.

Slowly, Bian Ruxue turned away, a light smile on her face, "Of course I do."

"Really?" Li Hao's gaze drifted to the sword in her hand.

It never left her side.

Bian Ruxue's smile faded, understanding that Li Hao had figured something out.

She sighed deeply.

"Brother Hao, I might have to disappoint you."

Turning to face him, her light smile was gone, replaced by a furrowed brow and a hint of sadness.

Li Hao remained silent, his last hope fading with her words.

Seeing his silence, Bian Ruxue began to speak, her voice soft yet firm: "I know you've always been good to me. Your kindness is something I can never repay."

"But I want to see the pinnacle of swordsmanship, to see if I can reach the peak."

When she spoke of the sword, her gentle voice held an unyielding determination.

Li Hao's lips moved but he said nothing, merely watching her. He recognized that look, seen in countless driven individuals, willing to sacrifice everything.

"One day, after seeing the pinnacle, you'll realize that this ordinary, peaceful life is the happiest," Li Hao said, almost in a sigh.

These days of joy still couldn't surpass the heart of a swordsman.

Bian Ruxue looked at the sunset, "Maybe. But if I don't try, I'll regret it forever. I want to see the ultimate in swordsmanship. I want to witness the power of the Divine Sword that Master spoke of!"

"The Divine Sword..."

Li Hao laughed. Countless swordsmen throughout history had chased this ideal.

Swordsmanship, in its myriad forms, had reached its zenith.

Yet none of these were the ultimate.

The ultimate in swordsmanship was known as the Divine Sword!

No one knew the stance or technique of that sword. Its very existence was uncertain.

But legends said that those who could master it could slay gods, banish ghosts, exterminate demons, and dominate the world. It was the ultimate goal, the ultimate pursuit of swordsmen.

In the books at the Listening Rain Pavilion, Li Hao had read about numerous masters, even sword saints, who had pursued this sword technique through duels, battles, and exchanges!

The legend of the Divine Sword had peaked about eight hundred years ago, driving swordsmen to madness.

Over time, as no one achieved it, it faded into a myth.

And as with any long-discussed topic, people grew tired of it, losing interest in debate.

Yet here was this girl, harboring such ambitions and dreams.

Was it instilled by that old man? Li Hao thought of the elder who had rejected him, feeling a surge of anger.

"Did your master teach you this?" Li Hao asked, his tone heavier.

Bian Ruxue, sensing his change, glanced at him and shook her head: "No, Master only mentioned it in passing. It's his pursuit, not something he imposed on us. This is my own path to explore."

"Really."

Li Hao's anger subsided. "If you want to practice swordsmanship, I can accompany you and even teach you."

Bian Ruxue thought of their childhood memories, then sighed.

"Divine Sword has no rules or records, only myths. It can't be taught. Maybe when someone finally masters it, its form will become clear."

She said softly, "I know you can use a sword, but this sword has transcended. Even Master can't teach it. It requires a lifetime of dedication to glimpse its essence."

Li Hao fell silent.

Indeed, with a sword saint as her master, his teachings were unnecessary.

He looked at her, "Have you truly given your heart to the sword?"

Swordsmanship could captivate, but there was a difference between obsession and madness.

True love for the sword would drive such passion.

Facing Li Hao's gaze, Bian Ruxue didn't evade. When it came to the sword, she couldn't and wouldn't back down.

"Yes, that's why I want to see it."

"What if you don't find it?" "That's why I must try."

"Countless swordsmen have failed. This is a myth. Would you sacrifice your readily available happiness for such an illusion?"

Watching her, Li Hao struggled to comprehend. Despite mastering various arts, he had never been so consumed.

Bian Ruxue, after a brief silence, responded, "If I don't make the attempt, I'll regret it forever!"

Li Hao smiled bitterly, sighing.

Countless love-stricken individuals, countless tragic tales, all stemmed from such unwavering determination.

Yet flowers could bloom again; youth never returned.

Sighing, he asked, "What were you planning to do?"

Noticing his frequent sighs, Bian Ruxue felt a pang of guilt but continued: "In my sect, there are two choices: worldly life or swordsmanship. While it's possible to pursue both, it essentially means choosing the worldly life."

"Because swordsmanship is pure, singular."

"Only by being singular can one achieve the ultimate!"

She spoke softly, "I decided to spend some time with you first, then continue honing my sword skills!"

"In the future..."

As she spoke, her tone softened, cheeks flushing as she stole a glance at Li Hao. Seeing him watching her, she turned away: "When the time comes for you to settle down, I'll return to marry and have children with you."

Hearing this, Li Hao could only sigh. He knew her words were incomplete.

"And then?" he asked.

"Then, I'll continue my pursuit of swordsmanship." Her cheeks gradually lost their redness as she spoke earnestly.

Li Hao understood her plan. "But getting married and having children will delay you by a year. How can you claim to be fully dedicated?"

She nodded. She knew this.

To truly pursue the ultimate, cutting ties with Li Hao would be best.

A life solely devoted to the sword.

Yet, childhood memories bound her.

The kindness she received was too significant to forget.

Without Li Hao's help, she wouldn't have had the chance to pursue swordsmanship or become the disciple of a sword saint.

The Li family provided the best foundation potions and blood to strengthen her, even using the finest blood essence from a three-thousand-year-old demon slain by Li Tian'gang on the border.

This forged her exceptional talent! It gave her the chance to chase the sword.

How could she forget such kindness? Forgetting would cripple her heart and her sword.

Thus, despite the year-long delay, she was willing.

Bearing Li Hao's child was her way of repaying him.

"Have you made up your mind?" Li Hao asked.

"Yes," she replied firmly.

Li Hao's mouth twitched, knowing that persuasion was futile.

Her heart belonged entirely to the sword.

He couldn't help but sigh, finding it somewhat amusing.

Four years of shared hardships couldn't compare to eight years spent with the sword.

Indeed, in terms of time, he was only half.

How could he compare?

But he was alive; the sword was not.

He recalled the courtyard at night and the bright stars.

He remembered comforting a crying little girl, soothing her heartache from losing her father.

He recalled the sunny day when they made a pinky promise: "You must behave. As long as you stay here, I'll always return."

"Promise."

"No backing out. You promised. Whoever backs out is a puppy."

"Alright, alright."

Who would have thought that the child, with a playful smile and casual words, would give his heart?

The letters from the southern Sword Pavilion were like unfinished promises, always to be continued.

But while one waited in the courtyard for spring, the girl, thousands of miles away, had already given her heart to the sword.

Li Hao never imagined that the girl leaving with her master would truly go far.

Perhaps he was too happy that day, mistaking farewell for a promise...

Li Hao recalled a lakeside fishing lesson from years ago. His second uncle, Li Muxiu, impressed by his talent, taught him a unique martial art.

"Half-Step Invincible Fist."

After teaching, the old man asked, "Do you know why it's called Half-Step?"

The boy guessed, "Maybe you only created half?"

The old man laughed, shaking his head, "People think so, but that's not it. This half-step is complete."

The boy asked, "Then why call it half?"

The old man said, "Because half a step is invincible."

The boy didn't understand.

The old man continued, "If you step fully, it's hard to pull back. If the enemy dodges, you fall into a trap. Life is the same. Don't take things too seriously; you'll lose control."

Don't take things too seriously; you'll lose control...

Now, Li Hao understood. Half-step was a state of mind, not a literal step.

Both martial arts and life followed this principle.

Otherwise, defeat awaited...

Watching the sunset, Li Hao let out a long sigh.

Hearing his sigh, Bian Ruxue felt a slight pang, as if something was lost.

She tightened her grip on her sword, then released it. This outcome was expected; there was no need for sadness.

Composing herself, she looked at the boy, radiant as the stars and moon, and asked with a light smile, "When did you realize?"

Slowly retracting his gaze, Li Hao looked at her sunset-like smile, beautiful yet distracting. His eyes, however, were calm: "Maybe a long, long time ago."

"A long time ago..." She was puzzled, looking at him, "Why?"

He smiled but didn't explain.

The content of the letters and their frequency explained much. People, being emotional creatures, were sensitive to feelings.

Her journey this time didn't start at Li Manor but at a trial with the Demon River.

If the Demon River had already penetrated and destroyed the village, those trapped were doomed. Whether she acted early or late made no difference, only reflecting her mood at the time.

"This time, I took you around Qingzhou. Were you truly happy?" Li Hao asked.

She nodded slightly, "Happy!"

"Then that's good."

Li Hao also nodded, then smiled, though it lacked something.

Though she was happy, it couldn't reclaim her heart, already soaring away.

Half a step, half a step... Why did I take those extra steps?

Li Hao shook his head, smiling.

"What's funny?" she asked.

His eyes on the sunset, he said, "I laugh at this beautiful scene. People bustle about, busy in the streets. Who has the time to look up?"

She fell silent, knowing he wasn't talking about passersby but her.

She defended, "Maybe they're pursuing life or dreams. You taught me about dreams."

He laughed heartily, standing with grandeur, "Well said!"

Then added, "But if they wanted, they could spare a moment to look up. It's a matter of willingness."

"What's the point?"

"Of course, there is. Isn't life's purpose to enjoy that moment?"

They seemed to be debating, then fell silent.

After a while, Li Hao, his face void of emotion, feeling tired, said, "I'm a bit tired today. You go back first."

After a moment of silence, she nodded lightly, "It's getting late. Dinner is probably ready. Don't keep Uncle waiting."

His lips curled, "I waited for him for fourteen years. What's a moment more?"

Startled, she wanted to speak but found no words.

Suddenly, a strange, painful feeling stirred within her.

Something she never felt while practicing swordsmanship.

In her sword practice, she was pure, but not now.

She left first. Li Hao, holding the fair's snacks and toys, remained seated.

Looking at the things, she took none with her, and he laughed.

If she truly liked them, she wouldn't have left them behind.

She left only with her sword and herself, like a breeze.

Does the sword truly hold such charm? Gazing up, Li Hao wondered about the pinnacle of swordsmanship. If given a chance, he would reach it.

To see how many sword masters' bones lay beneath that cliff.

And atop that peak, whether the Divine Sword truly existed!

The sunset dyed the sky red, like blood-stained orange peels. Today's sun was setting...