Chapter 97: The Predicament of the Shu Sword Sect

In the airport terminal, two groups stood at the pickup point, staring at each other. They attracted the attention of a few security personnel nearby, who began observing them more closely.

Despite his good temper, Wang Sheng still couldn't help but find the ridiculous nickname irritating. He glared at the middle-aged Daoist priest, who had caught up to them from behind. Mu Wanxuan was even more direct. With a swift turn, she positioned herself in front of Wang Sheng, Yin-Yang Qi lightly wrapping around her.

The Daoist master wasn't that tall. Moreover, he had a round, rosy face, eyes with hidden sharpness, a double chin, and two strands of long hair hanging down his forehead. He donned a dark-blue Daoist robe and a

Hunyuan

headscarf.

He had wanted to rush forward and speak to Wang Sheng, but Mu Wanxuan blocked him with her Yin-Yang Qi. Flustered, the Daoist master anxiously paced back and forth while blurting out various dialects that Wang Sheng couldn't understand.

The pronunciations for

yǔ

[1],

yǔ

[2],

yú

[3],

lǘ

[4] were completely identical...

After a few more dialects, the Daoist master finally found the right Mandarin pronunciation.

"Aren't you Daoist Master Wang Fei Yu? What a coincidence to meet you here! It's practically a manifestation of our forefathers! Quick, quick! Come back with me immediately! We have to save the sect and its members!"

Before Wang Sheng could reply, his spiritual consciousness detected two more cultivators chasing after them from behind. Turning around, he saw a young man and woman around his age.

The young man was in a light-blue Daoist robe, while the young woman was dressed in a plain, elegant long dress. They had done respectable levels of cultivation, having already reached the late stage of the Spirit Convergence Realm. They were by no means weak.

Though he could tell theirs, Wang Sheng couldn't gauge the round-faced Daoist master's cultivation realm at all.

Carrying multiple large bags, the young male cultivator eventually reached them and called out, "Master! Slow down a bit! You're not even carrying any luggage!"

The young woman hurriedly grabbed her master's arm with both hands. Her large eyes then glanced and blinked at Wang Sheng. "It really is Daoist Master Fei Yu! Wait, are you Fairy Bu Yu?! Did you come specifically to receive us?"

Wang Sheng furrowed his brow slightly. He didn't recognize any of the three, yet they seemed to have been looking for him with great excitement.

Could they be from my parents' past? Is the Daoist master my long-lost grandfather?

That didn't seem likely. His parents never gave him the impression that they had such a dramatic history.

Soon, even more people arrived.

A pair of young men and women in brown trench coats rushed over. They held paper cups and bags of bread, their faces betraying their exhaustion. Upon seeing Wang Sheng and the others, they froze in surprise.

Behind Wang Sheng, Mou Yue's eyes lit up. "

Huh?

What are you two doing here?"

The two in trench coats seemed to be members of the Special Investigation Unit.

The female investigator was quite polite. She ran over and nodded at them in greeting. "Daoist Master Wang! Daoist Master Bu Yu! Brother Niu! Sister Yue!"

She then stood beside the round-faced Daoist master and introduced their party. "These three are Daoist masters from the Shu Sword Sect. They've come here specifically to seek your help, Daoist Master Wang.

"Since the sword sects have always been under my and Owen's jurisdiction, Daoist Master Fei Lian contacted me this afternoon. When I saw flights available, I arranged a direct flight to this place for us. Afterward, I got so busy that I lost track of time, which was why I failed to report to you in time, Sister Yue. I apologize for my oversight."

Mou Yue smiled. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure you're just as exhausted as we are."

Bulldozer, whom the female investigator had called Niu, muttered from the side, "For someone who takes advantage of their position for an extra vacation day, you sure know how to complain about being tired."

"

Hmm?

" Mou Yue shot a glance at her partner.

Bulldozer immediately walked over and stood beside Owen. The two clasped their hands behind their backs and hung their heads, immediately making it clear that they were below their respective partners.

"Senior Sister," Wang Sheng called softly. "The Daoist master doesn't seem to mean any harm."

Heeding his advice, Mu Wanxuan stepped back and stood beside Wang Sheng. Nevertheless, she still eyed the round-faced Daoist master somewhat cautiously.

The Daoist master grinned widely at Wang Sheng, seemingly examining a rare treasure. His eyes were soon drawn to the sword case tucked under Wang Sheng's arm. However, after glancing at it twice, he returned to staring intently at Wang Sheng, clearly far more interested in him.

Continuing the introductions, the female investigator said, "This is Daoist Master Fei Lian from the Shu Sword Sect, and these two are his beloved disciples..."

The young male cultivator casually tossed his bags to the side, cupped his hands at Wang Sheng, and smiled brightly. "I'm Li Gufeng. My Daoist name is also Gufeng. My master was too lazy to change it.

"Your Daoist name resounds like thunder, Daoist Master Fei Yu. You're known as one of the top three sword cultivators of the younger generation. Now that I've met you in person, I can confirm that you truly live up to your reputation."

In response, Wang Sheng cupped his hands at Gufeng. "You overpraise me, Daoist Brother Gufeng."

Mu Wanxuan also cupped her hands in greeting. Li Gufeng seemed naturally open, cheerful, and polite. Moreover, based on his age, he was likely from the same generation as them.

The young Kun Daoist beside Fei Lian seemed rather shy. She clung tightly to her master's sleeve, seemingly afraid that he would suddenly pounce on Wang Sheng in excitement.

After Li Gufeng had introduced himself, she softly muttered, "Greetings, Daoist Master Wang and Daoist Master Bu Yu. I am Zi Ling, Gufeng's junior sister.

Um...

is it alright if I take a picture with you, Daoist Master Bu Yu? I'm a huge fan, you see."

"Daoist Master Zi Ling." Wang Sheng cupped his hands politely at her. He then turned to Mu Wanxuan and teased, "Senior Sister, since when did you debut as a celebrity[5]?"

Mu Wanxuan blinked gently, looking somewhat puzzled. She naturally wasn't aware that numerous photos and rumors about her had spread ever since she had participated in the Mount Mao exchange meeting. Some footage from the Zhongnan Mountains' cultivation community had also been widely circulating.

While Wang Sheng was known for his swordsmanship, Mu Wanxuan had gained fame for her exceptional beauty and being a leader among the younger generation of cultivators. Hence, her reputation had amassed quite a following within the cultivation world, specifically among the disciples of the sacred mountains' major sects. She had especially become immensely popular among young Kun Daoists.

"Wonderful! Simply wonderful!" Fei Lian exclaimed as he shook off Zi Ling. With his hands behind his back, he circled Wang Sheng and nodded repeatedly in admiration. "Though you sit like a sheathed sword, you have the bones of a true swordsman! Exquisite! Gufeng, Zi Ling! We finally found the right person!"

Zi Ling pouted. "You haven't even introduced yourself yet, Master. Before we left the mountain, you kept reminding us to be polite, but you were the first to forget."

"Oh, right!

Ahem!

"

Fei Lian immediately straightened up and cupped his hands at Wang Sheng. He then recited in a rhythmic tone, "The Shu Sword Sect stands a thousand feet tall, reaching the endless sky. I am but a guest who cultivates in the mountains—a flying sword that descends into the abyss! I am Fei Lianzi, and I've been a cultivator of the Shu Sword Sect for over thirty years. I currently serve as its ninth elder. It is an honor to meet you."

Wang Sheng had already guessed that the round-faced Daoist master had an impressive background, but he wasn't expecting him to be an elder of the renowned Shu Sword Sect.

He swiftly returned the courtesy. "The honor is all mine, Elder Fei Lian. I apologize for any prior discourtesy."

Fei Lian beamed and smiled widely. "No need for such formalities, Daoist Master Fei Yu. After all, we have come here to ask for your help. We should talk somewhere more private."

Wang Sheng had no idea what the three cultivators from Shu needed from him. However, since members of the Special Investigation Unit were acting as intermediaries, he wasn't too worried about them harboring ill intentions.

After a brief discussion among the four investigation unit members, the group made their way to a quiet corner of an airport café.

When the reason for their visit was finally brought up, Fei Lian hesitated. His expression filled with embarrassment, and he began stumbling over his words. Li Gufeng and Zi Ling also couldn't help but look frustrated.

As they explained their predicament, Wang Sheng began to wonder if he had misheard them.

***

The Sword-Controlling Art—the signature art of the Shu Sword Sect—should not be overlooked.

Wang Sheng could still clearly remember Yuan Pu Zhenren giving him and Zhou Yinglong a lecture on the fundamentals of sword control. He even discussed whether it truly belonged on the path of the sword.

Even if Yuan Pu Zhenren had never mentioned it, Wang Sheng was no stranger to sword control. In his past life, he longed for it for many years.

Wang Sheng soon learned that although Fei Lianzi and his disciples had come specifically for him, they were not here to engage in a swordsmanship exchange. Rather, they required help with a dilemma that many Daoist sects faced in the modern era.

Due to the depletion of primal qi over the past millennium, the Shu Sword Sect had faced numerous hardships, even nearly losing its lineage several times. Moreover, its once-renowned Sword-Controlling Art had been reduced to mere remnants. The true essence of the art had been lost for generations.

At the core of any Daoist heritage was its Daoist arts. While the mental cultivation methods of the sword sect had remained intact, its name could hardly live up to its legacy without the Sword-Controlling Art.

Currently, the Shu Sword Sect had three main branches, all of which could trace their Sword-Controlling Art back to an immortal mountain in Shu during the pre-Qin era. However, all three lineages had suffered severe losses. Even if their surviving knowledge were combined, it wouldn't be enough to form a complete art.

However, they still had a sliver of hope.

Fei Lianzi looked ashamed. Hence, as his disciple, Li Gufeng took over the explanation.

"Our sect's founding father left a sword trial known as the Seventy-Two Swords. It is located behind the Sword Mound. According to our sect's ancient texts, it contains the complete Sword-Controlling Art. When primal qi returned to the world, the array within the trial grounds mysteriously reactivated, allowing entry once more. "

After pondering for a moment, Wang Sheng asked, "Did you encounter some kind of obstacle while attempting the trial?"

Li Gufeng sighed and smiled bitterly. He then glanced at his master. Fei Lianzi simply waved his hand, signaling him to continue.

Li Gufeng pursed his lips and softly replied, "It's not just the challenge itself that's the problem. See, our forefathers imbued the trial with a rule: only disciples who are under the age of twenty-five and have comprehended a complete sword intent are qualified to enter the trial grounds. Most of our sect's disciples couldn't even meet the basic requirements.

"Many tried to enter multiple times, but the array stopped most of them before they could even go through the entrance. After all, comprehending your own Dao of the Sword and cultivating a complete sword intent before the age of twenty-five is nearly impossible unless you started training in swordsmanship from a very young age.

"Among the disciples, a few of my senior brothers managed to achieve such a feat and meet the array's standards, albeit barely. Unfortunately... the results have been disappointing." Li Gufeng sighed deeply. "It has only been a few short years since we regained primal qi. Developing a complete sword intent in such a brief period is beyond most people's capabilities."

Li Gufeng looked at his hands with a trace of helplessness.

Mu Wanxuan nudged Wang Sheng's arm lightly with her elbow. Her bright eyes carried a hint of amusement, as if asking whether Wang Sheng was also bound by the limits of ordinary people.

Wang Sheng could only blink in response.

Fei Lianzi huffed. "Who says it's impossible? That's just because you all lack the drive! Look at Daoist Master Fei Yu! His sword bones, his sword stance—he is practically the living embodiment of the sword itself!

Ahem!

I mean, he is a young cultivator who embodies the new era's sword spirit!"

Zi Ling pouted, while Li Gufeng rolled his eyes. His master's shameless flattery had rendered him speechless. However, since they required Wang Sheng's help, there wasn't much they could do about it.

1. 语, which means language ☜

2. 与, which means and ☜

3. 鱼, which means fish ☜

4. 驴, which means donkey ☜

5. The term 出道 has two meanings. 1 is to embark on the Dao. 2 is to debut as a celebrity. This is a play on words ☜