Chapter Forty-Seven: Thoughts

Back in the main hall of the residence on the mountainside, riding the momentum of their great victory, Duàn Yì showed no signs of arrogance. He simply followed Bái Xī Wén to close the door, then gracefully sat down, appearing calm and composed.

"Lin Bohui's swordsmanship is superb, both fast and treacherous. By my estimation, you could barely withstand him for ten moves. Perhaps you would have been defeated by his blade at nine moves. To now be able to defeat him is truly beyond my expectations."

As soon as he sat down, Bái Xī Wén stroked his chin and gazed at Duàn Yì in admiration. Being able to turn the impossible into the possible and accomplish extraordinary deeds naturally marked someone as an extraordinary person.

He had repeatedly thought highly of this young man, only to find he had still underestimated him. This time, he had brought him another surprise.

"Brother Bai's knowledge is profound. You should be able to see that my martial arts are no match for Lin Bohui. Rather than saying I defeated him, it's more accurate to say he defeated himself.

As for the method, it was nothing more than rubbing some medicinal powder on the blade of the Ten Refinements Sword to exploit his weaknesses.

I said earlier that while the Bixie Swordplay might indeed be incredibly powerful and flawless, Lin Bohui himself might not be. Now, my words have been proven.

Brother Bai, do you think my actions were despicable and shameless, not befitting a gentleman?"

Aside from the true secret of the Bixie Swordplay, Duàn Yì had no intention of hiding anything from Bái Xī Wén. He revealed his true killing move, feeling a little apprehensive.

Who knew that upon hearing Duàn Yì's words, Bái Xī Wén would burst into laughter, point at Duàn Yì, shake his head, and say nothing.

"You're playing mind games with me here, kid. What, are you afraid I'll develop a prejudice against you and kick you off the mountain?

Admittedly, your actions were a bit sordid, but they hardly constitute a heinous crime.

If using medicine or poison is considered despicable, then wouldn't everyone who cultivates poison arts and develops poisons be a contemptible scoundrel? I'm just surprised that the special medicine you used seems to be exceptionally potent.

Also, it was clearly stated on the dueling grounds that any means could be used to win, meaning poison and hidden weapons were not forbidden.

Your actions can only be described as using any means necessary, but it's not a major offense, and you don't need to feel ashamed.

On the contrary, I must commend you. Your mind is quite sharp. Even when you descend the mountain and venture into the Jianghu in the future, you won't become a pedantic dullard. Your safety will be greatly ensured."

Bái Xī Wén had never been one to strictly adhere to conventions.

While he might possess a chivalrous heart, if he were truly a great sage or a benevolent person who couldn't tolerate a speck of dust in his eye, he would have already broken ties with Qū Dōng Liú over the Moon Worship Palace incident. How could he have delayed until now?

Moreover, it was precisely because Bái Xī Wén had experienced the rough and tumble of the Jianghu that he knew how treacherous and dangerous the real Jianghu was. Those who don't adapt will sooner or later be unable to cope with this world.

"This matter ends here. From now on, you will focus on practicing and cultivating your martial arts on the mountain. Qū Dōng Liú will no longer have an excuse to force you down the mountain, and the Ruan family won't hold onto this matter either.

Your talent is immense, and your comprehension is strong. If you can raise your martial arts a few more levels, you can venture into the Jianghu and build a career. When you meet Jiāo Nú in the future, I'm sure she'll be grateful to me."

In the end, Bái Xī Wén steered the conversation back to Yuè Jiāo Nú, making Duàn Yì sigh that he was truly a man driven by love.

"By the way, that protective gear you're wearing, did Little Yuè'er give it to you? She really cares about you, doesn't she? What are your plans? Don't end up like a pretty boy and actually become one."

After saying this, Bái Xī Wén changed the subject, bringing up Hèlán Yuè'er again.

This young girl came from a noble background, and with her first stirrings of love, her heart was entirely set on Duàn Yì. It was obvious to most discerning observers, but they simply didn't pry.

Just like Qū Dōng Liú, Granny An, Eunuch Qiu, and others who knew of Hèlán Yuè'er's feelings, but what of it?

Who hasn't yearned for someone they deeply cared about in their youth?

But looking back, that person from back then might not necessarily be their destined partner. Especially since Hèlán Yuè'er belonged to a prominent family, her future marriage would undoubtedly be beyond her control.

Bái Xī Wén's words were also a subtle hint to Duàn Yì. If he truly had feelings for the young girl, he needed to strive for excellence and achieve something in the future. At that point, the Hèlán Family would likely be pleased.

However, Duàn Yì hadn't thought that far ahead, perhaps he hadn't considered it in that way at all. He smiled and said, "I know Yuè'er's feelings, but she's still too young. I only have brotherly affection for her; there are absolutely no romantic intentions.

Perhaps after some time apart, her feelings will fade. At that point, she might even discard me like worn-out shoes.

But no matter what, I remember the kindness shown to me by her, Granny An, and Eunuch Qiu. If they ever need anything in the future, I will definitely repay this kindness."

Duàn Yì's words caught Bái Xī Wén somewhat by surprise. His eyes widened, he got up, and moved to Duàn Yì's side, then slapped the back of Duàn Yì's head.

"You say she's too young? How old do you think you are?

You ungrateful brat, you don't know what you have when you have it. Hèlán Yuè'er's grace and beauty will surely make her a stunning beauty when she grows up. It seems you really haven't even grown your fuzz yet, you're clueless. What a waste."

Despite his words, Bái Xī Wén wasn't annoyed by them. Duàn Yì might be a bit sentimental, but he was still better than a scumbag who would deceive a girl's feelings. Moreover, his character of repaying kindness was very much to Bái Xī Wén's liking.

After all, he had shown Duàn Yì even greater kindness. In the future, when Duàn Yì met Yuè Jiāo Nú, wouldn't he help him out?

Duàn Yì rubbed the back of his head and didn't retort, thinking to himself: Then you're really mistaken. It's precisely because I'm not clueless that I know women with curves are more alluring.

After a few more playful exchanges, they each returned to their own rooms to rest.

Duàn Yì returned to his room alone. First, he took out a white cloth, then drew the Ten Refinements Sword and sat on a stool, slowly wiping the blade.

He saw small but quite noticeable nicks on both sides of the blade. Knowing they were caused by the internal energy force during his previous duel with Lin Bohui, he couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

Although this sword was very ordinary, far from exquisite, let alone a treasured blade, it had accompanied him through the most crucial stage of his sword practice, laying a solid foundation for his swordsmanship. This was something that could never be erased.

"This battle was truly insignificant. If it weren't for the Ruan family's coercion and Qū Dōng Liú's intention to facilitate it, I really wouldn't have wanted to bite off this tough bone. The Bixie Swordplay is indeed formidable.

Lin Bohui hasn't truly castrated himself to practice the sword yet. With his superficial attainments achieved through trickery, he can achieve such results. One can imagine the profound mystery of this martial art.

Therefore, this battle doesn't count as truly defeating the Bixie Swordplay. After all, my martial arts training time is still short, and my strength is limited. It can only be considered a victory achieved through cunning and trickery.

However, next time, I must have a real duel with a successor of the Bixie Swordplay and gain a deep understanding of the style of this martial art."

Duàn Yì did not become complacent or arrogant, because he knew that while his current martial arts might not be weak, they certainly couldn't be called outstanding. He needed to proceed with caution as if treading on thin ice.

As for the Bixie Swordplay, to be honest, he was indeed somewhat tempted.

Firstly, the divine skill was too alluring. Even if he couldn't cultivate it, it would be good to study it, broaden his horizons, and increase his martial arts wisdom and foundation.

Such opportunities are rare and cannot be sought.

Secondly, the Tower of Hidden Martial Arts also has a Bixie Swordplay manual, but unfortunately, it's empty, with only a listing and no actual manual, which is a great pity.

Now, Lin Bohui has gone berserk, his True Qi is surging uncontrollably, making it impossible for him to fight or even move properly.

Therefore, if Duàn Yì could go down the mountain, seize the opportunity while the Ruan family is unprepared, kidnap Lin Bohui, and then torture him to extract the sword manual's techniques and secrets, there would be a chance of success.

However, there are several inconveniences and hidden dangers.

The first is that the Golden Cauldron Sect has extremely strict security. To go down the mountain, he would definitely alert Qū Dōng Liú. Duàn Yì is extremely wary of this person and has a deep-seated grudge, so he doesn't want to draw Qū Dōng Liú's attention or enter his sight too much.

Another factor is Lin Bohui's background, which Bái Xī Wén had told Duàn Yì about. Today, they attacked the subordinate; tomorrow, the elder will surely come. With Lin Chunwang's martial arts, Bái Xī Wén might not be able to gain any advantage, posing a great hidden danger.

So, after much deliberation, Duàn Yì abandoned this rather dangerous idea.

"Thinking about it carefully, even if I don't go after the Bixie Swordplay, this enmity has likely been forged.

If Lin Bohui is truly a disciple of the Lin family from Fuzhou in Lingnan, then by scheming to make him go berserk, I've certainly offended the Lin family, and there might be future entanglements."

The Jianghu is like this. Offend one person, and it might implicate a whole group. Individual threads connect to form a net, weaving together the entire Martial Arts World and the four seas of the Jianghu, from which no one can escape.

Although Duàn Yì is young, he is not a completely ignorant youth. He doesn't believe this matter will simply end here. To put it more deeply, offending the Ruan family is not a big deal; offending the Lin family is the real trouble.

But who could have predicted that the Ruan family could invite Lin Bohui, and that Lin Bohui would happen to come to Hebei from Lingnan?

It can only be said to be fate.

However, he wouldn't just resign himself to fate.

The Lin family? If he truly masters his divine skills and becomes invincible, ten Lin families would be nothing.

Therefore, everything still comes down to strength.

And Duàn Yì's strength, without the aid of any faction, comes entirely from his own martial arts. Thus, he can only continue to advance on the path of strengthening himself.