Chapter 1014: Nearly Ripe
The swordsmen did not dare breathe.
The motionless back vanished like the wind.
The middle-aged swordsman at their head wore a grim expression. The arrogance and killing intent from moments ago seemed to have been frozen by the chill of that departing figure, then shattered in the evening breeze.
Without the slightest hesitation, the middle-aged swordsman turned around. "Return to the sect."
"Do not wade into this muddy water."
"What about you, Martial Uncle?"
"I..."
The middle-aged swordsman said solemnly, "I have to fight for it!"
After sending away the disciples he had brought along to broaden their horizons, the middle-aged swordsman entered the county town.
The long street was deserted, filled only with elderly people too old even to leave their homes.
Even such old people were rarely seen.
The taverns, tea houses, and restaurants... had all shut their doors to visitors. Only a handful of establishments still retained a trace of warmth.
The first place he entered was the Zhang Family Smithy.
"Senior Brother."
Seeing the man standing at the door, Zhang Ya Jiu was clearly somewhat startled.
It was as though he had never expected the man before him to come.
Though his tone was cold, a hint of familiarity could still be heard within it.
Zhang Ya Jiu said coldly, "Junior Brother, why have you come here instead of remaining in Sword City?"
As he spoke, he glanced down the street, then added a reminder with a cold face and warm heart. "This is no peaceful place these days."
"Senior Brother, the old master misses you dearly," the middle-aged swordsman said, sounding like a mediator.
Zhang Ya Jiu's hands paused at those words, and he let out a long sigh. "The old master would not miss me. He would not miss anyone."