Ch. 81Lu Lingyun's Sword-Crazed Nature
Chapter Summary: Lu Lingyun’s Sword-Crazed Nature
Key Plot Points and Events
- Old Qian reveals that Lin Qi’s Small Wooden Sword contains the complete soul of an ancient emperor with an exceptionally powerful bloodline. Its overwhelming majesty suppresses the fragmented sword souls in Sword Seeking Valley, preventing them from forming contracts with Lin Qi.
- Unlike ordinary sword souls, which are incomplete and blank, the wooden sword’s soul possesses consciousness and may become extremely powerful once awakened. Old Qian explains that Lin Qi’s soul aura has been nourishing it, and that after she forms a Golden Core, she may refine it into a natal Magic Treasure.
- Lin Qi questions how she obtained the Azure Phoenix Sword if the wooden sword prevents other swords from acknowledging her. True Monarch Xiuyue privately explains the embarrassing circumstances to her, provoking a furious argument with Old Qian.
- Xiuyue reveals Old Qian’s hidden attachment to the swords of Sword Seeking Valley, while Old Qian angrily calls her by her former name, Li Dayue. Their verbal quarrel escalates into a battle involving powerful sword intent.
- Lin Qi, Lu Lingyun, and Mu Jin flee while the two elders fight. On the mountainside, several sixth-level Qi Refinement cultivators ambush Lu Lingyun, sack him, and beat him over grievances caused by his offensive behavior.
- Lin Qi refuses to help Lu Lingyun, arguing that he has clearly offended many people and that she should not become involved. Lu Lingyun nevertheless remembers her, demands her name, and challenges her to a future duel.
- Mu Jin explains that Lu Lingyun is notorious for his obsessive sword practice and habit of challenging stronger cultivators. Despite having been at Broken Sword Peak for only three months, he has already been beaten by many senior disciples.
- Lin Qi plans to avoid him by joining a northern mission for at least three months. Mu Jin warns that Lu Lingyun will likely challenge numerous cultivators at Zonglei Peak while she is away, since his extreme dedication enabled him to comprehend sword intent after only three months of cultivation.
Character Developments
- Lin Qi: Learns that her plain wooden sword is an extraordinary and potentially dangerous treasure. She remains pragmatic and cautious, refusing to help Lu Lingyun and deciding to evade him rather than become entangled in his obsession.
- Lu Lingyun: Is established as a reckless, sword-obsessed challenger with a sharp tongue and a talent for provoking others. Even while being beaten, he remains focused on identifying and challenging Lin Qi.
- Mu Jin: Acts as a knowledgeable observer, explaining Lu Lingyun’s habits and warning Lin Qi about the consequences of attracting his attention.
- Old Qian: Is revealed to be deeply possessive of the swords in Sword Seeking Valley and particularly embarrassed by Xiuyue’s teasing about his emotional attachment.
- True Monarch Xiuyue/Li Dayue: Displays a playful, provocative personality but becomes fierce when Old Qian exposes her former name. Her conflict with Old Qian suggests a long-standing personal history.
Significant Themes
- The hidden nature of power: Lin Qi’s seemingly ordinary wooden sword conceals an emperor-level sword soul, emphasizing that appearances can be misleading.
- Sword cultivation and obsession: Lu Lingyun’s rapid progress demonstrates both the rewards and dangers of single-minded dedication.
- Humor amid danger: The chapter balances revelations about ancient souls and powerful sword intent with comedic quarrels, public embarrassment, and Lu Lingyun’s repeated beatings.
- Consequences of one’s reputation: Lu Lingyun’s aggressive behavior has earned him numerous enemies, while Lin Qi deliberately avoids inheriting the trouble associated with him.
- Freedom versus possession: Old Qian’s refusal to let Xiuyue touch the swords reflects his possessive relationship with Sword Seeking Valley and its weapons.
Character Interactions
- Lin Qi and Old Qian discuss the wooden sword’s unusual soul, with Lin Qi reacting skeptically and anxiously to the revelation.
- Xiuyue takes Lin Qi aside and shares Old Qian’s embarrassing secret, creating an immediate sense of intimacy and alliance between them.
- Old Qian and Xiuyue trade insults about their past and motives before fighting with powerful sword intent.
- Lin Qi and Mu Jin observe Lu Lingyun’s assault from a safe distance. Lin Qi humorously insists that she is merely an innocent bystander.
- Lu Lingyun tries to keep Lin Qi from leaving and publicly challenges her, while Lin Qi dismisses him and plans to avoid him through the northern mission.
- Mu Jin serves as the voice of caution, warning Lin Qi that Lu Lingyun’s sword obsession will make him difficult to escape.