"What do you mean by this, Miss Xiao Ling?"
Chen Lin asked in a low voice.
Although he had been attacked without cause, his opponent was far too powerful, so he could only suppress his anger.
"Don't be angry. I was only checking what abilities you had so I could chart a course for you."
Sword Sect Master Xiaoling spoke calmly.
He continued, "Don't overthink it, either. I simply don't want you to die here, so you can help me find something in the Star-Plucking Clan's territory. As long as you find it, I can give you an even greater reward."
Chen Lin drew a breath.
He nodded and asked, "May I ask what you need, Miss Xiao Ling?"
Anything could be traded.
If the other party truly needed that special crystal stone of his and could offer a reward he could not refuse, handing it over was not out of the question.
"A person."
"A person?"
Chen Lin was taken aback.
An expression finally appeared on Sword Sect Master Xiaoling's face.
It seemed to hold reminiscence and confusion, yet also resolve and joy.
It was extraordinarily complex.
"His name is Gu Huang. When you find him, tell him that the flowers of Qishan have bloomed."
As Sword Sect Master Xiaoling's words rang out, an endless sorrow welled forth.
Chen Lin could not stop tears from welling up.
Even the surrounding scenery lost its vitality, as though weeping in silence.
"Miss Xiao Ling, your Sword Will is no longer pure."
Chen Lin wiped the corners of his eyes and spoke slowly as he looked at him.
The sorrow vanished in an instant.
Sword Sect Master Xiaoling closed his eyes, only opening them after a long while. His entire demeanor returned to its indifferent state.
"Have you remembered it?"
He looked