This Saber Dazzled, Yet Lone Wind Could Not Put It into Words; Entering Silkworm Dream Tower, Calling on Madam

It turned out that in early June, Yao Yin's senior brothers, sisters, and elders from the Nature Sect arrived in Jade City on important sect business. Yao Yin Yao Yin them, fulfilling her duties as a host. She arranged for the elders, brothers, and sisters to stay at her Lineage's residence. The Yao Family treated them with utmost courtesy, hosting a banquet to welcome them. Yao Yin already enjoyed considerable prestige within the sect; her beautiful appearance, high level of martial arts, and exceptional talent made her highly regarded and admired by many senior and junior brothers. Upon arriving in Jade City, her senior brothers and sisters, knowing of her prestigious family background, were even more envious. The Nature Sect elders were very satisfied with Yao Yin's arrangements, nodding repeatedly and praising Yao Yin intelligence and remarkable talent, which she had displayed even while still in the Nature Sect. Hearing this, the Yao Clan elders were naturally delighted. They called Yao Yin over, praising and rewarding Yao Yin, and even told her to choose a martial art. If she encountered any difficulties, she was encouraged to seek guidance from the elders of her clan, the sect elders, and her fellow disciples.

Yao Yin was overjoyed. Recently, she had been taking many of her senior brothers and sisters to tour Jade City. They had eaten at banquets, enjoyed the scenery, admired jade artifacts, and listened to operas. Jade City was diverse, prosperous, and had plenty of places to have fun.

However, because he had gone too far in his play, he was reprimanded by the elders of the clan and the sect, and was confined to his quarters to allow the disciples to refocus. During this time, Li Xian's reputation began to rise, and rumors gradually spread to the Yao Family.

Yao Clan's cousins, some of whom served as Cavalier in the Gold-Seeking Guard, inadvertently brought up the matter. Yao Yin inquired briefly and learned that Li Xian had been promoted to the position of Gold Steward and was shining brightly. While happy for him, she heard people talking about the controversy surrounding the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method".

He was filled with curiosity, but unfortunately, the elders had confined him to his quarters to calm his mind. He could only suppress his restlessness and chat with his fellow disciples to pass the time. On this day, he heard that Li Xian was going to the arena. Unable to bear it any longer, he secretly took a few of his closest fellow disciples and fled to watch the arena.

There were four senior sisters and brothers traveling with me: Zhou Qingqing, the eldest senior sister of the Qing generation of the Nature Sect; Lu Qingguan, the fourth senior brother; Wei Qingfeng, the seventh senior brother; Qiao Qing, the ninth junior brother.

The Nature Sect is a prestigious and renowned school, and its disciples are all known for their refined and composed demeanor. Wei Qingfeng, dressed in a light green robe and playing with Huangyu County walnut in his hand, said, "Jade City boasts countless heroes. Given today's grand occasion, Non-Self lack of skill in swordsmanship, I would certainly like to have a real match with them."

The arena was set up inside the "Peaceful Auspice Garden" in Tongji Ward.

Lu Qingguan said, "I've heard a little about the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method recently. Although it's exquisite, it's not difficult for my Nature Sect, Junior Sister Yao's Lineage, or even ordinary sects to find a martial art more exquisite. The reason it has become so famous and caused such a stir is entirely due to Gold Steward. His sword technique is unique and leaves a lasting impression. Today, I'm fortunate enough to witness it firsthand and will know whether it's true or not."

Zhou Qingqing, with her hair in two braids and delicate features, said, "Jade City truly lives up to its reputation as a wealthy city. The scene is quite impressive. Our Nature Sect certainly doesn't have such a lively atmosphere."

Yao Yin laughed and said, "Our Nature Sect emphasizes natural enlightenment. If it gets this lively, it will be terrible." Zhou Qingqing, Lu Qingguan, Wei Qingfeng, and Qiao Qing smiled and found it to be very reasonable.

Qiao Qing said, "Senior Sister, if we come out like this and are discovered, won't we be severely punished?" Yao Yin laughed and said, "Good Junior Brother, what are you afraid of? Jade City is Senior Sister's territory. After watching the arena battle, we can sneak back, won't that be convenient?"

Zhou Qingqing said, "We've been corrupted by this girl too." Lu Qingguan and Wei Qingfeng both nodded in agreement. Yao Yin laughed and said, "It's a rare treat to come to Jade City; wouldn't it be a shame not to join in the fun?"

Wei Qingfeng said, "I think you came here of your own accord. You dragged us along just so that if we were exposed, you could take a few of us down with you and share the punishment, so it wouldn't be too boring. Junior sister, do you think I don't know you?"

Yao Yin stuck out her tongue and made a face. Lu Qingguan, refined and composed, said, "To be honest, I am indeed curious about what kind of person Gold Steward, with his Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face, really is."

Just then, the sound of hooves rang out, and a bluish-brown Horse Beast slowly approached, with a man sitting on its back. He was dressed in Tiger-Python Uniform, wore a Silver Face, had a horizontal sword at his waist, and his long hair was neatly tied up, but a few stray strands of hair drifted loosely.

Like a ruthless hunter chasing a thief, yet also like a hermit, pure and clean, a mountain dweller Turbidity-Avoidance filth and corruption. But standing here, the youthful vigor, the sharp and cold determination, stands out conspicuously.

His many characteristics and temperament are a mixture, making it extremely difficult to describe in a single sentence. Yet, he certainly lives up to the title of "Handsome-Mane Lad." The crowd was stunned for a moment; most were seeing Li Xian for the first time, and simultaneously thought, "Ah! What a Handsome-Mane Lad! What a dashing man!"

Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, and Qiao Qing looked him over and nodded repeatedly, saying, "At first glance, he surpasses the rumors!" Zhou Qingqing gazed at him for a long time and said, "This person has a rare temperament; just looking at him, he is certainly no ordinary person. However, I've heard that he is quite ugly." Qiao Qing said, "When I arrived just now, someone gave me a piece of yellow paper with a portrait on it. Senior Sister Zhou, take a look." She handed over the yellow paper. Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan all looked at it. The person in the paper had a face full of wrinkles and acne, an ugly face, and rough features, making one feel disgusted at the sight of him. It was said to be the appearance of Li Xian.

It turned out that... Lei Chong was worried that Li Xian's reputation would become even greater, so he arranged for someone to send Li Xian's portrait. Yao Yin glanced at it sideways and thought, "Is the painting too ugly? Did Li Xian do this on purpose? Or is someone deliberately trying to tarnish his reputation?" She then remained silent.

Zhou Qingqing sighed, "What a pity, what a pity. A person's appearance is determined by nature. If someone is born with such features, there's really nothing that can be done. But his temperament is hard to find, and he truly deserves the title of 'handsome man.'"

Yao Yin thought to herself, "Fine, if others don't know, they don't know. Anyway, the rumors about his ugly appearance won't stop him from making progress." Her eyes darted around.

Bystanders murmured, "I've heard rumors for a long time, and today's words confirm it. This young man is truly unique; no wonder he's attracted so much attention." "Indeed, indeed! Look at his composed demeanor; facing such a situation, he remains calm and collected, neither elated nor disgraced—that's the true spirit of Jade City." "A young hero of Jade City should be like this. It's a pity, a pity, no one is perfect; this physique is so pitifully ugly." "Hahaha, mentioning this is quite comforting to us." "A pitiful appearance doesn't matter; this mask is his face, and with this physique, he'll probably attract many women." "If he's willing, my daughter might as well be betrothed to him."

Upon seeing Li Xian arrive, the Gold-Seeking Guard excitedly shouted, "Gold Steward! Are you well?" and waved their hands in greeting.

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "I'm well." A lake breeze blew, and Li Xian's long hair flew as he easily dismounted. He Binds the Wind to a tree and then headed towards the arena.

He was tall and imposing, unhurried and composed, acting as if nothing was amiss. His calm and collected demeanor, mature beyond his years, gradually quieted the noisy discussions. Li Xian stepped onto the platform and saw a young man in the distance.

It was "Golden Flood Dragon Isle; Zhang Longdao". He was dressed in blue clothes, short in stature, with thick limbs, but standing in the arena, he had the demeanor of a grandmaster. He came to Jade City and heard that the city was talking about the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method" and that many people had set up a sword-fighting arena.

He was confident in his superior swordsmanship, and few among the younger generation could rival him. So he set up a challenge to compare swordsmanship and hone his skills. He held the challenge for several days in a row, Gold-Seeking Guard Cavalier, the commanders, and others came to challenge him after their shifts. Zhang Longdao wielded his sword with one hand and often defeated his opponents with a single strike, displaying great prowess.

Moreover, his swordsmanship was exceptionally elegant, like a dragon emerging from the sea, capable of stirring up clouds and rain. His reputation gradually grew. In reality, the outcome of a swordsmanship contest did not necessarily depend on the strength of the martial artist. Zhang Longdao might not have been able to truly surpass the Gold-Seeking Guard Cavalier, but his understanding of the way of the sword was unique.

The next Gold Steward, "Gold-Seeking Guard Fu Meng," also suffered a crushing defeat in the arena. Jian Jinwei was humiliated and secretly suffered a great loss. If it were any other sword technique, the outcome would have been different if they had competed again. But it was the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," and among all the Gold-Seeking Guard... apart from Li Xian, no one could master this sword technique smoothly. Zhang Longdao cupped his hands and said, "I have long admired Gold Steward's name. It is truly an honor that Gold Steward has taken the time to attend to my challenge, even while investigating cases and catching culprits." He was quite polite.

Zhang Longdao addressed the crowd, saying, "I set up a small arena, yet you have all graced me with your presence. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality. There is something I must clarify beforehand. This arena is absolutely not intended to Gold-Seeking Guard or harass the Gold-Seeking Guard. I genuinely admire their actions in Gold-Seeking Guard Jade City and safeguarding countless people. The reason for setting up this arena is that my sect primarily practices swordsmanship. Having heard of the formidable power of the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, I wish to test my skills. It is purely a martial arts exchange. Having practiced swordsmanship since childhood, I have certainly gained an advantage. Therefore... if I were to win by a small margin, it would be nothing more than fulfilling the legacy of my sect's swordsmanship."

Li Xian said, "Only through practicing martial arts and exchanging skills can one improve. There is nothing wrong with that, both in terms of reason and emotion." It was like a scholar composing poetry, creating famous poems and lyrics whenever he felt inspired, which would become very popular and be sung throughout the city.

There must be other talented writers who will carefully read and analyze it, pointing out its shortcomings and appreciating its charm. Among them are those with a rebellious spirit who will also compose poems and lyrics to challenge and compete with it. The same is true of the struggles between warriors.

Zhang Longdao initially adopted a courteous approach before resorting to force. When he picked up the "Earth Flood Dragon Saber," his aura instantly changed. It resembled both a crouching dragon and a drawn sword. He wielded a "heavy saber," and to ensure fairness in the competition, he had only used one saber technique for several days: the "Circular Arc Saber Method."

Both being basic martial arts, the Dragon Blade Technique repeatedly defeated the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method. After a moment of preparation, the Zhang Longdao stomped its feet on the ground and unleashed a powerful strike. In that instant, it was as if a dragon lying on the ground had suddenly taken flight, its momentum extremely strong.

Many Gold-Seeking Guard were defeated by this move. Of the dozens of moves in the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, none could defend against it. Even if they could defend against it, Zhang Longdao would follow up with "Dragon-Gazing Return," which would immediately knock the sword away, resulting in an instant defeat.

However, the moment Zhang Longdao drew his sword, although the attack was fierce, he felt a blade's light fill his pupils. Before he could even see how Li Xian drew his sword, a horizontal blade was already pressed against his neck.

This sudden change caused the area around the arena to fall silent. Zhang Longdao's movements stopped abruptly at the "Earth Flood Dragon Takes Flight" stance, and he was already drenched in cold sweat. Li Xian said, "Didn't see it clearly? Then let's try again." He took three steps back and sheathed his sword.

Zhang Longdao stood on end, and thunder roared in his heart. He thought, "Just now... even if it wasn't a contest of swordsmanship, but a life-or-death struggle, even though I know many powerful martial arts, I was already dead before I could use them. This... this person's swordsmanship is unlike any of my opponents!" He steadied himself and gripped his sword again. This time, he concentrated intently, gathering his strength, his heart, mind, and energy all flowing into the sword, becoming one with it. The onlookers also held their breath in awe.

Zhou Qingqing said solemnly, "I knew this Zhang Longdao was powerful, but it's this powerful. It has entered the ' Saber Fishing ' state of Golden Flood Dragon Isle." Yao Yin nodded. Ninth Junior Brother Qiao Qing asked, "Saber Fishing?"

Wei Qingfeng said, "Golden Flood Dragon Isle is an island located at the junction of Yunan Circuit and Longxiong Circuit. The island is mostly inhabited by swordsmen. Several years ago, there was a dragon rampage between Yunan Circuit and Longxiong Circuit, and swordsmen from Golden Flood Dragon Isle were among those who participated."

As senior brothers, Lu Qingguan and the others had a responsibility to answer their junior brothers' questions and impart their experience in the martial world. They immediately added, "There is a martial art on Golden Flood Dragon Isle called ' Saber Fishing,' but I'm afraid you'll have to teach me its details, Senior Sister."

Zhou Qingqing looked at the arena and said, "Junior Brother Lu is wrong. Saber Fishing isn't a martial art, but a state of being. The swordsmen of Golden Flood Dragon Isle live in a remote place where the sea is turbulent and ordinary ships can hardly reach them. Therefore, they have very few resources, and the swordsmen on the island have developed the habit of fishing."

"Over time, some people began using knives as fishing rods, with a strand of hair tied to the blade as the fishing line, to fish in the sea. It must be understood that a skilled swordsman's knife is capable of severing a hair with a single breath; a hair is so thin that the slightest touch will break it in two. Using a knife as a fishing rod and a hair as the fishing line is truly extremely difficult." "But there are countless extraordinary people in the world, and even the most difficult things can be accomplished by someone. Some with exceptional talent in the art of the knife can tie a strand of hair without it breaking and sit on the shore fishing. They persist in this way day after day, enduring wind and sun, sitting idly on the shore. Logically speaking, fishing for a lifetime would be in vain. The hair is so thin, and there is no bait on it; even if a fish or beast bites the hair, it is difficult to hook its mouth and bring it ashore. But if fate intervenes, or by chance, or other reasons, the moment a fish is truly caught, the understanding of the art of the knife undergoes a complete transformation."

"What you're fishing for isn't fish, but your heart—the ability to sense the subtle changes in the blade. Even the most ordinary swordsmanship becomes extraordinary. This is what it means to ' Saber Fishing.'"

Qiao Qing clicked her tongue in amazement and said, "This is going to be interesting! This Zhang Longdao is really that powerful!"

Zhou Qingqing shook her head and smiled wryly, "A good show? I'm afraid not." Lu Qingguan asked, "What does Senior Sister think? Who will win and who will lose?"

Zhou Qingqing said, "A swordsman who wields my Saber Fishing is indeed a rare find, no wonder he dares to set up a challenge and seek out opponents. But sometimes, it depends on who you're competing against. Although I'm not skilled in swordsmanship and can't fathom the depths of its techniques, the principles of martial arts are universal."

"In my opinion, this Zhang Longdao... probably won't withstand ten strikes!"

Yao Yin's eyes flickered as she asked, "Is he that powerful?" Completely forgetting that Li Xian Deathwish Valley.

Zhang Longdao lay prone on the ground, legs apart, left hand supporting his weight, right hand holding the knife. The blade was angled against the ground. Suddenly, he struck out fiercely, the first strike rising upwards like a ascending dragon.

He vaguely heard a dragon roaring. If it weren't for the martial arts competition, which might damage the harmony, Zhang Longdao almost unleashed his full power.

However, no matter how imposing and domineering his blade was, it could not compare to Li Xian's elegance. When the blade came down, Li Xian calmly drew his sword. The sword itself was no different from others, but when he wielded it, it had a unique charm and conveyed an indescribable feeling.

Everyone fell silent, their gazes following the movement of the blade, as if time had stopped.

With a mere flick of the blade, Zhang Longdao abruptly shifted the momentum of the broadsword, making it seem almost out of control. His arm trembled, and his wrist ached terribly as he tried desperately to steady the blade, but it was too late.

Li Xian disrupted Zhang Longdao strikes in an instant, then pressed down with the momentum. The clever transformation turned Zhang Longdao's upward thrust into a downward slash; although the sword was in Zhang Longdao, it was no longer under his control.

Li Xian stepped on the blade, then smoothly moved his sword upwards, brushing it against the broadsword. He entered the center without any obstruction. The blade grazed Zhang Longdao's arm as he wielded the sword, reached his lower abdomen, then moved upwards, across his chest, and finally along his neck, the tip of the blade touching Zhang Longdao.

This forced him to raise his head.

The entire arena fell silent. Zhang Longdao's body was stiff and trembling slightly; he had already suffered a crushing defeat. If Li Xian had held his blade even slightly, Zhang Longdao would have been Disembowelment and his life would have been in grave danger.

In the first match, Li Xian's sword strikes were so fast that onlookers could hardly see them. In the second match, Li Xian unleashed three consecutive strikes with his "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method"—a deflection, a press, and a flick—flowing smoothly and naturally. It was absolutely stunning!

The elegance and grace with which she wielded the sword surpassed even the rumors. The image of her wielding the blade lingered in the mind, leaving a lasting impression. Zhou Qingqing exclaimed in admiration, "Excellent swordsmanship! Excellent swordsmanship! To witness such skill today, even punishment would be worthwhile."

Wei Qingfeng said, "Strange, very strange. I observe this sword technique, and it is completely different. Why... why... I really can't explain it." Zhou Qingqing said, "Although I am the senior sister, this is also difficult to explain clearly. If Master were here, we could ask him."

He overheard others discussing, "I've been watching the duel for quite some time. If I'm not mistaken, those three strikes were 'Lone Boat Crossing the River,' ' Falling Stone, Heaven-Shaking,' and 'Clear Ascension, Turbid Descent.' ' Lone Boat Crossing the River ' is a useless move in the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method Sword Technique; I've never had a chance to use it. ' Falling Stone, Heaven-Shaking ' and ' Clear Ascension, Turbid Descent' have even more contradictory sword techniques. While each strike alone would be exquisite and unique, the seamless transition between them is truly unbelievable!"

"Ah! So this is the true form of the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method. It's clearly the same move, yet Gold Steward's execution is different from others." "I see now. While the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method is exquisite, it lacks the legendary elegance and grace. It's all about Gold Steward's graceful execution, which has nothing to do with the sword technique itself."

"Having such a Gold Steward is truly a blessing for Jade City."

Everyone was honored to Gold-Seeking Guard and showered him with praise. In no time, Li Xian's reputation soared again, and the name "Handsome Sideburns, Ugly Face; Li Xian" spread throughout the streets and alleys!

Hearing the chorus of praise, Yao Yin crossed her arms and tilted her head back, quite proud, thinking, "Non-Self discerning eye, he wouldn't be where he is today. Speaking of which, Gold-Seeking Guard some money to repay me properly. However... his swordsmanship is irrelevant to me. It's a pity I'm skilled with a sword and not much with a knife, otherwise I could ask him for instruction. I doubt he would dare refuse."

Yao Yin had a sudden inspiration and said to his fellow disciples, "Come with me." He then went to Wind-Binding Horse and hid in the treetops. Not long after, Li Xian, having won the battle, left the arena and was about to ride away.

Yao Yin suddenly leaped down, laughing, "Li Xian, didn't expect this, did you?" Li Xian smiled, "Please, your senior brothers, junior brothers, and senior sisters, come down." Yao Yin was taken aback. "How did you know my senior brothers and junior brothers were here too?"

Li Xian smiled and said, "Miss Yao's beauty is like the bright moonlight, like a luminous pearl in the night. Even hidden in a crowd, she is extremely eye-catching. I noticed her as soon as I arrived. However, the situation was complicated at the time, and I did not greet her, which was impolite. I apologize for that."

Hearing Li Xian Yao Yin her beauty as being like a luminous pearl, Yao Yin was overjoyed, her pretty face flushing slightly with shyness. She clenched her fist and pretended to hit him, saying, "You're so glib, talking nonsense. How can you exaggerate like that? I think you're not being sincere at all."

Li Xian's bad temper flared up again, and he laughed, "Then how can I show sincerity? Or should I..." Yao Yin's ears turned bright red, and she scolded playfully, "You lecher!" A soft laugh came from the treetop, "Where did this lecher come from, daring to humiliate my junior sister?"

Four young people jumped down; they were Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, and Qiao Qing. Yao Yin's face flushed even more, but she feigned indifference. Zhou Qingqing said seriously, "Junior sister, who bullied you?"

Yao Yin said shyly and awkwardly, "Senior sister, you're being ridiculous. Who can bully me? My sword doesn't have eyes."

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "I presume the four of you are the esteemed disciples of the Nature Sect? Li Xian greets you!"

Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, Qiao Qing bowed and said, "We've heard so much about you!"

Qiao Qing, seventeen years old, was the youngest. Full of curiosity, she asked with a playful laugh, "By the way, Brother Li hasn't said yet how he discovered us? Could it really be Senior Sister Yao's beauty, like the bright moon in the sky, like a wondrous pearl in the night?"

Hearing Qiao Qing's teasing, Yao Yin blushed but thought to herself, "Fine, you little Qiao, you dare to tease me? I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget." She clenched her fist and punched him.

Qiao Qing was no match for him and was quickly defeated. Zhou Qingqing laughed and said, "Alright, Brother Li, I'm also curious about this." Li Xian said, "What you said just now is of course true. Although there were many people at the time, you all stood out from the crowd with your extraordinary figures. It wasn't hard to notice you. Moreover, I am the Gold Steward of the Gold-Seeking Guard, and my daily job is to solve cases and catch criminals, so my eyesight is a bit sharp. If I wanted to pay attention, I would naturally have noticed you."

"Xiaoyin, won't you introduce your senior brothers and sisters to me?"

Yao Yin then realized that she had been impolite. After introducing the two parties and exchanging names, Yao Yin, being lively by nature and rarely leaving her residence, suggested going to a restaurant for food and then watching a play and listening to music in the evening.

Although Li Xian had other matters to attend to, he was delighted to have met Yao Yin and readily agreed. Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, Qiao Qing admired Li Xian's skills and were extremely curious about him, so they also agreed and wanted to befriend him.

Thus, the group of six traveled together. Lu Qingguan said, "We are outsiders, and we don't know which restaurant is better. Do you two have any recommendations?" Li Xian said, "Although I often drink with my brothers in the army, we usually go to small shops in the streets and alleys, which is not very convenient. In this regard, I would appreciate your guidance, Xiao Yin." Yao Yin said, "I do have a place that I have never tried. Let's go to your house first, and after you change your clothes, we can go eat and drink together." Li Xian readily agreed and led everyone to Jujube-Pasture Residence. After settling Binds the Wind in, they changed their clothes and masks and then headed southeast.

Before long, they arrived at Zhoushan Ward; Hongfu Street, where they saw a bustling restaurant with carriages and horses parked in front, a lively scene. The signboard read "Silkworm Dream Tower".

Li Xian was taken aback and said, "You came here to eat and drink?"

Yao Yin said, "Of course!"

(P. S.: I've been owing you a chapter, I haven't forgotten! I should have finished it a long time ago, but it's the end of the year and I've been incredibly busy. I finish writing around 2 or 3 AM every day. I'll check and see if I can finish it when I go home for the holidays. Please vote for me!)