Delivering a Sword to Sword-Hiding Mountain

The rear hall was much quieter than the front hall.

Lu Changgeng took the seat of honor and raised a hand, motioning for the two of them to sit as well.

Rather than speak immediately, he reached beneath the desk, drew out a long case, and set it on the desktop, pushing it toward them.

The case was pitch-black, its wood as dark as if it had been steeped in ink, without a single ornament.

Yang Xiao's nostrils twitched.

An extremely faint metallic tang drifted through the wooden case.

"This is the sword I used during my time at Sword-Hiding Mountain," Lu Changgeng said slowly, resting his palm on the lid. "It was with me for over a hundred years."

He curled a finger and tapped the lid lightly, producing a dull thunk.

"Every ten years, Sword-Hiding Mountain holds the Hundred Swords Return to the Pool. Those who leave the mountain make a habit of sending their swords back to the Sword Pool to be nourished."

He raised his eyes, sweeping his gaze across their faces.

"I had intended to go myself."

Lu Changgeng paused, a trace of regret showing in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, Longwind Commandery borders Liangzhou. These past few days, urgent reports have arrived from Liangzhou one after another. Military affairs have me tied down. I can't leave."

He lifted his tea and took a sip. Watching the leaves rise and sink in the cup, he lowered his voice.

"Though Sword-Hiding Mountain is renowned for its swordsmanship legacy, the Sword Pool doesn't accept only swords. Sabers, spears, halberds—all of them can enter the pool."

Yang Xiao's fingers stirred almost imperceptibly.

He lowered his head and glanced at the Army-Breaking Spear beside him.

Lu Changgeng caught the movement.

"The killing intent in your Army-Breaking Spear is stronger than that