Would an Aperture-Opening Martial Artist Like Me Pose Any Threat to You?

Under the two men's curious gazes, Yang Xiao slowly applied the Army-Breaking Affix to the blade in his hand.

The edge sliced into the skin of his fingertip without the slightest resistance. A bead of blood welled up, then vanished into the blade in a most unnatural way.

Yang Xiao stared silently at his fingertip. What startled him was not the blade's ability to absorb blood, but the chilling realization that if he had not been watching his finger, he would never have felt the cut at all.

The pale-ink saber made no sound, as though it had been made for assassination.

Yang Xiao slowly sheathed it, then glanced at the notification in his Equipment Slot. A violet-glowing affix had appeared. Not bad.

"Thank you."

They had already spent too many days at Sword-Hiding Mountain, so Yang Xiao and Yan Tieyi politely declined Lu Chenyue's request that they stay a few more days and prepared to head down at once.

Yan Tieyi took the Sword Case Lu Changgeng had brought back after tempering it and slung it over his shoulder. Yang Xiao carried the Army-Breaking Spear diagonally across his back.

With everyone gathered at the summit to watch the Hundred Swords Return to the Pool Gathering, the two found a secluded path down the mountain.

At the mountain gate, Shao Tianheng was already waiting.

The mountain master wore an ordinary blue-green robe, his hands clasped behind his back. Only two elders stood beside him.

Yang Xiao's steps faltered.

Seeing guests off at the gate was only proper. But for the mountain master to come in person, and to wait for them so early, was more than courtesy.

Shao Tianheng first cupped his hands to Yan Tieyi, then turned to Yang Xiao.

"I heard you two were leaving, so I came