Beimingzi murmured the name softly, then looked at Xiaomeng and said, "Xiaomeng... is that right?"
Hearing Beimingzi call her, Xiaomeng stepped forward and bowed solemnly to him, a little reserved. "Yes, Master."
"Good. From this day forward, you will be my final disciple. Chisongzi once spoke to me about you. He said you were bright and gifted, and had already gained some insight into the Dao. In terms of talent, you are no less gifted than Wuming. A master can only serve as a guide to his disciples. There is little I can teach you; some things you must ponder for yourself. If you have any questions, however, you may always come to me."
As he spoke, Beimingzi raised his hand and beckoned. The long sandalwood case resting on the table flew into his hand as though it had sprouted wings.
"This sword is called Qiuli. It ranks ninth among the Ten Great Swords in Feng Huzi's sword register. It embodies the profound truths of Taoism and is steeped in the vitality of heaven and earth. It is a treasure safeguarded by our Heavenly Sect of Taoism. Zhuangzi once studied this sword and, after gaining profound insights, composed 'Free and Easy Wandering.'
"Legend has it that Xue Zhu, a sword appraiser of Wu-Yue, searched for a treasured sword for the King of Yue to match Chun Jun, the famed sword forged by Ou Yezi in his collection. After twenty years of painstaking searching, he finally found one. On the very day he obtained it, Xue Zhu shed his mortal form and ascended to heaven. Thus, it is said that his spirit resides within this sword."
"...Although it cannot compare to Xue Ji, which ranks sixth, it is still a divine weapon rarely seen in this world. Today, I bestow Qiuli