He handed both the Sword Case and the Flying Sword to Xiao Ju. She paused slightly, looking at the familiar Sword Case, then at the Joined Branches Flying Sword, some puzzlement in her eyes.
Song Yan said gently, "After establishing my Dao Foundation, I found a new Sword Case. This one has been sitting idle, so I will give it to you."
Reminiscence showed in his eyes as he briefly told Xiao Ju the story of Yan Gui and Hua Luo.
"This Sword Case is called Useless. Senior Yan Gui originally intended it to hold the two swords, Green Plum and Bamboo Horse."
"As for this sword, Joined Branches, he forged it by combining Bamboo Horse with the shattered Green Plum."
"The sword and case belonged together to begin with, and should rightly return to the same place. I would not wish to separate them either."
Song Yan gently placed the Sword Case and the Joined Branches Flying Sword into Xiao Ju's cupped hands. "Now I give them both to you."
"I hope you will treat them well, inherit the blessings left by our predecessor, and cultivate diligently. Do not let them gather dust."
Xiao Ju's gaze flickered, her thoughts unknown.
"Thank you, Master."
She drew a deep breath, took them steadily in both hands, and bowed her frail body. "Xiao Ju will faithfully obey your instructions!"
Song Yan nodded without saying more and stepped into the quiet chamber.
Xiao Ju stared after him in a daze for a while, then lowered her head to look at the Sword Case and Flying Sword in her arms.
She held them a little tighter.
Inside the quiet chamber.
Song Yan sat cross-legged, his presence swiftly withdrawing into an oceanic abyss.
Unmoored Boat separated from its blade and appeared before Song Yan purely