The lotus seed embedded into the blade’s edge as if it had been glued to the dagger, eliminating the need for a jade box… Xu Qi An chuckled, “I’m quite clever, aren’t I?”
Time ticked by minute by minute. Xu Qi An sat by the table, staring intently at the dagger. He was worried about the lotus seed falling onto the table – if it were to imbue the table with a spirit, that would be a big joke indeed.
He imagined not needing to ride his little mare anymore, instead traveling seated on a table, with four table legs nimbly crossing mountains and valleys.
Resting his elbow on the table and cupping his chin, he zoned out. Inspired by the effects of the lotus seed, his mind wandered, conjuring up some amusing jokes.
If he were to imbue his right hand with a spirit, it might say, “When it comes to showing off, I’m the best.” His underwear might retort, “Where are you putting me?” The cigarette would interject, “Both of you shut up, just put me in your mouth.” And the scabbard would complain, “Try sticking me one more time, I dare you!”
At this thought, Xu Qi An burst into laughter.
“Ah! I can only entertain myself, unable to share these jokes…”
He gradually composed himself, one hand still cupping his chin, while the other tapped the table in boredom. He felt he was embodying the atmosphere of “Past midnight, the guest hasn’t arrived; idly tapping chess pieces as the lamp flickers.”
The full moon hung high, its cold light blocked by the gauze window. The shrill chirping of insects rose and fell, emphasizing the night’s tranquility.
On the wooden rack by the window sat a beast-headed incense burner, burning mosquito-repelling incense. The mountains were full of mosquitoes; without burning this incense at night, it would be impossible to sleep.
Of course, martial artists of the Sixth Rank and above needn’t worry about mosquito bites.
Before he knew it, three hours had passed. The moonlight had disappeared, and the sky outside the window was turning a deep blue.
During this time, Xu Qi An watched as the lotus seed gradually withered and the black gold dagger slowly transformed. It didn’t become sharper, but it no longer felt like an inanimate object. It seemed to have come alive.
The tender lotus seed completely shriveled and fell to the ground.
“Hum!”
The black gold dagger vibrated and rose into the air, dancing around Xu Qi An.
It seemed very affectionate towards Xu Qi An, like a young animal towards its parent.
What a marvelous feeling. Although it’s still a dagger, it feels alive to me, like a child or a pet… Xu Qi An’s lips curved into an involuntary smile.
Watching the black gold dagger darting and dancing around the room, Xu Qi An couldn’t help but think of the Siberian Husky he had in his previous life, which was just as lively and would often bump its head against him when happy.
Just as this thought crossed his mind, he saw the black-gold dagger make a graceful arc, its tip aimed straight at him, shooting forward.
No, no, no, that’s deadly… Xu Qi An’s face changed dramatically.
Ding!
With no time to dodge, he could only activate his Vajra Body technique. His chest was struck with a ‘ding’, feeling like being stabbed hard with a needle, extremely painful.
The black gold dagger’s power has increased significantly. I used to try cutting myself with it and felt no pain at all… Xu Qi An grimaced, turning his body to silently endure the dagger’s loving “protection”.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The black gold dagger was like an excited Husky, continuously bumping its “head” against Xu Qi An’s back to show affection.
If I hadn’t cultivated the Vajra Body technique, I might have become the first owner “loved to death” by his dagger. Fortunately, I have this protective divine skill. Well, this is also part of my luck.
After a long while, the black gold dagger had its fill of affection and gently landed on the table.
Xu Qi An grasped the hilt, held it horizontally before him, and gazed at the blade, saying softly, “Now it’s time to bestow a name upon you.”
According to Zhong Li, naming was a crucial part of claiming ownership. Once a sentient divine weapon had a name, it would never change.
Whoever named it would be its master.
The name of the Nation-Stabilizing Sword was “Zhen Guo” (Stabilize the Nation), given by the founding emperor.
Therefore, the purpose of the Nation-Stabilizing Sword’s existence was to stabilize the nation’s fate. That’s why Xu Qi An could use it.
Naming had an unimaginably significant meaning for divine weapons, essentially defining their existence.
For the master, it was also a time for self-reflection and making grand wishes.
What name should I choose… Xu Qi An pondered for a long time. Somehow, he suddenly felt a surge of hot-blooded excitement, as if he was communicating with heaven and earth.
He had a premonition that a crucial life decision was waiting for him.
He inexplicably felt the room was too small, the ceiling too low to contain his surging emotions.
Bang!
He pushed open the door, left the courtyard, and headed outside, arriving at the edge of a cliff.
At this time, the sky was a deep blue, mountain winds howling, blowing his long hair and clothes, making him feel as if he might take flight at any moment.
“I am a visitor from another world. In this world, I don’t worship gods or Buddhas, nor do I bow to kings or heaven and earth. I have only one lifelong wish: to reduce injustice in the world, to allow common people to live more like humans than beasts, and to prevent tragedies like the Chu State massacre from happening again…
“I’ll name you ‘Taiping’ (Great Peace). Follow me, cut down all injustice, and bring peace to the masses! Bring peace for ten thousand generations!”
He raised the long dagger high, feeling his heart as clear as crystal, his thoughts lucid.
Crack!
The jade pendant given by the Director to shield his fate developed a crack.
At this moment, the Taiping Dagger resonated, erupting with a heaven-piercing blade intent that split the clouds atop Quanrong Mountain.
At this moment, Quanrong Mountain erupted with strange phenomena: fierce winds arose, dispersing the perpetual clouds and mist, blowing up countless dry branches and green leaves. The forests swayed, and from afar, it seemed as if the entire mountain was shaking.
This commotion alarmed all the experts at the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters on Quanrong Mountain, including the sect and gang leaders like Yang Cui Xue and Xiao Yuenu who were resting on the mountain.
“What’s happening?”
“Enemy attack? Is it an enemy attack? Quick, wake everyone up!”
“Such a terrifying phenomenon, who could it be? Could it be a Third Rank expert?”
“Could it be revenge from the Earth Sect Leader?”
One expert after another rushed out of their rooms, not even having time to light candles.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
Melodious yet intense bell tolls echoed through the sky and every corner of Quanrong Mountain.
This was the highest alert bell, warning the mountain’s inhabitants to prepare for an enemy attack.
The Martial Arts Alliance’s experts rushed out of their rooms to open areas, witnessing the terrifying phenomenon with their own eyes. The world seemed to consist only of fierce winds, with currents of air surging upwards, carrying stones, green leaves, dry branches, and more.
Such a terrifying natural phenomenon far exceeded mortal limits.
Xiao Yuenu wore a pink robe covering her curvaceous figure, with white undergarments beneath. The sudden event left no time for her to don her elaborate silk dress.
She had no jewelry, her hair tied back with just a goose-yellow silk ribbon.
She gracefully leaped onto a rooftop, looking around to see several familiar faces including Yang Cui Xue.
“What’s going on?” Xiao Yuenu’s voice was cool as she gripped her silver-boned folding fan.
“Either the Ancestral Founder has broken through, or it’s an enemy attack,” Fu Jingmen said gravely. “I just came out too.”
The sect and gang leaders’ faces were serious, on high alert.
“Is it the Earth Sect Leader?” Xiao Yuenu raised an eyebrow, making her judgment.
She unconsciously tightened her grip on the fan.
Fu Jingmen and the others’ faces darkened simultaneously. If it was the Earth Sect attacking, it must be for the Yueshi Manor. But upon finding the manor empty, they might have come to take revenge on the Martial Arts Alliance out of anger.
Although the Martial Arts Alliance was a behemoth in the jianghu world, it was still far inferior to the Three Sects of Daoism, unless the Ancestral Founder personally intervened.
Even so, a battle between peak experts would still be a great disaster for Quanrong Mountain.
At this moment, Yang Cui Xue called out, “Alliance Leader!”
Following his gaze, they saw Cao Qingyang in his purple robe leap out from the main courtyard, making several jumps across the roof ridges before stopping in front of the group.
“Has the old Alliance Leader broken through?”
“Is it an enemy attack, Alliance Leader Cao?”
The sect masters and gang leaders came forward to inquire.
Cao Qingyang’s face was solemn as he said gravely, “It’s not the Ancestral Founder…”
Everyone looked at each other, no longer harboring any hope.
Cao Qingyang said no more, quickly locating the source of the storm and taking the lead in riding the wind.
Yang Cui Xue and others followed.
Soon, they left the building complex and circled to the left side of the main peak, where there was a cliff.
On the cliff stood a tall young man, holding a long dagger in his hand. The blade qi penetrated the clouds, as majestic as heavenly might, with streams of energy swirling around it.
“Silver Gong Xu?!”
Exclamations of surprise rose as the Martial Arts Alliance members looked at this scene with a mix of bewilderment and shock.
Such a commotion was caused by Silver Gong Xu?
His, dagger in hand… Cao Qingyang’s gaze fixed on the dark gold long dagger.
“Gulp…”
Someone swallowed, looking at the dagger with covetous eyes, flashing with envy.
Anyone could see that this was a peerless divine weapon, and the jianghu people were most susceptible to such divine weapons.
More and more people gathered, witnessing the scene of the young man standing proudly at the peak, holding the dagger that pierced through the clouds.
“Not an enemy attack?”
“What, what is Silver Gong Xu doing…”
The crowd buzzed with discussion, but no one could provide answers.
But from today on, a rumor would spread in the jianghu: In the midsummer of the 37th year of Yuanjing, Xu Qi An had an epiphany on Quanrong Mountain, causing a heavenly phenomenon.
After a long while, the blade qi receded and the fierce wind subsided. Just then, the first ray of dawn from the east shone on Xu Qi An, illuminating his handsome profile.
At that moment, countless women’s hearts fluttered.
Xu Qi An sheathed his dagger and let out a silent breath. Suddenly, as if enlightened to his mission, he felt a sense of ease throughout his body.
He swept his gaze over Cao Qingyang, Yang Cui Xue, and the Martial Arts Alliance members watching from afar, and said in a clear voice, “I had an epiphany, and I apologize for disturbing everyone. Also…”
Before he could finish, a slightly urgent call came from the back mountain: “You come, you come…”
Xu Qi An and Cao Qingyang exchanged a glance, knowing it was the voice of the Martial Arts Alliance’s old leader.
Others heard it too.
“What’s that sound? Who is it?” Fu Jingmen looked around and shouted.
“Sect Master Fu, mind your manners,” Cao Qingyang reprimanded. “That’s the Ancestral Founder.”
Hearing this, the Martial Arts Alliance members erupted in excited discussion.
“The Ancestral Founder? Is that the Ancestral Founder’s voice?”
“Since I was little, my father said the Ancestral Founder lived behind the mountain, but I’ve never heard his voice since I was born.”
“The Ancestral Founder lives for thousands of years, protecting the Martial Arts Alliance.”
The Martial Arts Alliance had always claimed that their founding ancestor was still alive, but no one in the jianghu had ever seen this figure who was as old as the nation, including the Martial Arts Alliance members. From childhood, they were told by their elders that the back mountain was forbidden ground, which the Ancestral Founder cultivated in seclusion.
It was passed down from generation to generation, but no one had ever truly met him, not even heard his voice.
“The Ancestral Founder is calling for Alliance Leader Cao. Alliance Leader Cao, please go quickly, don’t keep the Ancestral Founder waiting.”
Seeing Cao Qingyang standing still, people urged anxiously:
“Alliance Leader Cao? The Ancestral Founder is calling you.”
“Alliance Leader Cao, go quickly.”
Those two “you come” calls were undoubtedly for Alliance Leader Cao. In the Martial Arts Alliance, on Quanrong Mountain, only Cao Qingyang had the right to meet the Ancestral Founder.
Because he was the Alliance Leader, the spokesperson of this generation.
Cao Qingyang still didn’t move, nodding towards Xu Qi An.
Xu Qi An immediately headed towards the back mountain. Compared to before, he suddenly no longer feared the secret of his fate being exposed, only because at this moment he felt a sense of liberation and openness.
Many gazes, somewhat dazed, watched Xu Qi An’s receding figure.
The Ancestral Founder wasn’t calling for Alliance Leader Cao?
The Ancestral Founder, silent for hundreds of years, spoke for the first time in front of everyone, and he called for Silver Gong Xu.
…
In front of the stone door, Xu Qi An held his dagger and said respectfully, “Senior, what do you need me for?”
“Who are you? Why do you have fate on you?”
The old voice asked, getting straight to the point, without beating around the bush, in true martial artist style.
Just like last night when he conversed with Xu Qi An about the secrets of fate and historical events, he spoke directly, never playing coy.
I still prefer playing with martial artists. The Director, Golden Lotus, Wei Yuan, and others, their hearts are too dirty, I’m ashamed to associate with them… Xu Qi An mused inwardly, then said:
“I’m just an ordinary citizen of Great Feng, but I do indeed have fate on me, or more accurately, the nation’s fate.”
There was no response from behind the stone door as if waiting for him to continue.
“Twenty years ago, during the Shanhai Pass battle, a mysterious sorcerer, in collaboration with the leader of the Heavenly Gu sect of the Gu tribe, stole half of Great Feng’s national fate. That fate eventually fell to me.
“But I don’t know why I was chosen…”
Xu Qi An briefly explained the matter of fate and his own experiences.
Strangely, when facing Wei Yuan and Golden Lotus, he never mentioned fate, even though Golden Lotus Daoist had some understanding.
But with this old fighter, he had no intention of concealing anything.
The reasons might be twofold: First, the other party was a straightforward martial artist who spoke his mind, unlike Golden Lotus and Wei Yuan who were too scheming. Interacting with them made one overthink and worry too much.
Second, the martial artist inside was as old as the nation and had seen much. The scene just now couldn’t be hidden from him. His urgent summons meant he must have seen something.
So Xu Qi An might as well be generous and reveal the secret.
“No wonder Great Feng’s national power has weakened so rapidly over these twenty-plus years. It’s both due to the emperor’s cultivation and the theft of fate,” the old man realized.
“What happened just now?”
Xu Qi An then told the old man about how the lotus seed imbued his dagger, helping it ascend to a divine weapon.
“What’s the dagger’s name?”
“Taiping, meaning Great Peace.”
The old man chuckled, his voice revealing understanding: “The Third Rank in Confucianism is called Establishing Fate. When advancing, it causes heavenly phenomena. That’s because Confucian scholars carry the fate of humanity.
“Although you’re not of the Confucian system, the essence is the same. That’s why it caused the phenomenon just now. Here’s a piece of advice for you: remember today’s thoughts. If you ever fall into demonic ways in the future, you’ll die from the backlash of fate.”
“I understand,” Xu Qi An nodded, not forgetting to ask: “Senior, what’s your view on my situation?”
“View? Hmm, don’t join the Martial Arts Alliance anymore. I don’t want you,” the old fighter said.
Tch, crude martial artist… Xu Qi An inwardly spat, thinking how quickly he changed his tune. Knowing I’m a pawn of the Director and the mysterious sorcerer, you immediately backed down.
“Of course, if I could advance to the Second Rank, the Martial Arts Alliance could protect you. Hehe, a Second Rank martial artist, even if unable to defeat First Rank experts of other systems, wouldn’t fear them.”
The old man behind the stone door laughed: “You needn’t be wary of me. I’m determined to reach the peak of martial arts, so I absolutely won’t touch fate. Otherwise, I would have fought to the death with your Great Feng’s founding emperor five hundred years ago. As for now, I’m not rebelling, so fate is useless to me.”
“But if you had great fate accompanying you, perhaps, Senior, you could turn the tide and advance to the Second Rank?” Xu Qi An probed.
The old man fell silent.
Just as Xu Qi An was inwardly cursing himself for foolishly opening a topic extremely unfavorable to himself, the old man said quietly:
“What gave you the misconception that a martial artist could manipulate fate?”
… Xu Qi An bowed: “This junior was hasty.”
Oh right, even if this Ancestral Founder coveted his fate, how would a crude martial artist know how to absorb fate?
In the end, it was like a virgin seeing Picasso, staring blankly and fretting uselessly.
After a moment of silence, Xu Qi An, unwilling to give up, asked: “Does Senior have any other guidance?”