Volume One, Chapter 8: The Crimson Snow Sword Claims Its Master!
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Song Ningxia had been waiting for quite some time. When Zhao Fusheng stepped out of the hall, she quickly caught up with him to inquire about the situation. After Zhao Fusheng gave a brief explanation, her gaze suddenly turned cold.
With a sharp intake of breath, she seemed about to rush back inside the hall.
“I will immediately go find Gou Yi to get a clear answer!”
Seeing this, Zhao Fusheng hurriedly grabbed her arm.
“Sis, there’s no need!”
“Just letting me guard the mountain already means I’m recognized as a disciple of the sect. That’s a good thing!”
Though Song Ningxia stopped, her eyes gleamed with a deeper chill. “Do you know why you are my junior brother?”
“It’s because Master expressly permitted your acceptance as a disciple.”
“You are of the same generation as me, and also the same as Gou Yi!”
“But now he’s assigned you to watch over the Broken Ditch Forest. That’s clearly looking down on you!”
Zhao Fusheng held her sleeve tighter. “It’s alright, Sister!”
“Looking down on me is not without reason. My spiritual root is inferior; I don’t deserve a good assignment.”
He then leaned close to her ear, voice a little heavier.
“Besides, how do you know this isn’t Master’s intention?”
Song Ningxia’s pupils flickered; her magical aura instantly dissipated as her feet touched the ground. Though she had lived over a hundred years, she had never truly stepped into the world, and her understanding of human nature was not as transparent as this child’s.
Master had not denied Zhao Fusheng’s status as a disciple — that alone was a great pardon.
This matter had already made him lose face before the other peak leaders.
If she continued to be greedy, wouldn’t that demean the bond between master and disciple?
“You’re right, junior brother.”
“Enough.”
She sighed.
But after a moment’s hesitation, she took out three talismans and handed them over. “Since it can’t be avoided, take these.”
“The beasts and vermin in that mountain realm are numerous and treacherous.”
“If you encounter danger, crush one of these in your palm; I will know you’re in trouble and come to rescue you.”
“However, as an heir disciple of the Sixth Peak, I must guard the sect’s hall, so I can only come three times a month at most.”
“Don’t use them unless absolutely necessary!”
Zhao Fusheng took them, feeling a warmth in his heart. Once, his grandfather had taken him to cut branches and gather charcoal in the mountains, and he had said similar words.
“If you’re in danger, blow the whistle, and Grandpa will come to save you.”
For a moment, the people and events before him seemed to blur and overlap...
But before he could dwell on it, Song Ningxia handed him a green cloth pouch from her waist.
“Take this as well. After descending the mountain, find a good place to bury your grandfather and the elders of your clan.”
“Qingyun Mountain stands at a lucky spot in the world, a vortex of spiritual energy. No matter where they are buried, their souls will rest in peace.”
“I wrote the incantations for the magic on a slip of paper. Recite them when you use it.”
Zhao Fusheng accepted it and bowed deeply.
“Thank you, Sister!”
Song Ningxia waved her hand lightly and sighed.
She helped him up and added, “The pact of the secret talisman is imminent. I cannot grant you longevity nor allow you to cultivate in the mountains.”
“This thanks feels undeserved.”
As she spoke, her gaze sharpened slightly.
A golden light flickered in her hand, and suddenly she summoned the “Mysterious Female Elixir Furnace” that Ren Xuemin had retrieved, offering it to him.
“Oh, and this too.”
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“Although it’s a fine item, much like obtaining the ‘Crimson Snow Sword,’ without supreme spiritual energy to activate it, it’s just an ordinary artifact.”
“But these are your spoils. Keep them for now—you can use them to chop wood or boil water.”
Zhao Fusheng took it, weighing it in his hand.
It was indeed just an old, worn bronze vessel.
However, his grandfather’s notes also mentioned some medicinal herbs and stewing methods.
In the past, in that dilapidated temple, when thirsty, they could only melt snow and drink water with broken tile shards.
Compared to those conditions, this cooking utensil looked considerably better.
“Though Sister warned me earlier, she has truly helped me a great deal. I can accept her thanks. Thank you, Sister!”
“You’re just a good-natured junior brother. Let’s go; follow me to the library to get some beginner texts. I’ll escort you down the mountain to the watch post afterward.”
“All right.”
...
At the Broken Ditch Forest, the dwelling.
Located at the mountain’s foot, nearby flowed the Qingqu River. Ten paces from the riverbank stood a watchtower.
Across the river stretched endless gray terrain, spanning dozens of miles in all directions.
Most striking was the vast burial ground on the opposite bank.
Each tombstone bore the name of a former mountain-watching disciple.
Clearly, the beasts on the other side deliberately set this to intimidate and unsettle the watchers!
“For now, most of the beasts are dormant. They will become active in the spring and summer of next year!”
“But at that time, there will be senior brothers patrolling nearby to guard against danger.”
“Even if they suddenly act, you can quickly light the watch lamp; nearby posts will come to aid.”
“If it’s still too late, crush a talisman.”
Seeing the desolation, Song Ningxia spoke seriously and thoroughly.
Zhao Fusheng nodded, saying, “I’ve got it, Sister. Don’t worry.”
But inside, he was already filled with many concerns!
If these safeguards truly worked, so many senior brothers wouldn’t have died across the river!
The saying “The higher the Tao, the stronger the demon” was no empty phrase.
Such obvious thoughts were taboo.
The only way to survive here was caution and gathering as much information as possible.
Fortunately, the book his grandfather gave him contained not only topographical maps but also brief illustrations and descriptions of the species across the river.
Understanding an enemy before facing them was the only way to stand undefeated.
“The food and supplies inside the house will be replenished weekly by senior brothers. If an emergency arises and you need more urgently, borrow from the nearest watch post.”
“They will coordinate the supplies themselves, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
Song Ningxia continued her briefing.
She then pointed to the stack of books on the table, piled three feet high.
“You’re different from the others. With a low-grade spiritual root, most magical arts won’t take hold for you.”
“So, though these are beginner texts, focus on strengthening your body and vital energy.”
“Books like ‘The Nine Essentials of Body Refinement’ and ‘Fundamental Meditation Techniques’ are suitable. Focus on practicing these.”
“At the end of each month, senior brothers will come to assess your progress...”
“I’ll plead on your behalf: just do your best.”
Zhao Fusheng replied, “Alright,” but couldn’t help asking, “If there’s no one to guide me and I learn incorrectly, what then?”
Song Ningxia waved her hand.
“That rarely happens. Though the content is secret to the sect, it’s mostly straightforward and easy to understand. Most people can finish learning these within a month.”
“...What if I’m not one of those most people?”
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“Ahem, if you really train poorly, the elder guarding the library will notice and send a disciple down the mountain to correct you.”
“That’s good!”
“But... try your best not to let that happen. It’s extremely embarrassing, and I might not be able to protect you. Remember that!”
“Oh, I’ll try.”
Night was falling.
Though Song Ningxia was filled with worry, she could not stay in the same room with a male cultivator for too long, especially after dark.
So, after giving Zhao Fusheng a few more instructions, she prepared to leave.
Zhao Fusheng bowed respectfully as he accompanied her to the mountain foot.
“Sister, take care!”
Song Ningxia nodded and turned to return up the mountain, but after a few steps, she paused.
“Year-end, there will be a major sect election. I’ll probably be busier and won’t come to check on you unless necessary.”
“If you miss your family, just send a letter with the brothers descending the mountain to the Hall of Simplicity.”
Zhao Fusheng nodded vigorously.
He could feel that Sister Song truly regarded him as family.
His voice tinged with emotion, “I will, Sister!”
Song Ningxia nodded.
Though her mortal roots were severed, she could not help but feel some emotion...
“Zhao Fusheng.”
“I hope to see you again. Is that possible?”
Zhao Fusheng’s eyes darkened with resolve.
“Don’t worry, Sister. I will always be here! I won’t betray your hard work!”
Song Ningxia hummed softly and disappeared into the mountain entrance in moments.
Zhao Fusheng felt a hollow emptiness within.
But he was used to farewells; after a deep breath, he quickly composed himself.
He returned to his new dwelling.
Though simple, it was far better than the old temple for shelter.
There was a charcoal stove, crackling softly, sending waves of warmth across his face.
Perhaps this was the warmest day he’d had in a long time?
“Grandpa, can you see this?”
“No need to sell charcoal to stay warm.”
After tidying up and warming himself, he turned to more pressing matters.
He took a shovel and a torch from inside the house.
Carrying the green pouch, he went into the forest, intending to dig a grave for the elders.
But barely had he started when a cold, evil wind blew!
Whoosh.
The torch hanging by his side was suddenly extinguished!
Tall trees and thick grass surrounded him, plunging his vision into darkness.
“Bad…”
Zhao Fusheng called out.
Fumbling around, trying to find something useful, his hand touched the sword sheath at his waist.
A soft hum sounded.
A gentle, pure white light suddenly flared, tracing the sword’s blade, like a sharp streak of cold cutting through the night!