Chapter 126: A Sword Bestowed at Nightfall!
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
By the time Ji You cleaved through the Sword Forest, it was already past noon. After spending a long while at Elder Qi’s residence, the sun had begun its descent, dyeing the sky in hues of crimson and gold. The towering peaks, sharp as sword edges, stood even more majestic under the brilliance of twilight.
As they wandered further, the two of them unknowingly neared the mountain’s peak.
The setting sun cast golden flames upon the sky, a breathtaking sight.
Yet something felt amiss to Ji You.
He had been brought directly to Mystic Sword Peak’s highlands upon arriving at Spirit Sword Mountain and had been staying at the secluded courtyard Yan Shu Yi used for meditation. Though he had never ventured to the summit, he was somewhat familiar with the surrounding landscape.
But now, everything before him was utterly unfamiliar.
There were several large halls, their exteriors appearing somewhat aged—not the imposing Cloud Summit Palace he had seen from below.
Most notably, the Cloud Summit Palace was painted in vermilion, whereas these halls in the distance were colored in deep azure and black.
Still holding Little Mirror Master Yan Shu Yi in his arms, Ji You set her down gently, though his arm remained around her slender waist. His expression carried a trace of confusion.
“So this is what Mystic Sword Peak looks like from above?”
“We’re lost. This is Sword Inquiry Peak.”
“…?”
Ji You froze. No wonder these halls looked old and lacked the dominance of Mystic Sword Peak.
So this wasn’t Mystic Sword Peak at all, but rather Sword Inquiry Peak, the most desolate of the three great peaks of Spirit Sword Mountain?
Lowering his gaze, he met the calm, composed face of Little Mirror Master Yan Shu Yi and asked, “Didn’t we head toward Mystic Sword Peak after descending from Heavenly Sword Peak?”
Yan Shu Yi narrowed her eyes slightly. “We kept changing paths. Somehow, we ended up here.”
“You got lost in your own home? That’s a bit—”
“I usually travel by flight. Rarely do I walk the paths myself, so I never memorized them. When we switched to the western route and passed the corridor bridge, we must have taken the wrong turn. The further we walked, the more off-course we became.”
As she murmured under the golden glow of dusk, the sunlight tinted her long lashes with a luminous brilliance.
Tall and elegant, her Mirror Master’s Immortal Robe fluttered in the mountain breeze, lending her an ethereal grace. Yet the way she squinted her eyes made her seem almost playfully endearing.
“Don’t tell anyone about this,” Yan Shu Yi warned, her tone stern.
“Having the Mirror Master personally guide me through the peaks—this is even more impressive than cutting through the Sword Forest. I doubt I can keep it a secret.”
“Then don’t say we got lost.”
With that, they turned back toward Mystic Sword Peak, making their way toward Cloud Summit Palace.
Upon reaching the corridor bridge, a massive stone stele appeared on their right, bearing three grand characters—Sword Inquiry Peak.
Yet they hadn’t noticed it before.
Ji You silently repeated its name in his mind, thinking back to how earlier, one was focused on carrying, and the other on being carried—no wonder they overlooked such an obvious landmark.
Just then, the proud Little Mirror Master halted ahead and turned back, standing at the stone ledge of the corridor, a mere four inches in height.
At dusk, as the sun dipped into the sea of clouds, the golden radiance gradually faded.
Meanwhile, Ding Yao and Zhuo Wan Qiu stood at the entrance of Cloud Summit Palace, peering down the mountain in anticipation.
They had waited outside the Sword Forest for Ji You throughout the day, but when he never emerged, they had no choice but to return. Now, with the sun nearly set, they finally spotted two figures emerging from the dense woods.
Leading the way was their cold yet strikingly beautiful Mirror Master. Behind her trailed Ji You, his white robes as pristine as fresh snow.
Ji You’s Green Jade Gourd contained spare clothing, so he had already changed before they ascended. However, he had not returned the soft sword robe lent to him earlier. Instead, he had quietly stowed it away.
Yan Shu Yi had seen him do it, narrowing her eyes slightly but saying nothing.
Now, Ding Yao watched the white-robed young man approach the mountain summit with an especially complex expression.
That morning, when she sent Ji You up the mountain, she had hoped for Heavenly Script Academy to crumble quickly, forcing him to retreat in disgrace. She wanted him to slink away with his tail between his legs, never to be seen again.
Yet in just one day, the entire lower mountain was chanting his name.
And still, he carried himself with the same detached elegance, idly flicking a twig he had picked up from who-knows-where while gazing at the surroundings, seemingly oblivious to the countless disciples who had fallen silent at the mere mention of his name.
As she was lost in thought, Ji You and Yan Shu Yi walked past the quiet meditation courtyard without stopping. Instead, they headed directly toward Cloud Summit Palace.
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wan Qiu exchanged glances, both puzzled.
“Is Mirror Master really bringing him into her chambers?”
“Shh, Cui Er and Xing Er are still here…”
Yan Shu Yi walked forward gracefully, her mind wandering in unknown thoughts. As she approached the stone steps, she instinctively lifted her arms slightly, as if waiting for something to be handed to her. Only when Zhuo Wan Qiu called out, “Mirror Master,” did she snap back to reality. Gathering the hem of her dress, she ascended the Cloud Summit Palace.
She felt somewhat foolish today, as if her mind wasn’t working quite right. It hadn’t always been like this…
Murmuring to herself, Yan Shu Yi slowly removed her shoes and socks, revealing her pale, jade-like feet, which pressed gently onto the thick carpet. Behind her, Ji You followed, his eyes filled with curiosity.
Zhuo Wan Qiu and Ding Yao showed no surprise at her actions, but the two maids, Cui Er and Xing Er, were visibly stunned. Their eyes widened as they watched their Mirror Master so casually remove her footwear, showing no reserve at all.
“Mirror Master…?”
“A disciple of the Heavenly Script Academy destroyed all seven swords of the Sword Forest and then shamelessly demanded compensation from Spirit Sword Mountain, causing trouble on the mountain. I brought him here to pick out a few swords.”
Cui Er and Xing Er exchanged glances, inwardly exclaiming at the audacity of this disciple—how dare he covet the treasured swords of the Mirror Master!
Zhuo Wan Qiu, however, wore an amused expression. [Your collection consists only of famed swords. If it were truly about compensation, you could have simply sent a few over. Bringing him here? Clearly, it’s just an excuse to lead him into your private chambers.]
Ji You remained silent as he entered, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.
The Cloud Summit Palace carried a faint, pleasant fragrance—an elegant scent akin to orchids, the same as when he had held her before. However, beneath that fragrance was a subtle trace of incense, adding an air of mystery.
His gaze drifted toward the right, where a phoenix-embroidered divan, grand and luxurious, stood behind a writing desk, its ornate design exuding an air of nobility.
[Does she really sleep in such a large bed?]
[Perhaps she’s a restless sleeper, always kicking off the covers…]
Ji You suddenly grew concerned. If Yan Shu Yi truly tossed and turned in her sleep, his body might need further tempering to withstand the impact.
Yan Shu Yi stood ahead, her gaze somewhat unfocused.
The two soon entered the sword chamber in the rear hall. Rows upon rows of famed swords rested upon the racks. Though their divine presence was concealed within their scabbards, an unmistakable sharp aura still emanated from them.
Yan Shu Yi walked forward, selecting a treasured sword and holding it up to Ji You as if judging its appearance against him.
Watching her serious expression, Ji You couldn’t help but recall the scene at the Celestial Splendor Pavilion.
[Once again, I’m being sponsored by a wealthy patron…]
“This one looks good.”
“This one… is also acceptable.”
Completely absorbed in matching swords, Yan Shu Yi moved gracefully from rack to rack, taking down swords one after another, seemingly intent on having him try every single one.
The ones she deemed suitable, she passed to Zhuo Wan Qiu. The ones she found lacking, she handed to Ding Yao to return. Even if Ji You said a sword was “acceptable,” it was still rejected outright.
Gradually, the collection in Zhuo Wan Qiu’s arms grew larger—far exceeding seven swords.
[No wonder the Mirror Master loves hoarding swords. She’s clearly been stockpiling them for her dowry.]
Yan Shu Yi moved lightly, her snow-white toes pressing into the plush carpet as she continued her selection. One by one, she examined every sword until finally, her gaze landed upon a wooden box tucked into the corner.
Within that box lay a sword brimming with spiritual energy—undoubtedly no ordinary blade.
But the moment this sword caught her attention, Ding Yao’s expression changed drastically. “Mirror Master, that sword was a gift from Senior Brother Shang.”
Yan Shu Yi immediately recalled it. When she had descended the mountain to meet Ji You, Ding Yao had been the one carrying that sword for her.
“What a coincidence, then I’ll take this one.”
Ji You reached out, lifting the sword from the wooden box into his hands.
Ding Yao frowned. “This sword’s origins are extraordinary. There exists no second blade like it in the world. If you take it, it will be recognized, and it will undoubtedly bring trouble to the Mirror Master.”
“I’ll take it and deal with it myself. In any case, it can’t stay here.”
Ding Yao looked displeased. “Young Master Ji, it’s one thing that you came here without bringing a sword as a gift, but now you also wish to take one of the Mirror Master’s treasured swords? And not just hers—now even gifts from others?”
She turned to Zhuo Wan Qiu. “Didn’t you say he never takes advantage of the Mirror Master’s name? I’m starting to doubt that.”
Ji You had been so focused on playing along with Yan Shu Yi’s little antics earlier that he’d forgotten to mention the real matter at hand. Now, reminded by Ding Yao, he said, “Actually, I do have a sword I wish to give you.”
Yan Shu Yi turned to look at him, staring intently before speaking. “Truly?”
“Mm.”
“What kind of sword? Let me see.”
Ding Yao watched her Mirror Master’s expectant gaze and sighed inwardly. [Even if Ji You hands her a broken blade, you’d probably still treat it like a priceless treasure.]
Ji You did not take out any sword. “It’s not with me yet. When night falls, the Mirror Master can use the Spirit Mirror to conceal the Heavenly Secrets, and then someone will deliver the sword.”
“What kind of sword is it?”
A blade of great strength—one that will not let you suffer so.
Ji You weighed the sword in his hand, one gifted by the Dao Seeking Sect as a token of personal transmission. He gave it a couple of light tosses before stating, “I’ll head back first to take a bath and rest. Tonight, we’ll roast something in the courtyard.”
Yan Shu Yi, whose cheek had just been pinched, looked up only to see Ji You turning away.
Seeing this, Ding Yao couldn’t help but freeze in place.
He had expected Ji You to at least put on an act—to draw out some random sword and feign generosity, making a show of presenting it as a gift. Regardless of its quality, the Mirror Master would surely be taken in by such a display.
Yet, never had he imagined that Ji You would simply walk away without even the pretense of deception. Not even a token sword tassel—just an excuse to leave the mountain.
The sun dipped quickly beyond the horizon, and night crept in silently, little by little, enveloping the Azure Cloud Dominion. From the vantage point of Cloud Summit Palace, the distant Heavenly Sword Peak gradually faded into the darkness.
Throughout this time, Yan Shu Yi had long since veiled her presence using the Spirit Mirror, shielding herself from divination. She sat in quiet cultivation, yet every so often, she would open her eyes and glance outside the hall.
Even when the stars finally emerged, the only sound that remained was the whisper of the wind. And so, the frequency of those fleeting glances diminished.
Was Young Master Ji truly going to gift a sword, or was it all just idle talk?
Zhuo Wan Qiu found herself unable to say for certain, nor did she dare speculate. Deep in her heart, however, she leaned towards believing that he would not.
For if he truly intended to, why delay until nightfall? Why have someone else deliver it?
This place was not somewhere just anyone could come and go freely. If he truly meant to present a sword, he would have needed to notify them in advance so she could descend to greet the envoy.
Would Young Master Ji really be so flippant as to make such a jest…?
She furrowed her brows slightly. The Little Mirror Master was truly fond of collecting swords. When Ji You had spoken of gifting one during the day, her eyes had gleamed with excitement. If this was only a joke, then it was hardly amusing.
But Zhuo Wan Qiu was prudent. She had not brought up the matter again after nightfall. If it turned out to be a false promise, she did not want the Mirror Master to feel too disheartened.
To that end, she had even ordered Cui Er to prepare a meal. If the promised sword never arrived and the Mirror Master became displeased, refusing to visit the Tranquil Courtyard, then at the very least, she would still need to eat.
Ding Yao, however, was different. She leaned against the doorway, her gaze fixed on the mountain path, her eyes cold and filled with disdain.
“I had thought he would pull out just any sword, pretending it had been prepared beforehand to gift to the Mirror Master. I was even ready to ridicule him, certain that no matter what he produced, it could not compare to a blade bestowed by the Dao Seeking Sect. And yet, he did not even produce a sword tassel—he merely found an excuse to leave.”
“Senior Sister Ding, your words are too sharp…”
“I know you and the Mirror Master hold prejudices against me, but everything I do is for the sake of Mystic Sword Peak. Yes, I may be arrogant, but since the Mirror Master considers me a sister, I have never once thought to betray her. Drawing close to Young Master Ji carries personal interest, yes, but that is because he is the best choice for the Mirror Master.”
Ding Yao murmured, still leaning against the frame, “The Mirror Master is still human—she is still a woman. At times, when she cannot see things clearly, it falls upon us to help her see.”
Her voice was not loud, but with a cultivator’s hearing, it was clear as day.
Yan Shu Yi said nothing. When Cui Er arrived with congee and four small dishes, she simply rose and moved towards the table.
Yet, just as she was about to sit, the wind howling around Mystic Sword Peak suddenly surged into a tempest. Ding Yao frowned, immediately ordering the attendants to close the doors. But before they could act, the ringing sound of a sword’s resonance pierced the air, sending a chill of wariness surging through her heart.
“…?”
“Such powerful Sword Intent?!”
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wan Qiu tensed at once. Then, in the next instant, they felt a fragrant breeze rush past them.
Yan Shu Yi leaped out from Cloud Summit Palace, stepping into the storm-laden night, her own Sword Intent rising with her.
Upon the cliff’s edge stood an elder, his hair and beard snow-white, yet his complexion bore none of the frailty of old age. He stood with his hands behind his back outside the palace, his coarse robe billowing in the wind, sharp as a gleaming sword, indifferent to the vast darkness around him.
Yan Shu Yi had already summoned the Spirit Mirror—the small stone mirror hovered in the air, reflecting the cold beauty of her resolute features.
Heavenly Sword Peak had always harbored ambitions towards Mystic Sword Peak. With the world in chaos and rumors running rampant, those harboring malicious intentions could no longer hide.
Not long ago, a drunken voice had posed a question: if the Wielder of the Sacred Artifact of the Heavenly Dao were to die, would the Heavenly Dao Sacred Artifact become a masterless prize for anyone to seize?
It was not the first time such a question had been asked.
The Seven Great Immortal Sects had internal factions vying for power, noble clans eyeing opportunities from the outside, and even the Demon Clan and Barbaric Tribes waiting for their moment.
In the past, the ones who wielded the Sacred Artifact were always powerhouses at the Approaching Immortal Realm.
Until the day the Spirit Mirror chose its own master—a master who had yet to claim invincibility over the world.
Zhuo Wan Qiu and Ding Yao watched the elder warily. A vast terror pressed against their souls, sending shivers down their spines, but still, they drew their swords, preparing to fight against the storm.
But just then, the white-haired swordmaster lifted a hand. Under the trio’s tense gazes, he folded his arms and, facing Yan Shu Yi beneath the Spirit Mirror, gave a respectful bow.
In the dead of night, amidst the endless tide of sword wind, Ding Yao and Zhuo Wan Qiu, who had stepped out onto the threshold, were left utterly stunned—incapable of making sense of the situation.
[I have a sword I wish to gift you.]
[Once night falls, someone will bring it to you.]
[A blade that will not let you suffer so.]
In that moment, the Little Mirror Master finally understood why Ji You had insisted on cutting through that Sword Forest in the end.
And she finally understood—why, when that surge of Sword Qi had swept towards him, he had not resisted at all.