Blade - Unbound

Li Yan frowned slightly, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Oh? What is it?"

He really had no prior connection with the Daoist. The man had merely been assigned to guide them. Could he also be here to stir up trouble?

Looking down at the foot of the mountain, Yu Fengzi first let out a long sigh. Then, his expression turning solemn, he cupped his hands and said, "I must first thank you, Fellow Daoist Li, for showing mercy.

"To be honest, the Daoist you met at the foot of the mountain, Yu Chenzi, is my junior brother. He is actually a decent person, but he comes from a humble background. Having studied a fair amount of Confucian classics, he places extreme importance on hierarchy and social rank.

"A few months ago, he made a mistake that displeased our master and was punished by being sent to guard the mountain gate below. While carrying out his patrol, he failed to notice that a Feiyi had appeared on the mountain, and he even got into a conflict with visitors climbing the mountain... Alas.

"If you had not been so magnanimous, Fellow Daoist Li, I'm afraid it would have ended in a disaster."

"It was only a small matter." Li Yan shook his head calmly. "Everyone is born different, and everyone holds different beliefs. I never took it to heart."

Truthfully, the incident at the foot of the mountain had instead tempered his own state of mind. Coupled with Mount Hua's majestic grandeur, it had broadened his outlook considerably. Naturally, such a trivial matter was no longer worth dwelling on.

"Your broad-mindedness is admirable, Fellow Daoist Li, but I cannot let it pass without expressing my gratitude." A trace of admiration appeared in Yu Fengzi's eyes as he spoke sincerely. "There's one more thing. I hope you won't take offense. My divine ability is related to my hearing, so I overheard everything your group discussed earlier.

"Are you intending to forge a spiritual weapon?"

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged, nor was he surprised. After all, divine abilities excelled at gathering information, and there were many Daoist cultivators atop Mount Hua. It was hardly strange that someone had overheard a few conversations.

Since he had spoken so openly, he naturally wasn't afraid of others finding out.

Thus, Li Yan nodded. "That is indeed my intention. My original plan was to invite a craftsman to accompany us up the mountain. After purchasing the spiritual materials, we'd find a nearby place to forge the blade. Unfortunately, the craftsman fell ill, so I'll have to find another solution."

Yu Fengzi raised an eyebrow and blinked.

"Our Mount Hua is a land rich in Geng Metal. Aside from spending money, most people come to this treasury opening precisely for the metal-type spiritual materials. The disciples of the Pure Yang Courtyard all practice the sword, so naturally we have no shortage of swordsmiths. You've come all the way to Mount Hua, yet you're planning to have an artisan from the unorthodox paths forge your blade. Isn't that rather unnecessary?

"I've already sent my junior brother Yu Hanzi to seek the help of a senior. If you wish to have a sword forged, simply come with me."

Delight filled Li Yan's eyes as he immediately cupped his hands in thanks. "Oh? Then I'll have to trouble you. Thank you very much, Daoist."

"Don't thank me just yet." Yu Fengzi frowned slightly and shook his head. "To be honest, the senior I'm seeking your help from is only temporarily residing on Mount Hua. Whether he'll agree to forge a weapon for you still depends on fate. If he refuses, we'll have no choice but to find one of the palace's own swordsmiths.

"Remember this: once you go inside, don't ask unnecessary questions, and don't speak unless spoken to. Whatever the senior asks, answer honestly.

"Whether this succeeds or not... will depend entirely on fate."

What a temper...

Li Yan was inwardly surprised, and his curiosity only deepened. Just what sort of craftsman could command such respect even from the Pure Yang Courtyard?

Yu Fengzi said no more as he led Li Yan swiftly to South Peak, then descended several hundred chi before arriving at a secluded mountain hollow. There, a rushing waterfall cascaded from the heights, its torrents crashing into the pool below in a spray that resembled drifting mist, filling the valley with a constant thunderous roar.

Towering pines and cypresses flourished all around, their dense branches intertwining to form a verdant canopy overhead. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering mottled patches of light across the ground like a breathtaking landscape painting.

Beside the icy pool stood a humble thatched cottage and a tall forge.

At first glance, they appeared utterly ordinary, yet Li Yan immediately sensed that there was nothing ordinary about them. The cold pool represented water, the forge represented fire, the thatched cottage represented wood, and the ground had been paved with five-colored earth. Add the metal used during forging, and all Five Elements would be complete.

Moreover, the entire layout had clearly been arranged with great care. Though Li Yan could not discern its hidden principles, he could sense the circulation of astral qi flowing through it, forming a self-contained geomantic configuration.

His eyes widened in astonishment. This was actually the spiritual node of Mount Hua! To occupy such a spiritual aperture, build a cottage here, and, according to Yu Fengzi, not even be a member of the Pure Yang Courtyard, the owner's identity had to be extraordinary.

Standing beside the cottage, the short and stout Yu Hanzi was waiting anxiously. The moment he saw the two arrive, he hurried over at a jog and lowered his voice. "The senior has agreed, but he said he still wants to see the person first. Once you go inside, Fellow Daoist Li, absolutely do not ask random questions."

Every word he spoke was filled with caution. The more mysterious they acted, the more curious Li Yan became. He cupped his hands lightly toward the two men before stepping into the cottage.

The interior was dimly lit. At first, Li Yan thought nothing of it. But the instant he crossed the threshold, every hair on his body stood on end. He suddenly felt a flash of blade light shoot from the darkness straight toward the center of his brow.

The blade radiated overwhelming killing intent, as though it sought to claim his life. Almost instinctively, Li Yan drew his own blade to parry. Yet when his blade struck out, it met nothing but empty air.

Cold sweat broke out across his forehead as he focused. There was no blade light at all. Everything he had just experienced... had been an illusion.

The cottage remained dimly lit. An oil lamp sat atop the earthen kang, where an elderly man was seated. Though the room was dark, Li Yan could see him clearly. The old man possessed a towering physique. Despite the bitter chill atop the mountain, he wore nothing more than a coarse cloth shirt. His muscles bulged in thick knots, his tendons standing out like coiled dragons beneath his skin.

His body was so imposing that he resembled the Vajra guardian statues found in temples. His features were sharp and severe, and his hair and beard snow white. It was impossible to tell his age. Deep wrinkles carved across his face like weathered ravines, while his white hair hung all the way to his waist.

There had never been any blade light. It had all come from the old man's gaze alone!

What kind of monster is this old man?!

Li Yan was thoroughly shaken, his mouth suddenly gone dry. To create such terrifying hallucinations with nothing but a glance... Even a master in the Core Jin Realm couldn't accomplish something like that.

Astral Jin Realm?!

Unable to resist, Li Yan secretly formed his hand seal. Just as when he had met Jing Xuzi before, he could detect no scent whatsoever from the old man's body. Li Yan dared not behave carelessly. Pressing his lips together, he respectfully cupped his hands.

Before he could speak, however, the old man on the kang interrupted him in a hoarse, icy voice. "Enough nonsense. Show me a set of your blade techniques, then a set of your fist techniques. Let this old man have a look."

Li Yan replied succinctly, "Yes."

He immediately took a deep breath to steady himself. With a sudden motion, he drew his blade and began to move, every action flowing as smoothly as drifting clouds and running water.

The blade art he practiced was the Guanzhong Fast Blade, combined with the military blade techniques passed down by his grandfather. Its style was fierce and decisive, matching speed against speed. His figure darted about as flashes of snowy blade light filled the air, the blade whistling sharply with every swing.

After completing the blade routine, Li Yan transitioned into the Pigua Palm and Red Fist. His fists and palms flew in rapid succession, at times striking from long range, at times closing in with cunning close-quarters attacks. Faint sounds like rolling thunder accompanied his movements, while his agile body radiated an overwhelming aura.

Whether it was his blade techniques or his fist techniques, Li Yan held nothing back.

He had once heard a legend that the greatest master weapon smiths forged blades according to a warrior's fighting habits and temperament. Weapons crafted by such masters made it far easier for their owners to achieve unity between man and blade. Judging by the situation, this old man was most likely one of those masters.

After Li Yan finished both routines, the old man narrowed his eyes slightly and pondered for a moment before saying hoarsely, "At your age, that's barely passable. At least you won't disgrace my craftsmanship. Come closer. Let this old man examine your arm."

Li Yan respectfully stepped forward without the slightest hesitation. "Yes, Senior."

The instant he approached the earthen forge, a pair of enormous hands suddenly clamped down on his shoulders. The movement had been as fast as lightning, to the point where he failed to sense it in the slightest.

Before Li Yan could even react, the old man's hands began pinching, pressing, and measuring him. His palms constantly shifted position, moving from shoulder to upper arm, to forearm, to wrist, then across his hands and even each individual knuckle, examining every part in turn. Only after finishing did the old man give a slight nod.

"What lineage do you come from?"

"This... I suppose it would be the living yin emissary inheritance." Li Yan smiled helplessly. Demonstrating the Northern Emperor Yin Lightning Palm, he shook his head and said, "I only obtained this inheritance by chance. I don't know where it originally came from."

His inheritance was simply too astonishing. It involved God Ascendants. Given this old man's level of cultivation, he might very well know of them. Even if the man ultimately refused to forge the blade, Li Yan still could not afford to reveal too much.

After watching the demonstration, the old man said nothing further. He merely nodded lightly before his gaze shifted to the Three Talents Demon-Suppressing Coin tassel hanging from Li Yan's blade hilt and he asked, "Where did this come from?"

Li Yan replied, "It was bestowed by the Imperial Court. It's a family heirloom."

Seeing Li Yan's expression, a trace of nostalgia flickered across the old man's eyes and he muttered, "My grandmaster forged this. To think... so many years have passed. Perhaps seeing it again today is also a matter of fate.

"You cultivate Yin Lightning. Your blade techniques are filled with killing intent, yet they also possess an unyielding, forceful nature. After the treasury opens tomorrow, there will be a heavenly treasure inside. It's a piece of Shoushan Copper Essence. It endured a hundred years of lightning strikes before transforming into a heavenly spiritual treasure. It has since received offerings of incense within the treasury, and would be ideal for forging your blade.

"There's also another item inside the treasury, a set of coin charms called the Twelve Earthly Branches. If you can obtain them, this old man can also remake your blade tassel."

With that, he simply waved a hand, signaling Li Yan to leave. He seemed too lazy to say another word.

Li Yan dared not ask any further questions and quietly turned to leave the thatched cottage. The moment he stepped outside, he felt the mountain air become refreshingly crisp. Only then, by comparison, did he realize just how oppressive the atmosphere inside the cottage had been. At some point, his back had become completely soaked with sweat.

Yu Fengzi gave him a look, and the three of them spoke no further. They walked for quite some time, not saying a word until they had climbed back up.

Only then did Yu Fengzi say, "Don't ask questions, and don't tell anyone about this."

Li Yan respectfully cupped his hands. "My thanks to both of you."

Yu Fengzi blinked, then smiled meaningfully. "You helped Mount Hua avert a great calamity. In truth, if you had simply asked, my master would certainly have agreed. This poor Daoist merely gave you a reminder."

Li Yan instantly understood and thanked them once more.

The rest of the journey proceeded much more quickly. Closely following the two Daoists, Li Yan eventually made his way to West Peak. It was also called the Lotus Peak, named after the enormous rock atop the summit whose shape resembled the petals of a lotus blossom. On the mountain stood the cleaved rock, said to have been left behind when Chenxiang split the mountain to rescue his mother.

There was also the Jade Maiden Shrine, where legend held that Xiao Shi and Princess Nongyu, daughter of Duke Mu of Qin, had been united in marriage, earning it the title of the greatest bridal chamber under heaven.

More importantly, however, was the Chongyang Palace that stood tall, the very place where the treasury would be opened and spiritual treasures could be purchased. It was where the Great Emperor of the Western Peak was enshrined.

When Li Yan arrived, the ritual ceremony on the mountain was still underway. Numerous Pure Yang Courtyard Daoists stood solemnly upon the ritual altar, offering prayers, while many cultivators observed the ceremony from the sidelines.

Members of the orthodox sects as well as masters from various Daoist lineages stood together, quietly watching. Quite a few possessed auras as profound as the sea, and their attire varied greatly.

The entire scene was solemn and majestic, inspiring reverence in all who beheld it.

Li Yan frowned slightly. He had no wish to provoke trouble, and with other matters weighing on his mind, he quickly turned back. After rejoining Wang Daoxuan and the others, they all returned together to Wangxian Temple.

"Brother Yan, what took you so long?" Sha Lifei asked curiously. "Did you run into something interesting?"

Li Yan could only answer vaguely, "I just wandered around a bit..."

Since he had promised Yu Fengzi, he naturally couldn't speak freely while still on the mountain. Still, he blinked and gave the others a meaningful look. Wang Daoxuan and Sha Lifei immediately understood and wisely asked no further questions.

After returning to his room, Li Yan eagerly took out a paper and brush and began sketching out everything he intended to purchase the next day.

The first priority was the Twelve Earthly Branches. Initially, he had no idea what kind of coins he should be looking for. Wang Daoxuan, however, had long since made his plans to buy some coins. He needed a set of Ghost-Slaying and Demon-Subduing Coins, a set of Evil-Repelling and Blessing-Invoking Coins, and a set of Fifth-Day Noon Coins.

Some would be used to craft a Coin Sword, while others would serve in rituals to suppress evil. Altogether, he would need well over a hundred coins.

At first, Wang Daoxuan had suggested that Li Yan also acquire a set of Demon-Slaying and Demon-Beheading Coins. Though inferior to the Three Talents Demon-Suppressing Coins, the two shared compatible spiritual properties, allowing them to enhance the power of his blade tassel.

But after receiving the old man's guidance, Li Yan had already made up his mind. His goal was the Twelve Earthly Branches coin set. Of course, if even that old man regarded it highly, it certainly wouldn't come cheap.

Next came the metals. For Li Yan, the priorities were naturally the Shoushan Copper Essence the old man had mentioned, along with the fifty jin of white copper that Quan Wanzhong and Yuan Ba needed.

Besides those, Sha Lifei also wanted to buy a small amount of metal.

Ever since seeing Lu San's firearm, the old fellow had been itching with envy. He wanted to forge a flintlock musket capable of firing the new-style gunpowder. Even so, he had no concrete plans yet, and simply wanted to stockpile some materials first.

Everything else on the list was relatively straightforward. Yellow talisman paper, red cords, incense ash, ritual candles, and other common materials used for spiritual artifacts.

Li Yan also intended to keep an eye out for something similar to the Divine Tiger Token. If he found one, he planned to buy it for Wang Daoxuan, so the Daoist would no longer have to rely on disposable yarrow stalks. It would also greatly increase the power of his techniques.

Before he realized it, he had filled an entire sheet of paper. However, he had yet to include the spiritual artifacts he would need to construct his inner temple. Looking at the lengthy list, even though he was carrying one hundred thousand taels of silver, Li Yan couldn't help feeling a headache coming on. He had no idea whether that would actually be enough.

Before dawn the next morning, everyone rose early. Since there were so many people present, however, the Pure Yang Courtyard had laid down a rule: each group traveling to South Peak for the ceremony could only send a single representative.

Thus, Wang Daoxuan, Sha Lifei, and the others remained at Chaoyang Peak, while Li Yan stuffed his robes full of banknotes and followed Yu Fengzi to Lotus Peak.

There were noticeably fewer people compared to the previous day. The ritual was still in progress. Dawn had only just begun to break, and the summit of Lotus Peak lay shrouded in dim haze. The morning wind howled across the mountain, while the surrounding sea of clouds had taken on a dark, gloomy hue, making the entire place feel eerily like the underworld.

High atop the towering ritual altar, ceremonial banners snapped loudly in the wind. Numerous Daoists dressed in magnificent ritual robes were chanting scriptures. The streams of incense smoke seemed entirely unaffected by the fierce winds, spiraling straight upward into the sky.

At that very moment, the sun peeked over the horizon. A single streak of radiant light seemed to tear through the darkness of night, illuminating heaven and earth. The assembled Daoists immediately rose to their feet. Wielding their ritual swords, they chanted incantations in unison.

Li Yan felt his spirit tremble. He could sense that, borrowing the surge of pure yang qi and using the ritual altar as a focal point, the innate astral qi atop Mount Hua had begun circulating in response, gathering upon the cliff face to one side.

Looking up, he saw that the cliff was riddled with countless small openings. Each had been sealed with packed earth. Together, they faintly formed the pattern of the Eight Trigrams. Below them stood an enormous incense burner, from which bluish smoke curled upward without end. Mountains of incense ash had accumulated beneath it, perfectly aligned to face the very first rays of the rising sun.

Finally, when the sun had fully risen above the horizon, the ritual came to its complete conclusion, and the innate astral qi atop Mount Hua settled into stability once more.

Standing atop the ritual altar, a senior Daoist wore a solemn expression as he proclaimed in a resounding voice, "The auspicious hour has arrived. Unseal the treasury!"

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