Chapter 106: The Past of Hidden Edge

On the Mysterious Peak at the back of the Ziyang Sect, Lin Cheng stood quietly behind Master Cangfeng, watching the two men play chess.

"You've won again!" The Ziyang Sect Master set down a black piece and sighed.

"Brother Ziyang, your mind was troubled, which caused you to lose your edge. My victory was hardly honorable," Master Cangfeng replied slowly before rising to his full height.

Looking out at the distant, mist-shrouded, craggy peaks, he withdrew his gaze from a cliffside. "I must return. Please give my regards to Senior Guyang and tell him... that this time, Cangfeng is grateful."

"I shall certainly convey the message," the Ziyang Sect Master nodded slightly. He cast a deep look at Lin Cheng before watching the two men soar away.

No sooner had they departed than a figure appeared in the clearing. The man was slightly hunched, his hair and beard snow-white, his scalp thinning, leaning on a dragon-headed staff like an ordinary, elderly man.

Upon seeing him, the Ziyang Sect Master bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master." Before this elder, he behaved like a child who had just begun his cultivation journey, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.

The elder nodded slightly, his voice raspy. "Do not seek trouble with him again... this boy is not simple."

Ziyang looked up in surprise. "Does Master know something?"

The elder shook his head slowly. "I do not."

Ziyang persisted, unsatisfied. "But Master... shall we let Miao'er's death go unavenged? Furthermore, this man must harbor great secrets, and the inheritance from the Imperial Realm cave dwelling alone is a wealth beyond measure."

"I understand what you say as well as you do... but when I used the secret arts to probe his destiny, I discovered that he has no destiny. Or rather, someone has obscured it. Either way, it is something we cannot afford to touch."

"For all these years, the divination techniques left by our founding ancestor have never failed... this boy must not be provoked!"

Hearing this, Ziyang lowered his head in resignation. "I will obey your command, Master. I shall order Zhenyang and Shen Shang to reconsider their plans."

"Good. Go."

After Ziyang retreated, the elder sighed deeply. "Qingyang Sect, you have truly gained a fine disciple!" With those words, his figure vanished into the wind as if he had never been there at all.

***

In the Ziyang Sect's main square, most of the visiting factions had already begun to depart. Li Yuan looked back, a trace of disappointment in her eyes. Wang Zhen walked up to her, sighed inwardly, and whispered, "Let's go. He has likely already left."

She nodded gently, stepped onto her flying artifact, and departed through the air.

On the square, a purple flash signaled the arrival of the Ziyang Sect Master.

"Greetings, Sect Master."
"Greetings, Sect Master brother."

The elders and disciples of the Ziyang Sect, who were seeing off the various factions, bowed hurriedly. The Sect Master nodded and asked, "Why are Shen Shang and Zhenyang not here?"

"Reporting to you, Sect Master: Senior Brother Shen Shang was invited by the Sovereign of Zhao to the royal palace for discussions. As for Senior Brother Zhenyang, he went to Chang'an City with the heads of the Dongfang and Huangpu families," an inner sect elder replied respectfully.

"Did Zhenyang say why he went to Chang'an with those two?" the Sect Master asked in a deep voice.

"Senior Brother Zhenyang only said they had important matters to discuss; he did not elaborate," the elder answered.

The Ziyang Sect Master frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "When they return, tell them to come to the Mysterious Peak to find me." With that, he vanished.

"We shall obey your order, Sect Master."

***

Above the clouds, Master Cangfeng traveled through the air with Lin Cheng. The gale was fierce, but their hair and robes remained unmoved by the air pressure. Lin Cheng was pleading earnestly: "Master, please, let me play for a while before going back. I promised my friends we would explore Chang'an properly..."

"They are still waiting for me. You wouldn't want me to be a man who breaks his word, would you?"

"Master, look, I have performed such a great service for the sect this time. Just consider it a reward for me... two months, I promise to return to the sect in two months."

Master Cangfeng sighed. "Your status is no longer what it was. After this grand competition, all eyes are on you. Whether it is your own secrets or the inheritance from the Imperial Realm cave, you are destined to be a lamb in the eyes of those with ill intent. You are, effectively, a walking treasure vault. I simply do not want anything to happen to you out there."

Lin Cheng replied, "I know you have my best interests at heart, but you don't have to worry too much. I still have ways to protect myself. I will keep your teachings in mind and stay safe. I'll be going now..."

Master Cangfeng’s mouth twitched, and he slapped Lin Cheng on the head. "Did I say you could leave?" He paused for a moment. "Sigh. A fledgling eagle must eventually fly alone to grow. Perhaps I have been too overprotective."

He flipped his right hand, and a sword appeared. He unsheathed it, and lightning seemed to flicker around the blade. Stroking it, Master Cangfeng’s eyes grew nostalgic. "This sword is called Leixiao. It was the blade of your predecessor, my own son..."

Lin Cheng had heard rumors about his master and knew that his predecessor had passed away. Though he knew he shouldn't stir up painful memories, he couldn't help but ask, "Master, how did my senior brother die? And my mistress... you have never mentioned her to me."

Looking at his disciple, he spoke slowly. "I do not know exactly what happened... By the time I arrived, Nian’er was already dead, though his belongings remained untouched. For years, I have tried to uncover the truth, but there has always been a layer of mist keeping it from my sight..."

"As for your mistress, she passed away shortly after Nian’er was born."

Lin Cheng sighed inwardly. His master had suffered so much. His wife had departed early, and the only remaining hope and reflection of her had also been extinguished. One could only imagine the grief he had carried all these years.

Recalling the past, the ethereal aura about Master Cangfeng seemed to fade; his posture slumped, and he no longer appeared so upright. In that moment, he seemed like a solitary, aging man, a desolate aura permeating his surroundings.

"Master, one day I will hunt down the murderer who killed my senior brother and tear them to pieces..." Feeling his master's grief, Lin Cheng clenched his fists.

Master Cangfeng looked deeply at Lin Cheng, pulled himself together, and waved his sleeve, coming to a halt in the air.

He looked at the sword in his hand once more and handed it to Lin Cheng. "I fear I can no longer offer much help in terms of cultivation techniques or sword skills. Watching your final strike against Dong Wuwang, it seems you need the coordination of sword and scabbard to unleash its true power."

"This Leixiao sword—both blade and scabbard are forged from Thunder-Sound Profound Iron, as if one piece. With this, I believe you can better display your strength."

"I know you are not lacking in spirit stones, but keep this bottle of Saint Essence Pills... if you encounter a crisis, take one. Each pill can instantly replenish seventy percent of the spiritual energy in your dantian, and it is also highly effective for healing." As he spoke, he took out a golden jade bottle and placed it in Lin Cheng's hand.

Looking at the Leixiao sword and the jade bottle, Lin Cheng felt a surge of emotion and a lump formed in his throat. Being genuinely cared for felt truly wonderful.

"You brat, go on... take care of yourself!" Master Cangfeng laughed and patted his shoulder, looking suddenly years younger.

Lin Cheng nodded heavily. "I will return as soon as possible, Master, so you need not worry."