SWNOVELXO Chapter 127: Gifting Clothes, Learning the Sword; Shi Yan's Past
Chapter 127: Gifting Clothes, Learning the Sword; Shi Yan’s Past
“Third Elder’s gift is truly… unique.”
You Su could only chuckle awkwardly as he watched his senior sister’s earnest expression.
“There are so many treasures here that I can’t possibly use them all. Is there anything you like, Senior Sister?”
A disciple who knows how to share is a good disciple.
Heavenly Maiden Wangshu paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the eight precious gifts scattered on the ground. Each one had its own unique utility, yet she showed no particular attachment to any of them. Finally, she raised her head and shook it slightly:
“These were all given to Junior Brother by the grand elders. I cannot accept them.”
“What’s mine is yours, Senior Sister. If there’s anything you want, feel free to take it.”
But Senior Sister still shook her head.
Ever since arriving at the peak, Heavenly Maiden Wangshu had taken meticulous care of You Su. He had long wanted to repay her kindness but lacked the means. As someone from a small city, what little he could offer paled in comparison to the celestial beauty of his senior sister. These congratulatory gifts from the grand elders provided him with an opportunity to show his gratitude.
His eyes scanned the presents once more, but after much thought, he realized none of them seemed particularly useful to Senior Sister—they were like chicken ribs, neither satisfying nor practical.
Finally, You Su’s gaze settled on the luxurious snow fox fur coat. Though it was still autumn, the coat seemed to shimmer with frost and snow, exuding an aura of icy elegance.
The coat’s warmth-providing properties would likely be useless to Senior Sister, who was already at the Feather Transformation stage. But clothing wasn’t just about utility—it also served to enhance one’s appearance.
“Senior Sister, please take this fox fur coat. Someone like me, who comes from a humble background, wouldn’t know how to wear something so exquisite. Such a beautiful garment deserves to be worn by someone as lovely as you.”
Upon hearing this, Heavenly Maiden Wangshu blinked twice and replied: “But I’ve never removed my mask. How does Junior Brother know whether I’m beautiful or not?”
“Junior Brother may be blind, but even if you took off your mask, I wouldn’t be able to see your face. Still, in my heart, I’m certain you’re beautiful.”
You Su’s praise was sincere. Just based on her figure and demeanor alone, Senior Sister was already breathtaking enough to captivate anyone—her face didn’t need to be seen for that.
Heavenly Maiden Wangshu seemed lost in thought, remaining silent for a long while before finally raising her head again. Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she asked:
“Junior Brother really wants to give this to me?”
“Of course. Only you are suited to wear it,” You Su declared confidently.
“Thank you, Junior Brother. Then I’ll gladly accept this snow fox fur coat.”
You Su smiled brightly. “No need to thank me, Senior Sister.”
Heavenly Maiden Wangshu reached out and accepted the coat, immediately draping it over her shoulders.
Her tall, well-proportioned frame paired perfectly with the snowy white dress beneath, accentuated further by the luxurious fur coat. The combination added an air of noble elegance to her already ethereal beauty.
Spinning gracefully, Heavenly Maiden Wangshu resembled a solitary snowflake descending from the heavens.
You Su found himself momentarily entranced. To insist on seeing beneath her mask would be an insult to the natural perfection before him.
Realizing his lapse, You Su quickly averted his gaze. Though Senior Sister had seen him open his eyes during his earlier awakening, she still didn’t know his vision had been restored.
It suddenly struck You Su that all the women close to him seemed to be exceptionally beautiful…
“Thank you, Junior Brother. I truly love it. I’ll wear it every day.”
Heavenly Maiden Wangshu stroked the soft fur around her neck, speaking with genuine emotion.
You Su could tell she wasn’t just trying to make him happy. Yet, why had her attitude shifted so dramatically after his simple compliment? Moments ago, she hadn’t shown much interest in the coat.
He dismissed the thought without dwelling too deeply and smiled warmly:
“If Senior Sister likes it, then that’s all that matters.”
As for her vow to wear it every day, You Su merely brushed it off as playful banter. At the same time, his pupils returned to their normal state.
Rarely did Senior Sister initiate farewells, but today she did. Adjusting the collar of the coat, she glanced back repeatedly as she walked toward her quarters. Meanwhile, You Su tidied up the remaining treasures and retreated to his room.
Seated before a pristine glass mirror, Wangshu placed her hand on the mask covering her entire face, hesitating briefly before letting it fall back into place.
She then retrieved the congratulatory note she’d secretly tucked inside the fox fur coat. The last four words written on it read: Suitable for a beloved companion.
Her eyes flickered with both excitement and confusion:
“A beloved companion… What does that mean?”
…
Over the next few days, life flowed peacefully in quiet cultivation. There were no visitors, not even the Third Elder.
Gazing at the woods behind the courtyard, You Su felt a strange mix of emotions swirling within him.
Master’s wife hadn’t driven him away, nor had she sought him out. But then again, she was deep in seclusion, and it was only right that she didn’t summon him—it was he who had repeatedly disturbed her peace.
Still, after what had transpired, You Su couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. Part of him eagerly anticipated their next meeting, while another part dreaded the potential awkwardness between them. Their relationship had finally improved, and he cherished it deeply.
Inwardly frustrated with himself, You Su stopped practicing The Righteous Sun Sword Nurturing Art altogether.
Before Junior Sister returned, he vowed never to let such incidents happen again.
Aside from meditation and reading, he began learning the Lotus Sword Technique under Senior Sister’s guidance. Without complaint, Heavenly Maiden Wangshu taught diligently, often waiting outside You Su’s door long before lessons began.
You Su felt immense guilt for taking up her cultivation time and tried several times to dissuade her. But Senior Sister simply shook her head, assuring him not to worry—her unique constitution meant she didn’t need prolonged meditation sessions.
You Su envied her innate talent. Perhaps this was what true genius looked like: instead of actively drawing in Qi, the Qi rushed toward her willingly.
The Lotus Sword Technique, created by Master’s wife upon breaking through to the Void Realm at Jade Ring Pool, lived up to its name. Its movements resembled interlocking petals of a lotus flower—dense yet orderly.
While studying the first nine stances, You Su found similarities to the Yang Sword techniques in Mandarin Duck Swordplay. It wasn’t that the moves were alike, but rather that the underlying philosophy of interconnectedness and endless flow resonated strongly. Given that Master’s wife was the Dao Companion of their master, it made sense that she might have drawn inspiration from the Yang Sword. With his mastery of the Yang Sword and his exceptional talent, You Su found the initial stages relatively easy.
However, the latter nine forms revealed the technique’s true essence. Beyond form, it emphasized intent.
This wasn’t a sword intent cultivated independently—it was the inherent intent embedded within the technique itself when mastered fully.
Sword intent was a major hurdle for aspiring supreme swordsmen. Not everyone could grasp their own personal sword intent. However, many legendary swordsmen who succeeded in doing so shared a common trait: they created techniques through which others could wield their creator’s sword intent.
At the pinnacle of the Lotus Sword Technique lay the sword intent of the Lotus Sword Venerable.
Though fragmented across the eighteen forms, comprehending it wasn’t something achievable overnight. Unfazed, You Su focused daily on perfecting the first nine stances.
Taking stock of his abilities, You Su reviewed everything he knew: nearly perfected Yuan Sword, Fearless Sword Intent, The Righteous Sun Sword Nurturing Art, the first nine forms of the Lotus Sword Technique, Tai Sui’s explosive power, Wishful Wind Control Technique, and a few minor spells of limited use.
Looking back, he chuckled at himself. He had once scrambled to learn those lesser spells in hopes of rapidly improving—but now, focusing solely on swordsmanship seemed far wiser.
Setting aside the spellbook titled Six Yin Divine Movement Technique gifted by the First Elder, You Su closed the book for good.
Life on Lotus Peak was peaceful and relaxing. Spending each day with Senior Sister reminded him of simpler times back in Chuyun City, where he and Junior Sister relied on each other daily.
He grew increasingly nostalgic for Junior Sister, wondering if she had safely returned to Serpent Clan and successfully inherited her legacy.
Unfortunately, relations between humans and demons had deteriorated to the point where private correspondence was forbidden. Only official letters from important merchant guilds, sects, or families were permitted by the Divine Voyager’s censors.
Thus, You Su resigned himself to waiting. Memories of narrowly escaping death in Chuyun City remained vivid, yet strangely, no one questioned him about Ming Kun’s resurrection—a calamity of immense proportions involving True Sovereigns, Tai Sui, and Dream-Eating Ghosts.
Perhaps no one believed a blind Spirit Platform Realm cultivator could be involved—or perhaps Master’s wife shielded him from scrutiny.
Grateful for the tranquility of Lotus Peak, You Su assumed he’d continue quietly cultivating until Master’s wife emerged from seclusion. However, unexpected company arrived—Third Elder.
…
“Oh my! Little Wangshu has new clothes? She looks even more radiant. Such a luxurious snow fox coat—who gave it to you? Quite the taste!”
Third Elder, admiring the elegant immortal maiden, couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke the fur coat affectionately.
But Heavenly Maiden Wangshu stepped back swiftly, denying Third Elder the chance to touch it, and proudly declared:
“It was a gift from my junior brother.”
Hearing it came from You Su, Third Elder rolled her eyes playfully:
“That poor boy doesn’t have enough spirit stones to afford such finery. I bet it’s fake.”
“It was originally a gift from the Eleventh Elder to Junior Brother, who then passed it on to me,” Heavenly Maiden Wangshu said sternly, unwilling to let Third Elder belittle her junior brother.
“Even if it’s real, it’s still autumn. Why do you insist on wearing it now? Aren’t you afraid others will laugh at you?”
“Why should I care what others think? Besides, aside from Third Elder, no one else comes to Lotus Peak. I’ll wear it if I want to.”
For the usually compliant Heavenly Maiden Wangshu, these words carried a hint of defiance.
Third Elder pursed her lips, reluctant to criticize further upon seeing how dearly the young woman treasured the coat. Aside from her sword, Third Elder had never seen Little Wangshu hold anything so dear.
“She’s easily deceived by some man’s gift,” Third Elder muttered jealously under her breath:
“Flattery without reason often hides ill intentions.”
“Third Elder… I’m still here…”
You Su awkwardly reminded her. His discomfort stemmed not from Third Elder insulting him directly, but from memories of the incident involving… holding the sword.
Third Elder shot him a glance, ready to scold him further—but then stopped herself mid-sentence, swallowing her words:
“I’m going to see your Master. You Su, go down the mountain now. Someone is waiting for you below.”
Go down the mountain? So… they’re finally sending me away?
A chill ran through You Su, leaving him momentarily speechless.
“I’ll go with Junior Brother,” Heavenly Maiden Wangshu interjected before You Su could respond.
“Little Wangshu, don’t trouble yourself. Just wait for your junior brother to return to Lotus Peak. He’s a grown man now—does he really need his senior sister accompanying him everywhere? You wouldn’t want others in the sect to look down on him, would you?”
You Su wasn’t sure what awaited him, but he didn’t want Senior Sister involved either. He quickly chimed in: “Senior Sister, don’t worry. Even if Third Elder wanted to lose me, I doubt Master or you would let her.”
Third Elder glanced back at You Su and said coolly: “I’d love to dump you somewhere, but I’m afraid your master and senior sister wouldn’t approve. Waiting for you below is Shi Yan. He’ll take you to Emerald Glorious Peak. Wait for me there.”
You Su felt a flicker of unease, but some of his earlier anxiety eased. Bowing respectfully, he replied:
“Yes, I’ll head down the mountain immediately.”
He gave another bow to Senior Sister before turning to leave. Third Elder disappeared into the fairy forest.
Only Heavenly Maiden Wangshu remained where she stood. She reached out her delicate hand to gently pat the fox fur draped over her shoulder, her blue eyes shimmering with confusion.
Why can’t Master and Third Elder let me accompany Junior Brother…? What exactly are they doing with him?
You Su descended the mountain path, his mood as uneven as the jagged rocks beneath his feet.
By the time he stepped outside the mountain gates, a towering, dark-skinned man already awaited him. Seeing You Su approach, the man shouted enthusiastically:
“You Su!”
The voice thundered like splitting clouds and cracking stones. You Su couldn’t help but feel exasperated—he was only three zhang away from the man. Did he really have to shout so loudly?
“Brother Shi,” You Su responded politely.
“What do you mean ‘Brother Shi’? Aren’t we both part of Lotus Peak? Don’t be so formal—just call me Shi Yan.” Shi Yan grinned warmly.
Though Shi Yan had entered the sect earlier and was older than You Su, he didn’t seem to care about such formalities.
You Su inwardly sighed but found no distaste for the man’s straightforwardness. Instead, he appreciated Shi Yan’s simple honesty and replied: “Then let’s address each other by name.”
“That’s how it should be. Let’s go—Third Elder told me to bring you to Emerald Glorious Peak.”
With that, Shi Yan strode ahead. His towering figure moved swiftly, showing no consideration for You Su’s blindness.
You Su paused briefly before catching up. Far from finding this behavior rude, he actually felt a sense of warmth. Shi Yan treated him as an ordinary person rather than someone deserving special pity.
As they entered the square, more disciples began appearing. Many greeted You Su with eager eyes, while some boldly waved or called out to him. You Su responded with polite smiles.
“You Su, you’re quite the celebrity now! You’re probably the hardest-working reporting disciple in the history of the Mystic Firmament Sect,” Shi Yan praised.
“I just didn’t want Lotus Peak’s reputation to suffer because of me.”
For other peaks, the reporting process might simply serve as a formality to introduce new disciples. But Lotus Peak, which accepted only one disciple every hundred years, was unique. This made You Su’s reporting particularly challenging. Thankfully, everything had gone smoothly.
“Well said! I mustn’t let Emerald Glorious Peak lose face either!” Shi Yan clenched his fists, full of determination.
You Su was momentarily taken aback. Wasn’t Shi Yan an outer disciple? Outer disciples followed a lecture-based system without masters. Why had Third Elder sent someone like Shi Yan to escort him?
Could it be that Third Elder had taken Shi Yan as her disciple?
“Shi Yan, did you become a true disciple of Emerald Glorious Peak?”
“Hehe! Thanks to you, actually! Don’t tell anyone—I prefer to stay low-key. The announcement hasn’t even been made yet.”
True disciples could be chosen directly by elders during their travels or selected from among the sect’s outer disciples. Given Shi Yan’s performance in battle, it wasn’t surprising that an elder might take notice of him. Still, You Su found it odd that it was specifically Third Elder who had taken him under her wing. The pairing seemed mismatched.
“Congratulations. So that’s why Third Elder asked you to escort me to Emerald Glorious Peak—it was your own achievement, not mine.”
Hearing this, Shi Yan scratched his head and chuckled bashfully:
“To be honest, losing to you was the best outcome.”
“What do you mean?”
“After joining the peak, my seniors explained everything to me. As an outer disciple, I’ve challenged true disciples repeatedly over the years, unintentionally offending many elders. Even if I managed to defeat one of them using that technique, any elder who noticed me wouldn’t want me. Losing to you, however, earned me the favor of Third Elder, who kindly accepted me as her disciple.”
“You kept challenging true disciples just to get noticed by an elder?”
You Su admired Shi Yan’s persistence. The Mystic Firmament Sect wasn’t all about fighting and killing—there were still political intricacies and human relationships to navigate.
“Yes. Every fight ended with me getting beaten up. I thought I’d finally built enough strength to beat you and reclaim my pride, but… well, you know how it went.”
Shi Yan spoke candidly, harboring no resentment.
“It was only by a narrow margin that I won. Your ability to absorb others’ power and turn it against them is incredibly impressive. Once you reach higher realms and can store more energy, no one will dare provoke you easily. Unfortunately, now that your technique has been exposed, others will hesitate to attack you.”
To You Su’s surprise, Shi Yan suddenly charged toward a nearby stone pillar, slamming into it with such force that the pillar vibrated audibly. When Shi Yan raised his head again, a large bump had formed on his forehead, but he didn’t seem to feel any pain. On the contrary, he looked proud as he declared:
“I used to think that way too, but being a true disciple changes things. Before, I was poor, so I could only grow stronger through beatings. Now, as a true disciple, I don’t need to spend money. Third Elder prepared plenty of spirit-infused stones for me. Every day, I crash into them, absorbing their essence to strengthen myself. There’s also a massive waterfall on our peak—I sit under it, letting the water pummel me, and I grow stronger that way too! Third Elder is truly wonderful to me!”
“…”
You Su listened to Shi Yan’s excited explanation, finding his training methods somewhat extreme. However, since Shi Yan seemed content, he refrained from commenting further.
What neither of them realized was that Third Elder’s decision to take Shi Yan as her disciple stemmed from ulterior motives. Though she despised men, she couldn’t show it openly. Thus, Emerald Glorious Peak still had a few male disciples with exceptional talent.
By taking on Shi Yan—a disciple whose personality clashed with hers—she derived amusement from watching him endure constant “suffering” at her hands. This brought her immense satisfaction, prompting her to provide resources to aid his cultivation.
“So why are you so determined to become a true disciple?”
You Su was curious about what drove this burly man to persevere.
Unexpectedly, Shi Yan grew bashful, scratching his head and stuttering awkwardly:
“There’s a girl from my village named Gui Fen. She was taken as a true disciple by Venerable Ye Qing of the Treasure Forging Sect. I didn’t want her to leave, so the venerable said that only a true disciple of the Mystic Firmament Sect would be worthy of her.”
A celestial maiden with the mundane name “Gui Fen”—the combination was jarring.
Venerable Ye Qing… The name sounded vaguely familiar.