The Sword Strider Saga

The Northern Liang Palace lay nestled in Qingliang Mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation and presiding over thousands of households. As the Lord of Northern Liang, Xu Xiao ruled over the three northwestern provinces, and was the sole monarch in the kingdom who came from a different lineage. Both within the royal court and the realm of fighters, he invoked condemnation and acclaim in equal parts.

Not only was Xu Weixiong a mountain to Jiang Ni, but she could grate Hong Shu, the girl who would use fresh human blood as rouge. Xu Fengnian planned to have dinner with the little girl and the young monk, Nanbei. On his way to their courtyard, Xu Fengnian asked Hong Shu beside him, "What do you think Mount Lantuo really wants?"

After bathing and changing attires at Wutong Garden, Xu Fengnian made his way to the Tingchao Pavilion. Upon opening the door, he climbed to the third floor, where white fox-face was searching for sutras on a ladder. "Holla." Xu Fengnian sent a greeting. White fox-face jumped down from the long ladder, and the two locked eyes but no one said a word. The atmosphere was neither warm nor affectionate.

In front of the Northern Liang Palace, Murong Tonghuang followed Xu Fengnian out and off the carriage. He was taken aback by the grand scale of the estate and the underwhelming reception in contrast. For a grand estate like Northern Liang Palace, Murong Tonghuang had expected more servants waiting for Prince Xu to return. Instead, the palace seemed to have only one frail old man standing at the vermilion entrance. It was a chilly day, and the old man, with his hands tucked into thick sleeves, appeared to be shivering from the onslaught of cold weather. He shook his feet against the wind before approaching with a smile when he saw Xu Fengnian. He exchanged trivial pleasantries with Xu Fengnian, like "Welcome back, look at how you've grown." and "Daddy has prepared some winter delicacies, which will do you just so well." and then "What happened to you? How come these ladies around you are all old faces?"

All good things must come to an end. Upon reaching the desolate border where two provinces met, Xu Fengnian's carriage came to a halt as Qing Niao heard a faint sound from inside. Xu Fengnian lifted the curtain, stepped out, and found himself lost in thought when he gazed at the far less impressive sceneries of Northern Liang compared to the South. With the arrival of Frost's Descent, the trees withered, leaves fell, and the insects entered hibernation. Outside, the gentle breeze now carried a chilling bite that could penetrate their clothing. Xu Fengnian had set off on his journey during the warmth of spring, and it was already winter upon returning to Liangzhou Province.

The snotty Zhao Biao, who was now positively craning his neck and gawking at Murong Wuzhu, was surprised to discover that she was actually Murong Tonghuang's sister. "Could such an unbelievably beautiful pair truly exist in this world? It seemed that the heavens had bestowed their blessings upon me." He thought. Zhao Biao's mouth watered uncontrollably as he declared, "Come to me, birdies. I have an insatiable appetite for beauty, and I shall relish every moment with utmost delight."

Xu Fengnian and his group took a slight detour on their way back and arrived at Guangling River. Today was the height of the August tide, and visitors from far and wide gathered to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle. Swallow Rock, renowned for its picturesque views, stood unrivaled among all as the premier location for tide-watching. On this particular day, the Guangling Navy organized a grand fleet review, and Zhao Yi, Lord of Guangling, graced the occasion. As the tidal waters rushed into the bay, a majestic warship, proudly flying the Guangling naval flag, led the way. Spanning a stretch of three miles along the riverbanks, the huge crowds of people dressed in exquisite garments were drawn by the scene.

A few days ago, Xu Fengnian's body felt like an alchemical furnace as the clash between Zhao Xuansu's purple aura and Wang Chonglou's Great Flavium created a tumultuous spectacle. Overwhelmed by the intensity, Xu Fengnian slipped into a state of unconsciousness, hovering on the brink of death. Upon awakening, Qing Niao informed him that Miss Tehee had rescued him, absorbing the opposing purple aura into herself before departing without uttering a single word. The mysterious girl had been trailing them everywhere they went on the journey, making numerous attempts on his life. Yet, when the pivotal moment arrived, she unexpectedly emerged to save him. Xu Fengnian just couldn't figure out what her purpose was.

As Deng Tai'e's six seaxes buzzed and chirped, Zhao Xuansu's soul that failed to ascend to the Heavenly Gate and lost its physical attachment still lingered, floating in mid-air. With the blade in his hand, Xu Fengnian slowly stepped back, mocking, "It's what they say, even a centipede won't die easily. These stubborn old Taoists just won't let go." Zhao Xuansu, who was unable to enter the Heavenly Gate, turned his gaze back to the ocean where the golden light was pouring, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions.

Following their hasty departure from City of the Peerless, Xu Fengnian, Prince of Northern Liang and his companions caught the attention of Bugsy, whose identity remained somewhat mysterious. Sensing the obscure gaze Xu Fengnian directed toward them, Bugsy walked back to Long Yuxuan, mounted his horse, and rode alongside Xu Fengnian. Without any pretense or disguise, he candidly introduced himself as Zhao Xuansu of Mount Longhu.

In the bustling City of the Peerless, a sight both wondrous and extraordinary graced the skies as nearly two thousand swords shimmered and floated, casting an enchanting spectacle. As the city gates stood witness, an old donkey, weariness etched on its face, ambled its way into the city. Seated on the donkey was a servant-looking young boy with an empty scabbard adorning his waist. With a furrowed brow, the boy lowered his head toward a middle-aged man who was leading the donkey's steps, "Master, I have worked so hard to save up for the sword. Li Chungang assured us he sought only to borrow swords from those within City of the Peerless. So why does he lay claim to mine? We have yet to even reach the city!"

Xu Fengnian turned to say to Xuanyuan Qingfeng with a smile, "Please find and tell him, I will accept him as a swordsman of Northern Liang Palace." Xuanyuan Qingfeng frowned and asked, "Really?" Xu Fengnian nodded, "I'm a man of my word." Xuanyuan Qingfeng did not return to Guniu Peak after she went back to her towered ship. She sailed straight along Longwang River to Qinglong Creek to look for the swordsman in Mount Longhu. The philanderer did not mind being homeless. Since he did not need to protect the Guniu Mansion anymore, he could truly live freely. When Xuanyuan Qingfeng found Long Yuxuan, he was catching a pheasant to find joy amid hardship. Seeing Long Yuxuan and the boy set up a fire to barbecue, Xuanyuan Qingfeng got straight to the point and roughly explained what Xu Fengnian said. Long Yuxuan was full of vigilance, fearing that he would hurl himself willingly into the net. Xuanyuan Qingfeng was unhappy about his overcautiousness and left without saying anything more.

Before departing from Mount Longhu, Xu Fengnian crafted three plaques for the temple, utilizing old peach wood from the mountain. Maester Zhao Xituan couldn't contain his joy. He smiled broadly, showering Xu Fengnian with compliments, "The sages once said that a plaque is the heart and soul of a family. Even with good writing, without an imposing presence, it can only serve as an adornment. Only when it contains vibrant and expressive artistry can it truly be a masterpiece. Are you sure, Your Highness, you won't pop over to the Maesters' Mansion for a spot of tea and a vegan meal?"

Xu Fengnian didn't check the countless treasures in Guniu Mansion. He sat on the steps under the eaves and sighed. After leaving Liangzhou Province, he saw the Red-Armored Runic Knights that had disappeared for long; the Sword Master and swordguard of Wu's Shrine blocked his way for no reason; Wang Mingyin the Eleventh wanted to behead him; Cao Changqing took Jiang Ni away in Jiangnan Circuit. He continued eastward, and finally arrived at Mount Longhu, he met the sage and the sword immortal on Snowgrand. Life was just too hard.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng sat in the rain for a long time, looking lost. Seeing that she had no intention of getting up, Xu Fengnian reminded her, "Xuanyuan Qingfeng, you can't let me hold the umbrella for you forever. Now that Guniu Peak is leaderless, it is a great opportunity for you to realize your aspirations. Don't waste it." Xuanyuan Qingfeng struggled to get up, and sneered, "I can realize my aspirations, or Your Highness can control Mount Huishan?" Xu Fengnian replied brazenly and sarcastically, "You are very straightforward. I like it. Since you mentioned it, shall we have a discussion?"

The group of people hurried to Snowgrand. The closer they got, the stronger the wind and the thunder became. It sounded like ten thousand horses galloping, which made their eardrums hurt. Qing Niao held the Flash Spear in one hand and an umbrella in the other, looking calm. When Xuanyuan Jingyi reached Snowgrand, he saw the strapping figure of Xuanyuan the Forefather. Xuanyuan Dapan's internal force was so strong that it protected him like a big umbrella and kept the raindrops three feet away.

On Snowgrand, the middle-aged scholar walked against the wind slowly, his sleeves fluttering, and his figure distinguishing. He's been waiting for this for twenty years. Now, he showed his true self. Along the way, he kept coughing with blood oozing from his mouth. Xuanyuan Jingcheng stopped to look at the tall figure at the other end of Snowgrand, and murmured, "Finally." That man was unusually burly. He was an ageless man. Some of the white hair on his temples had turned black again twenty years ago. He stood at the gate of Guniu Mansion with a serious expression and a majestic aura. It was like he could hold out against ten thousand.

After climbing up a 300-step jade-paved path, there was a memorial archway with "All Mighty" written on it, with "True Martial Arts" next to it. It was the gate of the Xuanyuan residence on Mount Huishan. Xu Fengnian and Xu Longxiang stood under the archway. Standing beside them were the sheepskin-coated geezer and Qing Niao who was holding the Flash Spear in her hand. Behind them were Ning Emei the Halberdman and a hundred cavalrymen on white horses.

In the backyard of Xuanyuan Jingcheng's place on Guniu Peak, a woman in gorgeous attire stood in front of a glass fish tank with a small porcelain bowl in her hand. She threw the fish bait into the tank, and the red carp swam happily. A tall, strong man let himself in and walked straight to the fish tank. He touched the glazed tank and said with a smile, "My sister-in-law, we are all alone now. Maybe we should make the most out of it?" The woman stared at the carefree red carp, and said coldly, "Xuanyuan Jingxuan, aren't you worried that a bite of this is going to roast you from your tongue to your insides?"

"Your Highness, your remark about fame and fortune is very insightful. If a scholar fishes for fame and credit. It seems that he doesn't care about profits, but he is no different from a merchant." "If they apply empty theories without considering the actual situations, they would endanger the kingdom. And they are not real scholars. If they read at home while laughing at the poor who have frozen to death in the streets, they have read for nothing. In a sense, they are not kind, benevolent, or righteous." Xu Fengnian stared wide-eyed at the scholar in dark gown while he was walking toward him. Xu Fengnian was unaware that this guy was eavesdropping. Murong Wuzhu, who was squatting next to Xu Fengnian and picking hawthorns, was shocked when she heard the word "Xuanyuan". And the hawthorns fell to the ground. Murong Tonghuang was calm, but his knuckles turned blue out of fear.