Chapter 136: Three Light Taps on the Head
Not sure how much time had passed.
Young Master Sang had finished demonstrating a set of sword techniques.
Above the Yaochi and Tianshan, the sky had resumed its clarity.
Yet everyone in the plaza was still deeply immersed in the stunning sword intent they had just witnessed.
Many disciples of the Sword Flower Palace were even feeling dazed, as if being pulled into that sword intent.
Qiu Ju’s beautiful eyes were misty as she softly asked,
“Sister… wh-what was that?”
“Was that… sword intent?”
“I-I don’t know…” Chun Lan also looked bewildered, shaking her head after a long pause.
“How is that possible… that annoying guy, has he really mastered swordsmanship to such an extent?”
Having completed the full set of sword techniques, Young Master Sang bowed deeply to Gu Yingmian.
“Princess Gu, I’ve embarrassed myself.”
As he bowed, he discreetly hid the Dream Jun Sword behind him, hoping Gu Yingmian wouldn’t notice its trembling.
Gu Yingmian seemed to still be savoring the intoxicating sword intent, only coming to her senses after a while.
“Young Master Sang’s sword intent… truly deserves the phrase ‘stunning.’”
“Looks like lending the Dream Jun Sword to Young Master Sang was definitely worth it.”
Young Master Sang immediately scratched his head in embarrassment: “This sword technique was obtained by my father from an ancient secret realm. It’s said to be from a legendary sword immortal.”
“Unfortunately, the younger generation is dull-witted. I’ve only learned the basics—outwardly impressive, but lacking true spirit, and the practical use is terribly lacking…”
Hearing this, Gu Yingmian’s beautiful eyes brightened, and she quickly asked,
“Is this sword technique still around?”
“Um, to be honest, the sword techniques have been burned along with my father when he was buried.”
Young Master Sang lowered his head in regret: “My father feared that I would cause trouble due to possessing such treasures, so he burned all the collected sword techniques, allowing me to memorize them instead.”
Gu Yingmian suddenly realized she had spoken inappropriately, hurriedly explaining,
“It’s not your fault, Young Master. It was my abruptness. Such sword techniques should definitely be preserved with care.”
Young Master Sang glanced at Gu Yingmian.
Wow, she’s quite reasonable.
In fact, he secretly hoped she would confine him, forcing him to demonstrate sword intent for her to learn every day.
At least this way, he wouldn’t feel as guilty using it.
However, Gu Yingmian didn’t seem so unreasonable, as she politely inquired.
“In fact, my father, throughout his life, encountered numerous ancient sword techniques in secret realms. Along with the family’s generational inheritance, there are still many marvelous sword techniques.”
Hearing this, Gu Yingmian’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“If that’s the case, Young Master Sang should stay in the Sword Flower Palace for a while longer.”
“We will treat you as a distinguished guest. I can even allow you to use the Dream Jun Sword while demonstrating sword techniques every day.”
“If there’s a sword you desire, or sword moves you want to learn, feel free to ask. If you desire, I could even make an exception and allow you to be the only male disciple of the Sword Flower Palace—”
Hey, hey, hey, let’s not go too far.
If we keep talking, it might get a bit rude.
What if he actually gets tempted and betrays the Sect Leader?
Young Master Sang smiled modestly: “I appreciate the princess’s kindness. But I’m used to a carefree life, and it may be hard for me to adapt to the disciplined lifestyle.”
“Anyway, as long as I can spar and discuss sword paths, any identity is fine.”
Gu Yingmian nodded in appreciation: “If that’s the case, then it shall be as you wish.”
“Today’s glimpse of your sword intent has been a great gain for me. I believe demonstrating such sword intent must have consumed a lot of energy, so let’s end it here for today.”
“Once you’ve had a good rest, feel free to seek me anytime.”
Young Master Sang bowed low: “Thank you, Princess.”
While bowing, he shot a fleeting glance at Chun Lan and Qiu Ju standing beside Gu Yingmian.
As his gaze swept over them, both bodies trembled as if shocked.
Chun Lan’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger, but she could only lower her head in silence.
Qiu Ju wore a complex expression, her eyes darting away.
Young Master Sang discreetly winked at the two ladies before reluctantly returning the Dream Jun Sword to Gu Yingmian.
Only when the Dream Jun Sword was back in her hand did Gu Yingmian notice it was still lightly trembling.
It seemed it hadn’t fully calmed down from the lingering resonance.
“… You were also startled by his sword intent, weren’t you?”
Gu Yingmian murmured to herself: “Yes. His sword intent is truly impressive.”
The Dream Jun Sword trembled slightly, as if it feared something, yet also hinted at being unable to speak.
It seemed to reply coyly:
Indeed… very impressive.
“And he said it’s not just this one. There are many, many kinds.”
Gu Yingmian said happily: “In the following time, we won’t be bored anymore.”
At the mere mention of more than one type, the Dream Jun Sword trembled violently.
But in the end, it obediently remained silent, lying still in Gu Yingmian’s lap.
“Young Master Sang, there’s no need to head to the confinement room anymore.”
Gu Yingmian quietly instructed: “Chun Lan and Qiu Ju, take Young Master Sang to the distinguished guest room.”
Chun Lan and Qiu Ju trembled for a moment.
But ultimately, they just replied softly in acknowledgment.
——
——
Chun Lan and Qiu Ju both understood.
The distinguished guest room was not far from their own residence.
If Young Master Sang really lived there, it would be even easier for him to tease them in the future.
But Gu Yingmian’s orders were absolute.
The two ladies still took Young Master Sang to a separate courtyard not far from the princess’s sleeping quarters.
Not far from the courtyard was the residence of Chun Lan and Qiu Ju’s sword attendants.
“Young Master Sang, this is your guest room.”
Qiu Ju tried to keep her voice steady, avoiding eye contact as she lowered her head: “We sisters live next door, and if you need anything, please feel free to call us…”
“Oh.”
“You live next door?”
Young Master Sang casually looked around the courtyard, then turned to the two with a mischievous smile.
“Well, then it seems we’re quite fated.”
Qiu Ju’s face turned pale with embarrassment as she looked down.
Chun Lan gritted her teeth secretly, casting him a glare.
“Although Young Master Sang is a distinguished guest, you are still just a guest.”
She said defiantly: “Please don’t trouble us too much.”
“That’s natural.”
Young Master Sang smiled cheerfully: “Why would I add trouble onto the two ladies?”
Of course.
If you ask me, though, then it’s not my fault, right?
“I’m pretty tired today, so I’ll head back to rest.”
Young Master Sang reached out and lightly tapped both their heads three times before turning and waving: “Whatever needs to be said, let’s talk tomorrow, okay?”
Upon hearing this, both Chun Lan and Qiu Ju paused for a moment.
They silently turned to leave.
But before leaving, both took a furtive glance at Young Master Sang.
As if contemplating the meaning behind his words.
Today, they hadn’t yet practiced swordplay with him, had they?
Was he tired?
That didn’t seem right. Was there perhaps some deeper meaning behind what he had said and done?
Once Young Master Sang swaggered into the room, Chun Lan and Qiu Ju left in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
