Chapter 213: The Tian Du Mansion Messenger Arrives, Ding Xuan

As a Star Wheel realm cultivator, his memory naturally far surpassed that of ordinary people.

He had once learned from Jiang family members' conversations that her name was Jiang Zhi.

He also learned that her behavior was extremely peculiar.

Since returning to the main family with the branch family members, she had always been solitary, with almost no social interaction.

Even when some clan members tried to befriend her, she still coldly ignored them.

As if, in her eyes, all things in the world mattered only the sword in her hand.

Beyond this, what left the deepest impression on Gu Xingjian was:

When many Jiang clan members gathered around him, asking him to teach sword techniques.

She showed not the slightest curiosity, never came near, merely practiced her sword alone, as if immersed in her own world.

Such focus was something Gu Xingjian had never encountered in his life before.

Even he himself could not match her—could not maintain such single-minded sword practice day after day.

Yet, despite all this effort, he was stunned to discover she was merely at the peak of sword technique, and had not even reached the second sword realm, Sword Qi realm!

Such sword talent could be called extremely poor.

So poor that in his entire life, he had never seen a second such case!

Yet, this perseverance moved him deeply.

Thinking of the clan chief's kindness toward him, Gu Xingjian had long since fully integrated himself into the Jiang family.

Now, seeing her train so hard yet make no progress, he suddenly felt he could do something.

Thinking this, Gu Xingjian immediately stepped out and walked to Jiang Zhi's side.

At this moment, Jiang Zhi had not noticed anyone's arrival and continued practicing her sword as usual.

Her expression was intensely focused and utterly cold, like ice that had never melted in ten thousand years!

Until Gu Xingjian's voice drifted softly: "Practicing sword isn't done like this..."

Jiang Zhi froze, stopped her motion, and turned toward the source of the voice.

Upon seeing Gu Xingjian standing not far away,

she blinked several times, her gaze somewhat dazed.

This damn face-blindness has struck again...

Ten full breaths passed.

Jiang Zhi remained silent, leaving the scene utterly quiet and extremely awkward.

Seeing this, Gu Xingjian raised an eyebrow and instantly realized she might not recognize him.

"What? You've trained in the training ground for so long and still don't recognize me?"

His voice sounded again.

Though Jiang Zhi still could not identify him by appearance, she recognized his voice.

She bowed her hands and said: "Greetings, Master Gu."

Gu Xingjian's face darkened.

Suddenly, he faintly understood.

Why those clan members who tried to befriend her were coldly ignored.

Perhaps this Miss... couldn't remember these people?

Thinking this, Gu Xingjian's expression grew increasingly strange.

Then he steadied his mind, looked again at Jiang Zhi, and said solemnly: "I've seen your efforts these past days—why, if your sword realm has stagnated, haven't you come to ask me for guidance, like others do?"

From his observations, this young girl, though obsessed with the sword, had hardly ever sought instruction.

She merely held a sword manual and studied alone for long stretches.

In front of outsiders, Jiang Zhi's expression was clearly tense.

Years of isolation had made her unskilled in conversation.

Thus, faced with Gu Xingjian's question, she had no idea what to say and chose silence.

The scene fell into deathly silence once more.

Dozens of breaths passed.

Seeing Jiang Zhi keep her head lowered, her eyes constantly scanning the ground,

Gu Xingjian finally understood the rumors were true—she truly was bad at socializing.

He did not wish to pressure her, and immediately took a wooden training sword from his Purple Mansion space.

Gripping the hilt, he held the blade horizontally before his chest, tip angled toward Jiang Zhi.

"Practicing alone is ultimately dull—how about I spar with you?"

He intended to feed her moves during combat and correct her errors continuously.

At this moment, as Gu Xingjian drew his sword,

Jiang Zhi snapped her head up, her eyes blazing with battle-lust, shining brilliantly!

As a swordsman, how could she not yearn to fight a stronger opponent?

Thinking this, she immediately replied: "Fine."

With that, Jiang Zhi gripped her sword in her right hand and rushed forward, closing the distance to Gu Xingjian, engaging him in combat!

One month later.

Wu Dan City, City Lord's Mansion.

In the courtyard,

Ding Xuan was diligently practicing his art, striving to break through to Purple Mansion realm seventh layer!!

Since the last time I visited Cangwu Mountain and saw that old man Jiang Hong break through to the Ocean of Qi realm.

His heart suddenly grew urgent.

He felt that since becoming city lord, he had grown too complacent and indulgent, neglecting his cultivation too much.

Thus, during this period, he declined many banquets and devoted himself entirely to cultivation.

Yet just as he was immersed in the joy brought by cultivation,

a hurried footstep sounded, drawing his attention.

Ding Xuan halted his actions and looked up.

There stood the chief steward, rushing over in haste.

"What is it?"

Ding Xuan spoke casually, his expression calm.

The chief steward stepped forward, pointing outside with his finger and said anxiously: "My lord, the envoy from Tiandou Prefecture has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Ding Xuan frowned, deeply astonished.

He had served for so many years and had never once seen the Prefect's envoy come to him.

This matter was truly suspicious.

Though greatly puzzled, Ding Xuan knew he could not afford to delay; he immediately said: "Bring him in at once. Have the envoy come to the Assembly Hall."

"Yes."

The chief steward understood the gravity of the matter and nodded urgently.

Not long after,

in the Assembly Hall of the City Lord's residence,

Ding Xuan sat tense upon the Grand Master's chair.

Beside him sat a man with a hawk-like nose.