Chapter 15: Sword Saint

After returning home, Witch Miss diligently completed the double portion of the outdoor exercise task.

According to Li Wei's design, a single portion of outdoor exercise should be just right for Witch Miss.

Sure enough, after finishing the double portion, Witch Miss felt somewhat exhausted, and she practically crawled to the bathroom.

When he heard Witch Miss was exercising, the experienced old butler immediately had the maid prepare a magical medicinal bath to soothe sore muscles and strengthen the body for her.

Observed by Cat, he found the bath's effect truly astonishing.

Because Witch Miss entered crawling but emerged standing!

The medicinal bath and the Shadow Witch's innate talent… terrifying indeed.

Cat silently used magic to covertly monitor Witch Miss's various stats, while insisting that all the exercise was done in a healthy, reasonable manner.

Witch Miss finished her dinner under the almost tearful gaze of the old butler.

Because,

perhaps this is also his first time in many years of service seeing such an optimistic, eager-to-eat-and-drink Witch Miss.

【Daily Task 1: Three Meals a Day, Completed】

Seeing the pop‑up notification in her Growth Guard System, Witch Miss gladly set aside the digestive‑aid yogurt she was holding.

"Grandpa Lin, starting tomorrow I will do morning training in the courtyard.

the duration should be similar to today, about an hour, so please prepare breakfast and the medicinal bath in advance.

Also, later I will need a single room.

Well‑ventilated, but preferably a spacious room without glass.

I'll need some training equipment and weapons used by melee professions."

"Alright!"

The old butler asked no questions, simply noted Witch Miss's requests, and turned away.

But Cat, who had been watching all along, was not as composed as Witch Miss giving orders and the butler receiving them.

The reason was that he had just glanced at the butler's personal panel.

【Personal Information】

【Name: Lin Du】

【Age: 67】

【Race: Human】

【Profession: Swordsman】

【Profession Level: lv11】

【Secondary Job: Butler】

【Secondary Job Level: lv7】

【Title: Sword Saint】

【Attribute Panel】

【Level: lv127】

【EXP: 1237/68100】

【HP: 32000/401600】

【MP: 5100】

【Constitution: 173】

【Strength: 518】

【Agility: 700】

【Intelligence: 103】

"Due to a curse and severe injuries, HP and base stats are slowly decreasing."

【Curse】: Jealousy of the Colorless King

Damage caused by the Colorless King cannot heal itself;

Immune to support and healing skills below lv15;

Any stat loss during the curse belongs to the Colorless King;

All experience gained during the curse is devoured by the curse, and upon the cursed entity's death, all experience goes to the Colorless King.

【Acquired Skills】:

West Wind Sword Art lv11; Cloud‑Coming Sword Method lv11; My Flow Sword Art lv11; Ritual Sword Art lv11; Dream One Heart lv11…

Cat is shocked jpg.

So every seemingly ordinary old butler is destined to have a glorious past, right?!

A level‑127 Sword Saint!

If not for the curse, how impressive would he be?!

According to Witch Miss's memory, when she was three or four, this Old Sword Saint was already working at her house.

A level‑127 from fifteen years ago!

Magic Power Revival is only in its 32nd year now!

What a prodigy this is!

But the Colorless King…

His title is Black King…

This shared use of color as a title makes Cat begin to suspect a relationship between them.

He needs to read more.

Learn more about this world.

Cat has now resolved to strive to improve.

Because…

Based on what, that king can have such badass skills, when he's just a little broken cat?!

…

But…

After checking the butler's personal panel, Cat couldn't help thinking.

Could we ask him to be Witch Miss's melee introductory teacher?

Using Cat's own half‑baked fantasy novel experience from his past life, martial arts encompass everything, and both longswords and shortswords are swords; the so‑called use of weapons should have some common fundamentals in basic practice.

Having him, as the Old Sword Saint, guide Witch Miss and lay a solid foundation for her should be a good choice.

…

Thinking that way, Cat glanced at Witch Miss, who was leaning on the sofa, drinking yogurt and leafing through a book, and silently followed the direction the old butler was walking.

There are few people in the mansion, so unnecessary areas have no lights on.

Cat hid in the shadows of the corridor and followed the old butler down to the underground storage.

After pushing open the storage door, the old butler suddenly turned back and said to the shadow at the corner:

"Cat, you followed me—what is it?"

Sighing inwardly that indeed the cat of a strong one does not keep hiding, Cat stepped out of the shadow and stood before the old butler.

"Hello, Sword Saint Lin Du."

Cat spoke, politely greeting the old butler.

When the old butler heard Cat utter his title, the aura around him changed sharply, and a sharp gust of wind laced with lethal sword qi instantly snapped around Cat's neck.

"You, who are you?"

The old butler abandoned his previous gentle demeanor, his eyes fiercely fixed on the black cat before him.

"Just an ordinary little cat coming to say hello."

Cat's reply made the old butler's brows furrow even deeper.

He knows this is a cat summoned by Bai Yan and bound by a contract.

Killing it outright could put him in a very awkward situation.

How should he explain this to Bai Yan?

He doesn't want to lie to this pitiful child he has watched grow up, but… the cat's origin and purpose must still be approached with caution.

Many know of the Sword Saint, but those who know he truly is the Sword Saint can be counted on one hand.

Moreover, in his perception, this black cat's aura rivals that of the despicable yet powerful Demon King who once ambushed him.

If he harbors malice…

Sensing the increasingly dangerous aura emanating from the old butler, Cat realized his greeting might have caused a problem.

The butler didn't get his friendliness and harmlessness; instead he imagined him as some terrifying thing.

Oops.

Buddy Bai Yan.

But when this Old Sword Saint was already on the verge of a Super Saiyan‑like explosive transformation, Cat felt an urgent need to explain his harmlessness, which was somewhat futile.

So he sighed, simply gave up on correcting the mistake and, facing the butler, stated his purpose,

"I came to find you because I want to make a deal with you."

"A deal? I never make deals with unknown parties."

The old butler's implication was that he wanted Cat to drop the disguise and reveal his identity as a sign of sincerity.

"…"

So this round hasn't passed yet! Stubborn old man!!

What is he?!

I am the legendary Demon King! Title: Black King!

Indeed, it sounds like a suspicious figure allied with that colorless king who cursed you!

By the way! My race is cat! The most ordinary cat!

Currently level 1! But MP is 233,333,333!

For a moment, the self‑despairing Cat even wanted to shout his inner complaints.

He also really wants to know who he is! Damn!

I'm mad!

But the rational Cat, who had taken the high ground, naturally wouldn't utter such self‑destructive words; he could only sigh and continue being a riddling cat,

"What I am doesn't matter; what matters is that now, I am just an ordinary black cat.

And I am a cat that has formed a Symbiotic Contract with her."

Cat stressed the words 'Symbiotic Contract' for fear that the Old Sword Saint, frail and aged, might miss something and strike him down with an Excalibur slash.

Upon hearing the words 'Symbiotic Contract' and seeing the contract formation array Cat immediately displayed, the Old Sword Saint was clearly startled, then slowly retracted the killing aura emanating from his body.

Bai Yan is his own child; the suspicious cat is the child's Symbiotic Contract summoned beast, so the crisis is resolved.

Seeing the Sword Saint finally withdraw his killing aura and revert to his usual refined, handsome old‑man demeanor, Cat thought that now they should be able to communicate properly.

Sure enough, before Cat could speak, the Old Sword Saint, eager to cooperate, asked first:

"What is it that you came to me for?

As a partner in the Symbiotic Contract, you shouldn't be hiding anything from her."

Although Cat removed the "suspicious" label, the old butler still harbored dissatisfaction with his actions.

"This point... you would misunderstand.

I... just haven't found a suitable chance to simply meow with her."

...?

"When I was first summoned, I had a language barrier with humans, but when I figured it out... ah, that was last night, when she was struggling to fill out the school application form."

This morning, you must have seen the near‑crying look she had on her way to school.

And when it came time to seal the contract... it was even more inappropriate.

Symbiotic Contract, huh...

Having a cat that barely understands human speech and can't speak see the past should make it feel a lot better, right?

Then... that evening she began to obsessively train herself, even stumbling into awkward situations repeatedly.

If she were to learn now that I not only can speak but am also supremely clever, my cute Witch... Miss Bai would probably instantly reincarnate on the spot and begin a second life as an ostrich."

Σ(⊙▽⊙"a...

Even though it was a generalization, Cat's overly vivid metaphor still caused a rare, intense emotional surge on the old butler's face.

Indeed.

Miss Bai Yan is indeed very introverted and not talkative, with high boundaries and extremely low tolerance.

Given these life‑threatening incidents, if she were to learn that the cat staying with her not only can speak but is also a genius, then...

The image of Bai Yan's heart turned to ash has already formed in Lin Du's mind.

"Your... consideration is indeed correct."

Lin Du nodded and thought: Though this is an undignified cat, it is quite considerate toward Miss Bai Yan.

Recalling the contrast between Bai Yan's appearance this morning and tonight, Lin Du couldn't help but feel that Bai Yan has undergone many changes. This positive, proactive shift should have begun after the contract with that strange cat was fulfilled.

In other words...

Lin Du's thoughts suddenly began to scatter.

The mysterious black coal ball that shared its talent with Bai Yan must be extremely powerful, forcing even her normally insecure and introverted self to choose positivity and change.

In a sense, this unidentified black cat—tentative species—should be considered Bai Yan's benefactor.

At that moment, an equation appeared in Lin Du's mind.

His life was rescued by Bai Yan's mother.

After the former master passed away, his responsibility naturally became to guard the young Bai Yan as she grew.

But "guarding" her growth, compared to true family, is still far lacking.

He doesn't know how to teach a child, let alone how to help these young, fragile, mutated ones.

He can only perform the minimum—ensuring Bai Yan's safety.

As a butler, as this child's sole support, what he gives Bai Yan may truly be inferior to that strange little broken cat before him.

From this, one can conclude,

Bai Yan + black monster > Bai Yan + Lin Du;

Lin Du didn't take good care of Bai Yan = Lin Du feels guilt toward the former master = Lin Du is not a competent good butler

And = in Bai Yan's heart this black cat is more important! He is no longer Bai Yan's closest beloved grandfather!

(ΩДΩ)!!

We lost!

Lost completely!

Lost in a total mess!

The stubborn Old Sword Saint felt a deep sense of defeat over this matter.

With such a heavy heart, the Old Sword Saint's tone grew much harsher when replying to Cat's words,

"What do you want to discuss? If it's only about her, I don't need to trade anything with you."

After all, I am his grandfather!

Shouldn't I help my own granddaughter?!

Although Cat doesn't know why the Old Sword Saint suddenly became harsh again, he won't concede on the "bottom line",

"No, we need it."

"I need to ensure you can keep all secrets."

Even if this old butler seems deeply connected to Witch Miss's mother, no precaution or step can be omitted.

"Secrets? Whose?"

Seeing the black cat's solemn demeanor, the Old Sword Saint suddenly grew curious.

What exactly could make this strange black fluff risk exposing its identity just to come to him?

"She and I.

Therefore, we need a reliable contract."

Even Miss Bai Yan is involved?

Although Lin Du considers himself tight‑lipped, Cat's doubts irritated him, even making him want to leave, but since it concerns Bai Yan, he agreed.

"No problem."

"Fine."

Cat doesn't know whether this world has any lie‑detecting or promise‑keeping magic, but he understands the "contract" that existed before Magic Power Revival.

Although the so‑called "contract" used to be a toy for the rich and powerful, now, with magic as a binding force, swearing in the name of a so‑called god and setting mutually acceptable breach penalties, witnessed by the gods and order spirits, such an agreement cannot be reneged or denied in this already fantastical world.

Unless, one day, a dishonest, rogue black cat that loves to exploit bugs becomes that supreme god.

……

The brand‑new magic displayed by Cat shocked the Old Sword Saint, but after looking at the familiar scales of order and the faint glimmer within the golden light, he still signed a confidentiality agreement with Xiaohei.

From now on, the words spoken by Cat and Xiaohei to the Old Sword Saint Lin Du may not be disclosed to any creature without Xiaohei's permission.

After the conversation ends, regardless of whether Lin Du accepts the request of Cat and Xiaohei, they must abide by the terms of the confidentiality agreement.

As a former itinerant employee of the company, Cat's understanding of word games is limited to this.

Fortunately, the Old Sword Saint is also not adept at this kind of thing; he relies on his keen "sense of smell."

"I hope you can use all your wisdom and experience to wholeheartedly teach Bai Yan to learn combat."

"Although Miss Bai Yan's talent in magic is indeed beyond praise, but…"

Don't just give up on rescuing her!

His granddaughter may be weak, but she's working hard, okay!

"No, no, no, I can help her with all the magical issues."

Cat hurriedly interrupted the Old Sword Saint's words, lest he, uncontrolled, say something that would make Witch Miss burst into a flood of truth as massive as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

"What I meant to say is, aside from her poor constitution, her talent for a physics‑related profession is absurdly strong."

Old Sword Saint:?

Although he is only a steward, he does happen to know some minor secrets.

For example, Miss Bai Yan's father is a great magician still positioned in the top echelon, and likewise, Miss Bai Yan's mother possesses a special lineage; her blood seems usable as magical material, which is why she is kept in captivity.

So, in summary, you black fool, do you want to hear exactly what you just said!

Cat: ……

Even if Cat cannot read minds, he knows that the old man isn't muttering kind words in his heart.

But the big Cat does not hold grudges against the little one, and continues to explain to the old man:

"Because of some… unfortunate experiences, she perfectly inherited her mother's lineage.

Perfectly."

Cat emphasized his adjective,

"Now she is a pure‑blood Shadow Witch."

Shadow Witch!

Pure‑blood!

Before Lin Du was called the Sword Saint, before Magic Power Revival, he was an ordinary person born into an ancient martial family, practicing martial arts daily under the watch of the elders and various relatives at home.

Among them, his talent for swordsmanship was the most outstanding.

After Magic Power Revival, relying on his solid foundation and day‑after‑day perseverance and effort, he quickly rose into the world's forefront.

To be honest, in this life he has never envied anything except a love like that of immortal companions.

For him, the martial path and swordsmanship are the manifestation of accumulated diligence over time.

But…

When he learned that this world still had a 'Shadow Witch' favored by the heavens…

He was somewhat shaken.

Witch!

Can't you just focus on studying magic!

Do you think it's interesting to convert magical talent into martial talent?

After meeting a warrior who luckily merged part of the Shadow Witch's bloodline and talent, Lin Du was truly envious.

Turns out when the heavens give someone a cheat, it's truly shameless!

Although his duel with that damned lucky guy ultimately resulted in him achieving an overwhelming victory.

(`へ´*)ノ

But now, upon hearing that Bai Yan, whom he regards as his own granddaughter, actually possesses a pure‑blood Shadow Witch talent, his emotions are unprecedentedly excited.

Learn what magic!

What a broken mage!

Back in the day, he rode alone against thousands; the first he cut down was a magician!

"So I hope you can bring out all your abilities as the Sword Saint to help her, to lay a solid and strong foundation for her.

I only understand magic; as an outsider, I can only devise a simple plan for her, but I cannot practically assist her in becoming a true strong one.

She needs you, needs an excellent teacher like you to be her guide."

Cat frankly voiced his request.

Of course, this frankness is also partly based on the fact that the current Sword Saint is a weakened Sword Saint.

In his grievous injury, the most pressure he can exert on himself is no more than ten Teacher Liu Ge.

"Of course, you don't need to disclose your identity truthfully; just as always is fine.

The parts that need confidentiality, of course, are our negotiations and any of my matters."

"I understand."

The Old Sword Saint nodded.

His lack of refusal means he agreed.

As a dying person, being able to take on an exceptionally talented closed‑door disciple before death.

With such conditions, who could refuse?

Just as the Old Sword Saint contemplated how to write his lifelong supreme teachings into a simple, understandable book, so that after his death he could still leave a memory for his granddaughter and senior disciple Bai Yan, he suddenly heard Cat say again,

"Because this is a transaction, so… I will also give you compensation."

Every month before she leaves this place, I can cast a healing spell of at least level fifteen for you.

?

The Old Sword Saint was stunned once again.

Fifteen level?

Is… you mean fifteen stages?

Is that the meaning he intended?

Magic above fifteen stages is also called a forbidden incantation.

He hasn't heard of any mage who could so casually say, "I can cast a forbidden incantation for you each month."

If healing-type forbidden incantations above fifteen stages can be released this easily, and the conditions for a mage to cast a forbidden incantation are not that stringent, then as a Sword Saint who had already reached the pinnacle fifteen years ago, why would he be so destitute as to need rescue, why would he spend a full fifteen years as a steward, idle and ineffective, only watching himself with suppressed frustration as he slowly dies?!

The scales symbolizing order, justice, and integrity remain unmoved, and the golden light still shines between him and that black murderer; even Lin Du, whose mindset has been forged as steady as a mountain, now lets his voice tremble faintly with excitement,

"When you say above level fifteen, do you mean magic above fifteen stages?"

"Hm? Yeah."

The Cat, who still misunderstands this world's power ranking system, watches the suddenly stunned Old Sword Saint, tilts its head and asks in confusion:

"What's wrong, aren't you cursed?"

"Isn't it only healing magic above fifteen stages that takes effect?"

"That's right, indeed."

"Ah~ as long as it's right, that's fine.

But the deal is, I only cast, I don't guarantee a hundred percent effect."

"After all, I've never lifted the Curse of the Colorless King for anyone else."

The Cat, in its nonchalant manner, tossed a few bombs, instantly taking away the already weakened Old Sword Saint.

Lin Du watched the Cat's casual demeanor, then glanced at the still‑active 'No‑Lie Contract'; he silently cut his own finger, sealing a blood oath.

Thus, without Witch Miss's knowledge, she ended up with a passionate, experienced, highly imaginative, elderly martial arts teacher who wanted to be her grandfather.