Chapter 243: Sword‑Like Youth!

His whole being was dust‑laden, dulling the sharp Sword Qi and adding a touch of world‑worn melancholy.

That is the world‑worn melancholy unique to sword cultivators.

He has thick eyebrows and dark eyes, sword‑shaped eyebrows slanting, a nose like a hanging gallbladder, plump lips, and a slanted scar on his chin, adding a cool, handsome masculine charm.

The sword's aloofness and a man's coldness merge perfectly in him.

Ye Qingran lifted the corner of her eyebrow, deepening the smile at her lips.

In three years, the once frail boy has grown into this figure!

Like a sword fully drawn from its scabbard!

Han Xing Leng Yue smiled faintly.

Ling Qingwu was also greatly surprised.

He still recalled that when Feng Yi first entered the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect, he sought defeat with all his heart; back then he was a green‑horned youth, his face as white and pure as jade, and his chin bore no scar.

Now, he exudes a world‑worn aura, a robust masculine charm, and the scar on his chin adds limitless allure, as if reborn.

"Senior sister, what exactly did Feng Yi come for?" the female disciple of the sword sect frowned, a hint of guard in her eyes. The events of those years remained fresh in memory.

"Could he be here to provoke?"

"He shouldn't; Feng Yi never makes advances on female disciples! As for us, there's no reason for him to make a special trip."

Ling Qingwu smiled without replying; soon a male disciple widened his eyes, seemed to recall something, and whispered, "I get it! Feng Yi came for Senior Sister Qingwu!"

The three of them were all stunned.

Ling Qingwu's smile deepened.

"Did you forget? Back then, Feng Yi was expressionless throughout the sect, but when he left, he smiled at one person—Senior Sister Qingwu!"

After his reminder, everyone suddenly understood!

"It does seem that way! So Jianchi Fengyi had set his eyes on our senior sister three years ago! In these three years, he must have been thinking of you, Senior Sister, constantly."

"Need I say more? Senior Sister Qingwu, whose beauty rivals a city and who is a peerless genius, which man wouldn't be moved? Feng Yi surely has taken a liking to Senior Sister Qingwu!"

"Senior sister, you're way too popular! I just don't know what you think about it."

Ling Qingwu listened to the discussion, and a faint smile appeared on her cool face.

She has many admirers, yet none as striking as Feng Yi. If Feng Yi were to pursue her actively, she might consider it. After all, associating with such a prodigy would greatly boost her reputation.

When the others heard the disciples' talk, they finally realized that Jianchi Fengyi had come for Ling Qingwu!

"No wonder. Feng Yi didn't come early or late; he showed up precisely when Ling Qingwu appeared in Xiliang City—he must have come for her!"

"I think I've also heard about three years ago; when Feng Yi left the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect, he really glanced at Ling Qingwu and smiled at her!"

"It's said Feng Yi is a man who rarely smiles, obsessed only with the sword path; his smile toward Ling Qingwu must mean he truly… fell for her."

……

Word spread rapidly—one to ten, ten to a hundred—and soon everyone was convinced: Jianchi Fengyi, parachuting into Xiliang City, was for Ling Qingwu, and some drama enthusiasts even imagined a grand life‑and‑death romance.

Feng Yi stared intensely at the figure on the Xuanwu Platform, and a crack finally appeared on his ice‑cold face.

The feeling was like spring blossoms, ice melting away.

His plump lips curved, and his entire demeanor changed dramatically in an instant.

Already sharp‑featured and handsome, this smile made him even more charming.

"Heavens, Feng Yi smiled—must be because he saw Ling Qingwu!"

Everyone thought so in turn.

Thus, from Feng Yi's perspective, the only people on the Xuanwu Platform were Ling Qingwu, Ye Qingran, and others. Since Ye Qingran and Feng Yi have no connection, he most likely smiled at Ling Qingwu.

Ling Qingwu watched that smile and couldn't help recalling three years ago.

The boy, sword on his back, flashed a smile that dazzled the ages.

Three years ago he already possessed extraordinary talent and strong power; three years later he must be even more supreme, unrivaled. If she were with Feng Yi, they would become the envy of all, further elevating her fame!

Ling Qingwu thought so, a determined glint flashing in her eyes.

Amid the awed gazes, Feng Yi stepped toward the Xuanwu Platform.

His posture was upright, his stride steady; every gesture radiated charm, undoubtedly drawing countless female glances.

Yet his eyes never wavered, as if the whole world contained only that one person!

The crowd couldn't help envying Ling Qingwu, who had captured the heart of such a peerless handsome man!

Feng Yi's entrance, with Sword Qi rippling thousands of miles, was so flamboyant that even the well‑known and powerful figures hidden in Xiliang City were drawn to it.

Lord Ling, Ling Shaoyang, Xia Zhimeng, and others were also among the crowd.

"Wow, this man is just too appealing!" Xia Zhimeng stared at Feng Yi's abs without blinking, almost drooling. Having seen many proper men, she was suddenly dazzled by his wild, chest‑and‑abs‑showing physique, exclaiming she was feasting her eyes.

One must admit Feng Yi's chest and abs are flawless, and his bronze‑toned skin is simply impeccable!

Ling Shaoyang gave her a disdainful glance, turned to his master, saw that she was also staring at Feng Yi, and muttered, "It's just chest and abs, I have those too!"

The more Xia Zhimeng watched, the more uneasy she felt—why did everyone claim this man came for Ling Qingwu?

"My god, no way? A fine grass stuck in cow dung?" (Fine grass = Feng Yi, cow dung = Ling Qingwu.)

Xia Zhimeng wanted to pound her chest in frustration, feeling heart‑ache. Yet the Lord Ling who arrived with Ling Shaoyang showed a knowing smile upon seeing Feng Yi.

Although he had never met Feng Yi in person, he had heard the name back in Yaowang Valley, where it was said the Sword Maniac's relationship with the Valley Master was far from ordinary.

Then why would he come for Ling Qingwu?

……

Meanwhile, Feng Yi had already arrived beneath the Xuanwu Platform, feeling the crowd's envious gazes, and Ling Qingwu, rarely, showed an excited expression.

After today, the news of Feng Yi pursuing her to Xiliang City will spread, inevitably causing a sensation! Ling Qingwu's name will once again echo throughout the Central Region, famed for a time!

How could she not be excited?

Feng Yi darted onto the Xuanwu Platform, getting closer; Ling Qingwu then realized that the boy who was about her height three years ago now stood a head taller than her!

His sturdy build, sharp bearing, handsome looks—every trait brimming with ultimate charm; even she, who had seen countless handsome men, couldn't help but be moved!

She cleared her throat, stepped forward, and walked toward Feng Yi amid countless gazes, calling out softly: "Feng Yi, long time no see!"