Chapter 325: 334 Inquiring About the Future

It was already night by the time the group, exhausted to the extreme, hurried back to Zhuoyu Villa.

Casting swords the day before, fighting through the night, setting out to suppress the bandits in the dead of night, arriving at the forest battlefield at dawn, fighting three battles until the afternoon, resting for a moment, and then rushing back to arrive at midnight—this round trip had taken an entire day.

Honestly, this efficiency was not low; it could be called a swift and decisive victory. One must know that if a battle is intense, or if one side chases and the other flees, escaping a thousand miles, it would not be strange to spend ten days, half a month, or even three to five months.

It was just that for a Sword Casting Conference, this duration dragged on a bit too long. Most guests had rested for a night, enjoyed a luxurious breakfast in the morning, and were politely sent down the mountain before noon; a few guests who had not yet had their fill and were on good terms were arranged to stay on the mountain for a few days to enjoy more of the swamp scenery.

When Tang Zhao and the others returned to the mountain, they went to the Sword Hut first, but there was no one inside. Chi Deputy Envoy then set down the cage imprisoning the two key criminals to keep watch over them for the time being. Xing Ji and Tang Zhao went to report back to the Marquis.

Tang Zhao searched along the water's edge all the way until he saw an old man and an old woman chatting over tea on the terrace at the end of the wooden boardwalk, seemingly enjoying the leisurely time of the setting sun.

"Marquis. Master."

Tang Zhao paid his respects one by one; the old man was Xue Xianyun, and the old woman was, of course, the Gaoyuan Marquis.

The Gaoyuan Marquis was truly at leisure, wearing clothes even looser than before, her white hair tied up in a simple bun, holding a teacup and blowing away the tea leaves; to anyone, she looked like an old woman here for a vacation. Xue Xianyun also looked calm, showing no signs of the stormy waves from the previous night.

Here, Xing Ji reported the suppression of the Turtle Bandits to the Gaoyuan Marquis one by one, but Tang Zhao was more concerned about the outcome regarding Xue Xianyun.

"Master, that person..."

Xue Xianyun seemed a bit dispirited and said, "He left."

Tang Zhao's heart sank, and he said, "He was actually able to leave?"

Xue Xianyun said, "He fled to the bottom of the water, but we still caught up to him, and he performed a Soldier Release."

Tang Zhao was startled, then realized and said, "It seems that was the move."

A Soldier Release is roughly equivalent to suicide, or at least the death of the physical body.

The end of the path of the True Spirit Official is originally to abandon the physical body, switch to cultivating the Spirit Image, and transcend the mundane through the Spirit Image.

Speaking of which, Feng Zhilie now has a bit of that intent, but he was forced into it, and since switching to a Spirit Image, he has almost stopped progressing, becoming water without a source, only able to consume and difficult to replenish. Therefore, he almost never takes action anymore, focusing only on preserving his health.

But a True Spirit Official is meant to transcend through the step of Soldier Release to transform into an Original Phase; once they switch to cultivating a Spirit Image, it is like the primordial spirit ascending in a cultivation novel—they are merely casting off a stinking skin bag and still have an infinite future.

"After he performed the Soldier Release, did he use the Spirit Image to take the opportunity to escape?"

Xue Xianyun sighed and said, "Once he performed the Soldier Release himself, I didn't pursue him. There was no point anymore."

Tang Zhao thought for a moment, somewhat understanding Xue Xianyun's "no point," and said, "Like Nezha?"

Abandoning the physical body, repaying past debts, and settling grievances.

Xue Xianyun nodded gently and said, "You are truly a clever child... I saw his flesh and bone destroyed, and I truly had no heart to pursue him further. Shen Yi was still bent on chasing him to the ends of the earth, but I pulled him back. He did not defy me, but he was unhappy in his heart. I could see his meaning; he was saying I was deceiving myself and that there would be endless trouble."

Tang Zhao said, "Actually, I am also a bit unhappy in my heart."

However, forget it.

He and Jiang Shenyi were both of the nature to love and hate clearly, but he cared more about love, while he didn't fuss as much over hate. Jiang Shenyi, on the other hand, was intense in both love and hate, and possessed a tenacity. If he were allowed to chase Shi Chunqing, he would truly chase him until not a scrap remained.

But this was, after all, the grievance between the master and disciple Xue Xianyun and Shi Chunqing; if Xue Xianyun let it go, it was hard for others to say anything. Even Jiang Shenyi didn't say anything more, let alone Tang Zhao.

It's just...

"What was his emotional state when he performed the Soldier Release? Was it relief, or resentment? Have his grievances been settled? Or was it just a temporary retreat, planning to Juan Tu Chong Lai?"

Xue Xianyun said, "I don't know either." He actually didn't want to say that when Shi Chunqing finally performed the Soldier Release, there was no intention of clearing up past grievances; at most, he was beaten into fear and dared not come again. But if he achieved success in his cultivation in the future, it was not certain he wouldn't harbor other thoughts. "All our past affections and grievances ended last night. If he comes again, even if I don't take action, you can treat him like any other Turtle Bandit."

Tang Zhao said, "I understand."

Here, Xing Ji finished reporting the mission, and the Gaoyuan Marquis gave a few instructions, then smiled at Tang Zhao, "Azhao, I chatted with your master about matters here, and he agreed to be a Guest Minister Sword Smith under our Yunzhou Marquis Mansion."

Tang Zhao said, "Oh, that's great..."

He thought the Gaoyuan Marquis was just informing him, and wondered why the two elders needed to specifically notify him of their arrangements.

The Gaoyuan Marquis smiled and said, "So, your burden is lighter. You can think about what you want to do in the future."

Only then did Tang Zhao understand: in fact, he had come to Zhuoyu Villa as a "trainee" for the Land Inspection Department, and his future position had been reserved long ago—to be a Sword Smith for the Land Inspection Department. No matter what title he held, he would definitely have to cast swords specifically for the Land Inspection Department in the future; at the very least, he had to cast a few to repay the debt of his upbringing before he could choose his future more freely.

Now Xue Xianyun had taken over this matter, becoming a Sword Smith for the Land Inspection Department first; this was an extra benefit for the Gaoyuan Marquis and also relieved Tang Zhao of part of his obligations. Although Sword Smiths are always welcome, if Tang Zhao also became a full-time Sword Smith, the Land Inspection Department would certainly welcome him with open arms, but if he didn't want to, he would have an excuse.

For example, he could choose to temporarily set aside his identity as a Sword Smith and Talisman Sword Master and go fight like other Sword Guests.

Tang Zhao was grateful for his master's care, but also somewhat hesitant. Becoming a Sword Guest was his long-cherished wish, but now that he had achieved it, he wasn't particularly eager to fight; at least, when there was no enemy that had to be eliminated immediately before his eyes, he wasn't that eager to try. It wouldn't be bad to focus on casting swords for a while longer, joining the Land Inspection Department as a Sword Guest would be fine, or even going down the mountain to travel the world first...

Seeing his expression, the Gaoyuan Marquis knew he was indecisive and smiled, "You don't need to rush. The Land Inspection Department isn't in a hurry to make you work. If you really want to cast swords, you can redeem my prize coupons first. Or if you have any unfinished private matters, you can go handle them. How about this, let Xing Ji stay on your mountain for a few days..."

Tang Zhao looked at Xing Ji in surprise, and the Gaoyuan Marquis said, "He is responsible for teaching you the cultivation experience of a Sword Guest; there are some things you should know as early as possible."

This was the secret instruction of a master. As the saying goes, a single word of true transmission is worth ten thousand books of false ones. How to become a Sword Guest is no secret; even the folks in the world know that you just need to find a suitable Treasure Sword, pick it up, and wait for the sword to transform you. But what about after becoming a Sword Guest?

Stepping onto that path and knowing how to climb higher and pursue even greater realms is the secret of every sect. The road to becoming a Sword Hero is also rugged and steep, requiring one to explore on their own; stopping in one's tracks is a small matter, but there are many fatal obstacles. For example, it wouldn't be strange for one's Sword Heart to collapse like the Treasure Sword.

Although Xing Ji would have taught Tang Zhao even without the Gaoyuan Marquis's instruction, the Gaoyuan Marquis specifically designating Xing Ji to teach had a different significance.

Tang Zhao was naturally grateful and politely said, "I'm afraid this will delay Chief Xing's official duties..."

In his mind, although Xing Ji was currently a commoner, since the Marquis had sought him out, wasn't his reinstatement just around the corner? If he were delayed on the mountain, would it affect his official career?

The Gaoyuan Marquis said bluntly, "He has no official duties." Seeing that Xue Xianyun had also joined the Land Inspection Department as one of her own, she had no reservations and said directly, "I originally planned to send him to the front line for a while to atone for his crimes, but I didn't expect that in half a year, this kid would have developed that kind of messy Sword Technique. You saw it too; his Sword Technique configuration is clearly aimed at people; how can he go to the front line to fight the Heavenly Demons? He isn't even suitable to stay in the Land Inspection Department. I have to find him a suitable position now; it's really a headache."

Xing Ji returned to his state of playing deaf and dumb.

Tang Zhao thought to himself: Heavenly Demons really can't be dealt with by following the steps, otherwise, why specifically send Chief Xing to capture the Turtle Bandits?

However, it was not his place to comment on Xing Ji's official position, so he could only accompany him in silence.

The Gaoyuan Marquis said, "I do have an idea, but now is not the time. I still have to go to the Imperial Court to maneuver a bit..."

Just then, Chi Deputy Envoy, who had been staying at the Sword Hut to guard the key criminals, hurried over and said with cupped hands, "Marquis, the state criminal Zhou Chengzhi requests to see the Marquis."

The Gaoyuan Marquis looked at him quietly, waiting for his explanation—never mind what kind of state criminal, the Gaoyuan Marquis was not someone you could see just because you wanted to. Even that so-called Prince Cheng was the same. Chi Deputy Envoy was not someone who didn't know the gravity of the situation; since he came to report, there must be a reason.

Chi Deputy Envoy stepped forward and whispered, "Marquis—that person says he has a major conspiracy of the Turtle Bandits in Yunzhou to report, but he will only speak if he sees the Marquis in person."

The Gaoyuan Marquis showed a hint of suspicion, and Chi Deputy Envoy explained, "This prisoner Zhou Chengzhi was actually deceived and coerced by the Turtle Bandits; he is not of the direct bloodline of the Turtle Bandits. He has just recognized the true face of the Turtle Bandits and his words have some credibility." As he spoke, he briefly explained the path of destruction of Zhou Chengzhi's hometown.

The Gaoyuan Marquis stood up and said, "In that case, I will go and see him."

She and Chi Deputy Envoy left, not calling anyone else; Xing Ji and the others were naturally not in a position to follow.

Tang Zhao glanced at Xing Ji. Although Xing Ji had been scolded by the Gaoyuan Marquis, he didn't care at all at this moment and said, "Then I will stay for a few more days; that's actually quite good. Once I grow lazy, even if they give me a First Rank Official position, I won't take it."

Tang Zhao naturally wouldn't spoil the mood and said, "Welcome, welcome. You can stay as long as you like. And Ping Xiansheng, Guan Xiansheng, Feng Zhenshou, and the others, it would be best if everyone stayed for a few more days."

After chatting for a few moments, seeing that the Gaoyuan Marquis would not be back for a while, Tang Zhao recalled something and asked, "Master, how do you intend to deal with that 'Treasure Sword' of yours?"

This Treasure Sword was originally forged for Shi Chunqing, but now that Shi Chunqing had left, and having lost his physical body, it was impossible for him to walk the path of a Sword Guest. Moreover, even if he had stayed, there would be no way for him to be a match for the Treasure Sword, so the sword was effectively left idle. It would be a pity to leave such a fine sword gathering dust.

Furthermore, it might even be a hidden danger. This wave of Turtle Bandits had retreated, but who knew if they might return? After this battle, the Turtle Bandits had suffered heavy losses; it was unclear whether they would be disheartened and give up for now, or become more determined and press forward with a massive force?

Xue Xianyun looked full of Silence and said, "What else can be done? I had the Disciples try it out, but none of them could match with it. I have no intention of wasting a sword for nothing, so I might as well sell it to the Land Inspection Division. The Gaoyuan Marquis is quite generous, after all."

Tang Zhao pondered and said, "What if we trade it for one that can be used? Give it to Senior Sister?"

Xue Xianyun said, "If we could trade it, that would naturally be good. But how could it be such a coincidence that there happens to be a suitable one? This is all a matter of fate. Yeyu's Inspiration isn't particularly high either, and the range of her choices isn't broad... I don't even know what she is suited for."

Tang Zhao said, "Actually, I have a guess, perhaps..." He turned to Ask Xing Ji, "Chief Xing, how was that sword of the Wicked Crow handled previously?"