Chapter 17: The Sword Saint

Bian Ruxue won.

She flicked Li Dongbai’s sword away with one strike, then thrust her blade to within half an inch of his throat.

The boy froze in shock; when he finally came to his senses, he scrambled backward several steps, staring at the half-grown girl with fear.

This scene took everyone by surprise—they could hardly believe it. Bian Ruxue, who had only trained for a year, had defeated Li Dongbai, who had trained here for eight. Was this the gap of talent? Bian Ruxue sheathed her sword, her small face breaking into a brilliant smile: she had won.

Immediately, she looked up at the boy and said seriously, “You must apologize to Hao Gege.”

Apologize? To that waste? Li Dongbai snapped back to himself, his face flushing crimson with shame. He gritted his teeth and said, “I admit I lost to you, but I will never apologize!”

“You…” Bian Ruxue frowned, unsure what to do next.

She thought for a moment and said, “If you don’t apologize, I’ll fight you again.”

“Childish!”

Li Dongbai, furious, turned and ran off the arena. Feeling the stares of others, he said nothing and bolted straight out of the training ground.

The veteran soldier made no move to stop the boy. Setbacks like this required personal insight.

But the girl—she amazed him. That strike had been nearly flawless.

This was a top-tier sword art, notoriously difficult to master.

The Nine-Rank Battle Body only enhanced cultivation speed, not technique mastery—clearly, Bian Ruxue’s sword talent, like her cultivation potential, was of a rarity unmatched in the world! “Did a single defeat yesterday unlock her potential?” The veteran soldier couldn’t help smiling inwardly.

In the arena, the illegitimate disciples stared at the girl’s figure with complex expressions.

They hadn’t just seen Li Dongbai’s pride shattered—they’d seen the chasm between themselves, as illegitimate sons, and the children of the main household.

“Xue’er, you’re amazing.”

Several small figures ran toward Bian Ruxue as she descended the arena—it was the brother and sister from the Fifth Courtyard, and Li Yuanzhao from the Sixth Courtyard.

They were all the same age as Bian Ruxue, with only a few months’ difference. The youngest was Li Yun’s younger sister, Li Zhining, just six years old, who had only recently arrived at the training ground.

Their older sister, Li Wushuang, had long left the mansion to train under a renowned master.

It’s Hao Gege who’s amazing… Bian Ruxue thought silently.

The three children clustered around Bian Ruxue, chattering excitedly about the match. Li Yun, Wushuang’s younger brother, talked the loudest.

“Xue’er, do you want some milk cake?”

Li Yun suddenly pulled out a beautifully carved wooden lunch box, opened it gently, and released a rich milky aroma—inside were soft, snow-white, jade-like pastries: “Here, have some.”

Bian Ruxue sniffed the air—it smelled wonderful. Her eyes sparkled as she asked happily, “All of it for me?”

“If you like it, take it all,” Li Yun grinned.

“Thank you.”

Bian Ruxue didn’t forget to thank him, and took the entire box.

It was time to end the day’s training. She waved her small hand, picked up the lunch box in one hand, hugged her sword in the other, and left.

Li Yun watched her retreating figure and chuckled foolishly.

Beside him, his younger sister Li Zhining looked up, puzzled: “Brother, wasn’t this the snack Mama made for you? I haven’t even tasted it yet.”

“If you want some, just ask Mama to make more later. Xue’er’s never had any,” Li Yun replied with a dopey grin.

Li Zhining sniffed, puffed out her cheeks in jealousy, and turned away.

“Ningning, I’ll give you mine,” came a short, chubby figure running up—it was Li Yuanzhao, grinning.

“I don’t want it!” the girl snapped, swatting his hand away.

…

…

In the pavilion, Li Hao’s game was halfway through when he heard Bian Ruxue return.

He glanced over casually, saw the uncontainable joy on her face, and already knew the answer. He continued focusing on the board:

“What’s so exciting? Tell me so I can be happy too.”

“I won.”

Bian Ruxue dashed into the pavilion, beaming, her eyes sparkling as she stared at Li Hao, waiting for praise like a child seeking approval.

Li Hao smiled and placed another stone: “Of course—no surprise. You’re Xue’er.”

At the praise, her smile widened. “Hao Gege, keep playing. I’ll bring you something delicious later.”

“Oh?”

Li Hao noticed the wooden box in her hand but didn’t ask. He continued his game with Li Fu, finishing quickly.

Li Fu’s skill was merely average—he hadn’t even reached the first dan. That meant Li Hao gained only one or two experience points per game, making him secretly resentful that the assassin had struck too soon…

“What’s the treat?”

Li Hao turned lazily toward the wooden box.

Bian Ruxue set her sword aside on the chair, brought the lunch box to the table, lifted the lid—and a milky scent filled the air: “Someone gave me milk cake. It looks delicious. Hao Gege, try some.”

“Who gave it to you?” Li Hao didn’t reach for it yet, his tone cautious. Bian Ruxue paused, thought, then shook her head: “I forgot to ask his name, but Hao Gege should know him—he’s the one we often bump into when we go to pay morning respects to Lady Da.”

“Those kids?” Li Hao blinked.

Li Fu rolled his eyes at him—you’re a kid too, you brat.

But he was long used to Li Hao’s old-fashioned way of speaking.

“Mm.” Bian Ruxue nodded.

Li Hao relaxed slightly. “You’re careless. You’ve trained with them for a year—how can you not even know his name?”

Bian Ruxue looked at him, wounded: “They never told me.”

“They must have. Even if they didn’t, their servants would’ve mentioned it. You just didn’t pay attention,” Li Hao scolded.

“I’ll ask next time,” Bian Ruxue muttered, her face sulky.

Li Hao said, “You need to be more sociable. Otherwise, you’ll get bullied.”

“I won’t!” Bian Ruxue lifted her head, pride flashing across her face. “Master said I have great talent—I’ll become powerful one day. Then I’ll protect Hao Gege. No one will ever bully you again.”

“Just protect yourself. I’ve never been bullied,” Li Hao said. He spent his days playing chess and strolling around the courtyard—far too comfortable, practically retired already.

“You brat, how dare you treat Xue’er’s kindness like this?” Li Fu snapped.

Li Hao glanced at him helplessly. The man wasn’t even fifty, yet acted like an ancient stick-in-the-mud.

Too tired to argue, he said to Li Fu: “Fu Bo, you try it first. Test for poison. Those kids aren’t bad, but I worry someone might be using them.”

Li Fu nodded slightly, then glanced at Li Hao again. This boy was always contradictory—sometimes painfully perceptive, sometimes utterly clueless.

He picked up a milk cake and ate it, then closed his eyes.

Moments passed. Li Hao grew impatient: “Well? Is it safe? Say something, Fu Bo.”

“Tastes good,” Li Fu opened his eyes.

Li Hao rolled his eyes and immediately told Bian Ruxue: “Eat quickly, before it gets cold.”

He picked up a piece himself—it was indeed delicious. “This tastes like Fifth Aunt’s work. Was it Li Yun or his sister Li Zhining who gave it to you?”

“The brother,” Bian Ruxue replied—she could still tell brother from sister.

“Next time, tell that boy to bring more. This little box won’t feed anyone.” Li Hao devoured his portion in seconds, leaving half for Bian Ruxue.

“Mm.” Bian Ruxue nodded, committing it to memory.

Li Fu watched silently, shaking his head. This boy, so young, carried an air of shameless audacity—completely at odds with the solemn dignity of the Li family.

…

…

Several days later, a distinguished guest arrived at the Divine General’s mansion.

The household stirred with excitement. Every concubine received word and hurried to pay respects, for this guest was none other than the one from Sword Cottage.

If they could forge even a slight connection, and get their child accepted as his disciple, their child’s future would be extraordinary.

Among them, the concubines were most eager—their children lacked the cultivation resources of the main line and had to fight tooth and nail for every elite opportunity.

He Jianlan received guests in the Changchun Courtyard, aware of the fluttering silhouettes of maidens passing outside. She understood their motives well, but it was only when the legendary Sword Saint himself spoke that her face showed genuine surprise.

After some conversation, He Jianlan nodded slightly and rose to escort him out.

Soon after, the Shanhe Courtyard erupted in long-absent bustle—a crowd surged toward it.

Li Hao, mid-game in the pavilion, heard the commotion and frowned. Then he saw Lady Da leading the way, beside her a white-haired elder with long, flowing hair.

The elder had sharp eyebrows, prominent cheekbones, and looked lean, rugged, and formidable.

Beside him stood another old man—the veteran soldier from the training ground. Li Hao had seen him several times and knew him well.

“What’s going on?” Li Hao was baffled.

Li Fu, seated across from him, saw the white-haired elder and his pupils shrank—he leapt to his feet in shock.

Astonished, he suddenly realized something—and his heart surged with quiet excitement.

Li Hao had rarely seen Fu Bo so stirred. He immediately understood: this stranger was someone immense. But few people commanded such treatment from the Li family.

Looking at the unfinished game, Li Hao sighed. He set it aside and waited, calm and still.

“Li Fu.”

He Jianlan spotted Li Fu and gestured gently to him, then called to Li Hao: “Hao’er, come here.”

Li Hao rose and walked over.

“Where’s Xue’er?” He Jianlan asked.

Li Hao pointed to the other side of the courtyard: “She’s practicing swordplay over there.”

“Xuejian, go fetch Xue’er,” He Jianlan ordered her maid.

(End of Chapter)