Chapter 18: The Ultimate Sword Seed

“Master Jian Sheng, this is Tian Gang’s son, Li Hao.”

While the maid went to call Bian Ruxue, He Jianlan introduced the white-haired elder beside her: “Li Hao’s name was bestowed by Emperor Yu—what do you think of this child?”

Upon hearing Emperor Yu’s name, the white-haired elder glanced at the woman and understood her hidden intent; he felt a flicker of displeasure but said nothing, instead studying the child before him.

Li Hao was also looking up at the elder.

When he heard the woman’s address to the old man, he was startled—he finally understood why Li Fu had reacted so strongly.

Earlier, while searching for chess manuals in Tingyu Pavilion, he had come across tales of Jianghu figures and their exploits.

Among the martial figures recorded in the past century, only three bore the title Jian Sheng.

One dwelled in the Southern Sword Hut, another retired to the yellow sands and green lake of the Northern Desert, and the third was a phantom—seen only in glimpses.

All three were masters of the sword, whose prowess shook the world and earned them the title Jian Sheng.

Which of the three was strongest had been a subject of endless debate among enthusiasts for the past century.

My own third uncle possessed extraordinary sword talent—he cleaved half of Jingzhou’s martial world and demon forest with a single strike, yet still failed to earn the title Jian Sheng. This old man’s power must be terrifying indeed.

Which of the three is he? The gazes of the old man and the boy met—Li Hao immediately saw, buried deep within the elder’s eyes, a sword intent as vast and profound as an ocean or abyss.

Yet this sword intent was veiled beneath dark, still pupils; had he not possessed a Level Two understanding of the sword Dao, he could not have perceived it.

“I heard Tian Gang’s son failed Foundation Establishment and Blood Melting—he has no martial talent?”

Jian Wudao regarded the child at his feet with indifference. The Qilin heir of the Divine General’s Mansion was revered by the world, second only to imperial heirs—but to him, he meant nothing, and no child deserved his deference.

He Jianlan’s expression stiffened slightly as she nodded.

“That’s right. So I hope Master Jian Sheng will examine whether this child has any talent for sword cultivation. If he can one day train his body and wield the sword, he may still serve the nation and guard a corner of Dayu.”

At the word “guard,” Jian Wudao’s gaze shifted slightly, softening a little.

With his status, so long as the Li family’s elder generation remained uninvolved, he need not care about the opinions of the younger generation.

But the Li family’s centuries of glorious achievements were truly worthy of respect—especially these past decades, when border conflicts occasionally flared: nine Li sons went to war, six died on the battlefield. That alone was enough to command solemn reverence. “Let’s take a look together later,” Jian Wudao said calmly.

He Jianlan beamed and nodded.

Soon, Bian Ruxue was brought forward by Xuejian. The girl, facing the crowd of adults, clearly felt nervous.

She instinctively stepped behind Li Hao, using his body to shield half of hers.

She had seen this scene before—when Li Hao underwent Foundation Establishment and Bone Measurement—but later, the adults’ gazes had made her feel sorrow.

“Master Jian Sheng, this is the sword prodigy I mentioned to you through Bai Jing.”

As Bian Ruxue arrived, the elderly military officer beside her stepped forward respectfully.

Jian Wudao nodded slightly. He had come mainly because his third disciple had persistently pleaded with him, describing the Divine General’s daughter as miraculous. Moved by his love for talent, he had descended from his Sword Hut to visit this prosperous age.

“Cultivation at the Tenth Level of Tongli, perfected. Bones well-developed. Excellent.”

Jian Wudao instantly assessed the girl’s realm, his eyes showing satisfaction. He had heard she possessed a Ninth-Rank Battle Body—top-tier talent. Her cultivation path would require no further guidance from him.

“Little girl, show me your best sword technique.” Jian Wudao said.

Bian Ruxue, intimidated by the unfamiliar yet imposing elder, instinctively glanced at Li Hao.

Li Hao understood this was her chance—he smiled and gently pushed her forward. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be nervous—I’m right here beside you.”

With Li Hao’s encouragement, Bian Ruxue’s fear faded. She nodded and stepped aside. Without He Jianlan’s prompting, everyone else willingly cleared a space for the girl.

Soon, her sword danced—like snow, like a waterfall—light as a startled swan, fluid and skilled, with a hint of returning to simplicity and purity. This subtlety was instantly caught by Jian Wudao, who had immersed himself in the sword Dao for nearly a century. His sharp, sword-like eyes widened slightly, revealing undisguised delight.

This was not merely talent—it was a sword prodigy unseen in a hundred years! At her age, mastering a high-grade sword technique to perfection already rivaled his finest disciple; yet now, she carried an additional touch of transcendent grace.

A truly exceptional sword seed! “Hahaha…” Jian Wudao burst into laughter, his booming voice shaking dry leaves from the surrounding trees.

Worth it. Totally worth it.

This journey into the mortal world was not in vain.

Hearing the Jian Sheng’s thunderous laughter, everyone nearby instantly knew the girl’s fate had taken flight from this moment.

Though already exalted within the Divine General’s Mansion, admired by all, only with a master like Jian Sheng could she truly ascend to the peak—her future promising fame that would echo through ten generations.

In an instant, countless complex gazes in the courtyard fixed upon the girl holding the sword.

Bian Ruxue stopped her swordplay, sensing the weight of all eyes upon her, and nervously looked at Li Hao.

Li Hao smiled at her, giving a thumbs-up.

She knew what the gesture meant—he praised her.

The girl relaxed and smiled brightly.

“You recommended well. Excellent recommendation!”

Jian Wudao, moments ago stern and radiating authority, now laughed as he clapped the military elder on the shoulder. Had it not been for his old acquaintance and fervent recommendation, he would never have stumbled upon such a peerless sword seed.

“Master, you flatter me. For Ruxue to become your disciple is her fortune.” The military elder, overwhelmed, replied.

Though both appeared to be men of sixty, their ages and statuses were vastly unequal.

Jian Wudao smiled, his spirits high. He stepped before the girl, bent down, and spoke gently: “Little girl, you love the sword, don’t you? Would you like me to take you to train?”

Bian Ruxue blinked. “Where?”

“The Sword Hut.”

Jian Wudao smiled as he named the sacred land every swordsman aspired to: “I will teach you the sword there. I will give you the finest sword techniques.”

Bian Ruxue did not understand. She only asked: “Is it far?”

“About nine thousand li south. For you, that is far,” Jian Wudao smiled.

Bian Ruxue immediately turned to Li Hao, not far away. “Big Brother Hao, will you come too?”

Jian Wudao suddenly realized he had forgotten another child.

He Jianlan stepped forward calmly and smiled: “Master Jian Sheng, you’ve forgotten to examine Li Hao’s sword talent. I’ve heard he, too, possesses notable sword sensitivity.”

“Yes, Master.”

Li Fu, beside them, excitedly added: “When Ruxue practices sword, Young Master often watches nearby and even gives her good advice. Though he has never cultivated, he seems to have his own understanding and talent for the sword Dao.”

Jian Wudao was surprised. He glanced at Li Hao, his brow slightly furrowing—but since He Jianlan was present, he said: “Fine. Give him a sword. Let him demonstrate. Any technique will do.”

“Thank you, Master Jian Sheng!”

Li Fu beamed with joy, bowed in thanks, then turned to Bian Ruxue: “Miss Ruxue, please lend your sword to Young Master.”

Bian Ruxue nodded obediently and handed the sword to Li Hao.

(End of Chapter)