When Rui Bu Tong arrived at the residence of Mo Clan, he wasn’t alone; he had come together with his two masters.
In comparison to the past few arrivals of the young masters from various clans, the members of the Mo Clan attached a great deal of importance to Rui Bu Tong’s arrival.
It had been impossible to break the wall of mutual apprehensions since all the previously visited young masters belonged to influential clans, and were hence representing their respective clans in a way… however, the same wasn’t true in Rui Bu Tong’s case since, he, and his two masters were all free birds!
None of them belonged to any clan!
Such people with enormous strength, and influence were often treated as objects of solicitation by the major clans of Middle Three Heavens. Besides, if solicitation didn’t work on people like Stealing God or Thieving Ghost, then at least keeping good relations with them was a must to prevent any subtle, and ineffable loss of wealth in the future...
Therefore, Rui Bu Tong and his masters were welcomed quite enthusiastically by the members of Mo Clan.
In an attempt to achieve a cordial connection between hosts and guests, the Clan Lord personally came out along with several of the clan elders to welcome their guests.
However, as soon as they heard that Rui Bu Tong had also come to pay visit to Mo Qing Wu, the Clan Lord, and the clan elders were left dumbstruck, simultaneously.
[What the hell is this? Why has there been an endless stream of people coming to visit her?]
While the members of Mo Clan were astonished by this, Rui Bu Tong’s two masters of were quite curious to see Mo Qing Wu: [We haven’t seen our disciple setting his heart on a girl before. Why has he come to see the Mo Clan’s young Miss?]
[Could it be that our Xiao Rui has taken a fancy to this clan’s daughter?]
In other words, these two old men had already made up their minds that they might be seeing their daughter-in-law today. A large group of people marched majestically towards Mo Qing Wu’s small courtyard.
As soon as Mo Qing Wu showed up, Rui Bu Tong pounced her direction immediately, and started chatting with her; his face beamed with joy as he conversed with her.
This scene was not as surprising for the members of Mo Clan as it was for the Stealing God and Thieving Ghost; the two infamous bandits, who were capable of unleashing a headache upon the entire Middle Three Heavens!
The two notorious bandits glanced at each other as they madly flared up their crooked noses.
All this time, they had been expecting to see some heavenly beauty; a fairy bestowed with divine fragrance. However, they had never once expected to see a young Lolita instead...
Such being the case, there was certainly no scope left for a ‘man-woman’ relationship… the two old men were a bit disappointed by this, though they would still continue to wait eagerly for the day they get to embrace their own grandson.
Stealing God and Thieving ghost were sitting on the side along with several elders of the Mo Clan, and all of them continued to watch Mo Qing Wu chatting playfully with Rui Bu Tong until she finally sensed their gazes and felt awkward, urging him to move to her room as a result.
Suddenly, a burst of red flashes, accompanied by the brilliance of starlight exuded from her head and lit the area as she stood up.
Mo Wu Xin immediately quivered with excitement. He intently stared at the bowknot on her head for a while, and was left completely startled thereafter.
[No doubt about it, this beautifully designed bowknot is indeed made up of Red Cloud Steel and Star Iron. Even that ‘Dreaming of a Gentle Dance’ Saber is made up of the same materials as this bowknot!]
[It takes an emperor level expert his entire to chop a chunk of Red Cloud Steel; who can be extravagant enough to make such a fine piece of art out of Red Cloud Steel?]
[As delicate as a cicada’s wing, as light as nothingness; it would’ve taken divine craftsmanship to carve such exquisite details onto it.]
[I am afraid, even a monarch level expert wouldn’t be able to achieve a feat such as this. ]
After Rui Bu Tong left along with his masters, Mo Wu Xin summoned Mo Qing Wu to meet him in person: "Xiao Wu, the bowknot in your hair, who gave you that?"
"Brother Ji Mo gave it to me." Mo Qing Wu winked her eyes as she replied in an indifferent tone.
"What utter nonsense!" Mo Wu Xin got furious. [Ji Mo? You mean from the Ji Clan? I can’t possibly be unaware of our in-laws’ wealth and influence.]
[You want to me to believe that Ji Clan can make such a bowknot? Is this some kind of joke?]
"It really was him, who gave it to me when he came to visit me." Mo Qing Wu tried to explain as she secretly whispered in her heart: [Well, it really is Brother Ji Mo who brought it to me; as to who sent it… I am not going to tell you!]
"It seems like you don’t want to tell this old man the truth, do you?" Mo Wu Xin asked angrily.
"Really, I am telling the truth..."
"Humph!" Mo Wu Xin brushed his sleeve indignantly. [Forcing a little piece of information out of little girls doesn’t suit my status. However, I am sure Ji Mo didn’t gift this bowknot to her! ]
[This is something each and every member of Mo Clan can affirm!]
[If the Ji Clan actually had such an expert, then they would have already rushed to the Upper Three Heavens...]
"Make sure to tighten the watch on this courtyard; you are not to allow the young Miss to go out as she wishes! Got it? If anyone comes in without prior permission, you must report to the clan immediately!" Mo Wu Xin sped away, leaving a strict order behind.
Mo Qing Wu bit her lips as she stood still in her courtyard with tears continuously welling up in her eyes, but she held them back nonetheless; not allowing even a single drop to touch her face. [Humph, so now you people are going to treat me like a prisoner? ]
[Brother Chu Yang, take me away from here! You must hurry up and come for me as soon as possible… I really cannot take it anymore. I don’t want to stay here even for a moment...]
~~ ~~
Gu Du Xing returned to his clan and immediately met his foster father, Gu Yun Lan; his face was riddled with sorrow. Half of his lush black hair had already turned white, while the remaining half was slowly turning towards the same...
This middle-aged man had lost both of his biological sons at once! This was simply an unbearable blow to the Gu Clan’s Lord!
"Foster father! What happened to you?" Gu Du Xing exclaimed.
"Oh… Du Xing, you came back… thank god you’re back." Gu Yun Lan heaved a long sigh and opened his arms to pull Gu Du Xing in his embrace, before saying: "I was so worried that day when you quietly ran away. I sent people out to find you, but they got no news of you even after several days of searching. Where have you been all this time?"
"I went to Iron Cloud, and have been staying there all this time..." Gu Du Xing lowered his head as he replied hesitantly.
"I know… I know that... you’ve been suffering pain in your heart, but..." Gu Yun Lan’s soulless eyes looked at the trees on both sides, as he said: "The matter surrounding your sister Xiao Miao... has damaged our clan’s interests; the consequences were quite serious as well. I hope you will understand..."
"I understand! Therefore, I will soon rush all the way to the Sword Emperor’s level! Then I will save Sister Xiao Miao!" Gu Du Xing declared his resolution.
"Sword Emperor!" Gu Yun Lan’s body shook as he turned his head to take a good look at Gu Du Xing. As he carefully observed his adopted son, whom he regarded as someone very important, he couldn’t help but be startled: "You, you... have you become a swordsman?"
Gu Du Xing’s body was exuding a piercing chill, similar to the ‘clanging’ sound of a sword being unsheathed. It seemed like, if someone was to stand in front of him, then the said-person wouldn’t be able to endure his sharp aura!
This was a certain, and unique feature of a swordsman.
"Yes, foster father!" Gu Du Xing replied in a calm voice.
"What’s your current grade as a Sword Great Master?" Gu Yun Lan anxiously asked.
"Actually, I am not a Sword Great Master anymore." Gu Du Xing replied in a sinking tone: "I am presently… a four grade Revered Sword Artist; at the peak level! I should be breaking through to the fifth grade within half a month!"
"Ss!~~~" Gu Yun Lan sucked in a mouthful of cold air quite fiercely.
[It’s been less than a year since Gu Du Xing left home!]
[He was only a fifth or sixth grade Sword Great Master when he left, wasn’t he? He has managed to leap ten grades in just a matter of few months?]
[This... how is this possible?]
"You... how did you do that? No, let me ask...which genius treasure did you consume?" Gu Yun Lan asked abruptly. [There simply is no explanation to this, other than a fateful coincidence of him getting his hands on some ‘genius medicinal herb’... and his cultivation must have rushed to the peak in one fell swoop after digesting its efficacy...]
[However, such fateful encounters only exist in legends. Has he really come across such a fortuitous encounter?]
"I haven’t consumed any genius treasure. Actually, I met an exceptionally talented person, and trained under him. This led to my cultivation progressing by leaps and bounds... " Gu Du Xing replied in an insipid manner.
"Even if we consider your talent and hard work… but to enhance one’s cultivation by ten grades in a matter of few months is simply beyond everyone’s expectations." Gu Yun Lan exclaimed in excitement as he looked at Gu Du Xing, before revealing a bittersweet countenance on his face, as he said: "It seems like the heaven has decided to shower mercy on my pitiful self; my Gu Clan may not perish after all."
"Du Xing, you will look after the clan won’t you? The clan will be counting on your support." Gu Yun Lan lamented: "The funerals of your brothers have only ended a few days ago… "
Gu Du Xing hesitated for a long time, but eventually mustered his strength, and stated resolutely: "Foster father... actually… I am already aware of Gu Yan Yang, and Gu Yan Yue’s deaths."
"You are aware of... their deaths…" Gu Yun Lan whispered to his own ears, seemingly unable to believe them. These words continued to echo within his heart for some time, before he finally turned his head, landing his hawk-like gaze on Gu Du Xing: "You already know about their deaths?"
"Yes!" Gu Du Xing replied in a heavy tone.
"How come you know about that?" Gu Yun Lan's voice had turned cold; in fact, it was full of chill.
"I obtained the news shortly after the two of them were killed." Gu Du Xing found it difficult to reply, but did so anyway.
"So you weren’t the one who killed them, correct?" Gu Yun Lan let out a breath of relief: "As long as it wasn’t you, that’s fine."
"The fact that I didn’t kill them doesn’t keep me detached from their deaths because the one who killed them is my brother!" Gu Du Xing said it all in one breath: "He killed them because of me! Although I didn’t know anything about it until-after it happened… I still cannot keep foster father in dark."
"Your brother ..." Gu Yun Lan’s voice was soaked with strong desire to kill: "When they brought your brothers’ corpses, I thought that even though Xie Clan’s Xie Dan Qiong has always been a calm guy, even though his reputation is not that significant, but he is certainly a rising star with potential. How could he have dared to kill your brothers? Even if they’ve had disputes earlier, things shouldn’t have escalated enough to cause such a tragedy… I see, so the truth is entirely different from my speculation... "
"Who is your brother?" Gu Yun Lan asked in a deep voice.
"I cannot tell you." Gu Du Xing’s facial expression was conflicting with his intention, but he stayed firm as he said: "No matter what he has done, I am willing to shoulder all responsibilities. If foster father feels wronged in his heart, he can kill me right here, right now. I would rather choose to die than betray my brother."
"Good! I admire your sense of loyalty." Gu Yun Lan let out a cold laughter: "Gu Du Xing, what is going through your mind… do you really think that now you are all grown up and your brothers are out of the picture, that you are the only one left to inherit the Clan Lord’s position in our clan?"
"Foster father’s perception of me is quite astounding! I could never have such intentions!" Gu Du Xing lowered his head for once, but immediately looked up and added fearlessly: "I have always believed that a real man always bears the responsibility of his actions! No matter what it is, once done, is done; there’s no scope of regret afterwards! I will undertake all responsibilities!
"A person must always be straightforward and upright in their conduct. There’s no bending involved in the way of my sword, and that has always been my code of conduct for leading the pious life of a swordsman. If I had intended to hide the truth from you, then you would’ve never found out the truth. And that is because there actually is no evidence left to prove what happened! In fact, even Xie Dan Qiong wouldn’t have been able to find any evidence of his innocence!
"But I must say that I chose to be honest with you because I did not want to deceive you!" Gu Du Xing declared: "If I don’t assume the responsibility for my brother’s doings, then who will?
"Therefore, whatever may be your decision in this regard; I will have absolutely no complaints whatsoever! However, as far as the subject of betraying my brother is concerned, I would happily choose to die rather than selling him out!"
Gu Du Xing’s sonorous, and forceful voice was backed by a firm and resolute look in his eyes.
When Rui Bu Tong arrived at the residence of Mo Clan, he wasn’t alone; he had come together with his two masters.
In comparison to the past few arrivals of the young masters from various clans, the members of the Mo Clan attached a great deal of importance to Rui Bu Tong’s arrival.
It had been impossible to break the wall of mutual apprehensions since all the previously visited young masters belonged to influential clans, and were hence representing their respective clans in a way… however, the same wasn’t true in Rui Bu Tong’s case since, he, and his two masters were all free birds!
None of them belonged to any clan!
Such people with enormous strength, and influence were often treated as objects of solicitation by the major clans of Middle Three Heavens. Besides, if solicitation didn’t work on people like Stealing God or Thieving Ghost, then at least keeping good relations with them was a must to prevent any subtle, and ineffable loss of wealth in the future...
Therefore, Rui Bu Tong and his masters were welcomed quite enthusiastically by the members of Mo Clan.
In an attempt to achieve a cordial connection between hosts and guests, the Clan Lord personally came out along with several of the clan elders to welcome their guests.
However, as soon as they heard that Rui Bu Tong had also come to pay visit to Mo Qing Wu, the Clan Lord, and the clan elders were left dumbstruck, simultaneously.
[What the hell is this? Why has there been an endless stream of people coming to visit her?]
While the members of Mo Clan were astonished by this, Rui Bu Tong’s two masters of were quite curious to see Mo Qing Wu: [We haven’t seen our disciple setting his heart on a girl before. Why has he come to see the Mo Clan’s young Miss?]
[Could it be that our Xiao Rui has taken a fancy to this clan’s daughter?]
In other words, these two old men had already made up their minds that they might be seeing their daughter-in-law today. A large group of people marched majestically towards Mo Qing Wu’s small courtyard.
As soon as Mo Qing Wu showed up, Rui Bu Tong pounced her direction immediately, and started chatting with her; his face beamed with joy as he conversed with her.
This scene was not as surprising for the members of Mo Clan as it was for the Stealing God and Thieving Ghost; the two infamous bandits, who were capable of unleashing a headache upon the entire Middle Three Heavens!
The two notorious bandits glanced at each other as they madly flared up their crooked noses.
All this time, they had been expecting to see some heavenly beauty; a fairy bestowed with divine fragrance. However, they had never once expected to see a young Lolita instead...
Such being the case, there was certainly no scope left for a ‘man-woman’ relationship… the two old men were a bit disappointed by this, though they would still continue to wait eagerly for the day they get to embrace their own grandson.
Stealing God and Thieving ghost were sitting on the side along with several elders of the Mo Clan, and all of them continued to watch Mo Qing Wu chatting playfully with Rui Bu Tong until she finally sensed their gazes and felt awkward, urging him to move to her room as a result.
Suddenly, a burst of red flashes, accompanied by the brilliance of starlight exuded from her head and lit the area as she stood up.
Mo Wu Xin immediately quivered with excitement. He intently stared at the bowknot on her head for a while, and was left completely startled thereafter.
[No doubt about it, this beautifully designed bowknot is indeed made up of Red Cloud Steel and Star Iron. Even that ‘Dreaming of a Gentle Dance’ Saber is made up of the same materials as this bowknot!]
[It takes an emperor level expert his entire to chop a chunk of Red Cloud Steel; who can be extravagant enough to make such a fine piece of art out of Red Cloud Steel?]
[As delicate as a cicada’s wing, as light as nothingness; it would’ve taken divine craftsmanship to carve such exquisite details onto it.]
[I am afraid, even a monarch level expert wouldn’t be able to achieve a feat such as this. ]
After Rui Bu Tong left along with his masters, Mo Wu Xin summoned Mo Qing Wu to meet him in person: "Xiao Wu, the bowknot in your hair, who gave you that?"
"Brother Ji Mo gave it to me." Mo Qing Wu winked her eyes as she replied in an indifferent tone.
"What utter nonsense!" Mo Wu Xin got furious. [Ji Mo? You mean from the Ji Clan? I can’t possibly be unaware of our in-laws’ wealth and influence.]
[You want to me to believe that Ji Clan can make such a bowknot? Is this some kind of joke?]
"It really was him, who gave it to me when he came to visit me." Mo Qing Wu tried to explain as she secretly whispered in her heart: [Well, it really is Brother Ji Mo who brought it to me; as to who sent it… I am not going to tell you!]
"It seems like you don’t want to tell this old man the truth, do you?" Mo Wu Xin asked angrily.
"Really, I am telling the truth..."
"Humph!" Mo Wu Xin brushed his sleeve indignantly. [Forcing a little piece of information out of little girls doesn’t suit my status. However, I am sure Ji Mo didn’t gift this bowknot to her! ]
[This is something each and every member of Mo Clan can affirm!]
[If the Ji Clan actually had such an expert, then they would have already rushed to the Upper Three Heavens...]
"Make sure to tighten the watch on this courtyard; you are not to allow the young Miss to go out as she wishes! Got it? If anyone comes in without prior permission, you must report to the clan immediately!" Mo Wu Xin sped away, leaving a strict order behind.
Mo Qing Wu bit her lips as she stood still in her courtyard with tears continuously welling up in her eyes, but she held them back nonetheless; not allowing even a single drop to touch her face. [Humph, so now you people are going to treat me like a prisoner? ]
[Brother Chu Yang, take me away from here! You must hurry up and come for me as soon as possible… I really cannot take it anymore. I don’t want to stay here even for a moment...]
~~ ~~
Gu Du Xing returned to his clan and immediately met his foster father, Gu Yun Lan; his face was riddled with sorrow. Half of his lush black hair had already turned white, while the remaining half was slowly turning towards the same...
This middle-aged man had lost both of his biological sons at once! This was simply an unbearable blow to the Gu Clan’s Lord!
"Foster father! What happened to you?" Gu Du Xing exclaimed.
"Oh… Du Xing, you came back… thank god you’re back." Gu Yun Lan heaved a long sigh and opened his arms to pull Gu Du Xing in his embrace, before saying: "I was so worried that day when you quietly ran away. I sent people out to find you, but they got no news of you even after several days of searching. Where have you been all this time?"
"I went to Iron Cloud, and have been staying there all this time..." Gu Du Xing lowered his head as he replied hesitantly.
"I know… I know that... you’ve been suffering pain in your heart, but..." Gu Yun Lan’s soulless eyes looked at the trees on both sides, as he said: "The matter surrounding your sister Xiao Miao... has damaged our clan’s interests; the consequences were quite serious as well. I hope you will understand..."
"I understand! Therefore, I will soon rush all the way to the Sword Emperor’s level! Then I will save Sister Xiao Miao!" Gu Du Xing declared his resolution.
"Sword Emperor!" Gu Yun Lan’s body shook as he turned his head to take a good look at Gu Du Xing. As he carefully observed his adopted son, whom he regarded as someone very important, he couldn’t help but be startled: "You, you... have you become a swordsman?"
Gu Du Xing’s body was exuding a piercing chill, similar to the ‘clanging’ sound of a sword being unsheathed. It seemed like, if someone was to stand in front of him, then the said-person wouldn’t be able to endure his sharp aura!
This was a certain, and unique feature of a swordsman.
"Yes, foster father!" Gu Du Xing replied in a calm voice.
"What’s your current grade as a Sword Great Master?" Gu Yun Lan anxiously asked.
"Actually, I am not a Sword Great Master anymore." Gu Du Xing replied in a sinking tone: "I am presently… a four grade Revered Sword Artist; at the peak level! I should be breaking through to the fifth grade within half a month!"
"Ss!~~~" Gu Yun Lan sucked in a mouthful of cold air quite fiercely.
[It’s been less than a year since Gu Du Xing left home!]
[He was only a fifth or sixth grade Sword Great Master when he left, wasn’t he? He has managed to leap ten grades in just a matter of few months?]
[This... how is this possible?]
"You... how did you do that? No, let me ask...which genius treasure did you consume?" Gu Yun Lan asked abruptly. [There simply is no explanation to this, other than a fateful coincidence of him getting his hands on some ‘genius medicinal herb’... and his cultivation must have rushed to the peak in one fell swoop after digesting its efficacy...]
[However, such fateful encounters only exist in legends. Has he really come across such a fortuitous encounter?]
"I haven’t consumed any genius treasure. Actually, I met an exceptionally talented person, and trained under him. This led to my cultivation progressing by leaps and bounds... " Gu Du Xing replied in an insipid manner.
"Even if we consider your talent and hard work… but to enhance one’s cultivation by ten grades in a matter of few months is simply beyond everyone’s expectations." Gu Yun Lan exclaimed in excitement as he looked at Gu Du Xing, before revealing a bittersweet countenance on his face, as he said: "It seems like the heaven has decided to shower mercy on my pitiful self; my Gu Clan may not perish after all."
"Du Xing, you will look after the clan won’t you? The clan will be counting on your support." Gu Yun Lan lamented: "The funerals of your brothers have only ended a few days ago… "
Gu Du Xing hesitated for a long time, but eventually mustered his strength, and stated resolutely: "Foster father... actually… I am already aware of Gu Yan Yang, and Gu Yan Yue’s deaths."
"You are aware of... their deaths…" Gu Yun Lan whispered to his own ears, seemingly unable to believe them. These words continued to echo within his heart for some time, before he finally turned his head, landing his hawk-like gaze on Gu Du Xing: "You already know about their deaths?"
"Yes!" Gu Du Xing replied in a heavy tone.
"How come you know about that?" Gu Yun Lan's voice had turned cold; in fact, it was full of chill.
"I obtained the news shortly after the two of them were killed." Gu Du Xing found it difficult to reply, but did so anyway.
"So you weren’t the one who killed them, correct?" Gu Yun Lan let out a breath of relief: "As long as it wasn’t you, that’s fine."
"The fact that I didn’t kill them doesn’t keep me detached from their deaths because the one who killed them is my brother!" Gu Du Xing said it all in one breath: "He killed them because of me! Although I didn’t know anything about it until-after it happened… I still cannot keep foster father in dark."
"Your brother ..." Gu Yun Lan’s voice was soaked with strong desire to kill: "When they brought your brothers’ corpses, I thought that even though Xie Clan’s Xie Dan Qiong has always been a calm guy, even though his reputation is not that significant, but he is certainly a rising star with potential. How could he have dared to kill your brothers? Even if they’ve had disputes earlier, things shouldn’t have escalated enough to cause such a tragedy… I see, so the truth is entirely different from my speculation... "
"Who is your brother?" Gu Yun Lan asked in a deep voice.
"I cannot tell you." Gu Du Xing’s facial expression was conflicting with his intention, but he stayed firm as he said: "No matter what he has done, I am willing to shoulder all responsibilities. If foster father feels wronged in his heart, he can kill me right here, right now. I would rather choose to die than betray my brother."
"Good! I admire your sense of loyalty." Gu Yun Lan let out a cold laughter: "Gu Du Xing, what is going through your mind… do you really think that now you are all grown up and your brothers are out of the picture, that you are the only one left to inherit the Clan Lord’s position in our clan?"
"Foster father’s perception of me is quite astounding! I could never have such intentions!" Gu Du Xing lowered his head for once, but immediately looked up and added fearlessly: "I have always believed that a real man always bears the responsibility of his actions! No matter what it is, once done, is done; there’s no scope of regret afterwards! I will undertake all responsibilities!
"A person must always be straightforward and upright in their conduct. There’s no bending involved in the way of my sword, and that has always been my code of conduct for leading the pious life of a swordsman. If I had intended to hide the truth from you, then you would’ve never found out the truth. And that is because there actually is no evidence left to prove what happened! In fact, even Xie Dan Qiong wouldn’t have been able to find any evidence of his innocence!
"But I must say that I chose to be honest with you because I did not want to deceive you!" Gu Du Xing declared: "If I don’t assume the responsibility for my brother’s doings, then who will?
"Therefore, whatever may be your decision in this regard; I will have absolutely no complaints whatsoever! However, as far as the subject of betraying my brother is concerned, I would happily choose to die rather than selling him out!"
Gu Du Xing’s sonorous, and forceful voice was backed by a firm and resolute look in his eyes.
