Volume One, Chapter 14: Zhao Huai'an

“What’s the matter?” Gu Changfeng stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.

Zhao Huaian hurried over in three quick strides, stood before him, cupped his hands and bowed deeply. “I am Zhao Huaian from Xueyue City, sent by my master to participate in the Sword Gathering. May I accompany you?”

“Sure,” Gu Changfeng replied casually and continued walking.

He had expected something important, but it turned out the young man just wanted to get acquainted. Still, a prodigy of only nineteen who had already reached the early ninth rank was indeed qualified to travel alongside him.

After all, Zhao Yi had just barely broken into the ninth rank at twenty-five, and the third young master was only eighth rank at nineteen. But this was no comparison—Xueyue City had a Grandmaster, whereas the Divine Sword Manor had none.

Zhao Huaian showed no displeasure at Gu Changfeng’s aloofness and swiftly caught up, occasionally making conversation.

“Judging by your age, you must be under twenty? Such skill—could it be that you’ve already surpassed the ninth rank?”

Zhao Yi’s expression turned cold. “Brother Zhao, even if you are a disciple from Xueyue City, you cannot casually probe the prince’s background.”

Realizing his breach of etiquette, Zhao Huaian quickly apologized, “My sincerest apologies. I was reckless; please forgive me.”

“No harm done, General Zhao. Brother Zhao is at least a disciple from Xueyue City and means no offense.”

“Brother Zhao, if you have reached the ninth rank at such a young age, is your master the Grandmaster Situ Changkong of Xueyue City?”

Gu Changfeng’s interest piqued. If he could establish ties with Xueyue City, he would no longer fear Wang Xianzhi or Ye Liuyun.

Even if the Great Qian Dynasty were destroyed, the Liuli Empire and the Three Great Dynasties would have to swallow their pride.

Moreover, his enemies were not only the Great Qian but also the Liuli Empress. If Wang Xianzhi did not come after him, the Empress surely would.

Zhao Huaian was taken aback by Gu Changfeng’s question, surprised that he could perceive his roots upon first meeting.

He silently acknowledged that Gu Changfeng had already surpassed the ninth rank.

What was more, upon mentioning the Grandmaster, there was no trace of reverence in his eyes.

Such a person must be befriended—he might become a Grandmaster someday.

“You are correct, brother. My master is indeed Situ Changkong. May I ask your name?”

“Gu Changfeng.”

“A fine name. Brother Gu has the bearing of a celestial being—perhaps destined to become the sixth Grandmaster.”

“Brother Zhao jokes. If the sole pursuit in martial arts were to become a Grandmaster, what difference would there be from a salted fish?”

At these words, Zhao Huaian was thunderstruck.

To equate a Grandmaster with a salted fish? Such audacity was unheard of.

His ambition was beyond the Grandmaster level—no wonder he had surpassed the ninth rank at such a young age.

Gu Changfeng noticed his reaction but insisted on the truth.

A Grandmaster was still mortal, with a lifespan of only around three hundred years.

Zhao Huaian calmed himself and said, “Brother Gu’s words are truly enlightening. I was previously ignorant—like one lost in a dense fog, stubbornly clinging to the Grandmaster realm, not realizing that such behavior is akin to weaving one’s own prison, forever confining oneself to a small world with no chance of breakthrough.”

“One must know that the path of martial arts is long and arduous. Though the Grandmaster realm is extraordinary and transcendental, to truly break free from worldly shackles and rise above all constraints, one must pursue the immortal realm beyond the Grandmaster level.”

“I am grateful for your teaching…”

As he spoke, a faint light seemed to gleam in his eyes.

Ling Yao and Zhao Yi also had a sudden realization at that moment, understanding why Gu Changfeng had reached such a realm at a young age—this was the essence of returning to simplicity.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your instruction!”

“Thank you, Young Master, for your teaching!”

Both bowed in unison.

Gu Changfeng was bewildered—what was going on? Zhao Huaian’s imagination was certainly vivid; in his previous life, a hundred kidneys wouldn’t have sufficed.

The three chatted casually for a while before reaching the mountain summit.

Even Gu Changfeng was stunned by the scene—it was a true sky city, far more magnificent than the Great Qian capital.

Five towering peaks pierced the clouds like swords; pavilions and towers appeared and vanished in the mist; flying eaves adorned with spirit jade; streams flowing down jade stone channels, their sound like celestial music.

This was a fairyland—no place on Blue Star could compare.

At this moment, the plaza teemed with heroes of the martial world, all eyes following Gu Changfeng’s party.

Disciples of the Divine Sword Manor welcomed guests amid great fanfare.

“Where did this bumpkin come from? The Divine Sword Manor has truly declined if anyone can be treated as honored guests,” a voice sneered.

While Gu Changfeng still admired the view, a melodious female voice suddenly rang out.

A white jade palanquin with eight poles passed nearby, guarded by warriors all ranked fifth or above, including a ninth-rank swordsman.

The speaker was the occupant inside, her face obscured by a gauzy curtain.

Yet some immediately recognized her.

“The White Jade Phoenix Palanquin! The Sixth Princess of Liuli!”

“Hah! The Divine Sword Manor’s reputation is truly vast—the cherished jewel of the Liuli Empress has come to offer congratulations.”

“Looks like an exciting show is about to begin…”

The carriage passed through the crowd, stirring a commotion.

Elders of the Divine Sword Manor hurried to greet her, their smiles ingratiating.

Gu Changfeng was snapped back to reality.

He took the final step onto the last terrace, an endless aura radiating from him.

At the same time, the system’s voice echoed:

[Congratulations, host, Divine Sword Manor, Shiya Sword Gathering check-in successful. Reward—30,000 Snow Dragon Riders, summonable at any time!]

[Reminder: Summoning unlocks the next check-in mission.]

But he had no time to concern himself with this.

With another step, the entire arena erupted in a chorus of swords.

Countless swordsmen’s blades seemed ready to leap from their sheaths, clanging and trembling.

“What’s going on? The Third Young Master has arrived? Or is it Yan Shisan?”

Some cried out, looking around, but upon seeing Gu Changfeng, all understood immediately.

“Of course. Why ask? Just wait and watch! This time, the Sixth Princess of Liuli has surely kicked against a hard stone.”

Everyone knew Gu Changfeng well, and Zhao Huaian was clearly traveling with him.

At this moment, the crowd instinctively parted to form a wide space.

“What did you just say?”

Gu Changfeng paced, his true qi rising, his voice echoing through the air.

A fraction of his true qi would be enough to crush a ninth-rank expert.

The Sixth Princess of Liuli inside the White Jade Phoenix Palanquin was startled by Gu Changfeng’s challenge. She laughed lightly, her voice like silver bells tinged with disdain.

“Oh? And who did I think you were? Just an insignificant nobody. What, do you take issue with what I say, little prince?”

Her family was the strongest empire in the world; her mother was the empress who ruled it all; her master was the foremost of the Five Grandmasters.

Whom should she fear?

Since birth, who dared contradict her?

Zhao Huaian watched the spectacle with interest and whispered, “Brother Gu, just make your move. At worst, we’ll return to Xueyue City.”

He was pleased—if the deafening chorus of swords brought back a swordmaster beyond the ninth rank, his master would surely commend him.

Gu Changfeng merely smiled wryly; this young man had taken a wide path.

But truly, there was no need for that.

With another step, Gu Changfeng vanished from where he stood, reappearing beside the White Jade Palanquin with a powerful gust of wind.

The carriage shook from the blast, and the Sixth Princess of Liuli erupted in anger, throwing a tantrum.

“You bastards! Trying to shake me to death? When I return, I will have you all killed!”

But when she turned her head, she froze.

A figure appeared outside the palanquin, radiating a fierce killing intent.

The blown curtain revealed Gu Changfeng’s face, and she swallowed hard.

The ninth-rank female guard at her side had yet to draw her sword before Gu Changfeng’s finger pressed against its hilt.

“Don’t move, or you will die.”

“Understand?”