After Lu Chengsha returned, Hua Yan followed beside him, still chattering incessantly. Although it was unclear if Lu Chengsha was listening, at least he didn’t seem as impatient as before.
Hua Yan felt that he seemed much more approachable than before.
Previously, if she spoke ten sentences, Lu Chengsha might not respond to even one. Now, as long as she asked, he would answer every single question she posed.
“Where are we heading next? Oh right, are we going to Dangshan to participate in the Sword-seeking Tournament!” Hua Yan cheerfully followed beside Lu Chengsha. “It’s south all the way, right?”
Lu Chengsha replied, “Yes.”
Hua Yan took out the Jianghu Manual she had snatched from Zhao You and began her barrage of questions.
“The book says the Sword-seeking Tournament originated from a predecessor at the Tingjian Manor. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
“Which predecessor? Can you give more details?”
“Lu Changyin, he organized it.”
“Can you be more specific? More details!”
Lu Chengsha pondered for a moment and then said, “Not very clear.”
Hua Yan almost collapsed!
They happened to pass by a teahouse where a storyteller was chatting with some people. Hearing Hua Yan’s words, he laughed, “Little girl, are you asking about the Sword-seeking Tournament?”
Hua Yan nodded eagerly. “Do you know about it?”
“How fortuitous, we were just discussing it. This triennial grand event is not to be missed. Look, I’ve stopped my storytelling just to head to Dangshan.” The storyteller stroked his beard and smiled. “Little girl, do you want to know the origin of the Sword-seeking Tournament?”
Hua Yan continued nodding eagerly.
“Back in the day, there was a predecessor in the Lu family at Tingjian Manor named Lu Changyin. His martial arts were incredibly high, unmatched by both righteous and evil factions. He was also very uninhibited and carefree. He traveled the world, challenging people everywhere, turning the martial world upside down. Those who were inferior in martial arts naturally had no chance against him, and even those who were his equals avoided him—because Great Hero Lu Changyin was obsessed with martial arts. If he couldn’t win easily, he would become extremely interested and persistently challenge the person until he completely defeated them. Later, when he couldn’t find any more worthy opponents, he simply erected a flag outside an inn near Tingjian Manor and widely sent out hero invitations, organizing the first Sword-seeking Tournament. The name ‘Sword-seeking Tournament’ might sound ordinary now, but do you know its full name?”
Hua Yan felt she must be the best listener in the world.
She shook her head cooperatively.
The storyteller stroked his beard again and smiled, “The full name of the Sword-seeking Tournament is ‘The Conference to Determine the World’s Greatest Sword’. How uninhibited and carefree is that!” His eyes revealed a look of yearning. “Of course, nowadays, the elders and predecessors rarely engage in fights. The conference has become a battlefield for young disciples from various sects to compete and rank. In the past two sessions, the top spot in the disciples’ martial arts competitions was held by Lu Chengsha from Tingjian Manor. Unfortunately, I was busy with other matters and couldn’t witness the elegance of this young hero, which is truly a pity!”
Hua Yan turned her head to glance at Lu Chengsha, who remained completely unresponsive.
He was slightly turned to the side, his sword tassel just out of view.
“I’ve heard that this Young Hero Lu has been single-mindedly devoted to martial arts since childhood. His character is calm, steady, and self-disciplined, unaffected by external distractions. He has no interest in indulgences, which is why he has achieved such great martial prowess at a young age…”
Hua Yan had already moved to sit opposite the storyteller.
She nodded repeatedly, in full agreement.
Lu Chengsha still showed no reaction.
“What’s even more admirable is that he detests evil with a passion! He shows no mercy to those deceitful and manipulative demons, having such awareness at such a young age, his future is limitless…”
This was too harsh to listen to!
Hua Yan: “Ahem, ahem, ahem…”
The storyteller showed great concern, “Little girl, is your throat uncomfortable? Should I get you a pot of tea?”
Hua Yan smiled reservedly, “No need, please continue.”
“There was once a demoness from the demonic sect, whose beauty could truly be described as making the moon hide and flowers blush. Little girl, you may not believe it, but she was even more beautiful than you by several degrees…”
Hua Yan had a foreboding feeling.
“…She pretended to be delicate and pitiful, deceiving many disciples from reputable sects who were infatuated with her. They obeyed her every whim, some even fought over her, but she boldly set her sights on Young Hero Lu. Alas…” The storyteller shook his head, his tone regretful but with a smile on his face, “Her beautiful neck was nearly severed by Young Hero Lu.”
Sure enough, it was Shui Se!
Hua Yan’s neck felt a chill. She instinctively touched it, feeling a bit uneasy, and couldn’t help but steal a glance at Lu Chengsha.
Lu Chengsha happened to be looking over at that moment.
Though his black-and-white eyes showed no particular reaction, they appeared very gentle, with not a hint of killing intent, like a leopard basking in the afternoon sun.
Hua Yan suddenly felt a great sense of relief!
I’m a good person now! What do I have to fear!
“Haha, did I scare you, little girl? Let’s not talk about that then.” The storyteller laughed heartily, “By the way, little girl, have you heard of the ‘Three Young Heroes of Yu Lan’?”
Hua Yan looked eager for knowledge, “Tell me!”
“This naturally refers to the three most famous young heroes in the Jianghu currently: Lu Chengsha of Tingjian Manor, Mu Xuelang of Qingcheng Sect, and Chu Jun of Dangshan Sect. The term ‘Yu Lan’ signifies that they have surpassed their predecessors. Of course, since Lu Chengsha has won the top spot in the Sword-seeking Tournament twice, he is generally considered the strongest. However, it is said that Young Hero Mu and Young Hero Chu have made significant improvements over the past three years as well. It’s truly exciting to see who will emerge victorious in this year’s Sword-seeking Tournament.”
Hua Yan immediately flipped open the Jianghu Manual, jotting down names while cross-referencing the introductions.
Sigh, there are so many names, it’s really hard to remember them all.
“You storyteller, what nonsense are you spouting!” A cold voice interrupted, and with a sharp clink, everyone thought it was a blade dropping. However, it was a silver ingot placed on the table. “Don’t let me hear you mention the ‘Three Young Heroes of Yu Lan’ again.”
Following the silver ingot upward, the newcomer was clad in snow-white attire, with a jade pendant on his waist, a jade crown on his head, and a white hair ribbon fluttering in the breeze. His hair was meticulously groomed, and he held a staff in his hand. Behind him were eight or nine others, all dressed in similar fashion.
Hua Yan took a closer look and realized they were wearing fox fur, not snow-white clothes!
All their collars were lined with fur, their attire exquisitely elegant, spotless from head to toe, dazzlingly bright in the daylight. If dressed like this in the winter cold, they would seem noble and stylish, but in this weather, they looked like a bunch of white fools.
It really looked very hot.
While Hua Yan was pondering this, the storyteller’s face changed. He didn’t dare touch the silver ingot and carefully asked, “May I ask if you are a hero from Baiya Peak?”
“You’re quite perceptive,” the white fool said, raising his chin high. “Take the silver if you wish. Today, our young master is in a good mood and won’t argue with you. Be careful with your words and don’t use your shallow knowledge to rank people in the martial world, or we won’t be so polite.”
As he spoke, his gaze respectfully shifted to his side.
Hua Yan followed his gaze.
What she saw stunned her.
Excessive!
Too excessive!
Three or four others in white attire pulled out several snow-white, flawless cloths embroidered with silver patterns and tassels from their sleeves. They laid them out on the bench and the wooden table, then produced a jade teapot, two jade teacups, a pair of jade chopsticks, and a jade plate.
After setting everything up, they respectfully bowed and invited the white fool young master, who was fanning himself with a feather fan and had several white feathers stuck in his hair, to sit down.
The young master smiled slightly and finally lowered himself slowly onto the seat.
What a spectacle! Hua Yan was filled with disbelief.
Even their sect leader wasn’t this extravagant!
Hua Yan couldn’t help but nudge Lu Chengsha with her elbow, whispering, “Why does he have so many people following him?”
Lu Chengsha thought for a moment and replied, “Because he’s weak, I guess.”
The surrounding martial artists had keen hearing, and upon hearing this, the white fool who had placed the silver ingot couldn’t tolerate it. He slapped the table and angrily demanded, “Who said that!”
Everyone around lowered their heads in fear.
Only Lu Chengsha sat there, straight as a javelin.
The white fool stormed over to him, then…
“….Ah, it’s Young Hero Lu. Never mind then.”