Chapter 1577 - 174: Secret Technique Hidden within the Sword Reveals Xuanji

Chapter 1577: Chapter 174: Secret Technique Hidden within the Sword Reveals Xuanji

Ran Xiushu saw that his master also agreed to give the Sword Pond to Zhang Yan, and said, "The Sword Pond is located at Junior Master Wei’s Cave Mansion. I humbly ask for the Command Token from Master so that I may retrieve it."

Just then, Xun Huaiying suddenly stepped forward, raised a hand to block, and said, "Brother Ran, hold on."

Looking at Ying Chunqiu seated in the hall, he bowed and solemnly said, "Uncle-Master, merely gifting the Sword Pond is somewhat inappropriate."

Ying Chunqiu glanced at him, stroked his beard, and remained silent.

If a sword ball from the Shaoqing Sect was lost outside the sect, upon return, it would always be rewarded handsomely.

On the surface, it seemed like the Shaoqing Sect was following the custom of offering the sword ball into the Sword Platform, but actually, there’s a hidden motive behind it.

Every true disciple of the Shaoqing Sect has a talisman within their sword ball, which, even if the Sword Master has passed, as long as the sword ball is not completely destroyed and returned to the sect, it can reveal how they lost in a fight.

If it can be understood clearly, warnings can be made next time, and its value is immeasurable.

However, this matter is extremely secretive, and in the Shaoqing Sect, besides the Cave Heaven True Master, only a very few Nascent Soul cultivators know of it, and Xun Huaiying is precisely one of them.

Evidently, he deemed the favor significant, feeling that repaying with just a Sword Pond was insufficient.

Seeing Ying Chunqiu not speak for a long time, Ran Xiushu turned and said, "Then what does Junior Xun think we should offer?"

Xun Huaiying replied in a deep voice, "Though Shaoqing would not owe anyone, why rush to repay? Frost on the blades may be easy, but assistance in a crisis is scarce. If heavy tribulations ensue, and Daoist Zhang seeks help in the future, then we can assist."

Ying Chunqiu sighed; it’s best if favors can be repaid voluntarily, as leaving them to later might incur more costs, and while the disciples may not mind, it inconveniences him as the head. Yet, since Xun Huaiying’s reasoning was sound, he had no choice but to comply, saying, "Then let it be so."

In the Yi Pavilion of Chaoyang Pavilion, Zhou Hang was holding a book and browsing through it. The book was a geographical chronicle of the fifteen nations surrounding Dayue Mountain.

Cultivators often have lifespans spanning hundreds of years and can witness the rise and fall of worldly dynasties. Those from noble families like the Xuan Clan rarely show interest in mortal affairs, yet Zhou Hang was deeply engrossed, often discovering unusual insights from them.

At this moment, the bamboo curtain lifted and a beautiful woman, her hair styled in double swords, entered the pavilion. She bowed gracefully with a sweet and gentle voice, "Master, your student has arrived."

Zhou Hang put down the Daoist Books and smiled, "Chanzhu, you’ve returned. Have you learned anything?"

After the previous incident regarding Ran Xiushu, Zhou Hang stopped pursuing fruitless matters, instead instructing this disciple to gather information from Zhou Clan members who had formed Daoist couples with Shaoqing disciples.

Just as Chanzhu was about to speak, she hesitated and glanced around with her beautiful eyes.

Zhou Hang noticed her concern and gestured, "Don’t worry, I’ve set up a forbidden array here. Feel free to speak."

Though Shaoqing cultivators are unlikely to come and eavesdrop, being cautious in another’s territory is never excessive.

Chanzhu visibly relaxed and said, "Master, I visited several elder sisters, and the information I gathered was vague. However, one matter is noteworthy: a month ago, Sword Qi surged from the Sword Furnace at Bie Tian Platform within Shaoqing, illuminating the Heavenly Vault. It’s rumored that an elder named Xue refined a top-quality sword ball. When I inquired further, I discovered that this elder usually has an unremarkable reputation, yet everyone is aware of this event, which seems peculiar, suggesting concealment. Hence, I suspect, could this be the doing of True Master Zhang?"

Zhou Hang revealed a surprised expression and said, "Refining sword? Are you sure?"

Chanzhu replied, "I asked several people, and they all said the same; it should be true."

Zhou Hang stroked his chin beard, recalling the rumor of Zhang Yan coming to learn Shaoqing Swordsmanship, and frowned, "Could it really be about that matter?"

Observing his expression, Chanzhu gently said, "Master, True Master Zhang is not a Shaoqing disciple, and even if he learns Swordsmanship, he might not achieve any great success. There’s no need to worry."

Zhou Hang shook his head, noting that Zhang Yan learning swordsmanship itself wasn’t important; what mattered was the underlying affair. This indicated that the exchanges between Shaoqing and Mingcang sects had become tighter than before, which isn’t a positive sign for Yuxiao.

He contemplated for a moment and said, "Have you found out where the delegation from Mingcang is currently staying?"

The female disciple lowered her head and said, "Forgive me, Master. Your disciple is incapable, unable to discern their whereabouts."

Zhou Hang waved his hand and said, "That isn’t your fault. It’s due to Shaoqing intentionally concealing it."