Chapter 916 - 417: The Name of Broken Sword—The Lady Speaks Frankly: You Are Old, and Martial Arts Hold No Peak!

Chapter 916: Chapter 417: The Name of Broken Sword—The Lady Speaks Frankly: You Are Old, and Martial Arts Hold No Peak!

Han Nian-nian said: "This woman must be extremely beautiful, her appearance and demeanor making one forget their hatred." Huang A-xia said: "I see that’s true. At that time, the elders of the Sword Sect, led by Ke Jian-an, were joined by seven others. They are all well-known, highly experienced, and proficient elders from various sects."

Li Xian asked: "Who is Ke Jian-an?" Huang A-xia replied: "Don’t you know? His name is well-known; in Jianghu, he is called ’Fire Smoke Sword King.’

Fang Ming asked: "Fire Smoke Sword King?"

Yao Yin said: "In the Five Mountains Sword Alliance, the sword chooses the person. Those chosen by famous swords, treasure swords, or unique swords inherit the sword’s name as their title. Ke Jian-an’s sword is the ’Fire Smoke Sword,’ which has been passed down through generations, containing the complete martial arts of a school. Ke Jian-an is extremely talented, innovating and surpassing the previous and former Fire Smoke Sword Masters, hence known as the Fire Smoke Sword King, with formidable strength, proficiency, experience, and methods."

Li Xian thought: "Is this Five Mountains Sword Alliance never-ending? The lady may be ruthless, but if others humiliate her, I am unwilling to stand by."

Huang A-xia vividly continued: "Then Ke Jian-an clasped his hands and said: ’I have long heard of the lady’s illustrious name, and today, upon seeing, she is indeed extraordinary. I hope today’s visit does not offend the lady.’ The lady replied: ’If you suddenly arrive, it is indeed an offense. However, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance did not inform me in advance, yet of your visit to see me, I have known long before. Therefore, it is not an offense.’

"By this point, hidden and revealed swords were clashing. Ke Jian-an’s expression was dire, sensing the lady’s demeanor composed and in control, already anticipating the Sword Alliance’s visit and certainly prepared. The Sword Sect members dared not step inside the residence even half a step."

"The lady then opened the doors, inviting them in. Yet the members of the Sword Sect looked at each other, unable to decide. The accompanying disciples and elders turned their gaze to Ke Jian-an."

Bai Cai-wei said: "A-xia, you indeed have a talent for storytelling." Huang A-xia raised her eyebrow and said: "That’s how my friend told it to me, and I simply repeat it as is. It might be biased, but I think it’s quite accurate."

Huang A-xia continued: "After a while, a sound from the yard reached them, as the woman’s voice resounded, saying: ’Heroes and warriors, you braved the dragon’s den and tiger’s lair, defeated vicious bandits and traitorous armies, conquered tomb traps, yet when you arrive at my humble abode, you hesitate. Come in, this is my temporary residence; I am busy relocating the manor and have no time for setting up ambushes.’ The Sword Sect’s minds were revealed, embarrassed. Ke Jian-an cupped his hands and said: ’Thank you, lady, for the invitation; I dare enter to converse.’ They then entered the residence for discussion."

"Once seated, Ke Jian-an asked: ’Just now the lady spoke as if she utterly understood our actions?’ The lady said: ’Mere guesses, observing Elder Ke’s response, I may have guessed a few incidents correctly. Please, have some tea.’ She brewed fine tea and instructed her maids to serve it to the elders. Ke Jian-an was the first to receive his tea, smelling it before sipping calmly, then awkwardly laughed and said: ’I’ve admired the lady from afar for a long time. Seeing her today opens my eyes. Never expected the lady to be of such beauty and demeanor... such a person.’ The lady laughed and said: ’Then the Sword Sect must secretly curse me as a venomous woman, yes?’

"Ke Jian-an replied: ’Well...this...’ The lady smiled and said: ’Never mind, let’s be straightforward. The Swallowing Mist Sword, Guan Cang Sword, House Guardian Sword, Fire Li Sword, Duanfeng Sword are mine. Thank you, elders, for delivering them from afar; I gladly accept, and later, my enemy can toy with them. As for the Black Ancient Sword, gold and silver jewels, I do not lack; take them back to where they came from.’

Li Xian heard in his heart; the lady referred to him as her ’enemy,’ questioning do I wonder if she resents me for my previous actions to escape."

At this crucial moment, no one dared to interrupt, fearing Huang A-xia would leave them hanging and hungry for more.

Huang A-xia continued with rhythmical intensity: "The lady merely appeared politely and spoke softly, yet pressured the Sword Sect, unable to retort. Indeed a formidable character, Ke Jian-an hesitated, today’s events beyond his expectations. Then a female elder from the Lakes and Mountains Sword Sect slammed the table in anger, exclaiming: ’You venomous woman, do you know what’s good for you? Isn’t the Jade Dragon with you?’ Ke Jian-an quickly restrained the elder and humbly said: ’To be honest with the lady, aside from delivering swords, we also ask for one thing, hoping to purchase the Jade Dragon at high price from the lady. We implore for it to be mutually beneficial.’

"The lady replied: ’For the Jade Dragon, this significant gift may not suffice?’ Ke Jian-an said: ’The lady need only state her price, and I, Ke Jian-an, will report back, striving for more compensation for the lady.’ The lady’s expression grew indifferent and said: ’No need, I understand you seek the Jade Dragon to save the life of Elder Sword Master. In regard for Elder Sword Master, I permitted you to enter for a cup of tea. The matter ends here; please leave.’

Han Nian-nian said: "The elders of the Five Mountains Sword Alliance are not weak, yet facing many against few, this woman acts so indifferently, seemingly unaware of her situation." Yao Yin said: "She appears courteous but is actually arrogant. Considering Elder Sword Master, it’s only a cup of tea, yet the tea might not even be finished, as she directly asks them to leave."

Li Xian internally criticized: "The lady’s manner is indeed so. She issued an order to dismiss guests with full confidence, which puts my mind at ease; the Sword Sect shouldn’t be able to harm her."

Yao Yin asked: "What happened next?"

Huang A-xia took a sip of water and continued: "Of course, it led to a fight. The matter is truly shocking; no one anticipated the woman’s formidable skills would be so remarkable. At first, the elders scorned the abuse of numbers against one, but a Long Mountain Sword Sect elder was the first to draw a sword and attack, saying: ’You demoness, such disrespect, other matters aside, let me test your skill!’ This elder is no inconsequential person, stronger than Elder Xiao Wan-jian. But due to the elder’s reputation, I won’t disclose their name, instead using a pseudonym."