Chapter 49: The Visit of Feng Qian

The newcomer had a cascade of dark hair draped casually over his shoulders, contrasting sharply with his pristine white robes. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting a golden radiance upon his figure and lending him an even greater sense of ethereal elegance and handsome grace. Among the many disciples of the Sword Sect, he was undoubtedly the most eye-catching.

Zhao Xiuyuan stood in the distance, his gaze following that retreating figure while his heart was filled with confusion. He knew that this man should have been quietly recuperating at West Ridge Mountain; why had he chosen to come to East Ming Mountain at a time like this? The turbulence of that fateful night had cost him his former elaborate crown, yet it seemed to have done nothing to diminish his poise and bearing.

No obvious scars could be seen on Feng Qian’s face. His aura was steady and restrained, as if all his injuries had been swept away by the wind. This was his first time setting foot on East Ming Mountain, yet he behaved as though he were the master of the place, intimately familiar with everything around him.

Before long, he arrived at the cliff terrace. Lin Fei sat quietly in a bamboo chair, as if immersed in his own world. The index finger of his right hand tapped rhythmically against the armrest, seemingly unaware of Feng Qian’s arrival.

Yanquan quietly brewed a pot of tea, walked slowly out of the wooden house, and greeted Feng Qian with a warm smile. Although it was their first meeting, Feng Qian had long since heard that this was the legendary senior martial brother, and thus he bowed respectfully and slightly at the waist.

"Take your time chatting; I'm going to water the flowers," Yanquan said softly, setting the teacups down gently before walking toward the patch of blossoms beneath the waterfall.

"Senior Brother Feng suffered a devastating blow, but he has managed to keep his life," Feng Qian said, gazing at Lin Fei with a hint of heaviness in his tone.

Lin Fei’s tapping finger paused slightly, and then he replied indifferently, "That is truly something to be grateful for."

Gratitude, naturally, for Feng Ning having escaped with his life.

Feng Qian caught the sarcasm in Lin Fei’s words, yet unexpectedly showed no anger. He responded calmly, "I was not privy to the methods they employed, nor would I condescend to use such means."

Lin Fei kept his eyes closed and said nothing.

With a firm tone and a piercing gaze, Feng Qian looked earnestly at Lin Fei and said, "This injury was entirely the result of my own carelessness; I do not blame you for it."

Lin Fei finally opened his eyes, swept a sharp glance over Feng Qian, and asked indifferently, "And so?"

Feng Qian said, "Your strength is formidable indeed, and I hope to engage you in a fair duel of swords."

Lin Fei smiled faintly. "Starting now?"

Feng Qian’s tone remained tranquil. "After your injuries are fully healed, I will suppress my cultivation realm to the mortal plane and fight you."

Lin Fei shook his head lightly, his voice carrying a trace of unquestionable confidence. "You are no match for me."

Hearing Lin Fei speak with such casual dismissal, Feng Qian’s expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "I acknowledge that your strength is extraordinary."

Feng Qian’s brows furrowed slightly as he said with determination, "Yet I firmly believe I will not be defeated by your hands."

A touch of cold indifference colored Lin Fei’s tone. "This has no meaning. My sword is used solely for killing; you should be well aware of that."

Feng Qian fell deep into thought, remaining silent. West Ridge Mountain had once stopped at nothing to force Lin Fei to participate in the Sword Trial Assembly, and as a result, Lin Fei had indeed gone, leaving Feng Ning on the verge of death. Faced with such a reality, Feng Qian had no counter-argument.

"A practitioner’s lifespan spans hundreds of years. No one stands at the peak from the very beginning, and likewise, no one lags behind others forever," Lin Fei’s gaze rested upon the top of Feng Qian’s head. "If you wish to fight me, you should instead constantly refine your mastery of the sword."

"I have seen far too many sword geniuses like you. They tend to become overly obsessed with a single matter, which is hardly a good thing."

Feng Qian was stunned. His gaze grew somewhat hazy, and he did not respond immediately.

Lin Fei closed his eyes once more and said indifferently, "You may leave."

"Pardon the interruption." Feng Qian rose to his feet, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately he remained silent and walked dejectedly down the mountain.

A short while later.

For reasons unknown, Lin Fei suddenly felt a wave of relief.

"Feng Qian’s talent in the way of the sword is actually slightly superior to Feng Ning’s. Junior Brother, are you truly so confident in a battle between peers of the same realm?" Yanquan’s voice suddenly rang out beside Lin Fei.

Lin Fei replied candidly, "Yes, but I see no meaning in it. To win brings no tangible benefits; to lose is utterly disgraceful. Therefore, choosing not to fight is the best course of action."

Yanquan shook his head and chuckled softly. "Sooner or later, however, you will be forced to face battles."

Lin Fei looked somewhat puzzled.

With a mysterious air, Yanquan said, "Before long, you will understand."

...

The Heaven-Crossing Skiff cleaved through the firmament, journeying alone to Azure Wing Peak, and in full view of the public, carried away a female disciple.

Never before had Qin Qianqian found herself the center of attention to this extent. Seated upon the spirit skiff, she felt gazes converging upon her from all directions, and her cheeks inevitably flushed like ripe tomatoes. Yet, she persevered through it all.

A few days prior, Zhao Xiuyuan had paid her a clandestine visit, his face graced with a rare expression of joy as he urged her to seize this opportunity. In truth, Qin Qianqian had never liked Azure Wing Peak—neither the cold indifference and jealousy of her peers, nor the ruthlessness and neglect of her masters.

The thought of leaving this place and entering the main peak filled her heart with both joy and a trace of nervousness.

Standing at the peak, Ning Baitao witnessed this scene, a shadow of gloom flickering across his eyes, though he kept his silence.

The Heaven-Crossing Skiff bore Qin Qianqian back to East Ming Mountain, ascending slowly along the base of the peak. Standing at the summit with his exceptional vision, Lin Fei watched this unfold and asked in surprise, "Spirit skiffs can fly straight up the mountain?"

Yanquan nodded lightly from the side. "Naturally they can."

Recalling the state he was in when he was injured, Lin Fei remarked, "When I was hurt the other day, I insisted on walking up the mountain on my own."

Yanquan replied with a helpless expression, "You told me to go on ahead back then, and you never brought it up."

Lin Fei could only remain silent, left speechless.

The spirit skiff landed lightly upon the mountaintop.

Qin Qianqian stepped slowly out of the cabin, her gaze tinged with timidity as she looked upon Lin Fei and Yanquan, resembling a startled little white rabbit.

Lin Fei asked, "What do you think?"

Yanquan nodded slightly, offering his assessment. "Indeed a fine girl."

Lin Fei suggested, "We could build a small cottage beside the sea of flowers, and the work of watering them can be handed over to her in the future."

Yanquan pondered for a moment without refusing, simply stating, "Then I shall have to instruct her first."

Lin Fei continued, "I think we might also let her have a try at studying that sword manual."

Yanquan could not help but laugh aloud.

Building a house, watering flowers, studying swordsmanship...

Lin Fei had clearly made up his mind to settle this young girl on East Ming Mountain. Such intentions were far too obvious, lacking any subtlety, yet this was precisely Lin Fei's style.

Yanquan said, "I mind little of such matters; Junior Brother may teach her whatever he wishes."

Turning to Qin Qianqian, whose face still bore a trace of bewilderment, Lin Fei said gently, "You will live here from now on. The Senior Brother is very easy to get along with, so there is no need to be so afraid."

Qin Qianqian whispered softly, "Senior Brother looks very kind, but Senior Brother Lin’s gaze is a bit frightening."