Chapter 145 - Panicking


    Observing the hammer affectionately nuzzling against Guo Fan''s neck and cheeks, Xun Yimu couldn''t help but feel a pang of mncholy. This creature didn''t resemble a wild beast difficult to tame; it unmistakably exhibited the signs of embracing a new life.


    In Guo Fan''s embrace, it appeared remarkably docile.


    Nevertheless, it mattered not. As long as she remained by Guo Fan''s side, as long as things continued in this manner, everything around him would gradually be familiar to her.


    The determined Young Lord of Profound Yin arrived with the resolve to be Xiaobo''s wife.


    She vowed to vanquish that elderly woman and all other adversaries! She would be Guo Xiaobo''s solepanion!


    Xun Yimu''s heart brimmed with determination.


    Guo Fan gently scratched the hammer''s chin, coughing twice as he gazed down the path within the City Lord''s Mansion.


    “Yimu, when you sought out Sun Fen that day, it was for a confrontation, wasn''t it? What transpired… Later, despite being in Night''s Fall Sword City, she made no fuss about attacking you.”


    Guo Fan spoke with a sigh. “She''s devoted to the way of the sword. Her desires take precedence. She acts on her impulses. Her swordsmanship is exceptional. Even when she stormed out of the Blistook Pavilion in a fit of rage, it''s likely she didn''t weigh the consequences. Another confrontation could prove dire.”


    After all, Sun Fen still held authority as one of the judges of the Singing Sword. It would be incredibly awkward if she failed to relent.


    Xun Yimu sped her hands behind her back, advancing with determination. She snorted, “When she discovered your deception alongside Fang Xiang, she genuinely wanted your demise. However, her sword''s strike at that moment was merely an outburst of anger. Prior to that, her words to me hinted at some inclination to let go. It''s merely a lingering concern in my mind.”


    Could Sun Fen truly harbor intentions of relinquishing her vendetta? It appeared more like an entrenched obsession.


    In truth, the young woman harbored a belief that Sun Fen was correct. They had never truly been allies.


    Upon reflection, she realized Sun Fen intended for her to be the scapegoat. Xiaobo''s attachment to Fang Xiang ran deep, and her impulsive actions could have escted matters. By expressing hostility toward Fang Xiang, she risked being perceived as a “jealous woman”pared to her.


    None of these adults were without blemish!


    Beside him, Guo Fan cast a sidelong nce at the young girl.


    So you seized the opportunity to expose the cheater, didn''t you?


    He inwardly sighed. Were it not for the illustrated handbook, he might have fallen for it. How could he even consider giving up? His patience level remained high.


    If it were still intact in such circumstances, wouldn''t Sun Fen have already turned dark?


    Xun Yimu''s notion of “giving up” was, in reality, her heart being as tranquil as a calmke. She had already resigned herself to perishing alongside him.


    A beautiful thing beyond grasp, prompting her desire to annihte… such was her conviction.


    Guo Fan''s heart quivered. Now, only one course of action remained. Xinyue''s Mountain and Sea Realm had vanquished Sun Fen and set their sights squarely on her. Otherwise, she would not elude catastrophe.


    Sess was imperative!


    Xinyue had alreadyid the groundwork on Yueh''s end. Sess was assured. After all, Xinyue was utterly adorable.


    Absolutely!


    While maintaining aposed demeanor as he smiled at Xun Yimu, Guo Fan felt a surge of panic within.


    ……


    Amidst the gathering of the Tide-watching Sword-listening Conference.


    Gathered in the Sword Singing tform were the Sword Pavilion''s master, “Bing Jun,” Gong Wei, the three elders of the Sword Pavilion, the three remaining 9-star swordsmiths within the Sword Pavilion, alongside Night''s Fall Sword City Lord, Fang Xiang.


    Additionally, present were Destiny''s Song Sword Cultivator, Sun Fen, invited as the judge of Mingjian, and Honed Reaver Sword Sect''s chief disciple, Luo Shun.


    Fang Xiang couldn''t help but cast a nce at Sun Fen, who remained impassive. Upon catching Sun Fen''s gaze, it offered a polite smile before redirecting its attention elsewhere.


    Fang Xiang''s eyelids twitched. Before she could discern anything from that smile, Sun Fen resumed a neutral expression, standing silently.


    d in a green dress akin to a lotus, she attracted many envious gazes. Admirers regarded this Destiny''s Song Sword Cultivator from Blistook Pavilion with a mixture of reverence and jealousy.


    These esteemed figures upied the armchairs before the colossal sword, observing from their elevated vantage point.


    Surrounding them were cultivators, their heads held high in rapt attention, while murmurs asionally broke the silence.


    When Sword Pavilion''s master, Gong Wei, cleared his throat, the atmosphere settled slightly.


    The ambiance resembled that of a modern-day school''s opening ceremony, solemn yet lively, perfectly suited for the asion.


    Below sat rows of swordsmiths, each equipped with their tools, adorned in the distinctive robes of the Sword Pavilion, bearing sword armbands.


    Clearly, the artisans from the Obsidian Tribes game resembled esteemed bosses rather than mereborers, poised not for ironing but for culinary expertise.


    After a decade of honing their craft, the swords they forged possessed an almost ethereal quality.


    The swordsmiths of the Sword Pavilion brimmed with determination and enthusiasm, eager to showcase their forging prowess at the Tide-watching Sword-listening Conference and unveil their peerless creations to the world.


    Lang Qing stood among them, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. Excitement and nervousness tinged his red-cheeked countenance.


    The past few days in the Sword Pavilion had exposed him to myriad wonders. Despite his confidence in his forging skills, he couldn''t help but marvel at the centuries-old heritage of the Sword Pavilion and the exceptional performances of its disciples, a mix of admiration and apprehension stirring within him.


    Some Sword Pavilion disciples deliberately recounted tales ofst year''s formidable figures and the top disciples ted for this year''s event before him.


    Among them was the Pavilion Master''s personal disciple, Zhen Li.


    Known as the “Unrestrained Sword Heart” to outsiders, he had gained renown at a young age, crafting the “Longsong Sword” and earning Gong Wei''s praise as a prodigious talent.


    Many anticipated Zhen Li''s triumph at this year''s conference.


    Lang Qing couldn''t shake a faint sense of trepidation. Having led a secluded life with his master, he had never experienced such a grand spectacle. The throngs of people surrounding him felt suffocating, their collective gaze weighing heavily upon him.


    His hands, tightly gripped, were slick with perspiration.


    Atop the Sword Singing Stage.


    “The world teems with a murderous aura, guiding me to transform into a sword. Upon bing a sword, I''ll chant a hymn of blood, faithful to the dragon and serpent''s purpose.”


    Gong Wei, reciting the teachings of the Sword Pavilion''s founding master, gently tapped the de resting on his knee with his finger.


    “Hum -“


    The hum escted from a whisper to a thunderous roar within moments.


    “Whoosh!”


    The de''s cry echoed over miles, sending a ripple through the air that fluttered the garments of all present. Those nearby or less advanced in their training were taken aback, retreating in astonishment.


    Looking up, their eyes widened in disbelief.


    “What on earth is that?!!!”


    “Kaboom, Kaboom!!!”


    Thunder seemed to boom in response.


    The chains linking the cliffs ttered as if in a frenzy, driven by the wind. Remarkably, the massive sword at the Sword Singing Stage had split the White Dragon River itself in two!


    “Hu!”


    The waters of the river momentarily halted, appearing to solidify before they resumed their flow, crashing into one another and rejoining downstream.


    A sword''s hum, the parting of water!


    The spectacle of the Broken Water Stream left everyone speechless. This demonstration by Gong Wei, intended as an exhibit for this year''s assembly by the Sword Handling Servant, served both as a showcase and a caution.


    This was the resonant call of the world''s premier sword.


    It heralded the start of the Tide-watching Sword-listening Festival.