Chapter 33: A Visit from an Old Acquaintance

With the *Sword Art of All Things* now in its initial stages, Xiao Chen’s path of cultivation had finally returned to the right track, and it was advancing toward a higher level with a momentum far surpassing his past.

He did not feel ecstatic over the recovery of his cultivation; his state of mind remained as tranquil as an ancient, undisturbed well. To him, the elevation of his realm was merely a natural manifestation of the "Dao," a result that came as naturally as water forming a channel. There was no need to deliberately pursue it, nor was there any reason to be moved by it.

He continued to sit in meditation within the Scripture Pavilion every day, consolidating his new techniques and grasping the supreme truths of how all things operate. His presence became increasingly restrained; unless one probed intentionally, an outsider would never guess that he was already a practitioner at the Golden Core stage. He sat there silently, blending into the surrounding ancient texts, dust, and interplay of light and shadow, as if he had belonged there since the beginning of time.

This serenity was broken one morning a month later.

A steady, rhythmic sound of footsteps approached from afar and stopped before the entrance of the Scripture Pavilion.

"Brother Xiao, are you in?" A voice, gentle as jade, echoed with a hint of uncertainty and anticipation.

Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of warmth crossing them. He was all too familiar with this voice.

"Wuyou, come in."

The wooden door was pushed open, and a young man in white, carrying an ancient sword on his back, walked in. With his sword-like brows and star-bright eyes, he possessed a handsome countenance and a distinguished aura. As he walked, a sharp, piercing edge naturally radiated from him. He was Qin Wuyou, known as the "Peerless Sword," the most prominent figure among the current inner-sect disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

He was also the only true friend Xiao Chen had ever had within the sect.

Qin Wuyou had been away on a training journey and had only just returned to the sect when he heard news of Xiao Chen’s return and that shocking, world-shaking sword strike on the Sword Terrace. Filled with worry and curiosity, he had rushed over immediately.

The moment he saw Xiao Chen, he froze.

The Xiao Chen before him was dressed in the simple robes of a pavilion guardian, his aura calm and reserved, a faint smile on his face. Although he looked much thinner than before, his eyes were brighter and deeper than ever, as if they contained a vast starry sky.

This was completely different from the image he had imagined—that of a man whose heart had turned to ash, broken and destitute.

"Brother Xiao, you..." For a moment, Qin Wuyou did not know what to say.

"Long time no see. You still carry your old flair," Xiao Chen stood up and patted his shoulder with a smile.

Qin Wuyou finally regained his senses. He looked Xiao Chen up and down and asked with concern, "I heard about what happened... are you really... alright?"

He reached into his robe and produced an exquisite jade bottle, handing it over. "Brother Xiao, this is a 'Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill.' I obtained it at the risk of my own life while traveling. Perhaps... it might help with your injuries."

The Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill was a sacred healing medicine, capable of bringing the dying back to life and regenerating flesh and bone; it was worth a fortune. That Qin Wuyou could offer it without hesitation showed the depth of their friendship.

Xiao Chen felt a warmth in his heart, but he did not reach out to take it. He shook his head and smiled, "Wuyou, I appreciate the gesture. But this pill is of no use to me now. Sit down; let me brew you a pot of tea."

With that, he walked to a corner of the pavilion, where there was a crude tea table he had built himself. He did not use any spiritual power; instead, like an ordinary mortal, he used a common flame to ignite charcoal, placing a pot of clear mountain spring water, borrowed from the back hills, onto a clay stove to boil slowly.

Qin Wuyou watched his fluid, effortless movements, and his confusion deepened. He could not read Xiao Chen—not at all. He could sense that there seemed to be cultivation within Xiao Chen, yet that aura was ethereal and inconsistent, unlike any realm he had ever known.

Soon, the water boiled. Xiao Chen poured it into a clay bowl containing coarse tea leaves, and a fresh, fragrant aroma instantly permeated the air.

He pushed the bowl of tea toward Qin Wuyou. "Try it. A common fire boiling clear spring water has a flavor all its own."

Qin Wuyou picked up the bowl and took a small sip. As the tea entered his mouth, there was no rich spiritual essence, only a pure, mellow sweetness that slid down his throat, seemingly cleansing his very soul.

"Excellent tea," he praised sincerely.

The two sat opposite each other, sipping tea in silence. After a long while, Qin Wuyou finally spoke, breaking the quiet. "Brother Xiao, that strike on the Sword Terrace—what was it exactly? The rumors in the sect are wild; everyone says you have comprehended the legendary 'Sword Dao.'"

Xiao Chen set down his bowl, looking at a yellow leaf drifting outside the window. "The concept of 'Sword Dao' is too void. I have simply chosen a different way of looking at the world."

He looked at Qin Wuyou and asked, "Wuyou, how goes your sword practice these days?"

Mentioning the sword, a spark of confidence ignited in Qin Wuyou’s eyes. "I have cultivated the 'Peerless Sword Art' to its peak! My sword emphasizes moving forward without hesitation, a sharp and aggressive spirit! I shall cleave through mountains and part the seas; with my sword, I will break all laws of this world!"

His words were filled with the confidence and sharpness of a powerhouse.

Xiao Chen nodded without evaluation. He simply reached out and plucked the yellow leaf that had drifted onto the windowsill, whispering, "Your sword is a 'Sword of the Self,' using 'I' as the center to conquer the world. But my sword is a 'Sword of No-Self.'"

He held the leaf out to Qin Wuyou. "Look at this fallen leaf. It falls with the wind; while it seems to have no choice, it follows the most fundamental laws of heaven and earth. My sword is meant to comply with these laws, not to oppose them. Follow the natural course; act through non-action, and there is nothing that cannot be accomplished."

Qin Wuyou looked at the ordinary yellow leaf, listening to Xiao Chen’s profound and mysterious words, his brows furrowed. He could vaguely sense the supreme truth contained within, yet he could not fully grasp it. He only felt that the Xiao Chen before him was already standing at a height he needed to look up to. This height had nothing to do with cultivation, but with his state of mind.

"I... I don't quite understand," Qin Wuyou admitted candidly. "But I feel that you have stepped onto an extraordinary path, Brother Xiao."

He bowed respectfully to Xiao Chen and ceased his questioning. He knew that some paths could only be realized by oneself.

The two chatted about some old anecdotes, and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. When the topic turned to the current situation in the Southern Region, Qin Wuyou’s expression suddenly turned grave.

He lowered his voice and said, "Brother Xiao, there is something I don't know if I should tell you. Since returning, I have heard some rumors. One of the enemies who besieged you back then, that ruthless 'Old Blood Butcher,' has a sole direct disciple known as 'Little Blood Butcher' who has been frequently active in the Southern Region recently."

Xiao Chen’s gaze tightened slightly. It was the Old Blood Butcher who, back then, had used the vicious Blood Evil God Light to destroy his dantian.

Qin Wuyou continued, "This Little Blood Butcher has perfectly inherited his master’s ruthlessness, perhaps even exceeding it. It is said he is frantically searching for something, and has slaughtered several small sects for it. Furthermore... I received unverified news that Elder Wang, who has always opposed your master’s lineage within the sect, seems to be colluding with this Little Blood Butcher."

Elder Wang!

In Xiao Chen’s mind, the face of a sinister old man emerged. In the past, when Xiao Chen had been at the height of his glory, the disciples of Elder Wang’s lineage had been unable to lift their heads, and the two sides had long held a grudge. After his downfall, Elder Wang’s lineage had been the most vicious in kicking him while he was down.

"What are they looking for?" Xiao Chen asked calmly.

"I don't know," Qin Wuyou shook his head. "Only that it seems related to the key to some ancient ruin. Brother Xiao, although your current state is unique, your cultivation has not yet fully recovered. You must be careful. I am worried they will turn their attention toward you."

Xiao Chen nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes that was hard to detect. "I understand. Thank you, Wuyou."

Qin Wuyou offered a few more words of caution before rising to take his leave.

After seeing Qin Wuyou out, Xiao Chen returned to the window, watching the ancient tree in the courtyard shedding its leaves in the autumn wind. His gaze became deep and distant.

The mountain rain was coming, and the wind was sweeping through the towers.

He knew that the peaceful days in the Scripture Pavilion would not last much longer. Whether for the sake of his own bloody vendetta or to protect dear friends like Qin Wuyou, he could not remain an outsider forever.

Some debts of gratitude and hatred would ultimately need to be settled.

His *Sword Art of All Things* and his "Sword of No-Self" also needed to be tested in the true storm.

He reached out and caught a falling yellow leaf. Its veins were clear, as if recording the blooming and withering of a lifetime.

"The wind has risen," he whispered.