Chapter 4: The Famed Sword Spring Chant

Su Yanran watched the carriage gradually recede into the distance, a complicated expression appearing on her lovely face as her mind drifted into a daze.

She had escaped death, but the horrific scene of her clan’s extermination still lingered in her mind, refusing to fade.

Whenever she thought of the murderer who had slaughtered her family, Su Yanran felt nothing but boundless grief and desolation.

With her current strength, she likely would never be able to avenge her loved ones in this lifetime.

At that thought, Su Yanran’s fingers tightened around the sword until her knuckles turned white. As though she had made up her mind, she rose, chased after the carriage, and dropped to her knees in front of it, raising the sword in both hands.

“This humble girl thanks you, Senior, for saving my life.”

“I beg Senior to avenge my entire Su clan. I am willing to offer ‘Spring Chant’ as my recompense!”

“If... if Senior feels that one sword is not enough, I... I am willing to follow Senior for the rest of my life and serve as a maid by your side.” With her head lowered, two streams of tears slipped silently down her face after she finished speaking.

Inside the carriage, Chu Feng’s expression shifted slightly. He had not expected the woman before him to be so decisive.

She had refused to hand over the sword even when she had been cornered into death, yet now she was offering it to him outright, along with herself...

It seemed she understood very well that with her own strength, revenge was simply impossible.

“Tell me. Who is your enemy?” Chu Feng asked.

Seeing that Chu Feng had not rejected her outright, a glimmer of hope appeared in Su Yanran’s eyes.

“My enemy is Xiao Shan, the Grand Elder of the Gujian Sect in Gujian City!” Su Yanran gritted her teeth and spoke coldly, one word at a time.

It turned out that the Su clan had been a famed family of swordsmiths in Gujian City. Although the swords they forged could not compare with those of the Gujian Sect, their forging methods formed a unique school of their own, and the blades they produced were highly sought after by many swordsmen.

That remained the case until Su Yanran’s father forged this sword, ‘Spring Chant.’ The sword instantly became famous throughout Gujian City, drawing countless swordsmen who offered enormous sums to buy it. Even the Gujian Sect had sent people to purchase it.

Su Yanran’s father had no intention of selling ‘Spring Chant.’ Instead, he wanted to keep it as the treasured heirloom of the Su clan.

But Xiao Shan, the Grand Elder of the Gujian Sect, was no kindhearted man. After repeatedly failing to buy the sword through his son, he flew into a rage and secretly sent men to slaughter the Su clan and seize the blade.

Only because her father and clansmen had fought to the death to cover her escape had Su Yanran managed to flee with the sword...

After hearing of Su Yanran’s ordeal, Chu Feng let out a helpless sigh.

Originally, he had not intended to meddle in other people’s affairs, but trouble always seemed to come looking for him.

Whether it was his own conscience or his status as a prince of the Great Xuan Dynasty, he could not turn a blind eye to a massacre like this.

That damned soft heart of his.

Looking at Su Yanran, who still knelt before the carriage, Chu Feng said, “Get up. I’ll handle this matter for you.”

Su Yanran was overjoyed. She rose and came to the side of the carriage, offering up ‘Spring Chant’ in both hands.

“You should keep that sword for yourself. I do not need it,” Chu Feng said.

“This... then...” Su Yanran’s expression immediately turned flustered.

He does not want the sword. Could it be that Senior has taken a liking to...?

Her thoughts instantly became a tangled mess. She stood there in a daze, completely at a loss.

Inside the carriage, Chu Feng saw her reaction and a smile immediately appeared on his face. He decided not to tease her any further.

“I plan to travel throughout the Great Xuan Dynasty for a while, and I happen to be in need of a carriage driver. You can take that role from now on.”

At once, Su Yanran realized that she had misunderstood him. Two blushes bloomed across her fair cheeks, and she lowered her head as she said, “Please rest assured, Senior. I will fulfill that duty well.”

After saying that, Su Yanran stepped onto the carriage and sat at the front.

At that moment, the curtain was lifted. Chu Feng looked at her and said, “My name is Chu Feng. You may call me Young Master Chu from now on.”

Seeing Chu Feng’s handsome and noble face, Su Yanran was stunned for a moment. Then her cheeks flushed crimson. Lowering her head, her gaze flickered as she replied softly, “Understood, Young Master Chu.”

Only after the curtain fell again did Su Yanran secretly let out a breath of relief.

She had never imagined that the man inside the carriage would be so young, so striking in both appearance and bearing, and yet possess such terrifying strength...

For a moment, a faint sense of loss unexpectedly arose in Su Yanran’s heart.

“Young Master Chu, where are we going next?” Su Yanran asked for instructions.

“To Gujian City, of course. We’ll help you get your revenge first.”

“Thank you, Young Master Chu.” Su Yanran was visibly shaken. She drove the carriage onward toward Gujian City.

………

The broad official road was like a white python lying prone upon the earth, its long body winding straight into Gujian City.

At that moment, swordsmen from every direction streamed endlessly along the road toward Gujian City, all for the sake of obtaining a divine weapon of their own.

Among the crowd, a carriage slowly passed through the pedestrians, drawing many curious glances.

The main reason was that the one driving the carriage was a peerless beauty with an icy purity and jade-like skin, which naturally made others wonder just who the distinguished figure inside the carriage might be to show so little pity for such a beauty.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the city gate.

“Young Master Chu, we’ve arrived,” Su Yanran said softly as she turned her head.

A yawn came from inside the carriage, and Chu Feng lifted the curtain and stepped down.

Raising his eyes, he saw that the walls of Gujian City were a full hundred meters high, built entirely from bluish stone. The rock exposed to the elements had long since lost its original luster beneath the washing of the years.

On the southern side of the city, a massive crimson plant clung to the wall. Its thick vines stood tall like the body of a dragon, while its crimson leaves resembled scales, dazzling brilliantly beneath the blazing sun.

“Young Master Chu, this Millennium Crimson Flood Dragon Vine is one of the great sights of Gujian City.’’

“Unfortunately, this is not sunset. If you came here at sundown, the sight would be far more breathtaking.” While secretly stealing glances at Chu Feng, Su Yanran quietly explained.

Chu Feng gave a faint nod and withdrew his gaze.

“Are you... are you Seventh Brother?”

At that moment, three people suddenly approached from the city gate.

The man in front had thick brows and full lips, with the honest appearance of a straightforward man.

He wore a black robe embroidered with a python, and the four-clawed golden python upon it looked lifelike, as if it might spring to life at any moment with a ferocious glare, radiating an imposing pressure.

What drew the eye most was that above the golden python were five Dragon Pearl emblems.

Behind him stood an old man with a goatee, dressed in an official robe and wearing an obsequious expression.

There was also a man in black with sword-like brows and bright eyes, his face cold and stern. His arms were folded across his chest as he carried an ancient yellow sword. At a single glance, he seemed to have merged into one with the sword in his hands, as though he himself were that ancient blade, cold and terrifyingly sharp.

Chu Feng looked at the man in the black python robe and immediately recognized his identity. He cupped his hands and said calmly, “Greetings, Imperial Prince Kun.”

The man before him was also a prince who had been invested with the rank of Imperial Prince. His name was Chu Jingshan. Among the princes, he ranked fifth and bore the title ‘Kun,’ making him a Five-Pearl Imperial Prince.

“What do you mean by Imperial Prince and all that? Why be so distant between brothers? Just call me Fifth Brother,” Chu Jingshan said with displeasure.

“That would not be appropriate. Etiquette must not be cast aside,” Chu Feng replied without servility or arrogance, though inwardly he sneered again and again.

When he had been sent off to Beimo City five years ago, Chu Jingshan had not looked like this at all.

“Fine, fine, fine. Call me whatever you like.’’

“Come. Enter the city with your elder brother. I already reserved a private room in the finest restaurant in town. We have not seen each other in five years, so today we must have a proper reunion.” As he spoke, Chu Jingshan reached out and tried to pull Chu Feng toward the city.

“This official, Yue Chaoyang, City Lord of Gujian City, pays his respects to Your Highness the Seventh Prince,” the elderly man in official robes immediately said with a bow.

“I am Gu Feng. Greetings, Your Highness the Seventh Prince,” the man in black said coldly with cupped hands.

Chu Feng nodded, pulled his hand free from Chu Jingshan’s grasp, and declined politely. “Imperial Prince Kun, this younger brother has been too weary after the journey. Right now, I only wish to find a place to rest. Let us meet another day instead.”

Chu Jingshan was briefly taken aback. After a thoughtful glance at Su Yanran standing nearby, he immediately broke into a knowing smile. “Since Seventh Brother is tired, I will not press the matter. We can make arrangements another day.”

Meanwhile, Su Yanran was still reeling from the shock of Chu Feng’s identity and had yet to recover.

Young Master Chu? His surname is Chu? How did I not notice that before?

Only now did Su Yanran suddenly recall that Chu was the imperial surname of the Great Xuan Dynasty.

Young Master Chu was actually a prince!

As she gazed at Chu Feng’s back, her eyes shone brightly, and her hope for revenge grew even stronger.

Chu Feng cupped his hands to Chu Jingshan, then entered Gujian City with Su Yanran.

The instant Chu Feng stepped into Gujian City, the system’s notification sounded immediately in his mind.

【Ding! Detected that the Host is currently in Gujian City. Would you like to sign in?】

“Sign in!”

【Congratulations, Host. Sign-in successful. Reward: Formless Sword Physique!】

The Formless Sword Physique was the supreme divine physique of the Sword Dao, a constitution dreamed of by every sword cultivator under heaven. No matter how profound or abstruse a sword art might be, one could comprehend it instantly and reach its pinnacle within a short time.

The moment the notification fell, Chu Feng’s physique underwent a heaven-shaking transformation. Every bone in his body became like a sharp sword, radiating an unstoppable edge. His entire person resembled a divine sword drawn from its sheath, as though he could pierce even the heavens themselves!

Being the closest to him, Su Yanran immediately felt every hair on her body stand on end. The ‘Spring Chant’ at her side began trembling on its own, as if it wanted to burst from its scabbard.

Hearing the disturbance, Chu Feng’s eyes flashed, and he immediately restrained his aura, returning to normal.

“Come. Let’s find an inn first,” Chu Feng said calmly.

“Yes, Young Master Chu,” Su Yanran replied reverently and began leading the way ahead of him.

At the city gate, after Chu Feng had gone far away, the smile on Chu Jingshan’s face vanished at once, and his eyes darkened.

“I did not expect that bastard to make it all the way to Gujian City alive. The people in the capital are all a pack of useless fools!” Chu Jingshan muttered in a low voice.

“Gu Feng, tell me, what do you think would happen if Chu Feng were to die here in Gujian City?” Chu Jingshan asked, casting a playful glance toward Gu Feng.

At those words, Yue Chaoyang’s expression changed drastically. Cold sweat instantly broke out across his body, and he lowered his head, pretending he had heard nothing.

If a prince were to die in a city under his jurisdiction, then his official career would be finished as well.

“That will not do. Even the Zeng brothers failed to kill him, which means there must be an expert above the Second Rank by his side. That would make dealing with him troublesome.’’

“Besides, even if we killed him by force, Your Highness would be the prime suspect.’’

“It would not be worth the loss. Do not let him ruin the greater purpose Your Highness must accomplish,” Gu Feng said coldly.

“That is a pity indeed,” Chu Jingshan said with a regretful sigh, glancing at Yue Chaoyang.

“City Lord Yue, why are you so nervous? I was merely joking just now.” Chu Jingshan patted Yue Chaoyang on the shoulder and led Gu Feng into the city.

You think I would believe that?

Yue Chaoyang gave an awkward smile uglier than a grimace and hurried after Chu Jingshan.

…………

Capital, Third Prince’s residence.

Inside a quiet study, Chu Jingyun was lying on a couch, an ancient book spread open over his face, from beneath which came a series of faint snores.

The study door opened, and the same middle-aged man from before carefully entered.

He looked up toward the couch and tried several times to speak, only to force the words back down each time.

“Speak.” Chu Jingyun’s voice came from beneath the ancient book.

Only then did the middle-aged man relax. He immediately reported the latest news in full detail.

When he finished, Chu Jingyun abruptly sat upright on the couch, threw the ancient book from his face to one side, and stared at the middle-aged man with excitement.

“You are saying that Chu Feng reached Gujian City alive?!”

“Reporting to Your Highness, yes.”

“Hahaha, interesting, very interesting! Even my fifth brother sent the Zeng brothers, yet he still failed to kill Chu Feng!’’

“Seventh Brother, Seventh Brother, you keep giving me more and more surprises!” Chu Jingyun rose to his feet, the excitement on his face growing even stronger.

“Your Highness, the Zeng brothers were both veteran Second-Rank experts. If the two joined forces, there is no Second-Rank expert who could stand against them.’’

“According to this subject’s estimation, the expert beside the Seventh Prince is very likely above the Second Rank.”

“If the Seventh Prince cannot serve Your Highness in the future, he will surely become a hidden danger.” The middle-aged man frowned tightly.

Chu Jingyun, however, did not take it seriously. No matter how strong the expert beside Chu Feng might be, Chu Feng had no foundation whatsoever in the capital.

The imperial throne was destined to remain beyond his reach.

“What is my fifth brother doing in Gujian City?” Chu Jingyun asked.

“Reporting to Your Highness, Imperial Prince Kun should be there to win over the Gujian Sect.”

“Heh, and he thinks he can win over the Gujian Sect? That old fossil of theirs has never been willing to involve himself in struggles for power. If he were truly so easy to sway, this prince would have succeeded long ago.’’

“He may look like a fool, but he is actually as shrewd as an old fox,” Chu Jingyun said with a sneer, shaking his head.

“Your Highness, you must not be careless! According to reliable information, the Grand Elder of the Gujian Sect has already secretly thrown in his lot with Imperial Prince Kun.’’

“This time, Imperial Prince Kun even brought along Gu Feng, a First-Rank sword-path expert. It looks as though he is determined to win over the Gujian Sect,” the middle-aged man advised.

Only then did Chu Jingyun show a bit of interest. Barefoot, he walked over to the study window and pushed it open.

A cool night breeze stirred Chu Jingyun’s long hair as he looked up at the bright moon high above.

“Among the current Imperial Princes, my fifth brother has the weakest foundation. It is no surprise that he would try to win over the Gujian Sect.’’

“If I remember correctly, the Gujian Sect’s Sword Homage Assembly is about to be held, is it not?”

The middle-aged man was startled, then respectfully replied, “Reporting to Your Highness, your memory is correct. The Gujian Sect will hold the Sword Homage Assembly in two days.”

“Is that so? Then let us make this Sword Homage Assembly a little more lively.” After speaking, Chu Jingyun’s lips curved into a sinister smile, and his eyes filled with madness.