Chapter Fifty: The Lingering Snow Sword Defeats Yuhan Xiao

But to Bai Mu’s ears, these words seemed to carry a different meaning altogether.

Especially when Ling Yan mentioned that Brahma Immortal was Xiyan’s divine father—her heart was so shocked she nearly cried out. No wonder she had been bested within a few moves when sparring with Xiyan earlier; even with the Dragon Sword in hand, she had been utterly outmatched. At the time, she had felt unwilling to accept her defeat, but knowing now that her opponent was the daughter of the God of War, she felt her pride restored and her heart at ease; at the very least, she no longer felt disgraced.

A hush fell over the scene; it seemed all three present were lost in thought, each perhaps weighing their own plans.

After about fifteen minutes, Xiyan finally let out a long breath and said, with calm indifference, “Ling Yan, your sudden visit to the Gui Xu Sanctuary—are you looking for my father?”

Exactly!

Ling Yan collected herself and replied without hesitation, “I came to the Gui Xu Sanctuary today for three important matters that I must discuss with your father!”

“What are they?” Xiyan asked, her curiosity piqued.

At this, Ling Yan hesitated for a moment, then suggested softly, “These matters are of great consequence. It’s best you take me to your father at once, so I can explain them to him face-to-face.”

“Oh?” Xiyan’s expression darkened, her tone taking on a chill. “Do you not trust me?”

She continued coldly, “We’ve known each other for many years. Though our youth was spent locked in rivalry, I’ve always considered you my dearest sister, even if your victories did leave me fuming each time.”

Ling Yan laughed a little sheepishly. “Xiyan, today’s concerns are of the utmost gravity. They may well determine the fate of all realms of the wilds. The Dragon Sword in your hand is the key to all three. Please, return it to its rightful owner.”

“I’m willing to give it back!” Xiyan weighed the ancient sword in her hand and said with a teasing smile, “I’ve already said, if he can take it from me, I’ll trouble him no more.”

“Stop this nonsense!” Ling Yan’s patience snapped. “Hand over the sword, or I’ll be forced to take it by force!”

Xiyan raised her eyelids and cast a sidelong glance at Bai Mu, who stood stunned at her side. With a hint of surprise, she asked, “Could it be that the illustrious Celestial Maiden has taken a liking to this lowly mortal?”

“Nonsense!” Ling Yan rolled her eyes and sneered, “He’s a disciple of the ancient god Baize, a true godling if ever there was one. How did he end up a mere mortal in your eyes?”

She continued, “And you’d best return the sword before you truly anger him. If Baize comes to Floating Jade Mountain demanding answers, your father, Brahma Immortal, will be caught in a very difficult position.”

“Oh, he’s Baize’s disciple?” Xiyan’s disdain faded, replaced by a measure of respect. “If he shares such a lineage, it would be dishonorable of me to keep the Dragon Sword by force.”

“Young man, catch!” With these words, Xiyan’s face turned cold. She tossed the sword, which traced a graceful arc through the air before landing in Bai Mu’s hands.

As he looked down at the recovered treasure, a sense of dreamlike unreality swept over Bai Mu. But at least the danger had passed. He clutched the Dragon Sword tightly, fearful it might be snatched away again.

“Take us to your father,” Ling Yan instructed calmly.

“What’s the hurry?” Xiyan swept her gaze over the pair, letting it settle on Ling Yan. After studying her a moment, she challenged, “Sister, it’s been centuries since we last met, hasn’t it? Now that fate brings us together atop the Immortal Cliff, why not spar once more? The matter of the Dragon Sword is settled; I can now duel you with nothing holding me back.”

Ling Yan’s heart sank at these words, a silent cry of dismay echoing within her.

Since she could remember, it had been said in the heavens that the youngest daughter of the Celestial Emperor and the God of War’s daughter were both peerless prodigies, unmatched in a thousand years. From childhood, they had seen each other as rivals. Thus, every century or so, they would test their skills against one another.

Over the past millennium, they’d fought at least ten times. Each bout was fiercely contested, and though Ling Yan always emerged victorious, her wins were narrow, often decided by a single move.

What was most astonishing was how, with every duel, Ling Yan could sense Xiyan’s rapid progress, which in turn forced her, the pampered daughter of the Celestial Emperor, to push herself ever further.

In truth, after so many years of cultivation, Ling Yan harbored a measure of fear toward this martial-obsessed Xiyan. Having won so long, to lose now—especially to someone whose status and beauty matched her own—would be a bitter blow.

Ling Yan had not intended to face Xiyan today, nor had she planned on alarming her during this journey to Floating Jade Mountain. Yet fate had other plans, and Xiyan was now openly issuing her challenge.

She knew there would be no peaceful resolution; without a duel, Xiyan would never let the matter drop. If she made too much of a scene and summoned the other disciples of the Gui Xu Sanctuary, their secret mission would be over before it began.

Weighing her options, Ling Yan steeled herself. She would face Xiyan here and now atop the Immortal Cliff, then slip away with Bai Mu to seek out the God of War, Brahma Immortal, in the Floating Jade Palace—treating Bai Mu’s sword wound and reporting the theft of the Demon Bottle.

“Well?” Xiyan pressed eagerly. Freed from the issue of the Dragon Sword, her fighting spirit was already ablaze.

“Very well!” Ling Yan replied, her expression unmoved. “If you lose again, you’ll lead us to Brahma Immortal without protest—and keep our presence on Floating Jade Mountain a secret. Agreed?”

“Agreed!” Xiyan answered with excitement. With a flick of her right hand, a slender, delicate sword appeared.

The blade was narrower and smaller than the Dragon Sword, its tip exquisitely sharp, shimmering with silver under the sunlight. Delicate plum blossoms adorned its surface, lending it an air of noble elegance.