Chapter 15 - Two People In The Rain
“Saint Weapon?”
This was the first time Yang Shifei had heard this term, and his curiosity grew. “Is it a renowned weapon in the martial world?”
Luo Xian’er shook her head. “It’s more important than you think. It’s a treasure that defines a sect, a sacred artifact of immense value. There are only thirty-seven Saint Weapons in the entire world, and their holders are all renowned as the most powerful beings.”
Yang Shifei grasped the concept and nodded in understanding. So, these were the top-tier weapons.
“Then why is the Saint Weapon so significant to the East city?” Yang Shifei asked, still puzzled. “Did the Saint Weapon emerge here?”
“Saint Weapons are not naturally occurring.” Luo Xian’er explained unhurriedly, “To forge a Saint Weapon, you first need a rare mineral called ‘Sacred Martial Stone.’ This mineral is extremely scarce and scattered across the world. Once discovered, it is usually controlled by the local dynasty.”
“Once the materials are gathered, they are transported to a specialized sect called the Thousand Blade Forge, where experts begin the forging process. The birth of each Saint Weapon inevitably causes a bloody turmoil.”
Yang Shifei couldn’t help but click his tongue.
He wondered what kind of power these Saint Weapons held to make people risk their lives for them.
“This time, the Sacred Martial Stone was found within the borders of the Liang Empire.” Luo Xian’er said softly, “It has been fully mined and a group of imperial experts is escorting it to the Thousand Blade Forge. The journey will pass through four provinces and twenty-nine counties. Our East city is a crucial stop where the escorts will hand over to a new team to prevent any mishaps during the long journey.”
Yang Shifei looked again at the boats on the river. “But why are the martial artists here? Just to watch the spectacle?”
“Some will come to watch, but many righteous warriors are here to protect the treasure.”
“Because… someone wants to steal it?”
“It has been this way for hundreds of years.”
Luo Xian’er looked into the distance. “The countries of the world are constantly at war, and each Saint Weapon is crucial in affecting the balance of power. Even though this Sacred Martial Stone was found within Liang’s borders, spies from other countries will come to steal or sabotage it, and the reverse is also true.”
“And while some martial artists are dissatisfied with the imperial court, others are loyal to the Emperor of Liang or don’t want their homeland engulfed in war. They gather and act on their own to help escort the stone.”
As she spoke, Luo Xian’er reminded him, “The escort team will arrive in the East City in about ten days. During this time, martial artists from all over will come, and it may become quite chaotic.”
“Can the authorities handle it?” Yang Shifei’s lips twitched. “Surely they won’t start fighting in the city?”
“Who can say…”
Luo Xian’er’s gaze suddenly shifted towards the far end of the river.
The man in white from the Flowing Wind Sect on the boat seemed to be looking in their direction and let out a loud laugh.
Yang Shifei was puzzled as he saw the man take out a bamboo pole from the boat and casually throw it into the river.
“Is he going to…”
The next moment, the man in white stepped off the boat, his figure light as the wind, landing steadily on the floating bamboo pole, and started to walk towards the riverbank as if walking on water.
Yang Shifei was amazed. “What incredible footwork!”
The man in white, with his robes fluttering and his braid flying in the wind, laughed heartily, hands behind his back. “Miss over there, may I ask—”
But the graceful and dashing swordsman’s demeanor didn’t last three seconds. His expression changed suddenly, and with a cry of “Oh fuck!” he wobbled and fell into the river with a splash.
Yang Shifei: “?”
Is this guy here to make us laugh?
Luo Xian’er wiped the oil stains from her fingertips with a handkerchief and said calmly, “Young master, in the future, do not imitate such idlers. It’s easy to embarrass yourself.”
Yang Shifei blushed and said. “I have no interest in diving into the river.”
He looked again at the river and saw the white-clad swordsman floundering and rolling in the water, even losing one of his boots to the current.
“Should we save him?”
“No need.” Luo Xian’er handed him the handkerchief. “A disciple of the Flowing Wind Sect drowning? No one in the world would believe it.”
Yang Shifei wiped his hands as well and said, “Shall we continue walking?”
“Yes, it will help with digestion.”
Luo Xian’er packed the bamboo basket and was about to stand up when Yang Shifei offered his hand to help her up.
The young lady looked at his cheerful smile and blinked. “You seem quite happy, young master?”
Yang Shifei smiled a bit awkwardly. “It’s nice to have someone to chat with, it’s quite pleasant.”
“That’s good.”
Luo Xian’er dusted off the grass from her skirt and started walking with a cool demeanor.
Just as Yang Shifei caught up with her, he heard the girl’s clear voice carried by the spring breeze:
“I’m quite happy today too.”
The delicate tone warmed his heart.
…
After a while, at the riverbank.
The swordsman in white lay sprawled on the bank, gasping for breath and occasionally spitting out water, his face pale.
He clumsily crawled onto the bank, soaked through, one boot missing, and his sword nowhere to be seen. Kneeling on the ground, he took a while to catch his breath.
“Damn… what rotten luck do I have…”
The swordsman in white wiped his face, still visibly shaken.
Not far away, a boat from the Flowing Wind Sect was approaching, with two disciples at the bow shouting: “Senior Brother! Are you alright?!”
“I’m… I’m fine.”
The swordsman waved weakly, trying to stand up but found his legs were too weak.
In the silence, he recalled what he had just seen—
It was a pair of mesmerizing eyes.
The moment their gazes met, he felt an overwhelming pressure like a mountain pressing down on him, his limbs went stiff, and his whole body felt like it was plunged into an icy abyss. Just the thought of it made him break out in a cold sweat again.
“Senior Brother!” Several disciples rushed from the boat, quickly helping him up. “How did you fall into the water all of a sudden?”
“Did your lightfoot skill fail?”
“Impossible! I just… Ah!” The swordsman in white was utterly embarrassed but even more frightened. “On this trip, we must act low-key!”
The disciples looked at each other in confusion. “Senior Brother, just a few days ago, you said we should restore the glory of Flowing Wind Sect and make a grand show. Now, how come—”
“That’s different!” The swordsman in white was on the verge of tears. “If there’s a fight, call our master! Why should we get involved in this mess?”
…
Yang Shifei and Luo Xian’er strolled leisurely along the riverbank, enjoying the scenery.
When they reached an inner river stream, they stopped in front of a stone bridge and saw an old peach tree in full bloom beside the bridge.
Under the tree were numerous small vendors and bustling travelers.
“Cross the bridge, and you’ll reach another district.” Luo Xian’er looked at the swaying peach blossoms. “This peach tree is said to be a hundred years old and quite famous.”
Yang Shifei’s eyes scanned the roadside stalls, noticing they were selling jewelry and handkerchiefs.
He then looked at the couples strolling near the peach tree and instinctively felt his empty pockets, inwardly clicking his tongue.
He was penniless and couldn’t even buy a small gift. He would have to wait until next month to consider it.
“Young master, please wait a moment.”
Luo Xian’er suddenly whispered, waving her sleeve. “I’ll be right back.”
Yang Shifei was puzzled, somewhat unsure of her intentions.
He soon saw her walk to a nearby stall, and after a moment, she turned back toward him.
“—Young Master, please accept this.”
Seeing the jade pendant she handed over, Yang Shifei was stunned, “For me?”
Luo Xian’er tilted her head, “Who else?”
Yang Shifei took a breath, hesitating a bit, “Isn’t this too precious? Besides, I’ve already received a lot of care from you. It should be me giving you something—”
“In this world, men usually pursue women with flattery and gifts to win their hearts. It’s normal for you to think this way.”
Luo Xian’er stepped closer, gently tying the pendant to his belt with its string. “But I don’t care about these worldly rules, nor do I like senseless fuss. Since you are currently short of money, it is only right for me to take more care of you.”
She raised her delicate face and said softly, “You can repay me with a gift when you get paid in the future.”
Looking into her straightforward eyes, Yang Shifei held his breath, deeply moved.
The rich girl might have plenty of money, but her heart was even more beautiful.
Thinking this, he suddenly felt a drop of water splash on his face.
Luo Xian’er quickly noticed, “It’s starting to rain.”
Yang Shifei glanced up and laughed awkwardly, “I thought I was almost moved to tears by your words.”
Although Luo Xianer’s face remained calm, a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes. “If you were moved to tears, I wouldn’t mind.”
“No, no, that would be too embarrassing.”
Spring rain came unexpectedly.
After just a few words, dark clouds gathered, and the rain started pouring down.
Yang Shifei quickly looked around and, seeing no umbrellas for sale, took off his outer robe and covered their heads with it.
“Miss Luo, can you still walk?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
Luo Xian’er lightly held onto his sleeve, and they hurried across the bridge and down the long street, their figures gradually disappearing into the misty rain.
The spring rain was sudden, but today it felt warm.