Eternal Swordmaster
Chapter 127 - 123 Incident Part 1

Chapter 127: Chapter 123 Incident Part 1

The autumn wind was gentle.

On the boundless golden-yellow prairie, countless wild grasses waved like the manes of majestic lions, creating ripples with the wind.

In the distance, the mountains rose and fell unceasingly, a continuous stretch of gray-black.

Between the barren prairie and the mountains was a transitional area that gradually turned from yellow to black. A lone traveler rode a chestnut horse, slowly making his way through the grasses of the prairie.

The constant clip-clop of the horse’s hooves could be heard as the rider, dressed in white, with a black Longsword on his back, appeared to be around thirty, with a small mustache that added an air of steadiness and solemnity.

"Once past this prairie, I’ll be entering Le Fu territory..."

The man on horseback was Lin Xin, who had just left his Sect. He hadn’t brought any followers, instead choosing to travel alone, riding with food and water packed for the journey. In the days he had rested on the road, he had begun to ponder the new Formation Path materials he had acquired; some materials were only partially available in the Sect, while others he needed to search for himself. Thus, he set out alone, planning to visit the black market along the way back to purchase the necessary materials.

"Left is the direction to the black market, I must quicken my pace." He took out a disguise mask from his chest, which he had obtained many years ago in the Trial Cave by killing someone. He was still using it after all these years for its practicality; on many occasions, it was with this mask and a Concealment Array that he could safely enter and leave the black market without his identity being recognized.

Suddenly, as he was about to turn the horse left, he saw a man standing in the tall grass ahead, about half a person tall. He was a black-robed Taoist, whose eyes were set straight on him.

"Lin Xin, my young disciple, I trust you’ve been well." The Taoist’s face bore a vicious scar, like a centipede crawling on his left cheek, and his gaze towards Lin Xin carried a hint of malice.

Lin Xin’s heart tensed.

"So it’s Elder Brother Huang Songzi." Since he had become a formal Disciple, it was natural for him to address Huang Songzi, a fellow Disciple, as Elder Brother.

"Elder Brother standing here alone, could it be you were waiting for me specially?" He looked around but saw no one else.

Huang Songzi hadn’t been seen for many years, and it was said that he had just returned from Demon-Suppressing Cliff after being injured, and had been recuperating in the Sect. Lin Xin hadn’t expected him to come looking for him so soon, and the visible wounds on his face seemed quite serious.

Lin Xin didn’t believe the other had nothing better to do than to wander to this border without cause.

Huang Songzi cracked a smile.

"Who would have thought, after so many years, my young disciple... oh, my junior, Junior Brother, your Qi Cultivation has become even more profound. You’re still at the Seventh Layer."

"Elder Brother, if you have something to say, you can speak frankly." Lin Xin said calmly. The other party was at least an Eighth Layer Qi Cultivation expert; if it really came to a fight, he would not be a match. But he didn’t believe the other would just start a fight like that.

Huang Songzi chuckled twice.

"Junior Brother is straightforward," he said, stepping closer. "I’ve heard that Junior Brother’s expertise in Formation Path and Taoist Talisman is superb, establishing Spirit Heart Villa by himself and providing several hundred Luminous Talisman Swords for the Sect each year, saving the Sect from many unnecessary losses. Therefore, our Sect Elders instructed me to wait here for Junior Brother."

"Wait for me to do what?" Lin Xin felt a slight sinking feeling.

"Of course, to discuss how to increase the production of Talisman Swords." Huang Songzi smiled, "Over the years, Spirit Heart Villa has been prosperous and not only supports the Sect but also sponsors the Disciples sent by the villa to the Sect. It seems, Junior Brother, that your production could still be increased a bit."

Lin Xin looked at him.

"The production of Talisman Swords has already reached its limit; I can’t do any more than that, and I dare not deceive on this."

"No matter," Huang Songzi smiled, "the Sect Elder asked me to tell you that he can provide assistant craftsmen, Talisman Makers, and raw materials, and so on. Junior Brother alone supplying Talisman Swords for the Sect is, after all, beyond one individual’s capacity. My Elder has expressed that in order to ensure the stability of the Sect’s rear, he is willing to help increase production at no cost to you."

"Oh?" Lin Xin’s heart sank further, understanding the other party’s intention. "Such concern and effort for the Sect by that Elder is indeed admirable."

"Of course, as an Elder, some things may not matter, but as his junior, I must fight for his rights. What I mean is, in the future, it would be best if the villa’s Talisman Swords could first supply my Elder. As for the price, naturally, you won’t be treated unfairly." Huang Songzi, showing his true colors, made his intentions clear.

Lin Xin’s gaze grew colder.

So he intended to monopolize the villa’s Talisman Sword business! Price? Who would believe that he wouldn’t be shortchanged when offered an embarrassingly low sum in the end, and to whom could he complain then?

"Regarding the business of Talisman Swords, my Elder of the Formation Hall has a share in it, so I cannot decide on this matter alone; I need to consult first." Lin Xin’s first thought was of Granny Yu, whom he had always presented with generous gifts each year as compensation for her protection of the villa’s Talisman Sword business. The fact that the villa had been trouble-free for so many years was because Granny Yu was their backer.

Now that Huang Songzi had suddenly appeared, daring to meddle in the Talisman Sword business so openly and basically expecting handouts from the fruits of his laborious Talisman-making for just a few materials and craftsmanship.

What was the value of labor and materials compared to that?

Lin Xin sneered inwardly, but became even more worried about Granny Yu.

"No need to inquire, Granny Yu has passed away a few days ago at Demon-Suppressing Cliff while clashing with an Elder of the Vermilion Bird Holy Court, meeting her end together with the adversary..." Huang Songzi sighed, feigning sadness, but the joy in his eyes could hardly be concealed.

"Granny Yu... dead?!" Lin Xin was completely taken aback; it seemed impossible that Granny Yu, who was at the Foundation Establishment Stage, could be dead! "Impossible!" His voice rose sharply, and his breathing became unnatural.