King of Assassins
Chapter 90 - 89: The First Gathering of 4 Saints

Chapter 90: Chapter 89: The First Gathering of 4 Saints

"Young friend Gao Xuan is only eighteen this year, truly a heroic youth."

Fang Zheng held Gao Xuan’s hand with endless emotion, "Copper Man Alley has been established for thirty years, and you are the first to pass through it. To be so young, it’s incredible."

Fang Zheng had dreamed of becoming a Sword Saint from a young age, but unfortunately, he didn’t have a high talent in Swordsmanship; instead, he became a master in sword casting.

Copper Man Alley was actually a game from his childhood. Displayed for nostalgic reasons on one hand, and to screen for true Sword Dao geniuses on the other.

In thirty years, no one had been able to break through Copper Man Alley.

Fang Zheng never thought the first person to pass through Copper Man Alley would be only eighteen years old and so handsome.

"Young friend Gao Xuan, your eyes?"

Fang Zheng, being older, wasn’t so reserved. He was very curious about what was going on with Gao Xuan’s eyes.

"I’ve had an eye disorder since childhood."

Gao Xuan said, "Perhaps because I can’t see, I awakened mental sensing superpower. It allows me to sense and observe the world more acutely."

"So that’s how it is."

Fang Zheng nodded. In the Interstellar Era, human genes are constantly mutating, and the awakening of superpowers isn’t particularly strange.

Gao Xuan’s Mental Superpower must be extremely powerful. That’s why his Sword Dao skill is so high.

"Let’s go inside and talk."

Fang Zheng was full of interest in Gao Xuan. This young man was just too unique.

Gao Xuan thought for a moment and said, "Elder, I’ll call a friend."

Gao Xuan beckoned to the still-dazed Qingyi Fei Niao: "Little Bird, come over quickly."

Qingyi Fei Niao was bewildered. Gao Xuan’s affectionate address left her at a loss, and she didn’t know what Gao Xuan was calling her for.

"Come on, don’t be shy. Elder Fang is a Swordsmith Master, it’s good to listen to the elder brag a bit."

Gao Xuan warmly invited Qingyi Fei Niao, not because she would become a future Yin Yang Sword Saint, nor because the little girl was gentle, lively, and cute. None of that mattered; he simply appreciated Qingyi Fei Niao.

Jiang Xuejun rolled her eyes and silently cursed "scumbag" inside.

Feeling embarrassed to refuse again, Qingyi Fei Niao quickly ran over and bowed deeply to Gao Xuan: "Thank you, Gao Monarch."

She then bowed deeply to Fang Zheng: "Elder Fang, sorry to trouble you."

Fang Zheng chuckled and said, "No trouble at all. The more the merrier."

Fang Zheng usually liked peace, but today was different. Gao Xuan, Yun Qingshang, and Qingyi Fei Niao were all outstanding individuals of their time. Even Jiang Xuejun was an extremely excellent young person.

Being with them, Fang Zheng could feel an endless vitality. For an old man, nothing could be better than this.

Fang Zhang led the way, bringing the group to a separate tea room in the backyard.

The Cloud Stone Tea Tray, dedicated to brewing tea, was quite imposing. The tea set was made of Upper Grade white porcelain, as thin as paper, as bright as jade.

The screen behind the tea tray, depicting Immortals Crossing the Sea, was quaint and traditional. The redwood chairs were dignified and stately.

Fang Zheng took the main seat, with Fang Zhang responsible for brewing tea. Gao Xuan and the others sat around casually.

Qingyi Fei Niao sat at the very edge, maintaining a polite smile on her face but feeling a bit restless inside. She wasn’t familiar with anyone present and didn’t know what to say.

More importantly, Fang Zheng was a Swordsmith Master. Regardless of his own level of Sword Dao skill, he had a very high reputation in Mingjing City in Sword Dao circles.

Gao Xuan, on the other hand, was the apex of Sword Dao, making Qingyi Fei Niao feel even more self-conscious.

Fortunately, no one paid too much attention to her. Fang Zhang opened a screen, playing the video of Gao Xuan’s breakthrough, capturing everyone’s attention.

The video had many angles, including the main perspective of the Copper Man. Multiple screens played together, showcasing the details of Gao Xuan’s breakthrough.

Fang Zheng hadn’t seen the video before, and as he watched, he couldn’t help but praise it continuously. He was also a Level 8 Swordsman; while his Swordsmanship wasn’t particularly strong, his Sword Dao cultivation and insight were top-notch on Pegasus Star.

Through the breakthrough video, he saw the genius in Gao Xuan.

There were no flashy Sword Techniques, only the simplest thrusts and slashes, yet each move was executed perfectly.

The subtle grasp of combat timing surpassed any swordsman he had ever seen. No wonder Gao Xuan took just ten minutes to clear Copper Man Alley; there was no luck involved.

Gao Xuan was still so young, with an infinite future ahead.

Fang Zheng was very impressed and had growing admiration for Gao Xuan.

Gao Xuan was quite carefree and wasn’t particularly reserved just because Fang Zheng was an elder master.

Although Fang Zheng’s name was "upright," his character was very free-spirited. He detested those who were formal and dull. His conversation with Gao Xuan was extremely engaging, as if they were old friends who had met too late.

In a joyful mood, the elder cheerfully said, "I’ll help you recast the Po Jun Sword, and I’ll cover the remaining titanium steel you lack. I’ll also personally create a fine sword for you."

Fang Zheng smiled and said, "Once you make a name for yourself in the Star Realm, the old man will also bask in your glory."

Gao Xuan wasn’t shy at all, bowing and saying, "Elder, your generosity knows no bounds. I must make friends with you."

Fang Zheng laughed heartily. At his age, with substantial wealth, he didn’t care much about some money.

It was rare to find a Sword Dao talent as extraordinary as Gao Xuan, truly worth befriending.

Gao Xuan pointed to Qingyi Fei Niao and said, "Little Bird is also very formidable. I believe she will at least become a Sword Saint in the future. Elder, you should craft two swords for her too. It won’t be a loss."

"No problem. This young lady’s swordsmanship has a lot of spirituality."

Fang Zheng didn’t quite believe that Qingyi Fei Niao could become a Sword Saint, but since the young girl was a guest here and Gao Xuan specially mentioned it, he had to agree.

Gao Xuan continued: "As the saying goes, it’s better to have a smaller circle than be missing the right person. Elder, bring Xuejun along too. She is also very excellent."

Jiang Xuejun felt a bit shy being mentioned; although she didn’t care much for a sword, everyone else had one, and she alone did not, which would be too awkward.

Elder Fang Zheng, being worldly-wise, certainly wouldn’t let Jiang Xuejun feel embarrassed.

He praised, "Xuejun has a resilient character and will achieve great things in the future. I must give her this sword."

Gao Xuan was also very happy: "In the future, when we talk about today, it can be named: The Four Saints of the Sword Washing Studio gather for the first time, with the Grandmaster having the insight to recognize talent."

"Hahaha..."

Fang Zheng laughed heartily: "Alright, alright, a hundred years from now, I’ll be waiting for you all to make me famous..."

As Fang Zheng personally took charge of casting the swords, he naturally needed to talk to everyone to understand their needs, their sword paths, specialties, and so on.

Fang Zheng usually loved to joke, but he was absolutely meticulous when it came to casting swords.

Everyone had to undergo detailed data testing and answer various questions.

Taking advantage of a break, Qingyi Fei Niao found Gao Xuan: "Gao Monarch, since it’s my first meeting with Master Fang, it’s awkward to receive such a grand gift. Thank you for your kindness."

Saying this, Qingyi Fei Niao bowed deeply. Earlier, with so many people around and Gao Xuan taking the initiative to speak for her, she felt too embarrassed to decline directly.

Gao Xuan smiled as he watched Qingyi Fei Niao bowing, not stopping her.

After bowing deeply for a while without getting a response, Qingyi Fei Niao looked up somewhat surprised at Gao Xuan.

"Little Bird, have you heard the old saying, ’As new as white hair, as familiar as old friends under a tilted hat’?"

Gao Xuan spoke leisurely: "You’re a friend I feel quite a connection with right off the bat, and I’m determined to befriend you."

Qingyi Fei Niao’s small round face turned slightly red; she was indeed a bit shy.

Gao Xuan continued: "We are friends, so don’t get any ideas about coveting my beauty."

Qingyi Fei Niao’s small round face turned even redder; she hesitated, unsure of how to explain herself.

"Elder Fang also admires you. You’re so polite, so you should know that appropriately accepting gifts is also a kind of courtesy."

Gao Xuan thought for a moment and said, "Once school starts, we’ll be classmates. You should practice your sword skills well, so we can win the Sword Dao League championship together."

Qingyi Fei Niao was startled; though her goals were ambitious, she had never thought about winning the Sword Dao League championship.

The Alliance is vast, and Pegasus Star is just a small, insignificant planet within it. In terms of education resources and talent reserves, it’s at the bottom of the Alliance.

Winning the university Sword Dao League championship seemed like sheer fantasy.

"Don’t be afraid, all you have to do is hold onto my coattails tightly, and I’ll take you to victory."

Though Gao Xuan’s tone was boastful, Qingyi Fei Niao didn’t find it annoying; on the contrary, she found Gao Xuan interesting and amusing.

"Probably, it’s because he’s so handsome. No, it’s because his swordsmanship is really, really strong..."

Focused on the Sword Dao, Qingyi Fei Niao lacked much experience in dealing with people. She was completely swept up in the rhythm of Gao Xuan’s conversation, and her initial firm intention to refuse had vanished.

Finally, Gao Xuan remarked, "You’ve been keeping your dual swords hidden; who are you planning to surprise?"

Qingyi Fei Niao blushed a deep red from ear to neck.

The Hidden Yin Dual Swords are an exclusive skill of the Sword Hall, and Qingyi Fei Niao only used a single sword outside. Mainly, her father was worried the skill would be leaked.

Gao Xuan hadn’t expected Qingyi Fei Niao to be so shy and felt a bit soft-hearted to tease her further.

"It seems you’re feeling a bit hot; you should cool down for a bit..."

Watching Gao Xuan leave, Qingyi Fei Niao finally exhaled a breath of relief. She had felt utterly embarrassed earlier.

Qingyi Fei Niao was not naturally shy or introverted; it was just that she was outclassed by Gao Xuan, who had mercilessly teased her to the point of sheer embarrassment.

Gao Xuan returned to the room and chatted with Elder Fang Zheng for quite a while.

After all, having benefitted at the elder’s expense, he had to flatter him a bit to deepen their bond.

Fang Zheng genuinely appreciated Gao Xuan and said, "You all shouldn’t leave; I’ll treat you to dinner tonight."

Just as Gao Xuan was about to decline, Fang Zhang approached and whispered to the elder, "Uncle, Bai Yuncheng has sent you an invitation to attend a banquet at the Golden Dragon Pavilion."

Fang Zheng was slightly surprised; Bai Yuncheng had come to Mingjing City for a duel. How did they have the time to host a banquet for guests?

However, the title of Third Swordsman of the East Continent stood tall. Fang Zheng had interactions with Bai Yuncheng in his early years, so they were acquaintances at least.

Fang Zheng, with some apology, said to Gao Xuan: "I won’t be able to treat you to dinner today."

"Business is important."

Gao Xuan smiled and said, "It’s no problem, we’ll come again next time to freeload a meal from you, elder."

After leaving the Sword Washing Studio, Jiang Xuejun went home on her own.

Gao Xuan drove with Yun Qingshang onto the ring road, but he didn’t say a word all the way.

When they were nearing home, Yun Qingshang couldn’t help but ask: "What do you plan to do?"

Gao Xuan chuckled silently: "Bai Yuncheng wants to make a name for himself, so let him. When he’s at the peak of his fame, I’ll defeat him, leaving him completely convinced."

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