Chapter 27: A Fated Encounter of Swords, A Gift of a Broken Manual

Hearing this, the shopkeeper immediately felt that the young girl was merely trying to save face and was speaking intentionally. However, because Xie Jingxing was present, he could not argue directly and instead replied euphemistically.

"This 'Frost-Condensing' blade is a high-grade mortal tool, worth six hundred spirit stones. It is not something an ordinary sword can compare to."

Six hundred spirit stones? So expensive?

Though shocked inwardly, Shen Yinshu refused to back down and gave a light snort.

"Is that so? What a coincidence, then. That Pine-Pattern Sword happens to be high-grade as well, and it was personally bestowed by the Academy Master."

The shopkeeper merely smiled upon hearing this. So what if it was bestowed by the Academy Master? It wasn't as if you had actually obtained it; what was there to be so proud of?

Xie Jingxing, hearing this, gave the two of them a thoughtful glance.

However, he had no interest in delving deeper into this. Picking up his newly acquired Frost-Condensing sword, he gave them a slight nod and prepared to leave.

Seeing him about to depart, Shen Yinshu shot a look at Jiang Youling.

"Where is Senior Brother Huang? Many people join the sect for over a decade and might not even encounter him once. Why don't we find a way to make his acquaintance?"

Jiang Youling hesitated slightly. "But this is our first time meeting him, and Senior Brother Xie doesn't seem to have any intention of socializing with us..."

"Oh, come on! Opportunities are something you have to create yourself! Let me think of a way!"

A sudden idea struck Shen Yinshu, and she hurriedly chased after Xie Jingxing's retreating figure. "Senior Brother Xie, wait a moment! You helped me out of a difficult situation just now, and I haven't had the chance to thank you yet!"

Xie Jingxing paused, but he did not turn around. "Your friend already scolded that rude attendant on your behalf. I merely used my status to suppress them; there is no need to thank me."

Shen Yinshu's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly continued, "Regardless, you did scold that attendant for me and helped me vent my frustration. In terms of reason and sentiment, it wouldn't be too much to say a word of thanks, would it?"

Only then did Xie Jingxing turn around. "It was a trivial matter, no thanks are necessary. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

*This Senior Brother Huang is certainly blunt!*

Shen Yinshu was momentarily speechless. Seeing Xie Jingxing about to walk away, a sudden idea came to her.

She first bowed respectfully to him. "Thank you, Senior Brother, for upholding justice just now."

Then, she added with feigned nonchalance, "Speaking of which, what a coincidence. When the Academy Master bestowed swords a few days ago, I had the honor of seeing that Pine-Pattern Sword. Its forging craftsmanship was truly extraordinary, tsk tsk tsk..."

Xie Jingxing's heart stirred. She had mentioned this sword twice; could it be...?

His gaze drifted back and forth between Jiang Youling and Shen Yinshu, a suspicion forming in his mind.

Once they had left the Qiwu Pavilion, he finally turned to Jiang Youling and cupped his hands. "I am Xie Jingxing. I have heard that the Pine-Pattern Iron Sword is a high-grade mortal tool, yet its forging material is so pure that it shows a cold glint even before being sharpened. I wonder if I might take a look at it?"

Jiang Youling blinked, feigning ignorance. "What are you saying, Senior Brother Xie? I don't quite understand."

Xie Jingxing simply said, "Do not worry, I will not look at your sword for nothing. I have here a volume of the *Fragmented Manual of the Azure Nether Sword Art*, which I obtained by chance during my travels. I have already mastered the sword techniques within it, so it is of little use to me. If you like it, I shall give it to you."

Jiang Youling's eyes lit up. To obtain a fragmented manual just by letting someone view her sword? How could such a wonderful thing happen?

There were formations in the courtyard, so she did not fear him stealing the sword.

Thus, she nodded readily. "If Senior Brother wishes to view the sword, I originally should not have accepted your manual. However, as mere handyman disciples, we lack the qualifications to step foot in the Scripture Pavilion. I obtained this Pine-Pattern Sword, but because my understanding of the Dao of the Sword is shallow, I have allowed a bright pearl to gather dust. The manual Senior Brother bestows today is indeed something I urgently need. Once I have fully comprehended it, I shall surely return it to its rightful owner."

Xie Jingxing chuckled upon hearing this. "It is merely a fragmented manual. Since I said I would give it to you, you should simply accept it. However, since you have not yet mastered the basics of swordsmanship, this *Fragmented Manual of the Azure Nether Sword Art* might be a bit difficult for you. I suggest you focus on your cultivation first. Once you have broken through to the early stages of Qi Refinement, you may begin practicing swordsmanship starting with the *Basic Explanations of Sword Techniques*."

With that, he produced an object out of thin air and handed it to Jiang Youling; it was indeed the *Fragmented Manual of the Azure Nether Sword Art*.

As Jiang Youling took the manual, she was surprised by his ability to produce objects from nothing. "Is the immortal art Senior Brother employs the 'Universe within a Sleeve'?"

Xie Jingxing shook his head and produced a palm-sized silk pouch for them to see.

"I know nothing of a 'Universe within a Sleeve.' It is merely a Mustard Seed Space. The *Scripture of the True One of the Profound Mystic Spiritual Treasure* states: 'The mustard seed is the extreme of microscopic dust; Mount Sumeru is the supreme of mountain kings. To contain the wondrous within the infinitesimal, and to hide the great universe within a speck of dust.' This Mustard Seed Space is quite peculiar, but in truth, it is just a tool for storing items."

Jiang Youling marveled inwardly. Immortal methods were indeed wondrous, to be able to fit such a large book into such a tiny silk pouch.

Xie Jingxing stowed the Frost-Condensing sword into the pouch and cupped his hands to the two of them. "Then, I shall ask my two Junior Sisters to lead the way."

Shadows slanted across the ground, and the eaves' bells sighed in the wind.

Looking at the slightly dilapidated small courtyard not far away, Shen Yinshu coughed lightly. "Our humble abode is crude; I hope Senior Brother will not laugh at us."

Xie Jingxing smiled faintly. "A dwelling is but a vessel for habitation; the physical body is nothing more than a boat for the soul. As long as the bright moon enters the door and the clear breeze passes through the hall, what is there to call crude?"

Jiang Youling nodded readily. "Senior Brother is quite right. Please wait in the courtyard for a moment; I shall go and fetch the sword immediately."

With that, she entered the house, took down the sword hanging on the wall, and handed it to Xie Jingxing.

With a sharp *clink*, the Pine-Pattern sword left its scabbard.

Xie Jingxing studied it intently for a moment before saying, "The sword patterns are like pines, and the aura hides traces of frost, possessing a latent momentum. It is indeed somewhat better than my newly acquired 'Frost-Condensing' blade."

He then returned the sword to its scabbard.

As Jiang Youling took the sword back from him, she wondered if it was an illusion, but she felt that Senior Brother Xie's expression had been somewhat complex when he saw the Pine-Pattern sword.

"Senior Brother, I have brewed some tea. Since you are our guest, why not stay for a cup before you depart?"

Shen Yinshu placed the tea set on the stone table in the courtyard and busily poured the tea.

Thinking that a cup of tea would not take much time, Xie Jingxing agreed and sat down at the stone table.

"Please do not find this tea too thin—the leaves were brought from my home, but the water is from a clear mountain spring. It has a uniquely crisp flavor."

Xie Jingxing took a sip. "Though the tea is simple, it suffices to quench thirst."

After finishing the cup, he set the tea bowl down on the table. "Thank you both for your hospitality. Jingxing has matters to attend to; I shall enjoy tea with you both slowly another time."

With that, he rose and departed.

Watching the direction in which Xie Jingxing had gone, Shen Yinshu sighed.

"Is this Senior Brother Xie too difficult to approach? He seems gentle and polite, but in reality, he maintains a calculated distance. I fear he has already seen through my attempt to get close to him. Youling, what do you think?"

There was no response. Shen Yinshu looked toward Jiang Youling in confusion, only to find that she was already lost in thought, clutching the *Fragmented Manual of the Azure Nether Sword Art*.