Chapter 8: The Startling Dance of the Swan Sword

In the Imperial Capital, April brought blooming peach blossoms and willow branches dancing in the wind. As the spring breeze brushed against the face, the outskirts of Xiliang were a kaleidoscope of falling petals. Everywhere one looked, peach blossoms were in full, furious bloom; even the buds were a tender, delicate pink. It was the favorite destination for young ladies of noble families and sons of great clans to go spring outings, compose poetry, and enjoy a leisurely, carefree life.

"Miss, we have arrived." Qing'er had found a spot where the peach blossoms were lush yet the presence of people was sparse, which happened to suit her mistress's wishes perfectly. She was quite satisfied; this maid was observant and efficient, well worth cultivating.

"Qing'er, this place is nice. I like it."

"As long as you like it, Miss. I will have the driver pull the carriage a little further away so as not to disturb you."

Xiao Qianyin nodded and walked slowly toward the peach trees. Today, she wore a set of black robes, a departure from her usual vibrant colors. Her long hair was tied back simply with a silver-white ribbon, secured by a single jade hairpin at her temple, looking refreshing yet dignified. Even from behind, her silhouette was peerless, exuding an aura of lofty elegance.

Suddenly, her gaze froze, landing on something ahead.

Amidst the sky full of peach blossoms, petals drifted incessantly to the ground with the light breeze. The slanted sunlight traced shallow halos around them. Within the grove, a man held a sword, dancing. His moon-white robes fluttered, spreading with his movements and tracing one breathtaking arc after another.

He was free-spirited and elegant; every movement was composed and graceful. His sword qi was ethereal and uncertain, as clear and quiet as moonlight, yet as full of vitality as blooming peach blossoms. The saying "a beauty like jade and a sword like a rainbow" was indeed true.

She found a place to sit and quietly watched this sword dance. In reality, her internal energy was constantly circulating within her body. The profound mysteries of the man's swordsmanship were helpful to her own breakthrough, even if he was not circulating internal energy while dancing. She could still tell that his swordsmanship attainment was far beyond her own—she could not see through it.

"Miss," Qing'er's voice drifted over. Xiao Qianyin made a gesture for silence, signaling her to sit down and watch the sword dance together.

When Qing'er's eyes met that figure, her eyes suddenly widened. He, he wasn't...

She turned back to look at her mistress, only to see that she was completely absorbed. Even as falling peach blossoms scattered across her hair and face, she did not care; her entire gaze was fixed upon the man who possessed the temperament of a renowned scholar.

Xiao Qianyin vaguely felt the tendency of another breakthrough approaching. She hadn't expected a sword dance to break through the barrier she had been unable to breach. Her admiration for the man grew even more; such a dance belonged only in the heavens; it was a rare sight in the mortal world.

The sword dance stopped. The man turned around, his white robes flowing, a faint luster shimmering on his skin, reflecting the falling petals behind him like a celestial being.

She did not even dare to breathe too deeply, fearing he might fly up into the nine heavens in an instant. Just then, her gaze met his ink-like eyes. His eyes shimmered with a thousand kinds of glazed light, like a pond full of lotus flowers blooming quietly.

His transcendent elegance even surpassed his handsome and refined features. This kind of bearing had already transcended all human beauty; it was ineffable. His thin lips were as pale as water, a beauty that surpassed the secular world, unmatched by anyone.

"Miss Xiao, what do you think of this sword dance?" A clear, gentle voice drifted over. It was obvious that the man knew her.