Chapter 5: Breaking Through via Swordsmanship

“Since I have already torn the face with the Crown Prince of Southern Tang, Yin'er is not afraid of anything. The barefoot are not afraid of those wearing shoes; given that you are the Marquis of Dingguo, I doubt he would dare to make any major moves!”

“Well said! Grandfather has never seen such a bold Yin'er. Grandfather likes it!”

He reached out his large palm to stroke the top of his granddaughter's head and said, “It is just, what about your swordsmanship? Swordsmanship is currently in vogue, and the strong are respected; only those with superb swordsmanship can command respect. You are currently barely at the Junior Swordsman level, which is the lowest rank. Grandfather worries about you.”

These words were full of concern and a hint of melancholy. His granddaughter was being called a useless fool—how could he not be angry? But what they said happened to be the truth.

“Grandfather does not need to worry about Yin'er. Having gone through this life-and-death ordeal, Yin'er has seen through many things. As the saying goes, 'all that happened yesterday is as if one died yesterday, and all that happens today is as if one is born today.' The former Xiao Qianyin has long since vanished with the wind; the one standing before you is a brand new Xiao Qianyin. Yin'er will not disappoint Grandfather!”

Beigong Du's lips trembled. Yin'er had lost her mother at a young age, and her so-called father and so-called clan had completely neglected her. He pitied her, which was why he had allowed her to develop such a pampered and willful personality. He never expected her to say such words when she was being accused of being a useless fool; his heart was stirred with emotion.

He pulled his beloved granddaughter into his arms and said with a sob, “Yin'er is Grandfather's good baby. No matter how Yin'er changes, you will always be Grandfather's good child. Yin'er, do not be too hard on yourself; all Grandfather wants is for Yin'er to be safe and sound.”

“Mhm, Yin'er knows.” Xiao Qianyin lay obediently in her grandfather's arms, enjoying the old man's warmth.

Her parents had both died when she was young, and it was her master from Shushan who had raised her. Although ancient martial arts and swordsmanship were declining in the modern era, Shushan was an unadulterated sect for practicing swordsmanship. Her master treated her very well, but her master also had his own children and could not give her all his care and love. What she had always craved most was a piece of sincere familial affection.

“In a few days, Grandfather will take you to Lushan Academy to formally request your departure from the academy. How does that sound?”

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Xiao Qianyin smiled.

“I am your grandfather, not an outsider. There is no need for thanks between us.”

“Yin'er understands!”

That night—

Xiao Qianyin sat cross-legged, murmuring incantations. A crimson light flickered around her body, gradually turning yellow, then skipping directly past green and cyan to reveal blue. She suddenly opened her eyes, a sharp light bursting from her pupils. She picked up the longsword beside her and began to swing it.

The Shushan Longevity Formula, paired with the Longevity Sword Technique, was perfectly suited to Xiao Qianyin's physical aptitude. Combined with her comprehension, she broke through the ranks forcefully. Now, she had jumped from Junior Swordsman to Senior Swordmaster. With this level of proficiency, if placed in the outside world, she would absolutely be a first-rate, peerless genius; those so-called geniuses would be nothing compared to her.

She had placed a unique Shushan restriction around the perimeter of the room, so there was no need to worry about disturbing others; she could exert herself to her heart's content.

She moved as gracefully as a swimming dragon, and a soul-shaking sword intent erupted from her like a flood dragon emerging from the sea. Sword qi crisscrossed everywhere; had she not been mindful of the objects in the room, all the items would likely have been shaken into fragments at this moment.

The sword's hum sighed and vibrated continuously, following her every movement and tracing stunning arcs. There was no light in the room, but amidst the darkness, the sword's glow illuminated the young girl's elegant face.

As the longsword returned to its scabbard, Xiao Qianyin was quite satisfied with her current state. Although her level was at Senior Swordmaster, she possessed the strength to contend with a Mid-level Sword Immortal and would not necessarily fall into a disadvantage. She had to thank the Longevity Formula; the Shushan Longevity Formula was unrivaled in the world, and when practiced alongside the Longevity Sword Technique, it provided a solid foundation that allowed one's strength to surge explosively.

Who would dare look down on her now? She would make those who underestimated her slap their own faces!