Chapter 27: The Heavenly Sword Chooses Its Master

Over a decade had passed since the Fire Sparrow Mechanism incident, and the uproar it caused had long since died down. Though legends of the Hundred Streams Ancestor's legacy still lingered, the fervor of cultivators had faded. Gu Pinglin mused that the Ocean Realm Mechanism would likely appear many years later, just as it had in his past life. Only then would the secrets of the Creation Grotto be revealed. His early interference with the Fire Sparrow Mechanism hadn't caused any major disruptions.

Just as Gu Pinglin breathed a sigh of relief, a major event shook the cultivation world—the long-silent Divine Craftsmen Valley announced that the Heavenly Sword was about to choose its master, inviting all cultivators to seek its favor.

The reappearance of the Heavenly Sword sent shockwaves through the cultivation world.

"All swords under heaven emerge from Divine Craftsmen Valley."

This was a saying that had been passed down for generations. Divine Craftsmen Valley was renowned for its mechanical forging techniques, its valleys filled with intricate mechanisms that even Nascent Soul cultivators avoided. The nameless grand swordmasters, spirit artifact forgers, and mechanical craftsmen of the valley devoted their entire lives to the art of forging. Every time a Heavenly Sword appeared, some swordmasters would die from sheer exhaustion. Yet they did not regret it—forging a divine weapon was their lifelong pursuit and mission, one they would willingly give their lives for.

Such dedication was incomprehensible to foolish mortals, who mocked their obsession while living mundane lives, bearing children and toiling away until they vanished like dust, forgotten by the world. Yet when their bloodlines died out and their traces were erased, the things they left behind—bearing the names of great cultivators—would forever shine in the annals of cultivation history.

Gu Pinglin wasn't surprised by this news. The Heavenly Sword's emergence aligned perfectly with his past life's timeline. This was one of the most vivid memories from his previous existence—he even knew the name of that Heavenly Sword.

It was a sword that had made countless cultivators sigh in regret.

A peerless divine blade, robbed of its chance to shine, doomed to fall because it chose the wrong master.

As a sword cultivator, Gu Pinglin naturally loved fine swords. Every time he recalled this incident, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

The Heavenly Sword chose its master on its own. Those recognized by the sword could stay in Divine Craftsmen Valley for twenty years—this was the valley's rule, and one tacitly accepted by the cultivation world. This tradition protected young geniuses and deterred those with ill intentions.

The Heavenly Sword had a spirit. Once it chose a master, it would follow that cultivator for life. If the master died, the sword would shatter—it could not be stolen. Moreover, since all swords under heaven came from Divine Craftsmen Valley, who would dare offend them?

Thus, Yue Songting had no reservations. He personally led dozens of Spirit Heart Sect disciples to seek the sword.

Along the way, they encountered many cultivators—all hoping to test their luck. The scene was identical to Gu Pinglin's past life. To celebrate the Heavenly Sword's appearance, Divine Craftsmen Valley allowed all visiting cultivators to choose a sword within the valley—provided the sword acknowledged them.

Knowing the outcome, Gu Pinglin held no great expectations for this trip. He was only vaguely worried about the Heavenly Sword's fate.

At dusk, the group stopped at an inn.

The inn was tidy and clean, its furnishings neatly arranged. The proprietor, accustomed to hosting cultivators, greeted them warmly. Chang Jinxin went to the counter to arrange rooms while a waiter served tea. Yue Songting sat on a bench in the main hall, with Gu Pinglin and the other disciples standing respectfully behind him.

Duan Qingming walked over to Gu Pinglin. "Junior Brother Gu?"

Since emerging from seclusion, both had their own rooms. These past days, they had been busy receiving congratulations from their fellow disciples, leaving little time for conversation. Now that Duan Qingming had taken the initiative to approach him, Gu Pinglin set aside his thoughts and looked up.

Due to his past life's experiences, Gu Pinglin had developed a reserved and unsmiling demeanor. After becoming sect leader, no disciple dared act presumptuously in his presence. In this life, having seen through many things, Gu Pinglin no longer dwelled on his origins. His temperament had mellowed, and he treated others with kindness. Yet the younger disciples still behaved cautiously around him.

Duan Qingming, however, clearly had no such inhibitions. "Shall we share a room?"

Gu Pinglin's mind stirred slightly. He nodded. "Alright."

Just as Duan Qingming was about to speak again, the cry of cranes echoed outside. Both turned toward the door. Moments later, two disciples strode in, tossing several silver ingots onto the counter.

"We're taking all the best rooms," one declared arrogantly.

The proprietor hesitated. "But… esteemed cultivators from a major sect have already booked them."

The disciple swept a glance over the Spirit Heart Sect members, smirking. "A major sect? We of the Dark Abyss Sect haven't heard of many so-called 'major sects.' Which one is this?"

The proprietor, familiar with cultivators, clearly knew of the Dark Abyss Sect's reputation. Not daring to offend, he glanced pleadingly at Chang Jinxin.

Chen Qian's expression darkened. Bu Shuihan was already furious. "There's such a thing as first come, first served! What, is the Dark Abyss Sect so mighty that I should fear you?"

"Wouldn't dare," the disciple said smoothly. "If payment hasn't been made, it's not a done deal. Who stays is up to the proprietor."

Hearing the implicit threat, the proprietor didn't dare refuse. He bowed repeatedly, apologizing.

Bu Shuihan sneered, striding over and plopping onto a bench. "Let's see who dares kick us out today!"

The proprietor looked miserable. "Esteemed ones, please, spare my humble inn!"

Yue Songting shook his head and stood. "Forget it. Let's go to the inn across the street."

"Master!" Bu Shuihan protested.

"Silence," Yue Songting scolded. He disliked conflict. "What's the point of fighting over an inn? You never change!"

The proprietor beamed. "Thank you for your understanding, esteemed one! This humble shop truly—"

Yue Songting waved him off and turned to the disciples. "Let's go."

Though resentful, the Spirit Heart Sect members followed him out. As they stepped through the door, they ran into the arriving Dark Abyss Sect group. At their forefront was an elegant woman with her hair in a high chignon, her expression cold.

Gu Pinglin glanced at Duan Qingming beside him.

Duan Qingming sighed.

"Qingming," Madam Cheng had spotted him.

Duan Qingming bowed slightly. "Aunt."

Despite the years apart, Madam Cheng still cared for him. "Come inside. I have words for you."

Gu Pinglin frowned slightly. Duan Qingming was now a disciple of the Spirit Heart Sect. With Yue Songting present, her summoning him so bluntly showed blatant disregard.

Duan Qingming smiled. "I'll pay my respects to Aunt after reporting to my master."

Madam Cheng's brow furrowed, but she said nothing and went upstairs.

Gu Pinglin wasn't surprised. In his past life, no matter how arrogant Duan Qingming had been beneath the surface, his outward conduct had always been impeccable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had friends everywhere.

Chen Qian gave Duan Qingming a hearty pat on the shoulder. Even Bu Shuihan shot him an uncharacteristically approving look. Yue Songting turned back kindly. "Since your elder calls for you, go ahead. Don't neglect courtesy."

Duan Qingming assented and went inside to see Madam Cheng.

Shortly after, Yan Feixiu arrived with several disciples. She greeted Yue Songting respectfully, observing junior decorum. Yue Songting had a favorable impression of her and exchanged a few kind words. Chang Jinxin also smiled and greeted her—only Chen Qian pretended not to see her.

Chang Jinxin nudged him deliberately. "Senior Brother Chen, Senior Sister Yan sends her regards."

Chen Qian finally gave a perfunctory salute. "Miss Yan. What an honor."

"Chen the Donkey! Are you looking to die?"

"What did you call me?!"

The Spirit Heart Sect disciples were used to this. Yan Feixiu was one of the most easygoing and unpretentious members of the Dark Abyss Sect—yet she and Chen Qian always clashed.

Yue Songting chuckled and headed toward the inn across the street. Gu Pinglin was about to follow when a female disciple stepped out from behind Yan Feixiu.

"Senior Brother Gu?"

Gu Pinglin stopped. "You are… Junior Sister Qu Lin?"

Years had passed, and the once-shy girl had blossomed. Her hair was now coiled in a delicate updo, adorned with small pearl flowers. Her cheeks were slightly slimmer than in her youth, her skin even fairer, her features more serene. Her gentle demeanor was unchanged from Gu Pinglin's past life.

"You still remember me," Qu Lin said, pleased.

Gu Pinglin glanced back at the inn. "Junior Sister, have you been well?"

"I've been fine," Qu Lin said. "I heard you've formed your Outer Core. Congratulations."

"Thank you." Gu Pinglin no longer wished to entangle with her. After a few polite words, he followed Yue Songting into the inn across the street.

Qu Lin watched his retreating back with disappointment, biting her lip lightly.

"Junior Sister?" a fellow disciple called. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Qu Lin said quickly, lowering her head and hurrying inside.

The inn across the street might not have been as grand, but its environment was still decent. A group of guests was already settled in the main hall—a dozen or so disciples chatting quietly, their manners refined. They weren't wearing Daoist robes, likely belonging to a cultivation family.

Noticing the silver orchid-leaf emblem on their sleeves, Gu Pinglin stiffened. His gaze swept the room, but he didn't spot the person from his memories. He exhaled in relief.

Logically, that man wouldn't enjoy crowds.

Gu Pinglin steadied himself, escorted Yue Songting to his room, and withdrew once his master dismissed him. He returned to his own quarters to rest.

By lamplight, Duan Qingming returned.

Gu Pinglin was meditating on the bed. Hearing the door, he opened his eyes and asked proactively, "How did it go?"

Duan Qingming gave him an amused look, sidestepping the question. "You're quite concerned about my affairs."

Gu Pinglin didn't press further.

"Nothing much. Just got scolded," Duan Qingming said, lying down beside him and lacing his fingers behind his head. "Guess she hadn't vented in a while. Seeing me inspired her."

Gu Pinglin's lips twitched.

After spending so much time together, he realized Duan Qingming was quite different from his past life's impression. Stripped of that elegant, hypocritical veneer, he was more like a mischievous genius—a monster.

His reclining posture was so casual, so at ease—yet few would notice the faint, habitual wariness beneath.

A monster raised alone in a great family, his blood ran cold. The goodwill or malice of others meant nothing to him.

Gu Pinglin rarely offered comfort, but this time, he spoke. "She means well."

Duan Qingming turned his head, studying him for a moment before smiling. "I feel like you're the one who means well."

Gu Pinglin almost laughed at himself. Trying to console this man? He changed the subject. "What do you think of the Heavenly Sword?"

Duan Qingming said, "Haven't thought about it."

Gu Pinglin frowned. "You don't want it?"

Duan Qingming arched a brow. "You care?"

Gu Pinglin had known this question would arouse suspicion, but he asked anyway. "What if it chooses you?"

"Out of so many, why would it pick me?" Duan Qingming paused. "Or… do you know something?"

Gu Pinglin fell silent.

He wasn't the only one who remembered. That scene from his past life was unforgettable for many.