Chapter 31: The Sword Named "Famed Wind"

The mud and grime had been wiped away, revealing an exquisitely ornate hilt that starkly contrasted with the sword's sleek, unadorned blade. The crescent-shaped crossguard was inlaid with a mesmerizing violet gem, its intricate silver vines gleaming under the light.

Gu Pinglin found the entire situation absurd.

In his past life, after forming his Outer Core, his master had pulled strings to request this very sword from Divine Craftsmen Valley for him. He never imagined it had originally been here all along. In that life, the Gu Ying Sword had gained fame under Duan Qingming's hand, while this blade had been tarnished by his own reputation. He didn't know what became of it afterward, but it was, after all, a rare treasure. Surely, after his death, someone must have claimed it—it wouldn't have been abandoned.

Yet in this life, Duan Qingming hadn't joined the Dark Abyss Sect but instead entered the Spirit Heart Sect. His Gu Ying Sword was now in Gu Pinglin's possession, while Gu Pinglin's own Nether Edge had fallen into Duan Qingming's hands.

His gaze traced the blade's edge as he steadied his emotions, probing carefully, "Why did you choose this sword?"

Duan Qingming wiped the blade with a pristine white silk cloth. "Its aura feels familiar."

"Familiar?" Gu Pinglin's eyes flickered slightly. "How strange."

"Very strange," Duan Qingming murmured, admiring the flawless reflection in the polished steel before discarding the cloth. His slender fingers traced the edge with reverence. "It's as if I've drawn it from the stone myself before—right here."

Gu Pinglin's pupils darkened imperceptibly. "Is that so? And what is its name?"

"Míng Fēng."

"Hmm?" Gu Pinglin's gaze sharpened, and he instinctively took half a step back.

"Míng Fēng Jian—is the name not to your liking?" For once, Duan Qingming seemed genuinely engrossed in the sword, devoid of his usual teasing.

Suppressing the pounding in his chest, Gu Pinglin replied evenly, "What does it mean?"

"Famed Wind—a sword worthy of legacy, befitting my name," Duan Qingming murmured, his obsidian eyes alight with fervor as he raised the blade. The tip sliced through the air with palpable weight, as if rending the void itself. "I shall wield it to proclaim my swordsmanship, to spread my sword dao."

The sword hummed in agreement.

Then—

A whirl of white robes.

A dance of a thousand silver blossoms.

Without a trace of true qi, his movements conjured countless dazzling sword flowers.

The silver-white blossoms shimmered as the swordsman moved with deliberate grace, his every motion sharp yet fluid. Man and sword merged seamlessly, indistinguishable.

"Famed by my hand, a legacy for eternity—thus shall it be called: Famed Wind!"

As the chant faded, the figure stilled, the sword flowers dissipating.

A moment later, debris rained from above as a silver streak shot out from a crevice—a resplendent scabbard that sheathed the blade perfectly.

All its edge receded instantly.

Duan Qingming laughed heartily before coughing violently, his injuries flaring up.

Gu Pinglin's expression was unreadable.

Between coughs and laughter, Duan Qingming asked, "Well?"

Míng Fēng? Famed Wind?

Only then did Gu Pinglin realize his mistake. His heart pounded with shock, but his voice remained steady. "I misheard earlier. I thought you said Míng as in 'Nether,' Fēng as in 'Edge.'"

Duan Qingming gave him an odd look before storing the sword away. "Since it is my sword, it shall bear my name—Qingming's Míng, Wind's legacy. Only these words are worthy of it."

"Only these words are worthy of it."

That insufferable confidence.

Gu Pinglin pressed his lips together.

In their past life, Grand Swordmaster Duan Qingming had created the Mending Heaven Art, shaking the cultivation world. His Gu Ying Sword Art had pioneered an entirely new path in sword dao. Coming from him, such arrogance wasn't unfounded.

But when Gu Pinglin had first received this sword, he had been told its name was Nether Edge. How could it now be Famed Wind?

Unless...

Had Duan Qingming truly drawn it himself in this life?

If he could forsake the Heavenly Sword for Gu Ying, then it stood to reason he would disregard Nether Edge. By some twist of fate, the sword had ended up in Gu Pinglin's hands instead.

The realization turned Gu Pinglin's expression stormy.

Duan Qingming didn't seem to remember anything, but if he was feigning ignorance, it would be impossible to tell. Best to set this matter aside for now.

Steeling himself, Gu Pinglin changed the subject. "Now, about your injuries."

"You still remember that," Duan Qingming said dismissively. "It's nothing. As long as I refrain from using true qi, rest will suffice."

Gu Pinglin seized his wrist, checking his pulse carefully. His meridians were indeed in disarray—consistent with energy deviation. Nothing unusual.

Only then did Gu Pinglin's suspicions ease.

Most cultivators were still selecting their swords. With their own business concluded, the two left the valley without delay, only to find Bu Shuihan and the others already outside.

Bu Shuihan's talent was undeniable, but his impetuous nature clashed with the Heavenly Sword's intent. He had stubbornly pushed to the final stretch before his spirit finally buckled under the pressure. Now, he sat cross-legged in meditation, recovering as Chen Qian berated him loudly. Chang Jinxin alternated between assisting his recovery and trying to mediate.

Yue Songting had already heard the results. Though disappointed that Gu Pinglin had passed on the Heavenly Sword, he didn't rebuke him, merely sighing, "All is fate."

But when he saw Duan Qingming's condition, his expression shifted. "What happened?"

Duan Qingming replied, "A misstep in energy circulation."

Yue Songting was taken aback.

Major sects' cultivation methods were refined; energy deviations were rare. Even if the Spirit Heart Sect's techniques couldn't compare to those of elite sects, the odds of such an accident were minuscule—one in a thousand at most.

Duan Qingming's luck was truly abysmal.

Gu Pinglin's attention drifted elsewhere.

As expected, the two Duan Family elders were watching with palpable disappointment. They had once supported Duan Qingming—the legitimate heir—despite his exile from the family. His talent was undeniable; joining any major sect would have secured his future. Had he obtained the Heavenly Sword, reclaiming his place in the Duan Family wouldn't have been impossible.

Yet he had stubbornly chosen a second-rate sect like the Spirit Heart Sect.

What a waste.

Patriarch Duan Pin seemed indifferent, barely sparing Duan Qingming a glance before turning away. Only Madam Cheng—Duan Qingming's aunt—wore a frown. She still cared for her sister's only son, but his refusal to join the Dark Abyss Sect had clearly angered her.

Standing beside Duan Pin, Duan Qinghou—son of the Qi Family—hesitated before asking softly, "Sixth Brother... will he be alright?"

Duan Pin replied coolly, "Let's go."

A flash of scorn crossed Duan Qinghou's eyes before he cast a final, apologetic glance in their direction and followed his father.

Gu Pinglin observed it all coldly.

Within aristocratic families, interests came first. Even bonds of kinship were this frigid.

"What are you looking at?" Duan Qingming asked.

Gu Pinglin shook his head.

This man had no heart—why would he care? Gu Pinglin was overthinking it.

Sure enough, Duan Qingming glanced at the retreating figures and chuckled. "Your father and brother are shrewd. You're not actually worried about them, are you?"

Gu Jin had been introduced by Duan Qingming. Already suppressed by Madam Qi, Duan Qingming's influence would wane further after today. A opportunist like Gu Jin would surely switch allegiances to the Qi Family.

Having lived through it once, Gu Pinglin held little affection for the Gu Family. He had no intention of seeking revenge, but neither would he fret over them. If they found their own path and left him alone, all the better.

As they spoke, Chang Jinxin suddenly exclaimed, "Not good!"

She hurried to Yue Songting. "Junior Brother Bu is on the verge of forming his Outer Core!"

Core formation brought heavenly tribulation. There was no room for negligence.

Yue Songting hadn't expected Bu Shuihan to break through at this moment. He immediately ordered their return to the Spirit Heart Sect.

But Gu Pinglin had unfinished business. "Master, I have personal matters to attend to. Please go ahead—I'll catch up in two days."

Duan Qingming also stepped forward. "My injuries make travel difficult. I'd like to rest here for a few days."

Gu Pinglin countered swiftly, "Without true qi, it's unsafe to stay outside. You should return as soon as possible."

Duan Qingming coughed into his sleeve, brows furrowed. "With internal injuries, the journey would be unbearable. Bu Shuihan's core formation takes precedence—don't delay on my account."

Gu Pinglin's lips thinned.

After deliberation, Yue Songting told Duan Qingming, "I'd worry leaving you alone. Why not stay with Pinglin?"

Duan Qingming feigned reluctance. "Junior Brother Gu has urgent matters. I wouldn't want to burden him..."

Gu Pinglin cut him off before he could bait Yue Songting further. "It's nothing pressing. Senior Brother's company is welcome."

Pleased by their apparent harmony, Yue Songting nodded. Outer Core cultivators were capable enough to travel independently, and Gu Pinglin's steady temperament was reassuring.

Still, he cautioned, "With Qingming injured, be extra vigilant."

Gu Pinglin bowed. "Understood, Master."

As Yue Songting's group departed in haste, Duan Qingming turned to Gu Pinglin. "What business do you have? Need my help?"

His help?

This man was chaos incarnate, capable of upending the cultivation world with a smile.

Gu Pinglin shot him a sidelong glance. "No. The best thing you can do is nothing."

Duan Qingming sighed. "Must you say such things? When have I ever been troublesome?"

"Your pretense is tiresome."

"My injuries are real."

Gu Pinglin walked a few paces before stopping abruptly when Duan Qingming followed. "Go rest. Why are you tailing me?"

Duan Qingming smiled innocently. "Without true qi, I'm defenseless. Of course, I'll stick close to you for safety." He paused. "You're looking for Li Moqing, aren't you?"

Gu Pinglin stared at him.

"What's with that look?" Duan Qingming slung an arm over his shoulder, voice warm. "I'm also curious about Li Moqing. Just tagging along—no need to be nervous."

"Just tagging along"?

Gu Pinglin's expression darkened. "Nervous? I'm concerned for you. Curiosity kills."

Duan Qingming beamed. "With Xiao Jiu protecting me, I'll be just fine."

"Tch."

Since he had already guessed, Gu Pinglin saw no point in hiding it. Li Moqing would remain in Divine Craftsmen Valley for twenty years—he'd need to arrange family affairs beforehand.

They sent word through a Silver Orchid disciple, arranging a meeting with Li Moqing in two days, then headed back to the inn.

Midway, Gu Pinglin spoke abruptly. "You knew these people."

Duan Qingming didn't break stride. "Even after leaving the Duan Family, some still worry about me."

Gu Pinglin frowned. "You were aware all along."

"How could I be? Just a coincidence." Duan Qingming smiled. "No need for such pettiness between brothers."

This man was a walking calamity. Knowing full well that traveling with Yue Songting was safer, he had deliberately stayed behind—dragging Gu Pinglin into his mess.

He'd risk his life for the sake of amusement.

Suppressing his irritation, Gu Pinglin laughed coldly. "Your trust is touching. But my cultivation is shallow—I may not be able to protect you. If you get hurt, don't blame me."