Chapter 658: Chapter 353: Countless Heroes, Heavy Pupils Descend, Frail Sword Bones—How Dare One Compare?

Shan Guyun laughed, "In that case, why bother learning those mediocre moves from the Sword Sect?" Chu Liuqing said, "Guyun aims for the pinnacle, your sharp spirit indeed matches this swordsmanship. But..."

Suddenly, a melodious sound like jade clashing was heard, a gentle and soothing voice said, "But the fledgling sword doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth. Even if it has the spirit to soar, it still needs an empty valley’s heart. The Nine Swords of Gu Yun are indeed formidable, but ’Gu Zongheng’ fell to his own arrogance."

Shan Guyun frowned and said, "Madam, you seem to have some insight into the Nine Swords of Gu Yun?" Wen Caishang slowly opened her eyes and looked over. Xiaotuan poured and offered tea, she took a gentle sip, and said, "I’m not deserving of such a claim, just have a bit of understanding. Listening to your exchange earlier, just speaking casually."

Shan Guyun said blandly, "Gu Zongheng, though the previous wielder of the Nine Swords of Gu Yun, was neither strong enough nor fast enough. He possessed a clear sword heart, but lacked a glazed sword’s bone. I have obtained the sword today and will certainly surpass him in the future. He was arrogant; I am merely proud."

Chu Liuqing thought, "Shan Guyun, with exceptional talent, is indeed extraordinary. The Sword Dao fits perfectly, advancing rapidly, with great momentum. This sword pursues aloof arrogance, disdaining to hide one’s weaknesses, and he speaks openly, revealing all his cards. Showing the style of Gu Zongheng of the past, no matter your countless schemes, I would break it with a single sword. Therefore, the Nine Swords of Gu Yun hold the ability to break all enemy techniques. Without the intention to surpass predecessors, what use is learning this swordsmanship?" Gently nodding in agreement, she said, "This friend, Guyun has a straightforward character, please do not mind."

Wen Caishang said softly, "A young man gaining success, spirit soaring to the sky, naturally aloof." Hearing the praise, Shan Guyun felt proud. Seeing Wen Caishang’s unique temperament and extraordinary appearance made him feel even more gratified.

Wen Caishang looked elsewhere and said, "But there are always people better than you, and skies beyond your skies." She did not intend to preach, only because she saw Shan Guyun was young and vigorous, and thought of her first encounter with Li Xian, who was also of that age. At that time, Li Xian was humble and diligent, meticulous and steady, with a broad demeanor. Though still in the Clay Embryo stage, his demeanor was already carefree. While his strength lacked, it indeed surpassed many so-called prodigies.

Seeing Shan Guyun’s arrogance now, meeting by chance, she naturally did not mind. But thinking of her dear man, who was even more talented, yet still humble and amiable. When saying "there are always people better than you, and skies beyond your skies," it was not to belittle Shan Guyun, but to recall Li Xian.

Chu Liuqing laughed, "What this lady said is certainly right. But Guyun’s intention is to draw his sword to the sky. How could he fear there are others better and skies beyond? Moreover, with Guyun’s capability, those daring to claim to be better or above, are indeed rare."

Shan Guyun said, "No matter who it is, I will win with my sword." With that said, the sword at his side rang out with a clanging sound. Its sharpness pierced, like a cold sword drawn from its scabbard.

Wen Caishang came to her senses and thought, my Li Lang surpasses you in every way, yet he is humble and reserved, truly rare. Secretly comparing, she felt even more proud and delighted. She gently said, "In this wilderness, we meet by fate. Please, have some tea." And she no longer paid attention, leisurely savoring the fragrance of the tea.

Shan Guyun felt very unsatisfied, seeing Wen Caishang completely indifferent, how could he be willing? He thought, "This senior is evidently extraordinary, I know I am not her match. But if asked for guidance and demonstrated my strength, surely she would take notice. She says there are always people better and skies beyond. How does she know I am not one of them?" Intending to stand up and ask for guidance, Chu Liuqing slightly raised an eyebrow, sweeping the sword handle horizontally, hitting the back of his knees. Shan Guyun’s legs softened, and he sat back down.

Chu Liuqing clasped her hands, "Guyun is young and vigorous, with a sharp sword, we ask this lady to be kind-hearted and not hold it against him."

Wen Caishang laughed, "Sir, there’s no need to be nervous." Turning her head to look at Shan Guyun, she thought, "This one has passable talent, but many can compare. Arrogant yet unaware. Meeting by chance, why bother giving pointers, letting him err on his own, what harm? There is only one Li Lang in this world, how can others compare?"

Then she thought further, "Humph, he looks down on all heroes, would he not also look down on Li Lang in the future? That Li Little Thief, so infuriatingly carefree, is often lightly dismissed by people, mostly laughed off. But my man would not tolerate being underestimated." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

She was at a time of initial separation, with her thoughts arising suddenly, remembering all about Li Xian, and upon seeing this talented youth, could not help but make connections. She said, "This young friend, so young and achieved such, indeed has uncommon talent and fortune. The Nine Swords of Gu Yun can break all enemy techniques, truly formidable. But your sword is hollow, your martial advancement is hasty, your heart restless and scattered. If not improved, you may risk blending into commonality."

Chu Liuqing knew Shan Guyun’s cultivation had lapses. That day she guided Shan Guyun, teaching him the Nine Swords of Gu Yun, and Guyun’s progress was unexpected. But it came with increasing agitation and arrogance. Sensing something amiss, she heard of the Five Swords Alliance, intending to lead Shan Guyun to Flying Dragon City to test the sword factions. To draw from others’ strengths to fill the gaps. Yet, Shan Guyun was young and eager, truly hard to tame. Moreover, the Nine Swords of Gu Yun, with its aloof and arrogant sword momentum, like a cloud-end sword, made it even harder to face setbacks.

Though Chu Liuqing felt displeased, she knew the words were true, and said, "This lady’s insights are not common. Young people still require discipline."

Wen Caishang gently straightened her dress, stood up, and went upstairs, Xiaotuan respectfully followed. Her voice drifted down, "In times of chaos, talents emerge in abundance. The Nine Swords of Gu Yun reappear in Jianghu, naturally stirring up waves, but amidst the myriad of worldly affairs, how few are the talents. Not to mention far, the Five Mountains Sword Alliance with its long-standing heritage has countless emerging talents, how could they all be underestimated. The Gu Family has Dream Warrior, Nangong Immortal Body, Xuanshan’s Jade Match, Western Regions’ Vajra Bell, Jade City’s Red-clothed Leader. The four great celestial realms, each great Dao, the Great Wu Emperor City, cities everywhere, different forces intertwined, furthermore, there’s the dragon tracks in the lake, divine armies passing by, Heavenly Essence and Earthly Splendor, divine martial wonders, countless countless. Hard to put in one word."