Misty Rain of the Old Times

A muscular guard, his clothes bulging, stepped forward, took the visiting card from Chen Xuan's hand, patted it in his hand, and without saying a word, coldly scrutinized Chen Xuan from head to toe.

This is a show of force, isn't it? I've already politely presented my visiting card, is this really necessary?

He thought to himself that the other person was shorter than Chen Xuan and lacked presence, which made him look rather comical.

Looking down at himself, Chen Xuan straightened his clothes and smiled, "I'm sorry, I came in a bit of a rush and my appearance is rather unkempt. I've been quite impolite."

It was more than just a bit rushed; they had traveled thousands of miles in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to reach the capital. Their clothes were inevitably disheveled, but fortunately, Chen Xuan had an excellent appearance and looked dashing and unrestrained.

'Wow, you've got guts! Not scared at all.'

The other person smirked and said, "Young Master Chen Xuan, is that right? Have you practiced martial arts?"

"I've practiced a bit," Chen Xuan nodded, not understanding the situation but vaguely guessing that the other party seemed to have misunderstood.

The other guards at the door were also watching this side. One of them stepped forward and circled around Chen Xuan, asking, "Young Master Chen, where are you from? Where do you work? How do you know Miss Chen?"

As he spoke, he inwardly scoffed, thinking to himself, "You look so frail, yet you've practiced some exercises? I bet it's some kind of qigong for physical activity and relaxation."

Chen Xuan blinked, speechless, and said, "Brother, are you checking my household registration?"

"Haha, Young Master Chen, you've misunderstood. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just curious because you're such a handsome man," the other person said casually.

What's so strange about that? I'm not here for a blind date, why would you be vetting me? He chuckled to himself, then cupped his hands in greeting and said, "So, could you please inform them?"

"Of course, of course, please wait a moment, Young Master Chen," the other party smiled and turned to leave.

They just left Chen Xuan standing at the front door. That's how people in the martial arts world are—lacking in manners. They didn't even bother to find him a place to sit and have a cup of tea.

To be precise, the gatekeeper of the Autumn Frost Sword Pavilion isn't even a member of the martial arts world. At most, he's just someone who makes a living by relying on this place. It's normal that he doesn't know etiquette. It's also possible that he takes the name of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect too seriously and doesn't respect ordinary people. After all, if everyone who comes to the door is treated with great hospitality, this place might turn into a vegetable market.

Out of politeness, Chen Xuan didn't use his powerful senses to probe the place, but he could sense Guo Qingxue's presence deep within the sword hall; otherwise, he wouldn't have sent a visiting card, saving himself the trouble of making a wasted trip.

Logically speaking, a sword-making school should be bustling with people coming and going, but Chen Xuan has been here for a while and there are hardly any students practicing martial arts inside. Could it be that this place has also been affected by what happened the night before last?

Just as Chen Xuan was idly counting the forty-eight ants, the gatekeeper who had gone to report returned, handed the visiting card back to Chen Xuan, and gave a perfunctory bow, saying, "Young Master Chen, please return. My young lady said she's not here."

Goodness, they're not even putting on an act. That's the spirit of a prestigious sect.

Although he was turned away, Chen Xuan couldn't just force his way in, so he persisted and asked, "When will Miss Guo be here?"

"Sorry, I don't know," the other person said, shaking their head without any hint of apology.

If someone is unknown and comes to your door without warning, it's normal that they won't see you. Otherwise, if they would welcome anyone, Miss Guo would be annoyed to death.

Do I need to create a secondary account?

Just as Chen Xuan was feeling sentimental, the guard who delivered the message looked behind him, smiled, and stepped forward, saying, "Second Senior Brother is back. Give him to me."

He then helped the man lead his horse, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Chen Xuan turned his head slightly and saw a young man on horseback, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a dignified bearing and a confident air about him. He certainly had the qualities to back it up, as he had already opened half of his Ren and Du meridians.

The second senior brother dismounted, handed the reins to the guard, and nodded with a smile, his attitude relatively humble: "Thank you for your help. How is junior sister?"

"He's not in a good mood. By the way, has Second Brother found out anything?" the guard asked, leading the horse.

The second senior brother shook his head and didn't say anything. It was unclear whether he was implying that this wasn't the agreed-upon place, or that he shouldn't ask questions that shouldn't be asked.

Although Chen Xuan was not a member of the martial arts world, he had a general understanding of the situation. This second senior brother was probably the head of the Autumn Frost Sword Hall, one of the people sent by the Cold Mountain Sword Sect to maintain appearances here, and also the instructor. As for the rest of the people, apart from the apprentices, they were probably just nominal disciples of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect, whose status was only slightly higher than that of the hired ones, but not by much.

As he passed by, the second senior brother glanced at Chen Xuan, smiled politely and nodded, then walked towards the gate and asked in a low voice, "What's going on with that guy? Is he here to learn martial arts? Why is he being made to stand outside the gate?"

"Second Senior Brother, he came to deliver a visiting card to the young lady. He's definitely up to no good, so let's leave him hanging," the guard whispered.

Chen Xuan: “…”

Don't you guys carry people on your backs? I haven't left yet.

Upon hearing this, the second senior brother's smile vanished. He glanced back at Chen Xuan, his eyes clearly filled with hostility and wariness. He even confidently raised an eyebrow before turning back to enter the gate, saying, "How many times do I have to remind you? Call her Junior Sister. We're people of the martial world; among peers, we address each other by age." "I've gotten used to living in the capital. Our Cold Mountain Sword Sect is practically a prestigious family, after all. Junior Sister's status is practically that of a young lady..."

'Oh no, it seems like that person is provoking me?' Chen Xuan instinctively felt both amused and exasperated.

He finally understood. It wasn't that the other person was impolite, but rather that they felt he had ulterior motives and was doing it on purpose. Was it really necessary? Guo Qingxue was indeed beautiful, but surely not everyone would have designs on her?
'What should I do? Do I really have to create a new account?'

As Chen Xuan was filled with inner turmoil, the sound of hooves rang out, and a dashing figure rode up to the entrance of the Autumn Frost Sword Pavilion. He dismounted with a flourish, spear in hand, and addressed the guards, "I heard that Sister Qingxue is in a bad mood, so I came to check on her."

As she spoke, she glanced at Chen Xuan out of the corner of her eye, but didn't pay much attention. Then she turned back to Chen Xuan and pondered, "Greetings, young master. Have we met somewhere before?"

If Chen Xuan didn't actually know her, he would have thought she was a lecherous woman trying to pick him up.

"Miss Zhao has arrived! Please come in quickly. Give me the horse; the young lady has been waiting for you," a guard stepped forward and said. Seeing Chen Xuan looking at him, he added, "Miss Zhao, his name is... I forgot. He came to visit the young lady, but she won't see him."

"Qingxue's admirer? He's truly a handsome man, no, a jade tree in the wind, no, a gentleman as beautiful as jade. Qingxue doesn't even like him and leaves him hanging at the door?" The woman with the gun said jokingly.

The guard quickly said, "Miss Zhao, you mustn't speak carelessly. We don't know who this person is either."

"Qingxue is such a beautiful girl, who wouldn't like her? Even if it's just once, it's normal for people to come knocking on your door," the woman said with a knowing look.

This shows that she and Guo Qingxue have a good relationship; otherwise, even people from the martial arts world wouldn't joke about such things, especially in front of others.

Looking at this spirited woman, Chen Xuan cupped his hands and smiled, "Miss Zhao, how have you been? It's been many years since we last met. I never expected to run into you here. Truly, life is full of unexpected encounters."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingluan paused for a moment, then said somewhat awkwardly, "This young master looks very familiar, but I can't quite place him. My apologies, may I ask for your guidance?"

This is none other than Zhao Qingluan, who begged and pleaded to become Yang Guo's disciple. After being rejected by Chen Xuan, who was disguised in the desert, she became Ling Yun's disciple in Yuhua Kingdom and stayed there for seven years. Now she has actually come to the capital.

He looks like someone who has completed his studies and is planning to show off his skills in the martial arts examination.

“Miss Zhao, it’s understandable that you have a bad memory. After all, we met by chance and haven’t seen each other for seven years. It’s normal that you don’t recognize me. As for me, Chen Xuan, do you still remember me?” Chen Xuan said with a smile.

Zhao Qingluan gave an awkward laugh and said, "Oh... Chen Xuan."

"What nonsense! You didn't remember at all, did you?" Chen Xuan said, laughing and crying at the same time. "Back then, Miss Zhao ran away from her arranged marriage and we met at the foot of Yunwu Mountain. At that time, I accompanied my young master to Mo City to study. You and Guard Geng even joined forces to kill a giant python in Yunwu Mountain. We traveled together all the way to Mo City. After that, Miss Zhao went off to roam the martial world. Do you remember now?"

Upon hearing Chen Xuan's words, Zhao Qingluan suddenly remembered everything and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, it's you, you little brat! I was wondering why you looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place you. Who told you to change so much over the years? Call me 'sister' now, not 'Miss Zhao'!"

Seven years have passed, and she has grown even taller. However, it is clear that her grandfather still has not found her grandmother. Apart from her considerable improvement in martial arts, her appearance and personality have hardly changed.

Having studied under Ling Yun, a master of innate cultivation, for seven years, regardless of his actual strength, his cultivation level was at least two-thirds open in both the Ren and Du meridians, surpassing even his previously confident second senior brother.

Seven years ago, when she was eighteen (by Chinese reckoning), her father wanted her to get married, so she ran away from home. Now, she's only twenty-five. According to Chen Xuan's judgment, if everything goes smoothly, she should be able to reach the Innate Realm around the age of thirty. This is the benefit of having a good master; she avoids countless detours.

"Dream on," Chen Xuancai refused to go along with her and directly rejected her. "You still call me 'sister'? Back then, I lent you a quilt because I felt sorry for you. You were wrapped up like a pupa by the campfire. How could I call you that?"

The guards leading the horse were stunned, their eyes widening slightly as they looked at Zhao Qingluan with disbelief and a gossipy expression. "You two not only know each other, but Miss Zhao, you also have a dark history of running away from your arranged marriage back then?"

Noticing the guard's expression, Zhao Qingluan turned around and looked at him with murderous intent, saying, "Little Chen Xuan is talking nonsense, there's no such thing!"

"Oh yes, yes, I didn't hear anything," the guard immediately lowered his head and pretended to be deaf.

Zhao Qingluan glanced at Chen Xuan speechlessly, feeling like she wanted to die. Her dark past had been exposed, making her a laughingstock. How was she ever going to find a man then?

She said irritably, "Little Chen Xuan, don't talk nonsense. Aren't you a scholar? Be careful, or I'll sue you for defamation. Oh, by the way, you little rascal, it's been seven years, and you've grown into a respectable man. Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be accompanying your young master in his studies? Why don't I sense any scholarly air about you?"

How has your mouth survived this long?
Chen Xuan almost rolled his eyes and said, "I'm not smart, I haven't read many books, where would I get this scholarly air from?"

"What a waste of your looks! Hey, you're here to see Sister Qingxue? Could it be that you're interested in her? Come on in and we'll talk," Zhao Qingluan said, pulling Chen Xuan into the Qiushuang Sword Hall as if they were going home. They didn't know when their relationship had become so good.

Chen Xuan said speechlessly, "Hey, hey, hey, men and women shouldn't touch each other. What kind of behavior is this, pulling and tugging at each other like that?"

"Come on, in my eyes you've always been that little kid from back then. Besides, I'm a woman of the martial world, I don't care about such formalities, you know?" Zhao Qingluan said dismissively, getting all worked up, as if there was going to be a good show to watch.

So, how did Ling Yun teach her? This young lady is still as carefree as ever... (End of Chapter)