Misty Rain of the Old Times

As soon as Xu Yun finished speaking, the joyful atmosphere in the hall fell silent. Xuan Yang and the other leaders of the Tai Xuan Sect felt a tightness in their hearts, but they could still maintain their composure on the surface. However, many of the younger disciples had slight changes in their expressions.

How could Xu Yun dare to ask for guidance on swords and spears in such a setting? Didn't you see that the elders were all smiling and entertaining you, chatting and laughing while eating and drinking? If this displeases Chen Xuan, can you bear the consequences?

Frankly speaking, this is a huge offense and a very unpleasant act. If not handled carefully, it could ruin the good atmosphere and cause both sides to part on bad terms, which would put the entire Tai Xuan Sect in a passive position.

If we're being serious, he clearly doesn't know what's important, doesn't consider the occasion, and doesn't think about the big picture. In any organization, it's easy for someone like him to ruin things!
Xu Yun is twenty-one years old. He is an inner disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect. Dressed in white, he is quite handsome. He has already opened up most of his Ren and Du meridians. If things continue as they are, he is expected to reach the Xiantian realm within ten years at most, and become a well-known figure in the martial arts world.

If one did not possess such cultivation, one would not be qualified to sit in the main hall as an accompaniment.

However, even with such talent, he was not considered outstanding in the Tai Xuan Sect. Among his peers, his cultivation level ranked in the top ten.

With such cultivation, he was certainly not stupid. Such actions would definitely involve great risks, but the opportunity only came once, and he did not want to miss it. The guidance of a grandmaster was too rare. Even if the Tai Xuan Sect had such an existence, due to the sect rules, how many people had such an honor?

Taking a risk is better than missing this opportunity. At worst, I'll just have to accept the punishment later. If I can get guidance, even the worst punishment is worth it, since the crime doesn't warrant death.

To put it bluntly, he doesn't know his place or what's important; to put it nicely, he's ambitious.

It can only be said that he is too eager to improve.

At this moment, he bowed deeply, looking at Chen Xuan with a sincere and expectant expression, no longer caring about the strange looks around him.

Originally, his behavior was due to his master's poor discipline, requiring his master to reprimand him. However, in the current situation, Sect Leader Xuan Yang had no choice but to speak first. Almost as soon as he finished speaking, he said in a deep voice, "Xu Yun, you must not be rude. Apologize to Young Master Chen and step down. Go to the Hall of Enforcement to receive your punishment later!"

Not dealing with it seriously in person is actually a form of protection, since he is a junior disciple of their own sect. As for the severity of the punishment afterward, it depends on Chen Xuan's attitude.

After finishing, Xuan Yang looked at Chen Xuan apologetically and said, "Young Master Chen, please forgive me. My disciples were not well-disciplined, and I hope I haven't disturbed your enjoyment."

"Junior brother, apologize to Young Master Chen! What do you think this place is?!" A woman in white stood up and scolded him with a frosty expression, while secretly giving Xu Yun a wink.

This woman has a gentle appearance and a slender figure. She is Xu Yun's senior sister, who shares the same master. Because she entered the sect earlier than Xu Yun, she is still the senior sister even though she is only twenty years old. However, she had already reached the Innate Realm at the age of nineteen last year. She has excellent talent and is only slightly inferior to Gao Jingyu of the Flying Feather Sect many years ago. She did not achieve the achievement of reaching the Innate Realm at the age of seventeen.

As the senior sister, it was only natural for her to reprimand Xu Yun in person at this moment, which was actually an act of protecting her junior brother.

Then she bowed deeply to Chen Xuanxing and apologized, saying, "Young Master Chen, please forgive me. My junior brother was drunk and didn't know any better. Please don't take it to heart."

Gui Yao felt uneasy. Her junior brother was usually a very steady person, so why did he make such a foolish mistake at this time? Their master had already passed away, and it was because she, as his senior sister, had not disciplined him well.

If Master were still alive, and if Young Master Chen were angry, he would rather lose face himself than let his junior brother get angry.

The fact that my junior brother is so eager to get guidance and improve his martial arts skills, regardless of the occasion, must be because he is thinking about avenging our master. Two years ago, our master took us on a trip and was attacked by villains. He died protecting us, and my junior brother has been tormented ever since. But can martial arts skills be rushed?

The sect leader and senior sister both spoke up. Xu Yun wasn't a simpleton; she knew they were protecting her. If she continued, she would be disliked by both sides. So, her eyes darkened, and she was about to apologize and step back to receive her punishment.

However, Chen Xuan waved his hand and smiled at Xuan Yang, saying, "There's no need for that, Master. I'm not such a petty person. And this young lady, please rest assured."

Chen Xuan paused for a moment and then sincerely said, "Many people seek guidance but find no one to teach them. This Brother Xu has seized the opportunity to strive for progress. Perhaps many people think this occasion is a bit abrupt, but in my opinion, it's a good thing. After all, nothing comes for free; you have to fight for everything. Personally, while I don't support this approach, I shouldn't criticize it either."

Hearing this, Xuan Yang and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Chen Xuan didn't seem to blame them. While secretly admiring Chen Xuan's magnanimity, they still apologized, saying, "The young man is ignorant, and it's also because we elders haven't disciplined him properly. It's good that Young Master Chen doesn't blame him."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Young Master Chen. Junior brother, apologize now," Gui Yao bowed again and urged Xu Yun.

With a smile, Chen Xuan looked at Xu Yun before he could speak and said, "It's alright, it's only natural. There's no need to apologize; that would be too much. Brother Xu, you're free anyway. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'm young too, and there are many things I don't understand. I won't offer advice, but let's exchange ideas. Besides, your sect leader and the others are here. If we brainstorm together, perhaps we can resolve your confusion."

Then Chen Xuan looked at Xuan Yang and said, "What does the Master think? I hope you won't blame me for taking the initiative."

"Young Master Chen, what are you saying? This is his honor, something he would be very happy to do," Xuan Yang said cheerfully. Chen Xuan's words greatly increased his goodwill towards him, not only breaking the deadlock but also making the atmosphere more harmonious. He secretly admired him, thinking that he was indeed a young man who had become a grandmaster, and that such magnanimity was truly rare.

However, Master Xuanyang was also quite old, so he didn't dare to take the opportunity to flatter him. He only mentioned him, not them. Otherwise, if everyone had asked Chen Xuan for advice, that would have been terrible.

He then looked at Xu Yun and said in a reproachful yet caring tone, "Xu Yun, you don't know what's important. Young Master Chen is not holding it against you and is even giving you pointers. Why don't you thank him quickly?"

"Thank you very much, Young Master Chen," Xu Yun said, bowing deeply once again in gratitude.

Chen Xuan smiled calmly and said, "No need for thanks. Whether I can answer your questions is another matter. Please tell me what's bothering you."

Su Roujia, who was following Chen Xuan, knew her place. Since Chen Xuan and Xuan Yang met, she had obediently played the role of a background character. Now, witnessing all this, her eyes were full of surprise. She felt that her master was so powerful. Everyone had to watch their word when acting according to his mood, but her master was not at all pretentious and was approachable. He even had a reputation for being a scoundrel, but he didn't look like one at all.

Like her, Du Juan remained silent throughout. Due to her early experiences, she didn't even have a single expression on her face. Not being very worldly-wise, she didn't think about what Xu Yun's actions meant. She only felt that her master was too easy to talk to. For others, this would naturally be a good thing, but from her perspective, her master's personality made it easy for people to take advantage of him.

But as a maid, she had no right to advise her master on his words and actions. She could only think to herself that if there were any such occasions in the future, she would step forward and play the bad guy so that others would not think that her master was easy to bully.

At this moment, the other members of the Tai Xuan Sect had a different mindset. They felt that Chen Xuan, who was talking eloquently, suddenly became much more impressive. His every move exuded the demeanor of a master, inspiring respect without putting pressure on anyone.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Xu Yun took a deep breath and said, "Young Master Chen, I acquired a sword technique called Swift Wind before the New Year, but I have been unable to grasp its essence and master it. Despite my diligent practice, I have made no progress. I humbly request Young Master Chen's guidance."

Nodding, Chen Xuan smiled and said, "As I said before, we're just discussing and exchanging ideas; no need for pointers. And with what you've said, those of us here don't quite understand either. If you're not worried about revealing your swordsmanship, why not demonstrate it in public? It would be even better if there was a sword manual as a reference."

"It was my oversight. Everyone here is from the same sect, so how could there be any talk of leaking the sword manual? Here it is, please take a look, Young Master Chen and all the elders of the sect. Then I will make a fool of myself and humbly ask for your guidance," Xu Yun said excitedly, taking out the sword manual and presenting it with both hands. It seems that he had prepared in advance, or perhaps he had never let go of the sword manual after obtaining it.

How could he not be excited? He was being guided by a grandmaster, and he was also accompanied by his elders from his own sect. He had never received such treatment since he started practicing martial arts. This was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Didn't he see how envious his fellow disciples were?

Taking the yellowed sword manual, its edges frayed from repeated readings, Chen Xuan nodded and said, "Please demonstrate your cultivation progress once."

"Then I shall make a fool of myself," Xu Yun said, taking two steps back. He then turned around and went to the center of the hall. After drawing his sword and pondering for a moment, he began to practice.

The space was spacious enough for him to do his job.

Xu Yun, focused intently on practicing his swordsmanship, displayed his skills with swift movements, leaving behind a trail of afterimages. His long sword, a foot long, exuded a sharp aura that filled the room, and the sound of sword cries echoed endlessly.

In the eyes of many of Xu Yun's peers, his swordsmanship was incredibly sharp and dazzling. Some even imagined how they would deal with it if they faced it. However, in the eyes of Chen Xuan and the others, Xu Yun's movements were slow and full of flaws.

Xu Yun quickly finished demonstrating a set of sword techniques. Some people in the hall couldn't help but cheer, some seemed to be deep in thought, some frowned and shook their heads, and some racked their brains to take this opportunity to show off.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xu Yun, sword in hand with the tips pointing downwards, bowed respectfully and said, "Please enlighten me." Chen Xuan, who had watched his demonstration, said, "Please wait a moment."

He then quickly flipped through the sword manual, even faster than turning the pages of a book. In just a few breaths, he had finished reading one sword manual. With his martial arts cultivation and terrifying talent, and by comparing it with Xu Yun's demonstration, he had a good grasp of the sword manual after finishing it.

Closing the sword manual, Chen Xuan looked at Xuan Yang and the others and smiled, "Master, you should take a look too."

He didn't just throw it over, but handed it to Du Juan to pass on. This wasn't in front of Lao Deng, so he still had to observe proper etiquette.

Du Juan took the sword manual and passed it around for them to read. After they had all read it quickly and pondered for a moment, Chen Xuan finally spoke up and asked, "Master, Daoist Xuanqing, what do you all think?"

"Since Young Master Chen is here, we won't embarrass ourselves by showing off. Please, you go ahead," Xuan Qing, who was the last to look through the sword manual, handed it to the disciple behind him, then returned it to Xu Yun and smiled as he turned around.

These experts, who had been at the Innate Realm for many years, were more than capable of guiding Xu Yun, but at this moment they were genuinely afraid of showing off their limited skills in front of Chen Xuan, so they decided to try not to express their opinions.

It wasn't a big deal to begin with, and Chen Xuan didn't want to waste any more time, so he pondered for a moment and said, "Then this junior will share my thoughts. If there are any shortcomings, I hope you will not laugh at me. I am young and have far less experience than you seniors."

“Young Master Chen is too kind. Please,” Xuan Yang said, cupping his hands in greeting. As the saying goes, those who are accomplished are teachers. Although Chen Xuan was young, no one dared to underestimate him. In fact, they were prepared to listen attentively, partly to give Chen Xuan face, and partly because it was a learning opportunity for them.

For them, receiving guidance from a master or expert in martial arts is also a valuable opportunity.

Without further delay, Chen Xuan turned his gaze to Xu Yun and said, "Your Gale Sword Technique is quite a refined martial art. Brother Xu, you possess your sect's superior internal energy cultivation, which allows you to unleash a third of its power by controlling your qi."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yang and the others nodded in agreement. To put it bluntly, Xu Yun was just forcibly using his internal strength, and many parts were not smooth enough. He hadn't even entered the realm of martial arts, let alone grasped its essence. Chen Xuan was just being tactful.

Xu Yun was well aware of his situation and humbly replied, "Please correct me, Young Master Chen."

Chen Xuan was truly unprofessional when it came to teaching, but he could still spot Xu Yun's shortcomings at a glance. After thinking for a moment, he said frankly, "Brother Xu is thoroughly familiar with the internal energy circulation and mental techniques of this swordsmanship, leaving no room for criticism. He must have put in a lot of hard work, and I can't find any fault with that either."

This is not nonsense, but a fact, which many people present are well aware of. The key part is what follows.

Then Chen Xuan continued, "The opening lines of this sword technique state that the sword strikes swiftly like the wind, as sharp as a blade cutting through grass. When I observed Brother Xu practicing this sword technique, his sword movements were fierce and swift, ruthless and decisive, seemingly in line with the core of this sword technique, but he lost some of the elegance and agility. Perhaps this is the key reason why he has been unable to grasp the true essence of it."

Xuan Yang and the others' eyes flickered upon hearing this. Chen Xuan's words had hit the nail on the head regarding Xu Yun's weaknesses. They had also seen these shortcomings in Xu Yun, showing they had some insight. However, they wondered how to correct them. They also had their own thoughts and wanted to hear what Chen Xuan had to say, secretly comparing themselves to see where they were lacking.

Xu Yun, aware of his own situation, looked intently and said, "I humbly request Young Master Chen to clarify my doubts."

"No need for that, we're just discussing and exchanging ideas," Chen Xuan said with a smile, waving his hand. He continued, "Personally, I think that this sword technique, by solely pursuing speed, has become inferior. Although the swordplay is fierce, it lacks agility and variability, and is too extreme. We must know that there are gentle breezes, gales, hurricanes, and storms. A gentle breeze leaves no trace, a gale falls leaves, a hurricane flies sand, and a storm moves stones. Although this sword technique is about the wind, it describes the forms of wind. When practicing it, I believe that one should not only pursue the extremes of one aspect, but rather combine tension and relaxation, movement and stillness, which is the true way."

After hearing Chen Xuan's words, Xu Yun, under the watchful eyes of everyone, sometimes frowned and sometimes relaxed, as if he had grasped something, but he hadn't grasped anything at all. He was just a little bit short, feeling extremely uncomfortable in this awkward position.

Xuan Yang and the others were secretly shocked. Their eyes met and their emotions surged. They thought to themselves, "As expected of Chen Xuan, a young master-level expert. He has managed to elevate himself to the level of explaining the ultimate principles of swordsmanship in such a short time, based solely on a sword manual that Xu Yun could only call exquisite!"
This wasn't just correcting Xu Yun's shortcomings; it was elevating the sword technique to a superior level in a very short time, making his words the core principle of the technique.

If Xu Yun could understand Chen Xuan's words, he might even be able to comprehend his own Wind Sword Intent through this sword technique. At that time, his cultivation level might not increase, but his strength would definitely grow.

It should be known that there are fewer than a handful of people in the entire Tai Xuan Sect who have cultivated their own martial intent, and they are all geniuses in the world.

What is most commendable is that he elevated this swordsmanship, which could only be considered exquisite, to another level, and explained such profound principles in simple language!
However, could Xu Yun, as a key figure, understand such profound things?
If Xu Yun were to gain some insight, it would be an incredible stroke of luck, something to be envied. However, seeing him deep in thought, many people felt anxious for him.

Seeing that Xu Yun seemed to have gained some understanding, Chen Xuan nodded inwardly, thinking to himself that this person did have some comprehension, but judging from his previous sword practice, he was a bit stubborn and had something on his mind, which made him a bit extreme in his practice and thus he went astray.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Xuan spoke again: "The wind rustles through the paulownia leaves without a sound, the lone smoke rises from the desert and the waves ripple on the calm lake. The wind is invisible, but it can be observed. Why be fixated on its literal appearance? The tender grass swaying on the distant mountains, the petals falling in the courtyard, the smoke rising from the farmhouse roof, the kites chasing children, and the clouds drifting in the sky—aren't they all the wind beckoning to the world? It's actually all around us, everywhere, but we usually overlook it. Don't overthink it; we should look more and listen more. We are always in the wind, it has always embraced us, it is actually right at our fingertips."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent. Some people had truly gained something, while others, influenced by the atmosphere, pretended to understand and followed the crowd.

Chen Xuan spoke in simple words that everyone could understand, but after listening, they felt as if the wind was whispering in their ears. That wind, which could not be found, did not seem so hard to figure out.

Is this the power of words? No wonder he grew up with the top scholar.

Xu Yun, who was deep in thought, was jolted awake by Chen Xuan's words. His mind became clear and peaceful, and he felt that the road ahead was bright. Many aspects of the previously ineffective Gale Sword Technique suddenly became clear.

He understood, but he couldn't explain what he understood; he couldn't express it in words. He simply understood.

His brows relaxed, and he looked calmly at Chen Xuan, about to kneel down and perform a half-master's salute, saying, "Thank you, Master Chen, for clearing my doubts. I, Xu Yun, will remember this forever. If I gain anything in the future, I will certainly not fail to repay your kindness today."

"Brother Xu, you flatter me. I was just speaking casually. I hope these words will be helpful to you. We can exchange ideas and learn from each other. If we meet again someday, we can chat over a cup of wine and reminisce, which would be a pleasant thing," Chen Xuan said with a raised hand, stopping his kneeling bow.

Some things don't need to be said. Xu Yun nodded, his future clear, and bowed to Xuan Yang, saying, "Disciple Xu Yun has been disrespectful and is willing to accept punishment."

This kid seems to have gained a lot from his risky move and will surely achieve great things in the future. Thinking this to himself, Xuan Yang said seriously, "Since you know you've made a mistake, although Young Master Chen won't hold it against you, every country has its laws and every family has its rules. The punishment will not be light. I'll punish you by sending you to Qingfeng Cliff in the back mountain to be exposed to the wind for three months to reflect on your mistakes."

"Disciple accepts punishment. Sect Leader, fellow martial uncles, Young Master Chen, I accept the punishment and take my leave," Xu Yun said respectfully, then bowed and strode away.

Xuan Yang's punishment for him was extremely severe. Upon hearing that he was to spend three months reflecting on his mistakes at Qingfeng Cliff, many disciples of the Tai Xuan Sect present were filled with fear. Although Qingfeng Cliff had a nice name, the environment there was extremely harsh, with the cold wind like a knife. Ordinary people could not survive even half a day there. Even if Xu Yun had profound internal strength, he would still suffer greatly. Three whole months! Just thinking about it was terrifying.

Xuan Yang's arrangement was serious in punishing Xu Yun, but it was also creating conditions for him to digest what he had gained today. After he descends the mountain in three months, his martial arts skills will definitely make great progress.

At the same time, this method also dispelled the eagerness of the disciples. With Xu Yun's example, some disciples were eager to ask Chen Xuan for advice. He was a guest, and they should be grateful for the guidance he had given them. How could they take his politeness for granted and try to take advantage of him?

Xuan Yang has a sense of propriety. He has already wasted a lot of time. If he were to ask each person individually, when would that take?

After Xu Yun admitted his mistake, accepted the punishment, and left, the people present all lost their enthusiasm, considering the serious consequences. Not everyone had Xu Yun's adventurous spirit. Besides, Chen Xuan could let it go once, but if it happened again, it would be pushing his luck and taking advantage of others.

After the brief interlude, everyone continued chatting, eating, and drinking. By the time everyone was slightly tipsy and had a good time, it was noon.

After dismissing everyone, Xuan Yang rose and said, "I would trouble Young Master Chen to move to the guest courtyard for a short rest. The concealment array diagram will be presented shortly."

"You're too kind, thank you for your trouble."

...(End of chapter)