Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 338 Farewell
The next day.

Song Yan took Xiao He and left the territory of Dongyuan Sect, heading towards Yanran Mountain Range.

A mountain breeze was blowing.

Xiao He peeked out from Song Yan's collar. She didn't chatter as usual, but only occasionally raised her head to look at him.

On the western slope of the Yanran Mountains, there is a sunny and sheltered valley with babbling streams and lush flowers and plants.

Song Yan pressed down on the sword light, which fell into the valley.

Bai Qi was already waiting there, and beside her stood a young woman.

Song Yan knew at a glance that this person was also a demon, and should be a fellow demon cultivator that Bai Qi had met on Shangtong Mountain.
"Fellow Daoist Bai Qi."

Song Yan stopped and nodded slightly.

Bai Qi nodded gently in response, her gaze falling on Xiao He on Song Yan's shoulder, and said in a gentle tone, "Xiao He, come with me."

Xiao He slowly slid down from his neck, and the moment she landed, a flash of light appeared, and she transformed into human form.

She looked up at Song Yan.

"Go ahead," Song Yan said. "Be careful on your journey."

Xiao He nodded vigorously, then seemed to remember something, and buried her head in her small backpack, rummaging through it with an unusually serious expression.

Finally, she presented something carefully wrapped in a few supple leaves of a spiritual herb.

She gently peeled back the leaves, revealing what was inside.

It was a little figure made of clay.

The clay figure is only the size of a palm. The clay body was clearly kneaded carefully many times to achieve such a uniform and delicate texture, presenting a special warm and lustrous sheen.

In terms of craftsmanship alone, it is certainly not as good as the clay figurines from Nan Hongcheng.

However, the clay figure's facial features and body shape are sculpted very realistically, and upon closer inspection, the spirit between the eyebrows is quite similar.

It looked exactly like Song Yan.

"Yanyan, this is for you."

Song Yan was taken aback, then took it with both hands and held it in her hands.

As they were about to part, Xiaohe didn't shed a tear; she was much stronger than she had imagined.

His gaze shifted from the clay figurine in his hand to Xiao He's blue-gold snake eyes, where he saw a resolute expression he had never seen before.

"Whether it's ten, twenty, thirty, or a hundred years, you must never forget me. We must meet again."

Xiao He said, "Human cultivators cannot know where the mountains and seas are, so you must become the most powerful cultivator in the world and let the whole world know your name."

"In that case, once I emerge from between the mountains and the sea, I will surely be able to find you."

Song Yan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "Okay."

He extended his little finger, as if he wanted to make a pinky promise with Xiaohe.

But when Xiao He came closer and reached out her hand, Song Yan suddenly flicked her forehead with his thumb and middle finger.

"Ouch!"

"You're actually begging me now."

Song Yan pinched her little face: "Xiao He will also become an amazing monster in the mountains and seas."

"If we join forces in the future, we can unify the world. What do you say?"

"Great, that's wonderful."

Xiao He grinned and chuckled.

Song Yan seemed to remember something and said with some worry, "But with your memory, when my name is known all over the world, don't just ignore it and forget who you're looking for."

"You're talking nonsense! My memory isn't that bad!"

Not long after, Song Yan gently patted Xiao He's head and gave his last instruction.

"Alright, go ahead. But if you become a great monster in the mountains, don't get too carried away and stay there forever."

"it is good……"

He slightly raised his hand, indicating that Xiao He could go with Bai Qi.

Xiao He kept turning back to look at him as she took a step.

"You can rest assured that most of the demon cultivators I encounter on Mount Tong are female demons, and many of them are like sisters."

Bai Qi didn't speak, but the female demon beside her spoke to Song Yan.

"Besides, Xiao He is exceptionally talented. The senior demon cultivators would probably be too busy protecting her to let her be bullied."

"it is good."

Song Yan nodded and said to Bai Qi, "Then thank you both for your care."

Since that's all, I won't linger any longer.

From beneath Bai Qi's light gauze sleeves, a white jade hairpin suddenly flew out. In the blink of an eye, the hairpin transformed into a white snake phantom, hovering beneath the feet of the two.

With a gentle flick of its tail, the white snake's phantom lifted Xiao He off the ground, slowly floating into the air and softly landing beside Bai Qi.

"Let's just say goodbye."

Before he finished speaking, the white snake slowly rose into the sky, and the snake treasure in Song Yan's eyes also gradually shrank. He could only vaguely see a pair of small hands waving at him from among the clouds.

"..."

Song Yan wanted to say something more to Xiao He, but remained silent, only waving his hand.

Xiao He, take good care of yourself.

Among the clouds.

The white snake phantom carried three demons and flew northwest.

Bai Qi sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to rest.

A layer of flowing spiritual light surrounded the jade hairpin, shielding it from the fierce winds among the clouds.

Xiao He gazed at the mountains and rivers beneath the clouds, saying nothing.

Bai Qi looked at Xiao He, somewhat surprised.

She thought the child would cry and fuss, be extremely reluctant to leave, and even regret it in order to stay by Song Yan's side.

She was prepared for this.

Xiaohe is indeed very talented, and she would feel it would be a great pity to waste her talent.

However, her greatest wish, and that of the demon cultivators who went up Tongshan, was to find the place between the mountains and the sea.

I won't let Xiaohe slow down my pace.

Unexpectedly, Xiao He's reaction to parting with Song Yan today was remarkably calm.

Could it be that the bond between them isn't as deep as they imagined?
"Xiao He, what are you thinking about?"

"Sister Bai Qi, if I go to the mountains and seas, will I be able to become a powerful monster?"

Bai Qi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and then explained, "The area between mountains and seas is a pure land for all demon races, and it is home to the most powerful demon race elders."

"There must be a demon cultivation method that is most suitable for you."

"In addition, you have exceptional talent. Once you go to the mountains and seas, you will surely become a powerful monster."

Xiao He nodded upon hearing this.

"So, don't you think the backstabbing and scheming among humans is too boring?"

The succubus chuckled, "That's perfectly normal."

She produced a small jar of wine from somewhere and handed it to Xiao He.

"Oh, you're still young."

She withdrew her hand, gulped down the drink in one go, and said, "Haha."

"The human world is too mercenary; it's better to be a monster in the mountains."

"It's not too late to understand now!"

Bai Qi felt a little relieved. She had been worried that Xiao He's inability to let go of the human named Song Yan was affecting her own cultivation.

After all, the chances of them meeting again in the future are extremely slim.

In the State of Chu, Song Yan was indeed a person of exceptional talent, a point that Bai Qi fully acknowledged.

However, if placed in the Central Region, it would seem somewhat inadequate.

If that person really wanted to venture into the Central Region in order to see Xiao He, he would naturally know the truth that there are always people more capable than oneself and heavens beyond heavens.

If one has a firm and strong will, then it's alright.

I fear that when the time comes, the frog at the bottom of the well will jump out of the deep well and see the bright moon, and the rootless mayfly will see the blue sky.

His Daoist heart was damaged, and he never recovered, disappearing without a trace.

This is the norm for many geniuses from the border regions after they enter the central region.

Whether human cultivators or demon cultivators, the Great Dao is desolate, and the so-called relatives and friends in the world are like reflections in a mirror or the moon in the water.

Who knows, when I emerge from seclusion after my cultivation, hundreds of years will have passed in the mortal world, leaving only a handful of yellow earth to express my longing.

She will understand in time.

However, Xiaohe shook her head.

"Yan Yan will definitely keep his promise to me."

"……What's up?"

Bai Qi and the female demon were both slightly taken aback, wondering what Xiao He was talking about. "He will become a cultivator known throughout the world, so I also want to become a powerful demon."

"We want to live forever."

"We want to live together for a thousand years, ten thousand years."

Xiao He looked at the distant sky, at the rising sun slowly emerging from the sea of ​​clouds, her young face revealing a determined expression.

"Compared to this matter..."

"A short separation is nothing."

Dongyuan Sect, Earthly Branch Eryi Cave Mansion.

Song Yan sat in the quiet, empty cave, holding the clay figurine that Xiao He had given him.

Perhaps because she had always been by his side, he hadn't noticed that Xiao He was actually growing up.

Once upon a time, she was a little snake demon who opened her eyes and saw the world in the desolate and silent Great Lonely Mountain.

I don't know who my parents are, nor do I know where I'm going.

Later, he met his grandfather and began living together.

I forget when it happened, but she gradually began to take on a human form.

Learn to embrace with both hands, and learn to cherish the time spent with loved ones.

Learn to be strong, learn to listen.

It grows a human heart.

"It seems I underestimated Snake Baby."

Song Yan put the clay figure away, his eyes clear: "Then I absolutely cannot lose to her."

"If you want to become a world-renowned great cultivator, indecisiveness is not a good thing."

He took a deep breath and stepped into the training room.

……

The inner library.

The light and shadows in the attic were dim. Wu Xusheng was sitting on a futon, and when he spoke, there was a hint of joy in his expression.

But when his gaze fell upon the person in front of him, his expression became somewhat complicated.

Opposite him was Chen Linyuan, the current sect leader of the Dongyuan Sect.

Chen Linyuan leaned casually against the chair, his appearance not at all gaunt, but rather refined and scholarly.

But those eyes seemed to be covered with a thick layer of dust, deep yet devoid of light.

He fiddled with an old gourd in his hand, only occasionally raising his eyelids to lazily glance at Wu Xusheng.

"Old Wu, just tell me what's on your mind?"

"Sect Leader Chen, this old man has been in your territory for quite a few years now."

Wu Xusheng slowly said, "I am sending this message today to inform you of something, and also to bid you farewell."

"Oh?"

Chen Linyuan then raised his eyes, his dull and lifeless gaze finally focusing as he looked at Old Wu: "Have you heard anything about your long-lost grandson?"

"good."

Wu Xusheng nodded.

However, Chen Linyuan's reaction was as usual, without much of a ripple.

"This is great news, Lao Wu."

There was something strange about his expression: "But if that's the case, why are you still here chatting with me instead of making your move?"

Wu Xusheng sighed softly.

He gazed at the peerless genius before him who had once dominated the Central Region.

At that time, Chen Linyuan was full of vigor and was incredibly talented.

Wherever the sword's edge pointed, heroes scattered in fear; its power was unstoppable.

He is considered the most likely to revive the glory of ancient swordsmanship and even rival Zheng Zu.

He also had high hopes for Chen Linyuan.

But now?

This seed of human destiny seems to have withered completely, buried deep in the small swamp of Chu.

All that remained was a languid, seemingly calm but lifeless shell.

They gave up pursuing higher realms, abandoned external conflicts, and became indifferent to everything.

The two had some acquaintance in the Central Region, and later he went to the Chu Kingdom and stayed in the Dongyuan Sect for many years.

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land deepens our friendship.

As someone who values ​​talent, he came to say goodbye and inform his grandson that the clues were genuine.

But deep down, didn't I also want to take this opportunity to see him again, say something, and try to awaken something?
Even just a tiny spark would be helpful.

Wu Xusheng hesitated for a moment, and before he could speak, Chen Linyuan suddenly froze, then burst into loud laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

"Old Wu, everyone has their own ambitions, but they all walk different paths."

"I am very happy here. It is peaceful, I am at ease, and no one bothers me."

"The vastness of the world, the turbulence of wind and clouds, are no longer relevant to me."

He shook the gourd, listening to the sloshing sound of the little wine left inside, and the faint smile on his lips deepened.

“Old Wu,” he looked at Wu Xusheng again, his eyes regaining their stagnant calm, “finding your family is already a great blessing. Go, go, go quickly.”

Wu Xusheng sighed softly and nodded slightly.

As Chen Linyuan said, this is a great thing, but he is feeling sad here because of this, which is really pretentious.

Ultimately, everyone in this world chooses their own path.

Wu Xusheng had something to pursue, and Chen Linyuan had his chosen grave.

"In that case, Sect Leader Chen, take care."

Wu Xusheng cupped his hands in greeting, his tone now calm and carrying a hint of relief.

Chen Linyuan simply raised his hand lazily: "Have a safe journey."

Wu Xusheng then made no further hesitation.

With a flick of his sleeve, he took a step forward, and his figure transformed into a condensed light blue streak, instantly disappearing into the sky above the Dongyuan Sect.

Inside the library, Chen Linyuan remained in that position for a long time without moving.

Something seemed to flicker faintly deep within his eyes.

Like the last spark struggling in dead ashes, it was immediately swallowed up by unfathomable indifference.

He raised his hand, tilted his head back, and drank the last bit of wine in the bottle.

……

One year later.

In the bamboo grove courtyard, Song Yan was sitting cross-legged on the blue stone, making slight movements with his hands.

Although there was indeed sword energy surging within the Zhendao Sword Mansion, the hand movements did not resemble hand seals.

It's more like a flick of the finger in the mundane world of martial arts.

In the courtyard, there is a puppet that runs around the whole place.

Song Yan closed his eyes, but repeatedly performed a certain action with his hands.

Then, at a certain moment, sword energy suddenly surged, and a condensed beam of sword energy shot out from the tip of his left little finger, heading straight for the puppet.

Although this sword energy was extremely fast, the puppet was a Foundation Establishment Realm puppet that Song Yan had purchased in the market for a considerable amount of spirit stones.

It was specifically used for practicing sword control techniques.

The sword energy struck the puppet's right shoulder, but did not cause it much damage.

Strangely, the sword energy dissipated the moment it struck the puppet's right shoulder.

In the next instant, it condensed and took shape above the puppet's head.

No matter where he moved, the sword energy remained suspended above his head.

hum-

The sword energy fell without warning, instantly piercing through the puppet's body. The figure, which had been moving rapidly, stumbled and flew several feet before scattering on the ground.

"..."

The sheer power of this move even surprised Song Yan himself.

He looked at his fingers, then at the ruined Foundation Establishment puppet, and was speechless for a moment.

"That sword strike was far too fast..."

The move just now was a finger technique that I had previously seen from Yuanzhen's wooden puppet.

The Six Void Heavens descended with a sword pointing.

(End of this chapter)