Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 360 Yan Family Tomb
At first, Zhang Xingming didn't understand why killing a Foundation Establishment cultivator from a small border country would require him, a Golden Core cultivator, to take action.

The reason for this seems to involve matters at a higher level, which even he, a deacon at the Golden Core stage, has no right to investigate.

However, the senior who assigned this task did reveal some details.

Song Yan and Chen Linyuan are probably from the same lineage, the ancient sword cultivators, which is why they need the suppression of a higher realm to be absolutely certain of victory.

This made Zhang Xingming much more wary.

If it were just Song Yan alone, killing him would be an easy task.

Even if a sword cultivator disciple in the mid-Foundation stage has some talent and opportunities, he is nothing more than a stronger ant in front of a Golden Core cultivator.

However, the fact that both Song Yan and Chen Linyuan are sword cultivators makes this somewhat intriguing.

Could this Song Yan be a disciple secretly taught by Chen Linyuan?
Zhang Xingming's original plan was to find a suitable opportunity when Song Yan was alone, strike swiftly and destroy him completely, and then immediately flee to avoid Chen Linyuan's attack.

People are not as good as the sky.

Now that Chen Linyuan's sword talisman has fallen into his hands again, he is somewhat hesitant.

When Zhang Xingming said he was a timid person, he wasn't just being polite or making things up.

He knew that as an ordinary cultivator in the Demonic Ruins with no talent or powerful backing, his achievement of the Golden Core realm was entirely due to his own steadiness and caution.

Even among those who achieve the Golden Core stage, there are differences.

Zhang Xingming sighed inwardly, a sense of irritation lingering within him.

Who is Chen Linyuan? He was once a Nascent Soul True Monarch, a peerless genius who dominated the Central Region.

Even though his Dao heart is now clouded and his cultivation level has fallen to the Golden Core stage, he is still at the peak of the Golden Core realm.

His knowledge and control over spiritual power far surpassed that of an ordinary early-stage Golden Core cultivator like myself, who had painstakingly formed my core amidst the abundant resources of the Demon Ruins.

No one knows the true extent of the power of the sword talisman he forged.

Qin Ying thought it was just a strike from a Golden Core cultivator, but Zhang Xingming dared not gamble.

This is the real reason why he rejected Qin Ying.

"It's really troublesome."

Zhang Xingming cursed inwardly.

Originally, all that was needed was to figure out how to avoid Chen Linyuan's senses and pursuit, but now they also had to take into account the sword talisman in Song Yan's hand.

No matter how quickly he acted, as long as Song Yan reacted fast enough and had some special life-saving methods, he could hold out for a breath or two and activate the sword talisman...

It's easy to make things drag on and potentially attract Chen Linyuan's pursuit.

"..."

After much deliberation, Zhang Xingming finally decided that since that was the case, he would wait for the predecessors of the Demon Ruins to arrive in Chu Kingdom and suppress Chen Linyuan.

Wait until then to kill him; that would be the safest course of action.

He knew his own limitations and knew he wasn't cut out for a direct confrontation with Chen Linyuan.

Although it is unclear how strong the opponent is, or whether they are as powerful as rumored.

However, the level of importance that the Demon Ruins attached to this action shows that their caution was definitely not without reason.

The overall strength of the Demon Ruins is now far greater than before. With those few powerful figures holding back the righteous cultivators in the Central Region, they have no time to attend to the Eastern Wilderness border region.

Therefore, the current strategy of the Demon Ruins is to first conquer the border regions, and then compete for the Central Region through the Eastern Wilderness Corridor.

To conquer the border regions, we must open a breach in the Chu state.

It should be noted that in order to ensure the killing of Chen Linyuan, this "minor Golden Core cultivator," the Demon Ruins actually drew nine Nascent Soul cultivators from the four major lineages!
……

Spring seems to arrive earlier in Longquan Prefecture than elsewhere.

The mountains and plains are covered with exotic flowers and rare herbs, exuding vibrant life. In the streets and alleys of the mountain town, mortals laugh and play, while cultivators come and go.

The mountain town of Beiya is still as bustling as ever.

A sword light came from the south and flew straight towards Beiyashan City.

This person was none other than Song Yan.

More than a year ago, after the magic weapon Qiu Ren was born, he began to cultivate in seclusion and took the second sword-nourishing pill.

With the help of the powerful sword energy, he crossed the threshold of the middle stage in one fell swoop, and the late stage of Foundation Establishment was achieved naturally.

For the next six months, he meticulously and steadily consolidated his cultivation while tirelessly refining his sword energy and honing his spiritual power.

It can be considered as diligent practice, paving the way for that elusive path to the Golden Elixir.

About half a year ago, he took the third and last Sword Nourishing Pill, which was helpful for his cultivation, and took another small step forward in the process of condensing sword energy.

He only gradually slowed down his arduous training after realizing that his mind was becoming somewhat dull and he was feeling bored. He came out of seclusion a few days ago.

It just so happens that Song Yan had previously planned to visit Beiya Mountain to pay a visit to the Yan family, which would also be a good way to relax.

Before he knew it, Song Yan's sword light plunged into the anti-air formation near Beiya Mountain, and he immediately felt a heavy weight around his body.

In fact, with his current late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, he can ignore this restriction to some extent when using the Wandering Void Technique; at most, it will only consume more sword energy and spiritual power.

However, I'm here to visit a friend, not to cause trouble.

He then put down his sword and slowly walked into Beiya Mountain City.

Not far from the entrance to the mountain city, the familiar street-front restaurant is still packed with customers.

Song Yan sat by the window, where he could see the winding stone steps and stilted houses leading into the mountain.

Returning to this familiar place brings a different feeling.

It was by chance that I came across this event. As a novice cultivator, the Flower Festival at Beiya Mountain was the first grand event in the cultivation world that I had ever participated in.

Looking back now, many things are still vivid in my mind.

"I wonder if the jade tablet that was hung up back then is still on that spirit peach tree."

He casually took out a communication jade talisman, and a faint light flashed at his fingertips. A message flew out from outside the window.

I wonder if Yan Xun is still in the mountain city.

I ordered a pot of Lingling Flower Tea, a specialty of Beiya Mountain, and sat quietly for a while.

Not long after I had drunk half a cup of spiritual tea, a voice rang in my ears.

"Brother Yan!"

Looking in the direction of the voice, they saw Yan Xun striding in: "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Over the years, the young master of the Yan family has lost some of his youthful naiveté and gained more composure, but his cheerful and enthusiastic nature remains the same.

Beside him, a woman in a light green dress, with a gentle and beautiful face, followed with a soft smile.

Song Yan also recognized this person; it was Wu Duo.

The two walked side by side, getting closer to nature.

Song Yan smiled sincerely and stood up to greet them, saying, "Gentlemen, it's been a long time."

"Ah Xun, it's been years, have you gained some weight?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Xun glanced at Wu Duo beside him with a strange expression: "Really?"

Wu Duo covered her mouth and smiled gently: "Fellow Daoist Song was just joking with you, saying that you're living a comfortable life now."

"That's true."

Yan Xun chuckled.

"When did you two get together? When are you having your wedding banquet? Don't forget about me, Xiao Song, when the time comes."

Wu Duo is considerably older than Yan Xun, but in the cultivation world, there are indeed few such concerns.

Let alone siblings falling in love, there are many love stories even between teachers and students. Overall, the two are a very good match.

Wu Duo blushed slightly, curtsied, and said with a hint of shyness in her eyes, "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Song. I didn't expect you to still remember me."

Yan Xun, without any hesitation, grabbed Wu Duo's slender hand, his face full of pride and happiness: "Hehe, Brother Yan, Sister Duo and I actually got engaged many years ago."

"It's just that the chaos of the Demon Ruins happened at that time, and in recent years, many of our family businesses have been rebuilt, so we haven't had time to do it yet."

"I reckon it will be next year or the year after."

The two exchanged a glance: "We'll definitely treat you then."

Yan Xun seemed to have thought of something and exchanged a glance with Wu Duo: "Speaking of which, Senior Brother Lu Ziye sent us wedding invitations a while ago. You should be going too, right?"

Senior Brother Lu Ziye, is this your wedding banquet?

He didn't know that.

"I haven't received an invitation."

Senior Brother Lu Ziye is also Granny Qin's disciple, so in terms of seniority, he is my proper senior brother.

Although the two didn't have a very deep connection, it shouldn't be that she didn't send him an invitation; there must have been some other reason for the delay.

Seeing Song Yan's bewildered expression, Yan Xun took out an exquisite wedding invitation from his Qiankun bag and handed it over.

"Here."

The new couple is Lu Ziye and Nangong Ling.

The location is on the banks of the Lingyang River, at the Nangong family residence.

Song Yan looked at the two names on the invitation and was somewhat surprised.

Unexpectedly, Senior Brother Lu's Daoist partner is a female cultivator from the Nangong family.

However, they weren't the two sisters I knew.

Song Yan returned the invitation.

"Brother Yan didn't receive it; perhaps the invitation was delayed for some reason."

Yan Xun said, changing the subject: "It's quite a coincidence. I was just inspecting the market in Shancheng today when I received your message, so I brought Duo'er here to save you from waiting here."

The three of them poured tea and reminisced.

Yan Xun talked on and on about the changes in the mountain city over the past few years and the current situation of the Yan family. Wu Duo occasionally added to the conversation and would also mention the Wu family. They chatted happily.

Song Yan only talked about his experiences that could be easily glossed over.

After a long while, we finally got to the point.

“Ah Xun, I have come here for two reasons. First, to visit an old friend and catch up. Second, I would like to visit the Yan family again and pay my respects to one of your ancestors.”

Yan Xun put down his teacup, a hint of curiosity in his voice: "Oh? Which senior?"

“I should have some impression of anyone whose name is recorded in the family genealogy.”

Song Yan uttered two words: "Uncle Yan".

Upon hearing the name, Yan Xun showed a look of sudden realization, as if he had remembered something.

Song Yan asked, "By the way, those grandfather and grandson were descendants of Senior Yan Bo. I even had them deliver a letter to you back then."

"Hmm, they should be at one of the family's weapon-refining businesses right now... Brother Yan, would you like to go check on them?"

"Ah, no need for that. Now that we've returned to our ancestral home, everything is peaceful and stable, so let's not disturb them."

Song Yan asked, "However, why is it during a family division?"

Upon hearing Song Yan's question, Yan Xun seemed rather puzzled: "That Senior Yan Bo is from a branch family."

"This……"

This was quite a surprise to Song Yan, who had previously subconsciously assumed that Senior Yan Bo was a member of the main family.

Wu Duo glanced at Yan Xun, seemingly remembering who this Senior Yan was.

Clearly, this senior is quite famous.

He had a glorious period in his life, but later became stubborn and unrealistic, eventually dying in depression and a desolate old age.

His stories and legends have been passed down among the Yan family for generations.

A few years ago, the grandfather and grandson returned to their ancestral home, and rumors about Yan Bo were once again unearthed by idle people and circulated among the clan for a while.

When Yan Xun mentioned this person, his tone was filled with emotion and respect: "Brother Yan remembers him and even made a special trip to pay his respects. He is truly thoughtful."

"I'll inform Grandpa right away, and we can talk as we walk."

Yan Xun took out the family token and sent a message: "My grandfather has been doing something all these years, and he has also gone to look through the manuscripts left by my maternal grandfather, Yan Bo. I think he must know something."

The three left the restaurant and embarked on the mountain path.

A mountain breeze carrying the rich scent of flowers and grass wafted towards him; Song Yan had walked this road many years ago.

With Yan Xun leading the way, the journey was smooth and unobstructed.

Passing through the main buildings of the grand Sword Casting Manor, the further you walk towards the other side of the mountain, the more secluded and tranquil the environment becomes.

Finally, they arrived at the entrance to a secluded valley surrounded by ancient, verdant trees. This place was not far from the abandoned old sword hut where the old items had been stored.

At the entrance of the valley, an elderly man with white hair and beard stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a simple gray robe. He was Yan Xun's grandfather, Yan Li.

During their previous casual conversation, Yan Xun had told Song Yan that this old man had already shed many of his clan affairs and was now in a semi-retired state.

When he saw the three of them, he nodded slightly, and when his gaze fell on Song Yan, there was a hint of approval in his eyes.

The three stepped forward to pay their respects, and Song Yan was no exception.

"Junior Song Yan greets Senior."

The old man gave a slight nod of support: "No need for formalities. I am a few years older than you, so I will address you as Young Friend Song."

“Young friend, you have come from afar to pay respects to my maternal ancestor. On behalf of the Yan clan, I am deeply grateful for your kindness.”

"Senior, you flatter me. I only came to pay my respects because of a chance encounter and some connection with Senior Yanbo." Song Yan replied humbly.

"Come with me."

As Yanli led the way, he said, "Our ancestor Yanbo was originally from a branch family, so he shouldn't be buried in the main family cemetery."

"But when he became famous at a young age, the Yan family was in dire need of rebuilding, and he made many contributions to the Yan family."

“Back then, the clan even arranged a marriage for him with the young lady from the main family.”

"But he refused."

As Song Yan listened, he recalled the obsession he had in the Yin-Yang Realm.

He's a very strange person.

"However, later, the clan remembered his past contributions and moved his grave to the clan cemetery, and it was even a tomb for his artifacts."

The so-called "Qizhong" is not an ordinary grave, but a resting place set up by the Yan clan to commemorate their ancestors who had superb skills or made special contributions.

Hidden deep in the valley, it is carved into the mountainside with stone steps winding down, along which you can see some ancient stone tablets, sword racks, and even the remains of a huge furnace.

It symbolizes the souls of the previous weapon refiners returning to heaven and earth, and also represents the younger generation's remembrance of the spirit of their ancestors.

The old man stopped in front of a flat stone platform.

The stone platform is backed by green rock and is slightly higher than the surrounding ground. A black ore is embedded in the rock base.

The surface of the ore was polished smooth, without any elaborate carvings, only two large characters engraved in a bold and powerful font.

Yan Bo.

(End of this chapter)