Chapter 3: The Master of Sword Rain Tower
The young man gazed at Jian Wushuang, his eyes revealing a look of excitement
For third-rate individuals in the martial world, including those from minor sects and small factions, they fall under the category of assassination by the Yellow character, typically carried out by the Sword Rain Envoys and the Wanderers
Star Rain, your father has some free time today, so he came to see you. Are you listening to your teacher here?
One month ago
Jian Wushuang, while speaking, took Jian Xingyu's small hand and walked towards the courtyard. Meanwhile, Changqing and Ou Shiyi closed the door from the outside, casually standing outside the door.
Jian Xingyu stood dazed in the courtyard, still unable to comprehend why his father's visit this time was so different from before
The first nine rules are quite simple, while the tenth rule actually pertains to the operational guidelines of the Sword Rain Tower. Since its establishment in the martial world, the Sword Rain Tower has made a living by charging for lives, or more directly, it is an assassin organization
On the outskirts of Luoyang, there is an unremarkable farmhouse courtyard
In memory of his beloved wife, he named his child Jian Xingyu, symbolizing the love between Jian Wushuang and Yin Yuer as fleeting yet unforgettable, like a shooting star. The elderly man before him is Jian Wushuang's father-in-law, the father of his beloved wife Yin Yuer, Mr. Yin.
However, the Sword Rain Tower operates with principles, adhering to the six words: "Jianghu matters, Jianghu resolves." It only addresses grievances within the Jianghu, and for those outside of it, no matter how much one offers, they will not take on the task. Yet, once a task is accepted, it is a matter of life and death; as long as the Sword Rain Tower exists, it will inevitably claim lives, showing no mercy, leaving no room for escape, and harboring no regrets. This is also the reason why people in the Jianghu are wary of the Sword Rain Tower.
Jian Xingyu solemnly took the jade pendant with both hands and said, "Child, I will remember this." Only then did Jian Wushuang nod with satisfaction, looking at Jian Xingyu with a face full of affection
"Elder Yin, I originally intended to take him personally, but due to some incidents at the Sword Rain Tower, I am unable to do so. Therefore, I am afraid I must trouble you again," said Jian Wushuang somewhat helplessly, glancing back at Jian Xingyu, who also appeared a bit disappointed at not being able to accompany Jian Xingyu himself.
Is it almost done, mhetushucomcom? Old Master Yin's murky gaze appeared somewhat dazed, clearly reluctant to part with Jian Xingyu.
The middle-aged man is none other than Jian Wushuang, the master of the Sword Rain Tower. At this moment, Jian Wushuang is smiling as he looks at the young man who is opening the door
Later, Yin Yuer gave birth to Jian Xingyu but died in an accident, reportedly due to foul play. Jian Wushuang has always sought to uncover the truth behind the scenes, but he has never succeeded.
"Haha... with such an understanding and wise son, my life as Jian Wushuang is worthwhile." Jian Wushuang also laughed heartily, his spirit soaring, as the earlier gloom seemed to dissipate.
Behind the middle-aged man stand two older individuals. One is dressed in gray, tall and thin, exuding a cold demeanor. The other, clad in white, is somewhat short and stout, yet possesses a simple and amiable appearance, with a cheerful expression.
Jian Wushuang, who had long since walked far away, unexpectedly had tears welling in his eyes at this moment. He glanced back at the small courtyard, now only a blurred outline, wiped his tears forcefully, and his expression immediately returned to normal. Taking a deep breath, he slowed his pace, allowing Changqing and Ou Shiyi to catch up, and the three of them walked towards the direction of Jianyu Tower.
For certain renowned top experts in the martial world, or leaders of significant factions, they fall under the category of targeted assassination. Typically, this is carried out by the person in charge or by a Shura. In the case of encountering particularly formidable opponents, it may also involve the intervention of the protective elder.
Jian Wushuang inadvertently nodded, then turned around and bowed to Elder Yin: "Elder Yin, Wushuang will take my leave now. I will trouble you tomorrow."
The tall and thin old man is one of the guardians of the Sword Rain Tower, Elder Cangying, also known as Changqing. The short and stout old man is another guardian of the Sword Rain Tower, the smiling Maitreya, Ou Shiyi
As the sound faded away, Jian Wushuang also disappeared from sight. Ou Shiyi cast a meaningful glance at Jian Xingyu, then hurriedly turned around to follow Changqing in pursuit of Jian Wushuang
The Sword Rain Tower will categorize assassination targets into four levels based on difficulty: "Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow"
Father
Jian Wushuang crouched down and looked at Jian Xingyu, suddenly pulling him into an embrace. Jian Xingyu was taken by surprise, as he had no recollection of his father ever holding him like this. "Dad!" Being held by Jian Wushuang made Jian Xingyu's nose inexplicably tingle, and he called out with a hint of tears in his voice
Old Master Yin nodded and advised, "Wushuang, be careful in everything!"
Since the establishment of the Sword Rain Tower by the Self-Sword Unmatched, the Ten Commandments of the Sword Rain Tower have been set forth: 1. No indiscriminate killing of innocents; 2. No acts of debauchery and plunder; 3. No committing of crimes; 4. No betrayal of trust; 5. No bullying the weak with power; 6. No forming private alliances; 7. No undermining superiors; 8. No forsaking righteousness for profit; 9. No using public office for personal gain; 10. No unauthorized execution of actions
Father, this is the first time your child has seen you so restless. What is the matter?" Jian Xingyu also asked, tilting his little head.
This visit is also to discuss the future arrangements for Jian Xingyu. After all, at the age of seven, it is time to establish a foundation and cultivate one's essence, as well as to practice martial arts. If we delay any longer, it will be too late. Moreover, it is clear that Elder Yin is not capable of teaching these matters.
In the martial world, no one knew that Jian Wushuang had a family; everyone thought he was a martial arts fanatic, a solitary figure. Little did they expect that he actually had a six-year-old son, who was hidden in the city of Luoyang
As for the "Heavenly Character Assassination," the Sword Rain Tower has yet to receive any such case since its establishment. Even the assassination of the third-ranked master in the martial world, the Quick Blade Master Tu Feng, was resolved by the simultaneous efforts of two elders, five Asuras, and over ten wandering practitioners, which fell under the category of "Earth Character Assassination." According to rumors in the martial world, if a "Heavenly Character Assassination" were to occur, Jian Wushuang would personally take action
Then, without waiting for Jian Xingyu to respond, Jian Wushuang suddenly stood up, turned, and walked towards the door without looking back, leaving behind a single remark: "Xingyu, you have grown up. Remember, a man must stand tall and firm. If you ever enter the martial world, you must remember one principle: matters of the martial world are settled within the martial world! Be a true man who is clear about love and hate!"
The master of Sword Rain Tower, Jian Wushuang, established the tower twenty years ago. His martial arts skills are profound and immeasurable, yet before Jian Wushuang rose to fame, no one had ever heard of this name. Similarly, in the rankings of the martial world at that time, at least among the top ten experts in the Jianghu, this name was absent. In other words, Jian Wushuang was a master who suddenly emerged in the Jianghu. Twenty years ago, Jian Wushuang single-handedly challenged the then second-ranked master, the Saint of the Cloud Spear, Lian Fulu, the third-ranked master, the Quick Blade Butcher, Tu Feng, and the fourth-ranked master, the Flying Hell, Shangguan Xiongyu, at the summit of Kunlun, and remained undefeated, thus gaining fame in a single battle. As for where he came from and who his master was, no one knows.
Jian Wushuang saw the old man and respectfully smiled: "Elder Yin, thank you for your hard work"
"Old Yin, it has been about time; it is indeed time for Xingyu to leave," said Jian Wushuang first.
Ouyi respectfully said to Jian Wushuang: "Master of the building, the time is almost here"
Due to his strictness towards Jian Xingyu's education, Elder Yin does not allow Jian Xingyu to call him "grandfather," but instead refers to himself as "Sir." Although he has never been involved with Jian Yu Tower, in Jian Wushuang's heart, he has always regarded Jian Xingyu as the next master to be cultivated.
Looking at his son's adorable face, Jian Wushuang smiled knowingly and gently rubbed Jian Xingyu's head. He said softly, "There is nothing in this world that your father cannot resolve. Rest assured, tomorrow you will accompany your teacher to another place, where there will certainly be someone to teach you martial arts. You must study diligently and must not be lazy."
Under the leadership of the master Jian Wushuang, the Sword Rain Tower is divided into five chief protectors, ten Asuras, twenty-four managers, and seventy-two wandering practitioners. The rest are the executors of the Sword Rain Tower, referred to as Sword Rain Envoys
The wooden door of the small courtyard was knocked on, and the young boy raised his head, looking at the door with confusion. His pair of eyes, bright like shooting stars, seemed capable of piercing through all things
In the early morning, the sky is clear and bright. A boy, around six or seven years old, is sweeping the fallen leaves in the courtyard, while an elderly man in his sixties sits on a stone bench in the yard, leisurely flipping through a book in his hands
Clearly, the young man did not expect anyone to visit so early in the morning. The old man also set aside the book in front of him and nodded to the young man, indicating for him to open the door
This... I am truly at a loss as well, Elder Yin, please do not ask any further, sigh! Jian Wushuang's expression of helplessness grew even more pronounced
In some major sects or powerful factions, guest elders, elders, and those in charge who hold significant positions fall under the category of assassination by the Xuan character, typically carried out by loose cultivators and those in charge
"Come in and speak!" Jian Wushuang turned around, his face regaining its usual coldness. The door opened slightly, and the short and stout Ou Eleven slipped inside.
At this moment, the old man who was reading also stood up to greet Jian Wushuang: "Wushuang, you have arrived." The old man's voice carried a hint of warmth.
The youth called out to Jian Wushuang, and this youth was none other than Jian Wushuang's son, Jian Xingyu
The Sword Rain Tower maintains a low profile in the world, yet conducts its affairs in a high-profile manner. Many who are aware of the Sword Rain Tower refer to it as a sanctuary of vengeance, for in the eyes of the majority of the martial world, the Sword Rain Tower is akin to the Happy Forest of many years ago, specializing in collecting money and alleviating disasters for others. As for the reason behind the existence of the Sword Rain Tower, no one knows.
In fact, many years ago, when Jian Wushuang left the Sword Rain Tower to seek new realms of martial arts, he accidentally ingested a highly toxic mushroom in Qilin Mountain. Subsequently, he was robbed by bandits from the Qilin Mountain stronghold. After a fierce battle with the leader of the bandits, Yu Qilin, he barely escaped, losing consciousness in the Qilin Valley. It was then that he was rescued by Yin Yuer, who was visiting the mountain, and thus a romantic bond developed between the two.
Sword Rain Tower, a formidable force renowned in the martial world. It is located three hundred miles north of Luoyang in the Central Plains. Its might does not stem from a large number of disciples or a complex network of relationships, but rather from its profound and unfathomable martial arts and its unique and ruthless methods of operation. It is widely rumored in the martial world that, including the tower master Jian Wushuang, Sword Rain Tower has a total of only one hundred seventy-four members. How a force with merely over a hundred individuals can stand tall in this bloody and turbulent martial world remains a mystery to all.
As for the matters concerning my own grandson, there is no need to speak of annoyance or the like; I simply cannot think of anything more important than the future of your own son
Jian Wushuang took down the jade pendant hanging from his waist. The pendant features a dragon-shaped design, with an ancient character for "sword" encircled in the center.
Father, rest assured that I will study diligently and will never disappoint the hopes you and the teacher have for me. Jian Xingyu nodded vigorously with his little head
Jian Xingyu has lived with Elder Yin since birth and has never been to Jianyu Tower. Only Jian Wushuang visits him privately during his free time.
At this moment, Jian Wushuang was also somewhat excited, his eyes slightly red, holding his son tightly. For some reason, he had a strong feeling that this embrace might be the last time for the two of them in this lifetime.
Old Master Yin's tone carried a hint of anger. He valued Jian Xingyu so highly that he could not tolerate anything that might be more important than Jian Xingyu
"Indeed!" replied Jian Wushuang with a smile
The young man walked to the door with a broom and opened it. Standing at the entrance were three individuals, with the foremost being a middle-aged man in his forties. He was tall and robust, and although he had reached the age of discernment, his complexion was as smooth as jade, showing no signs of aging. He had a prominent nose and a wide mouth, with thick eyebrows and large eyes that resembled a starry sky. Upon closer inspection, his eyes bore some resemblance to those of the young man who opened the door.
Father, your child will always remember your teachings!" Looking in the direction where Jian Wushuang had departed, Jian Xingyu spoke in a voice so faint it was almost inaudible
Bang, bang, bang
Seeing this scene, Elder Yin was somewhat puzzled, as this was the first time he had seen Jian Wushuang display such an expression
As he spoke, Jian Wushuang slightly inclined his body, demonstrating a surprising respect towards an ordinary old man. This renowned figure in the martial world, Jian Wushuang, would show such deference; it is likely that this would become yet another remarkable tale in the realm of martial arts.
However, Jian Wushuang was concerned that Yin Yuer would be troubled by matters of the martial world, and therefore did not make any public announcement.
Handing the jade pendant to Jian Xingyu, he said earnestly: "Xingyu, this is my personal jade pendant. When you arrive at that place, show this pendant to a person named 'Yinle Shifu', and he will know who you are. Remember, in the future, treat Yinle Shifu with the same respect as you would your own father"
Bang, bang, "Landlord!" someone knocked on the door and called out
In this case, the widespread rumor in the martial world that there are a total of one hundred seventy-four swords in the Sword Rain Tower is indeed incorrect; it should be at least one hundred seventy-five. Such extraordinary news would surely leave many in the martial world astonished.