Chapter 007 Caring for the patient's mount is an obligation that the master should fulfill

However, when it came to the last word, Shen Yue'e's spirit silently shattered, transforming into countless sparkling fragments.

The materials required for cultivating plants naturally come from the high-quality pure vitality of the mounts ... After all, she is lying down anyway

... ...

The three individuals felt utterly ashamed: "What should we do now?"

That is a guardian spirit

Wang Jiudun was immediately puzzled

At the same time, it compelled Wang Jiu to ponder deeply just how foolish her husband, Li Fengyun, must be to reduce such a wise lineage to the character of Li Qingming...

This is indeed the case; my understanding of mounts is not profound, and in my youth, I was often criticized for not understanding people's hearts

In the next moment, Wang Jiu saw a tall woman's phantom appear in front of the treasure chest

This time, when Li Li spoke, his momentum was clearly diminished by more than half, evidently due to the earlier exposure of his shadowy dealings. The two companions beside him dared not utter a single word.

Oh, it is that tall and plump person, right? Wang Jiu recalled the scene at that time and said, "He said to wait for you, they will bring someone over soon."

"I see, what an impressive contract. Could you explain the principles behind it? I have never heard of such a master-servant contract before," Shen Yue'e said, shaking her head. "No, time is limited; I should focus on more valuable issues."

At the moment when the vine and flower were fully formed, nourished by the flow of vital energy and blood, Wang Jiu faintly heard a sound coming from beneath the ground

The source of the fluctuation was located beneath the kitchen. After continuous locking by the vines and flowers, Wang Jiu quickly found the location of the mechanism. He used the manipulation formation to move an old square tile beneath the stove, and the entire floor revealed a pitch-black entrance amidst a rumbling sound

However, taking care of a mount is also an interesting experience. During the several decades of his human life, he focused solely on his cultivation, with his vision limited to nothing but a long sword, unable to see anyone or anything else. After being reincarnated as a divine sword, he was surrounded by top figures like the Nine Immortals, and in both cultivation and life, he did not require the care of others—rather, it was the otherworldly divine sword, unfamiliar with worldly affairs, that often needed someone to look after it.

As he approached the wooden crate, Wang Jiu suddenly heard a voice filled with astonishment and even panic

After a while, Lu Xin sighed again: "These characters are square and upright, completely unadorned, and even appear somewhat unfamiliar. They are indeed not Qing Ming's handwriting, but to say that there are kidnappers plotting against her is rather shocking. Although Qingyun City does not belong solely to the Li family, and the house left by that woman is not within the Li family's courtyard, it is not something that just anyone can infiltrate, especially to the detriment of the Li family."

I see, then I can rest assured

Now, Shen Yue'e is attempting to unveil a corner of this mysterious history for him

Get lost!

Wang Jiu listened below and realized that they were looking for Li Qingming, so he chose to ignore it and began to tidy up the items in the box. However, after a long while of organizing, Li Qingming still did not come out to greet the guests. He could only wait as the three household servants at the door gradually showed signs of bursting bladders, feeling extremely awkward.

Unfortunately, this does not answer Wang Jiu's earlier question; how does Shen Yue'e intend for him to handle these letters

Meanwhile, in Qingming's bedroom, the young girl cautiously stretched her back, rubbed her eyes, and asked, "It was so noisy outside earlier, what happened?"

I ask you, if there truly exists a brazen kidnapper who dares to target Miss Qingming, how could he possibly leave such obvious flaws that even you three fools can see? Wouldn't sending that note be akin to stirring the grass and startling the snake?

When he finally sorted out his thoughts and saw the anxious and helpless faces of the three little companions, he couldn't help but sneer: "You three fools, you don't even realize you've been deceived!"

Yesterday, he pierced through the protective external skills of the servant group with three strikes, namely Li Yuan, Li Li, and Li Peng

Seeing this, Li Peng beside him let out a sigh of relief and said, "Since the young lady said it is inconvenient to receive guests, let us leave."

I see, this is what is referred to as 'literary love'.

Especially those mounts with relatively low intelligence quotients... Even taking an IQ test could exacerbate their back injuries. Despite Wang Jiu's extensive knowledge and experience, he had to admit that this time it truly opened his eyes.

Having just run three laps around the city, Li Ping lay on the ground, panting heavily like a dog. Upon seeing the dire condition of his three companions, he was immediately taken aback. He rolled on the ground, trembling and trying to get up, but he was utterly exhausted and powerless, resembling a spasm.

However, your concerns are not without reason; it is indeed unsafe for her to live alone outside. Moreover, in recent years, her progress in cultivation has stagnated, and instead of doubling her efforts to break through her bottleneck for you, she has become distracted and resorted to such petty schemes that are beneath consideration... I will find time to discuss this matter with Fengyun; for now, you need not worry about it.

However, as the saying goes, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. Since Shen Yue'e has mentioned the correspondence, it would be prudent to review it first before discussing the measures to be taken

After spending approximately one morning and one noon, Wang Jiu finally completed the project within the Sword World. He watched as a green vine, hundreds of zhang in length, rose from beneath his feet, climbing an invisible staircase and gradually growing into the grayish sky, blooming in the air like a network, with its tendrils continuously extending outward. Meanwhile, on the ground, several dragon-singing flowers of various colors were in full bloom, with sounds from the outside world being transmitted through the long green vine, converging in one place

You idiot!

"Alright." Wang Jiu felt a sense of relief

... ...

Although the reality is uncertain and the images appear blurred, it is still possible to discern that the woman possesses astonishing beauty. Even more surprising is the striking resemblance of her features and eyes to those of Li Qingming.

You... while attending the cultural class, can you do something productive instead of just sleeping!" Li Li wished he could kick this foolish brother to death, "Moreover, the young lady's handwriting is not so plain and awkward; her calligraphy at the age of ten had already made many instructors feel inferior.

Shen Yue'e

Li Lizhan cautiously took out a note from his bosom, but before he could extend his hand, the note was lifted by an invisible force and floated outside the small courtyard where the four of them were.

Before the words had left his mouth, Li Peng shouted at the top of his lungs: "Miss, wait, we will bring people over soon..."

What...

The sound was not human voice, but rather resembled the natural fluctuations of some kind of heavenly treasure, very faint, yet due to the extremely close distance, Wang Jiu could vaguely hear it

The four were taken aback: "Sir, madam?! You have returned?"

Wang Jiu said: "I urge you to move."

Dragon's Roar Flower, Hundred Lock Vine

The trio was suddenly at a loss for words

Did that wise woman realize her lack of understanding of human relationships, and thus chose to explain literary love to herself through letters? Never mind, I will just hand the letters over to Li Qingming for evaluation later

... ...

Li Qingming truly had no strength to waste on idle chatter with Wang Jiu. Enduring the pain in her waist, she staggered out of the bedroom and arrived at the entrance of the small courtyard. As soon as she pushed the door open, she was so infuriated that her vision blurred.

However, considering my unfamiliarity with the physiological structure of female humans, in order to ensure the efficiency of my care, I suggest utilizing a master-servant contract for a deeper understanding of you. I wonder if you would mind...

Shen Yue'e said: "Yes, I was originally waiting for Qing Ming... The design of this formation is such that it can only be activated after Qing Ming breaks through the wind barrier and possesses true essence. I do not know why it was triggered by the sword spirit senior... Perhaps it is due to the master-servant contract mentioned by the senior?"

In the present day, Blade & Soul is devoid of desires, with the sole thought being to explore the truth of history, to understand how Jiuzhou evolved into Xiangzhou, and what fate befell the old friends of the past. However, Li Qingming is completely unaware of these matters. Wang Jiu attempted to search for books and materials in her room, yet found nothing, as the great war between the immortals and demons of Jiuzhou has seemingly been sealed away by the passage of time

As fellow spiritual beings, the woman directly heard Wang Jiu's voice, her eyes widening in surprise: "Yes, yes. May I ask who you are?"

Having said this, Shen Yue'e's spirit could no longer sustain itself, beginning to disintegrate gradually from the bottom up, transforming into fine, imperceptible spiritual dust

Hey, who are you

The woman pondered for a long time before finally raising her head: "Although it is merely my subjective conjecture, I believe I can trust your words, Sword Spirit Senior."

Upon reaching this section, Wang Jiu began to open the storage boxes in the secret chamber one by one. Most of them contained silver coins, herbs, and other thoughtful aids for cultivators at the Wind Rising Realm, while only one small wooden box was filled with letters.

Wang Jiupiao returned to his room and saw that the young girl had just completed a week's worth of internal training and was sleeping soundly

This destitute steed has actually buried treasures beneath its own ground? Oh, no, it is likely not Li Qingming who buried them, but rather the treasures left to her by her deceased mother.

Li Lisun: "Kidnapping?"

What! Li Qingming was simply furious, "Is this a threat to me?"

Do not blame yourself; this responsibility clearly lies with Li Fengyun

Wang Jiu said, "I have signed a master-servant contract with her, so I naturally have the obligation to take care of the mount"

Before her words had faded, a woman's sigh could be heard from a distance

Well, I am not a polymath either, and my knowledge on many matters is quite limited

Wang Jiu said: "I have a question, as a guardian spirit, what is the significance of spending your limited life listening to stories?"

Shen Yue'e appeared somewhat awkward: "Well, senior, Qingming is after all my daughter..."

This discovery immediately sparked great curiosity among the Sword Spirits

At this moment, Shen Yue'e's spiritual form had already disappeared by more than half, and the woman seemed to have finally let go of all her worries, closing her eyes and waiting for the moment of complete disappearance

So, Ping Ge, what do you think is going on here

"Oh, Qingming, I’m sorry I completely forgot." Shen Yue'e seemed to awaken from a dream: "That’s right, I still have things to say to her... But it seems there’s no time left. Moreover, since there is a sword spirit senior accompanying her, it might be better not to mention those things. Senior, regarding the story just now, I still have a few doubts, such as the origins of the demon clan..."

Next, Wang Jiu recounted the history he was familiar with, while Shen Yue'e listened intently, so focused that she hardly noticed her own presence becoming increasingly faint. When Wang Jiu finished the story, Shen Yue'e let out a sigh, feeling that it was not enough.

As it floated back to the courtyard gate, three servants still stood straight outside the door, enduring discomfort in their lower bodies, not daring to let out a single breath, seemingly poised to wait until the end of time.

After a while, Wang Jiu did his utmost to answer all her questions, and Shen Yue'e finally felt completely satisfied, stretching lazily and saying: "It was truly wise to decide to leave behind a trace of my primordial spirit!"

After concluding a pointless argument, Wang Jiu noticed that Li Qingming had fallen into a deep sleep. With nothing else to do, he began to add a few embellishments within the Sword World.

Now, the matter that has weighed on the mind of the Sword Spirit has finally been resolved

I am not going anywhere!" After gritting her teeth, Li Qingming asked again, "At that time, I was sleeping in the room and only heard them shouting outside in the courtyard. What were they shouting about?"

Moments later, Li Yuan, Li Li, and Li Peng returned to their small courtyard residence, panting and with pale faces; Li Peng was still gently coughing up blood

What should I do? Study diligently? Take good care of it?

Li Lizheng took the note and was momentarily taken aback.

"Please be quiet, there is no need to discuss these irrelevant matters! Well, Miss, your skills have improved significantly recently, and we all admire you for that. However, the relocation work is a project that has already been decided by the family. We hope you will not put us in a difficult position and instead pack your belongings and move to the courtyard as soon as possible"

Li Peng, upon hearing this, immediately exclaimed: "What are we waiting for? Hurry up and go in to save the person!"

How can we save her? Can the three of us really infiltrate this old courtyard and subdue the young lady without anyone noticing?" Li Li, while sweating profusely, clenched his fists, "This matter is of great importance. Li Yuan, you should return to report the situation first. The two of us will keep watch here... No, that would easily alert the enemy. If we are to leave, we should all go together, pretending not to notice the flaws in this letter, and stabilize the opponent before taking further action.

What do you understand about humanity with your broken sword

What! ? '' Li Qingming's stretch immediately caused her to stiffen, pulling at her injury and bringing tears to her eyes, `` Are those three coming? What are they coming for? ! ''

The trio chattered animatedly about the events at the gate, and due to the urgency of the situation, they kept interrupting each other. All that could be heard was Li Ping's growing annoyance, feeling as if he might vomit.

Li Peng said: "By the way, Ping Ge is unable to come because he was caught plagiarizing in his scripture assignment and is now being punished by the master to run laps. It is absolutely not a sign of disrespect towards the young lady..."

Pah, what nonsense! Use your brain and think, who wrote this note?

The strength of a guardian spirit is determined by the practitioner's level of magical skills and the strength of the split primordial spirit. However, over time, it will inevitably weaken. Therefore, it is usually infused into a magic array, where it remains dormant and is only awakened when specific conditions are met, in order to conserve spiritual energy consumption

Given her physique and age, the location and timing of her appearance, and based on strict logical reasoning, her identity is immediately apparent

Upon witnessing this situation, Wang Jiu took out paper and pen from Li Qingming's room after a hundred years and wrote: "Li Qingming is not available for visitors." He then used a maneuver to gently send them out the door.

Roll, roll, roll, roll, roll, roll

Hmm, Fengyun suddenly mentioned that he remembered a question about cultivation, so he hurried back... Just now, you said that the young lady tricked you back with a note? Where is the note? Let me see it.

Here lies a narrow passageway of modest length, at the end of which is a small chamber measuring approximately ten square feet. A perpetual lamp, powered by high-quality spirit stones, illuminates the ceiling with nearly inexhaustible energy. In the center of the chamber are several worn wooden boxes, and the vibrations that Wang Jiu hears on the ground originate from the one in the very middle.

... ...

Indeed

Additionally, in this room are some small items I left for Qingming, as well as some letters exchanged between Fengyun and me during our youth... I kindly ask you, senior...

These, these despicable people, actually dare to leave bloody handprints in front of my door

No need, I already know.

The Battle of Immortals and Demons in the Nine Regions, the Nine Immortal Sovereigns, the Divine Sword from Beyond... all are concepts unheard of before, unless this is a case of the sword spirit going berserk and losing its sanity. In fact, it could vaguely resonate with the historical fragments from the Primordial Era, but could such coincidences truly exist? Encountering a relic from the Primordial Era in the basement of the kitchen at Shenyuan, and coincidentally signing a contract with Qingming? No, considering that both the Li and Shen families may have experienced the Primordial Era, perhaps this object is indeed fated to be connected with their ancestors. But why has it only awakened now? No, one should think from a different perspective; so far, the awakening times of relics from the Primordial Era have been entirely unpredictable, thus it is reasonable for it to awaken beside Qingming. Even that faint fluctuation of spiritual energy can be interpreted as the dissipation of spiritual energy during a long slumber.

Such brilliant reasoning and wise judgment made Wang Jiu even want to applaud. Since her awakening, the level of intelligence displayed by this woman can be considered the highest among humanity

Li Li and the other two were submissive and did not dare to say much

Wang Jiuzan remarked, "I truly hope your daughter possesses this spirit of learning as well"

"... ... makes a valid point." Shen Yue'e shook her head, "Let us return to the main topic. The current Xiangzhou Continent has a very limited history, with almost all of the more than 5,000 years hidden in darkness. However, based on a few fragments from the primordial era, at least the following can be discerned: First, the Xiangzhou Continent was not as vast as it is now; it is the result of countless efforts by our cultivators over thousands of years, who have cleared obstacles and continuously expanded the boundaries of the continent, leading to the present-day Xiangzhou. Second, after the end of the primordial era, the cultivation civilization of Xiangzhou almost started from scratch. In the earliest dark age, even cultivators of the Cloud Surge realm were referred to as great cultivators. Xiangzhou underwent a long period of accumulation before achieving its current prosperity. However, compared to the era of the Nine Provinces as mentioned by our predecessors, it falls short. From the barbaric era to the dark age, it is likely that some catastrophic disaster occurred. Third, the current ruling sects, three institutes, and seven great families of Xiangzhou all have inheritances from the primordial era. Although each has its own deficiencies, it is precisely these inheritances that have allowed them to survive from the dark age to the present. Yet, compared to the era of the Nine Provinces as mentioned by our predecessors, it still falls short. From the barbaric era to the dark age, it is likely that some catastrophic disaster occurred. Third, the current ruling sects, three institutes, and seven great families of Xiangzhou all have inheritances from the primordial era. Although each has its own deficiencies, it is precisely these inheritances that have allowed them to survive from the dark age to the present. Furthermore, the truth that you wish to know should also be contained within these primordial inheritances. Unfortunately, only the heads of the families can know the primordial inheritances, so..."

Unlike the previous formations such as the Manipulation Array and the Gentle Breeze, which are inanimate, these two embellishments are living entities with a certain degree of vitality. The Hundred Lock Vine can capture extremely subtle fluctuations from the external environment, while the Dragon's Whisper Flower is a symbiotic organism of the Hundred Lock Vine, capable of analyzing and restoring the captured fluctuations into their original sound. These two plants can significantly enhance the perception abilities of the Celestial Sword towards the external world, while their own consumption is minimal, making them the top priority for cultivation for a sword in its blank state.

Wang Jiu immediately saw through the essence of the illusion. A high-level cultivator above the Rain Covering Realm can split a small portion of their own primordial spirit, supplemented by true essence and specific techniques, to leave behind a guardian spirit similar to a doppelgänger

Wang Jiu asked: "So should I look for your husband"

Upon opening one of the letters, it was found to be written by Shen Yue'e to Li Fengyun

As the master, I enjoy all the rights to the mount

Ah?

... ...

It is truly regrettable that I can only speak to you up to this point, senior. Lastly, I have an unwelcome request... Please take good care of Qingming for me.

Li Yuan meticulously analyzed: "The Li family is one of the seven great families of Xiangzhou. Although it has experienced a slight decline in recent years, it still holds a dominant position in Qingyun City, with an influence index reaching 41.5%, far surpassing the Qian and Lu families, making it a target for envy. The young lady lives alone in the old residence, where the safety factor is 89.3% lower than that of the main courtyard, making it indeed easy for someone to take advantage of the situation."

"Daughter? What daughter?" Shen Yue'e had a look of confusion on her face

Ah, I almost forgot. "Shen Yue'e suddenly opened her eyes, "Senior, could you please keep our meeting today a secret? If Qingming finds out, she will definitely be heartbroken."

Good

Li Li said: "Miss, it is us, um, we are here again"

Caring for mounts is indeed not an easy task

Li Yuan added: "During the audit of the cultural class, the instructor at home mentioned that when rescuing hostages, it is also necessary to continuously provide confidence to the hostages, enabling them to persevere."

At this moment, I have triggered the formation and awakened this guardian spirit

What else can be done? First, inform the lady of the situation. Otherwise, when the lady returns from shopping and asks why the young lady has not moved yet, it will only lead to exposure!

I am the sword spirit of the Celestial Sword, forged from the blood sacrifice of the Nine Immortal Sovereigns during the era of the Nine Provinces' Immortal and Demon War. I have awakened in response to the call of my old friend, Li Qingming. Now, I actively participate in the reconstruction of the Sword World and the exploration of the Shen Garden as her master

Isn't this obvious? You have all been played by the young lady! She wrote a note with her left hand and scared the three of you into a panic! Fortunately, you informed me of the situation first; otherwise, if it had directly alarmed the master and mistress, I would like to see how you would handle it

Upon hearing this, Li Peng was still perplexed, while Li Yuan had already concluded: "The possibility of outsiders being present in the courtyard is 95%, and the probability that the visitor harbors ill intentions is 72%"

If it were you who signed the master-servant contract with me, how wonderful that would be; compared to you, Li Qingming as a mount is simply a defective product

The three stood still in front of the door, hesitating for a while, before finally someone spoke up

No, no, Ping Ge, this is serious, the young lady has been kidnapped

Shen Yue'e stated resolutely: "To hear the Dao in the morning is worth dying in the evening"

Now, being able to take care of a mildly intellectually disabled young girl, Wang Jiu finds it quite interesting, barely serving as a part of enjoying life

The situation is quite dire, I fear. He is only interested in matters of cultivation and has never been able to remember anything related to history. If you need to find someone, you should seek out his grandfather, Li Tianya. He is a very kind and intelligent old man, and he should have the answers you seek. If you have the opportunity to meet him in the future, just mention that you were sent by his dearest little daughter, and he will understand.

Li Yuan and Li Li went into a rage on the spot, pinning Li Peng to the ground and beating him mercilessly. They then rolled him over and dragged him away, leaving a trail of disordered bloodstains on the ground

What is meant by the third person?

What!

Shen Yue'e took a full half of an incense stick's time to recover from her shock. After the shock, she gently lowered her head, her face solemn as she fell into deep thought, murmuring to herself.

May 15, 2017

After a moment of reflection, Shen Yue'e said, "The stories I just heard are truly invaluable to me, but unfortunately, I am merely a wisp of primordial spirit and have no way to repay you. After much thought, I would rather share some stories with you, senior. These are tales from the post-Primordial Era concerning the Xiangzhou Continent. Although my knowledge is limited, there are some aspects that correspond with the history you have recounted."

What happened? Did you get into a fight with the young lady again? Did I not say that I cannot go this time? You all need to be careful in your actions

After perusing the correspondence between Shen Yue'e and Li Fengyun, Wang Jiu felt that he had truly broadened his horizons. Previously, during the battle between the immortals and demons, Luoyu had mentioned to him that as a fashion pioneer of the Nine Provinces, Qingzhou was home to a fashionable culture known as 'Wen'ai.' However, before Luoyu could elaborate on the concept of Wen'ai, the final battle erupted, and the term 'Wen'ai' became an enigma.

Then, Senior Sword Spirit, could you explain the story of the War of Immortals and Demons and the Nine Immortal Sovereigns to me

Li Li asked: "How to instill confidence?"

Alright, then I will use a more universally applicable method. First, drink more hot water

As the mistress of the Li family courtyard, Lu Xinxiu's cultivation is not exceptionally high, yet to the butler and servants, she is akin to a celestial being.

Wang Jiu said, "Those three servants from your house have come again"

It is truly eye-opening; although the story is incredible, it perfectly aligns with known fragments of history

Of course it was written by the young lady, as there is no one else in this courtyard

Just as Wang Jiu was preparing to pack up and leave, he suddenly heard a sound of footsteps coming from outside the courtyard, along the vines and flowers of the Sword World.

Li Li sneered: "Does a young lady write letters in the third person? She is not a five or six-year-old child!"

Fengyun, you and I have been in love for several years, exchanging letters and discussing everything without reservation. I once thought that no couple in the world could be closer than us. However, not long ago, when I visited Jinyucheng, I encountered a peculiar kind of love letter, known as 'Wen'ai'

Based on my understanding of them, I do not believe it should be a threat

Li Qingming is not available to meet guests What is this nonsense

However, it seems that you are not waiting for me