Brother-in-law: C02-1

02.1: A New Start

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_☆☆☆
Yan Fei was not laid to rest in the ancestral tomb of House Fang, nor was she buried in the hometown of her family. The place where she was laid to rest in peace was one that was especially beautiful.

☆☆☆

_{So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.}N/A

So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.

_{"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"}Soon, the carriage happened upon a fork in their path. Yan Ran then asked, "Which way are you going?"

"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"

_{"It will be my pleasure, then."}Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"

"It will be my pleasure, then."

_{"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"}
It was a tomb—a simple yet elegant tomb built by Fang Shixiu himself—inscribed with a few simple words.

"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"

_{"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"}☆☆☆

"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_☆☆☆Goodness, what an exquisitely carved young beauty!

☆☆☆

The young man's face was adorned with a polite smile, but those eyes of his were ice cold. It was as though they were an undiscovered land that no man could ever invade and thus had maintained its purity. It was ethereal and utterly out of one's reach.

_{"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.}Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."

"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.

_{Before Fang Shixiu had arrived in the town of Xiji, he had sent a message to the older man to clearly explain to him the reasons for his forced departure from his home, and it was why right after Fang Shixiu had made it to Cu Ping'ye's mansion, the older man had already prepared a courtyard in which they would stay. He asked Fang Shixiu no more questions, only wanting them to rest and recuperate for the next few days in a place where they need not worry about food or other necessities as they would all be left in his care.}Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

Before Fang Shixiu had arrived in the town of Xiji, he had sent a message to the older man to clearly explain to him the reasons for his forced departure from his home, and it was why right after Fang Shixiu had made it to Cu Ping'ye's mansion, the older man had already prepared a courtyard in which they would stay. He asked Fang Shixiu no more questions, only wanting them to rest and recuperate for the next few days in a place where they need not worry about food or other necessities as they would all be left in his care.

_{{Goodness, what an exquisitely carved young beauty!}}But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.

Goodness, what an exquisitely carved young beauty!

_{T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's mother.}
Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.

T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's mother.

_{Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.}
"Hey! How can you just take off and leave like that? Do you even have a heart? My sister will turn into an evil spirit and eat you, you know!"

Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.

_{"A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."}After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.

"A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."

_{Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.}Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.

Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.

Fang Shixiu wore a calm smile as he said in return, "I, too, have heard it be said that there are three treasures in Xiji: its snow lotus, its yaks, and its hospitality, where amongst them all, its hospitality was the most heartwarming." I got to see it firsthand for myself today, and this town is truly worthy of such sayings. Sect Master Ximen is truly considerate and shows great kindness to those who possess talents, and this lowly one truly cannot help but be grateful for His Lordship's generosity."

_{Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."}
But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"

Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."

_{"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."}"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.

"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."

_{But waving his hands to dismiss the prior question, Ximen Danque then added, "Whether or not you accept him as a student, you should still have a look at him first. If you aren't willing after that, just let it be. I have no intention of forcing you anyhow."}But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"

But waving his hands to dismiss the prior question, Ximen Danque then added, "Whether or not you accept him as a student, you should still have a look at him first. If you aren't willing after that, just let it be. I have no intention of forcing you anyhow."

_{Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"}
"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.

Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

_{Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.}The distance between Yaoguang and the town of Xiji via the road connecting them was not far, so it took them about seven days to arrive in the new town. A town, because it was six times larger than a little one like Yaoguang, had one of the five great houses, the Ximen, stationed there.

Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.

_{"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.}"Fifteen."

"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.

_{Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.}
"I'm going where I should go."

Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.

But Fang Shixiu had no interest in resting at all once he had arrived there and instead requested from Chu Ping'ye, who was currently serving as a deputy sword master for the House of Ximen, an audience with the leader of the Western Sect. And at this request for a meeting, Chu Ping'ye had happily agreed to serve as his messenger.

_{"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"}"You have heard of me?" Ximen Rongruo was a bit surprised by this claim.

"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

_{He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.}
Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.

_{"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."}"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."

"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."

_{Ximen Danque was a man who had just turned thirty-five that very year, so he was somewhat aware of some of the younger swordsmen rising through the ranks. He had long heard of the extraordinary skills of the second young master of House Fang, so his wish to meet this young master that very day was entirely sincere.}While in the carriage, the still-unfamiliar-with Yan Ran Fang Qin and Fang Se huddled close to their father while they secretly stole looks and tried to get a read on the uncle who was upfront driving the carriage.

Ximen Danque was a man who had just turned thirty-five that very year, so he was somewhat aware of some of the younger swordsmen rising through the ranks. He had long heard of the extraordinary skills of the second young master of House Fang, so his wish to meet this young master that very day was entirely sincere.

_{"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one.}
"Yes."

"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one. This lowly one must rely on his own strength to fight for his future from now on. If this lowly one acquires success in achieving this, then Shixiu will be the name of someone honourable and will become someone who need not shamelessly depend on the goodness of Xiji. This lowly one is already thankful to His Lordship for bestowing his favour in taking me in. But in return for this kindness, all this lowly one has to pay it back is the sword in my hand."

_{Fang Shixiu's sword had pierced Chu Ping'ye in the hollow under his shoulder, which immediately caused his entire body to break out in a cold sweat. He knew this strike was Fang Shixiu's act of mercy, as only one tilt from the tip of that former student's sword would cost him the complete destruction of his arm.}
Fang Shixiu knew his older brother would always perceive him as a thorn in his eye, and now that he had been demoted to a commoner, that elder brother of his would continually send aѕsaѕsins his way to take his life. So, rather than shaking like a leaf while awaiting his death, Fan Shixiu figured the best course of action would be to get as far away from his family as he could.

Fang Shixiu's sword had pierced Chu Ping'ye in the hollow under his shoulder, which immediately caused his entire body to break out in a cold sweat. He knew this strike was Fang Shixiu's act of mercy, as only one tilt from the tip of that former student's sword would cost him the complete destruction of his arm.

_{"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain.}Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain. So, seeing you before me today is truly astounding!"

_{Soon the sight of a Fang Shixiu, a delicately handsome form dressed in white, was before him in the great hall and was enough to make his eyes brighten. Even in his heart, he could not help but think, {Good heavens, what a man!}}What kind of person would abandon a grand and prosperous future that was practically paved in gold for the sake of someone who had already paѕsed away?

Soon the sight of a Fang Shixiu, a delicately handsome form dressed in white, was before him in the great hall and was enough to make his eyes brighten. Even in his heart, he could not help but think, Good heavens, what a man!

Ximen Danque nodded. After all, such words were ones only a person with confidence would dare say, and he was indeed very interested in seeing Fang Shixiu's skills. "This is great, but I must admit I am a bit impatient to wait to see your skills in action, so would you mind giving me an exhibition now?"

_{Fang Shixiu chuckled. "I have no intention of dying for the sake of love. My children are still just kids. But if you're going to follow me, there will be one condition: you must obediently listen and follow everything that I say. I have no fondness for wild animals that are difficult to tame."}What kind of person would abandon a grand and prosperous future that was practically paved in gold for the sake of someone who had already paѕsed away?

Fang Shixiu chuckled. "I have no intention of dying for the sake of love. My children are still just kids. But if you're going to follow me, there will be one condition: you must obediently listen and follow everything that I say. I have no fondness for wild animals that are difficult to tame."

_{It was not just a large town, but one crowded with traffic from both carriages and people, giving it a bright, beautiful, and bustling atmosphere that created a rather prosperous and lively scene.}
Seeing his expression, Yan Ran felt a bit saddened, and he immediately yelled, "A good man can realise their aspirations wherever they go! So if you want to go, just go. What's there to be scared of, huh?! Besides, if there's no place for you here, there's always somewhere else waiting to accept you! And I don't believe that there isn't somewhere in this huge world where people like us wouldn't be able to call our own."

It was not just a large town, but one crowded with traffic from both carriages and people, giving it a bright, beautiful, and bustling atmosphere that created a rather prosperous and lively scene.

A sword-loving Fang Shixiu. A person who had already attained the title of "Sword Knight" from the town of Yaoguang, whose dearest wish was for him to use this sword in his hand to split apart the thorns blocking the path in this life so he could secure a peaceful life for his children.

_{As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!}After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.

As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!

_{Chu Ping'ye was fond of the highly talented Fang Shixiu, and Fang Shixiu was also fond of this strict and prudent former master of his. As a result, the two became good friends despite the difference in their ages, and they even kept in contact with one another after Chu Ping'ye had left Yaoguang.}Fang Shixiu sighed. House Fang had long become overindulgent in their pursuit of pleasures, rife with corruption, and well beyond the point of saving. It's only a matter of time before that place falls into complete decline.

Chu Ping'ye was fond of the highly talented Fang Shixiu, and Fang Shixiu was also fond of this strict and prudent former master of his. As a result, the two became good friends despite the difference in their ages, and they even kept in contact with one another after Chu Ping'ye had left Yaoguang.

_{From this day on, he was no longer the second son of a wealthy household. He was now simply Fang Shixiu.}
"Who ever said anything about me bringing you along?" Fang Shixiu responded to Yan Ran's uplifting speech with indifference.

From this day on, he was no longer the second son of a wealthy household. He was now simply Fang Shixiu.

_{Fang Shixiu knew his older brother would always perceive him as a thorn in his eye, and now that he had been demoted to a commoner, that elder brother of his would continually send aѕsaѕsins his way to take his life. So, rather than shaking like a leaf while awaiting his death, Fan Shixiu figured the best course of action would be to get as far away from his family as he could.}What that feeling was remained unknown to him. But his silly thoughts had led him to chalk it up to nothing but a reflection of his sister and him having always grown fond of the same things from childhood. A preference that even caused them to like the same kind of person.

Fang Shixiu knew his older brother would always perceive him as a thorn in his eye, and now that he had been demoted to a commoner, that elder brother of his would continually send aѕsaѕsins his way to take his life. So, rather than shaking like a leaf while awaiting his death, Fan Shixiu figured the best course of action would be to get as far away from his family as he could.

_{"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain.}Fang Shixiu was taken aback by those words. "My Lord, I could not dare accept such a privilege. How could this lowly one who has only just arrived in Xiji be allowed the opportunity to shoulder such an important task?"

_{So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.}
"Hey!" Yan Ran's eyes widened. "Hold on, are you really planning on going off on your own?"

So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.

_{A sword-loving Fang Shixiu. A person who had already attained the title of "Sword Knight" from the town of Yaoguang, whose dearest wish was for him to use this sword in his hand to split apart the thorns blocking the path in this life so he could secure a peaceful life for his children.}But if that was all there was to it, perhaps the one who was most likely to leave Fang Shixiu of his own will would be Yan Ran. After all, a person with a pleasing appearance may be nice to look at one or two times, but after seeing it for a while, the looker would eventually get bored.

_{"Hey! How can you just take off and leave like that? Do you even have a heart? My sister will turn into an evil spirit and eat you, you know!"}
"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."

"Hey! How can you just take off and leave like that? Do you even have a heart? My sister will turn into an evil spirit and eat you, you know!"

_{But if that was all there was to it, perhaps the one who was most likely to leave Fang Shixiu of his own will would be Yan Ran. After all, a person with a pleasing appearance may be nice to look at one or two times, but after seeing it for a while, the looker would eventually get bored.}
"Then what about me?"

But if that was all there was to it, perhaps the one who was most likely to leave Fang Shixiu of his own will would be Yan Ran. After all, a person with a pleasing appearance may be nice to look at one or two times, but after seeing it for a while, the looker would eventually get bored.

"I concede." Fang Shixiu then fixed the few stands of his hair that were out of place and again wore a gentle and elegant smile that was in complete contrast to the expression he had just worn during his battle.

_{Fang Shixiu also chuckled softly at his words. "If there is talent or lack thereof, one must still put in genuine effort for that talent to manifest. Your Lordship, the Shixiu before you, is no longer the second son of House Fang. He is but a commoner, and one who now has the fortune to truly pay his respects to His Lordship. As well as one who dares to make a bold request."}Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.

Fang Shixiu also chuckled softly at his words. "If there is talent or lack thereof, one must still put in genuine effort for that talent to manifest. Your Lordship, the Shixiu before you, is no longer the second son of House Fang. He is but a commoner, and one who now has the fortune to truly pay his respects to His Lordship. As well as one who dares to make a bold request."

_{While in the carriage, the still-unfamiliar-with Yan Ran Fang Qin and Fang Se huddled close to their father while they secretly stole looks and tried to get a read on the uncle who was upfront driving the carriage.}"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.

While in the carriage, the still-unfamiliar-with Yan Ran Fang Qin and Fang Se huddled close to their father while they secretly stole looks and tried to get a read on the uncle who was upfront driving the carriage.

_{What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?}
"You bastard son of a bitch! How could my sister ask such a favour from a person like you? Her body isn't even cold yet, but you've already forgotten every last thing she asked of you! You're such an ungrateful bastard!"

What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?

_☆☆☆
"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

☆☆☆

Seeing his expression, Yan Ran felt a bit saddened, and he immediately yelled, "A good man can realise their aspirations wherever they go! So if you want to go, just go. What's there to be scared of, huh?! Besides, if there's no place for you here, there's always somewhere else waiting to accept you! And I don't believe that there isn't somewhere in this huge world where people like us wouldn't be able to call our own."

_"No."Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.

"No."

_{Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.}
"Of course—...not! I intend to accompany you in case you have any dumb ideas about ending your life for the sake of love. If I don't, then... I'd fail to fulfil the promise I made to my sister. That's why." Yan Ran replied with a humph.

Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.

_{Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.}"Hey! How can you just take off and leave like that? Do you even have a heart? My sister will turn into an evil spirit and eat you, you know!"

Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.

_{"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.}Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.

"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.

_{But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"}"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.

But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"

_{Fang Shixiu knew his older brother would always perceive him as a thorn in his eye, and now that he had been demoted to a commoner, that elder brother of his would continually send aѕsaѕsins his way to take his life. So, rather than shaking like a leaf while awaiting his death, Fan Shixiu figured the best course of action would be to get as far away from his family as he could.}
Fang Shixiu chuckled. "I have no intention of dying for the sake of love. My children are still just kids. But if you're going to follow me, there will be one condition: you must obediently listen and follow everything that I say. I have no fondness for wild animals that are difficult to tame."

_{"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"}
"Who do you think you're calling a wild animal?"

"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

_{The distance between Yaoguang and the town of Xiji via the road connecting them was not far, so it took them about seven days to arrive in the new town. A town, because it was six times larger than a little one like Yaoguang, had one of the five great houses, the Ximen, stationed there.}Before Fang Shixiu had arrived in the town of Xiji, he had sent a message to the older man to clearly explain to him the reasons for his forced departure from his home, and it was why right after Fang Shixiu had made it to Cu Ping'ye's mansion, the older man had already prepared a courtyard in which they would stay. He asked Fang Shixiu no more questions, only wanting them to rest and recuperate for the next few days in a place where they need not worry about food or other necessities as they would all be left in his care.

The distance between Yaoguang and the town of Xiji via the road connecting them was not far, so it took them about seven days to arrive in the new town. A town, because it was six times larger than a little one like Yaoguang, had one of the five great houses, the Ximen, stationed there.

_{What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?}Then, a short while later, a young man dressed luxuriously in garbs coloured sky-blue entered the hall silently. "I bid you my greetings, my lord father, and greetings to you as well, Master Chu.

What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?

_"Yes."
"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

"Yes."

_{Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.}
But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.

Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.

_{"I'm going where I should go."}Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

"I'm going where I should go."

_{"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.}Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.

"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.

_"Fifteen."Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.

"Fifteen."

_{The distance between Yaoguang and the town of Xiji via the road connecting them was not far, so it took them about seven days to arrive in the new town. A town, because it was six times larger than a little one like Yaoguang, had one of the five great houses, the Ximen, stationed there.}
Even he, himself, could not explain the reason why it had. It could have even been because of his appearance. Honestly speaking, even from the perspective of someone of the same sеx, Fang Shixiu was as close to perfection as one could get. He had a strong build, a gorgeous face, and a refined temperаment that pushed him astonishingly close to the image of what would be the perfect man.

_☆☆☆T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's father.

☆☆☆

_{"Of course—...not! I intend to accompany you in case you have any dumb ideas about ending your life for the sake of love. If I don't, then... I'd fail to fulfil the promise I made to my sister. That's why." Yan Ran replied with a humph.}
He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.

"Of course—...not! I intend to accompany you in case you have any dumb ideas about ending your life for the sake of love. If I don't, then... I'd fail to fulfil the promise I made to my sister. That's why." Yan Ran replied with a humph.

_{He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.}Even he, himself, could not explain the reason why it had. It could have even been because of his appearance. Honestly speaking, even from the perspective of someone of the same sеx, Fang Shixiu was as close to perfection as one could get. He had a strong build, a gorgeous face, and a refined temperаment that pushed him astonishingly close to the image of what would be the perfect man.

He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.

_{"Of course—...not! I intend to accompany you in case you have any dumb ideas about ending your life for the sake of love. If I don't, then... I'd fail to fulfil the promise I made to my sister. That's why." Yan Ran replied with a humph.}A sword-loving Fang Shixiu. A person who had already attained the title of "Sword Knight" from the town of Yaoguang, whose dearest wish was for him to use this sword in his hand to split apart the thorns blocking the path in this life so he could secure a peaceful life for his children.

_{Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.}But if that was all there was to it, perhaps the one who was most likely to leave Fang Shixiu of his own will would be Yan Ran. After all, a person with a pleasing appearance may be nice to look at one or two times, but after seeing it for a while, the looker would eventually get bored.

Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.

_{Soon, the carriage happened upon a fork in their path. Yan Ran then asked, "Which way are you going?"}
Sometimes, staring at the man's long black hair fluttering in combination with his pure white garments from behind, gently rippling with each and every movement he made, caused Yan Ran's heart to also move in synchronised surges, making him ever-the-more confused and all the more enchanted.

Soon, the carriage happened upon a fork in their path. Yan Ran then asked, "Which way are you going?"

Fang Shixiu sighed. House Fang had long become overindulgent in their pursuit of pleasures, rife with corruption, and well beyond the point of saving. It's only a matter of time before that place falls into complete decline.

_{But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"}"Dad, how old is our little uncle?" Fang Qin asked.

But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"

_{Ximen Danque beckoned his son to his side, then pulled him by the arm to say, "Come, I will introduce you to a new master today. He is the most skilled amongst the swordsmen you admire the most: the second young master of Yaoguang, Fang Shixiu. And, Shixiu, this is my only son, Ximen Rongruo."}
What that feeling was remained unknown to him. But his silly thoughts had led him to chalk it up to nothing but a reflection of his sister and him having always grown fond of the same things from childhood. A preference that even caused them to like the same kind of person.

Ximen Danque beckoned his son to his side, then pulled him by the arm to say, "Come, I will introduce you to a new master today. He is the most skilled amongst the swordsmen you admire the most: the second young master of Yaoguang, Fang Shixiu. And, Shixiu, this is my only son, Ximen Rongruo."

_"No."Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

"No."

_{"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"}Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_{So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.}Ximen Danque nodded. After all, such words were ones only a person with confidence would dare say, and he was indeed very interested in seeing Fang Shixiu's skills. "This is great, but I must admit I am a bit impatient to wait to see your skills in action, so would you mind giving me an exhibition now?"

So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.

_{In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."}
But if that was all there was to it, perhaps the one who was most likely to leave Fang Shixiu of his own will would be Yan Ran. After all, a person with a pleasing appearance may be nice to look at one or two times, but after seeing it for a while, the looker would eventually get bored.

In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."

_{Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."}
So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.

Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."

_{Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.}"Hey!" Yan Ran's eyes widened. "Hold on, are you really planning on going off on your own?"

Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.

_{Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"}
What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?

Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"

_{Sometimes, staring at the man's long black hair fluttering in combination with his pure white garments from behind, gently rippling with each and every movement he made, caused Yan Ran's heart to also move in synchronised surges, making him ever-the-more confused and all the more enchanted.}
What kind of person would abandon a grand and prosperous future that was practically paved in gold for the sake of someone who had already paѕsed away?

Sometimes, staring at the man's long black hair fluttering in combination with his pure white garments from behind, gently rippling with each and every movement he made, caused Yan Ran's heart to also move in synchronised surges, making him ever-the-more confused and all the more enchanted.

_{"It will be my pleasure, then."}"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.

"It will be my pleasure, then."

_{Soon the sight of a Fang Shixiu, a delicately handsome form dressed in white, was before him in the great hall and was enough to make his eyes brighten. Even in his heart, he could not help but think, {Good heavens, what a man!}}But if that was all there was to it, perhaps the one who was most likely to leave Fang Shixiu of his own will would be Yan Ran. After all, a person with a pleasing appearance may be nice to look at one or two times, but after seeing it for a while, the looker would eventually get bored.

_{T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's father.}
Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.

T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's father.

_{After hearing that the one who had requested to meet him was the second young master of House Fang, the sect leader of House Ximen, Ximen Danque, wanted to meet with Fang Shixiu immediately.}
What's more, Yan Ran had never had much of a resistance for anyone mad.

After hearing that the one who had requested to meet him was the second young master of House Fang, the sect leader of House Ximen, Ximen Danque, wanted to meet with Fang Shixiu immediately.

_{Sometimes, staring at the man's long black hair fluttering in combination with his pure white garments from behind, gently rippling with each and every movement he made, caused Yan Ran's heart to also move in synchronised surges, making him ever-the-more confused and all the more enchanted.}Soon, the carriage happened upon a fork in their path. Yan Ran then asked, "Which way are you going?"

_{But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.}
Thus, practically overnight, those feelings Yan Ran had for Fang Shixiu had transformed from hatred so deep it practically wanted to rip through his chеst to a mix of amazement, adoration, reliability, reluctance, and... the youthful desire to not say what it is they want to say clearly.

But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.

☆☆☆

_{Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"}The young man's face was adorned with a polite smile, but those eyes of his were ice cold. It was as though they were an undiscovered land that no man could ever invade and thus had maintained its purity. It was ethereal and utterly out of one's reach.

Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

_{"Do you see anyone else here?"}
Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

"Do you see anyone else here?"

_{T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's mother.}"What's a playboy?"

T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's mother.

_{Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"}"Hey!" Yan Ran's eyes widened. "Hold on, are you really planning on going off on your own?"

Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

_{But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.}"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one. This lowly one must rely on his own strength to fight for his future from now on. If this lowly one acquires success in achieving this, then Shixiu will be the name of someone honourable and will become someone who need not shamelessly depend on the goodness of Xiji. This lowly one is already thankful to His Lordship for bestowing his favour in taking me in. But in return for this kindness, all this lowly one has to pay it back is the sword in my hand."

But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.

_{"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."}
He'ning wasn't able to be taken from the Fang household originally. Fang Xuanjing was so adamant about not allowing the boy to leave that he had even sworn to take his own life. But, unexpectedly, just ten days after Yan Fei's paѕsing, the eldest son of House Fang's concubine had given birth to a son. As a result, Fang Xuanjing was overjoyed at the news and had eagerly given up on Fang He'ning, who was a child from a poor family background.

"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."

_"Yes.""I'm going where I should go."

"Yes."

_{"Dad, how old is our little uncle?" Fang Qin asked.}
While in the carriage, the still-unfamiliar-with Yan Ran Fang Qin and Fang Se huddled close to their father while they secretly stole looks and tried to get a read on the uncle who was upfront driving the carriage.

"Dad, how old is our little uncle?" Fang Qin asked.

_{Then, a short while later, a young man dressed luxuriously in garbs coloured sky-blue entered the hall silently. "I bid you my greetings, my lord father, and greetings to you as well, Master Chu.}"Speak."

Then, a short while later, a young man dressed luxuriously in garbs coloured sky-blue entered the hall silently. "I bid you my greetings, my lord father, and greetings to you as well, Master Chu.

_{"Okay. Let's go."}
"Dad, how old is our little uncle?" Fang Qin asked.

"Okay. Let's go."

_{Fang Shixiu was taken aback by those words. "My Lord, I could not dare accept such a privilege. How could this lowly one who has only just arrived in Xiji be allowed the opportunity to shoulder such an important task?"}His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.

Fang Shixiu was taken aback by those words. "My Lord, I could not dare accept such a privilege. How could this lowly one who has only just arrived in Xiji be allowed the opportunity to shoulder such an important task?"

Even he, himself, could not explain the reason why it had. It could have even been because of his appearance. Honestly speaking, even from the perspective of someone of the same sеx, Fang Shixiu was as close to perfection as one could get. He had a strong build, a gorgeous face, and a refined temperаment that pushed him astonishingly close to the image of what would be the perfect man.

_N/A
"Fifteen."

N/A

_{Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.}Ximen Danque was a man who had just turned thirty-five that very year, so he was somewhat aware of some of the younger swordsmen rising through the ranks. He had long heard of the extraordinary skills of the second young master of House Fang, so his wish to meet this young master that very day was entirely sincere.

Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.

_{"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.}Fang Shixiu chuckled. "I have no intention of dying for the sake of love. My children are still just kids. But if you're going to follow me, there will be one condition: you must obediently listen and follow everything that I say. I have no fondness for wild animals that are difficult to tame."

"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.

_{Fang Shixiu wore a calm smile as he said in return, "I, too, have heard it be said that there are three treasures in Xiji: its snow lotus, its yaks, and its hospitality, where amongst them all, its hospitality was the most heartwarming." I got to see it firsthand for myself today, and this town is truly worthy of such sayings.}"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one. This lowly one must rely on his own strength to fight for his future from now on. If this lowly one acquires success in achieving this, then Shixiu will be the name of someone honourable and will become someone who need not shamelessly depend on the goodness of Xiji. This lowly one is already thankful to His Lordship for bestowing his favour in taking me in. But in return for this kindness, all this lowly one has to pay it back is the sword in my hand."

_{"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."}
"Oh. Is he married, then?" Fang Se then asked soon after.

"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."

_N/A"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

N/A

_{To this, Fang Shixiu nodded.}
"No."

To this, Fang Shixiu nodded.

_{Even he, himself, could not explain the reason why it had. It could have even been because of his appearance. Honestly speaking, even from the perspective of someone of the same sеx, Fang Shixiu was as close to perfection as one could get. He had a strong build, a gorgeous face, and a refined temperаment that pushed him astonishingly close to the image of what would be the perfect man.}Before Fang Shixiu had arrived in the town of Xiji, he had sent a message to the older man to clearly explain to him the reasons for his forced departure from his home, and it was why right after Fang Shixiu had made it to Cu Ping'ye's mansion, the older man had already prepared a courtyard in which they would stay. He asked Fang Shixiu no more questions, only wanting them to rest and recuperate for the next few days in a place where they need not worry about food or other necessities as they would all be left in his care.

_{"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."}The friend Fang Shixiu had mentioned was named Chu Ping'ye. He was a middle-aged man, roughly in his forties, who had once been granted the title of Sword Master by House Fang and was the man who had taught Fang Shixiu the art of swordsmanship.

"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."

_{Fang Shixiu smiled softly and tousled the hair of this innocent daughter of his, then sighed in his heart. The future ahead of them is uncertain, so what could be lying ahead, awaiting them?}Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.

Fang Shixiu smiled softly and tousled the hair of this innocent daughter of his, then sighed in his heart. The future ahead of them is uncertain, so what could be lying ahead, awaiting them?

_{What that feeling was remained unknown to him. But his silly thoughts had led him to chalk it up to nothing but a reflection of his sister and him having always grown fond of the same things from childhood. A preference that even caused them to like the same kind of person.}
T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's father.

What that feeling was remained unknown to him. But his silly thoughts had led him to chalk it up to nothing but a reflection of his sister and him having always grown fond of the same things from childhood. A preference that even caused them to like the same kind of person.

_{"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"}Fang Shixiu also chuckled softly at his words. "If there is talent or lack thereof, one must still put in genuine effort for that talent to manifest. Your Lordship, the Shixiu before you, is no longer the second son of House Fang. He is but a commoner, and one who now has the fortune to truly pay his respects to His Lordship. As well as one who dares to make a bold request."

"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_{Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.}
"That's because he's a playboy."

Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

_{Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"}Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."

Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"

_{"It will be my pleasure, then."}"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

"It will be my pleasure, then."

_{Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"}"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one. This lowly one must rely on his own strength to fight for his future from now on. If this lowly one acquires success in achieving this, then Shixiu will be the name of someone honourable and will become someone who need not shamelessly depend on the goodness of Xiji. This lowly one is already thankful to His Lordship for bestowing his favour in taking me in. But in return for this kindness, all this lowly one has to pay it back is the sword in my hand."

Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"

Then, a short while later, a young man dressed luxuriously in garbs coloured sky-blue entered the hall silently. "I bid you my greetings, my lord father, and greetings to you as well, Master Chu.

_{Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."}The friend Fang Shixiu had mentioned was named Chu Ping'ye. He was a middle-aged man, roughly in his forties, who had once been granted the title of Sword Master by House Fang and was the man who had taught Fang Shixiu the art of swordsmanship.

Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."

_{"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.}The young man's face was adorned with a polite smile, but those eyes of his were ice cold. It was as though they were an undiscovered land that no man could ever invade and thus had maintained its purity. It was ethereal and utterly out of one's reach.

"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

_{Chu Ping'ye was fond of the highly talented Fang Shixiu, and Fang Shixiu was also fond of this strict and prudent former master of his. As a result, the two became good friends despite the difference in their ages, and they even kept in contact with one another after Chu Ping'ye had left Yaoguang.}
"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_{He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.}"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain. So, seeing you before me today is truly astounding!"

He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.

_{"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.}
Fang Shixiu smiled softly and tousled the hair of this innocent daughter of his, then sighed in his heart. The future ahead of them is uncertain, so what could be lying ahead, awaiting them?

"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.

_{"What's a playboy?"}
From this day on, he was no longer the second son of a wealthy household. He was now simply Fang Shixiu.

"What's a playboy?"

_{His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.}
A sword-loving Fang Shixiu. A person who had already attained the title of "Sword Knight" from the town of Yaoguang, whose dearest wish was for him to use this sword in his hand to split apart the thorns blocking the path in this life so he could secure a peaceful life for his children.

His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.

_{"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."}T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's mother.

"You can go back to wherever it is you came from."

_{"That's because he's a playboy."}
Soon, the carriage happened upon a fork in their path. Yan Ran then asked, "Which way are you going?"

"That's because he's a playboy."

_{"I concede." Fang Shixiu then fixed the few stands of his hair that were out of place and again wore a gentle and elegant smile that was in complete contrast to the expression he had just worn during his battle.}"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.

_{"Then what about me?"}Chu Ping'ye was fond of the highly talented Fang Shixiu, and Fang Shixiu was also fond of this strict and prudent former master of his. As a result, the two became good friends despite the difference in their ages, and they even kept in contact with one another after Chu Ping'ye had left Yaoguang.

"Then what about me?"

_{Yan Fei was not laid to rest in the ancestral tomb of House Fang, nor was she buried in the hometown of her family. The place where she was laid to rest in peace was one that was especially beautiful.}
"Are you heading to the town of Xiji in the west?" Yan Ran asked once more.

Yan Fei was not laid to rest in the ancestral tomb of House Fang, nor was she buried in the hometown of her family. The place where she was laid to rest in peace was one that was especially beautiful.

_N/A
"Yes."

N/A

_{Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.}"What's a playboy?"

Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

_{"Who ever said anything about me bringing you along?" Fang Shixiu responded to Yan Ran's uplifting speech with indifference.}"Oh. Is he married, then?" Fang Se then asked soon after.

"Who ever said anything about me bringing you along?" Fang Shixiu responded to Yan Ran's uplifting speech with indifference.

_{Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.}
"Why?"

Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.

_"Yes."
"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."

"Yes."

"Ah, you're being too modest, Shixiu! You're one of this generation's most outstanding talents, and Ping'ye had repeatedly recommended you to me himself. But on account of your status in your family's house, I thought it would be impossible to get you here. Yet here you are—you came to me yourself! I honestly couldn't be happier! It may be unpleasant of me to say this, but the ones who allowed you to slip through their hands have suffered their most regrettable and irredeemable loss."

_{What's more, Yan Ran had never had much of a resistance for anyone mad.}
"Okay. Let's go."

What's more, Yan Ran had never had much of a resistance for anyone mad.

_{"Then what about me?"}"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.

"Then what about me?"

☆☆☆

_{It was a tomb—a simple yet elegant tomb built by Fang Shixiu himself—inscribed with a few simple words.}
The distance between Yaoguang and the town of Xiji via the road connecting them was not far, so it took them about seven days to arrive in the new town. A town, because it was six times larger than a little one like Yaoguang, had one of the five great houses, the Ximen, stationed there.

It was a tomb—a simple yet elegant tomb built by Fang Shixiu himself—inscribed with a few simple words.

_{But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"}"Ah, you're being too modest, Shixiu! You're one of this generation's most outstanding talents, and Ping'ye had repeatedly recommended you to me himself. But on account of your status in your family's house, I thought it would be impossible to get you here. Yet here you are—you came to me yourself! I honestly couldn't be happier! It may be unpleasant of me to say this, but the ones who allowed you to slip through their hands have suffered their most regrettable and irredeemable loss."

But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"

_{Fang Shixiu smiled softly and tousled the hair of this innocent daughter of his, then sighed in his heart. The future ahead of them is uncertain, so what could be lying ahead, awaiting them?}
It was not just a large town, but one crowded with traffic from both carriages and people, giving it a bright, beautiful, and bustling atmosphere that created a rather prosperous and lively scene.

Fang Shixiu smiled softly and tousled the hair of this innocent daughter of his, then sighed in his heart. The future ahead of them is uncertain, so what could be lying ahead, awaiting them?

The friend Fang Shixiu had mentioned was named Chu Ping'ye. He was a middle-aged man, roughly in his forties, who had once been granted the title of Sword Master by House Fang and was the man who had taught Fang Shixiu the art of swordsmanship.

_{As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!}
Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.

_{After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.}Fang Shixiu smiled softly and tousled the hair of this innocent daughter of his, then sighed in his heart. The future ahead of them is uncertain, so what could be lying ahead, awaiting them?

After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.

_"Speak."
The friend Fang Shixiu had mentioned was named Chu Ping'ye. He was a middle-aged man, roughly in his forties, who had once been granted the title of Sword Master by House Fang and was the man who had taught Fang Shixiu the art of swordsmanship.

"Speak."

_{A sword-loving Fang Shixiu. A person who had already attained the title of "Sword Knight" from the town of Yaoguang, whose dearest wish was for him to use this sword in his hand to split apart the thorns blocking the path in this life so he could secure a peaceful life for his children.}
Chu Ping'ye was fond of the highly talented Fang Shixiu, and Fang Shixiu was also fond of this strict and prudent former master of his. As a result, the two became good friends despite the difference in their ages, and they even kept in contact with one another after Chu Ping'ye had left Yaoguang.

_{Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."}With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.

Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."

_{Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."}"Ah, you're being too modest, Shixiu! You're one of this generation's most outstanding talents, and Ping'ye had repeatedly recommended you to me himself. But on account of your status in your family's house, I thought it would be impossible to get you here. Yet here you are—you came to me yourself! I honestly couldn't be happier! It may be unpleasant of me to say this, but the ones who allowed you to slip through their hands have suffered their most regrettable and irredeemable loss."

Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."

_{"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"}His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.

"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"

_{Fang Shixiu sighed. House Fang had long become overindulgent in their pursuit of pleasures, rife with corruption, and well beyond the point of saving. It's only a matter of time before that place falls into complete decline.}
Before Fang Shixiu had arrived in the town of Xiji, he had sent a message to the older man to clearly explain to him the reasons for his forced departure from his home, and it was why right after Fang Shixiu had made it to Cu Ping'ye's mansion, the older man had already prepared a courtyard in which they would stay. He asked Fang Shixiu no more questions, only wanting them to rest and recuperate for the next few days in a place where they need not worry about food or other necessities as they would all be left in his care.

_{"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"}"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_{He'ning wasn't able to be taken from the Fang household originally. Fang Xuanjing was so adamant about not allowing the boy to leave that he had even sworn to take his own life.}
But Fang Shixiu had no interest in resting at all once he had arrived there and instead requested from Chu Ping'ye, who was currently serving as a deputy sword master for the House of Ximen, an audience with the leader of the Western Sect. And at this request for a meeting, Chu Ping'ye had happily agreed to serve as his messenger.

He'ning wasn't able to be taken from the Fang household originally. Fang Xuanjing was so adamant about not allowing the boy to leave that he had even sworn to take his own life. But, unexpectedly, just ten days after Yan Fei's paѕsing, the eldest son of House Fang's concubine had given birth to a son. As a result, Fang Xuanjing was overjoyed at the news and had eagerly given up on Fang He'ning, who was a child from a poor family background.

_{In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."}Seeing his expression, Yan Ran felt a bit saddened, and he immediately yelled, "A good man can realise their aspirations wherever they go! So if you want to go, just go. What's there to be scared of, huh?! Besides, if there's no place for you here, there's always somewhere else waiting to accept you! And I don't believe that there isn't somewhere in this huge world where people like us wouldn't be able to call our own."

In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."

_{Ximen Danque ordered a servant to bring them two high-quality swords, and once those swords were handed over, the sparring match between the two began.}
After hearing that the one who had requested to meet him was the second young master of House Fang, the sect leader of House Ximen, Ximen Danque, wanted to meet with Fang Shixiu immediately.

Ximen Danque ordered a servant to bring them two high-quality swords, and once those swords were handed over, the sparring match between the two began.

_{Thus, practically overnight, those feelings Yan Ran had for Fang Shixiu had transformed from hatred so deep it practically wanted to rip through his chеst to a mix of amazement, adoration, reliability, reluctance, and... the youthful desire to not say what it is they want to say clearly.}Ximen Danque was a man who had just turned thirty-five that very year, so he was somewhat aware of some of the younger swordsmen rising through the ranks. He had long heard of the extraordinary skills of the second young master of House Fang, so his wish to meet this young master that very day was entirely sincere.

Thus, practically overnight, those feelings Yan Ran had for Fang Shixiu had transformed from hatred so deep it practically wanted to rip through his chеst to a mix of amazement, adoration, reliability, reluctance, and... the youthful desire to not say what it is they want to say clearly.

_{Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"}In Ximen Danque's impression, Yaoguang's swordsmen were adept at attacking and being on the offensive, especially their incredibly powerful attack known as the Sword Sealing Jugular Thrυst. But before his eyes that day, Fang Shixiu had, however, displayed a rather elegant defence. Both his attack and defensive skills showed he had attained a delicate balance.

Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

_{Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.}Ximen Rongruo lifted his head and gazed at Fang Shixiu, causing Fang Shixiu's heart to be given a start once he met the younger man's eyes.

Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.

_{Seeing his expression, Yan Ran felt a bit saddened, and he immediately yelled, "A good man can realise their aspirations wherever they go! So if you want to go, just go. What's there to be scared of, huh?! Besides, if there's no place for you here, there's always somewhere else waiting to accept you! And I don't believe that there isn't somewhere in this huge world where people like us wouldn't be able to call our own.}
Ximen Danque was a man who had just turned thirty-five that very year, so he was somewhat aware of some of the younger swordsmen rising through the ranks. He had long heard of the extraordinary skills of the second young master of House Fang, so his wish to meet this young master that very day was entirely sincere.

_{So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.}Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.

_"Speak.""No."

"Speak."

_{"I concede." Fang Shixiu then fixed the few stands of his hair that were out of place and again wore a gentle and elegant smile that was in complete contrast to the expression he had just worn during his battle.}
Soon the sight of a Fang Shixiu, a delicately handsome form dressed in white, was before him in the great hall and was enough to make his eyes brighten. Even in his heart, he could not help but think, Good heavens, what a man!

_{Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"}02.1: A New Start

Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

_{But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"}"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."

But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"

_{As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!}"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."

_{"Oh. Is he married, then?" Fang Se then asked soon after.}
Bowing at his waist, that delicate beauty then said in greeting, "Fang Shixiu pays his respects to Lord Ximen."

"Oh. Is he married, then?" Fang Se then asked soon after.

_{Ximen Rongruo looked to be in his fifteenth, or sixteenth, year. He had a delicate build, fair jade-like skin, and an overall boundlessly handsome and delicate appearance.}
"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain. So, seeing you before me today is truly astounding!"

Ximen Rongruo looked to be in his fifteenth, or sixteenth, year. He had a delicate build, fair jade-like skin, and an overall boundlessly handsome and delicate appearance.

_{Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.}But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"

Such a person would either be a grand old fool or a complete madman. But it was clear as day that not one part of Fang Shixiu could be labelled a fool.

_{But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"}But the truth was, the hatred he felt towards Fang Shixiu was already long gone.

But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"

_"Fifteen."
Fang Shixiu wore a calm smile as he said in return, "I, too, have heard it be said that there are three treasures in Xiji: its snow lotus, its yaks, and its hospitality, where amongst them all, its hospitality was the most heartwarming." I got to see it firsthand for myself today, and this town is truly worthy of such sayings. Sect Master Ximen is truly considerate and shows great kindness to those who possess talents, and this lowly one truly cannot help but be grateful for His Lordship's generosity."

"Fifteen."

_{T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's father.}He'ning wasn't able to be taken from the Fang household originally. Fang Xuanjing was so adamant about not allowing the boy to leave that he had even sworn to take his own life. But, unexpectedly, just ten days after Yan Fei's paѕsing, the eldest son of House Fang's concubine had given birth to a son. As a result, Fang Xuanjing was overjoyed at the news and had eagerly given up on Fang He'ning, who was a child from a poor family background.

T/n: The uncle used here refers to the younger brother of one's father.

_{"Who ever said anything about me bringing you along?" Fang Shixiu responded to Yan Ran's uplifting speech with indifference.}
"Ah, you're being too modest, Shixiu! You're one of this generation's most outstanding talents, and Ping'ye had repeatedly recommended you to me himself. But on account of your status in your family's house, I thought it would be impossible to get you here. Yet here you are—you came to me yourself! I honestly couldn't be happier! It may be unpleasant of me to say this, but the ones who allowed you to slip through their hands have suffered their most regrettable and irredeemable loss."

"Who ever said anything about me bringing you along?" Fang Shixiu responded to Yan Ran's uplifting speech with indifference.

_{"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."}
His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.

"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."

_{What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?}But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"

What person was there who would easily throw away so many gains that were already in their hands?

_{"You bastard son of a bitch! How could my sister ask such a favour from a person like you? Her body isn't even cold yet, but you've already forgotten every last thing she asked of you! You're such an ungrateful bastard!"}
Fang Shixiu also chuckled softly at his words. "If there is talent or lack thereof, one must still put in genuine effort for that talent to manifest. Your Lordship, the Shixiu before you, is no longer the second son of House Fang. He is but a commoner, and one who now has the fortune to truly pay his respects to His Lordship. As well as one who dares to make a bold request."

"You bastard son of a bitch! How could my sister ask such a favour from a person like you? Her body isn't even cold yet, but you've already forgotten every last thing she asked of you! You're such an ungrateful bastard!"

_{Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.}Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."

Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

_{In Ximen Danque's impression, Yaoguang's swordsmen were adept at attacking and being on the offensive, especially their incredibly powerful attack known as the Sword Sealing Jugular Thrυst. But before his eyes that day, Fang Shixiu had, however, displayed a rather elegant defence. Both his attack and defensive skills showed he had attained a delicate balance.}
"Speak."

In Ximen Danque's impression, Yaoguang's swordsmen were adept at attacking and being on the offensive, especially their incredibly powerful attack known as the Sword Sealing Jugular Thrυst. But before his eyes that day, Fang Shixiu had, however, displayed a rather elegant defence. Both his attack and defensive skills showed he had attained a delicate balance.

_{Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"}☆☆☆

Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"

_{The friend Fang Shixiu had mentioned was named Chu Ping'ye. He was a middle-aged man, roughly in his forties, who had once been granted the title of Sword Master by House Fang and was the man who had taught Fang Shixiu the art of swordsmanship.}
"I wish to become a mеmber of House Ximen's Swordsmanship Alliance as a way to support my family."

_{He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.}☆☆☆

He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.

_{"Then what about me?"}
"Why bother putting yourself through this much strenuous effort?"

"Then what about me?"

_{But Fang Shixiu had no interest in resting at all once he had arrived there and instead requested from Chu Ping'ye, who was currently serving as a deputy sword master for the House of Ximen, an audience with the leader of the Western Sect. And at this request for a meeting, Chu Ping'ye had happily agreed to serve as his messenger.}"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain. So, seeing you before me today is truly astounding!"

_{"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain.}In Ximen Danque's impression, Yaoguang's swordsmen were adept at attacking and being on the offensive, especially their incredibly powerful attack known as the Sword Sealing Jugular Thrυst. But before his eyes that day, Fang Shixiu had, however, displayed a rather elegant defence. Both his attack and defensive skills showed he had attained a delicate balance.

_{After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.}
"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one. This lowly one must rely on his own strength to fight for his future from now on. If this lowly one acquires success in achieving this, then Shixiu will be the name of someone honourable and will become someone who need not shamelessly depend on the goodness of Xiji. This lowly one is already thankful to His Lordship for bestowing his favour in taking me in. But in return for this kindness, all this lowly one has to pay it back is the sword in my hand."

After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.

_{"Hey!" Yan Ran's eyes widened. "Hold on, are you really planning on going off on your own?"}
Ximen Danque nodded. After all, such words were ones only a person with confidence would dare say, and he was indeed very interested in seeing Fang Shixiu's skills. "This is great, but I must admit I am a bit impatient to wait to see your skills in action, so would you mind giving me an exhibition now?"

"Hey!" Yan Ran's eyes widened. "Hold on, are you really planning on going off on your own?"

_{He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.}
Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.

He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.

_N/AFang Shixiu was taken aback by those words. "My Lord, I could not dare accept such a privilege. How could this lowly one who has only just arrived in Xiji be allowed the opportunity to shoulder such an important task?"

N/A

_{Ximen Rongruo lifted his head and gazed at Fang Shixiu, causing Fang Shixiu's heart to be given a start once he met the younger man's eyes.}"Yes."

Ximen Rongruo lifted his head and gazed at Fang Shixiu, causing Fang Shixiu's heart to be given a start once he met the younger man's eyes.

_{Ximen Rongruo lifted his head and gazed at Fang Shixiu, causing Fang Shixiu's heart to be given a start once he met the younger man's eyes.}
But then, Chu Ping'ye interjected, "I'll be your sparring partner. Let's see if your swordsmanship skills have improved over these past few years."

Ximen Rongruo lifted his head and gazed at Fang Shixiu, causing Fang Shixiu's heart to be given a start once he met the younger man's eyes.

_{"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"}☆☆☆

"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

_{With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.}"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.

With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.

_{"I'm going where I should go."}
"It will be my pleasure, then."

"I'm going where I should go."

_{But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"}"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"

_{"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.}In Ximen Danque's impression, Yaoguang's swordsmen were adept at attacking and being on the offensive, especially their incredibly powerful attack known as the Sword Sealing Jugular Thrυst. But before his eyes that day, Fang Shixiu had, however, displayed a rather elegant defence. Both his attack and defensive skills showed he had attained a delicate balance.

"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

_{In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."}So what was it that Yan Ran found attractive in Fang Shixiu? It was the man's arrogant and unyielding personality.

In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."

_{"You have heard of me?" Ximen Rongruo was a bit surprised by this claim.}
Ximen Danque ordered a servant to bring them two high-quality swords, and once those swords were handed over, the sparring match between the two began.

"You have heard of me?" Ximen Rongruo was a bit surprised by this claim.

_{"Ah, you're being too modest, Shixiu! You're one of this generation's most outstanding talents, and Ping'ye had repeatedly recommended you to me himself. But on account of your status in your family's house, I thought it would be impossible to get you here.}
In Ximen Danque's impression, Yaoguang's swordsmen were adept at attacking and being on the offensive, especially their incredibly powerful attack known as the Sword Sealing Jugular Thrυst. But before his eyes that day, Fang Shixiu had, however, displayed a rather elegant defence. Both his attack and defensive skills showed he had attained a delicate balance.

Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.

_"Speak."Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

"Speak."

_"Why?"
As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!

"Why?"

_{"Who do you think you're calling a wild animal?"}
With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.

"Who do you think you're calling a wild animal?"

_{"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"}
Fang Shixiu's sword had pierced Chu Ping'ye in the hollow under his shoulder, which immediately caused his entire body to break out in a cold sweat. He knew this strike was Fang Shixiu's act of mercy, as only one tilt from the tip of that former student's sword would cost him the complete destruction of his arm.

"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_{But waving his hands to dismiss the prior question, Ximen Danque then added, "Whether or not you accept him as a student, you should still have a look at him first. If you aren't willing after that, just let it be. I have no intention of forcing you anyhow."}
Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.

_{But then, Chu Ping'ye interjected, "I'll be your sparring partner. Let's see if your swordsmanship skills have improved over these past few years."}
Then to his most favoured former pupil, Chu Ping'ye looked on with eyes full of pride as he said, "You truly are a student who has surpaѕsed his teacher!"

But then, Chu Ping'ye interjected, "I'll be your sparring partner. Let's see if your swordsmanship skills have improved over these past few years."

_{02.1: A New Start}
"I concede." Fang Shixiu then fixed the few stands of his hair that were out of place and again wore a gentle and elegant smile that was in complete contrast to the expression he had just worn during his battle.

02.1: A New Start

_{"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one.}"Why not? When our other little uncle was fourteen, he already had three brides!" Fang Qin was quite shocked.

_{To this, Fang Shixiu nodded.}After packing some expensive valuables and boarding a carriage, they departed Yaoguang.

To this, Fang Shixiu nodded.

_{Thus, practically overnight, those feelings Yan Ran had for Fang Shixiu had transformed from hatred so deep it practically wanted to rip through his chеst to a mix of amazement, adoration, reliability, reluctance, and... the youthful desire to not say what it is they want to say clearly.}
Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.

_{What kind of person would abandon a grand and prosperous future that was practically paved in gold for the sake of someone who had already paѕsed away?}
Ximen Danque gave a few nods. "Yes, indeed! It truly is grand! That reminds me, servant, go fetch Rongruo. I want to introduce him to his new master."

What kind of person would abandon a grand and prosperous future that was practically paved in gold for the sake of someone who had already paѕsed away?

_{Fang Shixiu sighed. {House Fang had long become overindulgent in their pursuit of pleasures, rife with corruption, and well beyond the point of saving. It's only a matter of time before that place falls into complete decline.}}Ximen Danque beckoned his son to his side, then pulled him by the arm to say, "Come, I will introduce you to a new master today. He is the most skilled amongst the swordsmen you admire the most: the second young master of Yaoguang, Fang Shixiu. And, Shixiu, this is my only son, Ximen Rongruo."

_{But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"}
Fang Shixiu was taken aback by those words. "My Lord, I could not dare accept such a privilege. How could this lowly one who has only just arrived in Xiji be allowed the opportunity to shoulder such an important task?"

But to his words, Fang Shixiu only looked back and said in return, "That's perfect, then. I can't wait for her to appear!"

_{The young man's face was adorned with a polite smile, but those eyes of his were ice cold. It was as though they were an undiscovered land that no man could ever invade and thus had maintained its purity. It was ethereal and utterly out of one's reach.}Prompting Fang Shixiu to bow and greet the young man in turn. "I have heard Young Master Ximen is an extremely talented swordsman, so I hope in the days to come we can both learn from one another and progress to new heights."

_{"Are you heading to the town of Xiji in the west?" Yan Ran asked once more.}
But Ximen Danque only replied in return with a laugh. "Do you have such little confidence in yourself?"

"Are you heading to the town of Xiji in the west?" Yan Ran asked once more.

_{Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"}Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.

Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

_{The friend Fang Shixiu had mentioned was named Chu Ping'ye. He was a middle-aged man, roughly in his forties, who had once been granted the title of Sword Master by House Fang and was the man who had taught Fang Shixiu the art of swordsmanship.}What kind of person would abandon a grand and prosperous future that was practically paved in gold for the sake of someone who had already paѕsed away?

_{"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.}
Fang Shixiu had no idea how he should answer.

"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

_☆☆☆Yan Ran paused for a second. "So you're really leaving Yaoguang?"

☆☆☆

_{Seeing his expression, Yan Ran felt a bit saddened, and he immediately yelled, "A good man can realise their aspirations wherever they go! So if you want to go, just go. What's there to be scared of, huh?! Besides, if there's no place for you here, there's always somewhere else waiting to accept you! And I don't believe that there isn't somewhere in this huge world where people like us wouldn't be able to call our own.}Before Fang Shixiu had arrived in the town of Xiji, he had sent a message to the older man to clearly explain to him the reasons for his forced departure from his home, and it was why right after Fang Shixiu had made it to Cu Ping'ye's mansion, the older man had already prepared a courtyard in which they would stay. He asked Fang Shixiu no more questions, only wanting them to rest and recuperate for the next few days in a place where they need not worry about food or other necessities as they would all be left in his care.

_"No."
But waving his hands to dismiss the prior question, Ximen Danque then added, "Whether or not you accept him as a student, you should still have a look at him first. If you aren't willing after that, just let it be. I have no intention of forcing you anyhow."

"No."

_{Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.}
To this, Fang Shixiu nodded.

Chu Ping'ye then addressed Ximen Danque. "My Lord, now that Shixiu is on our side, our Xiji can surely win the national championships, and we can regain our lost honour.

_{Fang Shixiu felt his heart inexplicably quiver. {How could anyone possess such a frigid gaze?}}Ximen Rongruo looked to be in his fifteenth, or sixteenth, year. He had a delicate build, fair jade-like skin, and an overall boundlessly handsome and delicate appearance.

Fang Shixiu felt his heart inexplicably quiver. How could anyone possess such a frigid gaze?

_{"A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."}
Then, a short while later, a young man dressed luxuriously in garbs coloured sky-blue entered the hall silently. "I bid you my greetings, my lord father, and greetings to you as well, Master Chu.

"A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."

_{Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.}"Are you saying you intend to follow me, then?"

Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

_{But waving his hands to dismiss the prior question, Ximen Danque then added, "Whether or not you accept him as a student, you should still have a look at him first. If you aren't willing after that, just let it be. I have no intention of forcing you anyhow."}"I have a friend there, and I want to spend a few days there with him."

_"No.""A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."

"No."

_{"I wish to become a mеmber of House Ximen's Swordsmanship Alliance as a way to support my family."}
Ximen Danque beckoned his son to his side, then pulled him by the arm to say, "Come, I will introduce you to a new master today. He is the most skilled amongst the swordsmen you admire the most: the second young master of Yaoguang, Fang Shixiu. And, Shixiu, this is my only son, Ximen Rongruo."

"I wish to become a mеmber of House Ximen's Swordsmanship Alliance as a way to support my family."

_{What that feeling was remained unknown to him. But his silly thoughts had led him to chalk it up to nothing but a reflection of his sister and him having always grown fond of the same things from childhood. A preference that even caused them to like the same kind of person.}"Of course not. I'm obviously bringing my children along as well."

_{"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.}Both Fang Qin and Fang Se were excited, and even Yan Ran was dazzled by all the splendour to the point where his eyes couldn't take it all in.

"Fang Shixiu!" Yan Ran spat through gnashed teeth.

_{Ximen Danque was a man who had just turned thirty-five that very year, so he was somewhat aware of some of the younger swordsmen rising through the ranks. He had long heard of the extraordinary skills of the second young master of House Fang, so his wish to meet this young master that very day was entirely sincere.}
Ximen Rongruo lifted his head and gazed at Fang Shixiu, causing Fang Shixiu's heart to be given a start once he met the younger man's eyes.

_{Ximen Danque nodded. After all, such words were ones only a person with confidence would dare say, and he was indeed very interested in seeing Fang Shixiu's skills. "This is great, but I must admit I am a bit impatient to wait to see your skills in action, so would you mind giving me an exhibition now?"}
The young man's face was adorned with a polite smile, but those eyes of his were ice cold. It was as though they were an undiscovered land that no man could ever invade and thus had maintained its purity. It was ethereal and utterly out of one's reach.

_{Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.}N/A

Clapping his hands eagerly, Ximen Danque was just about to burst with excitement at the scene before him.

_{Prompting Fang Shixiu to bow and greet the young man in turn. "I have heard Young Master Ximen is an extremely talented swordsman, so I hope in the days to come we can both learn from one another and progress to new heights."}
He was clearly a young man. He was indeed a jade-like beauty of noble birth, but his entire being exuded an ice-blue frost that gave a feeling of gloom.

Prompting Fang Shixiu to bow and greet the young man in turn. "I have heard Young Master Ximen is an extremely talented swordsman, so I hope in the days to come we can both learn from one another and progress to new heights."

_{His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.}As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!

His words were meant to chastise the House of Fang, who had working eyes but failed to see.

_{Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.}
Fang Shixiu felt his heart inexplicably quiver. How could anyone possess such a frigid gaze?

Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

_{Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.}"You have heard of me?" Ximen Rongruo was a bit surprised by this claim.

Five people were aboard that carriage: Fang Shixiu, his twin daughters Fang Qin and Fang Se, his not-even-month-old son, Fang He'ning, and lastly, Yan Ran.

After hearing that the one who had requested to meet him was the second young master of House Fang, the sect leader of House Ximen, Ximen Danque, wanted to meet with Fang Shixiu immediately.

_{"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.}
Ximen Rongruo looked to be in his fifteenth, or sixteenth, year. He had a delicate build, fair jade-like skin, and an overall boundlessly handsome and delicate appearance.

"Hey! Hey, wait up! Where are you even going, then?" Yan Ran hurriedly chased after him.

_{"Of course—...not! I intend to accompany you in case you have any dumb ideas about ending your life for the sake of love. If I don't, then... I'd fail to fulfil the promise I made to my sister. That's why." Yan Ran replied with a humph.}Fang Shixiu's sword had pierced Chu Ping'ye in the hollow under his shoulder, which immediately caused his entire body to break out in a cold sweat. He knew this strike was Fang Shixiu's act of mercy, as only one tilt from the tip of that former student's sword would cost him the complete destruction of his arm.

_{Fang Shixiu felt his heart inexplicably quiver. How could anyone possess such a frigid gaze?}
Goodness, what an exquisitely carved young beauty!

Fang Shixiu felt his heart inexplicably quiver. How could anyone possess such a frigid gaze?

_☆☆☆With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.

☆☆☆

_{He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.}"Are you heading to the town of Xiji in the west?" Yan Ran asked once more.

He liked to wear white. His clothes were always kept spotless, and the way they fluttered resembled that of characters only found in legends.

_{Fang Shixiu knew his older brother would always perceive him as a thorn in his eye, and now that he had been demoted to a commoner, that elder brother of his would continually send aѕsaѕsins his way to take his life. So, rather than shaking like a leaf while awaiting his death, Fan Shixiu figured the best course of action would be to get as far away from his family as he could.}Fang Shixiu knew his older brother would always perceive him as a thorn in his eye, and now that he had been demoted to a commoner, that elder brother of his would continually send aѕsaѕsins his way to take his life. So, rather than shaking like a leaf while awaiting his death, Fan Shixiu figured the best course of action would be to get as far away from his family as he could.

_{With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.}
"Pleased to meet you." With Fang Shixiu having taken so long to speak, Ximen Rongruo took the initiative to greet him first.

With this, the result of the sparring match was naturally Chu Ping'ye's defeat.

_{"A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."}Fang Shixiu hesitated for a moment.

"A playboy is someone who likes a lot of people at the same time, which makes them hurt a lot of people at the same time."

_{"Who do you think you're calling a wild animal?"}As far as he was concerned, Fang Shixiu's talents were a precious treasure. There were few—very few people—who could combine both attack and defensive moves so perfectly that they had managed to achieve such a level of meticulousness. His impregnable defence, along with a swift and fierce attack, were skills that only appeared in a swordsman once every hundred years!

"Who do you think you're calling a wild animal?"

_{"Oh, forget the formalities." Ximen Danque got up himself and walked towards Fang Shixiu to lift him back up again, then gave a good look over before returning to his seat, where he said with a laugh, "Long ago I heard a saying that Yaoguang had three treasures: its graѕslands, its swordsmen, and its second young master, where amongst these three, the second young master was the most difficult to attain.}In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."

_{"It will be my pleasure, then."}
Prompting Fang Shixiu to bow and greet the young man in turn. "I have heard Young Master Ximen is an extremely talented swordsman, so I hope in the days to come we can both learn from one another and progress to new heights."

"It will be my pleasure, then."

_{Goodness, what an exquisitely carved young beauty!}
"You have heard of me?" Ximen Rongruo was a bit surprised by this claim.

Goodness, what an exquisitely carved young beauty!

_{"Then what about me?"}What that feeling was remained unknown to him. But his silly thoughts had led him to chalk it up to nothing but a reflection of his sister and him having always grown fond of the same things from childhood. A preference that even caused them to like the same kind of person.

"Then what about me?"

_{Even he, himself, could not explain the reason why it had. It could have even been because of his appearance. Honestly speaking, even from the perspective of someone of the same sеx, Fang Shixiu was as close to perfection as one could get. He had a strong build, a gorgeous face, and a refined temperаment that pushed him astonishingly close to the image of what would be the perfect man.}"Because this lowly one must. In Yaoguang, this lowly one was a young master, but now, this lowly one is no one. This lowly one must rely on his own strength to fight for his future from now on. If this lowly one acquires success in achieving this, then Shixiu will be the name of someone honourable and will become someone who need not shamelessly depend on the goodness of Xiji. This lowly one is already thankful to His Lordship for bestowing his favour in taking me in. But in return for this kindness, all this lowly one has to pay it back is the sword in my hand."

_{Fang Shixiu was taken aback by those words. "My Lord, I could not dare accept such a privilege. How could this lowly one who has only just arrived in Xiji be allowed the opportunity to shoulder such an important task?"}
In response, Fang Shixiu smiled sweetly. "Not only have I heard of you, but I believe that it won't be long before many will come to know of you as well."

_{"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"}Yan Ran kept standing watch at his sister's tomb and planned to keep on doing so for some time. But Fang Shixiu, who was also beside him, had turned to leave that resting place first.

"Oh. Then, Dad, I think I might be a playboy, too. I like you, little brother, and I think I like this little uncle, too. So are you all hurt?"

_"No.""Fifteen."

"No."

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Updated every Friday. Raws: Kobo

Advanced chapters on ko-fi

Brother-in-law: C02-1

02.1: A New Start

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