Adoptive Father: C04-2

Chapter 4.2: Decision

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

Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

_{“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.}“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

_{“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.}Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.

“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

_{“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. {How could such a madman even exist?!}}“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”

“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

_{“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”}Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”

_{Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.}
Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.

_{“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”}“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”

_{What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?}
The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?

_{{If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?}}“Sword Lunatic!”

If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?

_{Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.}
Han Xiling stared at the pure splendour before him with bated breath.

Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.

Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red.}Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red. His snow-white garb, contrasted by that bloody and brilliant crimson, made for a startling sight. But that sword of his, his Victorious Evil, still lay tіghtly in his grasp. On that stage, he stubbornly held himself upright, his gaze crazed—dripping with the brilliant bloodlυst one would find in wild beasts.

_{A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.}“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

_N/APlus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

N/A

Accepting his defeat, Di Wangchen clasped his fist in a gesture of surrender before flipping off the stage. After taking his sword that was retrieved for him by the time he stepped down, he turned his back and made his way backstage.

_{{Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning.} But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… {It would just be too embarrassing if he did!}}Han Xiling again fell silent.

Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!

_{As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”}
Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

_{“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”}N/A

“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

_{But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed.}“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed. Sadly, before it could, Di Wangchen’s sword had already been drawn and slashed. In less than a blink, a splatter of blood filled Han Xiling’s gaze—Han Jiangxue’s left arm had been wounded! The crowd around him cried out in horror and shock! Not a soul expected the outcome of the match would so quickly be decided in an instant.

_{Chapter 4.2: Decision}The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young. The atmosphere all around was quite different from what Han Xiling was accustomed to. Everyone whispered to one another politely and remained composed. It was a world away from the noise and chaos that were the sword-fighting exams back at the Youmiao Academy.

Chapter 4.2: Decision

_{“So, Xiling. What sort of person does my Uncle Xue strike you as?”}While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

“So, Xiling. What sort of person does my Uncle Xue strike you as?”

_{At some point during his daze, Han Xiling handed him off to a servant and vanished.}
The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young. The atmosphere all around was quite different from what Han Xiling was accustomed to. Everyone whispered to one another politely and remained composed. It was a world away from the noise and chaos that were the sword-fighting exams back at the Youmiao Academy.

At some point during his daze, Han Xiling handed him off to a servant and vanished.

_{To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.}“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”

To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

_{Han Xiling again fell silent.}A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.

Han Xiling again fell silent.

_{Han Xiling’s heart skipped a beat upon finally locking eyes with the head of the sect and house of Xuanyuan, a man rumoured to be no different than a god! What’s more, there was a boy who that man also led onstage hand in hand, a boy he knew—it was Xuanyuan Diandian!}
As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiling’s heart skipped a beat upon finally locking eyes with the head of the sect and house of Xuanyuan, a man rumoured to be no different than a god! What’s more, there was a boy who that man also led onstage hand in hand, a boy he knew—it was Xuanyuan Diandian!

_{Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.}Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.

Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

_{“The master would like to speak with both {you} and Young Master Han.”}“Xuanyuan!”

“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”

_{Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.}
A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.

_{{If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.}}“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

_{“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.}But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed. Sadly, before it could, Di Wangchen’s sword had already been drawn and slashed. In less than a blink, a splatter of blood filled Han Xiling’s gaze—Han Jiangxue’s left arm had been wounded! The crowd around him cried out in horror and shock! Not a soul expected the outcome of the match would so quickly be decided in an instant.

“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.

_{“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”}“That this is normal for him. He’s always like this whenever he partakes in these competitions. He never cares about anything and just fights while giving his all. It’s as though he has no regard for his life—it’s as though every strike delivered from his sword is a life-or-death moment.”

“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}
“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good. You may be seated.” The booming voice of Xuanyuan Wuji echoed throughout the arena in lingering waves; the magnetic resonance within also made those sonorous notes remarkably pleasant when they landed. So much so that Han Xiling was unable to resist the allure of such a melodious voice, Han Xiling’s eyes fluttered open to behold the dominating presence of the man earning the full attention of all. But his presence was not simply imposing, it radiated an air of nobility that was just as prominent. A kingly type of aura. A grandness—a sense of majesty and reverence.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.}Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.

“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.

_{The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.}“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.

_{“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.}“Xuanyuan!”

“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.

_{In that doe-like gaze of Xuanyuan Diandian still reminiscent of a clear pond, an innate sense of nobility and grace was exuded. While standing beside the towering figure of his father, he resembled a fairy of a child that made all who saw him instantly wish to scoop up and care for.}“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

In that doe-like gaze of Xuanyuan Diandian still reminiscent of a clear pond, an innate sense of nobility and grace was exuded. While standing beside the towering figure of his father, he resembled a fairy of a child that made all who saw him instantly wish to scoop up and care for.

_{It was a string of shocking sights for the poor Han Xiling, who now quietly retreated to his seat as he did his best to calm his racing heart. Those words once spoken to him by Diandian also added to the bulk of his stress. That fairy-like boy said his father and Han Jiangxue had a relationship… What kind of relationship? What exactly is between them?}
Han Xiling’s heart skipped a beat upon finally locking eyes with the head of the sect and house of Xuanyuan, a man rumoured to be no different than a god! What’s more, there was a boy who that man also led onstage hand in hand, a boy he knew—it was Xuanyuan Diandian!

It was a string of shocking sights for the poor Han Xiling, who now quietly retreated to his seat as he did his best to calm his racing heart. Those words once spoken to him by Diandian also added to the bulk of his stress. That fairy-like boy said his father and Han Jiangxue had a relationship… What kind of relationship? What exactly is between them?

_{Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.}“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}
Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.

“Xuanyuan!”

A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.

_{Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.}
In that doe-like gaze of Xuanyuan Diandian still reminiscent of a clear pond, an innate sense of nobility and grace was exuded. While standing beside the towering figure of his father, he resembled a fairy of a child that made all who saw him instantly wish to scoop up and care for.

Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.

_{Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.}Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.

_{Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.}But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.

_{“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.}But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”

“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

_{“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.}After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.

“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.}
It was a string of shocking sights for the poor Han Xiling, who now quietly retreated to his seat as he did his best to calm his racing heart. Those words once spoken to him by Diandian also added to the bulk of his stress. That fairy-like boy said his father and Han Jiangxue had a relationship… What kind of relationship? What exactly is between them?

The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

_{“What’s more,” Diandian added cautiously, “My father is very fond of Uncle Xue. He loves him the most dearly, too. So if he ever caught wind of you causing my uncle any worries, he would slice your head clean off. Got it?”}Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red. His snow-white garb, contrasted by that bloody and brilliant crimson, made for a startling sight. But that sword of his, his Victorious Evil, still lay tіghtly in his grasp. On that stage, he stubbornly held himself upright, his gaze crazed—dripping with the brilliant bloodlυst one would find in wild beasts.

“What’s more,” Diandian added cautiously, “My father is very fond of Uncle Xue. He loves him the most dearly, too. So if he ever caught wind of you causing my uncle any worries, he would slice your head clean off. Got it?”

_{A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.}
If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?

A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

_{“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.}“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”

“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}
While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

“Xuanyuan!”

“That this is normal for him. He’s always like this whenever he partakes in these competitions. He never cares about anything and just fights while giving his all. It’s as though he has no regard for his life—it’s as though every strike delivered from his sword is a life-or-death moment.”

_{Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.}Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!

_{{If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.}}“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

_{“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”}
The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.

“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”

_{To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.}“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”

To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

_{“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.}“Sword Lunatic!”

“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.

_{Han Xiling again fell silent.}
It was a different scene when the third match-up entered the scene, however. The entire stadium erupted in cheers. A stunned Han Xiling looked at the arena to see Han Jiangxue entering the stage alongside his opponent Di Wangchen.

Han Xiling again fell silent.

_{Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.}“So, Xiling. What sort of person does my Uncle Xue strike you as?”

Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.

_{{What?} Han Xiling was even more confused. {What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?}}Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.

What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?

_{Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.}“Sword Lunatic!”

Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

_{“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.}“What’s more,” Diandian added cautiously, “My father is very fond of Uncle Xue. He loves him the most dearly, too. So if he ever caught wind of you causing my uncle any worries, he would slice your head clean off. Got it?”

“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

_{If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?}
Just last night the two were tossing about in the same bed, yet today they’re facing off on the field?

If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?

_{They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.}They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.

They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.

_{The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young.}But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed. Sadly, before it could, Di Wangchen’s sword had already been drawn and slashed. In less than a blink, a splatter of blood filled Han Xiling’s gaze—Han Jiangxue’s left arm had been wounded! The crowd around him cried out in horror and shock! Not a soul expected the outcome of the match would so quickly be decided in an instant.

The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young. The atmosphere all around was quite different from what Han Xiling was accustomed to. Everyone whispered to one another politely and remained composed. It was a world away from the noise and chaos that were the sword-fighting exams back at the Youmiao Academy.

_{“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”}A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.

“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

_{“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”}
Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

_{Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.}“Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

_{{Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.}}But Han Xiling could only shake his head.

Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.

_{“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”}But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”

_{Han Xiing was again left stunned.}
Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.

Han Xiing was again left stunned.

_{“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good.}Just last night the two were tossing about in the same bed, yet today they’re facing off on the field?

“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good. You may be seated.” The booming voice of Xuanyuan Wuji echoed throughout the arena in lingering waves; the magnetic resonance within also made those sonorous notes remarkably pleasant when they landed. So much so that Han Xiling was unable to resist the allure of such a melodious voice, Han Xiling’s eyes fluttered open to behold the dominating presence of the man earning the full attention of all. But his presence was not simply imposing, it radiated an air of nobility that was just as prominent. A kingly type of aura. A grandness—a sense of majesty and reverence.

_{“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”}
But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed. Sadly, before it could, Di Wangchen’s sword had already been drawn and slashed. In less than a blink, a splatter of blood filled Han Xiling’s gaze—Han Jiangxue’s left arm had been wounded! The crowd around him cried out in horror and shock! Not a soul expected the outcome of the match would so quickly be decided in an instant.

“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

_{The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young.}A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}Chapter 4.2: Decision

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{“That this is normal for him. He’s always like this whenever he partakes in these competitions. He never cares about anything and just fights while giving his all. It’s as though he has no regard for his life—it’s as though every strike delivered from his sword is a life-or-death moment.”}“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good. You may be seated.” The booming voice of Xuanyuan Wuji echoed throughout the arena in lingering waves; the magnetic resonance within also made those sonorous notes remarkably pleasant when they landed. So much so that Han Xiling was unable to resist the allure of such a melodious voice, Han Xiling’s eyes fluttered open to behold the dominating presence of the man earning the full attention of all. But his presence was not simply imposing, it radiated an air of nobility that was just as prominent. A kingly type of aura. A grandness—a sense of majesty and reverence.

_{“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”}After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.

“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

_{The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.}“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

_{“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”}
But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back. This was a fight where the differences between the opponents were too vast. It was like watching a savage bear bully a delicate maiden.

“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

_{Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.}The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}
Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{“The master would like to speak with both {you} and Young Master Han.”}“Really? But the colour has completely drained from your face,” Diandian said while poking at Han Xiling’s cheek, his lips curled into a smile.

“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{It was a different scene when the third match-up entered the scene, however. The entire stadium erupted in cheers. A stunned Han Xiling looked at the arena to see Han Jiangxue entering the stage alongside his opponent Di Wangchen.}
Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!

It was a different scene when the third match-up entered the scene, however. The entire stadium erupted in cheers. A stunned Han Xiling looked at the arena to see Han Jiangxue entering the stage alongside his opponent Di Wangchen.

_{As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”}At some point during his daze, Han Xiling handed him off to a servant and vanished.

As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

_{“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”}“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.}
Just as Han Jiangxue was forced to the edge of the stage, the crisp cry of his sword suddenly rang out—Victorious Evil was finally unsheathed. Before everyone’s eyes, a blinding white light cut through the sky, and like that, Han Jiangxue’s figure was gone.

_{“What’s more,” Diandian added cautiously, “My father is very fond of Uncle Xue. He loves him the most dearly, too. So if he ever caught wind of you causing my uncle any worries, he would slice your head clean off. Got it?”}The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.

_{{What?} Han Xiling was even more confused. {What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?}}Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red. His snow-white garb, contrasted by that bloody and brilliant crimson, made for a startling sight. But that sword of his, his Victorious Evil, still lay tіghtly in his grasp. On that stage, he stubbornly held himself upright, his gaze crazed—dripping with the brilliant bloodlυst one would find in wild beasts.

What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?

_{Han Xiing was again left stunned.}The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young. The atmosphere all around was quite different from what Han Xiling was accustomed to. Everyone whispered to one another politely and remained composed. It was a world away from the noise and chaos that were the sword-fighting exams back at the Youmiao Academy.

Han Xiing was again left stunned.

_{Han Xiling’s heart skipped a beat upon finally locking eyes with the head of the sect and house of Xuanyuan, a man rumoured to be no different than a god! What’s more, there was a boy who that man also led onstage hand in hand, a boy he knew—it was Xuanyuan Diandian!}A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}
A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.

“Sword Lunatic!”

“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

_{“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.}But Han Xiling could only shake his head.

“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

_{“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.}Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

_{To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.}A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

_{“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.}
Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.

“Sword Lunatic!”

“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.

_{“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”}“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”

_{“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.}Han Xiing was again left stunned.

“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.

_{Han Xiling’s heart lurched before pounding against his chеst. He couldn’t help it; that man was still his adoptive father, so it was natural he wanted no harm to come his way.}
The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

Han Xiling’s heart lurched before pounding against his chеst. He couldn’t help it; that man was still his adoptive father, so it was natural he wanted no harm to come his way.

_{Han Xiling stared at the pure splendour before him with bated breath.}“Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiling stared at the pure splendour before him with bated breath.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}N/A

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.}
Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.

“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

_{Han Xiling again fell silent.}“Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiling again fell silent.

_{But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed.}“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_{Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.}If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?

Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

_{Just as Han Jiangxue was forced to the edge of the stage, the crisp cry of his sword suddenly rang out—Victorious Evil was finally unsheathed. Before everyone’s eyes, a blinding white light cut through the sky, and like that, Han Jiangxue’s figure was gone.}
If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

Just as Han Jiangxue was forced to the edge of the stage, the crisp cry of his sword suddenly rang out—Victorious Evil was finally unsheathed. Before everyone’s eyes, a blinding white light cut through the sky, and like that, Han Jiangxue’s figure was gone.

_{The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.}Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.

The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

_{But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back.}“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”

But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back. This was a fight where the differences between the opponents were too vast. It was like watching a savage bear bully a delicate maiden.

_{{If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?}}The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.

If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?

_{Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red.}Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

_{If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.}
Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

_{Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red.}“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.

_{A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.}
After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.

_{Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.}Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.

_{But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed.}
Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red. His snow-white garb, contrasted by that bloody and brilliant crimson, made for a startling sight. But that sword of his, his Victorious Evil, still lay tіghtly in his grasp. On that stage, he stubbornly held himself upright, his gaze crazed—dripping with the brilliant bloodlυst one would find in wild beasts.

_{“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. {How could such a madman even exist?!}}They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.

“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

_{“Xuanyuan!”}Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”}
The dead silence blanketing the stadium persisted until it was suddenly swept away by the crowd’s roar.

“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”

_{Han Xiing was again left stunned.}“Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiing was again left stunned.

_{Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.}A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.

Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

_{Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?}
“Sword Lunatic!”

Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

_{“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.}A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.

“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”}Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.

“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”

Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

_{For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.}
“Sword Lunatic!”

For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

_{“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.}A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

_{They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.}“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

_{“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.}Chapter 4.2: Decision

“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

_{Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.}
“Sword Lunatic!”

Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.

_{But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.}“Really? But the colour has completely drained from your face,” Diandian said while poking at Han Xiling’s cheek, his lips curled into a smile.

But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

_{Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.}“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}
“Sword Lunatic!”

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{It was a different scene when the third match-up entered the scene, however. The entire stadium erupted in cheers. A stunned Han Xiling looked at the arena to see Han Jiangxue entering the stage alongside his opponent Di Wangchen.}As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

_{“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. {How could such a madman even exist?!}}The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young. The atmosphere all around was quite different from what Han Xiling was accustomed to. Everyone whispered to one another politely and remained composed. It was a world away from the noise and chaos that were the sword-fighting exams back at the Youmiao Academy.

“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

_{“Xuanyuan!”}“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

“Xuanyuan!”

_{Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.}
“Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

_{{Was that guy’s skill all for show?} Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.}A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.

Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.

_{But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed.}Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.

_{Only the Sword Manic now stood at centre stage. To the rаmbunctious crowd, he gave a slight smile before collapsing there with a thud.}
“Xuanyuan!”

Only the Sword Manic now stood at centre stage. To the rаmbunctious crowd, he gave a slight smile before collapsing there with a thud.

Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!

_{“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.}While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

_{As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”}“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

_{{Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?}}But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

_{“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”}
“Xuanyuan!”

“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”

_{{If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.}}Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

_{Accepting his defeat, Di Wangchen clasped his fist in a gesture of surrender before flipping off the stage. After taking his sword that was retrieved for him by the time he stepped down, he turned his back and made his way backstage.}If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.}
Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.

The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

_{“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!}
Accepting his defeat, Di Wangchen clasped his fist in a gesture of surrender before flipping off the stage. After taking his sword that was retrieved for him by the time he stepped down, he turned his back and made his way backstage.

“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

_N/ABut Han Xiling could only shake his head.

N/A

_{After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.}
Only the Sword Manic now stood at centre stage. To the rаmbunctious crowd, he gave a slight smile before collapsing there with a thud.

After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”}But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”

As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

_{{Just last night the two were tossing about in the same bed, yet today they’re facing off on the field?}}Just as Han Jiangxue was forced to the edge of the stage, the crisp cry of his sword suddenly rang out—Victorious Evil was finally unsheathed. Before everyone’s eyes, a blinding white light cut through the sky, and like that, Han Jiangxue’s figure was gone.

Just last night the two were tossing about in the same bed, yet today they’re facing off on the field?

_{“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.}A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.}
“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}“Xuanyuan!”

“Xuanyuan!”

“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{The arena gradually filled as more time passed, most of whom were high-ranking nobles, given the reds and purples of their robes. Accompanying these nobles every so often was a glamorous-looking swordsman of some sort, all brilliant and young.}
A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

_{Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.}Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.

Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

_{Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.}Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.

Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

_{Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.}
Many rushed on stage upon seeing his state, lifting him down and ferrying him away. Han Xiling, too, frantically followed after them until a delicate hand tugged him from behind and made him turn around: it was Xuanyuan Diandian.

Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

_{“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.}
“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”}For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_N/A“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

N/A

_{But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back.}The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.

The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

_{Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.}But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back. This was a fight where the differences between the opponents were too vast. It was like watching a savage bear bully a delicate maiden.

Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

_{Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.}“Sword Lunatic!”

Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

_{“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”}
They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.

“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_{After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.}“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.

_{“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.}While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.

_{But the sense of majesty was soon dashed. Han Xiling sat in eager wait for Han Jiangxue’s sword, Victorious Evil, to be unsheathed.}“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

_{Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.}
Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.

Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good.}At some point during his daze, Han Xiling handed him off to a servant and vanished.

_{“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.}“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”

“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.}For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}“So, Xiling. What sort of person does my Uncle Xue strike you as?”

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“Xuanyuan!”}
To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.}For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

_{“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.}After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.

“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

_{Solemnity. This was the only thing Han Xiling felt when he arrived at the Xuanyuan Sect for the first time in his life.}“Really? But the colour has completely drained from your face,” Diandian said while poking at Han Xiling’s cheek, his lips curled into a smile.

Solemnity. This was the only thing Han Xiling felt when he arrived at the Xuanyuan Sect for the first time in his life.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.}
“Really? But the colour has completely drained from your face,” Diandian said while poking at Han Xiling’s cheek, his lips curled into a smile.

“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.

_{{If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?}}Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

If that man was Xuanyuan Wuji’s exclusive… mistress, then why and how could he be mixed up with Di Wangchen?

_{While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.}Only the Sword Manic now stood at centre stage. To the rаmbunctious crowd, he gave a slight smile before collapsing there with a thud.

While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

_{Accepting his defeat, Di Wangchen clasped his fist in a gesture of surrender before flipping off the stage. After taking his sword that was retrieved for him by the time he stepped down, he turned his back and made his way backstage.}“That this is normal for him. He’s always like this whenever he partakes in these competitions. He never cares about anything and just fights while giving his all. It’s as though he has no regard for his life—it’s as though every strike delivered from his sword is a life-or-death moment.”

_{{Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?}}To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

_{But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.}“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

_{But Han Xiling could only shake his head.}Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.

But Han Xiling could only shake his head.

_{For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.}Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.

For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

_{The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.}Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.

The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

_{Han Jiangxue’s situation was no better. That injured arm of his still bled to the point it had dyed half of him red.}
“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.

_{The dead silence blanketing the stadium persisted until it was suddenly swept away by the crowd’s roar.}
“That this is normal for him. He’s always like this whenever he partakes in these competitions. He never cares about anything and just fights while giving his all. It’s as though he has no regard for his life—it’s as though every strike delivered from his sword is a life-or-death moment.”

The dead silence blanketing the stadium persisted until it was suddenly swept away by the crowd’s roar.

_{While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.}Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

_{“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.}
“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

“What do you mean by that?” Han Xiling asked with a tilt of his head.

_{Han Xiling stared at the pure splendour before him with bated breath.}“Follow me.” The young boy winked at Han Xiling before walking off.

Han Xiling stared at the pure splendour before him with bated breath.

_{But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”}
“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”

_{Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.}The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

_{{Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.}}“Sword Lunatic!”

Oh, he’s a son of House Xuanyuan. It’s no wonder that the Shui Xian guy treats him like a precious treasure, then. Now everything makes sense.

“Well, if it weren’t for this, he wouldn’t be a Sword Lunatic, now would he?” Diandian added with a soft smile. “Fortunately, he has been lucky enough so far to have kept his life.”

_{It was a string of shocking sights for the poor Han Xiling, who now quietly retreated to his seat as he did his best to calm his racing heart. Those words once spoken to him by Diandian also added to the bulk of his stress. That fairy-like boy said his father and Han Jiangxue had a relationship… {What kind of relationship? What exactly is between them?}}“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”

_{But Han Xiling could only shake his head.}To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

But Han Xiling could only shake his head.

_{Solemnity. This was the only thing Han Xiling felt when he arrived at the Xuanyuan Sect for the first time in his life.}Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

Solemnity. This was the only thing Han Xiling felt when he arrived at the Xuanyuan Sect for the first time in his life.

_{Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.}“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good. You may be seated.” The booming voice of Xuanyuan Wuji echoed throughout the arena in lingering waves; the magnetic resonance within also made those sonorous notes remarkably pleasant when they landed. So much so that Han Xiling was unable to resist the allure of such a melodious voice, Han Xiling’s eyes fluttered open to behold the dominating presence of the man earning the full attention of all. But his presence was not simply imposing, it radiated an air of nobility that was just as prominent. A kingly type of aura. A grandness—a sense of majesty and reverence.

Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

_{But Han Xiling could only shake his head.}
“So, Xiling. What sort of person does my Uncle Xue strike you as?”

But Han Xiling could only shake his head.

_{While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.}“What?!” Han Xiling bolted upwards at those words. How could such a madman even exist?!

While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the sword-fighting competition officially began.

_{“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”}“Sword Lunatic!”

“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_{Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.}Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.

_{Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!}
“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!

_{{Was that guy’s skill all for show?} Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.}But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”

Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.

_{Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.}In that doe-like gaze of Xuanyuan Diandian still reminiscent of a clear pond, an innate sense of nobility and grace was exuded. While standing beside the towering figure of his father, he resembled a fairy of a child that made all who saw him instantly wish to scoop up and care for.

Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.

_{Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.}
“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

_{A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.}“I can’t say,” Han Xiling replied with a shake of the head; he was truly unable to answer.

A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.

_{Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.}As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

_{“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.}Defeated in one move… He was at a disadvantage from the beginning. But Han Xiling still didn’t want to see Han Jiangxue simply give up. It… It would just be too embarrassing if he did!

“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.

_{“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.}Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.

_{To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.}
Han Xiing was again left stunned.

To which Han Xiling shook his head in refusal.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”

“Xuanyuan!”

_{Only the Sword Manic now stood at centre stage. To the rаmbunctious crowd, he gave a slight smile before collapsing there with a thud.}Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.

Only the Sword Manic now stood at centre stage. To the rаmbunctious crowd, he gave a slight smile before collapsing there with a thud.

_{A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.}
“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”

_{But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back.}But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”

_{Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.}“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good. You may be seated.” The booming voice of Xuanyuan Wuji echoed throughout the arena in lingering waves; the magnetic resonance within also made those sonorous notes remarkably pleasant when they landed. So much so that Han Xiling was unable to resist the allure of such a melodious voice, Han Xiling’s eyes fluttered open to behold the dominating presence of the man earning the full attention of all. But his presence was not simply imposing, it radiated an air of nobility that was just as prominent. A kingly type of aura. A grandness—a sense of majesty and reverence.

Towering buildings, glazed roof tiles, white marble stairs, marble floors, and the magnificent decor of the stadium there feel more grand—more suffused with a distinct kind of prestige.

_{A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.}They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.

_{Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.}“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

Despite his anxiety, Han Xiling managed to force himself to sit down. He had to. Waiting was all he could do, as there was no other way he could help.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}
“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.}Just as Han Jiangxue was forced to the edge of the stage, the crisp cry of his sword suddenly rang out—Victorious Evil was finally unsheathed. Before everyone’s eyes, a blinding white light cut through the sky, and like that, Han Jiangxue’s figure was gone.

“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

_{{Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?}}But Han Jiangxue struggled to wield his sword on account of his injured arm, which also made any attempt at defence look flυstered. Di Wangchen’s massive figure wielding that heavy sword gave him no chance to catch his breath, making it hаrd for him to fight back. This was a fight where the differences between the opponents were too vast. It was like watching a savage bear bully a delicate maiden.

Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

_{Just last night the two were tossing about in the same bed, yet today they’re facing off on the field?}
Han Xiling’s jaw foolishly dropped.

Just last night the two were tossing about in the same bed, yet today they’re facing off on the field?

_{Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.}Han Xiling was again left stunned for an extended moment. Before he could regain his senses, the match onstage had begun.

_{Fear still overwhelmed Han Xiling despite the turning tide. He could barely discern the attacks being dealt as they all appeared as flashes of light before him, but he could tell that Han Jiangxue had himself become a sword. Yet despite this act pushing his attacking power to its pinnacle, it also meant his defence was at its weakest point.}Han Xiling stared at the pure splendour before him with bated breath.

_{“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”}The dead silence blanketing the stadium persisted until it was suddenly swept away by the crowd’s roar.

“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_{But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.}
“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

_{Han Xiing was again left stunned.}“Really? But the colour has completely drained from your face,” Diandian said while poking at Han Xiling’s cheek, his lips curled into a smile.

Han Xiing was again left stunned.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{It was a different scene when the third match-up entered the scene, however. The entire stadium erupted in cheers. A stunned Han Xiling looked at the arena to see Han Jiangxue entering the stage alongside his opponent Di Wangchen.}Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.

_{In that doe-like gaze of Xuanyuan Diandian still reminiscent of a clear pond, an innate sense of nobility and grace was exuded. While standing beside the towering figure of his father, he resembled a fairy of a child that made all who saw him instantly wish to scoop up and care for.}Not long after that, Han Xiling was ushered to a seat where he sat.

_{Chapter 4.2: Decision}
What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?

Chapter 4.2: Decision

_{Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.}“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

_{The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.}For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

_{“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.}
But a gentle knock at the door put an end to their conversation. “Young Master?”

“I’m just worried about him,” Han Xiling admitted.

_{{If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.}}“My father chose the very best from the noble-born children he could find, yet Uncle Xue said he liked none of them. He said that if he truly dеsired to find a companion, he would look for one himself. Which is precisely what he did. He took off to that Youmiao Academy and found you soon after.”

If Di Wangchen notices this weakness, he could strike him down with a single well-timed blow.

_{After who knows how long, and just as the crowd was about to suffocate, a final decisive clang spelt the end of two embroiled in the bitter battle; the two mingled forms were forced apart. Di Wangchen stumbled backwards with a trail of blood oozing from the corners of his lips. That heavy sword of his was no longer in his grasp but knocked out of the field.}“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{{Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?}}A dazzling beam of light shone brightly, and a surge of qi from his sword shot towards the sky. As if the heavens and earth themselves were parting, it was a sight capable of breeding fear within gods. Like a bolt of lightning splitting the air itself, Han Jiangxue’s frost-like blade fluttered.

Plus, it's just a regular swordsmanship contest. Why is he going all out?

_{“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.}
“Yes. What is it?” Diandian replied with no trace of softness in his tone.

“Dad!” Han Xiling was so startled by the sight he shot up onto his feet and screamed out without thinking.

_{In that doe-like gaze of Xuanyuan Diandian still reminiscent of a clear pond, an innate sense of nobility and grace was exuded. While standing beside the towering figure of his father, he resembled a fairy of a child that made all who saw him instantly wish to scoop up and care for.}Han Jiangxue was a representative of the Xuanyuan Sect while Di Wangchen was a mеmber of Dongfang’s, so the home team was especially rejoiceful.

_{The match between the first two competitors was not exactly thrilling, and Han Xiling had no idea who the swordsmen were. So while staring off absentmindedly until the match came to an end, he didn’t feel any sort of loss.}What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?

_{“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.}
“The master would like to speak with both you and Young Master Han.”

“If this worries you, then you are in for a world of heartache in the future,” Diandian commented with no sign of his grin.

_{“Xuanyuan!”}A gush of blood spurted from the fallen Han Jiangxue’s mouth, making it clear the injuries he suffered were grave.

“Xuanyuan!”

_{“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”}“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

“An idiot like you.” Diandian reached out to poke him on the nose. “I don’t find you satisfactory at all. I hope you get a bit more handsome when you do grow up.”

_{Solemnity. This was the only thing Han Xiling felt when he arrived at the Xuanyuan Sect for the first time in his life.}
“Understood,” Diandian replied, then took Han Xiling by the hand. “Let’s go.”

Solemnity. This was the only thing Han Xiling felt when he arrived at the Xuanyuan Sect for the first time in his life.

_{It was a string of shocking sights for the poor Han Xiling, who now quietly retreated to his seat as he did his best to calm his racing heart. Those words once spoken to him by Diandian also added to the bulk of his stress. That fairy-like boy said his father and Han Jiangxue had a relationship… {What kind of relationship? What exactly is between them?}}Accepting his defeat, Di Wangchen clasped his fist in a gesture of surrender before flipping off the stage. After taking his sword that was retrieved for him by the time he stepped down, he turned his back and made his way backstage.

_{Han Xiling again fell silent.}Han Xiing was again left stunned.

Han Xiling again fell silent.

_{“It looks like everyone’s all here. Good.}
But Han Xiling was now an obvious ball of nerves.

_{“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”}N/A

“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_{“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”}“What’s more,” Diandian added cautiously, “My father is very fond of Uncle Xue. He loves him the most dearly, too. So if he ever caught wind of you causing my uncle any worries, he would slice your head clean off. Got it?”

“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

_{Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.}
“Whatever my father asks you, you must answer him obediently, understand?”

_{{What?} Han Xiling was even more confused. {What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?}}The grounds were large enough to hold around two hundred spectators, and the arena at the centre of it allowed for viewing from all sides.

What? Han Xiling was even more confused. What does me growing up handsome have to do with anything?

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}A commanding air akin to an emperor’s spreаd throughout the stadium, the kind that instinctively filled Han Xiling with fright, to the point he shrank behind the adults before him while his nerves forced perspiration to coat his palms and his eyes to bind tіghtly shut.

“Sword Lunatic!”

_N/A
Han Xiling nodded in response to Diandian’s advice.

N/A

_{The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.}“My father wished to find a son to stay by his side.” Diandian looked Han Xiling in the eye. “Do you understand it now?”

The tables had now completely turned as Han Jiangxue and his sword had merged into one unified form. Like a bladed storm, he levelled an unending stream of attacks upon the defending Di Wangchen.

Not a peep echoed throughout the arena, apart from the clash and cries of those two blades. The entire stadium held their breath as they looked on in awe at the earth-shattering event before them.

_{As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”}They soon arrived at a room, which seemed to be a study. After they both entered, Diandian pointed to an exquisitely carved chair before saying, “You can take a seat here while you wait. Our doctor will take care of Uncle Xue’s wounds,” before taking a seat himself.

As even more time passed, a stately figure donned in purple appeared on the stage below, his arrival prompting all to stand and greet in unison, “Lord Xuanyuan!”

_{Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.}
“What’s more,” Diandian added cautiously, “My father is very fond of Uncle Xue. He loves him the most dearly, too. So if he ever caught wind of you causing my uncle any worries, he would slice your head clean off. Got it?”

Was that guy’s skill all for show? Han Xiling could not help but feel uneasy.

_{“Sword Lunatic!”}Chapter 4.2: Decision

“Sword Lunatic!”

_{“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”}For a while, Han Xiling stood there bewildered before deciding to follow after Diandian.

“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

_N/A
Han Xiling felt his blood run cold. His free and trembling hand rose to clutch the back of his head. Seeing his reaction, Xuanyuan Diandian smiled, unable to contain the hearty laugh that escaped him.

N/A

_{Han Xiing was again left stunned.}“To me, he is a rather foolish fellow,” Diandian also got on his feet. “The kind who needs someone there to protect him.”

Han Xiing was again left stunned.

_{Han Jiangxue’s form was a stark contrast to Di Wangchen’s as both took their place on the field. While that man possessed a towering and sturdy figure, Han Jiangxue fluttered with an ethereal grace, much like a weeping willow in a soft breeze.}“Are you scared?” Xuanyuan looked at him with scrutinising eyes as he asked.

Author's Note:

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Notes:

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Updated on a Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C04-2

Chapter 4.2: Decision

Author's Note:

Notes:

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