Xu Longxiang jerked his horse to a sudden stop, shouting his brother's name several times. Seeing no reaction from the latter, he thought his brother had died, and broke into loud sobs. It was only after Old Huang hobbled over and whispered a few words that Xu Longxiang started to laugh while sucking in his snot, giving the old servant a pat on the shoulder that landed as a slap so hard, the old man fell squarely on his butt.

As Blind Old Xu grew older, he grew into a habit of reminiscing. He thought of the last decisive battle at Xilei Cliff in the Spring and Autumn Period, when the Lady of Northern Liang, all in white, personally beat war drums that reverberated with thunderous roars. All the troops were touched by her determination to conquer Western Chu before ceasing the drumbeat. A familiar voice came overhead him, "Old Xu, my bro, how's your body holding up?"

Xu Fengnian stood in a daze at the water's edge, still holding the two blades in a weird gesture. The old God of Sword remained silent and finally landed on the ground after he confirmed that the young assassin was far gone. Xu Fengnian slowly exhaled a long breath. He was surprised that he didn't feel the slightest bit tired after the life-threatening battle. The Great Flavium proved to be wonderful. He went to help Wei Shuyang get up from the mud. This Jiudoumi Taoist seemed awfully embarrassed. Both wounded, Shu Xiu and Yang Qingfeng divided their jobs. Shu Xiu followed Xu Fengnian around, while Yang Qingfeng stayed behind for Lyu Qiantang's funeral. The old God of Sword left first, stepping on top of the reefs.

All too quickly, it was lunar January again. Today, the Grand Consul personally received two state governors, Yan Jiexi and Li Gongde. Li Hanlin was unable to sit still, so the Grand Consul waved him off with "Get out". Then Li Hanlin immediately took his best friend Yan Chiji and ran out.

The old monk in black was Yang Taisui, a member of the famous Yang clan in Eastern Yue. Born with a craving for knowledge, he started studying all kinds of philosophy at an early age. At the age of 13, he became a monk and read all the classics of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, and became an expert in the Yin and Yang practices. Even though he was a monk, he heard teachings from the Taoists of the Qingxu Taoist Temple and adopted the doctrine of the School of Warfare. Later, he was made the mentor of the Crown Prince. After that, he went to pray for the late Queen Mother, presided over the Royal Temple, and assisted the late King in his quest for the throne. Meanwhile, he recruited several eunuchs as disciples abiding by the bodhisattva vow.

Xu Fengnian and his group took a slight detour on their way back and arrived at Guangling River. Today was the height of the August tide, and visitors from far and wide gathered to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle. Swallow Rock, renowned for its picturesque views, stood unrivaled among all as the premier location for tide-watching. On this particular day, the Guangling Navy organized a grand fleet review, and Zhao Yi, Lord of Guangling, graced the occasion. As the tidal waters rushed into the bay, a majestic warship, proudly flying the Guangling naval flag, led the way. Spanning a stretch of three miles along the riverbanks, the huge crowds of people dressed in exquisite garments were drawn by the scene.

It had been ten days since Lord Xu arrived at the capital, and no one had paid him a visit at Xiamawei Posthouse or asked for an appointment. This morning, Xu Xiao arrived on time for the court meeting. He stepped out of the carriage, well-dressed in his blue-satin python robe. In the past, it was always Chief Minister Zhang Jyulu who came first and led all the ministers to enter. General Gu Jiantang always arrived at the last minute and stood at the end of the line. No one dared to cross the line.

Once again, white fox-face had gone into seclusion. Xu Fengnian went to the center of the lake with Jiang Ni, Yu Youwei and Old Huang in tow, to make mulled wine while admiring the snow.

Curling up, the two baby tigerexes slept soundly at Xu Fengnian's feet, looking adorable. Xu Fengnian was about to get up when he saw the God of Sword heading back toward him. Li Chungang sat opposite Xu Fengnian and asked, "Do you know the difference between sword move and sword intent?" Xu Fengnian shook his head, looking confused. The geezer was expressionless when he said, "Draw the blade." Xu Fengnian laid down his Nivisword. The God of Sword flicked the blade casually, and all three walnuts exploded at the same time, but Nivisword didn't bend. The geezer adjusted his sleeves and piled up three walnuts again. With another flick on Nivisword, all the walnuts were smashed. Xu Fengnian was confused by the repeated illustrations.

Wang Chonglou, the High Priest of Wudang Mountains, passed away at the Lesser Lotus Crest. The news spread from Northern Liang to the rest of the world, stirring the Taoism world. At the same time, people heard that the next high priest was not going to be the highly-esteemed Chen You, nor the eldest alchemist Song Zhiming, or the mute sword master Wang Xiaoping. It was the young yet senior-ranking Hong Xixiang who was not even thirty. By the Turtleback Stele on the Lesser Lotus Crest, stood a young and good-looking Taoist who had grown up here. He wore something different today, a loose robe with long sleeves, white stockings and shoes with cloud patterns.

Before leaving, Xu Fengnian went to see Li Hanlin. Li Hanlin said pitifully, "Fengnian, I'm getting sick from staying home all the time. Why can't you take me on this trip?" Xu Fengnian patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "This trip is extremely dangerous. You're the only child in your family, so don't get involved in this mess. I'll ask Xu Xiao to get you an official position of the sub-seventh rank in the Northern Liang army. After idling away for two or three years, you can return to Fengzhou Province and lead a troop yourself. Then your father will also be relieved." Li Hanlin was silent.

Blind Old Xu was a veteran of Northern Liang. After he went blind, he accidentally failed to avoid the hooves of a rich kid's steed in the downtown area. He was trampled, crippled, then saved by Xu Fengnian. Although Old Xu had a broken leg, an officer came and said they would give him a tael of silver every month. Old Xu collected the silver apprehensively for half a year before plucking up the courage to ask the officer. The officer told him it was a new rule of the Northern Liang army to treat veterans well.

After bathing and changing attires at Wutong Garden, Xu Fengnian made his way to the Tingchao Pavilion. Upon opening the door, he climbed to the third floor, where white fox-face was searching for sutras on a ladder. "Holla." Xu Fengnian sent a greeting. White fox-face jumped down from the long ladder, and the two locked eyes but no one said a word. The atmosphere was neither warm nor affectionate.

After Xu Fengnian woke up in the morning, Hong Shu, the eldest servant girl in Sycamore Garden, came in to help him dress. She softly reminded him of a secret letter on the table. Xu Fengnian freshened up. Then he gently opened the envelope, upon which was a small seal script of "Yin".

Xu Fengnian ignored Jiang Ni and opened the package, which contained a Luminous Pearl, several ink brushes, and secret guidebooks from dozens of sects. He planned to pick one or two adaptable skills from each book and apply them in blade drills, drawing strength from all the sects.

In the bustling City of the Peerless, a sight both wondrous and extraordinary graced the skies as nearly two thousand swords shimmered and floated, casting an enchanting spectacle. As the city gates stood witness, an old donkey, weariness etched on its face, ambled its way into the city. Seated on the donkey was a servant-looking young boy with an empty scabbard adorning his waist. With a furrowed brow, the boy lowered his head toward a middle-aged man who was leading the donkey's steps, "Master, I have worked so hard to save up for the sword. Li Chungang assured us he sought only to borrow swords from those within City of the Peerless. So why does he lay claim to mine? We have yet to even reach the city!"

In the backyard of Xuanyuan Jingcheng's place on Guniu Peak, a woman in gorgeous attire stood in front of a glass fish tank with a small porcelain bowl in her hand. She threw the fish bait into the tank, and the red carp swam happily. A tall, strong man let himself in and walked straight to the fish tank. He touched the glazed tank and said with a smile, "My sister-in-law, we are all alone now. Maybe we should make the most out of it?" The woman stared at the carefree red carp, and said coldly, "Xuanyuan Jingxuan, aren't you worried that a bite of this is going to roast you from your tongue to your insides?"

When Xu Fengnian woke up, he felt the smooth and comfortable flow of forces in his body, and seemed to have endless strength. He muttered to himself, "Is this the Great Flavium?" Hong Xixiang appeared at the entrance to the cave, smiling, "Yes." After Xu Fengnian spent half a day adapting to the new forces, he prepared to leave the mountain. Hong Xixiang saw him off to the archway that wrote "Thriving and Prosperous". Xu Fengnian looked back at Lotus Crests and asked, "How does that saying go?" In sync with him, Hong Shu smiled sweetly, "A day on the mountain equals a millennium on earth."

Not only was Xu Weixiong a mountain to Jiang Ni, but she could grate Hong Shu, the girl who would use fresh human blood as rouge. Xu Fengnian planned to have dinner with the little girl and the young monk, Nanbei. On his way to their courtyard, Xu Fengnian asked Hong Shu beside him, "What do you think Mount Lantuo really wants?"

The Crane Pavilion was said to be inhabited by cranes, but Xu Fengnian's party didn't even find a pheasant there when resting the horses. However, they did see six or seven female disciples around a handsome young man dressed in a Taoist robe.