Chapter 70: Farewell to the World of Rivers and Lakes

Hou Baixi shook his head and laughed, “That’s not it. I came into the world of martial arts for two reasons: one was for this demonic weapon, and the other was to seek out the Ji family in the capital. But since Second Young Master is here, it’s just as well for you to go.”

Ji Huo clasped his hands in respect. “If that’s the case, I shall visit Divine Sword Manor soon.”

Hou Baixi returned the gesture, then turned and departed.

Why did his gaze seem strange when he looked at me… Ever since he realized I was from the Ji family, his eyes have been oddly unsettled.

Ji Huo didn’t dwell on it, turning instead toward the stone cliffs of Nine-Bend Gorge, his heart filled with a thousand emotions.

“The Sword Sage’s strike truly is extraordinary. Such an attack is beyond the realm of mortals,” he sighed softly.

Xia Ningshang returned from somewhere nearby; it was unclear where she’d hidden herself, but not a trace of the battle’s aftermath had touched her—far better off than those martial artists at a distance.

“This was only a sword from the Sage that didn’t commune with the heavens. If he struck in anger, it would be even more terrifying,” Xia Ningshang said, still shaken.

Ji Huo glanced at her, smiled, and said nothing more.

“How are your wounds?” Xia Ningshang asked.

Ji Huo pulled aside his clothes to show her. The bleeding had stopped, and the wound was slowly healing.

“You truly are a powerhouse. The speed at which your injuries heal…” Xia Ningshang’s envy was palpable.

Ji Huo looked off into the distance, puzzled. “I can’t understand why the Sword Sage’s disciple is only at the second rank. The Sage let him handle the demonic weapon; even if he’s not the chief disciple, he must stand out among them.”

Xia Ningshang rolled her eyes, retorting, “Do you think first-rank masters grow like cabbages? There are few who reach the first rank at your age. If one learns a top-tier martial art, their progress will be much faster than ordinary martial artists, and if they train hard enough, they can reach the first rank.”

“But top-tier martial arts require extraordinary talent. Hou Baixi obviously isn’t among the most gifted, and perhaps he hasn’t had many lucky encounters, so he’s only a second-rank.”

Ji Huo recalled Little Red Sugar as the prime example. The martial art she received from the system was no ordinary skill, and her aptitude for martial arts surpassed everyone else.

She’s only ten now; by the time she’s Ji Huo’s age, reaching the first rank is almost a given. But who knows what storms she’ll stir in the martial world once she does…

Just imagining it was thrilling.

By now, no martial artists dared challenge them anymore.

The distant martial artists, once the numbness faded, left in silent haste, all in tacit agreement.

Once the black mass of people dispersed, the land appeared empty, marked only by scorched earth and lingering flames.

Xia Ningshang smoothed her hair, gazing into the desolate distance with a hint of absentmindedness.

She turned back to see Ji Huo still sitting leisurely at the table, sipping tea.

The battle’s aftermath had been terrifying, yet this wooden table hadn’t suffered the slightest damage. Ji Huo must have deliberately protected it, just so he could drink tea and pose.

“You’re the son of General Fei Xiong?” Xia Ningshang sat opposite him, resting her chin in her palm.

“Yes,” Ji Huo replied casually.

“Wasn’t it said that General Fei Xiong’s son was frail and sickly?” Xia Ningshang pressed further.

“That’s my eldest brother. I was separated from my father for many years and only recently reunited,” Ji Huo answered offhandedly.

“Oh,” Xia Ningshang’s response lingered, her tone dragging out.

The rest of the day passed in peace, uneventful.

The two spent a quiet night in Nine-Bend Gorge. Under the indigo night sky, stars twinkled, and fireflies occasionally danced like flowing ribbons.

When the sunlight returned, figures could be seen deep within the gorge, supporting each other.

“They’re faster than I expected,” Ji Huo remarked calmly.

In the distance, Shi Ya and Qian Wu looked exhausted. Shi Ya’s already sightless gray eyes were now more dull than ever, her snow-white hair reflecting the sunlight.

Her once fair skin was now gray, looking near death.

Ji Huo and Xia Ningshang stood waiting, neither stepping forward.

“Thud!”

As they approached, Shi Ya knelt before Ji Huo, and Qian Wu followed suit without hesitation.

Shi Ya took out the black short staff from her bosom and handed it to Ji Huo, speaking, “Young Master, my great vengeance is fulfilled. Thank you for your immense kindness. If there is a next life, I will repay you as a beast of burden.”

Ji Huo accepted the demonic weapon fragment, replying calmly, “There’s no need for this. Rise.”

Shi Ya shook her head, her voice gentle. “I know I’ve killed many innocents and my sins are deep. Please, send me on my final journey.”

Ji Huo held his breath, his gaze lowered.

“You’re certain? I can grant you some more time.”

Shi Ya smiled and shook her head. “These past days have been the happiest of my years. I have no regrets, no attachments left.”

Ji Huo looked at Qian Wu, finding the boy watching him as well, eyes clear, holding some emotion beyond words.

It seemed they had already agreed on the way here.

Letting them spend their last days together was perhaps for the best.

“Is there anything else you wish to say?” Ji Huo asked.

Shi Ya thought for a moment, then solemnly bowed three times to Ji Huo and Xia Ningshang. She reached out, touching Qian Wu’s face, smiling radiantly.

Qian Wu’s eyes grew misty, but he suppressed it, his expression cold and tight as ice.

“No,” Shi Ya said, turning back to Ji Huo.

“In that case, farewell.”

Ji Huo turned, his sleeve brushing Shi Ya’s face.

Shi Ya closed her eyes, and before she collapsed, Qian Wu caught her. A faint smile lingered on her lips, her pale hair falling limp.

The breeze stirred, making her white hair sway gently.

By nightfall, a small mound and a solitary gravestone had appeared at the edge of Nine-Bend Gorge.

Ji Huo and Xia Ningshang stood far off, watching the solitary man kneeling at the grave, neither willing to disturb him.

“Though I knew how it would end, seeing it with my own eyes is still a bit sad,” Xia Ningshang said softly.

“To pass with a smile, leaving no regrets—this is the best ending,” Ji Huo replied calmly.

“Is this also the martial world?” Xia Ningshang asked.

Ji Huo hesitated for two seconds, then nodded. “Grievances and affections—that is the martial world.”

Xia Ningshang laughed lightly, her eyes lowered. “It truly is a bit romantic. My journey was not in vain; witnessing this scene makes it worthwhile.”

She then lifted her head, her eyes mischievous, and removed her veil, smiling brightly at Ji Huo.

Like a thousand blossoms blooming across the three realms, the brilliance and beauty of heaven and earth never surpassed this.

Ji Huo was lost for a moment, then returned to himself and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Thank you, Young Master Ji, for showing me the martial world. Now that our business is done, it’s time for me to take my leave,” Xia Ningshang said, her eyes flickering with cunning and playfulness.

Ji Huo’s gaze lingered, then he clasped his hands in farewell. “If fate allows, we shall meet again in the martial world.”

“Indeed, till we meet again.”

Xia Ningshang bowed deeply to Ji Huo, turned away, hands behind her back, humming an unknown tune as she walked into the distance.