Chapter Seventy-Three: Qingxuan Returns to His Master

Bai Chengkai shouted loudly, “Liu Changqing, what brings you to the Bai family in the dead of night?”

Liu Changqing raised the Azure Profound Sword in his hand and smiled, “Isn’t it obvious? Word has it the Bai family is torn by internal strife, leaderless and vulnerable. I’ve come to seize the opportunity and profit from your misfortune.”

With powerful clans eyeing them from outside and chaos raging within, Bai Chengrui didn’t want matters to worsen. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, “Brother Liu, Bai Muyun is no longer one of us, and the Bai family has never been at odds with you. Please, show mercy and lay down the Azure Profound Sword. In the future, you will be an honored guest of our family.”

Liu Changqing held the sword horizontally before his chest, clicking his tongue in admiration. “Such a divine weapon—truly mouthwatering. I’ll be taking this treasure for myself, and I appreciate your hospitality. Perhaps I’ll visit the Bai family again someday.”

Seeing that Liu Changqing was determined to take the Azure Profound Sword, the Bai family was incensed, cursing him for insulting them, as if he believed the Bai family weak and helpless.

Amidst the barrage of insults, Liu Changqing casually dug a finger into his ear and said, “Don’t misunderstand, don’t misunderstand.” When the crowd quieted, he continued, “Would I dare insult the Bai family? To my eyes, it seems the Bai family truly has no one left.”

Liu Changqing’s words were both arrogant and cutting. Unable to endure it any longer, some hot-headed members drew their weapons and charged at him. Liu Changqing slung the sword across his back, summoned his jade flute with a thought, and fended off their attacks with effortless sweeps. Those fusion-stage masters were repelled as easily as leaves in the wind.

Bai Chengrui, unwilling to see more death and further weaken the family, exchanged glances with Bai Chengkai and the others, and together they restrained their clansmen from advancing.

The five golden-core elders wasted no words, leaping forward to surround Liu Changqing. Drawing on their experience from the previous night, they immediately activated the Bai family’s formation, launching attacks as if ten men were striking in concert. Though one less than last night, their teamwork was more seamless, and their blows fell like rain upon Liu Changqing.

With a slight smile, Liu Changqing wielded his jade flute, deftly blocking the fierce onslaught.

They fought a hundred rounds, and the five grew increasingly alarmed. Liu Changqing moved with ease, as if strolling through a garden, showing not the slightest sign of strain. Even Yan Donglai from the night before could not have handled them so effortlessly. Moreover, unlike Yan Donglai, who fought with reckless abandon, Liu Changqing focused only on defense.

The five secretly sighed, realizing Liu Changqing’s reputation was well deserved; perhaps only Bai Muyun in his prime could have matched him.

After several hundred more exchanges, Liu Changqing found an opening, slipped out of the formation, and yawned. “It’s late and I’m tired. I’ll be retiring—no need to see me off.”

With that, he glanced around, found a weak point in the encirclement, and swept forth with his jade flute, breaking free.

Bai Chengrui urged his clansmen to stop him, but before they could react, Liu Changqing had already slipped out and vanished into the night. They gave chase for a while but, unable to find a trace, returned in frustration.

The Bai family was left as if mourning the dead. With the Azure Profound Sword lost, they had no bargaining power, yet the crisis was too urgent for regret. They filed into the council hall to discuss their next move.

Meanwhile, Liu Changqing hurried through the night to the Yang family in South Hill. Upon arrival, he knocked at the small courtyard where Bai Muyun and his nephew lived.

Bai Zhuluo opened the door, saw Liu Changqing, and turned her face away in silence. Liu Changqing paid no mind and strode into the main room.

Bai Muyun, seeing Liu Changqing, was about to rise in welcome when Liu Changqing placed something on the table. Bai Muyun stared, as did Bai Zhuluo, who followed him in—both were stunned.

Upon the table lay the Azure Profound Sword, companion to Bai Muyun for many years.

Liu Changqing smiled, “The Azure Profound Sword returns to its rightful owner.” In truth, Liu Changqing felt remorse seeing the once proud Bai Muyun reduced to such a state, and had risked his life to reclaim the sword for him.

Bai Muyun reached out and caressed the treasured sword, emotions surging and fingers trembling. More than a weapon, it was a companion. With spiritual energy, he and the sword were of one mind, reliant upon each other. Even under duress, he could never betray his partner.

Last night, he had failed to take it with him, thinking as an ordinary man, he would never see the sword again. Though he feigned indifference, sorrow weighed heavily in his heart. Never had he imagined that, in a single day, Liu Changqing would bring it back.

Both men were rare geniuses, martial devotees at the pinnacle of their paths. Much was understood without words. Liu Changqing’s jade flute, though not a celestial artifact, had accompanied him for years, and he too could not bear to part with it. Even knowing Bai Muyun might never wield the sword again, he could not let him lose his companion.

Bai Muyun turned and bowed deeply to Liu Changqing. “Brother Liu, your noble character humbles me. Despite our names being linked by the world, we have met only twice. Yet you risked yourself to return the sword to a cripple like me—such kindness is beyond repayment.”

For once Liu Changqing was solemn. He waved his hand, “Brother Bai, you exaggerate. With the sword returned, my heart is at ease.” Then he smiled, “Be assured, I did not harm a single member of the Bai family tonight.”

Bai Muyun nodded. Though he and the Bai family owed each other nothing, he did not wish for more deaths on his account.

He invited Liu Changqing to sit and began to prepare tea.

Suddenly, Bai Zhuluo knelt before Liu Changqing with a thud, catching him off guard.

Choking back tears, Bai Zhuluo said, “I offended you before, senior Liu. Please forgive me.” As Liu Changqing reached to help her up, she bowed again. “The Azure Profound Sword is as dear to my uncle as family. Though he never speaks of it, I know that if it fell into another’s hands, his heart would be torn. My cultivation is weak, powerless to recover it. Today, senior Liu has granted him peace of mind. Please accept my thanks.”

Liu Changqing had not taken her previous rudeness to heart, nor would he quarrel with a girl. “It’s a trifling matter, not worth mentioning. Please rise, Miss Bai.”

Yet Bai Zhuluo bowed again. “My uncle’s cultivation is gone; the sword’s imprint could be easily erased by any skilled master and claimed as their own. All covet it, yet only senior Liu treats it as nothing. Such integrity is rare in the world. Please accept my thanks once more.”

Bai Muyun nodded; his niece had matured much through hardship, shedding her former arrogance.

Bai Zhuluo then bowed three times. “My uncle is as dear to me as a father. Now he faces calamity, and I am powerless to protect him—I feel deep shame. Senior Liu, you are a peerless master. I beg you to accept me as your disciple, so I may one day protect my uncle and serve you faithfully.”

Just moments ago, Bai Muyun had praised his niece’s maturity, but now he was startled. At their level, accepting a disciple was a major event, requiring careful choice. He scolded, “Zhuluo, do not be presumptuous. Brother Liu’s return of the sword is a great favor already. He is a master of his age and cannot accept disciples lightly. You must not press your luck.”

Liu Changqing saw Bai Zhuluo gazing at him, her eyes brimming with tears, and felt a pang of sympathy. Yet, as Bai Muyun said, this was not a matter to be taken lightly. He did not answer, but reached out to examine her cultivation. He was secretly pleased and turned to Bai Muyun, “Your niece is exceptionally gifted, but her cultivation is rather ordinary. Has she never had a master?”

Bai Muyun replied, “She’s my niece, so I taught her myself from childhood. No one else in the clan dared instruct her. After I lost my cultivation, I could only advise her verbally. She was stubborn and lazy, not diligent in training, and wasted much time.”

Bai Zhuluo wept, “I know I was wrong. The Bai family once had abundant resources; had I trained hard, I might have achieved something, and would not be unable to protect my uncle today. Seeing Uncle Qiao and others die for us, I was helpless to aid them.”

Mentioning Qiao Xuange and the other guardians brought a silent sorrow to Bai Muyun.

Liu Changqing slapped his thigh. “Good! I have never taken a disciple before. Bai Zhuluo has excellent aptitude, so I’ll accept her.”

Bai Muyun and his niece were overjoyed. Bai Muyun quickly said, “Brother Liu, you do not mind Zhuluo’s shortcomings—it is her great fortune.”

Bai Zhuluo wiped away her tears, eager to bow and formally become his pupil, but Liu Changqing stopped her. “No need to rush the ceremony. In a few days, you and my other disciple will be formally accepted together.”

Bai Muyun was curious. “May I ask which youth in Wuzhou could possibly gain Brother Liu’s favor?”

Liu Changqing chuckled, “You’ll find out soon enough.”