Chapter 1134: The First Steward

Proofreader: Papatonks

Taking in the Sword Shack’s condition, and the lack of battle signs, Murong Xue relaxed and asked, “What of the blind swordsmith? Sword King couldn’t have erased him already, right?” 

“I was met with a 9th grade array just as I arrived and only broke it.”

Danqing Shen smiled, “Inside there’re only swords. But every last one of them contains deep insights in the sword path. I didn’t know such a person lived. He may very well be the best refiner, ha-ha-ha…”

Luo Sifan eased a breath. 

[Thank heavens blind uncle isn’t here.]

Murong Xue wasn’t one to be settled with just that, “Dragon Cleaving Sword King, why might you be looking for the blind swordsmith? What are your intentions?”

“To ask some questions.”

“That’s it?”

“Though if the answers are to disappoint, I’ll be taking his life instead.” Danqing Shen squinted, his face cold.

Murong Xue’s heart sank. She let out a breath, knowing she could not stop a Sword King, despite being a peak Genesis expert herself.

Luo Sifan was startled as well, praying. 

[Don’t come, blind uncle, someone wants to kill you, a top expert in the world. You have to stay away. I couldn’t forgive myself if you died.] 

Which, obviously, went unanswered…

“My, what a crowd we have today. It’s been ages since I got so many guests at my shack.”

Flinching, all snapped in the voice’s direction and saw a youth in white and covered eyes, his smile sinister, “And a few old signatures among you as well. Welcome, old friends, ha-ha-ha…”

Luo Sifan gasped, “Run, uncle, he wants to kill you!”

“Kill me, who? Aren’t we all old pals? I never irked anyone here.” Zhuo Fan had no qualms at all.

[Old pals?]

Luo Sifan looked at Danqing Shen and Murong Xue, their faces so shocked they’d seen a ghost.

Danqing Shen pointed at Zhuo Fan, stammering, “Y-you’re not dead?”

“Of course not, or were you expecting a ghost in broad daylight.” 

“It never crossed my mind that you’re the blind swordsmith.”

Murong Xue’s eyes shook, taking a deep breath and turning to Luo Sifan, “Don’t worry, this blind uncle is none other than the greatest devil that has walked the earth. Him getting hurt? It’ll be a miracle if he doesn’t cause genocide instead.”

“Yeah, who could ever kill me? Ha-ha-ha, girl, know how to make tea? Put a kettle on. Me and my old friends are having a chat.”

Zhuo Fan waved without a care…

An hour later, Murong Xue gave the five wounded pills before laying them in the shack. Zhuo Fan entertained the guests in a small gazebo outside. The hostility was now gone, replaced with utter calm.

The kids were staring oblivious to the inner workings, slowly making their way inside the shack. Long Jianshan pulled her to the side and looked outside, “Sister Sifan, who is that blind guy? Why is Dragon Cleaving Sword King suddenly listening to his words and sitting down to enjoy old times? Who the hell is he to stand equal to a Sword King?”

“How should I know?”

Luo Sifan was equally baffled by what was happening, “In any case, the blind uncle must be something else. How else can you explain these big names acting all friendly around him…” 

Zhuo Fan felt three pairs of intrigued eyes on his back and smiled. “After a century I still get to see some old friends. Miss Murong, still a busybody like usual?”

“I’m working for the greater good in helping the needy. Not like you know anything about that, now would you?”

Murong Xue rolled her eyes and huffed, “Yet all these years that went by still can’t make me forget the war, your actions, whether good or bad, whether right or wrong. That’s why I have been traveling to see the world and find a definite answer. It has eluded me even now.” 

Zhuo Fan smirked, “I’ve experienced life’s trials as well, with something to show for, unlike you. If willing, come with me to see the culmination of evil and righteous in humanity. Maybe it will bring you peace.”

Murong Xue nodded in the end, no longer as antagonistic.

“Zhuo Fan, did you make this?”

Danqing Shen placed Everblue on the table, staring hard at his face.

Zhuo Fan nodded.

“How? Why can I feel the Vaulting Sword Art from it? When did you learn it?”

“Over the last century.”

Zhuo Fan eased a breath, “Old Dan, I’ve been keeping something from you for a long time. That fight in Double Dragon Manor…”

Zhuo Fan revealed Vaulting Sword’s situation in detail, “Sorry for fooling all of you. Vaulting Sword was with me, while the Exalted and you thought it was with the other. This burden had been held for a hundred years.”

“What?”

Danqing Shen shook, unable to comprehend how a brat pulled the wool over him, the best in western lands, and yet he was still the fall guy. 

[Outrageous!] 

Murong Xue gave him a long look and smiled, “You’re really something, toying with western lands’ best when you were nothing. I don’t think there was anyone in the world would be more insane as you.”

“True, that was one huge gamble that had me nervous to the core.”

“Nervous? Yet you still took it? Where is it now?”

“I won’t return it.”

Danqing Shen held out his hand but Zhuo Fan shook his head, “It’s been with me for so many years, I see no reason to give it away. I’m only explaining to you and giving you understanding, while giving me peace. I mean, you did save me once and it wouldn’t do to keep this from you.”

“I’ve saved you years ago and you’re only telling me now?”

“I was scared you’d kill me.”

“What about now?”

“No.” Zhuo Fan was frank like never before in his life. Danqing Shen’s beard shook wildly in anger.

[Curses, he grew up and now I can’t do anything!]

The instant Danqing Shen sensed the Vaulting Sword in Everblue, he knew. The swordsmith had the same understanding as him, and after seeing it to be Zhuo Fan, all became clear.

Zhuo Fan was a freak of nature to begin with. Taking a century had to have made him an abomination. He believed he’d suffer for fighting, if it came to that. 

After grumbling for a while, Danqing Shen hit the table and rose to leave.

Zhuo Fan stopped him, “Wait, old Dan, we haven’t finished talking about old times after so many years. Where are you going?”

“Screw your reminiscing! I have nothing to say to you. I need to kill someone, a bloodlust like no other has taken over me. You had me fuming mad!”

Zhuo Fan didn’t let him go still, “Old Dan, you can kill anyone but Alliance Leader Luo. Do a favor for the little old me and let him go, alright?” 

“Favor? My word is my bond. Someone brought me the painting and asked for his head. How can I refuse?”

“Old Dan, don’t you find it the least bit strange? The whole world knows about it. You’re being played.”

“So what? I don’t care!”

Danqing Shen snapped, “I have my principles. Even if we haven’t fallen out, we’re men of our word. You have your values and I have mine. My oath has to be fulfilled to the best of my ability!” 

Zhuo Fan nodded in understanding, “Your best… then if it exceeds it?”

“What’re you on about?”

“Getting killed on your way to Luo Yunhai should be called excessive, right?”

Danqing Shen’s face twitched, “And who would?”

“Me.”

Zhuo Fan spoke.

Danqing Shen clenched his fists, squinting, “Why would you?”

“Because I am the first steward of the Luo clan, Zhuo Fan!”

Boom!

A flood of bloodthirst rushed out of Zhuo Fan, filling the earth and the heavens with a crippling coldness…