In the following days, Li Hao left the Divine General's residence and wandered around Qingzhou City with Bian Ruxue. They enjoyed delicious food, watched grand performances, and listened to storytelling. They even went to a nearby lake outside the city, where Li Hao caught dragonflies and butterflies for her. He used a sword manual to make a butterfly specimen and gifted it to her.
Though both were extraordinary people, they still found joy in these simple activities, their faces full of smiles. While enjoying the outdoors, Li Hao brought paper and brushes to paint for Bian Ruxue, creating countless paintings with different backgrounds and angles—over a hundred in total. He didn't do it for experience; he did it for her.
They weren't at the Black Water Demon Lake that Li Muxiu had taken him to, but rather at a smaller lake. Li Hao brought a fishing rod to catch fish while Bian Ruxue sat beside him, with the little white fox, Xiao Rou, playing in her lap. After playing for a while, she rested her chin on her hands and quietly watched Li Hao fish. Seeing him so focused on the bobber, she couldn't help but smile, recalling her childhood.
In her mind, she pictured the courtyard where she practiced swordsmanship, hearing the youthful voice nearby: "Hey, Uncle Lin, you placed the pieces wrong again! The pieces should go in the gaps, not the boxes!" Each time she grew tired of practicing, she would glance at the pavilion, feeling comforted by the sight of that boy.
The boy stared at the lake's bobber, while the girl gazed at his profile, both lost in thought. Suddenly, the bobber moved. Li Hao yanked the fishing rod, and soon, a fish demon was pulled up. For creatures below the Soul Connection realm, his sturdy fishing rod and special line worked perfectly.
"Brother Hao is amazing!" Bian Ruxue exclaimed, snapping back to reality, clapping her hands in excitement. Li Hao smiled, killed the fish with a flick of his hand, and then, seeing it was getting late, he put away the fishing rod and pulled up the net, revealing a few ordinary fish. He released them back into the water.
After packing up the fishing chair, he called to the little white fox and said to Bian Ruxue, "Let's go home." "Okay," she replied, smiling and nodding. Li Hao carried everything, while she walked behind him with her hands clasped behind her back, skipping happily.
As they made their way home, the smoke from cooking fires rose in the air. Passing through fields outside a village, they came across a melon patch guarded by a stray dog. Li Hao chuckled and sent the little white fox to distract the dog while he snuck in to grab a watermelon. Holding it close, he ran off, tossing a couple of silver coins into the pit as he got further away.
On a hillside, Li Hao cracked open the watermelon, revealing its bright red flesh. He handed half to Bian Ruxue, who elegantly sliced it into crescent-shaped pieces with her sword. They shared the fruit, enjoying the sweetness. "Days like this are really nice..." Li Hao said, leaning back on his hands, watching the sunset's glow.
Bian Ruxue paused, her eating momentarily halted, then smiled, "Yes." Li Hao finished his piece, while Bian Ruxue shared some with the little white fox before they headed home together.
When they returned late, covered in mud, Li Tiangang told Li Hao, "Take Ruxue to better places. Don't go to those dirty spots. And what about that fishing rod? If you're fishing, what will Ruxue do? Will she be bored? Think about her more."
Li Hao listened with a blank expression, smiled slightly, nodded, and then turned to leave. Bian Ruxue quickly said to Li Tiangang, "Uncle, it was my idea to watch Brother Hao fish. He's really good at it and loves it, I can tell."
Li Tiangang, fond of his future daughter-in-law, replied gently, "I know he likes it, but since you rarely come back, you shouldn't always cater to him. If one day I'm not around, and you keep being so soft-hearted, it will be tough for you."
"Uncle, don't say that. You won't have any problems," Bian Ruxue quickly replied. Li Tiangang smiled, "Alright, Ruxue, don't worry about me. Just think more about yourself."
Days passed again. Li Hao took Bian Ruxue around the city, and they heard about a temple fair in the west. They went to enjoy the festivities, watching fireworks, street performances, and shadow plays. As the fair was ending, they still felt unsatisfied.
Li Hao carried a bunch of items he had bought, not wanting to bring attendants along so that he and Ruxue could feel more at ease. "Are you happy?" he asked as they sat on a stone by the street, watching the sunset. "Happy," Bian Ruxue replied, her eyes sparkling.
Li Hao turned to look at her profile, noticing traces of her childhood still there, but with some changes—she had grown up and matured, becoming even more beautiful. Yet, beauty comes at a price. Like a shooting star, it shines brightly but disappears in an instant, burning through its life.
They sat quietly together for a moment before Li Hao asked, "Do you want days like this to last forever?" Bian Ruxue paused, turning to him. Their eyes met, and there was so much unspoken in their gazes. She slowly smiled and said, "Of course."
"Really?" Li Hao asked, glancing at the sword in her hand. They were inseparable. Bian Ruxue's smile faded slightly as she realized Li Hao had sensed something. She sighed inwardly.
"Brother Hao, I might have to apologize to you." She turned to look at him again, her relaxed smile replaced by a frown, sadness and helplessness in her expression. Li Hao fell silent, his hopes dimming with her words.
Seeing him quiet, Bian Ruxue felt compelled to speak. "I know you treat me well, and I can't repay your kindness. But I want to see and try for myself, to see the pinnacle of the sword path, to see if I can reach the top."
When she mentioned the sword, her gentle voice held an unshakeable determination. Li Hao's lips moved, but he didn't speak, just quietly watched her. At that moment, beyond her familiar features, he saw another familiar thing—the eyes of countless talented individuals chasing after fame, burning with a desire to pursue their dreams.
"Actually, once you see that scenery, you'll realize that this ordinary life we have now is the happiest," Li Hao said softly, almost like a sigh. Was the joy of these days not enough to compete with her heart for the sword?
Bian Ruxue looked up at the sunset and said, "Maybe, but if I don't see it, I fear I won't be satisfied forever. I want to see the ultimate sword path, the power of that divine sword my master spoke of!"
"The divine sword..." Li Hao shook his head and smiled. Countless swordsmen existed, and this saying had been passed down for many years. The world had many sword styles and schools, all evolved to their extremes. But none of these represented the ultimate sword path!
The ultimate sword path is known as the divine sword! No one knows the stance for drawing that sword, how it is swung or thrust. And no one knows if that sword truly exists. But many say that if one could comprehend such a sword, they could slay gods, defeat ghosts, exterminate demons, subdue evil, cut through everything, shatter the sun and moon, and fill the seas!
Such a sword is the ultimate pursuit and goal for all swordsmen. Li Hao had read many stories of masters in the Listening Rain Pavilion, even accounts of past sword saints who had sparred, fought, and exchanged ideas to comprehend this sword technique!
The rumors about the divine sword spread the most eight hundred years ago, during the peak of sword cultivators' obsession with it. But over time, the noise faded, as no one had comprehended it, and it became a legend. After discussing a topic for hundreds of years, people eventually grew tired and stopped debating it.
Unexpectedly, the girl before him had such thoughts and wishes. Was it that old man who instilled these ideas in her? Li Hao thought of the old man who had rejected him, feeling a slight anger rising within.
"Is this all taught to you by your master?" Li Hao asked. Noticing the weight in his tone, Bian Ruxue's expression changed slightly as she looked at him, then shook her head. "No, my master only mentioned it casually. It's what he pursues, but he never forced us. It's just the path I want to explore."
"Is that so?" Li Hao's anger subsided as he said, "If you want to practice the sword, I can accompany you, and I can teach you." Bian Ruxue couldn't help but recall the events in the courtyard from her childhood. She sighed inwardly, realizing today was different from before.
"The divine sword has no rules or records, only legends. It cannot be taught. Perhaps when someone truly wields that sword, its form will become tangible." Bian Ruxue said softly, "I know you can use a sword, but this sword has entered a realm even my master cannot teach. Only by dedicating a lifetime to comprehend and explore can one catch a glimpse."
Li Hao fell silent. Indeed, with a sword saint as her master, she wouldn't need his teachings. He gazed at her, staring deeply into her eyes. "Do you truly intend to devote your heart to the sword?"
To have the sword in one's heart can lead to obsession, but there is a difference between obsession and madness. Only those who genuinely love the sword would feel this way. Bian Ruxue met Li Hao's gaze, not shying away this time. When it came to the sword, she didn't want to hide or escape.
"Yes, that's why I want to go see." "But what if you don't see it?" "Then I want to try." "Countless swordsmen have pursued it without success. This is just a legend. Are you willing to give up your current happiness for such an elusive dream?"
Li Hao looked at the girl before him, struggling to understand. He had entered many arts but had never been so obsessed. Bian Ruxue fell silent for a moment before saying, "If I don't try to climb once, I might regret it for life!"
Li Hao couldn't help but smile and sigh. The love and hate of countless people in the world often stem from such persistence. But flowers may bloom again, yet one cannot regain their youth...
Li Hao sighed and asked, "What was your original plan?" Bian Ruxue noticed his sighs and felt a pang of sympathy, biting her lip as she replied, "In my master’s sect, there are two choices: the mundane world and the sword path. Actually, both can be chosen together, but that still counts as choosing the mundane world."
"Because the sword path is pure and unique." "Only the unique can reach the ultimate!" She said softly, "I came down the mountain this time with a decision. I plan to accompany you for a while before continuing to refine my sword skills!"
"And in the future..." Her tone softened, her cheeks slightly flushed as she glanced at Li Hao. When she saw him looking back, she quickly turned away. "When you want to settle down, I'll return to marry you and have children."
Upon hearing this, Li Hao could only sigh inwardly, knowing she hadn't finished her thought. "And then?" he asked. "Then, I will continue to pursue my sword path," Bian Ruxue said seriously, her blush fading as she spoke.
Li Hao understood her plan. "But getting married and having children will take up a year of your time. In that case, it wouldn't be a wholehearted pursuit of the ultimate." Bian Ruxue nodded, knowing this well.
If she truly wanted to pursue the ultimate, the best way would be to completely sever ties with Li Hao. From then on, it would only be her and the sword. But everything from their childhood made it hard for her to let go. The gratitude was too heavy.
She knew that without Li Hao's help, she might not even have had the chance to pursue the sword path or to become a disciple of a sword saint. The Li family had provided her with the best foundational medicine and the finest blood to strengthen her body. Li Hao had even given her the finest blood extracted from a three-thousand-year-old demon corpse he had slain at the border.
This had allowed her to cultivate supreme talent! It had given her the opportunity to pursue the sword path. How could she forget such kindness? If she did, her heart would be incomplete, and so would her sword.
How could she climb to the peak and become the ultimate swordsman? Thus, even if it meant losing a year, she was willing. Giving birth to Li Hao's child was the only way she could repay him in her heart.
"Have you really made up your mind?" Li Hao looked at her. "Yes," Bian Ruxue replied earnestly. Li Hao's lips twitched slightly, realizing that persuasion would be useless. She had already devoted her heart to the sword.
He couldn't help but sigh, feeling a bit ridiculous. Four years of companionship in that courtyard didn't compare to her eight years with the sword. Perhaps, in terms of time, he only had half.
How could he compare? But he was alive, and the sword was not. He thought of the dark nights in that courtyard and the bright stars in the sky. He remembered the first time he met that little girl, comforting her after losing her father.
He recalled the sunny day when they made a promise with their little fingers in the courtyard: "You have to be good and listen. As long as you stay here, I'll always come back, no matter where I go." "Pinky swear." "You can't change your mind. Whoever does is a little dog." "Okay, okay."
Who could have predicted that the child who casually made that promise would end up giving her heart? The letters flying in from the southern sword hall were like ellipses after a vow—unfinished business.
Meanwhile, the people in the courtyard were still waiting for spring, while the girl, nine thousand miles away, had already given her heart to the sword. Li Hao never imagined that the little girl who left with her master would truly go far away.
Perhaps he was too happy that day, mistaking that farewell for a promise... Li Hao thought back to a day years ago by the lake when Li Muxiu saw the boy's extraordinary talent and couldn't help but teach him his unique skill.
"The Half-Step Invincible Fist." After teaching, the old man asked, "Do you know why I call this fist technique 'half-step'?" The boy guessed, "Could it be that you only created half of it, Grandpa?" The old man shook his head with a smile, "People think so, but that's not the case. This half-step is the complete version."
The boy asked, "Then why is it called half-step?" The old man replied, "Because only half a step can be invincible." The boy didn't understand. The old man continued, "If you take a full step, it's easy to lose control. If the enemy dodges, you might find yourself in trouble... Life is the same. Don't take it too seriously, or you'll lose your heart."
Don't take it too seriously, or you'll lose your heart... Li Hao suddenly understood that the half-step was a state of mind, not a literal half-step. The same goes for fists and life. Otherwise, one would reveal a losing stance...
Li Hao looked up at the sunset, letting out a long sigh. Bian Ruxue noticed his sigh and felt a slight tremor in her heart, as if something was lost. She tightened her grip on her sword, then gently relaxed it. Perhaps this was the outcome she had long anticipated, so why feel sad now?
She gathered her emotions and looked at the radiant boy before her, forcing a light-hearted smile as she asked, "When did you realize it?" Li Hao slowly withdrew his gaze, looking at her beautiful smile that resembled the sunset. It was breathtaking, making one forget everything, but his eyes remained smiling without lingering.
"Maybe a long, long time ago," he replied. "A long time ago..." Bian Ruxue was stunned, then looked at him in confusion, "Why?" Li Hao smiled but didn't explain.
The contents of the letters and their frequency of sending were enough to reveal some things. Humans are emotional beings, sensitive to feelings. Including this time, she didn't head straight to the Li residence but first attempted to conquer the Mo River.
With the Mo River already infiltrated, the village was destroyed, and the civilians trapped in the Mo River would surely die. It was only a matter of time; the timing depended on one's mood. "This time you returned home, did you really enjoy visiting Qingzhou?" Li Hao asked.
Bian Ruxue nodded slightly, "Happy!" "That's good." Li Hao also nodded, smiling, but this smile seemed to lack something. It was genuine happiness, yet it couldn't reclaim the heart that had already surged forth.
Half-step, half-step... Why had he taken a few more steps than necessary? Li Hao shook his head and smiled. "What are you laughing at?" Bian Ruxue asked. Li Hao's gaze fell on the sunset, "I'm laughing at how beautiful this scenery is. It's a pity that people are so busy, rushing back and forth on the streets. Who has the leisure to stop and look up?"
Bian Ruxue fell silent, knowing Li Hao wasn't talking about passersby but about her. So she spoke up for the "passersby": "Maybe they are busy for their lives, for their dreams... The word 'dream' is something you taught me, Brother Hao."
Li Hao couldn't help but burst into laughter, suddenly standing up with great enthusiasm, "You're right!" But then he added, "However, if one truly wants to, just a moment to look up can be squeezed out. It all depends on whether one is willing."
"What meaning does that have?" "Of course, it has meaning. The purpose of life is to cherish those moments when you look up!"
It seemed they both got a bit serious, and then fell into silence. Time passed without them noticing. Li Hao's face had lost all emotions, slightly weary, as he said, "I'm a bit tired from wandering today. You should head back."
Bian Ruxue paused for a moment, then gently nodded, standing up to say, "It's getting late, and dinner should be ready in the courtyard. You should come back early so Uncle doesn't wait too long." Li Hao's lips curled slightly, "I've waited for him for fourteen years. What difference does a moment more make?"
Bian Ruxue was taken aback, her lips parted, wanting to say something but finding no words. A strange pain surged in her heart, something she had never felt while practicing the sword. When she practiced, she was pure, but now she was not.
Bian Ruxue left first, while Li Hao sat there, holding the snacks and toys he had bought at the temple fair. Looking at the things in his hands, he noticed the girl hadn't taken anything with her, and he couldn't help but smile. If she truly liked them, why wouldn't she take them?
She only took that sword and herself, leaving like a gentle breeze. Did the sword really have such charm? Li Hao looked up, thinking that if he ever had the chance, he would climb to the peak of the sword path and see how many sword bones were buried beneath that cliff.
And whether that divine sword truly existed at the summit! The sunset dyed the sky red, like blood-stained orange peel. Today, the sun was about to set...
(End of Chapter)