Chapter 777: Ximen Chuixue

Taking on the task entrusted by the master of the Purple Bamboo Forest, Kai Xin left the Tianchi Sword Sect without delay and descended from Tian Shan.
He never expected that his mission to seek a way to nurture the “Heavenly Crystal” at Tianchi would require him to stay in the vicinity of Tian Shan for a long time, even preparing for a protracted struggle. Yet, the location assigned by the Purple Bamboo Forest was nowhere near there.
What made things worse was that the person who stole the Tianchi Sword Token was an elite master he never would have imagined—someone who had captivated countless martial arts fans! A swordsman symbolizing loneliness and purity! His presence was always pure… his clothes as pale as snow, his sword blade as pale as snow, his profile as pale as snow, his loneliness as pale as snow… a man who devoted himself entirely to the way of the sword, almost divine.
Ximen Chuixue!
But based on Kai Xin’s understanding of Ximen Chuixue, this man would not stoop to stealing a sword token, for he had no attachments in his heart. Everything to him was the sword and killing—mostly waiting to draw his sword, nothing more.
Yet…
Since the clue led to Ximen Chuixue, Kai Xin had no choice but to follow it. Even if it meant encountering other powerful figures, such as Lu Xiaofeng, Ye Gucheng, or even those in the palace or the Forbidden City… Kai Xin had to keep searching.
Ximen Chuixue.
“I wonder how fast he is at drawing his sword compared to an emperor…”
“I wonder how mysterious Ye Gucheng’s ‘Heavenly Immortal Sword Technique’ is!”
On his way down the mountain, Kai Xin was both hesitant and filled with endless anticipation, a hint of excitement forming on his lips.
Although the round trips and potential obstacles along the way might severely affect the time needed to nurture the “Heavenly Crystal,” the chance to meet such peerless masters as Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng made Kai Xin feel that this journey was still worthwhile.
…
The capital city.
A narrow alley near the city walls, rarely visited by people, where lived several elite masters with distinguished reputations but who seldom left their homes.
Long ago, there were rumors that one such master lived there, as martial artists passing by would occasionally hear the sound of swords being drawn from the courtyard—clear and crisp. That sound was so sharp it seemed to pierce through everything.
Unfortunately…
The courtyard was quite deep, and there was a shed inside. Even those standing on the rooftops could hardly see inside…

And the people inside never go outside. Even if they do, they’re never seen—extremely low-key. Over time, the martial artists in the capital grew accustomed to this and stopped finding it strange.
But this day…
There was a man standing outside the alley.
A tall and heroic man, dressed in a well-fitted brocade robe with black trim, exuded an elegant aura. His gaze was fixed on the door from which the clear sound of drawing a sword could be heard. Listening to the sounds coming from inside, he showed a faint sense of excitement and joy:
“The swordsmanship is impressive. I should be able to gain something from this visit.”
After listening for a while, the man stepped forward to the steps and knocked on the door.
Several martial artists passing by stared at him curiously. One couldn’t help but remind him:
“Stop knocking. It’s useless. The people in that house never come out.”
“…”
The man turned to look at the speaker.
The other person also saw the man’s face, trembled, and his pupils widened. Stammering, he said, “I… the Emperor…”
The players nearby stopped in shock.
The Emperor!
“It really is him.”
“How could the Emperor come to the capital?”
“Is it a hidden mission?”
“Is it related to the people in this courtyard?” Players discussed eagerly, filled with curiosity and anticipation about the Emperor’s purpose here.
Unperturbed by the crowd gathering around him, the Emperor focused on the person who had warned him earlier and asked, “What do you mean by ‘they never come out’?”
“Uh…” The slightly overweight player grew nervous, swallowed hard, and replied cautiously, “Many people have knocked on the door before, but no one responds from inside.”
The Emperor frowned.
He listened again—indeed, the sound of drawing a sword in the courtyard continued, with no sign of stopping to open the door…
“Refuse to open the door?”
No trace of displeasure appeared on the Emperor’s face.
Just as the players wondered whether he intended to give up or take other action, they saw him calmly draw a long sword with a golden scabbard…
“!!!”
The players at both ends of the alley gasped.
Was the Emperor planning to force his way in?
He answered the players’ doubts with action—his right hand grasped the hilt, and as a clear, melodious sound emanated from the sword, he slowly drew half of it out…

The icy sword light, coupled with an overwhelming sense of sword intent, imposed immense pressure on everyone in the alley, forcing them to hold their breath and stare intently at the Emperor’s movements. Finally, someone noticed that as the Emperor drew his sword, the noises in the courtyard vanished abruptly, followed by the sound of footsteps. *Bang!* The door, which had been closed for a year, suddenly opened from the inside. *Swish swish!* Countless gazes, like spotlights, focused on a boy who appeared to be under eighteen standing at the door. Beads of sweat still clung to his face, and his clothes were drenched. After opening the door, he glanced around with a cold expression before fixing his gaze on the Emperor who had sheathed his sword. “Was it you who drew your sword?” His tone was cold, concise, and carried a hint of hostility. With a slight smile, the Emperor replied, “This is the residence of the Western Gate senior.” “I don’t care about any Western or Eastern Gates,” the boy interrupted impatiently. “My master said your sword-drawing sound is too unpleasant and asked me to fight you.” His words were brief. “Are you a disciple of the Western Gate senior?” “Obviously!” The Emperor wasn’t offended and instead laughed. “Since you’re a disciple of the Western Gate senior, you’re qualified to fight me. Let me see what kind of strength the disciple taught by the legendary Sword Demon has.” “Go ahead and attack.” “Me?” The Emperor laughed. He could tell right away that this boy was also a player, not an NPC. Among players, those qualified to strike first could be counted on one hand. And this boy was asking him to draw his sword first… The boy’s gaze was resolute and serious! With a sigh, the Emperor casually drew his long sword. But as soon as he did, the boy’s eyes suddenly became extremely sharp: “That’s not the right way to draw a sword!” *Thwack!* It was impossible to see the boy’s movement— a brilliant snowflake instantly reached the Emperor’s face.