On the other side.
Shen Ye opened the door to Hall No. 9 and saw Xiao Mengyu practicing her sword techniques.
Each time she swung her longsword, a violent humming sound erupted, shaking the entire corridor.
“Close the door.”
Xiao Mengyu gave the order without even looking back.
Shen Ye immediately shut the door.
Of course—this terrifying sword hum might disrupt others’ training.
Suddenly—
Xiao Mengyu turned and swept her sword in a horizontal slash.
A powerful sword wind swept through the hall, brushing past Shen Ye’s sleeve.
If that slash had actually landed—
I’d probably be dead.
Shen Ye wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
He looked back at Xiao Mengyu—she had already stepped forward twice, swinging her longsword in the opposite direction.
The sword in her hand projected an enormous sword shadow several meters long, appearing unimaginably heavy. Yet, she guided it with nimble footwork, driving her body through intricate sword techniques, using skill to maneuver the massive sword shadow as she executed each move within the hall.
Watching her, Shen Ye furrowed his brows.
Her swordsmanship was undeniably powerful, but her swordplay was too heavy, and she was struggling to control it, making her movements seem like a desperate struggle.
Strange…
Why can I perceive this so clearly?
Shen Ye instinctively glanced at his personal stats and suddenly realized—he had once again allocated all his stat points to “comprehension.”
He had used this method so frequently that it had become second nature.
When attacking, he would instinctively shift points to strength. When dodging, they went to agility. When observing someone’s techniques, everything went into comprehension.
Right now—
His comprehension stat had already reached an astonishing 14 points.
That must be why I can see this so clearly.
A moment later—
Xiao Mengyu sheathed her sword and took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” she said to Shen Ye.
“It’s fine.”
Shen Ye looked up at her.
The same vague line of text still hovered over her head, unchanged.
However, unlike before, thanks to his Moonlit Divine Sight, he could now see an additional line of information:
“As a swordswoman who has surpassed conventional limits, she is still lost in her path.”
“Only when she finds her way can she obtain a law-recognized title.”
Law-recognized?
Wait…
Does that mean the power of these titles comes from the law itself?
What the hell even is the law realm?
Shen Ye found himself in a new state of confusion.
“I found something out,” Xiao Mengyu said.
“What is it?” Shen Ye snapped back to attention.
“The ‘Skinner’ used to be a high-ranking member of the Archaeology Association. He retired after an extremely important archaeological expedition went wrong.”
“An accident?”
“Yes. It was a sealed altar. According to many records, it was meant to imprison something from beyond this world. Unfortunately, during that expedition, the seal was accidentally broken, resulting in heavy casualties. The entire operation was abandoned.”
“I see… So that’s when he became an assassin?”
“He spent years away from home. His wife divorced him, leaving only his daughter behind. She was bullied… He used a strange power to exact revenge, then disappeared. When he resurfaced, he had become a killer.”
“That’s all I could find. Most of his history is blank—it’s nearly impossible to trace.”
Shen Ye pondered.
“The only thing we can investigate is whatever was sealed there.”
Xiao Mengyu nodded. “Exactly. But this matter is classified at the highest level, and it’s extremely dangerous. With our current status, we can’t access those records.”
“Then there’s nothing we can do…”
“For now, that’s the case. Let’s practice for now—I want to see your progress.”
“Oh, right. I learned a set of North-East Divine Fist. Let me show you, and you can give me some pointers.”
Shen Ye began practicing his punches.
Xiao Mengyu watched and gave him some constructive feedback.
Time slowly passed.
Ring ring ring!
Xiao Mengyu’s phone suddenly rang.
She answered and walked to the side, speaking in a low voice. “Aunt…”
After a while, she ended the call.
Her mood instantly sank.
“What happened?” Shen Ye asked.
“My family is calling me back. They say that uncle from that family is coming to deliver the betrothal gifts.” Xiao Mengyu sighed.
“What about your parents?”
“After my brother died, my father collapsed in a rage and has been unconscious in the hospital ever since. My mother passed away early on… I think my father blames himself for that.” Xiao Mengyu spoke calmly.
“Weren’t you planning to delay this a bit longer?” Shen Ye asked.
“I’ve used up every excuse. If I stall any further, my family members will turn against me.”
“You’re avenging your brother… It was those noble heirs who were in the wrong, yet they’ll only let this go if you marry into their family?” Shen Ye sighed.
“Everyone in my family fears those great clans taking revenge. And with my father in a coma, they’re only at ease if they can push me forward as a shield.”
Shen Ye hesitated.
“What is it?” Xiao Mengyu asked.
Shen Ye remained silent.
Such a beautiful girl… Do I dare ask her out?
What would she think?
Would she reject me?
—We’ve already risked our lives for each other. What the hell am I afraid of?!
Shen Ye gritted his teeth, pulled out his phone, and dialed a number.
“Hello?”
“What’s up? I’m busy preparing for tonight’s event.” Qian Rushan’s voice came through.
The background was incredibly noisy—people moving around, chatting.
“Can I bring a plus one?” Shen Ye asked.
“That’s such a small thing—why are you even asking? Bring whoever you want.” Qian Rushan chuckled, speaking in an utterly casual tone.
“Oh, got it.” Shen Ye numbly hung up and turned to Xiao Mengyu.
Xiao Mengyu stared at him with wide eyes.
Just a moment ago, she thought he was scared.
Now, she realized he was scared—
Just not in the way she’d expected.
“Xiao… Xiao Mengyu, um… If you don’t mind, I’d like to invite you to dinner tonight,” Shen Ye said nervously.
“Are you not afraid of offending the prestigious family that wants to marry me?” Xiao Mengyu asked calmly.
“What the hell would I be afraid of?” Shen Ye’s courage surged the moment noble families were mentioned.
“It’s not just that family. My uncles and aunts within my own family will hate you too. They’ll find ways to deal with you.” Xiao Mengyu stared at him and continued.
“Anyone who encourages others to jump into a pit of fire deserves to die.” Shen Ye said.
Xiao Mengyu suddenly smiled, lifting her head to look at him.
Only now did she notice that this guy was quite tall, with a well-balanced figure. He was somewhat handsome, yet he didn’t even bother to comb his hair, leaving strands sticking out messily.
—It actually gave him a carefree, unrestrained look.
His double eyelids were attractive, but his gaze was too sharp—like a blade, lacking warmth, with an expression that warned strangers to stay away.
Yet, when he spoke, his words carried warmth.
Xiao Mengyu’s bright eyes locked onto him as she pursed her lips.
“Where to? What are we eating?”
When it came to being treated to a meal, she seemed even more experienced than wielding a sword in battle—
—perhaps even more composed and steady.
Shen Ye scratched his head, suddenly feeling his mind go blank.
“Old Qian didn’t mention a place—whatever, let’s just go together.”
Xiao Mengyu glared at him. “You dared to invite a girl without even knowing the location?”
“I mean it sincerely,” Shen Ye shrugged. “Staying with your family isn’t fun anyway. Why not join the Mortal Martial Arts Group with me? I’ll have Old Qian personally invite you in.”
This was the real issue at hand.
Once she joined the Mortal Martial Arts Group, she’d be free from her family, no longer controlled by them.
But that also meant severing family ties and burning all bridges.
“Let me think about it.” Xiao Mengyu pressed her lips together.
Her phone rang again.
Xiao Mengyu frowned, a trace of pain flashing in her eyes.
“Forget the phone.”
Shen Ye’s voice was gentle.
Xiao Mengyu shook her head, took out her phone, and glanced at the screen.
It was a single message.
Her expression turned solemn as she tapped it open.
The message contained only three words:
“Head east.”
Xiao Mengyu froze for a moment before suddenly coming to life.
“Stay here and don’t move. I’ll be back soon.” She instructed Shen Ye.
Shen Ye raised an eyebrow.
What?
Even you want me to act like a good son now?
“What’s going on? I’ll go with you.” He said.
“No need. Someone from my family came to see me—it’s someone who cares about me. I’ll be back shortly.” Xiao Mengyu replied.
“Alright then.” Shen Ye said helplessly.
Xiao Mengyu left the venue and headed toward the eastern entrance.
The area was empty.
She neither spoke nor looked around. She simply stood on the steps outside the entrance.
A hundred miles away—
On an airship—
An old man lounged on a recliner, crossing one leg over the other. He set his drink on a nearby table, swaying his head as he recited:
“From afar, she shines like the rising sun in morning clouds; Up close, she dazzles like a lotus emerging from clear waters.”
“My dear granddaughter, after thinking it over, I’ve decided to support you.”
“Otherwise, if people look down on you, what then?”
He extended a hand and lightly formed a seal.
Whoosh—
A flame burst from his side, streaking across the sky.
The firelight shot through the vast heavens, landing precisely at the eastern entrance of Yunshan Port’s stadium, hovering right between Xiao Mengyu’s brows.
Xiao Mengyu’s expression grew solemn as she closed her eyes.
In an instant—
Countless sword techniques and secret arts flooded her mind.
“Thank you, Grandpa, for bestowing me the Luo Shen Sword Art.”
She murmured softly.
The flame merged into the shape of a sword, flickered briefly before her, then streaked across the sky and vanished.
The shadow over Xiao Mengyu’s face completely dissipated.
She turned back, re-entered the venue, and looked at Shen Ye, who was practicing his punches.
She called out.
Shen Ye stopped and turned toward her.
“Kid, you invited me to the banquet, didn’t you?” Xiao Mengyu looked him up and down.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s some kind of banquet—just come along, alright?” Shen Ye wasn’t intimidated by her gaze, but his words fumbled slightly.
Xiao Mengyu suddenly burst into laughter.
She covered her mouth, unable to suppress her giggles. Her shoulders trembled slightly as she stared at Shen Ye—like she was looking at a clueless salmon.
“What?” Shen Ye ruffled his hair, utterly confused. “Is there something wrong with me?”
“You’re such an idiot, Shen Ye.”
“Huh? Why am I an idiot?”
“Every exam candidate has to attend the banquet. After the playing card evaluation, we’ll be transported to the exam venue—I’m also taking the high school entrance exam this year. You should know that.” Xiao Mengyu said.
Shen Ye froze.
Oh.
Right.
Even if he didn’t invite her, Xiao Mengyu would still attend.
All examinees had to.
How could he be so dumb?
He wanted to help her, but he was too nervous…
—Two lifetimes, and he had never asked out a cool, beautiful girl like this before. He got stage fright.
Tsk.
That’s not like me at all.
“Let’s go,” Xiao Mengyu smiled at him. “We’ll go together.”
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