Chapter 9: A Sword Strike Spoken Alone

Along the official road, Qin Anyu ran ahead carrying a sword embryo on his back, while Qin Youqin followed behind on horseback. Neither spoke a word.

Qin Youqin remained silent because it was the first time she had seen her young master train so diligently, and she deeply felt the hardships of cultivation, which weighed heavily on her heart.

Qin Anyu was silent because he was talking to himself inwardly.

“Imagine, I, the majestic Selfless Immortal Emperor, have fallen into the shackles of a clumsy body. It seems heaven itself wants to test me. For ordinary people, a clumsy body is a death sentence, but for me, it’s still possible to cultivate.”

“Unexpectedly, in this barren spiritual bridge plane, you, at the Qi Nourishing Stage, have cultivated such powerful soul force that you can instantly influence the consciousness of an Immortal Emperor like me.”

“I must admit, your immense soul force has helped you, enabling you to fulfill some wishes and uncover some information faster.”

“But remember, we are now one being. It’s only because I’m using your body that I’m tolerating you—not because this Immortal Emperor cannot suppress or erase you. Don’t think you can always affect me.”

“We don’t seek them now because your realm is too low. As Shopkeeper Wang said, matters involving the Qin family require participants at the Qi Refining Stage. Though I could kill him with my past life’s cultivation knowledge, with your current realm, killing him would only mean certain death for you.”

“My ancestor always said safety comes first. So, don’t take risks unless absolutely necessary. Good things don’t come from rushing; impatience only leads to failure.”

“What we need now is to raise our realm and strength, not to seek revenge fueled by anger. If I get captured or die, that grudge can never be settled... don’t count on your younger brother.”

“You don’t even know which powerful being you offended in your past life or how many sins you committed to be born with such a clumsy body.”

“Even in the Immortal Realm, the clumsy body is considered the most useless type. Martial cultivation is extremely difficult, and lifespan is only half that of others.”

“If not for the fact that I, the Immortal Emperor, happen to know of a clumsy body that once became a god and understand all his cultivation milestones, this life of mine would be doomed. Though it will be tough, I must try.”

“Sadly, the top-tier swordsmanship I mastered in my past life can no longer be used. I have to start over, which pains me to the core.”

“Others’ body takeovers are triumphant, reaching unprecedented heights. As for me, my path has to change completely.”

“You value family and a few friends, appearing simple and honest but inwardly stubborn. This is very different from my nature.”

“I, the Selfless Immortal Emperor, never cared much for family bonds but valued closeness... but that has changed because during my tribulation I was betrayed by so-called friends, leading to this downfall and arrival in this low-level plane unknown even by name.”

“I was handsome, charming, and well-versed; you are honest and slow, only knowing cultivation. We don’t match at all.”

“Don’t be resentful; facts are facts. But rest assured, I will fulfill what I promised you.”

“If your parents are alive, I will rescue them. If not, I will avenge them.”

“I will strive to bring your family to a higher plane, including your arrogant younger brother... if he listens.”

...

Qin Anyu’s focused running surprised those coming from the front and amused those behind.

Why?

Qin Youqin’s horse was of superior quality, though only of moderate speed, capable of covering a hundred miles each period.

The official route was long—three hundred miles to the next town—and there were several dangerous spots along the way. How long could this show of stamina last? What if danger struck?

Fortunately, everyone was aware of the risks and behaved cautiously, so no one mocked him openly.

Some kindly advised him to conserve energy as the road was long, but Qin Anyu, absorbed in his inner monologue, gave no reply—only a simple smile and a wave.

Others told Qin Youqin that the road ahead was unsafe and that he shouldn’t exhaust himself so quickly, as it might not be possible to avoid danger. They suggested conserving strength instead.

Qin Youqin saw Qin Anyu’s lack of response and, after a moment’s thought, just smiled quietly without answering.

Though she didn’t understand why the young master was acting this way, she trusted him completely, believing he had his reasons.

After Qin Anyu inadvertently revealed his true thoughts, her mentality subtly changed, and she began to observe his every move carefully, preparing herself mentally for cultivation.

Seeing neither respond, the well-meaning onlookers ceased their reminders, some passing by, others falling back behind them.

Still, there was an uneasy feeling in the air.

They were being ungrateful.

After running for an hour and a half, Qin Anyu finally stopped running and switched to a brisk walk.

Qin Youqin asked, “Young Master, why not ride for a while and rest? I can walk.”

He waved dismissively, “No need.”

She continued, “Young Master, they say that thirty miles ahead is Mang Mountain, home to a fierce bandit gang. Since night isn’t fully fallen, many people are speeding up, and quite a few are gathering behind, saying strength lies in numbers. Should we catch up to the ones in front or wait for those behind?”

He waved again, “Neither.”

Qin Youqin fell silent and urged her horse to keep pace.

The young master remained taciturn.

She trusted him absolutely and never questioned his decisions.

At that moment, two horses thundered from behind, each rider carrying a large broadsword.

As they passed, one glanced back at the two.

Qin Anyu also glanced at them, then focused on the swords on their backs.

Though both standard issue, their quality far exceeded those from the Eagle Gang.

The Eagle Gang’s weapons were low-grade common goods; theirs were high-grade common goods, clearly on a different level.

“One is at the eighth Qi Nourishing Stage, the other ninth. To wield weapons of this quality means they are either highly valued or their organization is strong and wealthy,” Qin Anyu silently assessed.

For context, Qin Zhan, the Qi Nourishing Stage lord of the mansion, used only low-grade common weapons, and his wife, also Qi Nourishing Stage, used only high-grade common weapons.

He soon saw the two riders turn their horses and charge at them.

A cold smile crept onto his lips as he patted Qin Youqin’s horse, “Hold on a moment before moving.”

Speaking thus, he removed the sword embryo from his back and dashed toward the charging horses, kicking up dust and wind.

No one spoke—only the pounding of hooves and footsteps echoed.

Seeing Qin Anyu run, Qin Youqin felt a flicker of confusion: “Does the young master like fighting this much? He seems much lighter on his feet than before.”

Because she sensed the tension, her confusion came quickly and faded just as fast.

The canyon air was heavy and oppressive, filled with deathly silence. The pounding hooves and footsteps echoed loudly, making it hard to breathe.

Soon, three sharp shouts echoed through the canyon: “Kill!”

Two broadsword warriors leapt from their horses, swinging their swords toward Qin Anyu.

One attacked from the left, the other from the right, their blades blocking his lateral movement.

Qin Anyu suddenly accelerated amidst their shouts, swinging his sword.

“Crack... swoosh... ah!”

The sounds came in seamless succession.

While running, the ninth-stage broadsword shattered; the head detached but continued forward freely, while the body still held the hilt, running on, a geyser of blood spurting from the neck.

“Thud...”

The body collapsed, the head hit the ground—a ninth-stage warrior was dead.

The eighth-stage attacker stopped running, horrified by his companion’s fate, and shouted, “Who are you?”

Qin Anyu immediately turned, his face pale.

Continuous running and the explosive strike had drained him greatly.

“My realm is still too low. Next time, I must reach ninth stage before coming out.”

Taking two deep breaths, he dragged the sword embryo and slowly walked back, shouting, “Tell me, who sent you?”

Only then did the eighth-stage warrior think to flee.

Panicked, he ran toward Qin Anyu—likely to mount a horse.

Before he could get close, Qin Anyu swung his sword and charged.

The eighth-stage attacked faster and quickly escaped his reach, reaching his horse, vaulting on, and slapping the horse’s rump with the flat of his sword, “Go!”

The man and horse soon vanished into the sunset.

When faced with life or death, people often unleash incredible potential.

Seeing this, Qin Anyu could only shake his head.

Qin Youqin quickly rode over, noticing his pale face. Worried, she asked, “Young Master, what shall we do next?”

Qin Anyu took a deep breath. “There’s a small path ahead; we’ll take that.”

Qin Youqin whispered, “I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.