Chapter 47: Dislike

Sword Dynasty

Volume 1: Great Rebel

Chapter 47: Dislike

“Who is that person?”

Inside an elegant study, there were stacks of books on cultivation on pear wood bookshelves. Some looked damaged and old, but they were valuable and the only copies in existence.

There was no paper or brush on the table, only an open ancient book, and a pot of white orchids.

The young man sitting behind the table wore the simplest blue satin robes and was devoid of any extravagant jewelry. Yet, his entire body seemed to glow. He was Prince Li Ling, who had come to Changling as a hostage from the Chu Dynasty, but over time had attained the status to a marquis.

His expression was always gentle and peaceful, but in his study, the corners of his eyes showed fine wrinkles.

He had too many matters to worry about.

Even though he possessed such status in Changling, if he could not return to the capital of the Chu Dynasty, his fate would forever be out of his own hands.

The road back home was too difficult, fraught with mountains and rivers. Any small matter could cause him to fail.

The Fish Market was a unique place. The entire Changling, and even many of the world's powers, were reflected in it. Some inconspicuous bubbles were likely caused by two giant fish fighting deep underwater.

Today, a special battle was taking place outside the Fish Market. Both swordsmen displayed extraordinary skills. More importantly, one of the cultivators had never officially appeared before the people of Changling.

Therefore, he had to study this cultivator and understand the significance of a battle between cultivators of this level.

Lu Siche, dressed in a white scholar's robe, walked into this study.

This slender man with a handsome face and eyes gleaming with intelligence was one of Prince Li Ling's most important advisors. The daily events that occurred on the streets of Changling would pass through his hands, then appear before Prince Li Ling after his analysis.

Compared to other advisors, he would not use his own thoughts and judgment to interfere with Prince Li Ling's thoughts. He would always stand by and analyze alongside Prince Li Ling.

Hearing Prince Li Ling's gentle words, Lu Siche respectfully sat down in front of him.

“That person is Li Daoji, a direct disciple of Xue Wangxu of White Goat Cave. He is quite famous in the sects around the White Goat Cave, but after joining the sect, he never left the White Goat Cave, so he is unknown to the people of Changling.”

Lu Siche said in a low but steady and clear voice, “He and Yu Daoan were both former members of the Han Dynasty, and were once disciples of the Yi Sword Sect of the Han Dynasty. Later, when the Han Dynasty was destroyed, he and Yu Daoan were the only survivors of the Yi Sword Sect. Both were imprisoned, and then pardoned when Emperor Yuanwu ascended the throne. Later, Xue Wangxu saw Li Daoji on a certain occasion, took a liking to his talent, and accepted Li Daoji into the White Goat Cave. Yu Daoan thought that Li Daoji had betrayed their sect and declared that Li Daoji would either die of old age in the White Goat Cave or that if he left the White Goat Cave, he would kill Li Daoji.”

“The two of them should have fought before. Although their vital energy cultivation was about the same, Li Daoji’s previous strength was far weaker than Yu Daoan’s. Before fighting Yu Daoan, Li Daoji went to the Fish Market and bought a sword from Sun Bing. He then engaged Yu Daoan in battle. After the battle, he immediately returned to the White Goat Cave. “I also noticed that the White Goat Cave has made a special exception to accept a disciple. That disciple is the young wine shop owner Ding Ning from Falling Parasol. He achieved Profound Understanding within half a day of joining.”

“Profound Understanding in half a day?” Prince Li Ling had previously displayed a calm expression, but suddenly frowned. He repeated his words, his expression slightly grim.

That day at Falling Parasol, he spoke to the young man with great sincerity and made a promise. Everyone knew he was a man of his word. But his sincere words were met with contempt.

He deeply disliked this young man. When he recalled, even before the young man had refused him, he had felt an inexplicable dislike when he saw this young man at first sight.

Perhaps it was because the young man's gaze was calmer than his.

He seemed to sense that this young man would pose a significant threat to him in the future.

This was a strange, almost unfounded feeling. However, it was not difficult to find other examples like this in the past.

“Profound Understanding in half a day. As far as I can remember, only two people in Changling managed to achieve this during Emperor Yuanwu’s reign.” His brows furrowed as he looked at Lu Siche. “Since Li Daoji has endured it for ten years, he will continue to endure it unless something special happens. So I think Li Daoji's appearance is most likely related to this young wine shop owner.”

Lu Siche nodded. He shared the same thoughts as Prince Li Ling.

“It's just some old grudges and conflicts between sects, nothing to worry about.” Prince Li Ling thought and then said, “But I really dislike this young man.”

Before this, Prince Li Ling had already expressed his dislike for Ding Ning.

However, because Ding Ning's status was too low, even if he showed such intention, Lu Siche, Chen Moli and his other loyal retainers would not do anything to target Ding Ning.

But now it was different.

Ding Ning had joined the White Goat Cave and reached Profound Understanding in half a day.

Now that Prince Li Ling mentioned the sword again, Lu Siche knew clearly that he had to take action against this young man.

“Changling is a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.” Prince Li Ling was silent for a moment and said softly as Lu Siche stood and bid farewell.

Lu Siche only thought he was regretting Ding Ning's half-day of profound comprehension and Li Daoji's appearance.

However, Lu Siche never expected that Prince Li Ling was thinking about that wine shop in the alley and that exceptionally beautiful woman.

He thought that if an accident happened to the young man, the thoughts of the exceptionally beautiful woman in the wine shop might change.

There were countless possibilities in life.

One could not give up easily. Perhaps a possibility could be turned into reality.

 

Ding Ning was still cultivating.

His energies continued to sink in his energy sea at an incredibly slow speed, but faster than other cultivators, toward the deep jade palace in his energy sea.

At the same time, numerous invisible young silkworms consumed most of the spirit energy that entered his body and caused his body to produce small changes.

This was a profound and indescribable cultivation on both sides at the same time.

Ding Ning sensed this kind of simultaneous cultivation, and a faint joy spread through his mind.

Spirit veins were simply too rare. It had been so long since he had come into contact with spirit energy that he had almost forgotten the taste and effect of spirit energy. Feeling the munching of the young silkworm, he began to realize that although this spirit vein was small, it could at least double his actual cultivation speed.

Based on this speed, after a month, when his cultivation reached realm two, his actual cultivation would be enough to advance from realm two second class: Bone Washing, to realm two first class: Marrow Conversion.

Suddenly, the countless young silkworm in his body disappeared. He stopped his cultivation and cautiously opened his eyes.

“Younger Sect Uncle Li Daoji?” he called softly.

“Since you’ve discovered my presence, come out.” Li Daoji’s cold voice rang out outside the grass hut.

Ding Ning stood up from the meditation mat. As he pushed open the door, he frowned slightly.

He smelled the tang of blood.

Seeing Li Daoji's unusual standing posture, he asked in surprise, “Are you injured?”

Li Daoji’s sharp eyebrow raised slightly.

He did not answer and tossed the cloth-wrapped remnant sword to Ding Ning. He said coldly, “Since you’re practicing the Wildfire Sword, you need a sword.”

Ding Ning paused slightly. When he caught the sword, he realized it was the remnant of a sword.

He quickly untied the cloth.

He found dried blood on the cloth, and when the dark green remnant sword appeared in his sight, his eyes involuntarily narrowed.

His expression remained calm, but he felt a complicated emotion colder than the autumn wind blowing within him.

He knew what kind of sword this was, he knew what material it was made of, its abilities, and even how it was forged.

Because he knew this sword.

Or rather, he and this sword had an unusual relationship.

“The sword and the method are the same, they should be compatible. If you feel they don't suit each other, you don't need to use it.” Seeing Ding Ning's silent and strange gaze, Li Daoji thought he was underestimating this remnant sword.

“Thank you.”

Ding Ning's hand touched the sword's hilt. He looked at the cracks on the inky green blade and spoke softly.

His voice was slightly low, but full of sincerity.

Li Daoji did not speak and turned to leave.

“Were you injured for this sword?” Ding Ning looked at his back and suddenly asked.

Li Daoji turned slightly and said coldly, “You're too curious and too clever. You should know that people who are too curious and clever won't live long.”

Ding Ning stared at the sword in his hand quietly. He said quietly, his head still bowed, “Even if I'm not curious or clever, I won't live long.”

Li Daoji froze.

Ding Ning smiled sadly, his finger touching the surface of the remnant sword.

Slight threads of light flashed through the cracks in the remnant sword as if inky green flowers had bloomed on the sword.

 

Notes:

This novel is not my work... I just translated it from a Chinese web novel written by Wu Zui

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