Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 407: The Sword is Like Water, the Son-in-law's News, the Evil Dragon in the Heart
[This sword intent is condensed from the soul, and the long sword in his hand is also transformed from the soul, but it looks like a real object, with a cold and sharp sword tip. ]

[In your hand you hold the long sword "Dragon Shadow" given by Gongsun Niangzi. This sword is indeed a precious sword. It feels neither light nor heavy in your hand. The hilt fits your hand perfectly, as if it was made for you.]

[The sword-wielding figure has long sleeves fluttering in the wind. On the bluestone slab under the sunlight, two opposing figures are reflected, one virtual and one real.]

[You are not in a hurry to draw your sword, you just push the hilt lightly with your thumb, hold the scabbard tightly with your right hand, and let your left hand hang naturally.]

[“Zheng——”]

[The long sword flew across the sky like a startled wild goose, the sword light was as fast as lightning, and it pointed directly at the opponent's throat. However, the sword-wielding figure turned his wrist lightly, and the long sword skillfully crossed the opponent's throat, sparks flew everywhere, and the sound of the sword was crisp and pleasant. ]

[You have painstakingly mastered this sword-drawing technique for many days, but you did not expect it to be easily resolved by the sword-wielding figure, as if everything was under control.]

[The two of you cross paths, the sword light is like lightning, the blade shadow is like wind. You sweep your long sword across, the sword is like dense rain, while the sword spirit and the figure are as light as catkins, the sword edges always pass by, and it is difficult to hurt them at all. ]

[Suddenly, your body paused, and the sword's momentum suddenly changed. The long sword danced, turning into sword shadows all over the sky, like a torrential rain, sweeping all around. However, the sword-willed figure was like a ghost, moving freely among the sword shadows, his body was elusive, and he was not hurt at all.]

【“Bang, bang——”, the two blades collided, sparks flew everywhere, and you involuntarily took three steps back. You knew very well that the next killing move of the sword-willed figure was to rotate the sword and strike back. You have been defeated by this move many times.】

[However, the sword figure suddenly changed his moves, and the sword light was like a poisonous snake spitting out its tongue, and it reached your heart in an instant. Your pupils suddenly shrank, and you swung your sword to block, but in the end you were half a beat too late.]

[With a light "chi--" sound, the sword in the hand of the sword-wielding figure has already reached your chest, but it only pierces your clothes and fails to injure your skin membrane.]

[You have innate internal energy and the power of the soul, and this sword light cannot penetrate your skin at all. However, being restrained so easily is really humiliating. If the sword figure's face was not blurred and expressionless, you would have felt his mockery long ago.]

[The sword-wielding figure stands with his sword sheathed, his figure as straight as a pine tree, the tip of his sword pointing diagonally to the ground.]

[A deep voice sounded in your ear, "The way of swordsmanship lies in the heart, not the form."]

【Finally, there is one more sentence, "You still need to practice!"】

[After hearing this, even if you are determined and steady, you will almost lose your temper. But after losing once, twice, three times... hundreds of times, you will always have a temper like a clay man. ]

[You slowly raise your sword, pointing the tip of the sword directly at the opponent, and say calmly: "Come again."]

[The sword-wielding figure nodded slightly, and moved his body. The sword flashed like lightning and attacked again. The sword light illuminated the small courtyard. In just a moment, the sword tip was already at your throat.]

[You can't help but sigh. This sword-like figure actually uses the sword-drawing technique you just used to counterattack you.]

[It seems to be proficient in hundreds of sword techniques, and is flexible and adaptable. It can defeat you in the same way many times.]

【Give others what you would have them do for you! 】

[You look up and down at the figure, muttering to yourself, "I wonder if the sword intention is doing this on purpose, or is it trying to give me some advice."]

[“Come again!” You shouted, taking the lead in launching an attack, your sword flashing like lightning, your sword slashing continuously, attempting to win by speed and suppress your opponent.]

【"Bang--"】

【"Bang--"】

[Swords flashed and sparks flew, but after only ten moves, a long sword slashed through the air and pointed diagonally, and he lost.]

[You sigh inwardly: "It seems that being reckless won't work."]

[The sword-intentioned figure put away his sword and stood up, saying indifferently: "Your mind is in turmoil."]

[Hearing this, you can't help but smile bitterly. This is just a sword fight. The shadows left by these two gentlemen are really oppressive.]

[The sword figure was left by Mr. Er. His sword skills are at a level far beyond your reach.]

[You even had an impulse in your heart, wanting to use your soul and innate inner strength to beat up this figure, but you almost managed to control yourself several times.]

[You take a deep breath, and a sense of calm rises in your chest. You suppress the irritability in your heart and whisper to yourself: "My heart is in chaos, and my sword is in chaos too."]

[You focus your eyes, pick up the sword again, the sword light is like water, your body is as light as a swallow, turn back to the sword, the sword has quietly changed hands. ]

[The sword figure unhurriedly unfolds his sword moves, and you also calm your mind, and your sword moves are as smooth as clouds and mist. ]

[The last sword strikes your skin and stops lightly on your wrist. If you use more force, you may lose your hand.]

[The sword-wielding figure slowly puts away his sword, and you wake up from your immersion. You silently count the eighteen moves in your mind, and you can't help but smile with satisfaction.]

【"continue!"】

[The sword light and the figure intertwined, you completely forgot yourself and even forgot the time. ]

[Until the sun sets, the footsteps of the returning Wutong and Luya pull you back to reality. ]

[You release a stream of spiritual power from between your brows, slowly withdrawing the sword intent of the eighth sword into the Niwan Palace.]

[You sheathed the dragon sword in your hand, and the fallen leaves swept by the sword tip had not yet touched the ground when they were twisted into golden butterflies by the swirling sword energy, dancing around the century-old red parasol tree in the courtyard.]

[Finally, the Dragon Shadow Sword turned into flowing light, returned to the sword crown, and hung on the treetop.]

[This can also be considered the sword-controlling technique you have learned recently. ]

[Just at this moment, the red lacquer door creaked open. Wutong stepped over the threshold holding a gilded food box, followed by Luya holding a brocade. The breeze blew the girl's yellow skirt, and the two little girls looked happy.]

[Lu Ya walked into the courtyard, bowed respectfully and said, "May you be well, Master Guan."]

[You greeted with a smile, "Luya is here."]

[Wutong found several gifts from inside the house, some of which were given by the courtesan.]

[The stone table is covered with various gift boxes: there is the gilded and silver-inlaid Boshan furnace sent by Su Yun, the black iron sword tassel sent by Gongsun Niangzi, and the nine carp playing with lotus brocade handkerchief embroidered by Zhou Yuner herself. ]

[These are the gifts you and Wutong had already agreed on for Fourth Cousin.]

[In a few days, your fourth cousin Xie Ying will marry Sima Ting, and the marriage certificate and betrothal gifts have been prepared.]

[Your fourth cousin Xie Ying has taken great care of you. Even when your mother was alive, she was one of the few relatives who could talk to you. You are not an ungrateful person. This gift has been carefully prepared.]

[You turned and went into the house, and took out a piece of calligraphy from the desk. The handwriting was neat, and it was the congratulatory message you wrote for your fourth cousin's wedding.]

[In the courtyard, Wutong smiled with narrowed eyes: "Luya, take a look to see if there is anything you like. The young master said you can choose whatever you like."]

[Although Wutong is a money-loving person, she is particularly generous to her good sister Luya. She spreads out the gifts on the table one by one for Luya to choose from.]

[Lu Ya's eyes sparkled like stars, but after hesitating for a long time, she whispered: "Sister Wutong, these are too valuable, I can't accept them. If the young lady knew about it, she would definitely punish me."]

[Hearing this, Wutong smiled and patted Luya's shoulder, saying in a relaxed tone: "What are you afraid of? If the young lady asks, it was given by the young master, so it's okay."]

[Lu Ya was still a little hesitant, her eyes wandering between the gifts, and finally landing on an exquisite silver sachet. ]

【Seeing this, Wutong immediately stuffed the sachet into her hand and said with a smile: "This is good, it matches your clothes today."】【"Really?"】

[“My sister Luya has become even more beautiful.”]

【Luya felt a little envious. Although the young lady treated her very well, it was still different from Wutong.】

[She could see that Master Guan had never considered Wutong a servant. The concern in his eyes could not be deceived.]

[Wutong leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Fourth Miss, did I ask you to go to the concubine's room?"]

[Lu Ya's ears blushed. For maids like them who have been raised by the young lady, in addition to taking care of the young lady, they actually have another responsibility, which is to be the mistress's concubine.]

[Married ladies in the mansion always have a few days of inconvenience every month. In order to prevent my husband from going to other women, I will let the maidservants serve the male master.]

[Lu Ya shyly replied, "Miss did mention it. If General Sima has any instructions, I will go and serve him." When she mentioned Sima Ting's tall figure, her cheeks turned even redder.]

[Luya asked Wutong: "Sister Wutong, are you still a virgin?"]

[Wutong recalled that every night, the young master would come back to her room, take off her shoes and massage her, but she always fell asleep in a daze, as if nothing had happened. She thought to herself: "This year the young master will be crowned..."]

【at this time!】

[You walked out of the house, holding the letter in your hand, and saw the two people whispering. You smiled and said, "Luya, you can choose any of these gifts. Don't be restrained."]

[You walked forward, handed the note to Luya, and said in a gentle voice: "This is a gift prepared for my fourth cousin. Thank you, Luya, for passing it on."]

[Lu Ya quickly stood up, took the letter with both hands respectfully, and whispered: "Miss originally wanted to visit Master Guan in person, but due to her status, it is inconvenient for her to come. I hope Master Guan will forgive me."]

[You nodded in understanding and smiled, "It's proper etiquette."]

[In the Qi Dynasty, under the influence of Confucian etiquette, women should not go out of the main door or the second door. ]

[Even if Zhang Yunzhi and others come to the courtyard, they must be accompanied by Xie Yuan to avoid criticism of a single man and a single woman being in the same room.]

[Of course, Confucian etiquette is not inconsistent with the romanticism of the aristocratic families, but rather ironic.]

[Although Confucianism emphasizes etiquette, it is common for young men from aristocratic families to keep prostitutes, while the courtesans in the West Wing are not bound by these restrictions and instead engage in romantic affairs.]

[Xie Ying is now engaged, so she should be more cautious and reduce contact with men.]

【Lu Ya was hesitant at this moment, but she finally spoke: "Miss asked me to tell Master Guan that he will soon be an adult, and Madam Yuan has recently arranged a marriage for him, to marry into the Li family, and his household registration has been sent to the Ministry of Household Affairs... and he has been registered as a slave."】

[Wutong heard this and tightened his grip, blurting out: "How can it be so fast? Young Master can only reach the age of 18 this year!"]

[Lu Ya whispered, "The fourth young lady went to ask the Madam for help, and the Madam said that the matter was decided by the old lady herself, and there is no going back."]

[Wutong rarely showed anger on his face, gritted his teeth and said: "This is really too bullying!"]

[“Even if it’s marrying into the wife’s family, there’s not even any engagement, and the household registration was hastily changed. The young master was supposed to take the imperial examination this year, and Mr. Zhang has already guaranteed it with his scholar title. This means that he has been registered as a slave and married into the wife’s family, so he doesn’t even have the qualifications to take the imperial examination!”]

【Seeing Wutong so excited, Luya didn't know what to say next and lowered her eyes.】

[However, you looked calm and comforted Wutong, "Wutong, you already knew when to marry into the family, so why do you care?"]

[You turn to look at Luya, and say in a gentle tone: "Luya, just continue talking."]

[Lu Ya considered it again and again, and finally said: "It is said that the young lady of the Li family who is planning to marry is a Taoist who is away from home all year round. The Li family has postponed the wedding date..."]

[“Postpone the wedding…” Wutong was stunned, his hands trembling, “Master, you were so outstanding at the banquet, why do you have to suffer such humiliation?”]

[Marrying into a wife's family is a shameful thing in Da Qi. Now that the wedding date has been postponed, it is like a rejection. What a humiliation. 】

[Wutong stood up suddenly, "I want to go to the Grand View Garden and ask the old lady for justice!"]

[Lu Ya quickly grabbed her sleeve and said, "Sister Wutong, don't be impulsive. We servants don't disobey the orders of our masters."]

【Wutong didn't care, you reached out and stopped Wutong. 】

【Wutong saw you, lowered his head and choked up, tears quietly falling, his voice trembling, "Madam asked me to take care of the young master, but Wutong was useless. The young master was blind at home for the past few years, and now he is marrying into the family and breaking off the engagement. How can the heaven be so unfair!"】

【Lu Ya also sighed on the side. Da Qi values ​​filial piety and etiquette. This is the order of the parents and the words of the matchmaker. Master Guan cannot disobey.】

[You gently wiped away the tears from her eyes and said softly, "If you don't deceive yourself, the world will be hard to deceive."]

[Luya gently hugged Wutong's sobbing shoulders, and gradually, the crying stopped.]

[“Wutong, you and Luya should go to your fourth cousin’s place together.” You said softly.]

[Wutong wanted to say something else, but Luya gently pulled him away.]

[You put your hands in your sleeves and quietly watch Wutong and Luya leave with a calm expression on your face.]

[Marrying into a wife's family, taking the imperial examination, entering an academy... they always think these are the mountains above your head, the quagmire you cannot cross. ]

[However, you have already met the Master, the Second Master whose sword opened the gate of heaven, and the King of Yan, Lu Chen, who lived three thousand years ago.]

[I don’t know who I am in my dream, I am not the moon, the cloud, or the crane. ]

【This person should have a different way of living. 】

[You look at the central hall of the courtyard, where your mother's spirit tablet is placed.]

[It has been almost five years since your mother passed away. You are no longer the child who cried until his eyes went blind under the white banner in the mourning hall.]

[You move your hand, and the long sword on the treetop vibrates and hums, dancing around you like a stream of light.]

[Is this the Xie family, one of the nine major surnames of the Great Qi Dynasty, which has produced three generations of dukes and lasted for thousands of years? ]

[The young master, who had always been gentle, smiled gently, revealing a coldness that he had never shown before.]

[“I want to see if this huge Xie family can hold me captive.”]

[“And father, how can you admit your mistakes!”]

[Since the boy was young, there has been an evil dragon locked in his heart. 】

【I have never made any mistakes in these years, just like a god. 】

[Your emotions calm down in just a moment, and you return to your original calm and composed attitude.]

[Look outside the courtyard gate. There are guests today!]

(End of this chapter)