Madam, please listen to my explanation.

Chapter 121 Two or three hundred years old, the perfect age to venture forth.

Song Yu was, after all, a renowned master of swordsmanship. Even though the young man opposite him suddenly seemed to have mastered Lu Yuan's skills, he was not so easily frightened.

We'll have to see how much they really are before we can truly assess their abilities!
The incoming sword flashes were like rain, but Song Yu's sword aura emanated from his body, protecting his vital points while he raised his sword to parry.

Halfway through circulating his qi, he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, and even his hand holding the knife was three times slower than usual!
Oops!

Song Yu was startled, only then realizing that her dantian was enveloped by a thin, cicada-wing-like ice membrane. No matter how much her true energy surged and clashed, it could only escape through tiny gaps.
That seemingly faint chill from before has spread to this extent in the blink of an eye!
In a battle between masters, the slightest difference in skill can be fatal!
There was no time to change tactics in the rush. Song Yu barely managed to hold his precious sword in front of him, and before his protective aura could even take shape, the rain of swords had already fallen.

Puff. Puff. Puff.
The sharp tip of the sword pierced through the flesh, producing a series of muffled thuds.

Shoulders, legs—anywhere not covered by the blade—were instantly pierced with hundreds of shallow cuts.

Blood splattered all over Song Yu's body!
The blood, still in mid-air, was condensed into blood-red ice beads by the bone-chilling cold, which then fell to the ground with a crackling sound.

Although the wounds were shallow, each one contained a deadly, bone-chilling cold. In an instant, Song Yu felt as if he were in an ice cave, with an inescapable chill permeating him from the inside out, from head to toe.

The broadsword in his hand, as thick as a door panel, also became difficult to wield and fell to the ground with a clatter beside him.

He let out a difficult breath.

Only then did he realize that he, like the boy opposite him, was also exhaling large plumes of white mist.

"Such a fast sword!"

My body gradually lost sensation, and even my consciousness began to slow down incredibly.

He heard the sound of something breaking.

The other person walked slowly towards him, crushing the drops of blood he had spilled on the ground.

"A scholar may be killed, but not a scholar?"

His countless life-or-death battles throughout his life told him that he was about to lose his life here.

Recalling the other party's mocking face when he first mocked the blacksmith, this centenarian master of swordsmanship couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

He had practiced swordsmanship his whole life, only to be defeated by a junior like that.
I'm so unwilling to accept this.
"Senior misunderstood."

The icy blue in Xu Jinhuan's eyes gradually faded as he approached the other person step by step.

Not far away, Gu Xiaoxiao took off running over in a flash, saying in her childish voice:

"No wonder you've been practicing for so many years and still haven't been able to achieve the state of 'man and sword as one'!"

Xu Jinhuan doesn't enjoy humiliating losers; he only did that to lure you out.

She put one hand on her hip and made a face at the old man.

"Alright, Niao Niao."

Xu Jinhuan looked at the old man. Even putting aside the martial arts techniques that Gu Niaoniao had suddenly taught him, he had truly benefited greatly from fighting such a master.

Moreover, the fact that the other party remained completely uninvolved and did not interfere during the process of settling Gu Niaoniao already made him a worthy opponent.

As our predecessors said, those with different stances cannot work together.
Since we've already resorted to arms, I won't invite you to drink with me, senior.

The old man was covered in frost, and he looked like a poorly made ice sculpture.

The frostbite continues to spread.

Xu Jinhuan knew that if he didn't give him a quick death, the other party would only be able to watch helplessly as his flesh and blood rotted away inch by inch until he completely lost his life.

"Please, senior, prepare to die!"

He swiftly thrust the shattered jade in his hand forward, instantly creating a bloody hole in the old man's forehead.

boom.
The body, having lost its support, fell straight to the ground, shattering into ice shards.

'Frosty Sky Technique'

'Even in his youth, the Sword Saint's martial arts were terrifyingly powerful!'

On the city wall, the imperial guards witnessed the entire battle, each one captivated by its spectacle.
They heard the words "Song Yu the Overlord Blade" from afar!

His master, Lin Que, the Heavenly Blade, was, after all, an ancient relic from hundreds of years ago.

The fearsome reputation of this "Overlord Blade" was truly earned through countless awe-inspiring battles over the past century!

The name 'Song Yu' transcends national boundaries; it represents a towering figure revered by countless swordsmen across the world!
Now, right before everyone's eyes, this great mountain has been toppled by the young heroes of the Great Yan Dynasty!
-
"It's good that you've won."

Deep within the palace, Zhao Ruoxi's face was filled with the pride of a victorious start, yet there was also a hint of melancholy between her brows.

Zhou Jin grinned and laughed heartily, "Truly worthy of being Master's most prized disciple! Niao Niao, you're truly something! Hahaha!"

"Since the Imperial Preceptor gifted the broken jade so early on, why did he only impart the cultivation method today?" Zhao Ruoxi frowned, seemingly dissatisfied.

In her opinion, if Xu Jinhuan had mastered the Frost Heaven Technique earlier, why would he have just narrowly escaped death?
Zhou Jin smacked his lips and muttered, "Grandma, for just three taels of silver and a few dozen pastries, she's going to impart all of the old ghost's most treasured martial arts techniques to you. Your Majesty, where else in the world can you find such a deal?"
If Niao Niao hadn't lost her mind due to the deadly poison, he probably would never have encountered such an incredible opportunity in his entire life!

Zhao Ruoxi opened her mouth wide, and then she suddenly realized.

If the techniques created by the Sword Saint could be freely passed on, how could there be only a handful of people in the world who know them now?
Sure enough, once Xu Jinhuan was involved, he became completely irrational.
"I say, this isn't what you should be worried about right now, is it?"

Zhao Ruoxi knew what the teacher was referring to.

Upon hearing this, her expression turned cold, and the domineering aura that flowed in the Zhao family bloodline was once again revealed.

"That day, there were so many people injured when we saw the Imperial Preceptor. We couldn't just kill more than 80% of the Imperial Guards and officials in order to suppress the news."

I had hoped to use this opportunity to root out the malignant tumor hiding in Yanjing, but I never expected that the traitors would use such vicious methods.
It must be admitted that the person behind Zhou's plans was indeed extraordinary. Was it that young general surnamed Chu?

Zhou Jin picked up the teapot and gulped down the tea, nodding and saying, "I guess so. Although I have never met that fellow, judging from his style of doing things, it does seem to be his doing."

"If I had known that day outside Qu County, I would have killed him no matter the cost!"

Zhao Ruoxi's eyes revealed a murderous intent.

"Even if they find out that the Imperial Advisor is in trouble, so what?"

"It is impolite not to reciprocate. If we don't make Zhou Kingdom pay a price, Chu Yunlu will probably think that I am just a woman and can be manipulated at will!"

Zhou Jin didn't respond, continuing to eat the exquisite pastries unique to the palace.

Even he never imagined that this little girl, who used to neglect her training and spend her days playing pranks under his tutelage, would grow up to be the one among her many siblings who most resembled her deceased father.
"Your Majesty, you are wrong again. I don't care at all about the back-and-forth and intrigue between you and the Zhou Kingdom."
What I'm trying to say is, you knew that kid was being targeted, yet you let him be used as bait. Aren't you afraid that people will resent you and hold a grudge against you?

Zhou Jin's eyes darted around, and she smiled meaningfully.

What does the Great Zhou or the Small Zhou have to do with him?

He wasn't being gossipy; he was simply worried about losing talented people around his disciple!
Zhao Ruoxi's beautiful eyes flickered, and she smiled slyly, but instead of answering, she asked:
"I haven't asked the teacher yet what the situation is with Master Zhuang. After all, the position of Master of the Mirror Bureau is very important, and it can't be left vacant forever."

If the teacher has been lonely for too long and wishes to remarry, but is too embarrassed to speak up, I am willing to go and persuade him on his behalf.
Even if you, teacher, are old and gossipy now, it doesn't matter. A man at two or three hundred years old is in the prime of his life to take risks.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Zhou Jin choked on his tea and slammed his fist on the table in anger: "You little Ruoxi, now that you're the emperor, you think you're all grown up!"

He cursed and waved his hand, scoffing, "He won't wake up anytime soon. What kind of head of the Mingjing Division is he? Let's choose someone else first!" Zhao Ruoxi suppressed a laugh and nodded, "As you say, teacher."
-
"Niao Niao, thank you so much just now!"

Having dealt with Song Yu, Xu Jinhuan walked towards Gu Niaoniao with a smile.

Just as I was about to reach out and pick her up, to carry her on my shoulder like before, the little girl angrily crossed her arms, took a step to the right, and dodged away.
"Hmph! You didn't have this kind of attitude when you kicked my teacher just now!"

"Hehe. I was just worried you'd get hurt."

Xu Jinhuan scratched his head awkwardly, feeling both amused and exasperated.

There were several moments when he even had the thought that 'it wouldn't be so bad if the other party's snake venom couldn't be cured.'

After all, the old Gu Niaoniao, though incredibly resourceful, was also very easy to fool.
But this little one in front of me now seems more like a 'person'.
His eyes kept gazing into the distance, calculating the time; the 'gift' he had prepared for her should have arrived by now.
"This humble official, Zhang Longxing, greets Mr. Xu!"

Xu Jinhuan had already noticed the large group of people approaching from behind, but he simply couldn't be bothered to pay them any attention.

Upon seeing so many burly men, Gu Niaoniao was so frightened that she forgot her anger and jumped up, tightly gripping Xu Jinhuan's thigh with her limbs.

"What is it, Lord Zhang?"

Xu Jinhuan's tone was indifferent, and he still had his back to everyone, not even intending to turn around and look back.

Sweat beaded on Zhang Longxing's forehead as he cautiously replied, "This humble official has only recently taken over the duties of the Blood-Clad Guards and the Mirror Bureau, and has performed poorly. I was unaware that so many thieves had infiltrated the capital. Please forgive me, sir."

"Oh, if you feel guilty, then go back to His Majesty and request to be executed yourself."

"Mr. Xian!"

Zhang Longxing was terrified and was about to kneel down when an unknown force held his legs down, making it impossible for him to kneel down no matter how hard he tried!

Xu Jinhuan then turned around and smiled at the commander who was covered in sweat: "I was just kidding."

Zhang Longxing felt as if he had been granted a pardon; his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

This Mr. Xu was indeed as insightful as I had imagined.

From the moment he led his men to follow him and several Zhou spies out of the city, the other side must have already realized that the Blood-Clad Guards were aware of his ambush.

"This humble official is terrified."

He stammered, his heart already yearning to back out, yet he dared not fail to fulfill the Emperor's instructions, and said tremblingly:

"Your Majesty, she..."

"coming!"

Xu Jinhuan ignored him, simply lifting the pendant from his leg and placing it on his shoulder again.

Gu Niaoniao tilted her head and looked over, only to see a cluster of black dots suddenly appear in the sky at the edge of her vision.

Shen Lian didn't dare to look up the entire time.

Even the person he deeply admired had to walk on thin ice in front of this other party.

The thought that he had almost personally captured Chen Xiaoliu, the manager of the Iris Pavilion, filled him with lingering fear.
Zhuang Zhangjing saved his life!

"get out!"

The man named Xu Jinhuan suddenly snorted coldly. As soon as he finished speaking, a hurricane suddenly appeared, making it impossible for everyone to open their eyes.

Zhang Longxing, who had no cultivation whatsoever, was in the worst situation. He was almost blown into the sky by this evil wind, but fortunately, his subordinates held him back tightly, thus saving him from disaster.

Sandstorms filled the air, almost obscuring our vision.

The group cautiously retreated, and for a moment, all they could see was yellow sand; they could barely make out the people around them.

A flock of black ravens arrived in front of Xu Jinhuan and his companion.

They formed a circle in the air, and within the circle, ripples spread out like water, with gentle spatial fluctuations spreading out from it.

"What is this?" Gu Niaoniao asked curiously, stretching out her little finger to touch it.

"You'll know once you go in," Xu Jinhuan said with a soft laugh, stepping inside.

The howling wind outside the East Gate gradually subsided and calm returned.

Zhang Longxing, Shen Lian, and the others came to their senses.

Our group arrived in high spirits, but now we are all covered in yellow sand from head to toe.

But there was nothing in front of him; there wasn't even a trace of Xu Jinhuan.
Zhang Longxing felt utterly hopeless.

Done
He was just feeling smug about his quick thinking and successful handling of the enemy spies.

However, he failed to complete the task assigned to him by His Majesty.
This sudden shift in his mental state made him feel dizzy for a moment, but fortunately, his subordinates around him helped him up, preventing him from falling on the spot.

"Master Zhang!"

"It's alright. I'm too old to withstand such strong sandstorms."

Zhang Longxing replied with a bitter face.

A feeling I had never deeply experienced when I was a minor official suddenly surfaced before my eyes—

Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger!
The moment Gu Niaoniao stepped into the shimmering waves, she felt dizzy and disoriented, just like when she fell from the top of the Tian Shu Pavilion that day.

She didn't know how much time had passed before she came to her senses and realized that she was no longer in the same place.

The wind felt like it was carrying steel needles, and goosebumps even rose on my exposed arms and calves.

"It's so cold."

Her teeth were chattering, making a clicking sound.

It wasn't until a warm current flowed into my body from the large hands on my back that the chill was finally dispelled.

Gu Niaoniao looked at the thick white smoke rising from every house in the distance, and at the snow-covered mountains at the edge of her vision, and said in surprise:

"Where are we?

Xu Jinhuan, as if performing a magic trick once again, took out a fluffy blanket from his storage ring, wrapped Gu Niaoniao up completely, and then gently placed her on the ground.

"Fengzhou, Fenghua City".

"The northernmost point of the Great Yan Kingdom."

After saying this, everything in sight suddenly seemed to be shrouded in a layer of mist, becoming both real and unreal.

Gu Niaoniao stretched out her small hand, letting the crystal-clear snowflakes fall into her palm, and stood there in a daze.

Suddenly, as if she had remembered something, she ran excitedly towards the city:

"It's snowing! Candied hawthorns!!!"

(End of this chapter)