Swords emerge from the human world

Chapter 94: Wishful Thinking, a Triumph
The news of Chen Jin's falling out with Magistrate Zhao spread like wildfire throughout the village, causing widespread panic among the villagers.

They all knew that Chen Jin had already acknowledged his ancestors and would soon lead his entire family back to their ancestral home in the prefecture.

With the Chen family gone, these villagers will be left to fend for themselves, and their livelihoods will inevitably become even more difficult.

But there's nothing we can do about it. People always strive for better things. If they have the chance to return to their ancestral homeland, who would want to stay in the countryside?
Putting themselves in their shoes, if they had that opportunity, they would probably run even faster.

External comments had little impact on Chen Jin.

The next day, he took Guo Ai up the barren mountain.

Su Zhen led his guards to stay in the village to help Chen Yuan's family with all the relocation matters.

Returning to the old place, I saw that the thatched cottage was just as it had been, with little change.

The couplet written by the door is now faded and worn:
A bright moon shines, and a gentle breeze blows from all sides.

Guo Ai read aloud softly and asked, "Young Master Chen Jin, did you study here before? That's quite nice."

Chen Jin replied, "This hall was originally built by a friend, but after some events, he gave it to me."

Guo Ai asked what had happened.

Chen Jin didn't hide anything and told everyone about the mandrill.

Guo Ai was quite nervous upon hearing this. She came from a prestigious family and was well-informed, but she was always accompanied by guards and maids when she went out and about. She had not experienced many dangerous things, nor had she ever really encountered any demons.

The information about demons and monsters is mainly based on hearsay.

"I've heard of Qingqiu Cave Heaven. I know it's an extremely mysterious place, but its exact location is hidden from the world and no one knows it."

Guo Ai said, "You really do have a predestined encounter with immortals."

Chen Jin: "..."

It has been found that no matter who it is, they all yearn for and dream of "fate with immortals".

No wonder, since immortality is often associated with longevity.

With an air of otherworldly grace, able to traverse the heavens and earth, and possessing divine longevity...

Such a level of cultivation is something no one can refuse.

From ordinary people to high-ranking officials and even emperors, who doesn't want to live forever?
However, the immortal path has declined in this world, and unorthodox and heretical paths have become rampant, making the chance to become an immortal elusive and something that can only be encountered by chance.

He then said, "It was just a brief encounter; I haven't seen you since."

Guo Ai then inquired about the follow-up to Wang Fu.

Chen Jin then recounted how the Wang family had been framed by Magistrate Zhao, nearly resulting in their destruction: "Even now, I don't know where they went or whether they are alright."

Upon hearing this, Guo Ai said with righteous indignation, "This Magistrate Zhao is truly a wolf in sheep's clothing, greedy and insatiable. No, I must expose his true colors and prevent my master from joining the Zhao family."

Just as Chen Jin was about to say something, he suddenly sensed something, looked up, and saw the two of them approaching together.

One was a gaunt nun in a grey robe, with high cheekbones and sharp eyes; the other was tall and elegant, with a cold and beautiful face, wearing a blue sangha robe with wide sleeves and a slender waist, adding a touch of exotic charm.

Upon seeing this, Guo Ai exclaimed in delight, "Master! Eldest Sister!"

……

Maoxian County Government Office.

Magistrate Zhao sat down and sipped tea.

Old Ma, who sported his signature goatee, stopped standing and sat down, reporting, "Sir, Master Plum Blossom came, but left quickly. The master and disciple went out of the city to find Chen Jin. Hehe, this is going to be quite a show."

Magistrate Zhao was overjoyed: "Heaven is helping me. Without a single soldier or even a single word, someone has gone to make trouble for Chen Jin. This is wonderful."

Master Ma reported, "I've inquired about it. The matter originated from Master Meihua's youngest disciple, who is Chen Shounian's granddaughter. It seems that Chen Shounian wants her to marry Chen Jin. This angered the abbess, so she's going to help her youngest disciple seek justice."

Magistrate Zhao clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Before even formally agreeing to become my family's patron, Abbess Plum Blossom has already gone to help me vent my anger. She is truly a lucky charm. I have decided to increase the treatment given to Plum Blossom Nunnery by another 10%."

Old Ma stroked his goatee: "You're wise to buy bones with a thousand pieces of gold, sir."

Magistrate Zhao's eyes flashed: "Master Plum Blossom is a grandmaster, a renowned swordswoman, with a cold and aloof temperament. She has never liked others interfering in her affairs. So let's not bother with her here; let her do whatever she wants."

Old Ma chuckled: "If we can provoke Abbess Plum Blossom into anger and kill Chen Jin with a single sword strike, that would be so satisfying."

Magistrate Zhao stroked his chin: "It's not that simple. Chen Jin isn't a commoner, nor is he a weak scholar; he's a successful candidate in the provincial examination and an official. No matter what, Abbess Plum Blossom wouldn't dare take his life. But then again, if we teach Chen Jin a lesson and make him look pathetic, let's see how this fellow will participate in the metropolitan examination!"

At this point, he was overjoyed and ordered that a banquet be prepared, just in time for the return of Abbess Plum Blossom and her disciples to celebrate their victory.

……

On the barren mountain.

Master Plum Blossom and her eldest disciple Zhang Lingyun arrived, their expressions unfriendly.

Guo Ai hurriedly went to greet him: "Master, you arrived so quickly?"

Master Plum Blossom said in a sharp voice, "If I hadn't come, you would have been eaten up without even knowing it."

Guo Ai asked shyly, "Master, where did you say it went?"

Master Plum Blossom stared at Chen Jin for a moment: "He does have a certain appearance; no wonder he was able to fool my disciple."

Chen Jin: "..."

She cupped her hands in a respectful greeting and asked, "Is there some misunderstanding, nun?"

Master Meihua snorted coldly: "You don't need to put on airs and act crazy. I know you are a newly appointed top scholar and have some literary talent, but you are just a weak scholar and not worthy of Ai'er. If you know what's good for you, get out of the way quickly."

Guo Ai hurriedly said, "Young Master Chen Jin is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and his swordsmanship is very impressive." Upon hearing this, Abbess Plum Blossom laughed.

Because of the harsh tone, the laughter sounded strange, like the hooting of an owl at night, which was quite eerie: "So you've practiced swordsmanship, that's great. Don't say that I'm bullying a junior. I'll give you a chance to spar with my disciple and see if you're really that good."

Guo Ai said embarrassedly, "Master, I have already sparred with Young Master Chen Jin, and I am no match for him at all."

Master Plum Blossom scolded, "With your looks, you've already been misled by his words. How could you possibly fight him? Lingyun, come out here and try Chen Jieyuan's swordsmanship."

"As ordered."

Zhang Lingyun stepped forward, stood in front of Chen Jin, drew her sword with her backhand, and gestured: "Please."

Chen Jin said calmly, "You are Guo Ai's senior sister, why resort to swords?"

Zhang Lingyun sneered, "You're just afraid of losing and losing face in front of my junior sister, aren't you? Don't worry, I'll hold back and won't really hurt you."

Chen Jin lowered his eyes: "Unfortunately, I didn't bring my sword with me."

Zhang Lingyun looked disdainful: "As a swordsman, one should always have a sword by one's side. Just based on that, I know you're all show and no substance. You don't have a sword, but my junior sister does. Ai'er, give him your Broken Jade Sword."

Guo Ai was taken aback and hesitated before asking, "Senior Sister, do we really want to have a competition?"

Zhang Lingyun glared at him: "You're afraid I'll hurt him? I already said I'd go easy on him."

Guo Ai hurriedly waved her hand: "I was worried that you would be stabbed by Young Master Chen Jin."

Zhang Lingyun: "..."

He was almost amused by this naive junior sister. She had been practicing swordsmanship with her master for over twenty years and had long since become a first-class expert. She had defeated countless enemies and earned the reputation of "Plum Blossom Fairy". Yet, in Guo Ai's eyes, she was no match for a mere scholar. What did that mean?
Plum Blossom Nun: "..."

With veins bulging on his forehead, he shouted sternly, "Aier, what nonsense are you spouting? Quickly give the sword to Chen Jieyuan!"

Guo Ai still held a certain amount of awe for her strict master, so she had no choice but to walk over and unfasten the sword from her waist: "Young Master Chen Jin, this Jade-Breaking Sword of mine can cut nails and iron, and sever hair with a breath. It is a divine weapon. You must be careful not to break my senior sister's sword."

Zhang Lingyun is aloof and arrogant, but she is driven to the brink of madness by her junior sister's repeated provocations.

Upon seeing this, Abbess Plum Blossom immediately admonished, "Lingyun, do not be provoked and lose your composure; this is a grave taboo."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingyun immediately realized what was happening. She glanced at Guo Ai and then at Chen Jin, thinking that her junior sister must be biased and deliberately said such things to provoke her so that Chen Jin could benefit.

He immediately calmed down and said, "Thank you for your teachings, Master. I will remember them."

Chen Jin took the sword, reached out and drew it. He saw a cold, sharp edge that reflected in his eyes and beard; it was indeed a fine sword.

The sword hilt is engraved with two characters: "Broken Jade".

So, holding the sword in his hand, he subconsciously reached out and flicked the blade.

Keng!
The sound of the plucked string was clear and melodious, captivating the heart.

Then reach out and give it a shake.

hum!
The blade emitted a sword's cry, its sound lingering and never ceasing.

Upon hearing this, Plum Blossom Abbess, who was standing behind and watching, suddenly narrowed her eyes, her expression became serious, and she looked over again with surprise and uncertainty.

Finally, she couldn't help but remind him, "Lingyun, you must not be careless and underestimate your opponent."

Zhang Lingyun was equally startled when she heard the sound of the sword.

As the saying goes, a master's skill is immediately apparent, and Chen Jin's move was extremely decisive and beautiful. Although they hadn't officially clashed yet, he had already displayed considerable skill; such proficiency could only be achieved through years of arduous practice.

At the very least, Chen Jin is not just a pretty face with no substance.

Guo Ai, standing beside him, had a gentle smile and an expression of admiration on her face.

In the girl's heart, she didn't actually object to Chen Jin taking action. It was a good opportunity for him to show his strength in front of his master and senior sister and to make them proud.

From then on, Master and Senior Sister would no longer inexplicably jump out to obstruct things.

With his sword in hand, Chen Jin's demeanor suddenly changed: "Please!"

He was quite polite, knowing to let others go first. Zhang Lingyun, however, didn't stand on ceremony and shouted, "Take this!"

The sword flashed rapidly, attacking Chen Jin's upper, middle, and lower gates simultaneously.

Three Variations on Plum Blossom!

One of the ten deadly moves in the Plum Blossom Sword Manual, the ultimate martial art of the Plum Blossom Temple.

However, in Chen Jin's opinion, this senior sister's moves were only slightly faster and slightly more ruthless than those used by Guo Ai back then.

Other than that, there are few changes.

Then, the Broken Jade Sword was raised, and a "Thrusting Sword Style" was unleashed, striking first despite being behind, incredibly fast.

Zhang Lingyun was horrified and had no choice but to retreat hastily.

However, Chen Jin pressed his advantage, catching up quickly and unleashing a powerful sword strike.

Sword-Slaying Style!
Zhang Lingyun had no choice but to raise her sword to block.

With a clang!
The sword in his hand snapped in two with a snap.

The next moment, Chen Jin's sword tip was already gleamingly pressed against her trembling chest.

The woman turned pale and stood there dumbfounded, unable to understand why she had been defeated...

(End of this chapter)