Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

Xu Qing spoke calmly.

"What sword?" Bei Mingzi asked in surprise.

What kind of swords could be so highly valued by Xu Qing, who forged the swords "Dust of the World" and "Boundless"?

"Qiu Li!"

Chapter 382 The Past of the Ancient Sword

Bei Mingzi looked puzzled and asked Xu Qing with some curiosity, "Why are you interested in the Qiu Li Sword?"

Although the Qiuli Sword is a famous Taoist sword with many legends surrounding it, those are all from the past. In terms of its status in Taoism, it is not as good as the Xueji Sword. The Xueji Sword is a symbol of orthodox Taoism. Perhaps its power is not particularly strong, but its symbolic meaning is greater.

As for power, the Qiu Li of yesteryear was certainly powerful enough.

However, after the Celestial and Human Sects acquired two more swords, their power seemed to be just so-so.

The mysteries of the Boundless Sword and the Mortal Sword far surpass those of Qiu Li.

"This sword is somewhat useful to me." Xu Qing didn't explain much, simply stating this, then looked at Bei Mingzi, "What, is it because I'm now a member of the Yin Yang School that you're unwilling to lend me the sword?"

Bei Mingzi said in a deep voice, "That's not the case."

"I was just a little curious."

Since Xu Qing was unwilling to say more, he naturally didn't press the matter further.

"The Autumn Sword is currently in Chishong's hands. I'll take you to retrieve it!"

Bei Mingzi said to Xu Qing.

"Is he still alive?" Xu Qing asked, somewhat surprised.

Upon hearing this, Bei Mingzi looked at Xu Qing in confusion, "Shouldn't Chi Song be alive?"

"My Taoist practices do have some tricks up their sleeve when it comes to prolonging life."

"Although Chishong is not young, he has been free from disasters and calamities, so how could he die so easily?"

"And in terms of age, I'm actually much older than him..."

Bei Mingzi clearly did not understand Xu Qing's meaning, thinking that Xu Qing meant that Chi Songzi was old.

Little did he know that in the original story, Chisongzi died the year after he and Xiaoyaozi observed the sword at Miaotai.

After that, Xiaomeng went into seclusion for ten years. When she emerged, she succeeded as the leader of the Tianzong Sect and vowed to defeat Xiaoyaozi for the glory of the sect.

If you calculate the time carefully, Chisongzi should have died by now.

Moreover, according to Xu Qing, during the last Sword Viewing at Miaotai, Xiaoyaozi successfully defeated Chisongzi and seized control of the Xueji Sword.

It can only be said that the boost that the Worldly Sword brought to Xiaoyaozi was too great. Although the Heavenly Sect also had the "Boundless Sword", the Heavenly Sect still had a Supreme Sect Leader. The Boundless Sword had always been occupied by Beimingzi, who was studying it.

Given this shift in power, it's not surprising that Chisongzi lost.

Moreover, even without the Worldly Sword, in the original story, Chisongzi still lost to Xiaoyaozi.

After a brief exchange, Bei Mingzi didn't say much more, but turned around and led the way, with Xu Qing following closely behind.

The summit of Tianzong Mountain is shrouded in mist, with a winding path paved with bluestone leading up to it. Ancient pines stand tall on both sides, a stark contrast to the eerie tranquility of the Yin-Yang school, exuding the serenity and serenity of Taoism.

Before long, the two arrived at an elegant bamboo house. On a stone table outside the house was an ancient longsword with a faint blue glow in its scabbard. It was the Qiu Li Sword.

At the entrance of the bamboo hut, an old man in a blue Taoist robe stood with his hands behind his back. His hair and beard were all white, but his face was ruddy, his eyes were clear, and his aura was calm. He was none other than Chisongzi.

He turned around at the sound, his gaze first falling on Bei Mingzi, and a look of respect immediately appeared in his eyes. He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said humbly, "Master."

After he finished bowing, he looked up at the person next to Bei Mingzi, his gaze sharpened, and he instantly recognized the other person. A hint of doubt appeared on his face, and his brows furrowed slightly.

He naturally knew Xu Qing. Years ago, when Xu Qing forged the sword at Louguan and the Longevity Sword appeared in the world, the commotion attracted experts from both the Heavenly and Human Sects of Taoism. They thought it was a Taoist treasure appearing in the world, so they tried to compete for it, but were ultimately defeated by Xu Qing alone.

Later, many more things related to Xu Qing reached Chisongzi's ears.

The other party forged a divine sword for each of the two sects of Taoism, Tianren and Tianren.

That's not all. Later, the other party inexplicably became the leader of the Yin-Yang School and took over the school.

It can be said that although Chisongzi did not have much contact with Xu Qing, he was indeed familiar with Xu Qing.

Chisongzi was puzzled when he saw Xu Qing and his master arrive together.

The Yin-Yang School and the Taoist School have different stances, so why would the other party come with their master?

He finally couldn't contain himself and asked Bei Mingzi, "Master, what about the person beside you..."

He paused for a moment, then used a more appropriate form of address, "...How come Mr. Xu came here with you?"

Upon hearing this, Bei Mingzi cut to the chase, saying, "He came with me today because he wants to borrow the Qiu Li Sword!"

Upon hearing this, Chishongzi's eyes showed even greater doubt, and his gaze toward Xu Qing became more inquisitive and curious. After pondering for a moment, he took the initiative to ask, "Why is Mr. Xu interested in the Qiuli Sword?"

Xu Qing's sword-making skills were unparalleled in the world, and he had personally experienced the profound mysteries of the two swords, "Dust of the World" and "Boundless".

Why would someone like this make a special trip to seek the Qiu Li Sword, an ancient sword that is inferior to the Wuya and Chenshi Swords?

Xu Qing calmly replied, "Of course it's useful!"

Chisongzi did not rush to ask Xu Qing about his purpose in borrowing the sword. Instead, he gestured for the two to go inside and talk. After Beimingzi and Xu Qing were seated, he turned his gaze back to Xu Qing and said bluntly, "Although I have not had much interaction with you, I am aware of your abilities. In fact, I should thank you properly."

These words sounded polite, but in reality they carried a hint of teasing and melancholy: "If you hadn't forged that mortal sword for Xiaoyaozi, greatly increasing his strength, I might not have lost to him at the Miaotai Sword Viewing Competition."

Xu Qing's eyes flickered slightly, and she asked calmly, "So, you resent me?"

His tone was calm and without any ripples, as if he had long expected him to say this.

Upon hearing this, Chisongzi laughed instead, waved his hand, and the melancholy in his tone gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief: "It's not so much resentment as some reflections. In the years before, when I was in charge of the Heavenly Sect, I fought against the Human Sect and won every time. Over time, I inevitably developed arrogance, always thinking that I had comprehended the Great Dao and that no one could match me."

He paused, his gaze turning to the Qiuli Sword on the stone table outside, his expression growing increasingly calm: "But that day when I fought Xiaoyaozi, he was wielding the Worldly Sword you forged. Under the power of the Worldly Sword, I fell into a dream, and only then did I realize that I had won too many times, which made me complacent and caused me to ignore my own many shortcomings."

"That defeat, though seemingly due to a flaw in the sword, was actually a defeat caused by one's own obsession."

“Losing once in a while is not a big deal.” Chisongzi said calmly, his eyes revealing the clarity he had gained after enlightenment. “On the contrary, it made me see my own shortcomings and shed my arrogance. In terms of enlightenment, it is actually a good thing. These days, I have devoted myself to cultivation, and my mind is clearer than before. I also understand that the Great Dao is impermanent, and there is no need to be too attached to winning or losing.”

Hearing this, Xu Qing's doubts were completely resolved.

So that's how it is. In the original story, the reason why Chisongzi died the year after his defeat at Miaotai Sword Viewing was because he had a smooth life and was used to winning. The sudden defeat became an indelible obsession in his heart. He was so resentful that he couldn't get rid of his resentment and died.

Now, thanks to the appearance of the Worldly Sword, he saw his own shortcomings in this defeat, his mindset changed, he let go of his obsession, and naturally he was able to enjoy his old age in peace.

Bei Mingzi, sitting to the side, nodded slightly upon hearing this, his eyes showing approval: "Although you lost, you have truly attained enlightenment!"

Chisongzi nodded, indeed agreeing with this statement.

After listening to Chishongzi's words, Xu Qing exclaimed, "Mr. Chishongzi is indeed insightful!"

Chisongzi smiled faintly.

He then turned to Xu Qing and said, "Although I don't know what you intend to do with the Qiu Li Sword, Mr. Xu, the mortal sword you forged has already helped me. Not to mention, you also forged a legendary divine sword for my Heavenly Sect..."

Although the Boundless Sword was always held by Bei Mingzi to comprehend the Dao of Heaven, it was not entirely untouched by Chi Songzi.

Chisongzi had also comprehended the Boundless Sword and experienced its profound mysteries.

After speaking, Chisongzi raised his hand.

The Taoist sword-controlling technique caused the ancient sword placed on the stone table outside to fly out of the air and head towards Xu Qing.

That move was absolutely divine.

The speed at which the Qiu Li Sword flew was even more unbelievable.

However, when it came within a foot of Xu Qing, it suddenly stopped.

Xu Qing reached out and casually grasped the hilt of the Qiu Li sword.

The sword has a slender blade that gleams with a soft, flowing light. At the end of its hilt, the tassel resembles a whisk, with three thousand white wisps of dust swaying gently as Xu Qing holds the sword, creating a dazzling effect and revealing an ancient and profound Daoist charm.

"A fine sword!"

Xu Qing gave a compliment.

Although they knew that Xu Qing's words might be just polite, Bei Mingzi and Chi Songzi still felt a sense of pride in hearing them.

Xu Qing was the most outstanding swordsmith of his time, capable of forging divine swords, which clearly showed that his skill in judging swords was unparalleled.

The sword he praised naturally acquired a touch of legend.

Even the Qiu Li Sword is a famous sword that has been renowned throughout the world for many years.

"This sword is temporarily entrusted to you, Mr. Xu. You can return it whenever you wish!" Chisongzi said to Xu Qing.

This can actually be seen as an expression of Chishongzi's friendly attitude.

Generally, there is a time limit for borrowing a sword.

Chisongzi lent the Qiuli Sword to Xu Qing without giving a deadline, which was tantamount to giving the Qiuli Sword to Xu Qing in disguise.

Of course, Xu Qing wouldn't embezzle the Qiu Li Sword.

If he so desired, he could forge even more mysterious swords now.

The reason I'm borrowing Qiu Li is because this sword is somewhat special.

Xu Qing wanted to apply this knowledge to other situations and resolve Han Fei's problem more effectively.

"Don't worry, I'll return the sword to you soon!"

Xu Qing then said something to Chisongzi.

There wasn't much else to talk about, so Xu Qing, holding the Qiu Li sword, left the place temporarily.

Bei Mingzi glanced at Chi Songzi, then looked in the direction Xu Qing had left. After thinking for a moment, he ultimately decided not to chase after him.

Even though he was still incredibly curious about Xu Qing borrowing the Qiu Li Sword.

However, Xu Qing was not the first person to borrow Qiu Li's sword.

A hundred years ago, Zhuang Zhou, a master of the Human Sect, borrowed the Qiu Li Sword to observe its wonders and composed "Free and Easy Wandering". Since he agreed to lend the sword to Xu Qing, it was naturally not appropriate to investigate further.

Holding the Qiuli Sword, Xu Qing moved swiftly and did not go far, finding a place to view the scenery from the cliff behind the Tianzong Mountain.

Here, sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet high, ancient pines lean against the cliff edges, and a sea of ​​clouds surges below, sometimes gathering and sometimes dispersing, sometimes rising and falling. The mountain breeze caresses the face, carrying the fragrance of mountain plants and trees. The primordial energy of heaven and earth gathers here, clear and rich, making it the most suitable place to comprehend the way of the sword and spiritual charm.

He sat cross-legged on a blue stone at the edge of the cliff, placing the Qiu Li sword horizontally on his lap. His expression was calm, and his aura gradually merged with the surrounding world.

The legend of the Qiu Li Sword has long been known throughout the world. It needs no further explanation. Everyone knows that this sword was forged by the swordsmith Xue Zhu with his life's blood and soul, which is why this sword contains vast vitality and has become a famous Taoist sword.