Borrowed Sword

Chapter 198 : Han Shuangjiang, First Kiss!

Chapter 198: Han Shuangjiang, First Kiss!

The Liu family’s head had fallen.

The once-fallen genius of the Liu family had risen once again.

After taking the Xuantian Embryo Breathing Pill, Liu Chengqi not only completely recovered from the injuries to his Spirit Embryo, but also used its effects to fully absorb the power of the Qi-Opening Pills, reaching the peak of the Qi-Opening Stage.

Liu Chenggong, his elder cousin, had no idea what exactly happened after Chu Huaixu’s visit the previous day.

He only felt like his younger cousin had changed into a different person.

No longer was he wasting his days in drunken haze—instead, he began helping arrange the funeral of Steward Liu, appearing more composed and reserved overall.

Yet, strangely enough, he didn’t seem to show much grief or sorrow.

He was like still water at the bottom of a dead well—devoid of any ripples.

After the funeral ended, Liu Chengqi headed straight for the Scripture Pavilion, successfully breached the Heaven-rank section, and exchanged for a Heaven-rank cultivation method for the First Realm.

Due to his already considerable fame among the outer sect, many people began gossiping about the matter.

On the surface, nearly no one knew how his Spirit Embryo had recovered.

All they knew was that he’d seemingly transformed overnight—returning to his status as a prodigy of the outer sect, and he didn’t even seem as unlikeable as before.

Some speculated that maybe his arrogance had finally been worn down over time?

Or perhaps he had reined himself in after losing his backer?

After a few days of discussion, interest in the matter faded.

After all, the brilliance of the Xuanhuang Champion in the outer sect was far too dazzling.

When the bright moon hangs high, even though the stars still shine, they could never hope to rival its glow—they could only serve as specks in the night sky.

Time passed, and the opening day of the first level of the Origin Spirit Realm drew closer.

Unexpectedly, the Heir of Prince Rui had continued living within the Dao Gate, showing no intention of returning.

During this half-month, he even brought Lin Zixuan along to visit several times.

Once, after gaining some insight, he came specifically to spar with Chu Huaixu.

The result? Chu Huaixu didn’t even suppress his Emperor-level Divine Sense, letting the heir fight with his newly-achieved minor mastery of spear intent.

Even so, His Highness was still ruthlessly defeated by Chu Huaixu, once again forced to recognize the terrifying disparity between the Western Continent Champion and the Xuanhuang Champion.

Qin Xuanxiao simply couldn’t understand—how could someone in the First Realm possibly be this powerful?

He was a bit defiant.

Since he wasn’t qualified to enter the Origin Spirit Realm anyway, he decided to stop holding back and broke through to the Second Realm.

Then, using a new excuse, he went to spar with Chu Huaixu again.

The result didn’t change—only this time, he managed to last a bit longer under Chu Huaixu’s hand.

Earlier, Qin Xuanxiao had thought, “If we fought within Moon Country, I might not lose.”

After all, as a royal of the Moon Country, he carried the Dynasty’s Fate.

As long as he fought on Moon Country territory, his overall strength could increase by about ten percent.

On top of that, his Emperor-level Divine Sense would be further empowered by the Dynasty’s Fate!

Together, they could boost his combat power by roughly twenty percent.

But even now, he wasn’t sure anymore: “Did Chu Huaixu ever even go all-out in our duels?”

He had never heard of anyone this monstrously powerful in the First Realm—not in a thousand years.

Normally, there was just one word for such a person—a legend shaking past and present.

Outside the bamboo house, Chu Huaixu watched Qin Xuanxiao and Lin Zixuan depart.

“Is this pampered heir from Prince Rui’s line born with some kind of masochistic streak? Why does he seem to enjoy getting beaten up so much?” he wondered aloud, puzzled.

He couldn’t understand what the guy gained from showing up every few days just to get pummeled.

“Is this brat secretly unconvinced?”

“Does he really have no self-awareness of his own strength?”

“Surely not…?” Chu Huaixu thought.

Unfortunately, Little Xu wasn’t home.

Otherwise—“Want to challenge me? Go beat up my little bro first.”

Since Han Shuangjiang was his Dao Companion, he couldn’t bear to make the Big Ice Block play gatekeeper. The more he thought about it, Little Xu was still the best candidate.

But it had already been nearly a month, and Little Xu hadn’t returned even once.

At this point, Chu Huaixu had grown used to washing his own clothes.

“If it weren’t for the hassle of having an extra servant around, I’d have gone and gotten myself a sword attendant by now.”

“Might as well offload a few of Little Xu’s functions!” he thought fiercely to himself.

Tomorrow, he would be departing the mountain, heading to the Origin Spirit Realm.

Unexpectedly, just as the sun was about to set, Xu Ziqing finally returned home—but he wasn’t carrying that large Sword Case.

“Huh? You’re back?” Chu Huaixu raised an eyebrow.

“Senior Brother, I heard from Little Martial Uncle Ancestor that you're heading down the mountain tomorrow. I asked him for permission and he allowed me to return today,” explained Little Xu.

Chu Huaixu thought: Tsk, pulling this kind of setup? Isn’t this the typical prelude to a tearful farewell before someone dies in a novel?

He looked at the boy and asked, “Little Xu, where’s your Bronze Sword?”

“I left it at Gentleman Temple. Usually, Little Martial Uncle Ancestor doesn’t allow me to carry it around,” the refined youth answered honestly.

“Oh. Got it.” Chu Huaixu nodded casually.

He had briefly considered trying out his Heart Sword’s ability to leave his body and enter other swords—perhaps testing it on the Bronze Sword.

But on second thought, that was far too risky.

“Overall, while the Heart Sword has a high Rank, it's still maturing. Looks like I’m holding it back as its master...”

“The Bronze Sword’s Sword Spirit is different—it’s only sealed by restrictions, but its power remains intact.”

“Besides, that evil sword is still brimming with Baleful Aura!”

“If something goes wrong, I might not make it back…”

In that case, Chu Huaixu would truly have no place to cry.

When Han Shuangjiang saw Little Xu return, she merely nodded in greeting, but silently added two more dishes while cooking dinner.

It was rare for the three of them to share a meal, so Chu Huaixu opened a jar of Spirit Wine and took the initiative to pour some for the youth.

“Huh? In just half a month, your cultivation actually surpassed mine?” He turned to glance at Xu Ziqing.

Hearing this, Little Xu immediately flattered, “As expected, nothing escapes Senior Brother’s eyes.”

“Don’t give me that nonsense!” Chu Huaixu said gruffly, though secretly pleased.

It really was more comfortable with Little Xu around—at least conversations didn’t fall flat.

Unlike the Big Ice Block, who barely spoke a few words. He couldn’t tell if that usually quiet mouth was... boring or not?

Before drinking, Chu Huaixu placed the wine jar down and, as usual, checked in first.

“So, what cultivation method did you get from the Scripture Pavilion?”

“Senior Brother, the ‘Ice-muscle Jade-bone Method’ has three volumes, all Heaven-rank. Little Martial Uncle Ancestor told me to wait until the Fourth Realm before switching to another Body Training method.”

“Huh? Then why wasn’t that mentioned in the Scripture Pavilion’s catalogue?” He remembered the ‘Ice-muscle Jade-bone Method’’s description didn’t state that it could take someone all the way to the Third Realm.

“Because the Dao Gate doesn’t have the other two volumes. Little Martial Uncle Ancestor went elsewhere to find them for me,” Xu Ziqing replied.

“Not bad. He’s really attentive to you.” Chu Huaixu commented flatly.

He didn’t envy Little Xu—he was simply happy for his junior.

He clearly didn’t get along well with Jiang Zhi. If Jiang Zhi really started doting on him too, Chu Huaixu might actually lose his mind.

But he could tell—Jiang Zhi was clearly trying to nurture both hands. He hadn’t neglected Xu Ziqing, his Sword Attendant, in the slightest.

Chu Huaixu was quite content to let him raise his little brother so diligently.

Then, something happened that left Xu Ziqing dumbfounded.

“Why did Senior Brother pour me wine, chat a bit… then suddenly go sit next to Senior Sister Han!” The boy was shocked.

Usually, the two guys sat in a row, while Han Shuangjiang sat opposite Chu Huaixu.

A shift in seating naturally meant a shift in relationship.

Xu Ziqing’s lips parted slightly as he looked at the two of them, which made the Big Ice Block visibly flustered—she lowered her head and started picking at food.

Chu Huaixu snapped, “What are you staring at?”

Then, he gave the youth a look that only men understood.

Xu Ziqing had long anticipated that his Senior Brother and Senior Sister Han would eventually come to this.

He just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon—or that he would miss it entirely.

The three of them sat together, eating and clinking glasses of wine.

They hadn’t seen each other in a while, so the conversation was lively, though it remained centered around household matters.

Since the two of them were among the individuals mentioned in the Dao Ancestor’s Maxim as World Protagonists, the high-level members of the Dao Gate didn’t intend to keep matters about the Origin Spirit Realm hidden from them.

However, their knowledge on the topic wasn’t as comprehensive as Chu Huaixu’s.

Even so, the three of them tacitly avoided discussing it over dinner.

Chu Huaixu didn’t want them to worry.

And they didn’t want to add to his burden.

As cups were raised and exchanged, the three soon found themselves slightly tipsy.

Xu Ziqing glanced at the time, knowing it was time to return.

He felt somewhat reluctant.

If he had a choice, he would definitely prefer to stay by his Senior Brother’s side.

“It’s fine, you go on ahead. I’m heading down the mountain tomorrow anyway,” said Chu Huaixu, waving him off.

Hearing that, Xu Ziqing bid farewell to the two.

Before leaving, he said solemnly, “Senior Brother, please be extra careful. Take care on your journey!”

Sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder—if he were the Xuanhuang Champion, then maybe his Senior Brother wouldn’t need to risk himself like this?

But then again, Xu Ziqing knew that thought was unfounded—deep down, he felt that he was still far inferior to his Senior Brother.

“Don’t worry. I won’t get even a scratch!” said Chu Huaixu, deliberately smug.

But fearing that his bravado would only make Little Xu, the little fool, worry about him underestimating the enemy, he quickly added with a serious face, “I’ll proceed with caution. No need to worry.”

“Mm!” The delicate-featured youth nodded firmly, then walked away into the night, glancing back every few steps.

Winter had arrived, and the weather was turning cold.

As a Body Training cultivator, Chu Huaixu naturally didn’t fear the cold.

Han Shuangjiang, wrapped in her cultivation robe, wasn’t bothered by the chill either.

Tipsy from the wine, the man turned to the girl and asked, “Want to take a walk?”

“Sure,” she agreed.

But then she couldn’t help but laugh when Chu Huaixu suggested, “Let’s go to Maple Grove.”

“We’ve already walked there before. We ended up in the Growth Rings Secret Realm last time. You haven’t been to the other places—I’m afraid you’ll drag me into another secret realm again and delay my departure tomorrow,” he said with a smile.

“What nonsense. What do you take me for?” retorted Han Shuangjiang, rolling her eyes.

In his mind, a certain Dead Fox muttered, “You did use to act like a Treasure-Hunting Mouse…”

The slightly drunk pair walked all the way to Maple Grove.

This grove held special meaning for them.

Inside the Growth Rings Secret Realm, it felt like they had walked through a lifetime together.

In fact, they had just happened to pass by here when they encountered Chang Le and Ji Sikong sneaking through the woods. Amidst that conversation, they had confirmed their Dao Companion relationship.

Now, in the forest, the two walked side by side, close together.

Due to Han Shuangjiang’s tall frame and long jade-like legs, their hands occasionally brushed against each other as they strolled.

It happened again and again, like subtle tests.

After a few touches, Chu Huaixu simply reached out and held her delicate hand.

A cold winter breeze brushed against their faces, but just holding hands post-drinking somehow made them both feel warm.

They said nothing, just quietly walked on.

Feeling the sensation in their palms, feeling each other’s warmth.

After a long while, Han Shuangjiang suddenly said, “Chu Huaixu.”

“Hmm? Go ahead, I’m listening.” He didn’t stop walking.

“You must be very confident, right?” she asked vaguely.

Chu Huaixu understood—she was talking about the perilous Origin Spirit Realm.

“Yes.” He wasn’t entirely certain, but he would never say that aloud.

“Come back safely,” the girl said, raising her head to look at him.

“Got it, Senior Sister Han,” he replied with a teasing smile.

“There you go again!” Han Shuangjiang snapped, a bit exasperated.

Since they were already holding hands, she gave his hand a firm squeeze.

But she quickly realized—first, he was a Body Training cultivator; second, he didn’t fear pain.

“What? You really don’t like me calling you ‘Senior Sister’?” the Dead Fox teased.

“No, I don’t.” The Big Ice Block wasn’t going to indulge his twisted humor.

Unexpectedly, the Dead Fox immediately followed up with, “Then be my ‘Junior Sister’ instead. Come on, Han Junior Sister, call me ‘Senior Brother.’ Let me hear it.”

He stopped walking, looked down at her with a smile full of undisguised mischief.

For some reason, Chu Huaixu just found her icy-cold face even more fun to tease.

Maybe that’s why the internet meme among pervy guys said: ‘Cold faces must be handled with force!’

Han Shuangjiang met his gaze. With her personality, she would never call him “Senior Brother” under such obviously teasing circumstances.

But then she remembered—he was leaving the mountain tomorrow, heading toward something incredibly dangerous.

Her heart softened.

Not to mention, she had a “double major” from both Red Sleeves Beckon and Joyous Sect.

She understood deeply—whether male or female, everyone had their quirks and preferences.

Whether it was during her time in Red Sleeves Beckon or in Joyous Sect, she had heard all sorts of strange titles between men and women.

Endless indecent whispers and wanton voices.

Han Shuangjiang hesitated for several seconds. If she called him “Senior Brother”...

“If I call you Senior Brother, would that make you happy?” she asked, uncharacteristically playful due to the alcohol, trying to cater to his peculiar taste.

The Dead Fox looked at her and replied, “Not really—but if you kissed me, I would be.”

With that, he stared straight into her beautiful eyes.

Han Shuangjiang quickly looked away, but a flicker of hesitation flashed in her gaze.

“He’s leaving tomorrow…”

“And if… what if… no! There’s no what if!” she thought, torn, with a rare hint of girlish shyness.

Chu Huaixu looked at her and instantly understood.

She was hesitating—not unwilling, just too reserved to take the initiative.

So, he leaned in.

The slightly drunk girl immediately shut her beautiful eyes, yielding to him, heart pounding like a drum.

But he just loved teasing her.

So, instead of kissing her luscious, inviting lips, the Dead Fox gently pulled her into an embrace, and moved his mouth to her ear.

His warm breath caressed her right ear, and she felt like she was about to melt.

Many people had sensitive ears—a jolt of sensation ran through her body, and her closed eyes squeezed shut even tighter.

In the next moment, he whispered softly in her ear, a sentence that exploded like thunder in her mind.

Chu Huaixu didn’t kiss her. Instead, returning to the earlier topic, he whispered again:

“Then, do you want to make me happy?”

Her body immediately tensed, her hands instinctively clutching the black-gold robe he wore.

He was already gently holding her, and he could feel her waist subtly arch forward.

But Chu Huaixu didn’t need her to answer.

Or rather, her heart’s answer was enough.

As for her lips—he’d ask them himself.

The girl, mouth slightly open but unsure what to say, suddenly felt someone kiss her—boldly and deeply.

“Mm—!”