The Reticent Blade

In the far south of the Central Plains, hidden deep within the mountains, there lay a valley. It faced north while seated in the south, resembling a roaring tiger poised to devour the land. Dense forests embraced it on both sides, its back pressed against towering mountain ranges.

The valley's entrance stood a hundred zhang high, where sheer cliffs jutted out in jagged, interlocking formations. The knife-like formations blotting out the sky made observers feel like countless steel blades loomed over their neck. Those who witnessed it often exclaimed, Could this be a place where immortals forge their blades?

The valley's inhabitants would simply smile and say, "No, this is Xuanfeng Valley."

***

Ye Beizhi, Chi Nanwei, and Fang Dingwu made their way through the deep mountains.

Ye Beizhi had warned them in advance that the road would be difficult to traverse, so Chi Nanwei had sensibly changed into deerskin boots and long pants suited for travel. Her attire, crisp and practical, lent her a gallant air.

Among the three, only Ye Beizhi had been here before. Fang Dingwu had heard much about Xuanfeng Valley through his extensive travels, but Chi Nanwei was unfamiliar with the place. As a result, she asked most of the questions along the way. If Fang Dingwu knew the answer, he would explain, and if he didn't, Ye Beizhi would add a few words.

From their conversations, Chi Nanwei learned that despite Xuanfeng Valley's location, it had a deep connection with the outside world. In fact, it was renowned for its legendary craftsmanship in forging blades, so much so that there was a saying that there were only ten legendary blades for every ten thousand forged, and out of those ten, nine come from Xuanfeng Valley.

"It's not just a rumor," Ye Beizhi said, running his palm over the hilt of his blade. "They really do forge the best blades."

Ye Beizhi's certainty was unwavering. Fang Dingwu nodded in agreement. "Xuanfeng Valley is indeed famed for its bladesmithing. Since they don't isolate themselves from the world, many people from the jianghu bring rare and precious materials here, hoping to obtain a fine blade."

Chi Nanwei's gaze fell on the Tang blade strapped to Ye Beizhi's back. "Was your blade also made here?"

Ye Beizhi glanced at her, then nodded. "The Valley Master, Shi Wufeng, opened the Sun Seizing Pavilion, summoned the Yuanyang Flame, and spent fifty-four days forging this blade."

Fang Dingwu's eyes widened. "This blade came from the Sun Seizing Pavilion?"

Ye Beizhi nodded.

Chi Nanwei was puzzled. "Why are you so surprised, Brother Dingwu? Is there something special about the Sun Seizing Pavilion?"

"Of course, there's something special about it," Fang Dingwu explained, "The Sun Seizing Pavilion is no ordinary workshop. It is said that the entire building is a massive forge. And the fire they use? It's no ordinary flame either. It's said to be the Yuanyang Flame, stolen from the heavens themselves. The tower only opens once every three years, and they say that not a single blade forged within is anything less than a divine weapon."

Chi Nanwei looked skeptical. "It's that extraordinary?"

Fang Dingwu gestured at the Tang blade at Ye Beizhi's waist. "Isn't that the best proof?"

Chi Nanwei blinked, then grinned. "Well, then I suppose I'll believe it."

***

As they conversed, the path ahead suddenly brightened, opening into a vast, expansive view. Unbeknownst to them, they had emerged from the dense forest.

"We're here," Ye Beizhi announced.

Chi Nanwei looked up. In the distance, at the end of the road, a valley entrance emerged in their view. Sheer cliffs stood a hundred zhang high, their jagged formations jutting outward like countless blades waiting to plunge down through them. Deeper within, faint glimpses of layered buildings with flying eaves could be seen.

As they neared the valley's entrance, its magnificent landscape unfolded before them.

"This..." Chi Nanwei was momentarily stunned. "So this is Xuanfeng Valley..."

"Halt!"

From the trees flanking the road, two figures suddenly leapt out, blocking their path.

Both were clad in tight-fitting white attire. One bore a curved saber at his waist, while the other had a blade sheathed by each of his legs.

Fang Dingwu instinctively reached for the twin blades at his waist, but Ye Beizhi stopped him, explaining, "They're disciples of Xuanfeng Valley."

Only then did Fang Dingwu let out a breath of relief. "Damn, that scared me. I thought we were about to run into some more trouble."

The two Xuanfeng Valley disciples scrutinized them. "State your names and purpose. Why have you come to Xuanfeng Valley?"

Ye Beizhi stepped forward. "Inform your valley master. I, Stormqueller, have come to visit."

The disciple frowned, eyeing Ye Beizhi with skepticism. "Our valley master is not someone just anyone can meet. Do you know him?"

Ye Beizhi nodded but said nothing.

The disciple remained unconvinced but nodded after some hesitation. "Alright, wait here. I'll go inform him." Then, turning to the other disciple, he instructed, "Stay here and keep watch. If anything happens, send a signal to the others."

The remaining disciple responded confidently, "Go on, senior brother. If they cause trouble, I can handle them myself."

Once his companion left, the remaining disciple kept a wary eye on the three, watching them without the slightest distraction.

Fang Dingwu, irritated by the scrutiny, suddenly snapped, "What are you staring at?!"

The disciple, still quite young, was startled by the outburst and instinctively placed a hand on his blades. Realizing he'd embarrassed himself, he stiffened his neck and retorted, "Why are you shouting?"

Fang Dingwu chuckled, slapping Ye Beizhi on the shoulder. "Hey, look at this kid jumping at the smallest movement. He's as skittish as a rabbit."

Ye Beizhi glanced at the disciple but said nothing.

The disciple's face flushed red. With a swift motion, he unsheathed both his blades, pointing them at Fang Dingwu. "Say that again!"

"Well, well—" Fang Dingwu's eyes widened as he reached for his weapons too. "You little brat dare flash your blades at me? I was playing with twin blades when you were still rolling around in your mother's belly!"

Chi Nanwei saw the situation escalating and hurried over to pull Fang Dingwu back. "Brother Dingwu!"

Fang Dingwu grumbled but knew better than to start a fight on Xuanfeng Valley's turf. He begrudgingly let Chi Nanwei pull him aside.

The disciple was about to speak again when a loud voice rang out behind him.

"Stormqueller—!"

Ye Beizhi looked up, his pupils contracting sharply.

A group of people approached from within the valley, surrounding a figure seated in a wooden wheelchair, being pushed toward them.

The man in the wheelchair was none other than Shi Wufeng, the Valley Master.

Ye Beizhi strode forward quickly, stopping before Shi Wufeng.

He furrowed his brow and examined Shi Wufeng, his gaze falling upon the man's legs. "What happened to you?"

Shi Wufeng waved dismissively. "It's nothing. I was ambushed a few days ago and poisoned. The physician says a few more acupuncture treatments should expel the toxin. I'll be able to walk again then."

Ye Beizhi seemed thoughtful. "Was it the Northern Qiang?"

Shi Wufeng blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"

Ye Beizhi waved a hand. "News from Storm Listening Pavilion. Let's talk inside the valley."

"Right, right." Shi Wufeng snapped back to reality and smacked his forehead. "Look at me, being a terrible host."

He called over one of his men and instructed, "Prepare a guest courtyard on the west side of the valley for them."

Ye Beizhi and Shi Wufeng walked side by side at the front, with Chi Nanwei and Fang Dingwu following not far behind.

Shi Wufeng asked, "You wouldn't have come without a reason, would you?"

Ye Beizhi thought for a moment. "I heard something happened to you, so I came to check."

"Oh?" Shi Wufeng glanced at Ye Beizhi. "You mean that Qihuang Society business? It was just carelessness on my part, and besides, they ambushed me—"

"It's more than that." Ye Beizhi glanced at Shi Wufeng's hands. "Do you know Frozen Daybreak Lin Jiulao?"