Chapter 21 - The ELder Fei Long: I have never been so humble!

Chapter 21: The ELder Fei Long: I have never been so humble!“Hey, Ning Chuan!”

As Ning Chuan descended the stairs, he heard someone call out to him. Turning his head, he spotted Elder Fei Long holding an iron sword, propped against the doorway, his gaze fixed intently on Ning Chuan.

“Elder Fei Long?” Ning Chuan raised an eyebrow in surprise, then quipped, “Why, Elder Fei Long, are you up to this early in the morning? Shouldn’t you be keeping watch over Miss Blue?”

Ning Chuan and Nan Yuexi had grown closer since their stroll together, forming several connections between their groups. He had learned that Nan Yuexi, known as Miss Blue, came from a wealthy family that had sought refuge from the capital. Elder Fei Long was entrusted with her care, though he often boasted about his swordsmanship prowess. In truth, when it came to demonstrating his skills, he stumbled and hesitated, struggling to show his true abilities. This playful dynamic had formed between them.

Ning Chuan continued, “You know, Elder Fei Long, why the early visit? Weren’t you supposed to be guarding Miss Blue?”

With a somewhat serious expression, Elder Fei Long retorted, “Don’t underestimate this old man, Ning boy. Even the most renowned swordsmen in the world would show respect to me by performing the disciple ceremony and addressing me as ‘senior.'”

This banter between them had become somewhat of a tradition. Amidst the people of Lin’an City, Elder Fei Long was the only one who dared to call him “Boy Ning,” instead of the more formal “Mr. Ning.”

“Is Elder Fei Long not actually a master? He’s been saying the end is near for him, not a good sign,” Ning Chuan smirked, teasing Elder Fei Long.

Elder Fei Long’s expression soured at Ning Chuan’s jest. “Youngster, can’t you offer even a hint of respect? Do you realize that even the most accomplished swordsmen, upon meeting me, would perform the disciple ceremony and address me as their senior?”

Amused, Ning Chuan burst into laughter. He couldn’t help but grin at the antics of his friend.

As Ning Chuan started to walk away, Elder Fei Long’s irritation surfaced. “Hold on a moment!”

Ning Chuan turned to him, inquiring, “Is there something you need?”

“Ning boy, since you enjoy saying I’m all talk, how about I demonstrate a set of sword skills for you?” Elder Fei Long proposed. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ NøᴠᴇlFire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Ning Chuan had a busy day ahead and wasn’t in the mood for idle chatter. “Sorry, Elder Fei Long, I’ve got things to do right now. Maybe I’ll swing by later to witness your performance. How about that?”

Elder Fei Long was visibly taken aback. “No time?”

His frustration rising, Elder Fei Long reflected on his centuries of experience within the Nine Mysterious Realm. He was a master swordsman with countless practitioners seeking to learn from him. He remembered the Sword Master of the Sword Tomb visiting the Heavenly Saint Palace three times to request his tutelage. And here stood Ning Chuan, claiming he had no time?

Unfazed, Ning Chuan was about to continue on his way. But Elder Fei Long quickly moved to block his path. “Why the hurry?”

Ning Chuan arched an eyebrow. “If you keep blocking my path, I’ll have even less time.”

Elder Fei Long’s frustration was palpable. Suppressing the urge to snap, he attempted to control himself. “Calm down, control yourself. Focus on the bigger picture.”

He forced a smile and approached Ning Chuan again. “Ning Boy, just watch my demonstration once?”

Ning Chuan chuckled at Elder Fei Long’s attempt to humble himself. “Elder Fei Long, what are you up to? I’m really busy, but I promise I’ll come back later to witness your performance, alright?”

Elder Fei Long’s irritation peaked. Was Ning Chuan baiting him into this proposal? It seemed that way. Nonetheless, he persevered.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Elder Fei Long’s tone grew stern. “What’s with your attitude? If you won’t show some respect, then I won’t make time for you.”

Ning Chuan sighed, pushing past Elder Fei Long. “If you’re just going to keep staring at me, I won’t have any time either.”

Ning Chuan’s response was met with a daring gesture from Elder Fei Long. “How about this? One hundred gold pieces, and you can watch me perform.”

Ning Chuan’s hand shot out, grabbing Elder Fei Long’s finger. “Deal!”

Ning Chuan’s smug grin irked Elder Fei Long. Had Ning Chuan anticipated his proposition all along?

“Follow me,” Elder Fei Long said, his tone weak.

Guiding Ning Chuan, Elder Fei Long led him through a winding path to the Seven Blessing Inn’s backyard.

“Let’s begin,” Ning Chuan leaned against a doorframe, his arms crossed.

“Very well,” Elder Fei Long replied.

“Ning Boy, pay close attention. This will be a single demonstration,” Elder Fei Long said, a serious demeanor replacing his usual playfulness.

Elder Fei Long’s breathing evened out, his aura becoming tranquil, spreading gently around him. Leaves and dust started to lift, carried by the breeze he created.

Observing the scene, Ning Chuan furrowed his brows, wondering if Elder Fei Long truly possessed something extraordinary. He couldn’t discount the butler’s skills entirely, given his background and connection to Miss Blue.

Elder Fei Long’s eyes closed momentarily. When they reopened, they held an intense focus. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his iron sword.

The dance began—fluid and precise. It alternated between bursts of speed and moments of profound stillness. Swift as a striking snake, slow as a mighty mountain. The sword moved as if an extension of his being, weaving through the air with grace.

After a series of intricate movements, Elder Fei Long sheathed his sword in a single, smooth motion.

“Ning Boy, what do you think of my sword skills?” Elder Fei Long’s face was alight with anticipation.

A self-satisfied grin adorned Elder Fei Long’s weathered visage. The aura that had exuded the air of a seasoned master moments ago had dissipated as quickly as it had arisen. Nevertheless, his gaze remained fixed on Ning Chuan, brimming with unwavering confidence.

While the swordplay he had just demonstrated might have appeared unremarkable at first glance, lacking the flashy theatrics of rending the sea or rending the sky with a single stroke, those possessing true expertise would discern its value. A master swordsman present would recognize the depth of Elder Fei Long’s skill.

Indeed, Elder Fei Long had ascended to the pinnacle of swordsmanship. His style was a blend of simplicity and sophistication, where each movement seemed effortless yet contained immense power. Every action was laden with meticulous precision, an embodiment of the art’s subtleties.

In the contemporary realm of swordsmanship, individuals capable of achieving such mastery could be counted on one hand—likely no more than three.