DTSFCII Chapter 4

Against Yan Ming, Xue Qing had no means to deal with him. She could only hope that the heavens would pity her as an innocent soul and let Yan Ming immerse himself in the gentle embrace of the female lead, never to think of her again. Dealing with Xiao Guiying, on the other hand, was much easier. As a minor supporting character, without the protection of the protagonist’s halo, no matter how high his HP was, there would always come a day when he would be defeated.

In order to defeat Xiao Guiying, Xue Qing made many preparations. First, she needed to improve her equipment and have a suitable weapon. This idea did not surprise anyone, considering Xue Qing’s obsession with martial arts in the novel. She wouldn’t allow herself to be without a sword, just like how modern people couldn’t be separated from their mobile phones.

Liu Ying led Xue Qing to the weapon arsenal of the Lingyu Sect. Lingyu Sect specialized in swordsmanship, so the walls were adorned with hanging swords and the floor was filled with piles of swords. Xue Qing had little knowledge of weapons, and as she looked at one sword after another, her mind became dizzy with confusion, unable to decide which one she should choose.

Among the swords in the pile, Xue Qing found one that had a distinct personality. Its blade was silver-gray, and the hilt shone with a silver luster. It was clearly not an ordinary weapon.

Liu Ying explained at Xue Qing’s side, “This sword is called the Cold Iron Sword, crafted by the Broken Sword Villa in Xiangnan. It is made from a single piece of cold iron, without any joints, ensuring a sturdy blade. However, this sword emits a chilling aura, requiring constant internal energy protection. Martial Aunt, you…”

No wonder her hands were freezing when she held this sword. Xue Qing threw the sword away. Without her inner strength, she couldn’t use weapons with additional attributes. It seemed she might as well go with a blank slate.

Xue Qing looked at several more ordinary swords. The sturdier the sword, the heavier and more cumbersome they were. Xue Qing tried a few of them, but they all felt burdensome.

“Is there nothing else besides swords?” Xue Qing asked Liu Ying.

“Lingyu sect disciples only wield swords, and the repository only has swords. Do you want to use something else, Martial Aunt?”

“Hmm, something smaller and lighter, preferably something that can be concealed on my person,” Xue Qing explained. In modern times, self-defense tools are small, like a spray bottle, designed to catch the attacker off guard.

“That would be the Sleeve Sword! There is actually one in the repository, but it’s mainly used as a decorative piece by the Broken Sword Villa, and its appearance is a bit…” Liu Ying said.

“As long as it’s functional, it doesn’t matter if it looks ugly. Bring it to me,” Xue Qing said in a carefree manner. Weapons are meant for self-defense, so what does it matter if they looked good or not?

When Liu Ying brought the hidden-sleeve sword before her, Xue Qing realized she had been too naive. The hidden blade was not ugly at all. On the contrary, as a decorative piece from the Broken Sword Villa, it boasted exquisite craftsmanship. It had a metallic exterior, slim and ultra-thin, with a streamlined design. The blade extended all the way to the hilt which was normal,  but then, her eyes were dazzled by the shining pure silver handle adorned with various gemstones. Liu Ying was right, the appearance of this sword was indeed… too magnificent!

There’s an ancient saying that goes, “Hide your wealth, don’t flaunt it.” This sleeve sword was too dazzling. With its shimmering jewels, it would easily attract attention in the midst of a chaotic battle. Xue Qing felt that she should be more low-key, so she asked Liu Ying, “Do you have something simpler? It would be better without the gemstones.”

“Lingyu Sect typically only equips long swords. Perhaps Martial Aunt has forgotten, but this sword was a gift from the Second Young Master, Jian Wuxin, of the Broken Sword Villa on your tenth birthday. You threw it into the kitchen furnace, but I thought it was a pity and retrieved it, storing it in the weapon repository. It’s the Lingyu Sect’s only concealed sword.”

Does that mean she had no other choice? Having one is better than none. She can always find a skilled craftsman to remove the gemstones if needed. Xue Qing carefully examined the sword, looking for any cracks or rust. Fortunately, it was well preserved. On the back of the blade, there was a line of elegant small characters engraved – “The sword originally had no intentions, but it is devoted to Qing.” If it had just said “The sword originally had no intentions, but it is devoted to feelings”, Xue Qing would have thought it was just a pretentious poetic expression by the sword’s creator. However, he replaced the word “feelings” with the “Qing” from Xue Qing’s name. Xue Qing had reason to suspect that there was an ulterior motive behind it.

“Liu Ying, are you saying that this peculiar hidden-sleeve sword was gifted to me by the Second Young Master, Jian Wuxin, of the Broken Sword Villa?”

“Yes, every year on your birthday, he would send gifts, but you’ve always discarded them without exception. But I thought that it was such a pity if this sword were to be destroyed, so I kept it in the repository.”

Xue Qing understood why the original Xue Qing had thrown this sword into the furnace. She was wholeheartedly devoted to Yan Ming and had no interest in gifts from other men. Xue Qing, however, didn’t have such a psychological burden and happily accepted the sword. Firstly, she couldn’t find anything better, and secondly, there simply wasn’t anything better available.

Qiao Yijun’s insistence on adhering to ancient traditions did not discourage Fang Yun. She had an unwavering spirit when it came to Xue Qing’s marriage. Every day, Fang Yun would consistently ask the same question in various ways, “Are there any outstanding young talents in the vast martial world who caught your fancy?”

“Senior Sister, my future husband must be an exceptional person, with a noble demeanor, formidable martial arts skills, capable of strategizing for the world, and able to establish his power through martial prowess. I won’t settle for anything less,” Xue Qing declared. By setting such high standards, Fang Yun wouldn’t introduce just anyone to Xue Qing. This was Xue Qing’s strategic decision.

On this particular morning, Xue Qing once again declined two arranged marriages organized by Fang Yun. Just when she was celebrating her newfound freedom for the day, she noticed Sun Fang running past her in a flustered state. Sun Fang was a well-behaved and respectful disciple, unlikely to be so impulsive. Xue Qing suspected that something was amiss and instructed Liu Ying to stop him.

“Martial Aunt,” Sun Fang greeted with a bow.

“No need for formalities. Why are you rushing around early in the morning?”

“Martial Aunt, I just received news that there has been a fierce battle between the Eastern Qi Pavillion and the Western Lin Pavillion, resulting in heavy casualties,” Sun Fang respectfully answered.

Sun Fang’s words struck a nerve with Xue Qing. I believe the audience and friends haven’t forgotten, right? The Master of Eastern Qi Pavilion in the original story was none other than Xiao Guiying, who beheaded Xue Qing. The previous Qilin Pavilion’s master, who had no heir, failed to designate a successor before his death. After his passing, the two most respected elders each took charge of the Eastern Qi Pavilion and Western Lin Pavilion, ruling independently and each considering themselves the rightful successor of the Qilin Pavilion. The intermittent conflicts and bloodshed have persisted until now. However, this situation is about to come to an end. The current master of the Eastern Qi Pavilion is no ordinary person. Xiao Guiying will unify the Eastern and Western Pavilions and rebuild the Qilin Pavilion. Then, relying on the influence of the Qilin Pavilion, he will seize control of the Martial Arts Alliance, becoming the leader, and this would be the time when Xue Qing’s death was imminent. Of course, this was the progression of events before Xue Qing’s transmigration. Now, Xue Qing intended to prevent her own demise from occurring. If Xiao Guiying did not become the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance, maybe she wouldn’t die. If the Qilin Pavilion wasn’t rebuilt, Xiao Guiying wouldn’t have become the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance. She can’t allow Xiao Guiying to swallow up the Western Lin Pavilion!

“This matter is of great importance. I will go with you. Liu Ying, wait for me in my room.” After saying this, Xue Qing hurriedly walked with Sun Fang toward Fang Yun’s study.

Fang Yun didn’t have much of a reaction to the bloodshed between the two factions. It was a small skirmish every three days and a major disturbance every month, with a dozen or so people dying each month. The news from the two pavilions was as familiar to Fang Yun as a recurring menstrual cycle, still shocking, but numbing over time. It was a difficult matter to handle because it involved internal conflict, and interference from outsiders was inappropriate. Yet, ignoring it would be heartless, as the righteous and upright sects should stand together, one could not simply stand by and do nothing.

“Send some healing medicines to both factions as usual,” Fang Yun said to Sun Fang with a hint of annoyance.

“Yes, Master.”

Xue Qing stopped Sun Fang, who was about to leave to carry out the task. “Hold on, Sun Fang. Give me a detailed account of the casualties on both sides.”

“Martial Aunt, the Western Lin Pavilion lost over ten disciples, while the Eastern Qi Pavilion had fewer casualties, less than ten people,” Sun Fang replied.

Xue Qing thought to herself, this isn’t good. Xiao Guiying has already started to expand his influence. Now the Eastern Qi Pavilion is stronger than the Western Lin Pavilion, and it seems that the Western Lin Pavilion would not be able to hold on for much longer.

A serious expression appeared on Xue Qing’s face as she asked, “What kind of person is Xiao Guiying?”

“It is rumored that the Eastern Qi Pavilion’s master is handsome and talented in both literary and martial arts. He succeeded as the Eastern Qi Pavilion’s master at the age of fifteen, just as the pavilion was almost lost when the Western Lin Pavilion slaughtered over a hundred people. Now, the Eastern Qi Pavilion has the upper hand. His strategic acumen is beyond doubt. When I saw him in person, he indeed matched the rumors of being outstanding, elegant, and amiable without losing his demeanor. He is truly an exceptional individual.” Sun Fang replied.

Given Sun Fang’s simple and honest nature, he wouldn’t add exaggerated embellishments to his words. His praise for Xiao Guiying was sincere. Indeed, Xiao Guiying still commanded respect, just like in the novel. It was because of his high standing in the martial world that his exposure of the illicit relationship between Xue Qing and Yan Ming was convincing. However, although he knew that the female lead’s relationship with Yan Ming was not pure, he concealed part of the truth about her. As a result, he lost his life at the hands of Yan Ming. Xue Qing, trapped in her current body, can only say from her own standpoint, “You reap what you sow”.

Xue Qing’s arrival in this world was too late. Her relationship with Yan Ming was already an established fact. The ink-colored butterfly tattoo above her left chest, concealed beneath her clothes, served as undeniable evidence. Even if she now spent every day practicing abstinence, chanting Buddhist scriptures, and praying for world peace, the foolish acts done by the previous Xue Qing would still be attributed to her. Poor Xiao Guiying, in order to save her own life, she had to disrupt his future. If the trajectory of the novel changed, there was a possibility that even his fate could be rewritten, and he might not meet his demise.

“Sun Fang, inform me immediately if there is any news about Eastern Qi Pavilion in the future,” Xue Qing instructed. In the original work, Xue Qing was always bossy toward others, and she wanted to emulate that aura.

“Yes,” Sun Fang responded.

Xue Qing was still worried and reiterated, “Make sure to inform me promptly about any news regarding Xiao Guiying. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you responsible.”

“Yes, I will remember,” Sun Fang replied again.

Only then did Xue Qing feel at ease. She trusted in Sun Fang’s competence, and the Lingyu Sect was formidable. Every move made by Eastern Qi Pavilion and even Xiao Guiying would now be under her watchful eyes.

“Good, that’s the way to go,” Xue Qing said with a smile, playfully flicking twice on Sun Fang’s head with her finger. “Senior sister, I’ll go back to my room first. There’s a row of medicine on the cabinet in my room. It was sent by various sects when I was unconscious, but we don’t need it now. Send someone to collect them and deliver them together to the injured.”

“Alright, let Sun Fang handle it. Your body has just recovered, so don’t overexert yourself. Don’t worry too much,” Fang Yun said.

Xue Qing nodded and left with joy in her heart. She had gained the upper hand in her game with Xiao Guiying, and her future was becoming brighter and brighter.

After making sure that Xue Qing had walked away, Fang Yun spoke up and said to Sun Fang, “Do you think Qing’er is particularly interested in the Eastern Qi Pavilion’s master?”

“Yes, Martial Aunt has always been solely focused on martial arts. It’s the first time I’ve seen her show interest in someone,” Sun Fang replied.

“Qing’er, she…toward the Eastern Qi Pavilion’s master…” Fang Yun’s eyes lit up.

“The Eastern Qi Pavilion’s master is indeed both knowledgeable in literary arts and skilled in martial prowess, which indeed meets Martial Aunt’s requirement of ‘proficient in strategy for governing the world, capable of establishing dominance through martial arts’.”

“No wonder she has been feigning illness recently and was unwilling to participate in the discussions with talented young individuals. It turns out she already has someone in her heart. This girl, surely, must be too shy to speak up. It would have been better if she had told me earlier so I could help her come up with a plan.” While complaining, Fang Yun’s face was full of smiles. “Given the current situation, the Eastern Qi Pavilion’s master must be extremely busy. Sun Fang, keep a close eye on his movements and inform me as soon as he becomes available. I want to invite him to Lingyu as a guest.”

“Yes, I humbly accept master’s command.”