Volume 2 Tian Nan ? Xuan Qing Volume Chapter 15 New Moon Youth, Finally Got a Glimpse

  One of them was Lian Wanrou, and the other, dressed in light purple cloud clothes, was none other than Lin Meng'er, the treasured daughter of the current leader "Slanting Sun God Sword" Lin Ruochi.

  Two green-clad girls were Lin Meng'er's junior sisters, Xiang Ru and Shui Ping. Lian Wanrou pointed at Luo Zhihan and whispered a couple of sentences to Lin Meng'er, who blushed with shame.

  "Little junior sister, this is Luo Zhihan, brother of the South Sea Sword Sect!"

  Lin Meng'er saw Luo Zhi's cold eyebrows and clear eyes, a refined and elegant demeanor, and also had a good impression. She didn't make fun of him, but instead greeted him politely, saying: "Meng'er has seen Master Luo!"

  Luo Zhi hurriedly bowed and said: "I don't dare, I don't dare!"

  Sun Hui Guang smiled and said: "Luo Xian Di, she is the little ghost spirit of our Dian Cang Mountain, the little junior sister Meng Er!"

  Lin Meng'er's face turned red as she scolded, "Apart from Sixth Shixiong, it's always Fifth Shixiong who loves to tease me!"

  Xiang Ru and Shui Ping stepped forward and said: "Sister Master, what about the little ninth junior brother?" Lin Ming'er smiled but didn't speak.

  "Everyone, please keep quiet for a moment," Lu Lun replied, "The ten swords crafted by Master Lian are truly exceptional. According to Master Bo, Master Lian has mastered the art of combining sword techniques with material properties, and these swords were specifically made for us, the disciples of Mount Cang. They will complement our school's swordsmanship perfectly. As for the swords, both Second Brother and I have seen them, but we haven't had a chance to try them out yet. According to our school's rules, they can only be given to us after the Sword Granting Ceremony."

  Lü Rendong paused for a moment, waiting for the cheers to subside slightly before turning his head to smile at Lin Meng'er: "Little junior sister, it's a pity that several months ago, you asked Master for this sword-forging trip, but Master didn't agree; unfortunately, there isn't one for you this time!"

  After finishing speaking, he winked his right eye, intentionally pretending to be worried about her in a playful tone.

  "Hehe, trying to trick me into getting angry? Not that easy! Xiao Rou has already told me, haven't you? Hmph, I'm not falling for it!" Such good news, of course, had been shared with Lin Meng'er by Wan Rou long ago, so Lin Meng'er was overjoyed.

  Lin Meng'er and Dian Qing's fellow disciples had grown up together since childhood, practicing swordplay and playing together. Except for the deep and introverted Shen Que, the proud and aloof Lu Shaoxing, the honest and simple Luo Tian, the not-so-eloquent Qian Reng, and the sharp-tongued Hu Xing, everyone else was always cheerful and lively when they were having fun, their emotions running incredibly deep.

  Lin Meng'er didn't need to be mentioned, she had grown up with her fellow disciples since childhood. Even Lian Wanrou and the entire Lian family were frequent visitors to the mountain and familiar faces.

  At this time, behind the front row of seats in the great hall, two people walked over, Lu Shaohang and his second younger brother Yun Yuan, both tall and slender, surrounded by everyone.

  Yun Yuan, although young in years, was a well-known Zhì Duō Xīng on Mount Diāo Cāng. After Tiān introduced Luò Zhǐ Hán to him, everyone asked: "Elder brother Yun, are your master and mistress, as well as your uncle still inside? What's going on?"

  Dian Cang's disciples were already used to Master Lu Shaoxing's taciturn nature and so they all asked Yun Yuan instead.

  Yun Yuan smiled slightly and said, "The sect leader also praised the sword, saying that after the sword returns, the memorial service and the sword conferring ceremony three days later can finally be held with a sigh of relief."

  The crowd cheered, and Yun Yuan continued: "Starting tomorrow, the fellow disciples who sent out invitations will return one after another. We need to start decorating the main hall now. We must make our Xuangqing Temple spotless and tidy, giving all the friends of Diancang and the seniors of the martial arts world a grand welcome back to Diancang."

  All the disciples of Dian Cang nodded in unison and said: "What Yun Er Shixiong said is absolutely right!"

  Lin Meng'er smiled and said: "It seems that Father and Master Shibo have wisely entrusted the arrangement of the Grand Hall to Second Brother!"

  Yun Yuan said seriously: "Little Shifu's words are also wrong, as a disciple of Dian Cang, what Yun Yuan can do is only this, it's already shameful!"

  Lian Tian smiled and said: "You're being polite again, why is that necessary?" Everyone also burst out laughing, and slowly dispersed.

  Yun Yuan let the eleventh junior brother Wu Jincai, who was in charge of accommodation, arrange a side room for Luo Zhihan according to Master's instructions, and then he followed the other junior brothers to set up the main hall for the grand ceremony according to Fifth Uncle's plan.

  The next day, August 15th, if it were in previous years, the top of Cangshan Mountain would naturally be bustling with people preparing for the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, this year is different from previous years. In previous years, they would also prepare to hold a grand ceremony to pay respects, but this year it coincides with the Seventh Generation Great Disciple's Sword Conferring Ceremony, and many high-ranking masters from various sects will be attending.

  So, all the disciples of Zhongyuan were busy with their assigned tasks, some painting walls, some wiping walls, and others hanging lanterns, all being diligent and having no time for anything else.

  The next day, Luo Zhihan got up early, had breakfast, and came to the Yunyan Grand Hall. He saw that everyone was busy under Yunyuan's command, willing to lend a hand, but all the younger brothers were very modest and refused to let Luo Zhihan take action.

  Yun Yuan saw Luo Zhihan from afar and came over to say, "Luo Shidi, Shifu and Zhangmen Shushu and Wu Shushu have been in closed-door meditation since early morning. Let's take good care of you, brothers. The main hall is quite busy, why don't you go find Lian Shidi and Xiao Shimei in the side hall courtyard?"

  Lu Zhi thanked him and turned to the side hall, walked through several corridors, and came to a small courtyard. He saw two girls practicing sword fighting, and upon closer inspection, they were Xiang Ru and Shui Ping from yesterday. He went forward to greet them.

  Xiang Ru and Shui Ping returned the courtesy. Xiang Ru said: "Brother Luo is looking for our Eldest Sister Meng and Little Rong, right?"

  Luozhi's face turned red, but he was not good at lying, and could only say: "That's right!"

  "Meng'er Shijie and Xiao Rou Shijie have gone to the back mountain to find Chu Jiu Xiao Shixiong, along with Lian Shixiong and Lu Shixiong!" Xiang Ru said with a quick tongue.

  Luozhi Han had been hearing people mention the name "Chu Jiu" for several days, whether it was at the "Shenmang Mountain Villa" or on the way to Cangshan. He felt curious and asked: "May I ask, Xiangru Shimei, what kind of person is your junior brother Chu Jiu?"

  Logically, Luo Zhihan's question was abrupt, and he thought Xiang Ruyu might not answer. But then he heard another girl, Shui Ping, say: "Junior Brother on the 9th, haha, you're the most interesting person on our mountain!"

  Xiang Ruyi said: "On the ninth day, Xiao Shixiong was the youngest among the disciples under Master's door, but he is the only one who grew up under Master's care except for my younger sister Qing'er. He is naturally clever and agile, yet kind to people, really a first-rate person on our mountain!"

  Her Shifu was naturally Lin Ruochi, the leader of Diancang Sect, "Slanting Sun Extending Sword".

  She smiled and said: "After a while, you go to the back, you can see him, naturally understand what we say is not empty!"

  "Lotus Master Brother, the scenery behind our mountain is beautiful, you can also go and take a look. I and my sister still need to practice swordplay, excuse us!"

  After finishing speaking, the two of them started practicing their swords again. Luo Zhihan hastily said: "Thank you, both Shifu!"

  He stepped down and saw that the two of them had exquisite swordsmanship, although they were still young in age and physique, their swordsmanship was already impressive. However, he also knew that a gentleman does not pry; so he lost interest in watching again, walked around the courtyard, and soon exited the back door of the Xuqing Temple, heading towards the rear mountain.

  It's indeed a great view. After Lu Zhi Han Shun walked out of the back door, he strolled along a big road, surrounded by lush green mountains and fresh air. With one deep breath, he felt refreshed and invigorated.

  About two miles ahead, there were several thatched cottages in a row, and the smell of horse dung wafted from afar. Then came a loud neigh, which was the voice of "Black Cloud". That was the stable of the Diancang Sect.

  At that time, Xiao Qi and Si Tui, who were in charge of the horse shed, had just fed the horses their morning feed. Seeing Luo Zhihan, whom they had only met yesterday, walking towards them, they both came out to greet him.

  Xiao Qi Zi was small in stature, with a white cloth wrapped around his head, his upper body clad in an open-chested garment, and wearing a pair of straw sandals on his feet. He flashed a smile, revealing a set of pearly whites: "Luo Shixiong, it's rare for you to come play at the horse stable!"

  Luò Zhǐ Hán was originally not good at lying, and could only tell the truth: "I'm also just passing by the horse stable, looking for Liàn èr Shīxiōng, but I don't know where Liàn Shīxiōng is?"

  Xiao Qi Zi said: "Lian Shixiong and the others are at Xiao Shixiong's place on the back mountain, I just finished feeding the horses and was thinking of going to find them to play, let's go together!"

  He patted his hands again and said to Si Tui: "Si Tui, take care of the stable first. I'll go find Xiao Jiu with Luo Shixiong!"

  Having said that, Luo Zhi Han nodded his head slightly towards Si Tui and followed him out.

  Xiao Qi Zi and Si Tui, although they were disciples of Dian Cang Mountain, also had martial arts skills, but never formally became disciples under the door of Dian Cang San Zi. Therefore, they also called Chu Jiu, the youngest disciple on Dian Cang Mountain, "Younger Master Brother", and Lin Ming Er, "Younger Master Sister".

  Xiao Qi Zi was lively and talkative, chattering non-stop all the way, and the name "Chu Jiu" kept coming out of his mouth. Luo Zhi Han couldn't help but wonder in her heart, what kind of person was this Chu Jiu who made Wen Shan's Lian Wan Rou infatuated, who was considered by Lian Tian Shi as the best junior brother and friend, and who was the closest playmate to the beautiful and lively Lin Man Er?

  After walking for about two more miles, the road gradually became steeper and turned another bend. Then, amidst a cluster of trees, two small thatched cottages came into view. As they drew closer, the sound of men's and women's cheerful laughter grew louder, including Wanrou's. Luo Zihan heard it clearly, his heart racing with excitement.

  Lian Tian, Lu Lun, Lin Man Er, Lian Wan Rou and Chu Jiu were not in the thatched cottage at that time, but in a small forest behind the thatched cottage. In the middle of the forest was a large empty space, where sunlight filtered through the gaps between the branches, shining brightly.

  Lin Meng'er was practicing sword in the empty land, originally because Lin Meng'er was not the big disciple of this time's granting ceremony, and last night, she and Lian Wanrou asked for a sword from Father Lin Ruochi. With Gu Baiyun also speaking well on her behalf, Lin Ruochi actually always loved his daughter like a precious gem, and knew that his daughter's martial arts were really not as good as the top ten disciples. He had been thanking Lian Rifu in his heart, thinking that if he granted the sword to her at the granting ceremony, it would be inappropriate, so he instructed his beloved daughter for a few sentences and gave the sword to Lin Meng'er.

  She and Lian Wanrou were both delighted last night, and after having breakfast, they pulled Lian Tian and Lu Lun to the back mountain to find Chunjiu.

  At this time, Lin Meng'er was practicing "Guanyin Swordsmanship", which is one of the few women's swordsmanship in Diancang Swordsmanship, named after Guanyin Peak, the eleventh peak of Beicomei. The sword moved lightly and nimbly, sometimes like a white-clad figure emerging from the dust, sometimes weak and unstartling as a gentle breeze, with her clothes fluttering, occasionally gathering her expression, yet again being incomparably dignified and elegant.

  The moment the rehearsal ended, everyone applauded and cheered!

  Luò Zhǐ Hán and Xiǎo Qī Zǐ had just turned around the small hut, under the twinkling lights, Luò Zhǐ Hán and everyone else exchanged greetings one by one. Only then did they see that between Lián Tiān and Lián Wǎn Róu was a young man. That young man was smiling, his thin upper lip slightly raised like a new moon, with a smile as warm as the winter sun.

  This young man is indeed the Shí Jiǔ Xiǎo Shīxiōng (Young Master of the Ninth Rank) in the mouths of Lián Wǎn Róu, Lín Bǐng'ér and others!

  Lu Zhihan just saw that he was relatively thin and modest, and among the ten disciples of Diancang that Gu Baiyun told him about yesterday, there was no name of Chujiu. It seems that his martial arts skills are quite ordinary. Lu Zhihan thought to himself.

  At the crack of dawn on the ninth day, Lin Meng'er and Wan Rou had already mentioned Luo Zhihan. He hastily came over, grasped both of Luo Zhihan's hands with his own, and paid his respects. All he heard was Luo Zhihan smiling and saying: "I've long heard of the great name of the Nanhai Sword Sect. Today, I'm honored to meet Brother Luo."

  "This voice, if there's a human voice that can melt ice and snow, it must be this kind of voice that makes people feel like they're basking in the warmth of spring. His words are fresh and modest, polite and courteous, even Luo Zhi couldn't help but nod his head in agreement, thinking to himself: 'In this world, there really is such a sunny youth!'"

  Luo Zhi said hastily: "Many thanks, elder brother and sister. You mentioned the ninth junior brother earlier, and today I can finally meet him, it's really Luo's good fortune!"

  He suddenly remembered Hu Xing coming yesterday, and for a moment he didn't know whether to use force or not. The hands of the ninth day just smiled and shook hands in a friendly manner. Not long after, they let go, and Luo Zhi's heart felt ashamed, sweating for what he had thought in his heart just now.

  Lian Tian laughed and said: "You two don't have to be so polite anymore, from now on we're just good brothers!"

  "That's great news for Second Brother! We've got another good younger brother!" Lin Meng'er was naturally delighted, smiling as she looked at Chu Jiu but spoke to Lian Tian.

  On the ninth day, Luo Zhi and Han Mang both nodded at Lin Tian, but Chu Jiu turned sideways with a smile, looking at his junior sister, while Lu Lun was already laughing loudly.

  "Everyone knew that Master Lin's swordsmanship was very powerful, but I just saw the sword light flashing from afar and its power is different from before. It turns out that she used a different sword!" Little Qi praised after seeing Lin Meng'er finish her practice.

  The stable and the thatched hut, recently, Xiao Qiuzi, Si Tui and Chujiu have been playing together almost every day. They are naturally familiar with everyone and often see Lin Meng'er practicing swordsmanship. Today, Xiao Qiuzi feels that what she sees is different from before, so she speaks out casually.

  "Of course, this sword in my hand was forged by Uncle Lian using the finest stone iron, and it's made of the same material as the swords that Master will be giving to all of you two days later. It's naturally a great sword!" Lin Meng'er looked at Lian Wanrou and the crowd, then at Chu Jiu, her eyes fixed on her beloved sword, a joyful expression on her face!

  She casually wielded the sword moves, still immersed in the joy of obtaining the sword.

  "My father said that the Stone Iron Elite is very rare, and after the ten swords were cast, some of it was left over, which was a pity. He couldn't resist my request, so he cast this sword, but he also knew the strict rules of the Lingyun Sect, so it's not like the other ten swords in terms of length, and didn't even inscribe Sister Qing'er's name on it; even the casting furnace was separate. This is good too, brother and I can sneak in to see the progress during the casting process!" Lian Wanrou also smiled with pride.

  She said: "Ming'er Shijie, Mother taught me another set of 'Xingyu Swordsmanship', let's practice together and have my big brother and Sixth Shixiong, as well as Ninth Little Shixiong, give us some pointers!"

  After finishing speaking, without waiting for Lin Meng'er's response, she floated forward, made a bow, drew her sword, and with one swift motion, she began to exchange blows with Lin Meng'er. Lin Meng'er smiled slightly and raised her sword to meet the attack. The two of them moved in perfect sync, their swords clashing in a dazzling display of light and shadow. Luo Zhihan's heart skipped a beat as his eyes were filled with the image of Lian Wanrou.