Chapter 106 - Pavilion Master City Lord
Beyond the Sword Singing Platform, there was a palpable buzz in the air.
Yi Dong swallowed hard and asked hesitantly, “May I inquire about your friend's cultivation level, Fellow Daoist?”
Song Ru appeared somewhat perplexed as she responded, “Fifth level of Foundation Establishment?”
She blinked, gazing up at the Sword Pavilion above and feeling a hint of disbelief.
Could this person truly be at the Foundation Establishment stage?
Yi Dong's vision seemed to dim for a moment. Fifth level of Foundation Establishment. A cultivator from elsewhere who had brought a mortal to Jolcana Road? What was even more astounding was how swiftly they had arrived, not even taking half a cup of tea's time.
What kind of deity was this?
Yi Dong's face showed signs of suffocation, but his communication talisman suddenly lit up. Upon discovering that it was the Law Enforcing Elder of the Sword Pavilion, he promptly infused spiritual energy into the talisman and relayed, “Elder Tang, just a moment ago, an outsider at the Foundation Establishment stage entered the Sword Pavilion via Jolcana Road...”
An elderly voice emanated from the communication talisman. “I am already aware... That individual is currently within the Sword Pavilion, and even the Pavilion Master has been alerted. Your response this time is quite timely. Events have unfolded rapidly. Keep the cultivators outside in check. I guarantee you won't be demoted to the outer sect.”
Even the Pavilion Master had been alarmed...
Yi Dong quickly acknowledged, saying, “Yes, yes, I understand.” CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m
Elder Tang sighed, “Alas, you were too timid during the Jolcana Road trial; otherwise, your future prospects would have been more promising.”
Yi Dong offered an apologetic smile and expressed his commitment. Following Elder Tang's earnest guidance, he assured that he would do his utmost and closed the communication talisman.
He turned to the disciples of the Sword Pavilion, his face filled with determination, and instructed, “Did you all hear that? Go and maintain order, pacify the crowd, and complete the registrations properly.”
Then, he addressed Song Ru, “My apologies for the delay. I will proceed with your registration first. It's worth mentioning that two of Yu Xu's disciples have already registered here, Song Zhen and Song Yi... May I inquire about your Daoist name?”
Song Ru was lost in thought, pondering how this person seemed to have brought a cat along. When she snapped back to reality, she replied, “My Daoist name is Song Ru.”
Yi Dong's mouth twitched. A cat? Not only had the person brought a mortal but also a cat? Did they think this was some kind of outing?
Yet, considering the brief time it took, as smooth as flowing water, it did indeed resemble an outing...
“Ah, Song Ru... Hmm? Could you be the fifth disciple of Eyun?”
One could vaguely discern the location of the sword-forging furnace on the cliff. Thousands of apertures emitted a crimson glow on the dark precipice, causing ripples to break into fragments and transform into billowing white mist.
The current master of the Sword Pavilion was none other than Gong Wei.
As a 9-star swordsmith within the Sword Pavilion, he had once been hailed as the “Lord of Swordsmiths.” This title reflected his role as the patriarch of swordsmiths, underscoring his unparalleled mastery in the art of forging swords.
Guo Fan gazed at the elderly man seated in a cross-legged posture at the summit. He appeared frail, his garments loose, and he exuded no airs of authority. Instead, he resembled an ordinary old man on the brink of life's end, rather than the master of a prestigious pavilion.
“Greetings, Pavilion Master.” Guo Fan respectfully bowed, and Lang Qing followed suit.
Gong Wei raised his head, a faint smile gracing his lips. “No need for such formality. Please, take a seat, both of you.”
Guided by the sword servant, Guo Fan took a seat at a table. Lang Qing cast a curious glance at the current Sword Pavilion master, and his eyes widened in astonishment.
He observed that the Sword Pavilion master's eyes were concealed beneath a shroud of white, veiled in a cloudy gray.
The master was, in fact, blind!
Lang Qing was so startled that he nearly lost his balance. He instinctively reached out to the table's edge to steady himself. “I apologize! I apologize! I acted thoughtlessly!”
Gong Wei waved his hand dismissively and remarked, “No need to worry... Did my appearance startle you?”
Lang Qing quickly shook his head. “Not at all. It's just rather unexpected.”
Gong Wei chuckled and said, “You see, your young companion doesn't find it unusual. Why should you?”
Lang Qing paused, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. “You're absolutely right...”
However, by his words, it seemed that Gong Wei was already aware of Lang Qing's true identity.
The Sword Pavilion master had a tragic past, born into a swordsmithing family within the Sword Pavilion. In his youth, he had lost his sight due to a vengeful act. Nevertheless, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the art of swordsmithing, ascending to the rank of a nine-star swordsmith.
Gong Wei remained amiable and extended his hospitality to Lang Qing. After a pleasant conversation, he arranged lodging for Lang Qing and provided the necessary qualifications for the upcoming competition. He also inquired about how Guo Fan had traversed Jolcana Road, offering praise, which fostered a harmonious atmosphere.
However, their discussion was interrupted as a messenger arrived with news, “Master, Master Duan, City Lord Fang requests your presence.”
The title of “master” was an honorific for a swordsmith.
Within the Sword Pavilion, there was only one individual surnamed Duan who commanded respect from others—the swordsmith serving the city lord.
Fang Xiang.