Chapter 24: Yang Yunshi, the First Sword Immortal

Li Chen and Lin Ying trekked through the deep, snow-laden pine forest. As they emerged, the view suddenly opened up to reveal an isolated peak piercing the clouds. At the summit, a solitary figure stood with a sword pointed toward the heavens—the legendary Sword Immortal, Yang Yunshi. Clad in plain white robes that fluttered in the wind, he held a blade that shimmered with a cold, piercing light, reminiscent of the Milky Way cascading from the ninth heaven. The pair held their breath, feeling a surge of sword aura that was at once exhilarating and awe-inspiring. Lin Ying whispered softly, "This is the purpose of our journey; we must witness the grace of the Sword Immortal with our own eyes."

They climbed the winding mountain path with utmost caution. The snow crunched beneath their feet like the gentle sigh of passing time. Surrounded by a world of silver, the only sounds were the rhythm of their own breathing and heartbeats echoing in the stillness. As they ascended, the air grew thin and crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine. Sunlight occasionally pierced the clouds, casting dazzling glimmers upon the snow, lending a sense of mystery and hope to their quest. Filled with longing for the legendary figure, they took each step with renewed resolve.

When they reached a point a hundred meters from him, Yang Yunshi sheathed his blade and turned, his cold gaze locking onto them. Li Chen quickly bowed, "Juniors Li Chen and Lin Ying pay our respects to Master Yang Yunshi!"

Yang Yunshi returned the salute and asked, "You two are unfamiliar faces. What brings you to see me?"

"We were passing through the area and decided to pay a visit," Li Chen replied.

Yang Yunshi’s eyes flickered as he stared intently at Lin Ying. "And who is this?" Lin Ying bowed respectfully, "I am Lin Ying, greeting Master Yang Yunshi." Yang Yunshi offered a cryptic smile and gestured upward. "Please, follow me to my humble abode for tea."

Li Chen and Lin Ying climbed the final stretch to the summit. The top was flat, occupied by a stone house built of square blocks, spanning roughly three rooms.

Yang Yunshi performed a hand seal, and the stone door groaned open. He gestured for them to enter, his eyes lingering on Lin Ying’s beautiful face with a trace of greed.

Li Chen, sensing something amiss, felt a wave of suspicion. "Why would a renowned Sword Immortal act with such lewd arrogance?" He took Lin Ying’s hand and whispered, "This man is suspicious; we must remain vigilant." Lin Ying nodded, her own instincts aligning with his warning.

Under the cover of their movements, they each swallowed a high-grade spirit pill, the "Hundred Poison Cleanser." Beside the door hung a couplet:
Right: The vastness of the sea and earth is but shallow.
Left: All paths of immortality under heaven are beneath me.
Banner: Spirit that swallows the stars.

Li Chen thought to himself, "A portrait of a man driven by selfish desire, arrogant, and devoid of moral principle."

He then exclaimed loudly, "What a lofty ambition, worthy of a master who dominates the path of immortality! May I ask, who is this noble soul?"

Yang Yunshi, clearly pleased, stroked his sparse beard and said, "It is not worth mentioning; just some drunken ramblings of mine!"

Li Chen and Lin Ying exchanged a glance, understanding perfectly. Li Chen sensed his cultivation was merely at the high stage of the Golden Core realm, while Lin Ying was at the peak of the Golden Core, and Li Chen himself was at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm.

*He speaks so boldly, he might just lose his head,* Li Chen thought.

Once inside, Yang Yunshi called out for tea. Moments later, four fifteen-year-old girls entered, each possessing a distinct beauty. They set to work: wiping chairs, cleaning tables, arranging tea sets, and pouring the brew.

Under the guise of his movements, Li Chen checked the tea for toxins. Finding it pure, he signaled to Lin Ying, and they drank several cups. The quality was excellent.

Soon after, four more girls brought in dishes, while the first group hurriedly cleared the tea and withdrew.

Li Chen and Lin Ying were dumbfounded. Eight young girls living in a three-room shack with one old man?

Sixteen dishes were laid out, and wine was poured, its fragrance filling the room. With beautiful maidens waiting on them hand and foot, the level of luxury was astonishing.