124: Chapter 124 You may enter the library; there's no need to call me master!

Li Xinyue also took a few steps closer, her gaze falling upon the Cheng Ying Sword in her father's hand, unable to look away for a long time.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

It was so beautiful it left one speechless.

As someone well-versed in the Dao of the sword, she actually couldn't find a single word at this moment to describe the elegance of the sword before her.

“I have always believed my skills could rival the sages of old, but seeing this today, I am truly a frog at the bottom of a well looking at the sky.

Just how was such a divine weapon forged? I fear even ancient methods would struggle to record its secrets!”

King Li Su spoke, his tone tinged with a hint of loneliness.

It was the regret of facing the ultimate truths of the Great Dao yet being unable to touch them, like a mountain climber seeing the mist at the summit but being unable to take another step.

At this moment, Li Hanyi did not sheathe the Cheng Ying Sword; instead, she reached back and pulled out a blunt hilt. It was lustrous all over, as if carved from warm jade.

King Li Su was still immersed in the shock from moments ago, and seeing this scene, he was momentarily stunned.

His gaze fell upon that jade hilt, his heart jolted violently, and his body couldn't help but tremble.

“This... could it be the legendary hanguang sword hilt?”

Before his voice had even faded, Li Hanyi's True Qi circulated, and a nearly transparent, shimmering blade quietly emerged in the air.

The sword's shadow rippled like flowing water, or like morning mist lightly swirling.

A chorus of sharp intakes of breath rang out in the hall.

If the Cheng Ying Sword was an elegant, meticulously detailed masterpiece, then this containing light was a celestial weapon that transcended the world, riding the void and the wind.

The upper is named containing light, the middle is Chengying, and the lower is named Xiaolian.

The three swords stood side by side, with containing light at the head.

Immediately after, Li Hanyi released both swords. The two divine weapons actually hovered in mid-air, standing vertically, slowly rotating around each other as if drawn by invisible threads in the darkness, becoming one perfectly integrated whole.

The entire hall was silent; one could hear a pin drop.

Mu Liangyue was also witnessing both swords leaving their sheaths at the same time for the first time, and having never seen such a wondrous sight, a look of envy couldn't help but appear in her eyes.

When Master bestowed the sword upon Senior Sister Hanyi years ago, although she felt envious, it was mostly because of containing light's reputation on the Divine Weapon Rankings.

But looking at it now, these two swords were clearly a natural match, echoing each other like old friends reunited after a long separation.

“Swords are inherently lethal weapons, things of slaughter, yet these two possess no murderous aura. Instead, they exude a sense of tranquility and distant clarity; it is truly admirable.”

Li Xinyue only withdrew her gaze after a long while, her eyes somewhat dazed.

She looked at Su Rui sitting motionless, then glanced at Li Hanyi standing by his side.

She suddenly felt that the two of them, just like these two swords, seemed meant to be together, complementing each other perfectly.

Her whisper startled King Li Su, who was still lost in thought. He let out a long sigh and slowly sat down.

Su Rui raised a hand in a guiding gesture; the Cheng Ying Sword returned to its sheath at the command, while containing light gently fell into Li Hanyi's hand.

King Li Su suppressed the throbbing in his heart, withdrew his gaze, and looked at the final resting place of the two swords, sighing once more.

“Originally, I had scouted the whereabouts of the 'Iron Horse Ice River' sword left behind by the Kunlun Sword Immortal, intending to find it and give it to Hanyi as a celebratory gift.

But now that she has containing light in hand, there's no need to mention that sword anymore.”

Although the 'Iron Horse Ice River' was ranked third among famous swords and had awed the Jianghu for many years,

Compared to containing light, it ultimately lacked that touch of spiritual charm.

Moreover, containing light and Chengying were originally from the same lineage, paired as a set, as if ordained by heaven.

“Did Father see the forging methods of these two swords?” Li Xinyue asked softly, not surprised by her father's lament.

“Extremely difficult to decipher.

The skills of the ancestors are no longer something our generation can fathom.” King Li Su shook his head, a trace of bewilderment flashing in his eyes.

Just then, Su Rui's eyes flickered slightly as he suddenly remembered the Talisman of Nine Surges of the Jiyin Epoch he had obtained.

That was the supreme Artifact Refining manual of the Daoist Danxia Sect, specifically detailing the techniques for refining Magical Artifacts.

He himself had no intention of Artifact Refining, but this supreme skill might be perfectly suited for the old craftsman before him who was obsessed with sword casting.

“Speaking of Artifact Refining methods, I do know a thing or two.” Su Rui suddenly spoke up.

King Li Su turned abruptly, his gaze shooting toward Su Rui like a torch.

Shock, doubt, and hope were intertwined on his face.

A massive wave had already surged within his heart.

Could it be... this person not only holds Chengying but also possesses the secret of its forging?

As the thought arose, he stood up abruptly, strode a few steps to Su Rui, stared intently at him, and said with a slightly trembling voice:

“You... truly know?”

This action caused both Li Hanyi and Li Xinyue to be taken aback.

Immediately after, everyone in the hall froze in place.

“Please, grant me your guidance!”

King Li Su suddenly bowed and clasped his hands, giving Su Rui a deep, respectful salute.

As a sword forger, facing a supreme truth of Artifact Refining, it would be worth giving everything he had.

At this moment, he had long forgotten his status; there was only one thought in his heart—a seeker of the Dao.

“Grandpa!”

Li Hanyi was instantly overwhelmed with embarrassment.

Hearing his granddaughter's voice, King Li Su regained some of his senses, but he still didn't stand up.

[King Li Su: Fifty-seven years and nine months old; Aptitude: 92; Evaluation: Single-minded, diligent and intelligent, understands all principles, though advanced in age; meets the Martial Arts Hall's recruitment standards]

“In that case, are you willing to join my Martial Arts Hall?”

Su Rui suddenly spoke.

Li Hanyi and Li Xinyue were both stunned.

What did this mean? Did he want King Li Su to take him as a Master?

But now that the relationship between Su Rui and Li Hanyi was out in the open—King Li Su was her biological maternal grandfather!

How would the generational hierarchy work?

Li Xinyue's mind was a mess, her gaze blank.

Li Hanyi's expression also shifted uncertainly.

But King Li Su hadn't thought of any of that.

“Li Su pays respects to Ma—”

“Stop.”

Su Rui raised a hand to stop him.

“Just enter the hall; there's no need to call me Master.”

This was also a test by Su Rui.

Upon hearing this, King Li Su had no objections.

“Li Su pays respects to the Hall Master!”

[Ding! King Li Su has officially joined the Martial Arts Hall. If you grant him an Opportunity or a treasure, it will trigger a critical hit return.]

It actually worked!

A faint light flashed in Su Rui's eyes.

Li Hanyi and Li Xinyue both breathed a secret sigh of relief—at least the titles weren't messed up.

But on second thought, Li Xinyue felt another headache: Su Rui seemed to be Li Changsheng's Master, and Li Changsheng was her husband's teaching mentor... the relationships were already hopelessly tangled.

King Li Su stood up straight, looking at Su Rui with burning eyes, full of anticipation.

“Actually, that is not a method of sword casting.”

Su Rui stood up and said.

King Li Su was startled, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

But he immediately thought of the person's background and cultivation; even if it wasn't a secret sword-casting technique, it would surely provide great inspiration.

Su Rui raised his hand and transmitted the 'Ten Essentials of Treasure Refining' from the Talisman of Nine Surges of the Jiyin Epoch into his Sea of Consciousness.

Li Xinyue didn't understand what was happening, while Li Hanyi and Mu Liangyue were full of curiosity.

King Li Su's eyes suddenly widened, and a stormy wave surged within him.

What is this?!

He almost roared in his heart.

It was actually the core essence of refining Magic Treasures!

Indeed, this was not an ordinary Dao of sword casting, but it could forge peerless divine weapons, and even Sharp Weapons and immortal swords that transcended the mundane!

A long time later, after everyone had already sat down to rest, King Li Su slowly came back to his senses, staring at Su Rui with a raspy voice:

“Just... what kind of person are you?”

“If nothing goes wrong, I should call you Grandfather-in-law in the future.”

Su Rui gave a calm smile and naturally took Li Hanyi's hand beside him.

Having her hand held in front of her mother and grandfather, a flush appeared on Li Hanyi's face, but she didn't pull away.

Warmth came from his palm; she only felt her ears burning, as if her whole being was about to catch fire.

Seeing this scene, King Li Su actually chuckled.

“Good, since we are family, there's no need to ask about the past.

It's just that the thing you gifted is far too precious...” he sighed.

He hadn't expected that just by joining, he could obtain such an unrecorded secret.

After returning to his seat, he was silent for a moment before finally speaking:

“From this day forward, Sword Heart Tomb shall come under the jurisdiction of the Martial Arts Hall.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was shocked.

“Master, our Sword Heart Tomb has always been independent of any School...” a Disciple spoke hesitantly.

This was the rule they had established upon joining; how could it suddenly change?

“Times change; in the future, you will understand.”

King Li Su responded calmly, his gaze sweeping over Li Xinyue and Li Hanyi, a look of satisfaction showing in his eyes.

“You must be tired from the journey; I will arrange accommodations now.

Xinyue, you stay in your old room.” After saying that, his gaze fell upon Su Rui, Li Hanyi, and Mu Liangyue beside them, his look meaningful.

The sky was indeed growing late, and the twilight was closing in.

He then ordered people to prepare a feast and sleeping quarters.

After the banquet dispersed, a female Disciple of Sword Heart Tomb led Su Rui and the other two to their residence.

This female Disciple would steal glances at Su Rui from time to time, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, and when her gaze swept over Mu Liangyue and Li Hanyi, it was full of envy.

After settling the three of them, she quietly withdrew.

The room suddenly became quiet, the air seemingly stagnant.

The room wasn't large, but it had a spacious bed.

The three of them stood in the room, looking at each other, speechless for a moment.

Li Hanyi and Mu Liangyue's faces were already dyed the color of sunset, and under the dim light, they looked as clear and moving as glazed glass.

“I'll go ask Grandpa for another room!”

Su Rui suddenly remembered King Li Su's meaningful look from last night, his heart jolted, and he instantly understood the reason—that old man was doing it on purpose!

Just as he was about to turn and leave, his sleeves were grabbed by two hands at the same time.

“I... I'm fine.”

Li Hanyi's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, her fingertips were cold and trembling slightly, clutching his wrist as if grabbing a final piece of driftwood.

Mu Liangyue on the side seemed calm, but in reality, it was even worse; even her fingertips were trembling slightly, being several degrees more nervous than Li Hanyi.

“I... can also do it.”

She said in a low voice, not daring to lift her head.

Hearing this, Su Rui gently pulled back his hands, reached out to rub both their hair, and after a moment of silence, led them into the room.

The wide bedding was spread out, and the three of them lay side by side.

He held Mu Liangyue on his left and Li Hanyi on his right, both of them pillowed in the crooks of his arms, their bodies pressed close to him, their breathing rapid, their bodies still slightly trembling.

“Don't overthink, sleep peacefully.”

He spoke softly and closed his eyes.

The next morning, the sky was faintly bright.

Su Rui opened his eyes, still in the same posture as when he fell asleep last night.

The two women beside him had their eyes tightly closed, but their long eyelashes were constantly trembling, and their chests were rising and falling in shallow, rapid breaths—clearly they had been awake for a long time, just not daring to open their eyes.

“Everyone, get up.”

He suddenly sat up and pulled the two of them up as well.

“Ah!”

The two women cried out in surprise, hurriedly pulling the quilt to cover their disheveled lapels.

Attended by two blushing faces, he straightened his clothes.