Chapter 93: A Final Melody Amidst the Plum Blossoms

After the sword energy within his body was cleansed by the gentle aura of the “Supreme Goodness Like Water” technique, he felt every inch of his skin refreshingly comfortable—sometimes like a warm spring breeze, sometimes like the soothing rays of the sun. The sensation was indescribably pleasant.

Once the intense pain within subsided completely, the cold sweat that had drenched his back vanished without a trace, swept away by the serene energy of the Supreme Goodness Like Water.

“Thank you for your repeated assistance, Senior,” Bai Mu said softly, turning around with a courteous gesture of cupped hands.

“No need,” the middle-aged Brahmin Saint replied amiably, waving his hand. “You are still too young and inevitably somewhat reckless.”

“Your severe injuries have yet to heal, and the Azure Dragon sword energy inside you could erupt at any moment during your weakness, tearing through your meridians inch by inch.”

“Although you previously took the humanoid Ganoderma to cleanse your muscles and bones, over time, you still won’t be able to withstand the sword energy’s assault and may perish.”

“I understand the reason, Senior,” Bai Mu said ruefully, casting a glance at the Brahmin Saint’s square-jawed face. “Ling Yan’s situation is so dire; I must collect the Red Lotus quickly to save her...”

“No, no, no,” the Brahmin Saint’s expression darkened as he hurriedly interrupted. “Saving lives is like putting out a fire—I understand that well.”

“But to succeed, one must first sharpen one’s tools. Preparation is even more important than the entire mission.”

“I know...” Bai Mu lowered his head, muttering in disappointment, “It’s my own laziness for not training diligently with my master. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so useless at such a critical moment.”

“That is not your fault, and the two are not necessarily connected,” the Brahmin Saint said. Seeing the young man’s self-reproach, a rare tenderness stirred within him—after tens of thousands of years of silence, he found himself unexpectedly moved.

His thick brows lifted, and he smiled gently in reassurance. “Since Bi Fang mistakenly brought you both into the Cold Abyss Valley, and since I have always been on good terms with Ling Yan’s father, I will naturally help with this favor.”

“Rest in the valley for three days. During this time, I will teach you four sword techniques.”

“These four sword forms, combined with my Supreme Goodness Like Water technique, will be enough to fully cleanse the Azure Dragon sword energy within you and allow you to control it completely.”

“Then, when you travel to the Southern Wilderness to retrieve the Leaving Fire Red Lotus with a healthy body, the task will be much easier!”

“Is what you say true, Senior?” Hearing that this profound and mysterious elder, who was even acquainted with the Heavenly Emperor, would teach him sword techniques, Bai Mu’s earlier despair vanished like a bright lighthouse piercing through a foggy sea, instantly illuminating the way home.

“Indeed,” the Brahmin Saint smiled faintly. “I can only teach you these four sword forms to help you sort and reconcile the Azure Dragon sword energy within. The full set of sword techniques is not yet appropriate to reveal.”

“Besides, from what you said earlier, you must have a master. If I recklessly taught you all my sword techniques, it might seem like I’m trying to steal a disciple.”

“Senior, by teaching me these four sword forms and the Supreme Goodness Like Water technique, you have already granted me great grace. How could I dare to covet all your secret arts and immortal methods?” Bai Mu replied honestly, a hint of inner joy flashing across his face. Traveling across thousands of miles to Mount Floating Jade to seek a master had failed, but by chance, he met a far mightier figure here in Cold Abyss Valley who was willing to impart supreme skills. It was like finding a needle in a haystack without even trying.

“It seems I, Brahmin Saint, truly have the eye to recognize talent. I did not misjudge you,” the elder said, then changed the topic calmly. “Tomorrow morning, come with me to the waterfall pool behind the plum grove in the valley. I will teach you the Supreme Goodness Like Water technique. After three days, Bi Fang and I will leave the valley with you to journey to the barbaric lands of the Southern Wilderness to find the ten-thousand-year Leaving Fire Red Lotus.”

“Yes!” Bai Mu nodded as calmly as he could, though his heart soared with excitement.

He recalled how, when wounded at the Return Void Sanctuary, he had lamented his misfortune entering the wilderness, constantly slandered and hunted.

When the Grey Crane Ancestor appeared, he had secretly feared his life was doomed atop Mount Jiexiu.

Yet now, three days later, not only was he alive, but he had also found an extraordinary mentor like the Brahmin Saint to teach him sword techniques, making up for the regrets of the Return Void battle.

What delighted him most was that this seemingly aloof middle-aged man might hold a status even higher than his own master, Bai Ze. After all, few aside from ancient gods would be familiar with the Heavenly Emperor.

That night, clutching his Azure Dragon sword, Bai Mu lay on the bamboo bed in the plum grove’s wooden hut, his mind replaying the events of recent days.

Thinking that tomorrow he would study sword techniques with this mysterious ancient god, he could not suppress a quiet joy.

Yet, the pale, lifeless face of Ling Yan flashed through his mind, and a faint pang of pain arose in his heart.

He realized that his journey to Return Void Sanctuary had been protected by Ling Yan; now that she was near death, it was his turn to fight for her. A mixture of anxiety and excitement welled up within him.

At dawn the next day, just as the sky began to brighten, Bai Mu heard Bi Fang’s piercing cry outside the hut’s small window, accompanied by a melodious flute tune drifting towards him.

But this morning’s flute melody sounded different from the day before.

Yesterday’s tune was desolate and distant, filled with a mournful, pleading emotion.

This morning’s song was crisp and cheerful, carrying the breath of life itself. Even Bai Mu, utterly unversed in music, felt his heart suddenly brighten.

Caught up in the moment, he sprang out of bed, grasped his sacred Azure Dragon sword, and leapt gracefully to the clearing in the forest.

There, Bi Fang was already dancing in time with the music, flames flickering across his body shimmering golden in the dawn light. His lithe movements completely contradicted the fierce nature of the four great ferocious beasts.

Watching Bi Fang spin and leap, with a faint smile at his brownish-yellow mouth and the excitement gleaming in his eyes, Bai Mu’s own heart lightened. When the flute’s melody reached its peak, he unconsciously began to chant along:

“Outside the forest, a few plum blossoms bloom,

By the warm spring river, birds are the first to sing.

In the wilderness, April’s blossoms fade away,

But in the Cold Abyss, plum flowers begin to flourish.

Always lamenting spring’s departure with nowhere to seek,

Unaware it has come to this very place.”