Volume One: Youths Meet in Their Humble Beginnings Chapter Four: Born a Sword, Li Yu

At this, the other two could no longer remain calm, and in unison they asked, "Is it truly a sword embryo?"

Lu Ming acted as if he hadn't noticed their astonishment, merely nodding to acknowledge it.

Lie Yan Kong was even more excited than Shui Linglong. He hurriedly asked, "Do you know what kind of sword embryo it is?"

Indeed, sword embryos are divided into various types. According to their cultivation aptitude, there are three categories. The first is the tangible sword embryo, such as those of water, fire, wind, lightning, and the like. When such a sword embryo is fully cultivated, it can draw upon its innate attribute with every strike, making its lethality surpass that of ordinary sword cultivators. The second is the intangible sword embryo, such as those of thought, emotion, or the five senses. Rarer still than the tangible, these are harder to cultivate and control, but once mastered, a single sword can break through the ranks of thousands. The third type is the Dao sword embryo, a one-in-ten-thousand rarity. Those born with a Dao sword embryo are destined to wield the sword and reach the realm of Dao, and their appearance in the cultivation world is exceedingly scarce.

It was no wonder Lie Yan Kong was so agitated; he knew well how much benefit a sword embryo would bring to his sect. If they could obtain and successfully nurture one, the younger generation of their sect would command far greater influence in the cultivation world, and their standing would only become more secure. After all, sword embryos are rare treasures, even the weakest among the tangible types.

According to secret intelligence from his sect, Lu Ming himself was a sword embryo, and possibly of the intangible kind. Even Shui Linglong was not as simple as she appeared on the surface.

Lie Yan Kong quickly realized his own eagerness, and Shui Linglong too glanced at him with a hint of surprise, while Lu Ming remained unperturbed. Knowing he’d lost his composure, Lie Yan Kong gave an awkward smile. Lu Ming replied, "I don't know."

He then added, with earnestness, "I truly don't know."

Lie Yan Kong had thought Lu Ming was feigning ignorance, but hearing that added assurance, his suspicions were dispelled and he chided himself for being overly suspicious.

But as for Lu Ming, he truly did not know. His additional words were simply in gratitude for Lie Yan Kong's care along the journey—he did not wish for any misunderstanding. Moreover, because of his cultivation in the way of the sword, he had a keen sense for the fluctuations of the human heart, and just now, he had sensed a ripple in Lie Yan Kong's mind.

Shui Linglong, noticing the subtle tension between the two, knew Lie Yan Kong had harbored doubts, but she also recalled his consideration toward her throughout the journey. Though Lu Ming was a man of few words, his conduct was trustworthy and dependable. Thus, she took the initiative to ease the atmosphere. "Then, Junior Brother Lu, in your opinion, what type of sword embryo might it be?"

Shui Linglong, though cool in demeanor, was by no means dull. She understood that to resolve the unspoken discord between the two, everything must be laid bare. Lu Ming would not volunteer information, but if given an opening, he would share what he knew—his character, like his sword, was open and upright.

Indeed, Lu Ming saw nothing amiss in speaking openly, provided it did not involve sect secrets or others’ affairs. He had always believed in being forthright.

Without much thought, he replied, "Though I can't discern it, I sense it should be no less than mine."

At that, even Shui Linglong regarded him anew. She, like Lie Yan Kong, knew of Lu Ming’s sword embryo. Having witnessed his strength during a past mission, she was well aware that Lu Ming was no ordinary cultivator—he might even surpass her now. In time, should he truly grow, his place atop Great Sword Green Mountain would be assured.

Shui Linglong did not bother to hide the fervor in her eyes. She asked, "Junior Brother Lu, are you planning to take him back to your Great Sword Green Mountain?"

Hearing this, Lie Yan Kong also waited anxiously for his answer. Lu Ming, as always, remained calm. "In our Green Mountain, accepting disciples is not only a matter of cultivation aptitude, but also of character." He added, "And whether I take him or not is not mine alone to decide—it also depends on his own will."

Throughout their conversation, they had not deliberately kept their voices low; Li Yu could hear every word. Even as Lu Ming spoke with the others, he kept an eye on Li Yu’s reactions and expressions.

At first, Li Yu’s face was calm as still water—not a trace of fear when he first met them, nor any visible joy when it was mentioned he might be highly gifted. Throughout, his inner state remained undisturbed; not a ripple of fear, astonishment, happiness, or delight—only perfect tranquility. This piqued Lu Ming's curiosity. They could all appraise bone structure at a glance and could tell the child was indeed only five years old. For a boy of five to be so composed was beyond his expectation. Only when he heard he might be taken away did a flicker of panic appear, but it was quickly suppressed. Now, Lu Ming was truly intrigued by Li Yu.

Lie Yan Kong, hearing Lu Ming's words, felt somewhat ashamed. "Just now, I was small-minded. I hope Junior Brother Lu will forgive me."

Lu Ming shook his head. "No matter."

With that, the small episode between the three passed. When their attention returned to Li Yu, they grew more earnest and respectful. Originally, they had only intended to inquire about local matters, but now, recognizing the boy's potential for cultivation, their attitude changed.

Lie Yan Kong stepped forward, crouched down, and asked, "Little brother, what is your name?"

Li Yu did not answer.

Lie Yan Kong gazed into his eyes, wondering if the child might truly be blind. He recalled that those who are blind might also be deaf, so he waved his hand before Li Yu’s eyes and asked, "Can you see?"

Still, Li Yu did not answer.

Now Lie Yan Kong was at a loss. It was not entirely his fault; born to a family of cultivators, he had been immersed in the ways of the cultivation world since childhood. He was adept at dealing with his peers but had little idea how to approach ordinary folk.

At this, Lu Ming stepped forward and said, "Senior Brother Lie, let me try."

Lie Yan Kong nodded and stepped aside. Lu Ming opened his pack, took out some rations and water, broke off a piece of bread for himself, and then handed the other half to Li Yu. At the sight of food, the boy finally stirred, hesitating over whether to eat it or not. After much indecision, he slowly reached out, took the bread, and nibbled at first, but soon, seeing Lu Ming make no further move, he ate in hungry mouthfuls.

Seeing this, the three realized that, though the boy’s eyes were gray, he was not blind.

Lu Ming, seeing the boy lower his guard and eat, offered him his water flask, first taking a sip himself before handing it over. Li Yu took a large gulp and continued eating. Observing his ravenous manner, his ragged clothes, and gaunt frame, all three felt a pang of pity.

Lu Ming offered more food. Li Yu, however, did not take everything but looked at Lu Ming first. Seeing only sincere intent to help, he carefully selected three pieces of bread and took no more.

Seeing him stash away the bread, the three thought he meant to save it for later, and their hearts grew heavier. Watching Li Yu eat, Lu Ming was reminded of his own childhood. With a gentle touch, he wiped the dirt from Li Yu’s face and cleared the grass from his hair—not as any gesture of intimacy, but out of shared memory.

Lie Yan Kong and Shui Linglong were startled by this. "Are you all right?" they asked.

Lu Ming replied, "I'm fine. I just remembered that I, too, grew up like this."

Neither had realized Lu Ming's past had been so bleak. It was hard to imagine what might have become of him had he not entered Great Sword Green Mountain.

Li Yu did not resist Lu Ming’s actions, continuing to eat until finished, then performed a deep scholar's bow in thanks.

This surprised the three. They had not expected a child of such apparent poverty to know such a formal gesture. Without proper instruction, he could not have shown such etiquette.

But this was not the moment for further inquiry. Lu Ming asked, "Can you speak?"

Li Yu replied, "What does sir wish to ask?"

Lu Ming looked to Lie Yan Kong, who immediately understood and asked, "What happened here?"

Li Yu answered respectfully, "Six months ago, there was a drought here. Then many monsters came out of the mountains. They ate people and took children, so everyone fled."

His reply was brief, but to the three listeners, it was shocking. If what he said was true, why had no one reported it in the past six months? And if it was reported, why had the Celestial Inspectorate sent no one to investigate?

"Have you seen anyone like us come before?" Lie Yan Kong asked.

"Yes," Li Yu replied, "but none who entered the mountains came out again. After that, none came."

Shui Linglong asked from the side, "Senior Brother Lie, could they have been from the Celestial Inspectorate?"

Lie Yan Kong answered, "Unlikely. If Inspectors met with disaster and their life tablets shattered, it would not be overlooked—this is the bottom line. Unless they weren't Inspectors, but wandering cultivators, or perhaps they were trapped in the mountains—alive but unable to escape. But given the current situation, that's unlikely. Every mission has a time limit, and if no one returns by then, more would be sent. Since he says only one group came, they were likely not Inspectors. No other cultivators came, and, given the barrier we sensed as we entered, it's clear this was done deliberately. The previous cultivators who entered were likely let in by mistake before the scheme was completed, but the gap was soon mended and news suppressed. As for how we got in—perhaps it was fate, or perhaps the trap is nearly sprung and the mastermind is preparing to draw the net."

At this, Lie Yan Kong looked at Li Yu and asked, curious but cautious, "You said the monsters took children. Why didn't they take you?"

Li Yu, sharp as ever, understood the suspicion. Lie Yan Kong voiced what all three wondered.

Li Yu met their gaze and answered steadily, "I am not."

The three fell silent. He had said "I am not," but not what he was not. Clearly, he meant he was not a monster or in league with them. But he had not explained why the monsters ignored him—perhaps he knew, or guessed.

But since Li Yu would not say more, they saw no need to press further. So long as he was not connected to the monsters, the reason he was overlooked was not critical. After all, everyone had secrets, and Li Yu was already a special case—what was one more peculiarity?

Their suspicions were only natural. To find a living child in a desolate place, and one so gifted, who wouldn't wonder? But they were not ordinary cultivators. From the first moment they met the boy, each had used their sect's methods to examine him.

Even if he were a monster, he could not have escaped the scrutiny of disciples from three great sects: Great Sword Green Mountain, Divine Water Palace, and Fire Sun Sect. Examination was one thing, but they still needed to hear something from the boy himself.

Lie Yan Kong did not dwell on it further. "Where are you going?"

Li Yu replied, "To the town ahead."

"For what purpose?"

"To find food."

Shui Linglong asked, "Are there still people in the town?"

Li Yu nodded, "There weren't before, but now, sometimes a few appear—they’re soldiers."

This struck the three as odd. Soldiers patrolling in the heart of a disaster zone was unexpected.

Lie Yan Kong then offered, "Come with us. We’ll take you there."

Li Yu said nothing, but quietly moved to stand beside Lu Ming.

Lie Yan Kong felt a pang. If they could rule out any suspicions about the boy, this gesture showed that among the three, Li Yu favored Lu Ming. But what could he do? He simply hadn't gained the boy's trust from the start.

The three mounted their swords and rose into the sky. On the way, Lu Ming told Li Yu to hold onto him, but the boy refused, likely for fear of dirtying his clothes. So Lu Ming took the initiative, grasping Li Yu’s hand and placing it on his own leg. "Don't be afraid," he said, then asked, "What is your name?"

The boy was silent for a moment, then softly replied, "My name is Li Yu."