The next day, Li Guanyi and others left the State City of Jiangnan. Ling Pingyang led five hundred Heavy Cavalry and five hundred Light Cavalry, followed by the logistical troops—a display of majesty fitting for someone of Marquis Qin Wu’s rank, a contingent that participates in the Emperor’s royal hunts.
Clad in heavy armor and fluttering war robes, the sanguine Qilin Battle Banner soared high.
It was only then that prominent families from the city came out to see them off. As Li Guanyi and his entourage exited the city, they heard a succession of hoofbeats from behind. The young man tightened his reins, turned sideways, and saw the noble sons galloping out, all looking quite heroic.
Ling Pingyang looked up, a trace of anger already apparent in his eyes.
Ignoring them upon arrival but showing such ceremony at departure, the implications were overly blatant.
The cavalry spear in his hand leveled slightly.
Among the elite of these great small families were family warriors, scholars, and heroes, whose connections and influence were extremely formidable. That was also why Li Guanyi found them quite troublesome to handle. The leader made a slight bow, holding wine in his hand, said, "The aristocratic families of Jiangnan have come to see off Marquis Qin Wu."
"May Marquis Qin Wu watch over his health."
First, gathering a crowd, then poison with plague, and now, a veiled demonstration of power.
Aristocratic families, oh aristocratic families...
Many a noble son seemed to have finally given up on their pursuits, visibly relaxing. With a smile tugging at his lips, he said softly, "General, drink this cup, and let’s bury the past."
This was an offer of peace.
But then he suddenly saw the General reach out and hold down the War Spear raised by Ling Pingyang, saying,
"Pingyang, these are all noble families and scholars; you are a General and should not make an enemy of them."
The leading man smiled faintly, suddenly seeing the young man grabbing the War Bow.
With a single whoosh, the wine cup shattered, spilling wine everywhere and tearing his palm. The young man’s bowstring sang as he laughed,
"I am different; I am the Lord, bring it on."
"I’m tired of acting with you all..."
"You’re unworthy of sharing a drink with me."
He tossed his War Bow to Ling Pingyang, looking at those fierce, outstanding noble sons, whose accumulated foundations seemed to span a thousand years of yesteryears. Considering their past schemes to surrender the city and create plagues, he declared, word by word,
"Each of you, I will neither forgive nor accompany."
"Whatever tricks you have, bring them all out; no need to hide or use covert means, hoping to cling to some so-called moral high ground; you’ve tested for so long, inserting people into the Qilin Army and whatnot. If you want my answer, well, here it is."
The young General turned his horse in front of the Qilin Army, saying,
The aristocratic families had not expected this General’s nature to suddenly become so intense, a far cry from their method of slow and soft undermining. The soldiers of the Qilin Army firmly planted their weapons on the ground, emitting a fierce presence, and collectively declared, "Scram!!"
Thus, everyone was shocked.
The Green Robed Sword Madman eventually laughed heartily, saying to Siming, "He is indeed a child of my family."
Watching the growing younger generation, he laughed heartily, "Come!"
The sound of sword chimes suddenly brightened.
Within the State City of Jiangnan, the Murong Family’s Sword Qi surged skyward, mystical weapons soaring into the air, forming a beam of Sword Qi light, imposing and vast as the sea, enveloping the entire city, then swooping down past the aristocratic gathering, the Sword Qi cold and stirring, making their bodies stiffen, daring not to move an inch.
Li Guanyi watched as the Sword Qi filled the sky, radiantly colorful, drawing the Qiushui Sword from his waist.
The Qiushui Sword sang, flying into the chaotic skies like a fish entering the sea, blending into the imposing array of swords that made all surrounding nature pale in comparison.
Murong Longtu extended his hand and plucked a willow branch from his waist, tossing it casually.
He put down the realm of the Sword Dao with this willow branch.
Then he raised his sword again.
One by one, famous swords hovered between heaven and earth, dimming all else.
That day, the Sword Madman, heading towards dusk, re-entered the Martial World.
Holding a mystical weapon—
Ninety-seven in total!