Martial King's Retired Life

Vol. 16 Chapter 76

“Why do you learn to wield a broadsword?”

Initially, Bai Zhiqing intended to state it was to uphold justice in the martial world or to inherit martial arts. On second thought, though, he realised he sought ways to slack off whenever it came to training. The thought of upholding justice never crossed his mind for a split second, while he had two elder brothers who could inherit their clan’s martial arts.

“I just practice; I don’t have a purpose in mind. Perhaps it’s because my elder brother told me to train.”

Bai Zhiqing’s two elder brothers were practically two strict fathers to him. Even at this age, the mere mention of them were enough for him to straighten out.

“Our worlds are very different.” Jian Changzai nonchalantly nodded, then yawned as he gazed at the silver glitter on the black canvas above. “If you don’t practice, you might get scolded.”

“And be beaten – viciously.”

“But you still have two brothers who care for you.”

There was no arguing his way out of that truth.

“You’re the leader of Valley of Yearning. You wake up on a comfortable bed, have the luxury of time to think about what you’ll do for the day, how to procrastinate and even be creative about it. Learning the broadsword is meaningful to you, but not significant. Whether or not you practice, you’re still the third young master of Bai Clan. We’re totally different.” Jian Changzai’s gaze drifted among the stars as though home was nowhere to be found. “If we don’t draw our swords, lives will be lost.”

. There was no room for unorthodoxy or darkness among the seven Princes. Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary was the leader of the Seven Champion White Princes. They could not afford to just talk the talk and not walk the walk; their efforts and sacrifices were known to all, consolidating their leadership among the seven. It was not a big stage, but it was an unsteady and bloody stage where Jian Changzai established himself.

“Despite how many people are after our seat, it’s never us who suffers.”

Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary had to select candidates from among thousands of disciples put through hellish training since childhood. Whether they studied under multiple teachers, learnt as they travelled or secluded themselves in the mountains to learn, they chose a strict few from among the thousands of dedicated disciples to send to Sword Immortal Grasshouse.

The combat standard of Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary had gradually deteriorated since Ling Hanzhong took over leadership. The twelve elite swordsmen were still there, but that was his ancestor’s “gift”, not his creation. Ling Hanzhong barely produced any truly elite swordsmen. At this point in time, Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary still counted on Wordless Sword Deity, who had secluded himself. He was a man who preferred political games more than pragmatism. Given his fervent dislike for the “we wield our swords for justice” paradigm, it was no surprise that he was unable to produce high-quality swordsmen. Of course, that was not disparagement towards him or a claim that he was delusional. He knew the value of might, which was the reason he kept a group of people focused on his vision of “swordplay cultivation” when he ascended to leadership.

Jian Changzai was a special existence sent on the journey of “swordplay cultivation”. His journey was called “Demon-Fed Sword”. Surviving another violent clash with evil meant another level up in skill. As a member of Mount Lu, he was a walking bullseye for the unorthodox faction. On top of that, Ling Hanzhong deliberately provoked the unorthodox faction into attacking his disciples.

Fights always broke out in residential areas and ended tragically. However, Jian Changzai was always the last man standing. When he stood up from the pools of blood and piles of limbs, he would find severed limbs and bodies of the innocent folks who were sharing a laugh with him before the violence. Mount Lu would not allow a candidate for their next generation Sword Deity to perish in their quest. Therefore, there was a team dedicated to rescuing Jian Changzai if he was ever in peril – even if that came at the cost of more lives. As a consequence of the system, Jian Changzai decided that he would always be the last to retreat in battle irrespective of the risks involved.

“I don’t practice swordplay because I like or dislike it. However, my sword must be with me. I’ve missed many opportunities to save lives because I didn’t have my sword.” Jian Changzai pointed to his chest. “They might be able to forgive, but the dead can’t speak. Only the living can speak. There – one’s sword must stand its ground.”

“… Who do you want to save this time?”

“Quite a few people, actually. Zhang Erniu, Wang Mazi, Xu Cuihua, Zhao Xiucai…” Jian Changzai listed roughly twenty names.

“You sure have a lot of friends.”

“I never said they were my friends.”

“You don’t recognise any of them?” Bai Zhiqing flapped his eyelids. “Then what are you after?”

Jian Changzai smiled. “Peaceful sleep.”

Mayhap time seemed to pass quickly since they were not given much time to catch their breath. Lai Jingzhen, who departed as if staying an extra second would give Ling Hanzhong another opportunity to dupe him into free labour, was able to promptly dismantle all of the contraptions. Like a surging wave, the warriors subsequently followed the route Lai Jingzhen mapped out on a map to break through to the interior of Fiends’ Genesis’ base. The final battle was today, and Fiends’ Genesis put up a tougher fight than they expected.

Ling Hanzhong showed no signs of rushing despite Jian Changzai slowing down their advance in his efforts to protect those at the rear. In fact, Ling Hanzhong seemed oblivious to the defiance. However, the momentum swung in their favour when a large group of reinforcements that he prepared earlier appeared.

“… Why?” Jian Changzai coldly questioned.

“You know why. We’re not strong enough – that’s why,” answered Ling Hanzhong.

“I thought we lost so many comrades because we weren’t strong enough.” Jian Changzai cast his cold gaze towards the moving figures. “They are…”

Ling Hanzhong smirked. “You sure you have the luxury to worry about them? Do you realise…”

Bai Zhiqing did not hear clearly what followed, but he saw a green energy pillar rise up in the dark following a sword swing that nobody could have blocked. Then, he received news that Jian Changzai had perished in battle.