Naked Sword Art

Chapter 463: Apology

Xiao Fang slowly released the blade.

"You’ve already lost," he said. "Don’t make this more humiliating than it needs to be."

Her body trembled, sword still outstretched—but she no longer tried to reclaim it. Not against him. Not after that. Not with the entire dojo watching.

Xiao Fang slid the blade from her limp grasp, then tossed it across the floor with a casual flick.

"Anyone else?" he asked, his voice calm—yet cutting.

No one stepped forward.

The dojo remained silent, save for the faint clatter of the fallen sword still echoing in the background. Though the Phoenix Jade Hairpin shimmered temptingly on Xun Wei’s head like a divine treasure waiting to be claimed, no one dared to reach for it now—not if it meant facing him.

They had all seen it. The minimal movements. The effortless dodges. The way he disarmed his opponent and caught a blade mid-air—all while he had his back turned to her and blindfolded.

What they saw wasn’t just talent. It was mastery veiled in mystery.

Even those who burned with jealousy could no longer summon the courage to challenge him. His strength didn’t lie in brute force alone, but in a depth they couldn’t see or understand. That unknown was more terrifying than any sword.

Supreme Elder Song smirked from being impressed by him, a thing she rarely did for anyone.

"That’s enough. You’ve made your point, Long Wang," Supreme Elder Song said at last, her voice calm but firm. "It seems instinct, when sharpened like a blade, is indeed a formidable weapon—even among swordsmen."

Xiao Fang slowly clasped his fist at Supreme Elder Song respectfully, as if he recognized her voice from JadePeak city.

"Thank you," he replied, before stepping back.

The atmosphere in the dojo remained thick with awe. Even the sound of the sword settling on the floor felt heavy, final—like the closing stroke of a calligraphy brush completing a masterpiece.

Xiao Fang turned, his blindfold still in place. With a relaxed posture and unshaken poise, he walked calmly back to Xun Wei’s side.

She said nothing, but her eyes betrayed a quiet storm of emotions—relief, pride, admiration. That cold Core Court mask she usually wore had cracked just slightly, allowing something warm to slip through.

"You didn’t need to go that far," she muttered quietly.

Xiao Fang smirked. "They wouldn’t have listened otherwise."

At that moment, a figure approached.

It was the girl who had challenged him, still reeling from her defeat. Though her pride had taken a severe blow, her steps now were cautious, humbled.

"I..." she began, lowering her head. "I was wrong. I apologize..."

Suddenly, the girl clasped her fist and bowed respectfully to Xun Wei.

Xun Wei blinked, surprised. "It’s okay. I’m just glad I could teach you something valuable today."

"You’ve taught everyone an important lesson today," Supreme Elder Song said approvingly.

"The pleasure is mine," Xun Wei replied.

Xiao Fang stood quietly beside Xun Wei as the tension in the room gradually faded, replaced by something else—respect.

One by one, the disciples began to bow their heads toward Xun Wei, some murmuring apologies, others offering praise. Whatever doubts they once had were gone.

She didn’t bask in it, nor did she gloat. Xun Wei simply stood there, composed as ever, the Phoenix Jade Hairpin glinting proudly in her hair like a silent testament to her strength.

Supreme Elder Song gave a small nod of approval before turning to leave, her voice drifting over her shoulder.

As the crowd began to disperse back into training in the Club room, Xun Wei leaned closer to Xiao Fang.

"You know they’re all going to know how strong you are now," she said with a wry smirk.

"That’s alright. I’m a Phoenix Class disciple here, and I wasn’t about to stand by and let them disrespect you like that—even if it was only in their thoughts," Xiao Fang said with a smirk.

Xun Wei chuckled under her breath, a rare and genuine sound.

"My hero," she whispered playfully.

Little did Xiao Fang know, what he did here today would really spread like wildfire.

Xun Wei hadn’t seen Xiao Fang for a while, so she couldn’t help but want to get closer to him. However, after staring at him for a few moments, a sudden flash of memories began to resurface.

’This—’

Xun Wei’s head throbbed suddenly. She calmly pressed her fingers to her temple, trying not to draw attention to the pain—yet Xiao Fang noticed immediately.

"Wei, what’s wrong?"

She didn’t answer right away. Her silence was heavy, but Xiao Fang waited patiently. When the ache finally eased, she spoke.

"Fang... my mind feels clouded, like there’s something hiding beneath the fog. On the day of the tournament... were you there?"

Xiao Fang was surprised. Those memories should have been erased by his grandfather. Or perhaps not erased—just buried.

"What do you remember?" he asked.

"I remember... going to your guildhouse with a message. I remember seeing you... standing on the stage. It sounds insane, I know, but it feels real."

Xiao Fang’s curiosity deepened. Somehow, she was remembering what others could not. And if she could fully recall those moments, it would be to her great benefit—especially the insights gained from watching his fight with Chu Piao.

"I was there," he said plainly.

Her eyes widened in shock, as if a great truth had just been confirmed.

"But why—"

"You came to deliver a message," Xiao Fang interrupted gently. "You told me Chu Piao was in trouble. He’s a friend, so naturally, I went."

As he spoke, more fragments returned to her—vivid and sharp. She remembered speaking to Chu Piao, the urgency in his voice. She remembered running back to the sect to find Xiao Fang. She remembered guiding him to see the Matriarch. Yet large parts of the memory remained hazy.

"Why can’t anyone else remember?" she asked softly.

Xiao Fang paused, then replied, "Understanding the why doesn’t matter. If you can recover those memories, do so—but keep them to yourself."

Just as he finished, a familiar voice approached.

"It seems I misjudged you, Wang," Supreme Elder Song said, her tone lighter than usual. "Will you be joining our club meetings from now on?"

Xiao Fang gave her a polite smile. "Unlikely. I’m afraid my interest in swordsmanship is... limited."

In truth, there was simply nothing here he could learn.

"Mm. A shame," the Elder said thoughtfully. "Still, should you ever change your mind, this dojo will always welcome you."

"Thank you, Elder," Xiao Fang replied with a respectful clasp of his fist.