[Vol. 8] Chapter 218: Sword Heart
Rowan took a moment to sort through his memories, then continued with his guesses.
“Even though you and Miss Vera were arguing loudly back then, acting like you really couldn’t stand each other, if you paid close attention to the details, you’d notice that you were constantly exchanging glances and locking eyes. It’s hard for a bystander to notice, but once I got closer, I could kind of sense it.”
“That guard, his fall happened at a really convenient time. Almost exactly when your argument hit a deadlock and it looked like things would either end badly or escalate even further. It was like he gave you a way out, something else to focus on. When you think about it, it’s actually pretty strange.”
“My guess is that the original plan was for both sides to act like they were about to start a fight, and then the nun from the temple would step in to break it up. You waited until she was around to stage this on purpose, so that things wouldn’t get out of hand and could be stopped in time.”
“But then something unexpected happened. The guard, who was supposed to be acting, actually got hurt for real. For some reason, things went wrong, and that messed up the plan. What should’ve been totally under control suddenly turned into a disaster… and you nearly lost your life.”
After laying out the deductions he made from observation, Rowan looked up at the finely dressed young man, who now wore a slightly surprised expression.
“So… that’s pretty much it. I wonder how close I got?”
“…Wow.”
After a moment, Aiden finally blinked in surprise, then downed his drink in one go and shook his head with a wry smile.
“If I didn’t already know it was impossible, I’d think you and Miss Vera had planned all this together in advance… Brother Rowan, can I ask, how much of what you just said is based on solid proof, and how much is just guessing?”
“Hmm, probably thirty percent from observation and seventy percent from guesswork. As for proof…”
Rowan smiled and shrugged.
“Well, I don’t actually have any. After all, when you’re building a theory, you start by boldly guessing and then slowly prove it. I’ve kind of gotten used to doing that.”
“Pfft—hahaha!”
The well-dressed young man was stunned for a second, then burst out laughing.
“Great, just great! Brother Rowan, you’re really an interesting guy. To be honest, now I’m really curious about who you are.”
“You carry a sword that looks at least spirit-grade but don’t use it. Your aura feels like it’s only around Bronze-level, but you were able to block an enraged Mithril-rank guard’s full-force attack with a broken sword. That alone says a lot about the strength behind you.”
“I’ve heard that when sword cultivators begin their training, they often have to carry their teacher’s sword for three years first. Could that be your case?”
Rowan didn’t answer, he only smiled.
Seeing this, Aiden already had his own conclusion. He smiled too and said,
“If you don’t want to say, that’s fine. No matter who your master is or where you come from, the fact remains that you saved my life. I, Aiden, have my own way of doing things and will never act out of line.”
“Since Brother Rowan is curious and already figured most of it out, then let’s talk. Aside from a few details, this isn’t really a secret anyway…”
As he spoke, Aiden poured himself another half-glass of wine and started talking as he drank.
“When did it all begin…? Let me think… It was probably a little over half a month ago, when that strange ancient tomb suddenly appeared near the city. Ever since then, something hasn’t felt right in all of Saint Laos.”
“Or maybe I should say… it’s been going crazy.”
…………………………………….
“…And that’s the general situation, Master.”
“Mhm. You handled it very well this time. In fact, even I might not have done a better job with some parts.”
After listening to his new disciple report everything he had learned from Aiden, the Sword Saint, who had been meditating quietly in the room, nodded slightly and opened his eyes.
His weathered, experienced gaze fell on Rowan. Feeling unworthy of praise, Rowan quickly lowered his head and humbly said, “I only asked around for a few bits of information. If Master had stepped in personally…”
Before he could finish, the Sword Saint raised a hand to stop him.
“That’s enough. No one is perfect. Everyone has things they’re good at and not good at, including me. So if I praised you, just accept it calmly. If there’s a reward, take it without fuss. Don’t bother with fake humility or flattery, we don’t do that sort of thing in the Swift Wind Sword Sect.”
“To go far in the way of the sword, you must let go of shallow, worldly habits. Practicing the sword is also about cultivating your mind. You must always keep your thoughts clear and true. Otherwise, inner demons will grow, and your sword intent will never improve.”
Rowan quickly nodded. “Thank you for the teaching, Master. I’ll remember it.”
“Mm…”
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, the Sword Saint silently observed his registered disciple. His gaze eventually settled on the sheathed, broken sword at Rowan’s waist.
“Today was dangerous, why did you choose to block the enemy with that sword instead of using [Qingjia], the one on your back?”
Rowan paused for a moment, then explained naturally.
“[Qingjia] is your sword, Master. I’m only responsible for carrying and guarding it for you. I don’t have the right to use it. But this broken sword, though it’s damaged, is also a gift from you. You personally handed it to me back in that underground cave. I’ve always used it to practice, so…”
“Heh~”
The Sword Saint smiled slightly, as if recalling something.
“Well said. In that case, I now formally gift this sword to you. It has no name. It was once left behind by an old friend. He died protecting me, and the sword was broken in battle. But the burning heart he had to protect others… will never fade.”
“The path of the sword is long. You may gain many powerful swords in the future, but I hope you’ll never abandon this broken one. Remember where you started, that’s the only way to reach the end. Understand?”
Realizing how serious his master was about this, Rowan nodded firmly. The broken sword on his waist, once plain and unremarkable, now felt heavy and solemn. He suddenly thought of his first meeting with his master, of that night in the Chaos Magic Valley, sitting before the grave, and a faint feeling stirred in his heart.
“I’ll remember it well.”
“Good. You’ve had a long day of travel, you should rest. This city is very complicated. Tomorrow, there may be many matters that need to be handled.”
“Yes.”
Rowan nodded. He was just about to leave when he suddenly stopped, as if remembering something, and turned back.
“By the way, Master… Miss Violet and her companions don’t seem to be staying in this inn. I haven’t seen any of them since I returned. Did they leave already?”
The Sword Saint, who had just closed his eyes again, opened them and glanced at his sword-bearing disciple, his tone calm.
“That ancient ruin discovered near Saint Laos City is very important. Both I and Miss Violet plan to investigate it, so we’ll be working together for a while. But we each have our own private matters, we won’t be sticking together all the time. When the time comes, you’ll see her again.”
“Alright…”
Rowan nodded, a little disappointed. But his curiosity still got the better of him, and he couldn’t help but asked.
“Master, who exactly is Miss Violet and her group? I get the feeling that all of them are incredibly strong, even that little girl named Eudora has this strange, mysterious aura that I just can’t figure out.”
“And especially Miss Violet herself… You said Miss Xiao Guang is a true dragon, a Dragon King. But she calls Violet ‘Master’ and follows her every word. What kind of person would a Dragon King choose to serve?”