Chapter 29: Murong Qingxue’s Helplessness

Murong Qingxue led Gu Qingyi to the sealed barrier. The tour didn’t take long, and soon enough she’d explained everything in detail.

“You’ve seen it all, right? That’s how it happened. Now, the hopes of the human race rest on your shoulders.” Murong Qingxue turned to Gu Qingyi, her gaze steady. “I think your talent surpasses even the very best—including my own. There’s a real chance you could take that final step and become a Sword God.”

Gu Qingyi was completely lost, staring blankly in confusion.

“A while back, I could feel my time running out. I survived by forcing down precious medicines, scraping by for a thousand more years.” Murong Qingxue couldn’t help but shake her head as she watched Gu Qingyi’s expression.

“There’s only ever enough to extend your life once. The last Immortal Herb in this world was burned up for me. I’ve danced along the edge of death and even set foot onto the fabled Path of Divinity. But fate had other plans, and I never managed to cross that final threshold. Just when I thought I’d disappear for good—”

“Who knew? An accident bumped me up into the Demi-God Realm, and with that, I gained endless life.” Murong Qingxue gave a bitter smile and shook her head.

Gu Qingyi suddenly asked, “Should I call you ‘senior’ or just Qingxue?”

Murong Qingxue replied offhandedly, “Call me whatever you want.”

But then she grew frustrated, her tone turning icy. “Did you even hear what I said? This journey isn’t easy. You’ll have to suffer through things most would never endure. You might be misunderstood. People could stand against you!”

“If I, Gu Qingyi, one day ascend to the Sword God Realm, I swear to inherit Senior White Sword God’s will and guard humanity’s borders for a thousand years—without regret.” Seeing Murong Qingxue’s concern, Gu Qingyi raised three fingers, swearing a solemn oath to the heavens.

Murong Qingxue sighed, rubbing her forehead helplessly. “Just try to keep your head down and grow stronger. Don’t get yourself killed halfway. Here, take this.” She tossed Gu Qingyi a brocade pouch. “Inside are three chances for me to intervene with all my strength. If you’re ever in real danger, use one.”

Gu Qingyi couldn’t contain his excitement. “Thank you, Miss Murong! So, where are we heading next?”

“Let’s take a stroll through the Murong Clan,” Murong Qingxue replied after a moment’s thought. “You wanted to see it, right?” Gu Qingyi eagerly followed her as they left the sealed barrier behind.

Since leaving the sealed grounds and following Murong Qingxue into her clan, Gu Qingyi had seen first-hand the tragic contrast. Once a great and powerful family, the Murong Clan now lay in ruins.

The living quarters were cramped, damp, and dark. Visibility was poor, though the place was swept immaculate and surprisingly tidy.

The sight stunned Gu Qingyi. He found himself filled with a deep sense of sorrow at life’s twists and turns. Not long ago, the Murong Clan was thriving, a hub of talent and prosperity. Now, it had faded away like a dream.

The clan now hid away in a cave clinging to broken cliffs. The population could be counted at a glance—which only made the silence more painful.

Life here was anything but easy. The only real light came from a shaft of sunlight falling through a hole in the ceiling.

This family, once so vast, now numbered just over ten souls: a few young girls, several elderly women, and a lone teenage boy. The youngsters looked to be about thirteen or fourteen on average.

When they saw Murong Qingxue, the children rushed over. “Sister, you’re back! How’s the world outside? Is it even more exciting than here?”

“You’re right,” Murong Qingxue smiled gently, stroking their heads. “The outside world is much better. But we still have our mission left undone.” She let out a helpless sigh. “By the time it reached my generation, our clan was already close to falling apart.”

She went on. “We’ve kept ourselves hidden, and our numbers have dwindled. It hurts to watch our family fade away, but maybe this is how life always moves forward—every age leaves something behind.”

Something on the wall caught Gu Qingyi’s eye.

There, a wall was covered with photos—pictures of those who died in battle long ago. At the center hung the largest photo, showing the Murong Clan’s great ancestor: Murong Jianbai. The sight moved Gu Qingyi deeply. He bowed before the images to show his respect.

Murong Qingxue, watching from the side, spoke softly. “The Murong Clan is no longer what it once was. I am now the head of my family, for whatever that’s worth.”

“As you can see, the Murong Clan before you is nothing like its former glory.” Murong Qingxue walked a few steps away.

“Miss Murong, I have faith the clan will one day return to its past splendor,” Gu Qingyi offered kindly. “But why don’t you let the remaining clan members experience the new Sword Qi Continent? That could give your family a real chance to rise again!”

“When spring comes next year, there’s going to be a big recruitment at Tianwu Academy in Xuanwu City. Why not let these youngsters take part?” Gu Qingyi nodded toward the girls and the lone boy playing nearby.

Murong Qingxue watched them in silence for a moment, then asked quietly, “What do you think, children?”

“We’re not going. We just want to stay with you, sister!” the girls chimed together, clinging to Murong Qingxue’s legs.

“Young Master Gu, what should I do?” Murong Qingxue looked over at Gu Qingyi, helpless.

“Miss Murong, why not take the children with you? That way, everyone can look after each other. When you get to Xuanwu City, seek out a girl named Nangong Lin. Just tell her I sent you.” Gu Qingyi smiled, pointing toward the distant sky.

“Staying hidden isn’t good for their growth. Let’s do as you suggest, Young Master Gu. Tomorrow, I’ll set up some illusion arrays to keep the sealed barrier hidden. Then we’ll leave.” Murong Qingxue let out a resigned breath.

“In that case, I’ll leave here with you all tomorrow!” Seeing Murong Qingxue agree, Gu Qingyi’s face broke into a bright smile.

[Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm]

[No one’s ever reached the Demi-God Realm before, so most people have forgotten it even exists. It’s also known as the False God Realm, a fact clearly recorded in ancient cultivation manuals.]

[Lifespans: Ordinary Person, 100 years; Sword Practitioner Realm, 300 years; Sword Qi Realm, 600 years; Sword Sea Realm, 900 years; Sword King Realm, 1,500 years; Sword Emperor Realm, 3,000 years; Sword Saint Realm, 9,000 years; Demi-God Realm and Sword God Realm—lifespans are endless.]