Chapter 7: First Encounter with Nangong Lin

[Monster Beast Forest Outskirts] Gu Qingyi, having finished refining the Green-horned Jiao’s horn and the Berserk Fire Lion King’s inner core, stepped out into the open.

“The scenery here really is stunning. Shame I’ve got more pressing matters,” Gu Qingyi murmured as he admired the vast blue sky above and the lush woods below, lost in his thoughts and walking through a patch of forest.

Suddenly, footsteps rang out, accompanied by the jingle of bells and a faint, lingering fragrance drifting through the air. He looked up just in time to see a woman in elegant attire gracefully hurrying his way.

She moved with a delicate charm, her beauty simply breathtaking—an absolute feast for the eyes. But right now, she looked flustered, rushing straight toward him.

She moved so quickly she couldn’t avoid colliding headlong into Gu Qingyi.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to!” the young woman said in a panic the moment she realized she’d bumped into someone.

“It’s nothing. Miss, please be careful next time,” Gu Qingyi replied, looking at the girl before him.

The girl quickly lifted her gaze to him, her expression dazed. Gu Qingyi, as always, wore his signature green robe, his features striking, eyes clear, nose straight—long white hair framing an undeniably handsome face. A single glance and she’d instantly fallen head over heels for him.

She forgot about her fear, forgot she was running for her life—until a chilling voice behind her reminded her of her predicament.

“Where do you think you’re going, little beauty? Come on, let’s have a little fun!” A group of burly, vicious-looking men emerged, their eyes fixed hungrily on the girl. A few even licked their lips without shame.

The moment she saw them, she shrank behind Gu Qingyi, trembling. “Young Master, I… I’m scared. They’re going to kill me!”

“Well, well, look at this—pretty boy’s here too, huh?” One of the thugs finally noticed Gu Qingyi.

“Hey, kid, you wanna play the hero? Some things are better left alone. Take my advice, get lost while you still can, or you won’t live to regret it.” One of them pointed straight at Gu Qingyi.

……

“And what if I don’t leave?” Gu Qingyi asked coldly, comforting the girl behind him before raising his head to look each thug in the eye.

One of the men brandished his sword at Gu Qingyi, swaggering. “Do you even know who you’re dealing with? We’re from Heavenfire Gate, got it, brat?”

The girl hiding behind Gu Qingyi could hear how aggressive they were. She whispered nervously, “Please, Young Master, run. They’ll hurt you, too.”

Gu Qingyi offered her a gentle reassurance. “If anyone needs to be worried, it’s them. Don’t be afraid—I’ve got this.”

But the moment he heard these men mention Heavenfire Gate, a killing intent he couldn’t control leaked from Gu Qingyi. His pupils narrowed ever so slightly, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

“What, you scared now, pretty boy?” The Heavenfire Gate thug, seeing Gu Qingyi frozen in place, thought their reputation had left him stunned. He puffed up with pride, strutting and mocking.

“Out of the way. Once we’re done with this little lady, maybe if we’re in a good mood we’ll let you go. Hah!” The group ogled the trembling girl behind Gu Qingyi, eyes full of shameless greed.

“Cut the crap—come at me if you dare,” Gu Qingyi said, curling his finger in challenge, daring them all to attack at once.

That gesture sent the Heavenfire Gate thugs into a fury. “Alright, you wanna die? Don’t blame us for being ruthless, punk!” one roared.

“Let’s slaughter this brat first. Then we can have our fun!” As they rushed in, blades flashing, the screech of weapons slicing through air filled the forest as they all struck at Gu Qingyi.

………………..

Gu Qingyi drew his sword with a flick. In a flash of silver, every bandit before him died, heads flying from their bodies.

“Wh-what just happened?” The Squad Leader, witnessing this with his own eyes, collapsed in terror. His body shook violently and a dark stain spread across his pants.

“Impossible… How can you be this strong? We’re all Sword Sea Realm fighters. We didn’t even last a single move.” His face turned corpse-white, eyes empty and lifeless, consumed by fear.

“No—wait! You must be Sword King Realm! Please, sir, show mercy! Forget everything I just said. If you let me go, Heavenfire Gate will reward you handsomely!” He clung desperately to Gu Qingyi’s leg, begging, “Spare me. I’ll be your dog if that’s what it takes—what’s pride if I can just stay alive?”

Gu Qingyi frowned impatiently at the man groveling before him. In a flash, he unsheathed his sword and ended him with a single stroke.

………….

A severed head rolled across the dirt, its eyes still wide in disbelief and unwilling to die.

“Too much nonsense. Heavenfire Gate… you all deserve to die,” Gu Qingyi said coolly, his gaze unwavering.

The girl’s face flushed a deep red as she stared at Gu Qingyi’s handsome face. Even as shyness colored her voice, she declared, “Thank you, Young Master, for saving my life! I have nothing to offer except myself—please take me as your wife!” All her terror vanished with the bandits’ deaths, and she wasted no time in expressing her gratitude.

Gu Qingyi was startled by her sudden confession, thinking, “Are all girls in this world so forward? This doesn’t feel right—I’d be taking advantage of her!”

He quickly shook his head and replied, “No need for that, Miss. It was nothing. May I ask who you are, and why you’re here?”

The girl stared shyly at him, cheeks burning. “I’m Nangong Lin, daughter of the City Lord of Xuanwu City.”

“I was being chased by those thugs because I snuck out alone, and they were after my beauty. When I wouldn’t give in, I escaped while they weren’t looking—that’s how we ended up here.”

“By the way, may I know your name, Young Master?” Nangong Lin asked, sneaking a glance at Gu Qingyi.

“I come from Sky Sword City, Gu family—my name is Gu Qingyi,” he answered, pausing for a beat. “I came to the Monster Beast Forest to gather materials and to gain experience.”

“Young Master Gu, would you escort me back to Xuanwu City? I’ll be sure to repay you,” Nangong Lin asked, her tone mischievous but full of hope.

“Alright,” Gu Qingyi agreed. After all, for the Ten Thousand Vaults Sword Technique to reach perfection, he still needed to collect ten different top-tier spirit swords. Maybe he’d get lucky along the way.

“Wonderful! Then I’ll be your guide on the road!” Nangong Lin cheered, leaping with joy the moment Gu Qingyi agreed.

“Let me tell you, Xuanwu City is one of Sword Qi Continent’s top-tier cities. It’s got everything—lots of land, kind locals and gorgeous scenery. Oh, and the food is amazing!” She grabbed Gu Qingyi’s hand as she talked, already drooling at the thought.

“Sorry, that must look silly,” Nangong Lin said, shooting him a quick embarrassed glance as she wiped her mouth.

“It’s fine,” Gu Qingyi replied with a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “She’s really something else.”

[Division of Cultivation Realms in Sword Qi Continent: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm]

[The Demi-God Realm has never appeared in the world, so most people have forgotten about it. It’s also known as False God. There are clear records of it in Ancient Inheritance Scrolls.]