Chapter 87: Wandering the World With Sword in Hand

A man’s ambitions know no bounds—he makes his home wherever fate takes him.

With sword in hand, one roams the open world, settling debts, righting wrongs, and lending aid whenever injustice rears its head. That’s the calling of us cultivators—our duty, without hesitation.

“Hahaha, Brother Xiaoyao, what a mood you’re in today!” The speaker was Xie Jinxuan, the First Prince of the Jianwu Dynasty. He had an air of nobility and grace about him, his sharp features as if carefully carved, and those long dark lashes framed a pair of deep eyes glimmering with warmth. Today, he wore a black robe.

Right now he and Gu Xiaoyao lay stretched out across a vast grassy field, staring up at the endless blue sky and drifting clouds overhead. The sight pulled a sigh from both their lips, and they clinked their cups for another hearty drink.

“Brother Xiaoyao, the way we get along is like a rare horse meeting its true master. Our interests line up so perfectly. You’re really my soulmate!” Xie Jinxuan raised his cup, grinning at Gu Xiaoyao. “It’s no easy thing to find a friend like you in this big world. I’m lucky to have you, Brother Xiaoyao—absolutely blessed! Hahahaha!”

Gu Xiaoyao picked up his cup and clinked it against Xie Jinxuan’s. He grinned, his excitement showing. “Come on, Xiaoyao, let’s really drink! These little cups don’t cut it. Bring out the whole jug!”

He was already more than a little tipsy, and with a bold flourish, Gu Xiaoyao grabbed the wine jar and drained it in one go.

Not to be outdone, Xie Jinxuan lifted his own wine jar and matched him drink for drink.

Their laughter echoed across the grasslands, and in that moment, their friendship only grew deeper.

A few rounds of wine, a bite of every dish.

Both Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan were clearly drunk by now, but the energy in the air hadn’t faded one bit.

……………….

“Life is so short—we ought to live freely and with style. I don’t want to be caged by rules and traditions. I just want to follow my heart, do what I want, and protect whoever I care about.” Gu Xiaoyao stared off into the distance, his eyes filled with steadfast determination.

“You couldn’t be more right, Brother Xiaoyao. Life is fleeting, so why not enjoy it while we can?” Xie Jinxuan nodded, a determined look flashing in his eyes, then turned to face Gu Xiaoyao. “As the crown prince, sure, I live in luxury. But all that splendor comes with crushing responsibility. I’ve always wondered—what’s the point of my life? What do I truly want? It wasn’t until I met you that I finally found my answer.”

Gu Xiaoyao turned to Xie Jinxuan, curiosity lighting up his face. “Oh? And what’s that answer?”

Xie Jinxuan just smiled. “What I want… is to live as freely as you, Brother Xiaoyao. To do what I want, to protect the people I want to protect.”

Gu Xiaoyao burst out laughing. “Well said, Prince of Freedom! Let’s drink another jar!”

And just like that, they picked up another wine jar and drank deep.

By now, the sun was setting, painting the sky in blood-red hues.

Lost in that breathtaking scene, Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan forgot about all their troubles. In that moment, they only knew joy and freedom.

…………………

Time slipped by without them even noticing.

Xie Jinxuan flopped down right next to Gu Xiaoyao and, with a broad smile, looked up at the sky. “Brother Xiaoyao, do you have a dream?”

Gu Xiaoyao gave a relaxed smile. “My dream? To train until I’m the strongest under heaven, above all others, so nobody can push me around—and so I can protect my family and everything I care about.”

Turning toward Xie Jinxuan, Gu Xiaoyao asked with a smile, “And you, Jinxuan? What’s your dream? What’s your plan?”

“My dream? Hahaha, Brother Xiaoyao—” Xie Jinxuan laughed, then stretched his hand toward the sky as if to snatch a piece of the blue clouds.

“My dream is for all people under the Jianwu Dynasty to live in true peace and prosperity! A world free from war and chaos!”

“Where everyone can live as they wish, doing what they love each day, untouched by oppression or exploitation, their lives carefree and secure.”

“Every child receives care, every student gets an education, everyone earns from their work, the sick receive healing, the old are cared for, and everyone has a place to call home. The weak are never left behind.”

“Brother Xiaoyao, that’s my dream!”

“Do you think it’s too far-fetched? Or just my foolish wishful thinking?” Xie Jinxuan turned to Gu Xiaoyao, looking a bit down—maybe even doubting if such a dream could ever come true.

“No, Jinxuan—your dream will come true. And when I’m strong enough, I’ll help make it happen!” Gu Xiaoyao shook his head with a smile. He reached up, grabbing at the clouds just like Xie Jinxuan.

Xie Jinxuan grabbed Gu Xiaoyao’s hand in a tight grip, his face lit up with joy. “That’s the spirit, brother! Let’s see it together! I know both our dreams will come true soon!”

“Brother Xiaoyao, come with me to the Jianwu Dynasty. We’ll look out for each other, how about it?” Xie Jinxuan sprang to his feet, excitement all over his face.

“Since you invited me so sincerely, how could I turn you down? Hahaha!” Gu Xiaoyao jumped up too, clapping Xie Jinxuan on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.

“Promise me you won’t back out! It’s getting late—let’s head out right now!” Xie Jinxuan’s delight couldn’t be hidden as he sprang up, beaming at Gu Xiaoyao.

“Relax, Jinxuan—no way am I backing out! It’s getting late, so let’s get going!” Gu Xiaoyao looked at his friend, shook his head with a gentle smile.

Arm in arm and laughing, Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan set off together. Bathed in sunset, their figures grew distant across the plain until they finally disappeared into a single black dot.

……………..

The Jianwu Dynasty rests atop a first-class city.

Its terrain is treacherous, the mountain roads twisted and rough. To reach it, travelers must brave the Demon’s Road—danger hides with every step, and ambushes lurk in the shadows. Danger, it seems, is always a heartbeat away.