Bloodline Tree – [Clan Building]

“Did you pack my dad’s calligraphy?” Qianyue came out to the yard and asked, looking a bit anxious.

“Don’t worry, I got it,” Shu Yang answered. “I put everything I could find in the storage ring. If you don’t find it, I probably have it.”

“What kind of way to pack is this?” Qianyue muttered and ran back inside again. 

‘I just thought it’d be efficient.’ Shu Yang thought with a sigh. 

Things were moving a bit quickly, as Bian Fenglin had arrived a bit sooner than Shu Yang expected. 

And while Bian Fenglin didn’t rush them, Shu Yang thought it was improper to have him wait for them after all he had done. So last night, after his walk with Bian Fenglin, he had announced that they would be leaving the very next day.

Obviously, a few people were a bit overwhelmed. It was hard to accept that they would leave their home so soon, traveling to the other side of the world, and probably never return.

Fortunately, they had known that they would be leaving for the Sword Sect ever since Shu Yang returned, so while they were feeling a bit rushed, no one was completely unprepared.

“What about the dinnerware set we had for our wedding?” Qianyue rushed back outside and asked.

Shu Yang shook his head and smiled. He got up to his feet and hugged his wife. “I have it all. If we forget something, we’ll buy something even better to replace it. It’s just things, at the end of the day. As long as the family is together, we’ll have everything we need.”

“Is this really happening?” Qianyue asked into Shu Yang’s chest.

“It’s happening. What? Are you having second thoughts?” Shu Yang asked with a smile.

“No. You somehow convinced everyone to move. Even Tianan. Even my brothers! It’s not like I can stay here alone,” Qianyue said.

“They just saw that it was better for the family to stay together. Home is wherever we all are, not any particular place on a map,” Shu Yang said.

In a strange way, he was actually quite grateful for the war the Lishen Emperor started. It would have been a lot harder, if not impossible, to get the entire family to leave if they were still living in peace in Fugu City. But now, it wasn’t quite as difficult for people to say goodbye to the place they lived. 

Shu Yang comforted his wife for a while, and then left his house to see if Bian Fenglin had gotten up. He couldn’t leave his guest to wander on his own.

Not long into his walk, he saw Shen Ye standing in the shade of a tree, looking a bit forlorn.

‘He has always said he would come with us. He hasn’t changed his mind, right?’

Shu Yang walked up to him. “What’s on your mind? Are you worried about the journey?”

Shen Ye turned to look at him and slowly shook his head. “Not worried. I just…Well, it seems my wife and son will stay here.”

Shu Yang paused slightly. “Really? With Xinjiang and Xinxi entering the Sword Sect, they really won’t have many worries in the future.”

“It’s not about that,” Shen Ye said. “Some people just can’t let go.”

Shu Yang didn’t pry further; it wasn’t really his business. “You’re still coming, right?”

“I have another grandchild on the way, who I would like to meet,” Shen Ye answered, smiling slightly. “Besides, I need to make sure Jiangxi is alright, and see this nephew of mine.”

“Good,” Shu Yang said, smiling. Xiaoshi really had no choice but to leave, so she would probably be really upset that none of her family came with her.

‘It’s not like it’s impossible to come back for a visit either.’

Shu Yang left Shen Ye to his musings and continued on his way. He didn’t know where Bian Fenglin had spent the night; he had offered him a room, but Bian Fenglin had declined.

‘I guess he stayed on the flying ship. Or perhaps he didn’t sleep at all.’

Shu Yang didn’t really need to sleep every night either. He could be up for over a week without feeling tired. But he usually only did that when traveling. Now that he was home and had a bed to share with his wife, he slept every night just like everyone else.

‘Is that him?’

Shu Yang finally spotted Bian Fenglin. He was standing outside Tianhu’s courtyard, looking at the family practicing swordsmanship together.

When Shu Yang got close, Bian Fenglin turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow. “You noticed me?”

Shu Yang looked around, confused. “You’re standing right in the open, no?”

Bian Fenglin chuckled slightly. “Looks like you are more than meets the eye.”

“How so?” Shu Yang asked. Bian Fenglin didn’t seem to be using any stealth spell.

“Never mind,” Bian Fenglin said. He nodded toward Tianhu’s family. “That’s that kid Xinmo, right?”

“Yeah,” Shu Yang answered. Usually, a lot of his other grandchildren would join the swordsmanship practice in Tianhu’s courtyard, but this time, everyone was busy getting ready, so Xinmo was the only boy there.

“He’s not bad. At least he seems diligent,” Bian Fenglin said. “Too bad his talent isn’t better.”

“He’s very hard-working,” Shu Yang said with a nod. “Do you want to take a look at the twins’ sword intent?”

“I was just about to ask,” Bian Fenglin answered with a smile.

Shu Yang led him over. Tianhu and his children stopped their practice when they noticed them coming over.

“Xinjiang, Xinxi. Are you ready to show off?” Shu Yang asked with a smile.

“Yes!” They both yelled out simultaneously, smiling widely.

“Alright, just make a cut in that tree over there,” Shu Yang said, pointing toward a tree that had already been cut down months ago.

The twins didn’t need any more urging and swung their swords right away. No need to take a moment to collect their thoughts, no need to settle their minds and focus. Just straight into action.

The tree on the ground was cleanly cut in two, then into three.

Bian Fenglin laughed happily. “It really is just like old Jiansu. So direct. It’s even more to the point than yours, Shu Yang.”

“I suppose,” Shu Yang said, smiling at the twins. His sword intent was very similar, as it was based on the same type of Sword Bone, but there were a few small differences.

“Well, that’s great. He should be very happy to accept the two of you,” Bian Fenglin said.

“Who is this Jiansu? An Elder of the Sword Sect?” Shu Yang asked.

“Yes. He’s the Peak Master of Jiandan Peak. He’s a bit peculiar, but he’s a fair and righteous old man when it counts,” Bian Fenglin answered.

“Does that mean he is a Golden Core cultivator?” Shu Yang asked.

“One of the very strongest,” Bian Fenglin answered with a nod. “Though I should make it clear that it’s unlikely that he will accept them into his lineage as direct disciples. But they should still be able to claim a good position in his Peak once they grow up.”

“Right,” Shu Yang said. He never expected the twins’ talents to turn the Sword Sect upside down. The Sword Bone was just a Founding Trait at the end of the day, and couldn’t compare to the top geniuses with Golden Bloodlines.

“Are you guys looking forward to it?” Bian Fenglin asked with a smile.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Xinjiang said, nodding her head excitedly.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be very filial to old Jiansu,” Xinxi said.

Shu Yang slapped his forehead. “What are you saying? It’s True Person Jiansu. Make sure to address him as such in the future, unless he tells you otherwise.”

“Oh,” Xinjiang and Xinxi said, nodding, but not seeming to quite understand.

“You’ll have to make sure to teach them how to properly address people during our journey, Tianhu,” Shu Yang said. “It’s such an unnecessary way to offend a powerful cultivator.”

“Indeed,” Bian Fenglin said with a nod. “I doubt many people would blame two young girls for disrespect if it’s unintended, but it can still create an unfavorable impression. It’s always better to be polite.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll make sure they understand,” Tianhu said, rubbing the heads of his daughters.

“You will have to look out for them once you get there, Xinmo,” Shu Yang said. “We won’t be there to look after you anymore. It’s a big responsibility. Do you think you can handle it?”

“Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ll take care of them,” Xinmo answered with a serious expression.

“Good kid,” Shu Yang said, smiling.

“Are you also looking forward to entering the Sword Sect, Xinmo?” Bian Fenglin asked.

“Very much. Thank you for the opportunity, senior. I won’t forget this favor,” Xinmo said, bowing in gratitude.

Bian Fenglin laughed, “You have a good attitude. I hope you can keep it even after facing some difficulties. You will have a lot harder time than your sisters, and if you want to be able to look after them, you’ll have to work hard. Very hard.”

“I can handle it,” Xinmo answered.

Bian Fenglin nodded slowly. He turned to look at Tianhu. “It’s a bit strange. Your temperament doesn’t really suit this kind of sword intent. From watching you practice just now, I didn’t get the feeling of such a direct sword intent either.”

“Mine is a little different,” Tianhu admitted. “I don’t really understand how Xinjiang and Xinxi can ‘just cut.’ My way of the sword is a bit more complex.”

“Do you mind showing me?” Bian Fenglin asked.

Tianhu nodded and pulled out his sword. His control was a lot better than his daughters’, so he didn’t need to attack anything to show off his sword intent.

“So heavy,” Bian Fenglin said, opening his mouth slightly in surprise. “Why is it so heavy?”

“The sword carries a lot of weight,” Tianhu answered, sheathing his sword again.

Bian Fenglin frowned slightly. “I don’t think I’ve seen intent quite like this before. Maybe a bit like True Person Zeren. His is very duty-bound. Obsessive, almost. Not free at all. Is this what you are trying to grasp, Xinmo?”

“Sort of,” Xinmo said, furrowing his brows slightly. “Dad says I should find my own path, though.”

“You should. This sort of intent isn’t for everyone,” Bian Fenglin said.

“Why not? Is it bad?” Shu Yang asked, finding Bian Fenglin’s reaction curious.

“How can it be bad?” Bian Fenglin asked, shaking his head. “It’s just a bit difficult to advance it. I could never do it.”

“Why is it difficult to advance?” Tianhu asked.

“I guess I don’t know for sure,” Bian Fenglin said, chuckling slightly. “You would know best. But to the best of my knowledge, these types of intents are rare, and for a good reason. Most sword intents are very hard to grasp, you see. It’s not something everyone can do. But once you’ve comprehended it, advancing your intent comes pretty naturally as you advance in your cultivation. But these… tethered, let’s say, sword intents are different. Your realm doesn’t help you much in making them more powerful. At least that’s what I’ve heard. You will probably understand these things better than I do in the future.”

Tianhu frowned slightly, seemingly deep in thought. “I understand what you’re saying. Thank you for clearing up some of my doubts.”

‘Is this why Tianhu’s intent hasn’t advanced in so long?’

“Happy to help,” Bian Fenglin said. He turned to Shu Yang. “How is the preparation going? Does it look like we are ready to leave today?”

“Yes, we’ll be ready,” Shu Yang answered.

“Good. I’ll go to the flying ship and get things set up so people can board in a few hours,” Bian Fenglin said.

“Alright,” Shu Yang said. 

He took a deep breath as he watched Bian Fenglin fly off. 

‘Only a few hours left in these lands. I wonder how long it will be before I return, if ever.’

Shu Yang shook his head slightly. There was some reluctance, as was natural. But more than anything, he was excited to start a new chapter with his family.