Gu Fangchen spoke lightly, but Xu Zhenguan was not one to be ignorant of propriety.
Though he was only a menial disciple, not even considered an outer-sect disciple of Eminent Mountain, his lack of talent was compensated by sincerity and good character, which was why he had been allowed to stay behind to do chores.
Normally, being permitted to study basic sword techniques alongside outer-sect disciples and learn a few basic moves was already the greatest privilege he could hope for.
Still, at the very least, he was a legitimate disciple of the Sword Pavilion.
He could certainly tell whether a sword was good or bad.
What's more, the sword before him was one that anyone, no matter who, would have to admit was an extraordinary weapon.
From the hilt to the sheath, every material used was of exquisite quality, the craftsmanship elegant yet noble.
And its inner essence radiated a faint sense of righteous purity, it already contained its own sword intent.
Only a true master could have forged such a blade.
When Gu Fangchen casually tossed it over, the eyes of the surrounding Sword Pavilion disciples went wide with disbelief.
One of them saw Xu Zhenguan catch the sword with hands stained with mud and blood, leaving a print on the hilt, and immediately panicked.
That disciple rushed forward, three steps turning into two, to stop him.
"Daoist, no, you must not! That is absolutely forbidden!"
Gu Fangchen raised an eyebrow.
"I gave my sword to this young friend. What's wrong with that?"
He looked utterly guileless, as though unaware of how valuable the sword was.
It was completely in character with how he had openly displayed the "Lotus Concealed in the Womb" before everyone earlier, an air-headed, naive disciple from some hidden sect deep in the mountains.
The Sword Pavilion disciple hesitated, glanced at Xu Zhenguan, then stiffened his expression and clasped his hands to Gu Fangchen in a formal salute.
"A man without guilt may still be condemned by his treasure. To you, Daoist, this sword might be insignificant, but to others, it is worth a fortune."
"This man is merely a menial disciple, with cultivation not even at the ninth rank. For him to possess such a treasure is like a child walking through a busy market carrying gold, it will only attract greed and calamity. This truly isn't proper!"
Don't meddle, damn it!
If you talk too much sense and convince this blockhead Xu Zhenguan, then who's going to take the blame for this later?
Gu Fangchen's expression didn't change, though he clicked his tongue inwardly.
He didn't care who had the sword, but anyone getting in the way of his "bro's upgrade" was automatically in the wrong.
Xu Zhenguan, of course, also felt uneasy. His normally cold face showed some awkwardness as he held the sword in both hands and offered it back to Gu Fangchen.
"Senior's kindness is appreciated, but this sword is too valuable. I dare not accept it."
His fingers clenched tightly around the hilt, lips pressed together, eyes steady and unmoving, as though he felt no attachment to the treasure at all.
But Gu Fangchen knew better. "Eyes fixed straight ahead" was precisely Xu Zhenguan's telltale sign of inner conflict.
This future Sword Sage's disciple, this so-called prodigy of the sword, was, naturally, a lover of fine blades.
This "The Finest Stream" was likely the first sword of such quality he had ever touched.
And to have it personally gifted by someone, how could he truly be indifferent?
On the contrary, Xu Zhenguan was surely burning with longing inside.
Gu Fangchen glanced at the young man's furrowed brows and smiled faintly.
"This poor Daoist acts only according to fate. This sword and this young friend are bound by destiny. Since it is given, it should not be taken back. To revoke it would be to break the karmic thread."
"And since there is such fate, it will never fall into unworthy hands. You worry too much."
The Sword Pavilion disciple saw that he was resolute, sighed, and shook his head.
"This menial disciple has no aptitude for the sword. After three years, he has made no progress. Daoist, I fear you've chosen the wrong person."
"You'll only be desecrating such a fine weapon!"
His tone was blunt, even rude, he clearly looked down on Xu Zhenguan and didn't care if his words offended.
But what he said was technically true. Someone like Xu Zhenguan, doomed to remain a menial disciple for life, how could he possibly be worthy of such a sword?
Gu Fangchen kept his smile. No wonder that in the game, once you entered the Sword Pavilion, you could immediately invite Xu Zhenguan as a companion.
It was thanks to these snobbish idiots that Gu Fangchen looked so noble by comparison.
He raised an eyebrow, looked at Xu Zhenguan's calloused, scarred hands, and smiled warmly.
"How can that be called desecration? A sword, no matter how fine, is meant to be wielded."
"This young friend is a swordsman, he trains day and night, through summer and winter, never letting the sword leave his side. That already makes him a fine swordsman."
"And since he is a fine swordsman, he deserves any fine sword."
Gu Fangchen reached out past Xu Zhenguan's hands and patted his shoulder.
"What I give is part of my cultivation's fate. If you refuse it, you would only hinder my own path of cultivation."
Xu Zhenguan's expression softened. Meeting Gu Fangchen's gaze, he hesitated for a moment, then no longer declined.
He accepted the sword and said seriously,
"Daoist, does it have a name?"
Gu Fangchen's face turned solemn.
"Whatever its name before, it now belongs to you. Give it a name of your own."
Xu Zhenguan thought for a while.
But nothing came to mind...
The village boy, who had barely attended a year of private school, quietly fastened the sword to his waist and bowed deeply to Gu Fangchen.
"My thanks for the gift, Daoist. Xu Zhenguan will remember this for life."
Qi Linghua, who had been watching all along, clapped his hands with a smile.
"If today's events spread, it will surely become a fine tale."
Qiu He looked at Xu Zhenguan and said calmly,
"Since the Daoist has given it to you, keep it well."
Xu Zhenguan nodded.
The others, seeing the true disciple had spoken, followed with congratulations, though some could not hide the envy in their eyes. Several exchanged subtle glances, as though reaching a silent agreement.
Qiu He, remembering his master's orders, turned to Gu Fangchen.
"Daoist, at such a young age, to have such cultivation and insight, your words earlier truly put us to shame."
Qi Linghua sighed in admiration.
"Now this is what one calls a true gentleman. It's a pity about the matter in the Princess Consort's household. That troublesome heir was headache enough, and now this whole mess has happened."
Several Sword Pavilion disciples joined in.
"I heard it was because that scoundrel heir encouraged the Princess Consort to leave Huangtian City, which made the young princess chase after her, and now she's surrounded and missing."
"That Gu Fangchen is truly despicable! How could he escape at such a critical moment, right before the bloodline verification?"
"Who says he escaped? For all we know, he's working with the Demonic Sect to stage a farce!"
"Once we rescue the young princess and reunite her with the Princess Consort, the truth will come out."
"When that time comes, we'll see what end awaits him!"
Gu Fangchen's expression didn't change. He continued walking until they reached the stone forest marking the southwestern border.
There, towering pillars of stone were covered in lush greenery and strange flowers, making the terrain increasingly complex.
After only a few steps, Qiu He's face brightened as he looked at a copper coin in his hand.
"Found her! Just ahead!"
...
"Achoo!"
Gu Lianqian, hiding inside a cave behind a cold waterfall pool, sneezed and shivered in the corner.
She rubbed her arms and sniffled, her red-rimmed eyes brimming with unshed tears.
Forcing back her grievances, she kicked the little clay figure she'd just made and cursed Gu Fangchen in her heart.
"Shameless! Immoral! Scoundrel! If not for you, how could I, the noble princess of the Northern Garrison Prince's household, have fallen to such a miserable state!"