The Sword Immortal emerges on Xiaoyao Peak, and the Carefree Sword immortal cleaves the heavens.
In the eyes of the Sword Cultivators of Great Wei, Xiaoyao Peak is the Holy Land of their dreams.
To apprentice oneself to Xiaoyao Peak means one's innate talent is beyond question, even if one practices methodically, the future promises mastery in the Sword Dao.
Shen Han quickened his steps towards the tavern, and from a distance, the Yun'an Tavern was teeming with diners, even appearing somewhat crowded.
Madam He and Madam Xie, along with several maids from the Shen Mansion, were entertaining guests downstairs, using just a screen to slightly separate themselves.
This reception seemed intentionally set for outsiders to see.
At the guest seat, a white-robed fairy sat upright, flanked by two nobleman disciples.
Swords hung at their waists, casting a glimmer that hinted of desolation.
Could this white-robed fairy be Su Jinyu?
Shen Han glanced quickly, he had to admit, her beauty was the most stunning he had seen so far.
Her demeanor was somewhat cold, yet even with her furrowed brows, she remained exceptionally beautiful.
"First Lady, Second Lady."
Approaching, Shen Han bowed to the two elders in greeting.
After paying respects to the elders, he greeted the three guests.
In the past, they would often ignore Shen Han's greetings.
But today, both ladies smiled and nodded warmly.
"These three are disciples of Xiaoyao Immortal Mountain, the elder brother and sister of our dear Jinyu. They are here to see you."
It turned out this woman was not Su Jinyu...
Beside them, Madam He smiled as if a great fortune was about to descend upon them.
"Shen Han, you probably have heard, the Royal Family has decreed that you are to be wedded to the youngest daughter of the Su Family, Su Jinyu.
Jinyu's talent in the Sword Dao is exceptional; her senior brethren are here to see if you can match up to Jinyu.
Make sure to present yourself well."
Madam He spoke kindly, her words seemingly full of consideration for Shen Han.
"I am but dull, and have made little progress over the years; how could I be a match for the Su Family's pride? Please, elders, reconsider and call off this engagement..."
The moment Shen Han finished speaking, both ladies chuckled.
Even though he possessed such self-awareness, the marriage was decreed by the Royal Family.
"This marriage was granted by the Royal Family, how could our Shen Family refuse it?
Do not worry, the brothers and sisters from Xiaoyao Peak will not make things difficult for you."
It was rare for them to speak to Shen Han in such a gentle tone.
Yet the gentler they were, the more danger Shen Han felt.
"Xiaoyao Peak has come to present gifts today, not to trouble Junior Brother Shen."
"Junior Sister Jinyu possesses unsurpassed talent in the Sword Dao, second only to our Senior Sister on Xiaoyao Peak, and is held in high regard by our master.
This time, we've come to help Junior Brother Han improve so he can keep up with Junior Sister Jinyu in the future."
As the two nobleman disciples of Xiaoyao Peak spoke, the white-robed fairy kept her gaze fixed on Shen Han.
Her fine brows were furrowed, as if worried about something.
He was not as she imagined.
Before coming, Liu Xilan thought Shen Han, scorned by the entire Shen Family, should be filled with despondence.
Upon meeting others, he would likely appear panicked and utterly without composure.
Yet at this first meeting, the impression Shen Han gave her was entirely different.
Courteous, composed, neither humble nor arrogant, he surprisingly had the demeanor of a noble youth...
Liu Xilan unconsciously felt a bit of admiration for the young man before her.
Could she have such temperament if placed in his environment?
Amidst her admiration, a trace of pity stirred within Liu Xilan's heart.
The male disciple beside her continued speaking.
As he spoke, he extracted a pill and a book.
"We at Xiaoyao Peak have heard of Young Master Han's situation; he has never practiced the Martial Path and has not entered the path of cultivation.
To keep up with Junior Sister Jinyu, young master must rigorously train for a time.
Here is the Bone Tempering Pill and 'Carefree Swordsmanship Introduction' gifted by our master, to help Young Master Han enhance his abilities."
Thus, he handed both items over to Shen Han.
Through the corner of his eye, Shen Han observed the few people around him. Aside from the white-robed lady's worried frown, the rest wore smiles.
Their smiles carried a hint of expectation, anticipating Shen Han to consume this Bone Tempering Pill.
"Take the Bone Tempering Pill right here, so the senior brothers from Xiaoyao Peak can assist you in harmonizing the pill's effects."
Madam He pointed at Shen Han and spoke.
Gifting him a Pill and a manual to boost himself?
Would the two ladies be so kind-hearted?
Even if those from Xiaoyao Peak genuinely wanted to help, would they not obstruct it?
It must be known that Su Jinyu had a deep connection with her son, Shen Ye.
Lost in thought, Shen Han focused intently on the pill before him.
[Overly potent Bone Tempering Pill]
The descriptor already revealed the reason within.
Bone Tempering Pill is an extremely precious pill, and if used properly, it can greatly enhance one's skeletal strength.
Moreover, Bone Tempering is a necessary step for a martial artist to step into the Ninth Grade.
But Bone Tempering comes with risks: if the pill isn't potent enough, it would have no effect.
Yet if too potent, should the body's strength not suffice, it could fracture one's bones, rendering them bedridden for life.
Upon seeing this descriptor, Shen Han already understood.
This was not to help him catch up with Su Jinyu, but rather to crush his bones with a single pill.
Lying immobile in bed, how could he wed Su Jinyu, ultimately ruining the eminent daughter of another family?
By then, dissolving the engagement would likely meet no resistance.
In the future, the Shen Family might even gain goodwill by arranging a maid to care for bedridden Shen Han.
Arranging this at Yun'an Tavern, amid so many witnesses, the Bone Tempering Pill was consumed by Shen Han himself.
If he couldn't withstand the pill's effects, he couldn't blame anyone else for his injury.
Indeed, such a scheme was insidious.
Shen Han took a deep breath, concealing the abhorrence in his heart.
Fixating intently on the pill, he concentrated, and extracted!
The descriptor [Overly Potent] was directly removed, leaving a normal Bone Tempering Pill, which he should be able to consume.
"Hurry and take it, don't waste everyone's time.
Our guests are disciples of Xiaoyao Peak, and surely don't have spare time to spend here idly."
Madam He glared at Shen Han, reverting to her usual impatience.
Those maids aware of the truth cast sympathetic glances at Shen Han.
Though they were just maids, at least they were physically whole.
After today, this Young Master Han would be paralyzed in bed...
One could only say his fortunes were unfavorable...
The descriptor was already extracted, Shen Han had practiced the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill before, and his body's resilience was far from their expectations of frailty.
This normally effective Bone Tempering Pill would surely be bearable, and could even provide assistance!
Madam He knocked the table again, prompting Shen Han to finally pick up the pill to consume.
"Wait a moment!"
Suddenly, Liu Xilan, who had furrowed brows all along, stood up, reaching to take the Bone Tempering Pill.
"You haven't practiced the Martial Path; swallowing the Bone Tempering Pill is too rash, perhaps..."
Seeing Liu Xilan stop him, even Madam He was taken aback.
After all this effort and preparation, could it all fall through now?
Behind Liu Xilan, the two male disciples quickly intervened.
"Our senior sister means that taking the Bone Tempering Pill brings pain, we fear Young Master Han may not endure the agony.
But enduring such pain promises equivalent benefits.
For the future's sake, we ask Young Master Han to bear this present pain."
To this explanation, Shen Han merely smiled.
Then with a grateful glance at Liu Xilan, he swallowed the Bone Tempering Pill in one gulp.
"Don't..."
Before Liu Xilan could finish her plea, Shen Han had already swallowed the pill.