Sealing Sword Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Prologue

 

In the heat of July, the fiery skies seemed to smolder as leaves fell in a flurry.

 

The southern lands were known for their water towns, but the season had passed. The lush spectacle of lotus leaves stretching to the horizon was now a vision of decay. The desolate ferry crossing, typically deserted, unexpectedly received a visitor today.

 

The guest wore a black cloak, with a hood concealing most of his face. He stood aboard a small boat, seemingly procured from somewhere, without even a simple canopy to shelter him.

 

He had been standing there for nearly three hours, from sunset until the moon rose high in the sky. His feet were rooted as if he had grown into the ground, unmoving. After a while, a cool breeze swept through, accompanied by the sound of fallen leaves being trampled. A figure dressed in dark clothes approached, walking down the overgrown path.

 

Before even arriving, the figure bowed deeply, “This subordinate is late. I have made you wait too long, my lord.”

 

“The battles at Jinghan Pass have just concluded, and the distance was long. It is not your fault.” The cloaked figure waved him forward, his voice hoarse, “However, bringing a tail with you—is a serious mistake.”

 

The subordinate was alarmed. He had been rushing on his journey, letting his guard down, and had not realized when someone had begun tailing him. He focused his internal energy to his senses and detected the presence of more than ten people lurking stealthily in the nearby woods.

 

“This subordinate deserves death, I beg for your mercy, my lord…”

 

“If they do make a move on you, I’d have to dig through a dog’s stomach to find your bones.” The cloaked figure chuckled dryly and turned his head, just in time to see water rippling as a boat approached. Onboard stood two people—one dressed in gray, hair loose, standing deferentially behind, and another in white robes, wearing a jade crown at the bow of the boat.

 

The man in white held a long brocade box in both hands, his face smooth like jade, his smile gentle as the breeze. “Xiwei, it’s been ten years. You’ve grown taller, and your temper has grown with you.”

 

“Years of hardship end up changing even the toughest of men?” With a flick of his sleeve, the cloaked figure’s boat silently cut through the water, and before the ripples had time to spread, he had landed behind the man in white while pressing the sword at the gray robed man’s waist. “Don’t point your sword at a warrior otherwise you’ll end up cutting yourself.”

 

The gray-robed man’s pupils contracted as he caught the displeased look on the face of the white-clothed man, and he slowly loosened his grip on the blade, though his entire body remained tense.

 

“Your skill is decent, but your reaction is lacking. After all these years by his side, all you’ve trained are…” The cloaked figure paused, choosing a gentler term, “decorative pillows.”

 

The man in white coughed lightly, “The Shadow Guard recruits people with varying skills. The commander is only responsible for missions and punishment. You are unfair in your judgment.”

 

“Brother Ziyu, you’re a busy man. Why waste time on idle talk?” A breeze swept by, its chill sinking into bones, adding a faint coldness to the cloaked figure’s voice. “Why have you come to seek me?”

 

“The Shadow Guard found one of your subordinates at Jinghan Pass. Initially, we thought he was a spy for the enemy.” The man in white, unaffected by the cold intent, calmly explained, “After some investigation, we realized he was there for the Shadow Guard commander… Though the Shadow Guard is famous across the land, each member’s identity is a secret. And the commander? After much thought, the only one left who could know his identity and be so invested in him is you.”

 

A slight smirk tugged at the corners of the hooded figure’s mouth. “Disappointed that I’m still alive?”

 

The man in white shook his head, his hand brushing over the engraved crane on the brocade box. “Perhaps once, but now… Xiwei, knowing you’re alive brings me peace. At least I won’t dream of him being angry at me.”

 

The cloaked figure froze, his gaze falling on the brocade box. His voice grew raspier. “…What do you mean?”

 

“About a month ago, the northern barbarians invaded Jinghan Pass, nothing you didn’t already know. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have sent someone to investigate.” He glanced at the cloaked man’s subordinate, who was surrounded by his subordinates at the dock. The white-robed man’s tone grew somber. “Jinghan Pass is the key to the northern border. If it falls, the gates to the nation are wide open. The barbarians had long been preparing for this…”

 

“Chu Ziyu, answer my question!” With a wave of his sleeve, a gust of wind blew back his hood, revealing the cloaked figure’s face under the moonlight. He barely looked over twenty, with sharp eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, his hair black as ink. He was strikingly handsome, but the tight line of his thin lips and the faint furrow of his brows made him appear dangerously sharp, ready to strike at any moment.

 

The royal family of Chu took their surname from the state itself. The current emperor, ascending the throne in his youth, had been implementing reforms in governance, military, and civilian affairs. His policies were met with both praise and criticism, but even children knew the name of this emperor who dared to change ancestral laws—Chu Xun, styled Ziyu.

 

Despite being rudely interrupted, the emperor remained calm, continuing, “The commander of the pass was killed in battle, the situation grew dire, and I had to wrestle with stubborn ministers. I secretly dispatched the Shadow Guard to Jinghan Pass to act as they saw fit.”

 

There was a clear line between the world of Jianghu and the court. The government typically refrained from meddling in martial affairs, and heroes of Jianghu seldom violated laws. This delicate balance had been maintained for years.

 

But the Shadow Guards were an exception.

 

Throughout history, dynasties had risen and fallen, and the Chu dynasty was no different. The founding emperor, who came from a military background, was well aware of the affairs of the common folk. After establishing the state, he summoned martial experts to form a secret force—the Shadow Guard. This force had existed for over sixty years.

 

The late emperor, being soft-natured, disapproved of the Shadow Guard’s ruthless methods and had them disbanded. But when the current emperor ascended, the first thing he did was reinstate the Shadow Guards, recruiting spies and assassins to forge his sharpest blade.

 

A blade that hung over his enemies’ necks, ready to fall at any moment.

 

No one knew how many there were, where they were hidden, or even… who they were.

 

Chu Xun’s hand slowed as he caressed the brocade box. He spoke softly, “I ordered them to defend Jinghan Pass at all costs, but I didn’t expect the cost to be…

 

“The barbarians were powerful, and there were traitors within the pass. Of the 178 Shadow Guards, more than half perished in just ten days… In the end, three days ago, as the enemy approached the gates, he infiltrated the barbarians’ camp and assassinated their leader, Hutar.”

 

Penetrating an army’s ranks was already dangerous enough, let alone assassinating the enemy’s commander and being exposed to thousands of soldiers.

 

The cold wind slithered down his spine as Chu Xun’s voice grew fainter. “After the battle, the Shadow Guard searched every body, but most were too mangled to identify…”

 

“Shut up…”

 

“Finally, they found him, pinned to a cliff by countless arrows. His body was shattered, but in his hand, he still held the Jinghong Blade.”

 

“I told you to shut up—”

 

With a roar, the cloaked figure struck at Chu Xun’s face. The gray-robed man immediately raised his blade to block, but the palm strike met the blade with the sound of metal clashing against stone. Without a moment’s hesitation, the cloaked figure split the sword in two with his bare hand!

 

The broken blade clattered to the ground, but the momentum of his palm didn’t stop. His fingers deftly caught a piece of the broken blade, pressing it against Chu Xun’s throat, while the remaining half of the sword, still attached to the hilt, finally fell to the ground.

 

The gray-robed man’s eyes narrowed, and he was about to signal his men to surround them when Chu Xun smiled faintly, “Impressive. This technique of ‘plucking a flower’ is nearly as refined as our master’s.”

 

The cloaked figure smirked, “I don’t believe a word you say.”

 

“Indeed. He always kept his word, but unfortunately… Man’s plans cannot compare to that of heaven’s.” Chu Xun gently pushed the blade away and tossed the brocade box into the cloaked figure’s arms. “He once said he’d keep his head for you to claim, but now, his body has been cremated on the spot. All that remains is this Jinghong Blade… which I’ve brought to you in his stead.

 

“Chu Xiwei, all the grudges and debts from the past… are now settled.”

 

With that, he suddenly made a move. His fingers, as sharp as blades, swiftly struck at the major acupoint in Chu Xiwei’s chest. Chu Xiwei, amidst his emotional turmoil, was caught off guard and was hit on the shoulder. It felt as if an internal force exploded within his bones and flesh. His face turned pale, and he staggered back onto the swaying little boat, his fingers gripping the brocade box tightly, producing a cracking sound. His tone was icy, “Thunder.”

 

“You and I come from the same sect. For the past ten years I am the one who’s been by our master’s side day and night. There’s no reason I can’t surpass you.” Chu Xun stood with his hands behind his back, his demeanor still that of a gentleman, noble as jade. “The long night will soon end. It’s time for me to return to the palace… Let’s hope that from now on, we shall never meet again.”

 

As the water rippled, the light reflected off the waves, and the boat silently drifted away just like it had come. The dark guards at the dock also vanished without a trace. The subordinate in the night suit, without caring for his injuries, leapt to the head of the boat and knelt on one knee. “I failed in my duty, I await your punishment, Lord!”

 

Chu Xiwei ignored him. Holding the brocade box in his left hand, he reached for the brass lock with his right. His usually steady figure swayed slightly, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. It took a long time before he finally managed to unlock the small clasp. Only when he saw the fully sheathed, pitch-black long sword inside did he regain his calm.

 

The sword was three feet long and two fingers wide. The sheath was jet black, with vivid carvings of a wild goose in flight, so lifelike it seemed it would break free and take flight at any moment. The blade, however, was bright as autumn water and clear like white dew on reeds, reflecting in the moonlight a face as pale as paper.

 

Without a sound, tears streamed down his face.

 

“I’m crying…” He belatedly wiped his face, wet with tears. “I can still… cry?”

 

He crudely wiped the tears away and tugged at the corners of his mouth, trying to smile, but the result was even worse than crying.

 

He picked up the sword and laughed quietly. “How could you… die? You clearly said your life is for me to take… I forbid it. How dare you die?”

 

After laughing for a while, he suddenly choked, coughing several times, and murmured softly, “Master… How could you…die?”

 

His subordinate knelt behind him unable to see what kind of expression his lord was wearing.

 

Lost and helpless, like a child who couldn’t find his way home.