The dawn in Peachblossom Village was crisp, the air fragrant with the scent of earth and greenery. In the distance, the crowing of a rooster pierced the tranquility, awakening the slumbering land.
Cloud Beguile stood at the village entrance, gazing back at the serene, peaceful hamlet, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The villagers, though mere commoners, were simple, kind-hearted and hospitable, allowing him to experience a warmth and care he had long been deprived of.
Yet, he could not remain here. He had an unfinished mission, a deep vendetta to avenge, and a beloved whose whereabouts were unknown. He had to set out on the path of vengeance, to uncover the truth and seek the justice in his heart.
"Elder, thank you for your hospitality. I must take my leave now." Cloud Beguile bowed deeply to the old man who had seen him off.
"Young sir, take care on your journey." The elder looked at Cloud Beguile with compassionate, clouded eyes, filled with concern and blessings. "The jianghu is perilous, and the hearts of men unfathomable. You must be most vigilant."
"I will heed your words, elder." Cloud Beguile nodded, then turned resolutely and set out towards the jianghu.
He had the Azure Enigma Sword slung on his back, the carved azure dragon on its hilt seeming to guide his path, guarding him so he would not lose his way on the road of vengeance.
Traveling northward along the foothills of the Azure Cloud Mountains, Cloud Beguile deliberately avoided the main roads, choosing obscure trails through the wilderness, all the while cultivating the Azure Lotus Sword Techniques, honing his swordsmanship.
In the dense forest, ancient trees soared towards the heavens, filtering the sunlight into a dappled pattern that cast an air of mystery upon Cloud Beguile.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, First Form: Azure Lotus Blossoms!"
Cloud Beguile's low shout echoed as the Azure Enigma Sword became a bolt of azure lightning, slicing through the air and leaving afterimages in the trees.
Sword qi lashed out, leaves scattering, the sturdy trunks falling like tofu under the keen edge.
Cloud Beguile's figure flickered like lightning through the forest, agile as a hunting leopard in pursuit of its prey.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, Second Form: Azure Lotus Sword Dance!"
With another shout, the Azure Enigma Sword whirled like the wind, transforming into an azure lotus that enveloped Cloud Beguile.
Flashing sword light and spinning lotus, the encroaching trees were shredded by the sword qi, the wooden shards swirling in a mesmerizing display.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, Third Form: Azure Lotus Sword Song!"
Cloud Beguile's cry rang out as the Azure Enigma Sword stabbed forth, unleashing a bolt of azure sword qi that tore through the void, soaring towards the heavens.
"Boom!"
Where the sword qi passed, the very space was rent asunder, echoing with the shrill sound of sonic booms. The towering trees were destroyed like paper before this attack, reduced to a storm of wooden splinters drifting in the air.
Cloud Beguile stood amidst the devastated forest, awestruck and exhilarated. He could clearly sense the tremendous power of the Azure Lotus Sword Techniques, even more formidable than he had imagined.
He knew these were merely the foundational forms - what kind of might would be unleashed if he could truly master the Azure Lotus Sword Techniques?
"Purple Yang Immortal, wait for me. I will make you pay the price!" A glint of ruthless intent flashed in Cloud Beguile's eyes as he gripped the Azure Enigma Sword, his heart consumed by the flames of vengeance.
After days of cultivation in the wilderness, Cloud Beguile had thoroughly drilled the basic sword forms, his swordsmanship reaching new heights of refinement and mastery.
He knew the jianghu was perilous, and mere martial prowess would not suffice to survive in this cruel world. He needed to conceal his identity, learn the art of deception, in order to better protect himself and accomplish his plans of vengeance.
Thus, Cloud Beguile decided to take on a new name - "Carefree Wanderer."
"Carefree Wanderer, unfettered and unbound - this is the state I seek to attain," he mused, gazing at the distant azure mountains.
Sheathing the Azure Enigma Sword, he adjusted his attire and headed down the mountain, ready to embark on his journey through the jianghu.
...
Days later, Cloud Beguile arrived at a small town called Azure Cloud Town.
Situated at the foot of the Azure Cloud Mountains, Azure Cloud Town was the sole settlement for miles around, and one of the more prosperous towns in the vicinity of the Cloudtop Immortal Abode.
As Cloud Beguile entered the town, he was immediately struck by the palpable aura of the jianghu.
The streets bustled with activity, lined with all manner of shops, the cries of merchants, hagglers and peddlers filling the air. Scions of wealthy families, ragged beggars, swordsmen, and spell-casters - all manner of characters and eccentrics mingled together, creating a lively, vibrant jianghu tableau.
Cloud Beguile walked the streets, his gaze curiously taking in the sights around him, filled with a sense of novelty and excitement. Despite his cultivation background, he had seldom ventured beyond the Cloudtop Immortal Abode, and the outside world held much fascination for him.
"Young sir, is this your first time in Azure Cloud Town? Would you like me to show you around?" a voice suddenly spoke up beside him.
Turning, Cloud Beguile saw a short, shifty-eyed middle-aged man, smiling broadly and wielding a folding fan, exuding the air of a seasoned jianghu denizen.
"No need, I'll just wander on my own." Cloud Beguile politely declined the man's offer, continuing on his way.
"Ah, young sir, don't leave! I'm the famous 'Gossip Monger' of Azure Cloud Town. There's nothing I don't know. If you need any information, just ask me. We can discuss the price." The man hurried to catch up.
Cloud Beguile paused, considering this self-proclaimed "Gossip Monger." Azure Cloud Town was the closest settlement to the Cloudtop Immortal Abode - perhaps he could glean some leads here about the truth behind the Cloud Clan's downfall, and Moonshade's whereabouts.
"Very well, I'll ask you a few questions," Cloud Beguile said. "Do you know about the Cloud Clan?"
"The Cloud Clan? Of course! They're the most renowned cultivation family in the vicinity of the Azure Cloud Mountains, with a thousand-year legacy and profound foundations. Who doesn't know of them?" the man replied eagerly. "Though, it's such a pity what happened recently - the Cloud Clan was wiped out."
"Wiped out?" Cloud Beguile's heart sank as he quickly asked, "Do you know who was responsible?"
"Well, about that..." The man chuckled mysteriously. "I do know, but you know, information like that is quite valuable..."
"And?" Cloud Beguile pressed.
"Hehe, young sir, you understand how it is. This kind of news doesn't come cheap." The man rubbed his hands together. "If you want to know, you'll have to pay up."