"It's not that Lao Ai wants the Xuanjian Sword," Xuanjian said, his voice heavy, his gaze dropping slightly, "but the person behind him!"**
"The person behind him?" Qin Yi frowned, confusion flashing in his eyes. "Who is Lao Ai's mastermind?"
Xuanjian remained silent for a moment, then raised his head to meet Qin Yi's gaze. His eyes were like frost, and his voice carried a deep chill. "The Grand Chancellor of Qin... Lü Buwei!"
**"Lü Buwei!"** Qin Yi's expression changed dramatically.
Until now, he had assumed that the Luo Wang (Net of Shadows) organization was no longer under Lü Buwei's control. After all, his knowledge of history in his previous life was limited to fragmented anecdotes. But now, Xuanjian's words hit him like a thunderclap, reverberating in his ears.
Lü Buwei—a name that could not be ignored.
This was a man even the First Emperor of Qin feared.
In Qin Yi's memories, Lü Buwei was often depicted in books and television dramas as a mere antagonist, quickly defeated by the protagonist. But he knew the reality couldn't be so simple. If Lü Buwei were truly an opponent easily dealt with, how could he have controlled the mighty state of Qin for over a decade, holding sway over even a ruler as formidable as Ying Zheng?
Thoughts churned in Qin Yi's mind—fear of Lü Buwei's strength, worry over having just slain Luo Wang assassins, and the realization that this act might directly pit him against the Grand Chancellor himself.
Xuanjian, noticing Qin Yi's hesitation, allowed a mocking smile to curl his lips. "Brother Qin, I will always remember your life-saving kindness. But I don't wish to become your burden."
He gently caressed the Xuanjian Sword, a complicated emotion flickering in his eyes. "This sword is far too dazzling. It's the very reason I find myself in such a predicament. If you were to present it to Lü Buwei, with his personality, he'd surely value your loyalty. Who knows? You might even rise through the ranks overnight."
Xuanjian let out a soft sigh. It carried the weight of parting and resignation.
Qin Yi, however, suddenly smiled. Lifting his head to look at Xuanjian, his gaze was calm and resolute. "Brother Xuanjian, do you really think I, Qin Yi, am someone who clings to life out of fear of death?"
Xuanjian was momentarily stunned, his eyes reflecting surprise.
"The truth is," Qin Yi continued firmly, "had you not brought this up, I might not have considered it. But now that you have, how could I ever follow in the footsteps of those who grovel before Lü Buwei?"
"And besides, this matter here tonight—you know it, I know it, the heavens and earth know it. Who else could possibly report it to Lü Buwei? Even if the Luo Wang is formidable, it will take them time to investigate. During that time, I, Qin Yi, will grow strong enough to make even Lü Buwei wary!"
As Qin Yi's words echoed through the mountain valley, a profound silence followed.
Xuanjian stared at the young man before him, his expression gradually softening into admiration. In all of Qin's vast lands, how many dared to remain so composed and undaunted after hearing Lü Buwei's name? The young man standing before him was undoubtedly one of the rare few.
**"A rising star,"** Xuanjian murmured under his breath, his tone tinged with reluctant admiration. Yet, a trace of sorrow followed. "But alas..."
"Alas, what?" Qin Yi raised an eyebrow, his smile confident. "Brother Xuanjian, are you worried that your time is running out?"
Xuanjian stayed silent.
"If I can save you, Brother Xuanjian," Qin Yi said, his tone shifting to one of quiet probing, "would you be willing to serve me?"
Xuanjian tilted his head slightly, his eyes sharp as blades. "What are your terms?"
He didn't question Qin Yi's ability to save him but rather went straight to the terms. This reaction made Qin Yi appreciate the man even more.
"Simple." Qin Yi's lips curled into a faint smile, his gaze unwavering. "I need you, Xuanjian, to serve me."
Xuanjian's expression grew complex. He wasn't afraid of death, but a deep-seated, unresolved obsession kept him tethered—a burden he could neither abandon nor overcome.
Seeing the hesitation in Xuanjian's eyes, Qin Yi reached into his robe and pulled out a small pill, presenting it before Xuanjian. "This is the Revitalization Pill. It can save your life. Whether or not you agree to serve me, this pill is yours."
Xuanjian froze, his gaze locked onto the pill.
Qin Yi continued, his voice steady and sincere. "If there's an unfinished desire in your heart, perhaps I can help you fulfill it. And I promise, I will never side with Lü Buwei!"
With those words, Qin Yi placed the pill beside Xuanjian and turned to leave. He didn't look back, his steps deliberate as he walked toward the valley's exit.
Each step weighed heavily on him. He was waiting, gambling—gambling that Xuanjian was as honorable as he appeared to be.
Just as Qin Yi's figure was about to vanish into the shadows of the valley, a weak yet resolute voice echoed behind him.
**"I will take the pill. And your terms—I accept!"**
"But," Xuanjian added, his voice carrying a faint warning, "remember your promise."
Qin Yi halted, exhaled deeply, then turned back with a slight smile. "Of course. I won't forget."
Xuanjian placed the pill into his mouth. The moment it touched his tongue, it dissolved into a cool liquid that slid down his throat and settled in his abdomen. Almost immediately, a soothing warmth spread from his dantian, surging through his meridians and flooding his limbs with life.
The first sensation was a change in his chest, where a deep wound had left his flesh mangled. The moment the warmth reached it, the torn tissues began knitting themselves back together, as though guided by an invisible hand. Blood vessels reconnected, muscle fibers reformed, and the once-gory wound smoothed over, leaving skin that appeared even finer than before.
Next, his shattered shoulder bones began to shift and align. He felt the marrow flow within, and with a series of faint "clicks," the broken fragments fused seamlessly. The lingering discomfort evaporated, replaced by a newfound strength.
The weariness that had gripped him for days melted away as his depleted energy reserves replenished. His qi, once chaotic and weak, now coursed through him with a steady, revitalizing rhythm, nourishing every damaged fiber of his being. His body seemed not only healed but strengthened, as though honed anew through a divine process.
When Xuanjian opened his eyes again, they gleamed with a sharp, unyielding brilliance. His clenched fists emitted subtle crackles, his tendons and bones resonating like a predator preparing for the hunt. Slowly, he ran his fingers over his once-torn chest, finding only smooth, unblemished skin.
He lowered his gaze to his hands, which trembled faintly. Within them lay power he had never felt before. This was no ordinary recovery—it was a rebirth.
He looked toward the figure of Qin Yi, who stood like a mountain against the silver moonlight in the distance. Waves of emotion surged in Xuanjian's heart.
**"What manner of fortune is this?"** he whispered, awe and respect thick in his voice. He knew, then and there, that the young man before him was no ordinary soul.
At that moment, a familiar system notification echoed deep within Qin Yi's mind:
"Ding! Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission. The rewards have been distributed!"
"Ding! You have obtained three Divine-tier Gift Packs!"
"Ding! Would you like to open them now?"