Chapter Twenty-One: Returning to Sword Mountain
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Xiao Lin’s consciousness returned to his body. He opened his eyes, clear and sharp, without a trace of daze. Though it seemed like a mere dream, he had actually lived through that “past” experience firsthand. The memories of it were not vague or fleeting like a dream but vivid and deeply imprinted in his mind. Thus, this “setting” not only resonated deeply with the audience but was also firmly etched in his heart. In a way, through the production team’s flawed portrayal of him, he had inadvertently discovered the true way to unlock the “memory collection.”
“It looks like I have to take action personally from now on. Otherwise, just watching makes these settings feel unreal—I myself would easily forget,” Xiao Lin thought. However, at this moment, he could at least design something small when paying respects to Shen Wuya, perhaps bringing some steamed buns... to fake a few tears.
Because the episode featuring his personally handled memories was a remarkable success. Xiao Lin scrolled through the comments below the video — having purchased the “Two Realms On-Demand” for this episode, he could also read the comments.
“I used to think the righteous image of the junior apprentice brother was a bit one-dimensional. After watching this episode, he instantly felt much more three-dimensional. Sometimes, to be a hero, you only need a simple, even naive idea. After all, he had such logical and reasonable thinking even as a child.”
“This reminds me of the classic question: ‘How do you design an extreme and oppressive villain?’ The answer: ‘Make him want to create a world without pain.’”
“Hahaha, that’s so true. Far more extreme than some villain who just says they want to ‘destroy the world.’”
“Damn, you’re right. The production team is brilliant—they reversed the typical method of crafting a top-tier villain to create a top-tier hero who speaks of innocent, beautiful dreams!”
“What kind of justice do you think Xiao Lin represents? I feel like he’s neutral justice.”
“Lawful, right?”
“He’s so righteous it’s almost evil, and you say lawful?!”
“...”
Compared to the short barrage comments, these were much longer and clearly sparked lively discussion.
[Popularity +100…]
[Popularity +100…]
Fifty-one thousand popularity was spent quickly and gained back even faster. In no time, Xiao Lin had earned over a hundred thousand popularity points. The power of the memory collection was evident.
Xiao Lin exhaled deeply, “I can start Foundation Establishment once I return.” He didn’t believe that with over two hundred thousand popularity points, he still wouldn’t succeed in Foundation Establishment.
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...
Thus, days passed with the sun rising and setting, and the moon waxing and waning.
When the faint light of dawn shone again upon the small boat carrying Xiao Lin and Tang Qianxue, the towering mountains suddenly seemed to shrink, and a cluster of majestic peaks appeared before them.
Normally, Tang Qianxue, returning from a leisurely trip, would sigh with relief, “Finally back, Sword Mountain is still the most beautiful.”
But now, her delicate face was etched with anxiety.
Two days and one night had passed, yet Li Changhe remained unconscious.
Xiao Lin was about to take out the Sword Mountain token to activate the “Heaven and Earth Execution Sword Formation” guarding Sword Mountain.
However, the protective formation first rippled, opening a gap.
A slightly plump middle-aged man appeared, his red hair dull and withered.
“Elder Yue!” Tang Qianxue exclaimed.
The visitor was one of Sword Mountain’s five elders, the peak master of the Sword Refining Peak, Yue Rongshan.
Almost all the swords of Sword Mountain disciples were forged at Sword Refining Peak—some by Yue Rongshan’s disciples, others by his own hand.
For example, Xiao Lin’s Immortal Annihilation and Gu Jianyao’s Parting Song were both personally crafted by him.
His red hair had turned so due to constant exposure to spiritual fire and smoke.
At this moment, Tang Qianxue’s eyes brightened as if she saw a savior. “Elder Yue, please save senior brother!”
Yue Rongshan was stunned. “Changhe has also run into trouble?”
The word “also” spoke volumes.
Xiao Lin cupped his hands and slowly explained, “Senior brother was bewitched by the Fallen Sword Immortal, attempting to seize the sword box that seals the Fallen Sword Immortal. I barely subdued him with Asura’s Righteous Qi. But after two nights and one day, he has not awakened, so we had to ask Elder Yue to come examine him.”
For Yue Rongshan, this was yet another wave of troubles.
His mood had been unsettled recently, and now his small eyes suddenly widened. “Xiao Lin, what did you say? Say it again!”
Xiao Lin could only repeat the story helplessly.
Yue Rongshan was silent for a moment, then murmured, “You’ve reached the late Foundation Establishment stage from perfect Qi Refining. No wonder the sect leader places such great hopes on you, and you have not disappointed him.”
Suddenly, Xiao Lin asked, “Elder Yue, is it true that our master—”
Yue Rongshan could hear the hopeful tone behind his words, but he sighed deeply, “The sect leader has indeed passed away.”
Xiao Lin nodded slightly, expression unchanged.
Yet anyone could feel the sorrow and grief permeating from his very bones.
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After all, it was he who had personally killed Shen Wuya.
“Xiao Lin, you need not blame yourself. Before you left, the sect leader gathered us and revealed everything,” Yue Rongshan said softly. “You did well—you preserved the sect leader’s honor and protected peace in the world. You have not let anyone down.”
“The sect leader’s passing is not just the loss of a friend to us, but a pillar of righteousness.”
“But after learning you defeated Changhe, I suddenly don’t feel so heavyhearted.”
“Because with time, you will surely reach the sect leader’s level, and perhaps even surpass him.”
As he spoke, a large hand rested gently on Xiao Lin’s shoulder.
Yue Rongshan sighed, “Having disciples like you is truly a blessing for Sword Mountain and for righteousness…”
“All right, let me examine Changhe.”
After comforting Xiao Lin, Yue Rongshan focused on Li Changhe.
He first probed with spiritual energy, then with spiritual awareness, examining both his body and mind.
Yue Rongshan’s brow furrowed deeper, his expression growing graver.
Tang Qianxue hurriedly asked, “Elder Yue, is senior brother seriously ill?”
Yue Rongshan shook his head, “Don’t panic. Changhe is not in serious danger. But precisely because of that, he shouldn’t remain unconscious for so long…”
Hearing this, Xiao Lin’s gaze sharpened.
Most likely, the production team had meddled again.
“I am skilled in refining artifacts, but know little about other matters. Let’s have the other elders take a look. You three, please come in.”
With that, Yue Rongshan led Xiao Lin and the others into Sword Mountain.
Tang Qianxue was about to relax upon hearing that Li Changhe was temporarily safe when Xiao Lin asked, “Where is master buried?”
Tang Qianxue’s tension instantly returned.
Of course, they still had to pay respects to their master.
Yue Rongshan nodded slightly. “Only we know of the sect leader’s passing. Therefore, his spirit tablet is not placed in the main hall but in a side chamber. I will take you there.”
Soon, the group slowly arrived before a side chamber.
At that moment, a sudden anomaly occurred!
As Xiao Lin just landed on the ground, a brilliant silver glow burst forth beneath his feet.
Seeing this, Yue Rongshan shouted, “Yue Su Xian, what are you doing—”
Before he could finish, Xiao Lin vanished without a trace!