Volume One: A Young Man Enters the World Chapter Fifty-Three: Reunion

Just as the two were exchanging pointed words, Lin Shuang heard a commotion ahead and emerged from behind the Hall of Spiritual Weapons.

She approached Lin Li and asked, "What happened?"

Lin Li replied respectfully, "Miss, there are two guests who both have their eyes on the same sword and are quarreling over it..."

After hearing this, Lin Shuang quickly understood the situation and turned her gaze toward Fang Tian and the others.

She studied Fang Tian and sensed a strange familiarity about him, which left her puzzled, though she could not recall why.

"Is it just my imagination?" Lin Shuang murmured inwardly.

Her eyes then fell on the young man standing opposite Fang Tian. She was surprised and exclaimed, "Shen Xingfeng, what brings you here?"

It turned out that the extravagantly dressed young man was Shen Xingfeng, an acquaintance of Lin Shuang.

Shen Xingfeng turned toward Lin Shuang, his face instantly lighting up with delight. He walked straight over to her, seemingly having forgotten all about the previous dispute.

He smiled and said, "So you really are here, Sister Lin Shuang. I thought it was just gossip."

Lin Shuang felt a headache coming on—she hadn't expected to run into Shen Xingfeng here. Now that he knew where she was, she had no hope of any free time.

Still, she couldn't help but wonder how he knew she was in Wufeng City.

"Xingfeng, what are you doing in Wufeng City?"

"Why, I came to see you, of course!"

"Be honest," Lin Shuang said, frowning.

Shen Xingfeng pouted and replied, "Alright, the truth is, I've been here for some time. My family sent me to check the shop accounts."

"I see. That explains your sudden appearance."

"Sister Lin Shuang, how long do you plan to stay in Wufeng City?"

"Three to five days, perhaps. Why?"

"If that's the case, I intend to travel back with you."

"Have you finished checking the accounts?"

"Almost. You have no idea how exhausting it is to balance those books. By the way, Sister Lin Shuang, are you free later? I want to grab a bite at the tavern. Why not invite the princess as well? What do you think?"

Lin Shuang shot him a glare and replied in annoyance, "All you think about is food. Settle the mess you've made first."

"What mess?"

"What do you think? You've offended a guest. Go apologize at once."

"What? You want me to apologize? That fellow doesn't even know the Lin family, he's just—"

Before he could finish, Lin Shuang fixed him with a stern glare, silencing him immediately.

"Go, or don't expect me to take you and the princess to the tavern later."

"Alright, I'll go."

All the while, Fang Tian stood quietly by, watching to see how Lin Shuang would handle the matter. From their conversation, he gathered that Shen Xingfeng seemed to listen to Lin Shuang, which made Fang Tian curious about their relationship.

Shen Xingfeng then walked over to him, cupped his hands, and said, "I was rude earlier. I hope you won't take offense."

Since the other had taken the initiative, Fang Tian saw no reason to hold a grudge.

"It's nothing. What you said was true enough."

Seeing Shen Xingfeng apologize, Lin Shuang stepped forward and, with an apologetic expression, said, "Sir, I am truly sorry for the trouble you've been put through."

"There's no need for that. It's a trivial matter," Fang Tian replied.

Lin Shuang paused in thought, then continued, "I can't agree. After all, he was at fault. Allow me to offer this sword to you as an apology."

"Sister Lin Shuang, are you serious? That sword is worth a fortune!" Shen Xingfeng exclaimed in disbelief.

Ignoring him, Lin Shuang kept her eyes on Fang Tian.

Fang Tian was surprised as well. Lin Shuang was offering him the sword, and fifty thousand lower-grade spirit crystals was no small sum.

"Miss Lin, this isn't proper. I can't simply accept your gift. Whatever the sword's price, I'll pay it in full," Fang Tian refused directly. He was not one to accept undue favors.

"I feel that you and this sword are meant to be. Take it as a gesture of friendship, and please do accept it," Lin Shuang insisted.

Fang Tian was puzzled. Why was Lin Shuang so insistent? Could she have recognized him?

At that moment, Lin Li also stepped forward and said, "Please accept the sword, sir. It's a token of my mistress's goodwill."

Fang Tian was silent for a moment before finally saying, "In that case, I will accept your kindness with gratitude."

"You may take the sword," Lin Shuang nodded.

Fang Tian did not hesitate further. He picked up the sword and placed it in its scabbard.

He then turned to Lin Shuang and said, "Should you ever need my assistance, you can find me at Maple Grove Residence. That is where I am staying."

"Farewell."

Lin Shuang replied, "Very well, I understand. Take care, sir."

With that, Fang Tian left the Hall of Spiritual Weapons and headed toward Maple Grove Residence, eager to try out the sword's power in the sword's inner realm.

After Fang Tian left, Shen Xingfeng sidled up to Lin Shuang and whispered, "Sister Lin Shuang, did you really just give that sword away for nothing? Isn't that a little wasteful?"

"It's only a sword. There's nothing to regret," Lin Shuang replied calmly.

"Sister Lin Shuang, do you actually need something from him? Just look at him—what help could he possibly offer?"

"You wouldn't understand. It's better if you don't ask."

"..."

At that moment, Lin Li approached and quietly asked, "Miss, did you notice something?"

Lin Shuang shook her head. "No, it's just a feeling. But I believe it won't be long before we need his help."

Lin Li asked no further. He knew that whatever his mistress decided must have its reasons.

After a moment, Lin Shuang seemed to recall something and asked, "How did the interrogation of that black-clad man go? Did you find out who sent him?"

"I tried everything, but he's still refusing to talk. He's got a stubborn mouth."

"Take me to him."

"Yes, Miss."

Their conversation left Shen Xingfeng completely in the dark. He couldn't make sense of a thing.

"Sister Lin Shuang, what are you talking about? What black-clad man?" Shen Xingfeng couldn't help but ask.

Lin Shuang glanced at him and said coolly, "Come with us and you'll see."

"Oh. Alright," Shen Xingfeng replied, still bewildered.

The three of them made their way to the back of the Hall of Spiritual Weapons, leaving Shen Xingfeng's attendants at the door.

Meanwhile, Fang Tian had returned to Maple Grove Residence. As soon as he entered, the innkeeper greeted him warmly.

"Welcome back, sir."

Fang Tian nodded.

"Please go upstairs and rest. I'll have fine wine and dishes sent up right away."

"Thank you for your trouble," Fang Tian said with a smile, giving the innkeeper a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"It's no trouble at all. Judging by your expression, you must have acquired an excellent weapon."

"Quite so. Enough talk—I'll head upstairs now."

With that, Fang Tian ended the conversation and went upstairs.