Section 36: Demon Soldier Inheritance, Ning Family Proposes Marriage
Author: Gu Zhenren
Published: 2013-02-09
Upon opening the box, Chu Yun exclaimed, “Ah, the Drunken Snow Saber!”
The Drunken Snow Saber vibrated slightly within its wooden case, emitting a joyous hum upon seeing Chu Yun. Its snow-bright blade and flowing, elegant body embodied a beauty that blended ferocity with grace.
Chu Yun frowned, “Drunken Snow Saber… it was Dad’s. How can I accept it?”
Shu Tianhao smiled and reached into the box, grabbing the Drunken Snow Saber and handing it to Chu Yun.
The Drunken Snow Saber trembled violently in his hand, like an ice dragon struggling fiercely. In a short time, Shu Tianhao’s veins bulged, his face turned red, and heat rose all over his body. It was evident that controlling the saber required all his strength.
Chu Yun, with a face full of surprise, took the saber.
A wondrous thing happened. The Drunken Snow Saber immediately stilled, no longer shaking. It became as docile as a kitten, its blade emitting a soft hum, and even a faint scent of wine wafted from it.
“What is this…” Chu Yun exclaimed in surprise.
“The Drunken Snow Saber has recognized you as its master,” Shu Tianhao sighed with relief, his gaze toward Chu Yun devoid of regret for losing his beloved saber, replaced by complete satisfaction.
Beside them, the White-Browed Alchemist chuckled and explained gently, “It’s normal that Young Island Master doesn’t know some things. This saber is a Demon Soldier. When some items are used frequently by people, imbuing them with emotions, they can develop a spirit over time and become Demon Soldiers. Demonic Beasts, Demon Soldiers, and Demonic Plants are the three major factions of Monster Tamers.”
Chu Yun understood. He was simply astonished that the Drunken Snow Saber would recognize him as its master.
“Demon,” he mused, “doesn’t just refer to narrow-minded demonic beasts. It’s a general term for things that have developed a spirit. Monster Tamers are those who can control these spiritual beings.”
Demonic beasts were only one part of these spiritual beings. Chu Yun’s Sky Fox, Old Fish King’s Sea Spider, and Remnant Wolf’s Beacon Smoke Wolf were demonic beasts.
Another part were demonic plants. Cultivating these plants was mostly for production. Examples include Old Red Spear’s Jade Kelp and Old Monkey Qiao’s Coconut Palm Trees.
The third part was Demon Soldiers. Man-made objects that, through frequent use and emotional investment, developed a spirit. Shu Tianhao’s Drunken Snow Saber was of this kind. It was by wielding this Demon Soldier that Shu Tianhao could contend with Remnant Wolf’s Beacon Smoke Wolf.
“In my past life, after my foster father died, I inherited the Drunken Snow Saber. Now that Dad is alive, how could this Demon Soldier recognize me as master? Strange!” Chu Yun muttered to himself.
“Demon Soldiers only recognize a new master if the original owner is dead. However, your situation is quite special. That day on the battlefield, when Island Master Shu was on his deathbed, he was extremely close to death. The Drunken Snow Saber was practically ownerless. Coincidentally, at that moment, Young Island Master Chu was in battle, wielding the Drunken Snow Saber. He poured all his emotion and fighting spirit into it, resonating with the spirit within the Drunken Snow Saber. Thus, it recognized a new master,” the White-Browed Alchemist explained.
“So that’s how it is,” Chu Yun finally understood. At that time, the Drunken Snow Saber mistakenly believed Shu Tianhao was dead, and coupled with twenty-three years of accumulated emotion and suppressed fighting spirit, this Demon Soldier recognized him as its master.
“Since that is the case, this son shall accept this saber,” Chu Yun said, no longer being coy, for he understood that the Drunken Snow Saber could only serve him.
“Good, good, good,” Shu Tianhao nodded repeatedly and, taking a deep breath, admonished, “The Drunken Snow Saber has been the ceremonial saber of Shu Family Island’s Island Masters for generations, imbued with the spirit of countless ancestors. It is a symbol of power for Shu Family Island. Behind it lies the pride and dignity of warriors. Do not fail this saber. If the opportunity arises in the future, strive to improve its cultivation.”
“This son understands,” Chu Yun nodded. Demon Soldiers could also absorb spiritual energy and Demonic Crystals to improve their cultivation. This Drunken Snow Saber was a Great Demon-level artifact with 45 years of accumulated cultivation.
The White-Browed Alchemist’s eyes twinkled with a smile. “The Drunken Snow Saber is a Great Demon Soldier, and Young Island Master Chu can wield it at such a young age. This speaks volumes of his exceptionally powerful spiritual aura. He is like an uncarved jade, needing only a little polish to become a masterpiece. May Young Island Master Chu, when he eventually reaches Tiange Academy, not slacken in his efforts and live up to Heaven’s favor.”
“Tiange Academy? Dad, what is this?” Chu Yun blinked in surprise.
“Heh heh, I have already recommended you for admission to Tiange Academy. Tiange Academy is an excellent place, with abundant resources, gathering almost all the young elites from the Archipelago. You must work hard,” Shu Tianhao said with a smile, patting Chu Yun’s shoulder.
The unexpected surprise left Chu Yun momentarily stunned. “But I didn’t become first in the coming-of-age ceremony…”
“Silly boy. Who said being first in the coming-of-age ceremony guarantees admission to Tiange Academy? Tiange Academy only recruits recommended youths from each island. Being first in the coming-of-age ceremony is merely one of the criteria for recommendation. With your performance now, you even saved my life. If I didn’t recommend you, the entire island would probably call me a foolish and incompetent father…”
“Dad…” Chu Yun choked up, about to speak.
Just then, a servant reported, “Reporting to the Island Master, an envoy from Ning Family Island has arrived with a large gift.”
“Someone from the Ning Family…” Shu Tianhao frowned slightly, then relaxed. “Please show them in.”
“What? Propose marriage? And it’s Ning Yiyi…” A moment later, after understanding the envoy’s purpose, Chu Yun’s face changed with emotion, and he couldn’t help but stand up from his seat.
He knew of Ning Yiyi – she was beautiful, but vain and proud of her looks. She enjoyed making her suitors go to great lengths for her words. In his memories, during the chaotic era of the Archipelago, she remarried five times, each time climbing higher. Eventually, she married her distant cousin, becoming the Island Master of Ning Family Island and one of the few extremely influential noblewomen in the Archipelago.
Such a woman wanted to propose marriage to him?
“Since my rebirth, everything has been changing. I never expected to become entangled with such a person. With the way the situation is developing, how long can my foreknowledge advantage last?” Chu Yun sighed inwardly.
“Propose marriage?” Shu Tianhao frowned.
The Ning Family envoy, however, wore a smile. He observed Chu Yun’s reaction, mistaking his shock for the excitement of a dashing young man infatuated by the Ning Princess’s fame.
“Heh heh, Ning Yiyi has excellent monster taming talent. She is also very beautiful and has a photographic memory. She has considerable influence in our Tiange Academy. Her suitors can line up down a long street. Heh, historically, beauty is matched with heroism. Young Island Master Chu is a true young hero. You were quiet, but your decisive action in killing Remnant Wolf was a feat that shook the region and is worthy of pride. A hero and a beauty; what a match!” The White-Browed Alchemist spoke with a knowing smile.
The Ning Family envoy’s expression brightened considerably, his lips curling upwards. He was overjoyed. It seemed this diplomatic mission was a success.
In truth, the success rate of the matter was already high. Ning Yiyi was the direct granddaughter of the Ning Family Island Master, an undeniable Ning Princess. At a young age, her reputation had spread throughout the Archipelago.
Which young man didn’t admire her? Which dashing youth wasn’t smitten?
“This Young Island Master Chu, though incredibly brave and fierce, is still a youth after all. Seeing his delighted expression… heh heh.”
(PS: From now on, it’s the path of explosive growth! Aiming for the top 12 in the book charts! Currently ranked 23rd. Everyone, I, Zhenren, have never resorted to fake votes; it’s all thanks to the support of my brothers and sisters! Please give your strong support to those in the group chats and forums! Let us embark on the grand path to explosive growth and climb the charts!)
