The Life of a Necromancer as a Swashbuckler

Chapter 9: First Steps into Xiaoyao Valley

When I woke up again, I felt completely refreshed, as if I’d had a long, restful sleep—it was indescribably comfortable. I slowly opened my eyes and took another look at my surroundings. I was lying on a bamboo bed—both comfortable and cool. A gentle breeze blew in through the window, carrying the scent of earth. In the distance, a stick of sandalwood incense was burning, releasing a subtle fragrance that made me feel increasingly calm and composed; my thoughts seemed to clear instantly. The room’s furnishings were very simple, yet elegant and comfortable, reflecting exceptional taste. Beside the bed stood a rustic table, on which a calligraphy scroll was displayed. It appeared to contain only a single character. I couldn’t help but try to make out the character—hmm, I didn’t recognize it. I checked my body—it was still wrapped in bandages, but I no longer felt any obvious pain. Perhaps my body’s ability to heal was truly remarkable. The room was empty now; Shi Jingyu, who had been here a moment ago, was nowhere to be seen. It must be late afternoon; the sunlight streamed in lazily, making the room feel even more serene and comfortable. Recalling the chaotic dream from earlier, I couldn’t help but gather my thoughts. Was that just a dream? Why did it feel so real? I didn’t know who I was; no matter how hard I thought, I had absolutely no recollection. My mind felt as if it were shackled by something; delving into certain thoughts triggered an inexplicable headache, leaving me completely at a loss. Never mind—this wasn’t the time to dwell on the past. I still had no idea where I was, so I’d better focus on the present. Just then, the door to the log cabin swung open, and Gu Yuntian walked in. Seeing that I had woken up, a look of joy spread across his face. “Brother, you’re awake!” ““So it’s Brother Gu,” I said, quickly putting on a look of humble deference. I struggled to get out of bed, but Gu Yuntian hurriedly stopped me. “Brother, your serious injuries haven’t healed yet; you shouldn’t get up.” I was only too happy to take him up on that—I hadn’t wanted to get up anyway. “Brother Gu, where are we? How are your injuries?” That was the most important question right now, so I asked first “Brother, don’t worry. My injuries are nothing serious. This is Xiaoyao Valley. After the great battle, you collapsed from severe injuries, so Miss Shi and I brought you here to recover.” So this was Xiaoyao Valley after all. No wonder the surroundings were so serene and elegant. I felt a bit disappointed—I had hoped it might be Miss Shi’s private chambers. “Thank you, Brother Gu, for saving me. What is Xiaoyao Valley?” I certainly had many questions about my current situation. It turns out this is a Martial Arts World, with numerous sects in the Martial Arts World—some are renowned orthodox schools, while others are heretical and deviant. The orthodox schools are broadly divided into four major traditions: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Eclecticism. Buddhism is represented by the Shaolin Temple; Taoism by Wudang; Confucianism by the Practical Confucian School; and Eclecticism is said to comprise thirteen sects and eighty-one schools. The heretical and deviant groups are known as Palaces, Sects, Cities, and Islands, and there are many other sects in the world as well. It was all so complicated. Just as I was chatting with Gu Yuntian, an elderly man drifted in from outside the door. “Disciple, how is the man you’re tending to recovering?” “Master,” Gu Yuntian said as soon as he saw the visitor, jumping to his feet and introducing me: “This is my master, Xiaoyaozi, the Grandmaster of the Xiaoyao Sect. It was my master who saved my brother.” I looked up at the old man. Clad in white robes, his figure was ethereal; his beard and hair were snow-white, his face as fair as jade, and his eyes shone like bright stars—he looked just like an ancient immortal who had descended to the mortal realm. I hurriedly rose to bow in gratitude, but felt an invisible, gentle force hold me back, gently guiding me back to my original spot. “Your severe injuries have not yet healed; there’s no need for such formalities.” Since he wouldn’t allow me to bow in thanks—and I didn’t want to anyway—I simply bowed from my bed. “Thank you, Senior Xiaoyao, for saving my brother!” “No need for such formalities. I’ve already heard the details of what happened from the young lady of the Shi family and Yun Tian. You, young man, possess both courage and wisdom—you are truly a man of chivalry.” This made me feel a bit embarrassed. Just as I was about to respond, I heard Xiaoyaozi ask, “Young man, your bravery is commendable, but this old man has noticed something very strange about you—something I’ve never encountered in over seventy years. I hope you can explain the reason behind it!” After he finished speaking, I saw Xiaoyaozi’s eyes grow piercing, as if he were trying to see right through my soul.