Chapter 175: I Really Didn’t Do It on Purpose

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

An Lin also saw the cracked crystal, and he stood transfixed to the spot, dumbfounded.

Did he do this? It appeared like he did this…

But why did it crack? No one had told him that it would crack!

Then, he saw the teary Jiang Yanan and was instantly overtaken with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Jiang Yanan,” he apologized, “I really didn’t do it on purpose. Who knew that this would happen if one’s sword intent is too powerful…”

Jiang Yanan was already on the brink of breaking down. Hearing An Lin’s apology, he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

The royal disciples started slowly recovering from their daze as a realization formed in their mind. So that was it! The intent realm crystal would crack if one’s sword intent was too powerful!

Su Xin also nodded thoughtfully. This appeared to be the only logical explanation.

If this was the case, however, it would mean that Jiang Yanan’s sword intent was unable to crack the crystal. An Lin’s sword intent, on the other hand, was powerful enough to do so. Wouldn’t this imply that the final victor was… An Lin?!!

Jiang Yanan also became aware of this problem.

The situation gradually spun out of control and the disciples all started engaging in spirited conversations.

As if they were watching a legend in the making, some of the royal disciples gazed upon An Lin with a fervent glow in their eyes.

What more, some disciples even glanced at Jiang Yanan with a look of skepticism in their eyes, suspicious of whether he was a fake…

The undefeated Jiang Yanan had never encountered such situation before.

Was he really going to admit defeat to a passer-by of the Spirit Nurturing Stage?

If word of this spread, what would happen to his reputation?!

No… he couldn’t let that happen!

Sucking in a deep breath, a warm and refreshing smile once again spread across Jiang Yanan’s face. “There’s no need to apologize, An Lin,” Jiang Yanan said warmly. “Come to speak of it, this is my fault anyway. This intent realm crystal has been worn down by years without repair. In truth, since long ago, it’d already barely stand the burden of intent battles. It seems like it’s finally time to retire it from service.”

An Lin blinked his eyes. “Is that so?”

“Of course!” Jiang Yanan announced loudly. “Want to know why I didn’t use my full strength? Because I was scared of this happening!”

Saying this, he smashed his fist toward the intent realm crystal.

Boom!

The crystal shattered and exploded into countless shimmering white shards.

The crystal laid shattered on the floor, along with his broken heart…

“See? It was already sagging under burden since long ago…

“Let’s call this battle a draw. We’ll duke it out another day!”

Jiang Yanan forced himself to smile as he said this.

An Lin pointed at the shards of broken crystal. “So you’re saying that… I don’t need to compensate you or anything?”

Hearing this, grief and sorrow billowed in Jiang Yanan’s heart. However, a calm and refreshing smile still stretched across his face. “Surely you jest. This is my blunder. How can I have you compensate for it?”

An Lin looked at Jiang Yanan gratefully. “Brother Jiang is truly a good person!”

The disciples on the drill ground all came to a sudden realization. So, the root of the problem was that intent realm crystal! Because of it, Jiang Yanan was afraid to use his full power. Even so, he still judged this battle a draw between An Lin and himself.

As expected of Purple Star State’s number one prodigy! Such integrity and unflinching righteousness!

Just like that, Jiang Yanan once again won the respect of everyone in the crowd.

With his hands clasped behind his back and a warm smile spread across his face, he stood in the center of the crowd.

A light breeze suddenly blew over, tossing up his long white hair. He appeared elegant in demeanor and other-worldly in nature.

This sword intent sparring match would eventually become a story told throughout the Purple Star State. An Lin, a next-generation Sword Immortal, announced his arrival splendidly. Jiang Yanan, the first generation Sword Immortal, delivered a salutary lesson and displayed his virtue of character!

Just like that, An Lin left the stage under the profuse praise of Jiang Yanan.

Although his heart bled, Jiang Yanan still had to continue with his lecture. Thus, he remained on stage and continued talking about the practices and techniques relating to sword intent.

What about him providing guidance to An Lin? If An Lin was an ordinary cultivator of the Spirit Nurturing Stage, he might have been able to provide guidance. Now, however, he was too ashamed to do such a thing.

An Lin returned to Su Qianyun’s side and heaved a soft sigh of relief.

For a simple passer-by, he really did experience many twists and turns. After outdoing himself and breaking the intent realm crystal, he thought that he would need to provide spirit stones as compensation.

Fortunately, Jiang Yanan was a good person who was understanding and reasonable…

Based on this alone, An Lin’s impression of him was really quite good!

“Student An Lin, your sword techniques have become so powerful! If I come across any problems in the future, can I also come to ask you about them?” A soft and mellow voice once again traveled into An Lin’s ears. This voice could melt one’s heart and make one feel completely at ease.

Turning toward Su Qianyun, An Lin saw that she had a look of admiration on her stunningly beautiful face as she gazed at him with her bright blue eyes.

Heavens…! So beautiful and so adorable!

An Lin blushed and shifted his gaze away. “Hehe, of course! You can come to ask me!”

He scratched his head and chuckled before saying, “It’s only right that students should help each other out…”

One had to admit, being worshiped as a Sword Immortal truly felt amazing!

He was extremely glad that he had become accomplished with his sword techniques. Luckily, the system didn’t leave him with Six Brick Strikes of the War God or something. Otherwise, he would definitely feel a lot worse than he did now.

For example, Su Qianyun’s remark from just now would become: “Student An Lin, your brick wielding has become so powerful! If I want to wield bricks in the future, can I also come to ask for your advice? Like, how should I smack people on the head with a brick?”

Would you listen to that… That sensation, that class… It all instantly sounded a lot worse, no?!

Just as he was feeling a bit sheepish and pleased with himself, Su Xin also walked over. “Fellow cultivator An Lin truly is a giant among men. Your profound attainments in the way of the sword have me filled with admiration!”

“Oh, it’s nothing! You flatter me, fellow cultivator Su Xin…” An Lin waved his hands in slight embarrassment.

Right at this moment, a voice appeared in his mind. “An Lin, there’s something I want to discuss with you privately.”

This was Su Xin’s voice. He had secretly transmitted a message into his mind.

Hearing this, a feeling of unease gripped at An Lin. He didn’t understand why they needed to be so secretive. Nevertheless, he still nodded. “I’m all ears.”

Su Xin’s emotionless voice once again sounded in his mind. “Are you close with Yun Le? In my memory, she has almost never communicated with any unfamiliar males. What’s more, she would never personally invite them into the imperial palace.”

Hearing this, An Lin’s mind quivered.

Could it be that Su Xin was warning him?

Or could it be that… this was an interrogation from her elder brother?

His mind whirring, An Lin didn’t refute Su Xin’s suspicions. “Uh-huh, I guess you could say that we’re quite good friends,” he replied honestly.

Su Xin’s voice sounded once again, “Then, do you want to chase her?”

Hearing this, An Lin shivered.

Holy f*ck! So direct! Can’t you put it in a more discreet way?!

Of course, An Lin answered this honestly, “No! We’re just normal friends!”

Sis-con’s were frightening beings. If he answered in the affirmative, An Lin was scared that he would be unable to leave Green Wood Imperial Palace. Perhaps he might even become a pile of dirt which nourished the earth.

“M-hm… How about you consider it for a while longer? With regards to appearance, Yun Le’s beauty is unmatched. With regard to talent, Yun Le has further received the acknowledgment of a True God. Moreover, she’s so pure and kind-hearted. Where else are you going to find such a perfect girl?”

“Uh-huh, don’t worry. I won’t chase after her… Wait!” Halfway through his sentence, An Lin suddenly paused. His rubbed his ear and looked toward Su Xin with a dazed expression.

This… could it be that he misheard?

He had a nagging feeling that something was off…

“Fellow cultivator Su Xin… What you’re trying to say is… You wish for me to chase after your little sister?” An Lin’s breathing was rapid, and he spoke in a tone of uncertainty.

Su Xin smiled faintly. “That’s right! So, do you want to court her or not? If you decide to pursue her… I can help you!”

He’s even offering to help me? An Lin’s body swayed.

Good going, my brother!

…

Bah! Good going, Su Qianyun’s brother!