Chapter 1493: Companions

“Doesn’t everyone face difficulties at times?”

Ling Chen smiled faintly. Honestly, finding an old friend in a foreign land like Yingzhou was a bit unexpected even for him.

“But what I couldn’t expect is that the Crown Prince of the Central Dynasty would end up in such a sorry state.” 𝖿𝖗ⅇℴ𝑚

Upon hearing this, Hong Ye, standing beside Ling Chen, also revealed a look of surprise. She hadn’t expected that this seemingly down-and-out young swordsman would possess such an extraordinary identity.

The Central Dynasty, a colossal force governing the Nine Provinces of the mortal realm, and Peerless Sword, as the Crown Prince of the Central Dynasty, had a noble status, self-evidently.

“Haha, not just you, even I did not expect it.”

Peerless Sword shook his head with a bitter smile, “I tried to leave my identity behind and ventured out to Yingzhou, initially thinking it was no big deal, but little did I know, this journey was fraught with dangers.”

After leaving the Nine Provinces, he encountered many perils. Although they weren’t as severe as today’s situation, a few times had been nearly fatal. It was only then that he realized how mistaken he had been. Wandering alone for cultivation wasn’t as easy as he imagined. He learned from Liu Mengru that Ling Chen came from that remote Desolate Land to the Nine Provinces all by himself. It was hard to imagine how Ling Chen managed to make his way back then.

“Cultivation is like rowing against the current; great winds and waves are ever-present.”

Ling Chen was already accustomed to it and did not elaborate, then asked, “By the way, what’s the story between you and the Ju Family? It seems like there’s something unclear between you and Jue Mingxiang?”

“Ah, it’s a long story.”

Peerless Sword sighed, but he still relayed the gist of the situation to Ling Chen. Originally, he was merely passing through Sky Guardian City during his travels in Yingzhou. Yet unexpectedly, he met Jue Mingxiang. Although it started with a minor conflict that led to their acquaintance, perhaps it was fate. After they fought, they ended up admiring each other, drawn by each other’s charms.

However, good times didn’t last long. Upon discovering the affair between him and Jue Mingxiang, the Ju Family was strongly opposed to it. Unable to break them apart overtly, they resorted to a maneuver of framing and accusation. Ju Mingyuan feigned gifting a secret manual to Peerless Sword as a token of blessing. As soon as Peerless Sword left the Ju Family, they pursued him, claiming he stole the Ju Family’s ultimate manual.

It led to the incident on the square. Had Ling Chen not arrived in time, Peerless Sword would have been a corpse under Ju Mingyuan’s blade.

“Why didn’t you tell them your identity? If you had, they might not have treated you that way.”

Hong Ye asked puzzledly.

“If I revealed my identity, this love would not be pure.”

Peerless Sword shook his head, “I never wanted to rely on my identity to gain anything. I want others to see my capabilities. Besides, under such circumstances, even if I disclosed my true identity, the Ju Family might not believe it.”

“What you say makes sense, but I think identity is also part of one’s strength. It should be revealed when necessary; after all, dignity is not more important than life.”

Ling Chen stated calmly.

“You’re right, preserving one’s life is most important; everything else is fleeting.”

Peerless Sword nodded. This life-and-death crisis has fostered significant personal growth, smoothing much of his arrogance. In simple terms, it has made him more mature.

At this moment, his gaze finally fell on Hong Ye beside Ling Chen. He then asked with mild surprise, “Who might this young lady be?”

“She’s Hong Ye, the daughter of LiuSheng Qianbingwei.”

Ling Chen casually introduced.

“My apologies.”

Peerless Sword had naturally heard of LiuSheng Qianbingwei’s reputation. He cupped his fists towards Hong Ye, merely puzzled why the daughter of LiuSheng Qianbingwei was with Ling Chen.

“I am just a servant girl. As Your Excellency is a friend of my master, there’s no need to be so formal with me.”

Hong Ye immediately returned the salute.

“A servant girl?”

Peerless Sword was taken aback.

Ling Chen revealed a trace of awkwardness, “Ahem, you may consider her as my maid.”

“Haha, I see.”

Peerless Sword laughed, wearing a knowing expression, then said, “We’re all men here. I originally thought, Ling Chen doesn’t have an interest in women. Unexpectedly, you can’t escape being ordinary.”

Ling Chen replied, “What are you talking about? Just because I don’t like women doesn’t mean I fancy men, right?”

In others’ eyes, he seemed to have always appeared indifferent towards the opposite sex. It’s not that he didn’t like women, but rather the woman he fancies is simply not around.

“Alright, no kidding anymore. What are your plans next? Continue wandering in Yingzhou or return to the Nine Provinces?”

Ling Chen looked at Peerless Sword.

“I heard there’s a Sword Prison in Yingzhou, a must-visit place for genius swordsmen. I’m planning to venture into this Sword Prison.”

Peerless Sword said.

Mentioning Sword Prison, his eyes abruptly revealed a hint of excitement, seemingly eager, evidently looking forward to this Sword Prison.

“I also intend to head to the Sword Prison. Since it’s on the way, let’s go together.”

Ling Chen said with a smile.

“Oh? You’re going as well?”

Peerless Sword raised an eyebrow, then also revealed a smile, saying, “Then I must exert twenty percent effort, otherwise, I might not even catch a glimpse of your back.”

Though Peerless Sword knew his strength wasn’t on par with Ling Chen, he did not think his swordsmanship was much inferior. Venturing into the Sword Prison tests swordsmanship, not strength, providing him confidence to compete with Ling Chen.

“You’re no match for the master,”

Hong Ye gazed coldly at Peerless Sword, “The master has reached the fifteenth level before, this time he’s merely aiming for a higher level.”

“What, the fifteenth level?”

Peerless Sword gazed in disbelief at Ling Chen. He had a general understanding of the Sword Prison; fifteen levels, he knew what that implied, let alone chasing that record.

And now, is Ling Chen aiming to break this record again?

“You truly are a monster,”

Peerless Sword’s desire to compete with Ling Chen vanished, yet he didn’t despair since being overshadowed by Ling Chen wasn’t a one-time affair, he’s almost numb by now.

“Let’s go,”

Ling Chen didn’t mention more and moved with Hong Ye, ascending into the air. Peerless Sword’s injuries slightly improved, and he immediately followed up. The three swiftly vanished into the sky.