Sword Aura to the Heavens
Chapter 195 - 191 Su Chen’s Purpose

Chapter 195: Chapter 191 Su Chen’s Purpose

Su Chen left with the Sword Cultivator by his side, a gathering seemingly disrupted and sour because of Li Fan’s interference.

Li Fan remained seated, Yue Qingqiu looked at him, seemingly puzzled as to why he didn’t let her take action.

"The Sword Cultivator has strong combat capabilities, and his strength is not weak," Li Fan said, referring to the middle-aged Sword Cultivator behind Su Chen.

Moreover, Su Chen was calm and confident, having come from the Da Li Imperial City and being of noble birth—who knows what other cards he might have?

After all, he himself had quite a few cards up his sleeve, so he naturally needed to consider the possibility that others had theirs too. Yet he wasn’t afraid of the other side; with Sword Intent, he could stand in an invincible position.

But if he acted prematurely, revealing himself before confirming whether Su Chen was responsible, it would be somewhat unworthy regarding that Su Chen.

Yue Qingqiu nodded gently; she was beginning to understand some things about the human world.

"Humans are somewhat hostile to you, but not everyone is like that, so don’t take it too personally," Li Fan said to Yue Qingqiu.

"I don’t mind," Yue Qingqiu softly replied, "as long as you don’t care."

Li Fan was taken aback and, looking at Yue Qingqiu, smiled and said, "We are friends, why would I care about that? Would you hold a grudge against me because I’m human?"

Yue Qingqiu seemed to understand, nodding slightly.

After Su Chen and his associates left, people gradually came up, occasionally casting glances at Li Fan and his party, being curious about the rebellious ’young noble’ Zuo Tu.

The woman beside him was truly stunning.

The place gradually became lively again when a silhouette approached Li Fan; it was Yan Qi.

"Yan Qi," the surrounding people also looked at him, recognizing this reclusive Sword Cultivator who often sat outside the inn and was rarely seen.

Such a Foundation Establishment Realm Sword Cultivator without a faction was even rarer.

"Does Brother Yan need something?" Li Fan asked as Yan Qi walked to his side.

"I just heard outside that there’s news claiming Su Chen entered the Green Cloud List to seek to apprentice under Li Chengying," Yan Qi began.

"Fifth on the Sword Saint List, Li Chengying?" Li Fan displayed a hint of surprise as he looked at Yan Qi.

"Yes," Yan Qi nodded. "Li Chengying was originally a member of the Imperial City Li Family of the Da Li Dynasty, obsessed with the Sword Dao, wandering the world. Later, he came to Chi Xiao City to challenge Xuan Yuan with the Sword Inquiry and was defeated. However, at that time, Xuan Yuan commented on his boundless potential and spared his life out of appreciation. Later, Li Chengying lived up to expectations, squeezed into the Sword Saint List, and his rank rose all the way to the fifth position."

Li Chengying is acquainted with Xuan Yuan and reportedly challenged Xuan Yuan multiple times. He once said that with the deepening of his Sword Dao cultivation, he became increasingly aware of Xuan Yuan’s power. He also established a Sword Dojo in Chi Xiao City where many talented Sword Cultivators practice, with the entry requirement being the attainment of the Green Cloud List; otherwise, he doesn’t accept them.

Although only thirty-six people are on the Green Cloud List, age restrictions mean people exit the list once they exceed the age limit, resulting in many generations rotating through the list.

Each generation has its own prodigies.

And these prodigies are the entry requirements for Li Chengying’s dojo.

Throughout the generations, the names on the Green Cloud List have been numerous, yet those who wish to enter the Sword Ranking are one in a million, not to mention the Sword Saint List, which is the ultimate pursuit of Sword Cultivators worldwide.

Li Fan had heard Lu Yuhuan introduce Li Chengying before, this fifth in the Da Li World’s Sword Cultivators, with some saying his strength had even surpassed Shi Dao Ren, who is fourth in rank.

But Shi Dao Ren’s whereabouts are unknown, and there hasn’t been a direct confrontation, so the ranking hasn’t changed.

There are also opinions that say Li Chengying will likely break into the top three in the future.

Li Chengying, existing at such levels, is likely far beyond the confines of his original family.

"I just heard voices from outside suggesting that the Su Family and the Li Family have a longstanding relationship; Su Chen came with his family’s recommendation. Therefore, he first sought to sword his way into the Green Cloud List, and with this connection, it’s highly likely he’d enter Li Chengying’s dojo to practice," Yan Qi continued.

Li Fan nodded. No wonder Su Chen was quite restrained; he also didn’t want to cause trouble, presumably because of this.

Entering the Green Cloud List, then apprenticing under Li Chengying for cultivation.

"Lately, Su Chen has been lavishly spending and befriending various Sword Cultivators, likely to gain a good reputation," Yan Qi continued. "This person has deep intentions, be careful of him."

"Alright," Li Fan replied, "Thank you, Brother Yan, for the information. Brother Yan, don’t involve yourself in this matter as well."

Su Chen’s scheming nature was something he experienced firsthand. This person wasn’t just malicious but very smart, and before you knew it, he tried to desecrate one’s Dao heart; Yan Qi almost fell for his tricks.

"I’ll keep an eye on him for you." Yan Qi turned to leave, leaping away, saying what he had to and immediately departing, without promising Li Fan not to get involved. He owed Li Fan a favor and must repay it.

"Li Chengying, fifth on the Sword Saint List."

Li Fan murmured, knowing that if Su Chen entered Li Chengying’s dojo to practice, it would likely preclude any opportunity to deal with him.

Existing as the fifth on the Sword Saint List, it would probably require Old Blind Man’s swordsmanship at its peak to contend with him.

Lu Yuhuan previously mentioned that the current third on the Sword Saint List, Ye Guyun, once had a sword discussion with the Old Blind Man and lost a move, indicating the Old Blind Man’s ranking on the Sword Saint List at that time should be in the top three.

But Li Fan chose not to delve deeply into the Old Blind Man’s past to avoid arousing Lu Yuhuan’s suspicion; he was operating under the alias Zuo Tu, and if attention were drawn to that name, it might lead Lu Yuhuan to something.

However, that was back in the day. Given the Old Blind Man’s current state, even if one suffered the depletion of Primordial Energy as in Yun Meng Swamp, it might still be difficult to prevail over Li Chengying.

Therefore, preventing Su Chen from apprenticing under Li Chengying became a necessity.

"That fellow is so hypocritically righteous. If he apprentices under a Great Sword Cultivator from the Sword Saint List, he might end up causing a lot of harm," Huang Xiong commented from the side, being straightforward and most disgusted by those like Su Chen.

Li Fan thus settled at Yunlai Inn, practicing in the courtyard on normal days, but whenever Su Chen went out, he would follow suit.

When Su Chen dined at the inn, he would also join him for a meal.

He heard that Li Chengying’s dojo would only open as the year-end approached, possibly attracting many talented Sword Cultivators from the current Green Cloud List, attempting to apprentice under Li Chengying’s dojo.

Li Fan speculated that Su Chen would likely participate on that day as well.

But before then, Su Chen needed watching.

Yunlai Inn’s tavern was filled with travelers from various places, some playing drinking games, others discussing occurrences in Chi Xiao City, making it quite lively.

"Brother Su, it’s said that tomorrow morning, Senior Shadow Inheritor Sword’s dojo will open. Likely a pre-emptive congratulations to Brother Su for entering Senior Li Chengying’s dojo to practice," someone said upon seeing Su Chen, clasping hands in his direction.

"Thank you," Su Chen smiled and nodded. "However, with a refined character like Senior Shadow Inheritor Sword, one can’t be too presumptuous about apprenticeship eligibility. I will try my best; succeeding, in the end, would be Su’s fortune."

"Brother Su is too modest. We’ve all heard that Brother Su himself hails from the Imperial City Imperial City Su Family, familiar with the Li Family. This matter seems bound to be successful," someone jokingly said, though inwardly somewhat envious of these young men born into the top familial houses, already standing out from others.

The Imperial City, after all, is a place where aristocratic families gather, interwoven with favors and benefits among the major elite families. This makes it likely that Su Chen is on the path to entering Li Chengying’s dojo for cultivation.

"I rely on everyone’s blessings. Tonight’s expenses are on me, so drink to your fill," Su Chen said boldly, righteously generous, and everyone praised him, claiming Su Chen to be quite gallant. After all, eating from someone’s hand obliges the mouth.

The dishes in Yunlai Inn’s tavern are made from fine ingredients, not cheap at all.

Just as the crowd was conversing and laughing, a few figures walked in, instantly capturing everyone’s attention with their impressive presence. It was Li Fan and his companions.

Li Fan found a place to sit, not far from Su Chen, called out for a small waiter, and ordered some wine and dishes.

Su Chen squinted, staring at Li Fan, this person truly a shadow haunting without end.

Yet, what was the point?

If not for wanting to avoid additional complications at this critical juncture, hmph...

"Brother Zuo, this meal is on me as well," Su Chen’s heart harbored cold murderous intent, but his face still bore a smile as he spoke to Li Fan.

"Thank you," Li Fan accepted without reservation.

"Brother Zuo, we have no major grievances. Why push so hard?" Su Chen stared at Li Fan. "Why not let this end here so we can coexist peacefully? If Brother Zuo minds, we can avoid interfering with each other going forward. Of course, if Brother Zuo is willing, we can even become friends."

"Making friends with someone like Brother Su might lead to sleepless nights," Li Fan said.

"Brother Su has already yielded repeatedly; Brother Zuo is being quite aggressive."

"Indeed, Brother Su showed restraint; there’s no need to press on like this."

Everyone in the tavern stood up for Su Chen, having just benefited from his generosity.

Huang Xiong slammed the table, stood up, his tall and strong figure radiating intense pressure, instantly silencing everyone, and the tavern quieted down again.

They had experienced the outrageousness of this coachman before, so they dared not provoke him.

"I wish Brother Zuo a pleasant meal," Su Chen stood up, turned to leave, having lost interest. As he walked out, a cold gleam flashed with murderous intent.

He would endure Li Fan a few more days; once he entered Li Chengying’s dojo, he’d settle the score with Li Fan then.