Rui Sword was a mythical sword that had appeared a very long time ago. Rumor had it, when it was created an aurora appeared in the sky, followed by a rare pair of phoenixes that danced amongst the clouds, singing to celebrate the new creation. The rumor of the pair of phoenixes gave the unknown blacksmith his name. Over the years, imitations of his smithery appeared within the black markets, but many could tell quickly and obviously which ones were fake for the Phoenix Blacksmith had made a specialized carving tool that was instilled with his own spiritual essence. Once he carved his name into an item using this tool, it would create his signature. Even if people could perfectly replicate his complicated signature, it would be difficult to replicate the spiritual essence instilled within.

However, the Phoenix Blacksmith was not only famous because of this auspicious sign, and the Rui Sword was not only famous because of its strange birth. 

Despite its auspicious birth, the Rui Sword had actually brought about much death and carnage. While its name was “Rui” it had the nickname “Bloody Wish” (血愿). Those who wished to conquer new lands just had to acquire the sword, which was known to be good luck, and the world would be at their feet, with only the Heavens above their heads.

The sword was now deemed a cursed item. It had long been lost to the throes of time and, once in a while, would appear in the black market once more. Whether the sword sold was a real or a fake was unknown. The sword was made before the Phoenix Blacksmith had developed his signature so, until today, it still remains a mystery where the real sword is.

Fan Yi watched Wu Lingtian with a hint of amusement as they left Tian Xiewen’s residence. “Would you like to know where the sword is now?”

Wu Lingtian glanced at Fan Yi. His interest in weaponry, particularly swords, was extremely obvious.

Fan Yi lowered his voice and leaned slightly closer. “It is in our vaults.”

“Your vaults?” Wu Lingtian’s brows furrowed.

Fan Yi nodded. “We were at a black market auction and happened to see the Rui Sword again. Funnily enough, it was just being sold off as a regular cultivator’s sword. Whatever it had been through in those recent years had scratched off the name of the sword on the scabbard, but Xiewen still recognized it. We bought it for a low bid and brought it back. Xiewen restored its original appearance, but it had long been tainted by many battles. Right now, it’s being purified.”

Wu Lingtian nodded slowly. “How interesting.”

“Speaking of which,” Fan Yi glanced at Wu Lingtian. “You must be in need of a new sword, right?”

Wu Lingtian hummed noncommittally. “Yu Lan has been crushed. Its shards have most likely been scattered to the winds.”

“I see…you recovered quite nicely though. I was expecting you to pass away,” Fan Yi said. His mind drifted back to those few days he spent in a daze, unsure of why Wu Lingtian wouldn’t wake. Now that he was calmer and had the time to think back on it, it was even more shocking that Wu Lingtian woke up.

“Maybe I have not recovered,” Wu Lingtian said. He turned his head and looked at Fan Yi. “Maybe I may faint at any moment.”

Fan Yi held Wu Lingtian’s gaze for a moment before breaking out into a soft fit of laughter. “Yu Lan, you are quite amusing. If you were on your way to the Yellow Springs, I would have noticed.”

Wu Lingtian turned away, his gaze lowering as he listened to Fan Yi’s soft laughter.

“Unless, you are doubting my abilities as a doctor?” Fan Yi teasingly raised an eyebrow.

“I have no doubt of your abilities as a doctor, Sect Leader,” Wu Lingtian replied briskly. There was no hesitation in his voice and he appeared rather firm.

Fan Yi was taken aback, but he soon looked away with a smile. “I was only teasing. No need to answer to seriously.”

“I respect you too much, Sect Leader,” Wu Lingtian said.

Fan Yi paused and turned to Wu Lingtian again. He observed Wu Lingtian’s indolent expression, which was far more relaxed than what it would be if they had met a month ago. The smile on his face widened.

“Do you really mean that?”

“Sect Leader should know that I am not a man for flattery.”

“Of course. If Yu Lan doesn’t like something, he would say it right away,” Fan Yi recalled an incident which seemed like centuries ago. He chuckled to himself. “Do you remember that one time we were stuck in a secret realm?”

“Which time?”

“Now, you don’t have to call me out,” Fan Yi laughed.

Wu Lingtian remained silent. It was a serious question.