Chapter 109: The Swordmaster Himself

“Yes, yes, Miss Ning is right. How could Xiao possibly do such a thing? It’s impossible, absolutely impossible...”

Xiao Jinzhong’s expression changed instantly.

He had already realized that the Ning siblings were protecting Xu Mo and the Sword Blind Man, so he wanted to resolve matters quickly. If he let things drag on, he would definitely offend the Ning family.

Clearing his throat forcefully, Xiao Jinzhong put on an air of authority and began to question the details of the incident, pretending to be serious.

Ning Yaxin cooperated fully, carefully recounting what she had witnessed.

As soon as she finished, Xiao Jinzhong glared at Wang Xiaole sharply. “Wang, you were the aggressor here. This elderly man was merely defending himself. How dare you twist the facts and deceive this official?”

Without hesitation, Xiao Jinzhong ordered, “Guards! Take these five back to the yamen!”

Wang Xiaole was stunned in an instant. Didn’t they intend to arrest them? Why was he being detained instead?

Before he could react, the bailiffs moved quickly, locking Wang Xiaole and his four servants up.

Panicked, Wang Xiaole shouted at the top of his lungs, “Official Xiao, why are you arresting me? I just gave you silver! You can’t do this!”

Originally, Xiao Jinzhong had no intention of truly detaining Wang Xiaole. He only wanted to make a show of it, remove him from the scene, and then release him somewhere secluded.

But Wang Xiaole’s outburst changed everything.

This was right in front of the Zhenxiu Restaurant, one of the busiest spots in Xinzhou.

Suddenly, countless eyes turned to Xiao Jinzhong, making him unbearably embarrassed and under immense pressure.

“Smack!”

In a fit of rage, Xiao Jinzhong slapped Wang Xiaole hard across the face, instantly stunning him.

“How absurd! When have I ever taken your silver? You are slandering an imperial official—this is a grave offense!”

“You clearly took my money, Xiao Jinzhong! How can you be so untrustworthy?” Wang Xiaole retorted angrily, shouting even louder.

The crowd grew larger as people began whispering and speculating. Many looked at Xiao Jinzhong with suspicion.

His face darkened with shame and fury. He pointed at Wang Xiaole and shouted, “Guards! Shut his filthy mouth and escort them back to the county yamen at once! I will personally report this matter to the magistrate and clear my name!”

Soon, a bailiff found a filthy rag and forcefully stuffed it into Wang Xiaole’s mouth.

The stench nearly made Wang Xiaole vomit.

Xiao Jinzhong wasted no time and hurriedly dragged Wang Xiaole away without even greeting the Ning siblings.

Once they were gone, laughter erupted in front of Zhenxiu Restaurant.

Many in Xinzhou knew that Xiao Jinzhong often accepted bribes, but none dared to speak out.

No one expected Wang Xiaole to be so foolish as to reveal everything openly, making Xiao Jinzhong lose face in public.

The crowd whispered that Xiao Jinzhong would surely punish Wang Xiaole severely later.

With the matter resolved, the Sword Blind Man cupped his fists to the crowd. “Thank you all for your help today. I owe you a favor, and I shall repay it in time.”

With that, he bid farewell and hobbled away with his cane.

Xu Mo followed and asked, “Sir, where are you headed? I can have a carriage sent for you.”

The Sword Blind Man smiled and shook his head. “No need. I came to Xinzhou not only to taste the dishes at your Zhenxiu Restaurant but also to sample delicacies from nearby regions. I plan to visit a friend at the frontier as well. Traveling by carriage might cause me to miss many culinary delights.”

They walked on together, and suddenly Xu Mo said, “Sir, if I’m not mistaken, you must be the legendary swordsman Li Tianyi himself!”

The Sword Blind Man stopped and chuckled. “Young friend Xu, you flatter me. I am but a cripple—how could I be the great swordsman Li Tianyi? Ha…”

Xu Mo pressed on, “Sir, if you are not Li Tianyi, why do you carry a broken sword with you?”

“More importantly, this broken Purple Rainbow Sword is so well preserved. Who would care so deeply for a broken sword except its original owner?”

As he spoke, Xu Mo watched the Sword Blind Man’s expression closely, seeking clues.

After a brief silence, the Sword Blind Man smiled faintly, sighed, and shook his head. “Xu, my young friend, it is truly time for me to leave.”

“Please wait, sir!” Xu Mo called out and ran back quickly.

Not long after, he returned carrying the Purple Rainbow Sword wrapped in cloth.

“Sir, you should keep the Purple Rainbow Sword with you. You don’t need to pay me the fifty taels of silver—I’ll consider it travel expenses I lent you. You can repay me when you have the chance.”

He reached out to return the sword.

The Sword Blind Man did not take it but gently pushed it away and said with some emotion, “Xu, we have a bond as if old friends. It’s better that the Purple Rainbow Sword stays with you. I have been too attached to it all these years; perhaps it’s time to let go.”

“But sir...” Xu Mo was about to protest, but the Sword Blind Man raised his hand to stop him, signaling him to say no more.

He cupped his fists once more. “Xu, until we meet again! If fate allows, we shall see each other again in the jianghu.”

With that, he stepped forward with his cane and slowly disappeared into the bustling crowd.

At that moment, Ning Yongqiang approached Xu Mo from behind, looking incredulous. “Mr. Xu, are you sure this old blind man is the swordsman Li Tianyi?”

Xu Mo nodded firmly. “Yes, I am certain.”

Ning Yongqiang said, “I heard years ago that Li Tianyi was gravely injured in a duel and later died. I never expected he was still alive.”

Xu Mo sighed. “I suppose after that incident, he gained much insight, becoming the man he is today.”

Ning Yongqiang nodded and then said excitedly, “Mr. Xu, if that’s true, you’ve made a great find! This is the genuine Purple Rainbow Sword. Even broken, it’s worth a fortune!”

Xu Mo glanced at Ning Yongqiang, a slight smile playing on his lips. “How about you help me find a buyer? When it sells for a good price, I’ll give you a commission.”

“Deal!” Ning Yongqiang agreed without hesitation.

Then he said, “Mr. Xu, if you trust me, why not leave the Purple Rainbow Sword with me? I’ll take it to be appraised.”

He reached out to take the sword.

Xu Mo swiftly withdrew his hand, leaving Ning Yongqiang empty-handed.

He rolled his eyes at him. “What are you thinking? Even if I were to sell you, I wouldn’t part with this sword!”

With that, Xu Mo walked over to Chen Miaoyi’s side.

Ning Yongqiang pouted and muttered, “I’m not as valuable as the Purple Rainbow Sword.”