Remould the Glory of Sword Art-Chapter 1272 - 180: A Fateful Encounter Across a Thousand Miles

Chapter 1272: Chapter 180: A Fateful Encounter Across a Thousand Miles

Back in the day, there were a total of one hundred and eight garrison commanders stationed at the Northern Border Great Wall.

Among these garrison commanders, some were proficient in talismanic techniques, others specialized in the Array Path, and some were Artifact Refining Grandmasters. Xin Ning, who was responsible for guarding the Li Lan Mountain Territory... was a "Grand Array Master."

Earlier.

When Marquis Yuanping led the iron cavalry into this Mountain Realm, what they saw were broken flags and shattered array walls—traces from Xin Ning’s time in office. Alas, time is ruthless; the heavy snowfall nearly engulfed this place.

There are few in this world who still remember the name of this former garrison commander.

"Little Xie Mountain Lord..."

The white-robed elder lowered his eyes and rasped, "How did you recognize me?"

It wasn’t hard for him to recognize Xie Xuanyi.

After all, he is the most renowned Great Sword Immortal in the world.

But for Xie Xuanyi to mention the name "Xin Ning" took him by surprise.

"It’s quite a coincidence, just these past few days, the Transmission Array Talismans from the Northern Border Great Wall, from Xuantie Pass to the Sea Suppression Platform, seemed to be having issues."

Xie Xuanyi said, "These array talismans are all part of the directional transmission arrays to Li Lan Mountain..."

This is a barren territory devoid of Primordial Energy—

Most of the time, cultivators wouldn’t set foot here at all.

Therefore, even if the transmission array talismans leading here were broken, it usually wouldn’t be noticed.

But it happens by chance.

After Chen Jingxuan’s Heavenly Destiny Divination pointed to "Li Lan Mountain,"

This extremely subtle anomaly was immediately noticed!

After "lulling" Qi Lie to sleep, Xie Xuanyi personally went to inspect the array platform at Xuantie Pass. He then traveled along the eastern line, visiting four or five cities in succession. All the Transmission Talismans leading to the Li Lan Mountain Territory had issues.

"Just based on this alone?"

The white-robed elder raised his head, couldn’t help but smile and said.

"Merely based on this point, naturally, it’s not enough."

Xie Xuanyi said, "I checked the list of envoys responsible for guarding the eastern line of the Great Wall back then. There were a total of three Grand Array Masters, two of whom heeded the order, went south, and returned to the Imperial City, leaving only one who insisted on staying in the Northern Land."

That remaining one... was Xin Ning.

"Since Little Xie Mountain Lord has checked the archives from that year, you should know..."

The elder sighed softly, "Garrison Commander Xin Ning... had died a long time ago..."

That year, the Holy Empress ordered the abolishment of the Northern Territory.

Those willing to comply would return to the Imperial City, receive promotion and rewards.

If unwilling to comply...

The Holy Empress would dispatch the Sandalwood Clothes Guard to invite them back to the Imperial City.

If even this order was ineffective, the Holy Empress would respect the choice of this "former garrison commander" and wouldn’t force it.

Sounds nice.

But this matter was handled by Yuan Jimo, and Xie Xuanyi was aware of Yuan Jimo’s style.

For those who repeatedly refused...

The Imperial City Department would ruthlessly cleanse them.

In turbulent times, the Ren Shou Palace couldn’t tolerate a grain of sand in its eye, and anyone who dared to defy the Holy Empress’s orders had no good end.

"Mr. Xin."

Xie Xuanyi said apologetically, "Great Chu wronged you... Yuan Jimo is already dead; I was the one who personally killed him."

"The past is gone, no need to mention it again, I hold no grudge against Great Chu. The reason for severing the transmission talismans is merely to hope for some peace in this place."

The white-robed elder forced a bitter smile and said, "Little Xie Mountain Lord, I, Xin, still have self-awareness; with someone of your status, you wouldn’t travel thousands of miles to the Northern Land just for a garrison commander recorded as deceased in the archives..."

He has been hiding here for over ten years.

Unnoticed.

Even during the last Northern Hunt, when numerous Great Divine Power users gathered, no one discovered any anomalies here.

"Yes."

Xie Xuanyi sighed, "I came to Li Lan Mountain this time, not for Mr. Xin."

There’s nothing to hide about this.

Xin Ning was a Grand Array Master and a former garrison commander owed by Great Chu. But this identity alone doesn’t warrant a visit from a "Ten Heroes" member...

"Then Little Xie Mountain Lord..."

Xin Ning extended his hand, instinctively shielding the girl behind him.

The girl blinked her big eyes, carefully observing Xie Xuanyi.

"Don’t worry. I won’t harm you."

Xie Xuanyi said softly, "Mr. Xin, this little girl is..."

"She’s my daughter."

Xin Ning rasped, "Her name is Xin Rui. Back then, I refused the Imperial City’s order. The Sandalwood Clothes Guard set assassins on me, and my wife and children all perished in that pursuit... As of now, she’s my only family."

"..."

Xie Xuanyi looked at the elder and the young girl in front of him.

He remained silent for a moment, then took out a token from his sleeve.

"Mr. Xin."

Xie Xuanyi sincerely said, "No matter the past, it was Great Chu who wronged you. If you’re willing to return to the Northern Territory, just send a Divine Thought to this token, and I’ll personally come to fetch you. If you encounter any trouble, you can also use this token."

For someone in the Yang God Realm with great divine abilities, this kind of Divine Soul Token is given to highly valued disciples or family members.

For instance, Wu Zhexian once gave such a Communication Order to Yuan Jimo.

Upon being summoned, they would immediately set off, crossing the void with their flesh body.

"This token... is too valuable..."

Xin Ning shook his head and straightforwardly refused, "We share but a fleeting acquaintance, how can I accept?"

"Not so."

Xie Xuanyi shook his head.

For many, a fleeting acquaintance seems too light, too insignificant.

But not so to Xie Xuanyi.

Fate is a wondrous thing beyond words.

To travel thousands of miles for a single meeting... such an encounter is quite extraordinary.

"A fleeting acquaintance is already enough."

Xie Xuanyi smiled and said, "This token, if not for yourself, then for her. With the southern and northern wars raging, if the Li Lan Mountain Territory becomes less peaceful, it’s always wise to seek another quiet refuge, isn’t it?"

Hearing this,

Xin Ning’s expression wavered.

Over the past half-year, Li Lan Mountain has noticeably become more lively.

The Northern Border Great Wall has seen consecutive battles; several Demon Country Venerables have come south for a campaign, and the Xue Country front line spanning thousands of miles is enshrouded by the Great Demon Domain... Countless Beast Spirits have thus awakened, gained intelligence, and acquired cultivation methods.

This war is escalating, showing no sign of stopping.

Continuing at this pace,

Li Lan Mountain will eventually be targeted.

"Well then..."

"Thank you, Little Xie Mountain Lord."

Xin Ning lowered his head, looked at the little girl in black tugging his large sleeve, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately chose to accept the token.

Although he has been secluded in Li Lan Mountain, over the years, he has always kept an eye on the movements of the Da Chu Dynasty.

He knows.

Xie Xuanyi is pegged to be the future Sect Leader of Da Sui Sword Palace.

This token is as heavy as a thousand jun.

"To be honest, I find this little girl Xin Rui bears a resemblance to an old acquaintance from the Sword Palace..."

Just as Xin Ning accepted the token,

Xie Xuanyi spoke, thoughtfully asking, "Old sir, how did you teach her that she can already cultivate ’Water Dao Intent’ at such a young age?"