Chapter 473: Xu Xiaoshou is good at everything, but he's too humble

Has the famous sword returned?

Gu Qing Er stared at the famed sword Yan Mang as it settled back into its original position, his face a mask of disbelief.

He could clearly feel that under the pressure of his "Jue Se Yao Ji," the sword Yan Mang, also a famous sword, couldn't bear the indignity.

It had indeed flown out.

But where did the force pulling it back come from?

"Xu Xiao Shou, how do we count this?"

Gu Qing Er asked.

Xu Xiao Shou had just recovered from the shock.

He never expected that a situation that seemed utterly hopeless would take such an unexpected turn.

If the famous sword had truly been pulled out at that moment, Xu Xiao Shou admitted he wouldn't have the nerve to backtrack on the deal.

But now...

"What do you think?"

He said with a smile, his face lighting up with renewed joy.

This restriction was incredibly effective!

A sword once drawn is like spilled water.

Yet under this restriction, it could be recalled.

Now, it wasn't even about backing out anymore.

The truth was, Gu Qing Er hadn't fully broken the strange restriction, meaning he hadn't successfully pulled the sword.

"The sword has returned to its place. According to the rules, you didn't pull it away. If you want to try again..."

Xu Xiao Shou paused, slowly raising a fist, "You can, but add a zero."

"You!"

Gu Qing Er's face turned ashen, and after a long struggle, he finally spat out, "You are shameless!"

Xu Xiao Shou shrugged, looked at the famous sword, and said, "Did you pull it out, though?"

"I clearly pulled it out just now!" Gu Qing Er argued.

"Just now," Xu Xiao Shou emphasized. "What about now?"

Gu Qing Er "..."

Seeing the other side fall silent, Xu Xiao Shou smiled helplessly.

"By your logic..."

"If I draw your famous sword now and put it back in its sheath, does that mean the sword belongs to me?"

"If you could truly take the sword away, I would have nothing to say. But if you pull it out and it flies back, that's your problem, isn't it?"

Xu Xiao Shou explained calmly, without a hint of urgency.

Gu Qing Er, however, was becoming anxious.

He tried to speak, but the young man opposite him cut him off again.

"Besides, the chance I gave was to pull the sword within three breaths... If you can take it, that's your skill. If not, how can you blame me?"

"I..."

Gu Qing Er was at a loss for words.

He vaguely felt something was wrong.

But if this "sword returning" was just another of Xu Xiao Shou's tricks...

How was he supposed to play this?

Who knew if the sword would fly away on its own next time he pulled it out?

Or even if he restrained the sword's movement next time, would Xu Xiao Shou have a third trick up his sleeve to summon it back?

"Receive curse passive value, 1."

"Receive fixation passive value, 1."

Xu Xiao Shou completely ignored the other's resentment, chuckling happily.

Honestly, for a famous sword, not going back on his word was already being generous.

If this guy hadn't broken the final layer of the restriction...

He couldn't just say, "You pulled the sword out, so I'll give it to you," could he?

Besides, business wasn't conducted that way.

And as for "giving" it, Xu Xiao Shou wasn't even sure he could do that himself.

After all, he didn't have a famous sword to hold over it!

"Want to continue?"

The soul-searching question made Gu Qing Er swallow his anger.

He fell silent, thinking if there were any other strategies left.

Arguing clearly wasn't going to work.

He glanced at Shou Ye...

Forget it.

"Second Senior Brother, I don't have any money left."

Gu Qing San looked over pitifully, "If we try again and add a zero, I can't afford it!"

Gu Qing Er's face twitched.

Oh, right.

His junior brother only had three billion. How could they continue this game?

Xu Xiao Shou was too unscrupulous.

Why did it start at a billion for him, when others only paid a million?

And he had clearly pulled it out...

"Damn it!"

The more Gu Qing Er thought, the angrier he got.

"Receive curse passive value, 1."

Gu Qing San watched the stalemate and suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

"Second Senior Brother!"

"I have an idea. Lend me the famous sword, and I'll use your method to force Yan Mang out and then restrain it!"

Xu Xiao Shou's heart skipped a beat.

This kid had suddenly gotten so clever?

Trying to exploit a loophole right in front of him?

"You..."

He was about to raise the price and end these brothers' game.

Getting schemed against like this—could that happen to him, Xu Xiao Shou?

But then he thought twice.

Maybe that move with the sword earlier wasn't the last one.

Perhaps even if it were forcibly claimed, it could backfire on the owner and refuse to obey.

He had to admit, Gu Qing Er was the most formidable young sword cultivator Xu Xiao Shou had seen so far.

Apart from that unseen senior brother, few of the same age could match him.

But...

"If even someone like Gu Qing Er, a continental-level prodigy, isn't what this famous sword wants..."

"Then what is it waiting for?"

Xu Xiao Shou glanced back at the famous sword and suddenly felt an unexplained unease.

He nodded.

"Alright."

"No need for you to..."

Xu Xiao Shou pointed at Gu Qing San, then turned to Gu Qing Er, and said slowly, "I'll give you another chance, no extra charge, still a billion."

"As long as you can break the restriction and take the famous sword..."

"This thing is yours."

Everyone? ? ?

"Receive suspicion passive value, 246."

Gu Qing San's jaw dropped in shock.

"This..."

Is this still Xu Xiao Shou?

The same stingy Xu Xiao Shou who plucked every feather from a passing goose?

How had he suddenly become so generous?

Even Yu Zhi Wen and Shou Ye were startled by Xu Xiao Shou's words.

Given what Gu Qing Er had just done, one could imagine that if he went all out, forcibly taking the famous sword might not be impossible.

After all...

"He's from Zang Jian Zhong!"

Shou Ye felt anxious inside.

But he paused, remembering Xu Xiao Shou's nature—he wouldn't do something like this for no reason.

So...

"Sheng Li?"

Shou Ye wondered in surprise.

Had Xu Xiao Shou noticed that fleeting Sheng Li fluctuation earlier?

Had he realized something was off with the famous sword?

"But that Sheng Li wasn't from Xu Xiao Shou..."

"If not him, then who?"

At that moment, looking at the famous sword before him, Shou Ye's heart tightened.

It couldn't be, could it?

Had he just come to slay a ghost beast and give a boost to his future successor, only to stumble into some...

Ban Sheng plot?

"Receive shock passive value, 1."

"Second Senior Brother!"

Gu Qing San rushed to his senior brother's side, grabbing his sleeve and shaking it gently.

This was the chance!

Such a great opportunity!

He tried to convey his meaning with his eyes, sure that Gu Qing Er would understand.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, the response was:

"No need."

Gu Qing Er waved it off casually.

"Huh?"

The whole scene was stunned.

"Has he lost his mind?"

"What a perfect opportunity! And he's from Zang Jian Zhong, right?"

"If there's anywhere famous swords end up, it's Zang Jian Zhong—they can trace almost every one."

"Even the eighth Jian Xian's former strongest sword, 'Qing Ju,' is suspected to be in Zang Jian Zhong. If anyone claims to be first in sword collection techniques, no one would dare say second."

"And now, with this golden opportunity right here, he's..."

"Giving up?"

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

Even Xu Xiao Shou was surprised.

He didn't want the sword because he sensed something wrong with it.

But Gu Qing Er...

That didn't make sense!

"Why?"

Xu Xiao Shou asked.

Gu Qing Er didn't answer. Instead, he countered, "Is this your sword?"

"Of course."

Xu Xiao Shou nodded.

"Have you claimed it?"

"Not yet."

Xu Xiao Shou said casually, "If I had, I wouldn't be using it to trick people."

"I see."

Gu Qing Er waved his hand. "Junior Brother, let's go!"

Gu Qing San was dumbfounded.

"Why?"

"Senior Brother, that sword..."

Gu Qing Er smirked. "If even the original owner couldn't pull out a famous sword, what makes me think I can?"

His words weren't whispered—everyone heard them clearly.

"What do you mean?"

The crowd sensed something was wrong.

"Is he saying Xu Xiao Shou can't pull it out either, so he's just leaving it here to scam people?"

"That's impossible! If he couldn't pull it, how would he dare put it out for others to try?"

"You're naive."

Someone slapped their forehead. "Exactly because he can't pull it, he's using it to make money!"

"Of course! Why didn't I think of that?"

It all clicked. "If Xu Xiao Shou could pull it, would he risk trading one of the world's twenty-one famous swords here?"

"Business is business..."

"In the end, no one would take that risk without certainty!"

The murmurs grew louder, turning into scolding and accusations.

"Xu Xiao Shou, you're way out of line, putting up a sword you can't even pull and ripping people off!"

"This is ridiculous! How dare you do this? Who gave you the guts? Aren't you afraid we'll all turn on you?"

"If you're going to do business, at least make sure you can handle your own goods before selling them."

"This is just fraud!"

"You thief! Give us our money back!"

"You scum, that's billions! May you rot in hell!"

The discussion escalated into outright curses.

All sorts of foul words flew at him, making even Yu Zhi Wen feel a pang, though she knew it wasn't directed at her.

"Xu Xiao Shou..."

She looked at him worriedly, wondering how he'd react.

But he seemed completely unfazed.

In fact, amid the scolding and cursing, a look of enjoyment crossed his face.

"Is that all?"

"Receive reprimand passive value, 231."

"Receive curse passive value, 244."

"Receive insult passive value, 165."

"Receive resentment passive value, 241."

The information panel was updating so fast it was practically smoking.

Xu Xiao Shou watched the numbers fly by, nearly bursting with joy.

Keep going!

Scold me, insult me!

Turn your hatred into the fuel for my power, nurturing that tender seedling in my heart!

Eventually, as if they'd tired themselves out, the insults died down as Xu Xiao Shou remained silent.

The scene fell into an eerie quiet.

"Hah, cat got your tongue?"

"Scared speechless?"

"Wise choice. Now hand over the money and throw in your famous..."

The updates on the information panel finally stopped.

"Done cursing?"

Xu Xiao Shou couldn't hold back. He glared at the last loudmouth.

With a flash of his unnamed sword intent, the guy, who was only at the peak of Xiantian realm, nearly collapsed to his knees.

"You!"

"Finished? Then let me say a few words."

Xu Xiao Shou smiled and asked.

"Go ahead and defend yourself!"

"Let's hear what nonsense you can spit out." Some submitted to his dominance, but others stood their ground.

Xu Xiao Shou smiled at that person and said slowly, "First, for this transaction, I never used force. The money you paid, I confirmed you all gave willingly, right?"

"Receive curse passive value, 220."

"Receive resentment passive value, 169."

"Second, the rules for pulling the sword were set by you all. Even the order was your own doing—I didn't use any force, did I?"

"Receive inner complaint passive value, 238."

"Receive affirmation passive value, 11."

"Third, the ownership of the famous sword is mine. Whether I can pull it or not, I don't need your approval as outsiders, do I?"

"Receive curse passive value, 87."

"Receive support passive value, 6."

The crowd went silent.

Xu Xiao Shou's words had a certain magic to them.

With just these three points, he laid out facts no one could argue against, no matter how angry they were.

"That's not right..."

Someone shook their head, feeling it wasn't fair, but they couldn't find the words to counter.

"Then what is right?"

Xu Xiao Shou asked calmly.

"I... You..."

"That's not right!" The person finally said, "Why is the sword yours just because of him in the red clothes and his word?"

"I don't agree!" he said bitterly.

Shou Ye laughed.

Xu Xiao Shou also laughed. "You don't agree? What can you do about it?"

"I..."

I can't do anything.

Xu Xiao Shou sighed. "Being weak is a sin, but it's not your fault. With Shou Ye's endorsement, the sword is mine!"

"Senior!" Someone else protested, "We still don't get it. Why does Xu Xiao Shou get the famous sword just because he was first?"

"Treasures go to those with fate—that's true. But if Xu Xiao Shou can't even pull it, why should he have the rights?"

"If that's the case..."

"We don't accept it!"

Xu Xiao Shou was about to speak, but Shou Ye stopped him and stepped forward.

"I said the sword is his, so it is. Shou Ye doesn't need to explain."

"I..."

Everyone was nearly choking with frustration.

Compared to Xu Xiao Shou, who at least talked, Shou Ye was unyielding.

No matter how logical the arguments, he wouldn't budge.

Gu Qing Er had stopped; he and his junior brother had reached the back of the line, but now he turned around.

"Senior, honestly, I've always trusted Shou Ye, but today, I can't agree with your actions."

There was no defiance, but his statement was clear.

"Exactly."

Gu Qing San echoed.

They had joined the sword-pulling not for Xu Xiao Shou, but for Shou Ye.

Shou Ye looked over, his expression unchanging. "Some things, Shou Ye doesn't need to explain, and you have no right to hear."

Even Xu Xiao Shou was taken aback.

Wow.

In his experience, Shou Ye was the master of playing it cool when not directly engaged.

That tone...

Xu Xiao Shou put himself in their shoes and almost wanted to slap the old guy.

No wonder the young people opposite him were turning purple with anger.

"Do I have no right?"

Gu Qing Er asked with a smile.

He carried his sword wheel with nine spiritual swords on it, which stirred lightly in the wind.

This silent confidence and presence made everyone's hearts stir.

"You really don't."

Shou Ye thought to himself.

After all, throughout history, only the eighth Jian Xian had slain a ghost beast at the Zongshi level.

This kid was far from it!

But Shou Ye held back his words.

Some honors and secrets of Shou Ye didn't need to be shared—that was Shou Ye's duty.

But Xu Xiao Shou wasn't Shou Ye yet!

Shou Ye could ignore these noisy folks as usual.

The fallout, though, wouldn't just hit him—it would hit Xu Xiao Shou first.

Not explaining was trivial for Shou Ye.

For Xu Xiao Shou, it could mean a ruined reputation!

Looking at the agitated crowd and Xu Xiao Shou's composed face, Shou Ye felt the stark contrast.

Even now, if Shou Ye stayed silent, Xu Xiao Shou wouldn't speak up.

This young man's character was truly impressive...

Shou Ye closed his eyes, considering others' feelings for once.

"You really have no right!"

He said seriously.

Then, amid Gu Qing Er's disdainful smile and the crowd's rolling eyes, he sighed slightly.

"Xu Xiao Shou slew the ghost beast. The famous sword is Shou Ye's reward to him. What's wrong with that?"

"What about you all?"

Shou Ye snorted coldly, flinging his sleeve. "You want the sword's ownership? Where does your confidence come from?!"

His scolding left everyone stunned.

"What?"

"A ghost beast?"

"Xu Xiao Shou slew a ghost beast?"

Shock spread across their faces, turning to uncertainty as they exchanged glances.

That uncertainty soon vanished, replaced by pure astonishment!

"You're kidding!"

"A ghost beast? If I remember right, they start at Wang Zuo level. Xu Xiao Shou... slew one?!"

"How old is he? What’s his cultivation?"

"Heavens!"

Many clutched their heads in disbelief.

Even Gu Qing Er was speechless with shock.

Xu Xiao Shou slew a ghost beast?

His pupils shrank as he recalled the city lord's mansion banquet, when Zhang Tai Ying's death was attributed to a ghost beast slain by Shou Ye.

Xu Xiao Shou had been absent at that time.

And when he returned, the old city lord and several Wang Zuo figures were with him!

Gu Qing Er clenched his fist.

Everyone had suspected it back then.

But no one dared believe a mere Xu Xiao Shou could kill a ghost beast.

Now, with Shou Ye's confirmation, Gu Qing Er was certain.

The ghost beast at the city lord's mansion must have been slain by Xu Xiao Shou!

"So..."

"His real strength has reached that level?" Gu Qing Er gripped his fist tighter.

"Xu Xiao Shou, did you really kill the ghost beast?" Gu Qing San asked, still in disbelief.

But words from Shou Ye were undeniable!

"No."

Xu Xiao Shou shook his head calmly.

He hadn't killed one.

Zhang Tai Ying was a fake.

And the black shadow in Zhong Qu was only beaten before it transformed.

Barely chased off, and only because Shou Ye arrived in time—otherwise, he might have been done for.

So, he answered truthfully.

Yet, to everyone else, his "truth" sounded completely different.

"So you really did kill it..."

"So your strength is at the level to slay a ghost beast. Then why, that day, did you... humiliate me like that?" Gu Qing San was almost in tears.

Xu Xiao Shou had been holding back that day?

The crowd felt the same wave of helplessness.

If it were other contests, like combat or sword skills, maybe they could compete.

But a ghost beast...

Hah!

"Receive respect passive value, 211."

"Receive admiration passive value, 242."

"Receive jealousy passive value, 63."

Shou Ye glanced at Xu Xiao Shou with appreciation.

Honestly, even now, for this young man to say that was beyond expectation.

No arrogance, no boastfulness.

Not even the joy most young people couldn't hide after praise.

Just a simple "no," hiding his merits and fame.

"Xu Xiao Shou..."

"Sigh, Xu Xiao Shou is great in every way, just too modest."

Shou Ye shook his head with a smile.

"Receive appreciation passive value, 1."