Chapter 474: You, Finally Came

"Xu Xiaoshou, even if you killed the ghost beast and achieved remarkable feats in battle, it still doesn't seem like a valid reason for you to use a famous sword that can't be drawn to trick everyone, does it?"

The stalemate didn't last long.

Eventually, someone realized that this wasn't the time to marvel at Xu Xiaoshou's accomplishments.

Grasping the root of the issue, the crowd quickly shook off their initial shock and began discussing the matter from a different angle.

Many people snapped out of it right away, and someone chimed in:

"That's right, we got completely confused by that Xu guy's nonsense earlier. A sword that can't be drawn and one that's just hard to draw aren't the same thing at all."

"He's like that—don't give him a chance to talk. Just make him draw it once and be done with it."

"Whether the sword is his or not doesn't matter, but if even he can't draw it..."

As they spoke, someone glanced at Gu Qing Er and said, "This brother is spot on. If even the original owner of the famous sword can't draw it, then the rest of us going up there would just be throwing money away."

"Exactly! Draw the sword!"

"Xu Xiaoshou, draw the sword right now!"

The chorus of demands erupted all at once, and even the long line of people started to show signs of breaking up.

The few at the front of the line looked a bit hesitant.

Truth be told, they didn't really care about the one million.

If Xu Xiaoshou could draw the sword only after they had tried, that would be ideal for them.

But after waiting in line for so long, suddenly claiming the sword couldn't be drawn and insisting the original owner try it...

What if Xu Xiaoshou actually drew it?

How would they explain that?

"Received condemnation, passive value 147."

"Received mockery, passive value 46."

"Received protest, passive value 208."

Xu Xiaoshou looked at this group of people who disliked him but couldn't do anything about it, and he just chuckled softly.

"So, you really want me to draw it?" he confirmed.

"That's right!"

"If you don't draw it today and prove that it's actually drawable, how can we keep paying?"

Someone said indignantly.

"I can draw it, but if I do, how can I let you all keep trying for this famous sword?"

Xu Xiaoshou shot back, "So, are you sure you want to go ahead?"

This made the people at the front of the line hesitate again.

But they couldn't stand up to the aggressive crowd behind them.

At this point, if they didn't stand united, they might get beaten.

"Draw the sword! Draw it now!"

"Handle the drawing first, then do business—learn to be a decent person before you play games!"

"Yeah, Xu Xiaoshou, if you're a man, draw it first!"

"Received rejection, passive value 3."

"Received request, passive value 122."

Xu Xiaoshou felt helpless.

Looking at the hefty influx of passive value, he realized that today's situation would probably just fizzle out like this.

What a shame—he hadn't squeezed out every last bit of profit.

But it was an unsolvable deadlock.

In an ideal scenario, he could have made hundreds of billions.

Reality was harsh like that.

Earning a few tens of billions was already pretty good.

"Draw the sword..."

Xu Xiaoshou turned back to look at the famous sword Yanmang.

Honestly, he didn't even feel confident about touching it, let alone drawing it.

Just the thought of it made his skin crawl.

But...

So many people had tried already.

Even a genius like Gu Qing Er hadn't triggered any strange reaction from this famous sword.

So, what made him so special?

Would drawing it get him targeted?

Xu Xiaoshou pondered.

"Maybe this famous sword does have some hidden mechanism, but what if that mechanism is just naturally there and not aimed at anyone specifically?"

This possibility crossed his mind.

After all, so many people had tried to draw it.

The chances that this theory was true had increased significantly.

So...

"Should I give it a try?"

Xu Xiaoshou felt tempted.

The famous sword had appeared right in front of him today, and he was the first to encounter it.

In this situation, all he had done was run a little business.

Even if he made a few tens of billions, if he later said he hadn't even dared to touch the sword...

Xu Xiaoshou might not think much of it now, but he'd definitely regret it later.

"Life is about seizing the moment, right?"

"While I'm young and full of vigor, while my body is strong and my spirit unwavering, why not take a shot?"

"Go for it, turn that bike into a motorcycle!"

Xu Xiaoshou's blood was pumping as he hyped himself up:

"I'm not some chosen one. There's no way this crappy sword would emerge just for me."

"Why can everyone else try to draw it, but I, Xu Xiaoshou, have to hold back and not even attempt it?"

"Screw it!"

With that thought, he suddenly turned to face everyone, his expression full of determination, and declared loudly: "Draw it!"

As soon as he finished, he leaped forward and landed right in front of the famous sword.

In that moment, everyone turned to stare.

"Received scrutiny, passive value 252."

Yu Zhiwen watched Xu Xiaoshou in surprise.

Among those present, she was the only one who could be certain that the sword's restriction had nothing to do with Xu Xiaoshou.

So, the real question was, where had this restriction come from? It was the first issue everyone should have addressed after the sword's emergence.

But everyone had been fooled by Xu Xiaoshou.

As someone else who had been affected by the sword's appearance,

Yu Zhiwen knew that after her earlier words, Xu Xiaoshou had developed some concerns about the sword.

"Something set up by a great power isn't entirely impossible."

"But to awaken a famous sword across a different dimensional space and impose a restriction on it..."

"That would be incredibly difficult, even for someone from Taixu."

"So..."

Yu Zhiwen's expression grew troubled.

Subjectively, she didn't want Xu Xiaoshou to get involved in this mess.

After all, he was someone she had her eye on, and bringing him back to Shengshen Hall would be the best outcome.

So, nothing unexpected could happen now.

But objectively, since so many people had tried to draw the sword without any special results, it should be fine for Xu Xiaoshou to try.

In fact, if he failed too...

Maybe she could give it a shot herself?

"Come on, Xu Xiaoshou!"

She silently cheered him on.

"It's starting, it's starting."

Everyone watched with bated breath.

Even Shou Ye looked deadly serious at that moment.

For ordinary people, whether Xu Xiaoshou could draw the sword was just about whether their money was well spent.

But from Shou Ye's perspective, it was entirely different.

Whether Xu Xiaoshou succeeded would determine if the restriction was truly his doing and confirm the accuracy of his own deductions.

"As long as he succeeds, that means I overthought it."

"This famous sword really is just under a restriction set by Xu Xiaoshou himself."

"Though surprising, it's understandable."

"But if he fails..."

Shou Ye narrowed his eyes.

Perhaps he couldn't let Xu Xiaoshou have the sword so easily.

After all, with the unknown danger involved, Xu Xiaoshou might not be able to handle it!

"Come on, let's see what the outcome is."

"Received anticipation, passive value 250."

Xu Xiaoshou rubbed his hands together and focused his gaze.

Drawing the sword meant he didn't have to pay and there was no time limit.

So, he could try multiple times.

"Start with my physical body."

"If there's any bad reaction on contact, pull back immediately; if not, keep going."

"On that basis, if the physical body fails, use sword intent, sword thought, Sword Observation Technique..."

"If that still fails, go with Raging Giant, Explosive Stance, throw everything at it—there's no way I can't get it out..."

"If all else fails, use the 'Passive Fist'—I refuse to believe this restriction can't be broken!"

Xu Xiaoshou thought it through.

He had plenty of ideas, but they all hinged on "normal contact."

If it wasn't normal...

"No way!"

Shaking his head, Xu Xiaoshou dismissed the thought.

Even Gu Qing Er hadn't been chosen, so what made him worthy of this famous sword passing over so many just for him?

"Let's do this!"

Feeling the heat in his palm, Xu Xiaoshou took a deep breath, withdrew his spiritual energy, and gripped the sword firmly.

Solid, heavy, rough...

Just the feel of the hilt made Xu Xiaoshou enamored.

This weight, different from its appearance, and this grippy texture—it was like it was custom-made for him, a perfect fit!

He applied a little force.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xu Xiaoshou grasped the famous sword.

Recalling the ghost beast's strenuous expression and how Shou Ye had torn through the void without budging it, Xu Xiaoshou inhaled deeply, mustered his full strength, and pulled hard.

Whoosh.

In the end, he hadn't even fully exerted his strength—it was like grabbing an ordinary kitchen knife.

Xu Xiaoshou lifted, and Yanmang came right out.

He let go, and it returned to its place.

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned.

"What the...?"

He stood there dumbfounded. If his memory wasn't playing tricks...

Had he really just drawn that famous sword so casually?

"Holy crap!"

"Did I see that right? What just happened?"

The onlookers' eyes bulged in shock.

Even Shou Ye was utterly astonished at that moment.

The sword that he couldn't budge even after ripping through the void—Xu Xiaoshou had drawn it effortlessly and sheathed it again?

"Xu Xiaoshou, what did you just do?"

Gu Qing Er, who hadn't left yet, froze in place.

He rushed over to Xu Xiaoshou, staring at him in shock.

Having tried to draw it himself, Gu Qing Er knew all too well how terrifying the restriction on this sword was.

And that rebound force...

"Did your sword get sucked back in too?"

Gu Qing Er asked urgently.

He desperately needed a yes to keep his self-esteem intact.

But Xu Xiaoshou's stiffened face twitched, and he turned his head slightly, nodding woodenly.

"No."

Gu Qing Er's hopeful expression froze solid.

"Received curse, passive value 1."

Everyone else reacted the same way.

They watched as Xu Xiaoshou experimentally lifted it again—this time, even more brazenly, with one hand released.

Yet, the sword came up just as easily.

"Received doubt, passive value 166."

Xu Xiaoshou casually flicked a sword flourish.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

The air was pierced by the sharp blade.

"Received doubt, passive value 203."

Defying all reason, he threw the famous sword Yanmang into the air.

With a thought, he beckoned with his hand, and the sword, which had been struggling, flew straight back.

Buzz!

Yanmang landed in his hand, its hum lingering.

"Received doubt, passive value 252."

Everyone was in shock.

"What..."

"What's going on here?"

"Why, why was it so easy to draw the famous sword?"

"How is that possible!"

"Doesn't that mean Xu Xiaoshou really is the sword's owner?"

"Was that restriction really set by him?"

"Oh my god, so the famous sword can be drawn after all. Xu Xiaoshou was just doing business?"

In an instant, sorrow overwhelmed them, and the crowd fell silent in unison.

Such a ridiculous scene—Xu Xiaoshou had actually pulled it off?

Selling a famous sword?

Was he out of his mind?

Wasn't he afraid someone else would draw it?

"Received envy, passive value 175."

"Received jealousy, passive value 222."

"Received resentment, passive value 69."

Shou Ye stared at Xu Xiaoshou, who was wildly flourishing the sword in disbelief.

From his facial expression, Shou Ye could tell that the young man in front of him was just as surprised and puzzled about drawing the sword.

But he was Xu Xiaoshou!

This could all be an act...

"So, was he faking it the whole time?"

Shou Ye let out a breath.

He felt irritated.

All that worry about the restriction—it had really been Xu Xiaoshou's doing?

And that fleeting holy power—had it come from somewhere unknown that Xu Xiaoshou had cooked up?

Shou Ye completely let go of his doubts.

"This kid is no simpleton!"

Gu Qing Er watched Xu Xiaoshou show off with the sword, his lips twitching.

He couldn't understand why the famous sword had chosen Xu Xiaoshou so readily.

This didn't make sense!

"Did you do something to it?" he asked.

"Nope!"

Xu Xiaoshou finally snapped out of it, his heart blooming with joy.

His worries had been unfounded.

The sword had no weird issues at all.

Maybe those so-called oddities were just residual power from the previous owner?

"I have no idea why this famous sword took a liking to me."

"I just casually drew it, and it came out. What can I say?"

Xu Xiaoshou paused and clarified, "To be honest with you all, this was my first time drawing it. I had no experience."

The crowd: "..."

"Received curse, passive value 256."

At that, they felt like flaying Xu Xiaoshou alive.

Just casually drew it...

Was that even human talk?

How could he say that?

"Damn it..."

Led by Bi Kong, the group who had tried to draw it fell silent.

They realized now that they hadn't failed because the sword couldn't be drawn—they just couldn't break through Xu Xiaoshou's restriction.

Not only that, some had lost over a billion because of it.

This level of blow...

"Cough, cough."

Bi Kong suddenly coughed.

He kept a straight face, forcing a slight smile as he clutched his chest.

"Received curse, passive value 28."

Gu Qing Er took a deep breath.

He tried hard to ignore Xu Xiaoshou's casual tone.

Even though he knew the guy wasn't doing it on purpose, he still managed to hurt people unintentionally.

"Xu Xiaoshou, I never imagined you'd claim the famous sword so quietly!"

Gu Qing Er eyed Yanmang enviously.

He wanted that sword.

But if the famous sword had claimed its owner, by Cangjianzhuang's rules, he couldn't snatch it.

How had Xu Xiaoshou done it?

Was his talent really that exceptional?

"Claimed it?"

Xu Xiaoshou looked over, completely baffled: "What's that about?"

He knew "Cang Ku" could claim an owner, but that was from years of companionship building some spirit.

This famous sword was a total stranger, and this was their first contact. How could it claim him?

Gu Qing Er sighed at his expression.

"Xu Xiaoshou, can you stop pretending?"

"The famous sword claiming an owner on its own is rare, but with you..."

He thought of how Xu Xiaoshou had forged his own path as an ancient sword cultivator without guidance.

Maybe given the right stage, Xu Xia Xiaoshou could really take off!

"Senior Hongyi was right—some things aren't my place, but they are yours." His tone carried a hint of admiration.

Whether in talent or combat, Xu Xiaoshou was a cut above.

"Received admiration, passive value 1."

Xu Xiaoshou stared at him speechlessly, at a loss for words.

What had this guy imagined?

"Xu Xiaoshou, did you do the blood oath?"

Gu Qing San flew over from behind.

Even if it wasn't his second senior brother who got the famous sword, as long as Xu Xiaoshou hadn't tricked everyone and had proven with his strength that it was truly his...

It wouldn't belittle the fact that Xu Xiaoshou had beaten him, or that he was a swordsman worthy of respect!

Gu Qing San was quite satisfied.

"Blood oath?"

Xu Xiaoshou was even more confused.

He'd heard the term, but he knew nothing about the ins and outs of famous swords.

Gu Qing Er had said the sword claimed him, and now Gu Qing San was talking about a blood oath?

Was that necessary?

"You're clueless!"

Gu Qing San saw right through what Xu Xiaoshou was thinking.

"What my senior brother means by the sword claiming you is that it acknowledges you and wants to be with you."

"The true claiming requires it to accept you fully, to form a bond, to fight side by side with a shared mind—that's what it means!"

"And that bond is established through your blood, got it?"

Gu Qing San explained confidently.

Finally, he had a chance to lecture someone instead of being lectured by his seniors.

It felt amazing!

Xu Xiaoshou looked uncertainly at Gu Qing Er.

Gu Qing San was a bit too enthusiastic—he wasn't sure.

But seeing Gu Qing Er nod, he started to waver.

"Blood oath?"

"Is that how everyone does it?" he asked hesitantly.

"Uh-huh."

Gu Qing San nodded vigorously: "Swords have spirits. Without blood, how can you communicate with it mentally or wield it like an extension of your arm?"

Xu Xiaoshou looked back at Gu Qing Er, and Gu Qing Er nodded again.

"Received affirmation, passive value 1."

"Claim it, huh..."

Xu Xiaoshou furrowed his brow, sensing something off.

But he couldn't pinpoint what.

He glanced at his info panel.

No other strange messages.

Then he looked down at the quiet famous sword in his hand.

Indeed, while it had accepted him, he didn't feel the same intimate connection as with Cang Ku.

So, why wait?

"Let's do it!"

Xu Xiaoshou gritted his teeth.

Dropping blood to claim it couldn't cause any trouble, right?

He lightly cut his sword finger, and the wound healed instantly.

But in that brief moment, he squeezed out a drop of blood.

"On the blade?"

He looked up at Gu Qing Er, and Gu Qing San quickly nodded, "Yeah, yeah, on the blade."

Drip.

He held the sword horizontally.

The blood drop fell with a clear sound in the pin-drop silence.

Everyone seemed to see the blood splatter from the sharp blade.

In the next instant,

The famous sword in Xu Xiaoshou's hand came alive.

The giant serpent coiled around the hilt and guard suddenly flicked its tongue, and in a flash of light, it swallowed the scattered blood drop whole.

Xu Xiaoshou's heart skipped a beat.

On a whim, he glanced at his info panel.

And that glance made his pupils contract.

The usually scrolling messages suddenly spat out a line with an odd number.

"Received scrutiny, passive value 1."

Xu Xiaoshou's scalp tingled.

Goosebumps erupted all over, as if doused in ice water.

"Damn, this sword is cursed!"

He wanted to move, to hurl the sword away, but found that the whole world had slowed down.

Even his eye movements were sluggish.

In his "Perception," he could see

Everyone still chattering away, but he heard nothing.

Gu Qing Er and Gu Qing San still watching him with concern.

Yu Zhiwen's hands clenched, worry in her eyes.

Shou Ye...

Why was that old man looking like that?

Was he... afraid?

Xu Xiaoshou panicked.

He felt like he was holding a hot potato, and holding on might kill him!

But...

He couldn't move at all!

"Received control, passive value 1."

The only thing unaffected was the info panel.

But the messages popping up only deepened his despair.

Xu Xiaoshou struggled to pull himself back, but the helplessness grew.

The info panel suddenly stopped.

No more "Received curse" or "Received envy"—the scrolling halted.

Xu Xiaoshou was on the verge of tears, but utterly powerless as everything proceeded smoothly.

Suddenly, the paused panel jumped again.

"Received restraint, passive value 1."

"Received pull, passive value 1."

"Received scrutiny, passive value 1."

Almost instantly, with the messages, the scene before him shifted.

It was a vast, white world.

An endless white that inspired despair.

And this white wasn't ordinary—even with his master-level body, Xu Xiaoshou felt like he was being scorched alive.

The moment he entered, sweat poured like rain, and smoke rose from his body.

"What the hell is this place?!"

Xu Xiaoshou roared inwardly.

He was breaking down!

He'd known, he'd felt it...

This damn sword was trouble!

Time and again, he'd told himself not to touch it, time and again he'd hesitated, been on guard.

Why? Why had he still grabbed it in the end?

Grabbed it and, even after sensing something wrong, impulsively dripped his blood?

Yeah!

How stupid was that, Xu Xiaoshou!

You're a total idiot!

You'd figured it all out, but couldn't resist your greed. What's the point of living like this?!

Might as well die!

Xu Xiaoshou cursed himself wildly in his mind, but it didn't stir the info panel, ease his panic, or free him from this predicament.

All that was left was waiting.

An endless, immobilized wait...

It felt like a century.

Until his body was nearly dehydrated, until his consciousness started to char.

A voice, ancient and desolate, echoed from all directions with infinite resonance, seeping into his very soul.

"You... have finally come?"