Chapter 972: Hit Him

Mei Siren?

One of the Seven Sword Immortals, Mei Siren?

The storyteller had long heard of the renowned sword master Mei Siren, but like others on the continent, he had never seen the man in person. Upon hearing the name, he perked up and bowed in respect, saying, "I have met Mei Siren."

This was a true elder of the highest caliber!

Unlike the title of "Eighth Sword Immortal," which was earned through battles, the name "Mei Siren" represented Mei Siren's achievements in the ancient sword cultivation lineage, marking him as a master for generations.

"Hmm."

Mei Siren tapped his paper fan, offering little response, and looked straight at Ba Zun'an, getting to the point: "After all this trouble to arrange a meeting in a place like this, I wonder why you've sought out an old man like me?"

"For the inheritance of Jian Dao and the future of Jian Dao," Ba Zun'an replied with utmost seriousness.

Mei Siren raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not expecting such an answer.

He chuckled and said, "The Eighth Sword Immortal is a great talent of this era, mastering the nine major sword techniques. If it's about the inheritance and future of Jian Dao, I think you could accomplish just as much, if not more, than an old man like me."

"I can't do it." Ba Zun'an shook his head firmly. "I have sealed my sword, and under the 'Ban on Martial Arts,' my body has become frail. My life has been full of hardships, and now I'm no longer suited for intense activities."

Sealed sword... Mei Siren's eyes narrowed slightly, suddenly recalling the young swordsman he had met at the First Tower in the Sky.

Had his earlier deduction been correct about Ba Zun'an's current situation?

Indeed, his judgment had been spot on.

That young man that day was a genius!

What a pity—he had grand ambitions and refused to become his disciple.

Mei Siren felt regret in his heart, but his face remained warmly smiling as he said, "From the time you 're-entered the world,' the activities you've been involved in can't exactly be called ordinary. Is this your way of interpreting the Sheng Nu's recent actions?"

He was alluding to things Ba Zun'an already knew: slaying seven hundred in white at Bai Ku, sending Gou Wuyue back to the mountains in imprisonment, orchestrating the great sage battle in the Yunlun Mountains, and using exotic treasures to draw the world's greed toward Sky City.

And in reality, each of these events showed that Ba Zun'an was far from someone unfit for intense activities.

Ba Zun'an smiled faintly and said, "Mei Siren must see more than just the surface. But as mortals walk, they might inadvertently step on ants. What I've done, aside from the Bai Ku incident, is merely playing a game of Weiqi... How can a simple game be considered 'intense activity'?"

Mei Siren fell silent.

Weiqi...

It sounded casual, but the opponents in his game were anything but simple.

"As expected of the Eighth Sword Immortal!" Mei Siren praised, then returned to the main topic. "So, what exactly do you need an old man like me to help with?"

Ba Zun'an looked at him deeply and said, "Teach sword techniques!"

Teach sword techniques?

Mei Siren was taken aback.

He couldn't possibly interpret it as teaching Ba Zun'an himself—where would one even start?

What Ba Zun'an meant was likely that he wanted Mei Siren to instruct someone else in the path of ancient sword cultivation.

Who could it be?

What a bold request!

For Ba Zun'an to personally step in and persuade someone to teach sword techniques, that person must be extraordinarily precious.

Mei Siren didn't dwell on it and replied, "This seems to be your area of expertise as well? And 'teaching sword techniques' hardly counts as 'intense activity.'"

"Of course it doesn't," Ba Zun'an laughed. "But I'm too busy with my games of Weiqi to teach anyone."

No time... Mei Siren was momentarily speechless at the excuse.

You have no time, so you want me to do it? That seems a bit too straightforward, doesn't it?

Does an old man like me look like someone with all the time in the world?

Feeling a bit annoyed, Mei Siren forced a "heh-heh" laugh and said nothing more.

He and Ba Zun'an hadn't met often and had no deep friendship, so he had no intention of agreeing to such an unreasonable request.

"What do you say?" Ba Zun'an asked with a smile, as if he hadn't noticed Mei Siren's expression.

Mei Siren paused, realizing Ba Zun'an wasn't truly oblivious and had read his meaning.

But as for "teaching someone"...

Mei Siren disliked being forced into anything.

He taught based on fate and destiny, never forcing anyone, and never deliberately seeking out opportunities.

With that in mind, Mei Siren remained silent, then with a "swish," he opened the paper fan in his hand, pointing it at the two before him and gently waving it.

The wind from the riverbank howled—why need a paper fan for coolness?

Yet when the fan was unfurled, both Ba Zun'an and the storyteller's gazes halted on its surface.

On it were three bold, inked characters:

"I refuse."

The storyteller stared in astonishment.

He had been watching closely and hadn't seen Mei Siren switch fans.

And from the moment Mei Siren appeared, he had been holding this very fan.

That meant, from the very beginning, Mei Siren had decided not to accept Ba Zun'an's request and wanted no involvement with the Sheng Nu.

Of course!

If he accepted, it wouldn't just be a simple matter of "teaching sword techniques."

It would mean Mei Siren was entering the game, choosing the side of the Sheng Nu—the opposition to the Sheng Shen Hall!

The storyteller knew that Mei Siren could remain uninvolved precisely because he had no stance, never aligning with any side, only devoted to Jian Dao.

Beside him, Ba Zun'an's thoughts differed from the storyteller's.

He showed no surprise, quickly averting his gaze from the three characters on the fan, as if he hadn't seen them.

"Mei Siren also has moments of cherishing talent, doesn't he?" Ba Zun'an hinted, recalling the scene of the young man wandering with his sword and meeting Mei Siren in the snowy weather with Wen Ting.

Mei Siren understood the implication but didn't respond, continuing to gently wave the fan:

I refuse!

Ba Zun'an pressed on, "What if that person is a great talent, like me?"

Mei Siren's motion froze.

Such self-praise from anyone else would make him turn and leave.

But coming from Ba Zun'an, it stirred his interest.

However, interest could mean death.

Mei Siren didn't want to take that risk. He waved the fan again and smiled, "An old man like me cherishes talent, but I never take on disciples and dislike forcing anything..."

"What if it's Xu Xiaoshou?" Ba Zun'an's turbid eyes sharpened, interrupting.

The storyteller turned in surprise, his eyes wide.

He hadn't known the purpose of Ba Zun'an's trip.

But hearing Ba Zun'an say it was for Xu Xiaoshou, the storyteller suddenly felt... a twinge of jealousy?

When had his brother ever gone to such lengths for anyone?

Mei Siren's fan-waving stopped again, his eyebrows arching high. After a few breaths, his expression eased, and he said, "So that's it... But if the one to teach is Xu Xiaoshou, that's even more impossible."

"Why?" the storyteller asked.

Mei Siren glanced at him and chuckled, "To be honest, I've met Xu Xiaoshou and even considered teaching him, but he didn't accept the offer."

Ba Zun'an, as if he already knew everything, said calmly, "Xu Xiaoshou is extremely proud; he only responds to force, not kindness. In simple terms, he's arrogant. He was even forced to take Sang Qiye as his master because I was involved afterward, so he wouldn't accept Mei Siren's goodwill either."

The words were blunt, almost implying, "With me around, he was right to refuse, because he doesn't need you."

From anyone else, Mei Siren would have walked away, but from Ba Zun'an, he accepted it.

Still, he couldn't agree with the underlying meaning. With a good-natured laugh, Mei Siren said, "So, does that mean I should force him to learn sword techniques?"

"Of course not. That wouldn't suit Mei Siren's style at all and would be utterly lacking in elegance." Ba Zun'an shook his head. "You can't approach someone like Xu Xiaoshou in a normal way."

Mei Siren had unconsciously closed his fan and was gently tapping it, but he didn't ask.

Asking would reveal his curiosity.

Ba Zun'an had already seen that Mei Siren was swayed—or rather, that Mei Siren had been captivated by Xu Xiaoshou from the start and had reluctantly left.

If Xu Xiaoshou had agreed, Mei Siren might have joined the game long ago!

Truth be told, with Xu Xiaoshou's talent, which "eager teacher" wouldn't be drawn to him?

Thinking of Xu Xiaoshou, Ba Zun'an thought of Sang Lao.

To handle Xu Xiaoshou, you needed someone like Sang Lao, not a hesitant type like Mei Siren!

So, Ba Zun'an grinned and said, "Mei Siren might want to think of it differently. Xu Xiaoshou has such high talent; you don't need to actually 'teach' him. As long as you can make him realize what he should 'learn,' my request will be fulfilled."

Not "teach," but make him "learn"?

Mei Siren was puzzled, but he finally spoke, "I'd like to hear the details."

"Beat him!" Ba Zun'an said bluntly.

The storyteller turned to his brother in shock, his expression turning strange.

Mei Siren was equally startled.

Beat him?

How could that work?

Where was the way of a teacher in that?

Ba Zun'an realized both had misunderstood and sighed, explaining, "Mei Siren, Xu Xiaoshou is no ordinary person. He needs 'lessons,' not 'teaching.' Any normal approach won't faze him in the slightest...

"But beating him is different!"

Ba Zun'an's expression suddenly came alive as he elaborated under Mei Siren's astonished and skeptical gaze: "Xu Xiaoshou is naturally rebellious. I said it before—he responds to force, not kindness. If you advise him nicely, he won't appreciate it.

"But if you beat him, scold him, or humiliate him, he'll harbor resentment and think of revenge.

"His personality is... unique, but his learning ability is extremely strong. If you humiliate him with Jian Dao, he'll think of turning your methods against you and using what you've used.

"In that way, won't our goal be achieved?"

After Ba Zun'an finished, both Mei Siren and the storyteller listened in silence, then fell quiet.

This understanding of Xu Xiaoshou was just too deep, wasn't it?

I wish... The storyteller's emotions were complex.

Is this really feasible... Mei Siren was still in doubt.

Soon, he snapped back to reality. Why should he take on this troublesome task?

This was clearly Ba Zun'an avoiding the dirty work and resentment, so he was dragging Mei Siren in.

What "no time"? What "not suited for intense activities"? All excuses!

"Using resentment to spark someone's desire to learn—such a vile and underhanded method isn't something an old man like me would do." Mei Siren gave a cold "heh-heh" laugh, then with a "swish," opened the fan with "I refuse" again and waved it slowly.

If you're refusing, then leave... Ba Zun'an thought amusingly, but kept a serious face as he offered a counter: "Mei Siren is overthinking it. This isn't underhanded; it's about dealing with the right person... well, teaching according to their nature.

"Since you're worried about Xu Xiaoshou holding a grudge, it's simple—just mix in some comfort and hints while beating him.

"With Xu Xiaoshou's intelligence, he'll understand and feel grateful.

"Carrot and stick together—I believe, for a difficult student like this, you're far more experienced than I am."

Ba Zun'an stopped there, leaving Mei Siren deep in thought.

The storyteller was also lost in thought, though his mind seemed to wander elsewhere.

After a long while, the fan was closed again. Mei Siren tapped it against his palm and pretended to ask, "An old man like me—why should I help you?"

Because he's Xu Xiaoshou... Ba Zun'an knew full well.

In the Eastern Domain of sword cultivation, who didn't know that Mei Siren had dueled Yu Tu and lost miserably? It was because Old Yu Tu had nurtured an Eighth Sword Immortal, while Mei Siren, despite his many students, had none to boast of.

But now, Mei Siren couldn't save face and needed an excuse, which Ba Zun'an understood all too well.

"This is a request from this junior, and in return, I can get you into Sky City," Ba Zun'an smiled. "There, you'll find the Sealing Saint Foundation that any spirit refiner in the world craves!"

Do I need that... Mei Siren thought, but his face remained expressionless as he looked at Ba Zun'an, who seemed utterly confident.

As if Ba Zun'an believed his offer was highly tempting.

Mei Siren suddenly laughed.

It was tempting, but not because of the "Sealing Saint Foundation"—it was because of Xu Xiaoshou.

"Things like the Sealing Saint Foundation—we're both ancient sword cultivators, so let's not bother with that; it's meaningless."

Mei Siren shook his head and said, "As for Xu Xiaoshou, an old man like me can help you, but the conditions aren't what you mentioned, and I don't need anything for now... Consider it you owing me a favor!"

At these words, the storyteller was pulled back to reality, looking over in astonishment.

Ba Zun'an was momentarily stunned, but the next second, a smile spread across his face.

Owing a favor was great!

For an ordinary person, it might be hard to repay, so better not to owe it.

But for someone like Mei Siren, a lifelong neutral elder with no ties, if he ever asked for help, it would be like announcing to the world that he was siding with the Sheng Nu!

Ba Zun'an almost thought he'd misheard, but he seized the moment, not giving Mei Siren a chance to backtrack: "Your talents are worthy of utmost respect from this junior. If you have any instructions, just say the word—why mention a favor?"

Mei Siren tapped his fan and smiled, "It will come."

With that, Ba Zun'an suddenly realized that Mei Siren fully understood how his words could be misinterpreted.

But it wasn't a misinterpretation at all!

Mei Siren had already set his mind on entering the game!

"Where is Xu Xiaoshou now?" Mei Siren asked, as if he couldn't wait to go and beat him.

Ba Zun'an fell silent for a moment. Seeing Mei Siren's straightforwardness made him feel a bit ashamed of his own schemes.

"Hmm?" Mei Siren made a nasal sound, sensing something suspicious.

Ba Zun'an sighed, "When you see Xu Xiaoshou again, it should be... on Void Island."

Mei Siren was immediately stunned.

Void Island?

That meant, as soon as he agreed to Ba Zun'an, no matter what, he'd end up on Void Island through the Sheng Nu's help, and be seen by the Sheng Shen Hall as having chosen a side—opposing them!

"The Eighth Sword Immortal is truly a master of strategy, playing Weiqi indeed... So, an old man like me is just another piece on the board," Mei Siren said with a half-smile.

"Cough, cough..." Ba Zun'an coughed awkwardly, not daring to respond. "About Xu Xiaoshou..."

"Hmph!" Mei Siren snorted meaningfully, "An old man's student will absolutely not be inferior to Yu Tu's disciples!"

With that, he opened the fan again and waved it slowly.

This time, the side facing the Sheng Nu duo wasn't the one with "I refuse," but the hidden other side:

"Deal!"