Chapter 104: When Man and Sword Become One, That's Called a Scoundrel

Wang Mei drove Gu Xiangnan and Zhang Baolian back to the villa, while she took the snuff bottle and returned to Su Han’s home. Gu Xiangnan comforted Tao Yao, telling her to stay with Zi Xiaoyin for a while and that he would retrieve the snuff bottle once he found her brother.

Upon arriving home, Zhang Baolian grabbed Gu Xiangnan. "Junior brother, I didn't realize you were so capable."

Gu Xiangnan misunderstood. "Why? Senior sister, do you want more tonight?"

Zhang Baolian blushed deeply. "If you want to, that’s fine, but that’s not what I was asking about."

Gu Xiangnan felt a sudden sense of confusion. Zhang Baolian pointed at his hand. "Where is your sword?"

Gu Xiangnan paused. Right, where was his sword? After the battle with the shikigami, he had been watching his senior sister duel with the onmyoji and had completely forgotten about it. How the sword had manifested and suddenly gained a blade was something he had stumbled upon by pure accident. He needed to ask General Han Fei for an explanation.

"General Han, please appear."

As soon as he spoke, a golden light emerged, and General Han appeared. Zhang Baolian’s eyes widened. "Junior brother, who is this? He is clearly not human!"

Gu Xiangnan introduced them: "This is General Han Fei. And this is my senior sister, Zhang Baolian."

Zhang Baolian’s jaw dropped; she pointed at Han Fei, unable to speak for a long time. Gu Xiangnan nodded at her. "Yes, the very same General Han from the history books who fought against foreign invaders."

Zhang Baolian stood up immediately and bowed to Han Fei. "I am a huge fan. May I ask a very personal question?"

Han Fei looked at her with suspicion. Zhang Baolian asked cautiously, "Could you take off your shirt? I want to see something."

Han Fei was shocked; he clutched his chest and scolded, "You woman, you are truly shameless! If you see my body, you must marry me."

"I just wanted to confirm if those four words are truly tattooed on your back. Never mind, then."

Gu Xiangnan steered the conversation back. "General Han, do you know what happened tonight?"

"I do."

"Why did a sword suddenly appear in my hand?"

"Perhaps your cultivation level has improved, and combined with my high level of recognition for you, it has led to the unity of man and sword—in short, a 'sword-man'." Han Fei said, looking solemn.

"Hahaha! That’s hilarious!" Zhang Baolian doubled over with laughter. "You’re a 'jiren'—a sword-man!"

Gu Xiangnan’s face turned green. "General Han, have I not treated you well? Why are you using wordplay to insult me?"

Han Fei looked innocent and shrugged. "I’ve only just finished the first-grade textbook; I haven’t learned anything more sophisticated than that!"

Gu Xiangnan sighed and gave up. He asked, "Then why did the blade appear?"

"It means you and the sword have become one. You are a 'sword-man'." Seeing Gu Xiangnan’s sour expression, Han Fei quickly corrected himself: "Oh, no, you are a 'human-sword', is that better?"

That was enough. Gu Xiangnan didn't want to argue anymore. If he asked again, Han Fei would just call him a "jiren" again.

"Then how do I summon and retract this sword?"

Han Fei instructed him earnestly: "If you wish to summon the sword, just clear your mind and control it with your will. The same applies to retracting it; just focus on that in your mind."

"Go on, give it a try."

Gu Xiangnan followed his instructions and succeeded several times. Han Fei couldn't help but praise him. "Xiao Nan, you are gifted! Now, try using the sword."

Gu Xiangnan chuckled. "The situation was too urgent earlier; I didn't get to study it properly."

He gripped the sword and swung it a few times. Zhang Baolian, thinking the sword looked cool, wanted to try it too. Gu Xiangnan handed it to her, and she reached for it with one hand. She couldn't hold it—it was incredibly heavy. The sword fell to the ground, and no matter how much effort she exerted, she couldn't lift it. She estimated it weighed at least two hundred pounds.

"Xiao Nan, don't you find it heavy?"

"Not at all! It feels quite natural."

Gu Xiangnan picked it up and swung it around with ease, as if it were as light as a plastic rod.

Han Fei suggested, "Try cutting something with it."

"Alright!"

Gu Xiangnan swung the sword cleanly. A yellow beam of light, carrying a terrifying sword aura, struck forward like a bolt of lightning.

*Bang!*

The marble coffee table was sliced in two. What a sword! The power was immense; it could truly cut through metal like mud. Gu Xiangnan practiced for a while and soon grew comfortable with it. Han Fei stood by, offering pointers on sword techniques.

It was getting late. Zhang Baolian winked at Gu Xiangnan repeatedly. Gu Xiangnan understood and said to Han Fei, "General, it is late. I am going to rest. Unless it is something urgent, please do not bother me."

Han Fei turned on the television and focused on the military channel. Gu Xiangnan took Zhang Baolian’s hand and went to the bedroom.

"Senior sister, are we still going to practice 'dual cultivation' tonight?"

"Of course! Who's afraid of whom?"

Zhang Baolian felt a bit defiant. Last night she had clearly taken the lead, yet somehow, Gu Xiangnan had ended up in control. No! Tonight she would reclaim her ground with interest. However, since it was her first time, she was still feeling a bit sore. She coughed awkwardly. "Last night... I'm still a bit sore."

Gu Xiangnan understood. He took out an ointment and rubbed it between his palms to warm it. "This is a salve I formulated myself. Combined with my massage technique, the inflammation and swelling will vanish immediately."

Zhang Baolian felt uneasy. "I'll go take a shower first."

She returned quickly. "Lie down and position your legs like this," Gu Xiangnan directed.

"Ouch! What are you doing? I thought this was a massage!" Zhang Baolian looked up at Gu Xiangnan, covering herself.

"To heal quickly, one must reach the source. Applying the medicine directly inside will reduce the swelling faster."

"Oh! Alright... why does it feel so hot?"

"This is the 'Giant Element Palm.' I am channeling my internal energy to treat you. If it feels a bit bloated, don't be afraid!"

"Ah~ that feels so good!"

"Good? How about this?"

Ten minutes later, Gu Xiangnan rose to grab tissues and wiped his damp hands. Zhang Baolian stretched out her shapely leg, hooked it around his neck, and pulled him back onto the bed.

Gu Xiangnan didn't quite understand women. They were so soft and delicate, appearing as if they might faint from exhaustion every single time, yet they would always come back to life. Perhaps they just enjoyed that feeling of being pushed to the brink. Even stranger, no matter how long it lasted, he never felt tired.

The next morning, Zhang Baolian was still fast asleep, but Gu Xiangnan rose, full of energy. He had to go to the Traditional Chinese Medicine University to settle some important matters. He applied for a schedule adjustment and finished the classes for the next few days in advance.

After class ended at noon, he received a call from Hua Hongwen.

"Professor Gu, do you have time this afternoon? I have a patient here; could you help me take a look?"

"Certainly!"