The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2726 - 2701: Wind and Rain Approaches

Lin Ye was unceremoniously plunged into a wooden tub by Lin Bai.

Lin Bai proceeded to scrub away the accumulated dirt from Lin Ye’s body.

Following the cleansing, Lin Bai then outfitted Lin Ye in fresh, comfortable attire.

As he donned the clean garments, a noticeable smile of contentment bloomed on Lin Ye’s face!

Lin Bai chuckled, declaring, "From this moment forward, you shall live as a proper human being!"

Lin Ye gazed at Lin Bai, a look of bewilderment in his eyes.

Lin Bai’s laughter echoed as he explained, "Our existence in this world is often beyond our control! While death is inevitable, before that day arrives, we must strive to live like humans!

"Live with more brilliance than anyone else!"

"Live with more honor than anyone else!"

"Live with more pride than anyone else!"

"Because... our chance to survive... is truly not an easy one!"

Lin Bai spoke earnestly, his gaze fixed on Lin Ye.

Observing Lin Ye, Lin Bai saw a reflection of his own past self.

While Lin Ye's life experiences might have diverged greatly from Lin Bai's, and their paths were distinct, both had ultimately been forsaken by the world, scorned, deemed insignificant, and treated with utter contempt, akin to stray dogs...

As Lin Bai had articulated, death may claim us, but prior to that, we are obligated to live as humans, for the very privilege of our existence is hard-won!

Lin Ye, though perhaps only grasping a fraction of the meaning, still solemnly nodded in agreement with Lin Bai!

While Lin Bai was meticulously imparting wisdom to Lin Ye within the confines of their small courtyard...

Meanwhile, the entirety of Black Water City was engulfed in a state of clamor and unrest!

...

Inside the grand Tang Family Main Hall, Tangjing Xiu was deeply engrossed in a discussion concerning the impending Dragon City Battle with the assembled Tang Family Elders!

At that precise moment, Tang Yuezhi burst into the hall with urgent haste.

Tangjing Xiu addressed her with evident irritation, "Yuezhi, I am currently in discussion with the Elders regarding the Dragon City Battle. How could you possibly just storm in like this?"

Tang Yuezhi clasped her hands respectfully and pleaded, "Please forgive my intrusion, Father, and all esteemed Elders. Father, I have something of importance to convey to you!"

Tangjing Xiu’s expression darkened as he replied, "What is it? Speak your mind!"

Tang Yuezhi cast a discreet glance around the hall.

Tangjing Xiu, perceiving her hesitation, understood that the matter she wished to discuss was not appropriate for the ears of the Tang Family Elders. He then announced, "Esteemed Elders, your efforts have been invaluable. Let us conclude our session for today. You are all dismissed to attend to your rest!"

"As you command, Patriarch!" The Elders rose in unison and departed from the main hall.

Tangjing Xiu then stated, "Very well, now that it is merely the two of us, you may speak freely of whatever is on your mind!"

Tang Yuezhi immediately revealed, "Father, Lin Bai has submitted his resignation. He wishes to depart from the Tang Family!"

Tangjing Xiu appeared taken aback, inquiring, "Lin Bai? The new Guest Official who joined our Tang family less than two months ago? If he wishes to leave, then so be it!"

"Our Tang family does not obstruct the departure of anyone!"

Tang Yuezhi quickly interjected, "But Father, this Guest Official Lin Bai is none other than the Sword Demon who vanquished Senior Xu Guang in the Fighting Arena!"

"Are we truly going to permit him to leave so effortlessly?"

Upon hearing this revelation, Tangjing Xiu leaped from his chair in sheer astonishment, his eyes wide as he stared at Tang Yuezhi. "What! Yuezhi, what did you just say?"

"The Guest Official Lin Bai, who has been associated with the Tang Family for a mere two months, is in fact the Sword Demon who dominates the Fighting Arena?"

"How did you come to possess this knowledge?"

Tang Yuezhi affirmed, "He is indeed the Sword Demon; there is no room for doubt. If you do not believe me, you are welcome to dispatch someone to the Fighting Arena for a thorough investigation!"

"Furthermore, I suspect Ban Ye is also privy to his true identity. You could ascertain the truth from him!"

Tangjing Xiu exclaimed with excitement, "If he genuinely is the Sword Demon, then perhaps our Tang Family still possesses a fighting chance in the Dragon City Battle!"

"See to it that he does not depart from the Tang Family!"

"I shall render my final decision once the truth has been unequivocally confirmed!"

Tangjing Xiu commanded with urgency.

Tang Yuezhi offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

...

As deep night settled, Lin Bai was seated in his courtyard, engaged in conversation with Lin Ye.

Although Lin Bai was aware that Lin Ye might not fully comprehend his words, he persisted in speaking, believing that repeated exposure would eventually lead to some level of understanding.

Lin Ye's cognitive abilities were not particularly advanced; he required a patient, gradual approach to learning!

It was at this precise juncture that Lin Bai's smile abruptly vanished, his gaze turning frigid as he peered intently beyond the confines of the courtyard.

Lin Ye, too, startlingly rose from his seat, his expression one of indignant fury as he glared in the direction outside the courtyard.

"Regain your composure!"

Lin Bai uttered softly.

Upon hearing Lin Bai's calming words, the menacing aura of killing intent radiating from Lin Ye significantly diminished.

At this point, Lin Bai addressed the unseen presence, "Esteemed guests lingering outside the courtyard, since you have arrived, why not enter and join us for a conversation?"

As Lin Bai’s voice carried through the night air, a resonant laughter immediately ensued from beyond the courtyard: "Hahaha, who could have ever fathomed that the renowned Sword Demon of the Fighting Arena would now be nothing more than a humble Guest Official of the Tang family!"

An elderly man, clad in resplendent purple robes, entered the courtyard, a smug smile gracing his lips as he regarded Lin Bai.

Lin Bai met his gaze coolly and demanded, "And who might you be?"

An Elder clad in purple robes cupped his fists, making a formal greeting. "Greetings, Sword Demon Brother. My name is Zhao Huchen, an Elder from the Zhao Family, one of the Eight Great Clans of Black Water City!"

Lin Bai’s response was direct: "State your purpose!"

Zhao Huchen, the purple-robed Elder, replied, "This old man harbors no hidden intentions, nor any ill will toward you, Sword Demon Brother. I am merely acting on family orders to extend an invitation for you to visit the Zhao Family."

"Sword Demon Brother, please don't misunderstand. It’s just that the Zhao Family has recently brewed some exceptional wine, and our Patriarch personally sent me to invite you over for a tasting!"

Zhao Huchen offered a slight smile as he spoke.

Lin Bai, however, simply shook his head. "I, Lin Mou, am not particularly fond of wine. I thank the Zhao Family for their kind offer, but please return."

With that statement, Lin Bai decided to end the conversation with Zhao Huchen.

Zhao Huchen pressed on, "Sword Demon Brother, your refusal makes things rather difficult for me! Surely you aren’t unwilling to share just a cup of wine at the Zhao Family's residence?"

A subtle undertone of threat could be perceived in Zhao Huchen's eyes.

In that moment, Lin Ye detected the palpable killing intent emanating from Zhao Huchen. He swiftly moved to stand before Lin Bai, shielding him.

Zhao Huchen expressed surprise, "Beast! You are here as well?"

From beneath Lin Ye’s unkempt hair, a pair of fierce eyes fixed upon Zhao Huchen, as if poised to launch an attack should Lin Bai give the slightest command.

Zhao Huchen also sensed the hostility radiating from Lin Ye, and his own power began to sharpen, a clear indication of his Wending Realm cultivation.

Perceiving the escalating animosity between Lin Ye and Zhao Huchen, Lin Bai spoke calmly, "Since the Zhao Family is so hospitable, it would indeed be impolite of me, Lin Mou, to refuse."

"Pray, allow Senior Zhao Huchen to lead the way!"

Lin Bai stepped past Lin Ye and addressed Zhao Huchen.

Upon hearing Lin Bai’s acceptance, Zhao Huchen’s expression eased, and he smiled. "That is excellent. Please, this way!"

Lin Bai moved forward.

As Lin Bai advanced, Lin Ye followed closely behind.

Lin Bai then told Lin Ye, "Lin Ye, you need not come. Remain at home!"

After saying this, Lin Bai continued his forward movement.

Yet, Lin Ye persisted in following.

Lin Bai attempted to dissuade Lin Ye a few more times, but Lin Ye continued to trail him, disregarding all else.

After several futile exchanges, Lin Bai relented with a sigh, "If you insist on following, then so be it!"

At that moment, with Zhao Huchen guiding them, Lin Bai and Lin Ye departed the Tang Family residence together, setting their course towards the Zhao Family estate.