Bamboo Casket Chapter 59: Friends

When you execute a sword strike, you must ensure that you can control your sword qi rather than fixing it rigidly in place. That makes a sword lifeless, and no matter how profound your sword intent is, it will never allow your every move to reach a standard of perfection.

Luo Ze looked at the enormous crater before him—which was twice the size of the one Lu Yun had previously caused—and smiled. I deliberately suppressed my realm to the seventh tier, just like you. See? The results are quite different, aren't they?

Waves surged in Lu Yun's heart as he grasped Luo Ze's meaning.

Many thanks for the senior's guidance!

Luo Ze waved his hand, restoring the Anluo Palace to its original state for the second time.

Let us end here for today, and continue tomorrow evening.

Lu Yun bowed deeply and said, Senior, I have a question...

Luo Ze raised an eyebrow. Speak.

You... are you truly all right? Lu Yun hesitated for a moment before asking.

If worst came to worst, he could try pleading with the old blind man; after all, it was still an option.

Do not worry about an old man like me. Stay here in peace and treat this as a form of tempering. Matters like this cannot be resolved simply by wishing it so; eight parts depend on the will of heaven, and two parts on oneself.

Luo Ze placed his hands behind his back and looked up at the moon.

Watching Luo Ze's figure, Lu Yun suddenly felt that this old man must have had a fascinating story in his youth.

...

Who, who are you?

Seeing the figure in black about to walk out of the Anluo Palace, A Jin shouted angrily, Is the Anluo Palace a place you can enter and leave as you please?!

His heart pounding with tension, A Jin had already prepared to die here, hoping only that the Prince would take care of his aging mother.

Are you a guard here?

The figure in black halted and turned to look at A Jin.

A Jin looked at that still somewhat youthful face, wondering why a young man could possess such a tranquil gaze.

It was like a pool of stagnant water, yet also like a deep, bottomless well.

I am the Prince's personal guard! Speak, why have you come here?!

A Jin mustered his courage to interrogate him.

Lu Yun smiled, though in A Jin's eyes, it was a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

I am your Prince's... friend. I have no malicious intent in coming here.

...

What reason do I have to believe you?!

A Jin's body began to tremble with a trace of fear.

For he saw that the long sword at the waist of the figure in black had begun to slide slowly and automatically from its scabbard.

Lu Yun gently pressed down on the hilt and said softly, It is all right.

Banyue grew still once more.

Lu Yun waved to A Jin and said apologetically, Brother, my apologies. These matters are somewhat troublesome to explain, so... see you tomorrow.

Before A Jin could utter a word, the figure in black had already vanished from before his eyes.

Though he was reluctant to admit it, A Jin did let out a sigh of relief.

However...

Did he just say 'see you tomorrow'?

A Jin muttered to himself, Does he really know the Prince?

...

When Lu Yun returned to the estate, he found Anluo and Shuize sitting side by side on the threshold.

Why are you not resting? Lu Yun asked with a smile.

Anluo patted Shuize gently, prompting her to stand up with a somewhat bashful expression.

Brother... Lu.

Lu Yun was completely baffled.

What was happening here?

Anluo's mouth twitched, feeling a mixture of helplessness and extreme awkwardness.

Was it not you yourself who spoke of this? Why are you hesitating now?

Shuize's face flushed completely red. Steeling her heart, she looked straight at Lu Yun and said, Brother Lu, if you are willing, I am willing to be your concubine!

The moment those final words left her mouth, the Banyue sword at Lu Yun's waist vibrated violently.

The instant she finished speaking, Shuize covered her face and fled back into the estate.

The Banyue sword was on the verge of clearing its scabbard, flashing with a chilling light.

Lu Yun let out a heavy sigh, once more pressing his hand against the hilt as he spoke in a tone softer than ever before.

Shengge, this is a misunderstanding. Hear my explanation, do not be angry...

Watching Lu Yun display an expression he had never seen before, Anluo sighed in his heart as well.

It was over. It seemed his most pampered younger sister was destined to have her heart broken.

Lu Yun looked at Anluo, his eyes carrying an unfathomable meaning.

Anluo was utterly helpless. I merely told her how you made Yuan Mo abandon the idea of a marriage alliance. I truly only wanted her to remember your kindness.

Lu Yun drew Banyue and sat down beside Anluo.

Anluo felt like crying without tears. Brother Lu, this matter was my fault.

It is fine.

Lu Yun lightly stroked the sword blade. This matter would have to be resolved sooner or later, but Anluo, whenever I help others, I have never expected any reward in return... Therefore, do you understand my meaning?

Anluo fell silent for a long time before nodding and saying, It will not happen again.

Lu Yun gave a soft affirmation and began to murmur quietly to the Banyue sword.

Only then did the Banyue sword gradually grow still. Lu Yun let out a breath, gazing at the blade with tenderness in his eyes.

Knowing he had blundered this time, Anluo stood up, intending to leave.

Anluo, we are friends.

Lu Yun suddenly spoke up. Between friends, such things ought not to be counted, but I...

Recalling the old blind man's evaluation of him, Lu Yun smiled. I am a difficult sort of person. To be a friend of Lu Yun is truly a grievance for you.

Anluo's body stiffened. He looked at Lu Yun, his lips trembling.

In the end, Anluo simply said, Brother Lu, you will always be my brother for life, closer than my own kin.

Lu Yun merely waved a hand in disdain. Too mushy.

Anluo laughed heartily and finally took his leave.

Tomorrow you may run into a few rather unpleasant cousins of mine. You do not need to force fake smiles for my sake. I, Anluo, can be spineless, but my friends absolutely cannot! If grandfather were to see that, he would beat me to death!

Listening to Anluo's parting words, Lu Yun nodded to himself.

Understood.