LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 402: Lin Zhaoyu
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves. The woman stood amidst the swirling foliage, a simple bamboo broom in her hand, yet an almost imperceptible sword intent flowed around her.
Kiana's eyes widened. She hadn't sensed anyone else on the mountain. Even more surprising, the woman's sword intent felt remarkably similar to Fu Hua's.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Kiana asked, stepping forward.
"I am Lin Zhaoyu, caretaker of Mount Taixu." The woman lowered her broom, the leaves settling like a sheathed sword. "This place is rich in Qi, often attracting malevolent entities. A barrier was erected to prevent trespassers."
"Why have you come here?"
Kiana glanced at Ren, who indicated she should take the lead. "We know the immortal who resides here. We're following in her footsteps."
"Oh?"
Cautious of the woman's unknown origin, Kiana didn't reveal the feather. "You must be referring to the immortal Jingwei. I'm her friend. She asked me to retrieve something she left here."
"Friend..." A strange glint flickered in Lin Zhaoyu's eyes, quickly masked. "As far as I know, the immortal travels extensively. I haven't heard of her having close friends."
"If you've guarded Mount Taixu for so long, shouldn't you be aware of Jingwei's whereabouts and acquaintances?" Kiana cleverly countered.
Lin Zhaoyu, momentarily speechless, hadn't expected such a sharp retort from the girl once nicknamed "tuna."
Kiana, however, wasn't interested in verbal sparring. Having established her credibility, she shifted the focus to the sword at Lin Zhaoyu's waist. "I sense a familiar sword intent around you. If I'm not mistaken, it's the same art taught by Jingwei. She taught me a few moves as well. Perhaps we can settle this with swords?"
"...Very well." Lin Zhaoyu's expression was odd as she placed her hand on her sword's hilt.
Her sword sang as she drew it. Kiana picked up a branch. Her strength, surpassing that of a normal Herrscher, compensated for any lack of technique.
They faced each other. The wind stirred, leaves swirling around them. A single, swift exchange, and the leaves settled back onto the ground.
"Sword God..."
Lin Zhaoyu picked up her fallen sword, her hand trembling. Kiana's power was overwhelming. She hadn't even had a chance to react. The incomplete Sword God technique had sealed her defeat.
As the ultimate technique of Taixu swordsmanship, it confirmed Kiana's connection to Fu Hua.
"If you seek the immortal's belongings, follow me."
Lin Zhaoyu's demeanor changed. She led them further up the mountain.
The Honkai energy intensified. Kiana frowned, wondering if this was a trap. But Ren's presence reassured her.
"If you seek the immortal's legacy, I can only think of this." Reaching another training ground, Lin Zhaoyu stepped aside, revealing a red feather embedded in a stone.
"Fenghuang Down."
Kiana whispered the name, summoning an identical feather.
The red feather glowed faintly. Kiana heard a voice calling her name.
"Kiana-chan."
"Sempai..."
This was the core of the Fenghuang Down, where Fu Hua's consciousness resided. St. Freya held Kiana's happiest memories. Fu Hua was her precious friend. She had to bring her back.
"Go ahead." Ren's encouraging voice came from beside her. He smiled, glancing at Lin Zhaoyu. "I'll protect you."
"Okay."
Kiana approached the feather, reaching out. As her fingers touched it, her consciousness plunged into darkness.
...
Ren's smile vanished, replaced by a complex expression as he looked at Lin Zhaoyu.
She flinched, then spoke after a moment of silence. "While your companion communes with the immortal's legacy, why don't you rest?"
"I rested enough on the way here. You seem nervous, Zhaoyu-san."
"Of course not… I mean, I'm just worried if she can obtain the immortal's inheritance."
"I see. I hope so." Ren sat down beside Kiana, waiting.
Lin Zhaoyu—or rather, Senti—glared at him, annoyance flashing in her eyes.
What's with this guy? I can't read his mind. I could even read Kiana's.
Senti didn't recognize Ren as the imposter from before. Due to the complete Fenghuang Down he'd learned from Li Sushang, his consciousness was shielded, even from a Herrscher of Sentience.
If not for Ren revealing his consciousness signature when they parted, Senti would never have known who he was.
And now, seeing Ren in his true form, she didn't connect him to K424.
No, it must be my imagination. Mount Taixu is shrouded in my illusion. Even Kiana didn't notice anything. He's just an ordinary person. There's no way he could see through it.
Convincing herself it was just a feeling, Senti let her mind wander.
Hehe, Kiana will be so surprised when I reveal myself.
Hmph, since he didn't want to be my friend, I'll befriend the real Kiana.
She said she's Fu Hua's friend. And I am Fu Hua.
Let that jerk regret rejecting me.