The female cultivator recognized Song Yan and hurriedly said, "Senior Brother Bai, hand her over to me. The test will take a month, and if she truly has talent, she will be sent to Red Leaf Island where Senior Brother resides for cultivation."

Song Yan nodded, then turned to look at the little girl, saying, "Focus on cultivation, perform well, and don't bring shame to your aunt!"

Tian Xiaoling bit her lip and stubbornly raised her head, mimicking an adult as she asked, "Uncle, where is my aunt?"

Song Yan looked into her eyes and said word by word, "She died in battle."

Tian Xiaoling's eyes visibly reddened, tears welling up.

Song Yan glanced at the female cultivator.

The female cultivator said, "Senior Brother, leave her to me."

Song Yan patted Tian Xiaoling's shoulder, then prepared to leave using Sword Control.

But suddenly, he paused as several figures landed on the other side of Observing Mist Island.

The leading woman was dressed in brocade, with a dignified appearance that showed some friendliness, and her almond-shaped eyes were filled with composure and grace.

In the Nanwu Sword Sect, only high-ranking members could dress freely without being constrained by the Silver Sword Robe.

When the woman saw Song Yan, she nodded slightly and smiled, "I've long heard of Kuye Sword Master's adept disciple achieving Sword Enlightenment, full of righteous spirit. Today, upon seeing, indeed extraordinary."

Song Yan came to his senses, slightly bowed, and replied, "Xiuhu greets Miss Seven."

The visitor was none other than Su Yao.

After a long absence, she had completely transformed into a form unfamiliar to Song Yan.

The initial heroism, then the killing intent, later the chill, all faded... Finally conforming to the temperament fitting her identity as the eldest lady.

Song Yan knew the Su Family had suffered great losses; now Su Yao seemed to have finally made changes, ready to slowly shoulder the family responsibilities, hence her actions and words already showed some signs of "elder-like demeanor."

His gaze involuntarily shifted to the female cultivator behind Su Yao.

He immediately recognized the female cultivator as Cao Yuzhuang.

However, upon seeing strangers, Cao Yuzhuang nervously shrank back behind Su Yao.

Su Yao smiled faintly, saying, "Pardon us, friend. Yuzhuang fell into the Demon Sect in the past, suffering greatly, and has not yet recovered."

Song Yan continued to look.

Yet, as his gaze lingered a moment longer, Cao Yuzhuang suddenly pressed her five fingers onto the long sword at her waist, and her eyes glared at him fiercely.

Su Yao frowned, saying, "Yuzhuang!"

Only then did Cao Yuzhuang release her grip.

Su Yao sighed again, saying, "This involves past events. Yuzhuang becomes extremely fearful at the thought, so she holds a hatred towards men, not just singling out friend."

Song Yan:...

He realized he had been too naïve.

He thought he had offered small kindness to settle a woman, yet hadn't considered how much suffering and nightmares she had endured.

He nodded slightly, smiling, "Miss Seven, it's no concern. I came today to bring a friend's descendent for a talent test, and so... I shall take my leave."

Su Yao smiled, saying, "Take care, friend."

Song Yan clasped his fist again, left using Sword Control, and landed back on the isolated island where Junior Sister Xiaojiu was buried.

...

Another day at dusk, the sky was filled with sunset glow.

In sight, the Misty Sea shimmered like scales, radiating a cold red.

"Any last wishes?" Song Yan asked.

"None now," Junior Sister Xiaojiu said, then softly added, "I have no regrets anymore."

Song Yan thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "That day, you said you're not pretty, you ruined your looks, was it because... at that time you had already fallen for me?"

Junior Sister Xiaojiu was silent for a long time, then candidly replied, "It was Senior Brother Bai that I was drawn to, but if it were Song Yan, I wouldn't have."

She then said, "Alright, now Master can make me work like a beast, no matter what I'm asked to do, I won't be unhappy at all."

Song Yan said, "What if I let you decide for yourself instead?"

Junior Sister Xiaojiu thought for a moment and said, "After watching the sunset, then leave this world."

Song Yan stood on the cliff edge, silently watching the distance until the sunset completely disappeared, the sky turned completely dark, and he lightly held, releasing a wisp of Divine Soul with a pattern of a tiger.

"Goodbye, Senior Brother Bai, the sunset is truly beautiful."

"Goodbye."

The tiger pattern released.

"Thank you... Senior Brother Bai."

Junior Sister Xiaojiu's Divine Soul lost its confinement, whispered the final words, then drifted towards the high sky, soon disappearing.

Until her death, she never thanked "Song Yan."

However, Song Yan didn't mind, because now he was Bai Xiuhu.

Moreover, this Bai Xiuhu's "Righteous Points" were acknowledged by Junior Sister Xiaojiu.

This signifies he has already become a seasoned and true Sword Cultivator through various trials.

Junior Sister Xiaojiu's gratitude towards Senior Brother Bai is gratitude towards Song Yan.

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