First Immortal of the Sword

as the stars sparkled overhead.
The faint sound of the currents emanated from the waters of the Great Azure.
The venue was elegant and soothing.

Of course, those who could dine on the ninth floor’s terrace were all either rich or members of the nobility.

“Oh? They’re here too.” As soon as the purple-robed youth arrived, he saw Yuan Luoxi and her group seated near the rail.

The torchlight only offset her valiant beauty, making the already heroic-looking young woman seem even prettier.

“Your Highness, our seats are over there.” Zhang Duo was about to lead the way when the young man shook his head.

“I’m going to go pay Miss Yuan a quick visit.” With that, he quickened his footsteps and sped off. 

Zhang Duo froze, stunned, but when he saw Yuan Luoxi’s bright, beautiful face, he instantly understood. 

He laughed bitterly, but he’d long since grown accustomed to this, so he hurried after his master.

Su Yi and company were enjoying their food and drink when the purple-robed youth in the feathered headdress first appeared on the terrace.
Cheng Wuyong noticed him immediately, then looked him over, a hint of surprise on his face.

He hurriedly said, “Unless my guess is mistaken, that youth over there is the ultra-VIP guest Zhang Yiren spoke of.”

Yuan Luoxi couldn’t help but ask, “Uncle Yong, how can you tell?”

“Those purple robes of his are made of woven Snowspirit Silk, which is invulnerable to both water and flame.
That feather headdress has a hint of spirituality; it’s obviously no common item.
His belt, boots, jade pendant….
Every last one is exquisitely crafted.
His outfit alone had to cost at least five hundred spirit stones!

Cheng Wuyong lowered his voice and continued, “More importantly, his attendant is a late-stage Qi Accumulation expert, and although he looks outwardly ordinary, he can’t hide his aura from me; one look and I know he’s an experienced killer.”

Yuan Luoxi and Huang Qianjun couldn’t help but exclaim.

Even Su Yi couldn’t help but re-evaluate Cheng Wuyong. I didn’t realize he was so perceptive.
He’s got good senses.

Alas, he’s overlooked the most important point.

There was a barely perceptible trace of a spiritual imprint within the purple-robed youth’s aura.
It was reminiscent of the marks left by various soul techniques.

There was no doubt about it: someone proficient in soul-based secret arts had set their sights on the purple-robed youth!

But Su Yi didn’t point it out.

They were merely passersby; there was no need to go out of his way to warn the young man.

But to Su Yi’s surprise, he then saw the young man in purple walk right towards them.

“Miss Yuan, would you mind if I joined you?” The youth walked right up to Yuan Luoxi, smiled personably, and cupped his fist.

“You recognize me?” Yuan Luoxi was surprised, but also confused.

“You’re the pearl of the Cloudriver Prefectural Capital’s Yuan Family.
How could I not know you?” Even as he said this, the youth had already taken a seat, a broad smile on his face.
“Everyone, please forgive me for showing up uninvited.
The road is lonely; I just hope to meet a few new friends.”

Huang Qianjun almost rolled his eyes.
There was no way he’d miss that this stranger was here for Yuan Luoxi!

But when he saw Zhang Duo standing silently nearby, his heart filled with awe.

Thanks to Cheng Wuyong’s forewarning, Yuan Luoxi was aware of the youth’s presumed extraordinary background, so she forced down her displeasure instead of sending him packing. 

As for Su Yi, he merely glanced at the youth, then looked away, returning his attention to his meal.

The way he saw it, the purple-robed youth was trouble.
It was better to keep his distance and avoid bringing trouble upon himself.

“Miss Yuan, are you planning to return to the Prefectural Capital?” The purple-robed youth poured himself a glass of wine and flashed a winsome smile as warm as a spring breeze.
He was easy to like.

“That’s right.” Yuan Luoxi, then asked him right back, “You know who I am, so why haven’t you introduced yourself? That’s a bit rude, you know.”

The purple-robed youth froze, then clasped his fist and smiled.
“I was negligent.
My name is Zhili, and I’m from the Jade Capital.
I’m headed to the Cloudriver Prefectural Capital too.”

Huang Qianjun interjected, “Young Lord Zhili, might I be so bold as to ask what you’re visiting the prefectural capital for?”

The purple-robed youth smiled faintly.
“I’m visiting a few friends.”

With that, he changed the subject and began chatting up Yuan Luoxi.

There was no denying it: the purple-robed youth was a smooth-talker, but he was modest and unassuming, too.
Combined with his handsome looks, most other girls would likely have taken a shine to him already.

But Yuan Luoxi was merely irritated.
She didn’t like idle small talk with strangers.

Especially when she sensed that the other party was interested in her.
This only increased her aversion.

If not for the fact that she didn’t know his origins, she likely would have lost her temper by now.

When he saw that Yuan Luoxi’s replies were merely perfunctory, the purple-robed youth took the hint and backed off before pushing his luck.

He seemed to realize that he couldn’t come across as overly zealous during their first meeting.

He rose, then clasped his fist.
“Everyone, please carry on.
I should be on my way.”

“Right, Miss Yuan, during my trip to the Cloudriver Prefectural Capital, it’s possible I’ll pay your family a visit.
Don’t be too surprised to see me!”

With one last dashing smile, he turned and was about to leave…

But it was then that—

The massive tower ship beneath them trembled, as if it had crashed into a coral reef.
All several hundred feet of it shook back and forth.