Jason Chu returned from the forbidden area of the Swordmaking House without causing any noticeable stir.
It seemed as though the Swordmaking House was forgotten by the world, with no one aware of Dugu the Sword Demon's demise or that Jason had inherited his legacy.
Life continued in peaceful solitude.
In this world of flying immortals and rampant demons, where cultivation demanded unwavering focus, time slipped by effortlessly.
Just like that, thirty years passed calmly.
Other than the occasional visit from Sarah Qin to study sword marks, the Swordmaking House remained isolated and quiet.
Even Sarah Qin, who had come regularly for decades, had gained what she sought from her studies and was visiting less frequently.
One bright, sunny day, the sound of metal striking metal echoed through the Swordmaking House.
Sarah Qin, well-accustomed to the path, arrived and saw Jason, bare-armed and focused on forging a blade.
His frame was more muscular than before but retained a certain slenderness. He had adopted a more mature, grounded appearance over the years.
After her arrival, Sarah didn't begin studying sword marks as usual but instead found a spot to sit and quietly observed Jason as he worked. With her hands propping up her chin, her bright eyes sparkled with admiration.
Over the years, her feelings toward Jason had shifted.
What had begun as pity evolved as she observed Jason's quiet confidence and steadiness; he was neither self-conscious nor needy, always exuding a calm and poised demeanor.
Talking to him gave Sarah a sense of ease, like the warmth of a spring breeze. Gradually, she found herself drawn to him.
Unaware of Sarah's arrival, Jason continued focusing on the rough blade he was forging. Occasionally, flickers of mystical light emanated from his hands, hinting that his forging technique was anything but ordinary.
It wasn't until the blazing sun had begun to set, painting the sky with a soft red hue, that Jason finally exhaled and drew back from his work.
"It's been a while."
He turned slightly in Sarah's direction, casually greeting her.
"Yes, it has."
"I've been under a lot of pressure lately with my cultivation, but I finally made a breakthrough," Sarah replied with a relaxed smile. "I've reached the peak of the Ninth Layer of the Grandmaster Stage and am about to enter Foundation Establishment."
The two spoke easily, like old friends, free of formality.
They had indeed become familiar over the years, gradually building a natural rapport despite their infrequent meetings.
Sarah felt comfortable with Jason, often confiding in him about her troubles.
And Jason, who had spent decades cultivating in the remote Swordmaking House, enjoyed the rare companionship.
Their friendship had deepened over time, and though Sarah no longer had much need to study the sword marks, she occasionally found herself returning to the Swordmaking House.
Something about confiding in Jason always made her feel better.
"That's quite impressive," Jason responded calmly, nodding slowly.
He was well aware that, by the standards of this world, reaching the Grandmaster stage before one hundred was considered extraordinary.
Sarah Qin, still young and already on the verge of entering Foundation Establishment, was undoubtedly a genius.
To him, however, this was nothing special.
After all, with the help of his system, he had already advanced beyond Foundation Establishment and reached the Soul Convergence stage.
If others knew, they would be utterly shocked. A Soul Convergence expert under a hundred years old was an unprecedented rarity in this world!
Moreover, Jason's achievements went even further. He had already comprehended almost all of Dugu the Sword Demon's Dugu's Celestial Sword insights.
In terms of swordsmanship, few in the world could rival him now.
Over the years, he had gradually begun to see his own path forward—a prospect both daunting and exhilarating.
Naturally, Sarah Qin's Grandmaster Ninth Layer stage seemed trivial in comparison.
"You lazy guy!" Sarah exclaimed with a slight pout, waving a dainty fist in mock irritation.
"It's not just 'quite impressive'—it's absolutely amazing!"
She had been looking forward to showing off a bit, but Jason's unruffled response took the wind out of her sails.
Then again, she knew this was just his nature. No matter what she said, he would remain composed and unfazed.
"Hehe." Jason chuckled softly but said nothing more.
"But what about you?" Sarah's expression turned serious.
"Why are you still at the Ninth Layer of Houtian (Acquired)?!"
"Did you use the Star Essence Pill I gave you?"
"You need to work hard and break into the Xiantian (Innate) stage! Once you do, you'll extend your lifespan beyond a century!"
Sarah grew more urgent in her tone as she looked at Jason, her concern palpable.
Over the years, Jason had become her only true friend. The thought of him aging and dying before reaching Xiantian (Innate) worried her deeply.
"Miss Qin, it's not so easy."
"Cultivation is difficult, and I have to manage the Swordmaking House too," Jason replied with a slight shrug, feigning helplessness.
Sarah's reminder had made him realize that he was still presenting himself as someone at the Ninth Layer of Houtian (Acquired).
In this remote Swordmaking House, it hadn't seemed necessary to keep up appearances.
Besides, revealing that he'd already reached Soul Convergence would likely shock her beyond words.
Perhaps he'd break through to the Xiantian (Innate) stage in front of her sometime soon, just to put her at ease.
"Keep at it! Here, take another bottle of Star Essence Pills, and don't refuse!" Sarah said, tossing a small jade bottle that glimmered faintly.
Understanding Jason's unique situation, she wasn't surprised by his prolonged struggle at Houtian (Acquired). Born under a flawed destiny, his cultivation journey was inherently challenging.
Worried he'd refuse, she quickly left after tossing the bottle his way.
"This girl…" Jason shook his head with a small smile, catching the bottle effortlessly.
The Star Essence Pill was a precious aid for cultivation.
For him, however, it was unnecessary. Thanks to the system, he had an ample supply.
Still, he wasn't one for formalities. Sarah's background was clearly extraordinary, and such pills were trivial for her.
He preferred to keep such gestures simple, without excessive thanks. Their bond mattered more than any formal acknowledgment.
"Maybe next time I'll tell her I've already reached Soul Convergence."
He murmured to himself, imagining the look of disbelief she would have.
What a pity he couldn't see it.
Three hundred miles from the Swordmaking House, within Shushan Sword Sect's territory.
"She should be coming soon, yes?"
Two figures appeared, one speaking coldly.
"Yes, the information says she's just left the Swordmaking House."
"We'll wait here. Arrangements have already been made."
"Today, Sarah Qin will die," the second figure said nonchalantly, a faint but unmistakable malice in his tone.
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