Ink-Stained Jianghu: Legend of the Artifacts · Conversa

Hermit's Apprentice\n\nSix months ago, while I was cutting wood in the mountains, I suddenly heard a low groan. Following the sound, I found a woman lying in a gully, covered in blood, her face as pale as snow. Her fingers trembled slightly and her breathing was rapid, but those eyes shone with an extraordinary light in the gloom. I struggled to carry her back to the mountains, lit a fire to treat her wounds, and stayed awake for three whole nights. The woman gradually recovered. Looking at me, she spoke softly: “You have extraordinary talent. Are you willing to cultivate with me?” From that moment on, she took me as her apprentice, teaching me martial arts and formations.\n\nNow that half a year has passed, I have become a warrior of the Second Heaven. My internal Qi flows smoothly, and my swordsmanship and boxing techniques have begun to take shape. One evening at dusk, we were sitting under the eaves as the sky was dyed crimson-gold by the setting sun. I couldn't help but ask Master: “Six months ago, why were you in such danger?” Master was silent for a long time, her gaze deep, before she slowly spoke: “It was all because of—the Artifacts.” My heart jolted slightly, and I couldn't help but imagine whether those legendary artifacts were truly more unpredictable than the perils of the mortal Jianghu.