Chapter 1439: Xingmeng Sword Sage

"Why?" Zhang Xuan's face was ashen, and he was seething with rage.

Knowing it would lead to unhappiness, yet still pursuing it—the dignified second-ranked family on the continent, not merely a subordinate of the Zhang Clan, were they truly willing to sacrifice even this much dignity?

Honestly, if he hadn't heard the Luo Clan's young master say it himself, he would have doubted if it was fake news! That was his own flesh and blood sister!

"There are some things that, given your current status and position, you cannot yet know. Even I only have a vague understanding and am not entirely clear on them." Seeing Zhang Xuan's anger, Luo Xuanqing was a little perplexed. However, as he was seeking help, he still shook his head. "All I know is that our clan has already sacrificed too much for this marriage. If we refuse, not only the Luo Clan but potentially all of humanity could face danger..."

"Humanity?" Zhang Xuan's face twitched. It was just a marriage alliance; could humanity really be in danger if it didn't happen? Was that true? Was it really that exaggerated? This seemed a bit ridiculous!

"Forget it. We've spent so much time together, and I know your character well enough. I can tell you a little in private, but this matter is extremely far-reaching. You must not let this information leak out, or the consequences will be dire!" Seeing Zhang Xuan's expression, Luo Xuanqing knew he wouldn't help without a clear explanation. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Actually... the marriage alliance between the Zhang and Luo clans is very likely connected to... the Legacy Celestial Token!"

"Legacy Celestial Token?" A vein throbbed on Zhang Xuan's forehead. He had heard of this item before. It was left by Confucius back then, a key to finding the Sage Temple and locating the Spring and Autumn Annals. Could a marriage alliance really be involved with this? If it truly concerned Confucius's most powerful artifact, then claiming it was linked to the fate and destiny of humanity would not be an exaggeration.

"Yes, but I only overheard this information from a conversation between the Grand Elder and the clan head. I don't know the exact details!" Luo Xuanqing shook his head.

How could he possibly want to push his own sister into a pit of fire? If it weren't absolutely necessary, not just him, but even the other clan members would surely be unwilling. After all, with such talent, his sister's future strength might even surpass their ancestors... If that were the case, what would the Zhang Clan matter? They would be nothing. Unless, of course, that little genius from the Zhang Clan possessed even more terrifying talent than hers... However, that possibility was extremely slim. Over the years, the only person he had seen whose talent could rival his sister's was none other than Teacher Zhang, right before him.

"Precisely because of this, even I cannot refuse, and neither can my sister. Most importantly, it involves her... Forget it, Teacher Zhang, you should understand. I cannot do this myself, and I don't trust anyone else, so I had no choice but to come to you!" After explaining, Luo Xuanqing looked at Zhang Xuan.

"This..." Zhang Xuan was speechless. He understood Luo Xuanqing's predicament. Although Yuan Xiao, Bi Hongyin, and others had good relationships with him, they were all descendants of major powers. Since this matter concerned the reputation of both the Luo and Zhang clans, he naturally couldn't ask them for help. Thinking it over, the only trustworthy person without a powerful family background was himself.

"So, what do you say?" Luo Xuanqing looked at him again, his face full of anticipation.

"I'm sorry, I really cannot agree!" Zhang Xuan shook his head. Even if the implications were vast and far-reaching... what did it have to do with him? Why should he sacrifice his happiness to fulfill someone else's? Besides, asking him to kill himself... even if he agreed, he couldn't do it!

"Why?" Luo Xuanqing frowned. This person, in the past, would always agree directly whenever asked. He hadn't expected a refusal this time.

"It's not 'why,' it's because... I have something to do right now. I need to go to the Zhang Clan. I don't have time to go to Qingyuan Empire to investigate the person you mentioned, and even less time to kill anyone!" After a pause, Zhang Xuan ultimately did not reveal his identity. If he truly wanted to acknowledge it, it wouldn't be in front of Luo Xuanqing, but within the Zhang Clan, in the manner of a king, not like this!

"Go to the Zhang Clan? What for?" Luo Xuanqing frowned.

"The Zhang Clan is holding a family meeting. Senior Jian Qinsheng hopes I can help him challenge the descendant of Sword Saint Xingmeng to avenge himself!" Zhang Xuan explained.

"Jian Qinsheng? That old sword eccentric? I know about their history. You're right, this is indeed a good opportunity to damage the Zhang Clan's reputation; you really must go..." Luo Xuanqing paused, then realized with a sudden understanding.

"What exactly happened between them? Is it really just a difference in the sword insights they've comprehended?" Zhang Xuan looked at him, curious. Jian Qinsheng's comprehended insight was the Flowing Sword style, which was defensive. Although Zhang Xuan hadn't seen Sword Saint Xingmeng's swordsmanship, he could guess that it must be completely different from Jian Qinsheng's. Otherwise, Zhang Xu, the Zhang Clan's sword prodigy, wouldn't have been directly driven away when he tried to learn it.

"It's actually not that complicated. Do you know the origin of the title 'Sword Saint Xingmeng'?" Luo Xuanqing looked at him.

Zhang Xuan shook his head. He only knew that Sword Saint Xingmeng was the current acting head of the Zhang Clan and the little genius's biological father. As for his real name or why he had that title, Zhang Xuan was unaware.

"Could it be that his name is... Zhang Xingmeng?" Zhang Xuan frowned. Honestly, that name sounded a bit too feminine and didn't fit the image of a Zhang Clan head or a supreme expert.

"Of course not 'Zhang Xingmeng'. The title 'Sword Saint Xingmeng' actually incorporates the names of two people. The Sword Saint's given name contains the character 'Xing', and his wife's name contains the character 'Meng'. So, they are known as Sword Saint Xing and Sword Saint Meng. When they combine their swordsmanship, their power is so immense that even the elders of the Master Teacher Continent's headquarters are somewhat apprehensive and dare not confront them directly!" Luo Xuanqing explained, a deep admiration evident in his eyes.

Zhang Xuan clicked his tongue. To be an elder in the Master Teacher Continent's headquarters, one's strength must surely exceed Saint 9-dan. For such powerful figures to be apprehensive... the combined might of these two was indeed formidable.

"Indeed. Back then, the two of them traversed the continent, virtually unbeatable. Even your own teacher held them in high regard! Later, Sword Saint Xing inherited the position of acting head of the Zhang Clan, gaining access to the clan's most profound legacy, making his strength even greater and his swordsmanship more refined... Sword Saint Meng, however, rarely appeared. Gradually, the title 'Sword Saint Xingmeng' became solely associated with Sword Saint Xing, and few people remembered Sword Saint Meng!" Luo Xuanqing explained. As a core disciple of the Luo Clan, he was well aware of these matters, even if they were considered secrets.

"I see... But how does this relate to Senior Jian Qinsheng? Could it be that he was severely defeated by Sword Saint Xing back then?" Full of doubt, Zhang Xuan continued to look at him. Unless there was immense animosity, one wouldn't typically crash an opposing clan's family meeting, right? That would be akin to completely tearing up relations.

"Defeated? It was more than just a defeat..." Luo Xuanqing's face twisted into a wry smile. "If the information I have is correct, Senior Jian Qinsheng was once... Sword Saint Meng's fervent admirer!"