SiZhui had just turned 18. In a few days, the exam would take place. As the father of one of the disciples, I was not allowed to be an examiner and evaluate the candidates. But I had no fear; I knew my son was capable of passing. He even had a few little surprises for his examiners in case they tried to make him fail! Some of the seniors were still angry with me, and even more so since I had saved their lives a few years ago.

Those 3 days passed very quickly. I watched him leave for the test. I had given him all the advice I could think of. I had no worries about the theory. As for the practice... I think his teachers and the examiners were in for a few surprises. I had forbidden him to use the "murder rope" but I had allowed him to show Lan Yi's swordplay, if it was necessary, of course.

I knew he could count on Jingyi to support him. They were complementary. The hours passed. After lunch, the results of the theory tests were announced. SiZhui, as I had expected, had done well and was at the top of the list. The practical tests were about to begin. Summoning, talisman and sword fighting were the three tests they would take. SiZhui excelled in all of them!

Brother came to meet me.

"Are you worried?" he asked me.

"No."

"He's at the top of the class, just like you were when you took the exam, except you were younger than him! But you were always an exception.

"Everything will be fine Brother, I have trained him personally for several years. He has fighting techniques unknown to the clan. His level is far above that of many seasoned disciples. On the other hand, even if he doesn't remember it. He spent almost all his time with Wei Ying. I think that subconsciously he kept in mind some of his practices. And you know as well as I do, how good he was at both!".

"You are right, everything will be fine, this exam is just a formality for him. He excels in all subjects according to his teachers! "

"Brother, I have to share with you some information for the designation of the swords".

"I am listening Wangji".

"SiZhui has been chosen by a sword I have custody of. Tomorrow, I would like you to perform the "soul recognition" for him".

"Of course, ... Wangji, can you tell me where this sword came from? "

"You will know tomorrow, Brother, for now I prefer to keep it a secret".

"Do as you wish. I must go." Brother left me to go to the training ground.

The afternoon was as long as the morning, but some rumors began to spread. One of the candidates had crushed all his opponents with his tactical superiority! I thought to myself that it could only be SiZhui! My assumptions were soon confirmed when I saw how some of the elders looked at me! My son must have "eliminated" their protégés. I laughed to myself, but of course I didn't show my pride or joy!

I met SiZhui again shortly before dinner. He told me about his afternoon and the trials in detail. As I expected, he had no trouble with the incantations and talismans. The combat test had been more difficult.

They had a "surprise" in store for his test. The other candidates had faced one or two opponents. He had to face two, then seeing that he was superior to them, two others had joined them and then two more. He found himself with six fighters in front of him. He had to use the secret techniques that I had taught him and the fight had ended quickly. Much to the chagrin of the examiners who thought they could "nail" him.

They had forgotten that he was my son!

We had to wait until dinner time for the results to come back. Without any surprise, SiZhui finished first in his class with a perfect score. Just like me in my time.

Tomorrow would be the sword ceremony.

The next day, I led the morning reading. Then I joined SiZhui on the training ground. I had asked him to reenact the fight so that I could correct any mistakes he had made. Now we could train in the open!

I quickly realized that we had "spectators". I didn't mind. I corrected a few incorrect positions he had had and offered him a fight. As usual, we forgot everything around us. Only the pleasure of fighting a worthy opponent remained.

From the outside, our fight looked like a well-choreographed dance. Our audience had grown. Brother and Uncle were among them. Watching us fight, they understood that I was no longer the only one beyond the capacity of them all. My son was following the same path.

When the training was over, we went to the Jingshi for lunch, and then we went to the cold spring. The time for the sword ceremony was fast approaching.

I prepared Bai HuaYong for the occasion.

The time had come. We went to the orchid hall. The assembly was surprised that the first candidate to choose his sword was not the first in the ranking. The disciples were called one by one. Only SiZhui was left.

Brother called him to choose his sword. He announced that unlike the others, a "soul recognition" would take place. Only Brother knew that I had a sword for my son. However, he did not know who it belonged to. Tonight he would find out.

At the call of his name, SiZhui stepped forward. He bowed to Brother. Unlike the others, whom he had waved to the sword racks, Brother called out to me.

"Han GuangJun?"

I walked forward carrying the sword for my son with my arms outstretched. It was covered with an azure blue cloth, the symbol of our family. I bowed to Brother and presented him with the weapon. He lifted the cloth. His eyes widened when he recognized Bai HuaYong. He looked at me, questioning me with his eyes. I gave him a slight smile.

Lan Yi's sword had been missing for a hundred years and had become a legend, just like its owner.

"SiZhui, Han GuangJun warned me that five years ago, the spirit of this sword seemed to accept you as its owner. Today, we will ask him if he agrees to bind himself to you for the time of your life together. Are you ready? "

"Yes, Master Ze Wu Jun."

"Then call her.

SiZhui took a deep breath. He had often trained with Bai HuaYong, but I had always prevented him from using his spiritual energy to call her. He took a quick look at me. Then he reached out for the sword and projected his energy towards it.

Bai HuaYong began to radiate into my hands. It took on the azure color symbolizing the Lan clan. Suddenly, it shot out and nestled in my son's hand. His fingers closed around the handle. The blue aura of the sword enveloped him.

Bai HuaYong's spirit had bonded with him. It was now "his" sword!

Brother looked at me. I handed the scabbard to SiZhui. He sheathed his sword and greeted Brother with a huge smile on his face. Brother had to finish the ceremony.

"SiZhui, Bai HuaYong is now yours! "Many murmurs arose in the room. SiZhui did not seem to understand. I thought it best to explain. I turned to my brother.

"Brother, if you don't mind? "He nodded his head.

"SiZhui, this sword that is now yours is as famous as Bichen. Just as my sword had belonged to the founder of our clan, Lan An, Bai HuaYong belonged to the third Master of the Lan clan, Lan Yi. "

From his expression, I saw that SiZhui, seemed to finally understand some of the thoughts I had been giving him over the past few years.

"Lan Yi, ... the creator of the Lan clan's 'murder rope'? "

I nodded.

"Is that why you taught it to me? "he asked.

Brother was amazed.

"Did you teach your son the murder rope? "

In the Lan clan, only a few elders were initiated and could use it.

"Yes, and he has mastered it very well. It will take him a few more years to control the variation.

Uncle, who was standing behind my brother, had not lost a word of our conversation. Once again he gritted his teeth.

I was about to stand next to my son and we said goodbye to Brother before retiring.

Soon he would have his first assignment. He had received the highest marks on the exam. His teachers praised his wit and intelligence. He had the soul of a guide. Firm, calm, generous and courageous.

The soul of a leader!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

This is the last chapter of the first part. You now have all the clues to guess what happened to Wei Wuxian during these 16 years.

Now, I'm not saying I wouldn't add 1 or 2 chapters for the period "far from Yunshen Buzhi" I thought it would be funny to put Lan Zhan in incongruous situations! Make him discover things of the everyday life that he has never been initiated! Tell me what you think and don't hesitate to submit your ideas!