Chaotic Sword God Chapter 5: Tian Yuan Continent

Chapter 5: Tian Yuan Continent

“Sister Hong Hua, sister Dong Mei, I appreciate your assistance,” Jian Chen said softly, offering his thanks to the two eighteen-year-old girls.

These two maids served the Changyang family and were assigned specifically to handle Jian Chen’s daily requirements. Because Jian Chen spent most of his time secluded in his quarters, his mother, Bi Yuntian, had commissioned these servants to attend to him.

Upon hearing his words, the two girls let out sweet giggles. “Fourth master, please, there is no need for such politeness. We are merely fulfilling our duties,” they replied.

“Indeed, fourth master, you should avoid being so formal with us in the future,” the other maid added. “If the Elders were to discover you treating us this way, we might face severe punishment.”

Jian Chen offered a small smile. “Rest easy; I wouldn't speak this way if others were present.” Having been born with extraordinary intelligence, he understood that the Changyang mansion maintained a rigid hierarchy. If the fourth master were overheard using such respectful language toward servants, the two girls would undoubtedly suffer the consequences.

After finishing his morning wash, Jian Chen exited his room and headed toward his mother’s quarters. The walk was short, as her room was located only twenty meters from his own.

Entering the chamber, Jian Chen found his mother seated at her dressing table. Her own pair of maids stood nearby, assisting her as she applied her makeup.

“Xiang’er, you have arrived earlier than usual today.” Bi Yuntian glanced at him, her face lighting up with a gentle smile brimming with maternal adoration.

Witnessing that look of pure affection caused Jian Chen’s heart to soften. In his previous life, he had been orphaned at a young age, never knowing or experiencing the warmth of a mother’s love. Since arriving in this world, however, he had felt the profound power of that bond. Over time, he had come to deeply cherish this newfound affection.

Jian Chen approached his mother’s side, rubbing his belly with an embarrassed chuckle. “Your son is hungry!” After the intense training session the night before, he was feeling the sharp stings of an empty stomach.

Bi Yuntian placed a tender hand on Jian Chen’s head and laughed. “In that case, mother will take you to the dining hall to eat in just a moment.”

“Yes!” Jian Chen nodded, a satisfied expression crossing his face. Internally, he basked in the loving care his mother provided.

After a brief pause, Jian Chen spoke up again. “Mother!”

Bi Yuntian looked at him warmly. “Xiang’er, if there is something on your mind, please speak freely.”

Jian Chen hesitated for a heartbeat to collect his thoughts. Looking back at her, he asked, “Mother, could you describe the outside world to your child?”

Bi Yuntian was visibly startled by the inquiry. “Xiang’er, are you truly interested in the world beyond these walls?” she asked.

“Your son is simply curious,” he replied.

Bi Yuntian let out a soft laugh. “Xiang’er, the world outside is incredibly vast and immensely complex. It is not something that can be easily explained with words alone. If you truly wish to understand it, your best course of action would be to visit the library and study the records there.” A look of slight helplessness crossed her face as she continued, “However, Xiang’er, you have not yet learned to read. Even if you went to the library, the texts would be meaningless to you.”

“Mother, then why don't we find someone to teach me how to read?” Jian Chen’s tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

Giggling, Bi Yuntian replied, “Xiang’er, you are only two years old. Your mother has never seen a child of two years begin such studies. Even across the entire Tian Yuan Continent, such a thing is unheard of. Typically, children do not begin learning to read until they are four or five years old.”

Jian Chen understood her point immediately, yet he persisted. “Mother, your son wishes to learn. Could you please find a tutor to try and teach me anyway?”

Bi Yuntian was momentarily speechless, though a joyful smile eventually graced her lips. “Xiang’er, learning the written word is a grueling and tedious process. You must realize there are countless characters used across the continent. It cannot be mastered quickly. Are you certain you wish to begin now?”

Jian Chen gave a firm nod. “I am!”

Hearing his resolve, Bi Yuntian’s smile brightened further. She laughed happily and said, “Since this is what Xiang’er desires, mother will support you completely.” She turned her head and called out, “Xiao Liu! Go to Lore City immediately and secure the most renowned scholar. Bring him to the mansion so he may teach my Xiang’er how to read!”

“As you command, my lady!” the maid combing Bi Yuntian’s hair replied with a respectful bow.

“Xiang’er, enough time has passed. Let us head to the dining hall before we both starve.”

The day passed swiftly. By the following morning, the teacher hired by Bi Yuntian had arrived at the estate to begin his lessons.

From that day forward, Jian Chen dedicated his daylight hours to the earnest study of literature. Because he retained the mental discipline and knowledge from his former life, mastering the script of this new world was not particularly difficult. Supported by a tutor who poured his soul into the lessons and aided by his own incredible memory, Jian Chen’s progress was staggering. In a mere three months, he had already gained mastery over the continent's most fundamental characters.

Jian Chen’s pace of learning left his teacher in a state of shock. When Bi Yuntian was informed that he had mastered the written language in only three months, she found it impossible to believe. She eventually had to test Jian Chen herself before she could accept the truth. To reach such a level of literacy usually required at least two years of study. For Jian Chen to achieve this in three months was a feat that even the most legendary geniuses could not claim.

News of this accomplishment soon reached his father’s ears. Changyang Ba personally visited Jian Chen to discuss the matter.

“Xiang’er, you have worked very hard in such a short time; you should take a moment to rest. Allow your father to reward you. Since you have applied yourself so diligently these past months, I wonder what gift Xiang’er would like?” Changyang Ba looked down at Jian Chen with a proud smile. Having a son of such genius filled him with pride, and he instinctively began to favor Jian Chen over his other children.

Jian Chen’s eyes lit up. After thinking for a few moments, he answered, “Father, would you permit your son to enter the library? I wish to read the books there to broaden my horizons and learn even more.”

Changyang Ba’s expression softened with gratification. With a booming laugh, he said, “That is no trouble at all, Xiang’er. You possess a heart that seeks self-improvement, and your father is proud of that. Your request is granted; you may access the library whenever you wish.”

“Thank you, father!” Jian Chen exclaimed, his face beaming. Gaining entry to the library was a significant victory. He knew that the library was restricted; typically, one had to be at least six years old and a direct descendant of the Changyang clan to enter. Only the clan leader’s personal permission could waive these requirements.

After doting on Jian Chen for a while longer, Changyang Ba departed. Once he was gone, Jian Chen could no longer remain idle. He immediately left his room and hurried toward the library. Three months of rigorous study had all been for this moment—to finally uncover information about the world outside. Even if the books lacked certain nuances, they would surely be more detailed and comprehensive than the stories his mother could tell. Thus, Jian Chen prioritized the written records.

He had known the library’s location for some time; it was situated in a massive pagoda within the rear courtyard of the family estate. As Jian Chen entered the back courts, he instantly sensed the presence of several experts hidden in the surroundings, their gazes fixed on him like those of a viper.

Keeping his head high, Jian Chen acted as though he was oblivious to their presence and continued toward the tower. If he revealed that he could detect these concealed guardians, it would lead to a barrage of suspicious questions. After all, he was supposed to be a two-year-old child with zero knowledge of martial arts.

While the Changyang Mansion had many descendants, few were currently visiting the library. Jian Chen saw only the guards stationed in the area and virtually no other family members.

Reaching the tower entrance, Jian Chen paused to look up at the massive plaque hanging above the doors. The words “Book Pavilion” were inscribed in elegant calligraphy. Two guards stood beneath it, and Jian Chen could sense that their strength was formidable.

Jian Chen waited for the gates to be opened and then walked straight inside. The guards did not obstruct him; they stood as still as wooden statues, backs straight and eyes forward. They did not even acknowledge his presence as he passed.

Inside the tower, Jian Chen was met by a long, narrow corridor. Outdoors, the daylight was brilliant, creating a beautiful scene, but here, the hallway was illuminated by bright moon pearls embedded in the walls, casting a steady glow.

The corridor stretched on for a significant distance before branching into two separate paths. Jian Chen guessed that these paths circled the tower’s perimeter before meeting again on the other side.

“Fourth master, the clan leader has granted you the authority to access the left wing of the tower,” an elderly voice rang out. A tall figure emerged slowly from the dimness.

Jian Chen turned toward the sound. Despite the low light, he could clearly see the man stepping out of the shadows. He was an old man with snowy hair and a face etched with wrinkles. He wore a simple silver chang pao, and his appearance was so unremarkable that one might easily mistake him for a common elderly man.

No matter how closely Jian Chen observed him, the man seemed entirely mediocre. Yet, Jian Chen did not dare underestimate him. His instincts whispered that this old man was an expert of immense power. The strongest person Jian Chen had encountered in this world was his father, Changyang Ba, but the aura radiating from this elder felt incomparable to his father's.