I Reborn on the Night I Divorced the Sword Deity, My Childhood Friend - Chapter 1

Sect of the Sword, Yunmiao Pavilion.

Amidst layers of verdant mountains, an exquisite and magnificent pure-white pavilion stood as if it had appeared out of thin air. It was shrouded in spiritual mist, with a silver barrier of sword intent permeating the surroundings.

Inside the barrier, the seasons were perpetually spring, untouched by wind or rain. However, it also completely severed all contact with the outside world, resembling a delicate cage of white jade. Even with the New Year approaching, the place remained ethereal and desolate, devoid of any festive atmosphere.

Shen Junyu, dressed in elegant white robes, sat in a wheelchair with a black sandalwood box resting in his lap. He gazed out the window. A frail air of illness lingered about him, yet his light brown eyes were transparent, warm, and exceptionally clear. There was a flicker of anticipation hidden within them because tonight, New Year’s Eve, was the day his cultivation partner, Yuan Muzhou, was scheduled to return.

Shen Junyu had not seen Yuan Muzhou for nearly a year. Despite this, there was no resentment in his heart; he simply waited quietly for nightfall. After all, Yuan Muzhou was now the esteemed Sword Venerable. He was burdened with heavy affairs and had reached a bottleneck in his cultivation realm. As his partner, Shen Junyu felt he should not cause any distractions. Moreover, Yuan Muzhou had saved his life, which was a debt of gratitude so immense that Shen Junyu felt he could likely never repay it in his lifetime. Therefore, he did not feel wronged by the simple act of waiting.

A century ago, in the Tianfeng Secret Realm, Shen Junyu had blocked a fatal arrow from a demonic cultivator for his younger brother, Shen Siyuan. His Golden Core was shattered, and his life was in critical danger. At that time, Yuan Muzhou, who was then his fiancé, ignored everyone’s advice and entered into a Life-Sharing Dao Companion Covenant with him.

This covenant preserved Shen Junyu’s life, but it also restricted his freedom for a hundred years. Because Yuan Muzhou was the Young Sect Master of the Sword Sect and possessed a sacred Sword Bone, his safety was of paramount importance. Any mishap would destabilize the entire cultivation world. To ensure their Young Sect Master’s safety, the Sword Sect built Yunmiao Pavilion, set up the barriers, and assigned experts to guard it. They then moved Shen Junyu inside to recuperate.

This recuperation had lasted a century. In the beginning, when Shen Junyu was critically injured, Yuan Muzhou hardly ever left the pavilion. Once Shen Junyu was out of mortal danger, his visits gradually decreased to once every few days. Decades ago, after Yuan Muzhou became the Master of the Sword Sect and ascended to the position of Sword Venerable, he began returning only once a year during the New Year.

Shen Junyu felt regret over this, but he never complained. Yuan Muzhou’s past determination to bind their lives together against all opposition was proof enough of his devotion. Furthermore, with Yuan Muzhou so busy as the Sword Venerable, he would not doubt him over such matters.

Today was New Year’s Eve once again. This year was different from the others; it marked exactly the one-hundredth year since Shen Junyu and Yuan Muzhou had become partners. Though Shen Junyu knew Yuan Muzhou might not remember the anniversary, he had retrieved the white robe Yuan Muzhou liked best from the bottom of his trunk early that morning. He had also prepared a New Year’s gift and kept it in his lap.

As the crimson sun began to sink toward the western mountains, he estimated that Yuan Muzhou would soon return. He steered his wheelchair out to the white jade platform that extended from the pavilion. Just as the wheelchair reached the center of the platform, voices suddenly drifted over.

“I heard that three days ago, while Sect Master Shen was hunting that demonic flood dragon in the East Sea, he was ambushed by the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion and seriously injured. Our Sword Venerable rushed to the Yuheng Sect overnight. I wonder how Sect Master Shen is doing?”

Shen Junyu’s hand on the wheel paused slightly, and the wheelchair came to a halt.

“The injuries are quite severe. The Sword Venerable was furious.”

“Sect Master Shen was injured; why would our Sword Venerable be angry?”

The speaker lowered their voice. “It is said Sect Master Shen went to kill that dragon specifically to give its inner core to the Sword Venerable as a New Year’s gift. He hoped it would help him break through to the Great Fusion stage. Naturally, the Sword Venerable is heartbroken.”

“I see. It seems Sect Master Shen is truly deeply devoted to our Sword Venerable. Unlike that person, who knows full well that the damned companion covenant has restricted the Sword Venerable’s realm for so many years, yet still plays dumb and refuses to let go. They are biological brothers; how can the difference be so vast?”

On the platform, Shen Junyu held the gift box and lowered his eyes. He made no sound. The discussion continued.

“Speaking of that one, I will be blunt. Is it not a bit like taking advantage of someone while acting like the victim? He has held the Sword Venerable hostage for so many years just because of a life-saving debt. If he truly loved the Sword Venerable, should he not step aside? He has even caused his own brother such trouble.”

“He probably just cannot bear to give up the position of the Sword Venerable’s partner.”

“Well, his lifespan is not long anyway. He will not be able to drag it out much longer. Then, the true lovers will finally be together.”

“True. People like that will get their comeuppance sooner or later.”

The voices of the discussion faded into the distance. Shen Junyu’s slender fingers, resting on the gift box, finally moved. After a long moment, he looked up. His light brown eyes caught the fading light.

The barrier of Yunmiao Pavilion was laid by great masters; it could block wind, rain, and physical intruders. However, at some point, it had stopped blocking these idle rumors, specifically those concerning Yuan Muzhou and Shen Siyuan. Perhaps someone wanted him to know certain things. However, none of that mattered. The only thing that caused Shen Junyu regret was the realization that Yuan Muzhou likely would not return for the New Year this time. That was all.

As expected, Yuan Muzhou did not return that day. Shen Junyu put the gift away and spent the entire night alone in the library reading. He did not appear overly sad or disappointed. He was long accustomed to the long, lonely nights spent with scrolls.

Unexpectedly, half a month later, Yunmiao Pavilion received a guest Shen Junyu had not anticipated: Shen Siyuan.

When Shen Siyuan arrived, Shen Junyu was reading the Sixteen Volumes of the Yuheng Divination Scripture. Scrolls were scattered on the floor. Just as Shen Junyu finished one and reached for another, a well-defined hand wearing the Star Element Ring of the Yuheng Sect Master picked up the remaining scroll and handed it over.

“Brother.”

Shen Junyu looked up. His gaze rested for a moment on a dragon-patterned jade pendant hanging from the silver-threaded belt before finally landing on a refined face that was fifty percent similar to his own.

Seeing Shen Junyu’s expression, Shen Siyuan smiled slightly. He looked down and toyed with the jade pendant at his waist. “I saw Brother wearing a pendant like this last time and thought it looked good, so I asked Big Brother Yuan to find one for me as well. Brother, do you think it suits me?”

Shen Junyu was silent for a moment before saying calmly, “This jade is too plain. It does not suit your status as a Sect Master.”

The smile at the corner of Shen Siyuan’s mouth twitched, and a cold light seemed to flash in his eyes. However, he quickly regained his gentle smile. “Brother is right. I will have Big Brother Yuan pick a new one for me next time.”

Shen Junyu said nothing. At first, such provocations would have surprised him, but after so many, he had become numb. Seeing that Shen Junyu would not speak, Shen Siyuan waited a moment before continuing slowly. “Over the years, Big Brother Yuan and I have searched for many ways to repair your Golden Core, but none have worked. Now, Big Brother Yuan has been stuck at the peak of the Void Refinement stage for over twenty years. If he does not break through soon, I fear there will be danger.”

Shen Junyu remained silent. Shen Siyuan glanced at Shen Junyu’s calm profile. A hint of loathing appeared in his eyes. After a pause, he added, “Furthermore, the Demon Realm is currently eyeing us greedily, and other sects have criticized Big Brother Yuan’s cultivation level. With the Sword Sect facing internal and external troubles, Big Brother Yuan has had a very hard time these years. Brother, you are Big Brother Yuan’s partner. Can you really bear to see his situation remain so difficult?”

After listening to Shen Siyuan’s earnest persuasion, Shen Junyu finally gave a very faint smile. Then, under Shen Siyuan’s surprised gaze, he looked him directly in the eye.

“You know that I am Yuan Muzhou’s partner,” Shen Junyu said. “So, why do you not have Yuan Muzhou come and tell me these things himself? If he speaks, I will certainly grant his wish.”

The room fell silent. After a long while, Shen Siyuan stared at Shen Junyu’s almost indifferent gaze. He finally tore away his mask of kindness and sneered. “Brother, Big Brother Yuan values old sentiments, but even old sentiments eventually run out.”

With a loud clatter, he threw the scroll in his hand heavily onto the floor in front of Shen Junyu and swept out of the room. Shen Junyu sat quietly in his wheelchair, looking at the fallen scroll. After a long time, he felt a sliver of chill rising from his chest. It was not because of what Shen Siyuan had said, but because he knew clearly that for Shen Siyuan to come to Yunmiao Pavilion and provoke him like this, Yuan Muzhou must be at the Sword Sect. Otherwise, no one would have opened the barrier for him.

Yet, even so, the first one to visit was Shen Siyuan; Yuan Muzhou had not come. The New Year’s gift intended for Yuan Muzhou remained ungiven. Exhausted, Shen Junyu slowly closed his eyes.

Yuan Muzhou, do you know about this farce? If you do, what are your thoughts?

Three days after Shen Siyuan left, Yuan Muzhou still had not appeared. However, Yunmiao Pavilion received another guest: Yun Suyi. She was the former Mistress of the Yuheng Sect and the mother of both Shen Junyu and Shen Siyuan.

Yun Suyi had been a Nascent Soul cultivator long before the brothers were born, so her appearance remained well-preserved. Sitting across from each other, she looked more like Shen Junyu’s sister. Shen Junyu was surprised by her arrival. Looking at her beautiful eyes, which were filled with helplessness and reproach, he could guess her purpose. Despite the disappointment in his heart, he showed no displeasure because his mother had rarely visited him.

However, Yun Suyi was not as considerate. Before she had even finished half a cup of tea, she spoke with blame in her voice. “Junyu, Siyuan just recovered from a serious injury and made an effort to visit you for the New Year. Why did you make him so sad? I know you have been ill for years and are in pain, but you are the elder brother. You should empathize with Siyuan’s hardships. He is a Sect Master now and helps Muzhou manage parts of the Sword Sect’s affairs. Do not trouble him with trivial matters.”

Her words were an echo of Shen Siyuan. Shen Junyu listened, remained silent for a long time, and then looked up calmly. “Mother, why do you assume I was the one who provoked him?”

Seeing such a cold gaze from Shen Junyu, Yun Suyi became annoyed. “Siyuan was upset for half a day after returning from your place. He would not say why when asked. Who else could it be for but you? He considers you so much as a brother; why do you not think of him?”

Shen Junyu said nothing. After venting her anger, Yun Suyi looked at Shen Junyu’s calm, pale face and hesitated for a moment, feeling a flash of regret. After a silence, she changed her tone and brought up another matter, seemingly casual yet probing. “Junyu, over these years, I have seen that living in the Sword Sect has not been very pleasant for you. Do you want to come home?”

Hearing this, Shen Junyu could no longer hold back. He looked up sharply, his expression piercing. “Mother, what do you mean by that?”

She had not mentioned this for years, yet she chose this moment to suggest taking the Sword Venerable’s partner back home. Yun Suyi could not possibly be unaware of what that implied. Meeting Shen Junyu’s sharp gaze, Yun Suyi’s heart trembled, and she almost wanted to retreat. But after a moment of hesitation, she thought of Shen Siyuan’s injured state and his recent gloom. She gritted her teeth and whispered, “The matter between Muzhou and Siyuan; do you truly know nothing about it?”

Shen Junyu looked at her expressionlessly. Seeing his face, Yun Suyi froze, but then she seemed to understand something, and her heart gradually settled. Her expression remained soft, even persuasive, but the words she spoke were like daggers to the heart.

“Junyu, I know you are hurting. But it has been so many years, and your Golden Core is nearly impossible to repair. Why continue to drag Muzhou down like this? Even if you do not do it for Siyuan, you should let go for Muzhou’s sake.”

Shen Junyu stared fixedly at Yun Suyi. Though no outward emotion showed, his heart had completely shattered and begun to bleed. He had always known that since his injury, his parents had gradually begun to favor Shen Siyuan. He did not care much about his father, as he had rarely accompanied him. But before Shen Siyuan was born, he had been the apple of Yun Suyi’s eye. Even when she later favored Siyuan, he convinced himself it was only because Siyuan was now the Sect Master. He had never regretted saving Siyuan; his brother had been frail and sickly, and that arrow would have been certain death.

But Shen Junyu never expected that the mother he thought was merely biased would now stand entirely by Shen Siyuan’s side, going as far as to personally advise him to give Yuan Muzhou to his brother.

Finaly, Shen Junyu did not explode. He simply gazed at Yun Suyi and said hoarsely, “Mother, do you know what you are saying?”

Even in this situation, he offered her one last chance to take back her words. However, Yun Suyi did not take it. Hearing his question and looking at his pale face, a flash of shame and guilt crossed her eyes, but she quickly pursed her lips and hardened her heart. “It has been so many years, Junyu. You should accept reality. Continuing to deceive yourself like this benefits no one, do you not agree?”

“Get out.”

Yun Suyi’s pupils contracted. Shen Junyu’s eyes were like frost as he said word by word, “I said, get out.”

Yun Suyi left, part panicked and part humiliated. Before leaving, she threw back one last reminder that was exceptionally cruel. She said, “Junyu, regardless of anything, you should realize that the gratitude between you and Muzhou will eventually be exhausted if you keep spending it like this.”

Listening to her words, Shen Junyu was silent for a moment. He closed his eyes, almost wanting to laugh out loud. So, in the eyes of others, all that remained between him and Yuan Muzhou was a gratitude that was about to run out. Shen Siyuan said it, and now his own mother said it.

But what did Yuan Muzhou think? Did he regret it too? Was he merely honoring old sentiments? At this thought, Shen Junyu’s fingers on the wheelchair armrests tightened, and veins bulged against his pale skin. After a long time, he slowly moved his wheelchair to the desk. He took up a brush and wrote a letter to Yuan Muzhou.

For years, knowing he was a burden and fearing he would disturb Yuan Muzhou’s cultivation, he had rarely sent letters. Even now, facing such humiliation, the content of the letter was extremely simple.

There is a matter to discuss. I look forward to your swift return.

Signed, Junyu.