After being reborn, all I want to do is run away.

Chapter 288 A Sword Across Worlds

The next morning, Shen Xu was awakened by the noise from the outside world.

Looking out the window at the night sky still adorned with stars, Shen Xu couldn't help but yawn before getting dressed and leaving the room.

Although it wasn't time to officially welcome guests yet, the Washington Mansion was already bustling with activity.

Shen Xu's residence was considered the inner quarters of the Hua family mansion, so it didn't receive much attention. The real focus of the Hua family mansion's decoration was on the banquet hall, which was the area from the vermilion gate to the front courtyard and then to the banquet hall.

Sitting on the steps in front of the room, looking at the red lights in the distance and listening to the cacophony of noise, Shen Xu couldn't help but feel an indescribable sense of loneliness.

Although he has been in this world for so many years, he has never felt a sense of belonging to it.

He's like a role-player playing someone in this world, but no matter how convincingly he plays the role, he's not a person of this world.

There was always an invisible yet indelible barrier between him and the world—an inescapable loneliness.

Shen Xu slowly drew the long sword from his waist, the cold touch making him tremble slightly.

This sword carries too many memories and expectations.

He took a deep breath and began practicing the basic swordsmanship that Uncle Wang had taught him, again and again, slashing, chopping, parrying, and sweeping...

He didn't wield his sword quickly, but he performed each move with utmost seriousness and meticulousness.

At that moment, he seemed to forget everything around him and was immersed in his own world.

The floodgates of memory quietly opened, and scenes from the past flashed before his eyes. He felt as if he had returned to the time when Uncle Wang taught him swordsmanship, so pure and so natural.

As time passed, his mind became increasingly calm, and he gradually entered a state of complete absorption in the world around him. His forehead began to glow, and a faint, shimmering white light began to surround his body.

At the same time, the loneliness deep in his heart seemed to have found an outlet, overflowing from his body in an endless stream.

These feelings of loneliness, accompanying the dance of his sword, seeped into the blade little by little.

However, the loneliness in his heart seemed endless; no matter how hard he tried to infuse it into his sword, more loneliness would immediately fill the void.

Gradually, the sense of loneliness emanating from his sword intensified to a certain point.

Wisps of black energy emanated from the sword, coiling around it like serpents, resembling flowing black liquid.

With a swing of his longsword, a sword aura imbued with intense loneliness slashed into the void, like a surging torrent rolling into the distance.

The moment the sword energy roared out, the black aura that had been swirling around his sword vanished into the vast void along with it, leaving no trace.

At the same time, almost everyone in Washington, D.C., suddenly felt an intense and unsettling sense of loneliness.

This feeling surged into my heart like a tide, catching me completely off guard.

It is not simply loneliness and solitude, but a kind of solitude that penetrates to the bone and cannot be described, as if one is walking alone in this noisy world.

No one understands, no one talks to, there's no need to be understood, and no need for anyone to talk to, so I just walk on silently until the end of my life.

The rooster crows, and dawn breaks in the east.

Shen Xu sheathed his sword and stood there, his aura gradually dissipating. He slowly opened his eyes, looked at the already bright sky, and couldn't help but take a deep breath.

No one knows whether an accident or tomorrow will come first, but he was certain that his sword strike had released his intense loneliness into the outside world.

This made him feel as if he had already touched upon a tiny fraction of the essence of sword intent.

Inside the Washington Mansion, colorful ribbons cascaded down like waterfalls, interwoven in vibrant hues, fluttering gently in the breeze under the eaves.

Large red lanterns hung high, their red glow reflecting off the colorful silk under the sunlight, making the entire mansion look magnificent and colorful.

Hua Moli, dressed in a brocade gown and adorned with various exquisite jewels, blushed with happiness. Holding a jewel-encrusted fan, she gracefully moved among the guests, thanking the many who had come to give her gifts.

The vermilion gates of the mansion were wide open to welcome guests from all directions, with red feather carpets casually spread on the floor.

Outside the vermilion gates, drums and music resounded, and inside the streets and alleys, carriages and horses clamored, as the people of the capital crowded around, eager to witness this rare spectacle.

Crane Feather was overwhelmed by the rare sight before him, wishing he had two more pairs of eyes.

He realized for the first time that there were people in the world who celebrated their birthdays like this, but he didn't even know which day it was.

Shen Xu sensed He Yu's low spirits and comforted her, saying, "Being the main character in this kind of event is tiring. Instead of envying her, you should think about how to get your money's worth when we eat later. I paid for this meal."

"Alright!" Crane Feather was full of confidence and ready to make a big splash.

Although he and Zhong Wei originally lived in the Hua Mansion, they still had to go through the formalities. As Zhong Wei's attendants, they naturally had to follow him into the venue.

"I wonder what gift Brother Wei has prepared for me this time?" Mo Li asked with a smile.

"I came in a hurry this time and didn't bring any precious items. This snake gall was obtained after I fought with a demon python that was almost at the level of a demon general for a day and a night."

"It's said to have the effect of prolonging life, I hope Sister Mo Li won't find it offensive," Zhong Wei said solemnly, adopting the demeanor of a peerless master.

Upon hearing this, Shen Xu couldn't help but sigh at Zhong Wei's shamelessness, while He Yu looked at Zhong Wei with some confusion.

Those around Zhong Wei were all shocked by his strength. At such a young age, he was able to kill a demon python that was almost at the level of a demon general. Coupled with his background, Zhong Wei's future prospects were limitless.

"Wow! Mo Li didn't expect Brother Zhong to be so amazing. I will definitely keep this snake gall carefully."

She knew that the snake gall was originally meant for her grandfather by Zhong Wei, but now, because of her birthday, Zhong Wei gave her the opportunity to present the treasure.

"Mo Li, you'll be just as amazing in the future," Zhong Wei encouraged with a smile, then prepared to lead Shen Xu into the front courtyard.

At this moment, Mo Li suddenly revealed a sly smile, "What, Brother Shen didn't prepare a gift for Mo Li this time?"

Shen Xu smiled and replied, "Sorry, no, I really don't."

"So you're saying you're here to freeload."

“Mo Li, Brother Shen came with me, so he has no reason to give you a gift.” Zhong Wei’s tone was unusually angry.

"Brother Shen was personally invited by Grandpa, so why did you come with Brother Wei?"

Zhong Wei gritted his teeth and whispered, "You know he was a guest personally invited by Grandpa!"

“Brother Zhong, Miss Mo Li is the main character today. Since she asked me for a gift, it would be wrong of me not to give it to her.” Seeing that things were about to escalate, Shen Xu spoke slowly.

"What kind of precious gift will Brother Shen give Mo Li? Mo Li is really looking forward to it! I think it won't be any worse than Brother Wei's!" A smile appeared on Mo Li's lips.

"Don't worry, it's guaranteed to be precious!" Shen Xu replied with a light laugh, then took out a piece of purple brocade from his storage ring and placed it in Mo Li's hand.

"Isn't that a pleasant surprise? I remember that only the royal family in Yunyang Kingdom could use this kind of purple brocade! Today, Brother Shen is giving it to you, so remember to make a dress out of it!"

Mo Li's smile froze instantly, and the people around him fell silent.

"It seems you're very pleased with my gift, Miss Mo Li! You're so surprised you can't even speak."

"Actually, there's no need for such a big reaction. If you need more, just ask me. I have plenty here. Since you like it so much, I'll give you another one!" Shen Xu took out another bolt of purple brocade and placed it in Mo Li's hand.

Seeing that Mo Li seemed stunned, Zhong Wei quickly snatched the purple brocade from Mo Li's hand and returned it to Shen Xu.

“This item is too valuable, Mo Li cannot afford it. Please, Brother Shen, take it back.” Zhong Wei gave Shen Xu a pleading look.

"Brother Zhong, Miss Mo Li hasn't said anything, how can you make the decision for her?"

"Mo Li! Wake up!" Zhong Wei shouted sternly.

"Brother Shen, I know I was wrong. Your things are too valuable, I really dare not accept them," Mo Li said softly, lowering her head.

"That's such a pity!" Shen Xu shook his head and put the two bolts of purple brocade back.