Reincarnation of the Strongest Sword Maniac

My Little Sister Wants to Follow Me to the Sect!

Alexander arrived at the Blackwood Family residence the following afternoon. The moment he stepped through the gate, a familiar voice rang out.

“Brother!”

A small figure rushed toward him. Alexander barely had time to open his arms before Emily Blackwood threw herself into his embrace.

“Emily.”

He held his younger sister tightly. For a moment, he forgot everything else. In his previous life, Emily had died protecting him. For three hundred years, he had carried the memory of her final moments. Now she was alive, warm, and smiling in his arms.

“Brother, why are you hugging me so tightly?” Emily complained. “I can’t breathe!”

Alexander immediately loosened his grip. “Sorry.”

Emily looked up at him suspiciously. “Did something happen at the sect?”

“No.”

“Did someone bully you?”

Alexander almost laughed. *If only they knew.* “I’m fine.”

Emily puffed out her cheeks. “You’re always saying that! You never tell me anything interesting.”

“Would you prefer hearing about my disciple’s terrible swordsmanship?”

“No!”

“Then we’re finished.”

“Brother!”

Alexander laughed and ruffled her hair. For the first time in many years, he could enjoy these ordinary moments without the fear that he would lose them again.

Inside the family hall, William Blackwood was waiting. Several family elders had gathered, including Richard Blackwood, who had never particularly liked Alexander.

“Alexander,” William greeted him warmly. “How is life at the Azure Sky Sword Sect?”

“Peaceful.”

Richard snorted. “I heard you caused trouble with the Golden Mountain Sect.”

Alexander glanced at him. “I defeated one of their disciples in a friendly match.”

“You embarrassed a guest from another sect.”

“He challenged me.”

“And you could have refused.”

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. “That’s true. I could also have let him win. Perhaps next time I’ll ask my opponent what result would make him happiest.”

Several younger family members struggled to suppress their laughter. Richard’s expression darkened. “Your attitude hasn’t changed.”

“Neither has yours.”

“Enough,” William said, hiding a smile. “We’re here to discuss something important.” He placed a letter on the table. “The family will host a gathering in three days. Several allied families have accepted our invitation. I want you to attend.”

Alexander examined the letter. “What’s the occasion?”

William’s expression became serious. “Our family needs to strengthen its relationships with our allies. After the recent attack, some families have begun questioning our strength.”

That made sense. In the cultivation world, a family’s reputation could be almost as important as its actual power. If the Blackwood Family appeared weak, neighboring clans might begin competing for its resources and territory.

Alexander nodded. “I’ll attend.”

Richard folded his arms. “Don’t cause trouble. The gathering is important, and I won’t tolerate you embarrassing the family.”

Alexander looked at him calmly. “Then try not to embarrass yourself.”

Richard slammed his palm onto the table. “YOU—”

“Richard!” William interrupted sharply.

The elder reluctantly sat down. Alexander didn’t bother arguing further. He had more important things to worry about than an old man’s temper.

That evening, Alexander found Emily sitting in the garden. She was holding a cultivation manual, but her attention seemed to be elsewhere.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Emily quickly hid the manual behind her back. “Nothing!”

Alexander sat beside her. “Emily.”

She lowered her head. “Brother, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Can I join the Azure Sky Sword Sect?”

Alexander became quiet. In his previous life, Emily had never joined a sect. After their family was destroyed, she had spent most of her life struggling to survive. He had always regretted that she never had the chance to pursue her own dreams.

Now she wanted to cultivate. He should have been happy. Instead, his first instinct was to refuse. The thought of her facing danger made his chest tighten. But he remembered his promise to himself. He wouldn’t control her life simply because he was afraid of losing her.

“Why do you want to join?” he asked.

Emily looked down at her hands. “Because I want to become stronger.”

“Stronger?”

She nodded. “Father and the elders keep saying that our family needs powerful cultivators. I don’t want to be someone who can only hide when danger comes. I want to protect our family, too.”

Alexander studied her face. She was still young, but her determination was genuine. “It’s dangerous,” he said honestly. “Cultivation isn’t just about learning techniques. You’ll face competition, injuries, and people who won’t care about your feelings.”

Emily smiled faintly. “I know.”

“And the food at the sect isn’t always good.”

She blinked. “That’s your warning?”

“It’s an important consideration.”

Emily burst out laughing.

Alexander smiled. “I’m not going to stop you. But you need to discuss it with Father, and you must be prepared to work hard.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yes.”

Emily threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Brother!”

Alexander gently patted her head. *This time, you can choose your own future.*

The following morning, Alexander returned to the Azure Sky Sword Sect. He had barely reached his courtyard when Ethan appeared.

“Teacher! I have good news!”

Alexander put down his bag. “Did you finally learn how to hold a sword properly?”

Ethan’s smile disappeared. “Why must you ruin every moment?”

“It’s a gift.”

Ethan ignored him. “I practiced the movement you taught me yesterday. My control has improved, and I think I can break through to Meridian Opening Level Eight soon!”

Alexander nodded. “Good. Keep practicing.”

Ethan stared at him. “That’s it?”

“What else do you want? A parade?”

“Maybe a little praise?”

“Your sword control has improved.”

Ethan grinned. “Really?”

“From terrible to merely disappointing.”

“I’m leaving.”

“Your next lesson is tomorrow.”

“I hate you!”

“You’ll get over it.”

After Ethan stormed away, Alexander sat beneath the tree and began his own training. His body was gradually adapting to his sword movements. He could now practice longer without exhausting himself, although his cultivation remained at Body Tempering Level Three. Progress was slow. But progress was progress. He had no intention of rushing and damaging his foundation.

As he practiced, a familiar voice came from the entrance. “Alexander.”

Elena Silverheart stood outside. He lowered his sword. “Have you come to challenge me again?”

“No.”

“Wonderful. My arms are grateful.”

Elena smiled and approached. “I heard you returned to your family yesterday.”

“I did.”

“Is everything all right?”

Alexander paused. Then he nodded. “For now.”

Elena noticed the brief change in his expression but didn’t press him. Instead, she handed him a small package. “Here.”

He opened it. Inside were several medicinal ointments. “For your injuries,” she explained. “Your body isn’t strong enough to withstand all those movements yet. You should take better care of yourself.”

Alexander looked at her for a moment. In his previous life, he had lost her before he could tell her how much she meant to him. Now she was standing before him, worrying about his injuries. He smiled gently. “Thank you, Elena.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Don’t misunderstand. I simply don’t want my training partner collapsing during practice.”

“Of course.”

“And stop smiling like that!”

“Like what?”

“Like—just stop!”

Alexander laughed. For once, he decided not to tease her further. There would be time for that later. He had a family gathering to attend, a younger sister whose future he wanted to protect, and a long road ahead before he could reclaim his strength.

But for the moment, he was content. His second life wasn’t perfect.

It was better.