{"id":3462,"date":"2026-05-18T13:50:20","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/top-cross-dressing-swordsman-transmigrated-into-a-book-14\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T13:50:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:50:28","slug":"top-cross-dressing-swordsman-transmigrated-into-a-book-14","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/chapter\/top-cross-dressing-swordsman-transmigrated-into-a-book-14\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Cross-dressing Swordsman [Transmigrated into a Book] 14"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Come in.”

Mu Bai stepped through the door and saw a man in a light green robe slumped over a desk littered with messy piles of letters and scrolls.

Hearing someone enter, he didn’t even look up, merely saying, “Please sit.”

Mubai’s gaze swept around the room.

He saw that both side walls had over a hundred drawers, though what they contained remained unknown. At the back stood a row of bulletin boards displaying white papers with black characters\u2014missing person notices, wanted posters, the latest government announcements, and recruitment documents from various music halls and taverns.

Finding a stool in the corner, he sat down. A draft blew through the hall as Mubai rubbed his palms together and pressed them against his arms.

Huamei remarked, “Starting to feel the cold now, aren’t you?”

Mu Bai remained silent, thinking to himself that next time he went out, he should pack a couple more thick coats.

The man sorted out the scrolls, stacking them into several piles and securing them with an inkstone before stepping out from behind the desk.

Upon seeing Mu Bai, clad in thin clothing and huddled in the corner, he froze for a moment before clasping his hands in front of his chest and bowing. “My apologies for keeping you two ladies waiting. I am Lin Baixiao, the master of Jade Tree Manor.”

Mu Bai also stood up and returned the gesture, handing him the letter.

Lin Baixiao raised his hand and walked toward the door, opening the envelope as he went. “This isn’t the place to talk. Follow me.”

Turning another corner of the corridor, they arrived at a spacious hall.

Servants had already prepared tea and stood respectfully to the side.

After reading the letter, Lin Baixiao tossed the paper into a burning incense burner. “So the young lady is the heir of Qinglian Valley. My apologies for not welcoming you properly. I heard from my subordinates yesterday about how you defeated Elder Meng at the martial arts competition. Truly, heroes emerge from the young.”

The eyebrow-painted woman said, “Master Lin, you are too kind. The Jade Tree Manor’s portrait of my junior sister is truly lifelike.”

Lin Baixiao coughed twice and said slowly, “Well… it was my subordinate’s lack of skill that made Miss Qin’s portrait appear unflattering. Please don’t take it to heart, young lady.”

Mubai, however, didn’t take it to heart. After yesterday’s battle, he couldn’t even find peace to rest when he returned to his room.

Every few days, disciples from Lingyun Palace would knock on his door, offering warm greetings, gifts, and expressions of affection.

Moreover, out of ten, five would bring flowers, three would offer sachets, and only one or two were considerate enough to bring pastries.

Unfortunately, the pastries were too sweet, and Mu Bai didn\u2019t like them either.

The most outrageous was one who carved a heart-shaped stone on the spot, engraved with a large “Bai” character.

Mu Bai: “…”

Is this what straight men are like?

So when the Jade Tree Manor published his unflattering portrait in the courier report, Mu Bai actually considered it a good thing.

Dealing with the disciples from Shang Gong alone is enough to give him a headache\u2014he\u2019d better not provoke anyone else.

Lin Baixiao noticed that Mu Bai remained silent, assuming he harbored some resentment, and quickly changed the subject: “Later, I’ll take you two to visit the Sword Treasury. The swords there are all treasures of our Jade Tree Manor, rarely shown to outsiders. If the Young Valley Master sees any he fancies, feel free to take it as our apology.”

Mu Bai was taken aback. He remembered from the Jianghu Gazette’s Weapon Ranking that three of the top ten famous swords were housed in the Jade Tree Manor’s Sword Treasury.

Would they let him take it so easily?

Lin Baixiao asked again, “Do you have enough travel expenses with you?”

Mu Bai touched the flat money pouch at his waist, thinking about how he couldn’t even afford a scarf earlier. “I’m afraid it won’t last more than a few days.”

Although living in the Lingyun Palace ensures no worries about food, clothing, or daily necessities, being dependent on others still makes it uneasy without a few coins in one’s pocket.

“Your senior sister mentioned in her letter that I should find you some work. Roaming the martial world requires a couple of ways to earn money, lest you starve. Moreover, once you make a name for yourself, you’ll need to buy decent attire. Weapons, soft armor\u2014each comes with a hefty price tag. The martial world is treacherous, so concealed weapons, ointments, and antidotes are all necessities. Occasionally, you\u2019ll also need to treat your fellow brothers and sisters in the trade to a drink or two.”

Lin Baixiao smiled and said, “People say that martial artists in the jianghu live freely, unshackled by worldly concerns, indulging in their passions and vendettas. But they don’t know the hardships of this profession. Not only do we risk our lives, but money also flows out like water.”

Mu Bai’s eyes twitched as he listened.

Deeply feeling that the days ahead would be tough.

“What recommendation does Master Lin have for me, then?”

“You must have seen the notices posted earlier\u2014performing in music halls, waiting tables at taverns. If your cooking skills are decent, you could even apply as a cook. The pay is higher than waiting tables, and you wouldn\u2019t have to show your face in public…”

Mu Bai: “…”

So knights-errant actually find time between performing street shows and waiting tables to punish evil and help grannies cross the street?

“Is there any other job available?”

“I knew you’d ask that.” Lin Baixiao snapped open his folding fan with a flourish, leisurely waved it twice, then picked up his teacup. “Young Valley Master, you might want to take a look at the bounty notices. They list assassination, theft, and treasure-hunting tasks entrusted to Jade Tree Manor by various parties\u2014the rewards are quite substantial.”

After hearing his explanation, Mu Bai had already made a decision in his heart, but didn’t voice it outright. He only said, “Thank you, Master Lin. I’ll go back and think it over some more.”

“Alright, come find me again when you’ve made up your mind.”

This matter came to a close, and Lin Baixiao then inquired about the recent situations of Qinglian Valley and the senior sister.

After chatting for about half an hour, Lin Baixiao glanced at the sky and stood up: “It’s about time. Come with me to the Sword Concealment Pool.”

Upon arriving at the Sword Concealment Pool, Mu Bai finally understood why Lin Baixiao had chosen this time to bring them here.

The sun had risen to its zenith, and its rays fell into the pool, reflecting dazzling glints from hundreds of swords.

In this situation, forget about recognizing each sword\u2014protecting your eyes from being dazzled is already an achievement.

Huamei raised a hand to shield her eyes and said irritably, “If Manor Master Lin doesn\u2019t want to gift the swords, just say so. Though our Qinglian Valley may not be wealthy, we certainly aren\u2019t desperate for your two shabby swords.”

“Where did you get such an idea, young lady? I didn\u2019t expect it would turn out like this either,” Lin Baixiao clapped his hands and instructed a servant to fetch two swords from the pool. “No matter, I\u2019m familiar with every sword in this pool. How about I pick them for you instead?”

Mu Bai said, “Then I’ll trouble you, Master Lin.”

Soon, the attendant emerged from the pool holding two swords.

“These two swords are named Zishuang and Biyou, both of top quality with light and exquisite blades, most suitable for ladies as personal swords.”

Mu Bai focused his gaze and saw that the two swords were adorned with pale purple and deep emerald glows swirling along their bodies, embellished with jade ornaments. Regardless of other aspects, their appearance was undeniably striking.

Lin Baixiao must have long planned to gift them these two swords.

“Sister, which one do you like?”

“Purple…” Huamei nearly bit her tongue. “You choose first, Little Bai. I can use any of them.”

Mu Bai chuckled softly and pointed at the Zishuang Sword. “Give this one to my sister.”

“Alright.” Lin Baixiao had an attendant bring the sword forward. “So, Young Valley Master has decided to choose this Breeze Roamer?”

Mu Bai shook his head. “I already have the Qinglian Sword.”

Lin Baixiao’s eyes lit up as he pressed further, “Opportunities like this don’t come often, Young Valley Master. Are you sure you don’t want to pick a spare?”

Mu Bai glanced over the Sword Pool and said softly, “I won’t need one, but I have a friend who’s just entered the martial world and doesn\u2019t yet have a decent sword.”

“Then take Biyou back with you, Young Valley Master, and give it to your friend.”

“No… I’m afraid my friend wouldn’t like this kind of sword.” Mu Bai lowered his eyes for a moment before opening them again. “How about this\u2014I’ll go back and tell him. Have my friend come personally tonight to choose a sword.”

“This…”

“Didn’t the Lin Manor Master promise to let me choose a sword to take away? I’m now passing this opportunity to my friend\u2014his choice is my choice.”

Lin Baixiao’s lips twitched.

He had a bad feeling about this\u2014the Young Master of Qinglian Valley\u2019s friend was probably no good. But with Mu Bai\u2019s dazzlingly beautiful eyes smiling at him, he couldn\u2019t bring himself to refuse.

Mu Bai noticed his hesitation and added, “If Master Lin has any difficulties, we can discuss them with my friend when he arrives later\u2014he’s not an unreasonable man.”

“…Alright.”

“Then it’s settled, thank you, Master Lin.”

Stepping out of the Jade Tree Villa gate, Huamei grabbed Mubai and asked, “Xiaobai, since when do you have some newcomer friend in the martial world that I don’t know about?”

“Senior sister, there’s plenty you don’t know.”

Huamei pouted: “Hah, junior sister’s wings have hardened\u2014not telling senior sister anything these days.”

Mubai rubbed her arms: “The wind’s strong out here, senior sister. Be careful not to catch cold\u2014let’s talk when we get back.”

With that, he jumped onto the carriage and disappeared behind the curtain.

He didn’t actually have any friends who were new to the martial world. It was just that after his battle with Elder Meng yesterday, everyone now knew the owner of the Green Lotus Sword was Qin Mubai.

If he went out at night in men’s clothing, he couldn’t carry this sword anymore.

That’s why he told Lin Baixiao he had a friend looking to choose a sword.

Actually, that friend was himself.

Mu Bai peeked through the curtain gap and saw Hua Mei boarding another carriage, then patted his chest in relief as his shoulders visibly slumped.

Turning back, he saw Su Mo leaning against the window with closed eyes, still looking rather pale.

Mu Bai moved closer, half-crouching as he reached out to feel Su Mo’s forehead.

It’s even hotter than getting out of the car.

As if sensing something, Su Mo’s eyelashes trembled slightly. His lashes were pitch-black, and the gentle curve of his lowered eyelids exuded a quiet elegance, making him appear exceptionally fragile at this moment.

Looking at him like this, Mu Bai suddenly recalled the dream Su Mo had mentioned, along with his background.

It wasn\u2019t just a dream\u2014it was a scene that truly happened in the original story. He had taken his own life before his mother\u2019s tomb, with no one to mourn him. As for his background… Mu Bai didn\u2019t think he could fully empathize, but he imagined that growing up in such circumstances must have buried many unspoken sorrows in his heart.

Every pitiful person has their hateful side. He couldn’t tolerate Su Mo using him as a tool for revenge, yet towards this person, he genuinely couldn’t muster much real animosity.

Su Mo opened his eyes.

Mu Bai froze, withdrawing his hand from Su Mo’s forehead as if burned.

The two stared at each other for a moment before Su Mo suddenly pulled something from behind and slipped it around Mu Bai’s neck: “This is for you.”

Mu Bai looked down\u2014black with white threads, warm and cozy\u2014it was the very one he couldn’t afford.

But he had originally intended to buy it for Su Mo to keep warm.

“You… you went out just now to buy this?”

“Yes.” Su Mo tilted her head, observing how he looked wearing it, and softly added, “I haggled the price\u2014got it for half the original cost.”

Mu Bai: “…”

He thought for a moment, then took off his scarf and wrapped it around Su Mo.

“You’re seriously ill, keep it on for now and give it back to me when we return. And… thank you.”<\/p>","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-3462","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3463,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3462\/revisions\/3463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=3462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}