Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 131: Platoon

“Shi Jingzhi isn’t participating in the martial arts conference?” Qu Duanyun’s hand paused as he was writing.

“Sect Master Shi is unwell and has sent his disciple, and… and a servant, to participate,” Jin Lan said, finding the situation absurd.

According to the rules of the martial arts conference, unless there was a special circumstance, the head of the sect was required to attend in person. This rule was to show that the sect leader had the capability to pass on their knowledge. They were given an extra spot to bring an outstanding disciple with them. This “outstanding disciple” was likely the next candidate to be Sect Master.

To prevent smaller sects from randomly recruiting outsiders or lone warriors to fight on their behalf, the martial arts conference tested not only combat skills but also loyalty and following. With all these rules, it was the most solemn event in the martial world. It was one thing for a senior disciple to represent a sect, but it was absurd for the Kushan Sect to bring in a mere servant.

Yet, no one could really pinpoint any violation of the rules.

Qu Duanyun had received information from the Yueshui Pavilion that Shi Jingzhi had been seated in a wooden chair the entire journey, consuming only porridge and medicinal soup, looking frail. By the rules, Sect Master Shi was exempt from performing. Qu Duanyun racked his brain but couldn’t figure out why Shi Jingzhi might be pretending to be ill.

Shi Jingzhi was an excellent martial artist and now seemed to be on his deathbed. If he and his top disciple both participated, Qu Duanyun would need to be more cautious. Shi Jingzhi’s actions seemed like cutting off his own arm.

Had he truly reached his limit?

Over the 300-year history of the Great Yun nation, there were several special beings called “Children of Desire”. Most of them were consumed by their desires before reaching the age of twenty, falling into madness. Either they took their own lives or sought death through others. The Queen of Milan and Yan Budu were among the few who endured this torment and lived a relatively “long” life.

Yet, the Queen of Milan took her life at 26 and Yan Budu at 29, never truly realizing their potential.

Jiang Youyue once said that the Children of Desire, being the concentration of the world’s vital qi, were destined to live short lives. This short lifespan magnified their desires, making the selection process more effective and strategic.

Being a Child of Desire, Shi Jingzhi, approaching 28, was indeed at an age where his life might be ending. Jiang Youyue had judged correctly: even on the brink of death, Shi Jingzhi had not broken down in madness but was still striving for a way to survive. This cunning Child of Desire had faced numerous dangers and adversities but had lived to the present day.

Everything was unfolding just as Jiang Youyue had predicted, and the Hundred-Year Project was nearing its final step.

Was “fate” real in this world?

…No, even if it was, he wouldn’t bow to it.

“Sect Master?” While Qu Duanyun was lost in thought, Jin Lan’s legs had gone numb from standing. He couldn’t help but speak up again.

Qu Duanyun looked down to see that the ink on his brush had dried. Setting his brush aside, he put on his usual smile. “Anything else?”

“I… I saw Senior Sister. She looks different now. She even started the Yangsha Sect. She might be mentally disturbed. With Sect Master Qi gone, perhaps you could decide to bring her back.”

“I cannot defy Master’s orders. I’ve only been Sect Master for a few months, and it’s not appropriate for me to go against Master’s last wishes right away.”

Seeing Jin Lan’s disappointment, Qu Duanyun offered a reassuring smile.

“Although Senior Sister can be stubborn, she’s not reckless. She must have her reasons for attending the martial arts conference. If she demonstrates righteousness at the conference, I might find a way to invite her back.”

Jin Lan brightened up, saying, “That’s great.”

“Not so good.” At the corner of Wuming Town, Sect Master Shi finished his last spoonful of hawthorn porridge. He kept flipping through several old papers, looking rather distressed.

“What’s not so good?” Yin Ci put down a bowl of bitter medicinal soup, making Shi Jingzhi lean back from its strong taste.

“It’s about Qu Duanyun.”

Shi Jingzhi moved his wooden chair, trying to distance himself from the bitter soup.

“Shen Zhu has gathered information on him, and he seems… unpredictable.”

Qu Duanyun was born into the wealthy and influential Qu Clan.

His father was a renowned and upright official, and his mother was the daughter of a high-ranking elder, known for her kindness and openness. The couple was deeply in love—a genuine match made in heaven. They neither spoiled nor were too strict with their only son, Qu Duanyun, ensuring he grew up balanced.

From a young age, Qu Duanyun had the best tutors and was a diligent student. Whether in martial arts or academics, he never relied solely on talent but worked hard without faltering. Compared to the princes of the palace, Qu Duanyun was like a treasured child of heaven.

In the entire Great Yun nation, there might not be a more perfect family or a more fortunate individual than Qu Duanyun.

From childhood to adulthood, Qu Duanyun seemed to have never done any “wrongdoings”. Not even slightly bad rumors could be found about him. Gifted and persevering, with excellent social and interpersonal skills, Qu Duanyun’s future looked promising.

The Immortal Assembly had always been keen on attracting outstanding individuals. Only if they were blind would they overlook such a talent.

“If he wanted to be an official, he could take the imperial examination, and he might even become the top scholar. Now that he’s with the Imperial Preceptor, his future is bright,” Shi Jingzhi muttered. “If he doesn’t want to be an official, he’s still the head of Taiheng, well-respected among the people. If Qu Duanyun had further ambitions, he could only overthrow my brother to become Emperor. But looking at his actions, there’s no sign he wants to harm Great Yun.”

For many years, Sect Master Shi struggled just to survive, always having humble desires. With Qu Duanyun’s booming fortune, Shi Jingzhi really couldn’t guess what more he might want.

Was he simply overthinking?

“Anyway, as long as he’s not the kind of person who turns his back, our plan can proceed. We’ve had such bad luck that our speculations might end up as jokes, like ‘the Emperor using a gold pole*’,” Shi Jingzhi said bitterly.

*Clarity: This comes from a fable where two farmers were on their way home from picking firewood when one asked what the Emperor would use to pick firewood every day, to which the other replied jokingly, “a gold pole, because the Emperor has a lot of gold and must use it for everything.” The pole they are referring to is a carrying pole. This joke highlights the limitations of people’s understanding of a problem. However, in this context, it’s not referring to the meaning, but more so, they would look like the butt of a joke.

“If I could swap places with him, it would be so…”

Before he could finish saying “good”, Yin Ci turned to look at Shi Jingzhi. Sect Master Shi sighed with a complicated expression. “It might not be better. If I became him, wouldn’t I miss chasing you?”

Yin Ci smirked.

“Zizhu?”

“Instead of sweet-talking here, drink your medicine first. It’s bitter when hot, even more bitter when cold.”

“Zizhu—”

“In the past, you gnawed on rotten meat just to stay alive,” Yin Ci remarked bluntly. “It’s just a bowl of medicinal soup. Stop whining.”

“… Complaining a bit feels good,” Sect Master Shi said while holding the bowl of medicine. “After all, you brought candy for me. I smelled it the moment you entered.”

Yin Ci raised an eyebrow, took out the candy, and popped it into his own mouth. Shi Jingzhi, remembering Yin Ci’s ruthless side, almost spilled the medicine out of shock. Fearing that Yin Ci might tease him with the candy, he quickly drank up.

Yin Ci chuckled. He didn’t swallow the candy but held it between his lips, leaning over to transfer it into Shi Jingzhi’s mouth.

After drinking the bitter medicine, Shi Jingzhi’s face wrinkled like a dried radish. He kissed his disciple while tasting the sweetness, and only then did his expression relax.

Inside the town, it was peaceful; outside, it was bustling.

Wuming Town’s unique feature was its abundance of theater troupes in the early years. Over time, local carpenters and stonemasons became skilled at constructing and dismantling stages. Now, the Jinyu Group came upon hearing the news and urgently set up the stage. Once most major sects arrived, the Jinyu Group would even arrange stalls everywhere.

Su Si, wearing a Nuo mask, squatted on a nearby rooftop. Yan Qing, also masked, hid his ghost eyes and squatted next to him. At first glance, they looked like two gray cats.

Wearing such masks, everyone recognized them as members of the Kushan Sect. Righteous individuals passed by beneath the eaves, casting disdainful glances their way.

They didn’t care that their conversation could be heard by Su Si and Yan Qing.

“The Kushan Sect dares to come? Are they even qualified?”

“They haven’t been declared a demonic sect by the Yueshui Pavilion yet. They follow protocols. Unfortunately, despite the long-standing arrest warrant, no one has caught them, allowing them to exploit this loophole.”

“It’s probably desperation. That Shi Jingzhi looks like he’s on his last legs, definitely wanting to fight for his life more than anyone else. Poor thing, he’s so focused on staying alive that he’s lost his mind. With the current reputation of the Kushan Sect, how can they convince the masses?”

“They might not even win the martial arts conference, let alone gain followers. After the conference, the ‘no private duels’ rule won’t apply. With Sect Master Qu present, there’s no way the Kushan Sect could escape, right?”

“Speaking of the Taiheng Sect, have you heard about Shi Zhongyu…”

Losing interest when the topic shifted to Shi Zhongyu, Su Si took out some roasted chicken. After taking a bite, he gave one to Yan Qing.

“I just bought this from the Jinyu Group. It’s very delicious,” Su Si said with his mouth full.

“Be careful when you eat. Afterward, we’ll move near the incense burner to get rid of the smell. If the Sect Master smells it, he could literally suffocate you with his aura.”

Yan Qing accepted the chicken solemnly and ate it with special care.

Given the crowd and the omnipresence of the Immortal Assembly, Shi Jingzhi was afraid of being exposed and had been eating porridge for days. Yesterday, feeling mischievous, Su Si roasted some pork in the yard. Shi Jingzhi was furious, and his aura descended precisely on Su Si’s head.

Patriarch Su’s hand trembled, and the freshly roasted meat skewer almost fell into the ashes. Without waiting for Sect Master Shi to react further, he grabbed handfuls of skewers and dashed away quickly.

“After all, isn’t the Sect Master a… ‘Child of Desire’? His appetites are a hundred times stronger than ordinary people’s. What you did was no different than torturing him with extreme punishment,” Yan Qing said calmly.

“It’s a good thing the timing was right. If Senior Yin was present, you might not have been able to escape.”

Throughout their journey, Shi Jingzhi’s behavior was no different from that of an ordinary person. However, recently, he had been less restrained in showing his emotions around them. Perhaps it was because of his deep bond with Senior Yin that he no longer suppressed his true self.

Thinking of this, a hint of gratification appeared on Yan Qing’s face.

“People used to say I am the Young Patriarch of a demonic sect. But you sound even more terrifying,” Su Si retorted. He didn’t bother to reflect on Yan Qing’s sentiments. Thinking of Yin Ci’s cold face, Patriarch Su shivered instantly.

“What do you mean by ‘might not have been able to escape’? That behavior of Shi Jingzhi, wasn’t it spoiled by that surname Yin… Who do you think I did it for? Those two made you train day and night; no matter how much meat you eat, it’s never enough.”

“A’Si has been good to me, and I remember it,” Yan Qing replied, filtering out the previous negative remarks. He scratched his head, smiling a bit shyly. “Though training is hard, it’s not the fault of the Sect Master or Senior Yin. I have to participate in the competition. If I get eliminated too soon, wouldn’t that tarnish the reputation of the Kushan Sect? Besides, I’ve learned a lot these days.”

Su Si stared at Yan Qing in frustration. Until now, he hadn’t seen any reputation left for the Kushan Sect to tarnish.

“You… haa, the competition begins tomorrow. Be careful. Everyone knows you’re from the Kushan Sect, and they might not hold back.”

“Mm!”

On the first day of the martial arts conference, the Yueshui Pavilion still came to observe.

This time they didn’t wear red and green robes, but formal and elegant attire. “Documenting the Martial Arts Conference” wasn’t as dangerous as descending into the Ghost Tomb. It was a cushy assignment. Yan Qing looked around for a while and couldn’t find Shen Zhu or even a sparrow.

Had the Sect Master completely severed ties with Miss Shen?

Maybe he was overthinking, but Yan Qing always felt there were undercurrents around him. Sect Master Shi and Senior Yin hadn’t shared their plans, only asking him to focus on his training. Even Su Si had talked privately with the Sect Master about important matters, but he, about to take the stage, remained in the dark.

…Never mind.

Yan Qing soon consoled himself. The master and apprentice were formidable, and A’Si wasn’t someone to be easily manipulated. So far, all four of them were safe. With good friends and martial arts skills, he shouldn’t be greedy for more.

The edge of the arena was bustling.

Several palanquins were parked at the farthest point. Apparently, some wealthy households came to watch. The crowd surged, and vendors started selling refreshments and snacks. Nearby, two doctors were preparing, and even a limping fortune-teller had squeezed in, shouting for the Jinyu Group to place bets on their behalf.

Closest to the fighting stage, the commoners were crowded shoulder to shoulder, creating a chaotic scene. They were reluctant to get too close to the stage for fear of danger, yet they were anxious about moving too far away, lest they couldn’t see clearly. This indecisiveness led to them milling about, creating a disorderly human stew.

The Jinyu Group, having seen much of the world, had a solution. They used red ropes to cordon off the fighting stage and set up wooden stands of varying heights. This way, even more people could have a clear view of the events.

The fighting stage remained vacant for the time being, and the crowd’s initial urgency gradually subsided. The disciples of the Jinyu Group, acting much like sheepdogs within a flock of sheep, slowly organized the crowd. They even skillfully arranged for vendors to come in, selling fruits and tea to the attendees.

Though not many representatives from various sects came, it was surprising to see three monks in the crowd.

Wasn’t the Jianchen Temple closed?

But the monk at the forefront was recognized by the martial artists—it was Monk Zhixing, who had witnessed the misdeeds of the Kushan Sect.

Monk Zhixing looked a bit pale and out of place in the festive atmosphere. The two ascetic martial monks with cloaks covering their faces didn’t seem like they would compete.

“Could they have been invited by Taiheng to confront the Kushan Sect after the conference?” someone whispered.

“Ah, this is going to be interesting!”

But no matter who questioned, Zhixing simply bowed his head without replying. When persistently stopped, he only murmured, “Amitabha”, without showing anger. With the prestige of the Jianchen Temple, no one dared to push too far and could only watch him take a seat.

If the Jianchen Temple wasn’t participating and the demonic sect couldn’t attend, then Taiheng, despite not having won, seemed to have gained some dominance.

As the time approached, the leader of the Jinyu Group, with his portly figure, stepped onto the stage and struck a large gong.

“The competition is beginning—please clear the stage—”

The fat man, with a pinched voice, melodiously shouted out as if he were performing a grand opera.

Before he could finish, disciples from the Jinyu Group emerged from the side of the stage. Dressed in gold and silver, they looked like two auspicious beasts.

The crowd buzzed with excitement for a moment, their voices almost drowning out the leader of the Jinyu Group. The members of the Kushan Sect, not wanting to get too close to the crowd, had to tiptoe to get a better view, despite Yan Qing being a towering figure.

One disciple stood to the left and the other to the right, both holding red wooden trays. On the left tray, there were nearly a hundred delicate wooden bracelets, piled slightly high. On the right tray was a large bronze mirror, polished to shine brilliantly. The mirror stand was carved from a special stone with intricate symbols etched into it, akin in purpose to the Sword of Compassion.

The leader of the Jinyu Group, using delicate silk to handle the mirror, placed it in the center of the stage, accompanied by a small incense burner. After paying respect to the mirror, he turned and smiled. “This time, there are thirty-six sects participating, roughly seventy-two individuals. This is our foremost martial arts conference. As per tradition, we will first test the heart and then arrange the battles.”

Yan Qing, engrossed in the proceedings, suddenly heard a rule he wasn’t familiar with and quickly turned to Su Si. “Test the heart?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll understand in a moment,” Su Si said casually. “Even if something happens to Senior Yin, you’ll be fine.”

Yan Qing’s curiosity only grew. Without Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi around to ask, he just kept silent and continued watching.

On the stage, the leader of the Jinyu Group began reading names from a long list. Being the center of attention, Qu Duanyun naturally ranked first.

“Taiheng Sect—Sect Master Qu Duanyun—”

Qu Duanyun gracefully leapt up and landed right in front of the bronze mirror. The Taiheng Sect was held in high regard, and there was a loud cheer from below.

The leader of the Jinyu Group seemed to have anticipated such a scene. He patiently waited for the commotion to die down before continuing.

“Bright mirror hung high, evil spirits disperse. Sect Master Qu, please!”

Without any hesitation, Qu Duanyun took hold of the mirror stand, allowing the mirror to clearly reflect his face. After a quick glance, the chubby leader declared, “Pass!”

Qu Duanyun bowed, took a wooden bracelet from the tray, and put it on his wrist. The bracelet adjusted its size snugly, revealing its magical nature.

“Wow,” Su Si whispered. “Qu Duanyun really passed the test of the heart. Did he use some kind of trick?”

Yan Qing, clueless, could only grunt in confusion.

One by one, representatives from each sect repeated the process. Some were disqualified when their faces did not appear in the mirror.

“Evil intentions, fail!” The leader of the Jinyu Group would shout this every time someone failed the test.

The Kushan Sect, being a new sect, was at the bottom of the list. After naming many, the fat leader finally got to their sect.

“Kushan Sect—Senior Disciple Yin Ci—”

There was no response from below.

The fat leader, unfazed, repeated Yin Ci’s name three times. With no sign of Yin Ci, he moved on to the next name.

“Kushan Sect—Servant Yan Qing—”

The word “servant” caused an uproar. Unlike the respectful cheering for Taiheng’s entry, there was ridicule and scorn.

Fortunately, having grown up with ghost eyes, Yan Qing was used to far worse insults from his villagers. He ignored the jeers, and cautiously approached the mirror, fearing it would expose him.

He gently touched the stone base of the mirror.

Suddenly, all surrounding noise ceased. He found himself in an empty space, the once bustling surroundings and brilliant sky now blank and gray. The mirror only reflected his face amidst pitch blackness.

A shrill, elderly voice abruptly resonated in his ears. “Yan Qing, do you acknowledge your sins?”

Yan Qing, bewildered, could only respond with: “…?”

Staring blankly at the mirror, he waited for another statement, but none came. His reflection remained clear without distortion.

Confused, Yan Qing tried to figure out his next move when suddenly, the noise from the crowd returned, flooding his ears.

“Pass!” declared the leader of the Jinyu Group.

Even after putting on the bracelet, Yan Qing was still puzzled by what had happened. Maybe the mirror had the same ability as the Sword of Compassion—a way to gauge a person’s true nature… At least he hadn’t been embarrassed.

Seeing Yan Qing’s dazed expression as he left the stage, Su Si chuckled—his friend had passed the test of the heart and acquired the Sword of Compassion. If he had failed the “Mirror of Judgment,” it would have been a real joke.

He was more worried about Senior Yin, who didn’t seem like a good person.

Yan Qing stepped down not long ago, followed by the tardy arrival of Yin Ci. His face was three times thicker-skinned than Yan Qing, remaining calm amidst a chorus of jeers. To Su Si’s surprise, Yin Ci approached the mirror without hesitation, his actions resolute.

Now it was the turn of the leader of the Jinyu Group to be puzzled. He was stunned for a while before hesitatingly saying “Pass”, his voice noticeably softer than before.

Upon hearing the result, the criticism from the crowd below mostly turned into shock.

“Accepting a servant is one thing, but even the main disciple of Kushan can pass?”

“The Mirror of Judgement reflects one’s sins, requiring a clear conscience… If someone’s thoughts are different from the ordinary, they can still believe themselves to be sinless, right?”

“Maybe it was that Jingzhi who deceived them at that time, deliberately picking innocent people to go on stage.”

……

However, before the crowd could discuss much, their attention was captured by the next announcement—

“Yangsha Sect—Sect Master Shi Zhongyu—”

“Pass!”

“Yangsha Sect—Main disciple Ma Shili—”

“Evil intentions, fail!”

Shi Zhongyu completely ignored Ma Shili’s cursing. She turned her head and looked at Qu Duanyun, who was not far away, with sharp eyes. He looked back openly, without any sign of guilt or retreat.

After distributing the wooden bracelets that represented qualifications, it was time for the combat draw. To demonstrate fairness, the leader of Jinyu Group called on Monk Zhixing from the Jianchen Temple to draw the lots.

Nearby, Yin Ci pushed Shi Jingzhi, who was sitting in a wooden chair, closer to the stage. With the qualifications now settled, several sects retreated to spectator positions, leaving many empty spots.

The surrounding areas were mostly occupied by qualified sects, so no one would openly attack Sect Master Shi. However, up close, Shi Jingzhi’s condition was much worse than rumored. Although the day was temperate, Sect Master Shi’s teeth were tightly clenched, and sweat was dripping from his forehead. Every now and then, he would tug at his disciple’s sleeve, whispering softly.

If people knew what they were talking about, they would probably be even angrier.

“Push me a bit closer… Yes, yes, ah, I almost made a mistake just now. It’s difficult to cast spells from a distance. Zizhu, are you sure you’ve switched every piece of silk?”

“You better focus on your spell. Zhixing is already stiffening up. The young monk is waiting for you, so quickly give him the appropriate signal. Later, I’ll have to switch the lot back.”

The Jinyu Group was very strict about the silk lots. Even someone as skilled as Yin Ci took a lot of effort to switch them—to control the martial arts conference, they had to replace the silk with demon silk, allowing Shi Jingzhi to control each one.

“Senior Chen’s spells are indeed powerful, but they’re a bit hard to control…”

Shi Jing murmured, but his hands inside his sleeves never stopped working. One meticulous spell after another was continuously cast, making him sweat profusely. Fortunately, Monk Zhixing kept a straight face, deliberately slowing down his movements to match, so no one noticed.

In less than an hour, the combat list was set.

Qu Duanyun couldn’t help but smile.

Even if fate truly existed, this time it was on his side. The current combat list was ideal for him—

Yin Ci and Shi Zhongyu were in a separate group. They would have to fight each other first, and the winner would only meet him in the final battle. Before that, all he had to do was eliminate the insignificant servant from the Kushan Sect.

Absolutely perfect.

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The author has something to say:

In the Ghost Tomb—

Everyone: The disciple from the Kushan Sect is just a filler, right?

Martial Arts Conference—

Everyone: The servant from the Kushan Sect is just a filler, right?

Classic re-enactment (×

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