Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 132: Eight People

During the duel that evening, the night sky was cloudless. The abandoned house’s courtyard was dimly lit, without even a lamp burning.

Yin Ci merged with the night as he approached like a ghost. He knocked Yan Qing’s sword out of his hand for the fifth time. He held back his strength, but Yan Qing’s wrist was still swollen and red. Yan Qing didn’t utter a word; he just obediently picked up his sword and carefully pondered his own mistakes.

Yin Ci remained silent, just observing the man before him.

In terms of talent, Yan Qing was gifted, but not as much as Qu Duanyun. In terms of knowledge, since he had served his father from a young age, his literacy was mostly gleaned from eavesdropping on others reading aloud, even less than Qu Duanyun. Yan Qing had been a member of the Kushan sect for less than a year and had only learned the basics of Taiheng martial arts. If he had any self-awareness, he should be worried about his situation.

The Kushan Sect had a bad reputation so Qu Duanyun wouldn’t be polite to them. If Su Si was the one dueling, the Young Patriarch Su would have probably run away long ago.

However, Yan Qing just held his wrist, lost in thought. After a long while, he took his stance again, seemingly without any worry.

This man knew nothing of their plans but still entrusted them with deep trust. When they were scavenging the Ghost Tomb, they truly found a gem.

Yin Ci’s thoughts were interrupted by a recent discussion.

“Zizhu, you pair up with Shi Zhongyu. Yan Qing will pair up with Qu Duanyun.”

Shi Jing Zhi swallowed his porridge unhappily, showing no aura of a sect leader, but his words were serious.

“Shi Zhongyu chose this occasion to meet with Qu Duanyun. There must be a reliable backup plan. Since we’re from Kushan and can’t serve the public, you should find a reason to lose to her.”

“Would Shi Zhongyu agree?” Unless she lost her memory after returning from the Mishan sect, she would notice that Yin Ci was going easy.

Shi Jingzhi put down his porridge bowl, rubbing his paws, looking forward to the future with anticipation.

“Qu Duanyun’s misconduct towards his fellow sect members will come to light. Whether he can become the martial alliance leader or even keep his position as sect leader is questionable. At that time, Shi Zhongyu will win without a fight, and we can exchange this favor!”

Considering the chaos, Shi Zhongyu might not refuse the position of martial alliance leader.

To outsiders, this fox remained the same, calculating every move. Fortunately, his direction was correct and wouldn’t deeply offend anyone.

“Yan Qing has a good temperament. He just lacks experience. We have given Qu Duanyun such a big advantage; he should serve as a sparring partner.” Shi Jingzhi imagined happily. “You see, isn’t it a great deal?”

Yin Ci paused. “What about Su Si?”

“…Do you remember the attitude of the Sword of Compassion? If he faces the Mirror of Judgement, it might warn on the spot.”

By now, Young Patriarch Su was openly acknowledging that he was “a bad seed”. If not for the mirror that could differentiate between good and evil, this would be considered a twisted form of “having a clear conscience”.

Yin Ci understood. “You know I’m not asking about that. Since leaving the Northwest, you have had him do menial tasks. This time, it’s better to give Su Si something proper to do.”

“Oh, favoring one servant over another?” Shi Jingzhi snorted. “I’ve been in a bad mood and didn’t want to bother.”

Yin Ci frowned at him.

Shi Jingzhi took advantage, his eyes brightening. “Zizhu, you’re becoming more and more like my exclusive general. Why worry so much? Even if Su Si rebels, you can stop him.”

Every time Yin Ci recalled this, he felt there were deeper meanings in these words. Just as he was pondering the memory, he was interrupted.

“Senior Yin,” Yan Qing said, breaking Yin Ci’s reverie.

“You can rest.”

“No, I was just wondering, if that mirror is for judging sins, why could Qu Duanyun pass it?” Yan Qing wiped the sweat from his face. “I heard from A’Si that both the death of Sect Master Qi and the attack on Taiheng’s subordinates were related to him…”

“Yes, he probably knew about the disaster caused by the ‘Invitation to God Formation’ of the Ling Sect.”

“Qu Duanyun clearly harmed others. Isn’t that considered a sin?”

“He holds a high position in the Immortal Assembly, and knowing some dispelling techniques is normal.”

Yan Qing leaned on his sword, hesitating a bit, his face still in deep thought.

“Why worry about all this while practicing your sword?”

“Using magic to conceal himself would mean he feels guilty for his own sins. If he truly felt ‘guilt-free’, it can only be said that he sees himself as a “greater good”, even if it means sacrificing the innocent. The more I know about him, the better. Knowing what kind of person Sect Master Qu is, I’ll know how to fight him.”

Seeing Yan Qing’s serious expression, Yin Ci smiled. “Do you want to defeat him?”

“I’ve never thought of winning,” Yan Qing replied calmly.

“But I never thought of losing either.”

For the next few days, the weather was clear, and the tournament proceeded as expected.

The minor sects fought hard that day even Qu Duanyun, a strong competitor, took his opponents very seriously, unlike some sects—

The senior disciple of the Kushan Sect seemed to be experimenting with new sword techniques against his opponents. He didn’t even consider them a threat. Sometimes he’d poke here, then thrust there. His opponents felt like mice under a cat’s paw, many preferring to jump off the stage, surrendering their wooden bracelets, rather than endure such torment.

Is this person from a demonic sect?

Although Yin Ci played around, his skill was clear. Many bet heavily on him, hoping for a showdown between him and Shi Zhongyu.

Others were more concerned about Monk Zhixing taking action on stage. The Kushan Sect was an enemy of the Jianchen Temple. Given previous betrayals, it was surprising that Zhixing managed to keep his temper.

Yan Qing effectively used the “Sword of Compassion”. No matter the weapons his opponents wielded, he would hurl the Sword of Compassion at them.

Everyone there knew of the sword’s capabilities. No one knew how deep their own obsessions were, and they dared not risk being crushed by the weight of the sword. They had to dodge. But once they moved, Yan Qing would easily kick them off the stage. Using this tactic, Yan Qing progressed further than expected.

This kind of competition, devoid of any chivalry, almost caused public outrage. Wasn’t it just about wielding the “Sword of Compassion”? Even if you tied it to a monkey, the monkey could do it!

Fortunately, by tomorrow, the contestants for the final battle would be decided. The journey of this servant, sneaking through the competition, was likely at its end.

As the unknown competitors were eliminated, the atmosphere became more and more lively. Famous figures like Qu and Shi and the universally challenged Kushan Sect went without saying. Even after the chaos of the “Shirou” incident, various sects still retained some of their masters—

Although the Changle Sect lost their “Stick Sect Master” in the Ghost Tomb, this time they’ve put forward a standout, the “Sack Sect Master”. Knowing he would face Yin Ci, he didn’t seem worried at all. On the contrary, he twirled his little finger and stroked his beard, appearing completely confident.

There was also a relatively unknown sect called Jiu Tianhui. They sent a pair of twin youths to compete. Although not renowned, their skills and tactics were impressive at first glance. The two were placed in different groups, and neither had been eliminated yet.

“Only eight people left, excluding Taiheng. How come not a single person from Kushan has been eliminated?”

“It’s just dumb luck. Have you seen him? That’s the leader of the Changle Sect, Sect Master Xu. Who knows what techniques he’s learned? He’s been on a winning streak… But that surname Yin—he’s ruthless when he strikes. This match is hard to predict.”

“Those two from Jiu Tianhui are impressive. It’s a pity Lin Xun and Lin Zhen aren’t in the same group; I really wanted to see the twins compete. Lin Zhen is up against Qu Duanyun this time and probably won’t win. Lin Xun is facing Shi Zhongyu, so that should be interesting.”

“That servant from Kushan is facing Elder Zhou of Taiheng. I guess throwing the sword won’t work this time. If only the Jianchen Temple had participated. Someone would have long taught that lunatic a lesson for throwing the Sword of Compassion around so recklessly.”

“Place your bets, place your bets! Nothing else to say; let’s first bet on Elder Zhou of Taiheng to win…”

Countless spectators arrived upon hearing the news. The Jinyu Group began encouraging people to place bets with their spare change, making a quick buck. Seeing the number of contestants drop from eight to four, the crowd’s enthusiasm surged to an unprecedented level.

Yin Ci couldn’t be bothered with the noisy crowd, let alone Sect Master Xu trying to cozy up to him. Who would have thought that this sack-like robust man, paying no heed to others’ feelings, would eagerly follow all the way to the abandoned house?

Everyone knew that the Kushan Sect was staying here. It was necessary for Shi Jingzhi to continue his charade of being sick. Out of patience, Yin Ci turned and responded, “If Sect Master Xu has something to say, let’s discuss it after tomorrow’s battle.”

Sect Master Xu continued to smile. “We are going to face off tomorrow. It’s a sort of fate. I’ve admired Brother Yin for a long time. Why not share a drink together to ensure we don’t ruin the mood tomorrow?”

Yin Ci was getting increasingly annoyed. Yan Qing was out practicing his swordsmanship, and Su Si had predictably followed him. At this moment, he was alone, and he really didn’t feel like brewing tea for this persistently sticky guest.

“There’s no need.”

However, just as he finished speaking, a sharp scent of blood rushed into his nostrils. Yin Ci’s face changed, and he noticed that the ever-smiling Sect Master Xu’s expression had deepened. “You are too polite, Brother Yin.”

As the door to the dilapidated house opened, Yin Ci saw Shi Jingzhi being held hostage.

Shi Jingzhi looked pale, with a pitiful tilt to his head. His long hair was speckled with bits of grass, and there were fresh blood stains at the corner of his mouth. The captor stood behind the wooden chair with a dagger against Shi Jingzhi’s neck, the blade pressing against his skin.

Shi Jingzhi’s mask was removed, revealing his charming face in full display. He genuinely looked as if he was… speechless.

‘This fox is really getting into the act,’ Yin Ci thought.

The kidnapper, with mediocre martial arts skills, definitely couldn’t hurt Shi Jingzhi. This situation made Shi Jingzhi seem more like he was enjoying the play rather than being “faithfully pretending to be ill”.

“A’Ci, save Master!” Shi Jingzhi cried out weakly.

Yin Ci sighed. “Sect Master Xu, what is the meaning of this? The Changle Sect is a reputable sect. Why this hostage situation?”

“I am nowhere near your level,” Sect Master Xu confessed. “I know I’d lose to you in tomorrow’s battle. The Kushan Sect’s reputation isn’t great, so why bother taking a spot in the competition?”

As he spoke, he took out a small compass. It spun in his palm before settling on a certain sign.

“My Changle Sect suffered greatly in the Ghost Tomb, but we were favored by the gods. I obtained this little object which can discern strength and weakness…”

“So you intend to bully the weak and threaten the strong?” Yin Ci sneered.

Sect Master Xu scoffed. “This is the first time for threats. For the others, I just bribed them. Besides dreamers like you, who really wants the ‘Shirou’ from Taiheng? Everyone else is just after fame or fortune, and that can be negotiated.”

Yin Ci remained silent, observing him.

The Changle Sect indeed suffered a lot. Its reputation had always been average, and recent events were just adding insult to injury. Sect Master Xu’s actions were clearly driven by a desire for recognition, to restore some of the Changle Sect’s dignity in the martial world.

Seeing Yin Ci so calm, sweat formed on Sect Master Xu’s forehead. He gathered himself, insisting, “Fortunately, Kushan isn’t a renowned sect. If I act today, and face the Mirror of Judgment tomorrow, I can still have a clear conscience. As for your master, we will hold onto him. After you lose to me tomorrow, we will return him to you, safe and sound.”

Sect Master Xu had decent martial arts, but he had never dealt with such hostage situations before. His face almost betrayed the words “fierce in appearance but faint-hearted”. The man holding Shi Jingzhi hostage didn’t possess a shred of malice. A little bit of pressure, and the situation could be resolved.

“So, it’s like that,” Yin Ci remarked. “At this age, still blindly believing in those magical artifacts, no wonder the Changle Sect hasn’t prospered. Just from watching a few fights, you think you have everything under control—”

Suddenly, the smell of blood intensified.

Almost instinctively, Yin Ci activated the disaster-warding talisman with one hand and swung his Hanging Shadow Sword with the other. A powerful murderous intent surged around, and even before his gaze shifted, the tip of his sword pierced through the palm of the kidnapper.

The man immediately screamed in pain as his short knife clattered to the ground.

“What happened? I didn’t even speak; why did you act?!” The shock on the face of Sect Master Xu was no less than Yin Ci’s. The sudden eruption of murderous intent was terrifying. His legs went weak, and he almost fell flat on his backside.

“I… I don’t know… He just moved suddenly, and my hand slipped…” The kidnapper, being mediocre in martial arts, had never seen such a display of power. Overwhelmed by the suffocating aura imbued with bloodlust, he wet his pants in fear.

Shi Jingzhi slightly tilted his head, revealing a moderately deep cut on his elegant neck. Blood flowed unceasingly from it. The wound wasn’t fatal, but it was disturbing to look at.

Yin Ci, captivated by the sight of the blood, forgot about seeking vengeance. He rushed over to Shi Jingzhi and hurriedly bandaged the wound. The two from the Changle Sect wouldn’t dare make threats any longer. They scrambled and tumbled toward the door, desperate to flee. Just as Yin Ci was about to unleash his sword qi to forcefully “invite” them to stay, a pale, cold hand suddenly reached out, gripping Yin Ci’s wrist tightly.

“Shh, it’s okay.”

Shi Jingzhi finally moved. He raised a blood-stained finger, placing it gently over his lips. The vivid red blood on his lips was startlingly bright. His long, smooth hair draped down, and the hand that held Yin Ci was cold and pale, but the blood dripping from the wound was scorching hot.

His eyes sparkled as always, displaying the perfect mix of mischief.

“Don’t chase.”

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