Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

---

Chapter 134: Crisis

Yan Qing asked with grace and courtesy, managing to exude an air of superiority in his demeanor.

Elder Zhou sneered. “If you take the opportunity to step back, you might have a few more days to live. If you continue, I’ll have to break your hands.”

Yan Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “Please proceed, Senior.”

Elder Zhou wasted no further words. He lengthened his face and, with a ferocious shout, charged at Yan Qing once again. His palm power seemed to have reached its peak before, but now, provoked by those ghost eyes, it was even more forceful. In the windless arena, only the sounds of his palms could be heard, like a series of crisp pops. At a glance, Elder Zhou appeared to have a thousand hands, resembling the “Thousand Hands Guanyin*” in his anger.

*A Bodhisattva associated with compassion.

On the other side, after removing his Nuo mask, Yan Qing’s speed had increased several times over. Elder Zhou’s palms cut through the air like countless flying knives, yet Yan Qing, even while wielding the heavy Sword of Compassion, wasn’t touched in the slightest.

Yan Qing, originating from Taiheng Sect, naturally knew of Elder Zhou as a renowned elder and top martial artist. However, after all the troubles he had faced today, he didn’t feel any fear—

After all, Elder Zhou was from Taiheng. Though his moves were filled with righteousness, they were neither as tricky nor as malicious as Su Si’s, nor as unpredictable and cold-hearted as Yin Ci’s. Yan Qing, who had been pummeled by those two as if he were a punching bag, was already accustomed to battling adversaries.

Elder Zhou displayed all his skills, his footwork as unpredictable as a withered vine in the wind. He always remained within three steps of Yan Qing, preventing him from utilizing his stone sword. Yan Qing seemed to be squeezed by an invisible wall, restricted in every movement. The once-dominant Sword of Compassion now felt more like a shield. While he wasn’t as restrained as before, he still couldn’t turn the tide of the battle.

Yet from behind that sword, those fiery red eyes stared intensely at every move Elder Zhou made, as if they were in a deserted realm.

Yan Qing wasn’t just defending; when the timing was right, he would thrust his sword, trying to break through Elder Zhou’s techniques. Every time the blade swung, the wind it raised was heart-shaking. But when this gale touched the skin, it felt as gentle as spring water, devoid of any malicious intent.

The audience below was silent. Although a hundred years had passed, the emergence of the Ghost Tomb was recent. Tales of Yan Budu’s bizarre antics were something everyone grew up hearing.

It was said that most remnants of the Yan Clan were eradicated by the martial world, with the living ones being taken by the Ling Sect. When everyone heard that the main branch of the Ling Sect was destroyed, they breathed a sigh of relief, only to now encounter this wild one.

…And he even held the Sword of Compassion from the Jianchen Temple.

Everyone knew that Monk Kongshi was harmed by Yan Budu, and Monk Zhixing was still watching the battle. Wasn’t this like rubbing salt in the Jianchen Temple’s wounds? To be able to use the Sword of Compassion in battle, they wondered what kind of dark magic this young man used.

On stage, Elder Zhou had mixed feelings.

He wasn’t a shallow person. After a long battle, even if he couldn’t determine Yan Qing’s techniques, he recognized the upright and kind path Yan Qing followed. Techniques revealed one’s heart, and Yan Qing’s ability to fight with the Sword of Compassion might not necessarily mean he used illicit means.

In his anger, Elder Zhou even felt a hint of pity. If this young man weren’t from the Yan lineage, with such character, he would have a promising future.

However, this young man had strayed too far and seemed beyond redemption. Considering his unwavering loyalty to the corrupt Kushan Sect and his heedlessness to Shi Jingzhi’s words, how could he possibly remain untainted?

Distracted by these thoughts, Elder Zhou was caught off guard by Yan Qing’s sudden statement. “Senior, I apologize.”

Yan Qing slightly narrowed his ghost eyes and gave a gentle smile. He took two steps forward, surprisingly sheathing his sword, and plunged barehanded into Elder Zhou’s dizzying array of palm strikes. Using just his hands, he actually exchanged blows with Elder Zhou.

This surprised Elder Zhou, but he knew that Yan Qing lacked experience and had crude movements. One mistake would reveal a flaw, which he could exploit. However, Yan Qing was keenly aware of his disadvantage and didn’t wish to prolong the fight. He purposefully lured Elder Zhou to the edge of the stone stage and suddenly spun around, thrusting his foot towards the Sword of Compassion.

Previously, their close-quarters battle focused on swift and agile movements with little shifting of their stances. Now, Yan Qing’s sudden acceleration caught Elder Zhou at a weak point in his techniques. Elder Zhou, unable to muster enough strength quickly, wasn’t prepared for this move.

However, to attack in this manner, Yan Qing couldn’t set up a proper posture either. Charging a martial arts master with just body momentum was definitely a poor choice.

Unexpectedly, Yan Qing wasn’t attacking. He opened his arms and clasped a shocked Elder Zhou against his chest. Like arrows released from their bows, they shot towards the edge of the stage. A burst of powerful inner force emanated from Yan Qing, making the surrounding air sear with heat.

Was he planning to crash into the ground with both of them?

Elder Zhou, being of old age, couldn’t handle such a forceful move. He quickly retracted the qi from his palms and used his inner force to protect his internal organs. However, when the two landed, Yan Qing actually cushioned Elder Zhou with his own body.

Immediately after, Yan Qing, ignoring the pain from the fall, twisted his body and stopped himself using just his physical strength. Elder Zhou didn’t react in time and was promptly thrown out of the ring.

As Elder Zhou attempted to readjust his stance to re-enter the ring, he realized he was standing on muddy ground.

Having stepped out of the arena, he had already lost.

When Yan Qing initiated his sword move, he had perfectly measured his distance and movement. His intent was to gently throw him out of the arena. Had Elder Zhou not protected his organs with his inner force, he could’ve possibly turned the situation around. But how could Elder Zhou have expected that Yan Qing would cushion him, protecting his opponent in the process.

This kid…

Elder Zhou staggered to his feet, veins bulging on his old and wrinkled neck. “You boy, are you trying to mock me?”

“Senior’s martial arts skills are impressive. I wouldn’t dare,” Yan Qing said, standing at the edge of the stone platform and rubbing his sore back. He looked squarely at Elder Zhou, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly.

“But as Senior age, your body becomes frail. It’s not a reflection on your martial prowess, but a fact of life. To exploit that weakness would be unjust.”

Elder Zhou opened his mouth but found no words to counter.

The leader of the Jinyu Group cleared his throat, announcing with a somewhat numb tone, “Yan Qing of the Kushan Sect—wins!”

The scene became chaotic. Some were devastated by their lost bets, some expressed their discontent, and some were just excited onlookers. A few individuals, holding a grudge against Yan Budu, rushed to the stage, but were stopped by the disciples of the Jinyu Group. The crowd surged, causing some to bump into one another. Nearby, a street doctor set up a stall, and a line of injured people quickly formed.

Yan Qing scanned the crowd, hoping to spot his close friend. But Su Si was nowhere to be found, causing a hint of sadness in Yan Qing’s expression.

Below the stage, no one noticed this subtle shift in mood. The crowd was too caught up in their shock and excitement.

No one had predicted the current situation.

With Shi Zhongyu disqualified, only three participants remained for the final round, and two of them were from the Kushan Sect. If someone had said this a couple of days ago, no one would have believed it.

People’s attention shifted from Yan Qing to Shi Jingzhi below the stage.

Sect Master Shi still had his head lowered, looking weak and trembling slightly. Yin Ci, standing next to him, whispered something in his ear.

“Hold it in,” Yin Ci said with a poker face.

While Shi Jingzhi tried to suppress his laughter, it was clear he wasn’t this jubilant just because Yan Qing had won.

“How much did you bet?” Yin Ci couldn’t help but ask.

“A lot,” Shi Jingzhi replied with satisfaction. “Yan Qing has been training with you for a long time. How could he lose? Now, with this matter settled, I’m going to hire the best carpenter to make a bathtub out of the finest sandalwood…”

Yin Ci: “……” He was starting to miss the days when this person was more dedicated to survival. Back then, Sect Master Shi was as divine as a hawk, but now he seemed more like a peacock displaying its feathers.

But as time passed, the chaos didn’t subside; it escalated. Yan Qing was trapped on the stage, unable to find a way down. Elder Zhou stood there for a long time, and eventually returned to the stage, using his inner force to amplify his voice to its maximum.

“I, from the Taiheng Sect, request a halt to the competition and disqualify the Kushan Sect!”

“Elder Zhou!” Qu Duanyun immediately objected.

Voices of opposition surged. The martial artists might be resigned, but the wealthy commoners who came to watch the fight were unwilling to see the matter end so easily. Everyone had paid good money for this event, not to watch a victory without a fight. Besides, the Young Hero Qu of Taiheng was so promising. Could he really be easily defeated by the seemingly insignificant Kushan Sect?

Elder Zhou fully demonstrated the stubbornness of the Taiheng members, acting as if he hadn’t heard the crowd. “Among the three competitors, two are from the Kushan Sect. Their backgrounds are mysterious, and they surely cannot win the crowd over. Their intentional participation in this tournament, I suspect, is to achieve victory through treacherous means! Taiheng has just lost its leader, and we absolutely cannot allow Sect Master Qu to falter.”

“On this occasion, our sect invited Venerable Zhixing here to confront the two and uphold justice for the Jianchen Temple case. If the Kushan Sect is indeed affiliated with the demonic sect, then doesn’t this competition lose its meaning?”

The minor sects present were clearly irritated. “Elder Zhou, you didn’t speak up early or late, but only when Taiheng seemed disadvantaged. We’ve faced those two monsters as well; aren’t we even more wronged?”

Elder Zhou didn’t falter. “Your words are mistaken. Taiheng can’t hide the truth. According to the rules, we wanted to wait for the martial arts alliance leader to be decided and then have them mediate. Everyone, please be patient. If the Kushan Sect’s qualifications are voided, there will indeed be another competition. Given the current special circumstances, I hope for your understanding.”

The crowd realized—Taiheng clearly didn’t believe that the Kushan Sect could go far, hence such an arrangement. But now that the Kushan fighters had advanced so impressively, Taiheng seemed to be showing its vulnerability.

But this vulnerability had its reasons. Although the minor sects were agitated, they all knew they couldn’t produce a martial arts alliance leader themselves. With the instability in the martial world, Taiheng was the only solid pillar left. If the Kushan Sect truly was from the demonic side and aimed to eradicate this last pillar, then everyone would suffer.

However, Elder Zhou offered hope. If a rematch could be held, even if not for the top position, second or third place would still be considered excellent.

Qu Duanyun stepped onto the stone platform again. He bowed to the fat leader. “My sect member indeed acted rashly, and I apologize for the inconvenience. I don’t mind continuing the competition. I hope the leader will make a decision according to the rules.”

The leader of the Jinyu Gang was also in a dilemma. Small disturbances were good for business, but a significant disturbance would harm the foundation. His eyes swept over Yan Qing, then settled on Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi, humming thoughtfully.

After whispering with his own master for a while, Yin Ci also stepped onto the stage. Just as everyone thought he might refuse, he removed his mask and smiled slightly. “Elder Zhou’s concerns are valid. My sect fears no false accusations, and if a confrontation is needed, so be it.”

The crowd below was silent.

Yan Qing was handsome, but his eerie eyes overshadowed his gentle features. However, looking at the immortal-like appearance of the senior disciple from the Kushan Sect, it was hard to believe he was from a demonic sect.

His voice was pleasant to hear—cool, yet not arrogant, as if one was drinking ice in the heat of summer; incredibly refreshing.

Regardless of the martial artists, ordinary people were always more tolerant towards beautiful individuals. The public was already eager for excitement, and now, with the appearance of this handsome man, they were not ready to give up.

“Continue the fight. Continue!” The crowd below shouted like thunder.

Yin Ci still wore a smile, gesturing for silence before speaking again. “Interrupting the fight would tarnish Taiheng’s reputation as cowards. How about this—let Sect Master Qu and Yan Qing finish their fight today, and we’ll confront each other before the final match.”

He then turned to Qu Duanyun. “After all, Young Hero Qu is skilled. He won’t be harmed by one of my servants.”

Qu Duanyun laughed loudly. “It’s just that the elders of my sect are overly worried. I don’t mind competing until the end. But given the situation, this might be a compromise.”

The Jinyu Group leader, seizing the opportunity, quickly made a decision.

“Tomorrow at noon, Qu Duanyun will face Yan Qing. In the afternoon, the Kushan Sect and the Jianchen Temple will confront each other. Arrangements will be made based on the outcomes!”

That night, in a corner of Wuming Town.

Shi Zhongyu was confined in a makeshift prison, with Ma Shili, the bandit she had brought with her, locked up next to her. Compared to the cursing Ma Shili, Shi Zhongyu was much calmer. She wore the same simple dress from the competition, with its bloodstains prominent.

Ma Shili spat out vulgarities. “…Fought and got caught, and even dragged me into this mess. Can’t hit me now, can you, bitch? After all this fuss, you’re just after money and fame. Acting so high and mighty!”

Shi Zhongyu ignored him, playing with the hairpin she had taken off.

The place was filled with a damp, musty smell. As footsteps approached, a hint of food aroma mixed in. Shi Zhongyu stopped playing with her hairpin and looked up to see Elder Zhou holding a food box.

The box contained steamed chicken and millet soup, her favorites, along with some sheep liver dishes bought from a stall.

“Thank you, Elder Zhou,” Shi Zhongyu said with a bow. “With Jin Lan looking after my meals, these…”

“That boy talks big but always follows the rules. With higher-ups watching, he probably wouldn’t dare bring you anything too good.”

Elder Zhou looked slightly weary as he studied Shi Zhongyu for a moment, then sighed.

“Eat up.”

“What about outside…”

“I wanted the Kushan Sect and the Jianchen Temple to confront each other earlier, but it didn’t work out. Tomorrow is Yan Qing and Qu Duanyun’s competition… Now I understand why you’re defending the Kushan Sect. If nothing else, they’ve trained their subordinates well.”

“Do you also believe the Kushan Sect is trustworthy?”

“Trustworthy? Just because I’ve fought one of their subordinates doesn’t mean I know if they’re trustworthy.”

Elder Zhou’s tone became serious.

“The Yan Clan’s bloodline remains, and it can’t be ignored. I just think it’s unlucky for that boy to be born into the Yan Clan, so I don’t particularly target him. I want to confront them early, settle this matter, and make it easier for everyone.”

“Unfortunately, Sect Master Shi doesn’t understand my intentions. Speaking of harboring intense resentment against evil, no one surpasses that young Qu Duanyun. Once the boy from the Yan Clan falls into Sect Master’s hands, he’s bound to suffer. If dealt with according to the rules as a mere servant, his guilt isn’t grave. At the very least, he would have a few days of peace.”

Shi Zhongyu picked up a piece of steamed chicken with her chopsticks, silently chewing.

“I watched you and Qu Duanyun grow up. Now, I don’t seem to understand what you both are thinking… I told Duanyun before, I’m old and impatient, not suitable to represent Taiheng in combat. It would be better to find a handsome and promising youngster to bring more honor to Taiheng. But he insisted on me participating… Haa, the honor is there…”

Shi Zhongyu paused her chopsticks.

“Because only Elder Zhou is forthright and genuinely cares for the younger generation of the sect. Only someone like this would disregard his own face and suggest the ‘preliminary confrontation’ immediately after losing to the Kushan Sect.”

She looked down, abruptly adding,

“You took the initiative, making it easy for Qu Duanyun to go along with your proposal.”

Elder Zhou choked up, struggling for a while before speaking. “Zhongyu, this isn’t like you. You were never this…”

“This suspicious and pessimistic?” Shi Zhongyu said with self-deprecating humor. “We’ve known each other for a long time; I can see through his intentions.”

“Lao Qi sent you away for your own good, to give you time to cool off. The succession of Duanyun as the Sect Master was already decided. You don’t have to…”

“Master did it for my good, I have no doubts. And it’s not that I’m jealous of Qu Duanyun. Elder Zhou, thank you for the meal. You should go back and rest.”

She smiled slightly.

“I believe in the Kushan Sect, and I have my reasons.”

Facing Shi Zhongyu’s smile, Elder Zhou didn’t know what to say. He stood there for a long time, finally picking up the emptied food container.

“Kid, take care,” the old man said sorrowfully. “The current situation is perilous, and Taiheng has been severely weakened. I can’t even understand the thoughts of those around me anymore. Time spares no one…”

“It’s not your fault, Elder Zhou.”

From behind the prison bars, Shi Zhongyu’s tone remained calm.

“Elder Zhou… Uncle Zhou, rest assured, the spirit of Taiheng won’t scatter. This chaos will be resolved tomorrow.”

“Smelly bitch, share some chicken with me!” The two spoke quietly, so Ma Shili couldn’t hear. Suddenly he shouted, “Old man, come over and buy me some wine—”

With a snap, several veins bulged on Elder Zhou’s neck. He rolled up his sleeves angrily and went to the next cell. Soon after, Ma Shili’s screams echoed throughout the courtyard.

That night, he lay on the ground, groaning, without the energy to insult Shi Zhongyu.

The next day, more people surrounded the arena. The three remaining participants were young and handsome, which meant there wasn’t a more thrilling show than this.

Not to mention, there was also the showdown between the Kushan Sect and the Jianchen Temple in the afternoon. Who didn’t love excitement?

At this moment, Yan Qing and Qu Duanyun were already standing in the arena. Yan Qing wore a neat, rust-colored linen suit. His hair, though not long, was quite coarse and tied back in a somewhat messy ponytail. He still had that slightly confused yet gentle expression. If not for his eerie eyes, his demeanor would seem completely harmless.

Qu Duanyun, on the other hand, wore the signature embroidered white robes of Taiheng. His hair was neatly tied back, held with a fine jade belt. The usual smile was absent from his face, replaced by an imposing aura. The long sword in his hand emitted a blinding light. It was the Guanwu Sword retrieved from the Ghost Tomb.

“Please enlighten me, Sect Master Qu.” Yan Qing saluted with his hand.

Qu Duanyun courteously returned the gesture. “To have maneuvered the situation to this point, Sect Master Shi does have some skills.”

Yan Qing looked puzzled.

“You and I are communicating through our inner force; the audience below can’t hear us.” Qu Duanyun smiled. “His ‘Shirou key’ is probably still with him. He plans to have his senior disciple attain the position of Alliance Leader. Afterwards, during the confrontation, he can turn the tables and gain control of the Shirou.”

Yan Qing: “Oh, they never mentioned this to me.”

Qu Duanyun: “……”

Yan Qing earnestly continued, “Senior Yin told me to fight as far as I can, without forcing myself. Anyway, the Sect Master won’t pay me extra. This is just a good opportunity to practice.”

Qu Duanyun: “You possess royal blood, and yet you willingly serve them?”

Yan Qing: “Demonic blood, royal blood, is there much difference? Both are troublesome. I’ve just escaped one pitfall, why would I want to jump into another?”

Qu Duanyun paused for a moment, then laughed instead of getting angry. “True to the character of a sect started by a Child of Desire, those he recruited have some personality.”

He raised his Guanwu Sword, and the aura around him suddenly became sharp. It felt vast like the ocean, yet cold and piercing like a sudden winter rain.

“Words are futile. Let’s begin.”

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>