Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

---

Chapter 135: Victory or Defeat

This duel was supposed to be a foregone conclusion, as no one expected Yan Qing to win. However, having Yan Budu’s descendant wield the Sword of Compassion against the young leader of Taiheng sounded like quite the spectacle. When news spread from the Yueshui Pavilion, the number of spectators multiplied, making the Jinyu Group a fortune. The fat Jinyu leader’s gloom came and went.

Su Si, carrying a bulging sack, was disguised as a dark-skinned old farmer and fixed his gaze on the stage. Today, the crowd was especially thick. Someone behind him stumbled and almost fell onto him. A loud honk erupted from the sack, followed by a sharp pinch on the man’s hand, causing him to hastily retreat.

“Geese that will be sold tomorrow,” Su Si remarked in a changed voice.

The man, rough-skinned and of middle age, presumably a laborer, smiled. Seeing the “old man” in front of him, he didn’t take it seriously. “Elder, you’re here for the show too?”

“Passing by after the town’s market. Just taking a look,” Su Si replied vaguely, his gaze still on Yan Qing.

Today’s sunlight was especially bright. Something shimmered on the Sword of Compassion. The longevity lock he gave Yan Qing swayed in the light; with everyone watching, Yan Qing was hardly bothered by any gossip.

Su Si, though having sharp thoughts, couldn’t help but smile at the corners of his mouth.

“You’re leaving at noon? You’ll miss out,” the man exclaimed, unfazed by the goose. “The real drama is in the afternoon. See that monk over there? He’s a witness to the Jianchen Temple tragedy. After the duel, he’s set to confront the Kushan Sect. It promises to be as thrilling as an official trial!”

“We common folk have to work. The market waits for no one.”

“Well, why not sell the goose here? The Taiheng heroes have plenty of money. Maybe they’ll fancy roast goose for dinner.”

As he spoke, there was furious fluttering from the sack. Even through the sack, a goose tried its best to bite him.

The laborer yelped and scrambled back. “Alright, alright, Grandpa Goose. Let’s talk about something else. Elder, aren’t you curious? This confrontation isn’t ordinary. Who knows what tricks the Kushan Sect might pull.”

“Tricks?”

Their conversation, unguarded and loud, drew attention. When the laborer realized he was the center of attention, he became more animated. “Absolutely, the Kushan Sect is full of monsters. I and my fellow porters carried their baggage. I heard clearly; the entire Kushan Sect consists of monsters!”

Su Si chuckled.

The laborer, or rather, the shoe-faced porter, continued excitedly, “Have you seen the appearance of the senior disciple and his master? How can ordinary people grow into that appearance? The master and disciple of the Kushan Sect are clearly foxes in disguise! The servants they’ve taken in are also suspicious. See that? One’s a descendant of a demonic lord, and the other is said to be a snake demon. None are good folks!”

Snake Demon Su Si: “…”

He was curious about what species Shoe Face had attributed to him before Yan Qing’s “Heir of the Yan Clan” identity was revealed.

Hopefully, not a goose.

Thinking of Yan Qing’s stubborn demeanor, Su Si couldn’t contain his smile. Unfortunately, he couldn’t greet his close friend later; he had important matters to attend to.

Commoners loved such mystical rumors. They urged the porter to continue, and he spoke more proudly, spraying saliva as he went. “The old fox is running out of magical power, so he’s after the Shirou to maintain his human form. Did you notice him sitting on the wooden chair, wrapped in fur? That’s to hide his tail! By the afternoon, with the sun at its peak, once Taiheng uses their techniques, both master and disciple will reveal their true forms… Hey, hey, elder, why are you leaving just when it’s getting good?”

On the stage, the two fighters were also at a climax.

The Guanwu Sword, known as Taiheng’s top sword, was said to be made from a thousand-year-old yantie. Its blade glowed with heat, yet without any red hue. Even without wielding, a casual touch could cause burns. Taiheng specially sealed it with a cold jade sheath, pairing the shining blade with a pure white sheath, looking as serene and beautiful as snow-laden white plum blossoms.

In contrast, the Sword of Compassion looked more like a stone cutting board. If forced to praise, one could only say it was “simple and unadorned”.

Both fighters followed very righteous martial paths. The ground shook as their moves clashed, creating waves of heat. Though it was spring, the area around the stage felt like the height of summer.

To insist on the difference, Qu Duanyun fought with unrestrained passion, while Yan Qing remained gentle and conservative. Even after his intense battle with Elder Zhou, Yan Qing still felt like he was facing a wave of molten iron, unable to defend against the overwhelming and scorching sword qi.

Facing such a formidable opponent, Yan Qing tightly held the Sword of Compassion, while sweat glistened as it slid down his cheek.

He knew Qu Duanyun was strong, but he never imagined he could be this formidable. The last time they confronted each other at the main branch of the Chigou Sect, this person didn’t even use his full strength.

Yin Ci was among the strongest individuals Yan Qing had ever met. Yan Qing once believed that no matter how strong Qu Duanyun was, he should be slightly weaker than Yin Ci. But now, it seemed that Qu Duanyun was more than capable of going toe-to-toe with Yin Ci.

Qu Duanyun’s inner force was roughly 40% less than that of Sect Master Shi. But considering Shi Jingzhi wasn’t an ordinary person, Qu Duanyun’s inner force was enough to dominate the martial world. Not to mention, his external martial arts were 40% stronger than Sect Master Shi. Coupled with his profound inner force, he could spar evenly with Yin Ci, who lacked inner force.

…To reach such a level, one must be exceptionally talented and also engage in relentless daily practice. Clearly, Qu Duanyun wasn’t someone who aimed high without the skills to back it up.

This wasn’t good.

Yin Ci excelled in his intricate and seasoned techniques, with an aura as cold as a winter spring. Shi Jingzhi’s strength lay in his intuition and full mastery of inner force; his moves were unpredictable, and his aura contained the might of the universe, pure and unblemished.

However, Qu Duanyun was different. Whether it’s his techniques or his aura, both could be summarized with the word “domineering”.

“What’s the matter? You weren’t so restrained just now.”

Noticing Yan Qing’s extra caution, Qu Duanyun spoke in a deep voice.

“If you know you are no match, why not finish this quickly and not waste time… Yan Qing, do you intend to hide the whole day?”

Qu Duanyun showed no signs of fatigue. He glanced at Shi Jingzhi and sheathed his sword—

With a soft whoosh, gasps erupted from the audience below. A golden flame ignited on the Guanwu Sword, causing a burning sensation in the eyes. Qu Duanyun, emulating Shi Zhongyu, also used his inner force to produce pure yang fire, a move identical to Shi Jingzhi’s “Yang Fire Flag”.

Yan Qing was shocked on the spot, staring in disbelief.

Having spent ten years in Taiheng, Yan Qing had seen all sorts of Taiheng disciples and knew the limits of mortals. According to Senior Yin, Qu Duanyun was likely an exceptional “monster material”. And Yan Qing had his identity verified in Yuanxian Village, confirming he was a mortal.

Qu Duanyun had superior talent, a better environment, more training time, and possibly even more diligence. The accumulation of skills over time didn’t lie, and in every aspect. Yan Qing felt completely outclassed by Qu Duanyun. Some people were born to soar in the sky, while others were destined to be stuck in the mud. No matter how society glorified “hard work conquers all”, these inherent differences couldn’t be ignored.

“What do you really want?”

During their next clash of blades, Yan Qing asked hoarsely.

“You’ve already achieved power and wealth, standing at the pinnacle of the world’s fortune. Why target the Sect Master? What do you really want? To become immortal?”

Qu Duanyun sneered. “What if I do? What if I don’t?”

“You know that Yan Budu is a member of the royal family and belongs to the Immortal Assembly. You should know his fate… Yan Budu spent his life wanting to become immortal but took his own life just before achieving it. Sect Master Qu should be more sensible.”

“As the old saying goes, ‘How can sparrows understand the ambitions of swans?*'” Qu Duanyun sighed. “I have nothing to say to you.”

*Proverb used to describe a situation where someone with limited perspective or experience cannot comprehend the lofty ambitions or aspirations of another.

The two communicated through their inner force, and Qu Duanyun didn’t hide his contempt.

Instead of getting answers, Yan Qing didn’t even get a hint of information. Struggling defensively, he tasted bitterness in his mouth. Qu Duanyun’s sword moves were like raging waves, scorching Yan Qing’s robes. His body was covered in bleeding wounds, and not a spot was left unharmed. At some point, his hair tie had snapped, leaving his hair messy and soaked in blood, making him look extremely disheveled.

Despite this, Yan Qing felt relieved. Thankfully, A’Si wasn’t in the audience. Him looking like this would be too embarrassing, and if A’Si saw it, he would definitely scold him.

Though the outcome seemed clear, Qu Duanyun didn’t stop, and Yan Qing, stubborn as he was, didn’t yield, continuing this one-sided torment.

Having sustained severe injuries, Yan Qing would soon be imprisoned by Taiheng. “Dying soon without treatment” would be a logical explanation.

It seemed Qu Duanyun knew that Yan Qing had a clear conscience. He feared that if Yan Qing was imprisoned for too long, the members of Taiheng would start doubting the belief that “the descendants of the Yan Clan are destined to die”, and would pity Yan Qing, who can wield the Sword of Compassion.

The fact that Yan Zheng was protected by a member of Taiheng was probably known to Qu Duanyun to some extent. He acted in this manner to completely eliminate any unforeseen possibilities. Given Yan Qing’s identity as a Yan Clan descendant, no one in the audience found it inappropriate. The cheering grew louder and louder, causing Yan Qing’s ears to ring painfully.

Even after a hundred years, the world remained unchanged.

“Do you want to take action?” Even though Sect Master Shi didn’t regard outsiders as significant, Yan Qing was someone he protected. Seeing such a tragic situation, he really couldn’t bear to watch.

“Wait a bit longer. I’ve fought with that kid before; he hasn’t reached his limit.”

“I… I’ll raise his monthly pay… Ah, you’re clearly behind him. Why must he go to such extremes?”

“Jingzhi, I’ve led many soldiers and seen numerous talents. Such talents are naturally exceptional, and by logic, if they are willing to strive, ordinary people can’t catch up.”

Yin Ci stared intently at the stage.

“But we’ve both seen the records of the Jianchen Temple. What Yan Qing holds now is a sword made by ‘mortals’.”

Shi Jingzhi made an accurate guess during the battle. Qu Duanyun was Yan Qing’s best opponent. Whether or not he could understand the key lies in Yan Qing himself—

Under the clear sky and surrounded by a not-so-busy village, his opponent’s sword technique was fierce, and the burn on his body was heart-wrenchingly painful. In a daze, Yan Qing seemed to be back in a corner of Xizhuang, by the stove, during a hot summer.

The woodshed was as torturous as the scorching heat. He was knocked over by his drunken father, and a red-hot iron rod ruthlessly jabbed him.

[The meat served just now has gone bad. You little bastard, did you do it on purpose? Did you want to poison me?]

[There’s no well in our home, and the meat can’t be kept in this heat. Father… That’s the last piece, but it’s still edible.]

[Bullshit, serving your own father spoiled meat. You must be trying to poison me!] His explanations were in vain; his father didn’t listen at all. [What’s that burnt smell? Good rice got burnt again, and you say it’s not deliberate!]

Because he was being beaten and pressed on the ground, he couldn’t stand or watch over the fire. But Yan Qing wisely stayed silent—if he continued explaining, the beating might become even harsher.

Even if he screamed for help, no villagers would assist. Perhaps some were even watching the scene from outside the courtyard.

[That’s more like it.]

Seeing Yan Qing not resisting, his father finally let go with satisfaction.

[With your physique trying to harm me? You knew you couldn’t win, so why bother doing these unnecessary things… Remember, life is given by the heavens. This is all you’ll ever be in this life.]

Memories and reality intertwined. Yan Qing shook his dazed head and mechanically continued to defend. The opponent’s sword qi became stronger. His carefully tied longevity lock’s rope was severed, and the small silver lock fell to the ground with a clink.

Qu Duanyun glanced at the longevity lock and snorted disdainfully.

Two sounds echoed, merging into one thunderous boom.

Yan Qing suddenly smiled. Amidst the sweat and blood, this smile seemed exceptionally innocent but also eerie. He abandoned defense, rolled forward, and held the longevity lock tightly.

“I understand now,” he murmured. “So that’s how it is.”

Before Qu Duanyun could react, Yan Qing thrust the stone sword into the stone platform. The stones, which couldn’t withstand the muyan stone, were shattered. The Sword of Compassion flicked the stones, making them fly; each was incredibly heavy. Qu Duanyun’s sword was slim and couldn’t defend against so many fragments, forcing him to retreat.

“Child’s play.”

“Yes, child’s play.” Yan Qing laughed. “Aren’t we just competing with these little tricks?”

The aura of the Compassionate Sword was firm but not sharp. Its sword wind lifted up the stone fragments, making them hover in the air for a long time without falling. Qu Duanyun’s vision was limited, so he resorted to using his sword qi to split the stones. However, the more he split, the more fragments were produced, becoming increasingly obstructive.

Venerable Kongshi was also a mortal, whose strength should theoretically be inferior to Yan Budu. In worldly competitions, what was being measured wasn’t just “superiority”. With a single question, there were thousands of answers, and “martial skills” was just one of them.

As for mortals against monster materials, the key to victory…

The Sword of Compassion was dim and lacked radiance. It could cover more than half of Yan Qing, blending with the shards on the stone platform, making them almost indistinguishable. Not to mention the stones that were suspended unstably by Yan Qing’s sword qi, swaying and dazzling the eyes. The piercing Guanwu, on the other hand, was incredibly bright. At a glance, one could tell where Qu Duanyun was.

The situation on the stage changed suddenly, and the spectators below were like choked chickens and ducks, instantly falling silent.

Ding.

The sound of silverware colliding with stone echoed. Qu Duanyun instinctively turned in the opposite direction.

He had just noticed the person placing the longevity lock in his arms. It seemed like another minor trick, a diversion. All he needed to do was calculate Yan Qing’s most advantageous attack position, and then he could strike with a single blow—

Unexpectedly, before he could release his sword qi, he was suddenly kicked in the lower back.

Yan Qing jumped out right where the collision sound came from, moving as fast as lightning. He put all his strength into this kick, creating a muffled sound of tearing wind. Qu Duanyun, with all his experience, exploded with inner force in an attempt to stabilize himself. But at that moment, Yan Qing threw the Sword of Compassion, aiming straight at his back.

He had no choice but to dodge.

Qu Duanyun gritted his teeth and turned in mid-air. Theoretically, without Yan Qing’s sword, the sword wind should dissipate instantly, and all the broken stones should fall to the ground. However, after Yan Qing threw his sword, he mimicked Elder Zhou’s palm technique. Yan Qing, accustomed to using a large sword, imperfectly copied the technique. The resulting palm wind was rough and weak, posing no threat.

But it was enough to move the stones.

A stone slab stood upright and was angled just as Qu Duanyun was about to land, and the palm wind tilted it even further.

From the moment the longevity lock fell to the tilting of the stone slab, everything happened in an instant.

Qu Duanyun thought he had found his footing when suddenly the stone slab beneath him tilted. Unable to maintain his balance, he stumbled a step and fell off the stage along with the slab. The height of the arena wasn’t much, and when the sole of Qu Duanyun’s boots touched the ground, it was almost silent.

Yet that one step was like a silent explosion, immediately silencing the whole audience.

For a moment, people couldn’t even grasp what had happened.

“You actually resemble Yan Budu more.” Yan Qing half-crouched on the stage, speaking softly. The arena was so silent that his low voice was crystal clear. “You took our fight seriously, but deep down, you never considered me a real opponent or looked at me from a ‘human’ perspective.”

He gave a bitter smile, opened his blood-covered hand, and revealed the simple-looking longevity lock.

“Your moves are sharp, and your sword carries yang fire. If it hits this, it will be completely destroyed. When I picked it up earlier, I didn’t hide my treasured affection for it. Why would I use my cherished item as a mere distraction?”

Qu Duanyun stood dazed. It was unclear if he was even listening.

“This was a flaw I intentionally left. If you had taken me seriously as an opponent and remembered me, you would not have misjudged… Sect Master Qu, I thought you were a worthy opponent.”

Yan Qing sighed and continued.

“What a pity.”

---

The author has something to say:

Qu Duanyun is not yet qualified for the master and disciple to take action against (?

After all, they have to face the real boss XD

---

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