Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 136: Confrontation

At first, the crowd was as silent as still water. Gradually, this stillness began to boil, and the noise and shouting grew louder. Some were panicking, and others were booing and jeering. Everyone believed there were only two possible outcomes—either Qu Duanyun would win easily or Qu Duanyun would win with difficulty. The idea that “Taiheng Qu Duanyun would lose” hadn’t crossed anyone’s wildest thoughts.

He was, after all, a mere servant of the Kushan Sect, responsible for tasks like fetching water and lighting fires—not even considered a disciple!

Now, it turned into a contest between the Kushan Sect’s senior disciple and its servant. Given their respective standings within the sect, the senior disciple should be the winner. How did the Kushan Sect, which hadn’t even managed to clear its name from recent controversies, suddenly produce an Alliance Leader out of nowhere?

Fortunately, a few sober-minded individuals were calling out for verification and seeking the consensus of the masses. Otherwise, the rough and unskilled members of the Jinyu Group would certainly not have been able to control the gamblers who had lost everything.

Monk Zhixing looked coldly at the chaos below, his hands clasped together, silently reciting Buddhist scriptures. The two martial monks behind him stood still, so motionless that one couldn’t even notice their breath.

Finally, Qu Duanyun snapped back to reality.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, he didn’t challenge Yan Qing but turned his gaze to Shi Jingzhi. However, the sect leader feigned ignorance, not meeting his gaze.

Qu Duanyun took a deep breath and said loudly, “I admit defeat. I await the Leader’s next arrangements.”

Arrangements? What arrangements? The leader of the Jinyu Group, having made a fortune from the betting, felt both delighted and uneasy, making his smile somewhat twisted. Rubbing his plump hands together, he said, “Everyone, please calm down. Let’s have lunch. After the afternoon verification, we will proceed with the competition—”

Yan Qing, leaning on his Sword of Compassion, stumbled off the stage. He looked around, still unable to spot his close friend.

“Don’t go back to the house. Rest nearby,” Yin Ci, checking Yan Qing’s pulse, advised. “Visit the physician over there. The Sect Master can’t take your pulse at the moment.”

Fortunately, Qu Duanyun had shown restraint in front of a large audience, not resorting to lethal techniques. Yan Qing looked battered and pitiful, but he hadn’t sustained any critical injuries.

“Where’s A’Si?”

“I don’t know. He always likes to wander, and his martial arts skills are pretty good. A person like him won’t be easily lost.”

“But…” Whenever Yan Qing got injured in the past, Su Si would always be the first to scold him. Now, after an earth-shattering fight with Qu Duanyun, Su Si was nowhere to be found, which was highly unusual.

“I should go back and check.”

“You can’t,” Shi Jingzhi chimed in. “Your identity as the Yan Clan heir has been revealed. Big sects might leave you alone, but some smaller ones might seek revenge. Stay here and don’t go anywhere.”

Feeling downcast, Yan Qing nodded. Two physicians, sensing a potential patient, approached with their medical supplies, ready to treat him.

As one of the parties involved in the confrontation, the master and disciple of the Kushan Sect were clearly not free to go anywhere. Yin Ci had prepared porridge in a jar earlier, and in full view of everyone, he fed it spoon by spoon to Sect Master Shi. At this moment, people believed this man wasn’t long for this world—after all, a servant had just defeated Qu Duanyun would be great news! Yet, Sect Master Shi showed no hint of joy. His face was as pale as paper, with red-rimmed eyes. He listlessly bit the spoon, finding it extremely difficult to swallow.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t hear the murmurs of this sly fox.

“This isn’t porridge,” he whispered, his gaze unfocused. “It’s roast chicken… It’s meat pie…”

No matter how creatively Yin Ci tried to cook the porridge, broth was still just broth. Around the arena, there were numerous food stalls, and the common people had a great love for food rich in oil and salt. When lunchtime arrived, the tantalizing aroma of roasted chicken filled the air, accompanied by the crispy sound of deep-fried delicacies. Spices sprinkled on grilled meat produced an irresistible scent of bursting fat that even ordinary people could perceive. Even though the various martial sects were anxious, their midday meals were hearty and filling, further enriched by the fragrance of some homemade dishes.

For a Child of Desire, this was probably even more terrifying than the hellish abyss. However, it was possible that members of the Immortal Assembly were hidden among the crowd, closely watching the situation. If he lost control now, all previous efforts would be wasted.

Upon leaving the palace, Shi Jingzhi imagined countless challenges but never anticipated this one.

Seeing tears about to fall from the eyes of Sect Master Shi, Yin Ci truly couldn’t bear it. He lowered his head, pretending to whisper, but actually planted a gentle kiss near Shi Jingzhi’s ear.

“Hold on a little longer. Once this is over, anything you see today, I can make for you.”

Indeed, how could these crude foods compare to the craftsmanship of one’s beloved? Sect Master Shi sniffled, calming down considerably, and obediently took another spoonful of porridge.

Yin Ci himself didn’t stick to plain porridge. He boldly showed his face and bought some hearty food, sharing it with Yan Qing. Whether intentionally or not, Yin Ci even took a few extra laps around. His appearance was impressive, and even knowing the notorious reputation of the Kushan Sect, few could maintain a disdainful look when they saw his polite demeanor.

In the blink of an eye, it was time for the confrontation.

The platform had been heavily damaged by Yan Qing and couldn’t be repaired quickly. The leader of the Jinyu Group erected a wooden frame on the broken stone platform and laid a clean blanket on it. Monk Zhixing, accompanied by two martial monks, stood quietly on one side. Yin Ci, pushing Shi Jingzhi’s wooden chair, stood on the other. Qu Duanyun stood in the middle with his followers, his face pensive, pondering something.

A few disciples from the Yueshui Pavilion sat on the edge of the platform with writing materials ready. Their pens were soaked in ink, and their eyes were glued to the scene, not even blinking.

“Is it true that the Kushan Sect, in order to get the clue from Yan Budu, forcibly broke into the Huilian Mountain’s Buddha Heart Formation?”

Fortunately, even though Qu Duanyun was lost in thought, he remembered to ask the question.

Zhixing replied calmly, “It’s true.”

Yin Ci smiled slightly. “It’s true.”

Qu Duanyun continued, “After breaking the Buddha Heart Formation, the Kushan Sect defeated the three Lords of Greed, Hatred, and Ignorance. Upon ascending the mountain, the Jianchen Temple treated them with respect and no negligence. Is this true?”

Both responded in unison, “It’s true.”

“Upon request of Abbot Juefei, the Jianchen Temple allowed the Kushan Sect to visit the underground palace. There, a member of their sect picked up the Sword of Compassion. Is this true?”

Thinking of Abbot Juefei’s demeanor at that time, Monk Zhixing’s face twitched, revealing a sorrowful expression.

“It’s true,” Zhixing replied, voice shaky. He added, “Patron Yan did it with his own strength, without using any wicked methods.”

“Indeed,” Yin Ci calmly agreed.

The crowd below started murmuring louder. Everything seemed normal until now. It wasn’t conceivable that it would escalate to the murder of two eminent monks.

Qu Duanyun paused for a moment before continuing, “Sect Master Shi, driven by his lust for the sword, harbored ill intentions. He ordered his disciple to steal the Sword of Compassion, and when discovered, the monks showed mercy and didn’t punish the Kushan Sect. Sect Master Shi was only invited for a meeting by Juefei and Juehui.”

“Venerable Zhixing, being a disciple of Venerable Juehui, happened to be there. Overcome by his intense desire for the sword, Sect Master Shi cunningly attacked the two monks with yang fire and then fled in panic. Is this true?”

The murmuring from the crowd grew even louder. This was truly a tragic story, reminiscent of the tale of a kind man pitying a wolf. But seeing Shi Jingzhi’s frail state, it seemed he was capable of such a desperate act.

On the platform, both Yin Ci and Zhixing remained silent. Just as Qu Duanyun was about to prompt them, a hoarse voice rang out—

“It’s not true.”

A monk standing behind Zhixing stepped forward and removed his hood. The monk was tall and thin, around forty, with a distinctively bittersweet face. He put his hands together in a prayer position, revealing a Buddhist bead bracelet on his wrist—

It was Monk Juehui, who was “supposedly killed” in the tragic event.

The crowd erupted into chaos. People pushed and shoved, trying to get a closer look at the monk who had turned everything upside down. Caught off guard, Qu Duanyun’s expression froze, and his hands involuntarily tightened.

The situation deviated significantly from what the Immortal Assembly had predicted. Not only was Jiang Youyue unaware, but even he couldn’t control it. He glanced at the silent Shi Jingzhi, feeling a chill down his spine.

When exactly did this guy start setting up the scheme?

When the incident at the Jianchen Temple occurred, this man had just left the Ghost Tomb and couldn’t possibly know about the Immortal Assembly’s plan. A Child of Desire was, by nature, selfish and lacked compassion, especially for monks unrelated to him.

Yet, for a single assassination attempt, he risked his own survival by setting up a move that might never come into play.

Such audacity was terrifying.

…Moreover, considering the design of the Immortal Assembly, Juehui would definitely lose his life to the yang fire in order to save his senior brother. To save Juehui, not only did one’s martial power need to be on par with the Abbot of the Jianchen Temple, but one also needed profound experience, instant reflexes, and decision-making skills. Without any one of these, rescue was impossible.

At that time, Shi Jingzhi was far from being this powerful. As for the two servants, they were completely inexperienced and didn’t have such abilities.

Could it be…

Detecting the thoughts of Qu Duanyun, Yin Ci’s gaze swept over. When that gaze landed on Shi Jingzhi, it was as light as a butterfly. But when it shifted and landed elsewhere, it turned as sharp as a poisoned needle, sending chills down one’s spine.

Yin Ci’s eyes met briefly and withdrew, and Qu Duanyun felt that it was the coldest stare he had ever encountered.

Who on earth was this? When did such a character appear in the martial world? Upon reflection, he seemed to have never seen this person give it his all…

Unfortunately, Qu Duanyun didn’t have time to ponder.

“My Senior Brother was harmed by a wicked technique. I saw it clearly. This has nothing to do with the Kushan sect. It was purely a malicious setup, an attempt to pit the Jianchen Temple against the Kushan sect.”

Monk Juehui sighed deeply.

“As for the Sword of Compassion… It was fated for Patron Yan to have it. It was personally given to him by Senior Brother Juefei. As the current Abbot of the Jianchen Temple, I can vouch for this.”

The audience below was unhappy; murmurs of disbelief arose—

“You monks always speak the truth. You first claimed the Kushan Sect was to blame; now you say they are innocent. Why should we believe you?”

“Yan Qing is a descendant of Yan Budu! Yan Budu and the Jianchen Temple were sworn enemies. Would you really just give away the Sword of Compassion?”

“There are rumors that the Jianchen Temple has been sealed off. Perhaps these monks are controlled by the Kushan sect using some sorcery…”

Knowing the situation, another monk, Zhixing, took a deep breath, glanced at Shi Jingzhi sitting on the wooden chair, and abruptly knelt before the audience.

“This was the Kushan Sect’s scheme. If it weren’t for Master Yin’s intervention, Abbot Juehui would have been killed that day. Sect Master Shi was afraid that the villains, seeing their assassination attempt fail, would target the Jianchen Temple again. Hence, they spread false rumors.”

Monk Zhixing smiled. Uncharacteristically for a monk, he bowed deeply, knocking his forehead against the wooden stage.

“I indeed broke my vows. I’ve asked to leave the Jianchen Temple and will travel and meditate for ten years to refine my heart and mind. Those present today are witnesses.”

Juehui lowered his eyes and murmured “Amitabha” softly.

Then he raised his head and said confidently, “This is not solely one monk’s fault. As his master, this Poor Monk should also be punished. However, every word I’ve said today is true. If anyone doesn’t believe me, you are welcome to verify.”

“As for the Sword of Compassion, Young Patron Yan is not deeply obsessed and has great wisdom. If anyone doubts my decision, please try the Sword of Compassion for yourself. Let’s see whose judgment is more accurate: Venerable Kongshi, Senior Brother Juefei, or yours based on some bloodline?”

Below the stage, Yan Qing was getting his wounds dressed. Hearing this, he slowly lowered his head, hiding his face in his arms.

The doctor dressing his wounds seemed to understand and patted him gently.

No one was discussing the “ghost eyes” anymore. Madness, utter madness. Just a while ago, the Kushan’s servant defeated the leader of the Taiheng Sect. Now, the notorious Kushan Sect seemed to be all about sacrifice and righteousness. If things went on like this, would the Alliance Leader of the martial world really fall into the hands of the Kushan sect?

Both accusing parties suddenly became allies, making the confrontation unfeasible. Just as the leader of the Jinyu Group was about to mediate, Qu Duanyun clenched his fists, furrowed his brows, and stepped forward.

He had originally been in a position of judgment. By stepping forward, he placed himself between the Kushan Sect and the Jianchen Temple. Turning swiftly, he faced the disciple of the Kushan Sect directly. His hand hovered over his sword with an aura emanating from him.

“As for the Chen Qianfan case in the North, the Ling Sect destruction on Zongwu Mountain, and the Chigou Sect disturbance, how does the Kushan sect intend to answer?”

“Let’s not talk about the Chen Qianfan case first… When did the destruction of the Ling Sect and the disturbance of the Chigou Sect become misdeeds? If I recall correctly, this is a martial arts conference of the righteous sects. Sect Master Qu, are you here to defend two major demonic sects?”

Yin Ci replied with a smile.

“In the Ling Sect case on Zongwu Mountain, not only members of the demonic sects were harmed. Many minor sects couldn’t retreat in time and died under the wicked formation. This matter is still not clear, and as we select the Alliance Leader of the martial world, we must understand this.”

Qu Duanyun said solemnly.

…This was the real moment of confrontation. Shi Jingzhi had been imprisoned in the palace before, his external martial arts were pathetic, and he didn’t understand the cold and warmth of the world. He had only been out of the palace for less than a year, so it was impossible for him to stir up such a storm.

He, Qu Duanyun, was innately weaker than a Child of Desire, but had all the geographical and human advantages. He could never lose to this person.

“The change of the Patriarch in the Chigou Sect is an internal matter of their sect. As orthodox martial arts sects, we must abide by the rules of the martial world. It’s completely unorthodox for the Kushan Sect to openly interfere with their internal affairs in front of everyone.”

The main branch of the Ling Sect was destroyed, and the fate of the Patriarch remained unknown. The culprit, Yu Zikuan, was dead, leaving no evidence. After the previous disturbance, the Chigou Sect suffered greatly, not even having a successor in place. Demonic sects weren’t like the Jianchen Temple; even if they benefited, they wouldn’t speak out for justice. The Chigou Sect was currently in disarray and definitely wouldn’t get involved in this mess.

The situation was still under control. As long as the Kushan Sect didn’t clear its notorious reputation, it certainly couldn’t aspire to the position of Martial Alliance Leader. His plan to take “fate” from them could still proceed.

Thinking of his own cause and ideals, Qu Duanyun’s spirit lifted even more.

“With all that being said, I’d like to hear Sect Master Shi’s explanation.”

While Qu Duanyun was impassioned, Sect Master Shi, on the other side, timed his coughs, spitting out blood. His long hair was neatly arranged, revealing a face full of devilish charm. Yet, with his face painted white and blood at the corner of his mouth, he looked weak. The aggressive aura was washed away by sickness, making him seem harmless.

“Cough, Sect Master Qu is absolutely right.”

Sect Master Shi wiped the blood with a cloth, answering neither humbly nor arrogantly, very gently.

“Even if they are demonic sects, these matters have to be clearly addressed. Otherwise, how can one become the stable Alliance Leader with everyone’s doubts?”

After saying this, Shi Jingzhi coughed a few times, covering his face with the blood-soaked cloth. From the angle only Qu Duanyun could see, he showed a deeply twisted smile. Although he was sitting on a wooden chair, Qu Duanyun felt as if he was being looked down upon.

Although Juehui’s appearance was unexpected, it wasn’t enough to disrupt Qu Duanyun. However, at this moment, he felt a sudden sinking sensation.

“But since these issues are related to the demonic sects, it might be more credible if the parties involved speak for themselves… Patriarch Yan, Protector Hua, please.”

After saying this, Shi Jingzhi tried to raise his voice, looking at Qu Duanyun with a smile.

“Oh, and also, the Great Warrior Yu Zikuan from the Taiheng Sect. Please come up to the stage.”

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The author has something to say:

This is a crucial moment to clear the grievances. Sect Master Shi has endured extraordinary torment → he has been drinking porridge for a long time.

Immortal Assembly: ? A Child of Desire could never endure like this.

He could endure because it was his beloved who fed him!

Perhaps this is more like a resurrection conference.

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