Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 139: Grief

The Shirou was taken away, and everything returned to normal. At this moment, the morning sun rose completely, birds chirped loudly, and the forest was bathed in radiant spring light.

The stench was replaced by a fresh fragrance, with only a hint of blood lingering in the wind. Shi Jingzhi collapsed weakly onto a wooden chair, his long hair and clothing soaked with the blood gushing from him. He seemed to be breathing less and less, his life hanging by a thread, creating a scene of sorrow.

The senior disciple of the Kushan Sect arrived late. Yin Ci jumped down from the treetop and quickly pressed various acupoints on Shi Jingzhi’s body, frantically trying to stop the bleeding and close the wound. The medicine box was thrown aside, its valuable contents scattered everywhere. Yin Ci poured and applied the medicines heedlessly.

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes were tightly closed, his face paler than winter snow, and his breath faint like a spider’s thread floating in the wind. If it weren’t for Yin Ci desperately trying to save him, he would have been no different from a corpse.

Knowing that Yin Ci had no inner force, Shi Zhongyu rushed forward to infuse her own qi to heal the wounds. Only then did Jin Lan react, calling others to clear a space for a proper treatment.

After witnessing the strange and unsettling scene, everyone was in disarray and shock. But seeing the life-threatening situation, everyone did their part. Some provided medicine, some lent their strength, and they barely managed to save Shi Jingzhi.

Yan Qing stood amidst the chaotic crowd, silent as a wooden stake. He gazed at the blood-covered, unconscious Shi Jingzhi and deeply frowned.

Then he turned to look in the direction where Su Si had fled, still without saying a word.

In the bushes, Su Si moved as fast as he could. Upon escaping Juyi Valley, he quickly mounted a black horse and continued his escape towards the outskirts of Kushan. As he had anticipated, several presences began to converge around him, drawing closer and closer.

“They’re really impatient,” Su Si remarked, urging his horse to go faster.

He had spent all of his sixty-seven taels on this. More than five or six were spent on handy tools, and the rest was used to purchase the horse. Though it wasn’t a top-tier steed, it was young and sturdy, built for long runs.

The “Shirou” was stored in a crystal jar by Su Si, securely tied to his chest, leaving no gaps. Even though it had returned to its enticing form, its torturous fragrance could not escape.

Once outside the mountains, another reddish-brown horse awaited him. A masked woman in martial attire was atop it. “I’ve set up a diversion spell. This way!”

“Good!” Su Si’s mouth curled in a smile.

Riding the horse felt like being hit by a storm. Holding the reins tightly, Su Si’s focus gradually shifted away from the blurred scenery ahead.

He wondered about Shi Jingzhi’s condition.

Memories from a few days ago resurfaced. Every time he recalled that day, Su Si found it utterly absurd.

That day, Shi Jingzhi had specially dismissed Yan Qing and summoned him. Su Si had assumed he was being tasked with another errand and had even planned to negotiate a higher fee. However, upon hearing Shi Jingzhi’s request, Su Si wished he had an extra pair of legs to run away faster.

“Have you lost your mind?!” Su Si exclaimed.

He then turned to Yin Ci, hoping he would intervene. But Yin Ci, though showing a displeased expression, actually agreed with Shi Jingzhi.

“This method is indeed the best. After all, you come from the bloodline of the ‘Red Scorpion Feet’ of Chigou. You know how to skillfully hold back.”

Crazy, these two are insane. Su Si had been fighting in the rivers and lakes for many years, yet he had never seen such a bizarre request. He pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.

“Hold back? The two of you want me to slit the throat of the Sect Master. If you want it to look like a real assassination, you have to consider the subsequent rescue—if the rescue goes wrong, he’s done for!”

Besides, Shi Jingzhi’s health was already compromised. A stab, even if not fatal, would only make things worse. With the ‘Shirou’ right at hand, Su Si couldn’t figure out what these two were up to.

Wouldn’t a swift death be merciful?

“I want to understand clearly.”

Shi Jingzhi’s voice was shaky, but firm.

“With things set up to this extent, even if I’m a replaceable tool, the Immortal Assembly should intervene. Su Si, leave for a few days, and remember to make some mistakes in advance. If someone hinders you, let it be. If not…”

Shi Jingzhi didn’t finish, but Su Si knew what he meant.

He was just a “small player”. If the Immortal Assembly wanted, obstructing him would be easy. But their inaction indicated only one possibility –

They had an unconventional method to ensure Shi Jingzhi “won’t die”.

Moreover, Shi Jingzhi was already suspicious of the ‘Shirou’. Taking it for himself provided Shi Jingzhi an excuse “not to consume” it. This way, he could focus on studying the ‘Shirou’ without revealing his intentions to the Immortal Assembly.

Apart from this being an insane plan, Su Si couldn’t find any other flaws. After pondering for a while, he said, “Why does it have to be me? Shen Zhu can cast spells; she’s not incapable.”

Shi Jingzhi gave a slight smile. “Because you can take over the Chigou Sect.”

Su Si’s relaxed expression vanished instantly. “When did I decide?”

“Because both of us know, Yan Qing is not one to hide. Knowing his character, how long do you think he can hide his tail once he steps into the arena?”

Shi Jingzhi stared intently into Su Si’s eyes.

“You probably understand better than anyone that life is not about licking one’s wounds. To protect friends, you need power… Now, Chigou is a piece of meat right in front of you. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve already discussed this with Protector Hua, right?”

Su Si remained silent, then chuckled after a while. “Sect Master has sharp eyes; nothing can escape your notice.”

This was the perfect opportunity. If he gave up Chigou, he would only travel with his friend as a servant. Faced with the Immortal Assembly targeting the Kushan Sect, they could only expect suppression and anxiety.

And they were just servants of the Kushan Sect, with no say in decisions.

Although Su Si seemed indecisive on the surface, he had made up his mind. He intended to delay this matter and stay with the Kushan Sect for a bit longer. Not to mention his own resentment towards the Chigou Sect; once he took over, their laid-back days would be over.

What a pity.

“So, let’s speak candidly. Sect Master Shi, what’s in it for me?”

Su Si’s aura subtly shifted, his tone no longer that of a servant, but more like the Young Patriarch of the Chigou Sect.

“Chigou has always had a decent relationship with the righteous path. If we kill and steal treasures at the last moment, it’s equivalent to slapping the faces of the righteous. Even if I don’t care about its reputation, it’s still a tool in my hands. I have to get some benefits from it.”

Shi Jingzhi laughed.

He glanced at Yin Ci next to him, his voice softening. “By taking on this task, you get two benefits. First, we won’t pursue the matter of you altering the Bone Sweeping Sword. Second…”

“As far as I know, Yan Zheng is finding ways to shirk responsibilities. You, gaining fame in front of the righteous people by killing for the ‘Shirou’, is the perfect time to take over the Ling Sect… Su Si, do you want to be the first to unify the demonic sects?”

First, they would deceive the Ling Sect disciples. Once they found out the truth, leaving wouldn’t be easy. Once Chigou took over the Ling Sect’s branches everywhere, they would undoubtedly be the rulers of the demonic sects. Then, not to mention protecting Yan Qing, even if the entire Kushan Sect sought refuge, he would be able to protect them.

Su Si bit his thumbnail, silent for a long time, then gradually displayed a bloody grin. However, he suddenly seemed to realize something, and the rising hostile aura vanished, replaced by hesitation.

If everything could be that simple, he wouldn’t be targeted by the Lord of Ignorance on Huilian Mountain. If he fully becomes the leader of the demonic sects, how could he call himself a “hero” in front of San Zi?

Seemingly seeing through his concerns, Yin Ci said calmly, “People in the demonic sect have always been disunited. If you’re not accustomed to it, you can destroy it afterwards. But the martial world can’t be purely righteous. Instead of letting villains run wild, it’s better to take control of the ‘evil path’.”

In principle, this was true. Su Si was torn. Even though Yin Ci had vast abilities, could he really become the leader of the demonic sects? Perhaps this was just empty talk.

Thus, Su Si remained silent for a moment, not continuing the conversation. He took a deep breath and abruptly changed the topic. “What did Sect Master Shi mean by ‘not pursue the matter of altering the Bone Sweeping Sword’? Even if Protector Hua doesn’t care, what does this have to do with the two of you?”

The next moment, he saw the master-disciple pair exchange glances, their faces screaming, “We’ve been waiting for you to ask that.”

……

That day, Su Si left the door floating with two new bumps on his head. The stingy fox said he wouldn’t pursue the matter but still rewarded him with two qi-filled blows. Standing beside the “Old Patriarch” of the Chigou Sect, Su Si stood upright and endured without uttering a sound.

Who would have thought that after a hundred years, he would face the sword’s master again? Recalling his past flaunting in front of Yin Ci, Su Si wished he could travel back in time and slap himself.

What a mess. The Kushan Sect was truly the number one den of thieves in the world. He should’ve taken San Zi and run!

Choosing this time to clarify the shocking news “Yin Ci is Su Zhi” was clearly an intimidation! It was intimidation!

Unfortunately, Su Si had to admit that he was truly intimidated. He had originally intended to flee if things went south, but now he had encountered an immortal debtor—

This debtor could chase him to the ends of the earth, so where could he run? Su Si smashed his own little plans and gave up.

He had to accept his fate.

However, the character of the Old Patriarch of the Chigou Sect seemed much gentler than legends suggest. As Su Si was leaving that day, Yin Ci, seeing him almost stumble, added, “Keep Yan Qing in the dark about this, or it might hurt your relationship. I’ll explain to him later… I’m sorry.”

“Huh?” Dazed by the surprising news, Su Si responded, “What’s the big deal? His acting sucks anyway; he shouldn’t know. As for our feelings… don’t worry, they won’t be hurt.”

Thinking of his friend, Su Si felt a bit relieved.

“He said he trusts me, and he will.”

…Yes.

Su Si pulled himself out of his memories, his smile growing wider. The recent events at the Kushan Sect made him more determined than ever. He felt exhilarated facing challenges head-on.

The woman beside him shot him a displeased look. Su Si laughed heartily and spurred his horse forward.

“How thrilling!”

As Su Si madly escaped, Shi Jingzhi remained unconscious. Yin Ci stayed by his side, constantly feeling his pulse.

It wasn’t a spell that trapped Shi Jingzhi—his health had been deteriorating lately. Being injured in such a state meant he was seriously wounded. Fortunately, his breathing was steady, and there were no signs of “Heaven’s Displeasure”.

Yin Ci surveyed the surroundings. Familiar faces surrounded them, and there was no sign of the Immortal Assembly. After the anomaly, the shock of the Shirou being taken was much weaker. People were still discussing the cause of the anomaly. While Shi Zhongyu was distracted by the incident, Qu Duanyun had disappeared, likely trying to contact Jiang Youyue.

Their speculation was probably correct.

Yin Ci held onto Shi Jingzhi’s cold hand and pressed it against his forehead.

He had deliberately climbed a tree when the anomaly first appeared, coming down when the Shirou was taken. Everyone’s attention was fixed, and the anomaly on him didn’t alarm them. When he descended, he had a clear view:

When Shi Jingzhi was bleeding profusely, seemingly on the brink of death, the bare branches around trembled violently. Their roots entwined in the air, forming a vague shape, seemingly reaching out to Shi Jingzhi. For some reason, Yin Ci felt a familiar sensation, a vague consciousness emerging from his heart.

That consciousness was blurry but assertive. It was as if something whispered in his ear while he was drunk.

[Save him.]

There were no words, but Yin Ci understood.

[Save him.]

This thought kept repeating.

Fortunately, Yin Ci had already intended to save him. As soon as he began to treat the wound, the surrounding branches returned to their original state. With the Shirou too far away, the jade eye became ineffective, and the branches disappeared from their view. As Shi Jingzhi’s condition improved, that vague consciousness also vanished instantly. If Yin Ci hadn’t lived for hundreds of years, he might have mistaken it for his own thoughts.

He checked everything on his own end. Now all that was left was to wait for Shi Jingzhi to wake up and see if he had made any other discoveries.

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes remained closed, but his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he had seen something terribly frightening. Yin Ci didn’t care about the surrounding gazes and held Shi Jingzhi’s hand tightly.

“Wake up,” Yin Ci whispered softly. “We had plans that we haven’t carried out yet. Do you want to back out?”

But a serious injury was still a serious injury. Unlike Yin Ci, Shi Jingzhi didn’t have the terrifying ability to heal instantly, so he couldn’t wake up right away. Yin Ci made some fish soup and crushed some juice for him, straining away the residues, and then fed it to him mouth-to-mouth.

Shi Jingzhi was in a coma for four days.

During his coma, most people came to the conclusion that the visions they had seen were illusions created by Su Si. Though many still had doubts, they couldn’t make sense of it all in this wild, remote place.

It was around this time that rumors spread about Su Si’s connections with the Chigou Sect. The sad reputation of the Kushan Sect intensified, and the unconscious sect leader seemed even more pitiful.

Nobody expected the intense conflict to end in such a bleak way.

“The demonic sect is just that, a demonic sect. We shouldn’t have underestimated them.”

“What a pity about Sect Master Shi…”

“You all should leave,” Yan Qing said with a tired face, giving a formal bow and forcing a smile. “The Sect Master is stable now and can be moved today. You have already expended a lot of effort on our behalf. We really appreciate it.”

After the tumultuous events, nobody wanted to confront the ghost eye Alliance Leader. The caravan arrived in a grand fashion and left in disarray, leaving only tracks stained with the scent of blood. Shi Zhongyu, who held the Reverse Yang Token, also departed with Taiheng.

Throughout the whole incident, no one from the Immortal Assembly approached Shi Jingzhi. The atmosphere in the mountains was peaceful, and it seemed like all plots and schemes were blocked outside, leaving a sanctuary for them.

Shi Jingzhi’s wounds showed signs of healing. Yin Ci carefully carried him into the carriage. His neck wound was critical, so they were the last to leave to avoid jostling him too much.

As the sun set and the moon rose, the stars filled the sky. Only the Kushan Sect’s carriage remained in the tranquil Juyi Valley.

Yin Ci fed Shi Jingzhi some liquid food and then brought over the medicinal soup. However, this time, just as the bowl approached Shi Jingzhi’s lips, there was a little reflection on the edge of the bowl.

A tear glistened.

Shi Jingzhi had opened his eyes at some point. Those amber eyes, once full of life, now only showed profound sadness. Unable to speak because of his throat injury, he just shed tears uncontrollably.

Shi Jingzhi, always so prideful and skillful, now appeared so vulnerable. Tears flowed freely in the dim carriage. He weakly raised his hand, pushing the bowl away, then slowly and firmly hugged Yin Ci, burying his face in Yin Ci’s chest.

After a while, still crying, Shi Jingzhi held Yin Ci tighter, like a drowning man clutching onto a lifeline. In the past, he had always been extravagant and arrogant. Even when faced with Yin Ci’s true form, he hadn’t blinked. Yin Ci couldn’t imagine what had terrified Shi Jingzhi to this extent.

Near death, what did you discover?

Yet Yin Ci didn’t ask, nor did he share what he had seen. He simply held Shi Jingzhi, just as he had comforted a child who had awoken from a nightmare twenty-four years ago in the same place.

“It’s okay to cry,” Yin Ci said softly, caressing Shi Jingzhi’s hair. “What’s the worst I could do, laugh at you? You’ve suffered enough. Don’t hold back. Even if the world collapses, we can stay here, and I’ll be with you until the end.”

Finally, Shi Jingzhi began to sob, albeit silently.

Yidu, the Imperial Preceptor Residence.

Qu Duanyun rushed over after receiving a summons from Jiang Youyue. Even though days had passed since the incident, he was still somewhat dazed. He couldn’t afford any delays.

The Jianchen Temple wasn’t completely sealed off, the Ling Sect hadn’t been uprooted, and the Chigou Sect had announced that they had a new Young Patriarch. Not to mention, a disciple from the Kushan Sect had now assumed the position of Alliance Leader, and even Shi Zhongyu had produced the Reverse Yang Token. If she found solid evidence, his position as Sect Master would be in jeopardy.

The essential “Shirou” was also taken by people from the Chigou Sect. If it was consumed by irrelevant individuals…

Just thinking about it gave Qu Duanyun goosebumps.

It was undeniable that the Immortal Assembly had been planning in the martial world for a long time, but the current situation was full of loopholes. Faced with these “achievements”, Qu Duanyun had nothing to say, and his ambitions had long since dissipated.

“I’ve failed as your student.”

“Mm.” Despite the continuous bad news, Jiang Youyue remained calm and even seemed to be in a good mood. “To hone your mind, you need to experience hardships.”

“What about the Shirou…”

Jiang Youyue smiled faintly. “Given Shi Jingzhi’s character, this is probably part of his plan. If he really didn’t want to let it go, snatching the Shirou might be harder than taking a set of his moves. He probably has reservations about the Shirou and is testing us.”

Relieved to know that the Shirou wouldn’t just be consumed by anyone, Qu Duanyun exhaled.

“Duanyun, do you know why I put you in charge of this?”

Jiang Youyue asked leisurely.

“Ever since you came into this world, you’ve been considered a favored child of heaven. Upon learning of the Hundred-Year Project, you would undoubtedly harbor feelings of discontent and aspire to take Shi Jingzhi’s position… Dead bait makes it hard to catch fish. Your genuine desire to snatch the Shirou is what can dispel that person’s doubts to the fullest extent.”

Qu Duanyun remained silent.

Indeed, with the Immortal Assembly plotting against major sect leaders and his own presence in Taiheng, it seemed as though they were determined to obtain the Shirou.

Regarding the anomaly they witnessed that day, it could be explained that “Yan Budu set a trap to deceive people.”

Although Shi Jingzhi might have doubts about the Shirou, he, like many, would find a myriad of “justifiable” reasons to persuade himself, especially given he was a Child of Desire.

“Remember, if a plan’s conditions are too stringent and intricately linked, it’s akin to seeking destruction. As my student, you should’ve seen through this.”

Jiang Youyue added with a hint of amusement.

Qu Duanyun closed his eyes—it turned out that Jiang Youyue didn’t care about the success or failure of the plan, and he was just a pawn in his hands.

“This student learned his lesson.”

He was genuinely disappointed and regretful.

Seeing the dejected expression on Qu Duanyun’s face, Jiang Youyue laughed heartily and said, “No need for that. I went through the same when I was younger. Duanyun, if you clearly lost to Shi Jingzhi and still tried to forcibly take the Shirou, that would truly disappoint me.”

“Don’t be disheartened. No matter the current state of the martial world, it’s already riddled with wounds and holes, and that’s enough… Come, I believe you must be curious about the unusual phenomenon you witnessed that day. It’s time I told you everything.”

Qu Duanyun, expecting reprimand, instead received an unexpected boon. The conflicting feelings, akin to both ice and fire, were truly unbearable, making him feel a tingle down to his very roots. Before he left the room with Jiang Youyue, he finally mustered the courage to cautiously ask his teacher a question—

“If I had forcibly taken the Shirou then, what would you have done?”

Without pausing or looking back, Jiang Youyue answered in a gentle tone, accompanied by the faint smile from earlier.

“Do you need to ask? …You grew up in Taiheng, so you must have consumed the Tranquil Heart Pill.”

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 138: The Shirou

Yan Qing stood helplessly on the stage, eagerly waiting for someone to stand up and shout, “Choosing the Alliance Leader isn’t child’s play.” However, the audience below just whispered among themselves, with no one voicing any objections.

Yan Qing, straightforward as he was, quickly grasped the crux of the matter.

In the eyes of others, as a servant, he could defeat Qu Duanyun, so the senior disciple, Yin Ci, would presumably be even stronger. Since Taiheng lost their qualifications, the outcome of a rematch would likely remain unchanged. The orthodox martial world valued rules, so if Yin Ci, being the senior disciple, became Alliance Leader, the Kushan Sect might have a greater claim to the position. On the other hand, if Yan Qing took the role, he could be easily dismissed at any time.

This scenario would save face for Taiheng while also giving the other sects a way out.

…Yan Qing understood the reasoning, but his dream was simply to lead a normal life, not to become the center of attention.

If the stares from the audience could be transformed into sword qi, he would already be minced meat by now.

Seeing the situation stabilize, the leader of the Jinyu Group swiftly struck the gong on the side of the stage. Clearing his throat and amplifying his voice using inner force, he announced, “Yin Ci of the Kushan Sect has forfeited, and Yan Qing wins by default. Does anyone have any objections?”

Whispers rose from the audience, but as Yan Qing predicted, no one openly voiced any objections.

Seeing this, the leader of the Jinyu Group lit a stick of incense. His gaze swept over the expressionless Qu Duanyun, and he paced at the edge of the stage. When the incense burned halfway, he repeated his query.

“The leader of the martial alliance is set to be Yan Qing from the Kushan Sect. Are there any objections?”

With the head of Taiheng remaining silent, no one in the audience voiced any opposition. However, groups were forming, discussing in hushed voices. Many showed disapproving expressions, but none objected.

Yan Qing, anxiety apparent, picked up the cup he had dropped earlier and quickly moved to the master and disciple side. “Sect Master, Senior Yin, what do we do now?”

“If you’re chosen, then just accept it. Your martial arts skills are top-tier, and you’ve also studied and learned the ways of orthodox sects from Taiheng. In terms of qualifications, how are you lacking?”

Seeing Yan Qing’s bewildered and shocked appearance, Yin Ci couldn’t help but be amused. “Moreover, once you become the Alliance Leader, after this meeting, Taiheng won’t have a stance to chase and kill you.”

Though Yan Qing lacked grand ambitions, whether in terms of courage, intelligence, or perseverance, he was indeed suited for the role. More importantly, both he and Shi Jingzhi were weary of the martial world’s intrigues. With the power of the Alliance Leader in their hands… Neither had the energy to deal with the mess of the responsibilities that came with it.

Yan Qing had the qualifications, and the opportunity was given. Whether he could firmly grasp this chance to integrate into the righteous path would depend entirely on Yan Qing himself.

Yan Qing pondered for a moment, finally calming down. He was about to speak when Yin Ci leisurely added, “The Alliance Leader also receives a monthly salary. By the rules, the leader receives sixteen taels of silver each month. For major sects, this amount is trivial, but…”

Yan Qing’s eyes hardened, and he instantly declared, “I’ll do it!”

Unfortunately, his youthful bravery was short-lived. The next moment, his energy deflated. He looked pleadingly at the Sect Master, doing his best to avoid the countless pairs of eyes below. “…How do I do this?”

“Do as you see fit. You’ve always been adept at handling matters and arranging miscellaneous tasks, haven’t you?” The emotionless Yin Ci didn’t offer an ounce of help. “Figure it out on your own.”

Finally, the incense stick burned out. The leader of the Jinyu Group straightened his collar and stood proudly at the edge of the stage.

“Does anyone have any objections?”

This time, a response came from the audience. An elder of some renown leaped forward, standing at the forefront of the stage. Stroking his beard, he scrutinized Yan Qing from head to toe.

“I wouldn’t say I have objections, but given the unusual circumstances, I’d like to propose a condition on behalf of everyone present. This young man, after all, is but a lowly servant of the Kushan Sect. If aside from his martial skills, he has no other abilities, where would the dignity of our righteous path lie?”

The elder’s tone was stern, and while his words might sound confrontational, they weren’t unreasonable.

In the past, the chosen alliance leaders were usually sect leaders or elders, so no one posed conditions. Now, presenting a young servant, it was natural for the righteous path to have concerns.

Unfortunately, the master and disciple of the Kushan Sect were cold-hearted. The two beasts seemed indifferent, leaving Yan Qing to fend for himself. Yan Qing, looking like a fledgling bird pushed out of its nest, made a quick decision and faced the elder with the proposal.

“What the elder said makes sense; feel free to make any requests.”

The old man nodded in agreement. “This martial arts conference is clearly intended to end the chaos caused by the ‘Shirou’. Young man, first present a plan that convinces everyone, then think about becoming the Alliance Leader.”

After speaking, he stared intently at Yan Qing with his eagle-like eyes, as if he was trying to catch every tiny mistake.

Yan Qing licked his chapped lips.

The master and disciple were almost like spectators, eating melon seeds* and watching the drama. Relying on the Kushan Sect seemed hopeless. As for A’Si… well, having been educated by a sect leader, A’Si should know what to do.

*Slang for onlookers who don’t participate or express their opinions and instead just watch.

The most serious negotiation Yan Qing had ever engaged in was bargaining in the vegetable market.

…Wait, bargaining?

Yan Qing rubbed his temples, suddenly realizing something crucial.

The position of the Alliance Leader was like a hot potato. The small sects truly didn’t want it. But they also didn’t want Yan Qing to gain power and favored the Kushan Sect. They were pressuring him to offer a fair solution.

Just like when haggling with a vendor, they don’t truly want to withhold the goods but just want to earn a few more coins.

Since the logic was the same…

“You are right, elder. The ‘Shirou’ chaos has lasted too long and needs a resolution.”

Imagining the platform below as a marketplace, Yan Qing felt at ease. He was always gentle and would never appear arrogant. If one overlooked his ghost eyes, he exuded righteousness.

“To my knowledge, Taiheng seeks the ‘Shirou’ for the Prince of Rong, while the Kushan Sect seeks it to save their sect leader. The Prince of Rong and the current Emperor are healthy, so they probably want to use it as a tonic. Sect Master Qu, is this true?”

Qu Duanyun remained silent, seemingly acknowledging the claim.

A murmur spread among the crowd below. Most martial artists didn’t have strong allegiances, especially to the imperial court. The idea of presenting the ‘Shirou’ to the royal family felt like shattering a precious antique.

Compared to that, the Kushan Sect wanted it just to save their sect leader’s life. A simple and blunt reason that seemed honorable.

Following this line of reasoning, Yan Qing quickly proposed a solution for the ‘Shirou’: since the Kushan Sect had the key and Taiheng knew its location, their contributions were equal. They could split the ‘Shirou’ or, if not, the Kushan Sect would take it and compensate Taiheng.

“…My sect is indeed impoverished and cannot provide proper compensation. But I, Yan Qing, swear to expose those who have harmed the elders here.”

Yan Qing’s words were sincerely heartfelt.

“After all, the Kushan Sect has also been victimized. We will seek revenge, and everyone need not worry that we will only talk without action. Although this might seem opportunistic, it’s the most realistic guarantee I can offer.”

Everyone in the audience: “……”

So, they’re sharing a common enemy? No need to be so candid.

Yet, this young descendant of the Yan Clan almost exposed everything about the Kushan Sect—

Before anyone could bring up the mystery of the stolen ‘key to the Shirou’, Yan Qing promptly apologized. Mentioning the sect’s dire state, the Kushan Sect’s desperation to save their Sect Master made them take bold actions. To show sincerity, he invited warriors from all walks of life to see the real appearance of the ‘Shirou’.

Yan Qing’s words seemed genuine, making the crowd feel his decisions were justified. They, bearing the title of the righteous sects, didn’t really desire the ‘Shirou’, and thus didn’t blame the Kushan Sect too much.

The resolution was straightforward, leaving no room for the Kushan Sect’s mischief. The old man didn’t say much and left the stage.

“With the Alliance Leader now decided, I present Yan Qing of the Kushan Sect!” The fat leader of Jinyu took a deep breath and struck the huge gong three times.

As the gong sounded, Yan Qing’s wristband grew warm and transformed into a jade bracelet, the symbol of the Martial Alliance Leader. It now rested on his wrist.

It felt like a dream.

Touching the smooth jade bracelet, Yan Qing felt a mix of emotions, and overwhelming fatigue followed. Were it not for the many eyes watching him, he would have loved to collapse and sleep right there.

Several members of the demonic sect seemed satisfied with the outcome and left without any further disputes. A bizarre day passed, and all seemed settled.

That evening, a horse carriage slowly moved eastward.

The night was long and full of dreams. The leader of the Jinyu Group, renowned for his decisiveness and swift actions, had prepared horses and carriages before nightfall. He also selected more than a dozen disciples from the Jinyu Group to accompany him. Apart from members of the Taiheng Sect in the convoy, most of them were well-known figures in the martial world. Every disciple from the Yueshui Pavilion joined without exception, and they were so eager that they might as well have clung to the underside of the carriages.

Only Taiheng knew the location of the “Shirou”. Hence, the caravan was personally led by Qu Duanyun, veering far from the vicinity of Yidu.

First, to guard against villains, and second, out of sheer curiosity, various sects sent their masters to witness the emergence of this legendary item. Once the Martial Alliance Leader had spoken, the general situation was set. If anyone dared to act out of line, they would make an enemy of the entire martial world.

As the new alliance leader, Yan Qing was allotted a carriage. Unfortunately, having always led a simple life, he felt uncomfortable alone in the spacious carriage. So, he invited the master and disciple of the Kushan Sect to join him.

Surrounded by people in the carriage, Shi Jingzhi could only have porridge. Fortunately, the current situation for the Kushan Sect had improved. Yin Ci had specifically prepared pear syrup candies and sheep liver soup, meant for “nourishing the body”, and fed them bit by bit to the almost withered Sect Master Shi.

Sect Master Shi seemed to want to suppress his appetite with other matters. His eyes constantly glanced over Yin Ci’s lips. Sadly, with Yan Qing, the new alliance leader, sitting right there, they couldn’t very well ask him to leave the carriage.

Moreover, Yan Qing seemed to snap out of his daze, his face full of concern.

“Something’s not right. A’Si has never been gone this long. He even took Lord Bai with him,” Yan Qing said, looking lost. “Whenever he left before, he always informed me.”

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci exchanged glances. Sect Master Shi took a sip of tea, then some sheep liver soup, and said, “A few days ago, Su Si approached me. He said that Qu Duanyun is crafty and might have discovered his identity. Rather than being caught off guard, he wanted to lay low for a while and return once everything settled.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing’s spirits sank even lower. “If that’s the case, why didn’t he tell me? Now that I’m the leader, shouldn’t he return?”

Yin Ci nonchalantly replied, “Su Si has always done as he pleases. Perhaps the Chigou Sect had urgent matters that needed him, and with the martial arts conference taking place, he didn’t have time to say goodbye. You have more pressing matters to attend to tomorrow, stop worrying about this.”

Yan Qing’s worries shifted direction as he caressed the longevity lock on his sword and drifted into his thoughts.

Outside the carriage, another person was deep in thought.

Qu Duanyun rode at the forefront of the caravan. He felt eyes on him from all directions, with Shi Zhongyu closely monitoring his every move. Things had deviated from his plans, and now he was on the defensive. Worse, he couldn’t establish contact with the Immortal Assembly.

One wrong move led to another.

Regarding the “Twin Roots in the Tranquil Heart Pill”, suspicion hadn’t yet fallen on him. However, as one of the orthodox sects, Taiheng definitely needed to provide some explanations. Not to mention, Shi Zhongyu had the Yang Reversal Token, giving her authority akin to a sect leader. Taiheng might not be keen on following Qu Duanyun’s commands.

His situation was dire, and he didn’t even have an opportunity to vent his frustrations.

Shi Zhongyu rode a white horse, staying only half a step behind Qu Duanyun. Seeing his strained expression, she sighed. “Duanyun, we’ve known each other for a long time… If you turned back now, it wouldn’t be too late.”

Qu Duanyun tightened his grip on the reins.

“Turn back?” He asked with a mix of amusement and anger. “I haven’t taken the wrong path. What is there to turn back from?”

Shi Zhongyu frowned slightly, pursing her lips.

Qu Duanyun desperately needed to vent. Faced with an old acquaintance, he couldn’t hold his tongue. “Different paths lead to different destinations. We’ve seen such situations before. If Senior Sister intends to persuade me, you better not.”

“Similar situations?” Shi Zhongyu was puzzled.

“Qi Xundao, despite his old age and declining mental faculties, was respected and held his position due to his revered reputation. Even during his last moments, there were people like Senior Sister who spent time and resources to keep him alive. You and I both know that such actions were at best ‘righteous’, but they brought no benefit to Taiheng.”

Touching on Shi Zhongyu’s pain point, her expression instantly chilled. “Qu Duanyun, even if talking about a deceased elder, it’s not appropriate to mention their name directly.”

“You always focus on these emotional aspects.”

Qu Duanyun didn’t even bother smiling.

“The seasons change, plants thrive and wither. It’s survival of the fittest. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural occurrences in the world. To gather a sect’s wealth just to buy empty fame is nothing but a narrow-minded act. If we can’t agree on this point, then we have nothing more to discuss.”

Shi Zhongyu suppressed her raging anger and calmly continued, “Alright, let’s not discuss it. I just want to know, why do you go out of your way to make things difficult for Shi Jingzhi, a man on his deathbed?”

If Qu Duanyun didn’t want the Shirou, based on his past behavior, he would likely have given it to Shi Jingzhi to earn some goodwill. But Shi Zhongyu had observed for a long time, and he hadn’t even pretended to do so.

Now, with Shi Jingzhi not present, Qu Duanyun’s disdain was evident. Shi Zhongyu had known him for many years and had never seen him target someone so pointedly.

Upon hearing these words, Qu Duanyun couldn’t help but laugh coldly. “Senior Sister, do you think Shi Jingzhi was a ‘respectable person’ at that time?”

The topic suddenly shifted, and the question was peculiar. Shi Zhongyu was momentarily stunned.

Shi Jingzhi wasn’t a vile scoundrel. She saw this clearly. But if one were to say that he understood great principles or harbored grand ambitions, he didn’t quite fit the bill. Shi Jingzhi wasn’t the kind-hearted person who’d respond to others’ pleas. He had a sharp, almost ruthless cunningness about him, always preferring to be straightforward about costs, calculating deals with his fox eyes.

Speaking of this martial arts conference’s counteraction, the Kushan Sect had informed her in advance. Knowing the other party’s deep and intricate plans, even as a “co-conspirator”, she couldn’t help but feel a chill for a moment.

Even so, Shi Jingzhi was still a reliable partner. Once he made a promise, he would never break it.

Would that qualify him as a “respectable person”?

“I don’t know,” Shi Zhongyu answered honestly.

“Then let me ask another question.” Qu Duanyun turned his head to look at her. “Would you want such an ‘immortal’?”

‘…Probably not,’ Shi Zhongyu thought. But to be fair…

“What’s the use of an immortal?” she snorted. “If the heavens had eyes, Master wouldn’t have suffered such a painful death. If there really are immortals in this world, I’d like some justice.”

“That’s why I have nothing to say to you.” Qu Duanyun, in a rare moment, looked somewhat dispirited. “You desire so much, but you’re so mundane. I’m not even as good as him…”

Seeing his erratic attitude, Shi Zhongyu didn’t want to continue the argument. She rode her horse forward in silence, heading straight for their destination.

When they arrived, everyone couldn’t help but gasp. It seemed like destiny had chosen the place.

The Shirou was stored in Juyi Valley of Kushan.

It was springtime, and the landscape was covered in fresh green. As the sun was about to set, the convoy stopped outside Juyi Valley and set up a simple camp.

“There are many monsters in Juyi Valley. It’s inconvenient to move around at night,” Jin Lan instructed. “Wait for the sunrise tomorrow. When our energy is at its peak, we’ll retrieve the ‘Shirou’ together.”

Yan Qing, seeing old acquaintances, wanted to chat. But Jin Lan only gave him an awkward smile upon seeing him. “I’m also from Taiheng. I might have been influenced by that villain. Now that you’re the Alliance Leader, you should be more cautious.”

“I…” Yan Qing realized the awkwardness—he had just ousted the head of someone’s sect, so there wasn’t much of an atmosphere for small talk.

Seeing Yan Qing’s hesitation, Jin Lan sighed. “Actually, I’m quite happy you became the Alliance Leader… Yan Qing, you seem to be close to Su Si?”

“Yes.”

“Be careful.” Jin Lan hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “I’ve had someone see him go out alone, buying sharp weapons and magical items. He’s steeped in malevolence; I fear he has ulterior motives.”

Yan Qing felt displeased, but knowing Jin Lan meant no harm, he didn’t lash out. “A’Si isn’t that kind of person. Besides, he doesn’t have money to buy weapons.”

Jin Lan shook his head with a complicated expression and said no more.

Yan Qing’s attempt at conversation was a failure, and he felt downcast. He trudged back to the Kushan Sect’s tent—

“I didn’t expect the ‘Shirou’ to be here,” Shi Jingzhi remarked with mixed feelings. “What is this, fate letting us revisit our old haunts?”

Yin Ci chuckled. “Last time I saw you here, you were shorter than my leg. Little Mute, are you going to pick flowers for me this time?”

Yan Qing was utterly confused. What were they talking about? Why couldn’t he understand anything?

Who would’ve thought that Shi Jingzhi would continue with this seemingly ambiguous talk, speaking in a teasing tone, “Why wouldn’t I? If I see that thing again, watch me pluck it bare. But in exchange, you’ll have to feed me the best tender roasted fish.”

Yin Ci’s laughter became even more hearty, and Yan Qing had never heard him laugh like that before. Shi Jingzhi spoke with a teasing, relaxed tone, as if his life wasn’t in danger and the world had no troubles.

It seemed everyone had their own secrets. And him, having just received the title of Martial Alliance Leader, was alone and at a loss. If only A’Si were here…

Haa…

Yan Qing ultimately didn’t enter the tent. He resorted to his usual method to deal with anxiety—the new Martial Alliance Leader, with a serious face, began to reorganize the belongings of the Kushan Sect. He even rummaged through his own bundle, meticulously reorganizing everything.

When he picked up a small wooden box, Yan Qing’s movements suddenly halted.

Something was amiss.

The cloth around the wooden box was tied differently than he remembered, as if someone had opened it. The weight of the box also felt lighter, as though much of its content was gone.

This was the money box of the Kushan Sect. As the person in charge of the money, Yan Qing broke out in cold sweat instantly. He carefully opened the box and felt a chill in his heart—

Sure enough, one of the silver notes had disappeared. With trembling hands, he counted the remaining amount. All the missing money was his personal savings, neither more nor less, exactly sixty-seven taels of silver.

This package had always been shared between him and Su Si. Su Si never touched his personal belongings, but he was aware of where Yan Qing kept his money… Could it be that the sixty-seven taels were taken by Su Si?

Yan Qing held the wooden box in mid-air, his face slowly tightening.

If Su Si really took the money, his “departure” would not be as simple as avoiding trouble temporarily. Yan Qing packed the money box just as it was, and the bitterness in his heart disappeared in an instant.

At that moment, his heart was filled with concern.

The next morning, everything was as usual. The sky was clear with gentle winds and soft clouds and the ground smelled fresh. Golden morning light filtered through the leaves, illuminating the mist in the woods, and all was peaceful.

Under the guidance of the Taiheng Sect members, everyone geared up and slowly moved deeper into Juyi Valley. Hours later, the group stopped in front of a pile of scattered rocks. Whether it was good luck or not, they hadn’t encountered any monsters during their journey.

Speaking of this rocky area, both Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi had some memories.

Only thin weeds grew here, leaving most of the area barren. With no food available, no creatures, especially no beasts, would choose to come here. Aside from being excessively desolate, there was nothing unusual about this place.

When they were previously in Juyi Valley, Yin Ci disliked the scenery and didn’t stay long. Shi Jingzhi, as a child, hated this gray and monotonous stone forest and wouldn’t even play hide and seek here.

Who would have thought that after all these years, they would return to this place and stand here again.

“The Shirou is buried underground. My sect has already dug it up. Please continue forward,” Qu Duanyun said in a steady and polite tone, though he looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes.

“Guests are here. Disable the formation!”

Following the order of Sect Master Qu, the Taiheng disciples deactivated the blinding technique. The view inside the rocks suddenly revealed itself to everyone—

In the center of the rocks was a half-circular deep pit.

The soil in the pit was fine and damp, reflecting a blood-red hue under the morning sun. At the bottom of the pit was a small room made of clear glass. It had been cleaned thoroughly by the Taiheng Sect, with not a speck of dirt in sight. Many spells and incantations were engraved on it, shimmering under the sunlight.

It looked like a delicate tomb made of glass.

Inside the glass room, the sight was full of life. Lush, vibrant vines filled half of the space, looking as if they were made of jade, bringing a sense of comfort at first glance.

The vines intertwined on a platform, where a peach-shaped fruit rested.

The fruit appeared fresh and delicate, with an enticing color. The fruit’s stem was still attached to the vine, and its skin held a pool of semi-transparent juice. Under the sunlight, it looked exceptionally exquisite, unlike anything from this world.

Even separated by thick glass, the scent of the fruit somehow permeated out. Its indescribable aroma instantly overwhelmed all other senses, making even the finest delicacies in the world pale in comparison. If anyone had doubts because of its appearance, once they smelled it, no one cared about the minor details—this divine entity was undoubtedly the Shirou!

Yin Ci looked at Shi Jingzhi with concern.

Considering Shi Jingzhi’s overwhelming desire to live, even just as a snack, it might be impossible for him to restrain his appetite. The scent alone had many seasoned martial artists, with iron-willed determination, in a daze.

Shi Jingzhi’s face turned flush, and a hint of bloodlust appeared in his eyes. But he just took a few deep breaths, seeming still conscious.

“Don’t worry,” Shi Jingzhi whispered into Yin Ci’s ear, taking advantage of everyone’s distraction with the Shirou. “I’ve endured worse. I’m used to it.”

Seeing that Shi Jingzhi had no intention of hurting himself, Yin Ci felt relieved. He stroked Shi Jingzhi’s hair and teasingly said, “It seems you’ve mastered the ‘Purifying Words’ well. We should find a time to reward you properly.”

Their faces showed relaxed flirting, but their hands under the sleeves were gripping tightly. Only when Yin Ci reassured him did Shi Jingzhi reluctantly let go.

[Go,] Yin Ci conveyed silently. [I’ll protect you.]

Qu Duanyun didn’t notice their actions. He gazed at the Shirou with complex emotions. “This glass room is extremely sturdy, and my sect couldn’t open it. Since Sect Master Shi has the key, perhaps you could retrieve it.”

Shi Jingzhi patted his face, the blood color in his eyes fading slightly. Afflicted with a serious illness, he wasn’t mobile. Yin Ci pushed him all the way on the wooden chair towards the glass room. Upon closer inspection, in addition to the intricate spells, there were also vivid bas-reliefs carved on the glass. All of these bas-reliefs were faces, each with closed eyes and a slight smile.

It was really Yan Budu’s style.

In the center of the group of faces, one face had an eye open. Unfortunately, that eye socket was empty, with just a recess, waiting for someone to complete it with an eyeball.

The aroma emanating from that eye socket was extremely strong. When they got closer, the fragrance was even more intoxicating, making one’s heart restless and mouth salivating. Shi Jingzhi held his breath, his hand holding the jade eye trembling slightly.

With everyone watching, he took a long time to successfully fit the jade eye into the recess.

Let’s see.

Shi Jingzhi stared at the face with the open eye. He tried to ignore the scent that kept drilling into his nose. His hands became as cold as ice, to the point of almost convulsing.

Yan Budu, as your kin, let me take a good look. After a century, what have you left for this world?

Click.

With this soft sound, a sourceless chuckle echoed around, as if in response.

In an instant, the world changed.

The originally enticing fragrance suddenly turned into a pungent, bloody smell, causing many to retch. However, compared to other changes, this was minor—

Just like originally on Zongwu Mountain, countless gray-red “bare branches” rose from the ground, their dark red roots moving like fish. Atop the bare branches, the fleshy wrinkles were extremely clear, shining like living creatures. These branches crowded the forest, stretching and swaying in the morning sun. They were numerous and vigorous, and from a vantage point on the mountain, one couldn’t see the boundary of this eerie “flesh forest”.

Strange things densely surrounded them, bringing a feeling of oppression and suffocation. A breeze carried wave after wave of the foul smell, making people dizzy.

Screams erupted from the crowd. It seemed that many more people than just Shi Jingzhi could see them. Jin Lan sat on the ground, while the masters grouped together in shock. Shi Zhongyu instantly drew her sword, while Qu Duanyun stood among the myriad of bare branches, looking somewhat lost.

Within the branches, Yin Ci lost his immortal appearance, turning back into the eerie “idol” made of blood and roots. However, this time, Yin Ci could see himself clearly.

He stared at his horrifying hands, almost forgetting to breathe. Even without a mirror, he could imagine his abnormal appearance. This time, there was no fear or panic in Yin Ci’s heart; just sheer anger—what had He Cheng’an done to him?

However, at this moment, thanks to the Shirou, no one noticed his change.

The center of attention, the Shirou, had changed in appearance and smell.

The moment the jade eye was installed, the vines inside the glass room changed color, turning into the sticky gray-red similar to the bare branches. They wriggled slowly, occasionally making soft noises of friction.

Surrounded by these “fleshy vines”, the Shirou no longer looked like a tempting celestial fruit. It changed from emerald green to an unsightly purple-red, emitting a slight heat and looking like an organ just taken out of an animal’s body. Amid the purple-red flesh, there were hundreds of tiny eyes without whites. They were all pitch black, occasionally blinking, looking in unknown directions.

This was the “immortal object” that had caused turmoil in the martial world and had been contested for by many.

The sky remained intact, the sunny day was still sunny, and the forest was still lush and green. There was no shaking or loud noise, and the sounds of wind and birds were still present. Against the backdrop of the scene before them, everything seemed eerily quiet.

What is going on?

From shock, people turned to panic, unsure if what they were witnessing was a nightmare, a spell, or a terrifying reality. The surroundings changed drastically, and compared to the gigantic eerie things, people felt as insignificant as ants in a storm. Even though there were many masters present, they were just a few more powerful ants.

The feeling of helplessness was maddening.

Even the disciples of the Yueshui Pavilion, who had seen much, lost their composure, crouching and staring only at the blood-red mud beneath their feet. The people of the Jinyu Group were in even greater panic, fainting left and right. The foul smell of the Shirou was now mixed with the stench of urine.

In this chaos and madness, Yin Ci hesitated for a moment, then leapt up, rushing towards the sky through the branches.

Looking down, the barren mountains, the surrounding towns, and even the horizon in the distance, were all covered with dense, uniquely shaped “bare branches”. Human towns were nestled among them, looking like tiny pebbles beneath grass.

This sight was overwhelming.

Regarding the Shirou as an “immortal object”, its energy was even more abundant than the muyan stones used to forge the Sword of Compassion. Therefore, using the Shirou to power the jade eye meant there was no fear of exhausting its energy, unlike atop Zongwu Mountain, where spells could only be powered momentarily. It was hard to say whether the “clue” left on the Sword of Compassion was the demonic lord’s last sentiment or a hint given out of ostentation.

Or perhaps, it was a bit of both.

Although he didn’t know the origin of the jade eye, Yin Ci was quite certain that this was what Yan Budu truly wanted them to see.

He wanted them to witness the true appearance of this world, the true form of the Shirou. From the start at the Ghost Tomb, this had all been a thorough prank. Even if turned into a handful of bones, that person still wished to mock the mortals blindly chasing after the Shirou and the “immortals” who sent the Shirou into this world without knowing their own whereabouts.

Yin Ci gently descended, stopping on the treetop. He took a deep breath and touched the nearest bare branch. The fine roots on the bare branch immediately wrapped around his hand affectionately, quivering as if they were playing with him.

Yan Budu only expressed malice without providing a definite answer. That guy just kept mocking to his heart’s content, probably without knowing the real truth. He did see another aspect of this world…

But what exactly were these things?

Under the tall tree, Shi Jingzhi didn’t move his jade eye, allowing this vision to persist. Without waiting for Yin Ci to return to his side, he removed the Shirou and held it in his hand. “According to our agreement, I’ll take this thing first.”

It was as if he was unaffected by the terrifying scene before him.

The Shirou wriggled in Shi Jingzhi’s palm, its numerous eyes blinking even faster.

The surroundings were filled with eerie sights, and the crowd was still in shock and daze. Even those who managed to retain some sanity didn’t know how to respond. Only Qu Duanyun’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, seeming to want to say something.

Suddenly, a shadow flashed, and before Qu Duanyun could speak, a burst of blood exploded in front of him.

Shi Jingzhi had been deeply slashed in the throat, with blood gushing out instantly. The Shirou in his hand vanished in a moment, taken by the attacker.

“What righteous sects? Nothing but a bunch of cowards. Just a little scare, and they’re all panicking.”

The man laughed, putting away his dagger. A pendant gleamed on the dagger’s hilt, clearly a mountain ghost coin.

Yan Qing was the first to recover from the vision, staring in disbelief at the scene before him—Su Si was perched like a bird on the back of a wooden chair, having just cleanly slit Shi Jingzhi’s throat.

Su Si didn’t look at the surrounding bare branches, nor at the strange-looking Shirou in his hand. He stared intently at Yan Qing, his eyes as black as ink.

“I’ll be taking this Shirou for now.”

Su Si declared, word by word.

“Everyone, we’ll meet again.”

---

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 137: Alliance Leader

Just now, the two doctors who treated Yan Qing’s wounds stood up and jumped onto the stage. In public, they both removed their disguises. The taller one was Taiheng’s Yu Zikuan, while Yan Zheng still had his frost-like hair, disguised as an old man.

Yu Zikuan was quite famous; everyone in Taiheng knew him. Yan Zheng’s ghost eyes were exceptionally prominent, making it hard to mistake him for someone else. Their joint appearance was as absurd as Qu Duanyun’s loss to Yan Qing. This chaotic mix of right and wrong and the excitement of the martial arts conference had never before been so intense. People were so thrilled that instead of being amazed, they became inexplicably excited.

The lame old man who had set up a fortune-telling stall also went on stage—when he removed his disguise, he was clearly Hua Jingchun, Protector Hua. These influential figures from the demonic sect had been lurking here since early morning, patiently watching until now.

It felt as if hundreds of beehives suddenly appeared below the stage, as the buzzing of conversations became overwhelming.

The decline of the Ling Sect aside, the massive demonic sect of the Chigou Sect was somewhat formidable against the imperial court. What benefits could the small Kushan Sect offer them?

Aware of his credible identity, Yu Zikuan took a step forward and got straight to the point. “Six years ago, I took on the mission to assassinate the Patriarch of the Ling Sect. Later, I met Yan Zheng, and seeing that he was teachable, I wanted to correct the wrong ways of the Ling Sect. Sect Master Qu was right; directly intervening in the affairs of other sects isn’t proper for a reputable sect. To preserve Taiheng’s reputation, I faked my death.”

Everyone present knew about the deep enmity between Yu Zikuan and the Ling Sect. They all knew he would never be bribed by anyone, let alone speak for the Ling Sect by trampling on the bones of his wife and child.

“The Ling Sect was beyond salvation; it needed to be destroyed for something new to rise. Yan Zheng and I agreed to kill Chai Xin and his followers when we got a chance. Once Yan Zheng gained power, he could reform the Ling Sect. The battle formation on Zongwu Mountain that day was drawn by me!”

Yin Ci couldn’t help but snort. Yu Zikuan and Yan Zheng had been together for too long, learning some tricks to twist the truth. Initially, these two were entirely set on destroying the Ling Sect. Now, claiming to want to seize power was probably to appease the remaining Ling Sect followers and turn extermination into “infighting”.

Fortunately, as a renowned hero from Taiheng, no one doubted Yu Zikuan. Everyone was eager to hear more from him.

“I used Taiheng’s connections to find the disciples of the Mishan Sect and asked for a battle formation. By rights, this formation should destroy the Ling Sect’s Grand Pavilion without harming the innocent. But someone swapped my formation for a malevolent one that harms indiscriminately!”

“Why would I, Yu Zikuan, want to harm the brothers and sisters of the righteous sects? If it weren’t for the Kushan Sect’s rescue, Patriarch Yan and I would probably have died in that formation without any evidence to prove our innocence!”

“What Brother Yu said is true. I came here today to clarify this matter. The Ling Sect has taken countless lives; one more doesn’t matter. But This Seat has no intention of holding the blame for this shit.”

Yan Zheng drew out his Death Whip, its menacing aura forcing people to retreat, proving his authenticity.

After decades of stability in the martial world, no one had ever seen such a spectacle. Witnessing the re-emergence of once-deceased renowned fighters and their revelations surpassed all previous martial arts conferences.

This was a living legend. The audience forgot about the terror of the Ling Sect and eagerly pressed forward, wishing they could throw themselves onto the stage to hear more.

“Our Divine Sect was also harmed by villains,” Protector Hua said, seizing the momentum of the discussion. “I’ve known Wu Huai for a long time and knew he wasn’t fit to be the ‘Young Patriarch’. This time, he bribed the elders of the sect and faked our sect’s tokens, breaking our sect’s traditions. The Kushan Sect intervened because we made a deal with them. Who says demonic sects can’t hire aid from the righteous path? What kind of rule is this?”

The crowd below was taken aback. Now, regardless of whether it was the Jianchen Temple, the Ling Sect, or the Chigou Sect, they all stood in support of the Kushan Sect. From being the blamed party, the Kushan Sect was transformed into a righteous and chivalrous sect.

The people of the martial world loved excitement and especially adored such dramatic developments. The surrounding commoners got to witness a grand play of underdogs rising to the top. At this moment, they didn’t care about right or wrong; they felt incredibly exhilarated. Some even shouted louder than those watching the competition.

“The Kushan Sect is righteous!”

“This is what a hero looks like! Do you see it? This is a hero!”

“Who wronged them in the first place? After all the fuss, they couldn’t even produce any evidence!”

In this place, there were many sects who had been dragged down the mountain by the Kushan Sect in the Zongwu Mountain case and had luckily survived. Now, they realized and began to join in. This support grew like a spark in the wild, turning the noise and becoming more pronounced until, eventually, cheers of joy erupted.

“They are right! They are on the righteous path and have the qualifications!”

Amidst the thunderous applause, Qu Duanyun’s head buzzed for a long time before finally calming down.

Although these people clarified things, no one mentioned that the “orchestrator was the Immortal Assembly”. Most of the people believed in the Imperial Celestial. Saying anything would be counterproductive, showing that the Kushan Sect still had concerns about the audience below.

It was just a competition in the ring. Shi Jingzhi made his move; Qu Duanyun just had to respond.

Furthermore, even if the Kushan Sect could trace it back to the Immortal Assembly and even suspect him of meddling, they had no evidence. Qu Duanyun was always cautious and left no loopholes. If Shi Jingzhi accused him without evidence, it would only damage the recently improved reputation.

Moreover, Yin Ci had an unknown origin, and Yan Qing had the ghost eyes. It was uncertain who would win the hearts of the audience.

“So it turns out we misunderstood Sect Master Shi,” Qu Duanyun said calmly, his voice carrying his inner force, forcibly suppressing the noisy crowd but still polite and as elegant as always.

“I will withdraw the bounty on you all later. Today’s confrontation with the Kushan Sect—”

“Wait.”

A cold female voice sounded from the perimeter.

“What’s the rush, Junior Brother? We can’t just gloss over the case of Chen Qianfan from the North.”

It was Shi Zhongyu.

She had somehow escaped from prison and was still wearing the clothes from when she killed Lin Xin. The bloodstains had dried, adding brown spots to her pale attire.

Holding a rough cloth bundle, Shi Zhongyu walked straight to the platform, dispersing the crowd. Her aura was gentle but strong, and everyone from the Taiheng Sect looked around, none daring to stop her.

What did she want to do after the grievances of the Kushan Sect were cleared? People deliberately made way for her, just curious about how this would unfold.

“As for the case of Chen Qianfan from the North, I am a witness. Although I didn’t see Chen Qianfan and Wei Chun leave, I saw everything, from the madness of the Arcane Arts to the interaction between the Kushan Sect and the two of them,” Shi Zhongyu said as she stood in front of Qu Duanyun.

“I didn’t mean to put the Sect Master in danger,” Qu Duanyun said calmly. “Now that the Kushan Sect has been vindicated, I will invite Senior Sister back to the sect on another day. For now, let’s determine the Alliance Leader first.”

His words resonated with the crowd, garnering widespread agreement.

Shi Zhongyu smiled, a rare smile filled with self-mockery and unspeakable bitterness. She put down her bundle and sighed deeply.

“Duanyun, you are still the same,” she whispered. “Always perfect in your actions, without any leaks. Unfortunately…”

Qu Duanyun slightly furrowed his brows. Before he had a chance to ask a question, he saw Shi Zhongyu also raise her voice, addressing the leader of the Jinyu Group—

“This gathering indeed has a sect that shouldn’t have qualified.”

Her voice carried sadness.

“I propose that the Taiheng Sect be completely disqualified!”

Shi Zhongyu’s voice wasn’t particularly sharp; it was usually gentle and pleasant to hear. Yet, this very gentle remark caused an uproar, as if poking a hornet’s nest. The audience below was already noisy and irritably chattering. With her words, the people from the Taiheng Sect were thrown into chaos. Elder Zhou’s face turned red; his neck thickened, and he nearly fainted from anger.

One disturbance had yet to settle before another began. Qu Duanyun slightly relaxed his clenched fist, feeling a cold sweat in the palm of his hand. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his voice involuntarily became stern. “You are not a member of my Taiheng; watch your words. The issue with the Kushan Sect has been resolved. Someone, please escort Miss Shi out!”

Upon the sect leader’s command, two disciples from Taiheng swiftly moved on stage, attempting to approach Shi Zhongyu.

Unexpectedly, Shi Zhongyu swiftly turned around and produced an item from her chest, presenting it before the crowd. “Here is the Taiheng Yang Reversal Token. Who dares to lay a finger on me?”

She channeled some of her qi into the token, and immediately an ancient and solemn aura emanated from it, as solemn as the bells that had tolled for a thousand years. Everyone knew that it was just a small token, but they couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence.

The Yang Reversal Token had not been seen in nearly a century, making this assembly extraordinarily stimulating. Not only were the spectators stunned, but even the well-informed disciples of the Yueshui Pavilion turned pale, their breaths short, with one even fainting on the spot.

Everyone’s attention had long shifted from the Kushan Sect. Sect Master Shi, along with his beloved disciple, was in the best position to watch the drama unfold. Facing the situation he orchestrated, Shi Jingzhi almost sighed out loud—if only he had some sunflower seeds to munch on, it would be perfect.

However, with his beloved by his side, he wasn’t particularly anxious. Taking advantage of the crowd’s focus on Taiheng, Sect Master Shi leaned comfortably against Yin Ci’s chest. Yin Ci chuckled softly, brushing his shoulder.

Now, it was Taiheng’s turn to be put on the hot seat.

The Yang Reversal Token had always been carefully guarded by the sect leader, and nobody would be foolish enough to question its origins. With the recent death of Qi Xundao and the Taiheng Sect finally stabilizing, who could have anticipated such an event?

“This token was hidden by Sect Master Qi in a flowerpot and given to me when I left the sect. Since then, I’ve been investigating the mysterious illness of Sect Master Qi. Leaders like the Jianchen Temple’s Abbot, Taiheng’s Sect Master Qi, and Matron Wuxue of Chigou were all formidable masters. Their sequential deaths hardly seem coincidental.”

The crowd had already sensed something after the previous statements. While the Kushan Sect was absolved, the real culprit was still at large! With Shi Zhongyu’s revelation, the crowd started to grasp the situation. The murmuring slowly ceased, and all were focused and silent.

“Abbot Juefei, Qi Xundao, and Matron Wuxue all died under different circumstances, but upon my detailed investigation, they all met their end because of the ‘Twin Roots’, a cursed object.”

Shi Zhongyu took a few steps to the side of the stage and spoke loudly.

“The Twin Roots requires a curse to activate and needs to be swallowed whole by its victim. While the Twin Roots leaves no trace, using it is no small feat. From this, I deduce… the three victims were all poisoned by our sect’s cherished Tranquil Heart Pill! The mastermind behind these murders is hiding within Taiheng!”

The Tranquil Heart Pill was a renowned treasure of Taiheng, known to everyone. Without further explanation, those with knowledge understood the implications. Many famous martial artists frowned; their eyes fixed on Qu Duanyun.

Qu Duanyun felt cold all over, glancing at Shi Jingzhi. The latter was still seated, eyes slightly closed, leaning against his disciple. As if aware of his gaze, Shi Jingzhi opened one eye, smiling enigmatically.

Yet, faced with this predicament, Qu Duanyun couldn’t think of any way to resolve the situation. Every move he had prepared was now backfiring—

Elder Zhou, whom he specifically chose, indeed exploded with anger. Without caring for his image, Elder Zhou climbed on stage. “Young lady, be careful with your words!”

As expected, Shi Zhongyu seized the opportunity. “Every elder here probably has one of these pills. Just open one, and you’ll know.”

Elder Zhou, who cared deeply for Taiheng, didn’t care about his image at the moment. He immediately took out the treasured pill and carefully broke it open. The next moment, fine roots from within the pill burst forth, floating in the air before the crowd.

Seeing this, there was an outcry from the righteous sects. Elder Zhou, with blood rushing to his head, spat out a mouthful of blood in anger. He threw the pill on the ground, his face turning purple. “What is this? What’s happening?”

“The Tranquil Heart Pills have all been tampered with. From the case of Abbot Juefei, it’s been like this for a decade.” Shi Zhongyu exclaimed loudly. “My Taiheng is involved in these heinous crimes. Shouldn’t we distance ourselves?”

It’s coming. Qu Duanyun clenched his lips.

From the start, their goal wasn’t to prove that “Qu Duanyun was the mastermind”, but to kick the entire Taiheng Sect out. Regardless of Qu Duanyun’s innocence or guilt, the situation remained unchanged. Shi Jingzhi, that fox, never truly saw him as a worthy opponent from the beginning.

The strategic positioning of the Immortal Assembly in the martial world had been completely destroyed. Qu Duanyun was responsible for these affairs. Not to mention the “Hundred-Year Project”, he might not even be able to take the position of the next Imperial Preceptor.

Things shouldn’t have turned out this way.

Qu Duanyun repeatedly scrutinized every action since he took over, finding no mistakes. Could this be the “fate” his master talked about? Could the Imperial Celestial really have favored Shi Jingzhi from the beginning?

No, it wasn’t time to give up yet.

“The refining of the Tranquil Heart Pills is handled by the Immortal Assembly.” Qu Duanyun forced himself to stay calm and continued softly, “The Immortal Assembly is a mixed bunch. There’s a high possibility that my Taiheng has been exploited by villains. Senior sister, wouldn’t it be biased to expel Taiheng based on this?”

The Qu Clan was well-renowned, and Taiheng had always maintained a good reputation. Many righteous martial artists would be swayed by this reputation. Qu Duanyun kept his composure throughout, which impressed many. As for the Tranquil Heart Pill, only a few people present had the luck to consume it. The ones who suffered were from Taiheng itself. Many smaller sects that had good relations with Taiheng showed sympathy and started agreeing; their murmurs were slightly mixed —

“With the situation so chaotic, perhaps Taiheng should take charge.”

“The Jianchen Temple is fine too, right? With Abbot Juehui leading, it won’t be chaotic. Miss Shi is right. If villains are hiding within Taiheng, aren’t we just handing them an advantage?”

“After all, Taiheng is a major sect. It can’t be that exaggerated…”

Shi Zhongyu ignored Qu Duanyun and wasn’t influenced by the murmurs from the audience. She wiped her hands and publicly unwrapped a package she had brought to the stage. Inside was a peculiar ritual tool. As the crowd wondered about it, Shi Zhongyu took the hairpin from her head and inserted it into the tool.

As the device activated, the “pearl” on the hairpin emitted a soft glow.

“It’s the Soft Fish Demon Eye! It can record images!” Some merchants from the Jinyu Group among the audience recognized it instantly.

The next moment, the scene of Shi Zhongyu battling Lin Xun appeared in mid-air, clearly visible to everyone present—from Lin Xun deliberately adjusting his position to Lin Xun purposely colliding with Shi Zhongyu’s broken sword.

Despite the twists and turns in the arena today, everyone gasped in surprise.

“Duanyun, after much thought, I realized that the villain who plotted against our seniors must be keen on meddling in the martial world. Being weak and having spoken for the Kushan Sect early on, I was likely targeted. Thus, I took a gamble—I wagered that the villain would interfere in the martial arts conference, and that’s why I bought the Soft Fish Demon Eye at a high price. It seems I was right.”

Shi Zhongyu said each word clearly.

“The villain tarnished the Kushan Sect’s name earlier, and now Lin Xun risked his life to try to disqualify me. However, Lin Zhen encountered you and did nothing. It seems to me that the villains really want Taiheng to win.”

“Duanyun… Sect Master Qu, since all the Taiheng masters have consumed the Twin Roots and any of them could be threatened, shouldn’t Taiheng prioritize the safety of the martial world over its own interests?”

Finally, Qu Duanyun had no rebuttal.

When Shi Zhongyu put forth this argument, there was only one answer he, as the head of Taiheng, could give.

…Did he really lose? With all the advantages of terrain and manpower, and a strategy built over years, did he lose to someone who had left the palace less than a year ago and was labeled a “man-made demon”?

He tried to maintain a dignified smile under everyone’s gaze. However, every move seemed to block his retreat. No matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t find a countermeasure.

Qu Duanyun’s mind was unusually blank. He clenched his fists instinctively, trying to grasp onto something, but all he felt was pain. He knew he had lost completely and fairly, and this realization angered him. His inner force went wild.

Losing to an opponent he looked down on was the most frustrating thing in the world. Qu Duanyun swallowed the blood that surged to his throat and trembled slightly.

…It wasn’t over yet; it couldn’t be. Otherwise, what was the point of all his years of effort?

With mixed feelings and the heavy atmosphere around him, Qu Duanyun’s words finally showed some hostility. “Taiheng should indeed avoid suspicion. However, although the Kushan Sect hasn’t done evil, they’ve rarely done good either. I believe everyone remembers their gratitude towards the Zongwu Mountain matter. I fear they’re here for their own desires and cannot shoulder the responsibility of the righteous path…”

Though there was some truth in his words, they were quite harsh. Seeing Qu Duanyun’s unusual coldness, the audience didn’t immediately agree but whispered among themselves.

Shi Jingzhi leaned over to Yin Ci, squeezing his wrist—it was time for the final move.

The Kushan Sect didn’t miss Qu Duanyun’s momentary lapse. Right after Sect Master Qu finished speaking, Yin Ci stepped forward decisively, approaching the stunned leader of the Jinyu Group.

“Sect Master Qu is right. I was planning to give up my position.”

Yin Ci said sincerely, and with his immortal-like face, he appeared exceptionally upright.

“My master is gravely ill. We participated in this tournament mainly to seek the Shirou to save him. With his poor health, he can’t take on the position of Alliance Leader. And I need to take care of my master, so I’m also stretched thin…”

Originally, Yan Qing considered himself a mere spectator, sitting in the audience and sipping his fragrant drink with amazement. However, upon hearing those words, he nearly spat out all the drink in his mouth.

“The Kushan Sect is a small sect with a previously notorious reputation. If they were to take the position of Alliance Leader, I believe many of you wouldn’t feel too comfortable. How about letting Yang Qing from my sect temporarily assume this role? Once the criminal is caught and the suspicions of the Taiheng Sect members are cleared, we can hold the conference again.”

Demonic Lord Yin put forth an exemplary performance, which moved everyone. Given that the Kushan Sect had just cleared their name, this scene was even more impactful.

The audience was silent.

Every sect was silent, each person calculating their own benefits.

Compared to the shocking news earlier, Yan Qing’s demonic lineage seemed insignificant. On the contrary, having a demonic lineage made him easier to control—after all, this was like an open secret that they could use against him whenever they wanted.

Now, relying on Taiheng was out of the question. There was still a powerful “villain” outside watching their every move, and no one wanted to be the first to stick their neck out. Taking a step back and thinking about it, Yan Qing could wield the Sword of Compassion, which meant he wasn’t bad. Compared to the unpredictable master-disciple duo from the Kushan Sect, temporarily promoting someone like him… seemed like a plausible move?

Even though she was on the side of the Kushan Sect, the corner of Shi Zhongyu’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

Such a way of winning over the crowd was truly unprecedented.

When Yan Qing was pulled onto the stage by Jin Lan, he was still in shock.

Yan Qing silently faced the hundreds of faces in the audience, not daring to breathe. Wrapped in bandages, he held a cup of fragrant drink in his hands. His ghost eyes were filled with confusion and fear. When the first shout of “Alliance Leader” rang out, Yan Qing’s hand trembled, and the cup filled with the fragrant drink crashed to the ground.

He finally escaped the curse of the ghost eyes and didn’t fall into the demonic sect as his father had hoped.

But did he push too hard and go too far?

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The author has something to say:

Yan Qing: I was so scared that I dropped my milk tea.jpg.

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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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