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

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.”

---

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.

---

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

---

Chapter 135: Victory or Defeat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Tricks?”

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

Su Si chuckled.

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

Snake Demon Su Si: “…”

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

Hopefully, not a goose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This wasn’t good.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What do you really want?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even after a hundred years, the world remained unchanged.

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

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

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

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

Yin Ci stared intently at the stage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[That’s more like it.]

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

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

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

Qu Duanyun glanced at the longevity lock and snorted disdainfully.

Two sounds echoed, merging into one thunderous boom.

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

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

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

“Child’s play.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ding.

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

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

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

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

He had no choice but to dodge.

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

But it was enough to move the stones.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yan Qing sighed and continued.

“What a pity.”

---

The author has something to say:

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

After all, they have to face the real boss XD

---

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 134: Crisis

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

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

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

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

*A Bodhisattva associated with compassion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On stage, Elder Zhou had mixed feelings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This kid…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one had predicted the current situation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Elder Zhou!” Qu Duanyun immediately objected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The crowd below was silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That night, in a corner of Wuming Town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Eat up.”

“What about outside…”

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

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

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

Elder Zhou’s tone became serious.

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

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

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

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

Shi Zhongyu paused her chopsticks.

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

She looked down, abruptly adding,

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

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

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

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

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

She smiled slightly.

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, Elder Zhou.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yan Qing looked puzzled.

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

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

Qu Duanyun: “……”

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

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

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

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

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

“Words are futile. Let’s begin.”

---

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

---

Chapter 133: Nuo Mask

“Don’t chase,” Shi Jingzhi whispered.

He no longer tightly gripped Yin Ci’s wrist but slid his palm down, covering the back of Yin Ci’s hand. The two of them stood close, and just a few movements brought back a strong smell of blood.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t say much. He lifted his head, grinning broadly at Yin Ci—probably the only person in the world who could be so cheerful after being injured.

Yin Ci calmed down, quickly realizing the issue.

When dealing with this man, he couldn’t maintain the same composure as before. The calmness and rationality that he had cultivated over many years suddenly crumbled in the face of the overpowering scent of blood. Any tiny variable involving this person could make him lose his bearings—

For a moment, he undoubtedly activated the disaster-warding talisman.

Due to its modification from a cursed artifact, the design of the talisman was simple. Even without inner force, a mere poke with a twig would activate it. Although Yin Ci claimed to have no inner force, his control over sword qi was impeccable; a mistake was impossible.

However, during the operation of the talisman, the injuries of the person being “shielded” would be transferred. At this moment, the bright red wound still remained on Shi Jingzhi’s neck, continuously oozing blood.

“…You knew.”

He didn’t make a mistake, and Chen Qianfan’s talisman couldn’t be of poor quality. The only remaining possibility was that Shi Jingzhi had detected the talisman on his body and had tampered with it beforehand.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t directly respond. He grimaced and touched the wound on his neck. “This will probably leave a scar. I’ll need to adjust my wedding robe.”

Yin Ci: “…”

Shi Jingzhi: “My clothes are dirty. Zizhu, fetch me a silver needle and silk thread. I need to stitch this wound.”

Yin Ci finally sighed. “Jingzhi, I shouldn’t have hidden this from you.”

Shi Jingzhi abruptly looked up, inadvertently pulling his wound, and winced in pain. Yet, the joy on his face was evident. “Say that again.”

“I shouldn’t have hidden it from you. I’m sorry.”

“Not that.” Shi Jingzhi covered his neck. “I know what you think, and I don’t blame you. Come, call me by my name again.”

Yin Ci’s emotions were thrown into turmoil by this man. On one hand, he was angry at Shi Jingzhi for treating himself poorly, and on the other, he felt like he was begrudgingly admitting his own mistakes. The feeling was truly a mix of sweet and sour, bitter and spicy, extremely complex and incredibly subtle.

Looking back, this young man hinted at him many times. Yet, he had always maintained some seniority and never candidly admitted it.

“Call me again,” Shi Jingzhi pressed on.

Yin Ci knew this young man loved to seize opportunities. He pulled out a silver needle and silk from the medicine box. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

Shi Jingzhi pretended not to hear.

“Jingzhi*.” Yin Ci, a bit helpless, started to thread the needle.

*Clarity: In Chinese culture, calling someone by just their first name often times shows extreme closeness, and among other cases, if you’re a romantic couple. This is why Shi Jingzhi is so enthusiastic about wanting to hear it from Yin Ci again.

Shi Jingzhi, satisfied, responded, “Mm, you stitch. When you gave me that brocade pouch, you still saw me as a junior, right? It’s hard to bring up such matters; if done wrongly, it seems like I’m taking advantage of gratitude.”

He gradually turned his cheek and rubbed Yin Ci’s hand, not holding the needle.

“Whenever I see you, I don’t know how to speak. It’s hard to explain, and I didn’t want you to get annoyed.”

Yin Ci found it both amusing and pitiable. “So you baited me to act first?”

“Yes. But I didn’t want to risk my life. It just so happened that the Changle Sect was there, so I used the opportunity. This way, my ‘serious illness’ seemed more believable. It’s a win-win.”

Yin Ci stitched the wound, which was numbed by a drug. Shi Jingzhi took the opportunity to lean in and kiss Yin Ci’s forehead.

“I indeed didn’t expect to see such a panicked look on your face, Zizhu… That was my fault.”

Regrettably, the satisfaction in Sect Master Shi’s tone overshadowed his apology, and the smugness in his eyes was impossible to hide. Yin Ci wanted to say, “Why not just say it?” but it got stuck in his throat, only to be swallowed back down. The scene of “being 100 steps angry but retreating 50 steps” replayed. He suspected that this kid had premeditated everything, precisely targeting every bit of his inner fury.

…However, if he wanted to completely grasp and manipulate him, this kid was still too naive.

Yin Ci resisted the urge to pull his ear, and his sewing movements became even gentler. Just when Shi Jingzhi relaxed completely, Demonic Lord Yin looked sideways and cleared his throat—

“Next time, I’ll definitely discuss it with you.”

Shi Jingzhi momentarily froze. “Next time?”

“Yes, next time.” Yin Ci washed the blood off his hands. “When I first gave you that charm, I did see you as a junior with a fragile life. Either way, I won’t die, so blocking a bit for you was no big deal.”

Shi Jingzhi touched the wound on his neck and stared silently at Yin Ci. Yin Ci took the safety brocade pouch off his body and solemnly placed it in front of Shi Jingzhi.

“Now I give it back to you, not out of an elder’s heart,” Yin Ci said solemnly, without a hint of embarrassment in his words.

“Shi Jingzhi, you are the person I cherish the most. I don’t want to lose you. Please keep this disaster-warding talisman with you.”

Shi Jingzhi was taken aback by these words, his eyes reddening slightly. “You…”

“Moreover, this item is rare. If used properly, it can strike unexpectedly.” Yin Ci continued with a straight face. “It would be a pity to give up on it.”

“…Can’t you let me be moved a bit longer?” Shi Jingzhi lamented.

But the disaster-warding talisman on his chest suddenly felt lighter. From now on, it wasn’t an armor of “self-sacrifice”, but a secret weapon they both understood.

Shi Jingzhi stared at the person in front of him for a while, then kissed his forehead.

“I’ll try not to use it. If I have to, it will only be for matters concerning both of us.” He rested his forehead against Yin Ci’s. “Zizhu, I’m very happy that you revealed everything today. As a return, I’ll tell you a secret—”

Shi Jingzhi moved his lips, whispering something.

Listening, Yin Ci’s face stiffened, and his fleeting guilt vanished instantly. At the end, Yin Ci leaned back and, without hesitation, pressed Shi Jingzhi’s hand against the wooden chair’s backrest.

“Good, very good.” Yin Ci’s face was clouded with shadows. “Shizun really is full of schemes.”

“This is the best plan I could think of,” Shi Jingzhi said sincerely. “I don’t want to hide it from you. Let’s discuss it.”

Thinking of the plan he just heard, Yin Ci felt a bit restless. However, with Shi Jingzhi’s sincere expression, looking up at his disciple, his face read, “I know you care about me.”

Poor Immortal Yin Ci; if his body had to go through more stress, he might internally injure himself. With Shi Jingzhi’s plan in place, he really didn’t have a better solution.

“Forget it, it really is the best strategy.” After struggling for a while, Yin Ci finally conceded. “You’re injured, so only vegetable porridge for you tonight.”

Shi Jingzhi froze in the chair, almost whimpering.

“Zizhu—”

Unfortunately, only the hard-hearted Demonic Lord Yin heard Sect Master Shi’s sobs.

The next day, the Sect Master of the Changle Sect had already vanished without a trace, and Yin Ci won without a fight. Qu Duanyun didn’t disappoint the audience, swiftly defeating Lin Zhen. The matches between Shi Zhongyu and Lin Xun, and Yan Qing against Elder Zhou of Taiheng, were unexpectedly fierce.

The battle between Shi Zhongyu and Lin Xun was set for noon. Though Shi Zhongyu lost her good sword, she still retained the Green Maiden Sword technique, which had been famous for a long time. Lin Xun, a member of the Jiu Tianhui Sect, was unknown to many. Even if he was a unique sword genius, he wouldn’t be a match for Shi Zhongyu.

Today, Shi Zhongyu finally changed her attire. She took off her coarse bandit clothes and wore her regular fabric outfit. Her long hair was neatly tied, even adorned with an elegant pearl hairpin.

The crowd saw a glimpse of the old Green Maiden Shi Zhongyu and couldn’t help but exclaim. Without a sideways glance, she gracefully stepped onto the stone platform and greeted Lin Xun.

With an expressionless face, Lin Xun returned the gesture. He looked ordinary, carrying a long sword, his eyes slightly vacant.

“Honor in heart, stop at the touch.” The leader of the Jinyu Group shouted. “Begin!”

Shi Zhongyu made the first move, her sword instantly ignited with a green flame. Unfortunately, her sword was of average quality, showing weakness under the flame’s burn. She swiftly aimed the green flame at Lin Xun’s face. Compared to the Green Maiden Sword technique that everyone had seen, her current sword style was more measured but several times more stable.

Shi Zhongyu, being a woman, was light and agile. She danced around Lin Xun, her sword alternating between close and distant. The green light, like a giant snake, kept moving around Lin Xun while the crowd burst into exclamations—

This move was tricky, and if one misjudged the distance, they would be at a disadvantage. Shi Zhongyu’s style had always been gentle, progressing step by step. But now, she went straight to the point with a vicious move.

People looked at each other, wondering what had upset the “Great Senior Sister of Taiheng”.

Lin Xun didn’t shrink back. He stood still for a moment and suddenly brandished his sword, producing layers of sword flowers around him. As the sword flowers tumbled, with continuous chimes, he managed to defend against Shi Zhongyu’s “Green Snake Stance”.

Shi Zhongyu showed no surprise, dodging Lin Xun’s intricate sword flowers. She twisted her body and aimed at Lin Xun’s wrist that was holding his sword.

Her sword was heated by the green flames, and this move raised a lot of hot steel slag. The slag scattered with her sword intent, becoming an excellent distracting weapon. Lin Xin immediately had dozens of minor injuries on his arm. As his attention was diverted, his swordplay was disrupted and became chaotic, and he quickly disengaged.

However, there was still no expression on Lin Xin’s face. He simply gave up his defense and engaged in close combat with Shi Zhongyu. For a moment, the glow of flames and the shadows of swords flew together, and countless sword qi lashed towards the stone platform, making a crisp cracking sound.

Lin Xin was tall and thin, yet he seemed weightless. He and Shi Zhongyu seemed like two intertwined gusts of wind, their figures blurring. The audience below erupted in cheers. But only Yin Ci slightly frowned, looking contemplative.

The two gusts swirled around the large arena several times, slowing down enough for their movements to be discernible. Shi Zhongyu was slightly panting, with numerous notches on her sword. Fortunately, the green flame was still blazing. Lin Xin continued with a calm expression, but his moves were more aggressive, exuding a self-sacrificing aura.

He seemed inexhaustible, growing stronger as the fight continued. Shi Zhongyu fought defensively, conserving her energy amidst the rapid attacks. Unfortunately, the opponent had no sense of rhythm in combat and attacked relentlessly. She was forced into a corner where her vision was obscured. Seeing that there was no way to retreat, the battle intensified.

The location was further from the spectators, and their positions were relatively fixed. Shi Zhongyu had more opportunities to observe her opponent.

It’s a trap.

Lin Xin’s movements were peculiar, unlike the common styles in the martial world. Despite their rapid pace, his breathing was steady, as solid as wood or stone. In the right light, she could see a hint of jade green in his pupils.

She realized that the Immortal Assembly wouldn’t just stand by and watch. This so-called Jiu Tianhui Sect was merely a stepping stone to interfere with the main event.

As if sensing her thoughts, an expression finally appeared on Lin Xin’s face—a stiff smile that was slightly unsettling.

The smile vanished quickly. Just as Shi Zhongyu’s sword broke a bit and she was about to switch positions, Lin Xin lunged directly at her, colliding with her flaming broken sword.

“Ah!!!”

A loud scream came from below.

In the arena, Lin Xin’s movements completely stopped, as if he had been paralyzed. A dark red stain slowly spread across his back, eventually soaking it completely.

The next moment, Lin Xin fell like a sack with his dull eyes still open. His sword clattered to the ground, sliding a few steps away.

After Lin Xin fell, the slightly shorter figure of Shi Zhongyu became visible. This time, she was the expressionless one—holding a half-burned sword with no signs of shock or regret.

Monk Zhixing, sitting in a prominent position, began to recite Buddhist scriptures in a low voice upon seeing this. The two monks beside him remained silent. Nearby, two doctors wanted to approach, but Shi Zhongyu signaled them to stay back.

“He’s dead,” she said calmly.

Whispers and discussions broke out among the martial artists below. Jin Lan, who was familiar with Shi Zhongyu, was utterly shocked. Shi Zhongyu’s demeanor, without even a hint of remorse, was unprecedented.

In Jin Lan’s heart, Shi Zhongyu was almost considered the soul of Taiheng. She would definitely not behave in such a manner. Could it be that she was possessed by something or affected by some technique?

Unexpectedly, Shi Zhongyu didn’t even glance at him; her eyes were sharply fixed on Qu Duanyun seated above.

“Taking a life means disqualification!” The leader of Jinyu Gang wiped his sweat with a handkerchief, his voice trembling slightly. “She must be strictly guarded and handed over to the authorities after the conference!”

Shi Zhongyu didn’t defend herself. She looked around as if imprinting everything in her memory, then nodded to Lin Zhen below, showing no intention of fleeing.

It wasn’t until Shi Zhongyu was taken away and the blood was cleaned up that the murmurs from the crowd began to die down. Yin Ci looked at Shi Jingzhi—Shi Jingzhi had his head lowered and his face remained calm.

However, there were many observing the Kushan Sect.

“It happened so suddenly, and only your sect remained calm. No wonder she spoke up for you. Kushan, you heretics, have you deceived her with your wicked ways?”

Elder Zhou of Taiheng, the next to go on stage, didn’t even wait for the fat leader’s signal before accusing Yan Qing.

Yan Qing, wearing a Nuo mask, remained silent.

“Even the servants are wearing masks, always using these mysterious tricks. Covering your face is useless; the aggrieved party is right here, and you can’t escape this time.”

Elder Zhou, with his white beard, looked furious, but his tone seemed genuinely concerned for Shi Zhongyu. Yan Qing didn’t drop his sword this time; he stood upright with his sword, still maintaining his silence.

The fat leader of the Jinyu Group soaked through a handkerchief with sweat before finding an opportunity to interject, “Begin!”

Given the situation, rallying shouts probably wouldn’t be of much use.

As expected, Elder Zhou shouted and instantly lunged at Yan Qing. Elder Zhou was highly respected in Taiheng, and his Feng Hui palm technique was masterful and intimidating to all. If not for his old age and declining strength, he might even stand a chance against Qu Duanyun.

Facing such a senior figure, Yan Qing didn’t act arrogantly. If he were to lose his sword, he might not be able to counter. Without his weapon, the situation would be irreparable.

Yan Qing cautiously adjusted his position, but against a master like Elder Zhou, the Nuo mask was a hindrance. To cover his ghost eyes, the mask’s holes were small, limiting his field of vision.

Elder Zhou, with his vast experience, immediately recognized the limitations of the mask. He targeted Yan Qing’s blind spots, his Feng Hui palm strikes producing sharp sounds of breaking the air. Yan Qing barely managed to defend using his Sword of Compassion. Despite this, Elder Zhou’s techniques were still overwhelmingly powerful.

The Sword of Compassion couldn’t block inner force like the Hanging Shadow Sword. The surging inner force passed through the blade, making it hard for Yan Qing to even hold onto the hilt.

Few cheered from below the stage.

The audience was still immersed in the shock of Shi Zhongyu’s public killing. Moreover, this match seemed to have a foregone conclusion. Although the turmoil in the martial world had shaken its foundations, the members of the Kushan Sect could still make it among the top eight. The righteous sects had lost face.

The situation was clear. Elder Zhou’s inner force could injure Yan Qing even if he hid behind a turtle shell. Unless Yan Qing could change the tide, breaking the deadlock—but how could someone who had thrown his sword this entire time have the power to do so?

“Thief, take this palm strike!” Seeing Yan Qing’s desperate defense, Elder Zhou, feeling unsatisfied, intensified his palm technique.

Using all his strength in this strike, even the surrounding air rippled. Yan Qing stabbed his sword into the stone platform to steady himself, preventing himself from being blown away by the palm’s wind.

Yan Qing tightly gripped the hilt, spitting out a bit of blood.

Elder Zhou was no ordinary master. His momentum was like a landslide, with each palm strike stronger than the last, leaving little time to counter. His strength was comparable to Chai Xin of the Ling Sect, but when he fought Chai Xin, Yan Zheng was by his side to help. Chai Xin had the upper hand then but became overconfident.

However, Elder Zhou was far from being complacent. The old man was furious, as if he wished to crush Yan Qing in a mortar.

“Why aren’t you throwing your sword now?” Seeing Yan Qing still not making a move, Elder Zhou said angrily. “Can’t you even face me head-on? Are you a coward or not?”

“Forget it.”

Yan Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and finally spoke.

“Senior’s skills are profound. If I don’t face you with all my strength, it would be disrespectful.”

“Just as I thought…” Elder Zhou started to say, but then froze on stage.

With a “snap” sound, Yan Qing’s wooden mask fell to the ground. Under the bright midday sun, Yan Qing’s ghost eyes shone like blazing charcoal, glaringly red.

The audience below fell into complete silence.

Jin Lan was greatly shocked. Instinctively, he cried out “Yan Qing”, but then realized his mistake and quickly covered his mouth. Unfortunately, it was too late—while others may not understand, Elder Zhou was crystal clear.

“In my sect, there was a blind servant who died in the Ghost Tomb named Yan Qing,” Elder Zhou said in a very low voice, pausing between words. “I thought it was just a coincidence of names, but to think… the Yan Clan’s bloodline has been hiding in my Taiheng!”

He then withdrew his hands and announced loudly. “You are lucky today. Leader of Jinyu, this man is not qualified to stand here. Take him down immediately!”

Yan Qing stood with his sword, his ghost eyes fixed on Elder Zhou, showing calm acceptance. Hearing Elder Zhou’s words, he didn’t move an inch, but instead showed a hint of a smile.

Could the situation get any more bizarre? The fat leader of the Jinyu Group was sweating profusely, and it took him a while to come to his senses.

“This… This…”

Elder Zhou: “What?”

“As for qualifications, the Martial Arts Conference only has two conditions: belonging to the ‘righteous sects’ and ‘passing the Mirror of Judgment’. The Kushan Sect has not been convicted and is still considered a righteous sect. This man also passed the Mirror of Judgement… even if he carries the bloodline of a demon, by the rules…”

The Jinyu Group leader swallowed hard.

“By the rules, he is indeed qualified.”

The situation was so outlandish that there was an uproar from the audience below.

The Martial Arts Conference wasn’t held annually, but in its century-long history, no descendant of the Yan Clan had ever set foot on the stone platform. This conference, especially, was about “winning over the audience”. Just by seeing those ghost eyes, one would not say “winning over” but rather “inciting anger”. With Taiheng at the forefront of this year’s conference, publicly revealing his identity like this, was he tired of living?

Despite being the center of attention, Yan Qing remained calm.

He didn’t glance at the audience below, nor did he listen to the exclamations or curses.

“Senior, can we continue now?”

---

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 132: Eight People

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yin Ci paused. “What about Su Si?”

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

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

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

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

Yin Ci frowned at him.

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

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

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

“You can rest.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“But I never thought of losing either.”

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

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

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

Is this person from a demonic sect?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“There’s no need.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yin Ci remained silent, observing him.

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

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

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

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

Suddenly, the smell of blood intensified.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Shh, it’s okay.”

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

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

“Don’t chase.”

---

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 131: Platoon

“Shi Jingzhi isn’t participating in the martial arts conference?” Qu Duanyun’s hand paused as he was writing.

“Sect Master Shi is unwell and has sent his disciple, and… and a servant, to participate,” Jin Lan said, finding the situation absurd.

According to the rules of the martial arts conference, unless there was a special circumstance, the head of the sect was required to attend in person. This rule was to show that the sect leader had the capability to pass on their knowledge. They were given an extra spot to bring an outstanding disciple with them. This “outstanding disciple” was likely the next candidate to be Sect Master.

To prevent smaller sects from randomly recruiting outsiders or lone warriors to fight on their behalf, the martial arts conference tested not only combat skills but also loyalty and following. With all these rules, it was the most solemn event in the martial world. It was one thing for a senior disciple to represent a sect, but it was absurd for the Kushan Sect to bring in a mere servant.

Yet, no one could really pinpoint any violation of the rules.

Qu Duanyun had received information from the Yueshui Pavilion that Shi Jingzhi had been seated in a wooden chair the entire journey, consuming only porridge and medicinal soup, looking frail. By the rules, Sect Master Shi was exempt from performing. Qu Duanyun racked his brain but couldn’t figure out why Shi Jingzhi might be pretending to be ill.

Shi Jingzhi was an excellent martial artist and now seemed to be on his deathbed. If he and his top disciple both participated, Qu Duanyun would need to be more cautious. Shi Jingzhi’s actions seemed like cutting off his own arm.

Had he truly reached his limit?

Over the 300-year history of the Great Yun nation, there were several special beings called “Children of Desire”. Most of them were consumed by their desires before reaching the age of twenty, falling into madness. Either they took their own lives or sought death through others. The Queen of Milan and Yan Budu were among the few who endured this torment and lived a relatively “long” life.

Yet, the Queen of Milan took her life at 26 and Yan Budu at 29, never truly realizing their potential.

Jiang Youyue once said that the Children of Desire, being the concentration of the world’s vital qi, were destined to live short lives. This short lifespan magnified their desires, making the selection process more effective and strategic.

Being a Child of Desire, Shi Jingzhi, approaching 28, was indeed at an age where his life might be ending. Jiang Youyue had judged correctly: even on the brink of death, Shi Jingzhi had not broken down in madness but was still striving for a way to survive. This cunning Child of Desire had faced numerous dangers and adversities but had lived to the present day.

Everything was unfolding just as Jiang Youyue had predicted, and the Hundred-Year Project was nearing its final step.

Was “fate” real in this world?

…No, even if it was, he wouldn’t bow to it.

“Sect Master?” While Qu Duanyun was lost in thought, Jin Lan’s legs had gone numb from standing. He couldn’t help but speak up again.

Qu Duanyun looked down to see that the ink on his brush had dried. Setting his brush aside, he put on his usual smile. “Anything else?”

“I… I saw Senior Sister. She looks different now. She even started the Yangsha Sect. She might be mentally disturbed. With Sect Master Qi gone, perhaps you could decide to bring her back.”

“I cannot defy Master’s orders. I’ve only been Sect Master for a few months, and it’s not appropriate for me to go against Master’s last wishes right away.”

Seeing Jin Lan’s disappointment, Qu Duanyun offered a reassuring smile.

“Although Senior Sister can be stubborn, she’s not reckless. She must have her reasons for attending the martial arts conference. If she demonstrates righteousness at the conference, I might find a way to invite her back.”

Jin Lan brightened up, saying, “That’s great.”

“Not so good.” At the corner of Wuming Town, Sect Master Shi finished his last spoonful of hawthorn porridge. He kept flipping through several old papers, looking rather distressed.

“What’s not so good?” Yin Ci put down a bowl of bitter medicinal soup, making Shi Jingzhi lean back from its strong taste.

“It’s about Qu Duanyun.”

Shi Jingzhi moved his wooden chair, trying to distance himself from the bitter soup.

“Shen Zhu has gathered information on him, and he seems… unpredictable.”

Qu Duanyun was born into the wealthy and influential Qu Clan.

His father was a renowned and upright official, and his mother was the daughter of a high-ranking elder, known for her kindness and openness. The couple was deeply in love—a genuine match made in heaven. They neither spoiled nor were too strict with their only son, Qu Duanyun, ensuring he grew up balanced.

From a young age, Qu Duanyun had the best tutors and was a diligent student. Whether in martial arts or academics, he never relied solely on talent but worked hard without faltering. Compared to the princes of the palace, Qu Duanyun was like a treasured child of heaven.

In the entire Great Yun nation, there might not be a more perfect family or a more fortunate individual than Qu Duanyun.

From childhood to adulthood, Qu Duanyun seemed to have never done any “wrongdoings”. Not even slightly bad rumors could be found about him. Gifted and persevering, with excellent social and interpersonal skills, Qu Duanyun’s future looked promising.

The Immortal Assembly had always been keen on attracting outstanding individuals. Only if they were blind would they overlook such a talent.

“If he wanted to be an official, he could take the imperial examination, and he might even become the top scholar. Now that he’s with the Imperial Preceptor, his future is bright,” Shi Jingzhi muttered. “If he doesn’t want to be an official, he’s still the head of Taiheng, well-respected among the people. If Qu Duanyun had further ambitions, he could only overthrow my brother to become Emperor. But looking at his actions, there’s no sign he wants to harm Great Yun.”

For many years, Sect Master Shi struggled just to survive, always having humble desires. With Qu Duanyun’s booming fortune, Shi Jingzhi really couldn’t guess what more he might want.

Was he simply overthinking?

“Anyway, as long as he’s not the kind of person who turns his back, our plan can proceed. We’ve had such bad luck that our speculations might end up as jokes, like ‘the Emperor using a gold pole*’,” Shi Jingzhi said bitterly.

*Clarity: This comes from a fable where two farmers were on their way home from picking firewood when one asked what the Emperor would use to pick firewood every day, to which the other replied jokingly, “a gold pole, because the Emperor has a lot of gold and must use it for everything.” The pole they are referring to is a carrying pole. This joke highlights the limitations of people’s understanding of a problem. However, in this context, it’s not referring to the meaning, but more so, they would look like the butt of a joke.

“If I could swap places with him, it would be so…”

Before he could finish saying “good”, Yin Ci turned to look at Shi Jingzhi. Sect Master Shi sighed with a complicated expression. “It might not be better. If I became him, wouldn’t I miss chasing you?”

Yin Ci smirked.

“Zizhu?”

“Instead of sweet-talking here, drink your medicine first. It’s bitter when hot, even more bitter when cold.”

“Zizhu—”

“In the past, you gnawed on rotten meat just to stay alive,” Yin Ci remarked bluntly. “It’s just a bowl of medicinal soup. Stop whining.”

“… Complaining a bit feels good,” Sect Master Shi said while holding the bowl of medicine. “After all, you brought candy for me. I smelled it the moment you entered.”

Yin Ci raised an eyebrow, took out the candy, and popped it into his own mouth. Shi Jingzhi, remembering Yin Ci’s ruthless side, almost spilled the medicine out of shock. Fearing that Yin Ci might tease him with the candy, he quickly drank up.

Yin Ci chuckled. He didn’t swallow the candy but held it between his lips, leaning over to transfer it into Shi Jingzhi’s mouth.

After drinking the bitter medicine, Shi Jingzhi’s face wrinkled like a dried radish. He kissed his disciple while tasting the sweetness, and only then did his expression relax.

Inside the town, it was peaceful; outside, it was bustling.

Wuming Town’s unique feature was its abundance of theater troupes in the early years. Over time, local carpenters and stonemasons became skilled at constructing and dismantling stages. Now, the Jinyu Group came upon hearing the news and urgently set up the stage. Once most major sects arrived, the Jinyu Group would even arrange stalls everywhere.

Su Si, wearing a Nuo mask, squatted on a nearby rooftop. Yan Qing, also masked, hid his ghost eyes and squatted next to him. At first glance, they looked like two gray cats.

Wearing such masks, everyone recognized them as members of the Kushan Sect. Righteous individuals passed by beneath the eaves, casting disdainful glances their way.

They didn’t care that their conversation could be heard by Su Si and Yan Qing.

“The Kushan Sect dares to come? Are they even qualified?”

“They haven’t been declared a demonic sect by the Yueshui Pavilion yet. They follow protocols. Unfortunately, despite the long-standing arrest warrant, no one has caught them, allowing them to exploit this loophole.”

“It’s probably desperation. That Shi Jingzhi looks like he’s on his last legs, definitely wanting to fight for his life more than anyone else. Poor thing, he’s so focused on staying alive that he’s lost his mind. With the current reputation of the Kushan Sect, how can they convince the masses?”

“They might not even win the martial arts conference, let alone gain followers. After the conference, the ‘no private duels’ rule won’t apply. With Sect Master Qu present, there’s no way the Kushan Sect could escape, right?”

“Speaking of the Taiheng Sect, have you heard about Shi Zhongyu…”

Losing interest when the topic shifted to Shi Zhongyu, Su Si took out some roasted chicken. After taking a bite, he gave one to Yan Qing.

“I just bought this from the Jinyu Group. It’s very delicious,” Su Si said with his mouth full.

“Be careful when you eat. Afterward, we’ll move near the incense burner to get rid of the smell. If the Sect Master smells it, he could literally suffocate you with his aura.”

Yan Qing accepted the chicken solemnly and ate it with special care.

Given the crowd and the omnipresence of the Immortal Assembly, Shi Jingzhi was afraid of being exposed and had been eating porridge for days. Yesterday, feeling mischievous, Su Si roasted some pork in the yard. Shi Jingzhi was furious, and his aura descended precisely on Su Si’s head.

Patriarch Su’s hand trembled, and the freshly roasted meat skewer almost fell into the ashes. Without waiting for Sect Master Shi to react further, he grabbed handfuls of skewers and dashed away quickly.

“After all, isn’t the Sect Master a… ‘Child of Desire’? His appetites are a hundred times stronger than ordinary people’s. What you did was no different than torturing him with extreme punishment,” Yan Qing said calmly.

“It’s a good thing the timing was right. If Senior Yin was present, you might not have been able to escape.”

Throughout their journey, Shi Jingzhi’s behavior was no different from that of an ordinary person. However, recently, he had been less restrained in showing his emotions around them. Perhaps it was because of his deep bond with Senior Yin that he no longer suppressed his true self.

Thinking of this, a hint of gratification appeared on Yan Qing’s face.

“People used to say I am the Young Patriarch of a demonic sect. But you sound even more terrifying,” Su Si retorted. He didn’t bother to reflect on Yan Qing’s sentiments. Thinking of Yin Ci’s cold face, Patriarch Su shivered instantly.

“What do you mean by ‘might not have been able to escape’? That behavior of Shi Jingzhi, wasn’t it spoiled by that surname Yin… Who do you think I did it for? Those two made you train day and night; no matter how much meat you eat, it’s never enough.”

“A’Si has been good to me, and I remember it,” Yan Qing replied, filtering out the previous negative remarks. He scratched his head, smiling a bit shyly. “Though training is hard, it’s not the fault of the Sect Master or Senior Yin. I have to participate in the competition. If I get eliminated too soon, wouldn’t that tarnish the reputation of the Kushan Sect? Besides, I’ve learned a lot these days.”

Su Si stared at Yan Qing in frustration. Until now, he hadn’t seen any reputation left for the Kushan Sect to tarnish.

“You… haa, the competition begins tomorrow. Be careful. Everyone knows you’re from the Kushan Sect, and they might not hold back.”

“Mm!”

On the first day of the martial arts conference, the Yueshui Pavilion still came to observe.

This time they didn’t wear red and green robes, but formal and elegant attire. “Documenting the Martial Arts Conference” wasn’t as dangerous as descending into the Ghost Tomb. It was a cushy assignment. Yan Qing looked around for a while and couldn’t find Shen Zhu or even a sparrow.

Had the Sect Master completely severed ties with Miss Shen?

Maybe he was overthinking, but Yan Qing always felt there were undercurrents around him. Sect Master Shi and Senior Yin hadn’t shared their plans, only asking him to focus on his training. Even Su Si had talked privately with the Sect Master about important matters, but he, about to take the stage, remained in the dark.

…Never mind.

Yan Qing soon consoled himself. The master and apprentice were formidable, and A’Si wasn’t someone to be easily manipulated. So far, all four of them were safe. With good friends and martial arts skills, he shouldn’t be greedy for more.

The edge of the arena was bustling.

Several palanquins were parked at the farthest point. Apparently, some wealthy households came to watch. The crowd surged, and vendors started selling refreshments and snacks. Nearby, two doctors were preparing, and even a limping fortune-teller had squeezed in, shouting for the Jinyu Group to place bets on their behalf.

Closest to the fighting stage, the commoners were crowded shoulder to shoulder, creating a chaotic scene. They were reluctant to get too close to the stage for fear of danger, yet they were anxious about moving too far away, lest they couldn’t see clearly. This indecisiveness led to them milling about, creating a disorderly human stew.

The Jinyu Group, having seen much of the world, had a solution. They used red ropes to cordon off the fighting stage and set up wooden stands of varying heights. This way, even more people could have a clear view of the events.

The fighting stage remained vacant for the time being, and the crowd’s initial urgency gradually subsided. The disciples of the Jinyu Group, acting much like sheepdogs within a flock of sheep, slowly organized the crowd. They even skillfully arranged for vendors to come in, selling fruits and tea to the attendees.

Though not many representatives from various sects came, it was surprising to see three monks in the crowd.

Wasn’t the Jianchen Temple closed?

But the monk at the forefront was recognized by the martial artists—it was Monk Zhixing, who had witnessed the misdeeds of the Kushan Sect.

Monk Zhixing looked a bit pale and out of place in the festive atmosphere. The two ascetic martial monks with cloaks covering their faces didn’t seem like they would compete.

“Could they have been invited by Taiheng to confront the Kushan Sect after the conference?” someone whispered.

“Ah, this is going to be interesting!”

But no matter who questioned, Zhixing simply bowed his head without replying. When persistently stopped, he only murmured, “Amitabha”, without showing anger. With the prestige of the Jianchen Temple, no one dared to push too far and could only watch him take a seat.

If the Jianchen Temple wasn’t participating and the demonic sect couldn’t attend, then Taiheng, despite not having won, seemed to have gained some dominance.

As the time approached, the leader of the Jinyu Group, with his portly figure, stepped onto the stage and struck a large gong.

“The competition is beginning—please clear the stage—”

The fat man, with a pinched voice, melodiously shouted out as if he were performing a grand opera.

Before he could finish, disciples from the Jinyu Group emerged from the side of the stage. Dressed in gold and silver, they looked like two auspicious beasts.

The crowd buzzed with excitement for a moment, their voices almost drowning out the leader of the Jinyu Group. The members of the Kushan Sect, not wanting to get too close to the crowd, had to tiptoe to get a better view, despite Yan Qing being a towering figure.

One disciple stood to the left and the other to the right, both holding red wooden trays. On the left tray, there were nearly a hundred delicate wooden bracelets, piled slightly high. On the right tray was a large bronze mirror, polished to shine brilliantly. The mirror stand was carved from a special stone with intricate symbols etched into it, akin in purpose to the Sword of Compassion.

The leader of the Jinyu Group, using delicate silk to handle the mirror, placed it in the center of the stage, accompanied by a small incense burner. After paying respect to the mirror, he turned and smiled. “This time, there are thirty-six sects participating, roughly seventy-two individuals. This is our foremost martial arts conference. As per tradition, we will first test the heart and then arrange the battles.”

Yan Qing, engrossed in the proceedings, suddenly heard a rule he wasn’t familiar with and quickly turned to Su Si. “Test the heart?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll understand in a moment,” Su Si said casually. “Even if something happens to Senior Yin, you’ll be fine.”

Yan Qing’s curiosity only grew. Without Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi around to ask, he just kept silent and continued watching.

On the stage, the leader of the Jinyu Group began reading names from a long list. Being the center of attention, Qu Duanyun naturally ranked first.

“Taiheng Sect—Sect Master Qu Duanyun—”

Qu Duanyun gracefully leapt up and landed right in front of the bronze mirror. The Taiheng Sect was held in high regard, and there was a loud cheer from below.

The leader of the Jinyu Group seemed to have anticipated such a scene. He patiently waited for the commotion to die down before continuing.

“Bright mirror hung high, evil spirits disperse. Sect Master Qu, please!”

Without any hesitation, Qu Duanyun took hold of the mirror stand, allowing the mirror to clearly reflect his face. After a quick glance, the chubby leader declared, “Pass!”

Qu Duanyun bowed, took a wooden bracelet from the tray, and put it on his wrist. The bracelet adjusted its size snugly, revealing its magical nature.

“Wow,” Su Si whispered. “Qu Duanyun really passed the test of the heart. Did he use some kind of trick?”

Yan Qing, clueless, could only grunt in confusion.

One by one, representatives from each sect repeated the process. Some were disqualified when their faces did not appear in the mirror.

“Evil intentions, fail!” The leader of the Jinyu Group would shout this every time someone failed the test.

The Kushan Sect, being a new sect, was at the bottom of the list. After naming many, the fat leader finally got to their sect.

“Kushan Sect—Senior Disciple Yin Ci—”

There was no response from below.

The fat leader, unfazed, repeated Yin Ci’s name three times. With no sign of Yin Ci, he moved on to the next name.

“Kushan Sect—Servant Yan Qing—”

The word “servant” caused an uproar. Unlike the respectful cheering for Taiheng’s entry, there was ridicule and scorn.

Fortunately, having grown up with ghost eyes, Yan Qing was used to far worse insults from his villagers. He ignored the jeers, and cautiously approached the mirror, fearing it would expose him.

He gently touched the stone base of the mirror.

Suddenly, all surrounding noise ceased. He found himself in an empty space, the once bustling surroundings and brilliant sky now blank and gray. The mirror only reflected his face amidst pitch blackness.

A shrill, elderly voice abruptly resonated in his ears. “Yan Qing, do you acknowledge your sins?”

Yan Qing, bewildered, could only respond with: “…?”

Staring blankly at the mirror, he waited for another statement, but none came. His reflection remained clear without distortion.

Confused, Yan Qing tried to figure out his next move when suddenly, the noise from the crowd returned, flooding his ears.

“Pass!” declared the leader of the Jinyu Group.

Even after putting on the bracelet, Yan Qing was still puzzled by what had happened. Maybe the mirror had the same ability as the Sword of Compassion—a way to gauge a person’s true nature… At least he hadn’t been embarrassed.

Seeing Yan Qing’s dazed expression as he left the stage, Su Si chuckled—his friend had passed the test of the heart and acquired the Sword of Compassion. If he had failed the “Mirror of Judgment,” it would have been a real joke.

He was more worried about Senior Yin, who didn’t seem like a good person.

Yan Qing stepped down not long ago, followed by the tardy arrival of Yin Ci. His face was three times thicker-skinned than Yan Qing, remaining calm amidst a chorus of jeers. To Su Si’s surprise, Yin Ci approached the mirror without hesitation, his actions resolute.

Now it was the turn of the leader of the Jinyu Group to be puzzled. He was stunned for a while before hesitatingly saying “Pass”, his voice noticeably softer than before.

Upon hearing the result, the criticism from the crowd below mostly turned into shock.

“Accepting a servant is one thing, but even the main disciple of Kushan can pass?”

“The Mirror of Judgement reflects one’s sins, requiring a clear conscience… If someone’s thoughts are different from the ordinary, they can still believe themselves to be sinless, right?”

“Maybe it was that Jingzhi who deceived them at that time, deliberately picking innocent people to go on stage.”

……

However, before the crowd could discuss much, their attention was captured by the next announcement—

“Yangsha Sect—Sect Master Shi Zhongyu—”

“Pass!”

“Yangsha Sect—Main disciple Ma Shili—”

“Evil intentions, fail!”

Shi Zhongyu completely ignored Ma Shili’s cursing. She turned her head and looked at Qu Duanyun, who was not far away, with sharp eyes. He looked back openly, without any sign of guilt or retreat.

After distributing the wooden bracelets that represented qualifications, it was time for the combat draw. To demonstrate fairness, the leader of Jinyu Group called on Monk Zhixing from the Jianchen Temple to draw the lots.

Nearby, Yin Ci pushed Shi Jingzhi, who was sitting in a wooden chair, closer to the stage. With the qualifications now settled, several sects retreated to spectator positions, leaving many empty spots.

The surrounding areas were mostly occupied by qualified sects, so no one would openly attack Sect Master Shi. However, up close, Shi Jingzhi’s condition was much worse than rumored. Although the day was temperate, Sect Master Shi’s teeth were tightly clenched, and sweat was dripping from his forehead. Every now and then, he would tug at his disciple’s sleeve, whispering softly.

If people knew what they were talking about, they would probably be even angrier.

“Push me a bit closer… Yes, yes, ah, I almost made a mistake just now. It’s difficult to cast spells from a distance. Zizhu, are you sure you’ve switched every piece of silk?”

“You better focus on your spell. Zhixing is already stiffening up. The young monk is waiting for you, so quickly give him the appropriate signal. Later, I’ll have to switch the lot back.”

The Jinyu Group was very strict about the silk lots. Even someone as skilled as Yin Ci took a lot of effort to switch them—to control the martial arts conference, they had to replace the silk with demon silk, allowing Shi Jingzhi to control each one.

“Senior Chen’s spells are indeed powerful, but they’re a bit hard to control…”

Shi Jing murmured, but his hands inside his sleeves never stopped working. One meticulous spell after another was continuously cast, making him sweat profusely. Fortunately, Monk Zhixing kept a straight face, deliberately slowing down his movements to match, so no one noticed.

In less than an hour, the combat list was set.

Qu Duanyun couldn’t help but smile.

Even if fate truly existed, this time it was on his side. The current combat list was ideal for him—

Yin Ci and Shi Zhongyu were in a separate group. They would have to fight each other first, and the winner would only meet him in the final battle. Before that, all he had to do was eliminate the insignificant servant from the Kushan Sect.

Absolutely perfect.

---

The author has something to say:

In the Ghost Tomb—

Everyone: The disciple from the Kushan Sect is just a filler, right?

Martial Arts Conference—

Everyone: The servant from the Kushan Sect is just a filler, right?

Classic re-enactment (×

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 130: Entering the Fight

Xu Jingming walked all the way to the teahouse without escaping Jiang Youyue’s fleeting glance.

Not only was he made a fool of regarding the matter of looking for the Shirou, but his years of accumulated sense of security were also shattered. Seeing Xu Jingxing in a yellow robe, his grievances found a place to settle. Xu Jingming hurriedly ran to his Emperor Brother’s side, stuffing several tea snacks into his mouth to cover the bitterness.

High Highness The Prince of Rong’s behavior was too unruly. Eunuch Lu Fu was about to remind him but was stopped by the Emperor with a hand.

Xu Jingxing had passed the age of thirty and was very tolerant of his younger brother. Lu Fu immediately shut his mouth, respectfully stepped aside, and continued to watch the Prince of Rong, who wore a bitter expression.

The snacks in the palace tasted much better than those from the Prince of Rong’s mansion. Although the desserts were sweet, Xu Jingming always felt they burned his heart. He poured a cup of fine tea and only then freed up his mouth, intending to have a good chat with his Emperor Brother—

However, he was taken aback by Xu Jingxing’s appearance.

Compared to their last meeting, the emperor had lost considerable weight. There were slight dark circles around his eyes, and although his complexion wasn’t pale, it lacked any rosiness, making him look unwell. The tea snacks were light and fragrant, but the Emperor only took a small bite before frowning and asking for them to be removed.

Xu Jingming quickly swallowed the idle chatter he was about to share. “Emperor Brother, your complexion…”

“The war in Luojiu is not settled. I haven’t slept well.” The Emperor shook his head. “The war has dragged on, and the dead and injured are my people. I initially thought it was a minor conflict, but as time passed, there’s no good news.”

“A bunch of useless men! Those generals are paid by our Great Yun, yet they can’t even defeat uncivilized barbarians!” Xu Jingming quickly agreed with his Emperor Brother’s sentiment.

However, hearing this, a bitter look appeared on the Emperor’s face.

“At first, I thought the same. Jingming, I’ve recently studied the war reports closely, and these barbarians are extraordinary. Their ‘Divine Saint’ is a strategic genius, reminding me of…”

Stopping there, Xu Jingxing seemed to hesitate, ultimately sighing.

Of course, Xu Jingming knew whom his Emperor Brother was referring to. “Why not bring Shi Jingzhi back to address the urgent matters of Great Yun? Dying for the nation is a worthy cause.”

“By now, his health is on its last leg. If we forcibly summon him back now, how can he willingly serve Great Yun?”

His younger brother’s presumptions always made the emperor smile wryly. He coughed lightly, sipping his tea to quell the dry cough.

Xu Jingming looked melancholic. “I just mentioned it. Emperor Brother, you’ve been too lenient with Shi Jingzhi. If it weren’t for Emperor Father’s decree—”

The emperor’s lips twitched. “So you’ve always thought that way… It was Emperor Father who wanted to kill him.”

“Was it at the Imperial Preceptor’s instigation? I heard the current Imperial Preceptor say that Shi Jingzhi is a national calamity.”

“But he made a bet with Emperor Father, which saved him. Throwing a three-year-old child into the Juyi Valley for a month should have meant certain death. Yet fate allowed him to survive, and Emperor Father had to admit defeat.”

Xu Jingming was baffled. “Emperor Brother, you’ve never been kind to the lineage of the Imperial Preceptor. Wouldn’t it have been better to kill him early on?”

“It would’ve been a waste to kill him too soon. First, he’s a genius who can serve me. Second… Consort Jin is expecting, and her belly is getting noticeable.”

Xu Jingming was puzzled. He knew his Brother Emperor had few heirs, but what did this have to do with Shi Jingzhi?

The emperor sighed deeply.

“For many generations of emperors in Great Yun, each one had a brilliant but short-lived child. I wanted to give Shi Jingzhi a chance to see if he could pave a way to survival, so I could learn from it… Lu Fu reminded me of this. If it works, my child might be saved. If not, at least he’d gain some merit.”

“…”

Indeed. Even with Shi Jingzhi’s reputation as a “national calamity”, his priority was survival. He couldn’t influence the vast land within half a year.

But he was almost like a demon. Simply letting him go was—

During Xu Jingming’s silence, Xu Jingxing looked at his slightly thin hands and asked without raising his head.

“Do you think I’m too compassionate, Jingming?”

“Emperor Brother…”

“I’m tired of war and have no ambition. Rather than expanding territories, I just want a prosperous treasury, peaceful citizens, and to pass on this thriving land to future generations. Now with the impending war and rising disasters, the people think I lack virtue… Maybe I should have heeded the Imperial Preceptor’s advice and attacked Luojiu earlier. If I had, we wouldn’t face this calamity now.”

Xu Jingming didn’t know what to say.

For almost a century, Great Yun had been living in harmony with neighboring countries. But now, under his generation, the long-settled turmoil returned. Speaking of war, he certainly didn’t want to wage it, but…

“Previously, Luoju had a close relationship with Great Yun, and their relationship was good. Attacking another country without any reason isn’t a righteous act.” After a moment’s hesitation, the Prince of Rong sincerely said, “Emperor Brother, no, elder brother, don’t blame yourself too much. It’ll harm your health.”

Xu Jingxing remained silent for a long time. After a while, he changed the topic. “Speaking of these things makes my heart restless. Jingming, I heard you watched a grand play in Shafu. Come, tell me about it—”

Before he could finish, the emperor suddenly wavered and weakly slumped over the tea table. His sleeve brushed the teacups and saucers off the table, shattering them on the ground.

“Emperor Brother? Call the royal physician, quickly!”

“It’s okay, don’t panic,” the emperor murmured as if in a daze before gradually regaining his composure. “I’m just… a bit tired.”

Looking at the increasingly haggard face of his Emperor Brother, Xu Jingming stood frozen in place. For some reason, the chill he felt when meeting Jiang Youyue had returned. He was far from the sandy storms of Shafu and the bloody battles of the frontier. The capital city was warm and peaceful in spring, and he was in the presumably safe palace.

Yet he had never felt such fear.

No, as a prince of Great Yun, he shouldn’t be this vulnerable. Half a month had passed, and given the circumstances, Shi Jingzhi should be faring even worse. Maybe once the “calamity” dies on its own, all misfortunes would also vanish.

On one side, Xu Jingming was trembling; on the other, Shi Jingzhi appeared emotionless.

…But he was holding on.

Before descending the mountain, Shi Jingzhi ate voraciously, vowing to try all his favorite dishes. He did so at a great cost. Currently, his face was pale without any need for makeup. As porters climbed the mountain with his luggage, he sat weakly on a wooden chair, looking as if his end was near.

‘Maybe that’s better,’ Yin Ci thought indifferently. At least it would save him the trouble of acting.

“Why is this young master attending the martial arts conference in such a condition? He should seek Taiheng. Perhaps they can give him some the ‘Shirou’.” The man with a face like a shoe, having become acquainted with Su Si, spoke without much courtesy.

“You know about the Shirou?” Su Si asked curiously.

“Of course, it’s a magical item that many seek. We’ve made a good amount of money helping transport it. Recently, not many people have been seeking it, saying Taiheng has got it.”

“They probably found it but couldn’t obtain it,” Su Si said cryptically. “To retrieve it, you need the key!”

“So what’s the plan, a fifty-fifty split? What if there’s a dispute?”

“That’s why they’re hosting the martial arts conference. After everyone competes, they might as well select a leader to settle the matter.”

Shoe Face was astonished. “What, you guys want to be the leader too? Isn’t this position almost guaranteed for Taiheng? It’s like trying to catch a turtle in a jar—pretty much a sure thing.”

Su Si just smiled mysteriously without answering. The man just assumed they were crazy and didn’t press further.

The martial arts conference was set in a nameless town to the north of Qizhou, near the heart of Great Yun, making it convenient for everyone. The Kushan Sect traveled on foot for four to five days, and by the time they arrived, there were no seats left. They settled for a dilapidated house with a roof.

The long-lost Kushan Sect’s sudden appearance stirred a lot of attention. They were nonchalant about it, eating, drinking, and waiting for rumors to spread.

As expected, the next day, Jin Lan paid them a visit.

Taiheng had rented the best courtyard in town. Compared to that, the house the Kushan Sect occupied was no better than a stable, seemingly on the brink of collapse. Jin Lan cautiously opened the wooden door, afraid it might fall apart.

Inside, after it was cleaned up by the Kushan Sect, it was surprisingly neat. There was even a faint aroma of rice—

Shi Jingzhi’s disciple was feeding porridge to his master. The flag of the sect leader was hanging limply behind a wooden chair, and he himself looked frail with disheveled hair and a pale face while eating the porridge.

There were bits of brown-red stuff in the porridge. Jin Lan first thought it was minced meat, but upon closer look, it was chopped hawthorn. Given the frailty of Shi Jingzhi, the bleak atmosphere intensified.

Jin Lan took a step back, glancing around. The servants were nowhere to be seen. They must be busy, leaving even such tasks to the senior disciple.

Was the Kushan Sect in such a pitiable state?

Seeing Shi Jingzhi in this condition, Jin Lan had mixed feelings. After a deep sigh, he began. “Rumors said that Sect Master Shi was attacked and robbed of the ‘Shirou’ key. It seems to be true. The common saying is to not flaunt wealth. Even my Taiheng would be cautious. Why did you expose such a secret in Chigou… Haa.”

Shi Jingzhi didn’t respond, just snuggling deeper into his fur coat.

Yin Ci put down his spoon, responding calmly, “Brother Jin has come in person, and I presume it’s not to enjoy a joke. Perhaps you’re here to confirm the whereabouts of the ‘key’? …It seems that without the key, Taiheng cannot get the Shirou.”

Jin Lan, being an old acquaintance, was the most suitable candidate sent for investigation. They had anticipated Qu Duanyun’s straightforward move.

Jin Lan was indeed candid. “It’s not that we can’t get it. I’ve seen where the Shirou is stored. It can be forcibly accessed, but it would take a very long time, perhaps a century.”

A century would pass and those who should be dead would have died. It was said that Shirou was a substance that granted longevity and immortality. No one wanted to plant a tree only for others to enjoy its shade. Taiheng’s participation in this martial arts conference was probably to acquire the key as well.

“You’ve seen where the Shirou is stored?” Yin Ci feigned surprise.

“Can’t help it. That place requires manual digging… Ah, don’t try to trick me! I’m not Senior Sister, and I don’t trust you at all.”

“If we find out, can we snatch it from Taiheng?” Yin Ci asked calmly, sitting on a broken stool. “I’m just curious about what the Shirou looks like.”

Jin Lan hesitated for a moment, then said with a hint of sympathy, “I only caught a glimpse of it, but I knew it was a treasure at first sight. It’s emerald green, shaped like a peach, growing on jade-like vines, and has a mesmerizing fragrance. I don’t know who named it ‘Shirou’, but it clearly looks more like a celestial fruit.”

Yin Ci responded meaningfully, “Thank you for letting me know, Brother Jin.”

“You should give up on the idea. Brother Qu, or rather, Sect Master Qu, is acting as if he’s sure to win. After all…”

Jin Lan didn’t finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.

Considering the long-term closure of the Jianchen Temple, no masters would be sent. With rumors of demonic sect disturbances and the Ling sect being completely wiped out, plus the declining reputation of the Chigou Sect and no recent news of a new Patriarch being selected, if Taiheng didn’t emerge as the leader among the four major sects, it would be a huge joke.

However, these logical considerations couldn’t suppress everyone’s desire to try their luck.

What if there was an unexpected upset? What if they could get the key to the Shirou by luck? Even if they fail, at worst, Qu Duanyun would become the leader and rightfully obtain the key to the Shirou. Once Sect Master Qu got the Shirou, he would surely compensate the attendees. It was a win-win situation.

While the two were silent, Shi Jingzhi let out a loud cough. Yin Ci quickly fed him some porridge, then resumed, “If Brother Jin has no other business…”

Jin Lan tactfully bowed and turned to leave. Just as he approached the broken door, he heard a weak voice from behind.

Shi Jingzhi, after swallowing his porridge, said, “Jin Lan, have you seen Miss Shi recently? If you do, please send my regards.”

Jin Lan didn’t turn around.

“It’s been a long time since I saw Senior Sister.” His voice sounded a bit lonely. “Ever since she left Yidu, I’ve not heard any news about her. Maybe she’ll show up at this martial arts conference… Senior Sister?!”

The dilapidated door was abruptly opened, nearly falling to the ground. Shi Zhongyu, dressed as a bandit, stood at the entrance, staring at Jin Lan expressionlessly.

“So there are people here.” Her gaze went past Jin Lan to Shi Jingzhi sitting on a wooden chair, showing just a hint of surprise.

Jin Lan was familiar with the elegant, white-clothed senior sister, but he had never seen Shi Zhongyu in such a wild outfit. He stood there, speechless, before finally stuttering, “Are… Are you really Senior Sister?”

“Jin Lan.” Shi Zhongyu nodded slightly towards Jin Lan and then turned to Yin Ci. “I apologize for disturbing you both. Seeing the dilapidated state of this house, I thought it was empty… I’ll find another place.”

Jin Lan, still in shock, said, “Senior Sister, there’s still space in Taiheng’s courtyard. If you talk to Sect Master Qu, he will definitely accommodate you—”

“No need. I don’t belong to Taiheng and won’t accept their favors. This time, I’ll return to Taiheng in my own way.”

“But…”

“Besides, I have my own sect, and it’s inappropriate to impose.”

With that, she dragged someone inside. The man trembled like a leaf, missing a front tooth, and kept muttering things like “Great Warrior have mercy” for a while, then “I know I was wrong”, before finally just stuttering “Master, please stop”.

Upon closely looking, Yin Ci recognized him—it was none other than the bandit leader from Shafu, Ma Shili. The man appeared rather pale, as if he had been beaten badly, clearly brought in just to make up the numbers.

…This scene seemed somewhat familiar, yet Yin Ci remained silent.

Shi Zhongyu seemed unperturbed. “Our Yangsha Sect is now registered at the Yueshui Pavilion. We will also participate in this martial arts conference… Speaking of which, each sect has two spots. What does Kushan intend to do?”

Upon hearing this, Jin Lan was shocked, but he also eagerly listened in.

“Shizun is severely ill and cannot go on stage.” Yin Ci said with a faint smile, “This time, both Yan Qing and I will fight. That’ll be enough.”

---

The author has something to say:

Sect Master Shi: Hehe, didn’t expect that, did you, Qu Duanyun? I’m not participating.

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Kinky Thoughts:

Shi Zhongyu picking up the bad influences of the Kushan Sect.

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 129: A Glance

The Kushan sect had disappeared.

Half a month after the chaos in Chigou, people no longer saw the flag that once symbolized their motto “Medicine Cures Illness”. This once-active small sect vanished as if it had evaporated into thin air. Even the best spies from the Yueshui Pavilion could find no trace of them.

Some say that Shi Jingzhi had publicly shown off a treasure that could “resurrect the dead” and had been targeted and killed by the Chigou sect for it. Others believed that they were just lying low, hiding among other sects, waiting for the martial arts conference to showcase their skills.

In the end, the Kushan sect was just a minor sect that couldn’t make significant waves. After some chatter for a few days, people moved on and forgot about them.

Without the Kushan Sect, the world went on just as lively as before.

At the end of spring, the evening breeze was warm, and Yidu was full of vibrant greenery. People enjoyed going out for walks, and every decent tea house and tavern was bustling with activity.

Four porters ordered a jug of fine wine, asking the waiter to dilute it into four jugs. Accompanying their drinks with a plate of boiled peanuts, they soon ordered more dishes, much to the waiter’s delight.

Having traveled widely, the porters, although not very literate, had many tales to share.

“Don’t bother going to Luojiu,” one said with a face like a shoe. “In the past, we could earn a decent living there, but not anymore. Their new king or god… very powerful.”

“How powerful?”

“They say his eyes are as big as bronze bells, and his hands can shoot fire. The people of Luojiu are naturally as strong as bulls. Unfortunately for us, with our mere mortal bodies, when our young ones charge in waves, they fall like wheat being harvested. In the past, we could withstand with sheer numbers, but now… tsk tsk.”

With a face weathered by the elements, Shoe Face wiped his cheek and let out a deep sigh.

“Isn’t the situation in Yidu still good? If we can’t go east, we head west. There’s always work at the Great Prohibition.”

“Come on, I was fooled by those words. Over there, the wind carries sand every day, it even blows away people’s hair. Not to mention no work, the drought is like hell on earth.”

“People always say that the Imperial Celestial protects us. Our Great Yun has no disasters, so why does it feel increasingly wrong?”

“My uncle can tell fortunes; he says the current Saint is losing virtue…”

As soon as these words were spoken, the other three instantly changed their expressions. Shoe Face immediately raised his voice, loudly saying, “If we can’t make it in the east or west, why not go north or south? The north is scarcely populated, and isn’t there going to be a martial arts conference in the south? There will be lots of people. Let’s all go together.”

The footman who previously mentioned his “uncle” suddenly caught on, clicking his tongue a few times—he forgot this was the imperial capital, almost letting slip dangerous words.

He quickly continued the conversation. “Yes, let’s go. We should all go. It’s good to have each other as backup. Those martial artists have some tricks, and in case we meet someone who doesn’t want to pay up, we won’t have any recourse.”

Shoe Face took a satisfying sip of wine and confidently said, “Sounds good. Let’s finish the tasks at hand, and we can leave tonight. The inns in the capital are too expensive. We can’t afford them.”

“You still have tasks to handle?”

“Of course.”

After a hearty drink, Shoe Face purchased some fresh meat and vegetables, and headed towards the outskirts of the city. This place, with clear mountains and waters, was where the wealthy liked to build their vacation homes. He often picked up odd jobs delivering vegetables here.

But this time, it was different.

The one waiting for him wasn’t a laborer or a servant, but a young man wearing a Nuo mask. The man, dressed in simple robes, had hair as dark as premium charcoal and skin so white it was dazzling. From his posture and demeanor, he didn’t seem like a commoner at all.

By contrast, the wooden Nuo mask he wore was rough and ugly, giving off an ominous vibe.

Shoe Face turned pale with shock, thinking he had bumped into a supernatural being.

He was using a delivery token from the market. It seemed nowadays, even demons and spirits would make delivery appointments at the market… Maybe the order wasn’t for vegetables, but for the delivery person…

Sweat, which moments ago was caused by the wine, now poured down his face due to fear. Without thinking, Shoe Face dropped his load, immediately knelt down, and begged, “Spare me, sir! My old bones are fragile and not worth eating!”

The figure, who seemed amused by Shoe Face’s reaction, handed him a string of coins, his voice tinged with amusement. “Take this.”

Shoe Face didn’t know what kind of being he was, but the weight of the coins was real. Surprisingly, the spirit’s voice was rather pleasant, reminiscent of the sound of jade chimes in a jewelry store.

After a long pause, Shoe Face finally caught his breath. “Sir… you really scared me. Your ordered meat and vegetables are here. I’ll be on my way now…”

“Hold on,” the man said leisurely. “I have a job for you. If you’re available, you can come with us to the north of Qizhou.”

“You’re going to the martial arts conference? Okay, I can call a few more people.” Shoe Face’s heart settled, realizing the man was actually human.

“Very well. Come back here at dusk.”

The man effortlessly picked up the basket of vegetables and meat and soon disappeared into the trees.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Shoe Face muttered to himself about the eccentric ways of these people. Why wear a creepy mask when there’s no audience?

Yin Ci didn’t care about the porter’s thoughts. He quickly returned to a cottage by a mountain stream.

Beside the stream was a four-wheeled wooden chair. The person on the chair had long hair cascading down, shoulders slouched, and an air of desolation about him. Su Si clumsily brewed medicine on a small stove while Lord Bai dozed off on the side, transformed into a lump of soft white fur.

“Su Si, you haven’t fully recovered. Go rest for a bit.” Yin Ci put down the basket of vegetables and meat and said lightly, “I’ll give you your medicine later.”

Shi Jingzhi sat weakly in the chair, as if he didn’t even have the strength to turn his head. Even though it was late spring, he was still covered with animal skins. His dark long hair covered his face, hiding his expression.

“A’Ci,” he whispered. “Before I die, I want to eat… tofu and fresh fish soup, with extra roselle… served with white rice.”

Yin Ci walked over expressionlessly and lightly tapped his head. “So talkative even when you’re about to die? Are you pretending for fun?”

“It’s fun,” Sect Master Shi immediately replied.

As Shi Jingzhi raised his head, his eyes were filled with joy. He moved too abruptly, causing some face powder to fall off, revealing the healthy skin underneath.

“…But it will be boring once we descend the mountain. Once we do, I’ll have to pretend to be sick and stay seated in my wooden chair. By then, I’ll only have bland porridge to eat. How will I live?”

Shi Jingzhi pretended to cover his face and wipe non-existent tears.

“I want to eat white rice with tofu and fresh fish soup, plus clear stewed pork knuckle. The meat pie is delicious, and the beggar’s chicken from the other day was good too. Zizhu–”

Yin Ci was both amused and annoyed, it seemed this man intended to overeat before leaving. Thankfully, they had four grown men to finish the food.

“I’ve already bought the ingredients; I knew you’d want them,” he said helplessly. “If you want fresh fish, catch it yourself.”

“Great! Speaking of beggar’s chicken, I’ve watched it being made. I’ll cook it for you today.”

Shi Jingzhi instantly perked up. He quickly stood up from the wooden wheelchair, walking briskly. Before leaving, he didn’t forget to kiss Yin Ci’s cheek. Watching his retreating figure, Yin Ci felt a mix of happiness and concern.

…The cause of the illness was clear, but Shi Jingzhi’s “sickness” was still incurable.

Regarding this matter, the Kushan Sect discussed it overnight—

Half a month ago, late at night. The four from the Kushan Sect sat in the Shafu wasteland, all with serious expressions.

“Wait, let me get this straight.”

Su Si rubbed his head.

“The Immortal Assembly has been gathering vital qi from living beings for hundreds of years by setting up flesh idols everywhere. They infuse this qi into a living person, forcibly creating gifted ‘Children of Desire’? You vomit blood every day because you can’t handle this much vital qi and are about to burst?”

“Exactly.”

Shi Jingzhi omitted the part about Yin Ci being the “raw material” and his own identity as a “prince”.

Su Si exclaimed, “Are they crazy? Holding so much vital qi, they could do anything better than just raising you. Even using it to light fires or make medicines would be more worthwhile!”

Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi: “…” This kid still has no respect.

Yan Qing noticed his friend’s inappropriate comment and quickly changed the subject. “I also find it strange. With the outside world in chaos, if something happens to Sect Master Shi, won’t all their efforts be in vain?”

“I’ve thought about it and have no solution.” Shi Jingzhi pondered, stroking his chin. “And Su Si has a point. If the Immortal Assembly possesses such a technique, they could do much more than just raising someone like me.”

‘But all they did was create these inexplicable “Children of Desire”,’ Yin Ci thought. Even with his own immortality example, the Immortal Assembly wasn’t seeking immortality.

What exactly was the Hundred-Year Project of the past century? Why did the Children of Desire exist? It didn’t make sense to say that Shi Jingzhi’s taking away vital qi caused “Heaven’s Displeasure”, when people recover faster from minor injuries.

Determining the progression of illnesses and injuries to decide if it was “Heaven’s Displeasure” was intricate. Whether the Immortal Assembly could do it was questionable, especially when Shi Jingzhi couldn’t control the vital qi. Could he possibly regurgitate what he had taken in?

It wasn’t that simple.

To cure Shi Jingzhi, they had to stop the flow of vital qi. But the method to guide the qi was in Shi Jingzhi’s blood. They couldn’t possibly bleed him out. If they let him convert vital qi into real qi using pure inner force daily, they could only delay his death slightly.

Thinking of the numerous flesh idols, Yin Ci suddenly had a vague idea.

Considering their relationship, they shouldn’t rush. They should prioritize capturing Qu Duanyun and gather more intel on the “Hundred-Year Project”.

……

While Yin Ci was reminiscing, he almost ran into two fat fish.

Holding the cleaned fish, Sect Master Shi waved them in front of Yin Ci with a smile that showed no trace of madness or fear.

“Here. The fattest fish.” Shi Jingzhi chuckled. “Su Si wanted me to use the butcher knife to scrape off the scales… When will you tell him about your identity as ‘Su Zhi’? I watched that kid waving the knife around recklessly, and it hurt me.”

“I’ll tell him eventually. And when I do, I’ll beat him up for you. Don’t worry.”

Lord Bai turned its head and stared deeply at Yin Ci. However, it was quickly swayed by the leafy greens Yin Ci fed it, and its reproachful gaze gradually softened.

However, Shi Jingzhi inherited its spirit and squinted at Yin Ci for a moment. He cleared his throat with a meaningful tone. “I’m very reassured. Zizhu has big plans. How can you bear to hide it from a master who hasn’t yet been formally accepted?”

Yin Ci: “…”

“Minor schemes don’t matter. After all, I haven’t been formally accepted as your master.”

There was no need to emphasize it twice. Yin Ci sighed and handed over a meat pie. “Alright, alright. I will consider it and discuss it with you in detail later.”

Only then did Shi Jingzhi contentedly bite into the pie and return to his four-wheeled wooden chair. Yin Ci touched the charm on his chest, unable to express his complex emotions.

No matter how Shi Jingzhi pretended to be fine, he could still hear the man coughing up blood in the middle of the night. There wasn’t much time left for him to consider.

He only hoped that the plans for the martial arts conference would proceed smoothly. Whether it was the truth behind the Hundred-Year Project or the efficacy of the Shirou, they must extract it from Qu Duanyun.

Elsewhere in Yidu, inside the imperial palace.

Ever since the Prince of Rong, Xu Jingming, went to Shafu, his temperament changed. He no longer wandered around, barely even stayed in his own mansion, and took any opportunity to visit the imperial palace.

He and the current emperor were maternal brothers and were closer than the other princes. Xu Jingming, being idle and unlearned, didn’t concern the emperor, so he was allowed to stay in the palace.

The emperor enjoyed tea after meals. On this day, with light official duties, Xu Jingxing invited this younger brother to share stories from his trip to Shafu. Although Xu Jingming was now cautious, he would never disrespect his elder brother.

High Royal Highness, the Prince of Rong deliberately, chose new clothes, tried his best to look spirited, and then set foot on the long corridor to the tea pavilion. The spring breeze made Xu Jingming particularly uneasy.

If Qu Duanyun was indeed from the “Immortal Assembly”, was he destined not to obtain the “Shirou”?

Ever since returning from Shafu, Xu Jingming had kept his mouth shut. He had no evidence, so he didn’t voice out his suspicion that “Qu Duanyun was plotting against him”. When asked by others, he simply said that the Kushan Sect caused a disturbance in Chigou and wanted to use the martial arts conference to snatch the Shirou.

And he just happened to be caught in the chaos.

Since he usually behaved unpredictably, not many questioned him. Xu Jingming even almost believed his own story. However, he remained clear-headed and didn’t approach the “Shirou” again.

No matter how bold Xu Jingming was, he couldn’t face death. If he tried to get the “Shirou” again, his life might be in danger.

Since both the “Immortal Assembly” and that villain Shi Jingzhi want the “Shirou”, let them fight each other. Even if he couldn’t be the oriole*, he wouldn’t become the fish in the pond that gets hurt.

*This is referencing the idiom “The praying mantis catches the cicada while the oriole follows”. It refers to while coveting the gains ahead, one should be aware of the dangers behind.

His elder brother didn’t believe in supernatural matters, so the “Shirou” might not catch his eye. Even if his Emperor Brother had been recently unwell, he had the imperial doctors taking care of him.

Maybe he should collect some rare medicinal materials and give them to his Emperor Brother as soon as possible. What was so special about the “Shirou”? If he could find a rare item like the “Ice Peak Snake Lotus”, his Emperor Brother might be even happier.

He wasn’t going to mediate the conflict between the Emperor and the Imperial Preceptor. The previous Imperial Preceptor treated him well, but the current one, Jiang Youyue, wasn’t a good person.

The more Xu Jingming thought, the lighter his mood became.

“Your Highness.”

A gentle voice rang out, and Xu Jingming felt a chill. Speaking of Cao Cao, Cao Cao appears*. The Prince of Rong slowly turned his head to see a smiling Jiang Youyue not far away.

*Idiom referring to when you’re talking or thinking about someone, they appear (AKA Speak of the devil, and he appears).

Every time Xu Jingming looked at Jiang Youyue, he felt displeased. He vaguely responded, taking it as a greeting.

Jiang Youyue seemed unbothered by Xu Jingming’s attitude. He continued forward gracefully. They should have just passed by each other, but for some reason, Xu Jingming looked back.

Jiang Youyue was also looking at him.

It was a very brief glance. If Xu Jingming were still the old Prince of Rong, he might not have thought much of it. But this time, he saw it clearly.

He saw contempt.

When it came to “contempt”, perhaps no one knew it better than Xu Jingming. However, when Xu Jingming looked down on his servants, he still recognized them as “people”.

The way Jiang Youyue looked at him was as if he was looking at an insignificant ant.

Birds chirped on the corridor’s side, surrounded by green trees. The spring breeze was warm, but Xu Jingming felt ice-cold.

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 128: Etiology

Hua Jingchun stared blankly at Wu Huai’s head.

Shi Jingzhi had thoroughly examined the head inside and out and then passed it on to Chigou. Upon receiving the head of an old acquaintance, Hua Jingchun didn’t know how to handle it.

She had known Wu Huai since they were young and always held a deep admiration for the Chigou sect. Relying on his talents, Wu Huai joined the Immortal Assembly in his youth, leaving for Yidu, never to return. Initially, he wrote letters to her, but gradually, even those stopped coming.

Passion could fade, and youth was fleeting. Perhaps Wu Huai saw a vast world and lost interest in the barren northwest and the tomb robbing sect.

Yidu was dazzling, and if Wu Huai didn’t want to return to Shafu, he didn’t. Hua Jingchun wasn’t particularly surprised, nor did she inquire further.

She always acted decisively, never dwelling on sentimentalities. It wasn’t until the “Young Patriarch” appeared that she once again saw Wu Huai’s familiar yet estranged face.

She was now in her forties, but his appearance seemed to have stopped aging. The only proof of their past connection was the little “compassion” Wu Huai showed—he didn’t kill her on the spot but instead threw her down the Three Provinces Cliff.

Apart from that, she saw only a proud and cold stranger.

The Immortal Assembly always maintained a gentle public image, and Wu Huai wasn’t someone who simply followed others. Two decades had passed, and the changes in the opposition shocked Hua Jingchun. Being targeted by such an organization, had Chigou really escaped disaster?

In the end, she agreed to the Kushan Sect’s proposal, proposing a martial arts conference in the name of Chigou. The Chigou sect was a demonic sect and didn’t need to participate. According to Yin Ci’s words, the conference would divert the Immortal Assembly’s attention, giving Chigou some peace.

The Kushan Sect still held their Young Patriarch hostage, and Hua Jingchun saw no reason to refuse. As per the agreement, Chigou just needed to give their verbal commitment…

…How strange!

“Sect Master Shi, our proposal for the martial arts conference has been made, and the response has been good.”

Hua Jingchun said patiently, craning her neck.

“Many sects have suffered mysterious misfortunes. They all seek balance and will want to make a final stand. In this situation, in a few days, balance must be restored. So…”

Shi Jingzhi peeked out. “So?”

“So, we’re even! Even though our sect robs tombs, we have our limits!” Hua Jingchun held the head, almost in tears. “This is unacceptable!”

Shi Jingzhi smiled brilliantly, retreating back into the shadows.

This wasn’t the Kushan Sect; it was more like a den of foxes. Both the master and disciple were both deceitful, and Hua Jingchun regretted her choices.

A few days ago, the news of the martial arts conference was released. Just when Hua Jingchun wanted to discuss the matter of Su Si, Shi Jingzhi made another request.

[Sister Hua, I’d like to visit the temple in Shafu City. You have good relations with the officials of Shafu, right? Can you arrange for the temple to be closed for a day, saying Chigou wants to worship the Imperial Celestial?]

The Chigou sect, always dealing with tombs, cared deeply about the spirits. Previously, they had closed temples for worship, and given their recent tribulations, a session of worship seemed appropriate. Including the Kushan Sect wasn’t a problem.

She readily agreed then, but now deeply regretted it.

They gave the Kushan Sect three hours. Hua Jingchun initially thought the Kushan Sect might be looking for clues in the temple. But to her surprise, the duo brought tools and went directly to the celestial’s statue, tinkering behind it.

The clinking sound irritated Hua Jingchun. Fortunately, the Chigou sect was a demonic sect, allowing her to suppress the urge to expose the two. All she could do was hold her head, wanting to cry without tears.

She had intended to make some wishes in front of the celestial, hoping for Wu Huai’s peaceful passage without haunting Chigou. But now, she felt that the Imperial Celestial was incredibly merciful for not punishing them on the spot. She just hoped that when divine retribution struck the master and disciple, it would be accurate and not harm the Chigou sect.

Had Protector Hua seen what was behind the celestial, she probably wouldn’t have been able to stay in the temple.

Yin Ci patted Shi Jingzhi’s back. “Be careful, don’t really scare her.”

“No worries, she can’t see.” Shi Jingzhi crouched even lower, the silver knife in his hand gleaming. “Three hours is a bit tight; we need to be quick.”

After the martial arts conference, they would inevitably confront the Immortal Assembly. By then, they’d have no chance to get close to the flesh idol, so they decided to take advantage of Chigou’s reputation to examine it.

Removing a large shell according to the pattern, they indeed saw the flesh idol inside. This one looked fresher than the one in Yongsheng Temple. The eyes in the flesh moved quickly and shed tears as soon as they saw the two.

Shi Jingzhi gently peeled off layers of meat paste, occasionally packing a portion. As the idol slowly healed, Yin Ci controlled its shape with his sword qi, ensuring that Shi Jingzhi could peel deeper and deeper. The statue was massive, and as Shi Jingzhi delved deeper, separating the meat became increasingly difficult. Sweat formed on Shi Jingzhi’s forehead. He didn’t have time to wipe it, and many sweat droplets crossed his eyelashes and seeped into his eyes.

Just as Shi Jingzhi was about to blink to relieve himself, Yin Ci freed a hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

“Thank you.” Shi Jingzhi sighed with relief. “How much longer?”

“Half an hour.”

“I’ve almost reached the innermost part. Do you still have that strange feeling?”

Yin Ci paused for a moment, then said firmly, “It’s even stronger than before.”

“I’ve probably noted the way the meat is layered. Remember the giant tree root statue in the forbidden area? The structure of this flesh idol matches the tree root’s direction completely. It must be a ‘blueprint’ for those who shape the statue.”

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes were fixed on the incision of the flesh idol, and he continued to cut further inside.

Yin Zizhu was a mortal, and this meat paste was once human too. Both had touched “immortality”, though under very different circumstances. Yin Ci felt an indescribable familiarity with these flesh idols, and it wasn’t for no reason. Since the flesh idol was man-made, he was sure he could find its flaws.

Hiss.

A soft sound echoed as Shi Jingzhi’s blade touched something.

Surprisingly, a piece of white cloth with blood characters appeared amongst the layers of flesh. The white cloth, soaked with blood, blended with the dark red meat, only faintly showing its original color. Positioned at the core of the flesh idol, the cloth covered something relatively solid. Thick layers of meat and bones intertwined around it, protecting whatever was behind the cloth.

That must be the flesh idol’s “core”.

After a brief search, Shi Jingzhi chose a protrusion with fewer obstructing bones. Despite the fatigue in his wrist, he delicately lifted the cloth, treating it as gently as a fragile bud.

What lay beneath the cloth felt slightly stiff, perhaps hiding the secret of the flesh idol’s undying nature.

The answer was right in front of him, and Shi Jingzhi felt a bit emotional. Back in the forbidden area, the two were busy being wary of each other, and their main focus was on the Shirou. They had let the flesh idol burnt beyond recognition, which was a regrettable incident.

…Fortunately, it wasn’t too late.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t damage the cloth with the blood characters. Taking a deep breath, he skillfully located a seam with his silver knife and finally unfolded the cloth—

Half of a pale hand was revealed.

The hand was slender and beautiful, with an extremely fair complexion, showing no signs of decay. Amidst the writhing meat paste, this hand gave him chills.

He had seen this hand before. He had kissed it. This hand had once shielded him when he was young and had given him the most comforting embrace.

…He would never mistake it. It was Yin Ci’s hand.

Before he could process it, the malicious truth pierced his heart. Shi Jingzhi’s hand trembled, and he almost dropped the silver knife.

Yin Ci, standing beside him, couldn’t see what was inside the incision. Thinking that Shi Jingzhi was exhausted, he was about to comfort him when Shi Jingzhi turned his head, his eyes filled with horror.

“I know…”

Shi Jingzhi licked his dry lips, his voice shaky. He tried to start on a gentle note but couldn’t find any clean words amidst the bloodshed.

“I know why He Cheng’an kept beheading you. This meat statue isn’t your kind. Its core is made of ‘you’.”

He said, almost in despair.

Yin Ci didn’t immediately grasp the situation. He looked blankly at Shi Jingzhi for a moment, intending to see for himself, but was stopped by Shi Jingzhi’s hand.

Shi Jingzhi’s voice was hoarse. “Your body is inside. Lately, you… you’ve been unstable; it’s best not to look.”

After saying that, Shi Jingzhi carefully restored the layers of meat and cloth. He stood in front of the incision, waiting for it to heal. Yin Ci didn’t push him away but stood silently, obviously waiting for him to continue.

Shi Jingzhi stood there as if in a trance, piecing together fragments of information.

The earliest temple of the Imperial Celestial was in Yidu, created by the first Imperial Preceptor. Over the centuries, only a dozen temples were added.

The complexity of the meat statues indicated that they weren’t successful right away. The earliest temples probably used Yin Ci’s body as material, as an experimental ground. Yin Ci’s body was limited, so the Imperial Preceptors didn’t waste much, so the statues were built conservatively.

Two hundred years ago, the temples of the Imperial Celestial appeared on a large scale.

That was during the era of the Queen of Milan. They had witnessed similar events in that era. The Queen of Milan’s Arcane Arts was based on one person as the core, and the others as flesh. Although the “composition” wasn’t pure, it could also absorb vital qi and ensure its immortality.

However, the Arcane Arts carried the fragmented remains of ancient corpses. Initially, Shi Jingzhi only felt that the two seemed similar, without delving deeper into the matter. Reflecting on it now, in the grand scheme of things, they were never far from the truth.

[The corpse is completely dead, with no connected meridians. Vital qi cannot flow. How can it be resurrected? To channel the vital qi, we need a continuous piece of living flesh.]

Chen Qianfan’s voice echoed again in his mind.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Shi Jingzhi bitterly said, “I have a speculation…”

“Inspired by the Queen of Milan’s Arcane Arts, the Immortal Assembly began manufacturing these flesh idols.” Yin Ci spoke first; his voice was still calm. “Using my headless corpse as the ‘core’ and cultivating ordinary monster materials for flesh, they can mold thousands of idols.”

“Also, the structure of the flesh idols is identical to the giant tree root idol. And that structure is identical to your ‘true self’. They were molded in your likeness. They are your…” Shi Jingzhi couldn’t continue.

Yin Ci placed a hand on a flesh idol, staring at the eyes within the fleshy mud. He wasn’t sure if there was any consciousness behind those eyes or if his voice could be heard.

After a deep sigh, Yin Ci finally said what neither wanted to voice.

“They are my ‘replicas’.”

When he said this, Yin Ci felt as if his heart stopped.

He had previously speculated about the immortality of these flesh idols. In his speculations, he thought he was one of them, maybe a highly successful “finished product”.

But he was the first—the original “flesh idol”.

This wasn’t an overnight endeavor. Someone knew of his “true self” and used it to create the tree root idols, which were then replicated. Others researched the Queen of Milan’s techniques, using his corpse as the “core”. Yet others cultivated villages like “Yuanxian Village” for their flesh and labor.

This wasn’t the work of a single moment or individual. It would take at least a century of accumulation. The Imperial Preceptors expended such effort not just for novelty. Why flood the nation with these crude replicas?

…Perhaps he knew the answer.

Yin Ci approached Shi Jingzhi, cupping his face to steady his head.

The sweat still glistened on Shi Jingzhi’s face, and Yin Ci could feel the heat radiating from him. Without words, Shi Jingzhi seemed to understand, his eyes shifting from fear to sorrow.

However, Yin Ci spoke.

“The Arcane Arts remain active by constantly absorbing vital qi. In the barren north, it can sustain itself for centuries by consuming some monsters.”

Flesh idols were semi-living, even more sophisticated than the Arcane Arts, and definitely more powerful.

“A’Ci…”

“The flesh idols don’t need to fight or move. They are placed in the most prosperous cities, with worshippers constantly coming. The vital qi they absorb is clearly excessive, and this excess must have a purpose.”

Creatures with excessive vital qi were monster material, occasionally found in nature. The monster materials in Yuanxian Village weren’t exceptional, but their quantity was unusually high. If one intentionally increased the vital qi, one could artificially produce monster materials…

What could be achieved by gathering the vital qi of the entire nation?

“Zizhu, stop.” Shi Jingzhi tried to retreat, but Yin Ci held his head firmly.

“How did I not think of it earlier? I’ve met the only child of Xu Li, and he’s definitely not a Child of Desire. Previous generations of Child of Desire weren’t outstanding, so much so that the Queen of Milan from two centuries ago was the first to become famous. It was only when temples were everywhere that the Child of Desire began to flourish—interestingly, I even killed one of them.”

That Imperial Preceptor never revealed the truth to the Queen of Milan.

Yin Ci’s voice grew softer.

“After all, how can a person have thousands of desires out of nowhere? It’s merely the worshippers’ desires channeled into the vital qi. When you’re born from such vital qi, it’s natural to be of such a nature.”

“…” Shi Jingzhi remained silent, looking intently at Yin Ci as his amber eyes moistened.

The two stood behind the idol. The space here was narrow, as if only the two of them existed between heaven and earth. The air was filled with solemn incense, and they were surrounded by the grotesque, writhing mud.

If this scene were a dream, how wonderful it would be.

Shi Jingzhi searched his heart and soul, trying to find words to refute Yin Ci and deny this terrifying speculation. Unfortunately, Yin Ci’s theoretical reasoning was sound, and he could find no flaws.

Yin Ci’s hypothesis was likely correct.

He carried the blood of Yin Ci’s enemies and blossomed from Yin Ci’s remains.

Even for the great general Yin Zizhu, there must be a limit to resentment. Shi Jingzhi wasn’t particularly guilty, but his heart pounded painfully in his chest. Overwhelmed by deep pity, he didn’t have the time to ponder the conspiracy. His heart wavered—should he now beg “Please don’t vent your anger on me”, or should he let Yin Ci vent his frustrations fully?

Shi Jingzhi couldn’t find an answer. So he simply closed his eyes, adopting a “do with me as you please” demeanor.

Unexpectedly, he didn’t encounter the rage of Yin Ci, not even a suppressed angry breath. After a brief silence, something warm and soft touched his lips, and a slightly warm tongue teased its way through his teeth.

It was a kiss, intense but brief. After the intimate moment, Yin Ci finally let go of Sect Master Shi’s head.

“I won,” he whispered.

Shi Jingzhi: “…?”

“Back on Huilian Mountain, we had a bet. If I uncovered the cause of your ailment first, you’d grant me a request.”

“Huh?” Sect Master Shi, having just experienced a whirlwind of emotions, was somewhat dazed.

Yin Ci’s face held not a hint of resentment; his usual nonchalant look prevailed. “What do you mean ‘huh’? There are limits to everything. Even a Child of Desire is mortal. When filled with so much vital qi, how could they have a long life? Your meridians are likely being torn by the excessive vital qi.”

“…Well, I won. I’ll ask for my reward first,” He emphasized again.

Shi Jingzhi touched his chest, still not fully recovered. “Aren’t you resentful of me?”

At that moment, he even forgot about the cause of his illness.

Considering that Hua Jingchun was still in the shrine, Yin Ci held back his laughter. “What nonsense. If I held a grudge over every causality, the Yun Dynasty would’ve been wiped out by me. Meeting you is a blessing.”

Otherwise, he might never have known the truth.

“The ‘results’ accumulated by the Immortal Assembly over the centuries are mine. The most promising descendants of the Xu and Sun families are mine. Is there anything more wonderful in the world?”

Hearing this familiar rhetorical question, Shi Jingzhi was stunned for a long while. Yin Ci looked at him with a smile, just like before he knew the truth.

After a while, Sect Master Shi finally showed a genuine smile. He reached out to hug Yin Ci. ‘How wonderful,’ Shi Jingzhi thought. The cause of his long-sought illness had been revealed. Although many mysteries remained unsolved, he had never felt so at peace…

Wait, something’s wrong.

Yin Ci watched as Shi Jingzhi’s hugging gesture slowly distorted, turning into one of holding his head, then slowly crouching down.

“Regardless of what they made the Child of Desire for, or how the Shirou work,” Shi Jingzhi said, clutching his head, “if the cause is as you say, to survive, wouldn’t I have to destroy all the flesh idols in the country?”

There were thousands of temples. Even if he and Yin Ci split up and destroyed one a day, they wouldn’t have enough time.

Wasn’t he doomed?!

Outside the shrine.

Su Si and Yan Qing wore tattered civilian clothes, hiding in a dark alley, guarding several bags of kerosene. Yan Qing occasionally checked the time, while Su Si’s head drooped, nearly falling asleep.

“It’s almost time,” Yan Qing reminded considerately.

Su Si rubbed his face, his gaze a bit scattered. “Three hours, my back is stiff… San Zi, have you ever started a fire before? Are you sure you can handle it?”

“Never,” Yan Qing admitted. “But if we seem too proficient at playing resentful refugees plotting revenge against Chigou, wouldn’t that raise suspicions?”

“You can be quite scary sometimes,” Su Si remarked, patting his face to wake himself up. “It’s strange, this time they sneaked in perfectly and brought everything they needed. Why risk everything by setting a fire?”

Yan Qing gripped the kerosene bag, momentarily lost in thought. “Perhaps the Sect Master had other considerations.”

“What are you thinking about? I’ve never seen you daydream while working.”

“Thinking of you,” Yan Qing said seriously. “The Chigou sect wants you to be the next Young Patriarch. Are you planning to stay?”

Stunned, Su Si paused before teasingly asking, “Do you want me to stay? If I do, won’t it be hard for you alone?”

Yan Qing didn’t take the bait. “I know you. You’re not indecisive. Just yesterday, the Sect Master talked to you. If you’ve made up your mind, tell me…”

“I haven’t,” Su Si smirked. “Didn’t you once say that someone like me wouldn’t announce my departure? Oh, and you also said that if I ever speak up, you’d trust me.”

His own words were thrown back at him. Yan Qing sighed. After a moment, he picked up the kerosene and started the fire as planned.

The matchstick ignited the kerosene, and the flames soared up to eight feet high. The region of Shafu was arid and lacked water, so within a short span of time, the temple was covered in thick smoke with flames reaching the sky.

The next day, news from the Yueshui Pavilion spread all over the southern and northern regions—

The Patriarch of Chigou committed heinous crimes with far-reaching implications. Wu Huai met his tragic end, sparking widespread anger among the people. The members of Chigou, carrying Wu Huai’s severed head, went to the temple to pray and dispel the curse. However, they were attacked by a group of desperados who set the temple on fire. While no Chigou members were harmed, the temple in Shafu was destroyed due to the uncontrollable blaze.

According to bystanders, a young child passed by the burnt statues and reportedly heard numerous sighs of relief. With the catastrophe so recent, what relief and sighs could there be? It was likely just a sensational rumor circulating among the public. Everyone was advised not to be gullible.

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Kinky Thoughts:

Well, in a way, He Cheng’an was correct. Yin Ci’s “offspring” is the strongest.

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