At the third watch of the night, howling winds swept through Qian Qu County where no one slept.

Every household had lights on, with smoke from small offerings to statues drifting over courtyard walls.

On the towering city walls, torches blazed fiercely. Farmers donned iron armor, polishing firearms in the torchlight.

Disciples of the Song Academy sat in meditation, striving to recover their spiritual energy.

Within the city walls, a massive formation covered everything, its semi-circular barrier flowing with faint light.

Wei Zhen Yu stood on the city wall and looked back. Behind him, Qian Qu was brilliantly lit, like an island of light in the boundless darkness.

“Lord Wei, news from the secret passage in Hong Fu County.”

Wei Zhen Yu opened the triangular folded talisman paper: “‘The Righteous Immortal Alliance’ has gathered eighteen sects and clans, claiming eight hundred Yuan Ying cultivators, three thousand Golden Core cultivators, and one hundred thousand practitioners. They have already entered Hong Fu County and will attack the east gate at dawn.”

As soon as he finished reading, the talisman paper burned without flame, turning to ash without leaving a trace.

Qian Qu County had poisonous forests to the north, high mountains to the west, and desolate marshes to the south—dangerous terrain on three sides. Only the eastern border is connected with Hong Fu County.

Over the years, the two countries had established trade, and Qian Qu had helped Hong Fu solve its perennial flooding problems.

Zhu Sheng was confused: “Lord Wei, this Liu Hong Shan is an immortal official from Hua Wei Sect, yet he’s willing to help us dig underground passages and send us messages. Who does he want to win?”

Wei Zhen Yu brushed the ashes from his fingertips: “Who wins or loses doesn’t matter to him. He only hopes to continue being an immortal official. Tell him to keep digging the tunnels.”

“One hundred thousand cultivators?” Meng He Ze looked at the dense fleet of cloud ships and flying magical devices above the clouds, mockingly saying: “They’re just ancient tortoises and thousand-year turtles. How many can fight?”

The fleet carrying Golden Core and higher cultivators hovered above Hong Fu County.

After their first surprise attack failed—defeated by Qian Qu’s firearms—Hua Wei Sect reorganized its forces and sent out widespread invitations.

Those in seclusion emerged hermits left their mountains, and various demons, ghosts, immortals, and netherworld beings all came to join the excitement of the battle for Qian Qu.

Meanwhile, all of Qian Qu’s forges operated day and night, sparing no expense in manufacturing firearms, cannons, thunderclap bombs, flame arrows, and more.

After repelling the first surprise attack, the people of Qian Qu gained tremendous confidence. Their belief in protecting their homeland and hatred for the enemy condensed into a powerful force of faith and will.

If a cultivator skilled in the art of aura-watching were to open the Heavenly Eye here, they would see the entire Qian Qu radiating golden light—a golden light barrier protecting Qian Qu’s formation, making it even more solid.

But these methods could attack Golden Core cultivators yet couldn’t withstand cultivators above Yuan Ying level. Qian Qu still needed more power.

Various allies had arrived to support Qian Qu, but Qian Qu was hesitant to open its gates to them.

Wei Zhen Yu gazed outside the city wall: “At this critical moment if enemies disguise themselves and infiltrate Qian Qu, the consequences would be unthinkable.”

Meng He Ze rarely agreed with him: “And we don’t have time to check everyone individually.”

While they were caught in this dilemma, Ji Chen came running up, dusty but beaming with joy.

“You don’t need to worry anymore. The problem has been solved.”

Wei Zhen Yu didn’t believe him: “You went down once and solved it?”

Ji Chen: “I don’t have that ability.”

Meng He Ze: “Then who does?”

“Miss Chen does.” Ji Chen pointed toward a direction below the city wall. “Miss Chen brought the little Hua Wei Sect, unified all the reinforcements, and they’ve voluntarily camped outside the city. She also helped us catch three spies. Those three were disguised as rogue cultivators, trying to find a way in.”

Meng He Ze: “She’s going against her father to help us? Is it for Senior Brother Song?”

“Some people thought so at first, but no one says that now,” Ji Chen smiled. “Because Miss Chen revealed the True Seal of Hua Wei, saying she is the heir recognized by the ancestors, and that Xu Yun’s Hua Wei Sect isn’t legitimate. This has become a struggle between new and old factions in the Hua Wei Sect. Now everyone knows she’s genuinely fighting for her sect. Even those who curse her only accuse her of seizing power and rebelling.”

Wei Zhen Yu laughed: “The Hua Wei Seal? I fear their ‘Righteous Immortal Alliance’ will fall into chaos first.”

For the first time since the great battle began, he showed a genuine smile.

“So they’ve sent someone to negotiate,” Ji Chen clapped his hands. “Bring him up!”

Two Qian Qu cultivators carried up a black cloth sack and threw it on the ground.

A painful cry came from the sack, revealing a person who was tied up tightly.

This person’s spiritual energy was completely sealed, yet he showed no resistance, instead expressing concern: “Ji Chen, it’s been many years. Everyone at home misses you all. Why haven’t you brought Little Star back to visit?”

Then he began pouring out family memories, recalling childhood moments, even shedding two teardrops.

If Meng He Ze and Wei Zhen Yu didn’t know better, they would surely think this person was Ji Chen’s blood-brother.

Ji Chen seemed not to hear, coldly asking: “You’re willing to withdraw your troops now?”

Ji Guang met his gaze and trembled inwardly, unable to continue: “I—I want to see Little Star first! She’s my sister too. You can’t prevent me from seeing her! I have important battle intelligence, but I’ll only tell her!”

He vaguely felt he had made a mistake coming here.

Wei Zhen Yu and Meng He Ze were Qian Qu County’s sword and blade, but Ji Chen was Qian Qu’s shield. Once the shield broke, no matter how sharp the sword and blade, they couldn’t hold.

But Ji Chen, after these years in Qian Qu, seemed to have completely changed.

To everyone’s surprise, Ji Chen agreed to this request: “Very well.”

Ji Guang was escorted to Qian Qu’s workshop. Along the way, he witnessed ordinary people practicing with firearms, moving cannons, and handling gunpowder, feeling their fierce killing intent.

How were such things manufactured? How could they make ordinary people so terrifying?

What kind of place was Qian Qu? How could such deadly weapons exist in a world of cultivators?

“I want to see Ji Xing. Why did you bring me here?”

Just as he was about to ask, he saw Ji Xing—who in his memory was delicate, weak, and innocent—now wearing silver armor and loudly directing transportation efforts.

Ji Xing also saw him and frowned her delicate brows: “I heard they sent you to negotiate. You have something to tell me privately?”

Ji Guang hurriedly approached her, squeezing out two tears: “Little Star!”

“Brother is late, you’ve been in Qian Qu eating… eating…” Ji Guang opened his mouth wide, but facing Ji Xing who was now taller and stronger than him, he couldn’t say the words “suffering hardships.”

“Eating well, huh,” he quietly changed his words, creating an awkward atmosphere.

“Come with me!” Ji Xing led him to a temporary resting hut.

Ji Guang first placed talismans on the four walls, ensuring no one outside could hear what was said inside.

Ji Xing crossed her arms and watched him: “Now you can speak.”

“Little Star, leaving you all in Qian Qu these years was wrong of our family, but you’re ultimately a member of the Ji family. I’ve come to seek a way out for you!”

Ji Xing scratched her head: “Speak more simply.”

Ji Guang earnestly advised: “That Song Qian Ji is indeed a formidable character, but he’s already dead. Qian Qu’s situation is hopeless. A wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on. Staying in Qian Qu to serve is like an ant trying to stop a chariot. When real fighting starts, magical artifacts are merciless, and divine powers are blind—what if you get hurt? You might be safe, but once Qian Qu’s formation breaks, Ji Chen will be the first to suffer the backlash. Blood ties are hard to sever. I’ve personally come as a mediator, risking great danger to see you here.”

Ji Xing smiled sweetly: “Why don’t you tell my brother this?”

“Your brother is stubborn and can’t see the situation. Now it’s up to you to save him. I know you’d do anything to save him.”

Ji Xing’s smile faded, seeming tense: “Then tell me, how should I save him?”

Ji Guang was overjoyed: “You just need to bring a map of Qian Qu’s defenses as a token of good faith, and quietly follow me…”

“Pah!” Ji Xing spat in his face. “Negotiation is false, subversion is true!”

Ji Guang wiped away the spittle, saying hatefully: “So obstinate! What Song Qian Ji could do, we can do too. It’s nothing more than fooling a group of ordinary people and crude villagers. Hong Fu County has already opened its granaries and built more golden-bodied temples. Not just Hong Fu County—every territory is distributing porridge and wealth. The Immortal Alliance will soon receive more worldly fortune blessings! In this battle, the Immortal Alliance will certainly win!”

Ji Xing sneered: “You dare build temples and golden statues? You dare receive mundane incense offerings?”

Ji Guang stiffened his neck: “Doing the same things he did, why are we not worthy?!”

“It seems you truly don’t understand,” Ji Xing sighed. “Before Lord Song appeared, how did you serve as immortal officials?”

Ji Guang proudly said: “We fulfilled ordinary people’s wishes, but who knew they would be so greedy!”

Ji Xing shook her head: “You randomly selected one person each year to fulfill their wish. If they wanted money, you gave money; if they wanted healing, you gave spiritual pills—regardless of what happened afterward. For the slight possibility of this miracle, and to avoid punishment and intimidation, ordinary people were willing to worship cultivators. Now you distribute porridge, open granaries, and scatter immortal pills, not from the heart but because you have no choice. You fear Song Qian Ji alone claiming all the world’s fortune.”

“Unfortunately, painting the skin can’t paint the bones. What Song Qian Ji truly did for Qian Qu, you can’t learn. Compared to him, you’re just a group of opportunistic, groveling wretches. True worship isn’t found in incense halls and temples. Each of us staying here isn’t serving or working for anyone. As long as the people of Qian Qu refuse to leave their homes, you can’t win this battle.”

Ji Guang was extremely unwilling and wanted to say more when suddenly he heard Ji Chen’s approving voice: “Little Star, you’ve grown up.”

It turned out his sound barrier couldn’t stop Ji Chen’s formation at all.

Ji Chen entered with a smile: “You’ve come from so far away, why not stay here? Qian Qu has beautiful mountains, clear waters, and good feng shui. If your bones are buried here long-term, you might cultivate again in your next life.”

“You—you can’t kill me!”

He thought he understood Ji Chen’s nature well enough—even if the other party distrusted or despised him, they would let him return considering their blood ties.

Ji Chen clapped his hands: “Take him away. Tomorrow when the battle begins, push him onto the city wall as a hostage.”

Two cultivators broke down the door, placed a silencing talisman on Ji Guang, stuffed him into a sack, and carried him away.

Ji Xing whispered: “Brother, I feel like you’ve changed a bit?”

Ji Chen was stunned, then put on a warm smile: “Are you afraid of me?”

Ji Xing answered without hesitation: “Not afraid.”

Ji Chen patted her head: “There’s nothing to fear. This time, brother will protect you.”

Ji Xing muttered: “You’ve always been protecting me.”

……

“Ji Chen went with his sister and probably won’t return. You should also rest. I’ll guard tonight,” said Meng He Ze.

Wei Zhen Yu: “I’ve always guarded this east wall. You’re the one who should rest. I’m afraid after dawn, you won’t have the strength to go out and fight.”

“Nonsense, I…”

“Good news!” Two figures came running.

“Great news! Wonderful news!” Xu Kan Shan and Qiu Da Cheng shouted all the way, ensuring everyone on the city wall could hear them.

“The enemy has withdrawn?” Meng He Ze asked lazily without looking up.

“Senior Brother Song isn’t dead!” said Qiu Da Cheng.

Thunder from a clear sky. In an instant, footsteps thundered as everyone who heard this rushed over.

“What did you say?!” Although he had expected it, receiving definite news still made Meng He Ze forget to breathe.

“Tell us!” Wei Zhen Yu grabbed the messenger’s collar, and then quickly released it.

Xu Kan Shan continued: “He placed an amplifying talisman at Quicksand River. His voice spread across a hundred miles. He said he’s still alive, and that the Zhao Ancestor has already been killed by him!”

“Really?!” Wei Zhen Yu’s eyes were red.

“This news has been confirmed by Purple Cloud Temple, absolutely no mistake!” Xu Kan Shan knew everyone was anxious, so he spoke rapidly. “Senior Brother Song also said he and the Sword Immortal will cross the White Dragon River, climb over Tian Qian Mountain, walk through the snow plains, all the way to the continent’s edge, to retrieve the Sword Immortal’s natal sword and slay the evil ones!”

Wei Zhen Yu barely maintained his composure: “Quickly, tell Ji Chen to use the formation to transmit sound!”

So on this clear summer night filled with blazing lights, a message swiftly spread throughout Qian Qu:

“Fellow Song Academy disciples, fellow villagers, Lord Song is not dead! Lord Song is at the White Dragon River!”

That night, the people of Qian Qu and their allies wept with joy, laughter, and cheer everywhere.

But the mood of the “Righteous Immortal Alliance” was extremely heavy.

The Righteous Immortal Alliance was composed of eighteen sects and clans, each calculating their investment and potential gains, originally arguing about who would lead the attack tomorrow.

When news that Song Qian Ji wasn’t dead spread from Purple Cloud Temple, hatred and fear enveloped everyone’s hearts, uniting them in common enmity once more.

“He even killed Zhao Ancestor, what should we do?”

“A lean camel is still larger than a horse. The Ancestor must have been killed by Xian Jian Chen. Song Qian Ji must be severely injured, that’s why he doesn’t dare return to Qian Qu to fight!”

“Then why would he announce his escape route? This must be a trap.”

“With Wei Zhen Yu, Meng He Ze, and Ji Chen all trapped in Qian Qu, what trap could he set? He values Qian Qu more than his own life, trying to lure us away.”

“We must go. We absolutely cannot let ‘that person’ get the natal sword again!”

“So we’re not attacking Qian Qu?”

While everyone was in a state of confusion, a shadow of Master Xu Yun slowly descended, like a great Buddha intimidating the entire scene.

Vast pressure swept like ocean tides.

Everyone felt reassured. Although both were half-step Transformation stage cultivators, Zhao Ancestor had grown old. Master Xu Yun was truly the world’s number one.

As for the Four Immortals of Zither, Chess, Book, and Sword, three had perished. Golden Core and higher cultivators could all sense their departure.

Only one Sword Immortal remained without his natal sword. How could he contend with Master Xu Yun?

Xu Yun’s shadow said: “Divide into two groups. Zhao Tai Ji, you lead people to the White Dragon River. You must kill those two on the river.”

……

White Dragon River originated from the continent’s edge, formed by melting snow from the glaciers.

In summer, the water was mighty. The great river cut through mountains and ridges, churning turbulent waves, its roar echoing along both banks like an angry dragon.

It was dusk again.

The setting sun sank into the water, its orange-gold light reflecting between water mist and spray, making the entire river glisten with colors.

A black-awning boat sailed upstream.

At the bow, a white-robed youth faced the river wind and slanting sunlight, holding a thin, narrow long sword, repairing the formation on the boat while using sword energy to drive away water beasts.

The small boat reached the middle of the river, where beasts gradually increased.

Another person sat in the black-awning boat, leisurely drinking tea and enjoying the scenery, completely unbothered by the increasingly rocky boat.

The dusk over the angry river, the ferocious water beasts, the busy companion—all seemed just scenery in his eyes.

He appreciated the view, feeling genuinely delighted.

“You’re drinking tea again?” said Song Qian Ji.

Xian Jian Chen answered honestly: “Since that night in Qian Qu when you wouldn’t let me drink wine, I haven’t touched it since.”

Song Qian Ji: “Do you think the point is what you’re drinking? The point is you have hands and feet but can’t come help, just sitting there drinking tea?”

Xian Jian Chen sighed: “Master’s injuries have worsened. Currently, I only have the strength for one sword strike, which I must save for the most critical moment.”

“Wait.” Song Qian Ji took a moment to react, blinking in disbelief. “You’re a Sword Immortal, and now you can only strike once? How are you any different from dead weight?”

Xian Jian Chen banged down his teacup angrily: “Unfilial disciple! Master was healing in the belly of a whale on Silver Island, and you insisted on dragging me along! Speaking of which, you’re the one who owes me!”

“I owe you? Have you no shame?” Song Qian Ji rushed to the boat cabin, pointing at himself. “I was originally farming in Qian Qu. Who deceived me into going to the Dead Sea to kill someone?”

Xian Jian Chen also pointed at himself: “Who wouldn’t let me recuperate in Qian Qu and insist on doing something for me?”

Song Qian Ji angrily replied: “That was to appease you. Haven’t you caused me enough trouble? Who threw the remnant souls of Hua Wei Sect’s ancestors into my domain?”

Xian Jian Chen: “Who was suppressed by those remnant souls in Hua Wei Floating City and was saved by me?”

Song Qian Ji: “Who first bound me with a contract?”

Xian Jian Chen: “Who first claimed to be my disciple?”

“…”

Before they could settle this mess of blame, another wave crashed in.

The black-awning boat spun rapidly in the huge wave, like a leaf falling into a whirlpool.

“The boat’s going to capsize. Mind your formation!”

“If you dare let go, we’ll capsize together!”

As they argued, a sinister voice suddenly came from the water: “As the saying goes, it takes a hundred years of fate to share a boat crossing, but unfortunately, your master and disciple will overturn on the river today.”

As the first word of this voice sounded, sixteen sword lights suddenly lit up from the water, directly piercing the black-awning boat.

Sixteen sword shadows, released simultaneously, cut off all escape routes for the black-awning boat.

This was a long-prepared killing strike that couldn’t possibly be missed.

But the moment the sword lights appeared, Song Qian Ji had already drawn his sword.

He swung his Shadowless Sword once, cutting down ten sword lights with a single stroke.

When Song Qian Ji reached the middle of the river, he had already hinted to Xian Jian Chen about an ambush at the river’s bottom.

Their half-true, half-false argument had confused the enemy. The enemies waiting for an opportunity indeed seized the opening and attacked early.

But Song Qian Ji had raised his battle intent and sword intent to the peak, ready to deliver his strongest thrust at any moment.

Miserable cries came one after another. The enemies burst from the water, and more sword lights appeared.

Sword energy raged wildly, and a water tornado shot to the sky.

The river waves raged, and the White Dragon River truly resembled an angry dragon.

Xian Jian Chen suddenly threw something from the boat cabin: “Take the sword!”

Song Qian Ji unhesitatingly put away Shadowless and grabbed the new sword.

Suddenly his wrist sank, and his heart sank even lower.

Such a heavy sword.

Xian Jian Chen said: “This sword is named ‘River Crossing.’ It can borrow the mighty water currents to enhance sword intent, perfect for your current use.”

“So heavy! How is this suitable?” Song Qian Ji gripped the sword handle tightly with both hands, barely able to hold it steady.

Then he heard Xian Jian Chen casually recite: “‘Golden rope opens the path of enlightenment, treasure raft crosses the river of delusion.’ Holding this sword, you must have the spirit to sail against the current and defy heaven, otherwise, you’ll be dragged down by this sword.”

Sailing on a great river, capsizing is easiest.

Yet how can one cross completely when storms are treacherous?

Xian Jian Chen sat steadily in the boat cabin reciting mental cultivation techniques, while Song Qian Ji stood at the bow holding the sword, desperately defending this boat.

The sinister laugh sounded again: “Xian Jian Chen, you’ve wandered the world for hundreds of years making enemies everywhere. Now you’re finally starting to teach a disciple. Isn’t it a bit too late!”

Disciples of great sects and clans are watched by their masters from childhood, force-fed spiritual medicines, have their meridians opened, and bones tempered for swordplay. No step can be delayed—delay means losing at the starting line.

“Indeed not early!” Song Qian Ji agreed with the enemy for the first time.

“Not late, not late,” Xian Jian Chen countered. “Did you learn the mental technique Master just taught?”

Song Qian Ji: “I’ve—Forgotten—Everything!”