The sunlight was dazzling, and the blue waters of Loujiang reflected countless brilliant golden lights.

Near noon, the appointed time for the decisive battle had arrived. Lu Yun kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, waiting for the two heroes to arrive. Behind him stood over a hundred officers. Gong Zhi and Constable Hong had also arrived, all carrying swords and bows, their expressions vigilant, all worried about today’s fighting.

Lu Yun deeply understood the formidable nature of Kunlun experts. Though he had many subordinates now, if both sides broke into fighting for no reason, they would still find it difficult to withstand the edge. For this reason, despite Gu Qianxi’s repeated pleas, Lu Yun stubbornly refused to bring her along to avoid additional danger.

This morning, Yang Suguan had gone out early according to their secret plan to meet Zhuo Lingzhao. Lu Yun, considering his friendship with Wu Dingyuan, found it inappropriate to participate in the negotiations. Yang Suguan’s mission was weighty and extremely dangerous – if Zhuo Lingzhao turned hostile and attacked, Yang Suguan would find it difficult to retreat safely. He not only bore responsibility for the Liu faction’s rise and fall but also had to endure blame and cold looks from colleagues – truly difficult and trying.

But when facing this crisis, before Yang Suguan left, he remained calm and composed, chatting and laughing with Yan Ting, Gu Qianxi, and other ladies. Watching this, Lu Yun couldn’t help but admire his courage and boldness – it seemed the title “Literary Yang, Martial Qin” was well-deserved.

Now it was near noon, and he didn’t know the results of Yang Suguan’s negotiations. If both sides reached a good outcome, they might persuade Zhuo Lingzhao to leave and avoid a bloody battle. But if they disagreed and Zhuo Lingzhao showed no appreciation, Changzhou would likely fall into great chaos.

While thinking, he heard Gong Zhi approach and whisper in his ear: “Reporting to the Prefect, Zhuo Lingzhao has arrived.”

Lu Yun turned to look and saw a group of white-robed guests holding blue-edged swords approaching proudly. The leader had an immortal bearing – it was the self-proclaimed “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao. But Yang Suguan was nowhere to be seen. Lu Yun became suspicious, not knowing if something had happened. With Yang Suguan’s alertness and intelligence, even if danger arose, he should be able to barely escape, but where had he gone?

When Zhuo Lingzhao reached the riverbank, Lu Yun stepped forward to greet him, bowing: “I am Changzhou Prefect Lu Yun, meeting Sect Master Zhuo.” Zhuo Lingzhao glanced at him coldly: “What instruction does the Prefect have?” Seeing his expression, Lu Yun guessed Yang Suguan’s trip had not been successful and the negotiations had definitely gone poorly. He could only say: “This humble official serves as prefect of this area and naturally doesn’t wish to see people fighting privately. I ask Sect Master Zhuo to consider law and justice when taking action.” He knew these words were merely ceremonial and could hardly restrain these martial world heroes.

Indeed, Qian Lingyi mocked: “The Prefect wants to enforce law here! Why not call your hundred officers to arrest people!” The Kunlun Mountain crowd burst into laughter hearing this. Lu Yun snorted – at this moment the enemy was strong and they were weak. Unless he deployed thousands of troops for intimidation, there was no other solution. He gave a dry laugh, his face already showing anger.

Zhuo Lingzhao raised his hand to stop his disciples’ mockery and said quietly: “Prefect Lu, don’t worry. If not absolutely necessary, I will definitely not kill anyone later.” The onlookers were all surprised hearing this – this Zhuo Lingzhao had been so arrogant in the past, yet today his words were so mild. Lu Yun was also pleased and immediately bowed: “Sect Master Zhuo speaks straightforwardly – this humble official thanks you first.”

Zhuo Lingzhao said no more and only gazed at the vast blue waves of Loujiang, his expression somewhat lonely.

Noon had arrived, sunlight shining on everyone’s heads – it was time for Wu Dingyuan’s appointment. Hundreds of people waited on the shore. Besides the Azure Robe scholar, disciples from Dian Cang, Emei, Iron Forging Manor and other sects had also arrived. All the experts, remembering the legend of a generation’s true dragon, dared not underestimate him.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Wu Dingyuan to appear.

Among the rolling waves, a long whistle came from afar. Everyone looked into the distance and saw a small boat floating on the river with a tall, strong man standing on it, wearing an iron glove on his right hand. Everyone’s hearts jumped, knowing Wu Dingyuan had arrived as appointed.

Lu Yun looked from afar – after not seeing Wu Dingyuan for a month, he seemed like a different person. His face was covered with beard, and his jacket was quite tattered. He didn’t know how he had deteriorated to this state.

Lu Yun called out loudly: “Dingyuan! I’m Lu Yun – can you come ashore for a talk!”

Hearing the shout, Wu Dingyuan stopped his boat in the distance, looked up at the sky without speaking or answering. A stubborn spirit arose from him, his manner extremely resolute. Lu Yun’s heart was crystal clear – Wu Dingyuan had resigned from office solely for today’s life-and-death battle. At this moment, he could only silently watch and pray. Loudly trying to stop him would probably be futile.

Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s arrival, the Kunlun crowd immediately began shouting and cursing: “You bastard! If you have guts, come to shore – why hide in the distance like a turtle?” Qian Lingyi shouted most fiercely: “Fuck your grandmother! If you’re afraid of death, hurry back to your grandmother’s house!” Zhuo Lingzhao stopped everyone’s clamoring and said indifferently: “Commissioner Wu, I’ve arrived here. If you have any instructions, please speak.”

Though his voice wasn’t loud, it covered everyone’s roars and carried far across the water. Everyone’s hearts shook – it seemed Zhuo Lingzhao’s internal energy application had already transcended the domineering and fierce pattern from half a year ago.

As soon as Zhuo Lingzhao finished speaking, Wu Dingyuan’s distant reply came, also indifferent without any killing intent. They heard him say: “Sect Master Zhuo, do you know why I’m troubling you?” Everyone heard Wu Dingyuan’s voice was low and deep, not harsh at all, but every word was clearly distinguishable, as if spoken right in their ears. The people on shore marveled, not knowing how he managed this.

Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s calm and collected manner, Lu Yun knew he had planned before acting. This steady demeanor was more worrying than the impulse to start killing immediately upon meeting.

Hearing Wu Dingyuan’s question, Zhuo Lingzhao answered: “Years ago, Kunlun’s combined sects pursued and tried to kill you. You naturally harbor resentment. Now that you’ve fully learned Tianshan’s true teachings and your martial arts have greatly improved, why wouldn’t you come for revenge?”

Hearing this, Wu Dingyuan looked up and laughed heartily: “They say Sect Master Zhuo’s insight is extraordinary, beyond ordinary people’s reach. But these words are completely wrong.” The two shouted across hundreds of feet as if conversing across a table. Everyone marveled at their peerless internal energy, all showing envious expressions.

Zhuo Lingzhao said sternly: “If Commissioner Wu bears no grudge against me, why steal my divine sword?” Wu Dingyuan smiled slightly: “Eighty-three.” Everyone was puzzled, not knowing the meaning of his “eighty-three.” Qian Lingyi shouted cursingly: “You bastard! Stop playing mysterious – it annoys your grandfather!” He channeled internal energy to shout, his voice sharp and piercing but couldn’t reach far. Several people beside him covered their ears, while distant people could barely hear clearly – his power was greatly inferior.

Jin Lingshuang said tremblingly: “This… the Yanling Escort Agency case killed eighty-three lives…” Everyone suddenly understood that eighty-three was the number of deaths in the murder case. Wu Dingyuan said coldly: “Sect Master Zhuo, eighty-three plus one – do you know why?” Zhuo Lingzhao said indifferently: “Eighty-three plus one would be eighty-four. Why does Commissioner Wu ask this? Don’t you know addition?” All the Kunlun disciples laughed hearing this.

Wu Dingyuan said coldly: “Wrong. Eighty-three plus one is not eighty-four.” Everyone made an “oh” sound, all thinking: “Then what is it?” Wu Dingyuan said coldly: “Eighty-three plus one – that’s exterminating an entire family.” Everyone was shocked hearing this.

Wu Dingyuan shouted sternly: “That day when you cruelly killed Qi Bochuan, did you ever think he was the last orphan of the Qi family? In your view, the difference is just one life, but did you ever think that killing this one more person meant exterminating an entire family!” Tu Lingxin, Qian Lingyi and others felt a chill, remembering that day at Mawang Temple when they killed Qi Bochuan, indeed killing the Qi family’s last orphan. Everyone felt guilty and lowered their heads.

Wu Dingyuan roared toward the sky: “You beasts, if you killed one or two people in front of me, I wouldn’t consider you enemies. But you dared to exterminate an entire family before my eyes – I, Wu Dingyuan, as a law enforcer of Xiliang, even if I rot to white bones, will pursue your souls to the end!” He roared wildly and raised a blue iron ball in his hand: “Look carefully!” The Kunlun crowd cried out: “This is the ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’!”

Wu Dingyuan waved his right hand and threw the iron ball into the river. Everyone on shore cried out seeing the divine sword fall into the water. Wu Dingyuan sneered: “What are you panicking about?” He gave a dry laugh and pulled up an iron chain as thick as a wrist from the boat: “This iron ball is tied by me and connected to this iron chain. Sect Master Zhuo, if you want to reclaim your ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing,’ come take it yourself!” He forcefully threw the chain, and the end flew far out. With a rumbling crash and flying stone fragments, the chain had clamped onto a distant cliff wall.

One end of the iron chain was tied to the 140-jin divine sword, firmly fixed at the river bottom, while the other end was clamped into the cliff wall. Looking from afar, the iron chain emerged from the water and connected to the cliff wall like an iron bridge.

Wu Dingyuan gathered his energy and leaped like a divine eagle, skimming several zhang along the river straight toward the iron chain. His right hand pulled the chain while his left foot lightly touched it. In an instant, he spun and turned in midair, then stood steadily on the iron chain, his figure swaying and undulating with the chain – truly combining steadiness and agility.

Everyone marveled at his extremely agile movements. Lu Yun was also amazed, thinking: “Haven’t seen Dingyuan fight for half a year – didn’t expect his martial arts to reach this level. Probably few in the world could match him.” Zhuo Lingzhao also nodded in praise: “Excellent lightness skill, rarely seen in the world.” Everyone turned to look at Zhuo Lingzhao to see how he would leap onto the iron chain.

Zhuo Lingzhao took the rope and long sword handed by his disciple and ran toward the river. Just as he was about to fall into the water, he suddenly swung his right hand lightly, shooting out the rope which immediately tangled with the iron chain. Zhuo Lingzhao pulled on it and his body shot skyward like a heavenly dragon soaring. His figure flew over ten zhang and in an instant had also stood on the iron chain…

Though the Azure Robe scholar was confident his lightness skill was unmatched, seeing these two’s extraordinary movement techniques, he secretly admired them.

The two heroes faced off, each standing at one end. Wu Dingyuan looked down from above with heroic gallantry, while Zhuo Lingzhao looked up from below with a generation sword master’s dignity. Though they had no mortal enmity, they had unresolvable karmic consequences. The onlookers, seeing their murderous intent, were all moved.

Among everyone, Lu Yun’s feelings were most complex. Seeing Wu Dingyuan master peerless divine skills to fulfill his long-cherished wish and avenge his great revenge, he should naturally rejoice and feel fortunate for him. But considering the situation, if Wu Dingyuan really killed Zhuo Lingzhao today, it would probably ruin his own career prospects and affect Yang Suguan’s carefully planned campaign against Jiang Chong. Thinking of this, if Wu Dingyuan really killed this Kunlun Sect Master, whether it would be fortune or disaster was truly hard to say.

The two stared at each other. Zhuo Lingzhao had completely changed from his past domineering style – from beginning to end he said nothing, only silently watching Wu Dingyuan without rushing to attack.

Wu Dingyuan took a deep breath and suddenly flew down along the iron chain. When he didn’t move, he was still, but once moving, he was like a fierce tiger breaking from its cage. In the blink of an eye, he had run to the end of the ten-zhang iron chain. Seeing his iron hand attacking, Zhuo Lingzhao immediately gave a light whistle, drew his sword, and amid flashing sword light, seventy-two moves of “Sword Leopard” thrust forward. Watching from shore, everyone saw Zhuo Lingzhao’s arm moving with seven feet of dazzling light reflected from sword tips in front of him – all were greatly amazed.

Just when Wu Dingyuan seemed about to suffer piercing disaster, they saw his right foot touch the iron chain and his body immediately shot upward like pulling up a spring onion, countless sword points brushing past his shoe soles – extremely dangerous. Wu Dingyuan was running forward with full force and logically couldn’t change direction, but at the instant Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword points struck, he could generate tremendous new force and in an instant change straight advance to upward leap. The transformation’s mystery could be said to exceed human capability. This person’s advance and retreat were as unpredictable as demons. Lu Yun and the Azure Robe scholar exchanged glances, both thinking of four words:

“A generation’s true dragon!”

Wu Dingyuan somersaulted in midair and instantly landed behind Zhuo Lingzhao. Zhuo Lingzhao was greatly shocked – that day when he fought Ning Bufan, his opponent had broken countless fierce sword moves without moving hand or foot, but compared to that day, his current shock was even greater. This Wu Dingyuan’s movements were so fast and strange, like demons and ghosts, actually leaping behind him in one move – this was something he’d never seen in over a hundred battles in his life. Hearing fist wind howling behind him, Zhuo Lingzhao was alarmed and quickly leaped forward, only feeling palm wind scraping past his back, instantly tearing his clothes.

Everyone originally thought Zhuo Lingzhao’s swordsmanship was mighty and should have great advantage, but who knew that with just a brief clash, Wu Dingyuan had forced Zhuo Lingzhao into a desperate situation in one move. Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s advance and retreat techniques extremely exquisite and his palm power strong and deep, all were greatly shocked. It seemed after Wu Dingyuan’s battle with Sa Mau, he had integrated his martial arts, a hundred times more terrifying than his first display at Mount Hua.

Without looking back, Zhuo Lingzhao swung his sword to strike, fearing Wu Dingyuan would take advantage to attack secretly. But he heard Wu Dingyuan say: “Sect Master Zhuo, don’t fear – I’m definitely not a villain who wounds from behind.” Zhuo Lingzhao turned around and saw Wu Dingyuan standing proudly with arms crossed, looking at him confidently from afar. Everyone seeing Wu Dingyuan’s expression knew he intended to defeat Zhuo Lingzhao openly and honorably, clearly very confident.

Wu Dingyuan said proudly: “Sect Master Zhuo, I respect you as a generation’s master. Today I’ll hold nothing back.” He slowly removed his iron glove – truly about to use his ultimate technique. Here, the Kunlun disciples hearing Wu Dingyuan’s arrogant words all began cursing.

Hearing everyone’s scolding, Wu Dingyuan didn’t retort. He raised his deep purple right arm high and said in a deep voice: “Sect Master Zhuo, today I’ll receive your masterful moves.” He clenched his five fingers and suddenly a purple light flashed from his arm, passing through his whole body and limbs. The purple light gathered in his dantian and instantly disappeared.

Everyone saw his poisoned arm’s muscles bulging with blood vessels protruding one by one, looking even stranger than before. For a moment there was dead silence – no one dared speak.

Seeing his strange and eerie right arm, Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart also shook slightly. He immediately said: “Good! Since you’re using your poisoned hand, I won’t be polite either.” His long sword across his chest, the sword radiated white light as he breathed deeply and channeled cold internal energy – this was the ultimate technique combining “Sword Cold” and “Sword Shadow.”

Seeing his shadowless sword technique, Wu Dingyuan didn’t dare act rashly but only guarded his defenses, quietly waiting for him to attack.

Zhuo Lingzhao gave a light shout and thrust his long sword. This sword’s path was incredibly fast, but its landing point was difficult to discern with the naked eye – truly a brilliant technique of using attack as defense. That day, if Ning Bufan hadn’t mastered “Wisdom Sword Pacifies Eight Directions” to detect opponents’ killing intent and moves, he also would have found it difficult to see through this sword tip’s path. Though Wu Dingyuan had a true dragon’s body, in terms of martial arts attainment, he was still far from the Four Great Masters. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao use the invisible sword shadow, how could he penetrate this traceless sword tip?

Zhuo Lingzhao shouted: “Wu Dingyuan! Take this!” White mist flashed and the sword tip shot out. Wu Dingyuan gave a dry laugh and raised his palm skyward, not blocking Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword move. Everyone saw Zhuo Lingzhao’s long sword about to reach his body, but Wu Dingyuan neither defended nor guarded – they didn’t know what medicine he was selling. While puzzled, they suddenly saw purple light emerge from Wu Dingyuan’s palm, flowing like mercury toward all directions. Amid everyone’s exclamations, the purple light had formed a gauze-like protection around his body.

This move was called “Heavenly Net Purple,” a defensive palm technique from Tianshan martial arts. Its cleverness lay entirely in palm force manipulation. Ordinary people’s palm force could only go straight, but he could scatter poisoned energy in all directions. With strange palm techniques and corrosive poison, one move could turn defense into attack. Hundreds of years ago, Tianshan disciples had used this to battle the world – unexpectedly it reappeared in the martial world today.

Zhuo Lingzhao was shocked – that day An’dao Jing’s steel blade had immediately rotted when touched by the poisonous gas, showing its great power. His own long sword would probably be contaminated by the poisonous gas scattered in midair before it could strike. Zhuo Lingzhao reacted quickly and immediately retreated before the poisonous gas could touch him. His lightness skill was considerable and he instantly retreated over a zhang.

Zhuo Lingzhao had attacked with two sword techniques but Wu Dingyuan easily broke them both. The relative strength of the two was not hard to determine. But this battle was to the death, unlike the martial competition at Mount Hua. Either side admitting defeat was equivalent to suicide. Moreover, Zhuo Lingzhao was a supreme expert – how could he endure the humiliation of surrender? He whistled and immediately generated three feet of blue radiance from his sword. A move of “Thousand Rays of Dawn Light” struck toward Wu Dingyuan.

This “Thousand Rays of Dawn Light” had tremendous power – in terms of sharpness, few weapons in the world could withstand a direct hit, let alone flesh and blood. That day, even Ning Bufan with his world’s highest status was forced to flee in panic by this move. Now the “Sword God’s” ultimate technique was unleashed – Wu Dingyuan had no reason not to avoid it. Zhuo Lingzhao knew his final technique was revealed and his lifelong reputation hung on this one move. The sword radiance was used with extreme sharpness and magnificent momentum.

As the sword radiance attacked, Wu Dingyuan only nodded slightly, neither advancing nor avoiding.

Seeing him so overconfident and arrogant, Zhuo Lingzhao was furious. Just as the blue radiance was about to pierce Wu Dingyuan’s chest, suddenly Wu Dingyuan’s body trembled and became a gray, hazy mass. Then the sword radiance passed through his body without harming him at all. Everyone on shore was shocked, not knowing how this was possible. Jin Lingshuang, the Azure Robe scholar, and other experts could see clearly – as the sword radiance attacked, Wu Dingyuan turned his head, twisted his body, raised his leg, slanted his shoulder. In the blink of an eye, he had dodged wave after wave of cold sword radiance. Because his dodging movements were extremely minute and fast, his figure became a hazy blur hard for the naked eye to see.

Yu Chuanzi was startled: “How can he be so fast! Hasn’t he become a demon or ghost?” This statement resonated with everyone. Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s movement technique made him seem like a ghost – his eyesight far exceeded eagles and falcons, his hand and foot speed surpassed tigers and leopards. Ordinary people practicing martial arts could never reach such a strange state. With his abilities, he needn’t learn any martial techniques – just relying on tremendous strength and lightning-fast advance and retreat, he could kill all the world’s experts.

A figure flashed and a gray, hazy thing suddenly burst from the sword radiance – it was Wu Dingyuan attacking with raised palm!

Zhuo Lingzhao’s face changed drastically. Seeing that someone in the world could actually penetrate “Thousand Rays of Dawn Light” was something he couldn’t dream of. In his shock, he had no time to think and could only raise his sword to block. In an instant, sword met arm with a loud clang. Wu Dingyuan’s true energy poured in and the sword had shattered to powder. Zhuo Lingzhao looked at the empty sword hilt, his face deathly pale.

Now Zhuo Lingzhao fought barehanded while Wu Dingyuan had invincible poisoned hands. The victory seemed decided.

Wu Dingyuan showed no mercy. He roared: “General Escort Qi! Watch me avenge you!” His left foot kicked out, striking Zhuo Lingzhao’s waist. This kick was swift as lightning – even with Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts reaching transformation, he couldn’t block this thunderous flying kick. With a crack, Zhuo Lingzhao spat blood wildly. Though he was one of the contemporary Four Great Masters, he was still flesh and blood without having practiced invincible external hard skills – how could he withstand kicks like iron and steel? Instantly his qi and blood churned and his face turned pale. The Kunlun disciples all cried out in alarm.

Wu Dingyuan roared toward the sky like thunder and kicked again, instantly striking Zhuo Lingzhao’s chest. Pitiful that this generation’s master had no power to resist – the great foot’s force penetrated completely and his body flew out, falling into the river with a splash.

Wu Dingyuan roared wildly and pressed down majestically with one palm. The palm wind struck the river surface, creating a huge water column. He looked down at the flowing river, waiting for Zhuo Lingzhao’s corpse to float up to conclude this vendetta.

The Kunlun crowd was shocked and afraid, none expecting the battle’s result to be so decisive. Several disciples worried about their master’s safety and wanted to dive in to search. Jin Lingshuang quickly stopped them – seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s life hanging by a thread, if these disciples went over, they would only die uselessly under Wu Dingyuan’s palm without helping at all. Jin Lingshuang was an old hand and understood that after Wu Dingyuan killed their master, he would come to take massive revenge. He immediately instructed: “All disciples listen – return to the mountain while I resist this person.” Everyone understood his action was just suicide, but if he didn’t act to resist now, would the entire Kunlun sect be destroyed here?

Lu Yun saw Wu Dingyuan’s fierce expression, his face full of vengeful fury, completely unlike his usual gentle appearance. For a moment he felt Wu Dingyuan’s face seemed very distant, and his heart held vague fear, as if Wu Dingyuan was no longer the familiar good friend he knew.

While Lu Yun was sighing, he suddenly heard footsteps as someone hurried over: “How is it? Where is Sect Master Zhuo?” Everyone turned to look – the person showed an anxious expression. It was Yang Suguan, with a beautiful woman beside him who was Yan Ting.

Lu Yun whispered: “The outcome is decided – Zhuo Lingzhao fell into the river. His body hasn’t floated up yet, but he’s probably in grave danger and may have died.” Yang Suguan wrung his hands: “Now we’re in trouble. I thought the two would fight for at least a thousand moves – who knew the outcome would come so quickly…” Lu Yun, remembering his morning conversation with Zhuo Lingzhao, quickly asked: “How did your talk with Zhuo Lingzhao go? Did he agree?” Yang Suguan smiled bitterly: “Now that Zhuo Lingzhao’s life and death are uncertain, saying these things is futile. If Zhuo Lingzhao dies here today, the Marquis’s painstaking efforts will be wasted.”

After the two talked for a while, they saw countless fish and turtles floating on the water surface, all dead from absorbing Wu Dingyuan’s palm poison. Everyone, seeing the palm poison so sinister, felt both shocked and grateful they hadn’t made enemies with him – otherwise how could they survive even half a move under his hands? It seemed unless Ning Bufan emerged to compete, this person was already invincible in the current world.

Everyone waited for a while. The river surface was calm and waveless with no corpse floating up – Zhuo Lingzhao was probably more dead than alive, likely already dead at the river bottom.

Some onlookers couldn’t stand waiting and wanted to turn and leave. Tu Lingxin saw this and flew into a rage, immediately raising his sword to block them: “This fight isn’t over – what’s your hurry?” Yu Chuanzi said: “Your sect master hasn’t emerged from the water – he’s probably in grave danger, dead in the water.” Though Tu Lingxin felt angry with nowhere to vent, hearing Yu Chuanzi’s words that were truthful yet piercing, he gasped for a while then suddenly roared: “Bullshit! If my master is dead, I’ll kill you for burial today!” He instantly drew his sword, wanting to vent his fury on this person.

Seeing his excessive dominance, Yu Chuanzi immediately sneered: “Don’t say your Kunlun Mountain’s power is gone now – even in the past, why would my Dian Cang fear you?” With a sharp sound, he also raised his sword. Seeing the bad situation, disciples from both sides glared angrily and prepared for battle. Lu Yun, seeing everyone about to fight, quickly stepped between them: “Anyone who strikes first becomes an enemy of the government – don’t blame me for arresting people!” Tu Lingxin looked coldly at Lu Yun: “On what basis do you arrest people? Just your hundred-odd officers?”

Lu Yun shook his head: “Though the government isn’t capable, if you persist in being unreasonable, can’t I ally with Dian Cang?” Tu Lingxin snorted, knowing that many officers joining with Dian Cang disciples would indeed be difficult to handle, and stopped speaking. Yu Chuanzi sneered: “Look at your Kunlun Mountain’s arrogance for a hundred years, now reduced to everyone wanting to beat you.” With a mocking expression, he was about to lead his people away, and the Kunlun disciples didn’t dare provoke further.

At this point the situation was settled. Zhuo Lingzhao was still in the river, and the Kunlun disciples, seeing the circumstances, guessed their master was more likely dead than alive. Everyone felt miserable, not knowing what to do. Yang Suguan sighed lightly – with Zhuo Lingzhao dead, Jiang Chong’s fate remained unchanged, and everything would probably return to its original state.

Seeing no further movement on the water surface, Wu Dingyuan called out loudly: “General Escort Qi above! Western Liang constable Wu Dingyuan has traveled for years and today finally killed the criminal chieftain for you, seeking justice and revenge for the entire Qi family! If you know this in the underworld, you can rest in peace!” He glared angrily toward the shore, pointing and cursing: “Tu Lingxin! Qian Lingyi! You two quickly kill yourselves and save me the trouble!”

Hearing him mention the Yanling Escort Agency bloodbath, the Kunlun crowd couldn’t help trembling all over. But Tu Lingxin was a fierce and brave fellow who immediately cursed back: “You surnamed Wu, don’t bluff there! Just come over if you dare! I’m definitely not afraid of you!” He raised his sword and roared wildly, showing no fear whatsoever. Wu Dingyuan’s face darkened slightly as he lightly touched his foot, about to jump toward the small boat.

Seeing the bad situation, Jin Lingshuang urged in a low voice: “What are you all still looking at? Hurry and leave! I’ll fight this person with Third Junior Brother! You quickly return to Kunlun to preserve our sect’s strength!” Qian Lingyi was both shocked and afraid, immediately fleeing like a rat. Other cowardly people also followed in escape. Mau Lingshan was a man of loyalty and righteousness – with the entire sect facing destruction, how could he bear to leave? He couldn’t help but embrace Jin Lingshuang with tears rolling down. Jin Lingshuang sighed deeply, pushed him away a step, and waved his hand: “Sixth Junior Brother, go. I regret not listening to your words that day, leading to today’s events.”

Some Kunlun disciples fled while others wept. Lu Yun watched with secret sighs in his heart, knowing that after this battle, the three great experts Sword God, Sword Cold, and Sword Gu would be dead or wounded, and the Kunlun lineage would decline from here, never again able to compete with the great martial sects. Jin Lingshuang looked sorrowful – since he was doomed to die anyway, he said no more and only stood shoulder to shoulder with Tu Lingxin by the river, waiting for Wu Dingyuan to come over.

Wu Dingyuan laughed heartily and leaped from the small boat to cross the river. Suddenly there was a splash as water scattered everywhere – the distant river surface had split open, and something burst from the water, slashing fiercely toward Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan was shocked, not knowing what strange thing this was, and quickly leaped backward, then reached out to grab the iron chain to avoid this attack from nowhere.

That object carried a cold blue light and made a turn in midair, cutting toward Wu Dingyuan’s waist again. Wu Dingyuan pulled hard and had already flown into midair, but the iron chain had been silently cut in two and immediately fell into the water.

The blue light flashed and retracted into the river. Seeing the sudden change in battle, everyone didn’t know what had happened and discussed among themselves.

Wu Dingyuan jumped onto the shore platform, his whole body already filled with energy, waiting for that blue light to burst from the water so he could deliver the final blow. Everyone held their breath, waiting for that strange object to appear again.

With another splash, the river surface split open again and a person flew out from the bottom – this person’s expression was stern, holding a blue weapon in his hand. It was the “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao! The Kunlun disciples, seeing he hadn’t died, couldn’t help cheering.

Wu Dingyuan snorted and raised his right palm. Palm wind carrying poisonous gas struck fiercely toward Zhuo Lingzhao’s face – this was Tianshan’s orthodox “Void Purple.” Though Zhuo Lingzhao was in midair, he only gave a cold laugh. His right hand waved and blue light pointed straight toward Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan saw the blue light was still far away, just a tiny speck like a mosquito or fly, so he paid no attention and instead intensified his energy cultivation. Who knew that in just the blink of an eye, that tiny blue light had become as large as a fist and instantly stabbed toward his face!

Wu Dingyuan was greatly alarmed and quickly performed an iron bridge, his body leaning sharply backward as the blue cold star scraped past his cheek – extremely dangerous indeed. Just then, the blue light turned sharply downward in midair and stabbed fiercely toward Wu Dingyuan’s throat. Wu Dingyuan was shocked – at this moment his feet were fixed and his upper body horizontal, with truly nowhere to dodge. In his panic, he used force from his feet to move horizontally three feet through empty air. With a rumbling crash, the blue light struck down and had already carved away half the platform.

Greatly alarmed, Wu Dingyuan quickly straightened up and looked carefully. He saw Zhuo Lingzhao had already stood on a distant platform, holding a blue weapon in his hand. The blade was soft as silk ribbon yet hard as iron – he didn’t know what it was.

Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and instantly withdrew his true force. The weapon in his hand immediately contracted and became a blue iron ball. Everyone was greatly shocked and cried out: “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing!” It turned out Zhuo Lingzhao hadn’t really died but had taken advantage of Wu Dingyuan’s kick to leap into the water. Only after getting the divine sword in hand did he burst from the water for the decisive battle – truly a person of deep schemes and calculations.

Now the “Sword God” wielding the “Divine Sword” was surely a match for Wu Dingyuan.

The two each occupied a platform about ten zhang apart, both calculating strategies.

Wu Dingyuan thought: “This Zhuo Lingzhao is truly formidable – after taking my two kicks, he can still move normally. While this person is wounded, I should fight decisively.” Not allowing Zhuo Lingzhao to rest further, he touched his feet and his body had already leaped from the platform, pouncing fiercely toward his enemy. Zhuo Lingzhao snorted and channeled force in his palm. The iron ball suddenly extended as a nimble sword blade shot out from within, instantly becoming a soft weapon over ten zhang long. Blue light flashed and the cold sword tip moved with incredible agility, instantly pointing toward Wu Dingyuan.

Wu Dingyuan saw they were still over ten zhang apart and originally thought Zhuo Lingzhao absolutely couldn’t attack, but who knew the divine sword’s cold star would suddenly fly over – this couldn’t help but greatly shock him. Wu Dingyuan pushed against the cliff wall with both hands and his body quickly fell, but this cold star was like a living thing – seeing Wu Dingyuan fall, it closely pursued behind without any relaxation. Wu Dingyuan extended his foot to touch the cliff wall and his body shot upward, while the sword blade slightly raised also chased upward.

This cold star, propelled by Zhuo Lingzhao’s internal energy, could truly fly through heaven and earth without limitation. When Wu Dingyuan leaped up, it stabbed up; when Wu Dingyuan darted down, it stabbed down. In moments it had thrust out over a hundred strikes. Wu Dingyuan scurried around the cliff and had been forced into extremely dangerous situations. If not for his ghost-like and demon-like agility, he would have died a hundred times over by now. Everyone’s hearts were filled with admiration – it seemed only the “Sword God” in the world could wield this “Divine Sword.” The two complemented each other perfectly, like adding wings to a tiger.

On the cliff wall, sword energy crisscrossed and blue light flashed. Zhuo Lingzhao leisurely leaned against the wall attacking, yet forced Wu Dingyuan to flee in all directions – truly a situation of certain victory without defeat. Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly: “Commissioner Wu, with my divine sword in hand, you have no chance of winning.” He beckoned with his hand and the sword blade retracted, again becoming an iron ball.

Wu Dingyuan had traveled thousands of li, everything for revenge and settling grudges – how could he tolerate his opponent’s contempt? His heart filled with great anger, he suddenly punched the cliff wall and shouted: “Zhuo Lingzhao! Don’t be arrogant in front of me!”

Under the iron fist’s blow, the cliff suddenly shook violently with stones and mud falling rapidly. This force was truly amazing – he could actually crack a mountain with one punch. Wu Dingyuan was shocked in his heart, looking at his own right arm and thinking: “When did I develop such palm power?” Though his palm force was great, to shake a mountain with a fist – probably no such martial art existed in the world. While puzzled, he suddenly heard people on shore crying out in alarm, all staring at the cliff wall with horrified expressions. Wu Dingyuan sensed something strange and immediately looked up, instantly opening his mouth wide with no words to speak.

On the cliff wall were carved two lines: “When Kunlun’s sword emerges, blood flows like oceans; a thousand li straight drive to the Yellow River’s yellow.”

Two lines totaling fourteen characters, one hundred thirty-three strokes. The characters were as large as sea bowls and several inches deep.

During the recent battle between the two great experts, while attacking and withdrawing, Zhuo Lingzhao had leisurely carved characters on the cliff wall. Seeing these two lines carved so deeply with such neat calligraphy, this level of pure skill was truly unbelievable. Wu Dingyuan was both sad and angry, and struck the cliff wall with all his might. Falling mud and sand only made the characters more visible, further displaying Zhuo Lingzhao’s certain victory in this battle.

Everyone was first shocked by the “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’s” sharpness, second shocked by Zhuo Lingzhao’s peerless swordsmanship. For a moment all were silently amazed, only staring blankly at the fourteen large characters on the cliff wall.

Zhuo Lingzhao said indifferently: “With my divine sword in hand, I am already the world’s number one. Even if Ning Bufan came personally, he could hardly block one sword.” These words looked down on the world, yet his tone was casual, as if Zhuo Lingzhao ranking first in the world was a matter of course. Looking at those two lines “When Kunlun’s sword emerges, blood flows like oceans; a thousand li straight drive to the Yellow River’s yellow,” everyone didn’t find his words exaggerated.

The Sword God had obtained the divine sword – who in heaven and earth could stop him?

Wu Dingyuan’s face showed intense emotion as he thought: “Wu Dingyuan, you’ve exchanged nine near-deaths for this true dragon martial art body. With heaven’s will, can’t you still deal with these villains?” The more he thought, the angrier he became. He immediately roared wildly and pounced straight toward Zhuo Lingzhao.

Wu Dingyuan was in midair when he saw a sword blade coming toward his face. Relying on his extraordinary agility, he immediately tilted his head and twisted his body to dodge. Suddenly seeing another sword stabbing toward his waist, he slightly shifted his body and had already avoided it. At this time he had leaped within three feet of Zhuo Lingzhao and immediately shouted: “Zhuo Lingzhao! Take your death!” He channeled a move of “Void Purple” to strike down on Zhuo Lingzhao’s forehead.

Just then he suddenly felt a great wind behind him as another sword blade stabbed down. Wu Dingyuan was shocked and thought secretly: “How is there another sword blade?” This sword came so suddenly that he had to dodge. He braced his foot against the wall and accelerated his body movement, so the sword blade couldn’t reach him. Wu Dingyuan made a turn in midair and roared like a tiger as he pounced toward Zhuo Lingzhao. Just as he was about to use his killing move, he suddenly felt two sword blades shoot from above his head, pointing straight toward both sides of his throat. Wu Dingyuan was frightened and panicked, thinking: “Not right! I just dodged one sword blade – how are there suddenly two more?” In his panic he couldn’t dodge and could only reach out to push. With a “hiss,” his right hand had already been cut with a bloody gash. Wu Dingyuan cried out and instantly countless sword blades wildly cut and slashed at him. Wu Dingyuan, covered in blood, fell onto the platform.

Wu Dingyuan lay on the ground gasping, thinking: “His divine sword is so strange – it’s like it grew hundreds of sword blades. There must be some mystery to it.” With his true dragon body, his movement and retreat had reached the transformation realm. Logically there was absolutely no possibility of injury. How could the opponent’s divine sword be so mysteriously unpredictable as to wound him to this miserable state?

Wu Dingyuan struggled to get up and looked toward Zhuo Lingzhao, immediately crying out in shock: “Your… your sword…”

Looking with his tiger eyes, he saw the iron ball in Zhuo Lingzhao’s hand had split open with thousands of thread-thin sword blades connected to it, swaying in the wind like a large sea urchin covered with poisonous needles. No wonder dodging one sword couldn’t avoid the second – what stood before Wu Dingyuan were actually ten, a hundred cold sword edges.

Zhuo Lingzhao said proudly: “You’re called ‘A Generation’s True Dragon,’ yet this sword is named ‘Dragon Capturing’ – do you know the hidden meaning?”

Wu Dingyuan felt slightly sad in his heart. Seeing this “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing” was truly wonderously mysterious, today was definitely a situation of certain death with no chance of life. But if he just died like this, allowing the innocent deaths at Yanling Escort Agency to go unavenged – thinking of this truly made his heart ache unbearably.

Wu Dingyuan roared sadly and interlaced his palms, spraying poisonous gas to form a protective shield three feet in front of his body.

Wu Dingyuan shouted loudly: “Zhuo Lingzhao! I’ll use this move ‘Draped in Golden Purple’ to decide victory with you!” This “Draped in Golden Purple” condensed poison into a shield to restrain the enemy’s offensive. Though he didn’t know if this gas shield could block the opponent’s divine sword, given the current situation, he could only risk trying.

Who knew Zhuo Lingzhao would shake his head slightly: “We’re not fighting anymore.” Wu Dingyuan angrily said: “Come at me! Who asked you to be nice?” He had resigned from office and abandoned his seal solely to seek a satisfying battle. Who knew Zhuo Lingzhao would actually decline – how could this not anger him?

Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly: “This morning Yang Suguan called on me, hoping I could transfer to serve under Liu Angtian to overthrow Jiang Chong in the future.” Wu Dingyuan was struck as if by thunder and was greatly shocked, saying tremblingly: “You… what did you say?” Liu Angtian’s secret plot to win over Zhuo Lingzhao was done very secretly. Among the four Liu generals, only Yang Suguan knew. Wu Dingyuan had left the capital early and had grudges with Kunlun, so naturally didn’t know Liu Angtian’s scheme. Hearing this now, he was truly shocked beyond measure.

Zhuo Lingzhao said: “I ask you one thing – if I agree to Yang Suguan’s request, would you still view me as an enemy?” Wu Dingyuan opened his mouth wide and said bewildered: “You… you…”

Seeing his confused and lost expression, Zhuo Lingzhao had already guessed the reason. He smiled faintly: “Wu Dingyuan, Wu Dingyuan, it seems you’ve been kept in the dark.” Hearing these words, Wu Dingyuan was stunned for a long while. He had originally thought Liu Angtian feared his impulsiveness would ruin things, which was why he wasn’t allowed to go south on official business. Who knew Liu Angtian actually intended to join with Zhuo Lingzhao but hadn’t told him the truth. Wu Dingyuan was dumbfounded – it seemed his resigning from office and going south alone was all extremely foolish behavior.

Wu Dingyuan trembled all over and said in a shaking voice: “What did Master Yang promise you?” Zhuo Lingzhao smiled: “Yang Suguan said that as long as I can send people to testify against Jiang Chong’s crimes, he won’t pursue my sect’s responsibility for killing the Yanling family. Besides this, he’ll also recommend Kunlun disciples to go to the capital as officials. To show sincerity, Marquis Liu even personally wrote a letter. Do you want to see it?” He reached into his chest.

Wu Dingyuan lowered his head and said quietly: “No need.” His whole body was covered in blood, and now hearing the truth, his heart also seemed to bleed. Zhuo Lingzhao said: “Since meeting in Xiliang, I’ve never thought of opposing you. Now I have the great advantage but don’t want to destroy your life and harm the harmony between our two families. Commissioner Wu, forget about the Yanling Escort Agency case. Why must you live so painfully?” He withdrew force from his palm and the sword blades retracted – the “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing” again became a heavy iron ball.

Wu Dingyuan smiled miserably. For over two years he had wandered the world solely for revenge, but now had to submit to the greater situation.

The people on shore, seeing Zhuo Lingzhao withdraw his sword blade, all thought both sides had reconciled. Yang Suguan was very pleased in his heart, knowing Wu Dingyuan had yielded. The Kunlun disciples also mostly understood their master’s intention, knowing he intended to transfer to the Liu faction. Seeing both sides stop fighting, all breathed sighs of relief.

Among everyone, only Lu Yun had mixed feelings. He had always known Wu Dingyuan’s upright character and firm principles in crucial moments. Now that he was enduring and stopping the fight, his heart must be going through countless turns and twists, probably leaving bloody scratches. Thinking of this, Lu Yun couldn’t help but sigh.

Zhuo Lingzhao laughed: “Constable Wu – no, Commissioner Wu, since we’re not fighting anymore, let’s go down!” He had come to Changzhou only for this “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.” Now that he had obtained the divine sword and was invincible in the world, he had also resolved the grudge with the Liu faction. Thinking of his future return to the martial world where he would surely win the world’s admiration and awe again, his heart was very joyful.

Wu Dingyuan suddenly said: “You… what did you just call me?” Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly: “I just misspoke and called you Constable Wu.” He joked: “I suppose calling you that in the past came so smoothly that ‘Constable Wu’ slipped out.”

“Constable Wu!”

These three words rang like thunder in his ears. Wu Dingyuan closed his eyes as if returning to before Mawang Temple, seeing Qi Bochuan’s sad, angry, and helpless expression before death. He closed his eyes tightly with thoughts like a tide, thinking: “Wu Dingyuan, you were originally a constable in Xiliang who only knew that killers must die – a heavenly principle. When did there become so many difficulties? In a person’s hundred-year life, if you yield now, how can you find peace after death?”

He slowly opened his eyes. At this time between winter and spring, the setting sun illuminated the Loujiang below the mountain with scales of light flashing like a winding golden belt. White clouds drifted in the distance as if placed in a paradise beyond the world.

In that instant, he had achieved enlightenment.

How could he find peace tomorrow if he spared the violent today?

“Killers must die – this is heaven’s principle.” This was all he understood. Political schemes, dominating arts, driving tigers to swallow wolves – he understood none of these, or rather he didn’t want to understand them.

Seeing him still in a daze, Zhuo Lingzhao urged: “If you don’t come down from the cliff, I’ll leave first.” He was about to leap from the mountain peak and leave the cliff. Wu Dingyuan sighed: “Sect Master Zhuo, don’t hurry to leave.” Zhuo Lingzhao was startled and said strangely: “What instruction do you have?”

Wu Dingyuan interlaced his palms and channeled energy. Using the move “Draped in Golden Purple,” he had already formed a protective shield in front of him. He laughed heartily: “Sect Master Zhuo! You’re still alive and I haven’t died either – how can this fight be concluded?”

Seeing he still wouldn’t give up, Zhuo Lingzhao said coldly: “Wu Dingyuan! I’m not fighting you, but don’t persist in seeking death!” Wu Dingyuan had given up everything and laughed: “Dying for the right cause is better than living dishonorably for a hundred years.”

Zhuo Lingzhao snorted: “When we first met years ago, I didn’t know you had such backbone.” Wu Dingyuan smiled slightly: “Sect Master Zhuo jokes – I only just understood this principle of sacrificing life for righteousness.” Zhuo Lingzhao said coldly: “So you truly have the will of a true dragon?” Wu Dingyuan gazed at the vast world. Though death’s gate was not far ahead, he felt peaceful and serene in his heart and smiled: “Let’s not talk about all this – let’s decide life and death!”

Zhuo Lingzhao shook his head: “Stubbornly unrepentant – don’t blame the blade for having no eyes.” The divine sword flashed and thousands of sword blades shot out again. He poured internal energy into his ultimate technique “Thousand Rays of Dawn Light.” Thousands of sword blades glowed faintly with blue light – divine sword and sword radiance combined, their power increased tenfold.

Wu Dingyuan channeled both palms, wanting to use the gas shield condensed from poisonous vapor to block hundreds and thousands of Dragon Capturing sword blades in one move. Zhuo Lingzhao sneered: “What can your gas shield amount to? My sword carries deep true force – your qigong can’t block it!”

While speaking, sword radiance like fire trees and silver flowers suddenly crashed toward the gas shield in front of Wu Dingyuan. With continuous hissing sounds, blue and purple colors clashed as sword energy and palm wind remained deadlocked, only stirring up an upward airflow that rushed fiercely toward the cliff top.

Zhuo Lingzhao was slightly puzzled. His sword radiance was invincible and could penetrate anything – whether copper walls or iron barriers, all were pierced through, never having been blocked. Who knew it would now be dissolved by Wu Dingyuan’s strange internal energy? Zhuo Lingzhao snorted and summoned his true energy to channel power with full force. Extremely deep internal power pressed over and sword radiance immediately blazed. The two men’s internal energies mutually激荡ed, and white vapor had already formed above both heroes’ heads.

Seeing both sides fighting again, everyone on shore was shocked. Yang Suguan frowned: “What’s happening? Fighting again?” Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao with the great advantage and Wu Dingyuan wanting to fight desperately – this was a situation of certain death with no chance of life. Lu Yun clenched both fists and shouted loudly: “Commissioner Wu! Stop fighting!” His voice was like thunder, carrying far.

The two men on the cliff fought to the death with neither intending to stop.

Zhuo Lingzhao’s internal energy was deep and thick, rarely matched in the world. His defeat under Ning Bufan’s sword that day was only because his swordsmanship comprehension wasn’t sufficient, not because his internal energy was inferior. With his clever understanding plus the secret teachings from the Sword God’s ancient manual, his internal energy was already among the world’s top masters. Decades of accumulated power unleashed – probably few in the current world could match him.

Sword radiance continuously crashed against the gas shield. Wu Dingyuan’s body trembled slightly, his face had turned pale purple, and cold sweat poured from his forehead. Despite this, his feet hadn’t moved an inch. As the saying goes, “Divine embryo precious blood符 heaven’s record, a generation’s true dragon born in the sea” – Wu Dingyuan had embraced a determination to die rather than submit, and his Tianshan true teachings’ internal energy was displayed to the fullest. Seeing he could actually block his lifetime’s power, Zhuo Lingzhao secretly praised him and envied Tianshan martial arts even more.

The two men’s powers deadlocked. Zhuo Lingzhao was fifteen or sixteen years older than Wu Dingyuan, so his power was naturally much deeper. But Wu Dingyuan’s physique was no longer that of an ordinary person, and the potential contained in his body was extraordinary. For a time, channeling full power, he wasn’t at a disadvantage at all.

The two great masters each channeled energy in hard combat, reaching the point of determining life and death. Wu Dingyuan supported with full strength, but Zhuo Lingzhao’s internal energy seemed endless – wave after wave of impacts with no sign of relaxation. Wu Dingyuan endured one crest after another, wanting to weather this storm, but this storm seemed never-ending, only ruthlessly battering him. Wu Dingyuan’s feet gradually weakened with signs he couldn’t support much longer. He pulled his palms back several inches as the gas shield contracted and his defensive circle became smaller and more precarious.

Seeing sword radiance gradually penetrating the gas shield, but with each inch of advance the resistance multiplied several times, Zhuo Lingzhao thought: “Good boy, if I don’t use my newly comprehended swordsmanship today, I probably can’t handle you.”

Wu Dingyuan saw his mouth corners slightly move, not knowing what plot he had. He could only intensify his energy cultivation and didn’t dare move slightly. But he saw the blue radiance on Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword gradually gathering, slowly converging into a thick, solid blue light.

Wu Dingyuan’s heart jumped as he thought: “What… what kind of move is this? I’ve never seen it before.”

Wu Dingyuan didn’t know that Zhuo Lingzhao had devoted himself to swordsmanship for months and finally comprehended this final sword radiance technique called “Sword Brilliance Returns to One.” This move’s exquisite point lay in combining a thousand sword radiations into one technique – truly concentrating all effort in one strike. This move’s artistic conception was ancient and simple, compared to “Thousand Rays of Dawn Light’s” numerous complications, it was superior.

Sword radiance gathered and in an instant had already deformed the gas shield. Successive force arrivals further forced Wu Dingyuan to shake continuously. Zhuo Lingzhao took a deep breath, suddenly shouted, and sword radiance shot out!

The mighty sword radiance crashed into the gas shield. Wu Dingyuan’s face was blue-purple as he exerted full effort. Sword radiance and internal energy clashed continuously. Suddenly with a loud hissing sound, an airflow spiraled upward and both sword radiance and gas shield became formless.

Just then, Dragon Capturing sword blades thrust with force and had already penetrated through his body.

Blood scattered as Wu Dingyuan took a fatal sword strike.

In the two heroes’ fierce battle, sword radiance and gas shield mutually destroyed each other. Wu Dingyuan could dissolve the opponent’s substanceless sword radiance but couldn’t eliminate that final substantial sword. At the moment when both sides’ energy was exhausted and internal breath completely gone, the “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’s” blade struck downward. No matter how deep Wu Dingyuan’s internal energy or how fast his agility, at this moment of exhaustion he could hardly resist and could only let the blade penetrate his chest.

Wu Dingyuan had only practiced Tianshan internal energy for about a year. If not for his single-minded determination to fight and disregard for death, he probably would have fallen within the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. In the end, his ability to fight Zhuo Lingzhao to this point was only because he didn’t forget the deceased’s entrustment.

The divine sword entered his body and slowly drilled toward his internal organs. Yang Suguan channeled internal energy and shouted: “Sect Master Zhuo! For Marquis Liu’s sake, please show mercy!” Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s life hanging by a thread, Lu Yun was extremely panicked. He snatched a bow and arrow from his subordinate and shot toward the platform, but the two sides were extremely far apart and the arrow lost strength and fell halfway. But Zhuo Lingzhao had no intention of mercy. He snorted: “Wu Dingyuan, I respect you as a loyal and righteous man – today I’ll leave you a complete corpse.”

Hearing these words, Wu Dingyuan suddenly laughed heartily, agitating his chest wound and immediately coughing uncontrollably. Zhuo Lingzhao said coldly: “What are you laughing at?” Wu Dingyuan sneered: “Zhuo Lingzhao! Are you qualified to speak the words ‘loyalty and righteousness’?” Though at death’s door, he still wouldn’t yield a word. Hearing this, Zhuo Lingzhao was furious and shouted: “What’s so difficult about cutting you into a thousand pieces?” He pushed with his palm and inserted the blade further, about to slice sideways to cut Wu Dingyuan in half at the waist.

Wu Dingyuan summoned his life’s remaining courage and raised his right hand, already grasping the Dragon Capturing blade. Suddenly he roared toward the sky: “Zhuo Lingzhao! You’ve fallen into my trap! Behold my ‘Vine Purple’!” As soon as he spoke, purple energy like vines emerged from his hand, wrapping around the blade. The purple energy grew incredibly fast, crawling toward Zhuo Lingzhao’s wrist. Zhuo Lingzhao was shocked and quickly used force with his hand to withdraw the weapon, but Wu Dingyuan’s right hand gripped it desperately and held it firmly – he couldn’t withdraw it for the moment. Seeing the poisonous gas spreading upward straight toward his wrist, Wu Dingyuan shouted: “Withdraw the sword!”

Zhuo Lingzhao’s face was iron-blue. At this moment the poisonous gas was coiling up with no solution. He immediately released his right hand and discarded the divine sword.

Wu Dingyuan roared wildly and pounced toward Zhuo Lingzhao. Zhuo Lingzhao was greatly shocked, not expecting this person to generate such strength while severely wounded. Seeing his right claw like a poisonous dragon opening its mouth, biting hard toward himself, Zhuo Lingzhao was weaponless and truly couldn’t resist this person’s ultimate technique. He was terrified and in that instant remembered his entire life, thinking: “I, Zhuo Lingzhao, will die here today!”

Just as he was about to succeed, Wu Dingyuan vomited blood and felt all his strength had been exhausted. In the spinning world, his feet stumbled and his finger only brushed Zhuo Lingzhao’s throat before his enormous body fell toward the cliff bottom. With a splashing sound, he had already fallen into the river.