Zhuo Lingzhao stood in the center of the hall, his long eyebrows raised as he said ominously: “Lord Jiang, since you honored me with your invitation, I dare not refuse. If you have something to say, please speak quickly!”
Jiang Chong chuckled: “Sect Master Zhuo, don’t be hasty. Let’s have a drink first before talking.” He ordered people to set up tables and chairs, inviting Zhuo Lingzhao to take the seat of honor.
But Zhuo Lingzhao wouldn’t sit, only looking coldly at Jiang Chong as he said awkwardly: “I’m very busy today and can’t stay long. If Lord Jiang has something to say, speak directly – no need for these empty gestures!”
Hearing this, Jiang Chong couldn’t help feeling somewhat annoyed, but the current situation was delicate – he absolutely couldn’t break relations easily and had to endure.
Jiang Chong knew clearly that with Liu Jing’s downfall, the remaining court ministers were already conspiring against him. The two veteran ministers Xu Zhongjin and Qiong Wuchuan each had the Empress Dowager’s backing and couldn’t be taken lightly. Liu Angtian commanded a hundred thousand troops and was also a troublesome character. After Liu Jing’s fall, these three would certainly support each other like lips and teeth for self-preservation. If Zhuo Lingzhao appeared at the Grand Court of Justice to testify about crimes, with Xu Zhongjin’s strict judgment, once evidence was conclusive, he would surely file a complaint before the Empress Dowager. Then His Majesty, considering the Empress Dowager’s feelings, wouldn’t be able to plead for him either. If unlucky, he might even be demoted three ranks and sent to the frontier to herd sheep and horses. The strategy of drawing fire from under the cauldron would be either to secretly assassinate Xu Zhongjin or to buy off Zhuo Lingzhao. But Xu Zhongjin was a veteran of three reigns, deeply favored by the Empress Dowager. If rashly killed, it would likely cause an uproar, and he would have difficulty escaping afterwards. It seemed compromising with Zhuo Lingzhao was the viable path.
Having calculated the stakes clearly, Jiang Chong immediately coughed lightly: “Sect Master Zhuo, Liu Angtian is merely a martial man, slow to perceive opportunities – already in his twilight. As they say, wise birds choose good trees to nest in. Why must you work with him?”
Hearing this persuasion, Zhuo Lingzhao only laughed heartily: “Lord Jiang, don’t worry about Marquis Liu – first consider yourself!” Jiang Chong’s face flashed with coldness as he said gravely: “Sect Master Zhuo, I invited you here today out of respect for talent. Do you really think the Yanling Escort Agency case can move me, Jiang?”
Zhuo Lingzhao’s mouth curved in a slight smile: “Lord Jiang, if the Yanling Escort Agency case isn’t enough, then those four words ‘end of the Wuchen year’ should carry sufficient weight, shouldn’t they?” He laughed heartily. Jiang Chong’s hand trembled, spilling wine from his cup, and in an instant his face turned deathly pale.
Zhuo Lingzhao looked at him coldly: “Who is in twilight? Who can’t protect himself from morning to night? Lord Jiang knows in his heart!”
Years ago, Jiang Chong and Zhuo Lingzhao had made a deal in Shenji Cave, when the secret had been revealed. Now Zhuo Lingzhao suddenly brought it up, making Jiang Chong shocked and terrified. The guests didn’t understand what was magical about these four words and showed puzzled expressions, whispering among themselves.
Jiang Chong gasped continuously before finally calming down after a long while. He dry-laughed: “Sect Master Zhuo, please don’t be like this. We’re all good friends – why speak such harsh words? Come, come, since we rarely meet, let me first present a few gifts to calm your anger.”
Zhuo Lingzhao heard his softened tone showing signs of submission and immediately sneered: “What gifts does Lord Jiang offer?”
Jiang Chong coughed: “Nothing particularly rare – just the three treasures of life.” Hearing “three treasures of life,” the guests all wondered what marvelous things these were, secretly speculating. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s disdainful expression, Jiang Chong feared he might turn and leave, quickly calling: “Attendants, quickly bring the items!” Upon hearing this, servants on both sides immediately carried out a large iron chest and placed it before Zhuo Lingzhao.
Zhuo Lingzhao looked at the large iron chest and frowned: “What’s inside?” Jiang Chong smiled: “A person may lack learning but cannot lack wealth. The first treasure of life is gold and silver riches.”
The iron chest opened, filling the room with brilliant light. Red rubies were crystal clear and transparent, blue sapphires were large as egg yolks, round pearls gleamed, square ivory was like congealed fat. The treasures in the chest were truly hard to release once held, unforgettable once seen – each piece could be a family heirloom. It seemed the rumors of Jiang Chong’s vast wealth were indeed true.
The hall full of guests, being capital officials, were all people of great knowledge, but seeing this chest of priceless treasures, they couldn’t help crying out in amazement. The Kunlun disciples, being country bumpkins with far inferior bearing, showed even more delight upon seeing the jewels, eagerly crowding forward to admire and play with them.
Seeing his disciples all showing envy and delight, except for the few like Jin Lingshuang, Tu Lingxin, and Mau Lingshan, the rest had all stepped forward to handle the treasures. Zhuo Lingzhao gave a look, and Jin Lingshuang immediately shouted: “Everyone step back and listen to the sect master’s orders!” Though reluctant to part, the disciples knew the sect master was strict and couldn’t be disobeyed, so they stepped back a few paces. Qian Lingyi saw the situation was bad and thought: “Terrible! Looking at the sect master’s expression, he definitely won’t want these treasures.” In his panic, he quickly grabbed several gems and stuffed them into his bosom.
Zhuo Lingzhao looked up and laughed heartily: “The Kunlun Sword Sect is a martial arts school, not a money house or business – what use do we have for wealth? These jewels are all external possessions – what use is keeping them! The first treasure of life is contentment and joy. As long as you can be content, even simple tea and plain rice can bring peace and freedom. If you’re not content, even mountains of gold and silver still feel insufficient. With money coming and going all day, how can you escape to seek progress in martial arts?”
Hearing this, the Kunlun disciples couldn’t hide their disappointed expressions. Qian Lingyi patted his chest secretly thinking: “Close call! Fortunately I had foresight, or I’d have come and gone empty-handed again.”
Though Zhuo Lingzhao was naturally greedy, what he sought was martial arts and swordsmanship to laugh proudly at the world and look down on all heroes. These gold and silver treasures were merely bright and glittering – how could the “Sword God” take them seriously? Naturally he disdained them. Moreover, Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts had reached perfection – the imperial palace was like his own courtyard. If he wanted to seize some rare antiques, it wouldn’t be difficult. At this moment, Jiang Chong’s intention to buy him with wealth really underestimated the “Sword God.”
Zhuo Lingzhao snorted coldly: “Too much wealth brings ruin and attracts murderous intent. I’d rather practice a few more sword techniques and have my disciples open a martial arts school for livelihood – that’s the real way to make money in the future.” He ordered Tu Lingxin to lift the iron chest and throw it before Jiang Chong. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s imposing manner, treating wealth like dirt, all the officials secretly admired him.
Seeing his complete disdain, Jiang Chong wasn’t annoyed and quickly said: “If Sect Master Zhuo doesn’t like jewels, that’s fine too.” He raised his voice: “Bring the second gift!” Before his words ended, servants brought out another iron chest and placed it before Zhuo Lingzhao. Jiang Chong smiled: “Sect Master Zhuo, this second great gift cost me considerable effort – you must accept it!”
Qian Lingyi was already itching with curiosity. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao nod slightly, he hurriedly stepped forward to open the chest. Looking inside, he saw not some object but a living person.
Seeing this person, Qian Lingyi’s face changed dramatically. He couldn’t help his blood surging and staggered back several steps. Seeing his expression, the Kunlun disciples were all shocked, thinking: “Who inside could harm people from a distance? Could it be Ning Bufan?”
Since Ning Bufan’s retirement, his whereabouts remained unknown. If Jiang Chong presented this world’s number one master, Zhuo Lingzhao’s competitive nature would surely make him delighted to accept. But how could someone like Ning Bufan, whose martial arts had entered sainthood, be imprisoned in this iron chest?
Everyone couldn’t guess and didn’t know who was in the chest, all wanting to find out.
Just then, the person in the chest sat up and smiled at Zhuo Lingzhao. Seeing this person, Zhuo Lingzhao couldn’t help changing color too, and the hall full of guests cried out in even greater amazement.
Who was this person who could make the Sword God change color and guests exclaim? It was neither rare nor extremely rare – the person in the chest was a devastatingly beautiful woman.
This woman’s lips were like vermillion pearls, red and trembling like a drop of spring dew. Her powder-white face was like snow, her cheeks without any rouge yet naturally bashful. Her clear large eyes weren’t particularly soul-stealing, but always carried understanding tenderness, as if having a thousand kinds of gentle feelings to tell you, making you unable not to listen, unable not to pity.
Seeing such a beauty, everyone stared wide-eyed, wanting to look more. In their hearts arose a wish, hoping this lovely person would look their way.
The woman smiled slightly at Zhuo Lingzhao and called softly: “Sect Master Zhuo.” As her cherry lips spoke, the room was immediately filled with fragrance. Everyone who met her gaze felt moved, thinking: “The ancient Daji, called a generation’s enchantress, must have had such beauty!”
Looking closely, everyone felt her most moving quality wasn’t her beauty but a natural, complete temperament – intimate like an elder sister, charming like a younger sister, dignified like an empress mother when composed, gentle like a concubine when comforting. Her bearing was noble, her heart tender. Even a hundred-year scholar or thousand-year monk would suddenly develop masculine spirit upon seeing her face. Indeed, from the Grand Secretary above to servants below, seeing this woman’s intimate smile, all trembled with faces changing between light and dark.
Earlier, Young Master Chen had drawn his sword to kill for Miss Kong with righteous indignation, but now he kept stealing glances. When his eyes met the woman’s, his face immediately turned bright red and he quickly lowered his head. Jiang Daqing, being lustful, saw such a beauty and rushed out shouting: “Uncle! I want this woman, not Miss Kong!”
What had been two men fighting over one wife now became abandoning her like worn shoes. Miss Kong’s face turned deathly pale with anger, but truly comparing with this woman’s devastating beauty, she couldn’t help feeling ashamed. Facing this beauty, she had no choice but to lower her head and cover her face.
Qian Lingyi’s face flushed red as he loudly asked: “What’s your name?” The woman’s starry eyes looked back as she sighed softly: “This little woman has no name or surname, only hoping to marry into the Zhuo family, to wash hands and cook for Sect Master Zhuo, bear and raise children – I have no other wishes in this life.” Everyone’s bodies went soft, greatly envying her. Qian Lingyi cursed himself even more: “Damn! Why didn’t I practice sword properly before? I could be sect master at this moment.”
Seeing the hall full of guests staring dumbfounded, Zhuo Lingzhao immediately looked up and laughed heartily, his voice shaking the roof tiles. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s peerless divine skill, the woman showed even more bashful charm. She stepped out of the chest and gracefully bowed to Zhuo Lingzhao: “This humble concubine has no other wish in life but to hope to be a maid in the Zhuo family. I beseech the sect master to take me in.” Hearing her elegant speech as if she had read extensively, everyone loved her even more.
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed: “Lord Jiang, why not keep such a beauty by your side? Or send her to the palace to please His Majesty – why send her to my family?”
Jiang Chong chuckled: “Since ancient times, heroes cherish beauties. Such a beauty – only someone with the sect master’s level of martial arts can handle her!”
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily: “No wonder your vital energy was depleted these past days – so you’ve been indulging in feminine pleasures!” Jiang Chong dry-laughed: “Well said, well said. The second treasure of life is bedroom pleasure. With such a beauty as companion, this life is not in vain.”
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed loudly: “Bedroom pleasure, rolling in bed – is this what I, Zhuo, do? I say the second treasure of life is high ambition! Gentle fragrant pillows with warbling birds and chattering swallows only obstruct the heart – how can one seek the heights of sword dao? Beauty as a gift – how vulgar!” He flicked his sleeve and threw the woman toward Jiang Daqing. Jiang Daqing was overjoyed, caught her in his arms, and moved to kiss her. The woman gave a soft cry as her powder cheek was kissed by Jiang Daqing. Suddenly, Jiang Daqing was as if struck by lightning. After a lustful laugh, his whole body trembled and went limp, collapsing like mud on the ground.
With one kiss’s power to charm people so, seeing Jiang Daqing seemingly drained of strength, the hall full of guests all discussed among themselves.
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed: “What powerful poison! Can my hundred years of cultivation withstand how many spring nights?” Jiang Chong dry-laughed: “Since Sect Master Zhuo doesn’t love gold and silver jewels or peerless beauties, I can only present the third gift.”
Zhuo Lingzhao narrowed his eyes: “You’ve already sent gold and silver treasures and a peerless beauty – what else do you want to send?”
Jiang Chong said calmly: “I won’t hide it from the sect master – the third treasure of life is finally a word of loyal advice.”
Zhuo Lingzhao sneered coldly: “If you have something to say, say it quickly. I hate people who deliberately mystify things most in my life.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chong suddenly shook his head and sighed: “Sect Master Zhuo, do you really want to break relations?”
Zhuo Lingzhao flicked his sleeve, blue light flashed, and suddenly a crack about three inches wide and over ten zhang long split in the hall floor. The guests’ hearts shook, knowing Zhuo Lingzhao meant “cutting the mat to sever friendship.”
An’dao Jing angrily said: “Surnamed Zhuo! Don’t refuse a toast and drink punishment wine!” Before An’dao Jing finished speaking, a point of blue light immediately turned and stabbed fiercely toward him. An’dao Jing was greatly startled and quickly flipped up the Eight Immortals table in front of him. With a crack, the table surface was pierced through, and a blue sword blade extended through. An’dao Jing quickly raised his blade to block. The “Nine-Turn Blade” chopped down, and when blade met sword, the blade body silently broke in two.
The blue light’s momentum didn’t cease, still stabbing forward. An’dao Jing was terrified, his feet touched the ground and he leaped back over a zhang, but the divine sword came even faster. In a blink, it pierced a bloody hole in his shoulder. An’dao Jing groaned muffledly and fell before the hall.
An’dao Jing’s martial arts were certainly not ordinary, yet he couldn’t even return one move and was wounded and defeated in an instant, showing how great the power of the “Divine Sword Qin Long” was.
Zhuo Lingzhao pointed at the ground and sneered: “There was no ancient friendship in the past, and there will be no kindness in the future. Between you and me, there is only this gulf.” He immediately led his disciples to turn and leave.
Jiang Chong raised his eyebrows and gave a look. The doorway was immediately blocked by a hundred musketeers, with Jiuyou Daoist, An’dao Jing, and Luo Moshi each leading experts to surround the Kunlun people. On the rooftop, footsteps were mixed and chaotic – who knew how many experts lay in ambush. The guests cried out in alarm, all looking around for escape routes, fearing to be implicated in this fight.
In this dangerous situation, Zhuo Lingzhao was unconcerned and said to himself: “I’m a bit tired from traveling these days. Disciples, you fight for me.” He took a chair and sat down, appearing quite leisurely.
Jiuyou Daoist rushed forward shouting: “Surnamed Zhuo! How dare you be so arrogant in Lord Jiang’s residence! Don’t you fear…” Suddenly Tu Lingxin roared: “Die!” His figure flashed as he rushed forward, raising his sword to stab at Jiuyou Daoist. Jiuyou Daoist quickly wielded his judge’s pen and fought with Tu Lingxin.
When “Sword Gu” was used, the wind was sharp and urgent, the moves extremely fierce. Though Jiuyou Daoist’s internal power wasn’t weak, each time he received a sword strike, his chest felt pain as if stabbed by needles. In an instant, the two exchanged over ten moves, and his chest was already in extraordinary pain. Suddenly Tu Lingxin roared and used ten-tenths of his power, chopping down at Jiuyou Daoist’s head. Jiuyou Daoist raised his pen to block. With a clang, his true power was insufficient, blood spurted from his chest as he was wounded in the heart meridian by the heart-piercing sword gu, immediately falling to the ground completely unable to move.
Left and right guards came forward to rescue him urgently. Tu Lingxin gave a great shout, his sword light circled and struck each person’s weapon once. Continuous screams filled the air as all the guards holding weapons fell to the ground clutching their chests.
Tu Lingxin picked up Jiuyou Daoist and threw him at Jiang Chong, shouting: “Surnamed Jiang! These dogs of yours only know how to wag their tails and beg – they can’t match tigers and leopards! Quickly withdraw the formation at the door or I’ll have Kunlun Mountain paint the capital with blood!” Seeing Tu Lingxin’s scarred face and fierce, cruel expression, the guests all secretly feared him. This man was brutal by nature, never loving women or wealth, only taking pleasure in killing – truly living up to his reputation as Kunlun’s foremost villain.
Gold and silver treasures, peerless beauties, threats and violence – with these three treasures, Jiang Chong had won over countless heroes worldwide, yet they couldn’t affect the Sword God at all. Seeing the difficulty of succeeding, Jiang Chong wasn’t flustered, as if he still had some life-saving treasure unused. He said calmly: “Sect Master Zhuo, my third gift is coming.”
Zhuo Lingzhao sat arrogantly in his chair: “Still that nonsense?” Jiang Chong smiled: “Sect Master Zhuo, human hearts are unpredictable and hard to guard against.”
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily: “These two sentences of nonsense are the great gift you want to give me?” He raised the divine sword and shouted: “I, Zhuo, return them to you unchanged!”
Blue light flashed. Just as Zhuo Lingzhao was about to strike and kill, he suddenly felt sharp wind behind his heart – someone was attacking him from behind. Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart was slightly alarmed, but his face remained unchanged as he said calmly: “The sect has traitors. Third Junior Brother, clean up for me.”
Tu Lingxin flew down and raised his sword to strike, already fighting with someone. That person held a shadowless precious sword – it was the fourth-ranked “Sword Shadow” Qian Lingyi.
Zhuo Lingzhao sighed: “Jiang Chong, ah Jiang Chong, you actually bought off my disciple to attack me. As a court minister, don’t you feel ashamed?”
Jiang Chong smiled slightly: “To deal with someone like you, there’s naturally no need to pay attention to morality. Don’t you agree?”
Zhuo Lingzhao sneered: “Qian Lingyi is lustful and greedy with base words and actions, having no respect for me. I’ve long wanted to eliminate him. Thank you for helping my sect eliminate harm – it saves me considerable effort…”
As he spoke happily, he suddenly heard a swishing sound behind him as if someone had drawn a long sword. Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart was alarmed, knowing there was another traitor among his disciples. He closed his eyes, his mouth curved coldly: “There’s still a traitor in the sect. Second Junior Brother, strike and deal with him for me.”
Jin Lingshuang answered: “Yes. I obey the sect master’s order.” Zhuo Lingzhao looked coldly at Jiang Chong: “Whatever other tricks you have, use them all – I, Zhuo, will receive…” The word “them” hadn’t left his mouth when he heard a thud. Zhuo Lingzhao’s throat turned sweet as a mouthful of fresh blood spurted out. His face was full of astonishment as he looked down at his chest to see a long sword piercing through. Zhuo Lingzhao was stunned. He turned his head to see a person holding a cold sword, looking at him with a face full of tears – it was “Sword Cold” Jin Lingshuang himself.
Zhuo Lingzhao’s eyes widened. Fellow disciples for fifty years, and his trusted right-hand man, Second Junior Brother – who would have thought he would become a traitor? Zhuo Lingzhao remembered Jiang Chong’s words about “human hearts being unpredictable and hard to guard against.” He couldn’t help swaying and spitting out another mouthful of blood.
Tu Lingxin was both shocked and afraid, saying tremblingly: “Second Senior Brother, you… what are you doing?” He was close to Jin Lingshuang and seeing him suddenly harm the sect master for no reason truly shocked him beyond words.
The scene was chaotic, but Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart was filled with bitter pain. He looked at his junior brother and asked softly: “We’ve known and cherished each other, fellow disciples for fifty years. Why do you betray me? For the position of sect master…”
Jin Lingshuang wept: “Sect Master, I’m sorry.” He cried out and immediately pulled out his sword, turning to stab at his own abdomen.
The long sword pierced through his belly as fresh blood spurted out. Zhuo Lingzhao was greatly shocked, embracing him and shouting: “What are you doing?”
Jin Lingshuang’s body trembled, old tears flowing as he called to Jiang Chong: “Lord Jiang, please keep your promise and release my family.”
Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t know he had family members and was immediately greatly shaken. Turning to look at Jiang Chong, he heard the treacherous minister laugh heartily: “Zhuo Lingzhao! Do you know what family this surnamed Jin has or where they live? What he likes or dislikes – when have you ever known? You claim to have cunning, but before me, Jiang Chong, you’re like a three-year-old child!” He waved his hand, and a soldier walked out, holding a long rope that strung together over ten family members by their necks like prisoners.
Zhuo Lingzhao suddenly understood. He looked down at Jin Lingshuang and asked: “He captured your family?” Seeing Jin Lingshuang nod tearfully, Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart was actually comforted. With their brotherhood of many years, how could Jin Lingshuang suddenly betray unless it was like this?
With his heart knot resolved, Zhuo Lingzhao’s spirit calmed. Knowing his injury was severe and needed immediate treatment, he lightly turned his five fingers to stop Jin Lingshuang’s abdominal bleeding, then pressed his own chest acupoint. Jin Lingshuang cried: “Sect Master, won’t you let me die?”
Zhuo Lingzhao shouted: “This time I miscalculated – you had no choice. I don’t blame you!”
Zhuo Lingzhao gathered his power and gripped the “Divine Sword Qin Long,” gritting his teeth: “All Kunlun disciples, fight our way out!”
With a ringing sound, all Kunlun disciples drew their swords – but the sword points were directed at themselves!
In his shock, Zhuo Lingzhao couldn’t help stepping back.
Jiang Chong laughed heartily: “Zhuo Lingzhao! When you allowed your disciples to kill and burn in the past, are there any loyal and righteous men left in your sect? Besides you and that mad Tu, who else can’t be bought or intimidated? No matter how high your martial arts, I only need to extend my little finger to make everyone betray and abandon you.”
Zhuo Lingzhao’s whole body trembled as he stared at everyone, his eyes full of confusion. He heard Qian Lingyi laugh heartily: “Surnamed Zhuo! You’ve been domineering, beating and scolding people daily – I’ve long wanted to eliminate you. I only feared your superior martial arts and couldn’t act. Finally Lord Jiang helped with this great opportunity – accept your death!”
Zhuo Lingzhao was severely wounded, but the heartache at this moment was more piercing than the sword wound. In his excitement, he couldn’t help coughing up fresh blood, his whole body’s strength immediately dissipating. Seeing him severely wounded, all the disciples were delighted and immediately thrust their swords forward. Tu Lingxin was extremely loyal to the sect master and seeing the crisis, was about to rush to protect him.
Qian Lingyi sneered: “Third brother, if you remain stubbornly unrepentant, don’t blame us for killing you too.” He howled, and Xu Lingfei and Liu Lingchuan immediately blocked Tu Lingxin’s path. The two joined hands to attack, immediately engaging in fierce battle with “Sword Gu.”
Qian Lingyi laughed heartily: “Everyone attack quickly! After old Zhuo dies, we’ll be the bosses!” All disciples raised their long swords to stab forward again. Seeing this, Tu Lingxin was greatly alarmed and wanted to rescue him, but the two sides were very far apart and he was blocked by Liu Lingchuan, Xu Lingfei and others – he was powerless to help.
At this critical moment, someone suddenly supported Zhuo Lingzhao, protecting him from behind and angrily saying: “How dare you commit insubordination! Have you forgotten the sect rules?”
Everyone quickly looked at this person’s face – it was Mau Lingshan. This man had always had a chivalrous heart and never got along with the Kunlun disciples. When Qian Lingyi instigated the disciples to rebel, he naturally wasn’t informed. Seeing Tu Lingxin still engaged in fierce battle and Zhuo Lingzhao severely wounded and unable to move, unless he stepped forward to fight desperately, the sect master would surely die miserably. He wanted to rally a few people to help and immediately shouted: “Everyone wake up! Don’t be manipulated anymore!”
Qian Lingyi sneered: “Mau Lingshan, you’re always half-hearted. When we killed the entire Yanling Escort Agency, you cowered and wouldn’t come out, only cursing Zhuo Lingzhao. Now that we’re rebelling together, you’re protecting him again. What exactly do you want?”
Mau Lingshan angrily said: “Though I don’t submit to Zhuo Lingzhao, I won’t betray the sect! What you’re doing now makes you the most shameless scoundrels that heaven and earth cannot tolerate! How will you face our founding master after death?” Hearing his fierce rebuke, everyone felt guilty and lowered their heads. Qian Lingyi cursed: “F*ck the founding master! I am the founding master! Everyone attack!”
Everyone roared and thrust their swords down together. Mau Lingshan used his ultimate technique “Sword Leopard” – sword light flashed like thousands of flying flowers, blocking seven or eight swords in one breath. But Qian Lingyi’s sword was the “Formless Sword Shadow,” which he found hard to stop. In an instant, the sword shadow reached his body with a hiss, already piercing through his chest. Mau Lingshan’s face turned deathly pale as blood gushed wildly, and he collapsed softly into Zhuo Lingzhao’s arms.
Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart was greatly pained as he called out: “Sixth Junior Brother!” He reached out to embrace Mau Lingshan, and both fell to the ground together. Mau Lingshan had always been at odds with him – back then, over the “Yanling Escort Agency” case, the two had nearly become enemies. Who would have thought that at the final moment, he would step forward? Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart was desolate, finally understanding the meaning of “loyalty and righteousness.”
Seeing Kunlun disciples continuously stepping forward to die for Zhuo Lingzhao one after another, Jiang Chong couldn’t help frowning: “What are you people doing, going back and forth? Quickly kill him!”
At this time, musketeers surrounded the outer circle while Kunlun swordsmen blocked the inner circle. Jin Lingshuang and Mau Lingshan were dying, Tu Lingxin was under siege – no one could save Zhuo Lingzhao anymore. Jiang Chong smiled: “Work harder and kill old Zhuo – everyone will benefit.”
Just as everyone’s long swords were about to thrust forward, they suddenly heard a tremendous roar that shook everyone’s ears painfully, causing them to tumble. The roar grew louder and louder, making bowls and plates on tables rattle, and mud and ash from the beams fell continuously from the震动.
The deafening roar naturally terrified the guests in the hall beyond measure. Each covered their ears in agony. Jiang Chong was shocked and uncertain, only cowering in Luo Moshi’s arms and trembling. Suddenly the roar ceased, followed by a great laugh that sternly declared: “Who do you think you’re talking to? Listen well – my name is Sword God Zhuo Lingzhao!” Everyone saw a figure stand up – it was Zhuo Lingzhao himself! He looked ominously at Jiang Chong, channeling his internal power and immediately activating the “Divine Sword Qin Long.” Countless sword blades emerged to protect his surroundings, making him look like a demon or ghost.
Earlier, Zhuo Lingzhao’s furious roar had actually produced an earth-shaking sound. Seeing his murderous aura, everyone was greatly alarmed and quickly retreated.
Zhuo Lingzhao’s face was deathly pale, but the killing intent on his face was extremely intense. He pointed at everyone and said gravely: “Kunlun disciples, listen well – those who betray my sect have only death! If you repent now, I can forget the past.” As he spoke, he raised the divine sword, displaying an even more domineering aura.
Most Kunlun disciples were people who forgot righteousness at the sight of profit. Seeing the sect master stand up and speak, their spirit was dampened. Under his accumulated authority, they really didn’t dare to act. Everyone looked at each other, all hesitating.
Seeing everyone retreat, Qian Lingyi immediately shouted: “Zhuo Lingzhao is on his last legs yet still putting on airs. Everyone don’t fear him – quickly kill him!” He raised his sword and rushed forward, attacking the sect master’s chest.
Zhuo Lingzhao angrily shouted: “Audacious!” Blue light flashed as the “Divine Sword Qin Long” thrust out. With a crack, Qian Lingyi suddenly felt his body shorten and couldn’t rush forward. He angrily said: “Zhuo Lingzhao! You still dare resist?” Hearing everyone crying out in alarm, he looked down and was scared out of his wits – he had been cut in half at the waist by Zhuo Lingzhao. He screamed: “Surnamed Zhuo! You…” Before finishing his words, the sword force of “Divine Sword Qin Long” struck his face. Qian Lingyi only felt darkness before his eyes as his head separated from his body.
Qian Lingyi, who had treacherously killed the entire Yanling Escort Agency, finally met his evil end – the day when his crimes overflowed.
Seeing Qian Lingyi’s terrible death, the Kunlun crowd was so frightened they trembled all over and didn’t dare approach. Jiang Chong spat and urged: “If you want official titles and hereditary ranks, then quickly advance!”
Zhuo Lingzhao raised his voice and shouted: “Kunlun disciples listen! As long as everyone obediently listens and fights our way out together, I can forget today’s events!” Hearing both sides continuously calling out, every disciple hesitated and couldn’t decide – they dared neither attack nor retreat, only standing there stupidly.
Seeing the Kunlun disciples all had hesitant hearts, Jiang Chong yawned: “Forget it, these people are useless anyway. Have the musketeers kill them all.” The Kunlun crowd was terrified. Liu Lingchuan and Xu Lingfei cried out together: “Don’t kill us!” Jiang Chong didn’t care about their lives or deaths, only lazily waving his hand. Luo Moshi immediately shouted: “Musketeers! Fire!” Instantly gunshots thundered as they shot directly at Zhuo Lingzhao and the others.
Zhuo Lingzhao gave a sharp shout and leaped up, then the divine sword flew out, cutting the front row of musketeers in half. The scene became complete chaos.
At this time the hall was in great disorder, like a slaughterhouse. The capital officials were scared out of their wits, each rolling under tables seeking cover. Tu Lingxin, holding Mau Lingshan, was also urgently dodging. But with such dense gunfire, the other Kunlun disciples found it hard to escape. Liu Lingchuan bore the brunt and was immediately shot full of holes like a honeycomb. The disciples cried out loudly as gunshots continued from outside and sword light danced inside. The sect master’s divine sword, once relied upon as their Great Wall, now slashed outward, killing anyone in sight without mercy in the haste.
Gunshots and cries mixed together as many disciples had already died miserably on the ground. Seeing the Kunlun disciples die so wretchedly, the capital officials secretly sighed: “These people were both treacherous and stupid – they truly deserved to die.”
The hall was filled with casualties and carnage, but only Jiang Chong remained composed, still holding a cup of wine and watching the slaughterhouse before him with a smile, appearing quite leisurely.
Seeing his disciples’ heavy casualties, though these people had betrayed him, how could Zhuo Lingzhao feel nothing after years of fellowship? Seeing Jiang Chong’s triumphant expression, his heart was filled with rage as he roared: “Thief Jiang! You’re so cunning – today I’ll make you accompany them in death!”
Before his roar ended, blue light flashed and shot straight at Jiang Chong. Jiang Chong was pointing and chatting casually with Luo Moshi, never expecting that despite being over ten zhang apart, the divine sword had already arrived. He was greatly startled and rolled under the table, but the blue star came too fast, already three feet from his throat. Seeing the danger, Luo Moshi hurriedly threw himself forward. The cold star flew down, piercing through Luo Moshi’s waist without stopping, and with an “Ah!” cry, it also pierced Jiang Chong’s arm, making the treacherous minister cry out in agony.
Both Luo Moshi and Jiang Chong were covered in blood, rolling on the ground and gasping continuously. Actually, if Zhuo Lingzhao hadn’t been wounded, with his power, this sword would have been enough to kill both men without fail.
Seeing Jiang Chong fleeing wildly into the hall, Zhuo Lingzhao suddenly pursued, wanting only to kill him. Tu Lingxin, carrying Mau Lingshan in his left hand, rushed toward the door. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao still not leaving, he called out: “Sect Master, don’t fight them head-on! Let’s go quickly!”
Zhuo Lingzhao shouted: “You go first! I’ll follow shortly!” He was determined like iron – without killing Jiang Chong, he would never be satisfied. His figure moved swiftly, killing dozens of warriors in a rush of blood as he pursued into the hall.
Seeing corpses of soldiers everywhere, Jiang Chong quickly pressed his arm wound and cried out: “Someone come! Help!” An’dao Jing led a hundred soldiers to block behind Jiang Chong. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao approach with several leaps, An’dao Jing shouted: “Shoot arrows! Quickly shoot arrows!”
Bowstrings sounded continuously as a hundred arrows flew together. Zhuo Lingzhao channeled his internal power, making the divine sword transform into over a hundred sword blades. In an instant, he cut down countless arrows, then the sword blades attacked. Blue light flashed as he pierced all hundred soldiers to death – not one survived.
Seeing that a hundred soldiers couldn’t even block Zhuo Lingzhao’s single strike, An’dao Jing was so frightened he couldn’t speak. He quickly picked up Jiang Chong and fled toward the corridor. At this moment Luo Moshi had also arrived. He and An’dao Jing looked at each other, both with iron-gray faces, not knowing if they could block Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword. Jiang Chong panicked: “Quickly take me to the study – there’s a secret passage there.” The three were extremely panicked and rushed toward the study.
Behind them, Zhuo Lingzhao shouted: “Where are you going!” The divine sword slashed, and the three rolled together to avoid it. Where the sword force reached, it had already cut through the corridor pillars. Jiang Chong cried out “Ah!” and had already escaped into the study half-crawling, half-rolling.
Zhuo Lingzhao had lost much blood and was dizzy, but if he couldn’t kill Jiang Chong at this moment, he truly couldn’t be satisfied. He forced himself to persevere and also rushed into the study. He saw Jiang Chong, Luo Moshi and others huddled together behind a desk, all trembling. Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily: “Thief Jiang! You too have this day!” His laughter aggravated his chest wound, making him cough continuously.
Jiang Chong begged for mercy: “Sect Master Zhuo, please spare my life. In the future I’ll provide money and effort to help you rebuild Kunlun.” Zhuo Lingzhao cursed: “Dead thief! Filthy thing worse than the lowest scum! If I, Zhuo Lingzhao, want to rebuild my sect, how would I need your help, you dog! Watch me carve out your heart today as a living sacrifice to wash away my shame!”
He roared and blue light flashed out, but suddenly the ground gave way beneath his feet and his body fell downward. Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart awakened – he knew Jiang Chong had set a trap here. Looking down, he saw a deep pit below with cold light glinting – full of blade mountains and sword forests. Looking up, fishing nets scattered down while long ropes coiled around – this study actually had countless mechanisms and ambushes.
In this dangerous situation, Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart wasn’t frightened. He swung his sword once, and the divine sword immediately extended to pierce the wall. Using this leverage, he leaped up and jumped out of the deep pit. Just then, the fishing net and long ropes also struck his face. Zhuo Lingzhao gave a light whistle and slashed diagonally with his sword, cutting both net and ropes into fine pieces.
Zhuo Lingzhao was in mid-air when he shouted sternly: “Jiang Chong! Come and die!”
Suddenly he heard fine whistling sounds – hidden weapons were attacking. Zhuo Lingzhao did a somersault in mid-air and dodged the weapons. Looking back, he saw an enchanting woman approaching – it was Jiang Chong’s female general Hu Mei’er. The poisonous hidden weapon had come from this woman.
Seeing him looking at her, Hu Mei’er immediately smiled: “Sect Master Zhuo, long time no see!”
At this moment, with Luo Moshi and An’dao Jing in front, Hu Mei’er behind, and countless traps and hidden weapons waiting to scheme against him, Zhuo Lingzhao assessed the situation and knew he couldn’t gain advantage. He was already planning to leave. He snorted, touched his feet lightly, and was about to fly up to the beam and break through the roof to escape. Just then, palm wind struck his face. Zhuo Lingzhao was startled, realizing there were still experts in ambush. This person’s power was overwhelming, absolutely incomparable to An’dao Jing or Hu Mei’er. He dodged sideways and then landed on the ground.
A giant man leaped down from the roof beam. This person was nine feet tall with a face ugly as a bull – it was the Mongolian fierce god Sa Mau.
Zhuo Lingzhao chuckled coldly. If he were completely uninjured, even without the divine sword, how could this Sa Mau compete with him? At this time, with severe chest wounds, strong enemies surrounding him, plus the near-total destruction of Kunlun sect leaving his spirit shattered, how could he concentrate on dealing with this fierce bandit?
Jiang Chong smiled: “Sect Master Zhuo, to deal with you, I’ve even released this kind of monster. Let’s see how you escape disaster tonight!”
Zhuo Lingzhao pressed his chest wound and sneered: “Even associating with such murderous bandits – aren’t you afraid of falling into the eighteen levels of hell after death?” Jiang Chong laughed heartily: “What should I fear? If going to hell, you Zhuo Lingzhao will explore the way for me first!” He waved his hand and shouted loudly: “Kill him!”
With a whoosh, Sa Mau struck first, swinging his giant palm straight at Zhuo Lingzhao’s face. An’dao Jing rolled on the ground, drew his precious saber and slashed at Zhuo Lingzhao’s ankle. Luo Moshi on the side channeled his “Nether Mysterious Finger” and pointed at the vital points on Zhuo Lingzhao’s back.
All three attacked simultaneously, and Sa Mau was even a supreme expert. Zhuo Lingzhao gave a cold laugh as “Divine Sword Qin Long” shot out three sword blades. With light cracks, the first blade pierced Sa Mau’s palm, making him scream and retreat in pain. With a clang, An’dao Jing’s precious saber broke and his shoulder was cut with a gap. Seeing the opponent’s weapon was truly too strange, Luo Moshi panicked. He focused on watching the third sword blade and immediately shouted loudly: “My lord! Be careful!”
Suddenly came an “Ah!” scream as Jiang Chong was covered in blood, the divine sword having pierced his shoulder bone and pinned him firmly to the wall.
Zhuo Lingzhao’s cunning was profound, far beyond ordinary martial artists. This sword seemed to stab at Luo Moshi but was actually just to deceive the enemy – its real intention was to kill Jiang Chong. Indeed, when the sword blade turned, he succeeded in one strike.
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed wildly with almost mad behavior, wanting to cut Jiang Chong in half to vent his hatred. Suddenly his back felt numb and itchy – he had been hit by several silver needles.
Zhuo Lingzhao snorted, only then remembering the most vicious Hu Mei’er. He greatly regretted not dealing with her first. Just at this moment when victory was about to be decided, she had forcibly interrupted his pleasure of executing the treacherous minister.
Actually, after consecutive battles with experts, Zhuo Lingzhao was already mentally exhausted. Added to his severe injuries, his internal power was not what it used to be, so he naturally couldn’t detect abnormalities around him. This allowed Hu Mei’er to succeed by luck. Under normal circumstances, even with thousands of silver needles attacking by stealth, he would have ways to defend. It seemed today death outweighed life – he might truly die here.
Numbness quickly spread. Zhuo Lingzhao, urgent to channel energy for resistance, gathered his internal power. The divine sword relied entirely on deep internal power to operate. At this moment, as he used internal power to heal himself, it became difficult to sustain, and the divine sword retracted to its iron pellet form. With the divine sword’s retraction, Jiang Chong immediately fell to the ground, covered in blood and wailing.
Seeing Hu Mei’er succeed, Luo Moshi and An’dao Jing immediately turned back to attack, wanting to take advantage and reap the benefits. Hu Mei’er angrily said: “I killed this man – how dare you compete for credit?” An’dao Jing spat and shouted: “Whoever cuts off his head gets the credit!”
All three rushed forward, wanting to kill Zhuo Lingzhao in one stroke.
Luo Moshi channeled his “Nether Mysterious Finger,” An’dao Jing used his “Nine-Turn Blade Technique,” and Hu Mei’er waved her fly-whisk and silver needles. The three surrounded and attacked Zhuo Lingzhao heavily. Even with his Sword God martial arts having entered sainthood, at this moment he was using all his strength to expel poison and had no time to wield his sword against enemies. He could only rely on agile body techniques to dodge among the three’s fists, feet, and weapons.
Seeing Luo Moshi’s finger thrust coming, Zhuo Lingzhao dared not receive it directly and could only dodge sideways. An’dao Jing raised his blade to chop down, so Zhuo Lingzhao touched his feet and flew up. Hu Mei’er sneered: “Where are you going?” She waved her fly-whisk and another hundred silver needles flew out. Zhuo Lingzhao flicked his sleeve to block most of the needles, his figure flashing to dodge the remainder. Just as he was about to escape disaster and fly to the rooftop to leave, he suddenly heard a strange laugh as an iron fist struck straight at his chest – it was Sa Mau attacking.
Seeing he couldn’t dodge in time, Zhuo Lingzhao hastily raised his knee to block the fist. With a crack, his kneecap shattered.
Zhuo Lingzhao’s knee was crushed, pain penetrating to the bone marrow. With poison taking effect on his back, he had no more defensive power. Everyone was delighted and each channeled their strength to kill. Jiang Chong was even more excited, shouting loudly: “Kill him! Kill him!” Zhuo Lingzhao was wounded all over with no remaining strength to fight back. Knowing his time had come, he sighed and closed his eyes to await death.
Just then, the roof thundered and broke open as a rope descended from the sky. This rope came incredibly fast, like a divine dragon flying from mid-air. Luo Moshi, An’dao Jing and others opened their mouths wide, all shouting: “Who is it?”
The rope swept from left to right, already forcing Sa Mau and others back. An’dao Jing and Hu Mei’er, having weaker power, had their weapons – blade and fly-whisk – knocked from their hands by the rope. In their great alarm, they saw the rope had already wrapped around Zhuo Lingzhao and was quickly withdrawing upward, instantly taking Zhuo Lingzhao away.
Hu Mei’er screamed and shot silver needles from her hand again. Suddenly palm wind came from above, deflecting the needles’ momentum. The remaining palm force even cracked wooden tables. Everyone was greatly startled, not knowing what expert had arrived, and didn’t dare pursue. Seeing that person’s figure floating as he was about to leave, Jiang Chong urgently shouted: “Don’t just stand there! Chase him!”
Luo Moshi and others quickly climbed onto the roof but could no longer see the person’s figure. However, since Jiang Chong had ordered it, they still put on a show, searching around randomly.