The sound of rain gradually lessened—it was already dawn.
Looking from the treetop toward the horizon, morning clouds faintly began to rise, reflecting against the morning stars and dawn moon. Mount Song’s morning light was breathtakingly beautiful.
All around was peaceful and serene, with distant insect sounds—this was a midsummer early morning.
“Everyone, quickly! Quickly! Quickly!”
In the peaceful dawn morning, urgent shouts broke the tranquility. Turning around, he saw large groups of monks running from under the trees, surrounding the big tree and shouting: “Abbot! We found him! This child is in the tree!”
Many monks ran to the tree’s base. The leader had an aged face as if hundreds of years old, surrounded by dozens of monks, all pointing at the treetop and shouting loudly. One monk with a robust build, about twenty years old, shouted: “Little friend, come down quickly! This is your home—no one will hit you!”
That monk shouted for a long time. Seeing no movement, he made a sound of impatience and was about to climb up. Suddenly the monks cried out in alarm: “Lingzhen, don’t climb! He’s going to fall!”
Hearing this, the robust monk was startled and quickly stopped. A monk with a kind face walked under the tree, spread his arms, and said gently: “Good child, don’t be afraid. Come down obediently and let Senior Brother Lingyin keep you company, alright?”
That monk was so kind, making one feel he could be relied upon… but those monks beside him were so frightening, each with fierce eyebrows and vertical eyes, none looking like good people…
It was still better here—warm and quiet…
Turning his head, the sun rose in the east. In the morning light was complete tranquility. Only here was safe. High in the treetop, no one would hit him. Only the stars filled the sky would accompany and care for him…
A sigh sounded, and another person appeared beside him. Accompanied by a sharp cry, the scene before his eyes shook continuously, and his body had already fallen from the tree.
Suddenly his body stopped, and in an instant he was sitting back on the treetop.
How wonderful… this person could perform magic?
Looking sideways at that person—he was an old monk, extremely thin, not knowing how old. His eyes were so warm, unlike those monks below, more like the eyes of Buddha statues in the great hall—dark and warm, making one want to look again.
※※※
While thinking, a pine nut candy appeared in his hand.
The old monk’s expression was very peaceful as he smiled and said: “Child, eat it.”
“Why should I eat it?” A childish voice spoke the first words of this life in Shaolin Temple.
“Eat it and you will grow up.” The old monk stroked his head back and forth, warmly: “When you grow up, no one will dare hit you, and you won’t cry anymore.”
“Won’t cry anymore?”
“Right. Won’t cry anymore.”
A sweet taste appeared in his mouth. The pine nut candy melted upon entering, filling his mouth with fragrance.
“Do you like this taste?” The monk stroked the child’s head with a smile: “The taste of growing up?”
※※※
“Master, I like it.”
A deep voice sounded. In the morning sun filling the sky, a man stood atop the tree, a long sword hanging at his waist, his handsome face bathed in morning light.
At this moment, life was about to reverse. Accompanying this decision, heaven and earth’s fortune would also reverse. This moment was one of life and death.
Time flowed inch by inch. Having reached this step, there was no more chance for regret. No matter how difficult or painful, he had to make a decision.
He gripped his long sword tightly, looked back at Dharma Hall below his feet, and showed resolute expression on his face.
“Master, I promise you—I will never shed another tear.”
He took a deep breath, drew out his long sword, turned to face Dharma Hall, his lips moving slightly: “Because I am a piece of steel.”
Steel!
Does not shed tears!
※※※
Seeing Shi Gang about to die, Fang Zijing suddenly appeared and saved his old friend’s life. He looked toward Lingzhi and smiled: “Abbot’s formidable forbidden divine skill—pressing the advantage relentlessly?” This person was worthy of being the Sword King. As soon as he acted, the field situation reversed. His left hand pressed on Shi Gang’s shoulder, his right hand blocked Lingzhi’s palms—he had already received both sides’ full-force ultimate techniques.
At this moment the situation was critical, both sides’ internal energy tremendously powerful. However, Fang Zijing’s manner was elegant—though caught between two great masters’ pincer attack, he remained calm and composed as if having strength to spare. The Shaolin monks were all masters. Seeing his appearance, they knew his timing was extremely precise. With Lingzhi and Shi Gang’s fierce battle, their energies cancelled each other out. Fang Zijing struck precisely at the cancellation moment, so his expression was naturally relaxed and satisfied.
Fang Zijing gently pushed Shi Gang away and instantly activated his Six Meridians of Yin and Yang internal energy. This force was like hundreds of rivers converging into the sea, like heavenly thunder and lightning, immediately pressing Lingzhi to retreat one step. Fang Zijing stepped forward and smiled: “Doesn’t the Abbot like persuading surrender? Why aren’t you speaking now? Why not subdue Fang Zijing together—wouldn’t that be nice?”
Though Lingzhi had been able to speak casually during fierce battle earlier, at this moment, suppressed by Fang Zijing’s dominating internal skill, he couldn’t say a single word.
Seeing the Sword King’s martial arts sweeping and grand, his insight extraordinarily excellent, everyone at the field’s edge was shocked. Lingyin, Lingzhen and others sighed secretly, all thinking: “With this person’s sudden arrival, victory and defeat are truly hard to predict.”
In terms of profound internal energy, Fang Zijing was truly Angry Cang’s number one—only his beloved disciple Qin Zhonghai could hope to match him. In terms of technique refinement, Fang Zijing was still the stronghold’s first—except for a very few like Shi Gang and Lu Guzhan, no one else could compare. In terms of martial comprehension, besides Azure Robe Scholar, the entire mountain had no third person to rival him.
Fierce power, ruthlessness, refined techniques, absolute wisdom—”Nine Provinces Sword King” alone combined the power of many families: Qin Zhonghai’s fierce power, Shi Gang’s ruthlessness, Lu Guzhan’s refined techniques, Azure Robe Scholar’s absolute wisdom. Tremendously powerful yet ingeniously varied, plus refined techniques and ruthless methods—capable of flying through heaven and escaping through earth with unlimited abilities. He was truly the most fearsome opponent between heaven and earth. If Fang Zijing fought with full strength, even Qin Baxian and Ning Bufan would be wary, let alone others.
※※※
After Fang Zijing saved Shi Gang’s life, he cupped his hands toward everyone in the field and smiled slightly, withdrawing both hands and allowing Lingzhi to recover his power and withdraw his techniques. Everyone at the field’s edge, shocked by his supreme martial arts, not one person spoke. Gao Tianwei and Song Gongmai feared this person most—at this moment their faces were ashen and expressions very uncomfortable.
Lingzhi held the Abbot position and always kept joy and anger from showing on his face. At this moment, seeing Fang Zijing’s arrival, he only slowly retreated one step and put his palms together: “Benefactor Fang honors us with your presence—this old monk didn’t welcome you from afar. Truly disrespectful.”
Fang Zijing smiled slightly and bowed: “Abbot needn’t be polite.” He turned to look at Shi Gang, seeing his whole body covered in blood yet still full of killing intent, and patted his shoulder comfortingly.
When competing, Shi Gang always disliked others interfering. Years ago in the Western Regions, because of Xue Nu’er’s meddling, he had spared Luo Moshi from death. Now being openly disturbed by Fang Zijing, how could he save face? He gave a muffled grunt and said sternly: “I was fighting to the death with the Shaolin Abbot—why did you come interfere? Do you look down on me?”
Fang Zijing said flatly: “Winning face but losing life—where’s the worth in that?”
Shi Gang spat blood and shouted: “Dying for a worthy cause brings peace of mind—what does life matter?”
Fang Zijing laughed heartily and pointed toward the Angry Cang people: “Don’t talk about that—look at them.”
Shi Gang covered his chest and turned back, seeing Qin Zhonghai’s tiger eyes reddened, Chang Xuehen and Jie Tao with faces full of tears, and the other veterans all showing deep concern.
Fang Zijing embraced him and said gently: “What’s called dying for a worthy cause? If you die today unclear and unknown, who will command the tens of thousands of barbarian troops you brought? Now court forces surround the stronghold—without your troops, how can our brothers resist them? You dying is one thing, but implicating all the mountain brothers to die together—what will you use to face Qin Baxian?”
Fang Zijing asked several questions in succession—how could Shi Gang answer? He realized his heavy responsibility, cold sweat pouring down, thinking: “He’s right. The stronghold has just risen now. Those subordinate troops only obey my commands. If I die in battle here, they might not be willing to follow the young master’s deployment. Shi Gang, oh Shi Gang—at your age, how can you still act so impulsively?”
With this thought, he felt regret and sighed deeply: “Brother Fang’s lesson is right—Shi Gang knows he was wrong.”
Everyone, seeing Fang Zijing actually persuade the proud and unruly Shi Gang with just a few words, greatly admired him. It seemed this “Nine Provinces Sword King” was indeed qualified to treat Qin Baxian as an equal—definitely not comparable to ordinary stronghold people.
While the two spoke, Lingzhen had already jumped out, pointing and cursing: “You two against one—what kind of heroes are you? Can you clearly explain how this match’s victory and defeat should be calculated?”
Chang Xuehen twisted his mouth and cursed back: “Damn! Your old bald donkey didn’t die, and our great general is also alive—of course it’s a draw! Are you blind?”
Lingzhen angrily shouted: “Pure nonsense! Shameless and despicable!”
Just as Chang Xuehen was about to curse more, Azure Robe Scholar stopped him and said flatly: “Master Fang interfered with the competition—our side is indeed at fault. We lose this match.”
The Shaolin monks, hearing him admit defeat, finally stopped cursing. Fang Zijing turned and smiled slightly at Shi Gang: “It’s all this old man’s fault. Earlier I couldn’t resist showing off and interfered, causing you to lose this match.” He bowed to show apology.
Actually, the masters at the field’s edge understood clearly—if Fang Zijing hadn’t interfered in this competition, Shi Gang would have already died under Lingzhi’s hands. But Fang Zijing, to preserve Shi Gang’s face, took the matter upon himself, stating that his rule violation caused Shi Gang’s defeat—his intention was to cover for his brother.
Shi Gang’s crushing defeat at Lingzhi’s hands wasn’t particularly shameful. This Abbot was the dignified leader of the world’s greatest sect. Even against Divine Monk Tianjue, he wouldn’t necessarily lose. Shi Gang’s defeat by this person could be called honorable defeat. Lu Guzhan, knowing his old friend’s proud nature and that he had internal injuries requiring early treatment, gave a meaningful look for Jie Tao and Chang Xuehen to help him down.
※※※
Lingzhi wasn’t narrow-minded. Hearing the opponent admit defeat, he didn’t add any comments and put his palms together: “Thanks to your mountain’s concession. Now both sides have one victory and one defeat—the outcome isn’t yet determined. According to both sides’ agreement, let’s begin the third match!”
Fang Zijing smiled slightly and gestured to Azure Robe Scholar and others: “They’ve brought out Tianjue for the field—this match will be fought by Old Fang. Does everyone have objections?”
The Angry Cang people, hearing this, immediately cheered thunderously. Li Tieshan even shouted loudly: “We haven’t seen the Sword King fight for many years—today we’ll open our eyes wide to witness properly!”
At this time, with three battles and two victories, both sides each had one defeat. Now the third match was about to begin. Angry Cang Mountain’s number one master, “Nine Provinces Sword King” Fang Zijing, had arrived, naturally coming for Divine Monk Tianjue. Among today’s martial world’s Four Great Grandmasters, Ning Bufan had retired, Zhuo Lingzhao was dead—only Fang Zijing and Divine Monk Tianjue remained active in the martial world. These two had been mortal enemies for many years. Over decades, they had competed with each other with mixed victories and defeats. It seemed another hard battle was coming.
Seeing the stronghold brothers had no objections, Fang Zijing laughed heartily. He strode toward Dharma Hall, cupped his hands and called for battle: “Old monk Tianjue, Fang Zijing has come to experience your ‘Heavenly Secrets.’ Everyone’s waiting to watch—come out quickly to meet!”
Fang Zijing shouted for a long while without seeing anyone come out. He felt slightly puzzled and coughed, about to turn back and ask the Abbot, when suddenly footsteps came from within Dharma Hall. This sound was heavy and slow, step by step deliberate. Everyone secretly felt wary, thinking: “This Divine Monk Tianjue is finally going to appear!”
Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan held their breath and concentrated. Qin Zhonghai and Azure Robe Scholar had sweaty palms. Gao Tianwei and Song Gongmai harbored fear. Everyone was waiting for the mountain god to appear.
That year’s Mount Hua decisive battle—”World’s Number One” and “Kunlun Sword God” fought fiercely for a thousand moves, shocking all corners of the world. This battle between Fang Zijing and Divine Monk Tianjue would be a fight to the death, the danger absolutely no less than the Mount Hua gathering. This battle would surely thunder across the world.
The footsteps slowly ceased. A person turned out from behind the screen wall. Everyone in the field, seeing his appearance, couldn’t help showing identical amazement.
This person had fair skin, long eyebrows, and handsome eyes—he was a beautiful young man.
Shaolin Temple was either fierce-browed, vertical-eyed bald heads or sanctimonious bald donkeys. Who would have known such a handsome man would appear now?
Chang Xuehen laughed loudly: “Damn! When did Divine Monk Tianjue reverse aging and become a little white rabbit?”
Jie Tao coughed and said quietly: “Stop talking nonsense. This person is General Qin’s former colleague, current court central army commander Yang Suguan, who is Divine Monk Tianjue’s closed-door disciple.”
Chang Xuehen made an “oh” sound and nodded: “The ‘Literary Yang, Martial Qin’—the Yang character refers to him?”
Jie Tao nodded and said no more. Everyone in the field held their breath, waiting for Yang Suguan to speak.
※※※
Yang Suguan, as Shaolin’s lay disciple, rarely returned to the temple and naturally kept a low profile. His long sword hung at his waist, wearing coarse cloth robes. Though his appearance was truly handsome and his clothing unremarkable, it made his otherworldly air even more apparent.
Yang Suguan bowed slightly toward Fang Zijing and put his palms together: “Junior Yang Suguan pays respects to Senior.”
Though Yang Suguan was a court army commander, before martial world competition he was merely a junior disciple of Shaolin Temple. How could he enter the “Sword King’s” eyes?
Fang Zijing glanced sideways at Yang Suguan and said coldly: “Little friend, go back and report to your master that Old Fang is waiting here. Ask him to come out quickly for competition.”
Hearing these words, Yang Suguan shook his head slightly and bowed in reply: “I dare not conceal from Master Fang. I have already received my teacher’s orders to specially come welcome the strong enemy.”
Hearing this, Fang Zijing couldn’t help exclaiming and raising his eyebrows: “You want to spar with me?”
Yang Suguan bowed: “I dare not. But this junior has received my teacher’s orders to come resist the third battle’s strong enemy. Regardless of who your mountain sends, I must decide victory and defeat.”
As soon as these words were spoken, both enemy and ally were shocked. Everyone naturally knew Yang Suguan’s martial arts level. In past battles with Mount Kunlun, he had been easily defeated by Zhuo Lingzhao’s breaking of his “Nirvana Afterlife”—his martial arts were greatly inferior. Looking at his visit to the western frontiers years ago, he was beaten by Hao Zhenxiang and flew out of a broken house. Now facing the strong enemy called “Sword King” Fang Zijing, whose martial arts were absolutely no less than Ning Bufan’s and Zhuo Lingzhao’s—was Yang Suguan’s wild challenge a case of madness?
Since Yang Suguan had spoken these words, there was absolutely no room to turn back. The Shaolin monks were naturally stirred, with Lingzhi, Lingyin and others showing puzzled feelings. Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan, both familiar with Yang Suguan, hearing this exchange were even more amazed and couldn’t speak for a long time.
Yang Suguan paid no attention and turned to look at the Angry Cang people: “The Abbot previously agreed with everyone on the three battle participants. Now I’m replacing my teacher, inevitably breaking the promise. Do you have objections?”
Chang Xuehen laughed heartily: “A great master left and a little fool came—we’d beat drums and gongs celebrating, what objections could we have? Master Fang, quickly take the field—today we have rabbit meat to eat!”
Hearing Yang Suguan’s wild boasting, Fang Zijing snorted, his eyes grimly slanted, and said quietly: “Boy, your master is acting sneaky and mysterious—what medicine exactly is he selling in his gourd?”
Yang Suguan put his palms together: “Master Fang, rest assured—what’s in the gourd isn’t poison but antidote. Everyone can safely consume it.”
Hearing these words, Fang Zijing gave a cold laugh: “You’ve heard that Angry Cang Mountain opens its gates wide and walks the main road, not getting involved with court corruption. I advise you—don’t drag my disciple into this.”
Yang Suguan spread both hands, pretending bewilderment: “Master Fang’s words are hard to understand. Are you ultimately willing to take the field and teach this junior?”
Hearing him speak so casually, Fang Zijing became hesitant instead. Relying on his grandmaster status, how could he spar with a junior? Winning this battle would be inglorious; losing would be disgraceful. With his Sword King status, why waste energy fighting this battle? Looking at Divine Monk Tianjue’s intention was even more incomprehensible. For a moment he pondered continuously, difficult to decide.
Though Lu Guzhan didn’t understand their conversation, he secretly guessed and knew Fang Zijing had no intention of taking the field. He looked sideways at Yang Suguan, seeing this person’s flickering eyes as if having infinite schemes. Martial world rumors said this Ministry of War Director was full of tricks. Looking at his appearance, he would probably rely on his junior status to play dead and act pitiful. If he used fierce eloquence to tie up the Sword King, perhaps this boy could drag it to a draw.
Lu Guzhan, with hundreds of strategies, naturally had to guard against such lowly tricks. He dressed for the field and declared loudly: “No need to trouble the Sword King—I’ll take this meal.”
Though Yang Suguan was young, his martial world seniority was high—he was of the same generation as Lingzhi and Lingding. If Lu Guzhan fought him, there would be no bullying, unlike Fang Zijing who would be conspicuous and easily cause disputes. Moreover, the two had fought at Ghost Pavilion before—Lu Guzhan was naturally familiar with Yang Suguan’s character and habits, so he intended to take the field and discipline this person.
Seeing Lu Guzhan enter the field, Lingzhi secretly called this bad. Master Lu’s martial arts were absolutely no less than Shi Gang’s. If they agreed to victory within a hundred moves, it would be fine. The strength disparity was too great. Worried, Lingzhi glanced at Yang Suguan, seeing this junior brother’s face completely calm as if unworried.
Not knowing the situation and not understanding Divine Monk Tianjue’s intention, he coughed and shook his head: “How about this—Junior Brother Lingyin, please receive Benefactor Lu’s excellent techniques.”
Lingyin was one of the Four Great Vajras. Though his martial foundation wasn’t as good as Tianjue’s and Lingzhi’s skills, he was also a rare master in the martial world. Especially after mastering the forbidden technique “Chestnut Chariot Four Absolute Hands” this past month, his martial arts had advanced by leaps and bounds. Perhaps he could restrain Lu Guzhan’s whip techniques.
Hearing the Abbot’s call, Lingyin was about to enter the field when someone laughed: “Everyone don’t be hasty—please step back. We have a hero here who wants to take the field.”
Everyone turned to look quickly—it was Azure Robe Scholar.
Lu Guzhan laughed: “Does the Military Advisor also want to play this match?”
Azure Robe Scholar smiled and shook his head: “Master Lu, why do you speak so? Whether Master Lingyin or you, Master Lu, neither should fight this battle.”
Lu Guzhan pondered: “The Military Advisor means…”
Azure Robe Scholar smiled: “Imperial Physician Yang substituting for Master Tianjue in battle—that’s filial respect for his master, truly admirable. But our Master Fang has taught and instructed, his might shaking everywhere—doesn’t he have disciples?”
He walked into the field and lightly pushed Qin Zhonghai’s back: “General Qin, Imperial Physician Yang is Divine Monk Tianjue’s disciple, and you are Master Fang’s beloved disciple. For our third match, please take action!”
Hearing this, Lu Guzhan immediately understood. He looked up and laughed, clapping: “Military Advisor Tang’s lesson is right. It’s time for the younger generation of heroes to compete.” He waved his hand and laughed: “General Qin, please come up.”
Hearing Azure Robe Scholar wanted him to take the field, Qin Zhonghai immediately laughed loudly and strode into the field center.
Azure Robe Scholar, as Angry Cang Mountain’s military advisor, naturally had to strategize carefully. Seeing Yang Suguan take the field with Lu Guzhan challenging him, but then the opponent wanting to change to Lingyin responding instead—since the opponent had strange tricks, Azure Robe Scholar, seeing this, naturally sneered secretly and simply used counter-scheming to send Qin Zhonghai into the field.
Qin Zhonghai’s internal energy was so high it directly pursued his master’s level, and his blade techniques were so strong they weren’t inferior to any of the Five Tiger Generals. If he competed in the same field with Yang Suguan, it could be said he held certain victory—the gap was even greater than Lu Guzhan versus Lingyin. Moreover, one was Tianjue’s disciple, the other was the Sword King’s beloved student. At this moment, pushing Qin Zhonghai forward, even Lingzhi couldn’t refuse.
Azure Robe Scholar, seeing Lingzhi lower his head silently and Lingyin showing difficulty, immediately smiled: “Abbot Master, our Angry Cang heroes never use age to bully youth. Since Divine Monk Tianjue is unwilling to take the field and changes to having his disciple fight, then we’ll also invite Master Fang’s excellent student to enter the field for sparring. Both families have equal seniority—neither takes advantage of the other. What do you say?”
Martial world people most believed in ethics. At this time, Fang Zijing and Divine Monk Tianjue each sent disciples to compete—both sides were neither humble nor arrogant, neither taking advantage of the other. Lingzhi naturally couldn’t refuse, or it would show his side’s discouragement even more. However, Qin Zhonghai’s martial arts were high. His mighty reputation from the Zhu Family Manor battle had already thundered through the martial world. Though there were outstanding figures among the martial world’s younger generation, except for “Tianshan Successor” Wu Dingyuan who could compete with Qin Zhonghai, the rest weren’t yet significant. At this moment, if “Literary Yang, Martial Qin” fought, Qin Zhonghai, relying on his mastered divine skills, would probably win before the battle even began.
Lingyin and Lingzhen worried in their hearts and were about to speak to stop this when Yang Suguan already replied: “Since Mr. Azure Robe speaks so, I naturally should receive instruction.”
Lingzhen was rash by nature. Hearing these words, he was about to retort on the spot, but Lingzhi’s thoughts turned and he quickly stopped his junior brother, saying quietly: “Since Uncle Master has arranged it so, he must have his intentions. Everyone should observe quietly.” Though everyone wanted to say more, since even the Abbot had agreed, they couldn’t openly contradict and had to step back.
Yang Suguan smiled slightly at Lingzhi and slowly walked into the field center.
※※※
This battle hadn’t yet begun, but master and disciple hadn’t seen each other for several months and naturally had matters to discuss. Fang Zijing seized the opportunity to pull Qin Zhonghai to the field’s edge. He touched his disciple’s cheek and smiled: “How have these days been?”
Qin Zhonghai forced a smile: “Very well indeed. Every day morning and evening I practice diligently, desperately training Master’s blade techniques—couldn’t be better.”
Before coming up the mountain, Fang Zijing had met with Zhi Guan and naturally knew about Yan Er’niang and Little Lu Bu’s matter. Seeing the desolation in his beloved disciple’s eyes, he knew his state of mind hadn’t been good these days. Qin Zhonghai didn’t want him to worry, so he changed the subject: “When I take the field shortly, does Master have any instructions?”
Fang Zijing sighed and shook his head, saying quietly: “Master heard some news—Divine Monk Tianjue seems to have important business to discuss with you.”
Qin Zhonghai was startled: “The old thief Tianjue has something to say to me? What matter is that?”
Fang Zijing frowned tightly: “Master visited Dharma Hall once but couldn’t figure it out clearly at the time. Anyway, this old thief has gone to great lengths just to meet you once.”
Qin Zhonghai was full of puzzlement and was about to ask more when suddenly he heard calls from companions behind him. Fang Zijing turned back to see hundreds of eyes in and outside the field staring unblinkingly at master and disciple. He patted Qin Zhonghai’s shoulder and laughed heartily: “Master and old monk Tianjue have performed this old drama for over ten years—everyone’s tired of watching. Now that we’re getting old, it’s time to let you disciples stretch your muscles!” He lightly pushed Qin Zhonghai’s back: “Go! Let Master see whether you’ve been practicing diligently or slacking off and fooling around.”
Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Master, rest assured—even if I whore wildly and gamble every day, I won’t disgrace you!”
※※※
The situation suddenly changed dramatically—Literary Yang and Martial Qin were actually going to compete in the same field. Everyone focused their attention, all waiting for the two great generals to take the field.
Mountain wind blew, the rain stopped, and everyone felt cool. Sunlight emerged from behind rain clouds, making the field even brighter. Yang Suguan’s manner was refined. He hung his long sword at his waist and waited naturally in the field center, first putting his palms together to greet Abbot Lingzhi, then slightly bowing to everyone at the field’s edge. Yang Suguan was the court’s commander-in-chief—Lu Yun, Wu Dingyuan, Song Gongmai and others were all subordinates, so they stood up to return the courtesy. Even An’dao Jing stood up.
Qin Zhonghai carried his steel blade with a bold manner. He strode into the field center, slammed his steel blade into the ground, and looked up at the sky solemnly without a word—his manner greatly different from usual.
This battle’s significance was extraordinary. Qin Zhonghai was Fang Zijing’s beloved disciple and Angry Cang heroes’ main general. Yang Suguan was Tianjue’s closed-door disciple and court forces’ commander. Whichever side won would not only display their school’s capabilities but also show the rise and fall of righteous and evil momentum. It seemed this battle didn’t only concern Qianlong’s coming and going but had countless deep meanings—absolutely couldn’t be lost.
However, though the battle situation was tense, the battle outcome could already be dimly seen. Since Qin Zhonghai had learned the Fire Greedy Blade’s final three moves, he had first defeated Li Tieshan, then broken through the court army’s great forces. His three ultimate techniques could be said to respond naturally and flow as one with his heart. Though Yang Suguan had “Bodhi Thirty-Three Heaven Sword,” his power was still shallow and not worth fearing. Qin Zhonghai deeply knew his colleague’s martial foundation and dared pat his chest guaranteeing decisive victory.
Rain clouds scattered, sunlight emerged from the clouds, warmly shining on both men. The two who were once called Literary and Martial were now competing for different principles. The heroes, thinking back to past events, couldn’t help sighing deeply. Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan, both serving as officials in the Liu faction, had vivid memories of the past and sighed secretly even more. If either of these two colleagues were injured or killed, it would be a lifelong regret.
Yang Suguan gazed at the distant sky and said flatly: “Brother Qin, you and I have known each other for seven or eight years, both working for Marquis Liu. Who would have thought we’d have today’s battle? Life is truly unpredictable in all things, isn’t it?”
Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Don’t talk about that. Today I come for Qianlong, you fight for Shaolin. We’re either kings or defeated bandits—neither needs to yield to the other.” He immediately drew his blade with a swish, throwing the scabbard far away. Yang Suguan nodded slightly, removed his sword, and also held his weapon.
The two heroes stared at each other for a moment, then suddenly whistled clearly in unison and simultaneously struck out one move.
※※※
Yang Suguan’s sword moved with lightness and spirit, transforming into seven paths. Seven cold flowers floated around him, the cold flowers swaying and each pointing out seven cold stars. In moments, a great light cover appeared around him. He had actually started with a killing move—precisely the final move of “Dharma Thirty-Three Heaven Sword”: “Nirvana Afterlife.”
Qin and Yang, one taught by Fang Zijing, the other trained by Divine Monk Tianjue, had never sparred in martial arts because they both worked for Liu Angtian in the past. No one in the martial world knew who was superior. This could be considered their first time fighting.
Everyone saw Yang Suguan’s opening move required no energy gathering or force concentration—the sword seemed to move at will. They thought he must have been practicing martial arts diligently these days without worldly entanglements hindering his martial progress. The Shaolin monks originally had worried hearts, but seeing Yang Suguan’s sword technique showing great maturity, everyone secretly approved, all feeling this battle might not necessarily be lost.
Yang Suguan took a deep breath and instantly gave a clear whistle. Countless cold stars killed forward.
Qin Zhonghai, seeing cold stars attacking with fast and urgent momentum, nodded slightly and smiled: “Imperial Physician Yang’s martial arts have improved so quickly! Let Old Qin meet you!” He raised his steel blade and vigorously swung it, then lazily withdrew the blade to his shoulder—his manner quite rude.
“Nirvana Afterlife” was proud in the martial world and was Yang Suguan’s life-protecting ultimate technique. Logically, with countless cold stars emerging, Qin Zhonghai would have to dodge in panic, but how could casually swinging one blade count as blocking? All the masters in the field, seeing Qin Zhonghai so presumptuous, were momentarily shocked and uncertain, not knowing what he planned.
Just as the cold stars were about to fly out, suddenly a blazing air current rushed toward Yang Suguan’s front. In moments, a great fire had already ignited. Even with Yang Suguan’s deep concentration, he couldn’t help being greatly shocked. He immediately withdrew his sword, abandoned his move, and quickly leaped backward. As the sword move was withdrawn and force dissipated, the countless cold stars from “Nirvana Afterlife” also fell accordingly. His life-protecting unique technique was actually broken in one move.
This move by Qin Zhonghai was precisely “Fire Greedy Void Wind Slash,” capable of attacking five feet in front of the enemy. Combined with the blade’s length, the attack range reached one zhang in radius. Yang Suguan’s sword was about four feet long and he hadn’t practiced “Sword Light” type ultimate techniques, so he naturally appeared inferior at this moment.
The Shaolin monks, seeing this move, all opened their mouths wide. This “Fire Greedy Void Wind Slash” was the first time appearing before martial world colleagues since Fang Zijing created it. Fang Zijing, seeing his beloved disciple’s technique was rigorous and had deeply learned his true transmission, couldn’t help stroking his beard and smiling, secretly nodding. The monks, in their shock, all inquired about this move’s origin.
Yang Suguan secretly calculated in his heart—after not seeing each other for several months, Qin Zhonghai’s martial arts had indeed greatly advanced as rumored. Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan hadn’t seen Qin Zhonghai fight for a long time. Seeing his newly mastered ultimate technique now, they felt even more amazed.
Yang Suguan’s face showed neither joy nor anger. He pressed his hand on the sword hilt as if pondering methods to resist the enemy. Qin Zhonghai coughed lightly: “Imperial Physician Yang, it’s not Old Qin boasting, but my martial arts have now greatly advanced and are definitely not something you can contend with. For everyone’s harmony, I think we should forget it!”
Yang Suguan made a sound and said proudly: “General Qin’s words are mistaken. Yang serves the court wholeheartedly and works for the Marquis with all his strength. Even if I can’t win, I absolutely cannot stop.” Without saying more, he raised his long sword and said sternly: “Brother Qin, my second sword is coming.”
Qin Zhonghai had old friendship with him and didn’t want to embarrass him too much, so he immediately nodded: “Imperial Physician Yang needn’t be polite.”
Yang Suguan took a deep breath, made a sword flower with his left hand, and thrust out the sword body with his right—precisely “Blissful Heaven” from “Dharma Thirty-Three Heaven Sword.” This move had elegant body technique, with one sword point like celestial maidens scattering flowers, covering Qin Zhonghai’s upper body vital points. It could be considered an exquisite sword move from Shaolin’s orthodox transmission.
If the opponent weren’t Qin Zhonghai but an ordinary martial world hero, when Yang Suguan used this “Blissful Heaven” move, the Shaolin monks would definitely cheer loudly. However, Qin Zhonghai’s blade technique earlier was indescribably strange, with power and patterns beyond imagination. The monks inevitably felt wary, fearing Qin Zhonghai had more strange moves to break this.
Indeed, Qin Zhonghai’s blade edge turned, first slashing left then quickly drawing right. This move was called “Demon Fire Prairie Burning,” the second form of Fire Greedy Single Blade. Though it seemed ordinary, at this moment Qin Zhonghai’s internal energy was so strong it could directly approach his master Fang Zijing’s level. Casually slashing down, the momentum was extraordinary. In moments, the blade edge struck the sword blade. The fierce force immediately made Yang Suguan’s wrist numb and sore, instantly forcing Yang Suguan to withdraw his move again and leap backward.
Yang Suguan’s expression was grave as he held his sword toward Qin Zhonghai, momentarily not knowing how to make moves. The Angry Cang Mountain people all thought: “Yang Suguan’s ultimate technique was broken as soon as he took the field. He’s already in a desperate situation—no need to continue this battle.”
Qin Zhonghai also secretly laughed and thought: “Imperial Physician Yang has always cared about face. Though from a famous family, limited by his power, his martial arts are still limited. I’ll show mercy shortly and let him make a few more moves. At least his face will look better, fulfilling our comradeship duty.” He leaped up and raised his blade in a feint slash—one move “Fire Cloud Eight Directions” striking toward Yang Suguan’s upper body vital points. This blade momentum covered an extremely wide range. If the opponent lacked perfect eyesight and knowledge, they truly couldn’t see where his blade edge was going.
Seeing this move, Yang Suguan immediately turned and pointed his feet on the ground, flying backward several zhang. Everyone, seeing him not parrying but fleeing, guessed he knew his power was insufficient and didn’t dare fight Qin Zhonghai’s ultimate techniques head-on. Chang Xuehen, seeing this, couldn’t help laughing loudly: “Damn! This rabbit’s lightness skill is really amazing!”
Qin Zhonghai didn’t intend to make Yang Suguan lose too much face, so he didn’t pursue and kill but stood calmly in place, leisurely scratching his head. The Shaolin monks, seeing Yang Suguan’s martial arts far inferior to Qin Zhonghai’s with signs of contempt, were all shocked and angry. Yang Suguan, seeing Qin Zhonghai standing still, immediately used lightness skill to leap in front of Qin Zhonghai, then struck out one move “Joyful Heaven” toward Qin Zhonghai’s lower abdomen. Qin Zhonghai sneered coldly and fiercely used one blade “Dragon Fire Devouring Heaven” directly chopping down at his long sword.
This “Dragon Fire Devouring Heaven” was Qin Zhonghai’s past life-protecting ultimate technique. When used half a year ago, its power was already extraordinary. Now with Qin Zhonghai’s strong internal energy rarely seen in the martial world, if Yang Suguan didn’t know to avoid it, his sword body would probably break immediately or his tiger’s mouth would split. Recognizing the danger, he hastily leaped backward again, his expression quite embarrassed.
The two exchanged over ten more moves. Every time Yang Suguan attacked within three feet of Qin Zhonghai, he was forced back by one blade—his martial arts greatly inferior. This was the final battle of Shaolin versus Angry Cang’s decisive fight. Who would have known that compared to the previous two battles, it was not only less exciting but also had much less fighting spirit? After watching for a while, everyone couldn’t help discussing among themselves.
There was a martial world saying: “Liu faction’s two generals—Literary Yang, Martial Qin.” Both were considered great generals under Liu Angtian. Logically, this hard battle should be evenly matched. Who would have known that as soon as they sparred, Yang Suguan’s martial arts appeared greatly inferior?
Chang Xuehen yawned and said to Jie Tao: “Fighting like this, they won’t determine victory by next year. I’ll sleep here first. When this sissy gets tired of running, you can wake me up!” He lay down on the ground and began snoring.
The Shaolin monks were furious beyond measure, but with Yang Suguan not daring to strike hard and only dodging and avoiding, how could they blame others for mocking comments? The monks all complained: “What is Imperial Physician Yang thinking? If he knew he wasn’t the opponent, he shouldn’t have forced himself forward to take on the third battle’s victory and defeat. Look how he’s lost all of Shaolin’s face—how can we walk in the martial world?”
The monks were full of resentment, but Yang Suguan pretended not to know and only circled around Qin Zhonghai in guerrilla fighting. Whenever there was a good opportunity to strike, he would kill out one or half a move. If Qin Zhonghai raised his blade to counterattack, he would fly away, absolutely not fighting head-on. The Angry Cang people, seeing Yang Suguan had no way to break through, thought this competition’s victory was already clear—their side would certainly win.
After another ten or so moves, Qin Zhonghai saw the sun setting west with sunlight gradually fading and thought: “Court forces are treacherous and deceitful. If we continue fighting endlessly like this, they might take advantage of darkness to launch surprise attacks.” Fearing the court had other intentions, with only Zhi Guan and Xiang Tianshou stationed for defense on his side, if something went wrong, the entire army would be annihilated. He shouted loudly: “Imperial Physician Yang, be careful! Take this move!” Instantly his blade momentum turned urgent with full-force attack, actually wanting to achieve victory within several moves.
Qin Zhonghai roared, hunched his shoulders and bent his waist, slashing one blade toward Yang Suguan’s waist. This blade was vicious and extremely fast—if it hit solidly, it would definitely be a waist-cutting disaster. Yang Suguan, recognizing the danger, hastily leaped upward. The blade slashed under his feet. Qin Zhonghai had already anticipated he would leap up to avoid it. He pushed off with his foot and also leaped up, the steel blade slashing horizontally, still chopping toward Yang Suguan’s waist.
Yang Suguan, seeing his lightness skill far superior to the past and his move changes extraordinarily fast, found himself in mid-air with nowhere to hide. He could only sink his long sword to block Qin Zhonghai’s steel blade.
With a “clang,” blade and sword met. Yang Suguan’s tiger’s mouth was in severe pain, and his long sword was actually shattered by the hard shock. Great force transmitted, and his entire person was shaken and flew out by the blade’s rigid energy. He fell straight to the ground, lying on a piece of green stone slab for a long time unable to get up.
Having finally knocked him down, Qin Zhonghai wanted to take advantage to firmly restrain him to avoid complications. He raised his blade and leaped, using Fire Greedy Blade’s sixth level power in one move “Greedy Fire Surging” directly enveloping Yang Suguan.
At this time, Yang Suguan lay on the ground with no power to parry. The fire-red blade light shone down, making Yang Suguan’s face appear even more tragic. The Shaolin monks, deeply fearing Qin Zhonghai would kill, were all greatly shocked. Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan were also extremely worried. Both shouted in unison: “General Qin! Spare his life!” Though Lingzhi, Lingyin and others wanted to intervene and rescue, constrained by field rules, they could only love but not help.
Qin Zhonghai always valued friendship and remembered old times—how could he harm his former colleague? At this moment, though his steel blade patterns were continuous and seemed about to injure someone, his actual intention was only to cover Yang Suguan. Deeply fearing he would sway left and right, Qin Zhonghai came to warn verbally, shouting: “Imperial Physician Yang, if you want to keep your life, absolutely don’t move rashly!”
The two were already close, only three feet apart. Qin Zhonghai turned his blade to the side and reached out to grab the person. Just at this moment, Yang Suguan flipped up and jumped, the corner of his mouth slightly slanted, actually smiling at him. Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked, realizing he had reserved strength and not knowing what mystery he was creating. Thinking of his master’s words before facing the enemy, his heart was even more shocked and uncertain.
However, at this moment “Greedy Fire Surging” had already been released, and it was too late to withdraw force. Though avoiding Yang Suguan’s body, the blade still slashed down toward the ground. Tremendous sound brought up countless mud and dust. For a moment, earth and stones scattered everywhere with sand and dust flying—victory and defeat seemed already decided.
Chang Xuehen applauded and laughed, first rushing into the field and calling: “Boss, well done! Killed the sissy!”
Lingzhi lowered his head silently, Song Gongmai covered his face and sighed. Court people and Shaolin monks all looked dejected. Even Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan looked at each other blankly. Shaolin three battles, Angry Cang three fights with two victories—according to both sides’ agreement, “Qianlong” would certainly return to the mountain. From then on, Five Tigers would gather with Dragon and Phoenix returning to the heart. They could no longer do anything about this group of rebels.
※※※
After a while, dust gradually settled, revealing the field scene. Gao Tianwei looked intently and was immediately shocked, shouting: “Where are they?”
Everyone, suddenly hearing this, were all amazed. Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan worried about their colleague. Lingzhi and Lingyin’s hearts hung on their junior brother’s life and death. The Angry Cang people feared court schemes to harm them. Both enemy and ally forces ran up together, each lowering their heads to investigate.
They saw a deep hole left in the ground. Qin Zhonghai and Yang Suguan had long disappeared. Everyone looked carefully and saw the hole was dark and bottomless. By sunlight, there seemed to be a platform below, but besides this, no human figures could be seen.
Everyone looked at each other, not knowing how a deep hole would suddenly appear in the ground. Chang Xuehen was extremely panicked, lying beside the hole and shouting loudly: “Boss, are you down there?” He shouted several times, only hearing echoing reverberations but not hearing Qin Zhonghai’s response, as if he had fallen into boundless hell and disappeared forever.
Chang Xuehen was shocked and uncertain. Li Tieshan had already walked over with his iron sword raised, pointing angrily and shouting: “Bald thieves! Unable to win in competition, you resort to ambush and harm—what kind of martial world heroes are you!” Lingzhi quickly said: “Benefactor Li misunderstands. Where this hole came from, we also don’t know. How could we have intentions to harm?” Everyone, hearing him claim ignorance, all felt disbelief. Li Tieshan shouted: “You’re the Shaolin Abbot yet you shirk responsibility like this—do you have any accountability at all?”
With Qin Zhonghai falling into the deep hole, who knew if Shaolin Temple didn’t intend to ambush? Both sides’ forces, in their wariness, cursed each other. This side was eager to enter the hole to find people, while that side resisted to the death, not letting them pass. Chang Xuehen angrily said: “Damn! If you block the way again, I’ll be the first to kill!” He raised his phoenix-mouth blade and chopped toward the monks. Lingyin blocked it and said anxiously: “Everyone calm your anger. This back mountain is our uncle master’s place. Without his orders, even the Abbot cannot enter without permission. We truly cannot let everyone go in.”
The field was in complete chaos. Everyone pointed and cursed—a fight could break out at any moment. Lu Guzhan, seeing the disadvantageous situation, immediately pursed his lips to whistle, called down a flying eagle from the sky, and was about to transmit the battle situation here down the mountain. Lingyin was both shocked and hurried, wanting Lingzhi to step forward and speak, but saw the Abbot with his head lowered in deep thought, seemingly in meditation. His heart was anxious as he turned to look at Song Gongmai and others, but saw them with bewildered faces, also losing their composure.
At this moment the scene was tense. If Lu Guzhan transmitted orders down, with Angry Cang’s thirty thousand troops in surrounding momentum, they only needed to charge up the mountain in one stroke, and all the monks would have no chance of survival. In this chaotic moment, one person rushed forward and shouted loudly: “Everyone slow down your actions! Let me enter the hole to find people!”
Everyone turned their heads—the newcomer was Lu Yun. Lingyin’s heart filled with joy and he quickly said: “Benefactor wants to go down?”
Lu Yun nodded vigorously and said loudly: “I came here under imperial orders precisely to see results. But with both Imperial Physician Yang and General Qin missing, there mustn’t be any accidents. If everyone trusts me, let Lu Yun enter the hole to investigate.”
Lu Yun volunteered to enter the hole to find people. Everyone in the field, hearing these words, each looked at the deep hole and calculated.
The situation was tense. At this time, Qin Zhonghai had entered the hole alone. Tianjue and Yang Suguan were both Shaolin disciples—if this master-disciple pair joined hands against Qin Zhonghai, this Angry Cang young master would certainly die. However, the mantis catches the cicada while the sparrow waits behind. Looking at the Angry Cang forces at the mountain’s foot watching like tigers, if the Shaolin monks had any schemes, the mountain would inevitably become a sea of fire. Both sides had their backing—Shaolin monks could kill the Angry Cang leader, but Angry Cang forces could also flatten Shaolin. Both sides had mutual fear.
Everyone assessed the situation. At this time, to find a path of compromise, they had to find a fair and selfless master to mediate. This person not only had to be upright and just but also have connections with both enemy and ally sides. These conditions were so difficult—though the world was vast, probably only Lu Yun could accomplish this. The Shaolin monks, thinking of this, all nodded.
Lu Guzhan was first to step forward and nod: “This is also good. We send our own people down—Shaolin high monks can’t be trusted, but we can’t bear to ignore it. Brother Lu is willing to go down—that couldn’t be better.” Lu Guzhan could be considered half of Lu Yun’s master and firmly believed in his character. Hearing he intended to enter the hole, he immediately agreed. He turned to look at Fang Zijing and asked: “What does Master Fang think?”
Fang Zijing had met Lu Yun at Mount Hua and knew this young man before him was upright in conduct, definitely not like court scoundrels, and had deep friendship with his disciple. He guessed there would be absolutely no intention to harm. He immediately nodded. Looking toward the deep hole and thinking of Divine Monk Tianjue’s intentions, his heart wasn’t panicked either: “Very good. At this moment, go down quickly. Don’t delay anymore.”
Lu Yun, seeing both sides’ leaders trusted him, was delighted and was about to walk toward the hole entrance when suddenly he heard a low voice say: “Brother Lu, wait before going over.” At this time, no one in the field spoke against this, but this person suddenly spoke to stop him. Lu Yun’s heart chilled as he turned back to look, seeing the speaker wearing armor, about thirty-five or thirty-six years old—it was Wu Dingyuan.
Lu Yun didn’t know why he opposed and felt quite bewildered. He quickly said: “Brother Wu, the situation is urgent and can’t be delayed. If you have any instructions, could you speak later?” Wu Dingyuan shook his head and turned to look at those four lines of characters on the screen wall. Instantly his mind flashed with lightning and thunder—everything about Shenji Cave flew before his eyes. He took a deep breath and said grimly: “Brother Lu, please don’t go down. Below there’s probably… probably…”
An’dao Jing and others in the distance had been discussing the situation. Hearing Wu Dingyuan and Lu Yun’s conversation, they all gathered around to listen. Lu Yun, seeing Wu Dingyuan’s grave expression, felt even more worried and couldn’t help saying anxiously: “Probably what? Dingyuan, speak quickly!”
Wu Dingyuan’s expression was hesitant. He glanced at An’dao Jing and others and said quietly: “Probably… probably there are strange things below.”
Hearing these words, An’dao Jing was immediately frightened and trembled. Gao Tianwei laughed heartily, while the Shaolin monks sneered. Everyone in the field wore mocking expressions. However, Lingzhi and Azure Robe Scholar simultaneously exchanged glances, both exclaiming and paying attention.
Lu Yun was full of doubt, as if falling into a five-li fog. Wu Dingyuan was a steady and worldly person—speaking like this now, he naturally had his worries. However, with Qin Zhonghai and Yang Suguan falling into the deep hole together, they really couldn’t ignore it. Otherwise, if either side suffered casualties, military disasters would immediately explode throughout the world, and all people would certainly fall into suffering’s sea. Lu Yun didn’t know what mystery Wu Dingyuan was creating, so he shook his head and walked toward the deep hole.
Lu Yun hung his “Cloud Dream Marsh Sword” at his waist, borrowed rope from the temple monks, tied it securely, and was about to lower the rope and descend. Wu Dingyuan, seeing that hole entrance like hell’s blood gate, suddenly felt reluctant. Thinking of their past shared hardships in the capital, he rushed forward and gritted his teeth: “If we must die, better we die together.”
Lu Yun exclaimed: “What are you saying?”
Wu Dingyuan said nothing more. His left hand embraced Lu Yun’s waist, he gave a great shout toward heaven, and his body leaped down like a flying bird, instantly disappearing without trace.