The arrow was on the string and had to be released.
Scholar Xue cast a glance downward. Soon, two disciples of Xiaoyao Sect each carried a box up to the Martial Alliance seats. The boxes opened to reveal various letters and documents lying inside.
“You are all respected elders of the Martial Alliance and frequently exchange correspondence with various sect leaders. Please examine whether the handwriting and seals on these documents are authentic.”
As Scholar Xue spoke, he had disciples present the boxes to the elders. Master Huiguang and Wudang Sect’s Daoist Lingxu were the first to open the letters. After just a few glances, both their expressions showed shock.
Seeing the puzzled looks on the faces of those below, Lu Yazi simply stepped forward to explain, “The documents and letters in that box are personally handwritten by the sect leaders who participated in the persecution of the Yue Family eleven years ago. They bear private seals as proof. The original circumstances of those years are all confessed in these handwritten statements. If anyone among you doubts this, you may come forward to examine them. Whether what I’ve said today is true or false, one look will tell.”
Master Huiguang and Daoist Lingxu rapidly read through a round of letters. The two exchanged glances, unable to hide the震撼 in their eyes. Several sect leaders somewhat closer to the Martial Alliance seats, such as those from Feiying Sect and Divine Fist Gang, scrambled forward, eager to examine those documents. All became increasingly shocked the more they read, and increasingly furious. Lu Tianlan recognized the handwriting in several letters at a glance, “This… this is indeed Huo Zhen’s handwriting… And the chip in Sect Leader Ping’s early private seal is identical to the one on this…”
Chi Zishan’s face was already flushed red with anger. He glared furiously at the people on the platform, “So back then Sect Leader Kong didn’t die on the battlefield… but was betrayed by you pack of wolves…”
Yang Xuzi, confident that he had never written any such statements, cast Lu Yazi a cold glance and declared loudly, “Ridiculous! If what Lu Yazi says is true, that someone dared to betray the Yue Family back then and afterward wrote such confessions, wouldn’t that be seeking their own death? I believe… these so-called handwritten statements are complete forgeries by your Xiaoyao Sect! Some time ago, the former leaders of Canghai Sect, Zhenwu Sect, and Danxia Sect died without apparent cause. We thought it was an accident, but now it seems someone deliberately orchestrated it to seize their private seals!”
When he said this, many people also found it reasonable. Especially people from Canghai Sect and Zhenwu Sect stood up one after another, arguing, “Handwriting can be imitated, private seals can be stolen. To claim that assuming command in a crisis was actually premeditated betrayal based solely on a few documents—that’s utter bullshit!”
The current leader of Danxia Sect said angrily, “Moreover, your Xiaoyao Sect has stayed aloof from jianghu affairs for many years. How would you have obtained these statements?”
Facing the barrage of questions, Lu Yazi was not the least bit offended. He looked at Scholar Xue and said, “Master, since they don’t believe it, why don’t you truthfully reveal the facts?”
A trace of conflict flashed through Scholar Xue’s eyes. Seeing Lu Yazi’s resolute tone, he swept his whisk and said, “Eleven years ago, the former leaders of Canghai Sect, Zhenwu Sect, and Danxia Sect specially came to Xiaoyao Valley, saying that Alliance Leader Shen of that time intended to eliminate their several sects… After repeated inquiries, I only learned that they had done certain things for the Shen Family. Afterward, the Shen Family intended to break the agreement. Fearing for their lives, they each wrote a statement and sealed them within copper stones, saying that if one day they met with misfortune, they asked me to make the statements public… But these past ten years, the sect leaders have been safe and sound. I simply kept the copper stones sealed without knowing their contents. It wasn’t until a month ago when I heard that several sect leaders had died suddenly at Yanling Mountain that I remembered this matter and opened the copper stones…”
As he spoke, he had disciples take out two separated copper stones from the bottom of the box, adding, “My disciple Lu Yazi’s ancestors were swordsmiths, so he contributed his efforts in opening the copper stones and glimpsed the contents of the statements. In his youth, he received kindness from the Yue Family and earnestly requested that I reveal the truth to the world…”
Hearing this, Yang Xuzi’s face instantly darkened. He thought to himself: I never expected that while Huo Zhen and Ping Shang appeared to respect me on the surface, they secretly did such things behind my back. They must have been certain I would inform His Majesty, which is why they concealed it even unto death.
Master Huiguang pondered, “I see. But this old monk still has one question. Why did these three sect leaders entrust their statements to Xiaoyao Valley back then? Could it be…”
The Master paused slightly, as if finding it difficult to speak plainly. Then Daoist Lingxu continued, “Were they not afraid that Xiaoyao Valley would use this as leverage against them?”
In other words—why did those three seek you out and not us?
Scholar Xue stroked his beard and smiled serenely, “Back then, most martial sects obeyed the Shen Family. Although Shaolin and Wudang could be said to have maintained their independence, they were also on good terms with the court due to their relationship with the Yue Family. Moreover, if it had been you two masters who learned the truth, you might not have risked universal condemnation to publish these statements…”
Master Huiguang and Daoist Lingxu fell silent.
Indeed, Shaolin and Wudang had extensive disciples, including many secular disciples serving in various positions within and outside the court. If the statements were made public, it would inevitably implicate innocent parties… Moreover, with the Central Plains situation already settled, even for the sake of the people’s stability, they would likely have hidden this matter.
“My Xiaoyao Sect has always been indifferent to worldly strife. Additionally, in my youth I shared life-and-death bonds with several sect leaders, so agreeing to this matter was only natural…” Scholar Xue stepped forward. “Of course, if Taixu Sect and Eastern Xia had no chance at the Alliance Leader position in this martial arts assembly, I would not have wished to add this complication. However, Eastern Xia’s national power is declining daily, and Central Plains martial arts is in decline. Even though Xiaoyao Sect has no desire to compete for power and profit, we cannot bear to see treacherous villains leading the martial world…”
These words were reasonable, well-evidenced, and mixed with genuine emotion, making it truly difficult to find any flaws. Zhou Qin whispered to Fu Yanyang, “I thought Xiaoyao Sect weren’t good people, but I didn’t expect them to have such pure hearts…”
The corner of Fu Yanyang’s mouth twitched as he said in a low voice, “You believe him just because he says so? Look at this martial arts assembly—from the venue setup to the series of strange rules, Xiaoyao Sect is involved in everything… If they didn’t have plans from the start, I’ll remove my head for you to use as a stool.”
Zhou Qin let out an “ah,” “Could it be that all these things are fabricated by them?”
Though Fu Yanyang didn’t know much from his brother, he privately had a good idea of who instigated the Yue Family’s calamity. “Not quite to that extent. I’m just wondering…”
“What?”
Fu Yanyang’s words stopped. He thought to himself: With this move, Xiaoyao Sect has not only torn a huge hole in the martial world’s sky—the entire Central Plains will likely be in turmoil… Big brother’s informants are spread across all corners. There’s no reason he would be completely unaware. But if he was aware, how could he have done nothing?
After Scholar Xue finished this well-organized speech, the martial artists by Qiong Lake were already showing signs of agitation. Especially those who had received kindness from the Yue Family in the past—their fists were already clenched so tightly they creaked. If not for a trace of doubt remaining about the authenticity of these statements, some would have already rushed to cause trouble for Taixu Sect or the Eastern Xia faction.
Sensing the hostility coming from all directions, Yang Xuzi hastily spoke up, “Scholar Xue, you not only forged these so-called statements but also fabricated such an absurd story. What exactly are you trying to accomplish!”
As long as he insisted the statements were fake, combined with the martial foundation he had built over these years, he didn’t believe everyone would trust Xiaoyao Sect.
“Sect Leader Yang, actually besides the statements, there’s another piece of evidence that can prove my master’s words are not false…” Lu Yazi pulled out another letter from his bosom. “This one is a letter written by the Yan Kingdom’s Second Prince Mingyue Sheng to the Shen Family eleven years ago… The seal on this can’t possibly be something we could steal…”
A chill ran through Yang Xuzi’s heart. He watched as Lu Yazi displayed the letter on the platform. The letter was covered with a full page of Yan Kingdom script, with a dark red stamp at the very bottom.
He didn’t know where this object had suddenly appeared from, but he knew full well that Xiaoyao Sect had come thoroughly prepared this time. If he let the situation continue to develop like this, he truly would have no way to clear his name!
As soon as this thought arose, Yang Xuzi’s sword tip turned and thrust swiftly toward Lu Yazi, saying, “Good! Let me see whether this letter is real or fake!”
When the Taixu Sword’s killing intent was activated, it was no small matter. Lu Yazi was after all two generations younger than Yang Xuzi. Facing this sword head-on, there was no way to avoid it—he could only forcefully parry. In just a few short exchanges of blade and sword, he was forced to retreat continuously.
Xu Laifeng had come with a mission and should have intervened to stop this, but seeing that Lu Yazi seemed to be deliberately yielding, he held back his hand instead. Just then, a cry of alarm came from the crowd. Xu Laifeng turned his head to see two curved blades whistling through the air, pouncing straight at Yang Xuzi. Yang Xuzi leaned back to avoid them, but heard a “tssss” sound of blade cutting through flesh—the curved blade had actually gouged off the hand that was trying to seize the letter!
Yang Xuzi let out a wretched scream. He watched helplessly as his palm fell to the ground, blood spraying from his wrist, the pale severed bone exposed—a truly gruesome sight. Xu Laifeng looked up to see the two curved blades return to their owners’ hands. Three people swept across the water surface and landed steadily on the platform.
Only then did Xu Laifeng see clearly that these three were from Yunyan Escort Agency. However, Yunyan Escort Agency could never execute such miraculous whirlwind blade technique. Before he could think further, someone in the crowd cried out in terror, “Soul-Reaping Blade! Spirit-Seizing Blade! They are the Yan Kingdom’s Tianhun and Tianpo!”
Soul-reaping and spirit-seizing—when the twin blades combined, their power was boundless. Once, a single Tianhun used just ten moves to shatter the sword formation of over thirty people from Eastern Xia’s martial world. Anyone who had seen them even once would never forget.
Yang Xuzi’s entire body trembled. Seeing Tianhun and Tianpo yield their positions, the “escort chief” stepped forward. “You… you are…”
“We haven’t met in several months. Can Sect Leader Yang not even recognize this prince?”
Yang Xuzi’s eyes widened in shock, “It’s you! Mingyue Zhou!”
An indescribable sense of urgency rose throughout the entire venue. The Central Plains and Great Yan were like fire and water. Now this Yan prince had brazenly revealed himself before everyone’s eyes—could it be the Yan Army was about to attack?
For Mingyue Zhou to reveal himself was tantamount to pushing himself into danger, but he couldn’t allow the letter to be destroyed. In desperation, he could only have Tianhun and Tianpo act. Once they acted, it meant his identity was exposed, so there was no need to continue concealing it.
He turned around, glanced at the letter in Lu Yazi’s hand, and said, “Since Sect Leader Yang doesn’t believe your words, Young Hero Lu, may I borrow this letter to examine?”
Lu Yazi turned his head to look, saying, “Third Prince’s timing is quite fortuitous. It just so happens that we Central Plains people don’t recognize Yan script. I’ll trouble you to examine it carefully and see whether the handwriting and seal on it come from Yan’s Second Prince.”
With that, he handed over the statement. Mingyue Zhou took it and looked for a moment, his face showing complete gloom, “To think… Second Brother, in order to eliminate First Brother, would even go so far as to join hands with Central Plains people…”
His throat moved, the corner of his mouth pulling into a cold smile. He declared loudly, “That’s right. The truth of the Battle of Taixing is exactly as Young Hero Lu stated. Shen Yao first coordinated from within and without with Great Yan to eliminate the Yue Family’s main forces. Afterward, my Great Yan’s vanguard army was ambushed by the Shen Family Army on the return journey. My imperial eldest brother Mingyue Qi also died on the spot! In truth, all of this was orchestrated by my Great Yan’s Second Prince and Shen Yao working together. This letter was also personally written by Mingyue Sheng!”
These words “personally written” were like a final hammer blow, finally shattering even the last trace of doubt.
Yang Xuzi’s eyes were bloodshot. He retreated continuously, saying, “No! It’s Xiaoyao Sect… Xiaoyao Sect colluding with the Yan people to frame us, to falsely accuse us… Don’t believe him, don’t listen to them… This seat is…”
“Is what” was never finished. A short arrow suddenly pierced through his chest and lungs. Yang Xuzi’s pupils abruptly contracted. Before he could see who had struck, he fell from the platform with a crash, blood instantly staining a large area of the lake.
This time not only Xu Laifeng but even Lu Yazi was stunned.
The crowds by Qiong Lake surged up in waves. Seeing many glaring at them with fury, Taixu Sect disciples drew their swords one after another. Deputy Sect Leader Daoist Xu couldn’t concern himself with investigating his sect leader’s death at this moment and kept explaining, “All past matters were done by the sect leader alone. We knew nothing of it…”
People from Divine Fist Gang and Feiying Sect sneered coldly, “Birds of a feather! At this point, you still want to wash your hands clean?”
“That’s right! Taixu Sect, Canghai Sect, and Zhenwu Sect all had a hand in killing Young Master Yue!” Another voice leaped out from a corner. “We all received deep kindness from the Yue Family. If we don’t avenge this, what face do we have to stand in this world!”
“And those running dogs sent by the Eastern Xia court—if we don’t eliminate them today, there will be endless future troubles!”
Wang Xun and Mo Chuan, seeing the situation turning bad, had the martial students move together toward the Martial Alliance’s direction. Then they saw someone pointing at Mingyue Zhou on the platform and roaring, “The chief culprit should be the Yan Army! It was these Yan people who killed the Yue Family Army. Brothers, today let’s capture this Yan Kingdom prince as well, to comfort the spirits of the two young masters of the Yue Family!”
Among them were those genuinely furious, those with private grudges who wished to make an issue of it, and those planning to fish in troubled waters for great merit… But regardless of their motives, “vindicating the Yue Family and upholding righteousness” had become their rallying cry for unity.
At this moment, the assembly venue was like a pot about to explode, ready at any moment to erupt into an oil-fire-splattering riot.
Just then, Mingyue Zhou drew his blade and raised it toward the sky. Simultaneously, over a dozen daytime fireworks exploded in the heavens—from all directions surged a wave of people who surrounded the martial platform on all sides. These people were originally from unknown minor sects that no one had paid attention to, but unexpectedly they swarmed together in an instant with no small force. To get past them to attack Mingyue Zhou would be difficult for the time being.
Fu Yanyang whispered in Zhou Qin’s ear, “I told you, those people living at the mountain’s base looked off somehow. Turns out they’re all Yan people secretly here to protect Mingyue Zhou…”
Master Huiguang said, “Third Prince, this is our Central Plains martial arts assembly. What schemes do you have in mind by having so many subordinates infiltrate?”
Mingyue Zhou very calmly bowed to Huiguang, “Master, please don’t misunderstand. I came here only to investigate the truth of my eldest brother’s death. As for these people I planted, they serve purely as protection. As long as your Central Plains martial world doesn’t attack me, they will naturally behave themselves and absolutely will not disturb the assembly… But if anyone steps out of line, this prince’s cavalry will march into Yuzhou before long, and there will be no mercy!”
As soon as his words fell, steel wire nets suddenly rose from the lake surface on all sides, completely blocking off the martial platform and locking together overhead into a circular arc. Tianhun and Tianpo instinctively slashed with their curved blades, but who knew that after several strikes, the steel wire was impervious to blades and spears. A perfectly good martial platform had instantly been trapped into a cage.
The succession of unexpected changes truly left people at a loss. Lu Yazi pointed his blade toward Mingyue Zhou and declared loudly, “Since all you heroes have come to my Xiaoyao Valley, no matter what happens, if Xiaoyao Sect cannot ensure everyone’s safety, wouldn’t that be a grave sin? Today, even if I, Lu Yazi, must perish together with the Yan prince, I absolutely will not allow the Yan people to harm our guests in the slightest… While the Yan Army has not yet arrived, everyone please leave quickly!”
This declaration of self-sacrifice for righteousness moved not only others but even the Martial Alliance elders showed expressions of admiration. The disciples of Xiaoyao Sect timely declared in unison, “We are willing to live and die together with our eldest martial brother!”
Wei Shaoxuan finally stopped watching the excitement. He stepped forward and said, “Young Hero Lu’s generous and righteous actions—if we were to simply walk away, what face would we have to mix in the jianghu in the future? Everyone please rest assured. Regardless of whether Great Yan has dispatched troops, the great army my Western Xia has stationed at the border will absolutely not stand by and watch the barbarians invade our Central Plains people!”
With the Western Xia General personally feeding everyone this reassurance, aside from a few rats who had already fled in panic, most people stayed. At this moment, someone spoke up first, “If not for this Yan traitor disrupting things, Young Hero Lu would already be our Martial Alliance Leader… Mingyue Zhou, if you dare harm our Central Plains Alliance Leader today, we will never let this rest!”
Hearing this, Mingyue Zhou was suddenly startled. Just as Tianhun was about to act, he suddenly heard Lu Yazi say almost inaudibly, “The Third Prince risks himself to bring this statement back to Great Yan so he can justifiably eliminate the Second Prince’s faction… I originally had no intention of making things difficult. As long as the Prince doesn’t attack, I can ensure the Prince safely leaves Yuzhou. What do you say?”
Mingyue Zhou sneered coldly, “So it turns out this prince has unwittingly become Young Hero Lu’s chess piece.”
Lu Yazi said calmly, “Each taking what they need. Since I dared to take this step, I’ve long been prepared for the worst outcome… Does the Third Prince’s precious self truly wish to fall here over a moment’s anger?”
Mingyue Zhou folded the letter and tucked it into his bosom, “Very well. This prince agrees… However… I wonder about this Young Hero Xu…”
Xu Laifeng pretended not to understand the thousand schemes and ten thousand calculations in their words, hastily waving his hand, “Rest assured. Since you two have reached an agreement, if I interfere wouldn’t I be asking for trouble?”
While the three of them murmured in low voices, the crowd outside had already united in spirit, loudly calling to fight the Yan traitors to the end. As the slogans continued, somehow they transformed from “avenge the Yue Family” to “protect the Alliance Leader to the death.”
Seeing that the crowd’s passion had been stirred about right, Lu Yazi stepped forward, raised his hand to press down, and for the first time the shouts from the shore quieted so rapidly. He clasped his fists, saying, “Everyone, please remain calm! Although the Yue Family suffered calamity eleven years ago due to the Yan Army’s invasion, the chief culprit is actually the current Emperor of Eastern Xia. Now that the Yan prince has agreed to withdraw his troops, please temporarily set aside the old grudges between our two nations. The most urgent matter is that we must first preserve ourselves before we can speak of eliminating evil for the people!”
“The Alliance Leader speaks correctly! If we engage in battle with the Yan Army here today, won’t the Eastern Xia Emperor ultimately reap the fisherman’s profit?”
“We are willing to follow the Alliance Leader’s commands!”
“Alliance Leader! Alliance Leader!”
Lu Yazi sighed deeply, “I am deeply grateful for all you heroes’ kindness. Lu is without talent and knows his qualifications are still shallow. However, given the severity of this situation, to avoid a great calamity, I will temporarily assume the position of Alliance Leader. If anyone objects, feel free to raise it today. Once this matter passes, I will compete with them according to the assembly rules…”
Suddenly, a long laugh broke through the air, interrupting his words. A person in an ink-blue robe came soaring through the sky, flying from behind toward the shore. Without borrowing force even once midway, they could sweep a hundred li—ethereal and inconceivable.
“I object.” It was a cold woman’s voice, her tone arrogant. “Even temporarily, I will not allow it.”
Her toes slowly descended onto the top of the steel wire cage. The wind over the lake blew away her outer robe, revealing her true appearance.
A single blue garment, transcendent and refined. When she turned her gaze, she was truly beautiful to the extreme.
“That… that’s not the first seat of the Eastern Xia faction…”
It was precisely Changling.
The crowd didn’t know how she had floated onto the platform, but seeing her sudden appearance, they assumed she intended to take advantage of the moment to attack Lu Yazi. Chi Zishan, being straightforward, immediately shouted, “Young Hero Lu won the competition fair and square with his fists and feet. Today, no one present is more qualified than him to assume the Alliance Leader position!”
A heavy “thud” resonated. A cold gleam flashed in the air as a sheathed longsword struck the center of the cage top. In an instant, the seemingly unbreakable steel wire net collapsed and crumbled, disintegrating into fragments that fell into the lake.
Changling slowly descended onto the platform. Looking at Lu Yazi’s stunned expression, the corner of her lips curved slightly, “Chi Zishan, you’re wrong on two points.”
“First, he is not Lu Yazi…”
Before her words fell, Lu Yazi gave a great shout, pouring all his life’s cultivation into his blade. A move of “Splitting Heaven and Covering Sun” rolled forth with world-shocking momentum—but Changling’s sword was faster. As radiance flowed, a “ting” sound rang out. That pitch-black long blade flew into the air, falling together with Lu Yazi over a zhang away.
“Second, since I’ve returned…” The sword tip of the Muling Sword pointed only slightly downward, as if the entire lake surface rippled with an aura of the Yellow Springs and Azure Heavens. “…As for the position of Alliance Leader, whomever I say is qualified, is qualified.”
While Lu Yazi was still in shock, he saw Changling’s left hand holding a piece of human skin mask. In his panic, he hastily covered his face, but failed to hide the varied and utterly spectacular expressions of those below.
“Young Hero Lu, I wonder if what I said is correct…” Changling looked down at him, smiling slightly. “Oh no, wait. I should call you Young Master Jing, shouldn’t I?”