In a bustling eatery, people from all walks of life gathered in small groups, eating, drinking, and chatting. Recent events in the martial arts world had stirred up excitement, with everyone discussing the matters in hushed, serious tones.
“Didn’t I say it years ago? After fifteen years of peace, bloodshed was bound to return! You all laughed at me then, but look at what’s happening now!” one man boasted.
“This demon cult is…” another began, but was quickly shushed.
“Watch your mouth! Some of us still want to live!”
“Alright, alright. What’s going on with this ‘divine cult’? They’ve suddenly killed the master of Peiqiong Manor and Master Fakong, slaughtered the entire Min family, and then turned the Yin clan of Baimao into a bloodbath. Who’s next, I wonder?”
“It seems they’re avenging their former leader who died tragically at Mount Tu fifteen years ago.”
“That can’t be right. I heard the former leader’s surname was Nie, but the current one is Mu. They’re not even related.”
“What do you know? Mu or Nie, they’re still from the same cult!”
“No, that’s not it either. I heard it was the Cai family from Luoying Valley who killed the former leader. If they wanted revenge, shouldn’t the Cai family be their first target? Yet while other sects are in chaos, Luoying Valley remains untouched.”
“Well, I can’t explain that…”
As the discussion continued, a young man in simple clothes and a conical hat quietly bought his food and left, taking the less-traveled paths. As he turned into a secluded alley, two figures suddenly descended from above, blocking his way.
On the left stood a refined young man in elegant clothes, while on the right was a tall, imposing youth in fine attire. Ding Zhuo, always preferring action to words, immediately attacked. He hurled his food package at the refined man with his left hand while his right palm clashed with the imposing youth’s. All three were merely testing each other’s skills, not using full force. They quickly retreated to a safe distance after the brief encounter.
You Guanyue, ignoring his soiled clothes, waved his hands frantically. “Young Hero Ding, please calm down! We didn’t kill Master Fakong or Master Zhou, nor did we exterminate the Min family. We’re good people, truly!”
Shangguan Haonan scoffed, “Good people? Would your ancestors agree?”
Ignoring him, You Guanyue continued pleading with Ding Zhuo, “Young Hero Ding may not know us, but your junior sister Zhaozhao is our very dear friend…”
Shangguan Haonan interjected again, “Very dear friend? Would the cult leader agree?”
Ding Zhuo seemed uninterested in You Guanyue’s words, instead scrutinizing Shangguan Haonan from head to toe. Uncomfortable under his gaze, Shangguan Haonan clutched his clothes and snapped, “What are you looking at, brat?”
You Guanyue muttered, “I don’t see what’s so special about this brute.”
Ding Zhuo asked, “Are you naturally pure Yang?”
Shangguan Haonan, surprised, proudly confirmed, “Indeed, I was born with a pure Yang constitution, a rare gift!”
Ding Zhuo frowned. “If you’re naturally pure Yang, why haven’t you cultivated the most rigorous Yang-based internal arts? You could have achieved so much more, even reaching celestial levels.”
Shangguan Haonan looked embarrassed. “Well… as the sole heir for generations, I married early.”
“He even took three wives!” You Guanyue added quickly.
Hearing this, Ding Zhuo exploded in anger, pointing at Shangguan Haonan. “A natural pure Yang constitution is extremely rare! You’ve wasted this heavenly gift by losing your virginity so early. It’s utterly foolish! You… you have no self-respect, no chastity. You’re nothing but a wilted cabbage leaf!”
With that, he stormed off, as if someone had publicly humiliated his father. A gust of wind picked up the discarded food wrapper, twirling it gracefully before settling at their feet.
“… What did he just say?” Shangguan Haonan asked, dumbfounded.
You Guanyue replied, “He said you’ve lost your purity, have no chastity, and are now a wilted cabbage leaf.” Unable to contain himself, he turned away, pounding the wall with laughter.
Furious, Shangguan Haonan destroyed half the wall with a single palm strike, leaving You Guanyue without support. “Finished laughing? Let’s go after him!”
An hour later, in a secluded room, Dai Fengchi lay on a bed, wrapped in bandages, his face pale and his breathing weak. Ding Zhuo carried the bloodied bandages outside, where You Guanyue eagerly took them.
“Young Hero Ding, please rest. We’ll handle these chores. In a couple of days, the Ghost Doctor Linshuo will arrive. Don’t believe the rumors about him sending people to the afterlife; he’s quite skilled. Young Master Dai will surely improve then.”
Ding Zhuo bowed politely. “Thank you for your help.”
Shangguan Haonan stood nearby, his face dark with anger, but Ding Zhuo, oblivious to social cues, simply walked towards the western wing.
Shangguan Haonan grumbled, “If it weren’t for Miss Zhao, I’d crush that Ding brat, even if the cult leader punished me severely!”
You Guanyue grinned. “Don’t be so petty. He was just lamenting that you didn’t make good use of your gift, turning from a delicate flower into a wilted cabbage leaf. He meant well, haha!”
“Say that again, and I’ll set up Star with a matchmaker!” Shangguan Haonan threatened, raising his fist. You Guanyue finally fell silent.
Sighing deeply, Shangguan Haonan muttered, “Miss Zhao is perfect, except for her many ‘senior brothers’!”
As they entered the western wing, they found their beautiful and dignified cult leader seated at a table, scrutinizing Ding Zhuo who sat opposite her.
The two men silently took their positions on either side of Mu Qing’yan. Ding Zhuo lowered his sleeves and sat before her. “Cult Leader Mu, there’s no need to repeat. My junior sister has told me everything. I’ve been hiding outside, not returning to Qingque Sect, because I trusted Zhaozao.”
His candid tone conveyed a familiar trust. Mu Qing’yan frowned, skeptical. “You believed such an incredible story just because Zhaozao told you?” She disliked all young men close to Cai Zhao.
“Of course, I believe her,” Ding Zhuo replied. “With recent events in the sect, few noticed that Master hasn’t personally guided our training for a long time. I thought it was due to his old injuries, but…”
He continued gravely, “Once, I snuck into Master’s practice room for secret manuals. I discovered that the center of his jade lotus meditation platform had sunken evenly.”
Mu Qing’yan’s brow furrowed slightly. “Jade is extremely hard. Even the Yanyang Blade might not cleave it in one strike. It seems Qi Yunke’s inner power has increased dramatically.”
Ding Zhuo drank some cold water from a rough clay bowl. “My junior sister is generous. After exposing Qiu Renjie as an impostor, she distributed the Snow Scale Dragon Beast’s saliva widely. Master Leifeng’s pharmacy alone received a large bottle. Thinking back, Master stopped guiding our practice right after she obtained the saliva. I snuck into his room two or three months later.”
Mu Qing’yan narrowed her eyes. “Qi Yunke’s cultivation was nearly perfect. How could his inner power increase so rapidly in just two or three months? Unless he started practicing the Purple微 Heart Sutra.”
Ding Zhuo nodded. “I didn’t think much of it then, assuming Master had encountered some fortunate opportunity. Unfortunately, I never had another chance to enter his practice room. For over a year, Master has been pretending his skills haven’t improved in public. I was confused until I heard my junior sister’s explanation.”
He sighed, “My junior sister’s cultivation is gentle and righteous, and she’s intelligent. I must learn more from her, not just focus on training. With a clear mind, practice becomes more beneficial.”
Mu Qing’yan’s eyebrows arched, her mind brewing mischief. She smiled, “Young Hero Ding is indeed admirable and humble, a blessing to righteous people everywhere. But why did Miss Cai leave you behind? Could she secretly look down on you as her senior brother?”
Ding Zhuo, unperturbed, replied directly, “Zhaozao isn’t like that. When we parted, we agreed that Second Senior Brother’s injuries were too severe to leave unattended. She told me to find a place for him first, saying she’d come to find me after finishing her business.”
Mu Qing’yan, feeling jealous, pressed on, “A young woman might not be as capable as you in handling matters. If she truly valued you, she should have stayed to care for Young Master Dai while you took care of business.”
Ding Zhuo answered matter-of-factly, “Cult Leader Mu, you’re too kind. Though my junior sister is young, her skills far surpass mine, especially in lightness kung fu. We once sparred, and if she hadn’t held back, I’d have eaten dirt. She patiently advised me several times after that – she’s quite good to me.”
Mu Qing’yan’s attempts at sowing discord backfired, leaving her fuming. She grew to despise Ding Zhuo and all “senior brothers,” wishing they would all disappear. She contemplated the possibility of killing Ding and Dai in this small courtyard, framing Qi Yunke, and keeping it from Cai Zhao.
You Guanyue, noticing his leader’s displeasure, guessed her murderous intentions. Though he had no connection to Ding Zhuo, he remembered Cai Zhao’s kindness to him and Xing’er and decided to be a good person. He turned his back to Ding Zhuo and mouthed to Mu Qing’yan, “Leader, this man is just a simpleton. Don’t take him to heart.”
Shangguan Haonan, full of resentment, took a moment to observe the situation. He sighed and also turned to face Mu Qing’yan, mouthing bluntly, “I have three wives and understand women’s thoughts somewhat. This Ding fellow is foolish and loose-lipped. He’s not worthy of you, Leader. Even if Miss Zhao were blind, she wouldn’t fall for this simpleton.”
This direct statement lightened Mu Qing’yan’s mood. Before she could respond, the foolish Ding Zhuo inadvertently saved his own life.
“Ah my junior sister is good in every way, except she’s too attached to worldly concerns, neglecting her practice. For martial artists, it’s better to sever emotional ties,” Ding Zhuo sighed, shaking his head. “I’ve decided to remain unmarried, but I see my junior sister is fond of worldly life. She’ll likely marry and have children someday. What a pity, truly a pity.”
His expression of deep regret delighted Mu Qing’yan, instantly dispelling her previous resentment. You Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan felt relieved, knowing the crisis had passed for now.
Suddenly, Ding Zhuo looked directly at Mu Qing’yan and questioned, “My junior sister said you also planned to practice the Purple 微 Heart Sutra, so you allowed Master to take the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower.”
Mu Qing’yan’s expression darkened. “The Purple 微 Heart Sutra is our cult’s treasure. As the leader, why shouldn’t I practice it? If your junior sister was unhappy, she could have reasoned with me kindly. Who knew she’d be so heartless? I cared for her deeply, yet she abandoned me so easily. How can a man of honor endure such humiliation?”
You Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan thought the situation would escalate again. Surprisingly, Ding Zhuo nodded, “That’s fair. The Purple 微 Heart Sutra is so powerful, it’s like putting a fortune before a greedy person. Few in the world could resist. Cult Leader Mu’s desire to practice it is understandable. However, this technique is truly evil and against nature. It’s better not to practice it.”
He continued, “Cult Leader Mu should think positively. My third senior brother couldn’t make my junior sister mistreat him even if he wanted to. During her wall-facing period, no matter how Third Senior Brother approached her, she always remained politely distant.”
Mu Qing’yan raised her proud lashes, “I know. That’s why I’ve decided to give up practicing the Purple 微 Heart Sutra. If Young Hero Ding doesn’t believe me, I can swear on my late father’s remains.”
Ding Zhuo looked at her for a moment, then suddenly revealed Cai Zhao’s plan: “My junior sister went to Changchun Temple. She said she was going to find her uncle, Master Juexing.”
Mu Qing’yan’s fingers trembled, dropping the clay bowl on the table. Her eyes lit up with joy, “Let’s go find her before she gets into trouble.” She paused, then added magnanimously, “As long as Zhaozao apologizes to me, I won’t blame her anymore!”
Ding Zhuo thought to himself, “Alright… I don’t think my junior sister will apologize. You might end up being the one apologizing, but I don’t understand romantic relationships well. As long as you’re happy, Cult Leader Mu.”
After settling Dai Fengchi, Ding Zhuo mounted his steed and rushed with Mu Qing’yan and the others for several days to Qingxi Hollow. Upon reaching Changchun Temple, they found it in disarray, with corpses of grey-robed masked men scattered everywhere.
“It’s just as my junior sister predicted. Master didn’t spare Changchun Temple,” Ding Zhuo exclaimed in shock and anger. “But where are the monks? Where have they hidden?”
Mu Qing’yan said gravely, “Don’t worry, they can’t have gone far with the bodies.”
“What bodies?” Ding Zhuo was puzzled.
Mu Qing’yan pointed at the grey-robed corpses, “With so many of Qi Yunke’s men dead, Changchun Temple couldn’t have escaped unscathed. The absence of monk corpses suggests they took their fallen brethren with them when they fled.”
Just then, Shangguan Haonan rode up urgently, shouting, “Leader, You Guanyue sent a pigeon message. He’s found traces of the Changchun Temple monks twenty li from here.”
Mu Qing’yan’s eyes flashed, “After them!”
The group traveled light, riding through the night. They finally caught up with the Changchun Temple monks sheltering in a mountain god temple late at night. Master Juexing stood guard at the door, imposing. “What do you want?” The monks, still reeling from the murder of Abbot Fakong and the massacre at their temple, were both frightened and angry, like startled birds.
You Guanyue, relying on his amiable smile, quickly said, “Please don’t be angry, Masters. We’re good people!”
“Good people?!” Master Juexing felt insulted.
You Guanyue persisted, “Actually, we’re all good friends of Miss Zhaozao!”
Amid the monks’ looks of disbelief, Shangguan Haonan felt embarrassed and angrily said, “You Guanyue, stop talking!”
Fortunately, Ding Zhuo and Mu Qing’yan dismounted and approached. Ding Zhuo rushed forward, shouting, “Master, it’s me! We’re looking for my junior sister Zhaozao. Have you seen her?”
Master Juexing tilted his bald head, “Our temple doesn’t accept nuns. Go look for your junior sister elsewhere.”
Ding Zhuo put his hands on his hips, “Master, stop pretending. We’ve already seen the Yanyang Blade’s marks on the grey-robed corpses in Changchun Temple. My junior sister must have been here. Where is she now?”
“I don’t know!” Master Juexing said impatiently. “Your Qingque Sect is so powerful, go find her yourselves!”
Ding Zhuo pressed urgently, “Didn’t my junior sister explain everything to you? Don’t you know who killed Abbot Fakong? This is no time to be upset, Master!”
Master Juexing’s gaze swept past the others and landed on Mu Qing’yan, who had just approached. “… Are you Mu Qing’yan?”
Mu Qing’yan wore a dark brocade robe embroidered with gold, cinched with a white jade belt. He truly looked handsome and elegant in the moonlight. He bowed respectfully as a junior, “Greetings, Master Juexing.”
Master Juexing thumped his staff heavily, “All of you, go out. You, come in with me!” The first part was directed at the Changchun Temple monks, the second at Mu Qing’yan.
The monks withdrew as instructed, and Mu Qing’yan followed Master Juexing into the mountain god temple. Master Juexing stopped before the weathered mountain god statue and turned to face Mu Qing’yan, his gaze piercing. “Zhaozao took seven lashes for you and spent two full months recovering in bed before she could walk. Did you know that?”
Mu Qing’yan replied softly, “I know.”
Master Juexing, known for his fiery temper since youth, grew even more intense with age. “Qingque Sect’s whip is notoriously painful. Those who suffer it are left with torn flesh and blood. Did you know that?”
“I know,” Mu Qing’yan repeated quietly.
Master Juexing’s voice rose further. “Zhaozao fainted after her punishment, biting her lips in pain. She woke up in agony when medicine was applied, yet she never spoke ill of you. Did you know that?”
Mu Qing’yan’s heart ached. “… I know.”
Growing angrier, Master Juexing continued, “I don’t care about your grievances with Zhaozao. That whipping alone means she owes you nothing. Do you understand?”
“So what?!” Mu Qing’yan suddenly raised his head, his gaze sharp and defiant.
Thinking he had misheard, Master Juexing asked, “What did you say? Zhaozao suffered so much for you, and you say ‘So what’? Do you have any conscience?”
Mu Qing’yan’s jaw tightened as he responded coldly, “I hate when she mentions ‘gratitude’ and ‘obligation.’ She constantly remembers how I saved her life and helped her as if without that debt, she could easily cut ties with me!”
He continued, his voice rising, “I know she’s suffered for me, but I don’t feel indebted to her! Even if she hadn’t risked her life for me or taken those lashes, wouldn’t I still give her anything she wanted, help her with anything she needed?”
“Gratitude, debt – we shouldn’t need to speak of such things! She’s mine, and I’m hers, but she just doesn’t understand!”
Mu Qing’yan’s anger surged, his breath ragged, causing his robes to billow and the floor tiles to crack beneath his feet.
As their voices grew louder, those outside the temple grew wary of the heated exchange.
After a long stare, Master Juexing suddenly calmed and said, “In my youth, I witnessed many passionate lovers. After years of observation, I concluded…”
Mu Qing’yan waited for the monk’s insight.
Master Juexing continued slowly, “My conclusion is – becoming a monk is quite good.”
Mu Qing’yan was taken aback.
The monk sighed, “The Buddhist path is peaceful and leads to longevity. Look at my master; he outlived four generations of your Mu family. When my master first started, your great-grandfather was still alive, surrounded by powerful figures. Who could have guessed that after your great-grandmother’s passing, he would retreat into seclusion, losing all his vigor?”
Gazing at the temple’s ceiling, the monk continued, “My master often said that when your great-grandfather’s romantic side overshadowed his heroic spirit, righteous sects secretly rejoiced. Who knew it would allow the demon Nie Hengcheng to rise? My master often lamented that if your great-grandmother had lived longer, many tragedies might have been avoided…”
In the cold, dilapidated mountain god temple, the past felt distant and sorrowful.
After a moment of reflection, Mu Qing’yan asked, “Master, where has Zhaozao gone?”
Master Juexing replied, “Zhaozao asked me to take the injured to Xiaoyue Temple ahead. She’ll meet me there to expose Qi Yunke’s evil deeds. Before leaving, she mentioned she had figured out the spies you placed around Qi Yunke and Zhou Zhizhen.”
Mu Qing’yan’s eyes lit up. He bowed, “I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Master!”
Master Juexing turned away, annoyed.
Before leaving the temple, Mu Qing’yan couldn’t help but ask, “Master, what are your plans now?”
The monk replied irritably, “First, I’ll settle the injured, then find some help to confront those bastards at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff! The world’s barely known peace, and they’re stirring up trouble again. They should all be strung up! Amitabha, to hell with them!”
Mu Qing’yan smiled gently, “Master, Zhaozao is quite like you in some ways.”
The monk stomped his foot, “Nonsense! Haven’t you heard that nieces take after their uncles? Now go find her!”
Outside the temple, Ding Zhuo looked confused. “Where are we going?”
“Jiangnan,” Mu Qing’yan replied, taking out a small golden whistle. “To avoid missing her again, we’ll ride the giant roc ahead. Once we find her, if she doesn’t anger me again, I won’t blame her.”
Ding Zhuo thought to himself, “I think she’ll anger you again, and you definitely won’t blame her for long. But I still don’t understand romantic relationships, so as long as you’re happy…”
In Jiangnan, at Peiqiong Manor’s secluded northern courtyard, Zhou Zhixian lit three incense sticks in a quiet meditation room. She bowed before a lone tablet inscribed with “Spirit Tablet of Late Husband Shao Gongteng Yun.” Her gaze was tender and loving as if he were still present.
After reciting the usual eulogy, she moved to the adjacent room where Mu Qing’yan and Ding Zhuo rose to greet her. Zhou Zhixian returned the greeting and gestured for them to sit.
As they gathered around the table, Zhou Zhixian began softly, “Twenty years ago, when heroes were abundant, my late husband Shao Tengyun was unremarkable. Not only was his cultivation mediocre but he was often ridiculed for being overly cautious. He didn’t join Ping Shu in his heroic adventures, nor did he answer Wu Yuanying’s call to attack Dinglu Mountain. We thought such a cautious man would live to a ripe old age, but who knew…”
Mu Qing’yan continued, “Who knew Nie Hengcheng would slaughter Shao’s sect to cultivate the Purple 微 Heart Sutra? Shao watched helplessly as his master was taken by the Tiangang Dishaxing, sacrificing himself to save his defenseless master’s wife and young disciple brother, dying at Zhao Tianba’s hands.”
Hearing this for the first time, Ding Zhuo was moved. “Sacrificing himself to repay his master’s kindness and save the weak, Hero Shao is truly admirable!”
Zhou Zhixian shook her head gently. “Being a hero or not doesn’t matter, but as his widow, I can’t disgrace his memory.” She looked up, “A month ago, Cult Leader Mu sent me a secret letter revealing the truth about Nie Hengcheng’s abduction of my husband’s master. He asked if I would intervene if someone were to cultivate the Purple 微 Heart Sutra again. I replied that if it were true, I would stop it even at the cost of my life.”
Ding Zhuo understood. “No wonder you’re willing to cooperate with the demon cult…” He casually used the term ‘demon cult’ without regard for Mu Qing’yan beside him, causing Zhou Zhixian to smile lightly.
Mu Qing’yan raised his teacup. “Heroine Zhou, your righteous spirit is admirable.”
Zhou Zhixian sighed softly, “It seems now that it’s not my cousin but Sect Leader Qi who’s cultivating the Purple 微 Heart Sutra. He first killed Master Fakong and my cousin, then slaughtered the Min family, and now the Yin clan of Baimao. His methods are ruthless. What are your plans now, Cult Leader Mu?”
Mu Qing’yan’s gaze sharpened. “What did Zhaozao tell you?”
Zhou Zhixian smiled, “She told me about your plan – waiting for others to complete the Purple Wei Heart Sutra before making your move.”
Despite his usual thick skin, Mu Qing’yan felt embarrassed under Zhou Zhixian’s clear, gentle gaze. He said softly, “I was mistaken. I’ve abandoned that idea now. May I ask, Heroine Zhou, where has Zhaozao gone? Surely she hasn’t gone to attack Qingque Sect alone?”
He couldn’t help but think of Cai Pingshu’s resolute use of the Heaven Demon Disintegration Technique to kill Nie Hengcheng, and the thought of Cai Zhao doing something similar made him break out in a cold sweat.
Zhou Zhixian retorted, “Haven’t you also placed people around Qi Yunke?”
“I have made some arrangements, but…” Mu Qingyan frowned. “According to my subordinates’ reports, Qi Yunke has recently gathered his followers and confined his forces within the sect. Yang Heying and Song Xiuzhi have also taken a large group of their trusted men up to Wanshui Qianshan Cliff. Afterward, all the iron chains crossing the cliff were cut.”
Ding Zhuo exclaimed, “Oh no! What about Elder Lei and his wife?”
Mu Qingyan replied, “They’ve most likely been imprisoned.”
Zhou Zhixian’s eyes showed concern. “It seems Qi Yunke’s cultivation has reached its final stage. He’s completely isolated himself from the outside world and surrounded himself with troops to avoid interference. Now, you can’t contact your undercover agent either, can you?”
“…That’s correct,” Mu Qingyan admitted, somewhat dejected. Although he hadn’t planned to intervene midway but rather to act when Qi Yunke completed the Purple Micro Heart Sutra, the current situation left him feeling rather embarrassed.
Zhou Zhixian suddenly smiled. ” Zhaozao has already guessed it. She figured out both your undercover agent near Qi Yunke and that Qi Yunke would isolate himself during the third stage of cultivating the Purple Micro Heart Sutra.”
“So what?” Ding Zhuo asked, clueless. “What does my junior sister want to do?”
Mu Qingyan stood up abruptly, finally understanding. “We should go immediately to—”
“There’s no need to go,” Zhou Zhixian gently interrupted. “If you rush over now, you’ll miss Zhaozao again, just like the previous two times.”
Mu Qingyan calmed down. “In that case, let’s gather our forces and head straight for Fengyun Peak.”
Zhou Zhixian suddenly looked directly at him. “I know your sect is strong and numerous. How many people does Sect Leader Mu plan to take up Wanshui Qianshan Cliff?”
“I understand Sect Leader Mu wants to help us stop Qi Yunke’s evil deeds, but in the eyes of the world, it would appear that after 200 years of equal strength, your sect has finally broken through the natural barrier of Wanshui Qianshan Cliff and bloodied Qingque Sect. In the end, the Six Northern Sects would lose face, and your sect would unify the world.”
Mu Qingyan understood and coldly replied, “You want my help but hope the Divine Sect’s forces won’t enter Jiuli Mountain. Miss Zhou, you’re being too idealistic.”
Zhou Zhixian didn’t back down. “In this matter, although Qi Yunke is the main culprit, the root cause lies with Nie Hengcheng and your uncle, Mu Zhengyang. For their selfish desires, they opened the gates of hell and released demons to wreak havoc. As the leader of the Mu family, shouldn’t you bear some responsibility?”
Mu Qingyan couldn’t help but retort, “You’ve been calling us ‘Demon Sect’ for 200 years. Isn’t releasing demons to cause havoc exactly what a ‘Demon Sect’ is supposed to do?”
Ding Zhuo sincerely added, “I think that statement is accurate.”
The gentle middle-aged woman said, “Mu Zhengyang and Nie Hengcheng caused havoc, so Pingshu killed these two demons, severing all ties. You’re different from them, which is why Zhaozao likes you.”
Ding Zhuo added, “I think that statement is also accurate.”
Mu Qingyan remained silent, his face tense.
Zhou Zhixian sighed, “Zhaozao is young, but she understands everything. That’s why she’s been trying to stop these evil deeds on her own.”
“The last person who did that had all their meridians destroyed and became crippled. Does Sect Leader Mu want the same for Zhaozao?”
Mu Qingyan remained silent, seemingly choked with anger.
Ding Zhuo couldn’t help but praise, “Miss Zhou, you’re impressive!”
Inside Muwei Palace at Qingque Sect, Yang Heying glared at Qi Yunke. “You better keep your word. Once your divine skills are perfected, will you teach us?”
Qi Yunke replied, “A hero needs help. Why else would I bring you here? Without you, I could have cut the iron chains of Wanshui Qianshan Cliff and practiced quietly on my own.”
Song Xiuzhi stepped closer. “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
“Believe it or not, it’s up to you,” Qi Yunke said calmly. “Commander Yang, news of your creation of corpse puppets and the murder of Hero Huang’s family has spread throughout the martial world. Now, Daoist Yunzhuan is widely issuing invitations to heroes, vowing to settle this blood debt with you.”
“And Young Master Xiuzhi, your position as sect leader isn’t very secure, is it? With Song Shijun severely injured and Song Yuzhi missing, those old fogies in Guangtian Gate have lost their reservations. They naturally won’t submit to you. They have plenty of capable young sons and grandsons, all Song family descendants. Who among them couldn’t be the sect leader? After scattering and expelling Song Shijun’s forces, you’ve left yourself isolated and weak.”
“To deal with these useless chatterboxes, no matter what’s said, nothing beats having world-class skills. One force can overcome ten. As for me, I’ve gained two helpers. From now on, we three can form a triumvirate, supporting each other to unify the world. How about it?”
These words stirred Yang and Song’s hearts.
“Good, it’s a deal!” Yang Heying was the first to agree. “We’ll protect you while you practice. When you succeed, you must share the secrets of your cultivation with us!”
Song Xiuzhi’s gaze darkened. “If you go back on your word, I may not remain as Guangtian Gate’s leader, but I’ll make sure the world knows of your misdeeds!”
“Rest assured,” Qi Yunke said impassively. “Even Nie Hengcheng nearly went mad practicing this skill. I’m testing it for you first, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”
Yang and Song thought this made sense and left satisfied.
Li Wenxun emerged from the shadows, sneering, “These two fools. Why don’t they consider that you’re already the leader of the Six Sects? Why go to such lengths to create two powerful rivals for yourself? Have you gone mad?”
Qi Yunke replied, “They’re not stupid, they’re greedy. When greed takes over, nothing else matters.” He turned to look at a respectful figure in the corner. “Dalou, what do you say?”
Zeng Dalou kept his head lowered and said firmly, “I was once a parentless beggar, dying by the roadside. It was thanks to Master and Lady Cai’s help that I am where I am today. Whatever Master wants to do, I know it must be for Lady Cai’s sake. I swear to serve you loyally until death.”
Qi Yunke sighed, “So you still think of Pingshu? I thought you’d forgotten her by now.”
Zeng Dalou replied, “I will never forget Lady Cai’s kindness.”
Qi Yunke nodded.
Li Wenxun asked, “How’s your cultivation of the second level going?”
“I’ve already completed it,” Qi Yunke said. “After resting for a few days, I can start cultivating the third level.”
After Li Wenxun left, Qi Yunke walked alone to the dungeon. Passing cells full of former Qingque disciples, indifferently receiving their contemptuous or fearful gazes, he arrived at the last cell. This cell was spacious, clean, and well-ventilated, holding only three people.
As soon as Lei Xiuming saw Qi Yunke, he rushed to the iron bars, cursing, “Qi, have you gone mad? You had everything as the leader of the world’s top sect, yet you chose to follow an evil path! Ever since you took away the snow dragon beast’s saliva that Zhaozao gave me, I knew something was wrong with you…”
His body was crippled, and he couldn’t stand steadily at the bars. Fan Xingjia hurried to support him.
Qi Yunke ignored them both and looked directly at the third person, saying softly, “Yuzhi, have your injuries healed? If you need anything, just tell your master.”
Song Yuzhi sat alone in the corner and coldly replied, “You’re not my master. I don’t have a master like you!” After a pause, he added, “I heard Song Xiuzhi brought many people here. What evil are you two plotting together?”
Qi Yunke wasn’t offended and smiled slightly. “Song Xiuzhi and Yang Heying are both cruel and vile individuals unworthy of life. When my divine skills are perfected, I’ll use them as sacrifices, then attack Youming Huang Dao, destroy the Demon Sect, and kill Mu Qingyan. By then, the world will be clean, and I can meet old friends with a clear conscience.”
Song Yuzhi couldn’t understand. “What exactly are you trying to do?”
Qi Yunke looked at Song Yuzhi affectionately. “You came to Jiuli Mountain when you were six or seven. I raised you myself. I know you’ve always been righteous. Zhaozao should marry a young hero like you – noble birth, profound cultivation, upright character, and good looks…” His gaze became distant as if seeing someone else through the dark dungeon. “Zhaozao loves to laugh and play, impatient with martial world affairs. You’ll need to be more accommodating and not restrict her. In the future, treat her well. Don’t let my efforts in raising you go to waste.”
Song Yuzhi stood up and shouted, “My father never wronged you! Why did you sow discord in the Song family, causing chaos in Guangtian Gate?”
Qi Yunke replied, “Pingshu once said that after 200 years, the Six Northern Sects have become stagnant, conservative, focused on appearances, and nepotistic. Many aspiring young people, just because of their humble origins, not only fail to get opportunities for advancement but are often suppressed.”
“Now, Taichu Observatory is gone, Siqimen is almost finished, Peiqiong Mountain Villa is on the brink of chaos, Luoying Valley has always kept to itself, and Guangtian Gate can’t be left behind. It’s time for the Six Northern Sects to change, whether through merging or…”
“…or complete dissolution. Either way is possible. However, I’ve left Qingque Sect for you and Zhaozao.”
Song Yuzhi found this incredulous. “After committing so many evil deeds, how do you think the martial world will view our sect in the future?!”
“After I’m dead, do as you please,” Qi Yunke said indifferently. “Expose my crimes to the public, sever ties with me, whip my corpse, leave my bones unburied, let my name be cursed for ten thousand years—whatever you and Zhaozao think will restore the sect’s reputation, do it.” His voice was calm as he turned and leisurely left the dungeon.
“He’s gone mad, hasn’t he? Has he lost his mind?” Lei Xiuming was dumbfounded. “I’ve heard of people treating others as if they’re dead, but he’s treating himself as if he’s already dead!” Song Yuzhi and Fan Xingjia were speechless.
Qi Yunke walked from the dungeon back to the hidden practice room in Muwei Palace. He opened a series of intricately carved doors. In the dim, hazy light, a bitter and profound incense scent permeated the air, reminiscent of the three cycles of the netherworld.
With each door he opened, he seemed to see a vengefully killed enemy—Yin Dai, Yin Qinglian, Yang Yi, the most deserving of death, who died earliest. Mu Zhengming and Nie Zhe, one surnamed Mu, and one surnamed Nie, blood relatives of Mu Zhengyang and Nie Hengcheng, both deserve death. Zhou Zhizhen treated Pingshu poorly, the old monk from Changchun Temple was hypocritical, too deserved death. It was a pity about Chang Haosheng; he seemed to have sensed something, necessitating his premature silencing.
Morality is a lie, benevolence, and righteousness are tools, passion is killed by foolishness, and ideals perish in nothingness. In the end, what is truly worth loving and protecting with our lives? He had long lost clarity. If Pingshu were alive, she would surely know. She would always tell him what was right and what was wrong.
Qi Yunke slowly sat at his desk, tilting his head back and closing his eyes. A hot tear rolled down his cheek.
Thirty li west of Siqimen, in a small mansion, long white funeral banners fluttered. Yang Xiaolan, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt before the spirit tablet, praying with incense. After inserting three sticks of incense into the burner, she abruptly stood up, tearing off the cumbersome hemp cloth and mourning hat, leaving only a plain mourning sash tied around her waist.
The surrounding servants were shocked, exclaiming, “Young Miss, you can’t! Madam has just passed away…”
Yang Xiaolan ignored them and looked directly at the beautiful young girl in the corner of the memorial hall. “Thank you for accompanying me to send off my late mother. My major affairs are settled, and I have no more concerns. Those who shouldn’t have died are dead, while those who should be dead still live. Heaven is blind, so I’ll be its eyes. If the way of heaven is unjust, I’ll administer justice myself.”
The beautiful young girl smiled and said, “Just don’t kill the carrier pigeons.”
Yang Xiaolan wore a chilling smile. “Don’t worry, we’ll deal with them one by one. No one will escape.”