At dawn, Si Tu Hui sensed something amiss. His old wounds ached, portending trouble. Though the crossing chains were broken and disloyal disciples imprisoned, the Demonic Cult had failed to breach Wanshui Qianshan Cliff for two centuries. The other five sects were now in disarray.
As Si Tu Hui rubbed his twitching eyelid, alarm bells suddenly rang out. Shocked, he rushed to the cliff with his forces. En route, they discovered unconscious patrol disciples in dense bushes.
Arriving at the cliff, Si Tu Hui nearly stumbled. People were swarming up each chain, with Master Jueyuan, Daoist Yunzhuan, and other martial arts masters guarding the mechanisms.
Si Tu Hui realized a traitor had drugged the guards, hidden their bodies, and shot chains across. He quickly ordered his men to seize the mechanisms, but as more skilled fighters arrived, the enemy grew stronger, resulting in chaos.
Seeing the dire situation, he shouted, “Someone, quickly find Li Wenxun!”
Meanwhile, Mu Qingyan, Cai Zhao, and Yang Xiaolan crouched on high beams, watching guards rush out below, shouting about invaders.
Yang Xiaolan looked worried. “It seems Zhou Nüxia and the others have arrived. Should we go help?”
“No need,” Mu Qingyan replied. “When I flew here on the Golden-Winged Dapeng, I saw them en route. They’re at most half an hour behind me. Many must have crossed by now. We should focus on finding Qi Yunke.”
He turned to Cai Zhao. “What did you discover in Muwei Palace?”
Cai Zhao bit her lip. “There are too many secret rooms and passages built over 200 years. This is just Muwei Palace. If Master is hidden elsewhere in this vast sect, who knows how long it would take to find him.”
Mu Qingyan scoffed, “After all this time, is this all you can do? Have you wasted all your cleverness on guarding against me? Searching room by room will take forever. Why not ask someone?”
“You think I haven’t considered that?” Cai Zhao retorted. “Master is at the final stage of cultivating demonic arts. He’s surely hidden well. Probably only Li Wenxun knows where. But how can I ask him? His guards are formidable, and his skills are exceptional. It would take half a day just to capture him!”
“Li Wenxun is renowned. We might not capture him even after fighting for half a day,” Yang Xiaolan added pragmatically.
Cai Zhao blushed, quickly trying to save face. “Besides, he has skilled bodyguards. Even if I managed to capture him, he seems unbreakable. Would I need to torture him to learn Master’s location?”
Yang Xiaolan nodded repeatedly. “Right, Sister Zhao makes sense. Even if we were willing to risk our lives, there’s not enough time. Questioning Li Wenxun isn’t feasible.”
Cai Zhao’s wounded pride was soothed. She looked at Yang Xiaolan gratefully. “Little Lan is so understanding!”
Seeing the girls grow closer, Mu Qingyan felt inexplicably displeased. He said irritably, “If you’d stop flattering each other, you’d realize there’s someone else in Qingque Sect who might know Qi Yunke’s hiding place.”
Cai Zhao sneered, “This foolish girl awaits Sect Leader Mu’s wisdom.”
“Who else?” Yang Xiaolan was puzzled.
“Song Yuzhi.”
At Wanshui Qianshan Cliff, the battle raged on. Qingque Sect had three main forces: Qi Yunke’s secret gray-robed guards, Yang He’ying’s Siqimen henchmen, and Song Xiuzhi’s newly recruited Guangtian Gate members. The invaders also comprised three groups: Zhou Zhixian’s Pei Qiong Manor disciples, Master Juexing’s warrior monks, and Daoist Yunzhuan’s assembled jianghu heroes.
Daoist Yunzhuan had sought help from the Taichu Observatory but was coldly rebuffed by Li Yuanmin, who stated they no longer had ties with Northern Chen. Master Juexing cursed angrily, Shangguan Haonan laughed, and You Guanyue couldn’t help but mock the disunity of Northern Chen’s Six Sects. Zhou Zhixian consoled them, noting Taichu Observatory’s weakened state and Li Yuanmin’s mediocre skills.
Despite this reasoning, the heroes silently resented Taichu Observatory as the battle intensified. Fortunately, Si Tu Hui’s reinforcements hadn’t fully arrived. As Master Juexing’s iron staff drew nearer, someone suddenly shouted, “Reinforcements have come!”
Shangguan Haonan, being tall, spotted a familiar slender figure first. He warned the others, “Bad news, Li Wenxun has brought many people!”
Zhou Zhixian stepped forward, her face flushed with anger. She pointed her sword at Li Wenxun and shouted, “Li Wenxun, my cousin bore you no grudge. Why did you conspire with Qi Yunke to kill him? You’re utterly vicious!”
Li Wenxun smiled coldly. “Qi Yunke wanted Zhou Zhizhen dead. I merely assisted. If you’re dissatisfied, go settle accounts with him.”
Master Juexing, filled with righteous anger, slammed his staff down and roared, “What about my master? Li Wenxun, you dog, how could you harm my virtuous, elderly master who has done countless good deeds?”
Li Wenxun burst into wild laughter. “Countless good deeds? Ha ha ha, virtuous and elderly, ha ha ha ha…” His eyes filled with deep hatred. “When Elder Cheng and my master died mysteriously, my senior brothers suspected foul play. But Yin Dai was the sect leader of the world’s foremost sect. At their funeral, no one dared question him. That day, thousands of heroes gathered at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff, yet only young Cai Pingzhu dared to speak up, saying ‘This is strange.'”
Daoist Yunzhuan, though usually quick to condemn evil, couldn’t speak on this matter. He had been present at Cheng Hao and Wang Dingchuan’s funeral. His master, the Qingfeng Observatory leader, was close to Yin Dai and said nothing. But later, his eldest senior brother had privately muttered, “That Cai girl wasn’t entirely wrong.”
The two Qingque elders were renowned, with vast combat experience. Even if Kaiyang Elder’s evil skills were unparalleled, they shouldn’t have perished in a three-against-one fight. Yin Dai explained that they had decided to capture Nie Hengcheng alive to interrogate him about his secrets. Killing is easy, but capture is difficult, leading to their downfall.
Li Wenxun stepped forward, crushing a blue stone brick. He continued bitterly, “After the funeral, my senior brothers secretly sought out that old monk Fakong, hoping he would speak up for justice. But who knew, ha ha ha…” Li Wenxun laughed to the sky, his voice full of resentment and anger. “Who knew the old monk would immediately inform Yin Dai? Yin Dai grew wary and decided to eliminate all the direct disciples of Elder Cheng and my master!”
“Thereafter, under the guise of revenge, Yin Dai constantly urged my senior brothers to confront the Demonic Cult. Even when we knew it was a trap, even when we were outnumbered, he forced my brothers to their deaths. Refusing meant being ungrateful and disregarding our masters’ kindness!”
“I was the youngest and weakest, so Yin Dai overlooked me. In just a few short years, I watched helplessly as my brothers were sent to die in waves. No one spoke up for our two lineages… until only I remained!”
Shangguan Haonan frowned. “Venerable Fakong’s actions were improper. Not helping is one thing, but to inform on them…”
Daoist Yunzhuan disapproved. “Don’t speak nonsense.”
The Long Spring Temple monks’ faces alternated between pale and flushed. Master Juexing angrily shouted, “Li, you’re spouting nonsense! My revered master would never be such a despicable person. Stop slandering him!”
Zhou Zhixian pondered briefly, then said, “Back then, Elder Yin had eyes and ears everywhere. He likely knew your senior brothers’ intentions without Venerable Fakong’s input.”
Li Wenxun sneered, “Everyone knows Yin Dai was biased, but Venerable Fakong had a great reputation for kindness and chivalry. If he was so kind and chivalrous, why did he watch Cai Pingzhu go alone to Mount Tu to kill Nie Hengcheng?”
“Where was he when Cai Pingzhu fought to the death? Safely hidden in a cellar, protecting his disciples! What kind of Buddhist scriptures did he recite, and what kind of Buddha did he cultivate? His compassion was just a facade for selfishness!”
Grandmaster Juexing struggled to refute, while Daoist Yunzhuan was left speechless. Even Zhou Zhixian had no response.
“No need for further words,” Li Wenxun said coldly, shaking his head. “Years ago, the three elders of Qingque had exactly twenty-eight direct disciples, renowned in the jianghu as the ‘Twenty-Eight Constellations of the Four Directions.’ Now, some are dead, some crippled, and others scattered. Fakong, please go down and chant sutras for my senior brothers…”
“You’ve lost your mind!” Grandmaster Juexing roared.
Ignoring him, Li Wenxun ordered, “Men, push all the cliff mechanisms down and seal off Wanshui Qianshan Cliff!”
“Third Senior Brother?” Cai Zhao clung to a pillar, bewildered. “You must be joking. How could he know?”
Mu Qingyan replied, “Did you think finding a hiding place was as simple as choosing any cave? The final stage of cultivating the ‘PurpleWei Heart Sutra’ is incredibly dangerous. The slightest disturbance—be it animals, wind, or rain—could lead to cultivation deviation. Therefore, those old, unreliable tunnels and secret chambers can’t be used.”
“So…” Cai Zhao pondered, “Master could only use well-maintained, structurally sound secret chambers? Ones that have been renovated in the past decade or so? Yin Dai’s secret chamber?”
Mu Qingyan nodded. “Yin Dai led the Qingque Sect for thirty years. He meticulously mapped both renovated old sites and newly expanded areas, passing them to his eldest daughter, Lady Qinglian. Now, all this information has been passed to Song Yuzhi.”
Cai Zhao doubted, “I know Lady Qinglian passed all secrets to Third Senior Brother. But would Master use Yin Dai’s secret chamber?”
Mu Qingyan coldly retorted, “Do you hope Qi Yunke uses it or not? Are you reluctant to involve Song Yuzhi? To have him betray his master?”
Cai Zhao, speechless and angry, nearly stormed off, wanting to escape this narrow-minded demon and bury herself under thick blankets forever. Remembering she was perched on a beam, she barely contained her anger.
Yang Xiaolan, sensing the tension, tried to make herself smaller.
Cai Zhao took three deep breaths. “Mu Qingyan, with the tolerance of the Three Pure Ones and the compassion of the Buddha, I’m telling you…” She struggled to control her voice. “In this urgent situation, can’t you think of something more insightful and less trivial?!”
Seeing the veins popping on Cai Zhao’s forehead, Mu Qingyan quickly backed down. “I know you didn’t mean it that way. I just didn’t think it through. Don’t be angry; it’s easy to lose control when upset.”
Cai Zhao, clutching her heaving chest, muttered, “If I lose control, it’ll be your fault…”
Yang Xiaolan, unable to hold back, suggested, “Shouldn’t we first consider where Young Master Song might be?”
Cai Zhao groaned, “Oh no, Third and Fifth Senior Brothers are waiting outside for me to meet them. I didn’t call them, thinking this battle too dangerous, especially since they’re injured.”
“Our Zhao Zhao is so caring, worrying about her senior brothers getting even a scratch,” Mu Qingyan said sarcastically. “But don’t worry, Miss Yang. Song Yuzhi is right now on Wanshui Qianshan Cliff.”
Under Li Wenxun’s expressionless command, the previously chaotic defenders became organized. Some engaged Zhou Zhixian and others, while the rest desperately pushed the huge iron mechanisms off the cliff edge.
Ding Zhuo frantically guarded the last few mechanisms. “I hope they haven’t destroyed the spare mechanisms in the storehouse. Otherwise, how will we leave after defeating the intruders?”
Shangguan Haonan reassured him, “Don’t worry. We’ve already forged some iron cable mechanisms on the sect leader’s orders. After eliminating the enemy, we’ll signal, and Wind Cloud Peak will shoot over the cables for us to catch.”
Daoist Yunzhuan frowned, “Why would you forge such mechanisms without reason?”
You Guanyue replied innocently, “Aren’t these essential for outings, visiting relatives, and crossing mountains and rivers?”
“Still suspicious!” Daoist Yunzhuan swung his whisk at the enemy.
Mu, Cai, and Yang quickly left Muwei Palace, rushing to an elegant mansion near the Chilin Gate.
“How did you know they were held here?” Cai Zhao asked, puzzled.
Mu Qingyan smiled. “To find you, I first snuck into the guards’ quarters. Some ‘helpful’ individuals told me where Song Yuzhi and others were imprisoned.”
Cai Zhao responded dryly, “I wonder if those ‘helpful’ people are still alive.”
“Well, fate determines each person’s life and death,” Mu Qingyan replied nonchalantly.
“…”
The trio swiftly charged towards the mansion. Guards fell quickly, either knocked down or killed. Cai Zhao lifted the floorboards, revealing a vast cellar below. Deep inside, they found clean, dry cells containing Zhuang Shu and others.
Seeing Cai Zhao, Song Yuzhi first froze, then looked ashamed. “Zhao Zhao, I’m sorry. Shortly after we parted, Master’s men captured me and Fifth Junior Brother.”
Fan Xingjia crawled over, sobbing while clinging to Cai Zhao’s leg. “It’s all my fault, Junior Sister! Hit me! I didn’t know Master would do this! I knew nothing about the Purple Wei Heart Sutra! I shouldn’t have given Master the Blood Orchid branch!”
Lei Xiuming said irritably, “Zhao Zhao, do you have… Xingjia, stop wailing! Zhao Zhao, we’ve all been drugged with your family’s Fine Rain Numbing Powder. We’re completely powerless… Xingjia, shut up! I can barely hear myself! Zhao Zhao, do you have the antidote?”
Cai Zhao did have the antidote, but only a small bottle – not enough for dozens of people. Lei Xiuming scratched his head. “Forget about me and Xingjia; we can’t help much anyway. Give the antidote to Yuzhi. His cultivation is high, and his previous injuries have mostly healed. He’ll recover after three cycles of energy circulation.”
In the end, the small bottle of antidote was only enough for Song Yuzhi, Zhuang Shu, and a few others.
Mu Qingyan watched coldly as Song Yuzhi circulated his energy, then impatiently grabbed Cai Zhao to leave. He rudely ordered Yang Xiaolan, “Miss Yang, please help Young Master Song along. Be careful; he’s weak.”
Song Yuzhi, scowling, insisted he didn’t need help and followed Mu and Cai with Yang Xiaolan.
At the foot of a mountain, Mu Qingyan briefly explained the situation, then directly asked Song Yuzhi if he knew the safest, most suitable place within the sect for secluded cultivation.
After careful consideration, Song Yuzhi replied, “My maternal grandfather, fearing the dangers of the jianghu and his many enemies, built an underground fortress filled with mechanisms to protect my mother and aunt.”
“Where is it?” Cai Zhao pressed.
“Beneath the Twin Lotus Pool Palace.”
Cai Zhao leaned back, thinking this location was unexpected yet logical.
Meanwhile, Daoist Yunzhuan stumbled back several steps, pointing at the Vajra Finger expert before him. “Ouyang Kexie, you were Yin Dai’s secret agent. Now that Qi Yunke wants to harm Yin’s wife and daughter, why are you still helping him?”
Ouyang Kexie lowered his hand, smiling slightly. “Has the Daoist seen me before?”
Yunzhuan was taken aback. Of course, he hadn’t; Ouyang was a secret agent.
Ouyang continued, “I had an elder brother. Though poor and without a famous teacher, he achieved some success through self-cultivation. He set out to make a name for himself in the jianghu, gone for years. Finally, a letter came saying a great hero in the martial world appreciated him and would give him a chance to rise. He was determined to work hard and make a name for himself.”
While speaking, Ouyang continued fighting Yunzhuan.
“After that, I never heard from my brother again. When I grew older and inquired in the jianghu, no one had ever heard of him.”
Daoist Yunzhuan seemed to understand. “He… your brother…”
Ouyang Kexie replied calmly, “That ‘great hero’ was Yin Dai. He wanted to build a force of secret agents willing to die. But disciples from renowned sects wouldn’t do such dirty work. So Yin Dai recruited desperate bandits and deceived talented country bumpkins like my brother.”
“Later, I infiltrated Yin Dai’s secret force and discovered that naive youths like my brother died by the dozens each year. They all hoped for success but ended up in unmarked graves. Yin Dai forbade them from revealing their identities, even to family, saving him the cost of compensation.”
Nearby, Ding Zhuo froze mid-fight. “My… my father…”
Ouyang sneered, “Your father was one of Yin Dai’s ‘appreciated’ country boys. Luckily, he had some connection to the Yin family. Yin Dai shed crocodile tears after his death and took you in, earning a reputation for kindness.”
Ding Zhuo paled, his limbs weakening. You Guanyue quickly pulled him aside, warning him to be careful.
Zhou Zhixian’s gaze shifted to Chen Qiong, wondering if he had a similar experience.
Master Juexing shouted angrily, “Fine, we all know Yin Dai was no good. What do you want?”
Chen Qiong struck viciously, “I want Yin Dai’s name ruined forever! I want Qingque Sect torn apart to avenge my nephew’s cruel death!”
“Nonsense!” Daoist Yunzhuan cursed.
Shangguan Haonan looked around and called out, “Lady Zhou, things look bad. While we still have one iron cable mechanism left, let our brothers cross the cliff!”
Zhou Zhixian replied, “It’s not time yet.”
Annoyed, Shangguan said, “Hey, old lady, enough is enough. The situation is dire; stop being stubborn.”
Though over thirty, Zhou Zhixian was still graceful. This was the first time someone called her “old lady.” Despite her usual composure, she angrily retorted, “Shangguan, calm down…”
Just then, a firework exploded in the sky, its golden-red arrowhead shape visible even in daylight.
Shangguan’s expression turned serious. “The sect leader has found Qi Yunke. Let’s go!”
“Good!” You Guanyue put away his ghost-headed hook, gathered seven or eight capable followers, grabbed the dazed Ding Zhuo, and rushed with Shangguan toward the direction of the fireworks.
As they raced towards the Twin Lotus Pool Palace, they encountered Zhuang Shu, who was gathering fellow disciples.
“We found medicine for Master Lei and sent them back to the medicine hut. Then Master Lei told us to find something to do. We found these hidden brothers, and then…” Zhuang Shu was torn between emotion and reason.
You Guanyue, ever friendly, comforted Zhuang Shu, “I understand your dilemma. It’s a tough situation. Though Li has his faults, you’re still his disciples. It’s not right to fight your own master. But standing by violates the code of chivalry. Don’t you agree?”
You Guanyue’s persuasive words eventually convinced Zhuang Shu and others to join them in rescuing Qi Lingbo. After all, Qi Yunke was the sect leader, not their direct master.
They finally caught up with Mu Qingyan’s group, who were blocked in the courtyard of the Twin Lotus Pool Palace by Song Xiuzhi and his elite fighters.
Song Yuzhi calmly drew his Blue Rainbow and Bai Palace swords, their light shimmering coldly. “Second Brother, it’s time we settled this.”
Song Xiuzhi smiled, “Oh? The four of you against us all?”
His words were infuriating. Cai Zhao sighed, reaching for her knife. Mu Qingyan flexed his fingers, smiling, “Guangtian Gate is truly a remarkable place. The Song brothers are especially outstanding. You can choose how you die.”
Yang Xiaolan frowned, “With greater enemies ahead, fighting now will waste energy.”
“What choice do we have?” Cai Zhao said resignedly. “They won’t just let us pass.”
Just then, reinforcements arrived.
“Don’t worry, Sect Leader! Miss Zhao, look who I’ve brought!” You Guanyue grinned broadly.
Seeing Zhuang Shu, Ding Zhuo, and others behind You Guanyue, Cai Zhao immediately understood his intention. She greeted them, “Senior Brothers Zhuang and Ding, come see! That scoundrel is Song Xiuzhi. He not only harmed his father and brother and usurped power, but he’s also trying to take advantage of our sect’s troubles. It’s intolerable!”
Zhuang Shu coldly drew his sword. “Fine, we’ll handle these people!” This way, they wouldn’t have to fight their master or sect leader, just their fellow disciples’ brother – a much easier burden to bear.
Ding Zhuo silently raised his sword, ready to fight.
Seeing the enemy’s numbers grow, Song Xiuzhi panicked. As he considered having his men cover his escape, Song Yuzhi blocked his path with his sword.
“Second Brother,” Song Yuzhi said, “Father is still unconscious. And our eldest brother died tragically. Don’t you owe us an explanation?”
Song Xiuzhi gritted his teeth and drew his sword. “Fine. If you insist on brother fighting brother, let’s duel one-on-one. Heaven will decide who lives.”
A flash of pain crossed Song Yuzhi’s eyes.
Mu Qingyan gleefully exclaimed, “Such bravery from the Song brothers! Let’s see your skills decide the victor!” He quickly pulled Cai Zhao forward, with You Guanyue, Shangguan Haonan, and others following.
Cai Zhao sighed, “Ah brothers fighting… I should intervene.”
“You don’t understand. Sometimes family matters must be settled within the family,” Mu Qingyan said, holding Cai Zhao’s hand. “I bet Song Yuzhi won’t kill Song Xiuzhi. He’ll probably just strip his powers and keep him under house arrest. Such softness won’t control those crafty elders at Guangtian Gate!”
Entering the Twin Lotus Pool Palace, they were met by two rows of menacing guards with long sabers. Yang He’ying emerged, sneering, “Sect Leader Mu, what a surprise!” Noticing Yang Xiaolan, he snarled, “Worthless girl, why are you here?”
Silently, Yang Xiaolan stepped forward, untying a bundle from her back. She placed two melon-sized objects on the ground – the severed heads of Sha Zuguang and Madam Sha.
Everyone gasped. Though Shangguan Haonan and his men were no strangers to violence, seeing the timid Yang Xiaolan carrying severed heads shocked them all.
Mu Qingyan tilted his head, “Did you know about this?”
Cai Zhao shuddered, realizing Yang Xiaolan had been carrying the heads all along. “I knew she killed the Sha siblings, but not that she kept their heads!”
Yang He’ying staggered, recognizing his beloved concubine’s face. Enraged, he shouted, “You dare kill your uncle? You’re worse than a beast! Even if Sha Zuguang was reckless, your stepmother was just a woman. You’ve shown no mercy! How are you any different from evil cultists?”
“Enough, old man! You’ll choke on your spit!” Cai Zhao jumped to Yang Xiaolan’s defense. “The Sha siblings were evil, with countless lives on their hands. Xiaolan is serving justice! Especially that delicate Madam Sha – I’ve heard she’d set vicious dogs on any pretty girl, tearing them apart. She deserved worse!”
Yang He’ying snarled, “Elders are elders, no matter their faults. For a junior to kill them – I’ll purge you from the family!” He struck at Yang Xiaolan, who met his palm head-on. Both stepped back, but while Yang Xiaolan remained calm, Yang He’ying was shocked by her strength.
Yang Xiaolan spoke softly, “Heaven above, earth below – everyone knows who the real beast is, Father. No need for empty threats.” She revealed a pair of silver weapons – the Wind and Thunder Mother-Child Axes, their ancient patterns doubling as blood grooves, emanating a chilling aura.
Yang He’ying’s eyes widened, “The Wind and Thunder Axes!”
“Yes, Grandfather’s famous weapons,” Yang Xiaolan said, tossing aside the sheath. “He secretly sent them to me after his injury and retirement.”
Yang He’ying knew all too well the power of his father-in-law in his prime. In single combat, the old hero nearly matched the Three Elders of Qingque. Unfortunately, his humble origins and dedication to protecting the common people held him back, leaving him without support from major sects and burdened by those he protected.
Yang He’ying narrowed his eyes, “Raising a blade against your father – you’re truly worse than swine and dogs.” He waved, and his guards surrounded them.
Mu Qingyan signaled, and You Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan led their men into battle. Though outnumbered, these battle-hardened warriors could each handle ten opponents, turning the palace into a bloodbath.
Seeing the tide turn, Yang He’ying tried to flee, but Yang Xiaolan blocked his path.
“Father, only one of us will survive today,” she said calmly. Yang Xiaolan caught a faint scent of pine, reminiscent of countless dawns during her rigorous training. She remembered sitting alone in the small courtyard, reading her grandfather’s secret letters full of warmth and encouragement from her extended family – the only tenderness in her short life, now gone with the wind.
“Grandfather, Mother, Uncle, and Aunt are watching us from heaven,” she said serenely, opening the Mother-Child Axes. Their blades gleamed like ravenous beasts thirsting for blood.