Pressed for time, Cai Zhao and her two companions first glided over a hundred li along the towering Jiuli Mountains on sky kites, then switched to swift horses, covering three to four hundred li daily. Whenever her muscles ached from the jarring ride, Cai Zhao longed for the two fierce-looking but gentle golden-winged rocs.
After two and a half days of urgent travel, they arrived at the massive city gates outside Guangtian Gate. Disguised, they entered the city to find a tense atmosphere. Not only were disciples of Guangtian Gate and Siqimen at odds, but even different branches within Guangtian Gate were wary of each other. Various martial artists roamed the streets.
“If it weren’t for us Guangtian Gate maintaining your prestige all these years, Siqimen would have been crushed by Qiu Yuanfeng of Taichu Observatory long ago!” a young disciple in a vermilion robe embroidered with a golden sun sneered. “Now that Taichu Observatory has backed down, you think you can challenge us? Bringing a few old coffins to demand justice from Guangtian Gate—you must have eaten bear hearts and leopard gall!”
Song Yuzhi, listening from a corner, frowned at these words.
A middle-aged man in a black horse and yellow clothing retorted loudly, “Don’t boast! I know Guangtian Gate has many people and great influence, but everything in this world comes down to reason! The mysterious deaths of over a dozen people from the Yellow Sand Gang’s old leader’s family can’t be glossed over! Now we have both witness testimony and physical evidence. Not all heroes in the world will side with the Songs!”
Another Guangtian Gate disciple in red robes and gold sun emblem spoke sarcastically, “Watch your words, Li. Don’t casually refer to ‘the Songs.’ Though we share a surname, they’re the direct subordinates of the Maozhi Young Master, living in luxury. We’re just eating simple meals under the Third Great Uncle and the Hall Branch Patriarch. We didn’t benefit from your past glory, so don’t drag us into your troubles now.”
Fan Xingjia looked questioningly at Song Yuzhi, but his disguised face revealed nothing.
Cai Zhao calmly poured herself a cup of tea, whispering under her wide-brimmed hat, “Indeed, every advantage has its disadvantage. A large family brings its troubles.”
Fan Xingjia chuckled, “What about your Cai family?”
Cai Zhao grinned, “What Cai family? Luoying Valley has changed names four times already. Little Han wrote recently that he’s changed his mind again. He finds mechanical mathematics boring and thinks being a monk and hitting wooden fish is more interesting. Maybe Luoying Valley will have to rely on me taking in a husband and changing names again.”
“Little Sister Zhao,” Song Yuzhi said sternly, “Taking in a husband doesn’t require changing surnames. Changing surnames isn’t called taking in a husband. Please be more precise.”
Cai Zhao: … Seems like you’re not that anxious after all.
Leaving the restaurant, Cai Zhao suggested they not enter Guangtian Gate immediately, but find a secluded inn to stay and sneak in after dark. Fan Xingjia immediately agreed, and Song Yuzhi, after some thought, sighed, “The situation seems far more unpredictable than we imagined. Sister, you’re right. Let’s not show ourselves yet and observe first.”
They made their way to the outskirts and found a teahouse. Despite its name, it was a place for merchants who missed the city gates’ closing time to stay temporarily. It had a complete set of buildings, including a dining hall, guest rooms, and verandas.
When Cai Zhao and her companions entered, the teahouse was empty except for an old couple and their young son working. The old shopkeeper lamented the lack of business due to the turmoil in the city, hoping their sect leader would resolve the issues quickly.
After freshening up in her room, Cai Zhao went downstairs alone. Attracted by the fine snow outside the window, she unconsciously wandered to the back courtyard and sat on a bamboo chair under the veranda, which had bamboo screens on both sides. The teahouse was quiet, and assuming the old shopkeeper and passing merchants wouldn’t recognize her as the young lady who had turned the Six Northern Zhen Sects upside down over a year ago, she didn’t wear her veil, exposing her peach blossom-like delicate face to the cold wind.
Luoying Valley was spring all year round, and Cai Zhao had seen her first snow on Jiuli Mountain. However, amidst the chaos then, she had never truly appreciated the beauty of a snowy landscape. Now, in early winter, the fine, fluffy snowflakes fell like powder, not too cold, but playful and adorable to the eye.
As night fell, a small lamp beside Cai Zhao cast a warm, dim yellow light that blended with the cold snow color, creating shadow patterns like a puppet show through the tree branches. Born cheerful and always finding amusement in everything, even watching ants carry food as a child, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the sight.
Suddenly, she heard very faint footsteps behind the bamboo screen and turned her head alertly. The screen lifted, revealing someone who seemed equally surprised to encounter Cai Zhao here. He, too, had been drawn by the scattered snowflakes in the night sky.
In the dim lamplight, against the dark snowy night dotted with silver, his handsome face had a strange, blurry quality. Cai Zhao felt as if in a dream; though he stood before her, he seemed very distant as if separated by an entire desert and snow-covered land.
He wore a half-old navy blue robe and seemed taller. His expression was gentle yet dazed, only his eyes remained deep and unfathomable. After over a year apart, they were at a loss for words, gazing at each other in silence.
Mu Qingyan raised his long arm to roll up the bamboo screen. “… What were you laughing at just now?”
Cai Zhao replied blankly, “I remembered the shadow puppet shows I watched as a child.”
“Mm, what play was it?”
“I’ve forgotten.” Cai Zhao looked at the flying snow in the night sky. “As a child sitting in the audience, no matter how tragic or joyous the play, how difficult the partings, I always clapped and cheered happily. My aunt teased me, saying I only enjoyed the excitement without understanding the play’s meaning.”
— Aunt, when did you start to understand? It would have been better if you never had.
Mu Qingyan tied the rolled-up bamboo screen. When he had first lifted it, he saw Cai Zhao sitting straight like a schoolchild, her small hands neatly folded on her lap, only her rosy cheeks slightly tilted, a small, secret smile on her lips. Through the hazy, dim yellow lamplight, he seemed to see a small, fair Cai Zhao sitting under the stage, full of joy — surely the most lovable little girl in the world.
“… Have the whip wounds on your back healed?” he asked softly.
This question brought back memories of over a month of suffering. The recollection of sleepless nights, burning with pain, made Cai Zhao shudder. Yet, in the end, she only answered, “They’ve all healed.”
Mu Qingyan clenched his fist, then opened it. Looking at his long, clearly lined palm, he realized that despite now having the power to move mountains and seas, there were still things beyond his control — like bringing his father back to life or preventing her from being hurt.
“I never thought they would torture you…”
Cai Zhao shook her head gently: “I made a mistake. I deserved punishment.”
Mu Qingyan made a sound of acknowledgment, gazing into the night: “So, you’ve already considered me a mistake.”
Cai Zhao seemed to have come to terms with it and advised kindly: “Actually, I’m just as much a mistake for you. Without this entanglement, we could both live more freely.”
Mu Qingyan coldly replied: “That’s your feeling of freedom. Don’t ‘feel’ on my behalf!”
Cai Zhao struggled to maintain politeness: “Sect Leader Mu now holds great power, ruling the world alone. Why bother with these old matters?”
“If I truly had boundless power and ruled the world alone, I wouldn’t helplessly watch you walk away from me!” The young man’s eyes darkened as if a cold flame burned within them.
“Did the great Sect Leader Mu come specifically to argue with me?!” Cai Zhao felt annoyed. She reached into her waist pouch and pulled out a golden object, hanging it on the railing under the bamboo screen. “Since we’ve met by chance, I’ll return this to you.”
Mu Qingyan was startled. He wrapped the slender gold chain around his hand. “Didn’t you pawn this?”
“I did, but Third Senior Brother redeemed it later.”
Song Yuzhi’s unexpected appearance in their conversation was like a stone thrown into a lake, instantly breaking the brief moment of nostalgia and anger. Mu Qingyan and Cai Zhao simultaneously realized something they should have asked earlier —
“What are you doing here?”
“Why have you come here?”
The two questions came out almost simultaneously, surprising them both.
Mu Qingyan’s expression was calm. “Siqimen and Guangtian Gate are in conflict. As the leader of the Demonic Sect, shouldn’t I come to watch the excitement? But why is the little heroine Cai here?”
Cai Zhao cleared her throat. “As you said, Siqimen and Guangtian Gate conflict. Third Senior Brother is worried about his family, so Senior Brother Fan and I accompanied him to check on the situation.”
Mu Qingyan laughed coldly. “Weren’t you always annoyed by the grudges and entanglements in the martial world? Now you’re willing to wade into troubled waters for Song Yuzhi. Such deep feelings between fellow disciples.”
Cai Zhao didn’t defend herself, instead retorting: “Sect Leader Mu is right. As one grows up, one should think more about future important matters to avoid making mistakes. The third Senior Brother is upright and virtuous. My father, mother, master, and even my two sharp-tongued maids all speak well of him. Who in the world could be more suitable!”
“Important life matters? Well said, well said indeed!” Mu Qingyan couldn’t stop his cold laughter. “Recently, You Guanyue sent Xing’er to serve me. I find that girl gentle and obedient, quite to my liking. I wonder if this counts as an important life matter?”
Cai Zhao’s smile froze on her face: “Then I sincerely wish Sect Leader Mu a bright future and a harmonious marriage!”
Mu Qingyan cupped his hands lightly: “Thank you. Let’s both strive for that.”
After saying this, he slapped the wooden railing post with his palm. Wood chips flew, and the railing shattered. He left without looking back, his robes billowing violently.
Cai Zhao was equally furious. She shakily put the wooden stool back in place and, as she left, noticed he had hung the gold chain on the wooden railing again. Angrily, she snatched up the chain and walked away quickly, as if ghosts were chasing her.
Mu Qingyan turned the corner of the backyard to find You Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan waiting respectfully outside, with several dozen skilled fighters about fifty paces behind them.
As Mu Qingyan was about to move forward, he sensed something amiss. Turning back, he saw You Guanyue’s face streaked with tears, his expression filled with sorrow, resembling a grieving widow crying for justice in the street. Upon noticing Mu Qingyan’s gaze, You Guanyue let out a whimper and fell to his knees, sobbing, “Sect Leader, I… I… Xing’er… she…”
Finally realizing what was wrong, Mu Qingyan quickly cut him off: “Silence! When Xing’er gets married, I’ll provide her with a generous dowry. Your voice is barely intelligible, you spineless fool!”
As Mu Qingyan’s figure receded into the distance, You Guanyue wiped his tears and struggled to his feet. Shangguan Haonan kindly helped him up, saying, “What are you crying for? If Xing’er could be with the Sect Leader, it would be a tremendous blessing. And you, clearly in love with Xing’er but too stubborn to admit it – be careful not to regret it later!”
“You don’t understand,” You Guanyue replied, still sniffling. “If a good man truly cared for Xing’er, I’d be overjoyed! But the Sect Leader… Xing’er among a group of maids… he might not be able to resist her!”
“That’s true,” Shangguan Haonan nodded, suddenly realizing something. “Wait a minute, you’ve never sent Xing’er to serve the Sect Leader, have you?”
You Guanyue froze. “You’re right! I was afraid the Sect Leader might frighten Xing’er, so I never let her enter the Palace of Extreme Pleasure. How could I have forgotten? It seems the Sect Leader was just using Xing’er to provoke others. What a false alarm…” His tears turned to laughter.
Shangguan Haonan shook his head repeatedly. “Oh my, look at your pathetic state. I wonder if the Sect Leader will be able to deliver that dowry within the next twenty years.”
Meanwhile, Cai Zhao returned to her room, fuming. She found Song Yuzhi and Fan Xingjia already packed and ready. Song Yuzhi asked where she had been, as they couldn’t find her anywhere. Cai Zhao forced a smile and replied, “I was admiring the snow in the backyard.”
Fan Xingjia shrank his neck, “It’s freezing out there. Why don’t we leave tomorrow?”
“No, we depart tonight!” Cai Zhao slammed her palm on the table with impressive force.
Elsewhere, You Guanyue wiped his face clean and entered the room with Shangguan Haonan to report to Mu Qingyan. He inquired softly, “Sect Leader, our men are positioned around the perimeter, ready to assist no matter what happens. When do you plan to leave?”
Mu Qingyan replied decisively, “We leave tonight!”
That night, two groups set out in different directions from the teahouse, disappearing into the gently falling snow.
For ordinary people, the city walls towering over 50 zhang high were an insurmountable barrier. However, for Song Yuzhi and Cai Zhao, it merely required a few quick steps up the stone face. Gripping Fan Xingjia by the shoulders, they leaped high, easily clearing the wall. As they landed in a dark, secluded corner, they heard a cacophony of heavy voices and horse neighs behind them, as if a sizable group was approaching.
While the three stood in confused alarm, they heard the clanking of iron chains from the direction of the gate tower. Unexpectedly, the city gates – which should have been tightly guarded – began to open in the middle of the night! The fierce night wind quickly tore the slowly opening gates wide apart. Immediately after, 50 to 60 riders in tight-fitting clothes galloped in on their tall steeds, while dozens of torch-bearing guards stood by naturally, showing no intention to stop them.
In the dim light, Cai Zhao recognized the riders’ attire and exclaimed softly, “Dark horses and yellow clothes – it’s the Siqimen people!”
Fan Xingjia’s eyes widened, “That can’t be right. This is Guangtianmen’s territory. How could other sects bring in such a large, well-armed group?”
Although the Six Northern Sects were considered brother sects, each had its own territory and sphere of influence. Even Luoyinggu, with its small numbers and close ties to Zhou Zhichen and Xi Yunke, had never allowed Peiqiong Manor or Qingque Sect to station their forces there, let alone Guangtianmen.
Both Cai and Fan turned to look at Song Yuzhi, whose face had turned extremely grim. After a long pause, he said, “…This west side gate is guarded by my grand-uncle’s disciples.”
“Which group are we?” A yellow-clad rider reined in his horse. In the cold night, both horses and men exhaled white mist.
The guard captain approached leisurely and said, “You’re the last group. The three groups before you have already arrived.”
The rider grinned, spurred his horse, and galloped away.
In their corner, the three exchanged glances. Song Yuzhi gritted his teeth, “Something’s wrong. We need to get to the main building on the mountain!”
Guangtianmen was built along the mountainside, with layers of grand residences ascending the slope. Although Song Yuzhi had left home at a young age to become an apprentice, he still clearly remembered the layout. The three made their way towards the main building as quickly as possible, avoiding Guangtianmen’s patrolling disciples. Apart from Fan Xingjia getting a stomach full of cold air, they encountered no dangerous situations.
As they neared the main building, they saw disciples from various sects hurrying about with worried expressions. An unsettling atmosphere permeated the air. The three soon noticed that most people were heading in the same direction. Fan Xingjia asked, puzzled, “Where is everyone going in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?”
Song Yuzhi pondered for a moment before answering, “That’s the direction of Guangtian Sacred Hall. It’s where we pay respects to the Song ancestors and worship the Three Pure Ones.”
Cai Zhao smirked, implying, “I suppose it could also be used to deal with unworthy descendants.”
Song Yuzhi’s expression darkened.
It was late autumn, verging on early winter, and the night was cold. Most disciples wore thick cloaks. Cai Zhao moved with lightning speed, unceremoniously knocking out three low-ranking Guangtianmen disciples and taking their cloaks for the three of them. They then blended into the crowd moving towards the Guangtian Sacred Hall.
The vast open area in front of the hall was lit as bright as day by huge fire basins around the perimeter and dozens of torches. Surrounded by a dense crowd, several familiar figures sat at the front of the hall. In the center of the highest seats was, of course, Guangtianmen’s leader Song Shijun, his brows furrowed and face full of worry, a far cry from his usual arrogant demeanor. To his left and right, slightly lower, sat three people each. On the left were Yang Heying and Cai Pingchun, while on the right were three elderly men Cai Zhao didn’t recognize.
Song Yuzhi explained in a low voice, “Those are my grand-uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle from the fifth branch. They’re the highest-ranking elders in the Song family with the most disciples under them.”
Cai Zhao, unfamiliar with such complex family relationships due to Luoyinggu’s small population, was immediately confused. “Your Song family has so many people…”
Fan Xingjia, however, was intrigued and helpfully explained, “So, this grand-uncle is the brother of Third Senior Brother’s grandfather, the great-uncle is the cousin of Third Senior Brother’s grandfather, and that great-great-uncle from the fifth branch is probably a distant cousin of Third Senior Brother’s great-grandfather.”
Cai Zhao asked curiously, “So what are these elders trying to do in the middle of the night?”
Before Song Yuzhi could respond, his father, Song Shijun, spoke to Yang Heying. “…When will you be done? Waking everyone up in the dead of night – even if you want to condemn our Guangtianmen, at least wait for Qingque Sect and Peiqiong Manor to arrive!”
A haughty-looking elder coldly replied, “Stop saying ‘our Guangtianmen’ all the time. The disaster your precious son has brought upon us will implicate hundreds of the Song clan. It’s unreasonable. As a Song family elder, I ask everyone here today to discuss this matter.”
Song Maozhi, who had been holding back, finally exploded, “Song Junhao, you old fool! In Guangtianmen, sect rules have always been above family rules. The Sect Leader’s word is law. How dare you try to pull rank on my father!”
“Maozhi, shut up!” Song Shijun suppressed his anger. “Grand-uncle, although Maozhi is usually reckless, there’s no concrete evidence that he’s responsible. Rushing to condemn him now will only make us a laughingstock in the martial arts world!”
Cai Zhao looked around and indeed saw many martial artists from various schools, including Daoist Yunbian and many others who had attended the Northern Ancestor’s memorial ceremony. Sha Zuguang, the leader of the Sha Tiger Gang, stepped out from behind Yang Heying and shouted, “What more evidence do you need? The corpse puppets caught in Guangtianmen’s territory, and those villagers’ bodies bearing Guangtianmen sword marks – it just so happens that your son Maozhi was leading a large group of followers frequently visiting that area during that time. If it wasn’t him, who else could it be?”
Following his gesture, Cai Zhao and the others finally noticed a large iron cage in one corner of the square. Inside were several rotting, ragged figures – walking corpses that continuously crashed against the bars, creating a terrifying sight. Even the crowded masses kept their distance from this cage. Nearby, seven or eight shrouded bodies lay on the ground. Fortunately, the cold weather prevented the stench of decay from spreading.
Song Maozhi cursed loudly, “That’s nonsense! Just because I went there doesn’t mean I did it. I only visited Seven Mist Mountain several times for hunting because of its lush vegetation and abundant game. How was I to know it was the territory of some Yellow Sand Gang or Green Sand Gang!”
Sha Zuguang rushed to the center, bowing repeatedly to all directions and beating his chest as he wailed, “I beg the elders and heroes present to judge this fairly! My father-in-law had retired from the martial world years ago, living peacefully with his family and old comrades on that mountain. Who knew that Song Maozhi, seeing the mountain’s seclusion, would try to seize it to create corpse puppets? When my father-in-law discovered this, Song Maozhi, without hesitation, massacred the entire Yellow Sand Gang, young and old alike!”
“Although the Yellow Sand Gang was small, my father-in-law never bullied the weak in his decades in the martial world. As long as he drew breath, he always helped those in need. I implore the elders and heroes to bring justice for my father-in-law!”
Song Maozhi, accustomed to being the golden child, was now portrayed as a villain of the lowest order. Enraged, he nearly attacked Sha Zuguang, but Pang Xiongxin desperately held him back.
Cai Zhao couldn’t help but mutter, “This Sha fellow is quite the actor. He should be on stage.”
Fan Xingjia whispered back, “It’s over. With his display of weakness, everyone will side with him.”
Sure enough, Daoist Yunbian stepped forward with his followers. “Clan Leader Sha, there’s no need for modesty. Though the Yellow Sand Gang was small, Old Hero Huang was known for his upright and generous nature. Even when Nie Hengcheng was around, he never bowed his head – we all know this! If he truly died from a cover-up killing, we martial artists must seek justice for him!”
Sha Zuguang wiped his tears and thanked him, a glint of triumph in his eyes.
Suddenly, Cai Pingchun spoke up: “Daoist Yunbian speaks true. Heaven’s principles are clear, and karma is infallible. Injustice will eventually be rectified, and conspiracies will be unveiled.”
Yang Heying asked ominously, “What exactly do you mean by that, Valley Master Cai?”
Ignoring him, Cai Pingchun addressed Daoist Yunbian and the others directly: “Affairs in the martial world are complex and unpredictable. Those corpse puppets could easily have been planted in Guangtianmen’s territory by others, and the sword marks on the bodies could be fabricated evidence. To be blunt, the Six Sects are closely connected, and many of our techniques are familiar to each other. Leaving Guangtianmen’s sword marks on a few villagers’ bodies wouldn’t be difficult. If I may be so bold, I could also produce corpses killed by Siqimen techniques.”
Song Shijun’s expression softened. “Brother Xiaochun speaks fairly.” His Guangtianmen disciples loudly agreed.
Yang Heying snorted coldly, “Valley Master Cai seems to be implying something. Are you suggesting that one of the other five sects is framing Guangtianmen? No wonder you raised a daughter like Cai Zhao. Impressive…”
“Watch your tongue, Yang!” Ning Xiaofeng sharply rebuked. “My daughter made a mistake, suffered for it, and was punished. That matter is settled! If you’re so fond of dredging up the past, why don’t we discuss how you were captured by Zhao Tianba, and your father came crying to my sister Pingchu for help?”
“You?!” Yang Heying’s face flushed red. “A real man doesn’t argue with women!”
The grand-uncle harrumphed, “That’s a separate issue. The Cai girl running off with the Demonic Sect’s leader was indeed highly inappropriate…”
Ning Xiaofeng, undefeated in arguments, turned to him, “And you, Uncle Song, when your two sons were struck by Chen Shu’s Five Poison Palm, facing certain disability, wasn’t it my sister Pingchu who risked her life to find the antidote? What did you say then? ‘In the future, if Luoyinggu asks anything, this old man wouldn’t dare refuse.’ Luoyinggu hasn’t asked you for anything yet, so please mind your words!”
The grand-uncle’s face turned red as soy sauce, and he fell silent.
Yang Heying signaled to Sha Zuguang, who squeezed out more tears and prepared to wail again. Ning Xiaofeng cut him off, “Sha Zuguang, why are you crying as if your parents died again? After the Yellow Sand Gang was weakened, didn’t you eagerly take concubines? My sister Pingchu disapproved and threw two bloody dead chickens at your wedding feast – have you forgotten? Over the years, you’ve taken one concubine after another, treating your first wife little better than furniture. I doubt you truly respected your father-in-law. Everyone here is a seasoned martial artist; stop pretending to be a fool!”
After this barrage, except for Cai Pingchun who was secretly amused, no one dared to make a sound, fearing Miss Ning might turn her sharp tongue on them next. Though young at the time, she had always been by Cai Pingchu’s side and knew the embarrassing past of many martial artists, making her verbal attacks lethal and precise.
Many martial artists nodded in agreement. The Sha Tiger Gang’s reputation wasn’t great to begin with, but faced with the Yellow Sand Gang’s tragic fate, few had considered this point.
“We’ve been arguing day and night like common ruffians,” Ning Xiaofeng feigned fatigue. “I suggest we all return to our quarters and rest. We can discuss this further when Sect Leader Xi and Manor Lord Zhou arrive.”
Cai Pingchun stood up, pretending to help his wife back to their room.
“Wait!” The previously silent great-uncle suddenly rose. “If not for new witness testimony, I wouldn’t have disturbed everyone in the middle of the night. Bring him in.”
All eyes turned to see several disciples carrying in a stretcher, accompanied by a burly young man in mourning clothes.
As soon as Sha Zuguang saw the young man, he rushed forward, crying, “My son! Tian’er, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at home comforting your mother?”
The young man called Sha Tian raised his face from under his white mourning hood. His features were ordinary, with broad cheekbones and a narrow forehead, his eyes cold and lifeless. He answered mechanically, “My grandfather’s family was brutally murdered. Mother has fainted from crying several times and can barely get up. Father, I want to see my grandfather and uncles’ murderers face justice with my own eyes!”
With the true victim now present, even Ning Xiaofeng suppressed her mocking tone, and the surrounding crowd fell silent.
Two disciples from Siqimen came forward and helped the person on the stretcher sit up. Through blood-stained bandages and a sword wound that nearly split his skull in half, people recognized the handsome features of the man.
“Xiuzhi!” Song Shijun cried out, “Xiuzhi, where have you been these past few days? We’ve been searching everywhere for you!”
Song Xiuzhi’s face was ashen, his breath labored. He stared fixedly behind his father and rasped, “Maozhi, was it you who sent people to kill me?”
This statement shocked everyone. Yang Heying said smugly, “A few days ago, Siqimen disciples ‘happened’ to save the eldest Young Master Song from an ambush by several masked assailants. Well, I am half his elder after all. I couldn’t just stand by and watch him die.”
Song Maozhi exploded in rage, “Bullshit! You’re talking nonsense! Song Xiuzhi, have you lost your mind? Why would I want to kill you?”
The grand-uncle perked up, “Isn’t it obvious? Everyone knows you two have been inseparable since childhood. Xiuzhi must have discovered your evil deeds, so you tried to silence him!”
“Bullshit! Bullshit!” Song Maozhi cursed loudly, “You’re all conspiring to frame me! Father, Father, look at them…”
Song Shijun frowned, “Xiuzhi, think carefully before you speak. Don’t be foolish and fall for others’ schemes.”
Song Xiuzhi shed hot tears, forcefully tearing open his clothes and bandages, crying hoarsely, “Father, look for yourself. Could I have done this to myself just to frame Maozhi?”
In the blazing firelight, everyone clearly saw three ghastly wounds on Song Xiuzhi’s body, from his neck to his chest, all deep enough to expose bone. One even extended down to his abdomen.
Yang Heying seized the opportunity, “There are internal injuries too. Anyone can check Xiuzhi’s pulse to see how severe his injuries are!”
Song Xiuzhi’s face was streaked with tears, “Father, I know you’ve always trusted and loved Maozhi, but I’m your son too. How can you be so heartless!”
Song Shijun’s heart softened. He wanted to step forward but was blocked by Yang Heying and Sha Zuguang. He said gently, “Xiuzhi, you’ve been so gravely injured, and it pains me as your father. But the crime of harming innocents to create corpse puppets is too severe for Maozhi to bear. Think carefully, perhaps someone deliberately impersonated Maozhi to attack you!”
Disappointment filled Song Xiuzhi’s eyes, “Father, you’ve always taught us to be upright and magnanimous. Rest assured, I’ll only speak of what I’ve seen and heard, not a word more.”
“Xiuzhi, you…!” Song Shijun anxiously tried to approach his son.
“What are you doing?” Yang Heying laughed, shouldering Song Shijun aside. “Cai Pingchun just said that injustice will eventually be revealed. If you trust your precious son so much, what’s wrong with letting Xiuzhi say a few words?”
“That’s right, that’s right. A real man acts with integrity. What’s there to fear?” The disciples of Siqimen, Sha Tiger Gang, and at least half of Guangtianmen’s disciples chimed in together.
The grand-uncle turned to the martial arts heroes and bowed, “What follows is an internal matter for our Song, Yang, and Sha families. Regardless of right or wrong, Guangtianmen will give an account to the world. Heroes, perhaps…”
Daoist Yunbian and others understood his meaning, realizing that Guangtianmen wouldn’t want too many witnesses to this family scandal of brother exposing brother. After a brief hesitation, they took their leave.
The grand-uncle turned his gaze to the other side, but Cai Pingchun remained immovable, while Ning Xiaofeng defiantly glared back at him. The grand-uncle and others had no choice but to stroke their beards and pretend not to see.
As the situation grew more precarious, Fan Xingjia kept wiping cold sweat, Song Yuzhi looked anxious, and Cai Zhao had already started looking around for escape routes.
Yang Heying looked around with satisfaction, “Alright, Xiuzhi, you may speak.”
Song Xiuzhi struggled to stand, then was helped to sit down. After catching his breath, he said, “Creating corpse puppets is an evil practice of the Demonic Sect, something we’ve only heard of but never seen. Half a year ago, due to internal strife in the Demonic Sect, the new leader Mu Qingyan ruthlessly suppressed the rebellion, causing a few scattered remnants of Nie’s faction to flee to the area around Guangtianmen.”
“At that time, Father happened to be away. Maozhi and I captured these people and interrogated them. Some of them, to save their lives, claimed they had created corpse puppets for Nie Zhe and offered to teach us this evil art.”
Ning Xiaofeng let out a soft “Ah,” looking at her husband with uncertainty. Cai Pingchun’s expression grew serious. Fan Xingjia looked blankly at Song Yuzhi, who appeared alarmed, while Cai Zhao seemed lost in thought, as if she had realized something.
Song Xiuzhi continued, “I immediately said this was evil and vicious, absolutely unacceptable, and that we should quickly hand these Nie faction remnants over to the elders of the Sacred Hall for joint disposal. But Maozhi refused. After a few days, Maozhi suddenly came to tell me that a fire had broken out in the prison, burning all the Nie faction remnants to death. All I saw were a few unrecognizable charred corpses. Maozhi, is there a single false word in what I’ve said?”
All eyes turned to Song Maozhi, who looked embarrassed and angry but still stubbornly said, “That’s right! What you said is correct, and what I said is also correct. There was indeed a fire in the prison, and people did indeed burn to death!”
Yang Heying sneered, “That sounds nice, but who knows where those corpses came from? Did you hide those Nie faction remnants somewhere?”
“You old bastard!” Song Maozhi shouted in anger.
The grand-uncle erupted, “Song Shijun, control your son!”
Song Shijun’s face showed anger as Pang Xiongxin worked hard to calm Song Maozhi down.
Yang Heying’s face was full of smiles, “Xiuzhi, please continue.”
Song Xiuzhi’s neck veins bulged, and he looked extremely weak, on the verge of collapse. Still, he pressed on, “Two months later, I discovered that Maozhi’s movements had become secretive. He often left with only two or three trusted guards and would disappear for ten days to half a month at a time. When I confronted him, he said he had found a lush mountain where he went hunting to relax. But no matter how I asked, Maozhi never told me where this mountain was, nor would he let me follow him. Maozhi, have I falsely accused you of a single word?!”
Song Maozhi’s face turned purple with rage. He roared, “It’s because ever since last year, you kept advising me not to go out hunting, threatening to tell the elders if I did. Of course I couldn’t tell you the location or let you come along!”
This defense was utterly unconvincing, and Song Shijun’s expression grew increasingly grim.
Song Xiuzhi struggled to prop himself up with his arm, “Maozhi, after that, you spent more and more time away from Guangtianmen. You kept withdrawing money, provisions, weapons, armor, and even rare medicines from our accounts. I asked you repeatedly about the reason, but you refused to answer.”
Song Maozhi angrily retorted, “Ever since we were kidnapped by those Demonic Sect villains last year, how many people in Guangtianmen have been secretly laughing at me? I wanted to start anew, train my own loyal followers. What’s wrong with that?”
The great-great-uncle from the fifth branch suddenly smiled faintly, “Shijun, even if we don’t consider the corpse puppet case, Maozhi’s actions have violated our sect’s rules.”
Song Shijun, his heart burning with anxiety, forced a smile and said, “Well, well, Maozhi is young and doesn’t understand. We’ll teach him gradually, gradually…”
The grand-uncle laughed coldly, “He’s well into his twenties, and you still call him young? Nephew Sect Leader, you truly dote on your son!”
Yang Heying interrupted them, “Don’t argue about this now. Xiuzhi, quickly tell us about the last incident!”
Song Xiuzhi began, “A month and a half ago, Maozhi, who had originally planned a two-week hunting trip, returned unexpectedly, covered in blood. Noticing his three trusted guards were missing, I inquired about what happened. He claimed that a group of masked assailants had ambushed their campsite at night, killing everyone except him. He barely managed to escape. Later, I learned that the Yellow Sand Gang, including women and children, had been massacred that same night.”
Sha Zuguang chuckled darkly, “Young Master Maozhi must be quite skilled. So many died, yet you alone survived.”
“What are you laughing at? Your mother’s infidelity?” Maozhi shouted back. “I’m telling the truth! I had painstakingly gathered dozens of skilled fighters, only to have them all slaughtered in one night! As for the Yellow Sand Gang or Red Sand Gang, I’ve never even heard of them!”
Song Xiuzhi, seemingly exhausted, slumped back in his chair. “That’s all I know. Everything I’ve said is based on what I’ve personally seen and heard. Maozhi, if you think I’ve spoken a single falsehood, I’ll accept whatever punishment Father deems appropriate.”
“Alright, Xiuzhi, you should rest now,” Yang Heying said with a kind smile. Turning to face the others, his expression hardened as he declared, “It’s because of Xiuzhi’s knowledge that he was nearly killed. Song Zhumen, you mustn’t be lenient with your rebellious son.”
Song Shijun froze, unsure how to respond. Ning Xiaofeng, puzzled, whispered, “How could this happen? Is there some mistake?”
Cai Pingchun shook his head at his wife, signaling her to remain silent. The grand-uncle stepped forward and formally bowed to Song Shijun. “Song Maozhi has betrayed our sect, killed innocents, created corpse puppets, and violated our Guangtian Gate’s rules. Heaven and Earth cannot tolerate such actions. I request that the sect leader deal with this immediately!”
A chorus of voices echoed, “We request immediate action from the sect leader!”
In a corner, Song Yuzi mumbled, “Could it be true? Could it really be true?”
Fan Xingjia was equally bewildered, but Cai Zhao declared confidently, “It’s false.”
Song Yuzi’s expression shifted from fear to hope. Cai Zhao added, “Your brother has been set up.”
“How do you know?” Song Yuzi gasped.
Cai Zhao lowered his voice and explained, detailing the inconsistencies in the accusations against Maozhi. He pointed out that Nie Zhe’s followers, who were skilled in creating corpse puppets, had been eliminated by Mo Qingyan long ago. He also highlighted the differences between various factions within the demonic cult and their loyalties.
As Cai Zhao finished his explanation, Song Yuzi’s eyes lit up with understanding. He was about to rush forward to defend his brother when Cai Zhao held him back.
“Third senior, have you lost your mind?” the girl warned, her eyes filled with caution. “Even without our deductions, your father could have insisted on waiting for the master and Uncle Zhou to arrive before passing judgment. So why are your three elders and Yang Heying so bold as to make their move tonight? That’s the real danger!”
Song Yuzi’s eyes widened as he recalled what he had seen at the city gate earlier. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he realized, “They… they’ve conspired together. They’ve already made all the arrangements! I must warn them!”
“It’s too late!” Cai Zhao exclaimed. “Right now, we should—”
Before she could finish, Song Shijun’s powerful voice rang out, “Don’t push me too far!”
While the three had been talking, the argument in the hall had escalated. Song Shijun, seeing that reason was futile, could no longer contain his anger.
Yang Heying laughed shrilly, “With both witness testimony and physical evidence, I hope Sect Leader Song won’t remain obstinate and continue to shield his treasonous son!”
“Shut your mouth, you bastard! I’ll deal with you later!” Song Shijun roared. Turning to his grand-uncle, he said gravely, “Uncle, we’re blood relatives. Do you really want to destroy everything we’ve built?”
Yang Heying, stung by the insult, flashed a vicious look but held his tongue. The grand-uncle stroked his long beard calmly and reminded Song Shijun of the sect’s succession history, implying that Song Shijun’s father had unfairly taken the position of sect leader from him years ago.
Song Shijun scoffed, “You were only sixteen when my uncle passed away. How could you have led the sect? My father was older and more influential. His succession was rightful!”
“Very well,” the grand-uncle said nonchalantly. “Just as I wasn’t fit to be sect leader then, your son Song Maozhi is unworthy of the position now. I advise you to step down.”
Song Shijun laughed coldly, “I see. I understand now.” He turned to his second uncle, “You’ve always been gentle and kind. Why are you pressuring me now?”
The second grand-uncle slowly stood up, his voice heavy with sorrow. He recounted losing five sons in battles against the demonic cult, and how he had raised his late-born son, Shi Tai, to be respectful towards Maozhi. “Three years ago,” he continued, his eyes glistening, “Maozhi went hunting in the mountains, ordering Shi Tai to guard the base. That night, a storm raged. Fearing Maozhi’s anger, Shi Tai didn’t dare leave his post. A mudslide buried him alive, while Maozhi had already left through another path.”
The old man’s grief moved many in the hall. Maozhi, flustered, tried to defend himself, “How is this my fault? I didn’t tell Uncle Shi Tai to stay there at all costs! Any sensible person would have left when the weather turned bad. How was I to know he’d be so stu—”
Slap! Song Shijun cut off his son’s foolish words with a harsh backhand. “Shut your mouth!”
The second grand-uncle laughed bitterly, “I was never a good father. I always taught Tai to be humble, gentle, and patient. Even after his death, I dared not grieve too long, fearing to offend the current and future sect leaders. My poor Tai…”
His words inflamed the Guangtian Gate disciples behind him, who shouted for justice.
Song Shijun shook his head, bowing, “I’ve wronged Brother Shi Tai. Second Uncle, I understand your feelings.” He then turned to his great-grand-uncle, “And you? How have we offended you?”
The fifth branch’s great-grand-uncle chuckled, “You haven’t. It’s just that Maozhi, in his youthful arrogance, increasingly disdains us old folks, marginalizing and glaring at us. I fear our lives will become difficult once he becomes sect leader.”
Song Shijun bit his cheek and nodded, “I see.” Finally, he addressed Song Xiuzhi, “Xiuzhi, you see now. They’re using you as a witness to force your father and brother to their deaths.”
Xiuzhi smiled painfully, “Father, even now, you still protect Maozhi. After all he’s done over the years, from Uncle Shi Tai’s unjust death to alienating our clan members, do you still think he’s fit to be the next sect leader?”
Maozhi, clutching his cheek, roared, “If not me, then who? You?”
Xiuzhi spoke softly, “If Father and Maozhi doubt me, I’m willing to take my own life right now.”
Maozhi faltered, and Song Shijun’s gaze grew complex. Only Yang Heying exclaimed, “No, no! My daughter Xiaolan is waiting to marry you, good son-in-law!”
The grand-uncle laughed, “Don’t worry, Yang Sect Leader. I’ll arrange a grand wedding for the children, haha…”
As the two old men cackled, Ning Xiaofeng turned away in disgust, whispering, “I can’t believe the clever Yin Qinglian gave birth to such a fool as Song Maozhi!”
Cai Pingchun quietly replied, “When chaos breaks out, stay close to me. Don’t leave my side.”
Ning Xiaofeng was puzzled, but Cai Pingchun explained in a low voice, “They came prepared. Song Shijun is in big trouble, but with his skills and loyal guards, he should be able to escape.”
Song Shijun, no longer polite, challenged, “Elders, if I refuse to comply, what will you do? Force Song clan members to kill each other?”
“That won’t be necessary,” the grand-uncle said, signaling to Yang Heying. With a whistle, hordes of Siqimen disciples in yellow robes flooded the area, greatly outnumbering Song Shijun’s supporters.
The grand-uncle called out, “Master Cai, Madam Cai, we’re cleaning house today. What’s your stance?”
Cai Pingchun replied calmly, “Luoying Valley has always kept out of jianghu disputes.”
Satisfied with this response, Yang Heying boasted, “Brother Shijun, surrender now!”
Song Shijun scoffed, “These weaklings don’t scare our Guangtian Gate disciples! Everyone, form ranks!”
To his shock, when the Song family elders issued their own orders, a large portion of the Guangtian Gate disciples deserted him.
“You traitors!” Song Shijun’s eyes blazed with fury.
Pang Xiongxin shouted, “You ungrateful bastards! How can you betray the sect leader’s kindness?” He added, “Don’t worry, Brother. We still have dozens of Holy Hall Guardians, each worth a hundred men!” The remaining Guardians drew their swords, swearing loyalty.
Before Song Shijun could relax, the grand-uncle waved his hand. His trusted disciples brought forth dozens of women, children, and elders, crying for help. The Guangtian Gate’s living quarters mixed clan members with outside disciples, originally meant to ensure loyalty. Now, this arrangement allowed insiders to easily capture the Holy Hall Guardians’ families.
Cai Zhao couldn’t help but admire the strategy: “Clever. Song clan members can’t kill each other, but they can restrain their disciples from fighting, letting the Siqimen followers do the killing.”
“This is no time for jokes!” Fan Xingjia’s voice trembled with anxiety. “Look at Third Senior’s face. Shouldn’t we go out there?”
“Not yet. They haven’t shown all their cards,” Cai Zhao said calmly.
Sure enough, amidst the cries of women and children, more of Song Shijun’s Holy Hall Guardians and disciples abandoned him. They found themselves surrounded by Siqimen, Shahu Gang, and the followers of the three Guangtian Gate elders.
“Are you really going to wipe us out?!” Song Shijun’s voice was hoarse.
Yang Heying sighed, “Actually, we just want—”
Suddenly, the silent youth Sha Tian shouted, “I’ll avenge my grandfather! Song Maozhi, prepare to die!” He pulled out a dagger and charged at Song Maozhi.
Most martial arts experts present could tell the boy’s skills were poor, but Cai Pingchun frowned slightly. Song Maozhi laughed, leaped up, and with two swift kicks, disarmed Sha Tian and knocked him down. He then grabbed the boy’s neck, using him as a shield. “Anyone who dares approach, I’ll kill this brat first!”
As Song Shijun stepped forward to negotiate, Cai Pingchun suddenly shouted, “Song Maozhi, watch out!”
Everyone turned to see Sha Tian unexpectedly spring up, his left hand reaching for Maozhi’s abdomen with fierce intent. As Maozhi reeled in pain, Sha Tian hugged him tightly. Maozhi struck back, breaking several of Sha Tian’s bones, but the youth wouldn’t let go. To Maozhi’s shock, the boy’s strength nearly matched his own. Sha Tian’s right hand then struck Maozhi’s back with full force.
Maozhi screamed, blood soaking his clothes. In that instant, Song Yuzi rushed forward, while Song Shijun and Pang Xiongxin attacked Sha Tian simultaneously. The boy was sent flying, but Maozhi collapsed, a gaping wound in his back. He gasped twice and died in his father’s arms, just as Yuzi reached them.
“Tian’er, my son!” Sha Zuguang wailed, holding his son’s body. He quickly rallied, “Attack! Avenge my boy!”
Chaos erupted. Yuzi, unable to grieve, immediately drew his sword against the Siqimen and Shahu Gang members. His swordsmanship was unparalleled, cutting down opponents like wheat.
Realizing they had underestimated Yuzi’s presence, Yang Heying shouted to the Song family elders, “Stop watching and act! If Song Shijun and his son turn the tables, I can flee to Siqimen, but what about you?!”
Sha Zuguang added, “To achieve great things, you must be ruthless!”
The three Song elders grimaced and joined the fray. Initially, Song Shijun fought Yang Heying and Sha Zuguang alone, while Pang Xiongxin and Song Yuzi battled the Siqimen and Shahu Gang disciples. But with the powerful Song elders joining in, the tide quickly turned.
As Song Shijun’s side began to falter, Ning Xiaofeng asked tremblingly, “Brother Xiaochun, won’t you help them?”
Cai Pingchun replied calmly, “My priority is protecting you.” In his mind, Maozhi’s arrogance and disregard for life had led to his downfall, while Shijun’s excessive indulgence of his son was partly to blame.
As the battle raged, Fan Xingjia whispered nervously, “Zhaozao, aren’t you going to help?”
Cai Zhao shook her head, “Not yet. Look closely. The Song elders are holding back, mostly injuring or immobilizing rather than killing. They probably want to capture Song Zhumen alive. Third Senior’s life isn’t in immediate danger.”
Just then, a silent dart flew towards Song Yuzi. Distracted by the three elders, he was hit, feeling intense pain followed by strange numbness. Seeing Yuzi injured, the second grand-uncle and great-grand-uncle retreated, feeling a pang of sympathy.
Only the grand-uncle, eyeing the sect leader position for himself and his son, saw the talented Song Yuzi as a threat. He thought, “He’s already injured. Might as well finish the job.”
Song Shijun, realizing his grand-uncle’s intentions, desperately fought off Yang and Sha to protect his remaining son. The grand-uncle, seeing Shijun’s fury, met his attack. Their clash sent shockwaves through the air, but Shijun’s superior strength sent the grand-uncle flying, spitting blood.
Yang Heying and Sha Zuguang attacked Shijun from behind, but Cai Pingchun intervened, shouting “Cowards!” and sending teacups flying. Sha was knocked down, but Yang pressed on, both he and Shijun ending up injured.
Song Yuzi, despite his wound, engaged the other two elders. The intense exchange left all parties shaken, with Yuzi barely holding back his blood.
Suddenly, Yang Heying ordered, “Wang Laosi, now!” A group of Siqimen disciples appeared with strange wooden tubes, spraying a foul-smelling mist.
Before it could reach its targets, a slender figure leaped through the air. Cai Zhao scattered tiny silver darts, destroying the tubes. She quickly rescued Song Yuzi, retreating towards Ning Xiaofeng.
Cai Pingchun identified the substance: “It’s Lu Chengnan’s ‘Bone-Eating Sky Rain’!” The toxic liquid caused horrific injuries to those it touched, creating chaos.
Sha Zuguang, recovering, used a hidden weapon to spray the poison at Song Shijun. Pang Xiongxin sacrificed himself to save his leader, using his body as a shield. In his final act, he tackled Sha Zuguang, ensuring the traitor shared his fate.
Cai Pingchun, realizing they couldn’t stay, devised an escape plan. Using makeshift wooden shoes and a flagpole, he cleared a path through the carnage, carrying Ning Xiaofeng and guiding Song Shijun and his remaining guards.
Cai Zhao, experienced with such poisons, improvised protection using thick carpets for herself, Song Yuzi, and Fan Xingjia. They escaped over the rooftops, Zhao taunting Yang Heying as they fled.
The group split, with Cai Zhao leading Song Yuzi and Fan Xingjia north towards the Blood Swamp. Pursued relentlessly, they ran from dawn to dusk, finally reaching the edge of a dense forest.
As Zhao contemplated fighting their pursuers, three swift figures emerged from the forest. The first two voices were familiar to her, engaging the pursuers in combat.
The third figure approached slowly in the moonlight. Cai Zhao turned, their eyes met, and they spoke simultaneously:
“What are you doing here?”
“Why have you come to this place?”