Chapter 1: Shandong Braised Noodles
Wu Dingyuan was in tears, finding that bowl of noodles truly difficult to swallow. Beside him, Qian Lingyi said coldly, “Constable Wu, people of the martial world should act decisively. Why all this dithering like an old woman?”
Wu Dingyuan set down his chopsticks and sighed, “That’s indeed true. Let’s go then!” As he spoke, he couldn’t help but look up at the sky and let out a long sigh, pushing away the noodle bowl as he slowly rose to his feet.
Seeing everyone about to leave, the noodle vendor was about to come over to clear the bowls and chopsticks. He noticed that the bowl of noodles remained full of broth, completely untouched, and couldn’t help but frown. “This gentleman, you haven’t touched your noodles at all! Is the preparation not to your taste?”
He walked over with a concerned expression, gazing at Wu Dingyuan.
Seeing the noodle vendor’s face full of genuine concern, Wu Dingyuan was reminded of his impending doom and felt his heart heavy with sorrow. With his life hanging by a thread, what use was keeping money? He immediately took out all the silver he had on him and forced it into the noodle vendor’s hands. He wanted to say something, but his throat seemed choked up.
Qian Lingyi, seeing Wu Dingyuan creating complications, hurriedly rushed over and positioned himself between the two men, forcibly dragging Wu Dingyuan away. The noodle vendor looked bewildered, staring blankly at the silver in his palm, not understanding why Wu Dingyuan had given him so much gold and silver.
The Kunlun group pulled Wu Dingyuan along and turned to leave. Just as they were about to exit the alley, suddenly a figure flashed, and someone from the dark alley blocked their path. This person’s movement technique was remarkably swift, his martial arts seemingly very advanced, startling all the Kunlun people.
Liu Lingchuan and Qian Lingyi exchanged glances and drew their swords simultaneously, becoming highly alert. Liu Lingchuan called out loudly, “Who goes there! State your name!”
They saw the person was shabbily dressed with a face full of smiles, saying, “Gentlemen, you’ve overpaid for the noodles. I need to give you some change.”
Everyone immediately relaxed. This person was no master with extraordinary skills—who else could it be but the noodle vendor?
Qian Lingyi laughed and cursed, “Young fellow, people always complain about getting too little reward money, never too much. This gentleman has rewarded you, so just take it obediently. What’s with all this pretense?”
The noodle vendor shook his head, “One bowl of noodles costs five copper coins. I cannot accept more.”
Qian Lingyi was stunned, not expecting such a strange thing to exist in the world. He couldn’t help but curse, “Where do you get off with all this nonsense? Scram!” He raised his whip and lashed it toward the man. The noodle vendor was slightly startled and quickly dodged sideways. The whip struck the stone pavement with a crisp sound.
Seeing that the man could actually dodge his whip strike, Qian Lingyi was also surprised. His wrist immediately turned, and the whip head coiled around the noodle vendor’s ankle, pulling hard. How could the vendor understand such dangers? He immediately fell flat on the ground.
Jin Lingshuang knew that Prince’s Alley was no ordinary place and didn’t want to provoke trouble, so she said in a low voice, “Everyone, let’s leave quickly! Don’t waste time.”
Everyone agreed and sheathed their swords. Qian Lingyi snorted, “The capital is truly full of wonders. Even a noodle vendor acts so haughty. What damn strange luck.”
Just as everyone was about to leave, they saw the noodle vendor get up and, seemingly unafraid of pain, again blocked the path of the Kunlun masters, saying, “Gentlemen, this humble one has a peculiar temperament. I’ve never accepted reward money in my life. Please take back your silver.”
Tu Lingxin, seeing this man acting like a madman, became furious and shouted, “Damn it! Are you tired of living?”
Just as he was about to raise his sword to strike, Qian Lingyi burst into laughter, “How rare to meet a madman! Third Senior Brother, leave him to me!” Instantly, he lashed out with his whip again. This whip carried fierce wind and used seventy percent of his true power, intending to split the vendor’s head open and spill his blood.
As the long whip came down, the noodle vendor kept his feet planted but swayed his upper body to one side, actually managing to dodge it. Jin Lingshuang, seeing his movement technique was not ordinary, felt alarmed and realized this noodle vendor possessed martial arts skills. Qian Lingyi, being rash, didn’t care about any of this and sneered coldly, “Mad dog, your grandfather is going to trip you up again!” He flicked his wrist, and the whip head coiled toward the noodle vendor’s feet again. This time the whip force was fierce, and the vendor would likely suffer a head injury.
As the whip coiled toward him, the noodle vendor lifted his foot slightly, letting the long whip sweep under his feet. Then with a “hey” sound, he immediately stepped forward, instantly stepping on Qian Lingyi’s long whip. Qian Lingyi was greatly shocked and hurriedly exerted force to pull it back, but the long whip seemed pressed down by a thousand-pound boulder. Despite pulling until his face turned red, the whip wouldn’t budge an inch.
Now all the Kunlun people were shocked, realizing this noodle vendor possessed amazing martial skills.
Jin Lingshuang, experienced and shrewd, had already seen that the noodle vendor possessed martial arts, though for the moment she couldn’t determine his master or origins. She secretly remained alert, thinking, “This person’s skill is profound. If he’s here to rob us of our item, we must be cautious.” She said in a deep voice, “What is your distinguished name, sir? Why do you obstruct Kunlun Mountain’s business?”
The man shook his head, “Gentlemen, I only want to return the extra silver you rewarded. Please don’t take offense.” With that, he took out the silver Wu Dingyuan had just given him and wanted to return it.
Jin Lingshuang, seeing he still wouldn’t reveal his intentions, gave Mau Lingshan a meaningful look. Mau Lingshan understood and stepped forward, taking the silver and bowing slightly, “We’ll take back the silver. Kunlun Mountain has just arrived in the capital and acts crudely in all matters. We’ve been offensive and ask you to let us pass.” He cupped his hands in a respectful salute, quite courteous.
Seeing his politeness, the noodle vendor quickly stepped aside with an apologetic smile, “You’re too kind, sir. This humble one truly only wanted to return the silver, with no other intentions. Please forgive me, gentlemen.”
The Kunlun people, seeing him step aside, thought he was afraid and walked past him. But Qian Lingyi, being a troublemaker, saw that this person looked unremarkable—just a small noodle vendor—yet dared to block the path of Kunlun masters. This was truly extremely bold. Remembering how his whip had been stepped on by this fellow earlier made him even angrier. As he walked beside the vendor, he silently thrust his sword down, intending to settle accounts with him on the spot.
The noodle vendor had already turned back toward his noodle stall when he suddenly felt urgent wind behind him—someone was attacking from behind. In his haste, he couldn’t think carefully and quickly leaped up onto the wall of a nearby official residence, his movement technique both swift and agile.
Qian Lingyi, seeing this man could actually dodge his urgent and vicious “Desert Flying Smoke” technique, was secretly shocked, but his mouth remained boastful as he shouted, “You little brat! Today I’ll teach you a lesson—be more respectful around your betters in the future!”
Standing on the wall, the noodle vendor thought of the recent danger and became furious, shouting loudly, “You people are so unreasonable! I didn’t provoke you in any way, so why do you want to kill me? If I hadn’t been alert, wouldn’t my body already be lying here? You’re so vicious—do you have no regard for the law?” As he spoke, he pointed and cursed, completely ignoring the sharp swords in their hands, his expression fierce and stern.
Hearing his chatter full of righteous indignation, Qian Lingyi couldn’t help but spit and shout loudly, “The law? Your father here IS the natural law!” With that, he raised his long sword and was about to charge over for another fight.
Jin Lingshuang frowned and raised her hand to stop him, saying in a low voice, “Business comes first. Don’t go stirring up more trouble.”
With his senior brother blocking him, Qian Lingyi couldn’t cause more trouble, so he cursed back, “Dead brat! Tonight you have the luck of a dog and got your life back!” With that, he returned to the group, ready to leave with everyone.
Though Wu Dingyuan was being dragged along, his eyes had been quietly observing the noodle vendor’s various actions. Seeing that this person’s punches and kicks were somewhat inexperienced, not like a disciple of a famous school, but his strength was extraordinary and his skill profound, he must also be a good fighter. If he didn’t seek his rescue now, when would he get another chance? Seeing he was about to be dragged out of the alley, he hurriedly opened his mouth and shouted, “Hero! Please save my life!”
Liu Lingchuan beside him, hearing Wu Dingyuan call for help, quickly sealed his mute acupoint, but it was too late—Wu Dingyuan’s cry had already echoed throughout the quiet alley.
Hearing Wu Dingyuan’s cry for help, the noodle vendor was startled and immediately jumped down from the wall, asking, “What kind of people are you? Why are you holding this gentleman?”
Jin Lingshuang, seeing the situation couldn’t end well, didn’t want to waste words with this person. She pulled Qian Lingyi over and cupped her hands, “Young man, my junior brother has always been rash and doesn’t know his own strength. We’ve been offensive. Please don’t mind it.”
The noodle vendor remained noncommittal, only looking at Wu Dingyuan and asking, “What’s wrong with this gentleman? Why is he crying for help?”
Jin Lingshuang said indifferently, “Our friend here is ill and mentally unclear. He’s always been confused and just spoke nonsense. Don’t take it seriously.”
The noodle vendor was half-believing, half-doubting, “This gentleman is ill? This humble one knows a little medicine. Why don’t I check his pulse?”
Jin Lingshuang’s face darkened. She held a very high position in the martial world, and her previous words had already given face. Who knew this noodle vendor still didn’t know when to advance or retreat—he was asking for death.
Jin Lingshuang ignored him and said directly to everyone, “Let’s go. No need to pay attention to this person anymore.”
Seeing everyone about to leave, the noodle vendor spread his hands and again blocked everyone’s path, shaking his head, “Gentlemen, why the rush to leave? This gentleman has a poor appetite and can’t eat his noodles. He really seems ill. This humble one knows something of medicine—why not let me help a little?” From his tone, he clearly had no intention of letting everyone leave.
Jin Lingshuang’s eyes flashed with killing intent as she winked at Qian Lingyi and Liu Lingchuan, saying in a low voice, “Handle this cleanly.”
Qian Lingyi and Liu Lingchuan both attacked together—one wielding the Invisible Precious Sword, the other using the Huge Wave Sword Technique, attacking the noodle vendor from left and right. These two were first-class masters in the martial world, people with reputations. How could they join forces to attack an unknown noodle vendor?
It was just that this time they had rushed all the way from Xiliang to the capital, traveling in hardship, all to capture Wu Dingyuan. Now, in an official residential area, they were blocked by some inexplicable madman. Everyone feared creating more trouble and wanted to finish off this strange and annoying fellow within two or three moves.
Qian Lingyi had always been arrogant and conceited. Having suffered at this noodle vendor’s hands earlier, he was even more eager to save face, making his moves particularly vicious.
The noodle vendor was startled. Seeing Qian Lingyi’s sword form drifting and elusive like a phantom, he didn’t know how to dodge. Meanwhile, Liu Lingchuan’s long sword was creating flashes of golden light. In his panic and confusion, he hurriedly took a large step backward, leaping steadily about two zhang away. All the Kunlun people were shocked: “This person has such excellent lightness skill! How is it that such a character has never been heard of in the martial world?”
Qian and Liu, seeing his swift movement technique, knew they couldn’t catch up and stopped where they were.
Qian Lingyi, feeling indignant, still pointed and cursed, “Dead brat! If you have guts, come fight your grandfather for a few rounds! What kind of man are you, hiding like a cowardly turtle?” Everyone cursed for a while, but the noodle vendor hid in the corner and didn’t dare cause more trouble.
Mau Lingshan advised, “Senior brothers, since he doesn’t dare come over, there’s no need to stoop to his level. Let’s go!”
Jin Lingshuang was worried in her heart, fearing that the capital was full of masters and that someone else might come to snatch their important item. She said hurriedly, “Sixth Junior Brother is right. Let’s leave quickly.”
Qian Lingyi cursed a few more times and was about to leave with everyone when suddenly a fierce wind struck his back—someone was throwing a hidden weapon. Qian Lingyi spun around and raised his sword to block. He felt his tiger’s mouth severely shaken, his wrist aching and weak. With a crisp “clang,” something shattered into pieces on the ground. The Kunlun people were shocked and drew their swords together, only to see a broken noodle bowl on the ground. Who else could have thrown it but the noodle vendor?
Tu Lingxin, seeing this small noodle vendor repeatedly causing trouble, found it truly too arrogant. Unable to contain himself any longer, he roared, “Everyone stand back!” With a fierce shout, he mobilized all his power and activated his “Sword Gu” ultimate technique, striding toward the noodle vendor, ready to give him a quick death.
Tu Lingxin held the third position in Kunlun’s hierarchy. By nature sinister and harsh, he never usually showed off. Now, seeing several junior brothers rendered helpless by a noodle vendor, he was extremely annoyed and wanted to personally kill this ignorant fellow.
Though Wu Dingyuan couldn’t speak, he knew Tu Lingxin’s martial arts were advanced enough to compete with Master Lingyin of Shaolin Temple—far beyond what Qian Lingyi and Liu Lingchuan could compare to. Once he made his move, the noodle vendor would surely die by the sword. In his urgency, he raised his head and rammed toward Tu Lingxin. Tu Lingxin caught Wu Dingyuan by the front of his shirt and pushed lightly, sending Wu Dingyuan tumbling toward the wall. Tu Lingxin sneered, “You little brat, you can barely save yourself, yet you meddle in others’ affairs!”
As he spoke, he suddenly saw the noodle vendor sweep his sleeve, and the sleeve force swept up all the large and small ceramic shards from the ground, sending them flying toward the Kunlun people with tremendous momentum.
At this moment, Tu Lingxin bore the brunt. Seeing the dangerous situation, these shards carried profound internal power—if they hit vital points, the consequences would be unthinkable. He immediately drew his sword and made his move. With a light shake of his wrist, the sword blade immediately created a circle of cold light. Wherever the sword edge reached, most of the incoming shards were shattered, but some bowl fragments were too small for Tu Lingxin to completely deflect. His face was cut with more than ten wounds, blood flowing down to his eyelids.
Several junior disciples near Tu Lingxin saw their senior uncle bleeding but didn’t understand what had happened. In their shock, a large batch of broken bowl fragments was already flying toward them. Everyone hurriedly dodged, shouting loudly, “Oh no!” and “The villain is using hidden weapons!” Mixed with their cries were screams of calling for parents—quite a few were injured on the spot.
Qian Lingyi, Jin Lingshuang, and other masters, seeing the situation was bad, all leaped backward, either sweeping their sleeves or wildly slashing with swords to block the fragments flying from nowhere. Though these experienced martial artists were caught off guard by the noodle vendor’s surprise attack, and while no one was seriously injured, they were still in a sorry state. Tu Lingxin, mad with rage, didn’t bother wiping the blood from his eyelids and wildly thrust and slashed with his eyes closed. In this critical situation, his sword moves remained perfectly composed. He sent out a thunderous sword thrust toward the front, the move silent and invisible yet extremely fierce—this was his long-famous “Sword Gu” ultimate technique. The noodle vendor was surely doomed.
The “Sword Gu” strike came with such force that even first-class martial artists would have to avoid its edge. Tu Lingxin was ready to go on a killing spree, but unexpectedly his thrust met nothing but air. He hurriedly wiped the blood from his eyelids and opened his eyes to look—the noodle vendor had vanished without a trace. Tu Lingxin was about to curse when he heard Qian Lingyi shout, “Damn it! Where did that Wu fellow go?”
Everyone looked closely and suddenly felt half their bodies turn cold. In the empty alley, autumn wind rustled and leaves fell scattered. Apart from the noodle stall and their own brothers, where was any sign of Wu Dingyuan? Everyone stared wide-eyed at each other. It seemed Wu Dingyuan had definitely been kidnapped by that noodle vendor. Having come all this way from Xiliang to the Central Plains, who would have thought they’d return empty-handed? Thinking of their sect master’s strict rules, there would surely be severe punishment for this failure. All the masters’ faces changed color.
Jin Lingshuang, as the second senior brother and Kunlun Mountain’s second-in-command, couldn’t panic at this critical moment. She steadied herself and said in a deep voice, “Everyone stay calm! Those two must still be nearby. Third Junior Brother, Fourth Junior Brother—you two watch the alley entrance and don’t let any idle people in. The rest follow me.”
The Kunlun people searched carefully in the alley. Some climbed onto the walls of official residences, others crouched down to look around. For a time, they searched everywhere in chaos but still couldn’t see any trace of the two men.
Liu Lingchuan said, “Second Senior Brother, the nearby great mansions are all high officials’ residences. If we continue blocking the road and searching like this for too long, there might be trouble.”
Jin Lingshuang shook her head, “Wu Dingyuan is no ordinary person. Even if the authorities come, we can only fight to the bitter end.”
Liu Lingchuan was about to speak when he suddenly heard the sound of many footsteps—dozens of people were entering the alley. Then came Qian Lingyi’s challenging questions from far away, as if someone had entered the alley. Jin Lingshuang’s face changed slightly. With countless court officials living in this area, she feared that if Qian Lingyi answered inappropriately, trouble would arise. She hurriedly took up her sword and ran toward the alley entrance to see what was happening.
Jin Lingshuang ran to the alley entrance and saw eight men carrying a large sedan chair slowly advancing. Looking closely, these eight sedan bearers had dignified bearing and clearly possessed martial arts. Beside the sedan followed more than ten people, all dressed like factory guards. These people varied in height, some bald and tall with temples bulging high, others sickly-looking and ape-like in appearance—every one had an extremely unusual appearance.
Seeing these people with their strange features, Jin Lingshuang was secretly alarmed, thinking, “Where did all these masters come from? I hope they’re not after us.” With Wu Dingyuan’s whereabouts unknown and encountering countless skilled fighters, the situation was quite unpredictable.
Jin Lingshuang was startled when she heard Qian Lingyi at the alley entrance angrily shouting, apparently demanding that group to stop. But those people acted as if they were deaf and dumb—they neither stopped nor responded, just continued carrying the sedan forward.
A disciple, getting angrier as he watched, shouted on the spot, “You people are so rude! Didn’t you hear my Fourth Senior Uncle speaking to you? Stop immediately!”
But those dozen or so people acted as if they knew nothing and continued walking straight forward.
The disciple drew his long sword and said angrily, “All of you stand still!”
Before he finished speaking, there was a light “pop” sound. The disciple’s body somehow suddenly split in half, falling left and right with brain matter and internal organs splattered everywhere. The group continued carrying the sedan over the disciple’s corpse as if they felt nothing.
All the Kunlun disciples were greatly horrified, not knowing what kind of people these were or how their killing method was so sinister. Tu Lingxin’s ugly face turned pale as he asked Jin Lingshuang, “What kind of hidden weapon was that just now? Second Senior Brother, did you see it clearly?” Jin Lingshuang shook her head, also looking horrified.
Tu Lingxin was secretly frightened and was about to step forward to question them when he saw Liu Lingchuan had already taken the lead, blocking the sedan’s path and shouting, “You people kill my disciple without distinguishing right from wrong the moment you arrive—what’s the reasoning in this?”
The group continued walking slowly forward, not taking the “Sword Wave” who terrorized Xiliang seriously at all. Liu Lingchuan, seeing these people completely ignore him, became furious. Golden light flashed in his hand as his sword left its sheath. Seeing that he couldn’t make out the method behind the earlier killing, he first held his sword ready just in case.
Liu Lingchuan held his sword at chest level, highly alert, but the group continued walking toward him step by step, paying no attention to his drawn weapon. Liu Lingchuan knew that each step they took closer meant more danger for himself. Cold sweat broke out on his hands. Though he knew several senior brothers with superior martial arts were nearby, having just witnessed these people’s sinister and swift killing method, he was still uncertain whether he could withstand a single strike from these strange people.
Suddenly a blue light flashed—something was flying rapidly toward him. This object came too fast for Liu Lingchuan to dodge. In the fierce wind hitting his face, he knew he was doomed. His heart filled with sadness, he could only close his eyes and await death.
But he heard a tremendous “clang” that made both his ears ache. Opening his eyes, he saw he was still standing perfectly fine in his original spot. Hearing heavy breathing nearby, he quickly turned to look and saw his senior brother Tu Lingxin holding up his long sword, blocking a large circular wheel. The wheel flashed with blue light, extremely sharp, with what appeared to be a steel wire thin as silk connected to its tail end. Obviously, his disciple had been cut in half by this strange weapon earlier.
As he watched, he heard Tu Lingxin exhale heavily, his face pale—clearly his internal power was insufficient. Tu Lingxin held the third position in Kunlun Mountain with such profound internal power, how could he be pressed down unable to lift his head? All the Kunlun disciples, knowing the capability of “Sword Gu,” were shocked.
Qian Lingyi drew his sword and shouted, “Everyone attack together!” Though the masters knew Tu Lingxin was proud by nature and didn’t like others helping him in combat, with such a formidable enemy present, they couldn’t let him suffer internal injury. Everyone roared and drew their swords together, striking at the circular wheel.
With a tremendous “clang,” the wheel was sent flying back at incredible speed by the masters’ combined effort. Suddenly the sedan curtain lifted, and the wheel shot into the sedan. The curtain lifted for only a moment—even with the eyesight of masters like Jin Lingshuang and Tu Lingxin, they couldn’t make out the face of the person inside.
Tu Lingxin was both shocked and angry. Despite his courage and ferocity, he could only retreat repeatedly with Qian Lingyi, holding swords ready to protect their junior disciples.
Liu Lingchuan, having escaped death, felt both shocked and furious. Seeing the group still walking toward him as if no one else existed, this was beyond endurance. He suddenly roared and thrust with all his might at a bald man in front, shouting, “Evil traitors! We have no grudge or enmity, yet you strike so ruthlessly!”
This Liu Lingchuan usually acted steadily, unlike Qian Lingyi’s wild and impulsive nature. But these people attacked without mercy—if not for Tu Lingxin’s sharp eyes and quick hands, he would have been cut in half. No matter how good his cultivation or how deep his scheming, he was now furious beyond control. Therefore, his attack was a killing move, determined to bring down these people before talking further.
Liu Lingchuan activated his “Sword Wave,” and in the flashing sword light, his long sword thrust fiercely at the bald man. As long as this person didn’t dodge, he would be bleeding in five steps. But who knew this man acted like he was mad, still not blocking or parrying, completely ignoring Liu Lingchuan’s sword technique.
Liu Lingchuan, seeing him despise his abilities, was secretly pleased, thinking, “You people dare to look down on me! Let me pierce a few holes in you first!” Confident in his superior swordsmanship, having roamed the Western Regions for many years, he wielded his sword with even more majestic and irresistible force.
The long sword thrust out, hitting the leading bald man squarely in the chest. Liu Lingchuan was delighted and increased his force, pushing hard into the man’s chest. Liu Lingchuan was secretly pleased, knowing the man would die if not severely wounded, and a sinister smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Just as he was rejoicing, who knew the bald man before him showed no blood and just walked forward step by step like a ghost. Liu Lingchuan was shocked, thinking, “What kind of sorcery is this?” He immediately applied more force, sending out his true power, but the long sword didn’t enter the body—instead, it slowly curved upward. Liu Lingchuan was extremely horrified, thinking he had encountered a monster, and hurriedly retreated.
At this moment, the man suddenly took large steps forward, reached out and seized Liu Lingchuan’s long sword, then with a “crack,” broke Liu Lingchuan’s precious sword into two pieces. All the Kunlun people cried out in shock at this strange sight.
Masters like Jin Lingshuang and Tu Lingxin were all well-traveled and knowledgeable. Seeing this man was unafraid of the sword’s sharp edge, they knew he must have practiced some external martial art. The masters exchanged glances, all knowing they had encountered a rare formidable enemy.
After breaking the sword, the man swung his large hand out again, grabbing toward Liu Lingchuan’s throat. Liu Lingchuan had roamed the martial world for many years, never expecting to encounter such strange things upon entering the capital. At this moment, he was so shocked he was stunned and didn’t know to block.
Mau Lingshan nearby saw the situation and gave a light whistle, thrusting his sword out to intercept the move for Liu Lingchuan. In the flashing sword light, he made seven thrusts in succession, each aimed at the man’s vital points like chest, throat, and philtrum. Mau Lingshan’s nickname was “Sword Leopard,” referring to his swift swordsmanship. Now he truly showed moves like a flying waterfall and swift as a violent storm, difficult to resist.
The Kunlun people cheered loudly, all thinking, “Bold villain, now you’ll die without a burial place!”
Who knew the bald man, despite receiving repeated wounds to his vital points, acted as if nothing had happened, not even spilling a drop of blood, and pushed a palm toward Mau Lingshan.
Mau Lingshan was furious and shouted, “How dare you!” Unwilling to show weakness, he raised his sword to thrust rapidly at the man’s palm. With a “clang,” sword met palm, and suddenly the long sword shattered into fragments under the palm force. Mau Lingshan was greatly shocked, holding the empty sword hilt, momentarily stunned. At this moment, the palm force suddenly struck his chest. Mau Lingshan spat blood from this palm strike and was sent tumbling backward to the ground.
Two great Kunlun masters had fought only one move each before being defeated. Jin Lingshuang, as the second senior brother, could no longer avoid taking action. She shouted for the disciples to retreat and personally stepped forward, blocking the path with her sword raised, saying in a deep voice, “Friends, I am Jin Lingshuang of Kunlun. Our sect currently has some private business to handle here. Please trouble yourselves to move elsewhere.”
These words already gave the opponent full face, indicating that the grudge of broken swords and killed people would all be overlooked—this was asking for their mercy. But who knew the group remained as if deaf, slowly walking toward Jin Lingshuang. It was unclear whether they were truly deaf or simply didn’t take her seriously. Jin Lingshuang repeated her words, but still no one paid attention.
Jin Lingshuang had long held the second position in Kunlun Mountain—when had she ever been so looked down upon? She snorted heavily and secretly circulated her divine power. Before long, a layer of ice formed on her sword blade. Though it was already autumn, to condense thin ice on a sword was not something ordinary martial artists could achieve. The Kunlun people, seeing her “Sword Cold” skill at such a level, were all greatly encouraged.
The autumn wind blew, and leaves scattered throughout the dark alley. The group treated Jin Lingshuang as if she didn’t exist, just walking slowly forward. Jin Lingshuang said no more. With a wrist shake, she thrust her sword out with a brush, aiming to kill the bald man in the chest.
The man remained expressionless, still neither dodging nor blocking. Jin Lingshuang sneered inwardly, “With your meager skills, you want to put on airs before this old master? You’ll have suffering to eat.” As the sword tip reached the man’s chest, Jin Lingshuang shouted, “Fall!” The sword’s cold force sent an extremely yin and cold internal power piercing through the body. The man screamed and fell backward. The group, which had been advancing in perfect order, immediately fell into chaos.
Jin Lingshuang’s swordsmanship excelled in internal power. It seemed that although the man had practiced Golden Bell Shield and similar martial arts, he couldn’t resist the attack of internal true qi. When the strong met, the stronger won—the man was immediately defeated and fell to the ground motionless.
Jin Lingshuang sheathed her sword and cupped her hands, “This humble one showed off clumsily and was offensive. Please, would the friend in the sedan come out to meet us?”
She was first arrogant then respectful, first giving these people a show of strength to prevent them from continuing their arrogance, yet also leaving them face. This was truly the method of an old martial world hand.
Suddenly someone beside the sedan said in a shrill voice, “You bandits and troublemakers, what are you doing blocking the alley? Aren’t you afraid of angering our master?”
Everyone saw the speaker was an ape-faced, monkey-cheeked person in eunuch clothing, not knowing his origins, and all became suspicious. Jin Lingshuang, however, was well-traveled and knowledgeable. Seeing that person’s ape-like appearance, she immediately thought of someone. She cupped her hands and said indifferently, “You must be Steward Hu of the Eastern Harmony Palace. I am Jin Lingshuang of Kunlun Mountain, handling some private business in this alley. Please show some accommodation, Master Hu. Jin will certainly remember this kindness.”
It turned out the ape-like person was an important figure in the Eastern Factory, whose real name was Hu Zhong. Imperial Consort E of the Eastern Harmony Palace called him Little Zhongzi, though naturally no one in official circles dared address him this way. Jin Lingshuang, considering he was a court person, spoke much more humbly to leave herself room to maneuver.
Hu Zhong narrowed his eyes, the wrinkles in his eye sockets bunching together, making him look even more like a monkey. He raised his voice in a cold laugh, “I don’t care about your private or public business. You old fellow, if you want to speak with me, you must first kneel down!”
Everyone heard his extremely rude words and was furious. Before Jin Lingshuang could respond, Tu Lingxin had already roared and shouted, “Go to hell with your damn nonsense! You want us to kneel to you, a dickless eunuch? That would dirty my knees!”
Jin Lingshuang, hearing his harsh words, suddenly changed expression and quickly gave Liu Lingchuan a meaningful look. Liu Lingchuan hurriedly grabbed Tu Lingxin’s sleeve and dragged him away.
Hu Zhong was an important figure in the Eastern Factory—when had he ever been humiliated like this? In his mad fury, he shrieked, “How dare you! Am I someone you can curse at? Tomorrow I’ll report your filthy words verbatim to Director Liu and see how your Kunlun Mountain explains itself!”
When everyone heard the three words “Director Liu,” their faces truly became frost-covered. Though Liu Lingchuan hated these people’s vicious methods, upon hearing they were court officials, he could only swallow his anger and stepped forward with cupped hands, saying, “We brothers are merely country bumpkins who have never known court etiquette. Please, Eunuch Hu, be magnanimous and don’t hold it against us.” As he spoke, he bowed repeatedly. Nearby, Jin Lingshuang, Qian Lingyi, and others exchanged glances, all showing worry on their faces.
At this time, the court was in great disorder, with government decrees mostly controlled by Inspector General Jiang Chong. Though this man wasn’t born through the imperial examinations, he was deeply favored by the emperor. Though his official rank wasn’t among the Three Dukes, he had long held overwhelming power and influence, gathering officials around him. Second was Liu Jing of the Eastern Factory, who relied on his factory guard authority to expose people’s secrets and frame others for murder, thus forming another faction. The Kunlun people understood that this group had extremely deep connections with the Eastern Factory. Though Kunlun Mountain had Jiang Chong’s support, offending the Eastern Factory was no ordinary matter. For a moment, they didn’t know how to handle the situation.
Hu Zhong said in furious madness, “Since you know we’re palace people, quickly step aside! We have official business in this alley. If you still don’t know what’s good for you, you’ll all be killed without exception!” As Hu Zhong spoke these last words with stern voice and expression, several eunuchs behind him also surged forward, each brandishing weapons and pressing toward the Kunlun Mountain people.
Jin Lingshuang shook her head, “Eunuch Hu, we’re all serving the court. Please don’t make things difficult. I have Lord Jiang’s token here authorizing Kunlun Mountain to act as we see fit. Please examine it.” With that, she presented the Inspector General’s token.
Suddenly someone shrieked loudly, “Jiang Chong! Jiang Chong! You Kunlun Mountain people only know about Jiang Chong—don’t you have our Director Liu in your eyes?”
Suddenly the sedan tilted, and a person floated out from within, his movement technique strange and ghostlike. His hands and feet were extremely fast—as soon as he emerged, he reached out and snatched the token from Jin Lingshuang’s hand, shrieking, “You all just use Jiang Chong to intimidate people! Tell him to come see me!”
The Kunlun people saw this eunuch had thick white powder smeared on his face and bright red lips, yet his martial arts were remarkably high. Remembering it was he who had used domineering hidden weapons to kill earlier, everyone’s hearts filled with great wariness. They immediately raised their swords and retreated together.
Jin Lingshuang’s sharp eyes had already recognized this person as Deputy Director Xue Nu’er of the Eastern Factory. This person usually loved to dress in a demonic and bizarre manner. People in the martial world secretly gave him the nickname “Flower Demon,” mocking his flashy dress and strange, demon-like behavior.
Jin Lingshuang knew this “Flower Demon” had a violent temper and high status in the palace, far beyond what people like Hu Zhong could compare to. She couldn’t afford to conflict with him, so she bowed and said, “Eunuch Xue, Jin Lingshuang of Kunlun Mountain pays respects to you.”
Xue Nu’er raised his chin and said petulantly, “What do I need your respects for? Where is that Wu fellow? Quickly hand him over and save trouble.” The Kunlun people, hearing him directly demand the person, were all shocked and didn’t know how to respond.
Liu Lingchuan, however, was quite experienced and immediately stepped forward with a slight bow, saying, “Reporting to Your Excellency, this Wu person is not here. Our sect just searched carefully—he must have already escaped from the city.”
Xue Nu’er, seeing his face full of smiles, also smiled and cursed, “Dead boy, do you take your lord for a three-year-old child?”
Liu Lingchuan said with an apologetic smile, “Your Excellency sees clearly—this Wu person truly isn’t here…”
Before he finished speaking, Xue Nu’er was already boiling with rage and shrieked, “You still dare lie to me!”
Liu Lingchuan was startled and suddenly saw blue light exploding before his eyes, followed by his right arm feeling cold. He looked down and couldn’t help letting out a loud, miserable scream. This “Sword Wave” famous throughout Xiliang had his right arm—the very arm he relied on for his reputation—silently severed by Xue Nu’er. Despite his rich experience, faced with this sudden catastrophe, he couldn’t help but cry out in pain and collapse to the ground.
Qian Lingyi and Tu Lingxin immediately rushed forward with raised swords to protect Liu Lingchuan, deeply fearing he would suffer further harm. The junior disciples of Kunlun Mountain hurriedly rushed up to bandage Liu Lingchuan’s severed arm wound.
Qian Lingyi pointed and cursed angrily, “What are you people’s intentions! Repeatedly striking with deadly force—must our Kunlun Mountain simply endure your bullying?”
Xue Nu’er sneered, “Hand over that Wu fellow and I’ll naturally let you go. Otherwise, this boy is your example!” He pointed at Liu Lingchuan, his manner arrogant as if the Kunlun people had already become meat on his chopping block.
Jin Lingshuang snorted and waved her hand. All her subordinates drew their swords together. She said in a deep voice, “Eunuch Xue, first, I respect you as a senior and dare not show you the slightest disrespect. Second, you are an important court official, and Jin dares not offend you in any way. However, you came up and immediately ignored martial world rules, wanting to catch all our sect members in one net. Kunlun Mountain today has no choice but to fight.”
These few sentences were spoken neither servile nor arrogant, and both enemy and ally secretly approved.
Eastern Factory’s Hu Zhong, seeing Kunlun Mountain had killing intent, immediately shouted, “Capture these rebellious bandits!” The Eastern Factory people also revealed their weapons, and the situation had reached the breaking point.
Xue Nu’er’s two thin eyebrows gradually stood up, his expression carrying a hint of excitement. Earlier when Liu Lingchuan spoke with him, just a moment of carelessness had cost him an arm. Now seeing his bizarre appearance, everyone dared not show the slightest negligence. The great masters gripped their sword hilts, ready to attack en masse the moment Xue Nu’er made a move.