Everyone didn’t know Yi Seonggye’s background, nor had they heard of “Divine Merit Shakes the Lord,” so they were all completely confused. Bu Guzi grabbed his friend, frowning: “What exactly is all this about? Can you explain more clearly?”

Earlier Wang Kui had been focused on treating injuries and hadn’t paid attention to “Young Master Muzhong.” Now hearing that “Divine Merit Shakes the Lord” was actually hidden in the stone box on this person’s back, he broke out in cold sweat: “My Jiuhua master said there are three evil blades in this world, each violating a different taboo. One violates fire precepts, one violates metal precepts, one violates earth precepts. The one violating fire precepts is located in Japan – the legendary ‘Never Rest Blade.’ As for the other one violating earth precepts, that’s Korea’s ‘Divine Merit Shakes the Lord.’ Because Yi Bangseon wore this blade throughout his life, the world mostly called him ‘Divine Merit Great King.’ In his youth he once followed his father Yi Seonggye’s orders to present horses in Nanjing. En route passing through Beiping, he even stayed at the Prince of Yan’s mansion.”

Cui Xuanliang blinked: “Prince of Yan? Who’s that?”

Bu Guzi laughed heartily: “Your father was one of the ‘Eight Tigers of Yanshan,’ yet you don’t even know whose rice you’re eating? Let me tell you, ignorant child – this ‘Prince of Yan’ was later Emperor Yongle. Before ascending the throne, he guarded Beiping and was enfeoffed by the founder as Prince of Yan.” He raised his voice and roared: “Understand?”

Hearing the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes all burst into laughter, Cui Xuanliang turned red all over. Eager to cover his embarrassment, he said: “Alright, alright! What happened next? After Yi Bangseon met the Prince of Yan, did they become good friends?”

Wang Kui smiled: “You actually guessed right. This Yi Bangseon was like our Prince of Yan Emperor Yongle – both were not eldest sons, yet both had lofty ambitions. So once they met face to face, they truly regretted meeting so late. They say the two talked continuously for three days and nights in the royal mansion, finally becoming sworn brothers of different surnames.”

Everyone was shocked, asking one after another: “What? Royal families can also become sworn brothers with each other?”

Wang Kui made a “shh” sound, gesturing for silence: “Of course not. Royal families are the nation’s focus of attention – not only can they not become sworn brothers with Koreans, even with Chinese people it’s forbidden. So when the founder learned of this, he was furious. Knowing Yi Bangseon had been gossiping with his son, when Yi Bangseon came to Nanjing to present horses, he gave him a show of force.”

Wang Kui coughed: “You’ve seen that Cui Zhongjiu, right?”

Hearing the name of the “Baekje Master,” everyone nodded. Wang Kui whispered again: “Do you know how his leg became lame?”

Everyone said tremblingly: “Was it… was it beaten by the founder?”

Wang Kui sighed: “Exactly so. Afterward the founder also exiled Cui Zhongjiu to Guizhou. Only after Emperor Yongle ascended the throne did he return to Korea.”

Cui Xuanliang laughed: “No wonder this person speaks fluent Chinese – so that’s how he practiced it.”

Earlier when Cui Fengxian fought to the death with the “Korean Scholar,” Cui Zhongjiu had mocked coldly from the side. The sailors, hearing this in their ears, naturally hated it in their hearts. Now hearing that the founder had beaten this person, they all felt a surge of satisfaction.

Bu Guzi said again: “Alright, don’t mention that Cui Zhongjiu anymore. This person is worthless and deserved to be beaten to death. But what’s Ming Guoxun’s background? Why would he carry that ‘Divine Merit Shakes the Lord’?”

Wang Kui frowned: “This… I’m not too clear about this. I’ve only heard people mention that this ‘Divine Merit Shakes the Lord’ seems to be an imperial object that can only be carried by the true Son of Heaven, otherwise it brings misfortune. For this reason, it was previously buried in an imperial tomb on Mount Changbai for warding off evil and guarding the tomb. The Never Rest Blade governs ‘killing,’ violating fire precepts. But ‘Divine Merit Shakes the Lord’ violates earth precepts, with the prophecy: ‘Half gui, half forest – emergence from earth brings change.’ Diviners say it governs ‘regicide.'”

Cui Xuanliang frowned: “Regicide? What does that mean?”

Wang Kui coughed and explained: “Regicide means subordinates killing superiors, like ministers killing kings, sons killing fathers, disciples killing masters – all can use this character for regicide.”

Cui Xuanliang was shocked, never expecting “Divine Merit Shakes the Lord” to have such terrifying legends. He smiled bitterly: “So anyone who takes this blade will kill the king?”

Bu Guzi said in horror: “How mysterious! How did this blade end up in Ming Guoxun’s hands? Isn’t the Korean king afraid he’ll rebel?”

Wang Kui shook his head: “I don’t know this – you’d better ask Brother Tianjue.”

Seeing everyone looking at him, Monk Tianjue put down his porridge bowl and said: “I once heard temple elders mention that ‘Divine Merit Shakes the Lord’ was personally given to ‘Lord Huayang’ by current Korean sovereign Yi Do.”

Bu Guzi was greatly surprised: “What? This was personally given to him by the king?”

Monk Tianjue said: “Correct. They say this blade has been stained with blood and is quite inauspicious. After ‘Divine Merit Great King’ died, the succeeding Korean sovereign Yi Do was unwilling to wear this blade anymore, so he sealed it in a stone coffin and gave it to ‘Lord Huayang’ for safekeeping.”

Monk Tianjue continued: “They say when Yi Seonggye originally excavated this blade, it caused unrest throughout Korea. Everyone said ‘Half gui, half forest – emergence from earth brings change.’ This ‘forest’ character is wood, which combined with ‘gui’ makes ‘Gui’ (桂), saying the blade’s legend was about to be fulfilled on Yi Seonggye, that he would commit regicide and establish himself. At that time rumors flew everywhere. Yi Seonggye, being under suspicion, naturally couldn’t eat or sleep peacefully. Understanding that someone was slandering him behind the scenes, he sent people everywhere to investigate, seeking to find the identity of those spreading rumors.”

Bu Guzi interrupted: “Wait, wasn’t Yi Seonggye king at that time?”

Monk Tianjue shook his head: “No. The dynasty hadn’t changed yet – Yi Seonggye was just a general of the Goryeo Kingdom.”

Bu Guzi nodded: “I see, no wonder he was scared witless. What happened next? Did he find the rumor-spreaders?”

Monk Tianjue said: “Naturally. Yi Seonggye’s mortal enemies were only a few people. Within days, he discovered the rumors came from close associates of Jeong Mongju.”

Bu Guzi frowned: “Jeong Mongju? Who’s this now?”

Monk Tianjue said: “Jeong Mongju was Korea’s greatest Confucian scholar, called the ‘Goryeo Zhu Xi.’ When Yi Seonggye discovered this great scholar was targeting him, he was naturally both shocked and afraid, knowing this person’s reputation was lofty – if he wanted to trap him in unrighteousness, it would be as easy as turning his palm. Full of worry and fear, not knowing what to do, and also fearing the king would suspect him, he thought left and right and finally found a method to make the rumors collapse by themselves.”

Everyone asked in surprise: “What did he do?”

Monk Tianjue said: “He gave this blade to his fifth son, Yi Bangseon.”

Bu Guzi slapped his thigh forcefully, praising: “Brilliant move! Brilliant move! Ministers kill kings, sons kill fathers – if the rumors were true, Yi Seonggye wouldn’t need to commit regicide himself; he’d be slaughtered by his son first!”

Wang Kui said: “Exactly. The legend of ‘Divine Merit Shakes the Lord’ indeed governs ‘regicide.’ Yi Seonggye giving this blade to his son was intended to reassure the Goryeo king and calm the rumors. Indeed, this move immediately freed him from his predicament. Afterward, court ministers seeing him would frequently joke, telling him to beware of troubles arising from within his walls and not to be killed by his son.”

Bu Guzi had been laughing heartily but hearing this, couldn’t help making an “eh” sound: “Wait, did Yi Bangseon really kill his father?”

Monk Tianjue shook his head: “No. Yi Seonggye died of old age, not at his beloved son’s hands.”

Bu Guzi sighed in relief: “I thought so! If this blade could really commit regicide, how would the Korean king dare give it to an outsider? Wouldn’t that be asking for trouble? I think this regicide rumor must be fabricated.”

Wang Kui hesitated to speak, and Monk Tianjue also frowned deeply. Bu Guzi calculated secretly – seeing this Monk Tianjue came from Shaolin with excellent martial arts, yet even he was so wary of this “Divine Merit Shakes the Lord,” this blade must be extremely dangerous.

After pondering for a while, he asked Cui Xuanliang: “Young brother, I forgot to ask – why did your uncle come to the Bitter Sea when he was perfectly fine? Did he have some official business?”

The sailors said in unison: “The Taoist Master misunderstands – we strayed in by mistake.”

Bu Guzi made an “oh” sound: “Strayed in by mistake? Where were you originally going?”

Old Chen said: “We were going to Smoke Island. Unfortunately we deviated from our course and accidentally entered the Bitter Sea.”

Bu Guzi slapped his forehead in realization: “Right! Right! Wei Kuan is your father’s sworn brother, so Cui Zhenshan naturally had to bring you to offer birthday congratulations.”

Cui Xuanliang had come to court someone, which he couldn’t very well say publicly, so his expression became somewhat awkward. He said quietly: “What about you, Taoist Master? Why did you enter the Bitter Sea?”

Bu Guzi sighed: “It’s all Old Wang’s fault! If he hadn’t been ordered to come gather medicine, how would we have been dragged in?”

The sailors asked in surprise: “Ordered to gather medicine? By whose order?”

Bu Guzi laughed and scolded: “Damn! If not by the pig emperor’s order, could it be by yours? Really ignorant.”

Seeing everyone looking at him, Wang Kui quickly coughed: “It’s like this – I have a friend surnamed Yuan, nicknamed ‘Medical God.’ His medical skills are superb and he loves writing treatises. Over time, he became the head imperial physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, specializing in treating the emperor. But in recent years His Majesty has suffered from yin deficiency and internal depletion, his strength declining daily. Feeling useless, he issued an edict to my friend, ordering him to prescribe a formula.”

Cui Xuanliang frowned: “Useless? What does that mean?”

Bu Guzi coughed, picked up his flying sword, raised it forcefully, then soon let it droop softly. Cui Xuanliang said in amazement: “This… what kind of strange illness is this?”

Just as he was puzzled, the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes began laughing and playing. Yu Chuanzi pulled Chi Chuanzi, sighing bashfully: “Your Majesty, this slave hasn’t had enough yet.” Chi Chuanzi looked down and frowned: “No way – it’s already broken.”

Cui Xuanliang cried “Ah!” and immediately turned red to his ears, finally understanding that with three palaces, six courts, and seventy-two concubines, the emperor’s three times a day was already an unbearable burden. He swallowed and said quietly: “So it’s this kind of illness. Then… after the emperor took medicine, was there any improvement?”

Wang Kui sighed: “Rotten wood… cannot be carved. Even divine wood from heaven, how can it withstand daily chopping and nightly cutting without withering and declining, let alone others? This Divine Physician Yuan is also detestable – clearly knowing this illness can only be cured through rest and recuperation with no medicine available, yet fearing the emperor would blame him, he gave out my name, saying the ‘Divine Physician’ excels at treating the upper body while the ‘Ghost Physician’ specializes in the lower body – one up, one down, each with their strengths. His Majesty was greatly pleased and had me dragged down from Mount Jiuhua!”

Hearing “Mount Jiuhua,” the sailors immediately bowed down, saying in unison: “So the master is the Jiuhua hero – no wonder such brilliant medical skills.”

Ordinary martial sects kill and burn without restraint, but the Jiuhua lineage is completely different – disciples master various arts and benefit local people. So though the sailors weren’t martial world people, they had heard of their great reputation and all greatly admired them.

Cui Xuanliang smiled: “Master, your Mount Jiuhua is in Qingyang, Anhui, right? Our hometown is in Bengbu, Anhui – we’re neighbors! I can visit your place in the future.”

Wang Kui sighed: “Visit what? Our Mount Jiuhua is moving! Jiuhua was originally an orthodox martial sword sect, but disciples all neglect their proper duties with none mastering martial arts. Take me for example – I’ve always been devoted to medicine, don’t love practicing martial arts, and my fighting skills are terrible, so people call me ‘Ghost Physician.’ My grand-nephew is even more disappointing – of all the good things in the sect to learn, he loves gambling. Before age twenty he mastered superb gambling skills, eating his way across the land as a professional cheater. I hoped this boy could earn some silver to bring back to the mountain, but six months ago he went to the capital, met the contemporary gambling god, and after a great battle, he lost all our mountain patrimony. Now creditors gather helpers and come to the mountain daily demanding payment. We can’t beat them – who knows what we’ll do in the future?”

Wang Kui was a physician by training, beloved by all, but his grand-nephew was a heartless gambling demon whom naturally no one would help. Seeing his worried expression, Old Chen comforted him: “Don’t worry, physician. If you cure His Majesty’s illness this time, when the dragon heart is greatly pleased, won’t there be rewards?”

Wang Kui sighed: “What rewards? I dare not dream of such things. Just not being beheaded by His Imperial Majesty would earn my eternal gratitude.”

Everyone asked in surprise: “Why does Physician Wang say this? Can’t… can’t His Majesty’s illness be completely cured?”

Wang Kui said: “His Majesty’s illness was brought on by his own excess. Unless he rests and recuperates, there’s fundamentally no medicine to cure it. But he just won’t give up and insists I find a way. I can only reluctantly search through palace secret texts and found an ancient Qin-Han formula called ‘Mysterious Yellow Great Correction Formula’ to see if there’s any way to turn decay into magic.”

Mysterious Yellow for endurance, Great Correction for vigor – hearing this, Cui Xuanliang snorted through his nose and asked delightedly: “Physician Wang, have you finished preparing your pills? Can I have a look?”

Just thinking of borrowing a couple to taste, Bu Guzi had already frowned and asked: “What? Young brother, you’re not even twenty and already having problems too?”

Cui Xuanliang was startled and hastily said: “No, no! I… I was just asking out of curiosity…”

Men worldwide can have their heads chopped and blood spilled, but fear even the slightest injury to that small area – that would be a waste of manhood. Seeing the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes’ mischievous eyes, Cui Xuanliang became even more afraid: “Phy… Physician Wang, have you… have you gathered all the medicinal materials?”

Wang Kui sighed: “This ‘Mysterious Yellow Great Correction Formula’ is an ancient prescription, said to be left by Warring States alchemists. The medicinal materials listed are strange and bizarre – requiring seal penis, seahorse liver, all treasures from the sea. Several medicine catalysts are even more unprecedented, like sea scorpion venom, sea dragon snake gallbladder, etc. Except for the Bitter Sea, there’s probably nowhere else in the world to find them. After hearing this, His Majesty issued an edict to Naval Commander Bai Bixia, ordering him to protect me throughout the journey into this boundless Bitter Sea!”

Only now did everyone understand why Bai Bixia had sailed here – he was gathering medicine for the emperor.

Cui Xuanliang thought blankly about all the day’s strange events and suddenly said: “Master, when I fired the cannon earlier, a small boat came on the sea. Wasn’t there a white-robed hero who came to rescue us? He… he was Bai Yuntian, right?”

Bu Guzi scoffed: “Hero my ass! That boy isn’t much older than you – what kind of great hero is he?”

The Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes giggled: “Master’s at it again, always jealous of the Emei sect.”

Dian Cang was located in Yunnan-Guizhou with continuous elegant mountain ranges, while Emei was in Sichuan with majestic momentum. Both were major southwestern sects, so these two sects had probably been competing due to geography for a long time.

Wang Kui grabbed the old Taoist Bu Guzi, telling him to say less, then said: “That white-robed youth is indeed Bai Yuntian, the only son of ‘Naval Commander’ Bai Bixia. Just now he was piloting a sampan, scouting the route for the fleet in the sea. Suddenly seeing your signal cannon, he took the vanguard and came to investigate.”

Earlier Bai Yuntian had arrived first – though alone with just a small boat, he caught the Korean officials off guard, truly showing the grand spirit of a martial world hero. But after Bai Bixia arrived and started speaking officialese, it was inevitably disappointing.

Thinking of Bai Bixia’s expression, Cui Xuanliang looked gloomy, truly feeling indescribably frustrated. Bu Guzi observed his words and expression: “Young brother, that surnamed Bai is a bastard. Don’t take this to heart – it’s not worth dying of anger over.”

Wang Kui said: “Don’t worry – with me, ‘Ghost Physician’ Wang Kui here, who can anger young brother Cui to death?” He took out a silver needle, smiling: “Whoever’s in a bad mood now, just extend your hand. I’ll give you a few needles at the ‘Spirit Gate Point’ – guaranteed to eliminate all worries and anger.”

The “Spirit Gate Point” belongs to the heart meridian – after acupuncture treatment, it can broaden the heart and relieve worries. Everyone had heard of this. Before he finished speaking, seven small arms had already extended forward – the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes had arrived.

Wang Kui was slightly curious: “You seven children are so young – what worries do you have?”

“Of course we do!” The Seven Young Heroes pointed at Bu Guzi, shouting in unison: “Having this kind of master, of course we’re worried!”

Bu Guzi was so angry his beard bristled and eyes glared, swinging at his disciples again while everyone else laughed. Cui Xuanliang, with youthful innocence, also laughed heartily, throwing all worries to the ninth heaven.

Old Chen said: “So that Commander Bai was also ordered to gather medicine. Besides that, does he have other business?”

Wang Kui nodded: “Of course. This time Bai Bixia led the fleet to sea to bestow a title on Island Master Wei.”

Everyone was shocked: “His Majesty wants to bestow a title on Island Master Wei?”

Wang Kui said: “Yes. In recent years Wei Kuan’s prestige has spread far – Japanese Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Korean Prince Yi Do, and even Ryukyu’s King Sho Hashi all want to bestow an official position and noble title on Island Master Wei, so they can later station troops there. How clever is this Wei Kuan? How would he jump into a fire pit? He declined them all one by one. But this time the one issuing the edict is our Ten Thousand Years Lord from Beijing’s Forbidden City – if Old Wei doesn’t show face, Smoke Island might be trampled flat.”

Official characters have two mouths, all depending on one tongue. After taking an empty noble position, there are no benefits but troubles by the basketful – tribute payments, taxes, and other trivial matters would follow endlessly, probably bringing eternal unrest.

Old Chen asked quietly: “Physician Wang, this time… what title will Island Master Wei receive?”

Wang Kui shrugged: “I don’t know much about official matters – probably Earl of Xin’an or Earl of Leping.”

Cui Xuanliang stared blankly. Seeing Xiao Shizi walk by, he grabbed and hugged it, stroking it in his arms. He said quietly: “I heard uncle say their generation was most unlucky. In childhood the world was in chaos – Mongols killed grandpa and grandma. They had no food, no schooling. With nowhere to turn, they could only join rebel armies, cooking and doing odd jobs. But growing up without learning, no matter how hard they tried, they could never rise in life.”

Bu Guzi sighed: “Your uncle’s generation was called ‘Unfortunate Children,’ also known as ‘Founding Orphans’ – referring to children born in the late Zhizheng years. They suffered deeply from warfare, mostly without fathers or mothers, helpless and alone. When rebel armies charged into battle, they always made these unfortunate children take the lead – after all, with no relatives, no one would feel sorry if they died.”

Old Chen, Old Lin and others, hearing him speak this way, felt sorry for themselves, their eyes naturally reddening.

Wang Kui continued: “Exactly. If these children had been born ten years earlier or ten years later, their circumstances would have been completely different. Take me and Old Bu Guzi – we’re both over seventy. When rebel armies rose, we were already in our twenties. We’d finished our studies and martial training. Though the world was chaotic, we weren’t really delayed – we just fled to deep mountains to avoid trouble and enjoyed leisure. When the world became peaceful and everything needed rebuilding, we emerged from the mountains to compete for high positions!”

Bu Guzi’s face reddened: “What ‘competing for high positions’ – that sounds so ugly!”

Wang Kui frowned: “Don’t act virtuous after getting benefits. Take your Dian Cang Mountain – when fighting the Mongols, how many predecessors died in warfare? If positions hadn’t been cleared out with no great generals in Shu, how would it be your turn, Liao Hua, to be vanguard?”

Hearing their master’s name changed, the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes laughed heartily again: “Great! Master improved! He can hold horses for Lord Guan now!”

Bu Guzi was both ashamed and annoyed, driving his disciples away again, scratching his face and smiling bitterly.

Cui Xuanliang said quietly: “Physician Wang, so those of my father’s generation were truly pitiful, right?”

Wang Kui sighed: “Of course. These ‘Unfortunate Children’ were all soldiers from military backgrounds. In childhood following founding heroes, because they were young with little learning, everything had to follow seniority – naturally they couldn’t even get hot shit to eat. When they became old with rank and learning, Emperor Yongle stretched out his legs and died, so it became the turn of little devils like Bai Bixia to emerge. Now the ‘Founding Orphans’ seemed too old and stubborn, so they were forcibly driven from court.”

In those chaotic times, the most pitiful were these ‘Unfortunate Children’ born in late Zhizheng years. Young in age, they suffered warfare’s deepest poison. Leaving home with no parental care, they could only join the military, used as common soldiers throughout life without advancement.

In contrast, people like Bai Bixia, born fifteen years later, had completely different circumstances. Born in Hongwu years, loved by fathers and mothers from childhood, well-fed and clothed, they were called “Peaceful Young Masters.” Now under Emperor Longqing’s support, they had all climbed to high positions, instead sweeping the “Founding Orphans” out the door.

With founding heroes above and peaceful young masters below, people like Cui Fengxun and Cui Fengxian’s generation were caught between two great currents, like a small boat in the vast sea, always drifting rootlessly.

Among these “Unfortunate Children,” only Wei Kuan had fought his way out. Think of him being self-reliant, sailing alone to pioneer Smoke Island, becoming lord of the Eastern Sea. Japanese shogunate, Korean royalty, and heroes from throughout the Central Plains – who didn’t respect and fear him?

Thinking of the Bai father and son, Cui Xuanliang couldn’t help sighing again and asked: “Taoist Bu Guzi, how is Bai Bixia’s martial arts so good?”

Bu Guzi said: “Bai Bixia comes from the Emei sect, so his skills are naturally excellent. There’s a common saying in today’s martial world: ‘Dian Cang has few people, Qingcheng has little money – give it to Emei and they’d still want more.’ You can imagine how great the Emei sect’s enterprise is!”

Everyone found this saying quite vivid and couldn’t help laughing. Looking at Dian Cang Mountain with just a few cats and dogs, its talent withered away in a scene of desolation. Qingcheng was remote and hidden in deep mountains, so its harsh living conditions went without saying. As for the Emei lineage, because the mountain was spiritually beautiful with Buddhist and Taoist temples gathered there, the mountain naturally prospered in both talent and wealth, no wonder it was the greatest gate of southwestern martial arts.

Wang Kui listened and suddenly said blankly: “Dian Cang has few people, Qingcheng has little money, but our Mount Jiuhua lacks everything – now we don’t even have land. What will we do in the future?” Speaking of this, he couldn’t help worrying.

Bu Guzi comforted: “What are you afraid of? Haven’t you seen beggars form gangs, living without fixed abode, how free and easy they are? In the future, Jiuhua disciples might as well follow this example, giving all the world’s beggars a leader.”

This remark made everyone burst out laughing again. Wang Kui, seeing his old friend gloating, felt displeased: “You’re quite pleased with yourself. Be careful I don’t move to the foot of your Dian Cang Mountain to compete with you for disciples.”

Before he finished speaking, the Seven Young Heroes rushed over, laughing: “Uncle Wang needn’t compete for disciples – we’re coming to follow you!”

Bu Guzi was unpopular, and now his disciples all defected from their sect, clustering around Wang Kui acting coquettishly. This made the old Taoist so angry his beard bristled and eyes glared as he cursed loudly.

Cui Xuanliang thought blankly about various legends of Central Plains martial arts and suddenly said: “Master, I… I heard uncle mention that the three greatest divine skills in our Central Plains martial arts are Shaolin Temple’s ‘Muscle Transformation Classic,’ Uncle Wei Kuan’s ‘Origin Origin Skill,’ and another… what… what sect’s fox demon skill, right?”

Everyone burst into laughter. Bu Guzi said: “Young brother, there’s no fox demon skill in the world, only the ‘Pure Yang Skill’ of Wudang’s Hidden Immortal lineage. Don’t make wild fabrications.”

Cui Xuanliang continued: “Master, doesn’t your Shaolin Temple also have the Muscle Transformation Classic? Compared to ‘Origin Origin Skill,’ which is more powerful?”

Monk Tianjue said: “The three great ancient divine skills each have their strengths. Speaking of our temple’s ‘Muscle Transformation Classic,’ because its practice method is ancient and simple, the internal force cultivated and gathered is also unshakeable – its foundation’s stability ranks first among the three great divine skills. However, regarding the inexhaustible nature of dantian internal breath, it’s inferior to Wudang’s supreme treasure ‘Pure Yang Skill.'”

Shaolin martial arts covered the world with might like Mount Song, unshakeable; Wudang mental methods were like vast seas blessing all, endless and infinite. These descriptions had their origins, all visible from the fundamental mental methods of each sect.

Cui Xuanliang made an “oh” sound: “Master, what about ‘Origin Origin Skill’? What are its strengths?”

Monk Tianjue said: “The Muscle Transformation Classic is stable, Pure Yang Skill is infinite, but this ‘Origin Origin Skill’ is dangerous martial learning that offends Heaven and Harmony and spies on the immortal realm.”

Cui Xuanliang exclaimed: “Spying on the immortal realm?”

Monk Tianjue said nothing more, thinking he was ultimately a monk and didn’t know much about Taoist matters. Wang Kui on the side was also from the Danding sect: “The Danding sect has accumulated a thousand years of wisdom, making ‘Earth Pills’ approach ‘Heaven Pills.’ They say those who consume earth pills have extremely strong and deep protective qi, like ghosts and spirits.”

Cui Xuanliang asked in horror: “This… what’s the reason for this?”

Wang Kui said: “Earth pills occur once in a thousand years. They say consumers undergo dramatic physical changes – all acupoints shift position, meridians flow in reverse, and they can even gather qi with the five organs and six bowels. Thus the internal force cultivated is extremely strange, like heavenly objects. They say Wei Kuan’s palm force was extremely strong – in the whole world, except for your father’s ‘Eight Directions Five Thunder Palm,’ no one could match it.”

Cui Xuanliang made an “oh” sound, not knowing Uncle Wei Kuan’s martial arts were so formidable. Thinking his father had fought him to a draw, he couldn’t help feeling proud: “Master, from what you say, ‘Origin Origin Skill’ should be the world’s greatest. Why do you still say the three great divine skills are neck and neck?”

Monk Tianjue said: “All things in heaven and earth have their flaws. In this old monk’s view, ‘Origin Origin Skill’ offends Heaven and Harmony – better not to practice it.”

Cui Xuanliang snorted: “Then according to Master, the Muscle Transformation Classic is most useful? How about this – since you’re going to Smoke Island, why don’t we ask you to fight Uncle Wei to see which is more powerful, ‘Muscle Transformation Classic’ or ‘Origin Origin Skill’?”

The Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes applauded while Bu Guzi gloated, about to encourage a few words when Monk Tianjue said: “Amitabha, this poor monk hasn’t practiced the Muscle Transformation Classic.”

Everyone ate and chatted. Cui Xuanliang, hearing about the succession of masters in Central Plains martial arts – Shaolin, Wudang – had his horizons greatly expanded, finally knowing that staying by uncle’s side before was truly like a frog in a well, not knowing the world’s vastness.

He silently thought about those great figures of Central Plains martial arts when his heart suddenly stirred, thinking of someone – Bai Yuntian. No matter how strong these martial arts seniors before him were, that was fine, but he and Bai Yuntian were clearly of similar age, yet whether in family background or martial arts, they were like heaven and earth.

Looking at uncle in his sixties still running ships overseas, ending up with empty sleeves and unknown fame; but Bai Yuntian was different – his father was only in his forties, handsome and young, rising like the sun in official circles. Plus he himself came from a famous great sect – these two generations were truly like heaven’s favored sons, making people dare not look directly at them.

The saying goes: “People respect the rich, dogs bite the poor” – it truly applied to his situation. This Bai Yuntian, relying on his father’s protection, naturally succeeded in everything, but his father’s generation were all founding orphans who suffered losses their whole lives. When it came to his generation, they were still so unsuccessful.

Listening, Cui Xuanliang’s heart grew increasingly desolate. He sighed: “Taoist Bu Guzi, I heard people say earlier that Bai… Bai Bixia even passed the imperial examinations, right?”

Bu Guzi said: “Correct. ‘Naval Commander’ Bai Bixia came from Emei. At twenty-four he entered provincial examinations and won first place, becoming the top juren. Three years later, with martial juren status he entered the capital for metropolitan examinations, winning the top martial champion in one try, causing a sensation.”

Everyone felt a chill, finally understanding why Bai Bixia was called “Scholar-Swordsman Supreme.” Being top juren was extremely difficult.

Cui Xuanliang snorted: “This makes no sense. Isn’t Bai Bixia an Emei master? If he spent all his time studying, when would he practice martial arts? His skills must be terrible, right?”

Bu Guzi shook his head: “You’re wrong. Bai Bixia’s martial arts are very strong, his reputation far greater than his literary talent. When he went to the capital for martial examinations as an Emei master, young heroes throughout the world heard of it and all avoided that year’s martial competitions to avoid embarrassment.”

Everyone was shocked: “That formidable?”

Bu Guzi sighed: “Though this fellow is official material, his swordsmanship is quite something. It’s said at age ten he mastered Emei’s superior sword technique ‘Clear Sound Wonderful Sword,’ unmatched among his sect. The year after passing examinations, he mastered Emei’s most difficult ‘Burning Lamp Ancient Sword,’ becoming a first-class Emei master. Not only couldn’t his peers match him, even mountain elders probably weren’t his opponents.”

Cui Xuanliang, listening on the side, interjected: “Master, if you fought Bai Bixia, who would win or lose?”

Bu Guzi chuckled: “This old Taoist hasn’t tried yet – perhaps I’ll play with him someday.”

Seeing the old Taoist shed his joking manner with killing intent showing in his eyes, Cui Xuanliang was startled. Just as he felt awkward, Wang Kui sighed: “Everyone, you think Bu Guzi is shabby and casual, just a old man, right? Actually, as Dian Cang sect master, his martial arts have always been formidable, and he’s an old brand name in martial circles. If Bai Bixia really fought him, it would be a major event shocking southwestern martial arts.”

Everyone’s hearts jumped, finally putting aside their contempt. Old Chen, fearing the young master had offended someone, quickly apologized: “Sorry, sorry. Master is southwestern martial arts’ greatest expert – we truly failed to recognize Mount Tai.”

Hearing everyone’s flattery, Bu Guzi laughed heartily: “Stop flattering me. What southwestern martial arts’ greatest expert – this old Taoist doesn’t dare accept that.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “Really? Could there… could there be someone more powerful than you?”

Bu Guzi laughed dryly, exchanging glances with Wang Kui but never responding. Suddenly a Buddha’s name sounded as Monk Tianjue said calmly: “Currently southwestern martial arts’ greatest expert, everyone acknowledges as ‘Heavenly Banished Immortal’ Bai Biyu.”

“Bai Biyu?” Seeing another person surnamed Bai, everyone was shocked: “Who… who is he now?”

Bu Guzi said frankly: “This Bai Biyu is Bai Yuntian’s teaching master, called ‘Heavenly Banished Immortal.’ Brother Tianjue is correct – current martial circles acknowledge him as southwestern number one.”

Cui Xuanliang was completely surprised, never expecting the Bai family to hide another master, murmuring: “Bai… Bai Biyu? He… he’s Bai Yuntian’s master?”

Bu Guzi said: “Correct. From age five, Bai Yuntian followed Bai Biyu in training. Master and disciple lived in seclusion at Emei’s back mountain until Bai Yuntian completed his arts and descended the mountain at twenty-three.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “This… what exactly is Bai Biyu’s background? What… what’s his relationship to Bai Bixia?”

Bu Guzi said: “They’re twins. Though their features are identical, their appearances are vastly different.”

Cui Xuanliang was puzzled again: “Why? Aren’t they identical in looks? Why would they be vastly different?”

Bu Guzi said: “Bai Biyu was born with defects – his right hand lacks two fingers. Besides that, his face was also tattooed.”

Cui Xuanliang asked in amazement: “Face tattooed? Who tattooed it?”

Bu Guzi said: “The Jade Emperor.”

Cui Xuanliang was even more surprised: “The Jade Emperor?”

Wang Kui coughed and explained: “Bai Biyu was born with a birthmark on his right cheek, blue-black in color, large as a sea bowl, looking like a criminal’s facial tattoo. So some say he was an immortal in his previous life who violated heavenly law and was tattooed by the Jade Emperor before being banished to the mortal world, hence called ‘Heavenly Banished Immortal.'”

Cui Xuanliang made an “ah” sound, finally understanding Bai Biyu had a birthmark on his face – no wonder his features matched his brother’s but their appearances differed like heaven and earth.

Bu Guzi continued: “Bai Biyu and Bai Bixia are twin brothers, but he was incomplete – not only lacking five fingers on his right hand but also tattooed on his face, as if cursed by heaven. His grandfather was furious to madness when crying sounds came from the delivery room again. The midwife brought out a second baby. His grandfather was overjoyed, finally realizing his daughter-in-law had given birth to twins.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “This second one was… was Bai Bixia.”

Bu Guzi said: “Exactly Bai Bixia. The midwife washed this child clean – his skin was white and crystalline, truly perfect and flawless like beautiful jade. The grandfather’s mood improved, so he changed his mind and kept both brothers. Based on their appearances, he named the defective one ‘Bixia’ and the perfect one ‘Biyu.’ The name change was the mother’s idea. This Bai family matron was very virtuous. Knowing the elder brother was born defective while the younger was perfectly flawless, she deliberately switched the grandfather’s names, calling the good one ‘Bixia’ and the ugly one ‘Biyu,’ hoping the brothers would in future have ‘flaws not overshadow jade,’ that the elder brother could forget his defects and find his own path in life.”

Hearing this pair of brothers’ strange origins, Cui Xuanliang became somewhat absorbed: “What happened next? Was Bai Biyu so pitiful that he was later very cherished?”

Bu Guzi shook his head: “Quite the opposite. People naturally love beauty and hate ugliness. Bai Bixia, relying on his handsome face, was beloved from childhood and succeeded in everything. But Bai Biyu was unlucky – every time he went out with family, outsiders pointed and gossiped, saying the Bai family had been smugglers in the past, doing too much evil, so their descendants were tattooed by heaven as ugly retribution. Every time grandfather heard such gossip, he’d turn iron-faced with anger and severely beat Bai Biyu at home to vent.”

Cui Xuanliang’s heart ached: “This child is so pitiful – he must have despaired.”

Bu Guzi said: “You’re right. When the brothers reached age five, Bai Bixia was spoiled and willful, terribly bad, while Bai Biyu was melancholy and unhappy. At such a young age, his nature became strange and solitary. Mother thought this wouldn’t work, so she informed grandfather she wanted the brothers to practice martial arts for health, sending them both to nearby Mount Emei.”

Everyone was shocked: “Why did she do this? Didn’t she want to keep her children by her side?”

Bu Guzi sighed: “Hometown was the worst place for the Bai brothers. Bai Bixia was too favored while Bai Biyu was too abused. If she wanted this pair of brothers to grow up purely, she had to make them leave hometown, or both would become wastrels when they grew up.”

Everyone, hearing this, all praised her, knowing this Bai family matron was far-sighted and thoughtful, incomparable to those chattering gossips.

Cui Xuanliang sighed: “So that’s how they entered Emei. What happened next? After Bai Biyu went up the mountain, were his circumstances better?”

Bu Guzi shook his head: “No. When the brothers joined Emei, though both were from wealthy families, the elder was inferior and afraid while the younger was intelligent and clever – naturally beloved again. The elders saw this child was good-looking, sweet-tongued, naturally good official material, so they kept him by their sides day and night, carefully guiding his martial arts. Later, following Grandfather Bai’s wishes, they hired three tutors to teach him reading and writing for future imperial examinations.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “Then… what about Bai Biyu? Didn’t the elders teach him martial arts?”

Bu Guzi said: “Bai Biyu’s right hand lacked two fingers – he was naturally unable to hold a sword. The elders knew this child was useless and didn’t want to waste effort teaching him, but considering the Bai family matron’s feelings, they couldn’t very well drive him down the mountain, so they let him stay at the temple. This child had a solitary temperament and his appearance was… sigh… anyway, after being mocked by fellow disciples several times and fighting, he angrily hid in a cave at the back cliff, concealing himself. No matter how the elders coaxed, he wouldn’t come out.”

Everyone, hearing this, couldn’t help feeling sorry for this child. Cui Xuanliang’s eyes reddened: “Then… after his mother heard about this, did she go up the mountain to find him?”

Bu Guzi shook his head: “His mother didn’t know about these things. Old Master Bai concealed the news, otherwise if his daughter-in-law heard, she’d definitely go to the temple to find her son, inevitably causing chaos.”

Cui Xuanliang lowered his head: “What happened next? How did Bai Biyu learn his skills?”

Bu Guzi said: “To tell the truth, his martial arts were taught by his younger brother.”

Everyone exclaimed in surprise. Bu Guzi said: “Twin sons ultimately share blood thicker than water. This Bai Bixia loved competing for favor in childhood and enjoyed tormenting his elder brother. But after coming to Emei and personally seeing fellow disciples mock and bully his brother, this stirred his brotherly feelings. Seeing his brother hiding in the back cliff cave, refusing to eat or come out, he’d save half his food every day and secretly climb the cliff at night to bring it to his brother.”

Old Chen interjected: “Did the elders know about this?”

Bu Guzi said: “They should have known. Children not sleeping at night and constantly climbing back mountains – how could the elders be unaware?” He glanced at his seven disciples, seeing the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes winking at each other – probably also a bunch of night owls.

Bu Guzi continued: “Bai Biyu lived in the mountain cave while Emei elders couldn’t control him, so they could only turn a blind eye and let nature take its course. For several months after, Bai Bixia would bring food to find his brother every night. To make his brother happy, every time he learned new martial arts, he’d definitely tell Bai Biyu at night, having him practice together.”

Cui Xuanliang, being an only child without brothers from childhood, was naturally moved hearing about such brotherly affection. He sighed: “So that’s how Bai Biyu learned martial arts. But they were both children – one teaching blindly, one learning blindly. Could they actually master profound martial arts?”

Bu Guzi said: “If they’d learned our Dian Cang sword techniques, naturally not. But Emei’s martial arts are quite different, emphasizing ‘imitation’ most. Disciples have a shortcut in training called ‘paired practice.’ If one performs ‘orthodox’ and one performs ‘unorthodox,’ with minds connected, they can often understand by analogy and deeply grasp their sect’s true techniques.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “Paired practice? What… what kind of method is this?”

Bu Guzi said: “Emei paired practice isn’t ordinary sects’ sparring demonstrations. It has disciples sit facing each other, hands clasped, heart to heart. If two people’s mental states connect, they can often exchange dozens of moves in an instant, just like real combat.”

Hearing of such convenient training methods, Cui Xuanliang was naturally envious. The Cui family martial arts emphasized both internal and external training – daily practice required morning, noon, and evening meditation sessions, each lasting half an hour. When training physical strength, they had to carry eighty-pound sandbags, then support themselves on fists doing five hundred push-ups – extremely arduous. He never imagined such effortless training methods existed.

Thinking blankly, just as he was sighing, he suddenly remembered something: “Wait, they’re twins – wouldn’t they have great advantages in ‘paired practice’?”

Bu Guzi said: “Correct. The Bai brothers were both extremely intelligent. Bai Bixia’s exceptional talent goes without saying. Though Bai Biyu looked ugly, he was actually as clever as his brother. Plus they were twins, naturally able to connect mentally. Bai Biyu also had a defective right hand and had to use his left, taking a completely ‘unorthodox’ path. Once these brothers got on the ‘paired practice’ path, it was truly heaven-made – no one could train faster than them. Within months, Bai Bixia’s martial arts had advanced by leaps and bounds while Bai Biyu also developed interest, looking forward day and night to his brother teaching him martial arts.”

Cui Xuanliang was delighted: “Wonderful! Bai Biyu finally got ahead.”

Bu Guzi said: “Bai Bixia’s martial arts grew faster and faster. Within a year he’d mastered the sect’s ‘Clear Sound Wonderful Sword,’ moving smoothly and expertly like an adult. In training his reactions were incredibly fast – fellow disciples practicing with him couldn’t keep up, so master-uncles had to personally accompany his practice. Seeing such talent, elders marveled, all thinking a once-in-a-century genius had come to their sect.”

Everyone praised endlessly, feeling this twin pair’s life story was truly unprecedented. Cui Xuanliang asked: “What happened next? How long did they practice together?”

Bu Guzi said: “One year.”

Everyone asked in amazement: “One year? Why so short?”

Bu Guzi said: “Guess – don’t always make me sing solo, it’s boring.”

Cui Xuanliang pondered slightly. Seeing this twin pair’s paired martial arts practice was invincible, he wondered why it suddenly stopped. After brief thought, he suddenly understood: “I know! After one year, Bai Bixia returned home.”

Bu Guzi laughed: “Return home for what? To poop?”

The Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes burst into laughter, mocking heartily. Cui Xuanliang’s face reddened, speechless. Old Chen said: “So it seems the elders discovered their training together and forced them to stop, right?”

Bu Guzi smiled: “You’re also ignorant. Bai Biyu wasn’t a spy sent by our Dian Cang sect – why would elders guard against him?”

Everyone thought this was correct but couldn’t guess the reason, immediately asking in unison: “Master! Stop being mysterious and tell us quickly – why didn’t they practice together anymore?”

Bu Guzi, seeing he’d teased them enough, immediately stroked his beard with a smile, about to reveal the truth when Monk Tianjue smiled and interjected: “Master, did Bai Bixia fall behind his elder brother?”

Bu Guzi chuckled and pointed at Monk Tianjue: “Shaolin Temple has good insight! Correct – the reason Bai Bixia could no longer practice paired martial arts with his elder brother was precisely because he couldn’t keep up.”

“Couldn’t keep up?” Everyone was shocked: “Why?”

Bu Guzi said: “These brothers were originally twins, so logically their aptitude should be identical. But Bai Biyu lived in seclusion in the mountain cave, with nothing to do all day – no need to study for exams, no need to socialize with fellow disciples. Three hundred sixty-five days a year, day and night his thoughts were all on one sword. But Bai Bixia had it hard – every day after waking, he had to recite poetry, practice calligraphy, and at lunch accompany the elders entertaining mountain guests. Think how little time he had for martial practice daily – how could he catch up to his elder brother?”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “I see. Then… from then on, the brothers practiced separately?”

Bu Guzi said: “Not exactly. But in the following ten-plus years, the brothers’ roles reversed. Every time Bai Bixia visited his brother, it was no longer to teach him martial arts but to ask for guidance on doubts. By then Bai Biyu had learned ‘Clear Sound Wonderful Sword’ and his insight was no longer ordinary. Every time he heard his brother recite martial arts mental methods, he’d spend several days carefully pondering before explaining to his brother.”

Cui Xuanliang was full of envy, sighing: “Having an elder brother is wonderful – there’s always support for everything.”

The Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes, hearing this, immediately glanced at each other – the small ones eyeing the big ones, the big ones glaring at the small ones, all snorting and closing their eyes. Apparently the seven brothers usually bullied the weak and tattled, busy framing each other – the idea of support could only be found in dreams.

Bu Guzi continued: “With big brother’s help, in subsequent years, though Bai Bixia was entangled in worldly affairs, his martial progress was still miraculous, unmatched by any sect disciple. But in comparison, big brother’s advancement was frighteningly fast. He was thirsty for learning – the martial arts his brother related daily could no longer satisfy him, so he asked his brother to help by borrowing secret manuals.”

Cui Xuanliang was amazed: “Borrow secret manuals? Would the elders agree?”

Bu Guzi said: “At that time Bai Bixia was the elders’ favorite, the hope of all Emei. Once he wanted to borrow secret manuals, how could the elders be stingy? They generously lent them.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “So Bai Biyu was self-taught?”

Bu Guzi said: “Correct. Bai Biyu’s heart toward martial arts was extremely devout – no one in all Emei could surpass him. Within several years, his martial arts advanced greatly, actually mastering ‘Golden Summit Divine Sword,’ a full five years faster than his brother. When his brother also learned this sword technique, he had already reached a higher level, mastering Emei’s most difficult ‘Burning Lamp Ancient Sword.’ Ten years later, when Bai Bixia finally passed the juren examination and could set aside worldly affairs to focus on practicing ‘Burning Lamp Ancient Sword,’ Bai Biyu had already climbed to the peak, completing Emei’s highest dream since ancient times: ‘Sword Without Sword.'”

Everyone was startled: “No sword?”

Bu Guzi nodded: “No sword means not wearing a sword. Elders have passed down that though Mount Emei is famous for the ‘White Eyebrow Sword,’ actually the sharpest weapon on the mountain isn’t a real object but the ‘Sword Without Sword’ wielded by ‘Supreme Void Qi.’ Legend says Bai Biyu no longer wears a real sword, only hanging a wooden sword on his body. But when people in the martial world encounter him, none dare clash with real weapons for fear of damaging their precious swords.”

The sailors asked in horror: “That formidable?”

Bu Guzi smiled: “Actually this is just legend – whether it’s exaggerated, no one knows. I’ve only heard people mention that Bai Biyu’s ‘Supreme Void Qi’ seems extremely profound. When drawing his sword, he infuses internal force and sword qi rushes skyward with irresistible might. If he’s truly reached this level, even ‘Korean Scholar’ Liu Juyong’s ‘Great Martial Divine King Sword’ probably couldn’t withstand one strike from his wooden sword.”

Martial world people valued swords most. Just now seeing Bai Yuntian holding the “White Eyebrow Sword,” though his power was far inferior to Liu Juyong’s, because the White Eyebrow Sword was extraordinarily sharp, it could force the “Great Martial Divine King Sword” to retreat – showing that if martial arts and weapons match well, it’s wonderfully effective. But then again, if someone could travel the world with just a wooden sword, what kind of realm would that be?

In the silence, Wang Kui suddenly remembered something: “Bu Guzi, you old thief, have you heard of ‘Sword Radiance’?”

Everyone asked in amazement: “Sword Radiance? What’s that?”

Wang Kui explained: “I once heard my Jiuhua master mention that hundreds of years ago, Central Plains had a strange skill called ‘Sword Radiance.’ They say when practiced deeply, one can use internal force to activate invisible sword qi, making the sword emit dazzling light. I wonder if Bai Biyu’s ‘Sword Without Sword’ is the same martial art?”

Bu Guzi pondered: “This ‘Sword Radiance’ thing, I’ve heard people mention it too. It seems like martial learning from the Western Regions… always described vividly and fantastically, but when you really ask, no one has actually seen it…” He pondered long, then asked Monk Tianjue: “Brother, among Shaolin’s seventy-two unique arts, are there any close to ‘Sword Radiance’?”

Monk Tianjue shook his head: “None. Our Shaolin contains five sword techniques, all using real swords, never heard of cultivating invisible sword qi.”

Bu Guzi nodded: “That’s it then… Bai Biyu’s ‘Supreme Void Qi’ is a method of transmitting force through objects, while this ‘Sword Radiance’ cultivates invisible sword qi – the two are probably completely different…”

Cui Xuanliang wondered: “Then… if Sword Radiance met Emei’s ‘Supreme Void Qi,’ which would be more powerful?”

The masters murmured among themselves, each expressing opinions. Old Chen, having no interest in martial arts matters, interrupted: “Master, where is this Bai Biyu now? Is he still practicing on Mount Emei?”

Bu Guzi said: “Not at all. He’s also in the Bitter Sea right now.”

Everyone was shocked: “What? Bai Biyu also came to sea?”

Bu Guzi nodded: “Correct. This time Wei Kuan is celebrating his birthday – Smoke Island will surely be a mix of dragons and snakes with many reclusive masters coming. Bai Bixia worried he alone couldn’t control the situation, so he invited his elder brother down the mountain. But Bai Biyu found too many guests on the Proclaim Might ship, so he took another ship, ‘Proclaim Grace.’ It’s fortunate he wasn’t on the ship, otherwise when Ming Guoxun nearly injured his cousin earlier, if Bai Biyu had been present, he’d definitely settle accounts with him.”

“Cousin?” Everyone was slightly curious: “Who’s that?”

Bu Guzi said: “This Bai family cousin’s original surname is Zhang – she’s the Naval Commander’s wife, young hero Bai Yuntian’s mother, called Lady Bai.”

Hearing this, everyone’s minds conjured the delicate face of the middle-aged beautiful woman, all making “oh” sounds. They realized this woman was related to the Bai brothers as maternal cousins – childhood sweethearts who’d known each other since young.

Thinking of that “Young Master Muzhong,” Old Chen couldn’t help laughing dryly: “Ming Guoxun… this person is also very formidable… could Bai Biyu defeat him?”

Bu Guzi chuckled: “Sword Without Sword – how could it be ordinary? Look how Bai Biyu’s reputation has grown louder in recent years, called Sichuan’s greatest master – hardly an easy opponent.”

Old Lin nodded: “Dog bites dog, both get fur in their mouths. Best if these two mad dogs fight to mutual destruction – then Master Bu Guzi could become southwestern martial arts’ greatest expert.”

“Woof woof woof, woof woof woof.” Hearing their master might leap to southwestern number one, seven little mad dogs emerged again, barking loudly. Still not satisfied, they actually grabbed Xiao Shizi and pretended to bite, apparently wanting to taste the flavor of martial supremacy.

That “Young Master Muzhong” Ming Guoxun’s martial arts were superb – everyone had witnessed firsthand. His strikes were both accurate and heavy. Every move shocked the entire scene. Whether the Japanese man, Emei young hero Bai Yuntian, or even Yongle veteran Cui Fengxian – everyone showed him three parts fear and respect. Moreover, this person carried “Divine Merit Shakes the Lord” on his back. Once he opened the case and drew the blade, he’d surely attack with earth-shaking momentum.

But this Bai Biyu had reached the “Sword Without Sword” realm – his martial arts were certainly not inferior. If the two fought a great battle at sea, they’d inevitably fight until heaven and earth changed color, probably even sinking ships.

Cui Xuanliang sighed. In this Bitter Sea, tigers and wolves ran rampant – there was Ming Guoxun, Bai Bixia, Bai Biyu, plus Ōuchi Eisuke wielding the demon blade. Seeing these villains devour people without spitting bones, he’d definitely have to be doubly careful these days, otherwise if he accidentally encountered this group, who knows where he’d find his head.

Old Chen, thinking on the side, asked again: “Master, since Bai Biyu’s martial arts are so formidable, why doesn’t he become an official? Wouldn’t he be even more accomplished than his brother?”

Bu Guzi laughed heartily: “Nonsense! Officials care about appearances. With Bai Biyu’s defective right hand plus facial birthmark, how could he attend court to face the emperor? Would he want to make the pig emperor laugh to death?”

Everyone understood this was so. They could only ask: “Then… what has he been doing all these decades?”

Bu Guzi said: “He’s been hiding from the world.”

Cui Xuanliang made an “ah” sound: “Hiding from the world? He… didn’t he master formidable martial arts? Why still hide?”

Bu Guzi said: “Bai Biyu came to Emei at age six. Within a month, he hid in the back mountain, living an isolated life. During this time, his parents also visited the mountain several times specifically to see their two sons. Every time Bai Biyu heard they’d come, he’d hurriedly flee to deep mountains, avoiding meetings. He only had his brother relay messages to mother, saying he’d befriended white apes on the mountain and gone to paradise to play, telling her not to worry. After hearing this, the Bai family matron was heartbroken and entrusted Bai Bixia to take good care of his elder brother.”

Everyone made “ah” sounds: “Then… what about the brothers’ father? Wasn’t he sad either?”

Bu Guzi said: “This man was naturally indecisive, obeying his father his whole life. His thoughts were entirely on his younger son, hoping he’d complete his arts and descend the mountain quickly to get an official position and bring glory to the family. How could he care about Bai Biyu’s life or death?”

Everyone sighed. Seeing Bai Biyu born into a wealthy family yet drifting like duckweed his whole life without anchor, no wonder he was melancholy and unsociable.

Bu Guzi continued: “For the next ten-plus years, one brother lived in seclusion in a cave while the other was active on the mountain. Though they met daily, their circumstances differed like heaven and earth. When they reached twenty-four, Bai Bixia passed the juren examination while Bai Biyu mastered ‘Sword Without Sword’ the same year – originally the moment for the brothers’ separation had finally arrived. Unfortunately, that year the court had no vacancies. Bai Bixia was only assigned a minor local official position in Sichuan, which he declined as too small, staying at Emei to focus on sword practice. Thus the brothers gained two more years together until Bai Bixia mastered ‘Burning Lamp Ancient Sword’ and went to the capital for the martial champion examination.”

Cui Xuanliang made an “ah” sound. Seeing Bai Biyu’s lifetime of loneliness, his brother could be said to be his only sustenance. Once the brothers parted ways, how would he manage? He quickly asked: “Bai Bixia finally left? Then… what about Bai Biyu?”

Bu Guzi said: “Bai Biyu still lived in the mountain cave where he’d grown up. Seeing his brother complete his arts and descend the mountain, probably never to return, he felt sad and also developed thoughts of departure. Grateful that his sword techniques came from Emei, before leaving he returned to the temple for the first time in eighteen years to meet the elders, reporting to them how he’d learned martial arts from his brother all these years and how he’d mastered ‘Sword Without Sword.'”

Cui Xuanliang was shocked: “Then… weren’t the elders angry?”

Bu Guzi giggled: “Angry about what? A peerless master dropped from heaven, freely given to Emei sect – what’s to be angry about? These Emei elders were naturally snobbish. Seeing Bai Biyu had grown into an adult with incredibly high martial arts, they were truly amazed. In great joy, how could they let him leave the mountain? They begged desperately for him to stay and become an executive.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “Executive? What kind of position is that?”

Bu Guzi smiled: “What else could it be? Basically the mountain’s bodyguard. Usually when someone came to the mountain seeking revenge, or when elders wanted to kill enemies, executives had to take the lead, play hero, and kill cleanly with rivers of blood.”

Cui Xuanliang laughed dryly: “So that’s the position. Then… did Bai Biyu accept?”

Bu Guzi smiled: “Bai Biyu wasn’t stupid. With his martial arts, he could even be Emei’s sect leader – why demean himself doing such dirty work? Knowing the elders only wanted to use him without sincerity, he immediately refused, claiming he was used to being alone and couldn’t handle proper affairs. He took leave and descended the mountain to wander the martial world. But after wandering just a few years, he quietly returned to Emei, hiding back in his childhood mountain cave.”

The sailors exclaimed: “He… he went into seclusion again?”

Bu Guzi sighed: “Correct. I guess Bai Biyu descended the mountain also seeking a place to settle down. Unfortunately, because of his ugly facial birthmark, he traveled to the ends of the earth but still found no resting place. I think after his heart turned cold, he didn’t want to force it anymore, so he returned to his familiar childhood cave to live alone there.”

Cui Xuanliang’s heart ached: “Then… what about Bai Bixia? Didn’t he return to see his elder brother?”

Bu Guzi sighed: “How busy was Bai Bixia! During his brother’s wandering years, he first became martial champion, then brought his parents to live in the capital, married his cousin, and in five years bought houses and servants, married and had children – incredibly busy. Five years later, over some trivial matter, he conflicted with several palace guards. Following martial world rules, they arranged for experts from Mount Tai and Dabie sects to come to the capital as reinforcements. Bai Bixia was shocked and remembered his elder brother, hurriedly writing home asking big brother to come to the capital for help.”

Cui Xuanliang murmured: “Did Bai Biyu help?”

Bu Guzi said: “How could he not save his own twin brother? Receiving the letter, Bai Biyu immediately set out. Later the Bai brothers joined forces, defeating many masters who fled in defeat. From then on, Bai Biyu’s reputation resounded through the clouds – everyone knew Bai Bixia had an elder brother hidden in Mount Emei who absolutely couldn’t be provoked.”

Everyone, hearing this, finally understood how Bai Biyu became famous. They asked: “What about after the fight? Didn’t Bai Bixia ask his brother to stay?”

Bu Guzi smiled: “How could he not? With big brother’s abilities, how could little brother not hope he’d live next door? It happened that the Imperial Guard’s weapons instructor position was vacant. Bai Bixia discussed with his brother, saying he’d recommend him for office to live in the capital. But Bai Biyu had no interest. After lingering several days, he quietly returned home. Bai Bixia was troubled, also fearing his brother would leave forever. Thinking it over, he devised a strategy – sending his son to Emei to accompany his uncle.”

Cui Xuanliang made an “ah” sound: “Bai Yuntian… he… he always practiced with his uncle?”

Bu Guzi nodded: “Correct. As soon as Bai Bixia left, Bai Yuntian arrived. He was only five then but was sent up the mountain by his father. Fortunately this child was clever and pleasing. With this child’s companionship, Bai Biyu’s life became more colorful. Later during festivals, Lady Bai would also travel tirelessly to Emei for family reunions with her son. Only then did Bai Biyu finally experience family happiness.”

Cui Xuanliang sighed: “No wonder he’s so protective of his sister-in-law. If Ming Guoxun had really injured Lady Bai, Bai Biyu would definitely not let it go.”

Bu Guzi smiled: “Need that even be said? To protect his brother’s family, Bai Biyu truly spared no effort. Every time his brother had formidable enemies or deadly opponents in official circles, he’d definitely ask his elder brother for help. Sometimes when Bai Biyu heard affairs were frighteningly dirty and really didn’t want involvement, Bai Bixia would send his wife up the mountain to tearfully appeal to big brother. If elder brother still stubbornly refused, he’d use family business as excuse to recall his son to Beijing until big brother agreed.”

Cui Xuanliang snorted: “This Bai Bixia is too petty. If their family really encountered danger, wouldn’t big brother save them anyway? Why pressure him like this?”

Bu Guzi shook his head: “Young brother lacks insight. People in official circles are cautious about everything. Even with one’s twin brother, one must use cunning to make him serve one’s purposes. Otherwise, with Eastern Depot’s growing power in recent years, they’d have long reached this ‘Naval Commander’s’ head.”

After hearing this account, the whole ship sighed – first at Bai Bixia’s zealous pursuit of fame and exhaustive scheming; second feeling for Bai Biyu’s despondent withdrawal from the world and repeated manipulation. Pitiful that these twin brothers, born in the same year, month, day, and womb, had completely different fates.

Old Lin, listening, suddenly said: “Doctor Wang, is there any way to remove birthmarks?”

Seeing everyone turn to look at him, Wang Kui laughed dryly: “Actually, during Bai Biyu’s years wandering the world, he once came to Mount Jiuhua to find me, planning to ask me to remove his birthmark.”

Everyone asked in surprise: “So he already found you? Then… did you treat him?”

Wang Kui sighed: “I carefully examined his cheek and knew this birthmark was natural. To forcibly remove it, whether by scraping or chemical erosion, would likely leave scars, making his appearance even more terrifying. Unwilling to deceive him, I told him honestly. When Bai Biyu heard my words, he truly felt grief from within – his eyes reddened.”

Bai Biyu had suffered a lifetime of exclusion by the world, all because of that strange face. If even the “Ghost Doctor” had no solution, probably this lifetime was hopeless. Everyone sighed, feeling sorry for him.

Just as they were shaking their heads, Old Chen suddenly spat and cursed: “Useless! Look how ugly I am – prostitutes still charge only three taels of silver without extra fees. What’s he worrying about?”

Everyone burst into laughter. Even Monk Tianjue lowered his head, struggling to contain his laughter. Wang Kui laughed dryly: “People need face, trees need bark – everyone has their own considerations that can’t be forced. Anyway, when Bai Biyu heard my honest assessment, tears gathered in his eyes while killing intent gradually emerged from his body. Knowing trouble, I quickly changed my words, saying this ‘Ghost Doctor’ actually specialized in treating the lower body and was useless. To cure diseases above the navel, he’d need to go to the capital to find ‘Divine Physician Yuan,’ who had real cures.”

Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help another burst of laughter. Seeing these “Divine Physician Yuan” and “Ghost Doctor Wang” were both medical luminaries, yet they spent all day passing the buck and framing each other – who knew where it would end.

Cui Xuanliang quickly asked: “What happened next? What did Divine Physician Yuan say?”

Wang Kui smiled: “If even this ‘Ghost Doctor’ was helpless, what use could his ‘Divine Physician’ be? Hearing the plague god had been tricked into coming to the capital by me, he was naturally furious and immediately sent someone to Mount Jiuhua overnight to buy something from me.”

Everyone asked in surprise: “What thing?”

Wang Kui took out a skin mask from his bosom, put it over his face, and smiled: “This.”

The Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes were startled and shouted: “Zombie!”

Jiuhua disciples were learned and capable. Besides medicine, the mountain had many wonderful inventions, and this human skin mask was one of them. If Bai Biyu was unwilling to show his true face, this was the only alternative.

The sailors smiled bitterly. Old Chen asked quietly: “Master, why do you think Bai Biyu is going to Smoke Island? Is he also going to offer birthday congratulations to Island Master Wei?”

Bu Guzi shook his head: “That’s unknown. Anyway, Bai Bixia is coming to bestow titles. Bringing his elder brother as backup this time probably means no good intentions. I think Island Master Wei should be more cautious. Don’t wait until people kill to his door before realizing whose hands he died by.”

Cui Xuanliang thought silently, then suddenly said: “Master, when you spoke with Lady Bai earlier, you seemed to say two lines about ‘imperial presence’… ‘imperial presence sharing something’…”

Bu Guzi chuckled: “Imperial presence sharing beds, this old man won’t bow his waist. Is this what you mean?”

Cui Xuanliang quickly said: “Yes, yes, yes, exactly those two lines. What do they mean?”

Bu Guzi chuckled. Seeing his seven disciples full of curiosity, little mouths open and necks craned in anticipation, he coughed: “There are too many children here. Let’s preserve some virtue and discuss this another day.”

Cui Xuanliang was only seventeen, actually also a child. For a moment his face was full of suspicion, only staring at each other with the Dian Cang Seven Young Heroes, all guessing the secret within.