At the base of the peak, Tao Qing, Ha Bu’er and the others couldn’t find Yan Er’niang. Knowing she had gone up the mountain with Qin Zhonghai, everyone became anxious and came to find Zhi Guan, saying they wanted to go up the mountain to search. When Zhi Guan heard their idea, his heart filled with alarm, and he hastily tried to stop them: “You mustn’t act rashly! Mount Everest isn’t like any ordinary mountain peak. With your martial arts skills, if you try to climb up with bare hands, you’ll surely die!”

Thinking of Yan Er’niang’s perilous situation, Tao Qing became even more panicked and said urgently: “If this mountain is so dangerous, wouldn’t our elder sister be in even worse trouble? We must go up immediately!” Zhi Guan snorted and said: “If you really want to go, you must first return to Rongbuk Monastery and borrow ropes and steel spikes from the monks there. Otherwise, this old monk cannot agree!”

Tao Qing raised his eyes and gazed toward the peak, seeing only the white vastness of the summit. If he were to return to Rongbuk Monastery, even with his lightness skills, the round trip would take more than three days. By then, how could Yan Er’niang still have a way to survive? Gritting his teeth, he turned and immediately thought of Fang Zijing. With his supreme martial arts, climbing mountains and crossing seas was as easy as daily routine for him. He could only ask him to help. He hurried to Fang Zijing and called out: “Master Fang!”

At this moment, Fang Zijing sat alone on a large boulder, his eyes half-open and half-closed, as if in meditation. Tao Qing called for a long time, but seeing him neither speak nor move, he immediately pleaded: “Master Fang, my elder sister is on the mountain with her life and death unknown. Please save her!”

Fang Zijing just continued closing his eyes to cultivate his spirit and practice his breathing exercises, still paying no attention, not even acknowledging whether he heard Tao Qing’s words.

Seeing his coldness, Tao Qing became even more alarmed. Earlier, when Qin Zhonghai had gone up the mountain alone, he had watched with puzzlement in his heart. Now seeing him with this inscrutable expression, he felt there was nothing he could do.

As Tao Qing felt helpless, Ha Bu’er, being of a rash temperament, let out a sharp cry and rushed over, pointing at Fang Zijing and shouting: “You surnamed Fang! You let your disciple go to die—we outsiders naturally can’t interfere! But our elder sister went up the mountain with your disciple, and now her life and death are uncertain. We were all people of Mount Nucang in the past, yet you want to stand by and watch? You shameless scoundrel!”

Hearing his disrespectful words, Zhi Guan couldn’t help but feel secretly anxious. Fang Zijing’s martial arts were supreme. In the past, even with Zhuo Lingzhao’s arrogant bullying and Jiang Chong’s overwhelming power and influence, they didn’t dare to offend or provoke him. Ha Bu’er’s martial arts were weak, without fists or courage—if he angered Sword King Fang, ten heads wouldn’t be enough to kill. He immediately rushed forward and pulled him away.

Just then, Fang Zijing opened his eyes, divine light blazing within them. He glanced at Ha Bu’er, then slowly stood up.

Zhi Guan was startled and hurriedly blocked in front of Ha Bu’er, cupping his hands and pleading: “Hero Fang, please show mercy.”

Fang Zijing had no intention of harming anyone. He just glanced at them sideways, then gazed toward the world’s highest peak with a solemn expression.

Tao Qing knew Fang Zijing had an eccentric temperament, but at this moment Yan Er’niang’s life hung by a thread and she had to be saved. He steeled himself and said: “Master Fang, you are one of the Five Tigers of this mountain. I, Tao Qing, am just a small wine server who doesn’t even rank enough to have a title. Speaking truthfully, I have no qualification to ask anything of you. But my elder sister has toiled for many years, running about solely for the mountain stronghold’s affairs. Now her life hangs in the balance—please, you must help save her.” With that, he knelt down and kowtowed to Fang Zijing.

The heroes of Mount Nucang were mostly proud and unruly people who wouldn’t easily kneel before others. When Tao Qing knelt like this, he had already cast aside his self-respect. Seeing this, Ha Bu’er hurriedly called for him to get up. Though Tao Qing heard the shouting, he remained kneeling on both knees, paying no attention to the calls.

Fang Zijing looked coldly at Tao Qing without speaking. Tao Qing didn’t lose heart and just kept kowtowing. Seeing that Fang Zijing paid no attention at all, Ouyang Yong shouted loudly and pulled Tao Qing up, roaring several times. Though he couldn’t speak, his expression was angry, clearly also very dissatisfied with Fang Zijing. Ha Bu’er supported his brother and pointed accusingly while cursing: “Let’s not beg these bastards! What Five Tiger Generals—they’re more heartless than stray dogs on the roadside! Let’s go up the mountain ourselves to search!” Ha Bu’er forcibly pulled Tao Qing and everyone turned to leave. Zhi Guan knew they would immediately go up the mountain, and though he wanted to come forward to dissuade them, he didn’t know what to say.

Just then, they suddenly heard Fang Zijing say coldly: “You ignorant fools! I said before that only one person can go up to that peak. Yan Er’niang was foolish and caused trouble. If she interferes with my disciple’s healing, don’t blame me for settling accounts with her.” Hearing his harsh words, everyone became even more furious and wanted to turn back and curse at him. But Tao Qing was shrewd and quickly held back his two brothers, asking: “Master Fang, you sent General Qin up the mountain to help him heal his injuries?”

Fang Zijing let out a cold laugh and removed his upper garment. Everyone could see clearly—on his shoulder blades were two scars the size of tea bowls, particularly conspicuous in the morning light.

Fang Zijing put his clothes back on and just quietly gazed at the mountain peak, saying no more.

Everyone was stunned, looking at each other speechlessly. After a long while, Ha Bu’er swallowed and said in a trembling voice: “This old monster had his shoulder blades pierced? Good heavens, Fang Zijing is actually disabled…”

If Fang Zijing, with his divine martial arts and status as one of the Four Great Grandmasters, could be considered disabled, wouldn’t everyone in the world be half-paralyzed? Tao Qing sensed something unusual and turned to Zhi Guan, asking quietly: “Master, what exactly does Master Fang intend by having his disciple climb the high peak?”

Zhi Guan coughed lightly and said: “Hero Fang told me that having the shoulder blades pierced is equivalent to opening the six meridians and eight vessels—it’s a shortcut to martial arts training.” Though he spoke quietly, everyone still heard clearly and immediately turned their heads in surprise, asking: “What did you say?”

Zhi Guan glanced at Fang Zijing’s back, saw he wasn’t stopping him, and continued quietly: “General Qin’s physical disability is only superficial. Actually, having his shoulder blades pierced can turn misfortune into fortune. As long as he can stimulate his potential in desperate circumstances and open the six yin and yang meridians, then connect the eight extraordinary vessels, his entire body’s meridians will flow freely. From then on, he can enter the highest hall of martial arts.”

Everyone found this incredible and murmured to themselves: “Opening all the body’s meridians—how is this possible?”

The human body’s meridians connect internally to the organs and externally to the limbs, serving as pathways for qi and blood circulation. Acupoints are where meridians reach the body’s surface for sensing. Because meridians connect the entire body inside and out, whenever there’s illness, needling surface acupoints can adjust qi and blood through the meridians to achieve healing and pain relief. Each meridian has its own characteristics—the six yin and yang meridians and the eight extraordinary vessels don’t belong to the same system, each having its own pathway. Because of this, each school and sect’s internal cultivation methods focus on one meridian—those who specialize in greater yin don’t practice greater yang, and those who specialize in greater yang can’t reach greater yin, let alone the eight vessels of Ren, Du, Chong, Dai, Yinqiao, Yangwei, etc. Though there are many cultivation methods in the world, no one has ever heard of anyone being able to connect all six meridians and eight vessels at once.

Seeing Tao Qing and the others looking confused, Zhi Guan gestured for them to look at Fang Zijing and said: “Don’t disbelieve—there’s a living example right there. Hero Fang’s entire body’s meridians are different from ordinary people. His 361 acupoints are completely different because all six meridians and eight vessels are connected.” Ha Bu’er said awkwardly: “It sounds very impressive, but turning into a monster—what good is that?”

Zhi Guan smiled slightly and said: “Ordinary people practicing martial arts can at most use one meridian to circulate internal energy. No matter how deep your internal energy, your potential is greatly limited. But Hero Fang is different—he can simultaneously mobilize the internal energy of six meridians and eight vessels. Such power is naturally earth-shaking and unlimited. To use an analogy, if a fist is like a vehicle, Hero Fang’s fist has six fierce tigers and eight oxen pulling it, compared to our single small donkey—they simply can’t be compared.”

Ha Bu’er was startled and hurried behind Fang Zijing, looking him up and down as if the person standing before him was some kind of monster. Tao Qing nodded secretly, thinking: “No wonder Master Fang’s martial arts are so extraordinary—he was already invincible throughout the world in his twenties. It turns out he relied on this kind of training method.” He asked quietly: “Since Master Fang wants to heal General Qin’s injuries, why didn’t he say so clearly? Making everyone anxious?”

Before Zhi Guan could answer, a cold, hard voice said: “Jade that isn’t carved cannot become a fine vessel. Without facing life-and-death dangers, how can one forge steel through a hundred refinements? To pass through the life-and-death threshold requires a death-defying will. Otherwise, if every common person in the world cut their own shoulder blades, wouldn’t everyone become a supreme master?” Everyone didn’t need to turn around to know the speaker was Fang Zijing.

Tao Qing said in surprise: “Is it for this reason that Master Fang didn’t clearly explain the benefits of General Qin going up the peak?”

Fang Zijing said: “To practice divine martial arts, one must endure great suffering. With thoughts of benefits in mind and beauties in arms, how can one generate a death-defying heart? Fire Greedy Blade emphasizes mental state. Zhonghai has had a firm and resolute character since childhood. Only by letting him experience life-and-death desperate circumstances can he achieve great success.” He looked up at the mountain peak and sighed: “It’s just that he’s now been disturbed by Er’niang, inevitably greatly interfering with his mental state. How far he can go, whether he’ll fall from the ten-thousand-foot precipice—even I don’t know now.”

Tao Qing thought: “So that’s it. Earlier when Master Fang forced General Qin to climb the mountain, we all found it strange. Actually, I should have realized—with their deep master-disciple relationship, how could Master Fang force his disciple to die?”

He heard Fang Zijing say: “This girl Er’niang is soft-hearted and meddlesome—she mustn’t obstruct this training opportunity. If Zhonghai doesn’t achieve divine martial arts this time, when his injuries completely heal, he’ll truly be disabled for life. Even if great immortals came, I’m afraid they couldn’t save him.” He sighed for a long time and waved his hand: “Forget it, things have come to this point—no need to say more. Let’s go up the mountain to find them.”

Heaven and earth are not benevolent, treating all things as grass and dogs. Since ancient times, people have prayed to gods and Buddhas, consulted divination and fortune-telling, seeking heavenly blessings in their hearts while fearing divine punishment. Since ancient times, who hasn’t faced death? Before the boundless power of gods and Buddhas, even emperors and generals must bow and yield—what more a small roving general like himself?

Qin Zhonghai looked up at the peak, his throat making labored breathing sounds.

That mountain peak was so high, so close to the vault of heaven, that seeing it, Qin Zhonghai’s heart gave birth to a strange thought—he wanted to go to the peak to see… to see if there really was a heaven, a dao up there guiding all beings, rewarding good and punishing evil, determining reincarnation. He wanted to know why, when the gods and Buddhas receive people’s worship and reverence, when their people suffer greatly, they always remain silent and without trace.

Heh heh, if there really was a heavenly realm, would it be filled with people like An’dao Jing? Otherwise, how could the world be in such chaos?

Qin Zhonghai burst into wild laughter, glaring at the heavens, his heart once again rising with towering waves.

How high was Mount Everest! Standing on top and screaming madly, surely Heaven should be able to hear his wild roars and angry shouts?

Questioning Heaven’s mandate—that was the purpose of this journey. Reaching Heaven’s height—that was the mad thought in his heart.

He didn’t know how long he’d been climbing. The white snow was vast, everything before his eyes a blur. Qin Zhonghai had climbed past the north face cliff and reached the steep slope. His upper body naked, crawling on the ground, the blazing sun above scorched his forehead completely black, while the cold wind froze him to the bone—under this internal and external torment, it was truly an inhuman realm.

Qin Zhonghai had difficulty breathing, his consciousness gradually fading. He desperately summoned his internal energy to ward off the cold, but his internal power was exhausted, his dantian like a dry well, completely empty. Qin Zhonghai coughed incessantly, his heart growing more and more resentful, talking to himself: “Why do I live in such misery… Who the hell is tormenting me? I’m so tired… Lord Liu, Brother Lu, where are you? Quickly take me away… Qin Baxian, Supervisor Liu… you’re always haunting like ghosts… let me go…”

Later, as snow blindness worsened and he couldn’t see, like a blind man, he really couldn’t support himself anymore and began constantly deceiving himself: “Qin Zhonghai! Climb two more feet and you’ll have done right by your master, by Er’niang, by yourself. Then you can close your eyes and sleep, rest forever…” He kept deceiving himself—climb two feet, rest and think, then start crawling again.

The sun rose to midday then set in the west. Qin Zhonghai finally lost consciousness, crawling up like an ant. The small black dot on the mountain sometimes didn’t move at all, sometimes slowly moved upward. He had eight silver needles in his back, but as he constantly pushed his internal energy, two needles left his body and flew away. Qin Zhonghai was completely unaware, just continuing to crawl forward on the ground.

Cold moonlight sprinkled on the peak. A hand covered in fresh blood suddenly thrust out, firmly grasping a sharp stone on the ground. Then came heavy gasping sounds from below the cliff. Suddenly, a harsh, grating scream—a bloody right leg stepped up, and a big man rolled onto the peak top. It was Qin Zhonghai.

Qin Zhonghai’s face was deathly pale as he slowly crawled on the ground. He murmured: “Master, did you see? I climbed up! I climbed up!”

“With difficulty wielding a long halberd, eternally standing as one man”—Qin Zhonghai had done it. He laughed dryly, somewhat delirious, and looked around. He saw that the world’s highest peak was about three feet wide—a mountain ridge about ten feet long. Qin Zhonghai picked his nose, his fingers numb, causing a nosebleed, but in his exhaustion he was completely unaware of the pain. He crouched on the ground, gasping, and laughed toward the sky: “Hey! Don’t you have immortals up there? Come out quickly!”

His face full of exhaustion, he managed to stand up and waved at the sky. He saw infinite stars in the sky but no immortals flying out. Qin Zhonghai licked his swollen lips, looked for a long time, and felt increasingly bewildered. Suddenly he roared: “Damn it! Where are the gods? Where are the ghosts? All of you come out!” In his fury, he fell to the ground and suddenly saw a person!

On the lonely, desolate peak, a disheveled man was looking at him. This person had the blood-red character “Criminal” tattooed on his forehead, his left leg broken, his whole body bathed in blood. This person looked so wretched—if it wasn’t himself, who else could it be? Qin Zhonghai stared blankly at the ground. The surface was covered with a thin layer of ice, smooth as a mirror, reflecting his own ugly state. Qin Zhonghai stared stupidly at his reflection, stroking his blood-stained face, murmuring: “Damn, so I am the god?”

After such hardship and near-death experiences, what he saw was a half-dead version of himself. Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help but laugh loudly, tears rolling down as he cursed: “Damn you! Master! What kind of bullshit is this! Are you playing with me?” He raised his fist and struck the thin ice with all his might, instantly shattering it to pieces.

Qin Zhonghai got up, cursing wildly, swinging and hitting randomly. Suddenly all his strength left him and he fell to his knees. He looked up at the sky and called: “Heaven! Answer me! Is facial tattooing and exile my fate, Qin Zhonghai’s destiny?” He shouted loudly when suddenly a fierce wind struck, hitting him head-on like a punch, knocking him to the ground. This wind was absolutely unique in the world—only found at such heights in the sky. The wind was fierce, carrying countless snow and dirt that all struck his body, more violent than the palm wind of supreme masters.

Qin Zhonghai firmly grasped the rocks on the ground to avoid being swept away by the fierce wind. The wind hitting the rocks made sharp, strange sounds like ghostly laughter. Qin Zhonghai suddenly understood—this sound was exactly the laughter he’d heard on the mountainside earlier. Where were any monsters? It was just howling wind.

No gods, no ghosts, no demons, no devils—how could any miracles appear? Qin Zhonghai’s heart was dead as ash. He immediately rolled on the ground, screaming and roaring: “Fake! It’s all damn fake! What heavenly mandate, what miracles—bullshit! All bullshit!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled bitterly and dejectedly held his head. When he first left the capital, he was so injured he couldn’t even walk, but Fang Zijing’s provocative words had stirred his stubborn spirit, finally enabling him to climb the peak and look down upon the world. But what then? What else could he do? Climb another mountain peak? And then?

Qin Zhonghai sat in a daze, finally understanding his situation. No matter how many more peaks he climbed, he would forever be a cripple—a lame man with pierced shoulder blades and a broken leg. Qin Zhonghai got up and cried out in grief and anger: “You bastards! You treat me this way—one day Qin Zhonghai will repay you tenfold!” He screamed hoarsely, unable to control himself. Suddenly he saw his reflection again in the broken ice on the ground—himself kneeling, completely disabled, yet still full of vengeful fury, utterly overestimating his abilities.

Qin Zhonghai was stunned for a while, then collapsed softly, thinking: “Qin Zhonghai, you’re physically disabled and can’t even get down the mountain—do you still want to kill and burn? Forget it, go down the mountain. This life was exchanged by big brother—I should cherish it. Qin Zhonghai, obediently go back to the countryside to farm and raise chickens, marry a wife and get by. Pass on the family line, hide your identity—this is your heavenly mandate…”

A bitter smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He closed his eyes and imagined himself carrying a baby, fetching water and cooking, living a peaceful life from then on. He sighed lightly, bit his lower lip, and suddenly thought of his mother.

Qin Zhonghai’s heart filled with great grief, tears bursting from his eyes. Liu Jing said she was beheaded with one sword strike, her body displayed publicly after death—how shameful. What crime did she, a woman, have? Thinking of his brother, just a twelve-year-old child who suffered terribly before death, his waist blown open by firearms—was this his heavenly mandate?

How cruel was this Heaven above! All the same people—his father only killed the emperor, one person, yet had to be accompanied by the lives of the entire family. Was this justice? Was this the rule established by Heaven?

Qin Zhonghai’s heart was filled with indescribable grief. He was a mighty general of his time, harboring deep blood vengeance, yet had fallen to such a state of barely surviving. He covered his face and wept bitterly, his pride completely gone. Suddenly he knelt and kowtowed, calling: “Heaven! Please open your eyes! I am a mighty general of this age! I don’t want to farm and raise chickens, I don’t want to be disabled, I want to avenge my parents and brother… open your eyes and give me back my martial arts!” At this moment his mind was confused, as if mad, crying one moment and laughing the next, completely unable to control his emotions. In his agitation, he just knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.

After kneeling and praying for a long time, with starlight shining on the peak, the mountain was completely silent except for Qin Zhonghai’s sobbing. He cried for a long time, staring blankly at the sky, but Heaven remained as usual, coldly looking down upon the suffering of all beings.

Qin Zhonghai opened his mouth in bewilderment, suddenly awakening in his heart, thinking: “What am I doing? Why am I praying to gods and Buddhas? This Heaven is so cold and indifferent, only allowing evil people to run rampant and do whatever they want, just like those lazy officials in the government office. Even if you kowtow until your head breaks, will it care? What the hell are you begging for?”

The Way of Heaven is inconstant—how can there be reason? Look at all things in the world—the strong live, the weak die. Tigers eat sheep, sheep eat grass. Whoever is soft-hearted and doesn’t eat will starve to death, leading to the extinction of their entire species. Isn’t the human world the same? Jiang Chong rules An’dao Jing, An’dao Jing oppresses the common people. Whoever is soft-hearted and can’t strike will be kicked out and lose all vitality.

Heaven above, Heaven above! If benevolence is your way, why do you rule the world with such fierce methods?

Qin Zhonghai glared angrily at the night sky and suddenly became enlightened. It wasn’t the thought of carrying out Heaven’s will, but a conviction as high as Heaven itself that spontaneously arose from his chest.

He steeled his heart, got up, and roared at the sky: “Thieving Heaven! I, Qin Zhonghai, climbed the world’s highest peak and am now as high as all you gods and Buddhas! Damn!” He was nearly mad at this moment. Suddenly he untied his pants and began urinating, cursing: “I am the damn Urine God! When you piss, you must all worship me!”

He laughed loudly and carried on for a while, feeling quite pleased with himself. Anyway, the time for the needle insertion was approaching, and when that moment came, he would turn back into a cripple. Then he wouldn’t need to trouble Heaven to send down any divine punishment—just any ignorant child swinging a fist could determine his life and death, making him kneel and beg for mercy.

Qin Zhonghai gazed into the distance, quietly recalling the events of his life. He closed his eyes and suddenly felt as if he was on an endless grassland. “The sky is vast, the wilderness boundless.” He rode his beloved horse Yunli Zhui, in white clothes and white armor, with followers before and behind. On the left was a great banner reading “Raise Troops for Vengeance,” on the right a brocade flag inscribed “Restore the Stronghold, Seek Revenge.”

Qin Zhonghai gritted his teeth. If he weren’t physically disabled, if his martial arts were still intact, he would definitely raise troops for vengeance, compete for the realm. For himself, for his parents, he would rebuild Mount Nucang and remake the Way of Heaven… he had so many things to do…

“Vast Heaven above looking down on earth, why not save the suffering of all beings? Should heroes be tortured to death, weeping in grief with no words? I draw my blade and laugh at Heaven, a loyal minister’s heart devoted in vain. How can the great thousand worlds return to chaos? Don’t let our generation know Heaven’s mandate!”

He recited these lines quietly—they were sung by Sha Jin during the decisive battle in the Western Regions, which he had remembered. Now with matching emotions, they all surged into his heart.

Qin Zhonghai let out a strange cry, leaped up on one foot, and jumped hard toward the cliff edge, his body flying off the peak and falling rapidly downward.

At the moment of death, Qin Zhonghai raised his steel blade and struck the mountain peak with all his might—his final strike in life.

His muscles tightened, his strength exploded. Suddenly eight streams of heat rushed through his body toward his dantian. Six silver needles were pushed out by his internal energy and flew away. Fire light illuminated the sky, the steel blade flashed. Qin Zhonghai’s strike was incredibly heavy, cutting straight into the mountain peak. Immediately it caused a tremendous roar, and countless snow waves collapsed downward.

Under the bright moon, Yan Er’niang was gasping for breath, desperately climbing upward. That Qin Zhonghai was so heartless, actually abandoning her and going up the peak alone, leaving her to struggle alone up the mountain. Yan Er’niang was both angry and resentful. Taking advantage of a lull in the snow, she hurried up the peak to find Qin Zhonghai.

Earlier, she had channeled some internal energy to Qin Zhonghai, and her dantian was still burning hot. Her body wasn’t very cold, relying on this internal energy for support, which got her through most of the day. But the closer to the summit, the more difficult breathing became. Her chest and lungs made wheezing sounds when inhaling, painfully like severe asthma.

With great difficulty climbing past the cliff, she suddenly saw massive snow avalanches above, countless mud, sand, and snow blocks rushing directly toward her. Yan Er’niang was terrified. Seeing a huge rock nearby with some space underneath, she immediately used her remaining internal energy to hurriedly dodge under the rock.

Yan Er’niang hid under the stone, hearing endless tremendous sounds, snow rushing down like a tidal wave. In an instant, the exit was covered. Yan Er’niang was both frightened and afraid. In the complete darkness, if she rashly tried to break through the snow, she might be buried alive instead. Knowing she was going to die, she could no longer endure it and immediately began crying loudly.

After crying for a while, grief and resentment arose in her heart. She thought of how Qin Zhonghai had left her alone, then of her husband’s heartless departure down the mountain. In the darkness, she began cursing: “Madman! All madmen! Xiao Lubu, Qin Zhonghai—men are all the same, all heartless creatures! Despicable and shameless! All of you go die!”

While crying and cursing, she suddenly felt snow water melting and dripping onto her face. Yan Er’niang was crying like pear blossoms in spring rain. She didn’t know where these water drops came from—whether tears or snow water—she just kept crying bitterly.

After crying briefly, the snow water melted faster and faster, like rain, soaking her clothes. Even if she were ten times duller, seeing this situation she knew something was wrong. She felt the snow cave getting wetter and wetter, and breathing became somewhat difficult. Yan Er’niang’s heart filled with fear. In her panic and confusion, she knelt on the ground and prayed in a low voice: “Heaven above, disciple Yan Er’niang humbly begs—please, great Heaven, show great compassion and take your disciple away from suffering…”

She trembled all over, kneeling in prayer. Suddenly the ice and snow loosened, and a lazy voice rang out, saying: “Hey! Heaven is quite busy and has no time to listen to you. Only Lord Urine God is free today and has specially come to rescue the beauty!” In this place on the high mountain with no human presence, how could someone come to rescue her? If this voice wasn’t a god, who else could it be? Yan Er’niang’s heart was both surprised and afraid, thinking: “Are there really gods in the world? Heaven, did you truly hear my prayer?”

While thinking, that voice began singing a little tune. Yan Er’niang listened with reverence and fear, taking it as heavenly music. But after listening for a while, she found the content unbearable—all obscene lyrics. Yan Er’niang’s heart was full of doubt, thinking: “This god is so vulgar. How can there be such a crude character in the heavenly realm?”

While wondering, suddenly the ice and snow broke open, and a big man poked his head in. Seeing his naked upper body, blackened forehead, and completely disheveled appearance, but with divine light shining in his eyes—if it wasn’t Qin Zhonghai, who else could it be?

Yan Er’niang was stunned. She stared at Qin Zhonghai, tears streaming down, then suddenly broke into laughter through her tears: “Didn’t you say an immortal was coming to rescue the beauty? How did it turn into you, little rascal?” Qin Zhonghai burst into laughter: “Didn’t you hear me say? I am the Urine God of Heaven! When you piss, you must all worship me!”

Both laughed loudly, and in their emotional excitement, they embraced tightly. Just then, snow blocks above collapsed, pressing down on them both. Qin Zhonghai looked up and cursed: “Go to hell! You dare press even the Urine God!” His left palm swept up, internal energy surging, generating an intensely hot airflow. The ice and snow, hit by the hot air, immediately turned into gurgling warm water dripping on them both.

Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s internal energy so strong, his martial arts not only fully recovered but seemingly far superior to before, Yan Er’niang cried out in surprise and joy: “Heavens! Your body is completely healed! Are there really immortals above?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly and was about to make up some nonsense, but seeing the tears on Yan Er’niang’s face and her loving expression, even though he was a wild man, his heart couldn’t help but be moved. He immediately leaned over and gave Yan Er’niang a deep kiss on the face.

Meanwhile, Fang Zijing led people up the mountain. Everyone moved quickly, and Fang Zijing was familiar with the route. After half a day, they had reached near the mountainside. While hurrying along, they suddenly saw a small black dot falling from the peak, dropping straight toward the cliff below. Tao Qing was shocked and called out: “Something fell down!” Everyone opened their eyes wide, Ouyang Yong gripped Ha Bu’er’s hands tightly, Ha Bu’er kept jumping up and down—everyone’s expressions were extremely tense.

Seeing the situation, Fang Zijing suddenly let out a long roar and shouted: “Zhonghai! Let your master see your potential!”

As soon as the roar ended, a thunderous sound came from the distance, as if responding. They saw red light filling the sky, stirring up an extremely strong airflow. Instantly, snow blocks collapsed with tremendous noise. Everyone didn’t know what had happened and felt puzzled and uncertain. Zhi Guan hurriedly asked: “Hero Fang, was that black dot just now General Qin?”

Fang Zijing’s brow furrowed tightly, his expression somewhat worried. Hearing the question, he just stood there gazing into the distance without speaking.

While they were watching, thick fog arose from the peak. Under the fierce wind, it lingered for a long time without dispersing. Seeing this, Fang Zijing was greatly pleased. He lightly tapped his feet and rushed forward urgently. Zhi Guan was puzzled—at this moment the clouds were light and the wind clear, with no wind or snow. How could fog suddenly arise? Everyone sensed something unusual and hurriedly followed.

After traveling more than ten li, they neared the northern foothill valley. The wind grew fierce, extremely violent and cold. Tao Qing and the others, lacking sufficient internal energy, had long fallen behind, struggling to walk in the snow. Zhi Guan, deeply afraid something would happen to them, immediately slowed his pace to accompany and look after them.

Tao Qing and the others crawled forward gasping for breath. Zhi Guan, having deeper internal energy, could still walk upright. After walking another half li, there was no sign of anyone on the path—only snow covering the mountains everywhere. The scenery was truly desolate. Ha Bu’er, sensing more danger than safety, immediately cried: “It’s over! This isn’t a place for humans at all. Our elder sister stayed on the mountain for a day and night—she must be dead.” The others had heavy expressions, thinking of the person who fell from the peak, who must undoubtedly be Qin Zhonghai, making them feel even more ominous.

After walking a bit more, they reached the northern cliff. Zhi Guan suddenly stopped and said quietly: “Don’t cry anymore, everyone. Look ahead.”

Everyone held their breath and looked forward together. They saw an elderly man standing near the cliff. This person was thin, but when the fierce wind struck, his body didn’t move at all. With such deep martial power, who else could it be but Fang Zijing? Not far from him crouched a beautiful woman hiding under the mountain wall. Seeing her haggard face but with joy in her brow—it was Yan Er’niang!

Ha Bu’er was both surprised and delighted, crying out joyfully: “Elder sister!” He immediately rushed forward, but Tao Qing hushed him and pulled him back, signaling him to remain calm.

Ha Bu’er came to his senses and saw everyone staring at the cliff edge. He hurriedly followed their gaze and saw a tiger-like big man standing by the precipice. This man held his arms crossed and stood on one foot. On his back was a naked tattoo with two lines of bright red characters: “When the day comes that I fulfill my soaring ambitions, I dare laugh that Huang Chao was not man enough.”

This man was the one who had fallen from the peak earlier—the former court rebel’s son, the fourth-rank blade-bearing Qin Zhonghai.

Ha Bu’er exclaimed: “Didn’t this fellow fall down? How is he still alive? What’s going on?” He asked several questions in succession. How could everyone answer? They all had grave expressions, waiting for Fang Zijing to speak.

In the wind and snow, Fang Zijing slowly walked forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Qin Zhonghai. All around, moisture filled the air. The heavy snow falling between this master and disciple was immediately steamed into water vapor. When cold wind struck, the vapor condensed, and the water vapor became fine ice again. Blown by the fierce wind, it immediately struck everyone’s faces, causing burning pain. Seeing such a strange phenomenon, Tao Qing and the others were terrified and no one dared make a sound.

Wind howled and snow fell fiercely as the master and disciple gazed into the distance together. They heard Fang Zijing say solemnly: “Three thousand zhang of karmic fire washes away a lifetime of sins. Zhonghai, you’ve survived.” Qin Zhonghai turned around, looked sideways at his master, and smiled: “My martial arts suddenly recovered. I was just about to ask master the reason.”

Fang Zijing said: “Your potential was fully exhausted, burning and fusing your meridians. In that moment of life and death, your fury has penetrated the six yin and yang meridians and opened the orthodox and extraordinary acupoints and vessels. From now on, though heaven and earth are vast, no one can control you.”

Qin Zhonghai said joyfully: “No one can control me?” Fang Zijing nodded: “Exactly. Having endured such great suffering this time, your power now approaches mine in my prime. Even if Shaolin’s Tianjue came personally, or Tianshan disciples attacked, they might not be able to defeat you as you are now.”

Qin Zhonghai let out a violent roar, grabbed the steel blade at his feet, and spun like a top. Instantly, dazzling fire erupted, and in a moment all the ice and snow around him melted away. A semicircle more than a zhang wide appeared beside the cliff. Seeing his power so profound, everyone was both amazed and admiring.

Seeing his martial arts far surpass the past, Fang Zijing was also secretly pleased and said: “Your martial arts have just recovered—don’t rush to exert force. Rest first, calm your heart, and let’s slowly consider future actions.” Qin Zhonghai’s mouth curved up grimly: “Consider what? There’s only one path ahead—no other way!” Fang Zijing snorted: “You’ve just recovered from serious illness—it’s already fortunate beyond measure. What more do you want?”

Qin Zhonghai roared loudly: “I want to rebel!” That voice shook the mountains and echoed far away. Everyone hearing this was greatly shocked.

Qin Zhonghai raised his blade toward heaven and cried out in grief: “When the day comes that I fulfill my soaring ambitions, I dare laugh that Huang Chao was not man enough! I, Qin Zhonghai, bear the blood vengeance of father and brother. The court has cut off my path to life, forcing me to have no country to turn to, no home to return to. Today I’m fortunate not to die, so with this blade I swear to heaven! I, Qin Zhonghai, will rebuild Mount Nucang, raise troops to dominate, compete for the realm. Without killing all the treacherous ministers in court, I swear not to be human!”

The steel blade swept out, flames ignited, reflecting the night sky blood red. Tao Qing and the others, having wandered for many years, hearing these words all shed tears.

Fang Zijing walked toward his beloved disciple, stared at him intently, and sighed: “It’s lonely at the top. If you want to rebel, I’m afraid you’ll suffer physically and mentally, remaining melancholy and unhappy for life. Your father… sigh… was an example.”

Qin Zhonghai pushed aside the hair on his forehead, revealing the blood-red character “Criminal,” and said grimly: “I’m suffering right now! Hell’s karmic fire burns my broken body! Master, do you see this suffering?”

Fang Zijing closed his eyes without speaking, only sighing lightly, thinking: “From today on, the world will be in great chaos again.”

Eighteen years ago, Qin Baxian was defeated and committed suicide, and the bandits were exterminated. Eighteen years later, Qin Zhonghai raised his blade and made a vow to rebuild Mount Nucang. This was the thirty-third year of Jingtai, the fourth day of the fourth month, coinciding with Manjusri Bodhisattva’s birthday.

The next day, everyone set out to return to Shigatse, planning to rest in Tibet for a month before returning to the Central Plains. With such a perfect outcome, Yan Er’niang was naturally all smiles. Tao Qing and the others were also secretly happy. Only Ha Bu’er pouted his rabbit mouth. Seeing elder sister and Qin Zhonghai growing closer day by day, in jealous anger he deliberately spat vigorously when cooking for Qin Zhonghai to vent his hatred.

Upon reaching Shigatse, Ouyang Yong found an ironworks to forge a prosthetic limb for Qin Zhonghai. Ouyang Yong’s craftsmanship was extraordinary—the prosthetic was perfectly sized, like a real foot. However, Qin Zhonghai insisted on having it made of refined steel, making the prosthetic extremely heavy—a full eighty-one jin. This made Qin Zhonghai much more well-behaved. He originally liked to put his feet up on tables and shake them about. If he still forced his iron foot onto tables, he’d inevitably overturn them and make a mess.

Everyone settled in Shigatse. After Qin Zhonghai rested for a while, his complexion gradually became ruddy, no longer pale and defeated. Every day he could be seen swaggering around, idling in Shigatse’s streets, once again becoming that fierce and carefree villain of old.

This day was cloudless. Everyone found the city stuffy, so they went to the outskirts to enjoy the scenery. When they reached a grove, Fang Zijing and Qin Zhonghai walked side by side. Seeing the warm sun, he was in high spirits and said: “It’s rare that your power has greatly increased and your body is well-conditioned. With nothing else to do, master will teach you the final moves of ‘Fire Greedy Blade’!”

Qin Zhonghai was overjoyed. Fire Greedy Blade was divided into twelve levels of power. The initial routine was called “Flying Fire Twelve Forms,” followed by progressive techniques: “Spark Prairie Fire,” “Greedy Fire Galloping,” “Fire Clouds Eight Directions,” up to Qin Zhonghai’s life-saving ultimate move “Dragon Fire Devours Heaven”—all were profound and vast. However, although “Dragon Fire Devours Heaven” was powerful, it only reached the eighth level of power. The other moves, because his power was insufficient, his master hadn’t taught him the final forms back then. These past days Qin Zhonghai had been idle and was already thinking about this blade technique. Hearing his master volunteer to teach him, he was naturally ecstatic, thinking: “When I go down the mountain this time, I’ll need to compete with heroes throughout the world. I was just worried about lacking ultimate techniques. If master teaches me the final moves of Fire Greedy Blade, then I’ll have nothing to worry about.”

At this time everyone gathered around—Yan Er’niang, Tao Qing, Zhi Guan, and others were all nearby. Fang Zijing wasn’t afraid of the sect’s ultimate techniques being leaked. He just ordered Qin Zhonghai to observe carefully: “Watch closely. This is the ninth level power of Fire Greedy Blade.” He took the steel blade from Qin Zhonghai’s hand, took a deep breath, raised the blade and made a void slash toward the sky. They heard continuous crackling sounds. Everyone was dumbfounded, not knowing how a void slash could produce such successive explosive sounds.

Fang Zijing gazed at his beloved disciple: “Do you understand?” Qin Zhonghai’s heart trembled. He took the steel blade and immediately made a slash. They heard two loud cracking sounds, startling everyone. Qin Zhonghai returned the steel blade, shook his head, and sighed: “Disciple’s power is insufficient. Please give more instruction, master.”

Fang Zijing smiled: “When did you learn to be hypocritical? Getting two consecutive strikes on the first try is already quite remarkable.”

Ha Bu’er, listening nearby, felt puzzled and asked Tao Qing quietly: “What’s this for? One slash making two sounds—what use is this blade technique?”

Hearing Ha Bu’er’s words, Fang Zijing immediately laughed heartily. He raised the blade and struck down at a large rock. With a whistling sound, the rock was actually cut into ten pieces of debris. Everyone suddenly understood. Even Ha Bu’er comprehended—seeing the steel blade strike and the large rock break into ten sections, they realized Fang Zijing’s blade was extremely fast. Though it seemed like one slash, there were actually nine strikes. No wonder there were such continuous sounds.

Fang Zijing sheathed the blade: “This move is called ‘Fire Greedy Nine Consecutive Slashes’—one blade, nine slashes, with power that dominates the four seas. Others can block your first slash but can’t withstand the subsequent successive heavy strikes. Even if the opponent is a first-class master in the martial world, they cannot withstand this blade.”

Qin Zhonghai was greatly pleased and was about to take the blade to practice, but Fang Zijing waved his hand: “No hurry. It’s rare that the sun is warm—let’s practice several more moves today.” He raised the steel blade and made another void slash at the air. This slash made no sound at all. Everyone didn’t know what use it had.

Ha Bu’er frowned and was about to ask when he suddenly saw a large tree in front of Fang Zijing catch fire and slowly tilt over.

Everyone cried out in alarm. This blade was more than five feet from the tree, but the blade force could cut down the large tree and ignite it, showing its tremendous power. Looking at it this way, this move’s momentum was no less than Zhuo Lingzhao’s eight-foot sword radiance. Seeing such a fierce ultimate move, everyone secretly marveled.

Fang Zijing smiled: “If the blade can be extremely fast, the airflow will naturally burn from it. This move is called ‘Fire Greedy Void Wind Slash’—the tenth form of Fire Greedy Blade. Its power lies not in the steel blade itself but in the fierce wind on the blade.” He positioned his feet neither duck-footed nor pigeon-toed and made another void slash. This blade was ethereal and misty, seemingly powerless. While everyone wondered, there was a tremendous sound, and a five-foot fire wheel suddenly appeared on the ground with Fang Zijing as the center, enclosing him within it.

Qin Zhonghai exclaimed: “What… what’s happening?”

Fang Zijing said: “Proper blade technique can naturally circulate power in a circle. After you practice in detail, the fierce wind on the blade can be controlled at will. This move is the eleventh form of Fire Greedy Blade—’Heaven-Opening Great Fire Wheel’—an ultimate move that combines offense and defense.”

Qin Zhonghai said joyfully: “In the future, even if I encounter masters like Ning Bufan and Zhuo Lingzhao, I won’t need to fear!”

Fang Zijing shook his head: “Don’t underestimate the world’s heroes. There are masters everywhere. Not to mention Tianshan disciples are hard to handle—even if sword radiance appears, you might not necessarily win. If you truly want to stand alone in the martial world, you must comprehend the final form.”

Qin Zhonghai said happily: “There’s still a final form! Please demonstrate it quickly, master!”

Fang Zijing smiled: “This move is called ‘Raging Fire Burns the City.’ I only created the technique and mental method, but because the opportunity hasn’t arrived, even I have never used it.” Everyone hearing this were all puzzled. Qin Zhonghai asked strangely: “Master has never used it either? Then why create this move?”

Fang Zijing said: “Every school and sect mixing in the martial world must have a trump card. Though we father and son are few in number, we cannot lose face. Others have Ning Bufan’s ‘Brave Sword Slashes Tiangang’ and Zhuo Lingzhao’s ‘Thousand Rays of Rosy Clouds’—we also have this ‘Raging Fire Burns the City.'”

He paused and continued: “It’s just that ‘Raging Fire Burns the City’ is an extremely domineering technique requiring extremely powerful internal force. Though you’ve now opened your meridians, you normally can’t produce such abundant power. Only when encountering life-and-death dangers might you possibly exhaust your potential. Zhonghai, if you encounter a true mortal enemy in the future, you’ll definitely be able to fully unleash it.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded and laughed: “So master’s martial arts are too powerful—not encountering worthy opponents is why you’ve never used it.”

Fang Zijing shook his head: “That’s not it. Ning Bufan, Zhuo Lingzhao, Monk Tianjue—these people are among the Four Great Grandmasters with excellent martial arts. It’s just that everyone’s power is evenly matched. Even if they fought me, they couldn’t possibly force me into desperate straits. Without the right mental state, naturally this life-and-death ultimate technique won’t emerge… Sigh… Only he in the world… only he could make me use this ‘Raging Fire Burns the City’…”

With Fang Zijing’s martial arts level, how could anyone in the world force him into desperate straits? Seeing everyone had puzzled expressions, Fang Zijing lowered his head and sighed: “I’ll tell you honestly—when I created this ‘Raging Fire Burns the City,’ my original intention was actually to use it in competition with Qin Baxian.”

Everyone was shocked and said in unison: “Master Fang wanted to compete with Dragon Head Big Brother?”

Fang Zijing nodded: “To practice this move, I even severed my own shoulder blades to find a shortcut for circulating qi… Heh heh, do you think this was a joke?” Amid everyone’s exclamations, Qin Zhonghai was even more astonished. His master was his father’s good friend—even if they wanted to spar, why fight to such extremes? For a moment he felt bewildered.

Fang Zijing smiled: “Qin Baxian is dead—what are you still worried about? Heh heh, I originally wanted to use this move to defeat him thoroughly and make him admit defeat, but everything was too late—he was already dead.” He lowered his head, quietly calling his friend’s name, his expression quite obsessed.

Qin Zhonghai coughed and asked: “How did master come to know that Qin… um, my father?” He had never seen Qin Baxian. Though he knew he was his biological father, there was no emotional bond between them. His casual address almost called him by full name—calling him “father” was truly forced. Zhi Guan, Yan Er’niang, and others who knew Qin Baxian all secretly shook their heads.

But Fang Zijing didn’t mind. He returned the steel blade to his disciple: “That’s a long story. When I first met Qin Baxian, he was just a Wudang sect disciple, only eighteen years old, with a silly Taoist topknot that made him look like a fool—truly laughable.” He picked up a large rock to sit on, but his mouth still wore a smile.

Hearing that Qin Baxian came from Wudang, everyone was surprised and puzzled. Qin Zhonghai had heard Wei Zizhuang mention his father’s origins, so he wasn’t surprised.

Fang Zijing continued: “At that time he was a little bull-nose, and I wasn’t much better—just a small hoodlum wandering the rivers and lakes. Then we were both young and hot-blooded. We met at a tavern in Tianjin, sitting there. After glancing at each other a few times, we immediately felt mutual disgust. I saw his red lips and white teeth attracting girls’ secret glances and thought he must be a scoundrel who didn’t keep to pure rules, so I made some cold, sarcastic remarks. Heh heh, that boy Qin Baxian wasn’t easy to deal with either—he was even more fluent at cursing than me. With one word leading to another, we immediately started fighting. Haha, thus began our inseparable bond.”

Everyone hearing that Qin Baxian could curse immediately discussed among themselves, finding it unbelievable. Yan Er’niang rolled her eyes, thinking: “So the old stronghold leader was also this type. Looking at their Qin family, it’s truly hereditary learning.”

Seeing everyone’s doubtful expressions, Fang Zijing smiled: “That old boy Qin Baxian was good at pretending—the older he got, the more hypocritical he became. Don’t look at his usual righteous appearance—actually he wasn’t much different from me, old Fang. Back then he wasn’t called Qin Baxian but used the name Qin Ce, with the Taoist name Yuanchong or something.” He smiled at Qin Zhonghai: “Your father was a hero when young, just like your character—much more lovable than the later Qin Baxian.” Usually frowning deeply, when mentioning past events, Fang Zijing showed rare joy, apparently very nostalgic for these old memories.

Qin Zhonghai said: “Father came from Wudang—where did master study in those days?” Fang Zijing laughed heartily: “I’m extremely arrogant by nature, always a lone ghost—who would want to take me in? Back then when I went to Shaolin and Wudang to apprentice, I’d beat people up before even entering the gates. These famous orthodox sects found my temperament too wild and refused to accept me, forcing me to practice swordwork alone in desolate mountains. At that time I was resentful—whenever I met orthodox sect disciples, I’d challenge them to see who was the true martial orthodoxy.”

Everyone was greatly impressed, learning that Fang Zijing’s martial arts were self-taught—a rare phenomenon in the martial world. Qin Zhonghai thought: “So master was once desperate too. His arrogant temperament is somewhat similar to my brother Lu Yun.” Thinking of Lu Yun, not knowing his current situation, he couldn’t help feeling concerned.

Fang Zijing continued: “Qin Baxian became a monk at Wudang from childhood. His soft palm techniques were excellent, and he was considered the undoubted choice for future Wudang leader. It was because of my arrogant nature that I sought trouble with Qin Baxian. In the first year of fighting, our foundation was crude—once we started, we couldn’t stop. Poor Tianjin taverns suffered great misfortune—we smashed more than ten establishments in succession. Seeing we couldn’t determine victory quickly, I threatened Qin Baxian, saying if he didn’t continue competing with me, I’d report to Wudang that he destroyed taverns and molested young women, committing all kinds of evil. Wudang had strict rules—this boy would definitely be hung up and beaten. Seeing my fierce and unreasonable nature, he had to agree to compete again next year… Heh heh, that bastard boy…” Everyone saw tears glinting at the corners of his eyes. Recalling the old stronghold leader’s deeds, they all felt emotional. Only Qin Zhonghai, completely unfamiliar with his biological father, was confused.

After lamenting for a while, Fang Zijing composed himself and continued: “The second year we agreed to compete in Wuxi. This time I came prepared, having mastered several more sword techniques myself. I planned to beat him soundly, but who knew this boy’s martial progress was divine—I still couldn’t overcome him. After fighting intensely for a day and night, it was still a draw. Having no choice, we agreed to fight again the third year.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly, thinking: “Master was really idle when young, actually having time to pester people like this. If it were me, I’d have gone home to sleep long ago.”

Seeing everyone’s keen interest, Fang Zijing continued: “After doing this for two consecutive years, we couldn’t not fight—no need for threats anymore. The third year, before I could find him, he actually came to my door, saying he missed me somewhat and brought a jar of wine, saying we should drink our fill before fighting. Seeing his carefree manner, I figured he wouldn’t poison the wine to harm me, so I drank heartily with him. Heh, after drinking that jar, we actually developed feelings for each other. The next day when competing, though both sides exerted full effort, neither wanted to kill the other. This was probably heroes cherishing heroes, good men cherishing good men! From then on, our gatherings were real, competitions were fake—every time we arranged to compete, we’d gather for two or three days before leaving.”

Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai felt his throat itching unbearably and asked Tao Qing: “Aren’t you a wine-making master? When will you brew a jar of wine for me to taste?” Tao Qing smiled: “At General Qin’s command, this subordinate naturally obeys.” He took out a bottle of wine from his bamboo basket and presented it to Qin Zhonghai, then took out rice balls and baked cakes and handed them to Fang Zijing. Seeing his preparation, Qin Zhonghai was both surprised and delighted, immediately gulping it down and laughing: “Truly good wine!”

Yan Er’niang took the wine pot, brought out several wine cups, and handed them to Qin Zhonghai, smiling: “Brother Tao’s wine-making skills are extraordinary—he might drink you to death.” Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily, wanting to say some romantic words in jest, but immediately thought that Yan Er’niang was the leader of Tao Qing and the others—he absolutely couldn’t slight her in front of everyone, so he forced himself to endure. Seeing his slight smile then forcing himself to hold back, Yan Er’niang didn’t know what he was up to and secretly wondered.

Fang Zijing, holding a rice ball, smiled: “Zhonghai, you haven’t eaten master’s sweet potatoes in a long time. After practicing martial arts, how about master roasts a few for you?”

These roasted sweet potatoes were exactly Fang Zijing’s specialty. In the past, he’d caused great havoc at Mount Hua with just a sweet potato, scaring Jiang Chong and An’dao Jing into fleeing in panic. Suddenly hearing about sweet potatoes, Qin Zhonghai was immediately startled, remembering his childhood’s yellow, emaciated miserable state, desperately waving his hands. Everyone didn’t know what mystery this master and disciple were playing at and secretly wondered.

Fang Zijing ate a few bites of rice ball and raised his wine cup: “Qin Baxian and I competed for several years without determining victory, but our feelings deepened and we considered each other friends. By the fifth year of competition, we agreed to meet at Mount Lu. This time Qin Baxian still came as promised, but after barely two moves, he became weak and fell motionless. I was shocked and hurried forward to examine him, only to discover he was carrying internal injuries. Seeing his wretched state, I was naturally puzzled. At that time, though we were only twenty-three or twenty-four, our martial arts were already extraordinary, rarely meeting opponents in the martial world. How could he be beaten into such a state? When I asked who had injured him, he refused to say, only claiming he came to compete as promised without breaking his word. But with his serious injuries, how could I force him? I let him go at that time.”

Qin Zhonghai cursed: “Damn! Who was so bold as to dare injure my old man? Must kill them!” Fang Zijing shook his head: “Qin Baxian was intelligent and wise—if he wouldn’t say, he had his reasons. But seeing his injuries, fearing he’d encounter enemies on the road, I secretly followed to protect him. On the way I encountered Wudang people pursuing him, and only then learned Qin Baxian had already betrayed Wudang—his injuries came from being beaten by sect elders.” Remembering Wei Zizhuang’s words, Qin Zhonghai immediately said: “Did he fall in love with a woman and get expelled from the sect?”

Fang Zijing laughed heartily: “You’ve heard about it too. This woman was exactly your biological mother—she came from a prominent family and was called the greatest beauty of Hubei.” Hearing his master mention his mother’s grace, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help sighing lightly. Yan Er’niang understood his feelings and sat beside him, grasping his large hand.

Seeing their behavior, Fang Zijing just smiled and nodded: “Though Qin Baxian was a Taoist, his worldly heart wasn’t extinguished. Being handsome and dashing, with his romantic and elegant appearance, what girl wouldn’t be smitten? Thus your mother fell in love with him. They privately pledged themselves and eloped together.” He glanced at Qin Zhonghai and smiled: “Zhonghai! Though you’re Qin Baxian’s son, your appearance is fierce—you only resemble your maternal grandfather. Compared to your father’s looks, you’re far inferior.”

Thinking of what the steward said about resembling his maternal uncle, Qin Zhonghai didn’t know what to say and could only laugh dryly: “I’m naturally ugly, looking like a strange bird. Looks like I’ll be a bachelor this lifetime.”

Yan Er’niang smiled: “Master Fang’s words are wrong. Real men value ambition and spirit—they should naturally look mighty and fierce. Though appearance doesn’t match Pan An, as long as one’s ambition reaches the sky, girls will still be enchanted.” Hearing her cover for him, Qin Zhonghai’s heart warmed: “I love drinking and eating meat most—my ambition is neither high nor low, so girls only love me halfway.”

Fang Zijing continued: “At that time your father eloped with his wife. Your mother came from Hubei’s Yan family—a respectable major household. How could the family elders lose such face? They immediately went to Zhenwu Temple to file complaints. The Wudang leader was furious and naturally mobilized to capture Qin Baxian. Though his martial arts were high, how could he withstand attacks from numerous masters? They beat him until he was covered with wounds. Fortunately, his relationships weren’t bad—several martial brothers couldn’t bear to see him taken back to the mountain, so they secretly released him. After meeting me, I secretly protected him, allowing the young couple to flee far away to the northwest.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly, thinking of Wei Zizhuang: “Looking at our Guard Wei’s bear-like appearance, he’s probably soft-hearted too—he must have released my father back then.”

Yan Er’niang, hearing with interest, hurriedly asked: “What happened next?”

Fang Zijing said: “What happened next was quite unexpected. When Qin Baxian betrayed Wudang at twenty-four and went to the northwest, his whereabouts became a mystery from then on. Two years later, news came from the capital that a young man had achieved the highest imperial examination rank, surnamed Qin and named Baxian. At that time I was in the capital and happened to witness the top scholar parading through the streets. I clearly saw the figure of my former rival—I was quite puzzled. This boy was such good martial arts material—instead of properly practicing martial arts, how did he run off to study and take examinations? Fearing he would waste his martial skills and I’d lose a sparring partner in the future, I snuck into his house that very night, dragged him out, and demanded: ‘You were doing perfectly well—why aren’t you practicing martial arts? What are you doing taking some worthless official examinations?’ Qin Baxian’s answer was wonderful—he actually said: ‘My martial arts are already invincible under Heaven. Further practice would bring no improvement. Since I really have nothing else to do, I might as well become an official!’

“Hearing this nearly exploded my chest with rage! A twenty-five or twenty-six-year-old youth daring to boast that his martial arts were number one under Heaven? Without another word, I immediately attacked to teach him a lesson. But after fighting for a while, I felt his movements were extraordinarily fast, like a demon. In less than one exchange, he knocked me to the ground. I was shocked—two years ago we were evenly matched. How had he progressed so rapidly? He confessed honestly, saying he’d found a mysterious cave in Tianshan where he’d mastered supreme divine martial arts. Now he had a true dragon’s body and was invincible in the world.”

Qin Zhonghai’s heart was startled, thinking of Wu Dingyuan, and hurriedly asked: “My father was a generation’s true dragon? Didn’t Ning Bufan also call Commissioner Wu by that title?” Fang Zijing sighed: “The secret of supreme martial arts hidden in Tianshan’s Shenji Cave was exactly what your father discovered. He should be considered the first generation inheritor of Tianshan martial arts. It’s just that Shenji Cave’s martial arts are somewhat strange—ordinary people can’t touch them. Only those with fortuitous encounters and three extraordinary convergences can practice them, otherwise contact means certain death. That’s how it came to Wu Dingyuan.”

Thinking of Wu Dingyuan’s skills, Qin Zhonghai immediately nodded: “Commissioner Wu’s martial arts are formidable—even Mongol masters were defeated by him. He certainly has some methods.” Fang Zijing sighed: “How can a generation’s true dragon be ordinary? Right now Wu Dingyuan’s martial arts are still immature, but after a few more years of training, he’ll definitely become the world’s foremost master. I’m afraid even Ning Bufan won’t be his match.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound, somewhat unconvinced: “Is he more formidable than master?” How could Fang Zijing not know he was trying to provoke him? He immediately kicked the ball back, shaking his head: “Your master is getting old—it’s up to you to compete now!” At this moment, Qin Zhonghai possessed supreme divine abilities, his physical strength and vitality at their absolute peak. He’d long been itching to fight someone. Hearing Fang Zijing say this filled him with joy to his very core, and he laughed: “Naturally. But Commissioner Wu and I have a decent relationship—we should just spar to a point!”

Fang Zijing laughed heartily and continued: “At that time when I fought Qin Baxian, he beat me bloody. Feeling indignant and unfair, I returned to the mountain to contemplate martial arts, wanting to find a way to control him. I spent a full three years creating the ultimate technique ‘Rahu Sword.’ I felt my skills had deepened and figured that even with Qin Baxian’s true dragon body, he probably wasn’t a match for this sword technique. I excitedly rushed to the capital to compete with him, but this boy had gained the emperor’s favor and been transferred to fight in the western frontier. Unwilling to give up, I pursued him all the way to the western frontier, but this bastard had been transferred back to Beijing. Chasing back and forth, I never managed to meet him, making me so angry I was fuming from all seven orifices.”

Qin Zhonghai had heard Liu Angtian mention this period, knowing that his father was then allied with Liu Angtian on campaign, battling the Great Khan Esen, naturally having no leisure for these martial world disputes.

Fang Zijing continued: “Several years passed in a flash. I sought Qin Baxian for competition several times, but he always declined, saying he had family and career and couldn’t engage in such contests anymore. Seeing that he looked down on me, I was furious and broke off relations with him, going to seek other masters for decisive battles.” Speaking to this point, his face showed heroic spirit reaching the clouds as he continued: “From then on, I fought everywhere, challenging anyone I met. Over several years, I fought throughout all the famous mountains and peaks. People like Zhuo Lingzhao and Ning Bufan were then unknown nobodies. Except for Shaolin’s old monk Tianjue, no one in the martial world could withstand even half a move from me. From then on, I gained the nickname ‘Sword King.’ But remembering that Tianshan inheritors hadn’t competed with me, I added the two characters ‘Nine Provinces’ before ‘Sword King’ to indicate I was first within the passes.”

Everyone nodded, showing reverent expressions. Fang Zijing wasn’t a disciple of any famous orthodox sect, nor had he any fortuitous encounters. He relied entirely on his own comprehension to practice martial arts to his current position of shocking the world. Speaking of it, the other grandmasters each had schools and masters to inherit from—only Fang Zijing relied on his own strength to establish a mountain and found a sect. Compared to Monk Tianjue, Zhuo Lingzhao, Ning Bufan, and others, he was even more admirable.

Fang Zijing continued: “Time flew by. I’d been called Sword King for ten years, and that Qin Baxian had been peacefully serving as his official. We had no contact until death… until one day the martial world spread a major piece of news that shocked me so much I couldn’t sit or stand still, couldn’t eat or sleep properly. It forced me to rush to the capital overnight.” Yan Er’niang asked curiously: “What major event was so serious?” Having quick wits, Qin Zhonghai had already guessed the reason and immediately said: “This news was about my father secretly plotting rebellion, wasn’t it?”

Fang Zijing sighed: “Correct. Martial world rumors said Qin Baxian was secretly plotting a coup and had already killed the emperor. At that time I was in Liaoning. Hearing this rumor naturally shocked me greatly. Regardless of whether that old emperor was dead or alive, I rushed to Beijing overnight to get clear information. Who knew that upon reaching the capital, there was no need to investigate anything—I already saw troops entering the city, heading straight for the Qin family mansion.” Qin Zhonghai’s eyes filled with tears as he lowered his head. The others also sighed aloud.

Fang Zijing said: “Seeing this situation, I knew the entire Qin family was in mortal danger. Thinking of my friendship with Qin Baxian, how could I, Fang, allow others to harm his family? I immediately decided to go alone to rescue them. But at that time the capital was under martial law—the situation was extremely dangerous. How could one freely enter and exit? I charged wildly through the city gates, killing until blood flowed like rivers, cutting down those corrupt officials and soldiers until corpses piled like mountains. With great difficulty I reached the Qin house, but I was one step too late. Madam Qin had already been executed, the entire family dead and wounded in chaos, leaving only two orphaned children… sigh… Those troops were truly vicious—a cold shot killed the older one on the spot, leaving only an infant for me. Zhonghai, that was you.”

Hearing of such a tragedy, everyone was filled with grief and anger. Qin Zhonghai’s tiger eyes filled with tears as he knelt and said: “As long as Qin Zhonghai lives, he’ll never forget master’s great kindness.”

Fang Zijing sighed: “Later I carried you and your brother’s corpse, hiding everywhere, finally coming to Tibet and hiding in these mountains, figuring the court’s hired masters had limited martial arts and definitely couldn’t climb the peak in force. Seeing the situation was urgent and your father’s whereabouts completely unknown, I first hid your brother’s body in the snow mountain to preserve his corpse, then found a wet nurse to raise you. At that time I wanted to find traces of Qin Baxian but had no news. Half a year later I heard he’d rebelled and entered the passes, established Mount Nucang, and was fighting major battles with the court. I immediately took you and rushed to find him in the night.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound, thinking: “So when I was just a few years old, I’d already been to Mount Nucang.”

Fang Zijing said: “At that time when Qin Baxian saw his young son, he cried as if he’d died and come back to life. But his military affairs were busy—he had no time to care for an infant, so he begged me to care for you on his behalf. I saw that after his great change, though clearly thirty-four or thirty-five years old, he’d suddenly become like a little old man. Seeing his excessive grief, I could only take on this great responsibility. Several years later, as you became more lively, master was quite delighted. When teaching you skills and arts, I never held back anything. Zhonghai, regardless of whose son you are, master’s heart in raising and teaching you has never changed.”

Qin Zhonghai listened in a daze, finding his biological father’s face quite distant. He looked at his master before him, seeing his aged appearance, much older than when they’d parted more than ten years ago. Thinking of being raised and cared for from childhood to adulthood, he was suddenly moved and embraced Fang Zijing, crying: “Master, you’ve treated your disciple so well—you’re my real father!” Fang Zijing reached out to touch his head and sighed: “Fang Zijing has no wife or children. Child, I’ve actually long considered you like my own son. That day when I heard you were imprisoned, do you know how worried master was?” Thinking of his master’s kindness, Qin Zhonghai wept uncontrollably, and everyone else felt their noses sting.

After lamenting for a while, Fang Zijing said: “Two years later, Mount Nucang’s power grew greater. The court sent General Liu Menglong to attack, mobilizing over three hundred thousand troops and hundreds of masters to besiege the stronghold. At that time, several of the martial world’s most prestigious families were also conscripted to battle. Seeing Mount Nucang in danger, I descended the mountain myself to help fight. I joined with the other Four Tiger Generals, defeating the major sects until they fled in panic, finally forcing Monk Tianjue to lead troops from the mountain for a decisive battle with me. That great battle—heh heh—was fought until heaven and earth darkened, with heavy casualties. Finally the situation reversed, the court suffered crushing defeat, and seeing his reinforcements cut off, Monk Tianjue could only withdraw by force.”

Speaking to his proud moment, he looked at Yan Er’niang: “Little girl, you were on the mountain then—you should know about this, right?”

Yan Er’niang nodded: “Sir’s martial arts are extraordinary, famous throughout the world. The stronghold brothers all admired you—otherwise how could Dragon Head Big Brother honor you as one of the Five Tigers?” Fang Zijing chuckled: “Five Tiger Generals was your stronghold’s title. I, Fang Zijing, am not anyone’s subordinate general—I was just helping out of righteousness.” Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai thought secretly: “Actually master’s martial arts are so formidable he could be a sect leader—why submit to others? He really held back his pride.”

Seeing his thoughtful expression, Fang Zijing immediately smiled: “Boy, the reason master fought for your father was actually half for you, this little rascal.” Qin Zhonghai said awkwardly: “For me? How could that be?” Fang Zijing smiled: “You were very lovable as a child. I feared that after losing your mother, you’d also lose your father, so I helped Qin Baxian—do you understand?” Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Master, you were really too cheap—not only being someone’s nanny but also working as a bodyguard.”

Fang Zijing laughed heartily and continued: “So Mount Nucang enjoyed several years of happy days until the tragic defeat at Ghost Pavilion in the fourteenth year of Jingtai.” Hearing this, everyone’s hearts trembled. At the time of Mount Nucang’s destruction, except for Qin Zhonghai who wasn’t on the mountain, the others had all witnessed the stronghold’s collapse. Recalling this, cold sweat poured down their bodies, and Yan Er’niang wept aloud.

Yan Er’niang shed tears and said: “Master Fang, I’ve never understood why we were defeated so miserably? With Dragon Head Big Brother’s martial arts plus the wisdom of the left and right strategists, why could the court still succeed so easily?” Tao Qing also said: “Yes! Back then the stronghold fought all the way to Bazhou, forcing the capital under martial law. Why did the situation change overnight, with defeat like a mountain collapse?”

Fang Zijing glanced sideways at Zhi Guan and shook his head: “You’re the military intelligence chief—you explain.”

Zhi Guan sighed: “It’s all because of the court’s offer of amnesty.” Everyone was shocked and said in trembling voices: “Amnesty?”

Zhi Guan nodded: “Back then our great army entered Bazhou directly, approaching the capital, killing several commanders and magistrates. Seeing we were playing for real, Jiang Chong memorialized the emperor to send secret envoys to the mountain, stating they wanted to negotiate peace with Dragon Head. But the envoys were detected before even entering the gates and were driven away with clubs on the spot. The emperor sent three envoys successively, none successful. Finally they brought out the Empress Dowager’s edict, and Dragon Head Big Brother finally agreed to meet—both sides arranged to negotiate at Ghost Pavilion.” Thinking of the strange guest at Wenyuan Pavilion, Qin Zhonghai knew the stolen secret memorial must be related to the amnesty matter and listened even more attentively.

Fang Zijing continued: “At that time news came that Qin Baxian intended to accept amnesty. Heh heh, this boy, ignoring that his wife and children were killed, actually still wanted to surrender to that dog emperor—such a servile slave! How could I, Fang Zijing, let him get away with it? I rushed to the mountain overnight to express my opposition face to face.” He paused, his face showing killing intent, then continued: “At that time I clearly told Qin Baxian that since the court had killed his entire family, he couldn’t reconcile with the emperor—otherwise wouldn’t his wife, children, and family have died in vain? I made a big fuss, insisting all the stronghold brothers state their positions clearly. At that time the left and right strategists had different opinions—Qian Long ignored me completely, advocating accepting amnesty and peace talks. Phoenix Feather said there must be conspiracy in it. The Five Tiger Generals also argued among themselves. Opinions varied with no consensus.”

Yan Er’niang interjected: “What was my husband’s opinion?” Fang Zijing spat: “That boy Han Yi came from the court, officially appointed as Yingchuan Regional Commander—how could he not want to return allegiance? He was also one of the strongest advocates.” Yan Er’niang sighed and remained silent.

Fang Zijing continued: “At that time Lu Guzhan and Li Tieshan strongly opposed amnesty, Han Yi supported it, and ‘Qi Rushing North of the Passes’ Shi Gang was most loyal—in all matters he followed Qin Baxian’s lead and also expressed support. Among the Five Tigers, two opposed and two supported. Seeing that Left Dragon and Right Phoenix were also deadlocked, Qin Baxian pleaded: ‘If everyone keeps arguing like this, I’m afraid before amnesty fails, the stronghold will collapse first. Please, thinking of my small contributions over the years, agree to the peace talks!’ Since Dragon Head spoke thus, everyone naturally couldn’t say more. I saw Strategist Phoenix Feather silent, Lu Guzhan and Li Tieshan also silent without words—all had intentions of yielding. Only I remained stubborn in the whole assembly, immediately saying: ‘Don’t waste words—if you want amnesty and peace talks, you must get past my sword, otherwise don’t discuss this matter again!’ After hearing this, Qin Baxian said: ‘Good! Since everyone practices martial arts, today’s matter will be decided by martial arts skill!’ He immediately drew his sword to duel with me.”

Everyone hearing that the two masters fought again were shocked. At that time Fang Zijing’s reputation had already shaken the great rivers and north, far surpassing Qin Baxian in prestige. But Qin Baxian possessed a true dragon’s body—his martial arts were naturally earth-shaking. This bout must have been spectacular.

Qin Zhonghai sighed slightly. The duel between two great masters—one his biological father, the other his benefactor master—though the matter was past, still made him secretly shake his head.

Fang Zijing, recalling past events, said in a daze: “This fight happened eighteen years ago, but now recalling it seems like it’s before my eyes. At that time Qin Baxian said: ‘My reason for accepting amnesty has unavoidable difficulties. Since Brother Fang cannot understand, I can only risk my life to accompany you!’ I also laughed heartily: ‘Don’t say you’re a Tianshan inheritor—know that my sword is also extraordinary! Let’s determine victory and defeat!’ Then both used one move and began fighting in Mount Nucang’s great hall.”

Speaking to this point, he suddenly sighed and remained motionless and silent.

Everyone urgently asked: “What was the outcome?”

Fang Zijing remained silent for a long while, then said quietly: “Tianshan inheritors truly live up to their reputation.”

Everyone’s hearts sank, knowing he hadn’t just been defeated in this battle—it seemed he’d lost quite miserably.

Seeing his master’s melancholy expression, Qin Zhonghai felt countless guilt in his heart, thinking: “Father was wrong to do this. Our Qin family owes master so much it’s countless—how could we fight him again? Was amnesty really so important?” His thick brows furrowed tightly, unable to fathom his father’s intentions, feeling even more dissatisfied.

Fang Zijing said: “After my crushing defeat, I was both shocked and angry, never expecting Qin Baxian to be so powerful. In rage and humiliation, I struck off the stone tiger’s head in the hall with one sword, declaring I was no longer connected to Mount Nucang. At that time everyone urgently tried to persuade me not to do this, but if he, Qin Baxian, could be the court’s dog, I, Fang Zijing, preferred free wandering—why should I be controlled by anyone? I was extremely angry and shouted loudly: ‘From today, Fang Zijing cuts all ties with you all. I wish you bastards early promotion and noble titles, washing the emperor’s mother’s feet daily!’ Damn it, I completely ignored them and left the mountain immediately.” In his excitement, he cursed continuously.

Hearing his endless cursing, Qin Zhonghai secretly sighed: “Master hates the court so much—no wonder when I wanted to join the army, he was so furious… sigh… so there were all these past events…”

After cursing for a while, seeing everyone with heads lowered in silence, Fang Zijing stopped his crude language: “After I returned to the mountain, I waited for General Qin to be restored to marquis rank so I could return his precious son…” Speaking to here, he glanced at Zhi Guan and continued: “Who knew that fate is unpredictable—one day this old brother came to find me, saying that after one round of negotiations at Ghost Pavilion, brothers throughout the mountain died and were wounded. Hearing that Qin Baxian had died in battle, I was so shocked I was stunned, then hurried down the mountain to look. At that time the stronghold was already besieged by great armies—there was really no way to save it. I managed to rescue a few people, but the court struck too harshly—I could only withdraw. From then on, Mount Nucang vanished like smoke, not leaving even a trace of power. I deeply resented Qin Baxian’s obstinate persistence, but with things as they were, what could I do besides futile resentment?”

Qin Zhonghai sighed: “What scheme did the court actually use that was so powerful?” Fang Zijing said coldly: “Who cares? Since I don’t know the details, I’m too lazy to investigate. Anyway, the wood has become a boat, the stronghold is destroyed—even if I found out the details, what could I do?”

He shook his head and looked at Qin Zhonghai: “Four years later you finally turned eighteen and were determined to serve the court. I was originally filled with rage and refused to let you go, but later thinking it over—since the stronghold was destroyed and your father was dead, with past events vanished like smoke, why should I force you into the framework of hatred, making you bear these meaningless burdens for your father? Life is about seeking happiness—since you wanted to join the army, master wouldn’t make things difficult for you, so I let you go serve the country…”

Recalling several years of past events, Qin Zhonghai said quietly: “Don’t say that, master. Lord Liu treated me with deep friendship and righteousness. These past years working for him, Zhonghai was quite happy—I’ll never regret this.”

Fang Zijing said: “Good that you don’t regret it. As long as you live happily, master has nothing to say.” He sighed and stared at distant Mount Everest in a daze, saying quietly: “Qin Baxian, we’ve been friends for decades. I raised your son for you—you didn’t want family happiness, didn’t want stronghold brothers. You… you… what were you thinking?”

Seeing him gazing at the world’s highest peak, Yan Er’niang was inspired and asked: “Master Fang, you’ve compared the old stronghold leader to the world’s highest peak—what about yourself? Which peak in this mountain range are you?”

Fang Zijing nodded slightly: “The current world’s martial arts figures gather like a sea of mountains… look at that peak.” Everyone followed his fingertip and saw a distant high peak standing majestically, seemingly facing Mount Everest without yielding to the world’s first peak. They all marveled.

Fang Zijing said: “This mountain is Kangchenjunga, called in Chinese the Five Treasure Great Snow Mountain. If not for Mount Everest pressing above it, it would be the world’s first peak.” Seeing his feelings aroused, Qin Zhonghai said: “Master, if my father is Mount Everest, you’d be Kangchenjunga, right?”

Fang Zijing shook his head: “To truly make comparisons, this Five Treasure Great Snow Mountain should be Mount Hua’s Ning Bufan—only someone with the prestige of today’s world’s second master can compete with your father…” Seeing him somewhat discouraged, Qin Zhonghai quickly changed the subject: “Never mind that wretched fellow Ning Bufan—there are so many mountains here! Master, if you were to compare yourself, which peak would it be?”

Fang Zijing gazed at the mountain range in a daze: “My mountain isn’t here…” Everyone was greatly curious and asked: “Not here? Then where?”

Fang Zijing said: “Have you heard of K2?” Seeing everyone’s blank expressions, he sighed and shook his head without speaking.

Zhi Guan, who had been quietly listening, suddenly interjected: “K2 is located in the Karakoram Mountains—it’s one of the world’s highest peaks. This mountain’s dangers aren’t necessarily less than Mount Everest, but because this peak is far in the Western Regions, not among the sea of mountains on the Tibetan border, it’s unknown to the world. Except for the most experienced mountain travelers, few have heard its great name.” Seeing everyone nodding, Zhi Guan continued: “People look at empty fame—whether Lhotse Peak or the King of Snow Mountains, they’re all praised because they’re concentrated in high areas, relying on natural geographical advantages. Gentlemen, forgive my frank words—though there are many masters in the world, they all have something to rely on. How many people in the world can truly create their own situations like Hero Fang?”

Zhi Guan’s words weren’t flattery. Fang Zijing created martial arts and established his own school—he was a unique founding grandmaster of his generation. Though Ning Bufan was highly talented, he still relied somewhat on the Three Connections Sword left by Tianyin Daoist to achieve his proud swordsmanship. Even if Monk Tianjue was formidable, without Songshan’s orthodox seventy-two unique arts, his martial arts would be greatly diminished. Qin Baxian, Zhuo Lingzhao, and others were the same.

Though the world is vast, only Fang Zijing, based on his status as a famous sect’s abandoned disciple, started from nothing and practiced to today’s supreme realm. How could this ambitious heroic spirit compare to any master in the world?

Hearing Zhi Guan’s words, Fang Zijing immediately looked up at the sky and sighed lightly, seeming to have infinite emotion.

Zhi Guan stared at the Sword King and smiled: “Hero Fang, others may not know, but there’s something I must say. Actually, your martial arts have greatly advanced these past ten years—before that move ‘Raging Fire Burns the City,’ who dares claim certain victory? Why should you be discouraged?”

Fang Zijing said indifferently: “I’m not discouraged—I’m just mentally lazy. Winning isn’t high, losing isn’t low. Martial arts level isn’t in life-and-death victory or defeat but in comprehending and mastering martial dao—that’s what a generation’s grandmaster does. Ning Bufan rose in the martial world at a tender age—this person’s natural talent is even higher than mine. With such a talented person, as long as he practices martial arts for one day, the world’s martial arts advance one day. When he reaches my age, who knows how many mental methods and martial arts he’ll have created? With such a person around, how can I fight him to the death? Heh heh… But now that Shenji Cave’s gates have reopened and Tianshan inheritors are walking the martial world again, I’m getting somewhat itchy…”

He turned to look at Qin Zhonghai and smiled: “I’m advanced in years—I shouldn’t engage in these meaningless fights anymore. At this advanced age, I only hope my beloved disciple can properly train his martial arts, making ‘Fire Greedy Blade’ famous for a thousand years—that would leave something in this world.”

Qin Zhonghai’s spirit was stirred and he stood up abruptly: “Zhonghai won’t forget master’s teachings and will certainly work hard from now on! Whatever Tianshan inheritors, whatever world’s first disciples—I’ll beat them all until they’re utterly defeated! Let them know the power of the Nine Provinces Sword King!”

Fang Zijing nodded lightly, his expression somewhat shy. He then took Qin Zhonghai to a secluded place, carefully transmitted the blade technique formulas to him, and they began practicing together.

Several days later, Qin Zhonghai’s injuries had healed, and his blade techniques were quite proficient. He bid farewell to Fang Zijing and Zhi Guan, saying he wanted to return to Mount Nucang early to investigate the situation. Seeing his ambitious spirit, Fang Zijing just said indifferently: “Master doesn’t understand political matters, but these court officials are far worse than martial world figures. When you deal with them, you must be extremely careful.”

Qin Zhonghai prostrated on the ground: “Disciple comes from the court and knows these tricks—please don’t worry, master. When disciple’s career succeeds, I’ll invite master to the mountain to share wealth and honor.”

Fang Zijing smiled: “Being able to see you alive and well—that’s the most precious wealth and honor.” When they first met, Fang Zijing was completely cold and icy. Who would have expected that at parting he’d be like a loving father? Presumably seeing Qin Zhonghai survive with his life, his heart was extremely joyful.

With midsummer approaching and flowers blooming everywhere, Qin Zhonghai was eager to return to Mount Nucang to investigate, so he left together with Yan Er’niang and the others.