Chapter 104

Qi Ban, naturally, had a background.

Previously, like those of the Valley of Villains, he had been a Mountain Bandit operating in the wild. However, his base was in the Central Plains, lacking significant power and influence. It was swiftly dismantled by the imperial court working alongside the Lingxi Pavilion.

Later, among this band, Qi Ban alone changed face the instant he was captured, tearfully pleading. He claimed he’d been forcibly taken into the mountain and swore he had never wantonly killed innocents over the years. The truth of these claims could never be verified. But it’s said the Master of the Lingxi Pavilion, perhaps impressed by his apparent sincerity and willingness to reform, genuinely spared him. This mercy extended even further when Qi Ban volunteered for several campaigns against remnant Mountain Bandits; he was then formally accepted into the Lingxi Pavilion’s ranks.

Thus, he became one of the Lingxi Pavilion’s formidable warriors.

For many years, this man served the imperial court as a vanguard, repeatedly putting his life at risk. His rapport with the Martial World Alliance was also favorable, making him a regular fixture at the Sword Discussion Tournament. Yet this seemingly righteous enemy of evil, this reputedly loyal and honest man – was actually the Valley of Villains’ planted mole within the Lingxi Pavilion! Only in such a critical moment had he dared the gambit to rescue Xiao Zhong!

As for Liu Mao, no matter how furious he became, could not alter the established fact that Xiao Zhong had already been rescued.

Moreover, while the deed was indeed committed by members of the Martial Arts Community, it held no true connection to the Martial World Alliance itself – wasn’t He Yu living proof? During the assault on the valley, the Alliance Leader and its other officers had focused on defensive support at the rear and securing the valley perimeter.

Ultimately, the Martial World Alliance was merely an organization mediating affairs within the Jianghu sphere. It didn’t actually command the various sects, much less exert influence over the Lingxi Pavilion, which maintained deep ties with the imperial court.

This fury, Liu Mao was doomed to swallow down alone.

Soon after, most people still inside the valley tidying up the battlefield and inventorying confiscated goods learned of the news.

Chen Shu was led by He Yu towards the cluster of courtyards temporarily serving as lodgings within the valley. The first few compounds, closest to the hillside, belonged to those Members of the Wulin Community.

The trio had just approached when loud voices reached them from the courtyard. Though varied, they were all strident, escalating into near shouting.

“…Why? What does it have to do with us that Lingxi Pavilion let him escape? Taking the Valley of Villains was feasible due to its small area and complex terrain. A sneak assault wasn’t like a conventional battlefield where superior martial skill alone could win the day. Fangcheng is entirely different! Its walls are immense, almost rivaling the Diancang Pass! Its approaches are open plains. How can you fight with mere fists and feet? A single arrow, a single plummeting boulder could claim your life!”

As the words fell, several others agreed in chorus.

“Exactly! The Valley of Villains attack relied heavily on surprise. But storming Fangcheng? Never mind that the Valley of Villains Chief is missing, likely having escaped back to Fangcheng. Just the commotion we’ve made these past two days – unless the defenders are fools – they surely know an army approaches! How could it possibly be taken?”

Perhaps carried away by their fervor, it wasn’t just those agreeable voices speaking up. Another, more abrasive one, spoke coarsely.

“You Martial World Alliance folks might be bored with time on your hands, but we have our own sects to tend! We’re already behind schedule because of the Sword Discussion Tournament, and then Liu Mao dragged us here to fight the Valley of Villains… Yes, that official verified the Valley of Villains caused the flood, true. But they’re defeated now! So what if Xiao Zhong runs? Does it matter? With this large, excellent army at his disposal, can’t Liu Mao recapture a single fugitive?”

The mood within the courtyard grew even more heated. Arguments overlapped, becoming a jumbled cacophony of indistinguishable retorts before one voice finally silenced them all.

“Everyone, please stay calm.” This voice was familiar, distinctly that of the Leader of the Martial Arts Alliance. “I mentioned this not to compel anyone to march with the army. It’s because the situation changed, and I felt you deserved to know – don’t you agree? Furthermore, Fangcheng truly differs vastly from the Valley of Villains. In a siege, your skills… might prove of limited use anyway. Therefore, anyone willing may join me; we’ll prepare quickly and depart with the army tonight. Those unwilling won’t be pressured. Fair enough?”

Just moments before, arguments had raged fiercely. But the Leader’s measured words, calm and reasonable, effectively doused their anger. A heavy silence fell over the room; no one responded.

Outside, the three eavesdroppers, standing by the courtyard gate thoroughly satisfied after their secret listening session, snapped back to reality simultaneously. They exchanged knowing smiles, masking their expressions as they finally stepped forward. He Yu pushed open the door to the room.

Just then, someone inside finally spoke, their resolute voice echoing clearly.

After suffering such catastrophic floods at Diancang Pass, your hearts must be heavy with grief. And upon suddenly learning this cataclysm was man-made, acting on impulse, you joined the night raid on the Valley of Villains. But now, those monstrous floods have long receded. Since no disciples perished within your own sects and a great army stands guard here, worrying about the mastermind escaping is unnecessary. Thus, those distressing sights at Diancang Pass have mostly faded from memory. Given this, it truly seems unwarranted to proceed towards Fangcheng.

However, my Biyang Valley abides by its own teachings, always instilling in its disciples the courage to act upon conviction. Furthermore, within this martial world of ours, our standing has never been insignificant—to say we serve as pioneers is not an overstatement. If so, what harm could there be in marching on Fangcheng? The master of the Valley of Villains has escaped; the true perpetrator remains unfound. Can we truly say those countless innocent lives rest in peace? Commander, you need only name the time—my Biyang Valley disciples shall assuredly mobilize with the forces!”

Upon this declaration, a few from the crowd clapped their hands and praised, “Well said!”

Mi Yun, the nun from Xu Tuo Temple, offered a silent bow of alignment to the commander, a tacit endorsement. This was followed by a somewhat bashful murmur of agreement, soft and gentle—evidently Xuan Qin from Qin Xin Bluff, known to Chen Shu.

With three key voices raised in consent, those who had clamored earlier quieted down. It was then that He Yu cleared his throat, drawing the collective gaze once more.

“Cold Pine Glen stands represented by myself alone, so it falls to me to express our stance. During last night’s assault on the Valley of Villains, my contribution was… modest. To then abstain from the move on Fangcheng would strike me as rather unjustifiable.”

His words carried a gentleness absent from Li Chou’s earlier pronouncement. Acknowledging his own limited role served as a conciliatory gesture, providing others a way to save face. The room’s tension eased palpably, and the commander chuckled before looking over He Yu’s shoulder.

“And this must be Miss Chen? Chen Shu, yes?”

Eyes that had begun to turn away snapped back to the doorway.

He Yu positioned himself “helpfully” to the side, fully exposing Chen Shu. Then with a nudge at her waist from Yun Shen — despite herself, she stumbled half a step forward. She cast an angry, sidelong glare towards Yun Shen, who merely smiled back, before turning round with an awkward smile of her own and nodding.

“Yes, it’s me. Last night… I didn’t contribute much either. If there’s a move against Fangcheng, I’ll definitely go along!”

As He Yu stepped fully aside, several distinct faces within the crowd became clearly visible to Chen Shu. Besides Li Chou, Xuan Qin, and Mi Yun, whose voices she had recognized earlier, there was Xu Qiong, giving her a serene smile. Mo Yong from Carefree Palace was also present, his left shoulder visibly heavily bandaged around a wound yet unhealed.

Here stood individuals who, beyond these doors and within their separate sects, often commanded great authority. Yet at this moment, each regarded Chen Shu with quiet curiosity. Though daylight streamed outside, the crowded room felt dense, even oppressive, the figures casting long shadows. Only the opening of the door by the three newcomers had sliced through the gloom, revealing faces etched with varying expressions.

They all seemed to expect Chen Shu to say more, to elaborate.

The abrupt pause of the Sword Discussion Tournament had left Chen Shu engrossed in disaster relief, interacting mostly with ordinary folk. Never had she been subjected to such intense scrutiny from veterans of the martial world. Only now, amidst this silent appraisal, did the reality of her championship resonate — a sensation mixing pride and a jolt of thrilling defiance.

She did not shy away. Head tilted slightly with curiosity, she met their gazes squarely.

So this is how it feels.

Their regard held neither sycophancy nor disdain, but rather a palpable blend of respect and acceptance. They stood quietly, waiting for her next words… After all, she was the undisputed victor of the Sword Discussion Tournament. Gather all these renowned figures — men and women, old and young — together in this room, and still they likely couldn’t match her strength! All except one among them.

Li Chou. From the moment the trio had entered, spotting He Yu and then Chen Shu, his complexion had shifted. He took two abrupt steps backwards.

These noticeably “ill-timed” steps possessed a subtle awkwardness, suggesting to the room that he perhaps had some crucial point to make. Yet he merely angled his head slightly away and, right in the midst of grave deliberations, reached up—

To adjust his hairpiece.

Then, dragging his sleeve roughly across his face to wipe away potential traces of blood and grime, he muttered to an unfortunate disciple behind him.

“Is my face properly clean?”

“…It is.”

The trio’s arrival caused a commotion, yet it paradoxically paved the way for the discussion to flow again.

He Yu’s stance mattered. But Miss Chen’s declaration mattered more. Driven perhaps by schemes to win her allegiance, or by a genuine shift stirred by the mood, those who harbored reservations largely changed their tune, expressing support. And so, the assembled sects who had come to aid at the Valley of Villains unanimously affirmed: they would accompany General Liu Mao’s army on its march to Fangcheng — at the very least for this leg.

The gathering dispersed not long after. While Chen Shu and Yun Shen had rested through the night, the others had been working without a break for days and hastened to regroup their people before the army’s departure. Naturally, accommodations also had to be arranged. Chen Shu was allotted a small room — the very same she’d been “invited” to earlier. Upon entering, she casually tossed the sword retrieved from He Yu onto a small square table. Yun Shen’s reaction was an almost imperceptible flicker of his eyelid.

“…You found it,” he finally said, his words carefully measured, his tone unnaturally slow and deliberate. “Well… that is a happy matter indeed.”

Chen Shu snorted a laugh. She turned, pointing at the blade on the table. “How could I! Take a closer look! Isn’t this sword a perfect match for that fake sword the Valley Master shoved at me in the Small Turret that day? Not only is it noticeably lighter than the true one, those ‘blood streaks’ are blatantly painted on! Now, after getting soaked in the rain, they’ve mostly washed off!”

Yun Shen’s Adam’s apple bobbed visibly in his throat. Before he could formulate a reply, he strode forward for a closer look. In the earlier haste, details had been missed. Now, under closer scrutiny, it was undeniable: the crimson marks on the blade were, indeed, half washed away — a pitiful sight. This sword, evidently also stored in Xiao Zhong’s secret room within the main fortress, must have been grabbed by He Yu in his hurried search. To someone like He Yu, who had seen only Bounty Notices but never the genuine article, it had seemed plausible.

And the other one? That second sword, equally fake but somehow more convincing than this washed-out imitation, which lay nearby just before they fell down the cliff… its current whereabouts were unknown. Gone.

It was unclear whether Yun Shen had calmed down or become more anxious. He reached out and caressed the sword’s body again, asking:

“…Then why didn’t you ask at that time, and only thanked Brother He?”