Chapter 14: Turmoil at Goddess Peak

Chapter 14: Turmoil at Goddess Peak

Everyone was startled and turned to look. A figure flashed out from the branches, tapped the wall with one foot, and shot down to the center like a night bird, blocking Ling Ling’s front.

Ling Ling had heard the laughter. Though she couldn’t see the person, she knew it was Gu Fengchen. She was overjoyed deep in her heart. Being trapped, her eye injury—it was all now completely forgotten.

Among the group opposite, some had attended the birthday banquet at Jianxian Manor, so they recognized Gu Fengchen. Nangong Yue stiffened, unsure if he was friend or foe, and said, “Are you really that disciple of Shaolin?” Gu Fengchen replied, “I was expelled from Shaolin long ago, and dare not claim to be a disciple anymore. I am now just a mountain peasant.”

Nangong Yue laughed. “Then, I ask you, mountain peasant, why aren’t you farming at home or gathering firewood in the mountains? What brings you to the Five Precepts Manor?” Gu Fengchen gestured toward Ling Ling. “This young lady is a friend of mine. She’s injured now. I just hope all of you will stop fighting and no longer trouble her.”

The heroes sneered at each other, their faces showing astonishment. After a moment, mocking laughter burst out. One said, “A Shaolin defector dares come here to act tough? I thought it was the Shaolin abbot arriving…” Another added, “Not even the Shaolin abbot would have such a big mouth. I say it’s the heavenly king himself.”

Nangong Yue remained calm, smiling faintly. “This young lady behind you is the Leader of the Red Lotus Sect. We martial world righteous figures and she are mortal enemies. For you to ask us to stop with just a few words—that won’t happen.”

As he and Gu Fengchen were still talking, one man behind him couldn’t hold back any longer. He stepped forward and shouted, “Young Master, why waste words on this defecting monk? I’ll deal with him, then you can catch that girl.” Without waiting for Nangong Yue’s reply, he strode forward.

Gu Fengchen saw the man was burly, with a thick beard and lantern-like eyes that made others uncomfortable. The man didn’t even bother talking to Gu Fengchen. He went straight to action, stretching out his five fingers to seize Gu Fengchen’s neck.

It seemed he wanted to grab Gu Fengchen’s neck and throw him against the wall to clear the way.

Gu Fengchen didn’t recognize this man, but Nangong Yue knew him well. This man was named Duan Qi, nicknamed “Golden Finger,” and his hand techniques were quite formidable. Once, at Huanyan Peak, he used one arm to block iron sledges; thirteen iron sledge gates were released in a row, all stopped by him alone.

With such formidable skills, grasping Gu Fengchen’s neck and tossing him away should have been no harder than grabbing a baby chick.

Gu Fengchen stared straight at him without blinking. The chill in that gaze made Duan Qi shudder suddenly. But Duan Qi was bold-hearted and thought to himself: “You think I don’t dare grab you? I blocked thirteen iron sledges! Your flesh-and-blood body can’t be heavier or harder than them!”

With that, he didn’t hesitate. He seized Gu Fengchen’s throat with a thud.

Nangong Yue kept smiling quietly behind. Though Duan Qi was crude, his actions suited his purposes. Gu Fengchen had intervened suddenly, for unknown reasons, so it was best to chase him off—roughness aside, it was harmless.

Harmless to others, but to Duan Qi, it felt different. Gu Fengchen let him grab his throat. Duan Qi felt overjoyed at first, convinced Gu Fengchen had no skill and was just a fool causing trouble. In martial confrontations, vital spots like the throat were fiercely protected since letting an opponent control them meant death was near. Only if facing a far weaker opponent would someone be so bold—but Duan Qi never thought he was “far weaker” compared to Gu Fengchen.

Believing Gu Fengchen was paralyzed with fear, Duan Qi thought since he was a Shaolin defector, no one would blame him even if he was heavy-handed and crushed him to death right there. So he added force, yanking forward, intending to haul Gu Fengchen away like plucking a duck.

But though Duan Qi was strong, he couldn’t budge Gu Fengchen at all. Duan Qi froze in thought: “This man is big-boned and surely heavy; I’ll add three parts more force.”

He strengthened his grip and yanked three times—like a dragonfly trying to shake a pillar. Duan Qi’s face flushed crimson as he stood dumbfounded. The crowd saw him gripping Gu Fengchen’s neck and pulling hard, yet the opponent didn’t move an inch. They found it both amusing and startling.

Many in the group knew Duan Qi’s skills; his hand techniques were truly impressive. Yet he failed to budge Gu Fengchen at all. It couldn’t be an act.

Gu Fengchen cracked a smile. “My good fellow, could you press harder? This tickles my neck too much.” Everyone laughed out loud instantly. So Master Duan Qi’s fierce efforts were merely tickling him.

Duan Qi’s face turned as red as dawn clouds, intensely brilliant. He couldn’t bear such mockery. Gritting his teeth, he thought: “If you insist on dying, I’ll grant your wish.”

With that, his five fingers tightened abruptly as he applied the power of Golden Finger. His hands became harder than steel hooks, crushing toward Gu Fengchen’s Adam’s apple.

Duan Qi’s Golden Finger power was extraordinary—it could crush granite. He was sure he’d hear Gu Fengchen’s throat bone shatter. But as his fingers clamped down, he suddenly felt like he was gripping solid iron.

Gu Fengchen’s bones seemed harder than iron by three parts.

Duan Qi had used his full strength, still unable to harm Gu Fengchen—even with a vital spot seized.

In that instant, Duan Qi was utterly desolate; fear crowded out his confusion in his eyes. He realized his skills were far beneath this man’s. By forcing himself to act, he was likely forfeiting his life.

If Gu Fengchen were cruel and murderous, Duan Qi would have been dead already. Luckily, Gu Fengchen came to save lives, not take them.

Gu Fengchen gently reached out, lifted Duan Qi’s hand from his neck, and patted his shoulder. “Thank you. It doesn’t tickle anymore.” This time, no one in the group laughed. Most only showed shock and bewilderment.

Nangong Yue remembered clearly: just months ago, this Shaolin defector had been half-dead. Now he possessed this terrifying Internal Energy. No one could grasp how that happened. With him guarding Ling Ling, matters grew thornier today.

Over there, Duan Qi’s face looked ashen gray. When Gu Fengchen let go of his hand, he bolted wildly out the door, sprinting away. Everyone watched Gu Fengchen, ignoring Duan Qi completely.

Nangong Yue’s face still hid his feelings. Though young, he’d mastered his family’s composure; no crisis flustered him like a true commander. But today, if they failed now, it would squander their best chance. It seemed they couldn’t follow martial world etiquette anymore; it was time to act as a group.

Fortunately, since the other side called for backup first, it was somewhat justifiable for our side to swarm forward, unsure of how many more reinforcements they might bring. Nangong Yue took a deep breath and declared loudly, “Esteemed seniors, the Red Lotus Sect has arrived in full force. We must resolve this quickly to avoid complications. Attack together!”

The heroes had been awaiting his command all along, previously hesitant due to the embarrassment of so many skilled fighters ganging up on a single girl from the Red Lotus Sect. But now that the enemy had accomplices, it naturally opened the way for an all-out fight. With a thunderous roar, each brandishing their weapons, they charged forward.

Gu Fengchen sneered coldly, “Are you relying on numbers to win? That’s hardly honorable.”

Liu Dongbai retorted, “Your Red Lotus Sect sneaked into our Five Precepts Manor to kill and provoke—that’s no more honorable.” His words were biting, refusing to yield an inch.

Gu Fengchen turned, scooped up Ling Ling, and carried her on his back, shouting, “Guard my back; I’m getting you out.” Ling Ling showed great spirit, “I still want to kill all these traitors.” Gu Fengchen chuckled, “A gentleman bides his time for revenge.” Ling Ling replied, “I’ve waited fourteen years already.” As they spoke, the heroes attacked, with a coiling dragon staff and a paired sun-moon hook striking at them. Gu Fengchen roared, raised his arms, and invoked his Supreme Skill. Sounds of wind and thunder rose from the ground, and the staff and hook shattered into six pieces.

Such divine might was truly rare through the ages.

But the heroes had their fighting spirit aroused, being famous figures who had seen many big battles, so they refused to retreat easily. In an instant, they surrounded the pair and brought down their weapons together. Though Ling Ling couldn’t see with her eyes, her hands were busy, spinning the Lover’s Spear like a windmill. Ding-ding sounds rang out as she blocked countless weapons.

This kind of fierce combat was too draining, and Ling Ling, being female, would soon exhaust her strength.

Ling Ling understood well the situation: with her eye injury hindering her sight, she had no hope of breaking through the encirclement. She thrust her spear with a swish, forcing one man back several yards, and cried, “Put me down and escape on your own.” Gu Fengchen also activated his Supreme Skill, keeping the heroes at arm’s length. Hearing this, he knew her intention and laughed, “The time isn’t right, the outcome isn’t decided—no talk of dying yet.”

Ling Ling panicked and insisted, “With me on your back, you won’t break through.”

Gu Fengchen countered, “How do you know I can’t?” Ling Ling heard his palm wind roaring fiercely, immensely powerful, keeping the heroes at bay for the moment. But such a style was too taxing on his vital energy; a few dozen more palm strikes would drain his Internal Energy greatly. She said, “Do you want us both to die here?”

Gu Fengchen declared, “The world is vast, with blossoms and beauties; wine brewed with plums—life has its flavors. Why die?”

Seeing he wouldn’t abandon her, Ling Ling snapped angrily, “Fine, if you won’t let me die, I’ll choose it myself.” She leaped down and lunged forward with her spear. Gu Fengchen felt the weight lift and startled; he knew she was acting out of temper. As Cult Leader, she was used to instant obedience—no one dared ignore her commands. In this critical moment, her orders had no effect, so her frustration was understandable.

Considering this, Gu Fengchen jumped over, repelling Liu Dongbai’s Judges’ Pen with a palm strike, and stood back-to-back with Ling Ling to avoid flank attacks. He laughed, “I say we won’t die—and we won’t. Reinforcements are coming soon, and then it’s uncertain who’ll perish.”

Nangong Yue heard this and paused in alarm.

Just then, fires sprang up simultaneously at over a dozen spots in the manor. Flames leaped skyward instantly, crackling as they engulfed buildings and thatched roofs.

Gu Fengchen saw the blaze and laughed heartily, “See? I said it’d happen—with the Three Talents and Eight Steeds arriving together, it’s no wonder if Five Precepts Manor is trampled flat.” Indeed, with the fires, the entire manor erupted in chaos, with clamoring voices suggesting countless intruders.

The heroes were unsettled, and their attacks slowed. Seizing the moment, Gu Fengchen hoisted Ling Ling onto his back, used his palm force to knock down several fighters, and rushed out.

Nangong Yue shouted, “Stay calm and pursue!” He seemed to have noticed that despite the turmoil, there were only cries of firefighting—no screams of combat or death—unlike an invasion. Nangong Yue was sharp; in a flash, he realized Gu Fengchen had set the fires beforehand, bluffing to rescue Ling Ling amid the confusion.

He guessed correctly: when Ling Ling was injured and poisoned, Gu Fengchen almost jumped down to save her, but reconsidered. If he descended, he’d only be surrounded like her. His Internal Energy was strong, but his techniques were crude; the thirty-four elite opponents could exhaust him to weakness. Thus, he’d neither rescue Ling Ling nor escape himself. It was a total loss, unacceptable.

His mind shifted, and he hatched a plan. Slipping quietly from the tree, he crept to the manor’s kitchen, grabbed fire starters, and set blazes throughout. Used to long hours at the forge, Gu Fengchen was skilled with fires, starting small flames that weren’t easily noticed. By the time sparks were visible, the beams and roofs were already uncontrollably ablaze.

After igniting the fires, Gu Fengchen returned to the training ground, roared with laughter, and moved to rescue Ling Ling.

As he leaped over walls with Ling Ling on his back, Five Precepts Manor blazed like a beacon, causing panic but also illuminating his trail, making it easy for pursuers to spot.

Ling Ling understood clearly that Gu Fengchen was alone—all talk of the Three Talents and Eight Steeds arriving was just a bluff. Though unable to see well, she sensed the flickering flames and giggled, “You’re quite clever, exploiting the chaos to your advantage.”

Gu Fengchen scanned the route and sped toward the manor exit. Hearing her, he smiled back, “As the saying goes, ‘With the vermilion near, one turns red; with the ink near, one turns black.’ Staying with you this long, I’ve picked up a few tricks of deceit.”

Ling Ling tapped his head with a finger, “So you mean you’re near ink? You’re implying I’m ink, not vermilion…right?” Gu Fengchen laughed, “You’re human, certainly not a swine…” Ling Ling pinched his neck, “But you seem like one—a stupid swine.” Gu Fengchen asked, “How so?” Ling Ling’s voice suddenly softened as she leaned close to his ear, “If not a stupid swine, who’d risk their life to save me?”

Gu Fengchen felt a stir but hurried to correct, “That’s inaccurate—I just happened to discover Leader Ling was in trouble and rushed to help. Your subordinates are mighty; they just didn’t know. If they had, they’d surely have raced here, life risked.”

Ling Ling giggled, “Who cares if they save me!” Then she blushed, rested her head on the nape of his neck, closed her eyes, and smiled sweetly, her heart full of warmth. She wished to stay like this forever with Gu Fengchen, through eternity and beyond.

The fierce heroine who stood alone against the heroes moments ago had instantly transformed into a bashful, tender-hearted girl.

Gu Fengchen couldn’t see her expression, focused only on outracing the pursuers. After a few bounds, he neared the outer wall, when suddenly a whooshing sound came from behind—a Hidden Weapon. Gu Fengchen couldn’t take risks with someone on his back, so he sidestepped three feet, dodging it. But the maneuver let the chasers get closer.

The high wall loomed ahead, beyond it the open road. Jumping over the sharp iron caltrops topping it would be especially hard. Thinking fast, he nudged a dead dog with his toe, flipping it onto the wall. Having died long ago, the dog felt no pain; impaled on caltrops, it was pierced instantly. Gu Fengchen leaped to the wall, stepped lightly off the dog, and used the momentum to vault down gently outside.

Outside was flat ground. Unfolding his qinggong, Gu Fengchen sprinted like an arrow, even carrying Ling Ling. Nangong Yue and others soon followed, leaping from the manor to give chase.

The heroes knew clearly that although Gu Fengchen’s inner energy was strong and his lightness skill was exceptional, carrying a burden meant he would eventually tire. He could never outrun so many pursuers. Thus, they resolved to follow closely.

Gu Fengchen had assessed the terrain earlier. There was only one path ahead: the valley where the enemy lay in ambush. He had gotten in easily enough, but escaping while carrying Ling Ling would undoubtedly take effort and time. Should he become entangled, by the time the numerous masters caught up, breaking free would be near impossible. Yet, driven by necessity, he had no choice but to take that path.

Thinking thus, the two reached the valley entrance. Gu Fengchen gritted his teeth and plunged into its confines.

He knew ambushers lurked within, so he slowed his pace slightly, hoping for a clearer view to avoid mishaps. Unexpectedly, after charging a considerable distance, no one emerged to block him. Could those ambushers have withdrawn? Gu Fengchen wondered silently. Just as this thought crossed his mind, the sound of rushing air announced the arrival of the pursuing force behind him.

Nangong Yue had set nearly twenty skilled fighters along this unavoidable route beforehand. Seeing Gu Fengchen enter the valley filled him with secret delight—the moment his ambushers intercepted, he would be able to catch up. To his dismay, upon following them into the valley, he saw no sign of disturbance ahead. Worse, Gu Fengchen seemed on the verge of exiting the far end.

No! Could Gu Fengchen have already neutralized the ambush? Could those twenty-plus fighters possibly all be dead at his hands? At this dreadful thought, his momentum faltered. Seizing this exact moment, several hidden weapons shot out from the woods on both sides with a whoosh-whoosh. They collided mid-air and exploded into a cloud of pinkish powder, rapidly billowing outwards.

Quick and nimble, Nangong Yue saw the danger and forcefully diverted his forward charge sideways, evading the powder cloud. But those behind him couldn’t halt in time and plunged straight into the mist. After stumbling only a few steps, they collapsed, unconscious.

The smoke was poisonous!

“Stop!” Nangong Yue yelled. “Mind the toxic mist!” The masters halted in unison, unsure what to do. Then, identical powder clouds began rising from the woods on both flanks, thickening swiftly. Within moments, the entire valley path was shrouded.

Watching the toxic mist drift towards their position, Nangong Yue knew someone sinister had arrived. Pushing through the mist might be possible, but he had no idea what lay ahead. Forcing a passage now would surely inflict heavy casualties. Changing his mind abruptly, he commanded, “Quick retreat! Back to Five Precepts Manor!”

Most of the assembled heroes were worldly-wise. Recognizing tonight held no hope of gaining an advantage, they had no choice but to return to the manor and regroup. Holding their breath, they dashed into the mist, retrieved the poisoned, and then hurried back to Five Precepts Manor with Nangong Yue in their midst.

Gu Fengchen emerged from the valley, finding no ambush. He turned to look back and was startled to see thick smoke billowing up in the distance. He halted, bewildered. Ling Ling, unaware of events, asked, “Did we lose them?” Gu Fengchen answered, “Not sure. Smoke’s rising behind us… seems… seems like they aren’t chasing.”

“Reinforcements are here,” Ling Ling said. “Set me down.” Gu Fengchen lowered her to the ground. “How do you know it’s backup, not more pursuers?” he asked. “Pursuers would carry torches, not release smoke,” Ling Ling replied. “Relax, it’s the Gu Sect.”

Just then, several figures raced out of the valley path, drawing near. Gu Fengchen saw clearly that the one leading them was that Deputy Sect Leader Ma.

Deputy Sect Leader Ma reached them and looked at Ling Ling. Suddenly, he knelt before her. “Your subordinate Ma Xiu of the Gu Sect greets the Cult Leader. Forgive my delayed rescue, please punish me,” he said. “You are Ma Xiu?” Ling Ling asked. “That is correct,” Ma Xiu replied. “Was it you who killed Zhang Feihe, the Crane of Sky South, at Swallow’s Beak six years ago?”

Ma Xiu paused. “Swallow’s Beak? This subordinate has never been there.”

Gu Fengchen’s heart clenched: This is bad. Wrong person? Is this man truly Deputy Sect Leader Ma? Could he also be an impersonator?

Ling Ling, however, smiled slightly. “Good. You truly are Ma Xiu. Rise.” Ma Xiu and the others immediately stood up, keeping their hands respectfully at their sides. Gu Fengchen realized Ma Xiu genuinely hadn’t visited Swallow’s Beak. Ling Ling’s question was a test: an imposter would likely agree readily, but Ling Ling knew Ma Xiu hadn’t been there; anyone who claimed otherwise was false.

Such clever scheming, Gu Fengchen noted inwardly, impressed by Ling Ling’s cunning mind.

Ling Ling continued questioning Ma Xiu. “How do you know I’m the Cult Leader? Have you seen me before?”

Ma Xiu kept his head lowered. “This subordinate was previously unworthy to lay eyes upon the Cult Leader. Today, I saw your spear and merely dared to guess.”

Ling Ling’s Lover’s Spear remained strapped to her back, still assembled. Hearing this, she finally gave a genuine smile. Her hands separated the spear with two sharp clacks, breaking it into three sections, which she stored in her shoulder pack.

Ma Xiu had briefly glanced at Ling Ling’s face upon arriving but had not dared look further. Now he said quietly, “Your Excellency, why venture into such peril traveling lightly and practically alone?” Ling Ling cut him off. “Enquiries later. Is there a place to stay nearby?” Ma Xiu replied, “Reporting to the Cult Leader, thirty-five li east from here lies a market town. The wealthiest landowner within is one of ours.”

Ling Ling nodded. “Let’s go there first.” Ma Xiu acknowledged the order. Horses were brought for Ling Ling and Gu Fengchen. Ma Xiu and the others rode two to a horse. The group spurred their mounts and galloped eastward toward the town.

The journey of over thirty li passed quickly. Upon arrival, Ma Xiu led them to the manor of the landowner. Without knocking, he leapt lightly over the wall. Moments later, a servant carrying a lantern silently opened the main gates. The landowner, who had straightened his clothes, was waiting to kneel in greeting, his face etched with obvious fear.

Seeing this, Gu Fengchen understood the man’s status within the Red Lotus Sect was very low. Ling Ling behaved as if at her own home, disregarding him completely as Ma Xiu ushered her directly inside.

Ma Xiu gave brief instructions to his subordinates. They nodded and, together with the landowner, moved into the front courtyard, leaving the rear residence completely vacant.

Now only Ling Ling, Gu Fengchen, and Ma Xiu remained in the chamber. Ma Xiu hesitated, seemingly afraid to speak directly. Ling Ling said, “You held back the pursuers, that merits credit. Speak your mind.” Ma Xiu then ventured, “This subordinate… noticed the Cult Leader’s eyes… do not seem to work properly… Has Your Excellency fallen victim to rogue tricks?”

Ling Ling replied with a cold smile, “Your eyes are sharp indeed.”

Ma Xiu appeared more nervous. “It’s not that this subordinate has keen eyesight, but I smelled something… It smelled like the proprietary poison of the Twin Dragon Fort… Orchid Dew.” Gu Fengchen silently respected his discernment: The Gu Sect truly specializes in poisons; identifying one by scent alone proves this.

Ling Ling asked coolly, “So what? Is this poison particularly potent?”

Sweat beaded on Ma Xiu’s forehead as he said, “While it’s not instantly lethal, it’s extremely potent. Without the antidote within three days after being poisoned, the toxin would reach the brain and become incurable. Moreover, since the Cult Leader was poisoned in the eyes, close to the brain, it feared not even three days would pass before…”

He dared not continue.

Though poisoned by such a deadly toxin, Ling Ling seemed completely unconcerned and said casually, “Since it’s so formidable, just bring the antidote. Why are you afraid?”

Ma Xiu replied, “This ‘Orchid Dew’ is the Twin Dragon Fort’s exclusive poison. Only their people might have the antidote. With such a long distance, there’s no time.” Gu Fengchen asked, “The poisoner is at Five Precepts Manor—surely he carries the antidote?” Ma Xiu said, “He likely does, but…”

Ling Ling said, “But once I was poisoned, that Liu Dongbai definitely wouldn’t keep the antidote on his person, waiting for me to demand it, right?” Ma Xiu nodded: “The Cult Leader is correct. I fear he destroyed the antidote, in which case…” Ling Ling interrupted, “What’s there to fear? There’s no poison in the world that the Gu Sect can’t cure. As the Deputy Gate Master, you must have the skill to cure it!”

Ma Xiu thumped to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly: “This subordinate is incompetent, this subordinate deserves death. I truly cannot cure this ‘Orchid Dew’… No, it’s not that I can’t, but…”

Ling Ling demanded, “But what? Speak!”

Ma Xiu explained, “The place of poisoning is on the face. If this subordinate must prepare an antidote, we would… have to operate on the face, cutting away skin. That way, the Cult Leader’s radiant beauty would surely be damaged. Hence, this subordinate dares not.”

Gu Fengchen asked, “Aside from that, is there no other way?”

Ma Xiu pondered, then suddenly brightened: “There’s one person who might save the Cult Leader completely—curing the poison while preserving her appearance.”

Gu Fengchen inquired, “Who is this person?”

Ma Xiu answered, “It’s the Gate Master of our Gu Sect, Nalan Chunyi.” Gu Fengchen queried, “Does she have the antidote?” Ma Xiu clarified, “Certainly not, but the Gate Master’s skill is superb, far beyond my reach. If she were here, she could surely cure the poison without harming the Cult Leader’s face.”

Gu Fengchen said, “That’s excellent. Where is this Gate Master Nalan now?” Ma Xiu’s expression turned grim: “She was ambushed by the Four Great Clans and captured. Along with her, several other Gate Masters were seized—I heard this from Gate Master Yuan Yin after he regained consciousness. Thief Sect brothers have confirmed they’re imprisoned in a tower on Goddess Peak.”

Ling Ling clenched her fist with a crunch, shattering the bamboo chair back: “Yuan Yin?” Gu Fengchen knew she suspected the messenger Yuan Yin, so he briefly recounted his encounter with the real Yuan Yin. Only then did Ling Ling’s doubts ease, and she asked, “Do the Four Great Clans know Yuan Yin is still alive?”

Ma Xiu replied, “Zhuge Ren knows, so the news must have reached them.” Ling Ling questioned, “Zhuge Ren—he’s here too?” Ma Xiu elaborated, “This subordinate’s men have learned that after Gate Master Yuan Yin fell into the ravine, Zhuge Ren grew uneasy, fearing his survival. He led a search party, ultimately confirming Gate Master Yuan Yin was still alive and rescued. Then, he pursued closely with the Twin Eagles of Mianshan, aiming to finish him off.”

Gu Fengchen asked, “How far is Goddess Peak from here?”

Ma Xiu responded, “Just one day’s journey.” Ling Ling stood abruptly: “Prepare horses! We must reach Goddess Peak before the Four Great Clans move the Gate Masters away.”

During the same time, Five Precepts Manor was also bracing for a crisis, under attack from within and without. The great fire was extinguished, having burned only some buildings without casualties. But everyone knew that with Ling Ling’s escape, endless troubles were bound to follow.

In a secret chamber, Manor Lord Yu Jiucheng sat alongside Nangong Yue, with Liu Dongbai and two elderly Jianghu figures also occupying seats on the sides. They were discussing countermeasures, and Yu Jiucheng furrowed his brow, clearly deeply worried about the situation.

Liu Dongbai, however, appeared relaxed and reassured Yu Jiucheng: “Manor Lord Yu need not fret. Even though that Ling girl fled, it’s of little concern.”

Yu Jiucheng snorted: “Naturally, it’s of little concern to you, Master Liu. But my Five Precepts Blade sect hangs in the balance here. Given it’s so near Mount Huang, if that girl rallies the Red Lotus Sect’s underlings to attack all at once, our sect will become the second Mount Tai Sect.”

Liu Dongbai smiled faintly: “Rest assured, Manor Lord. Right now, that girl has no mind for your Five Precepts Blade sect—her focus is solely on me, Liu Dongbai.”

Nangong Yue chimed in, “True. She’s poisoned by Master Liu’s ‘Orchid Dew.’ At this moment, she must be desperately seeking the antidote; otherwise, the toxin will reach her brain and become untreatable. Manor Lord Yu’s fears are quite unnecessary.” Upon hearing Nangong Yue, Yu Jiucheng eased slightly and remarked, “So, Young Master, you mean she’ll return to snatch Master Liu’s antidote?”

Nangong Yue nodded. “If it were me, I certainly would.”

Yu Jiucheng stated, “Then it’s simple. If Master Liu destroys the antidote, it will cut off the girl’s hope and seal her doom.”

Liu Dongbai replied, “Exactly as Manor Lord Yu said. I already cast the antidote into the flames, turning it to smoke.” Yu Jiucheng laughed heartily, “That way, the girl is as good as dead.”

Nangong Yue added, “Once the Cult Leader dies, the Red Lotus Sect will be leaderless, inevitably sparking internal strife. The Four Great Clans can then gather Jianghu heroes for a concerted assault, making it impossible for the Sect to retreat to the borderlands.” Liu Dongbai gloated, “When we wiped out the Red Lotus Sect last time, the masters of the Four Great Clans took charge. Now, the second generation steps up and finishes them off. Truly, new talents rise with each generation, outshining their predecessors.” Nangong Yue waved a hand gently, “Not at all. Without the Twin Dragon Fort Lord and Uncle Zhuge’s brilliant strategies, our success today wouldn’t exist.”

Yu Jiucheng, having earlier clashed with Liu Dongbai, now lightened up and sought to mend fences: “Even so, without Master Liu’s divine quick wit, we couldn’t have cornered that girl.” Liu Dongbai flushed with pleasure and demurred: “This humble one dares not take sole credit! Together, through all our efforts and wisdom, everyone here shares the glory…”

Just as they praised one another, a snort sounded outside the door, distinctly a girl’s voice. Liu Dongbai brightened: “The Strategist is here.” Nangong Yue called out, “Qing’er? Come in and speak.” The door opened, revealing a barefoot girl—none other than Qing’er.

All in the room stood, except Nangong Yue. They cupped their fists respectfully towards Qing’er.

Undaunted, Qing’er sat casually and warned, “Don’t rejoice too soon.” Liu Dongbai asked, “Surely that girl can’t possibly obtain the antidote now?” Qing’er retorted, “The Twin Dragon Fort’s exclusive antidote might elude the Red Lotus Sect for now. But remember, the Sect houses many unsavory folk—it’s not impossible that someone could cure the ‘Orchid Dew’ poison.”

Liu Dongbai startled, “Such a person exists?” Qing’er reminded him, “Don’t forget what the Gu Sect among the Eight Outer Sects claimed? There’s no poison in the Jianghu that the Gu Sect can’t solve, especially that Gate Master Nalan. Her antidote skills are unrivaled in the world.”

Nangong Yue laughed. “Even if they can cure it, they have no opportunity to use it. Nalan has already fallen into our hands and is secretly imprisoned. The Red Lotus Sect cannot possibly know.” Qing’er took out a letter and placed it on the table, sneering coldly. “Perhaps not necessarily. This is Zhuge Ren’s pigeon message. It says that Gate Master Yuan, the one who jumped off the cliff, actually isn’t dead. He was saved by people from the Gu Sect and healed back to life. Yuan Yin was poisoned by our Nangong Family’s ‘Green Serpent’, yet he was revived by the Gu Sect. Although the Green Serpent’s toxicity is not as potent as Orchid Dew, I fear with Nalan’s skill, she might still manage to cure it.”

Liu Dongbai frowned deeply. “The strategist speaks great sense. Since Yuan Yin is not dead, he must have confessed everything. With the network and influence of the Eight Outer Sects in the Jianghu (Martial World), it’s highly likely they have already discovered the location where Nalan and the others are held.”

Qing’er said, “Exactly. So the urgent task now is to move Nalan and the others.” Liu Dongbai replied, “Young Master Zhuge must have already sent a pigeon message to inform those guarding the prisoners.” Qing’er countered, “Brother Zhuge and I, none of us have been to Goddess Peak. We cannot send a message.” Nangong Yue stated, “That’s easy. I’ll dispatch someone immediately by fast horse to deliver the message.” Qing’er said, “I fear it won’t be in time. If the two groups arrive closely one after the other, we won’t avoid the Red Lotus Sect rescuing them. The only plan now is to gather skilled fighters and rush to Goddess Peak. Then, recreate it exactly like this plan, set an ambush, and quietly wait for that Cult Leader Ling to take the bait.”

Yu Jiucheng asked, “Will that girl personally lead the charge?”

Qing’er replied, “Her eyes are poisoned, her mind is unsettled. Would she simply wait nearby for her underlings to rescue Nalan and bring him back for treatment? That would be far too inefficient. So I am certain she will personally go to Goddess Peak and administer treatment there.”

Liu Dongbai nodded repeatedly. “The strategist’s considerations are a step above the rest.” Nangong Yue said to Yu Jiucheng, “Trouble you, Manor Master, to prepare fast horses. Remain here at your manor, overseeing matters, and watch us succeed in this fight.” Yu Jiucheng responded, “I respectfully follow the Young Master’s orders. I shall prepare them now.”

Saying this, he went out the door. Qing’er glanced at Liu Dongbai and the other two. These three understood implicitly and followed him out. The room was left with only Nangong Yue and Qing’er.

Qing’er looked at Nangong Yue. “Brother, I heard your plan failed this time because of an unexpected guest who dropped from the sky.”

Nangong Yue confirmed, “Indeed. This person possesses extremely high martial skill. He had appeared once before at Jianxian Manor (Hall of Meeting the Virtuous). He’s a renegade monk from the Shaolin Sect, already expelled, who somehow learned such unusual internal energy elsewhere. He is truly a formidable enemy.”

Qing’er said, “I’ve seen this person. On Mount Jiuhua, I once traveled alongside him. It seemed to me his nature wasn’t all bad. If he also goes to Goddess Peak this time, I ask brother to show mercy and not kill him.”

Nangong Yue laughed. “Between you and me, siblings, why bother saying ‘please’? I won’t kill him then.”

Listening to the fading sounds of Liu Dongbai and the others, Qing’er suddenly adopted a serious expression and lowered her voice. “Zhuge Ren has already rushed to Goddess Peak. If you arrive first, follow his commands.” Nangong Yue smiled. “Naturally. I believe Brother Zhuge will be quite willing too.”

Qing’er continued, “What we discussed at home might need to change. An unexpected ‘Cheng Yaojin’ has appeared— whether he’s friend or foe, a blessing or a curse, it’s still unknown. Brother’s ability to adapt, I trust. It’s just this Gu Fengchen… I haven’t quite figured him out yet.”

Nangong Yue said, “Judging from the fight tonight, this man is not bloodthirsty. If we can win him over as an ally, or befriend him, that would be ideal indeed.” Qing’er cautioned, “But if he has already joined the Red Lotus Sect, he becomes another formidable enemy.” Nangong Yue countered, “The stronger the enemy, the more complete I become. Father’s dying words were incredibly precise: ‘Without enemies, there is no me.'”

“Now that a strong enemy comes,” Qing’er said, “opportunity arrives with him. You go to Goddess Peak. I will act according to our original plan.” Nangong Yue nodded and grasped Qing’er’s hand. “Little sister, take care.”

They clasped hands firmly for a moment, then went out the door together, parting ways.

Leaving aside how Nangong Yue and the others rushed to Goddess Peak, let’s turn to Ling Ling and Gu Fengchen. They selected a few fast horses and hastened through the night. Since Ling Ling’s eyes were impaired, she rode with Gu Fengchen on the same horse, sitting behind him. Her expression was quite joyful, as if her eyes were perfectly fine.

Ma Xiu led the way ahead. Gu Fengren urged his horse into a gallop, his mind constantly dwelling on Ling Ling’s injury. What must this lovely young girl be feeling, suffering such a grave wound?

As they raced on, Gu Fengchen felt ticklish sensations on the back of his neck. Someone was bringing their mouth close to his skin and softly blowing air—undoubtedly Ling Ling. Given the current situation, she still had the heart for mischief.

Gu Fengchen endured the itch, focused only on urging the horse forward. Seeing he ignored her, Ling Ling continued her little game, blowing air repeatedly, leaving Gu Fengchen not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He had to plead, “I say, Cult Leader, could you please sit quietly behind me? You’re making me unbearably itchy. If I accidentally topple off the horse, it’s no joke.” Ling Ling giggled. “I just wanted to see how strong your self-control is.”

To stop her from blowing and making him itch, Gu Fengchen lied to distract her into speaking. “How did you fail to see that fake Yuan Yin’s face was disguised?” Ling Ling pouted. “How could that be my fault? I’d only seen his portrait. And that day, he acted as if he’d been horribly injured. Naturally, I couldn’t see through it. But that scoundrel was also afraid I would see through it, so he hurried to separate from me.” Gu Fengchen said, “You are a sect’s leader. How could you recklessly endanger yourself alone? If I hadn’t been there, you would have lost your life. Then the Red Lotus Sect would be without its Cult Leader. Wouldn’t you become its criminal?”

Ling Ling suddenly rapped him on the head. “Blame me? It’s your fault I was alone and in danger!” Gu Fengchen frowned. “My fault?” Ling Ling retorted, “I asked you to come along then. Why didn’t you agree? If you had been with me, I wouldn’t have rashly stormed into the manor. You abandoned me; it was clearly you didn’t care whether I lived or died. So I decided I might as well die in front of you!”

Gu Fengchen clicked his tongue. “Young lady, that’s going too far.” Ling Ling pressed, “Too far? Tell me honestly, was it because you disliked me, didn’t want to deal with me, that you refused to accompany me then?” Gu Fengchen stammered hastily, “That wasn’t it! I just…” He didn’t know what to say. Truthfully, when he parted from Ling Ling that day, he hadn’t really cared much about her. But when he rescued Yuan Yin and learned she was in danger, an intensely powerful emotion surged through him beyond his control. This feeling was different from what he carried when he went to rescue Lian’er. Then, though frantic, he had kept his composure, acting methodically. On his way to save Ling Ling, however, he had been utterly distraught, his mind in chaos. It was clear the two girls held different places in his heart.

Facing Ling Ling now, he couldn’t express this inner turmoil, so he faltered.

Seeing him at a loss, Ling Ling laughed lightly. “I was right, wasn’t I? Still, seeing as you did come to save me, I won’t hold the past against you. As long as you make up for it by curing my eyes.”

Gu Fengchen replied, “About that… I’m a bit worried. Does Gate Master Nalan truly have the means to cure you? What if we rescue her and she’s powerless? That would be a disaster for you.”

Ling Ling said, “It’s the only viable method. Liu Dongbai has the antidote, but he surely anticipated I would try to seize it and must have destroyed it by now. All we can do is trust to fate.”

Gu Fengchen said, “Alright then. I’ll do my utmost to rescue Nalan.”

Ling Ling blinked her unseeing eyes and asked softly, “Hey… if… if even Nalan can’t cure the poison, and I die after three days… what would you think?”

Gu Fengchen was stunned. “Why say such foolish, demoralizing things?” Ling Ling murmured, “It’s quite possible, you know. If it were real… would you grieve? Because if it were you poisoned and dying… I truly would grieve.”

Hearing this, Gu Fengchen truly didn’t know how to answer. To be honest, he was nearly thirty, having spent twenty of those years ordained at Shaolin Temple. He’d heard tales of romance, yet never paid them mind. He didn’t see women as terrifying dangers, but he also never sought closeness. Now, with her soft warm form pressed against his back, her voice, sweet as a bird’s, whispering near his ear – this was an utterly novel experience. Involuntarily, his ears burned, his heart pounded, and he felt helplessly flustered. For the first time, he felt the overwhelming surge of love’s tide.

It was dark night, Ling Ling was behind him, and her eyes were useless – she couldn’t see his face flushed crimson to the tips of his ears. She continued softly, “In the twenty-four years I’ve lived, most of them were spent in hatred. Every day while practicing my spear, I told myself: ‘Return to the Central Plains! Kill those who harmed my father!’ I repeated those words countless times… yet I’ve never spoken the things I’m saying to you now. I don’t know why I feel this need to confide in you. I only know that seeing you, I feel incredibly safe… incredibly happy. This kind of happiness… I haven’t felt since leaving the Tian Shan Mountains…”

Gu Fengchen said, “Am I truly that commendable? A defrocked Shaolin monk, a mere blacksmith from a remote village—how could I earn such praise from Leader Ling?” Ling Ling laughed, “So what if you’re a defrocked monk? What does being a blacksmith matter? Why can’t I praise you?” Gu Fengchen asked, “Simply because I saved you?”

Ling Ling replied, “When I first met you, you hadn’t saved me yet.” Gu Fengchen said, “So, you began praising me from those first encounters?” Ling Ling explained, “Actually, when I first saw you, I felt an indescribable strangeness, as if I’d known you for ages. Later at Mount Taiyue, when my spear wounded you, it felt like… like stabbing my own heart. After Zhuge Ren rescued you at Qin Tangguan, I sent people everywhere to track you down. They finally learned you boarded a ferry, which is why I sought you again on the Fen River. Little did I expect you’d already mastered the Reverse Heaven Skill by then.”

Gu Fengchen remarked, “You just reminded me—I must repay that spear wound.” Ling Ling giggled, “How do you plan to repay me?” Gu Fengchen stated plainly, “Simple. I’ll rescue Nalan, cure your eyes, then spear you once. We’ll be even.”

Ling Ling exclaimed, “Ha! How petty! Can’t believe you’re nitpicking over such a small thing!” Gu Fengchen chuckled, “I’m a blacksmith. If I don’t nitpick, how could I earn silver? It’s my nature—can’t change it.” Ling Ling threatened, “Dare spear me, and I’ll burn down your forge!” Gu Fengchen pondered aloud, “I suspect you’d burn it anyway, even if I didn’t spear you.”

Ling Ling paused before saying, “Fine, you’re right. What’s so appealing about forging iron in some village? If you truly want to blacksmith, move to Mount Huang instead. I’ll let you forge daily! Drink fine wine, admire the scenery, and I’ll pay ten times what your village offers. Deal?”

Gu Fengchen mused, “That… warrants consideration.” Ling Ling cheered, “No backing out!” He replied, “Too tempting to resist—wouldn’t dream of backing out!”

Ling Ling smiled sweetly, encircling Gu Fengchen’s waist with her arms, pressing her cheek against his back. Pure elation blossomed within her.

Truthfully, Gu Fengchen wasn’t conventionally handsome; his features were rugged. Though the Red Lotus Sect overflowed with experts, none matched his temperament. Since Ling Ling became Leader, all treated her with fearful deference—speaking softly, leaving her feeling isolated at the peak. Surrounded yet unseen. But meeting Gu Fengchen—barely noticed at the wilderness inn—changed that. At Mount Taiyue, she first sensed this defrocked monk’s uniqueness.

To Ling Ling, uniqueness meant differing from others around her. Facing adversaries, Gu Fengchen remained unflinching. Learning he’d risked danger just to escort a young girl deepened her regard. Yet being young herself, she’d suspected his motives stemmed from affection for Lian’er. Aboard the Fen River boat, she tested him—and discovering his actions honored a friend’s dying wish, not love, sparked unprecedented joy. Her outrage upon leaving? Feigned. Even Ping’er, her ten-year maidservant, had never seen Leader Ling so radiant. Upon returning to Mount Huang, Ling Ling had ordered her sect to await Gu Fengchen’s arrival.

Zhou Cuo and others, unaware of Gu Fengchen’s identity, probed Ping’er. Her revelations made them regard Gu Fengchen deeply, treating him with newfound reverence.

Now, leaning against Gu Fengchen, Ling Ling felt only profound peace and stillness.

Yet Gu Fengchen’s mind churned tumultuously. Ling Ling’s tenderness felt like countless invisible chains coiling around him, tightening gradually. Freedom was his essence; avoiding marriage spoke to it. But since Feng Jue foisted Lian’er upon him, freedom had grown illusory. Finally delivering Lian’er to her mother, then came Ling Ling’s snare. He’d agreed to accompany her to West Lake, never expecting these complications. Would it ever end?

His thoughts thickened, swirling like glue. Eventually, he dismissed them—take things step by step. Ling Ling’s feelings? Likely fleeting youthful passion. Once she tired of his blandness, she’d leave naturally.

This brought some calm, yet… a faint, unfamiliar question surfaced: Would I truly rejoice if she left?

This notion—utterly first in Gu Fengchen’s life. He didn’t know its origin. Not sadness, not regret, but a wispy melancholy. He’d never known melancholy since childhood.

Not even when his master struck him, crippling his martial arts and banishing him from Shaolin. Only resentment and helplessness filled him then.

Gu Fengchen couldn’t articulate this new feeling—strangely elusive yet persistent, lingering faintly like a scent, like a breeze, yet undeniably real.

Each lost in thought, silence reigned, broken only by the evening wind whistling past and hoofbeats echoing below.

Soon, dawn broke. The horses tired, so they halted roadside. Ma Xiu produced provisions and water, respectfully offering them to Ling Ling and Gu Fengchen before retreating several zhang. Only once they began eating did he partake himself.

Gu Fengchen observed, “Your sect’s discipline is rigid. Deputy Sect Leader Ma barely breathed around you—worlds apart from how boldly he stood against Zhuge Ren!” Ling Ling answered proudly, “Naturally! It’s our sect rule. Without it, how could the Red Lotus Sect become the Jianghu’s greatest within decades?”

Gu Fengchen inquired, “I’ve long heard of the Red Lotus Sect. How old is it?”

Ling Ling replied frankly, “According to doctrine, we originated as the White Lotus Sect, founded generations ago by esteemed masters who revered the White Lotus Holy Mother. Amidst an era’s chaos, we rose, once controlling vast territory with armies—until the founding emperor crushed us, issuing empire-wide edicts to disband us. So we renamed ourselves Red Lotus Sect and withdrew into the Jianghu. Over 130 years now. My father was the seventh Leader.”

Gu Fengchen asked, “Were previous Leaders surnamed Ling?”

Ling Ling shook her head, “Earlier Leaders inherited through meritocracy, not lineage. My father claimed he’d gravely wronged our sect—felt death couldn’t redeem him. He passed leadership to me, believing only through expanding the Red Lotus Sect and dominating the Jianghu could his sins be absolved. With great influence within the sect and my… talent—as our scriptures decree, I don’t boast—I became Leader.”

Gu Fengchen nodded, “Judging by last night, you uphold the Red Lotus Leader title well.”

Ling Ling chuckled, “Oh? So you watched secretly, unwilling to intervene earlier?” Gu Fengchen fumbled, flushing instantly, “I thought… I thought if you could break free alone, I shouldn’t interfere and mar your reputation.”

Ling Ling, utterly content, smiled, “Fair enough. Had I not been ambushed… Ah, never mind. With you, I chatter like a monk reciting sutras—repeating myself endlessly. Heehee.”

Abruptly, Gu Fengchen inquired, “Last night, against that accountant with the brush—you used a spear technique. When it struck, your spear seemed alive. May I ask what technique that was?”

Ling Ling glanced around, then whispered near his ear, “Eager to know?” He nodded emphatically. Teasingly, she said, “Then I shan’t tell.” Gu Fengchen blinked, “Scheming again?” Ling Ling admitted, “Not distrusting you… but this secret is mine. Reveal it all, I’ll be like a bucket of clear water—fathomed at a glance. Then you’d ignore me. Men are all like that, I know.”

Mere curiosity drove him; he hadn’t sought probing. Her words made him smile wryly, shaking his head, “What I detest most? Observing others, dissecting others. Such scrutiny reveals ill intent to exploit or harm others. Not help. Focusing on others’ flaws while neglecting your own? Better identify and correct your own weaknesses. Don’t you think?”

Ling Ling, startled by this unexpected philosophy, finally murmured, “Your scripture studies weren’t wasted. Did you ponder this long?” Gu Fengchen said lightly, “No, just musing aloud.” He then remarked, “Seems around you, even my tongue grows nimble.”

Ling Ling beamed triumphantly, “We balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Perfect match.”

The two chuckled at each other.

After hurriedly finishing their meal and drink, the three remounted their horses. Deputy Sect Leader Ma had indeed chosen fine steeds—proud and powerful horses that moved swiftly. Before nightfall, they arrived at the base of Goddess Peak.

Goddess Peak stood as a solitary pinnacle, over ten miles from the main mountain range. Like a solitary celestial maiden of ethereal grace, it gazed upon the distant ridges. Stone steps carved into the peak spiraled upward, numbering hundreds or perhaps thousands. At its summit stood an ancient pagoda.

The three reached the peak’s base, surveying the terrain. Ma Xiu frowned. “Cult Leader, Hero Gu,” he said, “Since Goddess Peak imprisons several gate masters, it must be heavily guarded. There’s only one path up—along those stone steps. The enemy surely has ambushes along the mountain path. We’ll have to force our way up.”

Gu Fengchen suggested, “Cult Leader Ling’s vision is limited. Deputy Sect Leader Ma, would you find a secluded spot nearby in the forest to hide her? I’ll ascend the peak to rescue the gate masters.” Ma Xiu asked, “Alone?” Gu Fengchen confirmed, “Yes. I work best alone. Moreover, Cult Leader Ling needs someone to watch over her.”

Ma Xiu hesitated, but Ling Ling intervened, “He’s right. Though your poison skills excel, your martial prowess is insufficient. If enemies strike from the shadows, you’d be overpowered. Do as he says.” Ma Xiu finally nodded, pointing toward a dense wood. “The Cult Leader and I will await you here. Hero Gu, focus on swiftly rescuing Gate Master Nalan.”

Gu Fengchen dismounted, watching as the others led their horses into the woods for concealment. Calming his mind, he strode toward the mountain path.

The ascent unfolded just as Ma Xiu predicted—only a single, winding staircase snaked upward, sections treacherously steep. Any enemy above would hold the high ground for devastating attacks. Fully aware, Gu Fengchen abandoned the steps, scaling sheer cliffs instead. Grasping rocks and shrubbery, leveraging cracks and crevices, he climbed.

Night deepened as he ascended. Pausing atop a tree, Gu Fengchen surveyed his surroundings. Darkness swallowed the landscape below, bereft of lights save one flickering lamp at the peak—likely atop the pagoda—shining like a solitary star.

He estimated half the climb remained. After a brief rest, he continued upward.

Higher still, an overhanging boulder jutted above him—smooth as a mirror, devoid of vines. Unfazed, Gu Fengchen activated his Heaven-Defying Divine Art, adhering to the stone like a gecko as he silently ascended.

Nearing the boulder’s crest, two grappling hooks darted silently from the overhanging brush. Pitch darkness concealed them. The hooks instantly snagged his clothing.

Upon feeling the hooks touch him, Gu Fengchen knew danger loomed. Suspended with no footing to leverage, he felt the hooks lifting him upward. Simultaneously, torches flared to life, bathing the mountainside in light.

Gu Fengchen’s heart raced. Detached from the cliff face, he’d become an archer’s target. A volley of hidden weapons from above would be inescapable. Even dodging them meant certain death—a plummet to the depths below.

The hooks jerked upward instantly. Thinking fast, Gu Fengchen released the cliff face, seized the hooks, and yanked downward with all his strength.

The men above, thrilled to have hooked their target, shouted “Got him!” But as they hauled upward, immense force wrenched the hooks downward as if seized by a titanic shark. “Damn it!” they screamed. WHOOSH! WHOOSH! The hooks tore from their grasp, shredding skin from their palms. Blood flowed freely.

Though seizing the hooks saved Gu Fengchen from the initial threat, lacking handholds now sent him plunging. A fall from such height would render him unrecognizable, even to Ling Ling. His salvation: those two hooks.

As he fell, Gu Fengchen swung both wildly against the cliff. Vines and shrubs snaked across the rock face like spiderwebs. After dropping only ten feet, the left hook caught a thick vine; his right hooked a sapling. Anchored, he leveraged his momentum into a swing, then landed firmly on the mountain path.

No sooner had his feet touched stone than flames lit the path above. Crowding silhouettes appeared.

An middle-aged beggar in tattered cloth and hemp sandals—unfamiliar to Gu Fengchen—emerged foremost, sneering coldly. “Young Master Zhuge predicted well. We knew the Red Lotus Sect would come reclaim prisoners. But why send only you?” Gu Fengchen’s heart sank. Zhuge Ren… formidable indeed. After Gate Master Yuan’s escape, he instantly knew we’d uncover the crisis and attempt a rescue. Look at these numbers—many skilled fighters. Exposed, alone. Rescuing Nalan and others is impossible.

But thoughts of Ling Ling waiting below stirred fierce resolve. Though thousands oppose me—forward! Hardships be damned. Rage forth and ascend!

Without a word, Gu Fengchen exploded into motion, leaping toward the crowd. Many anticipated this; hidden weapons showered down like torrential rain.

Gu Fengchen was prepared. Mid-spring, he whipped off his outer robe, spinning it infused with Internal Energy—a rippling shield deflecting the projectiles.

As he descended upon them, two swordsmen thrust short halberds at his legs. Gu Fengchen executed a Shaolin Demon-Subduing Leg technique—”Scissoring Dust Step.” CRACK! CRACK! The halberds flew from their hands. Two follow-up kicks sent the men staggering backward, blood spurting from their mouths. Though newly learned, amplified by his Heaven-Defying Divine Art, even simple techniques carried devastating power.

His ferocious display stunned observers. Gu Fengchen landed roaring. Twin palm strikes surged with immense force at two opponents ahead. Stunned by the shout, they barely parried. THUD! THUD! The impact was like hammering rotten leather. Groaning, blood erupted from their noses and mouths as they crashed backward, toppling four others.

This overwhelming display shocked everyone. Seasoned warriors of Jianghu, they’d seen masters, yet Gu Fengchen moved like a tiger among sheep. None could withstand his palm or foot.

Seeing the rout, the beggar barked, “Spread out! Stand apart!” His experience showed: Gu Fengchen’s palm force was too immense; clustered targets suffered worst. The fighters instantly formed a ring, distancing themselves three feet from Gu Fengchen.

Undeterred, Gu Fengchen carved a path upward with palm strikes. Halberds and blades lunged at him—met only with energy-infused palms. Broken weapons flew; cultivators choked blood, retreating wounded.

The beggar had been convinced that Gu Fengchen’s forceful exertion would exhaust his internal energy in no time. Yet after fighting for a while, Gu Fengchen not only showed no signs of fatigue, but the power in his palms grew increasingly mighty, as if he thrived in battle.

He had no idea that the essence of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art was precisely that the more adverse the situation grew, the more it awakened the latent potential within the body. Back in the day, Ling Ling had only cultivated the art to its seventh level, yet single-handedly fought the masters of the Four Great Clans, shaking the entire Jianghu. Today, Gu Fengchen had grasped the profound essence of this divine skill completely; this little skirmish was merely a warm-up for him.

He hurled both palms forward once more, sending the two men behind him flying back several steps. They tumbled down the stone stairs. At that very moment, a hoarse roar tore through the sky—neither human nor beast, unnaturally strange and eerie.

Hearing these roars, the middle-aged beggar breathed a sigh of relief. With a wave of his hand, his men withdrew their encirclement, ending their concentrated attack on Gu Fengchen. They merely blocked the stairs below. Gu Fengchen let out a cold laugh, thinking to himself: These people want to cut off my retreat. Let them. You couldn’t stop me from ascending the peak, and you certainly won’t keep me from descending.

Thinking this, he strode upwards, taking seven or eight steps in a single stride.

The beggar watched coldly from behind, smirking relentlessly. “Even with divine powers, you cannot withstand the one waiting above.”

Gu Fengchen paid him no mind. In no time, he reached the mountain peak.

The scene here was entirely different: a majestic pagoda towered, adorned with sacred bells and precious lanterns; echoes of faint bells carried profound Zen Buddhist intentions. The dome clearly contained nine tiers, distinctly dividing nine realms; the upturned eaves formed six corners, subtly corresponding to the six directions. Gu Fengchen, having studied Buddhist teachings, felt an instant surge of reverence upon seeing this pagoda.

Before the pagoda lay an open space. Several figures stood there now. Gu Fengchen swept his gaze over them, and his heart clenched. He recognized most of them. Zhuge Ren was there with the Twin Eagles of Mianshan; Nangong Yue stood with Liu Dongbai and another elderly man; and then there was someone he had never seen before—a man of bizarre appearance, covered in dark hair from head to face like a giant ape. This was Wan Chongshan’s son, Wan Xiaolou.

The seven men stood in a line. Zhuge Ren, Nangong Yue, and Wan Xiaolou took the center positions, blocking the entrance to the pagoda.

Seeing Gu Fengchen arrive, Nangong Yue smiled first. “Master Gu, you came after all.” Gu Fengchen glanced at the hem of Nangong Yue’s robe, still damp with night dew and far from dry, and chuckled. “Young Master Nangong seems to have only just arrived himself.” Nangong Yue responded, “By my reckoning, it was mere moments before you. Master Gu seems in great haste. Presumably to save the Gate Master Nalan and find an antidote for Leader Ling?”

Gu Fengchen saw the other had seen through his purpose and didn’t bother denying it. “Exactly. Since you’ve already guessed, Gate Master Nalan has likely been moved elsewhere. I fear my journey here is in vain.”

Zhuge Ren said, “Indeed, it is wasted effort. As for where the Gate Master was taken, you won’t likely guess.” Gu Fengchen threw back his head and laughed. “Stop trying to deceive me! If Gate Master Nalan truly isn’t in the pagoda, who released that plume of white smoke?”

The Twin Eagles of Mianshan and the elderly man jolted in surprise, swiveling their heads toward the pagoda. But there was no white smoke to be seen. When they looked back, they saw Zhuge Ren and Nangong Yue both looking displeased. Realizing they had been fooled, they lowered their heads in silence.

With that single probing remark, Gu Fengchen learned the truth. Knowing the several Gate Masters were still inside the pagoda, half the weight lifted from his heart. He calculated: Nangong Yue had arrived only shortly before him, and even if Zhuge Ren had come earlier, given the distance, he couldn’t have arrived much in advance. Transporting several people out would have required significant movement; yet on his way up, Gu Fengchen had detected no signs of disturbance along the path. That was why he had concluded from the start that the Gate Masters must still be here.

Seeing his deception fail, Zhuge Ren offered a faint smile. “Master Gu’s courage to ascend the mountain alone is commendable. Yet his foresight seems lacking. He likely didn’t anticipate such heavy defenses awaiting him up here. You may well have the legs to climb up, but won’t live to descend.” Gu Fengchen retorted, “Since Gu has come, he is determined to succeed. Come together, then, and offer your instruction.”

As he spoke, he silently channeled his divine power, falling into a fighting stance.

Zhuge Ren declared, “We, the knights of the righteous path, never rely on numbers for victory. Since Master Gu comes alone, one of us shall face him.” With that, he gave Wan Xiaolou a nod. Wan Xiaolou stepped forward. His eyes burned like fire, their gaze intensely uncomfortable. The sensation was akin to being surrounded by a pack of wolves.

Seeing his peculiar appearance, Gu Fengchen knew he must be formidable and harbored no underestimation. Cupping his hands in a salute, he said, “Please!”

Wan Xiaolou offered no reply. Suddenly, he let out a ferocious roar, his body leaping forward. Like a fierce pouncing tiger snatching its prey, his hands like eagle talons shot towards Gu Fengchen’s throat.

He moved like lightning, closing the gap in an instant, multiple times faster than any normal man. Even fully alert and prepared, Gu Fengchen was startled. The figure hurtling towards him felt less like a man and more like a monstrous beast.

Wan Xiaolou’s eagle claws arrived. Gu Fengchen urgently ducked his neck, barely avoiding the grasp. With a loud shout, he sent a palm strike at Wan Xiaolou’s abdomen. He had assumed striking a vital target would force Wan Xiaolou to block or dodge. To his complete astonishment, “blocking” and “dodging” seemed utterly foreign concepts to Wan Xiaolou. His claws never paused, driving straight for Gu Fengchen’s temples.

Panic seized Gu Fengchen. He dared not risk a mutual strike. He thrust his left foot down hard, flinging his body sideways in a desperate roll, narrowly escaping the deadly claws at the last possible instant.

He barely touched the ground when Wan Xiaolou’s third claw was upon him—this time aimed at the back of his head.

Wan Xiaolou fought with sheer madness once in motion. Ignoring personal defense entirely, he sought only to destroy his enemy. His Eagle Claw Technique surpassed even his father’s power. A mere touch from his fingers guaranteed broken bones and torn flesh; escape unscathed was impossible.

Witnessing such ferocity ignited Gu Fengchen’s own fighting spirit. He thought fiercely: You’re fast? So am I! I refuse to believe the Heaven-Defying Divine Art loses to your Eagle Claw Technique! Seeing the twin claws descend once more, Gu Fengchen summoned his formidable power. Channeling his internal energy, he poured it into both hands, unleashing the Shaolin Sect’s Damo Grappling Hands to counter Wan Xiaolou’s claws.

Their four hands became a blur, spinning like a windmill. Their movements were too fast to follow. The crackling sounds rang out incessantly, denser than an entire bundle of firecrackers exploding. In the span of barely a dozen breaths, they exchanged over forty moves.

Judged purely by technique, Shaolin’s Damo Grappling Hands were superior to the Wan family’s Eagle Claw Technique. But that was a comparison only meaningful when both reached their pinnacle. Personal cultivation differed; martial strength wasn’t purely determined by skill. It mirrored a child under ten facing a man in his thirties: no matter how intricate the child’s techniques, the man’s simple “soaring cannon punch” might level him. While Gu Fengchen’s internal power was formidable, he had been expelled from Shaolin after only brief study of the grappling techniques. Wan Xiaolou, however, had practiced daily for life. Thus, one relied on superior technique, the other on greater internal energy, making them evenly matched—for a time.

But as time bled on, Gu Fengchen began to struggle. Accustomed to palm and fist techniques, he felt awkward with the grappling art. Channeling internal energy to his fingers proved tricky—either too much or too little, never perfectly under his control for instant response and effortless retraction. He understood the principle well: with punches or palm strikes, internal energy concentrated on a single point at the palm’s center or the knuckles. But for grappling, it had to suffuse all ten fingers evenly. His cultivation level in this art wasn’t deep; so the internal energy flowing to each finger became uneven. Flaws emerged instantly.

Wan Xiaolou, though young, was a battle-hardened beast. He sensed the imbalance immediately. His eyes chilled. Hu, hu, hu! He unleashed a furious barrage of claw strikes. Gu Fengchen blocked them all, but Wan Xiaolou employed his family’s specialized method of applying force, concentrating internal energy onto just one or two fingers per strike. This meant the power focused on a single fingertip surpassed the power Gu Fengchen could muster on his own fingers.

Pa, pa! Several sharp impacts! Gu Fengchen felt a sharp, numbing pain shoot through his fingers. In a direct collision, he had lost! Shock jolted through him. Could this man’s internal power be even stronger than mine? Before the thought finished, Wan Xiaolou abruptly twisted his fingers. He had seized Gu Fengchen’s left little finger and ring finger!

The internal energy Gu Fengchen had assigned to those two fingers was the weakest—a fatal flaw Wan Xiaolou had instantly spotted and targeted exclusively. One exertion of those clawing fingers, and Gu Fengchen’s two fingers would snap cleanly at the roots. Escape was unthinkable.

In truth, it was Gu Fengchen. Had it been anyone else, two fingers would have been severed already. Gu Fengchen was inwardly shocked, but his reaction far surpassed that of ordinary people—it was even faster than thought itself. The moment Wan Xiaolou locked his two fingers, Gu Fengchen abruptly retracted his inner force. His entire left hand suddenly became as soft as noodles, as slippery as a loach, effortlessly slipping out from the cage of the opponent’s five fingers.

This move transformed the utmost rigid strength into the utmost soft compliance. No other technique in this world could achieve this, except the Heaven-Defying Divine Art that defied nature itself.

Though he escaped, Gu Fengchen had executed this transformation too hastily, leaving him momentarily unable to catch his breath. Fortunately, Wan Xiaolou was also stunned by this move and didn’t press the attack. Had he advanced and grabbed again, Gu Fengchen would have had no way to counter a second time.

Both men caught their breath, and without a word, resumed fighting.

This time around, Gu Fengchen felt a private unease. This man with the bizarre features truly possessed extraordinary abilities. His own Heaven-Defying Divine Art, combined with the Dharma Arresting Hand, actually couldn’t defeat him. Moreover, he faintly sensed that the opponent’s Eagle Claw Technique had reached a first-rate level. In all the Jianghu (Martial World), only his own master, Venerable Guang Xing, might potentially match this man in finger strength.

Knowing his own finger work was lacking, Gu Fengchen shifted tactics. He met finger with fist, deploying the Shaolin Demon-Subduing Palm. Channeling his internal energy solely into his palms, he struck several thudding blows. Indeed, he found himself evenly matched, preventing the enemy from exploiting an opening.

He changed his moves; so did Wan Xiaolou.

Earlier, Wan Xiaolou had secured a lock on Gu Fengchen’s fingers. Few in the Jianghu could escape his five-finger grasp. In all his many years, he had never encountered such a situation. Who could have foreseen this man today slipping out of his clutch? This shock was truly momentous. Now, as they clashed again, Gu Fengchen had switched to palm strikes, making his fingers impossible to grasp. A fierce glint lit up Wan Xiaolou’s eyes as he too altered his approach.

Wan Chongshan of the Jinying Sect in Longxi was considered a grandmaster in the Jianghu. While his Eagle Claw Technique being peerless was common knowledge, Wan Chongshan’s skills were far from limited to that. He was also proficient in various finger techniques of the martial world and had even created his own unique technique—the Golden Eagle Finger.

Seeing his Eagle Claw Technique fail to take down Gu Fengchen, Wan Xiaolou now curled three fingers and extended his index and middle fingers, thrusting them forth repeatedly. Hissing sounds filled the air as his two fingers stabbed out like spearpoints, brimming with immense force.

He planned to use his ultimate skill, the Golden Eagle Finger, to break through Gu Fengchen’s Demon-Subduing Palm.

Wan Xiaolou’s reasoning had merit. Structurally, the palm surface is ultimately broad. When used for palm strikes or punches, this isn’t particularly cumbersome. Finger strength, however, is different; its pressure point is minuscule. Countering fingers with a palm is like opposing a sharp spear with an iron plate—the spear would inevitably pierce through. Wan Xiaolou believed his finger strength was unmatched in the world, certain it could penetrate Gu Fengchen’s palm.

How could Gu Fengchen be unaware of this? Seeing the opponent’s fingertip lunge towards him, he instantly transformed his palm into a fist, unleashing the Shaolin Tiger-Subduing Fist. He met the fingertip with his knuckles. This immediately put Wan Xiaolou at a disadvantage once more. A fist is far harder than a palm; if Gu Fengchen’s punch landed solidly on Wan Xiaolou’s fingers, a fracture was inevitable.

The whistling fist wind struck fear into the heart.

Wan Xiaolou, however, lived up to his reputation as a master among masters. In that instant, he abandoned brute force. Unfurling his footwork, he began circling Gu Fengren, his fingers darting out like wind, aimed precisely at vital points all over Gu Fengchen’s body. Fist power is fierce, but finger strength is light and agile. Gu Fengren threw dozens of consecutive punches without even grazing the opponent’s clothes. A thought struck him: if he continued fighting like this, his internal energy would inevitably deplete; protracted combat was unfavorable. So, he too let out a long cry, employing qinggong (lightness skill) to match Wan Xiaolou’s movements.

They witnessed the two men engage, weaving back and forth, leaping high and low, skimming clothing only to disengage instantly, touching lightly only to part immediately—like twin butterflies darting through flowers, a dizzying sight.

After more than a hundred and twenty exchanges, the stalemate remained unbroken. Gu Fengchen couldn’t help but grow impatient. The longer this dragged on, the worse it was for Ling Ling’s poisoned wound; speed was of the essence. This urgency was critical, faintly stirring the opposing toxins of cold and heat within his body.

Ever since entering his system, these two toxin qualities had remained locked in a stalemate. Balanced in strength, they had lain dormant, not activated without external threat. Now, with Gu Fengchen anxious and agitated, his Qi and blood surging wildly, he roused these two toxin streams into gradual activity.

Consequently, Gu Fengchen felt as if two latent dragons—one icy, one fiery—were slowly coiling awake within him. Initially, he could still control it, yet as the fierce duel continued, these latent dragons threatened to soar. His entire body began to undergo changes.

His left side felt as though thrust into fire, his right side submerged in an icehouse. While not yet unbearably severe, the extremes of heat and cold showed signs of intensifying. In such a state, he urgently needed an outlet to release them from his body.

As Gu Fengren threw a flurry of punches, the heat and chill toxins gradually condensed at the base of his fists. The accumulation grew. Gu Fengchen’s two hands changed color: his left flushed crimson, his right turned ashen grey.

Wan Xiaolou naturally sensed this. However, his wealth of combat experience meant he’d witnessed plenty of strange phenomena; he didn’t lose his composure. Yet, as Gu Fengchen fought, the toxins surged more violently. Gradually, the red and white distinction in his hands became even more pronounced, noticeable even to the spectators.

Zhuge Ren was, after all, a leader among the rising generation of the Jianghu, well-traveled and knowledgeable. Seeing the color change in Gu Fengchen’s hands, his expression turned grave. He shouted, “Be careful! His palms are poisoned…”

But his warning came too late. Gu Fengchen’s palms had concentrated far too much poison; he could no longer contain it. He had no choice but to transform his fists back into palms and expel the toxins through their centers.

Wan Xiaolou was precisely extending his fingers for an attack when he saw his opponent shift to palms. A cold sneer formed in his heart. Applying greater force to his fingers, he sought to pierce through the palm. Zhuge Ren’s cry rang out the moment their finger and palm connected.

A faint “Pu” sound, almost imperceptible to bystanders. Yet, Wan Xiaolou’s eyes abruptly changed, turning extraordinarily fierce and malevolent. For he felt an incomparable chill radiating from the opponent’s palm. His two fingers felt as though plunged into an icy mountain. And this piercing cold continued ceaselessly, flooding up his arm and pressing towards his entire body.

In the blink of an eye, Wan Xiaolou’s arm was frozen stiff by the frost poison. A thin layer of ice seemed to form on the surface.

Gu Fengchen hadn’t anticipated his poisoned palm being so overwhelming. Stunned, he failed to deliver a second blow. Wan Xiaolou’s internal strength was also formidable. Frantically circulating his Qi along the arm, he blocked the toxin’s ascent. Gritting his teeth, he focused all his power on expelling the poison. Slowly, astonishingly, he began to force the frost poison back down his wrist. With another surge of power, the poison completely erupted from his pores. “Hu!” A layer of white vapor instantly coalesced around his wrist, like a winter breath.

Wan Xiaolou succeeded in repelling the frost poison for several reasons. Firstly, Gu Fengchen’s application of the venom skill was still unrefined. Secondly, his contact had been fingertip to palm, limiting the poison invasion. Thirdly, his own internal energy was exceptionally pure. Anyone else would have completely frozen, paralysed, and dead already.

Gu Fengchen hadn’t intended to kill Wan Xiaolou, hence he didn’t press the advantage. Though Wan Xiaolou expelled the cold toxin, his entire arm was momentarily numb and useless, devoid of strength. Down to one hand, his effectiveness plummeted. But this man possessed a fiercely stubborn nature. Convinced that Gu Fengchen had deliberately cheated—that the frost poison stemmed not from internal mastery, but from poison—he flew into a berserk rage. Like a malignant eagle, he lunged forward, his single claw whipping through the air, tearing wildly high and low, forcing Gu Fengchen back several steps.

Gu Fengchen couldn’t fathom his thoughts. Seeing Wan Xiaolou fight desperately with his life, fury also surged within him. He thought bitterly, I spared your life and didn’t strike. Instead of retreating wisely, you relentlessly pursue me, truly thinking I can’t deal with you? With that, his right palm warded off the onslaught while his left struck directly at Wan Xiaolou’s face.

Wan Xiaolou felt a searing gust envelop his face; the incoming blow seemed less like a palm, more like a flaming club. He jerked his head back violently. Gu Fengchen’s palm grazed his cheek, scorching the hairs on his face. In all his years of bloody combat, Wan Xiaolou had never encountered such kung fu. A hoarse shriek tore from his throat as he hurtled backwards.

He was born with ancestral traits that led to being disowned by his family. Rescued by a nun who brought him to the mountains, he often bounded through the woods alongside wild monkeys. Though human born, his untamed nature retained some bestial instincts, such as a deep-seated fear of fire and smoke. Thus, Wan Xiaolou never approached anything aflame; the leaping flames held an innate, profound dread for him.

Today, although Gu Fengchen’s palms held no actual fire, their fierce heat was like a wildfire. It singed the hairs on Wan Xiaolou’s face, shocking him into such extreme terror that he dared not continue the fight.

His retreat bewildered those behind him. Assuming Wan Xiaolou was poisoned once more, Zhuge Ren bellowed, “What a foul villain, daring to poison secretly! Since you first severed any hope in the Jianghu, don’t blame us for uniting against you!”

Gu Fengchen spotted Liu Dongbai instantly, recalling how he had poisoned Ling Ling’s eyes. He laughed scornfully, “Secret poisoning and united assaults are your specialty tricks! Thief cries stop thief — what kind of righteous Jianghu path is that?” While Zhuge Ren looked confused, Liu Dongbai sneered, “In the eyes of fiends like you, all men become fiends.” He surged forward, raising his brush to strike.

After destroying the last of the antidote, Liu Dongbai had emptied the residual poison from his brush to avoid harming allies during battle. Now, he could only use the brush as a blunt weapon. Unaware of this, Gu Fengchen saw the brush coming and feared poison spray. He hastily dodged back.

In that moment, Zhuge Ren and several others surrounded him. These were the cream of the younger generation in the Jianghu, their moves ingenious and power immense. After blocking a few strikes, Gu Fengchen felt overwhelmed. Alone, he stood no chance against them. Fortunately, their fear of his potential poison use tempered their aggression, making them wary of closing in fully.

Gu Fengchen parried frenziedly, his mind consumed with worry for Ling Ling’s injury. Delay could be fatal. Then, an elder launched a palm strike at his back. Seizing the chance, Gu Fengchen channeled his divine Kung Fu to protect his heart meridian and forcefully took the blow.

Bang! Using the impact, Gu Fengchen soared upwards, vaulting over their heads towards the pagoda. The elder felt his strike land solidly, yet it seemed the opponent had borrowed its force, escaping internal injury. He shouted, “Cut him down!”

The Twin Eagles of Mianshan had been circling the outskirts, hesitant to throw their scimitars. Now that Gu Fengchen had left the group and was airborne, it presented the perfect opening. Without hesitation, they threw four scimitars simultaneously. The blades spun, whistling from four directions towards Gu Fengchen in flanking arcs.

Gu Gufengchen had anticipated the Twin Eagles’ move the moment he decided to use the elder’s blow for leverage. This wasn’t his first time countering their flying blades. As the scimitars neared, he swiftly removed his shoes, imbued them with internal energy, and hurled them forward.

The two oncoming scimitars struck the shoes with a thwack, slicing them into four pieces. Yet the potent energy infused within resisted them, stopping them dead. They clattered uselessly to the ground.

Having blocked the frontal assault, the remaining two blades swept in laterally, now less than three feet from him. Their whooshing shriek was nerve-shattering. Shoe-less and with no alternative, Gu Fengchen thought to flick the blades away. But he realized his internal energy was already depleted from the earlier struggle. Failing to deflect them meant he’d be carved into three segments.

In desperate peril, he took a reckless gamble. Summoning every shred of strength, he leapt upwards with all his might. His body strained like a puppet yanked by an invisible wire, shooting up exactly two feet.

Without the power of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, even an inch more ground would have been utterly impossible.

The scimitars sliced below his feet. A scrap of sock drifted down in their wake. Had he leapt even a fraction lower, his feet would have been severed.

Evading the blades, Gu Fengchen twisted his body mid-air. A single arm lashed out and caught the flying eaves on the pagoda’s third level. Breathing deep, he vaulted again. Three successive leaps propelled him to the very top – the ninth tier. Smashing a window, he dove inside.

Zhuge Ren commanded, “He’s going for the hostage. Set it alight!”

At his order, forty or fifty burly men emerged around the pagoda, clutching fire-starting materials. One kicked open the ground-floor door, revealing a chamber piled high with dry wood. The others tossed sulfur, saltpeter, and other accelerants onto the pile. Liu Dongbai snatched a wind lantern hanging from the eaves and hurled it onto the fuel.

Instantly, fierce flames erupted within the pagoda, blazing high. As the fire climbed, the men drew bows from their backs and aimed skywards at the pagoda’s peak. This deadly trap had been meticulously prepared in advance.

Gu Fengchen burst into the pagoda. His logic dictated the captor would stash their prize on the highest level, making escape nearly impossible. Instead, this top floor was utterly vacant. Dread gripped him as he charged downwards. Floor after floor – five levels in total – yielded nothing. No hostage, no guards.

Deceived!

His mind flashed back to moments ago, when he had probed them from below the pagoda. Their response had been a masterful act. He had tried to trick them, only to get trapped himself. Mentally cursing his foolishness, Gu understood: they knew he’d come to rescue the hostage. Though they hadn’t moved her off the peak, they hadn’t kept her in this tower either.

The pagoda was a death cage meant for him. This realization struck just as smoke and flame began belching upwards from the floors below. Though the pagoda wasn’t solely wooden, it contained ample timber beams and supports. Once ignited, such a structure becomes a roaring, vertical inferno.

Accelerated by the sulfur and saltpeter, the fire spread with terrifying speed. Within moments, it had engulfed the fourth floor. Gu Fengchen saw the staircase below already severed by flames, cutting his descent. He smashed a window, ready to leap down.

But the moment his head appeared, arrows whizzed past, embedding themselves thunk-thunk-thunk into the eaves nearby. Hidden weapons hissed by his skull, wind whistling off them – fired with strength marking expert hands. Below, the circle of brawny men with powerful bows and crossbows stood ready. Any descent meant plummeting into a lethal storm of projectiles mid-air.

The Heaven-Defying Divine Art was formidable, yet it wasn’t Golden Bell Shield or Iron Shirt – those formidable bodily defenses against blades and arrows. Moreover, even such supreme defensive arts require firm footing to channel energy fully around the body. Suspended mid-air, with no anchor to leverage, such disciplines become powerless.

Gu Fengchen stomped inwardly. A moment’s negligence had landed him in mortal peril. Soon, the tower would become his fiery tomb.

Nangong Yue frowned, whispering to Zhuge Ren, “Dealing with one man this way… surely it invites censure? It threatens the reputation of the Four Great Clans.” Zhuge Ren glanced back. “But his poisonous palm is notoriously difficult to counter. Leaving him alive is a plague upon our righteous path.” Nangong Yue replied, “Perhaps we could offer him a way out. Should he reject it, the onus of death is his alone, not ours.”

Zhuge Ren listened and nodded approvingly. Raising his voice toward the tower, he called out, “Master Gu, hear me! Those of the righteous path are not bloodthirsty. Even the most wicked, if they turn over a new leaf, we would extend a warm welcome. You, Master Gu, have committed no evil deeds. It would be a terrible waste for you to burn to death for nothing. If you choose to repent, I shall bring you down and spare you the nightmare of fire.”

Gu Fengchen laughed. “And how does one ‘turn over a new leaf’?”

“Given the current situation,” Zhuge Ren stated, “Master Gu need only break both his hands. That will suffice.”

Gu Fengchen roared with laughter. “But I have no blade upon me!”

“When I say break your hands,” Zhuge Ren clarified, “it does not require a blade. You need merely fracture the wrist bones. They will heal in time.”

Liu Dongbai added, “Such terms are as lenient as they could possibly be. Master Gu, hesitate no longer. The fire will soon reach you.”

Gu Fengchen remained unmoved. He shouted, “I vowed to Sect Leader Ling upon coming here! I swore to rescue Nalan and cure her of her poison! If I surrender now, she will certainly perish. Then Gu would become a liar! As the saying goes: ‘Once a man’s word is broken, nothing will hold him.’ Us men of the Jianghu place utmost importance on trust and honor! If I fail to save Gate Master Nalan, then death is death. When I meet Sect Leader Ling beneath the earth, I can at least face her without shame! Therefore, life and death are trivial matters; breaking one’s word is grave. There is no need for further talk!”

His meaning was clear: he would rather embrace death keeping his vow than beg for life by surrendering. Zhuge Ren exchanged a glance with Nangong Yue and others; admiration showed in their eyes, yet they were helpless. The fire had already reached the seventh story, and the tower’s lower levels were beginning to creak and sway, threatening to collapse.

Knowing his fate was sealed, Gu Fengchen gazed towards the distant mountain path he had come from. Silently, he thought, She entrusted her life to my hands, yet carelessly, I fell into a villain’s trap. Could I truly be without shame in the Nine Springs?

Flames licked up from beneath his feet, and the entire structure began to lurch violently. Gu Fengchen hardened his heart. Better to jump and be dashed upon the rocks, pierced by arrows, than to be roasted alive!

His mind set, he leaped onto the eaves and flung himself downwards.

The people below had been watching intently, anticipating his jump. When they saw him actually leap, they couldn’t help but inwardly gasp. The tower stood nine stories tall, each story over ten feet high – making it nearly thirty meters in total. Jumping from such a height, even with the lightest of skills, would surely break both legs. With lesser skill, he would be flattened upon impact. Even without their arrows, Gu Fengcen had no chance of landing unscathed.

Zhuge Ren, aware of Gu Fengchen’s supreme martial prowess, feared he might somehow land unharmed. Seeing him jump, Zhuge Ren shouted, “Loose arrows!”

Archers simultaneously drew their bows, ready to shower arrows upon Gu Fengchen in mid-air.

Had that volley flown, Gu Fengchen would have been riddled with arrows on the spot. But just then, a sudden disturbance erupted. The archers felt a sharp jab beneath their ribs, precisely at the ‘diminishing vitality’ acupoint. This spot was notoriously sensitive—in childhood games, tickling there often provoked shrieks. Though less sensitive in adulthood, it remained a vulnerable point. While drawing their bows, their flanks were exposed, leaving them open to attack, a sensation that filled them with panic.

Startled, they lost strength in their arms. Their grip on the bowstrings faltered, and their arrows flew forth, but without power. They soared barely twenty feet before plummeting harmlessly.

The archers cried out in unison and whirled around. They saw a single figure standing behind them, grinning slyly with his hands tucked behind his back. He was short and stocky, with rat-like features that radiated a distinct air of shadiness.

Though the arrows had missed Gu Fenchen, the lethal height remained. His descent would still likely smash his limbs. But as the arrows fell uselessly, a long rope flew in from the side with perfect aim, wrapping tightly around Gu Fengchen’s waist.

Suspended in mid-air like a falling leaf, utterly powerless, Gu Fengchen felt the rope jerk him sideways. His downward plummet transformed into a horizontal arc.

Even with his strong build, the violent wrench felt like it was tearing his spine apart. Yet, this trajectory—a sideways swoop towards the ground—was vastly different from a headlong fall. At the very least, it prevented him from being instantly dashed to pieces.

Zhuge Ren saw the situation spiraling out of control. “Disaster!” he yelled. Seizing the chance while Gu Fengchen was still airborne, he snatched a sword from a man beside him. Channeling his inner force into his arm, he hurled the sword like a flying streak of light towards Gu Fengchen.

The Twin Eagles of Mianshan reacted instantly. Their curved blades also flew out almost simultaneously—one aimed directly at Gu Fengchen, the other slicing towards the rope that held him.

Violently pulled through the air, Gu Fengchen was already struggling to breathe clearly. He could never evade the sword and the two blades. Yet, at that critical moment, three cold gleams flashed from within the blaze of the tower – three arrows shot forth. Three sharp dings! resounded; not one arrow missed its mark. The arrows, the sword, and the two curved blades clattered together as they fell.

Whoosh! Gu Fengchen finally slammed onto the ground. He stumbled forward several paces, nearly tumbling over. Though it was undignified, he landed unharmed. Behind him, the tower was now completely engulfed by the inferno.

Frowning, Zhuge Ren turned sharply to look towards a dense patch of trees on the left. There, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, were seven figures – four men and three women.

The first was the shabby man who had sabotaged the archers. Beside him stood a slightly plump, middle-aged man with a jovial smile. Next came a bald man whose ten fingers were entirely hidden within his sleeves. The bald man’s neighbor was a man with long, unkempt hair obscuring his face and shockingly filthy, almost fleshless feet. Yet, his hands were immaculately clean. Beside him were the three women. The first possessed a graceful charm, her age hard to guess, a hint of endless allure in her eyes and brow. Next to her stood a woman with an athletic build, a colorful scarf tied around her head. The final woman seemed frail, almost fragile, her face flushed with feverish red as she coughed intermittently.

These seven stood there, appearing to have just arrived. But their arrival drained the color from the faces of Zhuge Ren and his companions.

For these seven were the Gate Masters of the Eight Outer Sects—the very seven whom Qing’er had captured through her stratagem.

The short one was the Gate Master of the Thief Sect, Shen Buzhi, nicknamed “Ghost Unaware” – a testament to his unsurpassed thieving skills. While Xue Wuhen of the Red Lotus Sect was undoubtedly peerless in pure speed and lightness, when it came to the dexterous arts of scaling walls, slipping through windows, and nimble acrobatics, Shen Buzhi had no equal.

The plump man beside him was Ren Hou, Gate Master of the Swindle Sect. The name “Ren Hou” (Benevolent Generosity) belied his nature entirely. His martial skills weren’t top-tier, but in the art of deception and swindling, he was unmatched in the Jianghu.

The bald man was Gongshu Mo, Gate Master of the Mechanism Gate. His hands were incredibly skillful; he could replicate any crafted object after a mere glance, and then improve upon it. He wasn’t originally surnamed Gongshu, but after reading about the contests between Gongshu Ban and Mozi, he was deeply moved. He imagined himself prevailing over Mozi in those matches and thus changed his name to Gongshu Mo, placing the “Gongshu” above the “Mo” to signify his perceived superiority.

The barefoot man was Dongfang Wu, Gate Master of the Spirit Chant Sect. To outsiders, the Spirit Chant Sect seemed full of shamanistic trickery, posturing, and theatrics. But those familiar with their methods knew their martial arts were uniquely bizarre, resembling frenzied ritual dances. Their attacks were unpredictable. Since the Sect often performed ritualistic duties involving spirits and exorcisms, they did not wear shoes. However, their hands had to remain spotlessly clean for handling ritual objects. To outsiders, this made them seem profoundly strange.

Beside him was the captivatingly graceful Gate Master of the Orchid Gate, Xiao Wanci. As the Orchid Gate comprised courtesans, they were often looked down upon. But this profession was likely as old as humanity itself. “Cannonballs cannot match fleshly charms; the barrel of a gun is not as potent as a pillow,” went the saying. Many intractable problems melted away before a woman’s allure. Thus, the Orchid Gate possessed its own unique strengths. Among the Eight Outer Sects, none rivaled them in gathering intelligence and secrets.

Beside Xiao Wanci stood the athletic woman, Xiang Feihua, Gate Master of the Red Silk Gate. The Red Silk Gate specialized in acrobatics and circus performances; most traveling troupes belonged to this Sect. All members possessed martial skills, generally favoring soft, nimble techniques, and they were especially renowned for their use of Hidden Weapons.

The last woman, who always appeared frail, was Nalan Chunyi, the Gate Master of the Gu Sect, for whom Gu Fengchen had risked his life to save.

These seven, together with Yuan Yin, were the leaders of the Eight Outer Sects.

Zhuge Ren was naturally stunned by their appearance. He had personally overseen their confinement in a cave on the side of Goddess Peak. Each was locked in an iron cage, guarded by capable men, their pressure points sealed in advance, and bound with chains and ropes. Escape should have been utterly impossible.

Yet the reality before him was undeniable. The person who had earlier disrupted the barrage of arrows was Shen Buzhi, Gate Master of the Thief Sect. The one who had flown a rope to save Gu Fengchen was Xiang Feihua, Gate Master of the Scarlet Silk Gate. She was also the one who shot those three arrows.

Xiang Feihua’s skill with Hidden Weapons was renowned by all; she was a grandmaster in the art, succeeding the Hidden Weapons master Wu Qing of a hundred years ago.

But since her capture, all her Hidden Weapons had been confiscated; not even her hair ornaments remained. Where, then, could those arrows have come from? Only one possibility: she had stolen them.

“Daydreaming? Loosen arrows!” Zhuge Ren barked at the archers.

The archers finally snapped out of their daze and reached for arrows in the quivers on their backs. Their hands came back empty. Their quivers were completely bare.

At that moment, Shen Buzhi grinned as he revealed his hands from behind his back, holding a large bundle of arrows. He had snatched them while targeting the archers’ weak spots moments ago. This kind of skill went far beyond mere agility in lightness techniques. He had stolen arrows from ten men at once, right under their noses, without a single one aware. His touch was as gentle as the spring breeze, as quick as a spirit fox—truly worthy of the title “Ghost Unaware”.

Zhuge Ren’s heart sank. He knew these seven were all formidable opponents. Once free, they were like seven tigers breaking their cage. Recapturing them would be immensely difficult. Furthermore, facing them was Gu Fengchen, who had nearly been burned alive and was surely now furious.

Nangong Yue shared the same thought. The two exchanged a glance, their expressions grave. Liu Dongbai, knowing that as leaders Zhuge and Nangong shouldn’t question first at such a moment, stepped forward. “Why have our esteemed Gate Masters abandoned their rest in the caves? Were the servants perhaps lacking in courtesy?”

Among the seven were several eloquent speakers, the best being Ren Hou of the Thousand Gates. He gave a small smile. “Your courtesy was most… thorough. Binding, suspending, confining us like pigs in a cage. Rest assured, the Four Great Clans will be extolled far and wide within the Jianghu so everyone may know the full measure of your decorum.”

Liu Dongbai scoffed. “Evil devils and petty clowns, always twisting the truth. Who aided your escape? Who pulled you out?”

Ren Hou answered serenely, “Why, naturally, it was this gentleman, Master Gu.”

Liu Dongbai was startled. “When did he rescue you? Did he visit the cave before entering the pagoda?” Ren Hou smiled. “Rescuing us required no cave visit. He merely needed to divert your attention, and escape was ours. Surely you’ve heard the saying? Any lock or cage mechanism in this world is mere child’s play before Gongshu Mo!”

Liu Dongbai countered, “But Gongshu Mo had his pressure points sealed…” Ren Hou chuckled. “Ah, you miss the point. Have you never heard that petty thief Shen Buzhi knows bone shrinking kung fu? If the bones can shrink, the pressure points, naturally, can also shift.”

Hearing this, Zhuge Ren’s face grew even darker.

Ren Hou continued, “Your gravest error was placing their cages next to each other.”

Nangong Yue interjected grimly, “Need we say it? Once Gongshu’s points were unsealed, he undid the chains, opened the cages, and under the guards’ inattention, released you all.” Ren Hou nodded. “That’s the gist of it. Without Master Gu creating the diversion, we’d never have slipped away under the guards’ very eyes. So yes, he rescued us. That is simple fact.”

Liu Dongbai declared, “He got you out of the cave, but he cannot save you from descending the mountain.”

Ren Hou grinned. “Quite so, quite so. Your side boasts many masters, and the mountain path is thick with ambushes. The old saying goes: ascending is easier than descending. I understand perfectly.” Liu Dongbai pressed, “Since you understand, let’s speak civilly. Return quietly to the caves, and I swear not a hair on your head will be harmed. If you insist on fighting… do not blame us if weapons recognize no faces.”

Ren Hou narrowed his eyes. “Well said… only…” Liu Dongbai demanded, “Only what?” Ren Hou replied, “Only the speaker is wrong.” Liu Dongbai retorted, “How so?” Ren Hou stated simply, “That speech should be ours to give.”

Liu Dongbai sneered. “Meaning?”

Ren Hou elaborated coolly, “The meaning is clear. Leave now, and there’s still time. Wait until our people surround this mountain, and escaping will be harder than reaching the heavens.”

Liu Dongbai scoffed derisively. “Your people? Meaning the eight of you?”

Ren Hou gently shook his head, his expression almost kindly, as if offering sound advice. “Eight today is quite enough. Give it a moment longer… and it could be eighty. Or eight hundred.”

Liu Dongbai couldn’t help but chuckle. “And where will so many spring from? The earth?” Ren Hou sighed sadly. “Ah, no, no. They will walk up, on two feet. Many followers of the Outer Sects are nearby, I hear.” Liu Dongbai shot back, “Nearby, yes. But your voice isn’t loud enough to summon them.”

Ren Hou sighed in mock disappointment. “To say that proves your lack of wit. We seven have already sent them a joint message.” He paused theatrically. “By carrier pigeon.” His smile returned. “It should have arrived some time ago.”

Liu Dongbai burst into laughter. “Carrier pigeon? You didn’t have a needle on your person, let alone pigeons! Buy them with silver, did you?”

Ren Hou smiled. “Pigeons? No need to buy.” He turned to look at Xiang Feihua. “Gate Master Xiang…”

Xiang Feihua smiled faintly. She drew her arm back behind her, then extended it, flicking her wrist. Incredibly, she was suddenly holding a pigeon, seemingly out of nowhere.

With a wave of her hand, she released it into the sky. She retracted her arm, then repeated the motion—drawing back, extending, flicking her wrist—and a second pigeon appeared. She did this three times in quick succession, sending three pigeons winging into the air.

Liu Dongbai fell silent. Sleight of hand and jugglery were the specialty tricks of the Scarlet Silk Gate.

Nangong Yue suddenly said, “You co-signed this letter. Might I ask where you procured the brush and ink?”

Ren Hou smiled faintly, raising a finger stained crimson, seemingly with blood. “We had neither brush nor ink. Yet one does not necessarily require such tools to write. Therefore, we were forced to inconvenience a guard brother. Without his consent, we made use of his clothing and his blood. Though, I imagine, he probably no longer needed either by that point.”

Zhuge Ren and Nangong Yue stood side by side, appearing utterly conversant without a word spoken. Yet they swiftly traced characters upon each other’s backs with their fingertips, moving so rapidly that those behind them could discern nothing.

Their minds were both crystal clear; the situation had turned against them. Though their adversaries numbered only eight, not a single one was easy to contend with, especially Nalan Chunyi. Her poison skills were renowned throughout the world; it was unthinkable she wouldn’t carry poison. Yet, after Qing’er subdued her and searched her person, not a trace of poison was found. This revealed the profound strangeness of Nalan’s poison arts. In terms of pure martial prowess, their side, with several skilled fighters, could have held a decisive advantage. But with Nalan present, once she unleashed her poison techniques, it would be utterly invisible, formless, and near impossible to defend against.

Thus, both men shared the same thought: better to avoid a hopeless fight and retreat to scheme another day. This current plan was failing; another would be needed later.

Zhuge Ren then let out a hearty laugh. “Indeed, esteemed Gate Masters demonstrate fine skill! I foresee heavy casualties were we to engage. The grudges between the Red Lotus Sect and the Four Great Clans need not bring suffering upon innocent parties. Another day, I shall personally seek enlightenment from the Red Lotus Sect.” Having said this, he directed their forces to retreat slowly from the peak. He and Nangong Yue personally covered the rear. Only after their entire group had withdrawn did the two men depart side by side.

Throughout it all, Zhuge Ren remained as steady as Mount Tai, exuding an impervious calm that bespoke the aura of a great general.

Only after the enemy had completely withdrawn did Ren Hou and the other six share smiles of relief. They approached Gu Fengchen and bowed deeply in thanks. Gu Fengchen waved him off, chuckling. “If not for you all, I, Gu, would have either been riddled like a porcupine by those volleys of arrows or dashed into a meat patty upon the rocks. If thanks are owed, it should be me thanking all of you.”

Ren Hou said, “Not at all. If you hadn’t arrived, sir, we could not have escaped our own plight. If we hadn’t escaped, we couldn’t have aided you. Therefore, it seems you, sir, saved yourself.”

Xiang Feihua, always forthright, asked bluntly, “Sir Gu, you are a stranger to us. Why risk your life to come up here?” Gu Fengchen countered, “Might I ask, which among you is Gate Master Nalan?” Xiang Feihua let out a knowing laugh. “I thought so! Sister Nalan, he clearly came for you.”

Nalan Chunyi walked slowly to Gu Fengchen, her face flushed crimson, making her pallor appear grave. “Do not mock me, Sir Gu. I am Nalan.”

Gu Fengchen had no mind for such insinuations and urgently replied, “I came to rescue you all for one reason only: the Cult Leader Ling of the Red Lotus Sect, while attempting your rescue herself, was ambushed and grievously poisoned. She lies now in the woods northeast of the peak’s base. Gate Master Nalan, I implore you to attend to her with all speed! Her life hangs in the balance!”

His words shocked the seven. Xiang Feihua blurted out, “Cult Leader Ling? You know her?” Gu Fengchen confirmed, “She is at the base of the peak now, her eyes poisoned and blind! The need is urgent!”

At once, they all cried, “Then what are we waiting for! We must get down!” They surged towards the mountain path. Just as they reached the downward stone steps, a hail of hidden weapons suddenly shot up from below. Fortunately, their martial skills were superb, and they sensed the projectiles instantly. Xiang Feihua and Shen Buzhi were at the forefront. Detecting the swish of projectiles cutting through the air, they knew it was trouble. Xiang Feihua, a master of hidden weapons who could supposedly catch flies by ear in pitch darkness, was supremely adept against such projectiles. Her hands flashed like the wind as she snatched over half of them in succession. Shen Buzhi blocked the rest using his robe.

No sooner had this volley ended than another followed. How many assailants lay below, how many hidden weapons they held, remained unknown.

Dongfang Wu of the Divine Tune Sect had remained silent until then. Suddenly, he strode forward, hefted a stone slab weighing at least two hundred or three hundred catties, and, bellowing, stomped it down the path. A chorus of startled cries erupted below as figures leaped upwards.

Peering down, Xiang Feihua let out a sharp cry. Both hands flew out simultaneously, hurling a handful of collected hidden weapons. At least five figures below collapsed. Yet the onslaught of projectiles from below showed no sign of abating.

It seemed Zhuge Ren and Nangong Yue had prepared meticulously, bringing ample hidden weapons and crossbows to ensnare them atop the peak even if direct capture failed. Gu Fengchen found it strange: the enemy knew the Eight Outer Sects were coming in force, hence their earlier retreat. Why then this interception?

In truth, Zhuge Ren and Nangong Yue were extremely shrewd. Their retreat was a feint; they had laid ambushes along the mountain path. Hidden weapon experts were positioned to block any descent at all costs. Simultaneously, they dispatched trusted aides to monitor the mountain base, instructed to report instantly upon sighting arrivals from the Eight Outer Sects. This deployment finalized, they took command at the mountain’s waist to coordinate efforts above and below.

This ambush tactic proved brutally effective. Darkness obscured direction; the mountain path was treacherously narrow. The principle held: even if they couldn’t inflict heavy casualties, they could still pin targets down and prevent descent.

And so it played out. The eight were trapped on the path. The narrow surface hindered their movement; their considerable skills were neutralized. If they lingered much longer, injuries were inevitable.

Xiao Wanci shouted, “Fall back to the peak! We’ll devise a plan there.”

Seeing no alternative, they agreed, with Xiang Feihua guarding the rear and intercepting any incoming projectiles. Slowly, they withdrew to the summit.

As soon as they retreated, the onslaught of hidden weapons ceased.

Xiao Wanci frowned. “It seems the enemy intends to keep us on the peak, preventing us from aiding the Cult Leader.” Gu Fengchen questioned Ren Hou, “Didn’t you say large reinforcements were coming soon? There’s not even a hint of movement!” Ren Hou smiled faintly. “Was my word ever reliable?” Gu Fengchen faltered, stunned. “You lied to them?”

Ren Hou replied coolly, “Our Deception Sect knows only how to deceive; it performs no other service.” Gu Fengchen pressed, “But the messenger pigeons…?” Xiang Feihua chuckled, “Merely our misdirection. The pigeons were real enough, but none of us have ever been here before. We had nowhere specific to send them. We could only release them back towards our separate Sects’ headquarters, all too far away to help now.”

As they talked amidst sighs, Nalan Chunyi remained silent. She walked to another part of the peak and gazed downward intently. The tower burned fiercely, illuminating the mountaintop brightly, revealing the sheer drop for dozens of zhang below. Gongshu Mo joined her. “Gate Master Nalan, what do you see? I doubt there’s a path there.”

Nalan Chunyi nodded. “Indeed. It’s all trees, rocks, and broken cliffs below.” Even as she spoke, her eyes met Xiang Feihua’s. Suddenly grasping her intent, Xiang Feihua rushed to the cliff edge, peered down, and nodded subtly. The two women exchanged knowing smiles and said in unison, “Let’s do it!”

Ren Hou inquired, “What are you two planning?” Xiang Feihua fetched a long rope and addressed Gongshu Mo, “Brother Gongshu, would you kindly bind Sister Nalan to my back? Be sure it’s very tight.”

Gongshu Mo was highly skilled in such matters. He silently took the rope. Nalan jumped onto Xiang Feihua’s back. She was extremely light, likely weighing no more than sixty or seventy catties – to Xiang Feihua, carrying her was like shouldering a small bundle.

Immediately, Gongshu Mo’s hands moved like the wind, and in the blink of an eye, he securely bound Nalan Chunyi to Xiang Feihua’s back. Gu Fengchen watched and nodded in approval. Though tightly bound, the arms and legs of both remained unhindered—truly the work of an expert with years of experience in such tasks.

Once Gongshu Mo tied the last knot, he addressed Xiang Feihua: “This knot I tied is called the Heart Knot. No one but me can untie it. So once you descend the peak, simply snap the rope. Do not touch the knot.”

Xiang Feihua nodded in agreement. She took another long rope, knotted one end into a large lump, and wound the other end around her palm. With a smile to the group, she said, “I’ll go down first. After rescuing the Cult Leader, I’ll return for you.”

Gu Fengchen frowned. “Do you mean to lower Nalan from the peak relying only on this rope?” Shen Buzhi laughed. “No need to worry. Let me make a wager with you—before the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, she’ll have reached solid ground.” Xiang Feihua added, “Once I reach the bottom, I’ll release a pigeon.”

Having said this, she flung the rope downward, coiling it around a small tree at the cliff’s edge. Her body seemed to float as she leaped over.

Gu Fengchen’s heart leaped to his throat. The peak was treacherously steep, nearly vertical. Though he possessed Heaven-Defying Divine Art, climbing with bare hands would be extremely difficult, especially with many fractured rocks jutting precariously mid-slope. Any misstep could lead to a fatal fall. Furthermore, Xiang Feihua was a woman carrying another person on her back.

Ren Hou and the others appeared entirely confident. The moment Xiang Feihua began her descent, they moved to the top of the mountain path, putting on a show of force to prevent the enemy from realizing someone was climbing down the other side of the peak.

Their minds were at ease. The enemy would never expect Xiang Feihua to risk her life descending this way, for to them, that face was sheer cliff—a descent there would be suicide.

Gu Fengchen, however, was deeply uneasy. He knew full well that a single slip or loss of grip from Xiang Feihua would mean both falling to their deaths. If Nalan Chunyi died, then Ling Ling would certainly be beyond saving. What Xiang Feihua carried on her back wasn’t just the Gate Master Nalan; it was the very survival of the entire Red Lotus Sect.

He watched as Xiang Feihua slowly vanished into the trees clinging to the mountainside, feeling sweat bead on his palms.

Meanwhile, Dongfang Wu intermittently dislodged rocks and rolled them down the mountain path. But the peak offered few loose stones, and after sending a few tumbling, they became scarce. Gu Fengchen noticed the prevalence of trees on the peak, some nearly as thick as a man’s waist. An idea struck him. He walked to one such tree, channeled his Divine Kung Fu, and punched the trunk. His Internal Energy was formidable; the punch snapped the thick tree clean through its midriff.

Ren Hou watched, involuntarily sticking out his tongue in astonishment. “Impressive power,” he praised. “No wonder Master Gu dared to ascend the mountain alone. Truly, supreme skill breeds boldness.” He paused before adding, “That’s speaking from the heart, not flattery.” Xiao Wanci chuckled. “You tell falsehoods like they’re flying in the breeze. No amount of clarifying your sincerity helps.” Gu Fengchen laughed. “Truth or falsehood, let’s save the discussion for after we descend.”

He then hoisted the fallen tree trunk. The crown was easily the size of a living room, densely tangled in branches and leaves. He grinned. “Follow me. I’ll clear the path through mountains and bridge waters as we go!”

Xiao Wanci asked, “Using the tree as a shield against Hidden Weapons?” Gu Fengchen confirmed, “Exactly. Problem with that?” Xiao Wanci replied, “This tactic might not work. If enemies were only ahead, it’d be manageable. But if they’re hiding in the treetops, raining projectiles down from above? Holding that massive trunk limits your movement. You’d be vulnerable.”

Gu Fengchen saw the logic, frowning. “So, we just wait here like fools?” Xiao Wanci advised, “Enemies are hidden; we’re exposed. It’s unwise to move rashly.” Suddenly, Gongshu Mo interjected, “I have a way.” Xiao Wanci asked, “What way? Tell us!”

Gongshu Mo proposed, “I can build a battering ram. We can charge down the peak together.”

“Build it now?” Gu Fengchen inquired. Gongshu Mo nodded, glancing at the trunk in Gu Fengchen’s hands. “The material’s right here. Why not!” Gu Fengchen was taken aback that he intended woodwork now. “But we have no tools at hand?”

Gongshu Mo replied calmly, “My two hands alone are sufficient.”

Gu Fengchen was profoundly skeptical. Having seen numerous carpenters in Shaolin Temple and villages, with all manner of tools—chisels, adzes, axes, saws, ink strings—the idea that Gongshu Mo could build a ram with bare hands seemed unbelievable.

Gongshu Mo assigned tasks. The other Gate Masters found it amusing and set to work, chattering gleefully as they snapped branches and chopped trunks. Weapons like waist-sabers dropped earlier by enemies lay on the ground. Though unwieldy, when wielded with infused Internal Energy, they readily cleaved through the wood.

As they worked, a pigeon flew up from below the peak. Xiao Wanci’s hand darted out to catch it. “She’s reached the bottom,” she announced. Ren Hou declared, “Then we should depart too. Gongshu, how long? Can you hurry?”

Gongshu Mo ignored him, focusing solely on the task. Knowing his temperament—utter concentration when working—Ren Hou took no offense.

Soon the materials were ready. Gongshu Mo worked as swiftly as the wind. He crafted a large box using planks several inches thick as a roof and sides. Within moments, he fashioned a sturdy enclosure: panels covering front, back, left, right, and top, fastened with iron chains, though lacking a bottom. Then, taking arrows seized by Shen Buzhi, he pierced them through the walls from the inside outward, arrowheads pointing out, creating the body of a battering ram.

Gu Fengchen understood. Encased in thick wooden planks, they were shielded from Hidden Weapons. The outward-projecting arrowheads deterred close attacks. Sheltered inside, they could walk down the mountain.

By now, the wooden tower had finished collapsing amid flames, showering sparks. The fire was gradually extinguishing, plunging the peak into deepening darkness.

The timing was perfect. Gongshu Mo turned the box. “Let’s go,” he said. They squeezed underneath the structure. Shen Buzhi quipped, “This feels like a rat entering bellows—getting pressed from both ends.”

Suppressed laughter rippled through the group. Xiao Wanci countered, “Mind your step down there. Slip and roll out, and instead of a rat, you’ll be a pincushion!”

Hoisting the wooden box, they charged down the mountainside. Reaching the spot where the earlier ambush occurred, sure enough, the whistling sound of Hidden Weapons was heard again, followed by a barrage. Thud. Thud. Thud. Projectiles embedded harmlessly into the wood. The enemies below hadn’t anticipated this. They were armed with cleavers, throwing darts, Sleeve Arrows, and Bone-Piercing Nails—bladed projectiles meant to draw blood—but had no explosives like fire bombs. Temporarily, the charge could not be halted.

Gu Fengchen and the group broke through two ambush points, reaching the mountainside halfway down. A few enemies jumped out, attempting to smash the wooden box. But Gu Fengchen spotted them through gaps. From inside the box, he struck the fletched ends of arrows protruding inward. The arrows shot outward, injuring several attackers.

Upon reaching the mountainside, projectiles ceased. Suddenly, a furious, guttural roar echoed ahead as a figure, clutching a massive log, charged toward them. Gongshu Mo’s box couldn’t withstand such an impact. Acting as one, the group heaved it upward, throwing the wooden structure into the air.

Gu Fengchen raised his hands, catching the colossal log hurtling toward him. He looked up and recognized the attacker—it was Wan Xiaolou.

His face was contorted with fury, teeth clenched, resembling a raging giant ape. The enormous log trembled, shifting back and forth between their opposing forces, clearly indicating a stalemate.

Yet Gu Fengchen knew he held back. Also, holding the higher ground gave him a distinct advantage. Eager to descend quickly without prolonged conflict, he took a deep breath, gathered his full strength, and surged it forward, violently shoving the log back against Wan Xiaolou.

Under the combined forces of Gu Fengchen’s superior Internal Energy and the disadvantageous slope, Wan Xiaolou couldn’t withstand the blow. Skilled in the Eagle Claw Technique though he was—his grip was like steel—his feet slid helplessly backward, forced down the slope. Only his fierce grip kept him attached to the log.

After staggering back several steps, Wan Xiaolou felt the opposing force intensifying, threatening to blow him completely off his feet. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly wrenched the massive log sideways and simultaneously leaped back. In a single, fluid movement, he vanished into the woods lining the path, using both hands to grasp and swing among branches, disappearing from sight in an instant.

Xiao Wanci, following closely behind, asked, “Why haven’t we seen Zhuge Ren or Nangong Yue?” Ren Hou speculated, “I suspect they’ve already descended the peak to search for the Cult Leader.” Gu Fengchen paled. “If they find her first… Cult Leader Ling’s eyesight… she’d be defenseless!” Shen Buzhi snapped, “Then quit standing around!” His figure flashed and was gone, streaking downward like an arrow.

The group surged forward en masse. Moments later, they stood at the foot of Goddess Peak. Gu Fengchen studied the direction and pointed toward a distant forest grove. “Over there…” he said.

He then charged toward the woods, searching while calling out loudly, “Cult Leader Ling!…”

Arriving together, the others joined the calls. Then, from deep within the forest, a response came, “No shouting! Don’t disturb Gate Master Nalan.”

The voice belonged to Xiang Feihua. Joy surged through the group, and they hurried toward the sound.

A colossal tree stood ahead. Xiang Feihua and Ma Xiu waited beneath it, but neither Ling Ling nor Nalan Chunyi were immediately visible. Seeing them arrive, Xiang Feihua visibly relaxed. “Finally! You got down!” Xiao Wanci murmured, “Is the Cult Leader alright?”

Xiang Feihua frowned slightly. “Nalan is administering treatment now. The outcome isn’t certain yet, but judging by her complexion, we got to her just in time.”

Gu Fengchen pressed urgently, “Have the Four Great Clans found this place?”

Xiang Feihua answered steadily, “Not yet.”

Her words were barely out when war cries erupted from all four directions, mingled with the unmistakable thunder of galloping horses. Seemingly, a large force was rapidly converging on their location.

Gu Fengchen’s heart jolted. A chilling thought struck him: Could Zhuge Ren have arrived with reinforcements?