Chapter 15: Treacherous Shifts and Sudden Changes

Chapter 15: Treacherous Shifts and Sudden Changes

Just then, a firework shot up from the large tree behind Xiang Feihua. It exploded in the air, scattering brilliant sparks that looked extremely conspicuous in the darkness.

Gu Fengchen was puzzled. He recognized this firework as the one he had seen outside Five Precepts Manor, fired from Ling Ling’s hand. Could Ling Ling be up in that very tree? Yet when enemies attacked, staying hidden was paramount; why would she signal so openly?

Xiang Feihua remained utterly calm and gave no indication. Gu Fengchen said, “The enemies are attacking. I’ll go hold them off for a while.” Xiang Feihua smiled. “No need, my good Hero Gu. Stay quietly here. Nothing will happen.”

Several Gate Masters arrived at her side then. Xiang Feihua whispered a few words to them, and they nodded before heading out of the grove.

Gu Fengchen’s mind was full of doubts. Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats stopped just outside the grove, as if they had encircled the area. Possessing exceptional martial skills, he naturally wasn’t afraid for himself, but he worried intensely for Ling Ling. He noticed Nalan was missing from the grove; presumably still treating Ling Ling’s eyes. If that treatment were interrupted, the consequences would surely be dire.

In the midst of his troubled thoughts, the sound of footsteps approached. The Gate Masters were leading two people back with them. At the sight of these two, Gu Fengchen’s heart calmed immediately. He recognized both. One was Tie Furong, the other was the woman who had led Lady Xueyi to Mount Huang.

Xiang Feihua did not know these two. Ren Hou, who had already exchanged names with them earlier, handled the introductions. Tie Furong needed no introduction, of course. The other woman was named Shen Rou. Both were ranked among the Eight Steeds of the Crimson Lotus, their status higher than that of the Gate Masters present. Tie Furong ranked fifth, holding the title Marquis of Surpassing Radiance. This Shen Rou ranked seventh and was the Marquis of Rising Mist.

As far as Gu Fengchen now knew, he had met five of the Eight Steeds:

Marquis of Phantom Shadow, Xue Wuhen,

Marquis of Surpassing Radiance, Tie Furong,

Marquis of Supernatural Light, Shende Taoist,

Marquis of Rising Mist, Shen Rou,

Marquis of Soaring Wings, Zhou Cuo.

The other three Marquises: Marquis of Breaking Earth, Marquis of Flying Plumage, and Marquis of Running Night, he had yet to encounter.

Tie Furong asked, “Where is the Cult Leader? She clearly fired the signal flare just now.” Xiang Feihua pointed upwards. “In the tree. Sister Nalan is treating her.” Tie Furong gasped in alarm. “Treating her? What happened?” She turned and glared at Gu Fengchen, knowing Ling Ling had descended the mountain with him.

Gu Fengchen felt extremely awkward but had to explain. “I failed to protect Cult Leader Ling. She… fell into a trap set by the Four Great Clans and had her eyes poisoned.” Tie Furong pressed, “Is the injury severe?” Gu Fengchen replied, “From what Deputy Sect Leader Ma said, it’s the Twin Dragon Fort’s secret poison, called Orchid Dew.”

Tie Furong, who had always held Gu Fengchen in high regard, was now furious: “My Cult Leader is poisoned, yet you stand here completely unharmed!” Gu Fengchen had no defense. He could only remain silent. Tie Furong, relentless when she felt justified, demanded, “What exactly happened! My Cult Leader’s intellect is unparalleled. She wouldn’t simply fall into a trap for no reason! Especially since she was acting secretly this time—unless something major occurred, she would never reveal her identity and risk being surrounded. Did you collude with the Four Great Clans to…”

Xiang Feihua hastily interjected, “It wasn’t him. We, the Eight Outer Sects, were captured through a scheme by the Four Great Clans. The Cult Leader came after hearing the news to rescue us, and that’s how she fell into the trap. This Hero Gu risked his life to rescue the Cult Leader. Just moments ago, he single-handedly stormed the peak to free us. He is truly a great benefactor of our cult.”

Tie Furong retorted, “Benefactor! He failed to protect the Cult Leader! Benefactor is hardly the word! If any harm befalls the Cult Leader, humph…” Shen Rou, who stood beside her, advised soothingly, “Alright, Sister Tie, no need to scold any further. Your reproach has been quite enough for Hero Gu here. If it were me, I would have flushed crimson with shame long ago and turned hostile.” Tie Furong seemed quite deferential towards this Shen Rou, despite her lower rank, and finally relented: “I only speak my mind. I pray the Cult Leader turns misfortune into fortune.”

At that moment, Nalan’s voice drifted down from the tree: “If you all keep bickering endlessly and disturb the Cult Leader’s peaceful concentration, she certainly won’t turn misfortune into fortune.”

Tie Furong urgently asked, “How is the Cult Leader doing?”

Nalan Chunyi responded, “All of you, be quiet and sit still. Good news will come shortly. If you continue this noisy commotion and anger the Cult Leader, causing fury to surge through her blood, all our efforts will be for naught.”

These words instantly plunged the grove into utter silence. Not a single sound could be heard.

A crow, startled by some unknown animal, flew up with a raucous “caw!” It had only just managed two cries as it cleared the treetops when Shen Rou flicked her wrist. A streak of black light shot out, and the crow was sliced cleanly in two.

Gu Fengchen nodded inwardly. He thought, This woman appears unremarkable at first glance, but her actions are exceptionally decisive. Reflecting now, he had met five of the Eight Steeds, each with distinct temperaments: Xue Wuhen exuded a dark shrewdness but also an air of carefree abandon; Tie Furong was bluntly straightforward yet also cunningly deceptive; Shende Taoist seemed upright but possessed adaptable thinking; Zhou Cuo appeared rough and straightforward but considered matters carefully; and now this Shen Rou before him, speaking few words but demonstrating both remarkable daring and ruthlessness. Truly, each possessed their own unique disposition.

Silence now reigned in the grove. Everyone was deep in their own thoughts, their minds chiefly occupied with worry for Ling Ling. They all strained to listen upwards but could hear no sound or movement from the tree.

Holding their breath, all they could hear was their own heartbeats. Though only a moment had passed, to each of them it felt like years had crawled by.

Finally, the sound of rustling leaves broke the stillness. Nalan Chunyi leapt down from above. Ling Ling was not with her. Xiang Feihua urgently asked, “How is the Cult Leader?” The others crowded around immediately, their eager anxiety plain to see.

Nalan Chunyi smiled. “Rest assured in my methods. It just took extra time because the poison had invaded the eyes.”

Tie Furong now brightened and showed a relieved smile too. “That the Cult Leader escaped danger this time is thanks greatly to you, Gate Master Nalan. You truly deserve the highest merit.” Only then did Nalan bow formally to her. “Respects, Honorable Marquis.” Shen Rou asked, “Is the Cult Leader still in the tree?”

Nalan nodded. “She cannot yet descend to the ground.” Tie Furong was taken aback. “Why ever not?” Nalan explained, “Twin Dragon Fort’s Orchid Dew is extremely potent. It is refined from the sap of a special orchid buried underground. Once poisoned, the toxin intensifies if the victim touches the ground essence (earth qi). Therefore, I treated the Cult Leader up in the tree, employing the principle of ‘wood overcoming earth.’ It just succeeded moments ago. The poison has receded slightly, but grounding her qi would cause the toxins to flare upwards again. Hence, she absolutely cannot set foot on the ground.”

On the side, Ma Xiu listened, utterly in awe.

Apart from him, nearly everyone found it inconceivable; curing poison through the balancing cycles of the five elements was indeed profound.

Tie Furong asked, “How long until the Cult Leader fully recovers?” Nalan replied, “Just three days, and she will be back to normal.” Hearing this, everyone breathed a deep sigh of relief. Xiang Feihua chimed in, “As I said, once Sister Nalan arrives, all troubles vanish.”

Nalan Chunyi flushed slightly, lowering her voice: “We should leave the grove now. The Cult Leader ordered that only Hero Gu remains; she has matters to discuss with him.”

As one, the group glanced at Gu Fengchen, then silently filed out of the woods.

Nalan, left last, cast a look towards the tree canopy and murmured, “The Cult Leader asks you to climb up.” With that, she followed the others.

The large grove stood suddenly empty, leaving Gu Fengchen alone beneath the tree.

Gu Fengchen, worried about Ling Ling’s injury, quietly scaled the tree. Its branches and leaves were extremely thick; looking up from below revealed only dense green foliage with no glimpse of people. Only after climbing over seven meters high did he see Ling Ling lying on a thick fork, surrounded by numerous snapped branches and leaves arranged into a simple yet sturdy litter-chair, secure enough to withstand strong winds.

He called softly, “Leader Ling…” Ling Ling, already aware of him, gave a light giggle. “Have they all left?” she asked. “All gone,” he confirmed. “Come closer,” she urged. Uncertain of her intent, he cautioned, “Stay still, be careful of falling. Nalan said you can’t touch the ground to prevent the poison from rising with earthly qi.”

He settled onto a nearby branch. Ling Ling’s complexion was normal, though her eyes were wrapped in a white bandage. She reached out and grasped his hand.

Her grip felt icy and trembled slightly, as if she were frightened. “Are you cold?” he inquired. “No, it’s just… just a bit… scary,” Ling Ling admitted. Gu Fengchen chuckled, “You, the mighty Leader of the Red Lotus Sect! Facing dozens of masters that night didn’t faze you. Why are you scared now?”

She whispered, “I’m afraid… afraid that if my eyes go blind, I’d never see you again.” Gu Fengchen paused. “Don’t think such thoughts.” “It’s not nonsense,” Ling Ling insisted. “Ever since you left, I’ve thought of little else.” Deeply moved but wary of agitating her, he teased, “I’m also afraid your eyes will heal soon.”

Puzzled, Ling Ling inquired, “What do you mean?”

Gu Fengchen explained, “Once your eyesight returns and you see how disfigured my face is, you’ll surely mock me mercilessly. So, I’m afraid too.” “What’s wrong with your face?” Ling Ling protested. “I would never mock you.”

Truthfully, Gu Fengchen’s appearance was grim. Though unburned in the tower’s collapse, the intense heat, suffocating steam, and billowing smoke had taken their toll. His eyebrows and hair were singed, his face mottled red and purple from flying sparks. Surviving was a miracle; his present state was understandably poor.

Unaware of his state, Ling Ling extended both hands to gently feel his face. Gu Fengchen stiffened, fearing movement might shake her from the tree. He caught her slender wrists. “Please, don’t move. Be careful.”

“They hurt you, didn’t they?” she persisted.

Knowing she’d relentlessly ask, he admitted, “Not beaten, no. Just received some special incense offering, nearly ascended to become a Buddha myself.”

Ling Ling sighed. “You truly risked your life for me.” “It’s what any honorable man would do,” Gu Fengchen asserted. “Besides, the matter I promised you remains unfinished; I cannot break my vow.” “Yes,” Ling Ling said. “I kept you here to discuss precisely that.”

Gu Fengchen reminded her, “Lady Xueyi summoned you for the fifteenth of the month. It’s already the third. The journey to West Lake is considerable, and with your eyesight impaired…” “It’s manageable,” Ling Ling interrupted. “Nalan already applied medicine to my eyes. If I just keep them closed for three days, they will heal completely.” “Then let’s rest three days,” proposed Gu Fengchen. “We’ll depart once your vision recovers.”

“Agreed,” Ling Ling said. “But what I wish to discuss isn’t this.” “What then?” he asked. Ling Ling explained, “My tracks are exposed now. The Four Great Clans will surely dispatch pursuers. Continuing to West Lake holds too many unknowns.”

Gu Fengchen considered this. “You’re right. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Therefore,” Ling Ling continued, “to deceive them, I must employ a stratagem.” Gu Fengchen responded readily, “Make your arrangements. I stand ready to assist.” “You would truly follow my orders?” she pressed.

Amused, he replied, “When have I ever disobeyed? From the moment we met, it’s been like the Monkey King jumping into Buddha’s palm. Escape is beyond me.”

A faint blush touched her bandaged face. “You understand. That makes all my trouble worthwhile.” She produced a pill. “Swallow this.”

Gu Fengchen jolted. “Shuntian Pill? Like what you forced the Mount Tai Sect’s leader to take?” Ling Ling tilted her chin defiantly. “Indeed! Do you dare?”

“What happens if I take it?” he asked. “Does it clear vision and ears? Dissolve phlegm and soothe coughs?”

Suppressing a laugh, Ling Ling retorted, “Certainly that. More—it’s a complete tonic, prolonging life.” Without hesitation, Gu Fengchen popped the pill into his mouth.

The capsule slid down his throat smoothly. Ling Ling gasped, “You… you actually ate it?”

“Isn’t that what you commanded?” Gu Fengchen grinned. “Regretting it?”

“What if it were truly a Shuntian Pill?” she whispered. “Do you fear the consequences?” “I know only this,” he replied steadily. “You would not harm me. Had you wished me harm, you could have drowned me back on the Fen River boat.”

Silence fell. A slow, wet trace inched its way under the white bandage over her eyes, carrying with it a faint medicinal scent.

Seeing she was weeping, Gu Fengchen urged frantically, “Don’t cry! Tears washing away the medicine won’t help your injury.”

Ling Ling ignored him, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, as if afraid of being overheard: “You trust me so completely… care for me so deeply… Even should my eyes fail… even should I die… this life would not have been in vain…”

Gu Fengchen was also stirred upon hearing her words. Though rough and straightforward, he understood Ling Ling’s feelings. Initially, he had thought it was merely a passing impulse on her part. How could a coarse fellow like him ever catch the fancy of someone like her! But now it seemed Ling Ling’s feelings weren’t fleeting; this affection had taken root and sprouted within her heart long ago, growing uncontrollable.

Regardless, a girl setting her heart on you was never a bad thing. Though Gu Fengchen had never had any intention of settling down, he couldn’t control others’ thoughts. Fortunately, Ling Ling hadn’t said anything too forward.

Fearing she might start crying again, Gu Fengchen changed the subject, “When can you get down from the tree? We aren’t monkeys; we can’t stay up here forever. There aren’t even any fruits here.”

Ling Ling’s tears turned to laughter. “Nalan said I shouldn’t set foot on the ground. Even if I did, I mustn’t touch the soil. I could ride a horse or be carried in a sedan chair. Hmph! Saying it like some mystical decree. I don’t believe it.”

Gu Fengchen quickly urged, “You should believe it. When you’re sick, you must listen to the doctor.” Ling Ling conceded, “Well then, I’ll ride a horse. Would you be so kind, Hero Gu, to fetch me a horse?” Gu Fengchen grunted an assent and jumped down from the tree.

He walked a few steps before suddenly feeling dizzy, as if he’d downed dozens of pounds of strong liquor. His feet felt unsteady beneath him. Since acquiring the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, he had been drugged unconscious twice before. This sensation now felt incredibly similar to those previous times.

Gu Fengchen immediately realized it was the pill he swallowed causing the trouble. That cunning girl must be up to some trick again. He spun around to look back up the tree, but the dense layers of branches and leaves blocked his view. Just as he thought to call out question, a thunderous roar erupted in his head, and he collapsed face-first into the grass.

Ling Ling puckered her little mouth and whistled. From outside the woods, several people came running — Nalan, Ren Hou, and other Gate Masters, leading horses with them. Xiang Feihua climbed the tree carefully, helped Ling Ling down, and settled her onto a horse’s back. The others lifted the unconscious Gu Fengchen onto another horse. Laughing and chatting, they rode out of the woods.

At the same time, Zhuge Ren and Nangong Yue, both mounted on horses, were galloping urgently towards Five Precepts Manor.

Nangong Yue frowned deeply, glancing back constantly. Zhuge Ren smiled, “Still worried about Brother Wan?” Nangong Yue replied, “Indeed. With his temperament, he’s unlikely to withdraw willingly. The enemy has many skilled fighters; surely he’ll suffer.”

Zhuge Ren said, “Is that how you see him? Then you’re mistaken.”

Nangong Yue responded with surprise, “Oh? Brother Zhuge, was my assessment of Wan not accurate?” Zhuge Ren chuckled, “Not only inaccurate, it’s completely off the mark.” Nangong Yue also laughed, “I always thought I was quite accurate judging people.”

Zhuge Ren stated, “Brother Nangong, I won’t deny you see people clearly. That isn’t just my opinion; it’s my father’s. Among our entire Four Great Clans, the Nangong family is indeed reputed to have the keenest eye for evaluating others…” Nangong Yue cut him off, “No need for pleasantries, Brother. Just speak of Brother Wan.”

Zhuge Ren continued, “Brother Wan’s stubbornness is well-known. To put it bluntly, there’s a feral nature deep within his bones.” Nangong Yue nodded, “That much is natural.” As they said this, both lowered their voices slightly. Zhuge Ren added, “But you mustn’t forget, Brother Wan once lived among wild beasts in the wilderness. According to the nun who took him in, he once spent months hidden in the deep, ancient forests. Surviving there solely on stubbornness and brute strength is impossible.”

Nangong Yue mused, “That… I hadn’t considered.”

Zhuge Ren explained, “My father once said that among the second generation of our peers, Brother Wan is the most inscrutable. His actions and considerations are vastly different from ordinary people. Therefore, whenever any difficult task arises, it can safely be entrusted to him, and he will never disappoint.”

Nangong Yue nodded, “Since even your honoured father says so, it seems I was overly concerned.”

Zhuge Ren added, “I heard from the old nun that Brother Wan once lay perfectly still for three days straight —without eating, sleeping, moving, or using any weapon— and successfully caught a wild fox. Therefore, the cleverness of his thoughts and the fearsome depth of his patience are utterly beyond our imagining.”

Nangong Yue drew a long breath, “So it seems, Brother Wan far surpasses us in many ways.” Zhuge Ren agreed, “Exactly. If not for his reclusive personality and unusual appearance, he should have been the leader of the second generation within our Four Great Clans.” Nangong Yue countered, “While true, I still believe you are the most suitable. In terms of age, experience, ability… it must be you.”

Zhuge Ren shook his head, replying with a bitter smile, “The burden is too heavy. When the Jianghu was peaceful, it wasn’t apparent. But now, with a great enemy at our doors, it shows this leader of yours has been somewhat impotent.” Nangong Yue disagreed, “You mustn’t say that. The Red Lotus Sect’s attack must have been years in the making. From when Xue Wuhen came to deliver the news, the Mount Tai Sect was annihilated, several factions under our Four Great Clans were massacred, even some Jianghu drifters suddenly grew distant. All of this is the work of the Red Lotus Sect. They intended to clip our wings first, then defeat us one by one.”

Zhuge Ren said, “If we could have captured that Leader Ling this time, the Red Lotus Sect would have crumbled. A pity we were thwarted at the final step. Their large-scale reinforcements arrived; it seems we underestimated those Gate Masters.”

Nangong Yue remarked, “I actually think this Leader Ling is too fond of taking risks. It doesn’t seem typical of a Cult Leader. With the strength of the Red Lotus Sect, many tasks wouldn’t require the Cult Leader’s personal involvement.”

Zhuge Ren started, “Indeed! That gives me another thought: Is this girl claiming to be Leader Ling actually an imposter? Was she deployed to capture all our attention? Meanwhile, the real Cult Leader of the Red Lotus Sect, perhaps accompanied by their capable followers, might be engaged in some other major, unseen scheme elsewhere.”

Nangong Yue’s expression also turned grave, “Well said, Brother. This matter may truly be as you suspect. We must be vigilant.”

The two galloped on, talking as they rode. Suddenly, several fast horses approached from the opposite direction. The riders lashed their mounts urgently and reached them in moments. Seeing Zhuge Ren and the others, they yanked hard on their reins; the horses reared up with a long whinny. The riders swiftly dismounted, movements nimble and efficient.

Zhuge Ren saw each wore a headscarf of one of the four colours, marking them as messengers of the Four Great Clans. His heart sank. Has what I just spoken come to pass? Has the real Red Lotus Cult Leader orchestrated an earth-shattering event?

The lead rider knelt on one knee, extending a sealed letter with both hands. “Young Master, an urgent dispatch, eight-hundred-mile relay.”

Zhuge Ren hastily took the letter and tore it open. Attendants behind him raised torches. Zhuge Ren held the letter near Nangong Yue so they could both read it.

The letter contained only a few sparse lines, yet both men frowned severely after reading it. Nangong Yue exclaimed, “Can this truly be happening?” Zhuge Ren replied, “It doesn’t seem likely to be false.” Nangong Yue said, “If we know of it, the Red Lotus Sect surely knows too.” Zhuge Ren concurred, “Indeed. This matter is of utmost gravity. I cannot decide alone; I must inform my father and the other Elders.”

Nangong Yue countered, “If we wait for the respected elders to confer and send orders back, days will pass. If this news proves true, wouldn’t such delay result in disaster?” Zhuge Ren decided, “No matter. We will send the notification, but also hasten towards that location. Should anything happen, we can adapt accordingly – far better than passively waiting here.” Nangong Yue nodded. Zhuge Ren resealed the letter and handed it to the messenger, instructing him to proceed immediately to Five Precepts Manor. There, it was to be sent by carrier pigeon to his father at Jianxian Manor (Hall of Meeting the Virtuous).

Once the orders were given, the two did not return to Five Precepts Manor. Instead, they spurred their horses eastward.

—

Returning to Gu Fengchen: After swallowing the pill, he soon drifted into a heavy, dazed sleep. In his dream, he felt his body lift off and fly, floating and drifting wherever it wished. Below his feet spread vibrant landscapes rich with flowers and willows. Just as he was admiring the view, a towering, majestic mountain loomed ahead. Set into the mountain was a grand, magnificent temple whose aura felt intensely familiar. Gu Fengchen suddenly recognized it — it was the Shaolin Temple! A wave of immense joy surged through him. Eagerly, he tried to descend, but he couldn’t control his flight at all. He could only watch helplessly as Shaolin Temple passed beneath his feet. He strained to cry out, but no sound escaped his lips.

Suddenly, a thunderclap startled Gu Fengchen to the ground. He found himself in the middle of a strange town’s bustling street. There were many people, all kinds of men and women, creating a lively scene. But strangely, everyone stood completely still, like wooden puppets and clay statues. Gu Fengchen walked among them as if amidst a bunch of dolls, his heart filled with terror. He couldn’t help but wonder if even he was real.

No one moved, only sounds persisted. Gu Fengchen stopped to look closely and noticed several bizarre sights:

A noble old man in a tall hat and broad sash was fanning flames at a pancake stall. A richly adorned noblewoman sat in a broken-down donkey cart. Someone in a golden crown and dragon robes was begging by the roadside. An eight-man sedan chair carried a disheveled, barefoot idiot. And in the wine house, pigs and dogs were gambling and shouting…

All these scenes defied reason. Yet, upon careful thought, they seemed to carry a hidden meaning.

As he stared greedily at these marvels, a furious shout suddenly erupted: “Sinful disciple! See what you’ve done! This time I shall not spare you…”

In the distance, an enraged old monk charged towards him—it was Guang Xing. Startled, Gu Fengchen stumbled backward, crashing into someone. That person whirled around—it was Ying Lian. Overjoyed, Gu Fengchen cried, “Sister, is it you…” Ying Lian didn’t answer. Instead, she bared her teeth, stained with fresh blood, and sank them into Gu Fengchen’s throat.

Gu Fengchen screamed and sat bolt upright. With a loud thud, his head smacked against a wooden plank, forcing him back down. Rubbing the sore spot on his skull, he realized he hadn’t been circulating his internal energy. He looked around: sheer darkness. Feeling with his hands, he touched wooden boards enclosing him everywhere. The scent of fresh timber filled his nostrils.

Confused, he pushed upward urgently. The plank above him groaned and gaped open a crack. Gu Fengchen pushed harder still. Crash! The plank fell to the ground with a resounding bang. Sunlight streamed in, revealing that he was lying inside a coffin.

How interesting. He wasn’t dead, yet he’d already ended up in a coffin.

A bitter laugh escaped Gu Fengchen. He guessed this was undoubtedly Ling Ling’s doing. She’d said his tracks were uncovered and that a plan was needed—apparently, this scheme involved feigning death. No doubt, another coffin lay nearby, surely holding Ling Ling herself.

He glanced to the side. To his surprise, there was nothing. Just then, a rumbling came from beneath him. Oh, the coffin was placed inside a moving carriage. Gu Fengchen understood: Ling Ling’s coffin must be in a different carriage.

Thinking of this, he felt a surge of resentment. Lying in a coffin wasn’t the worst thing; he wouldn’t have minded much. But why swallow that pill? Clearly, to knock him out for this charade. Yet she hadn’t warned him beforehand! Treating him like he was clay, to be molded at her whim—the audacity!

Fuming, he climbed out of the coffin and flung back the carriage curtain. Outside, the driver sat with his back turned, utterly focused on steering the horses, completely unaware that Gu Fengchen had climbed out of the coffin.

Gu Fengchen looked ahead and behind. He was shocked. The entire road contained only this one carriage he was in. No other vehicles, not a single other soul in sight.

Ling Ling wasn’t accompanying him. So where was he being taken? Looking up at the sun, he slowly oriented himself: they were heading west. Another jolt of surprise struck him. West Lake was northeast. Why was he being hauled west—toward Mount Huang?!

Utterly baffled, yet with only this driver present to question, Gu Fengchen had no choice. He called out, “Hey, driver there…” He called three times. The driver gave no reaction, merely whipping the horses. Angered, Gu Fengchen leaped onto the shaft behind the driver. Seizing the man, he lifted him effortlessly—the driver, weighing about a hundred catties, felt like lifting light ashes in Gu Fengchen’s grasp.

The driver, startled, turned and got another shock. Gu Fengchen demanded, “Who are you? Where are you taking me?” The driver pointed to his own ear and made a gesture indicating he had difficulty hearing, signaling Gu Fengchen to speak louder. Incensed, Gu Fengchen gathered his internal energy and bellowed. The driver flinched as if struck by lightning, finally hearing clearly. He pulled a letter from his tunic and handed it to Gu Fengchen.

Gu Fengchen opened it. The writing was sparse, but the characters were delicate and finely formed—clearly a woman’s hand. It read: Since meeting you, I have received much kindness. Our rendezvous at West Lake concerns the Red Lotus Sect, not your personal affairs. Please rest for the time being and do not question why. Travel expenses are placed inside the coffin; please accept them with a smile.

There was no signature, just a drawing of a single lotus flower.

Gu Fengchen needed no guess to know this was Ling Ling’s handwriting. The gist was that the promise at West Lake involved the Red Lotus Sect’s matters and had nothing to do with him, Gu Fengchen. Hence, she was sending him away to rest, even leaving travel money inside the coffin.

After reading, Gu Fengchen felt deeply perplexed. When they first left the mountain, Ling Ling had desperately urged him to accompany her. Now she was willingly sending him away? The shift was too drastic. Had some complication arisen?

Then he reconsidered. The Red Lotus Sect members were with her, including many capable masters and skilled individuals. Ling Ling was surely safe enough. As for the gathering at West Lake, it truly was an internal matter of the Red Lotus Sect. They didn’t want him following. If he insisted on going, it might well seem suspicious, as if he harbored ulterior motives. Better to let it go. Ling Ling’s letter didn’t say to wait for her at Mount Huang; the implication was he could go wherever he pleased.

He turned to inspect the coffin again. Sure enough, inside lay a small pouch. Opening it, he found gold and silver coins worth several hundred taels. Gu Fengchen pocketed it. Unwilling to ride in the coffin carriage any longer, he jumped down, instructing the driver to carry on. The driver, likely part of the Red Lotus Sect himself, asked no questions and simply drove away.

Gu Fengchen walked along the main road for a stretch until he came upon a market town bustling with activity. He had no idea how long he’d slept, but his stomach growled loudly. He entered the largest wine tavern he saw and called for wine and food.

When the waiter brought the dishes, Gu Fengchen inquired about the date and was astonished. He’d slept for two days! The potency of that pill was indeed formidable.

In recent days, besides traveling relentlessly, Gu Fengchen had been frantically rushing to rescue people, leaving him no moment of peace. Now, sitting down alone, utterly unburdened, it was the perfect time to enjoy a hearty drink. Recalling his memory, he had never been this flush before—several hundred taels of gold and silver hanging at his waist! By rights, he should have ordered exquisite delicacies, filling the table to experience true abandon. But thriftiness was ingrained in him. Even drinking, he was never demanding. He ordered only a few catties of braised beef and a large jug of sorghum wine, which felt extravagantly bold.

He downed large bowlfuls in high spirits. By now, it was noon, and more patrons gradually filled the tavern. This market lay at the vital crossroads of the north-south imperial route, attracting all sorts of travelers, many from the Jianghu (Martial World). Around Gu Fengcun sat two tables of bold Jianghu knights, weapons clearly visible by their sides.

Gu Fengchen naturally paid them no mind, yet he couldn’t block their loud conversation. Several were bragging expansively about their supposed heroic exploits. After listening to a few sentences, Gu Fengchen couldn’t suppress a silent chuckle. They talked of vanquishing numerous mighty bandits and formidable adversaries single-handedly at such-and-such a time and place, bandits bearing thunderous titles like “Fearless Across All Quarters,” “Golden Blade Hero,” or “Unrivaled Scholar”—all entirely unfamiliar to Gu Fengchen.

Drinking deeply from his bowl as he listened to their grandiose stories, Gu Fengchen treated it like theatrical background fare for his meal. The large jug of wine before him was already a quarter empty. Just as he was growing flushed and tipsy from the drink, the group at the table behind him suddenly changed their topic.

A lean, middle-aged man said, “Brother Li, have you heard the big news breaking in the Jianghu recently?” The man across from him, Brother Li, replied, “What could count as truly big news beyond the Red Lotus Sect’s reemergence in the Central Plains, Brother Zhao?”

Brother Zhao continued, “Months ago, the Red Lotus Sect’s supreme treasure, the Heaven-Defying Formula, suddenly surfaced. Did you catch wind of that?” Brother Li said, “Naturally. It was the Earthly King Qin Tangguan who spread the word. That old man seemed intent on setting himself alight. It drew all sorts from the Martial World trailing after him. I heard dozens of vicious battles ensued. Countless Jianghu folk died. Later, Qin Tangguan vanished abruptly. Some say it was all a ploy by the Red Lotus Sect itself, meant to pit the others against each other.”

A third person chimed in nearby: “Exactly! Calculating the timing, Qin Tangguan’s big noise coincided perfectly with the Red Lotus Sect entering the Pass. The Jianghu brethren got distracted chasing this illusory ‘Heaven-Defying Formula,’ while the Red Lotus Sect traversed the route completely unhindered, reaching Mount Huang smoothly.”

Gu Fengchen thought with a cold laugh: How could they know that the Heaven-Defying Formula was far from baseless? He had witnessed it himself and had personally mastered it.

The Li man asked, “Brother Zhao, is that the ‘important matter’ you mentioned?” The Zhao man continued, “No. Back then, those chasing Qin Tangguan weren’t just the famous Twin Shades of the Netherworld and the Jin Dao Wei family. Leader Guo Jiangfeng of the Long River Gang was also after him due to a private grudge; it wasn’t wholly for the Heaven-Defying Formula. But something major happened involving these very people.”

The Li man said, “I’d love to hear the details.”

Surnamed Zhao replied, “I didn’t see this myself but heard it from a friend of mine. This friend has a flaw – he loves to wager. One day last month, at a place called Seven Righteousness Slope on the border of Hubei and Henan, he made a bet. What was the wager? There’s a mass grave there. Claiming to be fearless, he bet he could spend a night in a decaying coffin with the remains inside. The stakes were ten jars of fine wine.”

The Li man said, “Brother Zhao, get to the important matter! What’s this bet and sleeping in coffins? That’s hardly significant.”

The Zhao man drained a bowl of wine and laughed heartily, “Brother Li, always so hasty! Patience, I’ll tell it clearly. That night, my friend went to the mass grave, pried open a coffin, and found a corpse decayed to bare bones inside. He climbed in. Yet, before the third watch, can you guess what happened?”

Another man, seemingly timid, chattered his teeth, “D-did the dead men’s souls return? D-did the bones rise on their own?”

The Zhao man shook his head, “No, nothing like that. The corpse stayed still, but people arrived outside the grave mound.”

The Li man said, “Leader Guo? The Long River Gang never crosses the Yellow River. Could it be the Twin Shades of the Netherworld?” The Zhao man replied, “Wrong. It wasn’t Leader Guo, nor the Twin Shades. It was a strange figure. My friend later said he looked from within the coffin and saw, by the moonlight, a person completely robed in black gauze from head to toe, revealing no features or form, like a specter.”

The timid man chattered his teeth again, “W-what was he doing alone there? W-was he a grave robber?” The Zhao man said, “A mass grave? Places paupers are buried! There’s no treasure to steal there, not even worth grave robbing! My friend was puzzled too. Just then, more arrived — two people, the Twin Shades of the Netherworld.”

The Li man chuckled, “The Twin Shades of the Netherworld on a mass grave, fitting enough.”

The Zhao man declared, “What happened next truly deserves the name ‘important matter’. When the Twin Shades saw that person, they barely dared to breathe! They stood with hands hanging, heads bowed low, like naughty children caught in the act. We all know the Twin Shades are notoriously unruly and arrogant! To see them kowtow, trembling and submissive — how many people in the world could command such fear!”

Intrigued, the Li man pressed, “What then? What did that person say?”

The Zhao man explained, “That’s where the strangeness lies. The newcomer didn’t utter a single word! He merely drew a piece of paper from his robe and handed it to the Twin Shades. They took it, read it over, then knelt together, kowtowing! They swore henceforth, for any matter, upon his command, they would go through water and fire without the slightest hesitation. The first arrival just waved his hand dismissively, beckoning them to leave. My friend said the Twin Shades backed away sixty paces before finally turning around!”

The Li man smacked his lips, “Making the Twin Shades so obedient? I truly can’t imagine who it could be.” The Zhao man said, “If that was the end, it wouldn’t necessarily be astonishing. What followed was even stranger. My friend thought, ‘The Twin Shades have left; this mysterious soul should move on too.’ But the figure didn’t move! He remained standing quietly in place. Moments later, who shows up? It was Leader Guo Jiangfeng himself!”

The timid man, though fearful, was sharp-minded, suddenly interrupting, “How could your friend be certain it was the Twin Shades of the Netherworld and Leader Guo? Does he know them?”

The Zhao man clarified, “He didn’t know the Twin Shades personally, but they announced their names when speaking to the strange figure. Their appearance and demeanour are also so distinctive, it couldn’t be mistaken. As for Leader Guo, my friend had seen him before. Though it was dark, he recognized his voice.”

The Li man intervened, “Brother Fang, don’t digress. Tell us, Brother Zhao.”

The Zhao man resumed, “Leader Guo carried more presence than the Twin Shades. Upon arrival, he immediately demanded the stranger’s identity. ‘Who are you?’ he challenged. ‘Why did you toy with me today? Why summon me here at night?’ It seemed the stranger had already humiliated him earlier. Again, the stranger remained silent! Once more, he produced a letter and handed it over. Leader Guo took it nonchalantly, but after barely a couple of glances, his hands started trembling! After reading it, he actually clasped his fists and repeatedly bowed! He called himself ‘ashamed’. The rest of his words mirrored what the Twin Shades had pledged.”

The Li man concluded, “From start to finish, that strange character still didn’t utter a word.”

The Zhao man nodded, “Honestly, even now my friend thinks he was probably mute.”

The Li man sighed repeatedly, “Even a figure like Guo Jiangfeng bows to his feet? His origins must be truly unfathomable!” The Zhao man said, “Over that single night, over ten martial elites came! The scenario repeated itself each time! Doesn’t that qualify as a significant matter?”

The surnamed Fang said, “Could it have been… a major figure from the Red Lotus Sect?”

The Zhao man dismissed it, “Wrong. Most of the people who came were enemies of the Red Lotus Sect! If that stranger belonged to the Red Lotus Sect, those elites would have preferred death over making such pledges!”

The Li man suggested, “If not the Red Lotus Sect, perhaps someone from the Four Great Clans?”

The Zhao man laughed dryly, “Even less likely! Would the Four Great Clans employ such shadowy methods? Besides, some who came were already affiliated with the Four Great Clans!” The Fang man suddenly looked troubled and exclaimed, “Could it be?! Is a third power rising in the Jianghu?!”

The Zhao man slapped his thigh triumphantly, “There you have it, Brother Fang! Exactly what I thought first! Tell me now, if this doesn’t count as an important matter, what does?!”

The Fang man’s face paled. He murmured, “The Jianghu today… Shaolin and Wudang remain supreme, but they’ve long abstained from conflicts. Frankly, they are still recovering their strength. Beyond them are the Four Great Clans. Their influence recently has been unparalleled, challenging even Shaolin and Wudang. If simply comparing raw power… Shaolin and Wudang might struggle to rival them. These two competing orthodox forces maintain a fragile balance. Now a third power emerges? Unknown if righteous or malevolent… And on top of that, the Red Lotus Sect’s return… Hehe, the Jianghu is surely entering turbulent times.”

The Li man soothed, “Calm yourself, Brother Fang. It might not be exactly as Brother Zhao says. This ‘third power’ might not necessarily emerge even if many leaders were subdued. That stranger forcing their submission doesn’t automatically mean he intends to stir chaos in the Jianghu.”

The Zhao man interjected cheerfully, “Personally, I hope for someone to stir the pot! This peaceful Jianghu? Just eating and drinking every day gets dull! It takes upheaval and clashes of titans to be truly compelling! Mark my words, great spectacles await in the future Jianghu!”

After finishing this conversation, the men drifted towards trivial topics. Gu Fengchen ceased listening. He thought to himself: If events unfold as described, the Jianghu would soon become a storm center. It was best to slip away quickly anyway. Ling Ling no longer needs his aid. As for their future interaction… that remained unknown.

He didn’t dwell on romantic feelings of young couples. Though a tender protectiveness for Ling Ling had stirred within him, their time together was ultimately brief. It hadn’t deepened into an unforgettable bond. Moreover, his nature was straightforward and resilient, making such sentiments matter little to him.

Gu Fengchen finished eating and drinking, tossed down some scattered silver, and strode out of the market town.

Walking along the road, Gu Fengchen’s heart felt utterly empty. The Jianghu (Martial World) was vast, yet he felt he had nothing of significance he could do. Though he possessed divine martial skills, they seemed entirely useless. He wandered aimlessly wherever his steps took him, but his path consistently tended northward. In his heart, he still longed to return to his hometown, to see the farm tools he had forged, to touch the familiar smithy furnace.

He was walking forward when several fast horses approached on the official road ahead. The riders were clearly from the Martial World, dressed in tight-fitting, arrow-resistant tunics, weapons hanging at their waists, sweat pouring from their brows but still unwilling to stop. Gu Fengchen stepped aside to let them pass, giving it no particular thought. But after walking a bit further, another group of martial practitioners raced by.

This happened several times. Within half a day, he had encountered four or five groups, all heading east. It was clear something major was happening in the east. Could it be related to the Red Lotus Sect? Gu Fengchen mused inwardly. But the thought was fleeting and he dismissed it.

As he walked on, he saw another horse galloping towards him. A woman rode upon it, also dressed in Martial World attire. Gu Fengchen thought to himself: This woman is extraordinary. Traveling alone like this proves she’s far more capable than those earlier groups.

Just as he was thinking this, the horse drew near. The woman on horseback glanced at Gu Fengchen, and suddenly her expression changed dramatically. She tugged sharply on the silk reins. Her fast horse let out a long whinny and reared up. Perhaps exhausted from the gallop, she momentarily lost her balance on the intricately carved saddle and fell from the horse.

Gu Fengchen was startled. However, maintaining propriety between man and woman prevented him from stepping forward to help. He could only watch her with concern. The woman scrambled up, ran toward Gu Fengchen, threw herself on the ground, and knelt, crying out, “Hero Gu, I’ve finally found you…!” Joy overflowed in her voice.

This woman recognized him, but Gu Fengchen couldn’t recall where he had met her. He helped her up: “Younger sister, please, rise quickly. Who are you? Why seek this unworthy Gu?”

The woman said, “I am a subordinate of Hua Yuehen, City Lord of Broken Heart City…”

It suddenly dawned on Gu Fengchen. A month ago, he had rescued the women of Broken Heart City and become an honored guest there. Hua Yuehen had actually insisted on making him their City Lord. But Gu Fengchen, reflecting that he was a man and that becoming the Lord of a city of women would be fraught with inconveniences, had refused. Thinking about it now, though it wasn’t long ago, too many events had piled up in the interim, and he had actually forgotten about it.

Remembering this, Gu Fengchen was also pleased: “Ah, a sister from Broken Heart City! Then there’s even less need for such formalities. You must have important business seeking me out, sister.”

The woman said, “Hero Gu, you must save City Lord Hua quickly!”

Gu Fengchen was startled: “What happened to City Lord Hua? Did someone cause trouble at Broken Heart City again?”

The woman replied, “No one caused trouble at the city, ah… it’s a long story. Simply put, City Lord Hua and Broken Heart City are facing calamity. A few of us fought our way out in desperate straits, hoping only to find Hero Gu and beg for your help.” Gu Fengchen nodded. “Very well, let us walk and talk.”

There was only one horse before them. The woman said, “Hero Gu, ride my horse, hurry…” Before she could finish her sentence, the sound of hooves came from ahead again, as four or five martial practitioners on horseback came galloping towards them. Gu Fengchen smiled. “Now we have horses to ride.”

With that, he leapt into the air, landing right in front of the galloping group. The riders, caught up in their speed, suddenly saw a figure appear. Unable to rein in their horses in time, they were about to crash into him. They all hauled hard on their reins, shouting curses. But before the second curse could leave their lips, the figure vanished from before their eyes. Before they could regain their senses, each felt their neck snatched by an iron grip, and then their bodies soared through the air before thudding heavily onto the roadside one after another.

Gu Fengchen was now mounted on one horse, leading two others. He called out: “Let us go!”

The bewildered martial practitioners could only watch helplessly as one man, one woman, and four horses vanished in a cloud of dust. Recalling Gu Fengchen’s ghostly speed and terrifying skill, they dared not pursue and could only curse their wretched luck.

Riding swiftly northward, with Gu Fengchen using the two spare horses for changes, he started asking the woman about the origin of the events. She gave him a rough account.

After Gu Fengchen had left, Hua Yuehen and her fellow women deeply missed him, counting their fingers daily to track how long he was gone. When fifteen days passed with no sign of his return, Hua Yuehen dispatched someone to Mount Huang to investigate. Unbeknownst to her, by then, Gu Fengchen and Ling Ling had already descended Mount Huang and were heading towards West Lake. The scout could find no news of Gu Fengchen and returned to report.

Hearing this, Hua Yuehen felt constant distress. She concluded Gu Fengchen must have been killed by the Red Lotus Sect, or worse, captured and held prisoner. With nothing left to lose, she immediately gathered over ten top fighters from the city and set off in a flurry to Mount Huang to demand his release.

She was well aware that Broken Heart City’s strength paled in comparison to the Red Lotus Sect. The ten companions who set out with her were prepared to bury their bones on Mount Huang. Thus, this group of women charged toward Mount Huang, a palpable aura of death surrounding them.

Just the day before yesterday, the women arrived at a place called Qingmiao Town. As night fell, they sought lodging. The town was small, boasting only one inn named the Golden Horse Inn. Hua Yuehen and her entourage settled in there. However, during the later watches of the night, a group of unknown, highly skilled individuals launched a surprise attack on the inn. They captured Hua Yuehen and several others. Only three women managed to escape.

The three fugitive women split into three different routes, racing desperately towards Mount Huang, hoping to find Gu Fengchen and plead with him to rescue Hua Yuehen.

It was Heaven’s mercy that this particular woman chanced upon the right path and encountered Gu Fengchen. Had this opportunity been missed, Hua Yuehen and the others would have been without hope.

Gu Fengchen, after listening, felt the situation was riddled with peculiarities. He asked, “Did the opposing masterminds reveal their identities?” The woman replied, “No. It happened in the dark of night; they attacked immediately. No one knows precisely who they were.” Gu Fengchen pressed on, “Then, after capturing City Lord Hua and the others, what is their aim?”

The woman said, “When we three broke free from the encirclement, our pursuers didn’t give chase. They just shouted a few words, demanding that the entire populace of Broken Heart City submit to them; otherwise, they would execute the captured City Lord Hua and the other sisters. I reckon they deliberately allowed us three to escape and deliver the message, which is why they didn’t kill us.”

Gu Fengchen nodded. “Your reasoning makes sense. They demand the city’s submission. If they’ve captured City Lord Hua, they could simply force her to submit… Ah, but… yes. Given City Lord Hua’s iron will, she would certainly choose death over surrender. Therefore, the opposition uses her as leverage against the rest of Broken Heart City. If all the sisters submit, well then, City Lord Hua… naturally becomes expendable.”

The woman nodded vigorously. “Hero Gu’s supposition is spot on.”

Gu Fengchen asked, “Where is City Lord Hua being held?” The woman replied, “They’re still at the Golden Horse Inn.”

Immediately, the two spurred their horses into a gallop. Having fresh mounts to switch to, they made excellent time. They reached Qingmiao Town, the location of the Golden Horse Inn, just after midnight.

The night was deep and the town lay in utter stillness. Only occasionally, a dim, flickering windproof lantern hung at street corners or alleys, casting a faint, hazy yellow glow. Gu Fengchen surveyed the town. He saw worn-out shacks, narrow and dirty streets where skeletal stray dogs occasionally darted. An air of desolate poverty pervaded the entire place.

Gu Fengchen knew instantly that the appearance of Hua Yuehen and her entourage in such an impoverished backwater would have been highly conspicuous, drawing unwanted attention. Broken Heart City dominated Lake Chao, controlling the entire lake’s trade—water caltrops farming, fishing, and boat traffic. While not dripping wealth, their resources were substantial. Hua Yuehen was a seasoned traveller of the Martial World; only deep concern for safety could have led such a group to overlook such crucial caution.

The two arrived outside the Golden Horse Inn. Only one lantern glowed above its entrance, casting dim light upon the grease-stained sign whose original color was nearly indistinguishable. At first glance, it seemed an utterly ordinary inn. Yet who could have known it housed crouching tigers and hidden dragons? Even a master like Hua Yuehen had stumbled here and fallen prey.

Gu Fengchen tethered the four horses to the hitching post outside, exchanged a nod with the woman, and together they vaulted over the wall.

The woman led the way as they made straight for the stables. Gu Fengchen’s heart simmered with anger—imprisoning someone here was treating them like livestock!

No sooner had they entered the stables than an iron cage came into view. Roughly one person’s height and three to four feet long, it held a figure curled within—identifiable by clothing and hairstyle as Hua Yuehen. Yet her face remained obscured beneath a curtain of unkempt hair.

Overjoyed, the woman called softly, “City Lord, City Lord…” Hua Yuehen offered no response, no movement, seemingly unconscious.

Gu Fengchen noted each bar of the cage was as thick as a forearm—utterly unbreakable or unbendable. But a single side bore an enormous lock, still massive yet much slimmer than the bars. Striding forward, he seized one bar with his left hand and the lock with his right, channeled his full strength, and gave a violent tug.

Snap!

The thumb-thick bronze lock bar shattered in his grasp. With the lock broken, he heaved up that section of bars and slipped inside.

Hua Yuehen seemed to sense an intruder. She stirred slightly and groaned. Heartened, Gu Fengchen approached and whispered, “City Lord Hua, it’s Gu Fengchen…”

At his voice, she finally reacted. Slowly, she raised her head, peering at Gu Fengchen through her waterfall of hair.

“This place is unsafe,” he said. “I’ll carry you out…” Turning, he crouched to hoist her onto his back.

Yet in that instant, Hua Yuehen’s body slipped free like an eel. She rolled swiftly across the cage floor to the opposite bars, shoved them open, and tumbled out.

Now Gu Fengchen stood alone in the cage.

Clang! Clang!

Two thick iron rods slammed into place, securing the movable bars on both sides. He lunged against the cage, but the rods had already locked into fittings. Trapped within, he couldn’t open it from the inside—a cage clearly crafted by masters.

The entire structure had transformed into a mousetrap, and Gu Fengchen was the mouse, firmly caged.

Meanwhile, “Hua Yuehen” tore off the wig, shed the floral robes, and revealed his true face—a man, slender and slightly built. The woman who had accompanied Gu Fengchen stood nearby, smirking coldly. After securing the rods, she retreated several paces, wary even through the bars.

Suddenly the inn blazed with light. Thirty to forty people surged out, most hidden behind masks.

Facing this spectacle, Gu Fengchen felt strangely calm. Unmistakably, he was encircled just as Ling Ling was that day. But his plight was graver—caged beyond escape.

The first wave rushed forward: over a dozen burly men wielding fully drawn crossbows aimed squarely at Gu Fengchen. Any move would provoke a lethal volley. The cage’s confines left no room to dodge or evade. Survival under that deadly rain of bolts was impossible. Death awaited him.

Amid the torchlight, several masked figures pushed several women forward. Leading them was Hua Yuehen herself, all blindfolded and standing stiffly—likely paralyzed at their pressure points. Gu Fengchen frowned, uncertain of Hua Yuehen’s condition.

A man masked as a ghost stepped forward from the host and clasped his hands in mock courtesy. “Hero Gu, it has been too long.”

Gu Fengchen ignored the greeting, his gaze razor-sharp on the woman who had deceived him. She retreated step by step under his stare until she hid behind another’s back.

“No doubt inviting Hero Gu so rudely seemed indecorous,” Ghost-Faced Man continued. “But all know your Divine Kung Fu reigns supreme. Without such… precautions, we might’ve failed to request your audience.”

“No need for courtesies,” Gu Fengchen sneered. “Speak plainly.”

Ghost-Faced Man chuckled. “I knew Hero Gu was forthright—reputation holds true. So we illuminate the matter fully. We intend you no harm. Agree to one matter, and we release you instantly.”

“How do you know I’ll consent?”

“I know Hero Gu once championed Broken Heart City. For your sake, these women were prepared to storm Mount Huang and die beside you. Such devotion is… remarkable. Refuse this trifling matter, and your fair-faced confidantes will meet violent ends—their beauty reduced to a dream.”

“You threaten me!” Gu Fengchen hissed.

“Merely state facts,” Ghost-Faced Man countered. “Their fate rests on one word from Hero Gu.”

“I despise coercion above all else,” Gu Fengchen spat. “Suppose I comply, succeed—what guarantee exists you’ll free them? Or that you won’t abduct them again to force my hand another day?”

“Once is bad enough—it shouldn’t happen twice! Such acts won’t be repeated. We honor our word. Fulfill the task, and they go free.”

Gu Fengchen laughed harshly. “Empty promises from reddened lips and whitened teeth mean nothing.”

Ghost-Faced Man smiled coldly. “Indeed… mere words can’t be trusted. But perhaps this will suffice for Hero Gu…”

With a tilt of his head toward the man beside him, he gave a signal. Understanding his meaning, a man suddenly raised his sword and thrust it through the back of a Broken Heart City woman. The blade emerged from her chest. Letting out half a scream, she fell to the ground and immediately returned to the underworld.

Gu Fengchen hadn’t expected him to kill someone so readily. He roared in fury, “Stop!”

The Ghost-Faced Man laughed. “What’s this? Has Hero Gu had a change of heart?”

Gu Fengchen fumed, “Killing an unarmed woman—what sort of heroism is that?”

The Ghost-Faced Man sneered, “Who said I was a hero? To be honest, apart from you, Hero Gu, and these virtuous ladies of Broken Heart City, not a single one here is a hero. We are all vile, shameless, profit-seeking villains. Let’s not speak of heroes.”

Faced with someone who openly admitted their wickedness, Gu Fengchen momentarily found himself lost for words. The Ghost-Faced Man spoke coldly, “Let me ask Hero Gu one more time. Are you willing to do one thing for us?”

Gu Fengchen’s wrath seemed to bristle his hair, his chest heaving with a terrifying intensity. His iron teeth ground against each other with a grating sound. “If I refuse, you will continue killing. Isn’t that right?”

The Ghost-Faced Man nodded. “Naturally. But don’t worry, Hero Gu. Once all these people are dead, and you still refuse, I’ll be out of options.”

Gu Fengchen glanced at Hua Yuehen and the other women. Their faces showed not a trace of sorrow or fear, only serene calm. He understood their tragic histories—each had endured unspeakable suffering, losing all fear of death. Though their acupoints were sealed, rendering them mute and immobile, every face bore this same expression, aiming to ease Gu Fengchen’s mind and urge him not to let their fates sway his decision.

Seeing this, Gu Fengchen’s own heart settled. At that very moment, long-unheard sutra verses suddenly surfaced clearly in his mind—words he’d chanted daily at Shaolin Temple, now remarkably vivid.

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, when deeply practicing prajna paramita, saw that all five skandhas are empty, and thus overcame all suffering. Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness; emptiness does not differ from form. Form itself is emptiness; emptiness itself is form. So too are sensations, perceptions, volitions, and consciousness. Shariputra, all dharmas are empty of intrinsic characteristics: not born, not destroyed; not stained, not pure; not increasing, not decreasing. Therefore, in emptiness: no form, no sensation, perception, volition, or consciousness; no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind; no form, sound, smell, taste, touch, dhamma; no realm of sight… no realm of mind consciousness; no ignorance, no ending of ignorance… no aging and death, no ending of aging and death; no suffering, accumulation, cessation, or path; no wisdom, no attainment. With nothing to attain, bodhisattvas rely on prajna paramita, so their minds are unhindered. Without hindrance, there is no fear. Freed from all delusions, they ultimately reach Nirvana. All buddhas of past, present, and future rely on prajna paramita to attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Therefore, know that prajna paramita is the great spiritual mantra, the great luminous mantra, the unsurpassed mantra, the unequaled mantra. It truly extinguishes all suffering. Hence the prajna paramita mantra: Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha!

Amid these silent words echoing within him, Gu Fengchen suddenly grew calm. He gave the Ghost-Faced Man a faint, serene smile and said, “Go ahead. Kill them.”

The words hung in the air. Not only the Ghost-Faced Man but every person surrounding him seemed unable to trust their own ears. They stared at one another, dumbfounded. If masks hadn’t obscured them, the same stunned disbelief would have been written across every face.

No one could have imagined such words coming from Gu Fengchen’s mouth. Before planning this confrontation, they had thoroughly studied Gu Fengchen’s character. They knew of his one-palmed rescue of the orphaned child, his thousand-mile protective escort—a man of absolute loyalty and righteousness. They reasoned that the sight of the Broken Heart City women under threat, with blades at their throats, would compel him into submission. Should he hold out, they’d kill one or two women to unsettle him. He simply could not bear watching every one of them fall dead before his eyes.

But now, those six words—Go ahead. Kill them—rung in their ears like funeral bells. If Gu Fengchen truly refused, their meticulously laid plans crumbled to nothing. Killing him then would be utterly futile.

All eyes turned to the Ghost-Faced Man, clearly their leader. The Ghost-Faced Man seemed shaken, hesitant. “Hero Gu,” he countered, “do you truly wish to watch them die before you?”

Gu Fengchen sat cross-legged, eyes lowered. “Death is great liberation; life is great sorrow. If one can be freed from sorrow, death becomes life. Life comes from death, death comes from life. Life or death—what do they matter?”

The Ghost-Faced Man scoffed, “Well spoken. Yet you speak not for yourself. Are these innocent women destined to die? I doubt they hold your lofty view.”

Gu Fengchen replied calmly, “Life and death are decreed by heaven. Who escapes them? Only the timing differs—sooner or later. That they die before my eyes today, or decades hence in places unseen? What difference? Proceed. Only, after you kill them, kill me as well. For if you do not kill me, I will pursue you to the world’s ends seeking vengeance. Are my words understood?”

The Ghost-Faced Man appeared to ponder this, but the women, Hua Yuehen amongst them, shed silent tears that soaked their blindfolds. Though unable to speak, they understood clearly: Gu Fengchen had resolved to join them in death.

These women, their hearts shattered by faithless lovers, discarded after being deceived and ruined, had long abandoned worldly attachments. Deep within each lingered an ache, a desperate yearning to be respected by a true man—a zhanfu—by one who would never abandon them. As the saying goes: living together is easy, dying together is rare. Yet here Gu Fengchen chose to share their fate—yet not in a tawdry Romeo and Juliet sense of romantic suicide. The depth of his loyalty and righteousness defied mere words like bosom friend or soulmate.

Thwarted and furious, the Ghost-Faced Man snarled coldly, “Very well. Let’s see how long your resolve holds!” He raised two fingers. Immediately, another man complied, stepping forward and killing a second woman with a swift blade.

Gu Fengchen’s facial muscles twitched, but he didn’t lift his eyes. Instead, his lips moved silently, voicelessly tracing the sutra.

Now it was the Ghost-Faced Man’s turn for teeth grinding. Gu Fengchen’s actions were utterly unanticipated. Suddenly, he felt not like the manipulator of a puppet, but the very puppet being manipulated. Gu Fengchen’s closed eyes thrust him onto a blazing furnace.

Out of options, the Ghost-Faced Man saw that Gu Fengchen’s resolve was no bluff. He genuinely intended to die with the women—a catastrophic divergence from their plan. Yet they couldn’t release them. Stalemated and desperate, he could not summon the next command. His third finger remained half-raised, hesitating. The man waiting behind the third woman held his knife aloft, uncertain if it should fall.

At this critical juncture, a figure emerged from the crowd and approached the Ghost-Faced Man. Leaning close, he whispered something into his ear. The Ghost-Faced Man stiffened, then nodded vigorously. Though his face remained hidden, relief and renewed calculation radiated from him as a solution formed.

Sure enough, the Ghost-Faced Man lowered his threatening hand. Instead, he emitted a low, chilling chuckle. “Since Hero Gu prefers to join these women in death over aiding us,” he crooned, “you leave me no choice… it’s time for less conventional methods.”

Slowly, deliberately, he approached the third woman. Circling her once, he stopped directly in front of her, facing Gu Fengchen. A sinister smile touched his disguised lips. Suddenly, his hand shot out.

Riiip! Cloth tore violently as he ripped away a large section of the woman’s upper garment. Her snow-white shoulder and neck, and the crimson binding of her undergarment, were exposed.

Gu Fengchen instantly averted his gaze. “What are you doing?” he roared.

The Ghost-Faced Man chuckled darkly. “Don’t fret, Hero Gu. I won’t kill her… just cool her off.” Another vicious tug tore away the remaining shreds of her upper clothing save for the bindings and bandeau covering her chest.

Women of Broken Heart City—their hearts already broken by trust betrayed—considered their remaining virtue sacred, a treasure against the world’s vileness. To be thus exposed before gawking onlookers, subjected to eyes and tongues, was agony beyond mortal imagining – death seemed easier to bear.

Scoffs and crude laughter erupted around them. Leering faces appeared. Obscenities flew. Cruel comments sliced through the air.

Gu Fengchen bellowed, “You are not men! You are beasts—!”

The Ghost-Faced Man stopped him cold. Slowly, deliberately, he let his fingers brush the top edge of her bandeau binding her chest. He glanced over his shoulder at Gu Fengchen, a grotesquely amused gleam in his eyes beneath the mask. “Hero Gu,” he purred, “if you still refuse… what I do next? It will make the beasts themselves blush.”

The implication was crystal clear: If Gu Fengchen did not yield, the bandeau binding her breasts would be torn away. She would be utterly exposed before these jeering monsters. The woman… would suffer torment beyond description.

Gu Fengchen dared not complete the thought.

The Ghost-Faced Man began the final countdown. “I’ll count to three…” he declared, his fingers hovering like talons over the remaining scrap of dignity covering her. “One…”

Silence.

“Two…”

“Wait!” Gu Fengchen’s cry tore from his throat.

The Ghost-Faced Man smiled and asked, “Does Hero Gu have something to say?” Gu Fengchen was beside himself with rage. He might not care about this woman’s life, but chastity was different from other things. At such a moment, what women believed most was that life and death were minor matters compared to the preservation of their virtue. Especially the women of Broken Heart City, who no longer feared life or death, yet regarded their once-lost chastity as paramount.

Gu Fengchen was so furious he choked, unable to speak for a moment.

The Ghost-Faced Man continued, “If Hero Gu is still hesitating, I’ll change my approach. I might strip these women naked and throw them onto the busiest city streets at dawn. Or perhaps sever the tendons in their limbs, blind them, cripple their martial arts, and sell them as mutilated human ‘pigs’ to brothels. Which method do you think is preferable?”

A shiver ran down Gu Fengchen’s spine as he listened. He knew this man was absolutely not joking. He could kill two women without blinking, let alone employ such sinister methods.

Hearing the Ghost-Faced Man’s triumphant laughter, Gu Fengchen knew he had no choice but to agree. He let out a cold laugh. “Fine. You’re ruthless. I consent.” The Ghost-Faced Man clapped his hands and roared with laughter, waving to his men. Several burly men dragged Hua Yuehen and the other women away.

Facing Gu Fengchen, the Ghost-Faced Man remarked, “Had Hero Gu agreed earlier, those two ladies wouldn’t have needed to stain the ground with their blood.”

Gu Fengchen glared at him coldly, veins bulging on his forehead. “You talk too much.”

The Ghost-Faced Man nodded. “Then let’s speak plainly. We want something we cannot obtain. We seek Hero Gu’s assistance to seize it for us.” Gu Fengchen asked, “What do you want? Where is it?” The Ghost-Faced Man replied, “It’s called the Earth Evasion Armor. It is currently at West Lake.”

At these words, Gu Fengchen was visibly startled. He questioned, “How do you know the Earth Evasion Armor is at West Lake?”

From what he knew, Lady Xueyi had told Ling Ling at Mount Huang that if Ling Ling wished to retrieve the Red Lotus Sect’s treasure, she should come to West Lake on the fifteenth of this month. At that time, the mountain peak was filled with important Red Lotus Sect members; such news absolutely should not have leaked out. How did these men before him learn of it?

Hearing his question, the Ghost-Faced Man chuckled. “How do I know it’s at West Lake? Hero Gu, that’s a rather foolish question! Right now, anyone remotely connected to the martial world knows the Earth Evasion Armor is at West Lake.”

Gu Fengchen was shocked. “What do you mean?”

The Ghost-Faced Man sounded puzzled. “Does Hero Gu truly not know?”

Gu Fengchen’s face darkened. “Do I look like I’m in the mood to joke with you?”

The Ghost-Faced Man thought this reasonable. “On the third of this month, identical notices were plastered across the Central Plains Jianghu (Martival World). They all stated the same thing: On the fifteenth of this month, the Earth Evasion Armor will appear at West Lake. This notice declares that a ‘Treasure Hunt Heroes’ Meeting’ will be hosted at that time. Whoever emerges victorious will claim the treasure. How could Hero Gu remain unaware of such a monumental event?”

Gu Fengchen was stunned. It seemed Lady Xueyi herself must have leaked the news. She didn’t intend for the Red Lotus Sect to easily retrieve the armor. Instead, she chose to make a huge spectacle of it, ensuring everyone in the world knew. In that scenario, for the Red Lotus Sect to overcome all the heroes of the world with the strength of their sect alone would be an immensely difficult task.

He also realized the true reason Ling Ling hadn’t wanted him to accompany her. She must have already received the news. She understood that a fierce battle would erupt at West Lake then. Although Gu Fengchen possessed profound internal energy, he was, after all, not a member of the Red Lotus Sect. She wouldn’t let him follow her into such peril.

Ling Ling had done this thinking of Gu Fengchen’s safety.

Thinking of the Red Lotus Sect sparked another doubt in his mind. He inquired, “The Earth Evasion Armor is a treasured artifact of the Red Lotus Sect. I suspect you are not members of that sect. Why claim what belongs to others?”

The Ghost-Faced Man snorted coldly. “The Earth Evasion Armor wasn’t created by someone from the Red Lotus Sect. They seized it from others. What they seized from others can, in turn, be seized from them. Objects have no innate owner; they belong to whoever is strong enough to take them.”

Gu Fengchen stated, “No wonder I encountered several groups of men on my way here. They must all be heading to snatch that treasure.” The Ghost-Faced Man nodded. “Today is the twelfth. In two more days, it will be the date of the Treasure Hunt Heroes’ Meeting. Time is short, Hero Gu. You must decide quickly.”

Gu Fengchen said, “The Heroes’ Meeting will be filled with formidable masters. What if I fail to seize the treasure?” The Ghost-Faced Man smiled. “That would mean Hero Gu broke his promise. You know what that entails. We could only pity City Lord Hua and the others for their cruel fate. Brothels across the land might then feature them as their star attractions.”

The reality was crystal clear. If he couldn’t seize the artifact, the fates awaiting Hua Yuehen and the others would be ten thousand times worse than death. Although Gu Fengchen could comprehend the impermanence of life and death, he could not remain detached from the suffering of mortals. The only option before him was to accept this near-impossible task.

Thus, Gu Fengchen finally nodded. “Alright. All I can do is try my utmost. But if I perish while striving, even after giving my all, will you release them?” The Ghost-Faced Man sneered. “Hero Gu seeks to trade his death for the lives of City Lord Hua and the others? Under the current circumstances, you have no right to make demands. I care only for the artifact. If the artifact doesn’t arrive, it counts as a breach of promise.”

A chill surged from the depths of Gu Fengchen’s heart. The opponent was utterly ruthless, completely unconcerned with his life or death. It seemed the sole method to save Hua Yuehen and the others was to successfully seize the Earth Evasion Armor.

His piece said, the Ghost-Faced Man waved a hand behind him. His followers gradually dispersed.

Gu Fengchen stared coldly at the Ghost-Faced Man. “Sir, hiding face and name – you are no true hero! I have agreed to your terms now, but remember this: If Gu Fengchen returns alive, I will not spare you.” The Ghost-Faced Man laughed. “I fear this very tactic, hence my concealment. If Hero Gu’s gaze is as sharp as flame, capable of piercing this mask to reveal me, then it is simply fate.”

With a final laugh, he turned to leave but remembered something. Looking back, he said, “Once Hero Gu obtains the item, it’s best to deliver it to this place before the twentieth of this month. Play no tricks. We will have our people there at the Heroes’ Gathering too. Furthermore, do not speak a word of today’s events to anyone. If Hero Gu utters even one syllable, consider the promise broken. As for the consequence… I trust you know.”

Gu Gu Fengchen watched him walk away, clenching his teeth in a cold smile.

Once the Ghost-Faced Man left, the remaining dozen or so men armed with crossbows also retreated slowly until none remained. The empty stable contained only Gu Fengchen locked within the iron cage.

Gu Fengchen was puzzled. Why was he not being released after agreeing? Then it dawned on him: they feared he would seize one of their men once freed to exchange for Hua Yuehen. Thus, they moved Hua Yuehen and the others away first, then withdrew gradually. As for the cage, they would naturally send someone to open it—but only once they had gotten safely far away.

Realizing this, Gu Fengchen simply lay down inside the cage, using his arm as a pillow. He fell sound asleep almost instantly, utterly exhausted from his long journey.

For almost two hours, he had slept soundly when suddenly the sound of footsteps reached him. Since mastering the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, Gu Fengchen’s hearing had become exceptionally sharp. He had heard the steps long before, and could tell the person lacked any martial skills; their tread was sluggish and dragging. When the newcomer stopped outside the cage, he snapped his eyes open suddenly, startling the person into stumbling back a few steps.

The visitor held a lantern and appeared to be an innkeeper. Trembling from head to toe, he stammered, “G-good man… n-no need for anger… I-I’m not one of them…”

Gu Fengchen roared, “Then what are you doing here?”

The innkeeper replied, “T-they ordered me… a half hour after they left… to come and free you…”

Gu Fengchen demanded, “Then get on with it! This iron cage is as small as a chicken coop, it’d suffocate a man.”

The innkeeper hurriedly agreed, fumbled open the latches on both sides, and pulled out the iron bar. Gu Fengchen pushed the bars aside, crawled out, grabbed the innkeeper by the collar, and hoisted him into the air. He bellowed, “You aided the wicked, you truly deserve to die! Do you understand that?”

Terrified nearly wetting his pants, the innkeeper wept, “Spare me, good man! I’m just an innkeeper! Those lords were as fierce as demons! How could I dare disobey…?”

Gu Fengchen asked, “Then tell me, where did they make their camp?” The innkeeper’s head shook like a leaf in a gale. “I don’t know! They didn’t tell me…” Gu Fengchen had only asked casually. He knew that the band of villains led by the Ghost-Faced Man were exceptionally cunning and brutal. If this innkeeper knew anything about them, he would have been silenced long ago.

Thinking this, he set the innkeeper down. “Fine, I won’t make things hard for you. Quickly prepare some dry rations and water for my journey. And get two horses ready.”

The innkeeper pointed toward the stables. “T-those lords already instructed it. There are two ‘thousand-li horses’ they brought, oh, at least that’s what they called them, I wouldn’t know for sure. And the supplies for the road… they’re already on the saddles.”

Gu Fengchen entered the stable and indeed saw two horses, exceptionally tall and spirited. Saddlebags and waterskins hung on their backs. Seeing this, Gu Fengchen nodded inwardly. This group led by the Ghost-Faced Man is indeed meticulous, he thought. They had everything prepared for me well in advance. In other words, they had calculated long ago that I was sure to fall into their trap and sure to agree to their terms.

Such formidable people. Where did they come from? The way they operate is certainly not the style of the Four Great Clans. Suddenly, Gu Fengchen recalled the conversation he had overheard from those bravos while drinking in the marketplace. He couldn’t help but wonder, Could this lot be the “third faction” they described?

There was no time for more thought now. He had to get moving. Gu Fengchen leaped onto one horse, grabbed the reins of the other, ordered the innkeeper to open the main gate, and then raced like the wind onto the main highway.

He calculated the distance. It was nearly six hundred li from here to Hangzhou’s West Lake. He needed to arrive within two days. That meant covering three hundred li per day — a true long march. Without good horses, he would never make it in time.

But once they hit the open road, Gu Fengchen felt relieved. The two horses didn’t seem incredibly fast, but they ran with remarkable steadiness. This indicated they weren’t pushing their limits. This kind of travel didn’t need sprinters; it needed endurance runners. It seemed the Ghost-Faced Man and his group indeed understood horses.

Slightly reassured, Gu Fengchen knew he wouldn’t miss the deadline. He would definitely reach the West Lake on the fifteenth. Riding onward, the cool wind whipped against his face. He looked up at the sky. The moon was hidden, the stars obscured; no light was visible, as unpredictable as the path ahead. It was already June, with lush trees and grass bursting with life. Yet Gu Fengchen’s heart remained covered in a layer of ash. Thinking back on the twists and turns he had endured recently, it was truly one wave after another. Ever since that day he had inadvertently stepped into the Jianghu (Martial World), he had been continuously dragged along. Partly due to his own sense of righteousness, and partly… you could only say that man proposes but Heaven disposes — circumstances often force people into action. He truly didn’t know when there would be an end to it all.

Lost in these thoughts as he urged the horses onward, Gu Fengchen felt he had almost become like those herdsmen, spending his days in the saddle.

After a day of riding like this, they were nearing Hangzhou, with barely two hundred li left. The horses beneath him were indeed fine steeds, showing no signs of exhaustion. On the contrary, they seemed even more energetic.

It was now afternoon. They arrived at a place called Yu Bridge. A broad stream lay before them spanned by a stone bridge. The water looked deep and flowed swiftly. The only way across was that bridge. At its entrance, a crowd of forty or fifty people was gathered, all shouting and making a commotion. It was unknown what was happening.

Gu Fengchen rode his horse closer. The narrow bridgehead was already packed with jostling heads, and horses bumping against each other. He couldn’t push through. He thought, Has the bridge collapsed? If so, things just got much more troublesome.

Listening more carefully, though, it seemed not like that. Someone on the bridgehead was shouting loudly, and there were sounds of fists and feet meeting — like a fight. Gu Fengchen stood up on his saddle, planting his feet firmly in the stirrups, and looked.

His guess was correct. The stone bridge was intact. Currently, two men were fighting midway across the span. Just as Gu Fengchen stood up to get a better view, he saw one of them punched into the air with a loud splash, landing in the stream below. In an instant, the current swept him away. Fortunately, the man seemed a capable swimmer; struggling, he surfaced and wouldn’t drown, though he was surely going to be swept far downstream before he could stop himself.

With the defeat of this man, only one remained standing on the bridge. Gu Fengchen saw that this man appeared to be a destitute scholar: a worn, square-shaped scholar’s cap on his head, dressed in a grimy long robe, shoes so worn on his feet they showed his toes.

Just moments ago, this scholar had somehow — Gu Fengchen hadn’t seen how — kicked his opponent into the stream. Now, he remained silent, sitting cross-legged in the very center of the bridge, his eyes fixed on the rushing water, ignoring the crowd entirely.

Gu Fengchen understood. This scholar was blocking the bridge, preventing anyone else from passing. He also looked at the crowd on his side — mostly Jianghu people sporting swords and knives — their purpose, he guessed, was mostly also the West Lake. Who exactly this scholar was remained a mystery, but his purpose was clear: he was standing guard for his companions, wanting to keep too many people from heading to the West Lake to muddy the waters there.

He looked around. Other than this bridge, there was no way forward. It seemed the only way across was to topple this scholar.

Just as this thought formed, a fat monk charged forward, wielding an iron staff. The scholar waited until the monk’s iron staff was about to smash onto his head before his body seemed to slide horizontally three feet to the side, evading the blow. The thick iron staff slammed onto the stone bridge deck, striking sparks and chipping a dent in a blue flagstone.

Gu Fengchen noted the scholar’s strange movement technique — feet not moving, arms not swaying — it was as though he was pulled sideways by an invisible rope. Observing the fat monk, Gu Fengchen saw that although strong and wielding a heavy weapon, he was far from having mastery over it; controlling its force was beyond him. He was definitely no match for the scholar. Losing interest in watching, Gu Fengchen simply waited for the moment the scholar inevitably sent the monk plunging into the stream so he could step forward and take his turn.

Right at that moment came a clattering thud — another rider was approaching. Gu Fengchen, concentrating on the bridge, paid no heed to the newcomer. Unexpectedly, when the newcomer’s horse pulled up beside his own, someone suddenly exclaimed, “Eh?” and cried out, “‘Big Hero in the Net’! How come it’s you?”

Before Gu Fengchen even looked to see who had arrived, he heard a jingling sound. He instantly thought of the shoeless girl he’d met on the road to Huang Mountain. He looked down; it was indeed Qing’er.

He lowered himself back into the saddle and smiled. “So it’s you.”

Qing’er pouted her little lip. “Tell me, why did you run off last time on the road?” Gu Fengchen replied, “The trip to Mount Huang was my private affair. I dared not trouble you.” Qing’er retorted, “I’d hoped to go see the sights of Huang Mountain with you! Instead, you threw me off. I reckon someone else must have been keeping you company on that scenic tour.”

Gu Fengchen’s thoughts flew instantly to Ling Ling. At first, a sweet warmth suffused his heart, but it was immediately followed by a pang of sorrow. The Earth Evasion Armor is something Ling Ling vowed to recover, he thought grimly. Reaching the West Lake now means facing her. But if I don’t oppose her, people like Hua Yuehen will suffer… What in the world should I do?

Lost in these troubled thoughts, his face darkened, brows knitting tightly. Qing’er stared at him. “Hey, slow-wit! What are you thinking about?” Not wanting to be candid with her, Gu Fengchen forced a smile. “Nothing really. I was just thinking… how to get across this bridge.”

Qing’er tilted her head, glaring fiercely at him: “So, where are you off to this time?”

Gu Fengchen was startled: “Are you still planning to follow?” Qing’er pursed her lips: “Even if you think yourself a prized piece of meat, not everyone in this world is a ravenous wolf! Why on earth would I want to follow you!” Gu Fengchen breathed a sigh of relief: “True enough. Gu is no prized meat, just a stinking sack of flesh.”

Qing’er burst out laughing, “Then why are so many people jammed together here?” Gu Fengchen replied, “Because there’s a man lying across the bridge, blocking passage.” Qing’er gasped, “Could it be he’s charging a toll to cross?”

Gu Fengchen chuckled, “Probably so. Earlier, someone refused to pay and was tossed off the bridge into the water.”

Just as he spoke these words, a roar came from the bridge, followed by a loud splash. The hefty monk was also hurled down. His immense weight caused a huge spray of water to shoot high into the air.

Gu Fengchen remarked, “See? Another one unwilling to pay.”

Qing’er stuck out her tongue, “How ruthless! He must be desperately poor. Let me give him some silver.”

Gu Fengchen had no time to waste, “Giving silver won’t help. I’d better try to reason with him.”

Their conversation had already caught the attention of others ahead, who turned around, expressions of disdain on their faces. One man sneered coldly, “Judging by your words, you must be quite confident. Go on then, please…” As he spoke, the crowd parted their horses to make a path. Gu Fengchen and Qing’er urged their mounts forward, approaching the bridge edge.

After throwing the monk into the stream, the scholar resumed his cross-legged meditation, utterly ignoring the group. Gu Fengchen asked a man positioned at the front, “This gentleman, what does that scholar aim to do?”

Having been there awhile, the man understood the situation. Hearing Gu Fengchen’s question, he explained, “That scholar appeared on the bridge early this morning. He says nothing. But the moment anyone tries to cross, he springs up, grabs them, and throws them off the bridge! Doesn’t matter if you know martial arts, are rushing home for a dying parent or wife – no one gets across! Heaven knows what madness afflicts him!”

Gu Fengchen asked, “If he won’t let people pass, then simply don’t cross. What’s the urgency?”

The man stared blankly for a second before asking, “Well? Are you crossing or not, Sir?” Gu Fengchen stated simply, “Naturally, I must cross.” The man waved dismissively, “Then go up there and fight him.”

Gu Fengchen inquired, “So, as long as one defeats him, one can pass? How many of you lot have gotten past?” The man answered, “Not a single one since I arrived. If you can beat this lunatic, all of us would owe you our thanks.” Gu Fengchen nodded, then lowered his voice, “How many fights has this scholar been through? What about his kung fu – did you recognize any specific school?”

The man frowned, “Forgive my shallow eyes, but through over a dozen bouts, his techniques were indecipherable. Men went up one by one and came off just as fast. His moves… they didn’t seem like standard martial arts at all. Frankly, I’ve never seen anything like them.”

Gu Fengchen was privately alarmed, but urgent matters pressed him. Even if the Heavenly King himself barred the way, he’d have to challenge it.

With that thought, Gu Fengchen dismounted and strode forward. He clasped his fist to the seated scholar, saying, “Greetings, Sir.”

The man behind him called out, “No use with pleasantries! He’s a mute. From start to finish, not a single word has passed his lips.”

Gu Fengchen smiled inwardly. This man was straightforward. His intent was clear: no words, only force. To cross the bridge, one must knock him down. Simple. Gu Fengchen found such opponents suited his style. Out of respect, he still announced: “Since you wish to engage, Sir, I cannot hold back. Have at you!”

With that, he threw a punch towards the scholar’s head.

This fist used Shaolin’s Luohan Quan (Arhat Fist). While this style was common throughout the Jianghu, known to many ordinary fighters, Gu Fengchen powered it with his internal energy and the Heaven-Defying Divine Art. His execution differed vastly from anyone else’s.

How was it different?

The difference lay in the complete absence of wind.

Shaolin’s Luohan Quan, as its name suggested, aimed to emulate the Arhats subduing demons and tigers. Each blow should be fierce and imposing, instilling terror. A notable feature was the sharp, intimidating fist wind, designed to shake an opponent’s courage. Practitioners gauged each other’s skill partly by the might of this wind. Yet Gu Fengchen’s punch now was utterly silent. Observers further away noticed nothing unusual, but the scholar’s expression tightened sharply.

As a supreme expert within the Jianghu, he instantly grasped the threat. He had glimpsed Gu Fengchen starting the punch from the corner of his eye. The lack of accompanying wind, however, caught him completely off guard.

No wind hissed, but the force beneath the fist surged like hidden, raging rapids, its power immense.

Truthfully, this move by Gu Fengchen drew inspiration from Zhou Cuo. That bone-shattering fist exchange proved incredibly enlightening for Gu Fengchen. It revealed that fist techniques could take entirely different paths, fundamentally diverging from conventional styles.

Zhou Cuo’s “‘Jiang Cuo Jiu Cuo’ Quan” (Going Along Wrong to Fight Wrong Fist Art) could divert force entirely. Gu Fengchen lacked this specific ability—not for lack of skill, but because the method differed. Concealing the fist wind, however, was achievable. Thus, as his internal energy surged, he subtly drew it back, dispersing the wind. He had reached the pinnacle where explosive power could be withheld at will—truly the state described as ‘The Dragon Hovers Before Swooping Down, Regrets Its Power’.

The scholar knew a formidable opponent had arrived. He didn’t dare underestimate. His body shot backward, avoiding the fist’s true force, then instantly sprang back up from the ground. He stepped forward twice, returning precisely to his starting position.

This retreat, this advance, this leap and return—all happened in the blink of an eye. To outsiders, it seemed ghostly, impossible for mortal strength.

Gu Fengchen’s heart also chilled. Since encountering Xue Wuhen, he’d discounted other Jianghu masters, believing none could rival Xue in speed. But this scholar’s movement seemed… even swifter than Xue Wuhen’s?

In truth, not precisely. Xue Wuhen’s lightness skill (or qinggong) remained truly peerless under heaven. This scholar’s movements were more about being astonishingly bizarre and unpredictable. It was this strangeness that created the illusion of superior speed.

Gu Fengchen had no time to think further. Having engaged, he couldn’t hold back; otherwise, he’d be thrown into the stream. So he shouted, “Watch out!” This time, he snapped a kick toward the opponent’s chest.

The scholar actually didn’t move at all, letting Gu Fengchen’s foot land squarely. Gu Fengchen was greatly surprised. Luckily, he hadn’t intended to injure, using only thirty percent force.

But upon contact with the scholar’s chest, Gu Fengchen sensed trouble. The other’s body faintly emitted a suction force, drawing away his energy. Immediately afterward, the scholar’s right arm abruptly flung out, directly smashing toward Gu Fengchen’s knee bend.

This attack was extremely odd—the right arm didn’t seem like the scholar intentionally struck but rather as if someone had thrown it. The scholar resembled a puppet, his limbs not under his control.

But the punch was solid and real. If not blocked or avoided, it might break his leg bone. Gu Fengchen hastily withdrew his leg, dodging back a step.

As he retreated, the scholar didn’t pursue, only fixed him with a cold stare, waiting for him to advance. Gu Fengchen couldn’t decipher the opponent’s martial techniques and grew cautious. He stepped forward and threw a punch; still, the scholar didn’t dodge, taking it fully on his stomach.

This time, Gu Fengchen used fifty percent strength, but the effect was identical. That suction force absorbed his power again. Then, the scholar’s left leg sprang out identically to before, whipping toward Gu Fengchen’s groin.

Luckily, Gu Fengchen had prepared in advance and dodged once more.

After unleashing three consecutive attacks, the scholar remained unchanging. Each time fists or feet landed, his body absorbed the force before retaliating with a kick or punch.

Gu Fengchen finally grasped that this technique was extraordinarily bizarre. The scholar transmitted external force through his own body, channeling it to his limbs to counter enemies—essentially, he beat the enemy with the enemy’s own power. With this method, he expended no energy; even fighting an entire year wouldn’t tire him.

Honestly, this skill far surpassed the Twin Shades of the Netherworld’s “Consuming Chicken Ribs” and “Borrowing Jingzhou” techniques. Those Twin Shades merely redirected force to others, requiring their own strength. Though it grew more potent with more people, they’d eventually exhaust themselves. Once worn out, they couldn’t borrow energy; damage weakened accordingly.

No one in the Central Plains Jianghu had witnessed such a technique before, for this scholar had never appeared there. Thus, even experienced Jianghu veterans didn’t recognize him.

Honing in on the core principle, Gu Fengchen’s ambition surged. He thought inwardly: You rebound your foe’s power because my force was insufficient. If I augment it, see if you still withstand it.

So he roared and drove a single punch straight to the center, delivering ninety percent of his strength. This time he didn’t hide his fist wind; it roared across the bridge like thunder, striking terror into hearts.

Those behind him blanched, utterly unexpecting such might. It seemed that punch could shatter even Mount Tai itself.

Again, he aimed for the scholar’s chest; Gu Fengchen’s consecutive strikes all landed there. That reflected his upright Buddhist approach—Shaolin fist techniques, honorable and straightforward, utterly unlike the scholar’s strangeness.

As the punch approached, the scholar remained serene, unchanged, letting the mountain-shattering fist strike his heart.

Once contact hit, unease touched Gu Fengchen—he feared the blow’s backlash might kill the scholar. But the arrow had left the bow; retracting any force was impossible.

Thud. The fist struck flesh, internal energy erupting violently. Rip! Both front and back of the scholar’s robe split open. Yet the scholar stood uninjured—unscathed. Suddenly, both arms and legs lashed out: fists hammering Gu Fengchen’s ears, feet kicking toward his sides.

Instantly, Gu Fengchen understood: the scholar indeed couldn’t entirely absorb his blow. Instead, he’d diverted its force into four streams, allocating them to his limbs. Divided energy weakened—his full ninety percent split four ways left just twenty-percent per strike. Hence, the scholar could withstand it.

Fall back once more, Gu Fengchen raised a thumb and praised: “Indeed masterful skill! But what is the name of this technique of yours?”

Long immersed in Shaolin, he’d seen it as martial arts’ paramount source—”All skills stem from Shaolin.” But since entering the Jianghu, he encountered bizarre arts that diverged entirely. He realized how vast this Jianghu truly was—boundless wonders—its eccentrics rivaling generations of Shaolin masters.

The scholar stayed wordless, fixed on Gu Fengchen. Frowning, Gu Fengchen wondered inwardly: Could he be mute?

Just then, Qing’er stepped up. She grinned: “Admit defeat! Watching you, it was all ‘You punch, he punches back.’ Finally—you land one strike, but he returns two punches and two kicks! Isn’t that a loss?”

Gu Fengchen still saw no way to counter this technique. Using weapons? He had none, nor was he skilled in them. Hearing Qing’er question, he answered: “Indeed, this man’s martial arts are truly strange.”

Qing’er giggled: “Strange? Isn’t it just ‘Courtesy Demands Reciprocity’?”

Indifferent to everyone till now, not glancing once, the scholar suddenly looked up at those words. Frost-star eyes pierced her face.

Gu Fengchen asked: “Courtesy Demands Reciprocity?”

Qing’er replied: “His skill is called precisely ‘Courtesy Demands Reciprocity.’ As the saying goes: ‘Not returning a courtesy is rude!’ Am I right, Mr. Gui?”

Frost flashed abruptly in the scholar’s eyes.

Gu Fengchen inquired: “Mr. Gui? You know this scholar?”

Qing’er said: “Only his art. The ‘Mortal King’ among the Red Lotus Sect’s Three Talents—Gui Qulai—is this gentleman before us. My apologies for late recognition.”

Behind them, the crowd instantly stirred. Murmuring a few exchanged words after “Mortal King Gui Qulai” was spoken, they quickly turned their horses and retreated along the original path.

In an instant, the once bustling bridgehead turned deathly quiet, leaving only Gu Fengchen and two others.

Gu Fengchen had heard the name of the “Three Talents” within the Red Lotus Sect, but he had never crossed fists with them. He had twice fallen into the hands of the “Earthly King” Qin Tangguan. On both occasions, he had been captured before his Supreme Skill was perfected, so they had never fought. He only knew Qin Tangguan possessed extraordinary martial prowess and courage. The “Mortal King” before him now likely stood not one whit inferior to Qin Tangguan.

Hearing Qing’er call out his name, Gui Qulai frowned slightly. Since stepping into the Jianghu (Martial World), his unpredictable movements had made him infamous. The Red Lotus Sect itself was a shadowy faction, so while outsiders knew the name Gui Qulai, few had ever seen his face. He had engaged in combat exceedingly rarely. Thus, Jianghu warriors had no way of knowing exactly what skill had made him so renowned. After the Red Lotus Sect withdrew beyond the passes, he had never set foot in the Central Plains again. He found it highly surprising that this young girl had recognized his identity at a single glance.

Surprising as it was, he still blocked the path. His formidable reputation alone had already scared off a gang of Jianghu stalwarts. The man before him possessed substantial Internal Energy, yet still couldn’t best him. Adding a young girl wouldn’t make them much stronger. So Gui Qulai remained largely unconcerned.

With this thought, his previous demeanor returned.

Seeing Gui Qulai dismiss him so utterly, Gu Fengchen felt a surge of anger. His temperament hadn’t always been like this; he could withstand any injustice without a word. But the situation was different now. If he couldn’t cross this bridge, he would miss the Treasure Hunt Heroes’ Meeting. Failure to secure the treasure risked implicating Hua Yuehen and the other women. Facing death a myriad times over wouldn’t absolve him of that responsibility.

Cornered by circumstance, rage surged from Gu Fengchen’s heart. Veins bulged on his forehead. He prepared to fight for his life.

Seeing this, Qing’er knew he intended to fight to the death. She gently tugged his sleeve and whispered, “Not yet. Come over here.”

She pulled Gu Fengchen back to the bridgehead, away from Gui Qulai. Gui Qulai paid them no heed, remaining where he stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the stream flowing beneath the bridge.

Gu Fengchen didn’t understand her purpose. “Do we need to find a detour?” he asked.

Qing’er replied, “This is the only way. A detour would add two days.”

Gu Fengchen moved to step forward again. “Then don’t stop me. I will cross this bridge, even if it costs me my life.”

Qing’er still held him back. “Don’t rush. We’ll cross the bridge, but not by force!”

Gu Fengchen shook his head. “His martial arts are bizarre. Trickery likely won’t work either. Easy enough said, but ‘stratagem’ is easier said than done!”

Qing’er stared at him. “You insist on crossing… Is there a girl waiting for you on the other side? One you need to rescue?”

Gu Fengchen gave a bitter laugh. “Not a girl on the other side… but several just on this side…” He suddenly remembered the Ghost-Faced Man’s warning: not a word about that night could be spoken. He immediately clamped his mouth shut.

Qing’er frowned. “Explain properly.”

Gu Fengchen said, “I have no time for this. If I don’t reach West Lake by the 15th of this month, it spells utter demise.”

Qing’er started in surprise. “West Lake! Are you also seeking that Earth Evasion Armor?”

Gu Fengchen asked, “You know of this? Could it be our destinations are the same?”

Qing’er said, “I’m just going to watch the excitement. I’ve no skill for treasure hunting. This Treasure Hunt Heroes’ Meeting has shaken half the Jianghu. The number of experts vying for the treasure is incalculable. It’s bound to be incredibly lively. Seeing how the Jianghu has been so tranquil since the Red Lotus Sect withdrew beyond the passes, a spectacle this big? How could I miss it!”

Gu Fengchen said, “I have no certainty either, but I must go. If I can’t even cross this bridge before me, what hope is there for treasure hunting?”

Qing’er smiled. “I have a way.”

Gu Fengchen seemed to catch her meaning, his expression brightening. “Ah, yes! Your weapon! That net could certainly restrain this Master Gui.”

Qing’er shook her head. “His martial arts are too strange. I might know about him, but I can’t counter his skills. Besides, even if you could beat him, you’d likely be severely injured yourself. What strength would you have left for treasure hunting then? To cross the bridge, we need… less orthodox tactics.”

Gu Fengchen chuckled too. “Unorthodox tactics? Like collapsing the bridge? Then we fall into the stream ourselves?”

Qing’er’s large eyes darted around. Suddenly, she spotted several tall trees, many zhang high, growing behind them. A plan struck her fully formed, filling her with confidence. “Got it! Lean your ear down. You’re so tall, I can’t reach even on tiptoe.”

Gu Fengchen bent down, bringing his ear close to Qing’er’s mouth. Listening to her whispered instructions, he couldn’t help but snort a laugh himself. Softly, he said, “Not a bad idea. Who goes first? You or me?”

Qing’er thought for a moment. “You go first. I’m just going to watch the fun; this is your serious business.”

Gu Fengchen leapt onto the treetop, hooked a branch with his foot, and hung upside down. “Toss it up!” he called. With a flick of Qing’er’s hand, a flash of silver glinted as the net woven from threads of yearning flew upward. Gu Fengchen caught one end, tied it firmly to a branch, and called again, “Now pull!”

Qing’er gripped the net cable, poured strength into her arms, and pulled downwards while slowly stepping backwards. Since the cable was tied to the treetop, the entire tree was slowly bent into an arc. Fortunately, Qing’er’s strength was considerable; she pulled the tree until its crown nearly touched the ground. Gu Fengchen, hanging from it, almost grazed the earth himself.

Seeing the tree near its breaking point, Gu Fengchen yelled, “Enough! Let go!”

The moment Qing’er released her grip, the entire tree snapped upright with immense force, like a colossal slingshot hurling Gu Fengchen into the air. He didn’t need to exert any effort at all; propelled by the tree’s resilience, he shot forward like a great stone flung from a trebuchet.

His flight spanned much more than a few zhang; he almost cleared the entire stream. As his momentum waned, Gu Fengchen drew a deep breath, flipped his body, and mustered his Heaven-Defying Divine Art. He forcibly surged another two zhang forward through sheer force and gently landed.

The moment his feet touched solid ground, he was safely across the stream and on the opposite bank.

Gui Qulai initially had no idea what they were doing. By the time he understood, it was too late; Gu Fengchen had already landed. It had all transpired in the air. Even if Gui Qulai had wanted to intervene, he had no means to stop it.

Qing’er, witnessing the trick’s success, clapped her hands and laughed uproariously from the other side.

Gui Qulai would not permit Gu Fengchen to cross so unscathed. He bounded forward in pursuit. Following the prearranged plan, Gu Fengchen didn’t turn to fight. He simply sprinted away.

One pursued, the other fled; within moments, they were far from the bridge. Only then did Qing’er leap up a tree, retrieve her net, mount her horse, lead Gu Fengchen’s horse across the bridge, and set off after them.

Gui Qulai moved like the wind. Within a few bounds, he was barely three chi behind Gu Fengchen. Gu Fengchen deliberately let him close this gap. In terms of martial arts, Gu Fengchen was unafraid; even if he couldn’t win, he was confident he could fight to a standstill. Seeing Gui Qulai had caught up, he halted abruptly and assumed a fighting stance, ready to engage.

By then, Qing’er had also crossed the bridge, giggling uncontrollably. Gui Qulai glanced at Gu Fengchen, then turned back to look at Qing’er. He shook his head slowly and sighed.

Gu Fengchen said, “Sir Gui, there’s no need for regret. We dare not oppose you openly, so we resorted to trickery—it hardly counts as a genuine victory over you.”

Gui Qulai paid no mind. He slowly reached to his waist and drew out a slender, elongated copper chain, roughly eighteen feet long. At its end were two clasped hands, intricately cast in bronze, formed into a polite, cupped-hand salute.

Qing’er’s face paled. She hurriedly pulled the horses behind Gu Fengchen, knowing this weapon, shaped like a meteor hammer, was Gui Qulai’s signature armament. It bore the peculiar name “Are You Well Without Me?”—as if echoing the greeting exchanged by long-lost friends. While its name held charm, its purpose in combat was far from courteous. Almost no one in the world had ever seen Gui Qulai wield a weapon; now that he had drawn it, it certainly wasn’t meant for farewell pleasantries.

Gu Fengchen also sensed the danger, focusing intently on defense.

After his sigh faded, Gui Qulai murmured, “My master decrees that all who cross the bridge must die. If you do not perish, I shall.” Then, with deliberate slowness, he began to spin his weapon.

It was clear Gui Qulai had embraced lethal intent.

Now even Qing’er felt a surge of panic. Facing Gui Qulai unarmed had already been daunting; now, with his signature weapon in hand, the peril was immediate and grave.

Gu Fengchen fixed his gaze on the whirling weapon, planting his feet firmly and bending his knees slightly. He silently channeled his Heaven-Defying Divine Art throughout his body, ready to exert his full strength to intercept the hammerhead the moment it was launched.

Gui Qulai’s weapon spun faster and faster, its whistling roar intensifying beyond mere wind resistance. It began to sound like an unseen entity shrieking across the sky. The noise swelled, first like a breeze rustling along eaves, then like gales battering a house, until finally it resembled a tidal wave crashing—so loud it seemed to dim the very daylight, startling every bird from the nearby woods into panicked flight. One bird flew too close; a soft thud signaled it being struck and instantly reduced to a bloody pulp by the weapon’s centrifugal force.

Such power made even Gu Fengchen draw a sharp breath. On the other side, Qing’er clapped a hand over her ear. The horses suffered most, stomping frantically, hooves clattering against the ground. They strained to bolt but were restrained by Qing’er’s grip, unable to break free. Driven by fear, they neighed shrilly.

The air filled with the wind’s howl and the horses’ cries, thick with menacing tension.

Gu Fengchen momentarily considered striking first but hesitated. Recalling Gui Qulai’s strange skill, he feared that any blow aimed at his body might allow the accursed weapon to use that force against him instantly. Gui Qulai could manipulate external force at will, and channeling it into his weapon was simple. Thus, Gu Fengchen chose to wait and observe.

The deafening roar from the spinning weapon, amplified by Gui Qulai’s surging Internal Energy, served to intimidate his foe. He had resorted to a weapon only twice before in his life, each time achieving victory in a single stroke. Though Gu Fengchen’s Internal Energy wasn’t feeble, Gui Qulai remained confident he could fell him with one decisive blow.

By now, the weapon’s shriek had peaked to near-deafening levels. Even with his Heaven-Defying Divine Art, Gu Fengchen couldn’t help but grimace. He had to remain vigilant against the imminent attack while also focusing his mind to mentally block out the immense noise. This slight distraction did not escape Gui Qulai’s notice.

Gui Qulai extended a single hand. His weapon, “Are You Well Without Me?”, soared forth like a greeting from an old friend long separated—aiming directly for Gu Fengchen’s chest.

Earlier, Gu Fengchen had landed several attacks on Gui Guilai’s chest. Gui Qulai was no magnanimous elder; he devoutly believed in an eye for an eye.

Knowing danger loomed, Gu Fengchen steeled his focus, steadied his vital energies, and set his stance. Hands curved slightly, fingers spread, arms softly bent, he prepared to meet the oncoming hammerhead.

He understood: his life hung upon the fleeting instant between heartbeat and impact.

Gui Qulai had launched his weapon twice before. Twenty-one years prior, he first used it against the renowned “Twin Hammers of Wind and Thunder,” Dongfang Ba. The Wind Hammer weighed forty catties, the Thunder Hammer fifty. Upon collision, the Wind Hammer broke, the Thunder Hammer cracked, and Dongfang Ba was shaken to death.

His last strike occurred five years ago upon Tian Shan Mountains, where he defeated the Western challenger Wusuo Fu. Wusuo Fu wielded an Aegis forged by a Western master. They exchanged a single blow: Gui Qulai shattered the famed shield to fragments. Wusuo Fu fled, wailing.

And now, before him, stood Gu Fengchen—entirely unarmed—attempting to intercept the weapon barehanded.

Gui Qulai wasn’t vain, but he knew with certainty: if Gu Fengchen took that blow with his hands, the bones of his hands, arms, shoulders, and ribs would shatter, his organs pulped as he died.

Qing’er, though consumed by tension, dared not utter a single word. Masters decided victory or defeat in mere thoughts; any sound from her could only hamper Gu Fengchen. Knowing this, she held her silence and watched.

The flying hammer, trailing its monstrous shriek, streaked towards Gu Fengchen like lightning. He summoned every ounce of his divine Kung Fu. Would Gui’s hammer prevail, or Gu Fengchen’s hands endure? The answer was moments away. And one outcome was certain: one would be gravely wounded. If Gu Fengchen intercepted the blow, Gui Qulai could no longer impede his path; Gui would be bound by oath to end his own life. If Gu Fengchen failed, he would be brutally hammered to death.

Two tigers clash—one must be maimed.

But as the hammer flew, a shout split the air from afar: “Watch the arrow!” A large arrow, thick as a grapple-pen, whistled through the void, angling straight for Gui Qulai’s throat.

The arrow’s fierce whistle betrayed its wielder’s concentrated Internal Energy; its hefty arrowhead didn’t hinder its speed. Gui Qulai saw clearly: even as his hammer struck Gu Fengchen, the arrowhead would skewer his own neck. To slay Gu Fengchen was to embrace mutual destruction.

But the Mortal King remained unflinching. He barely pressed a finger against the chain, subtly altering its trajectory. The hammer veered from its direct path into a curve, intercepting the onrushing arrow.

Clang! Sparks flew as hammer met arrow. The heavy shaft clattered harmlessly to the ground—but the hammer’s killing momentum was also spent.

Simultaneously, a voice cried from the distant woods: “Go now! Don’t wait!”

Qing’er reacted instantly, pulling Gu Fengchen. They leaped onto their saddles and spurred their horses into a frantic gallop forward. Gui Qulai gave no thought to pursuit—but before he could give chase, the woods spat seven or eight more large arrows in rapid volleys; a stream of shafts nearly merged into one line.

Gui Qulai was forced to whirl his weapon, deflecting arrows as they hissed in. That mere moment’s delay was enough. The horses, fine steeds both, were already dozens of yards away. They surged onward, distance swiftly widening, making pursuit near impossible. Furthermore, arrows continued to fly from the hidden archer, not seeking to engage directly but solely to hinder Gui Qulai from catching Gu Fengchen. Though bursting with rage and unmatched power, the Mortal King Gui Qulai had nowhere to unleash it.

While warding off arrows, he approached the woods. As soon as no more arrows flew from the trees, Gui Qulai charged inside. He saw a large crossbow thrown on the ground, and in the distance, figures flickered among the trees before disappearing far away.

Gui Qulai froze on the spot, a sense of foreboding flashing through his mind. He sheathed his weapon and stretched his figure, hurrying anxiously toward Hangzhou.

At that moment, a different thought struck him—someone had actually rescued Gu Fengchen, indicating that a plan had long been arranged. Whatever that plan was, his guarding of the bridge head was now pointless. Delving deeper, the rescuers must have come from Hangzhou towards here, not from people who had already crossed the bridge returning to help. That meant someone even more formidable in Hangzhou was likely orchestrating it all. This was a serious matter; he had to inform his master immediately.

So Gui Qulai sped along like the wind, taking a shortcut and rushing straight towards Hangzhou.

Gu Fengchen and Qing’er feared pursuit from Gui Qulai and continuously whipped their horses along the way. They now cared little about the horses’ stamina—only speed mattered—and the two horses galloped wildly. After charging about fifty li, they gradually slowed.

Looking back, the pair saw no trace of Gui Qulai. They finally breathed a sigh of relief and loosened their reins, aiming to conserve the horses’ strength and let them move at a steadier pace.

Qing’er said with a sigh, “That was so close just now. If no one had come to help…” Gu Fengchen snorted: “Even without help, I could have blocked that hammer.” Qing’er giggled: “Don’t brag yet. I bet this Mr. Gui is heading to West Lake too. You can fight it out properly there later on.”

This comment stirred Gu Fengchen’s worries. Ever since mastering the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, he had dueled many opponents. But ultimately, he only had strong Internal Energy; his techniques were ordinary. The Shaolin martial arts he usually practiced were well-known in the Jianghu (Martial World) and hard to win with. At this Heroes’ Gathering in West Lake, elite fighters would gather in droves. Relying solely on his Internal Energy meant he was unlikely to succeed. After all, many strong in Internal Energy existed in the Jianghu.

Seeing his frown, Qing’er asked, “Do you really think you can’t handle it?” Gu Fengchen nodded: “With countless masters in the Jianghu, and me only strong in Internal Energy, it probably won’t come to much.” Qing’er rolled her eyes: “That’s easy to solve. Just hide on the sidelines first, go in at the last moment, and take down one person—the treasure is yours if you do.”

Gu Fengchen sneered coldly: “That idea occurs to you, but others will think of it too. And the organizers of the Heroes’ Gathering know it best. It might not work out as planned.”

Qing’er said: “Then what can we do? Now there’s only one day left before the event. Learning any martial arts is impossible even if we tried.” Gu Fengchen waved dismissively: “Forget it, don’t worry. A real man just gives his all and leaves success or failure up to heaven.” Qing’er giggled: “Not necessarily. I have another idea.”

Gu Fengchen asked: “What idea could teach me intricate martial arts in just one day?”

Qing’er replied: “Actually, you don’t need to learn a thing. Just have good eyesight.” Gu Fengchen paused: “What do you mean?” Qing’er giggled: “I won’t say now—you’ll figure it out soon enough.” With that, she urged her horse forward.

The two rode side by side toward a large market ahead. Qing’er said to Gu Fengchen: “You go on ahead and wait. I need to buy something.” Gu Fengchen didn’t know what she was getting but followed instructions, waiting up front. Moments later, Qing’er returned, holding a doll about a foot long.

Gu Fengchen laughed: “Still such a child, playing with that!”

Qing’er pouted: “I didn’t buy it to play. It’s to help you win the treasure.” Gu Fengchen grew more puzzled: “Don’t tell me the doll itself will step into the fight!”

Qing’er chuckled: “The doll won’t enter the fray, of course. Listen—I’ve seen a lot. I know about eighty to ninety percent of the martial arts in the Jianghu. When you step in to battle others later, I’ll be watching right in front. I’ll secretly guide you to break their techniques. How? With this doll!”

Gu Fengchen finally understood and raised a thumb: “Clever.”

Qing’er said: “At that time, just watch how I attack the doll, and you attack the opponent exactly the same way. If your eyes are sharp and your reflexes fast, that should secure your win.”

Gu Fengchen immediately bowed to her: “Thank you, Miss Qing’er. If I manage to grab the treasure, you’ll have the chief merit.”

Qing’er preened triumphantly: “Of course. I say we rehearse it first, just in case.”

Gu Fengchen responded: “Sure, I’ll take my cue from you.” Qing’er said: “Then let’s begin. Pay attention—do what I do, exactly.” Gu Fengchen nodded.

Qing’er rolled her eyes, then suddenly formed her palm like a blade and thrust toward the doll’s throat. Gu Fengchen instantly mirrored her, thrusting out his palm. Qing’er quickly changed stance, blocking sideways with a palm swipe. Gu Feng also copied her sideways swipe.

After testing several moves and seeing Gu Fengchen react well, Qing’er eased her worries. But then a mischievous idea struck her. Straining not to laugh, she struck a palm toward her own face.

Gu Fengchen didn’t suspect anything; fixed on following her, he thoughtlessly slapped his own cheek.

Qing’er was only teasing. As her hand almost reached her face, it suddenly slowed to a gentle caress. But Gu Fengchen suffered—he gave himself a hard, loud slap on the face.

A crack sound echoed, and both froze.

Then Qing’er burst into loud laughter and whipped her horse into a frantic gallop. Only then did Gu Fengchen snap out of it, realizing he’d been tricked. If it were ten years ago, he’d have surely taught Qing’er a lesson then and there. But he was past such playful pranks now. Shaking his head with a bitter smile, he followed along.