Chapter 21: The Flute’s Song Shatters the Lute’s Tune

Chapter 21: The Flute’s Song Shatters the Lute’s Tune

Having drunk only half a gourd of strong liquor, Gu Fengchen suddenly heard the urgent drumming of hoofbeats from the northern fork in the road. Turning to look, he saw over a dozen horses approaching. The riders were all dressed in tight martial attire, unmistakably figures of the Jianghu.

Gu Fengchen quickly lowered the veil of his bamboo hat, concealing his face. It wasn’t out of fear—since mastering the Hundred Flowers Divine Palm, his internal energy had grown formidable, and his techniques had ascended to the level of a first-class martial artist; defeating these individuals wouldn’t be difficult. His primary concern was simply avoiding trouble altogether.

The group galloped close. Spotting Gu Fengchen alone in the pavilion, one of them shouted, “Brother! Have you seen a man carrying a lute pass by?”

“Never seen him,” Gu Fengchen answered gruffly.

The group asked no further questions, urging their horses onward.

Gu Fengchen resumed drinking. He hadn’t taken more than a few sips when several more horsemen arrived, also inquiring about the man with the lute. In less than half an hour, four or five groups rode past in this manner. Gu Fengchen thought to himself, These men are surely hunting that lute-bearer. Wine fumes now warmed his body, stirring a restless heat and a surge of indignation. I was once the one chased by the Jianghu, he reflected, this lute-bearer and I share the same plight. A sense of gallantry rose within him.

As the autumn rain eased off, Gu Fengchen untied his horse and set off in the direction the groups had taken. His horse was swift. Covering only around ten li, he heard voices ahead. Rounding a bend, he saw a large crowd gathered not far away. Approaching slowly, he stopped at the outer edge of the circle.

Those encircling the scene had already dismounted and mostly drawn their weapons, ready for combat. Gu Fengchen, sitting on his horse outside the circle, watched clearly.

Roughly sixty to seventy men formed a semi-circle. Within the circle was a dirt bank, perhaps thirty feet tall. At its base yawned the entrance to an earthen kiln, once used for firing ceramics but evidently abandoned long ago. Sitting at the kiln entrance was a man around thirty years old. He had a pale face and a long beard, clad in loose robes and a broad sash. He sat cross-legged on a lotus mat, with an ancient-looking lute placed horizontally across his knees. One end of the wood lute appeared charred. Calmly, the Long-Bearded Man lightly plucked the strings, producing notes of unparalleled clarity and brilliance.

He looked utterly serene, completely ignoring the martial heroes before him who brandished knives and swords. Seeing such composed audacity, the heroes, though restless and eager, hesitated to recklessly step forward and challenge him.

Gu Fengchen was puzzled. What has this Long-Bearded Man done to offend so many people? Did he also kill someone he shouldn’t have?

Just as he pondered this, a sudden whoosh came from the crowd! A sleeve arrow flew straight towards the Long-Bearded Man. It seemed the attacker was too afraid to advance, using a hidden weapon to test the opponent’s skill instead.

The Long-Bearded Man seemed oblivious. Only when the sleeve arrow was ten feet away did he casually pluck a shard of broken porcelain from the ground, place it against a lute string, draw the string back, and release it. The lute acted like a slingshot, propelling the shard forward.

Clink! The porcelain shard struck the sleeve arrow squarely—an astonishingly precise hit.

Though porcelain is thin and brittle, launched from the lute, it struck hardened as tempered steel. It shattered the sleeve arrow and sent its remnants hurtling back towards the crowd faster than its original flight speed. It disappeared into the throng; immediately followed by an agonized shout—Ah!—a man leapt out, clutching his eye. Everyone saw blood trickling between his fingers.

This was the one who had fired the sleeve arrow. Attempting a cautious probe, he received his own hidden weapon back, which had just blinded him in one eye.

He screamed in pain. Comrades pulled him out of the circle to tend to his wound.

With this demonstration of skill, the Long-Bearded Man completely silenced the crowd. No one dared launch further hidden weapons. After a tense pause, a furious roar erupted. A man strode forward to attack.

Gu Fengchen clearly saw him: stubby and powerfully built, with a bushy beard all over his face, wielding a pair of sun-and-moon wheels—short-range weapons that suggested a ferociously brave fighter.

The robust man covered the distance to the Long-Bearded Man in three or four strides. In one fluid motion, he swung the sun wheel down towards the Long-Bearded Man’s head. Without even looking up, the Long-Bearded Man suddenly pivoted his lute, using its tail end to strike forward at the man’s torso.

The bearded fighter blocked with his left-hand sun wheel pressed against his chest, while his right-hand moon wheel continued its deadly arc unabated towards the Long-Bearded Man’s head, intending to split his skull apart.

This simultaneous attack and defense was clever. However, the threat posed by the wooden lute far exceeded his expectations. While his moon wheel was still a foot from the Long-Bearded Man’s skull, the lute’s tail connected solidly with the sun wheel he held defensively across his chest.

Thock! Wood met steel. Everyone expected the lute to crack or at least shatter dramatically against the forged sun wheel. To their shock, the lute proved unnaturally hard—far harder than refined steel. The impact caved the center of the sun wheel inward. The bearded man’s hand, jarred violently, lost its grip. The steel wheel tore across horizontally, slicing into his own body!

The force of the impact didn’t stop there. It sent the man flying several feet before he crashed to the ground. The steel wheel embedded deep into his abdomen, nearly cutting him in two.

The crowd gasped collectively, horrified. The Long-Bearded Man hadn’t even stood up, casually dispatching an opponent without exchanging a single proper stroke. His martial prowess was terrifying.

Two men rushed out from the circle and dragged the corpse away.

Given the Long-Bearded Man’s terrifying display, one would expect greater caution. Yet, someone else spotted a chance. A tall foreigner, with golden hair and blue eyes, pushed through the crowd, dragging an elaborate axe behind him. Reaching the clearing, he uttered no challenge. With a roaring battle cry, he raised his massive axe high and brought it crashing straight down towards the Long-Bearded Man’s head.

The foreigner’s axe, handle included, was a full eight feet long. Standing seven or eight feet away as he struck, he kept himself out of the lute’s reach, theoretically placing him in an impregnable position. The axe itself weighed fifty or sixty jin. Swung overhead and brought down with ferocious momentum, the impact force would exceed several hundred jin. Surely, no one would dare block this blow with a lute.

His reasoning seemed sound. The Long-Bearded Man indeed did not use the lute this time—he used his hand.

The great axe descended with a terrifying whoosh. This time, the Long-Bearded Man did not remain bent over his instrument. He suddenly looked up, eyes fixed on the falling blade. The moment the edge was about to cleave through him, his body jerked backward.

The axe blade whistled past, sweeping past the tip of his nose—a ridiculously close shave, as risky as a razor’s pass.

The foreigner, expecting a successful strike, felt a surge of triumph—only to realize he had hit nothing. The axe, driven with unstoppable force, plunged downward. Unable to check its momentum, the blade buried itself deep into the earth.

Before he could exert force to pull out the axe, the Long-Bearded Man had already extended three fingers and pinched the axe head.

The barbarian, relying on his great strength, pulled backward with all his might. Yet the Long-Bearded Man merely used three fingers; the axe became as if cast into an iron mountain, impossible to move another inch.

One ground his teeth in fury, the other remained utterly composed. Needless to say, victory was already decided.

However, the barbarian seemed excessively attached to his axe. Knowing full well he couldn’t wrest it back, he still refused to let go, yanking with desperate force. A faint, cold smile touched the corners of the Long-Bearded Man’s lips. Suddenly, his three fingers pushed forward, returning the axe to the barbarian.

This combined their two opposing forces into one torrent. Instantly overwhelmed by a massive surge of power, the barbarian found his footing impossible to maintain. He flew backward, and the axe handle in his grip, propelled by the Long-Bearded Man’s outward force, accelerated towards his own chest.

Since he had been exerting all his strength to pull back, he couldn’t alter his force direction in that crucial moment. He could only watch helplessly as the axe handle stabbed toward his heart.

A single agonized cry rang out. The barbarian’s own axe plunged into his heart, killing him on the spot.

In just a split second, the Long-Bearded Man had already wounded three men: one blinded, two lying dead on the ground.

The assembled heroes, witnessing such a bloody scene, instinctively took several steps back. Some, realizing the vast gap between themselves and this man, silently slipped out of the crowd, led their horses away, and escaped.

Gu Fengchen was equally startled. Who is this Long-Bearded Man? he thought. How is there such a formidable expert in the Jianghu I’ve never encountered before? Even during my time at the Shaolin Temple, I never heard the Masters mention him. Seeing how incredibly powerful the Long-Bearded Man was, and realizing his help wasn’t needed, Gu Fengchen slowly turned his horse, preparing to leave.

Just then, seven or eight men surged from the crowd. Two wielded long whips, while the others held knives, swords, spears, or clubs. They attacked together. Seeing this, Gu Fengchen, worried for the Long-Bearded Man, steadied his horse to watch. He secretly clenched a few stones in his hand, ready to assist at any moment.

The two men with whips struck first. With two whooshes, two pitch-black serpentine whips lashed out. One whip coiled around the tail of the guqin, the other wrapped tightly around the Long-Bearded Man’s throat.

Believing success assured, both men grinned and yanked back with all their might – one seeking to seize the qin, the other trying to strangle the Long-Bearded Man right there. Simultaneously, the other five charged in, spears and swords leveled.

The Long-Bearded Man remained seated calmly. His hands swept across the strings with a sharp clang. A pulse of force emanated from the instrument, snapping the obsidian-black whip coiled around its body like a brittle twig. All the while, his hands never ceased moving; incredibly, under the assault, he began to play a melody.

But this melody was starkly different from his initial tuning trial. The notes he produced now were harsh, grinding, utterly discordant – no beautiful tune at all. It sounded like ghosts grinding their teeth at night, like wild foxes howling pitifully, like snapping bones, like metal scraping on stone. Every sound grated on the ears and set teeth on edge.

Fused with Internal Energy, this cacophony drilled into the listeners’ ears like countless tiny centipedes, threatening to split their skulls apart.

Hearing this, the attackers’ faces twisted in agony. Two with weaker Internal Energy couldn’t withstand it; they dropped their weapons, tumbling backward while clamping hands over their ears. Only after retreating far away, their hands clamping down relentlessly, wary of letting a single accursed note slip through any gap, did they slowly regain composure.

The remaining three fighters shuddered violently, gritting their teeth against the torment. The force behind their weapons diminished drastically. By the time their attacks reached the Long-Bearded Man, they were feeble and weak. Playing with one hand, he nonchalantly extended his free hand. A simple grasp caught spear, staff, and trident all at once.

The three men panicked, fearing he would turn their weapons against them like he had done to the axe-wielder. They braced, desperately trying to hold steady against any pushback. But the Long-Bearded Man merely applied a slight force. Snap! All three weapons broke cleanly in the middle.

He was capable of wielding two thoughts simultaneously: deflecting opponents with one hand while continuously generating the maddening, soul-twisting screech with the other.

Realizing victory was impossible, these three could only retreat several zhang back, escaping the zone filled with the destructive Internal Energy pulsing from the qin.

This left only the whip-wielder. His lash was still coiled around the Long-Bearded Man’s throat. He strained repeatedly, channeling Internal Energy into tightening the noose, intending to strangle the man. Yet no matter how many times he poured power into the weapon, the target seemed utterly unaffected. The whip neither tightened nor slackened. Bewildered, the man stood frozen, unsure whether to press on or retreat.

Finally dismissing the other assailants, the Long-Bearded Man now turned his attention to the whip wielder. His hand shot out, grasping the whip cord. He hadn’t even exerted force yet when the man let out a terrified yell, discarded the whip completely, and took to his heels.

This ludicrous scene struck Gu Fengchen as so absurd that he couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The assembled heroes also felt the urge to laugh, choked it back under the grim circumstances, rendering the battleground eerily silent and strange.

Everyone saw clearly: a lone challenger was no match; a group attack also failed. With martial arts of such terrifying height, defeating the Long-Bearded Man was simply unthinkable.

Just as the crowd was brewing thoughts of retreat, the thunder of hoofbeats sounded from behind. A few riders approached. One voice said, “Huh? Why are so many gathered here? Is something happening?”

Another voice, cultured and calm, replied, “Go see what it is. Let’s know if we can help.”

The heroes turned their heads. The sight made many gasp in astonishment, while others broke into joyful grins, calling out, “Young Master Nangong…”

Gu Fengchen, startled, looked back as well. It was indeed the Master of the Nangong Family, Nangong Yue.

Nangong Yue and Gu Fengchen had crossed paths a few times. Fearing recognition, Gu Fengchen dismounted and blended into the throng. He pulled his wide-brimmed hat low over his face; such figures were common enough among the assembly to arouse no suspicion.

Hearing his name called, Nangong Yue dismounted and approached the crowd. Those who knew him hurried over to greet him with clasped fists. Nangong Yue possessed an excellent memory; he recognized everyone he had ever met. Smiling warmly, he exchanged greetings: “Young Hero Guo, keeping well?… Ah, Master Lu is here too? And Mistress Guan… Excuse my tardiness.”

Seeing Nangong Yue arrive, the crowd found their mainstay. Eager sycophants immediately drew close, whispering urgently into his ear. Nangong Yue frowned slightly. “Truly?” he confirmed. “The principal is trapped inside the kiln,” one man elaborated. “But there’s a… a rather murderous fellow guarding outside. His martial arts are frighteningly high. We were utterly stuck, at our wit’s end… Yet here you’ve come, miraculously! Truth be told, sir, I suspect only you, perhaps you alone, are capable of subduing this man.”

Nangong Yue clasped his fists together in a salute and spoke clearly, “For the justice of the Jianghu, I am duty-bound. I will come to meet this esteemed master.”

The crowd of heroes erupted in cheers loudly. Everyone knew the prowess of the Nangong Family, but since Nangong Bai had died, Nangong Yue, the Young Master of the family, had hardly ever displayed his martial skills publicly. His fame was great, but few knew his martial style, so some suspected that Nangong Yue was only riding on his father’s name while being mediocre in actual skill. To witness him take action today was not in vain.

Nangong Yue slowly approached until he was nine feet in front of the Long-Bearded Man, placed his feet neither apart nor together, stood steadily with his hands clasped behind his back. Just in his stance alone, his demeanor blended elegance with calmness, refinement with authority, without any pretension—he appeared uniquely outstanding.

The Long-Bearded Man had already seen him approach and finally plucked the strings once. With a zheng sound, the zither note rang pure and clear, its lingering echo soaring into the sky.

Nangong Yue had studied all kinds of arts since childhood and was thoroughly knowledgeable in music, so he immediately understood. He smiled and said, “Sir, you play the zither well.” The Long-Bearded Man did not speak but merely fixed his eyes on Nangong Yue’s shoulder, as if not hearing his words. Nangong Yue continued, “I have never met you before; we are only casual strangers. I dare not cause trouble, but only ask you to step aside and let me pass so I can exchange a few words with the person in the kiln.”

Gu Fengchen thought to himself secretly: So this Long-Bearded Man was guarding the kiln entrance, preventing anyone from entering. Whoever was hidden inside must be special. To shield this person, the Long-Bearded Man willingly faced the entire crowd alone, standing against thousands. Truly, he was a courageous man.

Hearing Nangong Yue’s words, the Long-Bearded Man still did not reply. He simply pressed both hands and began to play the zither.

Upon seeing him pluck the strings, the crowd gave a roar and took several steps back.

The Long-Bearded Man lightly flicked his ten fingers, and the music shifted from its previous chaotic noise to a rhythm that was jarring, heavy, soul-shaking. Nangong Yue felt as if countless enemies encircled him from all sides, pressing in step by step; even his breathing grew rapid.

He steadied his mind and said, “A fine piece, ‘Ambush from Ten Sides’. Since you intend to test my musical knowledge, I will first seek to understand your zither music.”

So saying, he pulled out a transverse flute from his robe, brought it to his lips, and began to play. Instantly, light and playful yet gentle flute notes floated through the air, playing the melody of ‘Phoenix Seeks Phoenix’.

Though the zither sounds were heavy, the flute disturbed them, shattering them into fragments.

The ancient piece ‘Ambush from Ten Sides’ narrated the war history between Chu and Han, while ‘Phoenix Seeks Phoenix’ was a love song Sima Xiangru played to express his feelings to Zhuo Wenjun, named after its lyrics, “Phoenix, phoenix, returning to homeland, roaming the four seas seeking its mate.” Soldiers fighting wars feared being reminded of romantic affections the most, so the flute, though soft, completely disrupted the zither tune.

Seeing ‘Ambush from Ten Sides’ countered, the Long-Bearded Man played another piece, ‘Guangling Melody’. This song achieved immortality because Ji Kang performed it before his execution during the Jin dynasty; Ji Kang had been imprisoned and sentenced to death for opposing the powerful nobles. Three thousand scholars pleaded for mercy to no avail. At his execution, Ji Kang remained unperturbed and played this song with great dignity and composure.

Even death could not shake his heart—let alone matters of romance.

The zither notes immediately scattered the flute sounds.

Nangong Yue nodded slightly and switched to another melody, one that was leisurely, smooth, and tranquil—like the moon reflecting on a river, or a gentle breeze brushing hills. It was the ancient piece ‘Dialogue with the Fisherman and Woodcutter’. Ji Kang was one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, fond of reclusive and unrestrained life. Though death did not move his heart, the ideals expressed in ‘Dialogue with the Fisherman and Woodcutter’ resonated deeply with his aspirations. When the Long-Bearded Man played ‘Guangling Melody’, he connected with Ji Kang’s spirit at the execution ground. Upon hearing this ‘Dialogue’, he was profoundly stirred, and his zither unconsciously harmonized with the flute.

The Long-Bearded Man suddenly snapped to awareness, hurriedly calmed his mind, and changed to the piece ‘High Sun and White Snow’. This tune was lofty and exquisite, understood by few in the world; fishermen and woodcutters were ordinary, common people incapable of grasping its elegance. For a moment, the flute sounds weakened again.

Nangong Yue pondered briefly, then pursed his lips to blow a melody that was elegant and enchanting—’Spring River Flowing Through Moonlit Night’. With its flowing beauty against the loftiness, it rivaled ‘High Sun and White Snow’.

Seeing he could not suppress Nangong Yue, the Long-Bearded Man shifted his tune again to one harsh, sorrowful, carrying hints of barbaric northern tones—the ‘Eighteen Stanzas of the Tartar Reed Pipe’, composed by Cai Wenji in the Later Han dynasty.

Cai Wenji had been captured by the Xiongnu and ransomed by Cao Cao using precious jade. This song expressed nostalgia for her homeland and sorrow over her circumstances—naturally filled with grief and bitterness. Suffering far outweighs joy in human life; once this ‘Tartar Reed Pipe’ sounded, it shattered the serene beauty of ‘Spring River Flowing Through Moonlit Night’.

Perspiration appeared on Nangong Yue’s temples; he shifted his body slowly while playing the ‘Song of Azure Skies’. This piece embodied lofty ideals and detached purity, like a noble recluse staying aloof from worldly streams, free of all earthly troubles.

The flute notes soared afar like drifting clouds, instantly overwhelming the zither music.

The Long-Bearded Man’s back turned drenched with sweat; he gritted his teeth and played again—a melody that soared majestic yet flowed boundlessly, the ancient piece ‘High Mountains and Flowing Waters’.

Though ‘Song of Azure Skies’ evoked a hermit’s spirit, it carried faint loneliness of unmet understanding. Hearing ‘High Mountains and Flowing Waters’, Nangong Yue naturally recalled the tale of Boya and Ziqi, longing for that depth involuntarily and matching the tune.

Nangong Yue too suddenly snapped alert; cold sweat dripped down him, so he changed the tune quickly, playing ‘Three Variations of Yangguan’. Named after Wang Mojin’s Tang dynasty poem line, “West beyond Yangguan, no old friends remain,” it expressed the sorrow of parting from a dear companion, but with a high, resilient pitch rather than a low one.

The zither sounds grew louder, and Nangong Yue’s flute rose higher still. Abruptly, with a zheng and an oomph sound, the zither strings of the Long-Bearded Man snapped, and Nangong Yue’s transverse flute cracked.

After Ziqi’s death, Yu Boya broke his zither strings and smashed the instrument, never playing again. Hearing ‘Three Variations of Yangguan’, the Long-Bearded Man felt intensely that mutual understanding might never return and decisively severed the strings. Meanwhile, Nangong Yue infused his Internal Energy to blow a piercing high note; stretched beyond limit, the flute could not withstand it and shattered.

Against appearances but a draw, the Long-Bearded Man broke his strings first, conceding a slight disadvantage.

This musical battle held no flashing blades or powder smoke, yet its weight felt like a huge boulder pressing on the audience’s hearts, giving no moment of relief. Until the final two sounds—snapped strings and shattered flute—nearly everyone exhaled a long collective breath at once, resulting in a great poof-like noise. Only after releasing that breath did they feel like drowning people surfacing for air, gasping greedily.

Gu Fengchen possessed deep Internal Energy and had just activated his Heaven-Defying Divine Art to resist both musical strains, so though he did not gasp audibly, he admired the duel greatly. If not witnessed directly, he would never have imagined that with mere zither and flute, an assault of such intensity was possible.

The echoes faded long before the crowd recovered from the intense musical clash, exchanged astonished glances, and then erupted together in a barrage of prolonged cheers.

The Long-Bearded Man seemed to hear nothing, slowly taking a new qin string from his robe and replacing it. Nangong Yue also put away his cracked flute. The onlookers were puzzled: why didn’t Nangong seize the opportunity to attack during the string change? Victory would have been assured.

They all thought it, yet none dared voice the question.

After replacing the string, the Long-Bearded Man lifted his head. His gaze, cold as twin bolts of lightning, swept across Nangong Yue’s face. “Why didn’t you attack while I changed the string?” he asked. He voiced the crowd’s very thoughts. Nangong Yue offered a faint smile. “Not that I didn’t want to, but rather that I couldn’t.” “Why is that?” inquired the Long-Bearded Man.

Nangong Yue explained, “Although you were changing the string, with one hand steadying the Shang string, your thumb, middle finger, and ring finger were curled, while your index finger and little finger extended forward. That is clearly ‘Three Fingers Playing at the Heavens’ from the ‘Seven Tribulations Fingers’ technique. Had I rashly attacked, I would surely have failed. Therefore, it was better to show generosity and wait for your next move.”

Hearing this, the heroes behind him suddenly understood.

Upon hearing this, the Long-Bearded Man gave a cold nod. “You are not a rigid fool.” Nangong Yue stated, “If you still refuse to step aside, I fear I must offend.” The Long-Bearded Man replied, “I have long heard of the Nangong Family of Dongting Lake. Since we’ve met, I insist on experiencing your skills.” As he spoke, he finally stood up.

Previously, when facing attacks from several opponents, the Long-Bearded Man had never risen. Now facing Nangong Yue, a top-tier expert among the younger generation of Jianghu, he dared not be careless.

Nangong Yue gestured behind him, and a subordinate presented a longsword. Grasping the hilt with the blade pointing downward, Nangong Yue bowed lightly to the Long-Bearded Man in the manner of a junior paying respects to a senior. “I must offend,” he said. The Long-Bearded Man leveled his coke tail lute horizontally before him. “No need for courtesies.”

One held a sword, the other held his lute horizontally. They seemed polite and proper, yet after their words, an overwhelming aura of killing intent surged violently between them.

Gu Fengchen also stilled his breath and focused his mind, intently watching this fierce battle between the two.

Anticipating his opponent wouldn’t strike first, Nangong Yue formed a sword gesture with his left hand and flicked his longsword with his right. He executed a move called “Dim Twilight,” his blade tracing five consecutive circles that descended upon the Long-Bearded Man like a canopy.

The sword art he used was his family’s secret technique, called the “Grand View Sword Art.” Derived from a famous line in Fan Zhongyan’s Record of Yueyang Tower – “Such is the grand view of Yueyang Tower” – the entire sword art was divided into Yin and Yang paths, extremely powerful and strictly passed down only within the family. Therefore, few in Jianghu even knew its name.

That Nangong Yue deployed this family treasure in his very first strike showed his high regard for the Long-Bearded Man.

True to its name, “Dim Twilight” allowed the wielder to connect multiple circling strokes, creating a shroud like the darkening sky that obscured the opponent’s vision. Mastering three consecutive circles was considered competent; the highest mastery level achieved seven. Nangong Yue effortlessly formed five circles, demonstrating his profound mastery of this art.

The Long-Bearded Man’s eyes gleamed, sensing the danger of this move. He truly couldn’t see where to evade. The five sword circles enclosed him front, back, left, right, and center, sealing off all avenues of escape. Any dodge would plunge him headfirst into a circle.

Among these five circles, only one held the true killing intent; the other four were feints. But who could discern this in an instant?

Unable to see a flaw and yet unable to evade, the Long-Bearded Man gripped the lute by its head and thrust it forward forcefully with the coke tail end.

Thunk! The sky-full of sword circles vanished instantly. The coke tail lute had slammed squarely into the sword tip, effortlessly breaking the technique.

Nangong Yue inwardly applauded his opponent. Recovering instantly from his blocked move, he unleashed a ceaseless flow of techniques: “Wailing Cold Wind,” “Sun and Stars Veiled,” “Departing Homeland,” “Masts Broken Oars Shattered”…

His sword strokes were incredibly agile. Even before one move reached its end, the next followed, astonishingly fast. Yet the Long-Bearded Man countered quickness with steadiness. His lute swung east and west, thrust up high and dropped straight down, always presenting the coke tail end to intercept the sword point.

The Long-Bearded Man’s lute was far broader than Nangong Yue’s longsword. Though less nimble, it offered a wide blocking surface. A minor shift easily intercepted Nangong Yue’s strikes. So despite Nangong Yue’s wind-like speed, his blade couldn’t penetrate the defense.

Nangong Yue understood this perfectly. He let out a long cry and abruptly changed tactics.

This time, his longsword became overwhelmingly powerful. Every stroke was a heavy horizontal slash or a vertical chop – wielding the longsword like a saber. The whistling wind sounded unlike anything a slender blade could produce, a testament to his exceptional Internal Energy.

Seeing Nangong Yue’s change of technique, imbuing his sword with immense Internal Energy, the Long-Bearded Man realized that using his lute to block head-on risked it being split apart. He too shifted strategies.

He suddenly began using this broad wooden lute to execute techniques meant for a longsword! In his hands, the lute, a foot wide and three feet long, became astonishingly agile, swirling and thrusting as if it were a blade, not a musical instrument.

The watching crowd gaped in astonishment, utterly dumbfounded.

Initially using steadiness against speed, the Long-Bearded Man was now employing extreme elegance to counter immense force, fully revealing the prowess of a consummate master.

Their duel grew fiercely intense. Nangong Yue had been employing a mountain-shattering saber technique. Seeing he was nearing the end of his sequence without even striking the lute, he pressed the sword forward and switched to a hook technique.

Using a straight sword as a hook was incredibly difficult. It required bending the entire weapon with Internal Energy. Nevertheless, Nangong Yue flawlessly executed a sequence of “Parting Hook” techniques, demonstrating deep understanding of its intricacies.

Witnessing the bewildering transformations of the sword in his grasp, the onlookers even forgot to cheer. They dared not blink, afraid of missing a single brilliant maneuver.

Amidst the fierce exchange, Nangong Yue suddenly lunged sideways with the technique “Farewell on Southern Shore.” His sword tip curved like a crescent moon in a subtle hooking motion. Miraculously, it slipped precisely between the lute’s body and its strings. The Long-Bearded Man tried to pull his precious instrument back, but the hooked sword tip had caught hold of the strings.

No one knew what the strings of this scorched-tail zither were made of, but the blade actually couldn’t sever them. If Nangong Yue hadn’t used his sword as a hook, the other man would surely have pulled his wooden zither back.

Thus, it was unclear whether Nangong Yue had trapped the zither or the zither had ensnared Nangong Yue’s longsword; in any case, they were momentarily deadlocked. Nangong Yue did not withdraw his longsword. Instead, his figure suddenly surged forward, launching a fierce palm strike towards the Long-Bearded Man with a single hand.

This gave him a significant advantage. The Long-Bearded Man needed both hands to wield the zither, leaving him unable to free a hand to counter Nangong Yue’s palm techniques.

Just as it seemed Nangong Yue was about to win, the Long-Bearded Man suddenly sneered coldly and unexpectedly released the scorched-tail zither. At that moment, the clouds parted, the sun emerged, and everyone felt a dazzling, crystalline light flash before their eyes. The Long-Bearded Man now held a new weapon in his hand.

It was a dagger that seemed forged from ice crystals. About seventeen inches long, its body flowed with frosty luster, shining brilliantly. No one knew what kind of special steel had been used to make it.

This dagger had been drawn from within the zither; it had been hidden inside the instrument’s body all along.

As light flashed before Nangong Yue’s eyes, he knew things were bad. He immediately retracted his palm and leaped backward, wanting to retreat several steps. However, his sword was still hooked on his opponent’s zither strings, hindering his movements. By the time the Long-Bearded Man’s dagger was fully revealed, its attack was already underway—it thrust straight at the palm Nangong Yue had extended.

If this stab hit, Nangong Yue’s left hand would likely be crippled, or at the very least, severely injured. If the opponent pressed the attack right after, the consequences would be unthinkable.

The gathered heroes exclaimed in alarm almost in unison, eager to help. Yet the situation changed too rapidly, and everyone was momentarily dazzled by the shimmering light of the Long-Bearded Man’s dagger, leaving them too late to intervene.

Just as Nangong Yue was about to have his palm pierced through, a loud clang rang out. Something shot through the air and struck the Long-Bearded Man’s dagger squarely. The Long-Bearded Man hadn’t anticipated anyone striking at this moment, and the force of the projectile was extraordinary, nearly knocking the dagger from his grip. He exerted strength, tightening his grasp on the dagger, but its trajectory was already deflected. It merely grazed past Nangong Yue’s palm, not harming him at all.

The object that deflected the dagger fell to the ground—a small pebble.

Although Nangong Yue was a noble young master of a prominent family, his combat experience was no less than that of a seasoned Jianghu veteran. Seeing the opponent’s dagger thrust go wide, he seized that split second of opportunity. He relaxed the force in his right hand, causing the tip of his longsword to spring straight, transforming back from a hook into a straight blade.

The sword’s edge was straight again, meaning the strings could no longer bind it. Only then did Nangong Yue manage to pull his sword free.

The Long-Bearded Man’s reaction was equally swift. Having missed his thrust, he swept the zither back into his grasp, spun it half a circle, and the dagger in his palm vanished entirely back into the zither body without a trace. Simultaneously, he turned his face to look towards Gu Fengchen’s direction.

That pebble, naturally, had been secretly launched by Gu Fengchen.

He had been secretly clutching pebbles, originally intending to aid the Long-Bearded Man. However, the instant he saw Nangong Yue in dire peril, he acted without thinking, flicking one of the pebbles he held. He infused it with the power of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art. Though the pebble was tiny, its force was astonishingly great, ultimately saving Nangong Yue.

Gu Fengchen didn’t wish to see Nangong Yue injured, partly because Qing’er was a member of the Nangong Family and likely Nangong Yue’s own sister, and partly because he felt Nangong Yue was a decent person who acted with extreme propriety. Having more such people around, he thought, would make the Jianghu seem less bloody and ruthless.

Nangong Yue naturally knew someone had helped him and also looked towards Gu Fengchen’s direction.

People near Gu Fengchen also looked around, trying to spot which hero had launched the pebble. Gu Fengchen pretended to glance around with them while secretly closing his fist. The remaining pebbles in his palm crumbled into dust.

Since most people had come in groups and knew their companions’ martial abilities well, they quickly realized it wasn’t one of their own. Gu Fengchen stood alone, his face covered, making him seem especially conspicuous and suspicious. Gradually, everyone’s gaze shifted towards him.

Gu Fengchen knew this was trouble. His only option now was to flee immediately.

Just as he prepared to slip away, a faint groan emerged from the dirt kiln.

Everyone heard it. Their gazes instantly shifted to the kiln. Following the groan, a man slowly walked out of the kiln and stood beneath the sunlight.

The man’s face was deathly pale; blood trickled from the corner of his mouth and had even congealed into dark clots in his graying beard. He seemed to be struggling to suppress his groans while desperately trying to control his body so it wouldn’t collapse.

Seeing this man, Gu Fengchen was violently startled and nearly cried out.

This severely injured person was Qin Tangguan, the Earthly King of the Red Lotus Sect, whom Gu Fengchen had met several times before.

Seeing Qin Tangguan emerge, some among the heroes cried out, “It’s him! It’s Old Man Qin!” People shouted, surging forward as they yelled.

The Long-Bearded Man instantly made a decision. He floated backward, one hand clutching the zither while the other scooped up Qin Tangguan. Then he leaped towards the dirt slope. The slope was over ten zhang (about 30-40 meters) high; carrying another person, it was impossible to leap to the top in one go. His jump carried him only about one zhang (3-4 meters) up. As his body began to descend, the Long-Bearded Man swung his wooden zither, stabbing it into the slope. The tail of the zither sank into the earth, suspending his body in mid-air. Then, pushing off with his toes, he sprang up another zhang. He repeated this several times in succession. One leap after another, he swiftly ascended the slope. Once atop, he sprinted like the wind in the southwestern direction.

The crowd of heroes was unwilling to let him escape. They collectively rushed around the base of the slope and gave chase.

Among these pursuers, Gu Fengchen ran at the very front. His goal wasn’t to kill Qin Tangguan, but to save him. If he could truly save his life, he might mention it to Ling Ling later, perhaps helping to lessen her anger and hatred towards him.

Therefore, he summoned his Qinggong (Lightness Skill), his speed was like wind or a blazing meteor as he chased after them. The other heroes also gave chase, all except Nangong Yue, who remained utterly motionless. He stood firmly on the spot, a faint smile playing on his lips. A servant stepped forward and asked, “Young Master, why aren’t you pursuing them?”

Nangong Yue retorted, “What’s the point of chasing after him?”

The servant replied, “That man is the Red Lotus Sect’s Qin Tangguan. Rumor has it he carries the Heaven-Defying Formula. Those people are chasing him for that very thing. If you took action, you could surely seize it.”

Nangong Yue smiled faintly, “Even if the Heaven-Defying Formula is on Qin Tangguan, with that qin player around, who could possibly take it! Moreover… the Heaven-Defying Formula is no longer in the Earthly King’s possession.”

The servant froze. “How do you know…”

Nangong Yue stated, “That’s news your Second Young Mistress uncovered. It’s reliable.”

He leaped onto his horse, shouting, “We have much to do. Let’s go quickly.” His servants followed as he galloped away.

Meanwhile, the Long-Bearded Man, carrying Qin Tangguan, fled like the wind for over a dozen miles, leaving the pursuing crowd far behind. Only Gu Fengchen was closing in steadily. Estimating the pursuer’s speed, the Long-Bearded Man knew he would catch up within the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea. Scanning his surroundings, he spotted a dense forest to the right and veered into its depths.

Seeing no one else following, Gu Fengchen shouted, “Sir, don’t be alarmed! I’m not here to harm anyone. I merely wish to ask a question of the injured senior!”

The Long-Bearded Man ignored him, dashing deeper into the woods before carefully setting Qin Tangguan down beneath a large tree. He then gripped his qin, ready for action.

Gu Fengchen reached the spot, steadying his breathing without apparent effort. He clasped his hands respectfully. “It seems you, Sir, are also of the Red Lotus Sect, or you wouldn’t protect Senior Qin so fiercely.”

The Long-Bearded Man didn’t answer directly, instead demanding, “What question did you wish to ask him?”

Gu Fengchen inquired, “How was Senior Qin injured? And by whom?”

Qin Tangguan, jostled during the flight, suffered worsening internal injuries. But stubborn and unwilling to show weakness, he suppressed two mouthfuls of blood and forced a grin. “This old fool let himself get caught off guard by an ambush…”

These few words strained him. He could no longer suppress it. Blood welled up again.

Seeing him so grievously wounded, Gu Fengchen was inwardly shocked. This man ranks among the Three Kings. His internal energy must be exceptionally profound. Even Zhuge Xianyun likely doesn’t possess such power.

Qin Tangguan struggled to control himself, coughing blood. He smiled weakly, “Boy, your voice sounds awfully familiar. Take off that hat and let me have a look.”

Gu Fengchen removed the bamboo hat from his head. “Senior Qin, it’s me. Gu Fengchen.”

Qin Tangguan recognized him and gave a faint smile. “So it’s you. Come closer. I have something to tell you…”

Gu Fengchen approached. Qin Tangguan gestured weakly towards him. “Bend down lower… I can’t stand…” Gu Fengchen leaned forward, bringing his ear close to Qin Tangguan’s mouth.

Gu Fengchen braced himself for a whispered question or secret. What came instead was sudden violence. As soon as his head lowered, Qin Tangguan summoned his last ounce of strength and lashed out with a vicious palm strike aimed squarely at his face.

Gu Fengchen never expected such treachery. He felt a gust of powerful wind hit him; the palm strike was upon him in an instant.

Despite being mortally wounded, Qin Tangguan had poured his remaining life force into this blow. If it landed, Gu Fengchen’s features would be obliterated, his skull shattered. He would die instantly.

At the critical moment, the Heaven-Defying Divine Art ingrained in Gu Fengchen reacted without conscious thought. His head snapped backwards with astonishing speed and force, as if hurled from a catapult.

He himself didn’t grasp why he dodged this way, but his entire body followed the momentum, somersaulting backwards. A small tree stood behind him. He lacked time to avoid it. With a loud CRACK, he slammed into the trunk, snapping it clean in half.

Seeing his strike miss, Qin Tangguan laughed bitterly, a harsh, despairing sound. He managed a thumbs-up gesture. “Well… well done… that… Heaven-Defying Divine Art… it’s powerful…”

Thinking Qin Tangguan was merely testing his martial foundation, Gu Fengchen said, “Senior, there’s no need for this. Your injuries demand attention.” Qin Tangguan’s laughter twisted into an angry snarl. “My injuries… Ha! Indeed, my injuries… were they not your gift to me!”

Hearing this, the Long-Bearded Man’s eyes turned icy cold, his gaze like twin blades fixed on Gu Fengchen’s face.

Gu Fengchen frowned in confusion. “Senior Qin, what are you saying? Your injuries…”

“You treacherous bastard…” Qin Tangguan spat the words, blood flecking his lips. “With skills like yours… yet resorting to ambush… You… are utterly unworthy of wielding the Heaven-Defying Divine Art…”

Gu Fengchen protested, “Senior, you must be mistaken. After parting outside Hangzhou, I never saw you again. When could I have ambushed you?”

Qin Tangguan scoffed bitterly. “I knew you’d deny it… But… you are the only man alive… who practices the Heaven-Defying Divine Art…” He wanted to say more, but the surge of anger aggravated his internal injuries. Blood surged violently from his mouth. The Long-Bearded Man rushed to his side, placing a protective palm over his heart meridian.

Qin Tangguan shook his head weakly. “I’m finished… I shall soon go below to meet Leader Ling… But… I have no face to see him… I failed his trust…” With trembling fingers, he detached a jade tablet from his belt and handed it to the Long-Bearded Man. “Take… this token… to the Cult Leader… From now on… the mantle of Earthly King… can pass to another…”

The long-bearded man silently stowed away the jade token.

The pulse he felt through his palm confirmed that Qin Tangguan was experiencing his last rally before the end, with little time remaining.

Gu Fengchen urgently explained, “I swear I never ambushed Senior Qin…” Qin Tangguan responded with continuous cold sneers. The long-bearded man turned silently to face Gu Fengchen. “I’ve come to test your Heaven-Defying Divine Art…” Gu Fengchen waved his hands frantically. “We are not enemies. I have no wish to fight you.”

The long-bearded man retorted, “You failed to ambush Master Qin and pursued him here—isn’t this your attempt to finish him off? Defeat me first, then kill whomever you please.”

Unable to clear his name, Gu Fengchen grew angry. “I did not attack him. Gu Fengchen does not lie, nor does he need to.”

The long-bearded man countered, “It was you who struck my dagger aside with that stone earlier. No other among that raggedy mob possesses such skill.” Gu Fengchen admitted, “Correct.” The long-bearded man pressed, “By aiding the Four Great Clans, have you not declared yourself an enemy of my Red Lotus Sect?”

Gu Fengchen stammered, “I… I originally intended to help you…” Even as he spoke, his voice lacked courage.

The long-bearded man sneered. “So it seems I owe you gratitude for your kindness.”

Gu Fengchen waved dismissively. “Enough, let’s speak no more. I only want you to understand—if I intended to kill, I wouldn’t resort to stealth…”

The long-bearded man turned back to Qin Tangguan. “You predicted correctly. He has admitted it…”

Gu Fengchen froze. “Admitted what?” The long-bearded man answered, “His injury wasn’t from an ambush. It came from a head-on clash with another wielder of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art. That man also concealed his face with a dark veil, much like you.”

Shocked, Gu Fengchen wondered: Could there truly be a second person possessing the Heaven-Defying Divine Art? Even Ying Tian’ao never mastered it. Who could this other be?

Before he could ponder further, the long-bearded man suddenly lunged forward, one hand swinging the zither, the other drawing his dagger, combining his zither and dagger in a swift assault.

Aware of Gu Fengchen’s Heaven-Defying Divine Art, he dared not be careless. Thus, with the music of his zither intertwining with the sound of his dagger, he unleashed his signature technique from the onset.

Denied any chance to explain, and faced with the strangely intricate zither-dagger moves, Gu Fengchen could afford no lapse in focus. He steeled himself and met the attack with all his strength.

The two men clashed fiercely among the trees. The long-bearded man spoke mid-fight, “Master Qin, rest assured. Knowing the culprit now, I swear to avenge you.”

Qin Tangguan let out a rasping laugh. “My thanks…” Summoning his last energy, he gasped, “If you must fight… go farther away… Leave me in peace… I want no one… watching me die…”

A pang of sorrow struck the long-bearded man’s heart: Neither beauties nor great generals should be seen declining in their age by the common folk. Qin Tangguan desired to die with dignity.

Agony tore through Gu Fengchen’s heart. This elder had once harmed him, but fate had intervened. Qin Tangguan’s own “Heaven-Defying Formula” had granted Gu Fengchen rebirth. By this measure, Qin Tangguan was his benefactor. Yet now, he stood accused as Qin Tangguan’s murderer and the target of his dying hatred. This reversal was unbearable. He yearned to rush forward, plead his innocence, but seeing the calm acceptance in Qin Tangguan’s eyes, a sudden clarity washed over him: At life’s end, the greatest peace one could find was quiet reflection upon their fondest memories. If he pressed closer, Qin Tangguan would be robbed even of this final solace.

Beside that solemn peace, his own grievance felt insignificant.

Tears welled in Gu Fengchen’s fierce eyes. Knowing any further action was futile, he slowly retreated towards the forest edge. The long-bearded man shared this intent. Thus, one after the other, they exited the woods.

Suddenly, a clamor of voices erupted behind them—the pursuing heroes were closing in.

In a flash of realization, the long-bearded man ignored Gu Fengchen, gathered his energy and ran swiftly northward. Gu Fengchen understood: He sought to lure the crowd away, preventing them from finding Qin Tangguan in the woods. Feigning pursuit, Gu Fengchen shouted, “Halt! Leave that old man…”

This time, their pace was deliberately measured, ensuring the heroes could follow.

In moments, the crowd rushed past the dense thicket. Yet one among them seemed to sense something amiss. He halted, scrutinized the ground carefully for a moment, then chose not to chase the long-bearded men. Instead, he turned slowly and walked towards the woods.

What he had seen were a few drops of blood, remnants from Qin Tangguan’s aggravated internal injuries caused by the long-bearded man’s earlier movement—traces easily missed unless one looked keenly.

This man entered the woods, searched meticulously, and finally discovered Qin Tangguan beneath the tree.

Qin Tangguan hovered near the very edge of life, yet an innate awareness warned him of approaching footsteps. He strained to open his eyes and saw a chillingly familiar face before him.

It was none other than Guo Jiangfeng, leader of the Long River Gang.

When Qin Tangguan first sought refuge in the Yi River fishing village, Gang Leader Guo, hunting to avenge his nephew, scoured the Jianghu (Martial World) until he found his quarry. This pursuit ignited Qin Tangguan’s desperate flight across the Martial World, carrying the Heaven-Defying Formula.

Guo Jiangfeng had lost track of his prey several times during the chase, but he never surrendered. He pressed ever forward, expending vast fortunes to plant countless informants. That he now stood before Qin Tangguan in the end proved that his hard work eventually pays off. Guo Jiangfeng stood over Qin Tangguan, battling a mix of ecstasy and sorrow, and uttered, “Brother Qin. Greetings.”

Qin Tangguan smiled faintly. “Gang Leader Guo, you’ve finally caught up to me.”

Guo Jiangfeng said, “Indeed. This could be called retribution catching up, debts finding their owner—the net of heaven may be large, but nothing escapes it.” Qin Tangguan replied, “I arrived here first—I’m the host, you’re the guest. Please take a seat.” Guo Jiangfeng also perceived that Qin Tangguan was grievously wounded and near death, devoid of any capacity to retaliate. He sat down beside him. The two sat shoulder to shoulder, neither looking at the other, both tilting their heads back to gaze at the sky.

Qin Tangguan said, “My breath is nearly spent. If you don’t act to kill me now, won’t you regret it for the rest of your life?” Guo Jiangfeng answered, “Just moments ago, more than once, I wanted to kill you with my own hands, but… in my lifetime, I have never killed a man who lacks the strength to fight back.” Qin Tangguan strained to lift a hand and struck Guo Jiangfeng’s leg—a gesture incredibly weak and feeble. “I… I can still fight back…”

Guo Jiangfeng laughed loudly. “Craving a swift and easy death? I refuse to grant you that clean ending! I wish to watch you die inch by inch, thoroughly and completely.”

Qin Tangguan lacked the strength to laugh, yet a faint smile touched his lips. “Truly… like a dog… unable to cough up… any ivory…”

Guo Jiangfeng’s smile vanished. “When you killed my nephew, it was surely swift and painless. But this grudge… I remember it too deeply. Do you know… do you know… it’s because my nephew… he…”

Qin Tangguan interjected. “He wasn’t your nephew. He was your son…”

Guo Jiangfeng asked in shock, “You knew this too?” Qin Tangguan responded, “As the Earthly King of the Red Lotus Sect, I know far more than you might imagine.” Guo Jiangfeng pressed, “Then why didn’t you reveal this during the siege? Had you done so, the brethren in my gang would surely have fostered discord, the elders would have deposed me as gang leader, and the Long River Gang would have been thrown into chaos.”

Qin Tangguan gave a cold sneer. “Exposing a man’s private affairs is hardly the act of a hero. Whether he was your son or not, it remains that I struck him down. Your heart bears the pain. To lose a child in old age is a profound misfortune. That is why you seek revenge… I bear you no ill will for it.”

Guo Jiangfeng sprang to his feet. “Guo Jiangfeng despises you, yet must admit you are a man of honour and integrity. I… demand a duel with you.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Tangguan made no direct response. He understood perfectly that the slightest twitch of the other man’s little finger would snuff out his life instantly. Yet Guo Jiangfeng proposed a duel—meaning he refused to treat him as a man already perishing. Qin Tangguan would still die, but he would die in combat. For a man of the Martial World, this was the highest accolade.

Generals die on the battlefield; strategists perish in the council hall. And those of the Jianghu must fall in a grand, earth-shaking duel.

Qin Tangguan could not rise. Guo Jiangfeng stepped forward, supported him, and leaned him against the tree. He sealed the acupoints on Qin Tangguan’s heart and legs, preventing him from bending, thus propping his body upright.

Then Guo Jiangfeng stepped back several paces. He clasped his hands formally in salute and declared loudly, “This old man, Guo Jiangfeng of the Long River Gang, requests to experience the prowess of Brother Qin!”

Summoning his last vestiges of strength, Qin Tangguan clasped his hands in return. “Understood… Earthly King of the Red Lotus Sect… Qin Tangguan… Brother Guo… enlighten me…”

After these words, his hands formed a stance guard before his chest. Suddenly, light blazed in his eyes. He seemed to see the shadow of his youth—a time of boundless spirit, defiance towards all authority, looking down upon the entire realm, stubbornly following his own path alone.

It had passed… yet now returned… Everything, everything, seemed to flow back into him, coalescing with his very soul.

At the instant that light vanished from his eyes, his smile froze upon his face. His death was grand and earth-shaking. And the man who granted him this final honour was his greatest enemy.

Guo Jiangfeng watched as Qin Tangguan’s hands fell slack. Instead of retracting his own stance, he cried out, “Take this!” He raised his hand and lunged forward, his fist striking Qin Tangguan squarely on the chest.

The blow carried little force, for he had not summoned his Internal Energy; it was but a gentle touch. Then Guo Jiangfeng tilted his head back towards the heavens and sighed, “My son… my son… your father has avenged thee…” By the time he uttered these words, his weathered face was already drenched with tears of sorrow.

Two old men: one lived, one died; one wept, one smiled. The enmity and affection between them dissolved into a passing breeze, fading away without a sound.

Meanwhile, Gu Fengchen and the Long-Bearded Man, attempting to divert the pursuers, had not run particularly fast at first. Distancing themselves significantly from the grove, they then quickened their pace. Soon, seeing no signs of further pursuit from the Long River Gang, the Long-Bearded Man began circling around. Gu Fengchen followed close behind. They traversed a large arc before finally doubling back towards that same patch of woods.

By now, roughly an hour had passed. The Long-Bearded Man entered the grove and strode directly towards the large tree. Upon reaching it, he froze.

Guo Jiangfeng was no longer visible. Where Qin Tangguan had lain, there now stood a freshly made grave.

The earth of the grave mound was raw and untouched, clearly heaped recently. There was no mound piled high, no burial trees planted, nor any tombstone erected. Yet both men understood instinctively: this was Qin Tangguan’s grave. Only, they knew not who had buried him.

The Long-Bearded Man glared furiously at Gu Fengchen. He sneered coldly, “So… you had an ally after all…” Gu Fengchen spread his hands wide. “Sir, you’re mistaken. I am alone. I brought no second person with me.” The Long-Bearded Man retorted sarcastically, “In that case, he must have dug his own grave, eh?”

Gu Fengchen suggested, “Perhaps a kind soul passed by…” The Long-Bearded Man cut him off sharply. “Kind souls? Does such a thing even exist in this world?” Gu Fengchen had to concede his own reasoning was weak. “The only thing now… is to dig it open and see. If it is Elder Qin buried inside, such a crude burial is no justice to his stature.”

The Long-Bearded Man affirmed, “Naturally. The Earthly King of the Red Lotus Sect deserves burial back at Mount Huang.” He eyed Gu Fengchen coldly. “I feel strongly now… to bury you in that earth.” Gu Fengchen smiled bitterly. “Then I shall say, sir… you buried the wrong man.” The Long-Bearded Man retorted, “Don’t you still claim… you weren’t the one who dealt the fatal blow?!”

Gu Fengchen countered, “I bore him no enmity! I have even aided him before—escorting his granddaughter! I’ve had considerable dealings with the Red Lotus Sect! Why would I kill him?”

The Long-Bearded Man demanded, “Your name is Gu Fengchen. Which sect do you belong to?”

Gu Fengchen answered, “This humble one has just assumed the position of City Lord of Broken Heart City.” The Long-Bearded Man was taken aback. “City Lord of Broken Heart City? The leader of that crowd of women?” Gu Fengchen felt an embarrassed warmth flush his face. “A pro tem basis, merely. After the Double Ninth Festival assembly, I shall abdicate the position.” The Long-Bearded Man asked, “You also intend to attend the Double Ninth Festival meeting?”

Gu Fengchen replied, “Indeed. Broken Heart City received an invitation long ago. Naturally, I will go.”

The Long-Bearded Man stared at him for a moment before suddenly giving a cold hmph. “To put it that way, Hua Yuehen’s bond with you is extraordinarily deep.”

Gu Fengchen replied, “I once aided her, but only in minor matters. It was City Lord Hua’s magnanimity that allowed me to become City Lord.” The Long-Bearded Man said, “Her magnanimity… It’d be more accurate to say she holds you in high regard.” Gu Fengchen said, “I am unworthy. Without virtue or ability, I only sought self-preservation in taking this role.”

The Long-Bearded Man inquired, “Self-preservation? Someone wants to kill you?”

Gu Fengchen said, “I killed Zhuge Ren, the Young Master of the Martial World. A Kill Order has already been issued against me in the Jianghu. You haven’t seen it?” The Long-Bearded Man shook his head. “I just returned to the Central Plains after finishing some business. Haven’t heard of it.” He paused. “Killing Zhuge Ren, offending the Four Great Clans; killing Qin Tangguan, making an enemy of the Red Lotus Sect! If all that is true, you’ve either gone mad, or you’re gravely ill.” Gu Fengchen gave a bitter smile. “I’m neither mad nor ill. In fact, killing Zhuge Ren was an accident… I… never intended to kill anyone.”

The Long-Bearded Man studied him for a few moments, as if deciding he wasn’t lying, and finally said, “I will look into this. If you truly didn’t kill the Earthly King, I won’t trouble you at the Double Ninth Ceremony. If you’re lying… you’d best not come to the Bright Summit.”

Gu Fengchen stated, “I will definitely attend the Double Ninth Ceremony.” The Long-Bearded Man nodded. “You may go.” Gu Fengchen glanced at the grave. “Senior Qin’s body…” The Long-Bearded Man said, “I will take it away. The Red Lotus Sect has its own burial rites; no need for outsiders to concern themselves.”

Hearing this, Gu Fengchen had no choice but to nod. “I take my leave. We’ll meet at the Double Ninth Ceremony.”

After saying this, he walked several steps towards the forest edge, then suddenly felt a stir in his heart. He turned back and asked, “You still believe I’m the murderer, don’t you?” The Long-Bearded Man gave a faint smile. “What do you think?” Gu Fengchen said, “It’s just a feeling. I don’t know if I’m right.” The Long-Bearded Man countered, “If I was sure you were the murderer, why wouldn’t I kill you to avenge the Earthly King?”

A faint smile touched Gu Fengchen’s lips. “That’s because… you genuinely have no certainty you can kill me. Am I correct?” The Long-Bearded Man slowly lost his smile. “Until you fall, I shall find no peace.” Gu Fengchen remarked, “No need to rush. You’ll have your chance at the Double Ninth Ceremony.”

He paused, then added, “You must be someone important in the Red Lotus Sect. Dare I ask you to reveal your esteemed name?” The Long-Bearded Man held the Qin in front of his chest, plucked a single resonating note, and said slowly, “I am one of the Eight Steeds of the Crimson Lotus, Lord of Peril, Lei Yin.”

Gu Fengchen nodded. “Impressive skill indeed.” With that, he left the forest and headed back the way he came. His horse, left behind during the initial pursuit of Lei Yin, was still waiting where he’d left it. As he approached, he saw two men lying nearby, seemingly farmers, clutching their stomachs and writhing on the ground.

Apparently, seeing the horse unattended, they had tried to lead it away. Unluckily for them, the horse had a fierce temper and had kicked them both down. Gu Fengchen shook his head with a wry smile, left a couple of silver chunks for them to see a physician, then leapt onto the horse and galloped towards Mount Huang.

As he rode, he pondered. Could what Qin Tangguan said be true? Was there really a second person in the world who had mastered the Heaven-Defying Formula? Perhaps Qin Tangguan was mistaken. The person who injured him might not have been using the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, but some other martial art.

Qin Tangguan’s Internal Energy was already profoundly deep. Gu Fengchen might have surpassed him in that aspect. But the world is vast and full of wonders. Who could say there weren’t others in the martial world with even greater Internal Energy? Did Internal Energy surpassing Qin Tangguan’s necessarily mean it was the Heaven-Defying Divine Art?

Thinking this, Gu Fengchen dispelled his doubts.

The journey took four or five days, until he reached the foot of Mount Huang.

It was now the seventh day of the ninth month. The Double Ninth Ceremony was still two days away. Arriving early, Gu Fengchen felt that the area around Mount Huang seemed different from usual, as though many unseen eyes were constantly watching him. Yet, he saw no one when he looked around. He knew such a grand ceremony for the Red Lotus Sect would inevitably have spies and lookouts planted in advance who must have already spotted him.

Accepting this, Gu Fengchen simply took lodgings in a small town at the base of Mount Huang to wait for the Broken Heart City group.

That night, he drank half a jug of wine by himself and wandered outside the town. The sky was ablaze with brilliantly sparkling stars. A pang of sadness struck him, and he thought of Ling Ling again. Now, she was on the mountain, and he was at its base. Though only separated by the Bright Summit, it felt like a vast river flowed between them. He dared not meet her.

Lost in thought, his feet unconsciously carried him in the direction of the Bright Summit. By the time he realized it, he could no longer restrain his desire. Why not? He grabbed the remaining wine jug, activated his lightness skill, and flew like the wind towards the Bright Summit. Even if he couldn’t speak to her, just catching a single glimpse might soothe the pain within.

He reached the foot of the Bright Summit swiftly. Sticking to secluded paths, even if there were lookouts, it would be hard for them to spot him, so his journey proceeded smoothly.

Gazing at the peak looming before him, Gu Fengchen was filled with emotion. This was already his third time here. The first time, he came to save Lian’er, driven by a desperate determination to die. The second time, to save Ling Ling, he was filled with deep shame. Now, this time, his feelings were even more complex, tangled in a way he couldn’t describe.

Concealing himself in the shadows, he pondered how best to ascend. Suddenly, a shadow flickered in the darkness far ahead. Startled, Gu Fengchen wondered if someone else was trying to sneak up the peak to spy. Focusing his gaze, he confirmed it was indeed a figure, moving with incredible agility, scaling the peak like an ape.

Gu Fengchen abandoned the wine jug and moved soundlessly, following behind.

The figure ahead didn’t notice the trailing pursuit, focused only upwards and never looking back. Gu Fengchen quickly closed the distance, getting a better view of the stranger’s silhouette.

One behind the other, they ascended the less traveled side of the peak, gradually nearing the mountainside ridge.

Suddenly, Gu Fengchen saw the lead figure stop. It turned its head to peer intently all around. The person wore a black mask over their face. Gu Fengchen instantly froze his movement. Fortunately, the mountainside was densely covered with forest and rocks, easy to hide within. The figure scanned and, finding nothing, seemed satisfied.

The masked figure floated lightly, landing on a large boulder. It made the soft calls of a partridge. As the last call faded, another figure emerged from behind a nearby pine tree. Seeing this, the masked person leapt off the boulder and approached.

Gu Fengchen was instantly suspicious. Meeting secretly in the dead of night, this shifty behavior surely meant they weren’t up to any good. On the eve of the Double Ninth Ceremony, two such individuals appearing near the Bright Summit almost certainly spelled trouble for the Red Lotus Sect. He began to stealthily edge closer. Looking around, however, he saw the area around the tree for several zhang was open ground, devoid of trees or rocks for cover. Forced to remain concealed, he silently dropped flat behind the large boulder where the masked figure had stood and strained his ears to listen.

The mountainside fell utterly silent. The mountain breeze rustled softly; the quiet was profound. The two figures were exceptionally cautious, speaking only in the lowest of whispers.

Fortunately, after cultivating the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, Gu Fengchen’s hearing was preternaturally sharp. He could just barely catch fragments of their conversation. At first, it seemed mundane. But then, suddenly, indistinct though it was, a chilling phrase pierced the quiet from one of them: “…must kill that girl…”

Gu Fengchen’s heart lurched. He strained harder. The pair conversed for several moments. The breeze murmured; there was no other movement around. Perhaps feeling safer, they spoke a fraction louder. Gu Fengchen vaguely discerned a few more disjointed sentences:

“…if we can’t win… what then?… need a backup plan…”

“…don’t worry… my plan… once she’s seated… no one can save her…”

“…under the altar… I’ll bury… hundred catties of gunpowder…”

Followed by low, chilling chuckles from both.

Cold dread gripped Gu Fengchen’s heart. Who were they? Such a poisonous scheme! Burying gunpowder… they intended to kill Ling Ling when she ascended as Cult Leader!

Gu Fengchen knew Ling Ling wasn’t poisoned, but that fact was under strict guard; outsiders didn’t know. It was precisely why the Four Great Clans and the White Lotus Sect dared to come and disrupt the ceremony. Gu Fengchen guessed Ling Ling would likely reveal herself at the crucial moment to ascend as Cult Leader. But the plotters before him were cunning and prepared to go further. Could this person be the traitor secretly embedded within the Red Lotus Sect?

As he thought this, the pair concluded their meeting. The masked figure who had ascended the peak jumped back onto the boulder and began leaping swiftly down the mountainside. The figure that had emerged from behind the tree melted back into the surrounding darkness and vanished in an instant.

Gu Fengchen’s immediate impulse was to apprehend the masked figure and demand answers. But caution prevailed: this was likely a messenger. If the mastermind didn’t receive confirmation, they would likely alter their entire plan. His risk and effort tonight would be wasted, and the villains might simply hatch a new, even more insidious plot.

Stricken with this dilemma, Gu Fengchen hesitated just a beat too long. The masked messenger had already disappeared into the distance.

Now he agonized: Should he climb the peak and tell Ling Ling what he’d just seen?

But a second thought occurred: it might be best not to ascend immediately. For one, he was still considered an enemy by the Red Lotus Sect. Their hostility towards him had not abated, especially since they believed he was Qin Tangguan’s murderer. Simply showing up would provoke an immediate attack.

Being attacked wasn’t the worst part. Far worse, anything he said would be dismissed as lies. His interference might only make the real traitor(s) more cautious, possibly prompting them to substitute an even more subtle and devastating plot.

No. Better to stay down. Wait for the day of the Double Ninth Ceremony and act according to the unfolding situation. That was the safest approach.

Steeling himself, Gu Fengchen focused intently. This upcoming grand ceremony was fraught with peril, an intricate web of shifting dangers. Multiple factions plotted against it. As far as he knew: the White Lotus Sect and others formed one bloc; the Four Great Clans constituted another; that shadowy group that manipulated him into “accidentally” killing Zhuge Ren was a third; and then there was the Red Lotus Sect itself – already four major forces. And that didn’t even account for smaller sects.

These groups had divergent goals.

The Four Great Clans clearly aimed to disrupt the ceremony, turning this pivotal moment into a martial world joke. Success would shatter the Red Lotus Sect’s prestige, condemning them to irrelevance in the Jianghu. The Four Great Clans would retain their dominance. Any future attempts by the Red Lotus Sect to recover would be futile. Gu Fengchen knew their tactics: once they gained an advantage, they crushed their rival ruthlessly.

Even if disruption failed, the Four Great Clans had a contingency: their embedded traitor(s) within the Red Lotus Sect. They planned to elevate this traitor to Cult Leader. Once secured, the entire Red Lotus Sect would be under their control, leading inevitably to its destruction. This outcome was far more terrifying.

The ambitions of the White Lotus Sect differed. Lady Xueyi and Ying Tian’ao sought to openly seize the leadership of the Red Lotus Sect to wash away the shame of their history. Their goal seemed simpler, but their methods might surpass even the Four Great Clans. Ying Tian’ao was brilliant. For years he’d quietly built immense strength. His White Lotus Sect network was deeply rooted and pervasive. Considering the calibre of those defecting to join him – established experts – one could only wonder how many more loyalists remained hidden.

And what of that faction that had set him up? Utterly mysterious, lurking in the shadows. Ruthless in both intent and action, stopping at nothing to achieve their goals. In Gu Fengchen’s view, they were perhaps the most dangerous precisely because they remained hidden. Even now, he still didn’t know their true ultimate objective. Did they covet the Red Lotus Sect? They didn’t possess that kind of overt power. Was it just chaos? That seemed pointless. Manipulating him and stealing the Earth Evasion Armor hinted at a meticulously orchestrated, long-term plan, not haphazard opportunism.

As for the Red Lotus Sect itself.. Ling Ling’s feigned poisoning must have a deeper strategic meaning. By showing weakness publicly, they likely planned something significant. Did they suspect traitors lurking inside? Was this part of a counter-capture plan? When he’d barged into the small tower to see Ling Ling that day, Xue Wuhen and others wanted to follow, but Ping’er had physically stopped them, clearly to prevent them learning Ling Ling was unharmed. If even close confidants like Xue Wuhen were deceived, likely the traitor(s) remained equally ignorant.

Thoughts tumbled over each other, too numerous and tangled to fully untangle. Overwhelmed, Gu Fengchen consciously forced his mind to quiet. The eastern sky was already beginning to pale; dawn approached. He retraced his path down from the mountainside, returned to his lodgings, and fell into sleep.