Chapter 25: Heaven’s Unkindness
Chapter 25: Heaven’s Unkindness
Ling Ling pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him as she spoke, “That’s not true. You did everything right from start to finish.” Gu Fengchen said, “Right actions can still hurt others. So when Ping’er stabbed me with her spear, looking back now, it would have been less painful if it had been you instead.” Ling Ling asked, “If I had stabbed you, would that have made you feel better?”
Gu Fengchen sighed, “I only ask for your forgiveness. At the West Lake gathering, I didn’t mean to hurt you. It was… unavoidable…” Ling Ling said, “I know. And that spear thrust was very light. If I had fought back then, I wouldn’t have lost.” Gu Fengchen countered, “But you were too heartbroken to fight back then, weren’t you?”
Ling Ling didn’t answer, lowering her head as she murmured, “It’s all in the past. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Fengchen was overjoyed, “Linger, you… you forgive me…” A smile finally appeared on Ling Ling’s face, “Not necessarily. I’ll remember this spear thrust forever. Someday, I might just return the favor.” Gu Fengchen laughed heartily, “I’m just afraid that by then, you won’t be able to bring yourself to do it.”
They sat side by side on a large bluestone, exchanging a smile. All the past sorrows and hardships suddenly felt worth it. Gently resting her head on Gu Fengchen’s shoulder, Ling Ling gazed distantly at the countless stars, murmuring, “What would you have done if I never forgave you?”
Gu Fengchen replied, “I don’t know. Probably I would have waited below this peak forever, climbing up every day just to catch a glimpse of you.” Ling Ling laughed, “If you dared come up, I’d set dogs on you!” Gu Fengchen declared, “Even if you set tigers loose, they couldn’t stop me.”
A ripple passed through Ling Ling’s eyes, “Real tigers couldn’t stop you? What about a tigress then? I know there’s a scorpion by your side fiercer than any tiger.” Gu Fengchen knew she meant Bai Jingjing. A knot formed in his heart as he said, “I don’t know… I promised to marry her… but that was in a life-or-death moment…”
Ling Ling asked, “Do you want to break off the engagement?”
Gu Fengchen replied firmly, “A real man stands by his word. How could I go back on it? Besides, doing so would surely leave Lady Bai heartbroken for life.”
Ling Ling lifted her head, looking Gu Fengchen straight in the eyes. “I have one question for you, and you must answer honestly.” Gu Fengchen said, “Ask away.” Ling Ling’s voice was soft but intense, “Do you truly love me? Did you ever truly want to marry me?”
Gu Fengchen answered with absolute certainty, “I love you. I wanted to marry you…”
Ling Ling stared into his eyes while he held her gaze. Speaking these words felt like his heart had opened all its doors, with nothing left to hide.Ling Ling watched him for a long moment, two silent tears slowly tracing paths down her cheeks. Gu Fengchen gently raised his hand to wipe them away. Finally breaking eye contact, Ling Ling turned her gaze towards the stream murmuring below them, her voice distant, “You didn’t lie to me… That was the truth…”
Gu Fengchen also lowered his head, remaining silent. His mind warred inside him – he couldn’t hide his love, yet nor could he chase his own happiness by shattering Bai Jingjing’s. A divorce letter could be written, but the bonds of obligation were harder to sever.Even if he hardened his heart, divorced Bai Jingjing, and stayed with Ling Ling, that decision would surely haunt him forever, a lifelong burden of guilt.
Where to turn? Gu Fengchen couldn’t decide.
In those times, it was utterly common for men to have three wives and four concubines. Yet it was rare in the martial world. The wives of martial artists were often martial artists themselves. Taking a concubine could lead to strife: if the concubine didn’t know martial arts, she would inevitably suffer oppression from the main wife. Even if she did, if her skills were inferior to the main wife’s, she’d still be oppressed. And if her skills surpassed the main wife’s, how would the concubine accept a lesser status? Then the main wife would be in danger.To find someone whose martial skills perfectly matched the main wife’s was exceptionally rare. Therefore, most martial heroes in the Central Plains took only one wife.As for Gu Fengchen, initially he hadn’t even considered taking a wife, let alone a concubine. In his mind, multiple wives were the practices of wealthy gentry, landowners with overflowing granaries.
Moreover, Gu Fengchen had never even dared to imagine that someone like Ling Ling could ever be reduced to the status of his concubine.Here stood Gu Fengchen, possessing immense martial skill yet utterly powerless. If there were things in this world that couldn’t be won by martial prowess or gold, they were destiny and love.
Ling Ling suddenly lifted her head, “I know your predicament. You’re married to another. As long as you truly love me and think of me, that’s enough.” Gu Fengchen stammered, “I…” But Ling Ling suddenly smiled through her fading tears, “Why do we keep talking about such unhappy things? What I truly cherish are the days we spent together, however brief. They are etched deeply in my heart.”
Gu Fengchen remembered riding beside her across the Jianghu (Martial World), fiercely battling heroes together. That soaring spirit, that unstoppable courage – it felt as though he alone could hold the entire Jianghu at bay.The memory momentarily lifted his gloom. Suddenly, he recalled a question, “Isn’t the Cult Leader of the Red Lotus Sect you? Why is Ping’er in that role now?”
Ling Ling had just been seeking a way to lighten the mood. Seeing him ask, she glanced around cautiously before replying softly, “Actually… the next Cult Leader of the Red Lotus Sect was always destined to be Ping’er.” Gu Fengchen was confused, “But she’s only your maid. And you’re Leader Ling’s daughter.”
Ling Ling gave a small, secretive smile, “These were just appearances I let you see, or what I told you. None of it was actually true.” Gu Fengchen was stunned, “You mean you’re not Ling Yufeng’s daughter?” Ling Ling nodded slowly, “The true daughter of the former Cult Leader Ling is not me, but Ping’er. Her real name… is Ling Ziping. ‘Ping’ from ‘floating duckweed’.”
Gu Fengchen was astonished, “Then… don’t you also share the Ling surname?”
Ling Ling clarified, “Yes, I do bear the Ling name, but I’m merely Cult Leader Ling’s adopted daughter, not his flesh and blood. Only a few leaders within the Red Lotus Sect know this secret.”
In that moment, Gu Fengchen realized what extraordinary foresight Cult Leader Ling Yufeng truly possessed.The Red Lotus Sect’s reappearance in the Jianghu was undoubtedly timed with his two daughters mastering their spear skills. Upon emerging, Ling Ling was sent to challenge the Mount Tai Sect to establish their reputation, making the entire world aware that she was the next Cult Leader. Meanwhile, the true successor remained stationed at Bright Summit of Mount Huang, orchestrating plans. No wonder Ling Ling, carrying such a weight of authority, would risk herself so readily!
Reality confirmed the scheme. The moment Ling Ling stepped into the Jianghu, the whole world took note. Pursuit by the Four Great Clans followed relentlessly. Yet they never imagined they were chasing only a decoy Cult Leader. With the combined forces of the Four Great Clans and the entire Jianghu focused solely on Ling Ling, they had no resources left to harass the Red Lotus Sect at Mount Huang. This allowed Ping’er to calmly preside over Bright Summit and carry out the succession plan methodically.What an ingenious strategy! This plan, entrusted to his Red Lotus Sect followers by Ling Yufeng before his death, now revealed the immense depth of his foresight.
Ling Ling, seeing that he hadn’t answered and was frowning in deep thought, asked: “What are you thinking about?”
Gu Fengchen answered truthfully: “I was thinking about your adoptive father, Leader Leng Yufeng. Truly exceptional. This switch-a-roo tactic must have been decided long before his death.”
Ling Ling nodded: “Gui Qulai said the same thing. At the time, my father sent him to lead the Red Lotus Sect into a distant retreat to the frontier, and also left a secret letter. The contents were indeed just as Gui Qulai said. It was my father’s personal handwriting.”
Gu Fengchen said: “Looking at things now, Leader Ling’s plan from over a decade ago has already succeeded.”
Ling Ling replied proudly: “Indeed, my father calculated everything without a single misstep. Had he not suffered that emotional turmoil over ten years ago that shattered his mind and drained him of the will to live, it wouldn’t have been easy for the Four Great Clans to drive us out.”
Gu Fengchen said: “Now Ping’er has become the Cult Leader, known throughout the land. As for you, this false Leader, what are your plans?”
Ling Ling just smiled without answering, instead asking: “In your heart, which of me do you prefer? The me who is Leader, or the me who is not?”
Gu Fengchen didn’t hesitate for a moment: “Naturally, the you who is not Leader.”
Ling Ling rested her chin on her hand: “Why? If I were Leader, I’d wield great power. If I stamped my foot, the entire Jianghu (Martial World) would quake!” Gu Fengchen said: “It’s precisely because you’d have that much power that I wouldn’t like it. The greater a person’s power, the more they desire. They become increasingly greedy, just like an elephant that always feels it’s not big enough, constantly eating desperately until it grows so large it can no longer support its own body, and finally is crushed by its own weight. I don’t want to see you become like that.”
Hearing this, Ling Ling frowned and fell silent.
Gu Fengchen said: “Do I speak incorrectly?”
Ling Ling shook her head: “You speak the truth. Actually, I never really wanted to be this Leader either. I only intended to wait until after the Succession Ceremony to withdraw from the Jianghu and return to the frontier.”
Gu Fengchen was startled: “You want to go back?”
Ling Ling laughed: “What purpose is there in staying here? It’s not like anyone is going to marry me. Should I wait until I’m old, unwanted, before going back?”
Gu Fengchen said: “Such a fine young woman as you, whose looks… look almost heavenly… how could no one want you? It’s probably that they wouldn’t dare.”
Ling Ling cast a pensive look at him and sighed: “Let’s not speak of this. We’ll leave it to fate. Right now, I only want… only want to be able to stay with you a while longer, that would be good enough…”
Gu Fengchen was at a loss for words. He had no choice. If he forcibly cast aside Bai Jingjing to be with Ling Ling, he would no longer be the Gu Fengchen he knew himself to be.
Previously, Gu Fengchen never believed in fate. But now, he truly felt how inscrutable Heaven’s will was, and how limited human effort could be.
Ling Ling’s words stirred waves of turbulence in his heart. Gu Fengchen also sighed: “It’s just a pity that we can no longer roam the Jianghu side by side. I truly miss those days when we stood shoulder to shoulder against the enemy.”
Ling Ling seemed to want to say something but stopped herself.
Gu Fengchen asked: “Do I speak incorrectly? Now the Red Lotus Sect has stabilized, you don’t need to expose yourself to danger anymore.”
Ling Ling was silent for a moment, then finally said: “Actually… there is still something I need to do…”
Gu Fengchen was taken aback: “What matter requires you to step forward?”
Ling Ling said: “To be honest, ever since Wan Xiaolou stole the Lover’s Spear, my sister… oh, the current Cult Leader, did lead people to pursue him but found no trace. They returned empty-handed. However, not long after, a covert sentry post at the mountain’s base reported that Wan Xiaolou had joined forces with a group of people and was heading east. Some have already gone to follow him; reports come every day. We still don’t know his final destination, but we must retrieve the spear. But the Red Lotus Sect has only just stabilized; there are countless tasks demanding attention. The Cult Leader cannot easily leave her post. Therefore, I volunteered for the mission to recover the Lover’s Spear.”
Gu Fengchen felt a surge of joy: “So, you came to find me because you want me to go with you?”
Ling Ling said: “But I feel this isn’t very good.”
Gu Fengchen asked: “What’s ‘not very good’? Are you afraid I wouldn’t be willing?”
Ling Ling replied: “Before, I ignored you, got angry with you. Now, when something comes up, I come looking for you. Others would think me overly opportunistic, a petty person.”
Gu Fengchen laughed heartily: “It won’t be as you imagine. You see me as a friend, as family; that’s why you came to me. And you know full well I wouldn’t refuse.”
Ling Ling gave him a grateful look: “I knew that. So I did come to find you. But what worries me… is your wife…”
Gu Fengchen asked: “Do you think she wouldn’t want me to accompany you?”
Suddenly, a voice came from the grass behind them: “Exactly. I don’t want you to accompany her.” Gu Fengchen was startled, turning to look. He saw Bai Jingjing stand up from the grass and walk over.
The truth was, although she had lain down in the tent, she was constantly worried, afraid Gu Fengchen might leave and never return. Bai Jingjing and Gu Fengchen hadn’t actually lived together long; their relationship hadn’t reached a point of deep mutual trust. Coupled with her own nature that wasn’t particularly broad-minded, she had quietly crawled out and hidden in the grass near them to listen. Gu Fengchen, possessing his Divine Kung Fu (Supreme Skill), should have been able to hear her, but upon seeing Ling Ling, his mind was thrown into turmoil, beyond his control. His entire focus was on Ling Ling, so he hadn’t detected her approach.
Hearing their conversation, Bai Jingjing couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. She knew that while Gu Fengchen would keep his promise and wouldn’t abandon her to marry another, in his heart, Ling Ling would always hold the first place. This, she realized, was unchangeable.
Now, hearing Ling Ling invite Gu Fengchen to go with her, Bai Jingjing couldn’t restrain herself from revealing herself.
Seeing Bai Jingjing approach, Ling Ling’s expression became slightly awkward. She stood up, no longer sitting beside Gu Fengchen. After all, they were married now. No matter how close she was to Gu Fengchen, she couldn’t show it at this moment.
Bai Jingjing, on the other hand, seemed like an old hand at this. She wasn’t bothered. She understood perfectly well how intimate Gu Fengchen and Ling Ling had once been. Though she hadn’t witnessed it, she could well imagine. Therefore, she smiled at Ling Ling and said: “Leader Ling, please don’t stand on ceremony. Do sit down.”
Hearing her say this, Ling Ling felt at a loss for words.
Gu Fengchen was also embarrassed. It really looked like he had been secretly meeting an old flame behind his wife’s back, only to be caught in the act. Involuntarily, his face flushed: “It’s you… you’re not asleep…” Even as he said it, he realized how useless the words sounded.
Bai Jingjing said: “Brother, you sit. Since Leader Ling is here, it’s just right for us all to have a talk, to avoid awkwardness later on the road.”
Gu Fengchen was puzzled: “Awkwardness later on the road?”
Bai Jingjing said: “Exactly. Doesn’t Leader Ling want you to do this thing with her?”
Ling Ling explained: “I wanted to ask for his help in recovering the Lover’s Spear. That’s all. No other meaning.”
Bai Jingjing said: “I know.”
Ling Ling continued: “But when you spoke, you indicated you weren’t willing for him to go.”
Bai Jingjing nodded: “I am unwilling for him to go with you.”
Ling Ling said: “Fine then. I won’t disturb you further.”
As she spoke, she rose to leave. Gu Fengchen turned to look at Bai Jingjing, a frown appearing on his face, harboring suppressed anger. He was just beginning to say something when Bai Jingjing grasped Ling Ling’s hand and said: “Hear me out first.”
Ling Ling replied: “Your meaning was quite clear. What else is there to say?”
Bai Jingjing said: “I’m unwilling for him to accompany you… alone… because I wish to accompany him too. Why not the three of us go together?”
Ling Ling turned her head sharply: “You want to go too?”
Bai Jingjing said: “If you think it would be awkward traveling together, then I’ll leave the two of you to go alone. I won’t disturb you.”
These words left Ling Ling momentarily stunned as well. Initially, she thought that after stating her request, Gu Fengchen only had two choices: go or not go. Now, suddenly, an extra person was unexpectedly added to the equation – and it was Gu Fengchen’s nominal wife.
Gu Fengchen, however, had other thoughts. The target this time was Wan Xiaolou, no ordinary master. Aside from himself, he feared there was no one under heaven who could withstand his Heaven-Defying Divine Art. Only by going himself could Ling Ling be kept safe. Therefore, he absolutely must go, even if Bai Jingjing disapproved; he wouldn’t let her stop him. Yet hearing Bai Jingjing’s words now, he was quite surprised. Taking Bai Jingjing along meant bringing her subpar martial skills, which could make her a burden. But leaving her behind might look like he was running off with his lover. Besides, once she was determined to follow, shaking her off would be nearly impossible.
He frowned, making a decision in an instant. Addressing the two women, he said: “Alright, then let’s all go. But too many people make for too large a target, hindering the pursuit. Just the three of us will do. Jingjing, go notify City Lord Hua Yuehen, and bring three good horses.”
Bai Jingjing was delighted when Gu Fengchen called her “Jingjing” in front of Ling Ling, finding it very affectionate. She said: “I’ll go right now. I’ll also ask Qing Fozi for some wound medicine.” Gu Fengchen then said to Ling Ling: “Linger, the person we are facing this time is not an ordinary master. The two of you must not stray far from me. Only by staying close can I protect you properly.”
Hearing Gu Fengchen call her “Linger,” Bai Jingjing felt a pang of displeasure, but on second thought, being mentioned together with Ling Ling meant she wasn’t lowering her status. So she quickly left.
Ling Ling seemed somewhat hesitant. She understood Bai Jingjing’s purpose clearly—mainly distrust towards Gu Fengchen. She asked: “Her… your wife is also going. This isn’t good. Why not stay to accompany her? I’ll go alone.” Gu Fengchen gently touched Ling Ling’s shoulder: “Linger, do you really think I would abandon you at this point?”
Ling Ling said: “But you are, after all, a married man now.” Gu Fengchen gave a faint smile: “My relationship with her is open and aboveboard. With you, it is equally open and proper. There’s nothing illicit, so nothing to fear.” Ling Ling rested her head against Gu Fengchen’s chest and whispered softly: “Then let’s go.”
Just then, Bai Jingjing returned with three horses, prepared wound medicine and travel funds, and told Gu Fengchen she had informed Hua Yuehen. Hua Yuehen would lead the group back to Broken Heart City first to await their return. While Gu Fengchen was away, Broken Heart City would still be under Hua Yuehen’s command. Gu Fengchen listened and nodded point by point.
The three mounted their horses and set off east along the mountain path.
Their journey was swift. Messages arrived frequently, indicating the direction taken by Wan Xiaolou and his group. Overall, they were heading east. After several days, the three had entered Zhejiang territory. Here, the soft Wu dialect with its melodic tones was difficult for Gu Fengchen and Ling Ling to understand. Fortunately, Bai Jingjing, having traveled extensively, could grasp about seventy to eighty percent of it. Inquiring along the way, they managed not to lose Wan Xiaolou’s trail.
During these days, Gu Fengchen changed the dressing on his wound every two days, and it healed quickly. Qing Fozi’s wound medicine had a potent ability to remove decay and regenerate tissue. Within seven or eight days, the wound had scabbed over and no longer hampered his movement.
Heading east for another four or five days, they traversed the Kuaiji Mountains and approached the Tiantai Mountains. Standing on a high peak in the Kuaiji range, they could just make out Wan Xiaolou’s group far in the distance, perhaps fifty or sixty li away. Gu Fengchen saw Wan Xiaolou’s party consisted of about a dozen horses, all dressed in light travel clothes, sprinting forward periodically. Clearly, they were also anxious to push on.
Thus, the two groups, one followed the other, arrived within the Tiantai Mountains.
The Tiantai Mountains, located in eastern Zhejiang, were famous Buddhist mountains. As early as the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties period, the eminent monk Zhiyi had founded a temple here, establishing the Tiantai Sect of Buddhism. The mountains were clear, ancient, secluded, and wonderful—a superb place for seeking nature and viewing wonders.
Once inside the mountains, despite the numerous breathtaking sights to behold, Gu Fengchen and the others had no attention to spare. They focused solely on tracking Wan Xiaolou’s group. After roughly two shi chen, they spotted a cluster of horses not far off, left with one person guarding them, while the rest had climbed a high peak.
Horses could go no further here. Gu Fengchen and the two women led their mounts into a dense grove, tied them securely, and then began climbing the peak from another side to avoid the notice of Wan Xiaolou’s men.
It took them the better part of an hour to reach the summit. Looking ahead, they saw Wan Xiaolou and his group were no longer there. Gu Fengchen climbed onto the mountaintop and discovered that below the peak lay a deep, emerald-green lake. Wan Xiaolou’s group was walking towards the water.
On the journey here, Gu Fengchen had recalled what Ying Tian’ao once said: the union of the three treasures would reveal the Red Lotus Sect’s long-hidden riches. Now it seemed Wan Xiaolou and his followers had likely come to retrieve this treasure. Gu Fengchen knew Wan Xiaolou had already mastered the Heaven-Defying Divine Art and obtained the Lover’s Spear. Only the Earth Evasion Armor was missing.
At this thought, Gu Fengchen was struck by a sudden realization. That day at Bright Summit, Long Xielan had fired six poisoned needles at Wan Xiaolou, yet not a single one had pierced him! In all the world, aside from the incredibly cumbersome and heavy Golden Bell Shield and Iron Cloth Skill, there were no similar hard-tendon techniques. Could it be that Wan Xiaolou had been wearing the Earth Evasion Armor back then?
But according to what he knew, the Earth Evasion Armor had been snatched away by that group who plotted against him, led by that Ghost-Faced Man, who had never revealed his identity.
He shuddered with dread. If that person never showed his face, could he be this half-human, half-beast Wan Xiaolou?
Wan Xiaolou had only appeared once, atop Goddess Peak, and his whereabouts were unknown otherwise. Had he secretly been planning this grand scheme all along?
The more Gu Fengchen thought, the more certain he became: the Earth Evasion Armor was indeed on Wan Xiaolou’s person.
He signaled the women to come closer. Down below, Wan Xiaolou and his party had reached the lakeshore at the foot of the peak and were slowly slipping into the water.
Gu Fengchen was taken aback. Could the treasure actually be hidden underwater?
There was no time to lose. The three of them scrambled down the peak and soon reached the lake’s edge.
The water near the shore was very clear, revealing occasional small fish darting about. But at the center of the lake, it turned a dark, ink-green color, its depth unknown.
Gu Fengchen entered the water first, the two women following him. They submerged.
It was now late autumn, and the lake water was chilly. Gu Fengchen took a deep breath and plunged headfirst towards the center of the lake. The women trailed behind him. After surfacing for breath only a few times, they reached the lake’s center. All three took a long breath and dove down towards the lake bottom.
Gu Fengchen opened his eyes wide, searching intently. The entire group of Wan Xiaolou and his men had vanished without a trace. They couldn’t have gone back ashore, so he was certain there must be an underground passage or tunnel at the lake’s center.
Sure enough, after gazing intently for a while, he spotted what seemed to be a cave opening in the underwater cliff face ahead. Moreover, the surrounding water appeared to be flowing into it. He waved his hand, signaling the women to follow close behind him, and swam towards the underwater cave.
As they neared, they indeed discovered a stone cavern. Remarkably, a thick stone slab door stood at the entrance, now pushed open and aside.
Gu Fengchen examined the thickness of the stone door — a full foot thick. He was amazed despite himself, thinking that Wan Xiaolou must have been the one to push it open. Without possessing the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, who could exert force underwater? Only that art could achieve its greatest effect even in conditions where leverage was impossible, allowing one to push open such a stone door.
Now that the stone gate had been opened, Wan Xiaolou and his gang must have already entered.
Seeing the narrow, pitch-black stone cavern extending endlessly downward and fearing an ambush inside, Gu Fengchen signaled to the two women for him to enter first, with them following behind.
The women nodded and swam in after Gu Fengchen.
Inside the stone cavern, total darkness prevailed, not a glimmer of light to be seen. Gu Fengchen felt along the cavern walls and found tool marks, indicating it wasn’t naturally formed. This discovery reassured him somewhat.
After swimming a short distance, the cavern turned upward. Gu Fengchen kicked his legs and rose, breaking the surface with his head.
Soon after, the two women also surfaced one after another. Fortunately, sunlight filtered in through some extremely narrow rock crevices here, banishing the darkness. Gu Fengchen carefully observed and saw light streaming from several such narrow cracks. Glancing around, he found himself in a passage wide enough for several people abreast. This was clearly within the mountain’s interior, and the stone cavern they had traversed acted as a water gate.
Climbing onto the passage, Gu Fengchen noticed numerous wet footprints on the ground, unmistakably left by Wan Xiaolou’s group. Judging by how they had just begun to dry, the group hadn’t left long ago. The three of them proceeded with caution, trailing after the footprints.
The passage stretched long and winding, its destination unknown. Thankfully, at every turn, rock fissures admitted shafts of light, a thoughtful touch by its makers.
They walked for a while when suddenly they heard voices ahead. Halting abruptly, they crept forward stealthily to investigate, peering around a bend.
About ten strides ahead, the passage ended at a low stone gate, less than nine feet tall and only about four feet wide. Strangely, carved into this gate was a figure-shaped indentation, a “大” (large) character form as if someone were pressed spread-eagle against it.
A group of over a dozen masked figures, faces concealed by black hoods, gathered before the gate. One held the Lover’s Spear; his build identified him as Wan Xiaolou.
A figure in a purple hood was examining the stone gate, occasionally glancing at something in their hand. Finally nodding, they declared in an intentionally rough, distorted voice: “Understood. Opening this gate isn’t difficult.”
The voice was unnatural, muffled by the hood, yet Gu Fengchen felt a nagging familiarity he couldn’t immediately place.
Someone asked, “How then? Should we all charge it? We’ve no tools here!”
The Purple Hood responded, “Unnecessary. This is a mechanism requiring the three treasures.” Tugging Wan Xiaolou, they said, “Brother Wan, hand me the spear and remove your outer robe.”
Remarkably compliant, Wan Xiaolou offered the Lover’s Spear without hesitation and stripped off his outer garment.
As the robe fell, Gu Fengchen and his companions immediately recognized the Earth Evasion Armor beneath. This Treasure Armor was extraordinary. Gu Fengchen had seen it once by West Lake on a slender colorfully dressed maiden, where it hadn’t looked overly loose. Now, despite Wan Xiaolou’s large frame – broad-shouldered and thick-chested – the armor showed no sign of being uncomfortably tight. Could this armor stretch and shrink?
Outsiders were unaware that the Earth Evasion Armor was indeed a masterwork. Its materials incorporated millennium-old tree gum and rare sea fish skin, granting it remarkable elasticity.
Stripped to the armor, Wan Xiaolou stared blankly at Purple Hood without speaking. Purple Hood led him to the figure-shaped indentation and instructed, “Press yourself against it.”
Obediently, Wan Xiaolou squeezed himself into the depression, spreading his limbs to match the carved outline.
The others watched, bewildered and finding the sight rather absurd.
Then, something astonishing occurred. A jarring, grinding screech erupted from within the gate, setting teeth on edge and jolting everyone. Simultaneously, steel rods shot out from openings corresponding to the limbs in the indentation. With two sharp clicks, they locked around Wan Xiaolou’s arms and legs, trapping him immobile within the carved form.
The group gasped, thinking Wan Xiaolou had triggered a deadly trap, their gazes snapping towards Purple Hood, who merely waved dismissively: “No need for worry. All is well.”
The grinding continued, and an even stranger spectacle unfolded.
Protrusions slowly bulged beneath the Earth Evasion Armor covering Wan Xiaolou’s shoulders and thighs, as if objects inside were being drawn upwards. Then, two soft “click” sounds followed: four distinct key shapes emerged from the armor at his shoulders and the outer sides of his thighs. These keys slid precisely into four holes that had opened around the indentation in the stone gate and began slowly rotating.
Gu Fengchen suddenly recalled Ying Tian’ao’s words – this Treasure Armor wasn’t just armor; it was a key. Now it was clear this key was meant for this very stone gate.
As the four keys turned, a “click” sounded. The group expected the gate to open, but it remained shut.
An impatient man stepped forward, gave the stone door a forceful shove, and shook his head: “It’s not open.”
All eyes turned back to Purple Hood. The master chuckled coldly: “You’re too hasty. That sound wasn’t the door unlocking; it was creating a keyhole.” Seeing their confusion, Purple Hood gestured sharply to the side of the gate. Squinting, the group spotted a newly formed hole beside the gate, roughly the size of a wrist.
One man asked, “Master, what use has this hole?”
Hearing “master,” Gu Fengchen realized Wan Xiaolou wasn’t their true leader; this person was.
Purple Hood proclaimed: “This is the true keyhole. And here…” they brandished the Lover’s Spear, “…is the key.” With that, they thrust the spear towards the hole.
As a result, the Lover’s Spear was too long, and the stone door’s opening was only about four chi wide, so it couldn’t be inserted. The boss then disassembled the spear and inserted the spearhead section into the hole.
Indeed, it fitted perfectly.
Gu Fengchen then realized why the Lover’s Spear was divided into three sections instead of being cast as a whole—it had such a clever use after all.
After inserting the first section of the spear shaft into the hole, there was a sound from the hole, as if something had gripped the spearhead. The boss then used force to push the shaft inward but couldn’t move it at all. This person thought for a moment, gestured to summon someone, and ordered that person to push.
This man was much stronger. He pushed with all his strength, and with a creaking sound, the spear shaft sank inward. When almost the entire shaft had sunk into the hole, the boss attached the second section and continued pushing inward.
After three such actions, the three sections of the spear shaft had been joined into one whole spear, and except for the last half-chi at the end, the entire spear had submerged into the hole.
The man pushed in the final bit. A deafening sound rang out inside; the hole opened, and the steel rods on the stone door retracted. Wan Xiaolou gained freedom and jumped out.
Then the entire stone door rumbled into motion, slowly retracting to the left, revealing another corridor before everyone.
Seeing there was a path, the leader rushed in first, and the others surged in behind. Gu Fengchen’s group of three also followed and walked inward.
The corridor wasn’t long, just a few dozen steps. Then they spotted a vast open space, roughly the size of over a dozen rooms. The massive effort to carve such a large cavity in the mountain’s belly was evident. By then, Gu Fengchen and his two companions were nearing the corridor’s end. Suddenly hearing cheers from below, they crouched by the corridor’s edge and peered down.
Below the corridor, several dozen steps led to the open space. Sunlight filtered in through the mountain belly walls, and dozens of bronze mirrors were positioned in the field, cleverly reflecting the light and making the entire space bright.
Gu Fengchen looked down and saw the entire open area piled with gold items—gold plates, cups, crowns, basins, jars, amphorae, ruyi scepters—countless treasures. Besides these, there were numerous swords, halberds, knives, and spears, along with flags, gongs, and drums. It was indeed a great treasure trove.
Some of the group leaped onto the gold, shouting joyfully, while the leader boss and Wan Xiaolou stood before a jade screen at the center. The boss recited the words on the screen one by one.
“Since the nation was established, our sect has suffered greatly. The ruler, inflated in spirit, concealed our merits, suppressing the strong everywhere in the Jianghu (Martial World). Our sect wished to contend, but fate belonged to another, beyond human reversal. Some predict centuries later, conflict will reignite. Facing that era, our sect may revive upon the world, contending for dominion, though uncertain. Foreseeing this, we hide this armory in the mountains, unknown to all. It awaits our sect’s descendants to open its vault and raise arms. Thus, our deaths are immortal.”
Ling Ling heard this and sighed softly in her heart. She grasped the passage’s meaning; it was the will left by the sect’s founders, explaining that since the realm stabilized, the emperor had been arrogant, crushing all foes, including the Red Lotus Sect. They wanted to rebel again, but the world was peaceful, people craved stability, and resistance was futile. Some speculated that centuries later, chaos would return, allowing the Red Lotus Sect to rearm and fight for supremacy. Thus, they stockpiled weapons and wealth in this mountain, hidden from outsiders, waiting for later members to retrieve it.
Ling Ling eyed the treasures in the cave. Roughly estimating, just the gold weighed no less than ten thousand jin. The jewels and gems were beyond count, and mountains of weapons lay about. With this foundation, rising up seemed easy. She greatly admired these predecessors for their far-sightedness. If the wealth had been taken back to the Red Lotus Sect, it would likely have been squandered within a few generations.
Just as she pondered this, she saw the leader boss seemed uninterested in the gold. He glanced around, then cheered and dashed to the cave wall, studying it intently.
Only then did Gu Fengchen and the others notice many words engraved on all four cave walls, nearly filling the stone hollow. But upon entering, everyone had been drawn to the gold on the ground, overlooking the writing on the walls.
The boss gazed at it and couldn’t stop jumping and clapping, appearing overjoyed.
Gu Fengchen felt this person’s movements were too familiar; he must have seen them before. He thought hard, then grew startled and blurted out, “It’s you…”
This sudden shout shocked everyone in the open space. All looked up immediately. Gu Fengchen knew they were exposed, so he stood up. The two women also rose and followed, stepping down into the open area.
Wan Xiaolou’s eyes slowly gleamed with fury. Though he hadn’t moved, a palpable murderous aura was rising.
The others gradually closed in, forming a semicircle opposite Gu Fengchen’s group of three.
Gu Fengchen ignored the rest. His eyes stayed fixed on the boss. By now, he was sure of the person’s identity but baffled, so he asked, “Why is it you?”
The boss sensed from his gaze that Gu Fengchen had recognized him. With a wave, he removed the purple hood, revealing his true face.
Qing’er! Yes, it was Qing’er. Ling Ling was also shocked and frowned, deep in thought.
Gu Fengchen stared straight into her eyes and said slowly, “How is that possible? It shouldn’t be you!” Qing’er waved to her sides. “All of you, take them off. No need to hide anymore.”
At this, the others removed their masks and veils together. Gu Fengchen scanned them one by one and recognized many—the Twin Shades of the Netherworld, Guo Jiangfeng, Yang Guan Thief, the oldest and second of the Six Tigers of the Wei Family, Seven-Hands Detective Xiao Du Feng…
He recalled hearing talk at an inn before rescuing Hua Yuehen from the Ghost-Faced Man. Jianghu (Martial World) figures spoke of a third force—a mysterious person secretly recruiting armies, even taming the Twin Shades of the Netherworld and Guo Jiangfeng. Now it was clear that mystery person was Qing’er. Yet, she had surely concealed this from the other three Great Clans.
Qing’er said, “Indeed. Ever since you took action at Five Precepts Manor and Goddess Peak, I’ve had my eyes on you. You were the perfect candidate—possessing unparalleled martial skills yet no backing, a lone wanderer yet brimming with chivalrous courage. That is why I ultimately chose you.”
Gu Fengchen said, “You wanted me to steal the Earth Evasion Armor just to come here.”
Qing’er nodded. “Precisely. That was always my end goal. The West Lake gathering swarmed with elite fighters, and with the Four Great Clans present, I could not show myself. Even if one of the Four Great Clans obtained the treasure armor, it wouldn’t end up in my hands—Zhuge and his kin would take it. To acquire it, I could only rely on you.”
Gu Fengchen said, “For this goal, you resorted to murder to coerce me.” Qing’er replied, “I did what I had to do. It was my only path.” Gu Fengchen asked, “What about Zhuge Ren? Did he also fall into your trap?”
Qing’er said, “Indeed. I deceived him without even lifting a fingertip.”
Gu Fengchen pressed, “You deliberately placed him before me in that scene, making me believe he was the leader. Yet when I struck, he offered no evasion or counterattack. Had you subdued him beforehand?”
Qing’er confirmed, “Correct. I had previously fed him Drunken Biluo tea. Zhuge Ren was already unconscious. Even had you refrained from attacking him, my people would have covertly finished him to pin the blame on you.”
Gu Fengchen roared, “Where did I ever wrong you that you seek my death with such malice?!” Qing’er blinked, unflinching. “You never wronged me, and I seek not your death. It is merely… a plan. In this plan, someone was destined to die and someone else to bear false accusation.” Gu Fengchen’s eyes blazed red with fury. “Why concoct such a scheme? Your Nangong Family has power and wealth aplenty—what more could you desire?”
Qing’er retorted sharply, ‘”A solitary tree in the forest invites the strongest gale.’ You, a man alone, could never comprehend the plight of those in high places—a realm rife with danger, where countless eyes and hidden factions watch incessantly. To cow them, to quell any rebellion, one must grow ever stronger. Yet my brother grasps not this truth. He clings to others’ shadows, content to shelter our Nangong name under the aegis of the other three great clans. Should this continue, our Nangong legacy diminishes daily. He will have no dignity facing our ancestors after death.”
Her voice softened slightly. “I warned you—to leave this jianghu behind, find a place and hide. To avoid treading these murky waters again. You did not heed me. It is not that I hold no regard for you. I wish no death upon you.”
Ling Ling suddenly interjected, “The scheme between us—it served to deceive the other three clans as well, didn’t it?”
Gufengchen, who had been about to ask, demanded, “What agreement stood between you?”
Qing’er answered plainly, “It was simple. That day at West Lake, as Leader Ling made to leave, I intercepted her. Having declared my identity, we forged an alliance. Both our targets comprised the other three clans. We agreed Leader Ling would feign poisoning—incapacitated. This deception would make Zhuge Xianyun see an opportunity. The spies his faction planted within the Red Lotus Sect would stir and reveal themselves. I had long suspected Zhuge of seeding spies within your sect but could not ascertain their identities given their deep concealment. Such a ruse was necessary to draw them out. We reached accord swiftly—for the sake of the Red Lotus Sect, and for my cause, it benefited both.”
Ling Ling added, “True. Upon my feigned affliction, word spread immediately to the Four Great Clans. Zhuge soon learned of it. Hence, the traitor surfaced that very day. For uncovering this threat to the Red Lotus Sect, Qing’er merits credit.”
Gu Fengchen remarked, “I doubt she offered such aid without demanding recompense.”
Ling Ling sneered coldly, “Naturally. Her demand was this: once my sect eradicated our traitor, she required the Lover’s Spear on loan. Promised its return within a month.”
Gu Fengchen turned to Qing’er, “If that be so, why later command Young Master Wan to seize the Lover’s Spear!”
Before Qing’er could answer, Ling Ling spoke first: “Doubtless, to make me indebted. Should future circumstances demand favors, she could leverage that debt.”
Gu Fengchen nodded grimly. “Truly far-sighted. Yet another matter eludes me.” He gestured towards Wan Xiaolou: “How in the world did he master the Heaven-Defying Divine Art?”
His eyes, however, fixed upon Yang Guan Thief.
Yang Guan Thief replied, “He obtained the Heaven-Defying Formula; mastering it followed naturally.” Gu Fengchen scoffed, “You obtained it too. How come you failed?” Yang Guan Thief sighed bitterly, “Cultivating the Heaven-Defying Formula proves immensely arduous upon the latter stages—akin to climbing a mountain under escalating burden. Initially bearing fifty catties? Possible. Then one hundred, two hundred… escalating to a thousand. Truly, carrying such crushing weight, how could one advance even half a step?”
Gu Fengchen challenged, “If you couldn’t advance even half a step, how then did he?”
Yang Guan Thief declared, “It was heaven’s will. Both you and he achieved this divine art. Truthfully, even I grasp not the ‘how’ of his success.”
As related later in this chronicle, to master the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, cultivation in reverse order was essential—a secret known to none. The first essential step, forcefully breaking through the Zhoutian cycle, posed deadly peril. Most practitioners perished from ruptured internal organs. Gu Fengchen, whose meridians were fragmented and disorderly when he trained, inadvertently met this very requirement, enabling his mastery. Wan Xiaolou, this man-beast hybrid, however, followed the prior generations of Red Lotus Sect Leaders’ approach—cultivating from the first page forwards. Consequently, the later stages intensified in difficulty—precisely matching Yang Guan Thief’s analogy of ascending a mountain under crushing weight.
Yet fate sometimes charts exceptions. Born with an atypical, primitive heritage, Wan Xiaolou possessed a uniquely rugged physique. In his cultivation, he somehow shattered through the vital obstacles and ascended to the heights. Indeed, prior to them, no one had ever truly mastered the Heaven-Defying Formula. Its creator had penned its teachings based purely on theoretical possibility. Who could fathom that destiny’s unseen hand would favor Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou? Though their paths differed—forward and reverse—both attained identical divine heights.
Despite mastering the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, Wan Xiaolou’s extremely fierce approach in breaking through his key joints ultimately led him down the demonic path. He went berserk and lost his mind. Bereft of reason, he recognized no kin. Having been raised by others, his bond with his true father, Wan Chongshan, was inherently shallow. In his deranged mind, his father held no distinction from any other man. This detachment allowed him to spear Wan Chongshan to death without hesitation atop Bright Summit. Conversely, his lifelong infatuation with Qing’er imprinted her image and voice deeply within his shattered consciousness. Thus, he perceived her as a deity, willingly serving her every command.
This intricate tale held insights beyond even Yang Guan Thief’s grasp. Were the entire martial world’s wisest minds convened to ponder it, the ‘why’ remained elusive. None could definitively unravel the mystery of how these two men completed the divine art.
It all seemed… ordained by fate.
Gu Fengchen turned his gaze back onto Qing’er and sighed deeply, “If you are their leader, then your capture that day at Frost Pavilion outside Xuanzhou City… that was equally staged.”
Qing’er nodded without meeting his eyes. “My people had chanced upon your trail and reported it to me. I realized instantly—should our meeting proceed normally, you’d expose my identity. Hence, I devised this ploy: feign capture, lure you to the rescue. It also served to convince you there existed no connection between myself and that group.”
Gu Fengchen murmured, “So then… all this time… you used me…”
A cold impassivity settled on Qing’er’s features. “Indeed. To reach my objective, I would use anyone. Even my brother.” Gu Fengchen’s expression darkened with sorrow. “Can a place within this martial world truly mean so much to your heart?” Qing’er stated, her voice echoing with resolve, “You shall never comprehend it. It is, after all, my life’s ambition.”
Bai Jingjing suddenly asked, “Now that you’ve found the treasure, will you share it with your underlings or keep it all for yourself?”
Qing’er sneered, “No need to sow discord. My followers regard me as a deity. We share weal and woe.”
Bai Jingjing likewise scoffed, “As a deity? More likely you possess their secrets, forcing their obedience.”
Qing’er stated, “He who controls multitudes is divine.” She ignored Bai Jingjing and addressed Ling Ling, “Cult Leader Ling, your sect also discovered this place. By rights, this treasure belongs solely to the Red Lotus Sect. Had you truly become leader, I would return it. But you haven’t, so I’ve no reason to relinquish it.”
Ling Ling retorted, “Spare the theatrics. If we leave, your schemes will be exposed. Once your murder of Zhuge Ren is known, the Jianghu will expel you. What use is treasure then?”
Qing’er replied, “Wrong. I’ve no mind to silence you. As for Zhuge Ren’s death, I’ve countermeasures. Spread the tale if you wish. Now go.”
At this, the Twin Shades of the Netherworld cried out as one, “Impossible! Their departure invites disaster!”
Qing’er fixed them with an icy glare. Though fiercely proud, both instantly lowered their heads, not daring to show dissent.
Gu Fengchen declared, “I didn’t come to leave.” He whispered to the women, “Return home. I’ve accounts to settle with these people.”
Ling Ling countered, “I too have scores to settle. Lady Bai should go instead.” Bai Jingjing lifted her chin defiantly, “His accounts are mine. I stay.”
Frustration surged within Gu Fengchen. He knew his foes’ might—Wan Xiaolou alone might be manageable, but with the Twin Shades aiding him, victory was unlikely. He sought to spare the women, and move freely without guarding them. Yet both refused, resolved to stand or fall with him. He pressed, “This is the Red Lotus Sect’s private vault. If you don’t alert others, who will ever know? It’s unlikely another soul could find this place.”
Truth dwelled in his words. Only by uniting the Earth Evasion Armor and the Lover’s Spear had the vault revealed itself. Qing’er pierced the spear through the armor, matching the spear’s nine-petal lotus head to the armor’s lotus emblem, thus unveiling the treasure’s location in etched characters.
Ling Ling grasped this well enough, but before she could speak, one across the fray erupted. With a roar, he lunged, left claw aiming for Gu Fengchen’s head like a tiger’s strike.
This was “Servant’s Clutch” from the Tiger-Style Fist. His right claw hovered behind, primed like a true tiger testing its quarry before a killing pounce.
It was Wan Xiaolou. Though his mind frayed, Qing’er provoked him unconsciously. While she feigned apathy, traces clung to Gu Fengchen in his eyes, branding him a hated thorn. Wan Xiaolou would end him first.
As Wan Xiaolou surged forth, the Twin Shades exchanged glances, their killing intent swelling. They sprang at Ling Ling. Qing’er shouted furiously for restraint, but Wan Xiaolou and Gu Fengchen were already locked in battle, deaf as maddened beasts.
Guo Jiangfeng and his men hesitated, uncertain whether to join the fight.
Bai Jingjing moved to aid Ling Ling against the Twin Shades, but Ling Ling chuckled coldly, “Keep back. Witness the Red Lotus Sect’s prowess.” Drawing her segmented iron spear from behind, she swiftly assembled it and met them halfway.
Though lacking the Lover’s Spear’s grace, this iron spear sufficed against the Twin Shades. Their techniques—”Feeding on Scraps” and “Borrowing Jingzhou”—could leverage an enemy’s own force against them. Yet faced alone with a spear wielder far beyond reach, they found no purchase. Within moments, they were purely defensive, penned within the storm of Ling Ling’s spear.
Seeing this, Qing’er sighed internally. She ordered those behind her, “All engage them. Remember: I want them alive.”
Guo Jiangfeng and company drew weapons and advanced. Bai Jingjing plunged into the fray.
The battle split into two fronts: Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou dueled with thunderous force, isolating themselves; Bai Jingjing and Ling Ling stood back-to-back, holding their own against a dozen opponents. Under Ling Ling’s ghostly spearplay, three foes fell within thirty strikes.
Qing’er abstained, observing calmly. She inspected the chamber, noticing walls inscribed with martial secrets—legendary techniques unseen for centuries. Overjoyed, she retrieved paper and brush, beginning to transcribe.
Amid the frenetic fight behind her, her corner exuded calm—a stark, peculiar contrast.
Wan Xiaolou now fought like a maddened tiger, aching to claw Gu Fengchen apart. Raging barks accompanied his Heaven-Defying Divine Art. To Gu Fengchen, his opponent seemed less human than a primal beast.
The Heaven-Defying Divine Art within Gu Fengchen surged, cresting its utmost potential.
This differed from their prior stalemate at Bright Summit—a contest of mere Internal Energy. Now both unleashed unique techniques. Wan Xiaolou wielded Tiger Claw in one hand, Eagle Claw in the other—brutal power paired with ruthless speed, a lethal hybrid unseen anywhere. Gu Fengchen moved like a phantom, unfolding the fluttering petals of the Hundred Flowers Divine Palm in response.
Their cultivation levels were virtually matched. Neither knew when resolution might come.
Across the chamber, Ling Ling’s spear was formidable, but numbers mounted against her. Bai Jingjing was outmatched. Before long, Bai Jingjing took a blow to her left shoulder, crippling that arm. Back-to-back as they were, this flaw tore open their defence.
Ling Ling saw the peril. Her spear swept wide, forcing attackers back. Gripping Bai Jingjing, she leaped toward the wall, shielding the injured girl. Now Ling Ling guarded only front and flanks, levelling the contest.
Seeing weapons piled nearby, Bai Jingjing seized a steel blade and urged, “Kill them! Don’t mind me! We’ll all be corpses like this!”
She saw it plainly: foes feared Ling Ling’s spear. They harried from the edges, wearing her strength, biding time till exhaustion sealed their capture. Bai Jingjing insisted Ling Ling forget her defence and strike.
Ling Ling understood. Reluctantly—she yearned for Gu Fengchen but refused the dark reputation of letting Bai Jingjing die on her behalf—she yielded with a grim cry, “Be careful!”
Advancing, Ling Ling thrust her spear at Guo Jiangfeng. Expert at disarming opponents with his nine interlocking rings, he rattled them—two rings snapping forth like tiger jaws, trapping her spear tip.
Others seized advantage and closed in.
Though lacking her sect’s Lover’s Spear, its techniques remained ingrained. Seeing the spear trapped, Ling Ling didn’t resist. Instead, she slapped her palm down the shaft, then kicked fiercely where her hand had struck.
The spearhead stuck fast within the rings. Her kick spun the entire spear round its axis, sending its weighted butt whipping upward—directly toward Guo Jiangfeng’s skull.
The strike was terrifyingly sudden. Guo Jiangfeng, expecting a desperate tug from Ling Ling, could barely react as she abandoned the weapon and added momentum via the kick. Both his hands were straining with the rings. The iron spear’s blunt end hammered squarely atop his head.
Despite his deep Internal Energy, the blow came too fast. With no time to reinforce his skull, the steel shaft—amplified by Ling Ling’s kick—cracked against his parietal bone with awful force.
CRACK!
Dazed without a cry, Guo Jiangfeng crumpled instantly. Blood streamed from his crown. Whether skull was broken remained unknown.