Chapter 26: To Tell of Rise and Fall, Waiting for the Moon to Rise

Chapter 26: To Tell of Rise and Fall, Waiting for the Moon to Rise

Although Ling Ling had knocked Guo Jiangfeng down, she was left weaponless. The other attackers were already upon her. Anticipating this, Ling Ling twisted her body, flying sideways. Upon landing, she snatched up another Flower Spear.

Weapons littered the ground everywhere; losing one mattered little.

Glancing to the side, Ling Ling saw Bai Jingjing was in grave danger, besieged by the Twin Shades of the Netherworld. Leaping into action, she swung her Flower Spear, forcing the Twin Shades back briefly. But these were vicious opponents; the slightest retreat only spurred them to renew their assault. Seeing she couldn’t prevail immediately, Ling Ling swiftly swept her gaze around and called out to Bai Jingjing, “Grab a spear!” Bai Jingjing didn’t understand why, but there was no time to ponder. She snatched a spear from the ground and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ling Ling. Ling Ling instructed, “Wherever I tell you to stab, you stab immediately.”

Bai Jingjing’s martial skills were far inferior to Ling Ling’s. Hearing this, she nodded quickly. “Sounds good.” At that very moment, the eldest Wei brother charged at them, swinging his saber in a forceful downward chop. Ling Ling shouted, “Southeast! Stab!”

The command seemed baffling. The eldest Wei brother was directly in front, yet Ling Ling told Bai Jingjing to thrust southeast — where there was empty space and no enemy! Yet Bai Jingjing acted without hesitation, thrusting her spear out immediately.

Simultaneously as she shouted, Ling Ling’s own Flower Spear lashed out in a swift, oblique thrust aimed directly at the eldest Wei brother’s left eye. The spear was so fast that it seemed it would blind him before his saber could complete its downward arc.

The eldest Wei brother hadn’t expected such blinding speed. Seeing his own chop couldn’t land first, protecting himself became the priority. He instinctively tried to leap backward. However, the thought barely formed when he sensed Ling Ling’s thrust had more purpose; even retreating might not evade the inevitable follow-up. Forced to shift right instead, he narrowly dodged Ling Ling’s spear.

His reasoning was sound: a spear, unlike a saber, couldn’t sweep effectively sideways. But he forgot Ling Ling wasn’t alone; Bai Jingjing held another spear.

Bai Jingjing’s spear technique was far from refined, more a clumsy stab driven by instinct. Consequently, her thrust was much slower than Ling Ling’s. Their attacks launched together, Ling Ling’s arriving first, forcing the eldest Wei to dodge right. And Bai Jingjing’s thrust? It met him precisely where he dodged.

Their coordination was seamless.

His dodge placed him squarely on Bai Jingjing’s spear point, as if choreographed, driving his chest right onto the tip.

A shocked gasp escaped the eldest Wei, followed instantly by a sickening thud. Red light flashed as the spear pierced clean through his heart, its tip emerging from his back.

Bai Jingjing was startled too. She hadn’t imagined her wild stab into thin air could impale a man through the chest. Thankfully, her reflexes kicked in. With a flick of her wrist, she yanked the spear free and kicked Wei’s corpse away.

Working in effortless harmony, the two women exchanged a glance and nodded faintly, silently acknowledging each other.

Seeing his brother killed instantly enraged the second Wei brother. Though consumed by hatred, this man was naturally circumspect. Even in his furious attack, he remained cautious. Unfortunately, his martial prowess and intellect were leagues below Ling Ling’s. Seeing him charge, Ling Ling shouted again, “Southeast! Stab!” It was almost identical to before. Hearing this, the second Wei brother couldn’t help but glance towards Bai Jingjing’s spear. That split-second distraction was all Ling Ling needed. Her Flower Spear suddenly changed trajectory, darting obliquely. It struck him in the stomach and skewered him, slamming him down onto the ground.

The deaths of both Wei brothers stunned their companions. Fear replaced aggression, and the battle around Ling Ling and Bai Jingjing descended into a tense stalemate.

Meanwhile, Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou had escalated their duel into a true life-and-death struggle. Gu Fengchen fought with bitter resentment. Partly directed at Wan Xiaolou, for the injustice of blaming Qin Tangguan’s murder on him—a crime he was utterly innocent of. Though he had faced wrongful accusations before, even the deeply unjust expulsion from the Shaolin Temple, those paled in comparison. Back then, he had reasons to stay silent, and the Temple’s life-saving and nurturing kindness meant accepting that injustice. This time, he was completely blameless, adding fury to the indignity.

But the greater source of his bitterness was Qing’er.

Their earlier exchange revealed Qing’er had deceived him from the very beginning. She lied with appalling ease and utter conviction, as if he owed her a debt from a past life. The night Gu Fengchen infiltrated the Nangong Family compound and saw Qing’er painting his portrait, covered in countless “love” characters, the shock had been profound. Truthfully, he hadn’t been entirely indifferent to her. But now? Every trace of affection had vanished, replaced entirely by indignation and hatred.

He now unleashed all this fury onto Wan Xiaolou.

Wan Xiaolou, for his part, had loathed Gu Fengchen to the marrow for a long time. They were bitter foes finally crossing paths, and the enmity burned hot. Each strike was aimed to kill. For the first time, Gu Fengchen genuinely felt the urge to take a life.

After exchanging over a hundred moves, Gu Fengchen noted Ling Ling’s ongoing struggles and feared a prolonged fight endangered her group. An idea sparked. As he wielded the Hundred Flowers Divine Palm, his footwork was supremely agile. Seizing a break in the offensive against Wan Xiaolou, he scooped up gold goblets and plates from the floor and hurled them towards Ling Ling’s attackers.

His Internal Energy was formidable. The flying gold whistled menacingly through the air. Seeing the Hidden Weapons streak towards them, the attackers dared not block; they could only leap high or crouch low to dodge.

Dodging the projectiles, however, rendered them vulnerable to Ling Ling’s and Bai Jingjing’s spears. Piercing shrieks erupted. Several fell, speared and unable to rise. Even the Twin Shades of the Netherworld perished under Ling Ling’s deadly Flower Spear.

In moments, only three opponents faced Ling Ling and Bai Jingjing. All three, knowing they were outmatched, eyes darting wildly, now sought only escape.

Qing’er remained utterly detached, still meticulously copying the wall carvings.

Wan Xiaolou paid no heed to Gu Fengchen aiding Ling Ling. His mind possessed one singular focus: shred Gu Fengchen into pieces to satiate his hatred.

With that flank secured, Gu Fengchen’s own position weakened. While distracted by Ling Ling and Bai Jingjing’s plight, Wan Xiaolou seized an improbable opening. He twisted unexpectedly and clamped his Eagle Claw grip onto Gu Fengchen’s wrist.

This immobility shackled Gu Fengchen’s movement. Trapped with one hand, his Hundred Flowers Divine Palm lost half its power. Close-quarters combat, however, was Wan Xiaolou’s forte.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Wan Xiaolou’s free hand deployed ferocious Tiger Claw strikes at near point-blank range. Weakened by the wrist lock, Gu Fengchen struggled to counter a flurry of claw-swipes. Several strikes landed squarely. Fortunately, his innate Divine Kung Fu shielded his vital organs; the wounds were only deep, painful gashes, not critical.

Watching Gu Fengchen falter, Ling Ling panicked. Her Flower Spear became a blazing streak, stabbing with frantic, lightning speed. Within a few strikes, another attacker was pierced and fell.

The other two people saw this and, disregarding Qing’er’s order, shouted as they fled towards the corridor.

Ling Ling ignored those two men, straightened her Flower Spear, and was about to leap over to help Gu Fengchen battle Wan Xiaolou together. However, Bai Jingjing frowned thoughtfully, pulled Ling Ling back, and whispered, “This person is hard to fight; even if we all attack at once, we can’t subdue him for a while. It’s better to capture that girl first; that Wan fellow will surely surrender.” Ling Ling thought it over and found it correct, so she turned and charged at Qing’er.

Qing’er was copying something on the stone wall, a considerable distance away, so she couldn’t be reached in a single step. As Ling Ling dashed forward, Wan Xiaolou saw her. Instantly, Wan Xiaolou understood what Ling Ling and Bai Jingjing intended: they were going to trouble Qing’er.

In Wan Xiaolou’s mind, Qing’er was like a celestial goddess from heaven, not to be tainted by anyone in the slightest. So, he withdrew the claw he was about to grab Gu Fengchen with, released and gathered his Internal Energy, and a long spear on the ground flew up into his palm at his call.

This was a manifestation of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art at its highest level, enabling him to fetch objects from a distance. Gu Fengchen’s physique wasn’t his match; at best, he could barely lift a cup, but a heavy Iron Spear weighing dozens of pounds was utterly impossible for him to raise.

Wan Xiaolou didn’t bother with whether Gu Fengchen would attack him fiercely. Summoning his divine strength, he hurled the spear straight at Ling Ling’s back with all his might.

This spear carried nearly all of Wan Xiaolou’s strength, making its power incredibly fierce and imposing. Yet as it flew, there was barely any whistling sound through the air because it moved too fast; the sound hadn’t time to form before the spear arrived.

Bai Jingjing caught sight of it and called out, “Watch out behind…” Ling Ling spun around swiftly, and the Iron Spear was already within a yard of her. She raised her spear casually, trying to deflect the oncoming one.

Gu Fengchen had no time to attack Wan Xiaolou and shouted, “Don’t touch that spear…”

He deeply knew Wan Xiaolou’s Internal Energy; even if the spear were thrown at him, he wouldn’t have confidence to knock it away. Ling Ling’s Internal Energy was far weaker than his. If she tried to deflect it, not only would she fail to send it flying, but her own spear would likely be knocked from her grip. By then, the spear would have nailed her dead on the spot.

Heeding Gu Fengchen’s warning, Ling Ling suddenly understood. With a moment’s hesitation, the flying spear reached her face. A gust of forceful wind, like a solid thing, stabbed forward as if it were a real spear tip, scraping her skin so sharply it nearly broke.

Faced with such ferocity, how could Ling Ling dare to touch the flying spear? In that urgent moment, she executed an iron-board bridge, bending her body backward until her head nearly touched the ground.

Luckily, she dodged in time. The spear brushed past the tip of her nose and flew another ten feet, zinging as it lodged into the stone wall behind. The eight-foot iron spear was half-sunk into the rock.

Everyone gasped in shock. If that spear had truly hit, not to mention a girl like Ling Ling, even a wild bull would have had no chance of survival. This fully revealed the hatred in Wan Xiaolou’s heart.

Even after hurling this spear, Wan Xiaolou remained relentless. He released Gu Fengchen and charged toward Ling Ling. Ling Ling had just evaded the spear and was standing firm when she saw Wan Xiaolou pounce at her like a mad tiger, eyes bloodshot, mouth gaping wide to expose glaring white teeth, as if he meant to tear her apart alive. She couldn’t help feeling deep fear; against human opponents, no matter how skilled, Ling Ling was never the least bit afraid. But this Wan Xiaolou before her hardly looked human. Though highly skilled at martial arts, Ling Ling was still a girl and had never seen such a ruthless man. Fear welled up inside her, and her spear began to tremble.

Wan Xiaolou reached her in the blink of an eye. With a furious roar, he leaped up, like a fierce eagle, diving headfirst toward her with an overwhelmingly vicious force.

Because Wan Xiaolou’s momentum was too fierce, Ling Ling dared not block it and had to retreat. Gu Fengchen also flew over to rescue her, but he was just a step too slow. Seeing Ling Ling not dare to thrust her spear but instead retreat, he knew things would go wrong.

Before he could shout a warning, Wan Xiaolou had already changed tactics. His arm abruptly extended as if growing half a foot longer, and his five fingers locked around Ling Ling’s wrist.

Disaster!

Bai Jingjing was near Ling Ling’s left side. Upon seeing her seized, Bai Jingjing became frantic and thrust her spear toward Wan Xiaolou’s left flank. Wan Xiaolou didn’t react at all, letting her stab him. Bai Jingjing put all her strength into the thrust, but it couldn’t pierce him an inch. She suddenly remembered: this wretch was still wearing an Earth Evasion Armor.

By the time she realized it, Wan Xiaolou had gripped her spear shaft with one hand and shoved it forward violently.

How could Bai Jingjing withstand Wan Xiaolou’s divine strength? She lost all control of her spear. Before her eyes, the spear shaft slammed back and collided squarely against her chest.

The blow was devastating. Bai Jingjing was knocked back several steps, tumbling to the ground as blood gushed from her mouth.

With just one strike, Wan Xiaolou made Bai Jingjing suffer internal injuries and vomit blood.

At that moment, Gu Fengchen arrived. Fortunately, Bai Jingjing’s earlier obstruction delayed Wan Xiaolou; otherwise, Wan Xiaolou would have immediately attacked Ling Ling next.

Gu Fengchen unleashed the most powerful Lotus Palm technique of his Hundred Flowers Divine Palm and struck at Wan Xiaolou’s skull. That place wasn’t protected by any Earth Evasion Armor. Although crazed, Wan Xiaolou had to parry. He blocked backhandedly, and Gu Fengchen thrust another palm straight at his wrist, forcibly shaking his hand open. Ling Ling finally broke free.

In a mere blink, both Ling Ling and Bai Jingjing had brushed with death. If not for Gu Fengchen’s timely rescue, they would have long checked in with the King of Hell.

Ling Ling dropped her spear and ran to assist Bai Jingjing. After Bai Jingjing spit out a few mouthfuls of blood, her complexion calmed a bit. Ling Ling felt her pulse; though much weaker, it didn’t seem like it was fading. Relieved, Ling Ling said, “Lie still and don’t move, or you’ll aggravate the internal injuries.”

Bai Jingjing said weakly, “Go help him… I’ll be fine…”

Ling Ling replied, “Don’t talk much; you’ll be all right.” She knew it wasn’t the time for conversation; over there, the fight still raged intensely. Getting to her feet, she grabbed her Flower Spear, leaped over, and thrust the spear toward Wan Xiaolou’s eyes.

Thus, it became a two-person fight against Wan Xiaolou. Wan Xiaolou grew fiercer and madder, his hand strength continuously increasing. Gu Fengchen understood that his potential was nearing its limit; if they could withstand him for a while, within a few dozen moves, Wan Xiaolou would weaken.

Just then, Ling Ling raised her spear in one swift motion, stabbing toward Wan Xiaolou’s face. Astonishingly, Wan Xiaolou didn’t dodge at all. He opened his mouth wide, revealing two rows of white teeth, and bit onto the spear tip. Ling Ling felt her spear had stabbed into solid rock; it couldn’t advance or retreat. Wan Xiaolou held off Gu Fengchen with both palms, jerked his head sideways, clamped his teeth on the spear, and forcibly tugged Ling Ling forward two steps.

With those two strides, she had drawn very close to Wan Xiaolou. Wan Xiaolou spat out the spear tip, ignoring Gu Fengchen, and raised both palms to strike fiercely down on Ling Ling’s crown.

Ling Ling was being pulled forward by him when the palms descended upon her head. There was no time to dodge in such an urgent moment. She had no choice but to raise her spear shaft to meet his palms. Gu Fengchen knew she absolutely could not withstand the blow. He considered using the tactic of besieging Wei to save Zhao by attacking Wan Xiaolou, but his opponent wore Treasure Armor. If the attack proved ineffective, he would simply be handing Ling Ling’s life over. There was no alternative but to lower himself, dart in front of Ling Ling, and thrust out his palms to block Wan Xiaolou’s palms.

Wan Xiaolou had anticipated this very move. Just as their four palms were about to connect, he abruptly changed his palms into claws and seized Gu Fengchen’s wrists. Then he channeled his Internal Energy, intending to seal Gu Fengchen’s pulse points.

Gu Fengchen knew full well how formidable Wan Xiaolou was. Seeing the peril, he swiftly exerted his own energy to resist. Once again, the two streams of Internal Energy clashed and began contending. While the colliding energies dissipated invisibly upon impact, neither dared to relent. Whichever one slackened, the other’s energy would seize the opening and invade, resulting in death or severe injury.

As the two men were locked in this stalemate, Ling Ling, spear in hand, lunged to stab. Because her opponent wore the protective Treasure Armor, she could only target Wan Xiaolou’s head. Wan Xiaolou swerved left and right, dodging the thrusts. Since Wan Xiaolou’s physique surpassed Gu Fengchen’s and he had seized the initiative, prolonging the deadlock put Gu Fengchen at a definite disadvantage. Wan Xiaolou seemed to have calculated this and pressed his fierce assault relentlessly.

Ling Ling stabbed out four or five times in rapid succession, all avoided by Wan Xiaolou. Her heart filled with anxiety, and she decided to risk it. Abruptly, she discarded the Flower Spear, grabbed a Dagger (or Short Sword), leaped onto Gu Fengchen’s shoulders, and raised the blade to stab towards Wan Xiaolou’s eyes.

Right at that moment, suddenly, a massive object flew out from somewhere, hurtling towards Ling Ling. Taken aback and with no time to discern what kind of Hidden Weapon it was, Ling Ling hastily tapped her toes on Gu Fengchen’s shoulder, propelling herself upward to evade the projectile.

And in that split second, both Wan Xiaolou and Gu Fengchen emitted muffled groans. Their hands separated, and they staggered back several steps before barely steadying themselves. Looking at them now, blood was trickling down from the corners of their mouths.

It happened so suddenly that no one clearly saw what occurred. Even Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou were bewildered. They had been fully concentrating their Internal Energy against each other when they suddenly sensed a gust of fierce wind dart beneath their ribs — as if someone was attacking. The force arrived with the wind. Almost all of their Internal Energy was concentrated in their hands, leaving practically none for self-defense. Consequently, they both suffered solid hits.

By the time they had retreated those few steps and planted their feet to see clearly, several more people had appeared in the stone cavern.

The massive projectile that had hurtled towards Ling Ling turned out to be a person – one of Qing’er’s underlings. Earlier, without Qing’er’s orders, he had tried to flee with another. Yet, he hadn’t managed to escape. He missed hitting Ling Ling and landed on the ground with a thud, unmoving. His eyes were wide open, filled with terror, blood flowing from his mouth, nose, and ears. He was long dead.

As for the newcomers alive within the cavern, Gu Fengchen was well acquainted with all of them. At their head was Zhuge Xianyun, followed by others such as Long Xielan, Du Qianlong, Nangong Yue, Liu Dongbai – all had arrived. The one who had ambushed Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou was none other than Du Qianlong. He had thrown the corpse first, then used his exceptional speed to close in beside the two men, delivering one palm strike each, severely injuring them.

Qing’er had already ceased fighting. She watched these people, dumbstruck.

Zhuge Xianyun remained silent, merely standing with his hands clasped behind his back, occasionally glancing at Qing’er, his expression tinged unmistakably with resentment and venom. Without needing to be told, he had overheard Qing’er’s conversation with Gu Fengchen and now knew the truth about how his son had died.

Ordinarily, Long Xielan was the one to speak first, but this time someone preempted her. Nangong Yue stepped forward first. His expression was darkly somber. In Gu Fengchen’s memory, this was the first time the young master’s face lacked its usual smile.

Nangong Yue barked at Qing’er, “Little Sister, you’ve done a fine deed!”

Chastised by her brother, Qing’er showed no sign of remorse. “Brother, so you’ve been tailing me all along.”

Nangong Yue retorted, “Wrong. We were following this Master Gu. I hadn’t expected to find you here. Let me ask you: Where did the esteemed Elders of the Four Great Clans wrong the Nangong Family? Why resort to such vicious methods?”

Qing’er sneered. “Vicious methods? I’d like to hear this.”

Nangong Yue was so angry his hand trembled. He roared, “Aren’t Zhuge Ren and Venerable Grandfather Wan’s deaths both meticulously orchestrated by you?! Where did they wrong you? Zhuge Ren was even your betrothed! Such actions don’t warrant being called vicious? Then there would be no vicious acts under heaven!”

Qing’er suddenly burst into ringing laughter, shaking with mirth. Nangong Yue demanded, “What’s so funny!” Qing’er ceased laughing and pointed at Zhuge Xianyun. “You think the Four Great Clans are such paragons of virtue? That their conduct represents the righteousness of the Jianghu (Martial World)? I tell you now, they deceive heaven, deceive earth, deceive others, and worst of all, they deceive their own consciences. Their secret deeds are even more contemptible than those of the Red Lotus Sect. This Martial Alliance Leader, Master Zhuge, is far from the justice-serving and selfless hero he outwardly seems.”

Nangong Yue fumed, “Even now, you dare slander your elders?”

Qing’er’s sneer deepened. “Then I shall recount the deeds of this elder. You may not believe me. Should any word I say be false, the honored elders present here can refute it.”

Du Qianlong bellowed in rage, “Your sophistry cannot mask the malevolence in your heart! Eldest Brother, let me go over and strike this wretched girl dead with a single palm to avenge Ren’er. What say you?”

Zhuge Xianyun remained serene, his face devoid of any expression. He said mildly, “No rush. Let her finish. Tell me, what vicious deeds have I committed?”

All eyes fixed upon Qing’er. A cold smile played on her face as she spoke unhurriedly, “We need not speak of distant events. Take the extermination campaign against the Red Lotus Sect. Apart from Master Zhuge, warriors from the other three Great Clans took the field. The outcome, needless to say, was defeat at the hands of Ling Yufeng. Only the Zhuge Family, having not participated in the battle, remained undefeated. After that campaign, Master Zhuge naturally became the leader of the multitude and assumed the position of Alliance Leader. According to my father, at the time, Master Zhuge merely uttered a few simple words that placed his own clan last.” Long Xielan scoffed coldly, “What harm in that? Someone must be first, someone last.”

“If we discount that, then let’s speak of something more recent,” Qing’er continued. “After the Red Lotus Sect departed, Shaolin Temple became the greatest rival of the Four Great Clans. Consequently, this Master Zhuge dispatched people deep into Tibet to find masters of the Secret Sect. He arranged for them and the masters to attack Shaolin simultaneously. Yet, he ultimately deceived these masters. The result was a fierce battle between Shaolin Temple and the Secret Sect masters, leading to heavy casualties. The Four Great Clans reaped the rewards like a fisherman behind the quarrelling snipe and clam.”

Nangong Yue countered, “What of it? Great-Uncle Zhuge did this for the sake of the Four Great Clans, not merely for his personal gain.”

“Brother, how naive you are!” Qing’er exclaimed. “The perfidy in the first event lies in preserving his own strength while revealing the strength of the other three Great Clans, enabling him to grasp the whole situation firmly. In the second event, he deceived fellow members of the Jianghu (Martial World) solely to place the Four Great Clans at the helm. To my knowledge, the Zhuge Family’s relationship with Shaolin Temple was once extremely close. It could even be said that it was through Shaolin Temple’s covert assistance that the Zhuge Family acquired its formidable power. Yet once his power had solidified – once he was fully feathered – Master Zhuge repaid Shaolin by stabbing it in the back! Is such a character not considered vicious?”

Long Xielan interjected, “Long submission is not the way of heroes! Do you consider Liu Bei from the Three Kingdoms period a villain?”

Qing’er’s sneer returned. “If those two deeds fail to reveal Master Zhuge’s true nature, then this third matter will surely shock you.” Long Xielan challenged, “Go on then.”

Qing’er cast a glance at Nangong Yue and said slowly, “The third event is this: Our father, Nangong Bai, you see, was murdered by this very Master Zhuge!”

As soon as this statement was uttered, everyone was shocked.

Nangong Yue’s eyes widened as he shouted, “Nonsense! I was right in front of Father when he died. How could it be that Master Zhuge killed him?”

Qing’er said, “That’s because Father, and the Nangong Family’s strength, still surpassed that of his Zhuge Family. After Father’s fight with Ling Yufeng, Zhuge noticed this. Though Father lost, as long as he lived, the Zhuge Family could never overpower the Nangong Family. So he secretly plotted, mixing poison into the spiritual medicine he sent. This poison triggered a hemorrhage of the internal organs. Outsiders didn’t know and thought Father died from his internal injuries, but Father saw your cowardly nature and thus never told you.”

At this, everyone looked toward Zhuge Xianyun, who slowly shook his head: “Childish lies. My brotherhood with Nangong was as close as blood; I would never poison him.”

Qing’er sneered, “Had Father not told me with his own lips, I wouldn’t have believed it either. To avoid arousing your suspicion, he made a dying wish to marry me off to your son, uniting our families as in-laws. Since then, the Nangong Family almost became your follower, losing any voice in the Jianghu. Even then, you weren’t satisfied. The time the Helan Wang attacked—that was clearly orchestrated by you. You drew our family’s mechanism diagrams and gave them to his forces, intending to destroy the Nangong Family through the Helan Wang’s hands. But heaven favored us. Before his death, Father secretly instructed me to rearrange all the traps, just in case. So, when the Helan Wang came, all the mechanisms had been reset, and his entire army was wiped out. When I told you, Brother, that the Helan Wang was dead and his body dissolved, he was actually barely alive, lying in the dungeon. I learned the truth from him then—I just never told you. From that moment, I vowed to personally exterminate the Zhuge Family.”

Nangong Yue suddenly roared, “Silence! This is just your ambition talking. You fabricated all this…”

Qing’er also cried out, “Brother, you should’ve awakened by now. Remain stubborn, and you’ll destroy the Nangong Family with your own hands.”

Nangong Yue shook his head slowly, “It’s not Uncle Zhuge destroying the Nangong Family—it’s you. I won’t let you persist in your madness…”

Saying this, he suddenly lunged at Qing’er. She stood unmoving, watching him charge toward her, softly calling, “Brother…”

Nangong Yue ignored her completely, raising his palm to strike. Though Wan Xiaolou was gravely injured, fire flashed in his eyes when he saw Nangong Yue attack Qing’er. Summoning his last strength, he gritted his teeth and flung himself forward, too weak to muster a palm strike, instead bashing his head against Nangong Yue’s spine.

The force of this impact was formidable. Everyone dared not dismiss it. Nangong Yue swung an arm back, using a deflecting technique to redirect Wan Xiaolou’s momentum and evade the blow. But Wan Xiaolou’s injuries were too severe; he lacked the strength to alter his stance. With Nangong Yue’s deflection, his head crashed off-course without making contact.

Yet as soon as Nangong Yue countered Wan Xiaolou’s attack, he gave a low groan, staggering backward. He pressed both hands to his stomach, blood bubbling through his fingers.

Everyone saw clearly—a dagger was plunged deep into Nangong Yue’s abdomen, only its hilt visible. And it was Qing’er who had stabbed him.

Leaning against the stone wall, Nangong Yue stared wide-eyed, as though unable to believe Qing’er would attack him. He raised one hand, pointing at her, his mouth gurgling but forming no words.

Qing’er shook her head gently, “You don’t deserve to lead the Nangong Family. Even if you saw Father in the afterlife, he wouldn’t claim you!”

Nangong Yue laughed bitterly, “So you… killed your own brother…”

Qing’er replied, “You attacked me first…”

With a long sigh, Nangong Yue muttered, “The Nangong Family, founded on righteousness… who would think it’d end like this… sibling bloodshed…”

He threw back his head in a broken laugh, then slowly slid to the ground and moved no more.

Du Qianlong’s eyes blazed red at the sight. He cursed, “What a venomous woman! Old brother Nangong Bai raised you—it’s the family’s misfortune. I shall clean up this shameful act for him!”

Striding forward, he charged at Qing’er.

Qing’er sneered, “Stop this nonsense. You aided a tyrant. Today, next year, will mark your death anniversary!” She brandished her net. “This net was left by my father. Its name means ‘the vast net of justice that none escape.’ None of you here will slip away!”

Du Qianlong roared with laughter, “Let’s see whose net shall snare whom!” He didn’t even draw a weapon, simply spreading his palms to fight Qing’er.

Under normal circumstances, Du Qianlong wouldn’t fight her—as an elder, how could he bully a junior girl? But now, all agreed Qing’er’s deeds had outraged both man and heaven; rank no longer mattered. So when he stepped forward, no one objected.

Long Xielan watched from the sidelines, smiling without advancing. She knew her husband’s prowess—he could handle a mere girl with one hand. Her concern lay with Ling Ling and Gu Fengchen. From her position, she blocked the only escape route; whoever wished to flee had to pass her challenge.

And behind her stood Zhuge Xianyun. Assessing the entire scene, no one present was a match for the pair.

Seeing Du Qianlong advance, Qing’er showed no fear, whirling her net toward him.

This was Gu Fengchen’s first time witnessing Qing’er fight with the net. In his memory, no one before had wielded such an exotic external weapon. Its movements now were just as unpredictable.

Her net expanded and contracted—spreading like a fishing net, snapping together like a whip. Though Du Qianlong possessed profound palm strength, he dared not grab the net. Its cords were studded with barbed hooks and spikes; who could say if they weren’t poisoned? Silver glints scattered wildly as Qing’er’s net whistled through the air, its wind-like strikes holding Du Qianlong dead-even.

Amidst their fierce clash, Ling Ling had already steadied Gu Fengchen. Since Du Qianlong’s sneak-palm strike, Gu Fengchen felt nauseous and unsteady, spitting only fresh blood. Though he had lost seventy or eighty percent of his strength, he could still walk.

Ling Ling helped him to the side to sit near Bai Jingjing. Gu Fengchen knew this crisis surpassed even their ordeal in Shangqiu. He whispered to Ling Ling, “Go! Break out with Qing’er! Don’t care about me.”

Hearing this, Ling Ling paused. “You want me to… leave with Qing’er?”

Gu Fengchen nodded. “Yes. Look at Zhuge’s posture—he means to wipe us all out and claim the treasure alone. So those who can escape, should.”

Ling Ling said, “If you won’t go, neither will I. At worst, we die here together. The Red Lotus Sect has its Cult Leader; my death won’t harm it.”

Gu Fengchen countered, “But it would harm me. I couldn’t bear to watch you die. I want you to avenge me.”

Tears welled in Ling Ling’s eyes and fell. Bai Jingjing, clasping Gu Fengchen’s hand beside him, also urged, “Sister Ling, please listen to Brother Gu Feng. Save Qing’er and escape together. I’ll die beside him. Such a life—it won’t be lived in vain.”

Gu Fengchen looked at Bai Jingjing. “I never wanted you to come…”

Bai Jingjing nodded. “Your care for me… all know it. Precisely because of that, I had to come—to die at your side. Did you think… if you died, I could bear to live alone? I once said I spent my life searching for such love. Now I found it… I’m content…”

A sour pang of envy welled up in Ling Ling’s heart. Born strong-willed, she wasn’t immune to jealousy. Even in this life-or-death moment, hearing the two talk like that kindled anger within her. She thought, You two want to die together? Well, I won’t let you have your way.

With this thought, she stood up, whipped her Flower Spear, and lunged towards Long Xielan.

She neither saved Qing’er nor fled. She intended to fight to the death. Assessing the forces in the cave at that moment: on the side of the Four Great Clans, Nangong Yue was dead, leaving only three masters. Both Qing’er and her side now had only one fighter each. If she fought desperately, the Four Great Clans truly had no absolute certainty of total victory. If she took down Long Xielan first and then faced Zhuge Xianyun, victory wasn’t completely impossible.

Seeing her suicidal assault, Gu Fengchen felt a surge of secret anxiety, but he was helpless due to his severe injuries.

Although Long Xielan was fresh and strong, Ling Ling, propelled by anger and wielding astonishing spear skills, made Long Xielan dare not drop her guard. She drew her weapon, the Coiling Dragon Whip, a seven-foot soft belt coiled around her waist, and engaged Ling Ling.

Zhuge Xianyun stood nearby, watching the fight with perfect ease. He felt supremely confident that these two girls were no match for the Fort Master of Twin Dragon Fort, and victory would be his in mere moments.

Indeed, after dozens of exchanges between Du Qianlong and Qing’er, Du Qianlong slowly began getting the knack. He suddenly flicked his hand, pulling the Qiulong Staff from his waist. At that precise moment, Qing’er cast her net, spreading it wide to envelop Du Qianlong head-on.

With the staff now in hand, Du Qianlong thrust upwards into the net. Unerringly, the tip of the staff struck the central knot of the net – the core strength point of the entire mesh. The strike was perfectly placed. As his force surged, the whole net sank downward, its mouth tightening inward. Du Qianlong then rolled and twisted the Qiulong Staff, thoroughly entangling the entire net.

The net’s hooks and spikes, meant to snag, became a disadvantage here, lodging onto the staff and refusing to disengage. Du Qianlong laughed heartily, gathered his strength, and yanked the staff toward his chest.

Qing’er’s Internal Energy was vastly inferior to Du Qianlong’s. Feeling an immense force pull her, she knew if she didn’t let go, she would be dragged along. She had no choice but to release her grip. Du Qianlong ripped the net from her hands.

Du Qianlong, seasoned and experienced, pressed his advantage immediately. He took a step forward and swung the staff, still tangled in the net, down towards Qing’er’s head. Even if the staff didn’t strike her directly, the ensnaring net ropes surely would. Thus, Qing’er’s own weapon was turned against her.

At this critical moment came a wild roar. Wan Xiaolou, who had been gasping on the side, suddenly charged forward, his hand reaching out to seize Du Qianlong’s Qiulong Staff.

He had been secretly regulating his breathing for a while. As someone who possessed the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, his recovery was faster than an ordinary person’s. He was now capable of moving and attacking. Strangely, he had even discarded that Earth Evasion Armor this time.

Seeing it was him, Du Qianlong’s fury surged. “Beast! You mongrel worse than pigs and dogs! Still want to wreak havoc!” he cursed.

With that, Du Qianlong swept his Qiulong Staff, wielding it like a sword, thrusting towards Wan Xiaolou’s chest.

But Du Qianlong could never have anticipated that Wan Xiaolou was making his final strike, drawing upon his very last reserves of strength.

Watching Du Qianlong’s staff tip spear towards him, Wan Xiaolou paid it no mind. He kept charging straight ahead.

Thunk! The tip of the Qiulong Staff pierced Wan Xiaolou.

Du Qianlong paused for the briefest instant. This strike wasn’t meant to be real; he had intended for Wan Xiaolou to dodge so he could follow with a lethal horizontal sweep. But his opponent stared death in the face and didn’t flinch, completely surpassing his expectations.

Blood sprayed. Du Qianlong’s Qiulong Staff, along with the net wrapped around it, plunged deep into Wan Xiaolou’s chest.

Wan Xiaolou was practically courting death.

Yes, that was his aim. Though insane, he understood that in his current state, he couldn’t possibly harm Du Qianlong. So, he chose to sacrifice himself to wound his enemy.

The staff had barely sunk in; Du Qianlong hadn’t even had a chance to release it or pull it back, when Wan Xiaolou unleashed an earth-shattering roar. Both hands shot out, clamped onto Du Qianlong’s waist and abdomen, and mustering his entire body’s strength, he crushed down on Du Qianlong’s ribs.

Wan Xiaolou expended every last ounce of his power. The Heaven-Defying Divine Art only became more potent under such extremes. To Du Qianlong, it felt like ten thousand pounds of rock simultaneously crushed against his sides. He tried to muster energy to resist, but it was utterly futile.

A series of sickening cracks echoed in his ears. Du Qianlong’s ribs shattered completely in that instant. Several sharp fragments burst through his flesh, even tearing through his robes. His sides instantly became a bloody pulp.

Du Qianlong shrieked in agony, knowing his fate was sealed. Seizing the moment, he gathered his strength and violently twisted the Qiulong Staff.

A drastic change came over Wan Xiaolou’s expression. The strength in his hands faltered, and he went limp against the staff. Du Qianlong’s violent twist had pulped his heart.

Had it stopped there, Du Qianlong might yet have survived. But behind these two was Qing’er.

Seeing the two men mortally wound each other, Qing’er hesitated not an instant. She snatched up a snake spear from the ground and lunged forward fiercely. The spear flashed past Wan Xiaolou’s neck and plunged straight into Du Qianlong’s throat.

Du Qianlong’s scream ceased abruptly. His eyes widened in disbelief at what he saw. Summoning the very last dregs of his strength, he slammed a palm onto the handle of the Qiulong Staff still lodged in Wan Xiaolou.

The staff, which had been impaled in Wan Xiaolou’s body, lurched forward from the impact. It tore completely through Wan Xiaolou’s chest and slammed heavily into Qing’er’s chest.

The impact was like a siege ram battering city walls. It hurled Qing’er backward. She crashed to the ground, blood gushing from her mouth, unable to rise, struggling feebly.

Du Qianlong, after launching the staff, kicked hard, sending Wan Xiaolou tumbling away. Then, gripping the spear embedded in his own throat with one hand, his teeth grinding as if about to shatter, he wrenched the spearhead out with savage force.

Amid a rain of spraying blood, Du Qianlong’s massive frame toppled backward and crashed to the ground.

Wan Xiaolou was kicked back several steps by Du Qianlong and also fell to the ground. He wasn’t dead yet for now, his eyes suddenly became clear, and he looked at Qing’er, saying, “You… are you all right?”

Qing’er crawled over, supporting his head, and while spitting blood, she said, “I won’t… die… you must not die either.”

Wan Xiaolou’s chest and back were bleeding profusely, and he struggled to say, “I remember now, I’ve done many things…”

Qing’er said, “That’s right, all those things… were for my sake…”

Wan Xiaolou said, “I also… killed my father… I can recall his face…”

Qing’er lowered her head, “And that was what I made you do… after you… went mad… they shouldn’t have called you a beast; I am the beast…”

Wan Xiaolou said, “You’re a good girl… just blinded by hate… I know your words were lies to me… you wouldn’t marry me… you have someone else…”

Tears welled in Qing’er’s eyes, “I’ve been deceiving you all along, you should blame me…”

Wan Xiaolou said, “I don’t blame you… I just wanted to love you, cherish you. In my dreams, I don’t know… how many times… I married you as my wife… but after waking, I knew it would never happen…”

Qing’er wept like rain, “No, it will happen… it happens now…”

Wan Xiaolou’s gaze showed immense joy, “You’re saying…”

Qing’er said, “I will marry you… right now…”

As she spoke, she picked up Wan Xiaolou’s hand and held it tightly.

For the first time in his life, a smile appeared on Wan Xiaolou’s face, and that was also the last time.

Wan Xiaolou passed away smiling; in the final moment before his death, his wish had been fulfilled, and he felt no regrets in his entire life.

On the other side, it was a different scene.

After Du Qianlong fell, Long Xielan naturally had no heart to fight Ling Ling anymore. At that time, Zhuge Xianyun was also greatly shocked; he hadn’t expected that Wan Xiaolou, despite being severely injured, could exhibit such divine might and, joining forces with Qing’er, fatally wound Du Qianlong.

So Zhuge Xianyun finally leaped into the fray and took on Ling Ling.

Long Xielan rushed to Du Qianlong’s side and saw him wide-eyed, already dead for a while.

At that moment, Long Xielan didn’t feel sorrow or suffering, but a sense of loss, complete loss.

Her life suddenly seemed lost; the direction in her life had completely vanished.

She lived without any goal or direction now.

For many years, Du Qianlong had been almost everything in her life. She couldn’t say whether she loved this man or not; she just deeply felt that whatever she did was for this man. As long as he lived, she had motivation. That was indeed true: everyone said Twin Dragon Fort had risen step by step to its current status due to Long Xielan’s efforts, but they didn’t know all Long Xielan did was for Du Qianlong.

Now this man was dead, dying without saying even half a word to her.

He had entered her life abruptly and left just as abruptly, without any warning.

By then, Long Xielan was too numb to cry; her whole self seemed to age twenty years in an instant.

She slowly sat down beside Du Qianlong, gently lifted his hand to touch her own face, and her own hand lightly stroked Du Qianlong’s face. Surprisingly, a smile even appeared on her face.

What was Long Xielan thinking? No one knew; she was utterly immersed in her own world.

After a moment, Long Xielan’s body suddenly shuddered, a thread of blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and then she slowly collapsed onto Du Qianlong, eyes wide open as she passed away.

She had severed her heart’s vessels, following her husband in death.

By then, Zhuge Xianyun had already started battling Ling Ling. This was Zhuge Xianyun’s first formal fight with someone since he had injured Gu Fengchen with his palm strike. Gu Fengchen only knew his palm strength was powerful; now, seeing him in action, he realized that Zhuge Xianyun’s skill couldn’t be explained with just one or two words.

His palm strength was indeed formidable, yet it wasn’t lacking in agility; his steps were swift, yet not lacking in steadiness; his moves were grand and righteous, but occasionally mixed with deceit. To fight such a person, one needed immense experience or else inevitable harm would follow.

With her spear in hand, Ling Ling feared no expert. In truth, she wasn’t at a disadvantage against Zhuge Xianyun in their exchange.

But she couldn’t withstand Zhuge Xianyun’s deceit.

Amid the fight, Zhuge Xianyun suddenly flicked his toes upward, kicked up a single blade, caught it in his hand, slashed twice to deflect Ling Ling’s spear, then flicked his fingers to send the blade flying like lightning toward Gu Fengchen, who was lying to one side.

This move came unexpectedly; Ling Ling never dreamed he would target Gu Fengchen while fighting her. Over there, Bai Jingjing and Gu Fengchen were severely injured and unlikely to dodge, so Ling Ling couldn’t ignore it. She had no time to shield Gu Fengchen and had to hurl her Flower Spear at that blade. Fortunately, Ling Ling’s eyesight and hand strength were superb; the spear was thrown accurately. With a clang, the blade and spear flew far away together, meaning Gu Fengchen was unharmed.

But her throw gave Zhuge Xianyun a perfect chance for a sneak attack. Zhuge Xianyun wouldn’t let it slip easily. Like lightning, he closed in, raised a palm, and struck at Ling Ling’s face. Ling Ling had just thrown her Flower Spear when his palm arrived—unbelievably fast. Her mind was on Gu Fengchen, so she couldn’t dodge and had to meet it with both palms.

Gu Fengchen grew frantic inside, knowing Ling Ling’s palm strength was no match for Zhuge Xianyun. He himself had been struck by Zhuge before and nearly died on the spot.

But he dared not shout out of fear that it would unsettle Ling Ling more, so he just stewed in anxiety.

Their palms collided together.

After a muffled thud, Ling Ling fell back three paces, her brow furrowed, and Zhuge Xianyun gave her no chance to recover, stepping forward to land a second strike.

This time, Ling Ling fell back five paces. Seeing this, Gu Fengchen gritted his teeth, stood up shakily, summoned his remaining Heaven-Defying Divine Art, and prepared to take the blow for Ling Ling.

Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou were both struck by a single palm from Du Qianlong. Could it really cause such severe injuries?

Indeed, it was exactly so. When Du Qianlong struck, it happened precisely when the two were locked in a palm force contest, exerting their utmost strength. At that moment, all their internal energy was concentrated in their palms. Du Qianlong exploited this vulnerability. Adding to it, his sneak attack was launched with full force; his palm force was overwhelmingly powerful, one which ordinary people could never withstand. The only reason Gu Fengchen and Wan Xiaolou weren’t immediately killed on the spot was due to their practice of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art. It allowed them, at the instant of being attacked, to deflect a portion of the opponent’s palm force. Were it not for this, both would have been slain by Du Qianlong’s palms already.

As for Wan Xiaolou, though he wore the Earth Evasion Armor, he was still injured. This was because Du Qianlong already knew about the treasure armor before striking. Therefore, although he struck out with both palms simultaneously, attacking both men, the nature of the force was different. The palm force directed at Wan Xiaolou carried the Armor-Piercing Force!

The lethality of this palm force lay in this: the executor first condensed their palm force into a single point, like a steel awl, piercing through the armor’s seams. Then, the concentrated force abruptly erupted, injuring the internal organs. The Earth Evasion Armor was impregnable to blades and spears and could dissipate palm force. But ultimately, it was a lifeless object, unable to withstand this Armor-Piercing Force. Therefore, Wan Xiaolou’s internal injuries were even more severe.

At this moment, Gu Fengchen’s injury was no less serious than the one he sustained from Zhuge Xianyun. The only reason he could stand up and walk a few steps without collapsing was the Heaven-Defying Divine Art sustaining him. But if he tried to strike an enemy with his palm, the result was easily imaginable.

Just then, Zhuge Xianyun’s third palm was already descending. Ling Ling had already spat blood after receiving the second palm, suffering internal injuries. Gu Fengchen, his heart burning with anxiety, moved to block this strike for Ling Ling. But before he could act, someone already lunged forward, placing themselves between Zhuge Xianyun and Ling Ling, taking the palm strike squarely on their back.

With a ‘bang’, this person was sent flying several feet, crashing into Ling Ling. Both fell to the ground together.

Ling Ling hadn’t taken the palm directly this time and could still hold on. She cradled the injured person and saw it was Bai Jingjing.

It was actually her, taking this palm in her stead.

Ling Ling gasped, “You… why did you do this?” Bai Jingjing was already grievously wounded from before. This palm strike worsened her injuries; speaking was difficult. She managed only a faint smile: “If you died… he’d be… sad forever… never… happy again…”

Her words were few, but their meaning was crystal clear: Gu Fengchen cared most deeply for Ling Ling. If Ling Ling died, even if Gu Fengchen survived, he would mourn her constantly, and never find joy in life again.

Bai Jingjing’s action wasn’t for Ling Ling; it was for the one she loved. As long as Gu Fengchen could be happy, her own death would have meaning.

Logically, Bai Jingjing was not a virtuous person. In the past, she wouldn’t have dreamed of doing such a thing, let alone actually done it. Yet when she truly fell in love, such acts seemed to become subconscious; she acted without needing to think. This wasn’t related to a person being good or bad. Love springs from the heart; love can blind you, love can drive people to do anything, even things they themselves could previously never imagine.

After saying this, Bai Jingjing’s eyelids fluttered closed; her breathing grew fainter. Ling Ling hastily pulled out a Heart-Protecting Pellet and shoved it into Bai Jingjing’s mouth, crying out, “Don’t sleep! You absolutely must not fall asleep…”

At that moment, a burst of loud laughter rang out. Zhuge Xianyun scanned his surroundings. Apart from the dead, the rest were grievously wounded, unable to rise. Lifting a finger was all he needed to eliminate them one by one.

Gu Fengchen couldn’t help but sneer. Zhuge Xianyun asked, “What are you laughing at?” Gu Fengchen replied, “Naturally laughing at you. You may have won this battle, but you’ve also lost much. Don’t assume this is your complete victory.”

Zhuge Xianyun nodded, “True. I lost a son, I lost allies. From now on, the Four Great Clans will cease to exist. Nangong, Wan Family, Twin Dragon Fort, all will disintegrate and vanish. Only my Zhuge lineage will endure forever, reigning supreme over the Jianghu.”

Gu Fengchen burst into loud laughter, “Endure forever? Reign supreme over the Jianghu? That sounds very much like what Qin Shi Huang said in his day.” Zhuge Xianyun pointed towards the stone cavern, “With these, how could the Zhuge Family fear anyone?” Gu Fengchen said, “Perhaps… you still fear one person…”

Zhuge Xianyun asked, “Who?”

Gu Fengchen said, “The person behind you…” Zhuge Xianyun laughed heartily, “I never leave a living enemy standing behind me.” Gu Fengchen countered, “Why don’t you turn and look? Just a single glance would make everything clear.”

Zhuge Xianyun said, “I told you, I never leave a living enemy behind me. If I turn around, you become the enemy behind me. Therefore, before I turn, I must finish you…” Saying this, he took two steps forward, slowly raising his palm, preparing to strike Gu Fengchen down.

Gu Fengchen looked behind him, his eyes filled with a peculiar expression. Cold amusement arose in Zhuge Xianyun’s heart: Trying to lure me to look back so you can launch a surprise attack! The recklessness of youth and lack of experience…

So thinking, his raised palm started to descend.

But right at that instant, Zhuge Xianyun suddenly felt an icy chill stab through his lower back. It was as if an incredibly fine thread of cold air had pierced deep, reaching his very marrow. Shocked, forgetting about killing Gu Fengchen, he spun around hastily. But then, his chest turned cold as well – the same chilling sensation struck again.

Zhuge Xianyun, ever the experienced veteran, knew something was terribly wrong. He desperately leapt backward, landing away from the spot. Touching the spots, he found three silver needles buried in his chest and three more in his lower back. Pulling one out, his heart pounded violently upon seeing it – it was one of Long Xielan’s Poisoned Needles!

Could Long Xielan still be alive, ambushing him from behind?

He raised his eyes. Standing not far in front of him was someone, but it wasn’t Long Xielan. It was — Nangong Yue!

This Nangong Yue had returned to his usual refined, golden demeanor. A faint, perfectly appropriate smile graced his face.

Enraged, Zhuge Xianyun demanded, “Nephew! You didn’t die? … Why did you ambush me?”

Nangong Yue replied calmly, “Simple. To avenge my father.”

Zhuge Xianyun retorted, “But earlier you were…!” Nangong Yue cut him off, “That? That was just a performance staged by me and my sister in front of you. The blood I spat was pig’s blood I had prepared beforehand. The truth is, it was me who learned of how you poisoned my father to death. Not my younger sister – she was too young back then to grasp such things.”

Hearing this, a pang of dread shot through Zhuge Xianyun’s heart. “You… you conspired together…”

Nangong Yue’s voice suddenly changed as he said, “Indeed. Without my sister and I working together, how could you have made it here?”

Gu Fengchen listened, then abruptly exclaimed, “Your voice… you’re that Ghost-Faced Man!”

Nangong Yue laughed, his voice reverting to normal, “Exactly. This little trick of controlling throat muscles to alter my voice was sufficient to deceive everyone.”

Zhuge Xianyun suddenly interjected, “Then, it was probably you who subdued my son.”

Nangong Yue nodded, “Brother Zhuge spent all day with me. Subduing him was far too easy.” Zhuge Xianyun let out a bitter laugh, “I claimed to be Zhuge Liang reincarnated, yet I was bested by a pair of youngsters. Isn’t this heaven’s will…” Nangong Yue retorted, “This wasn’t fate; it was cunning planning. My father left behind a silk pouch, combined with my sister’s and my intellect, finally allowing me to slay my enemy and avenge my father.”

Zhuge Xianyun felt the chilling poison from the wound spreading rapidly upwards. Where it passed, his meridians failed and acupoints became blocked. He couldn’t help but sigh deeply, “You feigned death from the very start. That’s how you fooled me…”

Nangong Yue sneered coldly, “That’s also because you couldn’t care less about our deaths. Had you truly been concerned, wouldn’t you have come to check? It wouldn’t have taken much, just feeling my pulse, to know I wasn’t dead. So your death isn’t anyone else’s fault but your own cold-hearted nature.”

Zhuge Xianyun looked utterly desolate and didn’t reply. Nangong Yue continued, “How does Long Xielan’s poisoned needles feel? Before long, your limbs will stiffen, then the poison will rush to your brain, beyond all cure. I’ve already swallowed the antidote from her body. There’s none left. Slowly savour death now.”

Zhuge Xianyun slumped and collapsed.

Nangong Yue went to Qing’er and embraced her, weeping. Qing’er choked back her tears and said, “Brother, we did it.” Nangong Yue replied, “Yes, we did it. Father can close his eyes in the afterlife now.”

Qing’er glanced at Gu Fengchen, “What about… them?”

Nangong Yue answered, “I know you like him. The things you said before, claiming you didn’t care, were only to pretend in case Wan Xiaolou decided to kill him. But with those two women around, he can’t marry you. I should go kill them right now…”

Qing’er shook her hands in panic, “No! If you do that, he would never… like me again.” Nangong Yue pressed, “But they…” Qing’er insisted, “No more. He and I could never be together.”

She looked towards Gu Fengchen. At this moment, he was also looking at her. Their eyes met, and both quickly looked away.

Qing’er’s heart felt as if struck by lightning. She said softly, “Brother, let’s go home…”

At that very instant, an earth-shattering explosion suddenly rocked the entire stone cave. Everyone was startled. Looking outwards, they heard Zhuge Xianyun laughing wildly, “Think you can leave? Not so easy! Bury yourselves here with this old man!”

Nangong Yue jumped to his feet, “What did you do?!”

Zhuge Xianyun, who had somehow crawled to the entrance of the corridor, grinned madly, “When I arrived, I secretly placed explosive fire capsules in the fissures of the corridor’s stonework. Young whelps, too inexperienced, never expected this move, did you? Just now, I threw several fire capsules into the corridor. A shock from the cave will compress them, causing them to detonate. None of you can escape… Nangong brat, next time you kill someone, make sure you finish the job! Hahaha…”

His laughter sounded like a screeching night owl, terrifyingly sinister.

Nangong Yue saw rocks starting to fall within the corridor, their size growing quickly. Not daring to linger, he hoisted Qing’er on his back and sprinted toward the exit. Qing’er, wounded and weak, couldn’t struggle. She just looked back at Gu Fengchen, crying out, “Don’t mind me… save him first…”

Nangong Yue refused to leave his sister, shouting, “I’ll carry you out first, then come back for him…”

As he said this, he dashed out through the collapsing corridor.

Gu Fengchen gritted his teeth, stood up, and said to Ling Ling, “Get out!” Ling Ling jumped up to carry him, but Gu Fengchen pointed towards Bai Jingjing, “Carry her out first…” Ling Ling hesitated briefly. Gu Fengchen barked, “Go! Just now she saved you!”

Ling Ling had no choice but to lift Bai Jingjing, yelling, “Follow me quickly…”

Gu Fengchen trailed behind Ling Ling, running towards the corridor. Ling Ling had just darted inside when Gu Fengchen tried to follow. Suddenly, a hand yanked at his back foot. He turned his head: it was Zhuge Xianyun. The old man, poisoned and crazy, seized his ankle, shrieking wildly, “You killed my son! You killed my son!” He pulled back with fierce strength. Gu Fengchen, injured and weakened, couldn’t withstand the mad power and was dragged down. Zhuge Xianyun clutched his leg and lunged to bite.

Seeing his utter insanity, Gu Fengchen panicked, shoving against his head to prevent being bitten. Ling Ling saw Gu Fengchen pinned down and tried to turn back. At that crucial moment, several enormous boulders dropped from the corridor ceiling with a deafening crash. Rock fragments flew everywhere; the exit was completely sealed off.

Ling Ling gasped. Peering through a crack, she called out, “Are you alright?!” Gu Fengchen roared, “Just GO!” Realizing the danger, Ling Ling wrenched her wrist talisman off and threw it through the gap, shouting, “Wait for me! I will rescue you…”

Gu Fengchen responded, “I’m waiting…”

Ling Ling hefted Bai Jingjing, scrambled out of the collapsing corridor, and plunged into the water outside. Behind her, sections of the passage crumbled continuously.

Fighting Zhuge Xianyun’s strength, Gu Fengchen felt his weakening grip start to fail. Suddenly, Zhuge Xianyun’s body shuddered, all tension vanishing. His head lolled to the side – dead.

Gu Fengchen sighed in relief, kicked the corpse away, and picked up the wrist talisman Ling Ling had tossed. Gasping for breath, he retreated deeper into the cave. He rested awhile before regaining some strength.

Silence, total and dead, filled the cavern. Gu Fengchen surveyed the surroundings: only a dozen or so corpses kept him company. He couldn’t help chuckling dryly to himself, thinking: Well, this will make a fine grave.

Now he felt utterly exhausted, so he rested his head on a corpse’s belly and fell fast asleep.

When he awoke again, bright daylight filled his surroundings. He had no idea how many days he’d slept. Moving slightly, he felt his internal injuries had improved, but his stomach growled loudly with hunger. Surveying the cave, he saw only gold, gems, corpses, and weapons—no food whatsoever. He couldn’t help but think, “There’s nothing to eat here. Surely I can’t resort to eating corpses—that would make me no better than a beast!”

After enduring half a day more, parched and starving, he felt unbearable discomfort. He scrambled up and began studying the stone carvings around him to distract from his hunger. As he looked, he suddenly noticed a patch of moss growing on the western wall. He scanned the other three walls but found no moss elsewhere. A thought struck him: “Why moss only here? Could it be hiding something the carvers didn’t want seen?”

With this in mind, he raised his hand and wiped away the moss. Beneath it, instead of carvings, he found a small moss-covered hole.

Gu Fengchen cleared the hole and froze—its shape matched perfectly the Wrist Talisman Ling Ling had given him.

His heart pounded. Hurriedly, he took out the Wrist Talisman and pushed it into the hole.

It fit perfectly!

A spark of realization ignited in Gu Fengchen. The talisman had two layered petals; one layer slotted in, leaving the other exposed. He tried twisting it. Turning left yielded no result. Turning right—yes!—it rotated. After nearly a full turn, a sharp click echoed from within the stone cave, followed by a harsh grinding noise beside him.

He turned to see a hidden doorway slowly opening in the adjacent stone wall.

Suddenly, Gu Fengchen understood. This cavern wasn’t a dead end; it had two exits. The corridor could only be sealed from within. Since no bodies were inside when they entered, those within must have escaped. The last to leave must have used this pathway.

Overjoyed at finding escape, Gu Fengchen hastily yanked out the Wrist Talisman. As soon as it was removed, the stone door began closing. Gu Fengchen swiftly snatched up the Lover’s Spear and Earth Evasion Armor from the ground and dashed through.

This tunnel was short, barely ten strides long. Gu Fengchen reached its end to see faint light ahead. He felt his way forward through tangled curtains of withered vines and creepers. Crouching low, he crawled, then pushed outward with all his strength, finally freeing his head.

Sunlight streamed brightly outside, the air crisp and fresh.

Finally safe. Gu Fengchen drew a deep breath, nearly leaping for joy, but he stopped instantly—he was perched on the sheer face of a cliff.

No wonder no one ever discovered this opening, he thought. The precipice pierced the clouds, so sheer even birds found no perch, let alone humans!

For Gu Fengchen, however, descent wasn’t too difficult. He climbed out, gripping vines as he lowered himself. Relying on his profound strength, he soon reached solid ground.

Surveying his surroundings, clearly on the mountain’s opposite side, he circled back to find Ling Ling and the others. Returning to the lakeshore, however, he found no one. No trace left behind.

Gu Fengchen reasoned Ling Ling must have gone to get help. With the critically injured Bai Jingjing, she’d surely prioritize settling her safely before rescuing him. Trusting this, Gu Fengchen left the mountains, heading towards Mount Huang.

Along the way, however, inquiries yielded no sightings of Ling Ling. Even Red Lotus Sect scouts stationed nearby confirmed they hadn’t seen her.

This worried Gu Fengchen. If Ling Ling had escaped, she would have contacted the scouts—either to arrange care for Bai Jingjing or to organize his rescue. Her absence indicated only one possibility: Ling Ling had never escaped.

Thinking this, he ordered the scouts to immediately send a carrier pigeon to Bright Summit asking if Ling Ling had returned. He then rushed urgently back to the lake, diving back in. Reaching the cavern entrance, he found it completely collapsed. Entry was impossible.

Gu Fengchen felt like being struck by lightning. Ling Ling and Bai Jingjing must be buried within those collapsed corridors, lost forever, he feared.

Even so, Gu Fengchen refused to give up. He waited by the lake for several days until a scout arrived with news: a missive from Bright Summit confirmed Ling Ling hadn’t returned and there was no sign of Bai Jingjing.

Gu Fengchen stood frozen, utterly dumbstruck.

Undoubtedly, Ling Ling lay buried alongside Bai Jingjing in the lake’s depths. Qing’er and Nangong Yue might well have perished there too.

In that moment, Gu Fengchen’s spirit withered, despair washing over him.

He stared blankly at the lake waters for hours before slowly rising and departing. Once beyond the mountains, he bought a horse and rode slowly northward. Night after night, he drowned his sorrows in heavy drinking.

Since re-entering Jianghu (Martial World) little over half a year ago, he had already experienced soaring joy and crushing grief, bitter partings and cruel death. Now, his heart felt aged beyond its years.

En route, he located Red Lotus Sect scouts. He entrusted the Lover’s Spear and Earth Evasion Armor to them, charging them with delivery to Mount Huang. He also sent a letter to Hua Yuehen expressing his wish to renounce Jianghu and formally return leadership to her. A month later, Gu Fengchen reached his childhood home by the Yi River. Upon entering his homestead, he found the collapsed cottage overgrown with spring grass, the blacksmith’s forge outside crusted thick with rust. Villagers saw his return but offered little beyond fuel for gossip after meals.

The following fortnight saw Gu Fengchen hire workers to rebuild his house. Once more, he kindled the forge and swung his hammer. Villagers noticed their once-jovial youth now spoke sparingly, his laughter gone completely.

Half a month thus passed. Suddenly, a band of craftsmen arrived at the village outskirts, beginning construction on a vast mansion. It was winter now, cold enough to freeze drops midair, yet these builders spared no expense, thawing ice into water for mortar, laboring tirelessly day and night.

Gu Fengchen paid no heed, assuming some wealthy man was merely undertaking grandiose construction.

By the time the New Year approached, the residence had been completed. Early that morning, just as Gu Fengchen had lit the furnace, a crowd surged into his courtyard. Gu Fengchen was puzzled—were all these people coming for smithing so early in the day! But upon closer inspection, he froze, for he recognized every single one of them.

Leading them was actually Hua Yuehen, with Qing Fozi beside her, followed by more than ten others who had sought refuge with him at Broken Heart City.

Gu Fengchen stared dumbfounded. Hua Yuehen darted over, grabbed his arm, and said with a beaming smile, “You made us search all over! Back home in glory, are we forgetting old friends now?”

The people behind her crowded forward, chorusing, “Well wishes to the City Lord…”

Gu Fengchen replied evenly, “I trust all of you are well. I have decided to retire from the Jianghu and no longer concern myself with worldly affairs. Broken Heart City shall continue under Hua Yuehen’s leadership.” Qing Fozi smiled, “Sire, we came not to ask you to resume your post as City Lord, but for another matter entirely. Please follow me.”

Without waiting for his consent, the group ushered Gu Fengchen to the large estate outside the village. He looked up to see a large plaque hanging above the mansion gate—black background with crimson characters spelling out: “Hong Chen Manor.”

His heart stirred. Qing Fozi and the others swept him inside, guiding him to the main hall where they pressed him onto the seat of honor despite his protests.

Qing Fozi asked, “Venerable Hero Gu, are you aware of the current climate in the Jianghu?”

Gu Fengchen replied, “No. And I care not to know.” Qing Fozi chuckled, “Hear me out first, then decide if you will.” Clearing his throat, he continued, “A great upheaval has shaken the Jianghu. The Four Great Clans vanished overnight; their masters disappeared without a trace. Rumors claim they perished at a secret location. Particularly in the north—Hebei and Shanxi—emptied of Twin Dragon Fort and the Zhuge Family, a power vacuum has formed. Many Jianghu gangs are eyeing this vast territory, and several have already clashed, leaving heavy casualties.”

Gu Fengchen asked, “Your meaning is…”

Qing Fozi pressed on, “With your peerless martial skills and unrivalled heroism, would you truly stand by while heroes in these lands slaughter each other till the rivers run red? We suggest you establish your own sect and assume its leadership! Once accomplished, Jianghu brethren across these lands will flock to your banner, sparing countless lives.”

Gu Fengchen said flatly, “This must be Ying Tian’ao and Lady Xueyi’s idea.” Qing Fozi admitted openly, “Indeed it is.”

“Then let them form their own sect,” Gu Fengchen retorted.

Qing Fozi explained, “Venerable Gu, you may not know: Senior Ying and Lady Xueyi have journeyed far to Gansu. They will never return to the Central Plains.”

Gu Fengchen paused, reflecting—Gansu was once Lady Xueyi’s home; the two had clearly chosen to retire from the martial world. “Truly?” he questioned.

“Yes,” Qing Fozi confirmed. “Accompanied no less… by the Yin-Yang Twin Immortals.”

Gu Fengchen’s eyes widened in shock. “Blood Feud binds the Yin-Yang Twin Immortals and Senior Ying—how could they travel together?”

Qing Fozi clarified, “The Twin Immortals realized their poison arts would never overcome Lady Xueyi. They sought still-deadlier toxins in the Western Regions, hence the shared journey. Though vengeance burns in their hearts, they act openly, refusing underhanded schemes. Besides… this is their private affair; outsiders may not interfere. Before departing, Senior Ying asked only that we persuade you to become the Cult Leader.”

Gu Fengchen sighed deeply. “A noble plan. Yet my spirit is weary; I’ve long abandoned any care for Jianghu matters.”

A knowing smile touched Qing Fozi’s lips. “This… City Lord Hua may help untangle your heart. We shall withdraw briefly.”

Without awaiting further word, Qing Fozi and the others swarmed out, leaving only Hua Yuehen and Gu Fengchen in the silent hall.

Hua Yuehen studied him. “What exactly… do you mean by ‘weary spirit’?”

Regarding her as a true friend, Gu Fengchen answered plainly. “Since escaping those caverns and finding no trace of Leader Ling nor Lady Bai… I believe both rest beneath the heart of the lake. Such profound grief has extinguished even the thought of marriage. How could any passion remain for Jianghu matters?”

“So,” Hua Yuehen challenged, “had they lived, you might have founded this sect?” Gu Fengchen sighed again. “Establishing a sect was never my desire. Had they lived… that alone would have brought me joy.”

Hua Yuehen pressed further, “And if all lived? Leader Ling, Lady Bai… and that Qing’er girl. Which would you choose to marry?”

The question struck him dumb. After a long silence, he murmured, “To wed any one of them… would be a blessing I scarcely deserve.”

Hua Yuehen laughed lightly. “Why not marry all three?”

Gu Fengchen recoiled. “Impossible! How could one man wed three wives?” He exhaled heavily. “Mere talk. They are dead… what use is this?”

Hua Yuehen leaned in, eyes gleaming. “Establish your sect. I promise you… they will come.”

Gu Fengchen’s breath caught. “You mean… they live…?”

“Of course they live,” Hua Yuehen stated firmly. “But they are daughters of prestigious sects, bound by pride. Would you have them seek out a village blacksmith? Think of their reputations—shamed whispers of desperate girls chasing a man?”

“Very well,” Gu Fengchen conceded. “I will heed you. The sect will be founded.”

As the words left his lips, Qing Fozi and the others surged back, clapping and cheering jubilantly.

The next day, at the banks of Yi River, Gu Fengchen formally inaugurated the “White Lotus Sect.” Hesitation gripped him at the naming—but Qing Fozi dismissed concerns: the emperor was lost in wine and lust, blind to state and Jianghu alike. Reclaiming the “White Lotus Sect” meant nothing now.

Ninety years after the schism between the Red and White branches, the White Lotus Sect rose anew. Centuries later, future generations would honor Gu Fengchen as the Restorer, the founder of its revival—though such tales remain for later days.

That evening, inaugurating Gu Fengchen as Cult Leader, he sat alone with Hua Yuehen in the hall. Fidgeting nervously, he recalled her promise: “They will come to you—today.”

Hua Yuehen laughed at his agitation. “Patience! They’ll come. By the way… you never answered my question last time.”

“Which question?” Gu Fengchen asked.

“Among them… whose name anchors your heart?”

The question stunned him into silence. How to answer?

For Ling Ling, his affection was pure and deep.

Yet Qing’er and Bai Jingjing?

Bai Jingjing had stood by him longest, tending his wounds with utter devotion, his proclaimed wife in name.

Qing’er was different—she had used him, yes, yet her heart held genuine love.

And a man’s heart is treacherous ground: a woman’s endless kindness fades lightly, while pain inflicted lodges deep. Gu Fengchen was only a man, after all.

Words failed him.

Just then, a soft sigh came from the west window.

Gu Fengchen flinched, bolting to fling it wide open.

Outside stood Ling Ling.

His heart leapt. “Ling’er! You… you live! Are you well?”

Her face was cold. “Very.”

Gu Fengchen stammered, “You escaped… why not wait? Why not seek me?”

Ling Ling’s voice was ice. “Why wait? Why seek? What am I to you? What are you to me?”

He stood frozen.

From the window beside the door, another laugh cut through—cold and sharp.

Gu Fengchen threw it open.

Bai Jingjing stood framed.

His relief resurfaced. “Jingjing! You too… are unhurt…”

Her expression mirrored Ling Ling’s chill. “Unhurt? Would you rather I wasn’t?”

“Never!” he exclaimed. “But… healed… why hide?”

“We saw you escape,” Bai Jingjing countered. “We hid on purpose. We sought the truth in your heart—words spoken to others’ faces can be lies. Eavesdropping yields honesty. I ask again: what am I to you?”

“You… are my wife,” Gu Fengchen admitted haltingly.

“Ahh, the wife!” Bai Jingjing’s voice sharpened. “Then why did your heart leap so seeing her? Longing to cast me aside, were you?”

Gu Fengchen found no words.

Abruptly, the east window pushed inward, framing Qing’er’s smiling face. “Brother Gu! She doesn’t understand you. Speak your heart to me!”

Questions snapped at him. Laughter mocked him. Three women—accusing, coaxing, taunting—pounded Gu Fengchen’s head until agony blurred his vision. Crashing onto a chair, he turned desperate eyes to Hua Yuehen: “What… what do I do?”

Watching him squirm like an ant on a griddle, Hua Yuehen dissolved into rippling laughter. “Serves you right! Scattering feelings where wind blows. Now trouble knocks—your mess to clean.” Still chuckling, she stood. “No clever fixes from me.”

She walked out.

Three figures slipped through the windows.

They encircled him slowly.

Three fronts pressed him now.

He knew, deep within: faced with ten thousand blades, escape was certain. But this siege woven not of steel, but tenderness? This cordon was one he felt certain he would never—could never—break.

Thus ends:

Paths upon paths stretch Jianghu far and wide;

Schemes exhausted, pained hearts reside.

Tears of heroes, purposeful rain,

Shoulders of beauties—peace cannot sustain.

Look! Clouded green trees by journey’s dust are veiled,

Look back! Armored steeds pierce mystic thresholds assailed.

An old man asks the passing woodman small,

Who points to mountains—laughter holds the answer for all.

(The End)