Laughter rang out amidst the chaos of the martial arts gathering at the Virtue Association. Two prominent middle-aged men were conversing jovially, while most martial artists were panicking over Jin Tianwang subduing Han Zhaoming. When Heaven-Equaling Peak, Han Zhaoming had slumped unconscious on the ground, Jin Tianwang had already bid farewell and departed.
A tall, large man with a beard reaching his chest spoke with a firm voice, "Tianwang executed it exactly as I desired. With just one penetrating fist, he triumphed over that useless mountain."
A middle-aged man with the appearance of a learned scholar replied, "Tianwang is sharp; he likely knew from the start that this was all our plan. He went through with it solely to repay our past kindness."
"Tianwang's move was flawless. Look at that Han fellow; he is unconscious and oblivious to everything now."
"Ha ha ha, simply magnificent."
The martial artists began to sense the presence of the two men and turned to look with surprise. While The Sage of the Eight Corners, Han Xiaozhi was trying to revive Han Zhaoming, The Six Decrees, Pei Chengyue suddenly saw the two individuals. Shock washed over his face as he exclaimed, "It is you two, The Blood Hawk, Diao Zhufan and The Eight-Slayer Fist, Wang Yu."
The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan and The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu raised their hands to pay their respects to The Six Decrees Pei Chengyue in unison.
"You are Di Yu, are you not?" Pei Chengyue saw the middle-aged scholar walking out with Diao Zhufan—whom he should have addressed as "Wang Yu," but instead called "Di Yu"—which was extremely strange.
Even so, The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu did not deny it, but greeted back, "I have not met the Senior for a long time; your memory remains excellent."
Pei Chengyue felt that the appearance of these two boded ill, so he shouted, "All of this is your doing, using Jin Tianwang to throw everything into chaos."
"In the past, you did not know what plan was used to destroy Stone Fiend Shi Wusha, nor how we dominated the martial world for over twenty years. Now it is time for a change," Diao Zhufan announced loudly.
Many martial artists could naturally remember The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan. Moreover, countless martial artists remembered The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu as well. Though many years had passed and Wang Yu had not involved himself much with the martial world, his god-like medical skills had saved an immense number of martial artists. Once those people saw the person who used to save their lives, they all came to pay homage and show respect.
Pei Chengyue suddenly realized Jin Tianwang's martial arts skills must have been inherited from these two supreme experts. Thus, he shouted fiercely, "The brat surnamed Jin is your creation."
"Correct. The brat surnamed Jin whom you mentioned, in truth, should have been the conqueror of Stone Fiend Shi Wusha in the past. Because the Nine Heavens Penetrating Fist you saw a moment ago should, in reality, be used to shatter the Nine Heavens Armor of the Stone Fiend, not that useless mountain," Wang Yu spoke with a smile.
"Di Yu, even if you change your surname to Wang, it cannot change the truth that you are the son of The Demonic Doctor, Di Jiao, the founder of The Defying Heaven Sect." Pei Chengyue tried to use this opportunity to mobilize the martial artists to act against Wang Yu and Diao Zhufan.
"Whether I am surnamed Di or Wang holds no importance. Today, we are here to wipe this hypocritical Virtue Association (The Virtue Association) off the face of the martial world," Wang Yu retorted.
As Wang Yu's voice faded, a storm of black blades spread out to attack those who seemed to stand with the Virtue Association. That black blade storm was born from a black saber. A black saber this fierce could belong to no one else but The Reckless Blade, Li Sibei, who now led a number of martial artists storming in. The gathering, already chaotic, now became extremely tumultuous. People fled for their lives; people fought each other until it became a great bloodshed.
The Six Decrees Pei Chengyue had no confidence to fight two supreme experts like The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan and The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu. He could only choose to escape, relying on himself and The Absolute Jade, Di Yuning to break out. Meanwhile, the father and son of the Han family were still besieged by Li Sibei's people.
Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming regained consciousness again. Everything had changed completely. His body was bound with ropes as thick as a child's arm to a large wooden chair inside a dim, stuffy room. As he opened his eyes, he saw two familiar faces in front. From the dampness on his face, he knew he had been splashed with water to wake him up.
Han Zhaoming, usually a calm and composed person, now found himself tied to a wooden chair and roared in fury, "What is the meaning of this? Why am I bound like this?"
"Han Zhaoming, just answer us truthfully, and we are willing to let you leave," Diao Zhufan said with a stern expression.
"What is the meaning of this? Why must you treat me like this?" Han Zhaoming still maintained his air of superiority.
"Han Zhaoming, do you still believe you are the Chief of the Virtue Association? The Virtue Association no longer exists in the martial world," Diao Zhufan shouted in the face of Han Zhaoming, who remained tied to the large wooden chair.
"The Virtue Association no longer exists—what does that mean? Have you destroyed it?" Han Zhaoming asked with a confused expression.
"The Virtue Association is merely a facade that your Han family fabricated. Throughout the years, where was the virtue? There were only the desires of your Han family." These sentences were not spoken by Diao Zhufan, but by the middle-aged man with the appearance of a scholar.
"Who are you?" Han Zhaoming looked at this scholar and found him familiar, but could not recall immediately.
"Do you not remember the old friend who once saved your life and treated your injuries?" The middle-aged scholar walked closer for Han Zhaoming to see clearly.
"You are the son of The Demonic Doctor Di Jiao." Han Zhaoming did not know this person's name, but remembered the past.
"Correct. I am the son of The Demonic Doctor Di Jiao, the one who treated the poison for you, and released you to escape from The Defying Heaven Sect." This middle-aged scholar was Di Yu, also known as Wang Yu.
Wang Yu was the son of Di Jiao, the Demonic Doctor, founder of the Defying Heaven Sect. Later, a severe conflict occurred with his father because Di Jiao wanted to give the Defying Heaven Sect to Stone Fiend Shi Wusha instead of his own flesh and blood. Di Yu severed ties with his father and went back to use his mother's surname, Wang, entering the martial world under the name Wang Yu. Later he received the title The Eight-Slayer Fist. In the past, because of his hatred for Stone Fiend Shi Wusha, he had saved Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming, in return for one shameful exchange.
Han Zhaoming, recalling who the middle-aged scholar standing before him was, felt shame regarding a certain woman. He did not dare meet Wang Yu's eyes anymore, merely lowering his head and saying nothing.
"Han Zhaoming, tell us the truth about the events seventeen years ago. How did you manage to conquer and kill Stone Fiend Shi Wusha? We all know well that with your martial arts skills, you could never destroy the power of that invincible armor," Wang Yu asked the question that had haunted him for nearly twenty years.
Han Zhaoming suddenly raised his face to lock eyes with Wang Yu, wearing a contemptuous smile. He realized that these men were merely defeated dogs of Stone Fiend Shi Wusha, unable to accept that anyone could conquer an enemy they could not equal. Their old hatred for Shi Wusha had shifted to him—a man they believed absolutely unworthy of such power.
"You heard us; speak now!" Diao Zhufan roared with anger.
"Ha ha ha, only I conquered Stone Fiend Shi Wusha. How could you possess such ability?" Han Zhaoming laughed gratifyingly, like a madman.
Diao Zhufan struck the back of his hand against Han Zhaoming's face immediately. The force of the blow snapped Han Zhaoming's head to the side, loosening his molars.
Wang Yu suddenly spoke words beyond expectation, "Let him go."
Diao Zhufan cried out in surprise, "Why make it so easy?"
"Let him live to witness our success for a while. Let him taste the same resentment we felt before." Wang Yu explained with a serious voice, concealing his disdain for Han Zhaoming.
Diao Zhufan listened and saw reason. Thus, he flicked the saber at his waist once, severing the ropes binding Han Zhaoming, and released him.
Merry Meanderer Jin Tianwang, after conquering Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming, came to a stop in front of a large lake. Scattered piles of snow lay all around the lakeshore. At this moment, the water surface had not yet frozen over, but in such coldness, this lake would soon become a large sheet of ice.
The sound of footsteps rang out from behind Jin Tianwang.
Jin Tianwang, though not turning back, recognized these footsteps very well. These footsteps appeared even in his dreams. Now, they had returned to find him again. Therefore, Jin Tianwang turned around to face a woman. A woman whom he, whether asleep or awake, always thought of.
This woman had a slender face, big round eyes, crescent moon eyebrows, a prominent nose bridge, and thin, fresh red lips. Her face was flawless beauty. Moreover, she possessed a beautiful figure suitable for a young woman. She was the woman reputed to be the most beautiful in the martial world, The Frostflower Maiden, Han Yuexin.
When the dream became reality, Jin Tianwang met Han Yuexin again. Both, who should have had many words to say to each other, instead only stared at each other in silence.
After several moments, it was Han Yuexin who shouted with anger first, "You helped them invade and destroy my family's Virtue Association."
Jin Tianwang, how could he have any answer for Han Yuexin? For he was indeed the one who had truly destroyed her family.
"By doing this, you show no regard for me, not even a little." Han Yuexin blamed him with irascible emotion.
Jin Tianwang could only lower his head, before saying, "I myself owe them greatly."
"You destroyed my family to repay their kindness like that?" Han Yuexin summarized what Jin Tianwang had said.
Jin Tianwang remained silent.
"Wonderful, wonderful. Now you have repaid them. Then go back and kill them all completely for me, can you?" Han Yuexin spoke sarcastically.
Jin Tianwang clenched both hands tightly. He spoke no words, but the sound of his grinding teeth escaped his lips.
"Didn't you once say you loved me, willing to do anything for me?" Han Yuexin retraced the past.
Blood began seeping out from both of Jin Tianwang's fists. His fingernails likely pierced the flesh of his palms. But still, there were no words from him.
"I once begged you to kill a courtesan; you did not keep your promise. You even deceived me that you had killed her. This time you brought enemies to sweep away and destroy my Han family. I do not know if this love of yours exists only to deceive and destroy me?" Han Yuexin explained scene by scene; all were her interpretations of Jin Tianwang's actions toward her.
"No, that is not true!" Jin Tianwang suddenly shouted at the top of his voice.
"So now you find your voice." Han Yuexin said with a gaze full of resentment.
"Now I know the truth: that you liked Qi Yiling's lover, so you told me to kill her." Jin Tianwang pieced everything together, realizing that she had grown estranged from him because her heart belonged to another man.
"You say this... implying that I deceived you?"
"You did not deceive me. I know well, I am not worthy of you." Jin Tianwang voiced the thought that had always stuck in his heart.
"Jin Tianwang... You are not worthy of me, so you brought people to destroy my family, is that it?"
"No." Jin Tianwang could only utter a denial.
"No what? Tell me." Han Yuexin pressed him further.
"Because I love you. I always have." Jin Tianwang shouted at the top of his voice, shedding all shame. His face resembled a person crying, but no tears fell.
"You evil person, you still dare to say such words. From this moment on, remember this: I, Han Yuexin, hate you, resent you, and will kill you without fail." Then, Han Yuexin suddenly smiled gratifyingly. This smile sliced and destroyed Jin Tianwang's heart viciously. Then she continued, "Back then, you were the fool, thinking I was pleased with you. From now on, do not let me see your face again. Otherwise, I will kill you."
Jin Tianwang suddenly lost all strength, collapsing to his knees. The power in his body seemed to vanish completely.
"Look at this." Han Yuexin shouted at Jin Tianwang. In her hand appeared a hairpin carved from hardwood into the shape of a swan.
Jin Tianwang saw it and knew well that it was the hairpin he had made for Han Yuexin.
Han Yuexin used her right hand to snap the hairpin, confirming that the relationship of the past had ended right here.
"I return this hairpin to you." Han Yuexin said, but turned her back, throwing it into the large lake at the side. At that moment she recalled something, and added, "The head of that slut surnamed Qi was also thrown by me into this lake."
Hearing these words, Jin Tianwang seemed to go mad with grief. He suddenly leaped into that freezing lake, diving to the bottom immediately, unaware that Han Yuexin had already departed.
Now the Han family was almost erased from the martial world. The greatness and grandeur of the Virtue Association declined rapidly.
Such is power. Once revered, once feared—and when it fades, no one even remembers.
A blizzard raged, spreading a bone-chilling cold to every corner. The surface of the lake had now largely turned to ice. Yet, a man still dived and swam in the freezing water, seemingly oblivious to the cold.
If anyone were to pass by and witness such a sight, they would surely think the man had lost his mind. But this man was not mad; he was, in fact, the man who had conquered Heaven-Equaling Peak, Han Zhaoming, who had once been the leader of the martial world.
This man was the Merry Meanderer, Jin Tianwang.
Throughout the day, while the sun still shone, Jin Tianwang did not stop searching for something underwater. Only when the sun was nearly setting and no light remained for searching did Jin Tianwang finally climb out of the water. He walked up to the shore before curling himself into a ball. His body shivered, his teeth chattering, but a smile still lingered at the corner of his mouth—a smile mocking his own fate.
Jin Tianwang's memories were filled with despair and disappointment. Those he owed a debt of gratitude to, like parents, only wished to use him to seize fame and power in the martial world. Now he had repaid that debt by completely destroying the reputation and prestige of the Chief of the Virtue Association. The debt was paid. Or so he told himself.
However, destroying the reputation of the Virtue Association meant he had also completely severed the relationship between himself and the woman he loved. With things as they were, how should Jin Tianwang continue to live? The confusion in his heart was even more torturous than the cold he was currently facing.
Jin Tianwang did not know when he had fallen asleep. The cold and exhaustion must have carried him into a slumber he hadn't anticipated.
The sun shone once again. At this moment, a woman was collecting twigs and dry leaves to pile into a bonfire. A large bonfire burned beside the pale-skinned man. The delicate woman moved nimbly; she moved tirelessly. Her fair face was now streaked with black soot from her fingers as she built the fire.
The bonfire grew larger and larger, its heat intensifying. The warmth revived the pale-skinned man until he regained consciousness. The man opened his eyes again and turned to look at the young woman. The two were merely strangers to each other, yet their hearts felt strangely warm.
Jin Tianwang saw the strange woman, whose appearance was disheveled and stained. The clothes she wore were made of fine quilted fabric, which surprised him. Out of propriety, he knew he shouldn't stare at her for too long. So, he turned his gaze to the large bonfire instead.
The young woman sat leaning against the warmth of the bonfire she had built, uttering not a word. She showed no emotion whatsoever. She was like a block of ice—a block of ice that did not move, a block of ice that did not melt even when near the fire. Her eyes stared into the large bonfire before a strange sound rang out.
Jin Tianwang knew immediately that it was the sound of the stranger's stomach growling. A smile appeared on his seemingly numb face before he glided back into the freezing lake once again.
The young woman frowned, looking on with doubt. Suddenly, the stranger shot up from the water, his hands grabbing fish and throwing them onto the bank, two at a time. In just a short while, he had caught eight fish. He then walked back to the fire and began roasting the fish over the large bonfire.
Finally, the young woman got to eat fish. Of the fish she received, five in total, she ate two, while the stranger ate three. All of this passed without a sound.
Their lives continued like this.
When the sun rose, the stranger would enter the water, diving and swimming. If the young woman was hungry, she would eat fish, or go out to find twigs and dry leaves to fuel the bonfire that never went out. Later, the stranger spent the night building a wooden shelter to shield the young woman from the wind and snow. All of this passed without a single word exchanged between them.
More than a month had passed since the defeat of the Virtue Association. The martial world underwent rapid and numerous changes. The Virtue Association (Virtue Association) declined in power, giving rise to the Zenith Martial Pavilion, with The Blood Hawk, Diao Zhufan as the Chief, The Eight-Slayer Fist, Wang Yu as the Deputy Chief, The Reckless Blade, Li Sibei as the Head of the Outer Pavilion, and the Nine Cats as the Nine Enforcers. The Zenith Martial Pavilion was currently supported by over sixty-eight sects. Martial artists in the Wei region played a significant role in this change, receiving special power, fortune, and respect.
The Reckless Blade Li Sibei, who took the position of Head of the Outer Pavilion, held power second only to the Chief and Deputy Chief. His duty was to gather sects and factions that had not yet submitted to the Zenith Martial Pavilion and force them to yield. Within just a few dozen days, those who opposed were erased from the martial world, totaling fourteen sects and six factions.
Inside the Zenith Martial Pavilion, there were actually twin buildings. One building was named The Invincible Martial Pavilion, the residence of The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan. The other building was named All-Under-Heaven Pavilion, the residence of The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu. Even so, the Virtue Association had not completely disappeared.
The Sage of the Eight Corners, Han Xiaozhi, relying on his close relationship with Young Master of the North, Ke Daobing, used the territory further north to rebuild the Virtue Association. They established a stronghold to oppose the Zenith Martial Pavilion in the area outside the Great Wall, and still had Heaven-Equaling Peak, Han Zhaoming hold the position of Chief. Martial artists rumored that Ke Daobing poured a vast amount of wealth into this endeavor because he would become Han Zhaoming's son-in-law, or the husband of The Frostflower Maiden Han Yuexin.
Battles occurred between the two sides many times. However, as days passed, the Zenith Martial Pavilion grew stronger and larger. The new Virtue Association saw people defecting and distancing themselves. The battles between the two in the desert region became the bloodiest conflict in a hundred years.
In the desert land outside the Great Wall during this winter, the climate at night was still freezing, while at noon it was scorching hot. Young Master of the North Ke Daobing, Mute Sword, Yang Songwei, and The Drunken Scholar, Ou Xiatian led their forces to ambush the people of the Zenith Martial Pavilion before dawn. The sudden attack brought a rare victory to the Virtue Association. With the three young experts joining hands, they managed to kill The Third-Eyed Cat , Xia Guche. But now, as noon approached, The Reckless Blade Li Sibei had led his forces back to reclaim the shame of the morning.
The Reckless Blade Li Sibei, his body huge like a demonic giant, wore luxurious black attire. At his side were Six-Eared Cat, Lei Yei and Five-Aspect Cat, Pang Mei, the three riding horses together.
Li Sibei roared, "You are all warhorses that once stumbled before Jin Tianwang. If you still know your place, you should accept arrest obediently, and I will spare you the death penalty."
Mute Sword Yang Songwei, though a quiet man, possessed a hot temper. Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming once saw that this young swordsman might have a good future, but with such a character, he feared he might not live long. Han Zhaoming had misjudged, for at just Li Sibei's provocative words about the defeat to Jin Tianwang, Yang Songwei kicked off and drew his sword, leaping toward Li Sibei without hesitation.
Yang Songwei's sword qi had not yet threatened anyone when a black blade circle radiating murderous intent attacked fiercely above the young swordsman's head. But the young swordsman was no ordinary swordsman, so he became arrogant. Seeing the blade circle slashing in, he fought like a young bull—force against force. He thrust his sword out, weaving it into a sword net, used for both defense and pursuit.
Li Sibei enjoyed life-risking battles. The more critical the danger, the more frenzied and fierce he became. Seeing the sword net appear, he swept the saber in his hand in a circle, resisting boldly without fear.
On the side, The Drunken Scholar Ou Xiatian, still holding wine in his hand, saw the battle between Li Sibei and Yang Songwei, which was so fierce it seemed life was merely cheap as dirt. He laughed once before throwing the wine jar over his shoulder. His two feet leaped toward the battle circle. Before the wine jar could fall and break, Ou Xiatian's body circled behind to close in on Li Sibei, his hand moving to point the folding fan in an attack.
Ke Daobing actually intended to join hands with the two young experts, but he himself was entangled with the two cats. He had to gather both his strength and concentration to unleash sixteen types of hidden weapons in the most unorthodox way, intending to kill Lei Yei and Pang Mei in one go.
Li Sibei was surrounded and attacked from both front and back, but he still had an extremely arrogant attitude. Roaring once, he swept the dark saber in his hand, creating a strong wind current surrounding himself. The wind force generated by the sharp blade circle forced the ingenious and elusive Ou Xiatian to retreat. As for Yang Songwei, he gathered his strength to use the sword in his hand to resist, his body staggering and leaning back.
It was still Ou Xiatian who possessed the ingenious and uncanny footwork. Spinning his body halfway and swaying back, he managed to slip through, changing from defense to offense in a single move. The fan in his hand pointed out again, internal energy threatening the massive body in front of him.
Li Sibei, who had a huge body, was not slow in the slightest. When he sensed the stream of internal energy attacking, Li Sibei displayed erratic footwork as well. Just stepping back and then forward again, he changed from disadvantage back to seizing the advantage once more. The hand gripping the saber swung the dark saber up to attack, intending to split Ou Xiatian's body in two with a single slash.
But Li Sibei's saber still struck air. The Drunken Scholar Ou Xiatian seemed to shrink his bones and change his physique; the blade circle still passed far from his body. This time it was Li Sibei who did not expect Ou Xiatian to be this formidable.
Ou Xiatian entered close range to reclaim the advantage for himself, using rapid footwork. In Li Sibei's eyes, Ou Xiatian's silhouette shattered into five or six images, swirling around him to deliver the finishing blow to Li Sibei.
Li Sibei moved his saber in a circle to slash and destroy four of Ou Xiatian's silhouettes. All were illusions. While the fourth slash had not yet reached the silhouette, he slashed back towards the rear, towards Ou Xiatian's last remaining silhouette. This blade circle was concise and concealed extreme deceptiveness. Yet, this blade circle still missed.
The last silhouette was, in fact, not Ou Xiatian's true position. At this point, Li Sibei had to admit that he could not follow the ghostlike and rapid footwork of this Drunken Scholar. When the saber slash missed on the return, he could only risk his life to strike his remaining palm in the opposite direction, guessing that Ou Xiatian would choose to hurt him from the most difficult angle to defend. This gamble of Li Sibei's was considered to have saved his life; the palm struck exactly towards Ou Xiatian's last silhouette.
Ou Xiatian, whose footwork was more rapid and unpredictable than Li Sibei's, had anticipated this well. If the martial world were to rank the Piercing Fist used by Merry Meanderer Jin Tianwang as the most concise and violent move, then the footwork of Scholar Ou Xiatian should also be ranked as the most intricate and elusive move. In truth, it was not that Li Sibei guessed Ou Xiatian correctly, but moving with such speed while twisting and changing direction required no small amount of strength. But because the rib injury Ou Xiatian received from Jin Tianwang had not yet fully healed...
As he twisted his body back and forth, the bones that had not yet knitted well and the wounds that had just closed tore open again. The footwork that should have been faster and more intricate suddenly stalled. It happened to be exactly where Li Sibei's palm struck. Even so, Ou Xiatian refused to let this opportunity for victory slip away. He immediately used his left hand to strike against Li Sibei's furious palm power.
Li Sibei assumed Ou Xiatian lacked the courage to resist his palm power directly, so surprise arose again. But because his accurate guess could be considered to have unraveled Ou Xiatian's elusive footwork, he suddenly turned the saber in his hand, intending to use a killing move instantly.
As the palms of both sides were about to clash, Li Sibei had a bad premonition. For experts clashing, just having a correct premonition could determine victory.
Li Sibei changed his mind and chose not to clash palms with Ou Xiatian, willing to be the one to retreat. He hurriedly rolled backward, which was just in time to narrowly dodge the sword thrust from Yang Songwei.
Ou Xiatian forced his body to use continuous moves many times even though his injuries had returned. Just a moment ago, he thought to hold and clash palms with Li Sibei, taking the opportunity to hold Li Sibei down, opening a chance for Yang Songwei to thrust his sword and kill this Reckless Blade. Now that he had missed the opportunity, the pain from the movement of his ribs made him almost unable to straighten his body. He had only the ability to stare at the back of Yang Songwei, who was pursuing Li Sibei.
Yang Songwei thrust his sword out. The sword rushed out like a dragon swooping out of a cave. The sword rushed towards the throat of Li Sibei, who was still panicked from fighting with Ou Xiatian a moment ago. And in that instant, the rushing sword suddenly halted, when his back was struck in the middle by a heavy destructive force.
This destructive force originated from a small silhouette. That small silhouette was actually a woman. This woman did not like to be called a woman, but instead liked people to call her a cat—a cat with five aspects. Now, the middle of Yang Songwei's back was struck and hurt by Pang Mei's fist power.
The Nine Cats were the primary disciples of The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu. Pang Mei's fist power was not weak at all, even though she was a woman. The said fist struck and destroyed Yang Songwei's spine.
Although the spine cracked and caused extreme pain to Yang Songwei, it had not yet granted him death. Even so, death was not far away. When a black blade circle appeared, Yang Songwei's head flew high. Blood sprayed out. The body fell along with the head that dropped.
Ke Daobing grabbed Ou Xiatian onto his horse. The people of the Virtue Association could only retreat.
Victory belonged to the Zenith Martial Pavilion once again. The Virtue Association lost another good hand like Mute Sword Yang Songwei.
Li Sibei looked after Ou Xiatian on the horse. At that moment, he felt he locked eyes with that Drunken Scholar.
Li Sibei knew the truth. He should have been the one to fall. He should have been the one lying headless in the sand. If not because Ou Xiatian had been injured before, if Jin Tianwang had not hurt Ou Xiatian until he was seriously injured, the person who should have lost should have been him.
Even though it was nearly noon, the snow continued to fall ceaselessly. The biting wind had turned the surface of the lake into a glassy sheet of ice. Atop the icy expanse, the figure of a man appeared, walking with steady steps before stopping abruptly and stomping his foot down with full force.
A sharp crack echoed as the ice collapsed, shattering to form a deep hole. The figure plunged into the freezing water without hesitation, while the snow continued to fall relentlessly from the sky.
The strange figure vanished beneath the icy hole for only a brief moment. Suddenly, an explosive boom echoed. The sheet of ice shattered, blasting skyward. Shards, both large and small, flew amidst the falling snow. Water shot high into the air, creating a billowing white mist. A silhouette erupted from the water's surface, clothes drenched, eyes shining with a strange gleam. A triumphant smile graced the corner of his mouth, his right hand gripping something tightly.
He then drifted back to the shore with weightless grace, as if the explosive scene moments prior had never occurred.
However, before the man who had burst from the lake could reach the shore, another man was already standing there, waiting for him.
As the two men met, the world around them seemed to come to a standstill.
The man waiting on the shore offered the first greeting, "A'Ke, are you well?"
The drenched man called A'Ke nodded once in acknowledgment before leading the way toward a bonfire being tended by a young woman.
Seeing that two people were approaching rather than just the drenched man, the young woman stood up and quietly walked away from the bonfire.
The two men relied on the fire for warmth on this freezing day. One had pale, drenched skin; the other wore wolf-skin garments, yet his cheeks were flushed bright red.
"A'Ke, you are truly too eccentric. In such freezing weather, you still plunged into that icy lake."
"In truth, my name is not Xiao Ke, just as your name is not Xiao Luo. We should address each other by our real names."
"Your name is Jin Tianwang, bearing the title Merry Meanderer. As for me, how should I be addressed?"
It was a truly strange question—asking the other party what he himself should be called, if not A'Luo.
"The martial world calls you the Destitute Wanderer, Kang Kang (康康). I intend to call you the same." Jin Tianwang said this because he knew well that the other party was also a renowned figure in the martial world.
"Brother Jin knew from the start that I am that Destitute Wanderer." Such a response naturally confirmed that he was indeed the young supreme expert known as the Destitute Wanderer, Kang Kang.
"An extraordinary person is an extraordinary person, no matter what. No matter how much you try to conceal your brilliance, as time passes, you only become more remarkably outstanding."
Jin Tianwang continued to praise him. Even though the two had only shared a brief period of life together, his impression of Kang Kang was exceptionally good.
"You only know that the martial world calls me the Destitute Wanderer, Kang Kang. In truth, even you, Brother, do not know what kind of person I am. " At this point, Kang Kang reached out his hand, gesturing to take the item Jin Tianwang was holding.
Jin Tianwang displayed a resistant posture, adding, "This item has nothing to do with you. I ask that you do not involve yourself."
"And if I refuse, and insist on being involved?" Kang Kang's gaze locked onto Jin Tianwang, carrying a heavy pressure. He intentionally exhibited a threatening demeanor to force Jin Tianwang to hand over the item in his grasp.
Jin Tianwang and Kang Kang had been good friends in the past. Not wishing to become enemies over the object in his hands, Jin Tianwang extended his arms. It revealed a human skull with strands of hair still attached to it.
Kang Kang's face suddenly registered absolute shock.
Jin Tianwang seemed well aware that Kang Kang never expected the item he had been searching for at the bottom of the freezing lake to be this skull. He then pulled his hands back, saying, "I told you from the start that you had no connection to this object."
Kang Kang chuckled coldly before looking up at the vast sky. His eyes flashed as if suppressing a deep emotion. "Brother, you are mistaken... The one who has no connection is you. How could I not be involved?"
Now it was Jin Tianwang's turn to show a shocked expression. "What do you mean by this? I do not understand your words."
"Since this skull belongs to Three Smiles Wine, Qi Yiling, how could it not be connected to me?"
Jin Tianwang's eyes widened before he spoke in a startled voice, "You are Qi Yiling's former lover?"
"Why call me a former lover? Aside from her, I have never loved anyone else." Kang Kang continuously revealed truths that shattered Jin Tianwang's expectations.
Jin Tianwang suddenly took a deep breath, realizing in his heart that Qi Yiling's former lover was the very man The Frostflower Maiden Han Yuexin had her eyes on. In that case, this Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang was the man of Han Yuexin's dreams.
Realizing this, Jin Tianwang subconsciously bit his lip, then said, "Now that she has left this world, you should find a new love."
"You mean between me and that Frostflower Maiden?" Kang Kang said with a smirk at the corner of his mouth, typical of a young prodigal.
Jin Tianwang's body twitched, as if pierced right through the heart by a sword. But he still forced his emotions down, nodding in reply with a strained smile.
At this point, the young woman who had left earlier returned, bringing back more kindling. She paid no attention to their conversation, simply walking over to the bonfire and feeding the flames, making them burn brighter and wider.
Kang Kang turned to look at the woman, then said, "Brother, you should find a new love as well."
Jin Tianwang did not answer, remaining utterly silent.
"Brother, do you intend to take this skull back to Chang'an City and bury it with her body?" Kang Kang asked, probing Jin Tianwang's intentions.
"I indeed intended to do so. But since you have appeared here, it is only right that you handle this matter in my stead." Jin Tianwang stated plainly.
"I must still trouble you, Brother, to make the journey to Chang'an City," Kang Kang said, continuing to defy Jin Tianwang's expectations.
"Since she is your one and only love, why would you..."
"You and I are different. Although she is my one and only love, she is not the most important thing in my life." This statement from Kang Kang seemed to serve as an indirect warning to Jin Tianwang.
How could Jin Tianwang have any more words to say? He merely gritted his teeth and replied, "I hope that one day, you will visit her grave."
"There will certainly be such a day. But today, I wish you good luck, Brother." The Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang finished his piece and walked away.
Jin Tianwang watched the Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang's back until he disappeared into the distance. Suddenly, he heard the woman's voice behind him say, "You fools."
Jin Tianwang looked back at the young woman sitting by the bonfire. All this time, they had never spoken a single word to each other. Why would she speak now? Jin Tianwang shot her a questioning look, silently asking what she had just said.
"You two are exactly the same kind of people. You have no ability to lie, yet you love to do it, spouting words that completely contradict your hearts." The woman used a twig to stoke the bonfire again before continuing, "Your faces wear nothing but smiles, yet your eyes are overwhelmingly sorrowful. When you are sad, why not shed tears? Why force such a sickening smile?"
"Your voice is truly beautiful," Jin Tianwang said, gazing at her.
The young woman suddenly showed a hint of shyness but tried her best to conceal her emotions, acting as if the words meant nothing.
Jin Tianwang then took off his outer coat to wrap the skull in his arms. He bowed in a gesture of respect. "We must part ways here." With that, he stepped away.
But after just two steps, he halted. He turned back to the young woman still sitting by the bonfire and declared, "My name is Jin Tianwang. The entire martial world knows well that Jin Tianwang does not shed tears. Jin Tianwang only knows how to smile."
Leaving those words behind, Jin Tianwang turned around and continued walking. This time, he never looked back.
The young woman by the bonfire pretended not to look in the direction Jin Tianwang had gone. Yet, her eyes were already brimming with tears, which silently streamed down her cheeks.
Perhaps it was because of the cold that she wept.
Perhaps it was because of hunger that she wept.
Perhaps it was because of loneliness that she wept.
Perhaps it was because she was a woman that she wept.
Or, perhaps it was because of Jin Tianwang...
Not too far away, Kang Kang, who had separated from Jin Tianwang earlier, was heading toward the mountain peak behind the lake.
His footprints in the snow formed a long, straight line leading directly to an ancient pavilion. Inside that pavilion, a woman was already waiting.
Before the young man had even crossed the threshold of the pavilion's roof, a voice called out, "You did not kill him. Thus, the conditions of our agreement cannot be fulfilled." The speaker was, of course, the woman inside the ancient pavilion. She wore an orange fox-fur coat. Her face was flawlessly beautiful, resembling a foreigner with her high nose bridge and pale eyes. This woman was truly worthy of the title Pearl of the Azure Sea. Her name was Fan Qingqing, the beautiful daughter of the White Jade Dragon, Fan Baojian.
"You should know me better. How could someone like me ever strike against a friend?" Kang Kang replied with an impassive face.
"If you do not kill Jin Tianwang, I will not consent to marry you, and you will not receive the backing of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood."
"I never intended to kill Jin Tianwang." When the Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang said this, it naturally meant that he never intended to marry Fan Qingqing either.
"Do you no longer want the help of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood?" Fan Qingqing raised her voice, flaring with anger.
"In truth, the two of you should talk and come to an understanding. I believe Jin Tianwang will see your sincerity." Kang Kang's words were a subtle suggestion for Fan Qingqing and Jin Tianwang to talk things out; it was entirely possible they could become lovers.
"Do not speak such nonsense," Fan Qingqing commanded, displaying the typical habits of a spoiled eldest daughter, always accustomed to issuing orders.
"If a battle between the two of us truly erupted, I fear the young miss would still hope the one dying to be me, not Jin Tianwang." This man's words were always beyond the expectations of anyone he spoke with.
"It's enough that you didn't act. There is no need for so many words."
"Since we cannot cooperate, then I suppose I must rebuild the Defying Heaven Sect myself." The Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang finished his sentence and headed back down the path he had come from.
Once Kang Kang was a distance away, Fan Qingqing stood up and ran in the opposite direction, chasing the path taken by the man who only knew how to smile and never shed tears.
Jin Tianwang truly intended to head to Chang'an City. He calculated that traveling from here to Chang'an on foot would take no less than two months. Even by carriage or horseback, it would still take over a month. Regardless, time was of no consequence to him.
But after bringing this skull to be buried with her body at the edge of the forest in Chang'an City, what would happen next? What else was there left to do?
Before, Jin Tianwang had no wealth, but he still had friends.
Before, Jin Tianwang had no fame, but he still had people who cared for him.
Before, Jin Tianwang had no home, but he still had someone to miss.
The things that were once most precious to Jin Tianwang had all vanished.
Now, his beloved friend had turned into an enemy, intent on taking his life.
Now, his close relatives had betrayed and deceived him for fame and power.
Now, his beloved woman resented him to the absolute core.
Even so, a faint smile still appeared on Jin Tianwang's face. For everyone knew well that Jin Tianwang only knew how to smile, and never how to shed tears.
Months passed. The biting cold of winter faded, replaced by the sprouting of spring. The Zenith Martial Pavilion stood out prominently before all martial artists, causing them to completely forget the Virtue Association. People were like this; they forgot the past far too easily.
Whether it was the Virtue Association before, or the Defying Heaven Sect, who would bother remembering stories of the past? Tides shifted in the martial world every single day. From one city to another, from another city to high mountain peaks. From high mountain peaks across vast rivers, from vast rivers to wide grasslands. From wide grasslands across scorching deserts, from scorching deserts deep into the forest. From the deep forest all the way down to a valley. That valley was called "Mystic Valley."
Following the Zenith Martial Pavilion's victory in the desert lands, spearheaded by The Reckless Blade Li Sibei, many martial artists who once dared to resist readily submitted. Now, harboring ambitions to unify the martial world, The Blood Hawk, Diao Zhufan sent invitations to the South. He invited the southern martial artists to his domain, designating their four supreme experts as his esteemed guests: The Furious Tiger, Long Zhen, The Carefree Laughing Elder, Ouyang Laoxian, The Infernal Deathbird, Wu Bian, and the White Jade Dragon, Fan Baojian.
When the appointed day arrived, guests gathered in bustling crowds. Before the sun had even set, The Furious Tiger Long Zhen made his entrance. He was the first crucial guest to arrive, and perhaps the only one who would appear tonight. In the past, The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan had wreaked havoc across the land, sparking bitter feuds with The Infernal Deathbird Wu Bian and The Carefree Laughing Elder Ouyang Laoxian. As for the White Jade Dragon Fan Baojian, he resided on a remote island; even with an invitation, it would be difficult for him to arrive on time. In truth, tonight's grand reception for the four supreme southern experts was merely a theatrical act orchestrated between Diao Zhufan and Long Zhen, paving the way for this fierce tiger to serve as the Zenith Martial Pavilion's proxy in conquering the South.
The Furious Tiger Long Zhen and The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan acted as if they had been the closest of friends from the very beginning, incessantly referring to each other as brothers. "Brother Diao, time flies on fleeting wings. It has been over twenty years since that day, and now we have finally reunited. Yet, this occasion is more special than any other, for Brother Diao has now ascended as the overlord of the martial world."
"Brother Long, back then we drank together for days and nights without determining a victor. Tonight, let us relive those days. We two must finally decide a winner! Ha ha!" Diao Zhufan fiercely downed his wine from a massive bowl.
Unwilling to show weakness, Long Zhen tossed his wine cup aside and grabbed a bowl of his own to drink alongside Diao Zhufan. The two gulped the liquor as if pouring water. In just a few breaths, the contents of the massive jar had vanished into their stomachs.
Long Zhen suddenly remembered the gift he had brought for Diao Zhufan. He quickly said, "The Emerald Jade Wine I brought has a more fiery bite than any liquor in the land. If we intend to decide a victor tonight, we must drink the Emerald Jade Wine."
"Excellent! People usually dilute the Emerald Jade Wine with six parts water before they even dare drink it. If we drink it straight, I am certain one of us will collapse before the night is over. Hurry, bring the Emerald Jade Wine!" Diao Zhufan roared, ordering his men to fetch the liquor.
Long Zhen had brought exactly sixteen jars of Emerald Jade Wine, enough to fill an entire carriage. Each jar was so heavy it required one person to carry it. Upon Diao Zhufan's command, the sixteen jars were immediately hauled into the banquet hall. For the common guests to taste such premium wine was a rare stroke of fortune. Two jars were taken away to be diluted with six parts water, while the remaining fourteen were brought directly to Diao Zhufan and Long Zhen for them to drink straight from the vessels. The moment the seals were broken, a pungent, intoxicatingly fragrant aroma flooded the air.
"Do not drink that wine!" a voice commanded, instantly plunging the raucous banquet hall into dead silence.
Everyone turned to look. Standing there was a scholarly figure who had been quietly observing the wine being diluted for the guests. This middle-aged scholar could be no one else but The Eight-Slayer Fist, Wang Yi.
A flash of panic mixed with displeasure crossed Long Zhen's face, but since the speaker was Wang Yi, he dared not voice his annoyance.
It was Diao Zhufan's expression that darkened as he demanded, "Why can it not be drunk?"
"The wine is laced with poison; it cannot be drunk," Wang Yi replied with a faint smile.
Hearing that the wine was poisoned, Long Zhen could hardly believe his ears. He immediately hoisted the wine jar in his hand and took a massive gulp. The jar's mouth was wide, and quite a bit of wine spilled, staining his robes. He then burst out laughing, "Ha ha! The wine is quite fiery, but how could it possibly be poisoned?"
Wang Yi rushed forward and grabbed Long Zhen's wrist to check his pulse. His face showed deep concern, his brows furrowing as he hurriedly said, "The wine is poisoned! How could you drink it? The wine was secretly tampered with; how could I ever intend to offend you, Brother Long?" With that, he quickly pulled a medicine bottle from his sleeve, popped the cap, and shoved a pill into Long Zhen's mouth.
Long Zhen tried to resist, but a violent churning suddenly erupted in his stomach. His complexion turned a bruised purple, his lips paled, and his body went rigid. He staggered back, on the verge of collapsing. Fortunately, Wang Yi had already seized his arm and swiftly shoved the antidote into his mouth.
"Brother Long, sit down quickly and circulate your internal energy. A mere Worm-Leaf Poison cannot harm a supreme martial artist like you."
At this point, how could Long Zhen dare defy Wang Yi's words? He immediately sat cross-legged and began to circulate his qi.
"Merely by catching a whiff, Senior Brother could immediately identify the Worm-Leaf Poison. I am truly in awe." A voice rang out as a woman in a bright crimson dress stepped into the banquet hall.
"So it was just a prank by Junior Sister Tian," Wang Yi replied to the woman in red, maintaining his calm and collected demeanor.
The martial artists of the South remembered this woman in red all too well. She was none other than The Blood Spider, Tian Yihui. Fear and anxiety instantly swept across the faces of the guests.
"Among all of our Master's disciples, my poison-spreading skills are the weakest. If it had been Seventh Sister's doing, I fear even Senior Brother wouldn't be able to identify the poison," Tian Yihui said with a matching smile.
"So Seventh Sister has arrived as well," Wang Yi remarked, his face showing genuine interest.
Before this, Wang Yi was the only son of The Demonic Doctor, Di Jiao and once held the title Medicine King, having inherited all medical knowledge from his father. The seventh disciple of The Demonic Doctor Di Jiao was the Azure Squirrel, Yang Qianlian. In the past, she was a renowned beauty who seemed to share a deep, intimate relationship with Wang Yi. Thus, Tian Yihui had intentionally brought her up.
"Seventh Sister hasn't arrived yet. Only this ugly frog arrived first." The Tiger Frog, Huang Sakong walked in alongside a rotund man dressed in brightly colored clothes.
Diao Zhufan walked toward the two newly arrived guests and greeted them, "Elder Ouyang has arrived as well."
The term "Elder Ouyang" indicated that Diao Zhufan deeply respected the seniority of this plump man in bright clothes. In truth, this person was The Carefree Laughing Elder, Ouyang Laoxian, an evil demon lord of the South Seas. From his outward appearance, one could never tell that Ouyang Laoxian held a prestige equal to the Three Martial Deities. He was one of The Three Demon Deities, sharing equal fame with The Demonic Doctor Di Jiao and The Stone Fiend Shi Wusha, back when the martial world was divided into The Three Martial Deities and The Three Demon Deities, representing the ultimate masters of the righteous and unorthodox factions.
"It is my fault for missing Brother Diao's appointed time, for just an hour ago, I had to meet with a certain wondrous prodigy. Therefore, I arrived late to your banquet." Ouyang Laoxian spoke with a resonant voice that exhibited his immense internal energy.
Based on this statement, Ouyang Laoxian had gone to meet someone before answering Diao Zhufan's invitation. Who could this wondrous prodigy be, holding more weight and importance than a summons from the Zenith Martial Pavilion?
"Who is this wondrous prodigy, capable of detaining an old demon to the point of nearly missing our banquet?" Diao Zhufan replied, also utilizing his internal energy. His voice echoed just as loudly, proving that his cultivation was in no way inferior.
Huang Sakong smiled sycophantically at Wang Yi before continuing, "Tonight, it is not only I who traveled here to congratulate Senior Brother. Even Second Senior Sister has arrived."
Wang Yi's expression shifted drastically. The Second Senior Sister mentioned was the Verdant Dragonfly, Zhou Xingxuan, Di Jiao's eldest female disciple. By seniority, she held the rank of senior sister to Wang Yi. However, she was a survivor of the past battle between the Virtue Association and the Defying Heaven Sect—one of those who had sworn an oath to confine themselves in the Mystic Valley. For her to appear here was a truly shocking event for the martial world.
"Master Diao, it has been a long time. Are you well?" A voice rang out as a streak of green shadow soared through the air, landing to reveal a middle-aged woman.
Diao Zhufan's face displayed extreme irritation as he demanded, "How could you break your oath?"
"Back then, Eldest Senior Brother engaged in a duel with you, Master Diao, and suffered defeat. He swore that the survivors of the Defying Heaven Sect would never return to the martial world, residing in the Mystic Valley forever. He designated the Mystic Valley as a forbidden ground, prohibiting any martial artist from trespassing and forbidding the martial world from interfering with any matters inside. However, several years ago, a young man broke into the Mystic Valley and took the Shadow Bat out to face punishment at the Virtue Association. In truth, who was it that broke the oath? Was it us, or the martial world?" Zhou Xingxuan recounted the incident where Jin Tianwang broke into the Mystic Valley to extract the Shadow Bat in order to exonerate The Drunken Scholar, Ou Xiatian.
She brought this up because she knew full well that Jin Tianwang's actions were inextricably tied to Diao Zhufan and Wang Yi.
Unable to suppress his fury, Diao Zhufan moved to draw the saber at his waist.
"Brother Diao, please wait a moment. Right now, the wondrous prodigy is speaking with the White Jade Dragon, Fan Baojian. Whatever agreement they reach, you will soon get to meet this prodigy yourself," Ouyang Laoxian suddenly interjected, cautioning both sides.
Diao Zhufan had already drawn his saber from its sheath. A crimson aura radiated outward, accompanied by an awe-inspiring resonance. He roared, "I have no desire to meet any wondrous prodigy! You have broken your past oath, so I have no choice but to strike without mercy!"
Wang Yi stepped toward Diao Zhufan and whispered in his ear, "Do not be rash. Let us wait and see who this wondrous prodigy truly is."
Speaking on behalf of the now-silent Diao Zhufan, Wang Yi called out, "Whoever this wondrous prodigy is, please reveal yourself. It takes quite someone to invite Senior Sister Zhou out of the Mystic Valley."
"The Sect Leader also wishes to pay his respects and meet you," Zhou Xingxuan stated, referring to the wondrous prodigy as the Sect Leader. This meant that the Defying Heaven Sect had been reestablished and now possessed a new leader.
"The truth is, he is no stranger. Wait just a moment; this conflict will fade, leaving only cooperation between both sides," Ouyang Laoxian said with a broad grin.
"What Sect Leader? Has the Defying Heaven Sect truly been reborn?" Diao Zhufan interjected sharply.
"That is correct. The Defying Heaven Sect has been reborn." A voice echoed as a handsome young man strode into the reception hall. Every eye locked onto this youth.
Wang Yi chuckled softly once, then slowly said, "The wondrous prodigy... is you."
The Destitute Wanderer, Kang Kang respectfully cupped his hands in greeting to Wang Yi before saying, "Uncle, do you no longer recognize your nephew?"
Wang Yi, who had remained cool and composed all this time, suddenly felt his body tremble. He turned to glare at Kang Kang once more before roaring, "Bastard! I never had a sister! You are no nephew of mine!" The moment he finished speaking, he struck ruthlessly. He unleashed a punch with a speed and ferocity that few could ever rival.
Wang Yi held a deep resentment toward his own sister—resenting her because she was the wife of The Stone Fiend, Shi Wusha, the man who had stolen the Defying Heaven Sect from him. Upon hearing Kang Kang's words, he instantly realized the true relationship between himself and this young man. Redirecting his hatred for Shi Wusha, he attacked the man's son with extreme brutality and mercilessness.
However, the most astonishing event unfolded before everyone's eyes. Kang Kang's body remained firmly planted on the spot, while it was Wang Yi who was knocked back two steps. A pale look washed over Wang Yi's face as he blurted out, "The Nine Heavens Armor Art!"
Diao Zhufan, standing not far away, wore an equally panicked expression, exclaiming involuntarily, "The Stone Fiend's Nine Heavens Armor Art!"
This armor power was, in fact, the Nine Heavens Armor Qi Art. From past to present, only The Stone Fiend Shi Wusha had ever successfully mastered it, rendering him an unparalleled supreme expert. One who mastered the Nine Heavens Armor Art could no longer be harmed by anything. If nothing could harm them, how could anyone rival them? Back when Diao Zhufan was a vigorous youth, he once had the chance to test it and suffered a bitter defeat. For another person to successfully cultivate the ultimate Nine Heavens Armor Art was entirely beyond anyone's wildest dreams. This invincible ultimate art had returned to the martial world once again.
Ouyang Laoxian burst into joyous laughter before declaring loudly, "This wondrous prodigy is the only son of The Stone Fiend Shi Wusha, and he has mastered the Nine Heavens Armor Art to a level even superior to his father's!"
The gathering between the Zenith Martial Pavilion and the southern supreme experts had turned into the debut of a new Stone Fiend. This event would surely be spoken of and shake the very foundations of the land. A chaotic uproar of discussions erupted within the hall.
"I, Shi Moyong, attend this event today not only to congratulate the Zenith Martial Pavilion on its victory over the Virtue Association, but also to pay my respects to Uncle Wang Yi and invite the elder to return to the Defying Heaven Sect. Furthermore, it is my intention to challenge Chief Diao to a duel, to prove whose martial arts are superior!" The Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang, whose true name was Shi Moyong, spoke with a voice that echoed commandingly throughout the entire banquet hall.
Zhou Xingxuan stepped forward and handed a letter over to Diao Zhufan.
It was Wang Yi who intercepted and received the letter, wary of any hidden poison. He opened the letter and read its contents, which consisted of only a few words: "The fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month."
Diao Zhufan immediately knew this was a formal challenge. He laughed maniacally, "Ha ha ha! Excellent! The fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month it is. Let the whole world see into how many pieces my Blood Hawk Saber will cleave you, boy!"
"I, your junior, have set the date and time. I kindly ask Chief Diao to determine the location," Shi Moyong said, maintaining a composed and polite demeanor.
"Excellent! Swift and decisive. On the fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month, we shall meet at this very place once again to settle everything!" Diao Zhufan declared boldly, brimming with absolute confidence in his impending victory.
Shi Moyong swept his gaze around the room and announced to everyone present, "I will use this duel to bring glory back to the Defying Heaven Sect!" With those final words, he immediately turned and strode away. The remaining southerners—The Carefree Laughing Elder Ouyang Laoxian, The Verdant Dragonfly Zhou Xingxuan, The Tiger Frog Huang Sakong, and The Blood Spider Tian Yihui—all followed in unison, departing the hall together.
The banquet came to an end. The Blood Hawk, Diao Zhufan and The Eight-Slayer Fist, Wang Yi entered a secret chamber where only the two of them were permitted. Ever since the Descendant of the Stone Fiend, Shi Moyong appeared at the banquet, Wang Yi's expression had been grim. It wasn't just Wang Yi; Diao Zhufan also looked quite anxious. The Nine Heavens Armor Art was an invincible peerless art, and its unexpected reappearance was startling. A mere boy, wielding such a technique, standing beside the supreme experts of The Defying Heaven Sect and openly declaring war on the Zenith Martial Pavilion—how could they remain calm?
Wang Yi sat down on the stone chair to the left, while Diao Zhufan remained standing in the center of the room, pondering the situation. However, it was Wang Yi who spoke first to break the suffocating silence.
"That sickly boy from back then has actually mastered the Armor Art today," Wang Yi said, then let out a heavy sigh.
"Why did you never mention anything about this boy before?" Diao Zhufan turned his head to meet Wang Yi's gaze.
"I examined that boy's condition many times. I was certain he couldn't possibly live past the age of fifteen. Furthermore, with the harsh conditions in the Mystic Valley, a boy with such a frail constitution shouldn't have survived for even two years."
"Damn it! Not only did the boy survive the Mystic Valley, he even mastered his father's supreme technique."
"Even Shi Wusha in the past couldn't have withstood my current punch. For that boy to be able to deflect the force of my strike like that, I fear his martial arts achievements have already surpassed his father's."
"Surpassed even The Stone Fiend!" Diao Zhufan exclaimed involuntarily, before regretting his reaction. As a supreme expert, how could he show such fear? Thus, he spoke with a bold, defiant tone, "Fierce is good; the fiercer, the better. My saber has never sought to take the lives of the nameless and unskilled."
Wang Yi met Diao Zhufan's eyes, understanding the thoughts of his dear friend who had fought alongside him through the martial world up until today. However, if Wang Yi's punch couldn't harm Shi Moyong, could Diao Zhufan's saber truly defeat this boy? Suddenly, a silhouette appeared in Wang Yi's mind, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Tianwang! We still have Tianwang! Only Tianwang can defeat this Armor Art!"
Hearing the name of Jin Tianwang, Diao Zhufan couldn't help but sigh. "Sigh... do you think that boy is still willing to help us?"
"We trained Tianwang for this. To break the Stone Fiend's Armor Art. If another Stone Fiend has risen... perhaps this is heaven's will."
"We have wronged Tianwang quite a bit," Diao Zhufan said with a softened tone. The bond he had with Jin Tianwang was almost like that of a father to a son.
"But in the past, we also treated Tianwang extremely well." Wang Yi was different; having grown up in the unorthodox faction, he did not share a deep emotional attachment to Jin Tianwang.
"Does the Armor Art truly have no weaknesses? Why did Shi Wusha suffer defeat at the hands of the Han father and son in the past?" Diao Zhufan had always been confident that his skills were superior to anyone from the Han family, yet he himself had been defeated by Shi Wusha.
"That incident must have been related to The Magician From the Sky, Gao Qingxin." Wang Yi was a man of great intellect, so bringing up Gao Qingxin was the only explanation. After all, Gao Qingxin's martial arts were genuine; he was a true master.
"That makes sense. Ever since the Stone Fiend passed away, Gao Qingxin changed his title from The Magician From the Sky to Like the Demon Lord." Diao Zhufan tried to evaluate the past events, piecing together the possibilities.
"What if Gao Qingxin knows the weakness of the Armor Art? Even if we could find the old man, I have absolutely no confidence in forcing him to speak the truth," Wang Yi said, uncertainty in his voice.
"Not only was Gao Qingxin a close friend of Shi Wusha, but the old man also seemed to have quite a relationship with the Han father and son," Diao Zhufan said, recalling the events of the past.
"Thinking about it, we cannot find a better method than this. It's settled. Tomorrow morning, we will send people to search for Tianwang on one hand, and look for old Gao Qingxin on the other." Wang Yi was still the one laying out the entire plan, revealing who the true leader within the Zenith Martial Pavilion actually was.
"If Tianwang can help us once more this time, even if I have to yield the position of Pavilion Master to him, I would consider it proper."
"It's a pity your daughter married at such a young age. Otherwise, Meiyi would have been a perfect match for this top disciple of ours." Wang Yi spoke of Diao Zhufan's daughter with familiarity, showing just how deep the relationship between the two men was.
"Having that boy as a son-in-law would certainly be excellent. Looking across the entire martial world, only Han Zhaoming had the eyes of a dog but no vision, rejecting Tianwang as his son-in-law." Diao Zhufan couldn't help but mock his eternal rival.
"Ha ha, who is Han Zhaoming anyway? He has always been nothing but an incompetent fool in our eyes." Wang Yi laughed in a relaxed manner.
"Ha ha ha! Exactly! Han Zhaoming merely has the eyes of a dog, but no vision at all. How could he possibly know how capable our Tianwang is?" Diao Zhufan's laughter echoed far and wide. Despite the worries brought by Shi Moyong's appearance, the great Hawk still displayed the demeanor of a formidable man who feared neither heaven nor earth.
Once the laughter subsided, the two parted ways to execute their established plans.
Initially, the duel between the Descendant of the Stone Fiend Shi Moyong and The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan didn't seem like a massive event. However, once rumors spread that this demonic heir had not entered the martial world alone, but had also brought the former Defying Heaven Sect back into the martial world...
The older generation of martial artists all knew the terror of the Nine Heavens Armor Art. Upon learning that Shi Moyong had mastered this invincible ancient art, rumors circulated that The Blood Hawk Diao Zhufan's defeat in this battle was already preordained.
Because of this impending duel, the Zenith Martial Pavilion's plans for expansion and power consolidation were forced to a halt. Even The Reckless Blade Li Sibei ceased his campaign to suppress the Virtue Association, rushing back to the pavilion to learn of Diao Zhufan and Wang Yi's countermeasures against this new threat.
The chaos was not limited to the Zenith Martial Pavilion. After receiving news of the Descendant of the Stone Fiend Shi Moyong, the Virtue Association was thrown into equal turmoil. After all, the ones who had destroyed the Defying Heaven Sect in the past were none other than the Virtue Association. Thus, express messengers had to swiftly deliver this news to the northern territories.
While the Heaven-Equaling Peak, Han Zhaoming, The Sage of the Eight Corners, Han Xiaozhi, and the Young Master of the North, Ke Daobing were having lunch together, the express messenger suddenly appeared.
"Reporting to the Association Head, Elder Han, and Eldest Young Master, a major event has occurred in the martial world."
Despite his old age, Han Xiaozhi was an active and eager individual. He barked, "What major event is this?"
"Reporting to Elder Han, three days ago, the Destitute Wanderer, Kang Kang led the former supreme experts of the Defying Heaven Sect to attend the Zenith Martial Pavilion's celebration banquet."
"Bastard! Has that shameless Diao (张) started associating with the unorthodox faction now?" Han Xiaozhi said angrily.
The messenger quickly corrected him, "No, the Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang did not go there to ally with Diao Zhufan. He went to challenge the Pavilion Master to a duel."
"Ridiculous... Who does that little boy think he is, daring to challenge that shameless Diao?" Even though Han Xiaozhi spoke rudely of Diao Zhufan, he still respected and acknowledged his enemy's martial prowess.
Han Zhaoming, who had been sitting quietly listening to the report, suddenly asked the messenger, "Why did the Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang need to challenge Diao Zhufan?"
"The Destitute Wanderer Kang Kang is actually the heir of Shi Wusha. He willingly revealed his true name as Shi Moyong, and it is rumored that he has also mastered the Armor Art." This messenger had gathered comprehensive information before reporting.
"The Armor Art!!" Han Zhaoming and Han Xiaozhi exclaimed in unison. Ke Daobing, who was watching from the side, was surprised by their intense reaction, as their faces were filled with absolute shock and panic.
The atmosphere in the room instantly turned tense. The Han father and son fell into a dead silence. Ke Daobing, who didn't know about the Armor Art they mentioned, kept his composure and continued to ask, "A challenge? When exactly is the duel scheduled?"
"Rumors in the central plains say the duel will take place at the Zenith Martial Pavilion on the fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month," the messenger replied immediately.
"Excellent! It seems Diao Zhufan is surely doomed to die. How could the saber in that Diao's hand ever do anything against the Armor Art?" Although Han Xiaozhi spoke words of congratulation, in truth, how could he feel any joy? The grudge between Shi Moyong and Diao Zhufan was merely over Diao Zhufan imprisoning the Defying Heaven Sect survivors in the Mystic Valley. Meanwhile, he and his son were the ones who had personally murdered Shi Wusha, the biological father of the new Stone Fiend. How could they escape this fate? They could only wait for their time to come.
Han Zhaoming, bearing the title Heaven-Equaling Peak, suddenly stood up from his seat and walked back toward his quarters, his face deathly pale.
Han Xiaozhi had never seen his son act like this before. Even though this matter was extremely daunting, the old man still possessed the bravery of a young man. He stood up and followed his son out, leaving Ke Daobing alone at the dining table to continue eating.
Han Zhaoming walked with rapid steps. In just a moment, he entered his room and immediately shut the doors and windows. Han Xiaozhi, following closely behind, opened the door to converse with his son.
"The Armor Art isn't something just anyone can successfully cultivate. How could this boy possess abilities matching his father's? The martial world always exaggerates its stories. You shouldn't worry too much," Han Xiaozhi comforted his son, placing a hand on his left shoulder.
"That person must have certainly mastered the Armor Art. Otherwise, Diao wouldn't have accepted the duel challenge. With Diao's personality, he would have resolved it on the spot," Han Zhaoming said, sweating profusely.
"This all might just be a scheme by that Diao."
"The Stone Fiend has an heir..." Han Zhaoming muttered like a man devoid of hope.
"Why worry so much? The boy specifically sought out Diao first; he didn't come looking for us." Han Xiaozhi still had a much stronger mentality than his son.
Han Zhaoming didn't verbally answer his father, but his eyes conveyed the truth. Right now, the Virtue Association was no longer considered a primary target of importance. He believed the Stone Fiend's heir thought the same, choosing to attack the Zenith Martial Pavilion first before dealing with his faction.
"So what if he has the Armor Art? We can go find your father-in-law. Even the Stone Fiend suffered defeat at our hands last time."
"Father-in-law Gao surely won't help us anymore," Han Zhaoming said, his hands trembling with fear.
"Even if that eccentric old man Gao's daughter passed away long ago, his granddaughter Yuexin is still alive. Would that eccentric Gao disregard his granddaughter's life and refuse to lend us a hand?" Han Xiaozhi considered himself to have the prestige of being one of The Three Martial Deities, equal to Gao Qingxin, so he spoke without needing to show reverence.
Han Zhaoming looked extremely confused and anxious.
Finally, Han Xiaozhi lost his patience with his son and scolded, "Zhaoming, we are all manly men. Why must you fear death to such a degree?"
Hearing his father's words, Han Zhaoming felt ashamed of his behavior. Changing to a more confident tone, he continued, "What kind of martial artist fears death? I am truly useless."
"Let us go find that eccentric Gao. No one can be too heartless toward their own descendants," Han Xiaozhi comforted his son. Just then, a gust of wind shot through the window, attacking Han Xiaozhi.
Given Han Xiaozhi's level of expertise, the moment he sensed a sneak attack, he rolled his sleeve and struck out with a palm. The blast of internal energy knocked the hidden weapon that flew through the window, sending it flying to pin into a wooden pillar. Then, this furious elder leaped out through the window, roaring, "Sneak-attacking people, don't even think about escaping!" As his voice faded, his body had already darted out the window to chase the assailant.
Han Zhaoming inspected the hidden weapon that had pierced through the window and was now pinned to the pillar. Discovering it was a type of flying dagger, he broke out in a cold sweat and rushed to the window, intending to call his father back from the pursuit. However, when he reached the window, a woman dressed in azure blue slowly walked toward him.
"Qianlian, it was you who threw the Fairy Flying Dagger." Han Zhaoming instantly recognized the woman standing before him.
"The Fairy Flying Dagger naturally belongs to my Second Senior Sister. You should know this well," the middle-aged woman said with a calm expression.
Han Zhaoming thought to himself: the Fairy Flying Dagger is the signature weapon of the Verdant Dragonfly, Zhou Xingxuan. He felt an urgent need to follow and help his father fight her.
"Please rest assured. This flying dagger was thrown by her daughter. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easily swatted away by your father's sleeve energy," this beautiful middle-aged woman—who was in fact the Azure Squirrel, Yang Qianlian—said.
Learning of this, Han Zhaoming felt a wave of relief. He turned to greet the middle-aged woman in a friendly manner, "Qianlian, it has been a long time. Have you been well?"
"Since you still recognized me at first glance, I will tell you to quickly scram and escape." Yang Qianlian actually shared a long history with this man named Han from the old days.
"Where do you want me to scram to?"
"In two days, the new Defying Heaven Sect will come here to settle our past scores." Yang Qianlian paused for a moment before adding another sentence, "If you father and son have the guts, then stay and face our Defying Heaven Sect. I, who once committed a grave sin against the sect, must now make amends to erase my past mistakes. To show my loyalty, I will personally be the one to kill you two."
This story must trace back to the past when Han Zhaoming was still a handsome young man. As young man and woman, they were mutually attracted to each other, forming a forbidden relationship between two rival factions when he secretly infiltrated the Defying Heaven Sect.
With Han Zhaoming's abilities, he naturally couldn't deceive supreme experts like The Demonic Doctor, Di Jiao and The Stone Fiend Shi Wusha. Later, Han Zhaoming not only suffered severe injuries, but it was also Yang Qianlian who had to kneel and beg for his life.
At that time, Di Jiao, who doted deeply on his youngest female disciple, forced Han Zhaoming to agree to marry Yang Qianlian in exchange for sparing his life. Additionally, he expelled Yang Qianlian from the sect.
Yang Qianlian carried the severely injured body of her lover to plead with Di Yi, who held the title Medicine King, to save Han Zhaoming's life. At that time, Wang Yi (or Di Yi), who had always fancied his beautiful junior sister, demanded a night of pleasure with her as an exchange. Out of the love she had for her man, she willingly sacrificed a woman's dignity to accept the trade.
After receiving treatment, Han Zhaoming gradually recovered but lost his martial arts entirely. Yang Qianlian, who knew little about the outside world but remained close to The Blood Spider, Tian Yihui, planned to go live with her two senior sisters who had left the sect before her.
After arranging their travel, Yang Qianlian returned only to find that Han Zhaoming had fled. Later, this lover of hers had his martial arts restored by a certain supreme expert, and he successfully led a force of martial artists back to annihilate the Defying Heaven Sect.
Upon becoming the head of the Virtue Association, Han Zhaoming married a wife and had a token of their love—the Frostflower Maiden, Han Yuexin. However, Han Yuexin's mother was fragile. Although she managed to give birth to her daughter, she fell ill and only lived to see her child's face for half a year before passing away.
Unable to catch up to the assailant, Han Xiaozhi could only turn back to find Han Zhaoming. Seeing an unfamiliar woman in azure clothes seemingly threatening his son by the window, he flew into a rage and swept his palm, launching a silent blast of internal energy.
Yang Qianlian's senses were razor-sharp. Even though the internal energy shot through the air silently, the female expert accurately discerned its direction. She flipped her palm downward before sweeping it up to clash against the incoming internal qi.
Suddenly, a pungent aura erupted from her palm. A clash resounded. Her body didn't sway in the slightest, as if Han Xiaozhi's airborne internal energy meant nothing to her. Instead, it was Yang Qianlian who channeled her own qi and blasted it right back.
Han Xiaozhi immediately spun his sleeve three consecutive times, gathering his qi to shatter the rebounding force from a distance. He roared, "That vile poison palm! You are from the Defying Heaven Sect!"
"That is correct. This is the Ten-Poison Palm. You must have heard of it."
Han Xiaozhi naturally remembered this poison palm very well. The Ten-Poison Palm was the signature skill of The Demonic Doctor Di Jiao. Having clashed with that demon lord many times in the past, he still remembered its viciousness.
"Qianlian, just leave," Han Zhaoming suddenly said with a calm voice.
"A heartless man like you, I have long since forgotten. I hope we meet again in two days to decide life and death." Finishing her words, the azure-clad Yang Qianlian leaped into the air and fled.