Chapter 5: Protection

Zhuang Yun Zhen was dead—killed by his close friend Chu Yun. The news sent shockwaves through the Poison Sect. At that moment, every disciple within the sect was consumed by an overwhelming anger. The young master had kindly taken Chu Yun in, yet she had met such a tragic end. Chu Yun deserved death! No disciple of the Poison Sect would let her escape justice. A forsaken dog deserved nothing less!

Li Mo Qing was perhaps the most heartbroken of all. Her face remained calm, betraying no trace of sorrow or joy—perhaps all her emotions had been carried away by that man.

“Ah Gui, it’s been so many days since you returned from the Poison Sect, yet you’ve sat here motionless. No matter what I ask, you say nothing. It worries me deeply. I know you loved him—no, loved him immensely. But now, what has become of it? The one you loved was slain by Chu Yun. Your heart must be burning with rage. If you need help, Uncle is here for you. You must understand, though Su Yi Tower is in Xuanzhou, finding someone is as easy as pie.”

Li Fei Chen had watched Mo Qing since her return—she had eaten nothing. His heart ached for her, but as her elder, he truly did not know what to do.

“Uncle, don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing. I know that my brother isn’t dead. Perhaps he has a plan, one he won’t let me know of. I can still sense his presence.”

Li Fei Chen thought the girl had lost her mind. The pain of missing someone to such an extreme would do that. He closed the door and let her be.

“Sect Leader, will this matter just be left unresolved? The young master was such a good man. But what’s happening in Jiujiang now? Why can’t we intervene? Even if you refuse, disciples have already dispatched the strongest assassin. Chu Yun is an assassin too—let’s see what she can do this time.”

Du Zhong and Su Wen exchanged glances. Indeed, Zhuang Yun Zhen was still alive—he was feigning death. Only then could his plan come to fruition. But for now, this plan must remain secret; it was his sole request.

Whether Chu Yun or Dong Ju, the only way to escape the fate of assassins was to kill Yi Shui. If he died, all would be freed.

Thus, this relentless pursuit was inevitable.

“Enough, I know all about this. I know you all have deep feelings for Yun Zhen, or you wouldn’t have sought out Leng Yue, ranked third on the Wind and Cloud List. Hiring him must have cost you a fortune in Yuan Crystals. Go to Old Wang to collect your Yuan Crystals—I never shortchange my brothers!”

“You did well. Leng Yue is reputed as one of the strongest assassins today. He hasn’t acted for many years. Rumors say he can kill within five steps, mastering both sword and blade—a rare prodigy in martial arts. Chu Yun is in trouble now!”

Chu Yun indeed faced trouble. She and Dong Ju had fled for three days, but their pursuer followed unfailingly, as if a ghost could find them anywhere.

“Sis, this man has followed us for three days. What does he want? If this continues, we’ll both go mad!”

Dong Ju could bear it no longer. Her sister had always been the calm one, suppressing her outbursts, but after three days, she had to know the truth—either fight or flee.

A swift movement unleashed the fiercest sword slash.

“Whoosh!”

The piercing sound of air splitting revealed Dong Ju’s fury.

Leng Yue, however, remained unfazed, smiling faintly—a mocking smile. To him, Chu Yun and Dong Ju were no different from ants.

“Clack.”

With the gentlest force, Leng Yue blocked Dong Ju’s strongest slash with two fingers.

“Bang!”

Dong Ju was flung backward, powerless to counter.

Third on the Wind and Cloud List was no empty title.

Seeing this, Chu Yun caught the flying Dong Ju. Dong Ju felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Chu Yun exerted all her strength; her face twisted with effort. Though she stabilized Dong Ju, her arms went numb.

“You resisted my force—that’s impressive. Run. Run with all your might. I will strike only when you’re consumed by terror. Once I act, there’s no room for failure.”

“I’ve heard you’re Yi Shui’s top disciple, Chu Yun. But now, it seems you’re nothing special. Then again, Yi Shui himself was an unremarkable assassin. Now, as a sect leader, he’s even worse. Only someone like him could have trained a disciple like you.”

Leng Yue, a longtime acquaintance of Yi Shui, knew the man well. Whenever danger loomed, Yi Shui was always the first to flee.

Can a person’s nature change? Of course, but only after enduring great trials. Under normal circumstances, they remain unchanged.

“Leng Yue? You are Leng Yue? Third on the Wind and Cloud Assassin List?”

The Wind and Cloud List ranked the world’s strongest assassins—twenty in all. Leng Yue had held third place for ten years without faltering. Such standing spoke volumes of his prowess. For him to take action meant Chu Yun was formidable indeed.

After three days of pursuit, Leng Yue’s patience snapped.

“If you refuse to flee now, I’ll take your lives today. Don’t say I gave you no chance—escape while you can. But if I catch you, neither of you will live. I took someone else’s Yuan Crystals; I intend to uphold my end of the bargain. That’s my rule!”

“You killed Zhuang Yun Zhen; you must know your fate will be the same—death. No one can save you. If you don’t believe me, try and see for yourself!”

“Run!”

Chu Yun grabbed Dong Ju’s hand, breaking into a desperate sprint. Against Leng Yue, fleeing was the only choice—even if it were a ruse, it was too convincing.

“If you truly want to break free from Yi Shui, there’s only one way: he must die. If Yi Shui dies, you’ll be free. If I die, Yi Shui will never spare you. He loves control. By then, your power will surpass his grasp. He won’t let you live. You’ll have to fight him. When that happens, I’ll appear with the Poison Sect’s masters. No matter how formidable he is, he won’t withstand us!”

“This plan carries risk, but success will solve all problems. With your strength, you shouldn’t end like this. It’s your only choice. Of course, if you have a better plan, that would be welcome.”

“No need. This plan is excellent, but I can’t kill you with my own hands. If you die, Li Mo Qing won’t forgive me.”

“You’re wrong. I will let you live. I knew this plan beforehand. Now you can act boldly. If you get into trouble, I’ll help you. I understand your yearning for freedom.”

This was their agreement.

Chu Yun didn’t expect the Poison Sect to truly summon Leng Yue, renowned for years. Leng Yue walked calmly, but his aura erupted fiercely. Chu Yun and Dong Ju had narrowly escaped death countless times.

“Run! No matter where you go, it’s useless. You can’t escape!”

Leng Yue’s voice seemed both far and near, lingering in their ears like a sinister melody—his signature skill. Many weapons kill, but only Leng Yue’s voice could.

His voice was a devilish sound that pierced the heart and sowed madness.

Madness was obsession—no matter how long you strove, you could never attain it. Once madness took hold, even a celestial being could do nothing.

No one dared provoke Leng Yue. He knew his voice was immensely powerful. For years, he avoided action. The honors he earned were enough; his martial pursuit was over. Yet even he had a weakness—his obsession with Yuan Crystals.

As a poor child, Leng Yue had developed a near-mad infatuation with Yuan Crystals. Though now wealthy, he never had enough.

Thus, Leng Yue had no bottom line. With enough Yuan Crystals, he would do anything. That was how he had survived. Now, confronting two juniors, he acted because the Poison Sect paid well. His intervention was just.

“Beyond lies an endless abyss. You’re already in my domain. Where else can you run? A man like you is a sinner; you two don’t deserve to live. I’ll give you one chance: if you escape my voice’s domain, I’ll spare you and retreat forever. But do you even have that chance?”

“Dong Ju, if this continues, neither of us will escape. You go ahead—this is my doing. I’m the target. You still have a chance; I’ve reached my end.”

Chu Yun no longer wished to hide. How much longer could this chase last? Today, it would end.

“No, sister. This all began because of me. I cannot leave now. If I do today, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“Very well. Then we’ll fight this famed man together. Today, we’ll see who’s stronger—you or us!”

“Whoosh!”

Almost simultaneously, Chu Yun and Dong Ju surged toward the calm Leng Yue. Chu Yun wielded an icy blade, radiating fierce cold that turned everything it touched to frost.

Dong Ju clenched her fists. She wielded no weapons, trusting only her fists—the strongest weapon in the world. And indeed, her iron fists had forged an unparalleled reputation.

“Hahaha, well done!”

A rare smile appeared on Leng Yue’s stern face. Good—if they kept running, when would it ever end?

Leng Yue charged, his posture suddenly curling into a sphere. It was strange—he inhaled a vast volume of air, condensing it into a powerful sonic wave, his ultimate technique. Though comical in appearance, its power was immense.

“Whoosh!”

A mighty breath merged with a prolonged dragon’s roar, shattering nearby peaks and sweeping sand and stone toward Chu Yun and Dong Ju.

Chu Yun, seasoned in combat, twisted midair, hurling Dong Ju toward Leng Yue. In that split second, Dong Ju was powerless to react, her face full of shock. What was her sister doing?

Before she could call out, Chu Yun was swallowed by the sonic wave, vanishing without a trace. Grief, shock, and rage intertwined within Dong Ju. She had never imagined her sister could end like this. In her memory, her sister was always the strongest. To surpass her or even equal her now was a distant dream. Revenge was all that remained.

“Divine Roaming Strike!”

Dong Ju’s tall form traced a circle in midair. Her punch, immense in power, crashed toward Leng Yue’s face. Leng Yue was enveloped by the force, unable to move despite his prowess. The Divine Roaming Strike was a supreme fist technique designed to force an opening—just one move, lethal beyond compare.

Leng Yue was genuinely startled. He hadn’t felt such shock in ages. Forcing a flaw? Impressive. But he was unafraid. Gathering his energy into his hands, he prepared to counterattack. An opening didn’t mean helplessness—it was the perfect time to strike back.

Exchanging injury for injury was the mark of a madman. Well, Leng Yue was indeed mad.

The crushing power pressed down like a thousand-pound boulder, yet a faint smile curved his lips. Under unprecedented pressure, he rose and leapt toward Dong Ju.

“Bang!”

A fierce impact echoed.

“Ahh!”

Both fighters, masters of their arts, could no longer retreat. The collision left them with severe internal injuries, blood staining their mouths. Their faces twisted in pain.

Time seemed to freeze.

“Die!”

Dong Ju felt Leng Yue’s power wash over her like relentless waves.

“Hahaha! Victory is certain. Soon, you’ll reunite with your sister!”

Madness consumed Leng Yue.

Surrender again? Why did she always lose? Why could she never take the initiative? Dong Ju thought she saw her sister—was it an illusion?

“Bang!”

Another thunderous sound.

The sonic wave that had engulfed Chu Yun shattered, and a figure shot out—Chu Yun herself, battered but alive.

She would not die. Many important tasks remained unfinished. She could not forgive herself if she did.

Emerging, she forcefully separated Dong Ju and Leng Yue, a clever move that saved them from worsening.

“I was only gone briefly, yet you bully my sister? Hmph, Leng Yue, you’re impressive for a senior. Think I’m dead?”

Breaking the sonic barrier cost Chu Yun greatly; her complexion was pale. Yet she stood resolute before Dong Ju. As her sister, she would always protect her.

“Hmph, Chu Yun, forcing your way out must have caused severe internal injuries. How is it? My sonic art is truly formidable, isn’t it? You can barely stand. My sonic technique took years to perfect. If you broke it so easily, I’d lose face.”

“Look at your chaotic aura. Even like this, you still want to fight me?”

Chu Yun battled her injuries with fierce will, unaware that the sonic art was unlike any other skill. The more she suppressed it, the worse her injuries grew. Eventually, exhaustion would kill her. She had only reached the second stage of the Demon Heaven Realm. She could not advance further.

Still, against these two, her strength was sufficient.

Leng Yue, overconfident, had not faced such opponents in years. If time permitted, he wished for a proper fight, but now, time was short.

“Sis, why did you come out with such grave injuries? I’m not worth this sacrifice. If we die here, it’s deserved.”

Dong Ju was filled with regret. Every injury to her sister felt like her own fault. Was this what she wanted?

“Don’t say nonsense. I’m fine. That blood I coughed cleared my breath. I’ve long suffered severe internal injuries from my assassin days. I managed them well until this wound reawakened them all. Perhaps it’s fate—it’s time I stop being an assassin.”

Chu Yun’s voice was low, weighed with memories she could not solve.

Love—such a cruel thing—she felt unworthy.

“Enough, I must enter the next phase of cultivation. Remember what I said: if danger comes, don’t wait for me. Run.”

“Whoosh!”

A fierce sound tore through the air.

Leng Yue sensed Chu Yun’s aura. “Chu Yun, where can you run now? No one can help you. You should die by my hand.”

Dong Ju felt the immense pressure. Her resolve steeled. This would be their hardest fight, but for her sister, she would endure anything.

Dong Ju calmed herself and glanced at her sister. Rest well, Sis. I’ll protect you—I promise.

“Hahaha, finally found you. But you look terrible. What happened? Your strength doesn’t match before. I’ll give you two choices: live or die.”

“What is living? What is dying?”

The fierce aura didn’t make Dong Ju back down. She finally voiced the question.

“Live means returning to the Poison Sect to confess and repent. But then, all your power will be forfeit. A pity.”

“Die means you perish by my hands today. You actually wounded me—a feeling I haven’t known in ages. It’s exhilarating. But you’re drained now.”

“Little girl, do you think you can protect your sister? You owe four-tenths of your skill to her. Now she’s gravely wounded, your mind is scattered. Don’t you realize?”

“So what if I do? I know I can’t beat you now. But does that mean I give up?”

“Hmph, Dong Ju, you’re a promising assassin. I’ve sought someone worthy to inherit my legacy, and you’re the best candidate. How about becoming my disciple? Once you do, you’ll gain great respect!”

Would Dong Ju agree? Never. Her pride was her own and could not be trampled.

“Didn’t you already hear my answer? Why ask again? Fight or not?”

No words were needed. Leng Yue knew it was futile to talk further. Only battle remained.

“Whoosh!”

Leng Yue dashed at the stunned Dong Ju.

“Bang!”

Her face twisted in pain as a heavy punch landed squarely, no chance to counter.

The overwhelming assault was pure domination—Leng Yue’s true strength.

Despite this, Dong Ju’s reflexes were sharp. The moment she was hit, she swept a kick at Leng Yue’s face.

Leng Yue’s shock was evident—at this moment, she still had such reflexes. The kick was powerful.

Dong Ju realized she was indeed the strongest with her fists. Her ruthless punches struck Leng Yue’s face.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Leng Yue defended, but her punches were formidable, and he could not withstand them all.

“How about now? Believe me? This is my final, strongest fist. As long as I stand, no one can harm my sister. You said I couldn’t do it; now you believe, don’t you? I can do even better if I choose!”

“Better? Girl, I’ve been giving you chances all along. Seems you want to die now? Fine, I’ll indulge you!”

Her ruthless fist was now imbued with the powerful Demon Sonic Art. That cursed sound invaded her body. Trying to dispel it was impossible.

“Bang!”

The fierce punch created a vacuum in the air, condensing energy to unleash her ultimate power.

In a flash, a figure appeared—Chu Yun herself.