Chapter 9: Reinforcements

Who won the battle between Yi Shui and Dong Ju? No one knows. Perhaps they both perished in the end, but given Yi Shui’s nature and capabilities, he would never truly die. While his strength is terrifyingly formidable, he cherishes his own life above all else. Whenever a necessary battle arises, he deploys one of his clones. As for where his true self is or what he looks like, no one will ever know. The clone that fought Dong Ju was likely the weakest of them all.

Yi Shui slowly emerged from a pile of rubble. His body and face were covered in various wounds; even for a clone, he had never sustained such heavy injuries. Truth be told, the sensation was quite novel. What had this young girl experienced to possess such fearsome power?

"Cough, cough."

Dong Ju was also in a wretched state. A new, long scar ran down her once-beautiful face, the blood already congealed. She had always prized her appearance—as most women in the world do—but now, she truly did not care.

Her eyes burned with incomparable determination; even Dong Ju was surprised by the look in them. With a fierce stomp of her left foot, she lunged forward again. Her long sword unleashed a dazzling flash of blade light. This strike—this time—would surely finish the man before her. She poured every ounce of her remaining strength into this desperate, maddened blow.

The final outcome would be decided here and now.

Opposite her, Yi Shui remained utterly indifferent. He raised his handsome eyebrows slightly, his expression relaxed, his eyes filled with contempt. The previous exchange had been mere luck; for her to dare a frontal assault now, did she really think she was that formidable? It was truly laughable.

Yi Shui’s pace quickened until he was sprinting. His massive fist was fully charged, and a smirk curled his lips. This battle had never held any suspense; he was destined to win.

"Boom!"

A shocking impact resonated, making the already shattered ground suffer even further.

"Bang!"

Without giving anyone a chance to react, it was Yi Shui who flew backward! What had happened? Wasn't this man supposed to possess unparalleled power? Wasn't he invincible? How could he be knocked away so easily? Yet, Yi Shui’s expression remained casual, as if he didn't care about his current predicament at all. It was simply too interesting.

"Swish!"

Yi Shui’s large hand immediately unleashed a fierce sword aura, as if to devour everything in its path. Like a wild beast, it lunged toward Dong Ju, who was preparing for a second, head-on attack.

Dong Ju ignored the meaning behind his gaze. The only thing she could do now was tighten her grip on her sword and swing it with all her might. There was nothing else.

"Sister, is this sword move truly that powerful? I want to learn it, I want to learn it!"

Years ago, young Dong Ju had witnessed her sister Chu Yun execute the strongest sword strike and could never forget it. She had pestered her sister, hoping to be taught.

Chu Yun, unable to shake the little girl off, finally said that only those with a heart set on protection could grasp the true essence of the move. Although it was just a single strike, it contained a deep, protective intent. What protection truly meant, she might not understand now, but she would one day.

Years later, today, Dong Ju finally understood. Protection is the courage to act even when knowing the task is impossible. She knew she would die in this battle, but did that mean she should retreat? No. Her heart was now filled with a sliver of peace, no longer burdened by fear. The sword in her hand, once heavy, felt light and fluid.

"Boom!"

Her formidable momentum broke through the piercing sword aura and surged toward the stunned and shocked Yi Shui. What had happened? Why could this young girl suddenly exert such power? Previously, this would have been absolutely impossible!

"Squelch."

The razor-sharp sword pierced directly into Yi Shui’s body, giving him no chance to react. How proud Yi Shui had always been, yet here he was, defeated again by this young girl. How could he accept this?

"Boom, boom, boom!"

The shockwave from the blade dealt another heavy blow to Yi Shui. Even with his deep cultivation, he nearly lost consciousness. Yes, just nearly. But Yi Shui was Yi Shui, a master of immense power. At the very last moment, he concentrated a terrifying amount of lightning energy into his palm, accompanied by a crackling sound.

"Bang!"

A fist brimming with electricity smashed heavily into Dong Ju’s face. Never underestimate the strength of a cornered beast. One could try to kill Yi Shui, but unfortunately, Dong Ju’s name was never destined to be among those who succeeded.

"Dong Ju, you are impressive. To force me to this point shows you have been training frantically all these years. I imagine you have rehearsed these scenes in your mind countless times, otherwise, how could you have been so fluid? But unfortunately, you have lost in the end. To go to such lengths for your sister—I truly underestimated you. But even if you did all this, what does it matter?"

"Your sister will never know. You absorbed her power, and she will never forgive you. The sister you saw earlier was merely a phantom I conjured with my own power. That is how I knew your true thoughts. And to think I trusted you! You have betrayed me once again! I cannot leave someone like you alive."

"Struck by my lightning fist, even with your incredible strength and physical resilience, it is useless now. You will die today! Dong Ju, this is all your own fault!"

Yi Shui had five great clones: Lightning, Fire, Earth, Force, and Water. The Force clone was the weakest, but because it was simple, he used it often. The moment the Force clone was about to collapse, Yi Shui activated the Lightning clone, turning the tide in an instant with the lightning fist.

The violent lightning paralyzed Dong Ju’s body. Dong Ju had possessed a unique, resilient constitution since childhood; no matter how severe her internal injuries, she could recover in an instant. Yet, this formidable body had one fatal weakness: it feared lightning.

It was her only weakness, and one she had hidden well over the years—only those closest to her would know. To be struck down now was truly an act of carelessness.

"Pfft."

As blood continued to gush out, Dong Ju’s face turned deathly pale. The gap between her and Yi Shui remained insurmountable. Was this as far as she could go? More importantly, the power within her seemed to be fading away, a dissipation she could not control.

"Hahaha, has it finally begun? Dong Ju, perhaps you feel it now. Yes, your cultivation is disappearing bit by bit. If you hadn't used so much power earlier, the restriction within you wouldn't have been triggered. Unfortunately, you were too clever for your own good, hoping a surprise attack would kill me. If our powers were equal, you might have succeeded, but our strengths were never on the same level."

A smug, contemptuous smile—the former for his own power, the latter for Dong Ju’s overestimation of herself. What else was there to say? Dong Ju had lost, utterly and completely. The next step was simple: Yi Shui needed power, and he needed the powerful essence of Chu Yun.

Once he possessed that strength, he would have nothing to fear. He had built the Yi Shui Sect from the bottom up; only he was qualified to be the sole Sect Master. Whether it was Chu Yun or Dong Ju, they relied on him to survive. Without him, they were nothing. He had helped them, so why did they all choose to betray him in the end? That was the only thing he couldn't understand. Forget it—if he couldn't understand it, he wouldn't think about it. What was his mission now? Only battle remained.

"What? Have you truly lost every ounce of strength? But that technique you used earlier was quite impressive. Come on, whatever power you have left, show it to me! But before that, hand over your cultivation to me. Such powerful energy—if used by you, even the heavens would weep! This power belongs to me."

A massive palm pressed down on Dong Ju’s head. Yi Shui could feel a formidable surge of power flowing into him. The feeling was marvelous. In all the time he hadn't noticed, Chu Yun had mastered such immense power. She had hidden it well, but what now? Wasn't this power his now?

Little did he know, this was exactly what Dong Ju had been waiting for. The smile on her lips widened. She no longer hid her emotions. "Sect Master, you are right. Everything must end now."

The smile was eerie. Yi Shui felt a sudden chill, but it was too late. He realized his palm was stuck to Dong Ju’s body. A force unlike any he had ever encountered was binding him!

"Sect Master, I remember you once told us that an assassin, no matter the cost, must finish the target. For years, I couldn't understand what you meant by repeating that. Now, I understand. You were right. As an assassin, the only thing I can do is use every available means to kill you. If my moves fail, I will pay with my life!"

"It’s useless! Whatever you do now, it’s in vain. My life force is burning. Don't you like absorbing power? Don't you want to extend your title as the King of Assassins? Your disciple can satisfy you now. I will let you see the result of offending a woman driven to madness!"

A look of terror appeared on Yi Shui’s face. He never expected this woman to go so far, even forsaking her own life. More importantly, the power he had just absorbed was beginning to waver due to Dong Ju’s burning life force. If this continued, he might be the one to die!

"Let go of me!" Yi Shui roared frantically.

But Dong Ju’s willpower was iron. She would not let go. Her soul began to burn. So, this is what it feels like to burn one’s soul? It seemed she would truly finish it all this time. But to take this hateful creature down with her—that was a thought that brought her joy.

"Sect Master, no matter what you do, it is useless. I am an assassin, and killing you is my final mission. I don't know what the future holds for Yi Shui, but I tell you this: whatever happens, it will have nothing to do with you. Die here with me today. After all these years, I finally understand—this is the only thing I can do!"

"You wretched girl, die!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

His frenzied fists rained down on Dong Ju like a storm. Yet, even now, she refused to let go. She knew that if she released him, she would truly be defeated.

"Do you think I will let go? No. I told you, I will defeat you today, and I will do it!"

She was almost ready. Dong Ju’s spiritual power was about to surge into this madman. He knew how terrifying the Fire of the Spirit was—that was why he was so afraid. He had always claimed to have no weaknesses, but was that true? He feared the Fire of the Spirit, but he had hidden it well for years. But just because it was hidden didn't mean no one knew.

His eyes betrayed everything. "Sect Master, you must be terrified that this Fire of the Spirit will burn you. Fear is right. But even if you are afraid, it is too late. No one can help you now. You will die here today!"

"No! I cannot die here! If I die today, all my previous efforts will be in vain. Do you think you can defeat me with your own power? I tell you, that is impossible! No matter what happens, I will not be defeated, for I am the true King of Assassins!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The violent lightning fists tore at the resilient girl like an angry lion. Why was Dong Ju so persistent? For her sister, and for the justice in her heart. She always followed through on her promises, no matter how difficult the process.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

"Ah!!"

The scorching Fire of the Spirit finally touched Yi Shui. His Lightning clone was powerful, but it had a nemesis: the world’s rare Fire of the Spirit.

"Pfft!"

A mouthful of blood sprayed out. Dong Ju finally lost all her strength, but her smile was radiant. She had done what she needed to do. This man could no longer recover; no matter his skills, he was finished.

A sharp, piercing scream echoed through the sky. Yi Shui was engulfed in astonishing flames. "Fire of the Spirit? This is the Fire of the Spirit? I understand now. You planned this from the beginning—waiting for me to get close so you could burn your life force and trigger it. I thought no one in this world would be foolish enough to sacrifice themselves for another!"

"But I was too naive. Just because I cannot do it doesn't mean others won't dare to. Hmph, fine, wonderful. Now, I want to see how much you can do after burning your life force. But it seems you won't have the chance, will you? Dong Ju, what a pity. I have one thing to tell you: the one who dies in this final battle will be you, not me!"

"You should know I have five clones. For years, people have wondered which is the strongest. Now, I reveal the answer: it is my Fire clone. You thought you could stop me with the Fire of the Spirit? You were wrong. My Fire clone can absorb all the flames in the world. I simply haven't wanted to use this power for years. Now, since you want to die, I will grant your wish!"

"Is it just the Fire of the Spirit? Fine. Today, I will show you what happens when I use it!"

"Boom!"

Soaring red flames erupted from Yi Shui’s body. What was happening? Why could this man still unleash such powerful flame energy?

The astonishing fire surged toward the shocked and bewildered Dong Ju. But she was an assassin of the Yi Shui Sect; after a moment of panic, she calmed down. She could only run—run as fast as she could. Her footwork was the fastest among all the sect's disciples!

"Swish!"

Dong Ju had no power left. She had used her final trump card and still hadn't defeated him. Was there truly no way out?

"Thinking of running? Hmph, little girl, you’ve taken things too simply. In reality, escape is impossible. If you don't believe me, try it!"

Space seemed to solidify. Dong Ju was trapped in a sealed space. It was air all around, but when common air is condensed into a formidable cage, what happens? Even with her deep cultivation, she could no longer resist.

"Little girl, whatever you do is in vain. I hope you realize that. This space has no other ability than to slowly drain your 'Qi' away. Once the last bit of air is gone, you are finished."

"Dong Ju, if you want to torture me, you need to learn properly. You can't be too kind-hearted, or you will be the one to suffer. I think you remember that—though you seem to have forgotten it now. But no matter, I can remind you. After all, I am such a good person, aren't I?"

However, Yi Shui’s situation wasn't much better. His face was deathly pale; he had no strength left either. The solidified space was his final trump card. It was no longer a contest of moves, but of willpower. Whoever ran out of will would lose.

His footsteps were steady, though each step was labored. After a long time, he finally stood before Dong Ju. This woman was truly formidable, forcing him to this point. Damn it—he had defeated countless enemies over the years and never suffered such a blow, yet they all thought he would fail!

But no matter what he encountered, he would never fail. "Now, you are inside, and I am outside. How about that? Do you still refuse to admit defeat? I think you know better than anyone: with a single thought, I can make this space collapse. Once it does, you know what will happen, don't you?"

"Your life is in my hands. What will you do now? Little girl, if you admit defeat, it's not too late. But I know your nature. You have no problem fighting, but you will never admit defeat!"

Dong Ju had no strength left, but the man was right: she would never surrender. If she surrendered now, everything would be lost. "Sect Master, you truly are my master; you know me so well. Then you should know my choice, right? Yes, I will never surrender. My life is in your hands. If you wanted me dead, you would have done it long ago!"

"The reason you haven't killed me isn't that you don't want to, but because you can't. The power you absorbed is too tyrannical for you. Even with your deep cultivation, this was power meant for me. If you force it, this is exactly what happens. I knew this all along, but I didn't tell you. Do you know why? Because I wanted to see you go mad!"

"Actually, my sister has had a hard life all these years, and you are the source of it all. You think she didn't want to kill you? She dreamed of it. But she knew she couldn't be hasty."

"I am not as steady as she is. My sister once told me you are always arrogant. Once you obtained her power, your mind would be flooded by such unprecedented strength. At first, I didn't believe it, but now I see she was the one who understood you best. As for the past between you and my sister, I don't care anymore."

"I promised my sister I would kill you so she could gain true freedom. Freedom... freedom... Hahaha, from the moment one becomes an assassin, freedom becomes a luxury. No one can truly possess it. I’ve known that for a long time."

Yi Shui scoffed. "What is that woman Chu Yun thinking? Why does she insist on leaving me? If she hadn't chosen to leave, would things have ended like this? This is all her fault!"

They had grown up together, gone on missions together, yet it had ended like this. No one could have imagined it.

"Dong Ju, whatever you say is useless. You know my target was never you, but your sister. If you want to live, tell your sister to talk to me. I know all about the plan she and that boy Zhuang Yunzhen have. She has always valued you, her sister. Tell me, if she knew you died for her today, how much self-reproach would she feel? Don't tell me you don't know—you know her nature better than anyone."

"Chu Yun, I know you are here. You saw the battle clearly. If you don't come out now, your most beloved sister will truly die. If that happens, your heart will be filled with pain. You thought I didn't know, didn't you?"

No one answered. Chu Yun knew how dangerous that fight had been for Dong Ju, but she couldn't act recklessly. If she moved now, Dong Ju would die even faster!

"Hahaha, I knew the result would be this. Now, Dong Ju, you must believe it, right? Your sister doesn't have the heart to care for you. Whether you live or die is in my hands. Chu Yun’s power is formidable, I know that, but you think that’s all I have?"

"Boom!"

With a loud crash, Yi Shui’s body changed. Was this handsome young man the real Yi Shui? Around him, a faint mist of water appeared.

"Don't worry. I know you’ve always wanted to see my true self, but unfortunately, this is still my Water clone. The Water clone is the most powerful of all my clones. It can suppress any power that does not belong to me, and over time, that power becomes mine. That is how I have survived all these years. How else do you think I gained such deep cultivation?"

"To think you forced me to use the Water clone—you are truly impressive. I didn't expect it. Little girl, I don't even need to act now. I just need to wait, and you will eventually perish."

"But I’ve decided. Since I raised you, I will kill you myself as a favor. Remember, this is all because your sister wants 'freedom.' Hmph, can an assassin attain freedom? How ridiculous. When you have only one breath left, I will give you a swift end. But for now, you must wait."

"After all, you are best at waiting! I have nothing else to do, and watching you die slowly is a pleasure for me."

"After fighting for so long, I’m hungry. Are you? I have plenty of delicious food here. I remember you used to love eating, though you eat little now. What? Are you too old for it? That shouldn't be. Your habits shouldn't change, right?"

Yi Shui carried a large bag filled with food. He loved to eat and never denied himself. Roasted chicken, braised beef, flatbread, fresh fruit, and most importantly, fine wine. After a battle, a meal like this should be a moment of happiness.

Hunger is an instinct. Whether you are a top master or an ordinary person, hunger is hunger, and no amount of cultivation can suppress it. A rich aroma drifted through the air.

"Gurgle, gurgle."

Dong Ju loved to eat, not out of mere preference, but because she had been starving as a child. Back then, being full was the greatest joy, free from all worries. Over time, it became a habit.

Dong Ju swallowed, her beautiful eyes fixed on the food. She covered her stomach, trying to suppress the growling, but how could she fool Yi Shui’s sharp eyes?

"Oh? If you’re hungry, why not eat? I can't finish all this delicious food myself. How about this? Admit defeat, say you were wrong, and promise never to betray me again, and I’ll let you out to eat your fill. It’s so simple. I don't understand why you insist on this. Your sister and that Zhuang Yunzhen don't care about you; they only care about themselves. You are just being used!"

"Deep down, you know I’m right, but you refuse to believe it. I don't know how else to help you. I’ve never been a bad person, so why does everyone choose to leave me? After all these years, this is the only thing I can't understand. If you know, why not tell me?"

"Someone like you will never understand. We pursue freedom. But what is freedom? You must think it means escaping you. That is one aspect, but more importantly, I hope all assassins can live according to their own hearts, no longer seen as mere tools."

"But you will never understand that, no matter how many years pass. Since you don't understand, what is the use of me telling you?"

"This food is good, but I have my own pride. I won't waste another word on you. As for my life... hmph, we’ve reached this point, do you think I care? Kill me now, or else when my reinforcements arrive, you’ll regret it."

Even now, she was still stubborn. That was Dong Ju. But who could possibly help her now?

"Reinforcements? Hahaha, you mean your sister? Unfortunately, she has no power left. Who else can save you?"

"Naturally, it is me—Zhuang Yunzhen!"