Chapter 11: So It Was You

Xiao Liu stepped slowly out from the corner and looked at her sister. "Why is it you?" Xiao Liu, once known as the "Tears," wore an expression of shock and sorrow. How could someone who had been dead for so many years be alive?

"How did you survive? I saw you perish with my own eyes back then! If you were alive, why have you never come to see me all these years?" Beneath the grief, there was a glimmer of joy in her heart; after all, her sister’s survival was the greatest blessing. Having failed to protect her sister in the past, she vowed that if heaven had granted her another chance, she would seize it.

"Everyone, there must be some misunderstanding. I know my sister. She may be mischievous, but I will never believe she killed Beifeng. Little sister, say something! Tell them you were just spouting nonsense. Otherwise, even I cannot protect you!" This foolish girl had never known how to guard her tongue. Did she not realize that trouble often starts with the mouth?

"Xiao Liu, do you realize what you are saying? The man who died is Beifeng—the man you loved most. Yet, upon seeing your sister, you have tossed his murder to the back of your mind. Do you think you are worthy of him? Besides, you heard her yourself. We did not frame her; she killed Qin Zhantian out of a guilty conscience and admitted it herself. What more is there for you, the sister, to say?"

This... what was she to do? Was she to endure the pain of losing her sister all over again today?

*Slap!*

In her desperation, Xiao Liu turned and struck her sister across the face. A bright red handprint appeared on the girl’s fair cheek, and a trace of blood stained the corner of her mouth. Yet, Su Wen did not seem to care. A breathtaking, terrifying smile appeared on her beautiful face.

"Sister, this slap settles the debt between us. You don't need to cover for me. You heard correctly: I killed Beifeng, I framed Luo Mingyu, and that dog Qin Zhantian was just being too clever for his own good. I am not afraid of anyone knowing what I have done! A coward like him deserved to die."

"Sister, since you arrived, you haven't asked me how I have been all these years. You didn't even want to call my name. Do you still remember it? Or have you forgotten it long ago?"

"Su Wen, why have you become like this? You were never this way! Why kill Beifeng? You knew he was the most important person to me, and you knew I would never let his killer go. Why did it have to be you?"

"Hahaha! Why me? The reason is simple: I hate you all. I knew Beifeng first, so why did he choose you in the end?"

"Sister, do you know how much my heart bled every time I saw you two embracing? I wished I had never been born so that I wouldn't have to suffer this!"

"Countless times in the dead of night, I stood by your bed, watching you sleep, wanting to kill you. But in the end, I couldn't bring myself to do it. The reason is laughable: only because you are my sister—my only sister!"

"That only made me more miserable and hateful! I couldn't hate you, so I had to hate Beifeng. It was all his fault. As long as he was dead, everything would end!"

Su Wen’s voice grew colder. Her body trembled, and she gasped for breath. After a long moment, she forced herself to calm down, exhaling a long, stagnant breath. Her eyes cleared, no longer burning with crimson rage. She scanned Liang Xi, Ji Anran, and Gu Zhenzhen one by one. When her gaze fell upon Luo Mingyu, it was filled with utter contempt. As for Qin Zhen, she ignored him completely; she could no longer remember who he was.

Qin Zhen’s eyes dimmed from hope to despair. She had truly forgotten him! Though his heart ached, he knew this was simply who Su Wen was.

Finally, Su Wen looked at her sister. "Sister, you asked how I survived. Hahaha, you’d be better off asking how I died—or rather, who caused my death. You are so clever; you must have the answer in your heart, but you simply refuse to believe it."

"Luo Mingyu, you are the most terrified to see me return from the dead, aren't you? Come! Do you dare tell them how you killed me back then? You don't! It doesn't matter; if you won't, I will!"

"He!" Su Wen pointed at Luo Mingyu and shouted, "This Luo Mingyu is a despicable, shameless bastard. Back then, he used sweet words to trick me. I thought he loved me, but who could have guessed that all he wanted was my Nanshi? I was young, and he was handsome, so I was tricked out of it."

"When I confronted him, you would never guess what he said. He told me, 'Nanshi belongs to both of us. I just don't want you to work so hard. You’ve managed it since you were a child without a moment of freedom. Now it’s different; you have me, and I will protect you from now on!'"

"Hahaha, it sounded so good! But what did you do in the end? I loved you so much, yet you killed me. That night, the moonlight was just as bright and cold as it is today. If a man in black hadn't saved me, I would truly be dead."

"I have spent all these years searching for my savior. He carried me all the way to the Southern Region Sword Sect." Su Wen glanced at Ji Anran. "That’s right, Miss Ji—by relations, you should call me Senior Sister. From that moment on, I knew I lived for only one purpose: revenge!"

"Luo Mingyu’s character is shameful, but his strength is immense. Otherwise, he wouldn't have earned the title of the First Young Master of the World. His 'Harmonious Five-Tone Movement' is truly formidable; I couldn't defeat him."

"So, I resorted to other methods. I met Beifeng; he was kind and warm. I thought I could let go of my hatred, but I was wrong. I don't know when it started, but every time we met, he would ask about you. At first, I ignored it, but then I saw you two embracing, and my heart died!"

"Hahaha, love is nothing but a giant joke. It’s a pity I realized it too late!"

"I knew my revenge could begin. Beifeng was the perfect tool. I killed him easily. That night, he welcomed me into his study, never suspecting a thing." Su Wen’s voice turned icy again, as if she were talking about a stranger. The ruthlessness of this woman was rare indeed. "I killed him with one strike. He never knew what hit him. To be honest, I cried that night—not because he didn't love me, but to bid farewell to my old self."

"Everything went smoother than I imagined. I don't know how it happened, but all the evidence pointed to Luo Mingyu. Someone must have been helping me from the shadows. That was fine; I wanted to see him disgraced!"

"That is the whole story. Boring, isn't it? Luo Mingyu, prepare to die!"

*Whoosh!*

A sharp blade of energy shot from Su Wen’s hand!

*Clang!*

Liang Xi swung his sword, blocking the lethal strike!

"Senior, you haven't finished speaking, and now you want to kill? Isn't that a bit improper?"

"From beginning to end, you have been the only one talking, and my brother hasn't refuted a word. What? Now that you've finished, you want to silence him? It won't be that easy!"

"Brother, don't be afraid. I am here; this woman cannot hurt you today!"

Luo Mingyu, who had been silent for a long time, stepped out from behind Liang Xi. "Yuan Hui, it’s alright. Everything Su Wen said is true. I was the one who wronged her back then. It is all my fault. Nanshi is hers. You have done well. My life is hers; I told her years ago that she could take it whenever she wished."

"Nobody interfere. I owe her this, and it should have been repaid years ago. Su Wen, what are you waiting for? Do it! I have waited for this day for many years. To die by your hand is my greatest honor. I only hope that you will stop hurting yourself. You have lived in hatred for too long; I hope that after today, you can let it all go!"

"Let it all go? Hahaha! Who do you think made me this way? It was you! Die!"

"God-Slaying Firmament Sword!"

A gale shrieked, lightning flashed, and a massive, terrifying divine sword appeared in the sky, etched with eerie patterns and immense power—enough to slaughter everyone present!

*Boom!*

The fierce sword light crashed down upon Luo Mingyu. It happened too fast for anyone to react!

"Brother!!"

*Whoosh!*

"Sword Qi Rainbow!"

Liang Xi’s rage merged with his sword energy, bombarding Su Wen like a torrential rain.

"Watch out, Su Wen!"

Xiao Liu instinctively threw herself in front of her sister; as a sister, she had to protect her!

"Why didn't you kill me? Why did you go soft?" Luo Mingyu’s voice echoed through the sky, his figure flickering through the dust.

*Boom!*

Distracted by Liang Xi’s attack, the sword energy grazed Su Wen, shattering a hill behind her. Su Wen felt a searing pain on her face. She touched it—it was sticky with blood. The sword energy had left a scar on her face.

Xiao Liu slumped to the ground, gasping. Liang Xi had truly intended to kill Su Wen. Though she knew her sister deserved it, she couldn't bear to watch her die.

The stagnant air began to flow again. The suffocating pressure vanished, and everyone could breathe once more. They had never realized how precious a simple breath could be.

Luo Mingyu emerged from the dissipating dust and stood before Su Wen. "Why didn't you kill me?"

Su Wen looked at him. After all these years, he was still as handsome as ever, his eyes still so clear. "Why didn't I kill you? To let someone like you die so easily—wouldn't that be too kind? I want to torment you bit by bit! What? Do you think I still have feelings for you? Even if I do, it’s nothing but hate now!"

"Die!"

A sharp dagger plunged into his body. Luo Mingyu used his finger to wipe the blood from the corner of Su Wen’s mouth—the last time he would ever do such a thing.

Tears streamed down Su Wen’s face uncontrollably. When she realized it, she was already weeping. It shouldn't be like this. This man had ruined her life; shouldn't she be happy that he was dead? Why was she crying?

After all these years, was she still unable to let go of him? No, she only felt hatred for Luo Mingyu. Hadn't this been the day she longed for? If he was dead, why wasn't she happy?

"Why! Why didn't you say a single word to me? I wanted to see you angry, to see you defend yourself, to hear you say you were wrong! Why would you rather die than say another word to me? Do you hate me that much?"

Love and hate are twins; the deeper the hate, the deeper the love.

"No! I won't let you die like this! Get up! If you had the courage to take my blade, why don't you have the courage to face me? Why?"

Su Wen was descending into absolute madness. She didn't realize that Luo Mingyu had always been her anchor. Now that the anchor had snapped, she had no strength left to live.

"Hahaha! You! You are the ones who killed my beloved! You all deserve to die!"

*AAHH!!*

Following a shrill roar, Su Wen’s body underwent a terrifying change. Her three thousand strands of ink-black hair turned blood-red with rage, and a scarlet killing intent erupted from her body!

*Boom!*

The staggering killing intent instantly flooded the back mountain of the Qin estate!

"Everyone, run! You cannot touch this red killing intent, or you will die!" Xiao Liu knew her sister harbored an evil spirit, but she had never expected its power to be this immense!

"Want to run? No, all of you must be buried with my man today! Die!"

"Space of Slaughter!"

The space solidified instantly, and a shocking crack tore through the pitch-black sky!

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

Dozens of powerful lightning bolts struck down, killing all the Qin disciples instantly!

*Boom!*

The earth shattered! Everyone plummeted into the endless, dark abyss. The crushing gravity threatened to grind Liang Xi into dust. He had never felt such agony!

"Ah! Patriarch, save me!" The surviving disciples, having escaped the lightning, never expected to be crushed by gravity. They screamed for the City Lord, believing he was the only one who could protect them.

Alas, the City Lord they trusted was already dead!

*Boom!*

Liang Xi and the others finally hit the ground. Where were they?

"Where is this? This is your graveyard! I have lived in this sunless void for years, and now it is time for you to experience it!"

"Primordial Creation Palm!"

A massive, terrifying hand formed, fueled by horrific power, and slammed down toward everyone below!

"Void Shield!"

Liang Xi and the other experts could not sit still and die. The Void Shield, formed by their combined power, glowed with a faint blue light, shielding them in a semi-circle.

*Boom!*

The palm struck the shield, but apart from a slight tremor, there was no sign of breaking.

"Hmph, so this is the Sword Sect’s Void Shield? I wanted to learn it back then, but those old ghosts would never teach me. I never thought those old fossils would pass it on to you! But Miss Ji, how long do you think this shield can protect you?"

"Once you come out, you will still die!"

"Sister, why have you become like this? Wake up! Don't be consumed by this killing intent!" Xiao Liu, not a martial artist, thought a simple plea could snap her sister back to reality. But that was impossible.

"Senior Xiao Liu, don't waste your breath. Your sister is mad. Can't you feel the killing intent? She believes we killed Luo Mingyu, so she will not stop until we are dead. No one can reach her now. If not for the Void Shield, we would be dead already!"

*Boom, boom, boom!*

The powerful sword energy continued to batter the shield. "I didn't realize the Void Shield had such strong defense. Fine, if you like playing games so much, I will indulge you. You don't have to come out, but can you hold your breath forever?"

"Without air, let's see how long you can last!"

The air was thinning. The suffocating sensation returned.

"If you have the guts, stay inside! If even one of you comes out, I will kill you! Luo Mingyu and I were deeply in love, but it was you damn people who took him from me!"

"That is complete nonsense! You killed Luo Mingyu with your own hands! You are the most shameless person in the world, Su Wen!" Gu Zhenzhen had seen many liars, but never one so absurd. She had to retort.

"Su Wen’s state is wrong. How can she claim we killed Luo Mingyu? Did the killing intent twist her memories?" Liang Xi guessed. It was a bizarre theory, but the only one that made sense.

"Brother Liang is right. My sister hosts an evil spirit. It is usually quiet, but when her emotions are severely agitated, it surfaces to protect her and rewrites her memories to shift all blame onto others!"

"I knew of this power, but this is the first time I've seen it. We are in trouble. Every time she rewrites her memories, she must complete a fixed goal, or she will never stop!"

"I have an idea. It seems the only way for my sister to wake up is for me to die. Take this chance and run! I am the only one who can suppress her. But once you leave, you must promise me one thing: investigate who placed this evil spirit in my sister. That person is truly treacherous and deserves to die!"

*Boom, boom, boom!*

"What? Are you all too afraid to come out? Hmph, the Void Shield’s defense is limited. Three more strikes, and it will shatter!"

*Whoosh!*

"Sister, why are you here? You know I would never hurt you. Are you going to stand against me—your only sister—for their sake? I have lost the man I love; I don't want to lose you too. Move aside! They are the ones I want!"

"Su Wen, I won't leave you. I know these years have been hard. It is my fault for not taking care of you. If you have any resentment, take it out on me, but let the others go!" Xiao Liu’s expression was calm, her tone soft. They hadn't seen each other for years, and there was much to say, but now was not the time.

"Sister, you think you can stop me? Do you think that even if you die, I will spare them? You are wrong. I will say it one last time: move!"

Xiao Liu’s eyes were firm. She walked toward Su Wen without flinching. "You know me. Once I decide on something, no one can change it. Today, I will not retreat, and I will not let you harm my friends!"

*Whoosh!*

A sharp sword beam pierced Xiao Liu’s body. Her left shoulder was instantly stained red with blood. She stopped, overcome by the sudden pain.

"Senior Xiao Liu!!"

Gu Zhenzhen, still young, buried her face in Ji Anran’s chest and sobbed. Were they just to watch? Could they do nothing?

Su Wen’s eyes were stung by the sight of her sister’s blood. "Move aside!" She was like a lioness ready to snap, her rage growing ever hotter.

Xiao Liu exhaled. "I told you, I will not move. Unless you wake up, I have no choice but to use my own method to defeat you. I don't know any techniques, but I bet you can't beat me. Do you believe me?"

Her shoulder was numb, and her steps were unsteady from blood loss. She had followed Su Wen all this way simply because she was worried and wanted to protect her.

*Whoosh!*

This time, a blade pierced her right shoulder. "Sister! What are you doing? If you keep moving, I will kill you! You are my only kin in this world. Why are you treating me like this? Why?"

Su Wen had always been ruthless, but this was her sister. She couldn't bring herself to be cruel. She was panicked—if this continued, her sister would die! Who could help her? But she forgot—they were underground; there was no one else here.

*Puff!*

Xiao Liu spat out a mouthful of blood. Her sister was truly ruthless, but that was her nature. "Why are you crying? I’m fine. I’m actually happy, sister. Ever since we were children, this is the first time you’ve cared for me like this. This wound was worth it!"

Xiao Liu’s face was deathly pale. Speaking had exhausted her remaining strength, and she collapsed.

"Sister!" Su Wen screamed, catching her. Her sister felt so light. She had never known her sister was this frail. Did she never eat?

*Bang!*

Something seemed to shatter in Su Wen’s heart!

Xiao Liu stirred awake. "Little sister, are you back? See, I told you, you couldn't beat me. You have all the talent in the world, but you met me today, and you were helpless!"

"You always say I’m willful, but you are the willful one! You never cared about my feelings, yet I always wanted to be like you."

"Who said that? My sister is the smartest, most beautiful girl in the world. No one compares to you. Actually, I was often jealous of you. Heaven gave you beauty and incredible talent; all I could do was brew wine."

Tears streamed down Su Wen’s face. She was terrified, yet she pretended to be lighthearted. "Sister is still the best. Without your rice wine, could I have even grown up? Sister, don't sleep. Wake up and talk to me! We haven't had a proper conversation since we reunited."

Only now, after all this time, did the sisters finally sit down to talk.

*Whoosh!*

A sharp sword beam pierced Xiao Liu’s body. It happened so fast that no one could react! Xiao Liu died on the spot, a faint smile still lingering on her face.

"Sister!"

"Who! Who did it! Have the guts to show yourself!" Su Wen roared in fury. But after the roar, she went completely silent, as if the scream had nothing to do with her. *Sister is just sleeping,* she thought. *Just like before.*

*Boom!*

*Puff!*

The formation shattered, and Liang Xi and the others were struck by a powerful force, spitting blood.

"I didn't want to reveal my identity so soon, but you disappointed me, little girl. You were doing so well. One more effort and everyone here would be dead, but you refused. I suppose I have to do it myself." Qin Zhen looked disappointed. "Xiao Liu’s wine was actually very good. I visited often. It’s a pity I’ll never drink it again."

"Qin Zhen, what are you doing?" Liang Xi was dazed. What was happening?

"What am I doing? You saw me kill Xiao Liu and strike you all down. We had some good times, and I did consider you friends. But you are different from me. This wine makes me sad. If you had pretended to know nothing, you would have been safe. What a pity."

"It was you? You were behind all of this?" If Liang Xi hadn't realized it by now, he would truly be the fool Qin Zhen called him.

"Yes, it was all me. Surprised? If I hadn't assisted from the shadows, how could Su Wen have been a match for Beifeng?"

"That night, I waited for Su Wen to leave before I finished him off. Anyone who hurts Su Wen must die! You wanted to know who planted the evil spirit? That was me too! I had no other motive—I just wanted to protect her. Since I couldn't always be there, what better way than an evil spirit?"

"Su Wen, don't be afraid. It’s all over. If we join forces, we can solve everything. We will soon be the masters of Nanshi. No one will ever hurt you again. Why are you so unhappy?"

Su Wen stood expressionless, like a statue. After a long moment, she looked at Qin Zhen. "Who are you?"

Qin Zhen hadn't seen this cold, indifferent Su Wen before.

"Who am I? Have you truly forgotten? I was the one who carried you to the Sword Sect. You just said you were grateful to me. I was so happy to hear that! Years of sacrifice finally paid off!"

"It wasn't you. You didn't save me. If you had, you would know how important my sister was to me. Yet you killed her right in front of me. Speak! Who are you! If you don't tell the truth, I will kill you!"

Qin Zhen didn't get angry; he was delighted. "Good! I’m glad you're angry! The more you hate me, the happier I am, because your rage is for me. That means you love me! Hahaha! I’ve endured for so many years, and this is my happiest day!"

What kind of logic was this? The man was a lunatic!

"Do you know why Beifeng died? Because he didn't love you, so he deserved to die. Even if he had wanted to love you, I wouldn't have allowed it. You are mine, forever! No one else is allowed to love you!"

Qin Zhen was growing hysterical. He would do anything for this woman. He had thought he would have to suppress his feelings forever, but now, Su Wen was angry because of him!

"Liang Xi, what do you think you are? Without the Liang family, would anyone look at you twice? Even if the Liang family came, I wouldn't care. Today, you all die!"

"Su Wen, tell me who you want dead, and I will do it for you!"

"You can do anything I ask?"

"Of course! You are the woman I love most; I will do anything for you!"

"Good. Then listen: I want you to die!"

*Whoosh!*

Su Wen lunged at Qin Zhen like an arrow, her face cold as ice.

"Azure Dragon Mending Hand!"

Her arms turned azure, with faint black light flowing through them. The pressure was suffocating.

*Boom!*

Her fists slammed into Qin Zhen, sending him flying. He crashed to the ground and spat blood.

"Hahaha, truly impressive! Worthy of the woman I chose! Very good. But do you think you can defeat me with just that?"

"Actually, I should thank you. Without that punch, I couldn't have purged the stagnant energy in my body. Now, my power is restored! That was a good hit, but now it’s my turn!"

"Heaven-Extinguishing Palm!"

A massive, black palm appeared behind him. It was a terrifying technique. Su Wen’s Azure Dragon Hand had done him no harm.

*Boom!*

The palm slammed into Su Wen with full force. She was doomed.

"I didn't expect you to attack me. I thought highly of you, but look at what you’re doing. You must realize now that the gap in our strength is like heaven and earth. It’s a pity you won't hear me say that."

*Boom!*

"You talk too much. Die!"

"Finger of Severing Heaven!"

A potent, blue-glowing energy gathered on his finger.

*Whoosh!*

The blue beam whistled through the air, kicking up dust. "Hmph, courting death? Fine, I will grant your wish!"

"Void Shield!"

*Boom!*

As the Void Shield formed, the blue beam struck. The shockwave turned the earth into rubble, forcing everyone out of the underground pit!

*Boom!*

The Void Shield absorbed the blue beam, and a moment later, it released it, slamming the energy back into Su Wen.

*Puff!*

Su Wen was severely wounded. She looked at him in disbelief. "Surprised? You think the Void Shield is your treasure? There were two, and I found them both. I turned one in and kept the other. No one knew!"

"So, the Sword Sect never knew the shield could absorb power. To die by your own treasure—you should be satisfied!"

"Your sister was a good person, but she died because of you. You are a sinner, and sinners don't deserve to live."

"I know you hate me. Yes, I killed everyone who loved you, but so what? You can't beat me, and you will never have your revenge. Putting your hope in these small-fry is useless!"

"Now, they are done for. The only person who can protect you in this world is me. It’s a shame you don't appreciate my kindness. Since that's the case, go join your sister!"

"Die!"

A sword beam lunged at the terrified, wounded Su Wen. Who could save her now?

*Clang!*

"Now, it’s my turn to save you!" It was Liang Xi, who had been severely wounded but had somehow recovered!