Chapter 4: Lei Pengfei's Rules

“What brings Senior Brother Mu here today? You haven’t sought me out for many years. Didn’t you say before that, no matter what troubles you faced in the future, you would never come to me again? And yet, how long has it been? Have you already given up? Speak then. You wouldn’t come unless you truly faced a difficulty. We’ve known each other for many years—if there’s anything I can do, I will help you in the end.”

This was Sharp Blade—the finest assassin sect in Yun Prefecture. The Master of the Blade, Ironstream, had once been the most formidable assassin in Yun Prefecture. Years later, he established Sharp Blade with his own hands and took joy in training more disciples.

“Ironstream, my brother, I need you to personally help me eliminate two people: Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng. So long as they live, I will know no peace. Since childhood, those two have been my adversaries. Now, Master has tasked me with leading a squad to Yun Prefecture to eradicate the remnants of the Thunder Gang. I obtained a map to the Heavenly Cloud, but in the end, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng stole it from me.

“This mission is of utmost importance to me. Of course, I also understand who Liang Xi is here in Yun Prefecture. If you act against him, what consequences might follow? I have one thousand elemental crystals here—all yours. I want only the lives of these two. I’ve made my request. Do you dare accept?”

“One thousand elemental crystals? Brother, you truly underestimate me. I’ve told you before—as long as you need me, I am always here. This isn’t about money; what matters more to me is our friendship. I’ll take your commission. However, you must promise me one thing afterwards. You know well enough what it is; I don’t need to spell it out. As long as you accept my condition, I can make preparations at once.”

Ironstream’s condition was simple—he wanted to see the legendary Lingyun Codex with his own eyes. “Don’t tell me the Lingyun Codex isn’t in the Lingyun Immortal Realm. You know what I do for a living. Since I dare set this condition, I’m not afraid you’ll refuse. If you don’t agree, I could just as easily tell the Liang family of your plan to kill Liang Xi. Believe me, if I reveal that, you’ll never walk out of Yun Prefecture alive.”

“You know full well how risky this is. But I’m not entirely unreasonable. I’ll give you time to consider. If you make up your mind, the doors of Sharp Blade are always open to you.”

Damn old fox. Fine, I’ll agree for now. After all, I don’t know where the Lingyun Codex is. What matters most now is eliminating Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng. Once I have the map to the Heavenly Cloud, the credit for eradicating the Thunder Gang will be mine!

“Very well. You and I are brothers. Since you have spoken so, I naturally accept. Once you’ve completed this beautifully, I’ll arrange for you to see the Lingyun Codex. After all, it is the most famed supreme mental art in the world. I understand your desire to study it.”

“Excellent! It’s settled, then. Wait for my news.” Ironstream agreed with great enthusiasm. It had been a long time since he’d taken action, and thinking back, perhaps he shouldn’t have agreed. Liang Xi was no ordinary target. Just yesterday, Yun Hailan had come by. But if he succeeded, he would obtain the Lingyun Codex and never again need to endure the scorn of others.

“Madam, the matter has been investigated. Mu Chenyuan really did seek out Ironstream, offering the Lingyun Codex in exchange. In Yun Prefecture, no one can harm Xier. Very well, I know what to do. You may go now—fetch a hundred elemental crystals from the accounts and rest well. The rest is my concern.”

Jun Cailin had not used her hidden power in many years. Yes, she was no martial artist, but that did not mean she was powerless. Now, Mu Chenyuan had brought his bullying to Yun Prefecture. If she did not act, would her son not be bullied to death?

Liang Yunsi knew of his wife’s hidden strength, but he still believed this was something Liang Xi should resolve himself. Problems should not always be handled by family and friends; one must learn to grow. “Cailin, you promised me long ago you would never again use that secret power. Sharp Blade is the strongest assassin sect in Yun Prefecture, but your hidden strength could destroy others—and yourself. Have you forgotten? You’ve used it three times. There is only one remaining. Do you want to leave me?”

Liang Yunsi’s words were gentle and warm. “Mother, I heard what happened just now. Since this matter began with me, I should resolve it. Mu Chenyuan and I, along with Zhuang, have deep-seated enmity. Why not teach him a lesson today? Mother, I know your hidden strength—it’s something akin to manipulating vital energy. Among martial artists, such power is forbidden. Yes, it can grant great strength for a short time, but its side effects are severe. I’m glad to see you again, Mother. I hope that after I have completed the task of eradicating the Thunder Gang, you will still be here to greet me.”

“Senior Brother, now that Mu Chenyuan is desperate for the Heavenly Cloud map, why don’t we take the initiative? I want to see just how capable Ironstream really is. It’s the perfect time to test the Lingyun Codex. Hasn’t he always wanted to see it? This time, let’s use the Lingyun Codex to destroy him!”

Liang Xi was angry—angry because Mu Chenyuan wanted his mother to use forbidden power. Even if Mu Chenyuan could do nothing to him now, Ironstream must not be allowed to remain.

Ironstream donned the battle garb and dagger he had treasured for years and moved into action. Though he had not acted for a long time, his lightness skills were still extraordinary. The Liang estate was large, but the living quarters were not. At midnight, with the world silent, Ironstream relied on his familiarity with the layout to quickly find the bedrooms of Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng. When Ironstream wanted someone dead, he never used his dagger—the dagger was only his symbol. His true talent was silent palm technique.

With the force of a gentle breeze, he could slay his target. It was no exaggeration to say Ironstream had mastered the silent palm. To what extent? He could channel his force into a leaf, and if that leaf touched a shoulder or any part of the body, death was certain. This silent palm was his unique skill, one he would never pass on.

“Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzheng, you two were strangers once, with no grudges between us. I have no choice in this—I want something, and people like you could never understand that feeling.”

“On the contrary, we do understand. Pity your palm technique is impressive, but your eyes fail you. Next time you attempt an assassination, light a candle—it might prevent mistakes.” Liang Xi’s voice sounded ghostly behind Ironstream, who broke into a cold sweat as he spun around to find Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng calmly eating dried fruit.

“Senior Brother, the dried fruit at your home really is quite good. We’ve just watched a good show—I must say, I’m impressed. I never thought someone in this world could cultivate the silent palm to such a level.”

Zhuang Yunzheng spoke sincerely; he respected all formidable experts. “Ironstream, thirty years ago you were the top figure in Yun Prefecture, but even if you wish to return to your past glory, it’s no longer possible. By the way, you’ve always wanted to see the Lingyun Codex. It’s not as troublesome as you imagine. My junior and I will demonstrate the technique for you next year. Wouldn’t you like to see it now?”

“The Lingyun Codex? So you both have mastered such a divine technique? In that case, I have not chosen the wrong targets. Die, both of you!”

“No, your palm technique consumes much energy. Our Flying Bird Step is the strongest movement technique in the world. You won’t catch us. You really should train your eyesight more—after so many years, you’re out of practice and growing old.”

“What did Mu Chenyuan offer you to help him so? You know well that Mu Chenyuan only values himself. All who stand in his way meet a bad end. Once, you were a good man—I know your story. You were defeated by yourself. Your persistent practice of the silent palm tells me you’ve long sought to reclaim your former glory.” Zhuang Yunzheng’s tone turned cold.

“So this is the Flying Bird Step? The world truly does contain such marvelous lightness skills? The two of you did not move, and what I caught was merely an afterimage. The silent palm is for assassination. The Silver Snow Throwing Knives are my true weapon!”

In a flash, streaks of silver light tore through the night. Indoors, the Flying Bird Step could not be fully utilized—its wonders shone in open terrain. Ironstream had waited for this moment.

His beloved Silver Snow Throwing Knives were not just his symbol, but his weapon of fame. Thirty years ago, countless heroes fell by these blades. Liang Xi, inexperienced in combat, could only dodge as the flurry of knives came at him. Zhuang Yunzheng, however, had trained in domineering techniques; their master had insisted on training him in the Scroll of Earth so he could best protect his brother.

With hands forming palms, a fierce, powerful wind clashed with the silver blades, making the knife formation waver slightly. But Ironstream’s power far surpassed his own—the disruption was minimal.

“It’s useless. I have been famous for many years, and have never stopped training. In my hands, you stand no chance. The Lingyun Codex will be mine today!”

The Silver Snow Knives split into two formations, combined with Ironstream’s immense strength. He meant to kill both in one stroke—if these two grew stronger, they would be trouble later. He showed no mercy. In the shadows, Mu Chenyuan watched the fight, a cold smile on his lips. “Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzheng, our childhood grudge has now become an irreconcilable enmity.”

“Let all debts be settled today. If I become the leader of the Lingyun Immortal Realm, I will be grateful to you both.” At the same time, Mu Chenyuan marveled at the spirit of the Silver Snow Throwing Knives. He had decided: when all three were exhausted, he would strike, seize the knives, and with that treasure, be safer in the Heavenly Cloud.

That was Mu Chenyuan’s way—his martial prowess was weak, but he was adept at using others’ strength. This was Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi’s first time down the mountain, with no combat experience, and their first opponent was the famed Ironstream. Their bodies were stiff with fear.

But what use was fear? They must act—only by facing mortal danger could they learn what to do. “Junior Brother, use the Flying Bird Step and get behind him. Leave the rest to me!” Liang Xi did not know what Zhuang planned, but he had always trusted him. “All right!” he replied loudly.

The Silver Snow Knives were about to strike Liang Xi’s face when, in that desperate moment, a tremendous power erupted from within him. Wrapped in this force, Liang Xi used the Flying Bird Step to weave through the gaps between the blades. This stunned Ironstream and the hidden Mu Chenyuan alike. This was the power of the Scroll of Earth from the Lingyun Codex—drawing on the energy of heaven and earth to make up for one’s own deficiencies. Once this principle was understood, anything became possible.

Ironstream, shocked, forgot to send the knives again. By the time he recovered, he was locked in by overwhelming power. He could not move. “You think this power can restrain me? Dream on!”

The Scroll of Heaven in the Lingyun Codex recorded techniques; the Scroll of Earth taught one to command energy. But its core truth was that all things in the world could be weapons!

At that instant, space itself seemed to pause—enough for Zhuang Yunzheng, who reached out and seized the Silver Snow Throwing Knives. Using the Flying Bird Step for anticipation, he could predict their trajectory. Catching them was not difficult.

Then he reversed his grip and sent them flying toward Ironstream. Zhuang’s intent was clear: to have Ironstream die by his own signature move—a stark contrast to his burly exterior.

“Hah! Many have tried to kill me with my own technique. All failed!”

“Liang Xi, I told you before—your inner energy stones can’t hold me for long, because you still don’t know how to wield such energy! The Silver Snow Throwing Knives are mine; they obey no one else.”

“Is that so?” In a flash, Liang Xi pressed his palm to Ironstream’s back, flooding his body with the boundless power of the Lingyun Codex. Ironstream screamed in agony, but before he could react, Zhuang Yunzheng was upon him, thrusting a Silver Snow Knife into his chest. Ironstream did not understand what had happened—why he had lost, or rather, why he was finished.

“The knives I threw were a ruse—my real aim was to end you with your own weapon. That is my application of the Flying Bird Step—its mystery lies in the unpredictable,” Zhuang said coldly, though he too had been anxious, fearing that if he failed, both he and his junior would perish.

He told himself: I cannot fail!

Ironstream stared incredulously, unwilling to accept his fate. He tried to say something, eyes fixed on where Mu Chenyuan hid, hands grasping at nothing as his life ebbed away. At last, he died on the spot.

Afterward, Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi could hardly believe what had happened. The situation had seemed hopeless, yet they had turned it around. Liang Xi collapsed to the floor, murmuring, “Senior Brother, did we really just kill the famous Ironstream? Are we dreaming?”

“Not at all. This is the result of our teamwork. You keep the Silver Snow Throwing Knives—they’ll serve you well for self-defense.” Real combat is a matter of life and death—so different from practice. “Frankly, I’m drenched in cold sweat. We’ve never left the mountain, never fought for real, yet we managed to bring down a legendary figure. I’m very satisfied.”

Zhuang Yunzheng’s legs were weak, but he still picked up the Silver Snow Knives and handed them to Liang Xi. The knives were light yet resilient. The two exchanged a glance—both knew where Mu Chenyuan hid. But they were in no condition to confront him now; their sect master must have strengthened his meridians. Mu Chenyuan himself might not have realized how much power he held.

Mu Chenyuan was now seized with terror. Was this really the first time these two had fought? Impossible! Such coordination could not belong to novices. The situation was against him, but he refused to lose face. “You two are just lucky. Even with Ironstream, I couldn’t kill you. But once we enter the Heavenly Cloud, you’re finished.”

“I have my master’s true power. You two are exhausted. If I acted now, it would only bring trouble.” Mu Chenyuan was no fool—he slipped away into the darkness.

Once they relaxed, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng found they had no strength left. “Honestly, I never imagined real combat would be like this. Mother always said you and I were fated to be brothers. Without such tacit understanding, we’d have died today. Now, not only did we survive, but I have the Silver Snow Knives for protection.”

“You were bold in the fight, but don’t take such risks again. If anything happens to you, how will I explain to our master? You know how much he values you. Before we left the mountain, I promised to protect you.”

Zhuang Yunzheng was still shaken, but his companion seemed unfazed.

“Cailin, now you must believe it. Xier and his senior brother did it. I was right to stop you from intervening.” Liang Yunsi was overjoyed at his son’s abilities. Finally, he could protect himself. Jun Cailin glanced at her husband, her expression softening until even the world seemed to pale around her. “You’re right. Xier is strong enough now. I am at ease.”

After Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng departed, Ironstream’s body dissolved into dust—a legendary master meeting such an end was a sorrowful thing.

“Mother, Father, I am leaving with my senior brother now. Once I complete my task, I will return.” This departure, however, was not a sad one. Jun Cailin smiled. “My son has grown up. Go and do as you wish—just keep yourself safe. Last night’s battle was excellent. You made your mother very proud.”

Liang Xi was secretly delighted. His parents had seen his performance. There was nothing more to say at parting; all was understood in their eyes. Before he left, Jun Cailin gave him many elemental crystals—for peace of mind while traveling.

“How long do you two intend to dawdle? Have you forgotten your task?” Mu Chenyuan’s face and tone were foul. His plan had failed, and there was no opportunity for another attempt now. The passage to the Heavenly Cloud required two days and a night to build, and it had just been completed. Without further words, Mu Chenyuan entered first.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng followed without hesitation. The passage was long, its walls aglow with shifting lights—a beautiful sight. Inside, it felt as if they were crossing worlds. The Heavenly Cloud lay at the border of Yun Prefecture and Xuan Prefecture; only such a passage could lead there. Otherwise, the chaotic, powerful aura would devour intruders instantly.

Now, the other disciples looked at Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng with new eyes. The previous night’s battle with Ironstream was not widely known, but disciples of the Lingyun Immortal Realm had heard. They hadn’t expected that Uncle Qi Ying’s disciples could be so powerful, and whispered among themselves. Mu Chenyuan, leading the group, felt mortified. The glory of this mission was supposed to be his, but now it belonged to others. His mood was foul in the extreme.

“Enough chatter! We’re here to eradicate the Thunder Gang’s remnants. Don’t forget our purpose!”

But what good was anger? Mu Chenyuan could only hope to do the rest well. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng had memorized the map to the Heavenly Cloud. They knew their first task was to visit the Mad Blade Tavern and find the innkeeper, Old Blade. Old Blade was the know-it-all of the Heavenly Cloud; any difficulty could be brought to him.

Of course, nothing came for free. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng were prepared to trade. At last, a point of light appeared ahead—the Heavenly Cloud. Before arriving, they’d expected it to be desolate, perhaps ruined. But upon arrival, they saw it was a veritable paradise.

The Mad Blade Tavern stood at the most prominent crossroads, impossible to miss amid the bustle. Today, fortune was on their side—Old Blade was present, likely on an old friend’s request. Without much ado, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng entered.

Liang Xi was not antisocial, but among the crowd behind him, there was no one he could trust. He trusted Zhuang Yunzheng above all others. Because Old Blade was in, business was booming—the tavern served as a place to drink and rest. Old Blade knew everyone and everything, and could win people’s trust in an instant—an extraordinary gift.

“You two are clearly first-timers in the Heavenly Cloud! The air here is different. Only two kinds come—those fleeing something, and the curious. You two, possessing top-tier skills, are not fleeing. So, you must be the curious type. I know your identities—an old friend has told me. Rest and prepare—though the Thunder Gang was destroyed years ago, its remnants here are formidable.”

“So, patience is required—we must not rush.” Old Blade’s perceptive eyes missed nothing; he could see a person’s nature at a glance. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng, being young, found him intriguing.

“Don’t be curious about me. I’m just an old wine-seller. Since I’ve told you to wait, then wait patiently. When the time comes, you’ll meet those you need to meet.”

Most disciples thought they’d be groping in the dark upon arrival, but that was not so. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng were full of surprises. The tavern looked unremarkable, the proprietor informal yet neat, but it was unlike any tavern they’d known.

Mu Chenyuan, however, was impatient. “I don’t have time to waste. Tell us what you want us to do—quickly!”

He had not always been so, but since Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng arrived, his life had changed. Last night’s events had soured him further. After he spoke, the tavern fell silent; all eyes were on him.

“What, am I wrong? He’s just a wine-seller—what can he do?”

A flash of white light passed before Mu Chenyuan’s eyes, followed by sharp pain—one of his fingers was severed. After the initial scream, he gritted his teeth, wrapped his hand, and said nothing.

“Mu Chenyuan, you’re new and ignorant of the rules. I could explain them, but disrespect comes at a price. In my tavern, I don’t care who you are—you will behave, or my blade won’t tolerate you.”

The tavern’s name alone showed that Old Blade’s swordsmanship was profound—what mattered was not the blade, but the man who wielded it. Mu Chenyuan had no choice but to accept this and add the insult to his grudge against Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng.

“As I said, the Thunder Gang’s development here has been impressive. We must not be hasty. I’ve waited years; now, the pawn I placed is ready to be used. You two, understand this: when I tell you to wait, you wait.”

“The current Thunder Gang leader is Lei Pengfei, a master of the Thunder Sword. In pure swordplay, he’s the best in the Heavenly Cloud. Yet, he never provokes others. Lei Pengfei is shrewd and capable, focused solely on restoring the Thunder Gang’s former glory. He has heard its tale countless times.

“He values only the useful—no matter your talent, if you can’t serve him, he ignores you. He believes the Thunder Gang fell because of too many weaklings. Every month, he recruits experts, sending them to the Sky Pavilion to seek treasure. The last to emerge is the true master. See? The Sky Pavilion is the tallest building in the Heavenly Cloud.”

The Sky Pavilion was an informal name—the actual name was the Myriad Sword Divine Palace. It was said to reach the heavens. No one knew who built it, and it housed countless divine weapons. The Thunder Gang always wanted to claim the palace, but never succeeded. Lei Pengfei’s rule was simple: anyone who left the palace unscathed would be the Thunder Gang’s honored guest, free to travel in Yun Prefecture, Xuan Prefecture, and the Heavenly Cloud.

Thus, experts flocked to the Myriad Sword Divine Palace, seeking its treasures—far more valuable than the Thunder Gang’s legacy. But none who went ever returned. Some said the palace was filled with deadly traps. Old Blade shrugged. “I can show off my swordplay here, but the palace is beyond me.”

“Old Blade, you jest. You’re the fastest blade in the Heavenly Cloud. If you’re not qualified, who is?” Liang Xi glanced at the door as a refined young man in regal purple entered. Though his features were ordinary, his aura drew all eyes—this could only be Lei Pengfei.

Mu Chenyuan always fancied himself a prodigy, but beside Lei Pengfei, he was nothing. Lei Pengfei ignored him, instead studying Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng with surprise. He knew all the experts here, but these two radiated an unusual pressure—faint, yet rare.

“Old Blade, you are too much. You have such remarkable friends, yet never introduce us. After all these years, you wound me deeply!” Lei Pengfei said with feigned hurt.

“Pengfei, don’t blame me—I only just met these two today. Now you’ve seen them, tell me, if they joined your Thunder Gang, would it help you?” That was Old Blade’s plan. If Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng didn’t join, how could his old pawn come into play?

Lei Pengfei’s breathing quickened. “Is this true? If these gentlemen truly join, I’ll make them elders of the Thunder Gang. With their help, reviving the gang would no longer be a dream. But I wonder—would they even look at us? I hope I’m not rejoicing in vain!”

Unfair—utterly unfair. Why should Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng get all the good fortune while I am ignored? Mu Chenyuan was furious. “Thunder Chief, with all due respect, my strength surpasses theirs. Only I can help you restore the Thunder Gang.”

Lei Pengfei turned to look at Mu Chenyuan, who bristled with indignation and pride. “Very well. In that case, all three of you shall challenge the Myriad Sword Divine Palace together. That is my rule, and it cannot be broken.”