Chapter 6: Seizing the Jade

Upon hearing this, Tian Ziling in the audience stretched his waist, "Ah, finally it's my turn to take action, isn't it?" The Sky Shadow Sect has always been notorious for its ferocity, so how could they let a young boy become its leader? What are these people thinking? Tian Ziling cared little for what those around thought of him. Today, the matter of the Falling Sunset Bright Jade must be resolved. He walked slowly, "Brother Liang, greetings, my name is Tian Ziling. I’m just here to join the fun. But you can rest assured, I absolutely won't make a move until the very last moment. Ah, walking all this way, I haven't even had a proper meal, but fortunately, I came prepared!"

Tian Ziling sat brazenly on a silken thread at the edge of the stage, took off the small cloth pouch from his back, and when he opened it, everyone was stunned. They thought he would pull out some extraordinary treasure, but unexpectedly, the pouch was filled with food. Tian Ziling loved to eat and knew how to enjoy his food. No matter the time or place, his mouth and stomach never suffered. This fellow began eating as if he were alone in the world.

The food was nothing more than ordinary snacks and cooked dishes, yet Tian Ziling ate without a hint of rudeness, neatly placing the bones aside. "Liang Chen, why are you watching me eat? Let me tell you, these are all mine, you’re not entitled to any. What are you waiting for? Get on with it. Don’t worry, if you really can't hold out, I’ll step in. I won’t let you lose face." Since he said this, clearly he possessed remarkable strength.

Although Liang Chen still doubted Tian Ziling somewhat, there was no time for second thoughts. He snorted, "The half-stick of incense is up. Nephew, let your second uncle see how much strength you have now!" The Fierce Tiger move erupted again. The greatest advantage of the Divine Wandering Calm skill was that, as long as there was a moment of rest, the practitioner’s strength could recover. Clearly, Liang Chen no longer wished to give Liang Xi any chance to retaliate!

Thus, this Fierce Tiger move was executed with full force. In midair, the massive disc of heaven and earth energy reappeared, surrounded by blue rays encircling the charging tiger. Tian Ziling continued eating, ignoring the earth-shattering technique Liang Chen was unleashing. Perhaps in his eyes, no martial art could compare to the taste of a chicken leg.

"Lord Shadow, if this continues, the sect master might get caught up in it. We should intervene. If something happens to the sect master, we won’t be able to answer to the Heavenly King."

The First Shadow, Nevernight, seemed utterly unconcerned. "No need. Look, does the sect master show any sign of retreat? Hmph, Liang Chen may have trained the Divine Wandering Calm, but he still can't unleash its full power. Let’s just watch. I know you disciples have always doubted the sect master's strength. Even though he has defeated two Heavenly Kings, unless you see his true power, you remain uneasy. So, just watch!"

Liang Chen unleashed both the Fierce Tiger and Heaven's Energy, hoping to eliminate both Liang Xi and Tian Ziling in one blow. Liang Xi was a must-kill for the Falling Sunset Bright Jade, and if blame must be assigned, it would be because his father, Liang Yun Si, was too domineering and never gave others a chance to prove themselves. Therefore, when mentioning the Liang clan, people always thought first of Liang Yun Si and Jun Cai Lin. Why? Liang Chen refused to accept it!

As for the Sky Shadow Sect, they had done much under his nose these years, thinking he was unaware? Silzhou was his, always his. If the Sky Shadow Sect failed to cherish what they had, then destruction was the only answer!

Liang Xi, unafraid, executed the Flying Bird Phantom Dance to its peak. His left hand unleashed Sword Qi Rainbow, his right Snow Added to Frost from the Snowflake Fist. The first was a peerless sword technique, the latter his best fist technique. Combined, even if a chasm lay ahead, he could cross safely.

"Hahaha! That's right, you truly surpass your father. But it’s a pity—today, this Falling Sunset Bright Jade is mine! Brat, prepare to die!"

"Bang!"

At that moment, Divine Wandering Calm and the Cloud Record, the two supreme skills, collided. Divine Wandering Calm transformed heaven and earth energy into weapons, its moves were fierce and domineering. The Cloud Record was different. The Sky Scroll Liang Xi learned supplemented his own energy with the energy of heaven and earth. One was offensive, the other restorative—fundamentally different.

Everyone was stunned. Liang Xi was only sixteen years old, yet so formidable? Liang Chen was a force in Silzhou, yet today he nearly fell twice to this youth. How strange! They didn't know Liang Xi had been training the Sky Scroll since he was five, eleven years in total. How many years had Liang Chen practiced? Moreover, he was past the optimal age for martial arts. His achievements were already impressive. "So this is the Divine Wandering Calm? Seems it’s nothing special!"

"Second uncle, it seems you're really not cut out for martial arts. If this continues, you’ll be seriously injured. You know, the Sky Scroll has four chapters. In ten years, I’ve mastered the first three. You cannot withstand the Lunar Chill. If I use the powers of the Sun and Falling Star chapters, you likely won't leave here unscathed today."

"Hmph, enough talk! You think mere chill can control me? Nephew, so far I’ve only used the first two stages of Divine Wandering Calm. I still have the third—Origin—yet to show. Don’t be so sure, neither of us has won yet!"

Liang Chen suppressed the turmoil within, having used Divine Heaven and Gathering Qi stages consecutively. The strain was considerable, but as long as he could win today, it would all be worth it!

"Hold on, what's the rush? Two against one—is that really fair? Do you think Liang Xi has no allies?" Just then, a faint fragrance drifted in. Ji Anran had arrived at Liang Xi’s side. After the Water Sovereign’s treasure incident, Ji Anran had changed too—not only Liang Xi. If her brother was truly gone in the Water Sovereign’s tomb, life would be meaningless. Even with peerless skills, if her beloved wasn’t by her side, they were useless. From that moment, Ji Anran understood: whatever happened, she would stay by this man's side and be his support.

A woman can rely on a man, but can a man not rely on his beloved? If not, why not set the precedent? The crowd was shocked. This beauty’s movement technique was exquisite. Fragrant Wind Beauty Step, created by Hua Lian, was top-tier lightness skill, though few knew it as Hua Lian rarely traveled. Today, its display left everyone stunned.

"Zhenzhen, if someone bullies you, fight back. We three are in danger; the master, bound by oath, can’t act. So we must rely on ourselves. I believe you can manage these things."

Ji Anran’s peerless face bore dignity and sharpness. Both Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen seemed to forget that Ji Anran’s fierceness was innate—she only restrained it around friends and loved ones. If anyone dared harm Liang Xi, she would overturn the place without hesitation.

"Hmph, such a little girl dares before Lord Liang Chen…"

"Bang!"

Before Liang Chen’s underling could finish his insolence, he felt his meridians shattered by a sudden force! Yet the beauty on stage seemed not to have moved. All he saw was blood dripping from Ji Anran’s slender fingers before he lost consciousness. "I dislike being interrupted when I speak!" Ji Anran uttered cold words, yet elegantly wiped the blood from her finger with a white handkerchief, then discarded it.

Everyone on the viewing platform swallowed hard. This woman was ruthless; a chill ran through their hearts. Yuzao and Wuyue, who had acted earlier, saw Ji Anran’s decisive methods and felt inferior. Hurting or even killing was not difficult for the Twelve Musicians; what was truly hard was acting without restraint. They could not do that, but Ji Anran could!

Luo Mingyu had seen many beauties, but none matched this woman in strength or character. He admired her: for love, one must be so resolute. "All right, it seems none of you object to this two-on-two situation now. Let’s begin. As master of this place, I can hardly wait."

"Brat, dare to harm my disciple—prepare to die!" Liang Chen was furious. Since mastering Divine Wandering Calm, he had never suffered such humiliation. He attacked mercilessly with Rising Sky Fist, the tiger’s roar and fierce assault enveloped Ji Anran, who faced it fearlessly, using Fragrant Wind Beauty Step and poised to counter with Beauty Hand.

Meanwhile, Liang Xi and Tian Ziling acted almost simultaneously. Tian Ziling, though fond of food, was never vague in serious matters. Having promised to help Liang Chen win the Falling Sunset Bright Jade, he would see it through! Chilling, sinister energy erupted from him, filling the arena in a moment. "Brother Liang, we’ve never met before, but for the ownership of the Falling Sunset Bright Jade, I must offend you. Let’s see how you counter my Nine Eroding Sun Palms!"

"Look, isn’t the sect master taking action now? This is the first stage of the Seven Transformations of the Heavenly Demon—Eroding Sun. This stage is the foundation of our sect's Seven Transformations. Today, you’ll see how the sect master uses the Nine Nether Eroding Sun Palm." Nevernight, for the first time, witnessed the sect master’s true skill. As chief among the three shadows of the Sky Shadow Sect, second only to the master and the left and right kings, he couldn’t lose face before the disciples, so he kept up a knowing facade.

In truth, Nevernight was shocked. The world knew the Sky Shadow Sect was formidable thanks to the Seven Transformations, but few knew that every stage was a brush with death. Even mastering the first stage, Eroding Sun, was perilous. Many experts had failed here.

Yet Tian Ziling executed it easily, without hindrance. On stage, the Nine Nether Eroding Sun Palm seemed soft and weak, but only Liang Xi, in its midst, knew its true dominance. Fortunately, his Sky Scroll contained Lunar Chill; using Snowflake Fist's Plum Blossom Seeking Snow to counter, he forced Tian Ziling to reveal himself. Black Eroding Sun chill and white Lunar Chill clashed onstage.

Both were chills, but fundamentally different: Eroding Sun was sinister and ruthless, Lunar Chill upright and pure. Their figures flashed, battling evenly. The arena, carved from the mountain, became an ice crystal palace under the influence of both chills. Beautiful, but some less skilled spectators were already frozen.

Liang Xi’s silken thread beneath his feet was coated in ice. "Hahaha, that’s more like it, Brother Liang! Let’s keep going!" Tian Ziling’s face was now wild with excitement. He hadn’t expected Liang Xi, four years younger, to be so strong—the Nine Nether Eroding Sun Palm couldn’t defeat him. But the stronger Liang Xi was, the happier Tian Ziling became. He craved a worthy opponent. Now he’d found one, a great battle was the only satisfaction!

With a shout, Tian Ziling’s movement became even swifter, leaving only flashes of sinister chill and afterimages before the crowd’s eyes. "God-Imprisoning Step! Is that the God-Imprisoning Step? The sect master is truly formidable, even capable of such techniques," Nevernight marveled.

The third stage, Imprisoning God, used true energy as a cage, combined with God-Imprisoning Step to trap the opponent. The longer trapped, the more mental energy drained. If, during this, the Heart-Shattering Finger was used, the victim’s soul would vanish instantly! Clearly, Liang Xi was strong, to make the sect master so serious. The Sky Shadow Sect disciples, witnessing this, became awed and respectful.

In a blink, Liang Xi was trapped in a huge invisible cage. "Brother Liang Xi, how’s this move? If you have any skills left, now’s the time to show them. I eagerly await!"

"Heart-Shattering Finger!"

With the cage formed, Tian Ziling gathered extreme chill at his fingertips, moved, and struck. Even with all his skills, Liang Xi couldn’t escape. If he took the Heart-Shattering Finger, his death was assured. Yet, as Tian Ziling anticipated this, a pang of sorrow struck him—such a worthy opponent might never appear again.

"Hahaha! Seven Transformations of the Heavenly Demon truly lives up to its name! Little girl, even with your power, you can’t change Liang Xi’s fate. Judging by your expression, that nephew of mine must be your lover? Hahaha, I’ve always enjoyed witnessing tragic partings. The more you grieve, the happier I am!"

Unlike Tian Ziling and Liang Xi’s fierce battle, Liang Chen and Ji Anran were calm. Since earlier, the two had not moved, but their presence was concentrated to the extreme. When they acted, it would shake the heavens. The previous moves were but illusions.

"Are you done talking?" Ji Anran finally moved, unleashing Beauty Hand’s deadly move—Falling Plum Breaks Bone! This caught Liang Chen off guard, but his deep skill quickly steadied him. He snorted, left hand a fist, right a palm, and attacked with Divine Wandering Calm’s Mountain Collapse, fierce and domineering. Mingyu Mountain Villa trembled slightly.

"Bang!"

Two powerful techniques clashed, releasing a muffled sound. Around the stage, cracks appeared from the shockwaves.

Ji Anran never allowed a chance for counterattack. With a crisp sound, the strength of Beauty Hand truly broke one of Liang Chen’s bones. Ji Anran hated him deeply and struck without mercy. Her hands flew, turning from Falling Plum Breaks Bone to Plucking Leaves!

Her speed of changing moves was astonishing. Mountain Collapse was formidable, but against Plucking Leaves, it was as though the sea swallowed a stone—no ripple remained. Plucking Leaves was the opening move and the signature of Beauty Hand. Now, Ji Anran’s hands were the most powerful weapons. Her body, flashing along the silken thread, was graceful, finally becoming a whirlwind, striking Liang Chen with fierce, domineering force!

Liang Chen had never seen such assertive moves. He retreated, unwilling to yield, still gathering strength for a final struggle. "Do you think you can escape today?" Ji Anran soared skyward.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!" Several cold lights pierced the air.

Liang Chen was instantly engulfed by the cold lights, the hidden weapons causing immense pain. This was only the beginning; Ji Anran would not let him go. Soon, streams of water appeared around her. The crowd exclaimed, "Water Control! It’s Water Control!"

"Azure Dragon Emerges!"

Condensing water into an Azure Dragon, the move was even more domineering. The dragon's roar and violent attack swept forward. Ji Anran’s intent was simple—even if she couldn’t kill him, she would leave him half dead.

"Weren’t you arrogant just now? You looked down on my Water Control. Then take this move and see if you live or die!"

"Hmph! Brat, do you think I can’t deal with you? You have many tricks, but none mastered. How can you be my opponent? Today, I’ll show you true power!"

"Fierce Tiger Strike!"

With Divine Wandering Calm, he could command the energy of heaven and earth at will. In moments, a tiger made of energy charged forth, and Liang Chen, refusing to sit still, unleashed Star Crack. Pure energy gathered in his fists, the tiger ahead and his fists behind. Even with Ji Anran’s invincible skill, she couldn’t resist both attacks!

Comparing domineering skills, was it? How interesting. "Old man, today I’ll show you my power. Divine Wandering Calm is nothing—watch my Jade Dragon Divine Art!"

Ji Anran shouted, her voice like a dragon's roar. The audience was awestruck by her strength. Even at this moment, she could unleash such fierce moves! What did she just say? Jade Dragon Divine Art? Wasn’t that the secret skill of the Forgotten River lineage, the top of the four water branches? Who was Ji Anran, to know the Jade Dragon Divine Art?

"Jade Dragon Divine Art? How do you know the Jade Dragon Divine Art?" Liang Chen was terrified. Forgotten River was top among the four water lineages because of this skill. He was finished—he couldn’t defeat this girl!

"Afraid now? Hmph, too late. Once you’re dead, you’ll know who I am!" Ji Anran’s battle spirit soared. Yes, this fight could end now!

"Dragon Lord Angling the Ao!"

This was the first layer of the Jade Dragon Divine Art. Once mastered, one possessed boundless strength, every move imbued with the dragon’s might. Her palm struck with the force of a dragon's roar. To resist? Impossible!

Divine Wandering Calm’s moves could not compare. Liang Chen suffered absolute trauma, all his means exhausted, unable to harm Ji Anran in the slightest. The Dragon Lord Angling the Ao contained wild power, seemingly ready to engulf everything.

"I surrender! I surrender!" At the last moment, before being slain, Liang Chen admitted defeat. If he didn’t, he would perish here!

"Boom!"

The wild force of Dragon Lord Angling the Ao did not stop, inflicting severe injuries on the old man. "You think surrender will spare you? Impossible. Just now, you were so imposing. What’s wrong? Now that you see my power exceeds yours, are you afraid? I know my man’s strength well—he’ll be fine. I said I wouldn’t let you go today. When you took the hit, you used Divine Wandering Calm’s protective energy to block eighty percent. You think I can’t tell? Calm and composed, right? Soon, I’ll make you panic!"

"Let’s see how you resist my next move—Dragon-Tiger Strife!" Ji Anran approached, her peerless face fierce. Two wild energies, gold as dragon, green as tiger, appeared around her. With these, her killing intent peaked. "No one here is allowed to leave. If anyone steps out, they die!"

"Hmph, didn’t you all want to see me and my brother humiliated? If we had no strength, would you really spare us? No. I understood long ago—survival of the fittest! The dragon energy wrapped around Liang Chen, lifting him up. "Hmph, defeated by a mere woman. Lord Liang Chen, you must be very unwilling!"

"Boom!"

The tiger energy formed a fierce fist, knocking Liang Chen to the ground. He had no fighting power left, but still refused to accept defeat, shouting angrily, "Tian Ziling, what are you doing? Aren’t you going to help me?"

Tian Ziling’s situation was little better than Liang Chen’s. Liang Xi seemed to know his attack patterns in advance, blocking them before they could be executed. Thus, no matter how many techniques he had, he couldn’t use them. Since mastering the Seven Transformations of the Heavenly Demon, this was the first time he’d experienced such a thing. "Old man, shut up! I promised to help you win the Falling Sunset Bright Jade, not to fight for you. If you’re useless, you might as well die. Say another word and I’ll cripple you first!"

Tian Ziling was frazzled, unable to figure out how to deal with Liang Xi. "What move did you use? How can you know what I’m thinking?"

"Nineteen rows on a chessboard, no two games alike. That’s the power of the Falling Star Technique. With it, I can sense the flow of your energy and your thoughts. Knowing the outcome, do you still want to fight?"

In ten years, Liang Xi had mastered the Sun, Lunar Chill, and Falling Star chapters of the Sky Scroll. The final chapter, Celestial Universe, remained elusive, probably understandable only after reaching enlightenment. For now, there was no hurry. Using Lunar Chill with Snowflake Fist could match the Seven Transformations. But to win, the Falling Star Technique was necessary.

"Falling Star Technique? Such a mysterious move? All right, I’ve decided—I don’t want to fight you anymore. I want to learn from you. The Falling Star Technique is amazing. If I can’t figure out how to counter it, I cannot defeat you. Do you understand the frustration?"

Tian Ziling loved martial arts and sought its highest realm. He wanted to see what lay at the end of the path. Liang Xi’s appearance disrupted his plans—how could he accept it?

Liang Xi was lively, but felt he had nothing to teach. "You want to be my apprentice? Forget it. Your Seven Transformations is already formidable. Without the Falling Star Technique, winning would have been difficult. We’re of similar age; let’s be friends. Sparring is more fun, I don’t want to be your master."

"No, no, you’re wrong. When we fought, you used Snowflake Fist, then the Falling Star Technique. Why not use moves from the Sun chapter? Are you holding back?"

Tian Ziling didn’t want to fight anymore. This boy was interesting, worth befriending. Only using Falling Star and Lunar Chill, Liang Xi defeated him. What was the Sun chapter like?

Liang Xi, seeing Tian Ziling so curious, smiled. "If you were a villain, I’d use the Sun chapter. But now I know you’re not. Besides, the Sun chapter is too ruthless—my master said not to use it unless absolutely necessary. I must obey."

Thinking of his late master Qi Ying, Liang Xi felt a pang of sadness. He’d been gone a long time. When all this was over, he should visit the Cloud Immortal Realm and pay his respects.

Tian Ziling wasn't one to press the issue. If the other didn’t want to talk, he wouldn’t ask. "I thought mastering the Seven Transformations would make me the best. Clearly, that was my delusion. But this battle was thrilling! You’re right—what’s so great about being master and apprentice? We should be friends. Yet, there’s still a tricky matter: the Falling Sunset Bright Jade must go to me, as I promised Liang Chen. I hope you understand!"

This scene was unimaginable before—eternal rivals, Liang Xi and Tian Ziling, now friends. Seeing this, Liang Chen was furious and desperate. Tian Ziling had switched sides; continuing would bring no benefit. He’d swallow his loss for now, recover, and seek revenge later.

Liang Chen always did this—if the situation was unfavorable, he’d retreat, then counterattack when strong again. Thus, he always succeeded. Liang Xi and Ji Anran had shown their strength, and the crowd dared not underestimate them now. The goal was achieved; there was no need for slaughter. Liang Chen, though despicable, was his second uncle. If Ji Anran killed him, going home would be awkward.

"Anran, let him go. He’s been seriously injured and won’t dare act out again. Our main goal was the Falling Sunset Bright Jade. Now we’ve won, it’s ours. Listen to me, all right?"

Liang Xi pleaded softly with Ji Anran. She knew Liang Chen’s relationship with her brother, and since he asked, she couldn’t let him be troubled. Whatever he asked, she would agree; she didn’t even know why she was so yielding to him. Perhaps only a past life’s bond could explain it.

"All right, my anger’s gone. No point keeping this old man. Let him go. But, brother, if he tries to come back, don’t blame me!"

Liang Xi was deeply grateful, pulling Ji Anran into his embrace. All his words condensed to one: "My Anran is so wonderful, heaven has truly blessed me, letting me meet and love such a jade-like woman." He was sincerely thankful.

Once the Valkyrie, Ji Anran now nestled in a warm, safe embrace. After a brief struggle, she quieted, her peerless face blushing and shy, leaving everyone stunned. Such tender strength—this was true ironman gentleness. No, Liang Xi was refined; ironman was ill-fitting. Gentlemanly affection was more apt.

Liang Xi was bold, embracing Ji Anran openly. Her shyness made the young men in the audience avert their gaze. Such contrast—could a Valkyrie truly have a girlish side?

The Twelve Musicians, seeing this, envied her. A beauty like Ji Anran deserved the care of someone like Liang Xi. "Ahem, Yuanhui, you now have a soft jade in your arms. It seems the Falling Sunset Bright Jade will become ownerless. Since you don’t want it, I won’t give it."

Gu Zhenzhen dared not be as bold as Anran. She was more reserved, but the joy in her eyes could not be hidden. "Brother Yuanhui, I knew you could do it."

Ji Anran, blushing, glared at Luo Mingyu. "As master here, if you break your word, how will you live with yourself?"

If Ji Anran had spoken these threatening words with her earlier murderous air, they might have been effective. But now, blushing, they were powerless. "Oh dear, the beauty is angry! I’m so scared. Brother Yuanhui, won’t you take care of your woman?"

Ji Anran, unable to win the argument, shot Liang Xi a look. Now, when she met Luo Mingyu again, he’d have a reason to tease her. Hmph, it was all his fault!

Liang Xi laughed, "Brother, you’re mistaken. Warm fragrance and soft jade are mine, and the Falling Sunset Bright Jade is my hard-won prize. If you won’t give it, that’s not right. Look—Gu Zhenzhen’s gaze is urgent. The Forgotten River poison is fierce; there’s no time to waste. Brother, tease me later if you wish, but please spare Anran and Zhenzhen."

Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen, hearing this, felt sweet inside. The boy knew how to talk. The two girls exchanged a knowing smile. Luo Mingyu laughed, "All right, it seems I should not talk nonsense, lest I lose a brother. If I lost you, I’d be very troubled."

He then announced, "Everyone, you saw what happened. The winner of the Falling Sunset Bright Jade is Liang Xi. Of course, if any of you are dissatisfied, step forward and challenge him. But I doubt you have the courage. Since that’s so, the Falling Sunset Bright Jade belongs to him." After Luo Mingyu spoke, no one objected. They knew their strength was less than Liang Chen’s, much less Tian Ziling’s. Fighting would bring no benefit.

"Good brother, the Falling Sunset Bright Jade is yours. Hurry and save Gu Zhenzhen. Your journey was for this result. Now you’ve succeeded. You should be happy."

Upon seeing the Falling Sunset Bright Jade, Liang Chen somehow summoned new strength, leaping up to snatch it. "Hahaha! Such a treasure—only I am worthy of it! The rest of you have no right!"

"Chase him! Don’t let him escape!"