Chapter 7: Letting You Go

At this moment, Liang Chen, despite his severe injuries, pushed his Spiritual Wanderer steps to the limit. In the blink of an eye, he left Mingyu Manor and entered a nearby forest, finally finding safety. His original plan was now in disarray; the only person he could rely on was himself. The most urgent matter was to heal his wounds—this was the gravest injury he had suffered since mastering his divine arts. Yet, despite his wounds, his goal had been achieved; after all his twists and turns, Sunset Jade belonged to him. Ji Anran and Liang Xi thought he was completely unprepared? They were wrong. Soon, they would realize that, from the moment they followed him into the forest, everything was already over.

"Master Liang Chen, you've returned? Please enter the formation. We disciples will guard you and delay Liang Xi and the others for a while," said an elite disciple, waiting in front of the formation since dawn. "Thank you. When this matter is settled, I will not forget your efforts. You are the only one I can trust now," replied Liang Chen.

The disciple had not expected to be so highly regarded by Master Liang Chen at this moment. He felt a surge of elation and declared, "Master, you speak too modestly. If my meager skills can help you, it is my honor. Enough talk—they are nearly here. With us here, you have nothing to fear."

Liang Chen did not refuse. He vaulted into a seemingly dilapidated but secretly ingenious thatched hut. Moments later, Liang Xi and his group arrived, their battle intent fierce. The elite disciple sat leisurely on a bamboo chair, paying no mind to the array of experts before him. "Friend, have you seen a severely wounded man? He is very important to us. If you have seen him, please tell us—I'll make sure you are well rewarded," Liang Xi said, favoring diplomacy before force. Anyone surviving in this forest was surely formidable, so he preferred not to offend.

The elite disciple, evidently roused from sleep, was annoyed at his ruined dream. "No, I haven't seen anyone. I've lived here all along, never seen anyone pass by. Get lost! You ruined my dream. Keep talking, and I'll deal with you!" His sleepy eyes half-closed, he glanced at Liang Xi, inwardly alert; this young man's aura was deep and formidable—a true adversary. The others behind him were no less skilled. If it came to a fight, caution was essential.

To disturb someone's dream was truly improper. Had the situation been reversed, Liang Xi himself would have spoken little differently. "If that's so, we'll leave," he said. The forest was vast, and this man had lived here for years; if he claimed not to have seen anyone, it was likely the truth. It seemed they would have to search elsewhere. Liang Chen’s tenacity was remarkable—escaping despite his injuries.

"Wait!" Everyone turned to look at Gu Zhenzhen, who was naturally part of the search. Sunset Jade now belonged to her, and she was determined to reclaim it herself. "Brother Yuanhui, look—there’s a trace of fresh blood on the grass, suggesting that Liang Chen is most likely hiding in the hut behind this man."

Gu Zhenzhen, trained from childhood in the Wishful Heart method, possessed extraordinary perception, able to notice details others missed. Liang Xi followed her pointing finger and indeed spotted a barely visible drop of blood. The elite disciple seemed prepared for such an inquiry. "Young lady, you must be one of the rare spiritual refinement experts. You’re right—there’s blood here, but you must have noticed that wild beasts often fight in this forest. Step back three paces and you'll see signs of animal struggle."

"These are ordinary occurrences. You all seem knowledgeable enough to understand, don’t you?" The disciple remained languid, eyes closed, tone relaxed, his earlier irritation gone.

"Hmph, I suppose even if I explain, you won’t dispel your doubts. So, go ahead—search the hut behind me, see if I’m lying. If you find any valuables, you may take them," he said, unwilling even to share his name, clearly showing his dislike for Liang Xi and the others.

"Is this confidence, young man? Then forgive us!" said Sunset Jade, the owner of the place, in a foul mood. To think Liang Chen acted right beneath his nose! For years, none had dared challenge his authority. If he could not resolve this matter, he could hardly claim the title of 'First Young Lord of the World.' "Wuyue, Yuzao, you twelve divide into two groups: six enter the hut, six remain to prevent Liang Chen from escaping. If I wish to catch someone, I will. Liang Chen, if you have the skill, hide here for the rest of your life!"

"If you dare show yourself, I won’t let you go. True, my oath prevents me from acting, but my twelve musicians are formidable, and I have already taught Five Harmonies to Liang Xi. Let’s see how this all ends—I am eager to find out."

"Is this person your disciple? Hmph. Brothers, I am certain Liang Chen is in the hut. No need to rush; let’s wait and see."

"I wonder, Master Tian Ziling, would you stay and help us defeat him? If not, you’re free to leave," Sunset Jade said, curious about Liang Chen’s next move.

"Hahaha, Young Lord, you jest. With such a fine opportunity, I have no reason to leave. I’ve fulfilled my promise; now I’m just an observer and will not act without cause," Tian Ziling replied.

A flash of sword energy thundered forth. "I said you could search, but I didn’t expect you’d dare. Hmph. Though this hut looks shabby, it’s my home. If I let you brats barge in, what would become of my dignity? That sword strike was a lesson—if you have sense, leave now. I’ve said what I needed to say. If you persist, you’ll force my hand!"

"Hahaha, I didn’t expect such superb swordsmanship. If you hadn’t struck just now, I wouldn’t be so sure Liang Chen was in the hut. Now, I am reassured. The solution is simple: take you down, and all obstacles vanish."

"But how could I, Sunset Jade, be so ignorant? To think that such a master resides in my territory—interesting, truly interesting. State your name."

His tone was calm, his handsome face adorned with a faint smile. In the past, he’d have killed such a man with a single blow, but now his oath barred him. Still, asking a name was permitted.

The elite disciple, knowing he had revealed his skills, ceased to feign. He stood slowly—long black hair, deathly pale face, eyes entirely white, his sight ruined. His coarse blue robe was faded, left hand gripping an iron staff, both walking aid and weapon. That fearsome sword energy had been channeled through this staff.

"I am but a blind cripple, skilled in basic swordplay, unworthy of your praise. I seek only peace here, but I promised my master to stop you today. Young Lord Liang Xi, your master is your second uncle. Whether Sunset Jade ends up in your hands or his, it remains a Liang family possession. Why bring outsiders to hunt him down?"

"If the master dies, it will be hard to explain to the elder. I hear you value family bonds, yet your actions now are disappointing. Please, let’s all disperse—it's best for everyone."

Blind Swordmaster possessed astounding swordsmanship but had no desire for conflict. He believed convincing Liang Xi would save his master's life.

"Brother Yuanhui, don’t trouble yourself. You’ve done enough already; leave the rest to me. You are bound by family and cannot act, but I have no such constraints. Blind fool, dare you fight me? If I die, all is lost; if you die, it’s your fate," said Gu Zhenzhen, finally preparing to strike, determined to help her brother and not be his burden. Ji Anran understood the young girl’s ability and was entirely at ease.

Blind Swordmaster hated being called blind, laughing in fury. "All right—since you wish it, let’s fight. Win or lose, let fate decide!"

Lightning surged around him—he seemed to harness its power. Previously, he had not projected such menace. "Zhenzhen, can you manage? Let me handle this!" The swordmaster’s skills were not to be underestimated, his cultivation rivaling Shang Ruyi.

"Brother Yuanhui, how long will you help me? Besides, I don’t need anyone’s aid now—just watch," Gu Zhenzhen replied, her aura strange: she radiated no battle intent but was not to be underestimated. Her eyes shone, her beauty remarkable, now bathed in a subtle glow that inspired awe.

"You use a sword, so I shall do the same. My swordplay is crude—do not take offense!" She took a branch as her sword, and sword-light danced with her silhouette. This was the Trust Sword, the first realm of the Wishful Heart method, an absolute killing move. The more steadfast her belief, the stronger the sword.

Gu Zhenzhen firmly believed she would win; thus, her swordplay was fierce and unstoppable. Liang Xi silently applauded—such swordsmanship made her invincible.

Blind Swordmaster sensed the formidable sword energy but was unafraid. "Impressive sword! I have three sword moves—allow me to demonstrate."

He launched his unique lightness skill, Catching the Moon, his iron staff whirling brilliant arcs. A blue bolt split the cloudless sky—his move, Thunder’s Call, astonished all. Such sword arts were rare indeed. He possessed such skill yet remained a mere foot soldier—what a pity.

The Trust Sword was a peerless mental force technique. The young Water Lord, Lian Pingfeng, had once challenged the world with it in his youth and never lost. Blind Swordmaster's Thunder’s Call was a perfect blend of swordsmanship and natural law. Their encounter was a clash of titans—dragon against tiger.

When their sword energies met, they coalesced into a glowing sphere. Both had used their full strength, yet neither prevailed. Gu Zhenzhen, though protected by supreme sword arts, lacked practical experience and was forced back three steps by the powerful energy. She realized her opponent was formidable and her expression grew more resolute as mist gathered around her.

"Hahaha, that’s right, young lady! You should use the White Clouds I taught you. Though Blind Swordmaster’s swordplay is fierce, once he’s in the fog, he’s powerless," Sunset Jade said, delighted. Gu Zhenzhen was now using the second of the Lingwei Four Qi, White Clouds, which generated layers of mist—no matter how skilled the foe, once inside, they were helpless.

If one listened closely, there was the sound of flowing water within the white mist. Gu Zhenzhen’s aura vanished. "Don’t worry, Yuanhui. Zhenzhen will not be in danger—just watch," Sunset Jade assured.

With his sight gone, Blind Swordmaster was unaffected by his surroundings. "White Clouds is merely an illusion. Though the method is good, it’s useless against me. If you won’t appear, I’ll dispel the mist. You’ve seen Thunder’s Call; now taste my second sword: Void!"

Void is a single sword strike that shatters all barriers. Its fierce energy burst from his iron staff and swept away the mist. Gu Zhenzhen was waiting for this moment—when the mist cleared, she flew out and struck at Blind Swordmaster’s face.

Her palm contained astonishing fury; the young girl unleashed a formidable move. The Maxim is the second realm of Wishful Heart: anger, joy, sorrow, and madness transformed into supreme power. The Maxim of Anger decides victory.

"Bang!"

"Excellent, young lady, I can feel your resolve—your intent to kill me is real. But your lack of experience is evident; though you possess divine skills, at the crucial moment you hold back. Why? Though my eyes are gone, I have insight—I know your heart. If you don’t defeat me, you’ll never enter the hut behind me. If you don’t believe it, try!"

The Maxim of Anger should have been an invincible move, but you’ve weakened it—how infuriating! Come again; I’ve sought a strong opponent for years. Your swordplay is good, and I am delighted. I thought we could have a proper battle today, but it turned out like this—how dull. Still, you have mastered Wishful Heart, which few can learn. That alone makes you worthy to be my rival!"

"Compose yourself and think carefully—how will you proceed? Today, it’s either you or me. Choose. I knew it would come to this. If you can’t decide, I’ll help you!" With that, he attacked again, his sword even more powerful.

Gu Zhenzhen’s gaze wavered. Though she had trained from childhood, her kind heart meant she never wished to kill. Her father, Gu Chuan, understood his daughter’s nature; while in the Yaksha Gate, she could do as she pleased, but once she left, her innocence had to change. The martial path was full of peril and choices. Before, Gu Zhenzhen trained for fun, not war.

If martial arts meant constant battle, she would rather remain ordinary. But after the Water Lord’s treasure incident, she understood why she trained—to protect her beloved Yuanhui. Fighting for its own sake was wrong, but for Yuanhui, she would become such a person.

She had always been hesitant, but now, clarity returned. She knew exactly what to do.

"Hahaha, young lady, die! My lost eyes make your Lingwei Four Qi useless, and instead you suffer for it. You are a fine opponent, but you must die by my hand!"

Blind Swordmaster’s Void was now at its peak—his sword so fast that even Liang Xi’s Flying Bird Dance could not match it. "Zhenzhen, run!"

"Run? Why run? If I flee today, what about tomorrow? How many times can I run? No, I won’t run this time. I may not be as strong as Sister Anran, but I will not be Yuanhui’s burden!"

"Bang!"

The fierce sword move was blocked by an even stronger force—this was not the anger of the Maxim realm, but something greater.

"Hmph, since you wish to fight, I’ll oblige. Anger cannot kill you—what of madness?" Gu Zhenzhen unleashed a wild aura; her eyes turned sharper. With madness to shield her, swordplay was nothing. Are you out of moves? Then it’s my turn! You said only if you die can we enter the hut—so die!"

"Bang!"

Her punch was brutally powerful, sending Blind Swordmaster flying. She then unleashed the Trust Sword; sword energy poured onto him like a flood, knocking him senseless for a long moment.

"Spit!" Blind Swordmaster coughed blood and laughed. "That’s right! Today, let’s see whose sword is stronger!"

Now Gu Zhenzhen and Blind Swordmaster clashed again. Their earlier moves had been tests; now it was a fight to the death. Gu Zhenzhen’s finger was her sword, her resolve ever stronger, her Trust Sword ever more skilled.

"Starlight!"

Empowered by madness, she seemed transformed—or perhaps this was her true self. As Yaksha Gate’s heir, she loved battle, fighting to protect. Her power reached its peak; purple energy gathered on her fists, her dominant punch struck Blind Swordmaster again.

"This is the third Lingwei Qi, Purple Star. It is extremely forceful. With madness for protection, she will not lose. Yuanhui need not worry."

The Trust Sword had been a distraction; her true killer move was the Starlight Fist. "Your Catching the Moon was impressive—now try my Piercing Clouds!"

Piercing Clouds is Lingwei’s supreme lightness skill, leading with spiritual energy. Once used, it confines the opponent, combining Lingwei’s power for an inescapable trap.

"Today, I won’t run, nor can you. As you said, one of us leaves alive, and the dead will be you."

Piercing Clouds, combined with Lingwei, completely suppressed Blind Swordmaster, forcing him to defend with his iron staff.

Yet Catching the Moon was also a masterful lightness skill. "Little girl, did you think Catching the Moon was just for agility? You’re wrong—it contains a leg technique I’ve never used before. Today, you’ll witness it!"

"Bang!"

A fierce whip kick sent Gu Zhenzhen flying. Her madness grew, stabilizing her, and she attacked again. As she exhaled, a chill swept the forest.

"You bastard, how resilient you are! Even Starlight Fist can’t kill you. I’ll use the cold of Blue Snow. If your veins are frozen, what can you do?"

"Ice Shatter!"

Streams of ice crashed toward Blind Swordmaster, but his skill was too refined for her to land a blow. "Hmph, what’s wrong, girl? Resorting to random tricks? Your cold can do nothing to me. I expected more from you, but now, I am disappointed!"

Gu Zhenzhen ignored him. Blind Swordmaster drew closer, but she showed no sign of stopping. "You underestimate Lingwei—and me!"

"Mountain Break!"

Blind Swordmaster was upon her, but Gu Zhenzhen extended her fists, now glowing with golden energy.

"Boom!"

Blind Swordmaster felt his veins shattered by overwhelming force. What was this move? He’d never seen its like—it must be Lingwei as well.

"I knew teaching Lingwei to Gu Zhenzhen was right. She finally used Mountain Break. Once unleashed, all veins must break. But this is the ultimate move of Golden Dawn, the fourth Lingwei Qi. Gu Zhenzhen is barely able to use it, and the cost is great," Sunset Jade thought. She had forcibly changed her nature, gaining power but suffering backlash. She had done well.

"You destroyed my veins? Fine! Even if I die, I will kill you! I said before, as long as I am here, no one enters the hut. Die!"

"See my Origin Sword!"

Origin Sword was Blind Swordmaster’s final move, the culmination of all his power. The key was in the word 'origin.' Gu Zhenzhen had no strength left; forcibly using Lingwei and Wishful Heart had exhausted her. But she had no regrets; even if she could do it again, she would.

"Boom!"

The sword’s power was astonishing; Gu Zhenzhen could not take another step. She was already gravely wounded—her achievements remarkable. "Hahaha, giving up now? Girl, earlier you were full of surprises. Now, you must continue. Otherwise, how dull!"

"Clang!"

Liang Xi easily blocked the dominant sword. Ordinarily, with his current strength, he could not have done so. But after hearing Sunset Jade’s words, he knew he could not let Gu Zhenzhen fight for him again. She was here to heal, not to be further injured. Thinking this, a surge of power erupted within him—the force of the Cloud Atlas—which drew him forward and neutralized the sword.

"Senior, you must have been a hero. Bullying a girl is no feat. Let me face you. If I win, please let us enter. Liang Chen is a harsh man; risking your life for him is unworthy."

Blind Swordmaster’s skills were all in his sword; without it, he was helpless. His iron staff shattered by the Cloud Atlas’s power. "My staff! Brat, you dared break it—I’ll kill you! No, none of you will leave alive today!"

"Brother Yuanhui, why did you intervene? I am simply not strong enough—I can’t even defeat a mere Blind Swordmaster. I’m useless; I truly wanted to help you."

Gu Zhenzhen’s face was pale; she had used many ultimate moves and was at her limit. "I understand, Zhenzhen. You need not say more. With your brother here, this man will not prosper."

"Blind Swordmaster, your weapon is broken. How will you fight me? I understand your swordplay, trading eyes for insight. Otherwise, with your ordinary talent, you could not master such skill. A pity—you possess a great sword but refuse to use it for good. If I cripple your abilities today, it will be justice."

"Since your strength is in swordplay, take up a blade. I will defeat you with swordsmanship." Liang Xi’s true aim was not this man. Blind Swordmaster’s veins were broken; he could never practice martial arts again.

"Enough. Since things have turned out this way, let me handle the rest. You’ve guarded me long enough; you will not be forgotten."

A surge of righteous energy burst from the hut, collapsing it. Liang Chen emerged, having spent the time healing. He snapped his fingers, a gust releasing Blind Swordmaster from Liang Xi’s hold. "You did well—step down. This man is formidable; your swordplay is fine, but no match for his."

"If I am to battle this brat today, only he is worthy. You’d only get in the way." The healing formation was powerful; in the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, Liang Chen’s strength was restored to seventy percent. Against others, that would not be enough, but against Liang Xi, it sufficed. "Nephew, I know you well. If your senior brother, Zhuang Yunzhen, were here, the two of you together would leave me helpless. But he is absent—who will save you?"

"I have acquired Sunset Jade. I shouldn’t stir trouble, but I changed my mind. Letting you leave would ruin my reputation, especially after you crippled my subordinate. I cannot forgive you today."

"Second Uncle, I thought you’d stay in this hut forever. But knowing your fondness for display, you wouldn’t linger in such a place unless it was arranged to your liking. That you stayed so long is remarkable. Let’s fight."

"Brat, how arrogant!" Liang Chen, now at seventy percent strength, unleashed Tiger Strike—more brutal than before, the move itself fierce and now enhanced by the formation.

"Bang!"

Liang Xi responded with his Sword Assessment technique, swift and fierce, figures darting all around. "Brat, what is this? If you have skill, fight me openly—not with trickery!"

"Hahaha, Second Uncle, you know I love games. Toying with you is my grand pursuit. I could kill you, but if you died because of me, how could I explain it to Father? I’ve fought you before—you weren’t my match. Later, Anran fought you and won. Now, even with your recovered strength, you are still not my equal. So, continuing this fight is pointless. Leave. Next time, I won’t spare you. As for Sunset Jade, it is mine!"

Liang Xi refrained from killing, bound by family ties, unable to use his full strength.

"Brother, you cannot let him go. If you do, you’ll regret it. He is strong; if he leaves, trouble will follow," Ji Anran thought. She hadn’t expected Liang Xi to act so at this critical moment, but having decided, she would support him. Later, she could quietly deal with Liang Chen—no matter what, her brother would not be troubled. Her thinking was simple: anyone who harmed Liang Xi was her enemy.

Liang Xi smiled. "Don’t worry. My Second Uncle values his life above all. If he truly had to die here, he would never accept it. Beautiful one, I know your thoughts. True, I am bound by family, but if he refuses to learn, I’ll have no choice."

"You truly wish to let me go? Is this a joke? Brat, do you know that if I leave, you’ll never know peace again? Are you prepared for such days?"

Liang Chen could not fathom Liang Xi’s thinking. If it were him, he would never let such a man live. But Liang Xi was merciful; people like him, despite their power, would never achieve anything.