Chapter 2: Battle Outside the City
Xiong Zhen rose and charged at Li Moqing, gathering an astonishingly ferocious power in his hands. At this moment, Xiong Zhen was shrouded in a suffocating aura of bloodthirsty intent. “You didn’t expect it, did you? In merely four days, I’ve fully restored my skills. Yes, those who came with me are nothing but riffraff. Since you are a distinguished disciple of the Su Yi Pavilion, why bother with these useless fools?” For so many years, Xiong Zhen had never suffered such a defeat, the agony of the blood pool, the loss of lifespan—all caused by the damned woman before him. Had he never encountered her, he would not be in this state. Thus, today, she must die.
His many companions, seeing Xiong Zhen's transformation, were terrified to their core. This man was simply a madman, never seeing them as equals. Their sole purpose was to test Li Moqing’s power. “Today, no one is allowed to leave. From the moment you followed me, your lives have been in my hands. Hmph, even if you wish to escape now, it’s impossible!”
“Do you remember the pill I had you take before we came here? It’s the deadliest poison in the world, the Three-Day Severance. That means you have only one day left to live. You can either fight with all your might—if you die, at least your reputation remains—or find a quiet place to await your end. But those last moments are truly unbearable to witness.”
His words chilled everyone’s heart. This man had no sense of honor. If the outcome is the same, why not fight him? Perhaps there’s a slim chance of survival. “Everyone, let’s attack together and destroy him. Only then might we live.”
“Hmph, a bunch of fools. I gave you a chance, but you wouldn’t use it. Fine, since you seek death, don’t blame me.”
Faced with the sudden revolt and surging battle spirit of his helpers, Xiong Zhen was utterly unconcerned. He turned to the distant, calm Li Moqing. “Please wait a moment. I’ll deal with these nuisances first. Rest assured, it’ll all be over soon.”
Xiong Zhen slowed from his charge to a deliberate stride, each step imbued with a peculiar power. What was happening? These men had once been formidable warriors; their combined assault should not be underestimated. Did Xiong Zhen truly possess some unique method?
“How dare you underestimate us! Prepare to die!”
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”
The powerful attacks of the group crumbled instantly when they encountered Xiong Zhen’s overwhelming murderous intent. Their bodies seemed to be devoured by that killing aura. It was a tragic sight. These once-great warriors had their meridians shattered in an instant by murderous intent. The spectacle left everyone in shock. What had happened? How could Xiong Zhen’s power have grown so much in just four days?
“Enough. Now, the nuisances are gone. Today’s battle is between you and me. My master once told me there’s a demon within me. I never believed it, but now I do. My blade is called the Blood-Colored Pagoda. My master taught me the Berserker Three Blades, and since mastering it, I’ve never used it in combat. Today, I’ll try it on you.”
“Slaughter!”
Xiong Zhen’s movement reached its peak. His massive blade whirled like a storm, and the opening strike of “Slaughter” unleashed all his combat spirit. As the first move of the Berserker Three Blades, it was absolutely domineering. The fierce blade wind howled and enveloped Li Moqing, making escape impossible.
Escape? No, Li Moqing would never do so. As a disciple of the Su Yi Pavilion, she would never retreat in battle. “That blade is impressive, but now, try my killing move!”
“True Dragon Azure Flame Palm!”
Five azure dragons erupted, soaring in midair. This palm technique was the ultimate killing move of the True Dragon Azure Flame, supremely domineering and powerful. Li Moqing had practiced the Undying White Flame divine skill since childhood; her skills were considerable. Now, at full force, she was not to be underestimated.
“Bang!”
The two ultimate killing moves collided with a thunderous roar. Li Moqing’s deep internal strength matched Xiong Zhen’s innate power; their clash was evenly matched.
Xiong Zhen’s battle spirit surged, his blade ever sharper. The “Slaughter” move contained hundreds of variations, making it peerless. Li Moqing showed no fear. Her jade hands, wreathed in azure flames, directly blocked his fierce blade. Once mastered, the Undying White Flame could resist any magical weapon.
“Clang, clang, clang—”
The True Dragon Azure Flame Palm grew fiercer, paired with her family’s agile movement, Su Yi Clear Sky. Her figure flickered, causing every blade strike to miss. Xiong Zhen hadn’t expected the beautiful woman to be so formidable; the first stage of Azure Flame alone had kept him fighting for so long. Impatient by nature, he was used to quick combat, but now he seemed to have entered her domain. Was there any way to break this deadlock?
“So, this is the blade technique you bragged about? I thought it would be something remarkable, but it’s nothing special. My palm techniques are far superior to your blades, aren’t they?”
“Hmph, running away isn’t a display of skill. If you’re capable, take another strike from me!” Unfazed by her taunts, Xiong Zhen twisted his wrist, slowing his blade. The slower the technique, the more dangerous it became. Li Moqing sensed his aura growing thicker and more violent.
“Demonization.”
The Demonic Blade emphasized slowness; each strike was visible, but being able to see did not guarantee defense. “You can’t escape. The Demonic Blade is ruled entirely by my emotions. The angrier I am, the more powerful it becomes. Under this storm of blades, beauty, you cannot escape. It’s rare to see me use this move. But once unleashed, everything ends.”
“End? You’re wrong. For me, this is just the beginning.”
Li Moqing now truly took him seriously. Her Su Yi Clear Sky movement reached its peak. It was her family’s legacy, her figure fluttering, palms gathering flames again. At this point, neither could defeat the other. How to break the stalemate?
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”
Blade winds with the power to destroy everything. Xiong Zhen was a natural powerhouse, his blade and fist techniques outstanding. Berserker Three Blades taught him both blade and fist: the blade was Berserker, the fist was Berserk Three Strikes. In close combat, he was invincible.
But even now, his blade alone was enough to contend with Li Moqing. “Hmph, brat, even with your Undying White Flame, what of it? Before fighting you, I knew your situation well. The Undying White Flame has ten levels; now you’re only at the fifth. Impressive, yes, but since I’m wielding the Blood-Colored Pagoda, you won’t strike again!”
His inner killing intent grew. His master had warned that the Demonic Blade must never be used lightly; its side effects were severe. With his current power, he couldn’t suppress it. But Li Moqing was formidable; unless he used this move, he couldn’t defeat her. Though he’d practiced Berserker Three Blades for years, he never understood the final move, “No-Self.” Did the ultimate mastery mean forgetting oneself?
Li Moqing knew her Azure Flame Palm couldn’t overcome him. She tapped lightly, retreating, realizing only her leg techniques might reverse the situation.
“Burning Gold Blue Flame!”
The azure flames turned blue, enveloping Li Moqing. This second stage, Burning Gold Blue Flame, was the realm of defense. The searing blue fire spread, its heat unbearable. This stage was famed as “Three Thousand Miles of Drought.”
“Heaven Overturn!”
“Ridge Break!”
“Wild Dance!”
These three swift, fierce leg techniques marked a dramatic change in Li Moqing’s style. Her legs attacked furiously. No matter how fierce his blade, her three leg moves could contend. The people of Baishui Gathering never expected the young woman, in danger, to unleash such powerful kicks. Heaven Overturn was swift, Ridge Break domineering, Wild Dance relentless. Though the variations were few, the strength was overwhelming. Thus, Berserker Three Blades finally met its match.
“What powerful leg techniques! Of all the experts I’ve seen, yours is the strongest. I know you’re trying to break the deadlock, but even with such fierce legs, escaping my Demonic Blade is impossible. Demonization isn’t just for me—even you have now fallen to an inner demon. Once trapped, escape is difficult. In the realm of heart demons, your life and death are mine to control. Li Moqing, you must regret not finishing me off four days ago. If you had, none of this would have happened.”
The so-called heart demon meant unresolved matters in one’s heart—a kind of obsession. Li Moqing now had two obsessions: one, her sect’s responsibility, which she couldn’t escape; two, her unwavering love for Zhuang Yunzhen. She hoped today’s battle would let her elder brother see.
“Moqing, never forget your duty. You are the future master of the Su Yi Pavilion; you cannot have any personal attachments. Everything you do is for the Pavilion.” A stern voice continually echoed in her mind—another self. Was it truly her? So, she had such a hidden side within.
“No, Moqing, you are always yourself. The Pavilion’s responsibility is necessary, but must you abandon your beloved for it? Do you think, by keeping silent, your elder brother knows nothing? You’re wrong. He has always understood your heart. Have you really gotten to know him these days?”
How should one choose between duty and love? Was there truly no perfect solution? Li Moqing had pondered these questions, but being reluctant to think deeply, she never found an answer. Now, with the heart demon growing, she needed to destroy her demonic self to recover.
“Hahaha, you’ve succumbed to the heart demon. Now, the one you must face isn’t me, but another version of yourself. That’s right, Li Moqing, you’re correct—everything today stems from you. Only your death can end it!”
But Li Moqing was now trapped in her heart demon, able only to hear her own voice. Was she about to lose? Perhaps, failure wasn’t so bad. She’d trained alone for years, but for what? If her elder brother were here, what would she choose?
Moqing smiled, because she knew: if Zhuang Yunzhen were truly before her, he would say, no matter what she chose, he would support her. There was always a reason, and he had always trusted her. Why, then, did uncertainty linger in her heart?
Could confusion really solve anything? No. Only battle could turn the tide. If she lost today, the innocent people of Baishui Gathering would surely all die. Did she really want such tragedy?
No—from childhood, Li Moqing hated nothing more than failure. Her eyes now clouded with confusion. “Hahaha, the Demonic Blade is truly formidable. Now, die! Once you’re gone, none you sought to protect will survive!”
“Whoosh.”
The fierce blade struck at Li Moqing’s frozen body. With this single blow, the woman who had caused him endless pain would disappear forever.
“Clang.”
A pair of jade hands seized Xiong Zhen’s Blood-Colored Pagoda blade, blazing with astonishing blue fire. Li Moqing had regained her senses. “Do you think I would succumb so easily? You don’t know—training the Undying White Flame is a process of tempering the heart. Today, I’ll show you the power of heart fire!”
Her hands gripped the blade like pincers. Even with all his strength, the burly man couldn’t budge it. “Don’t rush. Didn’t I say this battle was just beginning for me? Since you let me experience demonization, it’s only fair I return the favor. Haven’t you noticed a change in your own heart?”
‘Life unceasing, battle never ending’—the eight-character mantra of heart fire. She never understood its meaning before, but now she did.
“Heart Fire Wildfire!”
Li Moqing unleashed a devastating palm. On contact, Xiong Zhen felt a wholly different force flowing through his heart meridians. His internal energy began to burn. Heart Fire Wildfire ignited the fire within the opponent’s heart. Hmph, external flames can be extinguished, but heart fire is hard to quench. Once entangled, even the most powerful can only use thirty percent of their strength.
“Pfft.”
Xiong Zhen spat blood. He’d intended to cripple the damned woman with the Demonic Blade, but now, he was the one gravely injured. Heart fire—such a formidable force.
“Bang, bang, bang.”
Li Moqing seized the chance, landing three punches on Xiong Zhen’s chest, each stronger than the last. Heart Fire Wildfire was the seventh stage’s ultimate killing move. Its display stunned all.
It was said that Su Yi Pavilion of Yingxue Mountain had mastered the art of fire manipulation from its founding. Many thought it mere legend. But today, even after a century of silence, their legacy was profound, producing such a female disciple.
A bout with the heart demon allowed Li Moqing to see herself clearly—what did she truly want? If she wished to live forever with her elder brother, she must shoulder the sect’s duty first, and after completing it, she’d be free. Previously, she bore everything alone, not realizing this excluded the one she loved. Zhuang Yunzhen wanted to help, but was powerless.
Completion of heart fire came only after demonization. When hearts are united, heart fire is perfected; with resolute intention, heart fire is invincible. Once Undying White Flame reached the seventh stage, the realm of heart fire, she would have no rivals.
“You’re filled with frenzy, impressive indeed. Now, let’s see how you fare against my Mountain of Blades and Sea of Fire!”
No one could match Su Yi Pavilion’s mastery of frenzied energy; fire was their nature, and their character carried a trace of arrogance. When that becomes a supreme killing move, none can resist.
Swift, ruthless, unparalleled—this was Mountain of Blades and Sea of Fire. Li Moqing’s steps seemed chaotic, but contained hidden order. Left fist, right palm, relentless attacks, each move infused with domineering heart fire and tremendous force. Xiong Zhen might think himself invincible, but today, even his astonishing strength couldn’t withstand her techniques.
Every move stirred her heart fire, and Xiong Zhen was overwhelmed, forced to turn and flee. But Li Moqing had truly mastered her divine skill; her moves were exquisite, trapping Xiong Zhen in an instant. “Trying to escape now? Four days ago, you weren’t so quick to run. Now, it won’t be so easy!”
“Li Moqing, don’t push me too far. Do you really think I have no answer to your move? I still have three ultimate punches I haven’t used. Let’s both take a step back. I won’t hold past grievances against you.”
Even now, Xiong Zhen believed he had the upper hand, merely seeking an excuse to flee. The more he said, the less Li Moqing would let him go. He could sense the beautiful woman’s skills had grown more domineering; her heart fire was irresistible.
If he didn’t leave now, who knew what madness Li Moqing might unleash? Better to escape and wait for a future opportunity to kill her.
“Want to leave? Entering this place isn’t so easy to escape. You said, at the start of this battle, that one must die for the matter to end. I agree. There’s a sword technique I know, and though my weapon isn’t suitable, I can still use it. You still have three ultimate punches—if you don’t use them, this won’t end!”
“Who will lend me a sword?” Li Moqing’s heroism surged. Elder brother, can you see me now? I am strong enough to protect you. This time, you went to Yunzhou alone—fine. Next time, you won’t leave me behind. If you do, I’ll never forgive you.
“Miss, my Divine Yuan Sword is a family heirloom, able to cut gold and jade. Is it adequate?” After fierce battle, the avenue outside Baishui Gathering was ruined. At this moment, someone presented an ancient-looking divine sword to Li Moqing. At such a time, only the proprietor of Pearl Lodge would have such courage; this whole battle began because of him. If this sword could help Miss Li win, it was a small compensation.
“Thank you, proprietor. This Divine Yuan Sword is excellent—I like it very much. It’s dangerous here; please go back. Rest assured, this battle will soon end.” The sword, over three feet long, was ancient, its blade gleaming coldly. Clearly, it was a magical weapon, still sharp after many years.
“Witness my Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword!”
With the sword in hand, Li Moqing transformed—her whole aura became fierce. She danced with sword and person, dazzling azure sword lights shining brightly. With one stroke, she would kill her foe! Such exquisite swordsmanship was surely among the finest of the age; everyone sensed her determination.
“Hahaha, excellent! I’ve heard the Su Yi Pavilion’s Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword is unrivaled. Today, I’ll see it for myself! Witness my Berserk Three Punches—let’s see how they fare!”
Xiong Zhen erupted again, charging at the Vermilion Bird Sword. Berserk Three Punches were his final killing moves—only three, but each packed the force of a thousand pounds.
“Bang!”
Xiong Zhen charged, raising a cloud of dust, his “Mount Crushing” punch matching the Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword blow for blow. The Vermilion Bird Sword focused on speed, Berserk Punches on power. The styles were unrelated, yet now entangled. “Mount Crushing” shook mountains with a single punch, but consumed much internal energy.
“Clang, clang, clang—”
Iron fists against divine sword created powerful whirlwinds, sending sand and stones flying. The dust blurred everyone’s vision, but Li Moqing and Xiong Zhen grew clearer. Their bodies soared, exchanging moves from sky to ground, fighting at least a hundred rounds. Both grew grave. Li Moqing’s delicate face was now beaded with sweat, mixed with dust, making her appear somewhat bedraggled.
Her once-elegant robe was ragged, her jade arm marked with scars. But she didn’t care; as a martial artist, injury was normal. Only her face could not be hurt—not because she cared for her appearance, but because her elder brother liked seeing her beautiful. If not for him, she would never care about her looks.
The Divine Yuan Sword whirled, merging with Li Moqing’s figure, creating fierce azure light and an unrivaled flame.
“How will you defend now?”
Xiong Zhen’s fists were the most domineering and fierce. If “Mount Crushing” failed, he would use “Sky Shattering,” even more aggressive, tearing the heavens with his fist.
“Bang, bang, bang—”
His fists poured forth, holding nothing back. He unleashed all his ferocity. The battle left Xiong Zhen severely wounded; his internal energy surged, barely suppressed. If victorious, he would need long rest; if not, he would die. But before that, his only goal was to take away this damned girl.
The battle outside the city stunned everyone. Some of Xiong Zhen’s helpers still clung to life, and after witnessing the fight, were terrified. Previously, they had looked down on Xiong Zhen, only coming because his master, Berserker Three Blades, offered blade skills as reward.
But today, seeing Xiong Zhen’s skills, they realized he was far beyond them, and previous actions were merely to hide his strength. His only purpose was to mock them.
“This battle will never be seen again.” Everyone thought so. They wanted to help, but lacked the strength.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the two had exchanged thousands of blows. Now, both had little energy left. “Let’s finish with one last move—what do you say?”
Xiong Zhen had no strength left. If he continued, his internal injuries would relapse. He could no longer suppress his surging energy. He recalled his master’s words: “You entered the blood pool—do you know its consequences? You might gain immense power, but its side effects are unbearable. If you wish to regret, now is still possible. Hold back, and I’ll act for you in the future.”
But Xiong Zhen refused. What he lost, he must regain by his own hands. To simply endure was impossible.
Now, he finally understood the side effects: temporary power, but regardless of victory, severe backlash. The blood pool’s backlash had begun. Yet, the closer he came, the less he could stop. He must win!
Xiong Zhen knew in Taiyun Gold Valley, he was an outcast among his peers for not mastering the Taiyun Sutra. Hmph, what’s so great about that? This battle, he must win—to silence everyone. He had endured too much, but today, it would end.
“Bang, bang, bang—”
Li Moqing’s moves grew fiercer and stronger; she ignored Xiong Zhen’s words. Sword in hand, each strike faster than the last. “How about it? Isn’t my swordplay impressive?”
“Now you wish to run, to avoid fighting. Simple—leave your life, and all will be forgiven. But I now understand your nature. Fine, since you won’t act, I’ll help you.”
Xiong Zhen, battered and suffering backlash, could not resist. He laughed in rage. “I will never surrender! Even if I die, I won’t bow to a woman! If I die, do you know what will happen to you?”
Xiong Zhen showed no fear, even a hint of a smile. He was certain the woman would not dare kill him. If she did, it was impossible!
“Woman? Man? Hahaha! I can’t believe you’d say such a thing. Let me tell you something—I hate threats most of all!”
“Whoosh.”
“You want a swift death? I won’t allow it. Do you know what I injected into you just now? Ten streams of heart fire. You’ve already resisted five; can you withstand all ten? Only you can feel their power.”
One stream of heart fire was agony; ten were overwhelming. “Now, your meridians are shattered, your power destroyed. Crawl at my feet and cling to life. Your vitality is legendary; you’ve survived much. Perhaps this time, you will too.”
“Ten streams of heart fire? Hahaha! So your final move is this. I may be crippled, my meridians destroyed—but so what? I still possess indomitable spirit and will. You wish to see me miserable, but you’re wrong. You’ll never see that!”
“Yes, yes, Xiong Zhen, you’re a true hero, with immense perseverance. Let’s hope you remain so calm when the time comes. You say I won’t kill you? Let me tell you—now, you are already dead in my eyes. You think your master will avenge you?”
“Wrong again. There’s nothing I won’t do. Today, not just you—if your master came himself, I’d have no fear. Oh, and since victory is decided, I’ll tell you my name: I am Li Moqing, master of the Su Yi Pavilion. You should be pleased—a nobody like you lasted so long against me. That alone is worthy of pride.”
At her words, not only Xiong Zhen, but all of Baishui Gathering were astonished. This beautiful woman was Li Moqing, master of the Su Yi Pavilion. Yet, she seemed indifferent to her status.
“Come back! I won’t accept defeat! I want to fight again—I won’t lose this time!”
Xiong Zhen raged in his heart, but the graceful woman walked away, deaf to his inner cries. He was unwilling; he had held the upper hand, so why lose? Yes, defeat began with the backlash of his inner power. His consciousness faded. This battle was truly worthwhile; though defeated, he had done all he could.
No regret remained. It was a fine battle. Xiong Zhen finally closed his eyes, lifeless, and as the dust settled, all returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
“Proprietor, your sword was truly excellent. Without it, I would not have won so easily.” Li Moqing returned the Divine Yuan Sword to the Pearl Lodge owner.
“Miss, you jest. This sword only shines in your hands. The Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword is unrivaled. Years ago, I received great kindness from the Su Yi Pavilion. Today, you’ve helped me again. I have nothing to offer but this sword as a gift—please accept it.”
“No, this sword is your family heirloom. Keep it as a remembrance. As for helping you, it was my duty, not in pursuit of reward. Didn’t we agree? If I won, you’d cook me a meal of Pearl White Rice. I’ve looked forward to it for four days. I’ll rest now; when the food’s ready, come find me.”
If Li Moqing accepted the sword, she would despise herself. True friendship does not require reward—perhaps for some, but not for her.
The proprietor relented. Pearl White Rice was his specialty. “Alright, Miss, just wait. You won’t be disappointed.”
“My disciple, I will kill Li Moqing and avenge you!”