Chapter 8: Discovery

During this period, Zhuang Yunzheng had been investigating in Yunzhou, trying to uncover the sender of the unsigned letter he had received, but his efforts had yielded nothing. Few in Yunzhou knew him, so each day he would wander the streets, looking around. Despite having left for many years, Yunzhou remained his favorite place, deeply familiar to him. He knew well that this trip was not for pleasure. Today, once again, he sought out Lao Mo. On previous visits, she had been away. Lao Mo was a solitary woman—an enchanting beauty, formidable in her own right. Gathering intelligence was merely her hobby; her true expertise lay in handwriting analysis. With these twin skills, she had amassed considerable wealth.

"Isn’t this Brother Yunzheng? What brings you here? Honestly, you people... I’ve told my staff many times: if Brother Yunzheng or Brother Liangxi ever come looking for me, I must be informed at once. Clearly, my words haven’t been heeded."

Though Lao Mo exuded charm, before Liangxi or Zhuang Yunzheng she adopted a solemn countenance. "You’ve come seeking me, which means you’re in trouble. Tell me, what can I do for you this time?"

She personally poured Zhuang Yunzheng a cup of wine. In Yunzhou, such treatment was reserved for only a handful, and the brothers Zhuang Yunzheng and Liangxi were among them—for the sake of friendship alone.

"Very well, since you say so, I won’t stand on ceremony. I have here an unsigned letter—would you examine it and tell me who wrote it? In this field, you are unrivaled."

With that, Zhuang Yunzheng produced the anonymous letter. Lao Mo did not dare be careless; her research into handwriting had reached a level beyond ordinary imagination. "Hmm, this paper is our Yunzhou’s unique Rainbow Orchid Fragrance, and the ink is likely Gold-Inlaid Lan Wind. Both are Yunzhou specialties, and quite costly at that. Anyone using these must possess considerable means—certainly no ordinary person."

She glanced at the letter, then lifted it to her nose, inhaling the faint fragrance of ink that lingered even after several days. "Brother Yunzheng, don’t worry. Now that this has come to my attention, I’ll be sure to give you a clear answer."

"Go and summon Old Fourth. Both Rainbow Orchid Fragrance paper and Gold-Inlaid Lan Wind ink are from his shop. I want to know if anyone suspicious has bought them recently."

"Yes, ma’am," replied a beautiful woman at Lao Mo’s side.

Soon after, a shrewd-looking, though otherwise unremarkable, middle-aged man hurried over. "Sister, if you need something, you have only to say the word. There was no need to have Miss Meiru fetch me herself—I am truly flattered."

Lao Mo tossed the letter before him. "Old Fourth, I’ll be blunt. This paper and ink are from your store, and both are expensive. Has anyone bought them recently? This is important. Think carefully."

"My friend here should be in Xuanzhou right now, but he’s come here because of that anonymous letter. You know what Qi Ying means to me. If it hadn’t been for Qi Ying’s help back then, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now someone dares disturb his final resting place—whoever it is, I won’t let them off."

"Sister, rest assured. Leave this to me." Old Fourth, though appearing overly shrewd and somewhat unreliable, was in fact extremely steady and possessed a photographic memory. No one who passed by his shop escaped his notice, no matter how ordinary they seemed. Thus, although his shop was small, his staff took everything seriously; deception was impossible.

"Tell me, how long will it take? I need this quickly." Lao Mo trusted Old Fourth’s abilities, but still pressed him. For all his talents, he was prone to laziness—tasks that could be finished in an hour, he might drag out for two days. For other matters, that was his business, but this task brooked no delay.

It was perhaps the first time Old Fourth had seen his sister so grave. He dared not be negligent. "Sister, three incense sticks’ time will suffice."

A short while later, a strange light flickered in Old Fourth’s eyes, as if he were enveloped in a faint aura, silhouettes flashing before him. "Brother Yunzheng, you can rest assured of Old Fourth’s memory. Three sticks’ time is short, and he sees many people each day. Picking out the right one is no easy task."

"Lao Mo, you shouldn’t say that. I don’t have photographic memory myself. That Fourth Brother is willing to help already means much to me."

Though Old Fourth was immersed in his art, he still heard the conversation. For the sake of his sister, he decided to help this time. "One stick’s time has passed, and still nothing? That’s not right. Since I mastered this art, I’ve never made a single mistake. Could I really be bested now?"

Hmph. No matter who you are, I will find you today. If I fail, people will think my reputation is undeserved. Even if I must search every inch, you will be found! If you have the skill, don’t show yourself. But if you do, I’ll show you what I can do!

Old Fourth was a tough man. His art required immense concentration, and now his face had turned pale. "You’re skilled, aren’t you? But it’s a pity—you won’t find me today. You may have perfect recall, but you don’t know my disguise technique is peerless. In fact, I’ve already passed by you. But you lack the power to perceive it. Isn’t that proof of your own inadequacy?"

The voice was so familiar that, had Liangxi been present, he would have recognized it instantly—it was his second uncle, Liang Chen.

"Who are you? And how did you enter my technique? Ah, a foolish question. You must be the one who left that anonymous letter. I didn’t expect you to reveal yourself—saves me a lot of trouble. No matter what happens today, you’re not leaving!"

Liang Chen showed no fear, as if he’d heard something hilarious. "Detain me? Old Fourth, do you think I’d have come alone if I didn’t know all about you? What could you rely on to stop me? Your memory?"

"Foolish boy, you’ve become someone else’s pawn without realizing it. That’s your greatest tragedy. You’re no match for me. The one I truly want is not you, but Zhuang Yunzheng behind you. This is no longer your concern. You’d do well not to lose your life over it."

Liang Chen had never considered Old Fourth a real obstacle. Moments later, Liang Chen’s figure appeared—since mastering Spirit Roaming and Calm, his abilities had become formidable. He had also integrated the Seven Demon Transformations of the previous master of the Sky Shadow Sect. Though he’d first lost to Liangxi at Mingyu Manor and then to Tian Ziling in Sizhou, his power remained formidable.

He knew he could not gain the upper hand against Liangxi, but he was unwilling to let all his previous efforts go to waste, so he decided to target Zhuang Yunzheng first. Now, it seemed his plan was working perfectly.

"Zhuang Yunzheng, since you sense my presence, you should know my purpose here is you. Do you know why? Your junior, Liangxi, made me suffer a terrible loss. Tell me, as his uncle, what should I do to reclaim my pride? I lured you here to separate you from Liangxi. I know full well—should you two join forces, you would be invincible. I cannot allow that."

"And now, let me tell you something else. Your beloved Li Moqing is presently in grave danger. If you don’t hurry, you may never see her alive again."

Liang Chen was unconcerned about revealing all this. "Ha! Don’t you know, the Liang family always acts for themselves? As long as I’m here, you’re going nowhere. Believe it or not, I may not handle Liangxi, but you—surely I can."

"Lao Mo, don’t look at me like that. I know very well what you’re capable of. Your warriors are all skilled fighters, but against me, they’d end up dead. Zhuang Yunzheng, do you dare face me?"

Now, Liang Chen had fully merged Spirit Roaming and Seven Demon Transformations. A fierce aura enveloped him; anyone who approached would be gravely injured if not killed. "Hahaha! Now that my skills are perfected, none of you are my match. I know my nephew is a man of deep feeling—if you die by my hand, he’ll be thrown into chaos. This plan is simple, but it’s the most effective way to deal with him!"

Zhuang Yunzheng was alarmed. "What did you just say? Moqing is at the Plain Garment Tower? Why did she leave the mountain? What have you done to her?" Whenever Li Moqing was involved, Zhuang Yunzheng, usually so steady, could not help but feel enraged.

"What’s this? Angry already? The world claims you and my nephew are outstanding among the younger generation, but that seems exaggerated. I have no interest in your woman. What she faces is her fate. Do you think you can change anything by going there? No, you can’t change a thing. Before that, you can’t even defeat me!"

"Aren’t you supposed to be formidable? Why now, after sensing my power, do you hesitate to act? Worthless! Someone like you doesn’t deserve to live. If so, I’ll destroy you first—then my nephew. Aren’t you two inseparable? Soon, you’ll keep each other company on the road to the underworld."

Bang!

With a sudden palm strike, Liang Chen unleashed the Fierce Tiger Strike from Spirit Roaming and Calm—a move fierce even before, and now, enhanced by Seven Demon Transformations, it was all the more fearsome.

Before the palm even landed, its force was already upon him. To resist such power meant certain injury, but Zhuang Yunzheng had no choice. Besides, all his skills were of the forceful school. He met the attack head-on, gathering his strength in both palms.

"Pure Wind and Jade Dew!"

This palm was as gentle as could be. Though Zhuang Yunzheng usually avoided combat, today was different. He realized that unless he defeated his foe, he could protect neither Moqing nor his junior.

Seeing Zhuang Yunzheng employ such a delicate technique, Liang Chen’s anger flared. "You dare look down on me? Such a soft move—what use could it have? Prepare to die." He channeled his power to the utmost.

Bang!

As the two supreme arts collided, a surge of overwhelming power swept through Liang Chen. Despite his current strength, he could not withstand it—was there some trick to this technique? His arm, even half his body, went numb. He didn’t know that Pure Wind and Jade Dew, from the Sun and Moon Twin Radiance Palm, was designed to deliver maximum damage with the gentlest force. That was how Shang Ruyi had earned such renown—how could it be so easily countered?

Zhuang Yunzheng moved with the wind, employing the Nine Heavens Breeze Step, a technique of endless permutations. No matter how strong one’s moves, there was no escape.

Bang, bang, bang.

Each palm came faster than the last. Though Liang Chen’s power was impressive, he’d never encountered such techniques. They seemed simple, yet were fiendishly difficult to counter.

"You think you can defeat me with this alone? You’re strong—very strong—but still not enough. If you have the guts, follow me!"

Boom!

Using the force of their clash, Liang Chen leapt to the top of a crumbling tower. He realized that on level ground he could not defeat this opponent; this palm technique was fearsome indeed. Rumor held that Sun and Moon Twin Radiance Palm had eight moves, and he had only seen one—what of the remaining seven? Sensing the danger, he was nonetheless curious.

Liang Chen was supremely confident. With his dual arts, he believed none could defeat him. Yet caution was always prudent.

"Hmph! Do you think you can defeat me atop this ruined tower?" In a flash, Zhuang Yunzheng appeared at the tower’s summit, using the Avian Illusion Step—once Liangxi’s specialty. But wasn’t Liangxi still on the ground? After a moment, the Zhuang Yunzheng below faded away.

Avian Illusion Step comprised five forms: the first, Moon in Water, was Zhuang Yunzheng’s specialty; the second, Leaving No Trace, focused on speed and was Liangxi’s forte. The last three—Fright, Fury, and Dream—were offensive, but with their current mastery, the brothers needed not pursue them.

"Burning Heaven!"

A palm blazing with fire shot toward Liang Chen’s face—Burning Heaven, Zhuang Yunzheng’s favorite move. "Old scoundrel, there are two things you should never have let me know. First, you dare not touch my junior. Second, you should never have threatened Moqing. I trust their abilities, but as her beloved and his senior, I cannot allow harm to come to them."

"What a move! Let’s see my Heaven and Earth Qi!"

Heaven and Earth Qi quickly condensed into a wheel—the essence of Spirit Roaming and Calm. Liang Chen had thought Zhuang Yunzheng’s talent inferior to Liangxi’s and expected an easy victory. However, upon fighting, he was shocked. Though less gifted, Zhuang had trained diligently from youth; his foundations were rock-solid, every move earth-shattering. If careless, he might really die here today.

"Excellent! You are truly courageous. My nephew is lucky to have a senior like you. I see now why he’s grown more stable over the years—it must be your influence. Very well! I’ve heard the Sun and Moon Twin Radiance Palm is formidable—show me the other seven moves!"

Spirit Roaming Step was pushed to its limit. "Do you think only your Avian Illusion Step is supreme in the martial world?" With fists clenched, he unleashed Mountain Collapse—a move as forceful as Burning Heaven.

Bang!

When Zhuang Yunzheng launched Burning Heaven, his left hand wielded fire, his right thunder—Thunderstrike and Burning Heaven merged, clashing against Mountain Collapse. Although the latter was domineering, it could not withstand the combined force of thunder and fire.

Even so, Liang Chen was a true tough. Despite severe injuries, he suppressed the tumult in his body, switching tactics to a more cunning assault. Spirit Roaming and Calm enveloped him, allowing him to hold off Zhuang Yunzheng’s onslaught.

"My power was hard-won. Your understanding of technique is impressive, but that alone is not enough. If Shang Ruyi himself were here, I’d have no chance. But for you, despite inheriting his skills, true mastery is elusive."

"You think I don’t understand the Sun and Moon Twin Radiance Palm? Since the start, you’ve used single moves—though you can now merge two, it takes time. That’s because the yin and yang within are too volatile. Since Shang Ruyi’s death, no one has fully mastered it. Even with the Celestial Tome’s Heaven Volume, you cannot."

"For your own safety, you’d best not use this method so freely. Ah, I see—you only know this one supreme art? If so, you cannot defeat me. Today, this ruined tower will be your grave!"

Liang Chen, now not only powerful but also deeply knowledgeable, knew the only way Zhuang Yunzheng could win was to perfectly fuse yin and yang. He would not allow that.

Whoosh!

Liang Chen’s hand became a knife, slicing toward Zhuang Yunzheng. Having just used the Twin Radiance Palm repeatedly, Zhuang’s breathing was ragged. He dodged, unleashing a surge of sword energy—Sword Qi Soaring Rainbow. With his current power, it was truly formidable.

"Sword qi? Is this Shang Ruyi’s art? They say in his sword style, sword and energy are separate. But what of it? You have no sword—how can you rival me?"

Bang!

Zhuang Yunzheng wasted no words, delivering a heavy punch to Liang Chen’s face. The latter, in his moment of pride, was left with a bruised visage.

"Very good. If you want death, I’ll oblige. This battle will show you our difference in strength."

The two erupted into a display of peerless lightness skills—one surrounded by yin-yang rings, the other with sword energy at his fingertips. Outside the tower, the onlookers could feel the tremors of their battle, but none dared intervene. Fortunately, Lao Mo’s place was some distance from Yunzhou, so their clash would not endanger innocents.

Inside, three of the eight supporting stone pillars had already shattered—each requiring ten men to encircle. The carnage was evidence of the ferocity of their duel. Both men bore blood on their faces; Zhuang Yunzheng’s chest was marked by heavy blows, and he spat blood unceasingly.

"Brother Zhuang Yunzheng, is this all you’ve got? If so, you truly disappoint me. You’re not so impressive after all."

Despite his words, Liang Chen himself was in a sorry state—his neatly combed hair now wild, like a madman.

"Again!"

They struck simultaneously. By now, each knew the other’s strength clearly. If either wished to win, only one could survive.

Bang, bang, bang.

The tower shook violently. If Zhuang Yunzheng continued using the Twin Radiance Palm, it would only harm himself. But what if he used the Water Mastery technique?

"Water Mastery? That could counter me, but your body is yang in nature. Unless you’re near water, you can’t fully unleash it here in this arid place. What else do you know? Show everything—you can trust I’ll break each one."

"Are you feeling despair? Without Liangxi by your side, you can do nothing. Today, you die. Shang Ruyi was a fool to teach you sword energy, not sword moves. Energy without form only brings harm in the end. He seemed kind, but who knows what he truly thought?"

Liang Chen exhaled slowly. He too was badly hurt, but Zhuang Yunzheng had exhausted his strength. If the latter had a sword, he could channel his sword energy into it, making for a less ignoble defeat. But as it was...

"Lao Mo, you’re next after I finish with Zhuang Yunzheng. I know you’ve gathered many capable people. Your presence in Yunzhou is most vexing."

"Zhuang Yunzheng, recall from childhood—what have you learned? All forceful moves. If you’d used Water Mastery just now, you’d have suffered dreadful backlash." Zhuang Yunzheng reproached himself inwardly.

"What, out of moves? Then all those connected to you die today—starting with Lao Mo. If not for your interference, I wouldn’t have shown myself so soon."

"To die at my hand is your great fortune." Liang Chen gathered power in his palms, his body as swift as lightning. One move, and the woman would be dead.

"Wait—who said you could leave? So long as I draw breath, you will not harm anyone here."

Zhuang Yunzheng didn’t know where his strength came from, but he seized Liang Chen and hurled him aside. "Come, let’s continue. In fact, I should thank you. I’d almost forgotten that all my skills are force-based. Want to see what else I can do? You’ll soon find out."

His power restored, Zhuang Yunzheng declared, "You’re right—I’ve practiced the Celestial Tome’s Heaven Volume since youth, mastering Xuangang Force. Today, you’ll witness it firsthand!"

Xuangang Force was the essence of all forceful arts. Anyone who mastered it could learn any such technique with ease. "Back in Xuanzhou, I fought Xi Tianjian. That battle gave me true insight. I once thought Xuangang Force was only for defense, and in my youth, I resented my master for it. But now, I see the truth. Let me show you my fist technique!"

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

The punches were swift and unstoppable. Coupled with the Avian Illusion Step, their might was immense. Liang Chen wiped the blood from his mouth and stood. "Good, now that’s more like it. Those earlier moves were useless. Now let’s start afresh. You’re truly interesting—I wonder what other surprises you have."

Unyielding, the punch was truly formidable. "So you think my sword energy is useless, old fool? You know nothing. When Master Shang Ruyi taught me sword energy, it was for this very day!"

The essence of Invincible was the fusion of fist and sword energy.

"You still have such powerful moves? Interesting! But even so, you’re not my match. Try if you don’t believe me."

Heaven and Earth Qi neutralized most of Zhuang Yunzheng’s attacks. "Let me tell you, as long as I have Heaven and Earth Qi to protect me, your strength is useless. Not only is my art a hundred times greater than yours—even if I’d learned only one of them, you’d still lose. Today, I’ve finally seen the power of your Celestial Tome. Such mighty arts should belong to me. If I mastered them, who could rival me?"

"I’ve changed my mind. I want your life—and your martial arts!"

Did he really intend to absorb all of Zhuang Yunzheng’s Xuangang Force?

"Want to steal my power? Let’s see if you’re capable." A surge of heroic spirit welled up in Zhuang Yunzheng’s heart. A gentle force enveloped him—the Spring Thunder Transformation, the only healing move in the Twin Radiance Palm. Now, he combined that with Xuangang Fist, the two merging as one. Points of light shone on his fists. "Since you’re so formidable, let me show you the power of harmony!"

Harmony was the antithesis of obsession, the ideal of perfect integration. It meant blending his palm and fist techniques seamlessly—the power of this move was not to be underestimated.

"Harmony? Hahaha! You invented it yourself? Wonderful! I now see why you are Liangxi’s senior—you’re even steadier than him. Let’s see just how powerful your punch is."

Bang!

Within this punch, yin and yang intertwined—truly an invincible blow. Liang Chen’s expression changed; he could feel its immense force. Even with Heaven and Earth Qi, it made no difference.

Pfft!

Already gravely wounded, Liang Chen had hoped to intimidate his foe with his strength, but now, he was again seriously hurt.

"Now, it seems you’re the one who’s injured. What moves do you have left? Your meridians are shattered—Liang, you must realize I have no time to spare. Once I defeat you, I’ll go to Moqing. You couldn’t stop me before, and you certainly can’t now."

"Didn’t you want to absorb my power? Go on—I’m right here. But it seems you’re all but helpless. Pity. If you won’t do it, I’ll be off."

Zhuang Yunzheng, though wounded, no longer cared. As long as he could move, he would not allow anyone to harm Moqing.

"Hahaha! Zhuang Yunzheng, you’re something else. Who’d have thought I’d lose to your last punch? But even if you hurry now, it’s useless—in the end, you’ll find only Li Moqing’s cold corpse. I imagine you’ll be overjoyed to see her that way. Too bad I’m too injured to witness it myself."

"But don’t be too smug. Do you know where Li Moqing is? Did you know I already struck a deal with the man holding her? My job was only to keep you busy. If you really go, you’ll face a true master. Aren’t you afraid?"

Liang Chen had expected that, after hearing this, Zhuang Yunzheng would beg him for mercy—then he could humiliate him at leisure.

"You think I’ll beg you? Have you forgotten where Moqing comes from? Do you really think you’re the only one who knows her whereabouts? Besides, this is Lao Mo’s domain. You threatened her, didn’t you? Do you know what she hates most in life? Threats. What do you think will happen if I hand you over to her now?"

"Hahaha! Lao Mo is certainly resourceful, but if I want to leave, she can’t stop me."

"Ugly as you are, I don’t care to look at you. If you want to go, just go. This may be my territory, but besides Zhuang Yunzheng, no one here can match you. For our own safety, it’s best if you leave."

Lao Mo was a master at gathering intelligence, but not at martial arts. Still, if Liang Chen really sought trouble, she had ways to ensure he was gravely injured. She possessed fabulous wealth, and with great rewards come great warriors—her hidden guards were among the strongest. Ordinarily unseen, they would eliminate any threat to her—no matter who it was.

"Very good. You’re wise not to oppose me—otherwise, you’d be hurt, and I’m sure you’d rather avoid that, wouldn’t you?"