Chapter 3: The Celestial Infinity Divine Sword

“There’s no need to fight anymore. You and I have crossed swords so many times, yet the outcome is always the same—neither of us victorious nor defeated. If we continue like this, the result will not change. You know this. Over the years, though you’ve been held here, I, as your captor, have never truly made things difficult for you. All I want is to master the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword—can that truly be so wrong? I will find a way to make you agree. Don’t forget, your life is in my hands. If not for my restraint, my disciples would have killed you countless times by now. I’ll ask one last time: will you teach me the Heavenly Infinity Sword Technique, or not?”

Even Peach Blossom Face, usually so even-tempered, could not help but flare up. “I will not give it to you. You should have known that long ago, shouldn’t you? So whatever you have left, bring it all out now. I’ll not so much as frown.” Though the old man was advanced in years, his temper was as fierce as ever, unchanged from his youth.

“Very well. All these years of imprisonment have not taught you restraint. Starting today, many disciples of the Golden Pass will come to you. You know well, all they think about each day is fighting you. Too bad your meridians are sealed—how long can you really hold out? But isn’t there a little girl by your side? You might as well pin all your hopes on her.”

“You all heard me. From today, take good care of him. That’s right, as long as you don’t kill him, do as you please. I know you’ve been waiting for years. Since that’s the case, this time I’ll grant your wish. As your master, I can’t stand by and watch my disciples suffer. Yue Gujin, do your best. I hope next time I come, you’ll have changed your mind. Ah, things have come to this—I truly can’t bear it.”

With profound skill, Peach Blossom Face vanished in an instant. Yue Gujin’s expression remained unchanged. “What must come will come. Young lady, you heard everything just now. I fear I’ll never leave this place alive. The Golden Pass disciples will never let me go, so now I’ll tell you the method to unseal my meridians. You must remember it well. Your only task is to help me unlock one seal each day.”

“In half a month, my strength will be fully restored. Once it is, what is the Golden Pass to me? But tell me, young lady, are you willing?”

Ji Anran, still young, had never heard Yue Gujin’s name. Anyone else would have been shocked on hearing it. Yue Gujin was none other than the Saint King of the Southern Sword Sect, second in prowess only to the Sect Leader himself. For such a master to fall to this state, one could only sigh at fate’s cruelty.

“Senior, if I can truly help you, that would be wonderful.” After spending so many days with him, Ji Anran already knew the old man was cold-faced but warm-hearted. “But there’s something you must know. Though I wish to help, the cold poison in my body is still not cleared. I can only proceed slowly, step by step.”

“Hahaha! I thought it was something dire. So it’s this—I’ve known for some time. Rest easy. The method I’ll teach you will benefit you as well. Once you practice it, you’ll see. Since you have no more questions, let’s begin. Listen carefully to this incantation.”

With that, Yue Gujin imparted to her the nameless incantation. Though it sounded complex, at heart it was simply the manipulation of yin and yang energies to stir one’s own vitality, thus restoring power. The balance of yin and yang seemed elusive, yet it was ever-present; for a martial artist, to command these twin forces was not difficult. The only critical point was maintaining their proper ratio—too much or too little, and the body’s energies would be thrown into chaos, rendering all skill for naught.

“You’re a clever girl, understanding that this method requires constant adaptation, not rigid repetition. I thought I’d never regain my strength in this life, but seeing your talent today, I know that in seven days my power will be restored. Aren’t you curious who I am?”

Yue Gujin was a famed figure for many years. It was unlikely he’d let go of his reputation so easily, but he also disliked being valued only for it. What a burden, to be both honored and shackled by one’s renown.

Ji Anran paid his tangled thoughts no heed. “Who else could you be? You’re Yue Gujin, aren’t you? We’ve known each other for days—we’re friends, aren’t we? What other identity could you possibly have?”

Ji Anran was by no means naive. In the past, she would have simply walked away, leaving the old man to his fate. But after meeting her brother, she truly wished to live differently, dedicating herself to martial training and ignoring all else. She believed now that only by becoming truly strong could she accomplish more.

He’d misjudged her. At her words, Yue Gujin finally gave a relieved smile. He’d always thought reputation had left him friendless, yet now he saw that wasn’t so at all. “You’re right. At any time, we are friends. That’s the one thing that won’t change. Take heart—this time, it seems you and I will both be able to leave this place.”

“It’s been so long since I put the Golden Pass disciples in their place. No wonder they’ve grown so arrogant. This time, I’ll settle all accounts at once and show them whether I’ve changed.”

Yue Gujin had always been bold and heroic. Now, with a chance to strike back, he would not sit and wait for death. Meanwhile, Peach Blossom Face left in a fury. He’d been more than patient with Yue Gujin, yet after all these years, the man still enraged him. Hmph, their natures truly didn’t agree. After today, he would end things with Yue Gujin and claim the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword as his own. He’d waited long enough; his patience was exhausted.

“You needn’t care for my face anymore. Do as I said—so long as he lives, do as you wish!”

“Gate Master, you should have done this long ago. We’ve endured enough all these years. Don’t worry. We’ll handle the sword technique. You just wait for the result.”

“Good. Since you’re all so confident, I’ll trust you this time. You’ve trained here for years, and your skills are solid. But Yue Gujin is formidable—he’s mastered the Blazing Fire Sword to perfection. Be careful when you fight him.”

The Blazing Fire Sword was the foundation of the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword. Yet despite years of investigation, Peach Blossom Face knew only this much. As for the true connection between the two, he was in the dark. But once he acquired the sword manual, with his own talent, how could he not uncover the secrets?

The dungeon was as dim as ever.

By now, Ji Anran could skillfully control her yin and yang energies. “Young lady, you’re impressive. The less you care about my identity, the more I want to tell you. Have you heard of the Southern Sword Sect?” Yue Gujin’s pride swelled as he spoke the name. From the moment he’d joined the sect, he’d been proud.

“Southern Sword Sect? Of course—I hear it’s the origin of all swordsmanship under heaven. Every swordsman longs to join, but they haven’t accepted disciples for years. No one knows why.”

Ji Anran had traveled widely and could hardly be ignorant of the sect’s renown. Its sword arts were legendary—learning even a little would make one unstoppable.

“You’re right. I’m the Saint King of the Southern Sword Sect. Do you know why Peach Blossom Face has kept me here all these years? The sword manual he seeks is none other than the sect’s exclusive ultimate art—the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword. Yet for generations, no one has witnessed its true power.”

At last, something clicked for Ji Anran. “They say the Southern Sword Sect was founded by Xi Tongshen. Are you of the Xi family? Hmph! If you are, I’ll have nothing more to do with you.”

She recalled the battle in Xuanzhou, the Xi family’s feud with the Illusory Spirit Realm, and thought: how could she help a Xi? If she did, all her master Hualian had suffered would be a joke.

“The Xi family? Hahaha! I may be a disciple of the Southern Sword Sect, but I’m not of the Xi line. True, the Xi family founded the sect, but it later split in two. From the moment you entered this dungeon, I sensed you were Hualian’s disciple. If you wish, I’ll tell you everything about the Xi family, so you can decide what to do next.”

“Fine. I’ll hear what you have to say.” Ji Anran well knew he had no connection to the Xi family, but could not forget their past actions.

Yue Gujin ignored her skepticism. “The Southern Sword Sect was founded single-handedly by Xi Tongshen, famed for his swordsmanship and known as the Divine Sword. His Blazing Sun Sword was invincible in its day, ranking him among the top three masters alongside Jun Daoxing and Lian Pingfeng. But when he and Jun Daoxing fought their final duel, both vanished, never to be seen again.”

“When Xi Tongshen was present, the sect flourished. But after his disappearance, rivalry broke out and the sect split: the attack faction left for Xuanzhou and established the Xi family you know; the defenders stayed, preserving the sect’s traditions and passing on its sword techniques. Had all left, the sect’s arts would have vanished.”

“Xi Tongshen had two great sword arts—the Blazing Sun Sword and the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword. Peach Blossom Face has always coveted the latter. But though the world believes the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword is the sect’s foundation, few know it has no written manual. You’re clever—tell me, how does one master a sword art with no manual?”

Yue Gujin was testing Ji Anran’s knowledge, and he believed she’d find the answer. “Speak freely—even if you’re wrong, it’s fine. You may not be versed in swordsmanship, but you’ve mastered the strengths of three schools and should have keen insight.”

“My guess is, the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword rests upon the Blazing Sun Sword. I’ve seen the Xi family perform the latter, and to be honest, while impressive, it’s only powerful—nothing mysterious about it.”

She spoke the truth. To her, the Blazing Sun Sword was just another strong technique, hardly unparalleled.

“Excellent, excellent. You’re quite astute. The Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword does indeed build on the Blazing Sun Sword, only—” Yue Gujin was about to continue when he sensed a disturbance and shouted, “Show yourself, skulker! Hiding gets you nothing! Are all Golden Pass disciples so fond of eavesdropping?”

Yue Gujin’s power was formidable. At his shout, the hidden elite disciple spat blood and staggered into view. “How is this possible? Your meridians are sealed—how can you still wield such strength?”

“Hmph! You’re not being honest. My meridians are sealed, but could I not gradually unseal them over the years? You rats have always been the same, and still are. If you’re dissatisfied, fight me openly—if you have the skill, that is. Otherwise, all your efforts are pointless.”

“Brothers, since we’ve been discovered, let’s show our true abilities. Let this old man see what we’ve been through! Old man, we’ve already learned what we came to know. Even if you refuse to speak further, it’s too late.”

“Young lady, after all I’ve told you, you must be curious about the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword’s power. Hmph! That’s easily arranged. You rats—come and meet your end!”

Whoosh!

With a casual flick of his sword—a strike of unmatched speed—all the hidden disciples were slain on the spot.

“Hmph! Peach Blossom Face, do you remember what I said? Of all your men, not one is worth anything. If you want to see my true skill, you’ll have to come yourself. What’s wrong? Silent now? You must have thought my power was sealed, so I couldn’t fight back.”

“You sent these small fry to test me—that was a grave miscalculation. Since you’re so curious about the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword, I’ll tell you: the Blazing Sun Sword is its foundation; once you master it four times over, you’ll have the true art. You’ve heard it clearly enough—leave now. This young lady must stay to heal me. Of course, if you wish to remain, I have no objection.”

“Hahaha! Old friend, if you’d spoken sooner, we’d not be at this impasse. Now that you’re wounded, you should focus on recovery. As for whether I can master the art, that’s not your concern. You should know: in this world, nothing I set my mind to is beyond my reach. If I do master this sword art, I hope you’ll honor me with your guidance. I’ll be deeply grateful.”

Peach Blossom Face, having gotten what he wanted, was in high spirits. With such a powerful sword art, he could finally leave this desolate land behind. He’d once sought the Water Lord, but now that man was dead, and with no worthy opponents, even ultimate mastery felt lonely.

Ji Anran’s exquisite features betrayed a touch of regret. “Senior, you so easily revealed the sword technique to him. Once he masters it, you’ll be the first he seeks to destroy. I’ve known many with such narrow hearts.”

Yue Gujin’s eyes shone with spirit. “Child, I know your concern. But had I not told him, he’d never stop hounding us, and we’d never have time to heal. Besides, the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword was created by Xi Tongshen himself—if it were so easily mastered, would he be known as the Divine Sword? Rest assured, I haven’t revealed the central principle.”

“Without the central principle, even if he masters the form, he can’t reach its full power. More importantly, he lacks the Sword Heart. Without it, practicing this art will only bring disaster. Do you know what the Sword Heart is? It means having the sword as one’s heart—a heart of guardianship. Now, with Peach Blossom Face occupied with the manual, we should have ample time to heal.”

So that’s how it was—this old fox had his own schemes. But Ji Anran liked his style. Peach Blossom Face was no good man; such people required special handling. “If I were you, I’d do the same,” she said.

Her words gave Yue Gujin a start, then he laughed heartily. “Hahaha! I thought you only had a gift for martial arts, but you actually appreciate my ways. That’s a surprise. The people I knew always called me a heretic, heedless of others’ opinions. So I’ve always walked alone, disdaining idle chatter.”

“Even after all these years in the Golden Pass, I haven’t changed a bit. Now to meet someone like you—I don’t care about your past, for it’s already gone. Tell me, if we make it out, will you come with me to the Southern Sword Sect? You know as well as I do, only the sect has the means to cure your cold poison.”

Yue Gujin truly admired this young woman now, and issued a heartfelt invitation. Perhaps she would discover a new world at the Southern Sword Sect.

The Southern Sword Sect? Even if it was a dragon’s den, she would go. Could they eat her alive? If danger arose, she’d simply fight her way through. Things were always so simple. “Alright, it’s settled,” she said.

At that moment, Ji Anran radiated competence, sharpness, and even a hint of heroism.

“Brother, all that’s happened to me is entirely new. Soon I’ll rid myself of this cold poison—if you were here, you’d be glad too.”

The happiest man now was surely Peach Blossom Face. At last, he removed his mask, revealing a face of peerless beauty that lit the humble room like a divine gift. His features seemed almost too extraordinary for a man—even Liang Xi would pale beside him.

Yet the face was strikingly masculine, with a high nose and deep-set eyes. On another, these features might look harsh, but for Peach Blossom Face, everything was perfectly balanced. The only flaw was his right cheek, crisscrossed with scars, horribly disfigured.

So, the legendary beauty lay only on the left side; the right was an entirely different visage. When the man smiled, his left side was as warm as spring, but the right twisted with eerie strangeness.

This was not the work of others, but of his own hand. A true martial fanatic, he would pay any price for supreme mastery. What was a face, even a life, in pursuit of greatness? He destroyed his flawless features because he once believed that his beauty was the reason he could not become the greatest martial artist. So he ruined his own face, and it proved correct—at last, he obtained the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword. To master the Blazing Sun Sword four times? That was the easiest thing in the world for him. Peach Blossom Face replaced his mask, his energy surging—now he was truly among the world’s top experts. His oppressive aura alone would crush any lesser opponent.

Yet even with such power, he was dissatisfied. He wanted not to be one among many, but the very best. When he mastered the Heavenly Infinity Divine Sword, none under heaven would be his match. That was what he desired most. Golden and crimson energies twined about him—red for his own strength, gold for the Blazing Sun Sword.

“Congratulations, Gate Master! Soon, no foe will stand before us!”

During this time, Ji Anran had been helping Yue Gujin break the many seals upon him. The seals themselves were not formidable, but after so many years, they had become intertwined with his power, making them difficult and painful to remove. Yet the old man never uttered a word of complaint. “Girl, have you noticed? You’ve grown ever more adept with the incantation I taught you.”

“Someone’s coming. This time, it’s real trouble. Be careful—this one is not easy to deal with.” If his power were whole, Yue Gujin would have no fear, but now only thirty percent had returned—barely enough for self-preservation, much less a real fight.

“Well, you two seem quite at ease, but now that I’m here, I can’t allow you both to live. The Gate Master is on the verge of mastering divine power—even if he won’t say it, I know he won’t permit the existence of those like you. Why? Simple—there can only be one heir to the divine art!”

“Yue Gujin, the Gate Master has given you many chances, but you never cherished your bond. So I must act myself. I have no name—call me the Nameless Guest, if you like. Rest assured, I know your strength better than anyone. I’ll deal with the girl first; once she’s gone, you’ll be useless.”

“Girl, I hear you’re Water Lord’s disciple. Well, it’s Water Lord’s fault I am what I am. Since you’re her heir, you’ll repay her debt. Today, I’ll see what you’re capable of. You’ve rested long enough. I’ll wait for you outside the dungeon—I won’t take advantage.”

With that, the Nameless Guest vanished. His body technique alone marked him as a top-class expert. “Go,” said Yue Gujin. “He’s formidable, but you’ve helped me break many seals. The rest I can handle. I’m sorry to have dragged you into this needless fight.”

“Senior, you’re wrong. I love battle, and relish a challenge. If this man is so strong, I’ll defeat him today. Ever since I entered the Golden Pass, many have waited to see me fail. I won’t allow it.”

Outside the dungeon, night was as fluid as water.

The Nameless Guest, clad in black, was so still one might not notice he was there at all. “Good, you actually dared come, girl. I thought you’d run. For that alone, you’ve earned my respect. But you’ll lose this fight.”

Bang!

No more words—he struck straight at Ji Anran’s face. She twisted aside and dodged, then countered with her palms, fierce and sharp. Though still afflicted by the cold poison, she suppressed it with the Fire-Quelling Pill and the nameless incantation. The combined strength was enough for this opponent.

Bang!

Their palms collided, raising a cloud of dust, yellow sand swirling. Ji Anran used the River-Gazing Palm, whose essence is ‘gazing’—distance, elusiveness. Her technique was ethereal, and a mist gathered around her, making the desert haze more dreamlike. Her footwork, the Fragrant Wind Beauty Step, was the pinnacle of the Illusory Spirit Realm’s lightness arts, fluid and graceful. She relied on nothing but the River-Gazing Palm and basic moves—enough for an unknown challenger. He was not worthy of more.

“What a powerful technique—is this the River-Gazing Palm? I hear it has three levels. I wonder, am I worthy to see the complete art?”

“Hmph, the complete art? That depends on your own skill. But why are you only defending? Judging by your energy, you’re not using all your strength—just thirty percent. Where’s the rest?”

Though formidable, the Nameless Guest’s body technique was uncanny. No matter how she attacked, he evaded. “Yes, I’m only defending. Because, though your skills are strong, you haven’t forced me to use my true power. Show me what you’ve got!”

Ji Anran ignored his taunts, pushing the River-Gazing Palm to its limit—the essence of its first realm, the Fearless State. The more focused, the more powerful the technique; her palm strikes surged like relentless waves.

Mist thickened around her. The River-Gazing Palm, when missed, looked beautiful; when it landed, it became a deadly killing move.

“With such unending power, even if you escape, where can you go? You like running? Today, I want to see just how far you can run!”

“So this is the Fearless State of the River-Gazing Palm? Truly exquisite. But even with such a technique, you can’t defeat me. Try if you don’t believe it!”

The Nameless Guest’s movement shifted, and he used the River-Gazing Palm himself. “Surprised? Don’t you want to know why you face a nobody like me? It’s because I have instant mastery—I never forget a technique I see. This palm art is excellent. If you’re defeated by your own skill, wouldn’t that be a sight?”

Ji Anran was unfazed, her face turning colder. “An eidetic memory—not bad. But this is as far as you go. Now, let’s see whose palm is stronger!”

Bang, bang, bang!

Strikes clashed in rapid succession. The Nameless Guest’s talent was impressive, but he wasted it on shortcuts. Had he devoted himself to perfecting his skills, he’d have been truly outstanding. But he only sought speed—quick learning, quick fighting, everything fast. In the end, though, he fell short.

“Hmph. I thought you’d be more impressive. But this is disappointing. Why can’t you make this more enjoyable for me? Earlier, your aura was strong—but now, this is all you amount to?”

“Yes, it seems this is all I have. But as long as I can stall you, that’s enough. My real task is to keep you busy. Do you know who Yue Gujin must face now? The Gate Master himself.”

“Yue Gujin, old friend, as I said, once I gained enlightenment, I’d return for you. Now I’m back, and your power is forty percent restored—enough for a duel. At last, we can settle our score. This time, no one can stop us. Are you pleased?”

“Hmph! I knew you’d come. I’ve been waiting all this time. You’re right—it’s time to end things between us. You think you’ve mastered all the sword arts, but in my eyes, they’re nothing. If you doubt it, come and try!”

“Good! I knew you’d say that. I’ve always wanted to defeat you, and now fate has granted me this chance. I’m truly grateful. Young lady, you’ve done well—leave the rest to me. I must fight my old nemesis.”