Chapter 4: Arrival at the Sword Sect

At last, the battles on both sides began. The Lord of the Great Jin Pass, Peach Blossom Face, and Yue Gujin had always been mortal enemies. Meeting today, it was inevitable that their encounter would end in life or death. This required no explanation. Peach Blossom Face possessed divine strength, enough to rival any master; he was born for martial arts, and his fierce onslaught left Yue Gujin with no advantage whatsoever.

“My old friend, how does my new style of boxing taste? You once told me my divine strength was utterly useless. So, over the years, I have further strengthened it, making it now both offensive and defensive. Your formidable swordsmanship cannot break through my protective energy. Seeing you now in such a sorry state, I cannot help but recall your once arrogant demeanor. Did you ever imagine you’d see this day? Did you ever think you’d be defeated by me? How laughable, the disdain the great sects hold for the weak. I have suffered this since memory began. I thought I’d let it go, but seeing you today, I realize how naive I was.”

“All my past suffering, today you must repay it with your life. You never taught me the main principles of the Divine Sword of Chaos and Heaven. You hoped I’d perish from backlash, didn’t you? Once I understood this, besides marveling at your continued cruelty, I devised a solution: to kill you and absorb your divine swordsmanship.”

With that in mind, Peach Blossom Face removed his mask, his expression now dark and wild. “To gain divine skills, I am willing to pay any price. What’s a little backlash? When I was tormented in the Great Jin Pass, no one cared. Now that I have succeeded, many implore me to spare you. Years ago, I was defeated by you, my meridians destroyed. Then I knew only by becoming strong could I do as I wished.”

“And now, I have finally succeeded. Today, you must die!” Crimson battle energy swirled around Peach Blossom Face. Yue Gujin dared not confront him head-on; after so many years, Peach Blossom Face had grown even more resolute. The Blazing Sun Sword Technique, though powerful, could not harm him. If only he had his divine sword at hand—its strength would make the battle possible.

“Yes, your divine strength has grown stronger. I can feel your anger. Though I have regained only thirty or forty percent of my power, relying on supreme agility, you cannot catch me.” Either the Blazing Sun Sword Technique or the Divine Sword of Chaos and Heaven consumed tremendous energy. Unless his strength recovered to sixty percent, he could not strike; too much remained unfinished for him to perish here.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Peach Blossom Face unleashed his fierce fists, a storm of power that none could withstand. “You wish to flee, but your fate is already in my hands. Unless I let go, you cannot escape. In this dungeon, your agility is useless; you cannot leave my range.”

“Yue Gujin, today this dungeon is your burial ground. You know it lies dozens of meters below the surface, its structure complex, filled with traps. Though you’ve been imprisoned here, you know little of its intricacies. Don’t run blindly—you can only die by my hand; no one else is qualified to kill you. Run, as I once did against you, endlessly fleeing, hoping for a chance to return. Now the outcome is what I worked for—isn’t this the result of my struggle?”

Peach Blossom Face walked slowly, his expression relaxed, his tone light, but anyone could sense the astonishing fury in his heart. The old cat-and-mouse game could resume. Yue Gujin’s power had not yet recovered; if he wished to win, his only hope was to use the environment.

Indeed, he was unfamiliar with the dungeon’s layout, which was dangerous. Yet this complex environment also posed a great variable for Peach Blossom Face.

“Hmph, old friend, I know exactly what you’re thinking. You wish to gamble on some change, avoiding direct confrontation, hoping to trap me with the surroundings, isn’t it? But you must realize, you cannot do it. Don’t you know you’ve stepped from the Gate of Life into the Gate of Death? Beneath the Great Jin Pass flows immense energy of life and death, alternating and cycling. Do you think you can escape?”

“So, you plan to die from the shock of the life and death energies? Excellent, that saves me trouble. If you cannot endure, you’re welcome to return anytime. Even after all these years, I still regard you as my best friend. I have few friends, and you’ve always been one of them.”

Clatter!

As the Lord of the Great Jin Pass, Peach Blossom Face was intimately familiar with everything here. He activated the mechanism releasing the energies of life and death—so potent even he dared not touch them. Yue Gujin truly sought death. “I won’t go far; I’ll wait here for you.”

Yue Gujin ignored the words behind him. He too felt the power of life and death—perhaps he would truly be devoured today, but better that than suffer Peach Blossom Face’s humiliation. “Ah, this place is indeed excellent. Peach Blossom Face, with all your skill, why don’t you dare come now? I see—you have deep fear in your heart.”

“Even with your divine strength, so what? You never dared step outside. You are king only here. The Lord of the Great Jin Pass—a grand title, but what’s so special? Even if I am consumed by the energies of life and death, I will not face you. If you wish to wait, then wait.”

In an instant, Yue Gujin was engulfed by the thick energies of life and death. Peach Blossom Face never expected this man’s character to be so extreme. All he wanted was an apology, but even facing death, Yue Gujin would not lower his proud head. If he wants to die, it will not be easy. I said before, he can only die by my hand. I never believed these energies could devour him.

“It seems the battle between the Lord and Yue Gujin has ended. Now it’s your turn, Ji Anran. I’m still eager to see what you’re capable of. You’ve seen it—if you make a move, I can counter with the same technique. Little girl, this world is vast, far beyond your imagination. Perhaps you were once formidable, but now you’ve met me, and no matter your skill, today it is useless. Surely you feel powerless?”

The Nameless Wanderer, with absolute strength and aura, suppressed the girl before him. If she hadn’t been poisoned, perhaps he wouldn’t be her match. Yet the world has no “if.” Look at her pale face—another move and she would lose her life.

Spurt!

Ji Anran coughed up blood. Disaster—her inner cold poison was about to erupt. Because of it, her formidable power could be used only to a fraction; to have lasted this long was a miracle. Was she truly to die from this poison?

“Ji Anran, do you have any moves left? Better use them all now. If you can’t overturn this, your only fate is death. You are a beauty, but you’ve ruined yourself for others. I can’t help but feel pity. Solving this problem is easy: surrender, hand over the Heart Technique of the Myriad Waters Sect, and I’ll grant you a quick death.”

“Hmph, so it comes down to wanting the Myriad Waters Sect. But you should know—I will never hand it over. As Master Water’s disciple, I represent not just myself, but also his honor. Do you think I have no options? Though I suffer from the cold poison, if you think that’s enough to defeat me, you are wrong.”

“My brother said, when one’s own strength fails, use external force. You’re waiting for me, but I’m equally prepared. Everyone, what are you waiting for? Attack!”

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The ground shifted; countless figures appeared, surrounding the Nameless Wanderer. Seeing this, his face turned icy. “Who are you? What business have you here at the Great Jin Pass?”

He realized these newcomers were all masters. Naturally, he did not want them as enemies. Yet they ignored him, bowing to Ji Anran: “Miss Ji, we’ve arrived. What do you need?”

Ji Anran breathed a sigh of relief. “What I want is simple: eliminate this unpleasant man. It should be easy for you.” She turned to the stunned Nameless Wanderer. “Look at your surprise—you have no idea what is happening, do you? It’s simple. Though I can’t defeat you myself, I can call others. This way, I save effort. You have skill, but today you met me, and you won’t be able to use it.”

“Call others? How did you do this? This breaks all the rules!” The Nameless Wanderer’s heart burned with fury. This wretched woman had no sense of honor—calling others to fight, was that even allowed?

Ji Anran was in high spirits. “Of course I can. I forgot to tell you—my husband worried for me and gave me many crystals. But these people don’t deal in crystals. We are old friends; not long ago, I helped them. When I had trouble and you targeted me, I thought they would help, so before coming to the Great Jin Pass, I had the masters of Whitespring Hideout conceal themselves here. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Indeed, these were all Whitespring Hideout’s experts. Previously, out of fear of Bear Zhen, they dared not offend Taiyun Golden Valley. Later, learning Taiyun Golden Valley was finished, they wished to atone for past mistakes. Fear is no disgrace; it is human nature. Now, with reconciliation, all could be set right. Whitespring Hideout could finally live in peace, no longer suffering Taiyun Golden Valley’s oppression.

“Miss Ji, you exaggerate. Helping you is nothing for us. If this relieves our guilt, we are glad. Rest assured, with us here, this Nameless Wanderer cannot harm you.”

Whitespring Hideout revered martial arts; against someone like Master Hua Lian, they might be helpless, but the Nameless Wanderer relied merely on photographic memory—his eyes could memorize techniques, but only superficially. Against one or two, he might cope, but now there were over twenty. What could he do?

“Very well, since you say so, I look forward to your performance. If you hadn’t come, I’d have been beaten by this man. Without the poison, he would not trouble me, but now things are different. Rest assured, if I escape, you will not be unrewarded.”

Friendship aside, since she asked for their help, she would offer something in exchange—anything, for her.

“Miss, what are you saying? If not for you, Whitespring Hideout would have perished at Taiyun Golden Valley’s hands. You and Lady Li Moqing of Suoyi Tower are close; whether she helps or you help, it makes no difference. Enough talk; please stand aside and watch.”

Now, the experts of Whitespring Hideout wished to show their skills before Ji Anran, so she might praise them to Lady Li Moqing later.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Without further words, Whitespring Hideout’s fighters launched killing moves—fierce punches and powerful palms. Though the Nameless Wanderer had good reflexes, he barely escaped disaster.

“Villain! You are truly formidable—take this!”

The Nameless Wanderer’s fists flew, his steps steady. He had learned many techniques through memory, but only their surface. They appeared impressive but lacked depth. Against true experts, his skills were shallow and chaotic—a fatal flaw.

“Nameless Wanderer, perhaps you’ve been invincible before, but today all your moves are ones we can counter.” Old Li, most experienced in dealing with such opponents, switched techniques rapidly, astonishingly fast. “Hold him down. Today, he must not leave alive, or we’ll lose all face.”

“Don’t worry, boss. Though he’s formidable, we aren’t weaklings. Since we’re here, let’s play with him properly.”

“Yes, that’s right. To deal with him now, we don’t need fancy moves—just brute force. The arrogance he showed earlier was infuriating. Come, Nameless Wanderer, today we, the so-called useless ones, will give you a beating. If you object, show your strength and fight back. Your aura was impressive, so you’d better endure.”

The fight had degenerated from battle to brawl. Techniques were abandoned; whatever felt comfortable was used. The goal: to give the Nameless Wanderer a thorough thrashing, to show him he’s not the strongest, that anyone can subdue him.

It wasn’t that they lacked skills, but using them on him would be wasteful. No move was as satisfying as the direct impact of fists. This approach was more effective.

Bang, bang, bang!

A storm of furious fists rained down on the Nameless Wanderer’s face and body. He could not defend. “What skill do you have? If you dare, fight me one-on-one, live or die. Are you brave enough?”

He had always learned that combat meant single combat. Even in chaos, there should be order. Today was his first experience otherwise. His face, though not as handsome as Liang Xi’s, was decent, but now, battered by wild fists, it was unrecognizable.

“Boss, isn’t the Nameless Wanderer too naive? At this point, he still wants a one-on-one fight. Honestly, if it came to that, none of us could defeat him. So now we must abandon the rules. He suffers now; only then does he realize the importance of rules. But if he’d killed Miss Ji Anran earlier, what would rules mean?”

Ji Anran paced, her face half-smiling. “How is it? Nameless Wanderer, you never expected this, did you? One-on-one—you had that with me, didn’t you? Now you wish to talk rules. Well, my rule is simple: I live, you die!”

“You little wretch, if I survive, I will never forgive you!”

Boom!

Ji Anran’s expression changed at last; the Nameless Wanderer saw a flash and was pinned to the ground by a pair of slender, pale hands, bursting with power. “I despise threats. And you know, today I will not spare you!”

“No use struggling; your meridians are destroyed. Though I’m poisoned, it’s easy to do this. Now, you have no protective techniques and are no different from an ordinary person. I always said, offend me and there’s no good outcome. Pity you never believed me, thought I was joking. Your ugly face is unbearable.”

“If you still have strength, I’d welcome another fight. But it seems you have no chance. I’m leaving—Peach Blossom Face surely never expected you’d be so weak. Pity I’m injured; else, I’d venture into the energies of life and death to see what’s become of that arrogant man.”

“Thank you all; leave the rest to me. Whitespring Hideout is rebuilding, and you have important matters. I won’t detain you. I know you came for Li Moqing’s sake. When I see her, I’ll thank her for you. As for what I promised, it’s already been sent to your homes. My brother arranged it. Thank you again.”

The heroes of Whitespring Hideout replied in agreement, pleased to see Ji Anran so considerate. “Miss Ji, since matters are settled, we’ll take our leave. In future, please visit us at Whitespring Hideout; we’ll host you well.”

“Nameless Wanderer, you heard them. If you ever act out again, we won’t hesitate to beat you once more. But looking at you now, you surely can’t take another beating. You’re now a cripple. Truly a cause for celebration.”

To be crippled and celebrated—the Nameless Wanderer’s face was a mix of blue and red. He never expected to end up so miserable, beaten by a bunch of nobodies and unable to fight back. “Nameless Wanderer once held considerable status in the Great Jin Pass, now reduced to this. Of course, he’s unwilling. ‘Brat, just wait. Even though you destroyed my power, as long as I live, I won’t let you go. I’ll make every day of your life a torment.’”

Now that he was like this, the worst that could happen was death. But as long as he had breath, he would never let Ji Anran escape.

Ji Anran showed no fear. “Even now, you can speak so boldly. Truly courageous. But I must tell you, I have just infused a thread of Water Force into you—Master Water’s power. You should now feel its strength. If you hope to retaliate, I won’t give you the chance.”

The Nameless Wanderer’s face twisted. What was happening? What was happening inside him? Why was his vitality slowly fading? Was losing his power not enough—did they want him dead as well?

“What’s happening? Ha, you’ll never know. Boy, Master Water’s power isn’t for everyone. If someone like you tries to master it, you’ll end up like this. Now, your vitality is nearly gone. Pity, really.”

“I didn’t want to do this, but you wouldn’t shut up. Now you’ll know what happens when you offend me. Your strength is gone; I disdain to even strike you.”

Within the energies of life and death, the environment was shrouded in mist. “Where are you? Do you think hiding means I can’t find you? Yue Gujin, after all these years, I never thought you’d be so downcast, hiding like this. Didn’t you say you’d absorb the energies of life and death? In all these years, only Li Moqing who went to Taiyun Golden Valley ever managed it.”

“You, though, lack the ability. These energies are deep and dangerous. If you could absorb them, you might restore your power, but it’s too risky. And I won’t let you. Ordinary people fear them, but I do not. Do you know why? Because I grew up here.”

“How long do you think you can hide?”

Whoosh!

Peach Blossom Face grabbed at a shadow—only a mirage. “Peach Blossom Face, you cannot catch me. Though my power is not restored, my agility is supreme. The energies of life and death are formidable, but when did I say I’d absorb them?”

“I’m leaving. I have no time to waste. Now that I’m free, you won’t catch me. If you dare, come find me in the Southern Domain. Hahaha, now I’ll explore the world outside, truly live!”

“Kid, though you live amid these energies, with your current power, you cannot suppress them. The longer you stay, the worse it will be for you.”

Yue Gujin now outside, saw Ji Anran and was momentarily dazzled. He sighed inwardly, “Such a beautiful girl. Since we’re both out, why not return with me to the Sword Sect? Only the sect master can cure your cold poison. Pity my power is not recovered; else, I’d help you myself.”

“Good. You should have said so sooner. I would never want to stay here another day. This place does not suit me at all.” Ji Anran truly disliked the Great Jin Pass.

“That’s easy. If you dislike it, I’ll destroy it. What’s the trouble? I have no affection for it. Peach Blossom Face imprisoned me for years—now I’ll settle things with him once and for all!”

Whoosh!

With a single sword strike, Yue Gujin destroyed the vast city tower of the Great Jin Pass. Its importance was self-evident; destroying the tower meant destroying the Pass itself. “Peach Blossom Face, I’ve destroyed your Great Jin Pass. I hear it was your last refuge. Now you haven’t even a patch of clean earth left—you must be furious. I’ll wait for you at the Sword Sect. When my power is restored, I’ll show you that there is a chasm between us. No matter how you struggle, you cannot defeat me. Haha, these people died because of you!”

Peach Blossom Face wore a mask, so his expression was hidden, but surely it was ugly now. He would become homeless again, but perhaps that was best—he was now unburdened, which would aid his progress. “Well done. In fact, I truly must thank you. I always intended to destroy the Great Jin Pass. Now that you’ve done it, all the better. When you recover, I will come for you.”

“At that time, nothing will stand in the way of our ultimate duel.” Peach Blossom Face cared only for himself; the Pass meant nothing to him. “Lord, are you really letting him go? This is the Great Jin Pass! If it’s destroyed, what will the disciples do?”

“And what did you mean before? When you said you never cared for this place—we are your disciples, trained by you. If the Pass is destroyed, how does that help you?”

The disciple was now frantic, questioning Peach Blossom Face, but he remained unmoved. “Are you finished? Then leave quickly. You have trained for years at my side. Though you’ll never be supreme masters, you can defend yourselves. Beneath the tower are my stores of crystals. Ultimately, it is I who failed you. Take them and go.”

Peach Blossom Face cared not for these trivial matters. He knew what the disciples truly wanted: only crystals. They were important to him, but his greater goal was to fight Yue Gujin; only by defeating him could he fulfill his wish.

Unfortunately, the disciples did not understand—if they took the crystals and left, all would be well, but they refused. “Lord, as your disciples, do you not know what we want? We just want an explanation. Is that so hard?”

“You won’t take the crystals? Fine. Then you are like this tower—forever left here. The endless sands are fit for you. You were trained by me; you should know I never change my decisions.”

Bang, bang, bang!

Peach Blossom Face killed his former disciples one by one. Keeping them would only bring trouble—they knew his weaknesses, and in the martial world, none can let others know their flaws.

He looked at the fallen, bewildered disciples. “Had you left earlier, how much better it would have been. Now you disregard your lives—was this what you wanted?”

In the swirling sands, a lone figure walked away, mask cast aside. Yes, this was Peach Blossom Face—no, now he should be called Ying Baitu. He had worn the mask for many years, but he had long tired of such days. For years, he had cowered in the Great Jin Pass, never daring to step outside. He was weary of it. “Old friend, I am coming now. I hope, when I arrive, your power has returned.”

“After our battle years ago, I was defeated. Since then, I have regarded you as my only rival. If I can defeat you, I will pay any price. Now my wish is about to be fulfilled. You were right—the air and earth outside are beyond compare to the Great Jin Pass.”

The Southern Domain was vast—home to Xi Tongshen, who disappeared after his battle with Lord Jun Dao Xing. Though Xi Tongshen vanished, he left behind the Sword Sect. After so many years, the sect became the greatest in the Southern Domain. Though called the Sword Sect, it did not require disciples to use only swordplay; its purpose was to seek true swordsmen. If such a person appeared, they would willingly share all their sword arts.

Sadly, over the years, such a person never appeared. The Sword Sect was deep in the mountains of the Southern Domain; only by training there could one achieve mastery. Ji Anran saw the sect and was somewhat disappointed—it was far from what she had imagined. “After so many years, I have finally returned. Hmm, you look just as I did then—though you hide it, your eyes are full of disappointment. But never judge by appearances. Rest assured, since you are here, you are an honored guest. You will receive the best care. You suffer from cold poison, and if it’s not removed soon, your life is at risk.”

“I can see you cherish your life. Rest assured, the sect master is powerful and can help you. I will also speak for you. Your skills are remarkable—why not become an elder here?”