Chapter 8: We Will Always Be Together

“Oh? Are you telling the truth? So Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen really defeated Gu Chuan? And they even forced him to disband the Yaksha Sect on the spot? Hahaha! That’s wonderful!” Lei Pengfei, upon receiving the news, was naturally overjoyed. The two youngsters had actually accomplished the mission, and as for the means they used, that didn’t matter so much. “Now that the task is complete, why haven’t the two of them returned yet? Could it be that they still have plans of their own? Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen are treasures to me—I can’t let anything happen to them.”

Lei Pengfei certainly hoped they hadn’t run into trouble. The scout replied, “Master, you need not worry. The two gentlemen will return tomorrow. It’s their first time seeing the Yun River, and they’ve never witnessed such beautiful scenery. Who knows when they’ll see it again? They just wanted to enjoy themselves at the river for a while. Please, don’t blame them.”

“Hahaha, so that’s how it is. The elders are right. I always send them off on dangerous missions, but forget—Liang Xi is only fifteen, and Zhuang Yunzhen is seventeen. Still boys, at the age when they should be having fun. Well, since they’ve done well, let them enjoy themselves. The Yun River is indeed beautiful. Sadly, though I’ve lived in Sky Cloud for so many years, I’ve never seen it myself. Having the two elders see it in my stead is a fine thing indeed.”

“Master, your disciples are now in Sky Cloud. My senior brother and I have just formed an alliance with Gu Chuan of the Yaksha Sect. When the time comes, we’ll combine our forces and destroy the Lei Sect completely. We haven’t reported these things to you before, which must have worried you—it was our fault,” Liang Xi wrote.

“Master, you can rest assured that we will return before the grand tournament. As for Mu Chenyuan, whatever he may have said, please don’t believe him. The matter between us and that man will be resolved once we return,” Zhuang Yunzhen added. The two hadn’t actually been out sightseeing—they were by the Yun River, writing a letter to their master, Qi Ying, to inform him of all that had happened.

“I think, once Master receives our letter, his mind should be at ease. This was our first time out in the world, and we accomplished such a big thing. What do you think Master will do to reward us?” Liang Xi asked.

Zhuang Yunzhen said nothing.

“These two boys... Hahaha! They’re something else, aren’t they? To accomplish so much at their age—no wonder they’re my disciples. But they’re bold, too—barely learned the basics, and they dare head out to the Yun River. Good thing Gu Chuan’s temperament has changed. If it were the old Gu Chuan, these two might not have survived. To receive your letter gladdens my heart. Since you want to settle things with Mu Chenyuan yourselves, his fate is yours to decide,” Qi Ying mused.

He knew his disciples wouldn’t get into trouble easily. This journey was the perfect opportunity for them. The grand tournament was about true strength. Over ten years, these two had mastered both volumes of the Lingyun Codex, even discovering its hidden powers. Fortune had smiled on him, giving him these two disciples during his years of seclusion at Lingyun Palace. As their master, what more could he do but help them? It was time to deal with Mu Chenyuan first. “Mu Chenyuan, do you think you can get away now?” Qi Ying’s sudden appearance startled Mu Chenyuan.

“Uncle Master, I’ve explained everything before. Why won’t you let me be? This is the Lingyun Wonderland—even if you are the former sect leader, your time has passed. I don’t believe you’d really act against me. You know that if you do, Master will never forgive you.” Mu Chenyuan even abandoned formal address in his agitation.

“Only the weak rely on others. Your master? He’s nothing. Even if Yan Shiyu himself stood before me, I’d say the same. I never feared him before; why should I now? You harmed my disciples—I told you before, I will never forgive you. This is all I can do for them as their master. My disciples are surely working hard; I know they will surpass me one day!”

“In order for my disciples to shine at the tournament, I’m sorry, but I must do this!” With lightning speed, Qi Ying struck Mu Chenyuan’s shoulder with a palm, sending a surging force through his body. “It’s useless. You can’t dissolve my energy, not even your master would dare face me head-on. Since childhood, you’ve always been at odds with my disciples!”

“I used to think it was just childish squabbling, but now I see it’s your nature—it hasn’t changed in all these years. Since that’s the case, let me settle the score on behalf of my disciples!”

“You call yourself a chosen son of the heavens? What a joke. In my presence, you dare claim such a title? Fine, then show me what you’ve got. My energy is now within you—if you try to use your inner power, your meridians will rebel!”

“By my nature, you’d already be dead. But I promised Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen to let them deal with you. What I sent just now was only the beginning. You say they’re weaker than you—that was in the past. At the Sword Palace, didn’t you already lose utterly?”

“Don’t think about asking your master for help. In Yan Shiyu’s eyes, you’ve never been more than a pawn. The only reason you’re still alive is that you’re still useful. Once you’re not, he’ll get rid of you himself.”

“Senior brother, I know you’re here. Looks like what I said was true. If you really cared about this disciple, you’d have come out to fight me as before. But this time, you did not.” Qi Ying’s voice echoed in the room, but Yan Shiyu said nothing. Mu Chenyuan’s face turned ashen. His master had indeed been there, but left. Was he truly just a pawn in his master’s eyes?

“If I’m just a pawn, then why did Master value me so highly? Why did he teach me all his skills?” Mu Chenyuan wondered.

“Mu Chenyuan, Qi Ying is right. In my heart, you are a pawn. I spent much effort cultivating you, but now I see you are hopeless. In the grand tournament, you’d better perform. If anything goes wrong, even if you die, I won’t help you. Neither at my side nor in all of Lingyun Wonderland is there room for the useless.”

Yan Shiyu did not appear, but his voice cut into Mu Chenyuan’s heart like a blade. Since childhood, Mu Chenyuan had followed Yan Shiyu, who was his everything—his faith. But now, his faith had crumbled and abandoned him. How could he bear it?

It was only because of his master’s presence that he was once admired as a prodigy. Now, how could he cope with this psychological blow? “Master, you need say no more. What happened at the Sword Palace was my fault, but I won’t make the same mistake twice. At the tournament, just wait and see!”

“Talk is cheap. You must prove it. I’ve already helped dissolve half of the energy from your master’s blow; that’s all I can do for you now. As for the rest, I have no way to help. My junior brother has always been adept at hiding his strength. I never expected him to become even stronger after all these years.”

“Junior brother, your skills have truly grown. I can no longer suppress you.” Yan Shiyu knew Qi Ying’s ability well. He’d only become sect leader because Qi Ying let him. “Junior brother, for all these years I haven’t sought you out, hoping you’d hand over the Lingyun Codex of your own accord. You know how vital it is to our sect! You once said that when I became sect leader, you would give it to me. But after I did, it vanished. I tried many times to get it from you, but to no avail. After our last duel, you were severely injured and lived in seclusion. Now, seeing your power, I know you must have mastered the Codex, haven’t you?”

“So it was you, the masked man who dueled me years ago. You admit it now—do you think, because I’m not at full strength, you can seize the Codex? But I’ve told you before, I don’t have it. Why won’t you believe me? I came out because your disciple harmed mine!”

“Your blow back then was indeed vicious, crippling half my strength in an instant. Were it not for my sturdy foundation, I’d have died decades ago. I know, senior brother, you’re always unhappy when you see me. Even as sect leader, you wonder why the others still respect me more and fear you.”

“Our temperaments caused this outcome. Though you crippled half my strength, I imagine you haven’t had an easy time either. Soon, everything between us will be settled—at the tournament, all will be resolved.” Qi Ying looked at his senior brother. After all these years, he saw that Yan Shiyu had lost his former dominance; he must have spent much effort suppressing his injuries. Otherwise, why had he not acted all these years? It was not unwillingness, but incapacity.

Since youth, Yan Shiyu and Qi Ying had competed, but Yan Shiyu always lagged behind. Disguised as a masked man, he crippled half Qi Ying’s power, but Qi Ying’s frigid energy had plagued him ever since. Now, even if he wanted to rid himself of it, he could not—it had merged with his meridians. Without it, he would soon die. Still, Yan Shiyu was unwilling to yield. He must obtain the Lingyun Codex. But where had it gone? Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen couldn’t have learned it—their aptitude was insufficient.

Yan Shiyu had wondered if Qi Ying had secretly taught the Codex to his disciples, but even he found that laughable. The world knew the Lingyun Codex was so domineering that only the most gifted could master it. That was Yan Shiyu’s arrogance—he trusted himself too much. Qi Ying used that. The more impossible it seemed to Yan Shiyu, the more Qi Ying was determined to do it. He knew teaching his disciples the Codex was dangerous—one misstep and they’d be destroyed. But his old wounds were worsening; he didn’t know how much longer he had. He had to find a worthy successor. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen’s greatest advantage was their untainted minds—like blank slates, full of possibility. In the end, they didn’t disappoint him.

“Senior brother, I suppose you have nothing more to say. I’ll take my leave; my internal wounds are still unhealed. Whether my disciples return or not is none of your concern—they will be at the tournament.”

Yan Shiyu would never allow Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen to return. He had already dispatched his deadliest assassin, the Iron-blooded Shadow, to Sky Cloud to kill them. “Junior brother, perhaps your power surpasses mine, but after so many years as sect leader, I will never relinquish my seat.”

For the past few days, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had been staying on a small boat on the Yun River—left for them by Gu Chuan. Here, they could rest well. “Senior brother, since we attained Unity of Sword Qi at the Sword Palace, we haven’t really explored its power,” Liang Xi remarked.

“The Keeper said Unity of Sword Qi is both a technique and a mind skill, and that I should start directly from the realm of No Sword. But can I really do that?” Liang Xi looked at the faint sword qi on his fingertip, doubting himself. In truth, both Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen possessed the sword qi of Unity of Sword Qi, but Liang Xi used it for technique, while Zhuang Yunzhen used it for internal cultivation. “Why worry? Even without Unity of Sword Qi, our skills are already impressive.”

“Of course, with Unity of Sword Qi, it’s even better. You’ve never feared anything—so what’s wrong now? Your energy seems unstable. Are you worried? Don’t be. We’ll always face danger together, and I’ll always protect you.”

Ten years of mutual encouragement and learning had made them closer than brothers. Whatever happened, they would face it together. Liang Xi felt reassured. With the tournament approaching, it was best to master the basics of Unity of Sword Qi now, to improve their chances—Mu Chenyuan’s strength could not be underestimated.

Unity of Sword Qi was divided into four levels, or four moves. The first, Rainbow Sword Qi, released a powerful, straight thrust—simple, yet formidable. As a technique, it was direct; as an internal skill, it focused on overwhelming force to intimidate the opponent, sowing fear before the fight began.

The second, Draw Sword for Merit, emphasized speed—especially in danger. It seemed chaotic, but each move was subtle and precise. As internal skill, it focused on seizing the initiative with sheer power, dealing a heavy blow. This level suited Zhuang Yunzhen’s domineering nature.

The third, Sword Heart, Lute Courage, combined attack with unshakable composure, able to face many with few. For Zhuang Yunzhen, it generated the twin energies of yin and yang, overwhelming all rivals. Whether as technique or internal skill, it was matchless.

The fourth and final, Ten-Year One Sword, was the culmination—every move and thought merged into a single, ordinary sword strike. The essence was unity: all returns to one, and one sword decides life and death. The four levels of internal and external mastery made Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen’s hearts race. Who could have created such a style? Likely the master of the Sword Palace.

They began with the first level. In Zhuang Yunzhen’s dantian, the sword qi condensed into a tiny sword after circulating through his body. As they gained knowledge, the sword would grow. Liang Xi’s sword qi hid in his fingertips; combined with the power of the Earth Volume of the Lingyun Codex, he felt nearly invincible—though that was impossible, since it was only their first attempt and couldn’t be used for long.

Otherwise, the consequences would be dire. “With this deep internal energy, it feels different. Before, I relied on brute force and couldn’t last, but now I finally can. Liang Xi, I’m finally like you. Unity of Sword Qi is truly domineering, perfect for me. At last, we can forge our own path with our strength.”

“You’re right!” With that, their internal cultivation paths were set: Liang Xi’s was supple, Zhuang Yunzhen’s was firm. Even the waters of the Yun River seemed to respond to their mighty energy, rising in great columns and swirling into a gigantic vortex—a sight the people along the riverbanks had never seen.

The Yaksha Sect was now temporarily disbanded. Its members had scattered, waiting for the final opportunity. For this reason, Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi could not relax. They concealed their energies, preparing to leave, when suddenly a small boat appeared on the river. The fisherman aboard sang loudly, for such beauty deserved a song. It was time for them to return to the Lei Sect—Lei Pengfei was suspicious by nature, and a long absence might endanger Qing Shu.

Upon their return to the Lei Sect, everyone looked at them differently. Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi understood—it was because they had destroyed the Yaksha Sect. “Hahaha! I always said you two were my lucky stars. I spent years dealing with the Yaksha Sect, but they always escaped me. I don’t know what methods you used, but I love the result!”

“From now on, the Yun River is ours. After years of effort, we are finally first in Sky Cloud! I doubt anyone will question your abilities again. Come, let’s celebrate—I’m truly happy today.”

A grand banquet had been prepared, but Lei Pengfei said it would lack its main characters without Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi. Bai Yuan, Yang Chen, and the other top disciples watched their master with understanding, knowing how hard things had been for him. Now, all those hardships were over.

“My friends, today is a momentous day for the Lei Sect. The Yaksha Sect is gone—destroyed. From now on, we are first in Sky Cloud. Tell me, shouldn’t I be happy? I must thank Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi, and also Old Dao of the Mad Blade Tavern. If I hadn’t visited your tavern, I would never have met these two—never have known such joy. The first cup is for you!”

“I still remember, when I arrived in Sky Cloud alone, you took me in and taught me the basics. If not for you, there would be no Lei Pengfei today. You have always been like a benefactor to me. You all have wondered why I trust a tavernkeeper so much—now you know. He saved my life!”

Everyone was shocked—who could have guessed the connection between Old Dao and the sect master? But Old Dao was unmoved. “Little Lei, you’re wrong. I was a friend of your father; caring for you was my duty. As for your achievements—gathering the scattered disciples and making us first in Sky Cloud—that was all your doing. You have no need for modesty.”

“Now that you’re number one, you can leave here easily. I have little else to say, but your wine is excellent.”

Indeed, Lei Pengfei owed everything to himself. Was he going to leave Sky Cloud? He meant to—nothing here held him anymore. He’d had enough. Now, the Lei Sect would finally return to Yunzhou, their true home. Amidst the night’s revelry, a few remained sober: Old Dao, Qing Shu, Zhuang Yunzhen, and Liang Xi. Their clarity was not a mask.

“Qing Shu, shouldn’t you tell us your plan now? You’ve long known ours—when do you intend to act?”

“Tonight. My Madman’s Powder should be taking effect now. Since joining the Lei Sect, I’ve secretly fed Lei Pengfei the powder, or exposed him to it. He’s always careful, but he forgot—I cared for him before he was sect master. If anyone understands his habits, it’s me.”

“For over a decade, I’ve made sure he’s been dosed. Tonight, in his joy, he took the last one. Madman’s Powder sends one into a frenzy, flooding their meridians with wild power. By now, he’s probably killed off his own disciples!”

“That’s my plan. I urged you to leave earlier, fearing this dangerous man would turn on you.”

“Hahaha! Who else dares challenge me? I am invincible now—none of you are my match!” Lei Pengfei erupted without warning. The others, unprepared, fell instantly to his blow—even his disciples were gravely wounded. “What’s happening? Why has Master changed so suddenly? Just moments ago he was fine, but his power keeps growing!”

“You can’t leave. I made him this way. You’ve all waited for this day—and so have I. Lei Pengfei, it’s been a long time. How does it feel to have such power? Isn’t this what you always wanted? But why do you look so pained?”

Lei Pengfei regained a bit of clarity. Was this both his day of joy and sorrow? “Qing Shu, I forgot—you know my habits better than anyone. In fact, you shaped them. You always acted so humble and obedient, earning my trust, but in the end, you dealt the deadliest blow. Of all my disciples, you’re most like me. The Lei Sect has always had countless enemies; I always knew this day would come.”

“But since you admit it, you know the consequences. As a disciple of the Lei Sect, you cannot leave. Even if I die, I’ll destroy you first!” Lei Pengfei’s battle spirit flared, his body rising, unleashing a palm with all his might—a peerless strike.

Zhuang Yunzhen responded with the Flying Bird Technique, thunder crackling around him, gathering in his palms. “Taste my Thunderstrike!”

With a crash, the two palms met, sending shockwaves through the hall, blowing half the roof away. Lei Pengfei spat blood, his gaze icy as he glared at Zhuang Yunzhen. “What technique is that? The Lei Clan’s Thunderlight Palm is the best in Yunzhou—what are you?”

Zhuang Yunzhen forced down the turmoil in his body—who would have thought the technique taught by the Sword Palace’s guardian would be so powerful? A single move repelled Lei Pengfei. “This is the fifth move of the Sun and Moon Twin Glory Palm, Thunderstrike, which I inherited at the Sword Palace. Impressive, isn’t it?”

“You always wanted to know what my brother and I gained at the Sword Palace? This proves it. Our true goal was to destroy the Lei Sect, which has committed countless crimes worthy of death. Yes, today is your day of joy and sorrow. Joy for the Yaksha Sect’s demise; sorrow because today, you are finished—and no one can save you!”

“Indeed, no one can save you!” At that moment, a deep voice rang out. Gu Chuan’s massive form descended, punching Lei Pengfei in the chest. “Lei Pengfei, you never expected this—I’m alive, and so is the Yaksha Sect. Everything before was just a ruse to lure you in.”

“You thought your disciples truly obeyed you? No, they saw through you years ago. You never treated them as people. Had you been your old self, we’d never have succeeded. But when you believed the Yaksha Sect was finished, your guard dropped. This was the perfect time to strike!”

“My Yaksha Sect originated from the Lei Sect, but after so many years, that’s ancient history. Yet you always acted superior. Today, I stand while you crawl. Are we equals now?”

“Let me tell you, the Lei Sect must never rise again, or Yunzhou will fall into chaos. For this plan, Lingyun Wonderland prepared for years. Your trusted Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen are disciples of Lingyun Wonderland, and Qing Shu is Old Dao’s agent. Now, you have no more doubts, and can rest in peace.”

“All these years, I’ve dosed you with Madman’s Powder. It can grant a surge of power, but devours the mind. By the time you realize, it’s too late. You’re right—I shaped your habits. I know you better than anyone. Having done this, I won’t leave. Where else could I go?”

“Heh, the world is vast, but in the end, there’s nowhere for me but the Lei Sect.” Qing Shu’s voice carried a touch of loneliness. She looked at Old Dao, her face full of sorrow. “Uncle, you raised me and taught me martial arts. I always knew you were plotting something. I wanted to repay you, so I volunteered to be your agent. Though you raised me, you never loved me. You’ve always hated the Lei Sect. I know it was the Lei Sect that made you what you are today.”

“But in the Lei Sect, I learned what love and affection mean. It’s ironic—I found love in the place you hated most. What does that make me? I’m sorry, Master. You gave me my skills, which made me what I am, but also destroyed me. I don’t want them anymore.”

With that, Qing Shu dissolved all her cultivation—a method Lei Pengfei himself had taught her, meant to be used against enemies, but now used on herself.

She looked at Lei Pengfei. “Why are you looking at me like that? I’m a disciple of the Lei Sect—that will never change. Killing you was my mission, but staying was my choice. Remember what I said when I joined? I said I liked you, and wanted to be with you!”

Without hesitation, Qing Shu struck her own crown and died instantly, her body settling gently in Lei Pengfei’s arms. “I killed you—let me atone with my life.”

“Good. We’ll always be together!” Lei Pengfei ended his own life at once, without a moment’s hesitation. Who would have thought that the end of the Lei Sect in Sky Cloud would come like this?