Chapter 8: Master of the Divine Sword Sect

Unusual guests naturally receive unusual treatment; this is only to be expected. The matter itself is simple: since Jin Mantang first laid eyes on Ji Anran, he took a liking to her. Such a beauty, if she were to perish in the game of cat and mouse, it would be a great pity indeed. Thus, he exercised his privilege as an organizer and ensured she would survive. Once Ji Anran learned the truth, she would surely be grateful to him. “A woman as celestial as you should not be consigned to the company of those behind you. Rest assured, as long as I am here today, you will be safe.”

Ji Anran, clever as she was, instantly realized that her continued safety was due to this man's intervention. She was not opposed to special treatment, but such favor should only come from her elder brother, Liang Xi. If it came from others, she would feel nothing but revulsion. “Hmph, I understand now. All this is your doing. I won’t waste words, but tell me—what do you intend to do with Lüzhu, who stands at my side?”

Since entering Jin Mantang’s inn, Lüzhu had been in a state of utter terror. Jin Mantang, seeing this, felt no sympathy. He answered coldly, “Lüzhu’s life or death is none of my concern. I only care that you live.” He spoke the truth, but Ji Anran’s expression had already grown icy.

“Jin Mantang, I know your intentions toward me are impure, but I do not care. You are not even worth a single strand of my brother’s hair. If he were here to hear your words, he would be overjoyed. Do you know why? The more others value or desire me, the more I compare them to my brother. In my heart, no man in this world comes close to him. Moreover, you treat innocent lives like grass beneath your feet. You are not worthy to speak of love.”

“I said I would protect Lüzhu, and I mean to do so. Lüzhu, if the two of us enter this inn again to fight for our lives, are you afraid?”

Lüzhu, hearing Ji Anran’s words, felt a surge of strength from somewhere deep within. “If you will not abandon me, I will repay your kindness. It’s only Jin Mantang’s inn; I am not afraid!”

Never had Lüzhu met a woman like Ji Anran. In situations like these, most would rejoice at being singled out for protection, regardless of the motive or benefactor, for it meant safety from danger. People usually put themselves first, but Ji Anran was different. She cared first for others’ lives. Lüzhu had traveled between the Divine Sword Sect and Sword School for years and thought she had seen many two-faced people, but today she chose to trust Ji Anran once more.

“Miss, you need not refuse. You protected me, so I should protect you. I know you are afflicted with cold poison, and though you have the Jade Melody to suppress it, lately you haven’t been able to fight at full strength. Otherwise, you would not have been so cautious. Come with me now. Don’t worry; I may harm others, but I will never harm you.”

Lüzhu took Ji Anran’s hand and led her back into the treacherous Jin Mantang Inn. Jin Mantang himself had never expected events to unfold this way, and his heart was full of rage. Damn it, he gave her a chance, and she refused. Very well, Ji Anran, if this is your choice, I’ll grant it. Now that you re-enter Jin Mantang Inn, don't expect me to save you again.

In the depths of the inn, Lüzhu walked ahead, Ji Anran behind. The former spoke softly, “You truly are extraordinary, making me wish to protect someone again. I know you must be full of questions, wanting to know who I am, but—”

“No, I don’t care about your story. I’ve long sensed you are not ordinary. Perhaps even you haven’t realized your fear is deliberate, for your own reasons. So I won’t ask. When you wish to speak, I will listen. For now, let’s focus on how to get out.”

“Jin Mantang must have strong contingencies. Where are we headed next?” Ji Anran knew everyone had their secrets. How could she expect others to reveal everything to her? Could she herself do the same? Surely not.

Lüzhu was surprised by her words. Hmph, this girl is truly interesting. “You’re right, I am not as simple as I appear. As for my identity, you’ll soon know. For now, just follow me. I know there is a secret path in Jin Mantang Inn leading directly to Divine Sword Sect. Since you refuse Jin Mantang’s kindness, accept mine instead; there’s no harm in that, is there?”

The path had likely not been walked for many years, and it was desolate. “It’s been ages since I felt so free. You truly are capable. If Lian Pingfeng had a disciple like you, he would be delighted. Yet that old man, for all he taught you the Water Source Divine Skill, still made you suffer cold poison for so long. Who knows what he was thinking?”

After their conversation, Lüzhu regained her former calm—a serenity born from weathering many storms. Ji Anran quickly deduced Lüzhu’s true identity. “Are you the Sect Master of Divine Sword Sect?” There was no other answer.

“You’re clever. Only one person bears the name Lüzhu: the Sect Master of Divine Sword Sect. What, do I not match your expectations? Thirty years ago, I practiced at Sword Pool and, by chance, obtained the Immortal Pill and the Snowfall Sword Technique. The Immortal Pill grants eternal youth, neither aging nor dying. The Snowfall Sword Technique is the supreme skill of Divine Sword Sect. After acquiring them, I became a top master.”

“Sadly, all my friends from those days are gone. I care nothing for the position of Sect Master, so I left a letter and wandered the world. But now, the Sword Pool is about to produce the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword. You must desire it, yes? If I were to pass it to you, would you accept?”

“Don’t refuse yet. The Southern Sword School was founded by Xi Tongshen. He was second among the three great masters; Jun Daoxing was eldest, Xi Tongshen second, Lian Pingfeng youngest. If Lian Pingfeng lived, he’d be my peer. So of the three, I’ve only met Lian Pingfeng.”

“But I know that since Xi Tongshen’s death, Sword School produced no outstanding talents. Later, it split into attack and defense branches, its reputation never recovered. Sword Emperor Jia Shangtong now wields the Hunyuan Infinite Divine Sword and is Xi Tongshen’s successor, but so what? He may be strongest now, but when he dies, who will lead Sword School?”

“Perhaps he realizes this. When our sect’s Heavenly Fire Divine Sword is about to appear, he desperately seeks it. But Sword School is not what it once was; such a treasure cannot go to them. You, however, are different. You suit me. Tell me, if the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword appears, will you take it?”

“I won’t. As far as weapons go, I already have Kongbi. Divine swords are fine, but not the path I seek. My martial way has nothing to do with swords.”

“Kongbi? Ah, yes, I forgot. I heard you received the Jade Melody from Luo Mingyu’s Five-Tone Harmony. With such a weapon, you need no divine sword. I know you came to seek my help in resolving your cold poison. Leave it to me. When we reach Divine Sword Sect, I will cure you.”

“So the person we sought was you. Hmph, this truly surprises me—the dignified Sect Master of Divine Sword Sect, content to act as a servant girl. Who knows what you’re thinking? But regardless, I tell you now: you two, upon meeting me, are doomed today. I have long awaited you, and you did not disappoint.”

Doctor Li slowly emerged from the shadows. He had overheard their conversation and was astounded by what he learned. With such information, he would not let it go unused.

“Hmph, so it’s you, you scoundrel. Li Xuantong, always sneaking about. I just can’t imagine how someone so lacking in skill managed to survive this long.”

“Hahaha, like a dog, I’ll do anything to live. You noble girls may never understand my rage. My goal is simple: I must obtain the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword, become the world’s greatest. Do you know what I’ve sacrificed for that dream?”

“Hmph, I’m not worried talking to you now. Do you know why? Because, to me, you are already dead. Jin Mantang Inn is connected to this desolate wasteland. When you entered, didn’t you smell the fragrance? I am a master of poisons, and that scent is no ordinary toxin—it is Beauty’s Smile.”

“You both were invincible before, but have you considered that today you might fall to me? It’s pointless—even if you realize you’re poisoned, with your skills you can’t break it. My poisons, there is none in the world who can cure!”

“Jin Mantang, come out. Our agreement is complete. Do what you wish next; I only want Lüzhu. As for others in this inn, do as you please. With Lüzhu in hand, Divine Sword Sect’s masters mean nothing to me.”

Li Xuantong’s pale face twisted with madness and obsession. After so many years, he could finally get what he wanted.

“Of course, as we agreed. Rest assured, once I promise something, I see it through. Ji Anran, I said before, once you entered my territory, you could never leave. Now you should believe me. Had you accepted my offer, you would not be in this predicament.”

Jin Mantang’s expression was wild. This woman dared reject him—fine, she would learn what it meant to cross him. “But what shocks me most is you, Lüzhu. I never imagined your true identity—the Sect Master of Divine Sword Sect. The outside world believed the sect master was in seclusion; turns out it was all lies.”

“But even if your skills are unmatched, what does it matter? In the end, you will die by my hand. Now, no one can save you.”

Jin Mantang was now a madman, his mind warped. How these two crazed men found common ground was anyone’s guess.

“It’s only Beauty’s Smile. Do you think I’m vulnerable? The Immortal Pill makes me immune to all poisons. As for Ji Anran, her cold poison renders ordinary toxins ineffective. Enough talk—let’s fight. You two have prepared well, I presume. I haven’t fought in years; do your best to last.”

Lüzhu specialized in swordplay, but her weapon was merely an ordinary bamboo stick. “Now that I’ve drawn my blade, what are you waiting for? But you’re not worthy of my Snowfall Sword Technique. I will use the Green Bamboo Sword Style, which I learned in my youth and haven’t used in ages.”

Her steps were like lotus blossoms, her sword as gentle as the breeze, accompanied by the faint sound of bamboo. A simple, pure strike left a deep scar on Jin Mantang’s face.

“Nine Heavens Lotus and Green Bamboo Sword Style—before, I doubted your identity, but after witnessing this unique movement skill, I believe you. Still, I am not resigned—after so many years of effort, this is my end. Green Bamboo Sword Style is truly first-rate.”

With a few swift strikes, Jin Mantang was slain, blood bursting forth. Li Xuantong’s face paled; this sword energy was formidable.

Li Xuantong spat a mouthful of blood.

“Hmph, Li Xuantong, you dared attempt to suppress my sword energy with your own skill. It’s impossible—even if you could, you’d lose seventy percent of your power, and that’s if you were at your peak. Now, you can’t withstand it at all. Do you think I’m wrong?”

“And another thing—I must tell you, my Green Bamboo Sword Style relies on illusion. You thought you blocked my killing move, but that was only the beginning. Now, you can’t hear me; you’re trapped in my illusion. You said you were strong—let’s see how long you last against my technique.”

“Miss Ji, do you think my sword style is superior to Sword School’s Blazing Sun Sword Style?” In truth, there was no real answer. “Haha, even Jia Shangtong couldn’t decide. So, just watch—Li Xuantong will die today!”

“Hahaha, I am finally the greatest! None can challenge me. With the divine sword in hand, none are my equal.”

Li Xuantong, trapped in illusion, believed himself the world’s greatest, surrounded by desolation. It was not madness, but a twisted fulfillment of his dreams. For him, it was enough. “Li Xuantong, you always wanted to be number one? I have fulfilled your wish. Now, you are satisfied—I should go.”

When Lüzhu fought, she showed no mercy. Li Xuantong’s face was filled with unwillingness, but he never expected to be defeated by such a young girl. He realized he was trapped in illusion, but he was a master of poison, not of breaking formations; knowledge alone could not save him.

Ji Anran felt Lüzhu’s actions were justified. “Are we just leaving? Shouldn’t we care about the others? Has this unfolded too quickly? Or rather, too smoothly? Everyone in Jin Mantang Inn was a top master. For them to fall so easily is hard to believe.”

“Things aren’t that simple. Lüzhu, you were clever to have someone impersonate you. If not for his defeat, I wouldn’t have realized your deep schemes. Still, even so, what does it matter? Now, with our combined efforts, can you two still escape?”

Zuo Chongling arrived, wounded, apparently dealt with by West Moon and Meteor Fragment. Yet those two were not in great shape either. “Lüzhu, be careful. These people seem gentle but are hard to deal with. We spent much effort to reach this point. If we give them time to recover, it will be bad for us.”

“Hmph, I said before, with your skills, killing me is a daydream. Believe it now? Whatever tricks you have, to me they are irrelevant. Even together, you can’t break my protective sword energy.”

Crimson Fairy came over, battered from battle. “Sect Master, your disciple failed to withstand their combined attack.”

Lüzhu seemed unsurprised. “I understand, Crimson Sky—you did well. Things turned out this way because of my mistakes, and I must bear and remedy them. Leave the rest to me; I won’t let anyone harm you again.”

“Ji Anran, can you still fight? If so, join me in defeating these foes.”

If Lüzhu were alone and had not drunk the illusion wine, resolving the situation would be easy. But now, lacking strength, she hoped Ji Anran would join her.

Ji Anran drew Kongbi. Now, she truly intended to play the Jade Melody. This tune was perfect for healing, but its effect in combat was unknown. “Elder, you’re wrong. I cannot fight anymore, but I can use Jade Melody to boost your power.”

“I’ve heard Luo Mingyu’s Five-Tone Harmony is formidable. Today, I wish to witness it. It seems this is our only option. Play your tune; as long as I am here, no one will harm you!”

The Jade Melody was gentle, with two effects—one, its cold could injure; the other, it could heal. The same melody played at different speeds had different effects. Indeed, Lüzhu felt powerful energy coursing through her.

“I am full of strength now. At last, I can play. You all, attack together or one by one—I am rather bored of this.”

“Lüzhu, don’t worry; you won’t fight alone. I am here to help. Hmph, this group of men has annoyed me long enough. Now that I have the chance, I’ll teach them a lesson.” Feng Yushuang, though lacking martial arts, had the protection of the Five Vajra, giving her confidence. “Five Vajra, today, destroy all these vile men. If they live, we will never have peace.”

“Bang!”

“Bang!”

At that moment, Meteor Fragment and West Moon each struck Lüzhu. “You? You dare betray me? Hmph, I was blind to trust you both as confidants.”

“Lüzhu, you are wrong. From the start, these two were mine. Now, it seems only the victor will leave. But Lüzhu, you are gravely wounded—what can you do now to change the outcome?”

“You two have done well. These days, you’ve worked hard. Now, Lüzhu is seriously injured; Crimson Fairy and Feng Yushuang are of no concern. If Ji Anran were not afflicted by cold poison, she would be the most dangerous. If she unleashed her full strength, even the three of us together wouldn’t be her match. But now, she is gravely injured and poisoned—let’s see what they can do.”

Ji Anran knew she alone could be relied upon. Was cold poison enough to prevent her from fighting? She resolved to seal the poison in her meridians, a technique that would last only as long as a stick of incense. For that time, she could fight at full power. It would suffice.

Ji Anran stepped forward, her aura at its peak. Today, a reckoning would be made. “Girl, do you realize what you’re doing? Sealing poison in your meridians grants immense power, but the side effects are severe. You may destroy your martial arts forever. Is it worth it? Think carefully.”

“If I can’t defeat you, what use are my skills? Fine, I’ll show you the Jade Melody’s power. You’ve only seen its healing effect; now witness its cold, destructive force.”

Each note of Jade Melody was like a keen blade, cold energy spreading everywhere. Everyone felt a chilling frost, but the real danger was that this cold entered their bodies. “It’s useless. I know you are all skilled, but Five-Tone Harmony is unlike any martial art. You think sealing your senses can block the music? Laughable. Unless you die, you cannot resist its invasion.”

Just one tune, Jade Melody, was so powerful. If Ji Anran mastered the entire Five-Tone Harmony, its effects would be unimaginable. Music was best for disturbing the mind. Zuo Chongling, though protected by sword energy, could not resist the melody’s attack. Yet Jade Melody was of cold nature, and Ji Anran, gravely wounded, could not use it for long.

“What’s wrong? Hmph, you must have struggled with cold poison for years. Your talent is the strongest I’ve seen, but so much of it is wasted. At this rate, you won’t save anyone!”

“Hahaha, such arrogance! I hate people like you most. Today, I am here! Zuo Chongling, you bully a junior—is that skill? Why not fight me instead? It’s been years. I’ve missed you.”

At that moment, a figure arrived—the chief of Gale Fort, Gale, followed by many experts, all from Gale Fort. Previously, there had been no time to meet them all.

“Gale? So it’s you. Hmph, you and I are equally matched. If you want to fight, I’ll oblige. But are you sure you want to risk your life? You were always cautious—now you risk everything for outsiders? I am surprised.”

“I have nothing better to do lately. Since we meet, let’s fight. Don’t you have the courage? Ah, I remember—I injured you years ago, and you never recovered. After all this time, you are still a failure.”

“Miss Ji, I said I would help you on the road to Divine Sword Sect if trouble arose. Your luck is good to meet this old man. Don’t worry—you’re injured and not his match, so I’ll finish him for you. Our feud is deep.”

“Hmph, I won’t fight you now. I would lose. Let’s wait—our grudge is old; let’s settle it at Divine Sword Sect. When we meet, I will battle you.”

“You others, what are you waiting for? Leave, or risk your lives. Beware, this man is formidable—the Gale of Divine Sword Sect.”

Gale ignored Zuo Chongling, turned respectfully to Lüzhu. “Disciple did not know Sect Master was here—please forgive me!”

“Never mind. You came in time. You did well, Gale. I hear you want to be a sect disciple—it’s easily done, I can agree now.”

“Everyone thinks Divine Sword Sect disciples are exceptional, but only I know it’s not so. I have little attachment to the sect. If possible, my grandfather would not want to be Sect Master. I love freedom most, yet I have never had a day of it. Not one. To gain it, I would do anything.”

“How about I make you Sect Master now?” Lüzhu always acted on her own, to the headache of the sect’s many experts. “Sect Master, you can’t do that. For your own freedom, fine, but you cannot simply hand the position to an outsider. Is that fair to our ancestors?”

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.”

Several figures rushed in. Lüzhu felt a headache at their arrival. “You again? After all these years, you still won’t give up. I said before, once I’ve had enough, I’ll return. Yet you always monitor me—I’m tired of it. Aren’t you?”

“Everyone, you see now—the people before you represent Divine Sword Sect. If you have questions, ask them. I am an unfit Sect Master. If I could, I would leave, but due to my status, wherever I go, I never find true freedom.”

“Sect Master, you are the strongest in our history. All these years, you have done as you please, but now you’re home—why not visit? We all miss you dearly. The former Sect Master said you are responsible, though you may not realize it yet.”

Lüzhu was already weary of such words. “Enough, don’t say more. I promised if you found me, I’d return. Now you have, let’s go. You’re right—I have cared only for myself, neglecting you disciples, and that is my fault. The appearance of the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword is a great fortune for Divine Sword Sect.”

“Ji Anran, you are afflicted with cold poison and cannot unleash your true power. Come with me; in all the world, only I can cure you. If you delay, I may not be able to help. All of you, listen: Ji Anran is my friend. She has cared for me, and now she is Divine Sword Sect’s honored guest. Take good care of her, understand?”

The disciples of Divine Sword Sect were overjoyed. As long as the Sect Master returned, whatever she asked was no trouble. “Sect Master, we understand. Miss Ji, your cold poison is formidable, but our Sect Master’s skills are unmatched. To be valued by her is fortunate indeed. Many have tried to be her friend, but she cares nothing for them.”

“Though Sect Master’s skills are supreme, she has long been lonely. Now, with a friend like you, perhaps her nature will change. We believe that when she does, she will accomplish things ordinary people cannot. Divine Sword Sect owes much of its reputation to Sect Master Lüzhu; we disciples are deeply grateful to her.”