Chapter 1: Seizing the Throne

Zhuang Yunchen bade farewell to the three elders of Wushan, and in an instant, he broke through the fiery formation. At last, he arrived at the Poison Sect. Blood soaked his white robes, and though his face was pale, it could not conceal the resolute gleam in his eyes. In appearance, Zhuang Yunchen could not compare to his junior disciple, but he possessed an indomitable spirit all his own. Today, clad in white, the sword aura in his hand continued to condense relentlessly. At this moment, no matter how many disciples the Poison Sect had, none dared to act rashly.

“Step aside. You are no match for me. Do not waste your lives for others. I have come not for you, but for my sworn father!” His footsteps were steady, his breath long and even. Protected by the twin divine arts of Drunken Cloud Depth and Soaring Cloud Scripture, even grievously injured, he could recover instantly. How could the disciples of the Poison Sect have witnessed such a scene? None had anticipated that the sect, whose reputation had long since peaked, would still face a challenger. Did they truly believe this world was ruled by this one youth alone?

“Hmph, that brat is truly arrogant,” came a scoff. “Very well, let me engage with you. As long as I am here, you shall not run wild! Your sword may be formidable, but how does it compare to mine? Come, receive my strike!”

Hong Xue appeared in a crimson robe, her longsword translucent as if forged from millennia-old ice. The sword strike bore no name, yet its power was immense, chilled to the bone. “I have honed my swordsmanship for ten years. This is my first strike today. I do this because you, sir, deserve it. I have yet to name this technique, so I shall leave it nameless. Let us see how you counter this!”

A silver sword aura whistled through the air. Its potency need not be questioned; the technique was indeed exquisite. Yet Zhuang Yunchen showed no fear, advancing step by step toward the Poison Sect’s gates. Around him surged a formidable force of profound hardness, a power bestowed by the Heavenly Scroll of the Soaring Cloud Scripture, granting him exceptional defense.

“Useless. Though your sword is mighty, it is powerless against my profound hardness,” he declared. “Du Zhong, I know you are listening. What now? You dare not show yourself? Hmph. Do you think hiding will help? Sworn Father, I have come. I promised I would aid you. Though I do not yet know what you seek, whatever it is, I will fulfill it.”

“Feng Ming, why have you come here? When I taught you all my skills, it was not for you to take risks. But you never listened. Now that you’ve come, truthfully, it gladdens my heart. Your arrival gives me strength!”

“Come in, sworn father. I have missed you deeply. These days, I tried to push you away, but I realize that was wrong. I have a thought: why don’t we, father and son, make a grand upheaval in the Poison Sect today? I have long desired to do this, but lacked the chance. Now that you are here, my wish may finally be fulfilled.”

With a thunderous force, Hong Xue was sent reeling. Zhuang Yunchen did not seek to harm anyone; he had discerned Hong Xue’s attack, though fierce, bore no true killing intent. “This is all I can do. The rest is up to you. I believe you can accomplish what I dare not.”

Hong Xue knew well that Zhuang Yunchen far surpassed her. She had heard of Su Wen’s reputation and had once joined the Poison Sect largely because of him, hoping to earn a similar renown. Yet the sect was not what she had imagined, and though she wished to leave, it was impossible.

But Zhuang Yunchen was different; he still had many opportunities before him. “Will you go now? This is your last chance. Your sworn father waits for you. As for my fate, you need not care. I do this willingly.”

“Do not call me senior. I am still a young lady, no, at all times, a young lady. If you wish to pity me, forget it. I know well the sect leader’s nature—he cannot tolerate betrayal. Now that I have betrayed him, I have made my choice.”

“Hmph, you know I cannot tolerate betrayal, yet you choose this path. Do you understand the consequences awaiting you?”

“Heh, Zhuang Yunchen, it is truly a pleasure to see you. You are younger than I imagined. At your age, I was not as strong as you. The opponents I arranged for you were formidable, yet you persevered. This brings me great joy. Since you are here, enjoy the gifts I have prepared. I hope you like them.”

“You need not worry. Your sworn father is my most valued person. He was once of the Poison Sect. Now that he has returned, I will treat him well. I have told him that if he returns under my banner, I will forgive all past grievances. Yet I have waited long for his answer, and still he has not given it. Now that you have come, I entrust this task to you: persuade your sworn father to understand what is best for him. Opposing me will only lead to ruin.”

Zhuang Yunchen smiled, yet it was a cold smile. “Very well. If I can persuade him and fulfill your wishes, so much the better. But if I cannot, do not rashly unleash the Unknown Flame. Even if you grow angry, I shall not fear. Since I have come, I am prepared for all eventualities. What my sworn father lost, I shall help him reclaim. Believe in my strength.”

At that moment, a figure approached steadily, voice growing clearer—it was Du Zhong. This man was always meticulous about his appearance, favoring a black robe trimmed with gold thread and lined in red, radiating authority and nobility. He rarely spoke; his commands were delivered by a plain-looking youth beside him.

“Enough. Leave the rest to me. You have labored enough. Rest well now. This youth’s power is profound. Your efforts alone may not suffice. Let me handle it personally. Few in these years have compelled me to act, but he is one of them.”

“Zhuang Yunchen, you truly impress. Even Hong Xue, once my most trusted, has chosen to aid you. I still do not understand your magic that inspires such loyalty from a stranger. But now that you have come, you know the outcome you face, do you not?”

“Enough talk for now. Your sworn father waits for you. These days, he worries most about you. Seeing you alive and well will surely comfort him.”

“Sworn Father, I have finally come to see you.” At his side was a woman, likely Man Sheng. Time had softened her fierce demeanor into gentleness. At first meeting, she had seemed sharp and severe, but now, much gentler.

“Feng Ming, haha, you really came. When you were outside the mountain gate, I sensed your aura. At first, I wanted you to leave, but you refused to listen and sought me out. Now you see me. As you can see, my strength is gone—I am like a cripple. Even so, do you still wish to help me?”

“Sworn Father, how can you say that? My injuries healed thanks to you, and the divine art Drunken Cloud Depth. It is I who should help you, yet even this cannot repay your great kindness.”

Zhuang Yunchen treasured loyalty above all. Few in this world had treated him kindly, but he never forgot a face or a favor.

“Boy, you have many virtues, but one weakness—you are too soft-hearted, too sentimental. Though admirable qualities, you cannot always be so tender. Sometimes, you must harden your heart to grow stronger. This is the path to becoming a supreme warrior. You must understand: what you have mastered so far is merely martial technique. When you reach its peak, what then? Will you stop progressing? I think not. You will step into the Way of Martial Arts—a higher understanding beyond mere technique.”

“To reach this realm, you must sacrifice something—perhaps these trivial emotions that bind you. I have told you before: you surpass me by far. I taught you all I know not for any other reason but to see how far you can go. Now, I ask you to defeat me in one matter. From then on, no matter what happens in the Poison Sect, you must not aid me. Yes, I once said we, father and son, would shake this sect to its core, but I reconsidered. This is my battle alone; I cannot ask you to fight for me.”

“What? You truly refuse to defeat me? You know that Du Zhong and I must clash. Only one will survive. Who do you think that will be? You or me? But, it seems these questions matter little now. Even if you refuse, I will find a way to make you agree!”

“Sworn Father, what are you doing? I came to help you. If you need my aid, I will do anything. Yet you tell me to give up. I have struggled for so many years—why ask me to abandon it all? You are not my true father. If you were, you would not say such things. Others may not know what I have endured, but you do. Why speak so? You have truly disappointed me!”

Disappointment? Ha. Over these years, perhaps causing others’ disappointment has been my greatest act. Looking at myself now, not only others but I myself am disheartened. Yet, even if misunderstood by many, it matters not. I have grown accustomed to it. “Fine. If you truly refuse, so be it. But after this, I will never see you again.”

Shock, grief, resignation, acceptance—these emotions flickered across Zhuang Yunchen’s face. At last, he seemed to understand his sworn father’s fears. Yet he wished to tell him those worries were unnecessary. This time, he would help. “Sworn Father, do not be angry. I will agree, but you must promise me: do not act rashly in this battle. Otherwise, I will be forced to intervene.”

“Rest assured, I know well. Du Zhong is proud. He trapped me here to prove his superiority, but he will not fight until the last moment. After all these years, I know him well.”

“Ha! You know me best of all. Indeed, I will not act prematurely. I have waited many years and can wait longer. But I am curious—after so long apart, I thought you and your son would have much to say. Yet it seems not.”

“Hmph, you are just as before—always eavesdropping. But what my son and I spoke of is none of your concern. You will never know. Trust me, I will never tell you the answer you seek. You have the Spirit Essence Silk now, and your strength has surely grown. If you are displeased, then come fight me. But know this: even now, you may not defeat me.”

“Hahaha, I know your power well. If we fight, one will die. Who will it be? You or me?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. But I look forward to finding out. Speaking with you now is enough to satisfy me.” Du Zhong’s mood was light. He and Su Wen had once been brothers; after many years apart, it was a joy to see him well.

“Su Wen, you know in your heart that our battle should have ended years ago. Circumstances prevented it, but though I am now sect leader, I know I am not truly so until I defeat you. To earn everyone’s respect, I must win this fight.”

“Indeed, that is your resolve. I sense it now. Seven days hence, we shall settle this. Until then, do not come. Even if you do, I will not see you. I have those I love most here—my sworn son and my beloved. My heart is content. But this you will never understand.”

“Must you fight? Is victory or defeat so important?” Man Sheng, recently awakened, spoke softly. What mattered most now was being with her beloved.

“Man Sheng, how can you say that? After all my years of effort, do you think I can give up? Du Zhong will not relent, nor will Mandala, who has always seen me as an enemy. If I retreat, who knows what he might do? But you may rest assured—Mandala is reckless, but even he knows this is a crucial time and dares not act rashly.”

“Master, I am willing to take action on your behalf. I know you value Su Wen deeply and regard him as a brother. But do you truly know what he thinks? To him, you are not a brother, but a dispensable pawn. If not, why has he refused to see you all these years? As elder of the Poison Sect, is he really so self-indulgent?”

“What do you mean? Su Wen and I founded the Poison Sect together. Though we split over differing ideals, our bond never changed. As for your ambitions to become sect leader, I granted you that promise. But your strength is insufficient now. Would you consider the feelings of others if I simply let you take the position? Rest assured, I will fulfill my promise. For now, be patient.”

What does Mandala think now? Even he does not know. Yet he feels he has been toyed with. Though he foresaw this outcome, hearing it from this man still stings. Why? He has done so much for the sect, yet has fallen so low. No—he refuses to accept it. The position of sect leader was rightfully his, and after so many years, he will not give up lightly.

“Both men are powerful; without a solid plan, failure is inevitable. Su Wen, now that you have returned, I will not let you leave again. You have been gone so long; it is time to contribute to the sect.”

“Your expression shifts so often. What do you think? I know, but hear this: whatever you do now is futile. Your mission is complete. Leave now, and do not hinder me. You should know I have despised you most of all these years.”

“Yes, sect leader, I understand. In your heart, only Su Wen matters. No one else holds your regard.”

A fierce gust knocked Mandala to the ground. “Mandala, your arrogance grows. You dare meddle in my affairs? Who do you think you are? Remember this: if not for me back then, where would you be?”

“Now get out. Never let me see you again, or I cannot guarantee what will happen. That which does not belong to you—if you take it by force, do you know your fate?”

Mandala suffered a severe blow, blood spurting from his mouth. He had been gravely wounded in his battle with Su Wen, and now again. How long he would need to recover, he did not know. Yet even in injury, he would not surrender. To claim what he sought would demand great sacrifice, but he would endure to the end.

“Sworn Father, are you truly unconcerned that Mandala will come for you? He was never a man to stay quiet. Now that you are in his grasp, how can he let you go?”

“Hahaha, I know your worries. But they are needless. Du Zhong has long known Mandala’s schemes. One cannot allow a sleeper at their bedside. I never expected Du Zhong to tolerate this for so many years. Now that I have returned, Mandala’s usefulness has ended. If he knew when to restrain himself, perhaps Du Zhong would spare him out of past kindness. But Mandala is reckless, so forgiveness is impossible.”

“I suspect Mandala is seriously injured now. Yet he is patient and will wait for the right moment to strike back. But I have no fear. Du Zhong has faced such losses before and knows how to handle them.”

“Bang! Bang! Bang!” The three stones before Mandala, meant for training, shattered under his fierce palms. His fury was clear. “Good! This is what Du Zhong should do! If you refuse to give me the sect leadership, I will take it by my own power. Once I am leader, all of you will die!”

Mandala had always been impetuous. He knew when to wait, but now he could not. Over the years, he had secretly trained many elites for this moment.

“I have raised you all for years, and you have trained diligently. Do you not wish to prove yourselves? You know what I ask. Only you can accomplish it.”

“Master, we have waited long. You finally trust us to act. To reclaim the sect leader’s seat is simple. Leave it to us. We will not disappoint.”

“Good. I know your abilities. I entrust this task to you. But be warned: Du Zhong’s power is formidable. If careless, you may be the ones who perish.”

“Yes!”

The elite warriors vanished into a dark mist. “Lord Du Zhong, I have been forced into this by you. If I could, I would not be like this. But none gave me the chance to prove myself. Fine. Since you refuse, I will rely on myself. I now understand that only by depending on oneself can one gain true power. I did not see this before, but recently, thanks to you, I have realized it.”

Night blanketed the Poison Sect as silently as before. Du Zhong meditated, then slowly opened his eyes, sensing battle intent and murderous energy.

“Since you have come, why not show yourself?”

“Hahaha, truly worthy of the Poison Sect leader, your perception is keen. Since I have come, you must know why. Is it for the leadership? Who are you? I will not answer such trivial questions. Only one has the courage and power here to do this—you are Mandala’s men. I expected him to act thus. What now?”

“I think you all realize that even united, you cannot match me. That is why you hesitate. But now you have arrived, and it would be unreasonable to do nothing. I have a proposal: from this moment, all of you submit to me.”

“Then return the way you came and tell Mandala I have taken poison and all is proceeding as planned. What you choose now is up to you.”

“I do this for your sake. You know Mandala is cruel and ungrateful. Perhaps he has spared you because you still have use. But his patience is limited. One more mistake, and you know your fate. Consider well what to do.”

“We were lost but now pledge to follow you, ready for orders.”

Du Zhong was pleased. As long as they served him faithfully, he would treat them well. Many had died by his hand, but none had betrayed him.

“Good. You are wise to choose. You know what is best for yourselves.”

“That is all I require. Now go, but be careful. I will rely on you much in the future.”

These men were born as pawns, discarded when no longer needed. Few had ever spoken to them so kindly. Even if Du Zhong’s words were false, they were glad to be cared for.

“You returned so quickly? Has the task been done? Did he not suspect you?”

Mandala was shocked but also pleased. “Do not worry. Du Zhong is proud but has not doubted our identities. He did not notice the poison in his snack. His strength is now less than forty percent. All is proceeding as you planned. Shall we strike now? Delay risks change!”

“Your concerns are valid, but no need to rush. Come, let us see the once proud man who has become my defeated foe. Du Zhong surely did not expect to fail so utterly. What arrogance he once had! Now, what has he become? A waste.”

“Lord Du Zhong, what is wrong? Your face darkens.” “Ah, you have been poisoned! You must be surprised. I have given you Mandala’s venom. How does it feel to become like this?”

“Years ago, I warned you not to offend me. But look at what you have done. To you, I was a mere pawn, insignificant. Yet you, a master, have been defeated by me, a nobody. How does that feel? I once admired you, striving to be like you. Now I see you are dull indeed. What once seemed unreachable is now beneath me, and I care no longer.”

“Do you have anything else to say? It matters not. I was once your disciple and should share the sect leader’s burden. Or have you no words after seeing me?”

“You should know I would do anything for the leadership. If only you had given it to me earlier, you would not be like this now. But perhaps it is too late, sect leader, don’t you agree?”