Chapter 3: The Only Battle

No one knew the exact course of that battle, but everyone knew the outcome: Mandala was dead. That man might never have understood what truly transpired. From the day he became a disciple of the Poison Sect, his sole ambition was to become its leader and master the legendary Poison Lotus Divine Art. Yet, despite years of scheming and relentless effort, all his endeavors ended in vain. Was he unwilling to accept defeat? Did he refuse to concede? Even so, what else could he do now but continue fighting? He was born for battle, and whatever he desired, he would seize at all costs.

At that moment, the crimson aura of killing intent and resentment fused perfectly. "You blades think you can kill me now? In your dreams! I will never die. If you doubt that, then try me. I have now gained the mightiest power. With such strength, there is nothing I cannot achieve!" The long sword in his hand was imbued with an unparalleled killing intent, its slash astonishingly swift, cutting down the elite disciples like Lao Bai and others with a single stroke.

“The No-Heaven Killing Intent Sword? You’ve truly mastered this sword technique? How is that possible? This sword art was lost many years ago. Tell me, where did you find this technique? Judging by your sword grip, this is the first move of the No-Heaven Killing Intent Sword—‘Not on the Other Shore’!”

The Poison Sect’s ancestor once possessed two divine arts that shook the world. One was the Poison Lotus Divine Art—a magnificent technique that, when mastered, transformed even the most ordinary appearance into that of an elegant and handsome gentleman. Its power was formidable, but more importantly, it altered the practitioner's visage.

Countless supreme masters possessed peerless divine arts but, due to flaws in their cultivation, their appearance and temperament changed drastically, leading them to lose their true selves and become monsters reviled by all. Did they truly want to face such a fate?

Originally, the Poison Sect’s ancestor was an ordinary man with extraordinary talent and a singular wish: to create an unparalleled divine art unlike any other. Such a supreme art must be powerful, naturally, but beyond strength, it had to captivate its users so thoroughly that once they began practicing, they could never abandon it. How to achieve this? The only way was to gradually transform the cultivator’s appearance and aura during practice.

The ancestor possessed a unique constitution, born with the ability to absorb deadly poisons—the Poisonous Constitution. This was the origin of the Poison Lotus Divine Art. To master it, one had to first possess the Poisonous Constitution; otherwise, ordinary people could never withstand the overwhelming and domineering poisonous power.

True to his status as a grandmaster, the ancestor eventually realized that the Poisonous Constitution was a tremendous hurdle for most. Many never mastered it in their lifetimes. In response, he spent years creating a new version of the Poison Lotus Divine Art that no longer required this constitution, allowing anyone to practice it and become confident. Naturally, if someone possessed the Poisonous Constitution, all the better.

This refined version became the sect’s treasured legacy. The second was the No-Heaven Killing Intent Divine Sword—a sword technique with only three moves, each representing a realm. This was both a simplification and a refinement of mastery: three moves, three realms, neither on the other shore nor in the heart, yet still wholly oneself. To date, only the ancestor had mastered this technique. Upon completion, he deeply felt its tremendous power and intense killing intent, warning that those with impure hearts wielding it would cause chaos. Though reluctant, he chose to abandon it.

After many years, the technique mysteriously reappeared before the world. How could Du Zhong, the sect leader, remain calm? “What’s wrong, Sect Leader? Have I truly been unworthy of mastering this sword technique all these years? You should know—it chose me, not the other way around. Perhaps it recognized my hardships and wished to grant me immense power. Honestly, only after mastering the technique did I truly become a master.”

“So this is what being a master feels like. Honestly, I never imagined this before. Now, with those people dead by my hand, tell me, how happy do you think I am right now?”

“Sect Leader, you are truly ruthless. Do you really not care how I have served the Poison Sect all these years? I never wanted to be the leader—that’s the truth. Had you not played those underhanded tricks, I could have waited. But you value this position too much. If the sect remains in your reckless hands, who knows what it will become? Thousands of Poison Sect disciples cannot have their fates decided by one man alone. Lao Bai and the others now surely understand—Du Zhong has always cared only for himself.”

Of course, he never cared for their lives. They had doubted him before, but now they felt the murderous intent radiating from him. At this moment, would they still refuse to help? Even if not for him, for their own sake, this battle must be fought. If they did not fight, today would be their last.

The elite disciples who had been slain suddenly rose once more—it had all been an illusion. “Sect Leader, you never imagined, did you? We have all been Mandala’s men from the start, raised by him. Such bonds are beyond your comprehension, no matter your high rank. But it no longer matters; you are about to die.”

“Sect Leader, you have forced yourself to practice the Poison Lotus Divine Art all these years. Though you finally succeeded, the damage it brought you cannot be underestimated. You have suppressed it with great power, but the backlash is more than you can bear. We have all concealed our presence these years for this very moment. Just now, we completed our divine arts.”

“Now it seems the Poison Lotus Divine Art, though formidable, is not as amazing as once claimed. Sect Leader, you have your dues; it’s time to relinquish your position. Even without your words, we know your return of Su Wen was to aid you. Unfortunately, your relationship is so poor that even after all these years, Su Wen has never acknowledged you. Asking for his help is impossible.”

What kind of man was Du Zhong? Fickle, yet always acting to his own advantage. He seized the sect leader’s position through overwhelming power. Now fate seemed to be turning against him. After so much effort to become leader, he had many unfinished tasks—dying now would be a tragedy.

With that thought, Du Zhong’s spirit surged. “If you want to fight, then fight! No need for words!” He unleashed his palms, spreading like blooming flowers, the air fragrant with a faint scent—the first move of the Poison Lotus Divine Art: Blossoming on the Other Shore.

This palm technique was laced with deadly poison; touching it recklessly meant death or grave injury. Its movements were exquisitely beautiful, combined with a footwork style Du Zhong had developed himself, creating a formidable force. Good footwork was the foundation of powerful palm strikes. Du Zhong’s footwork was neither Five Elements nor Yin-Yang—it was unknown what inspired it, but it created such a deadly technique, with winds slicing like blades.

The rhythm varied unpredictably, baffling opponents. “Mandala, what do you think of my palm technique? Speak! Do you have a way to counter it? This is the first time I’ve used this technique in battle since creating it. You’ve deceived me so long—I once pitied your poor origins and wished to help, but now, it was all a dream. You no longer deserve to exist.”

With a series of crushing blows, the elite disciples were knocked to the ground. “No wonder you’re the leader. Even now, you still possess profound skill. The Poison Palm was once the world’s greatest technique, but now it’s been surpassed by the Sun-Moon Twin Radiance Palm. Sect Leader, can you accept that? I recall you once fought Shang Ruyi—do you remember the outcome after all these years? You longed for a rematch, but it seems that wish will never be fulfilled. The man died long ago. Yet upon learning that Zhuang Yunzhen mastered the Sun-Moon Twin Radiance Palm, you sought battle with him.”

“If Su Wen had not protected him, that boy would have long been dead by your hand. You’re always careful to keep your hands clean, but I believe every deed leaves a trace.”

“Sect Leader, even if you resist, you’ve been leader for so many years—now is the time to step down. Though powerful, you must feel something different around you. The more you rage, the faster the poison within you erupts. Do you know why you’ve become this way? You are truly mad, trying to break the balance between the Poisonous Constitution and the Poison Lotus Divine Art.”

“I know your aim—to perfectly merge the Poisonous Constitution and the divine art to greatly enhance your power. It’s a good method, but the risk is enormous. Despite your diligence, your talent is limited. Mastering the Poison Lotus Divine Art was your limit; pushing further is impossible.”

“Moreover, your reckless cultivation damaged your meridians. The backlash you now face is unbearable. Sect Leader, if possible, I wouldn’t want to fight you, but your powers have lost all effect.”

“I know you cling desperately to this position, but it’s time to give it up. That would be best for everyone.”

“Foster Father, the commotion outside is growing. Will you still ignore it? Do you and the leader truly share an unending feud?”

“Feng Ming, you may think I’m ruthless. I admit it—I am. Do you know how that man treated me back then? Though the sect was founded by our ancestor, after his death, its reputation plummeted. After a century, two outstanding disciples rose—Su Wen and Du Zhong. They grew up together with deep bonds and vowed to restore the sect’s former glory.”

“But as they mastered their divine arts, their hearts diverged, paths growing apart until they became enemies. Though they meet, their brotherhood is gone. Do you think I could support Du Zhong under these circumstances?”

“Those two, Su Wen and Du Zhong, never imagined their futures would unfold this way. Now, Du Zhong is in danger, yet Su Wen shows no concern.”

“Feng Ming, I know what you want to say, but it’s useless. My stance will never change. That man has always been arrogant. If he suffers some hardship, I welcome it.”

“When the time comes, I will act—not for others, but for the sect. Despite years away, my heart has always been with the Poison Sect. That will never change. Now, all I can do is wait.”

Though Zhuang Yunzhen did not know what his foster father awaited, he had resolved to support him, no matter the cost.

“Feng Ming, I will be honest. Yes, I truly want to become the Poison Sect leader. The sect endures today because of its deep foundations and countless powerful disciples who have held fast. Without them, the sect would have vanished long ago.”

“That’s why I cannot let it perish. Honestly, returning has only strengthened this resolve. Achieving it will not be easy, but no matter the difficulty, as long as you two stand by me, I can accomplish much.”

Man Sheng was weary now, asleep with a faint smile upon his face. She knew that upon waking, he would face death. Yet she was not afraid—she had come to help him, as she once promised. Su Wen, this man had always kept his burdens to himself. That was noble, but sometimes one cannot bear everything alone. At such times, he needed the strength and aid of others.

“Sect Leader, at this point, you still refuse to give up? You must know that persistence is futile. You are poisoned now. Do you truly wish to keep fighting? Surrendering would be so easy. If you nod, all this can end. Look around—are there others left to aid you? You know yourself well enough. At this stage, who could help you?”

“Hmph, such a man never had help before, and will never have it in the future. But I forgot—you are already a dead man in my eyes. What? Even now, you think you can turn the tide? That’s impossible!”

With a sudden cough, Du Zhong spat a mouthful of blood, unable to hold on any longer. Was this the end? If he gave up now, what fate awaited him? Though flawed, the Poison Sect was the legacy of his ancestors. As a descendant, even if unfilial, he could not let these things fall to Mandala.

“Mandala, do you truly think you’ve won? No one helps me now, but I still have myself. Do you believe I have no final plan? Look closely—your mobility is sealed. You know about the strongest formation in the Poison Sect, the ‘Annihilation Array.’ Once activated, not even I, the leader, can stop what follows.”

Mandala, a disciple of the Poison Sect, knew the Annihilation Array well. He never imagined feeling its effect so profoundly as all his powers were sealed. “Your expression darkens, Mandala. Afraid? I thought you feared no one, yet now you show such a face. I’m truly surprised.”

“Damn it! Do you think I can’t escape? Mark my words, if I break free, I won’t spare you. The Annihilation Array requires your life force to activate. Even if I do nothing, I will win. If you don’t believe me, try me.”

“Mandala, don’t waste effort. We are both trapped within this massive formation. You cannot leave. All your powers are sealed. What can you possibly do now? No matter your actions, I fear nothing. Since I cannot kill you outright, I must resort to this extreme measure. Whatever it costs me, I am willing.”

The great formation was complete. Du Zhong had unleashed such power in his final battle. Yet in his heart, he still had words for his old friend Su Wen. “Su Wen, you have sought my answer all these years. I was wrong. I have wronged you. Seeing me like this, you must be satisfied. If so, come help me now. I need your strength. When this is over, I will explain everything.”

“Do you realize how important I am to you? Alas, even now, it is too late. You are the leader. If the sect falls into ruin, it is your responsibility. I remember when I left years ago, I told you you would solve any problems. Yet look at what has become. Now you seek my help? How shameful!”

“Hahaha, well said, Su Wen. You should now believe that Du Zhong is not to be trusted. You trusted him too much, and look where it brought you. But now you need not worry—whatever you want to do, I will help. You should have known all along that I am the one who values you most and can help you best.”

Mandala’s joy grew. His suspicion was confirmed—Su Wen truly refused to aid Du Zhong. After all, how did Du Zhong treat Su Wen? Su Wen was the rightful leader, but Du Zhong’s narrow heart drove him away. Even after all these years, the wounds remain. He never truly let go; the past haunts him still.

“Mandala, have you mistaken something? This is between Su Wen and the leader; when did you gain the right to interfere? You think you are powerful now? That no one can suppress you? You believe you can act recklessly? What are you thinking? You think the Poison Sect belongs to you, but it never has. You have always been naive. Fine, I did not want to fight, but since you insist, let us settle this with a duel.”

“If I win, this leadership is mine. Surely no one will object.”

Before Mandala could respond, a powerful force threw him to the ground. Su Wen appeared before him, his stature imposing. How could he possess such strength? Had he not suffered severe internal injuries? What had happened?

“Stand up. I know you have considerable power. If you fall so easily, what was all my effort for? You like to test your opponent, so now see for yourself—I have surpassed you. What will you do now?”

Brute force was Su Wen’s specialty. “It’s been a long time since I used raw strength. I find my power diminished. Before, one move like this would have ended you. But I’ve trained less in recent years. Still, my strength now is more than enough to deal with you!”

Brute strength is the simplest force, accessible to all. Yet few wield it to its fullest. Su Wen was one of the rare few. Though slight in appearance, his muscles were supple and explosive, not to be underestimated.

“Dragon Sky Kick!” A seemingly ordinary kick, but with the force of a thousand pounds. Could Mandala withstand it? No, he could not.

With a spurt of blood, Mandala was gravely wounded. Su Wen’s power surpassed his; a direct fight now meant certain defeat. What could he do?

“Hahaha, impressive! But though the Dragon Sky Kick is powerful, it seems that’s all you can manage. This kick must be your finishing move, and it must take a heavy toll. I doubt you’d use it unless desperate.”

“Yes, this is the first time I have used this kick since mastering it. You know I’m not skilled with kicks, so controlling its power is difficult. But you should feel it—it’s quite good for me.”

Mandala never admitted defeat lightly. His success came from countless failures and rising again. Only he truly understood the hardship of the martial path—he had always walked it alone.

“Hahaha, even if you two join forces, you still won’t be my match. Don’t believe me? Then try!”

“You’re truly obnoxious. But you should know that if we unite, you stand no chance. You’re badly injured, your power halved. To face both of us with only half your strength? You’re bold indeed. Feng Ming, you heard all this. What should we do? I think you know. The next fight is yours. No problem, right?”

“Foster Father, rest assured—I will handle this well. And don’t forget, if I fail, there is also Senior Man Sheng. She is far stronger than me, possessing the Poisonous Constitution. With that power, no opponent can faze her.”

“Feng Ming, this battle is yours. Don’t you want to prove yourself before our seniors? As for me, I’m already a thing of the past. The Poison Sect’s future depends on you young ones. I have made many mistakes and have sought to make amends. Now you take my place, and that makes me truly happy.”

“You can fight with peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, I will come to help. So what are you worried about? Fight boldly!”

With that, Man Sheng spoke with resolve and would act accordingly. “Mandala, when you awakened me that day, what were you thinking? I understand, but what I think may surprise you. If you intend to rampage in the Poison Sect, I will never allow it. As for my strength, you know it better than anyone.”

“Many say I’m protective, and I admit it. I protect those I care for, letting no one harm them. You have made many mistakes, but why do you never regret? Don’t you realize your errors?”

“Hahaha, mistakes? Without me, what would have become of the Poison Sect? Sect Leader, you know this without me saying it. Yet look how you treated me. You’ve disappointed me greatly. Now I only reclaim what is mine. So what? Is that not allowed? I know you think I’m a villain, but I don’t care. As long as I reclaim what’s mine, I am content.”

“Zhuang Yunzhen, I never imagined you would be my opponent. But you know you are no match. Your power is impressive, but even at your peak, you cannot defeat me.”

“Yes, I am no match now, but do you think I will retreat? No, I never back down. To defeat you, I will pay any price. This battle is crucial to me; I have no choice but to fight!”

The battle raged on, each determined to prove their might upon this path of martial arts, where only perseverance and unyielding spirit paved the way forward.