《LEGEND OF THE SHUSHAN SWORDSMEN》


 A Moonlit Encounter on a Lone Boat; Secluded Peaks to Evade the Mundane

    Sichuan, Mount Emei


    Since ancient times, this place has been renowned as a scenic wonder of Shu. Layers of peaks pierce the clouds, temples dot the landscape, and incense smoke rises ceaselessly. However, the back mountains are treacherous, rumored to be haunted by tigers, wolves, and demons, where travelers vanish without a trace. Over time, these remote peaks became a sanctuary for reclusive masters, far removed from worldly strife.


    Kangxi Era, Year 2 (1663 AD), Wu Gorge River


    A small boat struggled upstream, carrying only a father-daughter pair and two boatmen. The elder man, in his fifties, had silver hair and sharp eyes that glinted with hidden vigor. Beside him sat a girl of twelve or thirteen, with bright eyes, pearly teeth, and two vermilion moles between her eyebrows¡ªa mark of spiritual grace. Though dressed plainly, they carried a heavy satchel that clinked like metal.


    As dusk fell and the moon rose, the elder sighed deeply: "When will the rivers and mountains of our homeland be restored!" The girl hurriedly comforted him: "Father, do not grieve. Your health matters most." A boatman interjected: "Ahead lies Crow¡¯s Beak. Shall we dock?" The elder waved dismissively: "I am weary. Leave us."


    After the boatmen departed, the pair sat drinking on the deck. Suddenly, a clear, melodious song echoed from the forest. A figure in white robes approached under the moonlight. The elder called out: "On such a fine night, will you not share a drink?" The stranger paused, then boarded the boat. When their eyes met, both men burst into tears!


    "To reunite here after parting in the capital!" the elder choked. The white-robed man, Zhou Chun, sighed: "After the Battle of Yangzhou, we all thought you perished... Is this your daughter?" The elder, Li Ning, nodded and urged the girl: "Yingqiong, greet your Uncle Zhou!" The girl bowed obediently. Zhou Chun studied her features and remarked: "This niece bears heroic spirit. Your martial legacy may yet live on!"


    Li Ning grimaced: "My skills brought ruin upon my family. How dare I teach her? I only wish her a peaceful life." Zhou Chun shook his head: "This girl is no ordinary soul. Destiny will find her." He then changed the subject: "Brother, have you come to Sichuan to hide? Join me in seclusion at Mount Emei¡¯s back mountains!"


    Intrigued, Li Ning asked: "Where?" Zhou Chun replied: "I discovered a stone cave, secluded and serene¡ªninetylioverland. Dismiss the boatmen tomorrow and meet me there!" After agreeing, Zhou Chun vanished like mist.


    Dawn, A Thatched Cottage


    As Li Ning and Yingqiong disembarked, a young boy with hair tied in traditional bunsgreeted them: "Uncle, are you seeking Master Zhou? I¡¯m Zhao Yan¡¯er, sent to guide you!" Yan¡¯er chattered merrily: "Master stayed up all night awaiting your arrival!"


    Inside the cottage, Yan¡¯er served cured pork, blood tofu, and tea. When questioned about his past, Yan¡¯er sighed: "My father was a Hanlin scholarof the previous dynasty, killed in the peasant rebellions. Master took pity on me and teaches me martial arts and classics."


    Mentioning Zhou Chun¡¯s daughter, Zhou Qingyun, Yan¡¯er¡¯s eyes reddened: "Last year, a Taoist nun came to recruit disciples. I refused to leave my ailing mother, but Qingyun was taken to Mount Huangshan. When I grow up, I¡¯ll bring her back!"


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    Zhou Chun entered, and Li Ning praised: "You¡¯ve trained a fine disciple!" Zhou Chun chuckled: "This chatterbox spilled all my secrets!" Turning to Yingqiong, he added: "Qingyun was accepted by Master Canxia. If fate allows, you too may meet immortals!" Yingqiong¡¯s heart stirred¡ªWhat if I could train as her disciple?


    Li Ning frowned: "Yingqiong is impulsive. Martial arts may lead to trouble." Zhou Chun said cryptically: "A sword¡¯s aura lingers in her brow. When destiny calls, even you cannot stop it."


    That Night, Swords in the Courtyard


    Yingqiong lay awake, hearing steel clashing outside. Peeking through the window, she saw Zhou Chun and Yan¡¯er sparring, their blades flashing like lightning. With a shout, Zhou Chun struck a cassia tree¡ªits thick branch snapped clean! Yingqiong gasped.Is this mortal skill?


    For days, she secretly watched their training. Begging her father to teach her, Li Ning relented: "Swordsmanship requires calm. First, meditate for three years!" Yingqiong protested, but Zhou Chun warned: "Yan¡¯er practices horse stances for hours daily and swings his sword a thousand times. Could you endure that?" She bit her lip, resolved to prove herself.


    Ten Days Later, Mount Emei¡¯s Foothills


    Zhou Chun bid farewell to his students and departed with Li Ning¡¯s family. Yan¡¯er tearfully trailed them for miles until Zhou Chun scolded: "Filial duty comes first! I¡¯ll return monthly." The boy retreated, glancing back repeatedly.


    Nightfall at a Mountain Inn


    Arriving at Mount Emei¡¯s base, the trio settled at a quiet inn amidst bustling pilgrims. Yingqiong yearned to ascend immediately, but Li Ning cautioned: "Cultivation is no hasty endeavor." Zhou Chun grinned, filling his gourd: "Tomorrow, we¡¯ll buy rope¡ªit¡¯ll prove useful!"


    The Perilous She Shen Cliff


    The next day, they split to gather supplies: Li Ning bought rice and oil, Zhou Chun collected books and tools, and returned with a coil of thick rope. Yingqiong puzzled: "Can rope bind immortals?" Zhou Chun smirked: "You¡¯ll see!"


    Midway up the mountain, fog thickened until the path vanished. Porters trembled: "Ahead lies Ghost¡¯s Despair¡ªno passage!" Without hesitation, Zhou Chun leapt onto an ancient cypress, scaling the cliff like an ape. He lowered the rope, hoisting supplies and looping it around Yingqiong: "Close your eyes, girl!"


    Suspended over a bottomless chasm, Yingqiong glimpsed the abyss below¡ªwind howled like vengeful spirits. Clenching the rope, she was hauled to the summit, palms drenched in sweat. Li Ning climbed up last, and their laughter scattered the clouds.


    The Cloud-Dwelling Cave


    Beyond a curtain of vines lay a natural cavern engraved with "ÊþʯÆÜÔÆ" (Shushi Qiyun: "Gargling Stones, Dwelling in Clouds"). Inside, stone chambers echoed with spring water¡ªa paradise. As Zhou Chun hauled the last load, Yingqiong pleaded: "When will you teach me swordsmanship?"


    Li Ning shook his head: "Three years of meditation first!" Yingqiong stamped her foot: "Yan¡¯er can wield a sword! Why not me?" Zhou Chun mediated: "Your father cares for you. Without foundation, you¡¯ll fail against true masters."


    Defiant, Yingqiong spied on their training. Watching their blades slice through ancient pines, she mimicked their movements, leaping cliffs with rope bridges. Within a month, she moved like a gibbon, shattering stones bare-handed!


    The White Ape¡¯s Gift


    One dawn, as Yingqiong sat by a stream, rustling leaves drew her gaze upward. A white ape with glowing red eyes dropped wild fruits into her hands before vanishing into mist. The fruit¡¯s sweetness warmed her core.


    Chasing the ape to a cliff, she noticed faint sword marks glowing on the rocks, resonating with the fruit¡¯s energy. Zhou Chun rushed over: "Return quickly! Yan¡¯er sent word¡ªenemies approach!"

 The Ironwood Fish Heralds an Old Foe; A Drunken Daoist Conceals Sword Secrets

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    Alarming News


    Zhou Chun descended the mountain monthly to visit his disciple Zhao Yan¡¯er. One day, as he reached She Shen Cliff, he saw Yan¡¯er sprinting toward him, breathless, clutching a letter.


    The letter, hastily scrawled by their village tutor Ma Xiang, read: ¡°Three days ago, a vicious monk claiming to be Miaotong from Mount Wutai arrived in the village. He carries an ironwood fish weighing over 300 catties and seeks someone named Zhou. A villager foolishly mentioned you. The monk sneered, ¡®Zhou Chun, the Soaring Crane of the Clouds¡ªstill alive?!¡¯ I lied, saying you went to Chengdu, but the monk has left the village. He may be tracking you. Be warned!¡±


    Zhou Chun¡¯s face paled. He grabbed Yan¡¯er¡¯s arm. ¡°Come! We must return to the cave!¡±


    Nighttime Investigation


    Back in the Cloud-Dwelling Cave, Yan¡¯er bowed to Li Ning and Yingqiong, then recounted urgently:


    ¡°That night, I spied on the monk at the inn. At midnight, he pulled two shriveled fingers from his ironwood fish and took out a clay figurine¡ªcarved to look exactly like Master Zhou, but with wings on its back! The monk gnashed his teeth, cursing the effigy. I nearly leapt down to confront him, but someone grabbed me from behind and flung me to Sanguan Temple! When I returned home, a note warned: ¡®Go to Mount Emei at once. Do not meddle again!¡¯ My mother urged me to leave, so I took Tutor Ma¡¯s letter and came here through back trails.¡±


    Zhou Chun wiped cold sweat from his brow. ¡°You were lucky! Monks, Daoists, and beggars are the most dangerous in the jianghu. Had a hidden master not saved you, you¡¯d be dead!¡±


    Li Ning frowned. ¡°Who is this monk?¡±


    Zhou Chun sighed. ¡°He is Mao Tai, the One-Armed Bear¡ªfrom ten years ago!¡±


    A Bloody Past


    Li Ning gasped. ¡°That demon?!¡±


    Yingqiong and Yan¡¯er, however, brimmed with youthful defiance. ¡°Why fear him?¡± Yingqiong scoffed. ¡°The four of us can surely cut down a bald donkey!¡±


    Zhou Chun shook his head. ¡°He is no longer the Mao Tai of old! After the Battle of Yangzhou, he joined Mount Wutai¡¯s F¨£ Yu¨¢n, mastered flying swords, and now claims heads from ten li away! How can mortals oppose immortal arts?¡±


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    He gulped cold wine and continued:


    ¡°Years ago, while escorting a caravan south, I heard of Mao Tai¡ªa one-legged bandit who slaughtered entire villages and defiled women. To my horror, he sought me out, demanding a sworn brotherhood. How could I ally with such filth?


    ¡°When I refused, he pressed his palm against an inn door. Moments later, wood splinters rained down, leaving five finger marks. A crude display of strength.


    ¡°Later, aboard a boat, he tried to assault a magistrate¡¯s daughter. Enraged, I hurled a golden dart. He dodged, caught it, and blew out the lamp. We fought fiercely on the deck.


    ¡°After dozens of clashes, I severed two of his fingers with my Six Harmonies Sword technique. I spared his life out of respect for his master, Fire-Eyed Lion Deng Ming.


    ¡°But he later shaved his head, joined F¨£ Yu¨¢n, and honed his flying sword. Now, he hunts me for revenge. I fled to Sichuan with my daughter Qingyun to escape.¡±


    Yan¡¯er asked, ¡°Master, why did the clay figurine have wings?¡±


    Zhou Chun explained, ¡°In my youth, I wore white silk wings on my arms, leaping cliffs with the wind¡¯s aid. My white attire and chivalry earned me the title ¡®Soaring Crane of the Clouds.¡¯¡±


    As he spoke, a crane¡¯s cry pierced the sky. Zhou Chun rushed outside but found nothing.


    Yingqiong pressed, ¡°Must we let Mao Tai hunt us forever?¡±


    Zhou Chun grimaced. ¡°Only a sword immortal like Master Canxia could stop him. Our only choice is to flee!¡±


    Li Ning interjected, ¡°Hiding solves nothing. We need a plan.¡±


    Encounter on the Mountain Path


    After deliberation, Zhou Chun decided to take Yan¡¯er down the mountain¡ªfirst to challenge Mao Tai, then seek aid from Master Canxia on Mount Huangshan.


    Li Ning offered to join, but Zhou Chun refused. ¡°Yingqiong needs you here.¡±


    Autumn frost clung to bare branches as master and disciple descended. At the foothills, they stumbled upon a disheveled, drunken Daoist sprawled beside the path. His tattered robe fluttered in the wind, a red lacquered wine gourd overturned nearby, his snores echoing.


    Yan¡¯er chuckled. ¡°Look at this drunkard! Poor yet still a slave to wine.¡±


    Zhou Chun knelt for a closer look. Beneath grime and cracked nails, the Daoist¡¯s arms gleamed like jade. ¡°Do not underestimate those who wander the dusty world,¡± he warned.


    Unable to rouse the man, Zhou Chun draped his own coat over him and left silver pieces before moving on.


    At Crow¡¯s Beak Village, they entered a bustling tavern named ¡°House of Flavors.¡± As Zhou Chun lifted the curtain to a private room, Yan¡¯er froze. ¡°Master! Look at that table!¡±


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 The miraculous Taoist; Yaner seeks a master.

    The Mystery of the Red Gourd


    Zhou Chun and Yan''er stepped into the House of Flavors tavern when Zhou''s gaze suddenly locked onto an object hanging behind the counter¡ªa red lacquered wine gourd, its faint aroma teasing the air like a tipsy ghost haunting the room.


    His pupils narrowed. This is the same gourd carried by that disheveled Daoist we met at the foot of Mount Emei!


    Yet scanning the room, the man was nowhere in sight¡ªunless he''d turned invisible after one too many drinks.


    "Master, could it be a coincidence?" Yan''er whispered, eyeing the gourd as if it might sprout legs and run.


    Zhou Chun ignored him and beckoned the waiter with the urgency of a man who''d just spotted free dumplings.


    "Where did you get that gourd? It looks¡­ handy."


    The waiter grinned like a fox who''d found the henhouse key.


    "Ah, sir, that''s not ours! Five days ago, a shabby Daoist stumbled in¡ªlooked like he''d wrestled a mud demon, but boy, could he drink! Ten pounds of liquor a day! He''d pass out, wake up, and start guzzling again. Odd duck, that one. This morning, he claimed he ''forgot his purse''¡ªclassic move¡ªand pawned the gourd, saying someone would come to settle his tab within two hours. Guess you''re his fairy godmother?"


    Zhou Chun listened, and thought about it for a while.


    "How much does he owe? We''ll cover it."


    The waiter hesitated for a moment and stared at Zhou, afraid that he would take the gourd. "Uh...... Taoist priests are regulars. We don''t mind..."


    Yan''er opened his mouth¡ªlikely to ask why they were funding a stranger''s bender¡ªbut Zhou silenced him with a glance sharp enough to slice tofu.


    "No need for suspicion," Zhou said coolly. "The Daoist is an old friend. We''ll pay his debt. Keep the gourd safe until he returns¡ªdon''t let anyone else take it. ."


    The waiter realizes his mistake and accepts the silver in embarrassment. He was afraid that Zhou Chun would take the gourd and then partner with the Taoist priest to blackmail him.


    Once outside, Yan''er burst out, "Master, that Daoist¡ª"


    "Hush! Move!" Zhou quickened his pace.


    He had a hunch that this sloppy Taoist priest was definitely not simple.


    Secrets in the Cotton Robe


    At Yan''er''s humble cottage, Zhao Granny waited by the door like a sentinel owl.


    Yan''er rushed into her arms, while Zhou stared at a bundle on the table¡ªa familiar cotton robe lay atop it.


    "Master, isn''t that the robe you gave the Daoist?!" Yan''er exclaimed.


    Zhao Granny trembled like a leaf in a typhoon.


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    "A few days ago, a strange Taoist priest came to me, and he said that Lord Zhou ''it is inconvenient to bring money on the road'', and help you bring this bag of things and cotton robes. Also claims that you will be here soon this time today...... Sure enough, I just came out to wait for you, and you''re here!


    Zhou unwrapped the bundle¡ª300 taels of silver glittered inside, along with a note scrawled in handwriting that could double as abstract art:  For the Virtuous Widow and Filial Son."


    "It''s him!" Zhou slapped his thigh fiercely, shocked.


    "I met him in Mount Emei, which is more than 50 kilometers away from here, and he is a few days faster than us? He is really not an ordinary person.


    Zhao Granny muttered prayers loud enough to be heard in the next province as Zhou broached his plan:


    "Yan''er is talented. I want to take him to the Sword Immortal for apprenticeship."


    Tearfully, the old woman agreed.


    "Without you, we''d have starved. Let him learn from a true master!"


    Zhou returned to the tavern the next day, hoping to meet the enigmatic Daoist.


    The waiter replied,


    "Yesterday the man came back, as if in a hurry, went in and took his precious gourd and left." I told him that someone had returned his wine list, and he said he already knew about it, and said he would meet you in Chengdu. After saying that, he disappeared. ¡±


    Disappointed but undeterred¡ªmuch like a man who''d lost his umbrella but kept walking in the rain¡ªZhou and Yan''er set off for the capital.


    Peril on the Mountain Pass


    A few days later, he encountered a fork in the road, and Zhou Chun hesitated.


    The road is safe, but it''s far away; Although this trail can save nearly 400 kilometers... But there are rumors that there are man-eating yokai here in the trail.


    "Let''s take shortcuts!" Zhou decided that he felt that his martial arts were good and that he was not afraid of these.


    As they trekked through the ancient forest where the sun did not dare to tread, Yan''er gulped water from the stream, while Zhou Chun saw a crane in the reflection of the water.


    When he looked up, the crane was gone.


    "It''s the third time." Since he came out, he has met the crane three times.


    It''s been a long time.


    "Master, look!" Yan''er pointed at a boulder, his voice squeakier than a rusty hinge.


    An eight-foot-tall white crane stood regally, crimson-crowned and golden-eyed, looking like it had just walked out of a mythological painting.


    Suddenly, a seven-foot green serpent shot from the rocks.The white crane pecked away like lightning, but the snake body "slipped away" into the stone cave.


    The crane''s beak pecked at the stones, and the boulders shattered into slag in the blink of an eye! The green snake had nowhere to hide, and as soon as it poked its head out, it was caught.


    The snake body instantly wrapped around the crane''s legs, but the white crane was not in a hurry, first pecked off the snake''s head, and then shook its wings, the snake''s body was broken into dozens of pieces, and all of them were eaten into the crane''s belly!


    With a long scream, the white crane flew into the clouds in the blink of an eye and disappeared.


    "This white crane is incredible!" Yan''er was in great shock.


    Zhou dragged him away. "We need shelter before dark.


    A Haunted Night


    At dusk, they found a dilapidated house Zhou knocked the door.


    A weak voice groaned, "Leave...... This place is dangerous!"


    "We seek shelter¡ª"


    "I''ve been poisoned! If you get close, you will die! "


    The man gasped heavily, "If the guest officer wants to stay overnight, go southwest to more than five miles, where there is a thatched hermitage where a Baiyun master lives, you can go and beg her to spend the night."


    And then he did not hear a word. Seeing that there was no sound, Zhou Chun, who was curious by nature, jumped over the wall and entered.


    Moonlight revealed a man sprawled on a vine bed, his arm marked by seven crimson moles arranged like a cursed constellation.


    "Why won''t you listen? I''m cursed! Bring food¡­ then flee! Unless you fancy becoming snake chow!"


    Zhou Chun wanted to help him, but he kept refusing, saying that Zhou Chun would die if he stayed.


    Zhou Chun thought for a moment, and then left him food.


    But when Zhou Chun came out, he froze.


    The air thickened with dread.


    Yan''er was gone£¡


    "Yan''er! YAN''ER!" His shouts echoed through the valley, unanswered except by the mocking chirp of crickets.

 Crane’s Cry Sparks Terror; Twin Immortals Subdue the Demon

    Zhou Chun charged out of the crumbling house, but Yan''er had vanished without a trace.


    The mountain winds howled, and the moonlight stretched the shadows of dead trees across the ground like skeletal claws clawing at the earth.


    His heart pounded as he shouted into the void:


    "YAN''ER!"


    His voice echoed three times through the desolate valley, unanswered.


    "You still refuse to leave¡­" The frail voice from inside the house rasped again, weaker now.


    Zhou Chun turned back, desperation sharpening his tone.


    "My companion was here moments ago! He''s disappeared¡ªhis clothes and belongings remain untouched. Could this be the work of the demon you spoke of?"


    The man inside coughed weakly.


    "That creature thrives in darkness¡­ It will not strike before the third watch. Your companion''s disappearance is not its doing. Go to White Cloud Master at once¡ªask her to divine his fate. Do not linger¡­ The night grows perilous!"


    With no other choice, Zhou Chun pressed onward, the weight of dread heavy in his chest.


    He had not traveled  long when a putrid stench assaulted his nostrils¡ªa stink of rot and sulfur.


    Behind him, a sudden gale whipped up a thick, oily fog. Within the murk, two crimson lantern-like eyes flickered briefly before vanishing.


    Under the cold moonlight, the sight froze his blood.


    "By the heavens¡­" Zhou Chun muttered, quickening his pace.


    He sprinted to a dilapidated thatched hut nestled halfway up the mountain. Two ancient willow trees flanked its entrance, their gnarled branches casting splintered shadows that danced like specters in the moonlight. The scene was eerily silent, save for the creak of the hut''s weather-beaten door.


    "White Cloud Master!" Zhou Chun hammered the door with his fist, his knuckles raw.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    A young girl''s voice answered, muffled yet firm: "This is a nunnery. Travelers seeking lodging should proceed farther down the path."


    "I beg for your aid!" Zhou Chun pleaded, his voice cracking. "Calamity has struck¡ªmy disciple is missing!"


    Before he could finish, the door creaked open. A stunningly beautiful young nun, no older than fourteen, stood before him.


    Her robes were plain, but her eyes held an ageless calm.


    "The Master is conducting her nightly meditation," she said softly. "Wait in the hall."


    Zhou Chun followed her into a modest Buddha hall lit by flickering oil lamps. The air was thick with incense, and the statue of Guanyin gazed down with serene indifference.


    The girl served him tea and a plate of steamed buns before retreating into the inner chambers.


    Minutes stretched into an hour. Zhou Chun''s patience frayed like worn rope. Just as he rose to pace, a streak of green light¡ªlike a darting sparrow¡ªflashed past him toward the backyard.


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    Curiosity overpowered caution. He slipped out of the hall, following the glow.


    Crouching beneath a rear window, he overhears a conversation between a man and a woman:


    A woman''s voice, steady and resonant: "Second Brother, what brings you here so late?"


    A man replied, his tone gravelly yet sharp: "While passing Yunling Mountain, I sensed a surge of demonic energy thick enough to choke the stars. Investigating further, I found a child cornered by the creature¡ªmere steps from death!


    "His name is Zhao Yan''er, disciple of Zhou Chun, one of the Three Heroes of Qilu. The boy''s bones hum with immortal potential! To leave him among mortal swordsmen would be a crime. Thus, I took him as my disciple."


    He paused, then added:


    "Later, I encountered another victim¡ªShi Lin, Seventh Brother''s disciple¡ªwrithing in the mud, his veins blackened by the demon''s poison. After purging the venom, I sent him back to his sect and learned Zhou Chun had come here."


    The woman sighed£º


    "A man named Zhou did arrive earlier, seeking refuge. I intended to meet him, but your sudden visit delayed me."


    The man''s voice hardened£º


    "That demon is no ordinary foe. I merely drove it off with my Frostmoon Blade. How have you allowed it to fester here unchecked?"


    "I have exhausted myself devising ways to suppress it," the woman admitted, weariness seeping into her words.


    "For three years, its venom has tainted the mountain springs. I finally secured a relic to counter it¡ªa golden centipede borrowed from Master Canxia  of Mount Huangshan¡ªbut I lack the strength to wield it alone. Your arrival is a stroke of heaven-sent fortune."


    Abruptly, her tone shifted, sharp as a drawn sword:


    "Sir Zhou, why eavesdrop from the shadows? Join us."


    Caught off guard, Zhou Chun flushed crimson. He stepped into the chamber, head bowed.


    The room was sparse: a single prayer mat, a low table, and two figures radiating an aura that made the air hum.


    The woman¡ªWhite Cloud Master¡ªsat cross-legged, her silver-streaked hair coiled in a simple bun. Though middle-aged, her face was unlined, as if time itself hesitated to touch her.


    Beside her stood a towering Daoist, his beard wild as a lion''s mane and eyes that gleamed like twin daggers. This was Beard Immortal Li Yuanhua, a legend whispered of in taverns and temples alike.


    Knowing that they were not ordinary people, Zhou Chun saluted them.


    White Cloud nodded back and said. "You overheard our discussion. This is my senior brother, Li Yuanhua. Your disciple now follows him. Do you consent?"


    Zhou Chun clasped his hands into fists and saluted, excited.


    "For a child to gain the guidance of a sword immortal is a blessing beyond mortal measure. I lack the skill to nurture his talents fully. That''s how lucky he is."


    White Cloud Master nodded. "Wisely spoken."


    She turned to Li Yuanhua. "Brother, dawn approaches. We confront the demon today."


    Li Yuanhua stroked his beard, frowning. "What manner of creature is this, to defy even your prowess?"


    White Cloud Master''s gaze grew distant. "This mountain was not always called Yunling. Centuries ago, it bore no name¡ªjust another peak among the clouds. Then came the serpent demon.


    "By day, it slept deep within the earth. By night, it exhaled venom that coalesced into radiant clouds, painting the skies in hues of jade and crimson at dawn and dusk. Locals marveled at the beauty, dubbing it ''Cloud Spirit Mountain.''


    "For decades, the demon kept to itself. But three years ago, something changed. It began hunting under the midnight moon, its victims found with their souls siphoned dry.


    "I have battled it for three years, yet each encounter ends in stalemate. Its scales deflect blades; its poison corrodes steel. Even my Golden Lotus Formation barely contained it."


    Zhou Chun''s throat tightened. "Earlier, when I sensed the demon''s presence near the hut¡­"


    "It fled because it sensed Li Yuanhua''s arrival," White Cloud Master interjected. "But it will return. Today£¬ we end this."


    She took an iron case etched with talismanic script. Opening it, she revealed a creature that made Zhou Chun recoil:


    a two-foot-long centipede, its crimson scales glinting like bloodstained armor. Its head bore two bulbous eyes, glowing toxic green, each the size of a teacup.


    "This," she said, "is the Golden Venom Centipede, bred by Master Canxia to devour demonic essences. It is the serpent''s bane."

 Ancient Cave – Slaying the Demon Serpent; Father and Daughter Reunited

    White Cloud Master retrieved dozens of golden pills from her gourd and carefully placed them inside the iron case.


    The golden centipede, sensing the elixirs, began to writhe violently, its crimson scales clattering against the metal.


    She swiftly snapped the lid shut, sealing the creature''s restless energy.


    Beard Immortal Li Yuanhua stroked his beard, his sharp eyes narrowing.


    "Such a divine creature must possess venom fiercer than the serpent''s. How did Master Canxia tame it in the first place?"


    "Master Canxia was mischievous in her youth," White Cloud Master explained, her voice tinged with nostalgia.


    "One day, she captured a centipede no longer than three inches. She kept it in a wooden box, feeding it grains of rice each day. Over decades, it grew into this formidable guardian.


    " When  the Divine Nun Youtantook her as a disciple, she refined her into a sword immortal. The centipede became a treasure of her sect, nurtured with talismans and immortal elixirs.


    "Now, it obeys commands, shrinks or enlarges at will, and never harms the innocent."


    The trio continued their conversation, delving into Zhou Chun''s martial techniques and philosophies, until the first rays of dawn painted the eastern sky.


    "The hour has come," White Cloud Master declared solemnly.


    She turned to Zhou Chun, her gaze piercing.


    "This battle is fraught with peril. If you insist on witnessing it, stay hidden. Do not interfere¡ªno matter what you see."


    With that, the three descended into the valley.


    The rising sun revealed a jagged landscape of sheer cliffs and barren rock, where even weeds dared not grow.


    "The serpent''s lair lies ahead," White Cloud Master said to Li Yuanhua, gesturing toward a yawning black cavern.


    "I will lure it out. When it engages me, sever its retreat."


    She strode forward alone, her robes fluttering like a ghost in the pale light.


    Li Yuanhua and Zhou Chun scaled a nearby peak, peering down into the abyss.


    The cave mouth gaped like a monstrous maw, its depths swallowing all light.


    White Cloud Master halted a few paces from the entrance and emitted a series of sharp, whistling cries.


    A sudden gale erupted, tearing at her robes as she retreated.


    In an instant, a deafening roar echoed from the cave.


    A colossal serpent surged forth¡ªits golden scales gleaming like molten metal, crimson eyes blazing with malice. Ten zhang long and thick as a wine vat, it slithered with terrifying speed, closing  half a li in moments.


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    White Cloud Master spun around, her voice ringing clear: "Come forth!" A violet beam shot from her palm, slicing through the air.


    The serpent retaliated, spewing a torrent of flames that clashed with the violet light.


    The two forces writhed in mid-air, casting eerie shadows across the valley.


    After a fierce stalemate, the serpent recoiled, attempting to flee.


    Li Yuanhua seized the moment, unsheathing his Xuan Ying Sword. A streak of cyan light hurtled toward the serpent''s head.


    Cornered, the beast coiled its massive body, spewing venomous fog and flames to repel the twin blades.


    Despite their divine power, the swords clashed harmlessly against its impenetrable scales.


    White Cloud Master and Li Yuanhua positioned themselves on opposing peaks, their swords dancing like dragons in the sky.


    Hours passed, yet neither side gained ground.


    Finally, White Cloud Master signaled Li Yuanhua to withdraw.


    Mistaking their retreat for defeat, the serpent lunged at her¡ªonly to be blinded by a crimson radiance erupting from her hand.


    She had released the golden centipede.


    The creature expanded mid-air, growing to over ten feet, its scales glinting like bloodstained armor.


    The serpent hissed, recognizing its mortal foe.


    It unleashed a barrage of fire and poison, but the centipede darted nimbly, clamping its jaws onto the serpent''s vital spot.


    In retaliation, the serpent sank its fangs into the centipede''s tail.


    The two monstrosities thrashed in a death grip, their struggle shaking the earth.


    Agonized, the serpent whipped its tail against the cliffs, sending boulders cascading like hail.


    Li Yuanhua raised his sword to strike, but White Cloud Master halted him.


    "You''ll harm the centipede!"


    Before she could explain, a thunderous crash resounded.


    The serpent''s tail had shattered a cliffside boulder, which plummeted onto its own skull, crushing it instantly.


    The centipede, exhausted, collapsed lifeless beside its foe.


    White Cloud Master and Li Yuanhua descended, dismembering the serpent''s carcass.


    "I feared this outcome," she murmured, gazing at the centipede''s corpse.


    "How will I face Master Canxia?"


    "This demon plagued the land for decades," Li Yuanhua countered.


    "Eradicating it is a righteous deed. Master Canxia will understand."


    A shadow swept across the valley as a black-robed maiden descended, her waist adorned with a jade gourd. She bowed gracefully.


    "Disciple Zhou Qingyun, sent by Master Canxia. She bids you not to grieve¡ªthe centipede''s fate was ordained. I am to return its remains."


    Qingyun placed a golden pill in the centipede''s mouth, shrinking it to eight inches before sealing it in her gourd.


    Then, she turned, her voice soft yet firm:"My father, Zhou Chun¡ªis he here?"


    White Cloud Master summoned Zhou Chun. Father and daughter embraced, tears mingling with laughter.


    Zhou Chun seized the moment.


    "Daughter, I must seek Master Canxia''s aid. The One-Armed Bear, Mao Tai, hunts me. Will you plead my case?"


    Qingyun smiled.


    "No need. Master foresaw this. She instructs you to proceed to Chengdu¡ªallies await. I will join you after my mission."


    Relief washed over Zhou Chun.


    "You''ve mastered immortal swordsmanship?"


    "Yes,"Qingyun replied, her eyes gleaming with pride.


    "Master trained me well. Mao Tai will fall."


    After heartfelt farewells, Qingyun vanished into the clouds.


    Zhou Chun turned to White Cloud Master, hope flickering in his eyes.


    "Could I¡­ learn your arts?"


    "You possess the heart and roots for immortality," she said kindly.


    "But the path is long. Sects like Kunlun, Emei, Huangshan, and Wutai vie fiercely. Mao Tai is but the first storm. Prepare wisely."


    With a wave of her hand, she incinerated the serpent''s remains.


    Li Yuanhua, summoned by his master''s decree, whistled sharply. A colossal crane swooped from the clouds, its wingspan blotting out the sun.


    Mounting it, he called, "Farewell!" and soared into the heavens.


    Zhou Chun realized¡ªthis was the same crane that had battled the serpent days prior.


    Though Qingyun''s words reassured him, anxiety lingered.


    "Will you aid me in Chengdu?"he asked White Cloud Master.


    "Go forth. When danger strikes, I will come."


    Days later, Zhou Chun arrived in Chengdu.


    Zhou Chun inquired everywhere about Mao Tai''s whereabouts, and said that he had never seen such a monk, so he could only wait for Qingyun to arrive there.


    However, after waiting for more than three months, he didn''t see his daughter, and he was very puzzled.


    Restless, he wandered to the South Gate''s Wuhou Temple, its ancient halls steeped in the legacy of Zhuge Liang.


    Yet even amidst history''s whispers, his mind churned¡ªevery shadow a potential threat, every stranger a possible foe.

 Catch the prisoner ; meet the weirdo

    Wuhou Temple, a famed historical site in Sichuan, bore verses from poets and scholars etched into its moss-covered walls. Zhou Chun strolled through the courtyard, hands clasped behind his back, but found little to hold his interest.


    He soon wandered into the nearby Wangjiang Pavilion, ordering a pot of fiery sorghum liquor and a plate of soy-braised beef.


    Seated by a second-floor window, he sipped alone, the autumn breeze ruffling his sleeves.


    As he chewed a tender slice of beef, the wooden stairs creaked violently.


    A young man in a flamboyant blue satin robe, embroidered with peonies, swaggered up to the railing.


    His features were handsome, but his eyes darted like a thief¡¯s, and a garish pink peony tucked behind his ear gave him the air of a preening peacock.


    ¡°This man is not a good person at first glance.¡±


    Zhou Chun watched sidelong as the man leaned over the railing, chopsticks stabbing his food but never lifting a bite to his lips. His gaze remained fixed on the river below.


    ¡°Something¡¯s off,¡± Zhou Chun muttered.


    Following the man¡¯s line of sight, he spotted a lavishly carved boat docked at the shore.Maidservants were helping a young woman in a soft yellow gown disembark.


    The woman, willow-eyed and slender-waisted, had just stepped onto the sedan chair when the peacock-clad dandy flung a silver ingot onto his table and bolted downstairs.


    ¡°No decent man wears a peony that big,¡±Zhou Chun sneered. Tossing copper coins onto his table, he slipped out after the man.


    But at a street corner, Zhou Chun nearly collided with a disheveled Daoist staggering toward the city gates¡ªa familiar red gourd swaying at his hip.


    ¡°The Drunken Daoist?!¡± Zhou Chun¡¯s heart leaped.


    But ahead, the dandy and sedan chair had already vanished into an alley.


    Torn between chasing the Daoist and stopping the looming crime, Zhou Chun hesitated¡ªthen cursed and sprinted after the Daoist.


    The Daoist meandered through desolate outskirts, always staying ten zhang ahead, as if taunting Zhou Chun.


    After half an hour of futile pursuit, Zhou Chun shouted,¡°Venerable Daoist! This humble one seeks guidance!¡±


    The Daoist sped up instead, disappearing into thin air.


    Zhou Chun returned to his inn, frustration simmering.


    Midnight Intrigue


    That night, as Zhou Chun lay in bed, the window creaked open. A cold gust swept in, leaving a slip of paper on his table. The three big characters are very conspicuous:


    ¡°Shi Family Lane.¡±


    The handwriting struck him as eerily familiar, though he couldn¡¯t place it.Shi Family Lane housed the city¡¯s elite¡ªfar removed from his affairs.


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    But a gnawing suspicion took root:¡°Someone¡¯s scheming. Best to investigate.¡±


    Donning black night-clothes and strapping his sword to his waist, Zhou Chun leapt from the window onto the rooftops.


    Suddenly, a shadowy figure darted ahead, vanishing near Shi Family Lane.


    Zhou Chun prowled silently, checking mansions one by one.


    At the third estate, a flickering light drew him to an upper window.


    He moistened his finger, punctured the rice paper, and peered inside¡ª


    ¡°By the heavens!¡±


    A young woman¡ªthe same one from the river¡ªlay naked and bound on a bench, unconscious.The peacock-clad dandy fumbled with his belt, humming a lewd tune.


    ¡°Filthy dog!¡±Zhou Chun roared, kicking through the window.


    The dandy blew out the oil lamp and hurled a stool.


    Zhou Chun cleaved it mid-air with his sword, only to hear a blade whistle behind him¡ªthe bastard had circled around!


    Ducking the strike, Zhou Chun thrust his sword at the man¡¯s throat.


    Their blades clashed in a shower of sparks, spilling into the courtyard.


    Zhou Chun¡¯s eyes narrowed.¡°Your swordsmanship... it reeks of Mao Tai!¡±


    Feinting a retreat, Zhou Chun leveled his blade.


    ¡°Name yourself! The Soaring Crane of the Clouds does not kill nameless curs!¡±


    The dandy cackled, his voice grating like broken brass.


    ¡°Zhang Liang, the Phantom Peony! My master, Eight-Fingered Chan Monk Miaotong, foresaw your death!¡±


    Zhou Chun¡¯s blood ran cold. Mao Tai¡¯s disciple?


    He redoubled his attacks, sword weaving a silver net around Zhang Liang.


    Though skilled, the dandy faltered under Zhou Chun¡¯s onslaught.


    When the mansion¡¯s owner arrived with guards, Zhang Liang leapt for the wall¡ª


    ¡°Don''t try to run away!¡±


    Zhou Chun¡¯s sword flashed, severing the man¡¯s ankles.


    Zhang Liang collapsed, howling, as guards trussed him like a zongzi.


    ¡°Hero, stay!¡± The mansion owner knelt, kowtowing.


    Zhou Chun yanked him up.


    ¡°Ship this trash to the magistrate¡ªquietly. His master is Mao Tai, a sword immortal. You don¡¯t want that trouble.¡±


    He vaulted over the wall, heart pounding.


    If a disciple is this formidable, how will I face Mao Tai himself?


    The Elusive Daoist


    For three days, Zhou Chun scoured tea houses and temples for the Drunken Daoist, even sifting through incense ashes¡ªnothing.


    On the fourth day, outside the city, a glint of yellow walls caught his eye:


    the grand Ciyun Temple, its golden plaque gleaming.


    Parched, Zhou Chun approached for water¡ª


    ¡°Halt!¡±


    Thirteen horsemen thundered past, their leader¡ªa bull-necked brute¡ªwhipped the temple gates.


    The red doors groaned open, swallowing the gang before slamming shut.


    ¡°No good comes from such men...¡±Zhou Chun muttered, edging closer.


    As a chivalrous man, he wanted to figure out why.


    Thwack! A mud clod struck his head.


    He spun¡ªno one in sight.


    Another clod whizzed by as he ducked. Twenty zhang away, a shadow darted into the woods.


    ¡°Coward!¡± Zhou Chun gave chase.


    The figure led him through the thorns, turning back and throwing mud at him from time to time.


    Zhou Chun was very angry, but even if he did his light, he couldn''t catch up with this person who was faster than the wind.


    After miles of pursuit, Zhou Chun was a little tired. Suddenly, he noticed a paper bag appearing under an old locust tree.


    Inside were two black pills and a scrawled note:


    ¡°Keep these. They help you get immune to all poisons.¡±


    Pocketing the pills, Zhou Chun trudged back, bewildered.


    Who would aid me so cryptically?


    Near the road, an enormous bell hung from a tree¡ªa six-hundred-pound behemoth.


    "I just passed by and there was no such thing," he muttered.


    Which powerful person hung up on this?


    Nearby, a faint cry for help pierced the silence.


    Zhou Chun¡¯s pulse quickened.


    He scaled the wall of a nearby house and peered inside¡ª


    ¡°By all that¡¯s holy...¡±

 enemies meet face to face;a fierce battle erupts

    Zhou Chun crouched on the rooftop, his breath held as he peered into courtyard below.


    A burly monk, his bald head glistening with sweat, loomed over a trembling woman. The monk gripped a monastic blade, its edge catching the pale light as he snarled,


    ¡°Submit to me and come to Ciyun Temple! Riches and glory await! Refuse, and I¡¯ll carve you into mincemeat!¡±


    The woman, though pale with terror, spat back,¡°Leave now! My husband, Wei Qing, is no weakling! He¡¯ll tear you limb from limb!¡±


    Her voice cracked as she screamed again,


    ¡°Help! Someone, help!¡±


    The monk raised his blade, but before it could descend, Zhou Chun erupted into action.


    ¡°Wicked monk! Halt your filth!¡±


    His sword, gleaming like winter frost, shot toward the monk¡¯s chest with lethal precision.


    The monk¡ªMao Tai, the One-Armed Bear¡ªstartled, dropping the monastic blade with a clatter. He snatched up a nearby monk¡¯s staff, its iron rings clanging as he parried Zhou Chun¡¯s strike.


    ¡°So it¡¯s you!¡±Mao Tai roared, his voice dripping with venom.


    ¡°I¡¯ve hunted you for months! Today, you die!¡±


    The two clashed, steel meeting iron in a shower of sparks.


    Zhou Chun¡¯s heart raced¡ªMao Tai¡¯s movements were sharper, fiercer than a decade prior. Gone was the brutish bandit; this was a warrior honed by years of hatred.


    Feigning confidence, Zhou Chun taunted,


    ¡°You think a decade of training frightens me? I¡¯ve studied under Master Canxia and the Drunken Daoist! Surrender now, or I¡¯ll carve your name into your tombstone!¡±


    Mao Tai¡¯s eyes flickered with doubt. If he really is their disciple, then my swordsmanship will definitely not be able to beat him.


    But he was not reconciled, he wanted revenge.


    ¡°Let¡¯s settle this with weapons, not flying sword! If I lose, I¡¯ll shave my head and renounce the world!¡±


    "Agreed!" Zhou Chun thought that as long as he didn''t use the flying sword, then he would have a chance.


    Under the darkening sky, their battle raged¡ªa storm of swords and staffs.


    Mao Tai¡¯s monk¡¯s staff whirled like a cyclone, each strike aimed to crush bone.


    Zhou Chun danced aside, his sword a silver serpent darting for gaps in the monk¡¯s defense.


    ¡°You¡¯ve improved,¡±Zhou Chun admitted through gritted teeth, blocking a blow that rattled his arms.


    ¡°But not enough!¡±Mao Tai roared, swinging the staff in a wide arc.


    Zhou Chun leapt backward, his heel catching a loose stone.


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    Mao Tai, seeing Zhou Chun suspended mid-air and yet to land, seized the opportunity with a vicious grin. He swung his monk¡¯s staff in a sweeping arc aimed at Zhou Chun¡¯s legs.


    But Zhou Chun had anticipated this very move.


    Before the staff could connect, he planted his right foot atop his left, leveraging the momentum not to descend but to propel himself several feet higher¡ªa masterful display of his signature lightness skills:


    Dragonfly Skims Water and Swallow Soars Through Clouds.


    Mao Tai¡¯s monk¡¯s staff through empty air.


    The force of his missed strike threw him off balance, and he stumbled forward, his face twisting in fury.


    Zhou Chun abruptly shifted into the Crane Coiling Clouds stance, his sword and body merging into a single lethal arc as he dove straight toward Mao Tai¡¯s head.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Mao Tai bellowed, thrusting off the ground with his feet.


    His body tilted forward as he lunged sideways, narrowly evading the strike¡ªbut not before Zhou Chun¡¯s blade grazed his left arm, carving a bloody gash four inches long.


    Rage contorted Mao Tai¡¯s face.


    Before Mao Tai could steady himself, Zhou Chun surged forward again, sword thrusting like a silver viper.


    Mao Tai, now a feral beast, spun wildly to meet the attack, their blades clashing in a frenzy of sparks.


    Dusk approached, the sun bleeding into the horizon.


    After hours of combat, Zhou Chun knew victory wouldn¡¯t come easily. With a sudden leap, he whirled his sword, conjuring a dazzling blade-flower over ten feet long.


    Mao Tai hesitated, suspecting a hidden technique¡ªand in that split second, Zhou Chun seized the opening.


    He turned and fled!


    Zhou Chun was worried that Mao Tai would use flying sword and had been looking for an opportunity to leave.


    ¡°Your tricks won¡¯t save you!¡±Mao Tai roared, charging.


    Zhou Chun¡¯s fingers closed around a hidden repeating crossbow.


    ¡°Try this!¡±


    Twelve bolts erupted in rapid succession¡ªthwip-thwip-thwip!


    Mao Tai twisted like a demon, deflecting the first six with his staff.


    But the seventh volley¡ªFive Blossoms Piercing the Clouds¡ªstruck true. One bolt pierced his left arm; another shattered his front teeth.


    ¡°Aaargh!¡±


    Blood gushed from Mao Tai¡¯s mouth as he staggered, his staff clattering to the ground.


    Zhou Chun pressed his advantage, blade poised for the kill.


    ¡°Never!¡±Mao Tai spat a mouthful of blood and crimson.


    His hand flew to his robe, withdrawing a sinister crimson blade¡ªCrimson Yin Sword. Golden light erupted from its edge, slicing the air toward Zhou Chun¡¯s throat.


    Zhou Chun dove into the woods, the sword¡¯s golden beam shearing trees like parchment. Branches rained around him as he sprinted, the deadly light inches from his neck.


    ¡°To hell with pride¡ªrun!¡± he cursed, lungs burning.


    Just as the blade descended for the final strike, a green streak shot from the canopy¡ªa second sword, its light pure as jade.


    The two beams collided mid-air, sparks cascading like fireworks.


    ¡°Who dares?!¡± Mao Tai bellowed, his face contorted with rage.


    From a towering oak, the Drunken Daoist emerged, red gourd swaying.


    ¡°Enough, Mao Tai! Your vendetta ends tonight!¡±


    With a flick of his wrist, the green light overpowered the golden beam, forcing Mao Tai¡¯s sword to retreat.


    The Drunken Daoist¡¯s power was overwhelming¡ªMao Tai stood no chance.


    Just as Mao Tai teetered on the brink of defeat, three to five hair-thin crimson streaks  pierced the sky, whistling through the air with a shrill, otherworldly keen.


    The Drunken Daoist leapt down from the tree abruptly, hissing urgently to Zhou Chun:


    ¡°Follow me¡ªnow!¡±


    Without giving Zhou Chun a chance to respond, he sheathed his sword¡¯s radiant aura, hoisted Zhou Chun onto his back, and soared toward the city along the main road, leaving Mao Tai¡¯s enraged roars fading into the dusk.

 The Unseen Foe and the Gathering Storm

    After Zhou Chun¡¯s narrow from Mao Tai¡¯s Crimson Yin Sword¡ªthanks to the Drunken Daoist¡¯s timely intervention¡ªthe woods fell into an uneasy silence.


    Yet the tempest of vengeance was far from over.


    A Brother in Shadows


    Mao Tai stood amidst the splintered trees, his chest heaving as he scanned the dimming horizon. The humiliation of Zhou Chun¡¯s rescue gnawed at him like a festering wound.


    Just as he prepared to retreat, a crimson light flared before him, coalescing into a human silhouette.


    Assuming it was Zhou Chun returning to gloat, Mao Tai raised his blade¡ª


    ¡°Hold, brother! It¡¯s me!¡±


    The voice halted him mid-strike.


    Mao Tai squinted through the haze, recognizing the sharp features and haughty stance of Qin Lang, the¡°Sky-Soaring Yecha¡±¡ªhis sworn brother and fellow disciple of the Five Venoms Sect.


    Relief washed over Mao Tai¡¯s face as he clasped Qin Lang¡¯s forearm in a warrior¡¯s greeting.


    ¡°What ill wind blows you here?¡± Qin Lang asked, his voice dripping with mock curiosity.


    Mao Tai recounted his vendetta: the ambush in the courtyard, Zhou Chun¡¯s poisoned crossbow bolts, and the mysterious green sword-light that had snatched victory from his grasp.


    His words crackled with fury, each syllable sharp as a dagger.


    Qin Lang stroked his oiled beard, nodding.


    ¡°I glimpsed the duel of emerald and gold blades from afar. Had I known it was you, I¡¯d have joined the fray sooner¡ªthough it seems the cowards fled like startled hares.¡±


    A disciple of the Flaming Patriarch of Mount Hua, Qin Lang wielded the infamous Red Spider Sword, its blade forged in volcanic fires and steeped in venom.


    Though he had once studied under the monk Fa Yuan, his allegiance now lay with the Flaming Patriarch, binding him to Mao Tai in a brotherhood of ambition and bloodshed.


    This is a pair of evil brothers£¡


    ¡°Were it not for my mission to gather Ghostface Mushrooms in Yunnan¡¯s western peaks,¡±


    Qin Lang boasted, his chest puffed like a preening peacock,


    ¡°I¡¯d have skewered that green-sworded meddler and fed his entrails to crows!¡±


    A mocking voice sliced through the air:


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Qin Lang, spare us your drivel! Even a blind beggar knows your master¡¯s name is the only reason you still draw breath!¡±


    Qin Lang¡¯s face flushed crimson, veins bulging at his temples. ¡°Who dares insult the Flaming Patriarch¡¯s disciple? Show yourself, worm!¡±


    Smack!


    An invisible force struck his left cheek, sending him staggering. Sparks danced before his eyes as he clutched his face, humiliated before Mao Tai.


    ¡°Sneaking in shadows is the act of a coward!¡±


    he bellowed, sword slashing wildly at empty air.


    ¡°Face me like a true warrior!¡±


    The voice chuckled, echoing from all directions.


    ¡°If decades of cultivation haven¡¯t sharpened your eyes, perhaps your master¡¯s teachings are as hollow as your boasts.¡±


    Qin Lang seethed but feigned calm. ¡°If you¡¯re so mighty, reveal yourself! Or are you as ugly as your tongue?¡±


    ¡°Patience, little viper. Your eyes aren¡¯t worthy of my true form.¡±


    Enraged, Qin Lang lunged toward the voice¡¯s source, his sword erupting in five crimson tendrils¡ªthe Red Spider Sword¡¯s signature attack.


    The forest ignited in a hellish glow, trees splintering and leaves curling to ash.


    Yet when the smoke cleared, the attacker remained unharmed, his laughter ringing louder.


    ¡°The fool must¡¯ve fled,¡± Mao Tai muttered, sheathing his blade with a clatter.


    Smack!


    An unseen hand struck Mao Tai¡¯s face, snapping his head sideways.


    Mao''s eyes widened and he was full of resentment.


    Both men unleashed their swords¡ªcrimson and golden beams crisscrossing the woods¡ªbut their blades found only shadows.


    The voice taunted:


    ¡°Is this the famed Five Venoms swordsmanship? I¡¯ve seen children spar with more skill! Release all your blades¡ªlet¡¯s see if any can graze my sleeve!¡±


    The unseen foe toyed with them mercilessly:


    pinching arms, tugging ears, each touch leaving bruises.


    When Qin Lang¡¯s robes were torn to shreds, revealing a serpent tattoo coiled around his ribs, Mao Tai hissed,


    ¡°This is no mortal. Retreat¡ªnow!¡±


    Shamefaced, the duo cloaked themselves in swirling sword-light and fled to Ciyun Temple, its pagoda roofs glinting like fangs in the moonlight.


    Ciyun Temple: Sanctuary or Snake Pit?


    Panting, Mao Tai and Qin Lang staggered through the temple gates, where Abbot Zhitong awaited¡ªa figure of serene composure, his saffron robes immaculate, yet his eyes glinted like a hawk¡¯s.


    ¡°Abbot,¡± Mao Tai gasped, ¡°we were ambushed by a phantom!¡±


    Zhitong listened impassively as Mao Tai recounted their humiliation. Stroking his prayer beads, the abbot finally spoke:


    ¡°The green swordsman was likely an Emei Sect disciple aiding Zhou Chun. But the invisible foe¡­¡±


    He trailed off, his gaze distant.


    ¡°Out with it!¡± Mao Tai snapped, slamming a fist on the altar.


    Zhitong¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper.


    ¡°Even your masters¡ªGolden-Armed Fa Yuan and the Flaming Patriarch¡ªwould tremble before him.


    ¡°Fifty years ago, a wanderer known as Chasing Cloud Elder emerged. He humiliated the Flaming Patriarch himself last year, leaving him bedridden for months.¡±


    Before Mao Tai could retort, a novice burst into the hall: ¡°Abbot,they have arrived!¡±


    The temple doors groaned open, revealing a procession of figures¡ªeach more notorious than the last:


    Sky-Soaring Centipede: A bandit whose raids left villages smoldering.


    Treasure-Hoarding Daoist Jin Guangding: A sorcerer who trapped spirits in cursed talismans.


    One-Horned Viper Ma Xiong: A pirate who painted rivers red with merchant blood.


    Water-Splitting Rhino Lu Hu: A mercenary crushing dissenters beneath his iron mace.


    Silver Sea Dragon Bai Xu: A smuggler ruling coastal ports through terror.


    Zhitong welcomed them with a bow, his pious facade crumbling to reveal a viper¡¯s grin.


    Among the crowd stood the bull-necked horsemen Zhou Chun has seen it today prior¡ªtheir leader, a brute with a jagged scar splitting his cheek, smirked as he cracked his knuckles.


    An evil aura instantly spread through the sacred temple.


    What dark alliance festered within these hallowed walls?

 The Hidden Master and the Gathering Tempest

    A Sanctuary in Bamboo


    After narrowly escaping death at Mao Tai¡¯s hands, Zhou Chun found himself whisked away by the Drunken Daoist, soaring through the air like a leaf caught in a tempest.


    When his feet finally touched ground, he stood before a secluded bamboo grove, a tranquil retreat nestled outside Chengdu.


    The yard¡¯s moss-covered walls and rustling bamboo seemed to hum with latent spiritual energy.


    Kneeling, Zhou Chun bowed deeply to the Drunken Daoist. ¡°Thank you, for saving this unworthy one¡¯s life.¡±


    The Daoist merely grunted, leading Zhou Chun into a hut where two young attendants served tea. Zhou Chun¡¯s eyes darted around the immaculate room, its simplicity belying an undercurrent of spiritual energy.


    ¡°Take me as your disciple!¡± Zhou Chun pleaded, kowtowing again.


    Though Zhou Chun pleaded to become the Daoist¡¯s disciple, the man shook his head.


    ¡°Your heart is pure, but you¡¯re no longer a virgin. Mastering the sword would be arduous without the Elixir of Marrow and Spirit¡ªa treasure held by one of the Three Immortals of the East Sea. Patience. Your true master awaits.¡±


    Zhou Chun pressed for answers. ¡°Who is this immortal? Where might I find him?¡±


    But the Daoist vanished at dawn, leaving only cryptic words:


    ¡°You can go out and walk, and you will meet him when fate condescends to reveal him..¡±


    The Trickster¡¯s Gambit


    Days blurred into fruitless searching.


    Returning to his inn, Zhou Chun learned that Li Ning¡ªhis old comrade¡ªhad come seeking him, only to leave a baffling message:


    ¡°I¡¯ve taken vows as a monk. Do not return to Mount Emei.¡±


    Why would Li Ning abandon the world? Where is his daughter, Yingqiong?


    Zhou Chun¡¯s thoughts churned until a commotion erupted on the street.


    A gaunt, ragged old man sat cross-legged outside a restaurant, his eyes shut as the owner berated him.


    ¡°You devoured three roasted ducks and a jug of wine! Pay up, or I¡¯ll drag you to the magistrate!¡±


    It turned out that this old man had been running to this restaurant since the morning and had been eating it until now. The boss asked him to settle the bill, but he didn''t, and said that his disciple would help him pay. But after waiting for so long and not seeing his disciple, the boss suspected him of eating overlord meals.


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    The crowd jeered, but the old man remained serene. Suddenly, his eyelids snapped open, locking onto Zhou Chun.


    ¡°Ah, my disciple arrives! Settle the bill, boy.¡±


    Zhou Chun froze. ¡°I don¡¯t know this man¡ª¡±


    The owner seized his sleeve. ¡°He called you ¡®disciple¡¯! Pay, or I¡¯ll call the guards!¡±


    Grudgingly, Zhou Chun tossed a silver ingot onto the counter. The old man cackled and vanished, leaving Zhou Chun fuming.


    A Feast of Deception


    Zhou Chun was very depressed and walked alone on the street for a long time.


    Came to a hotel, a waiter ushered Zhou Chun to a table laden with half-eaten delicacies¡ªroast pheasant, braised pork, and a jug of aged baijiu.


    ¡°Your master left this for you,¡± the waiter chirped.


    Zhou Chun¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°What master?¡±


    ¡°The old beggar! He said you¡¯d pay.¡±


    The waiter explained: ¡°Not long ago I heard him call you an apprentice on the street, and you paid for him.¡±


    Cursing under his breath, Zhou Chun ate the cold remnants, his pride simmering.Decades of honorbound service, reduced to a fool¡¯s errand!


    He realizes that he has met a scammer.


    As he reached for his purse, the floorboards shuddered. A hulking man with violet-tinted skin and boar-like tusks stormed in.


    ¡°You¡¯re Zhou Chun?¡±


    Before Zhou Chun could answer, the man grabbed his wrists with a Tendon-Twisting Grasp, hoisted him onto his back, and bolted into the streets.


    The Forest of Revelation


    The man strides devoured the road to Ciyun Temple, Zhou Chun¡¯s protests drowned by the wind.


    The man had too much strength, and he used his skills to make Zhou Chun unable to move.


    At this time, he had arrived in the woods in front of the temple, and the big man put him down, did not speak, and was straight at Zhou Chun.


    ¡°Explain yourself!¡± Zhou Chun roared, massaging his numb arms.


    When he was about to ask the big man why he did this to him, he saw a light in front of him, a white light, and there was an eighteen or nineteen-year-old scholar standing in front of him, wearing a white satin dress.


    When he looked at the big man again, he was already stunned, standing there, sweating hotly, and it turned out that he was knocked down by the young man''s acupoint method.


    The young man sneered: "Take advantage of people to be unprepared for a sneak attack, do you want to be ashamed?" ¡±


    Zhou Chun hurriedly persuaded: "The man may have a hard ......"


    Before he finished speaking, the young man suddenly froze!


    He saw the old man who had cheated on eating and drinking before dangling out from behind the tree, patting open the big man''s acupoint and saying:


    "Stupid donkey! Asked you to carry Zhou Chun on your back, and you were almost cleaned up, right? ¡±


    Turning his head and flicking his fingers at the young man, the young man was relieved, and opened his mouth to spew out sword light in shame.


    The old man laughed and grabbed the white light with his bare hands: "The pearl of rice grains also dares to shine?" ¡±


    The white light seemed to understand human nature, and in the hands of the old man, like a snake, he just bent and stretched, as if he wanted to escape.


    The young man was shocked and begged for mercy.


    The old man said: ¡°Go back and tell your master Li Yuanhua, and Chasing Cloud Elder will say hello to him! ¡±


    Then young man paled. ¡°You... you¡¯re the Cloud-Chasing Elder?¡±


    Zhou Chun¡¯s breath hitched. This grimy beggar is one of the Three Immortals? He dropped to his knees.


    ¡°Master, accept this unworthy disciple!¡±


    The Cloud-Chasing Elder grinned, his teeth yellowed but sharp. ¡°I¡¯ll take you¡ªon one condition. Fund my wine. Three jars a day, top-shelf.¡±


    Reunion and Reckoning


    As Zhou Chun swore allegiance, rustling leaves announced newcomers¡ªthe Drunken Daoist and a young woman in black.


    ¡°Father!¡± Zhou Qingyun rushed forward, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears.


    It turned out that Qingyun delayed his trip for refining magic weapons, met a drunken Taoist on the way, and learned that his father was here.


    Everyone was reminiscing, and the drunken Taoist looked solemn: "Zhitong has found a lot of helpers, we have to finish his lair as soon as possible!"

 The Righteous Assassin Outwitting the Wicked

    Chasing Cloud Elder  calculated with his fingers and said,                                                                                                        ¡°Now is not the time. Wait until all their forces gather, then we¡¯ll wipe them out in one fell swoop.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement, except Zhou Qingyun, whose eyes flickered with unspoken thoughts.


    Long ago, Abbot Zhitong¡¯s master had dueled a sword immortal from Emei Sect  and died from grievous injuries after his defeat. Zhitong had harbored hatred toward Emei ever since, plotting revenge.


    Beneath its pious facade, Ciyun Temple was a den of depravity.


    Zhitong and his monks pillaged wealth, abducted women for their pleasure, and recruited allies to bolster their power.


    After the Drunken Daoist exposed their crimes, they swiftly rallied their forces to strike back at Ciyun Temple.


    Upon learning the truth, Zhou Qingyun gritted her teeth, burning with rage to slaughter the villains.


    Ciyun Temple¡¯s Love Triangle


    Meanwhile, chaos erupted in Ciyun Temple between Zhitong and Mao Tai.


    Zhitong had gifted his favorite concubine to Mao Tai to secure loyalty, but the woman¡¯s seductive skills ensnared Zhitong¡¯s soul.


    The two often stole moments for secret trysts, while Mao Tai grew increasingly paranoid.


    That day, Mao Tai slipped out to search for his disciple Zhang Liang . Seizing the opportunity, Zhitong crept into Mao Tai¡¯s chamber.


    The woman lay on the bed, her eyes coquettish:                                                                                                                 ¡°You devil, why so late?¡±


    Zhitong pounced like a starved tiger, panting:                                                                                                             ¡°Who¡¯s better¡ªme or Mao Tai?¡±


    She giggled, arching her back:                                                                                                                                             ¡°Mao Tai reeks of mutton. How could he compare to Your Eminence¡¯s vigor¡­¡±


    A thunderous roar exploded from outside the window:                                                                                               ¡°Whore! You dare?!¡±


    Mao Tai, eyes bloodshot, charged in, a yellow sword-light slashing toward the woman!


    Zhitong, naked, scooped her up and scrambled around the room like a monkey in a farce.


    One of Zhitong¡¯s subordinates intervened, hurling his sword to block Mao Tai.


    The trio¡¯s clash shook the house.


    Just as Mao Tai teetered on the brink of defeat, a golden light streaked through the window¡ª


    ¡°Cease this folly!¡±


    A golden ring, glowing and approximately ten feet in diameter, trapped Zhitong and Mao Tai¡¯s sword-lights midair, freezing them in place.


    Zhitong and Mao Tai gaped in shock.


    The newcomer stood over eight feet tall, with a massive head, round eyes, and a pallid face devoid of color, radiating malice. Clad in a flaming kasaya, his large ears adorned with golden rings, he was barefoot and wore hemp sandals¡ªa figure known as ¡°Powder-Faced Buddha¡± (Note: Monks, like all people, can be righteous or evil).


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    Powder-Faced Buddha strode in, his kasaya rustling as he sneered:                                                                                  ¡°Fighting over a woman? How pathetic!¡±


    Zhitong flushed with shame, while Mao Tai clutched his wound tightly and moaned.


    Powder-Faced Buddha scattered ¡°Five Venoms Crimson Cloud Sand¡±to assert control:                                                      ¡°The Emei Sect is at our gates, and you¡¯re squabbling over lust?¡±


    Zhitong had enlisted yet another formidable ally.


    The Mysterious Righteous Assassin


    Under Powder-Faced Buddha¡¯s mediation, Mao Tai and Zhitong reluctantly reconciled.


    After discussing their revenge, the villains resumed their debauchery, each dragging captive women into chambers to violate.


    Just as Mao Tai prepared to assault a victim, a gust of wind carried a green sword-light¡ªfast as lightning¡ªstraight toward his chest!


    Mao Tai yelled,¡°Ambush!¡± and leapt aside.


    Though he dodged swiftly, the sword grazed his left shoulder, severing his arm.


    Howling in pain, the seasoned outlaw barely parried the assassin¡¯s follow-up strikes.


    Mao Tai¡¯s screams drew Zhitong and Powder-Faced Buddha, who rushed to aid him. The assassin, outnumbered, retreated.


    They pursued into the temple¡¯s outer woods but found no trace.


    Returning, they heard clashing steel¡ªMao Tai was locked in a desperate duel with a young woman in green.


    The woman¡¯s figure was graceful, her beauty striking. Her sword danced like a dragon, unpredictable and lethal.


    Mao Tai, already maimed, dripped sweat under her onslaught.


    In a flash, the woman¡¯s sword entangled Mao Tai¡¯s monastic saber. With a clang, the saber shattered into two dull fragments.


    As Powder-Faced Buddha and Zhitong closed in, the woman shouted, ¡°Jie!¡±


    Merging with her sword, she transformed into a green light and soared skyward.


    Enraged, Powder-Faced Buddha hurled his Five Venoms Crimson Cloud Sand, unleashing a yellow haze tinged with red clouds. Thunder rumbled as the sky darkened, echoing with ghostly wails.


    "Be careful!" Suddenly, a voice came from the air.


    Five Venoms Crimson Cloud Sand¡ªa deadly treasure from Powder-Faced Buddha¡¯s master¡ªcould kill or incapacitate even immortal swordsmen upon contact.


    When the haze cleared, the assassin had vanished.


    Powder-Faced Buddha spotted a glint nearby¡ªa foot-long sword, radiant and trembling as if alive.


    ¡°The foe must¡¯ve abandoned this to escape!¡±                                                                                                                    he crowed, ordering Zhitong to chase the assassin while he attempted to refine the sword.


    As Zhitong left, a whistling wind warned Powder-Faced Buddha of an ambush. He jerked his head aside¡ªtoo late.


    A hidden projectile smashed two teeth from his jaw, blood gushing.


    A shadowy figure swooped past, snatching the sword from his grip.


    The assailant spun, kicked Powder-Faced Buddha¡¯s chest with both feet, then soared away as a green light.


    By the time Zhitong returned, the green light had vanished. Powder-Faced Buddha lay unconscious beside Mao Tai.


    Chasing Cloud Elder¡¯s Mockery


    High above, Chasing Cloud Elder lounged, legs crossed:                                                                                               ¡°Drunkyard, losing your sword? How embarrassing!¡±


    The Drunken Daoist glared:                                                                                                                                               ¡°Enough mockery! Help Qingyun clean up this mess!¡±


    Chasing Cloud Elder chuckled:                                                                                                                                         ¡°Relax! She¡¯s back.¡±


    Zhou Qingyun landed, returning the sword to the Drunken Daoist:                                                                                         ¡°I even kicked that bald donkey twice!¡±


    Earlier, enraged by Ciyun Temple¡¯s atrocities, Zhou Qingyun had infiltrated the temple to rescue the captives.


    Her first strike severed Mao Tai¡¯s arm, then she feigned retreat. When the villains gave chase, she doubled back for another attempt.


    Her recklessness nearly doomed her, but the Drunken Daoist intervened, sacrificing his sword to aid her escape.


    Unable to bear the loss, Zhou Qingyun risked reclaiming the blade.


    The Drunken Daoist scolded:                                                                                                                                               ¡°You¡¯re too rash!¡±


    Chasing Cloud Elder roared with laughter:                                                                                                                          ¡°Well done! These heretics deserve worse! Next time, strike harder!¡±


    The Drunken Daoist shook his head:                                                                                                                                   ¡°Her master, Lady Canxia, foresaw three great calamities awaiting Qingyun!¡±


    As they spoke, crimson streaks pierced the western sky. Chasing Cloud Elder tensed:


    ¡°Time to go!¡±

 A dignified nun ; A repulsive bald donkey

    A Mysterious Nun Descends from the Sky


    Chasing Cloud Elder glanced westward, where blood-red sword lights suddenly streaked across the sky.


    He grabbed the Drunken Daoist and Zhou Qingyun:                                                              ¡°Move, now!¡±


    Moments later, three sword beams pierced the Drunken Daoist¡¯s cave.


    Zhou Chun, dozing with his sword, jolted awake. Chasing Cloud Elder and the others had returned.


    Zhou Qingyun blurted:¡°What were those red lights in the west?¡±


    Chasing Cloud Elder slumped onto a stool:                                                                    ¡°Golden-Bodied Arhat Fayuan¡ªthat bald donkey¡ªis here! Zhitong¡¯s been recruiting all his uncles and masters from Mount Wutai. Let''s keep a low profile until they gather, then crush their nests!¡±


    Zhou Chun looked bewildered. Chasing Cloud Elder slapped his shoulder:                      ¡°Come, I¡¯ll train you at Mount Huang!¡±


    Turning to Qingyun, he added:                                                                                               ¡°A girl shouldn¡¯t stay here. Go to Pixie Village and seek Master Yuqing.¡±


    ¡°Who is Master Yuqing?¡±


    ¡°I met her once fifty years ago. Her skills have surely grown. Respect her deeply and learn from her¡ªit¡¯ll benefit you.¡±


    Before he finished, golden light erupted in the room as a beautiful nun materialized:              ¡°Elder Bai, gossiping about me again?¡±


    Zhou Qingyun stared¡ªthe nun wore a dharma crown, cloud-patterned boots, a golden silk robe, and wielded a horsetail whisk.Her divine aura and youthful beauty belied her age of over 130.


    Master Yuqing flicked her whisk:                                                                                      ¡°Master Canxia informed me Qingyun would visit, yet she¡¯s here with you. Why?¡±


    Chasing Cloud Elder grinned:¡°Zhou Chun, Qingyun¡ªpay your respects!¡±


    Master Yuqing lowered her voice:                                                                                                 ¡°I have urgent news. Do you know Wanmiao Xiangu  of Mount Huang?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Chasing Cloud Elder replied, settling into a seat.


    ¡°She feigns neutrality but colludes with heretics,¡± Master Yuqing hissed.


    ¡°She even tried to enlist me in forging a Heavenly Demon Immortal-Slaying Sword! Why does Master Canxia tolerate her, knowing she¡¯s the Paramour of the Primordial Ancestor?¡±


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    Chasing Cloud Elder took a swig from his gourd:                                                          ¡°Master Canxia has her reasons. Otherwise, Wanmiao Xiangu wouldn¡¯t have lingered peacefully on Mount Huang for fifty years.¡±


    ¡°Your Emei Sect is too lenient¡ªletting enemies sleep at your doorstep!¡±


    With that, Master Yuqing bid farewell and took Zhou Qingyun to Pixie Village. Chasing Cloud Elder departed with Zhou Chun for sword training.


    Ciyun Temple


    In the temple¡¯s rear hall, Zhitong fretted over Powder-Faced Buddha and Mao Tai¡¯s injuries.


    A novice rushed in:¡°Master! Fayuan of Mount Wutai has arrived!¡±


    Zhitong scrambled to greet Fayuan¡ªa short, fierce monk clad in a flaming kasaya, wielding an iron staff.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Mao Tai?¡± Fayuan barked.


    Seeing Mao Tai¡¯s festering arm, Fayuan cursed: ¡°You shit!¡± He fed them medicinal pills and re-dressed their wounds.


    Mao grinned in pain and struggled to salute. Fayuan waved him off:                              ¡°Save it! Your arm might be reattached with jade balm from the North Sea, but without Emei¡¯s Essence-Stabilizing Pill, it¡¯ll be worthless.¡±


    As Fayuan turned to leave, Zhitong panicked:¡°What if Emei attacks?¡±


    Fayuan snorted: ¡°If Emei wanted to destroy Ciyun Temple, Chasing Cloud Elder alone could do it! They¡¯re waiting to annihilate us all at once!¡±


    Over the next days, the disciples sent by Zhitong to ask for help came back one after another with their helpers.


    Fa Yuan later returns with rare herbs, but admits that Mao Tai''s arm is beyond salvage. He ordered his subordinates to escort Mao Tai back to Mount Wutai to recuperate.


    Then, Zhitong took all his helpers to the main hall to salute Fa Yuan.


    Although there are many helpers, most of them are nothing more than a rabble.


    Addressing the crowd, Fayuan warned:                                                                                ¡°This isn¡¯t child¡¯s play! Always be vigilant and don''t go out! Wait for me to come back!¡±


    After leaving Ciyun Temple, he planned to go to Mount Jiuhua to find helpers.


    Bald donkey                                                                                                                          The Emei faction is in the Mount Huang, Jiuhua Mountain is not far from the Mount Huang, Fa Yuan took the sword and landed, and in the cold wind howling, he cautiously moved forward.


    Suddenly, a child''s laughter echoed through the silent forest.


    He was immediately alert: on such a cold day, the mountain wind is cold, how can there be women and children here?


    He squinted into the woods, and the setting sun stretched the shadows of the sparse trees, but there was not a single figure to be seen.


    A child''s voice said, "Sister, Senior Brother Sun is here from over there. You see he is followed by a bald donkey with thief eyebrows and rat eyes, and he certainly had bad intentions. ¡±


    A girl replied lazily: ¡°Relax. He wouldn¡¯t dare cause trouble here.¡±


    Fa Yuan gritted his teeth when he heard this - he had lived for more than a hundred years, and it was the first time he was scolded by a child for a bald donkey!


    Seething with rage, a white-robed youth¡ªseventeen or eighteen years old¡ªsuddenly darted onto the mountain path. Lithe as a white crane, he vanished into the depths of the forest with a few swift leaps.


    The boy shouted: ¡°Sis, intercept him! That donkey¡¯s up to no good!¡±


    Fa Yuan¡¯s temples throbbed with rage. Clenching his teeth, he feigned ascent up the mountain, then whirled around abruptly.


    With a sharp slap to the back of his skull, he unleashed dozens of crimson sword-lights¡ªthreads of scarlet fury¡ªstreaking toward the forest.


    This trick is a well-known skill of Fa Yuan, and it is very vicious, but if it is stained, there will be no bones left.


    Wherever the sword-lights sliced, trees as thick as bowls were cleaved at the waist. Dry branches and withered leaves cascaded like a storm.


    Yet, deep in the forest, an invisible wall defied the blades¡ªFa Yuan¡¯s relentless strikes failed to breach it, leaving him drenched in sweat.


    Bu to his fury, laughter and chatter echoed from within, as if his assault were mere background noise.

 Amidst the Flames of Defeat, Ambition Sharpens

    Fayuan was fuming with rage. He bellowed,                                                                        "You brats! Quit hiding and face your grandpa in a real fight!"


    As soon as his voice faded, a child''s giggle echoed from the woods.                                         "Sis, look! The bald donkey¡¯s throwing a tantrum! I¡¯m starving¡ªlet¡¯s just get rid of him!"


    A cold female voice replied, "Clean up your own mess."


    The child said playfully: "Dear sister, aren''t you worried about your lovely brother? "


    With a sudden swish, a young man and a young woman materialized before Fayuan.


    The man wore pristine white robes, while the woman, clad in violet with a sword at her waist, was breathtakingly beautiful.


    The violet-clad woman sneered, "What¡¯s a sneaky monk like you peeking around for?"


    Fayuan feigned innocence. "This humble monk merely sought to cleanse the mountain of evil spirits. Since it¡¯s a misunderstanding, I bid you farewell!"


    He turned to flee, but a golden pearl streaked through the air like thunder, smashing into his left shoulder.


    Fayuan howled in pain and spun around to see a boy, no older than twelve, standing atop a cliff. The child¡¯s jade-like fingers clutched a handful of golden pearls.


    "You little rat!" Fa Yuan roared, controlling the flying sword and slashing at the little boy.


    The violet-clad woman flicked her wrist, and her sword erupted into a golden dragon of light, clashing with Fayuan¡¯s crimson blade midair.


    The white-robed youth moved to assist, but the woman stopped him.                                     "Stay back, Junior Brother Sun. I¡¯ll handle this thief myself."


    The two fought fiercely in the air, their swords intertwined with deadly phantoms, unmatched.


    Fa Yuan was secretly surprised: "This young woman is so good at swordsmanship at such a young age?"


    Fa Yuan was afraid that there were masters nearby, so he didn''t dare to use all his strength.


    As he was thinking, several golden rays of light suddenly burst into the air with the sound of wind and thunder.


    This time, Fa Yuan had already taken precautions, and while dodging one by one, he suddenly broke away from the battle with the violet-clad woman, pointed his sword light, divided a red line, and flew straight towards the child.


    The violet-clad woman exclaimed: "Brother, hide quickly!"


    The boy was so frightened that he threw twelve gold beads to resist, but the light of the red line sword was like a bamboo, and the twelve gold beads were instantly split in half, and he was about to hit the boy.


    At the last moment, white-robed youth rushed to the boy in time.


    But Fa Yuan''s attack was too strong, forcing the white-robed youth to retreat again and again.


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    The white-robed youth gritted his teeth and used all his strength to barely resist. Then, before Fa Yuan chased over, he hurriedly pulled the boy and hid in the cave.


    At this time, The violet-clad woman also chased after her and fought with Fayuan again.


    As dusk fell, their battle raged on, sword-light illuminating the forest.


    Just as Fayuan contemplated underhanded tactics, a sharp whoosh pierced the sky¡ªtwo new figures had arrived.


    The two sides hurriedly stopped fighting, and when they were in doubt, a Daoist nun and a girl had already flown down in front of the cliff.


    Fayuan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief¡ªit was Wanmiao Xiangu, a fellow disciple from their own Mount Wutai sect!


    Overjoyed, he wanted to open his mouth to urge her to join him in eliminating their foes. But to his astonishment, she barked,                                                                                ¡°What rogue monk dares stir trouble on Jiuhua Mountain?¡±


    Fayuan nearly choked:She¡¯s pretending not to know me?


    Remembering her secret allegiance to their sect, he bit back his fury.


    "This isn¡¯t over!" he spat, vanishing in a streak of red light.


    The violet-clad woman moved to chase him, but Wanmiao Xiangu intervened.            "Spare him this once, for my sake."


    Reluctantly, the woman sheathed her sword. Meanwhile, the boy emerged from the cave, pouting at his shattered pearls.                                                                                        "Sister, why¡¯d you let him go?"


    The violet-clad woman robes jabbed his forehead:                                                              "Little troublemaker! Brother Sun¡¯s sword nearly shattered because of you¡ªhow dare you still throw a fit?" She berated the boy relentlessly.


    The boy, cheeks flushed, stomped back into the cave without greeting the guests.


    Wanmiao Xiangu chuckled. "Your sect is extraordinary, raising such prodigies at such a young age."


    Lingyun smiled politely. "You flatter us, Immortal. Please, come inside."


    It turned out this was the residence of Qi Suming Zhenren, a revered master of the Emei Sect. The violet-clad woman, named Lingyun, and the boy were Qi Suming¡¯s children, both gifted with extraordinary talents since birth.


    The white-robed youth, meanwhile, was a disciple of Li Yuanhua, dispatched by Chasing Cloud Elder to return to Mount Emei and gather reinforcements.


    As Wanmiao Xiangu resided on Mount Emei, she naturally knew them all.


    Upon entering the cave dwelling,  they expected a dark, gloomy cavern lit sparsely by flickering lamps.


    To their astonishment, the interior¡ªthough compact and devoid of candles¡ªglowed with radiant light as bright as day. The space was elegantly furnished, exuding a warmth akin to spring.


    What puzzled Wanmiao Xiangu most was that the young boy and the white-robed youth, who had clearly stepped into the cave moments earlier, had vanished without a trace within its confined walls.


    Wanmiao Xiangu sighed. "My new disciple, Hongyao. Bandits slaughtered her family... I found her half-dead on the roadside."


    Hongyao¡¯s eyes welled with tears. "If not for Master... I¡¯d be gone too."


    Lingyun grasped Hongyao''s hands, her voice trembling with sorrow.                              "Those vile bandits... Don¡¯t let grief consume you, Hongyao. Come to me whenever you need help¡ªI¡¯ll always be here for you."


    She then pulled Hongyao into a comforting embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around the younger girl¡¯s shaking shoulders.


    A long silence followed as Hongyao¡¯s tears gradually subsided. When her breathing steadied, the two began to talk¡ªfirst tentatively, then with growing ease.


    When the hour came to part, neither could hide their reluctance. Lingyun lingered at the cave¡¯s entrance, her fingers brushing Hongyao¡¯s sleeve.


    "Promise you¡¯ll visit soon," she whispered.


    Hongyao nodded, her eyes glistening. "I will... Sister."


    Wanmiao Xiangu added, " Ling Yun, you can also come to my residence and guide Hong Yao.It would be a great blessing."


    With that, she and Hongyao vanished into the sky.


    None noticed the sinister smirk flickering across Wanmiao Xiangu¡¯s face as she left.