Chapter Twenty

Before the two on stage could speak, Mu Xiangming had already assumed a palm stance and shouted at Yang Zaoci, “Today, I will take your life! To avenge my blood feud!”

With that, she stepped onto the wooden stakes and launched herself at Yang Zaoci. Yang Zaoci immediately wielded his long spear. He knew well he was no match for this woman, and he had no idea why she had appeared here today. Without hesitation, Yang Zaoci leapt up, spear poised, to meet Mu Xiangming's attack.

The crowd held their breath, curious to see what kind of sparks would fly between such a heavenly beauty and her opponent.

In midair, Yang Zaoci’s spear technique remained unweakened; each thrust streaked like a meteor through the sky, imbued with overwhelming momentum. His form and spearwork blended flawlessly. Yet facing Mu Xiangming in the air proved exceedingly difficult. With the protection of the “Desire Sound of Nine Heavens” technique, her graceful movements allowed her to easily evade each spear strike. Though she had yet to fully engage, the gap between the two was clear.

Lin He’s expression was complex. Mu Xiangming had already fallen into a deadly trap. He was uncertain whether to intervene; after all, she shared no blood with him, and they would not deal her a killing blow. But if he acted rashly, all would strike. Then, neither of them might survive… Lin He’s shifting expression did not escape Ma Chen’s notice. When Mu Xiangming employed “Desire Sound of Nine Heavens” just now, Ma Chen knew her connection to Lin He must be extraordinary.

Both landed, and Mu Xiangming seized the opportunity to strike close. She gathered power and swung a palm towards Yang Zaoci’s chest. The immense force sent him flying, crashing heavily against the edge of the ring, his spear dropping at her feet.

Yang Zaoci clutched his chest, coughing blood. Without his spear, he was powerless to defend himself. Ignoring the fallen weapon, he crawled toward Huo Quanjin, seeking protection.

Mu Xiangming did not pursue but instead shot three poisoned needles. Unexpectedly, Huo Quanjin stepped forward with an arrow-like movement, slashing his sword to block the needles reliably.

Mu Xiangming furrowed her brows. Why would this man save her enemy? She retracted her silver needles and asked, “May I ask your name? Why do you save my foe without reason?”

Huo Quanjin helped Yang Zaoci up and smiled, “Apologies, beautiful heroine, but I must keep this man alive.” He glanced toward Sanqing Peak, who gave him a signal. Huo Quanjin understood.

Mu Xiangming drew more silver needles; she could not care for these details. Having finally encountered an opportunity today, she would never give it up, even at the cost of her life—to avenge Lin He’s blood feud!

She struck again, launching three silver needles toward Huo Quanjin. Quick and sharp, he first parried the needles with his sword, then kicked Yang Zaoci out of the ring, sword poised to face Mu Xiangming.

The two immediately entangled. Huo Quanjin’s sword was swift, his strikes like lightning flashes, each sword hum vibrating the very air. Facing such an opponent, Mu Xiangming grew braver with every move. Her light dance fluttered, her skirt swirling around her, her figure seeming ethereal. Her delicate garments rustled in overlapping shadows. It appeared she had cast aside all thoughts of survival; now, her sole desire was to kill Yang Zaoci.

The fragrance was about to burn out, while Yang Zaoci lay unconscious. Only then did Sanqing Peak realize the danger and cursed fiercely, “Damn madwoman!” Who would have thought she’d risk her life to take Yang Zaoci’s! If he did not intervene now, the Second Prince Zhong’s plan would have to wait until next year.

Sanqing Peak leapt into the air, gathering power to deliver a palm strike at the two. Huo Quanjin shuddered—“Five Tigers Poison Wolf Palm!” He immediately kicked Mu Xiangming, using the rebound to spring away. But Mu Xiangming was too late to react and was struck heavily by the palm.

Lin He was shocked—Sanqing Peak had acted! He could no longer hold back; if he didn’t move, Xiangming would be seriously injured here. Just as he was about to leap forward, Ma Chen grabbed him.

“Let me!”

With that, Ma Chen dropped his sword sheath and flew toward the ring again.

Mu Xiangming lay on the ground, clutching her chest, coughing black blood, her face pale as death—the palm was poisonous. Sanqing Peak landed on the ring and mercilessly struck another palm. At this moment, she was powerless to dodge. Mu Xiangming realized how impulsive she had been but felt no regret. She closed her eyes.

Just as the palm strike was about to land, Ma Chen fiercely slashed his sword in midair. The sword energy collided with the palm force, neutralizing it. Sanqing Peak stared in horror—it was the man who had wielded the sword in the previous round! Ma Chen landed steadily before Mu Xiangming.

This heroic rescue ignited the crowd below the stage, voices praising endlessly.

Mu Xiangming opened her eyes to see a man had saved her. Protected by “Desire Sound of Nine Heavens,” her injuries were not grave. Ma Chen bent to help her up. Sanqing Peak said, “I advise you not to stubbornly play the hero. This is none of your concern.”

Ma Chen helped the beauty to her feet, calm and composed. “I am neither a hero nor a meddler. I simply repay kindness and honor debts.” Mu Xiangming did not understand why he saved her but sensed from his words that someone was backing her up.

Sanqing Peak did not wish to waste words. If he did not finish this woman now, once the old man arrived, there would be no chance. He said coldly, “Then don’t blame me for killing without mercy!”

He bent slightly, gathering his inner energy into his palms. Suddenly, a mighty force surged forth like a tiger descending the mountain, accompanied by a fierce roar. He gave no chance to the two. Ma Chen’s heart trembled in terror; he immediately placed himself before Mu Xiangming, raising his sword to block the terrifying strike with his body.

The terrifying energy burst from his hands as two tigers lunged at them! Just as the beasts were about to claim their lives, another tremendous sound echoed through the air, shaking the atmosphere. A surge of sword energy like lightning rushed fiercely toward the two tiger forms.

In an instant, two unstoppable forces collided, exploding on the stage with a deafening roar. The audience clutched their ears, and the powerful shockwave knocked the two combatants to the ground.

The sun, obscured by clouds, finally shone again upon the earth. Under the sunlight, Lin He gently landed on the ring. Fortunately, he had completed the final move at the last moment. Had he been struck by that terrifying force, the consequences would have been unimaginable. After a brief ringing in his ears, Sanqing Peak finally saw clearly the one who had delivered the fearsome strike. Ma Chen could hardly believe it was Lin He, especially since he had never seen Lin He wield that sword before.

Lin He slowly helped the two to their feet. “Why must you two suffer like this?”

At his words, Mu Xiangming’s expression froze. Lin He noticed something was wrong; she looked at him, tears rolling in her clear, gem-like eyes, lips trembling as she choked out, “Lin He… is it you…?” Her tears stirred sympathy in all who saw them.

With just one sentence, Mu Xiangming conveyed all the grievances and hardships she had endured these days. Lin He did not immediately answer but gently wiped away her tears. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow on her flushed cheeks, strikingly beautiful.

“Xiangming, rest assured, I am here now.” Her bottled-up sorrow broke and she collapsed against his chest, weeping.

“I just… I just knew… you weren’t… I just knew… you were still alive…”

Lin He stroked her head, unable to imagine what she had suffered. Now, he no longer needed her to stand in front of him; it was his turn to truly protect her. He looked toward Ma Chen solemnly. “Brother Ma, please take good care of her.” His expression was grave, barely containing his anger. He gently helped Mu Xiangming step aside, wiped her tears, then turned and left, sword in hand.

Having witnessed Lin He’s prowess, Sanqing Peak narrowed his eyes. “May I ask who you are, and why you interrupted our plan?”

Lin He no longer concealed his face and removed the black cloth. At that moment, Sanqing Peak paled visibly, and Qin Zhaotian was astonished. They had clearly thrown him off a towering cliff that day, yet he not only survived but his martial arts had advanced tremendously. Soon, Sanqing Peak composed himself and cursed under his breath, “I always knew that bastard was unreliable!”

Lin He raised his sword and flashed toward Sanqing Peak. His movement was like a blink, and they clashed instantly. Lin He’s sword was so fast the blade was invisible, but Sanqing Peak’s palm techniques were equally formidable, as hard as steel. Each of Lin He’s strikes was met barehanded.

Lin He’s sword shadows twisted like a brown serpent, circling Sanqing Peak in attack—a fusion of “Lin Xiao Sword Technique” and “Moon Red Immortal Sword Technique.” Lin He’s swordplay was unpredictable and nearly impossible to defend against—the hallmark of “Moon Red Immortal Sword.” His footwork was also elusive, a strength of “Lin Xiao Sword Technique.” These combined perfectly with the aid of “Desire Sound of Nine Heavens.” Every place touched by sword energy was deeply scarred.

Despite Lin He’s masterful combination, Sanqing Peak showed no signs of falling behind. He unleashed the “Five Tigers Lone Wolf” palm technique, forming tiger shapes with each strike, like a battle between serpent and tiger. Their fight transformed into a clash of eagle and bird in the air, tiger and snake on the platform.

As the duel intensified, other martial artists feared the sword energy and hurriedly descended the mountain. Yet neither combatant weakened; Lin He, who was more physically taxed, showed no intention of stopping.

Seeing the situation deteriorate, Qin Zhaotian entered the fray. He drew his sword and flew toward the two. Mu Xiangming, alarmed, ignored her wounds to confront Qin Zhaotian. Ma Chen immediately blocked her.

“You’re injured; let me handle this.” Mu Xiangming nodded hastily.

Ma Chen advanced, sword in hand, while Lin He and Sanqing Peak retreated. Ma Chen stood beside Lin He, and Qin Zhaotian beside Sanqing Peak.

Lin He gasped for breath, the grueling fight draining his strength. Sanqing Peak bore several wounds but had avoided serious injury, though his pride was wounded. He cursed, “Damn it, what kind of sword does that kid have? Nothing can break it!” Then he shouted at Elder Li on the flagpole, “If you don’t act, don’t expect to remain the Great Elder!” But the match was orchestrated by Sanqiu Dao, and without him, Sanqing Peak dared not plot.

Mu Xiangming approached worried for Lin He. He smiled, “Why worry? I’m tough.” Then gestured to Ma Chen, “Brother Ma, take the sword and bring my sister away first. I have questions to ask them.”

Ma Chen immediately refused, “Even that one alone, you would falter over time, let alone two!” Lin He still smiled, “I have many questions. You two go down and wait for me.”

“Anything else can wait until I return!”

A powerful voice boomed from above, like a surging tide, making everyone’s eardrums ache. Hearing this, Lin He’s heart leapt in terror. He looked toward the source, feeling an unprecedentedly terrifying inner strength, like a raging sea engulfing him.

Qin Zhaotian readied for battle but was stopped by Sanqing Peak’s hand. Bitter and conflicted, he had to abandon the thought of killing that woman.

Sanqiu Dao descended to the center of the ring. Lin He fixed his gaze on the unfamiliar elder—his bulky frame, loose thick hair, black and white goat beard. His inner power was terrifyingly profound. Without knowing friend or foe, Lin He prepared for all possibilities.

Sanqiu Dao studied Lin He’s moves. Surprised such a young man could drive Sanqing Peak to such a state, he thought him a rare genius of a century. With “Desire Sound of Nine Heavens,” he could help secure that martial manual. Turning to Sanqing Peak, he scolded, “Qingfeng, how could you perform so recklessly in Baiyun Peak’s initiation duel?”

Sanqing Peak’s earlier vigor was gone; he merely snorted, “If I didn’t act, that woman would have killed that fellow.” He nodded toward Yang Zaoci on the right.

Only then did Sanqiu Dao see Yang Zaoci clearly, blood staining his mouth, standing beside a swordsman. Scanning the surroundings, he called to Elder Li on the flagpole, “Li Luotian, come down!”

Li Luotian leapt down from beneath the flagpole, clasping his hands respectfully, “Greetings, Patriarch Sanqiu Dao!”

“Have the three candidates been decided this year?”

Li Luotian understood immediately and pointed, “They are the one offstage, Guo Yuliang, and the two on stage, Ma Chen and Yang Zaoci.” Sanqiu Dao’s eyes swept over them.

“Very well. I declare Yang Zaoci’s selection successful today. You may now register the three in the pavilion.”

Li Luotian bowed, “Yes, Patriarch!” He looked back at the three, “Please, warriors, follow me inside.”

Lin He looked at Ma Chen. “Don’t worry, they can’t harm me.”

Ma Chen hesitated but then sheathed his sword and handed it to Lin He.

“From now on, I will no longer wield a sword. Lin Brother, take this sword. Whoever holds this sword shall be my friend.” Lin He accepted the volcanic black iron sword, nodding firmly as he regarded the weapon.

“Until we meet again someday.”

Ma Chen clasped his hands, “I wish you a bright future, brother.” Then he followed Elder Li inside.

Huo Quanjin sheathed his sword and approached Sanqing Peak.

“Since Brother Qingfeng has completed the plan, I will take my leave.” Mu Xiangming leaned against Lin He, signaling him.

With that, Huo Quanjin turned and leapt away. Sanqing Peak looked at Qin Zhaotian, “Aren’t you going to take your people and leave? Or do you want to wait for those two madmen to come kill you?”

Mu Xiangming wanted to act, but Lin He stopped her with a hand. Sanqing Peak was right; they were no match for them now and could only depart with their disciples.

Mu Xiangming watched Qin Zhaotian leave, bitter in her heart. Yet none of it compared to Lin He’s anguish. His parents had not sent any word for thirty days. This hard-won chance had to be abandoned.

Sanqiu Dao raised his hand to Lin He, “Now I give you two choices.” He extended his index finger, “Help me retrieve the remaining three moves of the ‘Ten Thousand Dust Return Palm.’ In exchange, I will obtain the antidote to the Bitter Corpse Poison from the Poison Witch.” Then he extended his ring finger, “Or you die here, and that girl comes with me to get the antidote.”

Lin He looked at Mu Xiangming. Her eyes seemed to hold many unspoken words. He knew Sanqiu Dao was cruel and ruthless.

“Senior Qiu, your martial skill is peerless and acquiring that manual would be no simple task. Why ask a junior like me for help?”

Sanqiu Dao laughed heartily, “Alas, though my skill is supreme, I fear the Poison Witch’s venom. The tomb of Lord Qianjun is lethally toxic. Only your ‘Desire Sound of Nine Heavens’ can keep one safe inside.”

“And the antidote you speak of, what is that about?”

“Child, why not ask that girl why she came here?”

Lin He looked at Mu Xiangming, who appeared uneasy and hesitant, “It’s… the teacher was poisoned…” Lin He’s heart trembled.

As dusk fell, the fierce beasts of the mountain stirred, ready to hunt.