Chapter 57: When Affection is Exhausted, the Azure Nether Opens a Path; When the Heart is Void, the Dharma Knows No Emotion (Part Two)
by GideonAt noon, Feng Shulou was busy treating the wounded and was not in his tent. Murong Qishu had followed his father to the perilous road five li away from the Heaven-Seizing Cult to make arrangements for the upcoming assault in ten days.
Wen Jin leaned alone in the canopy of a maple tree. The dense leaves blocked the sunlight, leaving only a hint of coolness.
His thoughts were in turmoil. He kept thinking about Mu Zhenzhen, and occasionally, the memory of Lan Yulang’s injuries would surface, leaving his heart restless.
After a moment, he leaped down from the branch and walked straight to Linghu Xuantong’s tent. Just as he was hesitating over how to address his master, Linghu Xuantong’s voice drifted out leisurely: “Come in.”
He knew his footsteps had alerted his master. He strode inside, cupped his hands in a formal salute, and said, “Master.”
Linghu Xuantong had been ambushed by Wumeng Yuan and those old bones last night and was seriously injured. He was just about to take his medicine. Wen Jin quickly approached, took the medicine bowl, and moved to serve his master. Linghu Xuantong shot him a wary glance but did not take the bowl.
Wen Jin said helplessly, “You are injured. How could I be so heartless as to poison you?”
Back at Yandang Mountain, Wen Jin had secretly laced his master’s meals with laxatives more than once, all for the sake of sneaking out to play. As a result, Linghu Xuantong had grown so wary that he now avoided eating anything Wen Jin had touched if he could.
Seeing that Wen Jin showed no sign of lying, Linghu Xuantong finally accepted the medicinal bowl and drained it in one gulp. He then asked, “What brings you here?”
Wen Jin took a seat beside him and poured a cup of light tea for him to rinse his mouth. “Disciple has many doubts in his heart that cannot be resolved, so I have come to seek Master’s guidance.”
After rinsing his mouth, Linghu Xuantong asked, “What doubts?”
Wen Jin said, “You must have already heard about Abbot Huiming of Huaguang Temple. When Disciple first entered the temple’s secret passage, I found the remaining pages of the Azure Nether Heart Scripture‘s Qian chapter. Disciple is greatly perplexed—why would our Daoist Sect’s martial arts appear in a Buddhist Sect’s temple?”
Linghu Xuantong asked in surprise, “How did you determine that was the Azure Nether Heart Scripture‘s cultivation method?”
Wen Jin answered truthfully, “Disciple integrated the martial arts from the secret passage with the swordplay Master taught me. At first, there were signs of Qi Deviation, but after much thought, Disciple decided to do the opposite and cultivated the Qian chapter’s remaining pages in reverse. It truly had a remarkable effect. If not for this, I would not have been able to defeat that vile villain, Huiming.”
Linghu Xuantong gazed at him silently for a moment before suddenly asking, “After you obtained the Azure Nether Heart Scripture from Mirror Flower Lake, did you practice it?”
Wen Jin replied, “To be honest, Master, I have already completed the practice of the existing Qian Formula.”
Linghu Xuantong showed no sign of reproach. Instead, he spoke with heartfelt earnestness, “You are naturally gifted, so you should already know that the Falling Moon Zither-Swaying Swordplay I taught you was, in fact, a reverse-practiced version of the Qian Formula.”
Wen Jin nodded.
Linghu Xuantong fell into a long silence before sighing deeply. He then began to recount his story slowly. “Indeed, the affairs of this world can never escape the two words ’cause and effect.'”
“Your father, Wen Yingmian, was the youngest among our sworn brothers, but he possessed the highest martial talent. Our master passed away early, so for the past decade or so, your Great-Grandmaster has been the one instructing us in the martial arts.”
“One mid-autumn, your father and I went down the mountain to buy wine and rescued a severely injured young woman. Yandang Mountain is populated entirely by men, so it was improper for us to bring her back. Instead, we rented a room at the foot of the mountain for her to recover.”
“Your father was young, at the very age when one’s heart first awakens to love. While caring for that young woman, the two of them developed feelings for each other and privately pledged their lives to one another. Later, she gave your father a rare and precious sword as a token of her love.”
“A year passed, and she gave birth to your father’s son. The entire sect rejoiced, and a banquet was prepared to celebrate the child’s one-month milestone. But no one could have imagined that your father’s beloved was actually the daughter of the Demonic Cult’s leader! She had only approached your father to obtain the Azure Nether Heart Scripture. Thus, while everyone was dead drunk at the banquet, she slipped into your Grandmaster’s room and stole the Kun Chapter Mental Cultivation Method.”
Hearing his master’s recollection, Wen Jin felt as if a massive stone had been placed upon his chest, suffocating him. “And then?”
Ever since Wen Jin had asked “Who is my mother?” the previous night, Linghu Xuantong had guessed that he must have learned something. That was why he was now recounting these old matters without reservation.
“Afterward—your mother led the Demonic Cult’s army into Yandang Mountain, intending to take you and your father away. In a fury, your Grandmaster unleashed a slaughter, forcing the Heaven-Seizing Cult’s followers to retreat.”
“However, less than two days later, Mu Fushuang returned with reinforcements. He and his senior sister Mu Zhenzhen stirred up a storm in the Central Plains Martial World, and the Great War between Righteous and Demonic Factions was on the verge of erupting.”
“Your father, knowing he had no face to meet your Grandmaster, attempted to commit suicide by slitting his throat to atone for his sins. But we, his senior brothers, stopped him. Later, he secretly met with Mu Fushuang and Mu Zhenzhen, trying to persuade them to end this conflict. Who knew he would instead be brutally murdered by Mu Fushuang? By the time we found him, he had already been shredded by Mu Fushuang’s Thousand Threads Suspending Bones… leaving no whole corpse.”
Before he knew it, Wen Jin’s face was streaked with tears, his hand trembling violently as he gripped his sword.
Linghu Xuantong gently wiped the tears from his face, his voice patient and earnest. “Xiao Jin, the reason I have kept you confined to the mountain all these years, forbidding you from venturing into the jianghu, was to protect you and ensure your lifelong safety. I wanted to spare you from suffering your father’s fate. I never imagined you would go behind my back to infiltrate the Demonic Cult as a spy. Now that you have returned safely, come back to Yandang Mountain with me.”
Wen Jin shook his head, refusing to return. “Master, I must avenge my father.”
Linghu Xuantong did not scold him. Instead, he continued to reason with him patiently. “My child, if your father’s spirit watches over you from heaven, he would surely not wish for you to risk your life in such a perilous gamble. Just as I do, he only wishes for you to live out your days in peace and security.”
Wen Jin abruptly fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he held up No Envy of Immortals. “Master, your disciple must avenge his father.”
Linghu Xuantong’s hand gripped the edge of the table tightly. “You…”
He had raised this boy with his own hands; he knew his temperament all too well.
Wen Jin bowed his head, falling silent. He seemed to have already resolved to fight until victory or death, his determination to seek revenge absolute.
After a long moment of deliberation, Linghu Xuantong said, “Go on then. Fight me with all your strength. If you can defeat me, we will discuss your revenge.”
Wen Jin frowned. “But Master, you are injured.”
Linghu Xuantong replied, “So what if I am? If you cannot even defeat your injured master, how do you expect to achieve your revenge?”
Wen Jin pressed his lips together, falling silent for a few breaths before finally agreeing, “Very well.”
The master and disciple moved to a wide, open clearing. Linghu Xuantong slowly opened his palm, signaling for his student to make the first move. Wen Jin cupped his fist in a respectful salute, said, “Master, forgive my insolence,” and immediately drew his sword.
The two blades clashed with a sharp cling, sending a shower of sparks flying and numbing Linghu Xuantong’s hand at the point of impact.
He has improved so much in just a few months, Linghu Xuantong thought. He had intended to hold back some of his power to spar with his disciple, but it was clear now that he would have to give it his all.
Sword Qi erupted like a white rainbow piercing the sun, instantly whipping up a storm of leaves and sand. Linghu Xuantong unleashed the Smoke Illuminating Mount Lu technique, but Wen Jin countered it with Qi Shift and Form Transformation. Seven or eight azure figures split from his body, trapping his master within an Eight Trigrams Formation. Then, they merged into the Purple Qi Comes from the East technique, the Ten Thousand Swords Return to Their Ancestor strike descending like a world-destroying tidal wave.
Linghu Xuantong was utterly astonished. This boy’s reactions are so swift, he thought. Every move he’s used to parry my attacks is one I taught him. If he were to unleash the full power of the Azure Nether Heart Scripture, he could surely defeat me within fifty moves.
The martial arts composed by the Seven-Fingered Sword Immortal were an unparalleled treasure in the world. Wen Jin was exceptionally gifted, and mastering the entire secret manual would be no great feat for him. Yet, for his internal energy to reach such a level in so short a time—this was far more than mere “talent.”
To force Wen Jin to reveal all the chapters of the manual, Linghu Xuantong ignored his own injuries and recklessly expended his internal energy, unleashing the technique Heaven and Earth Share Longevity. The sword qi’s overwhelming pressure could split mountains and sever seas, and the surrounding grass and trees were all crushed by the invisible shockwaves.
Sensing his master’s intention to gamble with his own life to draw out his full strength, Wen Jin cried out in alarm, “Master, you mustn’t! Withdraw your power at once!”
Linghu Xuantong turned a deaf ear, his sword stance already taking shape.
Worried his master’s internal organs would be damaged, Wen Jin vanished and reappeared beside him in an instant. With a swift flick of his wrist, he wove a few sword-flowers, disrupting his master’s flow of energy.
Linghu Xuantong was forced back dozens of steps by the overwhelming Internal Energy. His feet carved two deep furrows into the grass. After steadying himself, he sheathed his sword and focused his breath. “How much of your cultivation power did you just use?”
Wen Jin also sheathed his sword. “Ten percent,” he replied.
Linghu Xuantong narrowed his eyes. “How much, exactly?”
Wen Jin bit his lip and murmured, “About seventy percent.”
About seventy percent. That meant he had used less than half his full power. A faint smile gradually spread across Linghu Xuantong’s lips. He sheathed his sword and walked toward his disciple. “You brat, you’ve already surpassed your master.”
Wen Jin stared at him, stunned, before suddenly dropping to his knees. “A master for one day is a father for a lifetime. Disciple never wished to graduate. Master, please do not cast me out!”
Linghu Xuantong immediately helped him up and flicked his forehead. “Your master was praising you for surpassing him. When did I ever say I was casting you out?”
Tears still shimmering in his eyes, Wen Jin couldn’t help but laugh. He quickly wiped the moisture from his face with his sleeve.
“Xiao Jin,” Linghu Xuantong’s smile faded, his expression turning solemn. “Tell me the truth. Why has your Internal Energy improved so rapidly?”
Wen Jin’s eyes darted nervously as he stammered, “D-Disciple has practiced the Internal Martial Arts Mental Cultivation Method since childhood. With my high comprehension and solid foundation, m-my progress was naturally swift.”
Linghu Xuantong remained silent, his gaze piercing as he stared at his disciple.
Wen Jin, unable to bear the scrutiny, began to lie. “Disciple just remembered that Big Brother Feng asked me to grind one hundred jin of medicinal herbs for him. I must take my leave now.”
Before he could slip away, Linghu Xuantong blocked his path with the scabbard of his sword. “Have you lost your virginity?”
The tips of Wen Jin’s ears flushed crimson, his voice growing even more faltering. “Master… what are you saying…”
Linghu Xuantong pressed him, “Who is that person?”
“Master…”
Linghu Xuantong’s expression darkened. “Only someone who has practiced the Kun Formula can engage in Dual Cultivation with the Qian Chapter Mental Cultivation Method. Tell me—who is he?”
Wen Jin clenched his jaw, refusing to speak. Linghu Xuantong’s eyes sharpened as a name suddenly flashed through his mind. “When I fought the Cult Leader of the Heaven-Seizing Cult, Lan Yulang, last night, I sensed that his internal energy was extremely yin and cold. It must be that he is the one who practices the Kun Formula your mother stole. You… you have actually been involved with a Devil?”
Wen Jin lowered his gaze, his eyelashes trembling.
Linghu Xuantong felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. It took a long moment for his mind to clear. When he finally spoke, his voice was deceptively calm. “What is the meaning of this? There is no one around to overhear. Tell me everything, in full detail.”
Wen Jin fell silent for a moment before finally confessing, “When I was traveling west under Uncle Murong’s orders, I passed through a place in Luzhou. There, I rescued a man who was gravely injured and on the verge of death. His tendons and meridians had been severed, and I—”
“Stop, stop! Wait a minute!” Linghu Xuantong interrupted. “You little brat, did you hear what happened with your parents and decide to copy their tactics to deceive me?”
Wen Jin waved his hands frantically. “Disciple wouldn’t dare! Every word I’ve spoken is the truth!”
Linghu Xuantong fell silent.
Seeing his master refuse to speak, Wen Jin continued recounting the complicated history between himself and Lan Yulang. From seeking a physician in Fengyue City to knocking on the gates of Huaguang Temple, and even the incident where he spent a fortune at the Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon Pavilion—he detailed every single event with meticulous care.
Of course, he only mentioned the Dual Cultivation in passing: “When I first practiced the Azure Nether Heart Scripture, the orthodox and unorthodox Mental Cultivation Methods clashed, causing me to suffer Qi Deviation. I had no choice but to… with him…”
His voice trailed off, becoming as faint as a mosquito’s buzz.
Linghu Xuantong closed his eyes, his tone filled with helpless resignation. “You and your father are truly blood-related. How could you both escape the fate of being deceived by a Demon of the Demonic Cult?”
Wen Jin murmured softly, “He didn’t deceive me…”
Though his voice was barely a whisper, Linghu Xuantong still heard him and couldn’t help but snap in anger, “The Demonic Cult is known for using evil arts to bewitch people’s hearts. Your father met his end because of it. Do you wish to follow in his footsteps?!”
Wen Jin bowed his head, silently bearing his master’s reprimand.
Linghu Xuantong’s expression was a complex mix of emotions. He grabbed Wen Jin’s hand, turning it over and over to inspect it.
“Master, what are you looking for?” Wen Jin asked, confused.
“What am I looking for?” Linghu Xuantong snorted coldly. “I’m looking to see if he’s planted a Love Gu in you!”
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