Chapter 61: Love’s End, the Azure Nether’s Path; Heartless Man, Ruthless Dao
by GideonLan Yulang had never expected Wen Jin to turn against the entire Martial Arts Alliance for his sake. Though overjoyed, a faint worry still tugged at his heart. “Jinjin…”
Murong Yi’s gaze sharpened as he sharply rebuked, “Xiao Jin, this uncle of yours understands your youth and pure heart have made you susceptible to the Demonic Cult’s vile arts. Your actions are understandable. If you turn back now, I will still treat you as my own child!”
Wen Jin stood immovable, letting the rain lash his face.
Feng Shulou, though he fully understood Wen Jin’s position, could not bear to see his dearest friend become the public enemy of the martial world. “Xiao Jin, think carefully.”
Murong Qishu also urged, “Junior Brother, come back quickly!”
Wen Jin spoke, “Senior Brother, Big Brother Feng, you both discern right from wrong and good from evil. You must know that this great martial world calamity originated from the two Villa Masters of Returning Cloud Villa! If Second Villa Master Ye had not first deceitfully murdered that woman, how could First Villa Master Ye have bribed the officials to harbor a villain? If Lan Yulang’s father had not sought justice for the people and offended Returning Cloud Villa, how could the entire Lan Clan have suffered such an extermination?”
“My master taught me that the sword of a true hero should strike down the injustices of the world. Lan Yulang slaughtered hypocrites to avenge his clan’s extermination. What wrong has he committed?”
Returning Cloud Villa was a renowned martial family, a paragon of the Righteous Path, held in the highest esteem by the martial world. Now that Wen Jin had exposed the truth of its annihilation, the crowd was struck with astonishment.
Murong Yi and Feng Qiya also wore expressions of surprise. As they looked at Lan Yulang, their eyes held a newfound scrutiny and doubt, but it lasted only a moment before killing intent resurfaced.
“The Demonic Cult has plagued the martial world for ages; anyone may justly slay them,” Feng Qiya declared, his sword pointed forward, its blade gleaming with a cold light. “After Lan Yulang slaughtered Returning Cloud Villa, the Heaven-Seizing Cult’s disciples committed countless more atrocities across the Central Plains. If they are allowed to continue their evil deeds, how can the common people ever know peace?”
Just then, Meng Duwei stepped out from behind Ouyang Duxiu and sneered. “A fine speech about ‘plaguing the martial world’ and ‘the common people’s peace.’ City Lord Feng is truly a man of great benevolence and righteousness. For the sake of the Azure Nether Heart Scripture, he was even willing to abandon his own flesh and blood. Who in this world could match such a paragon of righteousness?”
Feng Qiya roared, “What nonsense are you spouting?!”
Feng Shulou frowned and asked, “Father, what is this about?”
Feng Qiya turned and snapped at him, “Do you actually believe the words of a Demonic Cultist?”
Feng Shulou replied, “Father, A-Ze is your child!”
Ouyang Duxiu burst into loud laughter. “Hahaha! So not only did City Lord Feng save our Cult Leader’s life, but he is also Banner Lord Meng’s biological father. His ties to the Holy Cult are truly profound indeed.”
Wumeng Yuan seized the opportunity to sow discord. “This old man did not know that City Lord Feng was an honored guest of our Cult. I have offended him greatly just now; I hope the City Lord will be magnanimous.”
Seeing that the situation was extremely unfavorable for the Martial Arts Alliance, Murong Yi immediately roared, “Stop wasting time with them! Brothers, fight with me today to rid the martial world of this evil!”
Song Henian, the Sect Leader of the Hengshan Sect, was the first to charge. “Kill the Demonic Cult demons and rid the martial world of this evil!”
In an instant, the righteous and demonic factions clashed, their battle cries shaking the heavens. Feng Qiya and Murong Yi unleashed their swords in unison, striking fiercely at Wen Jin and Lan Yulang.
Lan Yulang wrapped an arm around Wen Jin’s waist and leaped onto the shoulder of the Nuwa Statue with lightning speed. “Jinjin, the Central Plains Martial World Forces are bent on killing me. You don’t need to be dragged into this conflict. Hurry and go back with your master.”
Murong Yi and Feng Qiya leaped forward, their sword qi cutting through the air like bamboo splitting. They instantly struck down the hand of the Nuwa Statue.
“Stop talking nonsense and focus on the fight!” Wen Jin had no choice but to stand his ground. He immediately crossed his sword to protect his chest, blocking one of Murong Yi’s strikes.
Seeing that he had made his decision, Lan Yulang said no more. He immediately played the bone flute, channeling his True Qi into the music. In an instant, the sound shattered the heart meridians of dozens of Martial Arts Alliance disciples.
Murong Yi and Feng Qiya possessed profound internal energy. Though they were unaffected by the flute’s melody, they found themselves unable to press the attack. An invisible barrier seemed to have risen before the Nuwa Statue, ruthlessly severing their Righteous Sword Qi.
“This devil is so young, yet his internal energy is so formidable!” Murong Yi exclaimed in astonishment.
Feng Qiya replied, “The full power of the Azure Nether Heart Scripture‘s Dual Mental Cultivation Method can only be unleashed through Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation. It seems Xiao Jin and this devil have already pledged their lives to each other. No wonder he would betray the Martial Arts Alliance for Lan Yulang!”
Murong Yi’s voice turned cold. “Then I shall purge the sect for my junior brother.”
Though they had not received the full transmission of the Seven-Fingered Sword Immortal, decades of bitter cultivation had placed their internal energy far above that of Lan Yulang and Wen Jin. Now, they faced the Qiankun Dual Mental Cultivation Method without the slightest hint of fear.
The two sides clashed for hundreds of rounds, yet the battle remained deadlocked. Murong Yi knew that if the fight continued, he and Feng Qiya would inevitably be drained of their stamina and face defeat. Seizing the moment, he resorted to a cunning tactic. With a seamless, unspoken understanding, he and Feng Qiya teleported behind Lan Yulang, striking the Great Vertebral Point at the center of his back with a single palm.
“Yulang, watch out!” Wen Jin saw the dire situation and moved to intervene, but he was intercepted by Yan Wuhen and Yuan Ye, who had been watching from the sidelines. The Corpse Puppet He Huanzhou also joined the fray, and together they launched a fierce assault on the sword-wielding youth.
“Get back!” Wen Jin roared. The Sword Qi of No Envy of Immortals erupted, the divine power of the Juntian Meteoric Iron surging into the blade. The blast sent Yuan Ye and Yan Wuhen flying ten feet back. He Huanzhou, however, advanced fearlessly, ignoring the pain as the Pure Yang True Qi seared his flesh. His undead body was quickly sliced and torn by the erupting Sword Qi.
Yuan Ye remained unruffled, playing a short flute. Instantly, He Huanzhou’s flesh knit back together, and he swung his iron hook, charging at Wen Jin once more.
Yan Wuhen’s Beacon Fire Saber Technique was ruthless and powerful. His saber qi tore through the curtain of rain, striking directly at Wen Jin’s Lingtai and Mingmen acupoints.
Seeing Wen Jin trapped, Lan Yulang moved to use “Thousand Threads Suspending Bones,” but as he channeled his True Qi, he suddenly felt something wrong—
His Internal Energy was being drained away by Murong Yi!
In a flash, Feng Qiya spun before Lan Yulang. His Judge’s Pen Technique was as swift as a soaring dragon, the long blades within the pens piercing the Xuanji, Jiangtai, and Jinquan major acupoints. Lan Yulang collapsed, coughing up a great mouthful of blood.
“Yu Lang!” Wen Jin cried out in anguish. Ignoring the danger of his True Qi flowing backward, he unleashed “Heaven and Earth Share Longevity” to break free. He then used “Ten Thousand Swords Return to Their Ancestor” to force Feng Qiya back, before striking a powerful palm blow to Lan Yulang’s shoulder, knocking Murong Yi away.
With his Internal Energy partially drained by Murong Yi and his major acupoints severely injured by Feng Qiya, Lan Yulang was unable to fight any longer. Wen Jin immediately used his Lightness Skill to carry Lan Yulang and flee toward the valley to the east.
Murong Yi commanded, “Don’t let the Devil escape!”
Feng Shulou and Murong Qishu immediately disengaged from the battle, racing ahead of the rest of the Martial Arts Alliance to pursue them into the valley.
By midnight, the mountain air had turned bone-chillingly cold. Lan Yulang’s blood, mixed with rainwater, soaked into Wen Jin’s clothes, sending a shiver of dread through his heart. “Yu Lang, you… you…”
Lan Yulang held him tight, his voice a gentle comfort. “I am fine.”
With the Alliance’s pursuers closing in, they dared not rest. They fled all the way to the valley floor, then followed a stream for several dozen yards before spotting a dark, yawning cave at the foot of the mountain on their left. Wen Jin said, “Yu Lang, wait for me here. I’ll go scout the cave for any beasts.”
Lan Yulang warned, “Be careful.”
Wen Jin slipped into the cave and returned moments later. “It’s safe inside. Let’s go in; I’ll tend to your wounds first.”
His Lightness Skill was swift, and he had intentionally circled the mountain several times to confuse their trail. Murong Yi and his men wouldn’t find them for some time, granting them a precious moment to breathe.
Lan Yulang agreed, “Alright.”
The two entered the cave in darkness. Wen Jin gathered a pile of dry branches, striking his sword against the stone to spark a fire. After several attempts, the kindling finally caught, and the flames illuminated the cave, spreading a much-needed warmth.
Lan Yulang’s white robes were soaked through with blood. After being washed by the rain, not a single trace of white remained on his entire body. Wen Jin’s heart ached with distress. He sat cross-legged before Lan Yulang, their fingers entwined as he continuously channeled True Qi into him.
The Qiankun Dual Mental Cultivation Method was mutually beneficial. Wen Jin’s Pure Yang True Qi had a miraculous effect on Lan Yulang’s injuries. Within an hour, Lan Yulang felt a wave of relief wash over his entire body. However, the cultivation power Murong Yi had drained from him could not be recovered for the time being. If they encountered a powerful enemy, he feared he would be unable to fight at full strength.
Lan Yulang slowly withdrew his hand and took a deep breath, expelling the old air and drawing in the new. After a moment, he spoke. “I am sorry. I have dragged you into this.”
Wen Jin smiled. “Don’t talk about being dragged into this. I just never expected Uncle Murong to be so blind to right and wrong, so determined to kill you.”
Lan Yulang said, “Who told me to be an unpardonable Great Devil?”
Wen Jin complained, “You hid this from me for so long. You truly are unpardonable.”
Lan Yulang smiled faintly, then asked, “Why is your master not with us tonight?”
Wen Jin’s expression darkened. He frowned and said, “Master suddenly disappeared this evening. I searched everywhere for him but couldn’t find him, so I had to save you first.”
Lan Yulang asked in confusion, “Disappeared? What happened?”
Wen Jin replied, “I had planned to drug my master and entrust your uncle to take him back to the Central Plains. But before he could even drink the medicine, he vanished. I… I’m a little worried.”
No one from the Crescent Moon Pavilion had participated in this battle. Lan Yulang realized his uncle must have come specifically to help him. At this thought, he pressed no further. “Rest assured. A righteous man is blessed by heaven. Your master will surely be safe.”
Wen Jin opened his mouth to speak, but a rustling sound of footsteps suddenly approached the cave.
It was too late to escape. He acted decisively, extinguishing the firewood and pulling Lan Yulang deeper into the cave.
The cave was narrow and shallow, growing more cramped the further they went, but it was still enough to conceal their figures.
The two crouched in a corner, holding their breath as they listened to the movements outside.
Moments later, four people entered the cave. One of them exclaimed, “There are traces of a fire here!”
It was the voice of Song Henian, the Sect Leader of the Hengshan Sect.
Another person said, “The ashes are still warm. It seems they haven’t gone far.”
Feng Shulou had spoken. Wen Jin dared not reveal himself and make his presence known, forcing him to remain hidden in the shadows.
“Quickly, let’s pursue them,” Song Henian commanded.
With that, the four men filed out of the cave. Only after their footsteps had completely faded did Wen Jin finally speak. “They might return. This place is no longer safe—let’s leave at once.”
Yet Lan Yulang made no move to stir.
“Yulang, why aren’t you moving?” Wen Jin asked, his confusion growing.
“There’s someone here,” Lan Yulang said.
Wen Jin’s heart leaped in alarm. He drew his sword in a single, fluid motion.
Lan Yulang’s hand clamped down on his wrist. “The person is already dead.”
“Strange,” Wen Jin murmured. “I didn’t see any signs of a struggle when I first entered the cave. When did a corpse get hidden here?” He reached out to touch the body, hoping to identify which sect the man belonged to.
His fingers traced the man’s forehead, then the bridge of his nose, before brushing against a soft, fine beard at his chin.
A middle-aged man.
He continued his examination, his hand finding a fatal wound on the man’s chest. The blood had long since dried; he must have been dead for some time.
Wen Jin continued his search. As his hand swept past the body’s waist, a jade pendant suddenly struck his palm, its surface piercingly cold.
He carefully traced the carvings on the jade. When he realized the pendant bore the image of a paulownia flower, a chill swept down his spine, and he froze.
Lan Yulang noticed his sudden rigidity and asked urgently, “What is it?”
Wen Jin’s mind went blank. His ears rang, deafening him to all sound.
After calling out several times without response, Lan Yulang seemed to realize something. He reached out to touch the dead man’s face. In an instant, the decisive and ruthless Cult Leader of the Heaven-Seizing Cult was also frozen, lost in a sea of bewilderment.
Just then, Song Henian and the others returned. Lan Yulang quickly pulled Wen Jin into his arms, muffling his cries.
Song Henian announced, “They never came back.”
Feng Shulou added, “Regardless, we must find Xiao Jin. We cannot allow anything to happen to him.”
Song Henian scoffed. “He is a traitor to the Martial Arts Alliance. In my opinion, it is best to kill him and eliminate any future threats!”
Murong Qishu, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. “If he is to be killed, it will not be by your hand, Sect Leader Song.”
Song Henian gritted his teeth in fury. “You—”
After a few more words of argument, the others left and did not return.
Wen Jin remained stiff, allowing Lan Yulang to hold him in his arms. Only when the first light of dawn touched the sky did he struggle to drag the corpse into a more open area. In the faint light, he confirmed that the deceased was indeed his master, Linghu Xuantong.
Tears streamed down Wen Jin’s face as he fell to his knees with a heavy thud. “Master… Master…”
Linghu Xuantong’s face was ashen, his body rigid, unable to respond to his disciple’s call.
Wen Jin threw himself over the body, wailing in grief, his thin shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
A suffocating tightness seized Lan Yulang’s chest. He found himself unable to offer a single word of comfort, kneeling beside Wen Jin in stunned silence.
Suddenly, a voice shouted from nearby, “Who’s there?!”
Wen Jin, oblivious to the world, continued to weep.
Lan Yulang’s gaze sharpened. He rose and moved to the cave’s entrance, where he saw over twenty people had gathered by the stream. At their head was the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, Murong Yi.
They had heard the commotion inside the cave and were rushing toward it. If they saw the scene within, Wen Jin would surely be accused of “betraying his sect” and “slaying his master.”
In his desperation, Lan Yulang drew the sword No Envy of Immortals. His eyes were bloodshot as he gazed at Wen Jin. “Jinjin, your master’s death was no accident. I hope you can find the strength to rise, uncover the truth, and seek justice for him.”
With those words, he swung the sword through a veil of tears, driving it forcefully into the young man’s left shoulder. Blood gushed out like a torrent.
“Jinjin… I’m sorry…” Lan Yulang threw the sword aside. His hands trembled as he cupped Wen Jin’s face, pressing a kiss to his lips before rushing out of the cave to play the Bone Flute.
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