Editor: Sahloknir
“I heard that Lord Xu has accepted a disciple, it is great news that the Cang Yang Sect has gained a successor, so I have come to offer congratulations and have prepared a few gifts.”
Yuchi Xiao put down his tea and waved his hand. The four disciples from the Golden Gate Sect immediately bowed and came forward, with the first disciple presenting a purple sandalwood gift box.
“…”
In the front hall of the Cang Yang Sect, several spiritual masters looked at each other, and after a short while, the usually peaceful Jing Xu Spiritual Master finally coughed and said politely, “I’m afraid there is some misunderstanding, Young Master Yuchi. Our Sovereign Xu has never accepted any disciples. For the Sovereign to accept a disciple is to also appoint the next successor for the Sect. This is an important event that must be made known to the world, so how could this information not be announced? I think you should take this gift back…”
“I was told by Lord Xu himself.”
Jing Xu became silent.
Yuchi Xiao reached out to open the sandalwood box and said unhurriedly, “If the Spiritual Master could present this gift to Xuanji Palace, wouldn’t you be able to clarify this?”
In the box lay a vermillion waistband embroidered with golden thread.
The waistband was only two feet wide when folded, with clouds and cranes intricately embroidered with golden threads. There were only a handful of people in the entire Immortal Alliance who dared to embroider golden threads on their robes, and everyone’s first reaction was to think that it belonged to one of the daughters or daughter-in-laws of the Golden Gate. One of the spiritual masters present spoke with a changed expression, “What exactly is Young Master Yuchi’s intention? To present this used ladies’ accessory from your family as a celebratory gift? This is simply a…”
Before the word ‘joke’ could be uttered, he was stopped by Jing Xu.
Jing Xu’s face was very solemn, but somehow he managed to restrain himself, “In that case, I invite Young Master to take a seat for a moment.”
The man was stunned, “Jing Xu?”
But Yuchi Xiao completely ignored the crowd’s reaction and smiled, “Then I’ll be troubling you, Spiritual Master.”
It was fortunate that the person visiting was the Young Master of the Golden Gate Sect, and the direct lineage of the three clans could not be offended. If it had been any of the masters of the six families and eight sects, they would have been sent down the mountain without mercy at this moment.
Surprisingly, Jing Xu did not take long to return. It had only been a short while when he flew in on his sword from the direction of the Xuanji Palace and placed the luxurious box back on the table and with a polite bow, “Young Master, the Sovereign has returned the gift.”
Yuchi Xiao’s eyelids lifted.
“The Sovereign said that used clothes and accessories were abundant back then, and it is not surprising that some had been left behind from time to time in various places.” Jing Xu raised his hand as a gesture of farewell, “Please go back.”
What does this mean?
Several of the spiritual masters present were not as experienced as Jing Xu, so they were all confused at the moment. However, they saw that Yuchi Xiao didn’t move, and didn’t even seem to be surprised, with only a response of, “Oh?”.
“Don’t worry, I’ve prepared more than just this gift. As mentioned, there were many old clothes and accessories back then, so how about this one?”
Another disciple of the Golden Gate came forward with a gift box in his hand, only this time the box was smaller, and when it opened with a click, there were two small golden coins inside!
Yuchi Xiao was also very polite, “I would like to trouble the Spiritual Master again, if even this old item is no longer needed, then I will take it back with me and destroy it.”
—The two small gold coins were tied by a crimson silk ribbon, they were very delicate and resembled a waist pendant, but judging from the look in Jing Xu’s eyes, they were no different from two death-summoning talismans soaked in poison.
Jing Xu’s face was already gloomy, after all, he was an elder, so he had to behave appropriately well-mannered, and could not do anything more than grunt before picking up the box and leaving.
This time, everyone waited twice as long as before, but while Yuchi Xiao was calm and relaxed, sipping his tea, the senior cultivators in the hall could not help but feel a slight sinking in their hearts. As the atmosphere froze, someone finally came from the direction of the Xuanji Palace, but this time there was another figure beside Jing Xu.
The crowd of disciples outside the hall stirred, and some low cries rang out, “—Ah, Wen Shixiong?”
It was none other than Wen Xiuyang!
The disciples guarding the Xuanji Palace had a very high status within the Cang Yang Sect, and several spiritual masters rose to greet him. However, Wen Xiuyang couldn’t be bothered to return the greetings. As soon as he landed, he took a big step forward and thump, he put the box on the table in front of Yuchi Xiao, “Young Master.”
Yuchi Xiao with fist in palm greeted, “Brother Wen.”
Wen Xiuyang said coldly, “The Sovereign said that these two coins were a gift from him back then, but there is nothing special about them, they are just regular gold-minted coins. There are still many identical gold coins in the treasury of the Cang Yang Sect, so if the Young Master wants to destroy these two coins, he can just take them back and destroy them.”
There was silence in the hall, as all the other spiritual masters, except Jing Xu, stared nervously back and forth at the two of them.
Yuchi Xiao nodded thoughtfully, and then suddenly asked, “Did Lord Xu really make such a statement?”
Wen Xiuyang asked in return, “What else would he say?”
“Nothing, I was just curious.” Yuchi Xiao paused and laughed, “If it was really such an insignificant item, how come you are the one who ended up delivering it back personally?”
Wen Xiuyang said angrily, “You!”
Wen Xiuyang restrained himself and shut his eyes and exhaled before leaning in closer, each word cold and seeming to come out from between his clenched teeth, “I’m not sure exactly what happened last night, but I can roughly guess. Young Master Yuchi, Xiang Xiaoyuan is a disciple of my Cang Yang Sect in life and in death. So I advise you not to take things further. If you continue your provocations with that Immortal’s belongings, I cannot guarantee that you will be able to—”
“Don’t be angry, Brother Wen.” Yuchi Xiao interrupted him with a smile and said, “I have a last congratulatory gift, it belonged to Lady Xu.”
Qlat j kjnf bo tlr tjcv lc atf jlg, tf jmalnjafv j rqfii ab agjcrwla lafwr jcv obiibkfv ys j oijrt bo ktlaf iluta, j atlgv lvfcalmji qegqif rjcvjikbbv ybz jqqfjgfv bc atf ajyif!
“…” Qfc Wlesjcu rajgfv ja tlw, jcv olcjiis rjlv joafg j ibcu alwf, “Tbe’nf yffc gfjvlcu abb wjcs ybbxr, tjnfc’a sbe, Dgbatfg Temtl. Cgf sbe gfofgglcu ab atf ‘Ojvs We’ lc sbeg vgfjw?”
“It’s true that Goodbye My Lover is a well-known book. But I probably only truly understood your Sovereign’s state of mind over the years after I broke out of the Illusionary Realm in Linjiang City, and I really admire him.” Yuchi Xiao leaned back into his chair and made a gesture of invitation, “Brother Wen, you only need to present it to Lord Xu and we will see if what I have spoken is true or is not…please.”
From the expression on Wen Xiuyang’s face, he was tempted to forcefully send the guest off, but he took few breaths and reluctantly held back, “Please wait then!”
He did not wait for Yuchi Xiao to respond, picked up the purple sandalwood box and flew on his sword. It only took him mere moments to fly past the dense peaks of the Cang Yang Sect and land in the peach forest. According to the Sect’s rules, no one was to travel by sword upon entry into the boundaries of the Peach Forest. With Wen Xiuyang’s level of cultivation, he was fast even on foot and quickly arrived at the entrance of the Xuanji Palace to present the gift box, “Sovereign, Yuchi Xiao has presented a final congratulatory gift, claiming it to be a memento belonging to Lady Xu!”
Gong Wei’s mouthful of tea instantly choked in his windpipe.
The master and disciple were sitting opposite each other in the palace, but since Wen Xiuyang came with and returned two gold coins, Xu Shuangtze had not spoken a single word.
From Gong Wei’s perspective, all he could see was Xu Shuangtze’s motionless lips and lower jaw. They appeared so cold that one would not dare to look into his eyes.
—What memento could be left behind by someone who never existed in the first place?
Gong Wei grew up in Dai Mountain. But each year, he would travel to the Golden Gate Sect and stay there for an entire season to avoid the harsh winter. It was not unusual for him to leave his robes, waistbands and other belongings lying around the premises.
This was just as Yuchi Changsheng was sent to be taught by Ying Kai as a child and the Correctional Palace on Dai Mountain still had various belongings of the little Sword Sect Master too.
The appearance of the gold coins was understandable. Gong Wei roughly knew how he was buried after his death, and that Ying Kai and others were not able to find his sword Bai Tai Shou no matter what, so they kept Gong Wei’s belongings with them in the hope of finding clues to the sword’s whereabouts in the future.
But what could Lady Xu leave behind?
“What do you think is Yuchi Xiao’s purpose for visiting today?” Xu Shuangtze suddenly asked.
Gong Wei said with a timid face, “I…don’t know.”
This was not all an act, he really did not know. Last night, he mouthed, “Find your uncle for help!” to Yuchi Xiao but did not expect him to understand him. Today, not only did Yuchi Changsheng not appear, what came in his stead was a crazy Yuchi Xiao.
The world knows that the Lotus Immortal is the deadly rival of the Cang Yang Sect Master and it was taboo to even mention his name, let alone allow the presence of his belongings in Xu Shuangtze’s eyes.
This nephew of the Yuchi family had come here today to test the boundaries like a madman. Even with Gong Wei’s barren imagination, he could only suspect that Yuchi Xiao had woken up this morning to find out that he was terminally ill and had come here to put his life on the line to blackmail Xu Shuangtze for some funeral expenses.
“Young Master Yuchi must have gone off the rails last night with his cultivation and got up this morning mentally deranged.” Gong Wei cautiously bowed his head and said, “Shizun, why don’t I go and persuade him and quickly send the man down the mountain…”
“Then wouldn’t I have done what he wanted?”
Gong Wei froze and wondered, What does Xu Shuangtze mean? Don’t tell me he thought that Yuchi Xiao is risking his life just to see me?
Xu Shuangtze said in a cold voice, “Bring it up!”
Only then did Wen Xiuyang quickly enter the hall and bow to present the exquisite and luxurious sandalwood box, glancing at Gong Wei in an unclear manner. It seemed to be a mixture of condescending scrutiny, subtle unspeakable pity and a hint of disgust. But Gong Wei didn’t have the heart to think about it. All he saw was Xu Shuangtze reaching out to open the gift box, and the next moment the veins on the back of his hand rose up.
Gong Wei’s eyelids twitched wildly—
It was the gold ring that they were both very familiar with.
An hour later, in the front hall of the Cang Yang Sect, a meteor-like white light cut through the mountains and landed steadily.
The disciples bowed in unison, “Wen Shixiong!”
With his sword in hand, Wen Xiuyang walked up quickly and said, “What do you want?”
Putting down his cup of tea calmly, Yuchi Xiao looked up and asked, “Where’s the golden ring?”
The eyes of the spiritual masters turned to Wen Xiuyang’s hand, only then did they realise that this time, unlike the previous two times, the gift box was not there!
Wen Xiuyang repeated, his tone changed, “What exactly do you want?”
But Yuchi Xiao asked another question in response, “Didn’t Lady Xu never exist in the Cang Yang Sect in the first place?”
“—Yuchi Xiao!”
Wen Xiuyang’s cry was stern, causing Jing Xu and the others to stand up in shock and disbelief at the same time.
But a few breaths later Wen Xiuyang forced himself to hold it in again.
Although he did not know what that golden ring meant, the chilling look in the eyes of the Sovereign at Xuanji Palace was still vivid in his mind. He forcibly banished that image from his mind, then gritted his teeth, lowering his voice, “What exactly is your purpose for coming here today?!”
Yuchi Xiao leaned slightly closer and said softly, “I just want Lord Xu to remember that those who are dead, are dead.”
“…”
There was silence around them, and Yuchi Xiao raised his eyebrows saying, “Brother Wen is worthy of being the disciple who has followed Lord Xu for the longest time, seeing that you are not surprised at all. You’ve been aware of this for so many years, haven’t you?”
Wen Xiuyang straightened up and said coldly, “I’m only surprised that you’re so obsessed with digging your own grave.”
“You think too much.” Yuchi Xiao said without mercy, then leaned back in his chair and looked around at the varying expressions of the people around them.
“Since Lord Xu has accepted my congratulatory gift, then please grant me another request. I once left a jade pendant in your Sect, a blood jade qilin that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family, but it was taken away by Lord Xu last night. A family heirloom is not to be lost, so could I request you all to please return it?”
The crowd was astonished, after all the fuss he had made, he was only asking for this?
Jing Xu sighed with relief, “That jade pendant was an engagement token given to your cultivation partner. Now that the engagement has been annulled, the token should rightfully be returned. I will…”
But Yuchi Xiao interrupted him, “Don’t be in a hurry, I haven’t finished my sentence. How the blood jade qilin was given in the first place, now I want it returned in the same manner, do you understand?”
Doubt overtook Jing Xu. “What does that mean?”
Immediately, Wen Xiuyang said, “Yuchi Xiao, I advise you for the last time not to seek death!”
However, Yuchi Xiao ignored him, the corners of his mouth lifted and a cold smile appeared, “Since that token was given to Xiang Xiaoyuan, a disciple of your Sect, I must now have Xiang Xiaoyuan return it to me in person. I do not have any other intentions. He fought alongside me at Lingjiang City and I want to see for myself that he is still safe and has not met with any misfortune after returning to the Cang Yang Sect. Have I made myself clear enough?”
What could happen to him in the Cang Yang Sect?
Jing Xu hesitantly said, “Xiang Xiaoyuan is naturally safe and sound, but he is now fortunate enough to be personally taught by the Sovereign, so he certainly cannot be summoned on a whim just to meet you, therefore…”
Yuchi Xiao mocked, “Taught?”
“Young Master Yuchi!” Wen Xiuyang originally did not want to mention this, but now he was obviously angry, “You were the one who personally came to Cang Yang Sect in the first place, saying with conviction that you were determined to withdraw from the engagement and now what are you trying to do?!”
Yuchi Xiao remained trenchant, “I don’t want to do anything, I just want to make sure that my friend is safe!”
“You—”
“Lord Xu is known as the most formidable man in the world, powerful beyond description, but he cannot disregard basic human decency and do whatever he wants. Does Brother Wen think I’m wrong to say so?”
Wen Xiuyang gritted his teeth and stared at him, finally saying, “Xiang Xiaoyuan will never come out to see you!”
Yuchi Xiao replied, “Then please ask Lord Xu to return the relic of Lady Xu now.”
“What will you do with it?”
Yuchi Xiao articulated each word, “Destroy it at the foot of Cang Yang Mountain!”
At the same time at Xuanji Palace, Xu Shuangtze rose haughtily, striding out of the hall and waved his hand, summoning No Way Out which came flying from the distant sky towards him in an instant.
“Shi-Shi-Shi-Shizun!” Gong Wei couldn’t care less about the sudden onset of the pain that came with the approaching of No Way Out, and hastily crawled after him, “Calm down, Shizun!”
In the next instant, Xu Shuangtze unsheathed his sword.
In the distance, Yuchi Xiao who was in the front hall suddenly turned around, and a sword glare that pierced through the sky was reflected in his eyes, destroying everything in its path and shooting straight at him!
The sky was enveloped in a bright, white light, and everything fell silent.
It was only a few breaths later that a loud bang could be heard belatedly and sent everyone flying!
The sword spirit of Gou Chen was activated just a few inches before the overwhelming sword glare reached Yuchi Xiao, but it still managed to blast him away by a few feet.
Gou Chen, having deflected the immense force, trembled with a precarious sound. In the distance, the spiritual masters flew on their swords and cried out in pain yet they were inaudible amidst the strong vibrations in the air. Xu Shuangtze did not give anyone time to plead for mercy—
A second and even mightier and terrifying sword glare came piercing through from above almost instantaneously. There was hardly any immortal sword in the world that could stop its phenomenal power.
Yuchi Xiao’s mind went blank and he was blasted away. Shooting like a cannonball through a storm of debris, leaving behind a trail of destruction, like parting a sea in the forest of trees. Finally, he was slammed into the cliff, the immense force cracked the rocks behind him.
With the crack, the mountain peaks crumbled and were reduced to pieces, the earth shook violently and dust blotted out the sky for a hundred miles.
In front of the Xuanji Palace, Xu Shuangtze’s face showed no expression as he raised his sword for the third time.
But just then there was a ‘thud’ behind him.
This was the first time that Gong Wei witnessed the full power of No Way Out after his death and he could no longer hold in the ripping chest pains. He fell to the ground on one knee, with cold sweat dripping down his body and using his last ounce of strength to keep his composure, he said, “Shi-Shizun, please don’t be angry…”
Xu Shuangtze’s gaze fell on the top of Gong Wei’s head and was unable to see his expression.
“Shizun’s might is overwhelming, if No Way Out is swung again, I’m afraid that people would be hurt—”
He was immediately interrupted by Xu Shuangtze’s words, “Stay here.”
Gong Wei’s sentence came to an abrupt halt, only to see Xu Shuangtze had risen into the air. It was too late to stop him, and in a flash he disappeared and left behind a violently shaking world.
—At a distance, in the front hall, several spiritual masters blurted out, “Your Lordship!” “Sovereign!”
Yuchi Xiao crawled out of the shattered cliff debris, and spat out a mouthful of blood. Before he had time to wipe it off, he looked up and saw Xu Shuangtze arrive in a gust of wind, his robe sleeves were fluttering, and he stopped high in mid-air, “My good nephew.”
There was no change in his tone, but No Way Out’s dazzling, yet cold sword glare was reflected in the frightened eyes of everyone present.
“Remember in your next life that what was given away, cannot be asked back.”
No one could even react in time to hold Xu Shuangtze back. He was here in person and the blade of No Way Out which had tasted the blood of countless victims, went straight for the throat of Yuchi Xiao—
At this moment, a bright golden sword glare descended from the sky like a majestic dragon.
Someone blurted out, “Tower of Rakshasa?!”
The Sword Sect Master, Yuchi Changsheng, swung his sword from thousands of miles away, and the force pierced across the sixteen cities of the province, stunning the heavens and blocking Xu Shuangtze’s blow!
“Yuchi Rui,” Xu Shuangtze narrowed his eyes slightly.
The Tower of Rakshasa tore through the heavens, but by now the sword glare had run its course, and with a single burst of power from No Way Out, it suddenly scattered into a million specks of red-gold light. In the midst of this glorious spectacle, No Way Out was raised once again and came at Yuchi Xiao!
This time, even if the Sword Sect Master had the powers of heaven, he could not stop this blow. But before No Way Out could cut down on him, a massive pillar of light suddenly erupted in the distance, instantly penetrating the heavens and illuminating everyone’s frightened faces.
Xu Shuangze stopped his movement, and for the first time, a look akin to surprise appeared in his eyes as he said softly, “…Ying Kai?”
Then, a protective barrier emerged in the direction of the distant Dai Mountain, like a four-sided city wall rushing straight into the sky. Immediately afterwards, a large character burned so fiercely that it appeared with a platinum glow under the dome, and it was clearly the character, ‘Ying’.
Ying Kai had suddenly cast the Seal of Mahayana, sealing the entire premises of the Immortal Alliance!
“That, that’s Dai Mountain?”
“Lord Ying himself has cast the Seal?!”
“What is happening at the Immortal Alliance?!”
…
Panic, like a starburst, was spreading rapidly within the Cang Yang Sect, stopping even Xu Shuangtze in his tracks.
Ying Kai was the anchor of the Immortal Alliance, he would never easily cast the Seal of Mahayana. At least when he and Xu Shuangtze travelled together when they were young, it was only Xu Shuangtze who would cast the barrier to seal off the city whenever there was danger. Ying Kai was always mindful that the appearance of the Alliance Master’s
Ying Kai was the anchor of the Immortal Alliance, he would never easily cast the Seal of Mahayana in the sky would cause widespread fear and anxiety throughout the world.
What had forced Ying Kai to seal off Dai Mountain, the most pivotal heart of the Immortal Alliance, and to do so in front of the whole world?
“Sovereign!” In the distance, a disciple of the Cang Yang Sect sped up on his sword, he was clad in a white and silver armour and was none other than Sheng Bo, who was guarding the palace. “Reporting to Sovereign! An emissary from the Dai Mountain Immortal Alliance has arrived! He urgently requests an audience!”
Xu Shuangtze did not reply, but reached out his hand and beckoned. In a short time, two azure-robed cultivators came on their swords. They were the disciples of the Correctional Palace, but now they had a look of fatigue and bowed long and hard, “This is an urgent matter, please return to the Xuanji Palace at once, Cang Yang Sect Master!”
Xu Shuangtze’s eyebrows tightened slightly. “Why?”
“Reporting to Lord Xu, last night there was an incident at the Immortal Alliance. The Alliance Master was trapped, and the Sword Sect Master has failed to rescue him!”
“Once anything happens to the Alliance Master, the Cang Yang Master must take over his responsibilities. Please follow the laws of the Immortal Alliance and guard Cang Yang Sect. You must not be placed in any danger, so please return to Xuanji Palace at once!!”
Yuchi Xiao said, “Uncle?!”
Xu Shuangtze turned his head, and the burning platinum gold seal under the protective dome in the sky was reflected in his eyes, “Where is Ying Kai trapped?”
A cultivator raised his head and the knot in his throat could be seen sliding down violently before he shuddered and said hoarsely, “….Ding Xian Mausoleum.”
—Ding Xian Mausoleum housed the tombs of all sects and great families of the Immortal Alliance.
Unfortunately, the souls of the deceased masters were in chaos and Ying Kai was trapped in with them.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sahl
Xu Shuangtze…your attitude towards ex-fiancé’s is a little excessive…
Editor: Sahloknir
“I heard that Lord Xu has accepted a disciple, it is great news that the Cang Yang Sect has gained a successor, so I have come to offer congratulations and have prepared a few gifts.”
Yuchi Xiao put down his tea and waved his hand. The four disciples from the Golden Gate Sect immediately bowed and came forward, with the first disciple presenting a purple sandalwood gift box.
“…”
In the front hall of the Cang Yang Sect, several spiritual masters looked at each other, and after a short while, the usually peaceful Jing Xu Spiritual Master finally coughed and said politely, “I’m afraid there is some misunderstanding, Young Master Yuchi. Our Sovereign Xu has never accepted any disciples. For the Sovereign to accept a disciple is to also appoint the next successor for the Sect. This is an important event that must be made known to the world, so how could this information not be announced? I think you should take this gift back…”
“I was told by Lord Xu himself.”
Jing Xu became silent.
Yuchi Xiao reached out to open the sandalwood box and said unhurriedly, “If the Spiritual Master could present this gift to Xuanji Palace, wouldn’t you be able to clarify this?”
In the box lay a vermillion waistband embroidered with golden thread.
The waistband was only two feet wide when folded, with clouds and cranes intricately embroidered with golden threads. There were only a handful of people in the entire Immortal Alliance who dared to embroider golden threads on their robes, and everyone’s first reaction was to think that it belonged to one of the daughters or daughter-in-laws of the Golden Gate. One of the spiritual masters present spoke with a changed expression, “What exactly is Young Master Yuchi’s intention? To present this used ladies’ accessory from your family as a celebratory gift? This is simply a…”
Before the word ‘joke’ could be uttered, he was stopped by Jing Xu.
Jing Xu’s face was very solemn, but somehow he managed to restrain himself, “In that case, I invite Young Master to take a seat for a moment.”
The man was stunned, “Jing Xu?”
But Yuchi Xiao completely ignored the crowd’s reaction and smiled, “Then I’ll be troubling you, Spiritual Master.”
It was fortunate that the person visiting was the Young Master of the Golden Gate Sect, and the direct lineage of the three clans could not be offended. If it had been any of the masters of the six families and eight sects, they would have been sent down the mountain without mercy at this moment.
Surprisingly, Jing Xu did not take long to return. It had only been a short while when he flew in on his sword from the direction of the Xuanji Palace and placed the luxurious box back on the table and with a polite bow, “Young Master, the Sovereign has returned the gift.”
Yuchi Xiao’s eyelids lifted.
“The Sovereign said that used clothes and accessories were abundant back then, and it is not surprising that some had been left behind from time to time in various places.” Jing Xu raised his hand as a gesture of farewell, “Please go back.”
What does this mean?
Several of the spiritual masters present were not as experienced as Jing Xu, so they were all confused at the moment. However, they saw that Yuchi Xiao didn’t move, and didn’t even seem to be surprised, with only a response of, “Oh?”.
“Don’t worry, I’ve prepared more than just this gift. As mentioned, there were many old clothes and accessories back then, so how about this one?”
Another disciple of the Golden Gate came forward with a gift box in his hand, only this time the box was smaller, and when it opened with a click, there were two small golden coins inside!
Yuchi Xiao was also very polite, “I would like to trouble the Spiritual Master again, if even this old item is no longer needed, then I will take it back with me and destroy it.”
—The two small gold coins were tied by a crimson silk ribbon, they were very delicate and resembled a waist pendant, but judging from the look in Jing Xu’s eyes, they were no different from two death-summoning talismans soaked in poison.
Jing Xu’s face was already gloomy, after all, he was an elder, so he had to behave appropriately well-mannered, and could not do anything more than grunt before picking up the box and leaving.
This time, everyone waited twice as long as before, but while Yuchi Xiao was calm and relaxed, sipping his tea, the senior cultivators in the hall could not help but feel a slight sinking in their hearts. As the atmosphere froze, someone finally came from the direction of the Xuanji Palace, but this time there was another figure beside Jing Xu.
The crowd of disciples outside the hall stirred, and some low cries rang out, “—Ah, Wen Shixiong?”
It was none other than Wen Xiuyang!
The disciples guarding the Xuanji Palace had a very high status within the Cang Yang Sect, and several spiritual masters rose to greet him. However, Wen Xiuyang couldn’t be bothered to return the greetings. As soon as he landed, he took a big step forward and thump, he put the box on the table in front of Yuchi Xiao, “Young Master.”
Yuchi Xiao with fist in palm greeted, “Brother Wen.”
Wen Xiuyang said coldly, “The Sovereign said that these two coins were a gift from him back then, but there is nothing special about them, they are just regular gold-minted coins. There are still many identical gold coins in the treasury of the Cang Yang Sect, so if the Young Master wants to destroy these two coins, he can just take them back and destroy them.”
There was silence in the hall, as all the other spiritual masters, except Jing Xu, stared nervously back and forth at the two of them.
Yuchi Xiao nodded thoughtfully, and then suddenly asked, “Did Lord Xu really make such a statement?”
Wen Xiuyang asked in return, “What else would he say?”
“Nothing, I was just curious.” Yuchi Xiao paused and laughed, “If it was really such an insignificant item, how come you are the one who ended up delivering it back personally?”
Wen Xiuyang said angrily, “You!”
Wen Xiuyang restrained himself and shut his eyes and exhaled before leaning in closer, each word cold and seeming to come out from between his clenched teeth, “I’m not sure exactly what happened last night, but I can roughly guess. Young Master Yuchi, Xiang Xiaoyuan is a disciple of my Cang Yang Sect in life and in death. So I advise you not to take things further. If you continue your provocations with that Immortal’s belongings, I cannot guarantee that you will be able to—”
“Don’t be angry, Brother Wen.” Yuchi Xiao interrupted him with a smile and said, “I have a last congratulatory gift, it belonged to Lady Xu.”
Qlat j kjnf bo tlr tjcv lc atf jlg, tf jmalnjafv j rqfii ab agjcrwla lafwr jcv obiibkfv ys j oijrt bo ktlaf iluta, j atlgv lvfcalmji qegqif rjcvjikbbv ybz jqqfjgfv bc atf ajyif!
“…” Qfc Wlesjcu rajgfv ja tlw, jcv olcjiis rjlv joafg j ibcu alwf, “Tbe’nf yffc gfjvlcu abb wjcs ybbxr, tjnfc’a sbe, Dgbatfg Temtl. Cgf sbe gfofgglcu ab atf ‘Ojvs We’ lc sbeg vgfjw?”
“It’s true that Goodbye My Lover is a well-known book. But I probably only truly understood your Sovereign’s state of mind over the years after I broke out of the Illusionary Realm in Linjiang City, and I really admire him.” Yuchi Xiao leaned back into his chair and made a gesture of invitation, “Brother Wen, you only need to present it to Lord Xu and we will see if what I have spoken is true or is not…please.”
From the expression on Wen Xiuyang’s face, he was tempted to forcefully send the guest off, but he took few breaths and reluctantly held back, “Please wait then!”
He did not wait for Yuchi Xiao to respond, picked up the purple sandalwood box and flew on his sword. It only took him mere moments to fly past the dense peaks of the Cang Yang Sect and land in the peach forest. According to the Sect’s rules, no one was to travel by sword upon entry into the boundaries of the Peach Forest. With Wen Xiuyang’s level of cultivation, he was fast even on foot and quickly arrived at the entrance of the Xuanji Palace to present the gift box, “Sovereign, Yuchi Xiao has presented a final congratulatory gift, claiming it to be a memento belonging to Lady Xu!”
Gong Wei’s mouthful of tea instantly choked in his windpipe.
The master and disciple were sitting opposite each other in the palace, but since Wen Xiuyang came with and returned two gold coins, Xu Shuangtze had not spoken a single word.
From Gong Wei’s perspective, all he could see was Xu Shuangtze’s motionless lips and lower jaw. They appeared so cold that one would not dare to look into his eyes.
—What memento could be left behind by someone who never existed in the first place?
Gong Wei grew up in Dai Mountain. But each year, he would travel to the Golden Gate Sect and stay there for an entire season to avoid the harsh winter. It was not unusual for him to leave his robes, waistbands and other belongings lying around the premises.
This was just as Yuchi Changsheng was sent to be taught by Ying Kai as a child and the Correctional Palace on Dai Mountain still had various belongings of the little Sword Sect Master too.
The appearance of the gold coins was understandable. Gong Wei roughly knew how he was buried after his death, and that Ying Kai and others were not able to find his sword Bai Tai Shou no matter what, so they kept Gong Wei’s belongings with them in the hope of finding clues to the sword’s whereabouts in the future.
But what could Lady Xu leave behind?
“What do you think is Yuchi Xiao’s purpose for visiting today?” Xu Shuangtze suddenly asked.
Gong Wei said with a timid face, “I…don’t know.”
This was not all an act, he really did not know. Last night, he mouthed, “Find your uncle for help!” to Yuchi Xiao but did not expect him to understand him. Today, not only did Yuchi Changsheng not appear, what came in his stead was a crazy Yuchi Xiao.
The world knows that the Lotus Immortal is the deadly rival of the Cang Yang Sect Master and it was taboo to even mention his name, let alone allow the presence of his belongings in Xu Shuangtze’s eyes.
This nephew of the Yuchi family had come here today to test the boundaries like a madman. Even with Gong Wei’s barren imagination, he could only suspect that Yuchi Xiao had woken up this morning to find out that he was terminally ill and had come here to put his life on the line to blackmail Xu Shuangtze for some funeral expenses.
“Young Master Yuchi must have gone off the rails last night with his cultivation and got up this morning mentally deranged.” Gong Wei cautiously bowed his head and said, “Shizun, why don’t I go and persuade him and quickly send the man down the mountain…”
“Then wouldn’t I have done what he wanted?”
Gong Wei froze and wondered, What does Xu Shuangtze mean? Don’t tell me he thought that Yuchi Xiao is risking his life just to see me?
Xu Shuangtze said in a cold voice, “Bring it up!”
Only then did Wen Xiuyang quickly enter the hall and bow to present the exquisite and luxurious sandalwood box, glancing at Gong Wei in an unclear manner. It seemed to be a mixture of condescending scrutiny, subtle unspeakable pity and a hint of disgust. But Gong Wei didn’t have the heart to think about it. All he saw was Xu Shuangtze reaching out to open the gift box, and the next moment the veins on the back of his hand rose up.
Gong Wei’s eyelids twitched wildly—
It was the gold ring that they were both very familiar with.
An hour later, in the front hall of the Cang Yang Sect, a meteor-like white light cut through the mountains and landed steadily.
The disciples bowed in unison, “Wen Shixiong!”
With his sword in hand, Wen Xiuyang walked up quickly and said, “What do you want?”
Putting down his cup of tea calmly, Yuchi Xiao looked up and asked, “Where’s the golden ring?”
The eyes of the spiritual masters turned to Wen Xiuyang’s hand, only then did they realise that this time, unlike the previous two times, the gift box was not there!
Wen Xiuyang repeated, his tone changed, “What exactly do you want?”
But Yuchi Xiao asked another question in response, “Didn’t Lady Xu never exist in the Cang Yang Sect in the first place?”
“—Yuchi Xiao!”
Wen Xiuyang’s cry was stern, causing Jing Xu and the others to stand up in shock and disbelief at the same time.
But a few breaths later Wen Xiuyang forced himself to hold it in again.
Although he did not know what that golden ring meant, the chilling look in the eyes of the Sovereign at Xuanji Palace was still vivid in his mind. He forcibly banished that image from his mind, then gritted his teeth, lowering his voice, “What exactly is your purpose for coming here today?!”
Yuchi Xiao leaned slightly closer and said softly, “I just want Lord Xu to remember that those who are dead, are dead.”
“…”
There was silence around them, and Yuchi Xiao raised his eyebrows saying, “Brother Wen is worthy of being the disciple who has followed Lord Xu for the longest time, seeing that you are not surprised at all. You’ve been aware of this for so many years, haven’t you?”
Wen Xiuyang straightened up and said coldly, “I’m only surprised that you’re so obsessed with digging your own grave.”
“You think too much.” Yuchi Xiao said without mercy, then leaned back in his chair and looked around at the varying expressions of the people around them.
“Since Lord Xu has accepted my congratulatory gift, then please grant me another request. I once left a jade pendant in your Sect, a blood jade qilin that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family, but it was taken away by Lord Xu last night. A family heirloom is not to be lost, so could I request you all to please return it?”
The crowd was astonished, after all the fuss he had made, he was only asking for this?
Jing Xu sighed with relief, “That jade pendant was an engagement token given to your cultivation partner. Now that the engagement has been annulled, the token should rightfully be returned. I will…”
But Yuchi Xiao interrupted him, “Don’t be in a hurry, I haven’t finished my sentence. How the blood jade qilin was given in the first place, now I want it returned in the same manner, do you understand?”
Doubt overtook Jing Xu. “What does that mean?”
Immediately, Wen Xiuyang said, “Yuchi Xiao, I advise you for the last time not to seek death!”
However, Yuchi Xiao ignored him, the corners of his mouth lifted and a cold smile appeared, “Since that token was given to Xiang Xiaoyuan, a disciple of your Sect, I must now have Xiang Xiaoyuan return it to me in person. I do not have any other intentions. He fought alongside me at Lingjiang City and I want to see for myself that he is still safe and has not met with any misfortune after returning to the Cang Yang Sect. Have I made myself clear enough?”
What could happen to him in the Cang Yang Sect?
Jing Xu hesitantly said, “Xiang Xiaoyuan is naturally safe and sound, but he is now fortunate enough to be personally taught by the Sovereign, so he certainly cannot be summoned on a whim just to meet you, therefore…”
Yuchi Xiao mocked, “Taught?”
“Young Master Yuchi!” Wen Xiuyang originally did not want to mention this, but now he was obviously angry, “You were the one who personally came to Cang Yang Sect in the first place, saying with conviction that you were determined to withdraw from the engagement and now what are you trying to do?!”
Yuchi Xiao remained trenchant, “I don’t want to do anything, I just want to make sure that my friend is safe!”
“You—”
“Lord Xu is known as the most formidable man in the world, powerful beyond description, but he cannot disregard basic human decency and do whatever he wants. Does Brother Wen think I’m wrong to say so?”
Wen Xiuyang gritted his teeth and stared at him, finally saying, “Xiang Xiaoyuan will never come out to see you!”
Yuchi Xiao replied, “Then please ask Lord Xu to return the relic of Lady Xu now.”
“What will you do with it?”
Yuchi Xiao articulated each word, “Destroy it at the foot of Cang Yang Mountain!”
At the same time at Xuanji Palace, Xu Shuangtze rose haughtily, striding out of the hall and waved his hand, summoning No Way Out which came flying from the distant sky towards him in an instant.
“Shi-Shi-Shi-Shizun!” Gong Wei couldn’t care less about the sudden onset of the pain that came with the approaching of No Way Out, and hastily crawled after him, “Calm down, Shizun!”
In the next instant, Xu Shuangtze unsheathed his sword.
In the distance, Yuchi Xiao who was in the front hall suddenly turned around, and a sword glare that pierced through the sky was reflected in his eyes, destroying everything in its path and shooting straight at him!
The sky was enveloped in a bright, white light, and everything fell silent.
It was only a few breaths later that a loud bang could be heard belatedly and sent everyone flying!
The sword spirit of Gou Chen was activated just a few inches before the overwhelming sword glare reached Yuchi Xiao, but it still managed to blast him away by a few feet.
Gou Chen, having deflected the immense force, trembled with a precarious sound. In the distance, the spiritual masters flew on their swords and cried out in pain yet they were inaudible amidst the strong vibrations in the air. Xu Shuangtze did not give anyone time to plead for mercy—
A second and even mightier and terrifying sword glare came piercing through from above almost instantaneously. There was hardly any immortal sword in the world that could stop its phenomenal power.
Yuchi Xiao’s mind went blank and he was blasted away. Shooting like a cannonball through a storm of debris, leaving behind a trail of destruction, like parting a sea in the forest of trees. Finally, he was slammed into the cliff, the immense force cracked the rocks behind him.
With the crack, the mountain peaks crumbled and were reduced to pieces, the earth shook violently and dust blotted out the sky for a hundred miles.
In front of the Xuanji Palace, Xu Shuangtze’s face showed no expression as he raised his sword for the third time.
But just then there was a ‘thud’ behind him.
This was the first time that Gong Wei witnessed the full power of No Way Out after his death and he could no longer hold in the ripping chest pains. He fell to the ground on one knee, with cold sweat dripping down his body and using his last ounce of strength to keep his composure, he said, “Shi-Shizun, please don’t be angry…”
Xu Shuangtze’s gaze fell on the top of Gong Wei’s head and was unable to see his expression.
“Shizun’s might is overwhelming, if No Way Out is swung again, I’m afraid that people would be hurt—”
He was immediately interrupted by Xu Shuangtze’s words, “Stay here.”
Gong Wei’s sentence came to an abrupt halt, only to see Xu Shuangtze had risen into the air. It was too late to stop him, and in a flash he disappeared and left behind a violently shaking world.
—At a distance, in the front hall, several spiritual masters blurted out, “Your Lordship!” “Sovereign!”
Yuchi Xiao crawled out of the shattered cliff debris, and spat out a mouthful of blood. Before he had time to wipe it off, he looked up and saw Xu Shuangtze arrive in a gust of wind, his robe sleeves were fluttering, and he stopped high in mid-air, “My good nephew.”
There was no change in his tone, but No Way Out’s dazzling, yet cold sword glare was reflected in the frightened eyes of everyone present.
“Remember in your next life that what was given away, cannot be asked back.”
No one could even react in time to hold Xu Shuangtze back. He was here in person and the blade of No Way Out which had tasted the blood of countless victims, went straight for the throat of Yuchi Xiao—
At this moment, a bright golden sword glare descended from the sky like a majestic dragon.
Someone blurted out, “Tower of Rakshasa?!”
The Sword Sect Master, Yuchi Changsheng, swung his sword from thousands of miles away, and the force pierced across the sixteen cities of the province, stunning the heavens and blocking Xu Shuangtze’s blow!
“Yuchi Rui,” Xu Shuangtze narrowed his eyes slightly.
The Tower of Rakshasa tore through the heavens, but by now the sword glare had run its course, and with a single burst of power from No Way Out, it suddenly scattered into a million specks of red-gold light. In the midst of this glorious spectacle, No Way Out was raised once again and came at Yuchi Xiao!
This time, even if the Sword Sect Master had the powers of heaven, he could not stop this blow. But before No Way Out could cut down on him, a massive pillar of light suddenly erupted in the distance, instantly penetrating the heavens and illuminating everyone’s frightened faces.
Xu Shuangze stopped his movement, and for the first time, a look akin to surprise appeared in his eyes as he said softly, “…Ying Kai?”
Then, a protective barrier emerged in the direction of the distant Dai Mountain, like a four-sided city wall rushing straight into the sky. Immediately afterwards, a large character burned so fiercely that it appeared with a platinum glow under the dome, and it was clearly the character, ‘Ying’.
Ying Kai had suddenly cast the Seal of Mahayana, sealing the entire premises of the Immortal Alliance!
“That, that’s Dai Mountain?”
“Lord Ying himself has cast the Seal?!”
“What is happening at the Immortal Alliance?!”
…
Panic, like a starburst, was spreading rapidly within the Cang Yang Sect, stopping even Xu Shuangtze in his tracks.
Ying Kai was the anchor of the Immortal Alliance, he would never easily cast the Seal of Mahayana. At least when he and Xu Shuangtze travelled together when they were young, it was only Xu Shuangtze who would cast the barrier to seal off the city whenever there was danger. Ying Kai was always mindful that the appearance of the Alliance Master’s
Ying Kai was the anchor of the Immortal Alliance, he would never easily cast the Seal of Mahayana in the sky would cause widespread fear and anxiety throughout the world.
What had forced Ying Kai to seal off Dai Mountain, the most pivotal heart of the Immortal Alliance, and to do so in front of the whole world?
“Sovereign!” In the distance, a disciple of the Cang Yang Sect sped up on his sword, he was clad in a white and silver armour and was none other than Sheng Bo, who was guarding the palace. “Reporting to Sovereign! An emissary from the Dai Mountain Immortal Alliance has arrived! He urgently requests an audience!”
Xu Shuangtze did not reply, but reached out his hand and beckoned. In a short time, two azure-robed cultivators came on their swords. They were the disciples of the Correctional Palace, but now they had a look of fatigue and bowed long and hard, “This is an urgent matter, please return to the Xuanji Palace at once, Cang Yang Sect Master!”
Xu Shuangtze’s eyebrows tightened slightly. “Why?”
“Reporting to Lord Xu, last night there was an incident at the Immortal Alliance. The Alliance Master was trapped, and the Sword Sect Master has failed to rescue him!”
“Once anything happens to the Alliance Master, the Cang Yang Master must take over his responsibilities. Please follow the laws of the Immortal Alliance and guard Cang Yang Sect. You must not be placed in any danger, so please return to Xuanji Palace at once!!”
Yuchi Xiao said, “Uncle?!”
Xu Shuangtze turned his head, and the burning platinum gold seal under the protective dome in the sky was reflected in his eyes, “Where is Ying Kai trapped?”
A cultivator raised his head and the knot in his throat could be seen sliding down violently before he shuddered and said hoarsely, “….Ding Xian Mausoleum.”
—Ding Xian Mausoleum housed the tombs of all sects and great families of the Immortal Alliance.
Unfortunately, the souls of the deceased masters were in chaos and Ying Kai was trapped in with them.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sahl
Xu Shuangtze…your attitude towards ex-fiancé’s is a little excessive…
