Chapter 11: The Death of Mu Chenyuan

In an instant, the battle between Liang Xi and Mu Chenyuan had reached its fever pitch. Perhaps none among the onlookers had anticipated such an outcome, yet Liang Xi grew fiercer with each exchange, his techniques increasingly refined. He himself found it astonishing—under the blessing of the Lingyun Manual, the unity of his sword energy had become formidable, even producing countless subtle variations. Liang Xi reveled in the excitement, cherishing the attention, believing it strengthened his resolve and made him more powerful.

“Did you see that? The true strength of Brother Liang Xi is so astonishing. It’s no wonder he and Zhuang Yunzheng could pass through the Divine Sword Palace. There’s reason behind their success.”

After returning from the Cloud of Heaven, Mu Chenyuan boasted endlessly about the hardships he faced there and his battles within the Divine Sword Palace. In his telling, he was always the most outstanding, only failing by a narrow margin. Yan Shiyu paid little heed to these exaggerations; if Mu Chenyuan enjoyed spinning such tales, he let him speak—after all, who would bother verifying them?

Yet, Mu Chenyuan had been too boastful. When it came time to showcase his own abilities, he became overly self-conscious, falling into disadvantage. His Surging Wave Fist was suppressed by Liang Xi, who countered speed with speed. Mu Chenyuan decided to do the opposite—slow against fast. To master Sword Merit meant striking swiftly, fast enough to disrupt others. This was proof that he had begun to grasp the second tier.

“Impressive, your moves are truly exquisite. What is this technique? It appears to be swordplay, but no swordplay I know is like this. Though I don’t know where you learned these unorthodox arts, you’ll have no chance of defeating me next.” The third move of the Surging Wave Fist, ‘Ghosts Wailing’, evolved from the essence of the first two moves. Though still forceful, it was distinctly different. “Do you hear the howling around you, the cries as if gods and ghosts wail together?”

“You may have temporarily suppressed my moves—just luck! But now, facing the third move, you have no solution. ‘Ghosts Wailing’ isn’t merely a technique; it can disturb your mind. Your master surely never taught you this in ten years. But since your master won’t teach you, I, your senior brother, will oblige. I’ve always cared for my junior brothers.”

“I’ve been the favored son of Lingyun Wonderland since childhood. But ever since you and your damned senior brother arrived, everything changed. Today, I won’t let you leave alive. Only by defeating you myself can I prove I’m still the chosen one, and you, Liang Xi, are nothing!”

For the first time, Liang Xi encountered such a technique. He found himself in a desert, surrounded by the clangor and shouts of battle, which suddenly transformed into heartbreaking cries. Where was he? He recalled—he was still battling Mu Chenyuan, caught in the illusion of his move. It felt as if he were trapped in a vast whirlpool, struggling to escape, but an overwhelming force kept dragging him back.

“What’s wrong with Liang Xi? Why does he look so pale? Could Mu Chenyuan have injured him?” One junior sister’s face showed worry and anger. “Impossible! Who is Mu Chenyuan to injure Brother Liang Xi with such petty tricks? Dream on!” Another junior sister retorted, launching a barrage of words.

Zhuang Yunzheng glanced at his motionless junior brother, then at the frenzied junior sisters, sighing inwardly—being too handsome is truly troublesome! “Brother, won’t you wake up? If you don’t, those enamored junior sisters might really go mad!”

That was his senior brother’s voice—calling him. Yes, how could he stop here? Though ‘Ghosts Wailing’ was powerful, it wasn’t without a solution. At this moment, the flow of air seemed to slow—was it an illusion? Mu Chenyuan’s expression shifted; he recalled the scene from the night they killed Iron Stream. Now it was clear—Liang Xi was responsible!

Why did this young man possess such strength? Why had his aura changed so dramatically? Clearly, both Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng had cultivated an extraordinary and rare mental technique. In the two provinces of Cloud and Mystery, only one such manual existed—the Lingyun Manual!

Realizing this, Mu Chenyuan’s gaze grew feverish. If he killed Liang Xi now, he could seize the Lingyun Manual. He would never hand it over to his master; doing so would render himself useless, doomed to die. But if he mastered it, everyone would fear him, and he’d finally be free!

“Everyone, I have something important to announce. Surely you wish to know the whereabouts of the Lingyun Manual, missing for years from Lingyun Wonderland? The answer is simple: Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng have mastered it. Think about it—Liang Xi has only been here ten years. How could he change so much without a powerful secret art aiding him? Without evidence, I would never believe it!”

Mu Chenyuan seized the opportunity to stir up trouble. His words caused an uproar. Some whispered, warning not to trust him blindly, for everyone knew the three had a bitter rivalry, always fighting to the death. It was psychological warfare. Accusing Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng of cultivating the Lingyun Manual was possible—if evidence existed. If not, Qi Ying would never let it pass.

Mu Chenyuan continued loudly, “Elders, the Lingyun Manual possesses mysterious power. Haven’t you sensed the air slowing around us? That’s due to the earth volume’s true energy!”

“Liang Xi, when you and your brother joined forces to kill Iron Stream, Cloud Province’s foremost assassin, I saw it all. You were in peril, but at the critical moment, you forcibly utilized the Lingyun Manual’s energy, which stalled the air. Otherwise, you could never have killed Iron Stream—a master across Cloud Province. How could a youth like you slay him? What do you say now?”

“Zhuang Yunzheng, why are you silent? You and your brother have been exposed. Master tried repeatedly to reclaim the Lingyun Manual, but your master evaded him. Qi Uncle, today the evidence is irrefutable—how will you deny it now?” His words echoed around the arena.

The eyes of the visiting experts shifted toward Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi—filled with fervor. The Lingyun Manual was a supreme mental technique coveted by all. Now, it was before them—how could they not seize it?

No one expected the Lingyun Wonderland’s grand tournament to devolve into this! Zhuang Yunzheng, unable to endure further, leapt to his brother’s side, infusing him with the ‘Unity of Sword Energy’ technique. The sword moves and mental technique resonated, restoring Liang Xi. Though trapped, he had heard everything clearly. From the moment they began cultivating the Lingyun Manual, they knew this day would come.

“Today, I, Qi Ying, am here. I’d like to see who dares bully my disciples!” Qi Ying struck ruthlessly, killing Mu Chenyuan with one blow—an annoyance finally removed! But Yan Shiyu would never allow this; he shattered Qi Ying’s righteous energy with domineering true energy, rescuing Mu Chenyuan. “Brother, what are you doing? Trying to silence him? I should have realized—only you could pass the Lingyun Manual to your disciples! You’ve hidden it well all these years!”

“My disciple, you’ve done well. I’m pleased. Yet now, your business is finished—go find your opponent. I taught you the Surging Wave Fist not for show. Today, by any means, you must keep Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi here. Can you do it?”

For the first time, Yan Shiyu spoke to Mu Chenyuan this way, and Mu Chenyuan was overjoyed. “Master, rest assured, I won’t disappoint you!” Eager to prove himself, Mu Chenyuan fought with full force.

The experts in the stands waited, unwilling to interfere. With the Lingyun Manual resurfacing, those who coveted it grew ruthless. Let them battle to the death; once both sides were exhausted, they would strike for the prize. This was everyone’s plan. Jun Cailin and Liang Yunsi refused to leave.

“Mu Chenyuan, if my son leaves here safely today, I’ll pretend nothing happened. But if you dare harm Yunzheng or my son, you’ll bear the consequences!”

“Guards, escort the young master and his brother from here. Let’s see who dares stop us!” Silver-armored warriors poured in from every side of the square.

“White Cloud Battle Armor? Is this the legendary White Cloud Iron Armor that once terrorized Cloud Province? I thought it had become a myth after so many years—yet today, it reappears. Jun Cailin, I’m curious—what is your true identity, to command the White Cloud Iron Armor?”

“Yan Shiyu, your question is pointless. I’ve summoned the White Cloud Iron Armor; do you really not know, or refuse to believe? Why does Yun Hailan respect me and Yunsi so much? Because Yun Hailan is my father’s only disciple. By relation, I should call him senior brother, but I prefer ordinary life and dislike martial arts, so I dare not.”

“Cloud Province was founded by my father. Still don’t believe me? No matter—whether you believe it or not, under the White Cloud Iron Armor, no one can harm my child!”

Could it be that Jun Cailin’s father was one of the legendary grandmasters, Jun Daoxing? Yet rumors said he had disappeared for years, pursuing the ultimate in martial arts. No one had seen him for ages. Who would have thought he still lived! Decades ago, his power shocked the world—now, he was surely even stronger. Qi Ying was stunned, never imagining the notorious Jun Daoxing was Liang Xi’s maternal grandfather.

He had assumed the Liang family was merely a respectable clan, and Jun Cailin, being unskilled in martial arts, didn’t warrant concern. Even now, Qi Ying declared, “Madam Liang, if you trust me, I should protect Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng, for I am their master. On this alone, safeguarding them is my duty!”

“Brother Qi, don’t jest. We trust your character. Liang Xi owes you much these ten years. I summoned the White Cloud Iron Armor only to deter others. Please understand a mother’s heart—this isn’t distrust, but simply a refusal to trust outsiders.”

Liang Xi was deeply shocked. He knew little of his family’s history, but had no time for questions. He’d wait to ask if he survived. “Mother, this is between me and my brother; please don’t interfere. Let the armored warriors protect you and father. Mu Chenyuan can’t harm me. Yes, my brother and I have spent ten years cultivating the Lingyun Manual!”

“You didn’t notice because you were blind. Now, we’ve succeeded. Mu Chenyuan, haven’t you always coveted the Lingyun Manual? Why won’t you act now? Because you truly fear us. Today, my brother and I will settle all old scores—since childhood, you bullied me. Without master and brother’s protection, I’d never have made it this far.”

“The Lingyun Manual is in our hands. Even if I admit it, what can you do? You are nothing. You want to prove yourself? Go ahead, attack—I’ll see how far you get without your master’s protection!”

A surge of heroism arose in Liang Xi, no longer the mischievous youth he once was. Perhaps it was witnessing Lei Pengfei and Qing Shu’s deaths in the Cloud of Heaven that changed him. Now, that change manifested in a lofty, profound aura that none dared underestimate.

Zhuang Yunzheng laughed, “Indeed, he always bullied you. Today, we brothers can settle accounts. Mu Chenyuan, don’t cry when you’re beaten!”

“Courting death!” Mu Chenyuan stepped forward, his fists unleashing the first two moves of the Surging Wave Fist—‘Supreme Domination’ and ‘Total Annihilation’. Both were powerful, collapsing the arena. Zhuang Yunzheng was exhilarated; he feared no one in sheer force. He had mastered the Sun-Moon Radiance Palm, but had yet to test it in battle.

A chill emerged in his palm—“Bang!” Fist and palm clashed, forcing Mu Chenyuan back. Ice blossomed around him, exploding—this was the first move, ‘Proud Cold Dance’. The Sun-Moon Radiance Palm’s first four moves were of the yin attribute, the last three yang, and the final was a synthesis. Zhuang Yunzheng had only reached the seventh move, never contemplating the eighth.

He didn’t intend to let Mu Chenyuan escape. The second move, ‘Gentle Wind and Jade Dew’, brought softness to its peak—silent palm, shattering bones. Such strange techniques—how did Mu Chenyuan learn them? He kept using the first two moves, for the last three were less practiced, so he dared not risk them.

Meanwhile, Liang Xi struck, his ‘Rainbow Sword Energy’ working in concert with his brother’s palm technique, producing devastating force and seriously injuring Mu Chenyuan. Against Mu Chenyuan, there was no need for honor—defeat him by any means.

“You two are utterly lacking in martial virtue—is this the result of ten years’ cultivation? You join forces, and I am alone. Is this fairness?”

“Fairness? There’s no need for fairness with you. The way you treated my brother back then—once opportunity arose, I, as his brother, would be even more ruthless. You’re only complaining now because you’re losing. You saw the White Cloud Iron Armor—you fear not my brother, but his grandfather, Jun Daoxing.”

“If not for your true nature, would you tolerate my brother’s insolence? Weren’t you arrogant earlier, calling him an ant? Now, the so-called chosen one is beaten to the ground, powerless. There’s no point appealing to your master; he can’t help you now. Our master is fighting!”

“Yes, this fight will have only one outcome—you and your master will die here today. However much you resist, nothing can change that,” Zhuang Yunzheng laughed.

“Brother, no need for more words. This wretch dies today!” Liang Xi, abandoning his playful demeanor, struck mercilessly. The earth volume of the Lingyun Manual was of the yin attribute; each move radiated chilling energy, forming whirlpools that battered Mu Chenyuan. Mu Chenyuan was terrified—Liang Xi’s aura had shifted. No, in truth, this was the real Liang Xi!

The chilling true energy combined with the formidable sword moves, leaving Mu Chenyuan nowhere to hide. Zhuang Yunzheng employed the Sword Merit technique, which, as internal energy, seized the initiative, blocking every escape route. Under relentless attack, Mu Chenyuan’s rhythm was disrupted.

“Brother, where are you going? If you wish to help your disciple, it’s impossible. Look how my disciple has matured—I always knew my two disciples would surpass me. Brother, you always coveted the Lingyun Manual, but I won’t give it to you. Enough words—let’s begin our battle.”

“Though I am gravely injured, I won’t lose my spirit!” The tournament was chaos now. Yan Shiyu dropped his disguise. “My only regret is not killing you back then, leaving you as the most dangerous snake at my side. Hmph, but my Yin Palm is not to be underestimated. If you admit your mistake, I’ll let it pass for old times’ sake. If not, then as your elder brother, I must apologize.”

In an instant, they attacked. Qi Ying, severely injured, had changed his cultivation, inventing a method called ‘Point’—using minimal force for maximal damage. This technique, combined with Lingyun Wonderland’s illusionary method, matched Yan Shiyu evenly.

Yan Shiyu’s studies were diverse; he used the Yin Palm. “Brother, I never imagined you’d invent such a miraculous attack while in seclusion. To ordinary eyes, ‘Point’ means finger, but you envelop your body in true energy like a hedgehog’s coat. If only you’d used your brilliance to help me, you wouldn’t be in this state.”

“My disciple Mu Chenyuan has mastered my Surging Wave Fist. He can fight your two disciples with just the first two moves; the last three need not be used. If I unleash all five, your disciples will be finished!” Yan Shiyu merged the Surging Wave Fist with the Yin Palm, displaying his extraordinary power as Lingyun Wonderland’s senior brother. “Once, I wasn’t your equal, but that’s past. Now, you should know—no one can help you.”

Suddenly, a sharp sword light whistled over. Yan Shiyu hastily defended with a powerful move. “Flying Snow Divine Dragon Sword? Sister Feixue, do you know what you’re doing?”

Zhu Feixue, in a fluttering red dress, arrived. She could not rest easy about Qi Ying. She knew that once she returned, she’d no longer be a disciple of Lingyun Wonderland, but as long as she could help Brother Qi Ying, she cared not for consequences.

“Years ago, I joined Lingyun Wonderland at Brother Qi Ying’s invitation. If he’s harmed, I’ll stand to protect him immediately. Senior brother, you fear me, don’t you? In all these years, I’ve rarely used swordplay. Today, things have come to this because you forced me!”

Zhu Feixue unleashed astonishing sword energy, which infused the Flying Snow Sword. What strength must one possess to master the tangible sword to its utmost? A single move, ‘Sea-Shocking Dragon’, said it all—the air around turned to vapor, the sword energy resembling a dragon. Yan Shiyu was formidable, but facing Qi Ying and Zhu Feixue together, he felt pressure.

“Fine, you two are well-matched. Whatever your methods, use them—I fear nothing! You are traitors to Lingyun Wonderland, unfit to live!”

With Zhu Feixue beside him, Qi Ying’s spirits soared, his moves steadier. The fierce attacks left to Zhu Feixue. “Sister Feixue, I brought you into Lingyun Wonderland hoping you’d settle down, no longer wandering. I’m sorry it ended this way. Truly, you shouldn’t have come to this.”

“Brother, there’s nothing more to say. Yan Shiyu is vile. If we kill him together, all the better. You know what I feel for you. Without you, this world is meaningless. Today, as long as I am here, no one will harm you!”

“Hahaha, you two are courting death! Everyone says the blood energy method cannot be cultivated, but I never believed it. You two are formidable, forcing me to this point. The blood energy method—I taught you both, but none in Lingyun Wonderland mastered it. Though the sect has existed for years, it only became Cloud Province’s top sect under me.”

“All credit is mine. The Lingyun Manual belongs to me. I let you live all these years—that’s enough. Today, die!”

Yan Shiyu’s body was covered in mysterious markings, instantly boosting his power. The blood energy method was not impossible to cultivate, but mastering it required immense hardship.

“Die!” With a move, heaven and earth shook. Yan Shiyu’s moves and power had reached terrifying heights. “Sea-Shocking Dragon—your move is useless against me now. My defenses are strong—take this!” Years of internal injuries plagued Yan Shiyu, but now, empowered by the blood energy method, he was restored to his prime. Every palm and punch carried immense might—truly an army unto himself.

On Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng’s side, their cooperation grew seamless. ‘Unity of Sword Energy’ became ever more proficient in battle. Liang Xi’s chilling energy was formidable; whenever Mu Chenyuan touched him, he felt a coldness. Mu Chenyuan seemed trapped in their domain, unable to advance or retreat.

“Where do you think you’re going? Today, no one can help you!”

“Is that so? You two seem confident, but I haven’t revealed my hidden power yet. Now’s a perfect moment. Master never taught me the blood energy method, thinking I couldn’t learn it. But since returning from the Divine Sword Palace, I’ve studied it continually. Zhuang Yunzheng, the Lingyun Manual grants you foresight and uncanny power; Liang Xi, you can briefly halt time. Used well, these abilities are formidable. But against me, you’re powerless.”

“Since ancient times, I’ve been your nemesis—now more so. The journey to the Cloud of Heaven ruined everything for me. Today, I’ll reclaim it all. Do you think I can’t?”

Mu Chenyuan forcibly employed the blood energy method; his movements became ghostly, surrounded by fierce red energy as defense. “What’s this? Weren’t you powerful before? Why the change?”

“You two will never surpass me! With such force, deploying the Surging Wave Fist, Yun and Xi really can’t resist.” Bang! Bang! Yun and Xi were knocked to the ground, their advantage overturned.

“Weren’t you arrogant before? Come, why don’t you attack now? You’re out of strength!”

“But the pain you inflicted on me these ten years—I’ll never forget. This is just the beginning. Stand up! None of you, master and disciples, are worth anything. Is the Lingyun Manual so remarkable? Liang Xi, I know exactly what you’re thinking. You want to use time freeze, but you’re gravely injured, your energy nearly gone!”

“I’m truly delighted—I finally have the chance to kill you. You’ll die by my hand, and once you do, I’ll remain Lingyun Wonderland’s favored son. No, I’ll become its master!”

Mu Chenyuan had always harbored this ambition. Now, with his power grown, he could finally voice it.

“This fellow’s strength is astonishing. I knew he wouldn’t surrender easily, but never thought he’d go berserk like this. Brother, are you alright? We’re in dire straits, but it’s also given us a new insight into our techniques. Brother, do you remember Elder Shouge said that ‘Unity of Sword Energy’ is to be reborn through death—the more dangerous, the more powerful its effect!”

“Would you call this a crisis?” Even now, Liang Xi could joke—a talent unique to him.

“Nonsense, this is as dangerous as it gets. Mu Chenyuan is formidable, but now is the best chance to kill him. He’s arrogant; your sword moves combined with my sword energy will shatter his protective energy. Without it, he’s nothing!”

“Brother is always right. If it’s decided, let’s do it.” Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng lacked battle experience, which let Mu Chenyuan relax. ‘Unity of Sword Energy’ and sword energy fused, the surrounding aura condensed into a divine sword. Wait—let Mu Chenyuan come closer. One step, two, three—now!

“Mu Chenyuan, die!” The vast sword energy burst forth like a stream of light, piercing Mu Chenyuan’s body. Without his protective energy, he was nothing.

Mu Chenyuan never imagined he would ultimately perish at the hands of Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng.