Chapter 7: Nonsense

A madman is always doing mad things, and that is the state Yi Shui finds himself in now. Yet, looking at him, he seems quite satisfied. One by one, everyone present has fallen before him; he alone remains, invincible. So, this is what true invincibility feels like—so lonely. If time could be turned back, would he still walk this path? Perhaps. Becoming the ultimate assassin was always his greatest wish. Now that the wish is fulfilled, there is no one left by his side to share it with.

Is his power truly this formidable? Is there really no one left here capable of defeating him? After a series of fierce battles, Chu Yun remains incredibly resilient. This fight is for freedom! She cannot give up now; Dong Ju’s physical form is already on the verge of collapse.

"Sister, I truly cannot go on. In truth, you are the person I admire the most. I always aspired to be like you, but alas, I never achieved it."

"I grew up in Yi Shui. I used to think my life was meant to be this way, each strike of my blade making my heart grow colder. Then, Sister, you arrived. You were so radiant. I never understood why someone like you would choose to become an assassin."

"Most people become assassins for the money, but Sister, you are not that kind of person. The only reason you became an assassin was to seek the Dao through slaughter. I realized this only after I grew up. That is why you are so strong; no matter how I cultivate, I can never catch up to you."

In this moment, Dong Ju finally poured out the words that had been buried in her heart—words she had never shared with anyone. She knew that if she didn't say them now, amidst her grievous injuries, she would never have the chance again.

Seeking the Dao through slaughter? No, Dong Ju was mistaken. Chu Yun became an assassin simply because there was nothing else to do. Chu Yun had been exceptionally strong since childhood; she had no particular pursuits in the martial path, as everything came easily to her. Perhaps becoming an assassin was simply a convenient choice.

Although she became an assassin, she knew there were many things beyond her control. Thus, she set her own rules: she would not target women or children. She donated the crystals she earned to those in need. That was the first time Chu Yun felt needed, and the feeling was truly wonderful.

So, the purpose of martial arts was to protect and help others. She had never thought of that before. If she had continued with those self-imposed constraints, her career as an assassin would have ended quickly. But then, an incident occurred that shook her resolve.

About five years ago, Chu Yun took a mission to kill a notorious villain. How bad was this man? Just hearing his name made people’s teeth ache with hatred; no one liked him. It seemed as if every evil deed was his doing. Such a man had no reason to exist!

Only death would suffice.

On a dark and windy night, she moved to kill. The man was formidable, but after a bitter struggle, she emerged victorious. When she walked out of the mansion, covered in blood, she was surrounded by the townspeople. Their eyes were filled with anger and sorrow. At the time, Chu Yun didn't understand why they looked at her that way. Had she truly done something wrong? She didn't know.

After she left, she learned that the man was actually a good person. The evil he displayed was merely a facade for his own mission, while in private, he was kind to everyone. What was such a man thinking? Perhaps only he knew. To have killed such a person by her own hand—had she truly made a mistake?

If not, why did these people look at her with such disdain? Even after all these years, Chu Yun could not forget those eyes. It seemed she had indeed done wrong. Yet, even if it happened again, she would likely make the same choice.

However, after that incident, she lost interest in the profession. She wanted to leave Yi Shui and regain her freedom. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she had to do it.

Is she truly going to admit defeat now? She cannot just give up. "Who else is there? Anyone can step forward! But I see you no longer have the strength. Your meridians have all been destroyed by me. If Zhuang Yunzhen were alive, he might have helped you, but alas, he is dead, too. Hahaha, this battle has been truly exhilarating!"

"So, you are Yi Shui? I heard you are the master of the world's premier assassin sect, known for your ruthless methods. Yet, for all these years, I have never believed it. I have come here today for one reason only: to take these people away. Since I gave my word, I must fulfill it."

"I am Yi Shui. Who are you? In all these years, no one has dared speak to me like this. You are the first, and you will be the last. If you don't want to die, get out of here!"

The man who appeared was very young, but one cannot judge a master by his appearance. Judging by his aura, his power was truly immense. One could not afford the slightest carelessness.

"Who am I? Hmm, let me think. I’ve almost forgotten my own name. Of course, if you like, you can call me Brother Yi; it’s easy to remember. I’ve just been living in seclusion for these years. Things have really changed, haven't they? Assassins of the past wouldn't have dared speak to me like that. You brat, you've only mastered a few tricks, yet you dare to be this insolent. It is truly amusing."

Brother Yi, a man who once shook the world. Today’s assassins are called "Supreme Assassins," but Brother Yi was the true King of Assassins. He only killed those who deserved to die; in his hands, the art of killing became a masterpiece. His most powerful weapons were his own hands—slender and fair.

After completing his final mission, this man retired, swearing never to interfere in the past again. Yet, why had he appeared here now? What was he trying to do?

"Brother Yi? I know that name. But the Brother Yi I know should be quite old by now, not young like you. Brat, I advise you to be honest. Do not spout nonsense in front of me, or you will face consequences you cannot bear. You had better think carefully."

Brother Yi had been in seclusion for years. No one had seen him or knew his whereabouts. For a young man to suddenly appear and claim to be Brother Yi—no one would believe it!

The man called Brother Yi seemed to expect this. It seemed he was truly worthless now. "Fine. What I, Brother Yi, say is absolute law. I am in a good mood today. You recognize this Golden Iron Stone, don't you? It has never left my side."

"It really is Brother Yi! Brother Yi has returned! Finally, you are back. Now that you are here, those who looked down on us assassins can finally hold their heads high again. Brother Yi, do you know? Ever since you retired, we assassins haven't received a shred of respect."

The disciples of the Yi Shui sect finally saw the man they had longed for. They had heard of his power and legends many times, but he was simply too young.

"Enough, enough. I’ve heard these things many times, and I am weary of them. I had no choice but to come out this time; I am merely fulfilling a request. The title 'King of Assassins' has nothing to do with me anymore. If it weren't for that great person, how could I have lived such a peaceful life for so many years?"

"It couldn't be helped. That person showed me great kindness, and I must repay it. That has always been my principle."

"Well? Now that I am here, will you fight or not? If not, I am leaving. Yi Shui, I remember you were very timid in the past. How did you become like this after only a few years? Truly, it surprises me. Very good, you have grown. I once said your future achievements would surpass mine."

Yi Shui recalled the past. In his memory, Brother Yi was a wonderful person, and he had longed to be like him. But alas, this man no longer possessed his former murderous intent. He was no longer worthy of respect.

"Brother Yi, your era has long since passed. You should realize that I am the true King of Assassins now. If it were the past, I might show you some face, but you are old. You are truly old. Do you think you can still command everyone?"

"Today, everyone here will die. Brother Yi, I have wanted to fight you for years. You want to save people, I want to kill them. Let us fight. The winner decides the fate of everyone present. What? Are you afraid now? You were so bold as a senior, why have you become like this? You truly disappoint me!"

Brother Yi had never expected that after all these years, someone would dare to challenge him. But this, too, was expected. "Very well. I haven't fought in a long time. You brat, you were just a lackey by my side back then. What you know is but a fraction of my skill. But since you are so courageous, I accept. I will let you strike first!"

*Whoosh.*

Yi Shui’s movement was incredibly fast, his gaze sharp. His momentum was like a tiger descending from the mountains, his iron fists capable of destroying everything! At the same time, his leg work crashed down like a violent storm!

Seeing these formidable moves, Brother Yi showed no fear. He approached slowly, his steps steady and powerful. Time seemed to stand still. Brother Yi’s movements were the cleanest, his palm tapping lightly on Yi Shui's shoulder. The strike was ordinary, yet it contained immense power. Yi Shui was a peerless expert, but faced with such an ordinary move, he was helpless!

*Boom.*

The gentle palm strike erupted with terrifying force!

This move was truly formidable. It seemed the outcome of the battle was no longer in doubt.

Defeated. Yi Shui was defeated, utterly and completely. He had not expected this!

"Well? Do you still want to fight? If you do, I wouldn't mind playing a little longer. But you must be quick; I don't have much time."

One move was enough to decide the outcome. Brother Yi had always been this way; in this world, no one had ever forced him to use a second move.

"No, I won't fight. Even if I did, I have no chance of winning. Brother Yi is Brother Yi; he remains formidable at all times. I have trained bitterly for so many years, yet you broke all my power in one strike. Hmph, truly impressive."

"Good that you know. I haven't fought in years, yet I am still this capable. I am truly pleased."

"Fine. Since you are defeated, you know I will be taking these people. You have no objections, do you? After all, you are a master of a generation; you must keep your word."

Although Yi Shui was furious, he had no choice. He might be untrustworthy to others, but not to Brother Yi. This man was the light he had spent his life chasing, even though he could never reach him. Being able to see Brother Yi now made him genuinely happy.

"Very well. You are truly something, brat. You weren't bad back then. Chu Yun, Dong Ju, you two can come with me now. Rest assured, as long as I am here, no one will dare harm you. I cannot guarantee much else, but I can guarantee that."

"This is such a bother. I wonder if that great person will be pleased when he sees what I have done. That person is as graceful as ever. He rarely asks for anything, so since he has spoken, I must fulfill his request."

Chu Yun didn't know what to say. It all felt like a dream. She thought she would die, yet here she was, safe. *Hahaha*, this was truly not bad.

"Boss, are we just letting him leave? If word gets out, our reputation will be ruined! Boss, do you not care about the reputation of the Yi Shui sect?"

"Hahaha, I know that. Reputation is something we build together, not something others define. Remember that. Do you know who that is? That is Brother Yi, the man every assassin admires. I am happy to have crossed hands with him today. Even though I lost, I am still satisfied. I gave my word, and I must stick to it."

"Though, it is strange. Brother Yi has been in seclusion for years. What kind of person could convince him to act? Forget it, I don't want to know. But there is one important matter for you to investigate: I suspect Zhuang Yunzhen is not dead!"

"I don't know where he went or what he is planning, but you know what I want you to do now."

"Boss, you want me to investigate Zhuang Yunzhen? Is that really necessary? He is dead. Do you really not believe it?"

"I believe it. But Zhuang Yunzhen is too powerful. He is the man who mastered the Heavenly Scroll of the Lingyun Records. Even if I don't say it, you know the power of that scroll. A few days ago, that man awakened the Heavenly Power. You know how terrifying that is!"

"Furthermore, your investigative and sensory abilities are the best in my sect. I trust you with this."

Yi Shui finally spoke his heart. Zhuang Yunzhen was always mysterious. How strong was he? Once found, he would have to fight him properly. He wondered if he would ever get that chance.

Liuzi was a combative man, and now, having such a formidable target was wonderful. "What? By your expression, I know you are satisfied. You understand now, right? Good. You should have done this long ago. Now, I entrust this battle to you."

Was Zhuang Yunzhen dead? Of course not. He was waiting for an opportunity, waiting for her return. That "her" was Chu Yun.

But he had not waited for Chu Yun. What had happened to her? Was she in danger? No, that shouldn't be possible.

He was not dead, but he had suffered grievous injuries and needed time to heal.

"Senior, where are we going? This is not the way back!"

"Who said we were going back? We are going to meet a man. Isn't that man Zhuang Yunzhen? He isn't dead. What? Did you think I didn't know that?"

Brother Yi looked at Chu Yun, finding it amusing. How had she become like this? He had no interest in her and Zhuang Yunzhen’s plans.

"You've come? I thought you had forgotten."

"How could I? Brother Zhuang, you know I would never break a promise to a friend. We are friends. Though we haven't known each other long, I have always considered you one."

"Hey, hey, hey! Have you two forgotten I’m here? Oh, this makes me sad. How many years have I been retired? Now, no one even notices me. It is truly heartbreaking."

Brother Yi was like this in private? Unexpected. Was the legendary King of Assassins not supposed to be cold and ruthless? Why had he become like this?

This man really liked to be noticed. Perhaps because he had been forgotten for so many years, and for someone like him, being forgotten was the saddest thing. No matter how many years passed, he didn't want to be forgotten, did he?

"Now, you two should tell me your plans. I am curious, Zhuang Yunzhen—what is a man like you thinking? I truly want to know."

"Senior, you will find out our plans soon. In fact, do you really know what Chu Yun wants?"

"She wants freedom. She has suffered too much over the years. She has always longed for freedom, so I am helping her. You should know this, Senior. Since you are here, why not help us?"

"I see. You want to deal with Yi Shui? This is truly interesting. Do you know how formidable Yi Shui is? Can you two really do it alone? That man is the current King of Assassins. If you really want to face him, you must be prepared."

"Senior, don't say anything more. Our minds are made up, and nothing will change that. We know Yi Shui is strong, but just because he is strong, does that mean we are helpless? I have faced many powerful enemies before. Though it was dangerous, I never retreated. We know we cannot retreat now, can we?"

"Hahaha, this is truly interesting! If you two refuse to retreat, then this battle is inevitable. But rest assured, if you have truly made up your minds and any problems arise, I will intervene. Besides, I want to see how far you two can go."

Yi Shui had been too successful for too many years; he had never suffered a setback. Brother Yi wanted to see the look on his face when he finally did. Didn't they think that was interesting?

Brother Yi, even after discarding his name, had not changed his playful nature. He liked to see Yi Shui humiliated, provided he was the cause. He was very protective of his own. Isn't that how one should be when protecting those around them?

"Hahaha, this is really fun. I didn't expect to meet two such interesting people after coming out of seclusion. You don't know, but I have been so depressed all these years. I always wanted to see how you people would end up."

Zhuang Yunzhen felt a headache coming on. Why was this senior so fond of watching the drama? He was truly helpless against such a person.

"Sigh, the title 'King of Assassins' is a shackle to me. I always wanted to go out and have fun, but I was trapped by endless missions. I am sick of it. I have an idea—I want to pass the title of 'King of Assassins' to you. Are you willing to accept?"

Zhuang Yunzhen had no interest in being an assassin. "Forget it, Senior. You know I’m not cut out for it. Chu Yun would be good, but she has no interest in it either."

"Yes, yes, yes. You both love freedom. As for my title, you don't have to like it. Besides, no one else is qualified. Alright, you’ve recovered enough. What are your thoughts now?"

"I have no thoughts. Senior, you can see I have grievous internal injuries. I don't know what to do. Since you have such formidable power, why don't you help me? It would be quite easy for you."

"No way. So that’s what you were waiting for! Hmph, you know how strong my power is; why would I waste it on you? If I did, how would you compensate me? I never do such boring things."

Zhuang Yunzhen was just joking. Despite his injuries, he had the Lingyun Records; he would recover eventually.

"I don't want to leave just yet. Can you feel it? There is a powerful killing intent in the air!"

"Yes, I feel it. It seems it is directed at me. Who is it? What do they want?"

"Zhuang Yunzhen! Get out here! I want to see you. You feel my killing intent, so you know why I’m here. I have one purpose: to fight you. What? Are you afraid to fight me now?"

"Fight? You want to fight me? Fine. But who are you? I don't fight nobodies. Besides, as you can see, I am severely injured. Even if you defeat me, it will be meaningless. You seem like a man who cares about his reputation; surely you wouldn't accept an unfair victory."

"Is that you, Little Liuzi? You were just a child back then, but you’ve grown. And with age, your courage has grown, too? You want to fight my friend? Bullying someone with internal injuries—what kind of skill is that? If you are angry, fight me! You’d be proud if you could defeat me, wouldn't you?"

Liuzi, now known as Master Six, was a formidable presence in the Yi Shui sect. Yet, even such a man had someone he held in high regard. That person was Brother Yi.

"Brother Yi, it really is you! I didn't believe it when the Master told me, but now I do. Master Yi Shui has missed you all these years. He always wanted to be like you, but never had the chance. How about it? Won't you go see him?"

"Who are you? Why are you with them? Brother Yi, if you are willing to return to the Yi Shui sect, the Master will be so happy."

"No, Yi Shui. I will never go back. My life as an assassin is over. Do you really not know what I have been seeking all these years? No, you know. I have always wanted freedom, and I have been striving for it."

"Yes, striving. I know. You have always been at the pinnacle. Why did you not become even stronger when you had the chance? Why did you give it up?"

"You left without a word. Do you know how heartbroken we were? You founded Yi Shui. Have you really forgotten the honor?"

"I haven't forgotten. But those things are in the past. I am happy to see you here, but I truly loathe this place now. Do you really not know why?"

Liuzi didn't expect Brother Yi to still remember his name after all these years. He was truly touched.

"Little Liuzi, in my eyes, you are still a child. You’ve practiced alone and suffered so much. I am happy to see you now. Since we have met at last, do you have nothing to say to me?"

"You were always clumsy with words. You have so much to say, but you can’t express it. You are too stupid. I’ll give you a choice: stay and have a drink, or fight me. Choose one!"

Drink. Liuzi chose to drink. Who didn't know he loved to drink, especially with friends? This was a great opportunity. "I’ll drink. I choose to drink."

"Hahaha, if only you had said that sooner! Come, come, if we are to drink, let everyone join!" Brother Yi loved to drink. He had been lonely for so many years; he had few friends, but every one of them was a brother-in-arms.

"The weather is nice today. Liuzi, let me ask you: Yi Shui sent you to find Zhuang Yunzhen, didn't he? His perception is good; he must know Zhuang Yunzhen is alive. But since he knows, why is he afraid to come himself? What is he thinking?"

"What else? He wants to fight you! He has been thinking about it for years. But you never gave him the chance!"

"Chu Yun and Dong Ju want freedom. I am helping them. Senior, you should know this!"

"Brother Yi, I have wanted to fight him for years. Can you really not help him fulfill his only wish? Power is everything. Can you really not help him?"

"Little Liuzi, say no more. This matter rests with me. Since I know Zhuang Yunzhen is alive, I cannot let him live. His life is hope—the hope of Chu Yun and Dong Ju. Since we became assassins, how can there be hope?"

Yi Shui finally arrived. It was time to settle things.

"Chu Yun, are you truly leaving? You are my most valued disciple. Why have you become like this? My heart is heavy. I will give you one more chance: admit you were wrong, and I will treat everything as if it never happened. If you remain stubborn, then despite our bond, I cannot let you live."

"Master, everything I have achieved is due to you, I know that. But you should also know I am weary of this life. I want to leave and find my own freedom. Is that a crime? Why can others do it, but I cannot? I will never submit!"

"You won't submit? Fine. Today, I will tell you why: because I do not allow it. Your power is too great. Either you serve me, or you die by my hand today. That is still your choice. Now, tell me, what will you choose?"