Chapter 4: The Ten-Move Challenge

After the battle at the Riverside Pavilion, no one dared to underestimate the brothers Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen any longer. That fight had directly established their reputation, and ever since, disciples from other islands frequently came to observe them, curious about how these two managed to severely injure Xi Zhen. Xi Zhen, after returning home, suffered grave internal wounds, yet his master, Wan Ruyu, paid him no heed whatsoever. Now, to describe the brothers’ situation as their doorstep being crowded would not be an exaggeration. But the two knew all this was temporary—nothing of substance.

“Brothers, you two truly are remarkable. To defeat that Xi Zhen, but you must realize, once you’ve done so, he won’t let you off. Clearly, you don’t know his background. In Xuanzhou, there’s no surname more prominent than Xi. Otherwise, how could someone with Xi Zhen’s character become Ying Island’s chief disciple?” The servant admired the brothers’ feat but warned them of its consequences. “I’m fond of you both, so let me give you some advice: once you’re healed, leave under cover of night. If the Xi family arrives, it will be too late for everything.”

“No, thank you for your concern, but we will not leave. If Xi Zhen is truly a man, he should rely on his own strength to seek justice, not on his family. What skill is there in leaning on one’s clan? No family endures forever; only the weak depend on others. If we cower from this battle, we don’t know how many times we would have died already. Yet we’ve survived so many ordeals before, and this time will be no different!”

“Father, I won’t tolerate it! I’ve suffered a huge grievance, and I must teach those two a lesson. I was bullied in Xuanzhou, and by two outsiders at that. If word gets out, how can the Xi family face anyone?” Xi Zhen returned home in a fury.

“What’s this? You’ve trained on Hanjiang Island for years and learned nothing? If you suffer a grievance, you should fight back yourself. Running home in tears—what’s the point? If you always act this way, what happens when the family is gone? You’ve relied on our clan’s power to lord over others in Xuanzhou for years. But today, I tell you plainly: this matter does not concern the family. If you have real ability, win your honor back yourself. If not, endure it!”

“The family’s honor cannot be ruined by you. These years, you’ve brought nothing but shame. I won’t intervene; give up.” Xi Chong looked at his son sternly. His family had fled from outside the region to Xuanzhou, and their ancestor Xi Tongshen established their fame with the Blazing Sun Swordsmanship. Over a hundred years later, the Xi family was now the leading clan in Xuanzhou, but Xi Chong disliked conflict and had made no progress in martial arts.

He was gentle but lacked authority, and many said the Xi family, after a century, would perish under his leadership. Xi Chong’s talent was limited; the family’s Flame Heart Method could only be cultivated up to the fourth stage, so even if he wanted to help, it was impossible. Now, the only one Xi Zhen could rely on was himself.

Xi Zhen hadn’t expected his first plea would meet such a response. Fine, so be it. “Father, since you won’t help me, I’ll ask our ancestor. He watched me grow up. If I explain my situation, he won’t ignore me! Ancestor Xi Tianjian was once hailed as Xuanzhou’s foremost divine sword. The Blazing Sun Swordsmanship has ten forms—he is the only one besides the founder to master them all. The family’s Flame Heart Method has thirteen stages; he cultivated to the ninth, second only to our founder. If Xi Tongshen created the family’s glory, Xi Tianjian rekindled it!”

But Xi Tianjian grew ever stronger, and without rivals, he retired, seeking higher martial paths. Sadly, his talent fell short; even after a lifetime of cultivation, he couldn’t match the founder. Rumors say the founder and the “Madman” Jun Daoxing disappeared after a duel in the Southern Region; some say they glimpsed the Dao and ascended. Whether true or not, no one knows; ascension is too elusive to believe or disbelieve entirely.

Xi Chong hadn’t expected his speech to make no impression. “Impudent! The ancestor has been in seclusion for years. You think you can see him so easily? If anything happens, can you bear responsibility?”

“We’ve endured for a century; must the family be ruined by your recklessness? As a Xi, you’re so rash. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have sent you to Hanjiang Island!”

“Father, your own lack of strength keeps you from letting your son grow strong. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen humiliate me, and you ignore it, caring only for family honor. But our honor is forged by the divine sword, not mere words. If I endure this, everyone will think the Xi family is easy to bully. You can accept that, but I cannot. I know the ancestor hasn’t concerned himself with worldly matters for years, but as long as there’s hope, I must try!”

With that, Xi Zhen turned and left. Many disciples saw their young master depart in anger and felt fear. He had always been proud, and after such humiliation on Hanjiang Island, it was impossible for him to swallow it quietly. “Let him be. Whoever causes trouble must settle it themselves. Depending on the family is no real skill.”

Xi Zhen ignored all else. He wanted to reclaim his pride, but Liang Xi’s techniques were mysterious, controlling the forces of the heavens and earth. Now, he could only seek the ancestor’s intervention. Only the ancestor could keep the Xi family’s reputation from falling.

The Xi family resided in a vast compound. Passing through the misty corridor, Xi Zhen arrived at the Sword Pool—the place where the founder established the clan. All his learning was stored here, and it became the family’s sacred ground, now accessible only to the ancestor. The Sword Pool held no swords, only immense sword aura. Xi Zhen approached a thatched hut and respectfully called out, “Ancestor, Zhen requests your aid—to punish Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen!”

“I lost to them, that I can accept. But Liang Xi, relying on his powers, disregards the Xi family. He claims he may not be first in Xuanzhou now, but will be in the future!”

The hut remained silent. Xi Zhen knew the ancestor had shunned society for years, and coaxing him out would be difficult. After a while, a faint voice came from within, both near and far. “Zhen, I already know. Your father is right—relying on the family is not a lasting path. If you’re dissatisfied, refine the family’s sword and heart methods to their peak; then, none will best you.”

“When you were young, you were adorable, and I told you how the founder’s blade shocked Xuanzhou. But you grew playful, obsessed with victory and defeat. Your father sent you to Hanjiang Island, hoping the power of water would calm your heart. Unexpectedly, you learned no real skills, only a deeper obsession with winning. Only by abandoning victory and defeat can you go further.”

“I’ve been in seclusion many years. Since you’re here, rest tonight and leave tomorrow. If you want me to intervene, that’s impossible. As an elder, I cannot fight juniors; even if I win, it brings no honor to the family. Why can’t you see this? You’ve always been clever.”

Xi Zhen’s heart chilled. Clearly, ordinary arguments would not persuade the ancestor to emerge. Only by provoking his wrath might he succeed. “But ancestor, my reputation alone means little. However, Liang Xi’s background is exceptional—his maternal grandfather is the ‘Madman’ Jun Daoxing!”

Without investigating Liang Xi, Xi Zhen wouldn’t have dared come here. Sure enough, upon hearing Jun Daoxing’s name, Xi Tianjian’s breathing grew tense. “What? The one who injured you is the Madman’s descendant? Excellent! Long ago, your founder and the Madman vanished after their duel. Good, I’ll come out once more and see how strong the Madman’s descendant is!”

According to family tradition, if the Xi clan ever met Jun Daoxing’s descendants, a duel was required, to prove that the Blazing Sun Swordsmanship was not inferior to any. Over the years, the Xi family had grown complacent, forgetting their tradition, but Xi Tianjian never forgot. Once known as Xuanzhou’s foremost divine sword, now it was time to emerge again. The figure slowly stepped from the hut, and Xi Zhen felt as if a faint sword aura separated him from the world—his eyes could not see clearly.

“Child, why are you still kneeling? Since I’ve emerged, the matter with Jun Daoxing’s descendant must be settled. Rest assured, after years of sword practice, I have deeper insight than before. You wanted to reclaim your dignity—come, let’s go!” The ancestor’s movements were ethereal, and in an instant, he reached the main hall. “Xi Chong, after all these years, you’re still the same. I thought my seclusion would spur you to achievement, but you remain useless!”

“Let me ask you: why did you not assist your child when he begged you? Even if you don’t say, I know—it’s because you’ve grown complacent, neglecting swordsmanship for years. I cannot bear to see the Xi family’s reputation ruined by you!” His words thundered through the hall. Though Xi Tianjian had withdrawn from society, his temper flared, and his speech was no longer polite.

His anger seemed to undo all his years of cultivation. Xi Chong had not expected to see the ancestor’s vigor. “Ancestor, forgive me. My Flame Heart Method is stalled at the fourth stage, unable to progress. I know that forcing the Blazing Sun Sword would harm me, so I gave up practicing.”

“Years ago, you were stuck at the fourth stage, and now still so. The founder created both the Flame Heart Method and Blazing Sun Swordsmanship, and now it seems they’ll perish with you. But it’s good I’ve returned—everything will change. What you cannot do, I’ll do for you. Take this sword aura to Hanjiang Island and say that in three days, I will personally go to the Riverside Pavilion!”

With those words, Xi Chong felt a powerful sword aura swirl in his palm. Soon, it condensed into a short sword. He marveled at the ancestor’s strengthened abilities and wondered what Xi Zhen had said to persuade him to act.

Xi Zhen’s face was now full of pride; he never imagined the ancestor’s power could be so formidable. With the ancestor’s divine abilities, he feared nothing. “Child, since I am here, I will get justice for you.”

A fierce sword aura shot toward Hanjiang Island’s Siyun Hall. Xi Chong had barely arrived, and the sword aura flew on the wind—a clear warning before the confrontation. But what sort of person was Jiang Xuehan? Not only was he unafraid of a mere sword aura, he wouldn’t fear Xi Tianjian himself. Facing the incoming sword aura, the island master merely tapped his finger, and the aura spun in his hand. “In three days, I will personally come to witness your skills!”

With a forceful palm, Jiang Xuehan shattered the sword aura. “That old fool—after years in seclusion, he’s suddenly stirred up. Well, let him come. He brings such a grand gift!”

“Island master, this is Xi Tianjian’s sword aura. Hasn’t he been secluded for years? Now he’s come out—what should we do?” “What should we do? Brother Qianshui, Xi Zhen is a disciple of Hanjiang Island, but now, for his own sake, he’s caused such trouble. The old man made it clear: he’ll come in three days. We’ll face him then. As for what you four are thinking, I know, but you must abandon any intention of sending anyone away. Since Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen are Hanjiang Island’s disciples, we’ll protect them as long as possible!”

“Are we afraid of one old man? The Xi family has secretly worked against us for years; we let it go for old times’ sake. Now, Xi Tianjian dares provoke us. Fine, let’s take this chance to wipe out the Xi family, so we’ll have peace!”

“Elders, this matter started with us brothers; naturally, we should resolve it ourselves. We already have a plan—if we die, we won’t implicate you!” Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen were anxious; they didn’t want to see their beloved Hanjiang Island destroyed because of them. Since they caused this trouble, they must settle it.

“Your courage is admirable, but without sufficient strength, words are useless. You two truly don’t know your limits. True, you’ve had fortuitous encounters and gained skill, but you must know—Xi Tianjian is not ordinary. Liang Xi, I hear your grandfather was the ‘Madman’ Jun Daoxing. Haven’t you heard that years ago, your grandfather fought a sword master in the Southern Region? That was Xi Tongshen. Their powers were equal, and after that duel, both vanished!”

“Now Xi Tianjian has learned you’re Jun Daoxing’s descendant, and his temper flares. If you act rashly, aren’t you walking into a trap?” Jiang Xuehan believed both brothers were talented; if lost, it would be a shame.

“My mother never spoke of this, but I am myself; my grandfather is his own person. Father always said, ‘Each bears his own deeds.’ You five need not worry. In three days, there will be an outcome!”

“What nonsense! That last strike was mine. If trouble is sought, I’m ahead of you. Never forget, I’m your senior brother; protecting you is my duty. Since it’s such an interesting affair, how could I miss it?” Zhuang Yunzhen’s momentum was astonishing, his body radiating golden light. Jiang Xuehan saw their fearlessness and recognized the essence of the Wangjiang Palm technique. What more could he say?

“Very well. Since you’re resolved, I’ll say no more. Let’s wait three days!” Zhuang Yunzhen laughed loudly. “Xi Tianjian, I’m the one who injured your grandson. If you have the skill, come find me!” Since mastering sword aura unity, Zhuang Yunzhen had undergone a remarkable transformation. Every word he spoke was filled with powerful energy. “Xi Zhen, your fate is no greater. In three days, we await your arrival!”

Xi Tianjian heard this. He hadn’t met such opponents in years. This was Zhuang Yunzhen? After seeing the sword aura challenge, he was unafraid, unleashing astonishing potential. Excellent! If the senior brother is so brave, the Madman’s descendant must be even better.

This emergence was truly worthwhile. After years of searching for opponents, suddenly he found two. His delight was indescribable. “Haha, the younger generation is impressive. For your spirit, in three days I will only compete in swordsmanship, not use heart methods to harm you!”

The three conversed as if they were old friends, facing each other. Xi Zhen’s face was now ugly; how could these two converse with the ancestor as equals? Sadly, his own skills were insufficient, and jealousy filled his heart. This honor should have been his, but now he could only watch, powerless.

“These two are formidable. I thought the duel in three days would be dull, but I never expected such strength. This is truly interesting. Now I have something to look forward to. Xi Zhen, you’re far inferior to them!” Even if Xi Zhen wanted to defend himself, it was impossible. His hatred for Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen grew. All this was because of them; without them, none of this would have happened. In three days, it would end. Once they died, he would reclaim his place as Hanjiang Island’s senior disciple.

The upcoming duel spread throughout Xuanzhou. People were shocked that Xi Tianjian, long secluded, would reappear. Rumor had it he died in despair, unable to reach higher martial realms, but evidently, that was nonsense. In the stone hut by the Yunjiang shore, Shui Linglong heard the news—her heart both moved and worried. She was grateful because, after suffering great misfortune, she had become mistrustful, unwilling to believe anyone. Yet meeting the two brothers seemed destined; they were determined to stir things up. She liked that, but worried that Xi Tianjian, after years perfecting the Blazing Sun Swordsmanship, would now be even more formidable. Sadly, her oath prevented her from helping them; all she could do was pray silently. She had decided: whatever the outcome, she would acknowledge them as brothers.

Shui Linglong was a person of deep feeling. The warmth she felt came from two places: her master and these two brothers. Three days passed swiftly, and on this day, the Riverside Pavilion was more crowded than ever. Everyone wanted to witness Xuanzhou’s divine sword in action. The legends about Xi Tianjian were numerous; if Xi Tongshen founded the family, Xi Tianjian was the one who brought it to new glory, enabling the Xi family to become Xuanzhou’s foremost clan.

Along the way, the brothers’ aura was steady; they cared little for others’ gaze. But the crowd was immense! “The more people, the livelier. When the fight starts, I’ll be more energized. But what if that elder loses to us—what then?”

“Haha, you’re amusing. It’s been ages since someone dared speak to me like this. I’ll lose, of course, but those who can make me admit defeat aren’t you two. Seeing you reminds me of myself in the past—when my sword skills flourished, I was wild and unrestrained. Later, with no adversaries, life lost meaning, so I retired. Today, to duel you two, perhaps heaven doesn’t want me to retire so soon? Liang Xi, I sense powerful sword aura from you—that’s Shang Ru Yi’s sword aura unity. If you’ve mastered his swordsmanship, you must be exceptionally talented. I hope you won’t disappoint me. I know you can do it.”

Suddenly, a dense sword aura enveloped the pavilion. A dark figure approached, first a black dot, then clearer and clearer, finally revealing an old man with sword-like brows and a heroic demeanor. He wore plain clothing, walked slowly, and with each step his sword aura grew stronger. “Jiang Xuehan, it’s been years. You’ve changed much; your skills must be at their peak!”

“Hmph, old man, you haven’t changed—you’re just as arrogant and annoying as ever!” Jiang Xuehan laughed and chatted, unafraid of the sword aura; the four branch island masters stood firm, and Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen did not retreat.

“Haha, I’ve always been this way. Over the years, even if I wanted to change, it’s impossible.” He turned to the brothers, “You two are my opponents this time? Indeed, extraordinary bearing. My grandson pales in comparison!” He threw a punch, slow but forceful. “Does the old man have such power in a casual punch?” Zhuang Yunzhen countered with a punch, equally casual and unnamed. The fists collided, and an intense force shocked all present.

The people of Xuanzhou knew Xi Tianjian was famed for swordsmanship, but never imagined his boxing was so fierce. Even more surprising, Zhuang Yunzhen could counter him, suppressing him with a single move.

“Your opponent is me. That punch was meant for my junior brother, so as his senior, I cannot ignore it! Junior brother, hold back for now.” Though he blocked with boxing, the gap in power was vast, and Zhuang Yunzhen retreated three steps. If not for merging sword aura and golden body defense, he couldn’t have withstood the punch.

“Excellent, young man. Such vigorous energy—no wonder you could withstand my punch. Does your boxing have a name? Zhuang Yunzhen, you should know, just from this punch alone, you’re now famous throughout Xuanzhou!”

“In the past, many died by my iron fist, but you can withstand it—remarkable!” His praise was genuine; such a talented disciple would be a shame to lose. “Elder, you are renowned. If you defeat us brothers with full strength, it’s easy, but it would harm your reputation. So I suggest: limit it to ten moves. If we can withstand them, we win. Do you accept?” Liang Xi proposed.

He smiled, but dared not be careless. “Indeed, if I, an elder, fight you with full strength, even a win is unseemly. Fine, ten moves. If you withstand them, the Xi family will withdraw. If not, you’re at my mercy.”

“I said three days ago, I’ll only compete in swordsmanship; if I use heart methods or energy, it would be bullying. I’ve roamed the world—I won’t do such things.” As a grandmaster, Xi Tianjian’s word was law. Jiang Xuehan had thought the brothers would be gravely injured or worse, but Zhuang Yunzhen managed to counter, and Liang Xi set the ten-move pact—making the duel fair.

Before everyone’s eyes, Zhuang Yunzhen, Liang Xi, and Xi Tianjian stood at opposite ends of the Riverside Pavilion. “Begin. Let me see what you two are capable of!”

The brothers exchanged a glance and both launched into the Flying Bird Phantom Dance. Liang Xi was ethereal, Zhuang Yunzhen steady. Though moving slowly, he gave an unreal impression. He knew he was reserved by nature, unlike his lively junior brother, so he focused all his skill on the first phantom, Water Moon. The Flying Bird Phantom Dance had five phantoms; the first two emphasized movement, the last three attack.

“Remarkable, such skill at your age!” Zhuang Yunzhen unleashed a punch, stronger than before. Nearby disciples rubbed their eyes—how did he throw the punch? Flower in the mirror, moon in the water—concealing the move’s trail. Xi Tianjian raised his hand, seeking to neutralize the fierce punch with soft palm technique, but Zhuang Yunzhen anticipated this, his figure fading as a powerful punch struck Xi Tianjian’s back.

Before Xi Tianjian could turn, Liang Xi’s “Adding Frost to Snow” struck, creating a pincer attack. One hard, one soft, yin and yang—two energies enveloped Xi Tianjian. Their coordination was flawless, cold and forceful energy intertwined. Against ordinary opponents, such an attack would shatter their meridians instantly. Onlookers gasped; they never imagined the brothers could achieve this level.

Wan Ruyu watched silently, her expression unreadable. Lin Guang, the youngest, cheered loudly. Jiang Xuehan glanced at him, “Junior brother, don’t make a scene. Watch quietly.”

Yao Qianshui’s eyes stayed fixed on Xi Tianjian. Since the old man appeared, Yao Qianshui had not looked away. “Yao Qianshui, why stare at me? I know you want to see my swordsmanship. If possible, you’d fight me yourself, but as island master, you can’t act. Seeing your spirit reassures me. Your Qianshui Sword must be at a higher stage now, right?”

“When this is over, let’s duel, brother. Now, watch me!” Xi Tianjian laughed and used brute force to repel the brothers’ moves. “Excellent boxing, but your inner strength is lacking. If refined further, you could seriously injure me!”

The brothers retreated several steps. Zhuang Yunzhen’s footwork changed, lightning flickered beneath his feet, his hand shifted from fist to palm. The palm was weighty and unstoppable, thunder echoed in the air—this was the fifth move of Sun and Moon Twin Radiance, “Thunder’s First Calamity,” channeling thunder’s power into the palm.

The pavilion was frozen by cold energy. Liang Xi used his finger as a sword, launching a rapid attack. Sword aura and lightning filled the air. “Good swordsmanship, good palm technique—try my sword as well!” Xi Tianjian also used his finger as a sword, but faster than Liang Xi. Crimson sword aura erupted, instantly reversing the situation. “Blazing Sun—first form of the Blazing Sun Swordsmanship. Quick against quick, Sword Aura Unity’s ‘Sword Drawn for Merit’ and Blazing Sun are equally famed.”

“If today’s opponent were Shang Ru Yi himself, this pavilion would be destroyed!” Yao Qianshui, Hanjiang Island’s foremost swordsman, recognized the Blazing Sun Sword. “Hmph, mere Sword Aura Unity—how can it compare to my family’s Blazing Sun Sword? Liang Xi, you’re doomed!”

“Qianshui, that’s true; but how does my Blazing Sun compare to before?” Xi Tianjian, once Xuanzhou’s divine sword, easily suppressed the brothers with a single move—only sword technique, not Flame Heart Method. If he used both, the brothers would be doomed, but Xi Tianjian refrained, wanting to see what surprises they could offer. The “Sword Drawn for Merit” move, though newly learned, already had the air of Shang Ru Yi’s world-sweeping style.

With a few more years, Liang Xi’s swordsmanship would be even stronger. Yao Qianshui said, “Old man, your Blazing Sun is more formidable, but you forget—Sword Aura Unity grows stronger against strength, especially the second move ‘Sword Drawn for Merit.’” The brothers shouted and simultaneously used Sword Aura Unity, breaking Xi Tianjian’s suppression. They knew only by using Sword Aura Unity together could they fight this opponent.

Xi Tianjian was even more amazed, then laughed heartily. “I see—Shang Ru Yi must have split Sword Aura Unity in two: senior brother learns heart method, junior brother sword technique. Am I right? Excellent! Today, to duel my old friend’s disciples, I have no regrets!” He leaped into the air. “Qianshui, lend me your sword!” Yao Qianshui’s sword was swept up by powerful sword aura and landed in Xi Tianjian’s hand.

“Since you two are my old friend’s disciples, I won’t hold back. Take up your weapons—I don’t fight those unarmed!”

“I am the sword, the sword is me—why need a weapon?” The brothers replied in unison.