Chapter 8: The Sect Leader Arrives

“Since I already said I’d let you go, I won’t regret it. Why are you still here? Do you truly wish to die?” Liang Xiri said with a cold snort. Second Uncle Liang Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief and departed without the slightest concern for the fate of the Blind Swordmaster. With Liang Xiri’s current level of skill, it would have been easy to detain him. But now, the most important thing was Gu Zhenzhen’s safety. If she were to be injured again while dealing with this man, Liang Xiri feared he would never forgive himself.

“Wait!” Suddenly, Tian Ziling spoke up. Everyone looked on in confusion. What was this? Could it be that these two also harbored some deep-seated grudge? Liang Xiri, supporting the pale-faced Gu Zhenzhen, signaled her to rest. She had endured much during the recent battle with Second Uncle. “Now, I finally understand why Wishful Cultivation is known as the foremost method for refining the spirit in the world. Hmph, to refine one’s spirit, one must change their very nature. Only then can the full power of this art be unleashed.”

Liang Chen turned to face the solemn Tian Ziling. “Sect Leader Tian, what do you mean by this? I have never understood your implication. With your abilities, if you truly wished to know something, it would be easy for you to find out. Asking me—what could you possibly gain? Let it go. Each of us should look to our own affairs. That is in everyone’s best interest. Boy, some things are best left unknown. It does not bode well to probe too deeply.”

Tian Ziling’s figure flashed behind Liang Chen, blocking his escape. Disregarding the threat in Liang Chen’s words, Tian Ziling said coldly, “Today, if you do not clarify the truth behind the Sect Leader’s death, you will not leave here unharmed. Liang Xiri has promised to spare you, but I have made no such vow!”

The Sect Leader in Tian Ziling’s mouth was none other than the former master of the Shadow Sect, Tian Hao. It was said that Tian Hao had died due to losing control while cultivating the Sevenfold Transformation of the Demon, but as a member of the Tian family, Tian Ziling had secretly investigated the matter years ago and knew it was far from simple. Just now, from Liang Chen’s footwork as he turned, Tian Ziling recognized striking similarities to the man who battled the Sect Leader that day, hence the interrogation.

“What’s this? Since you refuse to speak, allow me. Brothers of the Shadow Sect, do you know what truly caused the death of our former Sect Leader, Tian Hao? Was it truly the Sevenfold Transformation gone awry? Ridiculous! The former Sect Leader was a man of prodigious talent and iron will—a blessing to our sect. How could such a man die for no reason? Let me tell you: our former Sect Leader died because of the man standing before me!”

“Lord Liang Chen, with all these brothers present, do you dare reveal the truth of that day? You don’t, because your conscience betrays you. Do you truly believe your secrets will remain forever hidden? All you ever wanted was our sect’s supreme art, the Sevenfold Transformation of the Demon. But the former Sect Leader saw right through you. Earlier, in your moment of pride, you exposed your unique footwork.”

“From the nature of the former Sect Leader’s wounds, it’s clear his opponent was less skilled. In a fair fight, there was no chance of victory. The only way was by surprise. Tian Hao was my kin, and now that I know the truth, I will not let you leave unharmed.”

Tian Ziling’s fighting spirit erupted. It was clear he was about to unleash the Sevenfold Transformation of the Demon, as the devouring Yin energy coiled around him. “Brothers, this is between me and this man. Do not interfere.” From the moment he became Shadow Sect’s master, Tian Ziling had been preparing for this very confrontation. “Well? Liang Chen, why do you look so grim? All these years, haven’t you coveted the Sevenfold Transformation? Back at Mingyu Manor, you may not have seen clearly, but now your opponent is me. I want to see how many of my moves you can withstand!”

On this matter, Tian Ziling would not be swayed. Nightless Heaven had already encircled the area with elite disciples; even if Liang Chen possessed supernatural abilities, he could not escape.

Liang Chen was first startled, then burst into laughter. “Ha! Just from my turning movement, you deduced my identity? Very well. I’ll tell you plainly: yes, I killed Tian Hao. What do you intend to do about it? This is Mingyu Manor, Tian Ziling. I do not believe you truly dare to make a move. You should know Lord Luo Mingyu’s rules: no matter what grievances exist, none may fight within these grounds!”

“For years, no one has broken this rule. Luo Mingyu, am I right? If I die here today, the blame falls on your house. You care deeply about your reputation. If you mishandle this, you can forget your title as the world’s foremost young master.” He then glanced at Liang Xiri. “Nephew, your Second Uncle is beset by enemies. As a member of the Liang family, will you truly not intervene? Were your father present, what would he do?”

Liang Chen’s scheme was intricate: first, to provoke Luo Mingyu into action, thereby preserving his own reputation, and then to bind Liang Xiri with family rules. Though Liang Xiri appeared brash, he was in fact scrupulous about the family code. If both Luo Mingyu and Liang Xiri sided with him, how could Tian Ziling hope to prevail?

But Liang Chen’s calculations were off in one respect: Liang Xiri had been indifferent to rules since childhood, and even after joining Lingyun Palace at five, this had not changed. “Second Uncle, you’re mistaken. Rules have never been a burden to me. I do as I please—that is my true self.”

“Second Uncle, Brother Tian Ziling and I get along famously. Since he says this is between you two, it would not be right for me to interfere out of friendship. Hmph, now you call me family, but when you sought Luo Mingyu, you acted differently. If not for my skill, I’d be dead by now, with everyone here as witness.”

“Well said, Yuanhui. Liang Chen, this is Mingyu Manor—my domain. I do value my reputation, but sometimes, it’s worth letting the world laugh. Tian Ziling, do as you wish. If anything happens, I’ll bear the responsibility. I want to see who would dare cross me. My twelve beauties by my side are infamous for their prowess.”

“The rules here are mine to make. Today, I permit this duel. Old man, show us your skill.”

These words greatly improved Luo Mingyu’s standing among the Shadow Sect’s disciples. They had feared he would forbid their master from acting, but now saw he was much like Liang Xiri—always acting according to his own will.

The faces of the Shadow Sect’s heroes brightened, and they looked at Liang Chen as though he were a caged bird. Liang Chen, never expecting things to unfold thus, steeled himself. “If you wish to kill me, I doubt you have the ability. Do you think only you can use the Sevenfold Transformation?”

As his words fell, a thick, chilling aura surged from Liang Chen—Devouring Sun Yin energy. Tian Ziling’s expression darkened; he should have realized that if Liang Chen had killed the previous master, he would have absorbed his skills. Only now, as Liang Chen displayed the Devouring Sun Yin, did Tian Ziling finally believe it.

“That’s right, this is Tian Hao’s Sevenfold Transformation. Though you are the only one to master the complete technique, Tian Hao’s cultivation was deeper. Now I possess both Soaring Spirit Quietude and the Sevenfold Transformation. Even with your solid foundation, how can you be my match? If you insist on fighting, one of us will die—and it’s clear to you who that will be. But if you let me go, how could you ever be at peace? Fine. Out of respect for our shared cultivation, I’ll give you a chance. I’ll wait for you in Sizhou.”

“If you dare come, my life is yours. If not, let’s leave it at that. Today, none of you can stop me. Farewell!” With a few leaps, Liang Chen vanished. He had been hiding his strength all along; even if they had fought, victory would have come at a terrible cost.

“Brother Tian Ziling, if you trust me, I’ll accompany you to Sizhou.” Liang Xiri truly meant it. The matter here was settled, and had it not been for him, Tian Ziling would have already fought his Second Uncle. While Liang Xiri was not the cause, he felt responsible. Besides, he saw Tian Ziling as a worthy ally—someone who might one day be of great help.

Tian Ziling nodded. “If you’re willing, all the better. You’ve seen for yourself—over the years, Liang Chen has regarded himself as our benefactor, no matter what we’ve done for him. But nothing in this world is truly owed. Yes, in the past, he was a great benefactor to us. We have repaid him many times over, even with questionable deeds. Now, if I want to change the world’s opinion of the Shadow Sect, I must start with Liang Chen.”

The disciples of the Shadow Sect fell silent. Outsiders saw their sect as monsters, but only those who’d lived through it understood the hardship. Now, the disciples were filled with righteous anger. “Master, don’t worry—we’ll help you. Liang Chen has crossed the line, thinking the whole of Sizhou belongs to him.”

Luo Mingyu’s power was immense. At this moment, Gu Zhenzhen felt herself surrounded by a warm current. She had forced herself to use the Wishful Art and Lingwei’s Four Essences in the fight with Liang Chen, causing her internal poison to flare up again. Fortunately, with Luo Mingyu’s help, her complexion soon improved. Liang Xiri, seeing her rosy cheeks, was reassured, knowing Ji Anran had words for him. “Let’s go. Whatever you wish to say, let’s do so outside and not disturb Zhenzhen’s recovery.”

Ji Anran sat gracefully, her voice gentle but firm. “Wherever you go, I’ll go. Don’t think you can leave me behind. If we go to Sizhou, can you truly fight your Second Uncle? Even you don’t believe it. Since you can’t, I’ll do it for you. As long as I’m here, no one will bully you!”

Her stunning face was calm, but her words rang with conviction. Liang Xiri took her slender, delicate hand. “Wonderful! With a beauty like you at my side, the journey will never be dull. Why not let the people of Sizhou see what true beauty looks like? I wager my Second Uncle will be so embarrassed he’ll cough blood and die of shame—saving us a great deal of trouble.”

Ji Anran blushed, pounding his shoulder with her jade-like hand. “You never speak properly—always talking nonsense. Since it’s settled, no backing out. Don’t think you can take everything on yourself.” She nestled gently against his chest. “Let’s not bring Zhenzhen along. That girl throws caution to the wind for your sake. She’s still recovering—I can’t bear for her to be hurt again.”

Liang Xiri played with her silken hair. “I understand your concern. Zhenzhen may appear delicate, but her spirit is as tenacious as yours. We’ll slip away quietly. If anything happens to her, I’d have no way to answer to Elder Gu Chuan.”

Gu Zhenzhen wanted to protect Liang Xiri and do something for him, willing to risk everything. But Liang Xiri would not let history repeat itself; he, too, wished to protect her.

“Brother Yuanhui, say no more. I am determined to go to Sizhou. I heard everything you and Sister Anran discussed. For you, I’ll do anything. Before I met you, I was always protected by my father. Now that I possess strength, I want to protect those I love. You’re right—my spirit is just as strong as Sister Anran’s. Once I’ve decided, nothing can change it.”

Gu Zhenzhen would not let her brother and Anran face danger without doing her part. If they returned safely, all would be well; but if anything befell them, could she rest easy? They had come to Mingyu Manor for her sake; now that she was healed, there was no reason for them to risk themselves again.

Liang Xiri grinned. “Very well! With two beauties at my side, my Second Uncle will be mortified. He’s never had a woman like him, and when we show up, the three of us will really shake him. And I’m not breaking any family rules.”

Ji Anran now felt deep regret—how had she ended up knowing such a man? “Zhenzhen, let’s leave first. Your Brother Yuanhui is obsessed right now; if we stay, who knows what nonsense he’ll spout next. Let’s go—I truly don’t want to see him any longer.”

“But Brother Yuanhui is right. The three of us together are the most beautiful sight in the world! I don’t believe there’s a woman alive who can match your beauty.” Though Ji Anran dragged her away, Gu Zhenzhen still protested sweetly.

“Yuanhui, are the three of you enough for the journey to Sizhou? Do you need me to send my Twelve Maestros with you? It’s a pity I’m bound by old vows: I cannot leave Mingyu Manor or take up arms. Otherwise, if we joined forces, the world would be ours—no need for all this trouble.”

Luo Mingyu emerged from the shadows, calm as ever. He understood better than anyone the power of the Mingyu Radiance, and that Gu Zhenzhen was deeply connected to it. With the foundation of Lingwei’s Four Essences, the Mingyu Radiance’s effects were maximized. Treasures only have value in the right hands—otherwise, they are useless.

Liang Xiri bowed gravely to Luo Mingyu. “Brother, thank you sincerely. But the three of us are enough for Sizhou. The Twelve Maestros are to guard you—I wouldn’t dare usurp them. When I return, let’s drink together and I’ll introduce you to my senior brother, Zhuang Yunzhen. You’ll surely admire him, though he’s not as frivolous as I am.”

Luo Mingyu poured himself a cup of wine and smiled. “Zhuang Yunzhen? I know of him—he should be at the Su Yi Pavilion now. Yuanhui, don’t forget—I always know of rising talents. You two grew up together and are close as brothers. Anyone you respect so highly must be of excellent character. If fate allows, we’ll meet. I’ve said my piece; now rest easy. I’ll take my leave.”

For the journey to Sizhou, Liang Xiri changed into a sapphire robe adorned with twinkling lights like a starry sky—clearly of great value. His handsome features and noble air were accentuated by his attire. Ji Anran wore crimson, with a turquoise jade flute at her waist, her hair tied with a silken ribbon. Gu Zhenzhen was dressed in green, her gaze gentle and her complexion rosy, fully recovered from her injuries.

The trio was indeed a sight to behold—dragons and phoenixes among men. Liang Xiri loved to make a spectacle, and since they were heading to Sizhou, he would ensure no one underestimated Tian Ziling. Luo Mingyu, seeing them, could not help but marvel at their beauty—even the renowned Twelve Maestros blushed and dared not meet Liang Xiri’s gaze.

“Since you’re ready, let’s set out. The sooner we arrive, the fewer the troubles.” The three mounted their fine horses and dashed off, Liang Xiri ever impatient. “Master Luo, when it’s all over, come to Sizhou and I’ll entertain you properly.” With a clear whistle, they rode away, followed by Nightless Heaven and other elite Shadow Sect disciples.

Sizhou lay north of Mingyu Manor—a true land of hardship in the past, remote and desolate. But after years of Liang Chen’s efforts, it had become a place of mild climate and prosperity, winning praise from all who visited. Yet Liang Chen, returning from Mingyu Manor, was in no mood to admire the scenery. He could not believe Tian Ziling would dare come to Sizhou. Without him, would the Shadow Sect have its current status? To even think of raising arms against him—foolish!

“Relay my orders—gather the men. Today, we will annihilate the Shadow Sect. I’ve told you to show restraint for years—no more! I know you’ve been waiting for this day as long as I have. Go, prepare!”

Liang Chen did not look back. A shadow flickered behind him. Sizhou was his creation; he would not yield it. Giving Jinlan River to Tian Hao had been for the sake of gaining the Sevenfold Transformation. Who would have thought Tian Hao would refuse? Since he would not give it willingly, Liang Chen would take it by force. Now, having merged the Sevenfold Transformation with Soaring Spirit Quietude, Tian Ziling was no match for him.

The Tian clan had been arrogant under his very nose for too long. Today, he would bring matters to a true conclusion. The air around him seethed with Devouring Sun Yin and Soaring Spirit energies, fissures opening in the ground from the sheer force.

Jinlan River—the Shadow Sect headquarters.

Left King Min You and Right King Lan Ling gazed at the countless disciples below and called out, “Brothers, our Shadow Sect has suffered much in the past. Now, we finally have a foothold in Sizhou. Do you wish to return to those old days?”

“No! No!” the disciples replied in unison. Though Liang Chen had contributed, most of the credit belonged to generations of Shadow Sect elders. Yet, even after Sizhou’s transformation, the sect received only the Jinlan River and continued to live under surveillance.

The bitterness was hard to bear. “Brothers, we have given our all for Sizhou, but what have we gained? If we do not act, all our efforts will be for nothing. Who will join us in battle?”

“Now, with the Master absent, it is our duty as disciples to fight. Waiting for death is not our way. Past grievances end today—follow me into battle!”

With a resounding cry, Min You led the charge, countless disciples following. The Shadow Sect had endured much since its founding, forging an unbreakable spirit. They would never yield. “Lan Ling, you stay behind and await the Master and reinforcements.”

This time, the Shadow Sect’s finest turned out, and the area around Jinlan River was thick with the will to fight. Due to its geography, Sizhou’s people were simple yet loved battle. Seeing the Shadow Sect’s mobilization, they knew the conflict with Liang Chen had reached its breaking point—there could be no reconciliation.

A whirlwind of experts assembled, the atmosphere electric. By now, outsiders wanted nothing to do with the conflict and fled, leaving the two sides to their fate.

“Liang Chen, we are here! If not now, when will you show yourself?” Min You’s deep cultivation made his shout resound like thunder. If they could slay Liang Chen, all would be resolved. He could not run any longer.

“Haha! Min You, you know me well. You knew that after returning from Mingyu Manor, I would destroy the Shadow Sect, so you struck first. Let me tell you: yes, I killed the former Sect Leader Tian Hao, as your Master long knew. At Mingyu Manor, he was no match for me!”

“Three moves. It took only three moves for me to defeat Tian Ziling. Hmph! You people have never shown gratitude. Today, I’ll kill you all—how satisfying! Min You, I hear your Sevenfold Transformation has reached the Sixth Realm, second only to Tian Ziling. Let me see for myself!”

“Everyone else, stand back. This man’s opponent is me!” Min You wasted no time, unleashing the Demonic Step to its utmost, appearing before Liang Chen in a flash and striking at his face with a Nine Nether Devouring Sun Palm—the fourth realm of the Sevenfold Transformation.

Liang Chen showed no fear. Though Min You had the initiative, Liang Chen countered with the same technique, both pushing the Nine Nether Devouring Sun Palm to its limits.

Boom! Boom! Figures flashed and palms clashed—dozens of moves in moments, yet neither had the upper hand. Min You dared not be careless. He had thought himself second only to the Master in Sizhou, but now realized how Liang Chen could turn the tables.

“What’s this? After all these years of bitter cultivation, is this all you can do? As one of the Shadow Sect’s two Kings, you have only this much power? Then today, you die here!”

Liang Chen grew more ruthless, striking with even greater force. His disciples were delighted—who was Liang Chen but the supreme master of Sizhou? How could the Shadow Sect hope to rival him?

Whoosh! Liang Chen’s palm fell on empty air—only an afterimage. Suddenly, a searing palm wind howled from behind. Spinning, Liang Chen dodged Min You’s killing blow. “The fourth realm of the Sevenfold Transformation—the Flame Dragon? I hear your mastery of this realm is profound. That last move was impressive, but not enough. Within this realm, the Boundless Sea of Fire and Flame Dragon Ascendant are most formidable. What, can’t use them?”

“If not, you’ll never defeat me. Come, show me what you can do. No matter what you try, I do not fear you!”

Liang Chen kept evading. Though Min You was strong, his temperament was too impatient, quickly exhausting his own momentum—his greatest flaw. Yet, knowing this, Min You devoted himself to mastering the fourth realm’s Flame Dragon, using surging Yin energy to conjure raging fire and offset exhaustion.

“You want to see my Boundless Sea of Fire? You’re already in it. Haven’t you realized? Within this sea, how can you hope to win?”

The surroundings became a sea of fire. “You’re right. Of all the Sevenfold Transformation’s realms, the one I mastered is the fourth—Flame Dragon. I lack natural talent, so I made up for it with diligence. Now, my attacks are sharp enough to deal with you!”

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Waves of flame, like the fury pent up in the Shadow Sect’s hearts for years, now unleashed without restraint, bent on destroying the man before them.

“Excellent! With the King unleashing the Boundless Sea of Fire, even Liang Chen’s ferocity is useless. In the past, only the Master could break through it!” The speaker was Hong Chenxiao, second in the Shadow Sect’s trio of Demons. Dressed in crimson, his features striking, he called out, “Why do you hesitate, disciples? Let’s join the fight—enough watching. Dao Wuhen, our old rivalry remains unsettled. I know you’re here. Why hide? Come, let’s settle it!”

Hong Chenxiao’s Sevenfold Transformation had reached the fourth realm—enough to challenge Dao Wuhen. He lunged, seizing one of Liang Chen’s disciples, who was first startled but soon composed himself.

Boom! Their palms met, powers evenly matched. “Hong Chenxiao, you’re as annoying as ever. I’d hoped to wait for the right moment, but you found me. Fine, let’s end it today. Choose your opponents—but let no Shadow Sect disciple leave alive. Attack!”

Boom, boom, boom! Dao Wuhen’s bladework had once shaken Sizhou, and he and Hong Chenxiao were old rivals—equally matched. “Hmph, after all these years, your swordplay must have improved.”

“Try me!” Dao Wuhen no longer hesitated, drawing his chilling blade. With man and sword as one, he unleashed his deadliest technique—Wuhen Overlap.

Hong Chenxiao’s palms blazed with fire as he danced the Demonic Step, his attacks fierce and relentless. He caught the blade with bare hands. “Today, let me show you my Flame Dragon Ascendant—let’s see how you withstand it!” A dragon of flame roared forth, spewing fire.

The flame dragon seemed almost alive, fixing on Dao Wuhen. Though skilled, Dao Wuhen found the assault overwhelming and could only dodge while seeking a counter.

“Trying to escape? Since you’re here, you won’t leave alive. Did you ever imagine such an end? I’ve been waiting for this day for years, training hard for this final reckoning!”

Boom! Hong Chenxiao struck Dao Wuhen in the face, ending his life. Shadow Sect disciples, witnessing this, were roused—though defeat seemed imminent, the tide had turned. They unleashed all their training with no thought of retreat.

“Who else? Come face me! Or I’ll come to you—the result is the same!” Hong Chenxiao was the sect’s madman—gentle in peace but a demon in battle. Liang Chen’s disciples had never learned his skills and could not withstand him.

“Hong Chenxiao, how dare you!” Liang Chen, seeing his disciples fall one by one, was enraged. “Your opponent is me. If you can’t get through me, none of your disciples will survive. Try me if you dare!”

“Damn you, Min You. Do you really think I can’t break your Boundless Sea of Fire? Even if your master were here, I wouldn’t fear him. Out of old respect, I’ve been lenient, but today, you’ll see what true fire is!”

Liang Chen gathered his chilling energy into flames, but within them was a deeper force—Soaring Spirit Quietude. “As I’ve said, I now possess two supreme arts. How can you hope to resist? The Shadow Sect should never have existed. I have already shown you mercy, but you remain ungrateful. All of you—die!”

Torrents of flame surged, threatening to engulf the Shadow Sect.

Boom! A great curtain of water extinguished the flames. “I’m here. No one will ever bully you again!” It was Tian Ziling.