Chapter 10: Intervention

When heading to Green Mountain, Tian Ziling did not bring Liang Xi along. He couldn’t always rely on him to back him up in every matter. Only the Two Heavenly Kings, Min You and Lan Ling, accompanied him. South of Sizhou, half a day’s journey would bring one to the endless stretch of verdant mountains where the Tian clan now lived in seclusion. After half a day's travel, the three arrived. Years of seclusion had stripped the Tian clan of their former sharpness, replacing it with a rustic tranquility. Beyond the mountain pass, a straight path of bluestone appeared, worn smooth and mottled by the passage of countless years. Until now, the road had been deserted, but it was beginning to show signs of life.

The bluestone road, about five hundred meters long, was lined with shops and taverns, all run by Tian clansmen. Even in seclusion, they needed a means of livelihood. Tian Ziling had only visited Green Mountain once as a child; in the years since, he had lived at the Celestial Shadow Sect, so he retained no memories of the Tian clan at Green Mountain. The clansmen on either side eyed the three unexpected arrivals with wariness.

Years of wandering had forged the Tian clan’s cautious, resilient, and powerful nature. Though their gazes brimmed with suspicion, they did not attempt to stop the newcomers. Anyone who could reach Green Mountain was at least connected to the Celestial Shadow Sect or the Tian clan. Such visits happened often every year.

“Sect Master, I sense our journey this time will not be easy. Did you notice the way people look at us? Thankfully, we mean no harm. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.”

Right King Lan Ling had guarded the Celestial Shadow Sect for years and was thus steady and reserved, unlike the flamboyant Min You. Tian Ziling understood Lan Ling’s meaning. Though this was his own family, to both himself and the Tian clan, he was now an outsider—a stranger. Prudence was warranted.

“Lan Ling is right. We should proceed with caution.” The three advanced on horseback, and it took the time of burning a stick of incense to traverse the five-hundred-meter street. At its end stood a stone archway with four pillars and three bays, inscribed with the words: “Tian Clan of Green Mountain.” Beyond it lay the clan’s core.

“Who goes there? Please state your names. By clan rules, all visitors must dismount and proceed on foot. If we offend, we ask your forgiveness,” two Tian disciples said respectfully, stepping forward.

Since it was the rule, they complied. The three dismounted, and the disciples could now see them clearly. The leader was in his twenties, handsome, with eyes shining faintly with an inner light—clearly a master of high cultivation. The two at his side, though travel-worn, exuded extraordinary presence.

“Please inform the elders that Tian Ziling, Sect Master of the Celestial Shadow Sect, has come to pay respects to his elders with important matters to discuss.” Tian Ziling spoke with respect and without condescension.

At his words, the disciples’ expressions grew solemn. The Celestial Shadow Sect was the Tian clan’s foundation, but in recent years, the main family’s talents had dwindled, and their inherited Demonic Transformation Art had only reached the fourth level—Flame Dragon—unable to progress further. Though they wished to reclaim mastery over the Celestial Shadow Sect, their own cultivation was lacking, and Sizhou’s Liang Chen was difficult to deal with. Since the previous Sect Master, Tian Hao, died, ties between the Sect and the Tian clan at Green Mountain had waned.

Today, the Sect Master himself had come. Whatever the reason, it was a promising sign. Seclusion, though peaceful, can grow wearisome with time.

Soon, the clan patriarch Tian Yuheng arrived with a great retinue. He wiped the sweat from his brow, gazed at the youthful visitor, and marveled at Fate’s favor. The Tian clan had produced another outstanding talent—perhaps their former glory might one day return. The only regret was that Tian Ziling was not of the main family but from a collateral branch. Still, he was curious what brought the youth here.

“I am Tian Yuheng, unworthy patriarch of the Tian clan, greeting the Sect Master.” He bent his knees to bow, and those behind him followed suit.

Though Tian Ziling now bore the title of Sect Master, he was still a junior in the family. It was not right for his elders to bow to him. Quickly, he supported Tian Yuheng, saying, “Patriarch, you jest. I am only what I am today because of the Tian clan’s nurture. If any bow is owed, it is I who should bow to you.”

Tian Ziling steadied the patriarch, intending to kneel in respect himself. Tian Yuheng’s display was simply to remind Tian Ziling that, no matter his achievements in the world, within the Tian clan he must observe the rules. The old man’s face had been saved; he would not actually accept such obeisance and risk being accused of bullying the young. After some polite insistence, they both laughed heartily, as if nothing had happened.

Min You and Lan Ling were even more admiring of their Sect Master. Though young, he understood the Tian clan’s temperament well—knowing when to yield and when to assert. Though of a collateral branch, his current status was above the main family’s, but Tian Yuheng would never truly ignore such differences.

The patriarch led Tian Ziling to the clan’s main hall. Along the way, Tian Ziling calmly accepted the respectful gazes of many disciples. Things were as they should be. Little did they know, the world now knew only the Celestial Shadow Sect, not the Tian clan. Once, the Sect depended on the clan, but those days were long past. Now, should this group wish to leave Green Mountain, they would have to heed Tian Ziling.

Tian Ziling’s newfound boldness was due to the advice Liang Xi gave him the day before. Liang Xi had warned that the main family would seek to embarrass him, to remind him never to forget his roots. Liang Xi counseled, “Do nothing at first—wait until they grow anxious, then explain your reasons. If all else fails, assert your strength.”

In short: the Tian clan is a tiger’s den—do not yield an inch. Though Liang Xi was absent, Tian Ziling remembered his words well. Once gentle, his experiences—especially the duel with Liang Chen—had taught him that, to improve the Celestial Shadow Sect, he, as Sect Master, must change.

The main hall was now filled with the clan’s elders and stewards, their faces grave, their eyes probing, suspicious, and even feverish with suppressed excitement and contempt. They had already heard of what happened at the archway—Celestial Shadow Sect was founded by the Tian ancestors, so no matter how many years passed, the clan should rule supreme. This collateral youth was clever, but they would not yield.

“Ah Ling? Is it truly you? You’ve finally returned! Do you know how your uncle has missed you all these years? Now that I see you safe, my heart is greatly relieved. So, tell me, back then you swore not to return without mastering the Demonic Transformation Art. Now, you’re back—have you truly achieved it?”

Upon entering, a tall figure embraced Tian Ziling tightly. “Uncle, I’m back. I missed you too. Have you been well these years?”

Tian Qikong’s huge frame trembled with emotion. “I’ve been well. To see you again makes all the past hardships worthwhile. Let me look at you—living alone at the Celestial Shadow Sect, you have endured much.”

To Tian Ziling, Uncle Tian Qikong was like a father. Only his branch of the collateral family remained; the others had perished in past upheavals. The memory saddened him. “Uncle, I must tell you—I have truly mastered the Demonic Transformation Art. Today I’ve come to take you away. With me here, no one will ever bully you again. All these years, you protected me. Now that I have the strength, it’s my turn to protect you.”

The elders’ faces darkened. Why had this youth come to Green Mountain? Was it not to help them reclaim the Celestial Shadow Sect?

“Sect Master Tian, what is your purpose here? Please speak plainly. Though I know you and Tian Qikong have not met for years, now that you have, let’s focus on important matters. Other things can wait, can they not?”

Tian Ziling seemed to remember there were others present. Composing himself, he surveyed the hall—so many eyes filled with various emotions: suspicion, repressed fervor, contempt, and shock. The shock was because they now realized he had mastered the Demonic Transformation Art—the very skill the main family could not achieve, yet a collateral child had succeeded. Who could easily accept this?

Yet, however hard to accept, it changed nothing. He was unafraid. He had come to settle all past grievances. Though he saw through them all, he maintained a faint smile. “Patriarch, you jest. I came today only to see my uncle. Now that I see he is well, I am reassured. I should take my leave.”

“Tian Ziling, you are mistaken. Since you admit you are of the Tian clan, all you do is for the clan. Though you are from the collateral line, now that you have mastered the Demonic Transformation Art, you should stay and instruct the disciples. You need not concern yourself with the Celestial Shadow Sect—it belongs to the main family. Your task is done; now you can live peacefully with your uncle. Is this not your wish?”

Such arrogance and shortsightedness! At that moment, Tian Ziling finally understood what Liang Xi meant by “tiger’s den, dragon’s lair.” Before he could speak, the patriarch was already making decisions for him. How laughable!

“Patriarch, I call you that out of respect. Do you mean to keep me here by force? If I choose to leave today, no one can stop me. If you doubt it, try!”

Having mastered the Demonic Transformation Art, Tian Ziling’s temperament had changed drastically. He feared no one. If they wanted a fight, he would show no mercy.

“Hmph! Boy, do you know where you are? This is the Tian clan’s Green Mountain. From the moment you three entered, you cannot leave safely. You have two choices: remain and teach us your skills, and perhaps I’ll let you go in the future; or—die! Today, you will not leave!”

As he spoke, the Tian family’s experts surrounded Tian Ziling and his companions. Before such masters, even with peerless skills, escape seemed impossible.

“Hahaha! I choose a third way—kill you all, then leave in peace!” With that, Tian Ziling struck. His figure flickered and vanished, the Demonic Shadow Step executed to perfection.

Crash! Crash! Crash!

His Nine Nether Sun-Eclipsing Palm was ruthless. Where he passed, cries of agony followed. His speed was unimaginable; all this happened in an instant, as though he had not moved at all. “Those willing to follow me, I will forgive all past grievances. The stubborn will meet the same fate as the wailing ones. Who else dares to fight?”

Chilling sun-eclipsing energy shrouded him. “Ha! What are you doing now? Are you afraid? So what if I am from a collateral branch? At least I can wield this art perfectly. You, on the other hand, can only become corpses beneath my feet!”

Madness—nothing but madness. At this moment, the Demonic Transformation Art revealed its full might. Figures blurred, demons danced, and the Tian disciples, who had struggled to learn the art, now truly witnessed its power. Tian Ziling, however, aimed only to intimidate, not to slaughter. Otherwise, none in the hall would have survived.

“Wretch! How dare you be so arrogant? Is my Tian clan truly so devoid of talent? Is there no one else to fight him? Shall we watch our hundred years’ foundation be trampled?”

The patriarch, Tian Yuheng, raged, but the gathering was cowed by Tian Ziling’s might. Who among them dared step forward? In the face of true power, the weak inevitably lose heart. At this moment, their thoughts were as one: even together, they could not defeat him. Why try?

“Oh, Grand Patriarch, your plan has failed, hasn’t it? They all fear my strength. In the past, my family was in dire straits, yet we endured. My father always trusted you, his respected elder brother. But what did you do? You feared his talent and suppressed him at every turn.”

“In the end, my father died with regret. I was young, but I remember—it was by your hand. If not for my uncle’s protection, how could I have survived?”

“Later, when I entered the Celestial Shadow Sect, I dared not reveal my power or talent. I could only practice in secret. Do you know that pain? You never will. You always looked down on everyone, seeing them as pawns!”

Tian Qikong was deeply moved—his nephew knew everything. “Child, if so, kill these despicable ones today. I believe your parents would rejoice.”

Tian Ziling ignored his uncle, approaching Tian Yuheng and looking down at him. “You must be discontent, right? Fine, I’ll give you a chance. As you treated my father, so will I treat you. Let your strongest disciple fight me—if he wins, I’ll stay. If he loses, you can blame only yourselves.”

“Tian Yuheng, you old dog, you have no choice. Did you imagine, when you plotted against my father, that you would end up groveling before me? I’ll count to three—either send someone to fight, or everyone here dies!”

Min You and Lan Ling did not intervene. The Sect Master’s skill now far surpassed theirs; all they needed to do was keep watch. After the duel with Liang Chen, the Sect Master was even more formidable—a good thing indeed.

“One!” Tian Ziling sat imposingly in the elder’s chair, holding up one finger. Silence.

“Two!” He held up a second finger, scanning the trembling, prostrate crowd. Still no response.

“Hahaha! So this is your choice—you all wish to die here? Very well, I’ll fulfill that wish.”

His laughter echoed through the hall, sending chills down their spines. Was this really Tian Ziling? Wasn’t his branch always timid? How had such a madman emerged? His patience exhausted, Tian Ziling gathered his strength for a final, devastating strike.

“Wait! I’ll fight you!” At that moment, a tall figure strode from the cowering crowd. His gaze was resolute, his age similar to Tian Ziling’s, and his features bore a striking resemblance.

“Ah Ling, let me bear your anger. I remember, when we were young, your greatest wish was to spar with me. Sadly, I ignored it then. If I had understood, perhaps none of this would have happened. But the past is gone—words are useless. Come—let us fight.”

This was Tian Peijun, his cousin—the one whom Tian Ziling had always admired and chased after as a boy. Tian Peijun had brought the Demonic Transformation Art to the fifth level—Dragon Phoenix—while Tian Yuheng had only reached the fourth. Now, the main family’s strongest disciple would face Tian Ziling.

“Cousin? Good. In this vast family, only you step forward. Still, you are not my match. Yet I respect your courage—it surpasses all others here. If only we had met under other circumstances.”

In Tian Ziling’s mind, scenes of childhood flashed—two boys racing and playing. “Big Brother, will I ever be like you? Will I be able to learn our family’s Demonic Transformation Art and make it famous one day?”

The older boy, Tian Peijun, turned and smiled. “Ah Ling, if you work hard, you’ll go farther than me. I’ve always believed that.”

Time had proved him right. Now Ah Ling had surpassed them all. Though this battle was hopeless, as the elder, Tian Peijun would not shirk his duty.

“Hahaha! Well done, Peijun! You are truly our strongest disciple. Today, I shall help you one last time. You must win!” Tian Yuheng, now utterly deranged, placed his palm atop Peijun’s head. “Don’t move. I am finished, but you carry all our hopes. Today, I give you all my power. Fight without fear! The Sect Master’s seat was always yours. No one else is worthy!”

Though old, Tian Yuheng’s cultivation was deep—he had reached the Flame Dragon stage. Combined with Peijun’s fifth-level power, their strengths merged to equal Tian Ziling’s—the seventh level, Annihilation.

“Patriarch!” The elders were horrified. The Demonic Transformation Art had two taboos: only Tian clansmen and Celestial Shadow Sect disciples could practice it, and once cultivated, it could not be forcibly transferred. To do so meant death.

“Silence! You are all useless! At the last moment, you let a junior defend you. Once, our clan was heroic—now, we are reduced to this. Still, I am not resigned. This is our last chance to prove ourselves. If Peijun wins, our honor returns. If not, there is nothing left to say. Peijun, you must defeat Tian Ziling. It is my lifelong wish. I killed his father myself, but even after all these years, his shadow haunts me. He was always better than me, even in death.”

“But I refuse to accept it! Why could he reach the sixth level, while I remained at the fourth? Only after his death did I become the strongest. Now, his son has returned. What I could not achieve, you must accomplish.”

With these final words, Tian Yuheng’s energy faded and he vanished, having expended all his power. Peijun could not hold back, even if he wished.

Crash! Crash! Crash!

The two cousins wasted no words. Flames erupted, and two dragons soared in the air—a contest of pure power. Neither could retreat.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The fierce energies shook the hall. The others watched in shock. Peijun, the main family’s strongest, was expected to be formidable, but for the collateral branch’s Tian Ziling to match him proved he truly had mastered the Demonic Transformation Art.

“Well done, little brother! I knew you worked hard, but I never expected such progress. As your elder, I am proud!”

Peijun was delighted. With such talent, the clan and the Sect both had hope. But today’s battle was not only to prove strength—it was to awe the others.

“Big Brother, I owe much to you. Without your guidance, I would not be here. To spar with you is my greatest joy.”

“Bull Charge!”

The brothers unleashed their greatest strength. The crowd was beyond shock—now they were afraid. How could Tian Ziling possess such power? Even now, Peijun seemed unable to prevail.

Boom!

The sound thundered, raising clouds of dust. Bull Charge released all one’s power. Peijun felt his energy surge and laughed aloud. Both retreated three steps. Tian Ziling suppressed his churning blood—his brother was indeed formidable. Had it been anyone else, he would have felt no fear. But to win today would not be easy.

“Take my Crane Spirit Glide!”

Crane Spirit Glide was a nimble, unpredictable palm technique—utterly different from Bull Charge. The two clashed again, their hands weaving like ribbons, blending hardness and softness in deadly fashion. Such a display might never be seen again.

Figures flickered across the battlefield, both using the peerless Demonic Shadow Step. The elders, seeing this, lost all will to fight. Without Peijun’s resistance, none of them would have survived Tian Ziling’s onslaught.

Faintly, lightning crackled in the air. Their battle had reached its climax—over a hundred exchanges, yet still evenly matched.

As if by tacit agreement, “This is the final move. Watch me—Blizzard Thunder Shakes the Heavens!”

They spoke in unison, executing the sixth-level Moonbreaker’s ultimate killing technique. With its chilling power filling the world, it summoned a vision of wrathful dragons consuming all. The Demonic Transformation Art’s reputation rested on the overwhelming might of its sixth and seventh stages—no ordinary person could wield such force.

Boom!

How could the main hall withstand such power? In a flash, it was reduced to rubble—a battle unto death. Yet, however great Tian Ziling’s might, today, it was he who would die. As long as Peijun lived, the Tian clan at Green Mountain would endure.

Smoke billowed. The expected deadly conclusion did not come. A figure intervened, stopping the brothers’ duel. Dressed in fine robes, striking in appearance, it was none other than Liang Xi.

“You two really are something. What began as a spar nearly became a battle to the death. If you both died, who would rejoice most? These elders, of course! So long as one of you lives, they dare not act. But should you both perish, the Tian clan and the Celestial Shadow Sect would be finished. Do you believe me?”

“I intended to remain hidden, but you two have gone too far. If I had not intervened, who knows what would have happened? Listen to me—stop now. I cannot abide brothers fighting. I have a suggestion: since your skills are equal, why not join forces? That would be best for everyone.”

Liang Xi, using the Cloud Soaring Manual, dispelled the lightning. Fortunately, he had practiced this art from childhood; otherwise, he would have been helpless.

“Alas, my robe is ruined. You two owe me a new one,” Liang Xi said, pulling Tian Ziling and Peijun aside, feigning anger.

The elders were stunned—someone so young had neutralized that terrifying force. They were speechless.

“You old men—your greatest delight must be seeing the young fight to the death. Now that I am here, all fighting must cease. Today, I take charge. All Tian clan elders are dismissed. Any who object may try me!”

“But be warned: I am not a patient man. If I lose my temper, none of you will leave. For the sake of Tian Ziling, I let you go—but leave your cultivation behind! I do not trust your character.”

With that, Liang Xi flitted through the elders. They saw only a blur, then nothing.

“Hmph! You brat—what right have you to meddle in Tian clan affairs? Leave now, or face the consequences!”

Liang Xi returned to his place, smiling. “You old fools, your cultivation is gone, yet you still talk big. Amusing. Since you refuse to give it up willingly, I have done it for you.”

“You are now a bunch of cripples. Min You, will the Celestial Shadow Sect take them in?” His words pierced their hearts. They discovered their meridians destroyed, powerless forever. Their faces changed drastically. If Liang Xi wished, he could kill them all.

“Rest assured—I only acted against these useless elders. Any disciples willing to join the Celestial Shadow Sect are welcome. If not, do as you wish. But the Tian clan at Green Mountain must change. Do you truly wish to remain here forever? Is that your desire?”

Liang Xi’s words struck the disciples like hammers. His work done, he turned to Tian Ziling. “Well, my task is finished. The rest is up to you two. Funny—if I hadn’t come, you would have become mortal enemies.”

Tian Ziling and Peijun’s palms were slick with sweat—the thought of their deadly clash left them shaken. The sixth-level technique was not to be used lightly. Had they caused real harm, they would have been wracked with guilt.

“Thank you, Brother Liang Xi.”

Liang Xi looked at Peijun and smiled. “This is our first meeting—how do you know my name? Aren’t you worried I only helped to oppose you?”

Peijun replied, “No. Anyone who can move my brother so deeply must be remarkable in both skill and character. Though I haven’t seen my brother in years, I know what he has endured and who his friends are. I guessed you were Liang Xi, whom he met at Mingyu Manor. I just didn’t expect you to be so young. With you at his side, I am glad.”

“Hahaha!” Liang Xi thought, of all the Tian clan, only Peijun truly understood. “I feel the same. Tian Ziling is powerful, but too trusting. Without me watching him, who knows how he might be tricked. But now, with you by his side, I am at ease. We have not known each other long, but I respect you. Before you fought, I heard what you said. With you two protecting the Celestial Shadow Sect, its future is bright.”

“Still, you both promised to replace my robe. If not, I won’t leave. Perhaps you don’t know—my real talent isn’t martial arts, but shamelessness.”

That he could be so brazen at such a moment was truly amusing. “Rest assured, Brother, we won’t forget. You saved our lives.”

“So much the better!”