Chapter 5: Two Against One

Has anyone ever seen such a gentle Valley Master? Truly, though Ba Three-Blades harbored discontent in his heart, he dared not act recklessly. Even if the Valley Master protected this woman now, he could not shield her for a lifetime. For the moment, he suppressed his dissatisfaction, waiting instead for an opportune moment to deal with this damned woman. Yet Ba Three-Blades was well aware that, though his Taiyun Sutra had reached the third realm—making him a formidable expert—the woman before him was likely no less skilled. Should it come to a life-and-death struggle, he might not be her match. If he truly wished to eliminate Li Moqing, it would have to be done in secret.

Li Moqing did not spare Qin Boyu a glance, which was, of course, within his expectations. He harbored no offense; rather, he felt the woman before him was truly peerless in all the land. With such beauty, it was only fitting she possessed such a nature. "Come, come, since you're here, let me show you around our Taiyun Golden Valley. If you find anything amiss, speak freely—I shall see to it for you."

Qin Boyu had originally secluded himself in hopes of breaking through to the final level of the Taiyun Sutra. Yet, seeing now that one must truly be heartless to reach the highest realm, he thought it better not to cultivate such an art. In any case, his current power was already formidable; so long as he did not provoke others, who would dare bring trouble to him?

“Very well, lead the way, Valley Master. But do not think to take my hand—I am not accustomed to unfamiliar men drawing too close.” Li Moqing saw instantly what Qin Boyu intended, but she had never been susceptible to such advances.

Qin Boyu awkwardly withdrew his half-extended hand, somewhat displeased. Was he not, after all, the master of this place? Yet this woman showed him no respect, making him lose face before his subordinates. Good—he would yield to her for now. Once she became his woman, he would make her know his power!

Though he harbored such thoughts, his face still bore a faint smile. The sharp glint in his eyes did not escape Li Moqing’s notice. Indeed, as she had expected, Qin Boyu was not what he seemed—a man of duplicity. She would have to be cautious on this journey.

After passing a straight official road, they entered a shaded woodland path. Li Moqing glanced back at the straight avenue they had traversed. She had not expected such a thoroughfare to join with a narrow forest path.

"In the beginning, when our ancestor came here to found the city, he took special note of this. The great road leads to the small path—so, whoever comes to my Taiyun Golden Valley, whatever their rank, must go on foot. There has never been an exception."

"And Moqing, you are the first woman in many years I have personally led into the city. This honor, you must cherish. Beyond this woodland path, you will surely be amazed by what you see."

Qin Boyu clearly took great pride in Taiyun Golden Valley; every word he spoke exuded arrogance. The valley was indeed impressive, but Li Moqing paid it little mind. It was laughable that he thought to suppress her in this way, as if the Su Yi Pavilion had lost all its former glory. "Honestly, the journey here has been unremarkable, with little to capture my heart. If you think me untraveled, spare me the empty praise."

Qin Boyu was briefly stunned, then laughed. "Ah, I forgot. You are the esteemed young lady of the Su Yi Pavilion, naturally unlike ordinary folk, who are amazed by everything. I am simply too fond of this place, and could not wait to share it with you—nothing more."

Following behind, Ba Three-Blades truly could not understand the Valley Master. Could he truly favor Li Moqing so much? Impossible. The Valley Master commanded the entire valley, with four mighty hall masters under his banner, and Taiyun Golden Valley had, after years of development, become a force to be reckoned with. Why lower himself for such a woman?

Did the Valley Master not realize that Li Moqing cared nothing for him? But, as a subordinate, it was not his place to meddle. After all, love brooks no reason.

Indeed, after passing the shaded path, sunlight suddenly broke upon their eyes. It was some time before they adjusted to the brightness. The sight before them truly struck Li Moqing with awe. She found herself standing atop a sheer precipice, gazing upon the not-yet-renowned but formidable Taiyun Golden Valley. From this height, the city’s layout was flawless—tall, stout walls and straight roads stretching forth.

Behind the valley rose Taiyun Mountain, around which the entire city had been built, forming a natural stronghold. Qin Boyu was greatly satisfied with Li Moqing’s reaction; never had he seen anyone remain indifferent upon witnessing this scene. For years, none had withstood the visual impact. The thunderous rush of water echoed in their ears; far below, the Unforgetting River raged. Though not as violent as the four great rivers, it was comparable. Houses lined its banks, their inhabitants living off the water, and with Taiyun Golden Valley at their backs, they enjoyed added security.

Descending a stone staircase, the three arrived before a large boat. The old boatman, upon seeing Qin Boyu, broke into a broad, wrinkled smile. "Valley Master, you’ve emerged from seclusion? Wonderful! Many years ago, I knew only you could master the Taiyun Sutra."

The boatman’s words were not feigned; they came from the heart. Though Qin Boyu was a man of duplicity, he truly treated his subordinates and those around him well.

Qin Boyu grasped the boatman’s withered hand. "Old Boatman, you are getting on in years—why come out yourself? Did I not settle you comfortably years ago? If there’s anything amiss, say so."

"You jest, Valley Master. My family has been cared for by Taiyun Golden Valley for generations. When I think on it, I am but a humble boatman. Your kindness is beyond repay, and after much thought, I realized the only thing I can do is ensure your safe passage to and from the valley. If I can do that, I am content."

He then seemed to notice Li Moqing’s presence, and marveled inwardly at her beauty. "Is this the future mistress of the valley? A perfect match indeed—only such a lady could be worthy of you."

Li Moqing had no intention of responding, but as the boatman’s words grew more outrageous, her pretty face turned utterly cold. "I am not his wife. No matter how excellent this man is, he is not to my taste."

Such a direct rebuke naturally left Qin Boyu humiliated, but what was it to Li Moqing? She simply did not want Zhuang Yunzhen to misunderstand; Qin Boyu’s pride was nothing compared to her brother’s smile.

The old boatman was evidently a warmhearted soul, regarding Valley Master Qin Boyu as the best man in the world. Yet here was a woman who not only disliked him, but openly refused him. He wanted to say more, but sensing Li Moqing’s imposing presence, he swallowed his words. For her to speak so boldly, and to care nothing for Qin Boyu’s stiffening expression, she must have an extraordinary background. Li Moqing spared concern only for her father, her uncle, Zhuang Yunzhen, and those close to him; as for others, she had no time.

“Aren’t you leaving yet? How long do you plan to stay?”

By now, Li Moqing had stepped onto the deck. Gazing at the broad Unforgetting River, her mood lightened. Hmph—though the people of Taiyun Golden Valley were unimpressive, she truly liked this place. If only her brother were by her side, all would be perfect.

Her robes fluttered, hair gleaming in the sunlight, eyes and lips curved in a faint smile. Qin Boyu found this scene piercing to the eye. He knew well that such an expression meant she was thinking of her beloved. A surge of jealousy rose within him—not born of affection, but of a child’s possessiveness toward a favored toy that never belonged to him.

As the master of Taiyun Golden Valley, he was wealthy beyond compare—everyone lived in awe of him. What was this girl, that she dared ignore him again and again? He now wished to see, with his own eyes, what kind of man Li Moqing loved so dearly. He could not believe there existed anyone more outstanding than himself.

Throughout the journey, the atmosphere was awkward, though only Qin Boyu and his men felt discomfort—Li Moqing remained serene. The boat was remarkably steady, and before her were placed fresh fruits, their fragrance irresistible.

She had eaten little throughout the journey, and so indulged in these fruits along the way, caring nothing for decorum. Since overcoming her inner demons, Li Moqing cared for nothing but her own comfort. As long as she was at ease, nothing else mattered; the opinions of others were of no concern.

“It seems you truly love the fruits here. I won’t boast, but the produce of Taiyun Golden Valley is the finest in the world—anyone who has tasted it knows this. I do not care what you’ve been through, nor that you dislike me. But remember, our two families were once betrothed. Now that you are here, stay well. Rest assured, with me by your side, no one will harm you.”

Though this woman had shamed him earlier, and he had harbored resentment, seeing her eat fruit so childishly, all annoyance vanished. She was just a young girl—why take offense? Once she settled in the valley, time would heal all wounds.

Qin Boyu assumed that with time, all feelings faded. Li Moqing knew not what others felt, but for her, the longer she was apart from her beloved, the deeper her love and longing grew. At this moment, she saw only the food before her.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the boat docked. Li Moqing’s sole purpose in coming was to reclaim her family’s ancestral sword, Qingluan. Were it not for this, she would never have set foot here. The towering city walls displayed an imposing grandeur. The walls of Baishui Market had clearly been modeled after Taiyun Golden Valley, but imitation could never capture the essence.

“Valley Master, you’ve returned. The journey must have been tiring. Your room has been kept clean and untouched by outsiders, so you may rest easy.” Though Qin Boyu was the city lord, he was a most carefree one, leaving all affairs to the white-robed elder before him.

As city lord, strength was all that mattered. If danger threatened the valley, all would turn to him. As for rebellion—ha! Not even if they had the courage. The Taiyun Sutra was more than a supreme martial art; upon reaching the fifth realm, one could study the attached Passion Poison.

Passion Poison was a hundred times deadlier than the Three-Day Severed Love, and every disciple of the valley—including the master—was infected. From the moment one began learning the Taiyun Sutra, the poison took hold, growing stronger with one’s power. Without the fifth realm, its study was fatal.

With such a thing in their veins, no one dared act rashly. Of course, they accepted this willingly, for the sake of ultimate power—even knowing the abyss awaited, they leapt without hesitation, if only for pride. Most disciples were outcasts who found value here, becoming true experts and living lives they had never dreamed possible.

For the city lord, their hearts brimmed with gratitude—nothing more. Li Moqing sensed that the white-robed elder possessed profound skill; though he stood only three meters away, she could not detect his aura.

“Heh, you must be Miss Li Moqing. I saw you when you were young, but the years have passed and you’ve probably forgotten me. I know all that happened on your journey here.”

Suddenly, a fierce and overwhelming aura swept toward her. Li Moqing had no time to react—the white-robed elder, who had been three meters away, now stood before her, radiating an ocean of murderous intent.

“Miss, you need not worry. I value rules above all. As long as you treat the city lord well, I will serve you as my master. But if you continue to show disrespect as before, I will not be so polite.”

His voice was soft, his face still bearing a faint smile, but Li Moqing sensed that if she did not agree, he would attack. When had the Su Yi Pavilion fallen so low, that even an obscure elder dared threaten her? Yes—this was her own city lord’s fault!

Li Moqing knew this quest to retrieve her sword would be no easy matter, but she had not expected to be slighted by a nameless elder before even seeing Qingluan. Her slender fingers pressed lightly to his back; instantly, a searing flame surged through him.

The old man felt an unprecedented force suppress him. Perhaps the Su Yi Pavilion was not what it once was, but the might of the Undying White Flame could not be underestimated! Having reconciled with her inner demons, Li Moqing now understood the weight of her family’s responsibility—and would not tolerate any slight.

“Old man, I most detest threats. Suppose I bully your city lord—what can you do? If you’re dissatisfied, attack!”

Now, the honor of her family and of Zhuang Yunzhen could not be questioned, or a miserable end would follow. The elder had first threatened her, then belittled the Su Yi Pavilion—he deserved a lesson. “Hmph, Valley Mistress? Do you think I care? If I had a subordinate as ugly as you, I’d die of shame. Enough talk—fight or not?”

The elder’s face flushed deep red, straining to suppress the Heartfire. Yet Heartfire, the seventh realm of the Undying White Flame, was fiercely domineering—how could he resist? If he forced it further, he would surely be gravely injured.

“Very well. Since the young lady wishes to test my skills, I shall comply. Tonight at midnight, let us duel atop Taiyun Mountain—life and death to fate!”

Plainly, the elder had been a formidable warrior in his youth, and though aged, his temper remained unchanged. He managed to suppress the Heartfire with sheer will—a feat worthy of respect, even from an opponent.

Li Moqing withdrew her finger, her expression unchanged, as though nothing had happened. She dared not underestimate Taiyun Golden Valley; it was surely a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. At such times, one must show courage, not yield an inch. A single retreat would spell the end of the Su Yi Pavilion’s reputation—and as its master, she would never allow that.

The elder too was inwardly shocked. So this was the power of the Undying White Flame? Its ancient reputation was well deserved. This girl, barely fifteen, possessed such strength—if allowed to grow, her achievements would be limitless. Heartfire—ha! To suppress it, he had used seventy percent of his power. It had been years since anyone had forced his hand so. Good—if this girl wished to die, he would oblige her.

“Baiyi, are you all right? Your face looks poor—have you not rested? You’ve worked hard all these years, always tolerating me. I have truly been an unworthy city lord.”

Baiyi had once been carefree, but after a word from the old valley master, he had stayed all these years. To Qin Boyu, Baiyi was perhaps his most valued companion.

Baiyi looked flustered. “Valley Master, you do me too much honor. I am but a simple warrior. In my youth, the old master showed me kindness; I’ve always wanted to repay him. You are free by nature—if I tried to bind you here, neither you nor I would accept it. I have no other skills but watching over the home. Thank you for not abandoning me; I will protect you with my life.”

Baiyi meant what he said, and would act accordingly. He cast a meaningful glance at Li Moqing’s departing figure. With such skill, she must be made to stay.

Qin Boyu noticed Baiyi’s odd expression, but thought nothing of it. In the valley, no one would dare disrespect Baiyi. Yet Ba Three-Blades saw a clue. When Qin Boyu had left, Ba Three-Blades bowed respectfully to Baiyi and whispered, “Elder Baiyi, are you going to fight Li Moqing? If so, count me in.”

“That wretch killed my disciple Xiong Zhen at Baishui Market. I fought her once—she is formidable, but I have a fifty percent chance of killing her. Had the Valley Master not arrived, it would already be settled—no need for such trouble.”

Baiyi glanced at Ba Three-Blades, then at Li Moqing, and after some thought, nodded. “Good. One more is one more strength. Let us join forces and test her.”

Ba Three-Blades was overjoyed. “Thank you, Elder Baiyi! I have long heard of your invincible skills and finally get to witness them today.”

Baiyi was modest. “No, I am not what I once was. I only hope this fight does not slow you down. It may be my last, so I must prepare well. Tonight atop Taiyun Mountain.”

Li Moqing, this time, I shall see what you can do. With Baiyi and me together, we fear no enemy. What will happen tonight? I am truly eager to find out.

Midnight, Taiyun Mountain peak.

The moonlight was like water. Li Moqing stood with the Divine Origin Sword in hand, back to the void, gazing up at the full moon, her features gentle. Brother, what are you doing at this moment? Do not worry for me; when this is over, I will come to you and speak my heart.

“You arrived early.”

Li Moqing heard footsteps behind her—Baiyi had come.

“Elder Baiyi, tonight there’s no need for more words. With the two of us together, what can’t we do? To deal with a mere slip of a girl and still require both of us—she should be honored.”

“So you’re here too. I should have known—you, Ba Three-Blades, always swoop in when others are down. No surprise. Two elders joining forces—how flattering for a young woman like me.”

Li Moqing did not turn, but sensed Ba Three-Blades’ presence. Things had come to this—better to settle both at once, retrieve the Qingluan Sword, and depart. Were it not for the sword, she’d care nothing for this place. She missed Zhuang Yunzhen dearly—and at that very moment, he too gazed at the same moon, thinking of her.

“You’re right. So long as we finish you, the process matters not. Li Moqing, I admit you are skilled—but only that. Tonight will end all grudges between us. Rest assured, the Valley Master will not come—no one can save you!”

Without a word, Li Moqing’s Divine Origin Sword became points of azure light—her moves as fierce as a soaring Vermilion Bird. It was the Infinite Vermilion Sword she had used before—so named because its techniques were endless; once begun, there was no stopping.

The Divine Origin Sword of Nine Marshes was a legendary blade, and with it, the Vermilion Sword technique was even more formidable. In swordsmanship, footwork came first, mind second, technique last. The Infinite Vermilion Sword, at its fifth realm—Supreme Red Flame—was matched by the Fire God Step. Combined, its power was unmatched.

A dense net of sword-light enveloped them. Seasoned warriors both, Baiyi and Ba Three-Blades knew that to be caught meant certain death or grievous injury. Forced on the defensive, they had to rely on superior lightness skills to spar with her.

“Ecstasy!”

But Ba Three-Blades could not dodge forever. He attacked with the Desolate Fist’s most brutal move, facing the Vermilion Sword without fear—intent on matching Li Moqing blow for blow.

Clang!

Iron fist met divine blade—an even match.

“Ba Three-Blades, you’re truly useless. No wonder—your pathetic disciple was no match for me, and you are only slightly better. Now I see, your tongue is your only weapon.”

“Baiyi, this woman is strong—will you just watch?”

At first contact, Ba Three-Blades realized that alone, he was no match for her—he had indeed been rash. Surely Baiyi had seen enough; now was the time to act.

“Don’t worry, I’m coming! Girl, take my Boundless Black Ice!”

Instantly, icy frost appeared atop the mountain, condensing in Baiyi’s palm—a display of immense power. He knew the Taiyun Sutra, though only to the first realm, to which he had devoted decades, mastering its two great techniques: Boundless Black Ice and Fiery Sun Split Heaven. Tireless practice had finally borne fruit—his every strike brimmed with fighting spirit.

In Taiyun Golden Valley, none could surpass his understanding of the first realm. The biting chill of his attack was truly astounding. Ba Three-Blades had once looked down on him, thinking Baiyi respected only for his age. Today, he realized how wrong he’d been.

“Excellent palm technique!” Ba Three-Blades cheered, unleashing his Desolate Fist to the utmost. Both now attacked with deadly moves, filling the air with a chilling, murderous atmosphere. However mighty Li Moqing’s skill, surely she could not withstand both at once.

Li Moqing dared not be careless, her divine sword weaving blue light. The Infinite Vermilion Sword was a technique of pure offense—if these two dared such deadly moves before her, they sought death.

“Two ultimate attacks—what is there to fear? Behold my Supreme Red Flame!”

Crimson flames instantly sheathed the Divine Origin Sword. Any ordinary blade would have melted, but this divine sword endured. Only the Qingluan Sword could unleash the Vermilion Sword’s full power, but today, even with the substitute, seventy to eighty percent of its strength was enough—more than enough for these two.

Boom!

All three unleashed supreme skills. Ba Three-Blades, the weakest, was nonetheless ferociously brave—able to quintuple his strength. His Desolate Fist was deadly in his hands.

Baiyi’s power was pure—Boundless Black Ice contained Fiery Sun Split Heaven, and vice versa, yin within yang and yang within yin. Though Li Moqing had a divine sword, she could gain no advantage. Soon, Ba Three-Blades found himself forced to the periphery; to return to the core battle was impossible.

Still, such a chance must not be wasted. If he failed to avenge Xiong Zhen, he was no teacher. Raising his blood-colored blade, he rejoined the fray, now wielding the Blood-Colored Stupa—the true essence of the Frenzied War Three-Blades technique.

“Wretched girl, did you think I couldn’t handle you? What you saw at Baishui Market was but a fraction—only I have mastered the true art. Today, I’ll open your eyes to what lies beyond the sky!”

“Butchery!”

The blood-red blade became weightless in his hands. This first move of the Frenzied War Three-Blades was pure dominance—when unleashed, it struck with inescapable force.

Because it was so powerful, it was dangerous to allies as well, and usually avoided. But now, even with Baiyi present, Ba Three-Blades could not care.

“You madman, I’m still here! If you injure me, how will you answer to the Valley Master?”

“I’ll answer as I must. Old Baiyi, your skill surpasses mine—how could my meager blade hurt you? You jest. Remember, our enemy is Li Moqing. Whatever happens, this wretched girl must not leave alive. If you’re flagging, just step aside; I alone am enough!”

Having unleashed the Frenzied War Three-Blades, Ba Three-Blades’ tone became arrogant.

“Hmph, I’d forgotten—your name is Three-Blades, famed for swordsmanship. Anyone else could say they’re not strong enough—except you!”

“Take my palm!”

Now, both attacked with renewed ferocity, stung by their earlier suppression. Their sudden resurgence caught Li Moqing somewhat by surprise.

“Even together, you cannot intimidate me! Witness my Suspended River Pouring Fire!”

Li Moqing now pushed her power to the utmost. This move, Suspended River Pouring Fire, was the sixth realm of the Undying White Flame, consisting of a single, devastating attack. When one’s strength was fully unleashed, a sea of fire formed, pouring down like a torrential rain to engulf all. Among flame techniques, it was unparalleled.

In a flash, fire swept the mountain. “Neither of you will leave alive. If you wish to kill me, be prepared to die!”

The inferno surged, overwhelming all. No matter how exquisite their fists or unparalleled their blades, before this attack, all was futile. The fire engulfed them again and again—yet their fighting spirit did not falter. Even faced with such might, they remained unafraid.

“What now, Li Moqing? Is that all you have? Suspended River Pouring Fire—so what? Engulf us? Ha! What a joke. If your move were truly so mighty, I’d be dead already, but here I stand. Clearly, you have nothing left—this attack has drained eighty percent of your strength. With only twenty percent remaining, how can you resist?”

“What you’ve seen is only the river. Have you not wondered what ‘pouring fire’ looks like? This move has two parts—look up!”

Above Baiyi and Ba Three-Blades’ heads, a massive fireball had formed—the true sea of fire. The essence of the Suspended River Pouring Fire lay in “suspended” and “pouring.” When the suspended sea of fire finally crashed down, who could withstand its power?