Chapter 7: My Senior Brother and I Have Our Own Paths to Follow

In the Thunder Gang, it was forbidden to reveal one’s martial arts techniques or inner cultivation methods. Therefore, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had never practiced martial arts openly. When others asked how they had passed the trials of the Ten Thousand Swords Divine Palace, the two would simply say it was luck. In truth, they just didn’t want to explain themselves. Yet, people within the Thunder Gang soon lost all interest in how the two of them had accomplished such a feat. Since the two weren’t willing to discuss it, further questioning was pointless. The elders of the Thunder Gang, it seemed, had it easy—so much time had passed, and the two had not been assigned any tasks at all. This simply wouldn’t do. While the leisure was pleasant, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen did not enjoy it.

“Senior brother, do you really think this kind of life is what we want?” Liang Xi finally spoke, unable to endure the tedium. “Eating and drinking every day—if this goes on, I fear I’ll die of boredom!” He was still a youth at heart, and his bones longed for adventure. After all, they had gone to such trouble to come here—wasn’t their true purpose to eradicate the Thunder Gang?

“Don’t be impatient. We must wait for the most opportune moment. Do you recall the map the proprietor of Dieyun Pavilion gave us? We’ve already memorized every location on it. Tell me, in all of Heaven’s Cloud, who else dares to oppose the Thunder Gang?” Zhuang Yunzhen’s meaning was clear, and Liang Xi, clever as ever, understood at once.

“Zhuang, you always call me a rascal, but you’re the real schemer here. In Heaven’s Cloud, only the Yasha Sect is unafraid of the Thunder Gang. You want the two great powers to fight, don’t you? That’s quite a plan. Lei Pengfei is a proud man—if we give him the map now, he’ll just trust us a little more. I finally understand: the real reason he’s kept us idle is because he doesn’t trust us!”

“At last you see it,” Zhuang Yunzhen replied. “Lei Pengfei wants us to take the initiative. He wants others to obey his orders. Now that you understand, our next move is clear.”

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had always acted proactively. Only by taking initiative could one seize more opportunities—their master Qi Ying had told them this for ten years, and they had never forgotten it.

“Haha, what brings the two esteemed elders here?” Lei Pengfei greeted them warmly. “You must think the Thunder Gang’s fare unpalatable—my fault! Don’t worry, after today, I’ll make sure you’re served your favorite dishes.”

“Leader, we’re here to bring you something,” Zhuang Yunzhen began. “We joined the Thunder Gang so abruptly and have done nothing since—this isn’t our style. We know that in Heaven’s Cloud, only one force has dared oppose you all these years: the Yasha Sect. If we tell you their exact location, would that not be a great help?”

At these words, Lei Pengfei’s eyes lit up. Indeed, the Yasha Sect was the only group to stand against him in recent years, yet they were always elusive. Despite all his efforts, he’d found no trace of them. If these two could truly help him eliminate the Yasha Sect, it would be a blessing, not merely a favor.

“We happened upon a map before arriving,” Zhuang Yunzhen continued, “and it clearly marks the Yasha Sect’s location. They haven’t vanished—they’ve simply mastered concealment techniques. So, however much effort you put in, it would be fruitless.”

Zhuang Yunzhen was better suited to explain; if Liang Xi spoke, it would sound too playful.

“So that’s it! I never imagined the Yasha Sect would possess such an ability. I’ve been preparing for years—it’s time to expand our influence. The Yasha Sect’s leader has escaped me many times, but this time, he won’t get away!”

“Excellent!” Lei Pengfei exclaimed with delight. “I had a feeling luck was with me today. In truth, since your arrival, the Thunder Gang has flourished. The Yasha Sect has battled me for years—today, let’s settle all accounts, old and new. You two are my trump cards—I won’t play them until the crucial moment.”

“No, Leader. Since we are now elders, we must set an example. Let us accompany you—we should do something earth-shattering, so that all Heaven’s Cloud sees the Thunder Gang is still what it once was!”

“The Yasha Sect was once defeated by us—if we could do it then, we can do it now!” Liang Xi’s words were rousing, and indeed, they stirred Lei Pengfei. All these years, he had suppressed his ambitions, fearing the Yasha Sect’s leader. But was that man truly his match? Had age dulled his edge so much? Once, he had defeated him handily.

“Well said! You two speak to my heart. I must entrust this task to you. To be frank, in the past I would have handled it myself. But I’ve been suffering internal injuries—thanks to the Yasha Sect’s leader. If you wish to prove yourselves, I leave this to you!”

Lei Pengfei had no intention of acting himself—he wanted to see what allowed Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen to emerge unscathed from the Ten Thousand Swords Divine Palace. If they were truly powerful, he would use them; if not, their deaths would be no loss.

As for the origin of the Yasha Sect, there were many theories. The most credible was that the Yasha Sect had sprung from the Thunder Gang itself. Otherwise, how could they know so much of the Thunder Gang’s affairs? The Yasha Sect’s leader was reclusive, rarely appearing. It seemed he was cultivating some power, aiming to supplant the Thunder Gang. Once, the Thunder Gang had been so mighty—if they had not declined, how could the Yasha Sect have risen?

It was the Yasha Sect that had ultimately brought about the Thunder Gang’s downfall. Now that everyone knew, what could be done? The Yasha Sect’s leader had never feared Lei Pengfei, and with his power grown, there was even less reason for fear.

“What’s wrong? Now that I’ve asked you two to handle this, are you reluctant? I know you’ve just survived a great ordeal—perhaps it’s unfair to ask more. But you are still the best candidates. I’ll be frank: I want to see how you managed to leave the Ten Thousand Swords Divine Palace alive. Many have failed for years; you, two young men, succeeded. Everyone is curious. Appointing you as elders brought me much pressure. There’s no one else here now—I’ll speak honestly. If you refuse, that’s your right. But, after the Ten Thousand Swords Divine Palace, your reputation soared. Don’t you wish to prove yourselves?”

“To prove ourselves?” Liang Xi replied. “Leader, there’s nothing more to say. We never refused this task—indeed, we sought you out to accomplish it. Now that the opportunity is here, let all witness our power. Everyone wants to know what happened in the Ten Thousand Swords Divine Palace—but I promised the Guardian not to speak of it. It doesn’t matter. What matters is what we do next. Senior brother, it’s time to do what we came here to do. The Yasha Sect—it’s time for a contest. This will be our battle for fame, and that’s what we need most, isn’t it?”

“Exactly. Now let’s make our plans. Leader, since it’s decided, my brother and I will set out at once. The sooner this is resolved, the sooner your worries will end.” With that, Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi strode out. It was midday, the sun high in the sky. Without hesitation, the two employed their Swift Bird Technique and left the Thunder Gang.

“Senior brother, once we reach the Yasha Sect, we needn’t necessarily fight the sect leader. We’re just beginning our training—dealing with common thieves, no problem, but against a master with decades of cultivation, we have no chance. Our aim is to destroy the Thunder Gang—gaining an ally is better.”

“You mean we could secretly ally with the Yasha Sect? You’re right. The Lingyun Immortal Realm won’t send anyone to help us now. We have only ourselves. More friends can only help; there’s no need to risk our lives for Lei Pengfei.”

At that moment, Qi Ying’s face was grim as he sat before the throne, addressing Yan Shiyu. “Senior brother, if you have any grievance with me, bring it to me directly. I’m always ready. But my two disciples have left the mountain for the first time—I only wanted them to see Heaven’s Cloud and return safely. Yet Mu Chenyuan abandoned them. Is such a man fit to be senior apprentice brother? I demand an explanation!”

“If his account satisfies me, I’ll leave. If not, I’ll kill him myself today. Treat me as you will—I don’t care. But if anyone tries to harm my disciples, I will not allow it! Test me!” With that, Qi Ying struck a nearby ornamental stone, shattering it to dust.

Qi Ying was not exaggerating. Many disciples present could confirm the events. Would Yan Shiyu, as sect master, shield his disciple in this? If not, so be it—Qi Ying was itching for a fight after all these years.

Qi Ying had long been known for his good nature, but today, true anger emanated from him—not the will to fight, but the will to kill. None of the other disciples dared speak, and even Yan Shiyu’s face was bleak.

“Junior brother, do not be rash. Let me ask first—if Mu Chenyuan is at fault, I promise you justice.” He turned a sharp gaze on Mu Chenyuan. “Speak. What happened? Why did everyone return but not Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen?”

“Don’t think I’ll protect you,” Yan Shiyu warned. “I may overlook small matters, but today you showed no regard for your junior brothers’ lives. You must explain yourself. You may be my disciple, but I won’t play favorites.” Though Yan Shiyu and Qi Ying did not get along, as sect master he was fair—sect reputation mattered more than personal feelings.

“If today you can abandon your junior brothers, tomorrow you might abandon your master. Who in Yunzhou will trust us then? You’ve ruined our sect’s reputation—I could strike you down myself!” Yan’s anger was genuine, but Qi Ying remained unmoved; with his disciples missing, no words could help now.

“Senior brother, spare me the performance. Everyone knows you’re the most protective in the sect.”

Mu Chenyuan, spoiled from childhood, had never faced such a situation. Now, terrified, he dropped to his knees. “Master, please save me! I would never abandon my junior brothers, but the power of the Ten Thousand Swords Divine Palace was overwhelming—I was eliminated. When I awoke, it was too late, but I went back to try again.”

“But by then, the palace had vanished. Uncle, when the disciples returned, I told you at once—why won’t you believe me?”

“It’s all my fault. If I’d been stronger, they wouldn’t have suffered. I deserve death!” With that, he tried to harm himself.

A powerful force stopped him. “Disciple, what are you doing?” Yan Shiyu intervened. “I understand what happened. Junior brother, you heard—it was chaos, and Mu Chenyuan, even with the will, lacked the power. Now, with your disciples missing, Mu Chenyuan will reflect in seclusion. If your disciples return safely, he may descend the mountain. If not, he never will.”

“Will this suffice, junior brother? The sect tournament is soon, and I want no further casualties.” Mu Chenyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief—his master had protected him after all. Now he only hoped Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen would remain missing; if they returned, his situation would worsen.

“Senior brother, your solution pleases me. Since the sect tournament is near, you know it is a contest of life and death. Your disciple must be careful. If my disciples return safely, they will compete; if not, I will take the field myself. We’ll see, in public view, if you can still protect your disciple.”

Thus, the rift between Qi Ying and Yan Shiyu deepened. Mu Chenyuan’s relief was short-lived—would he really have to face his uncle?

“Your uncle hasn’t changed after all these years—well, it’s his nature,” said Yan Shiyu. “If Qi Ying changed, he wouldn’t be Qi Ying.”

“What are you still doing here, you useless fool?” Yan Shiyu scolded. “I told you not to make mistakes on your missions. You and Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen have always had grudges, but the tournament is coming. Whatever issues you have, settle them in the ring. If they die by your hand in the tournament, your uncle cannot complain.”

“But you sought vainglory and now are in a passive position. You’d best pray Liang Xi returns safely. If they’re weaker than you, you can settle all scores in the tournament. If not, you’ll have to fend for yourself.”

Meanwhile, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had reached the banks of the Cloud River, the greatest river in Heaven’s Cloud. Across the river lay the Yasha Sect’s domain. The area was lush, a paradise for wildlife and a favored hunting ground for many experts.

“The air is wonderful here—we’ve traveled so far. Let’s swim a while, senior brother. It’s been ages since we last swam.”

“You’re bold,” Zhuang Yunzhen replied. “You always outswam me, though you never admit it. The air is nice, let’s rest a bit. I’m exhausted.” He collapsed on the ground, not wanting to move at all—basking in the sun was a rare pleasure.

His senior brother always knew how to enjoy life. In the warm sun, the two soon dozed off. Suddenly, a cry for help woke them. A tall, slender young woman in green was being chased by a fierce tiger. Her movements were deft, but her strength was nearly spent. The tiger, emboldened, was determined to catch her.

Faced with this, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen did not hesitate—they each took action: one to deal with the tiger, the other to rescue the girl. Their coordination was flawless.

The young woman, about Liang Xi’s age, was exhausted from the chase. Though her face was drawn, one could see she would be a beauty in the years to come. “You’re safe now, miss. It’s best not to visit such dangerous places alone,” Liang Xi told her.

Only then did the girl in green wake fully, finding herself looking up at a handsome youth. Such moments can easily foster trust, and trust can become deep affection.

“There she is!” a chorus of booted footsteps sounded. Liang Xi helped the girl to sit under a tree for comfort, while his senior brother was still battling the tiger. Zhuang Yunzhen, seeing his junior with the beauty while he fought the beast, felt a pang of injustice.

“Bravo, senior brother!” Liang Xi called. “I owe you one!”

His cheeky junior was getting bolder, Zhuang Yunzhen thought. There was no time to waste—he unleashed the Sun Flame from the Twin Radiance Palm. The tiger could not withstand such power and was slain.

A group of black-clad guards rushed over. “Miss, this place is dangerous. You should have stayed close behind me. If anything happened to you, how would I answer to the sect master?”

“Don’t worry, Captain Wu. I’m perfectly fine—and these two are my saviors. As for the bloodthirsty tiger, take care of it.”

“My friends, what brings you here? In fact, my home is just ahead—I must insist you let us host you. My father will surely treat you as honored guests.”

From her words, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen realized at once who she was. “To be honest, we’re here to find the Yasha Sect’s master, Gu Chuan.”

“Gu Chuan? He’s my father! It seems fate has brought us together. You saved my life—I promise, my father will grant any request you make.”

Captain Wu was suspicious, but with the young lady’s assurances, he had no further objections. They boarded the Wu family’s boat, crossing the Cloud River.

“Please, sit,” the young woman offered. “There’s not much to eat on the boat, but when we arrive, I’ll have you taste our best dishes.”

Her eyes rarely left Liang Xi. Zhuang Yunzhen glanced from his junior to the young lady; such an ardent gaze—his junior was in for trouble. They’d come down the mountain, and now things had taken quite a turn.

But Liang Xi was pure-hearted, chatting away and making the young lady laugh. After half a day, the boat docked. The Yasha Sect, founded on river transport, controlled all the wharves around the Cloud River. Their disciples were highly skilled, able to defend their holdings. In the region, the Yasha Sect’s name was known to all. Yet martial prowess alone was not enough: as a youth, the sect master Gu Chuan had tamed a Water Spirit, whose power, combined with their formations, made the family secure.

Throughout Yunzhou, only one Water Spirit existed. Years ago, the city lord Yun Hailan had tried to buy it for a fortune, but was refused. The young lady, though born to a martial family, disliked training; Gu Chuan indulged her, which made life hard for her guards, who could never relax for a day—she was always slipping away.

This time was no exception. Had it not been for Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen, the outcome would have been unthinkable.

“Hahaha! Young heroes, I truly thank you. She’s my only daughter—if anything happened to her, I’d lose my mind. Since you’ve come to the Yasha Sect, treat this as your home. If you need anything, just ask.” Gu Chuan, famed alongside Lei Pengfei in Heaven’s Cloud, was a hearty man, quite unlike Lei Pengfei.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had expected the sect leader to be a wealthy merchant, given his amiable appearance. It was hard to imagine such a man had once tamed a Water Spirit.

“Senior, you’re too kind. We were only sunbathing by the river. Your daughter’s skills are formidable—she would have escaped unscathed even without us,” Zhuang Yunzhen said boldly. Meanwhile, Gu Zhenzhen, Gu Chuan’s beloved daughter, clung to Liang Xi’s arm. Liang Xi was polite but showed no particular interest.

“Father, you must thank these young men properly—they saved my life!” In the Cloud River region, only Gu Zhenzhen could give orders to Gu Chuan.

“Don’t worry, Zhenzhen. I won’t forget their kindness. Someone, take the young lady to rest.”

“Is this your first time at the Cloud River?” Gu Chuan asked. “How can I help you?”

“Senior, you are perceptive. Indeed, we’ve come to find you, seeking an alliance. Do you not wish to be the foremost in Heaven’s Cloud?” Liang Xi smiled.

Gu Chuan studied them closely—Liang Xi was handsome and seemingly easygoing, but his eyes missed nothing. Zhuang Yunzhen was quiet, yet courteous and trustworthy.

“To be the number one in Heaven’s Cloud? Young man, you jest. Do I look ambitious to you?”

“Senior, you are. There’s a sharpness in your eyes. To be honest, we came from the Thunder Gang to make your acquaintance.”

Gu Chuan burst out laughing. “So, you’re from the Thunder Gang and wish to befriend me? If you hadn’t just saved my daughter, you’d be dead now. Here’s ten thousand crystal coins—take them and go. If I change my mind, you won’t escape.”

“No, senior. We know your temperament. If you meant to harm us, you would have done so already. You won’t break your word before your daughter. Our true purpose is to destroy the Thunder Gang; we’re disciples of the Lingyun Immortal Realm. Is that enough to let us sit and talk?”

Liang Xi, clever as ever, revealed their background—two newcomers with nothing to hide, no assets to covet. Honesty was their best strategy.

He had nerve—had he lied, they would have died on the spot. Zhuang Yunzhen knew his junior loved to joke, but was never muddleheaded in serious matters. The more perilous the situation, the calmer he became—something Zhuang Yunzhen admired.

“Haha, impressive! Since that’s the case, come in and let’s talk. For your courage, I’ll give you a chance. Follow me.” Gu Chuan moved with the ease of wind; the path from wharf to Yasha Sect was a narrow slope, but he traversed it as if on level ground—a testament to his mastery of lightness skills.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen displayed their Swift Bird Technique, moving with the grace of swallows—elegant and spirited. Gu Chuan was impressed.

“So, tell me how you’ll help me become number one. If your proposal satisfies me, I’ll consider it. But you know, the Yasha Sect originated from the Thunder Gang. Why should I oppose them? They’re not what they once were. Even if I agreed, it would put years of effort at risk—would you do that in my place?”

Gu Chuan would not agree lightly—he wanted to see what these youths could offer.

“Senior, you’re right,” Liang Xi replied. “This is our first time down the mountain; we can’t promise anything. But, though the Yasha Sect came from the Thunder Gang, that was long ago. The Thunder Gang once rejected you; now, Lei Pengfei is even harsher than past leaders. If he gains more power, what will become of you?”

“Father, you promised to grant any wish of mine. My wish is for you to accept these young men’s proposal. Our fame is limited to the Cloud River—beyond it, no one acknowledges us. I may not care much for family affairs, but I know this much.”

“Father, you’ve struggled for years, but Lei Pengfei has always suppressed us. It pains me to see it. Heaven sent these two to help us—otherwise, why would they save me today? You always say to follow heaven’s will—this is heaven’s will!”

Gu Zhenzhen’s words warmed Gu Chuan’s heart—his daughter cared for the family in her own way.

“All right, Zhenzhen, don’t be upset. I’ll grant your wish. You’re right—we’ve worked so hard, but outside the Cloud River, we are nothing. For years, my dream has been for the Yasha Sect to become number one in Heaven’s Cloud. This is our best chance. Young men, for my daughter’s sake, I agree. What’s your plan?”

“It’s simple: release word that we fought a great battle, you were defeated, and the Yasha Sect disbanded on the spot. Lei Pengfei will be appeased. We have a friend in the Thunder Gang who is laying plans. When the time is ripe and the Thunder Gang is faltering, you make your move and wipe them out.”

“That’s a good plan—I can do it without losing a single man. I like that! Liang Xi, you have a silver tongue—you’ve won my daughter’s trust at first meeting. When I become number one, will you help me further?”

“My senior brother and I have our own path to walk.”