Chapter 10: Only Battle
Mo Qing’s consciousness and strength had finally returned. The lively sounds of people talking and music being played rose around her—yes, today was her wedding to Qin Boyu. This man must have prepared for this day for a long time, and such a wedding filled her with both helplessness and rage. If only she could spend her life with her elder brother—even without such a wedding, what would it matter? Now that she had regained her senses, what had happened to her brother? His skill had always been profound. Hmph, Qin Boyu loves a grand spectacle? Very well, this time, she would make his wedding even more boisterous.
“Master Qin, I hear you’ve been secluded, cultivating the Taiyun Scripture. Judging by your aura, you must have reached the sixth realm, the ‘Falling Flower.’ Might I have the honor of witnessing this divine skill? The bride is truly beautiful; you are a lucky man. But why does her face look so pale?”
Qin Boyu gazed at the exquisite woman before him, feeling deeply satisfied. To speak truly, Qin Boyu did not love Li Mo Qing with any profound affection. The only person he had ever loved was himself. The one thing he could not accept was that something that belonged to him had long been kept in another’s household. Moreover, the Black Shoes under his command were formidable; twelve seasoned warriors, each a master in their own right.
Even if this man managed to arrive here alive, Qin Boyu was confident he would not leave. “Mo Qing, I know you must feel unwilling, given your skill. Even if you cast yourself into the Lake of Life and Death, you will still be my woman. If I forbid it, you cannot take a single step beyond this place. What does your reluctance matter? I also know you’ve been waiting for your brother. But he will not come today. What a pity.”
Qin Boyu was basking in triumph. This time, not only had he perfected his divine skill, but he had also secured a peerless beauty. The heavens truly favored him.
“Please welcome the master and his lady!” The speaker was Ba Sandao. Though he was no longer the head of Ba Xiong Hall, he remained a disciple of Taiyun Golden Valley. Was Li Mo Qing not formidable once? Now? Even with her abilities, she could not show them before the master. From now on, there was no way to deal with her, but someday, he would find an opportunity to put her in her place.
The master may protect her for a time, but not for a lifetime. Xiong Zhen, my disciple—you have seen it now. I will avenge you someday. You were my favorite, meant to inherit my mantle and lead Ba Xiong Hall, but you died by this woman’s hand. Watch closely, I will not let her go.
The remaining three hall masters—Yan Feilong, Leng Jiu, and Yue Jin Hong—remained calm. As long as there was good food, they would attend. Still, they felt some discontent. Would Zhuang Yun Zhen truly not appear? Each longed to test themselves against him.
The wine tasted insipid; the festivities unbearable. Yet Yan Feilong and his companions knew Zhuang Yun Zhen’s skill was formidable—he would surely come. Black Shoes, huh—were they really so impressive?
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Zhuang Yun Zhen was nearly spent, looking utterly disheveled and gravely wounded. Still, he refused to give up. “What’s wrong? Is this all you twelve can manage? Didn’t you just boast you’d use all your strength to hold me here? Seems you’re only fierce in words.”
Black Shoes had existed since the founding of Taiyun Golden Valley, passed through generations, their techniques distilled for combat. No matter whom they faced, victory was always theirs. But Zhuang Yun Zhen proved a formidable foe. He should have no strength left, yet his potential astonished them. Five of their twelve brothers had died at his hands.
Their combined techniques now weakened, making it hard to keep him. “Zhuang Yun Zhen, we are now locked in an irresolvable struggle. Among all the masters we’ve faced, you are the most troublesome. But today, even if all of us fall, we will not let you leave. You hear—the wedding has begun. From this perspective, our mission is accomplished.”
“Five brothers dead by your hand—today, you must repay with your life. Brothers, today we all may die. Our ancestors received great favor from the master; now is the time to repay it. Follow me—let’s kill Zhuang Yun Zhen here!”
The remaining seven, though gravely wounded, unleashed a final burst of strength. Zhuang Yun Zhen felt a touch of respect for such adversaries. “You are worthy opponents. I wish we could feast together. But today, I must take Mo Qing away. You cannot stop me!”
Even if they couldn’t, they would try!
Boom!
This would be the final battle. Zhuang Yun Zhen alternated between fist and palm, engaging Black Shoes in a fierce clash. Both sides used the last of their strength; life or death hinged on this moment.
“Will the newlyweds please step onto the stage and greet the guests?”
The wedding proceeded smoothly. After this formal greeting, even if Zhuang Yun Zhen arrived, he would be powerless. How delightful! This woman before him was meant to be his. Zhuang Yun Zhen, no matter your skill—so what? If you cannot protect your beloved, what face have you left in this world?
“How splendid—a match of talent and beauty. Master, your plans are truly clever. With Li Mo Qing now your wife, the Undying White Flame is yours as well. I hear that when Taiyun Scripture and Undying White Flame are merged, one becomes invincible. Is it true, I wonder?”
To the assembled guests, Li Mo Qing was merely a living manual of divine skill. Her looks and character mattered not. What they cared about was that, after years of silence, Taiyun Golden Valley would once again rise to prominence.
“Haha, I’m sure you all share the same curiosity. Yes, I have mastered the Undying White Flame. As for its effects when combined with Taiyun Scripture, you will have opportunities to witness it in the future. Today, my heart is full of joy. In honor of my wedding, brothers, please stay and enjoy yourselves—I will treat you well.”
Qin Boyu glanced around. As expected, Zhuang Yun Zhen had not arrived. Opposing him brought only ruin. Qin Boyu had looked forward to a duel with Zhuang Yun Zhen, but the man lacked the skill. Even if he wished for a fight, today it would not happen.
Dragging himself, wounded and exhausted, Zhuang Yun Zhen reached the mountain gate of Taiyun Hall’s plaza. “Mo Qing, I have come!” With all his remaining breath, he spoke these five words, each entering the ears of those present. Zhuang Yun Zhen, ready to die, had gravely wounded the seven remaining members of Black Shoes—they had no strength left.
His consciousness was fading, but he forced himself to go on. He had to see Mo Qing, whatever happened. Mo Qing was in danger—his fault entirely. Now, he must make amends.
Li Mo Qing heard him, though she could not move. The excitement in her eyes could not be concealed. Brother, you finally came. I knew you would.
“Hm? So Zhuang Yun Zhen has some skill after all. My Black Shoes fell to him. Mo Qing, you must be very happy now. But as I said before—even if he arrives, he cannot enter. Did you think I was unprepared for today? Everyone, what are you waiting for? Kill the man at the gate.”
“Yes, sir!”
The guests looked shocked. Today blood would surely be spilled in the hall. Zhuang Yun Zhen had already fought a fierce battle—did he have any strength left?
“Come, Mo Qing. Beg me, and for your sake I will spare your beloved. Or do you truly wish to see him die?”
“Who says Zhuang Yun Zhen will die here today? With the Twelve Musicians of Mingyu Villa present, no one can harm him!” At this moment of crisis, twelve graceful figures blocked Zhuang Yun Zhen’s path. They were the Twelve Musicians under Villa Master Luo Mingyu. Luo Mingyu, bound by oath, could not act or leave the villa, but nothing prevented him from sending experts. Zhuang Yun Zhen was Yuan Hui’s senior brother and thus also his own brother. To bully his brother—Qin Boyu was audacious indeed.
“We will hold off these foes, brother Zhuang. Go inside. With us here, Taiyun Golden Valley will not dare harm you. Villa Master’s orders.”
Everyone knew the strength of Mingyu Villa’s Twelve Musicians, enough to inspire terror. When united, they could perform the full Five Harmonies Divine Skill.
Now even Luo Mingyu dared interfere? The twelve women could act together, but Qin Boyu felt no fear. “Sisters, since guests have arrived, why not come inside and rest? Today is my wedding, after all. To refuse a drink would be poor hospitality.”
He spoke lightly, but was cautious. Luo Mingyu was known for leaving himself room to maneuver.
“No need, Master. We’re here to protect Zhuang Yun Zhen. Leave these minor foes to us. Please don’t trouble us. Of course, if you insist, we will fight with our lives.” Wen Ren, leader of the Twelve Musicians, spoke. They had long wanted to see what these people could do. “For your own sake, don’t act rashly. If you do, you bear the consequences. Truly, I hope it won’t come to that.”
“Thank you, sisters. I will repay this kindness someday.” Zhuang Yun Zhen had been prepared to fight to the death, but at the last moment, Mingyu Villa’s people appeared. He knew his junior brother had come here before to ask for the Falling Sunset Jade for Gu Zhenzhen, but he had not realized his brother had become sworn siblings with the villa master. Otherwise, Luo Mingyu, who disliked trouble, would not have intervened.
“No need for thanks, little brother. Villa Master loves to bring lovers together, hates to see them parted.”
A vigorous energy flowed into Zhuang Yun Zhen, healing much of his internal injuries. “What’s happening?” “Don’t worry. You suffered internal injuries, but this bit of energy should suppress them and temporarily restore your peak strength. Once this is over, you must rest—no more fighting.”
“We can help you a few times, but not always. Enough thanks—there’s something important you must do. What are you waiting for? With your current power, you could destroy this place. Make as much trouble as you wish—Villa Master says he’ll take responsibility. To him, Taiyun Golden Valley is just a garden; rebuild if needed. But the people must not be left—this is Villa Master’s sole requirement.”
“Haha, I knew you’d come, boy! Let’s have a good fight, shall we? Master, I’ve waited long for this. If I kill him, don’t stop me. I hear he possesses fierce strength—I want to test it today!”
Yan Feilong shouted, leaping before Zhuang Yun Zhen. As the foremost of the four hall masters, his skill was second only to Master Qin Boyu. He had cultivated Taiyun Scripture to the fifth realm. He had sought a worthy opponent, but none among those present sufficed.
“Feilong, don’t step in. This man seeks me. Today, his opponent is me. Zhuang Yun Zhen, you managed to arrive here alive—you should treasure it, but you never did.” Qin Boyu looked at Yan Feilong in disappointment. “Feilong, today’s battle will not end peacefully. If I die, you will be the master of Taiyun Golden Valley. Your skill has long surpassed mine, but you’ve been holding yourself back. After today, you need not do so anymore.”
“I know your heart. You’ve always wanted to be master. Now, your wish is granted. Enough talk. Zhuang Yun Zhen, dare you fight me?”
Qin Boyu moved like the wind, appearing before Zhuang Yun Zhen. “I’ve been waiting for you. Isn’t it your wish to kill me? Come then—this is your last chance. Let me see your skill after all these years. If you can’t defeat me, you cannot take your woman away.”
“Mo Qing, watch closely—see how your man falls to me. Soon, you’ll realize that only I am truly suited for you!”
Zhuang Yun Zhen was cautious. Yes, his target was Qin Boyu, whose skill was formidable. If it came to a fight to the death, he felt confident he could win.
Whoosh!
Zhuang Yun Zhen crossed his palms, performing the Twin Radiance Palm. His strength had indeed returned, and he could now use his technique for longer stretches. Fire and lightning encircled his palms—the Thunder and Blazing Heaven techniques.
“Excellent—such fierce palmwork entitles you to face me!” Qin Boyu answered with the Heartbreak Fist, a forceful and domineering style. “Boy, today you’ll see what a true ultimate skill is. Your palmwork is fine, but it alone cannot defeat me. Your woman is watching—if you lose, your life will remain here.”
“Brother, fight without fear. If you die, I will not live alone!” Li Mo Qing was calm. Yes, as long as she could see her brother, even death was worthwhile. Moreover, his skill seemed even more powerful—perhaps he had had some remarkable encounter.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Both were equally matched—the Twin Radiance Palm and Heartbreak Fist were among the world’s supreme techniques. Their display awed all present.
“Haha, splendid! I have finally mastered my skill after years of effort. You are a worthy opponent. If you wish to leave safely, you must use all your strength.”
Taiyun Scripture drew power from emotion—the deeper the longing, the stronger the technique. The Heartbreak Fist, though mighty, was only evenly matched with the Twin Radiance Palm.
“If you were uninjured, you would defeat me. But now, your internal wounds limit you. The Five Harmonies Divine Skill can only temporarily suppress your injuries.”
“Indeed, your fist is powerful—alone, I am not your equal. Still, I will not retreat. Do you understand?”
“Impressive skill, boy! Even my Heartbreak Fist cannot subdue you. Try my Mystic Ice Infinity. I hear the Twin Radiance Palm has a move called ‘Proud Frost Dance.’ Will I see it today?”
Taiyun Scripture, in Qin Boyu’s hands, showed new powers. “Its force is tremendous, but I cannot use it for long. Yet you are a worthy opponent, so you may face my strongest move.”
Mystic Ice Infinity fused with the Heartbreak Fist became even stronger. Qin Boyu’s moves sped up, his power growing. “What’s wrong? Your ability should not be so limited. Your injuries restrict you. Hmph—since this is your choice, let me send you on your way.”
“Yes, it all ends now. This move will take your life. A pity—you are a fine adversary, but fate has brought you to this end. Did you ever imagine it?”
“Mo Qing, you see now—this man is unworthy to stand at your side. If you promise to be with me, I will spare him. Isn’t he the one you love? This should be easy for you.”
“Is that so? You truly wish to be with me? But you should have known my answer long ago. You’re right—I have regained consciousness. Let me tell you: as long as I am here, you will not harm anyone. Brother, you always protected me; now let me protect you. Together, we can fight him. Shall we?”
“Mo Qing, you have recovered? I have been waiting for you. Your skill is much stronger than before. You are right—together, we can battle him.”
Whoosh!
A fierce move, blazing with fire, issued from Li Mo Qing’s palm—meant to coordinate with Zhuang Yun Zhen. “Brother, I use palmwork, you use fists—together, he will gain nothing. Your Twin Radiance Palm is formidable, but cannot be used for long. If you do, you will suffer backlash. Though you never said so, I know its power is great, but the backlash is immense. Even after so long, you cannot suppress it.”
Li Mo Qing knew well the damage of the Twin Radiance Palm. Zhuang Yun Zhen ignored it.
“Fine, let’s do it!” Li Mo Qing’s hair flew, her fists nimble. With the Divine Essence Sword, she executed the Infinite Vermilion Sword. Her swordwork, combined with supreme fistwork, made her appear a hero above all. “Mo Qing, your fistwork is excellent. Seems you’ve grown skilled without me beside you.”
“Is this the Two Qi of Life and Death? You truly absorbed it? How is it possible? No one has ever done so. How did you manage it?”
“How did I do it? Haha, you said it yourself—I achieve what others cannot. Now, your body is full of death energy. I suppose you don’t know its effects? Life and death cycle endlessly—how can you resist? Remember what I said? If I found the chance, I would not let you go. Now, I am able.”
“Did you ever imagine today would come? You have always been arrogant, never valuing people like us. You claim to love me—haha, that is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. What you truly desire is always my family’s divine skill. So here it is—I have given it to you. Now you feel it, don’t you? The Undying White Flame is in your body—why don’t you dare use it?”
“Hmph, now you see the power of this skill. I told you before—the Undying White Flame is my family’s legacy. Only Li family disciples may learn it. If someone refuses, what fate awaits them? The power is getting more violent, isn’t it? Yes, you are skilled, and could suppress it if you wish.”
“Brother, we can leave now. He must suppress the power and cannot fight. He thinks the death energy I gave him is only that, but the more he suppresses, the worse the backlash. For such things, he knows well. Brother, seeing you again today truly makes me happy. I had thought, if you didn’t come, I would break out myself. But you never disappoint.”
“Haha, you think that after defeating me you can leave? What do you take Taiyun Golden Valley for? Let me tell you: unless I agree, you cannot escape. Try if you wish.”
Qin Boyu was always arrogant, believing everything was under his control. But now—what was happening? Was he really going to die? He would never accept it. He must think—what could he still do?
“Stop thinking. You cannot do anything. Your two meridians are controlled; whatever you attempt is useless. Why not just concede? I know your reputation is great, and you value it highly.”
“Concede? Hahaha, do you know who I am? I never admit defeat. Only death awaits me. What, do you hesitate to kill me because of my skill? If so, I am delighted. But I know—I never mattered to you, no matter how many years passed.”
“You wish to spare me, but you lack the right. Only I can end my own life!”
“Master, why such despair? It’s just a lost battle. We can find another chance. If you die, nothing remains. Didn’t you tell me this before? Have you forgotten?”
The three hall masters were at a loss—how had their master fallen so low? “You know nothing. You think me invincible, but only I know how hard it was to reach today. I fought many battles; I cannot lose. If I fail, I have nothing. You do not understand.”
“Battle? Can I still fight? No, it’s impossible now. My skills are gone. Do you think, faced with this, I will be content? Remember—do not let the two leave alive. If they escape, you need not live either. This is my last command—I know you will obey.”
“Yes, we know what to do. You two will not leave alive. Everyone, make sure they die here today.”
“Haha, that’s impossible. Our skills are now supreme. You are not our equal, not even your master. What can you do? Let us leave, or today, you will all die here.”
“Qin Boyu, I told you before—my heart never included you. Why won’t you believe it? Tell me, what would convince you? The one I love has never been you, and never will be.”
“I’ve known it for a long time, but I refuse to accept it. Why am I inferior to him? I have such power, yet you never glance at me. That is what hurts most. I know—with my current skill, I cannot keep you. Did you always want to know if I could control your Azure Luan Sword?”
“Today, I will show you—I can do it now. This final divine sword is my last method against you. Ah, if possible, I would not want things to end like this. But now, nothing can be done. Azure Luan, where are you?”
A green light appeared in Qin Boyu’s hand. “Azure Luan Sword, after all these years, you are finally mine. You must be sad, for your former master is now your target.”
“Mo Qing, you must find this scene amusing. I never told you why I lost—it was because I used half my skill to suppress the Azure Luan Sword. Now, though I am defeated, I have achieved this final result. Come, this will be the last battle among us three. As I said, unless I wish it, you cannot escape. Let’s see what you can do. Isn’t this interesting?”
“You came here for the Azure Luan Sword, didn’t you? Are you leaving without it? Do you not want it?”
“The sword is forever mine, Azure Luan. I know you are only controlled now. All of this is my fault. Come, if you hate me so much, I will accept defeat.”
“Divine Essence Sword, today we fight for real. Whatever the outcome, it’s up to you. You are my friend, and this man is formidable. Are you confident?”
“Divine Essence Sword? Hahaha, young lady, the sword was mine to begin with. Now you only borrow it. Do you really think yourself so special?”
“Battle? Child, your heart is too gentle. Let me tell you—your journey has forced you to change who you are. The more you do so, the worse the backlash. Look at your own energy—it’s already in chaos. How will you win?”
“You came from Su Yi Tower—so what? You were always well protected, never faced true combat. Only through endless battles can you understand their joy. Now, even with immense power, you can do nothing!”
“The Azure Luan Sword holds astonishing fire. Now, both of you are engulfed in it. Do you think you can escape? This is your burial ground. Watching you saddens me deeply.”
Qin Boyu was now fully deranged. Though he controlled the Azure Luan Sword, its power was overwhelming, affecting his mind.
“Qin Boyu, you claim I know nothing of battle, but you are wrong. Your battles are for killing, mine are for protection. All these years, you never understood what it means to protect. Everything you do is for yourself. Look at the people around you—do you think they truly respect you? No, never. If you die today, all your efforts will be gone. Is this what you wish? But it’s pointless to tell you now—you won’t understand. If you want to fight, what are you waiting for? Go ahead. As I’ve said, as long as my brother and I wish it, no one can keep us—not even you.”
“Haha, how laughable. Very well, come and try. With Azure Luan in hand, who can challenge me? Show me your combined strength—I want to see how formidable it is.”
“Rest assured, after this battle, the one who dies will be you. As for my skill, you will soon know. I have waited long for this day—my heart rejoices. Attack, then! Since you hesitate, let me show you my power. Die!”