Chapter 11: Uncle Arrives

A single sword’s cold gleam shook the Jin Valley—this was now Li Moqing’s sword technique. “The Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword has six forms, but in all these years, not a single soul has ever witnessed them. Today, even with the Azure Luan Sword in your hand, what of it? This Divine Origin Sword may well belong to your Taiyun Jin Valley, but what a pity—a sword of such power, yet you cannot wield it. Don’t tell me that Jiu Ze was once a disciple of your sect; even if that were true, I’d never believe it. Elder brother, you have fought long and hard, now let me protect you. This is something I have long wished to do. I thank the heavens for granting me this chance.”

Seeing Zhuang Yunzhen’s worried face, Li Moqing smiled. “Rest assured. As long as I am here, no one here will harm you. Go ahead, strike if you dare. Today, I’ll face you all with these six forms of the Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword!”

The Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword’s six forms were devised by the ancestor of the White Robe Tower, inspired by the Vermilion Bird’s movements. Later, the ancestor felt the swordplay reached its pinnacle only when fused with the supreme Crimson Flame, becoming the sole sword technique within the Imperishable White Flame. Tempered by countless battles, the technique grew ever purer.

With a sharp sound, Li Moqing leapt with her sword, her motion fluid and graceful, a faint phoenix’s cry echoing through her strike. This was the opening form: Spreading Wings. Sword energy, like the wings of a Vermilion Bird, swept across half the sky in an instant—utterly dazzling. A beauty in crimson, displaying a peerless sword art; truly, sword as keen as thunder, beauty as radiant as a painting.

All present felt the terrifying sword energy. At that moment, Li Moqing became one with the azure sword light—her attack, a strike to kill. The sword wings in the sky turned into a raging gale, howling down. Once, the Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword had been a blade for slaughter, which she disliked. In her memory, it was always meant to be a sword of protection. Today, so long as she fought to protect her brother, she feared nothing, no matter the foe.

So this was the current master of White Robe Tower’s true strength? If they faced such swordsmanship, how much hope for victory would they have? The guests calculated carefully and realized that, faced with this move, they had no chance at all. If so, why remain? Must they die alongside the Taiyun Jin Valley? Were their lives less valuable?

“Valley Lord Qin, this is your family matter. We outsiders ought not to stay. We’ll take our leave now. If you need our help in future, send word and we won’t refuse.” A man in splendid robes, having weighed the odds, was unwilling to risk his life.

But Qin Boyu’s heart had long since been twisted with paranoia and madness. He blamed Zhuang Yunzhen for ruining his wedding, and now, even those friends who’d once stood close to him wished only to save themselves. Since they’d come, there would be no leaving.

A sword’s fierce energy carved a deep gash in the ground. “No one here leaves alive today. You’ve seen me so humiliated, do you think things can end peacefully? As my honored guests, you have no reason to leave. Otherwise, you die!”

The groom, once elegant and dashing, now stood with disheveled hair, his crimson robe in disarray, madness, resentment, and sorrow written across his face. Madness, because the woman before him, who now regarded him only with killing intent, devoted everything to Zhuang Yunzhen and cared nothing for him. Resentment, because he had met her many years ago, but she had long since forgotten him, though he had never forgotten her.

Not only did her figure never fade from his heart, but over the years, it grew ever clearer. When he learned Li Moqing had come to Taiyun Jin Valley, Qin Boyu was truly delighted. The one he had longed for was finally at his side.

Yet, in this moment, all his hopes were utterly shattered. “Ha! Wonderful, just wonderful. In the end, you did attack me. My heart aches deeply. So be it—let us all die together and end it cleanly!”

The last thread of warmth was cut away. At the same time, an even more fearsome power surged within Qin Boyu. The final realm of the Taiyun Sutra, ‘Falling Flowers,’ had as its core, “Falling flowers have intent, but flowing water is heartless.” These eight words embodied his present state. At this moment, he had finally mastered the divine art.

With a single finger, he blocked Li Moqing’s astonishing sword. The sword energy of the Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword scattered and transformed into green flames, engulfing those around them—precisely the fate they deserved, unworthy of pity.

Yet, in the end, Qin Boyu could not bring himself to kill. He merely pushed the woman away. “Go. While I am still holding onto a shred of reason, leave at once. Of all people, you are the one I least wish to harm. I know what you have become is all because of the man behind you. Rest assured, today I will kill him. Once he’s dead, you can return to your senses. Zhuang Yunzhen, hiding behind a woman—what skill is that? If you have the guts, come face me yourself!”

Again, the azure sword light interposed itself between Qin Boyu and its target. “You don’t want to hurt me? Ha! But hurting my brother is the same as hurting me. Enough talk—this is between you and me. It’s time to settle it. Do you think I don’t know your intentions? You’ve always wanted to swallow up my White Robe Tower, but you’ve never succeeded, and you never will!”

How could he still have feelings for such a resolute woman? “Because of you, I once had feelings; because of you, I have none. Ha! So it ends as it began. Very well. If that is your wish, then today I’ll make us a pair of tragic lovers—prepare to die!”

Once a man with jet-black hair, now a lock of white graced his brow. ‘Falling Flowers,’ the last realm of the Taiyun Sutra, had three forms: Forget Love, Cut Love, and No Emotion. These moves had no fixed pattern; embodying their essence was enough.

“Fine. Today I’ll use the Azure Luan Sword of your White Robe Tower to sever all ties between us!” The Azure Luan Sword in his hands became a dazzling rain of sword light, the speed of this blow reaching its limit.

To sever all feelings with a single sword—that was Forget Love. In power, it matched Li Moqing’s Spreading Wings, both relying on momentum to overwhelm with speed. Li Moqing remained by Zhuang Yunzhen’s side, half her sword light attacking, half defending. Who could have foreseen that a happy celebration would descend into such chaos?

The Divine Origin Sword, though not as sharp as the Azure Luan, bore the support of the Imperishable White Flame and was worthy of battle. Li Moqing was now using killing moves, her long legs wreathed in blazing gold-blue fire as she launched a Meteor Dance—an onslaught upon Qin Boyu. The Gold-Blue Blaze was not only defensive; its derived moves—Meteor Dance, Flooding River, and Mountain Split—were peerless and fierce leg techniques. Now, used in tandem with the Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword, the display was breathtaking.

All hearts were shaken by the spectacle. Who could have imagined such formidable techniques existed in this world? Qin Boyu, from beginning to end, relied solely on Forget Love to fend off her attacks. Though Li Moqing’s moves were fierce, she dared not directly confront the edge of Forget Love.

“Mo Qing, I have now attained divine mastery. Though your moves are sharp, you still cannot defeat me. The Imperishable White Flame and the Taiyun Sutra complement each other, but if this art is cultivated to perfection, your flame cannot harm me.”

With a series of heavy impacts, the protective energy around Qin Boyu truly withstood all of Li Moqing’s attacks. “Is this all you’ve got? It seems nothing special. Since I haven’t yet used Cut Love, I’m still willing to give you a chance. If you wish to leave, I’ll allow it, but Zhuang Yunzhen is still unworthy.”

“Zhuang Yunzhen, how long do you intend to watch? Didn’t you say Li Moqing is the woman you love most? Yet you let her bear pain for you? What a fine man you are.”

“I told you, even with the Azure Luan Sword, you cannot defeat me. If you wish to harm my brother, I will never allow it. So what if you use Cut Love? Witness my move—Parting the Clouds.”

Parting the Clouds is a strike made without a trace of hesitation; every ounce of sword intent converges on this single blow, able to shatter all defenses. Faster than Spreading Wings, it also carried a domineering edge. Enveloped in an ethereal glow, Li Moqing embodied the move.

Could this sword truly end it all? Indeed, it could. Perhaps she herself did not expect to become like this. Once, she hated fighting and cultivation. Now, she used all she had learned to guard the one she loved, not knowing how far she could go—but she would do all she could.

“Why, why would you go so far for that man? Look at him—standing behind you in peril. Is being wounded an excuse not to act? If I were him, I would never let you become like this. Zhuang Yunzhen, you truly deserve to die. Do you realize you never had the right to live in this world?”

“Shut up! Moqing, step aside. He’s here for me, not you. You must not die. Remember what you once said? You said, when you’re no longer the master of White Robe Tower, you’d travel the world with me, taking in every blade of grass. I’ve always remembered that. What, do you now wish to break your promise? If we agreed to face our foes together, why act alone? Qin Boyu, today I came for just one purpose: to defeat you. You hurt the woman I love; for that alone, I cannot spare you.”

“Today, only one of the three of us will walk away alive. Tell me, who will win—us or you? No matter the outcome, as long as Moqing and I are united in heart, we are invincible.”

Zhuang Yunzhen slowly stood, his breaths now long and steady. “Brother, you’ve recovered at last. If you hadn’t, I’d never have been a match for him alone. The Taiyun Sutra is truly formidable—only one devoid of feeling can wield its ultimate power.”

“Indeed, I am now one without emotion. Even if you join forces, what can you do? It’s better to submit. You are both remarkable talents. Remember, this is your last chance. If you refuse, I’ll make the choice for you!”

Qin Boyu’s patience was gone. Surrounded by true energy, he was now invulnerable to any technique; his strength now so great that brute force alone sufficed.

“You must realize now, no matter what moves you use, they’re useless against me. In becoming this way, I thank you both. Now I finally understand our ancestor’s words—emotion is worthless to Taiyun Jin Valley! Ha! To have mastered such divine art—perhaps now I am the world’s foremost. Yet, being the world’s foremost is hardly anything special.”

“The world’s foremost? How amusing. I didn’t know you saw yourself so. Very well, today you shall die under the title of ‘world’s foremost.’ I imagine you’ll find that most satisfying!”

“Blade Mountain, Sea of Fire!”
“Rosy Clouds!”

The first was the ultimate killing move of the Heart-Flame Realm of Imperishable White Flame; the second, the fourth move of the Twin Radiance Palm—brilliant and dazzling. Combined with Li Moqing’s Blade Mountain, Sea of Fire, the union of force and grace was unlike anything before. The onlookers paled—was such a combination possible?

Their joint attack landed heavily on Qin Boyu, who only looked on with a faint, arrogant smile. “Is that all? I expected much more. You can’t even break my defensive energy—what a disappointment! If you have other moves, use them all. If you can shatter my defenses, my life is yours. But I doubt you’re capable. If anyone else wishes to try, come forward together!”

“Now that matters have come to this, none of you should expect to live. You want to destroy my Taiyun Jin Valley? Hmph! If you think you can, come and try!”

Blood spurted from Zhuang Yunzhen and Li Moqing’s lips. Was this man truly unbeatable?

“All is over. Now I’ll let you taste my final move—No Emotion. This is the strongest of all. Once struck, not even immortals can save you. Twelve Musicians, even if you arrive, it will make no difference. Consider what fate awaits you once Zhuang Yunzhen and Li Moqing are dead. Frankly, I’d rather not offend Luo Mingyu—he’s the foremost young lord of the world, someone I’ve long admired and hoped to befriend. Once I have the chance, I’ll visit Mingyu Manor.”

“Ladies, since the outcome is set, you’d best leave. That would be best for all.” Even Qin Boyu could feel his strength ebbing; if the twelve attacked now, he’d stand no chance. He needed them gone.

“Who says you’re the strongest? We’re still here. Is that all you’ve got? Come, weren’t you boasting just now? If you’re out of strength, it’s our turn. Moqing, how are you? Still able to fight?”

“Of course. If I can’t kill him today, what was all our cultivation for? Besides, he’s wielding my Azure Luan Sword—it was never his to use. Today, whatever happens, I’ll take back what’s mine! Brother, don’t worry about me. This man is strong, and you’ve only just recovered—let me handle the rest.”

“Ha! Li Moqing, even now you’re not resigned? But you should know by now, with your current strength, you cannot harm me. Since you’re still so stubborn, I’ll send you on your way!”

She was truly difficult to deal with. Even after all this, he still couldn’t kill her. His last reserves of strength gathered—this would be his final move. If this failed, he was out of options.

With a crash, his final palm did not strike Li Moqing but was intercepted by Zhuang Yunzhen, who, though gravely injured, blocked the blow. Now he had barely a breath left, his energy spent. Why did he do this? He must have had his reasons. Li Moqing had always hated violence; even now she did. But that would not do. If the Imperishable White Flame was to reach its true strength, her heart had to harbor a towering anger, especially now that she’d reached the Heart-Flame Realm; fury was essential.

These were the words of Li Feichen, who knew well the power of Heart-Flame—it must be fed by rage, lest it burn the wielder. If she truly wished to defeat Qin Boyu, this was the only way. It was unfair to her, but if there were another way, even Zhuang Yunzhen would not wish this fate for her.

“Moqing, I’m sorry. I hoped to walk farther with you, but it seems the rest of the journey is yours alone. If fate allows, I’ll apologize again in the next life.” With that, Zhuang Yunzhen lost consciousness.

Rage—so this was the unquenchable anger she’d never truly felt. Seeing her brother fall, Li Moqing was consumed with self-loathing. Why, even now, was she so soft-hearted? And what did that softness bring? The loss of the one she loved most. It was all Qin Boyu’s fault.

Qin Boyu sensed danger, but even so, he dismissed it. He believed victory certain. What could this girl do without Zhuang Yunzhen? She could accomplish nothing.

Suddenly, before he could react, he was sent flying, his protective energy cracked. What had just happened?

“You love to fight, do you? You claim to be the world’s foremost? Fine, I’ll let you see clearly who truly deserves that title!”

Li Moqing vanished—not literally, but her speed surpassed his limits. This was no ordinary lightness skill. Now, her heart held only rage. Only now did her Heart-Flame attain true perfection. “You have your protective energy? Good, today I’ll break it before your eyes!”

Three punches in succession, each stronger than the last. With just three blows, Qin Boyu’s protective energy was utterly shattered. Without it, he was powerless. “So, now you have no protection. And I have become like this—all because of you. Qin Boyu, I loathe my own weakness. If not for that, my brother would not be as he is. Now, you will pay the price!”

Her attacks were unstructured, yet devastatingly strong. Without her brother, she had no will to live. Members of the White Robe Tower avoided emotion, but once moved, it was for life. Now, the one she loved most lay unconscious. Hah—so be it. If so, no one here would leave alive.

“Ha! Now, this is your true power! Yes, you should be like this. But do you think breaking my protection means you can defeat me? Today, I’ll show you—even without it, you’re no match for me!”

Both unleashed their final reserves. This was the pinnacle of their contest. Heart-Flame clung to Li Moqing, her Vermilion Bird Infinite Sword now laced with fire. The swordplay reached its zenith. “This sword art is quite good. But the greater the power, the stronger the backlash. You should be aware of that. Can you truly bear it?”

“Even if I must endure endless torment, if I can kill you, then everything I’ve done today is worth it. Heart-Flame is powerful, but its consumption is immense. If I can’t finish this quickly, I may not leave alive.”

Even as she poured out her strength, she felt at peace. She did not fear death, only that she might die without killing this man.

Again, she struck with her mightiest blow. But now, she too was being consumed by Heart-Flame. She fought on instinct alone, her strength nearly spent. Damn it—had she reached her limits? Was it truly hopeless, when even now the enemy was unharmed? Brother, I’m sorry—even transformed, I still failed in the end. Am I unfit to fight? I don’t want this. This is all my fault.

“Haha! So, you’re spent as well. That Heart-Flame was your last strength. Pity—you could have become stronger. But you never liked to fight. All your battles have been forced. Now, who can you depend on? No one. Your brother is already beyond help!”

“Why not join him? Isn’t that what you always wanted? Since it’s your greatest wish, I’ll grant it.”

“Who else is dissatisfied? Step forth. Whoever you are, I fear you not. My strength is restored—this battle will end here.”

“End? Valley Lord Qin, you swagger greatly, bullying two juniors—is that all you’re capable of? Hmph, do you think the White Robe Tower has no one left?” At this moment, a deep, powerful voice came from afar. Soon, a refined middle-aged man approached with measured steps. When had he arrived? No one had sensed him.

“Who are you, man of the Nine Rivers? How did you break my Maze Array?” That formation was the essence of Taiyun Jin Valley. Was this man’s skill above his own?

“The Maze Array? Mere parlor tricks. Only someone like you would value such a thing. It’s not worth mentioning. I know you want to know who I am. From the beginning, you’ve used my sword, and now you ask who I am. Valley Lord, don’t you find that laughable? Fine, since you wish it, I’ll tell you—I am Li Feichen of the White Robe Tower.”

“My niece was bullied so—how could I, as her uncle, stand by? You know how I value my reputation. Anything that might tarnish it, I avoid. Azure Luan, after so many years, do you still remember me?”

At his words, the Azure Luan Sword rang out, broke free from Qin Boyu, and returned. “Azure Luan, it truly has been too long. Now that I’m here, you must come back. You mischievous thing, you know Moqing is your master, yet you helped an outsider. When this is over, you’ll be punished, and you know it. Come, let the Valley Lord taste your power. I know you’ve borne his suppression all this while!”

“Azure Luan, come back! I controlled you before—what are you doing? Do you no longer acknowledge me as your master?”

“My master? Ha! You have a way with words, but from the start, you never were. Remember—never. Now, let me be your adversary. Weren’t you impressive just now? Show me what you can do. I want to see what you’re truly capable of!”

With a deep sound, a surge of force sent Qin Boyu flying. “Is that all your power? Now your life is in my hands, and I don’t like that feeling. I haven’t acted in years, but you’ve bullied the White Robe Tower. This won’t end easily!”

“I’ll ask you: are you ready to die?” Li Feichen had not walked the world in years, yet his name was still renowned. He looked unchanged by time. What had he experienced to attain such power? All believed him long dead.

“Hmph, you must have thought so. Yes, the old Li Feichen is dead; what you see now is just an uncle who loves his niece. Is that so wrong? Now, all must be settled. Valley Lord, since you refuse to act, don’t blame me. If you’re so mighty, then withstand my Heart-Flame!”

“In any case, you’ve experienced all this before. Even if you do again, it means nothing. What, you’ve lost your nerve? You were so arrogant bullying others. Don’t tell me you’ve lost your edge now that your opponent has changed. Come—show me what you’ve got. I’ll break each move. Someone like you, seeking to be the world’s foremost?”

“Strike me. I’ll stand right here. If you can make me retreat a step, I’ll acknowledge your skill!” Li Feichen’s presence was overwhelming. Though he hadn’t acted in years, his legend lived on. “Uncle, why are you here?”

“Why? If I hadn’t come, you really would have died. How could I face your father if that happened? But you’ve done well. Leave the rest to me. So long as I’m here, no one will harm you. I know you’ve suffered much—I’ll make it right for you.”

At this, Li Moqing regained consciousness. She saw her uncle—hadn’t he sworn never to descend the mountain? Yet, for her, he broke his vow. How could she still be fit to lead the Tower?

“What, you don’t want to be master? But that role is always yours—nothing will change that. Here’s your Azure Luan Sword. Now, you and your brother watch as I deal with Qin Boyu.”

“Qin Boyu, if you won’t act, don’t blame me—it’s my turn now. I haven’t fought in ages; who knows how much skill remains, but whatever I have is enough for you.”

“But if you want to fight, you must be able to stand. And now, you seem unable. Do you know why? That last move—I crippled your meridians. You should never have learned martial arts. With such divine power, you quickly forgot who you were. That, I cannot tolerate.”

“What? You crippled my meridians? My skills destroyed in an instant? Impossible! You’re strong, but not that strong. Do you think I’ll believe you?”

“You still refuse to accept it? Fine, examine your energy. See if you have any strength left. But I’ll tell you—you have none. So, our battle need not happen. If we fight, you’ll die. In my eyes, you’re as good as dead already.”

But I still would not do it.