Chapter 10: With Me Here, You May Leave

Liang Xi was now somewhat worried about Ji Anran. He wanted to seek her out, as if he had always known that this day was destined to come. "Brother Yuanhui, you should go. Don't mind me. These past days, I've been thinking about what kind of person I truly wish to become. Now, at last, I know—I want to be as strong as Sister Anran, yet not lose my affection for you. This time, I won't accompany you. As you can see, Yaksha Gate has already found its proper path. As the future master, I ought to stay. Though Father never says so, I know he hopes I will remain."

Gu Zhenzhen was naturally reluctant in her heart. If possible, she truly did not wish to leave the man before her. Yet now it seemed she must go, for she too had responsibilities.

Liang Xi noticed that Gu Zhenzhen had changed. Once, this young girl lived for herself and valued love above all. Of course, loving was never a fault, but life is more than love alone. With her growth, Liang Xi was genuinely pleased. "Alright, since you have decided, I respect you. Only, if you face danger, please tell me. Your Heart of Wishing technique has reached a deep level—should you encounter any peril, I will certainly come."

Each parting only deepened Gu Zhenzhen's longing for Liang Xi, her affection growing stronger. Brother Yuanhui's figure receded ever further. Brother Yuanhui, we shall surely meet again one day, and by then, I will have become a better person. With you and Sister Anran guiding me, I should not falter.

"This time, why not go together? I understand you remain because of me, but Father already told you—he doesn't want you to suffer. I know you've never liked Yaksha Gate; since childhood, you've been unwilling to call yourself a disciple. It's because Yaksha Gate separated your mother and me, leaving us unable to meet again. Yet, seeing you stand by me and willingly stay, I am already overjoyed. This is your own growth."

"Growth is distilled from hardship, but I don't want you to become like me. Look at me—apart from Yaksha Gate, what else do I have in this life? I only want you to be happy. After today's farewell, can you guarantee that you will enter Brother Yuanhui's heart? If you haven't experienced what she has, how will you ever understand her? Ji Anran understands him best; I never doubt this. Her upbringing made her mind exceptionally clear, even granting her a maturity beyond her years."

"Otherwise, how could she be so decisive and sharp? At times, she could trust only herself, so she must become ruthless. But you need not be like that, child. You too can face the world with innocence. Staying in Yaksha Gate brings you no benefit. Brother Yuanhui is strong, but even the strongest need help. Don't you wish to become the second person who truly understands Liang Xi?"

Gu Chuan rarely voiced such thoughts, but if he didn't speak now, it would be too late. He didn't want Zhenzhen to regret in the future, to lose the one she loved.

Gu Zhenzhen had not expected her father to become like this. "Father, do you know what you're saying? Let me tell you—everything I've done is my own choice. I stay only to become stronger."

"No, in your heart, you've always wished to leave. Now, I grant you leave—you must go. Remember, Yaksha Gate will always be your home. If you remember this, everything else will be much easier."

Could Zhenzhen remain by his side forever? Of course not. This young girl needed her own experiences, and meeting Liang Xi began those journeys.

Eventually, Gu Zhenzhen left Yaksha Gate. In many years past, she had never left even once. The only two times she departed were both due to Liang Xi—once to Forget River, once to Mingyu Manor. Now, with Liang Xi absent, she truly didn't know what to do next, though she felt no anxiety.

If uncertain, then secretly follow Brother Yuanhui for now. Father was right—even the strongest need protection.

Brother Yuanhui's path led to Divine Sword Sect. Clearly, though he and Sister Anran hadn't been together recently, he knew her whereabouts well. Ahead lay Sword City, and beyond Sword City, Divine Sword Sect. Liang Xi chose not to take the dangerous route through Golden Gate, preferring a smoother road. He still had no wish to visit Sword Sect.

Liang Xi had already sensed Gu Zhenzhen secretly following him. That was her nature. Well, if she wished to follow, let her. With her current skills, she could protect herself easily.

Sword City was famed for forging, nurturing, and training swords. Though called a city, it was really just a small village. After a day's hurried travel, all were weary and needed rest. Gu Zhenzhen dared not show herself, fearing Brother Yuanhui would think she couldn't leave him, but she was not that kind of person.

Liang Xi sat casually at a stall. The attendant greeted him with a smile. "Honored guest, what would you like? Small as our shop is, the fare is peerless." The attendant's gift for words was remarkable. "Alright, if your food is as good as you claim, bring me a portion—and another bowl for the young lady behind me. But don't say it's from me, understand?"

The attendant was shrewd. "Understood, sir, rest assured. I've done this many times before." Gu Zhenzhen had followed all this way and must be hungry. Ahead, who knew what battles awaited? Sword City may be small, but best to keep low profile and avoid trouble.

It wasn't that Liang Xi feared trouble, but he didn't want to waste his skills on unworthy foes. If anyone sought trouble, he would not hesitate to act.

Gu Zhenzhen soon sat down, and the attendant brought a bowl of food. It looked plain, but the aroma was rich. "Miss, please sit. This is a small token from our shop. We always offer food to weary travelers. This is Sword City—if you come alone, be cautious. Though small, many strong warriors hail from here. Especially now, with the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword soon to appear, Sword Sect has already sent people, and Sword City is preparing to move. Sword City and Sword Sect have vied for swordsmanship's supremacy for years. Now, all must be resolved."

"Whoever obtains the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword will become the world's foremost sword sect." The attendant was well-informed, but Gu Zhenzhen had no heart to listen further. Now things seemed far more complicated—she must hurry to Divine Sword Sect.

"Brother Yuanhui, I truly don't wish to hide anymore. You must have heard just now—Sword City's experts are on the move. We should leave quickly."

Gu Zhenzhen at last ceased her hiding. Liang Xi smiled at her. "What? You followed me in secret, and now you don't wish to hide anymore? In fact, if you'd persisted a bit longer, I wouldn't have found you. But since you've come forward, there may be battles ahead. Are you ready?"

It wasn't that he doubted her skill—she had been recuperating for some time, and now sudden action would be unwise. Yet Gu Zhenzhen feared nothing. "That day, when Sister Anran and Brother Yuanhui accompanied me to Mingyu Manor, we knew it would be perilous. Did either of you hesitate? Today, I am the same. For Sister Anran, no matter the cost, I am willing."

Her reply was straightforward—her thoughts always simple. To protect those she loved was the purpose of all her years of training.

"Stop them! Today's task is to ensure this man and woman do not leave Sword City alive. You all know who they are—they are Sword Sect's people. Sword Sect sent three experts this time. The first has gone to Divine Sword Sect; we've dispatched a second group to kill him. As for this man and woman, they're ours. The man is an expert of noble birth—if he dies in our hands, it will be interesting indeed."

Suddenly, countless Sword City experts surrounded Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen. An ordinary person would have collapsed in terror, but Liang Xi was different. Though only sixteen, he had grown up among the elite. Their aura was strong, but he felt no fear. His fingers gathered sword energy. "Since you're ready, why wait? You must all be exceptional experts—today, let us settle this by life and death!"

He wasted no words, fingers forming a sword, unleashing Sword Energy as One. With a single strike, his sword energy slew them all.

"Hahaha, such formidable swordsmanship! So this is why you have such confidence—turns out you learned some of Sword City's outcast Shang Ruyi's swordsmanship. Shang Ruyi once had great talent, but his pride made him scorn us. So, we destroyed his foundation."

"We thought he would never practice sword again, but he surprised us by taking you as a disciple. He must value you greatly, passing his hard-earned swordsmanship to you. Since that's so, you have even less chance of surviving today. If you don't believe me, try it—see whose swordsmanship is stronger, yours or ours."

Liang Xi did not believe a word. "You think your words will sway me? Let me tell you, I won't believe it. Only my senior brother and I truly understand what kind of man Shang Ruyi is. Now, all of you must pay for your words and deeds, as you should. What, are you unwilling to accept this?"

The battle was fierce—Sword City was founded upon swordsmanship, and every resident possessed formidable skill. Yet Sword City had its rules: none could leave, nor use its sword techniques for evil. If caught, the consequences were dire, without exception. Shang Ruyi once had a promising future but could not endure Sword City's austerity, so he left.

Later, though Shang Ruyi gained great power, he never forgot his identity as a Sword City disciple. Liang Xi did not know all the details. "Fine, since you're so defiant, let us test swordsmanship—see who is stronger, you or I!"

"Zhenzhen, leave now. These people are formidable, but if I wish to depart, it is easy. I'll hold them off—no matter their skills, none shall escape. Remember my words: unless absolutely necessary, do not reveal your true strength."

Liang Xi fought with full power, astonishing all. They had twenty experts suppressing him, expecting he would be powerless. Yet his skill was vast, harming foes with sword energy alone. His footwork was strange, and though young, his power was not to be underestimated. Most notably, he had not yet revealed his true strength, always evading. Did he so look down on them? Well then, brothers, you see his strength—no need to hold back. Let's kill him once and for all!

Liang Xi's every move was dominant, intimidating these hateful foes. He had not yet used his killing techniques—for the martial arts in the Lingyun Atlas, he preferred not to use them if possible.

"You brat, you think you have any way out now? You're trapped, and your skills are useless!"

"This is Sword City—you may have been formidable elsewhere, but now we'll show you true power!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Their techniques struck Liang Xi. "Brother Yuanhui, if you don't use your killing moves now, you'll die here today! Is that what you want? I know you received Shang Ruyi's kindness, so you hesitate, but remember their words—they called Shang Ruyi an outcast, despite his strength."

Gu Zhenzhen could not leave—their foes surrounded her, but she had the Heart of Wishing for protection. It was a top-tier spiritual technique, and now she easily controlled their minds. "I advise you not to act rashly—you have all fallen under my Heart of Wishing. If you move, your bloodlines will burst and you will die."

"You are merely pawns; I need not fight. Let me go, and I'll release you from my control. Think—after years of cultivation, would you waste it all on such matters?"

Sword City disciples revered their home and never believed anyone's skills could surpass theirs. "Brothers, that girl uses mere tricks. If we unite, we can kill her. Remember, we promised the city lord—while we're here, Sword Sect's reinforcements cannot advance!"

Liang Xi ceased holding back, employing Flying Bird Phantom Dance. His hands exuded chilling energy—the Falling Flower Fist. The cold aura erupted, and since they sought death, he obliged.

Falling flowers, fallen men!

The power of Snow Flower Fist was usually gentle, but Liang Xi now wielded it with ferocious strength, his footwork graceful and elusive. In moments, Sword City's experts could not withstand it. Liang Xi glanced at Gu Zhenzhen, took her arm, and with unmatched speed, they vanished.

"You useless lot! You can't even capture them. If the city lord learns of this, you'll face the consequences. I told you before—Liang Xi and Ji Anran were not easy opponents, but you refused to listen. Now what? Enough talk, chase them! We cannot let them escape!"

The speaker was Sword City's lead disciple. All knew this battle would be hard to resolve.

"Brother Yuanhui, do you know? From the start, I hoped you'd carry me away. Now, at last, my wish is fulfilled. This speed is incredible—Sword City's people won't catch us, will they?"

Even now, Gu Zhenzhen was cheerful. "Absolutely. My footwork is unmatched, and now I'm using it fully. Sword City's people are skilled, but if we truly fought, they'd likely suffer."

"Hahaha, so arrogant! Do you really believe your footwork is the best in the world? Well, as long as I'm here, no matter your skill, you won't escape. Do you dare fight?"

A tall, elegant middle-aged man appeared before them, his footwork astonishingly fast. "What, are you so surprised to see me? Or is it my current state that amazes you?"

"Well, it's time I told you who I am. I am Shang Ruyi's brother. We haven't met for years, but I know all about him. His judgment is excellent—otherwise, I wouldn't be here. You two may leave. I'll hold off the pursuers. Rest assured, others can't do this, but I can!"

"When my brother left, I did nothing. If I do nothing again, I will have failed everyone. You go—no need to remember me."

"Shang Luxin, do you know what you're doing? I command you to stop them. If not, you know the consequences!"

"I fear nothing. In this world, I can do anything. Years ago, you deceived me, keeping my brother and I apart. Jian San, I've had enough. Do you know what I've been waiting for all these years? I've waited for this moment. Now, I'll show you the strength I've gained. Today, no one can harm the two behind me. Jian San, I always wanted to duel you, but never had the chance. Now it's here—shall we settle this?"

Jian San was Sword City's top expert and realized this would not end easily. The opponent would not relent. "Hahaha, Shang Luxin, I underestimated you. You've been waiting too? Well, since you wish it, I'll grant your wish. Yes, I deceived you because I knew Shang Ruyi's nature. But you were different—staying in Sword City would have been better for you. Now, I see I was wrong."

"Senior, let me stay. His swordsmanship is remarkable, and I worry you alone may not hold him off."

Shang Luxin laughed heartily. "Young friend, do you know Sword Energy as One is my technique? I taught everything to Ruyi, so rest assured, I am even stronger than my brother. No need to say more—go quickly."

Shang Luxin's aura was astounding; his appearance resembled Shang Ruyi, but with more refinement. Who knew such a refined man could wield such power when fully unleashed?

"Hmph, yes, I should have known your power is formidable. I would not attack without full confidence. Now, the scene I dreaded has happened!"

"Indeed, this battle was long awaited. Now, I must unleash all my strength. You know, this is my last fight—I have no strength left!"

"I, Shang Luxin, have always loved Sword City, but now I see how it treats me. If you were me, what would you do?"

"True, I have little strength left, but it's enough to deal with you. Liang Xi, Gu Zhenzhen, you are both excellent. Seeing my brother's disciple brings me joy. Leave the rest to me."

Bang! Bang! Bang!

An astonishing battle ensued. Shang Luxin's swordsmanship was steady, his footwork exquisite. Liang Xi couldn't know Shang Ruyi's true strength, but based on Shang Luxin, it must be formidable. Jian San was named for his three sword techniques: Death, Soul, Self—each faster and fiercer.

"Good brother, years ago I wanted to teach you my sword techniques, but you never allowed it. Now, I see we are truly on separate paths. Since it must come to this, today let's settle it once and for all. Otherwise, you'll never believe my strength."

Liang Xi now witnessed true swordsmanship. He had not specialized in swords, nor could he—the Lingyun Atlas was his foundation, and single-focused training was impossible. Yet, facing such power, Liang Xi reflected on his martial path; things that once perplexed him now became clear. Such experiences were rare.

"You brat, are you still unwilling to leave? How long do you plan to stay? If you wish to retrain, I don't object—but do you have the time?"

"Jian San, what's wrong? You used to be so spirited. I suspect your old internal injuries haven't healed?"

Jian San suffered long-term internal injuries, never fully healed, yet his power remained deep. "Yes, my injuries persist, but dealing with you is easy. If you doubt it, try me."

"Hahaha, truly a madman. You supposedly met Jun Daoxing once, who instructed you for half a day, and your skills soared since then. Even now, I can't guarantee victory, but since I've chosen to fight, I'll see it through. Liang Xi and the others have gone far—you can't catch them."

"So, this was your plan. Shang Luxin, I always gave you opportunities, hoping you'd use your power for Sword City. But now I see I was mistaken. You do not deserve such strength. Once you gain power, you forget yourself. I should have known, but I never believed it. Do you know, even now, I don't wish to kill you?"

"It's not that I can't—I simply don't want to. These years, you're the only one I ever believed in. Why, after all these years, do you keep disappointing me? If not for me, you would have been killed by the city lord long ago. Why won't you believe?"

"The city lord wants me dead? Hahaha, I know. But do you think, even with his skills, he can do it? My strength is unknown to others—is it unknown to you? You say you want to know me, but after all these years, you still don't. I've waited for this fight—don't disappoint me."

These two friends survived countless life-and-death trials, but now had reached this painful juncture. "It seems nothing I say matters now. So, only one final battle remains. Disciples, heed my order—pursue Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen with all your might. No matter the cost, do not let them reach Divine Sword Sect. The Heavenly Fire Divine Sword is ours."

"Yes, sir!"

"Alright, Shang Luxin, now everyone has left. At last, there are no distractions. Let us have a true duel—this is the skill you've always wished to test. Rest assured, I will grant your wish."

Jian San's sword energy soared to its peak. At this moment, nothing could restrain him. All must be resolved.

"Very well. Many years ago, when I first met you, I knew we would eventually fight. Now, no one can stop me, nor can anyone stop you. Still, I will let you have three moves first—because years ago, you saved me and Ruyi twice, and once alone. These three moves repay your kindness—it's nothing, so don't dwell on it."

"All these years, you still remember such minor things? As you said, it's trivial. I saved you because you are my brother. You called me elder brother, and that title isn't empty."

"Fine, if you insist, I must accept. The first sword is coming—its name is Death!"

Death led to Soul, Soul led to Self. Three moves as one, one divided into three, each unceasing. Jian San became Sword City's top expert through these fierce techniques. Over the years, only the Shang brothers could make him fight with all his might. He yearned for a true opponent, not fearful followers. In this, only the Shang brothers succeeded. At this moment, Jian San was truly elated.

"This moment has finally arrived. After all these years, it turns out you were always the one I awaited. Today, only one of us will walk away alive. In truth, I hope both of us could survive—that would be best."