Chapter 12: The Death of the Sect Leader

Flames soared to the heavens, and the Celestial Fire Divine Sword emerged! After so long, at last, the Celestial Fire Divine Sword was born. How remarkable that such a divine blade exists in the world. The song of the sword echoed across the skies, and as the sea of flames faded, the sword finally revealed its true form. It was an ordinary sword—yes, with the flames gone, it looked no different from any other blade. Yet every person present, all masters of profound skill, could see at a glance that this sword was far from mundane. The more unassuming its appearance, the greater its ultimate power—this has always been the way of things since ancient times.

But perhaps that's not entirely accurate; the true strength always lies in the wielder of the sword.

Every divine sword has a sword spirit. To subdue it is the last step every sword master must take. The matter, though simple in explanation, is not easily accomplished. There are two methods: first, one must overwhelm the sword spirit with immense power, forcing it into submission, a submission that endures only as long as one's strength holds. Second, one may use a force that counteracts the sword’s nature—for example, the Celestial Fire Divine Sword is of the fire attribute, so only an extreme yin force could subdue it. All the world's strongest cannot escape the laws of yin and yang.

Though straightforward, neither method is easy. The first is swift but perilous; the sword spirit may submit only temporarily, and its loyalty depends entirely on the wielder's power. Should that power falter, the fate of the sword is uncertain—it may pity its master and remain, or it may seize the chance to strike back.

Thus, most prefer the second approach, slowly subduing the sword with counteractive strength. This is slower but less dangerous. Yet, faced with this peerless Celestial Fire Divine Sword, none present had any solutions. "This sword truly is extraordinary; even united, we have no means to subdue it." This was their honest thought.

It wasn’t that they could not suppress the Celestial Fire Divine Sword; rather, they were unwilling to waste their strength on this task. "Sword Emperor, leave this to me. I've been waiting for this moment. My purpose in coming here has always been this. Fortunately, now there are no longer any obstacles, which is to my benefit. Sword Emperor, I promised you before, and I will fulfill that promise."

"No, Anran, let me handle this. Your cold poison has only just been purged, your strength not yet recovered. Should you suffer further injury, you may never recover. Now that I am here, I will not allow anyone to hurt you—that is my vow to myself."

"Sword Emperor, this is our first meeting today. Since your Sword Sect needs the Celestial Fire Divine Sword, you should rely on your own skill to claim it. This is not something resolved by words. What, am I wrong? Your cultivation surpasses Anran’s, and there are two elders who have been following in secret—come out now. Hiding is not worthy of your abilities."

The Celestial Fire Divine Sword was a divine weapon, and all would vie for it by their own merit!

"Haha, you are truly remarkable, young man. We two are experts at concealing our presence and thought ourselves undetectable. Yet you sensed us—your perception is impressive!"

Yue Gujin and Lou Yuexin, the two Heavenly Kings of the Sword Sect, stepped from a low thicket, exuding extraordinary bearing.

"Young man, you are right. The Celestial Fire Divine Sword—let us compete for it on merit, life and death aside!"

"That is one aim; the other is to settle matters with the sect master!"

"Yue Gujin, you know I've always hated you. No matter how well I performed, the sect master always favored you. In his heart, I am but a pawn; his only true disciple is you. Who can understand the bitterness and resentment in my heart?"

Yue Gujin truly did not wish to fight, especially not against his brother with whom he had once faced death. No matter the outcome, whoever survived would bear deep sorrow. But such is the fate of those who walk the path of the sword. It is a bitter road, not only for the body but for the heart, which grows ever colder.

"So, even now, you refuse to fight me? Do you think I am unworthy to be your opponent?"

"Calling you ‘elder brother’ only deepens my hatred. Applause and glory—do I truly care for such things? What I seek is respect. In the Sword Sect, I have never received any warmth or respect. My heart has grown cold. Our brotherhood ends today; you owe me nothing, nor I you. Let fate decide our lives and deaths."

Yue Gujin had never known the depth of anger his brother harbored against him. His own reputation was so great that some outsiders even believed he was the sect master. This burden weighed heavily on him, and every day brought new challengers. At first, he delighted in this, for it proved his strength. But over time, he grew weary of it. He came to despise the fame he carried, yearning instead for an ordinary life—a wish that could never be fulfilled. What saddened him most now was that even his own brother sought to defeat him for the sake of greater renown. Thus, the pursuit of skill brought no joy; even with unmatched power, only endless loneliness remained.

Yue Gujin felt a sudden urge to weep. His voice was low and heavy. "Why, brother? I truly do not understand. Why have you become this way? Or perhaps, from the day we swore brotherhood, I knew we would end up like this. That’s why I rarely appeared in the sect. If not for Miss Ji Anran rescuing me from the Great Golden Pass, I might never have returned."

His face was grim, unwilling to fight, his gaze tinged with sadness. Lou Yuexin's heart softened at these words—he had never seen Yue Gujin like this. But the softness lasted only a moment.

"Gujin, now that our brotherhood has come to this, you should know that the old days are gone forever. Come, what are you waiting for? Let us fight. All present are witnesses. I have waited long for this moment, as I have said before—today, only one of us will walk away alive!"

Bang!

This fierce strike showed no mercy; at this point, mercy would be unfair to oneself. Lou Yuexin had mastered the Blazing Sun Sword Technique three times, his power reaching the Sunset Realm, second only to the sect master. His move, Blazing Sun, radiated dazzling brilliance.

Yue Gujin knew that if he did not counterattack now, he would die here. His sword danced into a flower, the move called ‘Dawn Break’—graceful and gentle, an unusual variant of the Blazing Sun Sword Technique. A faint mist surrounded him; sun in the mist, the dawn breaks!

Swish, swish, swish!

Three rapid strikes, each faster than the last. Lou Yuexin laughed, "A fine ‘Dawn Break,’ but brother, you know well that such a move alone cannot harm me. Have you forgotten? Your swordsmanship was taught by me; without my guidance, how would you have come so far? Now you wish to kill me with ‘Dawn Break’? Do you really think you can succeed?"

"Whether I can or not, you will see. Brother, today’s battle is the end of our brotherhood. You are right; the fault lies with me. Since it is my fault, I must change everything!"

Clang, clang, clang!

Their sword skills were evenly matched. Growing up together, they knew each other's techniques intimately. Both used the Blazing Sun Sword Technique, yet each brought a different flavor—one bold and forceful, the other soft and subtle. "Brother, you are as you always were. The sword technique I gave you—you’ve made it your own, but is this your true strength? If so, I am truly disappointed."

"In that case, today I will finish you with ‘Noon Sun.’ I’ve warned you before: if you don’t give it your all, you won’t defeat me!"

‘Noon Sun’ harmed with sword energy alone; it could only be used by those with high cultivation. After mastering it once, it was a killing move; with second or third mastery, its power transformed from a tangible blade to intangible sword energy. "Come on, show me your true skill. I know you’ve never revealed your real strength—why, I understand clearly, but you keep avoiding it. Do you think that will suffice?"

"Brother, do you know whom you’re fighting? Let me tell you: what you know, I know as well. The intangible sword—today, I’ll show you how much effort I’ve spent on it. Sect master, grant me one request: after this battle, regardless of the outcome, let me leave. I truly cannot remain; the Sword Sect is no longer a place I can survive."

"A place to survive? Yue Gujin, why do you do this? Do you know how many years it took to reach your current status? Surely you know—I have always favored you over your brother. But now you wish to leave the Sword Sect. Will you truly abandon its disciples? If the sect faces danger, can you really turn your back?"

"I know—it’s not easy for me, but I must live for myself at least once. I have given much to the sect, but none of you ever considered how I truly felt."

"I am weary of it all. Every day I was challenged. If you were in my place, sect master, could you bear it? Now you have become the sect’s leader, and surely you are pleased. But being sect master was never my wish. I always wanted to be ordinary—but since I stepped onto the martial path, I know I will never find peace. Still, so what?"

"If I can have just one day of tranquility, I am willing to pay any price. Sect master, rest assured—even if I leave, I will win this battle."

Yue Gujin never wished to fight, but once his battle spirit was ignited, he would fight to the end. "Haha, brother, now tell me—how is my swordsmanship? I know you are formidable too; you were testing me before, and now the test is over. This intangible sword technique is truly exceptional. Today, let us settle life and death with intangible sword energy!"

Their skills had reached a sublime level, fighting bare-handed without divine weapons. "Haha, what a joy! Brother, this is your true power? Come then—today, I must kill you. Only with your death can I see the true light."

Bang, bang, bang!

Their moves now transcended swordsmanship—sword energy infused their fists and palms. Clang, clang, clang—each move explosive. They exchanged over a thousand blows, yet neither prevailed.

Jia Shangtong had always known his two Heavenly Kings were powerful, but he never imagined that, unleashed, their strength would be so astonishing. "You two are truly formidable. Hmph, why not let me join the fray? Three-person combat is far more interesting. Your sword energy shields are impressive, but to me, they are nothing."

But who could understand that Jia Shangtong’s heart was bleeding? This situation was his own doing, unrelated to anyone else. If a death was needed to end the battle, he would willingly sacrifice himself.

The three’s movements reached their peak. "Brother Liangxi, now you can use your power to suppress the Celestial Fire Divine Sword. I want to know—once I claim it, what strength will I gain?"

Bang, bang, bang!

His domineering fists struck the Heavenly Kings’ faces. "Haha, now you must believe: I have waited for this moment. You are wrong—today, only one will survive. Your ‘Noon Sun’ is inadequate. Good, now let me show you the true power of ‘Noon Sun.’ Yes, now that you two join forces, you may match me—but it appears you have no such chance!"

This battle unfolded in an unexpected way, something none could have foreseen. Jia Shangtong had planned this for years. "To have such powerful subordinates—but do you know my true nature? I have always tolerated you, letting you grow stronger, but what I truly need is to absorb your power."

"Once I absorb your strength, I will become the true number one in the world. I have long awaited this moment. Yes, you two should have died long ago."

Jia Shangtong was a man of contradictions—he valued talent, yet resented being surpassed.

The Celestial Fire Divine Sword sensed the immense power nearby and sought to escape, but a formidable seal encircled it, restricting its power to only thirty percent. "Celestial Fire Divine Sword, I understand—you wish to leave, don’t you? But you should know, you cannot."

"Liangxi, if you let me go, I will grant you even greater power. From you, I sense immense sword energy—if you accept my strength, you will become stronger. Think carefully—what is best for you? If you die here, isn’t it a shame? The Sword Sect is no longer what it once was."

"If I could, I would have destroyed the Sword Sect years ago. Regrettably, circumstances prevented it. Today, you have seen the excitement of this battle. I know your skill—you could join the fray again, but you need not."

Today was Liangxi’s first encounter with a sword spirit that could speak, something he never expected. "Sword Spirit, you know I won’t let you leave. The state of the Sword Sect is no concern of mine; I will see this battle to the end."

"You’re mad, young man. Fine—since you wish to see the end, I will oblige. Jia Shangtong, you three—listen. Your battle is spectacular, but you should know, whatever the outcome, I will not remain in the Sword Sect. Do you know how the sect was founded? It was my power."

"Because of me, the Sword Sect achieved its glory. Later, your ancestors forgot, seeking to imprison me forever. But you should know—I was never yours. Lvzhu, you have cared for the sword pool well; I now wish to grant you my power. Will you accept?"

"No, this power was never mine. I will not take it. But, Sword Spirit, I did not know you had such plans. Do you truly wish to destroy the Sword Sect? If the sect were gone, what would happen to its innocent disciples?"

"Lvzhu, that’s your nature. But I tell you now—I truly intend to destroy the Sword Sect. As for your concerns, they are irrelevant. The Divine Sword Gate is deeper than the Sword Sect; I want to see it thrive."

"Sword Spirit, you rare visitor, must you say such things? Let me tell you: you are part of the Sword Sect. Years ago, I sought this divine weapon, but lacked the strength. Now, I won’t let such an outcome happen."

"So, you three wish to fight me? But you have no chance—only one of you will survive. Now, your battle reaches its climax. This is the ultimate display of your power."

"Brother, do you believe now? This was the sect master’s plan all along. He always wanted us dead. I’ve told you many times, but you never believed. Now do you?"

"Gujin, I understand. Now, this battle is not just between us—it is the combined strength of brothers. I have wronged you all these years; now, let me help you. Only together can we defeat the sect master!"

Jia Shangtong was famed for decades, his skill unmatched. "Even together, you are no match for me; you cannot even breach my sword energy shield. You doubt me? Watch—I have not revealed my true power yet."

"So, is this your real skill? Years of training, and you end as a joke. Do you know, without me, you are nothing? Now, let me tell you: you two are brothers, separated years ago."

"I thought you’d never meet again, but brotherhood is mysterious; even after years apart, you met and swore brotherhood. I did not wish for this; your conflict was my doing. I intended to have you kill each other."

"Sadly, I failed. In the end, I must act myself to make this battle possible. Hmph, now you know the truth, your hearts must be filled with rage. Your brotherhood is ruined by me; even if you win, you cannot return to the past."

Jia Shangtong was truly proud, revealing all his schemes without concern. After all, he taught both brothers, and his skill far surpassed theirs.

No one expected the dignified sect master to be such a person—the contrast was shocking. "Haha, are you surprised? Years of pretense—even I almost believed I was gentle. But I know my true nature—I crave battle. When I cultivated you, I was pleased, and at first, I trusted you, sharing all I knew. But you disappointed me."

"After gaining great power, you sought to betray me. What I hate most is betrayal. Now, finally, I have spoken my heart, and I am pleased. Enough talk—prepare to die. Only with your deaths will my Sword Sect thrive."

"The Sword Sect is mine alone. Even without you, I will make it stronger. That has always been my wish. Now, the Celestial Fire Divine Sword is here. Once I claim it, nothing in this world will be beyond my reach."

"Ji Anran, Liangxi, what do you say? I’ll give you a chance. Your skills are formidable—I admire you both. Serve me, and you will be well rewarded. It’s a fine offer."

"Liangxi, you have fought alone for years. Though you are strong, human power is finite. You are a trustworthy man—join me, and your future will be brighter. Surely you know this better than anyone."

"Ji Anran, your skills are even greater. You are now an elder of the Sword Sect. As your master faces peril, should you not help? Do you not desire immense power? You have always craved strength. We have not known each other long, but do you think I would make you an elder without investigating you?"

Liangxi and Ji Anran felt a chill in their hearts. If Jia Shangtong spoke truth, his mind was deep indeed. Dealing with such a man was exhausting. Liangxi replied with a smile, "Master, your schemes do not suit us. What we yearn for most is freedom. As for what we lost, rest assured—we will reclaim it in time. Witnessing this battle has brought us joy. We can promise you now—if you truly need help, we will assist you."

This was the Liangxi Ji Anran knew: he disliked the sect’s temperament. Apart from the Liang clan, no sect in the world could catch his eye. "Let’s go, Zhenzhen, you must have been weary these days. When this is over, let’s leave together."

Gu Zhenzhen cared little whether the sect master favored her; she disliked swordsmanship. Now that she could leave, she would not stay a moment longer. "Anran, I only came to see you. Now your cold poison is cured, I am happy. You’re right, this place is unpleasant. Sister Lvzhu, if I have the chance, I’ll visit you in future. As for Jia Shangtong, his mind is dark. If he hadn’t spoken, no one would know his true thoughts. After we leave, please be careful."

"Little girl, you are mistaken. The Divine Sword Gate will be under my protection. The Sword Sect is nothing—they are no match for me."

Bang, bang, bang!

The battle between Jia Shangtong and the Heavenly Kings continued, their powers fully unleashed. The arena was filled with afterimages, their palms and fists thunderous. Though Jia Shangtong faced two opponents, his skill was formidable, but the sword spirit’s interference limited him to half his strength.

"Sect master, it seems you have aged. Hmph, weren’t you formidable moments ago? Challenging us alone—you truly are impressive. But now, this is your limit. Today, you truly will die here."

"Is that so? You think I will fail now? I see—all present have wished for my death. But you should know, it is nearly impossible. Now, I will fight with everything. Celestial Fire Divine Sword, do you remember? I said you belong to me—this is your fate. Even if you wish to escape, you cannot!"

"Come!"

A surge of power erupted from his palm, overwhelming the Celestial Fire Divine Sword. "What have you done to me? Though I possess immense power, I cannot withstand you!"

"Sword Spirit, you know this was your destiny. You have great power, but what does it matter? You cannot resist. At last, the Celestial Fire Divine Sword is in my hand. This is its power? Truly, it is formidable. With such strength, you all may die!"

Now, he was mad. After years of longing for this divine sword, he finally held it; anyone would be ecstatic—even crazed.

"What are you waiting for? If we don’t eliminate this man, we will all die here. Think—do you have unfinished business? If you die today, can you accept it?"

"Heavenly Kings, you should worry—after all, we have no direct conflict with the sect master, but you two do. His madness stems from you. Now, only you can resolve this. If you refuse to act, must I solve your troubles?"

"Yes, Liangxi, you are right. We have no conflict. Since you say so, you all can stand aside and watch. The rest I will handle."

"Come, this is our final battle. Rest assured, I will not spare you."

But at that moment, the sword energy of the Celestial Fire Divine Sword clashed with Jia Shangtong’s, a conflict his strength could not suppress. "Jia Shangtong, as I said before, you cannot control my power. Now, all your strength will vanish. Is there nothing you wish to say? For you are about to die. How unexpectedly smooth this has been!"

The Celestial Fire Divine Sword will recognize me as its master; all your efforts are in vain!

No matter how high one’s skill, the end of this path is endless loneliness—a fate all sword masters share, inescapable.

Such a divine weapon as the Celestial Fire Divine Sword can only be wielded by one of pure heart. Sadly, this simple truth was never understood before. Perhaps, from today, the Sword Sect will have a different future.

All hope for this, but whether it can be realized depends on the people themselves. Liangxi now seemed a spectator; apart from Ji Anran, nothing else mattered. To be with her was happiness enough.