Chapter One: Returning to the Sect

Jia Shangtong likely never anticipated that he would ultimately perish from a backlash at the final moment. Was he not the master of the sect? He had already mastered the supreme sword technique of the Sword Sect, the Hun Tian Wu Ji Divine Sword. Previously, it was said that with this sword skill, one could withstand any backlash from sword moves in the world. Yet, why had he suffered such a severe backlash now? At this moment, memories of his former self surfaced in his heart—a self once so innocent. But when had he changed so drastically? Even he had not noticed the transformation. Now, it was truly impossible to reverse anything, wasn’t it? So, all those years of effort—what had they been for?

Liang Xi and others, too, were filled with a sense of melancholy and surprise. More precisely, Liang Xi felt reluctant to witness such an ending for a grandmaster, “Senior, what wish remains in your heart? If there’s anything I can do, I will help you fulfill it.” Ji Anran felt a headache at these words; her brother was good in many ways, but too easily moved to compassion—at such moments, one must not be softhearted.

Yet, Ji Anran understood Liang Xi well. Perhaps it was because of this tenderness that she had fallen for him. Since she loved him, if Liang Xi faced danger, she would intervene.

The Divine Sword of Heavenly Fire finally escaped Jia Shangtong’s control, floating in the air, radiating a gentle golden glow. The sword spirit observed the man’s fate with cold detachment—his intentions had never been pure. He should have met this end long ago; letting him persist until now was more than he deserved.

Upon hearing this, Jia Shangtong truly felt like crying. He had roamed the world, experiencing countless battles to reach his current achievements and status. Now, among those present, only Liang Xi, with whom he had only recently acquainted, offered him comfort. Even so, his heart was deeply satisfied, “Thank you, young man. I, Jia Shangtong, have had countless formidable foes, but all were defeated by me. Yet, even after achieving all this, what does it matter?”

“Actually, I have no wishes left to fulfill. In my life, I have done what should be done and what should not. If I have any wish now, it would be only for the future of the Sword Sect. Although I have been the sect master, I have done too little for the sect. I truly owe my disciples.”

“Hmph, you have become like this, yet you still don’t think you were wrong? Over the years, you have always been arrogant, never admitting any fault.”

“You need not worry about the future of the Sword Sect. Your two Heavenly Kings are here now. If I appoint them both as sect masters, do you think it’s impossible?”

At this, the sword spirit finally spoke, startling Lou Yuexin and Yue Gujin. Though their abilities qualified them to be sect masters, they lacked the courage to accept the role.

“What’s wrong? Weren’t you both so eager before? Now, when I grant you the position, you lose your nerve. Yue Gujin, you have never been one to take responsibility. I ask you—have you not always kept away from the sect’s affairs, caring only for your own pleasure?”

“Lou Yuexin, you are worse. What is the first rule of the Sword Sect? It is to forbid harming fellow disciples. Hmph, you must have hurt many over the years. Do you think your actions are so secret that no one knows?”

“If we speak of who deserves punishment, you are the most guilty. Yet, the Sword Sect is now renowned but depleted of talent. Earlier, I sealed your urge for conflict; henceforth, your actions can only be for the sect. This urge to fight is no good for you. Today, I have sealed it. Whether it will be unsealed in the future depends on your conduct. If everything you do is for the sect, I will lift the seal.”

The sword spirit now took on the role of an elder of the Sword Sect, turning to Liang Xi, Ji Anran, and Gu Zhenzhen, “The following matters concern the Sword Sect alone. If you three have no business here, you may depart. You have done well; you need not worry about anything else. You have journeyed far and awakened me, which is to your credit. When you leave, I will certainly bestow you gifts.”

The sword spirit of the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword was qualified to speak thus. “Well, my patience is limited. You two, decide now. If you cannot, I will return to slumber—this time, who knows when I will awaken again. I know you are puzzled by my identity, thinking I am merely a sword spirit. How can I have such power? Simple—I am the ancestral sword of Xi Tongshen. Though Xi Tongshen has long passed, as his sword, I remain for this very moment.”

“Hmph, thinking back, I truly feel Xi Tongshen was unappreciated. He was a legendary hero, founder of the Sword Sect, admired by all. Who would have thought, after his death, the Sword Sect would split into offensive and defensive factions? The Xi family, as the main line, was always arrogant, and now, the Xi family of Xuan Province is history!”

“I had thought the defensive faction would do better. Hmph, yet you are no less disappointing—a bunch of hopeless mud. Who would have guessed?”

“You doubt my words, I see. But you have witnessed my abilities. Though my power is not what it once was, it’s enough to deal with you.”

Jia Shangtong believed every word. He had already suspected the sword spirit’s identity, but would not believe it without confirmation. Now, joy appeared on his face, “Hahaha, after so many years, I finally meet my ancestor. Heaven has truly favored me.”

“Yue Gujin, Lou Yuexin, come here. I have little life force left. After I die, my skills will be lost. I know you two have fought over the Hun Tian Wu Ji Divine Sword for years. I intend to teach you this sword art, so you may become one. Yue Gujin, though you have stayed outside the sect, I know you care deeply. It was my lack of generosity as sect master that suppressed you, hindering your development. Now, I wish to make amends. Will you forgive me?”

Weakly, Jia Shangtong looked at Lou Yuexin, “Yuexin, your martial talent surpasses mine, but I never let you train. All your achievements are hard-won and cannot be taken from you. For you two brothers to be disciples of my sect is a great fortune. The Sword Sect must not be destroyed in my hands. Sword spirit elder, do you approve of my arrangement?”

The sword spirit now believed this man had let go of everything. “Your actions are good, but are they sincere? I have watched you for years, knowing you value the sect master position highly. When your master entrusted you with it, what did he say? Perhaps you have forgotten after so many years.”

“No matter; you forgot, but I remember. Your master once said you were the most outstanding disciple he had ever seen. If the Sword Sect was handed to you, he would be relieved. But he did not foresee that, while your martial talent rivaled his own, your generosity was lacking. There were many brilliant disciples, but your suppression made them feel hopeless, so they left.”

“In the end, the Sword Sect became desolate. I hoped my rebirth would help the sect recruit new talent, but this plan nearly failed because of you. Now that you wish to make amends, I am glad. If your heart is set, then why not pass your skills to them now?”

Luzhu had stayed because the Divine Sword Sect once had ties to the Sword Sect. “Luzhu, you are exceptional. I thought, after so many years, the Divine Sword Sect would produce someone of your talent. If the master knew, he would be delighted.”

“Well, I have said all I need to say. Yue Gujin, Lou Yuexin, go and receive the skills from your master. This power was refined over many years; the future of the Sword Sect depends on you.”

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

Jia Shangtong placed his left hand on Yue Gujin and his right hand on Lou Yuexin’s head, transmitting his skills. The method must differ for each; their experiences and studies were opposites, so even a slight error would render years of effort wasted. Yue Gujin felt an immensely powerful, cool force coursing through him—comfortable and refreshing. The Hun Tian Wu Ji Divine Sword was the ultimate skill, its power secondary to its adaptability—it changed according to the user.

On Yue Gujin’s body, there was a thread of coldness; for Lou Yuexin, a surge of force like raging waves. “Now we’ve reached the critical moment of transmission; you must persevere. Now you feel the immense power, which is comfortable, but soon you will experience a backlash opposite to your own attributes!”

“After three cycles of this, your bodies will reach balance between yin and yang, and your skills will be complete. You have a solid foundation, but that is not enough. Only after countless temperings of the sword energy will the Hun Tian Wu Ji Divine Sword truly be mastered.”

“I have a little time left, so I will teach you the essence of this sword art. How much you comprehend depends on your own abilities. Over the years, you have never disappointed me when working together.”

Beneath an ancient tree, Ji Anran’s complexion had improved considerably. “Brother, the Sword Sect people are always harsh and unkind. You should have killed Jia Shangtong earlier. I know he made me a Sword Sect elder only for my skills—without them, he wouldn’t look at me. But that’s just a hypothetical. Who knows what the Sword Sect will become?”

“I really don’t want to be an elder. I worry my skills won’t develop here. Brother, what should I do?”

Liang Xi leaned against the tree, eyes closed. Beside him, Gu Zhenzhen seemed hungry, too busy eating to speak, her small face puffed like a squirrel. The girl was originally charming, now even more adorable.

“Zhenzhen, how long has it been since you ate? Slow down, it’s all yours, no one will take it. These snacks aren’t much, but after we leave, I’ll take you to try better food.”

Ji Anran wasn’t a foodie, but had befriended Gu Zhenzhen, who was. Gu Zhenzhen had grown up in Yasha Sect, spending every day training, never enjoying good food before meeting Liang Xi. Hearing there was more to eat, her lovely eyes widened.

Traveling with Yuanhui, she’d never deprived herself, but had tasted many delicacies, never needing to worry—just bring her mouth. Thanks to Liang Xi, Gu Zhenzhen felt respected, and such a feeling was wonderful, making her heart flutter.

The three were on an ancient bridge, called Twin Tree Bridge for the towering trees at either end. Liang Xi, holding sunflower seeds, looked at Gu Zhenzhen and found her journey amusing; Ji the Beauty, due to her upbringing, appeared a bit lost—a vulnerability shown only before Liang Xi, for she was normally fierce.

“Ji the Beauty, you’ve already decided in your heart, so just follow your wishes. From now on, I’ll call you Grand Elder. Beauty and Grand Elder—I dare not provoke you, or you’ll punish me, which wouldn’t be beautiful.”

Ji the Beauty gazed affectionately, scolding, “Hmph, you are good in every way, but always talk nonsense. Yet, I love listening, it feels so nice.”

“Well, well, in my opinion, having two sect masters instead of one may not be bad. Mutual checks are good, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to improve. With your talents, you could become sect master if you wish. You should be used to this—the world respects the strong. And you needn’t worry, I’ll accompany you for a while, since you promised Gu Zhenzhen to take her out for good food. She values promises, so you must keep them.”

“Yes, yes, I promised, so I won’t break my word. Look, Zhenzhen’s eyes are shining; if I deceive her, she’ll be disappointed.”

“Sister is the best, I knew you’d take me for good food.” Ji Anran was delighted. Her internal cold poison had just cleared, so she hoped the man before her would accompany her well. Before she could speak, he spoke first, which made her even happier.

“But, brother, you must feel it too—the Hun Tian Wu Ji Divine Sword is formidable. Yue Gujin and Lou Yuexin can barely suppress it; though they don’t cry out, I know it’s painful. If I become sect master, I’ll never practice this sword art—not needed, as I’m strong enough. Brother, do you want it? If you do, I’ll get it for you.”

Liang Xi had no doubt—if he nodded, Ji the Beauty would find a way to get him the sword manual. But like Anran, he felt martial arts should suit oneself, not just collect skills.

“Though the Divine Sword technique is good, it’s nothing to me. Well, things should be settled now; I feel those two have gained immense power. Let’s just wait patiently.”

“Ah!”

After frantic screams, all became calm. “Good, you two did well. Previously, these things were not easy for you, but you persevered. The martial path is just so—perseverance leads to achievement. I came through this way. Now, my tasks are complete; I entrust the Sword Sect to you two, and I am confident. Now, I finally understand what my master meant years ago—having successors for my skills feels like this.”

Jia Shangtong had supported the Sword Sect alone for years; the bitterness was indescribable. Now, his expression relaxed, having persisted through many detours, but ultimately living up to his master’s trust. “Master, I believe I have done well. Tell me, am I now worthy to meet you?”

Jia Shangtong finally exhausted his last ounce of strength, a faint smile on his face. This scene brought Yue Gujin and Lou Yuexin back to the past, to the moment they first became disciples. The sect master was their senior brother, and in the beginning, Jia Shangtong cared deeply for his juniors. But when did he, as a senior brother, begin to change? The ripples in his heart grew, eventually becoming turbulent waves, uncontrollable even when he tried.

“You two are excellent, true disciples of the Sword Sect. Now, take up your divine weapons—the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword. The world knows it as the ultimate sword, immensely powerful, but few know why it is so strong. Today, I will tell you—the sword is divided into yin and yang. Yue Gujin, you have trained in extreme yin since childhood, perfectly suited for the yin part.”

“Lou Yuexin, you focus on dominance, the yang path is yours. When you brothers unite, the sword’s true power is revealed. You have both taken many wrong turns, but things will be different now. Promise me you will protect the Sword Sect.”

“You brothers once quarreled over the sect master position, which saddened me as elder. Now, I hope you will reconcile for that same position. To repair brotherly rifts is not easy, but if you wish, it can still be done.”

“Hahaha, the Sword Sect once shook the world. Though it may not return to its former glory, gradual recovery will surely fulfill everything. I entrust it all to you, and I know you will succeed.”

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh”—three figures arrived instantly. Liang Xi and his companions were not surprised, as if everything had been expected. “Seniors, you emerged so quickly, beyond my expectations. What do you intend? To prove your strength before me? If so, it’s unnecessary.”

“No, Brother Liang, you are mistaken. We brothers came to thank you; without you, we would not have achieved this. Previously, we said Ji Anran is now our sect elder. Though young, her skills are profound, enough for the role.”

“But, Brother Liang, what are your plans?” Liang Xi simply wanted to rest, “Oh, nothing urgent. I think staying here for a while is good; the scenery is lovely. If I left now, who knows how you would treat Anran? I’d be uneasy, so please understand.”

Yue Gujin felt nothing wrong, believing Liang Xi’s actions appropriate. “Quite right. A man should protect his woman himself, for peace of mind. Ji Anran’s skills are strong, needing no protection, but your care is commendable. Even as an outsider, I am pleased.”

Yue Gujin was also indebted to Ji Anran; without her, he might not have achieved so much. “Brother, these two have shown me great kindness. With Brother Liang and the young lady resting here, you have no objections, right?”

Lou Yuexin was overjoyed; everything he wanted, he had now. “Of course not. The Sword Sect hasn’t welcomed so many strong guests in years. If the sect is in danger, Brother Liang can help.”

After crossing Twin Tree Bridge, they entered the Sword Sect territory. Indeed, there was a secret passage between Divine Sword Sect and Sword Sect, unknown to outsiders. “Good, since everything is settled, I should leave.”

“Luzhu, you’re leaving? Ah, I forgot, you are no longer a Sword Sect disciple.” Though he had accepted it, Yue Gujin still struggled. “What? After so many years, you still can’t accept it? I became a Divine Sword Sect disciple long ago.”

“Our affairs are like illusions, now past. I’ve let go, and you should too. I am now devoted to martial arts; do you know why? Because only the martial path brings true joy. See my accomplishments in swordsmanship?”

“Do you remember what you said when I left? You said, with my talent, I could never master swordsmanship. Now, I have succeeded and obtained the Immortal Pill. My future will only grow stronger. You, after all, are not my equal. Well, since these things are past, I won’t speak of them again.”

Looking at the charming woman before him, Yue Gujin knew Luzhu was no longer the girl who had followed him. After nearly thirty years, he had forgotten everything. Since she had let go, shouldn’t he as well?

“Seeing you like this makes me happy. In the future, if you have time, visit the Sword Sect. I hope our sects can exchange more.”

“Certainly. The Sword Pool was originally yours. You allowed Divine Sword Sect to establish a branch here; as sect master, I am grateful. But this is not Divine Sword Sect. As sect master, I have been idle for years, but now I must do something for my sect. Young lady, young man, visit Divine Sword Sect sometime; I will host you well. Now, I must leave.”

Luzhu departed. This time, she truly left Yue Gujin’s heart. Years of emotion were finally released, and he was truly relaxed.

“The Sword Sect is truly impressive. From the moment I entered, I felt astonishing sword energy. Training here would make me stronger. But, Yue Gujin, why do you look so grim? Is it because your beloved has left, and you’re sad? If so, why not pursue her? There’s still time.”

Yue Gujin glanced at Liang Xi, “You’ve never been separated long from your beloved, have you? Maybe, after you experience separation, you’ll understand my thoughts. I care deeply for Luzhu, and even now, my feelings are unchanged. But I have truly let go; she has important things to do, and so do I. If fate allows, we will meet again.”

“Enough about me. Your skills are formidable. Perhaps, for a while, let me be your opponent. Truly, aren’t you curious about your true strength? I imagine you need a worthy opponent.”

Liang Xi’s usual opponent was Ji the Beauty, but he always hesitated. Hearing Yue Gujin’s suggestion, he was delighted, “That would be wonderful. With a strong opponent like you, my combat ability will improve again. But I must admit, I have little interest in swordsmanship.”

“Hahaha, don’t worry, you needn’t learn our sword arts. You are our most honored guest; stay here with Gu Zhenzhen as long as you like. Do whatever you wish; you will not be restricted here.”

The Sword Sect disciples already knew the two Heavenly Kings had become new sect masters. This moment had been long awaited. “We disciples welcome the sect masters!”

Seeing this, Yue Gujin and Lou Yuexin were a bit unaccustomed. “We are all brothers; no need for formalities. Treat each other as before. As Heavenly King, I focused too much on myself and neglected you disciples. But now, my brother and I have reconciled, and only wish to strengthen the sect. I know relying on myself alone is not enough, so the sect will need your support.”

To return again felt like a dream to Yue Gujin. At Dajin Pass, he often recalled the Sword Sect in dreams, wondering when he could return. Now, he had finally come back, yet everything felt unreal.

“What’s wrong? Even now, you think all you see is a dream? You suffered much alone at Dajin Pass; I knew it all. But, out of pride, I missed many chances to save you. My good brother, you suffered because of me, but now you can rest assured—I will never let you suffer again.”

“Everything, from the moment you returned, is past. I know you have many dreams to pursue; now you can finally realize them. Do what you wish; whatever happens, I will bear it.”

“Just like before, our brotherhood is eternal. Sometimes, I know it is hard to truly return to the past, but I still want to try. Thankfully, you are finally back, so everything is possible again, isn’t it?”