Chapter 10: The Battle to Settle Old Scores

“Today is a grand day, for at long last, the long-lost Grand Tournament of Lingyun Immortal Realm has finally begun!” Yan Shiyu declared in a resonant voice. On this day, Yan Shiyu wore a robe of deep violet, his hair bound and crowned, exuding a striking and dignified presence. Seated on either side below him were the masters of the nine great halls of Lingyun Immortal Realm. The most astonishing sight was Qi Ying, the second most powerful figure in Lingyun, who, at this very moment, was clearly dozing off. It was a deliberate show of disrespect to Yan Shiyu, but everyone, including Yan Shiyu himself, knew Qi Ying’s temperament well enough—no one could ever expect him to sit upright and attentive. Thus, no one took it to heart.

“Today, all present are dear friends and brothers of Lingyun Immortal Realm. As you know, our realm was silent and dormant for many years, and so this Grand Tournament has not taken place in a long time. Today, on the second day of the second month—a most auspicious date—our great dragon of Lingyun must once more lift its head.”

“There is little need for more words. Let us proceed directly to the matches. The first bout: Liang Xi versus Mu Chenyuan!” As befitted a sect master, Yan Shiyu had naturally chosen to favor his own disciple in the pairings. Liang Xi never expected that he would be chosen for the very first match. He glanced at Mu Chenyuan, who stood not far off, his aura fierce and domineering, radiating an overwhelming presence. Liang Xi wondered what kind of internal art Mu Chenyuan had cultivated to so transform himself.

“What’s the rush? For our disciples to take the stage so soon is hardly any fun.” Qi Ying, unwilling to let his own disciple fight this early, spoke up with lazy mischief. “Why don’t you and I, as senior brothers, go down there and play a round ourselves? I haven’t had a proper fight in ages. Of course, if you feel your status is at stake, here’s another idea: let Senior Sister Feixue’s chief disciple, Xiao Bing, face off against one of your other disciples. You’re the sect master—surely you have more than one disciple? You’ve secretly cultivated many—I know that much, don’t think I’m unaware.”

There was no way Qi Ying would let his disciple be pressured so soon; he would not allow Yan Shiyu to dominate the stage from the outset. “Liang Xi, no need to be anxious. Your turn will come. For now, watch from the sidelines.” At this, Qi Ying’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, no longer lazy but alert. “Senior brother, what say you? You have two choices: either let your disciple fight, or, if you’re loath to risk him, come down yourself. I have no objection either way. The choice is yours.”

Yan Shiyu had not expected his junior brother to pull such a maneuver at this critical moment. “Junior brother, we have known each other for many years. We are intimately familiar with each other’s techniques. Were we to fight, there would be no point in holding this tournament at all. You’re right: the best disciples shouldn’t be thrown in first. Bo Ling, it seems you must take this first match. You have secluded yourself in cultivation for so many years; as your master, I wish to see what you are truly capable of.”

“Your disciple obeys.” Bo Ling was a man of utmost humility, having lived in seclusion for years. No one knew where he had been or how his strength had changed; the only certainty was that Yan Shiyu had always placed unshakable trust in him. This was a level of trust Mu Chenyuan could only dream of. Mu Chenyuan, withdrawing his gaze from Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhende, turned to look at Bo Ling, who had always lingered in the shadows.

Bo Ling was of similar age to Mu Chenyuan, with unremarkable looks—so inconspicuous that he would disappear into a crowd. Yet his features were strikingly well-defined, his expression resolute and steadfast. Noticing Mu Chenyuan’s scrutiny, Bo Ling nodded slightly, then with a leap, landed on the arena. Thereafter, he stood motionless, waiting. As snow began to fall from the sky, the realm truly lived up to its name—when it snowed, Lingyun Immortal Realm became an ethereal paradise.

No one knew when Xiao Bing had arrived. Normally, lightness skills would leave traces, but Xiao Bing seemed simply to have materialized. And she was nothing if not unconventional: the moment she stepped onto the stage, she struck with her sword! Disciples of Feixue Palace were famed for their swordsmanship, and Xiao Bing’s was even more formidable. With a single strike, three blossoms of sword energy surrounded Bo Ling, trapping him, yet his expression remained utterly unchanged.

Time itself seemed to halt for a moment. Bo Ling’s palm twisted gracefully into a strike aimed directly at Xiao Bing’s face. Both fighters unleashed killing moves from the outset. Seeing this, Liang Xi’s expression grew grave—Bo Ling possessed the ability to suspend time? How had he learned it? Never mind; there were more pressing matters at hand. Xiao Bing appeared to be in real trouble. How could she withstand this time-stopping technique?

With a sharp swish, the sword in Xiao Bing’s hand burst into a streak of green light, shattering the illusion of halted time. It was not true temporal stagnation, but rather a domain technique Bo Ling had secretly cultivated—anyone within three meters of him entered his realm. Suddenly, Xiao Bing coughed up blood; clearly, she had suffered internal injury from the exchange.

“So, this is the technique I have spent years perfecting. Now you must believe me—after I lost to you years ago, I swore I would return, and now I have!” Bo Ling declared.

A moment ago, Xiao Bing had felt as though she were caught in a vast oceanic vortex, powerless without sufficient strength. “Indeed, I always knew you possessed extraordinary talent. After our battle years ago, I never imagined you would create such a formidable technique. It seems our duel today must truly be a fight to the death—just as you have always wished to see.”

“Yes. Today, I am determined to defeat you.” Who would have thought these two had once been lovers, bound by deep affection? But a few years prior, both had obtained a secret manual, which, if mastered, promised unparalleled power. At first, their partnership was harmonious, but as their understanding of the manual deepened, their interpretations diverged dramatically.

Both were fiercely competitive. Minor disagreements could be overlooked, but when it came to cultivation, neither would yield an inch. Thus, their relationship soured completely, culminating in a bitter fight in which Bo Ling was defeated, and the once loving pair became estranged.

But Bo Ling refused to give up. He secluded himself, determined to forge his own path. In the end, he succeeded—in his domain, within three meters, he could control his breath and energy with precise mastery, its effect nearly indistinguishable from time-stopping.

He thought this would be enough to subdue Xiao Bing, but did not realize she had devoted herself entirely to the sword, obtaining a blade of peerless sharpness. With its power, she could break through his domain. Bo Ling let out a long howl, summoning torrents of true energy around him, surging and crashing like ocean waves—a method inspired by his years spent by the sea. Combined with his domain, he had defeated many masters.

Xiao Bing moved like the wind, her sword painting orbs of light in the air. Liang Xi, attuned to sword energy, felt a kinship with her style, though it was utterly different from his own. The swordplay of Feixue Palace was grand and imposing, every move possessed a unique majesty—so different from his own approach; in fact, they were polar opposites.

“Xiao Bing, your sword strikes always pull back at the last instant. Your heart remains too soft. Don’t you know that if this continues, it will bring you only harm? Our feelings ended long ago. Your master, Lady Zhu Feixue, has great hopes for you. But have you considered—if you lose today, can you still remain in Lingyun Immortal Realm?”

“What choice my disciple makes in the end is not for you to decide. As for you, Bo Ling, given your talent, creating a three-meter domain is already your limit. Yet you stubbornly seek to transform your technique into oceanic waves. One day, someone will succeed—but it will not be you. Outwardly, your master appears to favor you, but how could he teach you such ruthless techniques?” Zhu Feixue’s voice was cold as frost.

“Eldest brother has always been inscrutable. We disciples never know what he truly intends. To harm his own disciple is to cripple himself,” Zhu Feixue continued icily.

She knew well that her own disciple possessed extraordinary sword talent. She had only ever taught Xiao Bing the basics, yet the girl had extrapolated her own unique sword style from them. Observing fish gliding in the pond at night, she noted that they could move without resistance by leveraging the water, and wondered: as a martial artist, could she not do the same with the air? Seeing herself as a fish, the air as water, she reasoned that if she could harness the ambient energy, she could become ever stronger.

Zhu Feixue still remembered her shock when first hearing her disciple articulate these ideas. If they were truly her own insights, Xiao Bing’s achievement was truly remarkable—transforming external energy into internal force was no easy feat; the transition demanded a subtle process. Using only what surrounded her, the results would be beyond imagination.

For this alone, Xiao Bing had far surpassed her master. Zhu Feixue told her that, should inspiration come, she must rely on her own strength to refine it further.

The outcome of this refinement was now on display for all to see. The core of Xiao Bing’s swordplay was emptiness—no fixed form, each move conjured from her surroundings. This was a rare and subtle skill. Watching below, Liang Xi recalled the words of the guardian of the Myriad Sword Divine Palace: to move from form to formlessness could take many years, and losing the sword along the way would render one powerless, no matter how skilled.

“But if one started from formlessness, such concerns would not arise.” Liang Xi understood this even more deeply now. “Senior brother, Xiao Bing relies too much on technique. Though she dominates for now, her strength will soon be exhausted. Bo Ling, ever the hidden master, possesses formidable defense. We two have nothing to fear, but others may not be so fortunate.”

Zhuang Yunzhende saw it differently. “Liang Xi, it’s no surprise you say that. Both of us were favored by the Sword Unity technique after obtaining the Lingyun Atlas. We look down from a high vantage, so we assume Xiao Bing will lose. But based on my understanding, the greater the danger, the more Xiao Bing can summon astonishing strength and unexpected changes in her moves. She’s fought many such battles before.”

“Her power has evolved through real combat. Look—her moves are changing, her aura shifting. Compared to her earlier gentleness, she’s now decisive and ruthless. Have you noticed her agility? Have you seen anyone surpass her in lightness skill? I certainly haven’t. She leaves no trace, moves like a ghost. Who can say what the outcome will be?”

“Junior sister, your disciple has mastered such formidable swordplay. Compared to Xiao Bing, my own disciples are nothing. No wonder people say you’re the strongest in Lingyun Immortal Realm.”

“Senior brother, you exaggerate. It’s all luck. Right now, Bo Ling is miserable, utterly suppressed by her sword energy, unable to reconstruct his domain. ‘Three meters is your limit. Beyond it, you are no longer my match!’” Xiao Bing leapt into the air for her strongest and final strike. “Can there truly be a sword so beautiful?”

“To die beneath such a beautiful sword—I am content. Xiao Bing, you are extraordinary. I labored for years over my domain, only to have you dismantle it. It seems I shall never defeat you in this life.”

“Bo Ling, you care too much about victory and defeat. What you value, I disregard entirely. Your obsession holds you back. If not for that, you could be even stronger!” At the last instant, Xiao Bing withdrew her sword energy. Yet Bo Ling, already wounded by her prior strikes, conceded, “Master, I have lost.”

“Defeat is nothing to be ashamed of. You practiced all day yesterday and right up to the match, without a moment’s rest. Such prolonged exertion is bound to cause fatigue, though you may not notice it. Go and rest.”

“Niece Xiao Bing, your swordplay is truly impressive. Why not spar with me as well? My disciple has been so thoroughly beaten—I, as his master, can hardly sit by and do nothing, or Lingyun Immortal Realm will become a laughingstock from Yun Prefecture to Xuan Prefecture.”

“Yan Shiyu is truly shameless, stooping to fight a junior. If he really does this, he’ll be the laughingstock,” Jun Cailin thought with disdain. How could the tournament remain fair?

“So be it. My disciples are not as precious as yours. If they die, so be it. But know this: your favored disciple, Mu Chenyuan, will be slain by me, even if he leaves Lingyun Immortal Realm—there will be no escape.” Zhu Feixue’s voice was calm. A beautiful, seductive smile touched her lips. Zhu Feixue was the realm’s sole sword specialist, her Flying Snow Divine Dragon Sword technique the most renowned in Cloud Province. To be targeted by her was a torment.

Though Zhu Feixue had not reached the swordless realm, she had refined the sword to its utmost. Even Yan Shiyu dared not lightly provoke her. “Hahaha, junior sister, we are all siblings here. There’s no need to go so far.”

“There’s no need—so long as my disciple remains safe, my Flying Snow Sword will stay sheathed.” In truth, the sword itself was ordinary; what mattered was the wielder. In years past, Zhu Feixue had swept all before her with her technique. Had she pursued the sword as a path to enlightenment, her achievements would have been remarkable. But for her, swordsmanship was only for self-defense—she had no interest in the intangible.

The audience was stunned. After all these years, the famed swordswoman still possessed such formidable power. “Child, with your master here, you need not worry. Show your full strength and let all see from whom you inherited such might. Know this: Xiao Bing’s swordplay was not taught by me, but is entirely her own creation.”

“She had not wanted to participate, seeing such contests as meaningless. But it was my decision to send her. People think my own strength would suffice anywhere, but I came to Lingyun Immortal Realm for one reason: I found a remarkable talent and hoped to pass on my sword art. Yet in time, I discovered my disciple was more gifted than I had dreamed. I never glimpsed the swordless realm; she finally comprehended it. Bo Ling, your domain is impressive, but you now face your nemesis—your former lover.” Zhu Feixue’s words were as crisp and decisive as a blade slicing ice.

“Master, so you knew everything these past years. I had thought your indifference meant you no longer cared.”

“If I did not care, would I have valued you so highly back then? Though your match opens this tournament, you must give it your all. Your grand-uncle believes only his line produces the strongest disciples. But after the Myriad Sword Divine Palace and now this tournament, his disciples have suffered enough—he will not give up. Fight well. Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhende, do not worry—your turns will come soon!”

“Though the two of you stirred up such commotion at the Myriad Sword Divine Palace and now stand at the peak of renown, reputation can be a double-edged sword. Your skills are still lacking. If you wish to grow stronger, ceaseless cultivation is the only way. This match will benefit you both greatly.”

“Uncle master, you need not say more. We both understand completely. We will observe closely,” Liang Xi replied. Though he was there to observe, he could not help but keep his focus on Mu Chenyuan, who likewise watched Liang Xi, their old enmity simmering. Liang Xi had once been at Mu Chenyuan’s mercy, bullied at will. Who would have thought that in just ten years, they would stand as equals? No—even if he would not admit it, Mu Chenyuan knew Liang Xi now surpassed him.

And then there was Zhuang Yunzhende, who was napping. Indeed, he cared little—unless Liang Xi fought, he wouldn’t bother to watch. He trusted Xiao Bing’s swordplay would prevail over Bo Ling. With a resounding clang, Xiao Bing’s final sword stroke shattered Bo Ling’s weapon.

“You have lost!”

“I broke your three-meter domain long ago, yet you refused to yield, clinging to your weapon. And now? Do you see at last that you are no match for me?” Xiao Bing would not relax until the very end.

“Truly fine swordplay. I concede.”

Yet at that moment, Bo Ling suddenly unleashed a powerful palm strike, aiming to severely injure Xiao Bing.

“Still unrepentant? It seems you are determined to die here today!” With a whistle, a streak of azure sword energy shot forth. Bo Ling screamed as his hand was severed.

“If you choose to attack by surprise, you must be prepared for the consequences. All bore witness—I have destroyed his hands; he will never cultivate again.”

Everyone regarded this as fitting. Like master, like disciple. Now all eyes turned to the sect master, waiting to see his response. Though Yan Shiyu’s face was grim, there was no denying it: his disciple had struck by stealth and earned his fate.

“Bo Ling, you are now a cripple. You must keep to yourself from now on. If you cause any trouble henceforth, not even I can protect you.”

What else could he say? Stand up for his disciple? Even if he wished to, he could not. “Well done, my child. You have brought honor to your master. I will reward you well. Go and rest. Once you have recovered, you will witness the much-anticipated battle between Liang Xi and Mu Chenyuan—a match all have awaited!”

“Please rest for a short while. Once the arena is cleared, the second match will begin. I am just as eager as all of you to see it unfold.”

In the backstage resting area, Yan Shiyu handed Mu Chenyuan a small white packet. “Keep this safe. If necessary, use it. It is colorless and tasteless, but will induce powerful hallucinations. Once used, your feud with Liang Xi can be settled.”

Having just lost one disciple, Yan Shiyu could not bear to lose another. As sect master, if none of his disciples won a single match, it would be a terrible blow to his reputation. For victory, extraordinary measures were necessary.

Mu Chenyuan was shocked. Though his master was ruthless, he had never stooped to such methods. “Yes, in the past I would never have done this. But these are exceptional times, and for victory, anything goes. Don’t you want to defeat Liang Xi? You once trampled on him at will—now he stands above you. What will you do?”

“Take it. I would never harm you. As long as you win, all your lost glory will return.” Mu Chenyuan looked at the packet in his hand and made up his mind. Yes—victory, by any means necessary.

Mu Chenyuan encountered Liang Xi in the passageway to the arena.

“Liang Xi, as I told you, your luck won’t last forever. This will be our final battle, and I will be the victor. To me, you are and always will be an insect. How can an insect compare to the chosen of heaven? You are unworthy!”

Liang Xi paid him no mind, his manner more ethereal than ever. After a single glance, he said nothing and walked away. The same old look, but it mattered not; soon, all scores would be settled.

“Junior brother, you were slow. You ran into Mu Chenyuan, didn’t you? What did he say?” Zhuang Yunzhende was unconcerned, except that Mu Chenyuan would stop at nothing for victory.

“Don’t worry, senior brother. It’s nothing. Mu Chenyuan is just extremely confident now—perhaps he gained some insight in martial arts before the tournament. Soon enough, we’ll see just how strong he truly is.”

“Excellent. Thank you all for your patience. Up next is the much-anticipated clash between Liang Xi and Mu Chenyuan. Mu Chenyuan, Liang Xi is your junior. For your Uncle Qi’s sake, show some restraint. We are all brothers here—fight to the point, but no more.”

With the hallucinogen in hand, Yan Shiyu was certain his disciple would not lose.

“I will obey, Master. I will use only half my strength, though I fear even that will be too much for junior brother Liang to withstand.” With that, Mu Chenyuan floated up to the stage, cold as ice. But for the presence of Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhende, Mu Chenyuan would be the foremost figure in Lingyun Immortal Realm.

“Xi’er, be careful,” Jun Cailin called to her son.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I have my ways.” Liang Xi displayed his Light Bird technique, landing weightlessly on the arena. The crowd gasped—so he could use such a technique? And it was different from his master’s. As he took the stage, the female disciples shrieked in delight. Liang Xi basked in the attention. “Thank you, everyone. If I end up in tears after being beaten by senior brother, please don’t mind.”

“He wouldn’t dare! Liang Xi, fight to the end. Even if you lose, you’ll still be a hero to us!” his sisters and junior martial sisters cheered.

“Mu Chenyuan, if you want a real fight, then give it your all. Win or lose, we can accept it. But if you try any tricks, consider what consequences await you!” Xiao Bing warned.

Liang Xi’s gaze was as carefree as ever, but inwardly he dared not be careless. Mu Chenyuan’s strength had grown since they last met, though still not quite equal to his own, but the improvement since the Myriad Sword Divine Palace was considerable.

“Liang Xi, this time, no one can help you. Today, I’m going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget. Prepare to die!” Mu Chenyuan wasted no words, his aura merging with the air, forming a massive vortex around him. The sound of crashing waves filled the air.

“This is Raging Wave Fist, a technique I’ve cultivated for years. I never had a chance to use it at the Myriad Sword Divine Palace. Let’s see how you handle it now!”

“All that was mine at Myriad Sword Divine Palace—I will reclaim it today!” Mu Chenyuan was worthy of being Yan Shiyu’s prized disciple. Raging Wave Fist was Yan Shiyu’s signature technique, one that had allowed him to fight Qi Ying to a standstill in years past. The first strike was overwhelming, the technique relentless, a true killing move. The Raging Wave Fist had five forms, though few had ever seen the final one.

“Second form: Destruction in All Directions!” The first two strikes combined in a seamless assault. The arena was engulfed by the ferocious force of his fists. Yan Shiyu smiled with increasing pride, finally laughing aloud. “Excellent! Truly my disciple. To have mastered Raging Wave Fist to this level in such a short time—if I’d known, I would have taught it to you sooner!”

The crowd was astonished. Who would have thought Mu Chenyuan had hidden such power? Jun Cailin’s face turned pale—where was Xi’er? Why had his energy vanished?

Yet on the stage, one remained calm—Zhuang Yunzhende. How strong had his junior brother truly become? With three sharp bursts, sword energy erupted from Liang Xi’s fingertips, colliding with the force of the fist and nullifying it. Sword Unity, First Heaven: the Rainbow Sword finally revealed itself. The power of Raging Wave Fist was formidable, but the Rainbow Sword was even more so. Liang Xi used his Light Bird technique to close the distance, then struck with a sudden punch.

The momentum shifted again. Liang Xi’s moves became swifter and more fluid, as if he’d already mastered every aspect of Mu Chenyuan’s style. The essence of Sword Unity, Second Heaven, was speed—dozens of attacks flowed in an instant. There were no fixed forms—speed and sealing were key. Sealing meant cutting off the opponent’s moves before they could be executed, leaving them in disarray.

Mu Chenyuan’s Raging Wave Fist was strict and orderly, every move traceable. By contrast, Liang Xi’s techniques seemed wild and unpredictable. Swayed by this, Mu Chenyuan quickly fell behind, unable to regain the initiative.

“Impressive, senior brother. My disciple isn’t bad either. Raging Wave Fist is mighty, but only you have ever mastered it fully. It saddens me to think such a grandmaster as you should end up like this,” Qi Ying mused.

Yan Shiyu was unruffled. “Qi Ying, the children’s battle has only just begun. Who knows what the final outcome will be? As their elders, we should hold our tongues and focus on the match. That’s best.”

“You are right, senior brother—I got carried away. My apologies.” But Qi Ying could not hide his delight.