Chapter 4: The Past

"Good lad, since you seek death, then this time, I shall grant your wish!" Mandala's power had now reached its peak. Over the years, though his Mandala Divine Art lacked the subtlety of the Other Shore Flower Divine Art, through countless battles, he had refined it into four distinct stages: Budding, Blooming, Withering, and Returning to Earth. This divine art had long been perfectly fused with his life force. Currently, he stood at the Blooming stage, where Mandala's strength was at its zenith—originally intended to confront Du Zhong and Su Wen.

Now that his opponent was Zhuang Yun Zhen, Mandala felt no need to hold back. "Shall we change the battleground? Today, I will make you understand the vast chasm of strength that exists between us—it is as wide as heaven and earth!"

With graceful movements and a still robust figure, this man could truly be called beautiful. Zhuang Yun Zhen, unwilling to be outdone, employed the Flying Bird Illusion dance technique. In an instant, he closed the gap between them.

"Hmm, it seems this battle will be truly interesting. Who among you wishes to witness it with me? Honestly, I have no idea just how powerful this Zhuang Yun Zhen truly is. Until now, he has always held back his true strength, perhaps due to some inner restraint. But now, as he fights with full force, I can finally see what he is capable of."

Su Wen was confident in his adopted son. Conversely, Du Zhong, the sect leader, appeared uneasy. Indeed, he was worried—now Su Wen had such a formidable ally under his command, how long could Du Zhong maintain his position? What did Zhuang Yun Zhen truly desire? If, after defeating Mandala, he agreed to leave, Du Zhong would accept any conditions, so long as Su Wen did not become sect leader.

For years, Du Zhong had been haunted by nightmares. In them, Su Wen reclaimed what was rightfully his after so many years. But how could Du Zhong bear to let that happen? He had worked hard to become the sect leader of the Poison Sect, unwilling to return to those austere days. As leader, he was respected wherever he went—a lifestyle he hadn't dared to dream of before.

A man who once lived in the dust, suddenly bathed in warm sunlight, would never willingly return to a dark, damp corner. This was not unique to Du Zhong—anyone would make the same choice. Though the Poison Sect leadership once belonged to Su Wen, their master had repeatedly told Du Zhong he did not wish to become sect leader or be bound by its constraints.

So when others abandoned, he stepped forward—fair and just. Since becoming leader, had the Poison Sect truly suffered? Du Zhong had always been confident that he could achieve more than Su Wen. Yet, despite years of diligent cultivation and the master's passing, Du Zhong felt he was never truly valued. Then, unexpectedly, Su Wen returned.

Perhaps Du Zhong had once feared Su Wen would take everything from him. But now his foundation was unshakable. No matter how powerful Su Wen was, Du Zhong felt no fear.

"Very well, if so, let us go together and see. But do you really believe Zhuang Yun Zhen can win?"

Su Wen smiled without answering. Amidst ruined walls, two figures faced off.

Zhuang Yun Zhen and Mandala ceased all idle talk, unleashing their signature techniques. Zhuang's left hand executed the serene 'Drunken Cloud Depths' move, while his right hand performed the swift and deadly 'Thunderclap.' The former was gentle and fluid; the latter, lightning-fast and lethal. Previously, Zhuang would never have dared to combine such opposing forces simultaneously, as it would cause severe backlash. But his meridian issues had long been resolved, allowing these two powerful moves to emit a unique radiance.

The attack charged directly at Mandala's face. Anticipating its danger, Mandala stepped back, spun around, and struck with a palm imbued with potent venom. Had it connected, even Zhuang's protective 'Soaring Cloud Diagram' would not have prevented severe injury.

Yet Zhuang seemed to have eyes at his back. Leaving only an afterimage, he vanished. Mandala's vicious palm struck empty air.

"So this is the 'Moon on the Water' within the Flying Bird Illusion technique? Indeed, a remarkable skill. I had no idea lightness and agility training could yield such effects. However, as I said before, your moves are utterly ineffective against me. You think I don't know you're hiding underground?"

With a thunderous strike, Mandala cracked the unyielding ground—but beneath, Zhuang was nowhere to be found.

"Take this!"

Suddenly descending from above, Zhuang's palms radiated overwhelming power. Mandala rushed to counter, but Zhuang's heavy palm strike was formidable. Without sufficient strength, one could hardly withstand it. Mandala felt his blood surge violently. Could a mere clash of palms have seriously wounded him?

"Hmph, brat, is that all your power? Now you see—your techniques are useless against me!"

In an instant, Mandala seized Zhuang with both hands and hurled him aside. Suspended midair, no matter how skilled, Zhuang could not fully exert himself. Su Wen gasped in amazement—Mandala's base strength was indeed formidable.

Mandala launched his pursuit, closing the distance while Zhuang floated, delivering a decisive hand blade strike aimed to kill.

"Hahaha, Su Wen, it seems this battle will finally produce a victor. I told you before, such fights are meaningless. Farewell, Zhuang Yun Zhen is truly hopeless—I once trusted him, but he is utterly useless."

Yet neither Mansheng nor Su Wen left—they were stunned by what unfolded. Who said Zhuang Yun Zhen intended to evade forever? Trapped midair, he chose to confront head-on, trading blows in a deadly exchange.

The brutal hand blade wounded Zhuang deeply, but he seized the moment, using Mandala's body as leverage to unleash 'Burning Heaven' with both palms. Blazing flames erupted, turning the barren mountains into a sea of fire. Then, with a powerful sweep of his legs, Zhuang struck—a nameless but forceful kick.

Zhuang rolled backward, steadying himself, exhausted from the fierce exchange. Blood trickled from his brow, but he paid no mind to the injury. Wiping fresh blood from his lips, he finally smiled.

"Old Dongtiao Xi, how do you feel now? Do you truly believe you can still defeat me? Very well, I’ll tell you this: I used a full ten-tenths of my strength in that 'Burning Heaven' technique. Even you cannot withstand it."

"Hahaha, good lad, this is truly amusing. You're clever to use this exchange of blows. Yes, it can harm me, but only to a degree. Years of battle have hardened my body. The more I am injured, the faster I recover, and the stronger I become. No one can match this."

"Other Shore Flower Divine Art? No, I no longer require it. Now I possess strength surpassing all. Zhuang Yun Zhen, in my eyes, you are already dead!"

With a swift movement, Zhuang’s palm, sharp as a sword, pierced Mandala’s body.

"No matter how strong the body, once destroyed, all is lost. You talk too much. Honestly, I never want to see you again. How about you just die?"

A profound sword energy surged through Zhuang, transforming him into the sharpest weapon. Mandala’s constitution had always been special; after joining the Poison Sect, he grew formidable. As long as his consciousness remained, he would eventually recover.

Zhuang’s sword-like palm technique was swift and ruthless, tearing Mandala’s body apart, erasing any trace of him from the world. Zhuang’s gaze was indifferent. Soon, he laughed loudly.

"Hahaha, I am truly the strongest now. The problems that plagued me before have finally been resolved! How long have these frustrations weighed on me? Too long. But now, it seems all that is behind me."

Turning, he approached his adopted father.

"Senior, father, your great kindness is beyond repayment!" He bowed thrice to Su Wen.

"Hahaha, you and I are father and son; no need for formalities. Seeing you well pleases me greatly. I know your heart has been burdened these years—you possess immense strength but have been unable to unleash it fully. I understand; I have been through the same. But now, with you by my side, all problems will cease."

Du Zhong was at a loss for words—this exceeded his expectations. Yet he was shrewd and knew how best to respond.

"Hahaha, Brother Zhuang Yun Zhen, you truly are remarkable. How about joining the Poison Sect? With your formidable skills, it would benefit both you and the sect immensely."

Zhuang ignored Du Zhong’s words and slowly rose, not even glancing his way.

"Adopted father, Senior Mansheng, you once loved each other deeply but parted in the end. Do you have no regrets? If given a chance to start over, what would you choose?"

Regrets? Su Wen would never regret. Even if given another chance, he would make the same choices. As for Mansheng, she had never cared for the martial path, yet for the man she loved, she had resolutely embraced it. Would she now deny her past? Impossible. All their efforts had been worthwhile. Even if repeated, they would make the same decisions. After all, Su Wen and Mansheng were destined for each other; their similarities were remarkable.

"You’ve truly recovered now. Since you’ve regained your full power, you should leave soon. The Poison Sect is treacherous; without absolute confidence, we will never involve you deeply."

"Now, while you still can, leave. Delay, and even if you want to depart later, it will be impossible. Du Zhong, as the host here, you have no objections, right? I won’t drag outsiders into our matters."

Du Zhong’s heart was fearless now, a faint smile on his face.

"Brother, you have returned at last. Think carefully about your next steps. I have told you before, whenever you wish to come back, the Poison Sect welcomes you. We grew up together; surely this bond outweighs all else?"

"Du Zhong, you need say no more. Because we grew up together, I know your nature well. I have no objection to how you treat me, but you harmed Mansheng—I will never forgive you. Mandala’s boldness comes from your indulgence."

"This boy can awaken Mansheng with secret sect arts—didn’t you teach him? Mansheng is someone who would sacrifice herself for me at any moment. So when I learned she had trained her poisonous constitution to help me, my heart broke. Why, after all these years, do you refuse to let me go? I avoid conflict, yet you force me to relive the past."

"The poisonous constitution was once sealed tightly. Yet Mansheng mastered it in the end. Only you and I knew its whereabouts in the sect. I can’t imagine but that you taught her its use, knowing she would train it for me."

"But that foolish girl—starting to cultivate the poisonous constitution is forbidden. Once touched, one cannot abandon it. Its power is immense, but so is its backlash. Mansheng, you should now believe me—I forbade you to practice this divine art for your own good. Alas, it seems all is lost. I wanted to protect you by keeping you from martial arts, but I failed. All this is the fault of the man before us. Du Zhong, at this point, have you nothing to say? Not even a word of apology?"

Du Zhong knew there was no room for reconciliation with Su Wen. At last, he dropped his years of disguise.

"Hahaha, we have reached this stage. You are right. Initially, I wanted to see how powerful the poisonous constitution was. I even hoped to cultivate it myself to strengthen my Other Shore Flower Divine Art. But when I truly witnessed its power, I realized it was unsuitable for me. Reckless cultivation would only lead to a tragic end."

"So I had Mandala awaken her, planning to make Mansheng my strongest pawn. If you hadn’t come to the Poison Sect, it would have been fine. But since you arrived, I resolved to show you how much effort I put into destroying you. Brother, you cannot imagine the madness I endured daily, plotting your demise."

"You cannot understand the depth of my hatred for you. Despite our master’s high regard for me, calling me the rightful leader, and my relentless training, I was never rewarded. Then you came, and everything changed. The master’s attention shifted entirely to you. Do you know how devastating that was? I had no idea what I’d done wrong. No, I have always been cautious. Yet this is what I gained."

"But the worst was not you—it was the master. I have asked him countless times why, but he never answered. Even at his death, I never understood if my efforts had any meaning. Fine, since no one will tell me, I will find my own answers."

"After all these years, I have found the truth. From the start, all I did was pave the way for you. The master valued me only because I resembled you. But resemblance is no substitute. Once you arrived, everything I had was lost."

"At first, I didn’t understand why things turned out as they did. But after investigation, I learned you were the master’s long-lost child. To evade enemies, the master entrusted you to a friend, hoping you’d be cared for."

"But what followed was beyond anyone's control. After defeating all foes, the master searched for you, only to find all contacts lost. He plunged into deep guilt, believing your loss was his fault. He returned to the sect, practicing frantically to one day find you. Sadly, after so many years, you left no trace. As his power grew, he became the Poison Sect leader."

"Over the years, the master took many disciples, but none resembled you until I became his disciple and finally understood the past. Upon seeing you, the master knew you were his true child. He wished to leave everything to you. To him, you were the most precious; others' lives mattered little."

"But I could not accept that. Why should all my years of effort be handed to you? Who knows what I endured in lonely nights? I refused to yield. These things were meant for me. Honestly, I need not tell you this. Even if I do, will you return? Since childhood, you saw the Poison Sect as a shackle and never wished to improve it."

"If you refuse, then I will. So be it. But even then, you won’t accept it, will you? Brother, your era has long passed. Why can’t you believe it? Never mind, even if you refuse, it no longer matters. I now possess the greatest power. All of you can go to hell!"

"I have waited many years for this moment. Now is the time to settle all grudges between us. The Poison Sect’s glory exists because of me. Without me, would it be the Poison Sect? Certainly not. Such a simple truth, yet you refuse to believe it. Very well, since you won't, I will prove it. Where are my hundred thousand poison soldiers?"

With a fierce shout, the air thickened with rare and overwhelming killing intent. In moments, numerous elite disciples clad in black armor appeared around Zhuang Yun Zhen and his group.

"These are the poison soldiers I have secretly trained over the years, unknown even to the master. Su Wen, I’ll tell you something else—have you always wondered how the master died? Haha, it’s simple. He died beneath my poison soldiers."

"Actually, at the time, my heart was heavy. My feelings for the master ran deep—something you cannot understand even after so many years. My heart was filled with sorrow and regret. But I told myself, even if given another chance, I would do the same. In the Poison Sect, many things are inevitable."

Su Wen’s heart now burned with raging fury. Why reveal all this now? For years, he had harbored suspicions about the master’s death, but until Du Zhong confessed the truth, he could not believe the master truly died at this man's hands. If so, there was nothing left to say—he would strike immediately. He had come to kill Du Zhong.

"Du Zhong, listen well. From today, you are no longer my brother. Forget our past. I will defeat you before the master and force you to admit your mistakes!"

"Master? Haha, are you joking? That old man is long dead. Don’t you know? If he were still capable, let him come himself. But now, it seems he has no such chance."

"Fine, since you say so, I will give you one last chance—to defeat me at the master’s tomb. I imagine this is something you have long desired, is it not?"

"But if you three truly wish to fight me, it will take effort. For now, consider how best to escape. I honestly do not know how powerful the poison soldiers I trained are."

"I will leave first. Poison soldiers, these three are formidable. Make sure you give them a proper welcome. This time, they must feel the Poison Sect’s hospitality! You all should understand this better than anyone."

"Rest assured, Sect Leader. We will handle this. With us here, these three cannot leave. We are confident."

Su Wen, Zhuang Yun Zhen, and Mansheng fought side by side—their combined power was overwhelming. The poison soldiers quickly fell like shadows.

"Du Zhong, if these are your elite troops, I am deeply disappointed. Have you forgotten? Even you cannot withstand the three of us together. Let alone your disciples, whose strength is even weaker. Now it is your turn. Yes, I intend to say this. But for old times’ sake, I will give you three days to catch your breath. After that, I will kill you. Then, my son and I will face you. No rules apply to people like you. I think you understand this?"

Even now, Su Wen was willing to give Du Zhong a chance—his greatest strength and greatest weakness. He was a man of deep feeling. If ever hurt, it was often by those closest. Despite knowing the likely outcome, he still chose this path. No matter how many years passed, his nature would never change.

"Su Wen, you are a fool—always have been. Hmph, I never thought after all these years you would remain so. Fine, three days it is. After that, all our grudges will end. No one will interfere."

"Hmph, Zhuang Yun Zhen, you are impressive—the most outstanding among the young men I have met. Given time, your strength will surpass mine. But for now, you are not my match. Still, I have high hopes for you. I eagerly await your performance in three days! Hahaha!" With a swift movement, he vanished.

"Du Zhong’s power is truly formidable. I doubt even I could face him confidently now. Child, I fear we face great danger. If you wish to leave now, I will not blame you. This battle will be perilous."

"Adopted father, you say strange things. I have longed to fight the strong all these years. Now that my power is restored, I cannot retreat. I must join this battle. Otherwise, I cannot prove myself. My years of hard cultivation were to protect those important to me. This is vital."

"Good, since you say so, I am relieved. Your strength has grown immensely. How much can you recover in three days? Even if you don’t say, I know a deep, potent force resides within you—now the poisonous power. With your current strength, it is impossible to dispel this poison."

"These three days are granted by me. Du Zhong is suspicious by nature, so we must leave Ha City quickly. If we delay, complications may arise, which would be disastrous."

Su Wen knew Du Zhong well. Soon, Du Zhong realized that Su Wen’s strength was not inferior. Had he wished, he could have killed Du Zhong earlier. But he had not. Why? Thinking carefully, he understood. Damn it! Su Wen had done all this for his adopted son! Clearly, that boy was immensely important to him.

"Fine, then I will secretly kill your adopted son. Let’s see what you can do then."

"Three days? Everyone knows I, Du Zhong, honor commitments. I promised three days, and I will keep it. But what happens afterward, I cannot guarantee. Zhuang Yun Zhen, you’re impressive. But don’t get cocky—you will soon become history."

Du Zhong had never feared anyone. Once, he was weak and insecure. Now, he was strong beyond measure, controlling life and death. This feeling was exhilarating. Now, all past injustices could be left behind.

"Hmm, it seems Du Zhong senses this too. But he is arrogant and will not pursue. Child, use these three days to restore your strength. You want to help your adopted father. Aid me in defeating Du Zhong, and your adopted father will be eternally grateful."

"I know you can do it. You possess formidable divine skills now. Everything depends on you. This is also a trial for you. When you overcome it, you will see a dazzling blue sky. I imagine you eagerly await that day."