Chapter 9: The Bond of Brotherhood Once Shared

With extraordinary agility, Su Wen silently climbed to the second floor of the labyrinth, intent on smashing the switch that emitted the cold light. This was no easy feat. Suddenly, several razor-sharp sword energies sliced through the air like ferocious tigers, converging on Su Wen from all sides. With a powerful push against the wall, he was thrown back down to the first floor, once again surrounded by the skeletal figures.

“Su Wen, I advise you not to waste your efforts. I know your thoughts—you intend to stealthily assassinate me. But do you really think you can succeed?” The voice from the shadow returned, imbued with a mocking tone.

“What are you waiting for? Kill him!” With a command from the shadow, the formidable skeletons charged recklessly.

“Are you truly willing to strike down your former comrades?” The numerous skeletal friends, tears streaming from their hollow eyes, were powerless to change the course of events. Their blades seemed directed not at Su Wen, but at their own hearts.

Until now, Su Wen had been unwilling to choose sides, but the moment had come—he must decide between his friends and his sect. Only one could be chosen. The choice was painful, yet unavoidable.

Su Wen moved with nimble grace, his sword flashing brilliant arcs of light. In moments, all his former friends lay fallen. Yet his body bore countless injuries, blood staining his clothes crimson.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

He drew every bone-sharp hidden weapon from his body and casually dropped them to the ground. The pain in his limbs was nothing compared to the ache in his heart. Reluctantly, he had come to this crossroads with old friends.

“Hahaha, Su Wen, you truly are a man of iron will. Whether it’s the woman who loves you or your old brothers, anyone who stands in your way must die—and by your hand. Do you think it’s that simple? I told you before, this labyrinth was made especially for you. Look carefully around you—what is truly happening here?”

Suddenly, a sharp knife plunged into Su Wen’s back.

“Don’t show your back to your enemy—that’s what you once told me. How could you forget?”

Su Wen swung his arm sideways, shattering a skeleton behind him in a single blow.

At that moment, all the skeletons he had just slain reanimated, their power even greater than before. Recalling the shadow’s words, Su Wen realized that this mysterious space was the root of their predicament.

Would this place truly become his grave?

The cold skeletal blades swept down again like a storm.

“Don’t think—just fight your way out!” Su Wen, possessed by madness, rolled to the ground, snatched two swords, and leapt into battle.

The relentless counterattack never ceased. The skeletons’ defense was formidable, and Su Wen’s arms were weakening. Now, he wielded his weapons by pure instinct. He had to escape to aid Zhuang Yun Zhen, who must be facing a painful choice—his fault, and he could not give up.

“Shh, shh, shh.”

His wounds were severe; consciousness began to slip away. As a divine healer with a unique constitution, Su Wen knew he could recover from even grievous injuries—if only he had enough time. Without it, death was certain.

Finally, Su Wen collapsed, utterly spent. Was this to be his final fate? Feng Ming, my foster father, it seems you could only accompany me this far. Forgive me.

In that moment, memories of past friends flooded his mind. His achievements and reputation owed much to their help. Yet when he looked back, they had all left him one by one. The only one who never abandoned him was Man Sheng, who he had sealed away, becoming the shadow before him now. Was this his retribution?

If loneliness was his ultimate destiny, then he would bear it alone.

Suddenly, a surge of unprecedented strength coursed through Su Wen’s body. He could not fall now—there were still things left undone.

This immense power spread through him, and his appearance changed astonishingly. Once black-haired and gentle, his hair turned pure white, and his eyes blazed fiercely. With a single burst of battle intent, he shattered countless bones.

His internal wounds healed instantly; Su Wen had regained his peak strength—a feeling he had not known for a long time.

Once consumed by guilt and remorse, he had sealed his true power. Now, he had reclaimed his former self: Su Wen the Divine Healer, Su Wen the invincible warrior.

His sword now brimmed with sword energy—anger, defiance, all emotions erupting at once.

One sword shook the heavens, two broke the firmament!

“Boom!”

The labyrinth’s resilient barrier shattered utterly, irreparable.

White hair flowed in the yellow dust as blood dripped from his blade into the swirling sands, vanishing without a trace.

This was the true Drunken Cloud Depths. The skeletons were stunned—Su Wen had truly returned, but he would afford none of them a chance to speak.

The obstacles were finally dead. Su Wen had always been ruthless; now he had simply returned to his true nature. If he could, he would not wish to become such a man again. But this time, to protect Zhuang Yun Zhen, he did not mind becoming the devil in others’ eyes.

Though formidable, the skeletons were still just bones, creatures of darkness who could not survive exposure to sunlight.

Man Sheng bore years of resentment and unwillingness. She loved Su Wen deeply and was willing to do anything for him—even if condemned by all.

“You’re back. Finally back. After waiting all these years, are you willing to see me now? Do you know how I’ve suffered all this time?”

She loved this ruthless Su Wen, this powerful Su Wen before her—not the gentle man he once was. Fortunately, he had come back to her.

“Step aside!”

Such coldness and cruelty.

“No retreat, no regrets. You left me all these years ago. This time, no matter what you say, I will not let you go. If I do, I will regret it.”

Su Wen regretted. Did Man Sheng—not the shadow—feel no regret? She hated him, wanted to kill him constantly, yet loved him more. She regretted not having killed him sooner, not having confessed her love earlier, until it had come to this.

“We cannot return, Man Sheng. You know this better than anyone. Let go—it’s better for everyone.”

“No! I don’t believe it! You love me—you’ve always loved me. I won’t believe anything you say now. You want to find your foster son? Too bad—you can’t leave. He’s probably dead by now. What use would you be?”

Su Wen remained icy cold. “I’m here. That boy won’t die.”

Like the wind, he vanished.

A single tear slid down Man Sheng’s exquisite face—the last she would shed for him. She understood now that Su Wen had truly left her. Clenching her fist, her sharp nails dug into her flesh. Did it hurt? No. Her heart was dead. Since he no longer loved her, then he might as well die.

Meanwhile, the fierce battle raged on. Zhuang Yun Zhen no longer bore the ease he once had. The Sun-Moon Dual Glory Palm was wielded to perfection, his energy radiating outward to form a powerful defensive armor. Yet even so, he could barely fend off the corrupted disciples of the Poison Sect.

“Lord Yun Zhen, their attacks are ferocious. We’ve searched for their weakness for so long but found none. What shall we do now?” Some disciples were on the verge of collapse.

“Brothers, the Poison Sect’s achievements and reputation did not come easily. You are the sparks of its resurgence. You must leave now; I will hold them off. Without my foster father, I am the young master of the Poison Sect. My orders are law—would you defy me?”

Zhuang Yun Zhen bore severe injuries but had single-handedly repelled seven assaults. “Everyone, charge! You see it now—my strength is nearly gone. If we fall, the Poison Sect is finished. We loved this sect deeply—but look how it has treated us!”

“Invincible Mad Soldier, aren’t you ready yet? With him, a mere Zhuang Yun Zhen is nothing!” The relentless assault never ceased.

In its century-long history, the Poison Sect had never faced a graver crisis. This time, it was truly a cataclysm.

Then, the legendary Invincible Mad Soldiers appeared, boasting incredible defense. Their opponents’ attacks were futile.

Zhuang Yun Zhen roared, a surge of heroic spirit rising. He knew his life might end here today, but if given a second chance, he would choose the same path.

Protecting others was the sole purpose of his martial journey. A long staff in his hands became a black shadow, infused with profound mysterious steel energy.

The mighty staff formed an unyielding shield, repelling the chaotic onslaught of the Mad Soldiers. The mysterious steel energy had long fused with his immovable golden body technique. With such divine skill, no matter their strength, he had a way.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Horizontal strikes, lifts, sweeps, thrusts—all executed with mastery.

Amidst the crowd, Zhuang Yun Zhen carved a path with unstoppable momentum, truly a force to be reckoned with.

“Zhuang Yun Zhen, do you dare face me?” A man clad in white armor charged fiercely, wielding twin blades with ruthless precision.

“Behold my Sun-Moon Twin Blades!”

The white-armored man leapt into the air and struck downward. Zhuang Yun Zhen countered with a horizontal sweep of his staff, imbued with the power of a thousand pounds. The man was knocked to the ground, coughing blood, defenseless.

The weak often have sharp tongues—true in all eras.

In an instant, Zhuang Yun Zhen felled dozens of master fighters, his courage unmatched.

“Long live the young master! He’s incredible!”

From the city walls, countless disciples witnessed this scene. They had once thought defeat was certain, but seeing Zhuang Yun Zhen’s prowess, their hearts steadied. Leave? No—the young master would never abandon them.

“Bring the wine!”

Zhuang Yun Zhen loved to drink; his comrades tossed him their wine gourds. Courage grows with wine, and Zhuang Yun Zhen was no coward.

“Excellent wine!”

He drained a gourd in one gulp, spirit soaring. His staff shattered into two pieces—now wielded separately, even more effective.

What must a demon god be like? Few had seen one, but if such existed, it would be like Zhuang Yun Zhen.

The two broken staff pieces became formidable divine weapons in his hands. His power seemed inexhaustible, and wherever he passed, corrupted disciples fell.

“Exhilarating—truly exhilarating!”

Zhuang Yun Zhen was a man of bold spirit. Today’s battle had revealed his true skill.

“Impressive,” said a man of ordinary appearance approaching. “On my way here, I heard tales of your strength, Zhuang Yun Zhen. I didn’t believe them before, but now I do. That fierce fight must have drained much of your energy. You’re no match for me now. Normally, I’d grant you rest, but not today. Today, you die.”

The man’s footsteps quickened, and sparks flew as he dragged a rusty iron sword across the ground.

“Whoosh!”

The iron sword soared in a graceful arc, aimed directly at Zhuang Yun Zhen.

Zhuang Yun Zhen showed no fear. Though weakened, his task was unfinished. He hurled the two broken staff pieces with even greater force.

“Boom!”

The iron sword clashed with the staff pieces and two master fighters converged. Divine weapons shattered into dust as Zhuang Yun Zhen grappled fiercely with the stranger.

The stranger’s palm strikes were as sharp as blades, cutting painfully across Zhuang Yun Zhen’s face.

Surprised, Zhuang Yun Zhen tried to retreat and fight tactically but felt searing pain in his arm—it was slashed by the stranger, blood pouring.

“Hmph, quick reflexes. One slower and your arm would be useless. But that makes it interesting, doesn’t it?”

Ignoring the pain, Zhuang Yun Zhen’s mind cleared. His foe’s skill surpassed his own; only by fighting with all his might could he withstand him.

Fear only bred hesitation. He struck without delay.

His Flying Bird Illusion palm technique was at its peak, a powerful strike aimed squarely at the man’s face. The stranger twisted swiftly, moving behind Zhuang Yun Zhen as he overextended and struck air—exposing his back.

“Boom!”

A domineering iron fist smashed into Zhuang Yun Zhen’s back. He endured the agonizing blow and countered with a palm strike crackling with lightning—the thunderous essence of his Sun-Moon Dual Glory Palm. The strike was sharp and lethal; even if it didn’t kill, it would severely wound.

“Clang!”

Yet the stranger did not retreat an inch, using his body to absorb the blow. The immense power dissipated against his formidable flesh.

“Hmph, so the famed Sun-Moon Dual Glory Palm is merely this?”

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Three more powerful palm strikes shattered Zhuang Yun Zhen’s immovable golden body! The legend of its indestructibility was false—only lacking in his own cultivation.

“Pfft!”

Zhuang Yun Zhen spat blood violently. Few could survive such blows, but his resolute nature meant he would fall standing, never kneeling.

“A tough one,” the stranger said. “Young as you are, you have spirit—just right for my taste. Will you join me? If you do, no one will harm you again. Your foster father was a coward—otherwise why would he hide when you became like this?”

Zhuang Yun Zhen stood firm by sheer will, unsure how long he could last. He had promised his foster father to protect the Poison Sect, never retreating, even if it meant death.

“We walk different paths. I will never be yours, nor allow you to seize the Poison Sect. I forbid it!”

With a roar, Zhuang Yun Zhen summoned the power of his immovable golden body once more, charging fiercely and throwing a punch. A faint golden light shimmered—his wrath shaking heaven and earth.

The surrounding sands swirled ominously, as if ready to consume all.

The stranger casually raised a finger to block the devastating punch. The collision caused only a faint ripple.

“Now it’s my turn.”

The same finger unleashed even greater power, wounding the exhausted Zhuang Yun Zhen anew. He had no strength left to stand.

Accepting his fate, Zhuang Yun Zhen knew this was his limit. He could finally tell himself, his foster father, and the disciples of the Poison Sect that he had done his best.

As he fell, countless warm hands caught him—his disciples, the only ones who could. Fools, who could have fled during the fight, chose not to.

“You are truly fools!”

“Lord Young Master, perhaps we are fools. We know our skill is less than yours, but if we had fled, we would despise ourselves later for cowardice. To live and die alongside a hero like you is our heartfelt wish. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Voices rose in agreement. The Poison Sect’s rule was clear: disciples might die, but never flee. No matter how many years passed, it was unbreakable.

“Boring people, doing boring things. Before and now the same. Fine, since you all show such spirit, then die together!”

“Where is the iron sword?”

The stranger shouted, and the iron sword that had turned to dust reformed, gathering all his power. After this strike, all would end.

The iron sword radiated its true brilliance—a moment of glory.

“Whoosh!”

Again, the elegant arc of the sword.

The Poison Sect disciples linked hands, channeling their power to form an impenetrable defense, hoping to withstand the blow.

“Boom!”

Naive disciples—they overestimated themselves and underestimated the sword’s overwhelming force.

No defense could stop its fury. Blood sprayed from them all.

Was any outcome needed now? Their fate was clear—they would surely die today.

“Hahaha, even now you hope for help? You’re so naïve. No matter how many times Gu An comes, your ending is always the same—no one can save you.”

“Brothers, wait for me. I am on my way. Once I arrive, all problems will be solved!” Su Wen rushed with all his might toward the Poison Sect.

“Who says the Poison Sect has no one? Do you think I’m dead?” At such a time, only one could stand up for the wavering sect—Du Zhong.

He had left before but returned, knowing deep in his heart that no matter how far he went, he would always come back.

“It’s the Sect Leader! The Sect Leader has returned!”

The disciples, long despairing, rejoiced upon seeing him. If anyone could face the stranger, it was Du Zhong.

With a grand gesture, Du Zhong unleashed a powerful gust that dispersed the sharp sword energies in the air. The divine sword shattered once again.

As the sole master of the Bianhua Divine Skill, Du Zhong’s strength was formidable. He struck the stranger with a mighty palm imbued with venom.

“Insult my Poison Sect disciples? Insult my sect? You deserve death!”

His attack carried profound poison energy. As Sect Leader, Du Zhong could not let Su Wen have all the glory.

The stranger, impressed, smiled. “You’re the Sect Leader? I’ve heard of you. The Poison Sect has two great banners: Su Wen and Du Zhong. Which one are you?”

The stranger knew the sect well.

“I’m Du Zhong. Who are you? How do you know so much about the Poison Sect?” Du Zhong answered honestly.

The stranger was evasive. “Du Zhong, so you are the Sect Leader. It’s an honor to fight you. Let’s see your skill!”

Despite Du Zhong’s formidable prowess, the stranger showed no fear, also using the Bianhua Divine Skill. Both moved with transcendental agility.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Du Zhong’s strikes seemed to suppress the opponent, but strangely, the stranger countered as if he foresaw every move.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Three linked energy strikes landed on Du Zhong. Fighting at full strength, his guard faltered, and he staggered back, face shocked.

“Triple linked energy? How do you know it? Who are you?”

The triple linked energy and Bianhua Divine Skill were once the sect’s two supreme techniques. Mastery of both made one invincible.

“How boring. You recognized me so quickly? Yes, it’s the triple linked energy. As to how I learned it—why do you think? Do you really not know who I am? Or do you know but refuse to believe? After all, to you, I am long dead.”

“But fate won’t let me die. What can I do? Poison Sect? Ha! Today I come to destroy it! Anyone who objects, fight me!”

Was this man truly Bai Yuhu? His face and aura had changed, yet his madness remained.

“I knew you would come. I’ve been waiting for you since earlier. What, no words for your old friend who returned from the dead? You used to talk so much. What happened? Has your heart changed, and your tongue grown dull?”

“Bai Yuhu, enough nonsense! I sent you here to kill these people. Once they’re dead, you’re free!”

“Free? Ha! When have I ever had freedom? Or did freedom ever belong to me? Never. Man Sheng, if you’re unhappy, you may act yourself. I wait for one person—Su Wen. Without him, I won’t move. What happened between me and those two men, you wouldn’t understand.”

“Senior, what’s going on? Does this man know you and the foster father?” Zhuang Yun Zhen had recovered somewhat but was too injured to fight.

“Yes, he’s an old friend—once a life-and-death comrade. Since Bai Yuhu is here, what remains is no longer your concern. Rest well. I’ll handle it. You’ve done well.”

“This place is too noisy. Shall we move?”

“Fine, as you wish.”

The two masters vanished in moments, becoming black streaks on the horizon. Zhuang Yun Zhen wished to help but was truly unable.

The horizon remained unchanged after many years—but the people were different, strangers now.

“What’s wrong? Such a pale face. Afraid to see me? Well, I am the one you once killed. Of course you fear me.”

“The three brothers, now like this—did you ever think it would end this way? Probably not. But I knew from the start. From the day I met you, I knew you were no good. Everything you did, all for the sect, was really for yourself. What, no response now?”

“By the way, Su Wen probably doesn’t know the real you. What will he think when I tell him the truth?”

The wind blew, yellow leaves scattered, making the place desolate. Once the Poison Sect’s finest ground, now fallen. When did brothers become strangers?

“You alone mastered the Bianhua Divine Skill but never told us. Afraid we’d surpass you if we learned it? You were clever but wasted your mind on harming comrades.”

“I tried to warn you many times, but then I understood—once you decide, you follow through. In this, you outmatch us all.”

“Enough talk. Since you’re here, today you die!” Bai Yuhu moved like the wind, striking a palm.

Du Zhong retreated and advanced, hands like swords clapping toward Bai Yuhu. But this was a feint. The real attack came as a triple palm strike from left, center, and right—an overwhelming blow.

This was the second move of the Bianhua Divine Skill: "Not in the heart; what is seen is illusion; what is thought is reality; truth and falsehood are indistinguishable."

Bai Yuhu wielded his finger like a sword, unafraid of such a powerful strike. Yellow leaves in his hand transformed into deadly hidden weapons.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Fragile leaves condensed into terrifying power, seemingly able to tear through all.

“Du Zhong, you should have known—I excel in hidden weapons. You brought me here, just as I wished. These yellow leaves in my hand unleash unimaginable power. You know this better than anyone.”

The sky filled with leaves turned weapons. Du Zhong dodged awkwardly but effectively.

“This is just the beginning. Hold on, old friend. I must defeat you and Su Wen. I know Su Wen is on his way. If you die, how sad will he be?”

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Hidden weapons were not Bai Yuhu’s alone. Exploiting weaknesses was Du Zhong’s specialty.

“Unfortunate for you—after all these years, I’ve learned hidden weapons too. Though you were once the King of Hidden Weapons, that was long ago. My skills now surpass yours.”

“What did you say then? Do you remember? You said I, Du Zhong, could never master hidden weapons. It seems you were wrong. But I know you’ll never admit defeat. I never expected you to.”

“Master taught two hidden weapon techniques: Falling Flowers and Flowing Water. They counter and complement each other. You mastered Falling Flowers but longed for Flowing Water. Master never taught you, so you left in anger. Now you see your most desired technique is in my hands. You must be full of regret, right?”

“Regret? I have none now. Even if you know Flowing Water, there is only one King of Hidden Weapons. You know who that is? Many have tried to surpass me, but none succeeded.”

Du Zhong smiled. “Your excuses won’t help. Today, all ends. Without waiting for Su Wen, I can defeat you. People say I’m weaker than Su Wen, but I’m the elder brother. When you mock me, have you ever thought how I feel?”

“No. You never thought of me. Die!”

Falling Flowers and Flowing Water—the two ultimate hidden weapon techniques. The victor would become the new King of Hidden Weapons. Though neither cared for the title now, life was about pride, respect, and survival. The path was harsh, but so what?

“Brother, you’re so good. This fruit is sweet!”

“Yes, we vowed to be brothers forever, never abandoning each other!”

Their old vows still echoed, but now these once close brothers fought to the death. No one could stop them, nor should they.

From day into night, then night into day, they battled for two full days without a decisive victor. Both were wounded but smiled faintly—perhaps they welcomed this battle.

The horizon finally regained life, but this delayed vitality marked the end of brotherhood. Who could have foreseen it at the start? No one.