Chapter 10: Yesterday's Blossoms

Death! Du Zhong and Bai Yuhu exerted their last ounce of strength, unleashing their final deadly moves, yet both collapsed, utterly spent and unable to rise. Now, they had no strength left to spare.

“You know,” Du Zhong gasped, “it’s been so many years since we fought such a liberating battle. I’ve always deeply cherished those old days. The three of us were inseparable back then. But look at us now—how things have changed. It pains me deeply.”

“I won’t believe a word you say,” Bai Yuhu retorted, his face pale from severe internal injuries, barely able to move. “As long as I’m alive, I won’t let you destroy the Poison Sect. Come on, since it’s still undecided between us today, we must settle this once and for all!”

Du Zhong’s voice was weak. “Hey, do you have any wine? After fighting so long, I’m thirsty.”

“I do,” Bai Yuhu replied with a smile. “But my wine is for friends. Are you my friend?”

Bai Yuhu loved drinking and brewing wine. His brews were said to possess a magical power that could make one forget all troubles.

Du Zhong coughed and laughed weakly, “Aren’t we friends?”

The question caught Bai Yuhu off guard, then he burst into hearty laughter. Yes, they were friends—once the best of friends. At this moment, all animosity between them vanished.

“Here,” Bai Yuhu said, tossing a lacquered gourd to Du Zhong. Upon opening, a rich aroma of wine filled the air. Though Bai Yuhu had changed over the years, his brewing skills had only improved. Du Zhong had tasted countless fine wines, but none surpassed Bai Yuhu’s.

Gulping down more than half the gourd, Du Zhong’s cheeks flushed with satisfaction. “Still the same flavor as before. I feel refreshed from head to toe. Now, all I want is to sleep peacefully, without a care in the world.”

“Save the last sip for me!” came a commanding voice.

A tall man, Su Wen, came running swiftly. Su Wen had two great passions: tending to plants and drinking wine. He claimed to have the greatest drinking capacity in the Poison Sect, though his martial prowess ranked only third—too insignificant to mention.

When fine wine was present, even the deepest grudges were set aside. How else could these three old wine lovers maintain such a bond?

Without a word, Su Wen snatched the gourd from Du Zhong’s hand and drained the remaining wine in one gulp, leaving not a drop.

“Hmph! If I had arrived a moment later, you two would have split all this good stuff! You’ve always been like this—never wanting to share anything good with me. At our age, acting like children is truly infuriating.”

Was this a case of the culprit complaining first? Du Zhong felt a headache coming on. Among the three of them, who was truly the child? Though they faced a life-or-death battle, the chance of an actual fight now seemed slim. Indeed, there was no grudge a bottle of fine wine couldn’t resolve.

“Hey, you two! One drinks my wine, the other calls me childish. So, are we fighting or not? If not, I’m leaving now!”

“Fight? Why not!” Bai Yuhu replied.

Su Wen moved like the wind, hands forming claws, delivering fierce strikes aimed at Bai Yuhu’s face. Bai Yuhu wielded fluttering yellow leaves, which instantly transformed into razor-sharp hidden weapons. The two danced gracefully amid the swirling leaves—a beautiful sight indeed.

Du Zhong, stirred by the spectacle, laughed heartily before joining the fray. Thus began the three-way skirmish.

Having grown up together, their lives diverged over time, but the essence within them remained unchanged—a yearning and cherishing of freedom and friendship.

Their battle was less a fight than a friendly sparring match. After a dizzying exchange, the three collapsed once more. Su Wen then presented two precious White Spirit Pills to Du Zhong and Bai Yuhu—miraculous remedies for internal injuries.

As expected, after taking the pills, their complexions improved markedly.

“Still want to fight? If we continue, there will be no conclusion. Bai Yuhu, you’ve always been a lively soul. I won’t allow you to destroy the Poison Sect. The three of us are evenly matched. This time, listen to me—return and preserve your life above all else!”

“Think about it. If you die, who will Du Zhong and I turn to for wine? Man Sheng has become like this because of me; it’s only right I settle this. Old friend, you were always the clearest-headed among us. Why are you so confused today?”

“Do you think I want to handle the mess you caused? It’s all because Man Sheng said that if I helped her, she’d make me the sect leader. I know my own nature well—I’m weaker than Su Wen in strength, and less talented than Du Zhong. Being sect leader is an honor I don’t deserve. Compared to that, I’d rather be an old drunk. I only agreed because I’m stubborn, wanting to surpass you both.”

“After all, your brilliance outshines me. I’ll never match up. But my heart still rebels. If you were in my place, what would you choose?”

“But Su Wen, you’re right. Three things matter most to me: first, wine—I destroyed my own powers but won’t give up wine; second, friends—you two are more than friends to me, you’re brothers. Before meeting you, no one recognized me. You changed everything.”

“At any time, the three of us will remain good friends, never changing. Du Zhong, all those harsh words I said before were out of anger—don’t take them to heart. After today, who knows if we’ll meet again? How about we pledge to ‘drink until we’re drunk or don’t return’?”

“Ha! That sounds perfect. The three of us, together, are better suited to drinking and talking than fighting. But Su Wen, since you’re here, why not check on your godson? He’s been fighting since the start and is severely injured. Can you really ignore him?”

Du Zhong knew Su Wen had come to prevent Bai Yuhu from acting rashly. Zhuang Yun Zhen was Su Wen’s only cherished child in recent years, a part of himself projected onto the boy. He firmly believed Zhuang Yun Zhen could do better.

Su Wen’s eyes gleamed strangely as he took a deep gulp of strong wine, then stood and bowed deeply to Du Zhong and Bai Yuhu. “The wine is finished, old friends met—I have no regrets now. I’m going to help Feng Ming. If I survive, I will return for you. If I die, don’t mourn or remember me. We will always be together.”

With those words, Bai Yuhu and Du Zhong could only stand and respond loudly, “Old friend, if fate allows, see you at the old place!”

Bai Yuhu departed, followed by Du Zhong. The two companions became mere specks on the horizon.

Man Sheng had never anticipated such a sudden turn. She truly never expected Bai Yuhu to betray her.

“Bai Yuhu, do you know what you’re doing? If you leave today, even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I will never let you go!”

Her threat echoed through the sky. Everyone heard, but Bai Yuhu remained indifferent.

“Find me if you can. I’m a fickle man; I don’t know what the future holds, but I know one thing—we are not on the same path.”

“Smack!”

A sharp slap landed on Man Sheng’s smooth, tender face, fiery in its disdain and warning. Bai Yuhu’s voice was cold, “Consider this slap my farewell gift. I don’t like threats. Remember that.”

Man Sheng was a wicked woman deserving of punishment.

Once proud, now humiliated, she gasped for air, her entire being like a vast bellows. “Listen well, everyone! No one from the Poison Sect will be spared!”

Her inner demons grew stronger, overwhelming reason. Driven mad by Su Wen’s abandonment, she raged, “Su Wen, I know you’re here. Fairy, you came but dare not face me? If you don’t come soon, your godson dies by my hand today!”

After a brief rest, Zhuang Yun Zhen’s strength had recovered about half. Covered in wounds, even a slight breeze could topple him. Yet he refused to give up, using his last ounce of strength to shout, “Zhuang Yun Zhen of the Poison Sect is here! Any challengers, come forth!”

His voice carried the power of the Immovable Golden Body technique, like thunder cracking the sky. Onlookers blinked in disbelief. How could someone so gravely injured still wield such formidable power? What drove this boy to persevere?

Blood had long dried on Zhuang Yun Zhen’s face. His spear had become his crutch. Seeing him thus, the Poison Sect’s corrupted disciples trembled with fear. Humans could be fragile or extraordinarily resilient. Now, Zhuang Yun Zhen stood like a towering tree—one wrong move, and it would fall, scattering monkeys. Yet none dared approach him.

As a child, his master said Zhuang Yun Zhen was too serious, lacking playfulness, always seeming mature beyond his years. But it was this nature that kept him steadfast, never retreating.

Why had the Poison Sect suffered so many attacks? Because when under siege, its disciples’ first thought was always to flee, never to pause and consider what they owed the sect that raised and protected them. These questions had never been pondered before. Now, Zhuang Yun Zhen gave them the courage and resolve to reflect: should they run or stay?

Countless disciples now stood behind him, no longer hiding, regretting, or hating themselves. There was still a chance to do something meaningful.

“Young master, we won’t leave. We’ve made too many mistakes, but now we want to make amends. Do we still have a chance? Of course we do! As long as we’re willing, it’s never too late!”

“Hahaha! Today, every one of you will die. No one can help you now. Don’t believe it? The Poison Sect is not what it once was. You always put your hope in others while avoiding responsibility. If they win, you cheer; if they lose, you curse. I said before, the Poison Sect is a strange place—no one believed it then. Now, even if you stay, what good is it? The outcome will be the same. Nothing will change.”

Man Sheng’s words were cold, devoid of warmth. Though everyone knew she spoke truth, was it truly unchangeable?

“But Zhuang Yun Zhen, you’re impressive. My corrupted disciples are all much stronger than you. They’ve surpassed martial skill to reach the realm of martial way—I believe it. Yet, you defeated them all. But look at you now—with only half your life left—how can you fight?”

“Drunken Cloud Deep Divine Skill, Su Wen’s legendary technique—invincible in the world. Hmph, is that so? Now, no matter how powerful it is, you can no longer use it. I’ll send you to meet your godfather!”

A surge of deadly poison erupted. As the sole master of the ultimate poisonous body, Man Sheng was formidable. A black poisonous dragon soared above, its piercing roar shaking the heavens. Even before striking, its overwhelming aura crushed the breath from all nearby—it was a crushing pressure capable of killing outright.

“Pfft!”

“Pfft!”

“Pfft!”

The Poison Sect disciples behind Zhuang Yun Zhen coughed blood. Already severely injured, they were overwhelmed by this mighty force, powerless.

“Enough, Zhuang Yun Zhen. The obstacles are cleared. Now it’s your turn. You’re a hero—I see Su Wen’s shadow in you. Maybe that’s why he favors you. Don’t worry, I won’t let you die easily. I will torture you slowly, so your godfather can see what you’ve become.”

“I once thought Su Wen was heartless. I loved him deeply, but in the end, I got nothing! Now I know it wasn’t his lack of feeling—it was me unworthy! You, brat, stole my Su Wen. You deserve to die!”

Man Sheng approached, pressing her palm down gently. A domineering force pinned Zhuang Yun Zhen to the ground, immobile.

“Pfft!”

Zhuang Yun Zhen spat blood, nearly losing consciousness. Still, he refused to collapse. He tried to rise, but the weight on his back was unbearable. If he forced himself up, he might die.

Once more covered in blood, he slowly stood—a simple act that drained nearly all his remaining strength.

“Boom!”

Another heavy blow struck him, knocking him down again—worse than before. To resist was to court death. Man Sheng was proud and imperious, intolerant of defiance. Zhuang Yun Zhen’s rebellion invited the harshest punishment.

Yet, though young, Zhuang Yun Zhen was a tough man. Using his hands to support himself, he shouted and slowly straightened. His breathing was ragged and painful, but he refused to show weakness before her. His bones were probably shattered in many places. How long could he endure? He didn’t know. But one thing was certain: as the Poison Sect’s young master, he must not leave. He would endure until his godfather’s return.

“Die, brat!”

Triple gravity slammed down on him, sapping his last strength. His consciousness faded, eyes vacant.

Zhuang Yun Zhen’s indomitable will inspired all. At that moment, the disciples wept. A stranger, recently met, called the Poison Sect’s young master but was not respected by all, yet his resolve had brought him this far. Though exhausted, he rose once more. What did he intend?

“Master, enough! Really enough! The Poison Sect is not what it used to be. We were selfish before, undeserving of your sacrifice. Give up—we won’t blame you.”

Countless disciples cried but were broken and powerless, able only to scream inwardly.

Zhuang Yun Zhen seemed deaf to their pleas. Blood trailing behind him, he dragged himself toward Man Sheng. All eyes watched in despair. Why were they still so weak? They had lost so much before, but this loss cut deepest. A stranger had given all for them. Could they truly give up now?

“Ah!”

The disciples shouted again, inexplicably summoning strength to awaken and steel their resolve.

No retreat! No regret! No turning back!

Such defiance infuriated Man Sheng. She never expected this brat could wield such power, changing even these broken souls.

Zhuang Yun Zhen smiled inwardly—a smile that blinded Man Sheng. Her once agile reflexes betrayed her, leaving her paralyzed, staring at the bloodied boy before her.

What did he intend?

Zhuang Yun Zhen raised his hand and lightly slapped Man Sheng’s face.

“Smack!”

Soft but firm—that was his second slap today, his final strength spent. He thought himself useless. He had promised to hold on until his godfather returned, yet now he truly could not. “Godfather, I tried my best. Will you blame me?”

Two slaps in one day was a grave humiliation. Man Sheng’s fury reached its peak. She changed her mind—today, Zhuang Yun Zhen would die.

Leaping onto her black dragon and merging with it, Man Sheng’s aura intensified, charging at Zhuang Yun Zhen with ruthless force.

Time seemed to freeze.

Using her last strength, Zhuang Yun Zhen struck the woman’s strongest blow. “Godfather, did I do well? Master, thank you for your teachings. I’m ready to meet you. Brother, my friend, I can only rely on you now.”

Had he forgotten Li Mo Qing? No—he had not forgotten, but in this moment, he could not find the words to speak. Too much weighed on his heart. Yes, he was clumsy with words.

Would Mo Qing miss him?

Yes, certainly.

Within the Su Yi Tower, Mo Qing felt a piercing pain in her heart, as if a piece had been torn away. She wanted to find her older brother.

“No! Mo Qing, have you forgotten your duties? I told you to leave, but you didn’t. What are you doing now? Didn’t I say you must choose—go or stay? You said you understood your inner evil and would protect Su Yi Tower, never leaving. Then what are you doing now?”

Li Fei Chen could not understand his niece. She longed for love but could not abandon duty; bound by duty, she still yearned for love. Life never grants both. One must choose.

Was Li Fei Chen heartless? No, he had given her a choice before, only once. She must decide carefully. Now, crying and raging, is she still one of Su Yi Tower’s own?

“You said you trusted your brother. Then look at yourself now—do you distrust him, or your own judgment?”

Tears, regret, confusion—Mo Qing often did not know what she truly wanted. Perhaps, as Uncle said, she wanted everything.

“Uncle, please let me see my brother. I promise, if he is safe, I will return. I promise!”

“I told you to pursue your love, but you gave up. Now you blame me for stopping you? Since you chose Su Yi Tower, stay here. You shall go nowhere.”

“I told you to follow your heart. No matter what you did, I would support you. But I never taught you to be fickle!”

“Didn’t you say trust is a powerful force? I agree. Then wait and see if your brother dies!”

“From the moment you chose Su Yi Tower, your power awakened. Don’t you understand? Your Immortal White Flame has fully awakened. You cannot leave Su Yi Tower. No other place can contain such overwhelming flame. Do you think I lie now?”

Li Fei Chen revealed the reason for forbidding Mo Qing’s departure. Mo Qing felt as if all her strength was drained. She stood, turned, and left.

“Uncle, I hate you. I hate myself. Why am I like this?”

“Brother is the most important to me,” her voice weak, “but in the end, I failed him. It’s my fault. I don’t deserve love. Let me be alone for a while. Don’t find me—I want to discover who I truly am.”

Her shoulders trembled as she silently wept.

“Bang!”

A tremendous palm strike sent Zhuang Yun Zhen flying, limp and defeated. The Poison Sect disciples roared in anger and curses, but did it matter? Man Sheng paid them no mind.

“Whoosh!”

A strong figure moved like the wind, catching Zhuang Yun Zhen.

Su Wen had arrived at last. Seeing Zhuang Yun Zhen in such a state, he cried. Zhuang Yun Zhen was a man of deep feeling; he rarely wept, and tears meant profound sorrow. Had he had wine now, it would taste bitter beyond words.

“Child, your godfather is here. Don’t be afraid!”

How long had Man Sheng not heard such gentle words? Long ago, Su Wen spoke to her this way. How did she respond then? Now, she could not recall.

That gentle tone, those eyes—once hers, now a thing of the past. How could the proud Man Sheng bear it?

Years of imprisonment—was it to end like this? No! No! Never!

Man Sheng’s laughter turned wild and unrestrained.

“You’ve finally come. I’ve waited so long. Seeing this, your heart must ache. Good. I want you to hurt. Only when you hurt will you understand what I endured all those years.”

No reply. Su Wen gently set down Zhuang Yun Zhen, whose injuries were grave but not fatal. He stood slowly, eyes brightening as he looked at Man Sheng, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Since parting from Bai Yuhu and Du Zhong, Su Wen had rushed tirelessly, his heart heavy with worry for Zhuang Yun Zhen. This boy must have held on till the end. To keep a promise like that was no small feat.

After a day’s travel, he returned to the Poison Sect’s territory. Though only a day had passed, the place was unrecognizable. Once-beautiful flowers withered, smooth pathways cracked—evidence of fierce battle. Poison Sect disciples lay sprawled, having fought to the last breath without retreat. Blood had dried and mixed with earth.

What of Feng Ming? Was he alive? Asking the few conscious disciples, they weakly pointed a direction.

Feng Ming was alive. That knowledge brought relief. The Poison Sect was no longer what it once was—a phrase Su Wen uttered upon leaving. Seeing these warriors who fought to the last confirmed his mistake. The Poison Sect’s spirit had never changed.

Its transformation owed to one steadfast soul—Zhuang Yun Zhen.

He walked on until voices reached him: Man Sheng and Feng Ming. Feng Ming, badly wounded and bloodied, had not retreated, backed by countless Poison Sect disciples.

Zhuang Yun Zhen’s final slap was witnessed. Well done, indeed. But Zhuang Yun Zhen was truly spent. Su Wen caught him, grateful he was not dead.

“Man Sheng, I have come. If you seek someone, it is me. If you hate someone, it is me. No matter your techniques, direct them at me. Spare the innocent.”

“I should have known. Only you could bring the Poison Sect to this state. Perhaps this is your true nature. I thought our reunion meant a new beginning, but I was naive. I was wrong. The harm between us is irreversible.”

“Hahaha! The poisonous body is a formidable gift. You were right. This power is too great for me to master. If I forced it, I might lose myself. But what of that? Even if I changed, I still did it. I became what I am now. Is that not what you wanted to see? I fulfilled your wish. Now, will you fulfill mine?”

“What have I truly wanted all these years? You know better than anyone. I only wanted your love again. Am I no longer worthy of love?”

“No. Your transformation is my fault. Fine. Today, we settle this. The poisonous body is my creation. I cannot let it destroy you—and everyone else. Today, I will kill you.”

“I once hesitated, leading to this. Now, I am determined. Only your death can end this.”

Su Wen’s love for Man Sheng had vanished, replaced by sorrow and resolve. He had often asked: if she ever succumbed to her inner demons, could he strike her down? Before, he didn’t know. Now, he would.

Man Sheng was unsurprised. She smiled, as beautiful as when Su Wen first met her, still holding a trace of innocence.

“So, you’ve finally decided? You will move against me? Good. You should have done this years ago. But do you remember that day at Tianxuan Volcano? You fell into the fiery whirlpool. I saved you—if I’d been late, you would have died!”

“Do you remember at Ice Crystal Valley? You were poisoned by fire. Only the Ice Crystal Fruit could save you. Alone, I gathered it for you.”

“Do you remember when your divine skill was incomplete, and you were attacked by the Ten Demons on the way home? I risked my life to save you. The sword and blade wounds remain.”

Do you remember? Do you remember?

This despicable woman had saved Su Wen countless times. Had he forgotten?

“Will you repay these debts and saved lives?”

“Strike me? Do you think you have the right? You never have! Without the former me, you wouldn’t be who you are. Of course, I never said this. Because before long, do you recall what you said? That you would love me forever?”

“Where is that love? I waited long for it.”

“It never came—only sealing and endless slumber. Since then, I knew we could never return to the past.”

“Today, before all, I ask you once more: will you still love me? If so, I’ll let go immediately!”

“Let go? If you let go, what of the harm you caused? Can that be undone? I owe you much. You’re right. After I repay you, I will collect my debts!”

“No one is to come near. Watch closely. As a disciple of the Poison Sect, my word is final.”

Suddenly, Su Wen’s true qi reversed—he was dispersing his cultivation, undoing the divine skill they had created together, called “Greatest Love.”

“This ‘Greatest Love’ was our creation. Today, I return it to you.”

“Su Wen, what shall we call this divine skill we created?”

“Let’s call it ‘Greatest Love.’ My greatest love is you; your greatest love is me. We will never part. Agreed?”

“Agreed. ‘Greatest Love,’ forever inseparable.”

The vow whispered in their ears became a faded memory, irretrievable and lost to time.