Chapter 1: Chu Yun

The matter with the Poison Sect seemed resolved, but what about Zhuang Yunzhen? His troubles were far from over. The remnants of Taiyun Jingu were unwilling to let him off, so they spent a fortune hiring assassins from the Yishui sect, a top-tier killer clan. Their strike would be flawless.

“Chu Yun, you are the strongest disciple in Yishui’s century-long history. This mission is entrusted to you. Everyone has full confidence in you; you never disappoint,” the sect leader said lightly as he looked at the young, beautiful woman before him. It was an undeniable truth: Chu Yun was the most powerful disciple Yishui had ever produced—such a talent was rare and perhaps would never come again.

Chu Yun was a meticulous person. At all times, she faced the world bare-faced, always dressed in a pale gray training suit that highlighted her practicality and the explosive power beneath her graceful exterior. She loved her blade, yet no one knew where she concealed it.

“Sect leader, rest assured, I will not disappoint. I’m leaving now!” Chu Yun strode out with a resolute gaze. She had completed many such missions before; as an assassin, there was no room for hesitation. When a task came, it was to be done—no likes or dislikes involved. Chu Yun was an orphan raised by Yishui; naturally, she did what was asked.

“I can handle the assassination of Zhuang Yunzhen as well, even better than Chu Yun. Why is it that a person like me is never considered?” Dong Ju had always resented Chu Yun, but the fact was, Chu Yun never regarded Dong Ju as a rival. To Dong Ju, this was the greatest insult.

“What’s that? You’re interested in this mission too? Very well, then go. Whoever kills Zhuang Yunzhen first will become the next sect leader. I told Chu Yun the same. Haven’t you always claimed you’re stronger than her? Here’s your chance to prove it!” The sect leader’s voice was steady. Chu Yun was strong—too strong, to the point where Yishui could no longer control her. This was unacceptable; she needed a rival, and Dong Ju was the perfect candidate.

Dong Ju’s life was monotonous, filled with rigorous training. When Chu Yun rose to fame, Dong Ju was still a novice, but soon she became another dazzling spirit within Yishui. Though not as radiant as Chu Yun, her beauty was equally captivating.

To surpass Chu Yun had always been Dong Ju’s sole ambition.

“Yes, master, rest assured, I will not betray your trust!” Like a shadow in the night, Dong Ju departed.

Zhuang Yunzhen lay gravely injured. His earlier burst of heavenly power had been sustained only by his last breath. Now that the Poison Sect was secure, he could no longer hold on and slipped into an unawakening slumber, his body burning like embers. He kept whispering Li Moqing’s name, longing to see her.

When Li Moqing arrived and saw Zhuang so weak, the usually strong woman wept silently. She clasped her hands tightly, as if they had long been meant to be joined. “Don’t worry. This young man recently awakened heavenly power, which still courses through his body. He just needs rest. By this time tomorrow, he should awaken. As for you, you look exhausted, probably haven’t eaten properly all along. Rest well. As his godfather, I will take care of him. Aren’t you reassured?”

Though she said it confidently, Li Moqing herself was uncertain. Zhuang lay in this state because of her. Would Li Moqing believe that she could care for him properly?

“No, I’ll stay here. I won’t go anywhere. Zhuang’s nature is such that once he promises someone something, no matter how difficult, he will see it through. He is someone you can truly trust.”

By Zhuang’s side, Moqing finally found rest. She hadn’t slept well these days, having argued fiercely with the uncle. Now, she felt regret but knew some wounds were hard to heal. Ashamed, she chose to leave for a while, hoping her uncle would understand.

Her uncle wouldn’t blame her, but what about herself? He had made her choose—she had given up on Zhuang to become the building’s mistress. She should focus all her energy there, but her mind was still consumed by this man.

Now that he was seriously injured and unconscious, what could she do? Perhaps her only role was to accompany him. She loved him deeply yet never knew how to express it. Maybe he already understood; there was no need to say more.

Chu Yun arrived at Baihua Mountain, where the Poison Sect was located. She knew what had happened, but no matter how fierce other battles were, they didn’t concern her. Today’s mission was singular: kill Zhuang Yunzhen. If she wished, she could easily conceal her aura. No one would suspect that a tall, attractive young woman was a top assassin. Today, dressed in teal-gray, her presence was even more striking.

Walking down the straight path, she drew many gazes; some had likely never seen such a beautiful girl and blushed shyly.

Her first task was to see Zhuang Yunzhen. Severely wounded, he surely needed miraculous medicine. Su Wen was known as a divine healer but lacked the confidence to treat Zhuang, for fear held him back. Thus, the hope rested on others.

No chance? Then take the initiative. Chu Yun’s approach was always direct. With the Poison Sect’s young master gravely unconscious, security was tight, but only against those brimming with murderous intent. Now, Chu Yun appeared merely a simple girl, admiring Zhuang’s courage and bringing an ancestral remedy. This was accepted without suspicion.

“Sir, please inform him. I’m here to repay Zhuang Yunzhen’s lifesaving kindness. I heard he is gravely injured and unconscious. I have come to deliver medicine.”

The Poison Sect disciples were highly alert, seeing everyone as a potential threat, but Chu Yun’s smile held a mysterious power that dispelled unease. One’s eyes revealed true nature; they could not be faked. Her clear gaze was genuine.

“Very well, please wait,” came the reply.

Su Wen faced the sleeping Zhuang with no courage left. He was afraid. Despite his divine title, he was helpless now. Concern breeds chaos; any other person would be the same.

“Sect leader, a woman outside claims she is delivering ancestral medicine to thank the young master for saving her life. I have checked; she is an ordinary person without any martial arts skills,” reported the gate disciple respectfully.

“Then what are we waiting for? I have no other options. If someone can help Fengming recover, I will agree to any condition. Hurry, bring her in!” Su Wen’s joy was evident.

Li Moqing’s first impression of Chu Yun was one of utmost cleanliness. Despite appearing dusty and travel-worn, her clothes and shoes bore no speck of dirt.

Li Moqing observed her carefully. Chu Yun glanced at her briefly, expression unruffled, yet inside stirred a rare tempest. “Such a formidable woman… Li Moqing’s eyes seem to pierce everything. Had I not undergone such rigorous training from childhood, I could not withstand such a sharp gaze.”

Chu Yun saw Zhuang Yunzhen: a young man with strong features, thick brows, and a high nose bridge—a determined soul.

“I hear you have ancestral medicine that can restore my son. Is it true? May I see it?” Su Wen was cautious; Zhuang’s condition was dire, and any mishap would be unforgivable.

“Certainly, please examine it carefully. Honestly, I don’t know if it will work. If it does, I’ll be most pleased; if not, we’ll seek other solutions,” Chu Yun replied confidently. Her medicine was a rare elixir passed down within Yishui, unknown to outsiders. Su Wen, however, might have heard of it.

She presented a simple, mottled porcelain bottle, well-preserved and imbued with profound historical power, which Su Wen could truly sense.

“If I’m not mistaken, this is the Resurrection Pill. It’s made from a thousand precious herbs, exceedingly rare. Even I have never seen one until today. Miss, such a treasure—are you not reluctant to use it on a stranger? In terms of yuan crystals, this pill is worth an astronomical sum.”

“No. A treasure only shows its true value when used where needed; otherwise, it gathers dust and invites calamity. I’ve seen many such cases. I have no extra power to protect it, so entrusting it to you must be its wish. Besides, Zhuang Yunzhen saved my life,” she said earnestly.

Well said. Treasures reveal their worth only when applied properly.

The bottle opened, releasing a fragrance of elixir. The Resurrection Pill was truly a supreme treasure; merely inhaling its scent eased Su Wen’s internal injuries.

The pill dissolved instantly. After Zhuang took it, a brilliant light enveloped him for several seconds before fading. His breathing steadied, and internal wounds began healing.

“Thank you, miss!” Su Wen was overjoyed at this sight and wished to thank the medicine-bearer personally, but she was nowhere to be found.

“Moqing, did you see the girl who brought the medicine?”

“No. Perhaps she left on her own. I don’t dwell on strangers. What matters is that he’s safe and will awaken soon, right?”

“Yes.”

Su Wen was confident. The only regret was not thanking the girl face to face.

Chu Yun had not left; she sat on the roof, masking her aura and form so no one could detect her. The first step was complete. Now, she waited patiently. She was the most patient person—before, she could wait ten days straight without rest to complete a mission.

The medicine she brought was not the Resurrection Pill but the Sleep Pill, which was identical in scent and appearance. To distinguish them, one would have to cut it open, but no one dared waste such a rare treasure. Merely smelling it was a great blessing. Only a madman would dare slice it.

Su Wen, as a divine healer, understood the value of every pill. This knowledge was key to the plan’s success.

When not on missions, Chu Yun liked to sit on rooftops, gazing at the scenery, emptying her mind. Each mission was a life-or-death trial, and after returning, she always needed proper rest.

From day to night and night to day, Chu Yun remained motionless, like a statue.

Zhuang Yunzhen briefly awakened once, easing everyone’s minds. He then slipped back into sleep, but this time, they were reassured. Li Moqing finally ate and rested deeply after a day and night of anxiety.

The opportunity had arrived.

At night, Chu Yun moved like a shadow, silently approaching Zhuang’s resting place.

Her palm flipped, revealing a gleaming short dagger. Her face and eyes were calm; she had done this many times. A swift, powerful thrust was poised to pierce Zhuang’s body.

“Clang!”

A crisp sound rang out.

A single leaf, as if a divine weapon, shielded Zhuang.

It was her!

Li Moqing acted just in time, dispelling the danger. She had been silently guarding Zhuang all along and had finally intervened.

Li Moqing’s attack was ruthless. Anyone daring to harm her brother would die. Her palm ignited with azure dragon flames, pushed to their limit. In moments, she had driven Chu Yun into a corner. The next move would be deadlier, flames roaring, sealing all exits.

“Who are you?” Li Moqing demanded.

Chu Yun’s missions often carried the risk of failure, so she had cultivated great composure. Facing Li Moqing’s fierce assault and the deadly blow aimed at her back, she ducked, rolled, and countered with a backhanded stab. Though ungainly, it was effective.

Li Moqing, fearing the deadly strike, quickly retreated, grabbing a chair and hurling it at Chu Yun.

“Bang!” The chair shattered against the wall.

Chu Yun, the best assassin, seized the moment to vanish. This was her first true failure, but failure was no fear to her.

The commotion alerted the Poison Sect. Su Wen, Du Zhong, and Man Sheng arrived to find the room in disarray but Zhuang unharmed.

“What happened?” Su Wen asked sternly.

Li Moqing tied up her hair. The fight had left her unshaken. “Oh, nothing. Just a petty thief, driven off by me. You three should rest.”

“A petty thief? Li, do you take us for children? Would a petty thief make you so serious? Would you use the Undying White Flame? Someone wants to kill Zhuang, right?”

Su Wen and Du Zhong, lifelong companions, quickly pieced it together.

“Seems this person is skilled, and you weren’t confident of victory?”

Man Sheng, now powerless but still perceptive, hit the mark.

With all three elders aware, Li Moqing saw no need to hide. “Yes, this person’s strength rivals mine. A full fight would lead to mutual destruction. Her moves are clean and precise, honed by severe training. She escaped.”

Li Moqing highly regarded Chu Yun.

“You’ve mastered the Undying White Flame to the seventh level, deep cultivation, yet you couldn’t defeat this person. Who is she?”

Tonight, the Poison Sect was on edge. Sleep was a luxury none dared hope for.

“Hmph, the strongest, yet you failed! You didn’t expect this, did you? But I knew you would fail!”

Only Dong Ju dared speak so to Chu Yun. Her presence was no surprise; Yishui’s rules dictated that a shadow assassin accompany the lead for mission security. Until now, Chu Yun didn’t need one—and likely never would again.

“Prepare to die!”

Like a phantom, Dong Ju’s dagger aimed for Chu Yun’s back.

Chu Yun sensed the lethal intent but remained unfazed. Dong Ju had long sought to replace her, but she never would.

As the blade neared ending her life, Dong Ju’s cold face cracked a smile like a blooming plum blossom.

In a flash, Chu Yun spun, grasping Dong Ju’s throat with her bony hand, then twisted, slamming her heavily to the ground.

“Thud!”

Dong Ju’s beautiful face contorted in pain, but facing Chu Yun, she refused to give in. Though suffering, she wouldn’t utter a sound; speaking meant defeat. She would never lose to Chu Yun.

Chu Yun, tall and beautiful, possessed incredible burst power—enough to subdue a raging beast instantly. Many had witnessed this firsthand; it was no myth.

“What did the sect leader send you here for? I don’t care. If you think you can mock and sneer at me, you’re mistaken. This is the first and last warning. Cross me again, and you die!”

Her fingers squeezed like pincers, cold and merciless. Dong Ju’s face flushed from suffocation. She knew Chu Yun could kill her now, and the sect leader would blame only her for dragging the mission down.

No matter how unwilling, defeat was defeat.

“Bang, bang, bang!”

Dong Ju pounded the ground, acknowledging her fate. No more reckless moves; she would die otherwise.

Chu Yun released her grip, face returning to normal. “Tell me, why have you been following me in secret?”

“*Cough, cough*”

This mad woman’s blows were brutal indeed. Dong Ju seethed but held back. “What else? I’m here to help you. The sect leader values you. Though your strength means you don’t need me, I can assist when you’re in danger.”

“Hmph!” Chu Yun snorted, clearly disbelieving, but she knew only together could they complete this. She wished otherwise.

Dong Ju’s thick skin showed. She grabbed Chu Yun’s arm, acting coy. “Sister, it was my fault. I apologized. Why won’t you relent? Li Moqing’s strength rivals yours. Without me, you couldn’t finish this mission!”

“True. I didn’t expect Li Moqing to be so formidable—one of the best I’ve seen. Next time, I must be cautious. As for you, just stay out of my way.”

Their relationship was complex. Often rivals, yet in crises, they trusted each other implicitly. They had overcome many hardships together, sharing a bond few could understand.

“Still, though strong, you gained no advantage over her. She hasn’t discovered my identity. Now I must try another approach. Since assassination failed, I’ll act openly. I’ll return first; find a place to settle. I fear Li Moqing suspects me.”

True to her nature, Li Moqing immediately began investigating. Around the Poison Sect lay five villages, home to five hundred people, all with clear identities and occupations.

She checked them one by one, suspicious of the assassin but needing proof.

Chu Yun had arrived at Xingyue Village a year ago, unmarried, doing odd jobs and selling small crafts at the market.

Upon seeing this, Li Moqing’s mind flashed to the woman who brought medicine that day. Something was off. Though unclear what, her intuition warned her the woman was trouble. Letting her go would cause disaster.

“What did you find?” Su Wen asked.

“Something. Is Chu Yun home? I want to see her!” Li Moqing pointed at the record. Speed was crucial; delay meant risk.

“Chu Yun? Alright, come with me. We’ll see her now,” Su Wen replied without hesitation, showing absolute trust. Chu Yun was the woman Zhuang loved most; such love had reason.

Xingyue Village was the largest of the five, and Chu Yun’s home was in a quiet corner, often overlooked.

The house was dilapidated but clean. A red lantern hung on the door, perhaps to attract some life.

“We’re here. This is Chu Yun’s home.”

“Knock, knock.”

Li Moqing knocked gently, mindful of the late hour and neighbors’ rest.

“Who is it?”

After a while, a soft voice answered—it was indeed the medicine girl.

“Sis Chu, please open up. I’m Li Moqing. Your medicine helped Brother Zhuang recover. I came to thank you.”

The door creaked open. Chu Yun had prepared for this, having bought this humble house in Xingyue Village and made it somewhat lively for just such a moment. Li Moqing’s intuition was sharp, but Chu Yun’s quickness surpassed it.

That night was moonless. Chu Yun’s pale face, lit by candlelight, was startling. Skilled in disguise, she was unrecognizable.

She squinted deliberately, then recognized Li Moqing. “Oh, you’re the Poison Sect girl from earlier. Delivering medicine is something anyone would do. No need to thank me.”

She shifted, subtly shielding the humble interior. Gone was the daytime gentleness; only faint pride remained.

“Thank you, sister. Without your elixir, Brother wouldn’t have awakened so soon. I’m truly grateful. Since I’m new here, I asked Su Wen to accompany me. I’m glad we found you.”

Li Moqing searched Chu Yun’s eyes for a flicker of panic but found none. Daytime had brought clarity; now, only self-doubt.

“You’re like a fairy, sister. If you want to see me, just say so. But as you see, my home is simple. I don’t know how to host you properly. How about this: tomorrow I’ll buy groceries and cook for everyone at the Poison Sect. Now, I’m not well placed to invite you in. Please forgive me.”

“Sister, what nonsense is this? If you call me a fairy, then sometimes fairies must mingle with the mundane, right, Su Wen?”

The two women exchanged barbs, while Su Wen wisely stayed silent but nodded when asked.

Ignoring Chu Yun’s protest, Li Moqing entered. The house was dim, lit by a single candle, but Li Moqing’s two large lanterns brightened everything.

The place was simple but spotless. Though old, it was not decrepit—imbued with a warm, homely aura. Having grown in the Suyi Building, Li Moqing had never been in such a humble home.

“Sit down,” Chu Yun invited.

Guests inside, they should be treated well. Two cups of hot tea were placed before Su Wen and Li Moqing.

An awkward silence fell. Li Moqing, now inside, wasn’t sure what to ask. The atmosphere was chilly.

Finally, Su Wen broke the silence. “Chu Yun, we didn’t come with ill intent. We want to know how your ancestor came to possess the Resurrection Pill. Was your ancestor also a martial artist?”

Chu Yun had a prepared story. “No, I don’t know the details. Father said my ancestor once helped a divine healer, who, in gratitude, gifted him the pill. I never thought of martial arts and have no such skill. I just do handicrafts. Is there a problem with my medicine?”

“No, the pill is fine. Don’t worry. But when Brother took the pill and fell asleep, someone tried to kill him. I repelled them and want to warn you to be cautious.”

A warning? More like suspicion. Without some skill, Chu Yun would be easily led. But this time, she would disappoint. No one could see through her disguise. “We will meet again. Zhuang Yunzhen’s life is mine to claim. That won’t change.”

On the surface, Chu Yun seemed frightened and knelt with a thud. “Ladies, I always act with conscience. I know why you’re here—you suspect someone is coveting my family’s Resurrection Pill and see this as the best time to act. But I truly know nothing!”

Li Moqing despised herself for this—professing gratitude yet probing this kind woman’s heart. She felt rotten.

“Sister, please get up. What is this? I mean no offense. Really…”

“Su Wen, say something.” Li Moqing was at a loss and turned to Su Wen, hoping he had better ideas. But he too was surprised by Chu Yun’s reaction. Now they had learned nothing and looked like villains. What was this?

What else to do? If they lingered, they might alert the villagers of Xingyue. Then escape would be impossible. This interrogation yielded no results.

“Senior, do you think we’re wrong? If Brother saw me acting so arrogantly, he’d be angry. But I do this for him. Damn it, I don’t know what the right choice is anymore.” Li Moqing was frustrated; so was Su Wen, the so-called divine healer reduced to a villain. Was this what he wanted?

“What now? I don’t know either. But you must see Chu Yun is an honest woman. I know your purpose—you suspect her. But do you believe a woman like this has incredible martial power? I don’t. Tomorrow, ask the village chief about her. Anyone might fight, but Chu Yun never would.”

“Sometimes you trust your instincts too much. Now, your instinct is wrong. So what should we do?”

Now it seemed it was their fault. Forget it. She had helped Chu Yun up and sensed no martial energy—no trace of true qi. Had she truly been wrong? Her suspicion remained, but if not her, then who?

Some questions were best left unanswered; perhaps time would reveal the truth. She had faced such trials before and expected this outcome.

“Sister, your acting is impressive. Teach me sometime. I want to know how it feels to deceive others. Li Moqing’s intuition is sharp. How long can you fool her?”

“Who knows? This woman is tough. She’ll follow me these days, trying to gauge my strength. She wants to see whatever I want her to see. Isn’t that easy? Find a few strong people. Tomorrow, I’ll set up a stall and let them rough me up. In a way, I’m helping you—seeing me get bullied must please you!”

“If that’s your wish, sister will fulfill it. I’m injured. Only if she believes my weakness can my plan proceed.”

This woman was mad—capable of anything for the mission. Hurting others was one thing; hurting herself was the mark of a true madwoman. Chu Yun was such a person.

“All right, I’ll arrange it,” Dong Ju said.