The next morning, the sky was clear and cloudless—a perfect day for all endeavors.
All endeavors, indeed many things.
In the Quietude Study, a side chamber of the library.
Chang Ning slowly opened his eyes. He felt the True Qi within him flowing swiftly like a warm current through his meridians, his dantian pleasantly warm, his channels unobstructed. Gazing at his pale fingertips, he detected a faint surge of energy.
He raised his hand and flicked his fingers lightly. A teapot on the table ten paces away shattered instantly, its fragments as fine as ice cracks.
Chang Ning frowned slightly, steadied his breath, and controlled his strength before flicking again. This time, three teacups arranged in a row on the table split neatly apart. He rose to inspect them—each cup had fractured into three equal parts, as if cleaved by a blade or axe.
This was somewhat acceptable.
Yet Chang Ning remained unsatisfied.
Had he not been injured and poisoned over a year ago, his progress would have been far greater. Back then, he had been impatient.
Now, he needed to quickly clear the final obstruction in his True Qi circulation and restore his former strength.
Bamboo-Cleaving Pavilion.
Ding Zhuo rose early and practiced his sword forms three times in the bamboo grove before his dwelling. After bathing, he donned his finest robes, perfumed himself thrice with the crisp Rhinoceros Incense, tied his hair tightly, and finally, with solemn reverence, lifted his beloved sword and stepped outside.
The air was fresh and invigorating. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the dew-laden scent of the bamboo grove.
Fan Xingjia was already waiting in the courtyard—he had been specially invited by Ding Zhuo to witness the duel.
"Senior Brother, today you seem to have Restrained Strength, your fighting spirit soaring. It seems you are determined to win," Fan Xingjia remarked with a smile.
Ding Zhuo nodded reservedly. "As a martial cultivator, one must hold reverence for every contest."
As a child, he had heard many legends of swordsmen. Among them, he most admired the tale of a nameless warrior—nameless because his obsession with martial arts had made him forget his own name, family, and friends. His lifelong quest was simply to find a worthy defeat.
While other children scattered after hearing the story, Ding Zhuo remained lost in thought.
To seek defeat all one's life and never attain it—what a lofty and distant ideal.
Ding Zhuo closed his eyes, imagining the loneliness of standing at such heights.
A loneliness worth yearning for.
He had faced Song Yuzhi in three duels—one draw, two losses.
Song Yuzhi was more talented than him, and no less diligent in his training. For this, Ding Zhuo respected him deeply. He hoped Cai Zhao would not disappoint him either.
Of course, he wished to win. But even if he lost to Cai Zhao, he would not feel disheartened or discouraged.
What he truly craved was the thrilling sting of a duel between masters at their peak.
Moon-Chasing Pavilion, inner chamber.
Dai Fengchi, still bedridden from his injuries, continued his regimen of medicine. He said to Qi Lingbo, "That little girl is no pushover. With the rumors you've been spreading, she won't let it slide."
"I'm not afraid," Qi Lingbo replied, nibbling on freshly delivered fruit. "What can she do? Kill me? Beat me half to death? Hah, she can't do either. At worst, she'll complain to her father. With my mother around, even Father won't dare punish me harshly."
Dai Fengchi frowned uneasily. "I have a feeling Cai Zhao won't take this lying down. She must have something up her sleeve."
"Let her come at me then!" Qi Lingbo said dismissively.
Quietude Study.
Having finally completed the last cycle of True Qi circulation, Chang Ning tidied his appearance and stepped outside.
The sunlight was radiant, warming him pleasantly.Outside the door stood A Gua, A Zao, A Zui, and A Sai, who had been waiting for a long time. Each held items—a cup of clear tea, a basin of water with a towel, fragrant porridge soup, and an assortment of small pastries. The moment they saw Chang Ning emerge, they eagerly crowded around him, fawning with excessive enthusiasm.
Chang Ning glanced around. "Where are Furong and Feicui?" He wanted to ask about Cai Zhao but didn’t wish to appear too eager.
Someone answered, "Sister Furong is airing out the bedding, and Sister Feicui is drying the books."
Chang Ning smiled faintly. "I suppose Junior Sister Zhao Zhao instructed them. Though she merely mentioned a few days ago, 'Last month was so damp, the bedding and books in the room nearly grew mold.'"
He feigned annoyance. "Zhao Zhao is always so attentive, remembering every casual remark."
A Gua, the sharpest of the bunch, quickly chimed in, "Young Master Chang is absolutely right! Junior Sister Cai has always been single-minded—only matters concerning you, Young Master, are treated with utmost urgency!"
A Zao smoothly followed, "Exactly! Who is Young Master Chang? Why, you’re the foremost priority in Junior Sister Cai’s heart! Everything from food and clothing to daily affairs—she oversees it all!"
A Zui added creatively, "Truthfully, Junior Sister Cai is easygoing by nature. Other people and matters hardly leave a mark on her heart. But what can one do? When someone occupies your heart, they’re always on your lips and in your thoughts."
The three of them took turns speaking, their words delighting Chang Ning. Only A Sai, dull-witted and unable to contribute, grew increasingly anxious.
"After all this talk, where is Zhao Zhao?" Chang Ning asked with feigned indifference.
A Sai finally seized his chance and blurted out loudly, "Early this morning, Junior Sister Cai stewed a pot of fragrant trotter soup! She just took it to the training grounds!"
Chang Ning frowned. "Trotter soup? What nonsense." He paused. "Why is she going to the training grounds?"
The other three hesitated, too afraid to speak, but A Sai, oblivious to tact, declared, "She’s delivering soup to Senior Brother Song! She already took him three servings yesterday!"
"What did you say?!" Chang Ning’s expression darkened instantly.
...
Chasing Moon Pavilion.
Dai Fengchi was still fretting. "Yesterday, Cai Zhao left you with harsh words. Who knows what she might do? We should prepare early, just in case—"
"In case what? She’s probably just bluffing. With that tiny patch of land in Fallen Blossom Valley—"
Before Qi Lingbo could finish, her trusted maid stumbled in breathlessly.
"Young Mistress, Young Mistress, it’s terrible!" the maid gasped.
Qi Lingbo scolded, "Watch your words! What do you mean 'terrible'? Go and receive ten lashes later!"
The maid cowered. "Yes, yes, this servant misspoke! But—but Young Mistress, you must go to the training grounds at once!"
"Why?"
"The Cai Family’s young lady is there, seducing Senior Brother Song!"
Qi Lingbo dropped her teacup with a clatter.
...
Splitting Bamboo Pavilion.
Precious white jade incense burners released delicate wisps of smoke, curling into elegant spirals in the air.
One loop.
Two loops.
Three loops.
Four loops.
Five loops...
Ding Zhuo turned his head. "Why hasn’t she arrived yet?"
Fan Xingjia chuckled nervously. "Ah, ah, she’ll be here soon."
Ding Zhuo: "You said that an hour ago."
Fan Xingjia began to sweat. "Perhaps... perhaps she’ll come a little later?"
Ding Zhuo: "Any later and it’ll be lunchtime." There was nothing lonely, lofty, or legendary about dueling on a full stomach while belching.
Fan Xingjia couldn’t help but remind him, "Senior Brother, I was thinking... maybe Junior Sister Zhao Zhao forgot?"
Ding Zhuo was stunned. "Forgot?!""Indeed," Fan Xingjia spoke bluntly. "Junior Sister Zhao Zhao is rather carefree and unrestrained. Master says she somewhat resembles that uncle of ours from the family. When she was little and wandered the shops in Fallen Blossom Town, she'd either take the wrong path or forget her purse, yet remained utterly unbothered—just like how Hero Cai Changfeng roamed about so happily in his youth that he even missed his elder brother and sister-in-law's funeral."
"So, Senior Brother, did you send someone to remind her yesterday?" He glanced at Ding Zhuo's expression.
Reminding someone not to forget before a duel—
Searching high and low, a lifetime spent seeking defeat, a climactic showdown, the thrilling sting only masters can understand...
Ding Zhuo suddenly felt betrayed by the world's malice.
...
The sun blazed high over the training grounds, the crowd's fervor hotter than the scorching rays.
Some pretended to drink water, others feigned rest, all stealing glances toward the field with bizarre postures—
Song Yuzhi handed the empty soup bowl back to Cai Zhao: "First chicken feet, then duck feet, now pig trotters—can't you stop obsessing over their limbs and brew something more refined?"
Cai Zhao responded amiably, "Then next meal, let's stew some brain flowers, alright?"
"..." Song Yuzhi. "Let's stick with trotter soup." The flavor wasn't bad—savory, rich, and tender.
Cai Zhao apologized, "Sorry to inconvenience you, Third Senior Brother. Furong only makes sweets, Feicui prefers grinding pills and brewing medicines... cough ... her skills are limited. Shrimp dumplings... ah, no, Crystal had excellent culinary skills, but she married early and didn't come this time..."
After a pause, she added, "Chang Ning is quite skilled in cooking. The first time he made chicken wonton soup, it rivaled thirty years of Casserole Uncle's expertise next door. Let's not wait for him to close up—have him cook instead."
Song Yuzhi felt a surge of energy, though whether it was from the recent tonic soups was unclear.
He nearly blurted, 'Are you trying to poison me?'—his upbringing in refined nobility restrained him. His old habit would've been to walk away. But recalling how Cai Zhao had once driven him off in their first meeting, only to later cling to an inseparable Chang Ning, he forced himself to endure.
"Aside from delivering soups, have you nothing else?" he suddenly asked.
Relieved he wasn't angry, Cai Zhao replied, "This should suffice, right? I can't think of other tactics anyway. Once Senior Sister Lingbo comes to confront and scold us, our mission will be accomplished, and you'll never have to drink soup again..."
She added gleefully, "Early this morning, I specifically had people loudly discuss our coming to the training grounds outside Jade Exquisite Abode. I bet Senior Sister Lingbo will storm over today." Aware that pestering Song Yuzhi was improper, she felt both guilty and grateful after he agreed to cooperate, eager to end this farce quickly.
Song Yuzhi arched a sword-like brow, seemingly unconvinced. "Do you have a handkerchief?"
"Ah? What? Oh, a handkerchief? Yes, yes, I do." Cai Zhao hastily produced one.
"Wipe my sweat," Song Yuzhi said.
"?" Cai Zhao stared at the young man's flawless, jade-like forehead, wondering if she'd misheard.
"A tactic I thought of for you."
Cai Zhao instantly understood, praising Song Yuzhi as a kindred spirit. She promptly stood on tiptoe, pressing the delicate pink-white handkerchief against his handsome forehead—
Whether this tactic was too potent or not, after just two wipes, Qi Lingbo stormed over like a thunderbolt, followed by Dai Fengchi on a stretcher.
"What are you doing!!!" Seeing her fiancé's nemesis standing intimately close to him, skin touching skin, Qi Lingbo felt her entire body burn with rage, her eyes crimson and predatory.
This roar instantly electrified the entire crowd—On one side, there were parental orders; on the other, mutual affection—how should Third Young Master Song choose between them?
The disciples were so excited they mentally waved their little fists, piling on top of each other, squeezing and pressing together just to catch a glimpse of this spectacle.
Cai Zhao was overjoyed—this was exactly the effect she wanted.
“Oh my, isn’t this Senior Sister Lingbo? Under such scorching sun, how could you stoop so low as to come here?” This time, it was her turn to feign sweetness with a mocking tone.
“Cai Zhao, you shameless little wretch! Devoid of decency, fickle and faithless—how dare you try to seduce my Yuzhi-gege!” Qi Lingbo was so furious she could barely catch her breath.
Cai Zhao wore a fragile smile. “How could Senior Sister say such things about me? You must have misunderstood. I only see Third Senior Brother as an elder brother… Ugh, I can’t even finish that sentence without feeling sick.”
She shuddered at her own words, then tore off the pretense and said coldly, “Let me be frank, Senior Sister. I did this on purpose. You cut off my path first—what face do you have left to complain? Since you brought this suffering upon yourself, you deserve this payback! Hmph, did you really think you could kick over my bowl and still eat in peace? Dream on! If I can’t have mine, I’ll just take from yours!”
Qi Lingbo shrieked, “What suffering?! You shameless wretch, how dare you blame me! I won’t let you get away with this… Ah, you—!”
Cai Zhao had no patience for this fool’s nonsense and decided to escalate. She turned her head with a sweet smile and reached out to wipe sweat from Song Yuzhi’s brow.
Qi Lingbo was practically steaming with rage. She lunged forward to claw at Cai Zhao’s face, only for Song Yuzhi to block her at the last moment. Heartbroken, she was about to tearfully demand why her fiancé was siding against her when—
“What are you doing?!” The same question, but delivered like a thunderous roar.
The words arrived with the speaker—Chang Ning, his wide sleeves fluttering like wings, his figure swift as a startled swan, dazzling as lightning. In the blink of an eye, he had leaped from outside the training grounds to stand before them.
His imposing aura instantly silenced some while delighting others—was this a bountiful harvest in the melon field?! Oh yes!
Cai Zhao, still dazed, blinked. “Huh? Weren’t you in seclusion? Oh, right, today’s the day you come out. Ha, ha, congratulations.”
Chang Ning’s face was dark with fury as he yanked the girl out of Song Yuzhi’s arms. “What exactly are you doing?!”
Cai Zhao wanted to explain, but after glancing at Song Yuzhi and then Qi Lingbo, she found herself at a loss for words. Finally, she sighed. “It’s not what you think. I can explain.”
Qi Lingbo screeched, “Explain what?! You were seducing my Yuzhi-gege!”
Cai Zhao immediately lost all desire to explain. Smirking, she said, “Actually, there’s nothing to explain. We’re all fellow disciples, caring for each other, loving each other, like one big happy family…”
Song Yuzhi narrowed his eyes. “Brother Chang, it seems your cultivation has fully recovered.”
Chang Ning sneered. “Third Young Master Song, it seems you’ve been enjoying quite the fortune these past few days.”
“You flatter me.”
The air between them crackled with tension, sending an inexplicable chill down Cai Zhao’s spine.
Qi Lingbo, of course, wouldn’t let this go. She screamed, “You little harlot, have you no shame?! Flirting with one man after another, you’re a disgrace to our Big Dipper Six Sects!”
Cai Zhao thought to herself, Your mother’s youth was far more colorful—this is nothing. But hundreds of romance novels had taught her that now was not the time for witty comebacks. The best move was to flee.
Song Yuzhi frowned at Qi Lingbo’s words. “In the Big Dipper Six Sects, whether man or woman, we do not frown upon multiple marriages—as long as it’s done openly and honorably. What’s wrong with that?”Chang Ning laughed heartily. "That's true. The Song family has no shortage of flirtatious men and women."
Qi Lingbo realized she had misspoken, but being publicly corrected by her fiancé in front of so many people still brought tears to her eyes.
Dai Fengchi, eager to defend his beloved, immediately shouted, "Third Junior Brother! Lingbo is a young lady. How can you speak to her so harshly—"
"Junior Sister Cai!" An angry voice suddenly cut in from the side. "Where are you going?"
Ding Zhuo had appeared out of nowhere, standing stiffly in the center like an unyielding spear, his face flushed with anger.
Following his voice, the group turned to see Cai Zhao, who had just sneaked three steps away, freeze awkwardly in place.
"Haha, hehe." Cai Zhao forced a laugh, trying to change the subject. "Ah, Senior Brother Ding, what brings you here? Weren't you supposed to be training at the Bamboo-Splitting Pavilion today?" This senior brother was rarely seen—either he was training or preparing to train.
Ding Zhuo was so furious he couldn’t speak.
Finally, Fan Xingjia arrived, panting, and spoke for him. "Senior Brother came looking for you, Junior Sister."
Cai Zhao blinked. "What for?"
"To spar, of course!" Fan Xingjia was exasperated.
A chill ran down Cai Zhao’s spine. "But wasn’t that in ten days…"
"Today is the tenth day!" Ding Zhuo’s face turned livid.
Cai Zhao’s mouth fell open. It took her a long moment to remember, and she immediately apologized profusely. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Senior Brother! How about we find a place to spar now?"
Chang Ning sneered. "No need to be angry, Young Master Ding. Junior Sister Cai has been too busy being ‘as close as family’ with Young Master Song these past two days to remember her promise to you." He shot Cai Zhao a glare.
Cai Zhao shrank back.
Song Yuzhi frowned. "Brother Chang, there’s no need to be so harsh."
"Fine, then let’s talk about something else—a man with a betrothal should conduct himself more carefully than others. Half-hearted resistance is no excuse. Any man who doesn’t firmly reject advances from women other than his fiancée is nothing but a philanderer!"
"The betrothal was arranged by our elders. If it’s truly unsuitable, it’s better to end it sooner rather than later, to avoid harming both parties." Song Yuzhi couldn’t hold back—these were words he had long kept to himself.
Qi Lingbo, standing nearby, bit her lip as tears fell.
Chang Ning scoffed. "So, according to Young Master Song, if a marriage turns out unsuitable, it can be dissolved anytime?" He grabbed Cai Zhao’s hand. "See? The Song family is full of promiscuous people. If it were me, once I pledged my heart, I’d remain faithful unto death—our ashes would even share the same urn!"
Cai Zhao was stunned, frightened, and utterly bewildered. What did dissolving a betrothal or sharing an urn have to do with her? Her fiancé’s surname was Zhou, not Song or Chang.
"Ah, well, hehe… So the Chang family prefers cremation? Fallen Blossom Valley has always practiced burial…" She could only force another awkward laugh.
The most prominent young talents of the sect were now embroiled in a heated argument, disregarding all decorum—some furious, others jealous, and still others providing endless amusement. The surrounding disciples watched with relish, whispering and placing bets among themselves, thoroughly entertained.
Many, many years later, when they were old and gray, they would look back and realize this had been the last carefree, joyous moment of their youth.
...
From afar, a low, resonant sound echoed, deep and distant, like the growl of a demon from the underworld.
Everyone froze.
Song Yuzhi was the first to react, his face paling. "That’s the warning horn!"Fan Xingjia tilted his head to listen intently, then exclaimed in shock, "Three long and two short—oh no, enemies are attacking the sect!"
"What?!" Cai Zhao was startled. "I thought Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff was impregnable, unbreakable, and impossible to invade?"
Chang Ning lowered his gaze, his expression calm. "There is no fortress in this world that is truly unbreakable."
Not only Cai Zhao thought so—the other disciples also began to panic. Since joining the sect, they, like Cai Zhao, had firmly believed that Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff could never be breached by outsiders.
Song Yuzhi looked up. Among Qi Yunke's seven personal disciples, six were here bickering. Realizing the dire situation, he shouted, "All disciples, heed my command! Form Sword Formations in groups of seven!"
His prestige among his peers was unmatched, and at his call, everyone obeyed.
"Junior Brother, take two groups and alert all residences along the way. Tell the servants and attendants to take refuge in the back mountain. Then hurry to the outer sect to assist Li Shibo—especially the Crimson Scale Sect, where many young junior brothers and sisters have just joined. Their safety must be ensured!"
Ding Zhuo clasped his fists and left without hesitation.
"Fifth Junior Brother, take two groups to the medicine hut and protect Lei Shibo at all costs. If you can't hold the line, abandon the hut and retreat immediately to the mountain pass hot springs—there's a defensive formation there for protection!"
Fan Xingjia gritted his teeth, accepted the order, and strode off with his chest puffed out.
"Second Senior Brother, you..." Song Yuzhi glanced at Dai Fengchi, who was still recovering from his injuries. "Junior Sister Lingbo will lead a group to Twin Lotus Pool Palace to escort Shiniang to the mountain pass hot springs."
Dai Fengchi struggled to respond, while Qi Lingbo trembled in fear.
The distant horn blasts grew increasingly urgent, like a demon hastening death. The disciples, now in Sword Formations, grew restless as an oppressive, maddening tension silently descended.
Song Yuzhi raised his voice. "The rest of you, follow me to Dusk Micro Palace—Shifu, the eldest senior brother, and the sect's archives are all there!"
The disciples roared in unison, accepting the command.
Qi Lingbo's eyes brimmed with tears. She opened her mouth several times but said nothing before Dai Fengchi pulled her away.
Everyone knew Dusk Micro Palace would be the most dangerous.
Song Yuzhi pulled the practice sword he had been using from the ground and turned to the weapon rack at the edge of the training field. There, he retrieved two exquisitely crafted swords adorned with ancient patterns, gold, and jade. One was named Qinghong, its sharp edge almost piercing through the scabbard. The other, Baihong, was elegant and serene, capable of slaying without leaving a trace.
These were originally the famed weapons Yin Dai had painstakingly prepared for his two young daughters, though neither had ever wielded them.
Now, they were in Song Yuzhi's hands.
He strapped Baihong to his back and handed Qinghong to Cai Zhao. "For your protection."
Cai Zhao shook her head with a smile. "Third Senior Brother, now's not the time for chivalry." She pulled the sword Song Yuzhi had planted in the ground earlier and held it horizontally before her. Flicking the blade with her finger, it emitted a soft hum.
"This is also a fine sword. Senior Brother should use the weapon he's most comfortable with." She simply preferred not to use the Yin family's belongings.
Song Yuzhi didn't insist further.
Cai Zhao reversed her grip on the sword, pressing it against her arm. Song Yuzhi then turned to Chang Ning.
Chang Ning smiled faintly. With a casual motion of his right hand, a sword flew from the weapon rack with a sharp snap, landing squarely in his grasp.
"This will suffice for protection," he said, lightly twirling the blade. "Young Master Song need not assign me a task—I'll adapt as needed. The sect has shown me kindness. For every enemy I see, I'll kill one."
Song Yuzhi glanced at Cai Zhao, hesitating to speak.
Understanding his unspoken concern, Cai Zhao volunteered, "Third Senior Brother, I'll go with you to Dusk Micro Palace."Chang Ning pulled Cai Zhao to his side and said to Song Yuzhi, "Let him come along. His hands have yet to be stained with blood."
Song Yuzhi nodded, picked up Qinghong, then glanced at Cai Zhao and said quietly, "Junior Sister, be careful." With that, he led the remaining disciples away swiftly.
Cai Zhao wanted to follow, but Chang Ning held her back.
She muttered, "I know I have no combat experience, but I can't just stand by and do nothing."
Chang Ning's expression remained calm. "No one said you should stand by. But first, we need to go somewhere."
"Where?"
"Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff."
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