Heaven defying Divine Sword

The Storm Brewing

It was June, and summer had settled over Jiangnan, bringing with it a stifling heat. The "Yuelai Inn" in Suzhou was bustling with activity, especially as in three days, the renowned hero Cold Cloud Wind would hold a martial arts competition to find a spouse for his daughter. Cold Moon Fortress, located in the heart of Suzhou, was as famous as the nine major sects, with Cold Cloud Wind rumored to possess unfathomable martial prowess.

In these days leading up to the event, martial artists from all over the realm flocked to Suzhou. The "Yuelai Inn" was packed to the brim, with the staff working tirelessly to accommodate the guests. Just then, two wanderers, one old and one young, approached the inn. Upon seeing them, the innkeeper rushed forward and shouted, "Begone, beggars! We don't need your kind here." The old wanderer replied, "Jun'er, I'm too tired to go on. What should we do? They won't let us in!" The young one chuckled and said, "Grandpa, if they won't let us in, we'll just have to barge in. Watch me."

With that, he took a step forward, attempting to enter the inn. The innkeeper hurriedly reached out to stop him but grasped only air as the young wanderer slipped past. Inside, someone called out, "Innkeeper, let them sit at my table." The innkeeper, feeling disgruntled, reluctantly ushered them in. Once seated, the old wanderer raised his head and said to the middle-aged man beside him, "Please allow us to introduce ourselves to 'Central Plains Hero' Master Xu." The young wanderer approached and said, "Thank you, Uncle Xu!" Xu was surprised, unable to discern the origin of the old wanderer. He replied, "No need for formalities among martial artists. Young lad, your moves earlier were quite remarkable. A humble name like mine doesn't warrant the title of 'hero.' May I know the name of the elder?" The old wanderer chuckled, "I am but a lazy wanderer with no renown in the martial world. There's no need for introductions." Xu, respecting his wishes, refrained from further inquiry and instructed the innkeeper to add two more sets of utensils.

As they sat together, they overheard a conversation at a nearby table. One person remarked, "Isn't Cold Cloud Hero too picky? I heard that everyone who came to propose marriage has been rejected by the Cold family!" Another laughed, "Wang, are you also here to compete? You'd better go back to Mount Cang and hone your skills for a few more years. Don't risk your life here." The last sentence seemed directed at everyone in the inn. Wang, angered by the comment, retorted, "Zhoubuqing, stop spreading rumors! If you have the guts, come and spar with me!" However, Zhoubuqing simply chuckled twice, ignoring him, and left the inn. Wang cursed under his breath, "Coward!"

A child's voice piped up, "Grandpa, what did that Zhoubuqing mean?" The old wanderer scolded, "Child, mind your tongue." The young one retorted, "Who says I don't understand? He meant... Isn't this martial arts competition just sending people to their deaths?" The old wanderer feigned surprise, "The youngster is quite sharp. But who would believe that?" Glancing at the others, he continued, "Let's not dwell on it." Seeing everyone return to their drinks, Wang approached their table, saying, "Old man, do you think something unexpected might happen at this competition?" The old wanderer shook his head, "It's hard to say... Not good." The last two words were spoken loudly. Just then, a scream echoed from the street, and Xu darted outside.

Outside, everyone had gathered. Xu said gravely, "Such formidable palm strength. How could Zhoubuqing have such a powerful enemy? Such inner strength is rare in the martial world." Others nodded silently, but the old wanderer shook his head, "It's not an enemy but an attempt to silence. What a pity, Zhoubuqing!" The last sentence left the others puzzled. After saying goodbye, the old wanderer led the young one away. Everyone departed, each with their own thoughts, while Xu carried Zhoubuqing's body away, disappearing into the streets.

Jun'er kept bombarding the old wanderer with questions as they left, "Grandpa, who is this Zhoubuqing?" The old wanderer replied, "He's known as 'Unpredictable Words.' His words are surprising yet accurate. He's done many good deeds in his life, but this time, he risked it all. Alas!" With a sigh, he suddenly executed light-footwork and floated away like a wisp of smoke. Jun'er shouted, "Wait for me, Grandpa!" and chased after him. From afar came a voice, "Jun'er, let's see if your kung fu has improved." Xiao Jun thought to himself, "I'll catch up to you and s***k you with my 'Instantaneous Thousand Miles' technique." With a strange posture, he disappeared from the ancient road.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the martial world remained calm. Finally, the day of the martial arts competition arrived, and martial artists from all over rushed to Cold Moon Fortress, filling it with unprecedented liveliness. The renowned Cold Moon Fortress was abuzz with activity. Except for the Shaolin and Emei sects, representatives from other major sects, especially the younger disciples, were abundant. The most famous among them was Kang Yanping, the top disciple of Wudang Sect, known as "Floating Fragrance with a Single Sword." Wang also attended, but he had no intention of proposing marriage. He simply wanted to catch a glimpse of Miss Cold's beauty and show off his skills as a second-generation master of the Mount Cang Sect. However, at the martial arts arena of Cold Moon Fortress, there was another young man sitting alone, drinking silently. He didn't engage with others, his face showing a hint of paleness, and with each sip of wine, a blush appeared, giving him a somewhat delicate appearance.

At Cold Moon Fortress, the steward stepped forward and addressed the crowd, "Esteemed guests, your presence graces Cold Moon Fortress. Please wait a moment; the lord of the manor will arrive shortly. Please enjoy some refreshments in the meantime." His voice was clear and resonant, as if speaking directly into everyone's ears. The crowd marveled at the steward's commanding presence; indeed, Cold Moon Fortress was worthy of its reputation. However, a young wanderer muttered, "Hmph, trying to assert dominance the moment they step out? How arrogant. They don't even realize the imminent danger." Beside him, the old wanderer shushed him, saying, "Jun'er, refrain from speaking out of turn. They'll be busy for a while. Be patient." Unbeknownst to others, the two were seated on the eaves of Cold Moon Fortress's main hall, hidden from view. Xiao Jun said, "Grandpa, last time I didn't catch up to you, this time let's see who saves more people." The old wanderer chuckled, "Alright, just don't cause trouble." Xiao Jun didn't reply; both of them turned their gaze to the arena as Cold Cloud Maple, the lord of Cold Moon Fortress, made his entrance.

As Cold Cloud Maple appeared, everyone rose to greet him. With a respectful bow, he addressed the crowd, "Thank you for your patience. Let the martial arts competition begin. Please listen to the rules announced by the steward. I will serve as the referee." Cold Cloud Maple's voice seemed to bring a sense of tranquility to everyone, overshadowing even the steward. The steward then announced, "During the competition, no one shall use underhanded tactics. Each match shall proceed until one party yields. Though blades and swords have no eyes, any inadvertent offense will be pardoned. Only the ultimate victor will have the opportunity to meet my daughter in the inner chambers. Very well, let the competition begin!" With the steward's announcement, two contestants stepped forward, one of whom was none other than Wang. He introduced himself, "I am Wang Zizhong of the Mount Cang Sect, known as the 'Flash Quick Sword.' Are you the 'Swift Blade' Liu Quan?" Liu Quan chuckled, "It's an honor to meet you, Wang Zizhong. Show me what you've got!" With that, he grasped a steel blade in his hand, and Wang Zizhong, not daring to underestimate his opponent, drew his own sword from his waist and executed the 'Cloud Path Inquiry' stance, the first move of the Cloud Path Eighteen Swords, employing deception to confuse his opponent. However, Liu Quan, living up to his reputation as the Swift Blade, effortlessly countered the move with his fast-blade technique. It was clear they had met their match, and both unleashed their signature techniques.

Observing the match, Xiao Jun used his telepathy, "Grandpa, who do you think will win?" The old wanderer replied, "That Wang Zizhong's Cloud Path Eighteen Swords seems ineffective. He's bound to lose." As they watched, the situation on the arena changed. Wang Zizhong's swordsmanship became erratic, and Liu Quan's swift blade pressed on relentlessly. Wang Zizhong was struggling to hold on, and the outcome seemed clear. At this point, Cold Cloud Maple stood up and declared, "Stop, the outcome is clear. Liu Master is the victor." Wang Zizhong, with no other options, shook his head in resignation and left the arena. Liu Quan bowed to him and said, "Wang Master, I yield." Wang Zizhong heard a voice in his ear: "Go back and practice the Cloud Path Eighteen Swords diligently. This sword technique is designed to deceive and win unexpectedly. Remember the eight-word secret: 'deception within truth, truth within deception.' Leave now, don't linger." Wang Zizhong was startled but grateful for the unseen assistance. He replied to Cold Cloud Maple, "Lord Cold, I admit defeat with respect. I will return to hone my skills diligently." Cold Cloud Maple chuckled, "Wang Master, victory and defeat are common in martial arts. There is no need to dwell on it." With a sigh, Wang Zizhong left without looking back, unaware that his departure had saved his life.

Liu Quan then addressed the crowd, "Who else would like to come forward and test their skills?" Many hesitated to challenge him after witnessing Wang Zizhong's defeat, feeling a lack of confidence. Despite the presence of renowned sects like Mount Cang and Kongtong, represented by equally skilled disciples, no one dared to step forward.

Suddenly, the lone young man drinking silently stood up, landing gracefully in the arena. Liu Quan furrowed his brow at his arrival, for he hadn't seen how the man got there. The old wanderer and Cold Cloud Maple wore expressions of astonishment; how did he possess such skill? Kang Yanping also showed a grave expression, knowing that this was an extraordinary opponent.

The young man greeted them with a bow, "I am Shen Yiren. Allow me to exchange pointers with you, Master Liu." Liu Quan thought to himself, "Why haven't I heard of this person in the martial world?" Aloud, he replied, "Shen Master, please enlighten me." With lightning speed, his blade flashed out, but it seemed to miss Shen Yiren's clothing by inches. Astonished, Liu Quan noticed that his own attacks were slowing down inexplicably. Gradually, it seemed as if he was following Shen Yiren's lead, dancing along with him. Beads of sweat formed on Liu Quan's forehead, and Cold Cloud Maple rose to his feet, pushing out a wave of qi to separate them. Shen Yiren dodged away, while Liu Quan collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.