Chapter Seventy-Three: Dangdang Is Not Human

In the span of a fleeting moment, as zither melodies and moonlight flashed like lightning, he swept his sleeve, entwined the arrow, and caught it midair.

Unexpectedly, the force on the arrow was so fierce that his palm went numb from the shock.

He immediately turned to see who had fired the arrow, but the assailant had long since vanished.

He focused on the arrow and saw fine numbers engraved upon its shaft: Weiye Valley.

No sooner had he read them than the arrow turned to dust.

Without delay, he went inside to change his clothes, and shot out of the Minor Grand Palace as swiftly as a bolt of lightning.

The guards, arriving on urgent news, hurriedly reported to Baode Hall.

“My Lord, Prince Yue has already left the Minor Grand Palace.”

Xian Buyue looked up, closed the memorial in his hand, handed it to the Grand Secretary, and waved the guards away.

“My dear minister, what do you make of this?”

Shao Zhenwu bowed, holding the memorial in his hands, and replied, “His Highness is still young, and has been confined to the palace for quite some time lately. Perhaps he longs for the liveliness outside these walls.”

“Oh? What sort of liveliness?”

“It is said that someone obtained a rare stone from Emperor Island and sought out the Master of Clearwind Valley. Is that not a grand spectacle?”

“Indeed. But has there been any progress on who rescued Prince Gemoon last time?”

“Your Majesty, please look.” Shao Zhenwu lifted his sleeve and produced a letter.

Xian Buyue opened it and was startled: “It was him?”

“Precisely.”

He slid the letter back into its envelope, paused thoughtfully, and handed it back to Shao Zhenwu before rising and slowly descending the steps.

Shao Zhenwu followed, saying, “I have also learned that Baili Liunian, along with Lian Hen and skilled agents from the Inspectorate, have all left the royal city.”

Xian Buyue halted. For the head of the Baili family to act personally—could it be…? He asked gravely, “When?”

“Coincidentally, just before His Highness.”

“I see.”

“Your Majesty, wise as ever.” Shao Zhenwu smiled and saluted, as serene as ever.

…

Weiye Valley. Within, Fu Qingfeng and Su He were at the critical juncture of saving Baili Wushuang’s soul.

Su He used his blood essence to draw out the remnant soul, while Fu Qingfeng fused it with the refined Emperor Stone. This step was time-consuming and difficult to control.

The slightest misstep would not only destroy Baili Wushuang’s soul, but also put Fu Qingfeng in grave danger.

For a time, the cottage was awash with radiant light, and thunder rolled unseen through the heavens.

Outside, Que Yunzi, standing guard, knew that success or failure hinged on this one moment.

Just then, a sudden and oppressive force approached. In a flash, Que Yunzi sped to the mouth of the valley, standing alone in defense.

“Gentlemen, today Weiye Valley receives no guests. I suggest you turn back the way you came.”

Baili Liunian waved his hand. Lian Hen immediately led his men to blockade the valley entrance.

“Oh? Lord Baili, what is the meaning of this?” Judging by their formation, these were no friendly visitors.

“Que Yunzi, this matter does not concern you. Take my advice: do not meddle. Best leave at once.”

“And if this old man refuses, what then? You’ll bite me?” Hmph, what sort of people are these?

“The Inspectorate is at work. Is Lion Island sure about this?”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Simply stating the facts—how is that a threat?” Baili Liunian flicked his sleeve, conjured a grand chair, and sat down at his leisure.

“No use threatening me. Of the four of us who once sought refuge on Lion Island, only I remain. Every man is responsible for his own actions. If you have the skill, take this old life—if not, be on your way.” Que Yunzi scratched his tousled hair, pacing as he sized up Baili Liunian. “If you’ve come seeking medical aid, this old man is only somewhat skilled, but can attempt a diagnosis. As for those inside, you needn’t wait. Important people have no time to play games with the likes of you.”

Baili Liunian lounged in his chair, glanced at Lian Hen, and told Que Yunzi, “We’ll see if the famed Patchmaster has what it takes to stay alive.”

He gave the order: “Proceed. Remove all irrelevant parties.”

At his command, Lian Hen and three Inspectorate agents struck at Que Yunzi.

“Well done! Today, this old man will see what you’re made of.” With that, he brandished a fishing rod—the favored tool of the late Bu Gu, which, though its master was gone, remained as before.

The rod was a deep verdant green, neither iron nor jade, and remarkably flexible. He wielded it as if its owner were still beside him, comrades as ever.

One Inspectorate agent bellowed, “Arrogant fool!”

“Lad, don’t think your grandpa is made of straw!” Que Yunzi gripped the rod’s end, flicked the tip forward in three swift strokes, and smacked the agent into a spinning retreat: “Show off to others if you will, but not to this old man!”

The agent was no weakling, but he had been careless, failing to recognize Que Yunzi, who had long lived in seclusion on Lion Island and whose reputation was not widely known.

He’d mistaken him for a common old man—and paid the price.

Que Yunzi struck with fierce momentum and formidable inner strength. After being thrashed thrice, anyone would be enraged. Another blow and his face would spell out “rice” in bruises.

Each strike of the rod left a deep pit, sending his opponents scrambling. Two of them drew their blades simultaneously, attacking from both sides: “Let us see what you can do together!”

Having seen their comrade’s fate, neither dared be reckless. Their blades swept with the force of wind and cloud, crisscrossing in a flurry of strikes, filling the air with ringing steel.

The two pressed Que Yunzi hard, and Lian Hen took the chance to dart past them, heading straight for the cottage.

Halfway there, a massive blade shot forth, spreading frosty light beneath his feet and blocking his path.

“My apologies, but this road is closed.”

Seeing who blocked him, Lian Hen said, “Huai Yin, step aside.”

“I cannot. My brother risked his life for this chance—I will not let anyone ruin it.” With that, Huai Yin reversed his grip on the Silver Wolf blade, drawing out a swirl of shining arcs.

“Oh? How do you know I’ve come to ruin it? Perhaps I haven’t.”

“Absurd! Do you think I’m unaware of what you and your ilk are up to?”

“If you know, then stand aside.”

“In your dreams.”

In an instant, Lian Hen’s sword burst into a flurry of shadows, each blossom of steel aimed at five vital points.

Huai Yin raised his blade to block, but as he caught a glimpse of the radiant light emanating from the cottage, he dared not use his full strength—investing only sixty percent of his power.

He feared that too fierce a clash would destroy the cottage. If the cottage fell, it was of little matter—but Baili Wushuang’s soul could not withstand any disturbance.

The difference was, their aim was to surround the cottage and let no one leave, while Huai Yin and Que Yunzi, knowing the enmity between Su He and the Baili family, would allow no disruptions to Su He’s work.

The two were evenly matched, and soon blades and swords clashed fiercely, sending dust swirling through the valley.

Baili Liunian observed in silence and then quietly commanded, “Encircle them.”

“Yes.” At once, Inspectorate agents darted toward the cottage.

Seeing that neither Que Yunzi nor Huai Yin could break free, a woman lurking inside—Jade Shard—considered going out to help. Yet sensing the rapid approach of a powerful presence, she hesitated and instead peered furtively from a window.

Unsure whether the newcomer was friend or foe, she decided to wait.

As she peered through a crack and saw the newcomer’s face, she shrank behind the wall, uncertain whether to emerge.

It was none other than Xian Gemoon, who had rushed from the royal city.

Xian Gemoon was no ascetic, and in his eyes, there was only the struggle of kill or be killed.

And so, the moment his feet touched the ground, his blade flashed and three heads fell.

Three columns of blood shot skyward.

Instantly, everyone halted, exchanging glances. What to do? Attack, or not?

It was not fear of death that held them back, but the fact that this man could not be trifled with.

One had no choice but to step forward and bow: “Your Highness, we are only following orders; please do not make things difficult.”

“Withdraw, or die.” Xian Gemoon wasted no words; with a sweep of his blade, three more heads tumbled, each striking down another man.

The three struck were sent flying, spewing blood.

“This…” The others, unable to decide, looked to Baili Liunian for guidance, but he gave none.

They steeled themselves. “Forgive us, then.”

Xian Gemoon flicked his wrist, sending droplets of blood scattering like rain in every direction from his blade. “If you are not afraid to die, come forward.”

Just as the tension was about to erupt, Baili Liunian finally called out, “Withdraw.”

“Yes.” All retreated at once to guard the valley mouth.

“Your servant, Baili Liunian, pays respects to Prince Yue.”

Though he spoke of respect, Baili Liunian stood straight, not bowing in the least.

“Should you not be in the royal city overseeing Yu Hai Heaven? Why have you come to this desolate place, Lord Baili?”

“Why is Your Highness not resting in the Minor Grand Palace? What brings you here?” With a flicker, he passed effortlessly between the two battling groups.

He seemed to stroll leisurely, but in truth, it was a subtle show of threat to Xian Gemoon.

Gemoon’s gaze sharpened, and he laughed, blade in hand, “Must I report my every action to you, Lord Baili?”

“I dare not. Your Highness is the master; I am but a lowly servant.”

“Well said, Lord Baili. You are smooth with words. I will not speak in circles. The people in that cottage are under my protection. Take your men and leave.”

Baili Liunian flicked his sleeves, hands behind his back, a hint of amusement on his lips. “I’m afraid I must refuse. I too am acting on orders. Your Highness will be disappointed.”

“Whose orders?”

“No need to trouble Your Highness over it—they are the orders of my clan.” The words were courteous, but the threat beneath was clear.

His clan—the Suyou Baili family—the most powerful among the Five Clans of Suyou, and an insurmountable force in Yu Hai Heaven.

On the surface, Yu Hai Heaven was ruled by Xian Buyue, but in truth, the Inspectorate, answerable only to the Baili clan, held greater power.

With the Lord of Yu Hai Heaven, there was no need for deference—let alone with Xian Gemoon. By invoking his clan, Baili Liunian was making his stance clear.

But Xian Gemoon was unmoved. “Oh? I have heard that Baili Su He is also of your clan, and though she’s been cast out, she is still of Baili blood. Baili Wushuang is dead, and yet you come in force—are you truly acting on orders?”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern, but my loyalty is beyond question.”

There would be no negotiating.

“Very well. If I refuse to yield, what then?”

“Will Your Highness truly not yield?” As purple light began to descend from the sky, Baili Liunian’s expression changed.

“It says, ‘Never.’” With a flick of his wrist, Xian Gemoon poured his true energy into his blade, and the weapon blazed with deadly light. He was not restrained by the concerns that held Huai Yin and Que Yunzi back.

He struck with full force, leaving Baili Liunian frowning, forced onto the defensive.

Still, Baili Liunian’s shoulders shifted, dodging left and right, and then he caught the blade between his palms. Though he prided himself on his superior cultivation, the sheer force shocked him.

No wonder Xian Buyue favored this son so.

But this path had reached its end.

Their gazes locked for an instant, and Baili Liunian, with a surge of true energy, aimed to shatter Gemoon’s foundation.

Xian Gemoon’s eyes grew cold; he wrenched his blade free and, instead of retreating, cut toward Baili Liunian’s abdomen.

Before the move was spent, the blade flicked upward and his figure vanished.

A chilling blade current pressed down from above.

Baili Liunian was forced to block with both hands. Yet his palms, tough as steel and jade, caught the edge without harm, sending sparks flying.

“Old scoundrel, did you really think I was made of mud?”