Chapter 21: The Murderous Sword, Part 10

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The Supreme Sect. The Tower Reaching the Heavens.

The brewing storm of the Nine Heavens Sect had yet to reach the sect tens of thousands of miles away, but disciples of the Supreme Sect stood cold and solemn. Clad in azure robes with collars and sleeves meticulously neat, they exuded both the gravitas befitting a great sect and the vibrant energy of youth.

Liu Jinge had just completed today’s trial and stepped out from the bustling pavilion.

Nearby, younger disciples who admired him whispered among themselves.

“Senior Brother Liu advanced another level today.”

“Reaching the twenty-eighth level with Nascent Soul cultivation, Senior Brother Liu is truly formidable—comparable even to the Daozi.”

“Looks like it won’t be long before he enters the Transformation of the Divine stage! I guess the Thunder Tribulation will strike at the thirty-second level.”

“You’re underestimating him! Such a prodigy’s innate talent is beyond your imagination. I reckon it won’t even reach the thirtieth level!”

“Heh, you don’t get it. Look at Senior Brother’s attire today—radiant and spirited! He’s usually plain, suddenly dressed so flamboyantly—must be to greet the Thunder Tribulation with composure and elegance! That scene... So I bet after his rest, when he returns to challenge the tower, he’ll come out as a Divine Transformer!”

“Well said, kid! You sure know how to boast for Senior Brother!”

The young disciples, carefree and innocent, spent their days attending classes and training, wandering the ten floors of the Tower Reaching the Heavens. Among them, Senior Brothers and Sisters with some fame within the sect were just at the age of innocent wonder.

Liu Jinge did not get angry at being the subject of their bets; rather, he was almost amused by their chatter.

His smile was fleeting, vanishing without a trace. What soon returned to his heart was a faint melancholy.

Fang Xie had not replied to his cloud messages for a long time. Thirteen messages in a row had sunk into the void.

Liu Jinge knew Fang Xie’s character well. Even with bitter enemies, Fang Xie would never ignore cloud messages. Though seemingly proud, he always responded properly—sometimes with a curt “Go away” to insults.

To ignore messages from him was impossible; the prolonged silence likely meant trouble.

When they met outside the secret realm that day, Liu Jinge had wanted to ask, but Fang Xie seemed burdened with urgent matters and left with a heavy heart. Liu Jinge dared not stop him, only watching him leave.

He had expected more chances after the secret realm ended, but unexpectedly, the Qing Shan secret realm ended early. That night, the thunderclouds rumbled—someone was undergoing the Divine Transformation Tribulation! Fang Xie vanished without a trace, only Butterfly Dao Lord appeared.

Wei Yun said Fang Xie was following their master’s orders. Liu Jinge guessed the one undergoing tribulation was likely Fang Xie.

When the tribulation clouds dispersed and the sky cleared, he sent a cloud message congratulating Fang Xie for becoming “Half-God” first, but never received a reply.

Even if Fang Xie was secluded to consolidate cultivation, his personality demanded he clarify the secret realm’s mysteries and compensate any harmed disciples. It was impossible for him to retreat atop Sword Peak without meeting elders from the Supreme Sect or Blood Origin Sect who came to inquire.

This was completely illogical.

Liu Jinge felt a vague unease. These days in the Tower Reaching the Heavens, his mind could not settle, always drifting toward Nine Heavens Sword Peak. Without a clear answer from Fang Xie, he could not calm his heart nor focus on cultivation.

Thus, he decided to visit Nine Heavens and see Fang Xie in person.

Even the typically composed and elegant Liu Jinge could not help but dress up somewhat when meeting his beloved. He changed into deep azure robes, tied with a moon-white silk sash, hair pinned with a cascading dragon hairpin, exuding a commanding aura.

Many cultivators fancied resplendent robes and mansions, but Liu Jinge was not such a man. To him, a cultivator’s identity needed no embellishment; only cultivation could command respect. His sudden dressing up sparked many speculations among the young disciples.

They did not know that the usually poised Senior Brother Liu could be timid before his beloved and would try to impress her by any means.

Now both anxious and joyful, anxious to meet Fang Xie, joyful to meet Fang Xie, Liu Jinge took a steady breath, gathered his aura repeatedly, barely suppressing the complex emotions.

When he looked up, he suddenly collided with a purple-robed Daoist approaching nearby.

The man was handsome and dignified, with sharp brows and refined features. A red dot marked his forehead, his expression stern. He was the current Daozi of the Supreme Sect, Zhou Shaozhi.

Zhou Shaozhi noticed Liu Jinge, a shadow flashing in his cold eyes. His spiritual light flickered; in a blink, he appeared before Liu Jinge, sword aura sharp and overwhelming, threatening and ready to strike.

Liu Jinge folded his hands behind his back, calmly facing him.

Suddenly, the sword aura dissipated. Zhou Shaozhi forced a stiff smile. “Junior Brother Liu.”

“Senior Brother Zhou,” Liu Jinge cupped his hands.

Zhou Shaozhi sized him up, understanding immediately. His smile turned cold. “Looking quite pleased with yourself. Planning to leave the sect, Junior Brother Liu?”

Liu Jinge: “Yes.”

Zhou Shaozhi’s gaze turned terrifying, murderous intent surging forth. Were it not within the sect, the sword would have already been drawn.

Once a noble, radiant Daozi like a bright moon, now tainted with gloom and worldly impurities.

“Don’t get cocky,” Zhou Shaozhi said as he passed by, voice sinister. “Just another loser.”

He gritted his teeth, as if saying it would make it true.

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Liu Jinge smiled. He paid no heed to such near-curses. As Zhou Shaozhi said, just a loser—why bother?

Even if rejected by Fang Xie, it could not change the bond they shared as like-minded close friends on the cultivation path. As long as Fang Xie had no Dao spouse, Liu Jinge was his closest confidant. Even if he sought one, could anyone surpass him?

Who could replace him in Fang Xie’s heart?

Zhou Shaozhi?

Fang Xie didn’t even remember his name.

What a laughable person.

If Zhou Shaozhi could secure the Daozi position of the Supreme Sect, maybe there’d still be a chance. But judging by his current state, he would soon lose the Daozi seat without Liu Jinge’s interference. As an ordinary disciple, what face would he have to appear before Fang Xie again?

With that cold face?

Laughing inwardly, Liu Jinge wore a bright smile and departed the sect, flying swiftly toward Nine Heavens Sect like a streak of lightning—unstoppable.

On the way, he encountered an evil demon causing trouble. Without hesitation, he drew his sword and slew it. Later, he met a few others. Though not strong, dealing with them wasted time. By the time he reached Nine Heavens Sect, evening had fallen; the golden sun dipped west, clouds glowing crimson.

The Nine Heavens Sect was wondrous, filled with auspicious energy.

Liu Jinge stood before the Jade Dragon Gate, respectful, explaining his purpose to the disciple on guard.

The jade dragon coiling around the gate closed one eye, then opened the other, its clear yellow gaze turning before slowly closing. The disciple knew the visitor was no disguised demon but truly Liu Jinge, one of the sect’s twin pillars.

“Senior Brother Leng is currently secluded; unlikely to see outsiders,” the disciple said kindly, liking Liu Jinge’s gentle aura and warning him not to be disappointed.

Liu Jinge smiled freely. “I understand. Please pass on my message.”

A Nascent Soul Daoist from the Supreme Sect, especially one so renowned, would be reported to the senior brother even if a friend of the sect’s Daoist. The disciple nodded, about to use the jade token, when suddenly a talisman flew over, inscribed with a few bold, free-flowing words.

The disciple read, eyes widening, exchanging glances with companions before bowing to Liu Jinge. “Daoist Liu, Sword Peak lies to the west of the sect, the tallest peak among the western mountains. You may go that way. For other matters, use this jade token.”

Liu Jinge raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the disciple’s strange expression and sudden invitation, but he was eager to see Fang Xie and took the jade token, soaring away with a green glow.

After his departure, the disciple gasped, “How rare—this is an edict from the Holy Sovereign!”

He had guarded the Jade Dragon Gate for nearly fifty years without seeing the Holy Sovereign. Witnessing a handwritten decree was a marvelous experience.

His companion remarked, “No surprise. The Holy Sovereign favors Senior Brother Leng. It’s only natural to issue a talisman when his friend visits.”

The disciple laughed, “So the Holy Sovereign might personally receive Daoist Liu?”

His companion glanced at him, “You’re bold to say that...”

Suddenly, the sky changed dramatically. The crimson clouds darkened, heavy black clouds gathered. The heavens shifted in an instant. A dazzling bolt of lightning flashed through the thick clouds.

The disciple looked up, watching the spiritual energy fluctuate, sighing, “Looks like it’s going to rain again!”

His companion focused, “Not normal weather. Perhaps a Daoist is testing a spell...”

“Never mind. Though I hate rain, it won’t reach me. Better report to senior brother first. Even he would be surprised hearing of the Holy Sovereign’s decree.” The disciple scratched his head, ready to infuse power into the jade token, but suddenly froze.

The sky grew darker. The fresh night breeze vanished, replaced by oppressive, humid heat—like a summer night before a storm.

“A heavy rain is coming...” the disciple murmured.

He completely forgot what he was about to do.

Meanwhile, following the disciple’s directions, Liu Jinge flew past several spiritual peaks—some rooted firmly, others floating midair, shrouded in mist or graced with clear waters. The sect’s scenery was entirely different from the Supreme Sect’s—ethereal and refined.

He had never been to Nine Heavens before, only heard Fang Xie’s descriptions. Now he understood why it was famed as the most beautiful scene in the Fuyuan Realm.

After about fifteen minutes, Liu Jinge retracted his sword and stopped.

Before him, the mountain peak was extraordinary, towering as if piercing the heavens. At its summit stood a spiritual palace. Though dark clouds gathered, its grandeur was unmistakable.

This must be the Sword Peak where Fang Xie grew up.

It was said that before Fang Xie’s arrival, the Fuheng Holy Sovereign paid little attention to the cultivation residence. Though the Sword Peak had an excellent location and abundant spiritual energy, it was overgrown with weeds, worse than an uninhabited wild peak. When the Sovereign accepted disciples, he disliked the desolation and personally inscribed the “Spring Radiance” formation. The scenery transformed instantly, never again bleak.

Perhaps arranged in advance, Liu Jinge sensed no rejection from the formation. After observing briefly, he re-sheathed his sword and landed.

Nearby, a child in snow-white robes stood silently, expressionless, watching him.

“...May I ask where the Daoist is now?” Liu Jinge cleared his throat and asked softly.

The child’s voice was as cold as his face, chilling, fitting the Sword Peak perfectly: “The Daoist is secluded, at a critical stage. Progress must be gradual, undisturbed by the outside, and cannot see others. Only now, the Holy Sovereign issued a talisman welcoming the Daoist’s visitor. If you wish to see Senior Brother Leng, please wait a moment.”

With that, the child waved his sleeve, and the surroundings shifted. Liu Jinge found himself inside a grand hall—spacious and empty except for a few chairs. Clearly, the Sword Peak seldom hosted guests.

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“So it is the Holy Sovereign’s intervention,” Liu Jinge said courteously, though inwardly he felt a subtle displeasure.

Fang Xie’s relationship with his master was close; Fuheng was like family. To become Fang Xie’s Dao spouse, earning Fuheng’s approval was crucial. Liu Jinge had only heard of the Sovereign’s deeds; his conduct never bothered him. For Fang Xie’s sake, Liu Jinge should have had at least some goodwill toward Fuheng.

Yet he inexplicably disliked the Sovereign. Whenever mentioned, a foul mood welled in his heart, frustrating him. He thought himself broad-minded, yet he was petty enough to disfavor even the world-saving Sovereign.

But there was reason.

Previously, both he and Fang Xie were absorbed in cultivation; attempts to communicate were often interrupted by sudden messages or restrictions from the Sovereign, fracturing their dialogue. Fang Xie’s whereabouts became unpredictable, making contact difficult.

In recent years, Fang Xie and Fuheng seemed at odds. Combined, Liu Jinge could not foster goodwill toward the Sovereign.

Fortunately, Fuheng was unaware of his feelings and would soon ascend to a grand realm, no longer disturbing him or Fang Xie. Liu Jinge planned to maintain only a superficial relationship.

He was surprised the child led him here. Given Fuheng’s usual manner, he had expected Fang Xie would not be allowed to see outsiders.

Waiting felt long, but less than the time of a tea cup passed before the child said, “Senior Brother Leng has emerged. Daoist Liu, please follow me. The Spring Radiance formation is complex—don’t stray.”

The child led Liu Jinge through many pavilions and formations, sometimes weaving hand seals, sometimes silently chanting, until they reached a corridor.

Outside, vibrant hanging blossoms and unopened buds bloomed. Fang Xie sat cross-legged, hair loose to his waist, wide sleeves framing a space like petals.

He cradled his sword, eyes half-closed, likely contemplating the Radiant Sword Image.

The moment Liu Jinge stepped into this realm, he sensed the spiritual energy differing sharply from Fuheng’s.

Tilting his head slightly, Fang Xie glanced sideways, recognizing Liu Jinge. A ripple stirred in his otherwise calm eyes.

“Why did you come?”

At this time, how could Fuheng have allowed outsiders in?

Liu Jinge, unaware of Fang Xie’s thoughts, smiled and explained his purpose. His cheeks tinged faintly red as he sat down and first spoke of the secret realm.

After listening, Fang Xie said, “I suppressed my cultivation to enter the secret realm. Along the way, I met a strange demon and spent great effort to kill it. The spiritual fluctuations from its death broke the barrier, triggering the heavenly thunder tribulation. I had to endure the backlash and secretly escape the realm.”

He omitted many crucial details, giving Liu Jinge only the gist. As for why he suddenly chose to enter, he said nothing; Liu Jinge did not press.

“I see,” Liu Jinge nodded. “No wonder after the secret realm ended, only Daoist Wei appeared. I guessed it was you during that Divine Thunder Tribulation night.”

“As for the disciples harmed by the early closure of the secret realm,” Fang Xie handed Liu Jinge a storage ring. “I am at a critical moment and cannot go out. Please help distribute these to those disciples.”

“Of course.” Liu Jinge accepted promptly, then paused, silent for a moment before looking directly into Fang Xie’s eyes. “I also came to ask you a second thing.”

“Fang Xie, I sent thirteen cloud messages before. Did you receive them?” Seeing Fang Xie shake his head slightly, Liu Jinge summarized their contents gently. “Mostly about becoming Dao spouses. If you are not interested, you need not avoid me. Even if we are not destined to be Dao spouses, we are still close friends. I don’t want us to grow distant and leave regrets.”

He thought that given Fang Xie’s current attitude, revealing this too soon would be disadvantageous. It was better to proceed slowly.

Fang Xie listened, then candidly shared his thoughts.

“Daoist Liu, I admit I once had feelings for you.”

He said it plainly.

...

“See, Fang Xie really likes him!” Just a wall apart, Fuheng stared at the two sitting close, while his inner demons whispered poisonously, “He’s so gentle to Liu Jinge—if not love, then what? For this, Fang Xie even spoke of becoming Dao spouses.”

“The entire Fuyuan Realm knows those two are made for each other—a perfect match.”

Every word pierced like a blade.

“And what about you? Also nothing. Liu Jinge’s brilliance outshines you. Fang Xie would never care for you, only hatred, no love.”

The inner demon whispered, “No matter what you do, Fang Xie doesn’t see you. In the future, he and Liu Jinge will be the immortal couple of Fuyuan Realm, while you are nothing.”

Then the demon angrily berated him: “How could you let Liu Jinge see Fang Xie?!”

Outside the bright corridor lay darkness. Fuheng stood in shadow, expression unreadable. After a while, a soft laugh escaped his throat.

The Holy Sovereign smiled, lips curved lazily. “You demon. How could you not understand my plan?”

Darkness faded, dim light filtered in. Fuheng stood high above, eyes gloomy and terrifying.

Upon Sword Peak, storm clouds roiled.