Chapter 188

A decent person wouldn't do that, but you insist on being a lackey. Hu Bao sneered at Nan Zhongyi.

Translation: "A good person wouldn't do that, yet you insist on being a lackey." Hu Bao mocked Nan Zhongyi.

Hu Bao sneered at Nan Zhongyi.

Thus: 【1】 "A good person wouldn't do that, yet you insist on being a lackey." Hu Bao sneered at Nan Zhongyi.

Check: we kept the quote exactly.

Nan Zhongyi, who once single‑handedly held back hundreds of thousands of enemy troops, how could he tolerate such insults? "Hahaha! You say I can be a man or a dog, you ghosts—you're finished!"

Translation: Nan Zhongyi, who once single-handedly blocked hundreds of thousands of enemy troops, how could he tolerate others speaking of him like that? "Hahaha! You say I'm good as a person or fine as a dog, you ghosts, you're done for!"

We need to keep the exclamation. Let's translate: "Nan Zhongyi, who once single-handedly held off hundreds of thousands of enemy troops, how could he tolerate others speaking of him like that? 'Hahaha! You say I'm good as a person or fine as a dog, you ghosts, you're done for!'"

We need to keep the quote marks.

Thus: 【2】 Nan Zhongyi, who once single-handedly held off hundreds of thousands of enemy troops, how could he tolerate others speaking of him like that? "Hahaha! You say I'm good as a person or fine as a dog, you ghosts, you're done for!"

"I never expected Zhang Huayu to strike when we were at our weakest; isn't he afraid of the three of the Heavenly Dao?" Ling Hou Shang asked. After his question, he and the other two suddenly understood some things.

Translation: "I never expected Zhang Huayu to strike when we were at our weakest; isn't he afraid of the three heavenly beings?" Ling Hou Shang asked. After his question, he and the other two suddenly understood some things.

"I never expected Zhang Huayu to strike when we were at our weakest; isn't he afraid of the three of the Heavenly Dao?" Ling Hou Shang asked. After his question, he and the other two suddenly understood some things.

Thus: 【3】 "I never expected Zhang Huayu to strike when we were at our weakest; isn't he afraid of the three of the Heavenly Dao?" Ling Hou Shang asked. After his question, he and the other two suddenly understood some things.

They went to find Dongfang Wují, but along the way they would run into Zhang Gonggong's assassins—the three led by Master Lesi who had gone to seek Zhang Gonggong. Surely that means more peril than hope.

Translation: They were going to find Dongfang Wuji, and on the way they would inevitably encounter Zhang Gonggong's assassins—the three people led by Master Leshi who went to find Zhang Gonggong. Wouldn't that be more misfortune than fortune?

They went to find Dongfang Wují, but along the way they would run into Zhang Gonggong's assassins—the three led by Master Lesi who had gone to seek Zhang Gonggong. Surely that means more peril than hope.

Interpretation: "They were going to find Dongfang Wuji; on the way they would surely meet Zhang Gonggong's assassins, that is, the three people led by Master Leshi who went to find Zhang Gonggong. Wouldn't that be more misfortune than fortune?"

Thus: 【4】 They were going to find Dongfang Wuji; on the way they would surely meet Zhang Gonggong's assassins, that is, the three people led by Master Leshi who went to find Zhang Gonggong. Wouldn't that be more misfortune than fortune?

"Hahaha! That's Zhang Gonggong's affair; I just obey orders and incidentally settle my personal grudge!" Even if a capable person props up the collapsing sky, Nan Zhongyi is now merely Zhang Gonggong's subordinate—his status is nothing like before.

Translation: "Hahaha! That's Zhang Gonggong's business; I just follow orders and incidentally settle my personal grudge!" Even if a strong person stands firm when the sky falls, Nan Zhongyi is now merely Zhang Gonggong's subordinate, his status long since changed from before.

Even if a capable person props up the collapsing sky.

Thus: 【5】 "Hahaha! That's Zhang Gonggong's business; I just follow orders and incidentally settle my personal grudge!" Even if a capable person props up the collapsing sky, Nan Zhongyi is now merely Zhang Gonggong's subordinate, his status long since changed from before.

"Then let's give it a try!" As Yan Shan Hai drew his Songshan sword, the blade startled everyone. He had resolved himself; this fight was inevitable.

Translation: "Then let's give it a try!" As Yan Shan Hai drew his Songshan sword, the sword startled everyone. He had made up his mind; this battle would happen.

As Yan Shan Hai drew his Songshan sword, the sword startled everyone.

Thus: 【6】 "Then let's give it a try!" As Yan Shan Hai drew his Songshan sword, the sword startled everyone. He had made up his mind; this battle would happen.

It is said that the Eastern Depot's Eighteen Horsemen are, in the martial world, at least fourth‑heavenly tier each, their strength far exceeding Zhang Gonggong's ten chief deputies. They hide their names, serving only under Zhang Gonggong to become his most elite and trustworthy force.

Translation: It is rumored that the Western Depot Eighteen Riders, in the martial world, are all at least at the Fourth Heaven level, their strength far surpassing Zhang Gonggong's ten chief deputies. They hide their names and backgrounds, solely to serve under Zhang Gonggong, becoming his most elite and trustworthy part.

Thus: 【7】 It is rumored that the Western Depot Eighteen Riders, in the martial world, are all at least at the Fourth Heaven level, their strength far surpassing Zhang Gonggong's ten chief deputies. They hide their names and backgrounds, solely to serve under Zhang Gonggong, becoming his most elite and trustworthy part.

Fourth‑heavenly masters are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns in the martial world, yet Zhang Gonggong manages to gather a full eighteen of them. These eighteen no longer own their lives; they have devoted them entirely to Zhang Gonggong.

Translation: Experts of the Fourth Heaven are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns in the martial world, yet Zhang Gonggong can muster a full eighteen of them. The lives of these eighteen no longer belong to themselves; they are all devoted to Zhang Gonggong.

Thus: 【8】 Experts of the Fourth Heaven are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns in the martial world, yet Zhang Gonggong can muster a full eighteen of them. The lives of these eighteen no longer belong to themselves; they are all devoted to Zhang Gonggong.

Yan Shan Hai, Ling Hou Shang, and Hu Bao are also at the fourth‑heavenly level, possibly on the verge of reaching its perfected stage, yet to pit three against eighteen of equal strength is unimaginably difficult—and they are no terrifying figures like Dongfang Wují.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai, Ling Hou Shang, and Hu Bao are also at the Fourth Heaven level, possibly on the verge of reaching the Great Accomplishment of the Fourth Heaven, yet to pit three people against eighteen of the same level—just imagine the difficulty! They are not terrifying beings like Dongfang Wuji.

Thus: 【9】 Yan Shan Hai, Ling Hou Shang, and Hu Bao are also at the Fourth Heaven level, possibly on the verge of reaching the Great Accomplishment of the Fourth Heaven, yet to pit three people against eighteen of the same level—just imagine the difficulty! They are not terrifying beings like Dongfang Wuji.

"One person against six—any problem?" Yan Shan Hai asked his two companions.

Translation: "One person against six—any problem?" Yan Shan Hai asked his two companions.

Thus: 【10】 "One person against six—any problem?" Yan Shan Hai asked his two companions.

"No problem." Ling Hou Shang replied. Taking on six opponents alone—whether it's a problem isn't just idle talk.

Translation: "No problem." Ling Hou Shang replied. Whether one can fight six is not just empty talk.

Thus: 【11】 "No problem." Ling Hou Shang replied. Whether one can fight six is not just empty talk.

"Even if I die today, I'll drag a few down with me!" Hu Bao shouted, having prepared himself to sacrifice at any moment; having chosen this path, there is no turning back.

Translation: "Even if I die today, I'll drag a few down with me!" Hu Bao shouted, having already prepared himself to sacrifice at any moment; having chosen this path, there is no turning back.

Thus: 【12】 "Even if I die today, I'll drag a few down with me!" Hu Bao shouted, having already prepared himself to sacrifice at any moment; having chosen this path, there is no turning back.

"Hahaha! Splendid, then let's go!" Yan Shan Hai said, drew his sword, leapt off his horse, and rode toward Nan Zhongyi.

Translation: "Hahaha! Good, then let's go!" Yan Shan Hai said, then drew his sword, leapt off his horse, and headed toward Nan Zhongyi.

Thus: 【13】 "Hahaha! Good, then let's go!" Yan Shan Hai said, then drew his sword, leapt off his horse, and headed toward Nan Zhongyi.

Nan Zhongyi couldn't wait any longer; with a wave of his hand, he separated the remaining seventeen from himself, and they all leapt off their horses.

Translation: Nan Zhongyi had long been eager; he waved his hand, separating the remaining seventeen from himself, and they all flew off their horses.

Thus: 【14】 Nan Zhongyi had long been eager; he waved his hand, separating the remaining seventeen from himself, and they all flew off their horses.

For a moment, wind and clouds surged through the bamboo grove.

Translation: For a moment, wind and clouds surged in the bamboo grove.

Thus: 【15】 For a moment, wind and clouds surged in the bamboo grove.

Yan Shan Hai dared not hold back; he quickly employed the Songshan sword technique, skipping the opening moves and unleashing his strongest strokes, determined to strike first.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai did not dare to be careless; he quickly employed the Songshan Sword Technique, skipping the opening move and using his strongest several stances, vowing to seize the initiative.

Thus: 【16】 Yan Shan Hai did not dare to be careless; he quickly employed the Songshan Sword Technique, skipping the opening move and using his strongest several stances, vowing to seize the initiative.

After all, the formidable strength of the Eastern Depot's Eighteen Horsemen is merely hearsay; without firsthand experience we cannot let our guard down—we must first test their level. If everyone possessed Nan Zhongyi's strength, Yan Shan Hai and his companions would have no chance at all.

Translation: After all, the formidable strength of the Western Depot Eighteen Riders is merely hearsay; without personal experience, one cannot let down one's guard—first test their level. If everyone were as strong as Nan Zhongyi, then Yan Shan Hai and his companions would have not the slightest chance of victory.

Thus: 【17】 After all, the formidable strength of the Western Depot Eighteen Riders is merely hearsay; without personal experience, one cannot let down one's guard—first test their level. If everyone were as strong as Nan Zhongyi, then Yan Shan Hai and his companions would have not the slightest chance of victory.

Only Nan Zhongyi wields a spear; the others all carry crescent‑moon sabers.

Translation: Only Nan Zhongyi wields a spear; the others all carry crescent moon sabers.

Thus: 【18】 Only Nan Zhongyi wields a spear; the others all carry crescent moon sabers.

The crescent‑moon saber is three feet long and weighs two catties seven taels; it comes from the legendary western desert, was introduced into the Eastern Depot by Zhang Gonggong, and became the weapon of the Eighteen Horsemen. This blade bears the "dark mystery of the earth, the witch moon of heaven" yin‑cold demonic nature, shaped like a crescent moon, capable of cutting hair and splitting feathers, its power unfathomable.

Translation: The crescent moon saber is three feet long and weighs two catties seven taels; it comes from the legendary Western Desert, introduced by Zhang Gonggong into the Western Depot, becoming the weapon of the Western Depot Eighteen Riders. This saber possesses the yin-cold demonic nature of "the dark mystery of the earth, the witch moon of the heaven," shaped like a crescent moon, capable of cutting hair and splitting feathers, its power unfathomable.

"the dark mystery of the earth, the witch moon of heaven"

Thus: 【19】 The crescent moon saber is three feet long and weighs two catties seven taels; it comes from the legendary Western Desert, introduced by Zhang Gonggong into the Western Depot, becoming the weapon of the Western Depot Eighteen Riders. This saber possesses the yin-cold demonic nature of "the dark mystery of the earth, the witch moon of the heaven," shaped like a crescent moon, capable of cutting hair and splitting feathers, its power unfathomable.

The blade's tip lightly pierces the fallen leaves on the ground; as it sweeps past, the leaves scatter again, the powerful blade aura protecting its wielder as it slashes toward Yan Shan Hai.

Translation: The saber's tip lightly pierces the fallen leaves on the ground; as it sweeps past, the leaves scatter again, the powerful blade aura protecting its wielder as it slashes toward Yan Shan Hai.

Thus: 【20】 The saber's tip lightly pierces the fallen leaves on the ground; as it sweeps past, the leaves scatter again, the powerful blade aura protecting its wielder as it slashes toward Yan Shan Hai.

Nan Zhongyi's spear thrusts forth like a dragon, straight at Yan Shan Hai.

Translation: Nan Zhongyi's spear thrusts forth like a dragon, straight at Yan Shan Hai.

Thus: 【21】 Nan Zhongyi's spear thrusts forth like a dragon, straight at Yan Shan Hai.

Yan Shan Hai sees it precisely, blocks with a single sword, deflects the spear, then turns the blade in a flowing motion to stab Nan Zhongyi.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai saw it precisely, blocked with his sword, deflected the spear, then turned the blade and thrust back at Nan Zhongyi.

Thus: 【22】 Yan Shan Hai saw it precisely, blocked with his sword, deflected the spear, then turned the blade and thrust back at Nan Zhongyi.

At the same moment, five crescent‑moon sabers descend together, landing atop Yan Shan Hai's head.

Translation: At the same time, five crescent moon sabers fell together, landing atop Yan Shan Hai's head.

Thus: 【23】 At the same time, five crescent moon sabers fell together, landing atop Yan Shan Hai's head.

Yan Shan Hai is forced to sheath his sword and defend.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai had no choice but to retract his sword and defend.

Thus: 【24】 Yan Shan Hai had no choice but to retract his sword and defend.

"Clang clang clang clang clang!" One sword deflects the five blades.

Translation: "Clang clang clang clang clang!" One sword blocked five sabers.

Thus: 【25】 "Clang clang clang clang clang!" One sword blocked five sabers.

The tremendous impact shatters the surrounding young and old bamboo! The "crack crack" of breaking echoes back and forth, identical to the sound bamboo makes when burning in a fierce fire.

Translation: The tremendous impact shattered the surrounding young and old bamboo! The "crack crack" of breaking sounds rose and fell, identical to the noise bamboo makes when burning in a fierce fire.

Thus: 【26】 The tremendous impact shattered the surrounding young and old bamboo! The "crack crack" of breaking sounds rose and fell, identical to the noise bamboo makes when burning in a fierce fire.

Yan Shan Hai's waist bends under the pressure on the spot, forcing him to drop to one knee as the ground sinks several inches; he raises both hands high with the Songshan sword, the crushing weight gathering on his arms like a mountain. He still resists, grunting "uh‑ah‑ah‑ah!"

Translation: Yan Shan Hai was instantly bent at the waist, forced to drop to one knee, the ground sinking several inches; he raised both hands high holding the Songshan sword, the heavy pressure gathering on his arms like a mountain. Still resisting, he grunted, "Uh ah ah ah!"

Thus: 【27】 Yan Shan Hai was instantly bent at the waist, forced to drop to one knee, the ground sinking several inches; he raised both hands high holding the Songshan sword, the heavy pressure gathering on his arms like a mountain. Still resisting, he grunted, "Uh ah ah ah!"

The semicircular blade of the crescent‑moon saber resembles a giant crab's claw, firmly gripping the Songshan sword with no gap whatsoever.

Translation: The half‑round blade of the crescent moon saber resembled a giant crab's claw, firmly gripping the Songshan sword with no gap whatsoever.

Thus: 【28】 The half‑round blade of the crescent moon saber resembled a giant crab's claw, firmly gripping the Songshan sword with no gap whatsoever.

Yan Shan Hai summons all his strength, and when the spear thrusts again he flicks the five crescent‑moon sabers aside; he twists sideways, rolls on the ground, narrowly escaping the spear's fatal thrust. Only after adjusting his balance does he realize how disheveled he has become.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai exerted all his strength, finally deflecting the five crescent moon sabers when the spear thrust again; he shifted sideways, rolling on the ground, narrowly escaping the spear's fatal thrust! Only after adjusting his balance did he realize how miserable he looked.

Thus: 【29】 Yan Shan Hai exerted all his strength, finally deflecting the five crescent moon sabers when the spear thrust again; he shifted sideways, rolling on the ground, narrowly escaping the spear's fatal thrust! Only after adjusting his balance did he realize how miserable he looked.

In just a few exchanges, he finally confirmed that the opponent's swordsmanship and inner energy are both at the fourth‑heavenly level! "What a formidable foe……"

Translation: In just a few exchanges, he finally confirmed that the opponent, whether in blade technique or true qi, was of the Fourth Heaven level! "Quite the fellow……"

Thus: 【30】 In just a few exchanges, he finally confirmed that the opponent, whether in blade technique or true qi, was of the Fourth Heaven level! "Quite the fellow……"

Yan Shan Hai is faring poorly, and Ling Hou Shang is in the same predicament.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai's side was no picnic, and Ling Hou Shang's was the same.

Thus: 【31】 Yan Shan Hai's side was no picnic, and Ling Hou Shang's was the same.

The Hua Shan sword style seeks victory through peril, its single‑point bursts are high, but against six opponents of equal skill, Ling Hou Shang gains no advantage in swordsmanship.

Translation: "The Huashan Sword Technique seeks victory through peril; although its single‑point burst is high, facing six opponents of the same level, Ling Hou Shang gains no advantage in swordsmanship."

Thus: 【32】 "The Huashan Sword Technique seeks victory through peril; although its single‑point burst is high, facing six opponents of the same level, Ling Hou Shang gains no advantage in swordsmanship."

However, the Hua Shan school cultivates sword and qi as one; Ling Hou Shang's inner energy is equally strong. He wields the sword with one hand and commands falling leaves with the other—those leaves become spheres or blades in his hand, striking the foe.

Translation: However, the Huashan Sect cultivates qi and sword as one; Ling Hou Shang's true qi is equally strong, he wields the sword with one hand and commands the fallen leaves with the other. In his hands, the leaves become at times spheres, at times swords, striking the opponent.

Thus: 【33】 However, the Huashan Sect cultivates qi and sword as one; Ling Hou Shang's true qi is equally strong, he wields the sword with one hand and commands the fallen leaves with the other. In his hands, the leaves become at times spheres, at times swords, striking the opponent.

But the Eastern Depot's Eighteen Horsemen are no pushovers; using their strength, they have no trouble countering the true qi that Ling Hou Shang splits his focus to emit.

Translation: However, the Western Depot Eighteen Riders are not pushovers; relying on their strength, dealing with the true qi that Ling Hou Shang splits his spirit to emit poses no problem.

Thus: 【34】 However, the Western Depot Eighteen Riders are not pushovers; relying on their strength, dealing with the true qi that Ling Hou Shang splits his spirit to emit poses no problem.

Blade after blade, they chop the falling leaves until the ground is littered with them.

Translation: Blade after blade, they cut the fallen leaves until the ground was littered with them.

Thus: 【35】 Blade after blade, they cut the fallen leaves until the ground was littered with them.

Even if Ling Hou Shang quickly gathers the leaves again, the drain is enormous, and he eventually exhausts his strength.

Translation: Even if Ling Hou Shang quickly gathers the fallen leaves again, that consumption is enormous, and he eventually exhausts his strength.

Thus: 【36】 Even if Ling Hou Shang quickly gathers the fallen leaves again, that consumption is enormous, and he eventually exhausts his strength.

Those six facing Ling Hou Shang are not rushing the attack; they blend offense and defense, waiting for an opening to deliver a fatal blow.

Translation: Even those six dealing with Ling Hou Shang are not rushing the attack; they half‑attack, half‑defend, waiting for an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow to Ling Hou Shang.

Thus: 【37】 Even those six dealing with Ling Hou Shang are not rushing the attack; they half‑attack, half‑defend, waiting for an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow to Ling Hou Shang.

It is precisely this tactic that leaves Ling Hou Shang with no recourse.

Translation: It is precisely this style of fighting that leaves Ling Hou Shang with no temper.

Thus: 【38】 It is precisely this style of fighting that leaves Ling Hou Shang with no temper.

He has even several times nearly found himself trapped in a desperate situation; thus he must fight while retreating, seeking an opportunity.

Translation: He even several times nearly found himself trapped in a desperate situation. Therefore he could only fight while retreating, seeking an opportunity.

Thus: 【39】 He even several times nearly found himself trapped in a desperate situation. Therefore he could only fight while retreating, seeking an opportunity.

His carefree attitude has no effect on the battlefield.

Translation: His carefree attitude had no effect on the battlefield.

Thus: 【40】 His carefree attitude had no effect on the battlefield.

Hu Bao fares even worse; after just twenty rounds he is wounded, and though the crescent‑moon saber bears no poison, the arm now bearing the blade is already rotting.

Translation: Hu Bao fared even worse; after just twenty rounds he was wounded, and fortunately the crescent moon saber's blade bore no poison, yet the arm bearing it had already rotted.

Thus: 【41】 Hu Bao fared even worse; after just twenty rounds he was wounded, and fortunately the crescent moon saber's blade bore no poison, yet the arm bearing it had already rotted.

Fortunately it is his left arm that is injured; his right arm can still wield the sword.

Translation: Fortunately it was the left arm; the right arm could still wield the sword.

Thus: 【42】 Fortunately it was the left arm; the right arm could still wield the sword.

Yan Shan Hai, Ling Hou Shang, and Hu Bao are all pressed, then regroup, once again forming a tri‑partite encirclement.

Translation: Yan Shan Hai, Ling Hou Shang, and Hu Bao were each pressed, then regrouped, once again forming a pincer formation.

Thus: 【43】 Yan Shan Hai, Ling Hou Shang, and Hu Bao were each pressed, then regrouped, once again forming a pincer formation.

The Eastern Depot's Eighteen Horsemen advance like a copper wall bristling with iron spikes, slowly moving toward them.

Translation: The Western Depot Eighteen Riders were like a copper wall with iron spikes, incessantly advancing, slowly pressing forward upon them.

Thus: 【44】 The Western Depot Eighteen Riders were like a copper wall with iron spikes, incessantly advancing, slowly pressing forward upon them.

"Master Yan, do you have a countermeasure?" Hu Bao asked, pressing his wound, as blood soaked his entire sleeve and kept dripping.

Translation: "Sect Master Yan, do you have a countermeasure?" Hu Bao asked Yan Shan Hai while pressing his wound, blood already soaking his entire sleeve and continually dripping.

Thus: 【45】 "Sect Master Yan, do you have a countermeasure?" Hu Bao asked Yan Shan Hai while pressing his wound, blood already soaking his entire sleeve and continually dripping.

"I can't think of any method." Yan Shan Hai replied helplessly.

Translation: "I can't think of any method." Yan Shan Hai replied helplessly.

Thus: 【46】 "I can't think of any method." Yan Shan Hai replied helplessly.

"Are we really going to die here today?" Hu Bao desperately asked heaven.

Translation: "Could it be that we are all to die here today?" Hu Bao desperately asked the heavens.

Thus: 【47】 "Could it be that we are all to die here today?" Hu Bao desperately asked the heavens.

Hahaha! We do not seek to be born on the same year, month, and day, but we seek to die on the same year, month, and day!