Chapter 331: Liu Wan, It

Night fell heavy, and Liubo Mountain vanished into darkness.

In just half a month, both the orthodox and demonic factions had begun converging; the orthodox, led by the Qingyun Sect with Tianyin Temple and Fenxiang Valley as their flanks, occupied three mountain peaks, while countless caves surrounding them housed smaller sects like the Jin Gang Men, all united and ready with arrows nocked.

On the demonic side, after Guiwang Sect and Hehuan Sect took root, over a dozen minor sects—including Guiying Sect, Heimu Sect, and Lümao Men—gathered together.

When Gu Qing passed through here, he specifically glanced at Lümao Men.

This sect was written by Xiao Ding in his Manhuang Xing.

"Everyone inside is naturally fond of wearing green hats."

Sanmiao Lady followed closely behind Gu Qing; seeing him pause, she volunteered: "By day they dote on each other, but by night they gather in chaotic, class-blind revelry—as if only such chaos lets them indulge freely."

As she spoke of this sect, her eyes held a hint of disdain.

Gui gui.

When Gu Qing first heard of this sect, he assumed its members liked putting green hats on others—only to learn they wore them themselves.

After this sweep, Gu Qing turned to leave, and Sanmiao Lady followed; lately, she had frequently traded martial arts with Gu Qing, convinced he was truly a wonder of the world, with profound insight into feminine grace, and through these exchanges, even the Hehuan Sect's abbess, Sanmiao Immortal, felt great progress.

"Is that the famed Copper Master?"

In Guiying Sect, a young disciple asked.

"Yes."

An elder of Guiying Sect said: "This Copper Master is reclusive and eccentric, but one thing: he trains relentlessly. If you have a technique and seek his counsel, he will answer without hesitation. If you have nothing and disturb his cultivation, then good luck to you."

"Does Sanmiao Lady of Hehuan Sect often come to consult him?"

The young disciple asked again.

"Little Zhou!"

The Guiying elder warned sharply: "Discussing abbesses like this could cost you your life!"

Little Zhou fell silent immediately; currently, both orthodox and demonic factions had converged, and Xiao Zhou—actually Xiao Yicai in disguise—had infiltrated the demonic side to gather intelligence, preparing to act as an inside man when the orthodox attacked.

As he was embedded at the demonic low ranks, he knew little of the high-level demonic figures, and during his reconnaissance, he did not know where Gu Qing was hiding, nor what the demonic sects plotted on Liubo Mountain.

As Xiao Yicai pondered, he saw Sanmiao Lady part from the Copper Master, her cheeks flushed as if fevered.

Xiao Yicai did not know what had happened, and dared not ask.

"Dang dang!"

"Dang dang!"

Bi Yao gently shook the Hehuan Bell, listening to its clear chime, and said to Gu Qing: "Copper Master, are you truly returning the Hehuan Bell to Sanmiao Lady?"

Lately, Gu Qing had traded frequently with Sanmiao Lady; she had provided various Hehuan Sect secret techniques, and Gu Qing had promised to return the Hehuan Bell to her.

Now, the Hehuan Bell bore no traces of cultivation.

"I keep my word."

Gu Qing said gravely.

Bi Yao held the Hehuan Bell, feeling a pang of regret—it was one of the four demonic treasures, and now it was being given away so lightly.

This must be what it meant to be a true man, keeping his word with honor… Perhaps that was why Father dared to trade with the Copper Master.

"If you want the Hehuan Bell, I can teach you a technique."

Gu Qing spoke gently: "When you next see Sanmiao Lady use the Hehuan Bell, you can seize it from her."

Bi Yao glanced sideways, then smiled.

Since that day they had shared the wind together, Bi Yao had sensed a new, ambiguous warmth between them; the "Copper Master" was no longer cold to her, occasionally teaching her secrets—even the strange, obscure, and difficult second volume of the Tian Shu, which he had patiently broken down and explained in detail, its profound depths surpassing even the Ghost King in her estimation.

This had propelled Bi Yao's cultivation forward dramatically.

Gu Qing looked at Bi Yao with gentle demeanor… Actually, courting Bi Yao and explaining the Tian Shu was part of his strategy; he did not fully trust the Ghost King, so while explaining the Tian Shu to Bi Yao, he was also cross-verifying its contents.

Gu Qing carried the summary of the first volume of the Tian Shu; the second volume followed directly from it, so his understanding of the Tian Shu already surpassed the Ghost King's.

Now, by explaining the Tian Shu to Bi Yao, Gu Qing had dispelled her doubts.

Mutual gain.

"By the way."

Bi Yao's eyes brightened suddenly: "Today on Liubo Mountain, I ran into Lu Xueqi." Bi Yao had already met Lu Xueqi at Kong Sang Mountain, but then both had stood aside, watching Gu Qing display his might; today on Liubo Mountain, they met face-to-face.

Gu Qing turned to look at Bi Yao.

Bi Yao assumed he was worried for her, smiled brightly, and said: "Lu Xueqi's swordplay is indeed exceptional, and Tianya Sword is among the sharpest, but beside me stands the Vermilion Saintess; had it not been for Shuizhui of Xiao Zhu Peak, Lu Xueqi would have been knocked down."

Bi Yao spoke of this with regret.

Gu Qing, however, seemed surprised: "Shuizhui came to Liubo Mountain?"

Bi Yao nodded: "Though the invitation came from Fensheng Valley, they sent Li Xun—who you defeated. Tianyin Temple sent Master Faxiang. Qingyun Sect dispatched three sect leaders, all elite champions from the Seven Poles Duel."

The orthodox had been here longer, and demonic intelligence was gradually uncovering their details.

"That Shuizhui, upon seeing the Vermilion Saintess, acted as if they had a grudge, refusing to let go; had neither side had reinforcements, their clash would have opened the battle."

Bi Yao found Shuizhui Master's behavior peculiar.

Gu Qing fell silent briefly, then said casually: "A debt of love from Wan Jianyi."

"Love debt?"

At these words, Bi Yao grew interested; she had heard elders speak of Wan Jianyi and the Vermilion, but knew nothing of Shuizhui Master's connection to Wan Jianyi.

Gu Qing did not elaborate further on this topic.

"Hmph."

Bi Yao sniffed: "A heartless rogue—wants one in Qingyun, another outside."

Gu Qing found the remark sharp, and chose not to respond.

"Copper Master."

Bi Yao's voice turned soft: "We're going to deal with Gu Qing."

Deal with Gu Qing?

Gu Qing's eyes widened in surprise.

"Several members of Heimu Sect saw the Zhanlong Sword's glow."

Bi Yao bit her lip lightly: "Gu Qing is young but deeply cultivated—even Green Dragon Uncle couldn't match him. Who knows how far he'll grow? And he's treacherous, shameless, and ruthless…" Bi Yao narrowed her eyes: "We plan to lure him out through Lu Xueqi."

The Zhanlong Sword's glow must have been Lin Jingyu; Gu Qing had no immediate use for it, so he gave it to him.

Gu Qing said gravely: "I'll go too."

"Good!"

Bi Yao clapped her hands: "Father said if the Copper Master joins, Gu Qing is as good as caught!"

The Ghost King knew the power of Xuan Yin Ghost Qi; the Copper Master's deeds along the way were well-documented.

The attack on Lu Xueqi was set for daytime.

After arriving on Liubo Mountain, the demonic sects had scoured the mountains for Kuiniu; upon encountering the orthodox, they exchanged three or two blows before fleeing. The orthodox seemed confused by the demonic strategy, and both sides were locked in a stalemate. On this day, Lu Xueqi flew aloft, scanning the land for demonic disciples, when suddenly multiple beams of light struck her simultaneously.

Lu Xueqi hovered in midair, her Taiji Qingqing Dao energy shield naturally forming; the pale blue Tianya Sword flew through the air, slashing thousands of sword blossoms—its sharpness, agility, and profound energy blocking every attack. Only then did she turn to see numerous demonic figures below; the Tianya Sword swept once, releasing waves of sword qi.

Amid the swirling swordlight, Lu Xueqi's gaze paused, fixing on the black-clad figure wearing a bronze mask in the mountains.

Though smoke obscured all, she knew who it was…

Yet…

Lu Xueqi frowned at the demonic cultivation.

"Little girl, you've got some skill."

The Guiying Sect leader and Heimu Sect leader stood on the ground, astonished at how Lu Xueqi had blocked every strike instantly; as they prepared to advance, sword qi erupted—suddenly a long sword pierced the Heimu Sect leader's chest.

Seven Stars Sword.

"Little Zhou!"

"Why did you betray the Heimu Sect leader?"

The speaker, who had often aided Xiao Yicai in the demonic ranks, was furious at this betrayal.

"My apologies."

Xiao Yicai withdrew the Seven Stars Sword, walking calmly through the battlefield: "She's my junior sister."

Regarding this battle on Liubo Mountain, the orthodox already knew how to fight; Xiao Yicai's infiltration was complete, and now he stepped into the open.

In the sky, swordlight spread wide; Qi Hao, Zeng Shushu, Lin Jingyu, Zhang Xiaofan, Song my lord—all Qingyun disciples—arrived together, forming a loose Beidou formation around Lu Xueqi.

"Xiao Yicai!"

Green Dragon had already fought Xiao Yicai before; now seeing him strike again, he activated the Qiankun Qingguang Ring and hurled it at Xiao Yicai.

"Brother, watch out!"

Qi Hao stepped forward, channeling Taiji Qingqing Dao; in that instant, he linked with Xiao Yicai, sharing the impact—but as the bond formed, Qi Hao sensed a third presence silently linking with Xiao Yicai, sharing the damage.

It's him…

Both Xiao Yicai and Qi Hao realized at once: Gu Qing had intervened; they stared in awe at the shadow within the black smoke.

Sorry, sir, I didn't recognize you…

Xiao Yicai felt the damage shared; instantly, he activated the Seven Stars Sword. Above, the Big Dipper blazed brightly—its gathered power flooded the blade, radiating intense light as Xiao Yicai unleashed it without restraint toward Green Dragon.

Seven Stars Sword Technique!

One of Qingyun Sect's Four Great Sword Arts!

Instantly, starlight rained from the heavens.

Green Dragon activated the Qiankun Qingguang Ring, fighting fiercely within the torrent of starlight—but felt Xiao Yicai's defense had suddenly multiplied; their clashes now stood evenly matched.

"These are Qingyun's elite! Attack together!"

The other demonic figures, seeing this, surged toward Lu Xueqi and the Qingyun disciples.

Sword light flashed, ice walls materialized, lightning struck the ground, and various glows blazed in a dazzling tangle.

"Hummm…"

A sword light pierced the air with an eerie whistle, laced with threads of blood qi, hurtling straight toward Lu Xueqi. At that moment, Lu Xueqi was using Tianya to fend off enemies; seeing the artifact approach, she moved to evade—when Tian Linger shifted position and suddenly reached out, pulling horizontally. The "Bing Zi Mi" taught by Gu Qing activated; as the Taiji Qingxuan Dao flowed, it seized control of the blood-red broadsword.

"This is…"

Bi Yao, seeing this, felt her heart sink heavily.

The Ghost King, standing nearby, whirled around to face the figure behind them—a man clad entirely in black, wearing a bronze mask: "Tong Mr.." This move had once been used by Tong Mr. before their eyes—and now, it appeared in the hands of a Qingyun Sect disciple.

"Who are you?!"

The Ghost King barked sharply.

He was born brilliant, fond of dissecting minds, able to see a hundred steps ahead with each move; since taking command of the Ghost King Sect, he had rarely suffered setbacks—but now, he should not be deceived by the same man twice!

Tian Linger's outstretched hand recalled to the Ghost King the slash of the Killing Life Monk—suddenly, lightning flashed in his mind, and he made a shocking guess about Tong Mr.'s true identity.

"Sorry, Lao Wan. It's me again."

The black smoke of Yin Ghost Qi dissipated; Gu Qing slowly removed the bronze mask.

Beneath the mask, the man's face was remarkably young; against his all-black attire, his skin appeared as pale and flawless as jade—but this handsome face filled Bi Yao with instant revulsion and surging killing intent.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Bi Yao's voice rang with a chilling shriek; in that instant, the Heartbreak Flower in her hand burst into full bloom, petals exploding toward Gu Qing in unison.

Gu Qing extended his hand, fingertips lightly tapping—each petal landed upon his fingers, all strange forces vanishing without a trace.

"Zhao…"

At that moment, the Ghost Master appeared behind Gu Qing, his black hand reaching for his back.

The Ghost King and Qinglong struck simultaneously—the Ghost King Sect's ruthless secret technique and Qinglong's Qiankun Qingguang Ring's power combined, forming a three-sided encirclement that tightly trapped Gu Qing.

Yet within this triple assault, Gu Qing still reached out, gathering all of Bi Yao's Heartbreak Flowers into his sleeve, ignoring the Ghost Master's strike from behind, focusing solely on parrying the Ghost King. Their secret arts clashed in rapid succession; then Gu Qing flipped his hands, black and white qi flashing briefly. Despite taking a full palm strike from the Ghost Master, his body transformed into a vortex and slipped effortlessly from the encirclement, reappearing beside them.

"Snap!"

The Ghost Master's arm bent backward; his gaze burned as he stared at Gu Qing for a long moment, then said: "Liuhex Mirror."

"Correct."

Gu Qing smiled faintly: "I've been waiting for your ambush."

The Ghost King fixed his eyes on Gu Qing: during the previous assault, Gu Qing had absorbed the Ghost Master's blow using the Liuhex Mirror, then used its recoil to shatter the Ghost Master's arm, countered the Ghost King's techniques with hand seals, and evaded Qinglong purely through body movement.

Gu Qing should have been wounded by all this…

"Puff!"

"Puff!"

Xiao Yicai and Qi Hao both spat blood.

The instigator, Gu Qing, smirked crookedly.

√.

(End of Chapter)