Chapter 324

Jie Feng Gorge!

Water waves surged, one rolling after another, washing away blood.

One hundred and four men from Han Guo and Zheng Guo perished, not a single survivor.

The disciples of Da Liang Wu Yuan stared at the two figures standing on the deck, their eyes ablaze with fervor.

Lin Chen was drenched in blood; his bare upper body revealed bronze-like skin luster, and the lingering blood qi swirled around him like a dark red mist, as if he had just stepped out of a battlefield of demons.

He fought alone against Huo Facing Huo Ruohong, Bian Bian Xinjie, and Ling Ling Tianhao, piercing Ling Ling Tianhao with a single finger, tearing Bian Bian Xinjie apart, and chasing down Huo Facing Huo Ruohong.

The scene of that man drawing his bow and firing arrows—each shot claiming a warrior's life—still replayed vividly in their minds.

As for Senior Pei Pei Qingming, no words were needed: he slew a second-rank warrior with a distant sword strike, then faced four second-rank warriors from Zheng Guo as if strolling through a courtyard, cutting them down as easily as severing weeds.

Hou Hou Zhan Tian and the others did not approach to disturb them; watching the two backs, they stroked their beards with smiles, seeing in Lin Chen and Pei Pei Qingming the hope, the continuation of Da Liang's martial path.

Before them stood Pei Pei Qingming; behind them stood Lin Chen—this was the passing of Da Liang's martial flame, the continuation of its hope.

Lin Chen's performance in the ranking match far exceeded their expectations, leaving them deeply satisfied.

Pei Pei Qingming was no less impressive: though he had lingered at the fourth-rank for seven years, today he broke through with a single move, his power rivaling that of a first-rank warrior.

Pei Pei Qingming represents Da Liang's present; Lin Chen represents Da Liang's future for the next fifty years.

The setting sun, crimson as blood, gilded the two figures in golden-red light.

"Senior Pei, your sword art is too mysterious."

Lin Chen spoke not to flatter Pei Pei Qingming—he had watched clearly how Senior Pei fought the four second-rank warriors from Zheng Guo.

Senior Pei's realm had not reached first-rank, yet against four second-rank warriors, he displayed overwhelming dominance—precisely because of this sword art.

"Do you remember what I told you last time?"

Pei Pei Qingming smiled slightly; Lin Chen heard this and recalled those words, his eyes sharpening: "The will of the sword?"

"Yes. The will of the sword."

Pei Pei Qingming gazed at the waves ahead: "I told you before, when I first entered the martial path, I studied many arts just as you did—I thought the more I learned, the stronger I'd become. Fist arts, palm arts, blade arts, spear arts… each art could be mastered in days, refined to perfection in months… though of course, I still fall short of you—I heard you could bring a single art to perfection in three months."

Hearing Senior Pei's praise, Lin Chen felt a twinge of guilt—his martial talent could never compare to Senior Pei's; it was all thanks to the Panel's aid.

"Dozens of different arts not only increased my strength, but also let me anticipate opponents' moves during battle, allowing me to strike after them. I assume you did the same."

Lin Chen nodded. His teacher had gathered thousands of martial arts for him, including those later provided by the Wu Garden—he studied them all, just to recognize the movement patterns of opponents who trained such arts.

He realized he had underestimated the nine nations' geniuses—he thought only he did this, that "sharpening the axe doesn't delay chopping wood," yet Senior Pei had done the same.

"It's still the same problem I mentioned last time: I learned too much, too diversely. Though my understanding of the martial path was solid, and breaking into third-rank posed no issue, this understanding wasn't extreme—it was merely stronger than average warriors. Such a breakthrough wasn't what I wanted."

"For years, I've done only one thing: forget the other arts, focus solely on sword art. In the first year, I forgot thirty arts; in the second, sixty… until recently, I finally forgot them all, leaving only one sword art."

"A singular martial will is pure—its power is like the difference between your path of extreme martial cultivation and that of an ordinary warrior."

"Invincible within the same realm?"

Lin Chen replied, then immediately dismissed it—Senior Pei's power was far more than mere invincibility within the same realm.

"When a singular martial will is pushed to its extreme, one can fight across a major realm. But my understanding of the sword path has not yet reached its peak—I can only say I've just truly entered."

"Senior Pei, you're too modest—if your sword path is only just entering, what should all sword users in the nine nations feel?"

Lin Chen smiled, thinking Senior Pei was being humble—but Pei Pei Qingming's expression turned serious: "Lin Shi-di, I'm not being modest. The will of the sword emerges from martial will, yet they are not the same. Perhaps this should be called a unique will…"

"Unique will?"

Pei Pei Qingming offered a faint, bitter smile: "It's just a name I gave it—there may be other terms, since our nine nations' martial path is incomplete."

The truth about Yan Huang Chao had been exposed; as Da Liang's top genius, Pei Pei Qingming surely knew.

Lin Chen understood Senior Pei's meaning: this "unique will" had another name in Yan Huang Chao.

"Of course, what I told you last time was only advice. Perhaps in Yan Huang Chao, there are those who follow your path."

Pei Pei Qingming smiled at Lin Chen—he had offered his insights as one who had walked the path, but after seeing Lin Chen's dazzling performance in the ranking match, he now believed Lin Chen's path might not be impossible.

Lin Shi-di was a prodigy even more extraordinary than himself.

Lin Chen nodded, then asked another question: "Senior Pei, how did you end up here?"

Since Han Guo announced its withdrawal from the ranking match, and after Headmaster Hou led them away from Yan Guo's capital—even though they had sent word back to Da Liang before leaving—the timing was too tight.

Unless Senior Pei had been in Yan Guo all along.

"I don't know you well, but don't I know the people of Han Guo?"

Pei Pei Qingming and Lin Chen exchanged glances; Lin Chen instantly understood, and smiled along.

"Han Guo has always been the top of the nine nations, projecting an image of 'fairness and justice'—but in truth, from top to bottom, its court has never been truly magnanimous. If it perceives a threat, it will stop at nothing to crush it in the cradle."

"It treats individuals this way, and nations the same. Any nation rising to threaten its position is immediately suppressed by Han Guo's support of others. When I heard of your performance in the ranking match, I foresaw Han Guo's scheming and came straight to Yan Guo—just in time."

"Only Pei Qingming sees through Han Guo's true nature."

Hou Hou Zhan Tian's voice came from behind them: "Han Guo pretends to uphold fairness, even claiming to cultivate martial geniuses from the nine nations. Those who go to Han Guo are lured to stay—with martial arts or beautiful women—until they develop loyalty to Han Guo. Han Guo's strength largely comes from gathering talent from all nine nations."

Hou Hou Zhan Tian understood Han Guo's intentions well.

Han Guo's brilliance lay in keeping the geniuses of the other eight nations within its borders—even if these geniuses wouldn't fight against their homelands, Han Guo could send Wu Guo warriors against Ze Guo, Ze Guo warriors against Zhao Guo…

"Let's return together. Pei Qingming, you can impart some martial cultivation insights to these young ones."

Hearing this, Pei Pei Qingming shook his head: "Headmaster, my cultivation path is unsuitable for my Shi-di. I have no insights to impart. But Lin Shi-di's letter, 'Letter to the Shi-di of Jiangnan Dao,' is worth their careful study."

Hou Hou Zhan Tian was stunned, his face showing helpless resignation—he understood his disciple's meaning.

Those selected to represent the Wu Yuan in the ranking match were already geniuses among geniuses, yet still far behind Pei Pei Qingming. If he taught them his cultivation insights, it would shatter their martial hearts.

"I didn't think it through. Indeed, it's unsuitable."

Pei Pei Qingming did not dwell on the topic, to avoid crushing his Shi-di too deeply; he shifted the subject: "Headmaster, I won't return to Da Liang."

"Not return to Da Liang? Han Guo will know of this within a day. Staying abroad may be dangerous."

Hou Hou Zhan Tian frowned, but Pei Pei Qingming smiled: "Headmaster, even if Han Guo sends assassins after me, as long as I don't linger to fight, they can't stop me if I wish to flee."

With the power of a first-rank warrior, Hou Hou Zhan Tian had this confidence.

First-rank warriors were the pinnacle of the nine nations; such a warrior, if determined to escape, could not be stopped unless several first-rank warriors joined forces. "I plan to stay in Yan Guo for a few days to visit an old senior brother."

At these words, Hou Hou Zhan Tian's eyes gleamed: "Pei Qingming, you mean—?"

"Lin Shi-di is still too weak. He needs time. If Han Guo learns that Lin Chen defeated Huo Facing Huo Ruohong and the other two together, they will spare no effort to eliminate him—even if he remains within Da Liang's borders, who can guarantee Han Guo won't send several first-rank warriors to sneak in and assassinate him?"

Pei Pei Qingming's meaning was clear: this time, he would draw Han Guo's attention.

"Senior Pei, actually—"

"Lin Shi-di, I'm not doing this only for your safety. It's also because Da Liang and Han Guo are about to go to war. By revealing my power now, I show the other nations that even if they don't side with Da Liang, they shouldn't ally with Han Guo—just remain neutral."

Pei Pei Qingming patted Lin Chen's shoulder, his face showing a hint of embarrassment at the end: "Of course, the main reason is—I've been silent for seven years, and now all the spotlight's on you, Lin Shi-di. Doesn't this old brother have any pride? This is my chance to let the nine nations know that I, Pei Pei Qingming, Da Liang's first genius in three hundred years, am no fraud."

Lin Chen looked at Pei Pei Qingming—he knew Senior Pei's last words were a joke. With his power, Senior Pei no longer cared for such empty fame; if he had cared for reputation or gossip, he would have broken into the upper ranks long ago.

"Alright. Pei Qingming, be careful in Han Guo."

Hou Hou Zhan Tian was no indecisive man—Pei Qingming's plan was right. With all of Han Guo and Zheng Guo's forces dead here, Han Guo would be furious. A war between the two sides was inevitable. If Han Guo learned Lin Chen's true strength, they would spare no effort to assassinate him.

Though Kong my lord had already purged a batch of families in Da Liang who colluded with foreign nations, what if deeper hidden ones remained? Caution was necessary.

"Headmaster Lin Shi-di, esteemed officials, I take my leave."

Pei Pei Qingming had arrived suddenly and departed just as casually—his figure stepped into the air, heading toward Yan Guo's capital, robes fluttering with utter freedom.

Lin Chen watched Pei Pei Qingming's departing figure, deeply moved. Only when one reached Senior Pei's level did one truly possess self-preservation in the nine nations—free from fear of ambush or assassination.

"Several Shi-di, you heard Pei Qingming's words. Regarding the battle at Jie Feng Gorge, you must carefully brief your fellow disciples—do not reveal the true combat details. Simply say Senior Pei Qingming appeared and slew Zheng Guo's second-rank warriors, and then we all joined forces to annihilate both nations' forces."

Hou Hou Zhan Tian looked at Vice-Headmasters Chen Shan and the others; they nodded, understanding the importance.

Fortunately, those selected to represent the Wu Yuan in the ranking match were not only among the strongest in the academy, but also came from impeccable family backgrounds.

"As for the fallen Shi-di… collect their bodies with care."

At the end, Hou Hou Zhan Tian's expression carried a trace of sorrow. Da Liang had not escaped unscathed—five disciples had died, four had been wounded.

Fifteen minutes later.

Under Hou Hou Zhan Tian's lead, everyone on the deck bowed to the bodies of the five fallen disciples.

Hou Hou Zhan Tian looked at the sorrowful young faces and sighed inwardly—for these children of heaven, today had been their most perilous encounter.

But it would not be their last.

"These five disciples today will not be the first to fall, nor the last. The northern barbarians still have one final strike left, and Han Guo will surely wage war against Da Liang. I ask you—do you fear?"

Hou Hou Zhan Tian suddenly roared, his gaze sweeping over every disciple present.

Yet not a single disciple showed fear.

"Headmaster Hou, we are not afraid!"

"Headmaster, your disciple is not afraid!"

"If Han Guo dares to invade, we will fight them!"

Hearing these words, Hou Hou Zhan Tian smiled: "It's not yet time for you to fight Han Guo. We old men are still here, and the generation that has grown up—like Pei Qingming. Your duty is to train harder."

The river wind howled; the deck fell silent—but every disciple's heart now held but one thought: from today on, all focus would be on cultivation.

For Da Liang. For family. For the fallen Shi-di.

…

…

Da Liang, Northern Frontier!

Beyond the ten-thousand-li frozen plains, the military encampment.

A red eagle swiftly flew into the foremost camp.

Xiao Xiao Pingyao took the letter handed to him by his subordinate. After reading its contents, his eyes blazed with sharp light.

"Han Guo… truly has no scruples."

The next moment, Xiao Xiao Pingyao turned to his subordinate: "Order—sound the war drums for all three armies!"

"Marquis?"

The subordinate paused in surprise; drumming in the three armies always signaled something major.

To drum now—could it be that the higher-ups have made their decision?

"Yes, I'll issue the order at once."

The subordinate's face glowed with excitement, but not long after he stepped out of the tent, Xiao Xiao Yaojin entered.

"Father, are we moving?"

"Mm."

Xiao Xiao Pingyao nodded and handed the secret letter to his son: "Your senior brother is quite impressive."

"Senior brother?"

Xiao Xiao Yaojin froze, then seemed to recall something—his eyes lit up: "Is it Senior Lin Lin Shidi?"

"Read it yourself."

After reading the letter's contents, Xiao Xiao Yaojin's expression brightened: "I knew Senior Lin Lin Shidi would lead Canglan Joining Wuyuan to a top ranking."

"But have you considered that your Senior Lin Lin Shidi might surpass Huo Facing Huo Ruohong and Bian Bian Xinjie, and lead Canglan Joining Wuyuan to first place?"

Xiao Xiao Pingyao smiled warmly at his son; though Han's withdrawal had dissolved the Nine Nations Ranking Tournament mid-event, everyone who knew the facts understood that Canglan Joining Wuyuan was this year's undisputed champion.

Xiao Xiao Yaojin shook his head honestly—he had faith in Senior Lin Lin Shidi's strength, but he'd only expected him to place in the top four; first place had never crossed his mind.

No wonder he's Senior Lin Lin Shidi—months later, he's delivered another massive shock to me.

"Han is still trying to eliminate Senior Lin Lin Shidi."

But remembering the later part of the letter, Xiao Xiao Yaojin's expression turned icy, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Destroy the Northern Frontier demon clans, secure the stability of our Great Liang's northern border—if Han dares interfere, kill them all!"

(End of Chapter)