[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-600":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262905,4415,"Chapter 600: City of Nightmares","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-600",600,"\u003Cp>The Daoist robe billowed as fierce winds whipped across their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer they drew to Chengdu Prefecture, the more stunned the Qingcheng Sect members became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire prefecture was now shrouded in thick fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dense fog obscured sky and sun; from the docks and the slums beyond the city walls, not a single sight within could be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the fog, occasional thunderclaps echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding air grew cold; the fog’s abundant moisture condensed into a blizzard of snowflakes, whipped by the gales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What has this demon done?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi’s eyelids twitched as he gritted his teeth and muttered low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Ancestor, what should we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling Yunzi bowed to Cheng Jianxin beside him and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist listened, then shook his head frankly: “I’ve never seen anything like this before, and with my mind now dull, you decide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he refused to offer any opinion, Ling Yunzi sighed and, after consulting with Ming Shanzi, bowed again: “Master Ancestor, we believe that since this demon could draw the Dragon Palace’s watery domain into Chengdu Prefecture, there must be some setup here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve already checked—the divine senses cannot penetrate it; entering rashly risks falling into a trap. The Qingyang Palace lies outside Chengdu City, and they were involved in this. Perhaps they know something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, I’ve sent messengers back to the mountain to request reinforcements from the Sect Master and to contact other allies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Do as you say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist nodded without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emboldened by Cheng Jianxian’s approval, Ling Yunzi’s confidence surged; he and Ming Shanzi swiftly organized their forces, acting with precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Jianxin, meanwhile, stood silently to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the old man’s hunched form, Chang Gousheng suddenly felt a deep sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first time he saw Cheng Jianxin, the man was already this frail and aged, yet from others’ tales, he could imagine the former Sword Immortal’s glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why the long face…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Jianxin’s expression remained calm; he unhooked his wine gourd, took a sip, and smiled: “The waves of the Yangtze push forward—the old era is gone. This world belongs to the young.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One day, you too will watch your disciples stand alone—wouldn’t that be a joy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, ‘Gousheng’ is too crude a name. As you walk the Jianghu under my banner, you can’t let others laugh at you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chang Gousheng faintly sensed what was coming; tears welled uncontrollably. He straightened, bowed solemnly: “Please, Master, grant me a name!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Jianxin gazed at the heavens, his eyes clouded, murmuring: “That step was never my wish… I hope you may have the chance…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I give you a name… Chang Tianque!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, Ming Shanzi and Ling Yunzi had completed their arrangements: one man returned to Qingcheng on a Jia Ma to seek aid, while two others headed to Tiefo Temple and Emei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, this was no longer Qingcheng’s sole responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest detoured toward the southwest of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They moved swiftly and soon reached the vicinity of Qingyang Palace—but the sight before them once again defied expectation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thick clouds blanketing Chengdu Prefecture had somehow spread to this place, yet did not expand further—like a tentacle extending to engulf Qingyang Palace as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps due to thinner fog here, faint yellow lights could be glimpsed in the distance, along with strange drumming and gong-beating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet divine senses detected nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go in and check—tie a rope…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi immediately ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words were out, Ling Yunzi suddenly raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist twitched his ears, flipped onto the ground, formed a hand seal, and pressed his ear close to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Large forces are approaching.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful—go and scout!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this unexpected turn, all halted their probing and circled wide to a hill near Qingyang Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, on the river far off, warships had appeared—dense ranks of troops were landing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rough count suggested at least tens of thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though distant, all were cultivators; some with keen eyesight formed hand seals and immediately identified them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the Chongqing Prefecture army.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quick—warn them not to approach!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi instantly ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled the letter Li Yan had sent via the Six Leisure Bamboo Grove: Magistrate Wang had dispatched elite experts from the Eight Trigrams Sect in the capital to Chongqing for aid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Timing-wise, these must be them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were a powerful force, perfect for countering the Shu Prince’s troops—but they must not be allowed to wander into the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time they arrived, the army had already entered the fog, leaving fewer than a hundred men on the ships as backup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most soldiers were ordinary men; they mistook the fog for weather and made no preparations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding-ding-ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Ming Shanzi’s explanation, the Hundred-Commander on the ships panicked, ordering drums and gongs beaten to signal retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drumbeats roared across the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet within the fog, no reply came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a monstrous beast, it had fully devoured the army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rescue them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi gave the order without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, several elite disciples tied thick hemp ropes around their waists and cautiously entered the fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a prearranged plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bells were attached to the ropes; advance and retreat had coded signals—if trouble arose, they’d ring the bells, and the team would swiftly pull them out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they linked up with the Chongqing Garrison troops, the ships’ cables were long enough to assist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under everyone’s watchful eyes, several Qingcheng disciples entered the fog—after walking less than ten steps, they vanished entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, no other option remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All held their breath, waiting in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling-ling-ling!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After roughly half a stick of incense, the bells suddenly rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi’s face darkened: “Pull!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his command, several disciples surged forward, explosive force erupting beneath their feet as they sprinted toward the riverbank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after only a few steps, their hearts sank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bell sounds ceased; the rope in their hands suddenly went slack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, when they hauled the rope out, its end had snapped clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The break was ragged and frayed, as if torn by teeth, and stained with blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was bitten by a person!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Daoist sniffed and spoke with certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, all faces grew grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dense fog nearby rose like a mountain, blotting out sky and sun—like a primordial beast, crushing every heart with dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No time left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi drew a deep breath and spoke low: “Night falls soon. Tomorrow is the thirteenth of the first month—the demon’s plan may accelerate. We must enter—at least recover those troops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we can contact Li Shaoxia and the others, we may gain strong reinforcements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned: “Ling Yunzi, I’ll lead a group inside. You and the rest hold position here as backup.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we don’t return, do not approach. The Sect Master arrives in three days—tell him everything!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling Yunzi clenched his teeth: “Brother, rest assured!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Cheng Jianxin suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their worried gazes, he chuckled softly and shook his head: “Don’t worry—I won’t fight. You handle the action; I’ll just watch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi hesitated, a flicker of sorrow in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could see: Cheng Jianxin was ancient, his qi and blood depleted, and still wounded from before—beyond saving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He joined only to use his experience, helping them avoid some calamities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finalizing the plan, Ming Shanzi led dozens of Qingcheng experts, along with Cheng Jianxin and his disciple, cautiously into the fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the fog, the scenery shifted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to outside, visibility here was better—objects within thirty meters were clear, but beyond, everything blurred into hazy shadows. “Brother…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female Daoist glanced around, her eyes puzzled: “This place is strange—it feels like a dream.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I feel the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi said gravely: “The Dragon Palace Water Mansion is a hidden realm of the grotto-heavens, existing between illusion and reality—only through dream-travel can one enter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That demon must have used some method, but pulling the Dragon Palace into Chengdu likely shares similar properties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he turned to the side. “Sister Lan Chen, here the divine powers are still suppressed—try it. How far can you hear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female Daoist nodded and immediately formed a hand seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm! Hummm! Hummm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thirty-six golden needles in her hairpin trembled in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening intently for a long while, she shook her head. “I can only detect movements within three hundred steps. Beyond that, the suppression is just as strong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s still acceptable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Ming Shanzi felt slightly reassured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone else’s divine powers were suppressed; though the Daoist’s secret technique had its limits, at least they wouldn’t be ambushed from the mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group gathered their resolve and pressed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They followed the footprints on the ground and soon found something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before them, the ground was littered with countless corpses, all in tattered clothes, many decapitated by blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them were several bodies of garrison soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their armor and clothing were torn to shreds, their bodies covered in bite marks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re civilians from the slums outside the city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Daoist’s face darkened. “They dared attack the army—and bite people? Could they all be possessed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only comfort was that none of the Qingcheng disciples were among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keep searching!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi’s face was grim as he led the group forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after walking about half a stick of incense, they sensed something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this distance, they should have reached the walls of Chengdu Prefecture—but now, all around them was wilderness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy mist blanketed the sky as snowflakes drifted endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group turned back; their own footprints had been buried under snow, now blurred and indistinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s still a phantom array!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With their experience, they immediately recognized it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break the illusion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi muttered a command and immediately pulled a yarrow stalk from his robe, forming a hand seal as he twisted it into knots between his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was using the Northern Emperor’s Ascending Mountain Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This technique required little, excelled at breaking phantom arrays, was simple and convenient, and was recorded in the Baopuzi, widely known and passed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others simultaneously activated the Ascending Mountain Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they advanced again, they no longer took the wrong path. After winding through twists and turns, they reached the Fu River dock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the dock, boats lay covered in dust, and many corpses lay scattered—among them, not only civilians, but also numerous garrison soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the falling snow, corpses piled like mountains, blood staining the ground and freezing into crystals. The few Qingcheng disciples who had entered earlier were among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Baiyun!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Daoists saw them and were overcome with grief and rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ming Shanzi, though furious, held them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From beside the piled corpses, a figure slowly emerged, lifting a massive wine jar and drinking deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was tall, wiping wine stains from his thick beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qingcheng disciples?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Come with me to rescue Li Yan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man revealed no aura whatsoever, yet Ming Shanzi felt an inexplicable tightening at his back and couldn’t help asking: “Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man took another drink, turning his gaze toward Chengdu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Yang Jian!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike outside the city, inside Chengdu Prefecture, the scene was entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s dark! Time to see the lanterns!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a heavy snow! Hahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy mist instantly enveloped the city. The townsfolk, already in an unnatural state, grew even more frenzied, surging onto the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mist blocked their vision, and they mistook it for nightfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strange snowfall they regarded as an omen of good fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was market day; as the mist descended and darkness fell, colorful lanterns were lit one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By order of the Prince of Shu, the entire city hung red lanterns, and even around every colored lantern, red silk curtains were draped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the thick mist turned blood-red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The townsfolk, seemingly lost in a dream, remained oblivious to the bizarre scene—and grew even more deranged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They carried their elders and children, milling through the streets as if admiring the lanterns, yet each had bloodshot eyes and long strands of drool trailing from their mouths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, what kind of demonic art is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei’s scalp prickled; he cursed under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, they stood atop a tall building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having anticipated danger, they had not touched the “Joy God Coins,” and their high cultivation kept them from succumbing to madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But precisely because of this, they stood out sharply among the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These deranged townsfolk seemed able to smell their presence; once spotted, they would swarm and attack in frenzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooo~ Ooo~ Ooo~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, frenzied shouts rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the parade that had once honored the Horse-Head Maiden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the palanquin’s divine statue had been overturned and discarded; a merchant, face twisted in terror, was bound tightly atop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, too, had not touched the Joy God Coins and remained sober.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He became an outsider among the crowd, seized by the mad townsfolk, hoisted onto a wooden frame, and doused with oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive flame erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan and the others had no time to rescue him—the unfortunate merchant was thrown into the fire and instantly reduced to char.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The piercing screams seemed to drive the townsfolk even madder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are demons in the city! Find them and burn them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Burn them! The heavens will bless us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The townsfolk ran wild through the city, eyes red, hunting those untouched by the curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene before them was utterly horrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the six elder masters of the Bamboo Grove were stunned into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had roamed the rivers and lakes for decades—never had they seen anything like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… this is a Divine Nightmare!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan’s eyes widened, his voice trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Divine Nightmare?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan asked, puzzled: “What kind of technique is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It harnesses divine power to afflict all living beings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan clenched his fists tightly. “I read about it in the scripture halls of Mount Wudang. I never thought it truly existed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you ever heard of ‘Carrying the Empress of the West’s Edict’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2357,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.339Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2169fdc371155c3b141de8f42d89079433cd210b1ff780487ef69f5d48448b02","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-601","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-599",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]