[{"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-693":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},2262998,4415,"Chapter 693: Nightfall Killing Intent","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-693",693,"\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s back muscles tensed suddenly, like a drawn bowstring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the sign of Dragon Spine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d roamed the Jinmen roads for years—no one had ever spoken to him like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A surge of fury rose in Zhang Tiankui’s chest; his peripheral vision swept over the men blocking his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though all three had newly issued flintlock pistols at their waists, at just seven paces, his skill was more than enough to snap their necks before the guns fired, then use their corpses to shield against the overhead firearms and break through the encirclement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the faint, chilling aura from deep within the cargo hold brushed against his nape like a serpent’s tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui swallowed hard, forcibly suppressing his killing intent, raised an eyebrow, and smiled: “Brother Wang She, you truly think ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deliberately smacked his lips, dragging out his words: “These past days running all over, my guts are almost twisted into rope—Liu’s braised large intestines need garlic sauce, Qingyuan Zhai’s roasted meat must be paired with cilantro, Yuan Sheng’s distilled liquor—hey, it’s got to be last year’s aged reserve.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Authentic!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gold-toothed man released his grip on the pistol’s grip and gave a thumbs-up: “Master Zhang knows his stuff. Sit tight, I’ll get it right away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the subordinates withdrew, Zhang Tiankui’s eyes flashed cold light the instant he turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped over and lay on the broken bed, staring at the spiderweb hanging from the seam of the cargo crates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On it, a green-headed fly was slowly being wrapped in silk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed Wang She also meant him harm, intending to trap him here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t even found the shadowy mastermind behind Jinmen, let alone approached the Commandant’s office—he’d already become a fish in a jar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, the gold-toothed man entered carrying a lacquered food box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The box was old and filthy, still smeared with fresh grease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced a wrinkled smile: “Master Zhang, my apologies—we’re swamped right now, no one to spare. We’ve got no braised intestines from Liu’s, no roasted meat from Qingyuan Zhai. Just hot mutton broth with rice—please, make do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s gaze grew speculative, then he grabbed his chopsticks and suddenly laughed: “Fine! Street food nourishes best!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shoveled the greasy broth-soaked rice, fat dripping from his beard, gulping it down with spicy distilled liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he couldn’t escape for now, he’d wait and watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him submit, the gold-toothed man’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhou Ge, how’d it go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the corner, a guard asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jinmen wrestling king?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gold-toothed man sneered through his teeth: “Even a starving dog for three days has more backbone than him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his voice, the tattoo on his neck twisting as his muscles tightened: “But the Boss specifically ordered not to push too hard yet—tomorrow, a top expert arrives to oversee things. Once we cut his tendons, he won’t be able to run even if he wants to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Zhang Tiankui pressed his ear against the damp wooden crate, breathing so lightly he barely moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the voices from the next room were hushed, every word slipped cleanly into his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s the kid?” The gold-toothed man’s voice was tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—he’s still breathing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another man replied gruffly: “Good thing we struck first—if this brat had gone to the Xuan Priest and spilled the beans, Li Yan’s demon would’ve come knocking. No one would’ve survived—he leaves nothing but scorched earth behind…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui froze mid-chew; his throat bobbed as the fishy stench of the mutton broth suddenly turned acrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly propped himself up, clawing at the wood to climb higher, peering through the crate’s gaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the nearby interrogation room, torches crackled; a young man, bound in chains, lay like a rag in a pool of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stench of seared flesh mixed with blood flooded the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The executioner, swinging his bloody whip, complained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three lashes and he passes out, splash water and he feigns death—this bastard’s mouth won’t open!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made a slashing gesture at his throat: “Maybe we should just—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shut your fucking mouth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gold-toothed man kicked over a bucket beside him: “The Boss wants that old bastard Wu! Kill this brat, and the trail’s gone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui lay back silently among the straw, eyelashes trembling as he closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evening light seeping through the ceiling faded inch by inch; faintly, he heard: “Master Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly rolled over, letting out loud snores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang She was back!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Iron Anchor Society’s Incense Master had half his face swollen like risen steamed bread, dried blood crusted at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gold-toothed man barely stepped forward before Wang She’s glare forced him back into the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang She walked to the cargo hold’s depths, straightened his collar, forced a sly smile, then pushed the door open:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Immortal, forgive me—Officer Zhao agreed to meet tonight at Zi Shi in Shao Garden, but—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slammed his knees to the ground: “Please, come to Xicheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui, seated cross-legged in meditation, slowly opened his eyes; crimson bloodlines writhed wildly within his pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What trick is Zhao Qingxu playing at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the East City’s emblem was the canal transport and the Imperial Academy,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then the West City was entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the capital’s folk said, it was a place where you drank soy milk beside execution grounds, listened to ghost wails under White Pagoda, and dug gold nuggets from coal ash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fucheng Gate, exclusively for coal carts from the west, was nicknamed “Coal Gate.” Every dawn, the clatter of bells echoed as the gate filled with coal camels from the Western Hills, their bells and animal stench choking the air…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xizhi Gate led to the western suburbs, home to imperial gardens and scholar-official estates…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “West Market” at Xisi Pailou was where officials and major criminals were executed, known as “Punishing Criminals in the Market.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beheadings happened beneath the western pavilion; lingchi beneath the eastern one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you lost your head, don’t rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baota Temple and Guangji Temple were nearby—perfect for guiding a soul to the afterlife…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At night, the West City had shed its daytime clamor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight poured like water over the grid-like alleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xizhi Gate and Fucheng Gate were tightly shut; only the torches on the city wall flickered, illuminating the stern faces of night sentries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The streets were empty; only the night watchman’s wooden clappers echoed through the lanes, his hoarse voice drifting in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dry weather, watch your fire—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xisi Pailou, bustling by day, now felt chillingly cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several head-pikes stood silent, as if still smelling of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the court’s stage for displaying authority—and a cursed place the underworld avoided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the capital’s eerie tales were tied to this spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang She pulled his cloak tighter, moving swiftly along the road outside Xizhi Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night wind skimmed the river’s surface, stirring faint ripples; under moonlight, his shadow stretched long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, the slender Kong Hui seemed to melt into the darkness, his footsteps vanished entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you looking at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui’s voice was cold, sending a chill down Wang She’s spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For safety, checking if anyone’s following.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang She forced a nervous smile, though his heart pounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui left no trace of wind—had it not been for his moonlit shadow, Wang She might’ve thought a ghost trailed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing this, the feeling made his skin crawl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two hurried along toward Gaoliang Bridge, night wind stirring the river’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Haidian, named for its nearby shallow lakes and marshes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With many rivers and lakes, it was also the domain of imperial gardens and countless estates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Immortal, ahead is Shao Garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang She whispered: “Originally built by the Mi family, but after their fall, it was abandoned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering, they found only broken walls and ruins, pitch black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once winding garden paths were now choked with weeds, wild foxes darting through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rockeries were smothered in vines, insects chirping ceaselessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only one waterside pavilion faintly glowed with candlelight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Immortal, it’s just ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang She bowed deeply, refusing to approach further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui said nothing, striding forward. He formed a hand seal; crimson bloodlines slithered in his pupils, and in an instant, he stood before the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was probing for magical traps—he clearly distrusted Zhao Qingxu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the pavilion, gauzy curtains swayed in the night breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the low table inside lay wine and dishes; the tea-pourer was a white-clad wooden puppet, wreathed in black smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wandering spirit?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhao, do you think me easy to deceive?” Kong Hui’s killing intent flared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since entering the capital, Zhao Qingxu had avoided him entirely—now he sent a puppet, refusing even to show his true form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet slowly lifted its head, voice rasping: “Brother Kong, forgive me—I’ve just undergone a secret ritual, changed my vessel, and cannot appear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui sneered, narrowing his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he joined the Jianmu Organization, many times it was Zhao Changsheng who facilitated connections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people of Jianmu are scattered across Shenzhou, each pursuing their own plans, rarely seeing one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter what, no one in Jianmu should be underestimated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, he himself was once one of the Ten Great Masters of the Northern Song era, hiding during the Great Xing crackdown on the Ghost Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Zhao Qingxu oversees the capital’s situation and holds a position above him—he must be no ordinary figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, he suppressed his rage and said grimly, “Zhao Changsheng sent word for me to assist you in retrieving the artifact from Qiankun Academy. Now that the ‘Peach Banquet’ is destroyed, the losses are substantial—what exactly is this thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet let out a creaking laugh: “The Mo Men’s mechanical devices run on coal, turning a hundred times more efficiently than human labor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui frowned slightly. “You abandoned both the ‘Jizhou Cauldron’ and the ‘Peach Banquet’ for a mere mechanical device?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet suddenly grinned slyly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if that device… has already been consecrated as a god?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Kong Hui’s pupils shrank sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the common deities in temples and shrines are crafted by Daoist artisans, complete with all the consecration rituals and abundant incense offerings, cultivating a common deity still takes decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can an inanimate object become divine?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a flash of insight, he suddenly realized—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s an object of qi tied to human civilizational transformation?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night wind surged violently, the pavilion’s curtains flailing wildly, while distant wild foxes howled shrilly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Rouyuan Inn, lanterns burned brightly; no one had slept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan and Long Yan were playing chess beneath the Bodhi tree, lamps lit…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu San teased the white fox, lightly tapping its ears, making the little creature whimper softly…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Ba squatted in a horse stance, bearing a tiger-crouching cannon, his iron-tower frame unmoving as sweat rolled down his knotted muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qu’s vengeance remained unfulfilled; he still seethed inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei continuously revised the firearm schematics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the manual gifted by the Meishan Fa Jiao, he had deduced a concept to refine firearms into magical artifacts; along this journey, the design had gradually taken shape, awaiting only entry into Qiankun Academy to complete it with several masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Yan slowly traced the edge of Duchen Dao with his fingertip, his gaze fixed steadily on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Li, don’t rush.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei looked up and urged, “The court has already learned of this—they will act.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope so…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan shook his head slightly, a sense of unease growing within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What they spoke of was the “Nine Gates Yin Xu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place tainted by demonic qi, where the “Night Walker” and “Peaches” were made, and even Zhao Qingxu himself, likely hid there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had witnessed the methods of those in Jianmu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who could evade the Yin Si and Heavenly Court’s investigations, who could hide within the flow of history—they were all formidable ancient monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenhai was dead; the “Nine Gates Yin Xu” was the only lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they escaped, finding them again would be like searching for a needle in a sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, hurried footsteps approached—Luo Mingzi rushed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan stepped forward quickly. “What’s the situation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi looked helpless and shook his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei gasped, leaping to his feet. “The demons are hiding right under our noses—and the court just watches?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi sighed. “Even His Majesty cannot intervene. The Ancestral Court’s temple priests have placed a taboo forbidding anyone from approaching. Violators are executed. They’ll find a way to investigate—they won’t allow us to interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed again. “Magistrate Pei asked me to tell you: this city of forty-nine gates has a nail every three steps, a mortise every five—every rule is welded in place. Often, we’re powerless. Too many eyes are watching.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan fell silent, his knuckles lightly tapping the scabbard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they refused, he no longer had any hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine—he’d sneak in and investigate himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi immediately guessed his intent and urgently warned: “Don’t do anything reckless. To enter the ‘Nine Gates Yin Xu,’ you can only do so as a wandering spirit. At night, the City God patrols, and every corner of the imperial palace is guarded by common deities—it’s impossible. Too dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Li Yan’s ears twitched; he rose abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone’s fighting out on the street!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, he leapt out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed off the ground, leaping three or four steps into the air, landing atop the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others grabbed their weapons and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this side of the inn was guarded by soldiers and relatively safe, it didn’t mean danger was absent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked up and saw flashes of blade-light in a distant alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burly man, carrying a wounded companion, fought his way backward against dozens of swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crossbow bolts pierced the air; iron chains whipped through the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the man’s fists and kicks were brutal, each strike cracking bones, he was vastly outnumbered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An arrow pierced his calf; the man collapsed to his knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But by then he had burst out of the alley; under the moonlight, his grotesque features were clearly visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Tiankui?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei stared in shock. “How did this bastard end up in the capital?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Save him first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words were out, Li Yan’s figure vanished with a flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui was drenched in blood, his strength fading; as several blades descended, despair filled his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding ding ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a series of sounds rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan arrived from behind, his Duchen Dao raised horizontally, slicing every weapon in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his face, Zhang Tiankui cried out, “Don’t let them go—they’re with Master Yu Wenhai!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Yan’s eyes flared with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh shhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two Soul-Severing Flying Knives shot out, darting up and down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blade-light danced like silver snakes; screams echoed through the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, all pursuers had their Achilles tendons severed, writhing and howling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was about to question him when suddenly a chill ran down his spine—he looked up sharply toward the rooftop of a distant inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the moonlight, a slender figure descended from the air, gently fanning an iron fan, his eyes glinting with faint blood-red light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Hui!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan immediately recognized the man’s identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2565,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fdbe1d252d7346e5fe089e95d73382b5f576a90a025d3f2622667218dfea6fcd","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-694","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-692",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]