[{"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-99":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},2262404,4415,"Chapter 99: Changfeng Inn","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-99",99,"\u003Cp>“Snap!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Changfeng Inn, a burly man slammed his fist on the table and rose, bowing to all around with fiery passion: “Fellow cultivators, these bandits of Niubeiliang have utterly abandoned the ways of the Jianghu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In my view, we’re plenty numerous—why not join forces and slaughter them to our heart’s content? We might even earn a reward from the imperial court!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn’s main hall teemed with people from all walks of life; every table was packed, even the corners had men squatting, yet no one responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd looked at him as if he were a fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the man’s face flushed crimson. “You’re all big, burly men—how can you be so cowardly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, that’s quite a harsh thing to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman carrying a Fengyang flower drum spoke in a dry, mocking tone: “I’m just a woman, others may be too shy to speak up, but I’m not afraid of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who doesn’t know your Dingyuan Escort Agency took a heavy hit? Your cargo was seized, your men lost—go seek revenge yourself, don’t treat the rest of us as fools!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The bandits have no rules, but neither do you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the truth exposed, those around him no longer held back their sarcasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man turned black with rage: “You’re all a rabble!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words only stirred more laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, now you’re throwing around labels—no wonder you’re from Chang’an!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk tsk, we’re nothing like you—we just scrape by with hard labor. Why rush? Wait it out… why risk your life?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the inn erupted in clamor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a quiet corner to the east, Li Yan, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, shook his head slightly, then turned to the side and smiled: “Master Zhou, you’re also heading to Shangzhou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning that all caravans were blocked at Qili Pu, Li Yan and his group set out at dawn and arrived here, hoping to find a way across the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many Jianghu figures had gathered here—half were common folk, some were skilled, but the crowd was a mix of good and bad, and their hearts were divided; uniting to cross the mountains was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only pleasant surprise was meeting an acquaintance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Chunfeng Troupe of Xianyang shadow puppetry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhou’s complexion had noticeably improved since last time; he gave a bitter smile and shook his head: “Thanks to Li Shaoxia and Master Wang, my family’s downfall ended the debt collectors. We’ve taken on some jobs and built a bit of a reputation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So now, someone’s arranged a big job in Shangzhou—high pay. We thought to earn a fortune before the New Year and set out immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knew we’d run into this misfortune? It’s a clan ancestral hall consecration—if we’re late, what then…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifa whispered beside him: “You’re a seasoned Jianghu man—you arrived earlier. Have you figured out what these people plan to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What can they do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhou chuckled: “In the Jianghu, fewer troubles are better. Most here intend to wait until the bandits finish their business and disperse, then continue on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait a while, you might lose money—but you only have one life…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a man staggered into the inn—it was the cart driver, Old Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face was bruised, his expression frantic as he shouted: “Li Shaoxia, quick! Someone’s trying to steal the coffin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s expression changed instantly; he dashed out of the inn in three strides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The funeral procession, forbidden from stopping inside the inn, had rested under a large tree several hundred meters away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, chaos erupted there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several tall, muscular men were kicking and punching the bearers, while one shoved aside Wang Daoxuan and raised an iron spike, ready to pry open the coffin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You son of a bitch—do you want to die?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan roared, unleashing hidden force beneath his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After days of cultivation, his power had grown, and his hidden force had become increasingly refined—he could now use it repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh! Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kicked off twice in succession; before he’d taken many steps, he leapt into the air like the legendary Eight Steps Chasing Cicadas, arriving at the tree in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who the hell are you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man turned to shout—only to feel a gust of wind strike his face: Li Yan’s palm, delivered with a wind-splitting strike, smashed directly into his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood sprayed; the man didn’t even groan—he collapsed unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A martial artist!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Definitely up to something—grab him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining men scattered, drawing swords and surrounding Li Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who’d been about to open the coffin dropped his iron spike, drew his Guanshan saber with a clang, glanced sideways, and sneered: “Swordman—when did you start escorting covert shipments?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan instantly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the bandits, Lu Kang had drawn attention to himself while hiring the escort agency to disguise themselves and smuggle the hidden cargo back to Shangzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news had clearly spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Men die for wealth, birds die for food—so much treasure had drawn not only bandits, but also sword-for-hire thugs eager for a share.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiding goods inside coffins was a common escort tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These men were swordsmen—they clearly mistook Li Yan for the escort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing the truth, Li Yan had no patience. He coldly said: “Blind fools—this coffin holds one of my elders, not what you’re after!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a crowd spilled out from the inn to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhou shouted angrily: “You fools have no eyes—this is Li Yan of Xianyang, Li Shaoxia! Would he lie to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yan? The one who toppled the Zhou family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard he’s the son of the Sick Tiger…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jianghu rumors spread fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many in the crowd were from Guanzhong—the events in Xianyang had been loud and public; they’d naturally heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man laughed upon hearing this: “Li Hu’s son? The old man pretends to be tough, and the son’s even more arrogant—still got no hair on his balls and he’s already roaming the Jianghu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come here, Uncle’ll teach you how to behave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teach your grandpa!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Li Yan had no more words to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father had carved his name into Guanzhong’s Jianghu—he’d made enemies by the dozen. These swordsmen had surely suffered at his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break his hands and feet!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words left his mouth, someone lunged forward with a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, only the coffin-seeker had entered Hidden Force; the others were mediocre, but their coordination was sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were Guanzhong swift-swordsmen, attacking Li Yan’s upper, middle, and lower body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, blades surrounded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yan’s blade was faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Guanshan saber flashed from its sheath; he sidestepped, advanced, then stepped back, simultaneously lifting, flicking, slashing, and blocking—all while unleashing hidden force with shocking power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clang! Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd saw only a blur of blade-light around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With three sharp cracks, every sword in the attackers’ hands was knocked flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yan’s motion didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the swordsmen could react, a flash of white light filled their vision—then screams erupted as they staggered backward and fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did several severed hands drop to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a ruthless kid!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The onlookers felt their scalps tighten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These swordsmen had spent their lives honing their hands—lose their blades, and they’d never eat from this bowl again. Their fate would be grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was in broad daylight, under countless eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had happened in some remote corner, not one of them would’ve lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man beside the coffin exploded in rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swordsmen lived by the blade, with no tomorrow guaranteed—they never feared dying in battle. If his brother’s hands were severed and he didn’t kill the offender, he’d never survive in the Jianghu again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he’d already sensed Li Yan had just entered Hidden Force—no stronger than himself. Why fear him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man drew his sword instantly, darting left and right like a snake slithering through mud, closing the distance in three steps. He lowered his wrist, raised the blade, and thrust upward diagonally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bagua Rolling Hand Saber!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan instantly recognized the style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bagua Rolling Hand Saber came from the Bagua Sect, blending all saber techniques into one, emphasizing wrist power—the “rolling hand.” In movement, the blade and body became one; steps shifted with the body, the body followed the blade, endlessly changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The term “Bagua hand black” referred to its skill in close-range evasion, striking obliquely while avoiding direct attacks. Its unpredictable variations were deceptive, targeting vital spots: eyes, throat, back of the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bagua Rolling Hand Saber was no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This upward diagonal thrust wasn’t meant to wound—it was meant to force the opponent to parry, opening a gap, then using coiling force to twist the weapon and maneuver like a deceptive strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One move could slit the throat and kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s gaze was cold, yet he still swung his blade to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, the man twisted his wrist, and Li Yan’s Guanshan Dao was seized by an unseen force, pulling it involuntarily forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment, the man spun sharply, shed the force, pressed close, and swept his long blade in a reverse arc toward Li Yan’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man growled low, triumphant in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was just a green boy—lacking experience. No matter how fast the blade, if it missed its mark and left the body wide open, death was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet before the words were out, he felt a sharp pain in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had anticipated it—he yanked the Guanshan Dao back just in time to block the strike, while his left hand flicked out and pressed firmly against the man’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of blade light, blood gushed freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man swallowed hard, looked down at the gushing wound in his chest, his pupils dilating, murmuring: “Sleeve knife…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he collapsed straight down, his breath gone soon after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone’s been killed…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many around began whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Xuan Dynasty’s laws were strict; even among martial artists, disputes rarely ended in public killings—otherwise, it invited endless trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if you killed secretly, the court didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This line—between court, martial world, and common folk—was the boundary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the martial world descended into chaos, people would regard the law as meaningless and follow suit in defiance, yet martial artists could never be completely eradicated, so bottom lines and rules mattered deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei had followed along too, but knowing his skill was mediocre, he merely held his blade at the rear, waiting for a chance to strike from the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan kill in public, his eyes darted, and he shouted loudly: “Good! These mountain bandits have come down and are robbing openly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, his eyes blazed with malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wounded swordsmen, still lying on the ground, had no time to beg before their throats were slit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clever! Ruthless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The onlookers silently praised him in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t fools—they saw Sha Li Fei’s intent clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At such a moment, ambush and robbery—what else could they be but bandits?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since all the victims were dead, no one could testify, and the authorities wouldn’t bother over a few despicable souls who’d desecrated coffins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan glanced at them, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In blade combat, violence is fiercer than fists; life and death hang by a thread—who dares hold back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for right and wrong, only the living get to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wiped the blood from his blade, sheathed it, ignored the corpses littering the ground, and walked straight toward Wang Daoxuan and the others to check their wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, all were superficial injuries, no serious harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan chuckled bitterly: “Looks like even this Daoist needs to find some protective methods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though kind-hearted, he knew the martial world was perilous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had someone taken him hostage just now, Li Yan and the others would have been at a disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you Li Shaoxia of Xianyang City?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yan examined the injured, a middle-aged man stepped forward from the crowd—his features square and dignified, thick brows and large eyes, dressed like a down-on-his-luck performer, with a sanxian slung on his back, yet his eyes gleamed with hidden power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed with a smile: “I come from Chang’an. Zhang Shidi has spoken of you often.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan immediately understood. “Let’s speak aside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they reached a quiet, secluded spot, Li Yan asked: “You’re from Chang’an’s Divine Fist Society—did you take a covert escort job?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t fool a young master’s eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged man sighed: “I’m Wu Mao, a guard of Chang’an’s Liuhe Escort Bureau. I call Old Man Zhang my uncle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned. “Why involve yourselves in Lu Kang’s escort?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial schools and escort bureaus were one and the same—revenue from teaching barely covered expenses; for instance, the Zhang family’s martial school also ran a clinic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Escort rules demand we don’t refuse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Mao sighed helplessly: “Our bureau sent only me this time—just to pay lip service, to avoid gossip. Never expected trouble like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan didn’t mince words: “What’s your plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Mao glanced around, lowered his voice: “Several other bureaus hold the main cargo—they must settle this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A hundred li past Yingpan Station lies a Thousand-Man Garrison. The court stationed a thousand troops there—after all, the former Left Assistant Governor can’t be left to die at bandits’ hands; it would shame the court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those bureaus have sent experts to scale the cliffs, bypass Niubeiliang, and seek aid from the garrison. By now, they’ve likely sent word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan narrowed his eyes: “What if the garrison refuses to send troops?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Mao instantly understood, shrugging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we wait. Matters of the powerful—we dare not interfere…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the garrison camp, the Tiger Banner flapped fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two men waited a hundred paces from the camp, watching the soldiers’ watchful eyes, not daring to take a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a soldier rode out from the camp, eyeing them coldly, and said gravely: “The Battalion Commander says: Lord Lu’s plight cannot be ignored—but unauthorized troop deployment is a grave matter. We’re sending a swift rider to Shangzhou for orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man bowed respectfully: “How long will it take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier replied indifferently: “Who knows? Maybe today, maybe three or two days from now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man grew anxious, but before he could speak, his companion held him back, turning to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once away from the camp, he sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send the message. Talking more won’t help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, I don’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps… we’ve all been used as pawns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a pigeon took flight, heading toward Zhongnan Station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the martial world, pigeon messages may not match the court’s falcons, but they’re swift—soon, it arrived at Zhongnan Station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white pigeon flapped its wings and landed before the window of the rear courtyard’s side room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A withered hand caught the pigeon—it was Lu Kang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He removed the bamboo tube from its leg, unrolled the note, read it, and fell silent. His eyes first showed resentment and helplessness, then settled into resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long moments passed. A sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, what’s the news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the room stood a finely dressed old woman—Lu Kang’s wife. Seeing his expression, she grew uneasy and asked quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kang shook his head: “They say the Li family is benevolent, but I know the nature of these powerful clans—a small trick has already revealed their intent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Li family still harbors hatred. If this isn’t resolved, my Lu family will never know peace!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2584,"2026-06-19T18:28:32.159Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1189f9a87641126e371f1873693d9555c825541a9dabb064a4e65466c3956535","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-100","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-98",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]