Chapter 34: CH 34

Translator: transcendentwings

Editor: teaff 

After Xu Xingzhi drew Qu Chi’s name, he lifted his head and stared unwaveringly at the Yingtianchuan disciple.

Under Xu Xingzhi’s scrutiny with a smile that perhaps wasn’t really a smile on his face, that child instantly hesitated: “Xu-shixiong, this isn’t my fault. . . I don’t know. . .”

Xu Xingzhi patted his shoulder cheerfully: “I never accused you. I was just thinking, if I can take down Qu Chi in one go this time, then it would be quite thrilling. Don’t you agree?”

The disciple observed Xu Xingzhi’s confident back as he walked away, his face covered in admiration. 

Yet, before the match in the afternoon began, when Qu Chi was still getting ready below the arena, he heard Xu Xingzhi’s voice call out to him from above: “Qu Chi, Qu Chi. . . . Qu-gege?”

Qu Chi was indeed the oldest among the four of them, but hearing Xu Xingzhi call him that, he couldn’t help but laugh.

He looked up and asked: “What is it?”

Xu Xingzhi draped himself over the red silk strung along the edges of the ring and requested brazenly: “Give me a handicap of three moves.”

Zhou Beinan, who was offering combat suggestions to Qu Chi on the side, rolled his eyes: “Why don’t you just ask Qu Chi to give you a handicap of thirty moves ne.”

Xu Xingzhi: “Even better.”

Zhou Beinan: “. . .”

Qu Chi good naturedly responded: “Don’t bicker, it’s only three moves, just a slight handicap, it’s no matter.” 

Xu Xingzhi grinned at Zhou Beinan: “Look at that, take a lesson from Qu-shixiong’s bearing. One day, when we compete and you are willing to give me a handicap of three moves, I’ll also call you Zhou-shixiong once.”

“Give your head.” Zhou Beinan spurned, “I’m older than you so you naturally should address me as older brother.”

After that, he tried to persuade Qu Chi: “Qu Chi, don’t give in to him so much, or he’ll climb all over you.”

Qu Chi replied virtuously: “He is the youngest amongst us four, giving a three move handicap does no harm.” 

Wen Xuechen calmly proposed a strategy from the side: “. . . On the fourth, conjure a centipede to throw at his face and you’ll win.”

After he finished, Wen Xuechen lifted his hand without looking and as expected, he caught the folded fan that Xu Xingzhi had hurtled downwards to smack his face.

Xu Xingzhi leaned over above and complained: “Wen-baimao, don’t try to screw me over ah.”

Wen Xuechen captured Xu Xingzhi’s fan in his palm and played around with it: “You should thank me for not participating in the Heavenly Rankings competition.” 

“. . . Then I should really show you my gratitude for your mercy.” Xu Xingzhi reached out to him forcefully, “Return my fan to me.”

Wen Xuechen tossed his fan back up.

Before the match started, Zhou Beinan cheered for Qu Chi: “Beat him up, don’t let him go crazy.”

Wen Xuechen’s attitude was more concise than Zhou Beinan: “Beat him.” 

Qu Chi set his whisk aside, retrieved his commonly used sword and ascended the stage only to be met with Xu Xingzhi waiting for him in the arena holding the Yuchang sword and not his folded fan in his hand.

Qu Chi smiled: “You’re not using the folded fan this time?”

“You’re not the same as Fatty Zhou.” Xu Xingzhi responded with a grin, “. . . Seized my number one spot on the rankings twice, no matter what I’d have to be a little more cautious ba.”

Below them, Zhou Beinan’s veins twitched uncontrollably: “. . . Can I launch some hidden weapons to turn his head into a pin cushion a little later?” 

Wen Xuechen didn’t answer. He looked up at the arena and placed his fingers against his lips, unexpectedly revealing a hint of anticipation in his expression.

When the gongs and drums signaled the start of the fight, Xu Xingzhi seized the initiative and decisively swung his sword, while Qu Chi kept his promise and gave him a three-move handicap. He only dodged, but didn’t parry, he didn’t even draw his blade and actually gave up three strikes.

Qu Chi’s shizun, Danyang Peak’s Mingzhao-jun frowned slightly when he saw Qu Chi taking things so lightly. Yet, after three strokes, Qu Chi drew his sword with his left hand and when he swung the sword’s edge into a clean and crisp sweep like flowing water, the sword’s aura flared up like wildly dancing wind and thunder. Xu Xingzhi saw that the situation didn’t look good, so he forcibly retracted the blade he swung out and reversed the attack into a defensive block. However, Qu Chi’s sword was domineering as soon as it was unsheathed, causing several scratches to be added to Xu Xingzhi’s robes.

Forcing Xu Xingzhi to retreat, Qu Chi took advantage of the current battle situation to toss his sword out, forming an array with both hands, he then pushed it outward horizontally. 

The red clouds in the sky were embroiled into pandemonium and the afterimage of seven swords gradually set off huge gusts of wind, wrapping Xu Xingzhi’s figure within. Qu Chi also threw himself into the formation and his silhouette along with Xu Xingzhi’s disappeared together.

For a time, everyone present only heard the sound of clashing metal and the sword aura gliding out of the shadows ceaselessly.

When Xu Xingzhi initially disappeared, Meng Chongguang had already seen the bloody cuts on his body. He was so nervous that his cheeks were pale and he wanted to rush forward: “. . . Shixiong!”

He was dragged back by Jiu Zhideng. 

The latter shook his head at him, but his eyes that were fixed on the arena were equally worried.

Qu Chi had the most outstanding swordsmanship among those belonging to the four sects, even his spiritual techniques stood out a cut above and his blade itself was also of the highest grade. For Xu Xingzhi to engage in combat using swords was too advantageous to Qu Chi.

What’s more, Qu Chi had seven top class swords while Xu Xingzhi only had one ordinary Yuchang blade.

Xu Xingzhi’s “Xianbi”, utilized as a melee weapon in battle, was actually at a considerable disadvantage. 

It seemed to be able to change into anything in the world, but in fact, “Xianbi” was forged by Xu Xingzhi using all sorts of weapons he collected and the nature of the various objects mustn’t conflict.

For example, if Xu Xingzhi obtained a precious immortal spiritual wooden sword and a high-grade metal spear, then if the two were fused together, “Xianbi” would be scrapped due to the property that metal overcomes wood.

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Jiu Zhideng believed that if Xu Xingzhi wanted to triumph in this battle, he must force “Xianbi” to the limit and make numerous metamorphoses in order to obtain a possibility of winning.

It could be said that everyone was in agreement on this, even Qu Chi, who was fighting against Xu Xingzhi, thought so as well.

. . . Keng.

Not long after, the crisp sound of a blade snapping abruptly rang out amidst the red smoke and flying dust, resounding over the atmosphere above the arena. 

Wen Xuechen declared assuredly: “. . . Xu Xingzhi lost.”

Zhou Beinan had already begun to gloat over his misfortune: “Who told him to be so smug.”

On the high platform, Qingjing-jun leaned forward and gazed anxiously into the ball of smoke, the wooden bead in his hand cracked and he didn’t even realize. His concentrated demeanor made Guangfu-jun involuntarily cough softly in reminder: “. . . Shixiong, don’t make such an obvious display.”

Qingjing-jun waved his hand: “Don’t talk.” 

Keng.

The second sound of a blade breaking came forth as flares rode the billowing smoke, like the rosy dawn. Snow-white and light blue blades interlaced with each other like meteors. They collided together, making the hearts of the people closer to the arena tremble in response.

The expression on Wen Xuechen’s face turned slightly serious: “. . . Wait, something isn’t right.”

The third and fourth sounds of shattering blades sounded continuously. After two explosions, half of the arena suddenly collapsed causing the referee, who was in charge of overseeing order and was standing off to the side, to be caught unawares by this unforeseen event and retreat in embarrassment as he dodged the falling pieces. 

The sword combat array was lifted up and gathered in mid-air. Xu Xingzhi and Qu Chi continued to fight against each other in it, making it difficult for even the high ranking lords to distinguish the current progress of the battle.

The fifth sound of a breaking sword was accompanied by a terrifying wave of pure spiritual power, causing many disciples with lower cultivation to cover their ears and cry out involuntarily. Wen Xuechen raised his hand to protect his fragile heart meridian and coughed twice softly, his face faintly blue.

When Zhou Beinan looked towards the location where the two were fighting, his gaze changing completely.

The sixth fragmenting sound was extremely light, but was swallowed up by the air currents enveloping the two. Red and blue sparks flared, and the tip of the sword drew layers of vortexes and splendid arcs in midair, drawing everyone’s eyes in, creating a dizzying effect. 

When the seventh sound of a splintering sword arrived, Zhou Beinan was in complete shock: “. . . He broke all seven of Qu Chi’s swords?”

Wen Xuechen rubbed his chest and frowned: “No, his own sword also broke.”

Zhou Beinan: “. . . When?”

Wen Xuechen: “When Qu Chi’s seventh blade snapped.” 

The formation of the seven swords was completely scattered and fragments of the blades fell like the rain and snow. Xu Xingzhi waved away the fog and dust and charged out of the formation.

His body was stained with blood and his clothes were torn. Exactly as Wen Xuechen stated, the Yuchang blade in his right hand was severed in half, but his left hand clenched the other half of the blade. His figure circled in the air and dashed straight towards Qu Chi, who had lost all seven of his blades.

After Qu Chi steadied his steps, gripping a crippled blade that was cleaved in the middle, he headed directly towards the other.

The moment the two passed each other, Xu Xingzhi’s right arm sleeve was split open with a chi, while a shallow laceration was made on the side of Qu Chi’s neck. 

The gongs and drums were struck, signaling the end of the match.

—The competition stipulates that whoever can be the last one remaining on the stage or whoever can leave a fatal mark on the opponent first, will be considered the winner.

After defeating Qu Chi, Xu Xingzhi’s place at the top of the rankings was pretty much guaranteed, it was impossible for anyone else to shake his position.

Qingjing-jung reacted faster than anyone present and shot to his feet, exclaiming: “Great!” 

Guangfu-jun tugged on Qingjing-jun’s arm with a dark face, but Qingjing-jun remained unmoved, his pair of lazily drooping eyes filled with genuine joy. He pointed at Xu Xingzhi on the platform and proclaimed proudly to others: “Look, look at that, he is my apprentice.”

Guangfu-jun: “. . .”

Xu Xingzhi staggered two steps then stabilized himself. He cast a glance backwards and saw Qu Chi approach him with a broad smile: “Congratulations.”

A very confident and bright smile spread across Xu Xingzhi’s face, returning the busted Yuchang sword back to the shape of a folded fan, he snapped it open in front of Qu Chi with a pa. 

On the fan’s surface, eight words were written in ancient spiritual gold sand, “Under the heavens, if I can’t, who can?”, signed “Number one on the Heavenly Rankings, Fengling Xu Xingzhi”.

Wen Xuechen down below: “. . .”

Zhou Beinan: “. . . D*mn, he is truly shameless.”

After becoming stupefied for a moment, even Qu Chi couldn’t straighten himself after bending over in laughter: “You wrote that on it long ago? You were that determined to win?” 

Xu Xingzhi laughed and answered: “If I lost to you, then I wouldn’t be able to fan myself with this fan for the next five years.”

After that, the two tacitly fist bumped, then clasped each other’s hand and collided shoulders.

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Immediately after Xu Xingzhi let go of Qu Chi’s hand, he saw Meng Chongguang come up from around the shattered arena, reaching him in a few steps. He hugged Xu Xingzhi tightly: “Shixiong, I was so worried about you. . .”

Xu Xingzhi was startled and couldn’t help chuckling as he patted the other’s back: “Okay, okay, Shixiong is alright isn’t he? Come down quickly.” 

Meng Chongguang acted shamelessly: “I won’t come down.”

Xu Xingzhi was helpless, so he simply picked up and hoisted the coquettish child over his shoulder, turned to direct an apologetic smile at Qu Chi. Then facing the high platform where all of the lords and elders were sitting, he lightly shook the hexagonal bell that hung on his right wrist at Qingjing-jun.

This bell was given to him by Qingjing-jun in the past.

When personally tying it around his wrist, Qingjing-jun once wished, I hope you will become someone better than me. 

. . . Although he didn’t understand why Qingjing-jun had such simple expectations for him, since it was entrusted to him by Shifu, he would definitely fulfill it.

Hearing the crisp tinkling of the bell, Qingjing-jun nodded briefly and the corners of his mouth were drawn into a small satisfied smile.

Xu Xingzhi returned a cheeky grin and alighted from the stage while carrying Meng Chongguang over his shoulder.

The lines between Guangfu-jun’s brows furrowed more deeply: “Shixiong, he is too arrogant and ostentatious, his actions are also. . .” 

Qingjing-jun picked up his wine glass and replied after drinking with a joyful expression on his face: “Isn’t this fine? I prefer for him to act this way.”

Guangfu-jun: “. . .”

A fervent discussion abruptly arose when the others saw Xu Xingzhi carry Meng Chongguang down.

“. . . Who is this?” 

“Don’t you recognize him? The beautiful wastrel from Fengling Mountain. The one who hasn’t made any progress ever since he condensed his core no matter what heavenly materials or earthly treasures were used. But Xu-shixiong is fond of spoiling him.”

“That’s him ya? Why do I think that he and Xu-shixiong. . .”

“Sh, sh. Gossip less about Xu-shixiong’s affairs. . . . However, if Xu-shixiong is truly with that good-for-nothing, who knows how many female disciples will be heartbroken.”

On the side, Jiu Zhideng stared at them for a long time and couldn’t bear the sound of such speculations so he promptly turned around and left with his sword at hand. 

Soon, in the evening, the topic of Meng Chongguang being carried off by Xu Xingzhi was replaced by an even more impactful event.

—Chen Ding of Yingtianchuan, the most highly anticipated rookie before the competition started, was thrown off the stage by Jiu Zhideng of Fengling Mountain after a dozen strokes during the afternoon match. In addition, he broke two ribs, making it absolutely impossible for him to participate in the following matches.

Maybe it was because he was close with Xu Xingzhi, so his luck was similar, but Jiu Zhideng’s next round was against Zhou Xian.

Xu Xingzhi sparred with Jiu Zhideng every day. He was aware that Jiu Zhideng had been fighting with great enthusiasm recently and was currently in good condition, so he harbored great hope and found a hidden place on the sidelines very early on to watch. 

Zhou Xian had never fought with Jiu Zhideng before, but she would not take anyone who defeated Cheng Ding smoothly, lightly.

She was unequivocally patient, yet Jiu Zhideng was even more patient than she was. His every move was meticulous, delicate like flowing water and was increasingly bold the more he fought. The force of his blade was like the falling rain, blatantly covering every inch of skin without question.

Zhou Xian was beaten back by his ferocious, quick assault and was only able to focus on defense, making the muscles and meridians on her wrist numb as a result. Just when the short spear in her hand could be knocked away with one blow, an opening was suddenly exposed on Jiu Zhideng’s flank.

Zhou Xian was fastidious and this miniscule flaw became her opportunity for a comeback. She successfully seized this loophole and her one strike hit home, forcing Jiu Zhideng off the stage. 

Seeing this turn of events, Xu Xingzhi became gloomy and quickly arrived by Jiu Zhideng below the arena.

When Jiu Zhideng climbed to his feet, he just so happened to meet the scrutiny in Xu Xingzhi’s gaze.

Jiu Zhideng didn’t expect that Xu Xingzhi would come watch his match and instantly became nervous when he noticed the other’s expression: “. . . Shixiong, I’m sorry.”

“You should know who you should truly apologize to.” Xu Xingzhi asserted straightforwardly, “Why did you reveal a flaw in the end?” 

Jiu Zhideng lowered his head: “I was careless.”

Xu Xingzhi knocked him on the head with the second knuckle on his index finger.

In the past, Xu Xingzhi often rapped Jiu Zhideng on the head. Although it was quite rough, it never hurt. However, this time, Jiu Zhideng was struck so hard that his skull tingled and it hurt so much that his face blanched: “. . . You were careless? You and I have exchanged blows on so many instances. Did you think that I wouldn’t be able to tell when you deliberately bore an opening to Xiao-Xian’er?”

Jiu Zhideng raised his head in a panic: “Shixiong, I. . .” 

Xu Xingzhi showed up, full of expectations, who would have expected that he’d witness Jiu Zhideng throw the match and become defeated instead. How would he be willing to listen to Jiu Zhideng’s explanations now? He just felt so incensed that he stormed off in a huff.

Xu Xingzhi was feeling depressed and wandered around while fanning himself, strolling aimlessly until he arrived at a gulf of white sand.

It was now the end of autumn when the cold winds were biting, but there were still many rambunctious young disciples who dived into the water to fool around. The middle and lower level disciples all gathered here. The higher level disciples went swimming while the lower level disciples remained ashore to guard their garments.

Seeing Xu Xingzhi, several disciples by the shore shot to their feet to greet him, while a few Fengling Mountain disciples in the water who were more familiar with him, invited him warmly: “Xu-shixiong, come and swim together ah.” 

Xu Xingzhi wrapped his robes more tightly around him and refused with a smile: “No need.”

One of the disciples muttered: “Shixiong used to love taking a dive with us, how come you’ve stopped doing so these past few years?”

Xu Xingzhi picked up a rock and tossed it over: “Only you are this loquacious.”

He deliberately threw it off target. The disciples below understood his character and knew that he wasn’t genuinely angry so they just dispersed, all laughter and smiles and went off to amuse themselves however they pleased. 

Xu Xingzhi looked around and found that among those waiting by the shore, Ye Buyi, who led him to the discipline hall that day, was also included, so he raised his hand in greeting.

Ye Buyi was so flattered that both his cheeks flushed red: “Xu-shixiong, you still remember me?”

Xu Xingzhi was tickled: “I may be older than you, but not to the extent that I’d have presbyopia of the elderly ba.”

Ye Buyi blushed and a few other lower level Yingtianchuan disciples near him also mustered their courage to approach and probed tentatively: “. . . Xu-shixiong, is that Jiu Zhideng really someone you’ve guided and raised?” 

Xu Xingzhi hesitated and countered: “What about him?”

The disciple who raised the question was indignant: “He isn’t of the righteous path, so how can he be ranked in the Heavenly Rankings?”

Another Yingtianchuan disciple echoed: “His onslaught had no sense of propriety. Didn’t he injure Cheng Ding just for the sake of revenge? Someone who isn’t from the righteous path, really is. . .”

“Cheng Ding was too aggressive and suffered the consequences.” Xu Xingzhi interrupted him before he could utter even uglier words, “If you had watched that battle, you’d be well aware. Jiu Zhideng didn’t plan on hurting Cheng Ding with that final strike, it was Cheng Ding who failed when he forced his own attack, causing him to be as injured as he was. Besides, who taught you that people who are not of the righteous path must be wicked?” 

The lower level disciples of the various sects exchanged glances in dismay.

The young, shy disciple, Ye Buyi, summoned his courage and concurred: “I also think so. . . Those who don’t belong to the righteous path aren’t necessarily evil ya.”

Xu Xingzhi cleared his throat and said flatly: “If you want my thoughts, the demonic path, the ghostly path, and the immortal path are all one and the same. None are better than the other and none are inferior to the other. . . . The demonic and ghostly paths are often regarded as intermediate cultivation, so naturally they advance faster. However, because it’s too easy to advance, it makes it easier to lose their original heart; The immortal path cultivates one’s mind as well as oneself, although it is slower, it’s difficult to go astray, making it the easiest way to live with a clear conscience.”

“As such, as long as you don’t cultivate with ill intentions and just focus on discipling yourself, then the differences among the three paths would only exist in prejudice. Do you understand?” 

All of the disciples, Ye Buyi included, vaguely understood.

Xu Xingzhi patted Ye Buyi on the head, then turned to leave the bay. After he reached an isolated place, he raised his voice: “. . . Do you understand?”

Jiu Zhideng instantly appeared from behind a tree, his eyes lowered: “Shixiong, I. . .”

Xu Xingzhi had his back to Jiu Zhideng when he sighed: “Did you think that if you had won against Zhou Xian, others would gossip about your identity. Why should you pay any heed to these? A win is a win, a loss is just a loss. To face forward while minding the past, is there any point?” 

“. . . No.” Jiu Zhideng bore his scolding until his cheeks paled, “It’s not like that.”

Xu Xingzhi turned around and interrogated sternly: “Then why did you feign defeat? Don’t you know that if you were able to achieve victory, it would make me happier than when I won first place on the Heavenly Rankings?”

Jiu Zhideng pursed his lips into a thin line and asked softly after a long time: “Shixiong bet spirit stones that I would achieve fourth place on the rankings, isn’t that right?”

Xu Xingzhi stiffened and his gaze gradually became flooded with incredulity. 

Jiu Zhideng didn’t dare to look at Xu Xingzhi and whispered quietly: “. . . Because I only wanted to be fourth. . . . I didn’t want to let Shixiong lose, I. . .”

Before he could finish, Jiu Zhideng was suddenly hauled into a cold embrace and a hand with well-defined joints sank rudely into his short hair, rubbing it into a mess.

“. . . You fool.” Xu Xingzhi murmured, “If I were aware of your thoughts, I would’ve wagered that you’d rank first.”

Jiu Zhideng was hugged until he lost all his strength for a moment before he lifted his arms that were rigidly dangling behind Xu Xingzhi’s back and tightened them, encasing Xu Xingzhi firmly in his arms. He stuck close to his ear and mumbled: “I only need to watch Shixiong and that’ll be enough. . .” 

. . . He just needed to be able to see Shixiong shine resplendently. He didn’t need anything else.

Jiu Zhideng continued to exert force, devoid of self-control, until Xu Xingzhi felt a little breathless in his embrace. His immobile right hand nudged the other in the chest: “It’s okay, it’s alright, a little lighter. . .”

This push instantly thrust Jiu Zhideng far away to an unreachable place and shoved Xu Xingzhi himself into an inscrutable darkness.

He fell from one warm embrace into another equally warm hold. 

Cracking his eyes open arduously, what he saw was the hazy and dim sky of the savage wasteland and that moon-like light source that shone at the edge of the sky.

. . . Did he return again?

Qu Chi’s delighted and gentle voice sounded by his ears: “Xingzhi, you’re finally awake.”

With eyes brimming with innocence, he instructed Lu Yujiu, who was stoking a fire by the entrance of the cave: “Xiao-Lu, he’s awake, bring some water over.” 

Xu Xingzhi supported his forehead and slowly sat up, then his gaze focused on Qu Chi.

In the dream, or rather in the original owner’s memories, the high-spirited but amiable and humble Qu Chi overlapped with the image of Qu Chi with the mind of a five-year-old child before him, and then separated again.

. . . So what exactly happened back then?

Why did Qu Chi become like this? 

Why did all of these people become like this?

The author has something to say:

Ye Buyi (ignorant expression): Not all who don’t follow the righteous path are necessarily bad people.

Nan Li: En. 

Author’s Chapter Summary:

Top of the rankings, throwing the match, return to the savage wasteland

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