Chapter 358: Showing Sharpness (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 358: Revealing One’s Edge (Seeking Monthly Votes)

In the dreary weather of a rainy day, the alley leading to the southern fireworks district lay dim and lightless.

Rainwater pattered against the gravel, drip, drip, drip.

A cold wind whistled past, rattling the doors and windows of the nearby houses.

Yet the sound that reached his ears was unmistakably clear: “A spar, just a spar?”

Chen Yi looked toward the rooftop of the thatched house in the distance, recognizing the man’s identity instantly—disciple of Bai Da Xian, the White Immortal, known in legend as Shu Hetong, whose fists were said to quell the wilds of a thousand miles.

“A spar?”

Chen Yi tipped his conical hat, his voice calm and measured: “Brother Shu, I’ve no need to spar. I’ve matters to attend to.”

Shu Hetong paused, taken aback. “You know me, then. You’d know my relationship with that woman—”

“Since you refuse to show me courtesy, perhaps you’d grant it to her, lest we meet as strangers?”

“You are you. She is she.”

Chen Yi had made up his mind to ignore Shu Hetong.

The strange visitor who’d arrived earlier, the enigmatic Sword Lord Ye Lujian, had already left him headachy. Now another—Shu Hetong—had shown up. It was hard to say whether Bai Da Xian had set him a trap.

Trouble.

Chen Yi had no desire to become entangled with Bai Da Xian and his kin, yet Shu Hetong pressed close like a salve upon a wound.

His body shimmered with a brilliant light, blinking into position beside Chen Yi.

“Why refuse my invitation from such a distance, brother Liu? Know that I came at her urging, to shield the Xiao family.”

Chen Yi turned his head, pointing northward. “The Xiao family resides on Changxi Street. You’ve taken the wrong path.”

Shu Hetong studied him for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. “Brother Liu… or should I say, Brother Chen—you truly differ from the one she described.”

“She spoke of a man modest and courteous, refined in manner, steeped in literature, skilled in poetry and the classics. A true scholar.”

“But now…”

Shu Hetong’s gaze settled on the cuff of Chen Yi’s sleeve, where a faint glint of icy sharpness flickered. With a smile, he spoke four words:

“Revealing one’s edge.”

Chen Yi sighed inwardly, continuing his walk toward the Xu Jing Si office.

As he strode forward, he spoke to the lingering Shu Hetong:

“Brother Shu, you and Bai Da Xian both know my identity, yet you never informed her. You must understand I harbor no ill will toward her, nor toward the Xiao family.”

“Of course.”

“If Brother Shu and Master were unaware of my goodwill, they’d have long since explained everything to her.”

Shu Hetong paused mid-sentence, his expression shifting as if grasping the implication. He waved a dismissive hand:

“Old customs say, ‘He who sees the truth should not speak it.’ Brother Liu need not worry.”

Chen Yi shot him a sharp glance. “Not worry?”

“If Brother Shu truly keeps his silence as Bai Da Xian would, why did Ye Da Dao come seeking an audience?”

Bai Da Xian had made no secret of his intent to watch.

Shu Hetong’s smile faltered, growing strained.

“That… Ye Da Dao comes often, unannounced. When he sought an audience with Master, the old man couldn’t refuse.”

Chen Yi didn’t believe his excuse. “The patrons of the Fengyu Lou aren’t so easily swayed, are they? I know their reputation well.”

“Besides you, who else could match him?”

“In the direst case, there’s Lady—she isn’t one of your Fengyu Lou folk, but her strength is sufficient. She could spar with Bai Da Xian’s chosen opponent without harm.”

Chen Yi scoffed inwardly. He didn’t believe Bai Da Xian would select someone who’d endanger Xiao Jinghong.

After all, had he not heard whispers of the “Sword Saint” Li Wei’s connection with Bai Da Xian?

When Shu Hetong heard this, his face grew oddly pale, as if choking on an egg. A faint flush crept up his cheeks.

Shu Hetong understood—Bai Da Xian’s plan for him.

If Xiao Jinghong agreed to hold the line for Bai Da Xian, the opponent in the duel would be Xiao Jinghong and Chen Yi, husband and wife.

Thinking it over…

Shu Hetong found himself oddly anticipating it.

Yet alongside his anticipation lay a pang of regret.

He lacked for nothing in reputation—his name, tied to the Fengyu Lou, rang loudly across the martial world.

But he lacked one thing: a chance to spar with a peer of equal cultivation, to seek advancement.

That was why, upon meeting Song Jinji earlier, he’d proposed a spar.

But Song Jinji, bound by his current status, declined.

So when he encountered Chen Yi, Shu Hetong saw an opportunity, and with it, a chance to set aside Bai Da Xian’s instructions.

He smiled faintly, explaining: “Brother Liu must know.”

“In the martial world’s customs, sparring between elders and juniors often involves a rising talent to stand as opponent.”

“This allows the younger generation to gain recognition, and also serves as a test for future appointments.”

“When Master Li and the Blade Ghost elder sparred, his disciple had once stood as his opponent.”

Seeing Chen Yi remained unmoved, Shu Hetong pressed on: “This time, Master and Ye Da Dao’s duel is a rarity, unseen in decades.”

“If Brother Liu stands as Ye Da Dao’s opponent, it’s not just fame across nine provinces and three prefectures—it’s also a chance to receive his teachings. What joy, then, to accept?”

Chen Yi paid the words no heed, having heard similar claims from Ye Lujian himself. He showed no expression.

First, he truly wished to avoid entanglement.

Second, martial contests served him no purpose.

For the insights of masters like Bai Da Xian and Ye Lujian paled beside the martial secrets he already possessed.

When Shu Hetong continued speaking, Chen Yi raised a hand: “I’ve agreed to Ye Da Dao’s request, but not without conditions.”

“Ye Da Dao agreed to fulfill a task for me. Only then did I consent to stand as his opponent in a duel.”

As he spoke, Chen Yi’s heart stirred.

Ye Lujian, for all his grandeur, was unpredictable. Chen Yi couldn’t fathom how much he’d actually accomplish.

After all, Chen Yi couldn’t best Ye Lujian, nor could he manipulate him like he’d done with Luo Lang.

But Shu Hetong was different.

First, his identity—he was a senior brother of the same sect as Xiao Jinghong.

Nature was, in a way, connected to Chen Yi himself.

Secondly, Shui Hetong’s background ran deep; beyond the immortal Bai Da Xian, he also wielded formidable influence in the martial world, such as the Fengyu Tower and other renowned factions.

Some matters were worth attending to.

Chen Yi’s thoughts shifted rapidly, his gaze lingering on Shui Hetong as he continued, “Shui, what are you planning to use to sway me again?”

He had already resolved to accept Shui Hetong’s challenge.

In addition to the schemes he had previously considered, his decision had also been swayed by his unexpected encounter with Jiang Xing that very evening.

It made him realize that the White Tiger Guard’s schemes in Shu Zhou were far from concluded.

What Jiang Xing had spoken seemed heartfelt, yet the unmentioned “Embryo Bird” and Chen Yunfan undoubtedly concealed deeper machinations.

Moreover, the mystery surrounding Ma Shuhuan’s death, and the forces behind him, all contributed to Chen Yi’s foreboding.

If he could secure the aid of Shui Hetong and the Fengyu Tower, the tides of Shu Zhou might yet stabilize.

Upon hearing this, Shui Hetong’s fair face bore a bitter smile:

“Would you fear me informing Elder Sister Ye of your affairs?”

Chen Yi remained unmoved. “If I had anything to report, I would have told Elder Sister Ye long ago. Why involve yourself at all?”

“Shui, the same threat holds no power over me.”

Shui Hetong paused, then said, “Then, like Ye Elder, I shall do what I can for you.”

No debt to worry about.

He had already agreed to Xiao Jinghong’s recent request to look after the Xiao family.

This moment, he would not mind taking on a few more tasks.

Chen Yi shot him a sideways glance. “How does your martial and medical cultivation compare to Ye Elder’s?”

Shui Hetong hesitated, then replied, “Naturally, it falls short.”

The moment the words left his lips, he realized his mistake and could not help but lament, “Brother Liu, you scholars never cease to surprise.”

Chen Yi smiled faintly.

Seeing his expression, Shui Hetong pondered for a moment, then nodded reluctantly: “Three tasks.”

Chen Yi agreed at once, his feet swiftly carrying him northward.

“Then come along—I know a secluded place,” he said as they walked.

With resolve settled in his heart, he no longer lingered, leading Shui Hetong beyond the city, three hundred li to the distant Pusheng Temple.

Shui Hetong hurried to keep pace.

Along the way, both instinctively concealed their forms, lest they be spotted by the martial practitioners lurking in Shu Zhou.

As they walked, Chen Yi probed the situation regarding Fengyu Tower and Bai Da Xian.

Shui Hetong, too, understood the unspoken.

“When Master first founded Fengyu Tower, he had not thought much of it—just sought a refuge, gathering a few disciples in cloth and bowl.”

“Later, during Master’s travels, Senior Brother Qin Shao Chi took the opportunity to recruit disciples and followers, gradually expanding the tower’s strength.”

“Now, with me included, we have eight tower heads and thousands of disciples.”

“Though our martial realms differ, among us are those of Upper Three Grades, such as myself.”

Shui Hetong walked beside him, lowering his voice with a smile:

“This time, Xiao Sister wishes to recruit several experts to guard the Xiao family. I would not refuse such a request.”

“Yet those individuals mostly dwell in the Central Plains, requiring time to arrive. I remain here in the capital for the time being.”

Speaking thus, he turned his head toward Chen Yi, a faint smile touching his lips:

“If Xiao Sister knew of your affairs, she would not have gone through this trouble.”

Chen Yi, though his cultivation lagged slightly behind Shui Hetong’s, possessed a martial realm that even Bai Da Xian had praised.

To ordinary martial practitioners, or even Upper Three Grade cultivators like the “Wolf” Du Cang, or Yan Jingfen of the Five Poison Sect, none could match him.

Still.

Shui Hetong and others likely harbored the intent to amuse, like Master Bai Da Xian, and had not informed Xiao Jinghong.

Chen Yi scoffed. “As for the matter of the Lady, I dare not meddle, nor interfere.”

If those from Fengyu Tower possessed strength, it would indeed be a relief.

Shui Hetong, upon hearing this, curiosity piqued: “Have you ever considered gaining fame in the martial world, or cultivating medicine?”

Chen Yi shook his head without thought. “No desire.”

“To spend each day in the Spring Lotus Garden, fishing and sipping tea, playing Go—what joy that would bring!”

Shui Hetong could not fathom his mindset, sighing softly:

“If all martial practitioners shared your outlook, there would be less strife.”

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow. “Is the martial world chaotic?”

He had dwelled in Shu Zhou, where he had seen only the evil sects like the Five Poison Sect and Huan Yin Monastery, engaged in nefarious deeds.

At other times, he had not noticed the martial world’s turmoil.

Shui Hetong nodded, explaining:

“Shu Zhou, far from the Central Plains, guarded by ethnic minorities, ordinary martial practitioners dared not act openly here.”

“But in the Central Plains, especially Jingzhou, Jizhou, Youzhou, and Beizhou, where mountains and forests abound and factions mingle, all manner of sects and clans arise.”

“For fame, profit, and power, they clash and raid one another endlessly.”

Upon hearing this, several pieces fell onto the chessboard in Chen Yi’s mind, spanning the three prefectures of the nine provinces of Dawa.

Each prefecture, a black or white piece.

Shui Hetong, unaware of his mental shifts, continued:

“The old sayings go, where there are people, there is the martial world.”

“Some seek martial supremacy, others power and status, some fame and glory, and some uphold justice.”

“Amidst all this turmoil, countless calamities arise.”

Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully. “Like the conflict between Ye Elder and the Le family in Jizhou.”

Shui Hetong replied, “Ye Elder’s family clashed with the Le family, leading to their annihilation. After breaking through his sword path, he sought vengeance, yet ‘Hidden Immortal’ did not intervene.”

“Fortunately, he eventually realized his path, slaying only the chief villain, avoiding further bloodshed—a stroke of luck amid misfortune.”

Shui Hetong sighed: “When will justice prevail? As long as people remain, strife persists.”

Chen Yi did not dispute, nor lingered in argument.

A moment of silence passed.

Shui Hetong then spoke of another—named Song Jinjian.

“Speaking of Ye Elder, another swordsman must be mentioned—do you, Brother Liu, know Song Jinjian’s name?”

Chen Yi paused, then shook his head. “I do not.”

Shuǎng Hé-tong and Tong Dào did not find it surprising either, proceeding to say: "Song Jinjian, hmm... he is a swordsman with great potential to break through to the first grade and enter the ranks of masters."

"Earlier, when he was making his name in the martial world, some had said he would soon be renowned alongside the 'Snow Sword Lord,' possessing the cultivation level to challenge Ye's senior."

"But due to certain circumstances, he ultimately chose to withdraw from the martial world and became an elder serving the Cui family of Qinghe."

Chen Yì's heart stirred slightly: "The Cui family of Qinghe?"

Shuǎng Hé-tong nodded, his feet never ceasing to tap, a few complex expressions flickering in his eyes.

Recalling, lamenting, not all can be equal.

"When he first gained fame across the lands, because of some bloodstained matters on his hands, he was betrayed and fell into peril, nearly dying there."

"Later, he was rescued by the Cui family of Qinghe and taken in as a guest elder, gradually fading from the martial world..."

Shuǎng Hé-tong babbled on about his dealings with Song Jinjian—their initial meeting during his travels in the Prefecture of Kyoto, their sparring matches, and his regret over Song's retreat into the Cui family's seclusion.

In the end, Shuǎng Hé-tong suddenly said: "This afternoon, on my first day in Shu Zhou, I did meet Song Jinjian once."

Chen Yì slightly raised an eyebrow: "He is now in Shu Zhou?"

A subtle tremor stirred in his heart, followed by his question: "Is it because of Cui Qīng-wū?"

Shuǎng Hé-tong smiled and nodded: "He told me so, saying he was escorting Cui family's mistress back to Qinghe, but..."

Chen Yì waited for his words, only to see him shake his head again, dismissing it with a wave, and thus let the matter drop.

The Cui family of Qinghe and the Chen family of Jiangnan were in-laws.

Not only had Chen Xuan-ji married a collateral branch of the Cui family, Cui Yù, but Chen Yun-fan had also contracted an engagement to Cui Qīng-wū, the elder daughter of the Cui family.

It could be surmised that these two families likely shared similar views on certain matters.

Though, well...

Chen Yì's heart harbored a faint unease, as if some piece of information had slipped past him. But after careful calculation, he was certain he understood the current situation in Shu Zhou all too well.

Thus, he merely silently noted Song Jinjian's name.

Not long after,

The two arrived at Panyin Temple.

Or rather, the once-thriving Panyin Temple had long since become a ruin.

Shuǎng Hé-tong circled it, suddenly exclaiming: "This is the place where you and Du Cāng clashed, no wonder it feels familiar."

Chen Yì ignored the surrounding ruins, gesturing toward him: "Let's not waste time on idle chatter."

"Come!"