Xu Yehua gritted his teeth the moment he exchanged blows with Nie Shiyun. Nie Shiyun’s cultivation had indeed undergone a leap of one—no, two small sub-realms since their last meeting. For a dual-root cultivator to make such progress within a single year was simply unheard of.
"I heard you’ve been asking around for news of me. I didn't realize I was so popular," Nie Shiyun said, a hint of amusement in his voice. Though his words were true, Xu Yehua was currently consumed by envy and agitation; he could not bear such mockery, and his expression turned incredibly grim.
He once again summoned the deep purple spirit scorpion he had used during the Immortal Cultivation Conference. This time, Nie Shiyun was prepared. However, it was Zhai Bairong who, still harboring lingering fears from that previous dangerous encounter, struck the moment Xu Yehua released the scorpion. He summoned the Huanglu Sword from behind him and sent it piercing forward. This sword was one of the Star-Moon Spirit Wood Swords, though not one he had revealed before.
His speed was lightning-fast. With a sharp swing of his sword, the pale red blade flashed with a cold light, clean-cutting the scorpion's tail off.
Having his long-nurtured spirit pet lose one of its greatest weapons in an instant made Xu Yehua’s heart bleed. But he also saw Zhai Bairong strike. Having fought Zhai Bairong before, he had already guessed most of the truth. Now that Zhai Bairong’s status as a wood-root cultivator was exposed, and seeing how much he cared about the spirit scorpion's threat, Xu Yehua finally couldn't help but tear off the last shred of his mask. He snarled at the distant Duan Mingyu, "What did I tell you? It’s him!"
Duan Mingyu froze, murmuring, "How is that possible... it can't be..."
"Focus! This lady is still right in front of you!" Qi Miaohan laughed. Although she didn't fully understand the implications of Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong’s relationship being exposed, Duan Mingyu’s current expression of utter disbelief was enough to serve as a side dish for two jars of wine.
How cathartic!
Xu Yehua let out a cold laugh and asked Zhai Bairong, "How much did this fellow give you to buy you over?"
"What does it have to do with you?" Zhai Bairong spoke for the first time today. He offered only that brief sentence before falling silent again.
Nie Shiyun stepped between the two at the right moment, taking the opportunity to summon the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover. He had never used this spiritual tool publicly before these people, but now that he was not far from the Nascent Soul stage and had Zhai Bairong’s support, it was time he could finally manifest this treasure.
The moment the object appeared, not only were Xu Yehua and his companions stunned, but even Qi Miaohan was shocked.
"What a treasure! You really know how to hide things!" Qi Miaohan shouted.
Nie Shiyun injected a significant amount of spiritual power in one breath. The several divine dragons carved upon the cover began to swim, breathing out True Fire. Xu Yehua himself possessed a fire root; though he was shaken, he wasn't overly fearful. However, he didn't expect that Nie Shiyun’s cover wasn't aimed at him, but was flying straight toward the spirit scorpion, trapping it within.
Realizing something was wrong, Xu Yehua moved to recall the scorpion into his spirit pet bag from a distance. But Zhai Bairong wordlessly brandished his sword and lunged straight for Xu Yehua’s chest. Delayed by this distraction, Xu Yehua failed to retrieve the spirit scorpion in time and felt the power of the contract vanish from his body.
The Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover flew back up. There was no longer any trace of the spirit scorpion inside; the beast, which had not yet developed sapience, had long since been reduced to ashes by the spirit-grade treasure.
After several rounds of fierce combat, Zhai Bairong also released the full extent of his cultivation. Xu Yehua discovered that Zhai Bairong’s cultivation had somehow reached a level nearly equal to his own. He became even more certain that this seemingly sanctimonious fellow was by no means the ethereal, immortal-like figure Duan Mingyu claimed him to be. Clearly, Nie Shiyun had obtained some unique, heaven-sent opportunity or treasure that allowed his cultivation to soar. Zhai Bairong had shamelessly sought refuge with him and reaped the same benefits.
Qi Miaohan had already been excitedly tangling with the three of them for a while, all while having to look out for a "dead weight." She was inevitably growing tired. Meanwhile, Duan Mingyu, holding his Clear Frost Sword, hadn't exchanged many moves with her; he mostly stayed to the side, releasing minor techniques to assist Rong Lü. But as soon as Zhai Bairong spoke, Duan Mingyu’s attention was completely captured. He suddenly erupted, using seventy percent of his spiritual power to blast Qi Miaohan back.
Duan Mingyu’s offensive seemed to stem from instinct, and the chill of his constitution was triggered along with it. A massive wave of ice spikes shot straight from his direction toward Qi Miaohan. The latter hurriedly retreated several feet in a panic, barely managing to dodge.
Duan Mingyu took the opportunity to rush toward Xu Yehua’s side, crying out to Zhai Bairong, "Senior Brother, is it you? Senior Brother?"
"..." Zhai Bairong spared him a glance but did not stop his offensive.
Seeing Duan Mingyu approach, Xu Yehua actually felt somewhat constrained. His double-bladed polearm was long and inherently unsuited for close-quarters combat with allies nearby, as it was easy to injure his own people. He waved his hand sharply and shouted, "Don't come over here!"
"Don't worry, Senior Brother definitely won't attack me. Right?" Duan Mingyu insisted on standing near Xu Yehua, refusing to back down.
"Then help me!" Xu Yehua commanded.
Duan Mingyu’s face was full of sorrow, yet he refused to draw his sword. "Can you all just stop fighting for a moment? Let’s talk. Perhaps this is all just a misunderstanding."
Facing the advantaged Nie Shiyun, how could Xu Yehua possibly ask the other party to stop? That would be like tearing off his own face and throwing it on the ground to be trampled. He ignored Duan Mingyu’s words and instead activated his fire root, causing countless fireballs that could cause continuous burns to explode around Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong.
Rong Lü also looked over distractedly. He saw Duan Mingyu pleading mournfully several times, but not one of the people opposite him responded. Rong Lü couldn't help but feel anxious. This lapse in his sword-heart allowed Qi Miaohan to seize an opening; a whip mark tore through his clothes and left a gash on his arm. Rong Lü hissed in pain and hurriedly retracted his gaze.
"Truly, not a single one of you takes me seriously," Qi Miaohan sneered. Although not attracting the brunt of the fire should be a good thing during a fight, she was used to being competitive and felt disgruntled by this slight.
"Do you know the truth? Is that person really Zhai Bairong?" Rong Lü asked.
"What does it matter to you if he is? If it really is him, you should be beating drums and gongs in celebration. That’s one less person to share Duan Mingyu with!" Qi Miaohan laughed loudly.
Rong Lü’s movements faltered, but he then said coldly, "But he betrayed Mingyu. If Mingyu is heartbroken because of this, I cannot forgive him."
"Ha? Ridiculous..." Qi Miaohan said in disbelief. She felt that both Rong Lü and Xu Yehua had gone mad; she could not communicate with them using the logic or perspective of an ordinary person.
Xu Yehua’s eyes were fixed on the top-tier spiritual treasure in Nie Shiyun’s hand, a strange sensation flickering in his heart. He had clearly never seen it before, yet he felt a trace of affinity with it, as if it were something that should have belonged to him.
But reality differed from his expectations. Whether it was the seat of the number one cultivator among the younger generation or a treasure like the Divine Fire Cover that seemed perfectly matched for him, both currently belonged to this Nie Shiyun. Even Zhai Bairong—someone Xu Yehua previously viewed as useless beyond his somewhat acceptable alchemy skills—had actually been bought over by the other party to work for him!
At this thought, Xu Yehua’s expression turned hideous. He threw out several high-grade talismans in succession, hoping to wear down Nie Shiyun’s spiritual energy.
Nie Shiyun had not yet formed his Nascent Soul; there was only a one-sub-realm difference between them. Xu Yehua wanted to give his all to finish Nie Shiyun off now. If Nie Shiyun advanced a step further, it would only create an even more insurmountable chasm.
Seeing that no one was paying him any mind, Duan Mingyu stopped trying to persuade them. He simply rushed in front of Zhai Bairong and demanded, "Senior Brother! Is it really you? Say something!"
Zhai Bairong sighed softly and finally spoke in his usual voice, "And what if it is?"
"..."
Duan Mingyu listened to the familiar voice in a daze, as if struck by a bolt from the blue. After a long moment, he asked urgently, "Senior Brother, have I misunderstood something? Why are you helping them? Are... are they coercing you?"
Zhai Bairong saw Nie Shiyun and the frenzied Xu Yehua locked in combat behind Duan Mingyu. Although he knew Meiqiu was in reserve, he couldn't help but worry. He said to Duan Mingyu, "Out of consideration for our past sentiments, I had no intention of facing off against you. Now, please do not block the way, or I will have to strike as well."
The phrase "past sentiments" seemed to tear away the final curtain of self-deception in Duan Mingyu’s heart. Tears immediately welled up in his eyes as he shook his head. "No, I don't believe it. Senior Brother would never raise a hand against me."
"..."
"Is it... is it because Senior Brother is still angry that I spend more time with Yehua and Brother Rong Lü, so you're intentionally trying to upset me?" Duan Mingyu murmured.
Zhai Bairong realized that Duan Mingyu, as always, never truly listened to what he wanted to say; he only interpreted things to fit the meaning he desired in his heart. Further words were useless. Without hesitation, he raised his sword and shifted his form, sending a cold light lunging toward Duan Mingyu.
Duan Mingyu blocked instinctively. His cultivation was only at the early Golden Core stage, far inferior to Zhai Bairong’s. His wrist was jolted until it went numb, and he nearly dropped his sword.
Duan Mingyu’s stance was unstable, and because his constitution had just erupted, his body was freezing cold. He was knocked back until he sat on the ground. He looked up at Zhai Bairong, tears of grievance instantly pouring out. Zhai Bairong had actually turned his sword against him, simply because he wouldn't let him go to Nie Shiyun’s aid?
In the past, his Senior Brother couldn't bear to see him shed a single tear. But now, Zhai Bairong’s gaze didn't even linger; it only followed the situation over there with anxious concern.
"Mingyu!" Rong Lü roared as he saw Duan Mingyu knocked to the ground.
Fury surged in Rong Lü’s heart. In an instant, he used a Shocking Thunder Talisman to force Qi Miaohan back, leaped past her, and sent dozens of sharp sword-intents straight toward Zhai Bairong.
"Watch out!" Qi Miaohan had just braced herself for defense when she realized the attack had bypassed her. Realizing what was happening, she shouted a warning.
Zhai Bairong calmly and collectedly flicked his sleeve. Five swords flew out together, stopping in mid-air. The curve of their connected blades formed a fan-like shape. Rong Lü’s full-strength strike felt as if it had hit cotton; the moment it touched the sword bodies, it was easily neutralized.
"This is... a Five Elements Defensive Array formed by a sword set." Rong Lü was a lover of swords; how could he not understand the mystery within? They had seen two of these five swords before, back at the Immortal Cultivation Conference. But he hadn't expected that there were even more!
It turned out that even back then, Zhai Bairong had already been guarding against them.
Duan Mingyu was blinded by the silver-white light of the Star-Moon Spirit Wood sword set. He had never heard of such a treasure. Furthermore, this spiritual tool was so perfectly attuned to Zhai Bairong’s spirit root and even his appearance; it was clearly custom-made.
Recalling the rumors he had heard along the way about "Nie Shiyun’s Dao companion," Duan Mingyu’s eyes reddened. He scrambled up from the ground, his voice carrying a sob: "Is it just because he can forge treasures for you and I can't? Is that why you’ve changed your affections, Senior Brother? The Senior Brother I know... isn't that kind of person!"
Zhai Bairong’s face turned completely cold. The look he turned toward Duan Mingyu made the younger man feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, unable to move.
"It’s not just that," Zhai Bairong said icily. "Whatever he gives, you cannot give any of it."
Duan Mingyu was stunned, clearly not understanding what Zhai Bairong was referring to.
In that moment of his daze, the situation on the field changed rapidly.
Zhai Bairong did not wait for Duan Mingyu’s response at all. He turned and joined the battle between Nie Shiyun and Xu Yehua. Originally, the two were evenly matched, with Nie Shiyun holding a slight advantage due to his superior cultivation. But once Zhai Bairong arrived, the situation shifted—especially since he had sacrificed the complete Star-Moon Spirit Wood sword set. Its power was not merely one plus one equals two, but an exponential increase.
Because they hadn't replenished their Disguise Pills in time, the faces of those in disguise were slowly revealing their original features. Although she already knew the truth, catching a glimpse of this situation still made Qi Miaohan click her tongue inwardly. This scene was probably a once-in-a-lifetime sight, wasn't it?
Under the pincer attack of the two, many wounds appeared on Xu Yehua’s body. He didn't curse the two for being despicable by outnumbering him. Instead, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Duan Mingyu, who was suffering from another bout of cold constitution and was too emotionally devastated to fight. He felt immense dissatisfaction toward the other two, who couldn't help and were even dragging him down. He used to think Zhai Bairong was boring and a hypocrite with no real use, but now that they were on opposite sides, he found him unprecedentedly troublesome.
"Heh, I didn't expect the Great Disciple of the Yingyue Sect to fall so low as to rely on a man for profit. No wonder you can't touch Mingyu’s body anymore," Xu Yehua mocked. "It seems you’ve become 'impotent' after getting used to selling your charms."
Having heard the exchange between Duan Mingyu and Zhai Bairong, Xu Yehua had reached a conclusion in his mind. Perhaps in his worldview, "love" between Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong was not an option. Hearing him insult Zhai Bairong so crudely, Nie Shiyun, whose expression had been relatively relaxed until now, finally grew angry, his face darkening.
Knowing that anger was a taboo in battle, Zhai Bairong stepped in front of Nie Shiyun. However, there wasn't a hint of indignation on his face.
His expression was the same as the one Xu Yehua was familiar with—indifferent, as if the insults he had just heard were merely a light breeze passing his ear. Casting a pointed glance at the distant Duan Mingyu, who was slumped weakly on the ground, Zhai Bairong smiled. The smile, however, held no warmth. "Oh? Then I suppose there are some benefits after all. At least it’s better than putting in all that painstaking effort only to end up with nothing."
Zhai Bairong’s lukewarm response made Xu Yehua even more furious, yet he couldn't say anything in return, lest he admit the description fit him.
"...Ugh!"
Suddenly, following the sound of a blunt object piercing flesh, Xu Yehua stumbled. He hurriedly activated a defensive treasure. Zhai Bairong’s Upas Sword was knocked several feet away from behind Xu Yehua by the defensive tool.
The setbacks Xu Yehua suffered today were almost more than all his previous ones combined. He had actually been sneak-attacked by Zhai Bairong! He hadn't known when Zhai Bairong had become so cunning!
Duan Mingyu was also dumbfounded by the sight, unable to believe his Senior Brother would do such a thing.
"That is..." Nie Shiyun looked at the Upas Wood Sword, which had been recalled to stand in line with the other swords, and noticed something.
Soon, Xu Yehua also sensed something was wrong. Starting from the shallow wound on his back, a numbing sensation spread out, followed by something even worse—his back lost all feeling.
That short sword, which appeared the least threatening in the set, was precisely crafted using the venom of the Upas tree.
Xu Yehua finally realized things were dire. There was no point in forcing himself to stay now. While he could still move, he threw out and activated all the talismans in his hand, shouting for Duan Mingyu and Rong Lü to get close to him.
Though he didn't know what would happen, Nie Shiyun instinctively felt he should stop the three from converging. Setting aside the other two, he should strike while the iron was hot and settle the matter of life and death with Xu Yehua right now.
However, the succession of exploding talismans completely blocked their path of approach. By the time the snow-dust, which looked like an avalanche, finally dissipated, Nie Shiyun was the first to rush into the area where Xu Yehua and the others had been. He found only a barren patch of ground.
"How can this be!?"
Qi Miaohan was choked by the snow-mist and coughed as she looked around. Convinced it was some sort of illusion, she began lashing her whip indiscriminately at the surroundings.
"Calm down first!"
Nie Shiyun stopped her. Such behavior now was just a waste of spiritual energy.
Zhai Bairong swept his divine sense over the area, checking vigilantly. After a long moment, he said, "They really are gone."
Nie Shiyun thought for a moment and murmured, "It was a teleportation talisman..."
Qi Miaohan ran over in a disheveled state. "Huh? What’s that?"
"To be able to teleport three people at once, it must be an extremely rare Spirit-grade Peak-tier talisman," Nie Shiyun explained.
"Spirit-grade Peak-tier... isn't that already the highest level of item?!" Qi Miaohan was astonished. Even with the favor she received from the Pinyin Pavilion, she had never obtained such a good thing, nor had she seen one in the auction houses. It was clear that such a teleportation talisman was not only precious but a rare curiosity.
Nie Shiyun knew Xu Yehua possessed such an item, but he only had one. It was a gift given to him by the Ancestor of Red Rock Cliff as a coming-of-age present back when he was at the height of his glory.
In the original novel, this precious teleportation talisman was used much later, when Duan Mingyu and the others were surrounded by enemies after just escaping from the Yingyue Sect. Nie Shiyun hadn't expected Xu Yehua to use it here ahead of time because of him.
"What’s wrong?" Zhai Bairong asked, seeing his grave expression.
"I’ll tell you in detail when we get back." Nie Shiyun shook his head, signaling that now was not the time to discuss it.
Zhai Bairong understood. Things that Qi Miaohan couldn't know were likely related to those few specific matters.
"Ah—what a mess this all is!" Qi Miaohan finally let out a long breath of relief. "I’m way too unlucky, aren't I?"
"By the way, why were you here alone? Where are Xuan-er and Du Zhi?" Nie Shiyun only just remembered to ask.
"Don't worry, they’re perfectly fine! This isn't the place to talk, either. Let me go to your shop and rest a bit first!" Qi Miaohan huffed, though she didn't seem truly angry.
Nie Shiyun scanned the ruins of the battlefield once more. The snow in this area had all melted away, leaving only the bare ground, as if bearing witness to what had just occurred.
He saw Zhai Bairong also looking around and asked in a low voice, "Will there be a problem now that we’ve revealed ourselves to them and let Xu Yehua escape?"
Zhai Bairong wasn't sure either, but since things had come to this, he didn't want to add to his worries. He simply smiled and said, "We’ll figure it out slowly once we’re back. Fellow Daoist Qi is right; let’s not stand around here. This isn't the place for conversation."
Nie Shiyun nodded and decided to do as they suggested—head back first.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 黄栌剑 | Huanglu Sword | Huanglu is the Smoke Tree (*Cotinus coggygria*). |
| 九龙神火罩 | Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover | A powerful spirit-grade fire artifact. |
| 结婴 | Nascent Soul formation | The process of reaching the Nascent Soul stage. |
| 箭毒木 | Upas tree / Arrow Poison Wood | *Antiaris toxicaria*, a tree known for its highly toxic latex used for poison arrows. |
| 传送符 | Teleportation Talisman | A rare talisman used for instant travel/escape. |
| 灵级极品 | Spirit-grade Peak-tier | A classification of high-quality artifacts or talismans. |
| 剑阵 | Sword Array | A formation created using multiple swords. |
| 易容丹 | Disguise Pill | A pill used to alter one's physical appearance. |
