A City Swept by Wind and Snow GL - Chapter 40
“In the 6,142nd year of the Great Night Dynasty, Heavenly Origin Hermit Lan Shi invited Sword God Yu Liang, Hypnotist Chu Fengfei, Underworld Communicator Youyou Xiaochen, and Jianghu Scholar Canglang Xuenuo to debate martial arts at Heavenly Origin Peak. Yu Liang’s ‘sword’ overcame Chu Fengfei’s ‘flute’; Youyou Xiaochen’s ‘curse’ overcame Yu Liang’s ‘sword’; Canglang Xuenuo’s ‘pen’ overcame Youyou Xiaochen’s ‘curse.’ Lan Shi’s ‘flute’ overcame Chu Fengfei’s ‘flute,’ his ‘sword’ overcame Yu Liang’s ‘sword,’ his ‘curse’ overcame Youyou Xiaochen’s ‘curse,’ and his ‘pen’ overcame Canglang Xuenuo’s ‘pen.’ All were convinced and conceded. …Lan Shi escorted the guests off the mountain and gifted Yu Liang with the Li Sword, Chu Fengfei with the Nine Harmonies Flute, Youyou Xiaochen with the Underworld King’s Curse, and Canglang Xuenuo with the Life-Pitying Pen. The group turned back to thank him, but Lan Shi’s trace was already gone, and Heavenly Origin Peak was also hidden in the misty, light clouds, its presence vague and remote.”
This was the record of the first Heavenly Origin Martial Debate by the tenth generation Jianghu Scholar, Canglang Xuenuo, and it happened one hundred and eight years ago. Yu, Chu, Youyou, and Canglang were the four universally acknowledged supreme masters of the time. The young hermit, Lan Shi, who lived alone at the summit of Heavenly Origin Peak, became instantly famous with this victory. Moreover, in rumors, Heavenly Origin Peak became a dream-like place, collecting countless rare and precious treasures.
Since then, every three years, Lan Shi would invite several masters to the peak for a contest. He demanded that the guests attending the debate exert their full strength. Only those who were not killed by him within the stipulated time limit were qualified to receive a gift. At the same time, he promised that the one who defeated him would receive all the treasures.
Instantly, Heavenly Origin Peak became a place yearned for by arrogant heroes and desperate outlaws. Jianghu heroes possessed the fiercest ambition, and countless famous figures in the martial world yearned day and night for that invitation—either death or fame and fortune, there was nothing more exhilarating.
In the 6175th year of the Great Night Dynasty, Lan Shi was finally defeated by the Wanderer, Kong Fanqiu.
Lan Shi fulfilled his promise and gave Kong Fanqiu all the treasures—according to the survivors who participated in the debate with Kong Fanqiu, Lan Shi’s treasures were piled up like mountains. Gold, silver, jewels, secret manuals, divine weapons… everything was dazzling. With Kong Fanqiu’s own hands, he couldn’t even take away a tenth of it. Therefore, he stayed. He remained on that wealthy yet eternally solitary Heavenly Origin Peak.
From then on, the elderly Lan Shi vanished from the Jianghu.
Heavenly Origin Peak had a new master, and the custom of the triennial Heavenly Origin Martial Debate was preserved.
In that year of epoch-making significance, the tenth generation Jianghu Scholar was no longer alive. This period of events was recorded by the eleventh generation Jianghu Scholar, Nangong Qing.
In the 6202nd year of the Great Night Dynasty, the invited guest, Xinghai, defeated Kong Fanqiu and became the third master of Heavenly Origin Peak and its rare treasures.
However, Xinghai was not as willing to enjoy solitude as the previous two hermits. Soon after, a sect called Water Moon Palace emerged in the martial world. And Xinghai’s martial arts seemed to be far superior to his two predecessors. The Heavenly Origin Martial Debate gradually became synonymous with “no return”—no one knew how tragically fierce those repeated debates actually were.
One year, Xinghai invited the eleventh generation Jianghu Scholar, Nangong Qing, to the peak. The always mysterious Nangong Qing actually accepted the invitation. And he won the battle.
However, Nangong Qing declined the rare treasures of the Water Moon Palace. He made a strange request: Nangong Qing wanted to be the referee of the Heavenly Origin Martial Debate! He wanted to record the process of every Heavenly Origin Martial Debate.
Whether willingly or under coercion, Xinghai agreed to Nangong Qing’s request.
According to Nangong Qing’s records, in the subsequent Heavenly Origin Martial Debates, Xinghai rarely fought the invited guests himself. His influence gradually grew, and merely sending out his favored subordinates was enough to send the attendees to the grave.
After many years, the Susha family sent Susha Xingjian and Susha Xingzhi to the appointment, becoming the second guests to win in the Heavenly Origin Martial Debate. The brother and sister unceremoniously selected the Water Moon Palace’s most valuable treasures, packed their bags, and departed with swagger, leaving Xinghai heartbroken for a long time.
In the eleventh year of Huading, the thirty-seventh Heavenly Origin Martial Debate. The invited guests came from the Carefree Divine Cult of Xinjing. This was the third time guests had won the debate during the Xinghai era.
Xifeng, Xue Qianxun, Jin Se, and Yi Xin-ci followed behind the Demon Slayer. With every step they took toward the summit of Heavenly Origin Peak, they felt a layer of murderous intent pressing down, becoming heavier. It was as if the entire mountain peak was permeated by someone’s powerful aura, integrated into that person’s consciousness. The five people’s every move, every breath, was known intimately to the mysterious master of Heavenly Origin Peak through this mountain. The four invited guests did not speak, but each of them understood in their hearts: the master of this place must be a hundred times stronger than any opponent they had faced before.
“In the beginning, perhaps we shouldn’t have let them give up the name cards…” Xifeng thought silently in her heart. She had a bad premonition, which made her regret bringing Xue Qianxun and Yi Xin-ci to that unknown place.
Jin Se was also uneasy, constantly consuming internal energy to maintain the connection with her tamed beasts. The tamed beasts were her eyes and ears.
Yi Xin-ci noticed that Xifeng and Jin Se always tacitly protected her and Xue Qianxun in the middle. They were all the same, thinking it was natural to shelter their companions under their wings, and viewing themselves as the shield strong enough to face any danger head-on.
Xue Qianxun stared intently at Xifeng’s back. The two were very close, she could feel Xifeng’s breath, and her hair was almost floating onto her face. Despite this, there was still a sense of unreality. She’s so beautiful, shining, just like before. It’s also like a dream, Xue Qianxun thought to herself. However, she hated herself for always being the weak one who needed protection.
“Xifeng, stand behind me later,” the Demon Slayer abruptly broke the silence.
Xifeng scrutinized him seriously: “Hearing such familiar words, I almost thought you were Azure Dragon.”
The Demon Slayer smiled lightly: “Although I am the Demon Slayer now, we are acquaintances after all. I will protect you.”
Jin Se followed up: “Do you mean that Xinghai will harm Xifeng?”
The Demon Slayer spoke leisurely: “Xinghai has a bad temper. It’s possible he might kill all of you in a moment of impulse.”
In fact, Xinghai looked like an exceedingly good-tempered gentleman.
The summit of Heavenly Origin Peak was secluded and chilly, with vermilion railings, pavilions, black wooden water wheels, and tables and stools intricately carved from white jade. A stone-blue ceramic pot hung over a red clay stove, bubbling with boiling spring water. Xinghai sat beneath the green pines and emerald cypresses, leisurely sipping a cup of clear tea. His plain gray-blue long robe harmonized with the surroundings, as if he was born to be dependent on this desolate peak. The murderous aura the group had felt earlier had completely vanished. At this moment, there was only a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
This person’s skill in controlling Qi had reached the pinnacle of mastery!
“Demon Slayer, how many years has it been since Heavenly Origin Peak had new guests?” Xinghai spoke indifferently, like a kind old man chatting with a junior about everyday matters.
The Demon Slayer replied: “Excluding Nangong Qing—or more precisely, excluding Nangong Qing’s parrot and the walking corpses, they are the first batch of guests I have seen.”
Xinghai gave a gentle smile, saying, “That’s right, you are young. You were still God knows where when the Susha family’s twin siblings won and ascended the peak that year. I never thought…” Xinghai turned his head to look at the four women in the middle, speaking slowly, “After many years, the one who finally ascended the peak turned out to be the Susha’s daughter.”
Hearing these words, Xue Qianxun felt a strange sense of relief. Being named by Xinghai felt like something she had already anticipated. After all, their covert agent, Goldfish, had been lurking in the Spring River Courtyard for several months, and at that time, she was still too naive to know how to keep her secrets strictly guarded. On how many nights did she immerse herself in dreams of the past, uttering murmuring deliriums? In the dream, everything was as it used to be; in the dream, that person was by her side. —That person was the whole of her life.
“Susha Qianxun…” Xinghai whispered softly, “How many years has it been since anyone called you by this name, Xifeng?”
Xue Qianxun was startled, not expecting Xinghai to be referring to Xifeng.
She didn’t know that during her time at the Spring River Courtyard, no one had actually figured out her secret. Because there was another person, protecting her at all times, constantly enveloping her in a safe embrace.
Xifeng spoke: “Since the day the Susha family was exterminated, I haven’t heard this name. How do you know my identity?”
Xinghai said: “The Susha patriarch’s precious daughter, a heavenly proud girl who achieved fame at the age of ten; you still look like you did in your childhood. How could someone familiar with you not recognize you?”
Xifeng frowned: “That’s truly remarkable. If this matter were known to King Zhuang, I’m afraid I would no longer be able to be the Great Priestess. How could the enforcer of the Demon Slayer Order tolerate a fugitive under his command?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to stay at Heavenly Origin Peak? You could become the new master of Heavenly Origin Peak; there’s no need to return,” Xinghai was kind and amiable.
Xifeng shook her head: “It’s too cold at this high place. Furthermore, I haven’t bid farewell to the two in charge yet.”
Xinghai disagreed: “That’s easy to handle. As for He Qishu, let the three of them go back and pass on the message. As for Dragon Kiss, he is inside your body. You can talk to him anytime; how much more convenient could it be?”
Yi Xin-ci was shocked. The demon residing in Xifeng’s body was indeed Dragon Kiss! Being the one most familiar with Xifeng’s constitution, it wasn’t that she hadn’t guessed it, but she didn’t dare to believe, or was unwilling to believe, such a conjecture.
Xifeng said: “Even if the two in charge permitted it, I would still respectfully avoid this extraordinary and desolate place. Senior Xinghai, it is a great honor to meet a person of your stature today. I dare not impose any further and would like to take my leave now.”
“Hold on,” Xinghai commanded, a hidden murderous intent surging, and then he revealed a smile, saying gently, “Old man has long heard of Xifeng’s great reputation. Although she is a junior in the martial world, I still hold her in high regard. I sincerely urge you to stay a few more days. Water Moon Palace will certainly extend its warmest hospitality. As for the remaining three young ladies, please forgive me for not seeing you off.”
Xue Qianxun, seeing that Xinghai was familiar with Xifeng’s background and was strongly urging her to stay, sensed danger and immediately said: “If Xifeng stays, we won’t leave either.” Her voice was clear and crisp, her tone resolute and assertive. It instantly attracted Xinghai’s attention. Upon seeing her, he was secretly astonished: what a breathtaking beauty! He had seen countless people, but never one so beautiful. Her beauty was cold and haughty, possessing a flawless, unattainable sanctity.
Xinghai’s tone was gentle: “The old man has already prepared gifts for the three young ladies. In a moment, the three sisters, Chazi and Yan, will respectfully see you off.”
Xue Qianxun remained expressionless, her intention even more resolute: “The four of us came together and will leave together. Please understand.”
Xinghai chuckled: “Young lady, how can you presume to make decisions for Xifeng? What is wrong with the three of you leaving first?”
Xue Qianxun stated: “Xifeng has already politely declined twice. She rarely expresses the same meaning a second time. Therefore, please do not press the matter again, senior.”
Xinghai showed displeasure and said to the Demon Slayer: “Go, tell the three sisters Chazi and Yan to present the gifts.”
Xue Qianxun was even more displeased and said: “We came by invitation, not for the treasures of the Water Moon Palace.”
Xinghai said coldly: “Since the young lady thinks so highly of herself and is incorruptible, then the old man will not force it. Demon Slayer, see the guests out.”
Xue Qianxun was genuinely angry and said loudly: “Senior, my meaning couldn’t be clearer. The four of us are together!”
Xinghai stated: “The old man’s meaning is also unambiguous. I rarely ask guests to stay. I hope the young lady will do me this favor. Just three or five days, after the old man and Xifeng have sparred, I will personally see her off.”
Xue Qianxun said: “Senior, your martial arts have reached the pinnacle. There is no need to spar with a junior from the martial world again.”
Xinghai was stunned. He had never met anyone who dared to speak to him like this, and he couldn’t help but say sternly: “What if I forcibly keep Xifeng?”
Xue Qianxun said: “Then I can only be disrespectful.”
With just a few words, the conversation between the two fell apart.
Xinghai laughed heartily: “What an arrogant girl. I want to see how you will be disrespectful.”
Xue Qianxun did not back down, saying coldly: “Of course, when it comes to being disrespectful, I have to admit defeat in front of you, senior.”
Xinghai’s beard trembled slightly: “Little girl, you truly do not know what’s good for you.”
Xue Qianxun said: “Senior, you speak incorrectly. I know both good and bad. I wonder who is so stubbornly trying to keep a guest who doesn’t want to stay. This kind of excessive hospitality really makes one doubt whether his intention is good or bad.”
Seeing Xinghai about to change his demeanor, Jin Se stepped forward, subtly shielding Xue Qianxun, and said humbly: “May I ask where Nangong Qing is now? Since the debate has concluded, may we ask the referee to come out and meet us?”
Xinghai glanced at Jin Se and said flatly: “According to the agreement, Nangong Qing must leave Water Moon Palace when the debate concludes. He has already gone.”
Xue Qianxun’s mind worked quickly and she retorted: “I believe with Nangong Qing’s wisdom, he would definitely add another clause: after the debate is over, Water Moon Palace must not harm the invited guests.”
Xinghai remained silent.
Xue Qianxun pressed on: “Is that right or not?”
Xinghai snorted, saying: “Unless the invited guests deliberately provoke. The old man always has the right to maintain the peace of my sect.”
Xue Qianxun said: “You only need to say ‘The four of you, please leave, farewell,’ and your sect will immediately become incredibly peaceful. We will not take a single pound of junk metal from Water Moon Palace. This trip is just for sightseeing and exercising our muscles. Could this also be considered deliberate provocation?”
Xinghai was angered to the point of laughing: “If this isn’t considered provocation, what else could make the old man so furious?”
Xue Qianxun said: “I am merely discussing the matter as it is, and I would never dare to strike first against you, senior. If you, this revered grandmaster who has shaken the martial world, were to strike first against a junior of barely a dozen years old, it wouldn’t be a very glorious story to spread. Furthermore, if the Jianghu Scholar Nangong Qing were to find out…”
“Do you think the old man is afraid of Nangong Qing?”
“Looking at your expression, you are not just afraid, you are terrified. After all, Nangong Qing once defeated you in the Heavenly Origin Martial Debate.” The Spring River Courtyard was a mixed place with people coming and going, and Xue Qianxun always managed to hear such martial world anecdotes.
Xinghai said: “So what? Nangong Qing was slightly better back then. Today, the old man might not be inferior to him.”
Xue Qianxun scoffed: “He’s not present. You can say whatever you like.”
Xinghai said: “You wretched girl, you look drop-dead gorgeous, seemingly weak and frail, yet who knew you would be so audacious, arrogant, and rude. Truly despicable!”
Xue Qianxun said: “You stinky old man, you pretend to be a figure of graceful virtue, seemingly a humble gentleman, yet who knew you would be so troublesome, shameless, and disgusting. Truly annoying!”
Xinghai lost all patience and yelled: “The old man must teach this savage girl a lesson.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the teacup in Xinghai’s hand shot out, aimed directly at Xue Qianxun’s face—this “lesson” was vicious and ruthless. Xifeng’s Ice Soul Silk instantly rose up, wrapping around the incredibly swift teacup.
Xifeng finally spoke: “Xinghai, you are too hospitable. She has only been practicing martial arts for a few months and is very inexperienced. How could she receive the remnant tea personally delivered by an elder like you?” After speaking, she flicked her wrist slightly, sending the teacup back towards Xinghai. The Ice Soul Silk unfolded, and the teacup was already reduced to powder, scattering right in front of Xinghai’s nose.
—This was equivalent to Xifeng directly challenging Xinghai.
Xinghai merely smiled slightly and said leisurely: “Xifeng, it is understandable that Xue Qianxun, having little experience, doesn’t know her own limits. But you are a sensible person.”
Xifeng, of course, understood Xinghai’s warning. During her confrontation with the Demon Slayer, she had already felt that the opponent’s martial arts might not be inferior to her own, and Xinghai must be above the Demon Slayer. Xifeng naturally knew the current situation.
Xifeng said: “Senior, please speak plainly, no need to be wordy.”
Xinghai smiled sinisterly but remained silent.
Xifeng turned back to Xue Qianxun and said: “You are right. He is indeed annoying.” When she faced Xue Qianxun, she was like the warm sunshine of spring, gentle and tender. Yet, in her words, she completely dismissed Xinghai.
Xue Qianxun tilted her small face and smiled sweetly at Xifeng: “Isn’t he?”
Xinghai said: “Xue Qianxun, I intend to let you leave, but you are stubbornly refusing. Are you not afraid of death?”
Xue Qianxun said: “That question is so boring. You have long harbored malicious intent. Even if you twist it a hundred and eight times, you can’t conceal it. Since I have already seen your intentions, how could I treat you politely, say goodbye, and abandon Xifeng? I think this famous Heavenly Origin Martial Debate is simply the most ridiculous game. The rules can be broken arbitrarily, and the banker can go back on his word.”
Xinghai said: “So what if it’s a game? Let me tell you, this year’s Heavenly Origin Martial Debate will be the last game. At this very moment, this game is over!”
The mountain wind surged, and suddenly a fierce, overwhelming surge of Qi swept across the area!
The words were spoken, Xinghai’s killing intent was already unleashed!
Xifeng and Jin Se stood side-by-side, blocking Xue Qianxun and Yi Xin-ci.
Simultaneously, at the base of Heavenly Origin Peak, ten Taiyin Dolls led thousands of fierce beasts, surging up like a tsunami. Within the time Xue Qianxun had been talking, Jin Se’s tamed beast battle array had already formed its attack.