Chapter Two: Cold
The Wuyou Pill dissolved instantly, flowing down the throat into the body, generating a slight warmth in the Dantian, gradually condensing the residual true energy.
Master Yixin smiled and said, "Has the Narcissus also noticed the peculiarities within?"
The middle-aged monk asked, "Abbot, since the Narcissus Fairy has already left, should we continue to sit here?"
Shui Qingying pondered for a moment and then slowly asked: "Just now, Su Zhen repelled Ling Yunhe using the technique 'Wang Zhi Dian Jiang'. However, when he executed the technique, Ling Yunhe had clearly sealed off the angle. Why did he still end up getting injured?"
A thunderous sound akin to a mountain collapse erupted, countless orbs of light scattered like vibrant falling petals, bursting forth in a magnificent display. A terrifying wave of scorching heat exploded from the center, raising rolling flames that engulfed all things in heaven and earth, surging towards the boundless wilderness
After a brief pause, Su Zhen cast a disdainful glance over the familiar and unfamiliar faces, and slowly said: "After tomorrow, I, Su, shall retreat to the mountains and forests, dedicating myself to the Dao of Heaven. Therefore, today on this nameless high peak, I shall make a final resolution. Your opportunity lies before you; what are you still hesitating for?"
Master Yixin rolled up his sleeves, and with a clatter, the black and white pieces on the chessboard returned to their respective sides, perfectly aligned. He smiled slightly and said, "Why should we pursue Master Su? He will return on his own."
Su Zhen's moves continued to be swift, seemingly made without any thought. However, the responses to her light and agile play became increasingly difficult, and the time consumed gradually lengthened. Those righteous observers, witnessing this, could not help but mistakenly believe that her situation was dire, leading to a rise in private discussions. After all, the righteous path is interconnected, and no one wished for the heir of Tianyi Pavilion to be defeated by this demon, even in the realm of chess.
Everyone involuntarily closed their eyes, feeling as if they had been thrown into a massive furnace. The sharp howling sound pierced through the air, akin to a sharp dagger stabbing at the eardrums, causing the blood and energy within their bodies to surge restlessly, unable to be contained. At that moment, a sense of dread filled their hearts, and a voice whispered softly: "Blood Dragon Rending the Heavens Technique"
Shui Qingying said: "I calculated it again. As long as he does not make a foolish move, when all the pieces are used up, he should be able to win by half a piece. However, just as victory was in sight, he abandoned his pieces and conceded defeat, which truly astonished Qingying. If it were someone else, Qingying might think he was intentionally conceding, but Su Zhen is inherently straightforward and honest, and would never use such a method to curry favor with Qingying; otherwise, he would be looking down on me."
The first thought that crosses everyone's mind is: "Fortunately, it is not me who is going up to face the challenge!" However, Sha Wuhen and the Deng brothers do not even have the time to entertain such a thought.
The leader, Deng Rong, glared fiercely at Su Zhen and asked in a deep voice: "Su Zhen, three years ago at Longling in Liaozhou, it was you and Shui Qingying who joined forces to kill my third brother, Deng Yong, wasn't it?"
Standing around the high ridge, nearly a hundred masters of both righteous and demonic factions held their breath, fully focused on the arena, each fearing that a mere blink of an eye would cause them to miss the critical moment between life and death. Suddenly, someone from the east shouted, "Old Deng, allow me to lend you a hand!"
Yet, for a moment, no one dared to step forward and challenge him. Over two hundred astonished gazes were fixed upon his precarious figure. Even though he had exhausted his true essence, even though he was gravely injured and on the brink of collapse, as long as he stood, as long as that proud and unrestrained gaze still shone brightly, no one dared to disregard his presence
The three individuals remained locked in a stalemate for about half a stick of incense, the red glow nearly contracting to its limit, just inches away from Su Zhen's body. However, the Demon Gold Blood Eagle Crown and the Profound Ice Phantom Claw could not advance even an inch closer. The bronze ancient lamp swayed slightly and flickered, enduring the immense pressure of demonic energy, yet it stood firm and unyielding. This treasure is called the Heart of Heaven Lamp, a top-tier celestial artifact passed down from ancient times. Even with the full efforts of the Deng clan siblings, they could hardly surpass this threshold of thunder. With this treasure as protection, Su Zhen was akin to a half-immortal being. This treasure is called the Heart of Heaven Lamp, a top-tier celestial artifact passed down from ancient times. Even with the full efforts of the Deng clan siblings, they could hardly surpass this threshold of thunder. With this treasure as protection, Su Zhen was akin to a half-immortal being
The middle-aged monk, invigorated, said: "If we pursue him now, we should still be able to find Su Zhen."
The Taoist Master Tui Si drew out the immortal sword "Jing Shen" and pointed towards Su Zhen Dao, saying: "I, a humble practitioner, would like to seek your guidance on one or two matters!"
However, Su Zhen merely cast a disdainful glance at the True Man Tui Si, her expression revealing an indescribable indifference and arrogance, completely disregarding this renowned figure of righteousness in the Southeast. She said lightly: "What is the Taiqing Palace? Would I, Su, ever lower myself to beg for its favor?"
Master Yixin lowered his brows and closed his eyes, seemingly in deep meditation, yet no one dared to overlook his presence. Naturally, those of the righteous path needed to curry favor with the abbot of Yunlin Zen Temple, while those of the demonic path did not wish to clash with this top figure among the ten greatest masters of the righteous path before they had even obtained the "Spring Mountain in the Morning Chill" painting, thereby inadvertently benefiting others.
Seeing this, Deng Han also leaped forward, his Xuanbing Youhen claws dancing to create a burst of azure light, striking Su Zhen's legs. Within a radius of four to five zhang, the ice melted and the snow dissipated, all engulfed in a swirling ghostly flame, rampaging like fire serpents.
Looking around at the vast heavens and earth, countless heroes and exceptional talents emerge, yet who can withstand this one sword, and who can compete with it
Su Zhen lightly brushed his right hand against the瓦罐, producing a crisp sound of "ka la," shattering it along with the black grains inside into powder. He remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and suddenly let out a long howl, his figure shooting out of the window like lightning, coldly stating: "If you wish to seize the Heavenly Dao, you must first catch up with me, Su!" At the moment he uttered the first word, there was no sign of him wanting to escape, yet by the time his words fell, his figure was already a hundred zhang away. The suddenness of the event, coupled with the fact that no one expected Su Zhen to leave so abruptly, meant that they were all unable to stop him.
No, I cannot do it! It was as if a powerful voice was continuously roaring in Su Zhen's heart, enabling him to uphold his unyielding body, standing tall on the vast snowfield
Master Yixin sighed: "He destroyed all the chess pieces in the jar, naturally unwilling to let the Narcissus know the truth afterward, lest she feel that her victory was unearned"
Master Yixin twirled his beard and said: "When the music ends and the crowd disperses, it is time for this old monk to take his leave"
The second son, Deng Han, shouted fiercely: "Killing requires retribution; Su Zhen, return my third brother to me!" This man had the most violent temper, killing without hesitation, yet relied on his profound and mysterious cultivation, rendering righteous figures powerless against him. It was difficult for others to ensure their lives without provoking him, let alone the fact that Su Zhen bore a grudge against him for fratricide. With a twist of his wrist, a pair of chilling, emerald-green ice claws suddenly appeared, aimed directly at Su Zhen's throat
Among them were monks and Taoist priests, as well as elderly men and women, and even strangely dressed individuals from remote and wild regions.
The sky outside was a bright yellow, with clouds hanging low and the wind blowing fiercely, signaling that an unexpected spring snowstorm was imminent. The ordinary patrons in the teahouse had long since fled, yet the business of Manager An was even more prosperous than usual, with the large teahouse filled to capacity with guests dressed in all manner of peculiar attire
Upon hearing these words, even the highly cultivated Tuisu Zhenren could not help but change color, his face turning pale, his white brows twitching, and a flush of red suddenly appearing. In his ears, he could distinctly hear someone from the demonic path gloating: "Old cow nose Tuisu, they don't even regard your Taiqing Palace at all. At your advanced age, what are you trying to show off for? You might as well go home and hold your grandchildren!"
Su Zhen soared into the sky like a yellow crane, while the eagle's claws walked empty beneath him, yet grasped at emptiness—within the atmosphere, a series of soft hissing sounds emerged, bursting forth two clusters of eerie green flames. Deng Rong stood still, not making a move, his lips slightly quivering as he recited a string of incantations. The flying eagle golden crown atop his head radiated with brilliance, transforming into an enormous iron-winged golden eagle that shot towards Su Zhen, having summoned forth his painstakingly refined "Demon Gold Blood Eagle Crown" after nearly two decades of effort.
Su Zhen's long hair flew wildly, his body drenched in blood, barely standing on the watchtower with the support of the Crimson Blood Demon Sword. Behind him, a pool of bright red blood seeped out, his legs were a gruesome mess of flesh and blood, and fresh blood continuously dripped from his mouth and nose, as if he could collapse at any moment
Master Yixin said: "So, from the moment the Narcissus conceded, there were doubts?"
A dark beam of light obscured the sky and surged into the air, revealing the elder Sha Wuhen from the Forgetting Emotion Palace, one of the three major demon palaces of Tianlu. Seeing that the Deng brothers were nearing their limits, he immediately entertained the thought of striking while the iron was hot. Given his status and position, he would normally disdain to join forces with others to launch a joint attack in front of so many eyes, but facing a demon lord like Su Zhen, he unexpectedly felt a chill in his heart, willing to risk his reputation for a chance at victory.
The teahouse was suddenly abuzz with excitement; those upright individuals who had been worried that Shui Qingying might lose let out a sigh of relief. Although they were unaware of what this game meant for Su and Shui, they had no idea that if Su Zhen were to lose, he would be forever buried in poverty and desolation
However, this old monk truly has a good heart. He instructed two disciples to send the two tea guests, who had passed away in a state of confusion, back home, and even mentioned inviting the most renowned abbot of "Yunxiang Temple" in the county to personally preside over the memorial service. Considering this, perhaps my tea house can still be preserved today
The red light emitted by the ancient bronze lamp suddenly dented under the impact of the iron-winged golden eagle, producing a sharp "zzzz" sound. Deng Rong and the Demon Gold Blood Eagle Crown had already established a spiritual connection, and they too were forced to spit out a mouthful of hot blood from the backlash. However, driven by a strong desire for revenge, he forcibly activated the demonic energy that had been accumulated for over a hundred years, continuously urging the iron-winged golden eagle to charge towards Su Zhen, causing a straight green vapor to rise above his head, a result of the rapid consumption of his true essence.
Master Yixin smiled wryly and said: "Su benefactor's strike was indeed astonishingly swift, and coupled with the fact that he had his back to both of us, I was unable to see clearly at the time. In retrospect, there is only one explanation; unfortunately, Ling benefactor covered his chest with his hand, which prevented both of us from noticing in time"
Master Yiran said: "The water fairy has not left, so why should I, the old monk, be anxious?"
Even though everyone present possessed exceptional skills and remained fully alert, they could not help but be shaken, swaying unsteadily and finding it difficult to maintain their footing
Su Zhen struggled to raise his hand and took out a self-refined Wuyou Pill, placing it in his mouth. He knew that he might never be able to leave this place. However, to bury his soul in this icy wilderness might not be an incomplete form of return.
The water lingered lightly, contemplating for a long time, and finally placed a piece in the right corner of the chessboard. Everyone expected Su Zhen to follow suit without hesitation; however, he quietly observed the game for a long while, then suddenly exhaled lightly, stood up, and said: "I have lost"
Su Zhen raised his eyes to gaze at the distant horizon, where a faint gray cloud layer concealed the last glimmer of hope. He pondered silently: "This must be the final gamble of my life, and the stakes have never been higher. I must know, when my life hangs by a thread, whether you can truly surpass the teachings of your master in your heart. Lightly, if I lose, then I shall wait for the next life; perhaps in that life, you will have the courage to take this final step again"
The name "Li Xue" Su Zhen has long resonated throughout the skies and lands of the Nine Provinces, and at this moment, it is even more vividly etched in the hearts of the people
The biting wind swirled the drifting snowflakes, as the light mist and hot blood gradually dissipated. These masters of righteous and demonic arts, who had cultivated for a hundred years, suddenly felt a bone-chilling cold. Cold as Su Zhen's sharp and profound gaze, cold as the bloodthirsty whistling of the demonic sword in his hand, cold as the fear that rose in the hearts of everyone.
At last, a pair of twin brothers emerged from the crowd, dressed in identical earthy yellow garments. With their hair and beards partially white and sturdy physiques, they were the Deng brothers from the Wan Gu Cave in the northern desert. Originally, there were three brothers, collectively known as the "Three Eagles of the Northern Desert," each possessing over a hundred years of cultivation. However, in the past two to three decades, they have rarely appeared in the realm of Tianlu.
The onlookers were immediately confused by the two individuals, and upon examining the situation on the chessboard, they were even more perplexed about who was speaking the truth.
Everyone cannot help but ask themselves: "Could I be the next one?"
The answer to this question, I too am eager to know.
Deng Han's dual claws struck almost simultaneously against the invisible wall of red light, causing sparks to fly and the halo to tremble. Noticing that his elder brother was advancing step by step, he was unwilling to fall behind. He infused his arms with true essence, unleashing the intense icy blood poison hidden within the Xuanbing Youhen claws. A green spot gradually enlarged on the red light curtain, from which numerous fine, tentacle-like green light threads extended and spread outwards.
Shui Qingying smiled lightly and said: "Thank you, Master, for validating Qingying. It seems the problem lies in the fact that in the end, he inevitably missed a black piece, thus leading to his failure. With Su Zhen's arrogant temperament, he would never openly admit to this matter. Therefore, after calculating all the changes in the game, he would rather concede defeat than propose to make up for the missing piece."
Master Yuyou of Yixin said: "Where do you come from, and where do you return?" After saying this, he paid no further attention to the bewildered disciples, grasped his staff, and strode into the swirling snow, heading towards the direction of Yunlin Zen Temple
At this moment, he unleashed the "Thousand Illusions and Dark Thunder Technique," merging his body with the "Furious Wind" magic sword, extending into a dazzling bolt of lightning that shot directly at Su Zhen. Wherever it passed, dark clouds surged and fierce winds danced, creating layers upon layers of cloud and waves of light. Sha Wuhen understood clearly that although Su Zhen was in a tight spot surrounded by the Deng brothers, how could someone who had looked down upon the world for so many years be easily dealt with? Therefore, this strike was the culmination of his lifelong power, aiming to achieve his goal in one fell swoop. Sha Wuhen understood clearly that although Su Zhen was in a tight spot surrounded by the Deng brothers, how could someone who had looked down upon the world for so many years be easily dealt with? Therefore, this strike was the culmination of his lifelong power, aiming to achieve his goal in one fell swoop.
The Real Person Tuis thought deeply, his voice booming like spring thunder, and he shouted, "Good courage!" This powerful exclamation pierced the clouds, and suddenly, a rolling thunder echoed above, reverberating across the four corners. The yellow-faced man who had mocked the Real Person Tuis gasped, clutching his chest, his face turning pale in an instant, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Suddenly, a simple and unadorned ancient bronze lamp flew up above Su Zhen's head, emanating a soft red glow that enveloped him like a light veil. The iron-winged golden eagle crashed violently into the red light, and with a loud "boom," the entire hillside trembled violently.
From the very beginning, he had no intention of breaking free. At the moment he conceded defeat, he clearly understood what the only thing he needed to do next was
The sound of "ch ch" rang out in quick succession, as blood erupted in streaks from his exposed skin, which was as tender and pink as that of a newborn. His gaze, devoid of any trace of emotion, gradually dimmed like a candle in the wind, and his skin quickly withered and shrank. Although his life was not in danger, the true essence he had painstakingly cultivated for over a hundred years was utterly destroyed, rendering him effectively a useless person from that moment on
On the high ridge, there was a momentary silence, with nearly a hundred cultivation experts remaining utterly still, only the sound of snowflakes falling and the wind howling could be heard. Each person secretly hoped and plotted for someone else to step forward and challenge, as no one dared or wished to be the first to take the risk of facing certain death, recklessly provoking the tiger's whiskers and risking a mutual destruction that would only benefit those who came later
The middle-aged monk exclaimed, "Master Abbot, where are we going?"
Thus, he had transcended life and death in his heart, fearless and undaunted. The only thing he could not let go of was that shade of blue, which remained so clear and beautiful amidst the desolate blood mist and raging winds.
A gust of cold wind swept into the room, and snow began to fall outside. The powdered tea on the table was instantly blown away, and the tea had long since cooled. Master Yixin, however, gazed only at the direction where the water gracefully disappeared, a faint, inscrutable smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
As the game nears its end, the sun reaches its zenith.
Master Yixin said: "Unless he is concealing something"
He spat out a mouthful of blood with a "puff," gazing fiercely at the misty sky, and laughed harshly, "Su Zhen, well done! You are indeed ruthless!" As the chilling laughter gradually faded, his tattered garments were torn to shreds, dancing in the cold northern wind high above.
Master Yixin's aged face also revealed a hint of a smile that seemed to understand the ways of the world, as he slowly said: "Then, will the Narcissus Fairy fulfill the wager with Master Su? I am quite curious about this."
The snow has grown heavier, falling like goose feathers under the blowing of the north wind, swirling in the chaotic and dim sky. Su Zhen stands proudly on a high ridge twenty miles outside the city, with pools of hot, crimson blood beneath his feet. In the past two hours, he has repelled five waves of challenges from masters of both the righteous and demonic paths, leaving behind seven corpses and numerous wounds on his body. Yet, his cold and proud gaze, along with his erect figure, remains unyielding.
An elderly Daoist with white hair flashed a glimmer of brilliance in his eyes and said in a deep voice: "Su Zhen, as long as you are willing to surrender, I, as a representative of my sect's thousand-year reputation, guarantee that your life will be safe"
Thus, after more than twenty moves, the available spaces on the chessboard for placing pieces are dwindling. Each player has only about thirty pieces left in their respective jars. The black and white pieces are interconnected, infiltrating and attacking each other, and it seems that until the last piece in the jar is played, it will be extremely difficult to determine a winner.
Just as that dark beam was about to strike the Heart Lamp, a magnificent and resplendent blood-red sword light suddenly illuminated the high sky. Su Zhen's figure vanished amidst the vast light mist, yet the Crimson Blood Demon Sword emitted a thunderous dragon's roar, transforming into a proud and unrestrained flood dragon, soaring into the sky.
However, unexpectedly, Shui appeared unperturbed, showing no signs of joy on her face, and slowly said: "You did not lose; I am the one who lost."
Shui Qingying smiled lightly and said, "Therefore, it is Qingying who has lost, and lost with complete acceptance."
These individuals sat quietly, with the tea and snacks on the table hardly touched, yet their gazes remained fixed intently on Su Zhen's table
Shui Qingying nodded and said: "Qingying is wondering, why did he crush the瓦罐?"
A middle-aged monk gazed at the empty teahouse and quietly asked, "Abbot, should we also pursue and take a look?"
The water fell silent for a moment, then took out a lump of silver and placed it on the table. Rising, she replied calmly, "Thank you, Master, I understand now." As her voice lingered, her graceful figure had already vanished, leaving only a faint, lingering fragrance.
It turned out that Su Zhen had actually withdrawn the protection of the Heavenly Heart Lamp, concentrating all his true essence to perform the top-tier swordsmanship of the Heavenly Land Demon Path, the "Blood Dragon Sky Split Technique"
Master Yixin chuckled softly and said: "The answers you seek in the tranquil mountains are already within your heart, are they not? It is merely that your mind is clouded, preventing you from seeing them."
The four personal disciples of Master Yixin each stood by a harmonious book, guarding Su Zhen and Shui Qingying on either side, seemingly with the intention of providing protection. It is thanks to this that everyone has managed to endure until now; otherwise, who would have the mind to sit here and watch others play chess
The piercing sound of the Blood Sword echoed, as it surveyed the formidable enemies surrounding it with an air of invincibility. Those masters from various sects, who usually maintained a clear distinction and were irreconcilable, had now trapped him in a web of schemes for the same purpose. Such treatment had never been experienced even by Yu Yi Nong, the leader of the Demon Sect, who was known as the foremost figure in the demonic path.
The "Furious Wind" magic sword of Sha Wuhen rang out with a clang, forcefully shattering into three pieces, while he himself was thrown over twenty zhang, landing heavily in the snow.
Rather than retreating into the depths of the mountains forever, and rather than never being able to see her smile again, what significance would there be in comprehending the "Way of Heaven" and achieving transcendence? Is it merely to endure the endless long nights alone in the future, watching the flowers of the world bloom and wither, and learning to forget all emotions?
The Deng brothers, known for their formidable strength and reputation as leaders of their sect, surprisingly suffered two deaths and one incapacitation under Su Zhen's "Blood Dragon Rending the Heavens Technique," leaving them with no chance of recovery
The speaker is one of the Five True Persons of the Ta Qing Palace, known as the True Person of Reflection. The Ta Qing Palace stands majestically in the southeast of Tianlu, ranking alongside Yunlin Zen Temple and the Biluo Sword Sect as one of the Seven Great Sword Sects of the Orthodox Path, holding the leading position in Tianlu. The status of the True Person of Reflection is even more esteemed, as the current leader of the Ta Qing Palace is still his junior disciple. When he speaks, no one dares to call him arrogant.
Manager An looked around, counting the heads silently in his mind while repeatedly chanting Buddha's name, hoping that these people would leave quickly. He was no longer concerned about the losses from tea money and the damage to tables, chairs, and cups. Earlier in the morning, two constables from the county office had come, but they were turned away by the old monk with a golden disc, which frightened the county magistrate so much that he came crawling to pay respects to this imperial protector of the nation. Now, who would dare to drive them away again
Su Zhen had completed his meditation and coldly laughed, saying: "If no one else is willing to challenge me, then I shall take my leave!"
A commotion erupted in the teahouse, with people in disarray. In the blink of an eye, everyone rushed outside, leaving only Master Yixin and his five disciples at Su Zhen's table, along with Shui Qingying, who remained seated undisturbed.
Su Zhen cast a disdainful glance at Deng Rong and replied: "Deng Yong was killed by me, but that piece of scrap is not something I need to join forces with others to deal with. Even if all three of you brothers come at me together, what can you do?"
With two loud bangs, the bodies of the Deng brothers were shattered into minuscule fragments by the surging crimson sword light, leaving no trace in the blood mist that filled the sky. The two magical treasures fell to the ground in despair, having twisted and melted into several lumps of scrap metal
Shui Qingying gazed at the powdered remnants left by Su Zhen on the table and said, "Qingying is wondering, why did Su Zhen suddenly concede?"
Among the crowd, there are those who secretly disdain the actions of Sha Wuhen, yet no one will truly step forward to obstruct him. In fact, deep down, they all hope that he will succeed, thereby reaping the benefits for themselves.
The "Spring Mountain Painting in the Morning Cold" lies quietly in Su Zhen's embrace, yet he has lost all interest in taking another look, even if it were just one last glance. If its existence holds any value, it is to create an opportunity for himself to fall dramatically, and then to turn to dust alongside him
At this moment, the chess game between Su Zhen and Shui Qingying was nearing its endgame, with the board in a tangled state, making it difficult to determine a clear winner. Even a master like Master Yi Xin, known for his exceptional skills, could not ascertain who would emerge victorious. He seemed to have completely forgotten about the impending life-and-death match with Su Zhen, focusing intently on the chessboard. At times, he stroked his beard and smiled, while at other moments, he furrowed his brow in contemplation, yet he remained silent throughout, truly embodying the saying "A true gentleman does not speak while observing a game"