Chapter 135: Moonlit Night

“If the favor you speak of means wanting to snatch this person from my hands, then we are destined to be enemies. Shui Linglong, though your martial skills remain formidable, you have long lost the strength you once possessed. After that great battle twenty years ago, I thought you were dead. Yet over the past three years, I have learned that you survived by relying on the special breathing technique of the Blue Lotus Sect, preserving your youthful appearance all this time. But every technique has its drawbacks; this one has drained most of your spiritual energy. With what remains, you are no match for me. So before you make a move, I advise you to think carefully!”

The shock on Shen Wansan’s face had vanished completely, replaced by a cold and provocative demeanor as he spoke these words.

For Han Tanyi, his thoughts were in disarray. Shui Linglong’s affiliation with the Blue Lotus Sect was undeniable, but to label her solely as a member of that sect was too ambiguous. Yet the mention of twenty years and maintaining her youthful visage puzzled him deeply. “Wasn’t it Shui Lianhua who fought in that battle two decades ago? It’s true she survived; I saw her myself when I was with the Blue Lotus Sect. Her skills are no deception. But what of Linglong? Wait, they were originally mother and daughter, so they must look strikingly alike, which might have caused Shen Wansan’s confusion. Otherwise, how could one person remain unchanged by time for twenty years?”

With this thought, Han Tanyi felt somewhat reassured. His gaze fell upon Shui Linglong, scrutinizing her as if to confirm his suspicions. Yet at that moment, Shui Linglong’s expression turned uneasy. Her eyes, which had been fixed on Han Tanyi, suddenly looked away as if avoiding him. This fleeting glance gave way to a fierce glare directed at Shen Wansan. Her killing intent surged, filling the air with a palpable menace that instinctively inspired fear.

“Shen Wansan, oh Shen Wansan, it seems you’ve lost your wits with age. If you’re so eager to die, then let’s settle both our new and old grudges today. This day shall mark your death anniversary!”

No sooner had she spoken than Shui Linglong lunged forward with lightning speed, without a trace of hesitation. The sound of the air slicing was sharp and distinct, so much so that Han Tanyi, standing nearby, could clearly feel the wind brush against his cheek. While marveling at her martial prowess, he also felt a deep confusion. Martial artists are supposed to remain calm and composed; having known this woman for years, he knew she was not one to lose her temper so easily. Yet here she was, reacting in precisely such a way.

“Well, well, well. After all these years, your temper remains unchanged. But I wonder how your skills measure up now. I’m quite curious!”

At the same moment, Shen Wansan shifted his stance. Though his face had grown old, his agility was impressive; even someone like Butterfly might struggle to match his moves. The techniques he had displayed earlier, including his so-called final blow, still held back some strength. This was no accident—he had no intention of killing this girl outright. After all, she was a crucial pawn balancing the powers of the Qi Prince’s Mansion and the Qilian Sect, and losing her would be a great loss. But against Shui Linglong, he was merciless.

Their palms collided squarely, spiritual energy crackling between them. Both were pushed back two steps, neither gaining the upper hand.

“I must admit, I underestimated you. Not only has your appearance changed little, but your skills are almost as formidable as before. Looks like today, I’ll have a good fight. Come to think of it, the last time someone fought me like this was at the martial arts conference three years ago!”

Shen Wansan’s surprise was clear on his face, though his voice betrayed it more than his expression. Han Tanyi, at some distance, could only guess at his state, but standing close to Shui Linglong, he sensed her condition was less than ideal. Despite regaining her footing, her hand trembled uncontrollably after their clash. Still, she showed no sign of yielding.

“You’re old as well. It seems time has only refined your skills further. Congratulations.”

Han Tanyi paid close attention to these words but felt uncertain how to act. Bound by the chivalrous code of the martial world, one should never intervene in a one-on-one duel without cause. Though he had long since retired from the jianghu, these principles were ingrained deep within him. If it were only a psychological barrier, he might overcome it, but the gap in strength was the greatest obstacle. Even if he joined the fray, it would likely do more harm than good, causing trouble for them both. So he stood still, watching anxiously.

Compared to him, Butterfly’s emotions were more complex. Naturally, she cared about the outcome of this fight, but that was not her primary concern. According to their plan, the witness they awaited would soon arrive. Then, she would make sure Shen Wansan died here, an outcome far from easy to achieve. Her mind was already devising countermeasures, and a trace of jealousy flickered in her eyes. Looking at Shui Linglong’s face, it was understandable, but when her gaze fell on Han Tanyi, the jealousy deepened. After all, this man seemed to see only Shui Linglong. A woman could hardly bear such a sight—a man who once revolved around her now filled with another woman in his eyes stirred a reluctant pang in her heart.

Enough. These matters only grew more complicated the more she thought about them. She resolved to take things one step at a time, focusing on the unfolding situation. She forced herself to calm her emotions and fixed her eyes unwaveringly on the two combatants. Words mattered little; it was their martial skill that was decisive.

With that palm strike, Shui Linglong and Shen Wansan gained a clearer understanding of each other’s abilities, adjusting their tactics accordingly. Soon, the battle became a fierce exchange, neither side relenting. As the saying goes, when a chess player meets a worthy opponent, every move carries the weight of mountains and rivers. Each strike was powerful enough to shatter stone, yet the other responded with a softness like flowing water, dissipating the force as if striking the softest cotton. This back-and-forth had already lasted dozens of exchanges.

A stalemate was evident. For Han Tanyi, it was an agony; with each passing moment, his unease deepened, his tension even surpassing that of those fighting. His brows furrowed tightly, a grim expression etched across his face.

But for Butterfly, this was a golden opportunity. The last thing she wanted was a quick, decisive outcome. Now it seemed fortune favored her. If these two continued to exhaust themselves, their strength would eventually be depleted. At the right moment, when the witness arrived, she would strike from behind. Then, even if the truth was otherwise, the blame would surely fall on the Blue Lotus Sect. In the martial world of the Central Plains, the sect’s infamous reputation would absorb all accusations.

The wind stirred the clouds, creating an atmosphere charged with uncertainty. The ever-changing wind and shifting clouds mirrored the unpredictable fate about to unfold. The moon, no longer perfectly round, seemed to shine brighter at this moment, casting a hazy glow upon the nearby bluestone, lending the scene the ethereal quality of an ink painting.

Who could say that at this very moment, a true conspiracy was unfolding? And what fate awaited these souls as their paths spiraled toward an unknown end?