Chapter Fifty-Six: The Martial World Assembly

“To go or not to go, Third Brother, you’re a clever man—give us some advice and spare Master this dilemma!” Such words, spoken at this point, had nothing left to hide. Han Tan Yi certainly had his own views, but now, he preferred not to voice them. The position of Lord of Qilian Mountain, perhaps eagerly coveted by Xia Wuyai, and anticipated by the disciples waiting beyond the temple doors, was to him nothing more than a burden. Once shouldered, it would be near impossible to be rid of it. That was his reluctance, and so, at this moment, he thought it best to leave this opportunity to others. In truth, there was something of shifting responsibility here, but what did it matter? Xia Wuyai was willing, after all.

The gaze of Master Tianji naturally settled on Xia Wuyai. He had seen much of the world, but Han Tan Yi’s peculiar temperament was not something he could easily grasp. Perhaps someone like Xia Wuyai suited his disposition better. This was indeed an opportunity, but also a test. Xia Wuyai did not hesitate long. For him, it was a perfect chance to shine. He knew well he could not be as free-spirited as Han Tan Yi, so it was better to face things proactively. Moreover, he still bore a mission upon his shoulders. If he failed, sneaking into the Qilian lineage would be meaningless.

“We must go, without question. Setting aside the fact that Master Shen of Bright Moon Villa is as famous as Master, and it’s only proper to pay him some respect, this martial gathering is being orchestrated by Prince Qi. However carefree the heroes of the land may be, they cannot disregard the prestige of the court. Under heaven, all lands belong to the king. Someone of Master’s stature should surely attend; otherwise, in the eyes of the court, Xiao Jinghao would be hard-pressed to save face!” These were matters of great principle, or perhaps personal courtesy. Xia Wuyai laid them out, though he did not expect much from his words. He knew Tianji’s temperament well—proud to the extreme, accustomed to living freely, intolerant of coercion. Otherwise, he would not have disciples like Han Tan Yi, who inherited his true spirit. Perhaps the old man himself had yet to understand that things like reputation, temples, and the world of martial arts were mere titles for him. Whether he cared or not depended entirely on his own heart, never on others. Thus, after a brief pause, Xia Wuyai continued, “Of course, that’s only one reason. The second is, this martial gathering is meant to deal with the Blue Lotus Cult. From what we’ve just seen, its existence is still a mystery. Why not use the opportunity to investigate, Master, and plan ahead?”

These latter words, though brief, proved more effective than the earlier lengthy argument. The old man’s previously indifferent expression became serious. The name Blue Lotus Cult held enough allure for anyone in the martial world, and between Tianji and the cult, there was a tangled history. Still, he did not immediately agree; his gaze shifted to Han Tan Yi. Though he said nothing, the meaning in his expression was clear. Han Tan Yi, though unwilling to get involved, was no fool. He understood the old man’s thoughts perfectly. Xia Wuyai was not wrong; if nothing else, for the sake of the enmity between the Blue Lotus Cult and both Master and himself, it was best to clarify matters. The best outcome would be that the incidents in the martial world had little to do with the Shui family, and the old man’s heart could finally be at ease.

The Melody of Han Tan’s Hidden Moon—judging by his demeanor, it was likely truly precious. With Han Tan Yi’s peculiar temperament, anything he promised he would fulfill. For Master Tianji, such a thing was invaluable, but if he asked now, he would only invite rebuke, perhaps even strain their relationship. However, if, through the martial gathering, all could be made clear, the old man’s heart might be freed. Then, persuading him would not be impossible. With this thought settled, Han Tan Yi naturally followed Xia Wuyai’s lead, adding, “Master, Third Brother’s words make sense. With only our own speculations, we cannot discern anything. Better to honor Prince Qi and Master Shen with our presence. If the Blue Lotus Cult is gone, all the better. If it remains, we can unite the martial world and the court against it, which is safer than Qilian acting alone!”

This last remark was the finishing touch; from any angle, the old man had no grounds for objection. After pondering briefly, he nodded lightly, as if making up his mind. “You both make reasonable points. Very well, I shall attend. This so-called martial gathering is merely a spectacle. Who knows how many young hopefuls wish to seize their chance for fame and fortune? As for old friends, I wonder how they’ve changed. Go now, let me be alone for a while. Remember, do not speak of this to the other disciples yet, especially that little girl. If she hears of it, who knows what trouble she’ll stir up? She’s enough of a headache already—if she comes, she’ll drive me to ruin!”

These instructions were routine, and even if he had not spoken, Xia Wuyai and Han Tan Yi would not have meddled. The matter was not theirs to announce, nor would they invite trouble. Yet, when the old man mentioned “that little girl,” he paused almost imperceptibly—a detail he himself might not notice, but it did not escape the two young men. The tone of his next words was markedly more forceful, making them want to laugh. But in such a setting, Han Tan Yi dared not, and Xia Wuyai could not. The old man was a legendary figure, fearless before anyone, yet in front of Qiu Wan’er, his manner changed entirely. It seemed less like he was the master, and more as though the little girl were the matron he dared not provoke. Holding back their laughter was almost painful, their faces twisting with the effort. Fortunately, the door was near, and a quick stride brought them out. Shutting the door behind them, relief washed over them, and exchanging glances, they finally let themselves laugh freely.

“Ridiculous!” Shui Linglong’s features were hard to discern, but after Shui Lianhua finished speaking, her tone was charged with anger. Even her fingers on the zither trembled, producing a sharp, grating sound. Her gaze fixed on Shui Lianhua, her gentle demeanor suddenly gave way to gravity. Perhaps instinctively, Shui Lianhua felt a tingling all over, hardly daring to move. Of course, Shui Linglong’s fury was not truly directed at her, only that her emotions escaped control for a moment. Soon she collected herself, and as her eyes returned to the instrument, they saw that the string she had just plucked had snapped, lying scattered across the surface. She realized she’d been agitated, so she gathered her spiritual energy, calmed herself, and continued, “That old monster Shen is shameless, and that Xiao Jinghao—rather than tending to his princely duties, he chooses to slander my Blue Lotus Cult. What Seven-Colored Night Pearl, what Cold Light Glazed Map—if I wanted such treasures, who could stop me, even in the imperial palace?”

These words were spoken in anger, somewhat obstinate. If the imperial city were truly so vulnerable, the emperor would not have survived this long. Yet Shui Linglong was not wrong; such treasures might attract others, but not her. Shui Lianhua knew this well, and thus dared not argue, for only a fool would invite bad luck. So she remained silent, watching the woman before her as she gently swept her hand over the zither, gathering the snapped string at both ends. The taut silk, once broken, could not be restored, so Shui Linglong glanced at it, then gave up, leaving only a soft sigh at her lips.

“Left and Right Envoys, heed my command. Since that old monster Shen and Xiao Jinghao wish to use the name of my Blue Lotus Cult to convene a martial gathering, how could we miss it? You two, prepare yourselves and accompany me—let us see what these common mortals truly intend!” Her words carried the full weight of command, and Shui Linglong rose at once, her gaze coldly surveying the nearby blossoms and branches. Indeed, the Blue Lotus Cult had vanished from the martial world for sixteen years. Now, it was time to deliver a surprise to these so-called heroes!