Chapter Seventy-One: Prologue

"Many people are curious, wondering why someone like me from the halls of power would willingly wade into the turbulent waters of the martial world. To be honest, there are times even I can’t fathom why I came. But now, looking at all of you, I understand—the truth is, I am, at my core, one of you. Titles like Prince Qi or Xiao Jinghao are just names, nothing more. Standing here today, let me just use 'I'; all that 'prince' nonsense sounds unbearably awkward!" His words carried no bureaucratic airs; after all, those who moved in the martial world were generally straightforward folk, with few truly refined individuals among them. Flowery speech only served to draw them closer together. If you wanted to be accepted, you had to lower yourself—when everyone feels like they're cut from the same cloth, even if they wish to keep their distance, it becomes near impossible. The martial artists present usually bore some resentment toward those lofty officials, but at this moment, facing this so-called Prince Qi, they found it hard to muster any ill will. The applause, which had almost faded, now rose again. If the first round was out of politeness, this time it was far more sincere. Even Han Tanyi found himself moved.

"The reappearance of the Blue Lotus Demon Sect has sent tremors through the martial world. While there hasn't yet been any great harm, many elders here surely remember the events of sixteen years ago, so I need not say more. Clearly, after the Battle of the Three Wolves, with the Water Demon slain, Shui Linglong—his daughter—will not give up easily. Master Shen’s reputation is unmatched; Shui Linglong dares not challenge him head-on, but taking advantage of this wedding, she assumed the name Golden Leaf and stole the Shen family’s heirloom, the Luminous Pearl. Such an act is nothing less than a show of force against Master Shen!" Xiao Jinghao continued, for what is a gathering of the martial world without a worthy topic? Even though he knew the details better than anyone, he had to play his part before the crowd, dramatizing the matter to ensure that all present would feel the looming threat. The loss of the Luminous Pearl had become the talk of the martial world; the name Golden Leaf was now infamous, rivaling any of the greats. For even an institution like Mingyue Villa and Shen Wansan himself had suffered such a setback. Who was Golden Leaf, and how was this feat accomplished? All were desperate to know the truth—who exactly was Golden Leaf?

With Xiao Jinghao’s words, the heart of the matter was laid bare. If Golden Leaf belonged to the Blue Lotus Demon Sect, everything made sense. Shui Linglong’s name alone inspired dread; whether she acted or not, her association with the Shui family and the Blue Lotus would make her an object of fear. It was the old saying come true: once bitten by a snake, ten years in fear of the well rope. Clamor, perhaps, was the best response in such moments. When someone is at a loss, they look to others for direction. Both Xiao Jinghao and Shen Wansan knew that the fish had taken the bait—it was only a question of what they would reel in.

"This matter has already brought great shame to Master Shen. As a junior, I ought not mention it before everyone, but given its importance, I beg your forgiveness, Master Shen!" As the crowd murmured, Xiao Jinghao turned toward Shen Wansan, bowing slightly in a show of respect, apologizing. If his earlier words were for the crowd, this gesture was for those on the stage. The martial artists might be the foundation, but it was people like the Celestial Mechanic and Shao Changchun who held the true power. If Shao Changchun was still a junior, Shen Wansan’s greatest rival for the martial alliance leadership was none other than Qilian’s Lord.

"Your Highness, there’s no need for such words. Even if you hadn’t raised it, I would have. In the martial world, reputation once mattered, but at my age, what use is face? Am I to take it to the grave? The return of the Blue Lotus Demon Sect is no trivial matter. That’s why I convened this assembly—to inform everyone, so we can prepare. Their aim is surely more than just the Luminous Pearl!" Shen Wansan’s response started off mild, but his tone grew heavier as he spoke, as though the matter itself pressed upon him with great weight. A man who had lived long, seen much, would naturally become a master at such performances. In a few words, Shen Wansan had broadened the issue: the theft was no longer merely his family’s misfortune, but a concern for all present.

Han Tanyi objected, and had ample reason for it, but what could he do? He could only curse inwardly at such shamelessness. Could he voice these objections? Certainly not. In Qilian, theft was a grave taboo. Though he often acted rebellious before the Celestial Mechanic, those were harmless antics. If it came to principle, he was always careful—not to mention, this was hardly the time or place. To speak out now would not only cost him his own face, but drag down the honor of all Qilian. Besides, he never even had the Luminous Pearl; he’d only gotten the Cold Cicada Jewel. Perhaps Mingyue Villa had anticipated thieves and swapped the pearls in advance, but if so, why claim that the Luminous Pearl was stolen? Was it simply to make the Blue Lotus Sect the ultimate enemy, or had Shui Linglong herself intervened after Han Tanyi left?

Yet neither seemed likely. Han Tanyi, having spent time in the Blue Lotus Sect, could not believe the Shui Linglong he remembered would do such a thing. If it was Shui Lianhua, with her vendetta against the four great sects, why settle for just the Luminous Pearl? Moreover, by Shen Wansan’s own words, Shui Lianhua could not have been the culprit. Unless the Blue Lotus Sect had really reemerged and left clues behind, there would be no grounds for such an accusation after sixteen years in hiding. How could this be? These questions tangled in his mind like knotted threads; even if he found one end, he might not be able to unravel the rest. And now, he hadn’t even found that beginning. Still, not everyone would believe the Blue Lotus Sect could be scapegoated so easily—for example, the Celestial Mechanic was far from convinced.

"If all they wanted was the Luminous Pearl, I, Shen Wansan, would gladly give it, if it meant peace for the martial world. But is that possible? The Blue Lotus Sect is evil to the core. This is our failing as the four heads of the great sects: we didn’t notice that Shui Linglong had slipped through the net, and now we reap the consequences. Master Shao Donghua, your late wife, Fairy Yaoji, was among the bloody sacrifices of that battle. We cannot let so much blood be shed in vain!" Shen Wansan’s words continued, heedless of Han Tanyi’s confusion. He spoke with a careful eloquence; both Shao Changchun and Dao Tianfeng had old wounds from sixteen years ago. Sure enough, as he spoke, the Celestial Mechanic’s expression changed, and even Han Tanyi beside him could sense the old man’s inner power stirring, barely restrained on the surface, but inwardly seething.

"In those days, I, my sworn brothers, Master Shao, Brother Dongfang—we were hailed as the Four Heroes of the martial world, brimming with youthful pride. Sixteen years ago, the fall of Brother Shao was a bitter blow, yet today—" Shen Wansan’s gaze shifted from Shao Changchun to the Celestial Mechanic, finally settling on an empty seat. His face grew pained, filled with sorrow; even his eyes glimmered with unshed tears. For a man of his age to weep openly was unexpected—life and death no longer frightened him, so what pain could remain? Yet the tears fell, and after a long moment, his lips parted to utter words that stunned the assembly: "I never thought, never imagined, that in my lifetime I would see old friends again, but Brother Dongfang—why did you leave so suddenly, without even a word of farewell, only to meet a violent end? Blue Lotus Demon Sect, Shui Linglong—I, Shen Wansan, swear here and now, while I yet live, I will take your head, to honor Brother Dongfang’s spirit in the heavens!"