Chapter Sixteen: A Gentleman’s Revenge

As soon as a master makes a move, you know whether they are the real deal.

Han Meng said, “The reputation of the Chief Disciple is well-deserved. I will seek your guidance another day, Senior Brother. Farewell…”

Dongfang Yu replied, “I am always honored to await your visit, Junior Sister…”

Though their exchange was brief, Han Meng understood that her opponent had likely used less than thirty percent of his strength, yet she was already defeated—the difference in ability was unmistakable. Clearly, those who become the true disciples of each peak are never simple characters.

Not wishing to linger, Han Meng helped Lin Cheng to his feet. The others, limping and bruised, supported one another as they made their way towards Sword-Hidden Peak.

“Brother, are we just going to let them go like this?” The red-haired youth was still reluctant to accept the outcome.

Zhang Bao and the others looked to Dongfang Yu for guidance.

Dongfang Yu said, “What, do you want to kill them all?”

“Do you think the sect rules are just for show?” With these words, Dongfang Yu turned and left.

Although the red-haired youth was somewhat dissatisfied, he dared not go against Dongfang Yu and quickly followed in his footsteps.

The onlookers who had gathered to watch the spectacle gradually dispersed. For them, today was well worth the trip. Usually, those who came to listen to the elders’ sermons were outer disciples; it was rare to see inner disciples, and rarer still to witness true disciples from two peaks.

It was difficult enough to encounter just one on any given day; who could have imagined witnessing several major battles today? They would have plenty to talk about once they returned to their own peaks.

Inside the grand hall of Sword-Hidden Peak.

The group, battered and bruised, huddled together as Han Meng examined their injuries one by one.

“Ouch, ouch, ouch…”

Their cries reverberated throughout Sword-Hidden Peak.

With a wave of her jade-like hand, Han Meng produced several bottles of medicinal pills in front of the four.

“Vitality Pills…”

Lin Cheng poured out a pill, immediately grinning from ear to ear. He had seen his master often refine this particular medicine.

“That’s right, the Vitality Pills. For the next few days, don’t wander about—focus on recovering from your injuries first.” With that, Han Meng turned and left.

The four took the pills, sat cross-legged, and slowly began to heal.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, they had been at Qingyang Sect for more than half a month. Their wounds were long healed, and each had returned to their respective peaks.

During this period, Lin Cheng had diligently cultivated every day. Now, he had reached the sixth level of the Intermediate True Qi Realm, and the third form of Sword Listening to the Wind was well-mastered; his Five Elements Sword Body had become even more refined.

Though he could not break through the Sword Body again in a short time, at this moment, he was eighty percent confident that, if faced with Zhang Yan, he could defeat him.

Night fell. They built a bonfire and gathered once more in celebration.

Lin Cheng flipped the whole roasted lamb on the fire, chatting with the others.

“How have you all been lately?”

Lin Hu grumbled, “Don’t even ask. That old Ox keeps making me memorize the Alchemy Classic and study herbs, so I have to sneak out at night to practice my staff…”

“Actually, I think Master wants Fatty to learn alchemy,” Pang Bo said as he scratched his head.

“Fatty’s spiritual roots aren’t complete—can he even make pills? I think that old man just wants free labor… Poor Fatty…” Niu Shisan shook his head in mock despair.

Lin Hu said nothing.

Pang Bo added, “Honestly, Master is pretty good…”

The others fell silent.

Lin Cheng patted Lin Hu’s shoulder. “Leave the matter of Fatty’s spiritual roots to me…”

The three shrugged, thinking Lin Cheng was merely comforting Lin Hu.

Soon, the fragrant, golden roasted lamb was ready. With spices sprinkled on top, the group’s eyes sparkled with hunger.

“Hey, you always remember me when it’s time to get beaten, but forget me when there’s roasted meat…” Just as the four were about to dig in, Han Meng appeared beside the bonfire, unnoticed.

Lin Cheng and the others said, “How could we? We were just waiting for you, Senior Sister…”

Without further ado, the five began to feast.

“If only there was wine…” someone mused aloud.

Han Meng casually produced a jar of fine wine, brightening everyone’s eyes. They tore into the lamb and gulped down the wine in large bowls.

After eating and drinking their fill, Han Meng departed.

At the summit of Sword-Hidden Peak, the four lay on smooth boulders, hands behind their heads.

Gazing at the bright moon hanging in the night sky, a gentle breeze wafted away the lingering effects of the wine.

They reflected quietly. Without realizing it, they had become immortals in the eyes of ordinary folk. Though they could not see the road ahead, each resolved in their heart to walk it with unwavering determination.

Lin Hu said, “Madman, when are we going to settle the score?”

“What, you want to challenge Zhang Yan and his group?” Hearing this, Niu Shisan exclaimed in surprise.

Pang Bo turned to Lin Hu, his eyes filled with doubt. Though their strength had increased in recent times, they still lacked confidence against Zhang Yan and his companions.

Not to mention, behind them stood the unfathomable Qingyang Peak Chief Disciple, Dongfang Yu.

“No rush. As the saying goes, a gentleman’s revenge takes ten years—” Before Lin Cheng could finish,

Lin Hu interrupted, “Ten years is far too long…”

Niu Shisan said, “I think we still might not be able to beat them…”

Pang Bo nodded quickly.

Lin Cheng said, “If it’s just Zhang Yan alone, I’m eighty percent confident…”

His words sparked excitement in the others’ eyes.

Lin Hu said, “Impressive, Madman! Your progress is astonishing!”

Lin Cheng replied, “I was fortunate to break through—now at the sixth level of the Intermediate True Qi Realm…”

The three looked at Lin Cheng as if he were a freak; in just half a month, they had barely reached the third level, and Fatty hadn’t even touched the threshold of the True Qi Realm.

Lin Hu said, “I have a plan… we wait until Zhang Yan is alone, then… hehe…”

Niu Shisan added, “Or lure him out by himself…”

Pang Bo stood with his mouth agape, watching the two come up with schemes.

Lin Cheng stretched lazily. “That’s settled, then…”

The next day, at the foot of Qingyang Peak—

Several figures lurked in the forest by the roadside, whispering furtively.

Looking closely, it was none other than Lin Cheng and his three companions, all dressed in black robes, quietly waiting.

“Do you think Zhang Yan will appear today?”

“This is the only road down Qingyang Peak—if he descends, he’ll have to pass this way.”

“Just wait…”

Thinking of what was to come, they couldn’t help but chuckle mischievously.

Today, Zhang Yan was in high spirits. His master had instructed him to visit Jade Maiden Peak and request a bottle of Jade Spirit Liquid from Daoist Tianhui. He was overjoyed, having long wished for an excuse to go to Jade Maiden Peak.

Ever since he heard that Jade Maiden Peak had accepted two female disciples with special spiritual roots, both naturally beautiful and rarely seen outside their peak, Zhang Yan’s heart had burned with curiosity.

He was naturally fond of women, especially such talented and beautiful girls.

He imagined that if he could win their hearts and taste their sweetness, he would die without regret.

On his way, Zhang Yan greeted every fellow disciple he met, leaving them bewildered and whispering among themselves.

“Did Senior Brother Zhang take the wrong medicine today?”

“Who knows… He’s usually so aloof…”

“Shh… keep your voice down…”