Volume Two: Snow over Qin Chuan Chapter Twenty: Slaying the Reckless Soul (Part Four)

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Sun Duocheng’s words did not weigh on Feng Qi’s mind. No matter who intended to target him, they would have to make a move first. Once they did, he could seize any trace or clue they left behind. But since the mastermind was still scheming in the shadows, it wasn’t something worth his immediate concern. He was not idle, after all.

Feng Qi quickly dismissed the matter. He took some tea leaves from his storage pouch and brewed them with the spring water he had casually drawn from the Sinking Sword Pool earlier that day. He then opened the “Chronicles of the Dao Abyss” on the table and took out a yellowed little booklet, reading and making notes in it.

This book had spread widely in recent years. It covered all major events on the Dao Abyss Continent—from the origin of the human race, to the demon tribe’s southern advance, to the ascension of the Old Sovereign. It cited classical texts and followed a clear thread, its credibility exceptionally high. Even the Carefree Pavilion revered it greatly.

If the author’s identity were known, this book might well replace the “Historical Records” penned by the Sima scholar from the previous dynasty.

But it couldn’t be said for sure. If the author were merely a minor figure, the book would likely be seized by some noble family, stamped with their name, mixed with their biases, and thus lose its impartiality and truthfulness.

From this perspective, it would hardly leave a mark in later history.

Not everyone was as fortunate as Sima, who met a figure like Li Jinxing.

Suddenly, Feng Qi’s eyes narrowed.

—In the fourth year of the Snow Cloud Sect, a grand Sword Contest was held. The top three in each realm could receive the Sword Intent Tempering Ceremony. This ceremony had two effects: first, it could cleanse the sinews and marrow, rebuilding the foundation of the Dao; second, it could aid in advancing one’s realm and deepen comprehension. The second-generation Sword Sovereign of Snow Cloud Sect had once used this to leap from the Primal Unity realm straight to the pinnacle of the Profound Understanding realm, undefeated ever since until the Sinking Sword incident.

Further records detailed the second-generation founder’s great achievements, but Feng Qi paid little attention.

What intrigued him more was why the so-called Sword Intent Tempering could affect one’s realm.

To break through a realm, there were usually three methods: cultivation, comprehension, and elixirs.

From its name, Sword Intent Tempering should act on the physique—how could it influence realm advancement?

It defied common sense… but no matter. Since it was for the top three, he must be among them. He would see when the time came.

Thinking of Xue Wuji’s expression when he left, Feng Qi felt speechless.

That old fox had long known about this, certain they wouldn’t descend the mountain anytime soon, so he said nothing, allowing Feng Qi to brag before him, making it easier to mock him later.

As he pondered this, someone came to visit the cave dwelling.

He welcomed the visitor in—it was Mou Linhan.

Feng Qi cupped his hands in salute.

Mou Linhan returned the gesture calmly.

Feng Qi roughly understood Mou Linhan’s purpose.

He decided to explain, out of Mou Linhan’s goodwill in standing up for him.

“It’s impossible to kill him at such an occasion, but it’s a chance to observe the sect’s reaction—to see how they judge the resentment and bitterness in my heart.”

Ultimately, it was just a test.

If Snow Cloud Sect could accept his current bitterness, it would mean they implicitly acknowledged the hatred in his heart. Now that he had a master, senior brothers, and perhaps gifted disciples in the future, who knew how things might develop.

Conversely, if Snow Cloud could not accept the bitterness he displayed, and with Wu Fan alive, he wouldn’t be executed outright. He would immediately distance himself from Snow Cloud to avoid the sect’s constraints over this matter.

Mou Linhan was silent for a long moment, then asked, “Is this grudge truly unforgivable?”

Feng Qi thought his senior brother had become too rigid in cultivation and retorted, “If one day Master dies, would you seek revenge?”

Mou Linhan considered seriously, “Depends. If it’s a fair fight, no. But if someone plotted secretly…”

Feng Qi said, “I think the same. That’s why I must do this.”

Mou Linhan was quiet for a while, then said, “Master is strong, but when facing the barbarians, Xu Hai, or even Li Jinxing, he is somewhat weak.”

Even the seemingly invincible Xue Wuji was only at the Void Dao realm. If he had hope of merging with the Dao, he wouldn’t have been held back so long.

And the Void Dao realm was truly inadequate against those three.

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Xu Hai had the two pavilion masters of the Blood-Weeping Soul Pavilion.

The barbarians had the Great Lord Ming and the High Priest.

Li Jinxing… perhaps was even more terrifying than all of them combined.

Thus, Mou Linhan was uncertain of Feng Qi’s motives. According to his usual understanding, Feng Qi would never resort to such actions.

Feng Qi smiled but said nothing.

Mou Linhan suddenly thought of a possibility and asked in surprise, “You intend to do it yourself?”

Feng Qi replied, “Ban Zhemian was already at the Dao Merging realm by thirty. I’m confident I can achieve something similar.”

Mou Linhan clicked his tongue in admiration. “What you said is tantamount to shaming nearly ninety percent of all prodigies throughout history.”

Feng Qi smiled and said, “Actually, I can be even more confident.”

More confident than ninety percent? That meant being unrivaled across all eras.

Mou Linhan didn’t know what to say. Mainly because… this guy might really pull it off.

So he stopped trying to puzzle over that and instead asked, “I heard from Master that Zhou Zihan invited you down the mountain for the Sword Worship Ceremony?”

Feng Qi nodded, “I’ll leave after the Sword Contest ends.”

Mou Linhan said, “Didn’t you swear to Master you’d go tomorrow?”

Feng Qi smirked, “That was just to annoy him.”

Mou Linhan found it amusing. “Alright then, before that, I’ll teach you a thing or two.”

Feng Qi shook his head, thinking he’d be too busy to listen.

Mou Linhan looked puzzled.

Feng Qi thought it over and decided not to reveal his original plan. Instead, he repeated Sun Duocheng’s earlier words.

Mou Linhan’s eyes instantly sharpened, as if the gentle senior brother never existed.

“Do you know who’s behind this?”

“No. I just arrived at Snow Cloud Sect and don’t know much yet, so I want to borrow senior brother’s prestige.”

“Prestige is nothing. But for someone to dare conspire to harm a Snow Cloud Sword Disciple within the sect… that’s truly bold!”

Feng Qi hadn’t expected his senior brother to believe him so readily, without investigation. Though he didn’t say who was behind it, as long as Sun Duocheng was involved, the mastermind would likely be connected to the second senior brother. He thought Mou Linhan would be more cautious.

Mou Linhan thought for a moment. “I’ll investigate. Don’t worry. If they really harm you within the sect, then Snow Cloud is nothing but a joke.”

Feng Qi said seriously, “So Snow Cloud Sect is a joke?”

Mou Linhan said firmly, “Absolutely not!”

After a pause, he added, “That Sun Duocheng, whatever his intent, cannot be let off lightly.”

Feng Qi asked out of curiosity, “What’s your decision, senior brother?”

Mou Linhan said, “His words are not trustworthy.”

Feng Qi rolled his eyes, thinking, “You should know better than me.”

His mother, the concubine, was the direct disciple of the Medicine Valley’s leader. What she could teach was limited to medical theory—how could she teach swordsmanship?

Even if she didn’t impart the Dao but helped Sun Duocheng medically… she was bound by Medicine Valley’s rules. Even when his own son was seriously ill, she never intervened. Why would she help a stranger?

Seeing Feng Qi say nothing, Mou Linhan whispered, “I’ll ask around. If the answer isn’t satisfactory… then kill him.”

…

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At this moment, the five peak masters gathered atop Snow-Treading Peak.

It wasn’t because Feng Qi nearly killed Wu Fan thoughtlessly. As Feng Qi said, since no real problem would arise, there was no need for discussion.

They were deliberating over the candidates for the Sword Intent Tempering.

Since Dugu Feiyun’s ascension, the demon tribe had sent their congratulatory notice directly to Wuyang. Alongside their congratulations for the Old Sovereign’s ascension, they issued a century-long challenge. The Divine Emperor summoned all major powers to Wuyang for talks and devised the Godcraft Plan, intending to use all human resources to quickly cultivate a transcendent being.

Winners in each realm at the Inquiry Dao Conference would receive the most resources for their realm and naturally become seeds of the Godcraft Plan.

How to compete for this honor was the concern of major sects.

In reality, it was just Snow Cloud and Tai Xuan.

Traditionally, Sword Intent Tempering was granted to the top three in both Profound Understanding and Primal Unity realms. But to compete with Tai Xuan Mountain, the five peak masters had agreed beforehand to reserve tempering qualification for only the top spot.

However, Feng Qi’s outstanding performance stirred controversy from the Wuhen Peak master, prompting revisiting the matter.

Yang Zhengyue and the Qianren Peak master showed little interest and remained silent.

Yuan Yulong glared at Xue Wuji coldly. “Why bring this up again? Feng Qi lost to Zhou Zihan; he’s out of the Godcraft race. If he’s out, what right has he to receive the tempering ceremony?”

Xue Wuji said, “He lost because I forbade him from using his life sword. Otherwise, who knows who would win? Today, Feng Qi’s performance is evident—dethroning Wu Fan across an entire realm. Who says he lacks the potential to contend?”

Yuan Yulong said, “The rules are set by Wuhen. Are you saying the lawmaker can break the law? Don’t forget, Snow Cloud still has the Wind and Thunder!”

Xue Wuji scoffed, “Yuan, stop throwing baseless accusations. We’re discussing the matter fairly. If the existing rules proved unreasonable during execution, naturally they must be corrected. Otherwise, what kind of master would I be?”

Yuan Yulong disagreed, “Even mortals know that royal decrees cannot be changed overnight. We have transcended for so many years—are we less disciplined than mortals?”

Xue Wuji narrowed his eyes. “Lord Law Sword wants to be Divine Emperor?”

That was nonsense.

Yuan Yulong frowned.

Yang Zhengyue shook his head.

The Qianren Peak master pretended not to hear.

Xue Qianzhang sighed, saying, “Law Sword, calm down. If one didn’t know, they’d think this were a marketplace quarrel.”

Xue Wuji looked at Xue Qianzhang discontentedly, thinking, “Is this really how you treat your brother?”

Yuan Yulong was also displeased, thinking, “Is this how you run the sect?”

Xue Qianzhang ignored them, seemingly waiting for something.

Someone knocked on the door, presenting a jade-carved small sword with both hands.

After the visitor left, the sword trembled, and a line of characters appeared on its blade:

“The sword pills accumulated by the Sword Pavilion over centuries—aren’t they enough to temper one or two junior disciples? Don’t talk about adding a Profound Understanding disciple; even by usual standards, our Sword Pavilion can afford it!”

Xue Wuji beamed. “Senior Uncle is bold!”

Yuan Yulong’s face darkened. “This is nonsense! Senior Uncle, it’s not about the sword pills! It’s about the dignity of the Five Peaks meeting!”

Xue Wuji didn’t even bother replying, thinking, “Senior Uncle has already spoken. If you don’t agree, go speak with him yourself.”

Xue Qianzhang had been distracted for a while, but now returned to focus and concluded, “If that’s the case, then it’s settled.”

…

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