Chapter 48: Standing at the Highest Peak, Commanding the World's Awe

The final round of the competition permitted the use of weapons, though it was still required that blows be pulled and no one was to be injured.

As usual, lots were drawn: Number One would face Number Five, Number Two would face Number Four, and Number Three was granted a bye and entered directly into the top three.

The first match was between Luo Changning and Feng Shiyan. He wielded the blade without drawing it from its sheath, defeating her in less than thirty moves and sending her off the stage. The blade never left its scabbard. This made Gao Ba’s expression grow darker still, for in plain view of all, his pride was being soundly struck. Of the younger disciples, Gao Ba had placed his greatest hopes on Ling Yancheng and Feng Shiyan; now, his favored disciple was dismissed so easily, as if the master himself was held in no regard.

Luo Changning’s refusal to draw his blade was both a display of strength and a slight towards Feng Shiyan, as if deeming her unworthy of seeing his sword unsheathed.

In truth, Luo Changning did not give her much thought. Not drawing the blade was not a matter of posturing, but a sign of respect for the sword itself; he sensed that the blade did not wish to be used on a lesser opponent.

Ling Yancheng drew number three, and waited with composure among the disciples.

After leaving the stage, Feng Shiyan seated herself at Ling Yancheng’s left, leaning in and whispering, “Senior Brother Yancheng, you must avenge me in the next round!”

Ling Yancheng smiled, “I’m not certain I can. Luo’s swordplay is ingenious, and his internal strength rivals mine.”

Feng Shiyan’s gaze dimmed. “Impossible, Senior Brother—there’s no way you would lose to that boy!”

Ling Yancheng frowned, disagreeing gently, “A martial artist must not belittle themselves. I am but a post-natal practitioner; defeat is nothing extraordinary. Sister Yan, do not let yourself become stubborn—only a steady heart is beneficial to cultivation.”

Feng Shiyan sneered inwardly, but kept her composure, replying listlessly, “I understand, Brother.”

Ma Qingyun was matched against Bo Er. He did not use a weapon, and seeing this, Bo Er handed his sword to a fellow disciple. Both fought bare-handed, and the outcome was clear. Yet Ma Qingyun did not defeat him in a single move, but gave him some face, winning only after ten exchanges.

When the judge announced the results, Bo Er clasped his fists. “Thank you, Brother Ma, for showing mercy.”

Ma Qingyun laughed lightly. “Think nothing of it.”

The top three in the martial arts academy’s ranking tournament were now decided: Luo Changning, Ma Qingyun, and Ling Yancheng.

This time, Ma Qingyun was granted a bye, so Luo Changning would face Ling Yancheng.

On the black iron stage, Luo Changning clasped his hands. “Brother Ling, please accept my humble efforts.”

“Brother Luo, likewise.” Ling Yancheng smiled gently.

Ling Yancheng had taken note of Luo Changning from the first day of competition, feeling a strange affinity and admiration for his skill, even wishing to befriend him. Though Ling Yancheng was Gao Ba’s direct disciple, he was upright and honest; were it not for gratitude and respect for Gao Ba’s guidance, he would have long since left the Saintly Hands Martial Academy, which was rife with corruption.

Luo Changning also held Ling Yancheng in good regard, and did not dare take the match lightly. Though their cultivation was equal and his own internal strength deeper, his years of practice were fewer and his experience in combat lacking.

“As long as one masters the essence, a sword, a belt, even a stick can be used to fell an enemy.”

Luo Changning closed his eyes, recalling the words spoken by He Guanzhong in the past, and slowly drew the blade from his belt.

He circulated the internal technique of the Dog Beating Staff, launching his attack.

The sound of the blade cutting through air echoed across the arena.

Ling Yancheng’s gaze sharpened, entering battle mode himself, fighting with the sheathed Blazing Blade.

Both wielded blades, though Luo Changning’s combat experience was lacking, his internal strength was superior. Paired with the Dog Beating Staff technique, he managed to win within a hundred moves.

Just as Luo Changning thought he would face Ma Qingyun in the final, Ma Qingyun withdrew from the competition. Luo Changning guessed the reason immediately: the champion’s name would be carved on the stone tablet beside the arena; Ma Qingyun simply did not wish his name to remain there.

Raising his brows, Luo Changning could not help but laugh: Brother Ma was truly aloof. It was only a name—what harm in leaving it here? It’s not the small place one should fear leaving their name, but failing to be remembered on the highest peak of all!

With their affairs in the Black Water County concluded, Luo Changning and his companions left by carriage.

In a few days, it would be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and everyone longed to return home. Luo Changning especially was eager, his thoughts fixed on his little aunt, wishing he could leave everyone behind and ride straight back alone.

He had only begun to learn horseback riding in the past few months, picking it up quickly though lacking time to practice.

Yet longing aside, Luo Changning knew his limits, did not abandon the others, nor betrayed any impatience.

At the border between Qingyang County and Black Water County, they once again stopped at the small tea stall for a meal.

This time, the proprietress was more enthusiastic than before, even bringing out her treasured wine. The tea stall had always served only old shade tea, never any other beverage, let alone wine.

Though inferior to the famed Su Meng Brew, Luo Changning and his friends drank merrily.

While the others ate, Luo Changning told Xiang Ao he would step away for a while, and flew toward the mountain behind the tea stall.

Arriving at the cave where He Guanzhong had stayed, Luo Changning found the ashes and straw swept clean. Except for a layer of blackened earth left by fire, there was no trace of anyone ever living there.

He sighed deeply, regretful: after that farewell, who knows when he will see Brother He again?

He felt no resentment for He Guanzhong’s silent departure, having expected as much. Such masters always come and go like shadows, present one moment, gone the next.

To have become sworn brothers and confidants, to be taught the Beggar Sect’s secret techniques, was fortune enough. How could one hope that a wandering soul might settle down?

So Luo Changning did not linger, and used lightness skill to return to the foot of the mountain.

Back at the tea stall, the group had nearly finished their meal, and boarded the carriage for Qingyang County.

This time, no one noticed Ma Qingyun quietly slipping a note to the tea stall owner.

When the stall was finally empty, the owner unfolded the note, which read: “Contact Bo Er of Qingyin County as soon as possible.”

At this, the tea stall owner’s expression changed. He gently twisted the note, and it turned to ash, drifting away on the wind.

Bo Er.

He murmured the name, recalling an old acquaintance—Bo Yi.

He knew Bo Yi once had a lover, but had not expected the woman to bear him a child.

Learning that his friend had an heir, he was comforted, yet could not help but feel a pang of melancholy. Glancing at the beautiful woman working in the wooden shed, his gaze flickered.

He understood her feelings, but could not offer her a future. What he did was fraught with danger; so long as he remained undiscovered, all was well, but once exposed, it would spell the destruction of all he loved.

He could not drag her down, nor let her live as a widow.

Yet, when two hearts are truly entwined, what does danger matter? It was only his own caution that held him back from reaching out, for the price of defeat was far too grave.

He had already cost her her youth—how could he risk her life? The best he could do was pretend not to see her affection.

He knew he could not drive her away, but if the day came when he died, surely she would let go.

Yet the thought of her one day moving on, embracing another man, filled him with jealous rage, wishing to tear that imaginary rival to shreds.

Perhaps, this is love: unwilling to implicate the beloved, yet unable to release her...

Passing through the city gates, the group split into two, each heading home.

For Liang Zhenyun, Mo Feng, and the others, the Luoyang Martial Academy was their home.

(The end at last—a new chapter awaits unlocking...)