The two rode their horses forward. Upon reaching a hilltop, they saw a lone man engaged in a skirmish against four opponents, while a crowd had gathered around to watch.
The man under attack appeared to be over seventy years old, dressed in a gray robe. Li Jian glanced at the other four—each clad in purple garments. Though he did not recognize them, their movements were swift and refined, clearly far beyond those of ordinary martial artists.
Suddenly, the four struck out together with their palms toward the old man. In an instant, the elder shifted left and right, evading with nimble footwork, and countered with four rapid palm strikes. Each of the four met his strike in turn. Upon contact, all four were forced to retreat, landing several steps away. For a brief moment, both sides paused.
One of them said, "'Madman of the West,' Situ Kong, truly lives up to his reputation—his martial arts are extraordinary!"
Another added, "We have long heard your name, though never met you in person. You are indeed a venerable hero."
The old man was none other than Situ Kong. With the Wolong Saber strapped to his back, he said calmly, "The four of you have been shadowing me all along, waiting for a chance to seize this blade. Unfortunately for you, its rightful owner entrusted it to my care. As long as it is in my hands, it will not be so easily taken."
One of them replied, "We are the Four Envoys of Wind, Fire, Thunder, and Lightning from the Zichen Sect. By order of our leader, we have merely come to borrow the Wolong Saber."
Among those of the martial world, nothing was more coveted than a legendary weapon—and the Wolong Saber was famed far and wide.
Situ Kong chuckled. "What a pleasant way to put it. You call it borrowing, but it is nothing more than robbery. This is no ordinary blade. One whose heart is impure will easily fall into demonic paths upon wielding it. Only those of both virtue and skill are worthy of possessing it."
At that moment, a series of sharp whistles echoed from all directions—it was clearly a warning signal.
Situ Kong's expression remained calm, though he said lightly, "What is this? Have you called for reinforcements?"
The whistles grew louder.
The Wind Envoy, Lin Han, said, "Senior Situ, our sect truly only wishes to borrow the Wolong Saber today."
The Fire Envoy, Xue Hu, added coldly, "Our sect is not lacking in experts. We advise you not to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a penalty."
Situ Kong laughed. "That will depend on what your sect is capable of!"
Within moments, the whistling drew closer—reinforcements were arriving quickly.
Just then, from not far away, the piercing sound of suona horns rang out, accompanied by drums and gongs. A grand procession approached slowly, a faint fragrance drifting through the air.
Before long, a carriage came to a halt, and a middle-aged woman stepped out. She was dressed in luxurious purple silk, her bearing dignified and noble. Four personal attendants cried out in unison, "The Leader of the Zichen Sect has arrived!"
It was indeed the Sect Leader herself, arriving with great pomp and presence.
The members of the Zichen Sect began chanting loudly:
"Sacred Zichen Sect, guiding us to the Way,Divine formulas and secret arts, ascending to immortality.Cultivate the Dao, protect all beings,Teach and save the suffering, bringing grace to the world!"
At the same time, the Sect Leader stepped forward slowly. The Four Envoys immediately knelt, performing a formal salute with the left hand covering the right, chanting:
"Holy Mother of Zichen, great in virtue and transformation,Sincere without end, upholding benevolence and righteousness,Spreading the Way across the land!"
Hearing this, Situ Kong thought to himself, Why are there more and more such sects in the martial world? This one is no different from the Western Sacred Sect—borrowing the names of Buddhism and Daoism to deceive the people.
With a hint of sarcasm, he said aloud, "Holy Mother of Zichen, spreading virtue and righteousness… After hearing such profound teachings today, I feel enlightened already—perhaps I shall ascend to immortality at any moment."
The Sect Leader remained composed, her expression solemn. With a slight gesture, the Four Envoys rose and stepped aside.
She spoke clearly, "We have heard that Senior Situ holds the Wolong Saber. Our sect cannot allow this to continue. Today, under the mandate of heaven, we have come to reclaim this evil blade. We ask that you hand it over. If we cause offense, we ask for your understanding."
At once, the atmosphere froze. Even the wind seemed to still.
Situ Kong's gaze sharpened slightly. Slowly, he placed his hand upon the hilt of the saber. "The Zichen Sect comes in force—even the leader herself has arrived. It seems this blade is of great importance to you."
Though his voice was calm, every word rang out across the hilltop.
Standing at a distance, Li Jian and his companion felt the tension in the air. The mountain wind brushed their faces, yet a killing intent seemed to gather from all directions.
The Sect Leader smiled faintly. "This blade carries an unusual aura. It is said to be linked to ancient weapons and is vital to our sect's cultivation methods. If Senior Situ is willing to return it, our sect will offer generous rewards and remember your kindness forever."
Her tone was gentle—but carried an undeniable authority.
Unmoved, Situ Kong suddenly burst into laughter. "This blade may be sharp, but it is not for just anyone. If your sect claims the mandate of heaven but seeks the blade for its own ends, then though I am old, I will not bow to such a path!"
With that, his robe billowed as his inner force surged outward. The surrounding grass and trees swayed violently as his aura rose sharply.
The Zichen Sect members stirred uneasily. The Four Envoys tensed, ready to strike.
On the mountaintop, the winds shifted, and the clouds darkened—a confrontation between righteousness and evil was about to unfold.
The Sect Leader smiled again. "This blade must have come into your hands by someone's request."
Situ Kong replied coldly, "Indeed. But none of you are its rightful inheritors."
The Zichen Sect was organized under Leader Cai Hong, with the Four Immortal Maidens, the Four Sacred Kings, and the Four Envoys of Wind, Fire, Thunder, and Lightning.
Cai Hong said, "Senior Situ, you possess the bearing of one destined for immortality. If you join our sect and learn our divine methods, you will surely ascend beyond this mortal world."
Hearing this, a chill rose in Situ Kong's heart. He smiled faintly. "I am but a mortal of flesh and blood, with little affinity for immortality. As for your so-called divine arts, I fear I am not fated to learn them. But you claim to act under heaven's mandate—yet it seems you covet this blade."
Cai Hong replied, "One born with an immortal bearing needs only guidance to ascend. Today, your destined opportunity has arrived. Let go of worldly attachments. Hand over this evil object, and I shall grant you the secrets of immortality and eternal life."
She thought to herself: Situ Kong is powerful—if force fails, persuasion may succeed.
Situ Kong laughed heartily. "For you to value me so highly is an honor indeed. But life is meant to be lived freely—basking in the sun, playing a game of chess—that is already a life like an immortal. As for your promises of eternal life, I have no interest."
He continued, "This Wolong Saber is no ordinary weapon. In the hands of the virtuous, it can slay demons and defend the righteous. But in the hands of the corrupt, it will bring untold disaster—blood will flow like rivers."
Cai Hong's expression darkened, anger surging within her. She let out a cold snort. "Situ Kong, do not think too highly of yourself. Out of respect for you as a senior, I offered you a place in our sect and the secrets of immortality. Yet you refuse again and again. We have come under heaven's mandate to reclaim the blade—and still you deny us. Enough of your empty words!"
She turned sharply. "Four Sacred Kings of Xuanwu—step forward and test this old man's skills!"
At her command, four burly figures stepped forward swiftly, their presence as imposing as mountains…