Chapter Fifty-Four: Mysterious Defeat

The next morning, Taiyi awoke early, the sky still shrouded in darkness. Stepping out of the western courtyard, he found Liu Fort already bustling. Tables and chairs were being set up on either side of the martial grounds, tea and light snacks laid out, and the dining hall was abuzz with preparations of wine and dishes to welcome the arriving guests.

The Second Elder had also just returned from outside, helping to oversee matters as the guests began to arrive one after another. The first to come was Qi Fei. Though the Second Elder hadn’t sent him an invitation, the news had spread far and wide. On hearing about this important event for Lingshuang, he had hurried over, and before he even saw Taiyi, he was pulled into the reception hall by Liu Zhen for a reunion.

After all, it had been over a decade since they last met, and Liu Zhen felt a bit shy before Qi Fei. Yet, old friends need little time to fall into easy conversation. Qi Fei chuckled and said, “Old friend, I come to your Liu Fort, and you drag me straight into the hall. At least let me see my son.”

“What’s the rush? The martial competition will start soon—you’ll have your chance.”

Qi Fei leaned in, feigning astonishment, and whispered, “What’s this? My son is to marry Lingshuang? I never imagined that rascal had such thoughts. Not bad, not bad—he’s done better than his father, settling down early so I needn’t worry. I never thought that in the end, you and I would become in-laws, ha ha ha!”

Liu Zhen burst into laughter, slapping the table. “Ha ha ha, my good brother, you’re mistaken. Lingshuang admires Young Hero Sansi. Taiyi is taking up this challenge merely to help Lingshuang out of her predicament.”

“To help her? What do you mean?”

Seeing that Qi Fei was unaware of the situation, Liu Zhen explained the Su family’s scheme. When Qi Fei heard the whole story, he fumed, “Despicable! If I’d known it would come to this, I wouldn’t have spared his life back then. I hear that this Su Xing has made quite a name for himself in recent years, advancing rapidly in skill and even founding the Creek Punishment Sect, taking in many disciples.”

“That’s right, my father mentioned all this—Su the traitor has allied himself with the lord of Qingjian Creek. To rid ourselves of this menace is no simple matter.”

“I don’t understand much of your official business, but if any of them threaten the people, just tell me. I know the Liu family can’t act openly, but I have no ties—removing a few villains for you is well within my power, and the authorities won’t catch me.”

Liu Zhen laughed heartily. “Brother, after all these years, you haven’t changed a bit. Very well, I’ll remember your words. If there’s ever a matter of justice, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

The two chatted a while longer before the Second Elder hurried into the reception hall, saying to Liu Zhen, “Zhen’er, why are you still here chatting over tea?”

“I’ve not seen Brother Qi Fei in so many years. It’s rare that we have the chance to sit down and reminisce. What’s the matter?”

Liu Mu came over, tugging at Liu Zhen’s sleeve. “Don’t ask what’s the matter—today is an important day, and many distinguished guests have arrived. As the master of the fort, shouldn’t you go out to greet them?”

“What’s there to greet? My father is already receiving them, giving those people enough respect. If I, the fort master, go out as well, wouldn’t that lower the prestige of Liu Fort?”

Liu Mu smiled, no longer pressing, and took a seat, saying leisurely, “All right, since you care about appearances, I’ll let you be. I just hope the elder from the Sword Deity Sect won’t take offense.”

Liu Zhen waved his hand, laughing. “Ha, am I supposed to be afraid of him?” But after a moment, he realized what had been said and stammered, “What... Sword Deity Sect? Isn’t that just a legend? Could it be someone posing as them, here to stir up trouble?”

“In any case, he arrived together with Master Du of Divine Sword Manor. Believe it or not, it’s up to you.” No sooner had Liu Mu finished speaking than Qi Fei had already disappeared.

Liu Zhen chased after him, calling out, “Brother, wait for me!”

Qi Fei and Liu Zhen arrived before the supposed elder of the Sword Deity Sect, both bowing respectfully. The elder quickly helped them up, saying, “Sword Hero Qi Fei, Fort Master Liu, there’s no need for such formality. I came to your esteemed fort with the master of Divine Sword Manor without invitation, simply upon hearing the news, and have presumed upon your hospitality...”

He had not finished when Qi Fei interjected, “No presumption at all! It is Liu Fort’s honor to be visited by the Sword Deity Sect, ha ha! Please, Elder, have a seat.”

Liu Zhen laughed as well. “Brother, I should be the one to say that. Elder, please sit, please sit.”

Master Du watched their antics and teased, “Old Liu, Old Qi, why don’t I see you treat me so courteously, after all these years of friendship?”

After a few words, Liu Zhen still felt puzzled. The Sword Deity Sect was a supreme power in the realm—why would an elder attend the mere marriage of Liu Fort’s daughter? It was most peculiar.

Taiyi was strolling nearby when he heard Qi Fei’s laughter from afar and hurried over. The elder, seeing Taiyi, rose and waved. “Young Hero Taiyi, we meet again.”

Taiyi clasped his fists in greeting, smiling. “Senior, what a fateful encounter to meet you here as well.”

Qi Fei was amazed to discover his son knew someone from the Sword Deity Sect. Approaching Taiyi, he pinched his son’s cheek with a smile. “You rascal, to have such fortune as to know an elder of the Sword Deity Sect—I admit, I’m quite jealous.”

The elder laughed. “I heard early this morning that Miss Lingshuang was to hold a martial contest for her hand, so I invited Master Du to come along. Judging by the arrangements, I seem to have arrived early, ha ha!”

Liu Zhen bowed low before the elder. “I never imagined you would know my daughter as well—what an honor for our humble fort! Your schedule cannot be compared to others. Had we known you would come, we would have prepared long in advance. I’ll see to the arrangements personally now—everything will be ready in less than half an hour, so you won’t have to wait long.”

The elder laughed, shaking his hand. “Fort Master Liu, don’t mind me. I spoke without thinking—let the host decide. However you arrange things, I’ll wait as long as needed, even a few days. There’s no hurry.”

With matters nearly arranged and all the guests assembled—apart from the elder and Master Du, the rest were heads and elders of lesser sects and schools. Though none held the status of the Sword Deity Sect or Divine Sword Manor, they were prominent figures in their own regions. With so many present, even Su Xing would not dare cause trouble.

When everyone was gathered, the guests lined the sides of the martial grounds, while members and disciples of the Liu family watched from the steps of the reception hall. At the sound of a gong, Liu Zhen leapt into the air, landing atop a long pole in the center of the grounds, and announced:

“Friends from afar, you have come a great distance—Liu is humbled by your presence. My daughter’s matter was never meant to be so rushed, but Su Xing insisted it must be today. I have no choice but to comply. Your attendance is a great honor to me—I thank you all.”

Su Xing, seated, was about to speak when someone below interrupted, calling out, “Liu Fort is renowned in the martial world. We’re not here to do you a favor—it is you who honors us by inviting us. As for the rules of Su Gongzi marrying your daughter—what are they?”

Liu Zhen laughed. “It’s not complicated. According to the Liu family’s ancestral rules, only those of extraordinary talent may marry a Liu daughter. Today’s contest is to see whether Su Fantian is worthy. If he can stand on the field for three hours, I’ll recognize him as my son-in-law. If he’s defeated, he returns to Xizhou.”

“I don’t think anyone here can defeat me,” said Su Fantian, who had appeared in the center of the martial grounds at some unknown moment, his sword at his side, hand resting upon it, a fierce look in his eyes. From his stance, it was clear his internal strength was deep, and his bearing spoke of high attainment.

Su Xing coughed impatiently. “Liu, enough of this nonsense. Let’s get started. Send up your men, one by one.”

Taiyi interrupted, “Hey, hey, hold on. If we don’t set the rules clearly, and you break them later after losing, don’t say we bullied you.”

“Hmph, speak then.”

“It’s a standard martial contest, with one difference: if I call for a halt, both sides must stop, and it’s counted as a win for Su Fantian. If Su Gongzi fails to yield, he’s disqualified. If he endures for three hours, he wins. Understand?”

Su Fantian snorted. “Understood. Send them up.”

At the gong’s sound, the contest began.

“I’ll go.” A Liu family disciple drew his sword and ran onto the stage. Both sides saluted.

The disciple struck first, thrusting at Su Fantian’s chest. Su Fantian sneered, not even bothering to draw his sword—he blocked with the scabbard, twisted, and the disciple’s weapon flew from his grip, clattering to the ground. Su Fantian moved to strike a fatal blow.

“Stop!” Taiyi called out. Su Fantian pulled back just in time. Though displeased, he could not protest—the rules were clear, and he had won this round.

For the next two hours, Liu family disciples came forth one after another to challenge Su Fantian. Each time, when a deadly blow was about to land, Taiyi called a halt. As the Liu family’s reserves were exhausted, it was left to the Liu sons themselves. None wished to see the girl they’d watched grow up fall into the hands of such a villain. While the Liu sons were no match for Su Fantian, they could endure longer than the ordinary disciples.

After two hours, there was no one left of suitable age to take the field—only Xu Xuan, the last of the Liu warriors, remained. This was Taiyi’s plan all along: to have the disciples wear down Su Fantian’s strength. Xu Xuan was the strongest among them, and his mastery of the family’s inner techniques was far superior to his peers—more refined, more flexible.

Xu Xuan approached Taiyi and whispered, “Uncle Li, when I fight that villain, unless it’s a matter of life and death, please don’t call a halt.”

Taiyi nodded, assuring him to fight as he saw fit—he would judge the moment.

Xu Xuan drew his sword and vaulted into the air. The Liu family’s lightness techniques were among the best, and though Xu Xuan had learned them only a few days, he now wielded them expertly, no less skilled than the other sons. He had mastered the inner teachings thoroughly—among his peers, none could match him one-on-one.

Landing in the ring, he saw Su Fantian, breathing heavily, somewhat fatigued. For most, two hours of battle would be more than enough to exhaust them, but Su Fantian, trained from youth, had stamina beyond compare. Three hours might not tire him out; the only way was to defeat him!

Xu Xuan was cautious—he had spent the previous two hours carefully observing Su Fantian’s techniques, remembering them well. To counter them was not difficult; timing was everything.

They saluted. Xu Xuan waited for Su Fantian to strike first, but the villain had his own calculations. Since he only needed to endure three hours, why waste energy? Better to bide his time and rest.

Xu Xuan, seeing Su Fantian’s ploy, had no choice but to attack first.

They exchanged moves, both holding back. Su Fantian thought Xu Xuan would be as weak as the others—if he finished him quickly, Taiyi would call a halt again, so he didn’t use his full strength.

But he’d underestimated Xu Xuan. Seizing a moment of carelessness, Xu Xuan unleashed twelve strikes in a single breath. Su Fantian, caught off guard, dodged frantically—one sword came within a hair’s breadth of his throat. Of the twelve strokes, four cut through his robes, though none drew blood.

Realizing Xu Xuan’s skill, Su Fantian grew serious, finally drawing his sword and casting aside the scabbard.

He struck at once, so swiftly Xu Xuan was unable to evade, forced to parry with his own blade. But Su Fantian’s sword was fiercely powerful. Though Xu Xuan blocked the blow, the force still passed through his weapon and struck his chest, sending him stumbling back several steps.

Seeing Su Fantian closing in, Taiyi sensed danger and was about to call a halt when Xu Xuan shouted, “I’m fine—I can still fight!” He met the attack head-on, wielding the Liu family’s seventy-two sword forms with agility. For dozens of exchanges, Su Fantian could not break through. Xu Xuan’s familiarity with his opponent’s moves was the only reason he held on so long.

However, having taken a blow earlier, Xu Xuan was now injured. Prolonging the fight would only disadvantage him—better to take the initiative. He swung his sword; Su Fantian dodged. As expected, Su Fantian used the same pattern as before—his attack and retreat identical. That meant in two more moves, Xu Xuan would have his opening to strike a heavy, if not fatal, blow.

After two moves, Taiyi seemed to notice something and wanted to warn Xu Xuan, but with so many witnesses, he could not break the rules. As expected, Xu Xuan took the bait—Su Fantian, seeing Xu Xuan had discerned his pattern, deliberately repeated it again, luring him in. Xu Xuan attacked, but Su Fantian switched tactics, forcing Xu Xuan to dodge in alarm.

Now Su Fantian pressed his advantage, sword poised, waiting for Xu Xuan to make a mistake.

Taiyi watched anxiously from afar—within three moves, Xu Xuan would surely fall to a killing blow. If he waited until then to call a halt, it would be too late.

“Stop! Su Fantian is the winner.” At Taiyi’s proclamation, Su Fantian seethed with frustration. He’d expended so much effort and could have taken Xu Xuan’s life, but because of the halt, all his effort was for nothing. Yet, a rule is a rule—he had no grounds to protest.

Xu Xuan had lost...