Chapter 87: What Is Jian’er’s Purpose in Leaving?

Chapter 87: What Is Jian'er Setting Out To Do?

Zheng Jian admired the Tears of Sorrow Sword in his hand with great satisfaction, unable to hide the delight in his heart.

"This sword is truly stunning. Tsk, tsk—perfectly matches my good looks. I like it," he muttered to himself, then closed his eyes, gathering his innate qi. It surged from his dantian, flowed through his arm, and coursed from his palm into the sword.

Sensing a change, Zheng Jian opened his eyes to see the azure blade emitting a faint glow. "As expected, it's a fine sword!"

He was overjoyed. This sword could actually conduct his inner energy!

Until now, Zheng Jian had never sought out a truly suitable weapon, mainly because he hadn't reached the innate stage and couldn't project his qi outward. Those legendary tales of swinging a sword and sending out a blade of energy three feet long... sorry, those feats didn't exist in the real world.

But with the Tears of Sorrow Sword, Zheng Jian could feel his qi flowing through his meridians and into the weapon, giving rise to a faint blade of light.

With a casual swing, the sword traced a blue arc through the air and carved a groove seven inches deep into the ground before him.

"So this is the power of the sword light!" Zheng Jian exclaimed in awe. The glow itself wasn't inherently lethal—mostly just for show. Ultimately, it was still the blade that struck the blow.

Yet the power of this sword light told him that the blue glow was no mere ornament; it possessed terrifying destructive force!

Of course, such might also consumed a great deal of his inner energy...

Five thousand resentment points—it was expensive, but worth every bit!

At last, the system had done something right!

Overjoyed, Zheng Jian sheathed the Tears of Sorrow Sword in its custom scabbard—an equally beautiful companion from the exchange.

"With this sword, my combat strength is at least thirty percent higher!"

West Lake's Plum Manor.

Xiang Wentian and Ren Yingying had returned.

Both looked grim. They had left full of confidence, believing they could surely win Zheng Jian over. But who could have guessed? Zheng Jian was utterly unmoved!

And it wasn't even due to their Sun and Moon Cult identities, but simply because he refused to join forces!

Ren Woxing was already waiting in the hall. Seeing them enter, he hurriedly asked, "Left Envoy Xiang, how did it go? What did Zheng Jian say?"

Xiang Wentian forced a bitter smile and shook his head. "Master, I have failed you... We couldn't reach an agreement with Zheng Jian."

Ren Woxing's smile froze, and then he asked in disbelief, "Why? That's impossible! Left Envoy Xiang, could it be that he's still holding a grudge over the past? Didn't I say everything would be negotiable if he agreed?"

Ren Yingying, who had been in a foul mood all the way back, snapped, "Father, that guy is just a stubborn mule! Do you know what he wants? He wants a fair fight with Dongfang Bubai! Ha! Isn't that hilarious..."

Ren Woxing slowly sat down, his expression troubled. If it were truly just the past grievances, that would be easy to fix. But now, hearing this, it seemed Zheng Jian actually wanted to face Dongfang Bubai head-on!

Was he mad or just a fool?

Ren Woxing knew Dongfang Bubai far too well. All these years, trapped under West Lake, he had spent every waking moment analyzing Dongfang Bubai. Yet he had to admit, in martial arts, cunning, and strategy, Dongfang Bubai surpassed him.

Especially in martial arts!

Ren Woxing himself had handed a handwritten copy of the Sunflower Manual to Dongfang Bubai. He knew exactly what it took to practice it. He never wanted to, first because he refused to mutilate himself, and second because of the Star-Absorbing Technique. The more he practiced, the more addictive it became—ecstasy while training, agony in the jade pillow and chest acupoints when abstaining.

Thus, he had never thought the Sunflower Manual superior to his own technique, nor could he let go of it, so he gave the manual to Dongfang Bubai.

Who would have expected Dongfang Bubai to master it, becoming monstrously strong, while Ren Woxing, defeated and imprisoned, languished beneath West Lake for twelve years...

The deeper the wound, the greater his fear of Dongfang Bubai. So despite all his talk of retaking Black Wood Cliff, Ren Woxing still hid in Plum Manor after all these months...

Why? He was afraid.

"Enough. If that fool Zheng Jian wants to throw his life away, let him. If we can't join forces, we can only sit back and watch the tigers fight!" A cold glint flashed in Ren Woxing's eyes.

"Yes, Master!"

...

Time passed swiftly, and soon it was June.

All of the martial world was abuzz over the impending battle atop Black Wood Cliff, with some even calling it the most anticipated duel of the last century.

Major powers had set up clandestine betting pools. By and large, Dongfang Bubai was the heavy favorite, with low odds, while Zheng Jian, the strongest of the new generation, commanded high odds.

No surprise there—no one expected Zheng Jian to win, though many still hoped the "Heaven-Restoring Swordsman" could work another miracle...

The Central Plains in June were oppressively hot. The blazing sun scorched the sky, and the air shimmered with heat.

On Mount Hua, Zheng Jian emerged from the cave on the Cliff of Reflection. Truth be told, in such sweltering weather, this cool, secluded spot was an excellent refuge.

"Time to set out..." Zheng Jian smiled, unconcerned with his unshaven face or grimy clothes. Carrying the Tears of Sorrow Sword, he made his way down the mountain.

Crossing the inner training grounds, he passed a group of Mount Hua disciples practicing their swordplay. As they spotted Zheng Jian, they all paused, silently watching him.

Yue Lingshan's eyes quickly brimmed with tears, though she bit her lip, refusing to let them fall.

Lin Pingzhi, Linghu Chong, and the others all wore grave expressions.

With all of them looking at him like that, Zheng Jian couldn't help but scratch his head and complain, "What's with you guys? Just because I'm heading to Black Wood Cliff doesn't mean I'm doomed. Even if I lose, it doesn't mean I'll die. Why are you staring as if you're seeing me off for the last time... Are you that eager for a banquet? How many to a table?"

"..."

Paying no heed to his silly junior brothers and sisters, Zheng Jian continued down the mountain.

Suddenly, Lin Pingzhi called out, "Senior Brother, you will win!"

Linghu Chong and the others followed suit, shouting, "Senior Brother will win!" "Senior Brother will win!" "Senior Brother will win!"

Zheng Jian paused for a moment, waved a hand behind him, and continued on without looking back.

Reaching the mountain gate, he found Master Yue standing alone, as if he had been waiting for Zheng Jian all along.

"Master, what are you doing here?" Zheng Jian asked curiously.

Old Yue nodded. "Jian'er, what are you setting out to do?"

"To shatter Black Wood Cliff."

"And if you never return?"

"Then let it be that I do not return."

...

(End of chapter)