Chapter 4: Death Gorge Ambush
She had been young then, crying uncontrollably all the way back to the Western Territory, carrying Shen Yichen on her back.
Two hundred years later, Xie Changji had conquered Yunlai and become the world-renowned Supreme Lord of Qingheng. Hua Xiangwan had seen the vicissitudes of life and experienced a few intermittent relationships. Looking back, she realized—if Shen Yichen had not been involved, it would have been just another youthful romance gone awry.
Failure, returning home in tears, would have been bearable.
But with Shen Yichen entangled in it, everything became far more serious.
Fortunately, she had now discovered a way to resurrect Shen Yichen. If she became the Demon Lord, this long-standing relationship could finally come to a proper end.
After all, Xie Changji had little to do with what had transpired, and those who were involved had already paid their dues.
If Shen Yichen survived, this relationship would amount to little more than humiliation—and trouble.
Xie Changji's temper had never been mild, and now, as Supreme Lord of Qingheng, it was likely far worse. Who could predict what would happen if he discovered she had deceived him for two centuries by faking her death?
Less trouble was better than more, which explained why she had avoided Yunlai for so long.
Now, however, under the strong urging of the palace elders, she had been forced to return.
She had assumed Xie Changji, guarding the realm of life and death and unable to leave, would never encounter her. She had not expected to run into even a disciple of his upon arriving at the Heavenly Sword Sect.
But a mere disciple…
Hua Xiangwan gradually calmed herself and reasoned carefully. Back then, her cultivation far surpassed Xie Changji’s. He had never touched her soul, so he could not recognize her essence. She had changed her appearance—from a sword cultivator to a magic cultivator—making it impossible for him to identify her by looks.
Most importantly, she had “died” right before him. He had not searched for her for two centuries, likely accepting her death as fact. Now, Xie Changji might not even recognize her, so what did a mere disciple matter?
With this thought, Hua Xiangwan took a sip of wine and finally steadied her nerves. She flipped through the roster once more, reviewing everyone’s information.
If she were to find a target for a "love elopement," she needed someone easily tempted. That meant the Heart-Searching Sword lineage had to be eliminated first.
Fortunately, of the disciples who arrived tonight, aside from Xie Wushuang, all were from the Affectionate Sword lineage, offering plenty of options.
The young men had already arrived at the canyon on their flying swords, their voices carrying in the night.
"Brother, I’m a little tired. Slow down," the youth at the rear called out. Hua Xiangwan paused, identifying him from the roster—it was Jiang Yiran, a disciple of the Sixth Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
"We can’t stop here," the leader of the group said gently, slowing his pace. "This is Death Gorge. Narrow paths, high mountains—perfect for ambushes. Let’s move quickly."
This was Shen Xiuwen, second disciple of Sect Leader Su Luoming. Hua Xiangwan studied him carefully, smiling as she recalled the details: "Twenty-four, Amorous Sword lineage, Nascent Soul stage, raised single-handedly by Su Luoming…"
The sect’s second disciple was a high-status candidate, perfect for the Hehuan Palace’s plans. He was well-trained but dispensable to his sect compared to the first disciple, making him an ideal target.
Yet, as she watched the young men converse below, she frowned. Where… was Xie Wushuang?
Before she could dwell on it, the disciples reached the center of the canyon. Jiang Yiran complained about the journey’s pace when suddenly—a deafening explosion erupted behind them!
Two massive rocks, inscribed with magical seals, tumbled down from the canyon walls, sending clouds of dust and smoke into the air. The canyon was sealed.
Shen Xiuwen reacted instantly. "Hurry!" he shouted, gripping his flying sword. The disciples followed closely. Jiang Yiran was deliberately shielded by his seniors.
Shen Xiuwen’s eyes narrowed as he signaled two disciples, "Qiansong, Yuhe, follow me. Everyone else, move forward!"
The three disciples formed a protective formation, clearing a path with their sword techniques. The assassins, however, were relentless, splitting into groups to intercept them. Hua Xiangwan watched from above, spinning the spiritual energy beads in her hand.
Shen Xiuwen, initially gentle, transformed into a whirlwind of deadly intent. Five or six assassins surrounded him, forcing him to fight with precision. Seeing him struggle, Hua Xiangwan could not remain idle.
She crushed a spiritual energy bead, letting energy surge through her. A magic spell flew from her hand, striking the assassin behind Shen Xiuwen with a loud explosion.
Then, a woman in a red dress descended gracefully, catching the falling Shen Xiuwen. Silk scarves fluttered under the moonlight, her bare feet landing lightly, her high bun adorned with delicate bells.
Shen Xiuwen, stunned, could only stare, while Hua Xiangwan allowed herself a faint smile of relief.
"Be careful!" she called, just as a fierce kick slammed into her back, sending both her and Shen Xiuwen crashing to the ground.
Hua Xiangwan forced herself to swallow blood, maintaining composure. "It’s okay, Daojun, are you alright?"
"I’m fine," Shen Xiuwen replied coldly, handing her an invisibility talisman. "Miss, this is Tianjian Sect’s business. I’ll cover you—leave first. Don’t die for us."
Hua Xiangwan accepted the talisman, acknowledging the loyalty of Lingnan and other subordinates. Her plan was still on track, but danger loomed.
"Is Daojun a Heavenly Sword Sect member?" she wondered aloud.
"Indeed," Shen Xiuwen replied cautiously.
"I am Hua Xiangwan, Young Master of Hehuan Palace," she declared, stepping before him. "If Daojun is a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, I will share life and death with you today!"
Shen Xiuwen was visibly moved. Hua Xiangwan signaled the assassins to retreat. They masked their identities, their eyes cold but expertly acting. She sent a message to Lingnan, urging them to withdraw.
The husky voice of an assassin challenged her, "Since we share life and death, Young Master Hua, then let’s die together!"
Hua Xiangwan’s heart raced. The sword’s tip neared, and her mind screamed, Stop! How can I fight if you won’t stop, you fool?!
Then Lingnan’s voice pierced the chaos: "Run! Those are from Mingluan Palace! Run!!!"
Hua Xiangwan bolted. Shen Xiuwen, confused by her sudden movement, was again surrounded. She crushed another spiritual energy bead, forming a magic circle to block a lethal strike.
"You are much braver than we thought," Qin Yunshang mocked as she cornered Hua Xiangwan, pressing her sword against her neck. Hua Xiangwan countered with her magic circle, triggering a sudden explosion that severed an approaching attacker.
Grabbing Shen Xiuwen, she sprinted towards the exit, dodging the Mingluan Palace’s poisonous net above and massive rocks ahead. She realized Qin Yunshang had planned a deadly trap.
Not a single Tianjian Sect disciple could perish here—she could not allow it.
Channelling all her energy, Hua Xiangwan conjured a magic array to stop the falling rocks. She hoisted each Tianjian Sect disciple onto flying magic weapons and dashed toward the sealed exit.
"Young Master Hua, the rock ahead is sealed!" Shen Xiuwen warned.
"I cannot let them die!" Hua Xiangwan shouted, striking the boulder with her magic circle. The explosion filled the canyon with dazzling light, halting time itself. Rocks floated, dust drifted, and sword tips hovered inches away.
A cold voice echoed: "The Heavenly Sword Sect is marching. Lay down your swords, or face instant annihilation."
Hua Xiangwan was flung to the ground, bloodied and bruised, her hair tangled and clothes torn. Through the mist, a slender figure appeared—blue robe, jade crown, a white silk veil covering his eyes.
He stopped at the valley entrance, sword in hand, and declared coldly, "Immediately kill without mercy."
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