📖 Godstrike Blade

Since the completion of this book, many have misunderstood it, often mistaking falsehood for truth and antiquity for the present. I reiterate, the contents are of idle tales and fabricated stories. It merely uses contemporary names to embellish the narrative. How can tales of chivalry be penned by those who are unworthy? Foolishness or madness? It's to amuse people. Any resemblance is coincidental. Jing, written at Mad Sage Hall

This is the first chapter. I claim to have traveled extensively and once reached Nonexistent slope of Nonsense Peak, where I saw a large stone beyond measure. Upon examination, I found clear inscriptions detailing the affairs of Martial World, with tales of romance and enmity, though the era was unknown. I recorded them, attributing them to modern names, and compiled them into this book titled Godstrike Blade. Mad Sage said: This book reveals the perils of Martial World. Can this be understood by common sense? To retreat in a swift current, to withdraw and step back, to choose a wise leader over dwelling in a murky forest can this be achieved by ordinary people?

Chapter Eleven - Startled by Startling Doubts Arise, Mistakenly Mistaken Heroes Shed Tears In the previous chapter, the "Fresh Start" ceremony gathered heroes, yet the host, Liu Xifeng, died in the hall. Who could have been so cruel? The elder in black in the hall was accused, shouted, "You... how dare you!" His eyes spewing flames, glaring at the woman in yellow. Liu Xifeng's son and daughter stood upright, saying, "Senior Tie, please forgive us, please allow an inspection." The woman in yellow crossed her arms and sneered, "Be careful, this 'Rathead Snaketail' is best at hiding things." The elder's name was "Beehead Dragontail," surname Tie, given name Zhengwai. Because he practiced a martial art that allowed him to hide like a bee and strike like Dragontail Sweep, he earned this nickname. Everyone wondered: what feud exists between the two that they would use Liu's death as a pretext for bickering? "Little child, think carefully, my body is not something you can inspect at will," Tie Zhengwai said, only to be retorted by the woman, "If you are innocent, why are you so hesitant?" Tie Zhengwai understood this reasoning but couldn't swallow his pride. He felt guilty towards the woman and only dared to vent his anger on others. It turns out he had a past entanglement with her mother, which will not be elaborated here. Liu Xuan bowed to the Poison Doctor and said, "Sorry to trouble you, Granny Doctor." Buyi whispered to Song Yao, "Tower Leader, these two are bickering, how could he be the culprit? Would it be a waste of time." Song Yao agreed but shook his head at him. As the leader of Guanzhong Windcloud Tower, he thought it inappropriate to criticize others. Although Buyi's voice was low, Tie Zhengwai heard it, feeling embarrassed. In an instant, Tie Zhengwai appeared beside Buyi. Such agility, even Song Yao couldn't help but exclaim, "Excellent!"

Tie Zhengwai extended his hand and hit towards Buyi's "Tianding Acupoint." Before the palm could reach, the gust arrived first, prompting Buyi to dodge. Song Yao shouted and swung blade. When it was still seven or eight feet away from Tie Zhengwai, he retreated, forming his hand into a blade, and slashed towards Song Yao's "Shangqu Acupoint." Song Yao noticed his light and steady palm. Avoiding it would put him at a disadvantage, so he gathered Qi and charged forward, stabbing diagonally towards Tie Zhengwai's side. Although it didn't reach Tie Zhengwai's body, the Blade Qi enveloped six vital points on his body. In an instant, the two had exchanged dozens of moves, yet they were separated by a considerable distance. The experienced audience in the hall admired them, knowing that one was light and steady, the other fierce and ruthless, both highly skilled, yet willing to stop at the right moment. Especially Song Yao, who had not yet reached thirty but had already become the leader of Windcloud Tower, proving his reputation well-deserved. Tie Zhengwai retreated, shifting to a defensive stance. Song Yao, without exhausting his move, withdrew his blade. He suddenly heard Bu'er exclaim, "Leader, be careful!" Tie Zhengwai, who was originally a yard away, was now at his side. He used his most proud move, "Dragontail Sweep." The woman in yellow robe shouted, "Shameless!" It turned out that Tie Zhengwai had broken the "stop at the right moment" rule, launching a killing move at Song Yao. He excelled in palm techniques and used them to the fullest, while Song Yao, skilled with blade, did not unsheathe his blade. Even though Song Yao's skill was not weak, at this moment, it was difficult to gain the upper hand. The heroes were all anxious for Song Yao. At that moment, in a split second, the situation changed, and the audience's eyes suddenly brightened. Upon closer inspection, the two had already separated. Tie Zhengwai was kneeling on one knee, sweat dripping down, taking a long time to catch his breath before hoarsely saying, "Good! Truly worthy of 'Godstrike Blade'!" Song Yao laughed heartily, "I admire it!"

Bu'er rushed forward, anxious. "Master Song! Are you hurt?" Buyi snapped, "What are you yelling for? How could our Master be bested by someone like him?" His words were laced with deliberate disrespect toward Tie Zhengwai but for once, Tie Zhengwai didn't respond. He let the Poison Doctor step forward and bow before examining him. The gathered heroes all looked on in silent shock. None could quite tell how Song Yao had drawn his blade. So this was the legendary Godstrike Blade... Its brilliance left them speechless. Then Song Yao cupped his fist toward the girl in yellow and said, "Many thanks for your aid, miss." So it had been her. That flash of silver earlier he'd seen it clearly it was a needle, aimed precisely at Tie Zhengwai's Shenque Acupoint. The girl in yellow looked at him and gave a cold laugh. "Don't thank me. Thank Hero Tie for going easy on you! He's used that move before his opponents are usually dead before they even realize it. But here you are, standing just fine. Clearly, it wasn't his skill that failed him. He must've had a rare moment of mercy." Her words were sharp as daggers "Hero," "dead before they even realize it," "went easy on you"... Every phrase stung with sarcasm. Song Yao felt both vindicated and unsettled. He cupped his hands again but said no more. The Poison Doctor turned to Liu Xuan and Liu Bai, shaking his head. "There's no trace of that powder on Mr. Tie," he said calmly. By the earlier deduction, the one who killed Mr. Liu must've carried a specific poison powder. Without it Tie Zhengwai was in the clear. He snorted heavily in response. Following the rules, anyone falsely accused must also be examined. So the Poison Doctor turned to the girl in yellow. "Forgive me, miss." His red-tinged hands flicked through the air with such speed they blurred. She only felt a gust lift her sleeves then he stepped back and shook his head again. Liu Xuan and Liu Bai weren't surprised. The others began to murmur to themselves. These two arguing dragged Song Yao into the mess... and the Windcloud Pavilion controls both land and river routes in the Central Plains. Who would dare provoke them? No one expected Tie Zhengwai to suddenly chuckle, low and rasping. "Poison Doctor, why not check this Master Song He vanished earlier, and everyone knows he and Mr. Liu didn't exactly get along. If we're talking suspects, doesn't he top the list?" The jab reeked of personal vengeance, but many present silently agreed just afraid to speak against the Windcloud Pavilion's rising power. Liu Xuan's eyes narrowed. "Master Song," she said steadily, "my father died tragically today. I'll speak plainly. I respect you as a hero, but family comes before honor, and justice before loyalty. If I offend you, blame me alone." Her voice was crisp and clear, confident yet respectful. Young as she was, she spoke with such composure that even the seasoned warriors nodded inwardly in respect. She went on, "May I ask where were you during the banquet just now?" Bu'er looked like he was about to answer, but Song Yao raised a hand to stop him. He replied with a low, steady voice: "That concerns internal affairs of the Windcloud Pavilion. I cannot say." A sharp scoff came from the crowd. The Poison Doctor slowly approached. Song Yao stood silent for a moment, then gave a small nod. He had nothing to hide whatever happened, he would face it. The red-palmed doctor raised his hands again. As his inner force flowed into Song Yao, pressing through the Yongquan, Tiantu, Qihai, and Baili acupoints, Song Yao felt a sudden surge of clarity then, without warning, a searing pain stabbed into his Fengmen point. He gasped in shock, unable to hold back a cry. "It's Whitegrass Frost!" the Poison Doctor said grimly. After a pause, he added, "Master Song... You've been exposed to the very poison that killed Mr. Liu."

Everyone casting astonished glances at Song Yao, unable to believe he would do such a thing. Song Yao was shocked, then his face turned grim with anger as he forced himself to speak calmly, "Impossible, the doctor must be mistaken. Please examine it carefully." The Poison Doctor, who couldn't stand hearing such words, immediately used his Inner Force to project his voice to everyone, "No one in the world knows 'Whitegrass Frost' better than I. If he hadn't been contaminated, it wouldn't have reacted to my 'Minor Creation Technique'. The pain in Song's back was because he was contaminated with 'Whitegrass Frost'!" Everyone heard this and looked at each other in disbelief. A soft voice from the crowd said, "If Song is wronged, why not tell everyone where you went just now? Is there a witness?" The muscles on Song Yao's cheek twitched, and his teeth ground. He shook his head and said, "I cannot say!" The crowd was stirred, with some saying, "Who would have thought Song, a hero..." and others saying, "Evidence is conclusive..." They concluded that Song Yao was a culprit. Song Yao felt the power of public opinion! He shouted, "It wasn't me!" Song Yao's appearance was rugged, and he looked even more menacing. Ever since Poison Doctor's examination, Liu Bai had been in daze, and he cried out, "Song! My father only offended Windcloud Tower in the past. He was ready to leave Martial World, why this!" He was just a young boy, and his cries of grief moved many heroes to silence. Some chimed in, "Song's actions lack the spirit of a hero." Windcloud Tower had only recently risen to power, inevitably clashing with old sects. Not to mention Liu Xifeng, even among those present, there were many who had grudges with Windcloud Tower. As the leader, Song Yao was known for his unyielding nature, naturally making enemies. Though they feared Windcloud Tower's might, they dared not speak, yet harbored resentment. Upon hearing this, everyone wanted to add insult to injury. Although Liu Xifeng's death was sad, some took pleasure in Song Yao's downfall.

Bu'er couldn't hold back and stood up, "You're slandering us! How rare is that grass frost thing, and where did Tower Leader get it from?" Tie Zhengwai replied, "Who in the martial world doesn't know how formidable Windcloud Tower is! If your Tower Leader wants something, isn't there a way to get it?" These words suggested that if Song Yao wasn't convicted, he would retaliate. Bu'er rendered speechless. Song Yao's brow twitched, never expecting that someone would find "Whitegrass Frost" on him. He knew someone was framing him, but didn't know who. He said, "You all know me. If I wanted to kill someone, why would I use such a despicable method?" That thin voice spoke again, "Does Tower Leader Song indeed plan to kill Old Liu?" It was a copper-skinned, bearded man, but it was unclear what kind of martial arts he practiced to speak like a child. Someone recognized him and said, "Isn't this the Sect Leader's head disciple from Onewave Sect?" Onewave Sect was a major sect in Guanzhong, but lost power to Windcloud Tower, and the Sect Leader was injured by Song Yao and hadn't appeared for a long time. Liu Xuan said, "Song, actions require evidence. You were from a reputable sect, you wouldn't deny it." Many people agreed. The bearded man said, "Song is a good man, there must be some misunderstanding. Why not have Song stay here, and we'll invite the Sect Leaders of reputable sects to preside over justice." Before he finished speaking, Bu'er angrily shouted, "Bah! Isn't this imprisoning a criminal?" Song Yao was in his extreme anger, and he laughed instead, shouted, "Come out!" This unexpected shout made people think: This person is ruthless, his evil deeds exposed, if pushed, he might fight back. That Godstrike Blade should not be underestimated. He shouted angrily again, like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, "Who wants to frame me, come out!" The previously noisy hall fell silent.

Song Yao glanced at everyone present, feeling lost in a sea of mist and illusion. It seemed everyone harbored deceit, yet their faces remained indistinct. When he first entered this circle, he was the celebrated master of Fengyun Tower, but suddenly he became a despised thief. How could one explain the reasoning behind this transformation? In an instant, countless thoughts raced through his mind: If a treacherous plot was set, when did it begin to ensnare him? Was it during his duel with Tie Zhengwai? Or when he thanked the woman in yellow? Or perhaps the Poison Doctor? Seeing everyone silent, with no one speaking up for him, he couldn't help but feel bitter and indignant. Reflecting on Liu Xuan's earlier words "prestigious sect," he pondered each word, feeling even more desolate. Just then, a few clear laughs echoed from beyond the high wall, startling everyone: When did this person arrive there, completely unnoticed? The person gracefully descended from the wall, adorned in luxurious attire, resembling a noble prince. The young man walked towards the crowd. His steps were short, yet his movement was elegant and unrestrained, revealing no affiliation with any particular sect. Tie Zhengwai saw he appeared to be only thirteen or fourteen years old, with slanted eyebrows and a charming demeanor, and scoffed disdainfully, "Little brat, still wet behind the ears! What's so funny? This is no place for you!" Despite his youthful face, the young man's eyes shone brilliantly, exuding an aura that was hard to confront. He had been observing for a long time, and to him, the scene seemed like a farce. The young man lightly shook the folding fan in his hand and leisurely said, "A hero at the end of his rope, a lone bird clutching a treasure... isn't this scene laughable?" Tie Zhengwai sensed the insinuation, his face darkened, and he angrily retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Who are you? State your name!" The young man smiled and said, "My surname is Fang." Song Yao was puzzled: This young man seemed skilled, yet he had never heard his name in the Martial World? Little did he know, this young man would become the greatest benefactor he would ever encounter. To know what happens next, stay tuned for the next installment.