Chapter 84: The Loneliness of the Master
Chapter 84: The Loneliness of the Master
The Invincible East was unbearably lonely.
This loneliness was not of the heart—he had Yang Lianting, after all. Rather, it was the solitude found in a world where no rival remained, the isolation of a supreme master.
Whether it was Ren Woxing, Zuo Lengchan, or even eminent figures like Master Fangzheng and Daoist Chongxu—though all were formidable in their own right, to the Invincible East, they were unworthy opponents.
They simply weren’t on his level.
It was precisely because of this profound loneliness that the Invincible East secluded himself atop Blackwood Cliff for more than a decade.
“Civil and martial virtues, unifying the martial world”—did the Invincible East truly care about such proclamations?
Perhaps, before he became the cult leader, he cared. But once he stood atop Blackwood Cliff, surveying the martial world below, his thoughts changed.
Had he truly desired to unify the realm, with his unmatched skills and the vast resources of the Sun and Moon Cult, he could have accomplished it long ago.
No one could stand against him; none dared challenge his might.
In the original tale, Ren Woxing, after reclaiming leadership, nearly unified the martial world himself. Clearly, had the Invincible East wished it, he could have done so sooner.
No one understood the Invincible East, nor his true intentions.
He allowed Yang Lianting to manage the cult’s affairs as he pleased, content to embroider in his chamber. If one sought the reason why the once proud and imposing Invincible East had changed so, it was not self-castration; even Yue Buqun, after taking such drastic measures, did not lose his ambition.
Thus, this was not the cause of the Invincible East’s transformation.
There was only one reason—the loneliness of invincibility.
Now, a figure had emerged in the world, able to reignite the Invincible East’s interest in battle: Zheng Jian.
Like a comet, Zheng Jian had risen, defeating Xiang Wentian, Ren Woxing, and Zuo Lengchan in succession.
Indeed, thanks to his intelligence network, the Invincible East knew even that stubborn old Ren Woxing had fallen.
Atop Mount Song, the climactic battle—though the Invincible East was not present, his subordinates’ accounts allowed him to discern the secret behind Zuo Lengchan’s swordplay: a secret sharing the same origin as his own martial arts.
With Zheng Jian’s victory over Zuo Lengchan, the Invincible East’s dormant fighting spirit stirred once more. After years of quiet, his blood began to boil, prompting him to personally pen a challenge and send Tong Bai Xiong to deliver it to Mount Hua.
On Blackwood Cliff, needle in hand, his allure ambiguous and his gender indiscernible, the Invincible East gazed at the profound night sky. With a subtle gesture, a silver needle glided before his eyes as he whispered, “Here, atop the highest peak of the world, I await your challenge.”
...
News of the Invincible East’s challenge to Zheng Jian atop Blackwood Cliff spread through the martial world like wildfire.
One was the comet-like sword master ascending to the heavens; the other, the reigning supreme atop Blackwood Cliff.
This duel was enough to drive the world mad with anticipation and admiration.
Major factions across the realm opened betting pools, and the crowds flocked to wager heavily.
Would the Invincible East defend his title, or would a new champion emerge? Regardless, the outcome would surely be etched into the annals of martial history, a tale for generations to come.
In Plum Manor by West Lake, Ren Woxing lay hidden.
In the hall, Ren Woxing sat in the seat of honor, flanked by Xiang Wentian on one side and Ren Yingying on the other. Below them stood those he had recently taken under his command, including Bao Dachu.
“Left Envoy, what do you make of the Invincible East’s challenge to Zheng Jian?” Ren Woxing inquired.
Xiang Wentian pondered for a moment before replying slowly, “The Invincible East’s skills are unfathomable, his schemes profound. In my view, this is a diversion—a feint to mask his true intentions.”
“Oh? How so?” Ren Woxing asked, perplexed. “Explain in detail.”
“Yes, Cult Leader. The Invincible East is proud by nature; he would not lightly issue a challenge to a young swordsman. Even if Zheng Jian’s swordsmanship has reached its zenith, so what? I suspect his move is a deliberate misdirection, and his real target may well be you.”
Ren Woxing fell into deep thought. He hadn’t given it much consideration, but Xiang Wentian, renowned for his cunning, had opened a new perspective for him.
“So you’re saying the Invincible East’s true purpose is to target me—using the attention on the duel to strike against me?” Ren Woxing frowned.
Xiang Wentian smiled and continued, “Cult Leader, you are wise. But perhaps look at it from another angle. If you were the Invincible East, knowing your adversary was plotting against you in secret, what would you do?”
Ren Yingying blurted out, “Stir the grass to startle the snake! Father, I understand Uncle Xiang’s point. The Invincible East knows you are his greatest threat, but because he doesn’t know your whereabouts, his heart is uneasy. He is proud, the unrivaled leader—how could he stoop to challenge a young man unless… he’s certain you will show up!”
“Miss is right. Zheng Jian, for all his arrogance, would fear the Invincible East. In today’s martial world, only you have the credentials to face him. Therefore, I believe the Invincible East expects you and Zheng Jian to join forces, and this is his way of luring us all into one trap!”
Xiang Wentian’s analysis was thorough, prompting Ren Woxing to nod repeatedly. “Indeed, that makes sense. I couldn’t fathom why the Invincible East would challenge Zheng Jian, but with this reasoning, it becomes clear. The Invincible East truly has a voracious appetite!”
“Well then, Left Envoy, make a secret trip to Mount Hua and meet Zheng Jian. Lay out the stakes for him. Since the Invincible East wants to wipe us out in one stroke, let us use this opportunity to settle the score! As for our minor conflicts with Zheng Jian, those are mere trifles. In my opinion, with his intelligence, he will understand.”
Ren Woxing spoke gravely.
“Father, let me go with Uncle Xiang,” said Ren Yingying, eager to meet Zheng Jian and witness the man who had bested her father.
“No need. Let Left Envoy handle it. You would only complicate matters,” Ren Woxing immediately objected.
“Father, please let me go…” Ren Yingying began to pout, shaking Ren Woxing’s arm insistently.
Seeing this, Xiang Wentian laughed, “Cult Leader, since Miss wishes to go, let her. Perhaps it will prove unexpectedly useful.”
Ren Woxing glanced at his daughter, brimming with anticipation, and sighed, “Very well, you may go. But let it be clear—you must follow Left Envoy’s instructions in all things. No tantrums or reckless actions that could jeopardize our plans.”
Ren Yingying readily agreed.
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(End of Chapter)