Chapter 125: A Sword Breaking the Law

Before the mansion bearing the plaque "Xiu Shui Gao Feng," the blind old Taoist, gravely wounded, seemed to sense the imminent approach of death. In a state of delirium, he spoke wildly. Lin Shouyi, with his hands each twirling a bead and two talismans—Fire Rain and Disc—within his sleeve, could only do his utmost and await fate's decision. Chen Pingan silently guided the breath-dragon inside him to the two Qi Palaces, ensuring the sword Qi remained intact, without incident.

How to confirm? The process was simple. As long as the fire dragon, which brought a warm sensation to his meridians, dared not linger in the space between the two Qi Palaces, it meant that two "minuscule" sword Qis had definitely taken residence there. This time, Chen Pingan believed that a single strand of sword Qi might not suffice to slay the bridal ghost. Thus, two strands! It would be far better to regret the cost later than to die for good. However, even before unleashing the sword Qi, Chen Pingan was already on the verge of regret. The face of the money-obsessed youth grew stiff, his killing intent palpable.

Li Huai suddenly noticed that the white donkey beside him had been stomping heavily on the ground, transitioning from restless impatience earlier on the mountain path to a somewhat joyful exuberance. Even when the ghost appeared at the top of the stairs outside the mansion, the donkey merely slowed its steps slightly.

The bridal ghost looked down at the tattered red wedding dress, suppressing the fury raging in her heart. She turned to the young men and women below, her figure floating down gracefully. She performed a curtsy and, in a voice as soft as silk, said, "Welcome, all of you. You may call me Madam Chu. Sadly, my husband is away on a long journey, so I must host you in his stead."

In the bamboo forest on Chess Peak Mountain, concealed by a formation, Wei Ban, who had seized the opportunity to restore his position as the Mountain God, gazed at the mountain of broken bamboo. Every stalk had been severed at the waist by Alang's sword. Though the harvest from this ordeal far outweighed the losses, seeing these green bamboos, which had absorbed the mountain's spiritual energy for hundreds of years, fall before his eyes felt like watching beauties be severed.

Wei Ban's golden earrings had employed an illusionary technique, so even the black serpent could not see his true form. Now, with a flick of his fingers, the broken bamboo stalks vanished into thin air. Once everything was tidied up, Wei Ban stepped out of the bamboo grove and saw not only the trembling black serpent but also a young swordsman with a sword at his waist, and a familiar face—a man carrying a wine jug, drinking merrily. It was the Dali expert who had been sent flying back to Chess Peak by Alang's rainbow light. Wei Ban only knew him as Liu, who had been carried off by the swordsman.

Wei Ban, puzzled, observed the man who had nearly died not long ago. Although his expression still appeared feeble, he was already walking again. Even those who had practiced powerful secret arts to strengthen their bodies would not have recovered so quickly. However, on the path of cultivation, anyone who reached the later stages of the Fifth Realm always had their hidden skills. Naturally, Wei Ban did not ask any questions. The rule that Taoists never speak of longevity, and monks never speak of their surnames, had been established for centuries.

Wiping the wine stain from his mouth, the sturdy man said in a deep voice, "I am Liu Yu, the old man of Chess Peak. Though I still find you disagreeable, I owe you my life. If you ever need my help, break the message token, and as long as I am not on an official mission, I will come to your aid, even if I'm at the southernmost part of Baoping Continent in Old Dragon City."

Liu Yu tossed a jade token made of sheep's fat, which Wei Ban caught. He smiled and said, "Clear-cut in your likes and dislikes, upright in your actions. This token from the 'Military Mountain Temple' is a rarity. Liu Yu, are you a disciple of the Wind and Snow Temple or the True Martial Mountain?"

Liu Yu snorted. The young swordsman, who had just returned from Xiu Hua River, laughed. "Liu Yu is the kind of man who speaks harshly but has a soft heart. Don't take his words too seriously."

Wei Ban quickly waved his hand. "No offense. None at all."

The swordsman casually rested his elbow on his sword and said with a smile, "There happens to be a matter in Longquan County that I need to handle. If you don't mind, shall we travel together to the mountains? Although I have already informed County Magistrate Wu Yuan, and there shouldn't be any problems, better safe than sorry. After all, in the area around Luopo Mountain, besides Mr. Qingwu of the Imperial Observatory, there are many external forces. I wouldn't want your relationship with the Dali to rupture again."

Wei Ban nonchalantly replied, "Considering the commotion of the previous battle, could it be that the Dali's Five Mountains Deities have unfortunately fallen? If so, perhaps I, Wei Ban, could even benefit from the situation. You wouldn't be implying that the 'temporary task' is related to me, would you?"

Liu Yu narrowed his eyes, and the young swordsman remained calm and smiling, "Don't worry, I wouldn't cut ties with you. Whether we go or not, it ultimately depends on your personal decision. The Dali court will never force anyone. As for the specifics, I'm not quite sure. I only know that after the Emperor heard of the matter, he took it very seriously and specifically added the phrase 'treat with courtesy.'"

Wei Ban sighed, "I've always had a temper that resists force, so how can I refuse now? It seems I have no choice but to comply with you."

Liu Yu scoffed, "So you're saying you don't like either force or softness?"

Wei Ban smiled, "Flattery, flattery."

The young swordsman glanced at the obedient black serpent and teasingly said, "You've got sharp eyes. Just remember, when you're near Luopo Mountain, don't stir up trouble. There's a creature of your kind living near the mountain lake. Even if you want to fight, it's best to avoid involving the mortals. Apart from that, nothing else is worth worrying about. Now that you have the identity of a Dali Mountain Spirit, at least you don't have to worry about being casually killed by passing cultivators."

The black serpent nodded gravely. After swallowing a bag of snake gallstones from Lih Zhu Cave, its size didn't increase, but its claws had become more robust, and its dark scales gleamed. A golden line, nearly undetectable, appeared on its abdomen.

As they entered Iron Token River, after receiving the young swordsman's approval, the black serpent carefully slid into the water. Although delighted, it suppressed its instincts, not daring to thrash in the water. The three of them stood atop its body, sailing smoothly northward like travelers on a boat.

Wei Ban furrowed his brow, gently sweeping his sleeve and scooping up a handful of water, shaking it as if weighing it, and said with surprise, "I know that a river can become a river, but this?"

The young swordsman explained, "After the river god successfully integrated into Iron Token River and had an unexpected encounter, it attracted the attention of one of the Qingwu gentlemen, who hurriedly reported it to the court. The Emperor was pleased and promoted the god to a higher rank."

Wei Ban gently shook his palm, watching the water swirl in his hand, and said with amazement, "So the new god has already reached the pinnacle of the River Mountain Records? Quite amusing, truly amusing. In just a few days, it's advanced as much as others do in hundreds or even thousands of years. Such talent and fortune—truly destiny! And the best part is, it seems the river god's ascension didn't infringe upon the energies of the surrounding waters. I must say, your Dali's luck is remarkable."

For the first time, the young swordsman appeared solemn, "Wei Ban, are you sure that her ascent did not siphon the energy of these thousand miles of waters? That it all came from the Iron Token River itself?"

Wei Ban smiled without speaking. The former god of the North Yue of the Divine Water Kingdom was known for their sharp insight, far surpassing the 'outsiders' like Mr. Qingwu of the Imperial Observatory. After the battle, the mountains and rivers of the kingdom shifted, and the national fortune wavered. Three of the Five Mountains Deities had been gravely injured, and the matter was temporarily left to Qingwu to investigate.

The young swordsman spoke in a low voice, "Wei Ban, I believe that this alone will earn you a great reward from the court."

Wei Ban looked up, the breeze caressing his face, enhancing his already ethereal appearance. His eyes softened, and he smiled, "Could we exchange it for a small opportunity instead? For example, helping a newly initiated disciple of Changchun Palace, with the potential to reach the Fifth Realm, to navigate the Longevity Bridge more smoothly in the next hundred years?"

The young swordsman laughed, "That's not difficult."

Wei Ban murmured, "I owe a debt to the Divine Water Liu family."

Liu Yu grumbled impatiently, "That's from years ago.

Forget about it, forget about it."