Chapter Sixty-Seven: To End War with War Is to Take Action

Bah!
Ling Yan glared at Tianqian with a mix of petulance and indignation. “To think you are one of the Four Holy Sons of the Return to Ruins, how can you be so unreasonable?”
“Let’s take a step back—even if you claim the Wild Domain belongs to the strong, then Bai Mu killing a disciple of your Sanctuary in battle is merely the defeat of a weakling. What right do you have to question us?”
You—
Tianqian was utterly caught off guard, unable to respond as his opponent turned his own logic against him. He was left speechless, unsure how to reply to this barrage of pointed questions.
It was the refined middle-aged man at his side, Tianfen, who remained composed. Seeing his second senior brother silenced by the sharp-witted girl, Tianfen stepped forward with a faint smile. “What a remarkable young lady—not only are you gifted in cultivation at such a tender age, but your intellect is quick and incisive. Rare indeed in the Wild Domain!”
“In fact, from the moment I laid eyes on you two, I felt a desire to recruit talent, and even considered taking you as my last disciples.”
“Unfortunately, now that you have slaughtered disciples of the Return to Ruins Sanctuary, even with three heads and six arms you will find no escape. To avoid unnecessary bloodshed, I advise you both to surrender peacefully and return with us to the Daoist Pavilion to explain the matter.”
“My eldest brother, Tianfa, is fair-minded. Perhaps he will show leniency in your punishment…”
“Junior brother!”
Elder Tianqian, his anger mounting, snapped, “These ignorant youths have already trampled upon us, and you still want to treat them with courtesy?”
“Think of how, for over a thousand years, we brothers have been unmatched in the Wild Domain. When have we ever suffered such humiliation?”
“There’s no need to trouble our eldest brother today—I vow to execute these two wretches before the Sword Pavilion!”
“You are the wretch!”
Bai Mu, having endured repeated insults, felt his fury reach its limit. Any guilt from killing a Sanctuary disciple in the sword formation had long since been swept away by the relentless pressure from his adversaries.

Clearly, Tianqian had not expected this seemingly timid youth to fling the term “wretch” back at him.
He was so enraged on the spot that his beard trembled; he swiftly raised his thick hand, ready to unleash the unique energy of the Return to Ruins.
Yet before he could act, the silent Shenque behind him leapt forth like a shadow, respectfully intervening. “Your Eminence, your status is far too lofty to be angered by such insignificant figures. Let Shenque handle these nameless ones and capture them.”
Hmm.
Tianqian, hearing Shenque’s praise, managed to calm his fury somewhat.
Still, after a moment, he warned sternly, “These two wretches possess extraordinary power. Though you are among the finest of our second-generation disciples, do not underestimate them or disgrace the Sanctuary again. Do you understand?”
“Disciple understands. Please rest assured!”
Shenque bowed, then turned calmly to face Bai Mu and Ling Yan, his voice ringing with disdain. “Which of you killed my fellow, the Sword Immortal Xuan Yuan? Step forward and face your fate!”
“We did not kill Xuan Yuan; don’t falsely accuse us.”
Bai Mu replied with unwavering resolve, his expression composed—he seemed ready to face death without fear.
“It was obviously you. Stop trying to deny it with clever words!”
Just then, Shentu De leapt from the crowd, timidly reminding, “Master, it was Bai Mu who ambushed my teacher in the peach grove and killed him!”
“Fine, I understand. Step back.”
Shenque spoke coolly, then extended his broad, muscular arm. With a flicker of white light, a massive, heavy sword appeared in his hand.
Though the blade itself seemed plain, the sword was enveloped in dense innate energy, swirling tightly around it.
This energy surged restlessly about the blade, as if eager to burst forth and strike at any moment.
Judging by the sword’s size, it did resemble the giant weapon used by the Sword Immortal Xuan Yuan, suggesting Shenque’s sword techniques were similarly bold and sweeping—true to the Sanctuary’s style.

Ling Yan observed Shenque’s impressive swordplay and realized he was surely a formidable warrior. She recalled hearing, as a child among the Divine Clan, stories ranking the Sanctuary’s experts.
The name “Shenque” marked him as a second-generation disciple and likely one of exceptional strength.
Long ago, the Four Holy Sons of the Sanctuary had, to honor the achievements of their master, the War God, organized all disciples into four generations with names beginning “Tian,” “Que,” “Wu,” and “Ji,” corresponding to the full title of the Celestial War God: Tian Que Wu Ji.
The “Tian” generation included four disciples: Tianfa the eldest, Tianqian the second, Tianyan the third, and Tianfen the fourth; together, they were known as the Four Saints of the Return to Ruins.
Today, the two Saints who had come to challenge them were the hot-tempered second brother Tianqian and the refined fourth brother Tianfen.
Each “Tian” Saint had several personal disciples; among the second generation, Shenque, Juque, Xianque, and Lingque stood out as the most accomplished.
Though not as powerful as the Four Saints themselves, these four had trained under their masters for years and possessed strength sufficient to dominate any region.
The “Wu” generation was more numerous, nearly a hundred strong, with Wushang—recently assassinated—being one among them.
The youngest generation, “Ji,” was the fourth; since “Ji” was difficult to use in names, they adopted the homophone “Ji” instead, with Xiuji—burly and robust—being a standout.
Still, their abilities paled in comparison to Bai Mu and Ling Yan’s level.
Knowing this middle-aged man named Shenque was the disciple of the Four Saints and not to be underestimated, Ling Yan stepped forward before Bai Mu could speak. “If you seek battle, then battle it is. I will stand with you!”
“No!”
Bai Mu rushed forward to stop her, resolute. “You’ve already expended much of your spiritual power in the sword formation. Fighting further will only harm you. Since they seek me, I alone will bear the consequences!”