Chapter 10: The Pawn, Huo Du

The sudden, fierce shout startled everyone present into silence.

Hao Datong's movements halted, his powerful palm wind ruffling the hair at Yun Zhonghe’s temple. He turned, his eyes full of confusion as he looked at his elder brother, unable to comprehend why the latter had spoken out to stop him.

Confronted with Hao Datong’s bewilderment and the questioning gazes of those around, Qiu Chuji quickly regained his composure, formulating his words in that brief moment.

“Brother, stand down!” Qiu Chuji stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Yun Zhonghe. “I still have a few questions for him.”

Yun Zhonghe knew that Qiu Chuji valued the reputation of the Quanzhen Sect above his own life, and would never allow the truth of this matter to come to light. If Quanzhen’s reputation were destroyed, how could its disciples ever stand on the martial world again? As the sect leader, Qiu Chuji would never let Quanzhen be ruined at his own hands.

The stakes were simply too high, forcing Qiu Chuji to compromise with Yun Zhonghe.

Seeing this, Yun Zhonghe no longer hid behind Xiaolongnu, stepping forward to stand before Qiu Chuji.

Qiu Chuji’s gaze met Yun Zhonghe’s, and in a voice only the two could hear, he spoke, “This is a failing of Quanzhen’s discipline. I, a humble Daoist, offer you my apology.”

“This matter has already caused enough stir. Let us each take a step back—what do you say?”

Yun Zhonghe looked at Qiu Chuji, a smug smile curling his lips.

Old Daoist, weren’t you arrogant just moments ago?

Now, you’re forced to lower your voice and plead with me.

His thoughts whirred; Yun Zhonghe slowly shook his head, signaling refusal.

Qiu Chuji’s face stiffened, and he gritted his teeth in threat. “I advise you not to push your luck. When the fish dies, the net does not always break!”

Despite the threat, Yun Zhonghe continued to shake his head. “Master Qiu, you misunderstand my intentions.”

“If you suddenly let me leave Mount Zhongnan in front of so many witnesses, word would spread, damaging Quanzhen’s reputation even more.”

Yun Zhonghe and Quanzhen had reached a point of mutual destruction—if they suddenly released him, it would make no sense.

“Then what do you propose?”

“That’s simple. You announce that everything that happened today was orchestrated by Huo Du, aiming to make Quanzhen submit to Mongolia.”

“Huo Du?” Qiu Chuji was perplexed.

But as his eyes caught Yun Zhonghe in the corner, he realized things were not so straightforward.

Yun Zhonghe would never be so kind as to help preserve Quanzhen’s reputation for him.

The answer was clearly impossible.

“Yun Zhonghe, what is your real purpose?” Qiu Chuji asked directly.

Seeing Qiu Chuji cut to the chase, Yun Zhonghe no longer concealed anything: “My only purpose is to kill Huo Du!”

“To be frank, everything I’ve done in the martial world over the years has been a setup orchestrated by Huo Du—I’ve dreamed of killing him!”

“Why do you want to kill Huo Du?” Qiu Chuji was evidently skeptical.

“He and I have a blood feud. Both my parents were killed by him. I barely escaped with my life and have wandered the martial world ever since.”

As Yun Zhonghe spun his tale to hoodwink Qiu Chuji, he silently employed the Soul Transfer technique, convincing the latter of his story’s truth.

The Soul Transfer he used now was the perfected version, improved by the system, with no limitations of strength.

Unfortunately, with his current skill, he could use it at most twice a day; forcing a third use would result in backlash!

Under the influence of Soul Transfer, Qiu Chuji believed Yun Zhonghe.

“Where is Huo Du now? And how do we pin today’s events on him?”

“Don’t worry, Huo Du will show up soon enough.”

Yun Zhonghe’s words puzzled Qiu Chuji even more. He was about to ask further when Yun Zhonghe suddenly shouted, “Watch out for hidden weapons!”

As he spoke, Yun Zhonghe wielded his sword, deflecting all the poisoned darts.

The sound of metal ringing echoed endlessly!

Yun Zhonghe’s gaze fixed on Huo Du. “Huo Du, you’ve finally arrived!”

Dressed in white, holding a paper fan, Huo Du’s handsome face was clouded with gloom.

Earlier, as soon as Qiu Chuji died, taking over Quanzhen would have been a cinch.

But everything had been ruined by Yun Zhonghe!

His eyes were like venomous snakes as he stared at Yun Zhonghe, asking in confusion, “You knew I was coming?”

“No more nonsense.” Yun Zhonghe pointed his sword at Huo Du, declaring loudly, “As long as I am here today, you Mongolians will never succeed in taking Quanzhen!”

Turning, he looked at the shocked Qiu Chuji. “Master Qiu, why are you still standing there? Proceed as planned!”

Yun Zhonghe’s words left the crowd mystified—what plan?

Only Qiu Chuji understood. He quickly recovered and called his disciples to surround Huo Du.

Even Huo Du, slow as he might be, realized he had fallen into a trap. Without time to think, he leaped, attempting to flee.

But how could Yun Zhonghe let his tool—who would help clear his name—escape so easily?

From the moment he had wagered with Zhao Zhijing, he had been planning everything for today.

He had studied Master Jin’s fourteen novels, memorized every event’s timeline, and calculated that today would be the day Huo Du caused havoc at Quanzhen.

He intended to blame all his past deeds on Huo Du, thus clearing his own name.

He had no choice; Yun Zhonghe’s reputation in the martial world was utterly rotten.

He couldn’t stay in the ancient tomb forever. To avoid a life of constant hiding, this was his only option!

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Yun Zhonghe roared, leaping after him. His sword sliced through the air, slashing mercilessly at Huo Du.

Feeling the terrifying force behind him, Huo Du was alarmed, his expression darkening.

At that moment, he was midair, as rootless as a floating reed, unable to dodge or draw strength.

Below, the Quanzhen disciples had formed a complete encirclement. Once he landed, escape would be nearly impossible.

As Yun Zhonghe’s sword reached him, Huo Du, in a moment of crisis, unfolded his fan, launching several silver needles.

Yun Zhonghe was prepared, twisting in midair to dodge all the needles.

Both men landed simultaneously.

“Give up. You won’t escape today!”

Huo Du had no patience for Yun Zhonghe’s words. With a flick of his fan, he lunged at his opponent.

As the two became entangled in combat, the Four Masters of Quanzhen hurried to Qiu Chuji’s side, asking what was going on.

Qiu Chuji could only give a brief account.

Even after hearing, they remained skeptical of Yun Zhonghe’s story, but with the enemy at hand, there was no time to worry.

“Quanzhen disciples, heed my command—form the Northern Dipper Array!”