Chapter 11: Settling with Huodu, Guo Jing’s Surprise Attack

As Qiu Chuji gave the command, the disciples of the Quanzhen Sect encircled Huo Du, tracing out the pattern of the Taiji diagram on the ground. Qiu Chuji leaped into the air, landing atop the shoulders of his brothers, standing at the highest point. He pointed at Huo Du and shouted, "Huo Du, your evil deeds are countless. Today, the Quanzhen Sect shall uphold justice on behalf of heaven. Prepare to die!"

At that moment, Huo Du had just exchanged a forceful palm strike with Yun Zhonghe, causing his blood and qi to surge violently within. Hearing Qiu Chuji's call, his heart was shaken, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth—clearly, he had suffered a severe internal injury.

"Master Qiu, I must kill Huo Du with my own hands, to avenge my fallen parents and finally settle the grievances between us," Yun Zhonghe declared. "You five masters need only watch from the sidelines and ensure Huo Du has no chance to escape."

Qiu Chuji pondered for a moment, then said, "Let everything proceed as Young Master Yun wishes." As his words fell, the other three Quanzhen masters remained silent, even the hot-tempered Hao Datong offered no objection.

Yet, among those who did not understand what was happening, this exchange sparked a wave of astonishment.

"Qiu Chuji actually called Yun Zhonghe, that notorious villain, 'Young Master'!"
"Why has Qiu Chuji's attitude toward Yun Zhonghe changed so drastically?"
"Has old age made Qiu Chuji confused, falling under Yun Zhonghe's spell?"
Such whispers and speculation rippled through the crowd.

Yun Zhonghe, however, paid no heed to the outside chatter, his gaze locked firmly on Huo Du. As he wielded his sword, his internal energy gathered along the blade.

Just as he finished his preparations, the poisoned needles hidden within Huo Du's folding fan shot forth. The needles, propelled by tremendous force, scattered in all directions, striking the walls with a series of piercing clangs.

After repelling the attack, Yun Zhonghe, sword in hand, transformed into a streak of light, appearing before Huo Du as if by teleportation. His long sword then slashed fiercely at Huo Du's head.

Such speed! Witnessing this, Qiu Chuji's expression changed abruptly. Compared to three days ago, Yun Zhonghe seemed to have become an entirely different person.

The sword struck with astonishing speed; as its blade swept through the air, it seemed to split even the air itself.

Huo Du dared not take this lightly. His wrist trembled slightly, folding his fan shut. The elegant ribs of the fan, seemingly forged of fine steel, were unbreakable. He met Yun Zhonghe's sword head-on.

Clang!

A visible shockwave erupted from their clash, centered on the two combatants. Their internal energies surged so violently that the ground beneath them cracked open, fissures spreading rapidly like a spider's web.

Yun Zhonghe grunted, retreating several steps. His sword hand trembled uncontrollably, the result of his opponent's internal energy invading his meridians, causing intense pain.

Huo Du's situation was even worse; his internal organs felt as if they were ablaze, the blood at his lips growing ever more crimson. His once formidable aura visibly weakened.

Yun Zhonghe realized that Huo Du was now a spent force—a tiger with no teeth.

The saying goes, strike while your enemy is weak!

Under the surge of his internal power, Yun Zhonghe's sword radiated a dazzling, icy light. The sword energy grew ever sharper, capable of cutting through anything.

"Die!"

With that, he shot forward like an arrow released from the bow, his sword twisting and stabbing at Huo Du's heart with lightning speed.

Huo Du's pupils contracted to pinpoints, his face filled with terror as the blade neared his chest.

In that desperate moment, he had no time to think. He forced his energy to his palm and struck the blade.

Yun Zhonghe felt immense force pressing against his sword, nearly splitting his palm open, but he summoned all his internal energy to maintain his grip.

The sword moved even faster.

Huo Du saw a flash of cold light, and with a sickening squelch, half the sword's blade plunged into his chest, agony engulfing his consciousness, followed by endless darkness.

Scarlet blood dripped down the sword's tip.

He opened his mouth, blood streaming from his lips. With the last vestiges of awareness, Huo Du looked up at Yun Zhonghe standing before him. In his gaze, besides resentment, there was confusion.

How did Yun Zhonghe know his purpose for coming to the Temple of Eternal Harmony today?

But no one would answer him.

Seeing Huo Du lifeless, Yun Zhonghe withdrew his sword from the corpse with indifference.

He turned his gaze to Qiu Chuji, cupping his hands respectfully. "Master Qiu, Huo Du is dead. My blood feud is settled. I will take Long'er and leave the mountain now."

"I trust you have not forgotten our previous agreement: to explain the entire affair to the martial world and restore my name!"

Qiu Chuji's eyelid twitched violently. "Of course. Leave it to me!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Zhonghe offered his hand to Little Dragon Girl, a look of happiness on his face.

"Come, Long'er, let's go home."

Feeling the soft warmth in his palm, Yun Zhonghe's tense heart finally began to relax.

At last, he had taken the first step toward redemption.

Yun Zhonghe knew well that the stains upon his reputation were too many for Qiu Chuji alone to wash away. To escape the fate of being hunted like a rat in the street, he needed more people to help clear his name.

And these people must hold positions of authority in the martial world, so their words would carry weight.

Yun Zhonghe already had a few candidates in mind, but now was not the right time, and his martial arts were still too weak.

Thus, his immediate goal was to elevate his skills to the level of the Five Greats, so he could better embark on the next stage of his plan for redemption.

"Villain, halt!"

As Yun Zhonghe formed this thought, a thunderous shout exploded at his ear.

Suddenly, a fierce wind arose, accompanied by the roar of dragons; in the midst of it, the shadow of a great dragon charged at Yun Zhonghe, its power earth-shaking.

The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms?

Guo Jing?

At this critical moment, Yun Zhonghe instinctively pushed Little Dragon Girl aside, spiraling upward just in time to narrowly evade the crushing blow.

Boom!

A massive boulder was struck by the powerful palm, shattering into fragments that scattered across the ground.

Had Yun Zhonghe's reaction been even half a second slower, his fate would have matched that of the fragments littering the earth.

As Yun Zhonghe landed, Little Dragon Girl hurried to his side, her anxious gaze scanning him for injuries.

"Are you hurt?"

Yun Zhonghe slowly shook his head, his expression calm and unperturbed.

Seeing this, Little Dragon Girl knew her lover was deeply angered.

A frosty chill filled her clear eyes, murderous intent spreading from her heart.

For the first time in her life, Little Dragon Girl harbored the desire to kill someone.

Sensing her emotion, Yun Zhonghe gripped her hand tightly.

He then looked up to the distant sky, his voice ringing out, full of fury: "Guo Jing, hero renowned across the world and defender of Xiangyang—when did you stoop to such petty conduct?"

"If you are here, show yourself!"