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Lin Enzhe's throat was restrained by Bai Songpeng, rendering him unable to move. The crowd below the arena watched closely, realizing that Bai Songpeng had exploited Lin Enzhe's reluctance to harm him to win the match. Such behavior was unbecoming of a martial arts master. Someone in the audience murmured, "Though his skills are impressive, his character is lacking." The speaker was Zhou Rui, the leader of the Huashan Sect. Upon hearing this, White Jade Peak became furious: "Who do you think you are to act so recklessly here?" Zhou Rui, equally enraged, retorted loudly, "Am I wrong in what I said?" The two were on the verge of fighting.
Abbot Zenzi hurriedly intervened, saying, "Let us speak calmly and avoid damaging our harmony." The Silent Reverend Mother of the Emei Sect added, "The martial arts competition should be based on fairness and justice. If everyone resorts to trickery, what justice remains in the martial world?" The crowd found her words very reasonable; it was as if she voiced their collective sentiment. All eyes turned to Abbot Zenzi, hoping he would provide an explanation.
Abbot Zenzi felt deeply troubled. If he declared Bai Songpeng the victor, the crowd would not accept it wholeheartedly; yet if he declared Lin Enzhe the winner, he had not truly defeated Bai Songpeng. At that moment, Lin Enzhe suddenly spoke up: "Abbot need not be troubled. I indeed lost this match. Whether on the battlefield or in competition, one must maintain a tranquil mind; otherwise, one will always be disturbed by external factors and find it hard to achieve great things. Therefore, the true victor of this match is Brother Bai."
Bai Songpeng wore a smug expression as he scanned the crowd below with piercing eyes: "Is there any hero who dares to challenge me?" In truth, Bai Songpeng knew well that no one in the audience could match him; as long as Yuan Qingtian and Siji did not appear, the title of martial arts leader would belong to him. After shouting for a while without anyone daring to step forward, Abbot Zenzi stood up from his seat and announced: "Amitabha. Since no heroes dare to challenge Leader Bai, I declare that the final winner of the martial arts alliance is Bai..."
Suddenly, a hoarse voice called out from afar: "Hold on! Let me experience Leader Bai's skills!" Upon hearing this voice, almost everyone in the crowd felt their ears buzz with astonishment. Those who practiced martial arts knew that when a master’s internal energy reached a certain level, their voice and movements could harm from over a hundred meters away. This person’s internal power was truly unfathomable; even if Yuan Qingtian appeared now, he might not possess such profound skill. The crowd turned towards the sound and saw a figure clad in black night gear holding a gleaming sword. A black cloth covered his head and face, leaving only his eyes visible. He floated gracefully from nearly a hundred meters away and landed lightly on the arena.
The crowd gasped at how effortlessly he leaped onto the stage from such a distance; his lightness skill was unmatched in the martial world. With a disdainful glance at Bai Songpeng, he said hoarsely: "You think you can become the leader of the martial world? A person with neither skill nor character cannot lead all of us." Bai Songpeng was furious upon hearing this: "You are too arrogant! Who are you?" The man in black replied in a deep voice: "Who I am is unimportant; what matters is that someone like you has no right to be the leader of the martial world."
Bai Songpeng prided himself on being revered for his martial prowess after years in the jianghu; he never expected to be belittled by this black-clad figure today. In his rage, Bai Songpeng stopped speaking and unleashed fierce attacks with his golden flute—each strike aimed to kill. The black-clad man remained calm and composed; no matter how vicious or fierce Bai Songpeng's moves were, he effortlessly countered them as if he were already familiar with the techniques of the Deadly Golden Flute.
Despite Bai Songpeng using all his might, he could not even graze the edge of the black-clad man's clothing. The black-clad man's movements were swift as lightning and powerful like thunder. Bai Songpeng felt a surge of fear; after decades of roaming the jianghu, few could withstand ten of his strikes. This black-clad man appeared not to be Yuan Qingtian or Siji by build but undoubtedly matched or surpassed them in skill. When had such an extraordinary figure emerged in jianghu without him knowing?
As the black-clad man dodged Bai Songpeng's attacks with grace akin to flowing ink and struck back like raging waves crashing against rocks, their weapons clashed with sounds reminiscent of mountains roaring and thunder rumbling. Seeing that his opponent's swordplay was sharp and unpredictable left Bai Songpeng unable to discern its origin or style. Gradually overwhelmed by the relentless assault from the black-clad man, Bai Songpeng found himself reduced to mere defense.
Seizing an opportunity, the black-clad man flicked his sword; its aura surged like thunder as it sliced through the air toward Bai Songpeng. Forced into retreat by its speed and brilliance, cold light flashed as it pressed against Bai Songpeng's neck. Standing confidently on stage, the black-clad man exuded an air of grandeur that seemed to pierce through stars.
After some time passed, spectators finally reacted by erupting into applause and cheers. They had witnessed an unparalleled display of martial prowess rarely seen in a century and realized there were indeed greater talents beyond their own ranks. Many felt ashamed; having seen this battle made them aware of their own limitations—like frogs at the bottom of a well unable to see Mount Tai.
What astonished everyone most was that even after the duel ended, they could not determine which school or sect's swordplay belonged to this enigmatic figure. Even experts like Abbot Zenzi and Lin Enzhe could not identify it—let alone anyone else.
Bai Songpeng’s face shifted between green and red; having thought he had devised an impeccable plan to secure his position as leader of jianghu, he never anticipated such an unexpected turn of events would thwart his ambitions. Seeing that Bai Songpeng was now out of contention for leadership, Abbot Zenzi felt somewhat relieved and clasped his hands together before addressing the black-clad man: "Since you have claimed victory as leader of our martial alliance, please reveal your true identity so we may know you!"
The black-clad man chuckled hoarsely: "Such trivial skills are nothing worth mentioning; I have no interest in being leader of your martial alliance—this position I leave for you!" After saying this, he clasped his fists toward Abbot Zenzi and lightly tapped his toes on stage before soaring over the heads of spectators and landing more than a hundred meters away in an instant—vanishing without a trace.
The unparalleled skills displayed by this mysterious figure left a deep impression on Lin Ning. Watching him depart filled Lin Ning with a sense of loss; admiration for this hero welled up within him.
No one expected this martial arts gathering would end in such a manner. Each participant had sought desperately for leadership but found that those truly worthy dismissed it entirely. All eyes turned toward Abbot Zenzi as he spoke: "Although this hero has declined leadership today, in our hearts he is our guiding light in martial arts. If fate allows me to meet him again someday, I hope he will nominate someone worthy as our leader—what do you all think?" The crowd erupted in agreement with Abbot Zenzi’s suggestion.
After concluding the gathering, everyone bid farewell to Abbot Zenzi and Lin Enzhe. Bai Songpeng had originally hoped that securing leadership would bring double happiness to the Bai Family but now faced disappointment at losing out on that title instead. As father and sons said their goodbyes to Lin Enzhe, Bai Songpeng remarked: "Brother Lin, three years from now my family will fulfill our promise to marry Lin Xiu into our household. We part ways here—until we meet again!"
Lin Xiu felt melancholy at White Jade Peak's impending departure from her life; she watched until their figures faded into obscurity before standing still in place... Lin Ning reflected on how saving Lin Xiu had led him into this tangled web of love and hate due to Silkworm Poison—a mix of emotions surged within him.
On White Jade Mountain’s Snow Peak Rock,
The Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Transformation Pill.
Who knows that good medicine is bitter,
Sister’s happiness hangs by a thread.
Floating amidst wind and rain,
Searching for fragrant traces through clouds and mist.
Snowy lands where flowers fly cools my cheeks,
Love-hate entangled becomes mere clouds!
Before long, all had departed from Enze Gang except for Hu Chuanmao’s couple along with Hu Xueyan and Abbot Zenzi who remained behind. Lin Enzhe addressed Abbot Zenzi: "My son Lin Ning has been poisoned by Silkworm Poison from Dunhuang Double Slayers; although we have temporarily controlled it with Thousand-Year Snow Lotus now, it will flare up again in three days’ time requiring someone with strong internal energy to expel it from his body. I fear my own strength may not suffice against Silkworm Poison alone."
Abbot Zenzi replied: "Amitabha! Saving one life is better than building seven pagodas; moreover your son Lin Ning is ambitious and brave—I admire him greatly! As per Master Lin’s wishes I shall stay at your residence for a few more days until your son recovers before returning to Shaolin Temple."
Cheng Yun then addressed Lin Enzhe and Miao Shuyan: "To help Ning'er recover from Silkworm Poison requires both Abbot Zenzi’s assistance along with Brother Lin’s internal energy—we also need cold ice from Fallen Icicle Cave on Yun Xue Mountain for healing purposes! Why don’t we set off for Yunshan Island immediately?" Hearing Cheng Yun’s suggestion made Lin Ning’s siblings leap for joy.
Lin Enzhe responded: "If that's settled then let us depart right away." The family had been exhausted organizing this martial arts gathering; now they welcomed taking advantage of healing Lin Ning as an opportunity for an early two-day trip to Yunshan Island—a chance to relax.
By evening Abbot Zenzi along with Lin Enzhe’s family arrived at Yunshan Island together with Hu Chuanmao’s family. During summer solstice time Yunshan Island lay completely enveloped within seas of flowers—colorful blooms scattered like stars creating vibrant tapestries around them. Tulips, wood flowers, Yulan flowers—all seemed woven together amidst fragrant scents intoxicating everyone present.
Lin Xiu exclaimed excitedly: "This is wonderful! No longer must I suffer longing for Yunshan Island—I hope I can live forever in this poetic place!" Hu Xueyan laughed: "That won’t do! If you stay here forever what will happen if Brother Bai misses you?" Blushing furiously at Hu Xueyan's teasing remark Lin Xiu playfully pinched her arm while scolding her gently: “You silly girl! Stop talking nonsense!”
Lin Ning thought deeply about how what Xiu'er said might actually reflect her true feelings—only where White Jade Peak stood would be where she wished to go while he himself truly desired living on Yunshan Island forever since not only did it boast picturesque scenery but also housed an intelligent understanding companion named Xue Yin's sister.
On day seven after being poisoned by Silkworm Poison everyone arrived early at Fallen Icicle Cave atop Yun Xue Mountain—the coldest place covered year-round by ice columns making it ideal for removing Silkworm Poison from within Lin Ning’s body despite its chill being rare even compared against northern extremes.
Cheng Yun leaped up high swinging her sword across ice columns causing chunks upon chunks crashing down forming an icy mountain inside Fallen Icicle Cave where she instructed Lin Ning: “Ning'er when your Silkworm Poison flares up later treat yourself using these ice columns.”
By mid-morning past noon suddenly Lin Ning felt intense heat surging through him causing unbearable pain—seeing his pained expression made Hu Xueyan tear up wishing she could take on Silkworm Poison herself just so she could ease his suffering.
Noticing Hu Xueyan's concern lifted his spirits greatly making him feel better despite still enduring agony—he reassured her saying: “Sister don’t worry about me! Dust storms or Hound God’s Silkworm Poison cannot defeat me!”
Yet seeing him suffer through such intense poison only made Hu Xueyan feel worse inside—quickly sitting atop one ice column while Abbot Zenzi positioned himself before holding both hands against Lin Ning's palms while Lin Enzhe placed both palms against his back channeling internal energy continuously into him.
Lin Ning soon felt blood boiling within him like waves crashing against shores—the energies clashed violently at first until gradually yielding under two powerful forces’ control allowing toxins coursing through him guided outwards along paths opened by their combined efforts.
As they exerted themselves heavily beads of sweat formed above their heads while ice beneath them melted rapidly turning into pools below them—after two incense sticks worth time suddenly warmth rushed up towards throat prompting him violently expelling dark blood outwards accompanied by vanishing dark mist lingering around his brow area.
Seeing smiles break across both Abbot Zenzi’s & Lin Enzhe’s faces indicated successful results allowing everyone else around them finally breathe easy again while Hu Xueyan held tightly onto Lin Ning checking every detail seeing color return back into him filled her heart with joy exclaiming happily: “Congratulations brother Ning on escaping Silkworm Poison!”
However Cheng Yun shook her head saying: “Ning'er still hasn’t completely eliminated Silkworm Poison—it’ll flare up every seven days requiring self-extraction each time.”
Hearing Cheng Yun's words plunged everyone back into despair once more prompting Miao Shuyan anxiously asking how she knew so much about Silkworm Poison? Cheng Yun explained: “In Bian Que’s Inner Canon there are detailed descriptions regarding Silkworm Poison stating no cure exists—Thousand-Year Snow Lotus merely prolongs life temporarily every seven days requiring afflicted person themselves expel toxins.”
Miao Shuyan cried out worriedly asking if this meant Ning'er would suffer endlessly due to Silkworm Poison? Everyone felt heavy-hearted once again hearing Cheng Yun mention possible future
Lin Enzhe and Miao Shuyan knew that the most urgent matter was to cure Lin Ning of the Silkworm Poison in his body. He immediately decided to return to Jinling to arrange for disciples from the sect to head to the Borderlands in search of Siji's whereabouts. Lin Enzhe said to Lin Ning and Lin Xiu, "You two siblings stay on Yunshan Island for now. Xiu'er, you will accompany your second brother in healing, while Cheng'er will return with me to Jinling." Upon hearing Lin Enzhe's words, Lin Cheng's face turned pale. He glanced at Hu Xueyan, his lips moved as if he wanted to refute Lin Enzhe, but ultimately he did not dare to speak up. Abbot Zenzi returned to Jinling with Lin Enzhe, Miao Shuyan, and Lin Cheng, and then he bid farewell to Lin Enzhe and returned to Shaolin Temple.
Hu Xueyan was worried about Lin Ning's condition and said anxiously, "I didn't expect the Silkworm Poison in your body to be so stubborn. Is there really no better way to deal with it?" Lin Ning replied, "Sister, there's no need to worry. Everything in this world has its destined course; everything is for the best. If it weren't for this poisoning, how could I have come to Yunshan Island? And how could I have such a gentle and beautiful sister by my side? With you here, even if I endure hardships, my heart is still happy." It was the first time Hu Xueyan had heard a man open his heart to her like this; her fair cheeks instantly flushed like peach blossoms. She said tenderly, "Alright, we can once again immerse ourselves in poetry and wine like before, competing in talent and singing about dreams and rain..."
As evening fell, the bright moon hung high in Yihua Garden, illuminating the red pavilion and green tiles of Qingdai Building. The white and purple Yulan Flowers in front of Qingdai Building were in full bloom, their fragrance wafting through the air. Hu Xueyan prepared a feast of flower wine in Xueyue Pavilion to invite Lin Ning and Lin Xiu to enjoy the moonlight and flowers. The flower wine was mellow, its orange-yellow color clear and bright, with a rich aroma and sweet taste. As the three of them drank merrily, Lin Xiu suddenly sighed, "If only elder brother were here too; how happy we used to be when the four of us gathered together for poetry and wine." Hu Xueyan suggested, "Let’s have Qin Lan take elder brother's place; what do you think?" Qin Lan waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "How could I write poetry? Please spare me!" Lin Xiu clapped her hands in delight: "It's settled then; Qin Lan will take elder brother's role! As per our old rule, whoever loses must drink three cups!" Qin Lan blinked and said, "You are bullying an honest person! If that's the case, I'll always be punished with wine! I refuse! How about this: you three write poems now, and we'll judge first, second, and third places?" Hu Xueyan replied, "Good idea! But we need elegant titles for our first three places: the first will be called 'Divine Elegance,' the second 'Bone Elegance,' and the third 'Verse Elegance.'" Both Lin Ning and Lin Xiu praised Hu Xueyan's suggestion as excellent. Hu Xueyan then stated seriously, "To ensure fairness in our competition from now on, Qin Lan will set the topics for our drinking games."
Lin Ning said, " Xue Yin's sister's suggestion is good. Qin Lan, please give us a topic!" After pondering for a moment, Qin Lan said, "I noticed that the peach blossoms in Consort Tau bloomed beautifully a while ago; now that summer is approaching, most of them have fallen. I particularly miss those days when the peach blossoms were in full bloom every year. You three can use the peach blossoms from Peach Orchard as your backdrop; there are no restrictions on themes—each person can write a poem or lyrics praising the peach blossoms."
Though they had drunk quite a bit already, they were still eager for more poetry recitation at this perfect moment. Lin Ning couldn't help but glance at Hu Xueyan; she looked enchanting with her flushed cheeks and half-closed eyes—her red lips slightly parted like a crescent moon emerging from dusk—charming yet innocent. A wave of excitement surged within him as he thought that if he could spend every day in this earthly paradise with such beauty by his side, it would truly be without regret; what more could he desire? In an instant inspiration struck him as he picked up his brush and wrote a poem titled "Bridge of Magpies":
Bamboo fences and thatched cottages,
Water rhymes with stone sounds,
The mountain forest brings great joy.
With beauty by my side,
What more could I seek in this life!
The emerald has aged; peach blossoms cover the ground,
Countless sorrowful reds fade with spring.
Do not say spring has returned without anyone,
For tea brewing and wine sipping among flowers is where I roam!
Lin Ning looked towards Hu Xueyan again and saw her eyes shimmering with thoughtfulness as she penned her own poem titled "Spring Colors of Peach Orchard":
Spring colors of Peach Orchard are delightful,
Fragrance overflowing.
Blossoms bloom with rosy hearts,
Radiantly shining on branches.
In exquisite beauty lies permanence,
Flowers bloom without masters,
Deep red or light pink—all cherished!
Far from worldly noise,
In a corner of Yunshan,
Flowers have their return path—this is where I come from!
Lin Ning then turned his gaze toward Lin Xiu and found her equally intoxicated by wine; her face was rosy like peach blossoms. The fragrant flower wine inspired Lin Xiu to write a four-line poem:
Spring Night Peach Blossom Banquet
One night of spring wind brings vibrant peach blossoms,
Peach Orchard flowers reflect the moonlight.
At Spring Night Peach Blossom Banquet,
Enjoying quiet talks brings endless joy!
Qin Lan looked at the poems written by the three of them with a smile: "I’m just responsible for giving you all topics; as for who is 'Divine Elegance,' who is 'Bone Elegance,' or who is 'Verse Elegance,' I dare not comment!" Hu Xueyan said: "'Verse Elegance' refers to the beauty of phrasing; 'Bone Elegance' refers to the essence of emotion within words; 'Divine Elegance' refers to spiritual vitality that transcends reality encompassing all beauty! Actually, we don’t need commentary on our poems; we all know in our hearts that Brother Ning’s 'Bridge of Magpies' is masterfully crafted—a stroke of genius unmatched by anyone else. It’s truly difficult for a poem to resonate deeply within one’s soul; however, Brother Ning’s verses are stirring and thought-provoking!" Lin Xiu added: "Xueing’s words are not wrong; indeed only my sister’s poetry can rival my second brother’s work. Sister’s 'Spring Colors of Peach Orchard' captures subtle details beautifully while blending emotion into scenery—its meaning is profound yet understated—it leaves one savoring its taste long after reading! If 'Divine Elegance' goes to my second brother, then 'Bone Elegance' must belong to my sister. As for my poem 'Spring Night Peach Blossom Banquet'..." Lin Xiu sighed before continuing: "My work is merely forced sentimentality—it ends up being superficial and trivial—unworthy of consideration."
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