Chapter 18: Ghost Hand Sword Appears

Kunlun Town.

“Search! Search everywhere! Those two couldn’t have gotten far!”

“Yes, sir!”

Ye Tianlong and Bǎi Tōngmíng flattened themselves in the shadows of a narrow alleyway, separated from the searching Kunlun disciples by only a single flimsy wall.

They watched nervously as disciples fanned out through the town, questioning townsfolk, checking every potential hiding spot, swords drawn, ready to strike.

The streets descended into chaos – chickens squawked, dogs barked, people scattered.

Bǎi Tōngmíng whispered, bewildered, “How are they moving so fast?”

Ye Tianlong kept his eyes locked on the disciples’ movements, explaining grimly, “The Kunlun Sect had this planned all along. The Grand Elder’s grandson dying just gave them the perfect excuse they needed to mobilize openly.”

Footsteps pounded closer.

“They’re coming! Let’s go!” Ye Tianlong grabbed Bǎi Tōngmíng, pulling him out of the alley and deeper into the maze of streets.

From a distance, a disciple’s shout carried clearly: “Everyone, over here! They went this way!”

Hearing the yell, Bǎi Tōngmíng spat angrily. “Damn this Kunlun Sect! They stick like glue! Big Brother, maybe we should just fight our way out! Take down this group of disciples and break through!”

“Hahaha! Dreaming!” A different, mocking voice suddenly echoed nearby. “Just the two of you think you can kill Kunlun disciples? Die!”

Hearing the new voice, Ye Tianlong instantly became alert.

A cyan blur flashed through the air above them! A sword strike followed instantly!

Cold light flared!

Ye Tianlong hastily retreated several steps, narrowly dodging the attack!

A cyan-robed disciple landed lightly before them, his expression full of contempt. “Hmph. I thought anyone capable of killing Senior Brother Xun Yu must be at least at the Grandmaster Realm. Didn’t expect you to be merely Body Refining. You must have used some kind of dirty, underhanded trick.”

Bǎi Tōngmíng raged, “You lowlife! How dare you slander my Big Brother! Taste my whip!”

His whip lashed out, nimble as a striking snake, aiming for the cyan-robed disciple!

The disciple sneered dismissively. “Diamond Realm trash.”

Before the whip even got close, the disciple casually flicked his own sword! FWOOSH! A wave of Sword Qi deflected the whip easily, sending it snapping back to strike Bǎi Tōngmíng hard across the stomach!

“Puh!” Bǎi Tōngmíng coughed up blood, staggering backward!

Another sword strike! Faster this time! The cyan-robed disciple aimed straight for Bǎi Tōngmíng’s throat!

CLANG! CLANG! Sparks flew as Ye Tianlong intercepted the strike with his Wood Stone Sword!

“You’ve gone too far!” Ye Tianlong roared!

The cyan-robed disciple smirked coldly. “Heh. Got some moves, huh? But with that pathetic wooden sword in your hand? It won’t last five breaths against mine before I shatter it!”

“Try me!” Ye Tianlong challenged, eyes blazing.

The disciple thrust forward!

His first strike missed! He immediately followed with another, then another! Sword flashes blurred, but each strike hit empty air!

“Stand still and fight, coward!” the disciple snarled in frustration.

But in those few brief exchanges, Ye Tianlong had already seen through his attack patterns.

The disciple lunged again, putting all his power into a piercing thrust!

Within five breaths, the Wood Stone Sword suddenly hummed! Vwomm!

Ye Tianlong’s figure blurred!

“You piece of tra—” The disciple’s taunt died in his throat! A small red dot appeared suddenly between his eyebrows!

The Wood Stone Sword had pierced straight through his skull!

The cyan-robed disciple collapsed lifelessly, a stream of blood beginning to pool from the fatal wound.

Bǎi Tōngmíng stared, utterly awestruck. “Big Brother…”

Ye Tianlong shook his head curtly. “Let’s go! We can’t stay here!”

They bolted immediately.

“Over here!” A disciple’s shout rang out nearby. “Someone come quickly! Fifth Senior Brother has been killed by them!”

More Kunlun disciples converged on the scene rapidly.

Seeing the cyan-robed disciple’s corpse lying in the street, the atmosphere turned heavy, tense.

One grey-robed disciple’s voice trembled. “Can… Can we really beat that Ye Tianlong? He’s killed two cyan-robed Senior Brothers now… If we go up against him, aren’t we just rushing to our deaths?”

It was common knowledge: Kunlun Sect disciples wore different colored robes based on their strength. Grey was the weakest, followed by cyan, then white, then gold.

For Ye Tianlong to kill two cyan-robed disciples proved his terrifying combat prowess. For mere grey-robed disciples like them, wasn’t attacking him just suicide?

The grey-robed disciple leading the group glared furiously at the hesitant one. “Is that all the courage you have?! We can’t beat him one-on-one, so we’ll swarm him! Gang up! If we manage to capture Ye Tianlong, the Grand Elder will definitely reward us handsomely! Maybe give us some powerful martial arts techniques! Our cultivation will soar! Wearing cyan robes will only be a matter of time! Brothers! CHARGE!”

“CHARGE!” His words ignited the surrounding grey-robed disciples, filling them with reckless ambition.

They quickly blocked off the alley ahead!

Seeing disciples swarming from both front and back, Bǎi Tōngmíng roared defiantly, “Get out of my way!”

He lashed out with his whip, knocking down one disciple!

But more immediately surged forward, replacing the fallen one, relentless!

The lead grey-robed disciple yelled, raising his steel saber and charging, “Brothers, atta— Aaargh!”

Ye Tianlong’s Wood Stone Sword swept out! The charging disciple’s head flew high into the air!

Blood sprayed violently!

The other disciples froze, stunned by the brutal efficiency!

“Get h—” Another grey-robed disciple barely started to speak before Ye Tianlong’s sword sliced him clean in half at the waist!

Ye Tianlong stood amidst the carnage, drenched in blood, his simple wooden sword dripping crimson.

He scanned the terrified faces surrounding him, his voice ice-cold. “I kill the first! The first one to charge, the first one to speak… dies!”

Blood Asura! (血修罗)

The thought flashed simultaneously through every disciple’s mind! Ye Tianlong, despite his handsome features, seemed like a demonic Blood Asura straight from the depths of Avici Hell! Ruthless, merciless, killing without hesitation! Wielding a mere wooden sword, wearing simple clothes, only at the Body Refining Realm… yet he was slaughtering his way through Kunlun disciples!

Terrifying! Absolutely terrifying!

A wave of fear washed over them! They instinctively shuffled backward, no one daring to speak, no one daring to move!

Only after Ye Tianlong had walked calmly away did the disciples finally let out shaky breaths of relief.

One disciple stammered urgently, “Quick! Go get the Grand Elder! We can’t handle this guy!”

“Yes! Only the Grand Elder can suppress such a vicious demon!”

“Right! Call for reinforcements!”

Ye Tianlong and Bǎi Tōngmíng ran desperately towards the city gate.

As they neared it, a flash of familiar vibrant red caught Ye Tianlong’s eye – the Li family’s auction house, the Li Family Red Pavilion !

Li Family Red Pavilion!

Images flashed through Ye Tianlong’s mind – Granny Sun, Li Mingyue, the jade pendant they had given him…

“If you’re ever in trouble, you can seek refuge at the Red Pavilion.” Ye Tianlong suddenly remembered Granny Sun’s words!

He stopped, gazing towards the city gate. Kunlun disciples were already stationed there, heavily guarding it. Their cultivation levels looked significant. Fighting through them would be a battle to the death. And the Grand Elder still hadn’t shown himself… likely waiting, like the oriole stalking the mantis that stalks the cicada! Maybe… maybe taking a gamble on the Li Family Red Pavilion was their only chance!

“Tongming! Follow me!” Ye Tianlong grabbed Bǎi Tōngmíng’s arm and quickly ducked into the opulent entrance of the Li Family Red Pavilion.

Inside the Li Family Red Pavilion.

Bǎi Tōngmíng gaped openly, completely stunned by the sheer luxury and extravagance of the place.

The Red Pavilion occupied a huge area, easily three mu (roughly half an acre). Five connected reception halls stood under a large plaque reading “Li Family Auction House.” Red walls enclosed the compound, surrounding lush green trees and meticulously maintained gardens. A three-bay Drooping Flower Gate led further inside, surrounded on four sides by covered walkways. The beams and rafters were intricately carved and painted, and priceless porcelain, jade artifacts, and glittering jewels were displayed elegantly along the corridors. The entire place radiated wealth, opulence, and refined taste.

He looked at Ye Tianlong, utterly bewildered. “Big Brother? Why did we come into an auction house? Especially one this… fancy?”

Ye Tianlong replied calmly, scanning their surroundings, “I came to seek sanctuary.”

A soft, gentle female voice inquired nearby, “Excuse me, honored guests, do you have items you wish to auction?”

They turned towards the voice. Standing near the Drooping Flower Gate to their right was a young woman.

She wore an elegant green dress. Her features were strikingly beautiful, though her complexion held a faint, almost ethereal pallor, hinting at fragile health. Her willow-leaf eyebrows seemed perpetually slightly furrowed, as if holding back smoke or sorrow. Her almond-shaped eyes seemed to hold both joy and sorrow simultaneously, glistening slightly with unshed tears. She seemed to sigh delicately with each breath. A misty aura seemed to cling to her, making her appear otherworldly, more like a celestial maiden descended to the mortal realm than an ordinary person.

Bǎi Tōngmíng stared, completely captivated.

Ye Tianlong addressed her respectfully. “We came seeking the Li Family Red Pavilion’s help. To help us leave Kunlun Town safely. This is my token.” He presented the jade pendant Li Mingyue had given him.

An old woman, her back somewhat hunched, stepped out from behind the young woman. “Miss, allow me.” She took the pendant.

“This is…!” the old woman gasped, recognizing it instantly. “Miss, look quickly! This is Young Miss Mingyue’s jade pendant!” She hurriedly passed it to the young woman.

“Cough, cough…” The young woman coughed delicately. “Yes… it is indeed Mingyue’s pendant.” Her voice was soft but clear. “Please, follow me.”

The old woman looked worried. “Miss, your health…”

The young woman waved a dismissive hand gently. “It’s nothing serious. Since these two gentlemen came seeking help with Mingyue’s token, they must have encountered significant trouble with the Kunlun Sect.” She glanced subtly towards the entrance. “Kunlun disciples are patrolling outside constantly. Leaving the city will be extremely difficult for you two. However… my Li family always keeps its word. I will ensure you both leave the city safely.”

Ye Tianlong felt a jolt of surprise. This young woman… she was incredibly perceptive and intelligent, deducing their situation from just a few clues. She was not someone to be underestimated.

“Miss,” the old woman interjected worriedly, “today is also the day someone important is expected from above… perhaps it’s better if…”

“Say no more. My decision is made,” the young woman cut her off gently but firmly. She turned back to Ye Tianlong and Bǎi Tōngmíng. “Gentlemen, this way please.”

Seeing her unwavering resolve, Ye Tianlong felt a surge of gratitude. “I am Ye Tianlong,” he introduced himself formally. “This is my sworn brother, Bǎi Tōngmíng. May we know the lady’s name?”

The young woman replied softly, “My name is Li Wenjin (李文茵). Please, just call me Wenjin.”

She led them through the covered walkway to the entrance of a small, secluded wooden courtyard. Li Wenjin stopped there. “Please wait here for a moment.”

After Li Wenjin had left, Bǎi Tōngmíng finally spoke, his voice hushed and worried. “Big Brother… The Kunlun Sect is huge, powerful. What if the people at this auction house decide not to help us?”

Ye Tianlong replied without hesitation, his voice grim. “If they help us, it’s a kindness. If they don’t, it’s understandable. I wouldn’t blame them. In this Sand Sea region, the Kunlun Sect’s power is second to none. The auction house has no reason to invite such trouble upon themselves. If they refuse… I’ll go out and fight. You use the chance to escape!”

Bǎi Tōngmíng immediately objected vehemently! “Big Brother! I can’t leave you alone to face the Kunlun Sect!”

Ye Tianlong shook his head firmly. “You’re still young. Like a little brother to me. You must survive! If… If I die… Xiao Qing… I entrust her to you!”

Tears welled up in Bǎi Tōngmíng’s eyes, but he nodded resolutely. “Big Brother… I understand.”

Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from outside the Red Pavilion, shaking the entire town!

“The little thief Ye Tianlong! Sneaking into our Kunlun Sect, murdering four of our disciples! Today, I, Mei Changfeng, will enact justice for heaven! I will kill this man to appease the spirits of those four disciples in heaven!” It was the voice of the Grand Elder, Mei Changfeng!

His voice boomed again, even louder, filled with righteous fury!

“I implore the Li Family Auction House to hand over this criminal! Cease harboring the thief Ye Tianlong at once!”

The Grand Elder’s roars grew louder and more menacing with each repetition!

“Big Brother…” Bǎi Tōngmíng called out, his voice choked with grief.

Ye Tianlong gripped his sword tightly, his voice low and intense. “Tongming! Remember what I told you! Without me… the auction house should be able to get you out of here!”

With that, Ye Tianlong pushed off the ground, leaping towards the entrance of the Red Pavilion! He let out a defiant roar! “If you want a fight, then let’s FIGHT!”

Mei Changfeng drew his sword outside, roaring back, “Arrogant brat! I will slaughter you!”

True Qi surged wildly around Mei Changfeng! Just the simple act of drawing his sword seemed to stir the very winds of heaven and earth!

“HRAAAGH!” Ye Tianlong roared!

He charged straight towards the Grand Elder! No fancy moves, no complex techniques – just one single, straightforward sword strike imbued with all his battle intent, all his killing intent!

For a martial warrior, life and death are fleeting! If challenged, fight!

The air around his sword seemed to churn! Crashing waves materialized out of thin air, surging towards Mei Changfeng with the overwhelming force of a world-drowning tsunami!

CLANG!

Mei Changfeng blocked the strike, but his eyes widened in utter shock! That single blow… actually made his sword hand tremble slightly! He was a Martial Venerable, three entire realms above this Body Refining brat! This boy’s talent… it was terrifying! He must be killed!

BANG!

Mei Changfeng instantly retaliated with several lightning-fast sword strikes! The True Qi exploded outwards from his body, blasting Ye Tianlong backward! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! Ye Tianlong smashed through at least three walls before finally collapsing in a heap of rubble!

“BIG BROTHER!” Bǎi Tōngmíng cried out, tears streaming down his face!

Ye Tianlong coughed up a large mouthful of blood! He was covered in wounds, bleeding profusely from dozens of places! But somehow… he pushed himself back up! “AGAIN!” he roared defiantly!

Seeing Ye Tianlong still able to stand, Mei Changfeng’s fury intensified! “I’LL KILL YOU!”

Ye Tianlong desperately blocked Mei Changfeng’s incoming sword strike, even as the powerful Sword Qi sliced through his flesh, leaving deep, bloody wounds!

What is a swordsman?

A swordsman does not fear death! Charges forward bravely! The sword is the self! The sword IS the edge!

A powerful surge of Sword Intent suddenly erupted from Ye Tianlong, soaring towards the heavens!

In that instant, facing overwhelming power, facing death itself… Ye Tianlong achieved spontaneous enlightenment!

Sword out!

The Wood Stone Sword let out a piercing shriek! It flashed past Mei Changfeng’s guard, slicing a thin red line across his arm!

Mei Changfeng roared in rage, pushed beyond reason! He gathered all his power, unleashing a final, devastating thrust! “DIE!”

This strike… even if Ye Tianlong somehow blocked it, he would be dead or crippled!

“STOP!” A clear, powerful male voice suddenly rang out! The voice carried immense True Qi!

Mei Changfeng found himself instantly bound by an invisible force, unable to complete his strike! He roared furiously, “Who is it?! Who dares interfere with Kunlun Sect business?!”

Back in the small courtyard within the Red Pavilion, a middle-aged man dressed in simple green robes over white stood casually, hands clasped behind his back. A faint, confident smile played on his lips. “My humble self is unworthy of fame, but people call me Ghost Hand Sword, Li Weizhu. Today… I am protecting this young man!”