Competing with Swords in the Forest; The Crane in the Clouds Escapes Certain Death; Heart-to-Heart Talk in a Temple; The Little Fire God Travels West Seeking Aid. - Sword Xia of the Shu Mountains

The narrative describes Zhou Chun hearing cries for help from a nearby courtyard. Responding quickly, he jumps onto the roof and peeks inside to see a monk brandishing a戒刀 (traditional sword) and threatening a woman. The monk boasts, "You are fortunate to have caught my eye today. Come with me to Ciyun Temple and enjoy endless wealth and glory. Refuse, and I’ll show no mercy." The woman, defiant, warns, "Leave immediately. My husband Wei Qing is not someone to be trifled with," and cries for help once more. Unable to tolerate the monk's arrogance, Zhou Chun interjects, "Stop this, wicked monk! I'm here!" As he speaks, he leaps and attacks with his sword aimed directly at the monk's chest. Taken aback by Zhou Chun's sudden appearance and fierce intent, the monk parries the attack with his staff after abandoning the 戒刀. After exchanging a few blows, the monk recognizes Zhou Chun and laughs menacingly, "I was wondering who it was. I've been searching for you for months. To meet you here—how fortuitous for me." He launches a fierce counterattack with his staff, but Zhou Chun realizes his adversary is Mao Tai, the very foe he'd been wary of for the past six months. Knowing Mao Tai has grown stronger, Zhou tries to gain an advantage with a surprise attack aiming at his throat, but Mao Tai evades it, giving Zhou the chance to dart out of the melee. Zhou Chun proposes a truce to talk things over, asserting his previous mercy spared Mao Tai's life. Mao Tai, however, is adamant, demanding resolution by combat with their current weapons: Zhou with his sword, and Mao Tai with his staff. Accepting the challenge since it's favorable, Zhou Chun agrees, and their battle resumes. The skirmish escalates outside after the threatened woman escapes. Zhou Chun feels Mao Tai's increasing strength and fears the unleashing of Mao Tai’s fabled flying sword might overwhelm him. In the heat of battle, he exploits his mastery of light-body techniques to evade a lethal swing from Mao Tai, then counter-attacks from above. This exchange injures Mao Tai, further infuriating him as they engage closely once again. As evening approaches, Zhou Chun, tiring from the prolonged engagement, momentarily distracts Mao Tai with a drastic spin of his sword, crafting an opportunity to flee. Retaining his pursuit, Mao Tai is nearly caught unawares as Zhou releases a volley of concealed bolts from his repeating crossbow. Despite dodging the initial barrage, Mao Tai is injured as the attack intensifies unexpectedly. The attack breaks his concentration, prompting his retreat. Exasperated by Zhou's supposed claim of tutelage under the masters Cān Xiá Dàshī and Zui Dao Ren, Mao Tai realizes he might have been deceived. In a moment of realization, he unleashes the 赤阴剑 (Crimson Shadow Sword) gifted by Faxian. Zhou Chun, expecting this, narrowly dodges back into the forest, barely escaping the deadly sword light. A surprise intervention occurs as a stranger's 青光 (jade sword light) intercepts Mao Tai's attack right over Zhou Chun, saving him just in time. Here, despite the low light, the stranger's sword light dances ferociously with Mao Tai's, captivating like celestial dragons in twilight skies. Discovering the mysterious rescuer is none other than the Zui Dao Ren, Zhou Chun stealthily approaches, eager to express gratitude. But upon Zui Dao Ren's silent gesture, he halts. As Mao Tai grows increasingly desperate against the overpowering jade light, Zhou Chun seizes another opportune moment and uses his concealed 无羽飞蝗石 (wingless dart) to strike Mao Tai, exacerbating his predicament. As more foes approach, Zui Dao Ren swiftly descends, urging Zhou Chun to follow him to safety into the city. Without delay, they retreat, Zhou's perspective of fate and friendship deepened within the shadows of encroaching night. Mao Tai was visibly relieved as the jade light vanished, allowing him to withdraw his sword. Looking around for Zhou Chun, he found no trace of him and remained puzzled about the true identity of his mysterious adversary. Suddenly, a flash of red light appeared, and a figure stood before him. Mistaking the figure for a foe, he prepared to attack, only for the person to exclaim, "Brother, hold your hand!" Upon closer inspection, Mao Tai joyously recognized his dear friend, Flying Nightfork Qin Lang, and quickly paid his respects. Qin Lang inquired about Mao Tai’s solitary presence, and Mao Tai recounted his journey down the mountain seeking vengeance against Zhou Chun, residing at the Ciyun Temple. He explained how he had encountered Zhou Chun unexpectedly, was deceived, and struck by an arrow, only managing to fend off the attack with the aid of his Crimson Shadow Sword. However, an unseen rescuer wielded a celestial sword, saving Zhou Chun, and both vanished as quickly as they appeared. Qin Lang remarked, "I saw two sword lights clashing in the forest and suspected someone from our sect had crossed words with an enemy, so I hurried over to help. But it seems I was too late, and they recognized me, choosing to flee wisely." Known for his prowess and wielding the fearsome Red Spider Sword, Qin Lang, a favored disciple of the Huashan Sect's Master of Fiery Flame, engaged often in unsavory deeds with impunity. As they chatted, Mao Tai assumed that the retreat of the mysterious jade light was likely due to fear of Qin Lang's strength and expressed his gratitude for the timely intervention. Boasting, Qin Lang declared, "I am tasked by our Grandmaster to journey to Tibet for herbs; otherwise, none of those swordsmen would have escaped unscathed, had it not been for my delay." As they reveled in their exaggerated self-assurance, a nearby voice interrupted, mocking Qin Lang, "Your audacity has no bounds, Qin Lang! It was out of consideration for your pitiful master they held back, not fear for your own prowess. You dare claim triumph in cowardice?" Enraged, Qin Lang retorted, "Who dares defy me so brazenly? Show yourself and face your doom!" No sooner had he spoken than a powerful slap landed on his left cheek, sending sparks flying before him. Looking around to retaliate, he saw no one, and standing embarrassed with Mao Tai nearby, he fumed, "Coward! Strike from the shadows, hardly the deed of a hero. Show yourself and face me in honest combat!" The voice rejoined coyly, "I'm right in front of you. Strange you don't perceive my presence despite years spent in martial cultivation atop your mountain." This goaded Qin Lang further; he feigned nonchalance, while honing in on the voice's location to launch a surprise sword attack. Unbeknownst to his adversary, he unleashed five rays of crimson sword light in their direction, lighting up the surrounding woods. In the ensuing commotion, tree branches were cleaved and scattered, yet the enigmatic voice remained unperturbed. Seeing no response, Mao Tai mused, "Perhaps this phantom is finally vanquished, brother. Shall we return to the temple?" Before the words left his mouth, Mao Tai too was dealt a stinging slap on his face. Infuriated, he released his sword light towards the unseen foe. Amusement rang out from the mysterious figure, "So this is all the famed Wutai Sect can muster? Do let me witness the full extent of your swordplay." With their pride wounded and no visible target, Qin Lang and Mao Tai hesitated to retract their sword lights, opting to continue their futile barrage. Meanwhile, the figure remained elusive, delivering sharp jabs and painful pinches that outsmarted them at every turn. Realizing they were hopelessly outmatched, Mao Tai advised Qin Lang, "This is no ordinary foe we're dealing with; attacking blindly only invites further embarrassment." Conceding to reason, Qin Lang suggested they retreat, both summoning their sword lights to shield themselves as they fled back toward Ciyun Temple. Fortunately, the mysterious adversary did not pursue them. After arriving, each breath and step more labored than the last, they were eager to find safety within the temple walls. Upon reentry, Mao Tai introduced Qin Lang to Zhi Tong, who inquired about their disheveled state. Mao Tai relayed the entire episode. Hearing this, Zhi Tong pondered before addressing them, "Initially, the swordsman aiding Zhou Chun might have been a passing Emei sect adept, offering a hand against injustice. But when Brother Qin arrived, they recognized the danger and fled. That's the least of our worries, however." Zhi Tong continued, "The unseen assailant is far more concerning. If it is indeed that old curmudgeon meddling in our affairs, even our masters, Jin Shen Arhat Fayan and Qin Lang’s own teacher Huashan Fiery Flame Master, would find him a thorny challenge." Responding to their doubts, Zhi Tong elaborated on an enigmatic elder known as Zhui Yun Sou, who appeared fifty years ago, disposing of powerful foes with ease before vanishing for many years. Rumored to be long dead, his reappearance in Chengdu to sell medicines hinted at his enduring prowess. Feeling the heat of past mistakes, Mao Tai recalled the disappearance of one of his cherished disciples, Zhang Liang, suspecting Zhui Yun Sou’s involvement. Furious and eager to uncover the truth, Mao Tai was cautioned by Zhi Tong to refrain from rash actions. Addressing Qin Lang, Zhi Tong expressed concern over the temple's security and implored him to follow his original path to Tibet via Dajianlu to summon the Abbot of Wenshen Temple, the Painted-Face Buddha, and involve Flying Nightfork Ma Jue to lend a helping hand in dispelling the lurking threat. Qin Lang agreed, seeing the task as a complement to his mission and promising to depart at first light. Zhi Tong then instructed summons for all the assembled allies in the temple, including the renowned Four Guardians—Monk Huiming, known for his Iron Palms; Sai Da Mo Huineng of Invincible Vajra; the multi-talented Young Na Zha Huixing; and many-eyed Young Fire God Huixing—alongside outlaws of the Sichuan region like the Flying Centipede Jin Guangding, One-horned Python Ma Xiong, Water-splitting Rhino Lu Hu, and the Sea-stirring Silver Dragon Bai Jin, to convene in the grand hall for urgent discussion. Zhi Tong addressed the gathered assembly, recounting the long-standing grudge between his master, the revered Grandmaster Taiyi Hunyuan, and the Emei Sect. This enmity originated on the Jade Maiden Peak of Emei Mountain when the Emei leader, a Sword Immortal called Qishuming, severed one of the Grandmaster’s arms in a duel. The humiliation drove the Grandmaster to Maoshan, where he spent a decade refining the Five Venom Sword for a rematch atop Mount Huang. Just as victory seemed certain, three sages from the Eastern Sea intervened: Xuan Zhen Zi, Ku Xing Tou Tuo, and the enigmatic old man, Zhui Yun Sou Bai Gu Yi. Their interference led to the loss of the Five Venom Sword and inflicted the Grandmaster with a fatal invisible strike. Before his passing, he instructed his disciples, including Zhi Tong's own master Tuo Tuo Da Shi, to train diligently, perfect their swordsmanship, and seek vengeance on the Emei Sect. Zhi Tong continued, explaining his years-long effort to nurture Ciyun Temple into its present prosperity, always working discreetly at night to garner the trust of the local officials and merchants. However, recent events threatened to unravel everything. Zhang Liang, Mao Tai’s disciple, had vanished after an illicit adventure within the city, presumed to have met with foul play. Adding to the mystery, an even more peculiar incident occurred at the temple itself. Mao Tai eagerly inquired about this strange occurrence. Zhi Tong explained that several nights prior, amid their debauched revelry in the Happy Zen Hall, the temple's secret chamber was inadvertently discovered by seventeen scholars from Guizhou who had been traveling to the capital for examinations. Mistaking the temple for a typical place of worship, the scholars stumbled upon the hidden mechanisms. Realizing they had seen too much, Zhi Tong felt compelled to silence them permanently. Most were easy prey, but a young scholar among them, striking in appearance and barely seventeen, pleaded for his life, softening Zhi Tong’s resolve. Rather than kill him outright, Zhi Tong imprisoned the youth, offering him a rope, a steel dagger, and poison, suggesting he find his own end. The youth pleaded for a few final meals to die on a full stomach, and Zhi Tong acquiesced, providing thirty buns to extend his life by a few days. On the fourth day, Zhi Tong returned to find the cell empty, the scholar having somehow escaped. Confident the weak youth couldn’t have fled far given the temple's tight perimeter, Zhi Tong intensified the search but found nothing. With the scholar possessing knowledge of their secrets and likely to seek justice for his slain companions, Zhi Tong shut the temple gates in preparation for a potential siege by authorities. Yet, despite several days passing without incident, Zhi Tong remained puzzled by the lack of response or rumors. The Many-Eyed Vajra, Little Fire God Huixing, offered that the young scholar might have perished in the nearby ravines or succumbed to illness, suggesting there was little need to worry. Zhi Tong acknowledged the possibility but stressed the importance of readiness, especially with the reappearance of Zhui Yun Sou in Chengdu, potentially stirring trouble at any moment. Zhi Tong summoned the congregation not only to strategize but to deliver missives requesting aid. No one was to leave the temple without cause, and they would await reinforcements before taking further action. Mao Tai, driven by vengeance, was adamant about finding Zhou Chun. Despite Zhi Tong's attempts to dissuade him, Mao Tai remained resolute. The night passed without incident, and the following day, Qin Lang bade farewell, embarking on his journey to Tibet. After his departure, the others set out with Zhi Tong's letters, seeking allies. Mao Tai, driven by his vendetta, departed alone for the city, intent on confronting Zhou Chun. To know the outcome, we must look to the next chapter.