Chapter 386: Reacquaintance (Patreon)

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Xun Huwen, the grandson of Elder Xun. 

A man with incredible talent who should have risen to become one of the leading figures of the Eternal Flame Clan. However, his Dao proved too dangerous. While the Eternal Flame Clan is no stranger to destructive Dao, even someone like Lord Feng Guil wields Destruction to make way for something new. That is not the case with Xun Huwen.

Without motive. Without reasoning. Without goals.

Xun Huwen’s Dao is that of pure Destruction.

The Elders of Eternal Flame Clan locked him in the Punishment House for hundreds of years upon realizing the danger he posed. Liu Jin once thought that punishment was too harsh, but that was only because he had yet to meet Xun Huwen. The madman was released during the conflict between Lord Feng Shang and Lord Feng Gui and immediately tried to kill Feng Hao to plunge the Eternal Flame Clan into chaos.

He is a dangerous monster who sows discord and death at every opportunity. The Eternal Flame Clan shouldn’t have locked him up. They should have killed him. However, Patriarch Feng valued his talent as a cultivator over the danger he posed. Now that Liu Jin knows Xun Huwen has the blood of the One Hundred and Eight flowing through his veins, perhaps there were other factors involved in the Patriarch’s decision.

None of it makes the sight of Xun Huwen’s smiling face any less unsettling.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

It is not Liu Jin who speaks. Elder Chang advances on Xun Huwen with his hands balled into fists. The power of a newborn Emperor washes over the area, causing those present to give him a wide berth.

Xun Huwen smiles.

“In what world is it right for you to shamelessly show your face?” Elder Chang yells, pointing a finger at Xun Huwen. “You are a treacherous soul and a danger to everything around you! If you had any semblance of self-awareness, you would have killed yourself to rid the world of the displeasure of your continued existence! Surrender yourself now and end this farce!”

“Elder Chang! It is so good to see you!” Xun Huwen says, unfazed by the Elder’s ire. “Congratulations on becoming an Emperor. Would it be wrong if I take some credit for it? Since we last saw each other, I have learned that having a strong motivation is crucial to overcoming the Renegade Realm. I do not mean to boast when I say this, but I believe I am a very motivating existence.”

Elder Chang’s Qi spikes. Xun Huwen’s smile turns feral as his own Qi rises in response. When Liu Jin met him, he had been in the First level of the Heaven Realm. It has been almost four years since then.

Heaven Realm, Level Seven.

Liu Jin does not trust it in the slightest. Shortly after being released from the Punishment House, Xun Huwen fought Lady Ling. Despite Lady Ling being in the Ninth Level of the Heaven Realm, it was Xun Huwen who seemed in control of that fight. That is how in tune Xun Huwen is with his Dao. 

Pure level of cultivation is not a reliable way to measure his strength.

“Enough meaningless words,” Elder Chang says, advancing on Xun Huwen. “I will drag you back to your cell by force if I must!”

“That is quite enough.”

A new voice cuts in, calm and dignified like a clear lake. There is no pressure accompanying it, no sudden outburst of Qi. Still, everyone present immediately takes a step back. Even Elder Chang’s Qi, which burned so fiercely a mere second ago, shrinks back. Only Xun Huwen’s smug smile remains in place.

“I understand that it has been a long journey for many of you,” the voice continues. Soft steps are heard as a new person walks out of the tower. “However, I will remind you that violence is forbidden in this place, even for an Emperor. Attempt it if you wish. You will not like the result.”

From his long mustache to his pointy beard, the man reminds Liu Jin of a court bureaucrat. There is an old tiredness around his eyes, a slightly bookish air about the man. His movements are calm and unhurried yet confident. His stance does not seem guarded, and his aura is nonexistent. However, Liu Jin cannot detect a single opening on him. 

He is wearing the same type of robes as Xun Huwen.  

“I am the Scribe of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak,” the man introduces himself after Elder Chang does not further escalate things. “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the House Without Corners. I will be acting as arbiter for the ceremony. To ensure things continue without disturbances, I have agreed to have my cultivation sealed off until all is over.”

He opens his robes, and more than one person gasps at the mass of seals placed over his skin. The sealing array placed on Feng Hao cannot compare. There is barely any free spot of flesh to be seen on the Scribe, which is worrying for various reasons. Emperors like Elder Chang and even Lord Shang are allowed to walk free of restraints.

That means there is a high chance that this person is a Divinity. If that is the case, those bindings, sturdy as they might seem, are barely paper. He could free himself of them at any time and force his way through the barriers. Is this why Great Mother insists on being here? Or is it that Great Mother’s presence forces the other side to have a Divinity present?

“If you are of the Heavenly Sword, then it is you who must answer for his presence!” Elder Chang says, pointing at Xun Huwen. “How can you risk the ceremony by bringing someone so obviously dangerous to this place!”

Elder Chang's words prompt several people to murmur and cast apprehensive glances at Xun Huwen, who merely basks in the attention. Liu Jin is glad for Elder Chang’s presence because he would not have dared to be so open. His circumstances make it unwise, even if he fully agrees with what Elder Chang is saying.

“He has the blood of one of the One Hundred and Eight, does he not?” the Scribe asks. “What more needs to be said? It does not matter what sort of person he is. His blood is necessary for the preservation of our world. Elder of the Eternal Flame Clan, I have already discussed this matter with your superior. Xun Huwen will remain here.”

The Scribe’s sweeping gaze goes over those present.

“If that is all, I invite you to accompany me inside. I believe all of us are already present.”

~~~

The inside of the tower is far larger than its narrow shape would suggest. Space is likely being twisted in some way to allow it. Unlike the outside, there is no white and gold to be seen anywhere. The interior is decorated in soft greens and browns, with columns of dark wood rising to the ceiling.  

The entire ground floor is shaped like a large amphitheater, with multiple round seats surrounding a central stage. Lord Feng Shang is already seated, and Feng Zhuo and Elder Chang waste no time walking over to him. Liu Jin sits with Great Mother and the rest of the Divine Frozen Palace’s delegation, except for Fu Lihua. She rushes over to Prince Xiang Rong’s side instead. Emperor Xiang already told Liu Jin that he would be sending his son in his place.

As Liu Jin takes in his surroundings, he is surprised by how many people he knows. Chen Guo is there. He knew he’d be. Accompanying him is the Elder from the Infinite Mountain Sect who was in the Crimson Cloud Tournament. The Elder from the Endlessly Raging Valley, Ruan Chenshu, is also present. There are also many people from lesser Sects and people from other countries.

And, of course, those from the other side.

Xun Huwen sits with a smug smile. Liu Jin is not even a little surprised to see Bright Sword just a few seats away from him. Other than them and the Scribe, there are three other members of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak present. Whether they all carry the blood of the One Hundred and Eight or just a few of them is not something Liu Jin knows.

The delegation from the Temple of the Thousand Shadows is easily recognizable by their blue-and-gold robes and largely bald heads. There are eighteen of them, and all of them sit close to each other as one block. Liu Jin doubts they are all descendants. Most likely, it is the diplomatic significance of the event that has made them send so many people.

Finally, there is the Death Fashioning Scripture. There are only five of them, but people give them a wide berth, even those from the other side. Most of them are dressed in dark robes, but the clothes of one of them seem to move as though they were breathing. He is an Emperor. Liu Jin immediately averts his gaze, and his eyes land on Serene End, who waves cheekily at him.

“Once again, we thank all of you for being here,” the Scribe of the Heavenly Sword says, standing in the center of the room. “Many people in the room have not seen eye to eye, especially in recent times. However, this is a time of unity. This situation demands that we rise above our petty feuds.”

Unsurprisingly, many eyes turn towards the delegations from the Death Fashioning Scripture and the Temple of the Thousand Shadows. However, Liu Jin is surprised by how many eyes turn toward him as well, as though he had anything to do with…

Actually, that makes sense.

“Based on the bloodlines and power of those present, we have decided that this will be the best order to carry out the ceremony.”

As the Scribe speaks, a list of names appears floating behind him. A small version of it also appears in front of some of those present. Liu Jin and Great Mother both have one, but Xiao Shuang and Bai Wen do not. Liu Jin guesses the small lists only appear before those with the blood of the One Hundred and Eight.

Worryingly, the number of descendants in the room is closer to sixty than seventy. While some probably represent more than one bloodline, Liu Jin doubts cases like the Feng Clan, which has multiple bloodlines, are remotely common.

“I will remind everyone that no one is allowed to leave the tower. Even if you have already carried out your role, you must remain here until the ceremony is completely over. Your rooms have been marked. Feel free to stay there until you are called, or explore the tower if you wish. We have prepared several contests you may choose to take part in to alleviate your boredom. They will all take place on the very stage I am standing on.”

He bows to them, his black hair obscuring his face.

“Do enjoy your stay.”

“Husband,” Xiao Shuang whispers to him. Her finger points at his list. His name is in the upper fifth, which means his turn will come soon enough. However, that is not what causes Xiao Shuang to worry.

“I see it,” Liu Jin says, his eyes fixed on the name right next to his.

Xun Huwen.

~~~

“We have to kill him!”

“You cannot possibly be serious.”

Liu Jin sighs as Elder Chang paces angrily around the room. Once the Scribe was done talking, the two only needed to exchange a single look to know their main priority was the same. They quickly moved to one of the many rooms inside the tower to discuss things in private.

Curiously, the room really has no corners. Even the door is round.  

“You promised me you’d help me capture Xun Huwen,” Elder Chang reminds him. “Will you go back on your word?”

“I promised that, but I never promised to help you turn everyone against us,” Liu Jin says.

“No, that seems to come naturally to you.”

Liu Jin glares at him. The days when the aura of an Emperor could intimidate him are long gone, though that’s probably not a good thing.

“The renewal ceremony represents the single event where we all put aside our enmities and work together. We cannot besmirch it,” Liu Jin says, before reluctantly adding. “No matter how much of a threat Xun Huwen is.”

“He is a menace,” Elder Chang says with zealous anger. “He is an existence that should have never been allowed! A mockery of our traditions and way of life! He insults us with every breath he takes!”

One could say the same of him, Liu Jin muses. Of course, he is not about to say that. Not when Elder Chang is so clearly angry.

“I agree with all of that,” Liu Jin says instead. “However, that doesn’t mean we can do anything. It’s risky, and Elder Chang should understand this without me needing to say it. Elder Xue would call you an idiot if she were here.”

That seems to work. Elder Chang stops pacing. His aura spikes momentarily before shrinking. A deep breath escapes his lips.

“You are right,” he admits through gritted teeth. “I apologize for my outburst. It was unseemly. I am the Warden of the Punishment house. It has been my duty for centuries, and never once have I failed. Having to release that madman is the worst and only stain in my record. I am afraid I cannot be objective on this matter.”

Ah.

Liu Jin understands what Elder Chang is saying. More importantly, Liu Jin understands what the Elder is not saying. Xun Huwen already implied it. Elder Chang broke into the Emperor Realm with the goal of capturing Xun Huwen. His Dao demands that his prisoner be returned to his cage, and it will not be denied.

“We will capture him,” Liu Jin promises. “We know where he is now.”

Elder Chang snorts.

“He is under the protection of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak. We cannot attack him while he is in this tower, and we cannot capture him after this is over because Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak will consider it an act of aggression,” he says, with the voice of someone who has already considered multiple routes of assassination.

“We can negotiate for him,” Liu Jin suggests.

“How very optimistic of you.”

“Is it?” Liu Jin asks. “They won’t need him after the ceremony is over. At most, they will want him to produce an heir. I imagine the Eternal Flame Clan once wanted the same.”

“You imagine correctly,” Elder Chang says, crossing his arms. “There were attempts to marry the Xun Clan into the Feng Clan so their blood would eventually flow into the main line. However, the timing did not work out, and Xun Huwen was born.”

Elder Chang’s frown grows darker.

“A regrettable mistake.”

“Xun Huwen will not be able to keep his nature under control for long,” Liu Jin says. “The Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak will eventually realize he is too troublesome to keep around. They will not be able to protect him forever, and they will not want to.”

“No, they will not,” Elder Chang says.

It sounds like a promise.

~~~

Liu Jin leaves the meeting mostly certain that Elder Chang won’t try to attack while they are in the tower. It is not much, but it is something. Truth be told, if there was a safe way to eliminate Xun Huwen while inside the tower that couldn’t be traced to them, he’d take it. It is a pity that there is no such convenient thing.

For now, he wants to meet up with Xiao Shuang and rest before his turn comes.

“Emperor Qing Jin, I am so glad we can meet again so soon. Would you care to join me?  There is someone whom I dearly want you to meet.”

Serene End has other ideas.

~~~

Mini-Character List

Liu Jin: Our protagonist. Public enemy. 

Elder Chang: Elder of the Eternal Flame Clan. After he got bored drawing pictures of Xun Huwen, he began drawing pictures of Elder Xue. He burned most of them but saved some and hid them in his room. Elder Xue has already found them.

Xun Huwen: Disciple of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak. If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. 

Scribe: Elder of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak. Handles a lot of important but boring duties for the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak. Could delegate, but thinks little of the competence of others. 

Xiao Shuang: Disciple of the Divine Frozen Palace. Is a little interested in the contests. 

Serene End: Disciple of the Death Fashioning Scripture. That girl that’s proud of her family, but she probably shouldn’t be.