My Arch-Nemesis Cried and Begged Me Not to Die 35p1

Chapter 35 Part 1: All of you, come out and kill.

When Ling Dannan hurriedly arrived at Yaoguang Valley, Ruan Qingwan was smiling as she dressed Ruan Qixi.

“My son is truly as graceful as a pine, more beautiful than Du Fang.”

“In the future, I will be Du Fang!” Ruan Qixi unhappily cut her off. Ruan Qingwan smiled even more happily, rubbing his face dotingly. “Come, put this on. This is a protective jade that mother personally made for you. In the future, when you advance to the true immortal stage, it may be able to block a thunder tribulation for you.”

“Thank you, mother.”

Ruan Qingwan smiled as she put the jade pendant on him. Her divine sense suddenly swept over Ling Dannan’s figure, and she couldn’t help but look to the side.

Ling Dannan came all the way to Qin Zhongyou’s courtyard. After not finding him left or right, she rushed to the ancestral hall and, as expected, saw him kneeling before the memorial tablets of the Yan family’s parents. On the altar was also the Du Fang Sword, which was flowing with silver light.

“Zhongyou.” Ling Dannan said, “A-Chen said that today is not a good day. Why don’t we not pass on the Du Fang Sword?”

“What is Immortal Aunt Ling saying?” Ruan Qingwan’s voice came from outside. Ling Dannan was stunned for a moment. “My husband practices the Heavenly Mandate art left by Jingyu. The hexagrams are never wrong.”

“This Du Fang Sword is a sword of blessings.” Ruan Qingwan did not directly enter the ancestral hall, but stood far away, her arms crossed, smiling. “From what Immortal Aunt Ling says, it seems that this disaster will be caused by it?”

Qin Zhongyou had already stood up straight. “Didn’t you always want me to hand over the Du Fang Sword before? Why today…”

“I saw that you were too obsessed!” Ling Dannan said, “But today, it is not suitable to bestow the sword…”

“Immortal Aunt also knows that Lord Qin is deeply obsessed.” Ruan Qingwan sighed. “It was not easy for him to finally let go. Are you going to make him fall into a demonic obstacle again?”

Ling Dannan frowned. She had had very little contact with Ruan Qingwan. Only when it came to matters concerning Ruan Qixi would they occasionally exchange pleasantries. She did not usually get involved in most of the Zuoqiu family’s affairs, but at this moment, she suddenly felt that the other was being a little aggressive, far from her usual gentle and considerate self.

She did not want to say more to an outsider and turned her face to look at Qin Zhongyou again, but heard him say, “I should have forgotten him long ago and let go of everything related to him.”

He brushed past Ling Dannan, his voice calm. “After this matter, I will ascend to immortality and no longer ask about mortal affairs.”

“Zhongyou…”

Ling Dannan wanted to chase after him again, but was stopped by Ruan Qingwan, who said gently, “Immortal Aunt also doesn’t have to believe in the Heavenly Mandate art so much. If the Heavenly Mandate art were really that useful, then Immortal Lord Dufang…”

She did not continue, but only showed a slightly sad expression. Ling Dannan frowned, her eyes searching. She wanted to say something, but she had already turned and left.

A hand grabbed her. She turned her head and saw that it was Ruan Qingchen. She couldn’t help but ask, “Today’s matter, is it really so serious?”

Ruan Qingchen did not answer, but only squeezed her hand slightly.

He had never told her that he and Ruan Qingwan were siblings. He had divined countless times, and each time it was clearer that this day would eventually come.

…I hope she can remember their sibling bond from back then and let me go.

Hutian City was overcrowded. Everyone had already squeezed into Yaoguang Valley in advance. Qi Mufang was also trying hard to squeeze in. He was pressed against the back of the person in front of him, and the person behind him was pressed against his back. Most of the people had started to complain, but they were reluctant to leave.

Not until Zeng Huacai ascended to the high platform, formed a seal, and opened the spatial formation of Yaoguang Valley, enlarging the space in the valley by a factor of two. Only then did Qi Mufang let out a long breath. “It really is the day of the inheritance of the Du Fang Sword. Today, this Hutian is even more lively than last year’s Grand Cultivation Assembly.”

“This child of the Zuoqiu family is celebrating his birthday. Why is it also in Yaoguang Valley?”

“It seems that after the bestowing of the sword and paying respects to the master here, they will go back to the Zuoqiu family to continue the birthday banquet.” Qi Mufang said, “In any case, Lord Qin still cares about his friendship. It’s impossible for him to take the sword to the Zuoqiu family to bestow it. That would be too disrespectful to Immortal Lord Dufang.”

“Then the one we saw last time…”

“I don’t understand either.” Qi Mufang was a little puzzled. “Some time ago, Hutian released news that Lord Qin had already killed the painted-skin ghost by Liao Chen’s side… Aiya, if it’s really a painted-skin ghost, then it’s killed. If it’s Immortal Lord Dufang, I believe he must be blessed by heaven!”

“You’re really broad-minded…”

“Look quickly!” An exclamation suddenly came from his ear. “It’s the Du Fang Sword, the Du Fang Sword!”

The longsword, wreathed in silver light, floated up from the high platform under the watchful eyes of the crowd. It was surrounded by spiritual light, with a hint of auspiciousness lingering.

“It’s, it’s blessings…”

There was no need for the people around to remind him. When the Du Fang Sword was released from all its restrictions and appeared in front of everyone, the entire valley seemed to become quiet. The air around also became exceptionally pure, like a spring breeze brushing against one’s face. Qi Mufang had a look of emotion on his face. “In my lifetime, I can actually see the Du Fang Sword with my own eyes… It really is a sword of blessings. Look, the blessings on its body are still constantly surging. That must be the continuation of the Immortal Lord’s saving of the world back then!”

“Ruan Qixi’s fate is really good… Even if he isn’t the reincarnation of the Immortal Lord, he must be a person of great blessings.”

There was a chorus of agreement around them, but Qi Mufang closed his mouth tightly, only staring at the world-saving sword.

“Today, I am fortunate to have so many fellow Daoists come to participate in my son’s apprenticeship ceremony.” Zuoqiu Han’s figure appeared at some point, his face full of smiles. “As everyone knows, my son was originally supposed to become Lord Qin’s apprentice. But because he looks very similar to Immortal Lord Dufang and can comprehend the Immortal Lord’s sword techniques without a teacher, he has been learning the Flowing Clouds and Flying Catkins all these years. For eighteen years, Lord Qin has been observing on behalf of his friend and teaching on his behalf. Finally, my son just broke through to the fourth stage of the Flowing Clouds and Flying Catkins two days ago!”

Amidst a chorus of cheers, Zuoqiu Han continued, “Lord Qin’s observation has finally ended. He has decided to formally accept my son into the Immortal Lord’s sect today and pass on this sword!”

He moved aside, allowing everyone to see the dazzling world-saving sword more clearly. He adjusted his breathing, his gaze fixed on the sword. “This is, the Du Fang Sword. The Immortal Lord’s blessings for saving the world are still flowing today. My son is truly, fortunate for three lifetimes.”

Ruan Qixi was dressed magnificently and exquisitely, in a white robe with gold tracings. A jade crown with gold inlays and elegant ribbons hung from his hair. He slowly walked up to the high platform and knelt emotionally before the Du Fang Sword.

When he got close, the blessings on the Du Fang Sword suddenly trembled. More people in the crowd below exclaimed, “The Du Fang Sword, is calling out to him!”

Qi Mufang’s eyes also widened.

He looked at the gently trembling longsword in disbelief.

“He really is the reincarnation of Immortal Lord Dufang!!” The entire Yaoguang Valley was in an uproar. Someone shouted, “Immortal Lord! Return, oh soul!!”

“Immortal Lord…” He didn’t know who started it, but people around began to kneel down one after another. “Return, oh soul—!”

Ruan Qingwan gazed at this pre-arranged scene, the corners of her lips lifting.

With this momentum, in the future, Ruan Qixi would be the thorough reincarnation of Du Fang, and no one would be able to defend his position.

“Are these people crazy…” Qi Mufang was also pulled to one knee. He said in a low voice, “Why is it like a demonic sect…”

“Shh.” Ming Zelin said in a low voice, “The Du Fang Sword is ringing for him. It seems he does have some connection with the Immortal Lord.”

“But…” Ming Zelin pressed his head down again. Zuoqiu Han’s voice came from above. “Everyone, everyone, please don’t be so courteous. My son is young and just lucky. He is not really the reincarnation of the Immortal Lord. Everyone, please rise quickly. He cannot bear such a great ceremony.”

“Please, Lord Qin, accept a disciple on behalf of your friend.” Zeng Huacai spoke, his eyes slightly red. Qin Zhongyou walked forward silently. Ruan Qixi slowly held up a cup of tea and respectfully offered it to the Du Fang Sword. Du Fang was still trembling gently, it was hard to tell if it was grieving the passing of its old master or rejoicing the arrival of its new master.

Qin Zhongyou picked up the wine cup and was about to pour it in front of the sword when the clear sky suddenly became covered with dark clouds. The space was torn open by demonic energy, and a few white banners for mourning flew out from inside, heavily planted on both sides of the high platform, sending shards of stone flying.

Then, a large amount of yellow paper money floated out from the crack, covering the faces of countless people.

Qi Mufang was also forced back by the hurricane. Ruan Qingwan’s face changed slightly. Ling Dannan’s hand was once again held. Ruan Qingchen stood beside her, the white gauze on his eyes fluttering in the wind. He pursed his lips tightly, his expression as calm as death.

“Who is it?!” Zuoqiu Han suddenly took a step forward. Not until the crack was torn wider and wider did a man in black step out. The astral energy spread out from the soles of his feet, and those with low cultivation couldn’t even lift their heads.

Amidst the flying yellow paper money, his voice was cold. “This Lord is here to pay respects to the heroic souls of the entire Yan Clan.”

Behind him, a man in white slowly walked out. He was wrapped in a cloak, the robes on his body whipping in the wind. A jade crown was high on his hair, its feathered ribbons flying. His gaze swept over the crowded crowd below, the flying paper money, the white banners swaying in the wind, his expression sorrowful.

Qi Mufang said in a low voice, “It’s him…”

Qin Zhongyou’s pupils contracted slightly. “You’re not dead yet.”

Yan Jingyu met his gaze. Before he could speak, Liao Chen had already glanced at Yu Qiuye. The latter immediately stepped forward and said loudly, “Qin Zhongyou, you blind and muddle-headed fool! Ruan Qixi is my, Yu Qiuye’s, handiwork! For the past hundred years, Ruan Qingwan has been cooperating with me, asking me to draw souls. I drew for a hundred years before I finally drew Ruan Qixi, this little Immortal Yan!!”

Ruan Qingwan soared into the air and said coldly, “How can you believe the words of a demon?!”

Yu Qiuye also knew that his reputation was not good. He was anxiously wondering how to respond when he saw Yan Jingyu on the side also step forward, his voice calm. “I came today only to ask one thing. Back then, when the entire Yan Clan was annihilated, was it the doing of the Zuoqiu family?”

He had a face similar to the portraits in the various academies, but a portrait could only be similar in form, not in spirit. The people below who had never seen him were a little dazed for a moment. But Qi Mufang shouted loudly, “Immortal Lord Dufang! He is the real Immortal Lord Dufang!!”

Ruan Qingwan suddenly flicked her sleeve, and a wave of energy swung out, directly hitting the people around Qi Mufang. But she did not dare to kill here after all, only saying sternly, “Immortal Lord Dufang is long dead!!”

Then, she turned to Ruan Qingchen again, her tone threatening. “Good brother, use the Heavenly Mandate art compiled by Immortal Lord Dufang to divine here. Let everyone see if this is a painted-skin ghost or the real Immortal Lord Dufang.”

Ling Dannan immediately said, “What brother…”

Ruan Qingchen once again grabbed her hand, a helpless smile on the corners of his lips. “It has come to this, and you still refuse to let me go.”

“What are you talking about?” Ruan Qingwan said, “You are the most powerful Heavenly Mandate master in the entire immortal sects. If you are willing to divine here, everyone will believe you!”

Ruan Qingchen shook his head. But Mo Ting behind him let out a light laugh. “Look at the Zuoqiu family’s good calculations. They sent their own son to Lord Qin as an apprentice, and then they sent their younger brother to Immortal Aunt Ling as a husband. How could it be so coincidental that these two are both the Immortal Lord’s best friends back then?”

Someone in the crowd had already started to whisper. “What on earth is going on?”

“That’s right… could that really be Immortal Lord Dufang?”

“Why would they suddenly question the Zuoqiu family…”

Ling Dannan’s face was pale as she stared at Ruan Qingchen. But she heard Zuoqiu Han’s angry voice again from her ear. “You demoness, you’re spouting nonsense! Lord Qin, Liao Chen did such evil things here back then. Are you just going to let him continue to step on the corpses of the entire Yan Clan and be so arrogant?!”

The scene around them seemed to have traveled back to one hundred and thirty-three years ago in an instant, with corpses everywhere and blood flowing freely.

Qin Zhongyou’s breathing was ragged, his gray hair dancing. He stared at Liao Chen’s face and once again remembered the figure of the young man in the shadow-recording pearl. He suddenly soared into the air. At the same time, the gloomy sky was suddenly torn apart by a golden light. A heavy sword came speeding over and was firmly caught in his hand. He said, word by word, “Let’s fight to the death.”

Zuoqiu Han and Ruan Qingwan exchanged a glance. The former slowly retreated.

Liao Chen sneered contemptuously and took a step forward, but was stopped by a hand. Yan Jingyu stared into Qin Zhongyou’s eyes. “I came today only to ask for a look at the Myriad Phenomena Pearl. If this matter has nothing to do with the Zuoqiu family, I will leave immediately.”

“With you?” Qin Zhongyou’s expression was mocking. “You think that with this face, I will always be led by the nose by you?”

“Haven’t you also always wanted to find out the truth about the annihilation of the Yan Clan?” Yan Jingyu was still patient. “Qin Zhongyou, help me. I just want to take a look at the Myriad Phenomena Pearl.”

“The truth is right here.” Qin Zhongyou directly summoned a shadow-recording pearl. Yan Jingyu’s whole body trembled. He once again saw the scattered corpses in his home, and also, a young man pulling a sword out of a person’s body. Amidst the splashing blood, his face was clearly visible. Qin Zhongyou said, “The one who killed your entire clan is right beside you. If you are really Yan Jingyu, you should kill him.”

Yan Jingyu’s brow furrowed slightly. He stared blankly at his cold eyes.

Even though he knew that all of this was his own doing, he couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.

Zuoqiu Han behind him reached out to grab the Du Fang Sword, but a crimson demonic sword suddenly shot out from the Qiankun Pouch and rushed straight at Du Fang. The two swords soon overlapped and collided, becoming a cross, as if inseparable. They spun in the air once and returned to Liao Chen’s front.

Zuoqiu Han had grabbed at empty air.

Liao Chen reached out and took the Du Fang Sword from ‘Lian Feng’. Yan Jingyu did not take it, but the moment the Du Fang Sword got close to him, endless blessings suddenly poured out from the scabbard, and in an instant, they drilled into his glabella and poured into his soul-lamp. The soul-fire blazed up.

Qin Zhongyou’s eyes widened. Ling Dannan also collapsed to the ground. Zeng Huacai looked at him in disbelief, his eyes red.

The entire place was silent.

Liao Chen’s gaze swept over the crowd in front of him and said coldly, “Du Fang was tempered by his soul-fire. Only his soul-lamp can make Du Fang so out of sorts as to return all the blessings at any cost. Qin Zhongyou, open your eyes and see clearly if he is Yan Jingyu or not.”

Qin Zhongyou’s spiritual energy stagnated, and his figure instantly fell from the air. The heavy sword also smashed heavily on the ground.

Zuoqiu Han’s face was extremely ugly. But Yan Jingyu was still restrained and insisted, “I just want to take a look at the Myriad Phenomena Pearl.”

Qi Mufang was still coughing up blood, but hearing this, he quickly climbed up and said loudly, “The Myriad Phenomena Pearl, cough, cough, cough! The Zuoqiu family, hand over the Myriad Phenomena Pearl!”

Others also gradually came back to their senses and said, “Where is the Myriad Phenomena Pearl? Quickly take it out and let the Immortal Lord examine it!”

“Immortal Lord Dufang has returned and only asks to see the Myriad Phenomena Pearl. What unspeakable secrets are you of the Zuoqiu family hiding, to not even be willing to satisfy such a small request?!”

“Of course they are not willing to satisfy it.” A small, giggling rat clan member walked out on his slender little legs. “Because the Myriad Phenomena Pearl is the Heavenly Mandate Eyes that they gouged out back then.”

Qin Zhongyou was still staring at Yan Jingyu, his lips trembling violently.

Qi Mufang cursed angrily, “Shameless!”

“The Heavenly Mandate Eyes were gouged out?”

Soon, the people who had been shouting to hand over the Myriad Phenomena Pearl had already started to switch. “Hand over the Heavenly Mandate Eyes!!”

“Hurry up and hand over the Heavenly Mandate Eyes!!!”

Amidst the excited crowd, Ruan Qingwan’s expression was resentful, Ruan Qixi’s face was bewildered, and Zuoqiu Han said subconsciously, “No, it’s not…”

Ruan Qingwan decisively rushed towards Ruan Qixi. Before she could drag him away, a chain had wrapped around him.

Yin Shi had appeared at some point and said coldly, “It seems the Myriad Phenomena Pearl is on him?”

Ruan Qingwan forcefully tried to snatch Ruan Qixi back, but Yin Shi was a step faster and directly snatched him away. Ruan Qixi’s expression was dazed. “Mother…”

“Xi’er—”

A hand pierced through his spiritual abode.

Ruan Qixi let out a miserable cry. Amidst the flying yellow paper, the crowd looked at each other.

“Xi’er!!!” Ruan Qingwan rushed towards Yin Shi. As she reached out to grab Ruan Qixi, between her open fingers, on the side of her middle finger, a small red mole was revealed.

Liao Chen’s gaze turned cold. The Soul-Tethering Lock directly whipped her out. Yin Shi’s hand continued to search in the spiritual abode. Ruan Qixi was held in his hand, his face pale as he met the terrifying ghost mask. “I’ll give it to you, give it to you. Don’t, don’t look for it…” he murmured.

“Don’t, don’t.” Ruan Qingwan gathered her spiritual energy again and rushed at Yin Shi for the second time. “That is your thing, don’t give it to him!”