Section 5: Infection

Bu Jingxian smiled, though inwardly he could not fully believe those words. He knew that the philosophy of the Divine Soul Sect was, to outsiders, little more than absurd fantasy. More importantly, he knew that in reality, people did not possess the freedom to make decisions solely based on emotion.

If today he failed to kill July and the Sunset Sect discovered it, countless people would abandon him, some even turning into enemies. The Sunset Sect had lost seven members today; the rest were still mourning, their hatred for the Flying Immortal Sect deep and unyielding.

He was not supposed to act as he had today; yet, he could not bring himself to kill July.

Times had changed, and now they stood as adversaries. After today’s parting, he would soon journey north to the Black Wolf Army’s territory. Who knew how much time would pass before their next meeting, or how the world might transform by then? Perhaps they might even become allies—it was not impossible. He did not wish to dwell on his softness today. Since leaving Northern Spirit Mountain, he rarely thought of July, but back then she was the only one he cared for. Now, upon seeing her again, all those memories resurfaced with startling clarity.

In truth, only a few months had passed since he left Northern Spirit Mountain, but the constant unrest made it feel like an eternity.

Moon Worship rested her head on his shoulder, eyes closed in repose. Bu Jingxian shook his head with a wry smile, glancing toward the Sunset Sect’s encampment. Moon Worship was indifferent. “What’s there to fear? Everyone knows what’s going on. I’m not as shy as Star Worship—better to face things openly.”

When Bi Lian and Star Worship returned, those who seemed asleep all rose, greeting them with fervor, crowding around Bi Lian, even pushing Ghostbane, who cared most for her, to the edge, unable to approach. It was as if Bi Lian had returned from a life-or-death battle, with each person expressing concern in turn.

“Thank you for your worries. The journey was smooth, no unexpected troubles,” Bi Lian said, touched by their care. For the first time, she felt a sense of belonging—a fullness beyond words. After the greetings, she remembered her purpose and, not seeing Ao Pan, called out, “Young Master Ao Pan, Young Master Ao Pan…”

The crowd parted, allowing Ao Pan to hurry forward, bowing and pressing her for news of Zhou Martial God. Seeing Bi Lian’s sorrowful expression, he knew the worst.

“Please accept my condolences, Young Master Ao Pan. Zhou Martial God was killed outside New City’s north gate by Martial Lord Autumn Leaf…”

“Impossible!” Ao Pan staggered back, nearly collapsing if not for support. His face turned ashen, drawing deep sympathy from those around. “The Martial God would never fall to Zheng’s Martial Lord! Impossible!”

Someone gently offered comfort, “Young Master, please accept our condolences. Zhou Martial God was elderly—no matter how formidable, a man past sixty cannot match the agility of a younger Martial Lord.”

“Woe is me… Heaven wishes to destroy Great Zhou, to annihilate our Moon Clan…” Ao Pan’s grief was overwhelming, part from Zhou Martial God’s years of guidance and care, part from despair for his future. Even if he survived to reach Zhou, how could he enter the palace? Without Zhou Martial God, he had no chance.

He collapsed in tears.

The group tried to revive him, and after some time, he finally awoke, but he remained silent, unmoved by any comfort. Moon Worship suggested he rest, and the others, weary themselves, urged him to grieve quietly and returned to their beds.

Bu Jingxian had wanted to rest as well, but saw Star Worship, after returning, stealing glances at him, yet saying nothing. He guessed she must have something to say after her arduous journey. When the others slept, he called her aside. Star Worship, worried someone might be awake, blushed deeply as she came over. Yet, once Bu Jingxian took her hand, her embarrassment faded, replaced by joy.

She recounted the journey, praising Bi Lian for her courage despite her delicate appearance. Outside the border town, when questioned by Chu soldiers, Bi Lian showed no fear, and the soldiers left without suspicion.

Once she started speaking, Star Worship forgot her fatigue, only realizing the dawn was breaking when she apologized, “I kept talking and forgot you must be exhausted. Are your injuries alright? Yesterday on the arena, your arm was pierced by a sword…”

“No harm done. My internal energy is best at healing wounds.”

Seeing his hand fully healed, Star Worship was amazed, then quickly urged him to rest, blaming herself for keeping him awake.

Bu Jingxian was indeed tired, but knowing Star Worship’s childlike nature, he realized she would feel neglected if he did not chat with her. She would never fall asleep otherwise.

After less than an hour and a half of rest, the others awoke and began preparing breakfast. Bu Jingxian had no choice but to rise. Star Worship had already set aside clean water for him to wash and urged him to eat quickly.

Ao Pan may not have rested at all, but his spirits seemed improved. He greeted everyone with polite gratitude, apologizing for the trouble.

Their journey from Chen to Chu had been long, but the return trip was even longer. Despite the distance, the mountain ranges had not a single village, so they need not fear the Flying Immortal Sect searching the hills. Even Bu Jingxian and Moon Worship were unconcerned, but on the third day, they learned their assumption was mistaken.

At noon on the third day, they climbed to a high ridge, busy making progress, when someone ahead suddenly signaled for silence and to keep low.

Bu Jingxian and Moon Worship crouched and hurried to the front, seeing six or seven men and women dressed in the Flying Immortal Sect’s pink garb on the opposite slope. Observing further, they noticed another group at the foot of the mountain, lighting fires and cooking. The two groups were separated by several miles, clearly not together.

“To think the Flying Immortal Sect would go so far! They’ve sent people into these wild mountains just to hunt us down!” Moon Worship’s words made the Sunset Sect members grit their teeth in anger. They all knew Young Master Ling deserved his fate; yesterday they suffered heavy losses but had not killed any Flying Immortal Sect members, yet now the pursuit had not ceased, with people scouring the deep mountains.

Ao Pan, however, silently thanked Moon Worship for her intervention. He knew he was not only useless now, but a burden. Anyone with sense understood the Flying Immortal Sect would not go to such lengths over the death of a mere disciple; the real reason for their zeal was him.

“Let’s fight them!” a Sunset Sect disciple shouted, incensed.

“No. Their search teams must number more than these. If we light signals, we’ll be surrounded. Better to wait until they pass. Avoiding them is best.”

Bu Jingxian instructed two to stay and observe, two more to check the route behind. The others rested in the shade. After an hour, those checking behind returned, reporting that Flying Immortal Sect members were approaching from the rear.

“They must have found the traces we left along the way!”

Anxiety grew among them. A lookout rushed in, urgently reporting, “A large group of Zheng soldiers is here too, split into ten squads searching in different directions.”

Bu Jingxian quickly devised a plan, surmising that disciples from the Flying Immortal Sect and Zheng soldiers from the Xiangyang region had come in haste. If they did not move quickly, they would face even greater peril.

“Who is willing to put on Young Master Ao Pan’s clothes and help me draw the enemy away?”

None of the Sunset Sect members spoke. Ao Pan was an outsider; few were willing to risk so much for him. Moon Worship could not force anyone. As the situation stalled, suddenly a voice rang out, “I will!”

Everyone turned and saw Ghostbane, twin blades in hand. The surprise was universal.