The sky roared like a furious man. Rain clouds gathered until they became an immense mass shrouding the firmament. Jin Tianwang sat waiting for the rain in a pavilion amidst the forest. The wind gusted violently, sending flocks of birds scattering in panic. Jin Tianwang had come to this place to keep his appointment with the Nine Cats. Before the first drop fell, four black shadows leapt toward the pavilion.

  These four shadows consisted of three men and one woman. All wore tight-fitting black outfits. The woman appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old; her face was indifferent. She was known as Five-Aspect Cat, Pang Mei, a young woman with excellent disguise abilities.

  Among the three men was Six-Eared Cat Lei Yei, the person who served as the liaison, always delivering news to Jin Tianwang. There was also a thin man aged approximately thirty to forty known as The Whiskerless Cat, Zhai Ge, the first of the Nine Cats. He possessed not only strong boxing skills but was also skilled in medicine and poisons, with few equals in the realm.

  The final member was a young man of only eighteen or nineteen years with a clean face and a nose slightly hooked at the tip, known as The Nine-Spirit Cat, Fu Li. He was the last of the Nine Cats. Jin Tianwang only knew that among the Nine Cats there was a young man whose face he had never seen before.

  Lei Yei spoke first, “Young Master Jin, have you met The Drunken Scholar, Ou Xiatian?”

  “We have met,” Jin Tianwang replied curtly, knowing well that the ones who had arranged for Ou Xiatian to meet him at The Warlord’s Tavern were the Nine Cats themselves.

  “Did you ask for news of the Senior as well?”

  “I fear Brother Ou knows nothing.”

  “The Senior has been missing for over half a year. We do not know if he is dead or alive, or perhaps the Senior might...” Six-Eared Cat Lei Yei left the sentence unfinished, the implication clear to all.

  “Sixth Brother, do not speak such inauspicious words. The Master surely has a life spanning centuries,” The Whiskerless Cat Zhai Ge scolded Six-Eared Cat Lei Yei.

  “The Senior is full of wisdom and supreme in martial arts; who could possibly harm him?” Though Jin Tianwang spoke these words, his expression remained worried.

  “We should go and demand answers from The Virtue Association (The Virtue Association) once and for all,” Five-Aspect Cat Pang Mei said with a harsh voice, pulling out a leather bag.

  Jin Tianwang recognized the leather bag immediately; it was an item he had crafted himself as a gift for the Senior, his benefactor. The sight of it shook him, and he stepped toward Five-Aspect Cat Pang Mei.

  “I obtained this leather bag from a group of beggars. Upon inquiring, I learned it was scavenged from a tavern in Wei City where people from the Virtue Association had stayed,” Five-Aspect Cat Pang Mei explained.

  Hearing that the Virtue Association was implicated by such evidence, Jin Tianwang froze. It likely involved the Han family of The Frostflower Maiden, Han Yuexin, as always.

  “Young Master Jin, if you do not wish to go to the Virtue Association, it does not matter. We Nine Cats will go investigate ourselves,” Six-Eared Cat Lei Yei spoke up, understanding that going to demand answers—tantamount to picking a quarrel with the Virtue Association—was something Jin Tianwang should not do. He sighed as he finished speaking.

  Jin Tianwang snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Lei Yei’s sigh and said, “No, I will travel with you.”

  “If Young Master Jin travels only to stop us from demanding answers from the Virtue Association, then do not follow us at all,” Nine-Spirit Cat Fu Li, unfamiliar with Jin Tianwang and lacking restraint, spoke as a hot-blooded young man.

  “Do not speak words that offend the Young Master,” The Whiskerless Cat Zhai Ge turned a furious gaze to warn his youngest junior disciple.

  “I can no longer endure this. It is all because this person is blinded by love. Even when the Master has been captured, he still hesitates. It is infuriating,” Fu Li vented the frustration pent up in his chest.

  Zhai Ge suddenly slapped Fu Li across the face. “Shut up. We cannot offend the Young Master.”

  “Eldest Brother, please go easy on Little Brother. I, too, have run out of patience with this person,” Five-Aspect Cat Pang Mei spoke up, stepping in to hug and console her youngest junior disciple.

  “Fifth Sister, you too...” Zhai Ge looked disappointed.

  “The Master misjudged him, choosing such a person for us to serve. Now that the Master has disappeared, why must we obey this person’s words any longer?” Pang Mei spoke with anger.

  “We swore an oath; how can we go back on our words?” Zhai Ge shouted loudly.

  “This person is foolish in love, knowing not good from bad. The Master is his benefactor; why does he still hesitate at a time like this?” The more Pang Mei spoke, the louder her voice became.

  Lei Yei, silent until now, walked toward Pang Mei, motioning to silence her. Fu Li suddenly stepped toward Lei Yei, looking as if a fight were about to break out among them.

  Watching this, Jin Tianwang suddenly realized that in the past, the Nine Cats were like his kin. Now, they had lost faith in him. He felt deep remorse.

  “You need not quarrel anymore. I will go to the Virtue Association and demand they return our people, at all costs,” Jin Tianwang said firmly.

  “And if that wretch surnamed Han shows her face, will you bow to her again?” Pang Mei asked, her voice still thick with fury.

  “Even if it is her, I will not yield again,” Jin Tianwang replied concisely.

  “You must keep your word,” Pang Mei pressed Jin Tianwang for a firm confirmation.

  “I have given my word; I will not break it,” Jin Tianwang confirmed.

  “Let it be so,” Fu Li said, clearly distrusting him, and took Pang Mei by the hand to walk away.

  “……” Jin Tianwang watched the two leave, his face devoid of any smile. Suddenly, thunder boomed overhead, and a torrential rain poured down madly.

  The martial world had been peaceful for a long time. The story of Jin Tianwang leading the Nine Cats to the Virtue Association was embellished until it became a legendary tale—a story of amassing forces to stage a rebellion. Furthermore, given Jin Tianwang’s prior assistance from the Peerless Poison Beggar, Sun Daming, these events were linked together.

  This elevated Jin Tianwang to the status of a villainous supreme master plotting a great massacre to build his reputation and power.

  The Virtue Association, quiet for so long, had become extremely lively. Martial artists flocked there, hoping to make a name for themselves. Moreover, there was a belief that Heaven-Equaling Peak, Han Zhaoming would pass the title of Chief of the Virtue Association to The Absolute Jade, Di Yuning, while also betrothing him to The Frostflower Maiden Han Yuexin. Thus, in this confrontation between the two sides, a clash was inevitable.

  The Virtue Association had invited two of The Three Martial Deities: The Sage of the Eight Corners, Han Xiaozhi and The Six Decrees, Pei Chengyue, further attracting martial artists who wished to see these elusive supreme experts.

  Jin Tianwang’s procession arrived with the first snowstorm of the year. The snowfall came earlier than usual at the Qing Family Village, which was already blanketed in white. Jin Tianwang, dressed in light blue with animal skins draped over his shoulders, rode a horse, followed by the group of nine.

  All nine followers wore shirts matching Jin Tianwang’s color and animal skin cloaks. To an observer, the ten figures looked identical, their bearing formidable. Though this area was not yet the Virtue Association’s territory, it was in the immediate vicinity. Many martial artists traveling to the gathering showed open hostility upon seeing Jin Tianwang’s procession. Some mocked and sneered; others displayed rude behavior, such as spitting on the ground.

  However, Jin Tianwang remained indifferent, simply guiding his horse slowly past them. His face showed no sign of pleasure or pain, not even a smile in his eyes. Many who had seen the Merry Meanderer Jin Tianwang before felt he had changed. Some sensed a murderous intent radiating from these ten figures. Snowflakes falling from the sky evaporated into steam the moment they touched their bodies, a clear testament to their powerful internal energy.

  Young Master of the North, Ke Daobing, wearing a fresh green outfit of fine quilted fabric, stood up to bow in greeting to Jin Tianwang. However, this time Jin Tianwang feigned ignorance, ignoring Ke Daobing and riding past rapidly.

  Six-Eared Cat Lei Yei believed that upon reaching Qing Family Village, members of the Virtue Association were likely already mixed in with the crowd. He took the opportunity to shout, “The Merry Meanderer, Jin Tianwang has arrived!” The shout was infused with internal energy, resonating loudly and intimidating the hostile martial artists with its arrogance.

  Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

  Villagers and market-goers struck by the force of his voice felt dizzy; some lost their balance and fell, while many others trembled in fear.

  A martial artist with a thick beard suddenly lunged, thrusting a spear at Six-Eared Cat Lei Yei.

  Lei Yei, still on horseback, saw the attack coming. He snorted dismissively, dipping his shoulder to dodge the spear tip while sweeping out a fist without even looking. The force of the punch cut through the air, striking the bearded man squarely in the chest.

  The bearded man was sent flying backward, crashing into and destroying a roadside dining table. Ke Daobing, standing nearby, hurried over to check on the injured man.

  Lei Yei paid no heed to the man he had struck. He guided his horse to the front of the procession and shouted again, “Young Master Jin travels to the Virtue Association to exchange a few words with you. If you think we are easily bullied, I fear you will live to regret it.”

  Commotion erupted among the martial artists scattered throughout Qing Family Village. If a mere follower of Jin Tianwang possessed such skill, the rumors that Jin Tianwang was amassing forces to clash with the Virtue Association were likely true.

  “Do not be so arrogant just because you can strike through the air. This is the territory of the Virtue Association; there is no place for you to flaunt your skills here.” A loud voice came from behind as an elegant middle-aged man appeared.

  The man walked with his hands clasped behind his back, facing the procession of ten horses. He left no footprints on the snowy ground. Such martial skill was something few in the realm could achieve, aside from The Sage of the Eight Corners Han Xiaozhi.

  The appearance of The Sage of the Eight Corners Han Xiaozhi bolstered the morale of the martial artists. Lei Yei locked eyes with Han Xiaozhi, showing neither respect nor fear.

  “Little child, if you can withstand a single palm from this senior, I will spare your life today,” Han Xiaozhi, displeased by the younger generation’s gaze, struck out a palm as he spoke.

  A hazy gray palm shadow, resembling smoke, flew toward Lei Yei from a distance.

  Dodging such a long-range palm strike would not have been difficult, but Lei Yei refused to show weakness, even against a martial arts legend. He gathered his internal energy and punched out to meet the smoky gray palm shadow.

  The collision of their internal energies created a loud boom. Lei Yei was knocked off his saddle, flipping in mid-air before landing and stumbling back three or four steps to regain his footing. The black horse he had been riding seemed to suffer the blow in his stead.

  The horse let out a mournful cry and collapsed. Han Xiaozhi’s palm strike through the air was indeed terrifying.

  Lei Yei, unable to withstand the palm, had been forced to abandon his mount to save himself, causing his steed to perish—a great humiliation.

  Han Xiaozhi looked satisfied at having crushed the opponent’s arrogance.

  But suddenly, Jin Tianwang urged his horse forward and shouted, “If the Senior can withstand a single punch from me, I will willingly obey the Virtue Association’s orders today.” Without waiting for a reply, he leapt from his horse, hurtling towards Han Xiaozhi and delivering a punch.

  Han Xiaozhi had not expected Jin Tianwang to act immediately upon speaking, just as he had done to Lei Yei moments ago.

  The martial arts legend had not yet gathered his internal energy again and was forced to face the opponent’s full-force punch. A look of panic crossed Han Xiaozhi’s face.

  But the supreme expert refused to show weakness, crossing his palms to block Jin Tianwang’s straight punch instantly.

  Jin Tianwang’s punch contained no tricks; it was a direct, crushing assault. Han Xiaozhi, blocking hastily, was sent flying backward, out of control. Fortunately, a shadow rushed in to steady him before he could fall.

  Han Xiaozhi could not hide his panic. But seeing that the person supporting him was Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming, his son, he felt reassured. He turned his eyes to stare at Jin Tianwang with fury.

  It was Han Zhaoming who remained calmer and more composed than his temperamental father. He raised his hands to greet the opponent. “Young Master Jin has traveled far; I, the host, was late to welcome you. Most discourteous of us.”

  Jin Tianwang seemed a different person from days past. His face remained unsmiling as he spoke. “I come to the Virtue Association to demand the return of our people. If not, blood will wash over the Virtue Association.”

  Han Zhaoming knitted his brows. He had met Jin Tianwang many times. The young man from the wild forest used to speak awkwardly, smile often, and behave humbly. Why did he now call for slaughter with a single sentence? Yet, his voice was firm.

  “This matter must be judged by the martial world. Young Master Jin, follow me to discuss this within the Virtue Association.”

  Jin Tianwang dismounted and led his horse, following Han Zhaoming toward the Virtue Association. The Nine Cats also dismounted and followed suit. The murderous intent of the ten figures grew more intense with every moment.

  Though great martial gatherings had been rare for a long time, the assembly of so many martial artists still held a certain mystique. At the front, a stage was set with three seats of honor: for Six Decrees Pei Chengyue and The Sage of the Eight Corners Han Xiaozhi as guests of highest honor, and the final seat for Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming, the presiding officer.

  The Absolute Jade, Di Yuning acted as the interrogator. When the handsome young man appeared, the gathering fell silent.

  Di Yuning paid respects to the presiding officer and honored guests, greeted the martial artists, and then turned accusingly to Jin Tianwang.

  “Master Jin, the martial world knows you are amassing forces to disrupt the peace. How does Master Jin explain this matter?”

  “We are but ten people; is that considered amassing an army?” Jin Tianwang retorted.

  “But they do not belong to any known righteous sect. Who can verify their background?” Di Yuning read from the document in his hand; every word had been prepared.

  “These people are my close kin. Is that explanation sufficient?” Jin Tianwang spoke as if taking full responsibility, his resonant voice sounding as if scolding the beautiful-faced boy before him.

  Di Yuning, inexperienced in the martial world, was clearly at a disadvantage but continued his questioning.

  “At Wei City, Master Jin killed many martial artist brothers. What does Master Jin have to say to that?”

  “Those people intended to kill me. Should I have stretched out my neck to the blade, unable to resist?” Jin Tianwang used sarcasm, as if trying to provoke a final rupture.

  “Many witnesses saw Peerless Poison Beggar Sun Daming conspiring with you. How do you explain this?”

  “That old man was trying to kill me at the time. Is there any need for explanation regarding such a relationship?” Jin Tianwang answered, then walked toward Di Yuning and shouted back furiously.

  “You ask me so much; let me ask you in return. The Blood Hawk, Diao Zhufan and The Eight-Slayer Fist, Wang Yu whom you captured—I ask you: how are they?”

  Di Yuning, panicked and without an answer, turned to stare at Han Zhaoming on the stage.

  “How could the Virtue Association commit such an act? Young Master Jin, do not frame people.” Han Zhaoming rose and stepped down from the stage, realizing Di Yuning could no longer handle the situation.

  “The Virtue Association accused me of amassing forces, yet you captured my two benefactors. If not for this, why would I, Jin Tianwang, a man of the wild, bring my kin to demand their return?”

  “Young Master Jin speaks without evidence. How can you say the Virtue Association captured your people? Leaving aside that Diao Zhufan is a supreme expert, The Eight-Slayer Fist Wang Yu retired from the martial world over twenty years ago,” Han Zhaoming replied with his usual composure.

  Six Decrees Pei Chengyue, displeased that his beloved disciple Di Yuning had been bested verbally, spoke up. “The child is fierce. Let this old man discipline you first, then we shall continue questioning.”

  Suddenly, a figure leapt toward Jin Tianwang before Pei Chengyue could leave the stage, clasping his hands and saying, “A trifle. Let me, Ou Xiatian, discipline this brat surnamed Jin myself on behalf of the martial world.”

  A commotion broke out when the crowd realized that The Drunken Scholar, Ou Xiatian, reputed to be Jin Tianwang’s beloved friend, was volunteering to fight him.

  Ou Xiatian had anticipated this. He spoke again with a resonant voice, “In the past, I was deceived by this scoundrel’s words. After wasting time associating with him, I saw his wild nature and his plotting to establish The Defying Heaven Sect anew. I must sever ties. Today, I show myself to let my martial brothers know that I no longer walk the same path as this villain.”

  Upon hearing “Defying Heaven Sect,” the martial artists wore looks of alarm. The clamor grew louder.

  Jin Tianwang had not expected to meet The Drunken Scholar Ou Xiatian here. Remembering his friend’s parting words, he understood his intent. Despite the pain of betrayal, he replied, “How could I be involved with the Defying Heaven Sect? You have no business here. Leave at once. Otherwise, today next year will be the anniversary of your death.”

  “This brat learned to read and write from me in the past. To think he can speak with such insolence now.” Ou Xiatian brought up the past to shame Jin Tianwang.

  Jin Tianwang had grown up in the wild, learning only martial arts and remaining illiterate. After meeting Ou Xiatian, he had learned some reading and writing. Ou Xiatian was now using this to mock his former friend.

  “I warn you one last time. Leave at once.” Jin Tianwang pointed a finger at Ou Xiatian’s face.

  “You illiterate fool, I have long wanted to know what arts you learned in the Mystic Valley.”

  The Mystic Valley was where the spared disciples of the Defying Heaven Sect had sworn to reside, never to re-enter the martial world. For over twenty years, aside from the Shadow Bat ravaging villages, nothing had been heard from them. Ou Xiatian’s insinuation that Jin Tianwang learned his skills there and planned to revive the sect carried immense weight.

  Seeing the crowd believed him, Ou Xiatian smiled. He pointed his folding fan, executing a bizarre move.

  The fan concealed varied movements—a point, a slash, a stab, or a sweep. The fan shadow fluttered, seemingly slow but hiding deadly tricks. This move alone forced the crowd to re-evaluate the Drunken Scholar; he was surely one of the era’s top ten experts.

  Jin Tianwang did not admire these tricks. He spun halfway, using the back of his arm to sweep away Ou Xiatian’s attack. He followed closely with a straight fist aimed at the chest. Ou Xiatian dodged back. Jin Tianwang used sheer force to suppress the bizarre moves. Ou Xiatian retreated two steps, but seeing the fist following him, he bent his body, swept his leg, and spun to strike with an elbow while sweeping his fan. Jin Tianwang ducked and delivered a silent, peculiar left fist. The blow sent Ou Xiatian floating into the air.

  Ou Xiatian felt a sharp pain in his torso and knew he had lost. He snapped the fan open to block Jin Tianwang’s vision, but it was too late. Jin Tianwang punched through the open fan, striking Ou Xiatian’s chest. The sound of breaking bones echoed as Ou Xiatian flew away like a kite with a cut string.

  Han Zhaoming could sit still no longer. He leapt toward Jin Tianwang, sensing two other shadows moving with him.

  Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming, The Sage of the Eight Corners Han Xiaozhi, and Six Decrees Pei Chengyue—three supreme experts joined forces to suppress Jin Tianwang. Such a feat alone would have made Jin Tianwang’s name shake the martial world.

  But the legend of Jin Tianwang did not end as the martial world expected.

  Jin Tianwang leapt and kicked at Han Xiaozhi, swept his right arm at Han Zhaoming, and spun in mid-air with tornado-like force, scattering the three experts converging on him. Even their combined might could not suppress him. Such skill had not been seen since the Stone Fiend Shi Wusha died nearly twenty years ago.

  As the three experts separated, Jin Tianwang smiled for the first time since arriving. With a single, resounding stomp, followed by what sounded like two consecutive explosions, he became like a comet, rushing toward Han Zhaoming.

  Han Zhaoming could not see clearly. He knew only that Jin Tianwang was close. The crushing internal pressure made it impossible to draw breath. His skin felt as if it were on fire; his blood seemed to evaporate. He lost consciousness before he knew it. His life was in the opponent’s hands.

  Han Zhaoming collapsed. Jin Tianwang did not kill the legend; he merely lifted Han Zhaoming’s unconscious body high with his right arm—a symbol that he had conquered the conqueror of Stone Fiend Shi Wusha.

  “I have conquered Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming. I have no further business here.” With those words, he laid Han Zhaoming on the ground and vanished, leaving the gathered martial artists in a state of panic.