Chapter 116: Falling Snow Blade

“His dharma name is Zhen Ding.”

These four words struck like peals of thunder, pouring into Che Wanxiu’s ears. Even with her master-level self-control, she couldn’t help but change expressions abruptly, rendered speechless.

It wasn’t because she was particularly quick-witted or fast-reacting, but because this name, this dharma title, had echoed throughout the martial arts world over the past year. Slashing masters, destroying the divine, cutting through to enlightenment with a single blade, breaking through emptiness—these descriptions were so well-known that it was hard not to recognize, remember, or react instantly.

Her husband, Master Xiang, usually so reserved, was equally shocked, his expression changing: “Master Zhen Ding?”

Wasn’t he supposed to have transcended emptiness and ascended to the Pure Land of Buddhism?

Throughout the second floor, all martial artists who heard Duan Xiangfei’s response froze in place. “Snowfall Blade” was a renowned master in the nearby martial world, and a woman of exquisite beauty—how could they not recognize her? Naturally, she wouldn’t mistake Master Xianyin. As one who had personally experienced those events, Master Xianyin certainly wouldn’t misidentify Master Zhen Ding!

Duan Xiangfei chuckled: “Madam Che, one can still return even after ascending. Master Zhen Ding, out of compassion, knows how difficult it is to transcend human and divine boundaries in the martial world, so he specially returned to seek those with destined affinity, offering some guidance.”

A clear, definitive answer. Duan Xiangfei unequivocally confirmed to everyone that this was indeed Master Zhen Ding, the one who had cut through to enlightenment and shattered emptiness with a single blade.

Thud, thud, thud—no one knew how many martial heroes dropped their wooden chopsticks onto tables or the floor. Clatter, clatter, clatter—no one knew how many bowls of wine or rice shattered into pieces.

They were extremely shocked, turning their heads to look toward Duan Xiangfei’s table. They saw a young monk sitting beside Master Xianyin. Dressed in a white monk’s robe, spotless and pristine, his face was handsome and solemn, his expression calm and unruffled. He held his teacup with a faint smile, truly exuding the air of an otherworldly high monk.

So young? Wasn’t the legendary master supposed to have a long beard?

There were also rumors about a young monk!

Suppressing her inner turbulence, Che Wanxiu reined in her half-sarcastic expression and cautiously said, “I’ve long heard of Master Zhen Ding’s divine blade skills. I’ve been honored by fellow martial artists with the title ‘Snowfall Blade.’ Out of sheer eagerness to test my skills, I humbly request your guidance.”

If he was genuine, a test would reveal the truth!

Meng Qi had also wanted to spar with her. He put down his teacup, drew the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade, and presented the flat side of the blade: “Madam Shi, please draw your blade.”

“Will you just sit there?” Che Wanxiu’s face darkened. Was he belittling her “Snowfall Blade”?

Of course, one must maintain the demeanor of a master—he was just the kind of person who cared about appearances! Meng Qi smiled and said, “As a guest, I offer you the first move out of respect.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the martial artists on the second floor, who had been stunned, regained their senses. Someone shouted loudly, “The Snowfall Blade is going to duel Master Zhen Ding!”

Boom! The crowded first floor erupted with explosive noise.

“What? Master Zhen Ding?”

“Could it really be Master Zhen Ding, the one who cut through to enlightenment with a single blade and shattered emptiness?”

“Is the Snowfall Blade senior really going to duel Master Zhen Ding?”

…

In an instant, the air was filled with questions, exclamations, and sounds that made ears buzz. Some stood still as if in a dream, while others hurried upstairs to watch the fight. In no time, the entire second floor was packed, some even standing on tables.

Che Wanxiu’s expression changed repeatedly. The situation had now become one she couldn’t back out of—she had to fight. As for Master Zhen Ding sitting down, she no longer cared. He was a divine figure who had transcended human and divine boundaries; it seemed normal enough for him to fight her while seated.

After thinking this through, she retrieved the Snowfall Blade, turned the blade, gathered her essence, spirit, and energy, embraced unity, and assumed her starting stance: “Please, Master, grant me your guidance.”

“Please proceed, Madam Shi.” Meng Qi smiled in reply, though inwardly a bit nervous. It was rare to spar with a master while seated.

Che Wanxiu said nothing more. Before the watching crowd, she inhaled deeply and slashed the thin Snowfall Blade.

The blade light resembled falling snowflakes, gently drifting down, beautiful to behold. Yet as a master who had unlocked the secret treasures of vitality and energy, her blade force was sharp, the wind from her slashes rushing toward Meng Qi. Amidst the beauty lurked intense killing intent.

The Snowfall Blade indeed lived up to its reputation. Meng Qi inwardly praised her skill, remaining seated without moving foot or body, as the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade traced an arc before him, seemingly encompassing all within.

Clang! The two blades met. Che Wanxiu stepped back half a pace, but instead of anger, her face showed joy. Master Zhen Ding’s blade technique was truly exquisite, something she had never seen before. After this sparring, her swordsmanship would surely improve significantly, advancing her skills to new heights.

Without holding back, she unleashed her footwork, her blade light rolling like a blizzard, cold and sharp, wondrous beyond words.

Meng Qi remained seated, unable to maneuver his body freely, and could only exert his utmost effort to integrate all the blade techniques he had ever learned to counter the snowfall-like blade attacks.

Master Xianyin Duan Xiangfei had already left the table with his teacup, watching the duel with a smile, appreciating the exquisite blade techniques displayed by both.

“Excellent blade techniques!” Most of the spectators with discerning eyes were mesmerized, captivated by the intricate, nuanced exchanges of swordplay.

Though Che Wanxiu had not unlocked the secret treasure of spirit, she was still ranked alongside Duan Xiangfei and others, naturally possessing some extraordinary sword skills. With the vitality and energy secret treasures opened, her inner strength was abundant and unceasing, growing stronger as the battle progressed, her blade light as elusive as a snowstorm covering the area.

Under such pressure, Meng Qi gradually integrated his own sword techniques. Whether it was the Five Tigers Severing the Gate Blade, the Blood Blade, or the transformations derived from “Severing Purity,” he executed them effortlessly, each counterattack drawing silent admiration from Che Wanxiu.

However, Meng Qi was ultimately constrained by his immobility. As Che Wanxiu’s blade grew increasingly fierce, he gradually found himself in a difficult position.

He inhaled deeply, focused his mind, and suddenly withdrew the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade.

If this continued, he would either be forced to leave his seat or admit defeat. Therefore, it was time to unleash his ultimate move.

Before the watching crowd, how could he admit defeat?

Given a choice, he was just the kind of person who valued appearances!

When there was no choice, how much was appearance really worth?

Although the onlooking martial artists lacked true martial arts skills, they could still vaguely sense that Che Wanxiu was gaining the advantage and began murmuring among themselves:

“Master Zhen Ding’s blade technique is indeed marvelous, but remaining seated must be somewhat difficult.”

“Yeah, even an immortal who has transcended human and divine boundaries can’t defeat a master while sitting still, can he?”

“But ‘cutting through to enlightenment with a single blade’ shouldn’t, shouldn’t be this limited…”

At that moment, a flash of blade light appeared, capturing their vision.

Golden splendor, martial fame, fine wine and beauties, embracing life and death—they all smiled as if savoring these pleasures.

Even from a different perspective, now as spectators rather than opponents, Duan Xiangfei’s gaze was distant, imagining the glorious days of the Snow God Palace’s revival.

The blade light faded, and Che Wanxiu stood frozen, her breathing rapid, her mature, seductive face flushed crimson, her chest rising and falling violently, drawing many gazes.

Clang! The Snowfall Blade fell to the ground. Meng Qi also sheathed the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade. His lips twitched slightly. Seeing Che Wanxiu in such a state, he wondered what “unattainable” desires had been stirred within her during the “Descending into the Mundane World” technique…

He didn’t dwell on it, quickly calming his mind and body. Because only by descending into the mundane himself could he pull others down with him. Hence, at this moment, Meng Qi was also overwhelmed by desires, which he had to suppress with all his might.

The sound of the Snowfall Blade hitting the ground snapped the crowd from their dreamlike states, leaving them feeling lost.

After a while, someone exclaimed in awe and satisfaction: “Cutting through to enlightenment with a single blade! That was truly a divine blade technique!”

“Indeed, such a blade technique explains why he could shatter emptiness…”

“This blade skill is simply beyond imagination.”

“Master Zhen Ding is truly a celestial being!”

“He’s a monk, so he should be described as a Bodhisattva-like figure.”

One after another, heartfelt praises rang out. Meng Qi smiled silently, sheathing his blade and picking up his teacup for a sip.

“Wow, Master Zhen Ding’s demeanor is truly extraordinary, living up to his reputation!”

They were all reminiscing about that single blade stroke, praising Meng Qi’s composure and martial skill, without mocking Che Wanxiu’s defeat. Losing to Master Zhen Ding, the “One-Blade Enlightenment” expert, was perfectly normal—any master would face the same fate!

Che Wanxiu exhaled deeply, not bending to retrieve the Snowfall Blade, her flushed face still evident as she bowed: “Today I truly understand that beyond the sky lies another sky, and beyond people exist others greater. Your blade technique has transcended the mundane.”

Around forty years old, she was beautiful, graceful, and possessed an exceptional figure. Now, with her flushed, seductive face, the watching crowd felt their mouths dry.

After recovering from the backlash of “Descending into the Mundane,” Meng Qi looked at Che Wanxiu without any similar feelings. Calm and composed, he said, “Madam Shi flatters me. Only through exposure can one gain knowledge. Your blade technique has also greatly benefited me.”

Che Wanxiu picked up the Snowfall Blade, striving to regain her composure: “My husband and I have a mansion outside the city. May I invite you, Master, to visit us as our guest?”

Having achieved the status of a master, her passion for martial arts and blade techniques was immense. Thus, she wished to continue learning and exchanging techniques.

Meng Qi smiled: “This humble monk already has a place to stay. If Madam Shi wishes to seek me out, you may visit Changhua Temple tomorrow.”

He planned to stay at Changhua Temple for a while to investigate the person known as “Yuanmeng.”

As he said this, he suddenly felt something amiss. He was a normal man, having understood human relations in his past life, and was now in his prime, often indulging in daydreams and desires. This was evident from the “fantasies” triggered by the demonic stone gate. Yet now, facing the alluring Che Wanxiu, though he had no inappropriate thoughts, shouldn’t there at least be a normal appreciation? Yet he felt completely detached, like a truly enlightened high monk.

Hmm, A-nan’s Precept Blade truly is “malicious.” With each slash of the blade, as long as one doesn’t succumb to madness or destroy one’s own purity, maintaining self-control, this fake monk might truly become a real one… Meng Qi quickly realized this, unable to help but grit his teeth. No, he had to think of a way. Next time, he would consult Zhiwei and others, seeking their enlightening opinions. If unavoidable, he would simply exchange for other external blade techniques in the future, such as the Purple Lightning Seven Strikes he had always longed for!

Che Wanxiu agreed and, together with her husband Master Xiang, accompanied Meng Qi and Duan Xiangfei for dinner before returning to their mansion outside the city—she had originally come to the city upon hearing from her subordinates that Master Xianyin was here, intending to extend her hospitality.

The awe-inspiring reputation of the “One-Blade Enlightenment” and the authority of a master prevented the watching martial artists from approaching, forcing them to return and boast about what they had seen.

The night passed without incident, and early the next morning, Duan Xiangfei led Meng Qi to Changhua Temple.