Chapter 92: Qingmen Evaluation, Identity Revealed, Stirring Clouds from All Directions - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 92: Qingmen Evaluation, Identity Revealed, Stirring Clouds from All Directions [After waiting for a period, the eight Qingmen disciples, each with different physiques, finally arrived at the cliff edge.] [To your surprise, among them were two individuals whose figures suggested they were women.] [The gathered martial artists watching were abuzz with conversation.] "Normally, those specialized in light-footed skills can step a length of ten feet and are already considered masters. To stride a hundred feet in one step—that sounds utterly fantastical." "Is this Heavenly Abyss Leap really so miraculous?" "The world's martial arts are as numerous as grains of sand in the Ganges; can miraculous feats truly only come from this Heavenly Abyss Leap?" "Emei has 'Holy Lamp Enlightenment Technique,' Wudang offers 'Pure Yang Supreme Art,' and even our humble Fulong Sect houses 'Great Jade Yang Divine Skill,' which can help reach the utmost purity and return the turbid to true." "And what of Shaolin's two supreme techniques, Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing? They are peerless in external and internal nourishment!" "Practicing both can lead to martial completeness. Didn't the Shaolin ancestor ascend in broad daylight relying on these two divine skills?" "In my opinion, no matter how remarkable the Heavenly Abyss Leap is, it can't surpass Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing." [Seeing the boasting individual, someone couldn't help but interject.] "Friend, one shouldn't compare this way. Apart from that Shaolin ancestor, who else has ascended in broad daylight?" "I’ve met some practitioners whose bodies were fragile, easy prey for my sword, yet they could subdue demons." "But does that mean practitioners are inferior to us?" "The Heavenly Abyss Leap, being an unparalleled light-foot skill, is a rare opportunity to witness." "No need for such chatter here." "Indeed, I am but a novice Taoist receiving orders, not as renowned as you martial artists, but our decrees can reach celestial ears. What can demons do against that?" "As the saying goes, 'respond to the heavens above, expel misfortunes below, subdue all spirits, wherever found…'" [At this point, a young Taoist beside the speaker suddenly covered his mouth.] "Junior brother, enough chanting, you're about to summon immortals." "…" [While listening to the endless arguments among the martial artists, you quietly observed the physiques of all the Qingmen members.] [Having mastered the Imperial Daughter Divine Skill, you've unlocked the ability to remember anything you wish effortlessly.] [Later encounters will allow you to recognize these Qingmen members even if they wear masks.] [As you observe, the Qingmen evaluation begins.] [The Qingmen leader’s eight direct disciples stood before the hundred-zhang-wide cliff, fear evident in their eyes.] [Even though trained in the Heavenly Abyss Leap, the undertaking still daunted them.] [After all, falling from this cliff wouldn't end well.] [Just as the Qingmen leader commenced the evaluation, one disciple suddenly stepped back, bowing towards the leader.] "Master, this disciple is inept!" "I wish to withdraw from this evaluation and not contest for the leader's position." [The Qingmen leader clenched his fists, clearly frustrated.] "Third one." "You know what you must do." "Yes, Master, your disciple understands." [With that, he drew a short sword and severed his thigh, blood flowing profusely. Help came to bandage the wound, staunching the blood to prevent his death.] [The audience looked on in regret.] "Now, his light-foot skill is ruined." "But trading a leg for a life may be worth it." "This person is clever; yet with a ruined leg, evading enemies remains tough…" [Following this episode, the evaluation continued.] [The leading Qingmen disciple retreated three zhang, dashing towards the cliff. His steps were swift, as if a celestial fire streaked through the sky, flying towards the distant end.] [Yet, ten zhang short of the goal, he exhausted his strength, falling vertically to the canyon floor.] [Onlookers heard the muffled thud of flesh hitting ground.] "Clicks of tongues." [Regret hung in the air.] [A single step covering ninety zhang is an extraordinary display of light-foot skill.] [But to meet such an end—what a waste.] [The remaining contestants executed the Heavenly Abyss Leap, each interpreting the mysteries of light-foot techniques differently.] [Some were thunderous, maneuvering mid-air like borrowing force from the void!] [Others moved effortlessly, gliding amid clouds like riding the wind, soaring through the sky.] [Some controlled their form with Qi, moving lightly as if flying, leaving no trace...] ... [Marveling at these displays, your excitement grew, deepening your insight into the "Eight Steps to Sunset."] [Ultimately, only two reached the other side; three fell to their deaths, and two clung with short swords embedded in the cliff walls.] [Seeing the successful pair reach the other side, the Qingmen leader loudly applauded.] "Good, good!" "For my efforts in nurturing you have not been in vain!" [As the pair exhausted all strength, the Qingmen leader, swift as a spirit, retrieved them instantly.] [Yet the two clinging to the cliff walls with swords were ignored, left to climb down.] [Awed by the skill of the Qingmen disciples, you felt a stirring suspicion.] [If their light-foot skills were this formidable, escaping their pursuit would seem impossible.] [After much contemplation, you decided to lay bare your identity and confront the Qingmen leader publicly, witnessed by all the martial artists.] [With your mastery of the Imperial Daughter Divine Skill, few can harm you now.] [Determined, you approached the Qingmen leader directly.] [Unknown to you, Lady Fei Lingshu's eyes showed unprecedented panic as you moved.] [She took hurried steps back, vanishing into the crowd.] [Witnessing your approach, the Qingmen leader felt puzzled, unsure of your intent.] [Those around you attempted to dissuade you.] "Brother, don't go. The Qingmen folk are ruthless, skilled in poison arts; why provoke them now?" "I know of him, though I've never learned his name, he’s known as the Wordless Swordsman." "It's him! I've heard his swordsmanship is divine, profoundly mysterious; none have lasted a round before him." "Could he have a vendetta against the Qingmen?" "Uncertain, but surely a great spectacle awaits. Not only do we witness Qingmen’s elite skills, but also this unfolding drama!" "..." [The Qingmen leader, having heard of your fame, wasn't clear on your true power. But reputation is a shadow cast by substance.] [To make a name in the martial world demands authentic strength; otherwise, challengers would have ended you long ago.] "Dear friend, may I inquire the reason for your approach now?" [You spoke forthrightly.] "Seven years ago, the Su family massacre in Qingyang Manor—was it your doing?" [Your words stirred the crowd with discussion.] "Why bring up this old case?" "The Su family annihilation shook the martial world; many sects trembled in fear." "Afterwards, the Su family’s assets were divided within days, leaving everyone clueless about the culprit." "Indeed, my father couldn't sleep for nights, sending me to my grandfather’s fearing that force might target us." "Rumor has it, the Su family’s sole survivor escaped—could it be this Wordless Swordsman?" "This!" [Shock spread across the crowd.] [If you are indeed the Su family’s lone son, Su Mo, what an unfolding tale indeed.] [What events had you experienced while away? But any person making such a name, could hardly be ordinary.] [Greed tainted some eyes, knowing your death brought a bounty of one hundred thousand taels.] [As you confronted the Qingmen leader, someone stealthily drew a sword, aiming for your back!] [This action took all by surprise.] [In a flash, your protective aura activated, halting the sword's advance three feet from you!] "Innate Qi Barrier!" Someone recognized your display of skill. "What! To possess Innate Qi Barrier—only martial artists who have transcended the ordinary, reaching the realm of sagehood, can wield this power!" "Could it be that Su Mo's abilities have already reached such an exalted level?" "I believe so!" "So young, possibly just turned twenty. What miraculous herb or elixir has he consumed?" You did not even turn your head. With just a backward wave of your hand, an invisible force pierced the head of your assailant, killing him instantly. The crowd gasped in shock. "The Gentleman's Sword, Bai Canghai, is dead!" "What just happened? How did he suddenly die?" "I don’t know, I can’t quite tell what just went down. It seemed like he dropped dead out of nowhere." "To witness such marvelous techniques, today was truly worthwhile." "…" Despite the sweltering heat of midsummer, the summit of Mount Jiuhua was often caressed by cool breezes, offering a pleasant respite. Yet, the Qingmen leader showed no signs of comfort, instead truthfully responding to your inquiry. "The Su family massacre was not our doing." "Our Qingmen lacks the capability and the motive." "And we have no knowledge of who committed the act." "For years, we've pursued your whereabouts solely due to the bounty of a hundred thousand taels of silver for your head." "Qingmen is in dire straits financially; we've struggled to stay afloat over the years." The Qingmen leader spoke with candor, uttering every word earnestly without any pretense. You were satisfied with his forthrightness and sensed he was not lying. If he wasn’t lying, then there must be another deceiver. Fei Lingshu! Right, Fei Lingshu! But when you turned back, Fei Lingshu’s figure had vanished, as if she had never been there. A sudden pang of pain surged in your heart. The suspicion that had lingered within you was now confirmed. The Blood Garment Tower. The true culprit! The fear of a woman like Fei Lingshu gripped you, reminding you of an old saying: "The more beautiful a woman, the more deceitful she can be!" You had been ensnared! (Chapter End)