Chapter 29: Returning to the World Society

With the return of Qin Shuang to the martial arts world, prominent figures from the south who had escaped the Palace of Wushen began to arrive in succession. Qin Shuang remained composed, receiving the delegation led by the Four Heroes of the South.

"Leader Qin, the Palace of Wushen has gone too far. With these Japanese invaders running rampant, we implore you to take charge and seek justice for us!" pleaded Zhang Xing, a disciple of Wudang and the leader of the Four Heroes, known as the Azure Cloud Sword.

"Indeed, indeed!"
"We beg for your leadership, Leader Qin!"
"Please, show us the way, Leader Qin!"

After Zhang Xing spoke, a chaotic chorus of voices erupted, eventually coalescing into a unified cry: "We beg for your leadership, Leader Qin!" The assembly knelt on one knee in unison.

Qin Shuang sat upon the throne once occupied by Xiongba, gazing down at these so-called heroes of the south. When the Under Heaven Society had sought to unify the south, the elders of these very sects had vehemently opposed them, stifling the Society’s growth in the region. Now, faced with foreign enemies, they all cowered, pushing their younger generation to the front lines to force the Under Heaven Society to take the lead.

"You lot... do you take the Under Heaven Society for fools, or do you take me, Qin Shuang, for one? I remember clearly that when the Society moved to unify the south, it was your sects that jumped the highest in protest!" Qin Shuang leaned lazily against his chair, eyes narrowed as he scrutinized these self-proclaimed young talents.

The group exchanged glances. Ultimately, it was Zhang Xing who spoke—they had clearly planned for this, anticipating every possible reaction from Qin Shuang. "Leader Qin, how can you say that? We have long heard of your benevolence. If the Under Heaven Society takes command, the eight great sects of the south are willing to submit, provided you drive out the Japanese!"

Qin Shuang chuckled, finding this interesting. "So, you are saying you do not acknowledge Xiongba? You should know, Xiongba is still alive."

The faces of those below darkened, but Zhang Xing pressed on, emboldened by necessity. "Leader Qin, you jest!"

"Seeing as you aren't foolish enough to lecture me on national righteousness, I agree to help you drive these Japanese intruders out of the Central Plains. However..." Qin Shuang smiled playfully, looking at Zhang Xing. "The Under Heaven Society is based in the north; mobilizing forces is inevitably difficult, so..."

Qin Shuang fell silent, waiting for their reaction. The Society would intervene, but he would not shoulder the entire burden—the lives of his men were precious, and he would not waste them carelessly.

He sat back, fishing rod in hand, so to speak. He was in no rush; it was they who were desperate.

Having anticipated this, Zhang Xing glanced at the other sects. Finding them silent and stoic, he realized the burden of negotiation—and the blame for any failure—rested solely on his shoulders.

"The eight southern sects are each willing to contribute one hundred elite disciples to join the Under Heaven Society and follow your orders," Zhang Xing said with great difficulty.

The hall fell deathly silent. One hundred elites represented a significant portion of any sect's strength. These were martial arts institutions, not mere street gangs; their disciples were chosen for their talent and potential. To provide so many was a heavy blow.

Qin Shuang looked at the man with newfound respect. "A bold offer! But it is not enough."

Zhang Xing understood that the strength of the Palace of Wushen was far beyond what their sects could withstand alone. Eight hundred men, supplemented by their vassal sects, was a manageable loss, and he could silence the complaints of the smaller sects by pointing to his own sacrifice.

The faces of the men below grew even grimmer. Zhang Xing asked, "What else does Leader Qin require?"

"Clever! Clapping..." Qin Shuang applauded. "Two conditions. First, everyone who comes to the Under Heaven Society must fight. You claim to be righteous—I am giving you the chance to prove it."

He observed their reactions; while some turned pale with despair, most felt a sense of relief.

"Agreed!" Zhang Xing breathed a sigh of relief. He had come here prepared to die.

"Good. The second condition is that after this is over, I want a copy of every sect's secret manual delivered to the Under Heaven Society." Qin Shuang stared at Zhang Xing, his gaze suggesting he would kill the man on the spot if he refused.

"That is absolutely impossible!" Zhang Xing refused without hesitation.

"Hmm!" A cold hum followed, and the bone-chilling intent radiating from Qin Shuang locked onto him.

"However, I can persuade the Wudang sect to allow Leader Qin to view our library!" Zhang Xing endured the terrifying pressure, his heart bitter.

"Hmph! Fine. Whether you agree or not, after I sweep away the Palace of Wushen, I will not mind paying each of your sects a personal visit!" Qin Shuang scanned the representatives, setting his bottom line. For these sects, surrendering their core legacies was no different than death.

"Chouchou, see them out!" Qin Shuang rose and left. As for those sects, they would have to accept his terms—the weak have no choice.

...

Wuming and Jue Wushen stood face to face.

"Wuming, ten years ago, outside Shanhai Pass, you stood alone against the world. I respected your character then, and when we agreed that you would hold the pass for a day and a night, I honored my word and did not touch the Central Plains for a decade."

"I was careless then, but I kept my promise. Now, the time has passed. Let us see who in this world can stop me!"

With that, Jue Wushen’s internal energy erupted, surging toward Wuming.

"I did not expect that after ten years, you would still harbor thoughts of invading the Central Plains." Wuming’s sword intent manifested, shattering Jue Wushen’s energy. "The Central Plains are full of masters; it is not a place you can easily conquer!"

As Wuming spoke, Jue Wushen kicked the ground, sending a torrent of debris flying toward him. Wuming rose gracefully into the air, deflecting and dodging the onslaught. Landing lightly on a final stone, he used it as a springboard, swooping down toward Jue Wushen.

Wuming’s fingers acted as a sword, striking at Jue Wushen’s vital points. Jue Wushen blocked and countered with fists and palms. Despite his defense, Wuming’s relentless offensive eventually broke through, leaving his opponent wide open. With a final strike, Wuming sent Jue Wushen flying back several yards.

Even after a decade, the gap in their martial arts had not narrowed; if anything, it had widened. Jue Wushen had focused all his energy on his "Indestructible Golden Body," neglecting the refinement of his actual techniques.