Chapter 618: Cold Sword Sorrow (Part 2)

Chapter 618: Cold Sword Sorrow (Part 2)



Yan Bei Han's words left everyone on Gu Chang Han's side with faces filled with sorrow and anger, their eyes almost bursting with rage.

Each person felt as if their heart was about to explode.

Gu Chang Han took a deep breath and said, "Miss Yan, your scheming skills are beyond my comprehension. I, Gu Chang Han, admit my inferiority. If we had conceded earlier, we could have saved more of our disciples' lives. Continuing this fight only leads to death. This is already a clear situation, Miss Yan, why do you still put on such an act?"

Yan Bei Han fell silent for a moment before speaking calmly, "Old Gu, I thought you would have realized this by the third day."

"Unfortunately... this is the foundation of my legacy! My family's home! I cannot abandon it so easily! Just as Miss Yan said, our ancestral foundation, tombs, altars, and heritage... Miss Yan, you've staked everything on this, and we cannot refuse. We can only risk our lives in this battle."

Gu Chang Han paused, then replied, "So this is why you've trapped us here, causing the unnecessary deaths of seven hundred talented disciples, their blood splattering on the spot!"

Gu Chang Han's voice was filled with deep sorrow and hatred.

He suddenly raised his head and looked at the other side, saying word by word, "Ji Chang Yan, you are the eternal sinner of the Cold Sword Sect! I, Gu Chang Han, swear to the heavens that for the rest of my life, I will make you, the traitor who has defiled our ancestral foundation, suffer a thousand cuts!"

On the other side, the Cold Sword Sect's leader, Ji Chang Yan, spoke calmly, "Elder Gu, you worry too much. I've said before that you could have left long ago. The Cold Sword Sect's ancestral altars and heritage are also our ancestors, and we will naturally take care of them."

"The Cold Sword Sect still exists. It has not disappeared."

Ji Chang Yan said, "Elder Gu, you think too much!"

Gu Chang Han, enraged, said, "But the Cold Sword Sect that serves the Only Righteous Sect is no longer the original Cold Sword Sect that stood aloof from the world! Ji Chang Yan, you deserve to die!"

"Elder Gu, your words are too heavy."

Ji Chang Yan spoke calmly, "Is it not the same when you lead your people to serve the Guardian? If I were to say that Elder Gu is serving the Guardian like a dog, how would you respond?"

"You!"

Gu Chang Han was so angry that he couldn't speak.

Disciples from both sides of the Cold Sword Sect shouted in anger, each side insulting the other for serving either the Only Righteous Sect or the Guardian.

Suddenly, the noise became deafening.

Both sides were furious, their faces red with anger, looking at each other as if they were mortal enemies.

Yan Bei Han did not stop them.

She stood with her hands behind her back, watching the argument below with great interest.

After a while, Yan Bei Han coughed lightly, raised her slender finger, and drew it across the air, and smiled at Gu Chang Han, "Old Gu, is this the Cold Sword Sect you want to reclaim?"

She smiled and said, "With a Cold Sword Sect like this, even if you reclaim it, what's the point?"

Her words silenced the room.

Gu Chang Han felt as if his heart had been pierced by a sword, and suddenly, his heart ached as if it were being squeezed, and he felt utterly humiliated.

"Farewell, we shall meet again on the battlefield!"

Gu Chang Han's lips curled up in a bitter smile, filled with sorrow.

Yan Bei Han said calmly, "Since you've conceded, there's one last procedure."

She lifted her fair chin slightly and suddenly smiled, her words filled with mockery, "But if you can't bear it, you can leave now, and it won't matter. I, Yan Bei Han, will act as if this bet never happened!"

Gu Chang Han's white hair fluttered in the wind, and his body shook. He gritted his teeth and said, "I'll honor the bet and hold on until the very end! Come on!"

Yan Bei Han laughed and said, "What follows is your internal affair, Cold Sword Sect. I won't interfere. Ji Chang Yan!"

Ji Chang Yan stood up proudly, filled with satisfaction.

Standing with his hands behind his back, he declared loudly, "From this day forward, I, as the leader of the Cold Sword Sect, expel Gu Chang Han, Leng Lingyun, Meng Changfeng, Zhou Changhe, and four thousand five hundred others from the Cold Sword Sect! Gu Chang Han and the others are no longer considered members of the Cold Sword Sect!"

"From this day forward, Gu Chang Han and the four thousand five hundred others, including their belongings, are expelled from the Cold Sword Sect! They are not allowed to take anything from the sect!"

"This includes the Cold Sword Sect's uniforms, weapons, and everything else!"

This was the ultimate humiliation.

On the other side, the disciples of the Cold Sword Sect were filled with sorrow and anger, their bodies trembling, and their eyes burning with rage of a thousand fires.

"We'll fight to the death!"

"Master, we'll fight to the death!"

The disciples of the Cold Sword Sect shouted in despair.

Behind Yan Bei Han, figures suddenly appeared, and the great demons of the Only Righteous Sect slowly emerged.

Their eyes were cold, watching the other side.

They were waiting for the moment when the other side could no longer bear the humiliation and would start a massacre.

But Yan Bei Han did not give the order.

Since it was a bet, she had to keep her word. As long as Gu Chang Han's side could endure this humiliation and not fight to the death, Yan Bei Han would keep her promise and not intervene!

Amidst the deafening shouts, Gu Chang Han's white hair fluttered, and his lips trembled.

Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on him.

Gu Chang Han slowly raised his right hand and waved it at the disciples beside him, saying sadly, "Don't speak of death so lightly. We must preserve..."

"Accept the consequences of your gamble!"

Gu Chang Han sighed deeply, his body floating out to the center of the plaza. He turned around and knelt before the mountain gate.

The crowd behind him silently followed, forming a line behind Gu Chang Han and kneeling in unison.

Gu Chang Han, with a face full of sorrow, bowed deeply towards the mountain gate.

Two lines of tears finally escaped his eyes.

"Ancestral Master... I have failed to protect our legacy!"

Led by Gu Chang Han, the disciples performed three kneelings and nine kowtows.

When they stood up, some had already collapsed on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

Across from them, Ji Chang Yan spoke indifferently, "Gu Chang Han, we once said that we would preserve our useful bodies to ensure our future. What did you say? How did you mock us? How, now that it's your turn, do you also want to preserve your useful bodies for the future?"

Ji Chang Yan was dissatisfied with this outcome.

He wanted nothing more than to see Gu Chang Han and his followers die before his eyes.

However, Yan Bei Han immediately disagreed.

If the Cold Sword Sect were to be completely absorbed by the Only Righteous Sect, the difficulty of conquering other sects would increase tenfold.

Massacre was never Yan Bei Han's objective!

Gu Chang Han ignored Ji Chang Yan's mockery.

It was as if he hadn't heard a word.

For people like him, he didn't want to say a single word!

"Release your swords!"

Gu Chang Han reluctantly loosened his grip, his fingers stiff as he tossed his divine weapon, creating a loud bang as it hit the ground.

The long sword emitted a mournful ring, falling to the ground, its cold light dimming as if trembling in sorrow.

Clang, clang, clang...

Thousands of swords landed on the ground.

Tears welled up in everyone's eyes as they looked at their own long swords lying on the ground, their hearts aching.

Ji Chang Yan spoke indifferently, "Gu Chang Han, since you were young, what have you owned in the Cold Sword Sect? Your clothes, hair, possessions... even your underwear, are they really yours?"

A ferocious expression suddenly appeared in his eyes, and he gritted his teeth, "Take them off!"

On this side, over ten thousand disciples of the Cold Sword Sect shouted in unison, "Take them off!"

Yan Bei Han glanced at Ji Chang Yan.

Beside her, Bi Yun Yan and Feng Xue's eyes simultaneously showed discontent.

Killing Gu Chang Han and the others meant nothing to them. However, Ji Chang Yan and his followers had once been their fellow sect members, and now they were humiliating and pushing their former sect members to the brink!

It was truly despicable.

This was the ultimate humiliation, pushing people to their limits!

The Cold Sword Sect disciples in the plaza could no longer endure it. They were about to roar and fight to the death.

But.

Gu Chang Han shouted sternly, "Stop!"

He turned, his thin figure swaying in the wind, his eyes burning with anger.

"Accept the consequences of your gamble! Since we've lost, we must endure this humiliation! This moment of shame will be our future motivation! If we all die here, we'll only relieve them of their worries!"

His gaze was like a sharp blade as he looked at each person, and he shouted, "Take them off!"

Gu Chang Han endured it.

He wanted to die on the spot more than anyone else. But he couldn't!

If they truly fought to the death, the Cold Sword Sect would truly be gone.

Gu Chang Han was well aware that the Only Righteous Sect would never treat the surrendering members of the Cold Sword Sect kindly. Perhaps they would be triumphant for a moment, but eventually, the Only Righteous Sect would use them as cannon fodder on the battlefield.

They would all die sooner or later.

So if they all died here today, the Cold Sword Sect would truly be no more.

If the Cold Sword Sect were to ally with the Guardians, even if the battles were fierce, Dong Fang Sansan would do his best to preserve the sect's legacy.

But Yan Nan wouldn't.

Looking back at the years of battles on the continent, the sects on the Guardian's side, no matter how fierce the battles, had never been completely exterminated. Dong Fang Sansan had always protected the seeds of these sects that had once contributed to the continent.

However, on the Only Righteous Sect's side, completely annihilated sects were common. Some were even wiped out, including the elderly, women, and children.

It was precisely because of Dong Fang Sansan's consistent approach that Gu Chang Han endured this ultimate humiliation!

He firmly believed that as long as there were survivors on their side, the Cold Sword Sect would remain theirs.

At this moment, over four thousand disciples of the Cold Sword Sect simultaneously began to undress!

"Wait!"

Yan Bei Han spoke calmly.

Although she had anticipated this situation, she hadn't expected Gu Chang Han to endure the humiliation.

For Yan Bei Han, as the eldest princess of the Only Righteous Sect, her position made her realize that if Gu Chang Han and the others couldn't bear the humiliation, she must intervene.

She wanted them to leave with their clothes on.

That would maximize their value.

But she also didn't stop Ji Chang Yan from humiliating Gu Chang Han because... the deeper their hatred, the better.

However, since Gu Chang Han had endured it, the predetermined plan needed adjustment.

Yan Bei Han waved her hand and said, "Bring the robes."

Soon, over four thousand sets of ordinary robes without any markings were placed before Gu Chang Han and the others.

Yan Bei Han spoke indifferently, "Although you are no longer members of the Cold Sword Sect, you are still part of the Jianghu."

Elder Gu, you and I have traveled far and wide, and we shall meet again in the future."

With a wave of her hand, two Only Righteous Sect experts instantly rushed past each other, forming a wall of smoke and fog in the square. They couldn't see their fingers, separating Gu Changhan and Ji Changyan.

Yan Beihan's voice drifted over calmly, "Elder Gu, after changing clothes, please leave on your own."

On the other side of the smoke, Gu Changhan paused for a moment and said with a wry smile, "Miss Yan is indeed well-prepared. I didn't expect that in the end, we would still receive a favor from Miss Yan. Thank you!"

His voice, like metal and stone, echoed from the smoke, "I, Gu Changhan, will remember Miss Yan's favor today. If there's a chance in the future, I will spare Miss Yan's life once."

Yan Beihan replied indifferently, "Elder Gu, your words are heavy. Although I accepted the bet and lost, there are more women on my side, and I don't want to see men naked. There's no need for favors."

There was no response from Gu Changhan.

After a while, Gu Changhan's voice echoed, "Ji Changyan, from now on, we are enemies. In this life, we will not rest until one of us is dead."

Ji Changyan replied calmly, "Next time, remember today's defeat. Elder Gu, you won't have the same luck as this time."

On Ji Changyan's side, someone exclaimed, "Palace Master, the smoke is blocking our view. They might have taken the divine weapon with them!"

Ji Changyan said, "Gu Changhan isn't that shameless... Even if they took it, it's not a big deal."

Beside Yan Beihan, Bi Yunyan's face showed a trace of disdain.

Ji Changyan's first acknowledgment of Gu Changhan was somewhat reasonable, but the following words, while appearing magnanimous, were actually filled with petty thoughts!

At this moment, you're still concerned about that divine weapon! It's truly laughable.

The smoke gradually dissipated.

Finally, they could see.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone.

Over there, four thousand five hundred sets of clothes were neatly arranged, and on each set, a sheathed longsword lay flat.

They were arranged in silence.

It was as if four thousand five hundred swordsmen were standing in formation with their swords.

Everyone watched in silence.

In Ji Changyan's eyes, there was a sharp gaze like that of a falcon.

And a sense of relief! Finally, Cold Sword Sect is under my control! I no longer have to bear the weight of a grand elder above me!

He scolded me every day as if I were a child! Am I being shameless as the sect master?

Yan Beihan's eyes glanced over Ji Changyan with a hint of disdain, and she said indifferently, "Palace Master Ji, what are you waiting for? These are the treasures of your Cold Sword Sect."

Ji Changyan burst into laughter, "Thank you, Miss Yan.

With a wave of her hand, she ordered, "Go! Cold Sword Sect disciples rushed out in a surge, heading towards the four thousand five hundred piles of clothing.

In an instant, the scene became chaotic.

Yan Beihan, Bi Yunyan, and Feng Xue exchanged smiles.

Bi Yunyan said telepathically, "This Cold Sword Sect... There's no one worth using, no talent worth cultivating."

Yan Beihan nodded slowly, not making a sound.

Feng Xue said telepathically, "But the Cold Sword Sect is still intact, and it's much better than the situation we anticipated, where only a few would survive."

"It's just a pity that we gave a large number of talents to Dong Fang Jun Shi. These people will likely be of great use under Dong Fang Jun Shi."

Yan Beihan sighed softly.

Bi Yunyan said, "This was the original plan. If we didn't release these people, it would be a major obstacle for the next step of the strategy. If we had a reputation for killing everyone, the next step would be difficult. Moreover, there are still many people left here, over twenty thousand, which is far beyond the comparison in terms of strength."

Feng Xue said, "I still admire Gu Changhan and his group."

Yan Beihan replied indifferently, "I want victory, not heroes. Feng Xue, your admiration for heroes is inappropriate."

"I know," Feng Xue sighed.

"What's next?"

Bi Yunyan asked.

"Plant the Quintessence Gu!"

Yan Beihan replied calmly, "Eliminate all possibilities of betrayal. Except for those who have already taken it, not a single one will be spared."

Her eyes glanced lightly at the Cold Sword Sect disciples below, and she said calmly, "The strategist's plan is indeed meticulous and well-prepared."

Bi Yunyan was momentarily stunned and said, "Strategist? Who is it?"

Yan Beihan didn't answer.

She smiled faintly.

Ji Changyan respectfully approached Yan Beihan and said, "Miss Yan, now that the dust has settled, please go and rest in the sect master's hall."

Yan Beihan replied calmly, "There's no need. Choose ten or so peak experts from your side to accompany me. Also, prepare the three candidates for the sect master-level Incubate to Divinity Plan that I promised you."

"Palace Master Ji."

Yan Beihan's smile was warm, and she appeared to hold him in high regard, "I'm still young and lack experience, especially regarding the outside world and sects. In the future, I hope Palace Master Ji can offer more help and guidance. For the grand cause of unifying the martial world, I hope Palace Master Ji can be listed as the top contributor."

Ji Changyan's face turned red, and he said, "Ji Changyan will serve with utmost loyalty! I will not fail your trust!"

In the distance, dust rose.

The fog, dispersed by the sword aura and smoke of the great battle, slowly gathered again.

Cold Sword Sect, the situation has been decided!

Gu Changhan led his people, they walked out of the valley like lifeless puppets.

In front, a white-robed figure stood tall like a divine sword piercing through the heavens and earth, dazzling in its brilliance.

It was none other than Lingxue Jian, Rui Qianshan.

Upon seeing Gu Chang Han and the others dressed in ordinary attire, with empty hands and a dejected appearance, he was startled and exclaimed, "Old Gu, is that you?"

"Brother Rui... Gu... I have failed you, I am ashamed to face you..." Gu Chang Han's lips trembled.

Finally, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and fainted.

Rui Qianshan quickly supported him.

Recalling what Dongfang Sansan had said, he shouted, "What does a temporary defeat matter? From now on, as Guardians, what can we not achieve to honor our ancestors? Rest assured, Cold Sword Sect, we will help you reclaim it! Cold Sword Sect will remain the Cold Sword Sect. Right now, we are just removing the impurities! Losing a bunch of trash, what is there to grieve over?"

"Everyone, I will take you back to the Guardian Headquarters! Over there, we will have a grand welcome feast!"

At this point, Dongfang Sansan had finished conveying her message.

Rui Qianshan held back the words he wanted to say, such as 'I never thought they would actually lose'...

Rui Qianshan embraced Gu Chang Han and led the Cold Sword Sect members away.

But these words had already moved everyone from the Cold Sword Sect.

They felt a surge of warmth in their hearts, a seed of hope rapidly taking root and sprouting.

Indeed, the Guardians' reputation shook the world, and they were not weaker than the Cold Sword Sect in any way. From now on, we will fulfill our true ideals and ambitions.

To fight for the world!

The Cold Sword Sect will be ours, sooner or later...

...

Two days had passed.

Fang Che, Feng Xiang Dong, and the others gathered at the Patrol Hall.

Dong Yun Yu muttered with a complaining tone, "Damn it, we all slept at the Fang Royal Palace last night, and now we're gathering at the Patrol Hall in the morning... It's like farting without pants, an unnecessary move."

Fang Che turned his head and gave Dong Yun Yu a cold stare.

His gaze was like lightning.

Dong Yun Yu stood firm for a moment, but his heart began to race with anxiety.

"I was wrong," he admitted.

Fang Che hummed and took out a punishment notice, on which were written various disqualifications, contempt, and incompetence, but the name was left blank.

"Brothers, what do you think of this paper?" he asked calmly.

All seven of them turned pale.

It was too harsh! If this were sent as an official document to their families, they would probably be able to erect a monument of shame in their clans.

A monument of disgrace!

Fang Che placed the paper in front of Dong Yun Yu, saying, "Old Four, take a good look. See this blank space? It's just right for your name, Dong Yun Yu."

Dong Yun Yu's face turned deathly pale. "Big Brother, even if I have thick skin, I can't bear this paper! Take it back, take it back... I shudder just looking at it."

Fang Che patted Dong Yun Yu's shoulder and held up the paper in front of him, saying, "When you go to your continent, you can act as despicably as you like."

"I dare not..."

Dong Yun Yu tilted his head to avoid the paper and pleaded, "Big Brother Fang... Please spare me... I have a foul mouth, but you can just treat me like a fart... If you let me go, I'll be as grateful as if you've released a fart."

Fang Che hummed and his gaze swept across the faces of his brothers, "Are you all ready?"

"We are ready!"

Fang Che waved his hand decisively, "Let's go!"

Whoosh!

Dong Yun Yu was the first to dash out.

"Take care, Big Brother! Take care, brothers!"

Mo Gan Yun and the others bowed respectfully.

At the door of the Administrative Office, Ye Meng stood, "Take care of yourselves! ... Don't forget to hand in your reports!"

"Hahahaha..."

The brothers flashed away like lightning.

In the blink of an eye, only Fang Che remained.

"I'm off too."

Ye Meng stepped forward and straightened his clothes, collar, and waist. She took a few steps back, her eyes filled with deep affection.

She said softly, "Come back safely."

"Don't worry."

At the door of the Administrative Office.

Zhao Ying Er stood at the entrance, her white robe fluttering like an ice lotus on a snowy mountain, her gaze fixed on Fang Che.

Fang Che turned to look at her.

Zhao Ying Er bravely met his gaze and said softly, "Be safe, take care. Sister Ye Meng and I will be waiting for your return!"

Fang Che nodded.

With a whoosh, he soared into the sky, transforming into a black streak that vanished instantly.

Ye Meng and Zhao Ying Er looked up, their expressions turning from joy to concern as they began to long for their reunion.

"Sister, don't worry. White Fog Continent is not a big deal for Fang Che. He will be back soon," Zhao Ying Er said softly.

Ye Meng nodded slightly.

But inside, she couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Ignorance was indeed bliss.

Although she didn't know the specifics, Fang Che's departure was definitely not just for White Fog Continent.

The Supreme Leader's Incubate to Divinity Plan... A layer of mist covered Ye Meng's eyes.

"May you return safely."

Fang Che was already sprinting through the forests outside Donghu Continent.

He ran like a shooting star, unleashing his full speed.

Because the Seal Deity Palace had sent a message: "There are only ten days left until the Incubate to Divinity Plan! Hurry!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end