Chapter Eighteen: A Change of Masters (Part Two)
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“My master has given his orders. I hope, Hall Master Shuang, that you will place peace above all else!”
Jian Chen’s expression darkened. He stared at Qin Shuang, and when he saw that Qin Shuang remained unmoved, he drew the Heroic Sword.
“Forgive me!”
“Nameless Swordplay—Inexplicable!”
With a loud shout, Jian Chen attacked.
Qin Shuang’s attitude made Jian Chen dare not underestimate him. He immediately used the renowned sword technique once wielded by Nameless—the Inexplicable Swordplay.
Qin Shuang continued staring at Xiong Ba, as though he had not heard Jian Chen’s warning.
He even closed his eyes, sensing the changes in the air as one might perceive hidden currents beneath the water.
Seeing that Qin Shuang neither dodged nor evaded, Jian Chen prepared to withdraw his strike. Yet Qin Shuang suddenly turned with remarkable ease, and the index and middle fingers of his right hand appeared precisely beneath the sword tip.
He caught the Heroic Sword between two fingers and gently guided it to the right. Jian Chen was immediately sent veering away. Fortunately, he had already begun withdrawing his attack, allowing him to borrow the force and land steadily on his feet.
Jian Chen looked at Qin Shuang with an ugly expression. The accuracy of Qin Shuang’s perception and the strength he had displayed far exceeded what anyone of the younger generation should possess.
True, Jian Chen had been slowing his sword as he prepared to retract it. But for Qin Shuang to seize upon even that subtle change meant either that his strength was astonishing—or that his schemes were terrifyingly deep.
Duan Lang gave a derisive laugh, clearly looking down on Jian Chen. Though he was Nameless’s successor, he had been defeated with a single move, and his mind was far too hesitant and indecisive.
Xiong Ba narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene, realizing that in the end, he would have to rely on himself.
“Rebellious disciple, you truly have been concealing your strength all along! Have you been waiting for this day?”
Although Xiong Ba’s voice was filled with fury, his face showed not the slightest trace of anger.
A believer in fate, he thought of only one thing at that moment: only Feng and Yun could restrain him. No one else could!
“Leader Xiong, why make this necessary? Why did I leave the World Society for so long? Why would I involve myself in all this again?”
Qin Shuang gazed at Xiong Ba with distant, inscrutable eyes.
“You intended to arrange a grudge born of the loss of one’s wife. Do you not understand where that hatred would turn once the truth came fully to light?”
“I ask that Leader Xiong retire into seclusion and recover from his injuries.”
This was the third time Qin Shuang had said it. He had shown Xiong Ba more than enough consideration. The reputation of killing one’s master was an unpleasant one, and it would only hinder his control of the World Society. But if Xiong Ba still insisted on fighting, Qin Shuang did not mind showing him whose fist was stronger.
“Hahahaha… Qin Shuang, my good disciple, the World Society is yours now. I hope you can bring all the heroes beneath Heaven to heel!”
Xiong Ba’s eyes and brows were filled with murderous intent as he cast Qin Shuang a cold glance, as though trying to see through his disciple completely.
As he passed Jian Chen, Xiong Ba gave him a sidelong look.
“Nameless’s successor? Nothing special.”
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Even now, Xiong Ba did not forget to add fuel to the fire, hoping Jian Chen would come to hate Qin Shuang and challenge him—ideally forcing Qin Shuang to kill Jian Chen.
That would draw Nameless out, creating a repetition of how Qin Shuang had lured out the Sword Saint.
Jian Chen was embarrassed, but he had been defeated fairly. Moreover, the peaceful transformation of the World Society could be said to have fulfilled his master’s wishes.
Without realizing it, Jian Chen delivered a barb of his own.
“Still, I cannot compare with Leader Xiong’s ability to teach his disciples.”
“Hmph!”
Xiong Ba was furious beneath the surface, yet he had no answer.
“Men! Protect Leader Xiong as he returns to the First Tower Under Heaven to recuperate in seclusion!”
“By your command!”
At Qin Shuang’s order, several dozen experts surged forth from the Frost Hall. They were all masters whom Qin Shuang had secretly trained. Though they could not compare with Feng, Yun, or Duan Lang, they were still rare experts in the martial world.
“Wen Chouchou!”
“Coming, coming!”
Wen Chouchou came running over in his tall hat, carrying a fan and gathering up the hem of his long robe.
“His daily needs and meals will be entrusted to you, Wen Chouchou.”
Qin Shuang patted him on the shoulder, his meaning unmistakable.
“Ha… ha…” Wen Chouchou gave an awkward laugh. “Hall Master Shuang, there’s no need for this. We’re all family, so there’s no—”
“Go. Think carefully before you speak again. Organize the Leader’s quarters, and you will understand everything. Go!”
Looking at Wen Chouchou, who had raised them all from childhood, Qin Shuang felt an inexplicable urge to sigh.
This was the martial world. This was what the martial world was like. If they had a choice, who would willingly walk this far?
After settling Xiong Ba’s affairs, Qin Shuang turned to Duan Lang and Jian Chen.
“Duan Lang, have you not always wished to restore the prestige of the Duan family? The World Society is now under my command, and I am in need of talented men to help me. Are you willing to stay and assist me?”
Qin Shuang had hesitated for a long while, but in the end he decided to give Duan Lang a chance. Perhaps Duan Lang could have a different future.
“Oh? Congratulations on taking control of the World Society, Hall Master Shuang. But why have you chosen me?”
Duan Lang was interested, but unless he clarified the matter, he could not feel at ease. Qin Shuang had concealed himself too deeply, and Duan Lang still could not see through him.
“We grew up together. I have witnessed your efforts with my own eyes. The strength you possess today is proof enough of your talent.”
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Qin Shuang understood that Duan Lang had already agreed. He was merely looking for a graceful way to accept.
“If you are willing to join the World Society, I will support you in rebuilding the Duan family. Moreover, every territory in the south that you conquer will be yours to govern.”
The World Society was situated atop Mount Heaven. Although its influence had already spread into the south, and even the southern power known as Unparalleled City had fallen to it, the Society still lacked the strength to rule the entire region.
After Nie Feng conquered Unparalleled City, what had Xiong Ba done? He had searched for the Medicine Buddha, tested Qin Shuang, and then fought the Sword Saint.
Strictly speaking, it was only after the battle with the Sword Saint that Unparalleled City could be considered completely secured.
“Do you mean that?”
A light appeared in Duan Lang’s eyes. He naturally had no intention of letting such a fine opportunity pass him by.
“Of course. Since you have agreed, Hall Master Duan, go below and tend to your injuries first. We will discuss the details tomorrow.”
Qin Shuang made a gesture, and someone immediately came forward to escort Duan Lang away to rest.
“If you are interested, Brother Jian, you may also join the World Society. The position of hall master awaits you.”
After arranging matters for Duan Lang, Qin Shuang turned once more to Jian Chen. Though he did not think particularly highly of Jian Chen, the reputation of the Heroic Sword still deserved consideration.
“My master is waiting for me to return and report what has happened, so I shall not delay you while you organize the World Society. Farewell.”
Qin Shuang watched Jian Chen depart, a faint smile touching the corners of his lips.
“Men! Escort our honored guests below to rest, and arrange the Three Halls!”
After issuing his order, Qin Shuang walked away.
As for everything else, it could wait. This was the perfect moment to comprehend the Sword Saint’s Twenty-Third Sword. He had no time to waste on lesser matters.
Neither power nor anything else could be brought back to the Demon Child World. Such things were merely embellishments—dispensable, whether present or absent. Only strength would remain as his lifelong support.
As the others were led away and Jian Chen departed, news of the Sword Saint’s duel with Xiong Ba, along with the upheaval within the World Society, quickly spread throughout the land.
The various sects that had originally submitted to the World Society began to stir uneasily, while the other powers accelerated their contacts with one another.
The World Society’s former dominance over all others suddenly showed signs of instability.
In the end, Qin Shuang was simply too young and lacked any truly impressive achievements.
His past accomplishments could at most prove that he was a formidable expert—but they were still far from enough to bring the entire world beneath his heel.
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