Chapter Fifty-Four: One Wave Subsides, Another Rises

As soon as Yiqingchen finished speaking, someone in the crowd raised his arm and shouted, “I’ll go!”
Everyone turned to look. The man had a greenish face and reddish-brown hair, a startling sight at first glance.
Someone recognized him as from the Poison Sect and kindly tried to dissuade him, “Fellow cultivator, it’s said that the Four Symbols Pipa is a spiritual treasure and recognizes its master.
I advise you not to try it lightly.”
The man glanced back, his voice gruff, “So what if it’s a treasure? If no one controls it, it’s nothing but a lifeless object.
A woman can play it, but we men can’t touch it? How does that make any sense? Keep your worries to yourself. I’ll be back in no time.”
“Fellow cultivator…” The person wanted to say more, but Elder Xiao Four signaled with his eyes, ordering someone to change the subject.
“Hey, you’re too noble, friend. Why stop him? That would only dampen our own morale and boost theirs.”
“That’s not what I meant…”
“Good, as long as it’s not. Let’s just watch and see.”
Whatever else the man intended to say was quickly suppressed by those around him. The reddish-haired immortal strode past the crowd and stopped before Yiqingchen.
Yiqingchen said nothing, merely handed over the Four Symbols Pipa. “Please.”
“Hmph, pardon my offense.”
The reddish-haired immortal cupped his fists in salute, took the pipa, and plucked it lightly—sure enough, there was no sound.
Suspicious that Yiqingchen was playing tricks, he plucked several more times.
“Well?” Yiqingchen asked.
“It won’t play.” With that, he returned the pipa irritably and turned to leave.
But halfway back, he suddenly froze in place.
Everyone looked at each other. “Come back, what are you standing there for?”
“Yes, hurry up. It’s nothing if you can’t play it—maybe you just don’t know music…”
Before the words were out, the reddish-haired immortal suddenly shattered on the spot. The scene was indescribable—one could only imagine it.
Some of the more timid hurried to Elder Xiao Four, whispering, “Master Xiao, maybe… we should go. What if this is real?”
If it was, and the other side was protecting Bai Li Suhe, wouldn’t they be acting without justification?
Elder Xiao Four was startled himself, but having spoken, how could he retract his words? Besides, even if he wanted to withdraw, the others might not agree.
He quickly soothed them, “Let me think.”
Yiqingchen raised an eyebrow, unwilling to let go so easily. Some matters required closure today, or the consequences would fester.
She held the pipa, advancing step by step, “Well? Anyone else wish to try?”
The crowd exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves. Some, always eager for excitement, felt the coincidence was too much.
A treasure recognizing its master and refusing others—they could accept that. But to claim it would kill a man after a few strums? That was stretching credibility.
So a few more reckless souls volunteered, easing Elder Xiao Four’s predicament.
“Let me try. I know a thing or two about music. Hand it over and let me see for myself.”
“Very well, here you go.” With that, Yiqingchen tossed the pipa.
The man caught it, cast Yiqingchen a sidelong glance, and plucked a string. At once, he sensed something different.
A cold sweat broke out all over him.
The string he plucked would not loosen, nor did he dare release it.
He was afraid… but his companions were impatient.
Seeing him hesitate, they stepped in to help.
But as soon as their fingers touched the strings, there was only silence.
The man, as if he had seen a ghost, threw the pipa away and ran for his life.
The other two looked at their hands, paralyzed with fear.
They had just helped—would they be…?
Before they could process it, the player, like the reddish-haired immortal, perished on the spot.
The two collapsed, terrified. For all that the path of immortality was endless, they were quite reluctant to die.

To live—how wonderful…
Yiqingchen caught the Four Symbols Pipa in midair, plucked the strings, and swept her gaze over the assembly, finally fixing on Elder Xiao Four. “Well? Can you tell if I am genuine or not?
Shall I demonstrate again?”
Elder Xiao Four wiped the cold sweat from his brow, forcing a laugh. “Young Mistress, say no more. Having shown us, we have nothing further to add.”
Damn, this was uncanny. Why did Qingshui always get away unscathed? Could it be they were all mistaken from the start?
It made no sense! But if not, nothing could explain what had just happened. Clearly, using Shuxing Pavilion as leverage would no longer work.
With a word from Yiqingchen, even the suspicious would not trust them now.
But it no longer mattered. This day was inevitable; now that it had come, it was best to withdraw and fade into the shadows.
As long as “they” arrived in time, Bai Li Suhe’s death was assured. Even if not, trouble would abound.
And at that point, fanning the flames from the dark would be even more effective.
With this thought, he made up his mind.
Yiqingchen said, “Since no one objects, I have two things to say.
If I speak amiss, I ask your forgiveness.
Though I am a woman, I cannot leave the extermination of my family unavenged.
Your support, sirs, moves me deeply.
But vengeance is my family affair. If I need aid in the future, I will not hesitate to ask.
For now, I will personally uncover the villain behind this crime.
What say you all?”
“So, you mean to protect Bai Li Suhe?”
“What, now that I have proved my identity, do my words not speak for Shuxing Pavilion?” Yiqingchen’s tone turned cold, her clear eyes suddenly sharp.
Elder Xiao Four’s left ear twitched. After a moment’s silence, he smiled and bowed. “Who would dare? In our master’s absence, the Young Mistress is in charge.
We will obey you.
But one thing must be said: public opinion is formidable. Though we believe you, doubts may remain.
If you wish for peace, seize the culprit soon and reassure the people—for none here bear you ill will.”
Yiqingchen nodded and put away the Four Symbols Pipa. “Of course.
But let me say this as well: Bai Li Suhe saved my life, and the life of Shuxing Pavilion. Should we meet again, I ask that no one give him trouble.”
At these words, the crowd was deeply embarrassed.
They lowered their eyes and muttered, “Well… that’s only fair.”
Since she had proved herself, what more could they say? The atmosphere grew awkward—who could blame them for having doubted her before…
After this, many felt ashamed and quickly bid farewell to Elder Xiao Four. In a few moments, the crowd had dispersed, leaving only Elder Xiao Four and Su Hui behind.
Yiqingchen asked, “Do you have further business, Master Xiao?”
He bowed. “Nothing more, just came to say goodbye. We’ll take our leave now.”
No sooner had he spoken than the sky changed color and the winds shifted.
Dozens of figures drifted down from above, their daunting presence making the earth tremble.
The silent Egret Boy finally reacted, gathering Wu Lei and the others together for protection.
His small eyes brimmed with vigilance.
Suhe lifted his gaze, his eyes passing over Elder Xiao Four—at once he understood.
So, this was the ambush.
Elder Xiao Four pressed his flute to his chin, gave Suhe a half-smile, and left with Su Hui.
Huai Yin wanted to pursue, but Suhe stopped him.
“Why stop me? Let me deal with him—I’ve had enough of him for a long time.”
“It’s useless. He’s laid his plans. Let’s handle what’s before us first,” Suhe replied, turning to the newcomers. He quickly guessed their intent.
“Boy, hand over the Emperor Stone for our Medical Sect’s research, and we’ll leave you be.”
The speaker was the Ghost Needle, Elder Diao of the Medical Sect.
He was a rather eccentric character, but his skills with the ghost needle were renowned throughout the Celestial Sea.
His alignment was ambiguous—neither fully righteous nor evil—a difficult man to deal with. The people following him were all his disciples.

“Ha! Old man, aren’t you afraid the wind will cut your tongue? Why should the stone go to your Medical Sect for research? I say it belongs to my Soul Control Sect.
Everyone knows our sect attains the Dao through the soul. It’s said the stone can restore the soul. It ought to be ours, don’t you think?” Yin glanced at Xue Chanzi and Cen Zhiren.
“Silence! Who are you to speak to my master so rudely?”
“Where did this brat come from? Come back after two more years of practice. Don’t embarrass your master. I’d hate to see such an old man lose face.” Yin sneered.
Elder Diao calmed his eldest disciple, eyes barely open. “Wen, step back.”
“But, Master…” Wen bristled, eyes nearly spitting fire. This man was infuriating.
“Remember, you are my disciple. Show the dignity of the Medical Sect.
Unlike some, who have a fair appearance but a dog’s heart. If he bites you, will you bite him back?”
Wen paused, then understood and bowed, retreating behind Elder Diao.
“Who are you calling names, old man?” Did they think he couldn’t tell? To call him a dog—he was no clay idol.
“Hmph, whoever takes offense, that’s who.”
“You…”
“Tsk, do you take me for dead? Lian Hen, go get the stone for me,” Bai Li Lern ordered.
Lian Hen didn’t even raise his eyes, face impassive. “Young master, I serve only my master’s commands.”
Bai Li Lern’s face turned purple with rage. “Say that again?”
“My master ordered me to protect you, young master. That is my only duty.”
“You…”
“Ah, a man must know his limits. Since everyone wants the stone, why not let strength decide?”
Elder Diao said, “Thousand-Hands of Poison, do you mean to compete for it?”
Thousand-Hands of Poison stepped forward, releasing a swarm of locusts. “Of course, provided you can withstand my Ninefold Locusts.”
A treasure should go to the worthy. Handing it over—what a joke…
“Wen, join the contest for the stone. I’ll handle the rest,” Elder Diao commanded, his aura resplendent. Against endless locusts, he wielded a thousand needles.
Yin immediately went for Suhe and the others, followed by Xue Chanzi and Cen Zhiren.
“All of you, attack,” ordered Thousand-Hands, and his disciples leaped forward.
He himself controlled the locusts with one hand, clashing with Elder Diao with the other.
Bai Li Lern grew anxious, shouting, “Hey, toss the stone over here.
If I’m in a good mood, I’ll pretend I saw nothing.”
Suhe raised his sword before his chest. Along with Huai Yin and Yiqingchen, he shielded Egret Boy, Wu Lei, and the Jade Shard from harm.
In an instant, powerful moves filled the air.
Huai Yin faced off against Wen and the others. Yiqingchen engaged the Poison Sect disciples.
Yin, Xue Chanzi, and Cen Zhiren were confronted by Suhe himself—a fierce melee erupted.
The most troublesome, Elder Diao and Thousand-Hands, were locked in combat, leaving Bai Li Lern to spy his chance.
Lian Hen wouldn’t help, so he’d have to seize the treasure himself. Only a fool would let such a prize slip by.
He darted forward, aiming to take Jade Shard hostage.
But before he could get close, a blast of frost cut him off.
“Move again, and I’ll cut off your hand.”
Egret Boy seized the chance to shield the three with celestial light.
“Fine, I won’t move. Let’s see how long you can keep this up,” Bai Li Lern snorted and slunk back to Lian Hen’s side.
Meanwhile, the Poison Sect’s assault was ferocious; every move was laced with venom.
Wherever the force swept, all turned black and charred, a foul stench filling the air.
Just inhaling it made one’s blood and breath seize up.
Suhe, fearing for Yiqingchen’s safety, drove back Yin and his companions with a single sword stroke. Thunderous palm winds crashed down upon the Poison Sect disciples.
“How are you holding up?”