Chapter 106: Unfathomable

The road was still the same one they had come down, the sunlight still the same, and the blossoming peach flowers just as vibrant. Yet, strangely, not a single word was spoken along the way.

Because the calamity that had unfolded on this very road today was unbearably tragic. Every disciple of the Famous Sword Manor hung their heads in despair, silent and subdued.

Now, everyone knew that these events were almost certainly linked to the Hidden Sword Manor, but no one could summon the spirit to fight back; instead, they were gripped by a deepening fear and unease.

Over the past year, the Hidden Sword Manor had been like a timid grandson before the Famous Sword Manor. When the Famous Sword Manor said east, the Hidden Sword Manor dared not go west. When Elder Jin commanded a halt, Qi Tuqi had no choice but to obey.

Yet, this very timid “grandson” had, just this morning, delivered a brutal lesson to the normally arrogant Famous Sword Manor: the bride was cruelly murdered, the Second Senior Brother was cut down with a single stroke, the wedding ceremony was abruptly canceled, and the alliance with the Beggar’s Sect was called off. These shocks were like thunderclaps on a clear day, electrifying the scalp and rendering everyone speechless.

Gao Qiao finally caught up with the wedding procession, but alas, the atmosphere was more akin to a funeral than a celebration. The once joyful group had returned like lost dogs, their spirits hitting rock bottom.

Though the sunlight still shone brightly, it no longer seemed warm or welcoming. Instead, it was glaring and scorching, stirring restlessness and unease within everyone. The mood in the procession was a mixture of anger and despair.

Gao Qiao sighed, “I’m late. Had I noticed sooner, none of this would have happened.”

The man on horseback, Jin Mailang, replied calmly, “This isn’t your fault, Master. I underestimated Qi Tuqi.”

Baili Feng pondered, “We have faced Qi Tuqi before; we know his strength well.”

Jin Mailang glanced at him gravely. “His power isn’t just about martial arts or the sword techniques of the Divine Sword Manor.”

Baili Feng immediately realized his mistake. Such a vague statement was beneath his intelligence. Strength encompasses far more than mere skill levels or equipment.

Take the Famous Sword Manor for example; it boasts dozens of experts. If strength were measured solely by martial rank, job class, or gear, Baili Feng wouldn’t even be second in command.

At least Ximen Jian was stronger in that regard. Yet, someone as weak as Zhang He managed to kill him with a single stroke. None of today’s events could be explained by ordinary logic.

Suddenly, Jin Mailang asked, “When exactly did Zhong Shuman and ‘Conquer All by Force’ leave the manor this morning?”

Yan Jiu’s expression turned serious. “At 8:12 a.m., they exited the manor’s main gate, leading a white horse. They paused on a small bridge for about six minutes. I couldn’t hear what was said, but I’m certain they were bidding each other farewell. Zhong Shuman rode away first while ‘Conquer All by Force’ left on foot.”

Gao Qiao said, “That confirms it—‘Conquer All by Force’ must have gone straight to hide in the tunnels. The ‘Life and Death Judgment’ group was just putting on a show. And we fell for it.”

The Fourth Miss couldn’t help but ask, “But how did Zhong Shuman get into the carriage? And how was the Third Miss switched?”

No one answered because no one could, except perhaps Zhong Shuman herself. That might forever remain a mystery.

Gao Qiao said, “There’s one thing I don’t understand.”

Jin Mailang invited him to speak.

Gao Qiao continued, “We’ve confirmed that Zhong Xiaoxia and ‘Conquer All by Force’ aren’t from the Hidden Sword Manor; most likely, they were invited by Young Master Qi. They were originally on the same side, so why would they turn on each other?”

Jin Mailang mused, “Their plan was meticulous, but no matter how meticulous, unforeseen incidents happen. Something must have gone wrong mid-course, causing ‘Conquer All by Force’ to strike Zhong Shuman. The reason is still unclear to me.”

Not everyone could hold the seat of the Famous Sword Manor’s master. But those who did possessed both exceptional martial skill and wisdom. All eyes were on him with respect.

The Fourth Miss sighed, “I never expected to be so wrong. ‘Conquer All by Force’ is quite the ruthless character. The Hidden Sword Manor is ruthless too, hiring the Life and Death Judgment group to act.”

Jin Mailang clarified, “Those six masked men weren’t the real Life and Death Judgment—they were imposters.”

“Oh?” The group was surprised again.

Jin Mailang explained, “I know Qi Tuqi is wealthy, but not wealthy enough to hire the real Life and Death Judgment. If those six were genuine, they’d have come after me long ago. There’s no need for such complexity.”

Silence fell once more. Without Elder Jin’s explanation, they might never have understood this matter fully. In truth, they still hadn’t.

Yan Jiu forced a smile. “Boss, one thing puzzles me—why did you let ‘Conquer All by Force’ escape? He killed Brother Ximen.”

Jin Mailang sneered coldly, “He can’t escape. Guess where he is now?”

The Fourth Miss gritted her teeth, “That bastard killed the Second Senior Brother. He must have gone back to report to his master. Too lucky for him.”

Jin Mailang shook his head.

Gao Qiao gasped, “Could he still be in the Living Forest?”

Jin Mailang shook his head solemnly. “This man is no fool. He killed Ximen Jian in a single move, and I hear he’s only at Level 1.”

“What?” Everyone’s jaws nearly dropped.

Jin Mailang’s intel was off, but that was understandable. Little Zhang had only just reached Level 2 last night—something even Zhong Shuman didn’t know.

Jin Mailang said, “A Level 1 user of the blade killing a Level 4 sword master is possible, but extremely unlikely. Yet he did it.”

He didn’t finish, but everyone understood: Zhang He was more than just a negotiator. He carried important tasks assigned by Qi Tuqi and focused on coordinating the broader strategy. Whatever methods he used, his goal was to make the Famous Sword Manor bow. Could such a man be weak or foolish?

Jin Mailang said, “So he’s definitely not still in the Living Forest.”

“Why not?” the Fourth Miss finally asked.

The man on horseback suddenly turned to look at her. A chill ran from her head to her toes. His gaze was empty and cold—there was no message in it, but that was what made it terrifying.

She knew this master’s greatest strength was not in swordsmanship or strategy, but in seeming to have nothing at all. Because no one could guess his thoughts or depth; that unfathomable quality was his true power.

Fortunately, Baili Feng hesitantly asked, “Jin Ge, are you saying... ‘Conquer All by Force’ is now...?”

Jin Mailang nodded. “He must be returning to the Famous Sword Manor—maybe he’s already on his way back.”

Only now did a shiver run through everyone. They all knew Zhang He was not to be trifled with. Wherever he went, chaos followed. And now this harbinger of misfortune was coming back—no one knew what trouble the manor would face next.

Though worried, they knew what must be faced could not be avoided. The manor’s outline reappeared in sight. The resurrected Third Miss and Ximen Jian stepped forward to greet them. Their faces were grim; after all, no one looks well after such a brutal ordeal.

But upon seeing Jin Mailang, their expressions visibly eased. After all, Jin Mailang rarely disappointed the thousands within the Famous Sword Manor.

And indeed, he did not disappoint. He reined in his horse and waved his hand fiercely from the saddle, regaining some of the confidence and style he had before setting out. “Second and Third, how are you both?”

The Third Miss bit her lip silently, but Ximen Jian said angrily, “I’m fine—only dropped four levels. But the Third Miss lost an entire martial art: the ‘Heaven and Earth Sword Technique.’”

Regarding the death of players in the “Dynasty” game, the system has detailed scientific rules. When entering ghost mode, a corpse remains for 15 minutes. Before level 20, there is no penalty. Before 40, death results in losing one level but no equipment. Before 60, losing two levels and a 3% chance of equipment drop. Before 80, losing three levels and a 5% equipment drop chance. Before 100, losing four levels and an 8% drop chance, and so forth.

If a player is marked as a super red name or has a very high evil value, the drop rate increases accordingly.

It should be noted that the AI system does not reveal the killer’s identity upon a player’s death. Similarly, if a killer is killed, the system does not indicate the name of the player who acted in self-defense. You can only remember the murderer by face and voice.

Of course, there are many ways to learn an opponent’s name—through trading, nameplates, quests, being in the same team or sect. The most direct is to reveal your identity voluntarily, signaling you’re not afraid and don’t see the other as a mere pawn. So what if you know my name?

If a player suffers a severe blow resulting in death—such as suicide, multiple kills, beheading, or dismemberment—they not only lose equipment but may also lose martial arts skills. Learned techniques may be lost, and even top martial arts could disappear. Corresponding cultivation levels might regress. Recovery is possible but extremely difficult, akin to scaling the heavens.

Therefore, players with greater strength rarely attack recklessly without knowing their opponent’s depth. Because if you are countered successfully, you must be prepared—losing priceless skills like the “Solitary Nine Swords,” “Dragon Subduing Palms,” or “Dog Beating Staff” would be disastrous.

The game is indeed thrilling because it punishes recklessness. As the saying goes, “The older the martial world, the more cautious the warriors”—a truth Ximen Jian clearly hadn’t grasped, as he was already volunteering to engage.

“Boss, where is that ‘Conquer All by Force’ now? I swear I’ll kill him.”

The Fourth Miss sighed deeply, thinking, yet another one consumed by rage. Will you kill him, or will your mother?