The Qinling Mountains lay to the north, bordering the Yinlin Abyss.
Speaking of the Yinlin Abyss, it bore this name long before the Great Han Dynasty even had the concept of "Yinlin"… Of course, it had other names, such as Mount Taiyi.
Legend had it that the True Lord Taiyi once cultivated here, hence its name.
From afar, the mountains here were shrouded in mist, ethereal and fantastical… Even amongst the continuous peaks of the Qinling range, it stood as an absolute colossus, a presence that dwarfed all others.
And this… was precisely where Wang Yue had invited Lu Yu to a solitary duel.
At this moment…
Countless armored soldiers had completely surrounded the Yinlin Abyss, including the formidable armies of Great Wei and the iron cavalry of Xiliang!
Each warrior stood in solemn silence… yet none dared to step onto the Yinlin Abyss.
The reason for this…
Wang Yue had declared that if anyone other than Lu Yu dared to ascend the stone steps, then… Xiahou Yuan would have her head severed!
"Report… General Xiahou, a mountain peak has been located north of the Yinlin Abyss, at an equal elevation. From there, using 'Thousand-Li Sight,' we can observe the movements within the Yinlin Abyss!"
"Report… General Ma, through observation with Thousand-Li Sight, Wang Yue is indeed within the Yinlin Abyss, and Lady Xiahou is also present. She is not bound, but rather seated in a pavilion."
These consecutive reports…
Came from scouts of Great Wei and Xiliang, respectively.
Xiahou Dun and Ma Teng, Ma Chao’s eyes narrowed… The two exchanged a glance.
"Lead the way!"
Almost in unison, they gave the command…
They had to clearly observe the situation within the Yinlin Abyss… this would aid them in making more accurate judgments.
…
Upon the mountain peak, a biting cold wind whipped.
Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, Ma Chao, and Ma Teng each held a "Thousand-Li Sight." Unlike later telescopes, which could see miles at a glance, ancient "Thousand-Li Sight" devices could only see within a few hundred meters. Even with improvements made by the workshop of Ma Jun, it barely reached a thousand meters…
Fortunately, the nearby mountain peak was slightly higher than the Yinlin Abyss, allowing for an unobstructed view of the events unfolding there.
And… through the "Thousand-Li Sight," Xiahou Dun, Ma Teng, and the others could vaguely see "Xiahou Yuan." She was indeed not bound, and furthermore… the hundreds of Wang Yue’s disciples atop the mountain had not restricted her freedom in any way.
But…
This still did not indicate that "Xiahou Yuan" could escape freely… Any one of these disciples clad in black could easily capture her!
Not far from "Xiahou Yuan," a man in a black robe sat cross-legged, a long sword plunged into a stone beside him…
It seemed…
All the disciples held him in immense respect!
It was likely that this was Wang Yue.
Xiahou Dun, Ma Chao, and Cao Hong’s eyes remained fixed on Xiahou Yuan and Wang Yue, but Ma Teng… he surveyed the entire mountain range.
He couldn't help but sigh, "The Yin Yuan Pavilion has only one path! One warrior can guard the pass, making it impenetrable. Let alone tens of thousands of soldiers, even more men would find it difficult to charge up. Wang Yue, that scoundrel, clearly put considerable effort into choosing this location."
Ma Teng’s words… actually only told half the story.
But the implication was crystal clear: with such a location as the Yinlin Abyss, they were hesitant to act, fearing collateral damage, leaving them with very little room for maneuver!
"Hmph…" Ma Chao let out a cold snort, "I’ve heard that Wang Yue is called the greatest swordsman in the world, a Sword God of this era, yet he specifically named Lu Ziyu to face him? If he has the ability, why doesn't he choose my son to face him?"
Upon saying this, Ma Chao’s eyes blazed with anger, "Lady Xiahou is an benefactor to my father, and thus a benefactor to all of Xiliang. If anything were to happen to her, I will certainly charge into this Yinlin Abyss and take the head of this dog thief, this villain!"
Ma Chao’s molars ground together…
"Everyone…" At this moment, Xun You, who was slowly ascending the mountain, spoke, "Wang Yue chose this location, meaning he has definitely made up his mind, not hesitating to fight to the death… he has no intention of leaving alive."
Xun You’s tone was exceptionally grave…
Clearly, in the eyes of this strategist, this hurdle was not easy to overcome, nor would it be simple!
"That kid Ziyu…"
Xiahou Dun sighed, lowering his head…
For the past five days, he had visited Lu Yu every single day, but without exception, he had been met with closed doors. He had intended to force his way in, but how could he possibly defeat Dian Wei?
Unable to see him again…
He had even questioned whether he should face this danger, and he couldn't persuade Lu Yu. Xiahou Dun’s heart was filled with frustration.
"Report…"
Just then, a voice reached them.
"Generals, one… one hour ago, the Marquis of Nan Shou… the Marquis of Nan Shou, alone and on horseback… has already… has already ascended the Yinlin Abyss!"
Ah…
Upon hearing this, everyone cried out in surprise.
In reality, both Xiahou Yuan and Ma Teng had dispatched men to intercept Lu Yu, but in the face of the vanguard of the Dragon Cavalry Camp, these men were no match.
"They couldn't stop him?" Ma Teng exclaimed…
"Could they have stopped him?" Xiahou Dun rubbed his left cheek, still stinging from Dian Wei’s punch…
Given his status, his attempt to force his way in had been repelled by Dian Wei in such a manner. One could imagine the determination of this young Lu Ziyu this time!
"Ziyu, Ziyu, you are going to your death!"
After this lament…
"Look quickly…" Ma Yunlu exclaimed, holding up the "Thousand-Li Sight," "The Marquis of Nan Shou… it’s the Marquis of Nan Shou!"
Everyone hurriedly raised their "Thousand-Li Sight" again…
Indeed…
It was "Lu Yu." He had ascended the Yinlin Abyss alone, galloping along the mountain path, and was about to reach the summit!
This…
For a moment, everyone's hearts were gripped with tension…
Has he truly…
Has he truly come?
Will a "disparate" confrontation truly… truly begin on this Yinlin Abyss?
…
…
At the summit of the Yinlin Abyss, the end of the rugged mountain path led to a vast platform.
Feeling the gentle breeze, feeling the grit of sand carried by the air, finally… the long-awaited sound of hooves echoed in his ears.
"They're here!"
His tightly closed eyes suddenly snapped open. Wang Yue rose, but did not rush to draw his sword.
He gazed at Xiahou Yuan…
"I never imagined that Lu Yu would actually risk himself for you. I cannot help but admire him a little!"
"No… no!"
Xiahou Yuan bit her lip, her voice somewhat stiff and unnatural. After these two short words, she closed her mouth, feigning silence.
"As expected… everyone has a weakness, and you are Lu Yu's weakness."
A hoarse but relieved voice emerged from Wang Yue’s lips.
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze still fixed on Xiahou Yuan.
"You don't understand!"
Xiahou Yuan murmured, "Do not underestimate the aspirations of others. Although I am a woman, I will strive with all my might. How much more so for him?"
"You don't understand?" Wang Yue exclaimed, "I understand him perfectly. Although Lu Yu appears timid, often choosing to hide under the heavy protection of the Dragon Cavalry on the battlefield, there is no one in this world whose heart is stronger than his! Such a man truly cannot allow a woman to die because of him!"
Speaking of which…
With a 'thud,' Wang Yue stood up abruptly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Remember what it means to be a man. After today, he will be forever parted from you! However… rest assured, given his courage and spirit, I will ensure his body remains whole!"
As his words fell…
Wang Yue drew his sword from the stone. He strode forward, welcoming… the man who had come to meet the appointment with a heart prepared for death!
…
…
The Yinlin Abyss, nearing the final stretch of the mountain path. Due to its extreme ruggedness, horses could not proceed further.
Lu Yu dismounted and continued his ascent towards the misty peak…
He was clad in a white robe, holding a spear, his gaze sharp, his features devoid of any superfluous expression, much like… a monk who had undergone years of ascetic practice!
However, the "Red Tassel Spear" in his hand appeared particularly striking…
Especially that "red tassel"…
One could only wonder how much blood was needed to dye the original "white tassel" to such a color.
Along the mountain path, there were also countless disciples of Wang Yue. They guarded various crucial points, each casting gazes towards Lu Yu, as if observing him, or perhaps with a degree of apprehension.
After all…
Lu Yu’s reputation was sufficiently resounding.
The number of people defeated by him… was too many to count on one’s fingers.
—Lu Bu, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Sun Ce, Sun Quan, Han Sui, Liu Bei…
Not to mention those second-rate figures like the Yellow Turban Army generals, or Zhang Yang of Henei!
Many disciples had heard that Lu Yu was unskilled in martial arts, but seeing him now, holding the "Red Tassel Spear," how could he be unskilled? This was clearly the demeanor of a master!
Considering… Lu Yu’s usual modus operandi!
How deeply he concealed himself!
Step… step…
His footsteps moved, under these gazes, "Lu Yu" continued forward as usual, neither too heavy nor too light, as if deaf to all glances. Each placement of his foot left a shallow footprint… and his slender figure exuded a captivating composure and nonchalance.
…
At the mountain peak…
A vast circular platform, enveloped in swirling mist…
Wang Yue stood guard within, hands clasped behind his back, his long sword raised.
His disciples were positioned around the circular altar. These disciples were all masked in black, but their figures, like unyielding stone tablets, remained motionless against the wind.
Within the pavilion…
"Xiahou Yuan" had already risen to her feet. Gazing into the distance at the gradually clearing figure, she couldn’t help but murmur softly, "He… he has truly come!"
Her brow twitched, evidently…
She harbored concern for the approaching person.
And on the opposite side, separated by a mountain, countless pairs of eyes, through numerous "Thousand-Li Sight" devices, were focused on every movement here.
Besides Xiahou Dun, Ma Teng, Ma Chao, and Cao Hong…
There were also Ma Yunlu, Li Dian, Yu Jin… Pang De, Ma Dai… and many others gathered around. The "Thousand-Li Sight" was no longer sufficient, with almost two or three people sharing one.
And as far as the eye could see…
The atmosphere atop the Qinling Peaks grew increasingly heavy!
…
Finally, the faint sound of footsteps echoed on the high platform of the Yinlin Abyss.
The footsteps, from light to heavy, from slow to hurried, caused a subtle shift in the chilling murderous intent present here… A ray of sunlight descended, parting the veil of the ethereal clouds, and shone directly upon the end of the mountain path.
There…
A slender yet upright, mature yet handsome figure, emerged from the swirling mist into everyone's sight.
This figure, who else could it be but "Lu Yu"?
His footsteps quickened, then were placed down. He advanced three such steps, the resonant sounds of his footsteps slowly rising on the quiet high platform. After three steps, "Lu Yu's" eyes gazed straight ahead.
"Lu Yu of the Great Wei Dragon Cavalry Camp, answering the summons!"
A plain yet concise declaration… slowly drifted through the air.
Wang Yue scrutinized the man before him repeatedly…
This was his first time seeing Lu Yu in person. Yet, he had seen this young man countless times in paintings; Wang Yue had memorized every inch of his countenance.
"Bold!"
Wang Yue couldn't help but exclaim…
"It is said that calamities do not extend to wives and children. I come to answer the summons, and Yan Shan's Wang Yue should also abide by his promise and let the woman go!"
Lu Yu’s voice again… causing the countless piercing glances from across the mountain to become turbulent and disordered.
"Heh heh."
Wang Yue sneered, "I, Wang Yue, never claim to be a hero, but the words 'a promise is worth a thousand gold pieces' are taken very seriously by us warriors. Since you have come alone, I will certainly let her live!"
Speaking of which, Wang Yue glanced back at Xiahou Yuan…
And at this moment, Xiahou Yuan’s brow was tightly furrowed. Her hands clutched the wooden posts of the stone pavilion, clearly… her heart was filled with nervousness and trepidation!
"Heh heh…"
Wang Yue laughed again, "However, she cannot leave yet. If she leaves? Who will collect your corpse?"
As he spoke, "Lu Yu's" wrist flicked slightly. This subtle movement made Wang Yue feel a chilling killing intent, a palpable aura of ferocity.
Wang Yue pointed his sword at Lu Yu… "I never expected you to hide so deeply! I was always puzzled how a person unskilled in martial arts could survive for so long in this era. So! It is like this!"
"Hahaha…" Suddenly, Wang Yue burst into laughter, "Lu Yu, do you know the previous name of this Yinlin Abyss!"
"Mount Taiyi? The Mount Taiyi where the True Lord Taiyi was rumored to have cultivated?" Lu Yu retorted.
"Indeed!" Wang Yue held his sword, pacing slowly, "A hundred years ago, in Jingyang County, there was a girl named Jin Cuihua. Beautiful and kind, diligent and intelligent, she was in love with Pan Lang from a neighboring village but was forced by her brother and sister-in-law to marry a wealthy young man! On the eve of her wedding, she fled into Mount Zhongnan. Her brother came seeking her and pursued her here, only to discover at the Taiyi Pond within the Taiyi Mountain that this girl Jin Cuihua had ascended to immortality, riding a qilin into seclusion. Hence, the mountain was also named Cuihua Mountain and Yinlin Abyss!"
At this mention…
A glint flashed in Wang Yue’s eyes, as if the story had brought back memories of his youth.
He too had a childhood sweetheart… her surname was Dong, from Hexi!
But due to… family pressure, she was forced to marry the son of a "Marquis," and by chance, she and this Marquis's son even became the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
Heh heh…
The girl Jin Cuihua on Mount Taiyi had ascended to immortality…
But "Dong'er" had… had flown to a higher perch.
Isn't that ironic?
What was even more ironic was that at that time… and even later, Wang Yue had embodied the spirit of a "simpering admirer" to the extreme.
In his hand, he held the "Zhongxing Sword…"
What he was doing was the act of a simpering admirer, a simpering admirer… who ultimately gained nothing!
Of course… Lu Yu did not know these things…
History would not record them.
And no one would ever know that behind the "Zhongxing Sword," lay such a tale of romantic entanglement…
"Heh heh…"
Wang Yue smiled at this moment, chuckling softly, "After today, this mountain will likely have a new name!"
"What!"
"Luoyin Cliff!" Wang Yue said calmly, "Because the Dragon Cavalry Camp commander who shook the world, the Nan Shouhou Lu Ziyu, who made countless lords bow their heads in submission, the Yinlin rumored to bring peace to the land, will soon perish here!"
As he spoke, a surge of sword energy rippled outwards.
Wang Yue tightened his grip on his sword hilt with more force.
"You and I shall duel…"
Before Wang Yue could speak…
"Lu Yu's" voice preemptively came forth—"Let fate decide life and death!"
…
…