M49S Vol 1 Chapter 32. Chopping Knife

Meng Qiqi walked briskly out of Chanhua Tower, asking the man behind him as he moved, “Do you know who the Lingnan swordsman Gu Shutong is?”

Chen Boyan saw the teasing look on his face and ventured a bold guess. “The Holy Sovereign’s biological father?”

“That’s right.” Meng Qiqi curved his lips in a smile. “He’s a top-tier sword cultivator in the cultivation world, on par with Lu Yunting of Jingbo Sword. The Wang family has been contacting Gu Shutong repeatedly. Most likely, they’re hoping to find a master for Wang Ziqian.”

There was no doubt Meng Qiqi had already caught wind of Wang Ziqian’s search for a teacher. Otherwise, he would not have said it so easily now. Chen Boyan saw it clearly. Every move Meng Qiqi made centered on the Wang family. Whether it was cooperating with Jin Man to capture Daoist Wuyan or supporting Wang Ziling’s rise, everything pointed back to the same goal.

Even helping the Holy Sovereign find her kin had somehow ended up entangled with the Wang family.

Chen Boyan lowered his eyes in thought. But Meng Qiqi, as if sensing his doubts, said, “I know you must have a lot of questions, but now isn’t the time. Just remember this. Disciples of Gushan Sword are not people others can trample on at will. If someone wrongs me, I will repay it.”

His tone was cold, and the frost in his expression made his resolve unmistakably clear.

At that same moment, Wang Ziqian arrived in person, bearing gifts, only to be turned away by Gu Shutong.

A deep and weathered voice sounded from within the house. “Young Master Wang, please return. I swore long ago that I would not take on disciples from noble families. This is nothing personal.”

Wang Ziqian hurriedly cupped his hands and bowed. “It was rude of me to trouble you, Senior Gu. I hope you won’t take offense.”

Though Gu Shutong remained inside and his expression could not be seen, Wang Ziqian showed no sign of impatience. He shot a glare at the attendant beside him who was still muttering complaints, then continued, “Senior Gu, whether or not I have the fortune to become your disciple, you will always be one of the most highly respected elders in the cultivation world. My father said that since you have come to Jinling, even if you do not wish to stay at the manor, at the very least allow us to present a humble gift to express our regard.”

After these words were spoken, the room remained silent for a long time.

People were coming and going through the inn, and several had already taken note of the scene unfolding at the door. Now, upon hearing what Wang Ziqian had said, many sighed with admiration. What a commendable young man. As expected of a scion from a prestigious family. So young, yet courteous and composed, and with such refined features.

Compared to that so-called good-for-nothing heir, he was clearly in another league.

Even so, Gu Shutong was firm in his refusal. “You should go. If there is anything else to say, we can speak after the competition tomorrow.”

Wang Ziqian had no choice. He knew that pressing further would be pointless, so he could only lead his men away. Along the way, he greeted every passing cultivator with a smile, though a faint trace of dejection lingered behind it.

Once he exited the inn, however, the delicate features of his face turned cold in an instant. A servant from the Wang family hurried up to him and whispered, “Young Master, Wang Ziling has gone to Chanhua Tower to issue invitations. He is now with Wang Wan’nan. The Patriarch asks that you join them immediately to support your elder cousin.”

“I understand,” Wang Ziqian said, his tone laced with impatience.

That fool Wang Ziling had always kept to himself, but this time, for some reason, he had suddenly turned the tables on them. They had been preoccupied with handling the matter of the Third Elder and had paid little attention to Wang Ziling’s movements. Who would have thought he would stir up such a fuss with a grand banquet at the Lion Tower?

Originally, this Knock upon the Immortal Gate was supposed to be the perfect springboard for Wang Ziqian to secure his position as heir. He would make his mark in the secret realm, then formally become Gu Shutong’s disciple, and finally crush Wang Ziling beneath his feet during the main competition.

But now everything had gone awry.

First, that Little Martial Uncle from Gushan appeared. Then Jin Man stepped in. These two had long been operating outside the public eye, yet both chose this moment to interfere, giving Wang Ziling all the attention.

Now his father even expected him to play second fiddle to Wang Ziling. How was he supposed to swallow that? And then there was Gu Shutong. If not for the Spring and Autumn Method in his hands, which could enhance one’s aptitude, Wang Ziqian would never have humbled himself like this to beg for a master.

Wang Ziqian spoke in a low voice. “Go back and tell Father that Gu Shutong is impervious to reason. Prepare the final measures.”

He strode off toward the Lion Tower. The servant returned at once to the Wang residence. Wang Changlin was in the council hall, so the servant made straight for it, only to be stopped at the entrance.

“Stop. The Patriarch is in conference with the Grand Elder.”

The servant glanced at the tightly shut doors of the council hall. Not a sound escaped, but what lay within was far less tranquil than it appeared.

“I told you long ago. Getting rid of Meng Qiqi should have been the first priority.” The Grand Elder’s tone was curt, faintly tinged with anger. “Meng Qiqi was brought to Gushan by Zhou Ziheng. Though he apprenticed under that old man, he is unquestionably Zhou Ziheng’s successor. He may very well know the truth about what happened back then.”

Wang Changlin stood with his back to him, facing a painting of a man playing the xiao beneath a peach tree. He replied slowly, hands clasped behind him. “If we make a move against Meng Qiqi at this juncture, how do you propose we answer to Gushan Sword? You know as well as I do that they are fiercely protective of their own. If something happens to Meng Qiqi in Jinling, even if Gushan Sword is no longer what it once was, a centipede dies but never falls stiff. I understand your grudge against Zhou Ziheng, but for the sake of the Wang family’s future, I must ask you to bear with it for now. As for what happened back then…”

A sharp gleam flickered through Wang Changlin’s eyes.

“All the evidence has already been wiped clean. As long as you do not confess it yourself, what can Meng Qiqi do, no matter how silver-tongued he is?”

The Grand Elder gave a cold snort. “If Meng Qiqi isn’t eliminated, he’ll become a major threat sooner or later.”

“Have you forgotten the true purpose behind hosting this Knock upon the Immortal Gate?” Wang Changlin replied. “As long as we trample Gushan Sword beneath our feet, what waves can a single Meng Qiqi possibly stir? No matter how skilled he is, he is still just one man.”

The Grand Elder met Wang Changlin’s smile with a sneer. “I may be old, but I’m not senile. You want to crush the Sword Pavilion and elevate Beidou, reshuffling the entire cultivation world. But do you not see Beidou’s ambition? If they succeed, they’ll cast us aside the moment we’re no longer useful.”

His righteous indignation sounded as though he were worried for Wang Changlin’s sake, but how could Wang Changlin not hear the barbed rebuke beneath his words?

Still, now was not the time to fall out with the old man. Just yesterday, this crafty elder had pulled a fast one regarding Wang Ziling, causing Wang Changlin to miss the best chance to keep him from causing trouble. It was clear he intended to shield Wang Ziling and let him fight Wang Ziqian for position, so that Wang Zi’an could benefit from their clash. But he failed to consider one thing. No elder’s descendant had ever inherited the position of Patriarch in the Wang clan. Not unless… not unless the Grand Elder planned to get rid of the very Patriarch he had once supported with his own hands.

That would not do. The old man held too many of his secrets.

Wang Changlin’s thoughts grew heavier, and his face more serene. “Your guidance is well taken, Grand Elder. How could I place blind faith in Beidou? This is only a temporary arrangement. However… I do have one matter to confirm with you. It was you who brought Wuyan into the Wang family. Are you truly unaware of the secrets about the mystic realm he holds in his hands?”

“What do you mean by that?”

Wang Changlin explained, “Wuyan was too cautious. He always hid his secrets deep, only revealing a little at a time. I’m afraid that if Jin Man captures him, those secrets will be exposed, so I’ve already sent some of our clan’s deathsworn after him. But he’s too slippery. We still haven’t been able to find him. I came here today to ask if you had any ideas on how to lure him out.”

“Wuyan’s been working under your command ever since he entered the Wang household. Whatever secrets he’s shared, he shared with you. As for the rest, I don’t know. I spend all my time in meditation at home. If you want to find him, why ask me?” the Grand Elder replied. Then he closed his eyes, unwilling to continue.

Wang Changlin did not press. “If that’s the case, I won’t disturb you any further. I imagine you must be tired. But if you happen to recall anything, please let me know.”

The Grand Elder gave no response, as if he were a withered tree. Silent, lifeless.

Elsewhere, Wang Ziqian’s arrival had Wang Ziling on edge. Every Wang clansman looked like they wanted to kill him. Just last night, he’d dreamt of Wang Ziqian chasing him with a broom from Jinling all the way to Hangu Pass. It had scared him half to death.

And now, seeing Wang Ziqian again with that beaming smile, Wang Ziling felt a chill climb straight up from his buttocks. Especially when Wang Ziqian kept calling him “Cousin” with that sugary tone that made his knees go weak.

He’s definitely up to something!

Wang Ziling puffed up like a chubby hedgehog, bristling with his stunted little quills as he squared off against Wang Ziqian. Off to the side, Wang Wan’nan occasionally caught glimpses of the brothers squabbling and could only wish he were blind. This little fatty really was a disgrace to all fat folks.

But Wang Wan’nan had no time to get involved. The entire Lion Tower was bustling for the banquet tonight, and he was no exception. The famed Lion Banquet was to be personally overseen by none other than the head proprietor himself.

Over there, Wang Ziling was still glaring holes into Wang Ziqian, trying to figure out a way to get rid of him. Wang Ziqian caught sight of Wang Wan’nan entering the kitchen and, without a word, left Wang Ziling behind and went after him.

“Uncle Nan!” Wang Ziqian, a proper noble son, ran straight into the kitchen without the slightest concern, nodding politely to the chefs he passed.

Wang Wan’nan was tying on an apron and paid him no attention.

Wang Ziqian approached respectfully and asked, testing the waters, “Uncle Nan, may I stay and observe?”

Everyone in the clan said Wang Wan’nan had a terrible temper, so Wang Ziqian wasn’t entirely confident. Wang Ziling, who had followed right behind, smacked his forehead when he saw the knife in Wang Wan’nan’s hand.

Wang Wan’nan was a cook. A cook with very high cultivation. His life-bound weapon was a kitchen knife. He used that knife to cook, and he used it to kill.

Why was it that only he could make braised lion’s head meatballs? Because that dish, which enhanced one’s cultivation, was made with the knife-essence he had personally infused into every chop. He pounded spiritual force into the meat, bit by bit, and combined it with spirit beast meat that already contained natural demonic energy.

Wang Ziling found himself staring fixedly at the black kitchen knife in Wang Wan’nan’s hand, completely forgetting about Wang Ziqian. Outsiders only knew that the lion’s head was an unmatched delicacy, but if one could witness Wang Wan’nan’s cooking process firsthand, that would truly be an invaluable experience.

Wang Ziqian wisely held his tongue as well. When a slab of meat the size of half an adult was thrown onto the chopping block, both of them took a step back in unison, not daring to make another sound.

Wang Wan’nan didn’t chase them out. He flexed the fingers of his right hand, then gripped the knife handle again. He took a deep breath, and a glint of cold light flashed along the edge of the blade.

The knife came down.

The massive piece of spirit beast meat was split clean in two. The cleaver struck the wooden chopping board, letting out a metallic clang like striking stone. Wang Ziling was startled. He had no idea what material the board was made of. Before he could think further, the kitchen knife in Wang Wan’nan’s hand let go of that mountain-splitting force from the first strike and grew increasingly agile.

Slice after slice, the spirit beast meat was divided cleanly into countless identical pieces, each one precisely uniform in size.

Wang Ziling watched, completely entranced, but soon realized his eyes alone weren’t enough.

Wang Wan’nan’s knife was too fast. So fast it left afterimages in the air, yet his stance remained as steady as stone. With a sharp smack, he slammed a palm down onto the counter, sending the meat cubes flying.

In a flash, the kitchen knife danced through the cascade of meat. Wang Ziling saw only a blur, and by the time his eyes caught up, every piece had been neatly minced into fine bits.

As the minced meat fell, vital force surged from Wang Wan’nan’s left palm and poured into the meat. At the same time, his right hand continued to guide the blade, every movement infused with knife essence. In that small kitchen, energy and technique merged into one, transforming the space into a battlefield in the blink of an eye.