Chapter 23 – The Last Stretch of the Strong Bow: Anderson’s Gamble

Ghost Nighthound returned from scouting the enemy.
He bowed and reported, “Report to the master, Archmage. After thorough reconnaissance, there are no signs of the Imperial Guard around Lake Lucerne.”

Anderson frowned. “That’s strange… where have all those vultures gone?”

Rufus said, “Never mind the Imperial Guard for now. Let’s head straight to the Paradise Inn, seize control, and interrogate the captives for the entrance to the Sky Castle.”

Anderson asked anxiously, “Archmage, could the Imperial Guard be lying in wait around the inn?”

Rufus replied, “Master, worrying about that now is meaningless. Even if there’s a den of dragons ahead, we have no choice—we must charge forward, come what may.”

Anderson made up his mind. “Very well! Ghost Nighthound, gather the troops. Tonight, we storm the Paradise Inn.”

Anderson’s Black Bat Army, a remnant of defeated soldiers, arrived around the Paradise Inn.

Rufus ordered, “Ghost Nighthound, take a pair of soldiers and block the inn. Allow no one to approach.”

Ghost Nighthound bowed. “Yes, Archmage.”

Rufus accompanied Anderson and several personal guards to the inn’s entrance. Wilson, seeing Anderson and Rufus, was shocked but kept his composure, walking to the front desk and signaling Robert and Lin Xiaoyang with his expression.

Inside the inn lobby were only Lin Xiaoyang, Wilson, Huang Lihua, Xie Huijun, Robert, and a few waitstaff.

Anderson sat down in the lobby chair and shouted, “Maria’s niece, I’ve come especially to see you. Come out—don’t hide in the castle.”

Wilson responded cautiously, “Grand Duke, what wind has blown you to our little inn today?”

Anderson snapped, “Who are you? Just a lackey by Maria’s side. Go summon your master!”

Huang Lihua stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Duke, why so angry? I invited everyone to dine—tell me what you wish to eat.”

Seeing Huang Lihua, Anderson’s anger flared instantly. “Huang Lihua, you traitor! I trusted you with my heart, yet you colluded with the enemy and betrayed me. I’ll deal with you later!”

Huang Lihua smiled wryly. “Boss, your sins are abundant; you harm the innocent—shame upon the dark world. Though I am just a painter, I understand that the survival of this dark world is everyone’s responsibility.”

Anderson waved dismissively. “Spare me your words! Taking your life is easier than crushing an ant. Step aside and summon your master to meet me!”

At that moment, Father John Chen and Adorno entered the inn, with Adorno carrying the severed head of Ghost Nighthound.

Archmage Rufus crossed his arms, eyes coldly glancing at Father John, blocking the doorway.

Father John signaled to Adorno, who tossed Ghost Nighthound’s bloody head to a guard beside Anderson. The guards turned pale with fear.

Rufus said coldly, “You must be the dreaded John Chen who forced George and Jack to die or flee, right?”

Father John replied, “Correct. Archmage Rufus, you misdirected your hatred from love. Unable to be with Princess Maria, you pledged to the Duke. Today, if you don’t awaken, don’t blame me for being merciless.”

Rufus, slightly surprised, said, “The Princess told you this, didn’t she? People have their choices. Enough words—show me your skills.”

Anderson asked suspiciously, “Wait! Archmage, is what this foul-mouthed priest said true?”

Rufus replied, “Master, don’t listen to his nonsense at this critical moment; it’s a trick to sow discord.” Refusing to be provoked, Rufus cast magic and engaged Father John.

Father John, knowing from Princess Maria that Rufus was a powerful mage, did not dare underestimate him and unleashed his full strength. Rufus, with centuries of magical experience, was fiercely skilled. Gradually, Father John faltered. At that moment, Lin Xiaoyang rushed forward to join the fight.

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Father, I’ll help you.”

Father John shouted, “Xiaoyang, be careful! This man is no ordinary opponent.”

Seeing Xiaoyang wielding only a poplar branch, Rufus paused, disdainfully sneering, “Ignorant youth—do you think you’re playing a child’s game?”

“Whether it’s play, you’ll see after our exchange!” Xiaoyang said, moving the branch gracefully, yet the pure yang energy from his body gradually emerged. Except for Father John and Anderson, no one could discern the technique: Xiaoyang was using the Chinese martial art of Taiji Sword.

Father John thought, “When did this young man learn Wudang-style Taiji Sword? Interesting…”

Anderson thought, “Why does he have this pure yang energy? I’ve only seen this in David.”

Anderson asked, nervously, “Young man, who exactly are you?”

Lin Xiaoyang laughed coldly as he struck, “I am your nemesis—David!”

Hearing this, Anderson realized it was David.

“Rufus, this is David—be careful!” Rufus, recalling centuries-old grudges and David’s past betrayal, ignited his long-held fury.

“David, our old and new grievances end here!” Rufus attacked fiercely, but his magic could not break through Xiaoyang’s poplar branch techniques.

Anderson also could not comprehend Xiaoyang’s swordplay—it seemed slow yet fast, soft yet hard. No matter Rufus’ attacks, the branch neutralized them as if it were a magic wand.

At this moment, Xie Huijun stepped forward: “Rufus, remember when you took me to pick wildflowers and chase butterflies on the hill…”

Rufus suddenly stepped back, startled. “You… you are Maria!”

Xie Huijun said, “If there’s still Maria in your heart, stop your magic.”

“Impossible! You are Annie!” Rufus lunged, grabbing Huijun’s right hand and abducting her instantly.

Seeing Huijun captured, Xiaoyang cried out, “Monster! Don’t hurt Huijun!”

He switched sword techniques, shouting, “Sword-cleansing Style!” and launched at Anderson, stabbing at his chest. Anderson blocked with his smoking pipe, which broke into pieces against the branch, forcing him to retreat. Rufus was equally shocked and paused.

Xiaoyang cradled Huijun, calling, “Huijun, wake up!”

Anderson, breathing heavily, said, “Wait! Young man, you have extraordinary skills. I have no intention of exploiting or exterminating you—I seek talent. Let’s negotiate.”

Father John, mid-recovery, warned, “Xiaoyang, do not deal with the devil!”

Anderson snapped, “Silence! You meddlesome priest, even facing death you interfere!”

Turning to Xiaoyang with a gentle tone, he said, “Young man, listen. I don’t care if you are David or his successor. Only I can save your beloved. Let’s negotiate.”

Huijun, with her last breath, said, “Xiaoyang, send this devil back to hell.” She spat blood and passed away.

Xiaoyang wept, handed Huijun to Adorno, and turned toward Rufus and Anderson.

“Anderson, David is back!” He invoked the final move of Dugu Nine Swords: “Ninth Form: Nine Dragons Soar to Heaven!”

Transforming into nine dragons, he surrounded Anderson. Anderson, seeing the Eastern dragons for the first time, panicked. His hands were chopped segment by segment as he flailed. The guards and Rufus froze in horror. Anderson’s body was soon reduced to a wobbling puppet.

Father John tossed his human-bone cross to Xiaoyang. He grabbed it and stabbed Anderson’s heart. Anderson screamed as his body twisted and peeled away, smoke rising yet captured by Xiaoyang.

Xiaoyang said, “I’ve seized your original spirit, Duke. I am forever your nemesis—David.”

Suddenly, Huijun’s body in Adorno’s arms transformed back into Princess Maria. She approached Rufus, waving her hand, her face revealed.

Rufus was stunned: “You… you are Maria?”

Maria opened her arms, soft and tender. “Rufus, it’s me. I’m here to take you away.”

They embraced, deeply moved.

Anderson’s remaining guards, realizing defeat, tried to leave. Father John blocked the doorway. The guards reluctantly lowered their weapons.

Xiaoyang asked Maria, “Princess, what of Huijun?”

Maria replied, “Huijun has returned to the Lord. Let go, Xiaoyang. She wants to see you live happily.”

Xiaoyang, tearful, clenched his lips.

Maria said to Rufus, “My friend, return to the castle with me.” They took off as a pair of colorful butterflies.

In Room 504, Father John sat cross-legged as Xiaoyang treated him with Qi massage.

Father John asked, “Xiaoyang, last night at Anderson’s… I understood your Taiji Sword, but your Dugu Nine Swords—I didn’t get it.”

Xiaoyang smiled, handing him two comic books. “Father, read these and you’ll understand.”

Father John laughed. “Ah! You learned it from comics!”

Xiaoyang: “Not entirely—they inspired my creativity.”

Father John: “Amazing!”

Xiaoyang: “I also integrated painting and calligraphy techniques, which is why the moves flowed endlessly.”

Father John: “Seeing you wield a poplar branch as a sword reminds me of the saying: a blunt sword has no edge, great skill is unrefined.”

Xiaoyang: “Exactly—and add: no set moves in mind, but sword in hand.”

At that moment, someone entered: a beautiful figure.

Xiaoyang: “Minhua!”

Surprised, he rose to greet her.

“Xiaoyang, I’m back for a vacation!” Huang Minhua, with long hair, looked enchanting.

Xiaoyang gazed tenderly: “Welcome, Minhua.”

Huang Lihua coughed softly, signaling to Father John.

Huang Minhua said, “Grandpa roughly told me what happened at the inn.”

Huang Lihua smiled: “Father and Daughter, let’s have coffee in the lobby.”

Father John smiled, “Yes, newly reunited couples need privacy. Let’s go.”

Xiaoyang opened his arms, Minhua ran into them.

Xiaoyang: “Minhua! I’ve missed you so…”

Huang Minhua: “On the return train, Huijun came to my dream.”

Xiaoyang: “What did she say?”

Huang Minhua: “She wants me to be the most faithful model in your paintings.” She closed her eyes, chin raised. Xiaoyang gave her a long, tender kiss.

Chapter 24 – The Daunting Mission

A gentle summer breeze blew across Lake Lucerne. Small boats carried couples, their reflections paired in the water. In one boat, Lin Xiaoyang rowed, Huang Minhua wore a straw hat, and they looked at ease.

Huang Minhua: “People here live surrounded by mountains and water, in leisurely rhythm—a paradise! If I could live like this forever, I’d have no complaints.”

Lin Xiaoyang: “Indeed. Life is but a few decades; why live so frantically?”

Huang Minhua smiled: “I had planned to return to Taiwan to teach art, but plans never match change.”

Lin Xiaoyang teased: “The Paradise Inn needs a landlady—you can’t run away.”

Huang Minhua laughed: “I promised Huijun I’d take care of you forever.”

Lin Xiaoyang: “Beautiful scenery is meaningless without you.”

Huang Minhua: “Since when did you become so literary?”

Lin Xiaoyang: “I’m a travel writer; it’s in the job description.”

They laughed silently, understanding each other.

In the Sky Castle Hall, Rufus and the Dragon Knight flanked Princess Maria.

Maria commanded: “Dragon Knight, lead a unit of the Imperial Guard to Sicily. Eradicate Bat Castle and Anderson’s remnants.”

Dragon Knight bowed: “Yes, Princess. None will escape.”

Maria frowned: “You misunderstood. Those who surrender may be reformed.”

Dragon Knight: “Understood.”

Rufus said: “Maria, I need to attend to something and report to you.”

Maria smiled: “You want to retrieve the Sun Staff, yes?”

Rufus: “You always read my heart.”

Maria: “I understand you best. Go, and inform me by pigeon if you need help.”

Rufus bowed and left. Dragon Knight hesitated; Maria understood.

Maria seated herself on the throne, flanked by Father John Chen, the Stron brothers, Huang Lihua, Wilson, Adorno, Rona, and Kaise.

Maria: “Father John and Father Stron contributed most to defeating Anderson—my thanks.”

Father John: “Princess, your benevolent rule has guided the dark world. Evil cannot withstand justice. We are naturally your right hand.”

Maria: “Anderson’s forces in Sicily are negligible. I’ve ordered the Dragon Knight to purge them. Now, a more arduous mission requires your assistance.”

Father John: “What mission, Princess?”

Wilson: “Over 300 years ago, Anderson attacked the Sky Castle, stealing the Sun Staff set with the skull of Jesus. It was given to the Dark World ruler Hans by the medieval Pope as a symbol of authority. It passed down three generations until Princess’s father, Thomson, but was taken by Anderson.”

Stron: “Why did Anderson rebel against his brother?”

Maria: “For the throne. I was the only child. I loved the head guard, David, and was uninterested in succession. Advisors warned my father about my uncle, suggesting I inherit the throne with David’s support. Anderson, seeing opportunity, allied with generals unhappy with my father’s policies and attacked the castle when my father fell ill.”

Stron: “I see. But I heard there’s a complicated past between you, David, and Rufus…”

Maria: “David, the head guard, fought alongside Rufus’s knights. Anderson’s Bat Army besieged the castle unsuccessfully. Cunning Anderson learned of David and Rufus’s feelings for me, exploited the situation, spreading rumors, and persuaded Rufus to betray David. Indeed, Rufus ambushed David, but still refused to hand me over, only giving the Sun Staff to Anderson.”

Stron: “So Rufus isn’t entirely villainous…”

Maria: “True. But the ministers and castle folk saw Rufus’s betrayal as unforgivable. To prevent conflict between the castle guard and external knights, I sent a letter urging Rufus to leave. After he departed, Anderson recruited him.”

Stron: “And the lost Sun Staff?”

Maria: “Rufus told me Tanya, Anderson’s daughter, stole it 300 years ago. She left Sicily with loyal followers; its whereabouts are unknown. Rufus has been seeking her, and yesterday sent me word that he found a lead.”

Father John: “If Rufus found reliable information, with his skill, why would he need our help?”

Maria: “Tanya hides in an isolated valley, the Nether Valley, guarded by dragons and experts. The path is dangerous, passing werewolf and lizardfolk territories, and a monster forest. Hence, I request both of you accompany David—uh, to assist him…”

[25] Husband and Wife Practicing Martial Arts Together

John Chen brought the couple, Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua, to Room 505 and personally handed them the set of double swords. Stallone was also present.

John Chen said, “Princess Maria entrusted us, your senior brothers, to give this to you as a wedding gift.”

Huang Minhua held the long sword with both hands and asked puzzledly, “But I don’t know how to wield a sword… what am I supposed to do with the princess’s gift?”

John Chen replied, “The princess means that you should train in martial arts together with Xiaoyang. Someday, Xiaoyang will need your help.”

Stallone smiled and added, “I heard from my senior brother that the night Xiaoyang faced off against Luffy and Anderson, he revealed a sword technique of his own creation. He cut Anderson into a human ball as if slicing a doll. Xiaoyang’s martial arts are truly unfathomable!”

Huang Minhua looked at Lin Xiaoyang, still hesitant. “But swords don’t have eyes. And I never intended to learn martial arts.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Minhua, if you’re willing to learn, martial arts is just like learning painting—it has methods and techniques. It’s really not hard at all.”

John Chen said, “Here’s the situation: before your wedding, Princess Maria summoned us to the Sky Castle and assigned a difficult mission. To succeed, you two must go together as a couple.”

Huang Minhua said, “But I only know painting. What help can I provide by coming along?”

Lin Xiaoyang asked, “What kind of mission did the princess assign?”

John Chen summarized the mission. Huang Minhua listened, her face gradually paling. She thought, This mission is so dangerous—does she intend for us to die?

Seeing Minhua’s concern, Xiaoyang encouraged her, “From today, let’s focus on martial arts together. I believe that with our hearts united, we can complete this mission.”

Minhua was persuaded. Gradually, her past-life memories resurfaced—she remembered being Irene, the princess’s personal maid—but she still worried that the reincarnated David would risk his life for the princess again.

In Room 504, Lin Xiaoyang showed Minhua two martial arts comics. “My inner power and sword techniques were first inspired by these two books.”

Flipping through them, Minhua asked doubtfully, “But these moves are so difficult. I have no athletic ability. How could I possibly do them?”

Xiaoyang optimistically replied, “You can do it. I’ll teach you step by step. First, learn to sit in meditation, relax your muscles, and gradually clear your mind, leaving it completely blank.”

Huang Minhua reluctantly sat cross-legged with Xiaoyang, who placed his right finger on her left wrist pulse.

“Follow me and breathe deeply, practice breathing in and out—like this,” Xiaoyang demonstrated several times, and Minhua followed.

“Close your eyes, relax your muscles from your feet to calves, thighs, and upward,” Xiaoyang instructed. “Yes, Minhua, relax your back and abdomen, breathe slowly and evenly… relax your shoulders, neck, face, scalp… very good. Next, gradually erase images and distractions from your mind, remove them one by one, until your mind is completely blank.”

Using mind-to-mind transmission, Xiaoyang guided her: “Yes, fade out David and me, then fade yourself out. Only a light mist remains in your mind. Very good, keep it up. Soon the mist will vanish, leaving total emptiness.”

After meditation, Xiaoyang helped Minhua up. Her calves were slightly sore. He poured electrolyte water to quench her thirst, had her sit, and placed his hands above her head, channeling energy gently into her body.

“How does it feel?”
“I feel a warm current flowing from the top of my head down.”
“Comfortable?”
“Yes! My body gradually feels warm and relaxed…”
“I’m using energy to accelerate your blood flow and relieve fatigue.”
“This is amazing, Xiaoyang. You really have so many talents.” Minhua closed her eyes, feeling Xiaoyang’s love.

At dinner, Margaret delivered a light meal: freshly squeezed juice, warmed milk, and slices of wholegrain toast. The couple ate sweetly when John Chen knocked and entered.

John Chen smiled. “How’s the progress?”
Xiaoyang said, “Minhua is just getting into it. She learns very quickly.”
John Chen said, “Once your hearts are synchronized, the next steps will go even smoother.”
Xiaoyang: “Give me half a month, Father.”
John Chen: “No problem. During this time, Stallone and I can practice a set of Tai Chi.”
Xiaoyang smiled: “Father, you’re an expert! Tai Chi is profound, using slow to redirect fast.”
John Chen: “Ha! You summarized the essence of Tai Chi in eight words. One day, you’ll surely be a martial arts master.”
Xiaoyang waved his hand: “I don’t want to be a master! Being a painter, photographer, or travel writer is so much freer.”
John Chen: “True. Once this mission is done, I want to return to Kunming, Yunnan, to see my family. I never imagined coming to Europe for philosophy would lead me to the priesthood.”
Xiaoyang: “I also want to take Minhua back to Taiwan to meet my parents.”
John Chen: “Minhua, Xiaoyang isn’t just your husband, he’s your martial arts teacher. You’re truly a legendary couple.”
Minhua joked: “Father, someday bring a golden eagle and teach me to ride it.”
John Chen thought a moment: “Not impossible. After the mission, I’ll consult the dragon rider to teach you to ride a dragon.”

In Room 504, under Xiaoyang’s careful guidance, Minhua’s brainwaves gradually synchronized with his. She absorbed his inner power techniques and gradually gained some of his abilities. She let go of resistance, learning to control the energy in her body.

“Minhua, channel your energy to your palm and focus on moving the pencil on the table without touching it.”
“Okay, I’ll try!” Minhua channeled her energy and extended her hands; the pencil shook slightly.
“Now imagine picking it up with your fingers,” Xiaoyang instructed. She concentrated fully, and the pencil floated a few centimeters, spinning slowly before settling. Sweat appeared on her forehead and temples.

Xiaoyang: “Rest now. This afternoon, we’ll practice in the small forest behind the square. I’ll teach you new techniques.”
Huang Minhua laughed wryly: “Teacher Xiaoyang, your pace is faster than any cram school teacher!”
Xiaoyang gently wiped her sweat: “Only because you absorb quickly, I can accelerate.”

Margaret entered with a tray carrying a milky white bottle and a goblet. “The princess sent a tonic for you two.”
Xiaoyang asked what it was; Margaret guessed it was dragon marrow liquid, a nourishing elixir. Xiaoyang decided they would drink it starting tomorrow.

At 3 PM in a mahogany forest, Xiaoyang and Minhua wore Chinese practice clothes with leg wraps, each holding wooden swords.

Xiaoyang: “Minhua, I’ll perform a Tai Chi sword form. Watch carefully.”
Minhua, holding her wooden sword, looked like a heroine from a martial arts movie.

Xiaoyang’s movements, initially appearing gentle, contained lethal power. A rotating slashing strike severed small tree trunks meters away, perfectly smooth. Minhua was amazed and slightly terrified, wondering at the source of his strength.

Next, Xiaoyang performed Tai Chi sword techniques. Leaves danced along the sword, circling him, forming a two-meter radius. Minhua began to understand the principle: blending hard and soft, yin and yang.

Xiaoyang then demonstrated the Tai Chi Eight Trigrams sword and saber array. He asked Minhua what she saw. Hesitant, she first said “a whirlpool,” then “repetition,” before laughing at his playful response. They practiced together, fully in sync.

Outside, John Chen, disguised as a fisherman, observed quietly, satisfied, and released the fish he had caught back into the lake before returning to the hotel.