Chapter 42: “Do I Resemble My Former Self?”
If he lacked the ability, it would be understandable; after all, the Unbounded Sword Sect was a significant martial sect, and the Eastern Branch alone had over a hundred disciples. How could one person contend with them? At that time, he had no martial arts skills. Unless he was willing to risk his life to lie low and wait for an opportunity to seek revenge, perhaps there was a chance. But during the first life simulation, he truly lived as a new person. Facing such helplessness, he naturally didn’t want to waste time and could only swallow his anger temporarily. He planned to seek other opportunities later, master divine skills, and then “repay” them.
The result…
He wandered and achieved nothing. Such old grievances could only be treated as if they had never happened. Otherwise, what else could he do? Rush to the Unbounded Sword Sect for revenge? Especially when the sect had already joined the Tianshan Spirit Vulture Palace… It was truly frustrating.
But now, having mastered divine skills and possessing the capability, if he didn’t “repay” them, Fang Han would feel mentally unsettled.
Cheng Lingsu noticed a hint of murderous intent on Fang Han’s face and was slightly startled. In her heart, Fang Han had always been a righteous and benevolent person, healing the world. She never expected this side of him. Her expression also turned slightly solemn as she frowned and looked at the disciples of the Unbounded Sword Sect below. She thought to herself, “Given Brother Fang’s character, for him to be like this, the grievances here must be significant.”
Cheng Lingsu was a kind and generous lady, but now she was also Fang Han’s wife. As a couple, it’s natural to share love and hate. She couldn’t help but feel resentment towards the Unbounded Sword Sect.
Plop
A slight sound was heard, very faint, but both Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu turned their heads to look at the opposite side of the wooden beam. They saw a young girl in a green dress swiftly climbing up. She had a round face, looked pure and lovely, and smiled like a flower. Her movements were quite good; climbing up the beam revealed her impressive lightness skill.
Facing Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu, the young girl was startled and exclaimed, obviously not expecting others on the beam. In her fright, she lost her footing and was about to fall backward. The beam was one or two zhang high from the ground; if she didn’t react, she would be seriously injured, or even die if her head hit the ground.
If she had some martial arts skills, she would know how to protect her neck and head. But the young girl was inexperienced and froze, unable to react. Falling backward like this, she was bound to suffer.
Swish!
Seeing the danger, Fang Han reached out and grabbed the girl’s delicate hand. Feeling its smoothness, without further thought, he gently pulled her close, a faint fragrance wafting. With a wave of his hand and arm, he placed her on the beam beside him.
The young girl was visibly shaken, staring blankly at Fang Han without speaking. Fang Han, however, had no time to pay attention to her, as her earlier exclamation had alerted the others below. Looking at the beam above, they were surprised to see a man and two women sitting there.
Taking this opportunity, Duan Yu finally escaped from Gong Guangjie, holding his cheek and stepping back a few steps. If he were smart, he would seize this chance to slip away. But he paid no attention to his situation, instead looking up with others, wanting to see the woman who had “rescued” him.
He was surprised to see several people sitting on the high wooden beam. Looking closely, the man was handsome, with a scholarly air, a calm demeanor, and a composed aura. Beside him sat two young women; one had a pure and lovely side profile, wearing a green dress, staring blankly at the man beside her. The other was elegant, with bright eyes like stars, dressed in a dark blue dress, her hair pinned up, exuding a simple yet graceful demeanor.
Duan Yu was taken aback, noticing that the elegant girl’s hairstyle suggested she was married. He thought: “Such an extraordinary girl, married at a young age? Her husband must be the man beside her.” Looking at the girl in green, he felt more complicated: “This girl is also wonderful, but she keeps looking at that man. Could she also have feelings for him?” “That man is truly fortunate; his appearance and demeanor are extraordinary…”
While Duan Yu was lost in thought, Zuo Zimu’s face grew increasingly unpleasant. He stood up and asked: “May I ask who you are? What brings you to our Sword Lake Palace? Why not join the audience but instead act like a ‘gentleman on the beam’?” His words were sarcastic, clearly annoyed.
Initially, a fool causing trouble was tolerable, but now three unknown individuals appeared on his beam, watching the spectacle. If not for their unnoticed arrival, showcasing exceptional lightness skills, he would have drawn his sword by now.
Fang Han turned to Cheng Lingsu and whispered, then leaped into the arena. Everyone watched in surprise. Fang Han’s movement was light and effortless, landing softly. This display of lightness skill was extraordinary.
Everyone present, except Duan Yu, was a martial artist. Comparing themselves, none could match this man’s skill. Zuo Zimu’s eye twitched, feeling increasingly wary. He said, “Your lightness skill is impressive! May I ask who you are and why you’ve come to our Unbounded Sword Sect?” His tone unconsciously became more respectful.
Seeing Zuo Zimu’s cautious expression, Fang Han sighed. This was the change brought by strength. During the first life simulation, this man had casually said, “Since he’s a Shennong Gang spy, kill him.” It had terrified Fang Han, putting him in grave danger. If not for his quick wit and persuasive words, he would have been killed on the spot. Because of this man, he was imprisoned in the Unbounded Sword Sect for over a year before escaping. Such is the helplessness of lacking strength.
Now, facing the Eastern Branch leader of the Unbounded Sword Sect again, it’s no longer the same…
Fang Han suddenly thought of a phrase:
“I stand before you; do I resemble my former self?”
Though not entirely appropriate, it reflected Fang Han’s current state of mind.
Footnotes:
- Unbounded Sword Sect (Wúliàng Jiàn Pài): A fictional martial arts sect in Jin Yong’s novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, located in Dali’s Mount Wuliang. It is divided into Eastern and Western branches, led by Zuo Zimu and Xin Shuangqing, respectively.
- Sword Lake Palace (Jiàn Hú Gōng): The residence of the Unbounded Sword Sect’s leader, situated by a lake on Mount Wuliang. It serves as the sect’s central location and symbolizes authority.
- Tianshan Spirit Vulture Palace (Tiānshān Língjiù Gōng): A powerful sect in the novel, located on Tianshan Mountain. It later absorbs the Unbounded Sword Sect, renaming it to Wuliang Cave, with Xin Shuangqing as the cave master and Zuo Zimu as the deputy.
- “Gentleman on the beam” (Liángshàng Jūnzǐ): An idiom referring to a thief or someone sneaking around. Here, it’s used sarcastically to describe Fang Han and his companions sitting on the beam, implying they are acting suspiciously.
- “I stand before you; do I resemble my former self?”A poetic expression indicating a significant transformation, suggesting that the speaker has changed so much that they are unrecognizable from their past self.