Chapter 10: The Secret of the Blood Moon Curse, The Death of Shizun

Chu Tianxiong brought Lu Jin to his personal cultivation grounds: a place that was considered a forbidden zone even for the sect elders. Although Lu Jin was surprised, he understood that the strength he had displayed had finally earned him the Sect Master’s full attention.

However, the first thing Chu Tianxiong said was entirely unexpected. “Your Shizun really didn’t lie to me.”

“Sect Master, what do you mean by that?” Lu Jin asked. Three years ago, he had almost no contact with the Sect Master. Even his Shizun, Xuan Yunzi, had rarely associated with the man.

Chu Tianxiong gave a faint smile. “Lu Jin, there are things your Shizun likely never told you. Now that you have returned after three years of dormancy, you have indeed become a force to be reckoned with, just as he predicted. Therefore, I intend to tell you the truth about your Shizun.”

Lu Jin’s expression shifted. “My Shizun? He treated me like his own flesh and blood. Yet, when he needed me most, I lost my cultivation. I had to watch him pass away while I was utterly powerless…”

The memory brought a needle-like pain to his heart.

“It would have made no difference,” Chu Tianxiong said with a heavy sigh. “Even if I had personally intervened three years ago, I would have been unable to save him.”

Chu Tianxiong turned to look at Lu Jin with deep, piercing eyes. “Because your Shizun’s death was not what it seemed. There were hidden circumstances.”

Lu Jin frowned. “Please, Sect Master, speak plainly!”

“To be precise,” Chu Tianxiong began, “your Shizun died from the Blood Moon Curse.”

The Blood Moon Curse? Lu Jin’s brow furrowed; he had never heard of such a thing.

Chu Tianxiong explained slowly. “The Blood Moon Curse is an absolute, unsolvable hex cast by the Ancestor of the Blood Moon Holy Land. Once someone is cursed, they are forced to serve the Blood Moon Ancestor for eternity. Your Shizun’s sudden death was the result of him defying the Ancestor’s orders: the curse triggered a backlash and killed him.”

Lu Jin found this even harder to believe. “Sect Master, is there more to the story?”

Chu Tianxiong nodded. “It is a long story, but you are finally qualified to know. Your Shizun and I grew up together in the Xiaoyao Mountain Village. One day, the Blood Moon Ancestor appeared. He devoured living humans and slaughtered every living thing in our village until only the two of us remained. He spared us only because he saw martial talent beyond ordinary men.”

“He brought us to the Blood Moon Holy Land, planted the curse within us, and forced us to swear eternal loyalty. But after watching him devour our families alive, how could we ever be satisfied with serving him?”

“For all these years, we only survived because of that curse, waiting for a chance to seek our vengeance. However, while our cultivation grew, the Blood Moon Ancestor’s power became even more terrifying. Three years ago, your Shizun thought he saw an opening to kill him. He failed and lost his life for it.”

“I was like a brother to your Shizun. Before he died, he told me of his plans. I do not know exactly what happened to you, but since your Shizun believed you would have the power to soar to the heavens after three years, I believe my brother’s words. Now that you have your own miracles, I will not ask questions. Lu Jin, from now on, I will satisfy whatever resources you need for your cultivation.”

“Furthermore, this is something your Shizun asked me to keep for you. It might be the only clue to your true origin.”

Chu Tianxiong handed a jade pendant to Lu Jin. It was flawless white jade, warm to the touch. Lu Jin’s heart was a mess of conflicting emotions as he took it. He bowed deeply.

“Thank you for your care, Sect Master! Once I reach the Jindan or even the Purple Mansion Realm, I will find that Blood Moon Ancestor and avenge my Shizun!”

To his surprise, Chu Tianxiong shook his head with a smile. “The Purple Mansion Realm is not enough…”

Lu Jin was stunned. Chu Tianxiong raised his palm, and a cluster of spiritual light gathered there. The fluctuations coming from it far exceeded the Jindan Realm.

“Sect Master, your cultivation…”

“I stepped into the Purple Mansion Realm long ago. Yet even with this power, I cannot compete with the Blood Moon Ancestor.” He sighed, then smiled. “Lu Jin, I am not urging you to seek revenge. But I must warn you: be extremely careful of anyone bearing the Blood Moon Curse mark.”

He pulled back his sleeve, revealing a crescent-shaped brand.

“Sect Master…” Lu Jin was horrified.

“Everyone bearing this mark is a Blood Messenger under the Ancestor. These messengers are essentially puppets tasked with finding ‘blood food’ for him: people to be captured and used as fuel for his cultivation. The Blood Moon Holy Land dominates the entire Qingzhou region. Below the Blood Messengers are the Moon Messengers. On the surface, they maintain peace in Qingzhou, but in reality, they only protect the commoners so they can breed and provide a steady supply of human sacrifices.”

“I have endured for years. My first goal is to avenge Xiaoyao Village. My second is to remove this tumor from the world!” Chu Tianxiong gave a light smile. “Know these things, and keep them to yourself for now.”

“Additionally, Liu Ruyan is in league with Yang Dianfeng. Yang’s master, Elder Chi Yu, joined the Blood Messenger Alliance long ago. You must be cautious. For your duel in a month, Ji Yaoyue will do everything she can to help Liu Ruyan break through. What are your plans?”

Lu Jin thought for a moment. “I explored many dangerous lands three years ago and know of some secret cultivation grounds. I intend to go into seclusion there.”

Chu Tianxiong nodded and handed Lu Jin a spatial ring. “The small Qingzhou cannot trap you, Lu Jin. I believe in you.”

Lu Jin looked at the ring and did not refuse. He cupped his fists. “Thank you, Sect Master!”

He turned and left the mountain. Chu Tianxiong watched his departing figure. Xuan Yunzi, I hope you chose the right person…

Lu Jin walked out of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. As he left, several figures followed him from the shadows. It was Luo Jiu and several other elders.

“Peak Master Ji’s orders: we must eliminate him before the life-and-death duel!”

“Elder Luo, with our current strength, we are no longer his match. We need to find other elders to help us!”

“Heh. Rest assured. Peak Master Ji said that as soon as we find the right moment, we should send a signal. Experts will be there to assist us! Keep following him!”

When Lu Jin exited the sect gates, several cultivators in different robes flickered toward him, landing in his path.

“Who are you?” Lu Jin’s voice was indifferent.

“Brother, to be honest, we have been waiting for you for a long time!” A man in black robes, around thirty years old, bowed politely. His attitude was surprisingly humble.

“Waiting for me?” Lu Jin frowned.

The man didn’t hide his intentions. “We saw your performance earlier. It seems you aren’t having a smooth time inside the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. With your talent, why not join our Mad Blade Sect? It’s better than suffering that nonsense here!”

“Haha! My Ziyang Sect feels the same! If you are willing, I will personally recommend you for the Inner Sect. You will enjoy a massive amount of resources!”

Lu Jin finally understood. They were trying to recruit him. “Thank you for the offer, but I have important matters to attend to. I cannot accompany you.” He turned to leave.

“Brother, I am Duan Tianchou of the Mad Blade Sect. We shall meet again!”

“I am Qin Bei of the Ziyang Sect. I look forward to our next meeting!”

The two men tossed two spatial rings toward Lu Jin.

“I cannot accept rewards without merit…” Lu Jin began to decline, but the two men laughed.

“Don’t be polite, brother. It’s just a small token. One more friend is one more path. If we meet in the future, we can look out for each other, can’t we?”

“Giving charcoal in the snow is better than adding flowers to a quilt. We value your potential, nothing more. If you’re happy, we’re friends; if not, we each walk our own path!”

Seeing their straightforward nature, Lu Jin smiled faintly. “Lu Jin.” He flickered away, vanishing hundreds of feet in an instant.

“Lu Jin? That name sounds familiar.”

“It’s him! The former top disciple of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect!”

“Weren’t there rumors he’s been missing for three years? He didn’t die?”

“Not only did he not die… he has returned with a vengeance!”

NOTES

Purple Mansion Realm: The high-level cultivation realm above the Jindan Realm. 

Qingzhou: The name of the vast region/province where the story takes place. 

Charcoal in the snow vs. Flowers on a quilt : A Chinese idiom meaning it’s better to help someone in their time of need than to add to their success when they already have plenty.