Chapter 66: The Two-Year Promise

One year later, inside the Epiphany Tower at Tianwu Academy.

Two powerful auras belonging to the Sword Emperor Realm suddenly shot skyward, leaving everyone nearby in stunned silence.

Even passersby stopped in their tracks, whispering to each other as they glanced over at the scene.

“Do you think it’s Senior Brother breaking through again?” a meticulously dressed female disciple pointed at the figures ahead.

“If you ask me, it’s probably Senior Sister Gu,” a male disciple said, shaking his head.

Another male disciple nearby shook his head, unconvinced. “No way. I think it’s Senior Sister Nangong.”

“Does it even matter who it is?” A handsome young man with a fan strolled past, watching his fellow disciples argue fiercely. He smiled a little. “Instead of guessing, why not just wait until they come out? Then we’ll know for sure.”

………………

“This senior has a point.” The group, still bickering, immediately looked convinced as if enlightened. “Let’s just wait here then.”

Suddenly the closed-door training room doors flew open, golden light bursting out in all directions.

As dozens of shocked eyes watched, two figures slowly emerged from the fading light.

It was the siblings from the Gu family.

After spending an entire year in seclusion, Gu Qingyi had already reached the third level of Sword Emperor Realm, while Gu Qingxiao had broken through to the first level.

The two exchanged a look, both unable to hide the joy in their eyes, and hurried over to greet each other.

“Is Sister Nangong out of seclusion yet?” Gu Qingxiao glanced at her brother.

“Not yet, I think she’s still inside,” Gu Qingyi replied, shaking his head.

Gu Qingxiao pressed, “Brother, should we wait here for Sister Nangong?”

“Never mind, let’s not disturb her.” Gu Qingyi’s eyes looked even deeper, like they’d seen the passage of countless years. He couldn’t help but sigh at his sister’s persistence. “Let Lian’er focus on her cultivation. Qingxiao, come with me back to Sky Sword City.”

With his hands clasped behind his back, Gu Qingyi gazed into the distance, his expression serene and light. “The two-year promise has come. It’s time to fulfill it.”

“Alright, let’s go then,” Gu Qingxiao nodded. With that, the two siblings turned into a streak of light, shooting across the firmament and vanishing from sight, leaving the stunned crowd behind.

………………..

“See, I told you it was Senior Brother and Senior Sister Gu!” The moment the siblings left, the group on the ground started quarreling again.

“You don’t know anything!” one disciple shouted, pinching another’s cheek.

“Don’t talk nonsense!” the boy yelled back angrily.

“Talking to you fools just lowers my standards,” another muttered. In the next second the group descended into a brawl. The handsome young man from before could only press a hand to his forehead in exasperation and walk away.

…………………

Sky Sword City, the Li family estate.

Li Ji was playing with his children in the courtyard, accompanied by Shen Qinglian.

Ever since Gu Qingyi gave him a harsh lesson that day, the unruly, rebellious Li Ji had disappeared for good.

These days, it was as if Li Ji had been reborn—he’d become a devoted husband, caring for his wife and honoring his elders.

He ran the entire Sky Sword City with skill and discipline. The townsfolk enjoyed peaceful, happy lives every day.

He and Shen Qinglian were a loving couple. In time, they welcomed fraternal twins to the family, and the entire Li household erupted with joy when the babies arrived.

…………………….

High in the skies above Sky Sword City.

“Li Ji, are you there?” A voice thundered from above. “Gu Qingyi has come as promised. Will you face me in battle?”

And just like that, the two stood suspended in the air.

At the Life-and-Death Arena of Zhengji Sect, the stands were packed with spectators—most drawn by reputation, eager to witness who would prove the stronger after these two years.

Who would emerge victorious, and who would fall? Perhaps, the answer was already plain to see.

………….

“Wife, children, I’ll be right back,” Li Ji gazed affectionately at his kids, about to leave when he felt someone tug hard on his hand.

“Can’t you stay? I don’t want the children to grow up without a father,” Shen Qinglian blinked through tears. “Please, for our sake.”

“I’m the one who suggested the duel, so I have to go through with it,” Li Ji’s conviction faltered for a moment. His heart ached just as much, but he had to answer for past mistakes—even with tears in his eyes.

“Lian’er, if I don’t come back today…” He pulled free from her delicate grip, shut his eyes in pain, then spoke with stubborn resolve, “I’ve left you enough to live a safe and peaceful life with the children.”

“If it comes to that, and you wish to remarry, my father will understand. Just take care of yourself and the kids.” Without another glance at Shen Qinglian and his weeping children, Li Ji strode out toward the Life-and-Death Arena.

“No… Don’t go, husband, please!” Shen Qinglian watched as Li Ji’s figure vanished from sight. Wiping her tears, she scooped up her children and chased after him without hesitation.

………………..

Li Ji’s father, Li Jiantian, was already seated among the crowd with the rest of the Li family, cheering for his son.

He also wanted to witness firsthand how the once-renowned prodigy had turned out.

Gu Qingyi stood in the center of the arena, eyes closed, waiting in silence.

The crowd eyed the motionless Gu Qingyi, who showed not even a ripple of spiritual energy, whispering among themselves.

“Why hasn’t the Li family’s young master shown up? Is he scared?” a sharp-tongued woman scoffed.

“The Gu siblings look so different now. They can stand in the sky—that’s only possible for those who’ve reached the Sword Emperor Realm,” a middle-aged man pointed out, voice full of awe.

“Forget calling out the Li brat. If it were me, I wouldn’t dare go either. That’s like signing my own death warrant,” sighed an older woman.

“Yeah, I guess today’s show is off,” mumbled Old Qixi as he shook his head.

……………….

“Gu Qingyi! I’ve come to meet our promise!” As the crowd grew bored and thought to leave, a sudden voice made everyone freeze where they stood.

A solitary figure rocketed onto the arena stage.

Li Ji was a changed man—not the cocky youth of old, but bearded and weathered, his eyes filled with the weight of years.

“Please, everyone, witness this.” Gu Qingyi, at last, opened his eyes. Instantly the air turned cold around him. He swept his gaze over Li Ji, then the surrounding audience. “I, Gu Qingyi, after two years, have come back to stand on this very stage.”

“Back then, my cultivation was shattered, my engagement broken, and I was forced to make a two-year pact.” The temperature around Gu Qingyi plummeted further. “Win or lose, today will end the feud between the Gu and Li families!”

“Li Ji, I never thought you’d end up like this after a year,” Gu Qingyi said, his eyes showing little emotion as he looked at the battered man before him.

“You’re one to talk,” Li Ji managed a wry smile at Gu Qingyi’s youthful spirit and unfathomable strength. “A year later and you haven’t changed at all. Still so impressive, still impossible to gauge.”

“Meanwhile, I’m stuck in place.” Li Ji smiled faintly. “Maybe I’ll fall here today.”

“But for Lian’er, I have no regrets about what I did that day.” Li Ji’s gaze locked onto Gu Qingyi.

………………..

“So you know exactly what fate awaits you,” Gu Qingyi’s cold expression shifted ever so slightly, his lips twitching. “Why did you still come? Aren’t you afraid to die?”

Li Ji looked at him, helpless and self-mocking. “Afraid? Of course. I’m a father of two now.”

“But for the last shred of a man’s dignity, I have to see this through.” He gave a bitter smile, eyes meeting Gu Qingyi’s. “I’d rather die than have my children despised for their father’s cowardice.”

“So even knowing the outcome, I still chose to stand here.” Suddenly, Li Ji’s gaze turned fierce. “Even if I had to choose again, I’d do the same.”

“Father, hand me a sword!” Li Ji gestured toward the officiator, signaling for the duel to begin. He looked sharply up at his father, Li Jiantian, in the referee’s stand and shouted.

“Catch!” From the judge’s seat, a sword was tossed. Li Ji caught it steadily.

The two faced each other for a moment.

“Gu Qingyi of the Gu family, third level Sword Emperor Realm. Please instruct me!” Gu Qingyi’s gaze was deep as he stared at Li Ji.

“Li Ji of the Li family, ninth level Sword Sea Realm. Please guide me!” Li Ji smiled faintly back.

“Then, I declare this duel officially begun!” All eyes focused on the ref as he bellowed out the start.

“Here I come, Gu Qingyi!” Li Ji drew his sword and charged straight at his opponent.

Gu Qingyi could only shake his head at Li Ji’s determination—respecting that choice meant fighting with all his strength.

Calmly, he met Li Ji’s all-out strike, catching the heavy blow on his sword hilt. To him, it felt no heavier than swatting at cotton—he barely noticed the force behind it.

He easily blocked, sidestepped, and struck back with a sharp palm to Li Ji’s chest.

With a loud crash, Li Ji hit the ground so hard it left a crater. He felt his ribcage shatter, blood flowing uncontrollably from his mouth as he gritted his teeth and tried to get up.

He raised his sword and hobbled forward, swinging feebly at Gu Qingyi. Each blow felt like slicing through air—utterly powerless.

Gu Qingyi lifted his foot and kicked Li Ji aside. Li Jiantian nearly jumped in to help his son, but Gu Qingxiao stopped him, so he could only sit back helplessly.

That kick left Li Ji completely spent, sprawled on his back bleeding from every orifice, staring faintly at the blue sky above.

He felt consciousness fading, each breath growing heavier, his eyelids drooping.

It felt like any second he’d close his eyes for good.

“Is this death? It feels so real.” Suddenly, he thought he could see his wife and children just ahead. Was it a hallucination? Everything felt so real.

“Husband, please get up!” Shen Qinglian forced through the tightly packed crowd, clutching their infant twins, and rushed to his side.

“Don’t scare me like this, Li Ji!” Seeing him on his back, barely hanging on, she cradled their children and dashed to his side in a panic.

…………………..

“So it wasn’t a dream after all. I’m alive,” Li Ji heard his wife and children’s cries. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, the bleakness in his eyes brightening by degrees.

“I’m not finished… I can still fight.” Dragging himself across the dirt, he left twin trails of blood in his wake, using all his remaining strength to grab Gu Qingyi’s leg. A faint smile crept over his battered face. “Gu Qingyi, I’ve caught you now.”

“Let go,” Gu Qingyi didn’t even flinch, impatiently shaking his leg to send Li Ji flying again.

Half a cup of tea’s time passed with Li Ji lying motionless. Gu Qingyi thought it was over and started to leave.

“No, I’m not done yet. Lian’er and our kids are still watching—I can still fight.” Shaking all over, his bones crushed, Li Ji crawled forward, dragging himself along by his chin.

“Li Ji, just stay down.” Gu Qingyi watched him like an undying cockroach, a strange feeling welling up. “Stop struggling. If you just stay down, this will all be over.”

“Gu Qingyi, I caught you,” Li Ji used the last of his strength to crawl back to Gu Qingyi’s feet.

“Li Ji, you really are impossible to put down,” Gu Qingyi shook his head coldly, raising his sword for a finishing strike.

“So that’s what dying feels like? Maybe it’s not so bad,” Li Ji’s eyes, dim and expressionless, saw the blade coming down. He smiled in contentment, then closed his eyes, ready for whatever came next.

………………….

“No! Stop!” Shen Qinglian saw what was about to happen, quickly set her crying children down, and sprinted forward. She grabbed Gu Qingyi’s descending sword with both hands, blood gushing from her sliced palms.

“Why did you run out here?” Gu Qingyi was stunned, freezing on the spot as Shen Qinglian intercepted him.

“Brother Qingyi, it was my fault back then,” Shen Qinglian dropped to her knees, tears pouring down her face. “Please, just spare my husband’s life!”

“If you must kill someone, kill me!” Shen Qinglian squeezed her eyes shut, resigned to death.

“Young Master Gu, please spare Li Ji!” The entire crowd, moved by the scene, dropped to their knees to plead as well. “All these years, City Lord Li and his family have treated us like their own children.”

“Though Li Ji used to be arrogant, he’s never hurt us. This past year, he’s cared for us, always putting our needs first.” The crowd stared intently at Gu Qingyi. “We can’t bear to see him die here today.”

People kowtowed deeply, their pleading echoing through the arena. “Please, Young Master Gu—show mercy!”

“Alright, since everyone’s asking,” Gu Qingyi looked over the sea of kneeling townsfolk, sighing inwardly, and shook his head. “Li Ji, from now on, you and I are finished.”

“The duel ends here.” With that, Gu Qingyi took his sister Gu Qingxiao and left.

“Thank you, Young Master Gu!” the crowd expressed their gratitude as Li Ji was quickly carried off for treatment. Though he survived, his injuries would take a long time to fully heal.