Chapter 43: Illusory Dreams, Purple Hair in the Wind

If a person cannot be with those they truly love, even if all the glory and wealth in the world are given to them, they will still shed tears when sleep eludes them in the dead of night. (Gu Long)
……
After a dusty journey, Liu Yi and his two companions slowed down. This allowed them to rest as well as their horses; otherwise, the horses would surely tire themselves to death.
Sitting on his horse, Liu Yi asked, “Shui Er, do you think there are truly eminent monks in the Buddhist realm who can rescue these souls?”
Shui Er nodded. “I suppose so. It’s just unknown whether anyone has reached such a level.”
Liu Yi nodded and then smiled. “I feel guilty for making Miss Shui Er travel such a long distance with me.”
Shui Er replied with a smile, “There’s no need to feel guilty. I was tired of staying in the Divine Gate anyway. It’s good to get out and explore.”
The Great Sword King interjected, “I heard that Buddhists rarely interact with the outside world. I wonder if we’ll be turned away when we arrive.”
Liu Yi shook his head. “We’re doing this for all people in the world. Buddhists are compassionate; I believe they won’t refuse our request.”
Shui Er looked at Liu Yi and said, “It seems Lord Liu knows quite a lot about Buddhism…”
Liu Yi smiled. “I only read some Buddhist scriptures when I was young. It can’t be called in-depth study, haha. Let’s hurry up. It’s been three days already. I think we’re nearing the Buddhist realm.”
Shui Er nodded. “Yes.”
“Go!” The three sped ahead, continuing toward the Buddhist realm.
Meanwhile, three figures emerged from the bushes nearby—clad in red, masked, and wielding long swords. One of them said to the two behind him, “That scholar is Liu Yi. Our task is to take his head.”
The two dressed similarly nodded. “Understood.”
The three moved—their long swords floating in the air. With a light leap, the masked men rode their swords into the air and chased after Liu Yi.
Meanwhile, Liu Yi, Shui Er, and the Great Sword King spurred their horses faster and soon arrived at a waterfall at the foot of a mountain. Looking at the waterfall, Liu Yi said, “According to the map, after crossing this waterfall and climbing that small hill, we’ll reach the Buddhist realm.”
The Great Sword King sighed. “Finally, we can send these souls away. But thinking of entrusting them to Shui Er, my heart keeps pounding.”
Just as Shui Er was about to speak, three red lights flashed through the air, circling toward them…
The Great Sword King pointed and exclaimed, “Look! Look! Flying men in the sky! We’ve met immortals even before reaching the Buddhist realm. Look!”
Shui Er observed the speed and figures of the three approaching figures. “They’re neither immortals nor Buddhists. They carry a murderous intent—clearly here to kill us.”
The Great Sword King exclaimed, “What? We have no grudges against them. Why would they want to kill us?”
Shui Er shook her head. “I didn’t expect you to be so naive. In this world, what reason do they need to kill you?” With that, she tightened the reins and dismounted.
Liu Yi and the Great Sword King also dismounted. Shui Er continued, “Our speed isn’t fast enough to outpace their swordriding. Do you have any idea?”

Liu Yi shook his head and said, “We can’t run? There’s another way… which is to fight.” Just as the three of them dismounted, three red figures appeared about twenty feet away across from them, their icy gazes fixed on Shui Er, Liu Yi, and the Great Sword King. Liu Yi clasped his fists and said, “Sir knights, why are you blocking our path?” The leader of the red-clothed men replied coldly, “Just for your head.” Liu Yi was shocked and asked, “Do I have any grudges against you three?” The red-clothed man said, “No grudges.” Liu Yi asked again, “Is there any resentment between us?” The man still replied coldly, “No resentment.” Liu Yi snapped his folding fan and said, “Since there’s no grudge or resentment, then what reason do you three have to take Liu Yi’s head?” While Liu Yi was talking to the red-clothed men, Shui Er noticed that each of the three had a gray mark on their left chest, with something resembling a gecko carved on it, though not exactly. Shui Er had heard from her master that this was the symbol of the Secret Sect. Shui Er said, “Young Master Liu, there’s no need to ask them anymore. They’re from the Demon Sect’s Secret Sect, a killing organization. As long as they get paid, they won’t ask for reasons.” The leader of the red-clothed men glanced at Shui Er and said coldly, “Girl, sharp eyes. Our mission this time is to take Liu Yi’s head. As for you two, if you leave now, I don’t think we’ll do anything unprofitable, because no one wants your lives.” The Great Sword King held up his great sword and said, “Are you fucking kidding? Do you think I’m that kind of person?” The red-clothed assassin glanced at the Great Sword King and suddenly realized that the man’s hair was standing on end. He couldn’t recall where he had seen such a person before. The assassin spun his long sword in his palm before suddenly stopping it and saying, “Since the two of you refuse to leave, I guess there’s no need to continue talking. We might as well take care of you two as well.” The three of them quickly drew their long swords, one each, and charged at Liu Yi and the others. The speed of the three assassins was extremely fast, far exceeding that of ordinary experts, even surpassing the two fat guardians of the Wind-Bearing Cave. Three different sword patterns were formed as their swords moved, surrounding the three of them. In panic, Liu Yi used the “Hidden Spin Nine Shadows” technique to barely dodge the attacks of the red-clothed assassins. But their speed was too fast; he had no chance to counterattack. Every dodge was extremely perilous, and the assassins’ swords seemed to be only slightly slower than his movements. After a few moves, Liu Yi was drenched in cold sweat, thinking, “If only Shi Yi were here.” Looking at Shui Er, she used two long silk strips from her sleeves as weapons. However, under the rapid attacks of the red-clothed assassins, she seemed to have lost the upper hand as well. Now, she was completely at a disadvantage and gradually unable to cope…

Looking at the Great Sword King, he seemed to be in better condition. Since obtaining the “Heavenly Sickness Heart Method” and the “Flame Sword Technique” last time in Wind-Borne Cave, he had practiced hard whenever he had time. To his surprise, these two techniques were truly powerful. The “Heavenly Sickness Heart Method” enabled the Great Sword King to make rapid progress in just one month, reaching a new level. Combined with the precious sword in his hand, the “Flame Sword Technique” was brought to its extreme—red flames emanated from the blade as he fought evenly against the red-clothed assassin.

At that moment, Shui Er let out a cry of “Ah…”. The two of them quickly turned to look and saw Shui Er being sent flying ten zhang away by a palm strike from the red-clothed assassin, continuously spitting out blood from internal injuries.

While the Great Sword King was distracted, he suddenly felt a severe pain in his right shoulder. Along with the pain came a strong kick to his waist, sending him flying next to Shui Er.

Although Liu Yi was using “Hidden Spin Nine Shadows” to evade attacks, their distraction also caused him to slow down unintentionally. He felt a tremendous force hit his abdomen, followed by pain. His body flew out like a kite with its string cut, landing next to Shui Er and the Great Sword King.

The three assassins drew their swords, and the leader said, “Don’t blame us. Blame those you offended.” Then they prepared to attack.

As the assassins’ swords drew closer inch by inch, the three finally felt the terror of death…

“All conditioned things are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows. Like dew and lightning, they should be viewed in this way.”

The group suddenly looked in the direction from which the voice came. The voice seemed so close, yet none of them had noticed it, indicating that the person’s martial skills were not strong.

The Great Sword King covered his wound, endured the pain, and shouted loudly, “It’s a deity! It’s really a deity! A deity has come to save us!”

Sixty zhang away, atop the pool formed by the waterfall, stood a young man in gray clothes. Within two feet around him, a solid white light kept the waterfall’s water from reaching him. Beside the gray-clad man floated an orange-yellow long sword…

Looking closely at the young man in gray, he wore a long robe with a black sash neatly tied around his waist. His long black hair was tied back, with a strand of purple hair fluttering in the wind. He had sharp eyebrows and fierce eyes, a high nose bridge, and a handsome face, exuding an otherworldly aura that gave him the appearance of a celestial being…