【Xie Liang】

I am sick.

An incurable, severe illness.

It’s not just that medicine doesn’t work; I don’t even dare to invite a doctor. Because even if Hua Tuo himself came to diagnose me, he’d probably think I was talking nonsense.

This illness strikes in the most bizarre ways, making my life a living hell.

Upon waking up, I gritted my teeth and rolled out of bed. The simple wooden bed in the small inn left my back aching.

I couldn’t delay. I hurriedly washed up using the copper basin by the bed, dressed, and belted on my sword. I opened my travel bag and pulled out various tools, shaved the stubble that had grown overnight, and carefully applied the secret family heirloom disguise.

While I was still conscious and could control my limbs, I had to move quickly.

Because I am sick. A strange illness.

This body isn’t always under my control. When the illness strikes, I’m powerless, unable to utter a complete sentence before I become someone else entirely.

【Fan Aiguo】

I awoke.

Just as Xie Liang couldn’t control when he fell asleep, I couldn’t control when I surfaced.

It’s all random, a mystery, a matter of fate.

I looked down at the clothes Xie Liang had just put on and checked the disguise in the mirror, finishing the final touches.

The mirror reflected a weathered middle-aged face, completely hiding the famous face underneath.

After ensuring everything was flawless, I picked up my bag and left the room, heading to the common area, saying, “Waiter, four meat buns.”

Meat buns are my favorite. They’re filling and give me the energy to fight all day.

If Xie Liang wakes up and sees this, he’ll probably be furious. He’s the type who’d need to add flower petals to a bowl of plain porridge.

But it’s my shift now, and he can’t do anything about it.

We share the same body, taking turns in control. He calls it an illness, but I think it’s more complicated.

The difference between us is that when Xie Liang is asleep, he’s completely unaware of my actions, whereas even when I’m not in control, I can perceive his every move.

So I always know what’s going on, while he often wakes up panicking, not knowing where he is.

It’s unfair to me because he’s quite picky. Sometimes I wish I could shut off my senses, so I wouldn’t have to listen to his incessant thoughts.

But I can’t control that.

All I can do is try to minimize his grievances.

Leaving the inn, I scanned the surroundings with utmost caution. Seeing no suspicious figures, I headed to the stables, fetched my horse, mounted, and rode towards the city gates.

Seeing the gates in sight, I estimated the time was right and took out a small wooden block I always carried.

The block was covered in crooked carvings of words and symbols. Finding a blank spot, I drew my sword and crudely carved a twisted character.

【Xie Liang】

I found myself on horseback, holding a sword in one hand and a wooden block in the other. The block now had the character “Zhao” on it.

Oh, next stop is Zhao County.

The most remote, poorest, and best place for hiding in this area.

I had been on the run for months. To cut a long story short, I got myself into trouble that I shouldn’t have, and now every righteous faction in the martial world was hunting me down with wanted posters.

It was during this escape that I fell ill.

At first, I thought I was just fainting occasionally. Sometimes I’d be eating in an inn, chopsticks halfway to my mouth, and then black out, waking up hours later in bed.

With enemies on all sides, fainting was extremely dangerous. I thought the innkeeper must have carried me back to my room and thanked him the next day, but he insisted I had walked back on my own.

That’s when I started to panic.

Unable to find a proper doctor on the road, I saw several wandering healers, but they all said my pulse was normal. The more scared I got, the more frequently I fainted. My life turned into a tangled mess, a blur between dream and reality, as I aimlessly fled.

Until one day, I woke up with a letter in my hand that read: “Hello, friend. Nice to meet you. My name is Fan Aiguo ^_^”

Next to it was a strange symbol that I couldn’t find any explanation for, despite scouring ancient texts.

【Fan Aiguo】

…

【Xie Liang】

Next to the city gates was a market. The town was small, and there were only a few dozen stalls crowded together. Several women with rural accents were haggling.

…This wasn’t my fault.

I just dismounted to buy some provisions, still wearing my mask and behaving discreetly.

As I handed a coin to the bun vendor, I saw out of the corner of my eye that a stack of cabbages on a nearby stall had been knocked over, several rolling down.

This wasn’t my fault.

But my family, the Xie clan, ran the renowned Xiaoxiang Manor, with deep roots in both literature and martial arts.

I trained diligently from a young age, making my sword an extension of my body.

My sword was too fast. Before I even finished the thought, it had already left its sheath.

My sword techniques were too beautiful. Once drawn, it spun and twirled, catching the falling cabbages and returning them to their place in a flash of light.

Then I realized something was wrong.

The women haggling suddenly showed murderous intent, drawing their weapons and charging at me.

The leader shouted, “That’s Xie Liang! He’s the one who killed Leader Ye of the Sword Listening Sect! Capture him, there’s a reward from the Martial Alliance—”

I turned and ran for my horse, but arrows and darts came flying from all directions.

In my panic, I just…

【Fan Aiguo】

…

“Xie Liang!!” I roared.

I wanted to grab and beat this little brat, but I couldn’t do that.

The enemies didn’t expect me to shout my own name to the sky, so they froze for a second.

I deflected a few arrows with my sword and started running.

Two sects had nearly all their members here, hunting me down. Although they weren’t major sects, they had the numbers and were willing to use underhanded methods. The first thing they did was shoot my horse.

I had a bad feeling about this.

This body still held Xie Liang’s martial arts. I desperately used my lightness skill, running towards the forest.

Horseshoes thundered behind me, arrows whistled like locusts, and concealed weapons flew at me like they were free. Xie Liang’s lightness skill was famous in the martial world, said to be as elegant as a crane spreading its wings. But now, I was running like a dog.

My back hurt terribly, followed by my thigh.

I couldn’t check the wounds and kept running into the forest, choosing the densest areas.

【Xie Liang】

It hurts!

The pain made me lose focus, but I quickly gathered my inner strength and kept running in Fan Aiguo’s original direction until I understood the situation.

The enemies’ horses were blocked by the forest, and most of the arrows and darts were stopped. I still didn’t dare slow down, stumbling forward while pulling out the throwing knives stuck in my back and thigh.

Blood gushed out. I tore strips from my clothes and wrapped them around the wounds to prevent blood from leaving a trail.

The dense foliage blocked out the sky, with only a few eerie owl hoots breaking the silence.

The knives were poisoned. The wounds were already numb. The faster I ran, the quicker the poison spread.

I was silently cursing. There were no villages or towns nearby, only countless enemies pursuing me. I needed a miracle to survive.

But I knew that wouldn’t happen. Even my parents didn’t know where I was. No one in the world would help me.

【Fan Aiguo】

I’ve been wondering why Xie Liang, despite being in such a dire situation, hasn’t died yet.

I began to suspect he was the protagonist of this story.

Because right at this moment, someone descended from the sky.

“Descended” might sound mystical, but the way he landed lightly showed his lightness skill could outmatch Xie Liang’s by thirty leagues.

I had never known there was such a formidable existence in the martial world. But someone like this was unlikely to be a savior.

He adjusted his clothes slowly, turned around, and glanced at me. He was tall, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, a face full of concern for the country, and an aura of heroic spirit that seemed ready to overflow. Even the way he walked seemed to declare, “I am the only male protagonist in the world.”

He looked at me and slightly frowned, his gaze moving from the mask to the sword in my hand: “Young Master Xie of Xiaoxiang Manor.”

He knew Xie Liang.

But I didn’t know him.

I could only smile lightly and clasp my hands in a polite gesture, maintaining my stance until…

【Xie Liang】

“Master Long!” I exclaimed as soon as I woke up, trembling with a mix of emotions—first joy, then fear.

The joy was because this master was a legendary hero with unmatched martial skills and a reputation for righteousness. The feats he had achieved in upholding justice could circle the Central Plains three times over.

The fear was because I had the misfortune of offending him.

Six months ago, Master Long had been invited by the Martial Alliance Leader to serve as a judge for the 77th Martial Arts Tournament. For some reason, he disguised himself as an unknown participant and attended the tournament. Unfortunately, a few clueless fellows mocked him, saying, “You look so pathetic, you’re not even fit to carry Young Master Xie Liang’s sword.”

I pretended not to know about this.

But actually, I knew.

In the past, friends in the martial world gave the Xie family face and took care of me because of my youth. They flattered me into a bit of false fame, thinking I had become arrogant and lost track of my own abilities. But I knew.

Not only could I not defeat Master Long, but I also couldn’t even win the tournament. I vividly remember losing to a monk, and Master Long in the judge’s seat smiling kindly.

Now, faced with him, I awkwardly lowered my clasped hands: “I never expected to meet Master Long here. What a coincidence, hehe.”

What a joke.

The warrant for my arrest was issued by the Martial Alliance, and with a high bounty, even Master Long couldn’t resist the temptation—or perhaps he was here to settle the grudge over the sword-carrying comment?

I discreetly tightened my grip on my sword hilt, trying to muster my inner energy, but the poison had spread, causing my blood to surge and my vision to blur. The poison was so potent it had already reached my organs.

Master Long, with his keen eyesight, noticed my faltering stance and swiftly approached me like a ghost. I tried to defend myself, but before I could even raise my hand, his fingers struck several acupoints, leaving me immobilized.

Heaven help me.

He then stepped back, gazing at me for a long while with an unreadable expression, and slowly said, “I am merely passing by on a stroll.”

【Fan Aiguo】

“…”

I felt I had to say something. After some thought, I asked, “Are you enjoying your stroll?”

“…”

Master Long’s expression turned peculiar. He said:

【Xie Liang】

“Not bad.”

“…” I couldn’t figure out the context and cautiously asked, “What do you mean, ‘not bad’?”

Master Long’s expression grew even more peculiar. He said, “Nothing.”

“Oh.”

I quickly analyzed the situation. Master Long had traveled all the way to this desolate place, intercepted me, but hadn’t made a move to kill me. He had even stopped the poison from spreading when he struck my acupoints.

This seemed to mean, “I’m not with them, but I’m not siding with you either.”

But he was a friend of the Martial Alliance Leader. If he wasn’t here to catch me, what was his purpose?

As long as he didn’t want to kill me, there was hope. I made a quick decision, “Master Long, I am being framed by a grand conspiracy.”

“What conspiracy?” he asked, scrutinizing me.

“I have been falsely accused. There is a traitor within the Martial Alliance.”

“Who?”

“Xu Juan.”

“Xu Juan?” He laughed, “Elder Xu is a man of high moral standing and righteousness. How can you accuse him without evidence?”

“Precisely because I have no evidence, I’ve been framed! I can explain everything in detail. But this poison in my body, if it stays any longer, I’ll either die or be crippled, not to mention those still pursuing me… Save me completely, please…” A man can bow and scrape when needed. I pleaded softly.

Master Long frowned in thought, then finally grabbed me, soaring through the air, lightly touching branches as he traversed the forest, landing us in a more secluded valley.

Seeing that I posed no threat, he released my acupoints once we landed, placed a palm on my back, and sent a surge of pure, overwhelming internal energy into me, forcing the poison out of my wounds.

I was about to gratefully thank him when he cut straight to the point, “Speak.”

【Fan Aiguo】

I understood. Showing weakness to this guy worked.

I dropped to my knees, clutching his leg, “Master, I am innocent!”

Master Long probably never expected Xie Liang to behave like this, and said in shock, “You don’t need to do this. Just tell the truth. I never kill the innocent.”

I said sorrowfully, “Six months ago, after the Martial Arts Tournament ended, I was with the Xie family heading down the mountain, preparing to return to Xiaoxiang Manor. Halfway down, I suddenly had to relieve myself and went alone into the woods. It was so crowded that day, with people everywhere, I couldn’t afford to ruin my graceful image, so I walked further away.”

“…”

Master Long seemed to be struggling to adapt to my new persona.

I continued, “As I finally found a secluded spot to relieve myself, I heard arguing ahead. Holding my breath, I approached and saw the Leader of the Sword Listening Sect, Leader Ye, arguing with his two deputies.”

I hadn’t witnessed the event myself, but Xie Liang had recounted it in my mind a hundred times.

“Leader Ye was furious, ‘How dare you covet our sect’s treasure!’ One deputy smiled, ‘Brother, that cursed sword is a bad omen. No one in the sect can wield it, and it has brought many disasters. Why not sell it off early?’ Leader Ye retorted, ‘Nonsense! The Xuanli Sword passed down from our ancestors is not for outsiders!’ The deputy became vicious, ‘Brother, calm down,’ before attacking. The other deputy joined in, and within three moves, they had stabbed Leader Ye!”

Despite his high skills, Leader Ye was old and couldn’t fend them off. In my hot-headedness, I—

【Xie Liang】

…

I’m kneeling on the ground?

And clutching Master Long’s leg?!

A man’s knees are worth their weight in gold, this is outrageous. I gritted my teeth, pushed his leg away, and slowly stood up, enduring the pain in my wounds.

Master Long watched my actions with a bemused expression.

I gathered myself and said, “Where was I?”

“…”

Master Long quietly said, “You saw Leader Ye being overpowered, and in a moment of hot-headedness…”

I quickly added, “Yes, I thought my sword skills might be enough to buy some time. If my family noticed my long absence, they would come looking—”

Master Long said, “Weren’t you relieving yourself?”

I wanted to kill Fan Aiguo.

【Fan Aiguo】

The feeling is mutual.

I calmly said, “I told them I was going sightseeing first. You understand.”

“…”

I continued, “I drew my sword and engaged the two deputies. But things didn’t go as planned. After about twenty moves, a knife suddenly flew out of the woods, imbued with immense internal energy, and struck me in the chest. I blacked out instantly.

“Without my help, Leader Ye was quickly overwhelmed and fell to their swords. At that moment, Xu Juan, an elder from the Martial Alliance, emerged from the woods, pulling the knife from my chest. I saw everything clearly. He said, ‘I’ve helped you achieve your goal. Don’t forget your promise.’ One deputy replied, ‘Of course not. Once I become the sect leader, the Xuanli Sword will be yours.’

“Who would have thought, the righteous Elder Xu would make such a dirty deal!”

I slapped my thigh in righteous indignation.

“…”

Master Long looked skeptical.

He said, “If you were unconscious, how did you see all this?”

I anticipated this question and replied confidently, “I woke up soon after and lay there with my eyes open, pretending to be dead.”

Master Long’s expression was indescribable.

【Xie Liang】

Master Long said, “How could you pretend to be dead and escape Xu Juan’s eyes?”

I said, “I held my breath and lay still. Xu Juan was busy dealing with the two deputies and didn’t notice me. I heard him say, ‘I’ve helped you achieve your goal…'”

“That part has been covered.”

…

“Oh.”

…

I continued, “They recognized my ‘corpse’ after the deal, and fearing revenge from Xiaoxiang Manor, they wanted to bury me. Xu Juan stopped them, saying, ‘If you bury him, won’t they just dig him up?’

“They asked in panic, ‘What should we do then?’

“Xu Juan said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ll return to the Martial Alliance to avoid suspicion. You two wait a while, then go see Leader Lin. Tell him Xiaoxiang Manor coveted the Xuanli Sword and sent Xie Liang to steal the treasure key from Leader Ye. During the fight, Leader Ye was unfortunately killed, and you avenged him by killing Xie Liang. Later, when the Xuanli Sword goes missing, blame it on Xiaoxiang Manor.’

“I was furious, but couldn’t make a sound. Once he left, the two deputies tried to stab me again to cover up the fatal wound from the knife. In that desperate moment, I sprang up and killed them both…

“I rushed to the Martial Alliance to reveal the truth, but Xu Juan was cunning. He

 left his henchmen to guard the way. They chased me down the mountain, and I barely escaped.

“Exhausted, I found a hiding spot and passed out again. When I woke up, the world had turned upside down.

“The Xuanli Sword was stolen, the Sword Listening Sect was in chaos, and Xu Juan blamed everything on me. Fearing I’d expose his crimes, he sent assassins after me and issued a wanted order in the martial world, leaving me with nowhere to turn. Unable to contact Leader Lin, I wandered alone, hiding until today…”

【Fan Aiguo】

“Until today, when I met Master Long.”

A man can bend and stretch, and since these weren’t my knees, I knelt again, clutching his leg, “Master, you must help me get justice!”

Master Long looked down at me, cold and silent.

【Xie Liang】

I laughed a little.

…I was kneeling on the ground again. Could I still explain it as weak legs?

Master Long turned away, “What you say has some credibility. Come, I’ll take you back to the Martial Alliance, and you can explain to Leader Lin in person. With me escorting you, no one will dare harm you.”

I got up doubtfully and followed him, wary, “You don’t completely believe me?”

Master Long sneered.

“Three experts, at arm’s length, couldn’t notice you playing dead? Playing dead while keeping your eyes open to observe every detail around you? Receiving a fatal wound, then suddenly springing up to kill and escape? Do you take me for a fool?”

“…Fan Aiguo is terrible at storytelling.”

“And now you seem mentally unstable, speaking incoherently and acting contradictorily. How can anyone believe you?”

“…”

I must persuade Master Long. If he didn’t believe me, there would be no one to speak for me in front of Leader Lin.

I steeled myself and said, “Actually, I saw those details from above.”

“…”

Master Long stopped abruptly and turned around.

【Fan Aiguo】

Master Long asked, “Are you insane?”

I replied solemnly, “Exactly.”

【Xie Liang】

In fact, Xu Juan’s flying dagger did kill me on the spot.

My soul left my body, slowly ascending to heaven, but then I remembered my injustice and couldn’t rise any higher.

Floating in the air, I looked down and saw the three villains talking around my body. Knowing I couldn’t change anything, I just wanted to remember my enemies’ faces before crossing the Bridge of Helplessness. But as I watched, I noticed a faint, pale soul slowly manifest beside my body, trying to re-enter it.

I was very angry.

The rightful owner hadn’t even left, and someone was already trying to take over. It was outrageous.

My anger pulled my soul back to earth, and suddenly, I felt excruciating pain as if being forged in the fires of hell. Somehow, I squeezed back into my body.

Still dazed, I saw the two deputies approaching with their swords, intending to make more holes in me. Acting purely on instinct, I sprang up and killed them both.

Everything felt like a dream. I thought I had miraculously survived. It wasn’t until later, when I discovered this strange illness, that I remembered the ghost who had failed to take over my body.

When I’m conscious, I can’t sense the other presence. I only learned about him from the notes he left behind.

His name is Fan Aiguo, not a wandering ghost, but a wrongly killed scholar from some faraway, impoverished place.

【Fan Aiguo】

“…From some remote, impoverished place far away,” I hastily revised.

Master Long squinted.

“So, he’s still a wandering ghost?”

I said, “Don’t say that. It hurts his feelings.”

“…”

Master Long exchanged glances with the beautiful woman beside him. She had elegant eyebrows and a gentle demeanor, not like someone from the martial world.

Earlier, Master Long had secretly escorted us back to the Martial Alliance but didn’t take us to see Leader Lin to state our case. Instead, he placed us in a hidden guest room and invited this beautiful woman over.

Master Long introduced her briefly, “This is Doctor Tao.”

I clasped my hands, “I’ve long heard of your medical prowess.” She must be a miracle doctor to be so prominent.

Doctor Tao responded gently.

Master Long said, “This is a significant matter. Please examine him…both of them.”

I asked, “Are you waiting for the doctor to prove that Xie Liang is indeed ill before you believe our testimony?”

Master Long simply said, “Don’t worry about that. If you’re sick, we’ll treat you. It’s my duty not to mistreat suspects.”

I asked warily, “How will you treat me?”

Doctor Tao said, “This case is indeed rare. I haven’t found any records in my medical texts. However, I’ve heard that Miaojiang witch doctors have a method of using insect baths to expel evil spirits. It might be worth a try.”

【Xie Liang】

Master Long said, “Try it.”

…Try what?

The beautiful woman beside me smiled, “But first, let me ask, who is the evil spirit, Xie Gongzi or Fan Gongzi?”

“What evil spirit?” I had a bad feeling about this.

She said, “Two people sharing one body. We must expel one to restore the other to normal.”

Master Long said, “In simple terms, which one of you stays and which one leaves?”

…

I said, “Of course I stay.”

Master Long squinted, “Who are you?”

【Fan Aiguo】

I said, “I am Fan Aiguo.”

Doctor Tao asked, “Does Xie Liang agree?”

I said, “Yes.”

Master Long said, “Have him come out and prove it.”

I said, “Alright, just wait a moment.” I changed my expression, “What did Fan Aiguo say earlier?”

“…”

Master Long said, “You’re terrible at acting.”

“…Oh.”

Master Long pondered, “Regardless, the original owner of this body is Xie Liang.”

I said, “Xie Liang’s time has come. He should have reincarnated by now.”

Doctor Tao said, “That does make some sense.”

【Xie Liang】

I said, “No matter what Fan Aiguo said, I don’t agree.”

Master Long said, “…He said your time is up.”

I was furious, “He died first!”

Master Long said, “That does make some sense.”

【Fan Aiguo】

I said, “It makes no sense. I took over Xie Liang’s body by fate. Forcing his way back is against the natural order.”

Doctor Tao said, “Wait, I’m getting dizzy…Who are you now?”

【Xie Liang】

I said, “I am Xie Liang!”

【Fan Aiguo】

I said, “Sorry, Xie Liang gets more easily agitated under stress…”

【Xie Liang】

Things were not looking good for me. Master Long had disliked me from the start. Fan Aiguo could monitor my every move using my senses, whereas I was in the open and he was in the dark.

I thought, no matter what, I have to find a way to kill him first…

【Fan Aiguo】

Dream on!

【Xie Liang】

Master Long rubbed his temples, “This is indeed hard to resolve. Can’t we save one while letting the other survive too?”

The beautiful woman said, “Once the soul leaves the body, it should ascend. Unless it finds another body to inhabit.”

Master Long said, “That’s impossible. The dead are already buried.”

She continued, “Even if there are bodies exposed in the streets, as a doctor, I cannot commit such a disrespectful act.”

I quickly said, “Doctor, you have a kind heart. Can you bear to see my body taken over?”

【Fan Aiguo】

I knelt again, “Master Long, Xie Liang brought this on himself. But I have no enmity with you. Please uphold justice—”

“Enough!” Master Long frowned and snapped, “You two settle this yourselves. My good intentions are wasted.”

I tried to argue, “Master, I am innocent…”

Master Long sneered, “Innocent? Do you really take me for a fool? You’re not from some remote village; you’re from a thousand years in the future, aren’t you?”

“…”

Master Long said, “Our laws clearly state that those who time travel must be sent to a special court and then the palace for examination. If not chosen for service by the emperor, they’ll be imprisoned for life. Even if the Martial Alliance lets you go, you’ll be sent to the capital.”

…

A chill ran through me, making my whole body weak.

I refused to accept this.

【Xie Liang】

“I refuse,” Fan Aiguo wrote on the paper.

That night, the guest room door was tightly locked. Insects danced around the candlelight as I sat at the table, arguing with him.

Fan Aiguo wrote, “Given how we switch every few sentences, there’s no way the emperor will employ us. We’ll just rot in prison until we die.”

After reading it, I quickly wrote back, “If you occupy this body, then imprisonment is better than early ascension to gain some virtue.”

As soon as I finished, I blacked out. When I opened my eyes again, my neat handwriting was smeared with ink, and he had written messily beside it, “You think everything will be fine if I leave? Dream on! Master Long is keeping us from seeing the leader and is deliberately trying to sow discord. He doesn’t believe us and is waiting for us to self-destruct!!”

He even tried to intimidate me with his usual mystical symbols.

【Fan Aiguo】

Those are exclamation marks.

【Xie Liang】

I could barely contain my burning rage, and my writing turned into wild scrawls: “Master Long doesn’t believe us because you always spout nonsense, making it impossible for me to gain trust.”

Fan Aiguo fought back: “You can’t even lie properly and blame me for not covering for you? Who has saved you from death every time you faint at the sight of danger?”

My writing grew larger and more furious: “If it weren’t for you, I’d have escaped to the ends of the earth by now without all this trouble.”

“Brother, have you forgotten something? Without me, you’d be dead and flying in the heavens!!”

I was fed up with his symbols: “Should I thank you for making me so angry that I returned to life!!”

“Exactly!!!”

…

I was at a loss for words.

【Fan Aiguo】

I vented my accumulated grievances in one burst: “Listen, Xie Liang, in my past life, I accepted my early death as fate. But being given another chance to live, I wanted to achieve something great or at least enjoy life—what happened? Tell me, what happened? I’m stuck in this body, constantly anxious, eating and sleeping in the wild, rolling in the mud. When I wake up, it’s either arrows or darts flying at me. What did I do to deserve this?”

“…”

Xie Liang didn’t write a word this time, probably knowing he was in the wrong.

I couldn’t stop: “Forget about living like a normal person, I can’t even see my own face in the mirror. Do you know what it’s like not to have your own face? I was way more handsome than you.”

“…”

“You think I want this body? It’s all skin and bones, gets hurt with every hit. If I had my original body, I could lift you with one hand…”

I wanted to continue, but Xie Liang added, “What do you mean by handsome?”

“…It means good-looking.”

“You’re better-looking than me?”

Did this guy miss the point?

“Of course.” I said without a change in expression, “Extremely good-looking, legs longer than your entire body. You saw it that day, didn’t you?”

【Xie Liang】

That day, I was in the sky, too far to see clearly.

Thinking this way, I felt a bit of sympathy for him and couldn’t keep arguing: “Sorry.”

After writing this, I felt a sudden fatigue, put down the pen, and let Fan Aiguo take over.

Even Fan Aiguo calmed down: “Fine, you drag me to escape, I drag you to jail, let’s call it even.”

Thinking about that bleak future, I felt utterly disheartened. I crumpled the paper into a ball and burned it, then blew out the candle.

Outside, the clouds covered the moon, and only distant dim lights melted into the paper window, casting a blood-red hue. I sat in the darkness, waiting alone for the judgment at dawn.

—Though saying “alone” wasn’t quite accurate. For a moment, it felt like we were relying on each other.

If the rest of my life was to be spent in prison, I couldn’t bear to drive him away. At least talking like this could relieve some boredom.

But… falsely accused, far from home, struggling for half a year, and this was the end?

How could I accept it?

Unacceptable!

I looked around, and Master Long hadn’t taken my sword.

I gritted my teeth, jumped up, tiptoed to the door, and pressed my ear against it to listen. The Martial Alliance probably didn’t believe I’d dare cause trouble once caught, leaving only two sleepy guards outside.

I took a deep breath, heart pounding, grabbed the crane-shaped candlestick, removed the candle, and rushed to push open the door, heading straight for—

【Fan Aiguo】

…What are you doing?

The two guards were startled awake by the door opening, turning sharply and shouting, “What are you doing!”

I was in trouble. I had only spaced out for a moment, and now I couldn’t keep up with the pace. That guy wouldn’t even give me a heads-up. I hid the candlestick behind me and smiled, “Brothers, I need to use the restroom.”

One guard said, “There’s a chamber pot in your room.”

“Oh.”

He walked towards me with his sword drawn, full of suspicion, “What are you holding? Show it.”

I hurriedly—

【Xie Liang】

Sprang forward, knocking him out with the candlestick, and grabbed his sword. In a flash, I held the blade to the other guard’s neck. These moves took all my strength, quick as lightning. The guard, pale-faced, hadn’t even drawn his sword, “What do you want?”

I looked around, lowered my voice, and said menacingly, “Where is Xu Juan?”

He pointed in a direction and added, “Don’t be foolish. The Martial Alliance is heavily guarded—” I struck a pressure point to knock him out, quickly changed into his clothes, and slipped into the night.

I didn’t win the Martial Arts Tournament, but I came in second. Taking down a few guards was no problem.

I realized something. Regardless of Master Long’s intentions, since he had secretly brought me to this guest room, it meant Xu Juan didn’t know I was so close.

He wouldn’t be prepared.

If I could just seize him…

If I could force him to hand over the stolen Xuanli Sword, I could prove my innocence.

If he refused to cooperate, that would be fine too. I’d kill him and let Fan Aiguo use his body. Old as it was, at least it was high-ranking and would be more comfortable than sharing with me.

Then—

【Fan Aiguo】

Then, I could pretend to be Xu Juan and explain everything to Leader Lin, clearing Xie Liang’s name.

For the first time, I thought this little rascal had some brains.

But he missed one thing. Who wants to pretend to be an old man? If it came to that, I’d kick him into Xu Juan’s body, and everyone would be happy. My intelligence is still higher.

【Xie Liang】

Unfortunately, I couldn’t communicate with Fan Aiguo. I guessed he was excited.

【Fan Aiguo】

…

【Xie Liang】

I began to suspect that guard had lied because I encountered only a few patrols along the way, and I could easily avoid them. The Martial Alliance, supposedly impregnable, had surprisingly weak defenses.

As I neared the brightly lit area, the surroundings became more empty.

Had that man pointed me in the wrong direction from the start?

The more I thought, the more uneasy I felt. I turned abruptly and saw the moonless, windless night, eerily silent, with only the buzzing of insects. The grass and trees moved without wind, like sinister shadows hiding who knows how many dangers.

I changed course, leapt over a low wall, rolled upon landing, and hid in the shadows of the corner.

【Fan Aiguo】

Not far ahead, a guard seemed to have heard the noise, looking back in confusion but failing to spot me.

I held my breath, becoming as still as a stone in the corner.

He hesitated, then approached with his hand on his sword.

When he was within five steps, I… still didn’t move.

This was a job for the professional.

But Xie Liang didn’t wake up in critical moments. The distance shrank, and the guard’s eyes locked onto me—

I had no choice. I lunged with the sword.

The guard was alarmingly quick, drawing his sword like lightning and thrusting at me while opening his mouth to shout.

Xie Liang!

【Xie Liang】

The sword’s cold edge pressed to my brow. In a flash, I lunged forward, taking the blade in my shoulder while clawing at his throat.

He hadn’t expected my desperation. Before he could cry out, I silenced him with a grip on his throat. My shoulder throbbed with pain. Controlling my strength, I demanded, “Where is Xu Juan?”

He made choking noises, sweat pouring down, and slowly released his grip on his sword in surrender.

Dragging him back into the shadows, I loosened my grip slightly, “Speak.”

He trembled, “You…you’re Xie Liang?”

“Not your concern. Where’s Xu Juan?”

He continued to tremble, “Yesterday, Leader Lin personally revoked your wanted notice and sent a letter to Xiaoxiang Manor, inviting you to the Martial Alliance to confront Elder Xu face-to-face…”

I blacked out.

【Fan Aiguo】

It’s over.

Master Long had already relayed our testimony to Leader Lin.

Leader Lin, unsure of whom to believe, summoned Xie Liang for a confrontation.

Given this, Xu Juan must have set up a trap around the Martial Alliance to prevent Xie Liang from stepping inside.

But why was it so empty around here?

There was only one answer.

I smiled at the guard, who sweated even more.

I said, “Let’s make a deal. After a few breaths, can you say something to me?”

“…What?”

“‘Fan Aiguo told you to run quickly.’”

“What—”

【Xie Liang】

I struck him down with a single blow, pulled the sword from my shoulder, and covered my wound as I leaped over the low wall.

Upon landing, I knew it was too late.

Outside the wall, torches blazed, insects swarmed, and a thick circle of at least six layers of guards surrounded me.

Leading them was an old man with drooping eyelids, someone who looked all too familiar.

He stepped closer and stroked his beard, saying, “Xie Liang, you wretched thief. Your crimes are already grievous, yet you dare sneak into the Martial Alliance to stir trouble. You are a disgrace to the martial world. Men!”

Six layers of guards raised their weapons, clearly intent on ending me here and now.

Born under a lucky star, even my death would be as lowly as an ant’s. Even if Leader Lin suspected him afterward, it wouldn’t bring back my worthless life.

Half my body covered in blood, I laughed loudly, “Xu Juan, if you want people not to know, don’t do it.”

“At this critical moment, you still plan to slander me?”

“No.”

My rage transformed into a surge of qi. Xu Juan’s eyes snapped open, and he quickly retreated, shouting, “Seize him!”

The crowd surged forward, their weapons aimed at every part of me. Blood gushed from the wounds inflicted by their blades, but I felt nothing, my sword aimed directly at Xu Juan’s heart, determined to take him down with me—

In that moment, a thought flashed through my mind.

I still owed Fan Aiguo an apology.

Despite wanting to get rid of him, his company had made this journey less lonely.

【Fan Aiguo】

I couldn’t fully understand what had happened.

By the time I came to, half of those who had surrounded us were already down. In front of me was a figure radiating an aura of loneliness that screamed, “I am always the protagonist.” With every movement, he kept the flashing weapons three feet away, his hair and clothes fluttering like a deity.

“Master Long!” I lay on the ground, tears streaming down my face.

Xu Juan, with a cold and stern expression, said, “Master Long, the Martial Alliance is purging evil from the martial world. Why do you intervene?”

Master Long replied calmly, “I only obey Leader Lin.”

Xu Juan hesitated and laughed wildly, “Did Leader Lin only send you? Do you really think you can defeat us all? How arrogant!”

Master Long’s every move was filled with immense power, yet his voice remained calm, “Xu Juan, you have always been respected. Why have you changed so drastically? You’ve collected countless bloodthirsty swords, seeking to increase your power, but you’ve been enslaved by these swords.”

Xu Juan seemed taken aback but forced a sneer, “You’ve known for a while and still held back?”

“We had suspicions and were waiting for you to reveal yourself.”

…

Wait.

What about Xie Liang?

【Xie Liang】

Master Long, while fighting, said, “Xie Gongzi, thank you for exposing Xu Juan’s true nature. In fact, the Martial Alliance has been secretly following you these past six months, helping you escape danger time and again.”

“…”

I said, “I don’t know why I don’t feel grateful.”

Master Long replied, “To show sincerity, I’ll pretend I don’t know about Fan Aiguo.”

He meant the whole time-travel thing?

My eyes widened, and I shouted, “Watch out!”

Xu Juan suddenly drew a short sword from his sleeve, the stolen Xuanli Sword. With the malevolent sword in hand, Xu Juan seemed to gain immense power. His aged body moved with unnatural agility as he engaged Master Long. The remaining guards rushed at me, but several black-clad figures descended from the sky, intercepting them.

Xu Juan’s moves were strange and aggressive, even more so than in the forest. Watching him, I felt a chill down my spine. It was as if the sword was controlling him.

Master Long, unfazed, said, “Leader Lin’s forces are on their way. You won’t escape. Why don’t you—”

【Fan Aiguo】

“Why don’t you die in my place!” Xu Juan, eyes bloodshot, slashed at Master Long with the short sword, instantly cutting his blade in half.

Master Long abandoned his sword, using the force of Xu Juan’s swing to land a palm strike on his back!

Xu Juan spat blood, clearly having his internal organs shattered by the strike. The Xuanli Sword fell from his hand as he staggered and collapsed.

A faint grey light seemed to rise from the corpse.

I suddenly understood.

The time had come.

This was the moment I had been waiting for.

Acting on instinct, I looked down and saw into my own chest.

There, a wisp of a soul floated, asleep and serene. It was Xie Liang. I only had to reach out, pull him from his body, and cast him into the new one.

…

Perhaps those who hold the power of life and death develop a sense of reverence.

Or maybe I felt a strange guilt toward him.

Or something else.

But it wasn’t softness.

【Xie Liang】

I opened my eyes to see a faint, pale spirit manifesting nearby, slowly drifting into Xu Juan’s corpse.

The scene was eerily familiar.

My chest felt hollow, as if something had been gouged out, leaving a void.

I watched with an indescribable sadness as the ghost approached Xu Juan’s body… and then floated away again.

【Fan Aiguo】

What’s going on? I can’t possess it!

That day I easily entered Xie Liang’s body, but now I couldn’t get into this one no matter what.

I tried several times, feeling myself grow lighter, being pulled upward, away from the body.

Why? What went wrong?

In the distance, I heard a sinister laugh: “Do you know why Xu Juan, esteemed and powerful, went astray?”

…

“Because he wasn’t Xu Juan.”

The voice laughed wildly: “I took over ten years ago; he’s been a corpse since then! This body has no more life; you think you can use it? Too naive! Come, let’s reincarnate together—”

I looked down in confusion, seeing Xie Liang standing below, his eyes reddening.

“Liar,” he said, “How dare you claim you’re better looking than me.”

【Xie Liang】

Fan Aiguo laughed, “Your aesthetic sense is limited by the times; you can’t appreciate my handsomeness.”

Fan Aiguo rose higher, like a vaporizing illusion in the morning dew.

My eyes blurred with tears. I wanted to apologize, to thank him, but in the end, I only said one word: “Oh.”

He replied, “Living this half-year, I was actually quite happy.”

“…”

“Take care. I’m going ahead.”

【Fan Aiguo】

Just like a standard ending, I closed my eyes peacefully.

…

Then I opened them again.

Because I felt an irresistible force.

This force, mixed with inexplicable attachment and mysterious fate, pulled me back, down to the chaotic, suffering earth—

I saw Xie Liang swinging his sword. It might have been the fastest, most accurate move of his life.

The sword tip was aimed steadily at a mosquito… a dead mosquito.

【Xie Liang】

I said, “Do you want a drink first?”

…

I said, “Don’t be stubborn; we have a long way to go today.”

…

I said, “Don’t drink too much; I’m afraid you’ll fly too low and get swatted.”

…

The details are difficult to explain.

In short… my illness was cured.

Today, I am still on the road with Fan Aiguo, looking for a new body.

【Sick·End】