As Qianlin's face lit up with curiosity, she gazed at the Devil Matriarch, sensing the weight of the truth about to be revealed. The soul-form of the Matriarch waved her hand, and a massive Qi screen materialized mid-air, glowing ominously in red hue.
"I split my soul into two pieces," she began, her voice echoing through the chamber like ancient thunder. "One is sealed within this martial arts manual... and the other, within my sword—The Black Empress Sword."
Qianlin's eyes widened. "Black Empress Sword? Isn't that one of the top ten greatest weapons in the world?"
The Devil Matriarch smirked, her voice laced with pride. "Yes. And you've already seen it."
Qianlin's brow furrowed. "I saw it? Where?"
"You remember the sword your grandmother was holding... the last time you saw her."
Her face darkened, memories flashing through her eyes like lightning. "That cursed sword…"
"Don't you dare call it cursed!" the Matriarch snapped, her voice booming like a war drum. "That sword is the reason you are alive! So shut up right now!"
Qianlin clenched her fists, glaring. The Devil Matriarch ignored the look and continued. "So, as I was saying... I sealed my soul in that sword, which allowed me to witness everything that happened near it. Let me show you what I saw."
The Qi screen flickered and shifted, revealing a vivid memory.
A war-torn landscape appeared. Armored warriors from the Namgong Clan stood in formation. In their center, a striking woman clad in Namgong family robes exuded sharpness and elegance.
"She is Namgong Chunying," the Devil Matriarch said calmly.
Qianlin's jaw dropped. "She's... Sword Empress Namgong Chunying?"
"At this moment in time, yes," the soul replied. "This was the era when she was earning that title."
Suddenly, a group of Sima Clan warriors entered the scene. A young woman led them, fierce and composed. Her eyes burned with determination.
"Who is she?" Qianlin asked.
The Devil Matriarch smiled faintly. "Sima Jinhai."
"She looks so young… and so fierce."
"Well, that's what war does to a woman."
"But… when the war was going on, she was just a child. How did she participate?"
"After my death, the war didn't end immediately. Unorthodox Murim resisted for ten more
years. In those later years, Jinhai joined the battlefield."
On the screen, Sima Jinhai greeted Namgong Chunying. "The war is about to end. The Sima Clan will now take its leave."
Namgong Chunying gave a refined nod. "It's commendable how much the Sima Clan has contributed. The Murim Alliance will be eternally grateful."
But then her expression changed—sly, foxlike.
"It's a pity your mother died during the war," she said softly. "She was so talented. I had hoped she'd become the next Matriarch of the Sima Clan. But alas… fate is cruel."
Jinhai's expression darkened.
Chunying stepped closer. "I don't want the same fate to befall you."
"What do you mean?" Jinhai asked warily.
"I know how your clan treated your mother. How her own sister stole her war credits, her life… her future. Isn't that right?"
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't discuss my clan's internal matters."
Chunying gently placed a hand on Jinhai's shoulder. "I'm only concerned for your well-being."
Jinhai tensed, unsure how to respond.
"Forget the past. Let's talk about the present," Chunying said. "You've risked your life for the clan's glory, yet they've given nothing in return. Now they plan to make your martial cripple of a cousin the next Matriarch—just because she's from the main family."
Jinhai's fists clenched. Veins popped along her arms.
"And what about the future?" Chunying asked, her tone low and persuasive. "Will your descendants bow their heads to the main family too?"
Jinhai remained silent, lost in thought.
"You don't have to," Chunying whispered. "There's a way to break free."
She pulled out a sealed document. "This is proof that the Evil Serpent Sect has accepted an offer from the Hundred Weapon Sect. Attack them now, and the Sima Clan will gain glory."
"But… we were told the Evil Serpent Sect hadn't joined yet."
"I already killed their messenger. With this letter, the Hundred Weapon Sect won't retaliate. If you hand it over later, even the Murim Alliance will be bound to accept the truth."
Jinhai's breath caught. "What should I do with this? Burn it?"
"This," Chunying said, her voice dark and velvety, "is your key to freedom. Let the Hundred Weapon Sect destroy the Sima Clan. They'll take you in. This letter will justify it. Not even the Murim Alliance can interfere."
"You want me… to betray my clan?" Jinhai's voice cracked.
"I just want to help you grow," Chunying said gently. "To reach your true potential."
Jinhai hesitated. "What if the Hundred Weapon Sect doesn't act?"
Chunying smiled, She gestured toward a pedestal where the Black Empress Sword lay.
"Tell your matriarch the Murim Alliance sent it to be sealed in sima clan. if you tell Tie Ruomei that this sword is in sima clan then she will do anything in her power to get it—she won't be able to resist this sword. I vow it."
Jinhai stared at the sword, sweat beading on her brow.
"If you ever want to use this… I'll help you—if I'm alive," Chunying whispered.
Jinhai bowed slightly, thanked her, and turned to leave.
As she disappeared, a Namgong warrior approached Chunying. "Will she really betray her own clan?"
Chunying laughed softly, folding her arms. "Let's see… whether the spark I've ignited burns a few trees—or the entire forest."
The screen faded.
Qianlin stood frozen. Her fists trembled. Her eyes blazed with outrage.
"Why?!" she screamed. "We never had any animosity with the Namgong Clan! Why would she do this?!"
The Devil Matriarch simply smiled, her eyes glinting with ancient malice.