Infinite Fire Record

Chapter 18: Husband Repudiation

Huang Rong’s tear-filled gaze reflected the turmoil in her heart.

At this moment, she let out a long sigh and spoke in a quiet voice. “Had you foreseen today, would you not regret it?”

Her words struck Guo Jing like a blade. He clenched his teeth, stubbornly holding on, but blood surged up his throat. He coughed violently, spraying a mouthful of crimson before collapsing into unconsciousness.

A cold smile surfaced at the corner of Imperial Sky’s mouth. “Grandfather, it seems my name should change.”

As his words fell, Huang Yaoshi let out a long, indulgent laugh. His right hand settled on Imperial Sky’s shoulder, his voice carrying a tone of finality. “Precisely. From this day forward, your surname will be Huang. Although it is difficult to believe, the truth is laid bare before us. When I was young, I obtained the Da Nei’s ‘Qi Looking Technique,’ a method used in the Harem to verify the ‘Dragon Seed’ by identifying a person’s qi and blood.”

He fixed his gaze on Imperial Sky. “Within you, there is not a single trace of Guo Jing’s qi and blood. However, in Fu’er’s body, Guo Jing’s lineage is unmistakable. If not for the fact that you and Fu’er were born together, I would have doubted that you were Rong’er’s child at all. And yet—your entire qi and blood match Rong’er alone as if you were solely born of her. Haha…”

Guo Jing, lying unconscious, shuddered violently. A fresh burst of blood sprayed from his lips, his body trembling at the revelation.

The matter was settled. The name of Guo Jing would surely be spoken of far and wide, for this was an unprecedented event—wives were repudiated, but never before had a husband suffered such fate.

Huang Rong, her expression desolate, stood silent in her sorrow.

Huang Yaoshi turned his cold gaze toward Li Mochou. “Hmph… so you knew everything. You cannot be allowed to live.”

Li Mochou’s brow furrowed. Facing one of the Five Greats of Jianghu, she felt not the slightest desire to fight. Her only thought was escape. Without hesitation, she turned and leaped into retreat.

Huang Yaoshi, deep in thought, lowered the stone he had been prepared to throw. His voice was faint. “So, a descendant of Lin Chaoying… It is just, it is just… for her sake, I will let you go.”

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away. “Rong’er, Tian’er, we return to Peach Blossom Island. Ke Zhen’e, when Guo Jing awakens, tells him—he is never to set foot on Peach Blossom Island again. Should he attempt it, he will die.”

His words carried the weight of age, yet the killing intent within them was clear.

Ke Zhen’e frowned deeply, anger flickering in his eyes. But in the end, he only sighed. “Cause and effect… I suppose Jing’er owed them too much over the years. Now, all the retribution has fallen upon him.”

Guo Fu, the only one who failed to comprehend the gravity of the situation, sobbed bitterly.

Huang Yaoshi paid her no heed. Even in the past, he had disliked Guo Fu and had little regard for Guo Jing’s children. In the original timeline, Guo Xiang had already reached the age of sixteen before realizing that Huang Yaoshi had a fondness for her at all.

It was over. With Huang Rong and Imperial Sky at his side, Huang Yaoshi left for Peach Blossom Island.

As for Guo Jing, he had no ties to Peach Blossom Island any longer. Huang Yaoshi’s reputation was no joke. In terms of martial prowess, Guo Jing was far inferior. The Master of Medicine was a ruthless warrior feared throughout Jianghu. After all, a warrior may be admired—but a man like Huang Yaoshi, who followed only his own will, inspired true fear.

Imperial Sky and his entourage disappeared beyond the horizon.

When Guo Jing finally regained consciousness, his furious gaze searched the surroundings, only to find them empty—Huang Rong and Imperial Sky were gone.

A roar tore from his throat, carrying the full force of his rage.

“Bastards! Bastards! Faithless woman! Unworthy wife! I do not want you! I do not want you!”

Ke Zhen’e, his black staff trembling in his grip, felt a storm of emotions within him. Anger. Sorrow. In the end, they melted into a long sigh.

Guo Jing took a deep breath, gathering himself. He had made his decision—he would take Guo Fu and Ke Zhen’e to Xiangyang. Though he held no official position there, the wealth accumulated from Peach Blossom Island, his army, and his contributions in resisting the Mongols would grant him the means to act.

Perhaps it was fate. Perhaps it was the request of Wu Sanniang.

Guo Jing brought Wu Santong’s two sons with him, and in the course of his journey, he came across Yang Guo.

His heart lifted at the sight.

With a gathering of companions, Guo Jing set forth toward Xiangyang City.

Peach Blossom Island, another spring.

Huang Yaoshi stroked his silver beard, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.

The elderly always find comfort in the presence of their descendants. Huang Yaoshi was no exception.

In the past, he had little reason to return to Peach Blossom Island. Guo Jing had made it unbearable, shamelessly bringing Ke Zhen’e along. For that reason, Huang Yaoshi had spent much of his time wandering beyond its shores.

But now, only Huang Rong, Imperial Sky, and the servants remained. With Guo Jing and his kin banished, Huang Yaoshi had no desire to leave.

His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he studied the young man before him. “Tian’er, your talent is extraordinary, and your comprehension equally so. In a mere year, you have mastered the Falling Divine Sword Palm to a level beyond expectation—you have even carved your path.”

Imperial Sky, clad in flowing white, allowed himself a faint smile.

With a sweep of his right sleeve, he sent a fierce wind spiraling through the peach blossom grove. The delicate petals swirled like a tempest, their sharpened edges gleaming as though they were deadly weapons.

The blossoms danced, moving as if alive.

Amid the whirlwind, the vibrant petals shimmered before launching into the sky.

Crack!

A great tree before them splintered apart, reduced to nothing but shreds of wood.

Imperial Sky slowly lowered his palm, turning to Huang Yaoshi. “Grandfather.”

Huang Yaoshi, thoroughly pleased, chuckled. “The Falling Divine Sword Palm relies on the balance between illusion and reality. Each strike appears to manifest a thousand, rendering the enemy defenseless. You have discarded the illusion, choosing instead to enhance speed—your strikes now land with unparalleled force.”

He allowed himself a bitter smile. “Since my return, you have been relentless in your pursuit of martial skill. It is only natural—having one of the Five Greats as a teacher has benefited you greatly.”

Imperial Sky bowed his head slightly. “Grandfather, with my current strength, I should be able to leave Peach Blossom Island and make my way in the world.”

Huang Yaoshi turned toward the vast sea, exhaling a long breath. “That is true. When I saw you preparing your belongings, I knew this day would come. Your skill is sufficient to face whatever the Jianghu may throw at you. Among your peers, none can stand against you. Among your elders, few would dare challenge you, for fear of your grandfather’s reputation. If you do not weather the storm, how will you ever see the rainbow? Tian’er, it is time—you must go and see the world.”