Chapter 171: Brother

Chapter 171

Undercurrents surged on Guniu Ridge. News of twenty cavalrymen dying suddenly near Zhizhang City in Hezhou had already spread throughout Huishan. Yuan Tingshan, who had led them, was nowhere to be found. For a time, strange and varied rumors circulated. Some said Prince Guangling, Zhao Yi, had mobilized his armored heavy cavalry to seize women. Others claimed that Yuan Tingshan, fated to be solitary, had attracted disaster, drawing the attention of Zhao Gou, and thus implicating the heavily invested-in family cavalry. Still others suggested that the young male and female from the Murong family were no ordinary mortals, but were protected by immortals. There were all sorts of confident assertions and furtive whispers. Because the old patriarch had been in secluded cultivation for many years, and Xuanyuan Guoqi, who oversaw Huishan, was away discussing swordsmanship at the East Yue Sword Pool, the Xuanyuan mansion on Guniu Ridge was leaderless. Furthermore, the family was already rife with factions, and the main branch and other branches were united in appearance but not in spirit. No one could suppress the increasingly rampant clamor.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng belonged to the main legitimate branch, making her the primary lineage of the Xuanyuan family. Unfortunately, her father, Xuanyuan Jingcheng, regardless of how meticulously the old ancestor tried to cultivate him, seemed utterly useless and beyond help. Large families had their advantages; they could simply replace him. Xuanyuan Qingfeng's two uncles, Xuanyuan Jingyi and Xuanyuan Jingxuan, were one steady and dignified, the other ambitious and enterprising. The latter, Xuanyuan Jingxuan, possessed particularly astonishing martial arts talent, being only a hair's breadth from the Grandmaster realm, as if one could just wet a finger and pierce through. Consequently, Xuanyuan Jingxuan's lineage, with the mother gaining status through the son and the son through the father's glory, ran rampant in Huishan. However, the man Xuanyuan Qingfeng least wanted to see in all of Huishan was her own father, the one who only ever knew how to mumble and nod in agreement.

Among ordinary aristocratic families, such conduct from an eldest legitimate grandson might barely maintain an image of gentleness and propriety. But this was Guniu Ridge, and the Xuanyuan family was a martial arts powerhouse, standing as one of three pillars alongside the Wu family's Sword Tomb and the Liu clan of West Shu. What good was reading thousands of scrolls when it couldn't compare to someone else's fists that could shatter mountains and shake cities? Everyone on the mountain knew that Xuanyuan Jingcheng not only granted his only daughter's every wish but also feared his wife beyond measure, never entertaining the slightest thought of taking concubines. Although the Xuanyuan family was so domineering that anyone wishing to join them had to change their surname to Xuanyuan, there was no lack of martial arts prodigies who married into the family. However, the main legitimate branch, lacking a male heir to continue the lineage, would always struggle to hold its head high, even if Xuanyuan Qingfeng successfully brought a handsome talent into the family later. In recent years, they had become alienated and fragmented, with many switching their allegiances to attach themselves to the flourishing other two branches. Xuanyuan Jingcheng had completely become a lonely figure. Furthermore, everyone knew that the wife who bore this eldest legitimate grandson a daughter still admired someone else to this day. At the beginning of their marriage, she audaciously stipulated with Xuanyuan Jingcheng that they would only have one child, boy or girl, leaving it to fate. After Xuanyuan Qingfeng was born, Xuanyuan Jingcheng indeed kept his promise. When Xuanyuan Qingfeng was young, she paid no mind to the unresolved melancholy in her mother's brows and felt that her father, who never lost his temper, had done nothing wrong. As she grew older, she finally realized how fatal her father's lack of ambition was within the Xuanyuan family, which had revered martial arts for centuries. The older she got, and the more she became exposed to human affairs, the more Xuanyuan Qingfeng wanted to distance herself from this unremarkable man.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng escorted Song Keli down Huishan, naturally feeling a sense of guilt towards this "young phoenix" of the Song family. Given the Song family's prestigious background, firmly established as a top-tier noble lineage within the dynasty, and especially with Song Keli being the sole heir for three generations, his importance was self-evident. Interacting with the Xuanyuan family was already a step down in status for him. While the Xuanyuan family wielded immense influence in the martial arts world, this was insignificant to high-ranking officials in the imperial court. After Xuanyuan Qingfeng encountered Song Keli, who was escorting a coffin south, she employed many subtle tactics to arrange their meeting, acquaintance, and closeness. With Song Keli's discerning eye, it was likely he had seen through her intentions long ago. But he still didn't mind Xuanyuan Qingfeng using him, or rather, using the Song family, to assert her influence within the Xuanyuan family. He not only came to Huishan but also appeared to converse very pleasantly with Xuanyuan Jingcheng on Guniu Ridge, giving them immense face. Even though Xuanyuan Qingfeng naturally had no fondness for scholars, she developed an inexplicable feeling for Song Keli, unsure if it stemmed from gratitude or admiration.

That Yuan Tingshan, so arrogant he didn't even bother to hide his ruthless ambitions?

Xuanyuan Qingfeng asked herself, if he really died, would she feel regret? Walking on the bluestone path down the mountain, Xuanyuan Qingfeng glanced at the Six-Fold Sister Waterfalls. Song Keli smiled slightly, "My father taught me a bit about physiognomy. Yuan Tingshan is not easily killed. His fate is extremely unfavorable, yet his destiny is remarkably tough."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng felt a little flustered and was about to explain something. Song Keli gently said, "Miss Xuanyuan, you worry too much."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng said no more, fearing to overdo it, as some matters only become more complicated the more one tries to clarify them. The two walked in silence. Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, a docked boat was visible. Song Keli suddenly stopped, hesitated, and finally spoke, "Mr. Shouzhai is immensely learned, and his analysis of the principles of the three teachings is both profound and accessible. I have benefited greatly from our nightly conversations by candlelight these past few days. He said that understanding principles solely from meditation and scriptures is like looking at plums in a painting or drawing a cake to satisfy hunger – it won't quench thirst or fill your stomach. This statement enlightened me. Previously, I always remembered my family's motto to be humble in all things and never overbearing, but I never truly understood why humility was necessary. My naive actions, in the eyes of wise people, could only be a source of amusement. Miss Xuanyuan, please forgive Song Keli for being blunt, but Mr. Shouzhai is by no means an ordinary man."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng, with a smile in her brows, was quite dismissive, only teasing, "Did my father ask you to be his advocate? Did he give you a few rare editions of books?"

Song Keli was startled, then murmured, "No one knows a daughter better than her father. Everything was within Mr. Shouzhai's expectations."

To Xuanyuan Qingfeng's bewilderment, Song Keli turned towards Guniu Ridge and bowed, expressing his genuine admiration, "This humble one is impressed."

Watching Song Keli's departing figure as he boarded the boat, Xuanyuan Qingfeng was utterly confused.

Standing at the bow, Song Keli slowly sailed towards the She River, not forgetting to wave at Xuanyuan Qingfeng on the bank. After arriving on the mountain, the demeanor of the "young phoenix" of the Song family was impeccable. Not only did he tirelessly discuss Buddhism and Daoism with Mr. Shouzhai, Xuanyuan Jingcheng, but he also exchanged martial arts insights with Xuanyuan Jingxuan, always maintaining a humble yet unyielding attitude. In truth, there was no need for Xuanyuan Qingfeng to painstakingly arrange it; he would have visited Xuanyuan Jingcheng in Huishan anyway. Without even guessing if he was hiding his true abilities, his flawless strategic planning in political affairs alone was enough to impress his grandfather. Song Keli's deceased mentor had highly praised him during his lifetime. Song Keli's journey south to Jianzhou was partly to escort the coffin as a disciple, but more importantly, he wanted to gauge Xuanyuan Jingcheng's true capabilities. If he possessed genuine talent and learning, the Song family would not mind promoting a scholar from a common background and helping him solidify his position within the family. If he only knew how to talk theories without practical skills, Song Keli could also turn to Xuanyuan Jingxuan, as this force, rooted in Jianzhou for centuries, could help with many things that scholars would not typically do.

Before he left the mountain, Xuanyuan Jingcheng smiled serenely, "If a scholar and a butcher become neighbors, when it comes to reasoning, let the scholar speak; when it comes to fighting, let the butcher act. Supporting each other is beneficial and harmless."

Although this reassurance was significant, it was still insufficient for Song Keli to decide on a marriage alliance with the Xuanyuan family. Marriage between aristocratic families and commoners was a major taboo within the scholarly elite, second only to the extinction of the family lineage. As the large boat sailed into the She River, the view expanded, and Song Keli felt an urge to sing a heroic song of the great river. Deep down, the "young phoenix" of the Song family was quite unconventional; the wailing ghosts of Xiangfan, the gibbering apes of the Shu Road, and the vast, boundless river waves all stirred a desire within him to express his feelings through poetry. Unfortunately, while Song Keli's family background in expounding scriptures and reasoning was profound, rivaling renowned scholars of pure conversation, he lacked the power to fulfill his grand ambition of writing three hundred heroic poems. However, along the thousand-li journey escorting the coffin, Song Keli would periodically send out splendid poems that circulated among scholars. The little-known truth was that many of these pieces were actually ghostwritten by his father or even his grandfather. How difficult it was for a scholar to achieve great fame! To hope for a single poem to emerge and startle gods and ghosts? It was almost impossible. Without literary elders to set the stage and echo praise, without eager students to champion and create momentum, no matter how well written, a poem would at best be deemed "acceptable." Those esteemed masterpieces of the current era were actually not well-known when they first appeared; it was through centuries of transmission, like gold refined by waves, that they gradually gained recognition from poetic giants, receiving endless critiques and praises until their brilliance was revealed. Song Keli was all too familiar with this.

How many Wang Dongxiangs were there in the world? Moreover, a single book like "First Snow" could be a sprawling half a million characters.

As Song Keli was overcome with mixed emotions, he glimpsed a large boat approaching. At its bow stood a handsome young master with a saber, accompanied by only a green-clad maid and a one-armed old man in a sheepskin coat. Song Keli paid no attention, simply considering them ordinary pilgrims visiting Longhu Mountain.

Song Keli's stay in Huishan actually harbored a private desire to wait for the Prince of Beiliang, but unfortunately, he still had tasks assigned by his father to complete and could not wait any longer.

The two Hu Kuai, finally free from being cooped up in the carriage, frolicked and pestered Xu Fengnian at his feet. Xu Fengnian extended a finger, pointing at Huishan's large bluestone peak, and asked, "Guniu Ridge?"

The old sword god grunted in affirmation.

Xu Fengnian squinted, his fingers caressing the hilt of the Spring Thunder saber. Unexpectedly, the recent operation to pursue Xuanyuan Yuan Tingshan had returned empty-handed. According to Wei Shuyang's detailed description, this swordsman's martial prowess was not world-shattering; there was still a considerable gap between him and young talents like Qi Xianxia and Wu Liuding. Yet, his mental fortitude and luck were excellent. The Prince was not angry about this; if King Jing'an Zhao Heng could lose both his wife and troops in the reed marsh, why couldn't he fail to kill a Yuan Tingshan? Furthermore, Yuan Meng, with the Beiliang military credentials, paid a visit to the Hezhou prefect. The Xuanyuan family's use of martial arts to violate prohibitions was a clear fact, but the old prefect surprisingly ignored it. From the look of it, he didn't even care about Chu Lushun, who had already caused chaos in Xiangfan City. Xu Fengnian murmured to himself, "A tough nut to crack."

The old sword god used his finger to pick a vegetable leaf from between his teeth, grinning, "Scholars are as numerous as fish in this river. It's normal for a few tough, fearless ones to appear."

Xu Fengnian offered no comment.

The boat turned and approached the foot of Huishan. Xu Fengnian was in a hurry to go to Longhu Mountain, so he had no intention of causing trouble for the Xuanyuan family, merely chatting casually with the old sword god.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng stood at the foot of the mountain for a long time. Just as she was about to turn and go up the mountain, she suddenly widened her delicate eyes, took a few steps, and clearly saw the person standing at the bow of the approaching boat, becoming furious. That bastard! Even if he changed into luxurious clothes, or was ground to dust, she would still recognize him! It was this scoundrel, who called himself Xu, along with a wooden-sword-wielding swordsman, who had utterly humiliated her at the lantern festival in Wuzhou. Xuanyuan Qingfeng stared intently, filled with ridicule, "Don't think you can pretend to be a young master just because you swindled a few taels of silver for a new outfit!" Without Xuanyuan Qingfeng needing to speak, Xu Fengnian, who was already pointing out the scenery of Huishan, also spotted the woman. It was an unexpected encounter. He laughed heartily, ordered the large boat to approach Huishan, then leaned over the railing, looking at Xuanyuan Qingfeng less than ten zhang away. Imitating Wen Hua, he deliberately mispronounced a word and loudly called out, "Gu Liang!"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng disregarded proper lady-like etiquette and angrily retorted, "You, surnamed Xu!"

What a truly warm and heartwarming reunion.

Xu Fengnian tut-tutted, "Since our last parting at the lantern festival, how did you get so plump, Gu Liang?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng gritted her teeth and sneered, "If you have the guts to visit Huishan, Xuanyuan Qingfeng will certainly fulfill her duties as host!"

Xu Fengnian cupped his chin, smiling, "Are you so infatuated with this young master?"

A Xuanyuan pleasure boat was docked at the foot of the mountain. Xuanyuan Qingfeng ran onto it, trying to make her crew catch up.

One boat was not in a hurry to escape, while the other chased desperately. Soon, the two boats were only five zhang apart.

Xu Fengnian slowly walked towards the stern, then suddenly accelerated into a sprint, leaping onto the railing of his boat. His figure shot out like an arrow towards Xuanyuan Qingfeng. To her stunned disbelief, he landed on the railing of her pleasure boat, looking down at the arrogant woman of the Xuanyuan family.

Xu Fengnian glanced at the few Xuanyuan retainers, who were itching for a fight.

Just as he was about to speak, a strange phenomenon occurred on the river surface.

A scruffy old Daoist priest poled a raft towards them. On the bamboo raft, a thin, withered boy pressed his lips tightly together, breathing softly. One end of the bamboo raft slammed into the river, and the other end lifted high. Using this momentum, he sprang onto the large boat. He galloped across the deck like a wild horse, then, with a flick of his toes, caused the entire large boat to sink down. Such power? The boy instantly leapt high into the air and then landed heavily on the bow of the pleasure boat where Xuanyuan Qingfeng stood, causing the boat to tremble violently again. Apart from the old sword god Li Chungang, all passengers on both boats had their mouths slightly agape. Never mind his light footwork, but what about the strength that made the boat sink several feet?

After the unassuming, sallow-faced boy landed, he turned and tightly embraced the Prince's legs, crying heartbrokenly, "Brother!"