Chapter 224: Different People, Different Ways to Survive in the Underworld

Xu Fengnian chewed on a piece of licorice he had casually wiped clean of dirt with his fingers. Perhaps due to his proximity to the campfire, a warm smile played on his face. Twelve flying swords: Xuanjia, Qingmeizhuma, Zhaolu, Chunshui, Taohua, Emei, Zhuque, Huangtong, Pifu, Jinlü, and Tai'a.

These names were quite literary and refined. Compared to the names of maidservants in Wutong Courtyard, like Sweet Potato or Cucumber, they were infinitely more elegant.

On his second journey, he had met quite a few accomplished individuals. The Prince, like a child holding gold in a bustling market as described by Prince Zhao Yi by the Guangling River, had attracted a large number of top martial artists. In the Prince's opinion, these distinguished figures, regardless of their skills, still couldn't compare to Old Huang in terms of human warmth; only the old man in the sheepskin robe who picked his nose and scratched his feet came close. If one were to judge the demeanor of a master, Wang Xianzhi of Wudi City, soaring into the East Sea like a magnificent rainbow and raising the nearby sea level by twenty *zhang*, truly embodied the concept of "uprooting mountains and rivers." The Grand Scholar Cao Changqing also perfectly fit the image of a Confucian scholar. However, the Peach Blossom Sword God, who had gifted him the sword, left the Prince somewhat disappointed. Legend had it that Deng Tai'a, who rode a donkey carrying a peach blossom branch, possessed both immortal and Buddhist aura. Yet, upon meeting him, he was not only unremarkable in appearance but also fond of smiling, merely appearing as a harmless middle-aged man, far removed from the imagined Peach Blossom Sword God.

While the Prince was lost in thought, Gongsun Yang silently sat down, carrying two wineskins filled with spirits. The young man Wang Dashi, seeing Mr. Xu remain still, feared he might have offended the Grand Guest Official, whose status in the gang was second only to the Old Gang Leader and Xiao Qiang, and quickly coughed twice.

Gongsun Yang glanced at the mediocre-looking disciple of the Fish-Dragon Gang, and a rare smile, as if the sun had risen from the west, appeared on his stern face. He didn't rush to speak with Xu Fengnian but instead initiated a conversation with Wang Dashi about mundane family matters. Only then did Wang Dashi learn that his father had once been considered a half-official disciple of Guest Official Gongsun. In fact, when the Fish-Dragon Gang accepted Wang Dashi back then, it was precisely due to Gongsun Yang's strong recommendation. Regardless of the sect or faction's standing, admitting new members was always a significant matter, never trivial.

Nowadays, the government's jurisdiction over the martial arts world was strict; all gang members' household registrations had to be recorded. This led to an unwritten but mutually understood rule of "collective implication." Once, a notorious bandit was captured, and the authorities traced his connections. The bandit wasn't particularly skilled, but over twenty years of martial arts practice, he had affiliated with as many as ten gangs. This matter reached the Prefect of Qingzhou, and sadly, seven or eight sects within Qingzhou, by ill fortune, suffered severe repercussions. This served as a cautionary tale for the entire martial arts world. Furthermore, since gang members worked hard for their factions, many taxes were deferred to the gang itself. Large organizations with hundreds or even thousands of members naturally had substantial financial foundations and various ways to generate income, so this wasn't much trouble for them. However, for small factions like the Fish-Dragon Gang, which struggled to make a living, this expense was like a noose around their necks, threatening to choke them at any moment and lead to their demise.

Although Wang Dashi was able to join the Fish-Dragon Gang and live a stable life free from worries about food and clothing, Gongsun Yang never once mentioned his own contribution. In his early years, when the child first joined the gang, he certainly wasn't eligible to receive a *diao* and a half per month. In fact, that *diao* of copper coins, equivalent to eighty or ninety percent of a *liang* of silver, came directly from Guest Official Gongsun's own purse. It was only when Wang Dashi grew up and became eligible to receive that amount that Gongsun Yang quietly ceased his subsidy. Xiao Qiang had said Gongsun Yang was a taciturn person, and he wasn't wrong.

Xu Fengnian saw that Gongsun Yang had brought two wineskins and, smiling, asked for one. After taking it, he sniffed it and exclaimed, "Hey, it's indeed Green Ant wine, beloved by all in Beiliang, rich and poor, young and old!" His spirits lifted, he tilted his head back, took a gulp, and, with squinted eyes, asked with a smile, "Mr. Gongsun, has the Second Gang Leader gone to practice his sword in a secluded spot again?"

Gongsun Yang's voice was hoarse, perhaps from wandering in Beimang exposed to wind and sand in his youth, or perhaps from drinking too much. He waved his hand and said, "I am merely a crude martial artist who makes a living by hard labor; I am not worthy of being called 'Mr.' Although I do not practice the sword, I know that in all things under heaven, diligence can compensate for lack of talent. Gang Leader Xiao's swordsmanship has gradually improved even in his old age, which must be related to his perseverance."

Xu Fengnian lifted his leather wineskin and smiled, saying, "One doesn't visit the Three Treasures Hall without a reason, Senior Gongsun. Please speak directly."

Gongsun Yang hesitated for a moment, then gave a wry smile, "Fortunately, Young Master didn't say 'to curry favor without reason.' That's giving me enough face."

Xu Fengnian was a little surprised, not expecting this Guest Official to have a sense of humor. The Prince had always found it easy to be fond of people who dared to make fun of themselves, but he had little patience for those who put on airs despite having limited ability. Xu Fengnian took another gulp of wine and silently waited for him to continue. Seeing this, Wang Dashi wondered if he should leave. His buttocks had barely risen half a foot from the ground when Gongsun Yang stopped him. "Dashi, it's fine for you to listen."

Gongsun Yang sat cross-legged, placed the wineskin on his lap, and spoke frankly: "To be honest, along this journey, I have been secretly observing Young Master Xu's skill level. I paid close attention to the spacing of your walking steps, your movements when mounting and dismounting, and your breathing while riding. It wouldn't be surprising if I could discern something, but your vital energy is so well-contained that I couldn't perceive anything in the end. Initially, I thought you were just an ordinary martial artist, having learned some military combat techniques for physical training at the General's residence. But on the night at Daomaguan Inn, Miss told me that you took the life of that Beiliang tough soldier with a single strike. That truly startled me. Although Miss's swordsmanship hasn't been honed through life-or-death battles, she has entered the inner sanctum of swordsmanship. Even after employing the 'Master's Three Bows' — her hidden family technique of projectile swordplay integrated with the Liu family's unique Cannon Fist — she still claimed she couldn't defeat the assassin named Zhao Yingchuan. Regardless of whether you had the advantage of a sneak attack, to kill with a single blow is truly not easy. Before Zhao Yingchuan's body was taken away, I secretly examined his back and saw the shape of his shattered spine. Even at my own peak during my prime, exerting all my strength, I could do no more. I am not boasting. Although nowadays, facing a third-rank martial artist without my horn bow would leave me disgraced, I practice an external martial art that is heavily affected by age. 'People fear youth, fists fear strength.' In the past, I once barely touched the threshold of a second-rank master as rated by the dynasty."

Wang Dashi's face was filled with shock. Second-rank! For those in the lower echelons of the martial arts world, that was already a master of heaven-defying skill. Even Old Gang Leader Liu, who founded the Fish-Dragon Gang with his bare hands, cultivating both internal and external arts and remaining strong in his old age, was only barely approaching third-rank ability, yet he was already capable of intimidating all contenders in Lingzhou. The pillar figures of Lingzhou's top sects were merely third-rank in strength, and without exception, none had any hope of reaching second-rank in their lifetime. But this Guest Official in his forties, whose feet were afflicted with damp-poison and who walked with a slight limp, actually claimed to have once been a second-rank master? Wang Dashi didn't dare to doubt, but his mind was in turmoil. Looking at Gongsun Yang again, it was no longer just reverence for his polite status. For martial artists, the fourth-rank was the first threshold, and the second-rank was the second. To surpass them was even more difficult. How much luck would a martial artist need in their lifetime to "leap over the dragon gate" twice? Only after passing the fourth-rank and approaching the third-rank was one considered a master—this was common knowledge in the martial arts world. Poor Wang Dashi had never even dared to dream of reaching the fourth-rank in his lifetime.

Some people, while eating from their bowl, already think about what's in the pot, and even what's still growing in the ground. But there are a few who are simply happy with what's in their bowl. Everyone knows the virtue of contentment, yet few are truly willing to enjoy it.

The young man, slowly realizing the implications, let out a gurgle in his throat, then stiffly and slowly turned his head to stare blankly at Xu Fengnian. Guest Official Gongsun had spoken plainly, and even with his simple nature, the young man understood the obvious meaning of the words. Was this well-mannered, good-looking, good-tempered, and easygoing Mr. Xu next to him also a hidden master? And a very powerful one at that? Weren't masters always aloof and unapproachable, like Deputy Gang Leader Xiao Qiang? The young man wasn't very clever to begin with, and without even taking a sip of wine, just inhaling its aroma made him feel dizzy.

Xu Fengnian looked at Gongsun Yang and said softly, "Senior Gongsun, just speak frankly. If it's within my duties and I can help, I certainly will."

Gongsun Yang visibly relaxed, rubbing his rough, beard-stubbled face. This Guest Official had a naturally bushy beard, which he was too lazy to maintain, and he dressed like an impoverished old farmer, appearing rather unkempt. Gongsun Yang sighed and said, "For some reason, this trip to Liuxia City in Beimang has been too quiet for the past five days. This makes me very worried about unexpected events in the coming days. Should a situation arise that the Fish-Dragon Gang cannot resolve even by fighting to the death, or, should I die, I dare not ask Young Master Xu to exert himself for the Fish-Dragon Gang, but only ask that you take Miss and Wang Dashi back to Beiliang. Of course, as long as I draw breath, Young Master will not need to lend a hand."

Xu Fengnian nodded. "Alright."

The huge stone that had been weighing on Gongsun Yang's heart for five days finally lifted. His smile was genuine as he clinked wineskins with Xu Fengnian, and they each took a gulp.

Gongsun Yang seemed to be in excellent spirits and opened up, as if wanting to vent all the words he had suppressed for years. He looked up at the starry sky and sighed, "There is always someone better beyond. Inside Daomaguan Inn, within fifty paces, I consider my archery passable, yet more than twenty arrows were easily deflected by a master who seemed to be accompanying a Beimang princess. That was genuine second-rank skill, and I am ashamed to say I couldn't compare. Heh, perhaps Young Master Xu didn't notice the jade buckle on the waist of the woman with the mink-fur forehead band. It's the 'Xianbei Head,' unique to Beimang nobility. Unless one is a royal family member, even a second-rank high official of Beimang cannot wear it. This is also my concern. That woman is extremely unruly, and the most frightening thing about her is that she has the ability to act on any whim. In Daomaguan, within Beiliang territory, she might have some reservations, but now that we're in Beimang, the Fish-Dragon Gang is no formidable power. If she sets her mind on something and Miss gets into trouble, I will have failed the Old Gang Leader's trust."

The Prince, who had already guessed the identity of the woman with the mink-fur forehead band, said nothing, merely feigned a look of sudden realization and nodded lightly. "It's not being stolen from that's frightening, but being coveted by a thief. And this isn't even just a thief; it's a bandit with official status. No wonder Senior Gongsun is so worried."

After a moment of silence among the three, Xu Fengnian asked with a smile, "With Senior Gongsun's rapid-fire archery, it wouldn't be difficult to secure an official position in the Beiliang army, something like a Deputy Military Commissioner of Daomaguan. Why did you not pursue such wealth and status?"

Gongsun Yang's face was bitter, and he shook his head.

Xu Fengnian connected Gongsun Yang's words, his willingness to lie low in the Fish-Dragon Gang, his impressive and sharp rapid-fire archery, and his strong Western Shu accent that had not faded after many years. Xu Fengnian began to understand his predicament. There was once a poem that read, "Gongsun of Western Shu excels at rapid-fire archery." The Prince murmured to himself, "When the Beiliang iron cavalry besieged the city, the former Western Shu Emperor hanged himself, and the Imperial Uncle died in battle before the city, vowing not to surrender. The Emperor guards the nation's gate, the monarch dies for the country. Grand Academician and Minister of War Wang Yan of Xilang, Minister of Rites Chen Liangmo, officials of the Six Ministries, generals, deputy generals, prefects, county magistrates, great scholars, literati, wandering knights, men and women alike – everyone went to their deaths. More than two thousand Western Shu officials, whose names can be found in historical records, died before the Emperor and the Sword Emperor. Among the Nine Kingdoms of the Spring and Autumn period, Western Shu, though the smallest and located in a remote corner, had the most people who committed suicide for their country among the eight nations. What spirit—a country may fall, but its integrity does not perish."

Gongsun Yang lowered his head to drink, tears streaming down his face, and murmured, "If even the monarch dared to die for the country, why should we, the people of Western Shu, not dare to go to our deaths one after another? It's just that I was young then, and my clansmen took me to Beimang. I wanted to die, but I couldn't."

Gongsun Yang suddenly looked up, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Xu Fengnian gave a wry smile. "Senior Gongsun, are you afraid that I, a small figure from the General's residence, would exchange your head for money to buy wine?"

Gongsun Yang realized his impropriety, shook his head, and looked somewhat apologetic.

Xu Fengnian took a sip of wine and said, "This wineskin of Green Ant wine is truly delicious. But wine obtained by betraying a friend and trading a head, no matter how expensive, how could it be considered good wine?"

Gongsun Yang burst into laughter, pointed at Xu Fengnian, and declared boldly, "If Young Master Xu were merely a person of the martial arts world, I would call you brother!"

After finishing the wine, they, who had gathered for a purpose, parted ways contentedly.

Xu Fengnian warmed his hands by the campfire, glanced up at the sky, then stood up. Without disturbing anyone, he slowly walked towards a secluded spot, descending a high slope as if taking a stroll.

However, once beyond the sight of the Fish-Dragon Gang, the Prince, whom Gongsun Yang had mistakenly believed to be approaching second-rank strength, moved with incredible speed, covering several *zhang* with each step, as fluid as flowing clouds and water.

He traveled ten *li* in one breath.

Listening close to the ground, this was the "Listening Art" of Beiliang scouts. Xu Fengnian's lips curled into a cold smile. He began to crouch like a wildcat prowling at night, gradually slowing his pace. A hundred steps from a small, towering hill, he saw a yawning man sitting atop it, illuminated by starlight. Xu Fengnian suddenly accelerated, reaching the spot in an instant. The lookout, whose eyelids were drooping, had just finished a few yawns when he saw the uninvited guest before him. Just as he was about to speak, a hand chop struck him on the neck, knocking him unconscious but not making him fall. He remained in his lazy posture, sitting atop the hill.

Xu Fengnian leisurely lay down beside him, pulled out a blade of licorice, and put it in his mouth, listening for Xiao Qiang's voice.

It truly was the same martial arts world, but the same rice nourished a hundred different kinds of martial artists.

The Fish-Dragon Gang, though not large, was complete in every aspect, like a sparrow with all its vital organs.