Chapter 230: Grabbing the Secret Manual is Also an Art

Nothing pains me more than seeing beautiful women grow old and heroes decline. As long as Xu Xiao lives, I will not lead my army south. I will never allow Xu Xiao to tarnish his lifelong heroic reputation in his twilight years!

Pah!

When Xu Fengnian opened his eyes at dawn, seeing the streaky white sky, he inexplicably thought of the remote exchange between the Empress of Beimang and Xu Xiao. It was hardly a war of words, and he couldn't help but chuckle. Rumors would occasionally filter out from the Beimang royal court, and the Empress, now over fifty, never concealed her peculiar affections for Xu Xiao. There were whispers that in her youth, she had secretly visited the Liyang Dynasty and had a fleeting encounter with Xu Xiao. Some even claimed a world-shattering, tear-inducing one-night romance. While officials in both dynasties were half-believing and half-doubting the former, few naturally believed the latter, which circulated more among common folk. Courtiers in his own dynasty, no matter how much they disliked Xu Xiao, scoffed at such talk. Xu Fengnian, of course, believed it even less. He slowly stood up, stretched, shook his head, and turned to see Wang Dashi jogging over, secretly practicing his boxing stance, holding his arms in a circle, linked in a continuous flow. Unfortunately, it was only a rough outline, miles away from achieving true mastery. Upon seeing Xu Fengnian, Wang Dashi quietly said, "Guest Elder Gongsun said that Head Xiao scouted out some horse bandits last night and, ignoring all warnings, pursued them with his sword. We don't know when he'll return. Miss Liu said to wait for another half-day; if he doesn't come back by then, we'll have to proceed to Liuxia City."

Xu Fengnian smiled and asked, "Last night, you left all the dry branches for me. Weren't you cold?"

Wang Dashi's honest simplicity was immediately apparent as he blushed and replied, "In our gang back home, there are many rules for seeking apprenticeship, and even then, a master might not teach you real skills. They often say they need to observe your character for a few years before deciding, and then they just forget about it. If you shamelessly ask later, the master might say you haven't accomplished anything in years and aren't trainable, so they leave you aside. In the end, it's always because the apprentice didn't pay enough silver."

Xu Fengnian couldn't help but laugh, "You're actually not dumb, kid."

The young man scratched his head, blushing, and mustered his courage to say, "Young Master Xu, you're different from those masters who only think about lining their pockets."

Xu Fengnian, who never refused flattery, laughed heartily, "Good judgment."

The Fish Dragon Gang members, grouped in twos and threes according to their small cliques, cast varied glances their way. Some disdained Wang Dashi as a spineless sycophant, others envied the junior disciple for having connected with the General's Residence, while some wondered why a descendant of a military family like Xu would be happy to chat amiably with Wang Dashi. Generally, the hot-blooded youths didn't look favorably upon Young Master Xu. As for the older members, those who had experienced the murky and perilous martial world, they seemed reserved but secretly hoped Young Master Xu would initiate polite greetings, giving them a way to save face so they could respond with smiles and curry favor. Unfortunately, the young man surnamed Xu was too arrogant; he hadn't spoken to anyone even as they neared Liuxia City, which greatly frustrated and enraged many opportunistic gang members hoping to build connections with the General's Residence.

Xu Fengnian glanced at the Fish Dragon Gang and said, "When you return to Lingzhou, you won't have an easy time."

The young man forced a smile, a little bitter, but gone was his former confusion and fear. This youth, the only one who fought alongside Liu Nirong at the crucial moment at Daoma Pass, pursed his lips and softly said, "It's alright," unsure if he was comforting Young Master Xu or himself.

Young people are like new bows; they won't know their full potential until life stretches them to an extreme degree. Xu Fengnian stood on a high slope, gazing north. Between Daoma Pass and Liuxia City lay Yanui Pass, a solitary fortress whose ownership was ambiguous. Neither dynasty had tacitly stationed officials there, which instead made it a rare, bustling marketplace. The residents of the pass had long developed sharp ears and far-seeing eyes; they dispersed when there was conflict and gathered when there was peace, content to live freely. Further north from Yanui Pass was the undisputed territory of Beimang, heavily fortified with a beacon every five li, a fortified mound every ten li, and a city every hundred li, annually repaired and improved, forming a distinct and complete military defense system.

Gongsun Yang, standing with His Royal Highness the Heir, lifted his wineskin. With little green ant wine left, he awkwardly put it back at his waist and explained the complex situation of Yanui Pass to Liu Nirong beside him. "Miss, we are still two days' journey from Yanui Pass. This place is a mixed bag of people from all walks of life, good and bad. Many criminals who committed offenses in our southern region have migrated here, and it's much the same on the Beimang side. There are also soldiers and officers who were stationed at the border but deserted from the military for various reasons. Some are spies or informants, while others simply lead their brothers into dangerous trades that could cost them their heads. More are desperate fugitives who escaped military servitude. Add to that tax evaders, those fleeing justice, and the remnants of the Eight Spring and Autumn States who preferred to be homeless dogs than peaceful citizens of Liyang. Those who dare to reside permanently in Yanui Pass are basically without a single person with clean hands. Even the tiny children in Yanui Pass are ruthless and cruel, far more cunning and experienced than strong young men from outside. Although we need to resupply water and food, I think the main group should not enter the city. I'll take a few clever fellows to procure supplies. There's no other way; our Fish Dragon Gang simply cannot withstand further trouble."

Liu Nirong nodded. "I will enter the city with Uncle Gongsun then. We will act with utmost caution."

Gongsun Yang felt deeply comforted. "Gongsun Yang can't keep things to himself, Miss, so please don't be angry when you hear this. Although you are a woman, you possess the innate goodness of women and won't stubbornly try to stand out. To be honest, when the old head wanted to hand the Fish Dragon Gang over to you, Gongsun Yang was still worried. Not being able to command respect was just one reason. My main fear was that your ambition was too high, that you might take the gang's current foundation for granted, and single-mindedly pursue advancement, which would inevitably lead to hitting a wall and perhaps ending up bruised and battered. Taking over might have meant losing the prudence essential for survival in the jianghu. After this journey, Gongsun Yang truly underestimated your abilities and wisdom, Miss."

Liu Nirong blushed. "Uncle Gongsun, I'm actually just timid, not as sophisticated as you make me out to be."

Gongsun Yang chuckled heartily. "Miss, timidity is good. A newborn calf not fearing a tiger is not desirable. Those with strong backgrounds are better off; if they suffer hardships or grievances, they can just go back to their parents for backup and aren't afraid of not being able to make a comeback. Our Fish Dragon Gang, well, it's awkwardly positioned, neither here nor there. We're far from a big family with a big business. Once we suffer severe losses, who will give us a hundred days to recover and recuperate? Our covetously lurking rival gangs would kick us while we're down. So, timidity is a good thing; it's the Fish Dragon Gang's blessing. If it were truly as Young Master Xu said, if Xiao Qiang usurped power and handed it to the ambitious but incompetent Xiao Ling, Gongsun Yang dares to assert that the Fish Dragon Gang, going astray, would at most prosper for a year. Then unexpected disaster would strike, and we'd be completely finished. Pulling up seedlings to help them grow, what good harvest could that yield? It's simply not acceptable."

Liu Nirong hadn't expected the usually quiet and reserved Head Guest Elder to be so witty. She burst into laughter, feeling much more relaxed, and her eyes subtly brightened. Gongsun Yang observed, nodding secretly, feeling a certain pity for a junior on whom much hope was placed. This trip to Beimang was not merely about a carriage of goods and thirty thousand taels of silver; it was the heavy burden of laying out the Fish Dragon Gang's strategy for the next few years, placed entirely on her shoulders. At Daoma Pass, they had been indiscriminately hunted down by imperial soldiers as bandits, and after leaving the pass, they were shadowed by bandits clinging to them like gangrene. The former pillar of support, Xiao Qiang, was now of unknown whereabouts and fate. This was truly a heavy burden for Liu Nirong, who was not yet twenty. Gongsun Yang glanced at Young Master Xu, for whom he had a good impression. Wasn't this person an additional burden for the extremely nervous Liu Nirong? Gongsun Yang sighed inwardly, telling himself to think positively, that this experience was destined to be an invaluable life lesson for Liu Nirong.

Liu Nirong wrapped her arms around her knees, biting her lip as she gazed wistfully into the distance. She was oblivious to the admiring stares of many young men from the Fish Dragon Gang.

After noon, they ate their fill and set off north. Only Xu Fengnian, Liu Nirong, and Gongsun Yang knew perfectly well that Xiao Qiang, who had gone to fight alone, would certainly not reappear. As they descended a slope, Xu Fengnian noticed Liu Nirong's complex gaze directed at him but was too lazy to respond. In the past, his polite smiles had been met with ingratitude; why bother being warm to someone cold? Idly pondering this, Xu Fengnian, who was trailing behind, unconsciously glanced at Liu Nirong's backside a few times. Her heroic spirit, cultivated from years of martial arts practice, obscured the feminine charm she ought to possess, but on closer inspection, Liu Nirong's figure was quite appealing, with a pair of long legs that were especially firm and elastic. However, Xu Fengnian only indulged his eyes when no one was looking. In this thousand-li yellow sand desert, with no village ahead and no inn behind, any woman was a priceless treasure, let alone an outstanding woman of inner grace like Liu Nirong.

The sun was scorching, and heat waves washed over them. All the Fish Dragon Gang members were drenched in sweat, and drops of perspiration occasionally trickled down Liu Nirong's cheeks as she rode her horse.

Only Xu Fengnian's breathing remained long and steady. With his precious "Great Huang Ting" technique, almost a divine gift, his entire body felt cool. Wang Dashi, walking beside Young Master Xu, felt much less heat. The young man didn't realize he was benefiting; he was preoccupied with silently reciting the boxing manual's incantations. Young Master Xu had told him that a slow bird flies early, and diligence can make up for lack of talent; if his mind wasn't sharp, he should rely on the slow and steady effort to pursue martial arts. Yet, despite Xu Fengnian's relaxed horseback riding, internally, he showed no signs of slacking. Others practicing martial arts desperately sought shortcuts to quick mastery, but His Royal Highness did the opposite, specifically choosing the most intricate meridian circulation diagrams from the saber manual to regulate his breathing and qi. Others sought simplicity; he sought complexity. Only when his qi stagnation caused truly suffocating chest tightness would he slowly exhale a mouthful of stagnant, murky qi.

Strangely enough, the essence contained in the page of the saber manual Xu Fengnian was currently practicing intricately described Li Chungang's "Sword Qi Rolling Dragon Wall," named "Opening Shu Style" in the manual.

What a "Sword Qi Rolling Dragon Wall"! Xu Fengnian's qi circulated wildly within him, causing pain as if thousands of sword auras were twisting his heart and lungs. Thankfully, His Royal Highness's expression remained normal.

Xu Fengnian's qi continued its circulation, yet he narrowed his eyes, gazing into the distance.

An agile figure appeared out of nowhere from a high slope, landing with feet kicking up a cloud of dust. He then used the momentum to charge forward swiftly, paused briefly, subtly shifted direction, and smashed into the Fish Dragon Gang's group, which was vaguely advancing along the road. The group watched stunned. Even more shocking was that just a few breaths later, dozens more figures followed, leaping from the high slope. While the first dozen or so landed gracefully, some of those with poorer lightness skill fell flat on their faces upon landing. After rolling on the ground, they disregarded their dignity and continued to charge forward. By their posture, these thirty or forty individuals were chasing the gentleman who was about to rush into the Fish Dragon Gang's formation. In their haste, Liu Nirong and Gongsun Yang did not dare to act rashly. They only saw that the newcomer was a hook-nosed old man in a gray shirt. Tapping his toes on the ground several times, he instantly approached the Fish Dragon Gang's horse team, leaped high, pulled a yellowed book from his怀 and tossed it to a Fish Dragon Gang member on horseback. The old man laughed heartily, "You grandsons, your grandpa isn't playing with you anymore! Whoever has the ability, take this 'Green Cicada Sword Embryo Classic'!"

Green what sword what?

The Fish Dragon Gang member, unexpectedly hit by a martial arts manual, unconsciously clutched it, completely baffled and bewildered. But after the old man swept through the air, this gang member turned his head to see his vision filled with red-eyed, menacing jianghu experts, who, swift as hares and falcons, charged directly at him. The weapons of a few hot-headed leaders reflected each other, weaving together a dazzling brilliance. The fellow suddenly shivered, finally realizing the book in his hand was a hot potato. Without a word, he threw it to a gang member beside him. "Damn it, what an unexpected disaster!" The next unlucky fellow was cleverer; he yelled, "Wang Mazi, catch!" and flung it away. The third person to catch it followed suit, not even glancing at the manual, and forcefully threw it backward.

Liu Nirong was mortified and couldn't bear to watch. It was truly embarrassing.

The young Wang Dashi saw the manual flying towards him, hesitated, wondering whether to catch it, when the sky above him darkened. Next, he saw the manual land in Young Master Xu's hand, who then threw it back to the crowd.

A manual was tossed high into the air.

The thirty-odd maddened individuals were all skilled, like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displaying their unique powers. Those who leaped into the air clashed with others already in mid-air, while those on the ground who couldn't ascend were not idle, fighting fiercely wherever they were. A flurry of loud clashing sounds filled the air, quite pleasing to the eye, mesmerising the Fish Dragon Gang members who marvelled at seeing so many experts at once, feeling the trip to Beimang was worth it. In a few moments, three or four people lay motionless on the ground; these were truly merciless attacks. After the initial chaos, a handsome, young swordsman who had come of age successfully clutched the long-sought martial arts manual. Immediately, six allied swordsmen retreated, forming a peculiar sword formation with the handsomely featured young man, defending against external enemies.

Xu Fengnian narrowed his eyes. It was an obscure and rare "General Chess Piece" sword formation. In attack, it could transform into a cone formation easily cutting through opponents; in defense, it could become a solid "Heaven's Core" formation in the center. Most likely, he was a swordsman from the distinguished Qi Sword Music Academy in Beimang.

Xu Fengnian had intended to warn these experts that the manual was probably fake, but after some hesitation, he decided against it. He was about to signal Liu Nirong to continue forward and not get involved in this mess.

When the exceptionally outstanding young swordsman in white with a jade pendant carefully examined the cover, he indeed smashed the manual to the ground, fuming with rage. "Fake! It's just 'Gongyang's Commentary'!"

The hook-nosed old man, cunning as an old fox, had already fled. His lightness skill was already superior to the others, and with this delay, he could escape to the ends of the earth.

Liu Nirong finished watching the truly captivating spectacle, then came to her senses, thinking of getting away from this troublesome place, but the situation already dictated that the Fish Dragon Gang couldn't leave. Those jianghu heroes who had trekked over mountains and through valleys, enduring hardships to pursue the manual, were now staring wide-eyed, clearly wanting to vent their anger on the Fish Dragon Gang.

The stern-faced leader from the Qi Sword Music Academy did not immediately attack the Fish Dragon Gang; a prominent sect still maintained some decorum.

Liu Nirong was carefully formulating her words, but unexpectedly, the young man surnamed Xu had already spoken first. "Heroes, every wrong has its perpetrator, every debt its debtor. We have also suffered undeserved calamity, so there's no need to resort to blades, is there?"

Liu Nirong's heart pounded with anxiety, fearing that these people would turn their aggression against the Fish Dragon Gang.

The Qi Sword Music Academy swordsman smiled brightly, holding his long sword inverted, cupped his hands, and bowed slightly, performing all the proper jianghu courtesies. He said magnanimously, "Indeed. Let's part ways here."

One sharp-eyed fellow, stretching his neck to look at the book at the Qi Sword Music Academy's feet, recognized the cover and angrily said, "It really is just a 'Gongyang's Commentary'! That old scoundrel is too devious! Brothers, let's keep chasing!"

The Fish Dragon Gang quickly and actively parted ways, making a wide path for them.

Excluding the few bodies left behind, the remaining thirty-odd people filed past, the Qi Sword Music Academy group included. However, the young master holding a long sword with an oily green blade paused and, smiling, asked Liu Nirong on horseback, "I am Wang Weixue of the Qi Sword Music Academy. May I ask your esteemed name, Miss?"

A few uncouth jianghu thugs ahead, hearing this, continued without stopping, muttering, "He's out to snatch a manual but doesn't forget to flirt with roadside weeds. What a piece of trash!"

"When did the Qi Sword Music Academy produce such a cultured scoundrel?!"

"One bad apple spoils the bunch. Morals are declining."

The swordsman, who called himself Wang Weixue, turned a deaf ear, simply looking up and smiling at Liu Nirong. His six fellow disciples ran ahead with the others.

Xu Fengnian smiled, "That manual is real."

Liu Nirong, out of courtesy, calmly replied, "Liu Nirong from Lingzhou."

The swordsman saw everyone receding in his peripheral vision, subdued the frivolous smile on his face, walked unhurriedly towards the manual, bent down, picked it up, and put it in his怀. Before leaving, he smiled at the astonished Liu Nirong, "Miss, your legs are beautiful. I must touch them someday, so as not to have lived in vain."