Chapter 413: Demanding Debts in Ta'an City, Flowing Large Sleeves

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"Fires of Beacon Towers" on Zongheng, by Fenghuo Xizhuhou.

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The Jiujiu Inn was closed for business. Aunt Hong lived in a triple-courtyard house not far away. Women were naturally more susceptible to cold, so she felt the chill when the weather turned cold. She sat cross-legged on the kang with a young woman. The older woman chewed on melon seeds, muttering to herself, while the young woman quietly listened to Aunt Hong's chatter, showing no sign of impatience. After finishing their housework and farm chores, ordinary farming women with a bit of skill often liked to pick up a delicate pair of small scissors to pass their leisure time. They couldn't just focus on making babies with their husbands as soon as night fell; besides, they couldn't afford to raise too many children. Aunt Hong was a widow who, though aged, was still quite pretty. Yet, no one dared to cause trouble by knocking on her door. In her spare time, she simply enjoyed paper cutting. She was skillful and ingenious. Whenever there was a joyous occasion, neighbors were willing to come to Aunt Hong to ask for time-consuming and intricate paper-cut "happiness" characters and door-hanging flower designs. The window by the kang was covered with Aunt Hong's exquisite paper cuttings, fulfilling the old saying, "push open the window and see joy." On cloudy days, Aunt Hong would also hang a "Clear Sky Doll" under the eaves, which was remarkably effective. Aunt Hong chewed on melon seeds, occasionally freeing a hand to patiently teach the young woman beside her how to hold the scissors. But though the young woman was stunningly beautiful, her hands were clumsy, eliciting a few good-natured chuckles from Aunt Hong. Aunt Hong's mouth never rested; she rambled on, mostly about that one family.

"Those two, mother and daughter, should both blame Xu the Cripple."

"The little one should also blame his parents."

"One couldn't bear to leave Xu Xiao, the other couldn't bear to abandon her dead brothers. In the end, it was their own child who suffered."

"Even more, blame those so-called 'loyal and upright' officials. Xu Xiao isn't some gentleman full of benevolence and righteousness, but his actions are open and honorable. How could those phony gentlemen compare? When has Xu Xiao ever let down anyone he should have been loyal to?"

"Zhao Zhi is just petty. She couldn't stand Wu Su being more outstanding than her, nor Xu Xiao being more manly than her own man. Anyone who knows her is unlucky!"

The young woman was cutting a magpie perched on a plum branch. When finished, it looked clumsy and comical, and she smiled shyly. Aunt Hong laughed and comforted her, "It's good for your first time with scissors."

The young woman put down the small red paper cutting and sighed.

Aunt Hong looked out the window frame, lost in thought.

The stalemate at Xilei Wall persisted. Fourteen former Beiliang subordinates from the capital, including Ma Ling, collectively died by crashing into the palace gates, helping Grand General Xu Xiao quell the rampant rumors that he would divide the land with Western Chu along a river. Dressed in white mourning clothes, they beat war drums, and one battle decided the fate of the realm. That year, among the Eight Nations of the Spring and Autumn period, although Western Shu and Southern Tang still barely clung to existence, they could in fact no longer escape the unstoppable advance of Liyang's Xu and Gu family cavalry, like bamboo splitting. The Xu family cavalry was only three hundred li from the Western Chu imperial city when Xu Xiao was summoned to the capital for rewards by four urgent imperial decrees a day, each traveling eight hundred li. What awaited this meritorious minister, however, was the "Capital White Garment Case." This led to Western Chu being besieged for three years without falling. At that time, Prince Zhao Yi, who had not yet been enfeoffed as King Guangling, intended to seize the opportunity to gain immense military achievements. Unexpectedly, he suffered two consecutive defeats, losing troops and generals, severely depleting his strength. In the end, Xu Xiao had to continue leading the southern campaign, finally breaking through the majestic Shenhuang City, renowned as the most formidable city under heaven. During those three years, the young Xu Fengnian was "detained" as a hostage at Dantong Pass, seven hundred li south of Taian City. Six hundred soldiers were stationed within the pass, and over ten thousand cavalry outside, all solely to target the female Sword Immortal and the young mother and child.

The young woman suddenly asked, "Aunt Hong, do you regret meeting Uncle Xun Ping?"

The woman shook her head and smiled, "Chen Yu, when you truly fall head over heels for someone, you won't ask such a foolish question."

The young woman also shook her head, "Unfortunately, I haven't met anyone."

Aunt Hong suddenly thought of something, her face clouding over, and she said grimly, "That bald donkey Yang deserved to lose his cultivation and die. It'll truly be satisfying when Yuan Benxi and Liu Haoshi are finally killed."

Chen Yu asked, "Who can kill them?"

Aunt Hong smiled, "Anyway, it certainly won't be an old woman like me; my little scissors are only good for cutting paper."

Chen Yu picked up the magpie-on-plum paper cutting, held it above her head, and light filtered through the gaps, illuminating her face, which could bring ruin to a nation. Even Aunt Hong, who had been a great beauty in her youth, felt a touch of envy and emotion. Chen Yu, meaning "sinking fish," was truly a prescient name.

Aunt Hong asked, "Aren't you afraid of not getting into the Taian City imperial palace, but instead going to a barren place like Beiliang to suffer hardships?"

Chen Yu asked directly, "Are you saying I've been betrothed to the Beiliang heir?"

Aunt Hong nodded.

Chen Yu smiled calmly, "Isn't it all the same?"

Aunt Hong dismissed it with a smile, waving her small scissors. "Come, I'll teach you how to cut a fighting rooster."

Chen Yu was momentarily stunned. Aunt Hong smiled and explained, "'Fighting rooster' (dou ji) sounds like 'all auspicious' (dou ji), so it means good fortune."

The crowd stared, mesmerized, at the Western Chu princess who had appeared out of nowhere. Even the elderly capital officials couldn't resist their appreciation for beauty; they had truly never seen such a remarkable woman. Perhaps Chen Yu, from the beauty rankings, could rival her in appearance, but Chen Yu was, after all, only a woman who could wield a brush or an embroidery needle, and would certainly not arrive riding a sword.

The woman, whose real name was Jiang Si but had been changed to Jiang Ni by some scoundrel, softly uttered four words: "By Heaven's Law, vast and mighty."

The scabbard didn't move, and neither did the person. The Great Liang Dragon Sparrow sword had already unsheathed itself to claim a head.

Two types of sword qi, bright yellow and deep purple, swirled around the long, ancient sword as it shot towards a man in a striking white python robe on the plaza.

The moment before the flying sword unsheathed, Yuan Tingshan, who had managed to pass the "dragon gate" and participate in the imperial court meeting, wore a sneer. He looked at his future father-in-law, Gu Jiantang, and extended a hand, saying, "Grand General, lend me your blade!" Gu Jiantang's expression was as still as an ancient well, showing no hesitation or superfluous movement. The Nanhua Blade at his waist unsheathed with a clang, like a green dragon emerging from water. Yuan Tingshan, a man of humble origins who had suddenly come into wealth, not only showed no appreciation for his good fortune but was instead desperate to make a name for himself in Taian City, having almost gone mad thinking about it these past days. "If not now, then when?" he thought. "You noble sons enjoy prosperity with a clear conscience, but I have to risk my life every time to seek fortune in danger. Whoever blocks me dies!" The moment Yuan Tingshan, whose cultivation had been continuously skyrocketing, grasped the Nanhua Blade, his hair flew wildly, as if possessed by a celestial being, or like someone who had gone mad from qi deviation. With the blade in hand, he immediately realized that the Grand General had not only lent him the Nanhua Blade but had also imbued it with a surge of formidable true qi. With such goodwill, how could Yuan Tingshan disappoint his father-in-law, the foremost blade-user in the world?

Yuan Tingshan switched to a two-handed grip on the blade, his eyes reddening. With an enraged shout, he brought the blade down towards the flying sword that was arcing downwards.

On the city tower, Cao Qingyi, who was capable of single-handedly fighting against two masters, Gu Jiantang and Zhao Danping, paid no mind. He simply stated calmly, "Western Chu returns Beiliang's first courtesy."

This was truly a thunderclap from a clear sky.

The infamous Yuan Tingshan's blade swung down, reaching a peak of mastery, barely striking the tip of the Great Liang Dragon Sparrow. Yet, the flying sword continued to fly straight, its body not trembling in the slightest.

The Nanhua Blade, one of the "Twin Talismans," thus slid effortlessly across the flying sword.

The plaza beneath Yuan Tingshan's feet cracked, sending stones flying. The sound pierced eardrums. Fortunately, behind this mad dog were generals skilled in martial arts. Faced with the sudden collateral damage, most of them shielded themselves awkwardly, except for Lu Shengxiang and Lu Baijie, who simply waved their sleeves, dispersing the flying stones.

Xu Fengnian took one step forward with his left foot and one step back with his right.He raised both hands.One hand intercepted the great river, the other shook Kunlun.A sword pierced straight through the two postures, its tip aimed directly at Xu Fengnian's chest.Xu Fengnian silently intoned, "Sword, come."Black Armor, Green Plum, Bamboo Horse, Morning Dew, Spring Water, Peach Blossom, Moth Eyebrows, Vermillion Bird, Huangtong, Pí Fú, Golden Thread, Tai'a.A series of twelve clangs.Resounding throughout the imperial city.The sword tip still didn't change direction, remaining only ten feet from Xu Fengnian's heart.Winds surged and clouds gathered between heaven and earth.Then a blinding crimson figure crashed to the ground, like a great thunderbolt of heavenly tribulation descending from the celestial realm, attempting to interpose itself between the flying sword and Xu Fengnian.This crimson-robed spectral entity, having reached the peak of the Celestial Phenomenon realm, stepped on the tip of the flying sword.It had six arms.It showed a compassionate face to others, but a joyful face directed solely at Xu Fengnian.Since the immortal Qi Xuanzhen vanquished demons at Lotus Terrace before the Jiazi cycle, it was probably the first time ordinary people had truly witnessed a celestial demon descend upon the world.The spectral entity stood on tiptoe, and the flying sword inverted before it, then was tossed into the air.Jiang Ni, expressionless, extended a finger and gently waved it.Cao Changqing continued calmly, "Western Chu returns Liyang's second courtesy."The flying sword, having failed to assassinate the Beiliang heir, seemed to possess boundless reserve power. It flew high above the crimson-robed spectral entity and the man in the white python robe, heading towards the Liyang Emperor on the steps. Its sword qi was like the Milky Way, carrying stars, pouring down upon the human world.The Zhao Emperor clenched his fists, not retreating a single step.Chen Zhibao reached out and grasped the Plum Wine spear.He pressed it downwards.The Plum Wine spear instantly vanished."By decree of the earth, ten thousand hidden soldiers."Ten steps from the Zhao Emperor, the Plum Wine spear burst from the ground, colliding with the tip of the flying sword.It hovered for an instant.There was clearly no sound, yet officials, both civil and military, who were unfamiliar with martial arts, immediately covered their ears and crouched on the ground. Some frail civil officials even showed tragic signs of bleeding from their seven orifices.Lu Shengxiang and Tangxi Sword Immortal Lu Baijie, among others, leaped high, creating a barrier between the flying sword, Plum Wine, and the thousand-plus people, separating them from the chaotic, flood-like outflow of invisible energy.The Plum Wine spear finally bounced back into Chen Zhibao's hand.Jiang Ni, standing on the scabbard, let out a cold snort. The flying sword flashed away and instantly returned to its sheath.Almost simultaneously, Xu Fengnian, with increasing blood on the corner of his mouth, grabbed one of the spectral entity's arms and violently flung it towards a palace wall.Its wide crimson sleeves, like a large red bat in broad daylight, swooped towards the burly old man beside Zhao Danping.One of the two masters guarding the imperial palace, whose cultivation realm surpassed even that of Han Diaosi, the Finger Profound.Liu Haoshi.After throwing the spectral entity, Xu Fengnian took a single stride of nearly ten zhang, drifting towards Yuan Tingshan.On Jiangnan Road, he had once wanted to kill Xu Zhihu.Xu Fengnian raised his arm, his five fingers like hooks, and said in a deep voice, "Swords, come again!"Black Thunder, Tai'a, Peach Blossom, Golden Thread, Huangtong.Five flying swords, their sharp edges piercing the constellations with their sword qi, smashed down in unison.Immortal's Crown Strike!Yuan Tingshan's expression drastically changed. The Nanhua Blade stirred up a dazzling array of blade light, and he retreated step by step. His hand, bleeding from the web between thumb and forefinger, barely managed to block five swords. After retreating only three steps, he rolled sideways, a string of blood beads splashing from his back. He had been cut by a Pí Fú flying sword, whose hovering position was extremely malicious and tricky, tearing through the official robe he had long yearned for. Just as he barely managed to roll out of danger, another five swords poured down from above like cold water. Yuan Tingshan's face was distorted with rage. He had only just begun his promising career; how could he stand here and wait for death! Gritting his teeth, he pulled out the Nanhua Blade and, with one burst of effort, knocked away three flying swords. He tilted his head, dodging one that grazed his cheek, and using the momentum of the Nanhua Blade deflecting a sword, pressed it against his chest just before the last flying sword could pierce his heart. Yuan Tingshan, who was already unsteady, stumbled and swayed precariously, but he ultimately managed to steady himself. He reached out and touched the blood, and instead of anger, he cackled with laughter, "Come on, if you dare!"

The civil and military officials on the plaza were all astonished, thinking, "What a mad dog, truly unafraid of death!"

Then, almost everyone was dumbfounded. Xu Fengnian was seen advancing slowly, strolling casually, while Yuan Tingshan, inexplicably opposed by the Beiliang heir, thrashed and struggled like a grass carp unfortunately stranded on the shore, fighting for its life.

The distance was already less than five zhang.Blood continuously splattered from Yuan Tingshan.The world only knew that Peach Blossom Sword God Deng Tai'a cherished twelve flying swords in his small box, unaware that there was a second person in the world who could wield so many swords.Finally, it was three zhang.Yuan Tingshan, who had been waiting for this moment, dodged three fatal swords, allowed two swords to pierce his body, and brought his own blade down.

The officials on the plaza, who dared not breathe, broke into cold sweats, hoping that this mad dog would kill the formidable Beiliang heir with one strike!

But the next scene astonished most people. Only Lu Shengxiang, Lu Baijie, and others subtly shook their heads, feeling a mix of regret and admiration.

Yuan Tingshan, with a surge of inverse qi, retracted his blade, blunting its edge.

Lu Shengxiang regretted that at a true life-or-death moment, Yuan Tingshan, despite his previous lack of regard for fortune, ultimately cherished his life and did not engage in a life-for-a-life exchange.

Lu Baijie, on the other hand, was amazed by Xu Fengnian's audacity. This man could have won more easily, but he didn't. He still dared to bet that Yuan Tingshan would fear death before he did. Such a fight would likely leave Yuan Tingshan with a massive psychological shadow that he could never erase.

Xu Fengnian slapped Yuan Tingshan's chest, whose momentum had waned. He continuously stepped forward, grabbed one of Yuan Tingshan's feet in mid-air, and then abruptly slammed him onto the ground.

A large pit formed.Yuan Tingshan was clearly on his last breath.Gu Jiantang, who had been observing with narrowed eyes, finally took a step forward.If Yuan Tingshan were to die in the capital, he would first have to get past Gu Jiantang.A breeze stirred, and the white-haired young man standing quietly on the plaza, his wide python robe sleeves fluttering in the wind.Just as his family's fortunes had been precarious.The eldest son of the Xu family, whom no one had thought highly of back then, had finally shed his tarnished exterior.He possessed an indescribably unparalleled demeanor.Xu Fengnian looked at Yuan Tingshan in the pit and grinned, "You? You're not even worthy of me drawing my blade. Consider yourself lucky today to have a good father-in-law. Next time, I'll personally flay you."

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Aaaahhhhh!Let's get it, sis!Jumping in fiercely!!!!!!That year, Western Chu fell. That was the year Old Master Xu brought Jiang Ni back to Beiliang, and Xiao Nian saw her for the first time. That year, she had dimples. That was the year Jiang Ni saw Xiao Nian stumble in the Wudang vegetable garden and her dimples appeared. That year, his hair hadn't yet turned white. That was the year Xiao Nian was being hunted in Beimang, and at the last moment, after Xiao Nian yelled "Jiang Ni, I like you," Jiang Ni appeared. Great masters, do you think what I'm saying is correct?

Xu Fengnian looked at Yuan Tingshan in the pit and grinned, "You? You're not even worthy of me drawing my blade. Consider yourself lucky today to have a good father-in-law. Next time, I'll personally flay you." Utterly badass.

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