Chapter 421: Gods and Mortals

During the Minor Snow solar term, the snowflakes in the south were unusually large this year, the size of a child's hand. The heavy snow made even the postal roads difficult to traverse. With another solar term's journey to Shangyin Academy, the two carriages moved at an unhurried, leisurely pace. The snow blocked their path, and they happened to be near a lakeside manor. They detoured a few miles to seek lodging, realizing that this kind of heavy snow wouldn't stop for at least two or three days, meaning they probably wouldn't be able to depart after just one night. The private path leading from the main postal road to the manor was particularly rugged. In fact, with the cultivation levels of the Crimson-Robed Ghoul and Wang Xiaoping of Wudang, they could have easily melted away the several feet of accumulated snow on the road. However, that would have been too astonishing and showy, and Xu Fengnian did not wish to act in such a flashy manner. The five or six li of snowy road took them almost an hour to cover.

The manor displayed a golden-lettered plaque. Xu Fengnian, being discerning, immediately recognized it as the work of Dong Fu, who wrote *Sacrifice for the Deer Hunting*, the fourth-best running script in the world. This was Youyan Manor, a prominent estate that had produced father and son martial arts alliance leaders. Its family traditions were ancient and profound, making it one of the few sects in the *jianghu* (martial arts world) that had dominated the martial arts world solely through its own strength. They practiced both internal and external cultivation, excelling in Qi refinement and sword forging. Youyan Manor's Dragon Rock Censer was once as renowned as the Tangxi Sword Furnace, which forged the Baixiu Sword. However, the Tangxi Sword Furnace was now in ruins, and although the Dragon Rock Censer hadn't met the same fate, it had unfortunately been closed for two or three decades. For nearly sixty years, the manor had not produced any exceptionally brilliant individuals, relying solely on the accumulated prestige from its ancestors to maintain its existence. Nevertheless, within the province, it remained the undisputed leader in the *jianghu*, not to be underestimated. As Xu Fengnian stepped out of the carriage, he noted that the manor took care of its own affairs; despite the immense snowfall, servants diligently cleared the snow in front of the manor every hour, leaving only a thin layer on the ground, a clear testament to its deep roots and resources.

When two carriages arrived at the manor in such terrible weather, the gatekeeper, who was warming himself by the stove in a side room near the main gate, quickly scurried out, afraid of slighting the guests. Youyan Manor had always enjoyed an excellent reputation, and its treatment of servants was remarkably thoughtful and detailed. Before the first snow of winter, they had already distributed mink hats and thick clothing, along with an extra bag of silver fragments for winter expenses. As the gatekeeper of the main entrance, Zhang Mu was a minor supervisor and the manor's public face, so the quality of his mink hat was exceptionally fine, and he was even allowed to wear a fox fur coat. Even a low-ranking official in an ordinary county might not have such an imposing presence. Zhang Mu, accustomed to greeting and seeing off all sorts of people from officialdom and the martial arts world, found two carriages unremarkable, typical of a well-off common household. However, the group of men and women truly startled Zhang Mu, who had developed keen eyes from his experience. The young man leading them had white hair, a white fur coat, and white boots. A simply styled saber hung from his waist, and his phoenix eyes were so strikingly handsome it was almost defiant. The manor's young master was already considered a rare handsome man, yet he seemed to pale in comparison. Beside the white-haired young man stood a woman in purple. Setting aside her appearance, her strange, profound aura was reminiscent of the old manor master Zhang Mu had seen in his youth, instilling fear and apprehension deep within him. After just one glance, he dared not look again. Behind the young man and woman stood a sturdy youth, an inscrutable, withered man, and an elderly scholar who was shivering, rubbing his hands, and stomping his feet from the cold.

Zhang Mu began to ponder internally. All unfamiliar faces. Could these be troublesome individuals who came to the manor to borrow or examine swords as the New Year approached? Youyan Manor had a rich collection of exceptional swords. Many renowned swordsmen in the *jianghu* enjoyed coming here to borrow swords and feast their eyes. The current manor master was a generous individual who spent lavishly and made friends across the land. Viewing the swords was fine, but if someone came to borrow one, it was usually never returned, causing the manor's collection to dwindle. The old manor master had passed down over ninety famous swords, but now less than half remained. This was only thanks to the virtuous madam, who, despite several arguments with the manor master, managed to seal some of the most formidable and exquisite swords in the old sword furnace; otherwise, they would undoubtedly have been ruined by those *jianghu* types.

Xu Fengnian lightly clasped his hands and, with a touch of apology, said, "Heavy snow has blocked our path, preventing us from continuing south. I am Xu Qi, and I have long admired Youyan Manor's reputation. I have shamelessly come here to request lodging for a day or two. I hope you will be understanding." Zhang Mu heard an accent that sounded like it came from Tai'an City. The guests did not sound like individuals deliberately calling to demand famous swords, and he felt a sense of relief. The manor master enjoyed welcoming guests from all corners, and Zhang Mu, having been influenced by him, along with the other servants, had also adopted a certain degree of generosity. As long as they weren't those so-called swordsmen who sought fame and enjoyed taking advantage, Zhang Mu wasn't actually averse to them. Moreover, the individuals before him had an extraordinary and distinguished demeanor, and their words and expressions lacked the arrogance and self-importance of aristocratic heirs, which made Zhang Mu feel somewhat closer to them. He was hesitating whether to ask them to wait briefly so he could send a subordinate to inform the master. However, he felt it was inappropriate, both emotionally and logically, for these guests who had traveled so far to seek lodging to wait outside in such heavy snow. If they turned out to be children of influential nobility, it would bring unnecessary trouble to Youyan Manor. Yet, if he took it upon himself to let them in and something went wrong, he, a mere gatekeeper, could not bear the consequences. As Zhang Mu was subtly caught between a rock and a hard place, the young master surnamed Xu smiled slightly and said, "Sir, please trouble yourself to inform the manor master. I will wait quietly here. If there is any inconvenience, it is quite alright. To see Dong Fu's running script, I have come with great enthusiasm, and even if I do not enter, I will depart with equal delight."

What kind of character this young master possessed, Zhang Mu dared not presume to guess. But he was meticulous in small matters, and knew the proper way! Zhang Mu felt at ease. He respectfully clasped his hands in return and, going with the flow, smiled and said, "I humbly ask for your patience, Young Master Xu, to wait for a moment. Zhang Mu will personally go and inform the manor." Xu Fengnian extended a hand, indicating to the gatekeeper that he needn't bother with their group. Then he stood quietly in the wind and snow, looking up from afar to admire the four gold-lacquered characters "Youyan Manor" on the plaque, smooth and rich, deeply embodying a state of balance and harmony. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhang Mu trotted out, his steps quick and light but not hurried. He was clearly a seasoned practitioner, not comparable to those ordinary *jianghu* individuals who arbitrarily concocted a few moves and then proclaimed themselves great heroes. Behind him followed an old man in a black fox fur coat, looking like a head butler. Upon seeing Xu Fengnian and his group, he clasped his hands and said in a clear voice, "Young Master Xu, please come in quickly! Youyan Manor has indeed been discourteous this time. I am Zhang Han, and I will lead the way for the Young Master. We have already lit the stoves and warmed several pots of yellow wine for you."

Xu Fengnian smiled and returned the courtesy, saying, "I, Xu Qi, am the one imposing upon you. Please accept my thanks in advance for Youyan Manor's hospitality and kindness in providing lodging." The manor's butler quickly led the way, waving his hand and smiling, "Young Master Xu, please don't be so polite. If there are any shortcomings in our hospitality, please feel free to speak your mind. Although Youyan Manor is not an aristocratic clan, we have always been generous with our warmth when distinguished guests arrive." Xu Fengnian smiled and nodded. The group followed Zhang Han across the threshold of a side gate. The main gate remained closed, which was understandable. The ceremonial gate of a residence was not opened for just anyone, much like the Beiliang King's Residence, which rarely opened its main gate. Those granted such an honor were invariably top figures, overt or covert, of the Liyang Dynasty. For Xu Fengnian's group, who were mere strangers whose names Youyan Manor had never heard of, to have the head butler personally come out to greet them, this level of courtesy was truly not shabby at all. After entering the gate, Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly and warmly, holding a secret unknown to others: Old Huang's sword box contained six swords, one of which came from Youyan Manor's Dragon Rock Censer, named Chenxiang. They traversed what seemed like an endless series of corridors and buildings, finally being led to a lakeside courtyard with a full view of the snowy lake. The two characters "Chi Xue" (Ruler Snow) carved into the courtyard gate were truly fitting for the scene. Even Xuanyuan Qingfeng, who came from a privileged background and was always proud, could find no fault. Before entering the courtyard, she cast a glance back at Dragon Leap Lake, where the heavy snow was falling into the water. Youyan Manor was nestled against a mountain and by the water, with a ridge of Crouching Tiger Mountain extending into the water, resembling a sleeping tiger. Looking out, a lakeside viewing pavilion was built on the mountaintop.

Besides the two young maidservants who regularly tended to the tranquil courtyard, Zhang Han had specifically brought several other maidservants who didn't usually work in the Chi Xue Courtyard. All were of above-average attractiveness. Perhaps knowing that "family members" were present, the five or six maidservants from inside and outside the courtyard all possessed quiet and dignified demeanors, not the fawning, seductive type whose charm was immediately obvious. Zhang Han entered the courtyard but not the house, and with a smile, he said to Xu Fengnian, "Young Master Xu, the manor master unfortunately has matters to attend to and cannot come to meet you immediately. Please forgive him." Xu Fengnian shook his head, saying, "It is I, Xu Qi, who should personally pay my respects to the manor master. If the manor master were to come in person, I would truly be overwhelmed with shame. Old Mr. Zhang, please just let Xu Qi know when the manor master is free at his leisure, and I will personally bring gifts to express my gratitude. I simply didn't expect the heavy snow to block the roads, delaying our planned itinerary, and forcing us to seek lodging in haste. My gifts are quite meager, which truly makes me blush."

Zhang Han's mood greatly improved, and he chuckled, "Guests are always welcome! Young Master Xu, you are too kind, truly too kind!" To be honest, Zhang Han was truly fed up with those so-called *jianghu* 'heroes'. They seemed boisterous and informal, immediately calling the manor master "brother" and boasting shamelessly about future favors, claiming they'd "go through fire and water." In reality, they were so shrewd that even he, the manor's head butler, felt inferior. They would stay at the manor for anywhere from a few weeks to a month or so, freeloading and eating poorly, and if they received even a slight, unintentional slight, they might go to the manor master and make snide remarks. Worse still, there was once a famous saber expert, renowned in the southeast *jianghu*, who, despite being over fifty years old, committed the disgusting act of assaulting a maidservant. As for the swordsmen and wanderers who came seeking fame, every single one of them was after the manor's sword collection, their calculations clattering loudly. And the manor master was such a good-natured person who couldn't bring himself to be stern. Zhang Han was, after all, just a servant; even if he hardened his heart and played the villain, he couldn't achieve much. For years, the virtuous madam, who managed the household well, had suffered silently. Today, encountering a Young Master Xu who was so polite and understanding, a great weight lifted from Zhang Han's heart. After all, if Youyan Manor wanted to rise again, it needed more down-to-earth *jianghu* friends. Moreover, if the guests were sons of high-ranking officials with real power, it would be an immense stroke of luck for Youyan Manor, akin to receiving charcoal in winter.

Zhang Han quietly departed. The eyes of the five maidservants rippled with admiration, and they couldn't help but steal extra glances at the young man in the fox fur coat. He was truly handsome, not with a delicate, effeminate beauty, but with a full, spirited manliness. The three maidservants from outside the courtyard had initially harbored some complaints—who would be willing to serve outsiders in such freezing weather? But after seeing Xu Fengnian with their own eyes, their faces overtly expressed their delight. This made the young attendant, Wu, secretly chuckle to himself, thinking, "I knew our young master would be popular wherever he goes." He couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at the woman in purple. She, in turn, keenly sensed the young attendant's gaze. Their eyes met, and an indescribable feeling passed between them, at the very least devoid of significant murderous intent. The young attendant was startled. "Has this spooky woman changed her nature? There are no signs of a fight?"

The small courtyard indeed had several jars of the manor's own brewed, high-quality aged yellow wine warmed up. The charcoal in the brazier was plentiful, and with the door half-open, the room still felt warm and cozy. Through the courtyard gate, one could see the entire expanse of the silvery-white lake. The courtyard itself was not large, only two sections deep, but the rooms were sufficient and did not give a sense of coldness or desolation. The two maidservants who regularly worked in the Chi Xue Courtyard went about their tasks; in truth, the courtyard was already clean, and their activity was merely for show, to make the guests feel the manor's diligent hospitality and good will. The three visiting maidservants attended to the yellow wine and the esteemed guests. Xu Fengnian smiled and asked if they drank alcohol and if they were allowed to drink. They exchanged smiles and nodded gracefully. One of them replied that they could drink about one or two *liang* of wine, but dared not drink more, otherwise, if the butler caught them, they would surely be lectured. Xu Fengnian then requested a few more wine cups, and guests and maidservants alike shared the yellow wine, enjoying themselves greatly. Wang Xiaoping, the sword fanatic, did not drink and went into a room to seclude himself.

Liu Bao's nose was red from drinking, and he was muttering verses—all excellent poems about drinking wine—which amused the maidservants who had mistakenly thought he was an old accountant.

Xu Fengnian smiled and asked, "Before entering the courtyard, I saw a small boat tied by the lake. Is it possible to go out on the lake at this time?" A bolder maidservant's eyes twinkled, and she spoke in a soft voice, "Reporting to Young Master Xu, the manor has dedicated boatmen. If I just inform them, you can go out onto the lake to fish, or even warm wine on the boat. However, the snow is too heavy right now. If you were to fish on the lake, it would be too cold; you would need to wear a straw cape lined with thick cotton." Xu Fengnian nodded, saying, "Then please trouble yourselves to bring me a straw cape and hat. The boatman won't be necessary."

The graceful maidservant acknowledged, rose, and elegantly departed. Not long after, she returned with swaying steps. Qingniao rose and helped the young master put on the heavy straw cape. Xu Fengnian picked up a finely crafted bamboo hat and a box of pre-prepared, refined fishing bait. He walked out of the courtyard. Apart from Xuanyuan Qingfeng, the group escorted him to the lakeside. Xu Fengnian stepped onto the small boat alone, smiling and waving to everyone. The five maidservants were completely engrossed in gazing at the young master's divine and graceful bearing, thinking that while some people rely on clothes and Buddhas on gold, Young Master Xu looked handsome no matter how he was dressed, even in a straw cape. None of them noticed that after the white-haired young man, Xu Qi, boarded the boat, it gently glided into the lake without any visible movement of a scull.

Heavy snow covered the vast lake, where a lone boat with a figure in a straw cape and hat appeared. It was like fishing alone on a cold, snowy river.

After the maidservants came to their senses, they lingered for a long time, unwilling to leave. Only when they could no longer endure the heavy snow and bitter winter cold did they reluctantly return to the Chi Xue Courtyard.

Half an hour later, a group of people in white attire arrived, treading on the water. Both men and women were among them, fluttering like white butterflies, their demeanor transcendent and otherworldly, as if ascending to immortality. This group of "immortals" gracefully trod on the water, covering five or six *zhang* in a single stride, soaring high over the small boat and heading straight for Youyan Manor.