Chapter 591: Obstacles on the East-West Line

A yellow-curtained carriage entered Wudi City in the East Sea, immediately drawing countless stares. Besides the conspicuous carriage itself, the coachman was Qi Jiajie, a long-renowned master from Tai'an City who had been the capital's top swordsman for over a decade. Dressed in white, with white shoes and a white-sheathed sword, Qi Jiajie, even in middle age, retained a youthful, refined appearance and exceptional bearing. His sword sheath was extremely long, but the "White Frost" blade itself was quite short, only slightly longer than a dagger. No one knew why a short sword would have such a long sheath, and in the few duels he had fought over the years, he rarely drew his sword, only a handful of times. Qi Jiajie learned swordsmanship through unconventional means, without a famous lineage, yet he emerged out of nowhere to become one of the foremost figures in the world of swordsmen, following Li Chungang and Deng Tai'a. Several princes who had already taken up their fiefs, along with some of Liyang's most prominent noble offspring, including Zhang Fu's daughter Zhang Gaoxia, were all his disciples, achieving varying but impressive levels of success. How could Wudi City not be curious about a person important enough for Qi Jiajie to personally drive for? Furthermore, it was an unwritten rule that imperial forces did not interfere in Tai'an City. Therefore, the sudden entry of this carriage caused immense panic in Wudi City. It was well known that the city harbored many martial artists with murder charges, notorious bandits and marauders prominently listed on wanted posters. If Tai'an City ever lost that protective charm, out of ten people executed, perhaps only one or two would truly be innocent.

Some top-tier masters who had previously suffered greatly at the hands of the "Human Cat" Han Diaosi were particularly on edge, ready to flee like stray dogs once more.

Qi Jiajie stopped the carriage beneath the inner city wall, which was adorned with famous weapons. A eunuch in a vibrant red python robe lifted the curtain and stepped out. Some distant onlookers from the martial arts world fled in terror before even getting a clear look at his face, mistaking him for the demonic Han Diaosi. It was a custom in Tai'an City's imperial palace that only grand eunuchs could wear the scarlet python robe. In fact, this eunuch was quite young, named Song Tanglu, but he held the high position of Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, making him another powerful eunuch after Han Shengxuan. He looked up at the city wall, a hint of subtle bitterness in his eyes. Wasn't the master of this city essentially a feudal lord, an uncrowned king? To reason with such a person, Song Tanglu had no confidence, even with a carefully worded imperial decree in hand. Qi Jiajie, a top-tier martial arts recluse who served the court and was privy to the emperor's ear, had no need to read anyone's expressions. He was far less anxious than Song Tanglu. He leisurely recounted martial arts anecdotes about the weapons fixed to the wall to the eunuch beside him. Song Tanglu was distracted, but being accustomed to caution, he still listened politely to the stories of this man, who was poised to become a "Grand Tutor" in the martial arts world.

Soon, someone descended from the city wall to greet them. Qi Jiajie's eyes lit up; it was Lou Huang, the personal disciple of the "Old Eccentric" Wang. He carried the sword "Pusa Man," favoring skill over dao, and had progressed haltingly in his swordsmanship, earning him the moniker "Little Deng Tai'a." The three ascended the steps together. Several people were already waiting on the city wall. Qi Jiajie recognized most of them from martial arts rumors. The man with a green-clad little girl on his shoulders was likely Yu Xinlang, Wang Xianzhi's eldest disciple. The tall, imposing, yet graceful beauty, who had been listed among the "Rouge Rankings" three times, was Lin Ya, a grandmaster of boxing. She was currently teasing the little girl on her senior brother Yu Xinlang's neck. However, Qi Jiajie did not find Gong Banque, who wore a Taoist robe despite having monastic scars on his head. Instead, there was a gaunt young man with sunken cheeks, carrying a tattered ivory fan at his waist. He stood a little distance from Yu Xinlang and Lin Ya, staring blankly at the East Sea. Song Tanglu scanned the group, pausing slightly after seeing the young man's profile. Then, without a change in expression, he looked at Yu Xinlang and softly asked, "Young Master Yu, I am Song Tanglu of the Directorate of Ceremonial. May I inquire about the whereabouts of Lord Wang?"

Yu Xinlang, who was supporting the green-clad girl's legs with both hands, apologized, "My master has already left the city with Junior Brother Gong. However, knowing that Eunuch Song would be coming, he specifically instructed me to convey a message to Tai'an City." Song Tanglu simply hummed, showing no sign of resentment or disappointment, his gaze calm. He said, "Young Master Yu, please speak freely." Yu Xinlang smiled faintly, "My master said that his previous message to Tai'an City was not to seek permission, but merely to inform the Zhao family's emperor that this departure from the city would be his final appearance in the world. If anyone wishes to block his path..." At this point, the green-clad girl leaned down and whispered into Yu Xinlang's ear. He gently patted her little head, asking her to let him finish speaking. Once the little girl settled down, Yu Xinlang continued, "...they can certainly try with ten thousand iron cavalry first." Qi Jiajie frowned. Simultaneously, Lin Ya stared directly at the disgruntled top swordsman of the capital. Song Tanglu seemed to be a naturally placid person, unperturbed by anything. Upon hearing such treasonous words, he merely noted them down seriously, still resembling a clay Buddha with no trace of temper, hardly looking like the powerful Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Yu Xinlang also spoke calmly, "It's not that I don't understand the capital's intentions. The King of Northern Liang shouldn't die at this moment; it would be best if he died after a mutually destructive conflict with Beiliang. It's just that my master isn't willing to wait, and as his disciples, we naturally dare not say much. If this is considered bad news, then there's also good news to tell Director Song: From the day my master left the city, the imperial court is free to spread news of Wudi City throughout the martial arts world. They can even enter the city to arrest or kill people; there will be no more restrictions on entry into the East Sea. After saying this, I, Yu, will also leave the city with my junior brothers and sisters, intending to make our own way in the martial arts world." Song Tanglu nodded, saying gently, "I await Young Master Yu's rise to fame." Song Tanglu clearly possessed no martial arts skill, yet among the top grandmasters present, his words and demeanor seemed utterly sincere and flawless. If this was a deliberate act, then this eunuch's political acumen was truly astonishing. Of course, it was also possible that he genuinely possessed a mild and calm disposition, but could such an eunuch truly ascend step by step to take over the Directorate of Ceremonial from Han Shengxuan? Lin Ya remained relaxed, still teasing the green-clad girl, while Lou Huang couldn't help but glance at Song Tanglu a few more times. Song Tanglu turned back for a final look, sighing, "It's a pity that I came all the way from the capital only to miss meeting the old immortal Wang in person."

Song Tanglu then laughed heartily, "Since he has already left the city, I must return to the capital immediately. Farewell, brave heroes; I hope we meet again someday!" Yu Xinlang and Lou Huang cupped their fists in farewell simultaneously, and even Lin Ya nodded slightly. The green-clad girl, out of the blue, asked softly with a curious expression, "Hey, Mr. Song, do you have an imperial decree? Can I touch it?"

"Mr. Song?" Song Tanglu was momentarily stunned, then he burst into a hearty laugh, his eyes narrowing to slits, his expression exceptionally gentle, no longer referring to himself as "I, your servant." "Yes, I do! I'll get it for you, wait a moment." The imperial decree was in a box. Song Tanglu had not initially intended to take it out and proclaim it; how could he expect these people in Wudi City to kneel and listen? So he had left it in the carriage, but since the exquisite little girl on Yu Xinlang's shoulder wanted it, Song Tanglu was happy to give it to her. Qi Jiajie glanced at Yu Xinlang, who was said to be capable of inheriting Wang Xianzhi's mantle. He rubbed the "White Frost" hilt with his thumb, then smiled faintly, "Young Master Yu, if you ever have the chance to visit the capital, I, Qi, will certainly do my best as your host." Yu Xinlang responded with a bland "Mm." Qi Jiajie turned and descended from the city wall. Lin Ya watched the grand eunuch scurry down the city wall to retrieve the imperial decree, finding it somewhat amusing. She chuckled, "He's not entirely unlikeable." Yu Xinlang nodded, "Indeed, it's rare." The little girl jumped off Yu Xinlang's neck and excitedly ran to "receive the decree." Lin Ya asked, "Senior Brother Yu, Senior Brother Gong was originally going to Tai'an City, but he changed his mind and went to Southern Xinjiang. I didn't listen to Master either. What about you and Junior Brother Lou? What are your plans?" Lou Huang's eyes were resolute. "I plan to go to Northern Liang to see if that man named Xu can truly fight Master." Yu Xinlang smiled, "Someone's staying to guard the home, someone's going south, and someone's quickly going west. It seems I can only go north, then." Lin Ya frowned, "Tai'an City?" Yu Xinlang shook his head. "Further north, the Two Liaos." Lou Huang surveyed the surroundings and softly said, "I must go ahead." Lin Ya retorted mischievously, "Go on, hurry up! Be careful not to be beaten to a pulp by the King of Northern Liang, the sixth-ranked master in the world." Lou Huang glanced at the isolated young man and was about to speak when Lin Ya glared, "Don't talk nonsense! Just shut up, you!" Lou Huang laughed heartily, then glided over the city wall, lightly touching the rooftops as he floated out of the city. Yu Xinlang looked at Lin Ya and said gravely, "Take care." Lin Ya rubbed her eyebrows with a finger. "I'm a woman, and I'm not even that sentimental. Can't you big strong men be a bit more spirited?" Yu Xinlang smiled and shook his head, then turned and walked away, bending down to pick up the green-clad girl who had climbed back onto the city wall. She sat on his neck, spreading out the imperial decree, showing off, "It's an imperial decree!" Yu Xinlang gently laughed, "I know." The little girl held the decree open with both hands above her head, her eyes wide as she tried to read the characters. She asked, "Little Yu, where are we going next? I actually quite like it here. It's a shame Grandpa Sui with the white beard went to the South Sea to challenge the Peach Blossom Sword God."

"To a very northern place, it's a bit cold, so you should practice the secret techniques Master taught you more often."

"How far north is 'very north'? Oh, never mind, Sister Lin always says you have no sense of direction. Little Yu, you won't get us lost, will you?"

"Probably not."

"Huh? Little Yu, Little Yu, what does this character say?"

"Zhao (Imperial Edict)."

"And this character?"

"Lower it a bit, let me see."

On the city wall, Lin Ya approached the downtrodden young man with the tattered fan at his waist. A rare, gentle expression appeared on her face. "Zhao Gou went to great lengths to pull you out of Northern Liang, and your father Yuan Benxi even went against tradition to ask for help to send you to the East Sea. Are you just going to remain despondent like this?" The young man remained silent. Lin Ya sighed and patted his head. "Foolish child, there's no hurdle that can't be overcome." The young man murmured, "I can lose to anyone—Gu Jiantang, the Old Ancestor of the Wu Family Sword Tomb—but I cannot lose to Xu Fengnian..." Lin Ya cut him off directly, "Nonsense! Jiang Fuding, do you know how many times my master lost to Li Chungang? Six times in six years! Only then did he climb from the Diamond Realm to the Celestial Phenomenon Realm!" Jiang Fuding, the former owner of "The Pawn Crossing the River," gave a bitter laugh. "What am I? How can I be compared to Wang Xianzhi, who held the title of the world's greatest for sixty years?" Lin Ya's face flushed with anger, and she was about to speak when Jiang Fuding said, "Don't try to persuade me anymore." Jiang Fuding turned his head and asked with a wry smile, "Do you have any wine?" Lin Ya snorted coldly, "Just wait, I'll get you drunk to death!" Jiang Fuding suddenly pulled Lin Ya's sleeve, remaining silent. The tall Lin Ya reached out and pressed the back of his head, pulling him towards her shoulder. "You men always think about being the strongest in the world. Especially you, once you feel there's no hope, you get stuck in a rut. Why bother? That bastard Xu Fengnian is truly insidious. He determined you wouldn't fight with your life, first intentionally used his power to pressure you, not only making you abandon 'The Pawn Crossing the River,' but then cruelly treated you as prey for the Northern Liang armored cavalry, gradually wearing down your spirit completely. He even intentionally held back from killing you, letting Zhao Gou rescue you. Indeed, my master encountered Li Chungang back then; you've had much worse luck. Your nemesis is someone with no grace." Lin Ya pushed Jiang Fuding away, patted her shoulder, and stretched. "Forget it, forget it. I'm too lazy to stay in Wudi City and drink with you all day. Women can't handle such torment; we age quickly! No, I, your elder sister, while I still have some charm, will go out into the martial arts world and see if I can charm a few young heroes." Jiang Fuding watched her gradually receding back, his lips trembling, but ultimately he did not speak those two words. This former pride of heaven, who once called Prince Zhao Kai his brother, sat dejectedly on the city wall, gazing at the distant line of the East Sea tide, rolling from west to east.

Dragon Gate Ferry. Further east lay the former territory of Western Chu, where Liyang's army once crossed the frozen Guangling River, gaining an advantage like a lion attacking a rabbit, forcing Western Chu's river guardian general to surrender without a fight. However, with the establishment of peace, Dragon Gate Ferry no longer saw the military grandeur of the Spring and Autumn Period. The local people lived in peace and contentment. Compared to the turbulent undercurrents to the west, this area remained stable, with people still working from sunrise to sunset. Previously, a monk and a Taoist priest had built a thatched hut and lived there. In the current climate of the imperial court suppressing Buddhism, countless monks were displaced, so the temporary residence of these two reclusive figures was not conspicuous. Villagers suffering from minor ailments would ask the simply dressed middle-aged Taoist for folk remedies. The herbs on his prescriptions were easy to find. This Taoist priest, surnamed Wang, never accepted money or valuables, at most taking some grain and vegetables. He never quarreled with anyone over trivial gains. Perhaps this Taoist was too gentle; no one regarded him as a Taoist immortal. Some children even liked to borrow his peach wood sword to play with. Though the Taoist was not prone to smiling, children, with their innocent hearts, were better at judging people, knowing that Taoist Wang never got angry. In contrast, the monk with the tattered cassock was eccentric and always spoke in incomprehensible words. When he wasn't acting erratically, he would stare blankly at the waters of the Guangling River. Taoist Wang, perhaps fearing he would be too bored, made the monk a green bamboo fishing rod. The monk would often sit by the river all day, his fishing basket always empty, with no catch, far unlike the several fishing children nearby.

In the twilight that day, the monk remained motionless, having caught nothing. The young fishermen, their baskets full, happened to encounter Taoist Wang, greeted him, and then departed with joyful laughter. The Taoist stood beside the monk and asked with a smile, "Are you awake?" The monk nodded. The impoverished Taoist was none other than Wang Xiaoping, the "Sword Maniac," who was the junior martial uncle of Li Yufu, the current head of the Wudang sect. The monk, meanwhile, was not only the Dharma King of Lantuo Mountain and the former leader of the Demonic Sect of Zhulu Mountain a century ago, but also the "Useless Monk" who was now widely renowned in the martial arts world. After their encounter, they traveled, fought, questioned, and answered together. It was only upon reaching Dragon Gate Ferry that Liu Songtao was "awake" more often than "asleep." Wang Xiaoping's swordsmanship, meanwhile, had advanced by leaps and bounds. Although he had not entered the top fifteen of the new martial arts rankings, Wang Xiaoping faintly perceived that he was only a foot away from that threshold—a threshold that his master, his senior martial brother, and his junior martial brother, three successive Wudang sect leaders, had all approached with different insights but reached through the same path. Wang Xiaoping had been an anomaly among the older generation of martial brothers; he prioritized skill over the dao and was less gentle in nature. He was the only one who had been quite impolite to the Young Master of Northern Liang. If the Wang Xiaoping of old, who wielded the "Divine Blade of Talismans," the world's sharpest sword, was the keenest blade, then the middle-aged Taoist now had a much more restrained sharpness—a heavy sword without an edge. Wang Xiaoping crouched down, picked up a pebble, and tossed it into the river. When the monk beside him was "asleep," he was known to say wild things in the eyes of the world. For instance, he would grab an ordinary person and say, "This poor monk knows your past and future lives; if you reincarnate soon, you will enjoy great blessings. Are you going to die or not?", scaring people greatly. Or he would ask others, "We are born between heaven and earth. Should we take plants, fish, and birds as neighbors, or our fellow villagers?" Or he would ask himself, "Are my thoughts, desires, and pursuits predetermined by heaven? And are my non-thoughts, non-desires, and non-pursuits equally fated? If so, how can one truly find contentment and freedom?" Moreover, this monk frequently performed "questioning the Buddha" by the river, loudly asking, "Tathagata, how do you come?" and "Joyful Buddha, what is joy?" All these things made the common folk, who valued their wives, children, and warm beds, feel bewildered. However, knowing there was also the "un-strange" Taoist Wang, they didn't report him to the authorities. The bamboo rod in Liu Songtao's hand rarely swayed, but it did then, as he asked, "Are you still pondering the matter of 'ice and charcoal in the same furnace'? Lü Zu pondered this clearly but couldn't explain it clearly. Why do you trouble yourself over it? What benefit does it bring?" Wang Xiaoping smiled faintly, "For five hundred years, Wudang Mountain's cultivation has consistently focused on small deeds, not on becoming grand figures. What we do is nothing more than continually trimming lamp wicks and replenishing oil. We cultivate ourselves, not seeking immortality, but following nature. Before that, we must travel down the mountain, largely busy cultivating others. Whether the world below is good or bad, it doesn't hinder spring's growth, summer's abundance, autumn's harvest, or winter's storage. You say Lü Zu couldn't clearly explain the foundation of the fusion of the Three Teachings, but Wudang Mountain has never had a rule that if ancestors couldn't do something, descendants shouldn't try. Just like the Guangling River before us, its powerful flow is due to the front water clearing the way and the back water following—neither can be absent. Otherwise, there would be no continuous eastward flow into the sea, nor the majestic spirit that has endured for thousands of years." Liu Songtao sighed, "Difficult, indeed." Wang Xiaoping turned and asked, "Have you thought it through?" Liu Songtao nodded and said, "Liu Songtao seeks someone for himself; the old monk of Lantuo Mountain seeks to intercept someone for the continuation of the world's Buddhist lineage. Since I know the person I seek is no longer there, there's no need to look." Wang Xiaoping asked with a smile, "I once promised my junior martial brother, likely concerning the same person you intend to intercept. When the time comes, will you go first, or shall I?" Liu Songtao calmly replied, "You go. By then, this poor monk can still chant a few scriptures for you. Besides, this poor monk cannot die yet. If I can't stop him, then I can't, and I'll simply clear the path. But you, Wang Xiaoping, or rather, your sword, cannot fail." Wang Xiaoping said, "That works too. When it comes to praying for blessings and averting disaster for people, I am far inferior to my martial brothers." Liu Songtao smiled, "Your sword is a good sword. A hundred years ago, this poor monk would have equally cherished it." Wang Xiaoping, who had always maintained a cold and impassive demeanor, suddenly smiled without apparent reason. He remembered the young man who practiced sabers on Wudang Mountain back then, who, when flattering him in the Purple Bamboo Forest, claimed his swordsmanship was "excellent" and "divine," but perhaps he actually meant that "cheap" character, right? No wonder his junior martial brother was secretly amused but dared not laugh aloud.

Xu Yanbing left the Northern Liang border alone, stopping at the border between Youzhou and Hezhou. Another girl, after visiting a grave, left the Northern Liang Road, carrying a tender green sunflower that hadn't yet turned golden. She walked slowly, as she wasn't planning to meet Old Huang. She wore an out-of-season mink hat, and she didn't know who had given it to her, making her so reluctant to part with it.