Chapter 945: A Single Effort

Xu Fengnian slowly exhaled a breath, releasing a deep-seated resentment.

He harbored genuine resentment towards the old master who was dedicated to restoring the Su clan of Western Shu. Had they not rushed to Shuzhao and raised the banner of restoration, many of Beiliang's hidden operatives there wouldn't have surfaced so quickly. Even if left unused, it would have been far better than the current awkward situation. If Chen Zhibao hadn't completely broken ties with Beiliang back then, nine out of ten of those spies and sworn agents, on whom Beiliang had expended immense effort and resources, would have been lost. It was known that, according to his master Li Yishan's established strategy, should the Liyang imperial court decide to hinder Beiliang during the future war with Mang, Beiliang would directly target Shuzhao, using it as a strategic rear for subsequent provisions and military recruits. Therefore, Beiliang spared no effort in its continuous infiltration of both Shuzhao regions, prioritizing it far more than the Central Plains. As a result, a diligent steward working conscientiously in a certain princely mansion, an old-fashioned private tutor imparting knowledge, peddlers and laborers bustling through the markets, voluptuous courtesans charming patrons in brothels, and even influential colonels in the Shuzhao army, could all be sworn agents of the Fushui Chamber.

Even taking a step back, with Shuzhao and Beiliang having been severed by Chen Zhibao, and even if the Xu family's cavalry ultimately failed to defend Beiliang, rendering the Fushui Chamber's operatives unable to achieve their objectives, at the very least, those individuals could have simply grown old and died in Shuzhao, carrying an unspoken regret. Instead, they were now like wandering spirits exposed in broad daylight, where not only Chen Zhibao knew their identities, but even Liyang's Zhaogou had likely begun secretly recording their files, waiting for a future reckoning.

As for Susu, Xu Fengnian didn't hold much resentment. This young man was merely a puppet on strings, not even a hands-off manager, and under the prevailing circumstances, could only go with the flow. In Shuzhao, Susu, accompanied by the blind zither player, wandered the martial arts world freely, impersonating a young hero or a demonic figure, which was not unlike a way of drowning sorrows. However, for the Qi-named swordsmith before him, who had once gifted him the new sword "Spring and Autumn," Xu Fengnian felt only admiration.

Ultimately, Xu Fengnian was angered by Zhao Dingxiu's defection during battle, but he resented his own carelessness even more.

At times, a king's single word can build a nation or ruin it. A historian's single word determines whether a person is remembered honorably or infamous for eternity. A military general's single word decides victory or defeat, life or death.

Warfare is a matter of paramount importance to the state.

This is no laughing matter.

Perhaps the simple-minded Susu merely felt guilty about his and the old master's betrayal. He had no idea about the Beiliang sworn agents who had been embedded in Shuzhao for years, nor could he comprehend the deeper implications of the war between Beiliang and Mang. This young man, born into a noble lineage, had, after all, only known himself as an ordinary exile barely surviving in Beimang ever since he could remember. He only knew the old master as an pedantic and strict frustrated scholar, and Uncle Qi as nothing more than a blacksmith with a bit more strength. Concepts like lavish feasts and grand ceremonies, the fate of the kingdom, the Western Shu imperial uncle's valiant death at the city gates, or Western Shu ministers dying alongside their nation, unparalleled throughout history—other than the golden, dragon-embroidered Shu brocade that wrapped him as an infant, he had never worn a prince's python robe for even a day. Thus, he completely failed to understand such grand and inspiring sentiments.

Susu secretly sniffled, fully revealing his soft nature and lack of heroic ambition.

He only yearned for the martial arts world and disliked the unfamiliar atmosphere of the imperial court and officialdom.

The tearful eyes and prostrations of the old Su clan officials when they saw him after the fall of their nation did not bring joy to this young man with no grand ambitions. He only felt a crushing burden on his shoulders.

In private, he once self-deprecatingly remarked to the blind zither player he admired, "Susu is useless in everything."

At some point, Wei Miao and the Miao woman, who hadn't come with Susu's group of three, had positioned themselves behind the Qi-named swordsmith, subtly separating the flow of people. Especially after the Miao woman, whose clothing was dazzling and eye-catching, cheerfully twisted and crushed the hand of a lecherous man, the ordinary men and women who had only come to Mount Wudang to offer incense began to scatter like birds and beasts. Most of the martial artists, who were confident in their own skills, did not leave but observed cautiously from a distance.

Wei Miao took a few steps forward and stated directly, "The King of Shu wants me to relay a message to both of you: passage is unrestricted."

Xu Fengnian noticed the Qi-named swordsmith frown, and understanding dawned on him. He then asked, "When did he deliver that message to you? Before or after the incident at Chunxue Tower?"

Wei Miao replied indifferently, "I won't say. It's not important."

Xu Fengnian no longer paid attention to this renowned Grand Master of Nanzhao. He looked at the Qi-named swordsmith and said, "Please also relay a message to Old Master Lu for me. The relationship between Beiliang and Shuzhao is different from Beiliang's relationship with other regions of the Central Plains. Once we can no longer defend Jubei City, Shuzhao is destined to face the Beimang cavalry soon. Therefore, twenty thousand is the absolute minimum, and they must be elite troops. Otherwise, they would only hinder us in Beiliang, or simply be sent to their deaths."

The Qi-named swordsmith nodded.

Once the dust settled, just as Susu was about to turn and leave, he heard the young feudal lord ask with a smile, "After spending so much, you could say this is the most expensive love fortune stick in the world. Won't you try your luck?"

Susu still insisted on leaving. Unexpectedly, his sleeve was tugged. He turned to look and saw that although she had her eyes closed, her face was clearly filled with hope.

Susu's heart immediately softened. He walked back to the table with a stern expression, picked up the bamboo tube, shook it violently, and finally a bamboo stick fell out.

Xu Fengnian reached out, picked up the bamboo stick, glanced at it, and then showed a look of pity.

Susu's mood instantly plummeted.

After the previous incident, which had left him deeply wounded, the young man, now facing added misfortune, no longer possessed any of his cynical charm, and his eyes reddened again.

Xu Fengnian sighed.

Susu turned to the blind zither player and forced a smile, "Let's go. This fortune stick is inaccurate."

Xue Songguan smiled and nodded.

Xu Fengnian raised an eyebrow, "Inaccurate?!"

Susu no longer had the energy or spirit to argue. He took her hand and was about to leave.

He then heard a voice from behind: "Fortune stick number thirty-nine: 'The one in your heart, the one whose heart is yours.' An excellent fortune. Oh, so it's inaccurate, is it?"

Susu was struck as if by lightning. He spun around with lightning speed to snatch the fortune stick from Xu Fengnian's hand.

Xu Fengnian's arm, holding the stick, moved high to evade him. "Money first! A hundred *wen*!"

Susu glared angrily, "You're still charging?!"

Xu Fengnian's other hand lightly rubbed his thumb and forefinger together. "Whether you pay is up to you, whether you read the fortune stick is up to you."

Xue Songguan smiled, quietly took out a delicate, intricately woven brocade purse, and was about to pay.

Susu quickly grabbed her wrist, glared fiercely at Xu Fengnian, and gritted his teeth, "Is it really a good fortune?"

Xu Fengnian lazily dropped a phrase, "Believe it or not."

Even the usually taciturn Qi-named swordsmith felt a pang of pity. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, facing this young feudal lord, truly suffered misfortune and tribulation.

Xue Songguan still paid a hundred *wen*, but she extended her hand and opened her palm.

Good or bad, she intended to keep the fortune stick.

At the same time, the blind zither player, whose mastery of the Finger Profound realm was second only to Deng Tai'a, the Peach Blossom Sword God, emanated a surge of aura.

She would not give the young feudal lord any chance to switch the bamboo stick.

Whether it was a good or bad fortune, she wanted the real one.

Xu Fengnian smiled as he handed over the bamboo stick. Susu snatched it first, then looked stunned.

Xu Fengnian sighed.

A dim expression flashed across Xue Songguan's face and was gone.

Noticing her subtle change, Susu immediately realized what was happening and exclaimed exasperatedly, "Xu! You damned scoundrel!"

Xu Fengnian burst out laughing, "My mistake, my mistake! It's fortune stick number eighty-one! Even better than an excellent fortune—it's a supreme auspicious fortune!"

Xue Songguan suddenly looked up, facing Susu, her face filled with disbelief.

Susu hugged her tightly, saying with a choked voice, "It's really a good fortune, truly!"

Xu Fengnian leisurely swayed his head and said, "Fortune eighty-one: 'She can be your wife!'"

Xue Songguan gently pulled away from Susu's embrace. She turned sideways, her cheeks surprisingly flushed, an unprecedented sight. Then she solemnly performed a deep bow to the young feudal lord.

Perhaps it was gratitude that he set up a stall there to interpret fortunes, allowing Susu to draw a fortune stick she had never dreamed of.

Perhaps it was relief that he hadn't died in that assassination in the rainy alley of Beimang years ago, which had led her to meet Susu.

Perhaps it was gratitude for his last-minute intervention, which was tantamount to helping Susu untie a knot in his heart.

Xu Fengnian waved his hand playfully. "Miss Xue, truthfully, this 'Susu' fellow truly doesn't deserve you. He drawing a fortune stick would, of course, result in an auspicious one. But Miss Xue Songguan, you have genuinely encountered an unworthy man. So if it were you drawing the stick, I daresay it would certainly be a bad fortune."

Susu had long since been drained of all his energy and spirit by Xu Fengnian's teasing. Even his retort, "What a load of nonsense!" sounded feeble.

Xu Fengnian, pressing his advantage, said, "Susu, since it's a good fortune, give another hundred *wen*! It's such a joyous occasion, you can't be stingy with such a small amount."

Without another word, Susu took Xue Songguan's hand and left.

Although he was a minister who aided in the rise of a ruler, second only to Old Master Zhao Dingxiu, the Qi-named swordsmith, upon arriving in Shuzhao, never involved himself in military or political affairs. He clasped his hands in salute to Xu Fengnian in farewell, and Xu Fengnian likewise rose and returned the salute.

Since they met in the martial arts world, they should part ways in the martial arts world.

Only the martial arts world, no imperial court.

After that time, two grandmaster battles particularly captivated the martial arts world of Liyang.

One was Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi battling above the East Sea.

The other was the new King of Liang, Xu Fengnian, the Peach Blossom Sword God Deng Tai'a, and the Grand Official Cao Changqing, who engaged in a chaotic battle in Tai'an City.

As for the battle between Tuoba Pusa and Deng Tai'a, or Xu Fengnian and Tuoba Pusa fighting across a thousand miles in the Western Regions, due to the scarcity of eyewitnesses, these were far less impactful than the former battles.

And before the thatched hut today, it was even lonelier. There were only a handful of three spectators, none of whom were the type of Taoists who liked to gossip. It was likely that, in the end, the martial arts world would mostly remain unaware of this pinnacle clash.

However, the two combatants—one an enlightened monk who had entered Tai'an in white robes early on, enjoying the highest worldly renown, and the other a pillar of the nation, holding authority over half of the dynasty's military forces—both certainly cared little for the fleeting fame of the martial arts world.

Gu Jiantang suddenly chuckled in amusement. He retracted his hand, shook his head, and hesitated to speak.

Bai Yu squinted, unable to see clearly, and whispered curiously, "Why aren't they fighting yet?"

Qi Xianxia said calmly, "It's over."

Bai Yu was taken aback, "What, is it now popular in the martial arts world to fight even faster than arguing?"

Qi Xianxia stood ramrod straight under the eaves. From his vantage point, he could only see the white-robed monk's back. However, Qi Xianxia could still perceive the subtle tremor of the snow-white kasaya, as swift as a flash of lightning, which had simply been forcefully suppressed by Li Dangxin.

Within the Abbot's grasp.

A single kasaya, a small thousand-world in itself.

That world was merely unclear to Bai Yu and Han Gui. If one were to step into it, it would truly be a world-shattering experience.

In short, the power of Gu Jiantang's seemingly effortless, almost unexecuted saber strike was such that if another person were to bear it, standing at the foot of a towering mountain, that mountain would be cleaved and its peak shattered. If standing at the mouth of a great river, the river would be flooded by seawater for dozens of miles upstream.

The string of beads on the white-robed monk's chest slowly settled.

Just then, the peak of a large mountain north of Great Lotus Peak shattered with a thunderous roar.

Gu Jiantang said helplessly, "Li Dangxin, isn't this inappropriate?"

The white-robed monk chuckled, "My apologies. After ascending the mountain, observing the Taoists practice their morning punches, this humble monk gained some insight and learned the technique of 'four ounces deflecting a thousand pounds.'"

While apologizing verbally, the middle-aged monk showed no actual hint of embarrassment.

Gu Jiantang snorted.

The white-robed monk hesitated for a moment, then said seriously, "A mighty and imposing force, it bears a striking resemblance to Wang Xianzhi's 'one force to conquer ten assemblies' technique. If Wang Xianzhi were to bear it, you could still injure him. Of course, attempting to defeat Wang Xianzhi with this alone remains unrealistic."

Gu Jiantang calmly asked, "Is that all?"

The white-robed monk chuckled, "Of course. The most crucial part is that this move of yours can deplete a person's vitality. If you were to consecutively strike him seven or eight times, even Wang Xianzhi would rapidly decline in cultivation. Otherwise, I wouldn't have cleverly deflected your strike to that mountain behind."

Gu Jiantang said proudly, "I can deliver twelve consecutive strikes!"

The white-robed monk irritably said, "Do you think you possess the Celestial-Human physique inherited by the Xu surname from Gao Shulu? And at the same time, cultivate the Wudang Great Yellow Court, which ensures an unending flow of vital energy? Wang Xianzhi could kill you in three or four punches!"

Gu Jiantang continued to sneer.

The white-robed monk rubbed his bald head, "You truly don't believe me. In this world, those who truly understand Wang Xianzhi's formidable power are few and far between: Li Chungang, Xu Fengnian, and at most, Hong Xixiang. Others, even Deng Tai'a and Cao Changqing, cannot fully grasp it, as those two have never truly fought Wang Xianzhi in a life-or-death battle. Furthermore, even if this humble monk did not use the essence of Wudang's boxing techniques, and stood still, allowing you to strike twelve times, this humble monk's body would still remain as unmoving as a mountain. It's just that I have something to attend to personally soon, so I can't afford to waste my energy here."

Gu Jiantang remained silent.

The white-robed monk sighed, "Gu Jiantang, if you could single-mindedly dedicate yourself to the saber, you might not be without a chance to contend for the title of the world's foremost expert."

Gu Jiantang returned to his normal expression and chuckled, "In my view, the saber is merely a lethal weapon for killing on the battlefield. To use it to contend for fame in the martial arts world would be to squander it."

Swords embody elegance in the martial arts world, while sabers drink their fill of blood on the battlefield.

This was perhaps the true understanding deep within Grand General Gu Jiantang's heart.

Gu Jiantang finally asked, "I want to know, who in this world can break your Vajra physique?"

The white-robed monk rubbed his head, extended three fingers. "Deng Tai'a's Tai'a Sword."

Gu Jiantang nodded; he had already guessed that.

The white-robed monk continued, "This humble monk's wife's snoring."

Gu Jiantang took a deep breath.

He simply left without saying goodbye.

He simply didn't want to know about the third person.

The white-robed monk continued to chatter, "Then there's this humble monk's daughter's little wooden mallet. She likes to tap her father's head like a wooden fish. The daughter doesn't know to feel bad for her dad, but her dad truly feels the pain."

Bai Yu and Han Gui exchanged a smile.

All the world's difficulties seemed to become easy when facing the white-robed monk Li Dangxin.

Han Gui suddenly said with a bitter expression, "Sir, what about that damaged mountain peak?"

The white-robed monk turned his head and said with a smile, "Go ask Xu for money to repair it!"

Han Gui thought for a moment, "That's actually a good idea."

As the Prefect of Liangzhou, Bai Yu quickly waved his hand. "No, no! Beiliang doesn't have much silver left these days!"

Not long after Gu Jiantang left, the group that went to buy rouge returned earlier than expected.

The two young Taoist acolytes, Qingxin and Yufu, secretly snickered in the back.

At the front, Li Dongxi was pulling Wu Nanbei's ear, and Li Dangxin's wife was pulling their daughter's ear.

The woman said with vexation and anger, "Lizi, are you still my own daughter? If you hadn't dragged along the clumsy Nanbei to listen to your martial arts tales and wasted time, he would have gone to Yuqing Temple earlier. Would he have failed to buy the Mianyan Zhi from Yanliu Workshop?!"

Li Dongxi, pulling the clumsy Nanbei's ear, said angrily, "It's all your fault! All that talk about Yanliu Workshop and Mianyan Zhi was yours! You didn't even think to say it earlier!"

Wu Nanbei said aggrievedly, "Madam, Lizi, I never thought Master had hidden silver in the first place."

The three of them looked together at the white-robed monk.

The middle-aged monk clasped his hands together, looked up at the sky, and murmured, "Buddha bless us, may we have food tonight."

At this moment, no one present knew that the string, which held together one hundred and eight peach wood beads on the white-robed monk Li Dangxin's chest, had, due to years of wear and tear, and especially because of Gu Jiantang's saber strike, vanished like smoke.

Though stringless, the prayer beads remained in a coherent strand, seemingly held together by Li Dangxin's single, continuous force.

Worldly affairs are inconstant.

His mind remained as ever.