Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 137

◎I need to descend the mountain immediately◎

The New Year had just passed, yet snow lingered.

Songshan of the Dao Sect was covered in snow, appearing solemn and cold. However, the martial training ground was a scene of intense combat, with several disciples surrounding Luo Wanqing alone, while cheers and encouragement echoed all around.

A disciple shouted: “Senior Brother, form the formation! Form the formation!”

As soon as the words fell, Luo Wanqing raised her hand and twisted the long sword from the hands of the sword-wielding disciple. Seizing the opening, she spun and kicked consecutively, instantly kicking several disciples out of the ring.

The crowd groaned collectively, and Luo Wanqing respectfully raised her hands, saying happily: “I yield.”

“No way!”

The disciple who had been kicked to the ground sat up excitedly, hurriedly saying: “Miss Liu, this time I was just slow to react. I’m not convinced, let’s go again!”

“Senior Brother Zhang, if you lose, you must accept it,” another disciple laughed, “Today’s water-carrying duty belongs to your Mingquan Palace.”

“You’re cheating!”

The disciple called “Senior Brother Zhang” was helped up, saying unwillingly, “You couldn’t win, so you brought in outside help. In the past, letting Senior Brother do it was one thing, but now, even the guest brought by Senior Brother belongs to your Qingquan Palace? We don’t accept this!”

“Don’t accept?” The Qingquan Palace disciples laughed, “What about last month when Miss Liu counted as your palace’s person when fighting us? We carried water for a whole month! Now you say you don’t accept?!”

“Then…” Senior Brother Zhang’s face flushed red, then said, “Then let’s have another match! I just didn’t perform well earlier!”

“You think you can just demand a rematch?”

“Don’t you dare?”

“Why should we let Miss Liu compete?!”

…

“Miss Liu.”

Luo Wanqing was watching the two sides arguing when a gentle voice suddenly came from behind. She turned around to see a young man in blue Dao robes with a lotus jade crown on his head standing at the entrance. He had handsome, scholarly features and a composed expression.

As soon as he appeared, everyone immediately fell silent and respectfully said, “Second Senior Brother.”

The young man nodded and smiled lightly at everyone, then looked up at Luo Wanqing and gestured: “A message has arrived from down the mountain. Master requests your presence.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately bowed to everyone and followed the young man forward.

This person was named Zhang Shouren, a fellow disciple of Xie Heng from the same sect, and Xie Heng’s junior brother.

When Luo Wanqing came up the mountain, it was he who received her.

When Xie Heng let her leave Yangzhou, he gave her a token for entering the Dao Sect and personally wrote a letter to the Dao Sect’s master, Yunhe Zi, asking him to look after her.

Whether it was due to Yunhe Zi’s natural temperament or his special care for Xie Heng, when she arrived at the Dao Sect, Yunhe Zi was very attentive to her.

The Dao Sect emphasized internal cultivation and mental techniques, excelling in medical arts. Xie Heng had somewhat deviated from the orthodox path, developing the Formless Sword technique to become one of the world’s top masters, but his master was a premier physician.

While others used internal energy for killing, he cultivated it for healing and recovery.

Under Yunhe Zi’s guidance, he examined her entire body, first using medicines to eliminate the residual effects of drugs her father had used on her years ago, then daily leading her in internal cultivation. After completely integrating Xie Minsheng’s and Zhang Jiuran’s internal energy for her use, he helped harmonize it with the internal energy Xie Heng had left in her body.

With Yunhe Zi’s guidance, she progressed rapidly. During this time, she felt herself breaking through a realm. However, since she had already entered the Grandmaster realm, no one in the Dao Sect who could spar with her would fight a junior, so she didn’t know her exact level.

But no matter how much Yunhe Zi cared for her, he was still a sect master with many responsibilities. More often, it was this Junior Brother Zhang Shouren who looked after her.

Zhang Shouren was meticulous by nature. Though he didn’t speak much, being around him felt like bathing in a spring breeze.

In just a few months, Luo Wanqing felt they could be considered friends.

Following Zhang Shouren, she asked curiously: “Is the message from down the mountain from Young Master?”

But as soon as she asked, she knew the question was unnecessary.

Actually, during this time, Xie Heng wrote to her almost daily.

The Dao Sect wasn’t far from the Eastern Capital—a two-day journey, which Zhuisi could cover in half a day.

Every day, Xie Heng would write to tell her about happenings in the Eastern Capital.

For instance, after returning, he handed over an empty box to Li Zong without telling him the key. Though Li Zong couldn’t open the box, getting the Xuantian Box made him extremely happy. The Wang and Zheng families, having learned that Li Zong couldn’t open the box, were temporarily holding back.

Also, after Xing Ling left the dungeon, she went to find Li Shengzhao that very night. After learning the full situation, Xing Ling decided to go to the Western Region to find Cui Zixiu.

And Jirui Fang had still not awakened, while Baili was urging her to quickly return to the Supervision Department…

He spoke of many things, but never mentioned Li Guiyu.

However, Luo Wanqing knew that Li Guiyu was the most crucial factor.

Li Guiyu knew too much. Others might believe they couldn’t open the box, but Li Guiyu might not.

Moreover, this time Li Guiyu was ordered by the Emperor to retrieve the box. Now that he hadn’t obtained it and had fought with Wang Yunzhi, he would certainly do something to salvage the situation.

But Luo Wanqing also knew Xie Heng disliked discussing Li Guiyu, so she didn’t actively inquire, waiting for a day when Xie Heng might be in better spirits.

But after waiting two months without Xie Heng bringing it up voluntarily, Luo Wanqing finally couldn’t bear it and wrote back asking about it.

The result was that after sending that inquiry about Li Guiyu, Zhuisi hadn’t come to the Dao Sect for three days.

Now that someone from down the mountain had sent a message, Luo Wanqing instinctively thought it was from Xie Heng. But considering it, if it were from Xie Heng, he would just send Zhuisi—no need to go through the Dao Sect’s channels.

As she expected, Zhang Shouren shook his head: “It’s not from Senior Brother, but from someone unfamiliar to the Dao Sect.”

Since it wasn’t from someone the Dao Sect knew, Zhang Shouren couldn’t ask much more. Luo Wanqing said no more and just followed him forward.

Arriving at Yunhe Zi’s residence, Luo Wanqing and Zhang Shouren bowed together: “Sect Master Yun/Master.”

“Xiniang has arrived.”

Yunhe Zi was watering flowers. Hearing Luo Wanqing’s voice, he glanced at her, then turned back to finish watering the last two plants before saying: “Xiniang, come sit inside. Shouren, go check on lunch.”

Zhang Shouren bowed to Yunhe Zi and left.

After Yunhe Zi finished watering the flowers, Luo Wanqing handed him a handkerchief from nearby. Yunhe Zi took it with some emotion: “In the blink of an eye, you’ve been here two months. How has your health been lately?”

“Thanks to the Sect Master’s blessing,” Luo Wanqing replied honestly, “my meridians are smooth and I feel excellent.”

Yunhe Zi nodded and walked toward the tea table. Luo Wanqing followed and sat across from him after he was seated.

Yunhe Zi loved the tea she brewed, so every visit, she would actively prepare tea.

Luo Wanqing skillfully ladled water into the pot and placed it over the charcoal fire. Yunhe Zi rolled up his sleeves and beckoned: “Come, let me check your pulse.”

Luo Wanqing extended her hand. Yunhe Zi took her pulse and nodded: “Indeed, you’re almost completely recovered. You were born with special meridians, so despite receiving internal energy from two others consecutively, you suffered no major harm and integrated it within your body. But this method ultimately goes against natural order and shouldn’t be practiced regularly, or Heaven won’t grant longevity, and you’ll surely die young.”

“Xiniang understands.”

Luo Wanqing understood Yunhe Zi’s warning and quickly said, “I won’t do this again.”

Yunhe Zi nodded with relief, then said with some emotion: “I know you’re kindhearted, otherwise Lingshu wouldn’t have sent you here. He’s always had sharp judgment. When he was small at the Dao Sect, whenever he chose things, he always picked the best.”

Yunhe Zi spoke with a smile in his eyes: “Back then, the senior and junior brothers weren’t very convinced by him, thinking he was a spoiled young master from down the mountain, bullying others with his status. But he endured more hardship than anyone. When others were sleeping, he was still practicing swordwork, look, right there.”

Yunhe Zi pointed to the platform outside, gesturing: “When Qingping first brought him up the mountain, he was only up to my knee. In the blink of an eye, he grew so tall. I had hoped he would inherit the Dao Sect, but unexpectedly, he became an official.”

Luo Wanqing heard the disappointment in Yunhe Zi’s tone and couldn’t help saying: “Though Young Master is in the court, he still thinks of you.”

“What use is thinking?”

Yunhe Zi shook his head gently: “He can never return.”

The Dao Sect didn’t involve itself in court affairs, and court officials didn’t enter the Dao Sect.

When Cui Qingping became an official, he could at most only stand at the Dao Sect’s mountain gate.

The same was true for Xie Heng.

In this lifetime, unless Xie Heng resigned from office and left the court, he and Yunhe Zi would never meet again.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt somewhat sad but didn’t know how to console him.

Fortunately, Yunhe Zi also felt the topic too melancholy and changed the subject: “Oh, today a letter came from down the mountain.” Yunhe Zi searched for the letter while speaking slowly, “This letter was sent from Yangzhou’s Supervision Department. They said they had inquired for a long time before learning from the Eastern Capital that you were at the Dao Sect, then searched extensively to find how to communicate with the Dao Sect before sending it. This letter is actually from a month ago.”

He handed over the letter. Luo Wanqing looked down and recognized Zhang Yiran’s handwriting.

Why would Zhang Yiran go to such lengths to send her a message?

Luo Wanqing frowned, her expression becoming serious.

Yunhe Zi observed her expression, casually saying: “Looking at this handwriting—clear, steady, and structurally grand—it must be from a man of extremely firm will. To go through such trouble to send a letter up the mountain, Xiniang, he must have a deep friendship with you?”

“Yes.”

Looking at the characters on the letter, Luo Wanqing replied without hesitation: “This is from Lord Zhang of the Censorate, my good friend.”

“Oh, a good friend.”

Yunhe Zi listened while tapping the table thoughtfully.

Luo Wanqing carefully read the characters above. This letter was sent from Yangzhou a month ago. If traveling by official roads, a month ago, Zhang Yiran would have already completed his inspection of Jiangnan.

Most importantly, Zhang Yiran had found Ji Qing, who used to handle documents for Zhou Chun.

“Luo Qushu’s confession was obtained through torture, written by Ji Qing. To protect himself, Ji Qing kept letters from Zheng Pingsheng forcing him to coerce confessions, and kept evidence. Ji Qing has agreed to testify in the Eastern Capital. I will soon escort him to the Eastern Capital.”

Reading Zhang Yiran’s letter, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but ponder.

Old foxes in officialdom always find ways to keep leverage on their superiors for future protection. How could someone like Ji Qing so easily agree to testify?

Did Xie Heng arrange for him to go to Zhang Yiran?

And Zhang Yiran bringing him to the Eastern Capital must be with intention to file accusations. If Zheng Pingsheng noticed, without protection, he might not even make it to the Eastern Capital alive.

Even if he arrived…

The Eastern Capital was these aristocratic families’ territory.

Never mind whether they could protect Ji Qing’s life—Zhang Yiran’s own life might be in danger.

Thinking this, Luo Wanqing felt uneasy.

Nearby, Yunhe Zi observed her expression and said slowly, “Though your body has no major problems, the Dao Sect is most suitable for recuperation. Having this rare opportunity for seclusion, you could comprehend the Dao properly here. Lingshu sent word yesterday saying if you have no pressing concerns at the Supervision Department, you could stay at the Dao Sect until spring…”

“Sect Master Yun, I have urgent business.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t listen to Yunhe Zi at all, directly interrupting: “I must descend the mountain immediately.”

Yunhe Zi paused, couldn’t help asking: “Won’t you reconsider?”

“No need.” Luo Wanqing was worried about Zhang Yiran. The letter was sent a month ago. If Zhang Yiran were safe, he should have reached the Eastern Capital by now. If he hadn’t reached it, something must have happened, and she needed to get information from the White Tiger Division.

“Thank you for your kind intentions, Sect Master, but this matter is urgent. I must descend the mountain immediately.”

Luo Wanqing looked up at Yunhe Zi and bowed: “If the Sect Master permits, Xiniang wishes to leave today.”

Seeing Luo Wanqing’s determined expression, Yunhe Zi sighed helplessly and could only nod: “Very well, then descend the mountain. However—”

Yunhe Zi suddenly looked curious, hesitating: “There’s something I’ve always wondered whether I should ask.”

Seeing Yunhe Zi’s hesitant expression, Luo Wanqing immediately said: “Please speak freely, Sect Master.”

“Your blade technique…” Yunhe Zi pondered, “Did you learn from Zhang Chunzi?”

Luo Wanqing was startled, then corrected: “I did indeed learn some bone-shaping mental techniques from Senior Zhang, but my blade technique was taught by my friend Zhang Jiuran.”

The blade technique Zhang Jiuran taught her, she had practiced until now.

That was something Zhang Jiuran left her. Even though Xie Heng said the technique was ordinary, she continued practicing it.

Hearing this, Yunhe Zi nodded. Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and couldn’t help asking: “Why does Sect Master ask this?”

“Just curious.” Yunhe Zi smiled, pondering: “Your blade technique’s style is extremely similar to Zhang Chunzi’s when he was young.”

Luo Wanqing was surprised. Yunhe Zi continued: “But I’m not skilled in blade techniques either. Perhaps all blade techniques under heaven are similar? I’m overthinking. Xiniang, if you have business, go ahead. I won’t delay you.”

Luo Wanqing nodded, unable to think more about it, thanked him, then rose to leave.

After she left, Zhang Shouren entered with lunch, seeing Yunhe Zi’s expression, and asked curiously: “I saw Miss Liu looking hurried earlier. Is she planning to descend the mountain?”

“Yes…” Yunhe Zi looked worried.

Zhang Shouren smiled: “Miss Liu indeed still thinks of Senior Brother.”

“She thinks of him, but,” Yunhe Zi said with some regret, “unfortunately, the one she thinks of isn’t your Senior Brother.”

Zhang Shouren was stunned. Yunhe Zi shook his head and stood up, flicking his sleeves: “It’s over. The Supervision Department won’t have peace. Fortunately,” Yunhe Zi couldn’t help but laugh, patting his chest, “he’s not at the Dao Sect. We escaped disaster—I’m quite relieved!”

“Then…” Zhang Shouren considered, “Should we send word down about this?”

“Send word for what?” Yunhe Zi glanced at Zhang Shouren, “Don’t you know his dog temper? Be careful he takes it out on you later. I’ve done my utmost duty to him as his master, played the victim as much as possible. If he won’t strive himself, there’s nothing I can do.”

With that, Yunhe Zi turned to sit down and beckoned Zhang Shouren: “Let’s eat lunch first. Oh, don’t go down the mountain for the next year or two to see those casual romantic encounters.”

“Hm?”

Zhang Shouren looked up, puzzled: “Why?”

“You cared for Xiniang too attentively. When she returns, she’ll praise you.”

Hearing this, Zhang Shouren’s face immediately changed. Yunhe Zi spoke earnestly: “Lingshu knows your skills with women. I’m afraid he’ll beat you. Master doesn’t have many disciples left—I’m worried you’ll die on the mountain. Stay on the mountain properly, listen to Master,” Yunhe Zi patted Zhang Shouren’s shoulder, “don’t go down.”

In his dream was the bamboo house, with iron shackles binding the woman’s hands above her head on the bed, her eyes covered, skin flushed.

Rain sounded like drumbeats, white plum blossoms bloomed in the night, the sound of iron shackles grew more urgent and rapid, the woman panted heavily, tensing her body and refusing to make a sound.

“Young Master.”

A gentle call came from the distance, but he couldn’t let go.

“Young Master.”

The knocking came again. Xie Heng became somewhat alert but was reluctant to fully wake.

“Young Master, Brother Junye has come.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng’s eyes snapped open.

He lay in bed, quietly staring at the bed curtains, breathing slightly rapidly.

Zhuque was still knocking outside, puzzled: “Young Master? Are you awake?”

Xie Heng didn’t respond immediately. He collected himself for a moment, adjusted his voice, and finally spoke coldly: “Wait while I wash and dress.”

Hearing this, Zhuque said no more. Xie Heng lay in bed, thinking of the recent dream.

Luo Wanqing had been at the Dao Sect for over two months. Since she left, he had the same dream every day.

Though he used to have such dreams often, now it was different. What he dreamed now seemed to be things that had happened.

Actually, he couldn’t remember those five days clearly, but he always remembered those feelings. It seemed he had done everything he wanted to do, yet his memories weren’t very clear. He could only piece together those scattered fragments in dreams, then indulge night after night.

He remembered the first time withdrawing from mandala fragrance—just thinking about it made him afraid.

But this time, thinking about it brought joy.

Each time he thought more, his longing for Luo Wanqing grew stronger.

Thus he gradually realized: he had withdrawn from mandala fragrance, but Liu Xiniang had become his lifelong addiction, an obsession that drove him mad.

This was his true mandala fragrance.

The time without her felt like still being in that sunless secret chamber. He wanted to rush to the Dao Sect countless times, but his reason told him he couldn’t act impulsively.

The moment he left the Eastern Capital, he would attract countless prying eyes. Before Luo Wanqing agreed, he couldn’t rashly let anyone discover their relationship.

So he could only write letters daily.

But this girl was straightforward and cold—he wrote ten sentences, she replied with one.

Her replies were brief and contained no sweet words. This was bearable, but for so long she never said she missed him, never asked how he was doing. At New Year’s, her first letter asked about Li Guiyu.

How was Li Guiyu?

Li Guiyu could go die!

Thinking of that letter made Xie Heng irritable. Angered, he didn’t want to write for five days, but that girl truly ignored him for five days.

Thinking about it, Xie Heng felt somewhat bitter.

He forced himself not to overthink. Today, he still needed to maintain composure and write a proper letter to Luo Wanqing to mend their relationship.

They had finally reached this point—no need to get entangled in such trivial matters.

Xie Heng slowly calmed from his lingering dream. Closing his eyes and collecting himself for a moment, he finally opened them, got up, washed and dressed, then walked out.

Cui Heng… or rather Li Shengzhao was already waiting in the guest room drinking tea. Seeing Xie Heng approach, he smiled slightly, quite pleased: “I hear you’ve been sleeping late recently. This is rare—what beautiful dream keeps you from waking?”

“Speak of business.”

Xie Heng was too lazy for banter and said directly: “Is there news from Xing Ling?”

When Luo Wanqing left, she had freed Xing Ling from the dungeon.

Xing Ling was indeed difficult to handle. Though she had betrayed the Supervision Department and attempted to assassinate Xie Heng, first, it caused no irreversible consequences, and second, she had justifiable reasons—seeking revenge for Li Shengzhao. If punished too severely, Li Shengzhao wouldn’t accept it. But if not punished, having committed betrayal, where would Xie Heng’s authority be? So she had been imprisoned all this time. Luo Wanqing’s release indeed solved a difficult problem.

Once out, Xing Ling went directly to find Li Shengzhao. After confirming his physical condition and what had happened, between staying beside Li Shengzhao and going to Kunlun Palace, she chose to go to Kunlun Palace to find someone. Li Shengzhao, citing injury, put all Jiangnan inspection duties on Zhang Yiran and returned to recover.

The day after meeting Li Shengzhao, Xing Ling left Yangzhou.

From Yangzhou to Kunlun Palace, following pre-war routes at full speed would take less than a month; ordinary travel would take about a month and a half.

But now the route was blocked by ten war-torn cities controlled by Northern Rong. To pass through, she would need many workarounds.

Either detour, or bribe Northern Rong officials, rely on merchant caravans, or other irregular channels.

Xie Heng was prepared for Xing Ling to be gone for most of a year, never expecting news in just two months.

Li Shengzhao was also surprised, pouring tea for Xie Heng, quite happy: “Yesterday’s message came by signal eagle—she found Zixiu.”

Li Shengzhao handed Xie Heng a letter. Xie Heng took the gold knife from Qingya to open it, quickly unfolding the letter to see detailed records of Xing Ling’s situation these months.

Li Shengzhao summarized the key points: “She found a Northern Rong human trafficking group and pretended to be sold to the Kunlun area. Northern Rong often traffics Han people, so she encountered little obstruction along the way. When near Kunlun, a group of Han people saw them—a group of Han captives—and came to rescue them. By chance,” Li Shengzhao smiled, “it happened to be Zixiu.”

“Such coincidence?” Xie Heng was also surprised, glancing at Li Shengzhao, then realizing: “They’re doing well in the north?”

“Not bad,” Li Shengzhao said with relief, “When they crossed from Tianshan initially, Uncle had already sent word to Kunlun Palace. Kunlun Palace, owing to Uncle’s favors, sent people to guide them. But even so, when they arrived…”

Li Shengzhao paused, finally saying reluctantly: “Only forty thousand remained.”

Xie Heng was silent for a moment, then said calmly, “Fewer people mean more food.”

Hearing this, Li Shengzhao couldn’t help glaring at him, then said: “Say less of such things and live longer. You’re not truly heartless and cold-blooded—why pretend?”

Xie Heng glanced at him. Usually, he would retort, but today he said nothing, as if accepting Li Shengzhao’s words, continuing: “But these people are still too many. How did they solve provisions after going there?”

“The Western Region also has much warfare and is quite chaotic,” Li Shengzhao found it odd that he didn’t argue back, but continued: “It happened that a small city was being attacked by hereditary enemies. Zixiu, recommended by Kunlun Palace, went to defend this city. Afterward, using this city as a base and occupying the rear, it became a small Western Region nation. Entrenched near Kunlun, it became a place where many Han people lived.”

“Haven’t heard of this.”

Xie Heng pondered. Li Shengzhao smiled: “The Western Region has hundreds of small nations, all warring with each other. After Uncle’s death, they didn’t dare contact Great Xia for these years. Now Xing Ling has gone to convey the message. Currently, they have nearly fifty thousand people—forty thousand soldiers and ten thousand family members, ready for orders at any time.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng nodded.

The situation was much better than he expected, giving him some peace of mind. Then he said: “Good, then send word to the Dao Sect to notify Liu Xiniang…”

“No need,” hearing Xie Heng’s words, Qingya, who had been kneeling and attending nearby, smiled and spoke: “Last night, scouts stationed at Huaicheng inn reported seeing Inspector Liu.”

Xie Heng paused, emotions surging in his eyes before being forcibly suppressed.

Qingya smiled and produced a note, handing it to Xie Heng: “Based on timing and distance, Inspector Liu should arrive soon.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater 1] Yunhe Zi: “Monitoring my disciple’s wife’s every move. So, Xiniang, is this letter important?” Luo Wanqing: “Important!” Yunhe Zi: “…Good thing Lingshu isn’t here. The Dao Sect escaped disaster.”

[Mini Theater 2] Yunhe Zi (to Luo Wanqing): “Lingshu is very pitiful. He and I have a deep master-disciple affection. Now we can never meet again. I’m very sad, and he’s also heartbroken.” Yunhe Zi (to Zhang Shouren): “The rebellious disciple finally left the mountain—Master can finally hold his head high!! My deep master-disciple affection with him can only be maintained at online romance distance.”

[Mini Theater 3] Xie Heng: “I fought with my wife. I ignored her for five days, and she didn’t reply to my letters. I was very sad and prepared to admit defeat, but!!! My wife is coming!!!! I knew it—she! Loves! Me! most!!” Luo Wanqing: (whooshing past at lightning speed) Young Master, move aside! I’m going to save Lord Zhang!! Xie Heng: “…@#¥%%…Li Guiyu deserves death! Zhang Yiran deserves death! What? That playboy Zhang Shouren took care of her? Zhang Shouren deserves death!!!”