Chapter 1: Disciples of Jiuhua Mountain
Yang Suguan had received orders from Liu Angtian to lead Wei Zizhuang, Wu Dingyuan, and others to investigate the secrets of the sheepskin scroll. To avoid interference from Kunlun Mountain and the skilled Embroidered Uniform Guards, Yang Suguan decided to take his companions first to the Shaolin Temple at Mount Song in Henan to gather reinforcements before heading west to the frontier.
The three men traveled by day and rested by night. Carrying important items, they were unwilling to invite trouble, avoiding martial artists they encountered on the road and focusing solely on making swift progress.
On this day, the weather turned cold, and suddenly heavy, icy rain began to fall, drenching them all. The rain struck their bodies with a bone-chilling cold. Though their internal energy was not weak and they could endure it, the wet, cold clothing clinging to their flesh was most unpleasant.
The three men took shelter under a large tree to discuss their next move. Yang Suguan looked up at the sky, frowning, “It seems this rain will continue for some time. I fear it won’t stop anytime soon. We should find a place to rest and continue after the heavy rain stops.”
Wei Zizhuang pondered, “Ahead lies Zhengzhou, which has always been frequented by many martial artists. We must be careful not to provoke any conflicts.”
Yang Suguan suggested, “How about this – I’ll disguise myself and go ahead to scout. Would this be acceptable?”
Wei Zizhuang knew that too many people recognized him, and if he entered the city, he would likely be identified before he could even speak. Yang Suguan, with his superior martial skills and keen perception, had never made any mistakes. Having him go ahead would surely be far more appropriate. He immediately said, “This will trouble Lord Yang then.” He let Yang Suguan go ahead to investigate while he and Wu Dingyuan waited for news at their current location.
Yang Suguan changed out of his traveling clothes and disguised himself as a storyteller before entering the city. Zhengzhou had fertile land and had always been a cotton trading center, with many skilled individuals residing there. Yang Suguan had visited dozens of times, but always on official business – this was his first time coming to Zhengzhou on his own. He wore a gentle smile, waving a folding fan, pretending to stroll leisurely through the streets with an air of carefree indifference. Though his face showed a relaxed and casual manner, he was constantly observing his surroundings, not fearing that Jiang Chong might have stationed people here in ambush, but rather fearing careless oversight that might fail to detect them.
As he walked, he saw several sedan chair bearers ahead carrying a palanquin, with many servants alongside carrying luggage, all heading toward the center of the street. This appeared to be an official household traveling.
Yang Suguan thought, “The roads have been unsafe recently, with bandits frequently appearing. Such a wealthy household couldn’t possibly travel alone – there must be bodyguards accompanying them nearby.”
He looked carefully and indeed saw several people scattered far behind the sedan chair. One was a middle-aged, corpulent man, while the other two were young women in the bloom of youth. All three wore swords at their waists and moved with light steps, clearly possessing martial skills. Yang Suguan examined their swords closely and saw that each bore the six seal characters “Jiuhua Mountain Dragon Song Pavilion.” His heart stirred, knowing he had encountered fellow practitioners of the martial world. He immediately followed behind to observe their movements.
He heard the fat man call out, “Good! There’s an inn ahead. Everyone go in and rest!” The sedan bearers immediately cheered with joy – clearly this group had been carrying burdens and supporting the chair and was thoroughly exhausted. The fat man continued, “Everyone will rest tonight. Tomorrow, after leaving Zhengzhou, we must quicken our pace and cross Yellow Earth Ridge!”
Hearing this, everyone cried out in dismay. The fat man’s eyes bulged as he roared, “Stop your complaining! Do you want another taste of the whip?” His expression was fierce beyond measure, causing the bearers to shudder and quickly flee into the inn.
The bearers entered the inn and busied themselves with various arrangements, while the fat man ordered some dishes and sat in a corner to drink alone. Yang Suguan followed into the inn and found a table to sit at. He ordered some wine and food, but kept his eyes on the fat man’s activities from the corner of his vision.
As the fat man was eating, the two young women who traveled with him approached and sat beside him. One appeared to be around twenty years old, with a delicate oval face and quite beautiful features. The other was slightly younger, about seventeen or eighteen, with an egg-shaped face that still showed traces of playfulness, and large, bright, lively eyes that were quite charming.
The fat man glared at the two young women and said, “Tired from a full day! Why aren’t you going to rest?”
The younger girl replied, “The sun hasn’t even set! How could we fall asleep?”
The fat man snorted and scolded, “You just won’t learn from your senior sister. All the complaints about being tired and sore along the way came from you. How is it that now you’re full of energy and looking for amusement everywhere?” It seemed these two young women were indeed senior and junior sisters from the same school.
The junior sister pouted angrily, “It’s all your fault for leaving A’Sha back on the mountain. If he had come, he would definitely help me carry the heavier burdens, and I wouldn’t have been so tired!”
The fat man rolled his eyes strangely and scolded again, “You! Tell me clearly what we came down the mountain for this time!”
The junior sister pursed her small lips, lowered her head, and said, “We came to escort Lord Gao home. When we reach the first day of the second month, we also need to go to Yuqing Temple to pay respects.”
Hearing this, the fat uncle was exasperated and shouted loudly, “Not to pay respects – we’re going to observe the ceremony! Little girl, we’re not out here to play! That Ning Bufan is what kind of figure? His sword retirement ceremony is no small matter. For you child to witness this ceremony with your own eyes is truly a blessing of three lifetimes!”
Hearing the name “Ning Bufan,” Yang Suguan couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and pay close attention.
This “Ning Bufan’s” reputation was supremely lofty. It was said his martial arts were unrivaled throughout the land. At the peak of Mount Hua, two banners still stood – one reading “Victorious in Eight Hundred Battles” and another “Martial Arts Revered Under Heaven” – demonstrating his commanding presence in the martial world and his disdain for all heroes. For over a decade, those traveling to Yuqing Temple to seek instruction were as numerous as fish crossing a river, yet no one had been heard to defeat this sect leader.
Who would have thought this Ning Bufan, in his prime years, would suddenly retire to the mountains – truly one of the strangest events in today’s martial world. Though Yang Suguan was a court official, he came from Shaolin origins and naturally took interest upon hearing of this world’s greatest expert’s retirement.
The senior sister, hearing her uncle’s rebuke, quickly mediated, “Junior sister has a childish nature. Uncle needn’t be concerned with her. But what’s so urgent about this Yellow Earth Ridge that Uncle insists we must cross it tomorrow?”
The fat uncle frowned, “This Yellow Earth Ridge is different from other places. Local bandits roam there, and even the authorities can do nothing. If we can’t pass by tomorrow evening, the bandits might truly attempt robbery. When it comes to real combat with blade and sword, many will surely be killed or wounded.”
The junior sister, having been scolded, still maintained her playful, smiling manner, completely unconcerned. She raised her jade-like slender finger and waved it, laughing, “Then our Uncle will shout loudly, ‘I, Zhang Zhiyue of the “Swift Sword,” have arrived!’ Using one move of the ‘Flying Curtain Sword Technique,’ the bandits will cry ‘Oh my mother!’ and roll around looking for their teeth. Uncle will be so impressive!”
The uncle and senior sister couldn’t help but laugh at this teasing.
The fat uncle suppressed the smile on his face and assumed a serious expression, “This trip escorting Lord Gao home requires careful handling. You must behave yourself and not cause any incidents. If the sect leader blames us later, your uncle will be the one getting scolded!”
Yang Suguan thought to himself, “So these people are escorting a minister home. Recently, among ministers surnamed Gao, only Minister of Imperial Sacrifices Gao Ding has retired to return home. After we finish our business, we might pay him a visit.”
Yang Suguan came from a distinguished family with extraordinary background – the princes and ministers of the court had all watched him grow up, so he maintained deep friendships with court ministers and noble families.
The junior sister spoke in an old-fashioned manner, “Uncle! They say we of Jiuhua Mountain are martial heroes who have always been ‘solitary in coming and going’ and ‘walking alone in the martial world.’ This Lord Gao is merely a court minister. Why must we risk life and death for him like this?”
Hearing the junior sister speak constantly of “martial world” and “heroes” in language completely inconsistent with her adorable, snow-white appearance, Yang Suguan couldn’t help but shake his head silently, thinking, “Such a lovely little girl, yet she’s fallen into crude mannerisms.”
The fat uncle took a sip of wine and said, “This is a long story. Do you know what our sect leader did before entering the mountain to study martial arts?”
The junior sister clapped her hands and laughed, “Master must have been a government runner. Look at his usually fierce manner – if he’s not like a constable, what else could he be? Every time I do something wrong, I always feel like Master wants to carry over a tiger-head guillotine and give me a chop!”
The fat uncle laughed heartily, “Nonsense! Nonsense! To deal with you, little clever spirit, carrying over a dog-head guillotine for one chop would be quite sufficient.”
The senior sister appeared gentle and refined, speaking in soft, cultured tones. She lightly tapped her junior sister’s forehead and smiled, “Silly girl! Master used to be a school teacher. I heard he was even a scholar!”
The fat uncle shook his head, “More than that! More than that! He even took the palace examination, met the Emperor, and served as an official in the court!” The two young women’s round eyes widened in amazement, and they couldn’t help but stare in shock.
The fat uncle continued, “Your master, the Azure-Robed Scholar, is what kind of figure? How could he be merely a small scholar? With his skills in reading and writing, you two little girls should learn more from him!”
The junior sister stuck out her tongue and shrank back, “We’re women – how can we go to the capital for examinations? Uncle might as well tell us to become eunuchs.”
The fat uncle, hearing this, spat out his wine in a spray. Though Yang Suguan kept his head down without speaking, he couldn’t help but smile.
The senior sister nodded, “So Master has such an impressive background. Then why did he go to Jiuhua Mountain to study martial arts?”
The fat uncle shook his head, “Twenty years ago, a shocking incident occurred in the court, and your master was implicated in it. That’s why he abandoned his official position and left…” He was dazed for a moment, raised his wine cup, took a light sip, and continued, “I still remember when I was guarding the mountain gate. I saw your master riding a donkey up the mountain alone. When I saw him, hey, I immediately felt something was wrong – he seemed to have a very special quality about him that made one realize at first glance that he was no ordinary person.”
The junior sister stuck out her tongue, “Could it be that Master never bathed and had a particularly strong odor?”
The fat uncle scolded, “Little rascal! The quality I’m talking about is a person’s bearing, not body odor!”
The junior sister laughed, “I see! Otherwise, if others smelled Uncle’s scent, they would definitely think Uncle was an extraordinary great personage too.”
The fat uncle laughed, “You have such nerve, daring to mock your uncle’s smell!” The two young women looked at each other and smiled – clearly the fat uncle was indeed quite dirty and smelly.
The fat uncle didn’t mind and continued, “When I saw your master arrive, I went forward to ask what he needed. Your master smiled at me and said, ‘Little brother, I want to see the Daoist master of Jiuhua Mountain.’ Hearing him speak to me this way, I quickly helped introduce him. Afterward, your master stayed on Jiuhua Mountain to study Daoist teachings and martial arts. Originally, he was a weak scholar who would have difficulty even carrying an axe, but later his martial arts grew higher and higher, reaching unfathomable depths, until he finally inherited the leadership position and called himself the ‘Azure-Robed Scholar.’ I both respected his greater age and admired his supreme intelligence, so according to age rankings, I positioned myself as his junior brother.”
The senior sister asked softly, “What exactly is Master’s real name? How is it that no one has ever mentioned it?”
The fat uncle’s expression changed slightly, and he said with a “hey,” “This I also don’t know. Your master not only doesn’t want people to know his background, he doesn’t even want to show his face. Every time he goes down the mountain, he always wears a mask, as if he doesn’t want to see old acquaintances. In any case, it’s a whole bunch of strange and peculiar things.”
The junior sister giggled, “Yes! I wonder why Master, being so handsome, wants to cover his face. I always thought he owed some girl a romantic debt and was afraid of being caught and forced into marriage!”
The fat uncle laughed and scolded, “Little rascal, talking nonsense! With your master’s superior martial arts, who has the ability to catch him?”
The senior sister said, “According to Uncle’s account, is it because Master once served as a court official and is acquainted with that Lord Gao that we’re escorting him home?”
The fat uncle replied, “That’s not entirely the case. Your master usually pays attention to court politics. He said that Lord Gao is a rare honest official, and knowing he was retiring to return home, he wanted us to escort him partway to ensure his safe passage.”
Yang Suguan listened carefully to their conversation and thought silently, “So the leader of Jiuhua Mountain has such a peculiar past. Since this person has such deep connections with the court, it shouldn’t be difficult to investigate his background. When I return to the capital, I might ask some friends in the Personnel Ministry to investigate thoroughly.”
As he was thinking, the fat uncle coughed heavily and then raised his voice, “That gentleman over there!” Yang Suguan was lost in thought and didn’t notice the fat man was calling him. Suddenly hearing footsteps, Yang Suguan quickly turned around to see the junior sister bouncing over to him, saying, “Storyteller, my uncle invites you over to tell us a good story.”
It turned out the fat man had seen Yang Suguan following them all along, and his facial expression had seemed somewhat strange, so he wanted to test him and determine whether he was friend or foe. Yang Suguan had disguised himself as a storyteller, but now he truly had to tell a story.
Yang Suguan remained composed, merely coughing lightly, “My throat is somewhat sore today and I cannot speak. I ask for the young lady’s forgiveness.”
The junior sister blinked at him, her pure face showing a mischievous smile. She whispered, “Oh dear! This is terrible. My uncle just said you must be in disguise, and you might be a bandit from Yellow Earth Ridge come to gather intelligence. He said he wants to deal with you properly. I think you’d better come and perform a few moves!”
Yang Suguan realized his cover had been blown, but with his superior skills and bold spirit, he showed no alarm and maintained his elegant demeanor. He straightened up and smiled, “Since your uncle thinks so highly of me, I shall comply!” The junior sister curtsied lightly to him, indicating he should come over.
Yang Suguan waved his folding fan and slowly walked over, nodding to the fat uncle with a smile, “What story would this gentleman like to hear that suits your taste?”
The fat uncle sneered, “I think you should tell us the story of the ‘Birthday Tribute’!” This “Birthday Tribute” was an episode from Water Margin, telling how “Blue-Faced Beast” Yang Zhi was escorting tribute gifts for a birthday celebration but was robbed on the road by Chao Gai and others, forcing him to join the mountain stronghold as a bandit. These words were naturally mocking Yang Suguan, indirectly suggesting he was a criminal.
Yang Suguan laughed heartily, “That story won’t do. How about ‘Grand Marshal Su Issues an Imperial Edict of Grace’?” This episode told of how court Grand Marshal Su Yuanjing advised the Emperor to offer amnesty, allowing outlaws to serve the court effectively. His words somewhat revealed his identity as a court official.
The fat uncle was startled, “You little fellow have quite an attitude. This seems interesting.”
As everyone was about to continue speaking, suddenly an elderly man emerged. Upon seeing this elder, the fat uncle immediately stood up, and the two young women quickly straightened as well. Yang Suguan observed coldly and saw that the elder was about seventy years old but still had clear, refined features – this was indeed Minister of Imperial Sacrifices Gao Ding.
Seeing the respectful demeanor of the Jiuhua Mountain disciples, he needn’t be alarmed either. He simply maintained his gentle smile, waving his folding fan with an air of elegant leisure, standing motionless.
The elder walked before the fat uncle, sighed, and said, “Master Zhang! My servants all came to find me, saying you were extremely harsh when managing them, beating and scolding them severely, frightening them badly. Is this true?”
Hearing Gao Ding speak thus, the fat uncle’s face immediately flushed red, “There was beating and scolding… but they were lazy and slow all along the way. You must understand that the roads are unsafe, unlike at home where bandits could appear at any time. If I don’t manage them strictly, I fear trouble would have arisen long ago.”
The junior sister interjected, “Yes! Lord Ban, you must examine this clearly. Your servants are both lazy and stupid, constantly saying useless things like ‘Oh! I’m thirsty! Oh! I’m hungry!’ Moaning and groaning all along the way. Don’t you think they deserve beating?”
The elder Gao Ding was amused by these words and couldn’t help but smile slightly, but after just a moment, his expression became grave again. He shook his head and sighed, “Master Zhang! I’m grateful that your mountain’s leader, the ‘Azure-Robed Scholar,’ cares for me. The protection and care you’ve provided along the way has been meticulous, and I’m naturally grateful for such kindness. But if you continue beating them so brutally, all my old servants will be tormented to death. I think this old man has no fortune to accept your mountain’s kind intentions.” His implication was that if the fat man didn’t comply with his wishes, Gao Ding would send them away.
The fat uncle made a “hey” sound and was about to respond when he saw the senior sister urgently signaling with her eyes. Suddenly remembering the sect leader’s instructions, he had to swallow his anger. The fat uncle suppressed his fury and said, “Lord Gao speaks very reasonably. I will naturally restrain myself.”
Gao Ding nodded and was about to speak when suddenly someone said, “Unable to distinguish loyalty from treachery, with petty people in power – difficult indeed! Difficult indeed!” Gao Ding found this tone familiar. Looking up, he saw it was the storyteller.
Gao Ding was somewhat displeased. How could a mere storyteller point fingers and comment here? He ignored this and said directly, “Since Master Zhang agrees to treat my old servants well, I can rest assured.”
He was about to turn and go inside when he heard Yang Suguan say again, “Clowns leaping about, the sage ruler deceived – most inauspicious! Most inauspicious!” Gao Ding felt these words had deep meaning and quickly turned to see the storyteller staring intently at him.
Gao Ding was about to become angry when he suddenly noticed the storyteller’s appearance seemed familiar. He looked carefully and was greatly shocked, exclaiming joyfully, “My! Truly, one encounters acquaintances everywhere in life! Isn’t this my dear nephew Suguan? How did you come to be dressed as a storyteller?”
The three from Jiuhua Mountain were startled – none had expected that Gao Ding actually knew this storyteller. While everyone was puzzled, Gao Ding had already grasped Yang Suguan’s hand and laughed heartily, “I never expected you to come to Henan on official business. Is this at Marquis Liu’s request or by the Emperor’s decree?”
Yang Suguan had indeed intended for him to reveal his identity, so he merely laughed heartily without confirming or denying anything.
The junior sister opened her mouth wide in bewilderment, “Lord Gao, have you also heard him tell stories? How do you know him too?”
Gao Ding lightly patted Yang Suguan’s shoulder and smiled at the Jiuhua Mountain group, “How could he be a storyteller? He is the distinguished Yang Suguan, Fifth-Rank Secretary of the Ministry of War!”
The three from Jiuhua Mountain cried out in shock, all staring in amazement. The junior sister laughed, “I’m a high court official, you’re also a high court official – everyone’s a high court official!”
The senior sister said softly, “Junior sister, you mustn’t speak rudely and disturb the two lords’ conversation.”
The junior sister made a face and laughed, “We’re heroes of Jiuhua Mountain – why should we fear these court people?”
Gao Ding wanted to reminisce with Yang Suguan, but Yang Suguan said, “Uncle Gao, there’s no rush for this moment. I currently have some important matters to handle and would like to speak with these friends.” He looked toward the Jiuhua Mountain group.
Gao Ding was slightly startled, remembering that Yang Suguan also possessed martial arts, and quickly asked, “Is Master Zhang Zhiyue also a good friend of my dear nephew?”
Yang Suguan smiled, “Indeed.” This statement was meant to support Zhang Zhiyue. Yang Suguan held considerable influence in the court – even the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guards had to show him respect. By claiming old friendship with Zhang Zhiyue, Gao Ding would have to treat him with some courtesy.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Gao Ding’s expression alternated between red and pale. He had just criticized Zhang Zhiyue’s faults, and Yang Suguan had certainly heard everything. Now hearing him claim friendship with Zhang Zhiyue, he wondered whether Yang Suguan might stand up for him.
While he worried, he heard Yang Suguan say, “Uncle Gao! This Master Zhang has endured countless hardships escorting you, seeking neither gold, silver, jewels, nor official fame and profit, but only respecting your integrity, which is why he risks his life to protect you. If you listen to the idle complaints of a few servants, wouldn’t this chill a hero’s heart?”
These words made Gao Ding flush with embarrassment, and he repeatedly agreed, “Yes, my dear nephew speaks reasonably, very reasonably.”
This Gao Ding, having retired to return home, was already without power or influence, while Yang Suguan was a Fifth-Rank court official serving as Secretary in the Ministry of War’s Geographic Section, and his father was also a Grand Secretary of the Central Pavilion’s Five Assistants – truly at the height of his power. Though Gao Ding was a veteran minister of two dynasties, he could not compare. Momentarily filled with embarrassment, he spoke a few pleasantries to cover his discomfort and hurriedly entered the guest room, not emerging again.
Zhang Zhiyue was delighted to see Yang Suguan stand up for him. He looked him up and down, clicking his tongue in admiration, “Truly couldn’t tell, young fellow, that you had such skills and are even an official!”
Yang Suguan smiled slightly and cupped his hands, “This junior is Yang Suguan of Mount Song Shaolin. Please convey my respects to your esteemed sect leader and tell him that Yang Suguan greatly admires the old master.” Seeing Gao Ding leave, he immediately put away all official airs and responded purely according to martial world principles.
Zhang Zhiyue saw his steady conduct – though holding an important position, he showed not the slightest trace of arrogance, which pleased him even more. But he heard the junior sister giggle, “So you’re also a person of the martial world, and from Shaolin Temple too.”
Yang Suguan smiled, “I dare not claim such. I am indeed a Shaolin disciple.”
The junior sister giggled and looked up at Yang Suguan’s head, suddenly saying in wonder, “Eh! How do you have hair? Aren’t Shaolin monks all supposed to be bald? Or are you a lay practitioner monk?”
Yang Suguan laughed heartily, “The young lady jests. I am a lay disciple of Shaolin. In my youth, I became a monk at Shaolin on my father’s behalf, then returned to secular life at eighteen to return to the capital for examinations. That’s why I have this head of hair.”
The junior sister laughed, “According to this, you can marry a wife then?” Yang Suguan found her words too reckless and merely smiled without answering. The junior sister frowned, “Why don’t you speak? Could it be you’ve already married three wives and four concubines? Or have you achieved complete detachment from worldly desires?”
The senior sister, hearing her junior sister speak without restraint, quickly stepped forward and curtsied lightly to Yang Suguan, saying apologetically, “Lord Yang, my junior sister has always been rash in speech. Please don’t take offense.”
Yang Suguan saw this woman’s snow-white oval face and slender, graceful figure, and couldn’t help but silently admire, “What a beautiful, refined woman.” Just as he was about to respond, he suddenly heard Zhang Zhiyue ask, “Lord Yang, what official business brings you to Zhengzhou?”
Yang Suguan smiled at the senior sister and replied, “I was just about to inform everyone of this matter. However, I have several friends waiting outside the city. After we’ve settled in, it won’t be too late to discuss.”
Zhang Zhiyue said, “Excellent. Everyone staying nearby would be good for mutual support.”
Yang Suguan nodded, cupped his hands to everyone, rose, and slowly left. Zhang Zhiyue and the junior sister continued drinking, while the senior sister lowered her head, her face full of shy blushes, her eyes only glancing at Yang Suguan’s retreating figure.
Walking outside the city, fine rain continued falling. When he met up with Wei Zizhuang and Wu Dingyuan, he saw both were already soaked through.
Wei Zizhuang frowned, “Why did you take so long? Did you encounter some trouble?”
Yang Suguan replied, “Not at all. I met some righteous people on the road – all friends from Jiuhua Mountain.”
Hearing “Jiuhua Mountain,” Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but exclaim “Ah!” and said, “Jiuhua Mountain! I happen to know several people there. Is there one named Zhang Zhiyue?”
Yang Suguan nodded, “The person I met was indeed him. Brother Wu truly has extensive connections, with acquaintances throughout the world.”
Wu Dingyuan recalled that day’s meeting with Zhang Zhiyue and thought of the girl Yan Ting, momentarily quite wanting to see them and reminisce about old times.
Everyone entered the city and went to the inn where Zhang Zhiyue’s group was staying, but the waiter wore a bitter expression, saying the inn was already full. Yang Suguan found this strange – when he came earlier, the inn had been quite empty. How could it suddenly be full? He called over the innkeeper and asked oddly, “When I came just now, the inn still had many empty rooms. How could they all be occupied in just a moment?”
The innkeeper pursed his lips and said in a low voice, “Just now, suddenly several foreign monks came and forcibly drove out the guests, absolutely refusing to let others stay. Look, aren’t they causing trouble?”
Yang Suguan looked up and saw several tall, sturdy foreign monks walking in through the door, scolding the inn’s guests. Seeing these monks were all tall and strong, how dare the guests oppose them? They quickly fled with their heads covered, escaping in panic.
Wei Zizhuang sneered, “These foreign monks – who knows where they came from, daring to make such noise in the Central Plains. Are they tired of living?” Yang Suguan didn’t want to create more conflicts and said, “Let’s observe the situation quietly and not provoke martial world figures to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Wei Zizhuang nodded and said to the innkeeper, “I think we won’t take rooms either. Just prepare some dishes for us to eat first.” The innkeeper hurried to make arrangements while everyone sat down.
The several foreign monks shouted everywhere, dragging out the guests from the rooms. Yang Suguan thought, “Lord Gao is also staying here. Let’s see how Zhang Zhiyue handles this.”
He heard the foreign monks continuously pounding on doors and shouting. Their Chinese was garbled and incomprehensible. Soon, one foreign monk kicked at a door, shouting, “Get out! Get out!”
From inside the room came a young girl’s voice, giggling, “Get out? Get out? Here it comes rolling out!” Then the door opened and a stool rolled out smoothly, hitting the foreign monk’s feet. Yang Suguan smiled slightly, knowing the occupants inside must be the Jiuhua Mountain group.
The foreign monk was furious and cursed, “You little girl get out! Stool not is.” The foreign monk wasn’t fluent in Chinese – he meant “Little girl, you quickly get out, not the stool getting out.”
But the young girl laughed, “I little girl get out stool not? Is.” She repeated the foreign monk’s words exactly but changed the punctuation, completely changing the meaning to “Did I, little girl, roll the stool out? Of course I did.” She also threw out another stool, and with a bang, it hit the foreign monk, making him dizzy.
The foreign monk roared in rage, “You dead! I kill!” and charged inside, but with a thud, the foreign monk rolled back out. The young girl laughed inside the room, “You rolled! I kicked!”
The remaining foreign monks, seeing their companion at a disadvantage, grabbed their precept knives and headed into the room.
One foreign monk shouted, “You one come out!” The young girl also called back, “You five crawled here!” The foreign monk was puzzled, not understanding what “crawled here” meant, and began conversing with another in their foreign language. Their voices were all “gurgle gurgle” back and forth. The young girl imitated their sounds and laughed, “Gurgle gurgle, senior sister, I’m hungry.”
The senior sister’s silver bell-like laughter rang out, indescribably clear and pleasant, as she laughed, “These people’s speech is truly unpleasant. Who knows where they’re from?” The young girl giggled, “They must be from Gurgle-Gurgle Bird Country. Speaking like this – gurgle gurgle – just like bird calls. Let’s catch one to show Master. He’ll definitely know!”
Wu Dingyuan heard the senior sister’s voice and his face suddenly brightened with joy. He was about to go help them out of their predicament when Yang Suguan quickly waved his hand and whispered, “Zhang Zhiyue is in charge here. We needn’t interfere.” Wu Dingyuan could only grunt and sit back down.
In the midst of the commotion, suddenly one foreign monk said, “Two young ladies, we wish to borrow this inn for use. Please withdraw for a moment. We apologize for the disturbance and offense.”
Everyone found these words cultured and proper, all amazed that among the foreign monks there was someone who could speak such Chinese. They saw this person was tall with eagle eyes and nose, wearing red robes – he didn’t look much like a Han Chinese.
From the guest room came a male voice saying, “We arrived at this inn first. What right do you have to drive us away? If you have other business, go find other accommodations. Zhengzhou has hundreds of inns – why must you crowd in with us?”
The speaker was Zhang Zhiyue. Minister of Imperial Sacrifices Gao Ding was currently staying here with countless belongings – how could they move at will? If people saw the treasures, wouldn’t it create more complications? Zhang Zhiyue had quite a temper and disliked others being domineering. That day with Kunlun Mountain’s “Sword Shadow” Qian Lingyi, he was already like this – how much more so with these demonic monks?
Suddenly an elderly foreign monk came over, took out a gold ingot, and gurgled several sentences to the monk fluent in Chinese. That monk understood and called into the room, “Friends, listen well. My master uncle says that as long as you leave, we will naturally offer substantial reward.”
Who knew Zhang Zhiyue would laugh heartily and throw two gold ingots out from the room, cursing, “If you want to compare wealth, the Zhang family home isn’t necessarily lacking. Quickly get lost!”
Wu Dingyuan and Wei Zizhuang looked at each other, both smiling slightly. Only Yang Suguan kept his head down without speaking, seemingly not very concerned.
It turned out that the leader of Jiuhua Mountain, the Azure-Robed Scholar, was supremely intelligent – truly an extraordinary figure not seen in ages. Since he went up the mountain to study the Dao, he had carefully cultivated farmland around Jiuhua Mountain, planting countless rare and precious fruits, and even brewed medicinal wine himself. The mountain had immortal peaches and ginseng fruits of every variety, and the lingzhi medicinal wine was especially effective for longevity – truly famous far and wide, with the princes and nobles of the capital all competing to purchase them at high prices. Therefore, Jiuhua Mountain was different from other martial sects – they were wealthy local heroes. This was why Zhang Zhiyue never acted stingily and didn’t put a few taels of gold and silver in his eyes.
The foreign monk translated Zhang Zhiyue’s words. The old monk’s face showed a surge of blue anger as he gurgled a long speech. The foreign monk translated, “My master says he comes on orders from the Khan of the Timurid Khanate to meet the Son of Heaven, to make the two countries friendly neighbors living in harmony. Who knew he would encounter such a domineering rogue as you – he will definitely report to the authorities and bring you to justice.”
Zhang Zhiyue laughed heartily upon hearing this, then suddenly also spoke gibberish “gurgle gurgle” for a while, then said, “Juan’er, translate that for me.” Juan’er knew her master uncle intended to mock them and laughed, “My master uncle says he comes on orders from the Jade Emperor to the mortal world to observe the people, so that humans and ghosts don’t cast spells on each other and live in harmony. Who knew he would encounter such domineering demon monks as you – he will definitely report to Sakyamuni Buddha to punish you on the spot.”
The foreign monk knew this was mockery and didn’t dare translate. The old monk kept urging him and was quite angry.
Yang Suguan was shocked upon hearing their conversation, thinking silently, “So these people are actually envoys from the Timurid Khanate. We mustn’t easily offend them. Let me go mediate.” Currently, the Emperor intended peace with foreign nations – how could they offend envoys sent by the other side? He was about to step forward when he saw a monk walk up, standing proudly at the room entrance, saying coldly, “You let open!”
The junior sister giggled, “Another one came!” and threw a stool flying toward the foreign monk’s face. The foreign monk shook his head, “No use.” He extended a little finger and touched the stool once. The stool suddenly shattered, becoming something like a pile of wood chips that fell to the ground.
Yang Suguan was shocked, thinking, “What kind of evil martial art is this?” Wei Zizhuang and Wu Dingyuan, seeing the monk’s strange martial arts, also stood up. Wei Zizhuang whispered, “This person’s martial arts uses yin energy, driving internal force into objects, then exploding from within to destroy the stool like this.”
Wu Dingyuan had seen “Sword Gu” Tu Lingxin’s ultimate technique of destroying people’s hearts – also drilling internal force into the enemy’s body, then bursting to injure the enemy’s body. It seemed this foreign monk’s martial arts was similar.
As everyone was shocked and puzzled, the foreign monk had already entered the room. Zhang Zhiyue shouted, “Bold demon monk! Get out!”
Suddenly the sound of weapons swishing through the air erupted, followed by breathing and shouting – clearly they had begun fighting. But they were fighting inside the room where others couldn’t see the combat situation. Wu Dingyuan and others were secretly anxious but could do nothing.
Suddenly hearing the two young women cry out in alarm, Zhang Zhiyue was evidently in danger. Wu Dingyuan, remembering past connections and urgently concerned, released his “Flying Silver Shuttle.” With a “bang,” it pierced through the thin partition wall, revealing a hole the size of a bowl.
Everyone looked through the hole and saw Zhang Zhiyue’s sword was only half its original length, with the other half broken on the ground. Yang Suguan was shocked, thinking, “My Shaolin Temple’s ‘Mighty Vajra Finger’ is unrivaled under heaven, capable of crushing gold into seals and breaking wood and stone, but from what I see now, it probably still can’t match this person’s finger technique!”
The monk chuckled, “Woman beautiful, obediently be wife.” Saying this, he reached to grab the senior sister. The senior sister cried out in alarm and quickly dodged. Wu Dingyuan saw the critical situation and rushed toward the room door, but with people guarding the entrance, how could he charge through? Several foreign monks shouted and raised their precept knives to strike. Wu Dingyuan shouted continuously and immediately fought with them.
Yang Suguan gave Wei Zizhuang a look. Wei Zizhuang understood and immediately channeled his palms, using the “Eight Trigrams Wandering Body Palm” technique to forcefully strike the partition wall. The wall wasn’t very solid – just a thin panel – and was immediately shattered by his palm force, scattering in all directions.
The foreign monk was reaching for the senior sister, his face showing lustful intentions, when he suddenly saw the partition wall broken and couldn’t help being startled. He quickly turned to look and saw Wei Zizhuang lift his leg and step through the broken wall, shouting, “Bold demon monk! How dare you commit violence in the Central Plains! Aren’t you afraid of death?” Saying this, he slashed down with a palm. The foreign monk sneered and thrust forward with two fingers. The two fought fast against fast, instantly exchanging seven or eight moves.
Wei Zizhuang, wary of the man’s strange finger force, didn’t dare touch his fingers and used Wudang’s “Eight Trigrams Wandering Body Palm,” continuously striking with extremely fast hand techniques. The foreign monk’s eyes were dazzled and he barely defended his vital points, but his body and legs were hit repeatedly. The foreign monk, in pain, suddenly roared like a tiger and thrust his fingers forward forcefully.
Wei Zizhuang didn’t dare meet the finger force head-on and quickly dodged. The foreign monk used too much force at once and couldn’t stop his momentum – his fingers immediately pierced into a wooden pillar in the room. The back of the pillar cracked with two snaps. Wei Zizhuang was shocked, thinking, “This fellow has formidable finger force, but aside from his finger technique, his other martial arts are quite mediocre. If I use fast attacks against him, I should gain advantage in techniques.” He crouched slightly and swept his leg fiercely toward the monk’s shins. The foreign monk leaped backward to avoid it, but Wei Zizhuang wouldn’t let him escape. His right hand pressed against the ground and his fat body bounced up, his shoulder ramming toward the foreign monk’s chest.
The foreign monk had never seen such a strange move – how could he block it in his panic? With a “crack,” his chest ribs were already broken, then he spat blood and fell to the ground. Wei Zizhuang was about to add a finishing kick to end his life when he heard Yang Suguan say, “Hold off on killing!” Wei Zizhuang quickly stopped his foot and, quick as lightning, struck the monk’s body, instantly hitting over ten acupoints – his technique truly exquisite.
Yang Suguan stepped over the partition wall and said, “Guard Wei, please show mercy. These people have some background – we absolutely cannot harm their lives.” Then he said to the senior sister, “Miss, you were frightened.”
The senior sister looked up at Yang Suguan, her face showing a blush, and smiled slightly, “Thank you for your life-saving grace, Lord Yang. This humble woman pays her respects.” She curtsied again.
Yang Suguan laughed heartily, “No need for formality. We’re all from the same martial world – no need for ceremony.”
Wei Zizhuang saw Wu Dingyuan still entangled in combat and walked forward, calling out several times and striking three palms in succession, instantly knocking three foreign monks to the ground, unable to get up for a long time.
Wu Dingyuan flashed into the room and urgently asked, “Miss, are you alright? Were you injured?” The senior sister turned and said, “I’m fine, thanks to this Lord Yang…” Seeing Wu Dingyuan looking at her with concern, she suddenly recognized him and said joyfully, “So it’s Hu Yuan, Brother Hu! What a coincidence!”
That day Wu Dingyuan had used the false name “Hu Yuan” – even he had forgotten it, but hearing her mention it now, he remembered.
Wu Dingyuan smiled, “After so many days, I didn’t expect the young lady would still recognize me.” The senior sister said, “That day when we met Brother Hu at Datong Prefecture, we’ve always remembered it. How could we forget?” Wu Dingyuan was delighted, “For the young lady to remember old friendships so well is truly rare.”
Yang Suguan saw Wu Dingyuan was acquainted with them and that he wasn’t needed for socializing at the moment, so he walked toward the group of foreign monks.
The foreign monks saw their companions injured and fallen, and witnessing their opponents’ incomparably superior martial arts, they were already panicked. Seeing Yang Suguan approach, they were both shocked and afraid, trembling with fright. But Yang Suguan spoke gently, “My friends have been quite offensive. Please forgive us.”
These sentences were spoken in extremely fluent Muslim language. The foreign monks had thought he intended to harm them, but hearing his excellent command of their language and his gentle, courteous manner, they felt as if they’d met a savior and all chattered to him non-stop.
The junior sister, hearing Yang Suguan speak the foreign language, couldn’t help but be amazed, “Senior sister! This Lord Yang is also a citizen of Gurgle-Gurgle Bird Country! Listen, he can speak gurgle-gurgle language too!”
The senior sister was also amazed and stared fixedly at Yang Suguan. Wu Dingyuan saw the two sisters’ surprise and laughed, “This Lord Yang is omnipotent. Speaking a few bird words – what’s so remarkable about that? He’s a jinshi graduate, serving as Secretary of the Geographic Section of the Ministry of War, holding the rank of Fifth Grade official. Naturally he knows everything about astronomy and geography.” The senior sister only stared at Yang Suguan’s back as if she hadn’t heard Wu Dingyuan’s words at all.
After a moment, Yang Suguan slowly returned and said to Zhang Zhiyue, “Hero Zhang, I have an unreasonable request. Please forgive me.” Though Yang Suguan was young, when he spoke he naturally possessed an authority that compelled obedience. Zhang Zhiyue grunted, “Lord Yang, whatever you have to say, just speak directly.”
Yang Suguan said, “Could we ask Lord Gao to move elsewhere so these masters can stay at the inn? What do you think?”
Zhang Zhiyue snorted, “We clearly defeated them thoroughly – why should we accommodate these people again?”
Yang Suguan shook his head, “Hero Zhang doesn’t know – these foreign monks have some strange customs. Wherever they stay, they need to perform rituals once, which is quite troublesome. When these people came to the Central Plains before, they always stayed at this particular inn, so they’re unwilling to lodge elsewhere. Convenience for others is convenience for ourselves.”
It turned out these foreign monks were indeed disciples of the Timurid Khanate’s national teacher, coming to China to meet the Son of Heaven regarding the princess’s marriage alliance. Yang Suguan knew these people had significant backing and didn’t want to directly offend the Khanate, so he wanted to yield a step and not make the other side lose too much face.
Zhang Zhiyue snorted and cursed, “There are only about ten of them – how can they occupy the entire inn?”
Yang Suguan said, “They fear our bodies are dirty and would damage the magical power on their bodies.”
Zhang Zhiyue was very angry and cursed, “F*** them! What kind of thing is this! Even if I’m dirty, I’m not as dirty as their asses!”
The junior sister stuck out her tongue and laughed, “Master uncle is using crude language again! I’m definitely going to tell Master when I get back.” Zhang Zhiyue scolded, “Little rascal!” Then after pondering for a moment, “Fine! I really can’t figure out what you’re thinking, but I’ll sell you a favor and we’ll leave!”
Earlier, Yang Suguan had defended him before Gao Ding, and Zhang Zhiyue was quite grateful. Now he was returning the favor as repayment.
Yang Suguan was delighted, “Thank you for your magnanimity, Brother Zhang. If there’s anywhere I can be of use in the future, please just say the word.”
The junior sister looked up at Yang Suguan and laughed, “Now we have a Ministry of War minister as our backer! Hehe!”
It turned out this group of foreign monks were indeed envoys from the Timurid Khanate who had come east to the Central Plains to spread their teachings. At that time, the court had positions like “Orthodox Celestial Master” and “Orthodox True Person” – Second Grade officials who specifically conferred titles on Daoist masters. For Buddhism, there were positions like “Left and Right Teaching Elucidators and Left and Right Sutra Lecturers” of the Buddhist Records Bureau, mostly Sixth Grade or Junior Sixth Grade officials, given to famous monks of Central Plains temples. This time they planned to establish a new title for the group of monks who came east, to improve relations between the two countries.
Yang Suguan deeply understood the importance of these people’s status and absolutely couldn’t make things difficult for them. Earlier, having no choice but to injure them might have already damaged relations between the two countries. Being a thorough person, he had already reset the foreign monk’s ribs, then apologized profusely and promised to leave the inn immediately to facilitate their lodging. The old monk saw his extremely respectful manner and that he had properly bandaged the injured, appearing to genuinely intend to apologize. Hearing his excellent foreign language increased his favorable impression, so he turned anger to joy and no longer bore grudges.
Gao Ding, hearing they had to move to another inn, was displeased and complained for a long time, reluctant to move. But first, Yang Suguan was from an aristocratic family and Gao Ding had to give him face; second, Yang Suguan personally promised to escort him to Shaanxi until he safely returned home. Only then did Lord Gao reluctantly condescend to move.
Everyone found another place to stay and dined together in the evening. Yang Suguan naturally conversed with Gao Ding, the two sitting at the same table, while Wu Dingyuan and Wei Zizhuang drank with the Jiuhua Mountain group.
During the meal, the junior sister asked, “Big brother, last time I heard you say your surname was Hu, but they say your surname is Wu. Just how many fathers gave birth to you? How do you have so many surnames?”
If anyone else had said this, Wu Dingyuan would definitely have lost his temper, but this junior sister was innocent and meant no harm. Wu Dingyuan laughed, “Miss jests. Of course I have only one father. Actually, my surname is Wu, courtesy name Dingyuan. That day I said my surname was Hu was just temporary expedience. Please don’t blame me.”
The junior sister was called Juan’er – completely innocent and naive. She laughed, “So you made up a false name to deceive us! Good thing I didn’t lend you money that day, otherwise how would I get it back later!”
Everyone laughed heartily upon hearing this. Wu Dingyuan said, “At that time I was being pursued and had fled thousands of li, already escaping death nine times out of ten. That’s why I had no choice but to invent a false name – I didn’t intend to deceive everyone.”
Zhang Zhiyue’s heart stirred, knowing such martial world grudges were best known as little as possible, so he cut off his words and raised his cup, “In any case, it’s rare for everyone to meet today. Come, come, drink this cup!”
Everyone raised their wine cups and was about to drain them when they saw the senior sister staring blankly in one direction, apparently preoccupied.
Wu Dingyuan followed her gaze and saw Yang Suguan conversing in low voices with Gao Ding, the two apparently discussing something.
Wu Dingyuan was curious, wondering why she was so concerned with Yang Suguan. Just as he was about to ask, Zhang Zhiyue frowned, “Yan Ting, how can you be so rude? Quickly raise your cup!”
The senior sister was named Yan Ting and was usually well-behaved, but for some reason she was acting improperly now. She quickly raised her wine cup and smiled apologetically at everyone.
Wu Dingyuan looked at her face and saw her delicate features seemed to carry a trace of light melancholy, completely unlike her talkative manner when they met in Shanxi that day. He quickly asked, “Miss, were you injured by those foreign monks during the day? Should we call a doctor for examination?”
Yan Ting quickly said, “I’m fine, thank you for Lord Wu’s concern.” Wu Dingyuan nodded repeatedly, “Good that you’re fine, good that you’re fine.”
Yan Ting heard the care in his words and smiled slightly. When this smile appeared, it was like a rose blooming – indescribably beautiful.
Wu Dingyuan, seeing her lovely appearance, couldn’t help but tremble slightly, thinking, “After just a few days, this girl has grown up so much more, becoming so strikingly beautiful and charming.”
During the meal everyone conversed happily until late at night before dispersing.