Just as Hao Zhenxiang was about to meet his doom, suddenly an arrow shot forth, embedding itself in a pillar of the pavilion. The arrow’s force was tremendous, shaking dust from the pavilion roof as it scattered down.

Hu Mei’er was startled and shrieked, “Who’s there!”

Only a desolate voice was heard chanting: “If one day I achieve my soaring ambitions, I dare laugh that Huang Chao was no true hero!”

Upon hearing these words, everyone was greatly shocked and looked up. Under the starlight, they saw a person standing on a treetop, carrying an iron-framed great bow on his back, gazing down at the multitude below. In the vast night sky filled with countless stars, the figure behind the tree stood with arms crossed, expression proud and aloof, like a heavenly general descended to earth.

Hu Mei’er cursed, “Aren’t you just Wei Zizhuang from Mount Wudang? What are you doing putting on this ghostly charade? Come down here immediately!”

That person paid no heed, drawing his bow and nocking an arrow with a sharp sound, shooting toward Hu Mei’er. Hu Mei’er sneered and turned to dodge, but unexpectedly the arrow suddenly curved in mid-air and actually pursued her. Hu Mei’er’s face turned pale with fright—she had never seen such formidable archery in her life. In that instant, she could only roll on the ground to escape, ending up in complete disarray.

An’dao Jing was greatly shocked upon witnessing such uncanny archery and shouted, “Who comes here? Why don’t you announce your name?”

That person laughed coldly, “Shameless corrupt officials and lowly prostitutes—how are you worthy of asking my name!”

An’dao Jing raised his blade in a defensive stance and challenged, “If you dare not announce your name, so be it! I, An’dao Jing, never kill nameless generals!”

That person called out clearly, “Very well! Since you insist on asking, don’t regret it after hearing! Your grandfather is none other than the fierce general ‘Fire-Eyed Lion Beast’ Jie Tao from the Twin Dragon Stronghold of Taihu Lake in Jiangdong!”

Upon hearing the seven words “Twin Dragon Stronghold of Taihu Lake in Jiangdong,” everyone exchanged glances, all knowing it was a bandit lair from the Jiangnan region, but wondering how they had come to the northwest. Even Yang Suguan, despite being poisoned, opened his eyes wanting to see clearly what was happening before him.

Hu Mei’er got up and sneered, “What Twin Dragon Stronghold of Taihu Lake in Jiangdong—how ridiculous! This is the northwest region! If you want to beg for food, stay obediently in your hometown. How did you end up making trouble here!”

That person wasn’t angered by these words and simply leaped down from the tree, floating lightly to the ground. Everyone saw that when he landed, no dust or sand was stirred—his lightness skill was truly extraordinary, and they secretly applauded in their hearts.

An’dao Jing and Hu Mei’er both feared he might strike and harm people, so they secretly circulated their internal energy, maintaining full vigilance, not daring to take even a breath.

Suddenly they saw that person turn around to face the distance and call out loudly, “Lord Lu of Jiangdong arrives!”

Suddenly, the distant hills lit up—countless torches were raised high, revealing thousands of troops lying in ambush. Everyone’s faces changed color as they all stepped back. At that moment, horn sounds rang out from the hills, and countless hoofbeats thundered, shaking heaven and earth like a fire dragon racing wildly.

Seeing such imposing power, An’dao Jing’s face changed color and he quickly said to Hu Mei’er, “Quickly take your things and leave! Don’t delay any longer!” Hu Mei’er hurriedly turned around, but saw Jie Tao raise his great bow and say coldly, “Before our leader arrives, everyone stay put!” Having experienced the power of his bow and arrows, Hu Mei’er feared he would shoot from behind and dared not move a step.

That fire dragon came incredibly fast—in just an instant it had rushed before everyone. In the dark night, thousands of hoofbeats trampled and shook like thunder. An’dao Jing made several leaps trying to escape quickly, but “Fire-Eyed Lion Beast” raised his great bow and shot an arrow with a sharp sound, instantly hitting the cap on An’dao Jing’s head. The arrow’s force was so strong it carried the cap far away, striking directly into a wooden pillar of the pavilion. An’dao Jing knew resistance was futile and could only laugh bitterly while standing still.

Under the starry sky, the great army parted to both sides. In the flickering firelight, a single rider slowly emerged from the center—a completely black steed carrying a middle-aged man of about fifty. That person looked nothing like a crude bandit; his entire bearing was one of refined nobility, with the demeanor of royal aristocracy.

Jie Tao rushed forward and bowed, “Lord Lu!” That middle-aged man nodded and raised his riding whip, pointing at everyone, “Who are these people? Why are they gathered here in the middle of the night?”

Jie Tao said, “This woman is nicknamed ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy.’ She is base and vile, extremely ugly, a shameless prostitute. The others are the court’s running dogs, all members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, each deserving ten thousand deaths.”

Hu Mei’er flew into a rage. She hated most when people looked down on her. Calling her base and shameless was irrelevant, but to say her appearance was ugly and despise her for it—she would risk her life for revenge. Zhang Zhiyue before and Hao Zhenxiang recently had both committed this taboo, which was why she had harmed them so severely. Hu Mei’er screamed and shot hundreds of silver needles, all aimed at Jie Tao’s back.

That middle-aged man extended his riding whip and gently exhaled. Using some unknown technique, the whip seemed to have suction power—countless needles flying through the air suddenly changed direction on their own and all embedded in the whip. Hu Mei’er was shocked and said in horror, “You… what kind of sorcery is this?”

That middle-aged man paid no attention and pointed at Hao Zhenxiang lying on the ground, asking, “What’s wrong with this man? How did he get so severely injured?” Jie Tao said, “This man is called Hao Zhenxiang, the current chief weapons instructor of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, known as ‘Snake and Crane Double Movement.’ When I arrived, this man was being tortured by that prostitute. I couldn’t bear to see a good hero die so young and acted impulsively to save him.”

That middle-aged man said, “Ah! So ‘Snake and Crane Double Movement’ is here—I must meet him.” He then called out, “Someone! Light the lamps!” Immediately two people leaped out from the large army, lit Kongming lanterns, and hung them high on bamboo poles.

Yang Suguan had by now managed to sit up. Though dizzy and seeing double, with life and death at stake and the identity of these newcomers unclear, he still struggled to stay conscious. Under the lamplight, he saw that “Lord Lu” had a beard reaching his chest, wore purple robes, had jade rings on his fingers, and a riding whip at his waist—he looked every inch a young nobleman. He struggled to stay alert, thinking, “This… how did this person suddenly appear here? Could it be… could he be the ‘Sha Jin’? Was that sheepskin delivered to Yanling Escort Agency by him?” But this Lord Lu’s appearance differed considerably from the old man’s description, so he couldn’t figure it out and could only secretly remain vigilant.

That Lord Lu dismounted and helped Hao Zhenxiang up, saying, “I’ve long heard of your great name, hero. It’s fortunate to meet you today.” Hao Zhenxiang had a short sword embedded in his abdomen, blood flowing continuously, already breathing more out than in. He struggled to ask, “Who exactly are you, sir?”

That Lord Lu pressed a finger to his Shaoyang acupoint, and the bleeding immediately slowed. He said, “Master Hao, though you and I have never met, all living beings follow the way of heaven. Seeing you fallen to this state, Heaven has sent me down the mountain to bring you back to our stronghold.” With that, he ordered people to carry him.

Hearing these words about mountains and strongholds, Hao Zhenxiang realized this “Lord Lu” must undoubtedly be a bandit. He suddenly became lucid and shouted, “Put me down immediately! You’re bandits! How could Hao associate with thieves?”

Lord Lu smiled slightly, “Master Hao, having served the government, naturally looks down on us bandits. But look back at these government people—what do they look like? Are they worth your lifelong loyalty?”

Hao Zhenxiang looked back and saw An’dao Jing’s face was pale, but his brows kept twitching, obviously calculating some extremely sinister scheme. “Hundred Flowers Fairy” still maintained her swaggering attitude, with a crooked smile and proud expression on her face, showing not the slightest reduction in arrogance. Hao Zhenxiang thought, “I’ve always been worthy of the court and my brothers, never doing the slightest wrong, yet these people are cruel and vicious, trying every means to harm me, not even sparing my family… I served His Majesty with loyalty and righteousness, and this is my reward?” Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but cry out, spurting blood wildly.

That Lord Lu gently patted his chest, and a warm, pure internal energy flowed in, immediately stopping his vomiting of blood.

Lord Lu said, “Come! Let’s go up the mountain! From now on, no one in the world will be able to trouble you!”

Hao Zhenxiang felt a pang of sorrow, thinking of his lifelong dedication to serving the country loyally, only to end up having to live as an outlaw, making a living by robbery. He shook his head, “Don’t say anymore! Even if Hao dies, he will never disgrace his ancestors’ name!”

Jie Tao stepped forward to persuade, “Master Hao, what does one seek in life? Fame? Profit? I say what we seek are those two words: ‘satisfaction.’ If you don’t come with us today, you’re committing suicide! Will those shameless men and women spare you? Will your family and children be able to live peacefully afterward?”

Hao Zhenxiang knew this was true but was unwilling to become an outlaw. In his mental turmoil, he couldn’t help but cry out and fainted.

That Lord Lu sighed, “First take him back and have a doctor examine him.” Several subordinates came forward and carried Hao Zhenxiang away.

At this moment, strong winds blew and dark clouds filled the sky as if it might snow. That Lord Lu looked up at the sky and said, “It’s also fate that today we saved a good hero’s life. Our trip to Gansu was not in vain.”

Jie Tao responded, “Being able to save a good hero’s life is worth more than robbing ten chests of gold.” That Lord Lu nodded, “Well said!”

Yang Suguan watched this group of bandits and saw their bearing and demeanor were quite extraordinary—they didn’t seem like common lowly thieves. Thousands of troops were arranged in proper formations, and in the dark night, not one person spoke randomly or moved carelessly, showing disciplined military organization that even the court’s imperial guards might not match. His heart grew even more wary.

That Lord Lu glanced at the Embroidered Uniform Guard members and said, “It’s still early before the third watch. Go deal with these people first.”

Jie Tao was delighted, “I was just thinking the same thing. Poor Master Hao was stabbed by this corrupt official—let me return the favor.” With that, he walked toward An’dao Jing.

An’dao Jing was scared out of his wits. Actually, with his martial arts, he might not necessarily lose in a fight, but this person had always sailed with favorable winds his whole life—whenever he saw things going badly, he immediately thought of surrendering.

Jie Tao raised his blade and approached. An’dao Jing quickly smiled obsequiously, “It wasn’t me who harmed him! That woman made me kill him! You should kill her first.” He pointed at Hu Mei’er. “Hundred Flowers Fairy” shouted, “Shameless wretch! How can you say such things!”

An’dao Jing had no time to deal with her and kept smiling obsequiously, “This great master, I truly had no choice in the matter.”

Jie Tao chuckled, “Where do all these excuses come from? Just die obediently!”

Just as he was about to be separated from his head, An’dao Jing was scared witless and cried out, “I have elderly parents above!”

Jie Tao paid no attention, his blade flashing as it was about to fall. An’dao Jing wailed, “I have wife and children below!”

Jie Tao held his blade motionless, his face full of contempt, “Have some backbone! You’re still a court commander!”

An’dao Jing gasped repeatedly, “Hero, spare my life! I know great secrets. If you spare my life, I’ll reveal everything. What do you say?”

Jie Tao cursed, “Damn shameless wretch! Who has time to listen to you!” He was about to chop down when An’dao Jing saw soft pleading wouldn’t work and couldn’t just wait for death, so he quickly rolled aside with unexpectedly swift movement.

Jie Tao exclaimed, “So your martial arts are this good! Come! Let’s compete properly!” He threw him a blade, but An’dao Jing didn’t pick it up and instead prostrated himself on the ground, “This humble person dares not compete with the hero in martial arts. I only beg the hero to show mercy and let me return.”

That Lord Lu was quite impatient, “You are at least the Embroidered Uniform Guard commander, with military authority second only to the Regional Military Commissioner in the capital, yet how have you become like this—like a person who values life over righteousness?” An’dao Jing laughed dryly, “I never considered myself a gentleman. Whether you call me someone who values life over righteousness or sells friends for advancement, it’s all the same to me. As long as I can keep this head for eating, I’m satisfied.” Jie Tao cursed, “Despicable wretch, utterly shameless! You’re still an official!”

An’dao Jing spread his hands and smiled, “Officials throughout history have all been like this—otherwise how could they rise through the ranks and handle advancement and retreat? This brother is being too harsh.” He then smiled obsequiously, “Brothers, I truly have an important secret to reveal. Please hear it and then spare this humble person’s life.”

That Lord Lu said, “Someone as genuinely petty as Commander An is rare in the martial world. Very well! What business do you have? Speak up!” Actually, An’dao Jing had no secrets to reveal—he was just talking randomly. At this moment, his mind raced as he thought, “This person is a bandit from the Twin Dragon Stronghold of Taihu Lake in Jiangdong, but how did he come to Gansu? And how could he so coincidentally appear here in the middle of the night? There must be a reason… Wait, these people must have come for the ‘Ghost God Pavilion,’ just like Minister Jiang!” Thinking of this, he said happily, “This ‘Ghost God Pavilion’ has a great secret! After I die, no one in the world will know it!”

Jie Tao cursed, “Damn your great secret! Who wants to listen to your nonsense!” He swung his blade down. An’dao Jing was shocked and pale, thinking, “I guessed wrong this time! Looks like today will be bad!” He closed his eyes tightly, awaiting death. A fine martial arts master had fallen to not daring to fight back—truly strange indeed.

Suddenly that Lord Lu shouted, “Wait!” Jie Tao immediately stopped upon hearing this. That Lord Lu said, “You just said you know the secret of this ‘Ghost God Pavilion’—let’s hear it!”

An’dao Jing was overjoyed, knowing his strategy had worked, and smiled, “Speaking of this ‘Ghost God Pavilion,’ its origins are quite extensive…” He was about to make up a long story to delay time when that Lord Lu gave a signal. Jie Tao immediately understood and placed his blade against An’dao Jing’s neck, saying coldly, “If you tell one lie, I’ll let you know with one cut, understand?”

An’dao Jing was scared pale and stammered, “Yes… yes… This ‘Ghost God Pavilion’ has many origins. This has to start from when the Yellow Emperor founded the nation and fought the great battle with Chi You…” Jie Tao became furious and snorted heavily, applying more pressure. An’dao Jing’s neck immediately showed a bloody line. An’dao Jing panicked, “It’s this humble person talking too much nonsense, too much nonsense.”

Hearing his subordinate’s continuous cursing, that Lord Lu suddenly sighed as if quite moved. He walked forward two steps, gazing at the “Ghost God Pavilion” before him, and said gently, “Commander An! Actually, we’ve met before. Do you remember or not?”

An’dao Jing exclaimed, “So we’ve met before? But where? At the Yichun Courtyard in Beijing?”

Jie Tao cursed, “Damn! Talk seriously!”

An’dao Jing cried, “I don’t know your boss at all! How would I know where he’s seen me!”

That Lord Lu chuckled, “It’s also fate—we two met here last time too. Have you forgotten?”

An’dao Jing’s heart trembled. He put away his clownish attitude and said solemnly, “They call you Lord Lu… Lord Lu… Could you be Lu Guzhan!”

That Lord Lu laughed heartily, “That’s right! I am Lu Guzhan, the ‘Jiangdong Sail Shadow’ Lu Guzhan from twenty years ago!”

An’dao Jing exclaimed, “It’s been twenty years! I never thought you were still alive!” Jie Tao cursed, “Nonsense! Of course our leader is still alive!” He tightened his grip again.

But An’dao Jing ignored him. Originally he had been kneeling on the ground like a shameless clown, but now he stood up and said, “So you’ve been hiding in Jiangnan all these twenty years. No wonder Minister Jiang could never find you!”

Jie Tao was puzzled that An’dao Jing actually knew their leader. He sheathed his blade and stood aside to monitor.

Lu Guzhan gazed at the “Ghost God Pavilion” and said lightly, “Yes! Time flies—twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. The former assassin ‘Nine-Turn Blade’ An’dao Jing has now become a fat, corrupt court official. Don’t you find it laughable?”

An’dao Jing suddenly sighed, “Everyone has their own destiny. Without the desperate struggles of yesteryear, how could one achieve today’s fat corruption?” As he spoke, it seemed to touch his own memories, and he actually showed three parts sorrow.

Lu Guzhan shook his head and said, “Enough, let’s not waste words. Why exactly did you come here? Speak quickly!”

An’dao Jing said with an “Mm,” “I came here on Minister Jiang’s orders to investigate an important matter.”

Upon hearing the three words “Minister Jiang,” Lu Guzhan seemed moved and sighed, “Jiang Chong, ah Jiang Chong! You great traitor—by now you have both fame and profit, what more do you covet? Do you want to be emperor?”

An’dao Jing laughed heartily, “Whether Minister Jiang Chong wants to be emperor or not, I don’t know. But even if he really wanted to become emperor and murder the current sage, that would be business for those royal ministers and nobles. I, a humble person, absolutely don’t want to know about it.”

Lu Guzhan snorted, “Even if you were unfortunate enough to learn of it, I’m afraid you’d immediately forget it to avoid bringing disaster upon yourself.”

An’dao Jing smiled, “Exactly! As long as I can live in mansions, eat fine food, have beautiful wives and concubines, and live a hundred years, who cares who the emperor is! Whoever gives me benefits is my emperor!”

Jie Tao stood to the side and sneered, “Shameless, ah shameless! Eating the ruler’s salary yet farting on the ruler’s loyalty!”

An’dao Jing laughed, “Well said, well said. To tell the truth, I came here tonight to retrieve something.”

Lu Guzhan asked curiously, “Something? What thing?”

An’dao Jing shook his head, “If you truly want to know, you must spare my life, otherwise even if I die, I absolutely won’t speak clearly.”

That Lord Lu chuckled coldly, “You want to bargain with me? Do you have the capability?”

Though An’dao Jing was in a dangerous situation, his desire to live was a thousand times stronger than ordinary people’s. At that moment he actually smiled and said, “My gambling stake is only this head—at worst you can chop me dead with one blade. Tell me, do I have the capability or not?”

Jie Tao found their conversation mysterious, and An’dao Jing kept being secretive, making his heart itch unbearably. He couldn’t help saying, “Lord Lu, what exactly is the origin of this ‘Ghost God Pavilion’? If you know, please tell us!”

That Lord Lu sighed lightly, “The origins of this Ghost God Pavilion are vast—they can’t be explained in just a few words.”

Jie Tao saw that this Ghost God Pavilion was shabby and broken, really not resembling a famous scenic spot, but since his boss had spoken thus, he couldn’t openly contradict him and could only nod. An’dao Jing on the side seemed thoughtful, his expression unusually grave.

Lu Guzhan gazed into the distance and said gently, “Brother Jie, before I founded the ‘Twin Dragon Stronghold,’ I once followed a great hero of our time and did great deeds in the Central Plains. Do you know this?”

Jie Tao exclaimed with surprise written on his face. Lu Guzhan smiled at An’dao Jing, “Commander An, you surely still remember these old matters?”

An’dao Jing nodded, “Yes! The ‘Jiangdong Sail Shadow’ of those days was one of the Five Tiger Generals under his command—that was a fierce general famous throughout the martial world!”

Lu Guzhan laughed heartily, suddenly filled with heroic spirit, and called out loudly, “The fierce generals of those days weren’t just me alone! Left Dragon, Right Phoenix, the Five Tigers under his command, the inner three halls, the outer five passes—which of those heroes wasn’t famous throughout the world!” Jie Tao was greatly shocked and asked, “What are you talking about? What Left Dragon, Right Phoenix? What Five Tigers under his command? What is all that?”

Lu Guzhan suddenly tore open his shirt, revealing a large tattoo on his back. In the night, one could see a fierce tiger descending the mountain, with text beside it reading “Just like a fierce tiger lying on a barren hill, hiding claws and fangs, enduring patiently.” On the tiger’s forehead was tattooed the character “East.”

He was heard howling to the sky and shouting, “I am Lu Guzhan, one of the Five Tiger Generals of Angry Cang Mountain!” This Lu Guzhan had originally seemed like a fallen nobleman, but now he seemed transformed, momentarily filled with earth-shaking heroic spirit, like an overlord reborn.

Jie Tao’s heart trembled as he murmured, “Angry Cang Mountain?” Yang Suguan suddenly opened his eyes, also shocked in his heart: “Angry Cang Mountain? Could it be the Angry Cang Mountain that fought the great battle against the court twenty years ago?”

Everyone present was awed by Lu Guzhan’s imposing manner—not one person dared speak or move, and for a moment it was completely silent.

After a long while, An’dao Jing shook his head and said, “Brother Lu is still the same as before. Actually, Angry Cang Mountain has already been destroyed, and you’ve become your own master. Why must you remain obsessed with the past?”

Upon hearing these words, Lu Guzhan deflated like a punctured balloon. He suddenly lowered his head and then sighed deeply, “The treacherous clique, ah treacherous clique! You still live well in this world, but my poor Dragon Head big brother, alas…” As he spoke, tears suddenly fell, clearly heartbroken beyond measure.

Jie Tao had followed him for many years and had never seen him shed tears. Immediately he pointed at An’dao Jing and roared, “If you dare say another word, I’ll kill you with one blade!”

An’dao Jing smiled apologetically, “This young brother, don’t get so angry! Your leader is feeling emotional seeing this place—it has nothing to do with me.” Jie Tao cursed, “Damn your emotional feelings!” He raised his blade and walked toward An’dao Jing.

An’dao Jing panicked, “It really is being emotional seeing this place! Don’t act rashly!” Jie Tao spat and was about to chop down when he heard Lu Guzhan say, “He’s right—I am being emotional seeing this place.”

Seeing Jie Tao’s puzzled expression, Lu Guzhan pointed to the pavilion and sighed, “My big brother’s life was full of hardships. Twenty years ago, at this very moment, he passed away in this ‘Ghost God Pavilion.'” As he spoke, he sighed for a long time, his manner quite desolate.

An’dao Jing was originally a callous person, but seeing Lu Guzhan’s expression now, somehow he couldn’t help but sigh as well.

Yang Suguan’s heart trembled as he recalled what the constable had said during the day: “That constable said an imperially wanted criminal died here—it must be this person.”

Jie Tao looked at that pavilion and said, “Lord Lu, how exactly did that great hero die? Was he ambushed?”

Lu Guzhan shook his head, “Not that—he died from being surrounded and attacked with open blades and spears.”

Jie Tao asked strangely, “Surrounded? Who was so bold?”

Lu Guzhan looked up at the sky and smiled bitterly, “There were quite a few bold people—more than just one or two…”

Under the starlight, he was lost in thought for a long time before saying in a daze, “That night heavy snow was falling, the fate of the other brothers in the stronghold was unknown—only my Dragon Head big brother and I remained. My big brother had been struck by a palm and was barely breathing. I carried him on my back as we fled, fighting as we retreated. At that time there were still over ten masters pursuing us from behind, and this An’dao Jing was among them.”

Jie Tao spat and said, “This kind of person is also considered a master?”

An’dao Jing laughed heartily, “In former days I was a brave general! Now my martial arts are higher but my courage has grown smaller.”

Lu Guzhan said, “At that time, seeing the situation was critical, I used my remaining strength to kill several people and continued fleeing forward carrying Dragon Head big brother on my back. I fought fiercely along the way until my spirit was exhausted and I really couldn’t continue. Just then I saw a pavilion and quickly rolled inside. The remaining masters didn’t dare fight hard and all hid outside the pavilion to observe.” The listeners, hearing him mention the pavilion, figured it must be this Ghost God Pavilion, and all turned to look at the pavilion, imagining the scene from those days.

Lu Guzhan continued, “I held Dragon Head big brother hiding in the pavilion. Seeing him pierced with arrows all over his body and having taken a heavy blow to his back, it was clear he wouldn’t make it. Thinking of how his whole life of literary talent and martial strategy would end like this, I couldn’t help but shed tears, feeling very sad in my heart…” An’dao Jing put away his smile and sighed, “You also took a palm strike to the chest then, didn’t you! It seemed to be from Daoist Xianhe. I never thought you’d actually endure it.”

Lu Guzhan smiled miserably, “If I didn’t endure it, how could I avenge big brother?”

An’dao Jing shook his head, “That burden is too heavy—you can’t shoulder it.”

Lu Guzhan’s eyes blazed with light as he said coldly, “Can’t shoulder it? There’s nothing I, Lu Guzhan, can’t shoulder!”

An’dao Jing chuckled and wanted to say more, but seeing Jie Tao’s unfriendly expression, quickly shut his mouth.

That Lord Lu was silent for a moment, then continued, “That night the heavy snow kept falling, very quietly. Clean white snowflakes kept drifting into the pavilion, but they were all stained red by the blood on our bodies. Dragon Head big brother lay in my arms, clearly not going to make it, yet the scoundrels kept jumping in wanting to take advantage—truly taking advantage of others’ misfortune, utterly shameless…”

An’dao Jing shook his head, “You can’t blame them—your Dragon Head big brother’s head was a priceless treasure. Whoever killed him would be enfeoffed as a duke, plus receive an iron scroll with golden characters bestowed by the emperor—that’s a first-rank high official!”

Upon hearing these words, Lu Guzhan didn’t get angry but just sighed and smiled bitterly, “Yes! At that time there was nothing more valuable in the world than his head, alas…”

An’dao Jing said, “Speaking of it, this Dragon Head leader of yours was truly an extraordinary figure. Every time Minister Jiang mentions him, he gets scared and trembles for a while. I’ve followed Minister Jiang for a long time and have never seen him so frightened. Brother Lu, you should really be proud of your leader!”

Jie Tao was lost in thoughts of those days, imagining this contemporary hero, and suddenly said, “It sounds like this Dragon Head big brother was truly an extraordinary person. I wonder where he’s buried—someday I’d like to pay respects and worship there.”

Lu Guzhan sighed, “There’s absolutely no way to bury him in the Central Plains. If the court’s dog thieves discovered his corpse, it would be dug up and whipped and destroyed. Alas… I brought his body back beyond the passes and buried him where he first raised his rebellion—under a towering tree…”

An’dao Jing exclaimed, “So it was you who stole the corpse away—no wonder everyone couldn’t find it. Your brother must have really put in effort! Your leader’s body was torn into pieces—I really don’t know how you put him back together.”

Jie Tao, though knowing this was true, was still angered by his crude words: “Shut your mouth!”

Jie Tao deeply feared these words would hurt his leader again and quickly changed the subject: “What happened afterward? What exactly occurred that night?”

Lu Guzhan sighed, “That night the situation was critical. The scoundrels saw Dragon Head big brother was dying and wanted to take advantage. Seeing their boldness, I fought desperately and killed two people. Only then did the rest become frightened and retreat. Dragon Head big brother saw I was covered in blood and sighed, saying, ‘Guzhan, I’ve wronged you, making you suffer hardship at such a young age.’ I shouted, ‘A great man dying in battle, wrapped in horse hide, is what heroes do! What right or wrong is there!’ Dragon Head big brother smiled bitterly for a while and sighed, ‘Alas… you’re truly young…’ He was lost in thought for a long time, then said quietly, ‘Guzhan… if I had obediently remained a Daoist back then and not gone to the capital for the imperial examinations, there wouldn’t have been so many subsequent events, and the world wouldn’t have suffered such devastation… Tell me… did I do wrong?'”

Jie Tao was puzzled and asked, “How is it that he once went to the capital for imperial examinations? Could it be he failed and harbored resentment, then raised rebellion?”

Lu Guzhan shook his head, “Wrong, wrong… alas… better not to mention it… At that time, hearing big brother speak so dejectedly, I feared he couldn’t hold on. My heart anxious, I said, ‘Big brother, you did nothing wrong, not the slightest bit wrong! All these years you’ve done absolutely right!’ Dragon Head big brother didn’t answer me. His eyes grew dimmer and dimmer, his breathing lower and lower—clearly he wouldn’t make it. He suddenly said, ‘Guzhan, do you know what this place is?’ At that time I had no idea what ghost place this pavilion was. I quickly stuck my head out to look at the plaque above the pavilion. Just then someone shot a flying knife over, nearly killing me. Heh heh, An’dao Jing, that knife of yours was so treacherous!”

An’dao Jing’s face changed as he smiled apologetically, “Your martial arts are superb—how could a mere flying knife kill you?” Jie Tao cursed, “Damn your grandmother!” He kicked toward An’dao Jing’s head. An’dao Jing didn’t dare dodge and was immediately kicked to the ground, unable to get up for a long time.

Lu Guzhan ignored them and continued, “In my moment of life and death, I finally saw the plaque hanging on the pavilion. I saw it read ‘Ghost God Pavilion’ in three characters.”

Everyone looked toward that pavilion and saw the plaque was already mottled, the characters on it blurred and difficult to distinguish, but one could faintly make out the three regular script characters “Ghost God Pavilion.”

Lu Guzhan continued, “At that time I said to Dragon Head big brother, ‘Big brother! This place is called the Ghost God Pavilion!’ My big brother, upon hearing the three words ‘Ghost God Pavilion,’ immediately cried out ‘Ah!’ I was puzzled, not knowing what was strange about this pavilion, but my big brother showed great joy and said, ‘Heaven pities me! Through life and death we’ve finally reached the Ghost God Pavilion…’ I was very puzzled and shouted, ‘Big brother, what are you saying? You must stay conscious!'”

Everyone imagined the events of those years, all feeling heavy-hearted. For a moment no one spoke. Except for the occasional panting and whinnying of horses, the vast desert was so quiet it was frightening.

Lu Guzhan continued, “Snowflakes drifted in from outside, falling on his face. Dragon Head big brother’s lips had turned white. He suddenly smiled and said, ‘Guzhan, help me up!’ Seeing his weak condition, I was worried, but under Dragon Head big brother’s accumulated authority, I still helped him up, not daring to disobey in the slightest. Dragon Head big brother said, ‘Step back a bit!’ I was puzzled, but since big brother had ordered it, I could only step back a few paces. Just then, Dragon Head big brother took a deep breath, then his whole body emitted a burst of blue light. I knew he was about to use all his life’s power and quickly called out, ‘Big brother! Rest quickly, don’t waste your internal energy anymore!’ But it was too late—my big brother had already struck down with one palm, hitting the stone table in the pavilion. Instantly stone fragments flew as he shattered one corner of it.”

Everyone looked into the pavilion and indeed saw the stone table was missing a corner—so it had been shattered by a great bandit leader. That stone table was extremely hard, so this Dragon Head big brother’s martial arts must have been extraordinary.

After a while, Lu Guzhan continued, “Dragon Head big brother struck down with one palm. Seeing that stone table’s corner had crumbled, he deflated like a punctured balloon, his body going soft as he fell into my arms. I quickly held him, fearing he would stop breathing. Dragon Head big brother gasped, ‘Guzhan, ah Guzhan! I never thought my injuries were so severe that I no longer have the strength to extract the secret of this place. Alas… what can be done?’ I didn’t know what he was talking about and quickly said, ‘Big brother, rest first! Stop talking about these things!’ Dragon Head big brother gasped, ‘In all the world, apart from me, no one can open the secret of this place, unless… unless we wait until twenty years later, on the final day of the Wuchen year…'”

Yang Suguan was shocked, remembering that An’dao Jing had been ordered by Jiang Chong to come here to retrieve some inexplicable secret. It seemed this was not fabrication but a real matter. Yang Suguan saw that An’dao Jing was also muttering to himself, apparently having some realization.

Lu Guzhan didn’t notice everyone’s expressions and only said, “Seeing Dragon Head big brother’s labored breathing, I quickly pressed his dantian and transmitted my internal energy to him. After big brother received a dose of my internal energy, his eyes suddenly blazed with light and he became much more lucid. He grasped my hands and said quietly, ‘Among the Five Tiger Generals beside me, you’ve always had the highest insight. I’m now going to pass a great secret to you. This secret affects the world’s destiny—handle it well and never give up…'”

Hearing this, everyone knew the mystery was about to be revealed. Yang Suguan, despite his serious injuries, still listened intently, not daring to miss a single word. An’dao Jing, Jie Tao, Hu Mei’er and others were even sweating in their palms, feeling extremely excited.

Lu Guzhan said softly, “This big brother of mine was heroic and brave his whole life, with soaring literary talent—truly a first-class great figure in heaven and earth. Who knew that before his death he left behind such a great mystery. For these twenty years I’ve pondered repeatedly but still don’t understand. Perhaps among you there’s someone of great talent who can help me solve it.” Hearing this, everyone’s hearts trembled, figuring that secret must be quite extraordinary.

Jie Tao bowed and requested, “Though this subordinate is dull, I also wish to share Lord Lu’s worries. Please reveal it.”

Lu Guzhan’s expression grew grave as he sighed, “Before Dragon Head big brother died, using his remaining strength, he slowly stood up. He pointed at this Ghost God Pavilion’s plaque and spoke sixteen words.” Everyone held their breath, no one daring to say a word, fearing to disturb Lu Guzhan. Yang Suguan tensed his entire body, greatly nervous.

In the complete silence, Lu Guzhan spoke word by word: “Listen well—these sixteen words are: ‘Wuchen year’s end, Dragon Emperor moves the world, Heavenly secrets still true, Spirits and ghosts at ease’—these four phrases.”

Upon hearing these phrases, everyone showed puzzled expressions and quietly asked each other. Yang Suguan was secretly amazed, thinking: “So these four phrases came about this way—definitely not fabricated by martial world charlatans.”

Recalling the abbot’s mention of great changes in heaven and earth made him even more frightened. It was now near midnight—it seemed that soon this Wuchen year would be over. What great events would occur then would naturally become clear.

Lu Guzhan sighed, “After big brother spoke these sixteen words, he immediately gripped my hands tightly and called out, ‘Guzhan! No matter what, you must penetrate the secret, help me retrieve the oracle from this pavilion, and bring that person out! The world’s destiny lies entirely in this one move—you… you must handle it well…’ After Dragon Head big brother finished this last sentence, his head tilted and he died.”

Jie Tao said tremblingly, “‘Wuchen year’s end, Dragon Emperor moves the world, Heavenly secrets still true, Spirits and ghosts at ease’? What… what does this mean?”

Lu Guzhan sighed, “Don’t mention you—even I can’t figure it out. That night, seeing Dragon Head big brother die tragically at this place, I had to fight my way out alone. Later, after countless hardships, I finally escaped to Jiangnan. The days were too difficult, so I never carefully considered his last words. Only years later, when I pondered these four phrases carefully, did I feel something was wrong. My Dragon Head big brother was both civil and military, and even at death his mind was clear. Yet before dying, he neither arranged final affairs nor expressed regrets or feelings—he only conveyed these few phrases. I figure this four-phrase riddle must be of extraordinary importance, containing deep meaning. When this Wuchen year arrived, thinking of the four words ‘Dragon Emperor moves the world,’ my heart became even more fearful and uneasy. So I personally led a great army all the way from Jiangdong to southern Shaanxi—everything was for this.”

Jie Tao said, “Hearing Lord Lu speak, these phrases are indeed quite mysterious. Perhaps only a Daoist could solve them.”

Lord Lu chuckled, “Unfortunately, my Dragon Head big brother had a strange background—before age twenty-six, he was indeed a Daoist.”

He paused, then continued, “What exactly is ‘Dragon Emperor moves the world’? For twenty years I’ve pondered repeatedly but still can’t fathom it. Anyway, no matter what, this year has reached Wuchen, and tonight is even the thirtieth of the twelfth month. I want to see what exactly is ‘Dragon Emperor moves the world’!”