Heroes gathered in Nu Cang’s great hall. Since the restoration of the stronghold, today marked the first formal council meeting of the leaders.

In front of Loyalty Hall, famous generals assembled. Among the Five Tigers, except for Fang Zijing’s aloof personality and Xiao Lubu’s unknown whereabouts, the remaining three fierce generals were all gathered on this mountain.

Nu Cang had risen again, restoring its former glory. The five stone tigers at the base of the great hall’s steps had been moved to the hall corners. According to previous discussions, the stone wall beside the hall now displayed nameplates of the stronghold’s various generals. Ranked first was Qin Zhonghai’s mentor Fang Zijing, second was the terror of the Khan nation, “Demon Gold” Shi Gang, third was Lu Guzhan who had established the Twin Dragon Stronghold, fourth was Qin Baxian’s son, “Fire Greed One Blade” Qin Zhonghai, fifth was “Iron Sword Shaking the South” Li Tieshan, sixth was the Inner Three Halls’ “Heavenly Authority Hall Master” Xiang Tianshou. Below them were former Embroidered Uniform Guard spear and staff instructor Hao Zhenxiang, “Secret Eleven” leader monk Zhi Guan, “Rouge Qilin” Yan Er’niang, Jie Tao, Chang Xuehen, five loyal foreign generals under Demon Gold’s command, Tao Qing, Ha Bu’er, Ouyang Yong and others—totaling nineteen Han army leaders and five foreign cavalry commanders.

The great hall’s high platform had already fallen into disrepair. Qin Zhonghai found it unsightly and simply ordered its removal. No throne was placed on the platform anymore—it was arranged like an ordinary wealthy household’s reception hall, with about ten tables, chairs, and tea tables arranged on both sides. The present heroes each had their own backgrounds, some even speaking different languages, but everyone understood that this gathering of heroes from all directions at Nu Cang was entirely due to Qin Zhonghai risking his life to raise the banner. Though Demon Gold, Lu Guzhan and others didn’t say it explicitly, they had already recognized Qin Zhonghai as the mountain’s master in their hearts, only waiting for him to establish great merit before publicly nominating him to securely occupy the position of chief mountain lord.

However, though the stronghold had fierce generals, it couldn’t lack strategists with wisdom and foresight. In the past, Nu Cang Mountain’s two great military advisors were jointly called Left Dragon and Right Phoenix—they were Mountain Lord Qin Baxian’s right and left hands. These two men were brilliant in both literature and martial strategy, holding extremely high positions in the stronghold. Except for Qin Baxian himself, these two held the highest status and wielded considerable power. The previous night, after hearing Demon Gold’s words, Qin Zhonghai inquired about the Azure-Robed Scholar’s connection to this mountain and was startled to realize he was the former Right Phoenix, Tang Shiqian.

Having once searched for Lu Yun through the night, Qin Zhonghai naturally understood the importance of advisors. Learning of this matter, he was overjoyed and the next day gathered all the generals to discuss plans to immediately set out for Nine Flower Mountain to sound out the Azure-Robed Scholar’s intentions.

※※※

At this moment, all the generals were gathered in the hall, only Qin Zhonghai had not yet arrived. Everyone chatted idly while waiting. Chang Xuehen had just awakened from his afternoon nap, his hair disheveled, rubbing his sleepy eyes as he hurriedly rushed into the hall. Seeing someone with their back to him, he casually pulled them over and asked: “What’s happening today? Why has everyone been called together?” He asked twice, but the person didn’t respond. Chang Xuehen made a “hey” sound and repeated his question, only to hear the person curse: “Garila waiwai’er!”

Qin Zhonghai was startled and quickly looked—this person was robust in build with features unlike those of Central Plains people. It was Guli Han, a foreign general under Demon Gold’s command and the eldest of the Tengteng family. He couldn’t understand what Chang Xuehen was asking and, growing impatient, cursed him out.

Chang Xuehen, hearing the foreign words, was equally bewildered and asked: “Pull what at home? Pull shit?”

Just as he was puzzled, someone burst into laughter and walked to Chang Xuehen’s side: “Brother Chang, he’s cursing your grandmother and you’re still quite happy about it!” Chang Xuehen spat and turned to look, seeing the speaker had a mighty appearance and wore armor—it was Qin Zhonghai. Beside him stood a beautiful woman in light purple silk dress—Yan Er’niang.

Chang Xuehen was about to open his mouth to curse when Qin Zhonghai had already sat down, then nodded toward a man in the hall. Looking at that person’s tall stature and furious expression, it was “Demon Gold” Shi Gang. He coughed and said: “Everyone’s here, please take your seats.”

Chang Xuehen made an “ah” sound, knowing everyone was about to hold a meeting. He looked around and suddenly saw a beautiful woman sitting to the west—it was Guli Han’s sister, Ningning Han. He grinned and immediately swayed over to sit next to the beauty.

As soon as he sat down, he heard Shi Gang say: “For this search for Left Dragon and Right Phoenix, to show sincerity, General Qin must personally visit. Which of you skilled gentlemen is willing to accompany General Qin down the mountain?” Chang Xuehen didn’t care about dragons, phoenixes, or tortoises—smelling the fragrance from Ningning Han’s body, he felt his whole body go soft. He immediately winked and made flirtatious expressions, smiling: “Little miss, the weather’s not bad today.”

Seeing his vulgar appearance, Ningning Han was unwilling to pay him much attention and only opened her large, watery eyes to quietly listen to Shi Gang speak. Chang Xuehen snorted, thinking: “You foreign woman can’t understand Chinese anyway, so why put on airs.”

He coughed twice and was about to speak again when he saw someone in the hall slowly stand up and ask: “May I ask General Shi, Left Dragon and Right Phoenix have been missing for a long time—what clues do we have to search for these two?” This person had a steady demeanor but a rather comical figure—it was “Golden Turtle” Tao Qing. Seeing Ningning Han’s puzzled expression as if she didn’t recognize this person, Chang Xuehen intentionally tried to strike up conversation: “He’s Golden Turtle Tao Qing. Come, I’ll teach you to speak Chinese—turtle… golden turtle…”

Ningning Han’s eyelashes fluttered lightly as she turned to look at Chang Xuehen, instantly breaking into a flower-like smile. Chang Xuehen was delighted and pointed to himself, smiling: “Call me husband.” Then he squinted and pointed at Qin Zhonghai and the others, saying sheepishly: “Turtle… they’re all turtles…” Seeing Ningning Han’s cherry lips slightly trembling as if about to speak, Chang Xuehen was even more ecstatic, his face drooling as he waited for the beauty to call out so he could enjoy himself.

Suddenly there was a loud “smack” and Chang Xuehen’s cheek swelled up high. Ningning Han walked into the center, snuggling against Shi Gang’s large frame and saying coquettishly: “Godfather, that man is so boring, constantly making crude remarks. Can your daughter change seats?” Her voice was crisp and clear—she spoke perfect Chinese. Chang Xuehen hadn’t expected her to understand Chinese and was momentarily stunned, his heart crying in anguish.

Shi Gang strode over, shouting: “Bold little wretch! We’re discussing serious business—how dare you take advantage to harass Ningning?” He clenched his fists and said coldly: “For Old Lu’s sake, I’ll give you a chance to reform. What were we just discussing? Repeat it.”

Chang Xuehen was so frightened his whole body went limp, hastily saying: “I… that… you… your mother wants to catch turtles…”

Shi Gang raised his fist as if to strike, angrily saying: “Perfectly good Left Dragon and Right Phoenix—when did they become turtles? You bastard!” Chang Xuehen came from Twin Dragon Stronghold and knew nothing of the Dragon and Phoenix titles. That Demon Gold also spoke with a thick northern accent that he couldn’t hear clearly. He cried out miserably: “Don’t hit me! What ‘dragon oil phoenix’—is that some dish name? I’ve only heard of oil chicken!”

Everyone immediately burst into laughter. Chang Xuehen’s behavior from Twin Dragon Stronghold was so disgraceful that Lu Guzhan, Jie Tao, Hao Zhenxiang and others all blushed with embarrassment. Jie Tao was clever and, eager to restore Twin Dragon Stronghold’s dignity, asked seriously: “Lord Lu, everyone speaks of Left Dragon and Right Phoenix as this mountain’s two great pillars. Though I’ve heard of them for a long time, I’ve never learned the details. Could you explain and resolve my doubts?”

He spoke very appropriately, and his appearance was neat and proper. Ningning Han, seeing this, immediately showed admiration. Chang Xuehen, having just suffered embarrassment and still paying attention to the beauty’s behavior, seeing her attitude toward Jie Tao immediately felt jealous fire burning: “Damn fire-eyes, don’t fall into my hands in the future—I’ll make you utterly humiliated without even pants to wear!”

Lu Guzhan, hearing his subordinate’s question, quickly said: “Brother Jie asks well. In the past, our mountain’s Left Military Advisor was surnamed Zhu, named Yang, with the Daoist name Qian Long. The Right Military Advisor was surnamed Tang, with the double name Shiqian, nicknamed ‘Phoenix Feather.’ These two men had divine calculations and endless strategies, mastering military tactics and Daoist arts alike. Unfortunately, after the Ghost Pavilion battle, they vanished without a trace and no one has seen them since.”

Lu Guzhan was learned and scholarly, the only scholarly general among the Five Tigers, renowned for his wisdom, courage, and knowledge throughout the south. Hearing him praise the Dragon and Phoenix so highly, Jie Tao and Hao Zhenxiang both made “oh” sounds, thinking these two military advisors must have extraordinary abilities to earn Lu Guzhan’s such admiration. Jie Tao showed a longing expression, sighing: “If these two predecessors were on the mountain, that would be most delightful.”

Lu Guzhan smiled slightly: “Though Left Military Advisor is nowhere to be found, Right Phoenix is within our grasp.”

Hearing this, Jie Tao was overjoyed and immediately clapped: “Where is this Phoenix Military Advisor? Lord Lu, please tell us quickly!”

Lu Guzhan smiled: “Do any of you know the Azure-Robed Scholar?”

Everyone was puzzled—they were discussing Left Dragon and Right Phoenix properly, so why suddenly mention this person? They couldn’t help but look surprised. Jie Tao was startled and quickly said: “He’s the sect leader of Nine Flower Mountain! Who in the world doesn’t know him? But does he have connections with our stronghold?”

Lu Guzhan smiled: “Do you know why he wears a human skin mask?”

Jie Tao’s mind stirred—if someone concealed their true face for years, they must fear being recognized. His heart awakened and he said tremblingly: “Could it be… could it be he’s the Right Military Advisor?”

Lu Guzhan laughed: “Exactly. He is Right Phoenix Tang Shiqian, the third in command of our stronghold in the past.”

At these words, everyone was in uproar. The Azure-Robed Scholar’s swordplay was unmatched and his lightness skills looked down upon the world—he was the sect leader of a famous major school. Who would have known he was actually Nu Cang Mountain’s former Right Military Advisor? For a moment it was hard to believe, and they discussed it heatedly.

Seeing everyone’s doubts, Demon Gold said: “Gentlemen need not be suspicious. Master Tang was a metropolitan graduate who served as Hanlin Academy Compiler, Left Chief Censor and other high offices. His official position was illustrious—he once received phoenix feathers bestowed by the former emperor, personally inserted into his cap decoration, which is why he had the nickname ‘Imperial Bestowed Phoenix Feather.'”

Chang Xuehen exclaimed: “Damn! So he was a high official—why did he become a bandit then?”

Yan Er’niang spat: “Big beard, watch your mouth—who’s a bandit?” Chang Xuehen sneered coldly and was about to retort when Jie Tao, being sensible and having observed her expressions with Qin Zhonghai at banquets, already knew their relationship was deep. If Chang Xuehen spoke crudely to provoke the beauty, he might offend the fierce tiger. He immediately grabbed him to keep him quiet.

Demon Gold ignored Chang Xuehen and continued: “This Master Tang was a weak scholar—in the entire mountain, only he had no martial arts. But he was skilled in strategy and excelled at planning, understanding court situations like the palm of his hand, so the Grand Commander appointed him Right Military Advisor.” He looked at Zhi Guan: “Master Mu, am I correct?”

Zhi Guan had been a former military intelligence chief and naturally knew everything. “Mu” was his lay surname before becoming a monk. He smiled and nodded: “General Shi speaks correctly. After the stronghold’s destruction, Master Tang retired from the world to seek the Dao at Nine Flower Mountain. Decades passed, and he finally mastered peerless martial arts, becoming one of the orthodox faith’s eight great sect leaders, known as the ‘Azure-Robed Scholar.'”

Everyone discussed this heatedly. Qin Zhonghai already knew the details and only smiled without speaking. Jie Tao quickly asked: “Doesn’t the orthodox martial world know that the Azure-Robed Sect Leader comes from Nu Cang?”

Lu Guzhan frowned deeply: “You’ve touched on the crucial point. Our journey down the mountain to seek instruction is precisely because we fear those people will get there first and persuade him away.”

Chang Xuehen exclaimed: “What? Will those bastards from the eight major sects recruit him?”

Lu Guzhan nodded: “Back then when the court offered amnesty, though Military Advisor Tang appeared convinced on the surface, his heart had long grown cold. He told us several generals that once the great matter was settled and everyone had found their place, he would hide his name and go to the mountains to seek the Dao. Later he indeed left the secular world, no longer concerning himself with mountain affairs.” He sighed: “His determination to retire was very firm. When Master Tang sought a master to learn arts, he promised Nine Flower Mountain’s previous sect leader that he would no longer associate with his old brothers. Thereafter he performed many good deeds and acts of chivalry, winning the respect of orthodox believers. When he took over as sect leader, even the Shaolin Abbot and Wudang Sect Leader attended the ceremony, not caring about his background at all.”

Hearing these stories, everyone felt ominous in their hearts. From this perspective, with Nu Cang rising again, the Azure-Robed Scholar might not be willing to return to the mountain—he might even be won over by the famous major sects to turn against his own people. Ha Bu’er exclaimed: “Then we’d better move fast—if the Shaolin monks get there first, we’re finished!”

Seeing everyone discussing heatedly, Qin Zhonghai said no more and strode into the hall center, saying in a deep voice: “Gentlemen, who is willing to accompany me down the mountain this time?”

Chang Xuehen was the first to rush out, shouting loudly: “I want to go! I want to go! Lord Liu Bei had Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix—we also have Hidden Dragon and Phoenix Feather! Damn, he caught two and was happy as anything—we should quickly catch one to bring home! Don’t let others snatch it away!” Everyone couldn’t help but laugh at his crude speech.

Li Tieshan laughed: “This little friend of ours is quite energetic—seems like he’d be helpful.”

Lu Guzhan frowned: “Brother Li doesn’t know. This kid usually loves to cause trouble—last time in Shandong he was even caught and arrested. This time General Qin is going on serious business and absolutely cannot take him along.” Previously Chang Xuehen had been imprisoned in Shandong’s provincial capital and coincidentally befriended Lu Yun in the same cell, though Qin Zhonghai, despite knowing Lu Yun, was unaware of this detail.

Chang Xuehen spat: “Lord Lu, you don’t understand—this time when General Qin goes down the mountain on a long journey, without me, Little Chang, things won’t get done.”

Lu Guzhan made an “oh” sound: “What abilities do you have then?”

Chang Xuehen said: “Listen to this—first, I can provide entertainment and cheer. When Qin Zhonghai goes to pleasure quarters on the road, without me as company he’ll inevitably have less fun. Then his heart will grow melancholy and he might fall ill. If he’s sick, how can he catch dragons and phoenixes? Second, my alcohol tolerance isn’t bad—if we encounter martial heroes’ banquets along the way, I can help him block drinks and ward off disasters, letting him peacefully catch dragons and capture phoenixes. With these two advantages, how can I not accompany him down the mountain?” His constant talk of “catching dragons” and “capturing phoenixes” treated the two great military advisors like beasts, making everyone frown.

Jie Tao thought: “Brother Chang is usually chaotic and messy. Looking at General Qin’s rough exterior, he must also be a rogue-like person. These two characters mixed together—who knows what terrible things they’ll do. This ‘Nine Lives Madman’ better not go.” He was about to speak to dissuade when Qin Zhonghai was already laughing heartily. Originally fearing boredom on the road, hearing Chang Xuehen’s intention to accompany him, he was immediately delighted: “How can I refuse Brother Chang’s kind intention? Let’s go quickly!”

Chang Xuehen rushed to Qin Zhonghai’s side, grinning lewdly: “Pleasure houses! Charge!” The two smiled mischievously and were about to leave the mountain.

Suddenly a woman shouted: “Wait! I’m going too!” Everyone heard her voice lacked strength—it was Yan Er’niang. Qin Zhonghai was greatly alarmed and said anxiously: “Er’niang hasn’t fully recovered—better not go.”

Yan Er’niang glared at Chang Xuehen and shook her head: “No way. You two mixed together will definitely do things worse than beasts—I must go along.”

Lu Guzhan and Shi Gang exchanged glances, both feeling amused. The mutual affection between Yan Er’niang and Qin Zhonghai had long spread throughout the stronghold. With her accompanying them, Qin Zhonghai would have more restraints when misbehaving. Thinking of this, they immediately said in unison: “Excellent! Why don’t Hall Master Xiang and Brother Tao go along too! If anything happens on the road, you’ll have support.” With Tao Qing’s steady conduct and Xiang Tianshou’s high martial arts, if any crisis arose on the road, they could surely turn danger into safety.

With so many people going—strange bald heads and fierce women—the road would be terribly boring without diversions. Qin Zhonghai and Chang Xuehen made bitter faces, only sighing and lamenting there.

※※※

Qin Zhonghai led the group including Yan Er’niang, Tao Qing, Xiang Tianshou, Chang Xuehen and others in a mighty procession toward Nine Flower Mountain. During his absence from the mountain, he asked Lu Guzhan to preside over affairs with Zhi Guan assisting. These two were both deeply intelligent and could surely be trusted with the responsibility. As for the stronghold’s patrol and soldier training duties, “Demon Gold” Shi Gang naturally took charge, with Li Tieshan and Hao Zhenxiang assisting. To prevent any unexpected incidents on the road, Lu Guzhan additionally asked Jie Tao to accompany them down the mountain to Nine Flower Mountain. If anything major happened on the road, “Fire-Eyed Lion” had excellent lightness skills and could travel back and forth with messages without being trapped.

Everyone traveled by day and rested by night, heading toward Nine Flower Mountain, waiting to meet the Azure-Robed Scholar and respectfully invite him back to the mountain to take office.

On the road, Xiang Tianshou carefully explained the Azure-Robed Scholar’s past deeds, and everyone finally understood the stronghold’s former glory. In the past, Left Dragon managed external affairs while Right Phoenix managed internal ones—one controlled military and political affairs, the other held central authority. The two each had their strengths and responsibilities, never interfering or conflicting. This Azure-Robed Scholar managed the stronghold’s defenses, using his own intelligence to create countless weapons and cannons for the stronghold, and managed internal and external finances completely, making all the heroes worry-free.

Qin Zhonghai listened and nodded secretly, thinking: “No wonder the stronghold was impregnable in the past and the court couldn’t take it despite hundreds of attacks—there was such talent making strategies behind the scenes. Heh heh, for my father to have such heroes following him, his life truly wasn’t in vain.” The others were also admiringly excited, thinking of the imminent meeting.

Xiang Tianshou knew the Azure-Robed Scholar had a peculiar nature and inviting him back to the mountain would require considerable effort. When asked what brilliant strategy Qin Zhonghai had, he sneered: “Sincerity moves heaven—what strategy is needed? Lord Liu Bei visited the thatched cottage three times and got Zhuge Liang out. If the Azure-Robed Scholar refuses to come out, I’ll visit his thatched cottage a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times—I’ll just live at his house and see whether the old fellow comes out or not!”

Xiang Tianshou smiled bitterly: “The General’s eagerness for talent is truly moving beyond words!”

※※※

Nine Flower Mountain was located in northern Shaanxi, in the same province as Nu Cang Mountain—the journey was only a few days. This afternoon they arrived at Ganquan Prefecture, not far from the foot of Nine Flower Mountain. However, it was already late afternoon—if they rashly went up the mountain for a visit, it would probably be evening by the time they met, which would be extremely discourteous.

Tao Qing said: “General Qin, I think we should rest tonight and tomorrow morning I’ll take your calling card to first sound out their intentions. What do you think?” Qin Zhonghai knew Tao Qing was steady in his affairs and was fortunate to have him along—everything would be much more convenient. He immediately said happily: “Good! Let’s do it that way!”

Everyone made arrangements and went to an inn in town to rest, waiting for tomorrow to visit. While Yan Er’niang and Xiang Tianshou were settling their accommodations, Chang Xuehen, being an alcohol lover, rushed toward the wine server and shouted angrily: “Damn! Quickly bring me wine!”

The wine server, seeing his full beard and fierce appearance like an evil spirit, couldn’t help but be startled: “What wine does the guest want?” Chang Xuehen shouted: “Bring out a jar of white wine! And bring me three large bowls and fry some hot dishes!” The wine server was secretly afraid and quickly brought wine and food.

Qin Zhonghai’s throat had long been itchy. Seeing Chang Xuehen had gotten wine and food, he also plopped down and laughed: “So Brother Chang is also a master of the wine country! We’re truly kindred spirits.” Chang Xuehen shrugged lazily: “Master perhaps not, but compared to you, brother, I’m probably a bit better.” Qin Zhonghai sneered coldly—Chang Xuehen dared speak to him like this? Wasn’t he seeking death? He reached out to put his hand on his shoulder and smiled: “Brother is so formidable? Do you know the Eight Drunken Immortals?” As he spoke, Jie Tao also came to sit down, but Qin Zhonghai ignored him and only spoke quietly with Chang Xuehen.

Chang Xuehen squinted with a proud expression: “The Eight Drunken Immortals is quite vulgar—we in the south are fashionable with drinking riddles, which is much more elegant.” Qin Zhonghai said curiously: “Drinking riddles? How do you play? Say a couple for me to hear.”

Chang Xuehen coughed forcefully several times and declared loudly: “Listen! The Wang family’s daughter wears a green skirt, the Li family’s old lady changes clothes—quickly change, it’s your turn…” Qin Zhonghai, hearing his vulgar language, couldn’t help but be both shocked and delighted: “What kind of nonsense is this?”

Chang Xuehen giggled: “You should respond like this: ‘The marquis’s little brother breaks his pants, the Zhang mansion’s master drops his trousers.’ Our drinking riddles emphasize sound and rhythm, word choice—whether you use idioms, folk sayings, or damn poetry and literary phrases, anything goes.” Qin Zhonghai laughed: “This is crude enough for my taste.” The two held wine cups, laughing continuously, immediately launching into vulgar and obscene speech.

※※※

So-called drinking riddles had been drinking games for scholars’ gatherings since ancient times. Ancient poetry says “children on the city walls pass flower branches, guests at the banquet play fist games with pine nuts,” describing the pleasure of such games. If one encountered talented scholars like Lu Yun or Gu Siyuan, there would naturally be elegant and refined famous lines like “white feathers part green water, red palms stir clear waves” to suit the occasion. But these two rogues Qin Zhonghai and Chang Xuehen, crude and uncultured—what good words could they produce? The two shouted loudly with vulgar phrases like “daughter cries marrying a man who’s a turtle” and “old lady laughs as three monkeys emerge from the boudoir.”

Jie Tao sat nearby, his face already red with embarrassment. Looking around, he saw all the inn’s guests looking toward their table with smiles, clearly mocking them. Jie Tao sighed, thinking: “This Chang Xuehen couldn’t make much trouble alone before, but now meeting General Qin, two equally crude people have really found their match. Sigh… these two look so unseemly—I’d better change tables.” In his panic, he quickly moved to another empty table, ordered wine and food, and buried his head in drinking, pretending not to know the two.

Seeing him flee, Chang Xuehen immediately pointed at Jie Tao and shouted angrily: “Hey! What are you doing? Why did you sneak so far away?” Jie Tao lowered his head, coughing continuously and lamenting: “I caught cold and feel dizzy—I want some quiet.”

Chang Xuehen shouted loudly: “Quiet your big head! Yesterday you were full of life—what cold did you catch? If you want quiet, first match my drinking riddle!” Seeing guests around pointing and whispering, Jie Tao quickly said quietly: “I’ll match, I’ll match—just speak quietly.”

Chang Xuehen bellowed: “Listen well! ‘Left side meat-meat is a club’—you match it!” Jie Tao exclaimed: “What club, hammer? What… what kind of drinking riddle is this?”

The wine guests in the inn, hearing such vulgar speech, couldn’t help but frown. But Qin Zhonghai was overjoyed, laughing heartily: “Aiya! Brother Jie looks refined but his literary talent is so poor he can’t even match this riddle.” He shook his head and swayed: “Listen to me! To ‘Left side meat-meat is a club,’ you should answer ‘Right side fat-fat is a turtle’!”

Chang Xuehen was an unlearned illiterate. Hearing Qin Zhonghai’s response, he immediately threw back his head and laughed wildly: “Good! What a fine ‘Right side fat-fat is a turtle’! Marvelous!” He actually started clapping, and Qin Zhonghai proudly cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

The inn’s guests, hearing these two’s exchange, who wasn’t shocked and dismayed? Everyone discussed among themselves, trying to discover these boring men’s backgrounds. Jie Tao was thoroughly ashamed and only kept his head down in silence.

Qin Zhonghai was in high spirits, laughing: “I helped Brother Jie answer—is there any reward?” Chang Xuehen looked at Jie Tao and shouted angrily: “Fire-eyes! Your literary talent is too poor—you’ve completely disgraced Twin Dragon Stronghold! Damn it, you should be penalized a cup!” He shoved over a large wine bowl and roared: “Drink quickly!”

Jie Tao smiled bitterly: “Stop fooling around—we still have to travel tomorrow!”

Chang Xuehen was so angry his beard bristled. He waved his iron fist angrily: “You won’t drink? Are you looking down on me?” Fearing he would cause trouble, Jie Tao quickly said: “I’ll drink, I’ll drink—just sit there properly and don’t make a scene.” He immediately lifted the wine bowl and gulped it down.

Meanwhile, Yan Er’niang had finished arranging her luggage and came out with Xiang Tianshou and Tao Qing. The three heard commotion from the inn outside, as if someone was causing trouble. Tao Qing frowned: “That sounds like General Qin’s voice? What are they doing?” Yan Er’niang snorted, knowing Qin Zhonghai’s usual bad behavior—he was probably leading the mischief right now. She immediately walked into the hall to give them a thorough scolding.

As Yan Er’niang entered the hall and was about to shout angrily, she saw Qin Zhonghai and Chang Xuehen sitting quietly drinking together, while only Jie Tao was red-faced and shouting loudly, appearing drunk and bleary-eyed. Yan Er’niang was startled—this Jie Tao was usually refined in appearance and steady in conduct. Who would have known that shortly after leaving the mountain he’d become such a ghostly sight? Lu Guzhan must have been lax in supervision.

That Jie Tao had drunk who knows how much wine. He pointed at the Nine Lives Madman and shouted: “Hateful fellow! You bastard who bullies me every day—now it’s my turn to give riddles! You answer obediently!” He swayed his head and sang: “The beauty rivals Xi Shi, with heavy makeup and light powder both suitable—you answer me!” His literary level was slightly higher, so his speech was somewhat more elegant, and his drinking riddles had some poetic charm. Chang Xuehen, hearing the riddle, only grinned: “What’s so difficult about that? Listen well: ‘Turtle bastard compared to turtle eggs, fried or steamed both are finished! You eat it!'” Qin Zhonghai, hearing this clever response, immediately burst into laughter.

Yan Er’niang, hearing their unrestrained words, angrily said: “What are you talking about? How dare you speak such boring nonsense!”

Seeing Yan Er’niang arrive, Qin Zhonghai was so frightened he broke into cold sweat. Remembering he was now an important figure in the stronghold, he hastily assumed a dignified expression and pointed at Jie Tao, saying in a deep voice: “Brother Jie has drunk too much and is in high spirits. We couldn’t bear to spoil his drinking mood and could only stay here to look after him.” He fixed his gaze on Chang Xuehen: “Brother Chang, isn’t that right?”

Chang Xuehen quickly nodded in agreement: “Yes! It’s all Brother Jie speaking crudely and behaving despicably, making us lose face terribly. We’re helping him clean up the mess now.” These two were truly wicked—instead of admitting their own drinking and carousing, they pushed all the blame onto Jie Tao, taking no responsibility themselves. Yan Er’niang became suspicious and asked: “Brother Jie, are you really drunk?”

Jie Tao, with bleary drunken eyes, looked sideways at Yan Er’niang and suddenly sneered: “Dried tangerine peel and plum mixed with mud, black mud base and bean dregs skin—hard to look at!” He seemed truly drunk—these few sentences were all mocking Yan Er’niang for being a faded beauty. How could Yan Er’niang not be angry hearing his teasing? She shouted: “Soft-legged shrimp soaked and fried, red-faced and powdered with rotten belly—even eating it would be stupid!”

Jie Tao angrily said: “How dare you curse me?” Yan Er’niang had a violent temper—what wouldn’t she dare? In great anger, she kicked out, and Jie Tao immediately fell to the ground and rolled away. Just as Yan Er’niang was about to add another kick, she suddenly saw Jie Tao’s wine surging up—he retched several times and spewed out filth in great mouthfuls. There were lumps of noodle dregs on the left and puddles of rotten juice on the right. As he shook his head left and right, in a blink he had trapped himself in a pile of vomit, the stench filling the air. Yan Er’niang screamed and quickly dodged backward, nearly having her silk dress soiled by the filth.

The inn’s customers, seeing Qin Zhonghai and his group’s hideous behavior, were already afraid. Now seeing the fierce woman beating people, they were terrified and all fled through the door. Tao Qing, seeing the big sister still angry, stepped forward to advise: “We’re all family—stop this now.” This Jie Tao was a newly joined hero from Twin Dragon Stronghold—even for Lu Guzhan’s sake, they should give him some face and definitely couldn’t beat him while he was drunk. Tao Qing was sensible and quickly stepped in to mediate.

※※※

Xiang Tianshou pinched his nose while helping Jie Tao drink sobering soup. With the hot soup in his belly, his mind became clear. Seeing himself covered in filth and Yan Er’niang glaring at him angrily, Jie Tao didn’t understand what had happened and felt only terror in his heart.

Just as he was about to ask Qin Zhonghai, he suddenly heard horses neighing at the inn’s entrance and someone shouting: “Quickly! The grand assembly will convene tomorrow—we mustn’t be late!” Everyone heard the urgent voice and looked out through the windows, seeing three fine tall horses pass by the inn door. Their attire showed they were from Dian Cang Mountain.

Qin Zhonghai and the others were shocked—they had already rebelled and were enemies of the orthodox martial world. Dian Cang Mountain was one of the eight major martial sects and naturally was foe, not friend, to Nu Cang Mountain. Qin Zhonghai remained calm and signaled to Xiang Tianshou and Tao Qing, the three walking together to the street to observe.

As soon as they reached the inn door, they heard voices and horse calls—several more riders galloped through the street, their hoofbeats causing common people to flee in panic. Tao Qing’s heart tensed as he walked to Qin Zhonghai’s side and whispered: “This is at the foot of Nine Flower Mountain—why would martial world figures be galloping here? Even if not for the monk’s face, for the Buddha’s—isn’t their rudeness slighting the Azure-Robed Scholar’s reputation?”

It was customary in the martial world that when approaching other sects’ territories, one must keep a low profile and especially not disturb the common people. Yet these people acted so arrogantly—Qin Zhonghai, seeing this, was also secretly puzzled.

After a while, no more riders passed. Qin Zhonghai had an ominous feeling and frowned: “Looking at this situation, something must have happened at Nine Flower Mountain. Time is of the essence—we must go up the mountain tonight.” He ordered everyone to prepare weapons and gear, and despite the late hour, they immediately set off up the mountain path.

※※※

Entering the mountain path, the winding trails were full of forks, and everyone kept stopping and starting, truly unable to find their way. With great difficulty they encountered a villager, and Yan Er’niang quickly stepped forward to ask: “Excuse me, brother, do you know where Dragon Chant Pavilion on Nine Flower Mountain is located?” The villager made an “oh” sound and looked her up and down. Seeing her red lips, white teeth, and beautiful complexion, he felt some fondness and said: “Young mistress, what business do you have seeking the Azure-Robed Bodhisattva?”

Qin Zhonghai knew Yan Er’niang was honest by nature and probably couldn’t lie well, so he moved forward to speak. The villager, seeing his fierce eyebrows and vertical eyes, was already quite frightened before he even spoke, immediately waving his hands and backing away. Qin Zhonghai chuckled: “Don’t be afraid, old brother—we’re here to repay money. The Azure-Robed Sect Leader lent me three thousand taels of silver, and last time we came in such a hurry we didn’t remember the route clearly. Please direct us to the path.”

Hearing they were here to repay money, the villager made an “oh” sound and put on a dignified expression: “Who would have thought—you outsiders have also received the Azure-Robed Bodhisattva’s kindness?” His voice rose at the end, taking on an official tone.

Chang Xuehen came over curiously: “Why do you always call him Bodhisattva? Does the Azure-Robed Scholar have divine powers?”

The villager said: “Though the Azure-Robed Bodhisattva has no divine powers, his compassionate heart is no different from a Bodhisattva’s. He has always been considerate of the people—whenever harvests are poor, he provides seeds for spring planting and never lets villagers mortgage their land. Because of this, people in this area live in peace and happiness, every family has land to farm, and no one becomes a tenant farmer. Everyone feels grateful for his kindness, so naturally we call him Bodhisattva!”

Qin Zhonghai didn’t know the Azure-Robed Scholar was so beloved by the people. He nodded secretly, thinking: “What a fine Azure-Robed Sect Leader—this way of doing things even surpasses the imperial court.” Seeing the sky growing dark, everyone spoke no more. Yan Er’niang carefully asked about the way to Dragon Chant Pavilion, then they set off up the mountain.

Walking along the path, they saw brilliant scenery on both sides—the setting sun illuminated the exotic flowers and rare plants in colorful splendor. Yan Er’niang looked around admiringly: “Master Tang is still so miraculous, always accomplishing what others cannot.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Earlier at the mountain’s foot, the scenery was harsh—barren mountains and dry waters, desolate and arid. Yet up the mountain, flowers and trees flourished with rare species everywhere—surely planted by the Azure-Robed Scholar.

Qin Zhonghai pointed to a grove: “Everyone look there!” Following his gesture, they saw a large grove of trees bearing exotic precious fruits—like peaches but not peaches, like fruits but not fruits, all extraordinary.

Qin Zhonghai said: “Nine Flower Mountain’s rich products are famous throughout the realm. During holidays, the nobles and aristocrats in the capital send people to buy Nine Flower Mountain’s Lingzhi candy, Ginseng fruit, and Immortal Peach tea—this must be that grove.”

Chang Xuehen laughed: “Ginseng fruit? It’s on these trees?” Qin Zhonghai shrugged: “I’m not sure, but I’ve heard each ginseng fruit is worth a hundred taels of silver and supposedly eating it extends life and has miraculous effects like strengthening yang and nourishing the body.” Hearing “strengthening yang,” Chang Xuehen was overjoyed and immediately rushed into the grove, climbing up a tree.

Xiang Tianshou, fearing he’d cause trouble, shouted: “Brother Chang, come down quickly! We have serious business going up the mountain—don’t fool around!”

Chang Xuehen wouldn’t listen. He suddenly saw a fist-sized fruit on the tree, bright red and temptingly beautiful, looking sweet and delicious. Chang Xuehen exclaimed happily: “Yang-strengthening!” This person was usually quite stingy—he wouldn’t spend half a coin on buying books or studying. His life savings were all spent on the four-character motto of eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling. Hearing about nourishment and yang-strengthening was a source of joy, so naturally he was ecstatic. Bringing his nose close for a sniff, he found the fruit incredibly fragrant. His heart filled with delight: “So fragrant—eating it must be incredible!” He grinned lewdly and was about to reach out to pick it when suddenly the fruit trembled, moved aside, and actually dodged away.

Chang Xuehen was startled: “Damn! This fruit can actually move!” He quickly reached out to grab it, but the fruit leaped around everywhere, escaping even faster.

Qin Zhonghai and the others, seeing him jumping around in the tree, were all puzzled and asked: “What are you doing?”

Chang Xuehen roared angrily: “I’m catching fruit!” Qin Zhonghai and the others exchanged glances: “Catching fruit?” They’d only heard of picking fruit—when would one need to “catch” it?

Suddenly Chang Xuehen shouted: “I caught it! I caught it!” Yan Er’niang advised: “These fruits are carefully cultivated and belong to others—don’t eat them carelessly.” Chang Xuehen wouldn’t listen and crunched away at it, then jumped down from the tree and walked toward Qin Zhonghai and the others.

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Is it good?” Chang Xuehen spat out some fruit flesh and cursed: “Smells good but tastes terrible—worse than dog shit.” Xiang Tianshou, hearing this, asked curiously: “Have you eaten dog shit?”

Chang Xuehen cursed: “I’m making a comparison—what are you fussing about?” As he spoke, he suddenly jumped up and said tremblingly: “This fruit bit me!” Everyone was amazed: “What fruit bit you?”

Chang Xuehen opened his mouth wide—his tongue had swollen high, as if truly bitten by something. Qin Zhonghai exclaimed: “Damn! The fruit is poisonous—let’s quickly go up the mountain!” Chang Xuehen’s mouth was swollen black and abnormal—he’d definitely been poisoned by something strange. Without an antidote, his life might be in danger.

Everyone carried Chang Xuehen and used lightness skills to rush toward Dragon Chant Pavilion. Chang Xuehen, lying on Jie Tao’s back, said unclearly: “Bastards! Actually harming me! I’ll curse the Azure-Robed Scholar’s ancestors eighteen generations…” Though his speech was unclear, he continued cursing without rest. Jie Tao, still dizzy from drinking, grew truly impatient listening for so long and couldn’t help cursing: “I heard Nine Flower Mountain’s founding patriarch was also surnamed Chang—if you keep cursing like this, you might curse your own ancestors.”

Chang Xuehen angrily shouted: “I’ll curse your ancestors first, you surnamed Jie!” He then launched into vulgar curses. Jie Tao sighed and just used lightness skills to hurry forward. Yan Er’niang rolled her eyes, thinking: “Heaven preserve us—it would be best if this annoying ghost died from poison, ridding our stronghold of a menace.”

※※※

Passing the practice grounds, they saw a residence that looked quite impressive, resembling a temple—this must be Nine Flower Mountain’s Dragon Chant Pavilion. Everyone reached the entrance but saw the doors tightly closed as if no one was around. Qin Zhonghai signaled, and Tao Qing immediately stepped forward to knock: “Is anyone there?” He knocked for a long time but no one appeared. Unwilling to give up, he knocked again for a while, but still no response.

Tao Qing shook his head: “It seems we’re truly unlucky—the Azure-Robed Sect Leader isn’t on the mountain.” Jie Tao urgently said: “But Brother Chang is poisoned—what should we do?” Everyone saw Chang Xuehen’s face was pitch black and his whole body trembling constantly. Without an antidote, he might truly die.

Qin Zhonghai pondered: “Perhaps there’s an antidote in his house. The situation is urgent—we can only enter to search.” He raised his iron foot to kick down the main door.

Suddenly someone called urgently: “Don’t kick! Don’t kick! Coming right away!” Everyone turned to look quickly and saw an old man running over with several women and children beside him. The old man, seeing Qin Zhonghai and the others, hastily bowed with a very frightened expression. Tao Qing quickly said: “Old sir, we are friends of the Azure-Robed Sect Leader and came up the mountain especially to visit today. May we ask where the Sect Leader’s immortal presence is?”

The old man wiped cold sweat from his forehead: “This old man heard from the innkeeper at the mountain’s foot that a few days ago some martial world figures came up the mountain and invited the Sect Leader down. He left in such a hurry he didn’t inform us beforehand—this old man truly doesn’t know when he’ll return.”

Qin Zhonghai was startled: “Martial world figures? Were they Shaolin monks?”

The old man shook his head: “Sorry, this old man is a villager from the mountain’s foot who helps the Sect Leader maintain his residence. We don’t recognize any martial world figures.” Qin Zhonghai saw these people had unstable lower bodies and didn’t seem to have martial arts—they truly weren’t Nine Flower Mountain disciples. He exchanged glances with Xiang Tianshou, both shaking their heads. After hesitating a moment, Qin Zhonghai asked: “May I ask, old sir, there should be two young ladies on Nine Flower Mountain—one called Yan Ting and one called Juan’er. Where have they gone?”

The old man said: “When the Sect Leader went down the mountain, the elder young mistress went with him. We don’t know where the younger young mistress ran off to. These two young mistresses were always kind to people and grew up so beautifully—everyone was very fond of them…” Seeing him speak irrelevantly and noting Chang Xuehen’s face was turning black with no time to delay, Qin Zhonghai quickly said: “Old sir, our friend ate a poisonous fruit and his life hangs by a thread. The Azure-Robed Sect Leader isn’t on the mountain—what can we do?”

The old man walked over, looked at Chang Xuehen’s face, and nodded: “From his black complexion, he probably stole and ate a Immortal Peach beetle. This poisoning isn’t hard to cure—you gentlemen needn’t worry.” Everyone exclaimed in shock: “Immortal Peach beetle?”

The old man nodded: “Because many villains often come to steal Queen Mother’s Immortal Peaches and Ginseng immortal fruits, the Azure-Robed Sect Leader raised some beetles in the grove as protection. These insects look exactly like Immortal Peaches—normally if we want to distinguish them, we need to test with fire to tell real from fake.” Everyone found this incredible. Chang Xuehen made a “hey” sound and said unclearly: “No wonder the fruit was so fishy and sticky, with such a hard shell and tasted so awful—turns out it was a damn beetle! Damn the beetle’s ancestors…” He cursed until his voice was hoarse and he was gasping for breath.

Seeing everyone’s confused expressions, the old man said: “Gentlemen need not worry—since you’re friends of the Azure-Robed Sect Leader, this old man cannot stand by and watch someone die.” He called over a child, patted his shoulder, and said: “Go save him!”

Yan Er’niang asked curiously: “Does this child know medicine?” The old man shook his head: “No.”

Yan Er’niang was bewildered: “Then how will he save someone?”

The old man smiled: “Young mistress, don’t panic—he carries the antidote with him.”

Seeing the child in ragged clothes with nothing on him, looking quite innocent, he hardly seemed like someone carrying miraculous medicine. Everyone couldn’t help but be suspicious. Xiang Tianshou, fearing the old man was senile and might worsen Chang Xuehen’s condition instead, squatted down and said to the boy: “Little brother, can you really save someone?” The boy loudly said: “Of course I can!” Xiang Tianshou frowned and whispered: “Human life is at stake—little brother, don’t speak carelessly.” The boy grinned and loudly said: “I’m going to speak carelessly!”

Everyone was puzzled and about to ask when suddenly they saw the boy jump in front of Chang Xuehen, then unfasten his pants and start urinating on Chang Xuehen’s face. Yan Er’niang, both embarrassed and shocked, quickly spat and turned her head away, not daring to look anymore.

Chang Xuehen was truly unlucky—lying on the ground unable to move, he got urinated on all over his head and face. Everyone was shocked and shouted: “What is this!” The old man smiled: “Friends, don’t be surprised—this bearded brother mistakenly ate an Immortal Peach beetle and needs child’s urine as antidote. When ordinary villagers come to steal ginseng fruit, they usually bring children along.”

Chang Xuehen was usually hideous and even more detestable than Qin Zhonghai. Now being treated this way, his face was deathly pale, and everyone watching secretly snickered. Only Xiang Tianshou looked concerned, fearing for Chang Xuehen’s life.

The boy urinated while loudly instructing: “Open your mouth wider! If you don’t open up and drink, how will the poison be cured?” Chang Xuehen originally couldn’t move, but after being doused with urine, he suddenly roared and fiercely grabbed the boy: “Damn your grandmother! I’ll kill you!” The boy was startled and trembled: “Help! Bad man!” He urinated even more urgently, making Chang Xuehen even more wretched and miserable.

Seeing Chang Xuehen suddenly able to move, Jie Tao said happily: “Brother Chang! You’re cured!” Chang Xuehen paused, released the child, and touched his face: “Yes! My tongue seems not swollen anymore.” Everyone saw the black qi had faded from his face and his voice was no longer muffled—the child’s urine was clearly the right medicine, working like a miracle cure. Xiang Tianshou was overjoyed and quickly bowed in thanks: “Thank you for your noble assistance, old sir—we are infinitely grateful.” He took out silver from his bosom to give as a gift.

The old man hastily waved his hands: “Friends, please don’t be so polite! You’re friends of the Azure-Robed Sect Leader—this old man hasn’t even properly hosted you, and I already feel bad about it. How could I take your money?” He firmly refused. Xiang Tianshou tried to persuade him several times, but seeing his sincere intentions, he could only put the money back in his bosom and stopped insisting.

Unable to find the Azure-Robed Scholar, everyone prepared to descend the mountain. But they saw Chang Xuehen shouting and running around the child, not knowing what mischief he was up to now. Jie Tao shouted: “Brother Chang, hurry up! Don’t lag behind!” Chang Xuehen spat: “My tongue is still a bit swollen—I need this little devil to help me.” He grabbed the child: “Little brother, my tongue still hurts a bit. Could you give me some more antidote? I want to drink big gulps!”

The child had been frightened by him earlier and still had lingering fear. He turned his head away and snorted: “You’re a bad person—I won’t give you antidote.” Chang Xuehen angrily said: “What are you being proud of? I’ll slaughter you!” He drew his steel blade and chopped straight down. The child was so scared he wet himself again. Chang Xuehen was ecstatic and opened his mouth wide, about to pounce and drink heartily.

Yan Er’niang’s face turned green as she quickly pulled the child away and shouted: “Jie Tao, are all you people from Twin Dragon Stronghold such shameless goods?” Jie Tao blushed and blocked Chang Xuehen, whispering: “Stop fooling around! Everyone’s waiting for you!”

Chang Xuehen spat: “My tongue is still swollen and the poison isn’t completely cleared!”

Jie Tao dragged and pulled desperately, pleading—he almost knelt down before Chang Xuehen reluctantly left.

※※※

Reaching the mountain’s foot, it was already nighttime. This trip not only failed to find the Azure-Robed Scholar but also couldn’t locate Yan Ting or Juan’er. Everyone was worried and troubled.

Just as they were vexed, they suddenly heard hoofbeats—two riders slowly approached on the road. The mounted passengers wore tight-fitting clothes and were talking loudly, clearly martial world figures. Qin Zhonghai was delighted, knowing these people must be related to Nine Flower Mountain. He quickly signaled everyone to keep quiet, then crouched by the roadside to clearly hear the mounted passengers’ conversation.

Amid the clattering hooves, the two had already approached. They heard one say: “They say Nine Flower Mountain has treasures piled like mountains—this time the leader sent us over, we must work hard to get some good profit.” The other laughed: “Exactly! Once Zhu Family Manor’s trial is over, everyone can divide Nine Flower Mountain’s gold, silver, and jewels—that’ll be a big fortune.”

Hearing them mention Nine Flower Mountain, Qin Zhonghai’s heart tensed and he signaled Xiang Tianshou. Understanding, Xiang Tianshou immediately disguised himself as a village man, crouching directly in the road pretending to put on shoes, his body coincidentally blocking the two riders’ path.

The mounted passenger shouted: “Hey you old man! Masters are passing in front of you—how dare you brazenly put on shoes here? Get out of my way quickly!” Xiang Tianshou pretended to be deaf and dumb, saying confusedly: “Who’s calling me? How come it seems like someone’s talking?” The man was furious and whipped down at him fiercely. Xiang Tianshou slightly shifted his body to dodge the whip head, then raised his foot and stepped down, using the Thousand Jin Drop technique to pin the whip head under his foot.

The man shouted: “Are you seeking death?” Xiang Tianshou smiled: “Just putting on a shoe—how is that seeking death?” The man cursed: “Damn dog!” He roared angrily, pulling the long whip with all his might to retrieve it, but the whip head was like being pressed under a thousand-jin boulder, completely immovable. When Xiang Tianshou saw him exert full force, he suddenly lifted his foot. The man used too much force and lost his balance, immediately falling off his horse. His head hit a rock, blood flowed profusely, and he fainted.

The other passenger angrily said: “Who are you! How dare you provoke our Three Rivers Gang?” Xiang Tianshou’s identity was exposed, so he stopped pretending to be dumb. He walked to the horse and smiled: “Three Rivers Gang? What’s that? Could it be the three rivers Jiang Chong, Jiang Yi, and Jiang Daqing from the court?” As he spoke, Xiang Tianshou grasped the reins and with a “hey” sound channeled divine strength. The horse, pulled by this great force, involuntarily knelt on the ground. The man was both shocked and angry, drew the short knife from his waist, and stabbed at Xiang Tianshou. Xiang Tianshou’s left hand swept out, reaching first despite starting later, already grabbing this person and casually throwing him to the ground. The man fell groaning and couldn’t get up for a long time.

Seeing Xiang Tianshou’s extraordinary martial prowess, Qin Zhonghai secretly praised: “Hall Master Xiang’s martial arts are excellent. Though not as fierce as the Five Tigers, compared to ordinary martial world figures, he’s more than adequate.” Nu Cang Mountain was full of experts—above were the Five Tigers like Fang Zijing, Shi Gang, Lu Guzhan, Li Tieshan, and below were capable generals like Yan Er’niang and Jie Tao. As “Heavenly Authority Hall Master,” Xiang Tianshou’s martial arts and knowledge were naturally extraordinary, sufficient to stand alone in the martial world. This brief display of skill amazed Qin Zhonghai.

Jie Tao, coming from the south, recognized these two upon hearing the Three Rivers Gang name and immediately said: “Reporting to General Qin, this Three Rivers Gang is a sect from the south with headquarters near Qiantang River. One of these two is called ‘Divine Water Loach’ Wang Er, the other ‘Sideways Crab in Water’ Xie Qi—they have some fame in the south.” Qin Zhonghai had formerly been a court official, mostly active on the frontiers, so naturally didn’t know southern figures. He asked: “How strange—if these two make their living in the south, why have they come to the northwest?”

Hearing Qin Zhonghai’s question, Xiang Tianshou immediately bent down and said to Xie Qi: “Brother Xie, you seem in a hurry—do you have some official business?” Xie Qi mumbled: “No… no official business…” Xiang Tianshou smiled: “So no official business? Then do you have some private business?” Xie Qi lowered his head and couldn’t answer a single word.

Seeing he wouldn’t respond, Xiang Tianshou yawned: “My accent is too heavy—Brother Xie from the south can’t understand my local dialect.” He stepped back and smiled at Chang Xuehen: “Brother Chang, you ask instead! You’re both from the south, refined people—chatting together will surely be compatible.”

Chang Xuehen was cruel by nature, always fierce and murderous. Hearing Xiang Tianshou wanted him to interrogate, he was overjoyed and immediately rushed forward with an expression ready to devour alive.

That “Sideways Crab in Water” Xie Qi was originally listless, but seeing Chang Xuehen’s bearded appearance, he recognized him and exclaimed: “You… aren’t you the Nine Lives Madman from Twin Dragon Stronghold? How did you end up in the northwest?”

Chang Xuehen giggled: “Good question! I traveled all the way from the south to the northwest specifically to catch you, this big fat crab.” His left hand grabbed Xie Qi while his right held a sharp knife, smiling: “These days in the northwest I can’t eat fish and shrimp, my mouth is really craving them. Soon I’ll steam muddy loach and roast big hairy crab—the taste probably won’t be bad.” He raised the knife to strike, about to slaughter this big sideways crab on the spot.

Xie Qi screamed: “Don’t eat me! Don’t eat me!” Frightened by Chang Xuehen, he immediately wet his pants. Everyone seeing Xie Qi so terrified couldn’t help but laugh.

Chang Xuehen, seeing the wet pants, immediately remembered his remaining poison wasn’t cleared and quickly asked: “Are you a virgin boy?”

Xie Qi didn’t understand and trembled: “I… at my age, few people call me that anymore. I have pots, shovels, and a wife at home—if the warrior needs anything, just come with me to get it…”

Chang Xuehen angrily said: “Who asked you about those things? I’m asking if you’re still a virgin!”

Xie Qi was scared pale, thinking: “Why is this guy suddenly asking this? I indulge in wine and women daily—how could I still be a virgin?” Seeing Chang Xuehen’s fierce expression, he quickly waved his hands: “Yes… no… I…” He mumbled and trembled, completely at a loss.

“Under the pine I ask the boy, saying master went to gather herbs”—what an elegant scene that was. Here Chang Xuehen earnestly asking about virgin boys, wanting to gather medicine, was somewhat similar. The onlookers couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

※※※

Chang Xuehen, unable to get answers through interrogation, felt annoyed. Suddenly inspired, he thought of a plan and quickly pointed behind: “Look! A beauty is coming!” Hearing a beauty had arrived, Xie Qi’s lustful heart stirred and he said happily: “Where’s the beauty? Quickly point her out!” He eagerly craned his neck to look, extremely anxious.

Seeing Xie Qi’s eager face, Chang Xuehen knew he was definitely lustful and couldn’t possibly possess “antidote,” and felt truly furious. Here Xie Qi still didn’t know great disaster was approaching—he saw the road was empty with no beautiful woman gracefully approaching, only one woman, Yan Er’niang, glaring at him. Xie Qi was disappointed and sighed: “Where’s any beauty? Only an old woman, no beautiful girl in sight!”

Chang Xuehen sneered: “Boy, if you want to see beauties, slowly look for them in hell!” The blade flashed as he was about to kill Xie Qi on the spot, but unexpectedly got kicked from behind by Yan Er’niang and fell to the ground. Yan Er’niang’s anger hadn’t subsided and she pressed down Xie Qi to beat him severely. Everyone seeing this absurd situation couldn’t help but laugh till they fell over.

※※※

After the commotion, Xiang Tianshou stepped forward to question again. He pulled Xie Qi up and smiled: “Brother Xie, I kindly asked you questions but you ignored me. Soon when we get hungry, we’ll inevitably want to slaughter you for wine—then I can’t help you!” Xie Qi now feared Yan Er’niang more than the others and trembled: “No… no… brother, do me a favor—I don’t want to stay here… she’ll kill me…”

Xiang Tianshou smiled: “Whether I help depends on your mouth.”

Chang Xuehen was fierce, Yan Er’niang was shrewish, and the bald old man was unfathomably deep—none were people to provoke. Xie Qi looked around in shock and saw several other people standing by the road, including one with an aquiline nose and eagle eyes standing beside Yan Er’niang, grinning at him—they seemed like a natural pair of male and female bandits. This scared Xie Qi until his scalp tingled and his crab legs went soft. He smiled obsequiously: “Master, whatever you want to ask, just say it—this humble one knows everything and will tell all.”

Seeing his understanding, Xiang Tianshou immediately smiled slightly: “From your earlier conversation, it seemed related to the Azure-Robed Sect Leader—what exactly is this great matter?” Xie Qi frowned: “This… this is our sect’s secret. The leader instructed that I absolutely cannot spread it…” Xiang Tianshou coughed lightly and pointed at Yan Er’niang. Xie Qi feared this woman most—seeing her about to come over, he was immediately shocked: “No secrets, no secrets! Master, whatever you want to know, this humble one will tell everything completely.”

Chang Xuehen smiled: “Brother, be sensible—speak quickly if you have something to say, fart quickly if you need to fart.”

Xie Qi swallowed saliva and said with a bitter face: “To tell you the truth, master, these past days our leader sent word that several major sects captured the Nine Flower Mountain master and disciples, saying he was formerly a rebel from Nu Cang Mountain. Fearing his rebellious nature hasn’t changed, they agreed to publicly try him at Zhu Family Manor. Our leader wanted us to come to this area to see if there’s anywhere we need to righteously assist…”

Everyone’s faces had already turned white after hearing just half. Xiang Tianshou snorted and asked: “When others are trying the Azure-Robed Sect Leader, what’s your Three Rivers Gang joining in for?” Xie Qi smiled: “Nine Flower Mountain is full of ill-gotten wealth that needs to be robbed from the rich to help the poor. Our Three Rivers Gang, seeing righteousness, wanted to come contribute our efforts…”

Chang Xuehen sneered: “No need to contribute any efforts—everyone’s hungry and waiting for you, brother, to contribute two crab claws to go with wine.”

Xiang Tianshou saw Xie Qi was very frightened and blocked Chang Xuehen, asking: “Who’s presiding over this matter, and who revealed the inside information? Do you know?” Xie Qi trembled: “I… I don’t know either. It seems… seems like Zhu Family Manor came forward to invite everyone. Anyway, the Azure-Robed Scholar was captured—we also don’t understand clearly…”

Qin Zhonghai secretly calculated the situation. With Nu Cang Mountain’s revival imminent, orthodox experts would naturally search with all their might for rebellious remnants. The Azure-Robed Scholar had formerly been Nu Cang’s third in command and was now one of the eight great sect leaders—once his identity was revealed, he inevitably bore the brunt. Though he had been kind to people and had friendships with several orthodox sect leaders, they hadn’t expected things to come so quickly—this was truly unexpected.

Xiang Tianshou asked Xie Qi several more questions, but he could only mumble without clear answers. Considering Three Rivers Gang’s low status and Xie Qi being such a minor figure, he naturally wouldn’t know much about such major matters. They sealed his acupoints and threw him in a roadside ditch to prevent him from reporting.

Xiang Tianshou walked to Qin Zhonghai’s side and whispered: “The Azure-Robed Sect Leader’s identity has been exposed and he’s under joint attack from the major sects—I fear his prospects are grim. They have countless experts there—if we rashly take action, we probably won’t gain any advantage. What should we do?” Having suffered greatly at Shaolin Temple before, thinking of facing these famous major sects made him nervous before even fighting.

Qin Zhonghai said in a deep voice: “Hall Master Xiang, don’t panic. The Azure-Robed Sect Leader is our mountain’s military advisor—if he encounters danger, we absolutely cannot stand by and watch.” He beckoned Jie Tao and instructed: “Brother Jie, your footwork is fast—quickly set off now to return to the mountain and ask the brothers there to lead troops to assist at Zhu Family Manor.” Jie Tao’s lightness skills were unparalleled in the current age—except for the Azure-Robed Scholar, his lightness skills were probably the best. If he used lightness skills to return, he could definitely reach the mountain within two days. Jie Tao agreed and touched the ground with both feet, disappearing like light smoke.

Qin Zhonghai looked at everyone: “The situation is now critical and the Azure-Robed Sect Leader’s life hangs by a thread—we must quickly reach Zhu Family Manor.”

Chang Xuehen, hearing there would be fighting, smiled: “Great! I’ve always hated those bastards from orthodox famous sects most in my life—soon I’ll definitely kill them until blood flows like rivers.”

Everyone made brief disguises, each wearing large felt hats to cover their faces, then hurriedly traveled straight toward Zhu Family Manor.