In a world where tempers flare and parents strike their children in anger, yet never hold grudges for their children’s faults, for the old scholar Zhao Dingxiu, Su Su was as good as his own flesh and blood—only missing the bond of bloodline. If that young man surnamed Xu had not stepped into this alley, perhaps Zhao Dingxiu would have lived and died in this town, his grave marked only with the words “Here lies Zhao Dingxiu,” eventually scattered by wind and rain, forgotten by time. No one would remember that he had once been the revered calligrapher of Western Shu, whose words were worth a thousand gold. He would worry that Su Su might never find a gentle bride, that the boy might be bullied by ruffians in the streets, that without his scolding voice, the child might stray, fail to flourish, and end up destitute. But now, everything had changed. Li Yishan had fulfilled the promise made long ago. He would take Su Su—hidden under a false identity—to the south, to the Eighteen Tribes of Nanzhao, to weave strategies and schemes, just as Li Yishan had once declared on a cliff: “If Western Shu is gone, there shall be a Later Shu!”
That day, the old scholar personally visited the homes of the families whose children he had taught, offering apologies and distributing potted orchids. Even the butcher who once slashed his arm with a knife, upon hearing that the old teacher was leaving, chopped off a fresh ham without hesitation and shoved it into his hands. Later, fearing the frail scholar could not carry it, the butcher’s strong son carried it all the way to the courtyard gate. The boy, destined to follow his father’s trade, smiled awkwardly and said a few words bidding the teacher to return someday.
The old scholar chuckled and reminded him, “Learn to read and write, and don’t be careless with your father’s accounts. The secret to doing things well lies in the details.”
The boy scratched his head, unsure how to reply.
Zhao Dingxiu waved him off and struggled to carry the ham into the courtyard. Xu Fengnian, who had been lost in thought in the front yard, hurried over, slung the ham over his shoulder, and helped carry it into the kitchen.
As dusk approached, Su Su had prepared a large pot of stew, its fragrance filling the entire courtyard. With him and Old Qi, two gluttons, present, there was no worry of leftovers. Xu Fengnian had purchased a few sets of suitable clothing in town, along with a small book chest just big enough to hold the Spring Thunder sword. As for the other sword, the hidden Spring and Autumn, he planned to carry it on his back. No longer wearing a saber, this was a small disguise, but enough to give him the air of a wandering scholar carrying both sword and scrolls.
Xu Fengnian had no intention of wasting six hundred jin of gold, so he arranged for the female martial artist Xue Songguan to escort the three of them to Nanzhao. Though Old Qi, the swordsmith, would accompany them and ensure no major mishaps occurred, it was always better to have more guards. He also ordered the young assassin to travel south via a detour to Beiliang. At first, the boy named Wu refused to leave, insisting on accompanying the young master from Juzi Province into Jinxi Province. Only when Xu Fengnian assumed the authority of a Beiliang prince did the boy reluctantly obey, though his heart remained unconvinced.
That evening, everyone gathered around a large table, feasting on the fragrant stew. Even the blind lute player was convinced to stay, and Wu, the young assassin, was invited by Xu Fengnian to join. It was a rare and lively scene in the courtyard.
After the feast, Wu returned to pack his belongings. Su Su took Xue Songguan for a walk around the town. The old scholar secretly slipped Su Su half a string of coins, much like a parent trying to put on a show of wealth for their wayward son who had finally managed to win over a girl.
Only the old scholar, the blacksmith, and Xu Fengnian remained in the courtyard, free to speak without restraint. Following Li Yishan’s instructions, Xu Fengnian gave Zhao Dingxiu several names of influential figures in Nanzhao. In a good mood, the old scholar memorized them and then bluntly asked, “Is the Xu family planning to rebel?”
Xu Fengnian thought of Qingcheng Mountain and Qingyang Temple, wondering if the six thousand armored soldiers had already been deployed. He sighed and shook his head. “It’s just a way to protect ourselves.”
Zhao Dingxiu mused, “In the Spring and Autumn Period, strategists were as numerous as fish crossing a river, but only a handful achieved fame and success. Your Xu family’s Zhao Changling died too early, a pity for his great talent as a kingmaker. Fortunately, Li Yishan remains, or else the fate of the cunning rabbit would have befallen the hunting dog. Your Xu family would not be where it is today. I used to think Li Yishan, though slightly more cunning than Zhao Changling, lacked vision and ambition. Compared to the young Zhao and the current Na Lan Youci, who still advises Prince Yanchi and governs the frontier, Li was merely skilled in tactics, not in grand strategy. But over these past twenty years, through scattered reports from Juzi Province, I’ve come to see that Li Yishan was either hiding his brilliance or overshadowed by Zhao’s brilliance. Once the Xu family took control of Beiliang, aside from personally leading troops into battle, Li Yishan excelled in geography, insight, adaptability, diplomacy, and literary cultivation. To call him merely a ‘poisonous scholar’ is truly an injustice.”
Leaning lazily against the doorframe, Xu Fengnian smiled. “My master is truly a master of all trades. Xu Xiao also said that Zhao Changling always felt guilty, believing that as long as he lived, Li Yishan could not fully demonstrate his abilities. My master has truly reached the realm of effortless mastery, whether in commanding armies or governing. Over these decades, even I do not know how many brilliant moves he has made. In his eyes, perhaps only Zhang Julu in the imperial court is his equal.”
Zhao Dingxiu’s face showed regret. “What a pity I cannot meet Li Yishan on this southern journey. I have so much to say to him. Oh, by the way, young master, how is your master’s health?”
Xu Fengnian replied softly, “Not very good.”
Zhao’s brows furrowed. Xu Fengnian gazed at the sky, his voice firm and cheerful. “Don’t worry. He won’t die!”
The next morning, they departed the city, meeting by the dry moat outside the gates before parting ways.
Su Su had wanted to ask the old scholar to rent a carriage, just to show off, but seeing the old man’s stern face that morning, he lacked the courage. Fortunately, upon hearing that Miss Xue would be traveling south with him to unfamiliar lands, he no longer cared about the lack of a carriage. Glancing back at the dashing young nobleman standing by the river, Su Su gently tugged the woman’s sleeve and whispered, “You don’t really know Xu Fengnian, do you?”
The blind woman replied softly, “Not really.”
Su Su smiled and asked, “Then you don’t like him?”
She smiled slightly and shook her head.
Relieved yet melancholic, Su Su thought, “That kid, even the old man approves of him. He’ll surely amount to something. But me, living day to day without purpose, just a lazy rogue. Of course she wouldn’t like someone like me.”
Wu did not rush to join the main group. His bow and quiver were hidden and carried by the tall blacksmith. The boy stood beside his master, hesitating to speak.
Xu Fengnian smiled. “You’d be useless following me. You might even slow me down and die for nothing.”
The young assassin looked troubled.
Who says youth knows no sorrow?
Xu Fengnian patted his shoulder. “Go. When you reach the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion, tell Xu Xiao and my master Li Yishan that I am well. That will be your contribution.”
The boy, quick to sorrow and quick to recover, brightened. “Alright.”
Xu Fengnian thought for a moment, then tossed him a bag of silver. “Don’t let them think we’re stingy.”
The boy caught the bag and suddenly muttered, “Young master, maybe I should go with you to Jinxi Province after all. I’m not that afraid of death.”
Xu Fengnian turned him around with a shove to the backside, laughing. “Scram!”
The boy, whose nickname was Wu and whose master was Xu, stumbled, then turned to stare at the retreating figure. Rubbing his eyes fiercely, he hurried to catch up with the old scholar’s group.
Su Su exclaimed, “Hey, did you actually cry?”
The boy, knowing his nickname, glared. “Mind your own business, dead Su Su!”
Su Su chuckled. “Is he your real brother?”
The boy snapped, “He’s your old man!”
Su Su blinked, then burst into laughter.
Enraged, the boy mimicked Xu Fengnian’s kick, landing a solid blow to Su Su’s bottom and shouted, “Scram!”
Even the old scholar couldn’t help but laugh. “Little Wu, well done!”
Su Su rubbed his sore behind, wincing but not angry.
Turning his head, Su Su, though not the sharpest, wasn’t stupid. He understood that Xu Fengnian’s decision to travel north alone, without allowing Wu to accompany him, was an act of kindness. If it were him, he probably wouldn’t have been able to do the same. After all, being alone, with no one to talk to, must be terribly lonely.
Unaware that he had become someone else’s scenery, Xu Fengnian walked north, patting the Spring and Autumn sword on his back and smiling. “Originally meant for Wen Hua, that kid always using a wooden sword isn’t right. But I’ll wait until he’s accomplished something. Otherwise, if he gets it and someone takes it after a day or two, it’ll be embarrassing. If he stubbornly refuses, I’ll give it to Deng Tai’a, as repayment for his gift of a sword. If I can’t find him, no problem. When I return to Beiliang, I’ll give it to the White Fox. If he refuses, then you, Brother Spring and Autumn, will have to stick with me.”
※※※
In the Red Deer Cave of Jiangnan, between green mountains and clear waters, lay rice paddies.
An old man in a sheepskin coat, barefoot, sat resting on a dike after planting rice, beside him a wooden water wheel.
A young swordsman, who had followed his father into seclusion in the mountains, squatted beside the old man and asked, “Hey, Old Li, what exactly do you do? I asked the uncles and they wouldn’t say. Sister Jiang only said you practice swordsmanship. Have you traveled the martial world? Tell me about it!”
The old man scooped some water from the wheel and poured it over his feet, washing off the mud. “Go away. Don’t disturb my appreciation of the scenery.”
The boy persisted. “Tell me!”
The old man scoffed. “There aren’t that many great heroes in the martial world. Just small fry. It’s not even worth talking about.”
The boy pouted. “Stubborn old man, do you even know who my father is? He’s a famous hero!”
The old man rolled his eyes. “Not only your father, I’ve even beaten your grandfather.”
The boy’s face turned red with anger. “You’re lying! My father is one of the top swordsmen in Western Chu, and my grandfather is the last Grand Master of Sword in our Western Chu!”
The old man picked his toes. “Grand Master? Go call your grandfather here and see if he doesn’t blush? Little Lü, haven’t you noticed how your father polishes his sword like it’s a lover’s skin? Yet every time he comes to ask me about swordsmanship, he dares not even wear his sword?”
Though born into a noble family of the Spring and Autumn Period, the boy naturally carried some inherited pride, but he wasn’t arrogant. He was polite in his dealings, yet in this mountain filled with generals and scholars living in seclusion, he preferred to chat with this most undignified, slovenly old man. Thinking carefully, he realized what the old man said might actually be true. Doubtfully, he asked, “So does that mean you’re a great swordsman too?”
The old man looked toward the gently flowing stream, green like a silk ribbon, and asked, “What does it mean to be great?”
The boy huffed. “They say your name is Li, like Li Chungan, a swordsman who was truly remarkable! Though you both lost an arm, you’re worlds apart! I heard from my grandmother that Li Chungan was the most handsome and charming man in the world, even she admired him. Look at you!”
The old man casually wiped his hand on his sheepskin coat and dug in his ear. “Kid, if you’re done flattering me, go play with your little bird.”
The boy, clever by nature, knew the art of indirect persuasion. He changed his tone with a grin. “Senior, since even my father seeks your advice on swordsmanship, what do you think of my potential? Why not teach me your famous techniques? I’ll be your disciple, even if it’s just an honorary one!”
The old man in sheepskin chuckled. “So you think you’re doing me a big favor? Want to learn swordsmanship? Talent comes second, temperament first. Understand? Your family has produced a whole nest of ministers and generals, but can you plant rice?”
The boy slapped his sword hilt, angry. “How could I do farm work? I barely have time to study military strategy and practice swordsmanship!”
The old man laughed. “Exactly. That’s why you can’t learn my sword.”
The boy, sulking, said, “Then your swordsmanship can’t be that good.”
The old man, sharing a surname with Li Chungan, simply smiled and stood up. “Little Lü, go tell your grandfathers and uncles that I’m leaving the mountain. I won’t be coming back. Oh, and tell your Sister Jiang one more thing: between killing and saving, there’s a thin line, a line between heaven and earth.”
Though the boy often argued with the old man, he truly liked the old fellow deep down. Upon hearing that he was leaving, he thought, “Now I’ll be so bored!” He quickly asked, “Old Li, where are you going? You’re so old, surely not to wander the martial world again? That’s for us young people. Why bother? Just stay here and grow old, okay? At most, I’ll stop calling you an old fool.”
And just like that, the old man left.
The boy had no choice but to run to the hillside first and tell his grandfather. The old general, once famous in Western Chu, was shocked, dropped his book, and rushed out of the thatched hut, but soon slumped back down, dejected.
The boy asked curiously, “Grandpa, what’s wrong?”
The old man patted the child’s head and walked out of the hut with him, gazing down the mountain. “Now I can tell you. That Li grandfather of yours not only shares the same surname as the Sword God Li Chungan, but actually the same name too. He is Li Chungan himself! When I was young, I was beaten by Master Li. Not that I’m ashamed to admit it—I actually married your grandmother because of that beating. The little boy who led a donkey up the mountain a few days ago, about your age, who you teased for his Western Chu accent—if I’m not mistaken, he must be Deng Tai’a’s sword boy.”
The boy was stunned like lightning had struck.
The water wheel continued to turn, irrigating the fields, but the person had already gone far.
※※※
A tall old man with white hair and beard walked out of the city.
Who wouldn’t leave a city? Everyone who enters must eventually leave.
But this time, behind him, a hundred miles back, followed no fewer than eight thousand cavalry! Passing through Guangling Road, another three thousand armored riders joined. Further south, entering the territory of Prince Yanchi, another three thousand riders joined. Then came an urgent imperial decree from the capital, adding another two thousand riders.
No matter what he intended to do, these eight thousand riders merely watched from afar, never interfering.
Eight thousand riders, like a shy maiden too timid to approach the man she admires, only daring to gaze from a distance.
The old man wore rough hemp robes and straw sandals, holding the hand of a little girl in green clothes. He walked swiftly, faster than galloping horses. More terrifying was that the frail girl, pulled along by the old man with snow-white hair, could also fly like a grasshopper.
The child, brought from the former Southern Tang, tilted her head and asked, “Grandpa, where are we going?”
The old man, who hadn’t spoken much in sixty years, unusually spoke more in the child’s presence. “To visit an old friend. Both a senior and a kindred spirit.”
The child nodded, not fully understanding, but pretending to. “An old friend.”
The old man smiled. “An old friend means someone you’ve known for a long time. But if you arrive too late, the friend may already be gone, and meeting or not meeting becomes meaningless.”
The little girl in green silk nodded obediently. “Grandpa, let’s hurry!”
Suddenly, the old man stopped. Seeing the girl’s puzzled eyes, he smiled. “Green Fish, wait a moment. There are still three hundred miles to go before I meet this old friend. I need to swat away a few flies.”
In an instant, he was gone. In an instant, he returned.
Then he took the hand of the little girl called Green Fish and continued forward.
Among the eight thousand riders, the three hundred vanguard riders were thrown into chaos, unable to dare cross even a single step beyond the boundary.
How could they not be terrified?
This old man was none other than Wang Xianzhi, the unrivaled number one martial artist in the world, who ruled the City of Martial Emperors!
※※※
The old man in sheepskin approached a dilapidated yellow clay house. In front of it was a dried-up pond.
Once, when he descended the mountain in his youth, he bought a green carp and a red carp at the market, releasing them into the small pond in front of the house. At the time, he was full of self-confidence, believing he would stay in the martial world for no more than half a year before becoming unbeatable and then returning home, bored. After injuring you, he went to the Demon-Slaying Platform, took your ashes home, only to find the house in ruins.
The pond was dry, the lotus leaves withered, and the two fish were gone without a trace.
Li Chungan followed the overgrown mountain path upward. At the summit was where he once practiced swordsmanship. The mountain peak had been split in two, as if a celestial swordsman had carved it away to fill the sea. On the flat mountaintop, a smooth cliff stood abruptly.
This cliff had once been struck by the young Li Chungan’s sword qi, leaving it scarred and uneven.
Li Chungan arrived at the flat mountaintop and knelt before a desolate grave, pulling out the weeds. The grave had no inscription, only a nameless sword from his youth resting beside her.
The old man in sheepskin looked at the cliff and smiled. “How could Li Chungan grow old and die, unable to lift his sword? How could I ever leave you behind and ascend to heaven? Is there anything more boring than becoming an immortal?”
He looked back at the lonely grave and whispered softly, “In the world of swordsmen, only Li Chungan. In the world of famous swords, only my Wooden Horse and Ox. That was Li Chungan’s sword path before thirty.”
“After that, as you wished, as the old Taoist Qi Xuanzhen had hoped, if the mountain would not come to me, I would not go to the mountain. If a mountain blocks the way, I will carve a path for those who come after. That is Li Chungan’s sword path!”
“Green Robe, look at this sword!”
Li Chungan pulled out the ancient sword that had not left its sheath in half a century and lightly swung it, splitting the entire cliff in two.
Li Chungan raised his head and shouted, “Deng Tai’a, I lend you this sword. Dare you receive it?”
A thunderous voice came from the heavens, “How could Deng Tai’a refuse? Thank you, Li Chungan, for carving a path for us swordsmen!”
With a gentle toss.
This sword soared into the sky.
After throwing the sword, Li Chungan did not look at the magnificent scene of a celestial sword splitting the mountain. He simply sat before the grave.
The old man, who had never spoken a single word of affection to any woman in his life, whispered softly, only for her to hear.
As dusk fell, the old man in sheepskin grew drowsy, like a dying old man dozing off.
With some effort, he opened his eyes and saw a small figure in green running toward him.
He whispered, “Green Robe.”
The little girl in green stood timidly before him and whispered, “My name is Green Fish.”
The old man, nearing death, closed his eyes but still trembled as he raised his hand. “Green Robe?”
For reasons unknown, the little girl, moved by intuition, reached out her small hand, held his, and nodded. “Yes.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage