In the Secluded Garden, a pungent scent of blood seeped from Xu Zhihu’s private chamber. Even three Tanwood incense burners, filled with premium dragon Ambergris balls, could not mask it. Pale-faced, Xu Zhihu gazed at Li Chungan, who was taking Xu Fengnian’s pulse. The Young Master, bare from the waist up, lay prone on the bed, his back a mangled mess of blood and flesh. The old sword immortal wore a look of regret, so terrifying that even the fearless Xu Zhihu could not stop her tears from falling, her hands covering her mouth to suppress her sobs.
Xu Fengnian, who had just returned from the brink of death, did not look like a dying man. Irritated, he muttered, “I’m not going to die.” Li Chungan nodded, saying, “Indeed, you won’t. A pity. If the slash had gone one more inch deeper, even a celestial immortal couldn’t have saved you. Now, it’s just a flesh wound. Was it that girl assassin who killed Wang Mingyin?”
Xu Fengnian grumbled a confirmation. Accompanied by General Ning Ehumi, Master Wei Shuyang, and fifty light cavalry, he had ridden to Jiangxin Prefecture. From the beginning, he had agreed with his two attendants to lure out the assassin. Yet he hadn’t expected the girl, who kept a large cat, to be so patient. Throughout the round trip from Yangchun to Jiangxin, the Young Master had deliberately exposed many weaknesses, but she had not taken the bait. Only after entering the city gate, when Xu Fengnian had just begun to relax, did the unexpected assassin, clinging like a gecko to the dark ceiling of the gate arch, silently drop down and strike. Fortunately, she seemed unprepared for the fact that the Young Master had already reached the fourth level of the Huangting cultivation. Had it been the Xu Fengnian from the reed marshes, her strike would have shattered his spine on the spot. However, after several failed assassination attempts, the furious girl known as Hehe sprang into pursuit within the city gate tunnel. Xu Fengnian’s foot touched the side wall, and she followed closely behind. As she was about to strike a second time, Ning Ehumi’s short spear flew through the air, and Wei Shuyang’s figure darted upward like a hawk. The White Horse Righteous Cavalry soldiers raised their crossbows, but seeing the unfavorable situation, the girl did not linger in battle. She slipped through an inner wall hole, her slender hand piercing the city wall as easily as cutting tofu. With a few leaps, she vanished without a trace.
During their passage through Xiongbao Prefecture, she had made another attempt when the horses were drinking by a stream. She had burst from the stream’s bottom, but Li Chungan, who was nearby, instantly sent a wave of sword qi, not giving her a chance to get close. All they saw was the girl disappearing into the water like a fish, unscathed by the hail of arrows and spears.
What a persistent pest!
Xu Fengnian comforted her, saying, “Sister, really, I’m fine.”
Relieved, Xu Zhihu wiped her tears and smiled through her tears, then slapped his bottom hard, “Fine? This is fine? With this behavior, how can I sleep with you tonight and whisper secrets?”
Li Chungan’s expression was strange. He had intended to tease a bit, but thought better of it. Knowing Xu Fengnian’s petty nature, he wouldn’t dare to quarrel with himself, but might take it out on Jiang Ni instead. Truly, one thing subdues another. Even an old man like himself would face such a day—unfair indeed. Reluctantly leaving the fragrant chamber, the maids Qingniao and Xiao Qiao also wisely stepped aside, leaving only the two siblings who had always been close. Although it was an external wound, the pain was severe. Just as Xu Fengnian was about to rest, he sensed something amiss and exclaimed in frustration, “Sister, what are you doing taking off my pants? I wasn’t hurt there!”
Xu Zhihu, showing no sisterly decorum, cooed softly, “Fengnian, I’m not sure. I should check. There’s no one else here, why are you blushing?”
Xu Fengnian desperately shielded his waistband, turning his head in anger, “Sister! We’re grown up now, stop being so shameless!”
Xu Zhihu feigned a sorrowful look, her expression one of tearful melancholy. A less experienced man, like the scholars of Jiangnan, would have lost his soul at the sight. But Xu Fengnian, having grown up with this elder sister, knew her tricks well. He didn’t dare loosen his grip, fearing she might take advantage. The siblings locked in a stalemate, Xu Fengnian begged, “Sister, please, don’t take advantage of an injured person like this.”
Xu Zhihu reluctantly withdrew but not before slapping the Young Master’s bottom again, laughing lightly, “Oh, so perky. Practicing swordplay must be good. This physique is just perfect. Once you recover, I’ll have all the fun to myself.”
Xu Fengnian groaned, “If you keep this up, I’ll go to Second Sister tomorrow.”
Xu Zhihu leaned down, her beautiful face, as alluring as a fox spirit, approached the Young Master, her breath sweet, “Heartless fellow. Who in the family loves and spoils you the most? Who changed your sheets after you wet the bed when you were little? Now you’re turning your back on me?”
Xu Fengnian turned to face her, looking at this face that few outsiders could see as anything but dignified, and softly asked, “Sister, why won’t you come home with me?”
Xu Zhihu knelt at the bed’s edge, resting her chin in her hands, gazing at this brother who had slaughtered mercilessly upon entering Yangchun, and tenderly said, “This is my home now. A married daughter is like water spilled; that’s why there’s the saying ‘spilled water cannot be retrieved.’ Even if I return to Beiliang, it will only be a visit to my parents, not coming home.”
Xu Fengnian remained silent.
Xu Zhihu reached out to caress this man who had made enemies all over Jiangnan for her sake. She had watched him for so many years, never tiring of his sight, and softly said, “Your little uncle, that Tanghai Sword Immortal Lu Baijie, says you’re going the wrong way and won’t amount to anything. That’s because he doesn’t know how much you love your sister. I know your feelings, of course. You killed those idle scholars in the city just to vent your anger on my behalf, and you dragged Liu Liting to death from Jiangxin to Huting Prefecture. You did all this not just to vent your anger but also to force me out of Jiangnan so I’d have to go back to Beiliang with you, right? You silly boy, wherever I am, I’m still your sister. Do you really think you’ll be happy if I return to Beiliang? And when your second sister comes back from the Shangyin Academy, won’t you have to deal with the two of us constantly quarreling over you? I always lose arguments with her, so I don’t want to endure that humiliation. This time, you came to see me first, bypassing the nearby, and that second sister of yours, who gets upset even when you call her by her title, must be furious.”
Xu Fengnian huffed in irritation.
Xu Zhihu reached out to pinch his increasingly defined face, smiling, “You’re getting more handsome, but you’re still just a child.”
As Xu Fengnian was about to speak, Xu Zhihu waved him off, saying, “Sleep now, don’t chase me away. Let me watch over you.”
Xu Fengnian drifted into a deep sleep.
The next morning, when the Young Master awoke at dawn, he found his elder sister still asleep by the bedside. He chuckled bitterly as he got up; his back wound had already scabbed over, healing at an astonishing speed. Although still far from the Realm of the Indestructible Diamond, his body already had a significant advantage over ordinary martial artists. Xu Fengnian’s movements did not wake Xu Zhihu, but they did disturb Xiao Qiao, the maid sleeping in the adjacent room. Diligent servants usually do not sleep deeply. She quickly slipped into the room, wearing only a light robe. In the sweltering summer, her attire was already revealing, her figure gracefully curvaceous, her appearance gentle and refined, embodying the unique water-like grace of Jiangnan women. Her delicate frame was typical of the The Gaunt Steed of Jiangnan, the slender beauties so prized by the nobility of the capital, rivaled only by the voluptuous beauties of the Western Chu.
Xu Fengnian raised a finger to his lips, signaling the young girl to be quiet. She glanced at his bare upper body, her face flushed red, quickly lowering her head to avoid breaking the rules. The more aristocratic the family, the stricter the rules, and the more varied the temperaments of the masters, so servants naturally dared not act presumptuously. Moreover, Xiao Qiao had heard countless stories from her mistress about the Young Master of Beiliang’s arrogant behavior, and after yesterday’s incident, she was even more cautious. The little maid had thought that upon arriving in Huting Prefecture, the Young Master would merely visit his sister and then go to Jiangxin Prefecture to beat up that henpecked scholar, Chengzhai. She never could have imagined that the Young Master would drag Liu Liting’s corpse all the way from Jiangxin to the Lu residence on horseback.
Xu Fengnian picked up a jade bottle made of sheep fat jade from the bedside, lowering his voice with a smile, “Xiao Qiao, help me apply this ointment; I can’t reach my back.”
The little girl trembled as she took the jade bottle, poured some fragrant ointment onto her fingertips, sat on the edge of the bed, and gently applied it to the Young Master’s back, her face, ears, and neck turning red. When her fingers touched his skin, her delicate body shivered. Her crystalline skin seemed as if it could drip with moisture. But when she saw the old scars mingling with the fresh wounds on his back, she was horrified. She could not imagine how someone of such noble birth could bear so many scars. Who dared to harm him so? In the deep courtyards of the Lu residence, especially under the protection of Xu Zhihu, how could Xiao Qiao ever understand the treachery and turbulence of the martial world and the court? To her, the biggest event was when her mistress ate a little less rice or caught a chill. If someone slapped her mistress, she would fight to the death to avenge her. In short, Xiao Qiao was fortunate to have a mistress like Xu Zhihu, who protected her fiercely. In aristocratic families, how many attractive and tempting servant girls remained untouched? Most had been devoured, secretly or openly, leaving not even a bone behind. Private pleasures in the boudoir were such that even moral paragons and Confucian scholars could say nothing about them.
With her help, Xu Fengnian dressed in a new set of clothes, smiled, and whispered, “Xiao Qiao, I’m going out for some fresh air. Wait for my sister and let her wake up naturally.”
Xiao Qiao timidly nodded, only now secretly noticing that the Young Master was tall and well-built, much taller than the men of Jiangnan.
Xu Fengnian stepped out of the house, where Qingniao was standing in the courtyard. Master and servant left the Secluded Garden and strolled along the lake. Xu Fengnian saw that Tanghai Sword Immortal Lu Baijie was already sitting in the pavilion, whether waiting for him or not was unknown. Without hesitation, Xu Fengnian walked over. Among the seven outstanding members of the Lu family, Lu Baijie was the youngest. Since he had not married or fathered children, he had not moved out of the family home and lived in the Retreat Garden. Because the family head, Lu Daolin, held the prestigious position of Right Sacrificial Official of the National Academy in the capital, the daily affairs of the Lu residence were generally entrusted to Lu Xuanlang. The Tanghai Sword Immortal usually did not concern himself with mundane matters, but in major issues, his words carried great weight. Even Lu Daolin and Lu Xuanlang, who were legitimate sons and held power within the Lu family, valued the opinions of their younger half-brother.
Among the seven Lu family members, besides these three, one devoted himself to Daoist cultivation, one entered the Buddhist path, and the remaining two held official positions in the region of Yangzhou, both at the rank of Fourth Rank Official. Local officials of this rank were indeed significant figures, far more influential than the Fourth Rank Official or even Third Rank officials in the capital’s less powerful departments. Although capital officials generally looked down on those stationed outside, those who truly aspired to become influential ministers in the imperial court often sought to be transferred to local posts when they reached the rank of Fourth Rank, staying for six years at most or three at least, accumulating enough experience and reputation before returning to the capital, where they could truly become pillars of the dynasty. Originally, with Lu Baijie’s talent, he could have become the second most important figure in the Lu family after the head, Lu Daolin. Unfortunately, the Tanghai Sword Immortal had no interest in an official career, yet he maintained harmonious relations with all six of his brothers, being able to speak sincerely with each. The other six brothers generally got along well but inevitably had some deeper conflicts. For instance, Lu Xuanlang, who founded the Baishong Academy, did not hold his two younger brothers, who were officials, in high regard. During the scholars’ gatherings and discussions in the academy, he had even led criticisms against them, severely criticizing their policies. Thus, this Baishong scholar and his two pragmatic younger brothers could be said to follow different paths and could not truly collaborate. Especially during the grand migration of the Hongjia era to the north, Lu Xuanlang was greatly dissatisfied with the Lu family’s acceptance of many lower-ranking scholars from the southern clans, privately criticizing them as unworthy southern scoundrels who had infiltrated the Lu family’s prestigious ranks. However, since the family head was still his elder brother Lu Daolin, Lu Xuanlang could only grumble in private.
Entering the pavilion, Xu Fengnian performed the courtesy of a junior, respectfully saying, “Fengnian pays respects to Master Tanghai. Last night, I mistakenly thought you intended to block my entry, and in my haste, I spoke disrespectfully. I hope you will not take offense.”
Lu Baijie replied coldly, “The Young Master speaks too highly. However, I have little moral righteousness to offer for sale. I wonder what brings you to the pavilion?”
Xu Fengnian smiled, “My elder sister has always spoken highly of Master Tanghai in recent years. Today, I have come to spar with Master Tanghai. Coincidentally, I have sustained a few injuries, so I thought you might be gentler with me.”
Lu Baijie was clearly taken aback, a hint of a smile appearing on his face as he said, “The Young Master’s rascal temper is truly identical to your sister’s.”
Xu Fengnian replied, “We siblings learned it all from Xu Xiao.”
This was the first time Lu Baijie had heard the name Xu Xiao spoken so directly. In Jiangnan, even the most unrestrained scholars and famous figures would only refer to him as the “northern brute,” and very few dared to call him “Xu the Lame” even in private. Lu Baijie smiled and asked, “How long will the Young Master be staying? Do you plan to kill a few more Jiangnan scholars?”
A sword intent filled the pavilion.
Qingniao frowned and was about to enter, but Xu Fengnian waved her off, facing the Tanghai Sword Immortal calmly and saying, “As long as they don’t provoke me. I’m not a demon, after all, who would kill for no reason. I might indulge in lust when I’m well-fed and warm, but that’s about it.”
Lu Baijie sneered, “Does the Young Master not fear causing trouble for the King of Beiliang, who is still in the capital?”
Xu Fengnian shook his head and smiled, “Master Tanghai, you may not know, but if I had come to Jiangnan peacefully and left just as calmly, allowing those scholars to slander my elder sister, then Xu Xiao would truly be angry. Whether it’s killing Liu Liting or those scholars, the memorials from Jiangnan flying to the capital like snowflakes might give Xu Xiao a headache, but in reality, he’s quite pleased. When we return to Beiliang, he might even scold me privately for not killing more.”
Lu Baijie sighed helplessly, “The Young Master’s family.”
Yet, in the Tanghai Sword Immortal’s faint smile, there was clearly a touch of sincerity.
Xu Fengnian gazed at the lake and said, “My sister still refuses to return to Beiliang. She says this is her home. What’s so good about this home, Master Tanghai? Please enlighten me.”
Unexpectedly, Lu Baijie burst into laughter, “It’s not good at all. Unfortunately, this home isn’t mine to decide. Otherwise, I would have sent your sister back to Beiliang long ago—get out, quickly, so I won’t have to see her and won’t be troubled. I can’t even enjoy my travels in peace.”
Xu Fengnian immediately felt a surge of goodwill toward this Yangzhou sword immortal, smiling with a hint of mischievousness, like a rebellious younger generation interacting with a wise elder.
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