Blade - Unbound

"My Martial Uncle was a very interesting man." Walking along the mountain path, Yu Linzi's eyes carried a trace of sorrow. "He was always smiling and always finding ways to annoy Grandmaster. He was exceptionally talented in astrology. After he descended the mountain, he never returned. He didn't even appear when Grandmaster ascended and passed away. We all thought he had already met with disaster."

Li Yan felt somewhat awkward, unsure what to say. "Well... my condolences."

The man had, in a sense, helped him, yet Li Yan had turned around and arrested the soul of his martial uncle. Although the man had already become a malevolent being, that was still a burial site within a Secret Realm. Who knew whether some opportunity for redemption might have appeared in the future?

Seeing his expression, Yu Linzi sighed softly and shook his head. "It has nothing to do with you. This method itself is forbidden. Even if the underworld had not seized his soul, the sect would have discovered it eventually and subjected him to Heavenly Lightning Punishment."

After a moment's hesitation, his expression turned serious. "There's something else. It's technically a secret of the Daoist world, but since you're a living yin emissary, you'll encounter it sooner or later. It would be better to know now so you can be prepared. How much do you know about the ancient Daoists, the Fangxian Dao?"

Li Yan nodded. "I know a little. They flourished during the Qin and Han dynasties, and helped Qin Shi Huang search everywhere for immortality."

Yu Linzi's voice deepened as he continued to explain, "In reality, they are much older than that. Even during the Zhou Dynasty, the ancient Daoists served kings and emperors. For example, during the reign of King Ling of Zhou, there was the great Ancient Daoist, Chang Hong, who understood yin and yang and comprehended spirits and gods. His name remains recorded in history.

"The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon speaks of True Men of Antiquity, Perfected Men of the Middle Ages, and Sages and Worthies. Those descriptions were written by Ancient Daoists who borrowed the authority of the Yellow Emperor's words. They have always pursued the secret of immortality."

Li Yan was surprised. He couldn’t help but ask, "But immortality is an illusion, isn't it? Countless emperors throughout history sought it, and all ended up chasing a dream."

"No. They found results."

Yu Linzi's words sent a chill through Li Yan.

"The Zhou conquest of Shang and the War of Investiture of the Gods were not exactly as folk operas portray them, but they were indeed a world-shaking conflict among the Daoist traditions. The Zhou kings burned Chaoge and destroyed the Shang Dynasty’s capital. They suppressed the remaining loyalists, desecrated Shang tombs, and established Zhou rites.

"Many records from that era were deliberately erased. Even modern Daoist texts are vague regarding those events. However, one matter was clearly preserved. A secret organization of Ancient Daoists continued excavating sites connected to the ancient War of Investiture.

"And they truly discovered many ancient secret arts. They compiled them into a single volume known as the Immortal Longevity Treasury."

Li Yan felt his mouth grow dry. Eventually, he croaked, "They succeeded?"

Yu Linzi shook his head. "Succeeded? Perhaps. But what followed was even more turmoil."

"The Fangxian Dao reached its peak during the Qin and Han dynasties before being eradicated. Yet the Immortal Longevity Treasury continued to spread secretly. Within it are seventy two Immortality Arts. Every single one is cruel and sinister. All require blood sacrifices and worship of seventy two Demon Lords.

"They use these methods to extend their lives, and all of them are sinners in the eyes of your underworld. The evil art my martial uncle cultivated was called the Altar God Longevity Art. It worshiped the Demon God Gong Yeqiu, who is rumored to have been a spirit entity from the War of Investiture itself."

Li Yan suddenly recalled the Maitreya Sect’s Incense Master he had encountered at the mass grave. The man's body had been swollen with grotesque fat, and he too had cultivated a Fangxian Dao secret art.

Quickly, Li Yan asked about it. "... Is that also considered one of them?"

"That's right." Yu Linzi nodded. "No one knows the exact name of that immortality technique. But the being it worshiped was likely a Demon God known as Zhu Shi."

Li Yan frowned. "Another remnant of the War of Investiture?"

"We don't know." Yu Linzi shook his head and sighed. "The era is simply too ancient. Even the surviving versions of the Immortal Longevity Treasury are incomplete. Whenever people obtain and cultivate its techniques, they usually bring calamity to entire regions.

"This time, my master personally used a Patriarch Altar artifact to suppress him and destroy his cultivation. If you ever encounter something like this again, be extremely careful."

Li Yan immediately cupped his fists in gratitude. "Thank you, Senior."

The Immortal Longevity Treasury, immortality arts, the War of Investiture, Demon Gods...

Good heavens.

Who would have thought the Daoist world concealed such secrets? Had Yu Linzi not warned him, he might have stumbled into disaster during some future assignment.

***

The snow arrived earlier than usual. As soon as the Winter Solstice arrived, cotton-like snowflakes began drifting down through the night. The snowfall was not heavy, but combined with the freezing wind, it quickly covered the Guanzhong Plain in white.

At Shilipu, ten li outside Chang'an City, Old Man Liang was squatting in his courtyard early in the morning. Ignoring the wind and snow, he smoked a rustic tobacco pipe while staring intently at a porcelain bowl on the ground.

Water had been placed inside the bowl the previous night. After freezing all night, its surface now displayed countless intricate patterns. His daughter-in-law stepped outside, wearing an apron.

"Father, how is it?"

Old Man Liang slowly rose to his feet, adopting a profound expression. Without hesitation, he nodded. "Don't worry. Next year will be a good harvest."

That was an old Guanzhong Plains divination custom. On the day before the Winter Solstice, a bowl of water would be left outside overnight. The next morning, people examined the patterns formed in the ice to predict the coming year's harvest.

Secret formulas and interpretations had been passed down through generations. Whether they actually worked was another matter entirely. Still, no matter who asked, the answer was always the same. It would be a good harvest. And the more people who asked, the happier everyone became.

After all, nobody wanted to hear bad news. It was simply the common people's humble wish for favorable weather and abundant crops.

"That's good, that's good!" His daughter-in-law quickly added, "Father, the dumplings are ready. Should I bring yours to the table?"

Old Man Liang grinned, revealing a mouth full of missing teeth. "No need. We'll wait until Chunsheng gets back from the city. Oh right. Pack two extra bowls. I'm bringing some over to Lass Hu’s place.

"They're just a bunch of kids, and Lass Niu isn't home very often. As neighbors, we've got to look after one another."

"Alright!"

His daughter-in-law hurried back into the kitchen. Before long, she emerged carrying a large food box. The box was woven from bamboo. Though old and yellowed with age, it had been kept spotless. It had two layers, each large enough to hold a sizable bowl.

Old Man Liang tucked his pipe into his collar, hummed a tune, and set off toward the eastern end of the village carrying the food box. Along the way, everyone greeted him.

"Old Uncle Liang, how's it looking?"

"Good harvest! Good harvest!"

"Third Brother, what about you?"

"Do you even need to ask? Definitely a good harvest!"

When he reached the eastern entrance of the village, a large residence came into view. The house was not luxurious. Its walls were made of packed earth, and old trees surrounded the property. Their tall branches formed a natural screen around the courtyard.

Neigh!

Several horses tied to the hitching posts outside blew clouds of steam from their nostrils.

She’s back? And she had guests?

Old Man Liang hesitated. Though he had watched her grow up, she was now the village's most capable person. Whether someone was haunted by evil spirits or cheated by swindlers in Chang'an, she was the one people sought for help.

Perhaps he should go home and bring more food?

As he considered it, the courtyard gate suddenly opened.

Red Yaksha stepped outside and smiled. "Uncle Liang, why aren't you coming in for a visit?"

"No, no. You've got guests." Old Man Liang quickly handed over the food box. "It's Winter Solstice. Just some homemade food! It’s not anything special. Let the children have a taste."

"Thank you."

"Bah, what are neighbors for if not this?"

Only after Red Yaksha accepted the gift did Old Man Liang seem relieved. Humming his tune again, he disappeared into the snowy distance.

Red Yaksha shook her head with a smile, and carried the food box back inside.

"Another one, Sister Hong?"

At a square table beneath the eaves of the main hall, Sha Lifei alternated between dumplings and wine. Sweating from the heat, he smacked his lips. "This is the first time I've ever eaten a Hundred Families Dumpling Feast. Sister, let me see what's inside this one..."

"Enough already!" Li Yan sat across from him, speechless. "You really don't treat yourself as an outsider."

"Outsider?" Sha Lifei protested loudly. "Sister Hong and I are comrades who faced life and death together! No way. Today we need to burn yellow paper and chop off a chicken head to swear brotherhood..."

The courtyard was filled with children seated at another table eating dumplings. They secretly giggled among themselves at the bald man's nonsense.

Red Yaksha laughed as well. "It's fine. Eat as much as you want. I'm only worried you won't be able to finish it all."

She placed the food box on the table. The table was already covered with similar food boxes.

Li Yan sighed with admiration. "Sister Hong really is popular. Far more than I ever was."

"Far more?" Sha Lifei immediately exposed him. "You’re not even comparable! Heh, Ghost Li of the Li Clan’s Fort... Your reputation stank for miles whenever the wind blew. After you left, your neighbors were probably setting off firecrackers in celebration."

The children burst into laughter, and even Red Yaksha smiled. "My lineage has lived in Shilipu for generations. When my master was alive, he always helped whenever villagers encountered problems. We never expected to make money off them. Blessings shared among neighbors always bring great fortune."

Wang Daoxuan took a sip of wine, admiration evident in his eyes. After descending from Mount Taibai, Red Yaksha had originally planned to leave alone. However, Sha Lifei stubbornly attached himself to her, calling her "Sister Hong" at every opportunity. Unable to shake him off, she ended up traveling with the group. Over time, everyone had become increasingly familiar.

Though Red Yaksha's reputation painted her as fierce and cold, it was largely a disguise. A woman traveling alone in the jianghu had to be cautious. Once people got to know her, however, they discovered she was straightforward, generous, and easy to befriend.

Li Yan and the others quickly became close friends with her.

The trio had originally intended to head straight to Chang'an. However, after arriving at Shilipu and finding that it was the Winter Solstice, Red Yaksha insisted on hosting them at her home.

The dumpling feast was lively and warm. As soon as everyone finished eating, children rushed over to clean up.The younger ones washed dishes and wiped tables while the older ones poured tea and handled chores. Everything was orderly and polite.

Li Yan and the others could not help but praise them. Red Yaksha's eyes were filled with pride and affection. It was obvious she had devoted her heart entirely to those children.

Sha Lifei rolled his eyes mischievously. "Sister Hong, if you ever run into trouble, don't shoulder it alone. We're planning to make our living in Chang'an from now on. If anything comes up, just call for us."

"Alright." Red Yaksha agreed readily.

Some jobs truly could not be handled alone anymore. As she grew older, she had begun feeling the strain. Having helpers would be worth earning a little less. After all, the children still depended on her.

She asked, "Living in Chang'an isn't easy. Housing there is expensive. Do you have somewhere to stay?"

"We'll stay at an inn first and look around afterward." Sha Lifei grinned. "We suffered quite a bit on Mount Taibai, but we also saved a large sum of money. If we find a suitable courtyard, we might buy one."

Li Yan thought for a moment before speaking. "Sister Hong, you're familiar with the Chang’an jianghu circle. Do you know any famous master skilled in the Pigua Palm who accepts disciples?"

That was the primary reason he had come to Chang'an. First, the imperial court was beginning to tighten regulations on the mystic path. He could not delay obtaining his Dao Permit any longer, and needed to retrieve it from Luo Mingzi soon. Second, he had already constructed his inner temple.

He possessed the Northern Emperor Scripture, and had obtained the underworld divine ability, the Soul-Hooking Chains. Compared to disciples of orthodox Daoist sects, he lacked nothing except martial arts. That remained his greatest weakness.

Unlike orthodox Daoist priests, who could rely on government troops and fellow experts to protect them while they focused on rituals and spells, Li Yan operated within the dangerous jianghu. Whether it was Chen Fakui or You Laosi, both had reached the second level of cultivation.

Yet because they lacked martial skills, death was inevitable once someone closed in.

Li Yan could not afford to neglect martial arts. According to his previous plans, learning Pigua Palm alongside his Red Fist would combine agility with overwhelming force. It would also perfectly complement his Thundercloud Divine Drum. Furthermore, it would help him cultivate the Northern Emperor Yin Lightning Palm in the future.

"Pigua masters..." Red Yaksha thought for a moment before speaking again. "There are quite a few in Chang'an. But you know the rules of the martial world. Once you enter a sect, entanglements and grudges are unavoidable.

"We follow the Daoist path, which holds high status in the jianghu, but there will always be those with ulterior motives who seek wealth and influence through you. It's best to keep your distance from such people.

"There is one appropriate person in Lanling, named Li Shiqing. He's a senior member of the Daoist Medicine School, and a renowned physician in Chang'an. He is highly skilled in the Pigua Palm. He has already entered the Jin Transformation Realm."

"A senior of the Daoist Medicine School?" Li Yan's eyes lit up. "Sister Hong, could you introduce me?"

Red Yaksha looked somewhat hesitant. "I only met him while seeking treatment for injuries. It was only after becoming familiar with him that I learned how formidable his martial arts truly are.

"However, he's extremely busy with patients every day. I don't know what he will choose to do. I can introduce you, but if it doesn't work out, don't blame me."

Li Yan smiled. "You're joking, Sister Hong. I'm already grateful that you're willing to introduce me. Whether it succeeds or not depends entirely on fate."

***

Early the next morning, the group arrived outside Chang'an.

This ancient capital had reached its greatest prosperity during the Tang Dynasty, when it contained one hundred and eight wards.

After countless wars, however, much of its former glory had vanished. The Taiji Palace and Daming Palace, for example, remained little more than ruins. The Prince of Chang'an's residence now occupied the site of the former Xingqing Palace.

Only seventy or eighty of the original wards remained intact and even then, their layout had become chaotic. Some wards had merged together, creating a patchwork city far less orderly than it had once been.

Yet as the prefectural capital, Chang'an remained prosperous.

Goods from the north gathered in Chang'an before being transported by mule caravans to river and land ports such as Manchuan Pass, and then onward to the south. Likewise, southern goods arrived in Chang'an before being distributed across the region.

When Red Yaksha and the others arrived, dawn had only just begun. The snow had stopped during the night but resumed before sunrise. Amid the wind and snow, the line waiting to enter the city stretched for miles.

Mules brayed and people screamed all along the street. The scene was bustling with life.

Li Yan and the others were in no hurry, and thus simply joined the queue. Conversations from all directions drifted into their ears.

"Did you hear? The Prince's Manor is holding a Winter Poetry Gathering."

"That's noble business. Why's a mud-legged peasant like you worrying about it?"

"You don't know anything. The Prince of Chang'an is famous for his love of fine food."

"They're collecting rare delicacies from all over. Anyone who delivers something unique gets rewarded."

"Really? Let me think about what I've got..."

"Brother Lu, making a fortune this year?"

"Fortune my ass. I still haven't paid back what I owe Xiangji Kitchen."

Sha Lifei listened with great interest, occasionally striking up conversations with strangers.

Meanwhile, Li Yan stared thoughtfully at the city. There was one matter he had not mentioned to the others. Although his father, Li Hu, had ultimately been ruined by Zhou Pan, the people who had actually carried out the deed were demons of the Maitreya Sect. If he discovered any clues, that grudge would eventually have to be settled.

Clop. Clop. Clop.

At that moment, the sound of hoofbeats approached from behind. Li Yan’s nose twitched as a familiar scent reached him. He twisted in a hurry.

As expected, a squad of the Military Surveillance Department emerged through the snowstorm on their black horses. At the front rode none other than Guan Wanche, the former chief constable of Xianyang.

"Hm?" Guan Wanche had sharp eyes, and his view was even better from horseback. He spotted Li Yan immediately within the crowd.

Pulling on the reins, he halted his horse and called out, "Li Yan? You've come to Chang'an?"

Before Li Yan could answer, Guan Wanche turned his head and said, "Little Sister, this is Li Hu's son."

Damn you, Guan Wanche...

Li Yan immediately sensed trouble. Looking up, he saw a middle-aged Daoist nun riding among the black cavalry. A longbow was slung across her back as her cold and indifferent gaze settled upon him.