Blade - Unbound

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The melodious tolling of bells echoed throughout Mount Hua.

Li Yan took a moment to look back as he walked down the mountain path at Green Branch Terrace, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The moment his blade had been completed was also the day the abbot of Pure Yang Courtyard ascended from this world. No matter how he looked at it, the timing felt rather inauspicious.

At a time like this, they naturally dared not say anything unnecessary and risk bringing bad luck upon themselves. After bidding farewell to Yu Fengzi and the others, they hurried down the mountain.

Mount Hua truly deserved its title as the root of the Divine Continent. Only after looking back on the journey did Li Yan realize just how strange and fantastical it had been. Even now, many things remained complete mysteries. For instance, there was the matter of the enigmatic Maiden Mao and Lord Xiuyang who became a White Ram recorded in the Biographies of Exemplary Immortals.

One had achieved immortality through ingestion, with her divine astral qi remaining undispersed even to this day. The other had actually mastered the art of transformation. They were both mysteries beyond mysteries.

There were also the inexplicable Divine Lanterns of Mount Hua and the White Emperor's blessing that had descended out of nowhere. Both seemed shrouded in an impenetrable veil of mist.

Wang Daoxuan had once said that temples and Daoist monasteries fell into three categories: Those at the foot of the mountain embraced the mortal world. Those halfway up were half mortal, half immortal. Finally, those at the summit had left the mundane world behind entirely, devoting themselves solely to the pursuit of the Dao.

Perhaps one day, when he stood high enough, those mysteries would reveal themselves one by one. But for now, he still had to struggle through the mortal world.

With that thought, he tightened his grip on Earth Breaker, gazed toward the distant valley, and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, our business on the mountain is finished. The road through the jianghu is long. Let's set out early. Brother Lu, see if those idiots are still waiting below the mountain."

Lu San nodded and blew a bamboo whistle, imitating the cry of a hawk. High in the gloomy sky, a hawk slowly circled overhead. After watching it for a moment, Lu San frowned. "Those people are still stationed at Yuquan District below. They're conducting strict inspections on everyone going up or down the mountain. They're really like ghosts that refuse to leave."

Li Yan snorted, a chill entering his eyes. "In that case, we'll have to force our way through. Get ready, we're breaking through the blockade and leaving the mountain!"

Without question, the imperial troops were difficult opponents. Unless one was a true grandmaster capable of weaving through armies in the midst of battle, ordinary martial artists and cultivators, even those who had cultivated to the Core Jin Realm, Astral Jin Realm, or those who had mastered formidable spells, would eventually exhaust themselves and die if surrounded by such overwhelming numbers.

But it wasn't as though Li Yan had no solution for their situation. The sky was overcast, with a fine drizzle falling and not a trace of sunlight to be seen. In weather like this, summoning ghost soldiers posed no problem. At worst, he could summon an entire battalion of ghost soldiers to stir up violent winds and clouds of sand and stones, blinding the soldiers and creating an opportunity for them to break through.

After capturing underworld sinners twice, he had obtained a total of six astral decrees. Using one to escape was hardly a loss. Of course, he had no intention of slaughtering indiscriminately. Using ghost soldiers to facilitate an escape and using mystic arts to massacre imperial troops were two entirely different matters.

Some things were absolute taboos. The moment one crossed that line, the Enforcement Hall would descend in force. Even disciples of the Taixuan Orthodox Sect dared not commit such acts.

After all, he had witnessed the situation on the mountain with his own eyes. The Great Xuan Dynasty was at the height of its power, and imperial authority still firmly overshadowed divine authority.

Before long, the three of them had reached the foot of the mountain and lay hidden behind a rocky bend, peering outside. Sure enough, there were many soldiers patrolling the area.

As it was still an imperial site of worship, they naturally dared not march troops directly into the temple grounds. Instead, they sealed off every road leading in and out, conducting strict inspections of every traveler.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes and signaled the others. He then gripped his Summoning Writ in his hand, preparing to force his way through. But just as he was about to cast his spell, the situation suddenly changed. Far across the plain, two riders came galloping toward them.

The servant boy, Zhu Mo, was terrified as he continued to shout, "Young Master! Young Master, slow down!"

Yan Jiuling, however, raced recklessly ahead on horseback. Mud splashed everywhere, staining his embroidered robe beyond recognition, yet his eyes shone with unusual brilliance.

Though galloping through the rain had left him in a sorry state, he relaxed after seeing the situation at the foot of the mountain. "Good. I made it in time after all."

Seeing him charge toward them, the outer guards immediately drew their bows, calling out, "Stop right there!"

But Yan Jiuling immediately roared, "How dare you!"

Gone was the timid scholar he usually appeared to be. With his eyes blazing in anger, he shouted, "I am Yan Jiuling, an Imperial Examination Candidate from Ezhou! I come under the orders of Minister Li himself! Are you trying to rebel?"

Though he practiced no martial arts, an awe-inspiring aura of righteous qi unexpectedly arose around him.

The soldiers blocking his path immediately looked uncertain. Seeing Yan Jiuling's imposing bearing, they quickly lowered their weapons.

The officer in charge asked somewhat nervously, "Do you have proof?"

"Hmph!"

Yan Jiuling dismounted with a cold snort, pulled a blank official document from his robes, and unfolded it. Several lines of writing covered the paper, stamped with a bright crimson official seal.

The soldier had only asked out of routine and could not even read. After a cursory glance, he immediately bowed with clasped fists. "Sir, please come with me."

Despite facing over a thousand fierce soldiers, Yan Jiuling showed not the slightest fear. Chin held high, he strode confidently into the central command camp.

Li Yan and the others naturally saw everything. They watched as Yan Jiuling planted his hands on his hips and unleashed a torrent of abuse at a mounted commander. Though the commander's face darkened with anger, he did not dare argue. He merely cupped his fists, waved his hand, and quickly led his troops away.

Sha Lifei clicked his tongue. "Well now... That silly scholar actually has this kind of presence. Remarkable."

After the soldiers had withdrawn, Yan Jiuling remained where he stood, turning to look toward Mount Hua, his eyes filled with worry. Li Yan and the others stopped hiding and quickly walked out.

Seeing them safe and sound, Yan Jiuling finally relaxed and started to laugh heartily. "Hahaha..."

He ran toward them, nearly slipping on the rain-soaked ground. But he paid it no mind. Though bedraggled, he still wore a bright smile as he cheered happily, "It's good that you're all unharmed. The rivers swelled along the way and washed away several bridges, delaying me. I was so worried I would have arrived too late."

Li Yan solemnly cupped his fists. "Thank you, Brother Yan."

Though he had his own means of breaking through, he had witnessed everything Yan Jiuling had done. Along with his admiration came the resolve to remember this favor.

"It's nothing. It was only right." Yan Jiuling dismissed it casually. He glanced at Mount Hua, then at the group, and suddenly sighed. "Everyone... I suppose this is where we part ways?"

Li Yan laughed freely. "What kind of farewell is it without wine? Wait here!"

With that, he leapt onto a fast horse, galloped to a nearby town, bought a jug of wine, and hurried back, pouring each of them a bowl.

By then, Yan Jiuling's spirits had also risen. Raising his bowl with a smile, he said, "Brother Li, after today's farewell, who knows when we'll meet again? However, I believe your name will one day resound throughout the jianghu."

Li Yan also raised his bowl. "And while I'm in the jianghu, next year I'm certain I'll hear that Brother Yan has earned a place on the imperial honors list!"

The Great Xuan Dynasty held its imperial examinations once every three years. Yan Jiuling had already earned his spot there and was preparing to head to the capital later this year. The examination would likely be held around the second or third month of the next year. The reason he was leaving so early was simply to cultivate connections and pay his respects to influential teachers and patrons.

That was simply how things worked. If one failed to do so and lacked powerful backing, even if they managed to pass the examination, they would likely be assigned to some remote corner of the empire as an official.

"I'll gladly accept your auspicious words, Brother Li!"

The group raised their bowls, drained them in a few hearty gulps, then smashed them to pieces on the ground.

Inspired by the atmosphere, Zhu Mo also spoke up. "Hero Li, Uncle Sha, Daoist Wang, you all have to be careful on the road. The Guanzhong Plains really isn't peaceful now. The army dares to mobilize troops without authorization, and the bandits are running rampant. I even heard that someone twisted a man's head clean off right in the middle of the street on the night of the Lantern Festival. It was terrifying..."

Li Yan and the others immediately exchanged strange looks at the mention of the twisted head.

Sha Lifei chuckled. "That's right, that's right. We're all honest, law-abiding folk. We would never dare cross paths with such villains."

Yan Jiuling had naturally heard of Li Yan's feats. He simply didn't correct Zhu Mo. He smiled knowingly, then solemnly cupped his fists. "Everyone, until we meet again."

Li Yan and the others returned the salute. "Until we meet again."

Thus, the two parties shared a final farewell over coarse wine in the fine rain. One journeyed north, stepping into officialdom while the other headed south, walking the road of the jianghu...

***

Inside Calyx Pavilion in Chang'an, Night Crier drank until he passed out, woke, then drank himself senseless again. The ten thousand taels of silver he had only recently acquired were disappearing at an astonishing pace. A beauty rested in his arms, while empty wine jars clinked beneath his feet.

As he read the note sent by Shopkeeper Wan, Night Crier merely shook his head. Then, with a light flick of his fingers, the slip of paper instantly crumbled into ash.

"They've left? Good... It's good that they've left. This road always has to be taken one step at a time."

He took a fierce swig of wine, then rose, bare-chested, to walk to the window. Gazing over the bustling prosperity of Chang'an with unfocused eyes, he seemed to recall what it had been like when he had first arrived.

***

In Qingyuan Pavilion some distance away, Zhao Wanfang also clenched the note in her hand before rising and walking into the private room next door.

"Pavilion Master, I'm ready. I'll leave for the capital now."

***

Inside the Prince's Manor, Li Kongqing looked at the note that had just been delivered, sighed softly, and gazed into the distance. Beside him, the heir was reviewing official documents.

Sensing something, he turned and asked, "Kongqing, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. Mother's disciple has left, and he didn't even have time to say goodbye before going. I'm afraid Mother will be upset. Your Highness, I would like to return home tonight and have dinner with her."

"Filial devotion is only proper. Of course you may." The prince's heir nodded thoughtfully. "Is this the one who killed that guy in the street on the night of the Lantern Festival?"

"Yes."

"It would be better to have less contact with wandering cultivators like that. Has Yue Fachong left as well?"

"He just departed from the residence."

"Hmph. That man is far too driven by personal gain. Even if he is acting for the sake of his lineage after his death, he is not qualified to drag the Prince's Manor into the matter. As for Luo Faqing, he is somewhat interesting. You may pay closer attention to him in the future."

"Yes, Your Highness."

***

Outside the Prince of Chang'an's residence, on the streets of Shengye Ward, Yue Fachong slowly walked away in a plain white Daoist robe, holding a child by the hand.

"Master!" The child suddenly looked up. He had a round, sturdy face and asked in confusion, "Why won't you avenge my father?"

Yue Fachong glanced indifferently down at the child. "He brought this upon himself. I told him not to come to Chang'an, yet he insisted. It was only natural that he would suffer this calamity.

"And as for you, now that your father is dead, the Qiao Family will inevitably decline. If you want revenge, rely on your own abilities. If you have no talent, then stay obediently on the mountain and sweep the floors."

The child nodded fiercely, his eyes filled with determination. "Yes, Master."

Yue Fachong smiled faintly, turned to look back at the Prince's Manor, and then strode away without the slightest lingering attachment. After leaving the city gates of Chang'an, his gaze suddenly sharpened as he looked ahead.

The child beside him was very perceptive. Noticing his protector’s sudden stiffness, he also raised his head to look into the distance, only to see a black-robed Daoist in the distance, likewise leaving while holding a child's hand.

"Master, who is that?"

"A Daoist from the Enforcement Hall named Gu Chenzi." Yue Fachong seemed to recall something and sighed softly. Lowering his head, he said, "Remember this. That is the Taixuan Orthodox Sect, the foremost authority of the Daoist schools.

"Revenge is nothing. If you truly have ability, then make my Shang Mountain lineage an orthodox Daoist lineage. When that day comes, no one will dare bully you again."

"Yes, Master."

***

Meanwhile, in the distance, Gu Chenzi was also holding a child's hand and giving him instructions. "Senior Brother Luo Mingzi has already established himself in the capital, but that is not a kind place. There are countless people more gifted than you, so you must never cause trouble for your master."

The child nodded timidly. "Yes."

The kid was none other than the son of Zheng Xian, whom Li Yan and the others had rescued.

***

At the entrance of Shangyi Village outside Xianyang, Shopkeeper Wan flew into a fit of rage the moment he saw Zhao Luzi. "You stubborn mule! Are you really planning to hide in the Guanzhong Plains for the rest of your life? Your father was afraid you would cause trouble, but with your temperament, how could you ever invite trouble upon yourself?"

Zhao Luzi gave a simple smile and scratched his head.

Shopkeeper Wan shook his head speechlessly. "Before Brother Yan left, he said that if anything happened, you had to find a way to inform him. No matter where in the world he might be, he would return. He may act ruthlessly, but he always keeps his word. How many trustworthy friends can a person make in a lifetime? It isn't easy."

Zhao Luzi nodded solemnly. "Yes."

"You really are a dull mule." Shopkeeper Wan sighed helplessly, then continued, "Also, I asked someone in Xianyang to arrange a marriage for you. Perhaps..."

"No, no, no!" Zhao Luzi's face reddened, and he hurriedly waved his hands. "There's no need, Uncle Wan. I'll figure it out myself."

With that, he fled in panic. Shopkeeper Wan watched him leave with helplessness written all over his face.

After leaving Shangyi Village, Zhao Luzi walked faster and faster. In less than half an hour, he arrived back at the mountain god temple in the hills. The once-messy temple had now been cleaned until it was spotless. A woman was humming a tune as she wove reeds into a mat.

Her complexion was fair, and she was exceptionally beautiful. Though she wore coarse clothes and performed work usually done by peasant women, leaving her slender hands somewhat rough, she remained perfectly composed, as though she were plucking flowers in a garden.

When she saw Zhao Luzi, she smiled sweetly. "You're back?"

"Yes." Zhao Luzi nodded. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "I asked around. Things are still a little tense in Chang'an..."

The woman blinked. "Do you want me to leave that badly?"

"That... No... I..." Zhao Luzi immediately panicked and began stumbling over his words.

The woman burst out laughing. "Don't worry. I'm not leaving."

She looked toward Chang'an, a trace of disgust flashing through her eyes. "I never want to return to that place again. Everyone schemes against one another, and every day is lived in fear. At least I can sleep peacefully each night here."

Zhao Luzi grunted, "Yes."

He scratched the back of his head. He was not good with words, but the joy in his eyes could not be concealed.

"Dummy." The woman laughed again, her gaze filled with tenderness. "And don't call me Miss Feng anymore. A woman follows the man she marries, whether he is a rooster or a dog. From now on, I'll be known as Zhao Feng."

Zhao Luzi grunted once in agreement.

"Is that the only thing you know how to say?!"

"Yes."

"You really are a dummy..."

***

At the Zhang Family Martial Arts Hall in Xianyang, it was Zhang Yuanshang's sixtieth birthday. Though he was usually low-key, as the chairman of Xianyang's Divine Fist Association, he did not always have the freedom to decide how his own birthday celebration would be held.

The martial arts hall had already been decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Disciples hurried back and forth as they prepared the banquet. They had even invited an opera troupe from Chang'an.

Holding the note sent by Shopkeeper Wan, Zhang Shitong passed through the lively crowd and quickly made his way to the rear courtyard. There, Zhang Yuanshang was squatting on the steps like an old farmer, holding a long tobacco pipe and puffing clouds of smoke.

Zhang Shitong hurried forward and lowered his head before speaking. "Father, that brat Li Yan has left. Nothing unexpected happened."

"What could possibly happen to him?" Zhang Yuanshang snorted irritably. "I can see it clearly now. That brat is even wilder than his father and somehow even better at causing trouble. After creating so much chaos in the Guanzhong Plains, what else could he do but run?

"Anyway, where did they go?"

Zhang Shitong replied, "I heard they were heading to Ezhou. They should have reached Manchuan Pass by now."

Zhang Yuanshang replied, "Ezhou? Then they'll have to pass through Yunyang Prefecture. That place... Ah, forget it, forget it. That brat is the sort who only takes advantage and never suffers losses. Let him do as he pleases."

Seeing Zhang Yuanshang's irritation, Zhang Shitong lowered his voice. "Father, you invited both families. What if they..."

"What can possibly happen?" Zhang Yuanshang glared at him before speaking again. "Today is this old man's birthday. No matter how angry they are, they'll have to keep it bottled up. Some things are best settled by talking them through. They all have households and businesses to support. Both of them are merely trying to earn a living. Do you think everyone is like that brat Li Yan, killing people the moment they disagree with him?

"Alright. Everyone should be here by now. Let's go."

With that, he stood, dusted off his backside, and left the rear courtyard.

The front courtyard was already filled with a deafening hubbub.

"Greetings, Old Master Zhang!"

"Greetings, President Zhang!"

When Zhang Yuanshang arrived, everyone hurried forward to greet him. Zhang Yuanshang laughed and exchanged pleasantries with all sides as the atmosphere inside the martial arts hall remained entirely harmonious.

From the distant opera stage came the desolate yet heroic voice of the senior male performer: Heaven and earth rise and fall; the worthy and foolish alike wake from drunken dreams. Through the rise and decline of ages, beneath the cold night and sword-bright blossoms, I sit with a heart yearning to return, yet once again, I find myself in a foreign land...