Blade - Unbound

Li Yan possessed a divine sense of smell and was extremely sensitive to scents. He had met Han Kun once during Zhou Pan's Golden Basin Handwashing Ceremony. Zhang Yuanshang had introduced them, and they had exchanged a few words. Though they weren't familiar, Li Yan had memorized his scent.

His heart stirred, and he quickly stepped forward. According to the information he had gathered, Lu San was currently sheltering within the Manchuan Pass Canal Gang. If Han Kun was willing to introduce him, finding Lu San might become much easier.

Hearing approaching footsteps, Han Kun's two subordinates immediately became alert.

"Stop!"

They spun around and blocked Li Yan's path. Their temples bulged slightly and their eyes shone with sharp focus. Clearly, they were skilled martial artists.

Han Kun happened to turn around as well.

Li Yan immediately cupped his fists. "I greet Leader Han."

"Li Yan?" Han Kun paused briefly when he recognized who had come. He nodded slightly. "What a coincidence. You've come to Manchuan Pass for the festival as well?"

Li Yan asked in shock, "What festival?"

Han Kun smiled. "Every year on the seventh day of the tenth month, Manchuan Pass holds a ceremony honoring Marquis Zhuge. It's also the gathering time for brothers of the Canal Gang.

"Little Brother Li, what brings you here?"

Initially, Han Kun wasn't particularly interested. The Canal Gang wasn't some ordinary gang, and even Zhou Pan had to treat him with courtesy. As for a rising junior from Xianyang like Li Yan, a few polite words would normally suffice during their meeting.

However, Han Kun suddenly recalled something. The little scheme Guan Wanche had played during the ceremony hadn't escaped the notice of an old jianghu veteran like him. Moreover, Guan Wanche had later joined the Military Surveillance Department and fought alongside Li Yan at the mass grave, killing a Maitreya Sect’s Incense Master.

That was something worth paying attention to. The Canal Gang earned its living on the waterways. Maintaining good relations with the authorities was essential.

As a result, Han Kun became noticeably more courteous.

"This junior came to Manchuan Pass because..."

Li Yan had barely begun speaking when Han Kun waved his hand. "No hurry. There are too many eyes and ears here. I'm going to meet an old friend anyway, and it's quieter over there. We can talk at leisure once we arrive."

"Thank you, Senior."

Helpless, Li Yan could only follow him.

***

The group proceeded through Qin Street before crossing into Chu Street. After a short walk, they turned into a side alley. The alley was much quieter, since residences in the area were all large estates surrounded by high walls. Huge red lanterns hung at the gates, creating a festive atmosphere.

Two guards and a young man dressed in white were outside the second courtyard.

The moment the youth saw Han Kun, he hurried forward with a fawning smile. "Leader Han, you arrived! Aunt Fang guessed you'd come. She's been waiting for quite some time."

"Hahaha!" Han Kun appeared to be in excellent spirits as he laughed. "Something came up and I was delayed..."

Li Yan's expression turned slightly strange. Even through the courtyard walls, he could smell cosmetics and perfume. What old friend was Han Kun talking about? He had clearly gone to find an old flame.

Led by the brothel attendant, they bypassed the screen wall and entered the compound. One glance confirmed Li Yan's suspicions. It was a brothel, and not a cheap one at that.

The architecture was interesting. Perhaps because it connected north and south, the estate combined the grandeur of northern mansions with the elegance of southern gardens.

A banquet was already underway in the main courtyard. The side halls and main building were packed with people. At a glance, Li Yan recognized caravan leaders and transport guild bosses. They drank, shouted drinking games, and roared with laughter so loudly that they drowned out the songs of the accompanying courtesans.

The group was ushered through a side gate into the rear courtyard where the layout became even more intricate. Everything from covered walkways and crescent gates to pebbled paths and bamboo groves decorated the area. Numerous small courtyards were separated from one another, with the design providing both privacy and an illusion of greater space.

***

Han Kun appeared to walk casually, but he was secretly examining Li Yan. Seeing that Li Yan remained calm and composed, neither arrogant nor servile, Han Kun silently praised him.

The last time he brought a younger relative, the youth had gawked everywhere and acted timid. No wonder Li Yan had already made a name for himself at such a young age. His level of composure alone exceeded that of ordinary youths.

Soon, they arrived at a quiet courtyard where a banquet had already been prepared inside a pavilion. Screens blocked the wind, and rows of lanterns illuminated the night. Silken curtains fluttered gently in the breeze.

Under such circumstances, one would expect a beautiful woman playing the pipa, but instead, an elderly man sat beside the pavilion. He held a fishing drum and bamboo clappers while singing calmly.

"Among heaven and earth, loyalty and filial piety are most praised. Yet how many truly virtuous people exist? At home, one speaks of the jianghu's freedom. Only after leaving does one learn the hardship of being a traveler..."

His voice carried the softness of the Wu region and his face was weathered by life's hardships. Li Yan could only vaguely understand it. He recognized it as a style of storytelling called Fishing Drum Ballads, likely some sort of moral tale.

Yet Han Kun suddenly froze. After a long moment, his eyes reddened slightly and he sighed softly. "Qinfang, you've put your heart into this."

A gentle voice drifted through the air. "At least you noticed."

A woman in white slowly emerged from a side room. She wasn't tall, nor was she young. Yet she possessed the lingering charm of a mature beauty.

Han Kun smiled and shook his head. "I haven't heard my hometown dialect in twenty years. Hearing it suddenly today stirred many emotions. I must have embarrassed myself."

The woman sighed. "When we fled our homeland all those years ago, I was just a singing girl, and you were merely a boat hand. Who could have imagined that you'd become the leader of the Canal Gang?"

Impressive.

Li Yan kept a calm expression, but inwardly he was full of admiration. Though he didn't know the exact relationship between the two, he could make some guesses. Even if she truly was Han Kun's former lover, Han Kun spent most of his time in Xianyang and couldn't visit often.

Distance naturally cooled relationships. Yet a single hometown melody and a single shared memory was enough to soften a person's heart. Any discussion would be much easier after that.

Han Kun was an old fox himself, and naturally recognized the tactic. Smiling faintly, he changed the subject. "Qinfang, let me introduce someone to you. This is one of Xianyang's rising talents, Li Yan."

"I know." The woman covered her lips with a round silk fan and laughed. "When the mountain lacks a tiger, monkeys call themselves kings. But when a young tiger first roars, the monkeys scatter. You've been quite impressive on Niubei Ridge as well."

This woman is dangerous.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat, though his face remained calm. "Senior, you truly flatter me."

Han Kun laughed. "Qinfang, don't scare the younger generation."

Then, he turned to Li Yan. "Li Yan, this is Chu Qinfang, one of the senior figures of the Yan Sect. When it comes to information throughout Shanzhou's jianghu, nobody knows more than her people."

So that's it.

Li Yan cupped his fists again using formal jianghu etiquette. "Greetings, Senior."

The Yan Sect was the only one among the unorthodox sects that consisted entirely of women. As one of the unorthodox sects, they naturally weren't involved in entirely respectable professions. However, the Yan Sect itself contained many branches. Women who used beauty and seduction for scams were known as the Black Enchantress branch. There were also Fire Enchantresses and other classifications.

The white-clothed concubine who had ruined Master Lu belonged to the Black Enchantress branch. The woman before him belonged to a different category. She was a Golden Swallow. They often used brothels as fronts for intelligence gathering, information brokering, and arranging connections.

Teahouses that sold information like the one in Fengyang County mainly served local clientele like desperate men, fugitives, and drifters. Golden Swallows dealt with jianghu elites, officials, wealthy merchants, and local gentry. Their prices were much higher, thus, their title.

"Let's sit and talk."

Han Kun's relationship with Chu Qinfang was obviously unusual. He behaved as comfortably as if he were in his own home.

After the three took their seats, he finally turned toward Li Yan and asked, "You still haven't told me what brings you to Manchuan Pass?"

Li Yan hesitated, but the matter itself wasn't secretive and also, he needed their help. In the end, he explained everything honestly. Naturally, anything involving the mystic path was omitted.

After hearing the story, Han Kun's eyes filled with admiration. "Oh?"

He nodded slowly and muttered, "Not bad. When entrusted with another's affairs, one should do their utmost. Escorting a coffin a thousand miles is a tale worth remembering. Young people should possess at least some sense of chivalry."

Then he looked toward Qinfang. "Qinfang, this young man has more integrity than we did back then. You can't think only about money this time."

Chu Qinfang rolled her eyes at him, but her gesture carried a lingering charm. "You're quite good at playing the hero, but why insult me in the process?"

Though her words sounded reproachful, the exchange felt more like they were flirting with each other.

She turned to Li Yan. "This is merely information. It’s not a major matter; however, there are some complications.

“First is Qiao Sanhu. He's only at the Dark Jin Realm. The reason he can act so tyrannically without consequences is because of his cousin, Yue Fachong. Take my advice, you cannot afford to offend that man. Handle your business and leave. Do not involve yourself in the grudge between Lu San and Yue Fachong.

"Second, you should send a message to Leader Zhang of the Manchuan Canal Gang. Han Kun, you should also send a letter clarifying the matter. They're protecting Lu San; it would be best to avoid misunderstandings."

"Oh?" The revelation piqued Han Kun's interest. "Zhang Baijiao is the type who never takes losses and only chases profits. What makes Lu San so valuable?"

Chu Qinfang lowered her voice as she spoke again. "This is only something I've heard. Lu San is exceptionally skilled at taming beasts, with almost magical methods. Whenever the Canal Gang encounters water pythons or giant snapping turtles causing trouble, they ask him for help."

Han Kun was stunned. He couldn’t help but gasp, "He has that kind of ability? Damn, Zhang Baijiao is something else indeed. I nearly messed up on the Luo River once, and he never even offered to help. Heh, he even dares to call me his brother all day..."

"He wanted to..." Chu Qinfang laughed. "Anyway, everyone knows what Lu San wants, but Zhang Baijiao doesn't want to offend Yue Fachong. That’s why everything is stuck in a deadlock right now.

"These days, Lu San is more or less treated as a guest retainer, but he doesn’t really have a right to speak or make decisions."

By then, Li Yan had grown impatient. He immediately cupped his fists and asked, "Senior, where exactly is Lu San hiding?"

Chu Qinfang smiled. "He has enemies and never stays in one place. But I do know one thing. Every night at midnight, he goes to Black Wind Ravine in the mountains outside town to cultivate."

Han Kun frowned and asked, "What's special about that place?"

Chu Qinfang's smile became meaningful. "It's an ancient battlefield between Qin and Chu. The hills are covered in forgotten graves, so foxes and snakes gather there in large numbers. If you aren't a practitioner of the mystic path, you'll probably never find him."

"Thank you, Senior." Li Yan immediately stood and bowed. "I don't want to miss the appointed time I have set with my companions. I shall take my leave first."

Seeing both of them nod, he turned and departed.

After Li Yan left, Han Kun immediately wrote a short note and handed it to one of his subordinates. "Deliver this to Zhang Baijiao."

"Yes!"

The subordinate cupped his fists and left while Han Kun waved everyone else away.

Once the courtyard was completely empty, his expression grew serious. "Qinfang, any news regarding that matter?"

"It’s difficult to find anything." Chu Qinfang smiled bitterly. "Chang'an has been in turmoil. After returning, Captain Chang Xuan set a trap and captured Commander Yu Chen. He also uncovered evidence of Yu Chen's collusion with the Maitreya Sect.

"Chang Xuan has now been promoted to a commander and is specifically responsible for firearms secrecy. Moreover, he’s an extremely cunning man. Gathering information from Chang'an is no longer feasible."

Han Kun frowned. "I've seen the power of that weapon with my own eyes. If the Raft Sect obtained it..."

"That you needn't worry about." Chu Qinfang shook her head. "Many people in the capital are investigating the matter.

"At present, only two things are known.

"First, the new gunpowder apparently requires a special heavenly treasure as a catalyst. Second, the formula is also extremely complicated. It's unlikely that jianghu factions can mass-produce it."

Han Kun visibly relaxed. "That's more reassuring. If nobody can make it, many things won't change."

"You're wrong." Chu Qinfang's gaze became meaningful. "Just two days ago, the Emperor issued an edict. He ordered every Military Surveillance Department to select elite talents and send them to the capital. At the same time, Deputy Minister Han Mo of the Ministry of Works was suddenly promoted to Minister of Works."

Han Kun froze. After a long silence, he sighed. "The jianghu is probably entering troubled times."

***

Hoo... hoo...

An owl suddenly cried out in the darkness. Li Yan swung a stick, knocking away a venomous snake in the grass before glancing at the sky.

He relaxed slightly. After leaving Manchuan Pass, he had hurried nonstop toward the mountains. At last, he reached Black Wind Ravine before midnight.

The large mountain gully was filled with scattered ancient green bricks, weathered and cracked by time. Judging by the ruins, this had once been a military fortress. Perhaps it had been destroyed during the Qin-Chu wars, but not even broken walls remained. The old road leading downhill had long ago been destroyed by landslides. The only way forward was to climb. It truly was an ideal hiding place.

But what exactly was Lu San cultivating in the region?

Just as Li Yan pondered the question, his expression suddenly changed.

He immediately pulled out a yarrow stalk. Forming a hand seal, he wrapped it around his fingers while chanting, “Nuogao, I alone open the descendant Wang Jia. Six Jia Azure Dragon, Six Yi Encountering Star, Six Bing Bright Hall, Six Ding Hidden Yin...”

The Baopu Mountain-Climbing Technique was already second nature to him. Soon, his entire presence vanished. Even birds landed on branches above his head without noticing him. His sense of smell, however, remained fully active. He immediately detected numerous vulpine scents. Unlike ordinary animals, these carried a chilling aura of killing qi.

His left hand maintained the seal and yarrow stalk as his right formed the Yang Seal, activating his divine ability. One couldn't do much while using the Baopu Mountain-Climbing Technique. Even using hidden force could disrupt the technique. Divine abilities, however, were unaffected.

In an instant, every scent swirling around the mountain flooded into his nose.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes. He silently concealed himself in the grass and peeked ahead.

The terrain inside Black Wind Ravine was relatively flat. Fragments of broken walls remained, little more than earthen foundations. Foxes of all sizes either lay on the ground or perched atop ruined walls. Every single one of them was staring at a grave.

The grave itself was ordinary, looking like a typical battlefield burial mound. When too many soldiers died and their bodies were difficult to handle, especially when severed limbs were scattered everywhere, a large pit would be dug and everyone would be buried together. Most became anonymous earthen mounds. At best, someone might erect a simple marker.

Such graves held little value. Their heavy baleful yin energy also discouraged tomb robbers. Yet at that moment, sounds were coming from inside the mound. Suddenly, something flew out and rolled across the ground.

Looking closely, Li Yan noticed a human skull before seeing a dark figure slowly crawling out of the grave.

The figure’s deep voice echoed through the ravine. "This will have to suffice."

Upon hearing this, an old fox with white eyebrows immediately stepped forward. Standing on its hind legs, it carefully lifted the skull with its forepaws and placed it atop its own head.

Yip! Yip! Yip!

The surrounding foxes began crying out in excitement.

Soon, Li Yan saw a shocking scene. Wearing the human skull upon its head, the old fox began worshipping the moon.