Tesoro de Jianghu

Capítulo 3

This was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She broke free from the siege of weapons with remarkable elegance, showing no sign of the urgency of life and death. Ruan Qingxuan stepped forward, his fingers already on the scabbard. Zhang Weiyi calmly stepped to the right, separating the two groups of people who were on the verge of drawing their swords.

Seeing that the two women were both extremely young, Zhao Wushi assumed their martial arts skills were mediocre and sneered, "Since the divine physician has left, then it's the same for this disciple to come with us." He was closer to Xu Lianning and reached out to grab her arm. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept by, and half of his body felt slightly numb. Zhang Weiyi said calmly, "That would require the two ladies' consent."

"Let alone whether it was agreed or not, how many of those who ventured into the mountain today will actually make it out alive?" Ruan Qingxuan gripped the hilt of his sword, his words laced with sarcasm.

"Human life is at stake. Using force was only a last resort. Please don't take offense, young lady," the older woman from the Emei Sect said slowly.

Ruan Qingxuan pondered that as long as Zhang Weiyi stood by and did nothing, even at the risk of injury, she could still deal with the people who had invaded the mountain. Xu Lianning glanced at her and suddenly said, "If you want me to treat others, I can, but some medicinal herbs cannot be bought in pharmacies. You may wish to wait a moment."

Zhang Weiyi turned her head and smiled faintly: "If you don't mind, may I enter the valley to see the former residence of Lin Bu from the previous dynasty?" The remaining people were afraid that they would use tricks, but if they insisted on going in, they might encounter some traps or formations. Seeing Zhang Weiyi say this, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

"I am too dull to guess what Young Master Zhang's intentions are." Xu Lianning walked along the flower path for a while, then suddenly stopped.

“If we had known each other before, and I had even the slightest intention to protect you, it would inevitably lead to gossip.” Zhang Weiyi smiled but didn’t, and Ruan Qingxuan gave her a smiling glance. “I didn’t expect that Miss Xu, who had such a scheming mind to set up that trap during the day, would still be so naive.”

Xu Lianning was furious: "Even if we pretend not to know each other, you just clashed with those people..." She stopped halfway through her sentence. Zhang Weiyi had just made a move, and even if someone slandered him, it would only be said that he was lustful, and it wouldn't involve them.

The three of them soon arrived at Meiheju. The bamboo building, waterside pavilion, and viewing pavilion seemed to have maintained the style of Lin Bu's former residence, with only minor and meticulous renovations, which showed that the original residents here were very refined.

Ruan Qingxuan went up to the bamboo building to retrieve the bundle she had prepared earlier. Xu Lianning went into the pharmacy, picked out several rare medicinal herbs, and suddenly turned to ask, "What symptoms does the person you want to treat have?"

Zhang Weiyi thought for a moment: "Her blood vessels are weak and slippery, her qi and blood are insufficient, and she sometimes faints. I'll tell you the details on the way." She turned her head and looked at the contents of the medicine box again: "Then let's go."

Ruan Qingxuan, carrying two packages, said softly, "I have other things to do, so I won't be with you. Young Master Zhang, please take good care of me."

Zhang Weiyi said calmly, "Please rest assured, Pavilion Master Ruan."

Ruan Qingxuan smiled slightly and said, "Lian Ning, don't forget what I said before."

Ten Years of Jianghu Night Rain and Lamp

Xu Lianning gently closed the door and looked up to see that the sky was already turning slightly white. She realized that she hadn't slept all night.

Turning her head, she saw a person in a blue robe with wide sleeves sitting by a stone table in the courtyard, holding a white chess piece in their hand. The game on the board had already gone through more than thirty moves, and the white pieces were being decimated. Xu Lianning walked over, picked up a black piece, and gently placed it. Zhang Weiyi looked up at her and smiled slightly, "Is everything alright now?"

"They all got poisoned by robbing Chen Youliang's gold and silver jewelry. They were supposed to get better after taking a few doses of medicine, but no one believed me. They had to wait until the effects of the first dose wore off before they could escape."

"Actually, half of the reason I came to Hangzhou was for this matter." Zhang Weiyi was extremely skilled at chess, and he hardly thought before making a move.

"So what was the result?"

“Chen Youliang was already out of food and supplies and had no way out. How could he have time to consider his retreat after defeat?” Zhang Weiyi frowned slightly. “But I don’t know who caused this.”

"They said they didn't find any treasure, but they did dig up a few poisonous snakes." Xu Lianning, who was playing black, had initially held a 100% advantage, but in the blink of an eye, he was on the verge of collapse. "It's more important to get on our way. Let's stop playing for now, shall we?" Although his intention was to deliberately back out of the game, he said it in a very respectable way.

Zhang Weiyi looked at her, a half-smile playing on her lips, and said, "Alright."

Even traveling day and night, it would take half a month to travel from Hangzhou to the capital.

On their journey north, they were greeted and helped with changing horses and giving water in every county they reached. Xu Lianning didn't feel tired sitting in the carriage, but she felt bored and could only watch the people outside the carriage being exposed to the sun from morning till night.

On the tenth day of their journey, half of the Imperial Guards who had originally accompanied them had fallen behind.

"Your Highness, the weather is about to change. There's a post station not far ahead where we can rest, but we can't continue our journey tonight," Mo Yunzhi said as he rode forward. Zhang Weiyi spoke very softly, and only a few words could be vaguely heard.

Xu Lianning was engrossed in studying medical texts and didn't pay much attention. A short while later, the carriage curtain was gently lifted, and Zhang Weiyi entered. Xu Lianning looked up at him: "Young Master Zhang, weren't you too embarrassed to ride in a carriage? Why are you here now?"

Zhang Weiyi turned his head slightly away: "The official horse is not strong enough, it can't last more than half a day."

The journey was bumpy, and the carriage wasn't very spacious, so slight bumps were inevitable. Xu Lianning didn't seem to mind, but Zhang Weiyi hurriedly moved away. She put down her medical book and said with a hint of teasing, "Your Highness, you can't be afraid of me, can you?" After traveling for several days and hearing Mo Yunzhi call her that every day, she had also discerned that Zhang Weiyi was of royal lineage. Although she hadn't known this before, she had no interest in investigating further. In her eyes, the title of Wudang's chief disciple was enough.

Zhang Weiyi looked at her, his eyes subtly gleaming, but he remained silent. Xu Lianning felt guilty under his gaze and forced herself not to look away. Suddenly, she heard him speak in a calm tone: "Miss Xu, have you forgotten the murder you committed at Xiling Bridge? If I were afraid, I wouldn't have taken the risk of asking you to accompany me."

Xu Lianning remained calm: "So Your Highness hasn't forgotten. Although I did have this plan back then, I never thought about it again. Besides, my martial arts skills are too weak to even come close." Zhang Weiyi's voice was cool and indifferent: "Then may I tell you, what exactly did I do to offend Miss Xu?"

Just as Xu Lianning was about to speak, she suddenly heard a woman's clear and cheerful voice outside: "Steward Mo, is Brother Weiyi here too?" The carriage stopped, and Zhang Weiyi frowned slightly, lifted the curtain, and stepped down: "Miss Mu." Xu Lianning stood on the carriage, raised her hand to roll up the curtain, and saw a man and a woman riding side by side. The woman looked no more than sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in a scarlet dress, with a gold ring in her hair, and her eyebrows and eyes were exquisite. The young man beside her dismounted, clasped his hands, and said: "I am Sikong Yu. I have long admired the name of Young Master Yujian. I never expected to meet you today." He was dressed simply, and his words were gentle and refined, making him very likable. Zhang Weiyi said lightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you," and turned to look at Miss Mu: "You've had enough fun on your trip, haven't you? Come back to the capital with me."

Miss Mu raised her eyebrows and glared at him, "I refuse! Brother Sikong, you're going to take me to Jiangnan!" The last part of her sentence was directed at Sikong Yu beside her. He smiled slightly, "You've been away for so long; your family must be worried. How about I accompany you later?"

Xu Lianning stood facing the wind, the carriage curtain having already quietly slid down behind her. She saw Sikong Yu look over and nod with a slight smile. She returned the smile faintly, when she suddenly heard Zhang Weiyi say, "If Young Master Sikong has nothing else to do, why don't we go to the capital together? I will do my best to be a good host."

Sikong Yu thought for a moment and said, "Thank you very much."

Miss Mu immediately smiled brightly: "No need to trouble Brother Weiyi, I can entertain people myself."

Zhang Weiyi remained noncommittal: "The weather's about to change. If you dawdle any longer and get sick from the rain, don't go crying to your brother then." He turned and walked back to the carriage, looking at Xu Lianning with a faint smile: "Why are you standing here?" Xu Lianning slightly raised her head, only to see the depth in his eyes, unable to understand why he had suddenly changed his attitude. Over the past few days of travel, the two had either ignored each other or exchanged sarcastic remarks, while Mo Yunzhi, standing to the side, wore an awkward, half-smiling expression.

"Why is your face so pale?" With those words, Zhang Weiyi reached out his hand. Xu Lianning felt a weight on her shoulder and froze completely. This gentle Zhang Weiyi was truly… disgusting. She subtly brushed his hand away, lifted the carriage curtain, and went inside. If she didn't leave soon, she feared she would collapse and vomit uncontrollably. She thought for a moment, then turned back, smiling, and said, "It seems Your Highness's affectation is ultimately useless."

Zhang Weiyi remained expressionless: "What do you mean?"

"That Miss Mu is of noble birth and extremely lovely. Rather than making her jealous, it's better to please her. That Young Master Sikong is far better than you."

Zhang Weiyi smiled faintly, then said, "Miss Xu is right."

Before evening, the sky suddenly darkened and a fierce storm broke out. By the time we arrived at the post station, we were still caught in the rain.

As Miss Mu wiped the raindrops from her clothes, she looked at Xu Lianning and asked, "Sister, what's your name? My surname is Mu, and my name is Mu Huayan. Have you ever heard of the Mu family, the Duke of Yingguo?" Her words were brimming with pride.

Xu Lianning pursed her lips, her expression gentle: "Xu Lianning." She had already guessed this from Mu Huayan's Beijing accent and the fact that her surname was Mu: "I've naturally heard of the Mu family." Mu Ying was a founding hero of Zhu Yuanzhang, and was granted the title of Duke of Ying. The Mu family's descendants have always inherited the title of Duke of Ying. The current head of the Mu family, Prince Mu, dislikes being constrained by the imperial court and has a considerable reputation in the martial arts world.

Mu Huayan stamped her foot and muttered a complaint: "This place is really shabby!"

The inn was indeed rudimentary, with only three walls and no door, just a tattered cloth used to block the draft. The draft blew in and out without any obstruction, causing the candlelight overhead to flicker incessantly.

Sikong Yu walked up behind them and smiled slightly, "The ginger soup is ready."

Mu Huayan smiled radiantly and reached out to tug at his sleeve, saying, "I'm perfectly fine, how could I get sick so easily?" Sikong Yu let her hold his sleeve, not pulling his hand away. Xu Lianning, knowing the situation, tactfully walked away.

The post station was dilapidated, so naturally there was no fine wine or delicacies to offer. Most of the Imperial Guards accompanying them were sons of officials, and they couldn't stand this humiliation. After traveling for several days, they couldn't voice their resentment because of Zhang Weiyi's status. Now, they were even more restless, complaining about the small space and the unclean tables. The innkeeper, not daring to offend them, kept smiling obsequiously.

Zhang Weiyi ignored the formalities and rinsed the bowls and chopsticks with hot water. His casual action left the Imperial Guards nearby speechless. Mo Yunzhi remained expressionless and sat down at the next table. Although the two did not adhere to strict formalities in private, they still fulfilled their duties as guards in public. It would be impolite to sit at the same table as their lord.

Xu Lianning took the bamboo chopsticks and smiled slightly.

Zhang Weiyi glanced at her and said in a less than friendly tone, "What are you laughing at?"

“It’s only natural for Your Highness to do these things.” She smiled, her expression innocent and pure. “Actually, I should have thought of it.”

Zhang Weiyi remained silent, his expression revealing nothing. The waiter brought over the dishes: "Our shop is rather simple, please forgive us. This pot of 'West Wind' wine is newly brewed, please have a taste."

Mu Huayan laughed and said, "What good wine could you possibly have here? I hope you haven't drugged it and tried to rob and kill me."

The waiter trembled and said with a forced smile, "What are you saying, miss?"

As night deepened, the fine raindrops intertwined, like mist and a curtain, making everything hazy and indistinct.

Mu Huayan's face flushed slightly after only two drinks, her beauty enhanced by the flickering candlelight. She raised a hand to touch her face, when suddenly she felt a cold hand grasp her ankle, startling her awake. Sikong Yu acted swiftly; a flash of snow-white light illuminated his blade, which then plunged into the chest of the gray-clad man who had appeared out of nowhere. Thick blood splattered onto the yellowed wall, appearing eerily in the pale yellow glow of the oil lamp. Even more eerie was the gray-clad man's final, venomous glance at Sikong Yu before vanishing completely.

A cold wind blew in through the curtain, and the oil lamp above flickered.

The curtain was lifted, and a man dressed as a page put down his oil-paper umbrella and stood quietly to one side. A large, powerful character, "殇" (Shang), was inscribed on the umbrella, seemingly about to leap off the page. A middle-aged man then entered, followed by what appeared to be a dozen or so men in gray robes, identical in appearance to the two who had attacked earlier. He was refined and scholarly, with a gentle smile and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "I have long admired the name of the Sword Master of Wudang. It is an honor to meet you today." Zhang Weiyi slightly raised the corner of his mouth, put down his wine cup, and said calmly, "May I ask which hall master of Tian Shang you are?"

"My name is Mo Ran of the Phosphorous Fire Hall." He was extremely polite. "The leader of our sect highly admires Young Master Yu Jian's swordsmanship and character, and therefore sent me to invite you to our sect's headquarters for a gathering."

After a major battle with various sects more than a decade ago, the Heavenly Sorrow Sect disappeared from the martial arts world for a period of time, but has recently regained its prominence. Mo Ran, the leader of the Phosphorous Fire Hall, ranks low among the six hall leaders and is not the most outstanding. However, his methods and martial arts skills are terrifying.

Mo Ran smiled slightly again, "Of course, I dare not presume. I would like to ask you, young master, to do me the favor and sever the meridians in your right arm." With a flick of his sleeve, he threw a dagger in front of Zhang Weiyi.

For a moment, all that could be heard was the sound of breathing and the pattering rain outside.

Zhang Weiyi glanced at the dagger and said indifferently, "I have important matters to attend to and I am afraid I cannot comply."

Mo Ran spoke with utmost gentleness, "What matter has delayed the esteemed Master Zhang? Young Master Zhang is truly a filial son. The Emperor is gravely ill, yet you rushed to Jiangnan for medical treatment without delay. What is it that you covet? Is it the throne?" As soon as she finished speaking, the accompanying Imperial Guards stood up, their swords already drawn. Few knew that Zhang Weiyi was of royal lineage, especially since he no longer used his original imperial name. Zhang Weiyi's expression remained unchanged, his tone flat: "I didn't expect the Heavenly Sorrow Sect to have spies within the court as well."

"I've always wondered why Young Master Zhang, a prince, has stayed in Wudang for eight years? Even if he's not favored, he's still a member of the imperial family. Could it be... that he's a bastard—" Before Mo Ran could finish speaking, a silver sword light flashed straight past him, the spot touched by the sword energy feeling cold and painful. He was waiting for this moment when the other party would angrily attack; the more unable to remain calm, the more openings they would reveal.

The oil lamp overhead dimmed, then suddenly a small wick popped open, making it brighter. In that instant, several clangs of metal clashing rang out, sparks flying. Mo Ran groaned, clutching his chest, while Zhang Weiyi retreated to his original spot. The intense purple hues in his eyes were particularly striking in the pale yellow lamplight, as if he had mastered some profound, otherworldly art. His fingers remained pressed against the ancient scabbard. On the scabbard were two ancient seal characters: Tai Chi. Xu Lianning saw his sword for the first time, a glint of brilliance in her eyes.

Mo Ran pressed her chest, coughing softly, dark red liquid seeping from between her fingers. After a long while, she finally spoke, her breathing even: "The Wudang sword-wielding technique truly lives up to its reputation. I just wonder if the others can escape safely with Young Master Zhang?"

Zhang Weiyi said indifferently, "So what?" His cold face was elegant and refined, like a demon god from a scripture. Mo Ran's expression turned cold: "Since Young Master Zhang doesn't care at all, I, Mo, will dare to take a gamble."

Suddenly, the atmosphere became incredibly heavy.

Mo Ran unfurled her folding fan, and the gray-clad figures behind her lunged straight towards the center of the room. Mu Huayan cried out in surprise and moved behind Sikong Yu. The gray-clad figures were expressionless, their faces ashen, their bodies gaunt, and they looked terrifying. They didn't even glance at anyone else; their aim was clearly Xu Lianning. With a bang, several holes were torn in the table, and bowls and chopsticks were scattered all over the floor. Xu Lianning didn't seem to leap or bound, yet she dodged between the tables and chairs with ease.

Mo Ran seemed slightly surprised, yet he had to keep his eyes fixed on Zhang Weiyi. Zhang Weiyi stood up, looking at Mo Ran, but his attention was mostly on the other side. Suddenly, he drew his sword, turned around, and a dazzling sword aura burst forth, slashing towards the gray-clad men, splashing a dark red spray. This sword strike was extremely powerful; even those standing behind him felt a chill on their faces, as if they were being suffocated by its force. Mo Ran knew his chance had come, and disregarding his injuries, he attacked Zhang Weiyi from behind. Zhang Weiyi felt a cold wind on his back, knowing that Mo Ran had already made his move, and countered with a sword strike to force back the opponent's attack. The Tai Chi sword inherently contains the true meaning of heaven, earth, and humanity; its sword intent is fluid and free. The next strike naturally targeted the opponent's weakness in his movements, turning defense into offense. Suddenly, the sword tip dipped, and the pageboy-like figure who had been motionless in the corner suddenly rushed forward, lunging towards the sword's edge, and then tightly grasping the Tai Chi sword that had pierced his body.

Zhang Weiyi, despite gathering his strength, couldn't pull the sword back immediately. He had to add more force and thrust it out. A burst of blue light erupted, and the man dressed as a page fell straight to the ground, his expression as stiff as the gray-clad man's. Taking advantage of Zhang Weiyi's distraction, Mo Ran tried to retreat and report the news. But after only two steps, she felt a chill on her neck. A short, translucent, crimson sword with an extremely thin blade was already pressed against her neck. Mo Ran saw the woman holding the sword, her skin as smooth as jade, the delicate crimson cinnabar mark between her brows, and suddenly remembered something: "You... practiced the Blood Demon's Forbidden Technique!"

Xu Lianning pursed her lips, her usually gentle movements now carrying an eerie quality: "Mr. Mo has excellent taste. How about we make a bet?"

She turned her head and suddenly said, "Waiter, don't keep this lamp lit, just leave it as it is." The waiter, who was just about to take the oil can to add oil to the lamp on the ceiling, shuddered when he heard her say that and retreated to the corner.

Mo Ran looked at her and asked, "What do you want to bet?"

She sheathed her sword and said calmly, "Mr. Mo, please have a seat."

Mo Ran's face turned pale, and she could only sit down. Xu Lianning opened her medicine box, took out a blue porcelain bottle, poured out two identical pills, and placed them on the table.

Mu Huayan stared in disbelief, unconsciously taking a few steps closer. She then heard Xu Lianning say, "There are two pills here. One might be poisonous and the other not, or both might be poisonous. Of course, if both happen to be non-poisonous, then Mr. Mo and I can leave here alive tonight."

Mo Ran looked at her, her voice hoarse: "Why?"

“In terms of martial arts, I may not be a match for Mr. Mo, so I have no choice but to do this.” She lowered her voice. “Mr. Mo, have you forgotten that forcing people to take poison is a specialty of your Phosphorous Fire Hall?” Mo Ran reached out with trembling hands, grabbed a pill, and looked at the other person with a pale face. He saw the other person reach for another pill without hesitation, so he quickly put down the one in his hand and grabbed the other one.

Xu Lianning remained expressionless, picked up the rest, and swallowed it without hesitation.

Mo Ran had no choice but to swallow the pill, feeling uneasy.

After about half a cup of tea's time, Xu Lianning said softly, "Mr. Mo must be wondering why I would use such a detrimental method if I wanted you to experience what it's like to be forced." She seemed quite indifferent: "It's true that I took poison just now."

Mo Ran stood up, almost knocking over the table, his fingers trembling: "You said you ate the poisoned one just now?!" When faced with a life-or-death situation, people will do anything to survive. At this moment, he knew he had been given a second chance at life and was overjoyed, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, and his face turned pale.

“The one Mr. Mo took was also poison,” Xu Lianning said calmly. “Both of them are poison, so the result will be the same no matter which one you take.”

Mo Ran knelt on the ground, writhing in pain in her abdomen, and almost fainted.

“Mr. Mo, do you remember how your esteemed sect’s Master Ouyang passed away? He was a master of martial arts. If you hadn’t poisoned him, how could he have only made it to Hangzhou?” She lowered her eyes and looked at him. “You saw my sword just now. It was Master Ouyang’s most prized weapon. He didn’t even have time to hand it to me.”

A draft blew through the room, causing the curtain blocking the doorway to sway slightly. Mo Ran finally stopped moving. Xu Lianning stood there, her head slightly bowed. Those around them watched with bated breath, wondering what emotions this elegant woman was harboring that led her to devise such a mutually destructive plan.

The rain gradually subsided, and the misty night in Jiangnan was shrouded in a thin layer of darkness, quiet and profound.

Mu Huayan suddenly broke the silence with a laugh: "Sister, you were just lying to that bad guy, right? Actually, the pill you took wasn't poisonous."

Xu Lianning looked at her: "Yes, who taught him to believe it?" When she wasn't smiling, even her slightest movement exuded coldness. The moment she turned around, her gaze met Sikong Yucheng's. His eyes held a hint of inquiry, but more so, worry, unlike Zhang Weiyi's composed demeanor. Standing here, besides the Imperial Guards, probably only Mu Huayan would believe her words from earlier.

The curtain at the inn was lifted by the wind, revealing a man outside dressed in clothes as dark as night. He leaned against the door, his eyes cold and indifferent, his face unusually pale. A scar running from his left cheek to his chin distorted his once handsome face, making it appear somewhat grotesque. He lifted the curtain and stepped inside, bowing slightly. Each step he took seemed to follow a strange rhythm, his movements flawless.

Judging from the fact that so many experts suddenly appeared from such a dilapidated post station in the middle of nowhere, one could sense a conspiracy.

The waiter brought over a candlestick and asked solicitously, "Sir, would you like a few side dishes first? Our shop may be a bit run-down, but our chef's skills are renowned." The young man in black raised one foot and placed it on the stool, a rather unrefined posture, but on his own, it wasn't too offensive. "Is there such a custom in the underworld? You call me 'sir,' but you call others 'young master.' Do I look older or poorer than them?"

This is quite a provocation, but it's unclear who it's aimed at.

Mu Huayan chuckled at his words and turned to examine him closely. She had first met Zhang Weiyi at the hunting festival, but found his handsome appearance to surpass that of all the princes and noblemen. In contrast, this man, in terms of looks alone, actually outshone Zhang Weiyi.