339-341

Chapter 339: Loushang Tower, People Beyond People

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Aunt Song? Everyone was surprised. Did the commissioner have acquaintances in Hangzhou? Overwatch Council members knew that in matters of the heart, Fan Xian was an official in Jingdou who rarely boasted of such things. Despite his youth, he rarely went out to find the attention of women. Preceded by his reputation, his people's thoughts must have gone crooked.

Of course their thoughts went crooked. Fan Xian was only thinking about whether this Hangzhou would be the same as that Hangzhou and have an aunt with a surname of Song who sold fish soup. In this West Lake, there was no Su Causeway or Bai Causeway, but he wondered if there were Jiangnan women as gentle as Xi Zi.

Having traveled the world, he finally arrived at the Jiangnan fondly written about by literati and scholars. Fan Xian felt a little excitement in his heart. He squeezed his legs and directed the horse to enter the city.

Entering Hangzhou was simple. Their group had prepared the necessary travel permits and documents. They pretended to be the outguards of a large family from Wuzhou traveling south through Hangzhou. No one could see anything wrong with the stamps on the travel permits and documents. For their own convenience, the Overwatch Council often used advanced forging techniques, much to the dismay of local yamen officials.

The group cheerfully followed the straight road beneath the gates into the city. At this time, Fan Xian had returned to the carriage and lifted the curtain to look at the scene inside Hangzhou. He saw the people they passed were happy and content and a forest of stalls on either side of the road. Before long, they came across a restaurant. Since it was still early, there were no alluring scents drifting out. By looking at the clothing of the commoners and the state of the streets, it was clear that Jiangnan was wealthy.

After driving for a while, a long row of tidy willow trees appeared in front of the carriage. Since the tail end of winter was still cold, the willows did not welcome the guests with green leaves. They hung weakly like whips. They were still tidy and neat, which left a strong first impression.

Fan Xian's eyes were sharp, and he saw the surface of the water hidden behind the curtain of willows.

The light on the water was clear and soft, without a single ripple. In this late winter weather, the air gave off a clean smell and was not so cold that it pushed people thousands of miles away. There was a gentle warmth that spread across the 10 li lake. In the distance, green hills could be seen, although their beauty was shrouded in mist. A few grey wooden structures rose beside the lake, giving off a sense of wealth without being overly ostentatious.

This body of water was West Lake, and the banks of it were somewhat lively.

"Riding by the banks of West Lake, breaking off willow branches and gifting green plums," these were two lines of a random poem Fan Xian had learned in the elementary school of his previous life. In that life, he had a natural yearning for Hangzhou. He always wondered how West Lake could be so beautiful, and how could there be so many famous people?

Within his circle, he had a classmate from Hangzhou who once told him that West Lake really wasn't much. At that time, Fan Xian, who was still called Fan Shen, found it difficult to believe. But, he never had an opportunity to see Hangzhou for himself, partially because he became sick later, but mostly because in that life, the house prices in Hangzhou were expensive to the point of being ridiculous.

The Loushang Tower beside West Lake was the best restaurant in Hangzhou. Outside the building, sails fluttered and trees cast shadows, and there was a large plain suitable for showcasing literary talents. Inside the building were wooden tables, black clothed servants, and courtesans singing. Everything was made to be enjoyed. Unfortunately, as it was winter, the sails froze solid, the trees were yellow, and there were vulgar people fighting. The courtesans still sang, but their allure was greatly weakened since they couldn't wear light silk.

Fan Xian sat at a table near the rail and peeked through the wind-blocking bamboo curtain outside the rail at the surface of the lake. He felt slightly disappointed. There was no Aunt Song's fish soup. There was also no dongbo pork or beggar's chicken. There wasn't even water shield soup. Fortunately, Longjing prawns still existed, otherwise he probably would have turned around and left because he was so depressed.

There was no Leifeng Pagoda or Broken Bridge. This West Lake...Was it still the West Lake in his heart? He lifted a wine cup as thick as three of his fingers and downed it in one gulp. He was unspeakably disappointed.

In reality, he was being too exacting. The original dishes of Hangzhou were light with a sense of comfort and very different than the foods in Jingdou—they were quite famous in the Qing Kingdom.

There were three tables in the private room. Other than the two guards outside the door, Fan Xian had ordered all the others, regardless if master or servant, noble or common, to sit. They were all eating with enjoyment. It was anyone's guess as to whether the dripping sound was drool or soup landing on the table. Although they were hungry after a long journey, seeing the way these people ate also demonstrated that the dishes at Loushang Tower were skillfully made.

This scene was a little scary. A huge group of people were eating silently and aggressively, and the two guards at the door were swallowing their saliva. Only Fan Xian had the mindset to lean against the railing with his wine in hand to admire the scenery.

He raised the curtain a little and instantly the light burst in. The image of the wintry lake was imprinted on his eyes. The wind blew into the tower and dissipated the aroma of the dishes floating in the room.

At the same time, an earth-shattering cheer came from the rocky plain outside next to the lake. The wind brought the cheer into the tower and drew the attention of Loushang Tower customers leaning on the rail. They joined in unison with the cheer. In a moment, there was an incredibly lively roar of voices.

Only this private room was strangely silent. Fan Xian leaned against the rail to see and drank more wine. A smile floated onto his face. He was not surprised.

His subordinates were startled into raising their heads by the countless cheers. They knew the martial competition downstairs had reached a crucial moment, but they didn't rush to the railing to watch. Instead, they once again lowered their heads and focused on finishing the delicious food on the table.

Fan Xian glanced at his subordinates and thought it was strange. Even if you are proud in your heart and think that these martial artists on the jianghu couldn't stand up against a few attacks from you, except as kindred spirits, you should at least have enough interest to offer some criticism, right?

In reality, he didn't understand. For the Tiger Guards and swordsmen of the Sixth Bureau, no matter how lively the Jiangnan Martial Assembly was it would never be as attractive as the food on the table. Those aces of various schools were skilled, but when it came to killing people, they weren't quite enough—after all, they were professional assassins.

Sisi and the newly purchased girls were afraid of the killing and slaughtering scene, so they sat quietly at a table to the side.

There was only the Third Prince watching. It was he who pushed for this visit to Hangzhou to see the Assembly. Who knew what kinds of methods he employed for Fan Xian to agree, so how could he possibly miss it? He held a plate of quick-fried eel in one hand and chopsticks in the other that brought it to his mouth. His face was filled with interest and scrunched up in excitement as he watched two people competing outside on the plain.

Fan Xian glanced at him, furrowed his brows and gently said, "Your Highness, is it that delicious?"

The Third Prince was a bit angry to be interrupted in his show watching. He rolled his eyes and said, "The palace isn't allowed to make this."

Fan Xian paused a moment and then remembered that the food in the palace had regulations. Something like the eel, which was rare and from the North, couldn't be supplied year round. It also looked ugly, which made it difficult to enter the mind of a royal chef. He smiled self-deprecatingly as he followed the Third Prince's gaze and looked down. He instinctively opened his mouth to give an explanation to the child.

"The person wielding the sword is a disciple of the Dragon-Tiger Mountain. It looks like he's at least a seventh-level ace. It's a pity his wrist strength is slightly lacking. Rumors say his teacher was once a scholar and didn't fully master the fundamentals. His bad habits have also been handed down to his descendants."

"The person who is battling him is relatively famous. Surname is Lv, first name Sisi. Don't look at me; it is just a girl. She is the disciple of Dongyi City's Yun Zhilan and could be considered the female grand-disciple of Sigu Sword. Coming from a distinguished background, naturally she is extraordinary. I think that swordsman of Dragon-Tiger Mountain is going to lose an eye."

"Teacher...Yun Zhilan?" The Third Prince's chopstick full of eel stopped short of his mouth. Even a child like him had heard of this name. Yun Zhilan was Dongyi Sigu Sword's top disciple and had long advanced into the ninth-level. He was considered one of the masters of the sword of a generation. Last year, when the Dongyi diplomatic mission came to visit the Qing Kingdom, this man was the leader.

"I heard that he came to Jiangnan not just to encourage his favorite female disciple." Fan Xian thought for a moment then said, "I think it has something to do with the Ming family."

Dongyi City always had a good relationship with the Eldest Princess. However, its relationship with Fan Xian was not very positive. Although the two sides had not had much direct contact, they had almost crossed swords countless times. In their one actual confrontation, it was enough for him and the other party to form a difficult-to-resolve hatred.

He had killed two of Yun Zhilan's female disciples on Niulan Street.

Fortunately, Fei Jia had dignity. He personally visited Dongyi City and used the respect he had gained when he cured Sigu Sword's illness four years ago to extract a promise that no one from Dongyi would come bother Fan Xian. Otherwise, given the hot-blooded vengeful nature of the Dongyi people, Fan Xian would not have passed the past two years so comfortably.

It must be noted that Sigu Sword—a strange creature—was a madman who dared to assassinate the Emperor of Qing Kingdom.

There were not many people on the plain. They had put up a bamboo canopy facing the lake. Under the canopy were a few seniors of virtue and prestige. In the middle sat an official of Jiangnan. The Jiangnan water bandit, Xia Qifei, was sitting the furthest away. He was young and not senior enough among the Jiangnan martial artists. The person who sat on the platform today was an unassuming official of the Overwatch Council Fourth Bureau. Only Fan Xian recognized his identity.

The Jiangnan Martial Assembly had been going for half a day, and the people competing on the plain had switched out a few times. There were all kinds of weapons, and it was very lively. Although there had been many fights, there were no deaths. Under the gaze of the court official, the jianghu people were more cautious. In the end, the Martial Assembly was a successful, victorious, and unifying one. Some jianghu won fame, and others won a rare opportunity to show their faces. Some won flashy but impractical martial experience.

Fan Xian looked coldly on this scene and remembered a novel from his previous life. Jianghu is a corner of the kingdom? The so-called jianghu on the plain right now could probably not be considered a corner; it was only a flowery border in the kingdom.

There was still a faint trace of worry on his face. These jianghu aces did not bring out any rare techniques or fight for their lives, but there were some truly strong persons among them. He considered the Dragon-Tiger Mountain swordsman from the last round. Even before the bloodline of the Dongyi City, he was never disadvantaged. He had probably given up half a step in the end for the sake of Sigu Sword.

True aces did not make an appearance; those who did were no longer vulgar. Behind these people, without exception, were wealthy families or the shadow of the feudal officials. If there was someone with heart who brought all this power together, Fan Xian would find it a bit of a headache. No wonder the court always managed this area strictly. It seemed that His Majesty knew the court must maintain its usual powers of intimidation against martial abilities in the public. At the same time, the court also used its brilliance to attract the other party.

Fan Xian knew that, in the end, he had been careless. Xia Qifei was right. There were heroes among the weeds. Qing Emperor had aggressively suppressed martial power for 20 years, so there hadn't been much of an opportunity to demonstrate it.

"Where is Yun Zhilan?" The Third Prince searched curiously through the groups of people below and didn't notice Fan Xian's momentary distraction.

Fan Xian shook his head and said, "His identity is not the same. Of course he doesn't have the patience to sit under the canopy with those old men and court officials. Who knows where he has gone at this hour?"

It was said that the year before last, in the royal palace, Fan Xian had been pierced a few times by Yun Zhilan's sword-like gaze. But he was thick skinned and black hearted and knew the other party couldn't do anything to him, so he bore it willingly.

Chen Pingping once talked about the hatred between the Shadow and Sigu Sword. That marrow-deep hatred could not be controlled by official business, particularly since Yun Zhilan was traveling in disguise in Jiangnan and wasn't taking official roads. If the Shadow wanted to kill him, this was the best opportunity.

On a day where aces gathered like clouds and officials and seniors were present, if, under the thousands of eyes present, a ninth-level battle broke out, the impact would be terrible—even though the crowds would be pleased.

Fan Xian was deep in thought. It was clear that Yun Zhilan was not coming to Hangzhou for this worthless assembly; he was here for him. Xinyang transported goods toward Dongyi City. No matter what, Sigu Sword would ensure the safety of the Ming family, while he was going to topple the Ming family. It seemed like he would have to find that great swords master from the shadows first.

At this moment, the official under the canopy down below stood up and walked on to the plain. He raised his hands in a salute and warmly said, "Watching you heroes performing today, I couldn't but be deeply moved. The Qing Kingdom indeed has many illustrious heroes, and many are among the people. I hope that everyone will continue to practice hard. There will be a day that you will be able to aid the Qing Kingdom in battle to open new lands. It is only a matter of time before your glory will live on beyond this age and bring honor to your ancestors."

The official laughed and said, "I'm not afraid. You heroes will laugh. I admit that I am a frail scholar. To be fortunate enough to here to watch your martial skills, I am full of admiration and envy. I wish I could learn a few tricks from you so that in the future I can ride horses and kill thieves to earn face for the Emperor."

The jianghu people on the plain smiled as they heard this and thought this official had some amusing things in his otherwise courteous speech. Although they were angry there was an official of the court watching what was supposed to be a jianghu matter, hearing what he said made some people feel that it really was this way. Good martial skills were eventually sold to the royal family.

Life on the Jianghu was naturally free and at ease, but it is easy to end up in dire straits. It couldn't compare with entering the army, which would ensure both reputation and benefits. The Emperor always considered martial ability of paramount importance. After so many years of peace, there was bound to be a war to fight and plenty of time to accumulate military honors.

The people who thought like this were the minority. Most of the jianghu removed from politics were free and at ease. They naturally turned their noses up at this court official. Someone said darkly, "It is true that there are many heroes among the people, but they may not all be heroes of the Qing Kingdom. Weren't there a few swordsman from Dongyi City earlier? Are you going to persuade them to also join the army and later fight their way back to Dongyi City?"

Upstairs, Fan Xian listened; he originally thought that this Jiangnan Road official had a clever way with words. After hearing this, he couldn't help but laugh and gently scolded, "What a sharp tongue."

The Third Prince ruthlessly said, "They are all a bunch of wicked people. Teacher was right; there really is no point. We shouldn't have come to watch."

The official then spoke evenly and measuredly. "The way of literature and martial arts originally recognized no borders. A scholar of our court who once participated in Northern Qi's imperial examinations has now married and become prime minister in our court. As everyone knows, Sigu Sword of Dongyi City is a great grandmaster, and naturally his disciples are extraordinary. It is a fortunate matter for these people to participate in our gathering. If anyone of Dongyi City wishes to serve the court of the Qing Kingdom, the court will not refuse."

He smiled and coughed a few times before saying, "Of course, our court and Dongyi City have long had a good relationship. What the gentlemen said earlier would never happen."

The dark jianghu man roared with laughter after hearing these words. "There are many small feudal states in the world, but if fighting were to truly start, who would be fit to be our opponent other than just Northern Qi and Dongyi? Sir says we won't fight Dongyi, then that must mean we will fight Northern Qi?"

The crowd roared. Some of the older generation couldn't help but glare at that person and think, It is common knowledge to not fight with officials, why are you purposely clashing with them? The crowd looked at that man and thought he looked unfamiliar, not like someone who was known in the Jiangnan martial scene.

Fan Xian, who was silently listening upstairs, also found it strange but couldn't say why.

The Jiangnan official on the plain muttered to himself a little, then suddenly smiled and said, "This person speaks sense, but other than our wealthy central plains, there is little peace under heaven. They say that the Manzi on the west side have recently become restless. Has everyone heard about that?"

He tossed out an unverified rumor to quiet the crowd, then continued, "The court has just exchanged documents with Northern Qi last year. The marriage alliance shall be completed, and the friendship between our countries cemented forever. Why would it be, as you said, that we will send troops against each other again?"

That aggressive speaking jianghu figure was silent for a moment then opened his mouth to speak. "As long as this is how Qing people think, then that is good. Thank you, Sir, for dispelling my doubts." Finishing this sentence, he retreated into the crowds at the back.

This sentence exposed his identity. He was a man from Qi.

A soft clamor ran through the crowd; only the Martial Assembly had no restrictions. Dongyi City could send people to participate as could Northern Qi. No one could say anything.

Upstairs, Fan Xian furrowed his brows and stood up. His eyes were bright and began to search carefully through the crowds of people below. His gaze wasn't on the Northern Qi man who was closely surrounded and discussed by the crowd. Who knew what he was looking for?

The corner of the building he was in was to the side hidden by the winter trees. There was also a bamboo curtain between him and the crowd; thus the people below didn't notice him and assumed he was at dinner watching the excitement.

The expression of the official on the plain changed a little. It seemed that he also didn't expect the man who spoke previously to be from Northern Qi. He paused for a moment, then said with a trace of coldness and derision, "It is true that the three countries are on good terms, but you who have come from Northern Qi…I didn't see you enter the field earlier. Only now do I understand. It seems our friends from Northern Qi all like the way of literature and have less confidence in this area."

Hearing these words, the Qing and Dongyi people on the plain laughed loudly. Although Northern Qi, like the Qing Kingdom, had formed not long ago, since they attacked Northern Wei, they were weighed down by their old and impractical culture. Many people in their country chose a gentle and agreeable approach. In comparison, their martial abilities were not strong. The impression they left on the world was one of frailness and weakness.

Although Northern Qi had a Great Grandmaster, Ku He, he was focused on the cultivation of Tianyi Dao and rarely walked among the mortal world. They also had a ferocious general, Shang Shanhu, but he had been placed by the Northern Qi court in the freezing wastelands of the extreme north. They had since summoned him back to the capital but placed him under house arrest and would not put him in an important position. Thus, in the hearts of the jianghu people, they did look down on Northern Qi people a little.

It must be noted that Dongyi City had the most ninth-level aces in the world, so of course they would have a natural confidence. The Qing Kingdom valued martial arts and had countless aces and ferocious generals. The two families, Qin and Ye, had countless generals. Among their martial aces were two great grandmasters. They also had no lack of ninth-level aces. Yan Xia, who could shoot an arrow through the clouds and talk about Sir Fan junior who had recently risen in prominence, was just one example of a martial prodigy.

In the past two years, there was mention of a girl named Haitang from the North, but...she was a woman. The jianghu people were even more sexist than the common people and looked down on the people of Northern Qi.

Thus, when the official said this, no matter if they were Qing boxing masters or Dongyi swordsman, they all laughed loudly.

The face of the Northern Qi man darkened and showed a trace of rage.

Upstairs, Fan Xian's face revealed a strange smile. He quite liked that the Jiangnan Road official had not managed to suppress his anger. His eyes narrowed as he quickly looked down as if he were looking for something. He then gently slapped the rail and tightly grasped it with some strength. It seemed he was slightly more excited for no discernible reason.

The Third Prince looked at him with confusion.

Fan Xian's gaze was directed underneath a tree near a path away from the plain. Under the tree was a normal girl carrying a basket and selling flowers. Given the cold weather, who knew where the flowers in her basket had been stolen from?

The girl stood with her back to the plain the whole time. Her hair was tied with a flowery cloth, so it was impossible for see her face. Just as the official on the plain had humiliated Northern Qi, she turned around and glanced over.

It was this turn that allowed her face to fall into Fan Xian's eyes. If it wasn't Haitang, who could it be?

Haitang was already in Jiangnan. Fan Xian's brain began to spin quickly. The girl should already know that he was the illegitimate child of the Qing Emperor. Why would she still do as she said in the letter and come down to Jiangnan to find him? In these circumstances, did she really dare to give the Heart of Tianyi Dao to him and complete Northern Qi's plan of raising a tiger?

It was at this juncture that there were too many things Fan Xian needed to make a decision about in a flash, so he took in a deep breath and calmed his emotions. He then continued to search below the building for Yun Zhilan's figure.

There was a sudden opportunity, and he needed a great deal of courage to act. Although Fan Xian's emotions were steady, he couldn't help feeling nervous. He didn't know if he and the Shadow would be able to make use of this opportunity and thought it was a great pity that the Shadow's personality was too recalcitrant. Otherwise, if the people of the Sixth Bureau worked with him, perhaps they would have a better chance of succeeding today with this last-minute scenario.

The girl selling flowers under the tree was leisurely walking toward the plain. A light, clean scent emitted from her body, and the jianghu aces immediately sensed something was different.

The crowd parted unconsciously for the flower girl as if they didn't dare to block her path. Once the girl walked by, only then did the crowd find it strange. Why did they give way to her?

In a moment, Haitang had mounted the plain with a calm expression and stood naturally in front of the official. She gently said, "Sir, I am a girl from Northern Qi. I am crude and cannot read literature. However, I have some confidence in the matter of fighting."

The Jiangnan official narrowed his eyes slightly at this unremarkable girl in front of him, yet he didn't say anything, as if she had stunned his spirit.

At this moment, a cold breeze blew in from the West Lake. It didn't move the thick coat on Haitang's body, but it pushed the messy hair at her temples toward her face, which looked a little funny. Hangzhou did not have a fairy appear out of nowhere. Instead, it had a village girl step onto the stage because her hometown was humiliated.

When the man from Northern Qi who had suppressed his anger saw her appearance, he feigned hesitation. A moment later his eyes lit up and he was overjoyed. He threaded his way out of the crowd and fell to his knees below the plain. "Lady Haitang! How are you here?"

The jianghu people crowded outside of Loushang Tower were shocked. The gaze with which they looked at the normal girl on the plain became alert and fearful.

Haitang? The Northern Qi Haitang!

Great Grandmaster Ku He's last disciple? The peerless swordswoman of the North? The ninth-level ace and legendary tianmai? A great grandmaster wasn't going to suddenly appear on the shores of the West Lake. Who could challenge her?

While Haitang was stealing the limelight, it was a pity that Fan Xian did not look. From the beginning, he did not look at her. He only furrowed his brows and closely inspected the movements of the people below. After a moment, he finally noticed something. Beside the lake and beneath the causeway in a small boat was a fisherman wearing a bamboo hat holding a fishing pole.

Fan Xian placed his hands on the railing and stared without blinking at the fisherman. He discovered that just as Haitang appeared, the fishing pole in his hands lightly dipped. There was no fish on the hook. The fisherman saw Haitang's cultivation and wanted to hide himself deeper, so he made that instinctive reaction.

Fan Xian witnessed this tiny action. He stretched out a hand and retrieved the blue and white porcelain plate from the Third Prince's hand.

The Third Prince said with surprise, "I haven't..."

Before he finished speaking, Fan Xian had thrown the plate down with force.

…

…

They only heard a crisp crashing sound as the porcelain plate shattered into countless pieces. At that moment, it was quiet outside of the building due to Haitang's appearance, so this sound was extraordinarily obvious.

Some people raised their heads to look up at the building, thinking, Which uncultured person dropped a plate down off the building in fear after hearing the name of the female saint of Northern Qi? These people were not able to see Fan Xian's appearance because of the big trees and the bamboo curtain divide.

Some people continued to watch the field nervously, not knowing what Haitang was going to do next.

Only the fisherman on the lake had a clear and unobstructed view of Fan Xian in the building. He could clearly tell that the plate was forcefully thrown by someone and not dropped, thus he was slightly confused and slanted his head as he gazed up.

It was only one gaze, but it could never be taken back because Fan Xian's gaze was coldly staring back, focused intently on him.

Yun Zhilan was disguised as the fisherman watched the young man with a calm expression up in the building. It was like a fire had been lit in his heart. Fan Xian! You are also here!

Yun Zhilan slowly drew back his fishing rod, but his gaze was like two dazzling swords directed at Fan Xian.

With dozens of meters between them, the man upstairs and man in the boat seemed to have forgotten about everyone inside and outside of the building. They forgot that Haitang was about to strike, and they only looked at each other.

For a long time, the two people's gaze did not leave each other. There was no probing in their gazes; they held only a naked coldness. The two of them, because of old vengeances and the matter of the Jiangnan Ming family, were certainly not going to sympathize with each other.

…

…

Yun Zhilan had retracted half of his fishing pole.

A strange unreflecting tip of a dagger appeared near the boat around the fishing line as if it had quietly, with his retraction of the line, risen up. Finally the spirit stealing dagger gradually emerged from the water.

At this moment, the larger half of Yun Zhilan's attention was on Fan Xian in the building, and the smaller half was on Haitang in the plain. Although he was the head disciple of Sigu Sword, he knew that both Haitang and Fan Xian were people of the younger generation who had unfathomable depths. Furthermore, rumors said that these two got along unusually well. For them to both appear at the same time in Hangzhou, to both be near this little boat, what exactly did they want to do?

A black blade of cunning murder streaked past.

The fisherman on the boat let out a muffled humph and shot into the sky with a long, terrifying and bloody wound on his body.

It was like the black awnings on the little boat were being pulled by numerous forces in all directions. In a split second, it broke into countless pieces. The water shook as a shadowy figure of a man wearing all black broke through the water of West Lake and followed through the air in the direction Yun Zhilan had taken to escape.

After two sounds of breaking air, there was no trace of anyone near the lake. There were only broken pieces of the black awning that bobbed up and down with the waiter. Among the broken pieces was a bamboo hat commonly seen in Jiangnan floating indeterminately. It seemed to be giving a show of protest to Fan Xian in the building.

Chapter 340: The Girl Selling Flowers And The Shameless Official

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

West Lake wasn't big. It was no more than a few li long. Looking over from Loushang Tower, the waters still appeared vast and mighty.

Fan Xian stood on the top floor of the building. He narrowed his eyes and watched the surface of the lake through a veil of bamboo curtain.

He saw two shadows flitting quickly across the right side of the lake. They occasionally tapped against the surface of the water, sending up a spray before stepping on a boat near the embankment and sweeping past. They moved at astonishing speeds, much like two flashes of lightning chasing one another.

Sometimes they struggled back and forth above the surface of the lake. Their swords flashed across space, and the two soared in the sky. Their poses were beautiful but carried a sense of death that made people shiver in fear.

Blood suddenly appeared, and the two separated once more, sliding forward like two quick birds.

The scene appeared beautiful but was exceedingly frightening.

…

…

Fan Xian stood tall and saw far, but still the two aces had disappeared into the winter willows on the other side of the lake. Looking at the direction they went, it seemed to be toward the black and noble courtyards.

He furrowed his brows. Yun Zhilan had managed to hold out for so long despite his heavy injury. The swordmaster of Dongyi clearly deserved his reputation.

In the rare eagle pecking scene on the lake, it seemed like the Shadow did not use his most practiced method. He instead used a Sigu sword technique, so the attacks of the two aces seemed similar. Although a few broken images only flashed on the surface of the lake, they were still eye catching and awe inspiring.

Given how the Shadow had chased after him like a corpse eating maggot, the injured Yun Zhilan seemed to have only death awaiting him. So why did he head directly to the opposite side of the lake? Were there helpers from Dongyi over there? Fan Xian thought the beautiful and elegant wooden structures on the other side of the lake seemed a little strange.

With a bang, he slammed down the bamboo covering. Fan Xian left the side of the railing. Glancing at the Third Prince, who was staring at him in a daze, he calmly said, "What are you looking at? Keep eating."

He sat beside the table and picked up his chopsticks. He then began looking through the remaining food for the few shrimps left.

Everyone in the room stared at him in shock. The Third Prince was also quietly guessing what had happened outside. Who is killing who? Those people on the plain had all rushed to the lake side and began to shout, so it was clear something big had happened.

Shi Chanli finally couldn't resist and quietly asked, "Sir? What happened?"

Fan Xian didn't give it much thought. "Not sure who, but someone stabbed the fisherman in the lake. At this moment they've chased their way to the other side of the lake."

There was silence in the room. What kind of fisherman was attacked for those worldly, experienced jianghu heroes to be so surprised? No one believed his words, but no one had any way to refute them.

…

…

Beside the lake on the plain, Haitang stood beside the official and gazed at the two exceptional aces on the lake who had vanished into the distance. Her face was calm and did not reveal any of her thoughts.

Meanwhile, the Jiangnan martial figures had swarmed to the side of the lake. They were sucking in cold air and making shocked noises at the still rough surface of the lake.

Although the crowd had not seen the first scene, they had clearly witnessed the little boat splitting apart and the two aces soaring like giant birds above the surface of the lake. With one shocked glance, the crowd knew that the two dueling were unfathomably powerful. They were definitely not normal people. They had probably entered the mystical ninth-level realm.

After the shock had passed, the crowd began to guess the identities of the two people. After a long debate, they still had no idea. Even if one of the superior people saw that the sword techniques on the surface of the lake were similar to that of the Sigu style, they would not say anything. Those proud old men thought to themselves: Doesn't Dongyi always likes to boast they have many aces? You can fight it out yourselves.

Only the female disciples beside the lake from Dongyi City had serious expressions. They didn't think that in the Qing Kingdom's wealthy Hangzhou there would be someone who dared…who could…hurt their master. With Lv Sisi in the lead, these swordswoman hastily saluted in the direction of the host and silently left the plain to follow in that direction.

The crowd of Jiangnan martial artists were shocked but also satisfied. At the end of today's martial assembly, which had been nothing exciting, they were able to see the female Northern Qi sage, Haitang, make an appearance and then two exceptional aces fight each other beside the lake. This entry fee had been well worth it.

The jianghu people of Qing Kingdom used this assassination as an opportunity to forget the matter of Haitang standing on the stage. Everyone knew that at this moment no one present was a match for the girl. If the Qing people did not want to lose face, they needed to take this opportunity and quickly get it over.

Thus, the heroes of the jianghu chose to eat at Loushang Tower, preparing to use wine as a lead in to having a good discussion about the shocking scene they had seen. The rarely seen leaders of various groups and parties took this opportunity to discuss the distribution of benefits under the "just" judgement of the official.

The Jiangnan official and a few seniors of virtue and prestige saluted Haitang but did not bring up what happened on the field. They invited Haitang inside to rest with great politeness and etiquette.

As they were about to enter Loushang Tower, a cultured and spirited young nobleman, who appeared upright and honorable, rushed forward in welcome. He saluted Haitang and warmly said, "You have come such a long way. It is my honor to be able to be so close."

"This young man is?" Haitang had never been an icy and frosty immortal, so she asked casually and politely. Her mind was still on the swift fighting aces from earlier.

"My surname is Ming. I am the owner of Loushang Tower."

At the back of the group was the Jiangnan water bandit Xia Qifei. He raised his eyes to glance at Ming. His expression remained calm, but he laughed coldly in his heart. It had been many years since he had seen his eldest nephew, and now he had made something of himself. He even knew to suck up to Northern Qi people.

Loushang Tower was part of the Ming business and had always been looked after by a shopkeeper. Since there was something important happening near the building today, Ming Lanshi, son of the head of the Ming family, Ming Qingda, had personally come.

As an enormously wealthy family in Jiangnan, they recognized the need to not only have good relationship with officials, but also that favor should be curried for important figures of other countries. That is why he rushed out of the building to welcome Haitang, while at the same time remembering to greet the Jiangnan Road official beside her. He was a smooth and sleek character and did not seem like a family disgrace.

The gazes of the diners were focused on the entrance. They all wanted to see what the legendary Haitang looked like.

Haitang was a famous figure in and of herself. The Qing People had all heard the gossip that this girl had some unclear connection with their own Sir Fan junior. The Qing people all saw Fan Xian as their pride and considered him the most exemplary figure in all of the court. They couldn't help looking at Haitang with pickiness and a sense that they were examining her as a soon-to-be bride.

Once everyone had seen clearly, they couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. This girl was not very pretty. It seem she wasn't good enough for Sir Fan junior.

As the noises gradually lessened outside of the building, the noises inside the building grew to a clamor. Fan Xian knew that those brutish heroes were about to enter. He signaled with his eyes at a Tiger Guard near the room in case there were some jianghu people who didn't watch where they were going and wanted to imitate tyrants from story books and incite a clash by trying to take their seats. Fan Xian did not have the time to play these games.

Gao Da glanced at him and, receiving Fan Xian's nod, waved his hand to call back the Tiger Guard. He went out himself and took the places of two guards who hadn't eaten.

At this time, most of them had pretty much finished eating. Everyone, including the Third Prince, stared at Fan Xian with confused and questioning gazes. Sisi was not an exception. Her gaze was full of curiosity.

"What are you looking at?" Fan Xian furrowed his brows. "What happened on the lake really had nothing to do with me."

Shi Chanli laughed in his heart and thought, Teacher is sometimes clever but how can his reaction be so slow at times? Everyone was too embarrassed to ask the question. It was the Third Prince who was not afraid of Fan Xian's temper. He giggled and said, "It's not that."

"Then what is it?"

The noise outside was getting louder and louder. It seemed there wasn't enough space downstairs and all the jianghu people were heading up. The Third Prince gestured past the door. "That Haitang girl is coming. Is teacher not going to invite her in sit?"

Everyone in the room rested their expectant gazes on Fan Xian's face. He became serious. "What kind of brain do you all have? You should be happy I've brought you all to Hangzhou to watch the show. Are you all counting on me performing for you as well?"

Shi Chanli scrunched up his face. "Teacher, Haitang is not a stranger. Eating together is a normal thing."

Fan Xian laughed coldly. "Everyone is watching. If I invite her in, then everyone will know who we are."

The Third Prince offered a counterpoint in his delicate voice. "I don't understand why we are incognito. Why can't we travel the mountains and waters as ourselves? I doubt these Jiangnan people will dare do anything to us."

Fan Xian had a headache. "It's not that I am afraid of anything, it's that it is a rare opportunity to leave the capital and relax. Why must you have a dozen white-bearded officials all around us? Your Highness doesn't want to pass his days like that, right?"

The Third Prince paused and then understood that Commissioner Fan being incognito was not because he intended to secretly investigate the evidence of the Ming family's crimes, it was purely because he had the desire to travel. Realizing that he had overestimated the other party's professional ethics, the Third Prince couldn't stop his face going red. Silently cursing that someone was indeed being irritating he mockingly said, "So what if they know? If we don't go to the yamen ourselves, I doubt anymore would dare to follow us. Wouldn't that just be looking for awkwardness?"

Fan Xian didn't bother to acknowledge him. He thought the horrors of the sight of officials fawning was not something the child would understand.

The brothers were each holding the other in silent contempt when they heard the noise grow louder outside their room. It seemed someone wanted the room they were in.

Fan Xian's eyebrow twitched. "No way, such a vulgar thing is actually happening to us?"

…

…

Gao Da stood guard outside the door with a dark expression. He watched the jianghu people in front of him with faces full of rage and listened to their filthy words. His hand held the hilt of his long knife, but he had not yet pulled it out because Haitang was watching him with great interest.

Of course, there were already three "jianghu heroes" lying in front of him. They were holding their heads and clutching their stomachs, crying pitifully and airing their grievances.

As Fan Xian had expected, once those overbearing jianghu people got upstairs, they saw at once the room Fan Xian and them were seated in. This room was one of the two best spots in Loushang Tower. The other one had been kept back by the owner in preparation of the Martial Assembly host. The jianghu people did not dare compete against the officials and Haitang for space. They saw this room and began to drool. They loudly ordered the people inside to quickly make room.

The owner, Ming, had not yet come upstairs. The shopkeepers and busboys did not dare offend the sword-wielding jianghu people. They could only stand to one side and say nice things.

What was Gao Da's identity? He was one of the leaders of the Emperor's personal Tiger Guard. If he had been on the jianghu all these years, he would probably have long ago established a school and party. As for these absolutely unreasonably requests, and such people that the commissioner turned his nose up at, there was no need for any discussion. He waited for the jianghu people to move toward the front, then he would knock at them without pulling his long knife from its sheath.

Then there would be a few more people on the floor giving pitiful cries.

…

…

The restaurant was full of people from the Martial Assembly who were used to being unreasonable on the jianghu, but today they met someone who was even more unreasonable than them. Faced with the same enemy, they gathered around evenly and turned their unfriendly gaze on Gao Da.

Fan Xian was to blame for this. After more than half a year of "close contact", other than an ability to kill, Gao Da had been greatly tainted by Commissioner Fan's ruthless aura. In public, Gao Da did not want to strike too hard, so he used a few of Fan Xian's tricks. Although they quickly resolved fights, their ruthless nature made the spectating crowd uncomfortable.

The Dragon-Tiger Mountain swordsman furrowed his brows. "Sir, although these friends were rude first and made some unreasonable requests, your sudden ruthless strike seems slightly unnecessary."

Gao Da remained impassive and didn't bother to acknowledge him. Having seen him attack, the Dragon-Tiger Mountain swordsman knew that his skill was probably above that of his master who was a recluse in the mountain. He had respectfully addressed him as "sir" and didn't treat him as a normal guard. Seeing Gao Da's impassive face, the swordsman felt his anger rising even though he was slightly in fear of the people in the room.

…

…

It was at this moment that Haitang was escorted in by the crowd to the top floor. Seeing the crowd in confrontation with Gao Da, a strange look flashed through her eyes. She naturally walked into the crowd.

Everyone in the building was fearfully trying to guess Gao Da's identity. No one had seen such a master of the knife on the jianghu, so they couldn't help being confused. Haitang had seen Gao Da multiple times in Northern Qi's Shangjing and recognized him at once.

Seeing the chaos at hand, Ming quickly came up to resolve the matter and ordered someone to clear out another room. He then had the busboys help the heroes on the floor.

The Ming family was rich and powerful in Jiangnan and all heroes had to give them some face. Furthermore, they realized that Gao Da's cultivation really was shocking, so the person in the room was probably someone they shouldn't anger even more. The crowd gradually dispersed, although the people kept chattering about it.

Having settled everything, Ming said a few apologetic words to Gao Da and then warmly and politely invited Haitang, the official, and other people into the comfortable room he had prepared.

Unexpectedly, Haitang held the flower basket with one hand and looked at Gao Da with a not-quite-there smile in her eyes. Without turning around she gently said, "Thank you, young master Ming, for your kindness, but I have seen some old friends and must go visit them."

The crowd was stunned. Their gaze turned to Gao Da, who again was more subtle. If this guard's skills were so terrifying, then the identity of the person inside must be incredible.

…

…

They all said he was a smart man. The Jiangnan Road official coughed and said something to Haitang before quickly dragging everyone away. What a joke. What if the person inside really was that young master? The young master was right now playing a mysterious game and not showing his face. He wasn't an official like a prefectural magistrate who had the privilege of fawning. If he rashly exposed the lie, what kind of life would he have left in the officialdom?

Everyone smiled pleasantly at Gao Da and left as swiftly as the wind. Only Ming's face revealed a stunned expression. He gave a pained smile and shook his head.

…

…

The door to the private room squeaked as it was pushed open. Haitang entered with the flower basket in hand, and her gaze lit up.

Fan Xian was holding a wine cup and looked at the uninvited girl. A moment later he choked out two words, "You came?"

Haitang nodded. She smiled and greeted everyone in the room who sat there with their mouth open in curiosity. She walked to his side and replied, "I came."

Fan Xian put down his wine cup. "I purposely had Gao Da go out because I was afraid you would come in and reveal my movements. Did you not see the looks he gave you?"

Gao Da stood in the doorway and looked innocently at the lake scene outside.

Haitang removed the flower patterned cloth on her head and replied in bad temper, "An eighth-level ace is guarding the door. Only an idiot wouldn't be able to guess who was inside."

Fan Xian gave a careless sneer. "Jianghu is filled with concealed talent. No one knew Gao Da, and my ship is still traveling on the river. Who could have guessed I've already reached Hangzhou?"

Haitang met his gaze and impatiently said, "I really don't understand where your stupid self-confidence comes from? Unless this is the approach of mental victory you've talked about in the past?"

Fan Xian rebutted. "If you had not entered this room, they could only guess. How could they prove who I am?"

Haitang was irritated. "I don't like you being secretive like this. You could easily do everything in the open, but you have to take a few turns and smear some black everywhere. It's like if you didn't do this you can't prove you are a schemer."

Fan Xian angrily said, "I am a schemer? How much better than me are you? Wasn't the Northern Qi fellow down there earlier someone you planted so you could have the opportunity to provoke all the Jiangnan heroes, so then you can make your name in one battle and steal the limelight? Fortunately things did not go as you wanted, otherwise the Qing Kingdom would have lost all their face because of you."

Haitang sneered. "If you were uncomfortable, then you should have jumped down and fought me then."

"I don't have that kind of time! Gao Da was guarding the door because Ming is not an idiot. For sure he would find someone to investigate who was sitting in the room. I am willing to bet my head that those trouble-making jianghu heroes were all arranged by Ming. I had Gao Da go out because I wanted to intimidate the so-called jianghu people so that the Ming family would be dissuaded from investigating. And then you showed up and immediately messed up my arrangement."

Fan Xian then added, "This is the Qing Kingdom. You have to somewhat listen to me."

Haitang's eyes were on the ceiling of the building. "When have I ever listened to your arrangements?"

From the moment Haitang entered the room, the two of them began to argue and neither would give an inch. Fan Xian had done things in a disorderly fashion, yet he spoke forcefully and with conviction. Haitang had purposely revealed his secret, yet she continued to say it was because she didn't like his style of doing things. The speed the two of them spoke at grew faster and faster, but their voices remained very low like a series of muffled firecrackers.

In the room, the expression on everyone's faces became strange, yet they kept their mouths tightly shut and didn't dare make any sound. They watched the exciting scene before them and thought the rumors on the jianghu were indeed true. Given Fan Xian's stone heart, glib tongue, influence, and power, there were not many who dared to speak to him like this. Only this girl from the North was able to match him for his imposing manner and keep him locked down. If there was nothing between these two people, a blind man wouldn't believe it even if you beat him to death.

The Third Prince sat closest to the two arguing people. His little face would look at Fan Xian one moment and then turn to Haitang in the next. It was like he was sitting in the front row of a tennis match. His expression was excited and he thought the scenario was rare to see. I must remember it well to tell sister Chen and father when I return to the capital.

In the end, it was Shi Chanli who felt a bit sorry for his teacher and carefully interrupted. "Sir, Haitang, we should think about how to leave. In a moment I'm afraid the Hangzhou Zhizhou, Hangzhou general, Jiangnan manufacturer, and other officials are going to rush over to welcome you. I already saw a few people leaving the building."

Fan Xian slapped his thigh and glared at Haitang. "We have to leave quickly. Otherwise, there will be no holiday to take."

Haitang sat as calmly as a mountain. "I'm hungry."

The Third Prince said accommodatingly, "Then quickly call for the waiter to bring new dishes."

Fan Xian glared at him.

Haitang chuckled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

…

…

Not much past noon, the manor on the other side of West Lake became lively. Of course, the liveliness was restricted to within the courtyard. From the outside, it looked as calm as ever. This manor was beautifully decorated without being over the top. It was backed against a mountain and overlooked the lake; it was a truly marvelous place. Just the garden would probably be worth a few hundreds of thousands liang of silver.

The owner of this manor was surnamed Peng. No one knew his identity. In previous years, it was only in the summer that people would come to spend the season.

The people who arrived at the manor today was Fan Xian and his group. This manor belonged to the previous Prime Minister, Lin Ruofu. He had used the name of one of his student's, Peng's distance relatives, to buy it. Traveling to Jiangnan and arriving in Hangzhou, naturally Fan Xian was going to live on his father-in-law's estate.

The manager of the garden had received the message long ago and arranged everything. Fan Xian was sitting in the imperial tutor's chair with his legs crossed, savoring a Longjing and enjoying the life of a Hangzhou millionaire. He slanted his eyes to glance at Haitang who was saying something quietly to the Third Prince. Fan Xian couldn't help feeling a little angry.

The group did not continue to stay at the Loushang Tower, and Haitang also did not order a few new dishes. To hide from the Hangzhou officials who were already on their way, Fan Xian dragged his subordinates out and fled.

The carriage pretended to enter the city. Along the way they mobilized the people of the Hangzhou Inspection Division of the Fourth Bureau of the Overwatch Council. They even mobilized two textile stores the Sixth Bureau had prepared for their assassins. It was only like this that this group of people finally disappeared once again into the sea of people in the city. They quietly made their way around and entered the manor.

Fan Xian felt very sorry for the subordinates in the Council.

Haitang glanced at him and said with confusion, "Who exactly are you hiding from?"

Fan Xian sighed. "I am hiding from trouble."

Today's matter was actually because of Fan Xian's own stupidity. If he truly did not want to reveal his movements, then he should not have gone to the Loushang Tower. If he went to the Tower, then when someone tried to take their seats he should have endured it and acted as an inferior. The problem was, Fan Xian loved excitement and didn't like being inferior. Thus, it was impossible to always hide his true identity when traveling on the jianghu.

After a while, the Third Prince went into the garden to tease the newly bought girls. A manor servant brought over a plate of hot cakes. Haitang ate them with great relish. Looking at that, it seemed that on the trip south she had been quite starved.

Fan Xian glanced at her. "Be more ladylike."

Haitang spluttered with laughter and thought, I haven't seen this bastard in half a year. How come we argued the moment we met? That feeling was actually quite fun.

After waiting for her to finish the desserts, Fan Xian used his eyes to indicate she should follow him into the back garden for a walk. Although he had never been to his manor, the structure and design were somewhat familiar. He easily found the quiet study.

In the study, the two of them both sat down. Fan Xian gazed at the girl and said, "You must know of the rumor by now."

Haitang nodded. "Let's not talk about that yet. The two people on West Lake today. Did you recognize them?"

"I've seen that fisherman before," Fan Xian faintly recalled. "It should be Yun Zhilan, last year…oh, no, it should be the year before, I saw him once in the palace. At that time he was the leader of the Dongyi diplomatic mission."

Haitang's brows remained furrowed. She was quiet for a while then asked, "To be able to injure Yun Zhilan…who exactly was that assassin? Why have I never heard of someone like that?"

Fan Xian laughed coldly. "With a secret ambush, even a child could kill a great grandmaster."

Haitang shook her head. "You probably haven't studied the sword technique of Dongyi. That assassin used the purest Sigu sword intent."

Fan Xian gently smoothed the fine hairs at his temple. "Dongyi has many aces. If they kill each other, it only benefits our plans. There are no negatives."

Haitang was still recalling the assassin that leapt out of the waters of the lake. She kept feeling that although the black-clothed person used a pure sword technique, there was still some strange aura she couldn't quite pinpoint. She had seen it somewhere else before.

The girl had this impression because the move Fan Xian used in their battle in the meadow was similar to the one the Shadow used to assassinate. They both carried the Overwatch Council's spirit of shamelessness. Only, she would never think of that.

"He's not one of your people?" She gazed at Fan Xian with suspicion.

Fan Xian smiled. "You saw it. The assassin's level is similar to yours. An exceptional ninth-level ace, how could I order him around?"

Haitang nodded and accepted this explanation. "The fact you haven't met an assassin on this trip south surprises me. Logically speaking, Xinyang…"

Fan Xian raised a hand and stopped her question. "In a time of peace and order, that kind of thing would cause too much of a sensation. Furthermore, Xinyang does not have the ability to kill me."

Haitang furrowed her brows. "Has your injury recovered?"

…

…

Fan Xian's expression didn't change, but he slightly smiled. "I recovered long ago, otherwise I wouldn't dare come to Jiangnan. You know I've always been the most afraid to die."

The answer gave Haitang assurance. "The matter we agreed on in the letter. Do you want to discuss it now or at night?"

In his bones, Fan Xian was a licentious person. He immediately understood her words in a dirty way. He quickly coughed and said, "At night. Since it is a gift from an imperial advisor, there should be some formality. Even if we don't light incense, you still have to give me time to have a wash, right? Although…my question earlier…"

His question was: Since they knew he was the illegitimate child of the Qing Emperor, why did the Great Grandmaster Ku He still dare to hand the Heart of Tianyi Dao to him?

Before he finished speaking, Haitang was already smiling and rising from her seat. "We'll talk at night. I am going to look at the scenery of West Lake. I've read about it countless times in books but haven't had a close look today."

Fan Xian watched as she casually picked up the flower basket on the table. He asked, "Duoduo, where did you find flowers in this weather?"

"They're silk flowers I bought in Wuzhou, they're fake. They're all fake."

…

…

Fan Xian sat alone in silence in the study. Only after a long time did he turn around, gazing at the thick curtains, and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

The Shadow was indeed just a streak of shadow and seemed to float away from the curtain. He shook his head and said, "Yun Zhilan was heavily injured, but didn't die."

Fan Xian drew his brows together and knew he had guessed right again. "What happened?"

"Yun Zhilan went all out to break into one of the yards at the side. It's probably a Ming family estate. This time he didn't come alone. There were some of his disciple brothers. They were all in the yard, so I retreated."

The Shadow's words carried no fluctuating emotions. Fan Xian asked, "The Ming family? Dongyi? How powerful were the people who came?"

"Two ninth-levels, three eighth-levels." The Shadow replied, "But Yun Zhilan won't be powerful for half a year."

Anger flashed through Fan Xian's eyes and was immediately hidden. "There is another ninth-level and three eighth-levels. It seems like Dongyi really thinks highly of me, they're really laying down the money. Where did all these aces come from? Are they buying wholesale?"

The Shadow didn't understand his words but could hear his anger. "They have already left the yard."

Fan Xian stood up and sank into thought.

If he wanted to investigate the matter of the palace treasury on this trip to Jiangnan, there was no doubt that he had to topple the Ming family and cut off the flow of money between Xinyang and Dongyi. Of the powers the Ming family held, Xinyang was not martially powerful and would not be sufficient for a confrontation. They could only lean on the aces in Dongyi.

To kill an official of the court, particularly someone like Fan Xian, seemed difficult to imagine. The Ming family probably did not want to run the risk of their family being exterminated to kill Fan Xian. However, if things came down to a matter of life and death, given the craziness of the Eldest Princess' personality, who knew what could happen?

Although he was powerful and daring, when he thought that he might have to face assassination by an increasing number of eighth- ninth-level aces in Dongyi, he still felt a shiver of fear. That was why he had the Shadow steal the initiative and act, first picking off the leader Yun Zhilan, and then leading the swordsman of the Sixth Bureau to spare no effort in sweeping through the Jiangnan waterways to kill those from Dongyi.

Fan Xian would be a true idiot if he stayed in the yamen and waited for the Dongyi assassins to come one day. The so-called best defense was an offense. Using the terrorist assassins of the Overwatch Council to defeat the terrorist assassins from Dongyi was the correct move.

As for that strange old creature Sigu Jian, Fan Xian did not think his level would alert the other party.

He was suddenly jolted with shock and thought it was fortunate Yun Zhilan had not died. Brother Zhilan, I'll have to trouble you to stay alive for a few more months, at least until my uncle the blind man has recovered—another ambush could only kill, not save.

…

…

Fan Xian woke from his thoughts. "Take the swordsmen of the Sixth Bureau and have the people of the Second Bureau cooperate in the investigation. As soon as these people stick out their heads, strike. I don't ask that you kill the other party, but chase them until they feel fear in their hearts. Let them be anxious for the rest of their days and stop bothering me."

The Shadow nodded and then asked, "The girl beside you is very powerful. It won't be convenient for me to visit regularly."

Fan Xian nodded. "I had the same thought as you. From today, she will be responsible for my safety, so that shouldn't be a problem. Also, you need to be careful of your safety. Revenge cannot be rushed. Right now you're not a match for a great grandmaster."

The Shadow paused, then turned and left, leaving only two slightly damp footprints where he had stood.

If the Shadow went around intercepting and scaring visitors from Dongyi, then Fan Xian's personal safety became a problem. This was why he had waited until Haitang showed herself before he made the decision to strike, but, at the same time, he no longer cared if others caught his movements.

He used Haitang's reputation and his own killing gaze to create an opportunity for the Shadow.

After the Shadow left, Haitang arrived, which meant there was still a superior ninth-level ace beside him working with the Tiger Guards. There would be no problems with his safety. Most importantly, with this girl beside him, regardless of which power under heaven wanted to touch him, they had to first take into account the power of Northern Qi as well as that bald headed Great Grandmaster Ku He.

Besides, she was much cuter than the Shadow. At night they could do much more than just chat and bicker. Fan Xian laughed shamelessly.

Chapter 341: Coincidental Classmates In Youth

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

At night, Peng manor was silent. Not far away, the waters of West Lake gently sloshed about and the garden lights flickered. Due to the separation of the many by high walls, and because the back of the mountain was part of the estate, they did not worry that anyone would notice something.

The people who had traveled thousands of miles to Jiangnan were tired. They had eaten well in Hangzhou, so they felt full and sleepy. The lights were soon extinguished and most of the people fell into darkness and sweet dreams. In the back garden there were two rooms with their lights still on. One was a bedroom, and the other was the study.

In the bedroom, Sisi was nodding off while forcing herself to finish repairing a tear that Fan Xian had made in his sleeve while they were in Shazhou. She was also waiting for him.

In the study, Fan Xian sat at the table with his brows slightly furrowed reading a little book. Haitang sat in the opposite corner and also held a book to read with a serious expression. The brush marks on that book were new. It was clear that someone had just written them out.

After a long silence, the two, seemingly deeply connected, raised their heads at the same time and met each other's gaze with pained smiles.

It was Fan Xian who opened his mouth first. "Duoduo, it seems very contradictory."

Haitang shook her head. "Not seems, and not some. These two techniques are completely contradictory. It is impossible to practice them."

The two small books they held in their hands were both valuable treasures in this world. Fan Xian was reading the supreme "Heart of Northern Qi's Tianyi Dao," while Haitang was reading the first scroll of "Unnamed Martial Secrets" that Fan Xian had written out from memory.

Rumors said that the Heart of Tianyi Dao was given to Ku He after he knelt on the stone steps before the Temple for months to request it. Although Fan Xian knew this was absurd after his conversation with Xiao En that night in the cave, this class of martial technique remained one of the most sought after secrets among those who cultivated martial arts. Although Fan Xian's "Unnamed Martial Secrets" was not very well-known, it could help a young man without an internal qi teacher become one of today's ninth-level aces, powerful and unrivaled. Haitang knew its value.

In terms of sharing knowledge, Fan Xian was not stingy. Since Haitang had so generously brought the Heart of Tianyi Dao, then he would naturally have to offer up one of his treasures.

However, this young pair of people had been studying these books by candlelight for a while and finally reached a rather depressing conclusion.

The two martial methods were completely counterproductive and unrelated. They were also very contradictory. Fan Xian's tyrannical martial secrets were of the direct and straightforward nature, focusing mainly on the internal spirit, and had as its foundation the solidifying of Meridians. The most difficult portion was the first step in where the powerful zhenqi had to burst out vigorously from the lower back without reason and would greatly shake up the cultivator's Meridians. This was the so-called molding.

Haitang had already practiced Tianyi Dao for over 10 years. Her Meridians had long been shaped. It was impossible for her to release all her training and begin anew, furthermore, she could not be like Fan Xian and return to infanthood and use that wisp of not yet fully dissipated innate qi to get through it by sheer force of will. She also didn't have the precious spiritual experience of being gravely ill and powerless in a previous life. It was impossible for her to step over this first threshold.

For Fan Xian, the Tianyi Dao martial method was also an icy beauty that he could only see but not touch. This series of spells were natural, following the call of the yuanqi outside and inside the body, and it was truly extraordinary. Particularly as to the movement route and method of the zhenqi within the body, it followed a belief of gradual accumulation and was very soft and gentle. Using the power of water to build spirit, accumulated water droplets formed rivers. Fan Xian's cultivation of a tyrannical martial method for over 10 years had expanded the Meridians in his body to a point that was difficult for normal people to imagine. Even if he were able to use his martial methods to converge his spirit into dew, who knew how many years it would take to use these dew drops to fill his Meridians to just a trickle.

The two met each other's eyes and sighed helplessly.

"Read some more. To comprehend new things by analogy is always beneficial."

Haitang spoke in a quiet voice. Fan Xian and her were both leading figures among the younger generation, particularly since she had already entered the top realm of the ninth-level. Yet she was still unable to touch the threshold of breaking through. That threshold appeared close but it was illusory and barely discernible. She had thought that with Fan Xian's help she might be able to gain some insight, however, she hadn't expected Fan Xian's zhenqi martial method to have such an abnormal existence. It was difficult not to feel slightly disappointed.

Fan Xian agreed. "It seems you really won't be able to use my methods. Not considering the pain, re-developing Meridians would be very dangerous. I would also not allow you to try it."

Haitang's eyebrow twitched. She said in a clear voice, "I am not a bold and crude woman." Following this she furrowed her brows. "Your martial methods are indeed strange. How could there be this kind of strange Heart of cultivation where you harm yourself first then others later? Probably only strange people like you can practice it."

Fan Xian remembered something Uncle Wu Zhu had said before and shook his head. "That might not be true. According to what I know, someone has successfully practiced it before."

"Who gave you the heart of this class?" Haitang probed. She didn't expect Fan Xian to actually answer her.

Unexpectedly, Fan Xian was forthcoming. "My mother left it to me."

"Lady Ye?"

"Yes."

Haitang smiled a slightly brittle smile. "Most people hide their secrets away and dare not reveal them. The people who mess around like us are already rare. It is probably also a rare sight to have both of these wonderful books. It is a pity we didn't get anything out of it."

Fan Xian's expression was slightly dark. From ancient times to now, Haitang and himself were probably the only pair of strange youths to be able to bravely exchange family treasures without needing to protect the secrets of each martial school. This should have been a wonderful historical scene of knowledge sharing, but…

He suddenly flipped open a page and a smile appeared in his eyes. "Don't sigh yet. Doesn't this say the method of dual-cultivation?"

…

…

Haitang frowned. "The cultivation of xing and ming. Why life?[JW1] What we call life is based on the natural law. What we call the nature of a person is master of the self. Mold your character by your soul and live your life by your heart. If the soul does not guard your depths, then your nature will be shaken by your heart. If your heart is not determined, then your life will be surrendered by your senses. Do not lose yourself in emotion. Do not fall into philosophy. To experience and return is to turn back. It is written very clearly here, but how will you practice it? You revolve around the court all day. Where will you find a place away from sounds and temptations?"

"A secluded heart makes for a secluded place." Fan Xian used a line from Tao Yuanming's poetry to respond to her question.

Haitang's eyes lit up and her expression became calm. "There still remains the biggest question. Unless you rebuild your Meridians, otherwise, given the rough and wild zhenqi in your body, the new zhenqi will definitely not be able to survive. Will you be willing to shatter the Meridians of your powerful zhenqi and began again?"

Fan Xian did not answer this question, instead he changed the topic and asked her about some of the difficult to grasp areas of the Heart of Tianyi Dao. Haitang explained everything in great detail and did not hold anything back. She thought that even though she was unable to cultivate this tyrannical martial method, if she could remember this martial method then in the future she could pass it onto descendants of the Tianyi Dao; it would be a piece of good fortune for the people of her country. Thus, she read carefully and was not ashamed to ask if she saw something she didn't understand. Like her, Fan Xian was frank and sincere, sharing all that he knew.

Red candles in the room and stars in the sky. The two studied together in joy and harmony.

Gradually, the two of them sank into the wondrous realm stored within these two martial methods. Although they did not try with their bodies, they remembered in their hearts. They stopped asking questions and instead each shifted sideways and sat back to back. They quickly memorized the contents of the book.

…

…

After an indeterminable amount of time, Fan Xian, who had his back to her the entire time, slowly said, "Actually…after the assassination at the Hanging Temple, my zhenqi exploded my Meridians and flowed into my body. Up until today I still haven't been able to pull it back."

Haitang continued to sit with her back to him, only her shoulders shook slightly. It was a moment later before she said gently, "You are finally willing to admit it."

The affairs of life were always so mysterious. Originally, it would have been impossible for Fan Xian to destroy his Meridians and re-cultivate the Heart of Tianyi Dao, however, his Meridians were already damaged beyond repair; it was the perfect opportunity to cultivate. Yet, Haitang was still unable to derive any benefits from this. Comparing the two, Fan Xian always took the greatest advantage. He had originally planned to keep hiding it, but they had sat back to back for a long time and the uncomfortable feeling in his heart grew stronger and stronger. After some thought, he finally spoke the truth involuntarily.

Fan Xian also didn't turn around. "I can never hide things from you for long. I guess that when the rumors of my past had traveled to the north you were already heading south with this martial method, you went behind Imperial Advisor Ku He's back, right?"

Haitang hummed.

Fan Xian felt moved, but also wary. "Why?"

Haitang's floral coat appeared to bloom like the flowers in the painting under the faint yellow light. "It is very simple. I guessed you must have run into some problems, otherwise no matter how helpless you were you would not ask me for the Heart in the letter. Even an idiot would be able to guess. This kind of thing is the secret of a country. How could it be given to you? Since you had problems, of course I wanted to help you resolve them, after all, the agreement between us still has many years to complete."

Fan Xian paused and then asked, "What do we do now? Originally, I was unable to cultivate the Heart you brought, but now that my Meridians have completely shattered it is perfect to use the Heart of Tianyi Dao to rebuild from the foundations. However, what I gave you is not very useful."

Haitang replied peacefully, "It is of no use to me, but it will be of use to someone in the future. I trust you won't object to me handing it to descendants."

"Your descendants? Could they be connected to me in anyway?" Fan Xian's knot in his heart faded and he laughed out loud, taking advantage of the girl with his words.

Haitang acted like she didn't understand this base joke and coldly said, "Given your sufficient honesty with me, I won't quibble."

Fan Xian turned and waved the book in his hands. "The thing is already in my hand. Should I be afraid you'll take it back?"

Haitang happened to turn around at this moment. She stood up and walked over to him. Fan Xian thought she was truly angry and quickly tried to tuck the book away in fright.

Haitang watched him and felt slightly conflicted in her heart. She thought the man was young but already held great power. He was talented both in martial arts and in literature, in front of others he always appeared warm with a hint of dark arrogance. How was that every time she saw him, he was like a helpless vagabond in a market? In a bad temper she said, "I need to change a few lines for you. Teacher has messed with it. If you end up as an idiot when practicing, it's not my fault."

Fan Xian paused and drew out the book in a daze. He hadn't felt like there were any flaws while reading the Heart and couldn't help feeling admiration for Ku He's realm and to forge it so beautifully. Immediately following that, he felt a great anger. That old bald donkey really was very evil. If I hadn't used the marvelous technique "to encapsulate in one word" to trap your female disciple, I really would have just died without even knowing the cause.

"Were you just going to let me turn into an idiot at first?" Fan Xian looked at Haitang in anger.

Haitang replied evenly, "This matter between us is absurd. If it got out, it will probably shock the world. How could I not be careful? The important thing is that we have to be honest with each other. If there is even a thread of concealment, I wouldn't dare trust you."

"If you hadn't admitted to me earlier that you've lost all your zhenqi, then it's your own fault for turning into an idiot."

Fan Xian was stunned. He thought that indeed those who were good were rewarded.

After Haitang finished correcting a few words in those key phrases, Fan Xian picked it up to look at again. Immediately, he felt it was like a beautiful painting that had a few spiritually harmful areas wiped away by a master painter. The entire picture immediately lit up, and the people and scenery within it began to move.

Fan Xian knew this was the true appearance of the supreme Heart of Tianyi Dao. A shiver ran through his heart. He knew that with this cultivation, it would not be long before he could walk along the path of the unity of heaven and man, and naturally repair the perforated Meridians in his body. The realm that had left him for too long was finally about to return. Thinking of this, despite his perseverance, he couldn't help feeling moved. Suddenly a thought flashed through his mind and he remembered something.

"I'll give you some paintings later." He looked at Haitang and said without shame, "The tyrannical martial methods I gave you should be used with the zhenqi routes on the picture. Otherwise, if you go in blind, your body may have a dozen extra bloody holes when you pass the threshold."

Haitang stared at him in shock. A moment later she slowly spoke. "When will the talents in this world stop their mutual deception…at least, between us."

Fan Xian became silent and then said, "I'll do my best to learn in the future. Of course, you should as well."

…

…

After a long time, the two finally shook off the awkward silence. Perhaps to help relax the atmosphere, Haitang said gently, "Let me look at your injury."

Fan Xian nodded silently. Although his practice of Vipassanā was detailed, a third party would be able to see more clearly. Particularly someone at Haitang's realm would more easily find where the problem was, and he would be able to provide a suitable solution with his high education and intelligence.

Haitang walked around him and stood at his back. He didn't see her warm up before her right hand naturally flattened against the middle of his back[JW2].

A sudden breeze picked up in the room, and the light on the table flickered. A sudden gentle ripple of power appeared in the air.

Haitang closed her eyes and carefully sent the zhenqi in her body into Fan Xian's body to investigate his injury.

Suddenly the environment around them became quiet. There wasn't a hint of wind, and the flame in the light stood straight. The air seemed to be frozen, but it was not thick. On the contrary, it carried a sense of lightness.

The zhenqi of a superior ninth-level ace flowed out of their body and immediately fell into harmony with the environment around it. A secret of the Way of Tianyi Dao, indeed it was marvelous.

After a long time, Haitang, with her eyes closed, furrowed her brows, as if she had run into some strange situation.

Fan Xian did not feel anything except warmth and comfortableness. After a trickle of fresh zhenqi dissipated from his back, it quickly flowed around his body. It was like having a hot bath as well as sunbathing in Hawaii. His entire person felt relaxed and about to fall asleep.

He heard the girl behind him make a soft sound. Without thinking or opening his eyes, Fan Xian yawned and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Haitang furrowed her brows. "Don't fall asleep."

"Ah, the Tianyi Dao is indeed incredible. You can even talk while you heal." Fan Xian laughed. "Although, if this counts as healing, I am willing to be injured every day. It's even more comfortable than a massage."

"Can you shut up?" Haitang said. "Otherwise I can't promise my mind won't become confused and suddenly increase the power."

Fan Xian heard the girl's threat, but he wasn't afraid. "Do you perhaps want to murder your husband?"

…

…

Two huffs came out of the two people's mouths at once, and the air in the study suddenly exploded. Countless streams of air spiraled out of their bodies but stopped in an instant, however, it picked up the books that the former Prime Minister Lin Ruofu collected and sent them dancing through the air. Paper flew everywhere. It was a pitiful sight.

Fan Xian and Haitang were both unhurt, but Fan Xian sat on the pile of papers on the floor. His heart palpitated as he looked at the girl who was gently smoothing back her hair. He said in a shaky voice, "Do you really want to kill me?"

Haitang stared into his eyes. Forcefully suppressing her anger she replied, "I said, don't mess with my state of mind at this time."

Fan Xian was momentarily speechless. He cursed in his heart: Why didn't you say so clearly earlier? I thought you liked to work and flirt at the same time.

Haitang calmed her slight puffing and the gaze with which she looked at Fan Xian became strange. "Although your zhenqi has dissipated among your organs, there is a store of zhenqi in your lower back…and it remains very vigorous. The level of violence seems scarier than when we last fought. Since there are no Meridians circulating, it is becoming more and more substantial."

She shook her head. "Fortunately I came in time. Otherwise in half year, once your lower back explodes, then it would really be all over."

Fan Xian had two teachers in his life. One was Uncle Wu Zhu, and the other was Fei Jie. One taught him how to slice carrots; the other taught him how to use poison. In the subject of zhenqi cultivation, he was self-taught. Thus, his knowledge of the details of zhenqi was not comparable to those of the proper school. This was why he never realized the biggest danger he faced. Hearing Haitang talk, he realized he had been living in danger this last while and couldn't help feeling some fear after the event.

"After the Hanging Temple incidence, I stopped my cultivation. Why would there continue to be an accumulation?"

Haitang thought about it for a bit then said, "It's probably because you've been cultivating since a young age and it's become a habit, so even when you're sleeping…"

Fan Xian raised his right arm and didn't let her continue on. He shook his head. "It's because of this."

For Fan Xian, ever since a young age, meditating and sleeping had combined into one recreational task. Any other cultivator would certainly admire him, but now it had become a source of danger.

Something occurred to him and his expression became dark and serious. In a cold voice he said, "I don't understand, and Sir Fei Jie does not understand either, but couldn't Eunuch Hong tell?"

"Hm?" Haitang didn't know he already began to suspect someone and didn't understand.

Fan Xian shook his head. "Nothing. Thanks for your hard work."

The room was in a mess. Paper was flying everywhere. Fan Xian didn't dare let the servants come into the clean, so he and Haitang tidied up a little. The two precious books of the Hearts were tucked away into their clothes by each of them respectively. As for the mess of papers underneath the table, they didn't bother with them.

"I'll start practicing tomorrow," Fan Xian said. "I took a great advantage in this matter, however, I'll still have to trouble you to protect me this month."

Haitang did not object to temporarily being his bodyguard and nodded gently. She suddenly turned and asked, "An Zhi, tell me the truth. The black-clothed man my brother disciple saw on the precipice on the Shangjing Xi Mountain, was it you?"

Fan Xian was silent. He knew that Haitang had finally confirmed that the nature of his violent zhenqi was very similar to what Lang Tiao had met. Only, that matter involved Xiao En and the Temple, and it was too big. After a moment he replied, "That morning when you came to find me in the consulate, you had probably already guessed something. However, as you also know, I will never admit to anything."

"Teacher probably also guessed these things." Haitang smiled slightly. "But you don't have to be too nervous. He said he once owed your mother a favor."

Fan Xian smiled coldly. "Is giving me a fake Heart repaying that debt?"

"Although that Heart earlier was fake, it would not have harmed you. Besides, this was what the teacher had to unwillingly do after hearing that you were the Qing Emperor's son. This Heart is the supreme secret of our school. Please keep it safe, Sir Fan."

Fan Xian pointed to his own head. "You can take it back in a bit and destroy it if you want; I've remembered it."

Haitang furrowed her brows in surprise at his abnormal memory, wondering who taught this strange creature as a child? From this she thought of another matter. Her heart thudded with sincerity. "I heard teacher say you have a blind master beside you. I don't know whether I'll have the opportunity to meet him in person."

As the pride of a martial school, what she was most interested in was naturally the man who was able to injure the Great Grandmaster Ku He, the blind man whose reputation was completely true. She asked this now purely because she wanted to greet Wu Zhu as a junior and ask for some instruction.

Fan Xian shook his head and gave Haitang a bitter smile. "I've discovered that it is very difficult to keep secrets from Imperial Advisor Ku He. However, it is a pity but you won't be able to meet my uncle any time soon. In recent years he has taken a leaf from Ye Liuyun's book for some reason and enjoys traveling on his own."

Haitang was a bit disappointed. "An Zhi, although teacher did not tell me explicitly, but his words revealed that your mother should have some connection with the Temple." That day in her conversation with Ku He, they did not discuss this explicitly, but Ku He mentioned Xiao En and mentioned some clues. Being as clever as she was, she naturally guessed some of it.

Fan Xian shook his head and said resolutely and decisively, "The Temple is too far away. It would be best if we first discussed the affairs of life."

Haitang was slightly angry, and suddenly hated Fan Xian's particularly hateful personality. "What affairs of life?"

Fan Xian laughed out loud. "For example, Duoduo, how old are you this year? We've known each other for quite a while and have written plenty of letters, yet I don't even know the answer to this most important question."

[JW1]性命双修 = xing ming shuan xiu = double cultivation of xing and ming = dual cultivation

性命 = xing ming = life

Hence, when Haitang asks about dual cultivation and says, why life? She is referring to the first part of the phrase.

[JW2]"俞门穴"– There is no actual translation of this term so the location is described instead.