Chapter 35 | General Zhangsun

The mountains were ablaze with wildflowers. Li Jing galloped along the main road of Sichuan on his horse.

As he entered the Chengdu Plain, the landscape opened up before him. Over the past three months, Li Jing seemed to have grown up suddenly. Not only had his body become stronger, but he had also grown taller. The "Guxing" sword on his back no longer felt as heavy as before. As for the leg injury, it had long since healed.

The distance from Langzhong to Chengdu was over six hundred *li*. The gray horse gifted to him by Monk Xuyun was exceptionally swift, and it took only a day to reach Chengdu. The land of abundance, having been governed by the Qin and Han dynasties and flourishing during the Shu and Jin periods, was now a prosperous region. The Sui court had established the Southwest Regional Administration to showcase its favor. The bustling streets of Chengdu surpassed even those of Jiangling and rivaled Chang'an in prosperity.

When Li Jing entered the city, the gates were about to close. After asking several shopkeepers, he finally learned that the Qingcheng Inn was located in the western part of the city. As the market was closing, the streets were chaotic with people, making it impossible to ride. Li Jing had to lead his horse on foot. By the time he reached the Qingcheng Inn, the lights were already bright.

The Qingcheng Inn was unlike any ordinary inn. There were no visible buildings, only high walls enclosing the property. A large gilded plaque hung above the gate, inscribed with the words "Qingcheng Inn" in a calligraphic style reminiscent of the Wei and Jin dynasties. Two large stone lions flanked the entrance, and the steps were made of blue stone. The copper-inlaid gate was tightly shut, and two men in long robes stood guard. It looked more like a government official's residence than an inn. As Li Jing approached, the middle-aged man on the right stepped forward and said arrogantly, "This is no place for idlers. Go back."

Li Jing felt a surge of anger. Even if he weren't here to find someone, how could an inn turn away guests? He retorted, "Isn't this an inn?"

The man coldly replied, "We're full today. No more guests."

Li Jing had initially planned to mention Du Ji or the Yuan brothers, but his youthful temper flared. He frowned and said, "What kind of hospitality is this? If you don't accept guests, you should take down the 'Qingcheng Inn' sign or rename it 'Qinglou Brothel.'"

The man's expression changed instantly, and he angrily said, "Where did this bastard come from, daring to mock me?" With that, he lunged forward, reaching out to grab Li Jing.

Since leaving Luzhou, Li Jing had encountered many skilled fighters. Apart from accidentally killing a water bandit, he had been almost powerless in every fight, especially with the child in tow, preventing him from fighting at full strength. This had left him simmering with frustration. Now, faced with this rude man's aggression, his instincts kicked in. As the man's right hand grabbed his shoulder, Li Jing suddenly threw a punch. With a dull thud, the man was flung several feet away and collapsed to the ground, unmoving.

This outcome surprised Li Jing. The other gatekeeper was even more shocked. Ignoring his fallen companion, he pushed open the gate and ran inside. Li Jing was still pondering the force of his punch when he heard the sound of rapid footsteps. Over a dozen men armed with swords and spears rushed out.

These men quickly surrounded Li Jing in a well-coordinated formation. The gray horse, startled, neighed and bolted, but one man leaped onto its saddle, grabbed the reins, and spurred it forward. The horse, now under control, trotted obediently into the compound, leaving Li Jing surrounded.

Furious, Li Jing drew the Guxing sword and slashed at the lead gray-robed man. The man wielded a pair of bronze maces and raised them to block, but with a sharp crack, the maces were severed. The others, shocked, stepped back, but soon reformed their tight encirclement. Though Li Jing had a superior weapon, the dozen men moved with military precision. Even if he could disarm one or two, his exposed back would leave him vulnerable to their spears and knives, risking serious injury.

The standoff continued. Suddenly, the gray-robed man with the maces shouted, and the men leaped back. Before Li Jing could react, a large net descended from above, threatening to ensnare him. Li Jing raised his sword and slashed a cross in the air. With two sharp cuts, the net fell, but Li Jing had already leaped through the gap. With a few more flashes of his sword, the thick ropes were severed, rendering the net useless.

Just as Li Jing was feeling pleased with himself and preparing to break free, he heard the whistle of an arrow. Instinctively, he raised his sword to block. With a metallic clang, the arrow struck the blade, sending him staggering back four steps before he regained his footing. His hand stung, and he nearly dropped the Guxing sword. Looking up, he saw a lean, black-clad man holding a long bow, standing at the entrance. The man appeared to be in his thirties, so thin that a strong breeze might knock him over, yet he stood as steady as a steel spike driven into the ground.

The men silently retreated. The black-clad man stepped forward, slowly approaching Li Jing. He looked him up and down and said, "Young man, are you Li Sanlang of the Li family from Sanyuan?"

Li Jing was startled. Not only was this man an exceptional archer, but his gaze was as sharp as an eagle's. Li Jing realized that if this man had wanted to kill him, it would have been effortless. The arrow aimed at his sword had been a deliberate act of mercy. His arrogance vanished, and he sheathed his sword, bowing respectfully. "I am indeed Li Jing. May I ask your name, sir?"

The black-clad man waved his hand, and the men sheathed their weapons, retreating in an orderly manner. Only the gray-robed man with the maces remained nearby. The gray-robed man said, "This is the Great Sui's General of the Third Rank, Cavalry General Zhangsun..." Before he could finish, the black-clad man smiled and interrupted, his tone softening. "I am Zhangsun Sheng. Li Sanlang, if I may say so, I once served under your uncle, General Han. There was a misunderstanding earlier. Please don't take offense. Du Ji, please escort Young Master Li inside for a chat."

Li Jing now realized that the man with the maces was the person his uncle had instructed him to find. He bowed and apologized, "I was ignorant and caused trouble for you, Master Du..."

Du Ji laughed. "No harm, no foul. If you had introduced yourself earlier, we would never have treated you so rudely. Come, let's go inside and talk." With that, he politely led the way, following Zhangsun Sheng into the inn.

Li Jing walked between the two men, his mind in a daze. Zhangsun Sheng, though only in his thirties, was already famous throughout the land. Even his usually arrogant uncle spoke highly of him. But General Zhangsun had always been involved in northern diplomacy and military affairs. What was he doing in Sichuan? Du Ji, the owner of the Qingcheng Inn, had become Zhangsun Sheng's subordinate? Why was a seemingly ordinary inn so heavily guarded? Where were Master Sun and the Yuan brothers? Was young Tiangang safe?

With these questions swirling in his mind, Li Jing entered the inn. The Qingcheng Inn was no ordinary establishment. It was a sprawling complex with winding paths, pavilions, towers, flowers, trees, and rock formations, all shrouded in an air of mystery under the hazy moonlight. Crossing a floating bridge, Zhangsun Sheng led Li Jing into a windowless chamber. Zhangsun Sheng took a seat on the couch, gesturing for Li Jing to sit in the guest seat, while Du Ji stood nearby.

Zhangsun Sheng said, "You must be wondering: since I knew your name, I must have known you were coming. Why did I let Manager Du confront you?"

Li Jing listened intently.

Zhangsun Sheng sighed. "There are countless young heroes in the world! Earlier, we received a report that a young swordsman of about fourteen or fifteen would come to cause trouble tonight. Manager Du mistook you for that young man. I apologize for the misunderstanding." With that, he clasped his hands and bowed.

Li Jing quickly returned the gesture. "General, you humble me. If I hadn't acted rashly, this misunderstanding wouldn't have occurred. Please forgive me, General and Manager Du. But who is this young man...? What kind of person is he?"

Du Ji said, "This person comes and goes like a shadow, taking heads either amidst thousands of troops or in the privacy of one's bedchamber. No one has seen his face, but it's said he's a young man riding a gray horse and carrying a three-foot sword..."

Li Jing's face flushed. By that description, he matched seven out of ten characteristics. He interrupted Du Ji, "So, this person is an assassin?"

Du Ji shook his head. "It's hard to say. Most assassins are hired, target enemy leaders, or seek personal revenge. But this young man isn't motivated by money, isn't a soldier, and isn't seeking vengeance. In the past three months, Prefect Du Xuan of Wei Prefecture, Governor Li Xian of Qin Prefecture, and wealthy merchant Yang Jiu of Jiannan have all been killed by this young man. Investigations revealed that Du Xuan exploited the people, Li Xian violated women, and Yang Jiu oppressed the locals. While they weren't necessarily deserving of death, they were indeed guilty of crimes."

Li Jing said, "So, this person is a chivalrous hero? But..." He didn't finish his sentence. If this young man was targeting Zhangsun Sheng, didn't that imply that Zhangsun Sheng was also a villain?

Zhangsun Sheng, naturally aware of Li Jing's doubts, smiled and said, "Young Master Li, there's no need to hold back. While I may not be a villain, I am tasked with imperial duties, many of which cannot be carried out openly. I have many enemies and even more misunderstandings. Rumors abound that I keep spies, establish secret residences, conduct covert surveillance, and frame loyal officials. Perhaps some believe these rumors and wish to eliminate me."

Li Jing's mind raced. The Qingcheng Inn, originally a guesthouse, now resembled the "secret residence" Zhangsun Sheng had mentioned. It seemed this renowned diplomat was indeed involved in covert activities. Having experienced the dangers of assassins during his journey along the river, Li Jing understood the terror they posed. He thought that if Zhangsun Sheng had established a secret base in Sichuan, it was likely to counter the Southern Chen. He changed the subject: "Perhaps it's a spy sent by the Chen court... General Xiao Moho is known for his ruthlessness and countless killings. Maybe he ordered someone to trouble you..."

Zhangsun Sheng laughed. "Xiao Moho is nothing to fear. Compared to the wolves of the Turks, Xiao is a gentleman. Compared to the wars of the Central Plains, the Southern Dynasties are like street brawls. The young man we're discussing is from the north, and his methods resemble those of the Mohists during the Warring States period. Whenever they perceive an injustice, a disciple emerges to set things right. Based on the cases so far, this young man might be just one member of this mysterious sect."

Li Jing was startled again. His father had told him that the Li family's swordsmanship originated from the Mohist school. Although the Mohist school declined after the Qin unification and nearly vanished during Emperor Wu of Han's promotion of Confucianism, its disciples had inherited the principles of universal love and non-aggression, staying away from the court and hiding among the people, refining martial arts and occasionally acting as chivalrous heroes. Could this young man truly be connected to the Li family of Sanyuan?

Thinking this, Li Jing asked, "Did the previous cases leave any clues?"

Zhangsun Sheng said, "After each incident, the young man would leave a mark on the victim's desk or beam. The mark is a pattern carved with a sword tip, resembling a floating cloud above a mountain peak. We've searched through all major sects but found no such symbol. Based on his actions, we suspect he might be related to the legendary Mohist swordsmen."

Li Jing grew more confused. Setting aside the mysterious young swordsman, the phrase "searched through all major sects" was astonishing. Considering the vastness of the world and the countless extraordinary individuals, how could Zhangsun Sheng have investigated them all single-handedly? Even with imperial support, the Sui dynasty had only been established for two years, with the southern half yet to be unified and northern powers watching closely. Even with his immense capabilities, Zhangsun Sheng couldn't possibly have achieved this. However, this general, whom even his uncle deeply respected, wouldn't speak idly.

Du Ji, perhaps sensing Li Jing's doubts, said, "Young Master Li, you're no outsider. Previously, I also served under General Han. Later, I returned to Chengdu to care for my ailing mother and, with the help of the Yuan brothers, managed this inn while looking after my family. The Qingcheng Inn was originally a military secret outpost. General Zhangsun, tasked with managing Sichuan and preparing for the Yangtze campaign, was ordered by imperial decree to take over the inn." With that, he clasped his hands toward the north, paying homage to the emperor.

In just a few words, Du Ji had clarified the situation. Li Jing understood that Du Ji was referring to the spies his uncle had mentioned during military discussions. During the Han dynasty, there were specialized scouts for reconnaissance, and during the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao had established a secret spy agency called the "Xiaoshi." Zhangsun Sheng's conversion of the Qingcheng Inn into a intelligence-gathering post was undoubtedly under Emperor Yang Jian's secret orders.

Zhangsun Sheng said, "Young Master Li, you're here to visit Master Sun, aren't you? Master Sun has already left Sichuan to travel. The Yuan brothers are in seclusion on Mount Qingcheng. Rest well tonight, and Manager Du will take you to Mount Qingcheng tomorrow."

Li Jing stood and clasped his hands, preparing to follow Du Ji out, when he noticed a fresh scratch on the side of the table. It was a small carving: a cloud above a mountain peak.

Remembering the earlier description, Li Jing felt his heart skip a beat. He stared intently at the carving. Du Ji also noticed it. Zhangsun Sheng stood and walked around the table, examining it closely. Suddenly, he smiled and said, "Trouble you can't avoid. It seems tonight, I will meet my end in this room. But when will this person arrive?"

A cold, faint voice replied, "I've been here all along. You just didn't notice."

Li Jing's skin crawled. He turned toward the sound and saw a figure standing in the darkness to the left. The figure wasn't tall, and his clothes blended into the shadows. Even his eyes seemed lifeless, as if they never blinked.

With a movement so subtle it was almost imperceptible, the figure appeared before the table. In the candlelight, his face was as cold as ice, his eyes still like stagnant water, devoid of any expression. He appeared to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, but his demeanor was that of someone who had endured much, cold and aloof.

Zhangsun Sheng remained calm, sitting back on the couch. He said slowly, "Though you are young, your skills are unparalleled. Begging for mercy seems pointless."

"Pointless," the young man replied coldly.

"Where is your weapon?" Zhangsun Sheng stared intently at his hands.

"Here," the young man replied with a single word. But that word, to Li Jing, was filled with an unnamed killing intent. "Here" meant it was where it should be, ready to strike when needed, and it would surely hit its mark.

The air seemed to freeze. Du Ji, standing nearby, was drenched in sweat that dripped down his neck.

"Where is your bow?" the young man asked after a long silence.

"My bow is here," Zhangsun Sheng replied, still seated.

Li Jing's heart tightened. He couldn't see Zhangsun Sheng's bow. The couch had only a thick cushion, with no bow or arrows in sight. Zhangsun Sheng and the young man were less than four steps apart. Even if Zhangsun Sheng had a bow, by the time he nocked an arrow, the young man's blade would have already struck.

As Li Jing expected, a flash of white light appeared as the young man thrust his sword with lightning speed. Li Jing, having witnessed many skilled fighters and trained diligently himself, couldn't even see how the young man drew his sword or how he struck. The brilliance of that sword strike would put any self-proclaimed sword master to shame.

The sword's light flashed and vanished.

Li Jing blinked and saw the snow-white tip of the sword hovering less than half a foot from Zhangsun Sheng's chest. On the other end, Zhangsun Sheng, still seated, held an iron bow with a black arrow nocked and aimed directly at the young man's heart.