Chapter 36 | The Cloud-Peak Swordsman

Li Jing didn't see where Zhangsun Sheng had retrieved his bow and arrows, nor did he notice how he had drawn and nocked the arrow. It was as if the bow and arrow had suddenly materialized in mid-air.

The young man abruptly sheathed his sword. Only then did Li Jing notice that the young man's scabbard was strapped to his back. With a flick of his right hand, the sword slid silently into the black scabbard without a sound. Just this single movement left Li Jing in awe. Without years of rigorous practice, such a flawless sheathing would have been impossible.

Zhangsun Sheng, however, did not lower his bow. He kept the arrow aimed at the young man and said, "You could have struck me just now."

"I could have struck you, and I could have dodged your arrow," the young man replied, his expression still cold and aloof. "However, if someone were to attack me from the side, I would either die or be severely injured."

Zhangsun Sheng smiled faintly and quickly stowed his bow. This time, Li Jing saw clearly that Zhangsun Sheng had slung the bow back over his shoulder, his movements as smooth and precise as the young man's sword sheathing.

Li Jing turned to look at Du Ji. Du Ji remained standing, seemingly frozen. However, Li Jing believed that the "someone" the young man had mentioned, who would attack from the side, was Du Ji.

The young man, however, turned to Li Jing and asked, "Why didn't you draw your sword?"

Li Jing was taken aback but quickly replied, "I… I didn't want to attack someone from behind…"

A flicker of warmth passed through the young man's icy eyes. He extended a pale hand and steadied himself on the edge of the table. Then he turned and walked out the door.

The room fell silent again. The sound of Du Ji's sweat dripping onto the table was faintly audible.

Zhangsun Sheng let out a long sigh, his expression tinged with melancholy. "Young Master Li, do you realize that you just saved my life?"

Li Jing shook his head, not understanding what Zhangsun Sheng meant.

Zhangsun Sheng stood up, walked around the table, and patted Li Jing on the shoulder. "He didn't go all out to kill me today because your hand was on your sword hilt the entire time."

This statement startled Li Jing, and he finally noticed his right hand. Indeed, without realizing it, his hand had been gripping the hilt of his sword, his palm sweaty and the back of his hand tense.

Zhangsun Sheng continued, "His sword is too fast. I couldn't dodge it, so I would have had to use my shoulder to block the blade. Once I fired my arrow, it would have hit him no matter what, even if it wasn't a fatal shot. At that moment, you would have intervened to save me. Your sword is a divine weapon of our time, and if you had struck, he wouldn't have had time to counter. He might not have escaped unscathed."

"But… I didn't even realize…" Li Jing still didn't understand how he had posed a threat to the young man.

Zhangsun Sheng said, "Young Master Li, though you are young, you are already a rare talent. You just don't realize it yet. Of course, that young man's martial skills are unfathomable and far surpass yours. But if you train diligently, in a few years, you could rival him. Although you had no intention of joining the fight, when the situation forced your hand, your instincts kicked in, and your strike would have been devastating."

Li Jing's heart stirred. He suddenly recalled his actions during the rescue of Yuan Tiangang outside the Luzhou military compound, the killing of the water bandit at Nanchao, and the rescue of Meiniang during the ship fire. Indeed, as Zhangsun Sheng had said, he had acted decisively in those moments. Could he truly have a natural talent for martial arts?

Du Ji, finally regaining his composure, examined the table. The mark left earlier had been smoothed over.

Zhangsun Sheng glanced at it and sighed. "That young man effortlessly erased the mark without a sound. He is truly a peerless master of our time. Among the younger generation, only the disciples of Master Huike could rival him."

Li Jing immediately thought of Song Tianling, the young man he had met with Monk Sengcan. Song Tianling had followed Sengcan like a shadow, and the monk had mentioned that he was a disciple of Master Huike. Even a skilled fighter like Lai Hu'er had been no match for Song Tianling. It seemed this young man was indeed formidable.

However, even if Zhangsun Sheng had access to the empire's secrets, how could he be so knowledgeable about the martial arts world? To clear his doubts, Li Jing asked, "I once had the fortune of meeting Song Tianling, a disciple of Master Huike. Indeed, he could fend off Lai Hu'er with just a dry branch. Also, Hua Qingfeng, a disciple of Master Zixiao, is elusive and highly skilled."

Zhangsun Sheng nodded. "Lai Hu'er, taught by a mysterious master, is considered a first-rate expert. Hua Qingfeng, having inherited Master Zixiao's teachings, is unparalleled in esoteric arts and is no less skilled than Lai Hu'er. Young Master Li, your journey has been filled with extraordinary encounters. Gu Musheng and Yue Xiu are among the top talents of the younger generation. The Fisherwoman of Wushan ranks alongside masters like Huike, Baoxiang Fawang, Sengcan, and Xian Aying. The late top assassin, Shadowless Ghost Hand, follows closely. Your uncle, General Han, General Shi Wansui, Tardu Khagan of the Turks, Master Puzhao, Xiao Moho of Southern Chen, the Yuan brothers, Monk Xuyun, Hua Qingfeng, Lai Hu'er, Wen Zhongyuan, and Wende are all first-rate experts. As for the young man we just met, his bizarre skills likely rival Shadowless Ghost Hand's, and he is still young. His master remains a mystery."

Li Jing was impressed by Zhangsun Sheng's detailed knowledge of these martial arts masters, even more so than his uncle's accounts. However, even Zhangsun Sheng didn't know the origins of this mysterious young man. It seemed the world was indeed full of hidden talents. He said, "Since his assassination attempt failed, doesn't that mean your skills surpass his? In that case, you must rank above the first-rate experts."

Zhangsun Sheng shook his head. "I am of Xianbei descent. Horseback archery is a family tradition, and I excel in hunting, but in direct combat, I am no match for the martial artists of the Central Plains. Moreover, the world is vast, and heroes emerge constantly. Many masters remain hidden in the martial world. My martial skills are limited, and I cannot compare to the top experts of our time. I can only settle for compiling a 'Martial Power Ranking' based on facts, for both the court and the public to evaluate. Young Master Li, you will undoubtedly achieve great things in the future. I hope you will help me keep an eye on the extraordinary talents of the martial world, so that this ranking can be as accurate as possible."

Li Jing nodded in agreement.

Du Ji then led Li Jing across the floating bridge to a guest room, where he was served a meal.

---

The next morning, Li Jing woke early. Du Ji had already prepared his horse and said with a clasped his hands, "My apologies, Young Master Li! Last night, General Zhangsun received orders to return north. He originally instructed me to escort you to Mount Qingcheng, but the inn still requires my attention. I must ask you to proceed alone…"

Li Jing understood that Zhangsun Sheng had assigned Du Ji to guard this secret intelligence outpost, making it inconvenient for him to escort Li Jing to Mount Qingcheng. He thanked Du Ji, mounted his horse, and set off for Mount Qingcheng.

The distance from Chengdu to Mount Qingcheng was just over a hundred *li*. Li Jing was in no hurry and let his gray horse amble along. The scenery along the way showcased the prosperity of the region. By mid-morning, he had passed Pi County and entered a dense forest. In the forest was a tea shed, with smoke curling up from a fire. An old man in hemp clothes was brewing tea. Feeling thirsty, Li Jing dismounted and entered the shed, sitting at a cracked wooden table. Just as he was about to ask for a cup of water, a gray horse galloped up and stopped in front of the shed. The rider dismounted—it was the black-clad young man from the previous night.

Li Jing wanted to avoid him, but it was too late. The young man approached the old man, whispered something in his ear, and handed him an object. The old man nodded repeatedly and fled into the forest.

The young man took over the dusty teapot and began brewing tea, seemingly ignoring Li Jing. Li Jing considered leaving several times but knew he was no match for the young man. Rather than risking a humiliating death, he decided to stay and observe. He remained alert, ready to fight for his life if the young man attacked.

However, the young man showed no intention of engaging him. Once the tea was ready, he washed two rough bowls with water, poured tea into both, and placed one in front of Li Jing. He sat down across from Li Jing and said, "I'd like to offer you a bowl of tea. Is that alright?"

"Alright," Li Jing replied. He took the opportunity to study the young man more closely. In the daylight, his face appeared even paler, like snow. His eyes were like stagnant water, their dark pupils unfathomable. His nose was straight, and his lips were equally pale. He looked like a paper effigy dressed in black, reminiscent of the legendary ghost Wuchang. He placed his hands flat on the table. His hands were as pale as his face, with long fingers and prominent knuckles, like thin bamboo on a cliff. This gesture indicated that he had no intention of attacking—for now.

"I know your name is Li Jing," the young man said, his voice cold but gentler than the night before. "Jing means tranquility, or peace. Do you seek peace for the world? For the people? Or for yourself?"

Li Jing hadn't expected the conversation to start with his name. His father and uncle had chosen the name "Jing" when he was born. His father hoped he would live a peaceful and stable life, while his uncle wished for him to aspire to bring order to the world. In the end, it was just the expectations of his elders. The young man's three questions, derived from his name, left Li Jing at a loss. After a moment of thought, he replied, "The world and the people are illusory. If one's heart is at peace, the world will be at peace."

The young man's eyes flashed with a spark of insight. "Two years ago, my master asked me a similar question, and I couldn't answer. You're two or three years younger than me, yet you have such insight. I cannot match you." With that, he stood and bowed.

Li Jing quickly returned the gesture. The young man sat back down. "However, your martial skills are far inferior to mine two years ago. If I wanted to kill you now, you would undoubtedly die."

Though Li Jing felt uncomfortable, he had to admit the truth. "You are ranked above first-rate experts by General Zhangsun. Naturally, your combat prowess is extraordinary. I am dull and have not trained properly. In your eyes, I must seem like an ant."

The young man's lips twitched, as if suppressing a smile. "You misunderstand me. This is the biggest difference between us—I am not inherently superior to you. I simply spend every waking moment training, aside from eating and sleeping." He turned his hands over. Li Jing saw that the pale hands were covered in calluses, so thick that they resembled duck feet, obscuring the lines on his palms. "But you, aside from martial training, also devote yourself to scholarly pursuits. In comparison, I am a crude and uncultured person."

Li Jing suddenly felt a sense of camaraderie with him. "Brother, you roam the martial world, dispensing justice and settling scores. I cannot compare…"

The young man shook his head. "I have no scores to settle, nor do I seek justice. Since I was three, I have trained in martial arts but neglected scholarly pursuits. In my master's view, the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, and the various philosophers are burdensome and false. Only through personal discovery, experience, and investigation can one approach the truth." He pointed to his eyes and his chest. "What the eyes see may not be real, but through analysis and calculation, one can make a judgment. Therefore, every person I kill has been thoroughly investigated before I strike. Last night, I ultimately didn't kill Zhangsun Sheng because he was in a gray area—neither entirely deserving of death nor entirely innocent."

Li Jing's heart stirred. "How do you determine who deserves to die and who doesn't?"

The young man said, "Stop with the formalities. It doesn't suit you. My name is Nie Yunfeng—Yun as in cloud, Feng as in peak."

Li Jing immediately thought of the pattern the young man had left: a cloud above a mountain peak. He clasped his hands and said, "Greetings, Brother Yunfeng…"

The young man waved his hand. "I'm only two years older than you, but such titles are unnecessary. Just call me Yunfeng, or simply 'you.' Titles, like martial techniques, are best kept simple."

Li Jing nodded. "Thank you, Yunfeng…"

The young man interrupted again. "No need for such formalities. Speak directly."

Li Jing asked, "May I ask… who is your master?"

Nie Yunfeng replied, "I can't tell you that. My master forbids it. You can ask something else."

"Then… why did you give up on assassinating General Zhangsun?"

"Zhangsun Sheng has both faults and merits. Last night, after listening to your conversation, I reconsidered. His merits outweigh his faults."

"Please elaborate."

Nie Yunfeng took a sip of tea. "Zhangsun Sheng established a secret intelligence agency, and his subordinates often abuse torture. Over the past two years, four righteous individuals have been crippled or severely injured, and one anti-Sui general was assassinated. Most importantly, his spies, originally active in the north, have now secretly moved south to recruit informants, potentially endangering more innocent people. Therefore, my master sent me to investigate. If he commits acts against heaven's will, I will kill him."

Li Jing said, "Those are his faults. What about his merits?"

Nie Yunfeng raised his eyes, gazing at the drifting clouds in the sky, and said slowly, "Compared to his faults, his merits are significant. Zhangsun Sheng is indeed a hero of our time. With a single arrow, he awed the northern deserts, preventing border conflicts and bringing peace to the people."

Li Jing couldn't help but feel a deep respect. "Please tell me more about that incident…"

"Two years ago…" Nie Yunfeng's gaze returned to Li Jing. "Zhangsun Sheng was sent as an envoy to the Turks. The Khagan, Shabolüe, looked down on the people of the Central Plains, believing that Turkic warriors were unmatched in horseback archery, capable of defeating a hundred men single-handedly. Once, while accompanying the Khagan on a hunt, Zhangsun Sheng saw two large eagles fighting over the carcass of a dead horse. The Khagan, intending to humiliate him, handed him his bow and arrow and challenged him to shoot the eagles. The Turkic warriors waited to see him fail. To their surprise, without a word, Zhangsun Sheng spurred his horse, drew the bow, and fired a single arrow, striking both eagles mid-air and bringing them down. The Khagan ordered an inspection and found that both eagles had been pierced through by the same arrow. The Turks, though a brave and martial people, had never seen such skill. They immediately held Zhangsun Sheng in high esteem, treating him as an honored guest and asking him to teach their nobles horseback archery. The Turkic tribes, though numerous, all revered heroes. Seeing the seemingly frail Zhangsun Sheng achieve such a feat, they realized the martial prowess of the Central Plains was formidable. News of this spread, and the tribes dared not invade the Central Plains. Border raids decreased, and the region enjoyed a rare peace for the past two years."

Li Jing listened, captivated. He exclaimed, "The general's bravery is a model for us all!"

Nie Yunfeng said, "The main reason Zhangsun Sheng is still alive is that he can pacify the northern tribes. However, if he continues to commit evil deeds, I will take his head." Li Jing saw a steely determination in the young man's eyes, devoid of any emotion, and felt a chill in his heart.

Nie Yunfeng continued, "I met you today to ask if you want to become a swordsman."

Li Jing asked, "Why should I become a swordsman?"

Nie Yunfeng replied, "I've investigated your family background and the hardships you've endured on your journey. There's no need to elaborate. The sword you carry is made of meteoric iron—it's no ordinary weapon. But to become a swordsman, a good sword alone is not enough. You need an unyielding will, the resolve to sever worldly ties, a transcendent mindset, and relentless training in advanced martial arts. Only then can you roam the martial world and rid it of evil."

Li Jing had always yearned for a life of chivalry and justice. However, when he heard the words "sever worldly ties," the image of Xiao Meiniang surfaced in his mind. If he hadn't been burdened by such attachments, he might have agreed without hesitation. But now, with his heart tied to someone, he found it difficult to achieve the clarity of mind required.

Nie Yunfeng stood up and sighed. "Your mind is troubled, and your youthful emotions make it hard for you to become a true swordsman. Regardless, I'd like to be your friend." With that, he mounted his horse. With a long neigh, horse and rider disappeared into the forest, soon becoming a distant speck. Li Jing, caught off guard, forgot to bid him farewell.

In his heart, the word "friend" surged like the spring tide, overwhelming and boundless.