Chapter 37 | The Death Warriors of Qingcheng

Mount Qingcheng stood verdant and serene, surrounded by peaks. Legend held that the Yellow Emperor once built an altar here to honor it as the "Elder of the Five Sacred Mountains," hence its alternate name, "Mount Elder." During the Eastern Han dynasty, Zhang Daoling, the tenth-generation descendant of Zhang Liang, arrived and founded the "Way of Orthodox Unity," establishing Mount Qingcheng as the foremost of the four great Taoist mountains. By this time, Taoism had taken root among the people, with cultivation and martial arts being common practices. Even Taoist priests marrying and starting families was ordinary. The Yuan family estate lay near Dripping Water Cave at the mountain's base.

Li Jing rode to the foot of Mount Qingcheng. Though the scenery was breathtaking, his mind lingered on Nie Yunfeng's words. He had encountered many extraordinary individuals on his journey, but only Nie Yunfeng captivated him—a lone rider roaming the martial world, dispensing justice with unparalleled freedom! Yet his uncle would never approve, and his status-conscious father would oppose such a path. More importantly, he had pledged himself to Meiniang—how could he abandon her?

Distracted, Li Jing felt less urgency to meet the Yuan brothers and Yuan Tiangang. Just then, shouts echoed through the forest, followed by the fluttering of dozens of white pigeons. Li Jing reined in his horse and saw Yuan Shoucheng, trailed by an energetic Yuan Tiangang.

Yuan Shoucheng remained as playful as a child, while Yuan Tiangang seemed transformed—his clear laughter echoing through the woods, a far cry from the sorrowful boy of months past. Li Jing dismounted and called out, "Master Yuan!" but received no reply. When he called "Tiangang," the boy reluctantly approached and bowed. "Brother, Second Uncle and I are flying pigeons."

Li Jing's emotions churned. During Yuan Tiangang's perilous flight, Li Jing had never dared relax. Now the boy, safely adopted into the Yuan family, showed more interest in pigeons than in his rescuer. A pang of hurt struck him, but he reminded himself: Tiangang was only four. Playfulness was natural. Kneeling, Li Jing asked gently, "Did you miss me?"

"I thought of you every night at first," Yuan Tiangang replied, his cheeks rosy and eyes bright. "But Father and Mother keep me company now, especially since Second Uncle returned to teach me pigeons and fishing. I don't think about it as much."

Li Jing chuckled. The boy's honesty and joy were precisely what he had hoped for. "Where is Master Sun?"

"Master went far away," Yuan Tiangang touched his head. "He said he'll return in two years. Brother, will you fly pigeons with us?"

Though disinterested, Li Jing obliged. "Of course. But after visiting, I must return to Luzhou."

Yuan Shoucheng approached, grinning. "Third Brother, you endured Monk Xuyun's torment for a hundred days and want to leave after one day here? You're not going anywhere until you learn to handle pigeons."

A figure dropped from a nearby tree—Yuan Ji, wielding a branch. He lunged at Li Jing. After months of training, Li Jing's reflexes had sharpened, and he dodged. Yuan Ji pressed with three fierce strikes. Knowing Yuan Ji meant no harm, Li Jing stayed cautious. On the third strike, the branch sliced off a piece of Li Jing's sleeve as cleanly as a blade. Li Jing drew the Guxing sword. The tide turned instantly—Yuan Ji's branch avoided clashing with the blade but clung like a shadow. Li Jing felt the sword grow heavier until overwhelming force wrenched it from his grip.

Yuan Shoucheng clapped. "Big Brother lost! Big Brother lost!"

Li Jing stared blankly. Though he'd barely parried, Yuan Ji had disarmed him with a branch. How was this a loss? Yuan Ji tossed the branch aside, stroking his beard. "Third Brother, you're a martial prodigy! Monk Xuyun has trained you well!"

Li Jing bowed. Yuan Ji picked up the Guxing sword, examining it. "Monk Xuyun went to great lengths to acquire that Western Regions steel. By gifting you this sword, he treats you as his own! Third Brother, your current skill allows you to roam the martial world." He returned the sword.

Yuan Tiangang blinked, clapping. "Last night, Father bet Second Uncle he'd take your sword in three moves. Second Uncle said five. How many did it take?"

"Eight," Yuan Shoucheng roared with laughter. "Looks like I'm the eldest now…"

Despite nearing fifty, the Yuan brothers retained their childhood camaraderie. The Yuan estate at Mount Qingcheng's base, managed by Yuan Ji, sprawled across the mountainside—modest compared to Wen Zhongyuan's Jiangxia mansion but exuding rustic charm. Yuan Shoucheng, usually wandering or cultivating Taoism, now sought clan leadership through this bet.

Yuan Ji said, "Third Brother's skills have improved remarkably. Second Brother, he's your charge now." He produced a black tube. Yuan Shoucheng knelt solemnly to receive it.

"With your abilities, you can lead this family," Yuan Ji intoned. "But remember—this tube holds the lives of a thousand! Use it wisely."

"Your younger brother obeys." Yuan Shoucheng raised the tube to his lips, emitting three piercing whistles. Soon, rustling filled the forest as black-clad figures emerged like bamboo shoots—over fifty masked men, moving in eerie unison. Four at the rear carried a large sack, keeping pace effortlessly. Li Jing marveled; even Han Qinhu's elite troops couldn't match this silent coordination.

Yuan Ji declared, "Brothers of the Earth Division, from today, I devote myself to teaching Tiangang. Second Master assumes command of Qingcheng affairs. Inform the Heaven Division and leave the captive."

The黑衣人（black-clad men） saluted in unison and dispersed. Yuan Shoucheng opened the sack—revealing Nie Yunfeng's unconscious form.

---

The Yuan estate nestled beside Dripping Water Cave, its buildings arranged according to the Eight Trigrams. Though less opulent than Wen Zhongyuan's mansion, its rustic elegance breathed life. Yuan Ji led Li Jing and Yuan Tiangang to the main hall, where Yuan Shoucheng deposited Nie Yunfeng on a cushion. "This man failed to assassinate General Zhangsun last night but came to spy on Qingcheng today. Third Brother, what did he say at the tea shed?"

Li Jing realized the shed had been a Yuan outpost. He recounted the encounter. Yuan Ji stroked his beard. "Qingcheng is a place of cultivation, uninvolved in politics or martial disputes. Young Hero Nie, stop pretending—speak."

Nie Yunfeng "awoke," his bound hands slipping free effortlessly. Yuan Shoucheng laughed, "Marvelous bone-shrinking technique! Here's your sword—attack if you wish," tossing the blade.

Nie Yunfeng sheathed it and bowed. "The Yuan brothers' prowess is legendary. Your Qingcheng swordsmen alone are first-rate. I was captured fairly—thank you for sparing me."

Yuan Ji said, "Qingcheng swordsmen protect Taoist sanctity, not our family. Since Master Zhang's time, we've abstained from wars and oppression, sustaining ourselves through honest labor. You roam punishing evil, yet Qingcheng harbors none. Why trespass?"

Nie Yunfeng lowered his head. "A misunderstanding, Elder Yuan. I only wished to test Qingcheng's martial arts. Having failed, I accept punishment."

Yuan Ji turned to his brother. "You're clan head now. Decide."

Yuan Shoucheng grinned. "Young friend, you came not for sparring but to learn pigeon messaging—to contact your master. Teach me, and I'll kill someone for you."

Nie Yunfeng stiffened. "Name them."

"Empress Dugu Qieluo."

"I don't kill women or children under fifteen."

"Then choose: Chen Shubao of Southern Chen or Yang Jian of Sui."

"Killing emperors is troublesome, and neither harms commoners. I refuse."

Yuan Shoucheng roared with laughter. "You offer to kill anyone, yet balk at my choices. How can I teach you?"

Nie Yunfeng bowed. "Your point stands. I overstepped. Release me, and I'll leave."

Yuan Ji interjected, "Individually, we can't defeat you. Together, we'd win dishonorably. Yet letting you go undermines Qingcheng's authority. A dilemma."

"Reveal your master, and we'll release you."

Nie Yunfeng shook his head.

Yuan Tiangang piped up, "Father, Uncle—I have an idea." All turned. The boy pointed at Li Jing. "Brother Li should challenge him. Since he's older and stronger, Brother Li sets the terms. If he wins, he leaves."

Yuan Shoucheng chuckled. "Brilliant! Agreed?"

Nie Yunfeng inclined his head. "As the host decides."

Li Jing knew the gap between them but pressed on. "Combat isn't the only test. Answer two of three questions, and you're free."

The Yuan brothers nodded. Nie Yunfeng agreed.

Li Jing began, "First: Why is General Han Qinhu called 'Tiger-Catcher'?"

Yuan Shoucheng burst out laughing. Nie Yunfeng frowned. "I don't know."

"Second: Where is Zhang Yu, son of Jiangnan's Lute Hero Zhang Xian?"

Nie Yunfeng answered instantly, "Chang'an."

Yuan Shoucheng raised an eyebrow. "How to verify?"

"Zhang Yu, lame in the right foot, wears white, plays the lute, and broods—correct?"

Li Jing started. "Where did you see him?"

"Three months ago, playing lute outside a Chang'an tavern. I gave him five coins. Had I more, I'd have aided a disciple of the Fisherwoman of Wushan."

Li Jing nodded—Nie Yunfeng wouldn't lie. "Third: How many Qingcheng swordsmen are there?"

"108—54 Heaven Division guards sacred sites; 54 Earth Division protects the estate."

Yuan Shoucheng confirmed, "Correct. In espionage, Zhangsun Sheng relies on networks—you alone rival him. Respect!"

Nie Yunfeng tensed. "You know my name?"

"We know more," Yuan Shoucheng said gravely. "Qingcheng may be small, but our eyes are keen. You may leave. Third Brother, escort him."

Outside, stablehands brought their horses. Mounting, Nie Yunfeng murmured, "I appreciate your help. Confucian or military questions would've stumped me."

Li Jing said, "You answered two…"

Nie Yunfeng cut him off coldly. "Qingcheng has no swordsmen—only 162 death warriors. The extra 54—Human Division—blend into all walks of life, loyal unto death. They'll never fully trust you, even with Tiangang as heir. Farewell." 

With that, he galloped away, leaving Li Jing stunned.