Chapter 05 | A Mission to Bear

Changsun Sheng was dressed in gray. He Ruobi stood up and offered him a seat. It was clear that he had been observing Li Jing's reactions from the shadows and had only now revealed himself. Li Jing realized that both Changsun Sheng and He Ruobi were men who acted only after careful consideration.

Though Li Jing felt an indescribable sadness, he also saw a glimmer of hope. He clasped his hands and said, "I pay my respects to General Changsun. Commander He has made it clear to me that if I wish to live, I must accept this mission. However, I am inexperienced, new to the martial world, without any powerful allies, special skills, or leads. Even if I exhaust all my efforts, I fear it will be in vain."

He Ruobi smiled. "Li Sanlang, you may not know this, but General Changsun values talent greatly. While you and General Lai were still on the road, General Changsun and I discussed that if you were willing to accept the mission, we would jointly petition the Emperor to revoke the arrest warrant against you and restore your freedom. Moreover, General Changsun is willing to stake his life to vouch for you before the Emperor. You should be grateful to him."

Li Jing bowed again. Regardless of Changsun Sheng's motives, the fact that he had saved him was undeniable.

Changsun Sheng helped Li Jing up and said kindly, "Young Master Li, you are a hero in the making. Do not belittle yourself. As the ancients said, 'Extraordinary people are needed to accomplish extraordinary deeds, and extraordinary deeds lead to extraordinary achievements.' Last year, you braved dangers along the river, faced death multiple times, eliminated evil, and obtained the ship manual. Even a fierce general like Lai Hu'er could not have done that! Moreover, the secret manual has been lost for nearly a thousand years, making it extremely elusive. If the court or government were to intervene, it might alert our enemies. Matters of the martial world are best left to the martial world. You are young and inconspicuous, and with your intelligence, you can achieve great things. Even if not for your own life, think of the blessings it will bring to the Li and Han families."

He Ruobi added, "Li Sanlang, do not worry too much. We are all subjects of the Great Sui, and it is our duty to serve the country. Whether on the battlefield or in the martial world, it is all for the sake of the empire. You can proceed with confidence, following General Changsun's instructions."

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

Lai Hu'er escorted Li Jing and Changsun Sheng to the boat before disembarking.

Once inside the cabin, Changsun Sheng gestured for Li Jing to sit. Li Jing bowed and said, "Thank you, General, for saving me. I am deeply grateful."

Changsun Sheng placed a hand on Li Jing's. "How do you know it was I who saved you?"

Li Jing sighed. "Though I am foolish, my experiences last year along the river made it clear that I would never have a chance to rise and would always be in danger. This time, Commander He first sent someone to kill me on the road, and then General Lai came to capture me. It was all to ensure my death. There are things that Commander He and General Lai cannot say openly, but I understand clearly."

Changsun Sheng frowned. "Indeed. You have committed two offenses: first, escorting the young master to Shu, which made you a thorn in the Empress's side; second, your involvement with the Prince of Jin's consort, which the Prince will never forgive. Your uncle, Commander Han, once went to the capital to plead for mercy on your behalf, but it was to no avail. When I learned of this, I rushed to Guangling to discuss the matter with Commander He. Our priority was to save your life."

Li Jing was deeply moved. "Thank you, General, for saving my life... but..."

"But you don't know why I saved you?" Changsun Sheng interjected. "Master Sun wrote to me, asking me to protect you."

Li Jing was stunned. Sun Simiao was a revered figure, respected even by the Emperor, and had a close relationship with Han Qinhu. It was not surprising that he would intervene to save Li Jing. What puzzled him was why Changsun Sheng, a trusted confidant of the Emperor, would travel so far to save him based solely on a letter from Master Sun.

Changsun Sheng noticed his confusion and said solemnly, "Many things seem complicated but are actually quite simple: Master Sun once saved my life. Though I am loyal to the Emperor, I can never forget the debt I owe him for saving my life!"

From Changsun Sheng's solemn expression, Li Jing saw a deep respect. Beneath Changsun Sheng's cold exterior, there was a warmth that Li Jing had not noticed before.

Changsun Sheng quickly composed himself and said seriously, "However, sending you to find the 'Secret Manual of Tunnel Warfare' is also my decision. Only by completing this mission can you be pardoned. This is my request to the Emperor, and also to you."

Li Jing nodded in understanding. "I will follow your orders, General. But I don't know where to start. You have extensive intelligence networks. Please guide me."

Changsun Sheng said, "Within the Great Sui, I have already sent people to investigate thoroughly, but there are no traces of the manual. There were two suspicious locations you have already visited: one is Mount Wu, where the stone array of the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu is strange, but it seems unrelated to siege tactics; the other is Mount Qingcheng, where the Yuan brothers are mysterious, and the Taoist methods of Qingcheng are profound, but they are not related to military strategy. Other sects have also been investigated, but there are no clues. Li, if this task were easy, the Emperor would not pardon you for completing it. As for how to proceed, you will have to rely on yourself."

As Changsun Sheng spoke, Li Jing suddenly remembered the incident involving the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu. When Li Jing had passed Mount Wu, Gu Musheng had told him that Lai Hu'er and Hua Qingfeng had fought their way to Mount Wu. Hua Qingfeng had easily passed through the stone array, while Lai Hu'er could not enter. Later, Hua Qingfeng was captured by the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu and imprisoned in a secret chamber at the mountain's peak. At the time, Li Jing had suspected Hua Qingfeng: knowing that he was no match for the Fisherwoman, why would he come to "seek death"? Could there be a secret on Mount Wu? Did Hua Qingfeng "turn himself in" to uncover that secret? Connecting this to Xie Kangtu's secret chamber in Jiangzhou and Wen Shihong's chamber, which was easily breached, Li Jing had a sudden realization: Hua Qingfeng was the key. He had first met Gao Shengdao on the road, then killed someone at the Jiangzhou shipyard. Lai Hu'er, being a trusted subordinate of the Prince of Jin, had pursued him relentlessly. If there was anyone who excelled in mechanisms and traps, it was Hua Qingfeng. Could the 'Secret Manual of Tunnel Warfare' be connected to him?

"Sanlang..."

Li Jing snapped out of his thoughts. Should he tell Changsun Sheng about this? Or keep it to himself? In a flash, he decided not to say anything. Though the task was daunting, his youthful spirit was ignited with hope. He replied, "Since you trust me, General, I will do my best. But if I find anything, how should I contact you?"

Changsun Sheng said, "That's easy. If you find the manual, you don't need to give it to me. You can give it to Commander Han. We are all serving the country; there's no need to distinguish between us." With that, he clapped his hands three times.

The boat slowly docked. Changsun Sheng escorted Li Jing ashore. A horse and supplies were waiting, including the Lone Star Sword. Changsun Sheng took out an iron token and handed it to Li Jing solemnly. "Sanlang, within the Great Sui, this token serves as an official pass. If any officials trouble you, show them this token and say you are on a secret mission for Changsun Sheng."

Li Jing accepted the token, bowed deeply in thanks, mounted his horse, and rode westward along the river under the starlight.

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

After Li Jing left, Changsun Sheng returned to the cabin. Shortly after, Lai Hu'er boarded the boat and entered the cabin. After exchanging greetings, Lai Hu'er said, "Brother Changsun, are you sure Li Sanlang will go looking for Hua Qingfeng?"

"The 'Secret Manual of Tunnel Warfare' is most likely connected to him," Changsun Sheng sighed. "However, Hua Qingfeng is extremely cunning, and his skills are second only to yours. Even if Li encounters him, it will be difficult to succeed."

Lai Hu'er smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, brother. I've fought that monkey all the way here and gained no advantage. By the way, I heard you've been evaluating the top martial artists in the world and compiling a list of the top ten. I'm curious—could you share it with me?"

Changsun Sheng laughed. "You heroes are always eager to compete. My list is not yet complete, and I dare not present it for fear of ridicule."

Lai Hu'er said, "Brother, there's no need to be modest. When it comes to intelligence, no one in the world can match you. My skills are mediocre, and I dare not hope to be included."

Changsun Sheng said seriously, "Martial prowess may not determine the course of the world, but it is an important factor. Since ancient times, heroes have been celebrated by all, and their fame often surpasses that of emperors and generals. In the late Han dynasty, heroes like Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and Zhang Fei struck fear into their enemies with their reputations as 'matchless warriors.' In our dynasty, Han Qinhu, Shi Wansui, and General Lai are the Guan Yu and Zhang Fei of our time. The reason I haven't finalized the rankings is that I am still considering actual combat abilities. Those who have not yet shown their skills are hard to judge. For example, Master Sun is a man of profound learning, but no one has ever seen him fight; the Chan master Huike of Shaolin is nearly a hundred years old, and Master Sengcan's abilities are also unfathomable. You, brother, have received guidance from these masters, and even you may not know the extent of their skills. In Chen, Xiao Mohe, the monk Puzhao of Western Liang, and Wen Zhongyuan are all top-tier experts. In Shu, the Yuan brothers of Qingcheng, the monk Xuyun of Langzhong, and the wandering hero Wen De are also formidable. The Fisherwoman of Mount Wu is even more mysterious—even her two disciples are first-rate. As for Xian Aying of Lingnan, the Dharma King Baoxiang of the Western Regions, and Tardu Khagan of the Turks, we have only heard of their reputations but have not seen their true abilities. They are undoubtedly top-tier experts. Moreover, every generation produces its own talents. When I was in Shu, I encountered the young assassin Nie Yunfeng. If not for Li Jing's presence, I might have fallen victim to him. Therefore, it is still impossible to finalize the rankings. Brother, with your exceptional insight, perhaps you could help me evaluate them."

Lai Hu'er laughed. "People say Brother Changsun knows everything, and tonight I have witnessed it. I am a mere brute—how could I evaluate others? However, I have an idea: if you must see everything with your own eyes, you will never have enough time. Some things can be inferred based on facts. Moreover, the world is constantly changing. Why not compile a 'Changsun Ranking' every ten years and announce it to the world? This way, the heroes of the world will compete over their rankings, and their true abilities will be revealed. In less than twenty years, the ranking will become increasingly accurate. It will not only serve as a reference for the court in selecting talents but also aid wise rulers in governing the world. It will also promote martial arts and leave a legacy for future generations. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Changsun Sheng bowed. "Thank you, General Lai, for your insight. You have enlightened me."

Lai Hu'er said, "Brother, you mentioned that Nie Yunfeng went to Shu to assassinate you but refrained because Li Jing was present. Could you elaborate?"

Changsun Sheng recounted the incident. Lai Hu'er frowned. "It seems that Li Jing is more cunning than he appears. When I fought him, he held back his killing moves. This young man is a hero in the making. Though he is too young to be included in the ranking now, when he grows up, he will surely be among the top in your ranking."

Changsun Sheng nodded in agreement.

Lai Hu'er asked, "With your abilities, do you know Nie Yunfeng's background?"

Changsun Sheng shook his head. "The strange thing is that we don't know his origins. This young man's movements are elusive, and his swordsmanship is unpredictable. His master must be a hidden expert, possibly surpassing anyone I've mentioned. Earlier, when he rescued Li Jing in Luzhou, it might have something to do with the Li family of Sanyuan." With that, he looked at Lai Hu'er.

Lai Hu'er was startled. Nie Yunfeng's rescue of Li Jing had indeed been arranged by him, and he had thought it was done flawlessly. Though Changsun Sheng did not directly point it out, he seemed to suspect something. He replied, "Therefore, we need not worry about Li Jing. Over the past year, he has remained calm in the face of danger, shown resourcefulness, and greatly improved his martial skills. I believe he will surely complete the task you have given him."

Seeing that Lai Hu'er avoided the topic, Changsun Sheng did not press further and casually replied, "How things turn out depends on his fate. I am not in as difficult a position as you: you must both kill him and protect him."

These words struck like a thunderclap. Lai Hu'er had indeed received secret orders from Yang Guang and was also acting on Xiao Meiniang's request. One misstep, and he would be doomed. Yet Changsun Sheng knew even these details. His insight was terrifying, perhaps even surpassing that of the Prince of Jin!

He clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for your understanding, brother! We are all serving the court, after all."

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

Li Jing traveled along the northern bank, journeying by day and resting by night. Unlike his journey to Shu the previous year, he encountered no obstacles this time. When passing through cities and checkpoints, he simply showed the iron token and was allowed to proceed without issue. When he reached the Jiangling region, he considered visiting Zhang Ke but feared that seeing familiar sights would stir painful memories. Instead, he detoured through Jingmen and then to Yidu, where he gave his horse to a boatman and took a boat into Wu Gorge, eventually arriving at Mount Wu.

The scenery was unchanged. After passing through the stone array, he encountered a young woman in black, about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a delicate face but a solemn expression. Li Jing introduced himself. The woman said, "This servant is Yue Qing. I have heard of Young Master Li. Please follow me."

Li Jing followed her to the thatched cottage. Gu Musheng was overjoyed to see Li Jing and welcomed him inside to brew tea. The woman disappeared.

Li Jing asked about the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu. Gu Musheng said, "The master has gone to Chang'an and has not yet returned." Li Jing understood that the Fisherwoman had gone to find her senior brother, and regardless of the outcome, it would bring closure to a long-standing matter. He then asked if there had been any news from Xie Kangtu. Gu Musheng said, "My senior sister sent a letter some time ago, saying she had settled in Laifu Manor west of Mayi. Master Xie specifically mentioned you, asking me to send his regards if I saw you."

Li Jing thought of Xie Kangtu, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He decided that if he found Hua Qingfeng and obtained the 'Secret Manual of Tunnel Warfare,' his first task would be to visit Xie Kangtu in Mayi and then return to Sanyuan to live a quiet life of study. He then explained his purpose for coming. Gu Musheng said, "A few months ago, you warned me that Hua Qingfeng's return to the mountain must have a purpose. However, the master imprisoned him in the stone chamber at the mountain's peak, and there has been no movement since."

Li Jing's heart leaped with hope. "Brother, can you take me to the stone chamber to see Hua Qingfeng?"

Gu Musheng looked troubled. "The stone chamber at the peak is a forbidden area of our sect. Previously, the five guards of the chamber were punished by the master, and now only three remain to deliver food to Hua Qingfeng. Without the master's permission, I dare not act on my own."

Li Jing knew that Gu Musheng revered the master and did not want to pressure him. At that moment, dark clouds gathered outside, and a cold wind began to blow. It looked like snow was imminent. Gu Musheng killed a chicken and stewed it over a low fire. Soon, the aroma filled the room. Li Jing, having gone months without meat on Mount Sikong, felt his mouth water. By the time the meal was ready, snow was falling heavily, covering the mountains and fields like drifting willow catkins. Li Jing, who had not had a proper meal in a long time, finally relaxed and ate until he was full.

After clearing the dishes, the two chatted. Li Jing suddenly remembered that Hua Qingfeng, being skilled in mechanisms and traps, had dared to come to the mountain. The stone chamber might not hold him. He voiced his concern. Gu Musheng said, "Brother, don't worry. Before the master left, she broke both of his legs. Even if he can decipher the mechanisms at the peak, he cannot walk and cannot descend the mountain."

Though Gu Musheng spoke casually, Li Jing felt a chill in his heart. The Fisherwoman of Mount Wu and her disciples were known for their eccentric behavior. Breaking someone's legs was nothing to them—they could kill without batting an eye.

That night, Li Jing slept in the same thatched cottage he had stayed in before. In the middle of the night, he felt the bed shake violently, throwing him to the ground. Li Jing had heard his uncle speak of earthquakes and was terrified. He groped his way up and heard the thatch and dust falling from the roof.

Before he could recover, he heard footsteps crunching through the snow. Gu Musheng called out from the next room, "Is something happening at the back mountain?"

A woman's voice replied, "Reporting to Senior Brother, the stone chamber at the peak has collapsed. Junior Sister Yueyue has died..."

Gu Musheng pushed open the door and asked loudly, "Is Hua Qingfeng still alive?"

The woman replied, "I don't know... Only Junior Sister Yuehua is guarding the mountain now."