Chapter Sixteen

Page (1/3)

The woman slowly opened her eyes. More than twenty days had passed. The teacher’s body had reached its limit, becoming emaciated and frail, no longer bearing the vitality of days past. She had lost all strength to turn the tide; if the antidote was not found soon, the toxin would spiral out of control within days. Mu Xiangming dressed carefully and helped her teacher to sit up. She wasn’t sure if the teacher could pull through. After twenty days of unconsciousness, despite a heartbeat and breath, there were no other signs of life. If only Lin He were here—perhaps he would have a better solution.

Mu Xiangming stepped out of the room, dressed today in a flowing pink gown. Bathed in sunlight, she appeared truly like a celestial fairy. Her eyes sparkled like glazed glass, her lips were small and cherry-like, and her skin was as pure as fresh snow. Her presence transformed the entire earthen stronghold into a fairyland, stunningly beautiful beyond imagination. Today, she had finally managed to suppress the teacher’s poison and could now seek out Lin He. Every day during these long weeks, she had thought of him incessantly. What was he doing? Where was he? Was he thinking of her? Was he searching for them?

In the bamboo grove:

Sanqing Peak was practicing martial arts in the bamboo forest. The “Five Tigers Poisonous Wolf Palm” was a technique derived from the “Ten Thousand Dust Return Palm” of Baiyun Peak, the signature skill of Sanqiu Dao. Though less powerful than the original, the Five Tigers Palm was extremely venomous. Legend held that one strike could kill five tigers and a wolf, hence its name.

Sanqing’s figure crouched like a bell, palms facing forward, forefinger curved. His movement was so swift that his shadow was unseen, yet his lower body remained still, like a standing bell. Energy palms formed in the air, and a swath of bamboo toppled before him. He drew back his hands, circulating energy, causing the scattered bamboo leaves to swirl around him. With a double palm strike, a thunderous roar sounded like a fierce tiger’s cry. The bamboo leaves transformed into a giant tiger, sending bamboo stalks flying for hundreds of yards.

Sanqing rose, the earth beneath his feet deeply indented. Looking at the fallen bamboo, satisfaction graced his face. It seemed the “Qi-Transforming Tiger” technique had begun to take effect. As Sanqing prepared to leave, Mu Xiangming descended upon the bamboo, stepping lightly on the branches. Her pink gown fluttered like a fairy in the air. Drawn by the roar, she had come to investigate but, seeing it was Sanqing, changed course to avoid him.

Sanqing immediately leapt into the air, chasing after her. Mu Xiangming, indifferent to his pursuit, did not quicken her pace and acted as if he were invisible. Sanqing deliberately accelerated to move ahead of her. She did not glance at him but turned in another direction and flew on. Sanqing laughed and changed course to intercept her, blocking her path.

Mu Xiangming halted. Standing on the bamboo, Sanqing’s bamboo stalks bent far more under his weight. Seeing his ill intent, she angrily demanded, “What exactly do you want?”

Sanqing smiled wickedly. “Spring flowers bloom—just wondering where you’re heading.”

Xiangming saw the lecherous grin on his face and retorted, “You don’t need to come near me! It’s none of your business!”

Sanqing laughed heartily. “If you’re planning to find your dear doctor, I advise you not to go.”

A chill ran through Mu Xiangming’s heart, a spark of suspicion forming. “What do you mean?”

Sanqing answered calmly, “A few days ago, I met someone who told me he threw a man off a cliff. No chance of survival. It’s been over thirty days.”

Mu Xiangming’s heart wavered, but she quickly steadied herself. Sanqing’s words seemed unreliable. She had thought of Lin He every day—he must be waiting for her in Jiulong City.

Refusing to entertain further, she turned and flew off in another direction.

Page (2/3)

Just as she took a step:

“That man is in a carriage! Wearing cotton clothes! Has long hair! Still unconscious!” Sanqing’s voice was loud, meant to gauge her reaction.

When he uttered those words, Mu Xiangming felt a sudden warmth in her chest, her mind went blank, and sounds seemed to ring in her ears. Tears involuntarily slipped down her pale cheeks. The crushing blow left her frozen atop the bamboo, as all the pain she had endured surged forth at that moment.

Sanqing laughed aloud, savoring the effect. It had been a long time since he enjoyed causing someone else’s suffering. Satisfied, he jumped down from the bamboo and departed with laughter, leaving Mu Xiangming alone in the forest.

Jiulong Town:

The morning was fine and clear. Lin He walked down the street with Ma Chen, a newly acquainted friend. Ma Chen shared amusing stories about martial arts:

He was not from the Manchu nation but from the nearby Lu country. Since childhood, he had been obsessed with Manchu martial arts. The Baiyun Sect was the top among the four Manchu schools, so he trained diligently, determined to join Baiyun Peak. But with mediocre talent, advancement was far from easy. Every year, many skilled fighters competed, and he failed repeatedly. Last year, there were even three more slots than the year before. Feeling dejected, he rode home at night during a heavy snowfall. Luckily, he found shelter in a dilapidated temple to wait out the storm. It was there he met a scruffy old man with a white beard. Ma Chen shared a pancake with him, and in return, the old man taught him a sword technique and advised, “Practice this well this year, and you’re sure to advance next year.”

Ma Chen chuckled, “Who would have thought that old man’s sword technique was so miraculous! After only three months of practice, there was basically no one in my region who could match me!”

Lin He smiled after hearing Ma Chen’s story. “Your dedication has moved the heavens. That old man must be a recluse master to have passed such a sword technique.”

Ma Chen modestly said, “Not at all, not at all.”

Lin He asked, “But your sword does look unusual. Was it also a gift from that recluse master?”

At the mention of swords, their conversation grew lively. Ma Chen immediately drew his sword.

“This sword is made from volcanic black iron worth as much as gold, weighs three pounds, and was forged by a master smith who hammered it day and night for ten days. It took a month to finish shaping it…”

As they chatted, the two arrived at the city’s stable. The place stank of horse urine for miles around. A large wooden sign hung above the entrance: ‘Fine horses are common; discerning trainers are rare.’

Ma Chen explained to Lin He, “This stable manages all the horses in Jiulong City. They never lack food or water. The grass is all brought in. The horses live better here than the villagers.”

From their conversation, Lin He learned that Ma Chen’s family was wealthy and lived very close to Jiulong City. This was not his first time stabling horses here. True to Ma Chen’s words, the horses were all sleek and strong.

Seeing no one inside, Ma Chen called out, “Boss Long! I’ve come to fetch the horse!”

A voice from a nearby hut answered, “Here! Here! Coming right away!”

After a while, a middle-aged man emerged from the hut. He had long hair, a stocky build, a thin mustache, and a sharp, monkey-like face. He adjusted his pants and clothes, holding a bunch of keys.

Boss Long approached, smiling warmly. “Hero Ma, you’re punctual as always! Haha!”

Page (3/3)

Ma Chen replied, “People say things, but the sky decides!”

Boss Long nodded with a grin, “Yes, yes, Hero Ma values time like gold!”

Ma Chen waved his hand, “No more talk, let’s get to the horses! Time’s tight!”

Boss Long opened the stable door, “Right this way, gentlemen!”

The three entered. Each horse had its own stall, with chains securing their hind legs. The horses had grass and water inside and were naturally docile—truly living well.

As they walked, Boss Long joked, “Your horse is really hard to lead. Strong and stubborn! My wooden shelter can’t even contain your horse!”

Ma Chen laughed, “Boss Long, every horse here is of higher status than mine.”

Boss Long quickly shook his head, “What are you saying? It’s all about connections these days. I’m only the boss here, with no status. I have to rely on your kindness for my meals!”

Boss Long led them to Ma Chen’s horse’s stall. The horse became restless upon seeing Ma Chen, tugging at the chains and shaking the entire stable. Boss Long hurriedly opened the wooden gate and loosened the chains.

“Good heavens! If you pull like this again, the stable will collapse!”

Ma Chen chuckled, “Watch this!” He placed his hand to his lips and whistled sharply. The horse immediately calmed down. Lin He marveled, “Brother Ma, your horse is remarkably intelligent!”

Boss Long also praised, “Truly a fine horse chosen by a discerning trainer!” Ma Chen stroked the horse’s head and smiled at Lin He. “The horse is easy to train but hard to care for.”

“Come, horse, let’s continue our journey!”

The horse was very obedient with Ma Chen but stubborn with Boss Long.

Leading the horse out, Ma Chen held the reins, stepped into the stirrups, and mounted easily. He offered his hand to Lin He. “Come, Brother Lin, get on. This horse is well-behaved with me.”

Lin He smiled, “Watch me, Brother Ma.” With a leap, he effortlessly mounted.

Ma Chen withdrew his hand and admired, “Brother Lin, your lightness skill is impressive! Maybe we should have a friendly contest sometime.”

Lin He laughed, “Your foundation is not bad either.”

Ma Chen laughed heartily, throwing his sword to Lin He. “Hold on tight, Brother Lin! My horse is fast!” Pulling the stubborn reins, he shouted, “Giddy-up!”