In the one hundred and seventy-eighth year after the fall of the Southern Tang dynasty, during the third year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song dynasty, which was the first year of Zhenyuan in the Jin dynasty.
On March 26th, the Jin Emperor Liang relocated the capital to Yanjing, renaming it Zhongdu Daxing Prefecture. Qin Hui, whose illness worsened in the south, requested the Emperor in early May to retrieve the imperial decree received by Qi Yunli from Xie Ji's residence in Taizhou. This was Qin Hui's first decree of dismissal, and he wished to destroy evidence unfavorable to himself. Wang Shixiong, the chief disciple of Yun Gao Jushi, who aided Han Shizhong in defending his stronghold in Chuzhou, responded to the "Wei Wu Alliance's" plea for help and rushed to Taizhou to assist them in reclaiming the decree, thereby exposing Qin Hui's wickedness to the world. The "Wei Wu Alliance" was an alliance formed by loyal warriors after Yue Fei's death in Fengbo Pavilion, advocating for "maintaining martial prowess and recovering our land."
Wang Shixiong entered Ninghai County in the western part of Liangzhe Lu and arrived at Langfeng Mountain. Su Shi described this mountain in his "Ode to the Red Cliffs" as "drifting and ethereal, like standing alone in the world." The weather was clear and crisp, creating a celestial landscape without clouds or mist, yet the steep, upright cliffs and the layered lush trees were also magnificent. However, Wang Shixiong, who had been relentlessly pursued and ambushed by three groups of "Dark Swordsmen" for days, could only remain vigilant against further ambushes.
The "Dark Swordsmen" were a unit trained by "You Xu Dong Zhu," the leader of the "Luan Alliance," formed by remnants of the Southern Tang dynasty in the unchanged mountains of Longzhou in Liaodong, along with local cave dwellers. The Luan Alliance initially resisted the Jin but defected to the Jin during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Jin. They acted as henchmen, brutally persecuting Song civilians who resisted the Jin, earning them the hatred and disdain of Song righteous individuals, who dubbed them "Mo Luan."
On a stifling midsummer afternoon, Wang Shixiong went to the stream to fetch water and wash his face. The fierce sunlight reflected off the water, blinding him. He noticed several unusual rays of light and quickly retreated, drawing his sword. Seven black-clad figures leaped from above, encircling him and attacking. Wang Shixiong employed his master's "Four-Point Sword Technique," specifically "One Point Fearless," focusing his mind to find an opening. He swung his sword, parting the rain and clouds, to dismantle the enemy's momentum. Upon landing, the Dark Swordsmen immediately leaped up from different angles to attack again. Wang Shixiong, having fought them for a long time, was familiar with their agile sword techniques, which were as elusive as a cat capturing a rabbit. Some of their sword forms were as graceful as flying orioles and dancing swallows, with Mao Ya being the most hated for his skill. Relying solely on his master's martial arts, he found himself increasingly strained and predictable. Thus, Wang Shixiong contemplated new methods of counteraction. After a few more exchanges, he unleashed a surprise attack with his self-created "Chuzhou New Moves." As expected, one opponent was unable to react in time and suffered wounds to both arms. Wang Shixiong followed up with two more fierce new moves, injuring two more before forcing them to flee with whistles. His new moves had achieved victory, and Wang Shixiong excitedly shouted, "Demons, I've defeated you!"
Continuing eastward, the mountain gorges gradually narrowed. Strange rocks piled up in the stream, resembling an army formation, presenting a perilous landscape. Under the setting sun, the rock surfaces appeared ferocious, and the tree shadows were ominous. Wang Shixiong, walking along the plank road, gripped his sword tightly. It wasn't just about the path; he sensed another ambush and deduced that the enemy was employing a strategy of wearing him down. He intended to find a way to escape. Just then, the wooden planks ahead burst open, and three black-clad figures leaped out. From the cliffs above, among the dense trees, four more black-clad figures descended by rope. The leader who leaped from the broken plank road twirled his sword, attacking from five directions. His swordplay, though skillful, lacked vigor. Wang Shixiong recognized it was not the "You Xu Sword Technique" commonly used by the Dark Swordsmen, but rather the "Bai Yue Sword Technique" from the Liu Chen Sect of Xiuning, Huizhou. The sects of the other attackers were also very diverse, mostly from the Huainan and Xiangjing regions. Furthermore, beneath their black robes, they wore variously colored shirts and pants, unlike the Dark Swordsmen who were entirely black. "What faction do they belong to, and why are they impersonating Dark Swordsmen to harm me?"
Another person leaped from the cliff, dressed in brownish-grey attire, with a broad-faced, long-faced man in his late fifties with black whiskers and white beard. Upon meeting, this man attacked with fists and palms, possessing immense strength but with arms as soft as pythons, capable of breaking mountains when advancing and rolling like waves when retreating. After observing for a few moves, Wang Shixiong used "Qi Yun Jiangshan" from "Yun Yang Hand" to throw the man far away. He leaped out of the circle, landing on a stone peak, and clasped his hands, saying, "Are you perhaps Commander Jie Wushan of the Wei Wu Alliance?"
A burst of triumphant laughter echoed, and another man sprang forth, pointing at everyone and declaring, "I told you all that together, you couldn't defeat my senior brother, and you didn't believe me!" With that, he pushed off with his feet, crouched, and leaped behind Wang Shixiong, his face beaming with joy as he flatteringly said, "If your martial arts weren't so formidable, how could you be worthy of the title 'First Person to Valiantly Defend Chuzhou'?" Wang Shixiong was both embarrassed and annoyed. Suppressing his anger, he chided softly, "Zhou Botong, you're causing trouble again." A chuckle came from a crevice in the rocks, and a man about thirty-five years old emerged. He was Meng Hanguang, known as "Zhongli Sword." He was enthusiastic about resisting the Jin but did not join any organizations. He had known Wang Shixiong for over ten years and had always supported him. Meng Hanguang said, "Brother, let these younger generation have a chance to hone their skills and stretch their muscles." Wang Shixiong sighed inwardly, having fought for three days and three nights. He quickly adjusted his mood and clasped his hands to everyone again, saying, "Forgive my earlier trespasses, worthy sirs!"
They moved to a pavilion ahead to chat. Jie Wushan introduced the leader of the initial attack on the plank road to Wang Shixiong. He was an elegant and kind young man in his early twenties, with a dignified bearing. "Brothers Chong and Wu Chong are descendants of Huizhou merchants and have poured their family's wealth into supporting the anti-Jin cause. They are strategic, daring, and responsible, truly outstanding figures of the new generation. They are currently serving in the western Huainan region of the Alliance." Hearing Jie Wushan, whom he had never met, speak this way, Wang Shixiong felt a bit perplexed and could only nod in vague agreement. The others, after removing their black robes and masks, also came to surround him, chattering amongst themselves, but their conversation had nothing to do with the current "decree retrieval" mission.
Wang Shixiong couldn't help but glance at Meng Hanguang. Meng Hanguang understood and squeezed in, saying, "The sky is getting late. Why don't we split up to prepare food and lodging, and then discuss everything around a campfire tonight?" Chong and Wu Chong then led the young men out to make arrangements. Wang Shixiong wished to discuss the "decree retrieval" operation with Jie Wushan and Meng Hanguang. However, Jie Wushan pleaded that he was in charge of the western Huainan region and this trip was purely for assistance. He suggested waiting until they reached Taizhou to consult with Sun Bowu, the leader responsible for the eastern Zhejiang region.
Wang Shixiong searched everywhere for Zhou Botong, who had mysteriously disappeared. By the stream beside the bushes, he caught a glimpse of a tall, slender figure behind him. Turning around, he saw Lin Benju of the Gan Cang Sect. "Brother Wang, what are you looking for? Let me help." Hearing her gentle question, Wang Shixiong simply replied, "Looking for Zhou Botong," and continued forward, avoiding gossip about a lone man and woman. Lin Benju pondered for a moment, "Zhou Botong, huh..." Wang Shixiong couldn't help but turn back, only to hear her giggle, "He takes good care of the younger generation and is quite amusing." Wang Shixiong felt a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Seeing her approach him, she continued, "He often speaks of your heroic deeds. I have long admired the fame of the 'First Person to Valiantly Defend Chuzhou,' and seeing you in person now has captivated my heart." Lin Benju noticed him take three steps back, her tone shifting slightly to one of panic, "I heard you were being pursued by Dark Swordsmen. Li Yu was known for his literary talent, how did he produce such fierce and brutal demons?" Wang Shixiong replied, "Circumstances can change a person's goals and methods, hence 'steadfastness comes from sincerity of heart' is crucial." Lin Benju lowered her head, "Of Li Yu's lyrics, my favorite is, 'It is difficult for a servant girl to come out, allowing you to cherish her as you please.'" Wang Shixiong often said, "How can we have a home before the Xiongnu are eliminated," and her overly familiar behavior naturally caused him displeasure. Just as he was about to reprimand her, he saw Zhou Botong in the distance, with half of his face contorted in a playful grimace. He shouted, "Zhou Botong, don't leave!" and suddenly leaped up to pursue him. Lin Benju suddenly looked up, her expression astonished, then she pouted with playful anger.
Leaping into the forest on the opposite cliff, Zhou Botong fled east and west, but eventually disappeared again. Wang Shixiong thought that catching him might only lead to more trouble, so he gave up the chase and decided to relax and stroll through the tranquil forest.
The sky seemed to be covered by a dark cloud, and the surroundings were exceptionally dim. Yet, Wang Shixiong enjoyed this moment of peace and was about to sit down to rest when he faintly heard a sound, sensing a slender figure in the distant darkness. He sighed, thinking Lin Benju had come to pester him again, and mocked, "'It is difficult for a servant girl to come out,' but judging by Miss Lin's behavior, this statement is not true." Before he could react, the dark figure suddenly lunged forward, sword aimed at his chest.
This move, named "Bud Concealed Beneath Leaves," had moves within moves and traps within moves, with tightly interlocked killing intent. It was a formidable killing strike of the You Xu Sword Technique. Wang Shixiong had suffered from it before and knew its power. He found it more erratic and unpredictable, with illusory and solid attacks more than ever before. He unleashed his painstakingly devised "Chuzhou New Moves," advancing when real and retreating when illusory, then seeking an opportunity to counterattack with his sword to subdue the enemy.
The Dark Swordsman twisted his waist to dodge, but Wang Shixiong's shoulder brushed past his arm.
A faint floral fragrance wafted past his nose, and Wang Shixiong's senses were captivated.
The Dark Swordsman turned her head, seeing his flippant expression. Angered by his cunning trickery and insult, and the blasphemy against the holy lord's poetry, she leaped into the air and delivered a fierce killing blow, "Night Rain Falling Flowers." The sword struck straight down like rain, while horizontal thrusts scattered like petals, resembling a cast net.
Wang Shixiong countered with "One Point Bewilderment" from the "Four-Point Sword Technique," using nothingness to overcome substance. When the enemy's strength weakened and they prepared to change moves, he would sever their continuous assault, break their offense, and counterattack their lower body, leaving them nowhere to stand.
The Dark Swordsman used her sword tip to support herself, performing several side flips before landing on a tree branch, kneeling on one knee. Under the waning moon, her profile, with hair, veil, and robes fluttering in the wind, appeared to Wang Shixiong like Chang'e descending from heaven, embraced by dark clouds. She possessed the artistic sentiment of a frost-bitten chrysanthemum still proud on its withered branch. Their eyes met, and Wang Shixiong's body and mind seemed to freeze in the cold glint.
"Demoness, do not harm my senior brother!" Zhou Botong, grabbed by the collar of his robes by Meng Hanguang, broke free and rushed forward. Meng Hanguang also drew his sword and followed. The dark figure before them vanished abruptly. Zhou Botong retreated hastily and collided with Meng Hanguang, trembling, "She truly is a demon!" Meng Hanguang pushed him aside and turned to Wang Shixiong, saying, "I expected her to be a formidable figure among the 'Dark Swordsmen.' It seems the Jin dogs have gone all out to aid Qin's traitor." Seeing no reaction, he turned to find Zhou Botong gone and felt a chilling thought: Is there truly a demon?
Wang Shixiong's mind and nostrils were still filled with that fragrance. He chuckled, thinking that after living so long and experiencing so much, he had become as flustered as a young boy. He sat down beneath the tree to compose himself, recalling Meng Hanguang's words. He wondered if Mao Ya, the demon, might be involved. He remembered Mao Ya serving Emperor Liang, luring and capturing anti-Jin righteous individuals, making every effort to annihilate anti-Jin bases, persecuting Chuzhou civilians, and inciting dissent among Song citizens and officials. He longed for the day he could personally slay this villain to comfort the spirits in heaven.
Muttering thunder rumbled frequently. Wang Shixiong, worried that a torrential rain was imminent, realized that being in a low-lying valley was quite dangerous. He proposed to Meng Hanguang that they seek refuge in Tianmu Mountain under the cover of night, and Meng Hanguang readily agreed.
Though the stream water, devoid of sunlight, presented a riot of colors in the pools, under the moonlight, the water surface reflected distinct halos of varying hues. Now, the halos were shattered by raindrops, the chaotic spectrum of colors disrupted. Dark figures streaked across them.
Chong and Wu Chong, leading the way, shouted a warning, "Ambush!" Unfortunately, two companions had already been hit by arrows. Wang Shixiong spotted the fair, gleaming faces in the jungle on the ridge, suspecting it was Mao Ya. Enraged, he leaped into the air to attack. Suddenly, a soul-stirring fragrance wafted, and she had arrived! "My apologies!" Wang Shixiong inwardly cried, helplessly unleashing his sect's ultimate move, "Cao Wan Sword Technique." This sword technique was created by Yun Gao Jushi in his early years. Although its style was to combine offense with defense, its subsequent moves were more fierce and vigorous, embodying the saying: "The strong wind reveals the resilience of grass; grass bends but does not break under the fierce wind."
However, the Dark Swordsman had no intention of confronting him head-on. Her sword circled, her body swayed, blocking his offensive. After allowing her seven companions to surround and engage him, she shifted her attention to Chong and Wu Chong. Wang Shixiong, witnessing this, grew more anxious and worried, his attacks becoming fiercer and more relentless. In an instant, he wounded two Dark Swordsmen with his sword. Subsequently, screams erupted from Chong and Wu Chong's side, indicating that three people had been stabbed. He suddenly wondered if she intended to compete over who inflicted more casualties. How could she treat human lives as a wager? He agilely spun his sword, unleashing the ultimate move "Cao Luan Feng Chui," tangling and knocking away the long swords of three Dark Swordsmen. Wang Shixiong then executed a "Heron's Flip" and rushed to Chong and Wu Chong's side. With a horizontal sweep of "Cao Ya Feng Di," he forced back the Dark Swordsman. He glimpsed Lin Benju lying heavily wounded, angered by her brutality, and delivered another killing blow, "Ran Ye Shao Feng."
The Dark Swordsman countered with a similar defensive-then-offensive "Kuzhi Zaifa," seeking an opportunity to counterattack.
Wang Shixiong blurted out, "Is this all you're capable of?" It was unclear whether he intended to make her impatient, infuriated, or something else.
The Dark Swordsman raised her sword eyebrows slightly, her moves returning to sharp and fierce. They fought desperately, and before they knew it, they reached a cliff face. At that moment, the rain intensified, the stream swelled rapidly, and the canyon trembled violently. The rock they stood on loosened and fell. The Dark Swordsman lost her footing. Wang Shixiong reached out to rescue her, but she mistakenly thought he was attacking her while she was vulnerable and stabbed him. Despite being wounded, Wang Shixiong did not change his momentum. He grabbed her hand, but it was too late. They both plunged into the stream.
"Ying!" the beautiful, fair-skinned young man on the opposite bank exclaimed in alarm, about to jump into the water to rescue her. He was stopped by a Dark Swordsman with clear, intelligent eyes, who said, "Senior brother, worry not. She will surely escape." Just then, a splashing sound was heard as someone entered the turbulent water. It was Zhou Botong, who, worried about Wang Shixiong's safety, had rushed over and, witnessing his senior brother fall into the stream, immediately went to his aid.
Swept by the turbulence into a cave, Wang Shixiong was deposited on a shallow gravel bank. He clutched his chest wound and staggered a few steps towards the stone by the cave wall, only to feel something cold press against his neck. "What is my capability?" a voice colder than a sword edge inquired.
After a moment, hearing no plea for mercy, not even a word, she said, "Prepare to die."
Wang Shixiong closed his eyes, suddenly feeling that dying by her hand might not be so bad. A sharp pain shot through his cervical spine, and he lost consciousness. When Wang Shixiong regained consciousness, he felt his wound had been bandaged. Peeking through his slitted eyes, he saw her by the water, beside a campfire, her veil removed, with droplets of water sparkling on her forehead and cheeks. Suddenly, he recalled a legend he heard in his childhood: an ice palace fairy, to save a mortal who had strayed and was freezing, burned a campfire. In the end, the mortal lived, but the fairy melted away, transforming into the chilling rain that scattered across the world.
"Don't you dare insult me with your frivolous words again."
Hearing her say this, his heart filled with pity turned into grievance. He said, "My lady, why do you...?" Thinking back to what he had said when they first met, it was clearly... He suddenly understood and said, "Is your surname Lin, my lady?" Judging by her expression, he was about eighty to ninety percent sure. "You've misunderstood." He then proceeded to explain the situation. After listening, she said coldly, "So what?" Wang Shixiong was momentarily speechless.
Seeing his embarrassed expression, she felt more satisfied than if she had pierced ten holes in him. As he lay there, silent, she couldn't help but speak again, "Don't think you're so great just because you saved me. You're just feigning benevolence and righteousness."
Wang Shixiong felt extremely uncomfortable and said, "Then what constitutes true benevolence and righteousness?" He gazed at her cold face, no longer speaking, silently struggling as if against the firelight. His pity resurfaced. Perhaps due to blood loss, exhaustion, or the warmth filling his heart, his vision gradually blurred, and he fell into a deep sleep. After an unknown period, he heard a series of ordered whistles, recognizing them as the communication signals of the Dark Swordsmen. He opened his eyes and saw her retreating figure growing distant. He quickly called out to her, "Is your maiden name Lin Ying?"
She ignored him, took a few more steps forward, then stopped and said, "Consider this match a victory for you. In the next round, I will surely take your life. Remember! My name is Lin Chaoying." With that, she lightly leaped into the water.
The beautiful youth was none other than Mao Ya, leading a large contingent to search for the fleeing Wei Wu Alliance members. The person with the clear eyes behind him was named Wu Nanyong. She knew that in his piercing gaze, his concern was for Lin Chaoying's whereabouts. She suddenly thought it wouldn't be bad if the stream swept Ying away, but hearing the roar of the rapids, she couldn't help but worry about her childhood companion. Scanning the surroundings, Wu Nanyong finally spotted Lin Chaoying slowly moving forward among the rocks on the opposite bank and joyfully exclaimed, "Over there!"
Lin Chaoying cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Mao Ya, saying, "I have failed in my duty." Mao Ya nodded and waved, signaling her to retreat. In her eyes, there was no longer the defiance or frustration of past failures, but rather bewilderment and evasion. What had that Song pig done to her? He spewed false benevolence and righteousness, incited the masses to cause trouble within Jin territory, and dared to lay his hands on Ying! Mao Ya began to plan how to eliminate him swiftly.