Lihewa, with its fragrant lotus and flitting birds as if intoxicated, was separated by deep reed marshes, like layered green mosquito nets, from the lake and sky. However, with broken wooden planks and treacherous mud, Yao San, pushing the winch cart, had no mood for appreciation and cursed, "Damn it all! You young ones, you don't know any better, pointing us down this muddy, messy path! I'm exhausted!" Tian Si, supporting He Wu, and Gong Liang, helping to push the cart, watched Zhang Er's flushed face. Just as the two were about to argue again, they suddenly heard Lin Chaoying, who was at the rear, say, "Yao San, are your words implying someone is arrogant and incompetent, misjudging the terrain and recklessly leading the way, thus causing us hardship?" Brother Ma was surprised. Back then, Zhang Er had suggested heading east was good but prone to Jin soldier ambushes, proposing to detour west along Hongze Lake back to Haizhou, yet she had said nothing. All along the way, she had silently escorted them from behind. How could she speak now, with such provocative words?
How could Zhang Er swallow this insult? He retorted angrily, "A hindsight strategist, why didn't you offer guidance like a celestial being earlier?" Lin Chaoying sneered, "Are you willing to accept my guidance? Since we're bound to quarrel, let your brothers witness your blunders and make their own judgment." Zhang Er glanced at Brother Ma's expression and then at everyone else's attitude. Ashamed, he said, "I am incompetent! I can't manage this!" He turned and plunged into the depths of the wilderness. Lin Chaoying watched his retreating back with cold eyes.
Brother Ma called out several times to stop him. Gong Liang said, "Let me go persuade him." Lin Chaoying instructed Gou'er, "You go with him too, to prevent him from being reckless." Brother Ma also instructed Tian Si, "Help Brother Wu to sit and rest." Tian Si glanced at He Wu and helped him towards the distant reeds. Brother Ma was surprised, "Just by the cart will do, it's too far to manage easily." He glimpsed Lin Chaoying suddenly drawing her sword and stepping closer to the cart, and was greatly alarmed.
Suddenly, over a dozen men armed with sabers leaped out from the reeds. The leader was a burly, square-faced middle-aged man with round eyes and a prominent nose. Lin Chaoying bowed slightly and said, "To be able to invite Lord Zhan Xiang, it seems the person in charge has great influence." In her heart, she thought much of it was his volunteering, which touched her with gratitude, but also worried about her grandmother's situation.
This man was Zhan Cunmao, the second lord of Youxudong, a descendant of the founding功臣 (gōngchén - meritorious officials) of Southern Tang. His ancestor had once blocked the path of Li Jing, the ruler of Southern Tang, with a saber, earnestly advising him, earning praise as "Wu Weizi of the Military" and being bestowed the sabre technique named "Dangwang Fodao" (擋王佛刀 - King-blocking Buddha Saber). This lineage excelled in sabre techniques, and along with the Li Jincuo lineage, who were masters of the sword, they had always shared internal and external affairs, leading to the saying "The sabre master handles internal affairs, the sword master handles external affairs." Of course, it was also widely rumored that "sabres and swords vied for supremacy." "It's been seven years since we parted, and I still think of everyone," Zhan Cunmao said with a paternal tone. "To avoid making things difficult for you, you should step aside."
Lin Chaoying shook her head helplessly. Zhan Cunmao knew further words were useless. At his signal, the sabre-wielding followers surged forward. Lin Chaoying swung her long sword horizontally, employing "Huajiao Chunmei" (花娇春媚 - Beautiful Flowers, Spring Charm), disrupting their offensive momentum. Under cover, several sabre-wielding men stealthily attacked the cargo truck. Yao San drew his hidden iron rod, repelling them. Zhan Cunmao, watching from the side, saw sparks fly and a burnt smell emanate when Yao San's iron rod swept across the surface of the goods. He quickly ordered his subordinates to be careful.
Lin Chaoying sneered, "I forgot to remind you, I've exposed Tian Si and He Wu's collusion with you. The cargo has already been replaced with gunpowder."
Brother Ma was about to question her, but Yao San stopped him in time.
"They colluded with the Jin people. I am only responsible for capturing you," Zhan Cunmao said, then attacked Lin Chaoying with his saber, first employing the "Duanzi Jue" (断字诀 - Breaking Character Technique) to test her martial arts progress. Having secretly practiced moves with him since childhood, Lin Chaoying knew this technique guarded like a broken wall. However, attacking with unique or new moves still proved difficult to break through. She couldn't help but feel anxious, fearing that if it dragged on, even without Jin reinforcement, Yao San and the others wouldn't be able to withstand the attack from her uncle's group of sabre-wielding men.
Zhan Cunmao sensed Lin Chaoying's impatience and interspersed the "Liaozi Jue" (獠字诀 - Barbarian Character Technique), his moves resembling hungry ghosts baring their faces, night wolves baring their fangs, seeking opportunities to hunt. Since their encounter, he was pleased to see her new moves were not haphazard but orderly and structured, clearly forming a distinct style that only needed refinement. He decided to push her, especially since capturing her would help alleviate the current pressure on the Luánméng (峦盟 - Alliance of Peaks). Zhan Cunmao employed the "Duòzi Jue" (夺字诀 - Seizing Character Technique), his force like an invading army capturing a city, his moves seizing the soul with thunderous force. Lin Chaoying could only use the final section of her notes, one of the five forbidden sword techniques for outsiders, the "Lou Chun Swordplay" (楼春剑法), to resist. Zhan Cunmao saw her conjure several graceful illusory figures. The emotions he felt when he first saw this move, "Chun'e Yuguàn" (春娥鱼贯 - Spring Maidens in File), flashed through his mind like lightning.
Lin Chaoying saw him swing his saber left and right, disrupting the continuity of the illusory figures. Little did she know how much he had longed for this move over the past thirty years, yet he still wondered inexplicably, "Uncle Zhan has never seen the notes, how is it that he always understands the contents so thoroughly?" At this moment, a piece of flint was thrown from the sky. Zhan Cunmao nervously shielded her and quickly ordered his subordinates, "Quickly stop it!"
Lin Chaoying sensed the direction of the throw was unusual and felt a pang of shame. However, she had to seize this fleeting opportunity. Gritting her teeth, she thrust her sword directly at Zhan Cunmao's back.
Zhan Cunmao turned and retreated rapidly, glaring at her. The sabre-wielding men were enraged, shouting accusations of "traitor" and advancing with their sabers. Another piece of flint was thrown from another direction. Zhan Cunmao again ordered, "Deal with the flint first!" Before Lin Chaoying could stab Zhan Cunmao, Yao San, having received her signal, quietly pushed the winch cart and slipped away. Lin Chaoying also took advantage of the chaos to pull Brother Ma and escape.
Lin Chaoying and her group ran for over an hour, twisting and turning, until Brother Ma collapsed and could no longer move. Lin Chaoying, fearing that "he" might be tracking them, dared not leave any markers, hoping only that Gou'er could find her as usual. She looked up at the setting sun, like blood, and thought of Uncle Zhan's sword injury, wishing he would understand her actions, which severed ties with the Luánméng and prevented him from interfering, though she knew his interference stemmed from affection. She also wished that like when they practiced moves as children – if she accidentally injured him, he would still smile warmly and say softly, "It's alright, it's alright."
Soon, they heard the rustling of reeds in an orderly rhythm. Indeed, Gou'er led Gong Liang and the others back. Lin Chaoying merely glanced at her, her heart filled with the joy of "farewell to one family and reunion with another." Zhang Er shoved Tian Si and He Wu fiercely towards Brother Ma, his face full of shame and indignation, saying, "I... and Sixth Brother were lurking in the grass and overheard their conversation... they colluded with the Jin dogs long ago... tricked me into taking this route to set up a trap to capture us!" Lin Chaoying turned away with a cold laugh, glancing inadvertently at his expression. Ah! That expression was like "him that night." The surroundings seemed to fall into a vortex, and the pleas of Tian Si and the other two gradually became inaudible... His repentance and accusations towards Guan Zumei became increasingly clear... Suddenly, that sentence ignited a lamp in her heart like a spark! Gou'er, startled to see her smiling faintly and murmuring dazedly, stepped forward and gently touched her arm. Then she saw her lips slightly parted, neither crying nor smiling, as if saying: So stupid!
Brother Ma, having believed Tian Si and the other two, out of consideration for their families having recently suffered detention by the Jin people and being forced to comply with their scheme, merely banished them. Gong Liang disagreed but heard Brother Ma say, "Everyone participating in the uprising is doing so for their families. If one abandons the uprising for their family, it is understandable." And he fell silent. Gong Liang looked at the remaining four and then turned to the silent Lin Chaoying for help. Although Lin Chaoying appeared to ignore him, she was eager to leave to find him. However, she feared he would be displeased if she left her behind. Alas, seven years had passed, and she didn't want to ruin the atmosphere of their reunion. Since things had come to this, she sighed helplessly and walked towards the distance.
Gong Liang suddenly saw her walking away and hurried to stop her, pleading for her to continue protecting them to Haizhou. But he heard her say, "Brother, you can come out now." And then he saw a handsome noble young man appear before her from nowhere.
Lin Chaoying asked, "You've come to help me, haven't you?" Mao Ya nodded. He had been unable to refuse this request since childhood. From the first piece of flint, he had guessed that Mao Ya had come. She really didn't want to burden him further, especially with this matter. She regretted not being able to suppress her urge to rush to him, so she shamelessly said, "Can you escort them to Haizhou for me?" Mao Ya clearly understood what she was thinking and what she intended to do from her eyes. He desperately wanted to stop her from ruining herself, but... he nodded and said, "I will only watch from afar." Lin Chaoying said excitedly and joyfully, "Thank you." She beckoned to Gou'er and then galloped westward.
After being taught a lesson, Zhang Er no longer spoke. Yao San pushed the cart at full speed, having no time to talk. Brother Ma didn't know what to say, so he simply remained silent. Gong Liang wanted to ask but hesitated. Mao Ya followed, focusing his attention on the rotating wheels, emptying his mind. The five of them, thus silently, front and back, walking and resting, traveled for a night and a day. As the sun deepened again, they finally found a pile of stones and grass to rest.
Xiliang dared not deliver food and water, only gazing at Mao Ya in the distance, sitting like a stone on a pile of rocks. He thought, "Is he also thinking about where the Holy Mother is heading? Is she safe?" Suddenly, he saw Zhan Cunmao emerge from another pile of stones. He hurried back to his brothers to prepare for defense, in case of unexpected events.
Mao Ya bowed to him and asked, "Lord Zhan Xiang, how is your injury?" Zhan Cunmao shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "I'm used to being injured. Haven't you adapted yet?" Mao Ya also lowered his head and nodded slightly.
"I always thought you would call me Uncle Zhan one day," Zhan Cunmao sighed regretfully. "Since the beginning, I had no资格 (zīgé - qualification) to speak, but you were always cultivated. Why is the outcome the same? Oh heavens, your arrangements truly make those who are willing to try taste only bitterness." Further words would only increase the bitterness. Mao Ya asked, "Lord Zhan Xiang, did you come to tell me something important?" Zhan Cunmao said, "There are people from the Lu Wei Wu Alliance searching for you. You can hand over this hot potato to them." Seeing his hesitation, and deeply understanding the comfort of "being able to help is also sweet," he could only shrug and leave.
Everyone planned to set off at the third watch. Mao Ya delayed for two quarters of an hour. Just as they were ready to depart, they heard the sound of clothes cutting through the air. In a blink of an eye, he appeared as expected. He put on an displeased expression and taunted, "Ungrateful bastard, how dare you show your face here?" He had come, and things would be easier. His heart couldn't help but feel at ease.
Sun Bole looked around and said angrily, "Her? Where are you taking them to be held hostage?" Heh, if it weren't for you, this overbearing demon, I would have turned around and chased Chaoying to Kaifeng Prefecture.
Mao Ya sneered, "Naturally, I'll take them to collect the reward." Zhang Er immediately cursed, "Scoundrel! You've failed the Empress's trust!" Yao San chimed in, "You scumbag!" Sun Bole also sneered, "With the Wei Wu Alliance here, you righteous men can rest assured. Demon, you are seeking your own death!" He then unleashed his "Wu Qibuyou Shou" (无奇不有手 - Hand of Infinite Wonders) to attack and capture. Mao Ya dodged and weaved amidst them, his movements resembling a spring oriole flitting through green willows and red peach blossoms, most elegant. Soon, Sun Bole's two close attendants, Cong Yan and Rong Kuan, arrived and joined the fray. Subsequently, Cai Hongfei and seven or eight other members of the Wei Wu Alliance from Huainan West Road also came to assist. Mao Ya drew his "Fen Long Suo" (分龙索 - Dragon-splitting Rope) and swung it, widening the distance, then shot it towards the stone pile to gain leverage and escape, disappearing into the grass.
After Sun Bole's momentary triumph, he regretted his own stupidity in thinking of this demon and taking on this task, saving him from having to deal with both sides. At this moment, he was definitely on his way, bothering Chaoying. Truly ungrateful!
Lin Chaoying couldn't help but go to the shore to get water. Seeing her disheveled reflection on the lake, she realized she had been traveling day and night for two days. She no longer felt wronged but somewhat excited. Gou'er understood her feelings, wet a silk kerchief to wipe her face, and then unpinned her hair to comb it again.
Lin Chaoying asked, "Do you know where your Great Brother Shi Xiong built his base in the Qin Mountains?" From Zhang Er's regretful expression, she suddenly recalled his tearful account on the night the Chuzhou army's stronghold was destroyed. She suddenly remembered Guan Zumei comforting him by saying, "Brother Shi Xiong, you spent all your wealth and effort to establish the deep cave base in the Qin Mountains, strengthening the Nanyang anti-Jin forces." This reminded her of Yin Pingzhi's words, "Move back to the deep cave base in the Qin Mountains." She couldn't help but resent her own impulsiveness for overlooking this! She thought that with his ambition to serve the country, he must be hidden there, equipping himself and waiting for the opportunity. Gou'er thought hard for a while and said, "I'm sorry! I really can't remember, but I can go and ask General Guan." Lin Chaoying said haughtily, "If he were willing to tell me, he would have said so long ago. Hmph! I'll scour the entire Qin Mountains, what if I can't find him!"
Mao Ya did not chase after Lin Chaoying. Even if he caught up, he couldn't do anything. He watched her foolishly rush ahead, his heart frustrated for no reason. On the shore, he accidentally found a dilapidated flatboat and drifted with the current to the south bank. Then he wandered for several days, trying to empty his mind by focusing on everything around him.
At a roadside tea stall, he casually sat on a stool, enjoying the aroma of tea being served and the occasional cool breeze on a hot day. Mao Ya suddenly sighed, as he finally heard familiar footsteps. Two months ago, Liu Shaoqin, whom he had personally promoted to the rank of Eighth Grade Bingyilang (秉义郎), had arrived. He suddenly regretted teaching him this tracking skill. They went to a secluded place. Liu Shaoqin did not dare to ask why he was there, but respectfully reported, "Eight days ago, His Majesty dispatched Xu Wen, the Supervisor of Water Control, and Zhang Hongxin, the Commander of Infantry, leading a fleet of nine hundred men to quell the unrest in Haizhou by sea." Mao Ya asked, "Why not send the land forces?" Liu Shaoqin stammered, "Initially, we considered sending our Yingzhou new army... then we changed our minds to test the fleet..." Mao Ya became anxious and blurted out, "Ungrateful bastard!" He took a few steps forward, then turned and instructed, "Absolutely do not tell Nan that you found me... say you lost them." Liu Shaoqin, terrified by his unusual behavior, felt both fear and anxiety in his heart: she is desperately waiting for you to return and for the army to be ready!