The pleasure boat flying the “Gongsun” family banner slowly drew closer. In the breezy viewing lounge on the second deck, a table of jianghu heroes drank and laughed together.
Gongsun Xiu, holding her wine cup, smiled as she entertained six newly-recruited talents. All six were strong, two of them at the peak of Refining Spirit, making them esteemed guests of the Gongsun clan.
The one Gongsun Xiu valued most was the old Daoist who called himself Daoist Qinggu.
Martial artists were experts at fighting for their lives, but exploring tombs was not their forte.
Those skilled in feng-shui were usually Daoists or arcanists. Most Daoists were frauds, and genuine arcanists were as rare as phoenix feathers.
Gongsun Xiu had already tested Daoist Qinggu, and he truly did understand feng-shui, and even knew a bit about formations.
“Tonight, the exploration of the southern mountain tomb will depend on all of you.”
Gongsun Xiu smiled and raised her cup.
The martial artists at the table hurriedly raised their own, recognising the social niceties. The Gongsun clan was one of the most influential powers in Yongzhou, with over three hundred years of heritage. The current clan head had reached Transforming Force years ago.
He was only one step from Rank Four; if he reached it, he’d be a true overlord in the jianghu.
Beyond that, the Gongsun clan boasted more than a dozen at Rank Seven Refining Spirit and Rank Six Bronze Skin and Iron Bones.
But the current leader of this generation was the lady before them, elegant in moon-white broad-sleeved robes and a pleated skirt, refined, scholarly, the image of a proper noblewoman.
Those who knew her understood that, despite her looks, her cultivation was superb; she’d just reached Transforming Force last year, and only the clan head could outmatch her.
She was also a gifted businesswoman, and under her hand, the Gongsun clan’s enterprises flourished. In this jianghu clan, martial prowess was everything, so even as a woman, she could sit as clan leader.
Countless young heroes in Yongzhou would have gladly married into her family.
After a round of drinks, everyone returned to their food and crab, while Gongsun Xiu, with little appetite, looked sideways at the view of the lake and the boats drifting about.
She glanced at the approaching “Wang’s Fish Restaurant” boat and saw a few well-fed children running out onto the deck to play.
…
“Let’s just enjoy our food,” Xu Qi’an said, turning back to his crab.
Tonight, he planned to visit the tomb to borrow fingernails, venom, and corpse qi from the ancient corpse, to shear some wool from the thousand-year-old mummy.
But the Gongsun clan’s high-profile activity was a headache. The more fuss they made, the more people would die.
Against the mysterious Daoist’s remains, anyone below Rank Three was as weak as a chicken.
Once the ancient corpse had gathered enough essence to break the seal, disaster would follow.
When a nation is about to fall, monsters appear everywhere… It’s happening before my eyes, Xu Qi’an sighed inwardly.
From outside came silvery laughter. Glancing over, he saw several children, full of crab, playing along the deck corridor.
Their clothes were of good quality, suggesting affluent families, but not nobility.
In their chasing, a stocky boy bumped hard into a girl ahead. She lost her balance, shrieked, and tumbled towards the lake.
Xu Qi’an set down his crab, a ghostly light flashing in his eyes, and vanished, next moment, he appeared from the girl’s shadow, grabbing her by the collar.
The Dark Gu’s shadow leap.
“Wow…”
The other children stared at him in awe.
Xu Qi’an rapped each on the head and scolded, “Get back inside. If I catch you making trouble again, I’ll thrash you.”
His tone was full of jianghu energy.
As a fishing vessel, the “Wang’s Fish Restaurant” boat had no guardrail on deck, making it unsafe for children.
The kids, duly cowed, retreated in silence.
Xu Qi’an returned to the cabin. Soon after, a couple arrived, the woman leading the little girl he had just saved.
“Thank you brother for saving her,” the young man said, bowing. He wore a fashionable long gown, looking very respectable.
His wife had a gold hairpin in her hair.
Xu Qi’an waved dismissively, “No need for natter, this table of crabs is on you.”
The young man froze, then actually looked relieved and smiled, “Of course, of course.”
He thanked him again and left, all smiles.
The girl, pulled away by her mother, stuck out her tongue at the grumpy uncle.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mu Nanzhi sensed something was off.
Xu Qi’an grumbled, “Fuck’s sake… it’s going to rain.”
His mood had immediately turned sour.
Mu Nanzhi blinked at the sun outside, where were the clouds?
…
On the other boat, Gongsun Xiu, who had witnessed everything, brightened and asked:
“Did anyone see how he did that?”
The rough martial artists all frowned, they hadn’t noticed.
When Gongsun Xiu explained, they were astonished, but even so, none could say what technique it was.
Only the goateed Daoist hesitated:
“From Miss’s description, that must be a method of the shaman Dark Gu clan. I saw them use it in the Southern Marches, jumping from shadows, utterly elusive. Only those of the Refining Spirit realm or above can counter it.”
Gongsun Xiu frowned, “Can the shaman clan’s methods be taught to outsiders?”
“Certainly not.”
“He’s not from the Southern Marches,” Gongsun Xiu said.
Daoist Qinggu hesitated, then shook his head, “Perhaps this daoist was mistaken?”
Gongsun Xiu didn’t hesitate. She stood and said, “Since we’ve met a master, I’ll pay my respects. Please excuse me.”
She grabbed two chopsticks and flicked them out the window.
The chopsticks pierced the water, floated, and Gongsun Xiu leapt from the second deck, feather-light. Her toes landed on the chopsticks, barely disturbing the water, and she sprang several dozen yards, landing steadily on the “Wang’s Fish Restaurant” deck.
Onlookers nearby applauded.
Xu Qi’an noticed, but didn’t realise the beautiful woman was coming for him, he found time to comment, “Not bad. Among Transforming Force, she’s top tier. Pretty slick moves.”
The princess consort was envious. If she could fly like that, her bottom wouldn’t hurt from all that riding.
Gongsun Xiu entered the cabin, swept her gaze across the diners, and quickly found Xu Qi’an’s table. She smiled and cupped her fist in greeting:
“This is Gongsun Xiu. May I ask your name, esteemed brother?”
Xu Qi’an sized her up and replied, “Xu Qian.”
He changed “Xu” to a different character, and “Qi’an” to “Qian.”1
Gongsun Xiu smiled, “It is my most delightful pleasure to meet you, Brother Xu.”
You’re happy too soon… Xu Qi’an grumbled inwardly, suppressing his irritation, and replied coolly, “Does Miss Gongsun need something?”
Gongsun Xiu followed up, “If you don’t mind, could I invite Brother Xu to join me on the Gongsun clan’s boat for a chat?”
She glanced at the large boat flying the “Gongsun” banner.
Xu Qi’an’s interest was piqued. He had been worrying that the Gongsun clan’s exploration of the tomb might help the ancient corpse break its seal. He nodded at once, “Alright!”
He turned to the princess consort, “Wait for me here.”
Mu Nanzhi gave Gongsun Xiu a sidelong glance, thought to herself “just a weak willow,” and then nodded calmly, “Mm.”
Labelled as “just a weak willow” by the number one beauty in the Great Feng, Gongsun Xiu still smiled brilliantly, breathtaking in her elegance. “Please.”
They left the cabin. Gongsun Xiu said, “I’ll have someone send a small boat over.”
Before she could act, the plain-looking youth at her side shook his head, “Just head back yourself.”
Gongsun Xiu didn’t argue, nodded crisply, and once more displayed her qinggong2, tapping on two chopsticks as lightly as a feather, gliding several dozen yards to land on her clan’s boat.
As soon as she landed, she seemed to sense something. She turned and saw a black shadow emerge from her own shadow and turn into the azure-clad young man.
Is he really from the shaman clans? Gongsun Xiu maintained her composure. “Brother Xu, very fine technique.”
Xu Qi’an nodded coldly. Following Gongsun Xiu’s guidance, he entered the cabin and went to the viewing hall on the second deck.
The room was not large, decorated in classical style. Around a round table sat five men brimming with vitality, and an old Daoist in worn robes.
The six turned to look at him, sizing him up.
Gongsun Xiu made introductions and introduced Xu Qi’an to everyone.
“Where are you from, Brother Xu?” a man in the Refining Qi stage asked.
“The capital,” Xu Qi’an replied.
The previously uninterested martial artists brightened and smiled, “Have you met Silver Gong Xu?”
Xu Qi’an took a seat and answered, “A few times.”
Gongsun Xiu was intrigued and joined in, “I’ve heard Silver Gong Xu is graceful and a rare handsome man.”
She’d heard plenty of tales of Silver Gong Xu, but as an unmarried woman, she was most curious about his appearance.
Xu Qi’an pondered a moment, then sighed, “He’s the best-looking man I’ve ever seen. Every time I see him, I can’t help but think the heavens are unfair.”
Best-looking… Gongsun Xiu’s eyelashes trembled as she murmured, “Truly a remarkable man.”
Damn, my boasting habit hasn’t changed, I mustn’t forget the lesson from the Earth Book group chat… Xu Qi’an reflected inwardly.
What followed was a round of praise for Silver Gong Xu. The martial artists revered him, saying without Silver Gong Xu, there’d be no Great Feng. His regicide had become legend, even in Yongzhou, a small distance from the capital.
Gongsun Xiu eventually returned to the main topic, “Brother Xu, how long have you been in Yongzhou? Have you heard about the big tomb causing a stir lately? The Gongsun clan is recruiting talents to explore it together.
“We’ve seen your extraordinary skills and would like to invite you to join us.”
The martial artists at the table stayed silent, none objected. The tomb was perilous; the more to share the risk, the better.
If he was strong, he deserved a share. If not, dying in the tomb was his own fault.
Xu Qi’an didn’t immediately agree. He asked, “How much do you know about the tomb?”
Gongsun Xiu explained, “It was first found by a mountain hunter who fell into a collapsed hole and discovered the tomb in the mountain’s heart. News soon spread in Yongzhou.
“In fact, before the Gongsun clan closed off the southern mountain, many jianghu people explored the tomb, none returned. When we heard, we organised a team, but they also lost contact, likely dead.
“But we found the tomb is built of Qinggang stone and of extremely high status. There must be great treasure inside.”
The greatest treasure is already mine, only the thousand-year-old corpse remains… Xu Qi’an said, “This tomb is extremely dangerous. Martial artists without knowledge of feng-shui, formations, or traps will likely die. Please think carefully, Miss Gongsun.”
Gongsun Xiu only smiled and looked to Daoist Qinggu.
The old Daoist stroked his beard and smiled, “From this poor Daoist’s study, the tomb is so ancient that severe collapses have occurred. Any formations inside are mostly destroyed. There may be some remaining dangers, which likely killed the previous groups.
“That’s why the Gongsun clan is leading us in this joint exploration, everyone can share in the rewards.”
Xu Qi’an looked at the graceful Miss Gongsun, “When do you plan to explore the tomb?”
“Tonight,” said Gongsun Xiu.
Tonight, perfect. I can use these people to scout ahead and check the ancient corpse’s state… Xu Qi’an knew nothing he said would stop these jianghu people from seeking the tomb.
He twirled his wine cup, feigning hesitation, and said helplessly, “I’m really not skilled enough, so unfortunately can’t join the fun. Thank you for your hospitality. But let me urge everyone again, if you face a crisis you can’t solve, shout: ‘Have you forgotten your promise to that person?’”
Everyone was stunned.
He looked at Gongsun Xiu again, “May I trouble Miss to send me back?”
Gongsun Xiu, unable to hide her disappointment, arranged for a small boat to take him back to “Wang’s Fish Restaurant.”
Xu Qi’an rose and, reaching the stairs, turned back with a smile, “It’s about to rain. Autumn rain will be endless tonight, remember to bring rain gear for the tomb. Farewell, everyone.”
He went down the stairs. As his footsteps faded, a martial artist sneered, “Miss Gongsun, you picked a coward.”
“Cowardly, and making up nonsense about promises and rain, just an excuse to save face.”
The martial artists all shook their heads, mocking.
Afraid and won’t admit it, but still trying to mystify people.
Gongsun Xiu shook her head and raised her cup, “Drink.”
She too was full of disappointment. That man’s speech and bearing had set him apart from other jianghu types.
Everyone soon forgot about the episode and returned to eating and drinking, until, suddenly, a rapid pattering sound came from the lake. Gongsun Xiu and the others stared out in shock.
The lake surface rippled wildly, rain was pouring down, a chilly autumn rain.
This… Gongsun Xiu’s eyes widened.
Inside, the room fell instantly silent.
…
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