Wang You wrote the intelligence he had gathered in a secret letter, and at the end, he added his own summary:
“Cao Qingyang’s children are still very young, kept in a secluded courtyard deep within the estate, rarely interacting with outsiders, and have never shown anything out of the ordinary.
“These children have only just begun their education, and their minds are not yet mature. Even if the Dragon Qi has possessed them, it is unlikely that anything strange would appear.
“Your humble subordinate cannot perceive the Dragon Qi. I hope, sir, you will think of a way to verify it as soon as possible.
“The old ancestor of the Wulin Alliance lives in seclusion and does not show himself. The rear mountain is a forbidden area, and except for Cao Qingyang, anyone trespassing will be killed by canine-like beasts.
“However, after investigating secretly, your humble subordinate discovered that there are now more hidden sentries on the outskirts of the rear mountain, leading me to believe that the condition of the old leader of the Wulin Alliance may be deteriorating.”
After finishing, he dried the ink, then gave a whistle.
Soon, a black wild bird flew from the woods in the back yard and landed on the open window, its black eyes watching him intently.
Wang You took out a bamboo tube in a calm, unhurried manner, tied it to the wild bird’s leg, and patted its head.
The wild bird flapped its wings and flew away.
Wang You watched the wild bird go, then let out a breath.
This species was just an ordinary wild bird. It was much less noticeable than a carrier pigeon. Using pigeons to send messages in the Wulin Alliance would be an insult to the Alliance’s intelligence, and a reckless risk to his own life.
By using a bird commonly seen everywhere, he could avoid most of that risk.
After all, Quanrong Mountain spanned over a hundred miles and were blanketed in forests, the one thing they had in abundance was wild birds.
Of course, there was still a risk of the bird accidentally being shot down, so it was never used for truly important information.
It was worth mentioning that this bird had been trained by a Heart Gu Master from the shaman clans, hence it could act as a messenger.
Wang You closed the window, added a handful of charcoal to the brazier, wrapped himself in a thick sheepskin robe, and, slightly tipsy from the wine, lay sideways on the bed and fell asleep.
He did not know how long had passed before, in deep sleep, his ear twitched. He awoke with a start, reaching under his pillow for his dagger.
Bang!
Just as he grasped the dagger, a blunt object struck his head viciously. All thoughts ceased.
In a daze, he did not know how long had passed before icy cold water splashed over his face. Wang You moaned and woke up.
His gaze sharpened from confusion to wariness in less than a second. Suppressing his panic, he calmly looked around.
At the same time, he focused on his physical state. He was trussed up tightly, his whole body weak and numb, apparently dosed with some kind of sedative.
This was a sealed room, torture implements such as chains, spiked clubs, and manacles, hung from the stone walls.
In the corner stood large instruments of torture; a tiger bench, a foot-chopping knife, a skinning table, so on.
In addition, Wang You noticed some devices used specifically on female prisoners, like the wooden donkey, and the “thousand-man ride”.1
A brazier burned in the chamber. On a large chair to its left sat a man dressed in black.
He bore another hideous sabre scar on his left cheek, with a horse face, beady eyes, and features as ugly as his scars.
Wang You recognised him, he was Wulin Alliance’s Grand Prison Overseer, in charge of punishments and torture.
“What is your real name?”
The Grand Prison Overseer asked with a smile.
Wang You’s face showed terror and confusion, his voice trembling with fear:
“I am Wang You, a humble archer from Nanfenggang. I do not know what mistake I have committed. Please, Grand Prison Overseer, tell me clearly.”
“No, no!” The Grand Prison Overseer waved his hands repeatedly, offering an earnest explanation.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You have not committed a mistake. You are in fact guilty of a mere capital crime.”
Wang You’s face changed dramatically as he shouted, “I have served the Wulin Alliance loyally for years. How could there be a charge of capital crime? Grand Prison Overseer, do not wrongly accuse me!”
The Grand Prison Overseer smiled:
“Do you really think that after the young master and young miss survived the enemy’s palm strike at such a young age, a truly bizarre affair, Alliance Leader Cao would not take it to heart? Would he not investigate?
“Think again. There were plenty of people in the escort. Why was it only Old Zhou who did not receive the order to keep silent?”
Wang You’s pupils contracted slightly. He fell silent and covertly twisted his tongue inside his mouth…
“I’ve already removed your false tooth, it had poison hidden in it. I tried it on a dog, and it died immediately. Tsk, tsk. That’s not the kind of poison just anyone can produce.”
The Grand Prison Overseer still smiled amiably. “What is your real name?”
Wang You kept his head lowered and pleaded, “I only questioned Old Zhou out of curiosity. Overseer Sir, you misunderstand.”
The Grand Prison Overseer smiled:
“I never ask a third time. Although I don’t enjoy tormenting people, I don’t shy away from using cruel methods to achieve my goals.
“Hmm, compared to common punishments, I prefer to be creative, to seek novelty, makes things more interesting.
“For example, even torture devices for females like the thousand-man ride can be used on men.
“Strip off his trousers.”
The two subordinates stepped forward, hoisted the limp Wang You, laid him on the torture implement, and bound him tightly with rope.
It was worth noting that the “thousand-man ride” looked rather like the barrel of a cannon.
Wang You ground his teeth, not saying a word. He knew full well the shame he was about to suffer.
But next, the Grand Prison Overseer’s actions made even his two subordinates’ faces change.
The Overseer picked up a roasting-hot brand from the brazier, blew lightly on it, and the red-hot iron reflected in his face as his smile deepened.
Wang You’s face turned deathly pale.
The two subordinates instinctively clenched their buttocks.
…
Night was deep, the cold wind biting.
The Grand Prison Overseer, clad in a black cloak and accompanied by two followers, entered the Alliance Leader’s residence by night.
Inside, Cao Qingyang, having been notified, was already waiting. He wore only a light azure robe, his burly frame as steady and imposing as a mountain, calm and restrained.
His square face was stern despite a lack of expression.
“Alliance Leader!”
The Grand Prison Overseer saluted with fists clasped.
Cao Qingyang raised his hand in invitation and had a servant bring hot tea.
The Grand Prison Overseer took a sip to warm his stomach, then slowly said:
“I’ve got answers. Wang You is a spy planted by the Tianjigong, seven years ago.
“According to his account, he was only posted after the previous spy died unexpectedly. However, he doesn’t know who the previous spy was, nor when they died.”
Cao Qingyang’s thick eyebrows knitted as he mused,
“Tianjigong?
“The name suggests a connection to the Sitianjian.”
As the top figure of Jianzhou’s Wulin Alliance, he knew that third-rank arcanists were called Masters of Heaven’s Secrets.
“This Tianjigong couldn’t possibly target me. Did you arrest the wrong man?”
Cao Qingyang frowned.
A month ago, his wife was ambushed while visiting her family, clearly, information had been leaked by a spy within the Alliance.
Cao Qingyang had been investigating secretly, trying to find the mole.
The Grand Prison Overseer’s expression turned odd.
“Your subordinate uncovered something else…”
He hesitated, then said,
“According to Wang You, he was looking for something called Dragon Qi.
“This thing possesses people, and those who obtain it become highly fortunate, showing all sorts of anomalies. For example, a person of average talent might suddenly have a breakthrough, becoming exceptionally gifted.
“Some low-level martial pugilists might suddenly see a great leap in their cultivation, their luck astonishing.”
At this, the Grand Prison Overseer glanced at Cao Qingyang for his reaction. Seeing him say nothing, he continued:
“He suspected that the young master and young miss surviving their ordeal might be due to this Dragon Qi. But he could not confirm it. So today, he sent a message by bird to his superiors, hoping they could find a way to confirm it.
“Wang You’s rank is too low, he knows little about the Tianjigong’s inner workings or background.”
Cao Qingyang was silent for a long time, as if digesting the information, then asked after a while:
“Dragon Qi?”
The Grand Prison Overseer said, “I am also puzzled, but Wang You himself does not understand what Dragon Qi really is. The Tianjigong seems to be using a wide net to search for it, they only reveal the phenomena, not its true nature.”
Cao Qingyang tapped the tea table with his fingers, and said slowly,
“So, that Tianjigong must have some method of observing Dragon Qi. Yet I have detected no such thing in Chun’er or Xue’er… Hm, the Qi-watching technique is an arcanist’s art, so the Tianjigong really is linked to the Sitianjian.
“This does explain my suspicions.”
It was a pity the old ancestor, after the battle at the capital, was in such a dreadful state he had to fall into deep slumber. Otherwise, on the day the two children had the accident, perhaps they would have found the answer from the old master.
Cao Qingyang took a sip of tea. “Is Wang You still alive?”
The Grand Prison Overseer smiled, “Naturally. Every spy is very valuable.”
Cao Qingyang grunted, and said,
“If he is from the Sitianjian, keep him alive for the moment. Send someone to the capital to seek answers from the Sitianjian.”
He thought for a while, then raised his hand and said, “No, keep it quiet for now. Await my instructions.”
He wanted to consult the old ancestor first, to understand Dragon Qi, and hear the old man’s opinion.
This matter concerned his children, he had to be cautious.
The Grand Prison Overseer nodded and took his leave. “Your subordinate takes his leave.”
…
Cao Qingyang left the main hall and entered the inner courtyard, going to see his son and daughter in turn.
They were twins, seven years old this year, just at the age to be assigned different seats.
In his youth, Cao Qingyang had been obsessed with martial arts. After becoming the alliance leader, he had been burdened with alliance affairs. He only married and had children in his thirties.
Though it could not be called having children in old age, he was older than average.
As such, he doted on the twins immensely.
In the warm hall of the inner courtyard, Cao Chun had a wooden sword at his waist, playing around the blazing brazier.
The wet nurse followed behind, continually reminding him to be careful of the brazier.
Cao Xue sat quietly in her mother’s arms, reading a picture book together.
When Cao Qingyang came in, Cao Chun immediately stopped making a fuss. Cao Xue also sat up straight from her mother’s embrace, squaring her small shoulders.
The siblings were rather afraid of their stern, unsmiling father.
Cao Qingyang took off his robe and handed it to the approaching wet nurse, beckoning:
“Chun’er, come here.”
Cao Chun stood ramrod straight in front of him and called out, “Father!”
Cao Qingyang nodded slightly, revealing a faint smile. “It has been a while since I tested your swordplay.”
He glanced at the wooden sword at his son’s waist. “Let dad see.”
“Mm!”
Cao Chun nodded, his eyes bright, his little face a little excited.
He immediately drew the wooden sword and performed a set of sword techniques quite formally, actually showing a touch of sharpness.
His wife smiled and said,
“I don’t know how, but Chun’er has suddenly become enlightened. Husband dear, wasn’t it the same for you?”
When he was young, Cao Qingyang had been mocked for his dull talent, and the previous alliance leader had also been secretly ridiculed for failing to recognise the right person.
He had single-mindedly devoted himself to bitter practice, throwing eight thousand punches a day, and many years later, one day realised that he had become the leading master among the younger generation of the Wulin Alliance.
It became a famous story.
But Cao Qingyang did not smile at all. Without a word, he put his robe back on and left the inner courtyard.
He left the residence and headed purposefully for the rear mountain.
A bellyful of doubts waited to be put to the ancestor.
What is this Dragon Qi; why did it land on his two children; what is the Sitianjian’s attitude to this so-called Dragon Qi, and so on.
He soon arrived at the cliff face and stood before the sealed stone door.
“Old Ancestor, Qingyang has something to ask.”
He bowed and called out.
After calling three times, there was no response from within.
The old ancestor is still asleep, when will he awaken? The battle at the capital has made his condition even worse, and the nine-coloured lotus root that Xu Qi’an had promised still hasn’t arrived… Cao Qingyang was heavy hearted, and he was about to call out again.
Suddenly, two blood-red lanterns lit up on the cliff, staring coldly at him.
Cao Qingyang knew it was the Quanrong guarding the ancestor, signalling for him to leave and not disturb any further.
He could only bow helplessly and return the way he had come.
…
A small city on the border of Jiangzhou.
Miao Youfang, biting into a tanghulu2, said,
“I’ve noticed that there are far fewer refugees at the border than elsewhere.”
Li Lingsu, also eating tanghulu, said,
“That’s because this place is close to Jianzhou, and all the refugees have fled to Jianzhou.”
Miao Youfang looked puzzled. “Is Jianzhou very wealthy?”
“It’s a place of favourable weather, so it’s naturally rich. The Wulin Alliance is in Jianzhou, said to be the true masters of the region. Even the three departments of Jianzhou have to be wary of them.”
Li Lingsu said fluently, “Jianzhou’s jianghu is highly orderly. If a commoner wants to make trouble, the Wulin Alliance will crush them with thunderous methods. It’s the complete opposite of Yunzhou where villains gather.
“And the government and the Wulin Alliance keep each other in check, neither dares to be too outrageous.”
“I’ve only heard that Jianzhou is a sacred land for martial arts,” Miao Youfang insisted. “But by your account, does the court do nothing? Do they just let a jianghu force grow so strong?”
“I’ve heard that the Wulin Alliance in Jianzhou has an old ancestor at the beyond-mortal level, though I don’t know if it’s true,” Li Lingsu said with a grin.
“Then stop talking nonsense,” Miao Youfang scoffed.
The two began to bicker, and the conversation gradually drifted away from “refugees” and “wealth”.
“If you don’t believe me, you can ask Xu Qian,” Li Lingsu huffed.
Given Xu Qi’an’s identity and status, he was bound to know about these secrets.
Miao Youfang immediately looked over. Mu Nanzhi, who was also eating tanghulu, and Baiji, who was licking one, looked eagerly towards Xu Qi’an, who was leading the horse.
“There is indeed an old fellow, and he’s as old as the country itself,”
Xu Qi’an said thoughtfully. “But the reason the court tolerates the Wulin Alliance isn’t just because of one beyond-mortal martial artist. You see, at the height of the Great Feng, not to mention one beyond-mortal, even two were nothing remarkable.”
“Then why?” Miao Youfang was even more puzzled, staring intently.
Li Lingsu listened intently as well. He knew Xu Qi’an was a trove of hidden tales and secrets, and back when this Xu’s identity was yet unknown, he’d often picked up such stories from him.
This was precisely why he trusted Xu Qian’s identity so much, and had overlooked the finer details, failing to see through his disguise.
Xu Qi’an said,
“At the end of the Great Zhou, warlords rose in every region. A mere commoner in Jianzhou gathered a group of men and set off on a campaign to seize the central plains.
“In the end, all the other forces were wiped out or absorbed, leaving just two, one was the founding emperor of the Great Feng, the other was this martial leader in Jianzhou.
“With the Great Zhou gone and the central plains in ruins, he refused to continue the slaughter, and so made an agreement with the founding emperor of the Great Feng.
“The winner would rule the central plains, the loser would retire. You all know what happened, the Great Feng was born from that.
“When I first heard this, I only marvelled at the founding emperor’s strength. But now I realise, that old man from Jianzhou actually had no intention of founding a dynasty.
“His rebellion sprang simply from the fact that the people were truly unable to survive. In his heart, what he pursued was martial arts.
“The founding emperor, on the other hand, cared little for martial arts and longevity, consumed instead by dreams of empire. Their goals were different, that decided the outcome.
“When the Jianzhou leader retired, the founding emperor made a pact with him, permitting him to retain his loyal troops in Jianzhou, as both a warning to himself and a lesson for his descendants.
“And now, the emperor’s attitude towards Jianzhou is no longer important. The Jianzheng’s attitude is what really matters. The survival of Jianzhou hinges on the Jianzheng’s tacit acceptance.”
Having said this, Xu Qi’an heaved a sigh.
Now that he thought about it, the Wulin Alliance was one of the Jianzheng’s pieces as well.
That old fox, who knew how many pieces he still had on his board.
Masters of Heaven’s Mandate are born chess players… Xu Qi’an sighed inwardly.
…
Yunzhou, Qianlong City.
A monk in a simple kasaya, half his muscular chest exposed, sat cross-legged beside a tea table.
“You have schemed for so many years, surely you foresaw today?”
Agaruka Bodhisattva glanced at the white-robed arcanist across from him.
He was referring to the current predicament in Yunzhou.
The Jianzheng was blocking the way out of Yunzhou, whoever tried to leave would be the one to die first.
Of course, from Agaruka Bodhisattva’s perspective, the only answer was to force his way through.
Even if the central plains were the Jianzheng’s turf, he could still make his own way.
With his control of Vajra and Immovable Lord Dharma Aspects, there was no one in the first rank who could kill him.
If Xu Pingfeng ever made his move, he would tie down the Jianzheng, while Xu Pingfeng captured cities and land.
But Agaruka Bodhisattva thought that if Xu Pingfeng could not resolve this immediate crisis, this ally was hardly worth having.
Xu Pingfeng smiled and said, “The Zhenbei King and Wei Yuan were the Jianzheng’s open pawns. He still has many hidden pieces, I’ll remove them one by one.”
Various contraptions that roughly end up equating to using rape as torture. “Wooden donkeys” (not the wooden horse triangle thing the europeans have, worse, actually) were the most common. Hence anything involving any of these probably means something being horribly violated. Usually this accompanied a death sentence so it was done purely for cruelty. ↩
Toffee hawthorn! ↩
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