Chapter Forty-Three: At the Foot of Wudang Mountain

On the mountain path of Wudang, Yu Lianzhou and Zhang Cuishan led the way. Xiong Wu carried Wuji on his back, walking alongside Xiong Ba in the middle, while Yuanye and Yin Susu followed behind. As for Zhao Fan, he was always at the very end, so inconspicuous that people could easily overlook him, like a wandering ghost.

Catching a glimpse of the ever-shifting expression on Yin Susu’s face, Yuanye couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, “Half a lifetime of entanglement, half a lifetime of sorrow and joy!” Looking at her and Zhang Cuishan, their relationship could truly be described as a fateful misfortune.

“Fifth Sister-in-law, are you worried about the matter between you and my Third Brother?” Yuanye asked in a low voice.

Yin Susu was visibly shaken by his words, looking at him in disbelief. “Eighth Brother, how did you know?” Fortunately, she was ever so clever—though surprised, she didn’t lose her composure.

Yuanye replied, “Over the years, I’ve searched everywhere for a way to heal Third Brother. In doing so, I uncovered some secrets. The one who injured Third Brother back then was from the Heavenly Eagle Sect, and the person who entrusted Longmen Escort Agency to bring him back to the mountain was likely you, Fifth Sister-in-law.”

Yin Susu’s expression turned sorrowful; never had she imagined that the secret she’d hidden for ten years would be discovered.

“Eighth Brother, could you give me some time? Let me accompany Wuji a while longer. After that, I’ll leave Wudang Mountain and never show myself again,” she said bitterly.

Thankfully, the two of them walked at the rear, while Zhang Cuishan and Yu Lianzhou ahead were filled with anticipation for their brotherly reunion. The Xiong brothers were entertaining Wuji with stories of their travels in the martial world, making him laugh, while Zhao Fan remained expressionless, as if deaf to all.

Thus, their confidential conversation passed unnoticed.

“Ah… Fifth Sister-in-law, you misunderstand me. The reason I avoided discussing this in front of Fifth Brother and spoke to you alone is because I know your thoughts are subtle, while Fifth Brother is far too upright.”

With a sigh, he continued, “Think about it—if Fifth Brother were to suddenly learn the truth, and yet refused to expose Xie Xun, he might very well sacrifice his own life for Third Brother’s sake, just to protect you and Wuji.”

Yin Susu’s face changed dramatically at his words. After sharing a bed with Zhang Cuishan for more than ten years, how could she not know the breadth of his heart?

And now, with the matter of the sworn brother Xie Xun looming, though she wished only to protect her family, she knew Zhang Cuishan would never agree to conceal the truth. If he were to discover that she was the true culprit behind Yu Daiyan’s tragedy, torn between conjugal love and brotherhood, he would surely do as Yuanye said—end his own life, to preserve hers and Wuji’s.

“Eighth Brother, what should we do in the days to come? For Wuji’s sake, I beg you to save our family!” At the thought, Yin Susu was filled with terror, all her usual composure and intelligence abandoned.

“Rest assured, Fifth Sister-in-law. I’ve already devised a plan. But for these next few days, you must not see Third Brother. Wait until I’ve healed him—then we’ll speak further.”

Yin Susu nodded gently; she knew this Eighth Brother, though young, was nearly invincible in martial arts, with a meticulous mind. He must have already considered everything.

Their party, all masters of martial arts, traveled swiftly and soon reached the mountain. There, outside the temple, were eight fine steeds, their harnesses fresh and bright—clearly not belonging to the mountain.

Yu Lianzhou remarked, “It seems we have guests. Eldest Brother must be hosting them. Let us not interrupt; we’ll enter by the side gate.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Once inside, some of the older Daoists recognized Zhang Cuishan and Yuanye, greeting them with joy.

“Who has come to the mountain at this time?” Yuanye asked, pulling aside one of the Daoists.

Though older than Yuanye, the Daoist was only a third-generation disciple. Having long admired Yuanye’s martial prowess and reputation—further enhanced by his exploits in the martial world in recent years—he answered excitedly, “Master Uncle, it appears to be a few escorts.”

Yuanye was intrigued. Who were these people, daring to cause trouble when his return was already rumored throughout the martial world?

At this moment, Yu Lianzhou said, “Fifth Brother, Eighth Brother, since Eldest and Seventh Brothers are receiving guests, let us visit Third Brother first!”

By now, they had learned that Zhang Songxi and Yin Liting had gone down the mountain to meet them, but somehow, despite their swift progress, they had missed each other.

Yu Lianzhou knew Zhang Cuishan’s heart was set on seeing Third Brother Yu Daiyan, and thus made the suggestion.

“Very well, Second Brother, let’s hurry!” Zhang Cuishan urged.

“Second Brother, Third Brother dislikes visitors, and it’s midday—he’s likely resting. Why don’t you and Fifth Brother go first? I’ll see him tonight. As for the guests, I wish to take a look.”

He glanced at the others. “Ba-ge, settle the luggage. Wu, take Wuji and follow this disciple for a tour of the mountain.” He pointed to the Daoist.

“We’ve hurried for days; you must all be tired. Rest first,” Yu Lianzhou and Zhang Cuishan agreed, realizing only now how exhausted they were from the journey—how much more so for Yin Susu.

“Xiao Fan, come with me. Let’s see which bold souls dare disregard us.” As Yuanye spoke, his gaze turned cold.

Yu Lianzhou nodded slightly. “So be it. Qingxu, take Sister-in-law, the Xiong brothers, and Wuji to tour the mountain. Daoxu, arrange guest quarters for Xiong Ba and Sister-in-law,” he instructed another Daoist.

Yin Susu gave Yuanye a covert, grateful look before following the Daoist. Wuji, overjoyed, seized Xiong Wu’s hand and ran after Qingxu.

“Second Brother, we’ll be off.”

“Go on,” Yu Lianzhou nodded.

Upon entering the rear hall, they found a Daoist in his twenties preparing tea. Seeing Yuanye, he was struck by the young man’s familiarity, and upon noticing the silvery eyes, he exclaimed joyfully, “Eighth Uncle, when did you return?”

“Just now,” Yuanye beckoned him over. “Who are these guests, that both Eldest and Seventh Brothers must receive them?”

The Daoist respectfully handed him tea, replying, “Three chief escorts—Qi Tianbiao from Tiger’s Den Escort in Jinling, Yun He from Jinyang Escort in Taiyuan, and Guan Jiujia from Yan Yun Escort in the capital.”

“Hmm, Xiao Fan, do you think they’ve come about the massacre at Dragon Gate Escort ten years ago? I’d already spread word in the martial world—do they really have such nerve?” Yuanye mused.

“Master, perhaps they arrived at the foot of Wudang before hearing of your return,” Zhao Fan replied.

His sudden voice nearly terrified the Daoist out of his wits. He’d thought Yuanye was alone, only now realizing another stood behind him—a man utterly devoid of breath, more like a ghost. The Daoist’s hair stood on end.

“Never mind, let’s see for ourselves,” Yuanye said, lifting the curtain and heading for the front hall.

As Yuanye and Zhao Fan slipped behind the screen, they heard a loud voice, “When my Eldest Brother, Song Yuanqiao, gives his word, it’s as good as gold. Do the three of you doubt the name Song Yuanqiao?”

Yuanye smiled faintly, recognizing his Seventh Brother, Mo Shenggu.

Another voice replied, “With Hero Song’s assurance, how could we not believe? But may we ask when Hero Zhang will return? Can you give us a definite date?”

So it was about Fifth Brother. Yuanye’s eyes grew cold as he strode out.

As he walked, he heard Mo Shenggu say, “We seven brothers of Wudang, though our skills are modest, have always acted uprightly, and are honored by the trust of our friends in the martial world, who have bestowed the title ‘Seven Heroes of Wudang’ upon us. Frankly, we do not feel worthy of it...”

Yuanye, however, knew that in recent years, his own domineering ways—often killing those who deserved it, whether from righteous or demonic sects—had made him both feared and respected, yet few in the martial world truly placed him among the Wudang Seven.

Mo Shenggu continued, “Yet, bearing this title, we dare not stray from our master’s strict teachings. Fifth Brother Zhang is the gentlest among us, his temperament the best. To accuse him of slaughtering all at Dragon Gate Escort is utter nonsense.”

At this, another voice jeered loudly, “The name of the Seven Heroes of Wudang resounds everywhere—who in the martial world does not hold you in awe? Mo Hero, you need not brag; your fame precedes you.”

Mo Shenggu’s face darkened at the sarcasm, about to retort, when a cool voice from behind the screen cut in, “Chief Escort Qi, how impressive and overbearing you are. But in your eyes, does Yuanye of Wudang count for nothing?”

“Eighth Brother!” Mo Shenggu cried, leaping up in delight.

At the head of the hall, Song Yuanqiao’s face lit up as well. The previously mocking Qi Tianbiao turned pale as death, his legs trembling.

All eyes turned toward the white-robed, silver-eyed youth emerging languidly from behind the screen. Mo Shenggu burst into laughter, leaping forward to embrace Yuanye in a bear hug.

“Eighth Brother, you’re finally back! I’ve missed you so much. Without you, even barbecuing on the back mountain isn’t the same.”

Seeing this burly, bearded giant speaking so childishly, Yuanye felt a sudden warmth in his heart.

“Seventh Brother, I missed you too! Do we still have our gear? Tomorrow, let’s barbecue again,” Yuanye replied with a smile.

Song Yuanqiao, watching their joy, recalled how as children, they’d always sneak kitchen tools to the back mountain for barbecues—Mo Shenggu always getting spanked, while Yuanye would find some excuse to escape.

He couldn’t help but smile at the memory.

“Eldest Brother, I’ve returned!” Yuanye approached and bowed.

“It’s good you’re back! Once Fifth Brother arrives, all our brothers will be together again!” Song Yuanqiao was full of joy, unaware that Zhang Cuishan’s family was already on the mountain.

While the three brothers chatted as if no one else were present, Qi Tianbiao, Yun He, and Guan Jiujia sat pale and sweating, hardly daring to breathe.

After a long while, Yuanye turned to them, his gaze sweeping over the three. “When did you arrive at Wudang Mountain?”

At his abrupt question, the three exchanged bewildered looks. Qi Tianbiao, trembling, stood and replied, “We arrived at the foot of the mountain three days ago, Young Master, but were delayed by matters and only came up today.”

From his words, Yuanye realized they’d arrived even before his messenger could spread the news of his return.

“Xiao Fan, throw them out.”

Qi Tianbiao and Yun He barely heard the words before they felt a chill on their necks, and suddenly were lifted and sent flying out of the hall as if weightless.

Guan Jiujia saw only a flash of purple before the two disappeared. Terrified, he shrieked, “Spare me, Young Master!” The words barely left his lips before he felt a cold grip, his world spun, and he found himself tumbling onto the square outside the hall.

Looking up, he saw a pale, beardless man in purple, his uncanny eyes fixed upon him.

Then he heard, “Get yourself down the mountain, find out the truth, and if you dare show yourself before the Young Master again, I’ll let you taste eighteen kinds of death.”

Another flash of purple, and soon, several of their men were tossed out after them.

Back inside, Song Yuanqiao and Mo Shenggu, witnessing Zhao Fan throw the three skilled men out like chickens, exclaimed together, “Eighth Brother, this friend of yours has truly extraordinary skills.”

Yuanye laughed. “Seventh Brother, if you want to learn, let Xiao Fan teach you. Not like you have a wife to worry about.”

“Really, Eighth Brother? Is this the so-called Pure Boy Technique? Don’t worry, I’ll keep myself virtuous for it!” Mo Shenggu joked, his bearded face mischievous. The thought of his reaction upon seeing the martial arts manual made Yuanye look forward to it all the more.