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It was a house near the city’s south gate: the secret nest of Qingshe Bang.

The two leaped over the wall and entered in. When they reached the front hall, they saw Kou Zhong and Song Shidao were sitting opposite of each other across the table with worried frown on their faces.

They could not help feeling shocked.

Smiling wryly, Kou Zhong said, “Don’t misunderstand, Yu Yi has been rescued.”

Xu Ziling sat down by his side. Frowning, he said, “Was it because she saw that the one rescuing her was you, this kid, she got mad and walked away?”

Song Shidao sighed and said, “If she could use her own two legs to walk away, we would not need to sit here sighing and groaning.”

Aghast, Ba Fenghan asked, “Yin Gui Pai had the impertinence to treat her ruthlessly?”

Grieved, Kou Zhong replied, “Definitely extremely ruthlessly. But not like you think, by maiming her arms or breaking her legs, that kind of ruthlessness. Just go inside the room and you’ll understand.”

Fu Junyu’s flowery countenance was just like before, but it was the kind of immortal beauty as if she had been asleep for many years. Her pretty eyes were tightly closed; her hands were folded across her breast.

The most horrifying thing was that the breathing from her mouth and nose was cutoff; there did not seem to be any true qi flowing along the meridians inside her body.

Under this condition, average person would have been dead for a long time. But her body was still soft, her skin was smooth, its luster was like a living person; there was not any smell of death the least bit in her.

Song Shidao sighed and said, “Yin Gui Pai’s demons are really formidable; I don’t know what kind of black magic they are using that they can make her sleep like a hibernating animal without waking up.”

Grieving incessantly, Kou Zhong said, “Er Gongzi and I have tried everything we can, but we failed to get the slightest reaction from her. The worst part is that I don’t know how long she can remain like this. Maybe there is a lime limit. Once that limit is exceeded, Yu Yi would be gone forever. If that happens, we have no choice but to send her back to the tiger’s den.”

Xu Ziling, who was reaching out and pressing his hand on her tianling acupoint [the crown of the head], spoke low-spiritedly, “The life force within her system has vanished, so that we have no access on where to start. Demonic School’s method is indeed an unfathomable mystery. Compared to the other day when Wanwan remained unconscious, this one is more beyond our capability to fathom.”

Song Shidao spoke up resolutely, “If there is anybody in this world able to save her, Shi Qingxuan is the only one. Her acupuncture and moxibustion technique is without equal under the heavens. Perhaps she has a way to break this black magic.”

Kou Zhong was stunned, “Turns out Shi Qingxuan is not only a master in playing the flute, but a master physician who can save the world as well. Where does she live? Is it near?”

With tender expression Song Shidao scrutinized Fu Junyu’s flowery jade countenance; he spoke slowly, “Shi Qingxuan’s home is a big secret in Jianghu, but due to my humble father and her mother Bi Xiuxin [not sure if this is a name or a title; bi – bluish green (jade color), xiu – pretty/elegant, xin – heart] at one time had a profound relationship, so I know that she has been living in seclusion in a place called You Lin Qing Gu [lit. remote forest, clear/quiet valley]; a place like the ‘Peach Spring beyond this world’ [meaning an unexpectedly fantastic place off the beaten path, usually an unspoiled wilderness of great beauty], somewhere in Sichuan.”

Xu Ziling mused inwardly that Bi Xiuxin must be a deeply passionate and an extremely attractive beauty; otherwise, there wouldn’t be that many illustrious, outstanding seniors, renowned experts and martial art masters, whose names shook their respective region, prostrate themselves under her pomegranate skirt.

Although Song Shidao was speaking in a reserved manner, it was tantamount to acknowledge that the ‘Heavenly Saber’ Song Que, whose saber technique was at the apex of the world, whose martial art skill was at the very front of various Clans’ leaders, was also like Ouyang Xiyi and Wang Tong, who have had fruitless obsession toward Bi Xiuxin.

Removing his hand away from Fu Junyu’s skull, Xu Ziling asked, “Is her medical expertise came from the handed-down teachings from her mother?”

Song Shidao replied, “Her medical skill came from her father Shi Zhixuan: it was her flute playing skill that was handed down personally by her mother.”

Taken by surprise, Kou Zhong said, “Turns out Bi Xiuxin is an officially married woman; why do so many men still have unfinished feeling toward her? Hey! I am just referring to old man Ouyang and Wang Tong; I have no other meaning.”

Song Shidao did not mind at all; he said, “This matter is complicated and not easy to express succinctly; I’ll tell you when we have time later! Right now I need to bring Junyu to Sichuan immediately. Ay! Her personality traits are just as distinct and touching as Junchuo’s.”

It was only this moment that Ba Fenghan withdrew his hand from feeling her pulse; his countenance alternated between brightening and darkening, as if there was a bitter struggle in his heart. Since Song Shidao was unable to take his eyes away from Fu Junyu’s beautiful face, only Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling sensed Ba Fenghan’s abnormal behavior.

“Old Ba,” Kou Zhong wondered, “Why haven’t you said anything?”

Heaving a deep sigh, Ba Fenghan smiled ruefully and said, “Because I know what has happened to her, so there’s contradiction in my heart.”

The three men’s spirit was greatly aroused, but they were baffled at the same time.

Song Shidao’s deep worry finally found its way to the surface; he said anxiously, “Why haven’t you spoken up?”

Kou Zhong said in surprise, “Why is there contradiction?”

Ba Fenghan’s gaze fell on Fu Junyu; his countenance returned to its usual grave and stern expression, as he spoke in heavy voice, “Her condition right now is not Yin Gui Pai people’s doing.”

The three were stunned.

Ba Fenghan continued, “This is similar to female demon Wanwan’s skill in closing up her meridians and stopping her breathing, but it is a totally different technique. This is the marvelous skill Fu Cailin derived from the Indian Senior Monk, called Gui Xi Tai Fa [lit. Tortoise Breathing Fetus Technique].”

“Are you sure about that?” Xu Ziling asked.

“I am at least 90% sure,” Ba Fenghan replied, “Because one time Junyu personally told me about this marvelous technique. She said that it could keep someone in deep sleep without dying for a long time. Because it does not require any energy, even without a drop of water it shouldn’t be any problem.”

Song Shidao delightedly said, “Did she mention any solution?”

Pondering deeply, Kou Zhong said, “It must be because Yu Yi was captured by the enemy, but she was unwilling to be humiliated, she did not wish to be forced to tell the secret in her heart, she was using this passive way of resistance. Niang’s Shimei is definitely not an ordinary person.”

“Don’t change the subject,” Xu Ziling scolded him, “The most important thing right now is how to wake Yu Yi up.”

Ba Fenghan said, “At that time I asked her whether she could wake up on her own. She said that in the world, other than that Indian Senior Monk, only Fu Cailin has a way to wake her up.”

Fiercely clenching his teeth, Xu Ziling spoke with determination, “After helping Kou Zhong acquiring the Duke Yang’s treasure, I am going to take her back to Gaoli [Korea], and have Fu Cailin Dashi [great master] to wake Yu Yi up. Fenghan Xiong need not worry.”

Ba Fenghan revealed a grateful look; he knew Xu Ziling understood his heart.

All along, Ba Fenghan’s pursuit was to forget everything and focus only on the martial art way, returning to Tujue to challenge the Wu Zun [martial art supreme] outside the Wall, Bi Xuan. But morally, he could not simply tuck his hands inside his sleeve and ignore the matter at hand, which was to rescue Fu Junyu; hence his heart was pained due to this contradiction.

Revealing another bitter smile, Ba Fenghan spoke heavily, “The problem is that no one has ever tested this strange hibernating skill, nobody knows how long will she be able to last. Also, after certain time, even if Fu Cailing knew how to reverse the rotation of the sky, will he be able to save her and wake her up.”

Xu Ziling was about to speak, Song Shidao suddenly cut him off, “You guys need not worry, let me, Ol’ Song, take care of this matter. Tonight I am going to take her back to Gaoli; as for other matters, let’s just leave it on Laotianye’s will.”

The three were shaken, and turned their gaze toward him.

Song Shidao deeply fixed his eyes on Fu Junyu; there was an advance-courageously, determined expression on his face.

The three were moved.

It should be noted that Song Shidao was the most important figure among the Song Clan’s new generation people; he was Song Que’s appointed heir. To him, power, wealth, and beautiful women, were definitely as easy as a piece of cake.

From here to Korea, he had to cross ten thousand crags and torrents; perhaps even several months of travel would not necessarily take him there. Much less he had to bring a long a sleeping beauty. The arduous journey needs not be explained.

Furthermore, this was the first time that he met Fu Junyu. Strictly speaking, the two were not related at all.

Smiling slightly, Song Shidao said, “You may not believe it. But ever since I heard about Junchuo’s demise, I have never been elated and excited like this moment, feeling once again that the heaven and the earth is full of opportunity to live and full of joy, that live unexpectedly could be lovely and moving like this.”

After staring at him for half a day, Ba Fenghan said with a sigh, “You give up everything and walk away like this, what would your family think?”

Song Shidao’s pair of eyes lit up; exhaling slowly, he said, “To be quite honest, as early as many years ago, I have already felt that that kind of heavily-bounded-by-rules-and-regulation way of life is dreary; I extremely loathe it. Although my humble home is outstanding and well known in the south, but from the beginning the struggle over the world has always been centered in Luoyang, as the heart of the Yellow River Basin, battlefield. This is the place where my family’s power cannot reach.”

And then, turning to Kou Zhong, he said, “Our Song Family have no ambition for the throne. As long as Xiao Zhong can convince my humble father that after the world has been united our Song Family can still maintain our place in the south, when that time comes we can give San Mei [third sister] to you. But you must give us your promise that you will treat her well, or I, Song Shidao, will be the first to refuse to let you off.”

Kou Zhong’s old face blushed slightly; lowering his voice, he said, “Er Gongzi, rest assured! How could I, Kou Zhong, be a man who start randomly and finish by throwing everything away?”

Ba Fenghan said, “Er Gongzi, rest assured, Ziling and I will keep our eyes on him.”

Song Shidao admonished Kou Zhong some more, and then with the help of the three, he very carefully wrapped Fu Junyu in the quilt, and heaved her up his shoulder. He said, “I’ll find a way to leave the city first, and then once we are out of town, I’ll find a carriage where I can lay her down, and go up north immediately. You don’t have to worry about Junyu anymore, I will definitely be able to get her to Gaoli without delay.”

Ba Fenghan raised his cupped fist and said solemnly, “This is the first time in my life that the Ol’ Ba salute another person in cheerful submission. Song Gongzi, please take care of yourself. We are going to escort Gongzi out of town to ensure that no mishap would happen.”

“Absolutely not,” Song Shidao replied, “The four of us traveling together will be too conspicuous; just Ziling coming with me will be enough. Don’t worry! We, the Song Family, have some influence around here, plus there will be Ren En helping me. Ba Xiong, aren’t you going to look for Qu Ao to test your sword? I wish you outstanding military success, your name will be renowned throughout the world.”

Laughing aloud, he left leisurely with Xu Ziling following closely.

After bidding Song Shidao farewell, Ba Fenghan and Kou Zhong returned to the hall and sat down; they were both overcome with heavy feeling that they wanted to talk, but no words came out.

After a long while, Ba Fenghan slowly shook his head and said with a sigh, “Only someone with deep feeling like Song Shidao worthy to have women all over the world fall in love with him; you and I are not worthy.”

Kou Zhong dejectedly said, “Song Er Gongzi makes me feel small and ashamed. Ay! In your frame of mind right now, how could you challenge Qu Ao into battle?”

Smiling wryly, Ba Fenghan replied, “That’s why I came back here and shut myself up. Oh yeah, did you encounter any martial art experts on the demon ship?”

“All martial art masters in the whole nest came out,” Kou Zhong said, “After they left to play with you, the remaining several maids and servants did not even dare to come out to look at us. We also saw Shangguan Long, and nearly finish him up as well.”

In deep contemplation, Ba Fenghan said, “Yin Gui Pai’s martial art masters are truly countless; we came across Wen Caiting, which is by all means not inferior to Bian Bufu. If we cannot annihilate Yin Gui Pai demons, I am returning to Tujue and might be forgotten, but you won’t be able to sleep soundly.”

“It’s easy for you to say,” Kou Zhong said, “Currently female demon Zhu, female demon Wan, and the others do not come to bother us, we can thank the gods for their kindness; how could we dare to provoke them?”

“A man must not be that unambitious, this is called ‘drifting and living without purpose’,” Ba Fenghan said, “Right now the most important thing for us is to confront the powerful enemy with any fear, and unceasingly trying to find breakthrough from real combat experience. If we dodge to the left and run to the right, in the end we cannot be martial art masters like Ning Daoqi.”

Kou Zhong was aghast. “Are you suggesting that right now we swagger into the street and let others make us their target?” he asked.

Ba Fenghan laughed aloud and said, “You really know what I have in mind. Just think that we are doing this for Junyu. Only this way will we be able to attract Yin Gui Pai people, so that Song Er Gongzi will be able to safely carry the beauty out of here.”

Kou Zhong stared blankly for half a day. Eventually he understood what Ba Fenghan meant.

Yin Gui Pai has always intimidated Jianghu with their shock-and-awe style; therefore, no matter how powerful any school or sect, they would not dare to provoke them for no particular reason.

And now they were openly stroking Yin Gui Pai’s tiger whiskers by snatching Fu Junyu away from the palm of their hands. If this matter spread out in Jianghu, it would mean a big blow to Yin Gui Pai’s reputation, it might even be an extremely serious hit for them.

It could be imagined that when Zhu Yuyan received the news that Junyu was rescued out of their hands, she might toss any misgivings she had and make hunting and killing them as their top priority.

Under this situation, whether Song Shidao would be able to safely take Fu Junyu out, would be a really big question mark.

Without giving any regard to his own safety, Ba Fenghan wanted to contain Yin Gui Pai’s main force within the city.

Kou Zhong suddenly rose up, tapped the Moon in the Well on his back, and shouted loudly, “There’s no time to lose, let’s go! But we must let them know first.”

※ ※ ※

Song Shidao and Xu Ziling hid in one of the boats moored on the dock by the Tianjin Bridge, quietly waiting for news from Ren En.

On the bed lay the sleeping-deeply Korean swordswoman Fu Junyu.

Song Shidao smiled and said, “For the last few years, today is the first time that my mind moved you’re your Niang to somebody else; I feel my whole body is full of energy. Having the goal to reach and the direction to take, I am brimming with vitality.”

Xu Ziling nodded to indicate he understood, but he didn’t know what to say.

And then Song Shidao asked about what happened to Fu Junchuo. Listening to Xu Ziling narrating how the boys got to know Fu Junchuo, he showed great interest and seemed to be listening with pleasure.

Along the way, he asked a lot of questions, forcing Xu Ziling to remember many details that he had already forgotten.

The more he listened, the more Song Shidao was excited; but the more Xu Ziling talked, the more his soul was broken, his heart ached.

This moment Ren En came back to report, “Currently the situation is very tense; from time to time there are unfamiliar looking women appeared in the market, as well as the banks of River Luo. In one glance we can readily tell that they are Yin Gui Pai’s female demons.”

“Has the access hatch on the city wall been opened?” Song Shidao asked.

Ren En revealed a pained look on his face, “That is not the problem,” he said, “The problem is how to go out of the city unnoticed [orig. gods did not know, ghosts did not detect]? Maybe we’d better wait for the morning; as soon as the river gate is opened, we’ll take a fishing boat sailing out of the city. This way I guarantee will be absolutely safe.”

Shaking his head, Song Shidao said, “Saving people is like putting out fire; how could we waste time?”

Ren En said, “Song Ye, is it possible for you to wait a bit longer? Ba Ye has just informed us that he and Kou Ye are trying to pin down Yin Gui Pai’s main force, so that we will have a chance to leave.”

Immediately Xu Ziling and Song Shidao’s countenance changed.

※ ※ ※

Upright and unafraid, Ba Fenghan and Kou Zhong walked along the sparse street.

It was the beginning of hai hour [9-11 pm], but the decorated lanterns everywhere were still lighted up, another sign of bustling metropolis.

Ba Fenghan asked, “When’s your appointment with Song Jingang?”

Kou Zhong replied, “Fu Qian and Qu Ao’s showdown will be held at zi hour [11pm – 1am] tonight; he said that by hai hour he was going to the top floor of the western courtyard of Man Qing Yuan’s Ting Liu Pavilion; when the time comes, we can find them there! Looks like we are not going to make it!”

Ba Fenghan raised his arm and stretched out his muscles and bones; he said with a laugh, “Oftentimes the things of the world are not what we expect. Before the hai hour comes, you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Kou Zhong spoke heavily, “I am not afraid at all; it’s just that the present situation is different. Shi Feixuan is retreating to a quiet place to heal, Yin Gui Pai does not have any misgivings anymore. If this time they are willing to let us off, that means the sun will rise from beyond the western hills.”

Ba Fenghan knew he was speaking the truth; smiling, he said, “That is precisely the joy of life. If you knew that you could beat the opponent easily, where’s the excitement? Only by going through various deaths and coming out alive, achieving victory under impossible situations, would it leave a rich aftertaste.”

Kou Zhong delightedly said, “That is the aspect Xiao Ling and I most appreciate and admire of you. Perhaps because we were so accustomed to run for our lives that every time we encountered difficult situation, the first thing that came to our mind was how to escape. After you came along, this mindset gradually changed.”

And then, changing the subject, he said, “Which one do you think is more beautiful, Wanwan or Shi Feixuan?”

Ba Fenghan sneered and said, “Unexpectedly you still have time to think things like that.”

After a short pause, he muttered irresolutely, “I have never met beautiful women more touching than they. But Shi Feixuan definitely has a bit more immortal aura in her, like an unattainable celestial goddess, plus in term of gracefulness Wanwan cannot compare to her.”

Kou Zhong nodded and said, “This is called great minds think alike [orig. ‘heroes usually of the same mind’].”

Ba Fenghan spoke indifferently, “But you must never have any feeling toward either one of them. Their mind can’t possibly be on feeling of love or desire between men and women. Falling in love with them will end up in despair.”

Kou Zhong laughed aloud and said, “Who do you think I, Kou Zhong, am? Men born in troubled times, affairs of the nation and people’s welfare should prevail; other matters can’t be considered anything.”

Ba Fenghan stared at him ferociously. “Remember what you promised to Er Gongzi,” he reminded him, “It would be best if he is not coming to you to settle the account.”

Kou Zhong could not help thinking about Susu; he said dejectedly, “My natural character is that I would never be heartless toward women. Haisha Bang has a woman called ‘the Mermaid’ You Qiuyan [first mention was Book 2 Chapter 7, her name was changed to You Qiuyan in Book 6 Chapter 10]. Time and again she was trying to harm me, but I let her go, so you can see how I treat the others.”

With meaningful and heartfelt words Ba Fenghan said, “Some people, no matter how you treat them, not only they won’t be grateful, they would forget your kindness and relentlessly bully and humiliate you, so much so that they would make false charges against you.”

And then he frowned and said, “I seem to remember Dong Ming Princess mentioned this woman, You Qiuyan. After the ‘Dragon King’ Han Gaitian was injured by you [Book 7 Chapter 1], he was unable to manage the Gang, so this woman took the responsibility of managing the Haisha Bang. If you go back to the south, you’d better be careful. When a woman hates a man, it is more difficult to deal with compared to dealing with a man.”

Kou Zhong recalled what Song Jingang told him; he wondered when Du Fuwei and Shen Faxing join hands to deal with Li Zitong, whether Haisha Bang would take part in this matter.

This moment the two men were turning into the Heavenly Street. A thousand or so more steps, they would reach the Tianjin Bridge spanning across the Luo River.

Suddenly there are a lot more pedestrians, vehicles and horses. Most of them were heroic looking Wulin characters; none of them did not steal a glance or two toward the duo.

Along the street, restaurants and pleasure houses stood in great numbers, music and song filled the air, vehicles and horses came and went, hanging lanterns shone their glorious light, painting the long street white.

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “Yin Gui Pai has always been unwilling to see the light. And now that we appear on the main street in the most prosperous marketplace area; I wonder what they are going to do?” [Again, the ‘they’ here is feminine.]

Keeping his eyes looking forward, Ba Fenghan slyly said, “I still cannot forget the moving scene last night where Shi Feixuan appeared silently on the bridge; only an immortal descending into the mundane world can be compared to it. Will we have another fortuitous meeting tonight?”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “Throughout history, guarding a tree-stump, waiting for rabbits only happened once. Huh? My Niang!”

The two looked at the Tianjin Bridge simultaneously, where the peerless beauty Wanwan stood gracefully like a specter.

Even among the tide of people she looked so out-of-the-world; although she was physically standing there, it looked as if she has come from another dimension.

The passers-by were intimidated by her exotic beauty and overturning-the-kingdom kind of glamor; everybody kept stealing glances at her.

Her bare feet, which had no single speck of dust, were even more bewildering.

Her deep, serene gaze, were locked onto the two men, who were coming toward her.

Ba Fenghan stepped away from Kou Zhong a little; throwing his head back, he let out a long laughter and said, “People, get lost for me, Ba Fenghan. I want to fight Yin Gui Pai’s female demon to the death.”

His majestic voice rang far and wide; it resonated loud and clear along both sides of the Bridge.

Turning to Kou Zhong, Ba Fenghan said, “Let me have a go first!”

‘Qiang!’

The Beheading Mystery Sword left its sheath.

Ba Fenghan stepped onto the Bridge in large strides, pressing on toward Wanwan.

Passers-by scattered in all direction.

Momentarily murderous aura filled the whole sky. The battle could happen at any moment.

END OF BOOK 15