CH 2

Chapter 2: The military training ground of the mighty army, Part 1 of 5

After Su Yu left in a huff, Gu Yun put aside the half-finished cucumber she was holding in her hand, got up and stretched her body. Just now she had to eat hurriedly, she really needed such nourishment, in this era there is no protein powder available yet, in order to provide sufficient calories to accelerate muscle growth, even causing some trouble she had no other choice, but at all costs she must eat all these high-protein foods. However, looking at her scrawny body, Gu Yun’s mood sank, when can she have her body build be like as before? 　　

The old servant’s head bowed in frustration, Gu Yun happened to see the look of reproach on his eyes, she shrugged and smiled, she didn’t bully the master of the house, he was being too presumptuous himself. While clearing up the dishes the old servant was shaking his head, inwardly sighed, this young girl is very shrewd and cunning, the third general definitely cannot match to her, even if the great general could not know, he should not have capitulated allowing her to stay.

The old servant was muttering to himself as he went out of the small courtyard. Gu Yun casually laid down on the meadow, her eyes narrowed slightly as she deeply thought of something, in passing she was pulling chunks of weeds, her hands toying with the cut weeds. 　　

Qing’s whereabouts is unknown, currently she does not have any clues whatsoever where she might be, she has no other choice but to begin to investigate where the two sisters of this body are. General Manor is not a place where she can stay in the long-term, but if she escape now, only to be hunted down, when that happens she would then be too busy fending for herself, how can she as well find Qing, it’s better for her to temporarily stay in the General Manor, find Qing, arrange a good escape route, and leave before it’s too late for her. Gu Yun’s mind was contemplating the next plan, when suddenly came a burst of muffled thunder of drums, Gu Yun opened her eyes quickly, inclined her head and listened attentively.

The sound is coming from the mountain! This past half month, sounds of cries came from time to time directly behind the courtyard, sounds of fighting or short drumbeats, but the sound of clear, loud thundering drumbeats like this she has not heard yet. Gu Yun preoccupied during weekdays in strengthening her own physique was too lazy to check on other things, but the sound of rumbling drums today is too loud, filled with force and fury, the people who hear it actually feel their own blood boiling in excitement. 　　

She has always been on the go, her mind’s curiosity ignited, her body has already taken a step, Gu Yun stood up agilely, walked towards the place where the sound of the drums came from. 　　

What greeted her was a high courtyard wall, and a small wooden door with a latch, Gu Yun strode to the door and shoved it open to have a closer look, suddenly the panorama before her became crystal clear, it left her feeling cold.

As far as her eyes could see, is a large, wide open space. The scorching sun overhead, this broad expanse was densely packed with about two or three thousand people standing orderly, two groups were pitted to fight against each other. Su Yu, the man who came and she saw this noon stood on top of a commanding seat in the side, wearing a silver armor, brandishing a heavy broadsword, proudly standing, his appearance quite a bit formidable. 　　

The battle drums stopped, only to hear Su Yu’s low growl, “Attack!” The battle immediately started, two opposing parties fighting head-on against each other. Gu Yun lightly leaned against the door, found the duel amusing, pretty soon she scowled and chuckled low.　　

“Is it awfully funny?” Behind her a gentle male voice sounded. 　　

Gu Yun was a bit startled, she was too concentrated on watching the battle, she had not noticed that someone was approaching! She was feeling inwardly chagrined, but her face showed not a fraction of the change in her mood. She slowly turned around and saw a man standing behind her in black clothes, his looks extraordinarily handsome, just by looking at his facial features, Gu Yun guessed this person in front of her should also be Su Ling’s brother. But compared to Su Ling’s cold and arrogant looks, Su Yu’s overbearing temper, he is refined, cool and bright, he gives out an impression of a relaxed and pleasant temperament. Although he has a scholarly appearance, with a polite smile on his face, Gu Yun saw when his eyes narrowed slightly and the corners of his mouth raised, his real mood at this time is not as friendly as the expression on his face. 　　

Gu Yun covered up the surprise in her eyes, lightly replied: “No, it is not at all funny, I just feel it’s a pity.” 　　

“What’s there to be pitied about?” Su Ren not batting an eyelid asked. 　　

Turning around to observe the battle raging on the field, yet not seeing a victor between the two teams, Gu Yun replied dismissively: “The main purpose of this duel should be to test the strength of the Su Yu-led attacking team, right? However, I personally feel that the attacking team is entirely competent, but unfortunately its defensive capability is extremely poor.” In just battling against each other it may not be that obvious, but after a while it can at once be completely exposed. 　　

Su Ren’s eyes glinted, continued to smile and asked: “What makes you think so?” 　　

Gu Yun turned around her head, faced Su Ren’s calm and searching eyes, he wanted to test her? Gu Yun chuckled, he wanted to test her so that he can improve the formation. Standing side by side with Su Ren, she detailed her analysis softly: “Regardless if it is the attacking or defending side, in unfamiliar situations one cannot know the capability of the opponent; at the beginning, the offensive strength of the two parties is equal. At this time who wins and who loses depends on who finds out first the other’s weaknesses, who can launch an attack at the same time defend, who can withstand the other’s offensive attack, will be the one to win! If Su Yu’s team encounter ordinary opponents, relying on its strong attack force, it can win, but if the opponent is a group of elite soldiers, then the offensive capability is clearly not enough to rely alone.” 　　

Gu Yun slowly raising her hand, pointed to the right of Su Yu, chuckled and firmly said: “its vulnerability is the lack of defense in the right flank.” 　　

As if to confirm her words, as the two armies clashed, Su Yu originally planned the formation to open like the wings of a butterfly, but unfortunately the soldiers moved more to the rear, the two wings increasingly getting in critical position, Su Yu and his second-in-command already rushed to the forefront, but the whole battle formation lagged at the back, especially on the right side, the formation was obviously chaotic.　　

Su Ren frowned, his heart cannot help but be jolted, at the start when he saw this girl standing outside the courtyard, wearing a smile on her face, he is also aware that she is a rich family’s pampered young daughter, but she does not know of military battle formations, does not understand what was happening, so she was giggling. It now appears that she not only understands, but is in fact very proficient! 　　

Suppressing the surprise in his heart, Su Ren asked: “In your opinion, how can we win?” 　　

“Strengthen the defense.” As long as they can hold out for half an hour, the attack team should be able to capture the flag of the opponent.

“How do you strengthen it?” 　　

Gu Yun was pensive for a while, she coldly replied: “By increasing the individual’s combat fitness.” 　　

The individual’s combat fitness? Su Ren’s eyes lit up, the flaws in Su Yu’s battle formation, he and Su Yu have actually realized it, but they could not single out the crux, hearing what she just said, his mind seemed to have started planning countermeasures at once. Impressed by the woman on his side, Su Ren smiled and asked: “Do you like to watch the battle in short distance?” 　　

Gu Yun readily laughed and said: “Alright.”

Regarding this invitation, Gu Yun admitted to herself that she’s very excited, in this era, all along she felt there isn’t anything familiar and nothing piqued her interest, but here it seems to make her feel familiar, inexplicably she wanted to find out. 　　

They entered the training ground, from this position they can clearly see more of the battle, Su Ren has been covertly watching the girl on his side, Gu Yun suddenly asked softly: “What’s your name?” 　　

Su Ren briefly startled, replied: “Su Ren.” 　　

Gu Yun nodded and replied: “Qing Mo.” 　　

“Does Miss Qing also like to study the art of war?” This woman who appeared in the General Manor, Su Ren already guessed her identity, but he did not expect the rumors of the Qing family’s ruined beautiful faces to be true, also he did not think, that she understands military strategies! 　　

Gu Yun calmly shook her head, heartily laughed: “Not really studied, I just have little knowledge of it.” The so-called ancient art of war she has really looked into it before, but she really also did not study it, in her mind are all modern military exercises and combat skills. 　　

Su Ren gently arched his eyebrow, knowing a little? She really is too modest. They chatted for a while, as what they expected of the battle’s outcome Su Yu’s attack failed. He has even added two hundred soldiers in the right flank, but still he actually lost! Annoyed he removed his armor, he looked up to see standing across was Su Ren, Su Yu hastily rushed over. 　　

“Second elder brother.” His second defeat in battle, Su Yu already was in sour mood, when he saw the petite woman beside Su Ren, his face darkened, he growled: “What are you doing here?! Who allowed you to get out?!”

Gu Yun coldly eyed him, and asked: “This place does not belong to the premises of the General Manor?” A confused Su Yu who has lots of fire in his belly but has no place to vent to, continued to holler against Gu Yun: “This ground here, of course, belongs to the General Manor.”

Gu Yun nodded slowly, literally snorted: “Very well, you lost a bet to me bastard, to eat within an hour you pledged to allow me to move freely inside the General Manor.”

Chapter 2: The military training ground of the mighty army, Part 2 of 5

Su Yu’s face was stiff, indeed, he agreed to her freedom of movement within the General Manor, but he is an army lieutenant general, how can he tolerate a woman shouting back at him! Su Yu’s fury soared high, pointing to Gu Yun, his tone very nasty he yelled back: “This is the military training ground! A place where men fight till they shed blood, a woman is not qualified to come here, nor is she allowed to watch willfully!”

Su Yu belittling a woman left and right, this kind of patronizing attitude completely pissed off Gu Yun. She is just the kind of person who the more angry she gets, the more calm she becomes, the more angry, the more silent also. Her cold eyes swept the training ground, settled on a group of recently defeated soldiers. Turning around to face Su Yu again, Gu Yun raised her head, dripping with sarcasm and disdain in her smile, coldly and in a deep voice said: “The outcome of the battle was already decided in the duel! Watching it was too boring! You were eager for quick success and immediate gain, were short-sighted, not at all comprehending the strategy of the opponent’s general, you better not lead troops, so as not to in the end on the battlefield, do harm to them, accompanying you to death!”

Gu Yun’s strong voice fell, the soldiers and military officers who were following cannot help but move backwards gasping a mouthful of cold air, this woman is tired of living ah! Su Ren’s head also inwardly throbbed.

How dare this woman publicly humiliate him! “Impudent!” Su Yu finally recovered his wits, the anger in his chest made him raise the broadsword in his hand, wielding it towards Gu Yun’s head. The sharp blade under the sunlight, flashed white rays of light. Su Ren was alarmed, third brother is crazy, if the sword descends, how can she live!

Su Yu

Su Ren was planning to block the strike when suddenly this emaciated woman before their very eyes, at an incredible speed approached a nearby military general, before he could react, she grabbed at once the hilt of the saber hanging on his waist. Gu Yun nimbly pulled out the sword, the long sword came out of its sheath, drawing out with it bright silvery light, she grasped the sharp sword, flicked a backhand towards the side striking down the broadsword. 　　

Gu Yun

In a flash, clear clashing noise accompanied dazzling sparks, the blades of the long double-edged sword and broadsword interlocked, the thin long blade is clearly no match to the broadsword, in just one strike, the sword actually sustained a cut, but its unyielding strength shook Gu Yun’s hand numb, sent her down one knee kneeling to the ground.

Damn it! Gu Yun cursed, her previous self is definitely not afraid of a direct confrontation with him, but her current body is sorely lacking in physical strength. In less than one move, Gu Yun understood, Su Yu primarily fights the enemy with a burst of energy, she cannot deal recklessly with him, she must take him down skillfully! 　　

The loud, cold and raw sound following the collision of the two swords, also jolted and sobered up Su Yu, he unimaginably was about to hit a woman, and what shocked him the most was that she actually withstood and maneuvered his move! Among the army generals, very few can resist his sword under his raging temper!

Su Yu was still distractedly gawking, Gu Yun however has already quickly turned the sword blade, thrusting obliquely towards Su Yu, he did not expect she would thereafter move, hastily dodging away sideways. Gu Yun also was able to get up, grasping the two-edged sword, promptly like a snake coiled around the single-edged broadsword that Su Yu held in his right hand. His expression was cold, clenching his hand on the hilt of his sword, he came over to her and swept away. Gu Yun did not retreat, on the contrary she came near, dodged and hid behind him, no matter how Su Yu moved she stayed behind him as if Gu Yun was stuck to his back. 　　

Everyone apparently considered Gu Yun to be no match for Su Yu, her petite body is always stuck hiding behind Su Yu’s body. From the start Su Ren was observing detachedly, nevertheless his eyes lit up and glinted, this woman is exceedingly smart, has good martial arts skill, to be closely attached to a person behind, the fight is much more difficult than in the front. 　　

Her agility is her advantage, she was always close behind third brother, third brother did not get a chance to do something, she was just waiting for an opportunity, as soon as the third brother betrays a little weakness, she can right away strike, and win with one move! 　　

Used to launching large-scale, big battles Su Yu, confronted with Gu Yun’s tricky close range tactics, he increasingly became angry and impatient. Just when he was gradually breathing agitatedly, Gu Yun found a breach, inverted the sword, was about to pass through the armpit of Su Yu to stab his right hand holding the sword, Su Ren who realized her intentions, dodged and stepped forward, grabbed Su Yu’s right wrist, pulled him over, expelled his breath, in cold, low voice, said: “Stop it! You have stirred enough disturbance!” 　　

Slowly withdrawing the sword she was about to thrust, Gu Yun’s gaze crossed over to the thick and broad back of Su Yu, and the relatively serene and profound eyes of Su Ren, Gu Yun gently raised her eyebrows, this person compared to the headstrong and impetuous Su Yu is much more formidable to deal with. 　　

Two people looking at each other with meaningful emotions in their eyes, the undercurrents were turbulent, Su Yu was perplexed therefore, he indignantly growled: “Second elder brother, on the military training ground, how can we allow a woman to point the finger of blame, to talk irresponsibly!” 　　

“Talked irresponsibly? You were too anxious to win, didn’t listen to other people’s opinions, you were only focused on attacking, if that is not being eager for quick success and immediate gain, then what is it? All the elite soldiers are on the offensive position, neglecting defense, if not short-sightedness, then what is it?” Gu Yun coldly laughed, walked back to the side of the army general whose sword she grabbed a moment ago, only briefly glanced at the location of the scabbard hanging on his waist, casually flicked a backhand, the long sword unexpectedly slid smoothly into the scabbard. 　　

Everything happened so fast, the crowd did not react until Gu Yun turned to leave, the scared army general who was so shocked broke into cold sweat this time, if there was even a hairsbreadth deviation, the sword not falling straight into the scabbard, but into his body … 　　

Giving a thought to Gu Yun’s reprimand, Su Yu in his heart naturally knew he made mistakes in leading his troops, but he still could not accept a woman’s criticism, “even though I did wrong, still it isn’t a woman’s place to teach me!” 　　

The brief sword fight with him a moment ago somewhat diminished Gu Yun’s fury, however what Su Yu said re-ignited it again, she gazed coldly at his arrogant face, the corners of her mouth seemed not to raise, her voice extremely light and indifferent, she asked: “You quite look down upon women, right?” 　　

The eyes of the woman in front were cold, her voice clearly gentle yet it sounded somewhat creepy. Su Yu froze on the spot, before he could answer, Gu Yun opened her mouth again, coldly said: “Do you dare to take a bet from a woman again? You and I, we simultaneously train soldiers, after a fortnight we’ll see who trained between us soldiers who are afterwards more brave and fierce.” She dislikes Su Yu, although he was right to say it was not suitable for a woman to be watching in the training ground, but his eyes displaying utter disdain for women, is extremely contemptible!

She wants to compete in training against him?! Su Yu laughed heartily, who does she thinks she is, she considers her three-foot cat martial arts skill already a great accomplishment? Not only Su Yu, apart from Su Ren whose face appeared to be in deep thought, everyone on the training ground laughed and sneered. 　　

Waving his hand, Su Yu laughed dismissively: “I would not bet with a woman on the technique of training.”

Both of her hands linked in her chest, Gu Yun retorted: “You loser! Enough of such brave talk.” 　　

Su Yu swiftly opened his eyes wide, shouted back: “Who was the loser?!” If a while ago brother didn’t stop their fight, he wanted her to be humiliated! 　　

Gu Yun sneered, looked impatiently, replied: “You will not so quickly and conveniently forget that you had just lost the battle with the soldiers, right? Fine, enough talk of crap, straight to the point, do you dare to bet with a woman?” 　　

Gu Yun loudly said and used the special word “woman”, waiting for the fish to take the bait again. Goading Su Yu to action in this way is a foregone conclusion. 　　

Sure enough, Su Yu swatted his thigh, barked: “It’s a bet. This time I’ll surely make you concede defeat!” 　　

Gu Yun snickered in her heart, Su Yu ah, Su Yu, just now this round of bet not able to enlighten you? Don’t be perpetually self-righteous. 　　

Having been silent all the time, Su Ren whose expression on his face was difficult to tell whether of amusement or anger, suddenly laughed out loud, with a bright smile said: “Alright, I bear witness, the two of you want to bet on what, attack battle? Capture a city battle or …?” 　　

Before Su Ren could finish talking, Gu Yun’s thoughts were already spinning, she smiled and said: “Ordinarily you must have done these many times over, how about doing something different this time?” 　　

Su Yu snappily replied: “What do you want then?” 　　

The corner of her lips slightly lifted, Gu Yun casually spat out two words, “night raid.” 　　

Night raid? Su Yu and Su Ren were both dumbfounded, Su Yu frowned at Gu Yun, coldly asked: “Are you sure you want to compete in a night raid?” When the time comes he would not have her complaining he bullied her, night raids are always the most difficult, but also the best way to test the ability of soldiers. 　　

Perhaps she may not match to Su Yu in leading and deployment of troops, but when it comes to raid field operations, she’s definitely competitive! Gu Yun firmly nodded and with a smile said: “Alright. General Manor has three thousand elite soldiers, it will just be an exercise to determine whether my trained soldiers or Su Yu’s elite soldiers will be the one to break through the defensive line of the elite troops, to succeed in a night raid.” 　　

“Good.” Since she is not afraid to die, he would accommodate her. Pointing to the direction of several thousands of officers and soldiers, Su Yu said: “These are all elite troops of General Su, I will let you choose first, ok.” 　　

Gu Yun swept her gaze towards the officers and soldiers, all well-built, with sharp, penetrating eyes, she never doubted their elite status, but their eyes also very clearly expressed disdain and disgust, she will not be able to tame them, only half a month is simply not enough! 　　

Taking her eyes off them, Gu Yun clearly replied: “I do not want them.” 　　

Her firm voice dropped, immediately fierce, ruthless gazes were shot towards her. Gu Yun remained unmoved, continued: “These are the Su family’s elite troops, they already must have received a lot of trainings, using them as the competition’s participants, how can I and Su Yu demonstrate our strength? I think, we should respectively choose 500 young soldiers from the new army recruits, use them for the training, this competition will then be fair.” 　　

The way she put it made sense, Su Yu did not say anything, simply replied: “Fine, I agree!” 　　

Su Ren secretly admired her, she’s really clever, discarding the elite soldiers was a wise decision, these veteran soldiers have fought on the battlefield for many years, how can they listen to her scolding! 　　

Her method of training is still unknown to him, but her agility and strategy, are indeed slightly more superior to that of third brother. As to this competition, Su Ren seemed to have a few to look forward to, pointing to the vast space in front, while Su Yu laughed, he asked: “This training ground is so big, if both of you train together in the same place, are you both not afraid the other side will see your training method?”

Su Yu shook his head, having the appearance as if victory is already in his hands, “to allow her to see what? Lest at that time she who has no inkling at all, to squander my Su family army’s fresh crop of new recruits.” 　　

Gu Yun squinting her eyes, saw beyond the training ground a patch of forest, delighted, that is exactly the space she wants, “the training ground I will leave to you, I want the woods behind the ground, beginning tomorrow, for half a month.” 　　

“Good!” Su Yu shouted loudly, declaring the competition has officially begun. 　　

Looking at their departing backs, Su Ren chuckled, these two people apparently forgot to set the stakes of this bet.

Chapter 2: The military training ground of the mighty army, Part 3 of 5

Su Yu

At dawn, the rising sun is just starting to shine the first rays of morning light, but the heat of a dry summer seems to have hit already, on the huge training ground one thousand soldiers are orderly lined up in formation, the place is bustling and packed with people, nevertheless it is completely silent, demonstrating the good discipline of the Su family army.

Built in front of the training ground was a high platform, on it, one tall and one short, two people were there to divide the crowd into two. Su Yu wearing a dark blue military uniform, a tall and imposing figure. Casting a sidelong glance at Gu Yun beside him, her entire body clad in black, her long hair tied high, a powerful costume appearance, he had to admit the woman’s style of dressing has its own distinctive charm. 　　

Standing between them on the platform, a relaxed Su Ren smiled and said: “These are chosen from the best of the Su family army new recruits, the two of you may now start the selection.”

Gu Yun

Su Yu magnanimously offered: “Let her choose first.”

Gu Yun glanced down at the crowd of young and tense faces, she is naturally aware, no one wants to be selected by her, after all, in their minds, the difference between her and Su Yu is practically like cloud and mud. But she will quickly let them find out who is the cloud, and who is the mud!

Gu Yun indifferently replied: “Since they are all excellent new recruits, we need not expend a great deal of effort in selecting, let’s divide them into two, the left is yours, and the right belongs to me.” 　　

The army remained quiet, nothing unpleasant occurred, there was very little disturbance afterwards, the soldiers on the left secretly rejoiced, while those on the right cannot help but be discouraged and upset. 　　

Both Su Yu and Gu Yun simultaneously headed towards their respective armies, Gu Yun held out her hand and pointed to the forest behind the training ground roughly two kilometers away, in a raised voice she commanded: “The group on the right listen, goal: the mountain forest, time: half quarter of an hour, run forward! Go!” 　　

“Yes!” Although a few of the soldiers were unwilling, the strict discipline of the Su family army made them quickly execute Gu Yun’s command. In a split second, three long parallel columns of soldiers with great burst of strength rushed towards the forest. 　　

An amused Su Ren, watched Gu Yun and her departing team of five hundred recruits, he is very curious and really looks forward to, after two weeks, how they would turn out to be like. 　　

The group of five hundred soldiers running double time did not take long to arrive in the mountain forest. Gu Yun stood before them, she practically arrived abreast with them, although they were still lined up in orderly formation and standing quietly, nevertheless she keenly observed indifference and disdain displayed on their youthful faces, even their eyes were plainly mocking her. 　　

Gu Yun neither lost her temper, nor did she get angry, she understood that in advocating military discipline and military achievement in the army camp, the only way to make them submit to her is to be better than them! Her face wearing an indifferent expression and a cold smile, Gu Yun coldly said: “With your experience and ability, actually there is no opportunity for you to enter the General Manor army training ground, you are only standing here today because I have a competition with Su Yu. In this competition if I lose, you can only lower your heads down and return to the army camp in disgrace. If I win, you have the opportunity to stay in the General Manor training ground, I want to know, are you confident?” 　　

Silence greeted Gu Yun, to be allocated to her hands certainly will lose no doubt, what confidence can be spoken if at all?! 　　

Gu Yun eyed them coldly, snapped: “Are you or are you not?!” 　　

“Yes.” The soft, sparse and hesitant reply that could be heard among the soldiers fired up Gu Yun. 　　

“Have you eaten your meals?”

“Yes!” Finally they answered with a little more energy. 　　

Gu Yun laughed loudly, shaking her head, she coldly mocked: “You are the best new recruits of the Su family army?!”

As her words fell, the answer she got was a low roar in unison, “Yes!” 　　

Indeed these youngsters are like Su Yu, it won’t do without some provocation! Lifting her forefinger, Gu Yun pointed to the peak of the mountain beyond the forest, facing the disgruntled soldiers, coldly announced: “I’m aware of your angry resistance, you would rather be in Su Yu’s team, so be it, I’ll give you a chance, see the mountain in front? In a moment you and I together will set off towards it, all who reach the mountaintop before me, I will let him join into Su Yu’s group, but those who are slower than me, you had better receive the on-site training sincerely, if not you get lost and return to the camp at once!”

The mountain is located about six to seven kilometers behind the General Manor training ground, it is nearly a kilometer high, from this part of the forest to the mountaintop, the march is comparable almost to a five-kilometer cross-country exercise. After Gu Yun’s challenge, amazement and disdain flashed across all the impassive faces of the soldiers, to compete with such a weak woman in a march, it is actually an insult to them, but then on second thoughts, to be able to cross over to lieutenant general Su Yu’s side, it is simply too good a chance to pass up. 　　

Gu Yun’s lips slightly lifted, she asked: “Do you understand?” 　　

“Yes.” This time they unexpectedly answered loud and clear! 　　

Gu Yun and the soldiers faced towards the rear of the mountain, she yelled, “Start!” Five hundred people immediately scrambled and rushed running towards the mountain. 　　

Gu Yun’s cold eyes slightly narrowed, a pack of boorish fellows, if she was not sure of the outcome, how could she compete with them. 　　

Gu Yun had been thinking last night even though they are new recruits, they still would not like to listen to her, she must provide them a demonstration of authority, but to fight alone with them one by one, it is too taxing. Cross country field operation has always been her strong suit, and regarding field operation generally speaking choosing the optimal route is of paramount importance! Thus as early as last night she inspected the mountain slope, and determined the nearest and most accessible road leading to the mountaintop. Although admittedly she’s pulling a fast one, but all’s fair in war, isn’t that so?

Gu Yun is petite, her movement is very fast, and she’s full of stamina, plus she has already selected a good route, although at the beginning she did not have the upper hand, but in climbing the mountain, her superiority is immediately evident. 　　

At the top of the mountain. A tall, strong figure and a lean man along his side ascended the summit almost simultaneously, the two of them glanced at each other, each saw in the other’s eyes admiration and provocation. In their new army camp when competing, even though they do not know each other’s names, they regard each other as rivals. They climbed the peak together, just when they charged towards the highest point of the rock, they discovered a shadow approaching from the other direction, at this moment a foot has already stepped over the rock which represented victory. 　　

Sitting on top of the boulder, Gu Yun was breathing heavily, this won’t do, this body’s physical strength is still weak, taking advantage of this opportunity in drilling the new recruits, she wanted to test well her body’s endurance all at once doing it with her own ability! Sensing two sharp looks behind her, Gu Yun turned around, she cannot help raising her eyebrows, it hadn’t occurred to her some people unexpectedly have reached already the mountaintop, her gaze swept across the two faces, Gu Yun softly asked: “What are your names?” 　　

At first he treated this woman with extreme disdain, but he appeared to be mistaken, who knew she really has a bit of ability, his skill is inferior to hers, he is speechless, his strong, muscular body stood erect, his voice clear he answered back: “Ge Jing Yun.” 　　

Gu Yun looked again at the person beside Ge Jing Yun, his face was sullen as if somebody owed him a great deal, he seemed to be an unfeeling man, after a long time, he coldly replied: “Leng Xiao[1].” 　　

Leng Xiao? Indeed this man lives up to his name. The three standing at the top, looking at one another’s face while standing, but they could not size up each other for long, the tide of the rest of the soldiers reaching the top of the mountain has welled up, after seeing the figure of Gu Yun half leaning on the rock, their eyes widened in disbelief, in frustration they bowed their heads, unexpectedly they lost, they have lost to a woman!

Gu Yun narrowed her eyes as she was looking on, the soldiers climbed the summit almost with the same speed, apparently, although they are new recruits, they have also been through a rigorous training, their physical strength and endurance are good. Indeed they are a good crop of fresh recruits, Gu Yun was secretly delighted. 　　

Standing up straight, Gu Yun shouted, “in formation!” Whether initially crouching or standing the soldiers immediately set off to line up in formation. 　　

Gu Yun stood atop on the rock, overlooking the still unwilling crowd, yet this time not daring to behave arrogantly again, her voice condescending, she laughingly said: “Now are there still people who angrily resist?” 　　

Being beaten by a woman is indeed vexatious, but the fact remains, they truly lost to her. 　　

“Speak!” Gu Yun impatiently demanded. 　　

Inwardly grinding their teeth, with a tinge of anger and stubbornness, the group yelled back in unison: “No!” 　　

Gu Yun nodded with satisfaction, her stern face lowered slightly, in clear voice she said: “Since no one resists, in that case I now announce, I will train you in half a month, there are three military disciplines, the first: obey orders; the second: absolutely obey orders; the third: under all circumstances absolutely obey orders, do you understand?!” 　　

A woman clad in black, her hair ink-black, her chilly, tough talk was powerful and resonating. On top of the mountain, this kind of bullying atmosphere is really not lost to any man. Ge Jing Yun and Leng Xiao looked at each other, confronted by this woman’s imperious manner they are shaken to the core.　　

“Yes!” No one knows whether it is on account of Gu Yun’s shocking imposing personality, or because they were vexed that they have just lost to her, every soldier shouted himself hoarse like a roaring tiger, the roar so reverberating that the birds between the mountains ridges were sent fluttering and scurrying about all over the place.

Very well, Gu Yun snickered in her heart, the day has just begun, there’s still a long way to go, I don’t believe I will not be able to subdue you! 　　

At high noon, the sun’s high up in the middle of the sky, even if there are sheltering shade of the trees, the heat accosting them is still scorching, coming down from the mountain, these young soldiers were all frustrated and their unwillingness doubtlessly written all over their faces. Gu Yun chuckled secretly, although they were just forced, compelled to pledge allegiance to her, but she is confident, after two weeks, she will be able to completely rein in their hearts. 　　

“Line up in formation!” 　　

Their skill is not on a par with hers, actually there is nothing left now to quibble about. In their hearts they have long been clearly resigned, in any case, in the next couple of weeks, they will receive training in the hands of this woman. 　　

[1] Leng Xiao (冷萧) lit. means cold miserable. With Leng Xiao’s miserable face and cold attitude, Gu Yun thought he ironically embodies the meanings of the characters of his name.

Chapter 2: The military training ground of the mighty army, Part 4 of 5

Staring now at them, like before, without showing the slightest emotion, her face extremely indifferent, Gu Yun in a clear and resonant voice dismissively said: “After the warm-up exercise, you should have been able already to determine your capabilities and position, over the next fortnight, I’m your army trainer, my name’s Qing Mo, you may call me later boss or army trainer.”

As soon as her strong voice faded, she immediately noticed the soldiers frowning, they looked awkward, Gu Yun wondered, “What is the problem now?” Asking them to call her boss has she wronged them? 　　

A young soldier standing beside Gu Yun whispered back: “Madam, this is unreasonable.” The army has a strict hierarchy, no one dares oversteps even a fraction, even though she is the general’s concubine. 　　

Madam? Listening to his words Gu Yun immediately got goose bumps! Glaring at them with cold eyes, she snapped: “During the training, my words are commands!” 　　

The crowd hesitated for a moment, finally all replied in unison: “Yes.” It’s only for two weeks anyway. 　　

“Ge Jing Yun, Leng Xiao, step forward!”

Great waves inwardly played across the two pairs of eyes, what is this woman up to? Their minds bewildered, but not betraying anything on their faces, they strode forward, and went in front of the formation. While they were walking towards her, Gu Yun announced: “From now on, the group is divided into two teams, both of you have performed very well in the test, I appoint you as the captains of these two teams…” 　　

Gu Yun has not yet finished talking, a low and deep male voice coldly cut in: “I’m not suitable to be a captain.” 　　

Gu Yun gently raised her eyebrows, ignoring Leng Xiao she continued talking in a clear voice: “As a captain, you must be the best elite in the team, you not only need to face challenges from the team members, but you also have to lead the team to surmount the other team, therefore only then the most outstanding person, can become a captain.” 　　

Gu Yun’s cold eyes swept once again towards Leng Xiao, the tone of her voice disdainful she asked: “Leng Xiao, you don’t want to be or you don’t dare to be?” 　　

Leng Xiao remained silent, the expression on his face unchanged he stared back at her, the look on Gu Yun’s face is entirely chilly, yet her heart is quite glad, at last she finds a calm mind, a person who does not easily gets provoked. But such people are very prickly, they’re not easy to manage. Before her is a male, no more than twenty years old, his normally impassive eyes make him seem almost always surrounded by an aura a stranger cannot come close to. However, in this pair of cold eyes, Gu Yun finds fierce passion concealed underneath the inflexible coldness. 　　

The corner of her lips gently raised, Gu Yun turned her back no longer looking at him, her face indifferent she said: “A soldier who does not want to be a soldiers’ leader is not a good soldier, if you do not want to be one, then hurry home, get married and have children, live a peaceful, settled life, you do not need to come here to suffer hardships. If you do not dare, leave quickly, I do not want to keep cowards here! Suitable, or unsuitable, do as you please.” Leng Xiao remained silent, Gu Yun did not compel him, the five hundred people in the forest were actually quiet, but after a long time the soldiers could not bear it anymore an uproar stirred up, that low, deep, indifferent male voice suddenly resounded “I am suitable.”　　

Gu Yun’s heart secretly rejoiced, no longer turning her head to look back at him, she proceeded to issue an order saying: “From this column, to the left of it is team one, the captain is Ge Jing Yun; to the right is team two, the captain is Leng Xiao, the two teams, listen up: Everybody squat down, hands clasped together behind the back.” The group was perplexed, but still did as commanded, the spectacle of several hundreds of squatting burly chaps packed within the green and lush forest, indeed was rather a bit funny and ridiculous to behold.

“Maintaining the squatting position, jump to move forward, the destination is the starting point in the forest where we embarked from before.” 　　

After hearing this, the soldiers stared blankly for a moment, then immediately hot anger welled up in their hearts, what does she mean? Squatting on the ground both hands at the back jumping forward? What posture is this? The group squatting on the ground, did not budge the slightest bit, Gu Yun furrowed her brows, fiercely barked: “Execute the command!” 　　

At this time, a young fellow who was not far from Gu Yun suddenly stood up, his tall body exuded deep anger, cried out: “Even though we lost to you a while ago, but then again how to say this, we are valiant warriors who fight and kill the enemy, you cannot humiliate us this way!” 　　

Humiliate? Facing this uncomprehending obstinate group, fire gathered in Gu Yun’s chest, “this is the training! Obedience to commands is a fundamental duty of a soldier, if you cannot do this, you do not deserve to become soldiers! What valiant warriors are you spouting about? He who’s not a soldier get out of my sight immediately!”

“Leapfrog forward!” As soldiers, they have no choice! Gritting their teeth, both hands clasped behind, their hearts cursing Gu Yun, rashly and spitefully they proceeded to hop forward. In a moment, within the forest the five hundred Su family soldiers have turned into “frogs”, on the ground in an embarrassing position, peng, peng, jumping straight ahead! And in their wake, was a leisurely-looking woman with both her hands linked in her bosom. 　　

Cursing me in your minds, right? Later I will not let you curse me! 　　

From the foot of the mountain to the assembly point is a distance of at least three kilometers, for these young and healthy lads running to get there is naturally a cinch, but to leapfrog to reach the place demands their young lives! This type of exercise is equivalent to absolutely no less than twenty kilometers cross-country military campaign. 　　

After jumping in less than one kilometer, the men who were in spitting anger a while ago were already tired and breathing heavily and chaotically. Ge Jing Yun has always been proud of his physical strength, but now he felt from top to bottom unusually hot and dry, his parched throat felt like burning up, inside his head is a growing roaring noise, his numb legs felt like they’re not his own. If he is already like this, it is needless to speak how the rest of them fared, the originally orderly team formation has been in disarray at this time, and many people lagged behind. 　　

Sweat from his forehead dripped down to his eyes, Leng Xiao tried to wipe his eyes with his sleeves, his aching, swollen feet almost uncontrolled, he fell half kneeling on the ground. 　　

“In this exercise have collapsed, who still deserve to be soldiers?” 　　

“Get up, continue!” Behind them is that arrogant woman’s low voice, this voice has been provoking the hearts of all the men, even though right now everyone is tired and wishes to die, but nobody is willing to compromise a bit! Dying of exhaustion they have persisted! 　　

It lasted for four hours[1], when all the soldiers leapfrogged and arrived to the patch of forest where they left from this morning, without exception, everyone collapsed to the ground, lying in disorder filling the ground, their complexion pale, and sweat streaming profusely from their bodies. Everyone is desperately trying to breathe, many are still giving vent to their anger, a few suffocating in their anger, in the pit of their stomachs there seemed to be a ball of blazing fire.

Leaning against a tree trunk, Leng Xiao also was struggling for breath, his eyes were staring straight not far away from the main culprit. She has not spoken. She was just quietly watching the worn-out soldiers on the ground. He could not make out what she was actually thinking, but she this time is totally different from her arrogant self a while ago.

After about a quarter of an hour, everyone finally has somewhat caught up his breath, but their hands because of repeated bracing on the ground several times were full of bloodstains, and their feet, have long been worn out terribly, they need not look, they know they’re full of blisters, let alone their severely sore legs, making it a little bit difficult for them to move about!

“Line up in formation!” This time the voice of Gu Yun to the ears of the soldiers practically seemed the sound of the devil winding around their ears. 　　

Everyone was tired like a dead dog, their bodies were numb to pain! More than a few soldiers were lying on the ground and sleeping soundly. At this time they also stood up to line up, but only a hundred or more people. Gu Yun squinted her eyes to look, the present troops compared with to those this early morning, there’s practically a huge difference, utterly beaten, disorganized and lifeless appearance, but their eyes glaring at her, contrary to what one might expect were bright and full of expression.

The originally indifferent face of Gu Yun suddenly broke into laughter, “I know you certainly must hate me!”

As an answer she got even more vicious stares, their eyes full of raw hate.

How can there be such a crazy training method in this whole world! In the eyes of these soldiers, she was just humiliating them in order to torture them! 　　

Gu Yun thought little of their hateful stares, “I do not mind your hate, the more you sweat during the training, the less you bleed in the future on the battlefield!

The “leapfrog” exercise that you think is just laughable and shameful, not only it can train your endurance, more importantly, it can greatly enhance the power of your legs, also improve balance and coordination of the entire body. Perhaps you will think that my brand of training is very strange, even unreasonable, but I just want you to obey an order first rather than questioning the order, even if there really are things unclear, you should first execute the command, then ask the reason in detail later.” 　　

Everyone looked at one another, some had doubts in their minds, some were puzzled, there were a few who clearly understood, others did not quite believe her, but Gu Yun’s explanation somehow made their mood slightly better. If it was as she said, that she was not deliberately torturing them, then they can endure pain and hardship. 　　

Seeing that they appeared more dead than alive, the training could not continue. Gu Yun took pity on them and gave them a break saying, “it’s just the first day of training, the physical activity must not be too excessive, we have enough for today, tomorrow at mao shi[2], we’ll assemble here.” 　　

Physical activity was not too excessive? In a split second all the soldiers were struck dumb, they were almost completely crippled by her today, yet she’s still considering the exercise they had as not too excessive, in the coming two weeks, life looks bleak! 　　

“Ge Jing Yun, Leng Xiao, head back to the camp.”

“Yes.” After some tugging and hauling, the two teams of soldiers eventually lined up in formation to return back to the camp. Watching their incessantly moaning and groaning backs, the corner of Gu Yun’s mouth perked up in delight, her mood cheerful she walked towards the General Manor, for tomorrow’s training program she needs to find Su Ren to help her prepare some stuff.

Drawing near the training ground, Gu Yun saw Su Yu standing in the middle of the soldiers, he was teaching them how to pierce using a spear, normally there’s nothing wrong at all with this exercise, if two armies face each other as enemies this skill can be quite useful, but he seemed to have forgotten that they will be competing in a night raid! Looking around the vicinity, Su Ren was nowhere to be found. Gu Yun did not stay long, from the perimeter of the training ground she went to the General Manor, and soon she found herself going to the place where she woke up the first time, in Lingyun Pavilion!

Who knew Su Ling’s courtyard is this close to the training ground, she was just about to pass by, when Gu Yun noticed the gate of the courtyard was just lightly closed, did Su Ling come back?

[1] two times; I debated whether to paraphrase this as two hours or four hours, but since in ancient China a time (shichen) covers a 2-hour period I think in this case the leapfrog march was so difficult that it took 4 hours for the majority to finish the 3 km-distance.

[2] Mao shi – between 5-7 am in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in ancient times in China

Chapter 2: The military training ground of the mighty army, Part 5 of 5

She gently pushed the door open, no one was inside. Shrugging her shoulders she wanted to leave, suddenly Gu Yun somewhat longed to see Bing Lian again, that’s indeed a good sword which makes people yearn to hold it again. Since the courtyard was empty, taking a look at it should be fine, right?

Stepping inside the courtyard, Gu Yun quickly entered the room which she left before, spotlessly white as jade the long sword still hangs on the wall, shining cold silvery light from top to bottom. Gu Yun stood on her tiptoes, the tip of her hands barely reaching Bing Lian, suddenly a cold light streaked across the sword. Gu Yun greatly alarmed, quickly dodged sideways, peng, with a loud thud, the solid wooden chair below was split in half.

A halberd

(image from runescape.wikia.com)

In a second she looked up and saw a nearly two meters tall man came, his thick and broad stature resembles a big mountain, his hands holding a double-edged halberd[1] wielding it like a tiger born with might. Gu Yun glanced around the broken wooden chair, she cannot help but be inwardly scared, this man’s arm strength is good and powerful! In the same manner the heavy wooden chair was hacked into two, if she too will be hit by his long halberd, absolutely her muscles and bones will break into smithereens.

“A bold thief, so brazen to dare steal a sword from the General’s room!” Han Shu’s loud and clear voice shook a person’s eardrums such that it left the ears with a growing buzzing echo.

Gu Yun stepped backwards, explaining: “I’m not here to steal the sword.” Who is this man? She did not seem to have seen him in the General Manor!

Hearing clearly Gu Yun’s voice, the man knitted his brow, he was just preparing to go to the training ground today to take a look at the actual drill of the new battle field formation of Lieutenant General Su, however he accidentally discovered a fleeing man dressed in black, a small thief sneaking into the general’s courtyard. Following closely he came in to look, sure enough, exactly as he expected, the man was ready to steal the general’s precious sword. But, who knew that the small burglar is actually a woman.

Pointing to Gu Yun, the man shouted loud: “Still daring to quibble, considering you’re a woman, obediently surrender, I may spare your life.”

Gu Yun disdainfully and coldly snorted: “What a joke!” He not distinguishing between right and wrong, prior to putting his hand into something, rude afterwards, and now spouting rhetoric!

Gu Yun’s words enraged the man, his face darkened, allowing no explanation, again he heaved the long halberd in his hands facing Gu Yun he advanced to strike.

Bing Lian

Anticipating beforehand that he would strike again, while she was speaking a moment ago Gu Yun has already shifted her position, lightly jumped up, skillfully holding Bing Lian’s cold scabbard with one hand, another hand gripping the sword hilt, gently drawing out, in the wake of it a light sound like that of a shrill cry of a dragon, the gorgeous white sword blade jerked out of its sheath.

She had long admired this sword, even though she cannot possess it, but to be able to fight alongside with it just for once is also not bad!

Gu Yun’s mood in high spirits, the sword in her hand seemed to be somewhat responsive in a way, grasping across the sword hilt, she lifted her arm, the sparkling white blade interlocked with the long halberd, crisp and sharp collision sound emanated, Gu Yun at first felt her arm sinking, but soon the feeling of heaviness disappeared, this man’s strike, his force is absolutely no less inferior to Su Yu’s with his broad single-edged sword, however this time around she did not feel the slightest amount of either pain or numbness in her hand!

The man rocked by a formidable force fell several steps back, just a moment ago for a split second he felt a current of chill encroaching his heart through the halberd! Did he imagine it? The man unwilling to give up brandished again the halberd heading towards the chest of Gu Yun. She was ready this second time, calmly raising the sword in her chest, she faced him and swept away a great swing, instead of defending she countered to attack. The long sword actually got along with her, its icy cold, powerful energy came round and attacked! The sword’s power is excellent and strong! The man was stunned, he hastily leaped back, embarrassed he dodged away, who knew the small young woman, unexpectedly has fine sword-wielding skills.

Gu Yun was also stumped for words, the sword in her hands she can wield so effortlessly, like floating clouds and flowing waters [natural and unforced], she can even feel its excitement! How could this be?

A pool of clear water from a deep, clear spring, a not very calm lake in front, an unobtrusive wooden pavilion stood to the side of it. Inside the pavilion, strewn on a simple, small stone table were a few jugs of wine of varying sizes. Two men sat opposite each other, a man in blue clothes sitting on one side, his ice-cold face without expression, his attention only on the wine cup in his hands. Across him, was a man in red clothes, his skin is white, his flesh resembling snow, his hair dark as lacquer, lightly swiveling around his wine cup, his face wore a faint smile, he appeared to be deeply enjoying the scenery around.

They sipped their respective wines, as if the two men were ordinarily not acquainted with each other until the red sword held by the man in blue robes sent out dazzling silvery light all over its red body, the blade also kept vibrating. The red-clad man glanced down at the incessantly trembling long sword, and laughed: “Chi Xue[2] seems to be not very contented with its lot, as if protesting against your dispirited loafing about, it’s been too long since it has been brought on the battlefield.”

Su Ling’s eagle eyes narrowed slightly, he whispered back: “Bing Lian.” Chi Xue during times of danger or excitement only emits a red light, if it emits a white light like now there is only one reason, Bing Lian is communicating with it, Bing Lian is acting strange.

Bing Lian? His normally foxy, slim eyes filled with banter, the thin lips of his friend, Mu Yi, curved up, clicking his tongue he laughed: “Is it not always hanging inside your room? It is acting strange, you’re still unhappy to go back, if by some misfortune your manor is looted that’s a small matter, but if Bing Lian disappears, that would be something big! Consider at that time how you will account for its disappearance to your family’s old codgers.”

The Su family has this very funny tradition, legend has it that Chi Xue and Bing Lian are a pair of ancient swords, one is male (sun/Yang/fire), and the other female (moon/Yin/ice), the Chi Xue sword is given to the firstborn son of the Su family, from the moment he is born the sword stays by his side. In the hearts of the Su family elders, only the woman who Bing Lian recognizes as its master qualifies to become the eldest son’s wife, the daughter-in-law of the Su family. This shows the importance of the sword, if Bing Lian disappears, Su Ling now certainly could not find his predestined wife!

Draining his cup of wine in one gulp, Su Ling sneered, “best if it is stolen!” He himself would choose his own wife, when is it a sword’s turn to control him? Mu Yi softly whistled, asked what he already knew in his mind: “So you are not going to go back?”

Naturally he must return, not everyone can touch Bing Lian, it is acting so strange, he feared that something has occurred in the General Manor! His tall, slender body quickly got up. Mu Yi had already anticipated earlier that Su Ling will not disregard the safety of the General Manor, he picked up the recently opened good wine of Kaifeng on the table, poured wine on his cup to the brim, it seems that this jug of top-notch fine wine he alone can enjoy it.

He calmly put down the wine jug, swiftly a pair of big hands took the wine jug, his motion rapid to stuff it with a wooden cork.

“What are you doing?” Mu Yi’s heart suddenly had a bad premonition. Sure enough, Su Ling picked up Chi Xue, carrying the wine jug, he went out of the pavilion, lightly jumped and treaded into the water, holding the wine jug he placed it in the mouth of the spring, underneath a stone recess. “As soon as I come back I will drink it again.” Leaving such succinct words, natural and unrestrained he quickly left.

Mu Yi did not know whether to laugh or cry, this despicable fellow is certain he would not get his clothes wet for a jug of wine just now took the good wine and stashed it away in the water. This man is born exceedingly sly, is born exceedingly overbearing! After all these years, not only has he not changed, as a matter of fact he has gone worse, he cannot wait to see Su Ling fall in the hands of a woman!

Su Ren walked outside of the room, as soon as he heard sounds of fighting coming from Su Ling’s room, he hurried over and came inside, the sight that greeted his eyes greatly astonished him. His utter amazement was neither because of the two people sparring nor the mess they’ve created in the room, but that Bing Lian is unexpectedly in the hands of Qing Mo! On closer look, Qing Mo is not highly-skilled with the sword, but it seemed as if Bing Lian is a part of her body, the person and the sword as one, displaying the maximum formidable power of the person and the sword, the tall Han Shu obviously had no chance, he dodged away from them in defeat.

Could it be that Qing Mo is the chosen one of Bing Lian? Is it really her? Su Ren’s profound eyes calmly watched the fierce, petite woman, if she is, then it does not seem too bad.

A whiff of cold air suddenly wafted in the room, the startled Su Ren finally recovered his composure, chuckled and said: “Stop otherwise, this house will be torn down by both of you.”

Han Shu already having retreated away earlier, Gu Yun was admiring the sharp cutting edge of Bing Lian, when Su Ren came and spoke, Gu Yun was already putting down the sword. Looking at the trail of devastation left in the room, Gu Yun felt also somewhat embarrassed, nevertheless Su Ren did not seem to mind the mess, his eyes fixed on Bing Lian in Gu Yun’s hands, he laughed: “What do you think of this sword?”

Gu Yun voiced out her satisfaction, she praised: “Very sharp.”

“And?” Su Ren continued to ask.

Gu Yun regarded Bing Lian’s spotlessly white sword blade, smiled and said: “Very beautiful.”

“Don’t you think it’s cold?” Just standing on its side, Su Ren felt already the surge of biting coldness, did she not feel it?

Cold?! Gu Yun fondly stroked the long sword, the slight cool feeling is very comfortable. She shook her head, amused she replied: “Cold is gross exaggeration! The most one could say is that it is a little cool. In the summer it is just right!”

She just felt it a little cool! Su Ren inwardly sighed, it appears that she really is the chosen mistress of Bing Lian.

Casting a quick sidelong glance at the panting person, standing in the sides, yet not forgetting to glare at the tall, strong man, Gu Yun asked: “Who is this boorish fellow?”

She called him a boorish fellow? Han Shu was just about to flip out, Su Ren’s neither light nor heavy words straightaway stupefied him.

“Sister-in-law, he is the big brother’s trusted second-in-command, Han Shu.”

“Sister-in-law?” Han Shu stood stiff on the spot, his eyes almost popped out. The general got married? How come they were not aware of it?

“Su Ren, what’s wrong with you?” Gu Yun’s brow twisted, since when did she become his sister-in-law?

Su Ren with a look of confirmation on his face replied: “You are currently placed in the manor as the only woman of eldest brother, if you are not the general’s lady, then who are you?” The most important thing is that you are the chosen mistress of Bing Lian, who dares to say that you are not the general’s wife?!

“I do not have any relationship with Su Ling, you should not spread rumors!”

Su Ren shrugged his shoulders, his face with an ambiguous expression on it he replied: “This will have to wait until eldest brother returns, both of you will carefully deliberate on the matter, and how will outsiders like us know the truth of this situation?”

Damn it! Su Ren is so sure, she dreads he is not a man who talks randomly! Taking a deep breath, Gu Yun told herself to remain calm, to talk more about this matter to him is pointless. Gu Yun placed the long sword in her hands on top of a low, small table, the only one left undamaged, she did not want to start talking about it, immediately spoke of the things she wanted, “I need fifty ten-feet long thick hemp ropes, five hundred daggers, get them ready for me tomorrow morning before mao shi[3].”

“Tomorrow morning?” Is it really that urgent?

Gu Yun who was already in foul mood, after hearing his hesitation, replied bluntly: “Does the entire Su family army lack even these basic supplies?”

“You…” Unable to bear her arrogant countenance, Han Shu roared again, however Su Ren’s hand stopped him, Su Ren just listened to her, politely smiled and said: “We do have them. Certainly these will be delivered tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks.” Expressing gratitude completely lacking in sincerity, Gu Yun turned around and left.

Su Ren gazed at the long sword lying on the low, small table, his eyes twinkled, facing the departing back of Gu Yun he cried out: “This sword! If you like, you can take it with you.” Gu Yun’s footsteps halted, without turning around, nonchalantly retorted: “A gentleman who does not take things forcibly is a good person, but I would appreciate it if the things are delivered on time tomorrow in the forest.”

Considering her totally disinterested words, her figure leaving casually, Su Ren is inwardly stumped for words, to his knowledge and experience there has not been anyone who ignores sharp Bing Lian afterwards, but also one who does not get puzzled by it! Seriously, is she really this carefree and easygoing?

Taking note of Su Ren’s deferential treatment to Qing Mo, Han Shu is somewhat convinced now, that the arrogant woman is indeed the general’s wife, recalling her words before she left, Han Shu asked: “She wants so much ropes and daggers, what for?”

Su Ren thoughtlessly replied: “She and the third brother have a competition in training new army recruits, it will last for half a month.”

“Training soldiers with ropes and daggers?” Han Shu stared blankly for a moment, then he laughed out loud, “I admit her martial arts is indeed not weak, but to practice martial arts and to train soldiers are two quite different things, how can a woman possibly train soldiers?” Dismissing Gu Yun, Han Shu is now more interested in the silvery white sword, after all it is a precious weapon, unexpectedly it was so ferocious.

Su Ren turned around, just in time to catch sight of Han Shu reaching out his hand to Bing Lian, immediately he yelled: “Do not touch it!” Unfortunately it was still too late, Han Shu has already grabbed the scabbard.

“Ah…” After a blood-curdling screech, peng, Bing Lian fell to the ground.

“So icy! So icy!” Han Shu stared disbelievingly at his already red, frost-bitten hands, at a loss he looked inquiringly to Su Ren, bewildered he asked: “Why was she all right holding it?” She even held it for a long time, remarking it was only a bit cool!

Su Ren went to the bed, folded the silk bedding into a thick pad, walked beside Bing Lian and picked it up, quickly he hanged it back on the wall, even in this way, he still felt the bitter coldness, his ten fingers were frozen stiff. Gently rubbing his fingers, Su Ren faintly replied: “Perhaps it is – a will of heaven!”

Bing Lian is acting strange this time, Chi Xue must have already sensed it, right? For the first time Su Ren is hoping that big brother returns home in a hurry.

[1] Halberd – a long-handled weapon with pointed tip and crescent blade, a combined spear and battle-ax

[2] Chi Xue (赤血) lit. means red blood; in the novel referring to the fire sword of Su Ling

[3] Mao shi – between 5-7 am in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in ancient times in China