CH 25

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Lin Rufei saw Xie Zhiyao. And also saw Lv Er, who had no life left, in his embrace. The snow-white bone sword on Xie Zhiyao’s waist was out of place amongst his black clothes. He was holding the sword in one hand and holding Lv Er against his chest with the other. His expression was sometimes cold and sometimes warm, almost like he was insane. 

Lin Rufei called his name from afar: “Zhiyao.”

But Xie Zhiyao did not hear him. He continued to stand in the courtyard. No one in the Xie residence dared to go forwards, all of them were far away as they kneeled to the new head of the family: “Family head.” 

Xie Zhiyao did not respond. He lowered his head and placed a kiss on Lv Er’s soft hair.  

Lin Rufei walked up to him and said quietly, “Zhiyao.”

Only then did Xie Zhiyao return to his senses. Seeing Lin Rufei standing in front of him, he said in a trance: “Why hasn’t Xiao Jiu left yet.”

Lin Rufei said: “I …… am a little worried about you.”

“Worried about me?” Xie Zhiyao said, “Why should you be worried about me? I’m fine, couldn’t …… be better.” He smiled brightly, with a look of innocence that could only be seen when he was a teenager. He continued. “Don’t you have other places to go to deliver the invitations? Today’s weather is good, it’s a perfect time to cross the Canglan River Gorge. In a few days, I’m afraid it will be the rainy season, then it will be inconvenient to cross the river.” 

From Moyu City to other places, one would have to walk through a treacherous waterway. In the waterway, there would be the occasional jiao[1]. As long as the boat encounters one, there would certainly be nine deaths and one life[2].   

“Give me the invitation.” Xie Zhiyao gave Lin Rufei a slight smile, “The Xie residence isn’t a good place, it’s better if you leave early.” 

Lin Rufei wanted to say something, but when he saw Xie Zhiyao and Lv Er, who was in his arms, he wasn’t able to say anything. In silence, he took out the invitation for the sword competition from his ring and handed it to Xie Zhiyao. Xie Zhiyao took the invitation and stuffed it casually into his sleeves. He randomly pulled a trembling servant over with his hand and expressionlessly ordered him to send Lin gongzi away, and then to find a reliable boat near the Canglan River to send Lin gongzi across. 

The servant trembled and answered yes.

After saying that, Xie Zhiyao left. His back was cold and determined. In the end, Lin Rufei was not able to call out the “Zhiyao” stuck in his throat. He returned to the room with a gloomy look. Gu Xuandu looked at the weather outside and said that the weather outside wasn’t bad, the sunset must be very beautiful.   

Lin Rufei raised his eyes to look, however, he saw that the sky was covered with dark clouds. The wind was howling, although it was not raining, no matter how one looked at it, it looked like a cloudy day. He said: “The weather is good?”

Gu Xuandu smiled: “Very good.”

Lin Rufei was dumbfounded. He was thinking that perhaps Gu Xuandu and that Xie Zhiyao might be able to hold a conversation with each other.

After being evicted by Xie Zhiyao so bluntly, Lin Rufei had wanted to talk to him again, but he refused to see him at all. He sent his servant to urge him to leave. 

With no more methods, Lin Rufei could only ask his maids to pack up his things and go to a tavern for the night, thinking that he would make plans tomorrow.

When they left the Xie residence, Yu Rui suddenly asked, “Hey, why are those two stone lions gone?”

Lin Rufei then noticed that the two stone beasts that were guarding the Xie residence were gone. His heart thumped and he had a vague sense of foreboding.

The wind was getting stronger and stronger. The lanterns hanging on the street rustle in response. It seems like there was going to be heavy rain soon. No matter how you look at it, it wasn’t good weather.

The servants of the Xie family booked the best room for Lin Rufei in the tavern. The room just so happened to be located in a direction where they could see the Xie residence. Lin Rufei sat on the edge of the bed with a sullen look and when his maids came to serve him food he had no appetite. 

As he looked and watched, he fell asleep. The sound of rain crackled outside the window and he was awakened from his dream by the heavy rain. Lin Rufei sleepily opened his eyes and in a daze, he saw a brilliant sunset that reflected half of the sky. The sunset was like blood. It was visible despite being covered by a curtain of rain. It was like a torn wound, bright and blinding. 

Lin Rufei instantly woke up. He jerked up from the bed. The cloak that was draped over his shoulders fell to the ground but he didn’t care.

This was no sunset, it was obviously the Xie residence on fire. Bright flames enveloped the entire Xie residence. People were screaming, people were roaring, and people were standing high up on the walls.

Lin Rufei saw Xie Zhiyao.

He was standing on the highest loft in the Xie residence. In his left hand, he was hugging the servant boy in green clothes ans in his right hand, he carried a jug of freshly unearthed Zhu Ye Qing. He gazed at the brightly colored evening sun in the sky. 

He seemed to have noticed Lin Rufei’s gaze. Xie Zhiyao turned his head towards Lin Rufei and revealed a vague smile. 

The rain gradually became heavier, but it couldn’t suppress the blazing fire that was created with sword Qi. The flame was like a fierce beast trapped within the entire Xie residence. It rushed and raged, devouring everything in its path. 

“It’s beautiful.” Gu Xuandu leaned against the window. His red clothes were like fire as he stroked the handle of Gu Yu and the handle of Shuang Jiang hanging at his waist. He said softly, “The weather really is good.” 

He had actually guessed what Xie Zhiyao was going to do.

Lin Rufei stood in place. His cheeks were lapped by the cold wind mixed with rainwater, but he did not feel the cold. Rather, he felt the steaming heat rushing towards his face. The fire in the Xie residence burned everything and from then on, the Xie family no longer exists in Moyu City.  

The Xie residence burned all night and even when dawn came, the fire still did not dissipate. 

Xie Zhiyao had disappeared. He took Lv Er and disappeared together. Before he left, he set a big fire which burned down the place where he and Lv Er had grown up since childhood.

Outsiders all seemed to be confused as to why he would do this.

Xie Zhiyao was already on the eighth level of cultivation and was already the head of the Xie family. He had to be crazy to do such a thing like cutting off his own future.

Was he crazy? Lin Rufei really couldn’t say. He only remembered that that day, the evening sunset in the rain was indeed amazingly beautiful.

The fire burned for three days, so Lin Rufei watched for three days.

It was only when the fire had finally dissipated and only the wreckage of the Xie’s residence was left behind that Lin Rufei departed from Moyu.

It was still raining, and the horses’ hooves clattered against the green stone slabs. This was Lin Rufei’s last memory of Xie Zhiyao. It wasn’t until many years later, that Lin Rufei vaguely heard some news about Xie Zhiyao.

They say that in Jianghu, a white-haired madman suddenly appeared. He carried a bunch of withered bones on his back and would destroy all the halls that the Xie family set up in various places. Not only would he kill but he would also set a big fire. He would sit on the wall watching the flames burn everything to the ground and leave laughing loudly.  

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Some people have seen the madman’s appearance, saying that he was a handsome young man, especially the white ancient sword around his waist. He was especially conspicuous, but no one knew his name.

Lin Rufei, however, knew the name of that madman. His name was Xie Zhiyao and he was once a very good chess player. Only later, when he lost the most important bone[3] in his life, did he go crazy. 

The mountains were high and the roads were far. The miles were long and sometimes when people parted, it became a lifetime. 

Lin Rufei sat in the carriage, drinking the new tea brewed by Fu Hua.

The rain began to fall three days ago and it still had not stopped. This year’s plum rain came extraordinarily early. The rain wasn’t heavy, but it was continuous. When it starts it could continue for half a month. Lin Rufei was bored in the carriage and felt that he was about to grow mushrooms. 

But this was God’s matter, he couldn’t do anything about it. Gu Xuandu was smiling and asked if he wanted to see the sun. However, a few days ago, when Gu Xuandu praised the good weather in Moyu City, it was filled with firelight. This made Lin Rufei be on guard and asked him what he wanted to do.

But Gu Xuandu was full of innocence and said he just wanted to let Lin Rufei get some sunshine.

Lin Rufei said: “Are you trying to make this matter difficult for God?” 

Gu Xuandu said, “How do you know if we don’t try?”

Lin Rufei said: “No need, no need. I think the weather is fine.” He didn’t want to see another big fire.

Gu Xuandu wanted to persuade him again, but when he saw Lin Rufei’s firmness, he had to regretfully stop.

Moyu City was located on the westernmost part of the Yaoguang continent. In order to enter the Central Plains, one needed to pass through a very dangerous waterway, which was the Canglan River mentioned by Xie Zhiyao.

The Canglan River was located between two steep canyons. It had turbulent water with reefs all over the place and evil scorpions hiding underneath, making it really dangerous.

These days it was rainy and the waves were turbid. Many merchants and pedestrians were afraid to travel. The carriage was nearing the shore so Lin Rufei opened the umbrella and looked around. The muddy river was mast and mighty. On top of the steep cliff, you could even see countless white bones hanging on it. He looked for a boatman to ask, only to learn that the water was too strong these days and the evil jiao at the bottom of the river had killed a boat full of merchants. It wasn’t enough that it ate their meat, it also had hung their bones on the cliff. 

“This evil jiao dares to be so domineering?” Fu Hua frowned, “No one can control it?”

“How can we control it, ah. It eats people based on its mood. If it is in a good mood, we wouldn’t see its shadow for a few years. If it is in a bad moon, as long as they dare cross the river, they will suffer. ” As the boatman said this he sighed helplessly, “The recent weather is very strange, it continued to rain for several days and we haven’t been able to see the sun. The evil jiao is in a very poor mood, these days it has been causing rolling waters…….it ate dozens of people and is still not appeased.” 

Lin Rufei wondered: “How long has it been here?”

“Almost a few hundred years, rumor has it that this evil jiao should have turned into a dragon a hundred years ago. However, in the end, it offended the Heavenly Ruler. The Heavenly Ruler cut off one of its horns and it was dragged here to become a guardian beast of the river. ” The boatman sighed and told the story of a hundred years ago, “Sadly, the Heavenly Ruler fell, now there is no one controlling this evil jiao as it stirs up trouble in the river…..” 

Lin Rufei said, “Then these days, we will not be able to leave?” 

“Can’t leave, can’t leave.” The boatman shook his head, “Who dares to leave, ah. Even if they pay extra, if there is no life then there is nowhere to spend it. Even the immortals who can fly with a sword are not spared—if we mortals with ordinary bodies wanted to cross that river, isn’t that just sending food to it?!” 

Lin Rufei listened with a slight frown. He was distressed and didn’t know when this evil jiao would stop. Gu Xuandu, who was standing behind him, spoke out casually: “If Xiao Jiu wants to leave, naturally he will be able to.”

Lin Rufei looked at him.

“Xiao Jiu doesn’t believe me?” Gu Xuandu smiled and said, “Besides, this evil jiao is also considered my acquaintance. If we talk with him, maybe there’ll be a way.”

Lin Rufei thought about it and nodded slightly. He told Fu Hua and Yu Rui to first go to the inn for some food.

Recently, it was impossible to cross the river and a large number of merchants were stranded in the inns on both sides of the river. The lobby of the inn was bustling with people drinking and chatting. It was noisy.

As soon as Lin Rufei and his two maids entered, he attracted many eyes.

There were both good intentions and malice in these stares, however, most of them were curious as they gawked. It was said that where there are people, there is Jianghu. Then this inn was a small Jianghu.  

When the Xiao Er[4] saw these noble guests, he eagerly served tea and asked whether they’re here to eat or stay. Fu Hua ordered two upper rooms and instructed Yu Rui to go with the Xiao Er to organize the rooms, saying that young master was going to use it tonight. She stood behind Lin Rufei with an icy expression, stopping all the inquisitive gazes.

A handsome weak nobleman with a continuous cough and two pretty maids with beautiful faces, such a combination would inevitably attract the attention of all the people outside.

Lin Rufei sat down at the table, picked up a cup of tea, and took a sip. He also ordered some food. The inn’s tea tasted bland, it was naturally not as good as the new tea they brought with them. However, the food tasted pretty good, especially the marinated crispy beef. If it could be paired with some really good wine, it would definitely be delicious. 

It was a pity that Lin Rufei was still coughing so he did not dare drink wine. Such a shame.

As Lin Rufei was thinking, the smell of wine brushed past his nose. Lin Rufei followed the smell and saw a young man in a short shirt. He carried a wine gourd in his hand and smiled as he stared at him. As he felt Lin Rufei’s stare, he wobbled over and came up to Lin Rufei: “Gongzi wants to cross the river?”

Lin Rufei said, “Yes.”

“I can send you across the river.” The young man’s body smelled strongly of alcohol, but his black eyes were bright, “I promise you’ll be okay.”

Lin Rufei said, “Oh, are you serious?”

The young man said, “Of course, I’m serious—”

Before he could finish speaking, the people around him laughed loudly. Someone said with a smile, “Jiang Chaoer, don’t talk big, do you think you are as good as your father? Even a powerful boatman like your father died in the mouth of the jiao—”

The people’s taunts became more and more sarcastic: “Little doll, with your three-legged cat[5] kung fu, you dare to take people across the river? Not afraid that the jiao will be angry and swallow you all? Your life might not matter but don’t delay the gongzi-ge[6].”

“Yes. You’re just a hairless brat, how dare you say crazy things, I think it will rain for another half a month. In this half a month, which boatman dares to cross the river!”

“Jiang Chaoer, do you think that your father’s death was not bad enough? Not even the bones of his body have been found ……”

All kinds of words came over earth-shatteringly. The young man called Jiang Chaoer was not angry. He still looked at Lin Rufei with a smile. He was thin and did not look too old and was similar to Lin Rufei when he was a teenager. He laughed: “Gongzi, don’t listen to their nonsense. They have less guts than that egg. Once they see the jiao, they are scared to death. I’m afraid we’ll have to wait until next year if we count on them.”

Lin Rufei was a little curious: “How come you’re so sure?”

Jiang Chaoer thumped on his not-so-strong chest and said that his family have been boatmen for generations. His ancestors were, grandfather was, father was, now it was his turn. The evil jiao started to rage so no one dared to cross and only his family dared.

When people heard this, they started to become rowdy again, saying, “Don’t listen to him talk big, his whole family died on the river. If you believe his bullsh**, you’ll die in the Canglan River!”

Jiang Chaoer spat out: “You group of egg shrews. You’re just afraid to go yourself so why are you still intervening in other people’s business—”

Someone laughed: “Aren’t we just afraid that the Jiang family will end here!” 

The crowd laughed. Jiang Chaoer was not angry and let out a cheeky laugh or two himself. He pointed at the person and mocked: “You married three years ago yet there is still no news. I think the straw bag here is you, most likely all that straw is stuffed in you bulging crotch! The chicken in your house, who doesn’t lay eggs, found you, this pile of straw, which I guess is appropriate!” 

(t/n: this had a lot to unpack so I decided to explain it here rather than a footnote. Basically, a straw bag also means an idiot, JCE is calling that man an idiot, I didn’t want to just put “idiot” otherwise the next part about stuffing the straw wouldn’t make sense. The chicken was referring to his wife, who can’t give birth. And that it was appropriate because she found him, who was a pile of straw. Because a pile of straw can’t make babies @[email protected])

When vulgar people start swearing, it becomes very interesting. Although Jiang Chaoer was not a strong man, his mouth was very powerful, and he could say anything. He made the people who were mocking him earlier turn red and white. If it wasn’t for the fact that he was just a half-grown child, most likely they would all roll up their sleeves and fight him. 

Lin Rufei has never seen this kind of formation so he listened with great interest.

Jiang Chaoer got tired of scolding and shyly went to Lin Rufei to ask for water. Lin Rufei chuckled and said, “Don’t you have wine in the gourd?”

Jiang Chaoer shook his gourd and muttered, “There is not much left. The gods have not rewarded food this month …… one sip equals one sip less.”

Lin Rufei thought about it and called the Xiao Er to bring a few jugs of the best wine in the store. Jiang Chaoer brightened up and showed some embarrassment, “Why did gongzi suddenly invite me to drink?”

Lin Rufei smiled and said, “I am still too sick to drink. Since you like it so much, drink some more for me. If you are willing, we can also talk about the matter regarding the Canglan River.”

Jiang Chaoer hurriedly nodded and drank several cups. He also chewed two pieces of marinated beef and gesticulated while he talked to Lin Rufei about the ferry and the evil jiao in the Canglan River.

The struggle between the humans and this evil jiao has lasted for a hundred years. It’s not like the locals haven’t thought about asking an exiled immortal to kill the evil jiao. However, the jiao was strong and he was also in water, which he was familiar with. They were afraid that only an exiled immortal with the eighth level of cultivation could subdue him.  

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But the level eight immortal cultivators only live in the legends. The lifetime of a mortal was short, even if they live their whole life, they have yet to see one or two. 

Helpless, the people living by the river came up with various ways to get by the evil jiao and cross the treacherous Canglan River.

After he finished the story, the wine was also almost finished. Touching his bulging belly, he blinked his big eyes and asked if gongzi wanted to take his boat across the river. 

Lin Rufei said, “I’ll think about it overnight and give you an answer.”

“Good, good.” Jiang Chaoer laughed, “Gongzi, I might be small but I am really amazing.” He gave a small hiccup, “I’m sure …… I can get you across the river without any problems.”

Lin Rufei smiled and nodded his head.

Only then did Jiang Chaoer reluctantly walk away. 

Gu Xuandu said, “The rain has stopped. Let’s go for a walk?”

Lin Rufei said, “Okay.”

He called Fu Hua and told her that he wanted to go out for a walk alone.

Fu Hua was a little worried about Lin Rufei’s safety, but seeing his firm attitude, she had no choice but to agree.

After leaving the inn, it was quite clear outside. At this time the night was getting dark and the sound of waves resounded along the Canglan River. Across the shore, he could still smell a strong scent of fishy water.

“That child is somehow interesting.” Lin Rufei said while walking, “He has high spirits.”

Gu Xuandu said, “He’s a little guy who’s not afraid of death.”

Lin Rufei just smiled and didn’t say anything.

Gu Xuandu asked, “Do you really believe he can take you across?”

Lin Rufei shook his head.

Gu Xuandu said, “Then why don’t you just give him an answer.”

Lin Rufei said, “It’s not a bad thing to leave some hope for the lovely child.” Besides, there was wine and meat, so why spoil the fun.

Gu Xuandu laughed and said, “That’s true.”

The two of them walked to the riverside. Looking high and far, they saw the Canglan River which gradually blended with the night. The river was turbulent as it slammed heavily against the river bank. And on the steep cliffs, one or two sharp ape cries could occasionally be heard.

Lin Rufei rarely saw such beautiful lively water. It was dangerous, but also quite magnificent and majestic. Gu Xuandu stood by his side. He suddenly opened his mouth and let out a “huh.”

Lin Rufei said, “What?”

Gu Xuandu said, “Someone is crossing the river.”

Lin Rufei said, “Crossing the river?”

He looked down carefully. There actually was a flimsy ferry boat on the dark river with a thin boatman wearing a hat and holding an oar in his hand. He was fighting against the fierce turbulence. Lin Rufei was surprised: “Isn’t this the Jiang Chaoer who was at the inn?…….”

Gu Xuandu gave a faint smile: “They named him well.”

It was indeed Jiang Chaoer. On the most turbulent night, he quietly got on the boat, and he was the only one on the boat. The Canglan River was treacherous, not only was the current fast but there were countless underwater reefs. Even the most experienced boatmen didn’t dare cross at night. Jiang Chaoer was thin and small. As he stood on a small boat, it was like a rapid wave would capsize him any moment. It made people feel like their hearts were hanging in their throats. 

“There will be no accident, right?” Lin Rufei kind of liked that child so he was slightly worried.

Gu Xuandu shook his head, indicating that he also didn’t dare guarantee.

Both of them were initially a little worried about whether Jiang Chaoer would be tipped over into the river by the next wave. However, after watching for a while, they could see he had a knack for it.

That Jiang Chaoer obviously knows the Canglan River extremely well. He bypassed every possible place where there were underwater reefs. His thin figure stood on board as he separately swung the heavy oar in his hand and resisted one big wave after another. 

The turbid waves could not break a small fishing boat. Jiang Chaoer was scampering on it, at first glance it was as if he would be killed at any moment. However, after watching for a long time, they could see that there was a special rhythm to it. It was as if the majestic river beneath his feet, became something he could easily ride. Although it was wild and untamed, in the end, it could not escape his hand.

Jiang Chaoer, fortunately, was not an insult to his name and was really a master of the tides.

(t/n: his name means River Tide)

Gu Xuandu also watched with great interest and said, “You’re right, this child is indeed a bit interesting.”

Lin Rufei said, “In such a dark river, he doesn’t need to hold a light?”

“He can’t hold a light.” Gu Xuandu said, “The little guy in the river is sensitive to lights. Whoever dares to disturb his sleep at night ……” He raised his hand and pointed to the white dead bones hanging on the shore, indicating that this was their fate.

“You know this jiao?” Lin Rufei remembered Gu Xuandu said that this jiao was his old acquaintance.

“I do know him, but our relationship isn’t very good.” Gu Xuandu laughed.

Lin Rufei said: “How bad is it?”

Gu Xuandu thought about it: “If I had to say, I guess he wouldn’t even give me a bone.”

Lin Rufei thought to himself, That is pretty bad.

As they spoke, Jiang Chaoer had disappeared around the corner of the river bank with the sudden waves. They didn’t know when he would return.

“However, we can give Jiang Chaoer’s boat a try.” Gu Xuandu said, “I don’t like this inn.”

“Why don’t you like it?” Lin Rufei said.

Gu Xuandu turned his head to look at him, “Because the people in the inn all like to stare at you. It makes me want to gouge their eyes out.”

Lin Rufei was stunned and met Gu Xuandu’s eyes.

Gu Xuandu said lightly, “Just kidding.”

Lin Rufei: “Are you really kidding?”

Gu Xuandu: “Really.”

Lin Rufei: “……” Why did he think that the last sentence was a joke?

********

The author has something to say:  

Gu Xuandu: I like you

Lin Rufei: Really?

Gu Xuandu: I’m just joking.

Lin Rufei: ……. Really?

Gu Xuandu: I lied.

Lin Rufei: ?

Gu Xuandu: I wasn’t joking.