Chapter 89: Progressing Westward

Chapter 89: Progressing Westward

After sending his daughter, Li Jingtian, away, Li Xiangping found himself besieged by an unease that disrupted his meditation attempts. Unable to find peace, he finally rose and summoned his men.

Chen Donghe, who had been standing guard outside the tent in his armor, responded promptly to Li Xiangping’s call, “Yes, Family Head?”

“Any news from the scouts yet?”

Chen Donghe shook his head and replied, “None.”

“It has been two hours since we’ve last heard from Lichuankou Village. Send someone to check on it.” Li Xiangping shook his head and watched Chen Donghe leave to execute the order.

Jianixi’s victory two days ago should have left his forces depleted. He can’t be launching an eastward assault so soon, right? And with our scouts scattered throughout the western mountains, how could silence prevail?

Li Xiangping rose to his feet and donned his armor. Watching the burning fire in the brazier that cast a red glow over his eyes, his heart skipped a beast as he considered the worst possibilities looming on the horizon.

“That man has battled through the northern foothills for over a decade and claimed countless victories. Judging him by common sense is folly. I better withdraw the troops across the river first.”

Picking up his long saber and carrying his Ebony Bow on his back, Li Xiangping yelled, “Beat the drums!”

The call to arms was sounded. Drums echoed, rallying the troops. As Li Xiangping emerged from his tent, he was met with Chen Donghe’s urgent approach.

“Family Master!”

Chen Donghe stepped forward, his voice filled with shock as he leaned in to whisper, “Lichuankou Village has fallen under the control of Mount Yue, and the scouts we’ve sent there have been killed. There are two to three thousand enemy soldiers stationed on the other side of the river, and they’ve destroyed several bridges. Our escape route has been cut off!”

The news hit Li Xiangping like a thunderbolt. For a moment, he stood frozen, unable to speak. He gripped the hilt of his long saber so hard that his knuckles turned white.

“Has this news spread among our ranks?”

Chen Donghe shook his head vigorously and whispered back, “No. I’ve kept it under wraps, fearing it would demoralize the troops.”

With a deep exhale, Li Xiangping commanded, “Reorganize our troops.”

————

Li Xuanling, who was jolted awake by the jarring sound of shattered porcelain, found himself in a cold sweat. He sat up on the bed, staring blankly at the now-empty windowsill.

His older sister, Li Jingtian, was on her knees, carefully picking up the broken pieces of the teapot she had accidentally dropped.

“Sorry, I woke you up, Ling’er,” she murmured an apology.

With sweat beading on his forehead and body, Li Xuanling felt slightly more awake as a gust of cold wind blew in through the window.

“Sister, I saw so many corpses in my dream... Jianixi has defeated uncle and led his soldiers up the mountain, killing many of us.”

Li Jingtian’s concern intensified upon hearing his words, reflecting the fears that had kept her awake at night. She mustered a gentle smile and tried to soothe Li Xuanling.

Li Xuanling merely nodded half-heartedly. After a few moments of contemplative silence, he mumbled, “I’m going to take a leak.”

With that, he slipped out of bed and made his way to the backyard, avoiding Li Jingtian’s gaze.

In the solitude of the night, he came upon a worn wooden chair. Li Xuanling pursed his lips; it reminded him of Li Mutian’s absence.

Entering the room where the mirror was kept, the familiar scent of sandalwood and dim candlelight greeted him. His eyes fell upon the cold stone platform, atop which sat a small bluish-gray mirror, with white moonlight gathered around it.

He stood on his tiptoes, sticking his hands through the moonlight that felt rather cold, and carefully reached for the mirror. To his surprise, the dharma artifact felt warm in his hands.

Recalling his father’s words, Li Xuanling raised the mirror in his hands and solemnly recited,

“As a disciple of the Li Family, I, Li Xuanling, respectfully request the Profound Light to grant me the Supreme Yin Profound Light to vanquish evil, cleanse impurity, and subdue demons!”

In response, Lu Jiangxian nodded silently, granting his request. Li Xuanling felt himself lifted, soaring high above Lijing Town.

The tranquil moonlight bathed Lijing Town in a peaceful slumber, but Li Xuanling’s gaze was drawn to the distant Lichuankou Village, now overrun by Mount Yue’s forces. He observed two teams of soldiers clad in leather armor marching from the south. Their destination was unmistakably clear—Lijing Town.

Li Xuanling immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Shaking his head to clear his mind, he hastily withdrew from his heightened perspective and stowed the mirror in his arms before he hurriedly left the backyard.