CH 21

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“Gu Shan from heaven deserves all the praise. It has a thousand coverings for picking up flowers among its endless forms. The white and tender hands handing medicine curing people. In his dark sleeve……”

This is the tenth time that Wen Chan has heard this limerick poem since he got on the boat. He stood by the boat rail expressionless, pretending to look around at the scenery, but he disliked it1 very much in his heart. Some unknown person wrote this poem. It lacked any meaningful content or artistic conception, so why did people always recite it over and over again?

Obviously, other people didn’t have his way of thinking. They got together in twos and threes and enthusiastically discussed the personas of Jianghu.

In the past few days in Jianghu, as long as you go out of the inn, no matter wherever you go, you can hear the names of the four major personas circulating there. Wen Chan was influenced by such an environment, and naturally, he also had some understanding of these people.

Apart from the “Young Master Qianmian” who had been introduced in detail before and the “the highly skilled doctor Su Shou” that Wen Chan himself knew, he wasn’t very familiar with the other two, “Dark Sleeved Yama” and the “immortal Gu Shan”.

Among them, the immortal Gu Shan is the most sought after and praised by the people of Jianghu and most of the people who admired him were women. When he is mentioned, it is nothing more than praises such as “an immortal who descended to the world, unparalleled in the world, outstandingly handsome, and capable of causing the downfall of a city or state2.”

The previous ones could be understood by Wen Chan, but the last one… He couldn’t figure it out. How can you describe a man as being able to cause the downfall of a city or state? Is he that beautiful or handsome?

After hearing about the immortal Gu Shan from many people, Wen Chan fused all the similarities and removed some exaggerations. It was roughly summarised as such; Gu Shan was good-looking, to the point where he looked like an immortal who had descended to the world and he possessed a luxurious white fan3.

He wasn’t sure if it was a coincidence or not, but among the people Wen Chan knew, there was one person who fit these characteristics, and he was so talented that Wen Chan once thought that this person was a living immortal.

Wen Chan was still thinking about whether he could meet that person again in this life when his thoughts were interrupted by Ah Fu. He walked to Wen Chan and raised his fan above Wen Chan to shield them from the sun, “Young Master, the sun is shining bright here. Why don’t we go and stand under the eaves of the boat?”

Wen Chan turned his head to look at Ah Fu and saw that his expression was a little pale, but he was not vomiting in a disorderly manner as he had before. Wen Chan then said, “It’s okay, it is quite spacious here. Go sit and don’t walk around, be careful to not become nauseous again ”

The boat was indeed large, but with there being so many people aboard, many were forced next to each other in the boat, and the two rows of seats were crowded. Wen Chen didn’t like to be crammed in between people. So he would rather stand in the sun. Fortunately, the owner said that Taohua Island can be reached in about half an hour and that the torture was just for a short time.

Ah Fu didn’t want to leave, and so they stubbornly stood by Wen Chan’s side. The two have been practising martial arts since their childhood and didn’t even notice the bright shining of the sun at all, standing straight like a pine tree.

The rumour had it that the experts of the world are all in the courts, and the heroes of the world were in the martial arts circle. The rumour itself was not unreasonable, The guards responsible for protecting the emperor’s heir in the imperial court have been trained since young, their martial arts skills and etiquette training extremely strict, before finally, they are graded among a group of their peers, and then only those who stand at the top are qualified to become the imperial bodyguards of the emperor’s heir.

Qin Qi and Shu Hua were chosen as the best after different stages of the selection process. The strengths of the two are almost the same. But if you were to discuss their shortcomings, it was nothing more than a small gap between the light footwork of Qin Qi, and the faster swordsmanship of Shu Hua.

With those two people standing there and when compared with the bodyguards of ordinary households, you can clearly make out the ups and downs.

Wen Chan was lying on the railing, feeling idle and bored when he suddenly heard a noise coming through.

“Look. There’s a boat over there!”

“Ai! That is the Dan family’s boat! ”

“How do you know? Have you seen it before? ”

“Are you blind? Didn’t you see the two big words “Bai Xiao” on the body of the boat? ”

“Oh! Really, the people of the Bai Xiao Sect are still as rich as ever…”

Wen Chan saw a lot of people gathered at the prow of the boat. Looking far into the distance, he saw a vermilion-colored boat slowly catching up. The boat was half the size of the one they were riding on, but it was very luxurious, the roof of the boat was bright yellow, and big red lanterns hung from each of the four upturned corners. The bow of the boat was so high and said bow was inlaid with dark red carnelian4 stone. The body of the boat was deep red in colour with two large marble white characters engraved in the middle—”Bai Xiao”

On the deck of the boat, there were two rows of people rowing oars, their movements consistent and orderly, and soon the rowers caught up to the boat that Wen Chan was riding.

Wen Chan’s gaze followed the boat, slowly turning from the right to the left.

“The Dan family lived in Jinling. It really is a bit like Royal behaviour to be able to bring a boat to such a faraway place.”

“Isn’t it true? The secret of Xi Liang is stored in Bai Xiao. People who ask the Bai Xiao Sect every day can queue from early morning to late night. I don’t know how much money they make in a day! ”

“Which one is better when we compare this Dan family to the royal treasury?”

“I don’t know if it’s the sect master who came this time…”

“I guess that most likely it is the young master of the Bai Xiao Sect. Some people said they saw him a few days ago. ”

In an instant, the people gathered at the boat’s railing and filled that place. One after another, they extended out their heads and gazed at the boat. The central part of the boat tilted suddenly. When the captain of the boat saw that the situation was wrong, he hurriedly shouted, “Some people go over there! The boat is going to tilt!”

It’s a pity that only a few people paid attention to him.

It would sound fake if he said that he didn’t envy them. Wen Chan thought that it would be great if he came out with his identity. He would take control of the boat with the identity of the Ninth Royal Highness and he would let these people see what a real royal attitude looks like.

Oh right, the iced pickled plum must be included as well……

After thinking about it for a while, Wen Chan took Ah Fu and the others into the boat. At this time, many people went out to see the Dan family’s boat, and a lot of seats were empty in the boat.

The Dan family’s boat gradually left the field of vision and went far ahead. Everyone saw that there was nothing worth seeing. After chatting about it for a while, they returned to their original place, but there were so many people that no one remembered the original position. As long as they saw an empty seat, they sat down there.

Qin Qi and Shu Hua sat on both sides, guarding Wen Chan and Ah Fu between them. They were as heavy as boulders. No matter how others squeezed them, they didn’t even move a bit.

Don’t know if they were provoked by the speed of the Dan family’s boat. The boat, which originally took about half an hour, actually arrived at the ferry crossing of Wuyue Island a lot earlier, putting everyone on the boat in high spirits, and they got down from the boat while laughing and playing.

The area of Wuyue Island was very large, of which the area was divided into the outer island and the inner island. The outer island is composed of several small cities, so as soon as you go out from the ferry crossing, you would enter Bafang City at once.

Even though this city was small, the degree of bustling wasn’t inferior to that of Fengcheng. Wen Chan and the four of them went into the city and walked about for half a circle since they did not want to rent a carriage, but in the end, they couldn’t help it, and after resting in the teahouse for half an hour, they bought four horses.

Not many people stop at the outer island, and at present, it is the fifth day of June and the Meeting of the Heroes would start in a few days. Taking into account that it would take a few days to get from the outer island to the inner island, Wen Chan calculated that if he hurries up now, he can still be in time for the opening of the Meeting of the Heroes.

Since they are already here, the excitement is bound to happen. Wen Chan bought a horse for a trial ride, just letting the horse’s hooves be free and allowing it to run for a while. Unexpectedly it ran out of Bafang City and when it stopped, there was only a white trail with weeds surrounding it.

Just as Wen Chan was thinking about whether he should go back and ask for directions, Ah Fu suddenly pointed to the ground and said, “Young master, we can follow the chariot prints on the road. In any case, we all are going to the Meeting of the Heroes.5”

Wen Chan’s eyes lit up and he glanced at Ah Fu with praise in his eyes, thinking that he was really smart once in a while. So he also dispelled the idea of going back and followed the chariot’s print. He had heard people say that this time the Meeting of the Heroes was going to be held in a city. If you want to go to the city, you need to pass through the Great Valley. If you go forward like this and see the Great Valley, it proves that you have not gone the wrong way.

It’s a pity that it backfired6. Wen Chan didn’t expect that this clever road would come to an end. He stared at the grass in front of him and didn’t know what to do.

It was verdant and lush meadow as far as the eye could see. There are obvious traces of wheels on it, but the traces ran in two directions, one to the left and one to the right.

“Young master, which way shall we go? ” Ah Fu asked from the side.

“I’m also thinking about this problem…” Wen Chan’s expression looked solemn, and then he picked up the thoughts that he had left before. He didn’t know if it was practical to go back to Bafang City and ask for directions.……

“It is indeed really strange. Why weren’t there any people here from the beginning to the end?” Qin Qi led the horse to take two steps forward, and muttered in a low voice, “We only took a half-hour break. It is reasonable to say that we should not be out of touch with the big team. ”

Wen Chen thought that Qin Qi had a point. There were so many people going to the Meeting of the Heroes and they completely filled two boats! So why can’t they see anyone at that moment?

“Why don’t we go back to the city first.” Shu Hua suggested.

At this moment, this suggestion was the safest. If you choose the wrong path at will, wouldn’t it be a waste of time? After considering the profits and losses, Wen Chan made up his mind to return to Bafang City.

Just when he was about to speak, Qin Qi suddenly said, “Look, Young Master. Someone is coming.”

Wen Chan was overjoyed, and when he followed the direction to which Qin Qi pointed, he saw an ox that was black from head to foot coming over slowly.

The ox’s body was very large and it’s horns were thick and long. As it walked, it would bow its head to eat grass. On the back of the ox lay a young man in a black robe, with one hand hanging down, and a circle of gold ribbons was embroidered on his wide sleeves which were swaying[footntoe]the ribbon was swaying[/footntoe].

He covered his face with his other hand. His long black hair was tied with a golden headband, which was let loose casually, and looked very unorganised.

Now that someone was there, they could ask for directions. Wen Chan said with a sigh of relief, and urged the horse to go to the old black ox, “This young man, can you tell me how to go to the Meeting of the Heroes?”

The person lying on the back of the ox moved lazily and sat up slowly before he then turned his head to look at Wen Chan. Surprisingly his lips were red and his teeth were white. His facial features were exquisite, and there was a somewhat laziness on his handsome face7, “En? Are you guys lost?”

“I’m here to participate in the Heroes’ Meeting. I am here at Wuyue island for the first time. I accidentally came here as it is an unfamiliar place with no friends or family. I hope my son will show me a clear way.” Wen Chan said.

The young man looked at him with a smile in his eyes, and stretched out a finger of his right hand to point, “That way.”

“Thank you very much, young man. I wonder if this young man could tell me your name. If we meet again one day, I will definitely thank you for his guidance.” Wen Chen asked a lot of people’s names along the way, so much so that he is now very proficient at it.

But that young man didn’t say anything, just continuing to lie on the back of the cow, covering his face with his sleeves. His muffled voice came through, “We just met by chance due to fate, and as for the name… If I still get a chance to meet you again, then I will tell the young man next time. ”

“Okay.” Knowing that the people of Jianghu valued the word “fate” a lot, Wen Chan didn’t insist. After saying goodbye, he took a few people along with him and left.

After walking away, Ah Fu looked back at the man lying on the back of the ox, and asked anxiously, “Young master, is the way pointed out by that man credible?”

“I don’t know if it is credible or not. But why would he harm a stranger he has never seen before.” Wen Chan hesitated a little, “Let’s travel this way for a short distance and if we don’t see the Great Valley, we’ll go back. That’s it.”

However, facts proved that reason is not necessary to harm others, and a dark-hearted person is simply unreasonable while harming others.

Wen Chan got into trouble due to this handsome young man whom he had never met before. He speeded up the horse hoofs to walk for ages until the sunset in the west of the mountain. He definitely couldn’t see the so-called Great Valley. Instead, there were several small hills in front of him. He sighed up being completely beaten and changed the direction of his horse, “That’s it. Let’s go back to Bafang City for the night and let’s hasten on with our journey tomorrow. ”

Wen Chen, who had just come out of the house for a month, had already deeply felt the sinister nature of Jianghu.

The remaining three had no complaints. They immediately turned around when they heard Wen chan’s words, and waited for Wen Chan to leave first.

“Wait! ” Shu Hua frowned, and said solemnly, “Someone is coming.”

“Someone again?” Wen Chan raised his eyebrows and said, “Those people have nothing to do with us. I don’t believe in the path pointed by others anymore. Let’s go first.”

“No, there are a lot of people here this time.” Shu Hua turned their heads and listened carefully for a while. His expression changed instantly, and he said to Wen chan, “I’m afraid they are mountain bandits.”

After listening to the words of Shu Hua, Wen Chan almost collapsed. Just as he was about to speak, the heavy sounds of a group of horseshoes hitting the ground quickly approached. He looked for it and saw a group of people rushing from behind the mountain on horseback. All of them were roaring and screaming terribly. Some of them held bright swords, and the dust was flying behind the horses.

Shu Hua drew out his long swords with a swish, “Qin Qi, get out of here with the young master first!” As he said, he was about to rush up to meet the enemy head-on.

“Stop! Shu Hua!” Wen Chan shouted out loud and stopped him. He said, “There are too many people on the other side. So don’t start a fight with them!”

Qin Qi hurriedly said, “The bandits are inhumane8and murderous9. If we fall into their hands, I am afraid it will turn out disastrous10!”

Ah Fu was also frightened and he suddenly shouted, “Your Highness! Let’s go quickly!”

“Don’t panic!” Wen Chan calmed down his voice and glanced around, “Our horses can’t outrun them. If we run away blindly, they will still catch up in the end. Mountain bandits usually just come for money. Let’s see what they want first.”

The three subordinates didn’t agree with him very much, but they didn’t dare to disobey his orders. They stayed there for a while. Seeing that the bandits were getting closer, Wen Chan whispered, “Shu Hua, put away the sword!”

Shu Hua glanced at him and then put away his sword reluctantly. He turned over and dismounted his horse to stand in front of Wen Chan’s horse.

When the mountain bandits rushed in front of them, they were just stationed there properly. Neither did they panic nor did they flee. They just piled up all their packages together.

The leader of the mountain bandits wore plain sleeveless cotton clothing and he looked somewhat simple and honest. He didn’t look like a mountain bandit but instead, he looked like an honest woodcutter. He first glanced at the package on the ground, and then asked, “Why didn’t you guys escape?”