Chapter 12

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Heavenly lightning attracts earthly fire [1]

Huo Linfeng had been eating green vegetables and tofu for a while, so once Du Zheng set the table full with delicacies, he couldn’t get used to it.

Pork generously fermented in soy sauce with a side of chili sauce, cool slices of plum and watermelon, lotus roots dipped in sugar, tender fish, and roasted goose… altogether, there were about seven or eight dishes. Du Zheng poured the wine and was absolutely ecstatic: “Young Master, hurry and eat. This meal is on the house.”

Huo Linfeng was already gnawing on a piece of goose: “On the house?”

“Yeah.” Du Zheng used his chin to point at the door, “The innkeeper is rather shrewd!”

Now that Huo Linfeng’s entry to Extraordinary Palace was set in stone, the innkeeper wouldn’t dare to offend. Not only did they not dare to offend, they even treated him with the utmost care, hoping to get on his good side.

The roasted goose emitted a delicious fragrance. Huo Linfeng finished eating a piece before picking up a slice of pork and started chewing away. His keen eyes lost their sharpness as he looked around lazily. His arrogance dispersed too, leaving only the feeling of fatigue behind.

After exhausting his energy fighting, he relaxed so much it felt like he fell into a void. Du Zheng chanted prayers under his breath before reminding: “Young Master, go dip it in some chili sauce.”

Huo Linfeng obediently dipped some sauce, but still showed no reaction even when he dipped a lot. Du Zheng shuffled over and helped massage his shoulders with his rough hands, trying to knead that scattered soul back together. After a long time, when the plate of pork had nearly been finished, he finally let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

He’s alive, he’s alive. Du Zheng paid attention to serve him. He leaned in closer, giving off a foolish appearance, and fished out a slightly green peach from the water in the porcelain basin. He dried it off before handing it over: “Young Master, wake up a little. What are you thinking about?”

Huo Linfeng took it over and said frankly: “Rong Luoyun.” He took a bite. The sourness was enough to even shock the dead alive. Now that he had pulled out of his daze, he threw the peach away and hurriedly grabbed a piece of sweetened lotus root.

Du Zheng questioned: “Young Master, what are you thinking about Rong Luoyun for?”

Of course, there was nothing much about a bandit to think about, but Huo Linfeng was confused. Why didn’t Rong Luoyun give back the handkerchief? It has already been two days. They had even spoken with each other, so how come he hadn’t said anything all this time? Could it be that Rong Luoyun simply never picked it up?

Du Zheng said: “Perhaps he took a liking to it and kept it.”

Huo Linfeng snorted coldly. Rong Luoyun had even raped and killed. He probably has countless handkerchiefs that he picked up from the women’s chambers. He fears that he even hoards their undergarments.

Nevermind, that gray handkerchief with the ginkgo leaf wasn’t his to begin with. It was perhaps destined for him to lose it. He drank another bowl of fish broth, finishing off this delicious meal. He fetched his sword and went to the window to clean it of the blood that accumulated the past two days.

The piece of deer leather was in a small bag. Huo Linfeng reached his hand in and explored around. After rummaging for a while, he found five to six embroidered handkerchiefs of the same grass green color. He had been talking about handkerchiefs for half the day, yet there were actually this many hidden here.

When Du Zheng saw this, he was aghast. His face turned redder than the chili dip. He discarded his chopsticks and dove over to seize the handkerchief. He covered it up in his arms and dared not look at Huo Linfeng’s expression. Huo Linfeng picked up another piece of pork and said snidely, “Did you embroider them?”

Smoke sprouted from his seven orifices [2]. Du Zheng stammered: “I, how would I know how to?” He was so ashamed that he couldn’t even stand steady and acted like he was dancing on hot coals. “It, it was given to me by Mei Zi…”

A servant girl and a manservant, gossiping together under the windowsill, talking to each other as if no one else in the world existed but them. Huo Linfeng still remembered that moment and had taken it as two kindred spirits hitting it off. It turns out they had even exchanged keepsakes. He thought, for a soul living an arduous life to find another soul and to be able to alleviate some of the difficulties of the secular world, how wonderful would that be?

Unfortunately, their return date was unknown. Just to repay for previous favors, he had left behind such an important thing. He felt bothered: “You just had to insist on coming. The losses outweigh the gains.”

Du Zheng shook his head fiercely: “Serving Young Master is more important.” He hugged the handkerchiefs and smiled foolishly, “Mei Zi gives me the ones that she messed up the embroidery on. She can’t bear to give away the prettier ones.”

He came to Huo Linfeng and spoke as if coaxing a baby: “Young Master, don’t dwell on the gray handkerchief anymore. Here, you can pick one.”

Huo Lingfeng evaded that person who was acting like a filial daughter, but he still dejectedly chose one. The handkerchief had the word “Du” crookedly sewn on the corner. He placed it away properly and went to clean his Jueming Sword before going to sleep early.

The next day, Huo Linfeng went alone to the Extraordinary Palace and met with Ruan Ni and Zou Lin outside the Palace. Although all three were victors, it was still unknown who the title of “first-class Great Disciple” would fall under. They each pondered on this.

As they drew closer to the hour of chen [3], a string of footsteps could be heard inside. The heavy palace gates slowly opened.

The disciple who had opened the gates welcomed them in. Zou Lin and Ruan Ni walked ahead while Huo Linfeng lagged behind with heavy footsteps. Before he stepped over the threshold, he couldn’t help but turn back and look carefully at the crystal blue sky.

The heavy gates behind them slowly closed. In front of them, the first set of inner gates was tightly shut, leaving the three of them in between.

Huo Linfeng lightly raised his eyes toward the high wall. His gaze had not reached its destination when his ears had already picked up abnormal moments. Diao Yuliang dropped down, his small figure holding a long spear. He slashed out rapidly, leaving the three with no time to prepare.

On top of the high wall, Lu Zhun had freshened up and was neat and tidy. He tied up his hair and was hugging his two scimitars. He bent his head down to watch and caught something fishy, scolding: “Fourth Bro! Why aren’t you going for Du Zhong!”

With his bet placed on him, he had been enticed by that precious silver… Diao Yuliang looked ashamed and didn’t dare be so biased anymore. He grit his teeth and attacked. After half an incense’s time, Diao Yuliang put away his spear: “After passing all three gates, remember to get your clothes mended.”

Ruan Ni’s white clothes and Zou Lin’s dark robes both had numerous cuts and slashes on the front and back. Huo Linfeng examined himself and discovered that there was a rip on one arm. Diao Yuliang opened the first inner gate. As he did so, Lu Zhun leapt down from the wall and landed inside the gates.

He laughed breezily and started with an old saying: “This road belongs to me. If you wish to pass, pay the toll.”

After he spoke, he moved. His blade flashed as fast as lightning. Huo Linfeng had already seen his fighting style before. This Little God of Wealth could move so fast the weapons in his hands became mere blurs. Ruan Ni took the initiative to fend off the attack. His silver hooks met the scimitars as the two handsome youths engaged in battle.

Lu Zhun felt conflicted. If he won, he would be contradicting the words he said earlier. If he purposely lost, then Second Brother would berate him for giving in to personal wants… What a mess. But in the end, Second Brother was more important. He no longer showed mercy and the scimitar wounded Ruan Ni’s left shoulder.

Huo Linfeng had long since grown impatient. That day, he had hidden in the trees and didn’t get the chance to fight face to face with him, but now, he finally could avenge the twenty Imperial Vanguards. He sprang into motion. He kept his sword sheathed and used only fifty percent of his internal energy, but all of his brute strength.

The moment their shoulders collided, Lu Zhun let out a pained groan as this rapid attack knocked the air out of him. Huo Linfeng did not stop. He sent a swift palm towards the other and sent Lu Zhun flying ten steps back.

Lu Zhun groaned as he gasped with difficulty, staring unbelievably at Huo Linfeng.

Huo Linfeng held his hand and put on an ashamed expression: “This lowly one has been improper. Forgive me, Palace Lord.”

Without asking for permission, he went to open the second gate. The gate opened a crack, revealing the spacious area behind it. A jade-like figure with the aura of tranquility stood in the distance with a sword in hand.

Rong Luoyun’s eyelids were thin. The moments of his eyes could be seen underneath. The glance he shot over carried the freshness of cool spring water. “Ruan Ni is still bleeding, is it serious?” He asked.

It was still “Ruan Ni”, yet Rong Luoyun had called out his name coldly and indifferently, with not a hint of warmth.

Ruan Ni’s face showed nothing. Without saying any more, he stepped out to fight. Rong Luoyun did not show any leniency either. The moment his sword shot it, it could be seen that his speed was so fast it could put Lu Zhun to shame.

Huo Linfeng observed quietly. Rong Luoyun was radiating with killing intent. No matter who his opponent was, he always displayed the desire to claim their life as if his hatred for that person was as deep as the blood sea.

Ruan Ni was tiring out, so Zou Lin took over. Rong Luoyun came to a stop, his gaze icy cold. He said haughtily: “Don’t waste my time, there’s still one more person waiting.”

Huo Linfeng had watched unmoving on the side. Rong Luoyun gave him a look as if he was telling him to please wait another moment. “Uh,” Huo Linfeng resolved, “I can wait.”

Rong Luoyun shook his sleeves as he fought. He retracted his gaze and said: “I can’t.”

Huo Linfeng felt a little startled. It seems like Rong Luoyun wanted to test his swordplay. At this moment, Zou Lin slashed out his whip. The whip trembled slightly as qi enveloped it. Zou Lin’s body swayed about lightly, his advancing and retreating steps strange. Every move he made was odd, causing Huo Linfeng to be surprised.

Drunken Snake Devouring Frost, the chilling whip coiled itself onto Rong Luoyun’s long sword and up his lower arm. Rong Luoyun was just like a cat with its hairs standing up and suddenly felt furious. He unexpectedly grabbed the tail of the whip. The whip was covered in thorns, so it was no different from grabbing a sharp blade with bare hands. The whip curled, cutting into the crook of Rong Luoyun’s hand. Blood seeped from the wound, pitter-pattering onto the ground.

That was one of Zou Lin’s best moves. After suffering an utter defeat, he was almost beaten back out the gate.

Rong Luoyun had no intention of stopping. He pointed his sword at Huo Linfeng: “Du Zhong?”

Huo Linfeng answered: “Yes.”

Rong Luoyun lifted his chin: “Draw your sword.”

Huo Linfeng unsheathed his Jueming Sword. The past two days of lazy fighting had been quite dull, but now, he could finally have a worthy fight. The two swords were drawn simultaneously. They fought with no restraint like two dragons entangling in a fierce fight. Not a single move was just for show. Each attack carried great power and each blow of the sword carried the intent to kill.

Rong Luoyun flashed forward, his blade brushing past Huo Linfeng’s chest, causing the other to suck in a breath. He slowed his movements a little before turning his face over, sparing no time to provoke him: “What’s that move you made the other day called?”

— It was called Dingbei Startling Gale.

But, Huo Linfeng couldn’t say this. He asked instead: “Does the Palace Lord want to try it?”

Rong Luoyun grew annoyed: “I’ve been waiting for you all day!” His sword struck as if it could split the clouds of heaven. This was his Cloud Cleaving Swordplay.

Huo Linfeng met the attack. The two sources of powerful internal energy clashed like fire and water. A silvery white light flashed as the walls on the side crumbled in a thundering crash. Smoke permeated the air. It was truly like heavenly lightning attracting earthly fire. The swordplay techniques the two had used were quite different, yet both led to the same result.

Their swords clashed. Both Huo Linfeng and Rong Luoyun fought excitedly as debris littered down around them. Huo Linfeng felt distracted as he lowered his eyes, examining Rong Luoyun’s bleeding right hand.

After the sword qi had completely dispersed, Rong Luoyun took a few steps back. Huo Linfeng looked at him and seemed to detect a subtle, almost undetectable hint of admiration.

Three gates had been opened, leaving one more shut.

Duan Huaike carried no weapons and only had his jade flask hanging on his waist: “The three of you can fight me together.”

That storyteller had said, in the time it took to walk seven steps, this person could shock one’s heart and puncture one’s lungs. Huo Linfeng had also run into his profound internal energy once before. The three drew closer and surrounded Duan Huaike. As they got closer, they suddenly felt the surrounding air change, as if the wind had turned into sharp blades.

Zou Lin and Ruan Ni had already sustained heavy injuries. The Drunken Snake Devouring Frost had been grabbed by the neck and strangled. That move had cost most of Zou Lin’s energy, leaving his energy expanse empty. With Ruan Ni’s weak state, those silver hooks won’t even be able to catch a carp. The two couldn’t withstand this power and immediately choked up blood.

This was purely a battle of internal energy. Huo Linfeng’s robes trembled, causing the handkerchief tucked in its lapels to fall out. He knew of the principle to hide one’s talents until needed and held on for a while before admitting defeat.

The four Palace Lords had appeared together. From the depths of the Palace, all the disciples gathered forth.

Duan Huaike declared: “Du Zhong, Ruan Ni, and Zou Lin would be part of the Extraordinary Palace from today onwards.” He turned to Huo Linfeng and smiled, “Du Zhong will take over Xu Zheng’s position and be appointed as the first-class Great Disciple.”

The gongs were put away and the drumbeats ceased. Huo Linfeng suddenly felt doubtful about whether or not he had made the right decision. He did not listen to the rest of the speech and stood there, lost in thought, until the ceremony drew to a close.

Everyone walked forward into the Palace, yet Rong Luoyun walked left a few steps and picked up the handkerchief that had fallen on the ground. He turned around and said: “Du Zhong, you dropped your handkerchief again.”

Huo Linfeng snapped out of it and arrived in front of the other. He reached out to take it but couldn’t help but stop his movements. Rong Luoyun’s hand was bleeding, so the handkerchief was now covered in blood.

His mouth twitched. He took over the handkerchief and rolled it up. When Rong Luoyun was just about to retract his hand back, Huo Linfeng gently wrapped the handkerchief around the wound.

The warm satiny blood rubbed onto his hand making it hard for him to bandage it tightly. Only then did he speak: “I’ll just bandage the wound up for the Palace Lord.”

After wrapping it up neatly and tying a knot, he had basically just rowed the boat along with the current [4].

Rong Luoyun examined his finger. A corner of the handkerchief peeked out from the small knot.

He couldn’t help but curl his finger… that corner of the handkerchief followed his movements with a small sway.

Translator’s Notes: Many thanks to @tao.rum for editing this chapter!

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