Chapter 9

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Surprise encounter in the inn

The Dragon Ensnaring Formation was placed out for eight whole days. A group of disciples was stationed behind the Extraordinary Palace’s main entrance, the east, and west inner walls each. The space in the rear mountains, where Rong Luoyun’s garden resided, would be guarded by himself.

His garden was called the “Nameless Abode.” It was paved with milky white gravel and had seven or eight ginkgo trees planted. The yellow leaves and white stone gave the simple residence some color. Rong Luoyun came out of the house and stopped under the eaves. He looked up and held up the small bowl in his hand.

The magpie nest on the roof was bustling with excitement. In the corner of the courtyard, there was a fortress-like birdcage. After the magpies ate their fill, he then went to the cage to feed the carrier pigeons. He beckoned to them by mimicking the calls of a bird and came to realize that Beans, who he had sent to Chang’an, had yet to return.

His ears twitched. Rong Luoyun listened to the sounds outside the door and saw Duan Huaike coming in carrying a food container. “Big Brother,” He called, putting down the bowl in his hands to receive his guest. He had intended to lead him into the hall, but Duan Huaike lifted his chin to point at the veranda.

The hall did not have a door. The surrounding veranda under its eaves contained two or three praying mats and a small blanket.

The two sat down together. The food box was opened, emitting a delicious smell. It was a warm bowl of vegetable noodles. Rong Luoyun picked it up and took a sip of soup. The way he ate was no different from the excited ways of the magpies and carrier pigeons. Duan Huaike couldn’t see him clearly in the darkness, so he stood to fetch a servant to light the lamps.

The Nameless Abode was lit brightly, both inside and outside. Rong Luoyun mumbled: “If you light it this brightly, no thieves would dare come.”

Duan Huaike said: “We’ve been guarding idly for a good eight days. We left everything dark for the past seven days, but did a single thief come?”

With his sore spot touched, Rong Luoyun lifted the corners of his eyes and gave the other an unhappy look. Duan Huaike chuckled as he plucked the jade flask off his waist and took a few swigs of wine. He looked around and asked: “That thief didn’t come, yet you guarded every night? Where’s your head?”

This question stumped Rong Luoyun, so he evaded it: “These noodles are so thin.”

The laughter in Duan Huaike’s eyes deepened as if he was saying, “don’t be like this.” On the second layer of the food box, there was a plate of honey candies. He said sarcastically: “These candies are so sweet.”

They were joking under the eaves when suddenly, a black shadow darted pass in the distance. Catching a glimpse out of the corner of his eyes, Rong Luoyun wanted to give chase, but Duan Huaike was a step faster: “Be good and eat your food.”

Without further ado, Duan Huaike swept away, catching up with the black shadow in a flash. Only then could he see clearly that it wasn’t a thief, but two palace disciples wearing black clothing, each with a paper flower stashed in their front pockets. He questioned: “What are you doing in the middle of the night?”

One of them replied: “Answering the Palace Lord, today is Xu Zheng-shixiong’s first death anniversary. We both received his kindness before and wanted to send our regards.”

Xu Zheng was the Extraordinary Palace’s first-class Great Disciple and had passed away a year ago. With the passing of dawn and dusk, morning and twilight, it had already been a whole year. Rong Luoyun caught up. He understood and ordered: “Then go, offer an incense in place for the First Palace Lord and I.”

After the two disciples left, Rong Luoyun and Duan Huaike stood facing each other, feeling a bit at a loss. Every year, there would always be disciples who lose their lives. When the old ones die, new ones replaced them. In fact, they had lost many and still are.

Duan Huaike thought of something: “Xu Zheng’s spot is still empty?”

Rong Luoyun hummed in response. Xu Zheng’s martial arts were rather good. The second-class disciples weren’t able to meet up to expectations, so they could only leave it empty. Duan Huaike listened pensively: “Presently, there’s still a thief to catch. In the future, we have to watch out for Huo Linfeng. The Palace needs more manpower.”

Rong Luoyun asked: “Big Brother’s meaning is…?”

Duan Huaike said: “Recruit new people and expand our forces.”

As to how they were going to recruit, the people of Jianghu loved to compare who was stronger and who was weaker. They can just set up a stage for them to compete.

In fact, Jianghu has martial arts competitions every year. It wasn’t uncommon, and when the time comes, it would be very lively. The whole of Xiqian Ridge had not had any big events lately. Spring is already here, so it’s time to make some ripples in these calm waters to show that thief and that general from the north who exactly the boss was here.

After making the decision, Duan Huaike went to draw up a plan, preparing to set it up as soon as possible.

Rong Luoyun remained standing there, gazing at the countless stars and the hanging moon and felt unwilling to return to his room. He strolled back under the eaves and finished eating his food. He picked over the small blanket and used the praying mat as a pillow as he laid down to watch the stars.

The magpies snuggled in their nest and the carrier pigeons returned to nestle in their cage. Just like that, he fell asleep.

Rong Luoyun slept on the mat for the whole night. The parts of his body touching the ground turned cold and rigid, waking him up. He staggered a few steps with the blanket draped around his shoulders and returned to the warmth of his room. He had just set foot through the door when he heard a “Second Brother.”

Ever since the theft, Lu Zhun had not dared to sleep so soundly anymore. He rarely went out, wishing he could spend every second guarding his Hidden Gold Pavilion. He entered the house and saw Rong Luoyun curled up on the bed, so he came and sat beside it: “Second Brother, Big Brother said he wanted to set up a martial arts competition and had called people to set up the platform earlier.”

Rong Luoyun hummed: “To recruit people to protect your money.”

Lu Zhun laughed: “Oi, don’t mock me. I’ve been watching so closely these days that it makes my head hurt when I see money.” He leaned closer to act spoiled, but got pulled in by the ear by Rong Luoyun instead, “Second Brother, your hand is so cold.”

Rong Luoyun asked: “I’ll hand the competition to you to prepare, how about it?”

Lu Zhun was delighted: “Really? I’ll immediately go get someone to oversee. Second Brother, trust me!”

Rong Luoyun smiled softly and released his hand, pointing to the table. Lu Zhun immediately scrambled to fetch paper and grind ink. Rong Luoyun was still cold from his sleep, so he wrapped the blanket around himself before coming to the table. He lifted the brush and wrote only one recruitment notice.

The Extraordinary Palace’s martial arts competition asks for the heroes of Jianghu. Opponents are self-chosen, and fights are fought to the end, regardless of life or death [1]. Along with a bestowment of a thousand taels of gold, the victor will become the Extraordinary Palace’s first-class Great Disciple and pledge to dedicate their lives to serve the Palace.

With a few sentences, he finished writing and put down his brush. He ordered: “Stick this on the city gates, then prepare the prize money.”

Lu Zhun looked distracted. That was a thousand taels of gold that he needed to give. First, he lost two thousand taels, and now another thousand. He held his breath and turned to Rong Luoyun. He had wanted to act nice and pitiful, but Rong Luoyun’s peach blossom eyes made his mind all muddled: “Sure thing… I’ll go prepare now.”

After laying everything out, Rong Luoyun went to the outer hall to boil water for tea, then went to his room to tidy up and change his clothes. Everywhere he went, Lu Zhun kept following him. He thought he had not explained clearly enough, so he repeated everything to him again. Even after explaining a second time, Lu Zhun still followed him all over the place.

He stopped to ask: “Do you need anything else?”

Lu Zhun grabbed his arm: “Second Brother, you must not think too highly of the future Great Disciple.”

Rong Luoyun was rather puzzled: “Why?”

Lu Zhun responded vaguely: “I used to be one of the Great Disciples too and was promoted by you to be a Palace Lord. If the new person is better than me… will they replace me?” His expression was filled with sorrow, mixed with a sliver of embarrassment. “I’m not afraid of losing my Palace Lord position, but that you won’t treat me the best anymore.”

No wonder he came so early in the morning, following his every step, yapping about this and that. It turns out he was worrying over this. Rong Luoyun patted his shoulder: “Third Bro, you’re like a blood-related younger brother to me. No one can replace you, not even Fourth Bro.”

Lu Zhun looked at Rong Luoyun and nodded his head earnestly. “Then I’ll be going…” He retreated as he spoke, afraid that Rong Luoyun would take back his words, “Second Brother, don’t lie to me. I’ll behave in the future.”

Rong Luoyun watched the other walk farther away and laughed in spite of himself for half the day.

Numerous people flocked over the moment the notice was posted. The city gate held a large crowd of people, the sound of discussion was never-ending. That “bestowment of a thousand taels of gold” was quite attractive. Besides the people of Jianghu who were striving to be the strongest, even the ordinary commoners were eager to give it a try.

In the distance, a pair of master and servant looked on curiously. They were Huo Linfeng and Du Zheng. Du Zheng wiggled his finger at the crowd: “Young Master, what’s everyone talking about? Can it be that they’ve posted a notice of your arrival?”

Huo Linfeng was skeptical. He walked to the front quickly and finally saw. “Martial arts contest for recruitment?” His eyes lit up. Since he had already come to Jianghu, of course he has to go fight the experts here. Isn’t this a godsend opportunity? He looked farther down, a bestowment of a thousand taels of gold. With that, wouldn’t they be able to pay off their room fees?

Back then in Saibei, there was his father guarding. If there are any enemies, they would have to pass his elder brother first. Huo Linfeng often believed he himself has outstanding talent. He was itching to give it a try and see exactly how much weight his Huo Clan has in this mortal world.

With that, Huo Linfeng took his little servant to return to the inn. They had not anticipated that there would be a group of people there. A figure clad in greenish-blue clothing was talking to the innkeeper. It was clearly Lu Zhun. Du Zheng was frightened: “Young Master, it can’t be that he had come to catch you for money?

Huo Linfeng entered the inn calmly with his steps steady. His internal energy spread out oppressively, causing Lu Zhun to turn his head over. Their eyes met and Lu Zhun took the initiative to look away: “Innkeeper, I’m renting this place for five days for a banquet for the heroes of Jianghu. Remember to prepare good wine.”

Huo Linfeng thought in his head, after losing two thousand taels, he’s still spending so magnanimously. This Little God of Wealth is indeed extravagant. As Lu Zhun finished talking, he turned over to survey Huo Linfeng before turning to a disciple to instruct: “Go back and notify the three Palace Lords to come over at noon for the banquet.”

The announcement was posted, the platform was set, the Extraordinary Palace’s banquet was about to start. Their sincerity was evident. On top of that, the four Palace Lords were attending the guests personally, causing the news to spread even faster.

Huo Linfeng listened from the side, but his thoughts were… Rong Luoyun is coming this afternoon?

That night, he had only gotten a mere glimpse and couldn’t confirm it was him. Would he finally be able to today?

The whole inn was so busy it could overturn the skies. Huo Linfeng and Du Zheng had shown their faces, yet the innkeeper had not uttered a word urging them about their room fee. “Young Master,” they returned to their room when Du Zheng impatiently asked, “Are we going to be able to eat at the banquet later?”

The majestic Little Marquis, reduced to eating a bandit’s food. Huo Linfeng, who had gone astray, said proudly: “Not only are we eating their feast, we’re also getting their thousand tael prize money.”

He lifted his head as he spoke and spotted a white pigeon flying by his window.

That was a carrier pigeon, which had flown more than a thousand li. It entered Xiqian Ridge and was flying in the southeast direction. It flew past the high wall and flitted over the courtyards and houses. At last, it spiraled down to the back of the mountain. Its black eyes turned as it flew towards the person standing beneath the ginkgo tree, letting out a soft cry.

Rong Luoyun extended his index finger and let it land, smiling as he asked: “Beans, Chang’an must have been too comfortable, you still know to come back?” He untied the letter tied to the bird’s leg and let the little thing fly free. He opened the note.

— Observe, don’t act. The two are irrelevant.

Rong Luoyun pondered on these words. At this moment, the disciple had come to report, informing him about the upcoming banquet. “Alright, prepare the horse,” He ordered before entering his room to change and burn the note.

The city was filled with busy clamor. The news had spread like wildfire. The street on which the inn was located was so packed that not even a drop of water could trickle through. Rong Luoyun came on his horse and seemed to have anticipated this, thus going in through the back gates.

“Second Brother, I’ve waited for you for so long!” Diao Yuliang barged out of nowhere and took his horse over to tie its reins. He then quickly led him inside. They entered the large hall and crisscrossed through the crowd. Duan Huaike was drinking wine with people while Lu Zhun held his scimitars as he discussed the accounts with the innkeeper.

Diao Yuliang said: “Second Brother, you’ve come so late. The banquet started a little before noon, and so far, the people that have come and gone have changed three times already.”

Rong Luoyun looked around. The loud chattering was too much for him to bear, so he found his way to the staircase, wanting to find a quiet place upstairs.

He ascended a few steps before turning a corner. There was no breeze, making the narrow space quite stuffy, but it was somewhat quieter. He lowered his head, and suddenly, the tips of a pair of boots entered his view. At that moment, his forehead bumped into someone’s shoulder, while his shoulder rubbed against the other’s chest.

Rong Luoyun retreated a step. He lifted his head slightly and stared blankly. The person in front of him was tall in stature. Underneath his sword-like eyebrows were a pair of deep-set eyes that seemed domineering yet untamed. His gaze carried great sincerity along with an evident whiff of arrogance.

Additionally, the other got a clear look at him and was also shocked.

This was the person who he had searched high and low for. Huo Linfeng composed himself. His lofty body stood in the other’s way and was even standing on a step higher, making it so he had to look down at the other. He thought, this person in front of him… was it really Rong Luoyun?

Thus, he asked: “My apologies. Are you okay?”

Rong Luoyun’s eyelashes fluttered as he pulled out of his daze: “I’m fine, excuse me.”

Huo Linfeng blocked his way unmovingly: “There’s no empty space upstairs, you don’t need to go up.”

Rong Luoyun replied: “It’s also full downstairs, you don’t need to go down either.”

Huo Linfeng pursed his lips to conceal his delight. In his head, the question still remained, is this Rong Luoyun or not? He coughed lightly and deliberately said: “I’m not eating at the banquet, but I’ve heard the Extraordinary Palace’s Second Palace Lord is quite ferocious-looking [2] and wanted to see for myself.”

Rong Luoyun stared blankly once again. He pushed down his anger, but couldn’t quite hide his blushing red face. He flicked his sleeves and dragged the other off the steps, stumbling and staggering, practically sticking to the other the whole way. He gave him a push and lightly said: “You’ve already seen him.”

Light was shed on the dark; he finally confirmed it.

Huo Linfeng said softly: “This lowly one was being reckless and had offended the Second Palace Lord.” Meeting Rong Luoyun’s eyes, he couldn’t help but lower his voice and spoke quietly, “When the martial arts competition starts in the coming days, I will apologize to the Palace Lord appropriately.”

With that, he turned to leave. Fearing that the other would forget about him, he fished out the handkerchief he kept in his bosom and threw it down as a reminder.

That tall figure came and went like the wind. Rong Luoyun was lost in thought as he stood alone in this corner. An item landed on the flight of stairs. He lifted his eyes to take a look and stared blankly for the third time.

Light gray the color of ash, embroidered with a ginkgo leaf… it was clearly his missing handkerchief.

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Notes

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