Wang Shixiong paid respects with incense at the monument on the divine path, recalling his acquaintance with Marshal Han, their friendship, and mutual respect. He felt ashamed of the three trusts mentioned in the Marshal's dying wish: to defend Chuzhou, which was now precarious; to launch a northern expedition, which the court's appeasement policy prevented; and to mourn the departed, whose eternal rest he feared was disturbed. The scent of hair, footsteps as silent as falling leaves… "Can you finish your worship and then proceed elsewhere? Do not disturb the eternal slumber of the heroic spirits," Lin Chaoying appeared, remarking, "Merely a subordinate serving the Zhao emperor." Wang Shixiong stated sternly, "Does the Marshal who spent his life defending the nation and its people not deserve reverence? Does the female general who, after being poisoned and with her intestines spilling out, wrapped them with a sweatcloth and continued to fight not deserve admiration?" Reprimanded twice, Lin Chaoying did not become angry but rather felt the depth of his sincerity.
Facing her silent gaze, Wang Shixiong's body flushed, and he quickly turned away. He heard her ask, "Lady Liang Hongyu was a dancer; did she leave any martial arts techniques derived from dance?" Bewildered, he shook his head and replied, "I only heard Marshal Han mention that his wife beat drums to repel the enemy, along with some of their daily trivialities."
Lin Chaoying said, "I've heard of 'Beating Drums to Repel Jin Soldiers.' Hmm, was he worried that his wife, beating drums and waving flags from the deck of a boat, would be unable to bear the strain, or even be shot by Jin Wuzhu? And that she might later accuse him of 'losing an opportunity and letting the enemy escape' – he would deserve it!" Wang Shixiong, never having heard such an argument, was struck dumb. Lin Chaoying inquired curiously, "What trivialities did they share?" Wang Shixiong then recounted how, after Liang Hongyu's death, Han Shizhong, in grief, smashed the xiao flute she had left behind to sever his memories and focus on his career. Lin Chaoying disagreed, stating, "Smashing her xiao flute might prevent longing, but it also killed any chance of remembrance. That's too selfish! Wouldn't it be better to transform longing into strength?"
Seeing her eloquent demeanor…
"Is there anything else?"
Hearing her ask again, Wang Shixiong told the story of how Liang Hongyu, finding Han Shizhong's snoring like a tiger's, made him sleep in the military camp. Lin Chaoying retorted, "She clearly knew his wife mocked his 'snoring like a tiger' because she feared he would be needed to care for her if she fell ill in the night, disrupting his rest and his duty in Chuzhou. How could he bear to comply and move to the military camp, leaving her alone to face her illness? Even if driven away, he should have waited outside the door, outside the house." Suddenly hearing Wang Shixiong's sigh, she abruptly realized she had spoken too much; in a typical ten-day period, she wouldn't have said this much.
Wang Shixiong comforted her, "The way couples interact varies; even their own children cannot fully understand it, let alone outsiders." Lin Chaoying felt as if a warm current had flowed into her, saying, "My father died shortly after I was born, and my mother succumbed to illness five years later. I was raised by my grandmother." Wang Shixiong's affection grew, and he said, "I apologize!" Lin Chaoying replied, "It's really nothing. Children from Youxu Cave have to leave their parents at four to seek apprenticeships with the Xiang family. After marriage, couples are allowed to meet no more than five days a month to ensure focus on their missions." Wang Shixiong indignantly exclaimed, "Such a severance of humanity is why they cultivate such cold-blooded and heartless disciples. Should you not consider whether you are complicit in aiding a cruel regime?" Lin Chaoying coldly laughed, "Were those who pursued and slaughtered the remaining people of Southern Tang for Zhao Guangyi not complicit?" Alas, let it be. It's time to act. "Go to the mountain slope five li to the south and await your death." With that, Lin Chaoying drifted away like a dark cloud.
Orphaned at a young age and forced to undergo brutal training and indoctrination with twisted logic, it was no wonder she was so erratic and indifferent. Regardless of what the future held, she had to be stopped from continuing her evil deeds. As soon as he crossed the woods, he was met with a move called "The Bud Hidden Beneath the Leaf." Wang Shixiong advanced by retreating. Lin Chaoying, having anticipated this, spun and slashed at his left shoulder and waist. Wang Shixiong, also expecting her to change tactics, suddenly turned to the right and moved backward. Thus, their backs collided, and their shoulders brushed. Her shoulder resting against him, a smile welled up from the bottom of Wang Shixiong's heart. Seeing this, Lin Chaoying was both ashamed and furious, quickly launching a series of killing blows.
After fighting for about ten moves, Lin Chaoying realized his strange techniques indeed exploited the weaknesses of the Youxu Cave sword style. However, he did not seize the opportunity to attack; instead, he seemed to be hinting at something. This was more enjoyable and beneficial than fighting to the death during sparring sessions with fellow disciples. Wang Shixiong was also pleased to meet such an opponent for exchange. He suddenly remembered that he had invited the stewards and high-ranking officials of the Weiwu Alliance from the Huaihe East and West Routes and the Liangzhe East Route through Meng Hanguang to come for worship. He intended to use this opportunity to discuss borrowing manpower and supplies to alleviate the crisis in Chuzhou. If they encountered her, it would inevitably cause complications and conflict with her. Wang Shixiong had a change of thought, feinted several thrusts, then drew a circle, leaping to a distance. He lowered his sword, cupped his fist, and said, "Since the victor has not been decided, let us end here today. We shall fight again four days later at the Xianyi Jian in Lingyan Temple. Farewell!" Then, he quickly withdrew from the woods and leaped down the slope.
Lin Chaoying stood frozen on the spot, not pursuing. "You look down on me! Think I can't kill you? Fine, I'll go through Grandmother Ancestor's notes and see what tricks I can find to take your head next time."
Lin Chaoying headed north to Xianyi Jian, observing the environment to strategize for the decisive battle, aiming for a single blow to kill the enemy and complete her mission. While thinking, she reached Lang Gong Zhai. Seeing the sun setting, she found a cave to rest and began to diligently practice new moves. First, she recalled all his moves, then simulated their movements, and finally used her own martial arts to counter them. Her mood was excited. After practicing all night, she rested briefly, then took out Li Jincuo's notes, pondering the methods mentioned in the last section: "Find the enemy's opening, exploit the enemy's weakness."
As she contemplated the moves to subdue him, his impertinent, flirtatious smile suddenly appeared in her mind. She wanted to wave her hand to slap him, but his face changed, becoming righteous and indignant, as if scolding her for every action that violated his principles. Angrily turning to leave, he blocked her at the cave entrance. Glaring at him as he approached step by step, his lecherous face asking about her well-being. Ah, he actually rubbed her hand, and she had no power to resist? He pulled her hard, and she couldn't help but fall into his chest, which had once washed away bloodstains, feeling that warmth… How could the renowned "Number One Protector of Chuzhou" commit such a vile act? The dream shattered, and the morning light shone into the cave. It was another morning.
Lin Chaoying emerged from the cave and walked to the cliff edge, taking a deep breath of fresh air. She rejoiced that it was all just a dream, yet felt a sense of loss that it was only a dream. Hearing the sound of hooves, she looked down at the mountain path. Wasn't the rider Wang Shixiong? Lin Chaoying, shocked and angered, used her Qinggong to chase him. The horse's speed was not fast, and within a few leaps, she blocked his path.