Emerging from the cave, Wang Chongyang surveyed his surroundings and recognized that he was in the dense forest leading to the high wall of the Duke of State’s mansion. Following the sounds, he witnessed Peng Tingyong being attacked by several Dark Swordsmen. He drew his sword and employed the "Golden Boy Swordplay," not only neutralizing their coordinated assault but also wounding two of them who were caught off guard.
"This man is a spy from Youxu Cave, who deceived all our sect leaders and chiefs into that accursed place, and then turned on us with the Jin dogs! Quick! Join forces to eliminate this villain!" Xiao Ziru, standing nearby, shouted. Some heeded the call and rose to attack. Wang Chongyang found himself in a difficult position, how could he strike at his fellow Song loyalists? He dodged left and right, plunging Peng Tingyong back into peril.
"Stop!" a middle-aged man roared. While defending himself, he urgently called out, "He is the 'Foremost Defender of Chuzhou'! He was able to restrain the Dark Swordsmen with a single move just now. We should unite now, do not divide!" The crowd ceased attacking Wang Chongyang, some realizing who he was, while others hoped for a rescuer. The man was Fang Lianzheng, the second leader of the Huiyu Gang, executing "Circuitous Peak Concealment" from his sect's supreme skill "Eight Concealments of Cloud Summoning"—where the enemy falls into a cloudy, precarious peak, their moves are disrupted, their strength dissipated, and their panicked strikes turn back upon themselves. Fu Sihuang, leading the team of Dark Swordsmen, seeing Wang Chongyang consistently gain the upper hand and Fang Lianzheng counter with precision and ferocity, whistled. The Dark Swordsmen, their faces veiled in black gauze, vanished in a sudden雁行阵 formation.
Fu Sihuang dispatched four people to scout in different directions and ordered the rest to return to their base. She quietly caught up with the swordsman heading east—unveiling herself, she waited amidst the trees. "Sister Huang." Though eight years had passed, the affection from being cared for since childhood remained.
Fu Sihuang asked, "You've infiltrated to learn more?" Lin Chaoying nodded. Fu Sihuang continued, "The Jin are advancing south and want a contingent of absolutely loyal personal guards. They promise to abandon the old pact of restoring Southern Tang after destroying Song and offer new terms: abolish the tripartite monopoly, allowing young individuals from non-three-surnamed families, and even people from other caves, to attain high positions, along with the glory of becoming ministers and marquises after Song's fall. Many stationed in Jin territory or dwelling in the mountains were naturally drawn to participate." She added, "The three prominent Jia families—Zhan, Li, and Dong—and their nine associates are currently residing at 'Qitu Mountain Manor.' I have been stationed in Jin territory for years, and for the past two to three months, I've been traveling with Nan Yu around Kaifeng Prefecture. My knowledge is limited." She paused, then said, "If you are determined to go back, see if you encounter Uncle Jiang. According to intelligence, he is still hiding in the mountainous area." The Uncle Jiang she spoke of was Jiang Chudao, the cave master of Youxu Cave.
Lin Chaoying replied, "I understand," and turned to leave.
Fu Sihuang lamented, "Eight years, why bother?" Could you, walking away, hear this?
The group returned to the abandoned academy with Xiao Ziru. The previously occupied wing rooms of Mi Yangxia were arranged for Peng Tingyong's treatment, overseen by the renowned physician "Ten Thousand Methods in Hand," Zu Yiju of the Niudao Gang, with Wang Chongyang assisting. After the treatment, they stepped out of the room. Xiao Ziru rushed to meet them. Zu Yiju stated, "The facial injuries will cause vision impairment in the left eye. Movement of the left arm and right leg is fine, but they cannot be used for martial arts. Other injuries will heal quickly." Xiao Ziru broke down sobbing and leaned against Wang Chongyang on his right, saying, "Paladin Peng has been harmed, Fragrance Master Peng is severely injured, and the Sect Master's fate inside is unknown..." Wang Chongyang felt it necessary to inform him of the situation, saying, "Sect Master An has already met his demise." However, he had only seen part of the events and hesitated to disclose the details, which might further inflame the enmity between the two groups. "May Heaven destroy Jing Tian Sect~~" Xiao Ziru wailed, gripping Wang Chongyang's arms. Wang Chongyang comforted him, "Brother Xiao, please accept my condolences. Fragrance Master Peng still needs your careful attention." Xiao Ziru said, "I hope Brother Shixiong will remember our sect's ties and look after this humble brother." Saying this, he bowed deeply and continued, "I was thrown into confusion by the sudden attack of the Dark Swordsmen earlier, making it difficult to discern right from wrong. I am deeply ashamed and beg for your forgiveness." Wang Chongyang helped him up, feeling a slight unease. Zu Yiju frowned, "The patient needs quiet rest. You two should talk elsewhere," and walked away.
As he moved towards the front hall, Wang Chongyang excused himself to relieve himself, separating from Xiao Ziru. He then swiftly circled the academy three times, but found no trace of Lin Chaoying anywhere. He fretted: had she seen him with the others and become angry again? Just then, a faint, sweet aroma of tea wafted to him. Recalling the situation in the cave, he wondered if she was perhaps brewing tea, waiting for him? Following the scent, he found Fang Lianzheng under the trees, handing a tea cup to Zu Yiju. Zu Yiju examined the surface of the tea, saying, "Your technique for drawing on the tea foam still lacks a bit of refinement. Truly, it's a wonder you were once a Hanlin scholar."
Fang Lianzheng chuckled, "I fell in love with this art simply because I got thirsty and greedy for drinks in recent years." Seeing Wang Chongyang arrive, he called out, "Brother Shixiong, please sit." He had called him this since serving in Chuzhou under the late Gang Master Xu, along with other local righteous men. Fang Lianzheng placed a tea-sized piece of tea powder in the bowl, poured in a small amount of hot water to form an even paste, then poured in more hot water while whisking with a tea whisk seven times until foam appeared. Finally, he drew a character "Yi" on top and presented it to Wang Chongyang. Wang Chongyang bowed to accept it, sniffed the aroma, and praised, "Excellent Fujian white tea." Fang Lianzheng replied, "It's Longqiu Ming from Mount Yandang, a gift from a classmate." Wang Chongyang thought of the pleasant tea and scenery with the fair maiden in the cave, his heart faltering. Fang Lianzheng recited, "Sprouting in the cold of winter, the monkeys are silent during harvest, the stone spring is fine for steaming. Kept secret in a silk pouch, shared with the family of Wu Liu." Wang Chongyang sipped the sweet broth while enjoying the fine verse, and could not help but respond, "Why must we strive to break through烦恼, this thing is pure and noble, unknown to the world." The two shared a knowing smile. Wang Chongyang said, "Gang Leader Fang..."
"Several years ago, after falling ill, the gang elders discussed it, and I have already retired as the second leader."
Wang Chongyang, seeing him readily disclose this, felt a little embarrassed to ask the reason. He continued with his original question, "I presume your brother from Mi Yangxia has been treated by the divine physician. How is his recovery progressing?" Fang Lianzheng replied, "By the time I arrived, he had already been killed." Wang Chongyang sighed, "A pity! Before your reinforcements could arrive, he fell victim to the Jin barbarians' vicious hands." Fang Lianzheng looked surprised, "He and Mao Dongli acted on their own initiative. I came to inquire; I never expected to rescue him." Wang Chongyang was also full of suspicion, "The origin of this scripture is unknown, and the rumors are absurd, confusing people's minds. It is difficult to determine at this moment whether it is a trap set by the Jin or if the Jin are using the opportunity to slaughter and seize the book." Seeing Fang Lianzheng leaning against a tree trunk and dozing off, he wondered: Was he overworked, or was something amiss?
"This is the illness he spoke of," Zu Yiju said. "Is it diabetes?" Wang Chongyang asked, "Are you discussing treatment?" Zu Yiju shook his head, "My Ten Thousand Methods in Hand only fears patients who are uncooperative." Wang Chongyang said, "Brother Fang is concerned about his country and dedicated to gang affairs. He should pay attention to his health. How can he not cooperate?" Zu Yiju explained, "Their gang's supreme skill, 'Eight Concealments of Cloud Summoning,' injures one organ to enliven one soul. Taking 'Circuitous Peak Concealment' as an example, it reverses liver blood and damages the heart and kidneys. Prolonged practice can lead to symptoms resembling diabetes." Wang Chongyang suddenly realized, recalling how the late Gang Master Xu was killed by a few low-ranking Jin soldiers, and wondered if it was related to this illness. Zu Yiju stated, "Martial arts should be: 'following heaven and earth, nurturing pure yin, yielding to adverse forces; gathering all things, cultivating extreme yang, resisting strange growth,' which is the superior path." Wang Chongyang commented, "Divine Physician Zu is concise and accurate. I am honored to learn from you." Zu Yiju replied, "You all focus on killing the enemy, while I study medicine to save the endangered. How can they be confused?"
"That is where you are mistaken," Fang Lianzheng said. He had just woken from a short nap and appeared full of energy. "Killing the enemy also stems from saving the endangered. Both knights-errant and physicians work to save." Zu Yiju scoffed, "Knights-errant prioritize swift revenge: the enemy dies, I live; physicians, by conscience, view all people equally, saving them with their own hands, while life and death are in the hands of heaven." Both Fang Lianzheng and Wang Chongyang felt the pang of "Knowing is not difficult, but acting is difficult." Zu Yiju glanced at them and said, "The gift of tea will not be owed," and rose to leave. Fang Lianzheng invited him to inspect the condition of the others. Wang Chongyang, concerned about Lin Chaoying's whereabouts, made an excuse and departed.
He had still not found her and worried she might be sulking and had gone to Longzhou alone. He even feared she had been ambushed by the Dark Swordsmen... Sensing someone following him, he quickly ducked into the bushes. "Brother Shixiong, it's me, don't misunderstand." Fang Lianzheng ran up to explain, "I saw you searching everywhere in the academy and guessed that I should follow to provide backup, in case those Dark Fiends were lying in ambush or attacking." Wang Chongyang felt awkward, unsure how to respond. He glanced at something in Fang Lianzheng's hand and changed the subject, "What is that bottle?" Fang Lianzheng gave a wry smile, poured some into a small cup he carried, and handed it to Wang Chongyang. Wang Chongyang recognized the ingredients, "There's yam and astragalus... Is this the tea Divine Physician Zu brewed for you?" Fang Lianzheng nodded, "Consider it a repayment for the tea gift. He said these two ingredients have the effect of benefiting Qi and treating thirst, and gave me two decoction recipes..." Wang Chongyang continued, "And then he turned and left." Fang Lianzheng gave a smile. Wang Chongyang couldn't resist the opportunity to advise him, "Inheriting your gang's supreme skills is important, but ruining your health and causing the gang's affairs to decline is also a betrayal of the hard work of your predecessors. I hope you can weigh the pros and cons."
"None of the previous gang leaders had this affliction," Fang Lianzheng said. He swept his right palm from his forehead down his face, then thought for a moment, "To be frank, three of the 'Eight Concealments of Cloud Summoning' were lost even before Gang Master Xu took office. When Gang Master Xu was killed, I had mastered two; after taking office, I practiced another, and then I developed this illness. The current Gang Master Ma and the elders, using the excuse of 'fear of worsening the condition,' forced me to abdicate and hand over the mental cultivation methods for the remaining two concealed techniques, which he would then practice." Though he spoke calmly, his fists were clenched. Wang Chongyang understood his friend's resentment at not being able to preserve what his teacher had left behind. He continued, "After the gang members reported the rumors here, Gang Master Ma believed this scripture was the lost three concealed techniques and secretly dispatched Mi Yangxia and another to come and seize it first." Wang Chongyang asked, "Did you come to retrieve this book as well?" Fang Lianzheng admitted, "That was one of my reasons, but I am more concerned about anyone colluding with the Jin's wicked sects to harm our Song brethren." Wang Chongyang dared not meet his gaze and reminded him, "But you cannot escape the suspicion of killing Mi Yangxia to prevent them from obtaining the book before you." Fang Lianzheng asked, "Do you believe I am capable of such a deed?" Wang Chongyang answered without hesitation, "I do." Fang Lianzheng replied, "Then rumors stop with the wise. What is there to fear?" Wang Chongyang sighed inwardly: You and I are both pawns defeated by schemes.
Fang Lianzheng said, "Xiao Ziru mentioned that you led a group of sect leaders and chiefs over the high wall three days ago, and there has been no news. What exactly happened?" Wang Chongyang recounted his experiences on the other side, but omitted anything related to Lin Chaoying. As for leaving, he claimed he fell into the water and was washed ashore on a rocky bank. Fang Lianzheng pondered, "It is difficult to infiltrate behind the wall, and there are also attacks from the Jin's wicked sects. It's no wonder Xiao Ziru's group, who stayed behind, planned to retreat for self-preservation." Wang Chongyang said, "This, however, goes against righteousness." Fang Lianzheng remarked, "They are merely subordinates or assistants within their respective gangs, with limited martial arts and abilities. Furthermore, it is ultimately their internal affairs, and they cannot make decisions for them." Seeing Wang Chongyang's expression change, Fang Lianzheng continued to speak frankly, "Your ambition is not to seize the scripture, and the Jin's conspiracy has already been revealed. You cannot control whether others stay or leave. Given this, it would be better to go to Wei Wu Alliance and see if you can offer any help." Wang Chongyang anxiously asked, "At the Xiangyang meeting, did the Yang Wu Gang act recklessly again and widen the rift between the two sides?" Fang Lianzheng shook his head, unable to distinguish between amusement and anger, "Not only did they resolve the major issue, but they also formed a brotherhood alliance, and furthermore, they proposed from Generals Guan Zumei and Meng Zuguang to add two seats in the central meeting for representatives of the Yang Wu Gang." Wang Chongyang felt a surge of anger, coughed a few times, and then managed to say, "They are all impetuous children. Dealing with them might lead to utter chaos. What are General Guan and the others planning? What about Sun Bole? How is he responding?" Fang Lianzheng replied, "He was naturally furious and left Xiangyang with his subordinates and close associates, returning to Taizhou." Wang Chongyang was deeply pained, "The strength to resist the Jin, accumulated by our ancestors sacrificing themselves for the nation, is about to fall apart."
"Given your status and your friendship with Guan Zumei, it would be best for you to go to Nanyang to confront him and find out what he's plotting, and then explain to Sun Bole. The Jin's invasion is imminent. Every bit of anti-Jin strength is crucial." Fang Lianzheng added, "I will send people to report the situation here to you at any time."
Fang Lianzheng announced to everyone that Wang Chongyang had urgent matters to attend to and had already departed. Although some, including Xiao Ziru, expressed regret, and a few felt apprehensive due to the absence of a skilled protector, most reacted with indifference and immediately resumed discussing the retreat plans proposed by Xiao Ziru.
Wang Chongyang traveled by moonlight, taking the road leading east of Mount Zuo Da and west of Nanyang. After turning right for a few steps, he slowed down, Fang Lianzheng's words echoing in his mind: "It is ultimately their internal affairs, and they cannot make decisions for them." He understood: currently, he was just an idle person "who had not grasped the current situation." On what basis could he negotiate and strategize with others? As for Sun Bole, when he first met him, he was still a boy standing behind his elder brother and elders. There was no basis for friendship. Looking back, he saw dark clouds in the sky, being torn apart by the dawn. He couldn't help but worry about her current situation and recall his promise. He took a deep breath and resolutely turned left.