Lin Chaoying channeled her power into her palm, lunging forward to shatter the ox's skull. Just as she was about to strike, she vaguely heard it exclaim, "You..." and from a distance, another voice rang out, "My lady... ah, what a coincidence we meet again... Ow, isn't that my Daifu? I've been looking for you desperately!" She turned to see the village woman who had accused Wang Chongyang of being a scoundrel. The woman ran forward, sobbing as she clutched the ox's neck, then tearfully pulled the ox over and bowed, "Thank you for saving us! Where is the maid sister?" The woman looked around, only to see a Taoist priest approaching. "Ah, you've found a Daoist to help. Have you found your young master?"
Lin Chaoying mumbled a reply. The village woman continued to ask kindly, "Have you had lunch? If you don't mind, we have cakes and noodles at home, which you can share." The offer suited her perfectly, so Lin Chaoying agreed and met the approaching Wang Chongyang, glancing at him, she said, "Daoist, please." The village woman asked, "Should we wait for the maid sister to return?" Lin Chaoying shook her head and gestured for the village woman to lead the way.
The village woman introduced herself as Shangguan Daniang, living next door to her sister-in-law's family. She explained that because her yellow ox had gone missing, the entire families of both households had gone to the fields to help with spring plowing. After being blamed by her sister-in-law, she had stormed out in anger to search for the ox. "Everyone who has tasted my 'Biaobiao Noodles' with chili oil raves about it. These Roujiamo are also delicious!" After enthusiastically urging them to eat, Shangguan Daniang returned to the stove to prepare more food.
Lin Chaoying paused her chopsticks and sighed, "For seven years, this woman has spent a fortune trying to drive away the malevolent spirit, yet now she invites the demon in." As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on Wang Chongyang. Wang Chongyang earnestly defended himself, "Neither I nor my junior brother have taken anything other than eggs, vegetables, cakes, and noodles, nor have we caused any harm." Seeing his expression, she felt an inexplicable joy and, still wanting more, added, "Then, it's too stingy. I'll torment her properly to right this wrong for you." Seeing her cold smile, Wang Chongyang inwardly cried out for disaster and quickly began to reprimand her, but Shangguan Daniang had already arrived with a plate of food.
"The honey here is intensely floral and has medicinal properties, so this 'Honey Zongzi' was an imperial dish during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, called 'Hanxiang Zongzi.' I've also prepared several types of crisp pastries for you to enjoy on your journey." Seeing her enthusiastic hospitality, Wang Chongyang felt guilty for his years of harassment and wondered how to explain and apologize. Lin Chaoying suddenly asked, "Does Daniang have any new clothes for this Daoist to change into?" Shangguan Daniang looked troubled and forced a smile, "I've just made them, but I don't have any new ones... but I have two or three sets that are as good as new. Let me get them for you to see." Lin Chaoying rose from her seat and said, "I'll pick them out myself." Turning to Wang Chongyang, she added, "Daoist, please enjoy. You don't need to worry about women's affairs." Although Wang Chongyang was concerned for Shangguan Daniang, he had no choice but to stare at them as they entered.
Shangguan Daniang rummaged through the old box, barely managing to piece together a tea-brown and a dark blue, slightly worn shirt and trousers. Lin Chaoying shook her head, deeming the size too wide and disliking the aged colors. She then noticed a mending basket on the bed containing a newly stitched outfit. Thinking he would look more heroic in this indigo blue, she picked it up to inspect it, finding it to be a better fit. Shangguan Daniang stood by, anxious and looking as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Lin Chaoying saw this, inwardly scornfully telling her to stop pretending, knowing exactly what she was after. She took a small piece of silver from her belt, tossed it into the basket, and took the clothes out of the room.
Overjoyed, Shangguan Daniang immediately hid the silver and followed her with a face full of smiles.
Lin Chaoying took the package from the table with her other hand, not looking back, and said as she stepped outside, "It's getting dark. We must hurry on our way. We'll take our leave now." Wang Chongyang nodded his thanks repeatedly. As he stepped out the door, he could still hear Shangguan Daniang joyfully exclaiming, "You've found your young master, remember to bring him over to chat."
Returning to the previous stone cave, Wang Chongyang was exhausted but understood that Lin Chaoying would not give up easily. He took the clothes and went to the water's edge to wash and change. After tidying himself up, he looked at his reflection in the water and felt much more spirited, except for the long beard on his face... Recalling Shangguan Daniang's gaze as she walked beside them, coupled with the name of the sword technique she used, "Jintong Swordplay," he felt an inexplicable strangeness. He then took out the small knife he kept hidden close to his body...
Lin Chaoying's eyes roamed over Wang Chongyang's smooth face as he returned. Wang Chongyang felt his cheeks burn and ache, his mood deeply disturbed and difficult to suppress. He stood up, turned his body away from her, and said, "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep," and lay down on the stone block near the exit. Lin Chaoying gazed at his retreating figure, thinking happily, "You're finally back."
The next day, at Lin Chaoying's insistence, Wang Chongyang reluctantly sparred again with the "Jintong Swordplay" against her "Youxu Dong Swordplay." Lin Chaoying's efforts throughout the day were still unable to break free from being guided and restrained. It wasn't until the next day, when she used her newly created sword style, that she was able to achieve an equal footing. In the evening, Lin Chaoying hunted a wild rabbit and meticulously roasted it. Wang Chongyang, feeling embarrassed to just take the benefit, assisted her. They worked silently, yet clearly understood each other's next moves and needs, and the rabbit was soon cooked.
Lin Chaoying cut off a small piece of meat and offered it to him to taste, unable to resist saying, "I occasionally cook food to satisfy hunger when I'm on missions, but I always do it hastily." This was the first time she had ever cooked so meticulously.
Wang Chongyang put the meat into his mouth and chewed. It was merely cooked meat to him, but he still praised, "Delicious."
Lin Chaoying was confident that their progress would be even faster when they lived together in the Ancient Tomb in the future.
Seeing the joy on her brow, Wang Chongyang felt guilty and said, "Actually, you don't need to focus too much..." He paused and continued, "on that sword technique. You'll definitely be able to break it in the future. When you venture out in the future, you'll find something more suitable, and you won't be so confused anymore. How about we go for a walk somewhere else tomorrow?" Seeing her nod slightly, he cut the roasted meat into pieces by the fire. His cheeks gradually flushed red, and he suddenly felt the warmth himself, his chest growing hot. He excused himself and retreated back into the cave.
Before dawn, she got up to pack her belongings. Lin Chaoying had spent the entire night pondering: How could she live in the Ancient Tomb with him without status? Yet, she truly couldn't bear to leave him. How could she ask for it? He seemed foolish, but was he really... Forget it. Let fate decide. Wang Chongyang entered, his heart filled with hesitation. He had woken up in the middle of the night thinking of simply sneaking back to the Ancient Tomb, but now he had reservations... Suddenly, he heard her ask, "Where are we going?" He casually pointed eastward. This was the opposite direction of the path back to the Ancient Tomb. Lin Chaoying wondered if he wanted to buy more time to think of a thorough plan, or perhaps he had developed a taste for the village woman's pastries?
The sky was gray, and in an instant, mist enveloped the surroundings. Wang Chongyang, worried about them getting separated, reached out to take Lin Chaoying's hand when he noticed movement in the distance, as if a group of people were approaching. "It's Jin soldiers. Let's hide aside and observe the situation." Lin Chaoying pulled him behind a tree and quietly asked, "Have Jin soldiers often searched the mountains before?" Seeing him shake his head, she gazed at the approaching soldiers and couldn't help but wonder: Was this Mao Ya's or the Southern regime's idea? She hoped her brother wasn't leading the troops, otherwise... Although the group of soldiers was shrouded in mist, their movements were not slow. They quickly passed by them. "They are elite troops," Wang Chongyang said in a flat tone, but his eyes glinted fiercely, wanting to know where these soldiers were going and for what purpose.
They followed the path the soldiers had taken to a small village. Wang Chongyang observed that although the few farmhouses seemed undamaged by extortion or plunder, they were already in disarray, with everyone busy tidying up the place with lingering fear. The resentment accumulated over eight years surged into his heart and mind. Lin Chaoying stood in front of him and said softly, "Calm down, don't draw everyone's attention, lest they suffer more." Wang Chongyang found her words to be very reasonable, so he let her hold his wrist and led him back to the forest path. Suddenly, he thought of Shangguan Daniang possibly suffering the same fate. Wang Chongyang looked up and before he could speak, he heard her say, "Let's go and see. We're hungry anyway."
As they were passing through the fruit orchard outside Shangguan Daniang's house, Lin Chaoying spotted a figure darting out to her right. She instantly spun around and drew her sword to strike. "General Guan!" "Miss Lin!" Hearing Wang and Guan call out successively, Lin Chaoying stopped and focused, recognizing Guan Zumei. She thought that he was clearly younger than Wang Chongyang, so why did he seem to be getting older and ten years her senior? "General Guan," Wang Chongyang respected his character and efforts and did not wish to rely on his age, willingly addressing him as a subordinate would. "The Jin soldiers have deployed here. What are their intentions?" Guan Zumei, to conceal his look of guilt, turned his back to Lin Chaoying and said, "Since the uprising in Haizhou failed, the Jin soldiers have been stationed in the Huai River region, with frequent troop movements and deployments. We have now heard of a murder case here. Instead of local authorities investigating, they have dispatched soldiers to inquire, which is very unusual. Therefore, I have brought a few brothers to understand the situation." Lin Chaoying guessed, could it be that they already knew about his hidden dwelling in the tomb and were planning a preemptive strike? Wang Chongyang said, "It seems the Jin soldiers have established a secret base here, preparing to attack the Song territory from the west." Expressing his concerns, Guan Zumei blurted out, "Excellent insight! Brother Shixiong, you shouldn't have..." Wang Chongyang did not want him to continue and changed the subject, "Where did this murder occur? Have the details been clarified?" Guan Zumei also realized his slip of the tongue and replied, "It was in the house opposite. It is said that the dispute arose over Shangguan Daniang's sister's son-in-law demanding a piece of silver from her. In the ensuing argument, he killed her mother and son. When her husband returned home and witnessed this, it led to mutual killing. Alas, it is pitiful that eight lives, including the old and young of both families, were lost! Even the skinny yellow ox they raised was a victim." Wang Chongyang lamented, "They died not by the enemy, but by the hands of their own kin." As he spoke, he looked at Lin Chaoying, only to see her lower her eyelids, standing coldly to the side.
Considering the feelings of both Lin Chaoying and Guan Zumei, Wang Chongyang found three separate resting places on a mountain rock. He quietly waited by Lin Chaoying's side and indeed saw her emerge in the middle of the night and head towards the fruit orchard. He intercepted her halfway and said, "Don't go and look." Lin Chaoying stood there for a long time, slowly lowering her head, her shoulders trembling slightly. For the first time in her life, she felt this way about her own actions. Seeing this, Wang Chongyang felt a pang of pain in his heart. He stepped closer to her, only to hear her murmur, "It wasn't intentional, and I didn't expect it to turn out this way." Her voice returned to its cold tone, "Are you blaming me? To avenge that ox?" After their reunion, Wang Chongyang felt her change and even more so felt that she filled his deficiencies. His suppressed desires resurfaced... "No. The incident was indeed initiated by you... I'm afraid you're upset, so I came to comfort you." He took her hand and led her back, feeling that her hand was still very cold, so he held it tightly, transmitting his warmth. Lin Chaoying stopped and said, "The person surnamed Guan is not here solely for this matter." Wang Chongyang had also guessed some of it. He really wanted to leave without saying goodbye and return to the Living Dead Tomb with her immediately, but was this the act of a hero?
Lin Chaoying said, "Let's hear what he has to say, and then we'll make plans." Wang Chongyang was relieved, bid farewell to her, and went to Guan Zumei. Guan Zumei was pacing back and forth. As soon as he saw him, his worried expression turned to joy, "Brother Shixiong, you're still here, that's great!" Wang Chongyang asked, "Is there something you need to tell me?" Guan Zumei nodded repeatedly, eagerly saying, "The Jin ruler does indeed have plans to break the treaty and invade the south. We have learned that they intend to attack from three routes: the east, the central, and the west, from Guazhou, Yingzhou, and Dengzhou. Which route is the main one and which is the secondary is yet to be observed. However, the biggest problem right now comes from ourselves!" He paused and continued, "For these past few years, the Wei Wu Alliance has split into three factions. The faction in the central Huainan and Jiangnan regions, Chong and Wu, after being revealed to be colluding with Youxu Dong, falsely accused their elders within the alliance of ostracizing and persecuting them. Late last year, they established the Yang Wu Gang in Anqing Prefecture, misleading the young and ambitious members of the alliance, advocating 'bravery to uphold martial arts, and spirit to seize the rivers and mountains,' attracting many from within and outside the alliance. Since last month, some have spread baseless rumors about the Song dynasty being weak, calling for 'collective efforts' to find a way to escape the hardship." Wang Chongyang asked anxiously, "How has the court reacted?" Guan Zumei slapped his thigh, "How could they tolerate it? The Wei Wu Alliance is also suspected of treason. It goes without saying that they are being suppressed and monitored everywhere, and they are also insulted as traitors and self-serving by many people. The force united against the enemy has not yet formed, but has instead been scattered." Seeing Wang Chongyang sigh beside him, Guan Zumei stepped forward, squatted down, and held his hands, "Brother Shixiong, your righteous act back then still carries a good reputation. It is precisely the time for you to stand up and distinguish between evil and demon, to clear the heavens and earth. Moreover, now that you have resolutely left the pass, it is your duty to contribute to the nation's safety!"
Wang Chongyang returned to find Lin Chaoying waiting for him on the road. She spoke first, "You go with the person surnamed Guan." While he was in a dilemma and urgently devising a plan, he heard her continue, "If you travel with me, wouldn't you become like Chong and Wu? How can you deal with that fellow? I will follow in secret and assist you when the opportunity arises." Wang Chongyang felt grateful and smiled back.
Lin Chaoying asked Guan Zumei to send men to the Ancient Tomb, to call Gou'er and Zhou Botong for reinforcement. She also inquired about the details of the Haizhou incident and asked him to contact Sun Bole, and find Gong Liang to testify against the evil deeds of Yu Si Valley. "No wonder Sun Bole, in his words, showed hidden respect for this demoness," Guan Zumei thought to himself as he agreed to everything, then mustered his courage and said, "I only learned about Brother Shixiong cultivating in the tomb about three years ago. He insisted on studying the Tao and not emerging, and your whereabouts were also lost. Therefore... I apologize." Since we are already together... "It's alright." Just then, Wang Chongyang arrived, and Guan Zumei took the opportunity to leave.
"Are you plotting how to eliminate Chong and Wu?" Judging by his expression, he only nodded in response. Indeed, he could not contain himself and revealed his thoughts. "From what I've heard you say, he is indeed a person with ulterior motives and seeks only profit. However, attacking and eliminating him now will only make him a saint or a martyr! One must know that those who support him have already been bewitched. The most important thing now is to unite everyone to fight the enemy, not to provoke infighting!"
"He and Wu Nanyong are accomplices, aiming to divide the anti-Jin forces. If we don't share the same hatred, how can we fight the enemy?" She wanted to make him understand that the reality was not as simple as he imagined.
Wang Chongyang was somewhat agitated, trying to make her understand his intentions again, "That is his personal matter; most of the others are still protecting the country and the people. I am willing to mediate between them, giving both sides an opportunity to state their case and negotiate, seeking common ground before the national crisis, and not allowing treacherous villains to take advantage of misunderstandings."
"Heh, didn't you just say that his followers have been bewitched? The views and stances of both sides are fundamentally different. To put it bluntly, it is a struggle between vested interests and the pursuit of interests, and it can never be reconciled."
"Not everything is for profit! Even if one cannot achieve it, one should still try. Killing him, killing the entire group, will that truly solve the problem? Must it end up like Shangguan Daniang's family, with mutual killing and sacrifice of lives? Even the livestock suffered?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chaoying trembled and said, "Ultimately, you are still bothered by those things." After saying that, she turned away dejectedly.
Wang Chongyang wanted to chase after her to tell her that she had misunderstood, but his feet felt as if they were nailed down, unable to move.