Volume 5, Chapter 39: Enemies Meet on a Narrow Path (1/2)

Volume 5, Chapter 39: Enemies Meet on a Narrow Path

On an endless ancient trail a unit of elite horse, fiery banners escorted a carriage on the official road Both sides of the road thronged with n of habitation This wasn’t because all of the co Eive the commoners any opportunity to flee The reason there was no one present here was because two hours earlier the population on either side of the roadway had been sent away to ensure that no unexpected e with the curtains raised above the s Bathing in the war, I had no worries that anyone would seek to assassinate me under the protection of five thousand elite horse scenery, feeling as relaxed as if I were out on a leisurely spring tour When I set out north, Li Xian and Zhangsun Ji’s forces had already co en masse At present, Northern Han did not have any way of dispatching any unit that nu army’s layers of blockades Once the Daizhou situation was resolved and the encirclein Besides, with the Hanzhong region pacified, Great Yong could focus coth, victory was at hand Thinking of this, even I could not help feeling proud of the achieve loorry on Li Shun’s face, I could not help but shoot hiyi Sect Master, he did not show any signs of worry What was different today?

As if he had noticedmaster, previously when victory was not yet decided, the Devil Sect Sovereign would naturally not intervene lightly Now that the situation is decided, how could Jing Wuji continue to watch on with folded ar the Ehness, the Prince of Qi, is protected by the experts froand coxiao and Qiu Yufei are both Xiantian realm experts If they were to act, even if there werethe youngand attacking In reality, ouldmaster were to defy the Imperial Edict? It’s better than to take such risks”

Unconcerned, I replied, “You are overthinking matters What kind of people are within the Devil Sect? Even if they sought to assassinate soet would be His Ihness, the Prince of Qi After all, only if so happened to the two of theer so valuable Even if they do succeed, they will only at e His I so purely to vent their anger, they have no justification to seekmaster, the actions of some people are without reason How could the behavior of the Devil Sect be within anyone’s expectations?”

Just as I was about to try to mollify him, I abruptly heard three zither notes To s sounded like sudden claps of thunder I felt blood surge up from my heart and my body tre his internal energy

The twang of the zither was unending, as the player continuously plucked the silk strings Although the music plainly wasn’t loud, it was clear and distinct to the ear Where did it come from? It almost seemed like the zither player was nearby From the beauty of the melody, there were undercurrents ofand shi+ning in the sunshi+ne with nothing inable¹ However, underneath the frozen surface was hidden danger and a faint killing aura As the ly intense, all five thousand horse nature of the zither Although they were a strong force, all of the soldiers felt like this troop was a lonely boat on the endless blue ocean with no one to rely upon

At this very moment, mournful e in their h it wasn’t from any traditional instrument, it was clear and melodious While the , theas it twined above the pluckings of the zither, becoradually came to a rest

Afterwards, the zither resonated with the thruh the soldiers present did not understand music, they could still distinctly hear the invitation froed slightly I could distinctly identify the zither player However, there was a deep, hiddenco aside the screen covering the carriage entrance, I serenely ordered, “Remain here for now Xiaoshunzi and Huyan Shou will accon of the Devil Sect”

Alarm surfaced on the faces of Xiaoshunzi and Huyan Shou However, they had been expecting this and did not raise any concerns Huyan Shou grin is unfathomable and our two countries are enehtly”

Although Xiaoshunzi did not speak, his face was one of disagree their dissent, I refuted, “It is already too late for e paths Even with five thousand horse but defend Besides, what kind of personage is the Sovereign of the Devil Sect? Since he has invited ht Since I am firmly decided, there is no need for you all to speak further”

The expression on Huyan Shou’s face trembled The eyes of this usuallydeterhis heart, Huyan Shou thought to hi happens to the decided, he selected the eighteen Stalwart Tiger Guard with the bestorders for the troop to surround the open field ahead If there were any irregular signs, they would immediately attack and seekthe arrange fan in my hands, composed Opposite h all of this was a bit abrupt,been within my plans The only difference was that I had assu had been surrounded

Of the three grandyi Sect Master As for Great Master True Compassion, he deserved to be considered an eminent monk Nohat about this Northern Han State Mentor? What kind of n of the Devil Sect? Of his disciples: Duan Lingxiao was i of being a direct disciple; Xiao Tong was capable, and although he had been repeatedly deceived by luan, who had died years ago in Chang’an, was unyieldingly loyal and brave, causing one to feel admiration; while Qiu Yufei was proud, aloof, and indifferent, his character and talents could be said to be exceptional, deserving to be a disciple of a prestigiousDuan, and coiven pointers by the Devil Sect and all could be considered heroes of the age With such disciples, the Devil Sect Sovereign would definitely not leavethat Huyan Shou had finished e and began to walk towards where the zitherfroer Guard ahead to scout With theht However, as I didn’t knowit difficult to walk On several occasions, Xiaoshunzi sought to reach out to helpto n of the Devil Sect and had to be sincere Cutting a sorry figure would allowthe sh the farmland, I walked around a small hill The side blocked from the wind had been cleared and smoothed A tent had been set up Unlike military tents that sheltered one from the eleht, it almost seemed transparent The entrance of the tent was not covered, allowing </enificent wool carpet blanketed the ground The thickness was enough to shi+eld the cold coround There were no chairs inside and only four or five prayer e, low table which was simple and unadorned In the corner of the tent was a bronze incense burner releasing a delicate fragrance Although the furnishi+ngs were simple, each item was extraordinarily fine and revealed that the master here was not someone of the mundane world

Huyan Shou and coh Huyan Shou could not order the Stalwart Tiger Guard to approach the tent because of the tent’s master, he still ordered theh I knew that this was all co to speak any words to dissuade hi to the entrance to the tent, I glanced at the luxurious carpet within before glancing at , I decided to take off my shoes Without leave, I walked into the tent To the refined and scholarly looking raceful bearing and wore blue robes, I claspedscholar pays ster has ad by chance today, I areat honor”

Jing Wuji gazed fixedly at the azure-robed youngman wore an ordinary set of azure robes, the he man’s silk shoes had already been shed outside the tent On his head, he did not wear a felt cap and his hair was only bound together by a jade hairpin By all appearances he did not see or the e scholar without care or worry Even though he was obviously facing a powerful ene man’s expression was placid and wholly without fear of death, almost as composed and natural as if he had come to pay his respects to one of his seniors The corners of Jing Wuji’s htly inside Extending his hand and gesturing for Jiang Zhe to rise, he replied, “Sir Jiang, there is no need to be overly courteous An honored guest has co as the host Please sit Yufei, please serve Sir Jiang tea”

Straightening, I selected a prayer mat and sat down Xiaoshunzi ih I did not know martial arts, I could sense that the entirety of his person on a hair trigger³ After I had gently elbowed him, I could sense the nervous tension suddenly disappear without a trace and he regained his usual serene apathy In that split second, I sensed Jing Wuji’s eyes dart past with praise Pretending to not notice, I lifted my lids and looked at the rapt Qiu Yufei in front of , I said, “Worthy little brother Yufei, I have not seen you for so, I reached out to take the proffered teacup I did not dare to slight someone like Qiu Yufei If not for the fact that I was his reat courtesy? Ignoring the affection and ihted based upon his status and identity

An indescribable emotion passed in Qiu Yufei’s ravely betrayed, but now he knew that he was no ratitude and grudges had been settled, the only thought left in his , he had gone to his ize huh it off without taking it seriously? The next day, hisand had actually co Zhe Qiu Yufei knew that he would not betray hisZhe’s life, what could he do? His inner struggle showed clearly in his zither playing However, ould have thought that Jiang Zhe had still co hi

Jing Wuji gazed at the s Wuji’s eyes fell upon Jiang Zhe’s silver te is not yet three decades old yet your hair has grayed early Truly la E someone of Sir’s faithfulness and devotion, an advisor who sheds his blood, sweat, and tears However, I wonder if Sir has taken offense at having your position as Army Supervisor removed with the situation only initially settled? Further, Sir has been sureat distances I wonder if it is because of the deep affection between ently n is praising too much Everyone knows of Zhe’s indolent nature The so-called blood, sweat, and tears are only a youngster’s ignorance and not understanding how to rest properly I havewhite hair at such a young age As for the Son of Heaven’s deep affection, and the depths of e The Son of Heaven is the master of the common people The distinction between monarch and subject is clear How could there be partiality and affection? Zhe’s health is poor and His I as the Army Supervisor was no more than a last resort Now that the hearts and minds of the commanders are unified, there is no need for Zhe It is inevitable and proper for reat distance, because it relates to the events occurring in Daizhou, it is inappropriate to speak of Sovereign, please forgiveWuji’s eyes as he replied, “I have long heard of Sir’s yielding exterior and firm interior In the past, you chatted without qualyi Sect Master But today, why are you speaking so frankly to a powerful enes you know? Could it be that Sir was unafraid of the Fengyi Sect Master, but is afraid oftranquilly, I responded, “Why is the Sovereign speaking thus? The reason why Zhe answers all of the questions is because the Sovereign is worthy little brother Qiu’s row⁴ Although we have had our disagreements, Zhe still considers Yufei as one of n is also Zhe’s elder As long as they do not relate to o unanswered?”

S Wuji replied, “So that is the case It is only that Sir Jiang advises the Yong Emperor and the Prince of Qi, and has spoiled nashes their teeth in anger If I can take Sir’s head, ill definitely be able to boostarmy into chaos This seat has co death, because you believe I will be merciful, because of your thousands horsemen, because you attendant can protect you, or because I will spare you on Yufei’s behalf? Did you allow Yufei to return alive because you want him to dissuade this seat in order to preserve your life?”

Although Jing Wuji had spoken all of this gently, they were profound and ear-splitting in the ears of Xiaoshunzi, Huyan Shou, and Qiu Yufei Ignoring the fact that Huyan Shou’s hands were sweaty, even the minds of Xiaoshunzi and Qiu Yufei, both of whom had entered the Xiantian realm, were thrown into confusion Xiaoshunzi naturally was on his guard against Jing Wuji causing trouble, while Qui Yufei was hesitating and unable to decide The at it difficult to breathe There was only one individual as as co Zhe

In front of the friends and enerandmaster, and two Xiantian</eseated position and instead sat with ster paying my respects to a friend’s elder and naturally must respectfully abide by proper etiquette Now that the Sovereign has said that we are enemies and not friends, then there is no need for Zhe to restrain n, please do not bla lazy and does not have the patience for those etiquettes”

When I uttered these words, I could see Qiu Yufei adopt an expression of incredulity, while Jing Wuji’s own expression also softened Although I could not see the expression on Xiaoshunzi’s face, having accompanied each other for years, I could tell that his hostility had also been reduced fro me quite well, he naturally knew full well that I wouldn’t joke around with my life There was definitely a reason for o overboard with n has come this time with Yufei alone If you wished to assassinate this one, ould you have invited htning strike, the five thousand horse, and there is a chance of escaping alive after succeeding At present, although Zhe has walked into the trap, there is an ar us on the outside and I have Xiaoshunzi’s protection in here If the Sovereign were to act now, it would be easy to take my life, but it would be extren is unharh impossible for Yufei to escape Worthy little brother Yufei has been respectful and obedient to the Sovereign Presun won’t condemn Yufei to death”

When I reached this point, I could see that although Jing Wuji did not speak, the look on his face appeared pern entered Northern Han, you no longer attached importance to assassination It is no wonder The Northern Han population is brave and heroic, and is not fond of crafty plots andlike assassination happens now and again, but if frequently employed, the Devil Sect’s position in the eyes of the Northern Han population would inevitably be considered treacherous, becohtly undertake an assassination Yufei and eldest young master Duan have both attempted to assassinate this one First, it is acceptable to the Northern Han population because of my sinister reputation and the fact that I am no hero Second, with the oure and it would be beneficial to have me killed That is why no one has objected Now that I aer play a n’s identity is vastlymaster Duan’s and Yufei’s, an atten would not only fail to motivate the Northern Han arnity In addition, aside froain no practical benefits That is why the Sovereign has con were to suddenly assassinateme, wouldn’t the entire world find it ridiculous?”