Chapter 92:
Giving Pointers

 

SHEN QIAO BROUGHT Yuwen Song up the mountain. Yan Wushi remained behind him the entire time, neither close nor far as he looked around, his manner leisurely.

After the tragic incident, Bixia Sect had very few men left, but as they still needed to patrol the area, they couldn’t spare any sentries for the foot of the mountain. Shen Qiao’s entire climb went smoothly and unimpeded—it was only when they were almost at the mountain gates that they saw a silhouette walk toward them, carrying a sword.

“Which lofty person graces Bixia Sect with their presence?!” Only after saying this did he see Shen Qiao, and his expression immediately transformed from wariness to surprised delight. Even his tone changed completely. “So it’s you, Daoist Master Shen!”

Shen Qiao laughed. “Yuanbai, your skills have improved yet again. Truly worthy of celebration!”

Fan Yuanbai was Yue Kunchi’s disciple, so naturally, he was Shen Qiao’s junior—there was nothing wrong with calling him by name. Back during Shen Qiao’s duel with Kunye, everyone from Bixia Sect had been there as witnesses, making them all keenly aware of his abilities. So, when Fan Yuanbai heard Shen Qiao’s compliment, he grew even happier. “I’m deeply grateful for Daoist Master Shen’s praise. Please enter. Your esteemed self has always remained in Shizun and Zhangmen-shishu’s hearts. With you gone for so long without news, they sent people to try and find some. We heard that you fought two of Hehuan Sect’s elders in Chang’an and that they perished beneath your blade. The entirety of Bixia Sect was overjoyed. Your esteemed self is truly formidable!”

He never spoke much in front of outsiders, but the moment he got to know someone, Fan Yuanbai had the tendency to chatter endlessly. Shen Qiao smiled, eyes crinkling as he listened. He didn’t cut him off but let him speak as much as he wished.

Bixia Sect had much fewer disciples, but their hearts had grown more united. Even after such great losses, after experiencing all those sorrows, everyone’s faces shone with smiles, and their relationships had grown more harmonious as well. On their way in, the group encountered only a few insignificant disciples. But Shen Qiao had performed the grand deed of rescuing Bixia Sect from a crisis, so upon seeing him, those disciples had the same reaction as Fan Yuanbai. And because of Shen Qiao, neither Yan Wushi nor Yuwen Song were subject to interrogation as they climbed the mountain with him.

It was just that Yan Wushi’s appearance was too eye-catching, and he inevitably received much curious scrutiny. In contrast, Yuwen Song was rather inconspicuous.

Zhao Chiying just so happened to be discussing matters with Yue Kunchi. When she heard that Shen Qiao had returned, she quickly went out to greet him personally.

Though it’d been some time, Zhao Chiying was as elegant as ever. She couldn’t be considered a peerless beauty, but she was fair and lovely nonetheless. Her status as sect leader had also given her a graceful composure no common woman could possess. Shen Qiao had never seen such a bearing on even Hehuan Sect Leader Yuan Xiuxiu.

Zhao Chiying cupped her hands and smiled. “Daoist Master Shen has finally returned. Mount Tai is on the coast of the Eastern Sea, thousands of miles away from Chang’an, so news was slow to arrive. We heard of your one-on-three battle in Chang’an only a short time ago and were astounded by your magnificence. Never did we expect this: speak of Cao Cao, and he will arrive!”

Shen Qiao returned the greeting. “I was gone for quite some time and left Shiwu here. I’ve given Sect Leader Zhao much trouble!”

“Daoist Master Shen exaggerates. Shiwu is a good child—he might be young, but he possesses great discipline and never needs prodding from others. Every day before sunrise, he attends morning classes with the rest of the disciples. He is ceaselessly diligent, day in and day out.”

Hearing this, Shen Qiao was naturally thrilled, and he turned to exchange pleasantries with Yue Kunchi as well.

Zhao Chiying had already noticed the people standing behind Shen Qiao, one tall and one short. Now she smiled and asked, “And who are they, I wonder?”

Shen Qiao gave a slight cough. “One is Huanyue Sect Leader Yan, and the other, younger one is Yuwen Song. He’s a child I brought from Chang’an.”

Being from Chang’an and having the surname Yuwen, anyone who’d heard about how Shen Qiao had fought Hehuan Sect—rescuing a Yuwen clan orphan from the midst of a thousand-strong army—would quickly surmise who Yuwen Song must be.

However, everyone’s attention was instead ensnared by the first introduction Shen Qiao had made.

A man’s reputation was like the shadow of a tree. Once his identity as Huanyue Sect Leader was out, everyone had the same reaction: their hearts gave a small jolt. The numerous curious gazes aimed at Yan Wushi instantly became complicated: there was awe, fear, and shock—and some disbelief.

Most of Bixia Sect’s disciples had never seen Yan Wushi in person, but that didn’t stop them from hearing a great many stories concerning him. To them, Qi Fengge and Cui Youwang were more or less figures of myth, and Yan Wushi, who matched their strength and had nearly fought them to a draw, was practically a legend as well.

Under an assortment of measuring, scrutinizing gazes, Yan Wushi stood with his hands behind his back, his expression relaxed. There wasn’t a hint of discomfort about him—it was obvious he was used to this.

Shen Qiao had left the mountain to save a man, and during this trip he’d experienced all sorts of ups and downs, twists and turns. Zhao Chiying had heard of some of it, but with the distance so vast, her knowledge wasn’t very detailed. She hadn’t expected that Shen Qiao, in going to save someone, would bring that very someone back. She was stunned for a while, then just barely managed to recover and cup her hands. “Sect Leader Yan’s illustrious reputation precedes him. Bixia Sect Leader Zhao Chiying respectfully welcomes the esteemed Sect Leader Yan to visit. Our sect is but a humble one, so if our hospitality is lacking in any way, I must ask your forgiveness!”

As Zhao Chiying was a sect leader, the attitude she showed now was already incredibly earnest and polite. After all, Yan Wushi was famous for being capricious. Zhao Chiying did not wish to upset him over potential discourtesies that might arise over minute details.

“Sect Leader Zhao handles matters with great equity and possesses rigorous moral standards,” said Yan Wushi. “I have heard much of you. On the way here, A-Qiao also praised you highly. Now that we finally meet, I can see that your reputation is well-earned. I hope that my unexpected visit will not bring Sect Leader Zhao any trouble.”

Eh? This was a fairly normal response!

Not only was Zhao Chiying surprised, even Shen Qiao was a little astounded.

Yan Wushi wore a slight smile, his demeanor gentle and polite. From head to toe, he radiated an aura of amicability. One couldn’t see even a hint of the arrogance and scandalousness typical of the demonic sects.

The only issue was that “A-Qiao,” which sounded a little too intimate, but having heard it so much, Shen Qiao was already numb to the name. Everyone else found it strange, but they couldn’t say why. They only thought that Shen Qiao and the Huanyue Sect Leader must share some remarkable relationship.

With such a good start, everything that followed also went smoothly. Everyone gave their courtesies and took a seat. Having heard the news, Shiwu ran over. The reunion between master and disciple made for a moving scene: Shiwu was overcome with emotion and threw himself into Shen Qiao’s arms, in full view of the onlookers. Shen Qiao was very gratified to notice that he’d grown somewhat taller.

On the side, Yuwen Song examined this future shixiong of his. He was curious, but also a little disappointed.

It was obvious that the other boy was older than him, yet his words and actions were even softer than his own. Being so reliant on Shizun, just when would he be able to gain independence?

However, he’d forgotten about the days right after he left Chang’an, when he was racked with anxiety. Every night, he’d needed to see Shen Qiao’s figure before he could slip peacefully into sleep.

Separate from these childish matters, Zhao Chiying said to Shen Qiao, “Daoist Master Shen’s return was perfectly timed. The Bixia Sect’s numbers have fallen greatly, and we’re in dire need of more disciples. My shixiong and I were worrying over this matter—could Daoist Master Shen help us with ideas?”

“Sect Leader,” Yue Kunchi said tactfully, “Daoist Master Shen has just arrived after a long journey; he must be exhausted. Wouldn’t it be better to let him rest before discussing?”

Zhao Chiying became a little embarrassed. “Shixiong is right. I was too impatient. I’ll have Yuanbai take you elsewhere so you can rest first. Would the house you stayed in last time be acceptable?”

Shen Qiao nodded. “That would be excellent. I’m sorry to have troubled Sect Leader Zhao. Qilang can stay in the room next to Shiwu’s; that would also help to build their relationship.”

“Very well,” said Zhao Chiying. “On the eastern side of our sect is a bamboo building reserved for honored guests. If Sect Leader Yan does not mind, he can stay there.”

The house Shen Qiao had stayed in last time was meant for elders of the sect, which also demonstrated that Bixia Sect didn’t see him as an outsider. However, if they had Yan Wushi stay there, it would look like a snub instead.

Yet Yan Wushi said, “No need to trouble yourselves so. I’ll stay with A-Qiao.”

Zhao Chiying’s expression faltered. “Huh? Won’t that be an inconvenience?”

Yan Wushi raised an eyebrow. “Why would it be inconvenient? We used the same arrangements during our travels. My venerable self has stayed in the same room as him more times than I can remember.”

It was true, of course, but the words coming out of his mouth seemed to carry a different connotation. Shen Qiao couldn’t help but say, “Urgency is a priority while traveling, so it was fine then. But now Sect Leader Yan will be able to enjoy a more comfortable stay. If you refuse, you would be brushing off Sect Leader Zhao’s good intentions.”

“No matter,” said Yan Wushi. “My relationship with A-Qiao is no ordinary one. Since he has such a high opinion of Bixia Sect, you lot need not treat my venerable self as an outsider either. Be at ease. Does his house not have a single empty one next to it?”

Though he was smiling as he spoke, Zhao Chiying could feel a palpable, intimidating pressure from him. Under that kind of gaze, even her scalp seemed to tighten. Before she could ponder more, she already found herself replying: “There… There is…”

Yan Wushi gave a slight smile. “Then all is well.”

This smile was different from the one just before. Zhao Chiying could tangibly feel the pressure on her body lifting. She silently breathed a sigh of relief and quickly called for Fan Yuanbai, then had him take the party away so they could rest.

Once Shen Qiao and the others had left, only the shixiong and shimei pair remained within the council chamber. Yue Kunchi’s expression transformed into one of great relief, like a heavy burden had been lifted. “Just let Sect Leader Yan stay next to whoever he wants. It’s not as though we lack for empty houses. From what I saw, Daoist Master Shen didn’t make any firm objections—that means tacit approval. Just now I wanted to tell you not to go against Sect Leader Yan’s wishes, but I couldn’t have imagined that I’d find myself almost unable to speak.”

He didn’t know that the reason Shen Qiao hadn’t given a firm objection was because even if he’d tried to, it would have been pointless.

Zhao Chiying gave a wry smile. “Shixiong can make fun of me, for I was little better. Bixia Sect and Huanyue Sect have never had any dealings—our small temple cannot house such a great Buddha. I also have no idea what he intends by coming here. Could it hurt our Bixia Sect?”

Yue Kunchi was more optimistic. “With Daoist Master Shen here, I doubt anything would happen. It’s said that Yan Wushi is mercurial, but we only need to keep a bit more caution and tell our disciples to be careful with their words and actions so as not to offend him.”

Zhao Chiying nodded. “That is true.”

Elsewhere, Fan Yuanbai had brought Shen Qiao’s party to the house where they would rest. As it was cleaned year-round, it was pristine, and there were even water bamboo and bluegrass orchids placed within—remarkably tasteful and refined.

“If Sect Leader Yan and Daoist Master Shen need anything, please send word. I am always at your service.” Fan Yuanbai had wanted to speak some more to Shen Qiao, but when he saw Yan Wushi standing to the side, he couldn’t speak a single word more. He stiffly finished his speech, hurriedly ending the conversation, then turned tail and fled.

Shiwu was still young, and thus not particularly sensitive. He’d waited a long time for Shen Qiao to finish talking with Zhao Chiying so that they could have a private moment to themselves and catch up. So even though Yan Wushi and Yuwen Song were nearby, it didn’t stop him from tugging at Shen Qiao and voicing his yearning. “Shizun, you were away for far too long. This disciple missed you dearly.”

Shen Qiao patted his head. “While this master was outside, he naturally missed you a great deal as well. I heard that you’ve been doing well at Bixia Sect, and it seems you’ve grown taller too?”

Shiwu nodded somewhat shyly. “The shixiong at Bixia Sect are very kind to me. Since Shizun left, I’ve been practicing the sword every day so as not to disappoint you. Now I can even execute the entire set of the Azure Waves sword techniques!”

The tone of these words held a hint of childish sweetness and yearning for long-unheard praise. Yuwen Song couldn’t resist pouting to himself. He’s even a couple of years older than me, he thought. Am I really supposed to call him Shixiong in the future?

Shen Qiao smiled. “Is that so? Then you can show me now.”

Shiwu hesitated. “Will it disturb Shizun’s rest?”

“We already rested last night at the base of the mountain,” said Shen Qiao, “and it’s not yet noon. The day is still early—this master is not yet tired.”

Hearing this, Shiwu happily went to retrieve his sword.

He’d studied the sword for less than a year, still but a beginner, so he wielded a wooden sword rather than a real one.

Beneath the attention of three people, he stood and bowed, then stretched his arm forth, twirling his sword in the manner of the first stance. His hand and sword rose and fell, and his every move was measured and systematic, structured and meticulous. Though not poor, his moves were also nothing extraordinary. Shiwu’s natural talent was still a level below Yuwen Song’s, but Shiwu knew that he was of only average aptitude, so he trained twice as hard. His sword techniques were already quite adroit.

“I ask for Shizun’s instruction.” Shiwu put away his sword and stood straight, his tone earnest.

Shen Qiao didn’t want to crush his spirits, so he first chose to mention some of his strong points. “Generally, you’ve learned the movements well,” he said. “I can tell that you must have arduously practiced—you didn’t spend these days slacking off.”

Then he continued, “However, some of your sword moves were executed incorrectly, which will affect their strength. This master only demonstrated the set to you once, so it would have been hard for you to remember them in full detail. Now I’ll redemonstrate this set of sword techniques for you from beginning to end. Pay closer attention and, if you can, compare them to your own.”

“Yes,” Shiwu said solemnly.

Shen Qiao didn’t use Shanhe Tongbei but instead took Shiwu’s wooden sword from his hands. He gave a slight smile. “The Azure Waves sword techniques are true to their name. The great seas are boundless, their waves tempestuous. The ocean engulfs the mountain stones countless times, yet again and again, those rocks will rise above the water’s surface. The radiant sunbeams, the majestic waves—they all come together to create magnificent scenery. Those who practice this set of sword techniques must be as magnanimous as the sea that accepts a hundred rivers—only then can one harness the true essence of these moves. You must climb Mount Tai to view the great seas; if you can, climb higher and look further. In time, you’ll achieve your own enlightenment.”

After he finished, he didn’t wait for Shiwu to respond, but raised the sword!

It was the same wooden sword, but when placed in the hands of someone else, the power unleashed was on an entirely different level. Shiwu, having just started on his martial arts journey, had shown swordplay that was utterly unremarkable, so much that Yuwen Song found it dull. Yet when Shen Qiao began to swing his sword, Yuwen Song’s eyes went round, unable to believe that Shiwu and Shen Qiao were using the same set of sword techniques.

A scouring wind came from the sword’s swings, its blade a flurry of afterimages. Though Shen Qiao didn’t use true qi, that wooden sword still seemed to shine with the brilliant radiance that accompanied his moves. Yuwen Song could almost see the tumultuous waves of the great sea, the dark clouds and scattering rain, the rainbow dipping into the waters. And standing within a thousand yards of white waves was a single man.

All his eyes could see was this man—in all of heaven and earth, this man was the sole existence.

Even after he finished the entire set of techniques, now standing still, the images from before lingered in Yuwen Song’s vision. For a long time, they did not fade.

Yan Wushi was smiling. “A-Qiao has achieved transcendental perfection with regard to the sword. You have attained the echelon of grandmasters.”

Shen Qiao smiled back. “I’m deeply grateful to Sect Leader Yan for his support.”

Of course, he hadn’t performed those sword techniques for Yan Wushi’s applause, but for Shiwu and Yuwen Song. “Did you glean anything?” he asked.

“Please forgive this disciple for being clumsy with his words,” Shiwu replied falteringly. “I only felt myself surging with emotion, as if something wished to burst forth from my chest. But I’m unable to give a proper description.”

“It’s all right,” Shen Qiao said gently. “No one can achieve enlightenment with a single glance. Take your time to digest it—if there’s anything you can’t understand, just ask.”

“Yes,” said Shiwu respectfully.

Then Shen Qiao turned to Yuwen Song. “You’ve yet to formally join the sect, and you’ve only been meditating while resting for the past few days. If you can’t manage a comment, that’s no issue either.”

“My heart is filled with words upon words, uncountably numerous,” said Yuwen Song, “but I can only manage a scant few lines as description.”

When he spoke, he always came across as old and grizzled despite his age. Shen Qiao found it very amusing. “Which few lines?”

“It appears as the cloud-shrouded moon and drifts like the snow carried on swirling winds. As one gazes from afar, it glows like the dawning sun, and when peering up close, it dazzles like a lotus above green waters.”

This was from Luo Shen Fu, about the beauty of the Luo River’s nymph.

Shen Qiao was caught between laughing and crying, but he had to say something. Yuwen Song had indeed grasped a vital thread related to the Azure Waves sword techniques: the idea that “the heart is dazzling in its ever-changing majesty, while the sword is dexterous, graceful in its agility.”

Just from this point, Yuwen Song indeed possessed more aptitude than Shiwu.

Yan Wushi gave a silent sneer. “He doesn’t even have the slightest foundations for practicing martial arts. Reciting Luo Shen Fu was just him seeing the surface and trying to be clever. It’d be such a waste to for such talent to be squandered on wordplay! You should let this venerable one sharpen and polish him thoroughly!”

He didn’t wait for a response before his palm came down on Yuwen Song’s shoulder. The boy gasped, then his body dropped involuntarily—the acupoints of his upper body were sealed!

“Sect Leader Yan?” Yuwen Song was dumbfounded, his body bent in a half crouch and completely unable to move. The worst part was that he still didn’t know what he’d said or done wrong.

Yan Wushi saw that Shen Qiao was about to speak but stole ahead first. With the shadow of a smile on his face, he said, “Speaking so frivolously to your shifu would merit a punishment even in Huanyue Sect, which you take as a demonic sect. A-Qiao, you’re far too gentle when teaching your disciples. Surely I don’t need to teach them proper discipline on your behalf.”

Shen Qiao’s face was stony. “Have you finally given up on stealing my disciples, Sect Leader Yan?”

Yan Wushi said leisurely, “Out of consideration for his life, I won’t fight you over him anymore. Otherwise, my venerable self fears that I’d end up killing him right after I accept him.”

 

On that first day of their meeting, no one other than Shen Qiao and Shiwu had witnessed how Yan Wushi treated Yuwen Song, so all the disciples of Bixia Sect thought him quite amiable, completely different from the rumors.

But on the second day, they soon realized they were wrong.

After morning class finished, the disciples all gathered in the practice field to train and spar. Yan Wushi stood to the side, hands behind his back. Even in the case of a personal demonstration by Yue Kunchi or Zhao Chiying, he’d pick at their flaws, pointing them out in an airy, condescending tone.

The Bixia Sect disciples were greatly displeased and took the initiative to challenge him. Each and every one of them was sent tumbling to the ground, and in the end, even Zhao Chiying and Yue Kunchi fell in defeat. By the time Shen Qiao heard of this after exiting seclusion and hurried over, it was midday, and Yan Wushi had already fought the entire Bixia Sect from top to bottom.

Of course, with Yan Wushi’s abilities, annihilating the entire sect was no difficult task. But a martial arts grandmaster pushing around a tiny sect like this, instead of picking on someone his own size? What was going on? Surely he couldn’t be looking for some sense of fulfillment to amuse himself with?

If not for Shen Qiao’s presence, Bixia Sect would have thought that this man was here to trash their place.

Standing before the immense field of casualties, Shen Qiao could only pull a strained smile and apologize to Zhao Chiying.

Zhao Chiying remained unexpectedly gracious as she waved her hand and smiled. “Sect Leader Yan only thought our martial skills inadequate, so he gave us some pointers. Bixia Sect is too happy to receive such an opportunity.”

When she said this, everyone else began to feel that her words were true.

Many of them would never achieve martial arts worthy of a sect leader in their lifetime, let alone anywhere close to Yan Wushi’s. Everyone wished to be strong—just the chance to spar with Yan Wushi once was more than worth it. Even if it had meant heavy injuries, let alone something small like getting thrashed and humiliated, it was invaluable to their journey on the martial path.

With this thought, the disciples’ gazes as they watched Yan Wushi instantly transformed from fearful displeasure to reverent yearning.

Yue Kunchi had been clutching his arms and sighing about how stately his shimei was, befitting of a sect leader, when a voice nearby softly said, “How does it feel, to hold a torch for someone for decades on end while being too scared to confess? My venerable self has no experience with this—please enlighten me.”

This voice was like an arrow to his heart, one that pierced right into a hidden place buried deep within. Yue Kunchi’s hair stood on end, and his face twisted in horror. Instantly, he looked at Yan Wushi with the expression of one who’d seen a ghost.

Before Yue Kunchi could reply, Shen Qiao showed up and dragged Yan Wushi away.

Yan Wushi didn’t fight him either—he let Shen Qiao pull him aside, a bright smile still affixed to his face.

Shen Qiao held his forehead. “Sect Leader Yan, are you bored with nothing to do?”

Yan Wushi said curiously, “What do you mean, nothing to do? Every day, I must amuse myself with you and give pointers to that useless rabble. I’m incredibly busy.”

The corner of Shen Qiao’s mouth twitched. He was speechless for a long stretch before he found his voice again. “You should have been in Chang’an assisting the new emperor, yet you followed me such a vast distance to Bixia Sect. I doubt you came for something as trivial as sightseeing or messing with others. Are you still unwilling to tell me the reason even now?”

“If you switch to a new address, this venerable one will consider telling you. How about that?”

Shen Qiao was baffled. “What address?”

“How about Yan-lang?”1

So he really was messing with me, Shen Qiao thought. Without a single word, he simply turned and left.