Volume One: The Maiden Voyage into the Martial World Chapter Nine: The Peaceful Rivers and Lakes, Restless Youth; The Heir Seizes a Taoist in the Street

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Recently, there has been no shortage of fresh happenings in the rivers and lakes of Fengyang. Rumor has it that several extraordinary young people have emerged in various places, each remarkable in their own right.

Quite a few martial artists have gone to test the waters, but all have suffered defeat. Although these challengers were not experts of the highest order, they were still well-known figures who had fantasized about their prowess for many years.

Of all these tales, two figures are spoken of with particular awe. One is a young man dressed in white, with a fine spiritual sword at his waist. Those with sharp eyes claimed to have seen a plum blossom engraved on the sword hilt. Thus, word spread like wildfire that the heir of the Sword Pavilion had left home to travel, until all of Fengyang knew of it.

The other is said to be a Daoist youth of sixteen or seventeen, carrying a heavy bundle and a wooden sword. He set out from Jingzhou, leaving a trail of legends in his wake—so gifted, they say, that he can foresee the future. His exploits have taken on a life of their own.

Many who saw the young Daoist praised the Daoist sect as truly worthy of its immortal reputation—its disciples travel the world burdened with heavy tomes, and to display their virtue, wield only wooden swords.

For a time, the prestige of the Daoist tradition soared in Fengyang, inspiring many converts from Buddhism to Daoism.

Yet, the most entertaining tale—one that sets people laughing—is that of a noble lady who, upon meeting the young Daoist, was so smitten she declared she would marry him or else throw herself into the great river.

These stories flooded the martial world, stirring up waves in the previously tranquil Fengyang.

Only the truly discerning understand the truth behind these events, but none would speak of it.

In Tongtian Town, Bingzhou, the young Daoist Fuming made his way through the local market, delighted by the many novelties he encountered. On this journey, he had witnessed much, gaining no small amount of experience.

He had thought his travels would be arduous, yet ever since leaving Jingzhou, he had found himself welcomed everywhere, thanks to his knack for bluffing.

The only blemish came near the capital, where a woman had declared she would marry him, frightening him so badly he turned west toward Bingzhou without even entering the city.

Daoist Fuming may be young, and this may be his first journey down the mountain, but in the ten years spent in the mountains, he had learned much. After all, if he hadn't shown promise, why would Daoist Taiping have taken him as a disciple?

As for taking the Daoist name Fuming—did he not have his reasons? How amusing.

Chu Mingxuan and his two companions had been traveling at a leisurely pace, and were now about to leave Bingzhou. Ahead lay a town called Tongtian, and the young lord insisted they visit, even though it was not on their planned route.

Three people, three horses, entered the town at a gentle pace.

They had not hurried these past days, drifting as they pleased. When darkness fell, they slept where they were. When hungry, they ate simple provisions. Occasionally, Evil Sword Immortal would return with a brace of wild game, and the three would abandon all decorum to devour it.

At first, Chu Mingxuan could not have tolerated such treatment—he would have demanded dozens of dishes at each meal and silk quilts at bedtime. Now, he had shed all traces of a noble's bearing.

As the three walked through town, they inevitably attracted many glances. The young lord nudged the chubby youth beside him and said, "Some people, no matter where they go, are always the center of attention. See? Everyone's sneaking looks at me."

The chubby youth glanced at him and replied, "Mingxuan, if you saw two people dressed in silk, with hair as messy as a bird's nest, faces smudged with dirt, and oil at the corners of their mouths—wouldn't you turn to look?"

Evil Sword Immortal, picking his teeth with a bamboo skewer, said, "I'd definitely stare, just to see which noble house produced such a young master."

Chu Mingxuan ignored them, only raising his head higher, sticking out his chest, and taking even smaller steps.

At that moment, a burst of laughter reached their ears. Chu Mingxuan frowned and looked toward the sound, spotting a young Daoist gazing at them.

Daoist Fuming had been walking along the street when he saw the trio approaching. Aside from the old man, who already looked like a beggar, the other two were about his age.

But those two—what a sight! They wore clothes only noble sons could afford, yet looked as bedraggled as beggars, with wild hair and greasy faces—a complete mismatch.

When Fuming realized they were looking back at him, he hurriedly covered his mouth, but from his contorted expression, it was clear he was struggling to hold back his laughter.

Chu Mingxuan had always been the one to laugh at others, never the other way around—especially not by a young Daoist.

Leading his horse, Chu Mingxuan strode up to Fuming and said, "It's hard to hold it in, isn't it? Doesn't your sect teach you to follow your heart? Why restrain yourself? Seems your cultivation is lacking."

Fuming looked at Chu Mingxuan, lowered his hand, and replied with a smile, "I've cultivated in the mountains for ten years. My Daoist arts are well-practiced— I can laugh or not at will. Usually I don't—but sometimes, it's impossible not to."

With that, he burst out laughing.

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Chu Mingxuan and the chubby youth stared at the young Daoist, dark lines crossing their faces.

The young lord eyed Fuming up and down, planning how best to subdue him with a single blow.

The chubby youth also sized Fuming up, thinking that with his own bulk, he could easily pin the young Daoist down.

"Such a young Daoist, born with a Daoist body, comprehending the Dao, tempering the mortal mind—remarkable, truly remarkable. What is that master on Qingyuan Mountain thinking? Has he truly pierced that final veil?" Evil Sword Immortal fixed his gaze on Fuming as he spoke.

Chu Mingxuan and the chubby youth, about to make a move, both turned to look at Evil Sword Immortal.

"Old Xie, what was that about a Daoist body?" Chu Mingxuan asked.

"Old man, how did you know I come from Qingyuan Mountain? There are many sacred Daoist sites," Fuming interjected.

Evil Sword Immortal stared at Fuming for a while, then glanced at Chu Mingxuan with furrowed brow. After a moment’s silence, he said, "Let’s find an inn up ahead and have a meal. My gourd is out of wine."

Chu Mingxuan sneered, then said, "Fine, I’m hungry myself."

Fuming shot them a look of disdain.

"Then I wish you three a safe journey. I’ll be on my way," Fuming said, bowing.

With that, he turned to leave.

Chu Mingxuan and the chubby youth exchanged a glance. Having grown up playing together, they could read each other’s thoughts with just a look.

"Hey, what are you doing? Let go of me! If you don’t let go, I’ll call for help—mmph..." Fuming struggled and shouted.

With a silent agreement, Chu Mingxuan and the chubby youth each grabbed one of Fuming’s arms and marched him forward. When he protested, the chubby youth produced a cloth from somewhere and stuffed it in Fuming’s mouth.

"Old Xie, take the horses for us. Did he really think he could laugh at us and just walk away? He clearly doesn’t take us seriously," Chu Mingxuan said.

Evil Sword Immortal took a swig from his flask and grinned. "Boy, the more I see of you, the more I like you."

He happily gathered up the other two horses and followed after.

On the street, the sight of two ragged men abducting a young Daoist spread quickly among the onlookers.

As the story circulated, it grew ever more fantastical. By the time it reached the umpteenth person, it had become: "Did you hear? Two beggars on Front Street chatted with a young Daoist for a bit, then, seeing how handsome he was, kidnapped him. Heaven help that poor Daoist—he’s doomed, I tell you!"

Everyone who heard it felt a chill down their spine and hurried off to warn their friends.

Chu Mingxuan and his companions arrived at an inn. The waiter, seeing their approach, dared not greet them at first.

"Waiter! Bring your best wine and dishes," Chu Mingxuan called out.

Then, glancing at the still-struggling Fuming, he added, "And some vegetarian dishes."

The waiter replied from a distance and dashed off to the kitchen.

The other patrons, seeing this scene, hurriedly left their tables and fled.

Chu Mingxuan grinned, clearly satisfied with the effect.

They set Fuming down at a table.

"Pah! Pah! Pah!" Fuming spat out the cloth, and seeing what it was, almost fainted, hastily trying to get the taste out of his mouth.

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"Why did you two kidnap me?" Fuming asked after spitting for a while, looking up.

The chubby youth and Chu Mingxuan regarded him with playful expressions, while Evil Sword Immortal sat silently to the side.

"We… just found you interesting and wanted to invite you to a meal, nothing more," Chu Mingxuan replied with a smile.

The chubby youth nodded in agreement.

"You call this an invitation? Is this how you treat your guests?" Fuming said, clearly annoyed.

Chu Mingxuan did not answer.

The chubby youth did not answer.

Evil Sword Immortal took a sip of wine.

Fuming sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Unbelievable. Your cheek is even thicker than mine."

"Honored guests, your food and wine are ready!" the waiter called as he brought the dishes to the table.

"Please enjoy your meal. Let me know if you need anything," he said with a bow before leaving.

Fuming immediately grabbed a pair of chopsticks and reached for the roast goose, but since it was whole, he couldn’t manage it with chopsticks alone.

"Guess I’ll have to use my hands," Fuming said, tossing the chopsticks aside. He pressed down on the goose with one hand and tore off a leg with the other, biting into it eagerly.

After a bite, he seemed to remember something. Still chewing, he half-rose from his seat, tore off the second leg, and dropped it into his own bowl. Before doing so, he spat on it a few times for good measure, then settled back to gnaw on the first leg with peace of mind.

Chu Mingxuan stared at Fuming, dumbfounded.

The chubby youth stared at Fuming, dumbfounded.

Evil Sword Immortal watched Fuming, so astonished that wine dribbled from his mouth unnoticed.

"I thought you were vegetarian?" the chubby youth murmured.

"Even if you eat meat, isn’t this a bit much?" Chu Mingxuan murmured.

"Is he even more shameless than I am when it comes to food?" Evil Sword Immortal muttered.

"If you three don’t hurry up and eat, I’ll spit on all the dishes," Fuming said as he ate.

At that, all three quickly shielded a plate apiece, eyes wary.

"Hey, you there! Where are those three beggars? Come out at once or I’ll make you regret it!"

Just then, a furious shout echoed from the street outside.