At the end of May, the weather was biting cold, and snow fell in a blinding flurry. The landscape was desolate and gloomy, shrouded in a white mourning shroud of snow. In this weather, no one wanted to venture outside, yet a solitary figure trudged toward Guishan, ten miles from Handan City. The traveler wore a black sheepskin coat, a wide-brimmed bamboo hat, and a travel pack slung over his shoulder. His feet glided swiftly, leaving only faint traces on the snow, a testament to his outstanding qinggong.
Reaching halfway up the mountain, the man in the black sheepskin coat circled toward the east and stopped at the edge of a sheer cliff. On this side, Guishan looked as though it had been sliced straight down by a giant blade, creating an extremely perilous precipice.
Perhaps in other seasons, gazing at the scenery below from this vantage point would have been a marvelous sight. Otherwise, there would not have been the remains of a house foundation nearby. But now, the driving snow obscured everything, leaving only a sense of gloomy cold, profound depth, and dread.
The man in the black sheepskin coat took off his wide-brimmed hat, revealing the face of a man in his thirties. The lower half of his rugged face was covered in a thick, dark beard, but his thin lips and high, straight nose made him quite handsome. However, his eyes, flashing with cold light and hatred, were anything but friendly.
Over the past ten years, the imperial court had gradually raised the bounty on this man's head from one hundred taels to three thousand taels of silver. Night Spider Su Chao was the most formidable thief in the martial world of his time. He had committed nearly a hundred robberies, killed sixty people, and stolen hundreds of thousands of taels of gold.
Yet, Su Chao was respected and admired by the heroes of the jianghu, who regarded him as a chivalrous hero rather than a bandit. This was because Su's victims were exclusively corrupt officials and tyrannical gentry. And after every heist, the poor of that region would find gold and silver left in their homes.
As for the Night Spider himself, he was like a divine dragon hidden in the clouds, leaving no trace behind. Constables and chief constables from the Central Plains provinces had pursued Su Chao for years in vain, for he did not act like other bandits.
Su Chao did not squander his wealth in grand taverns, brothels, or gambling dens, and he was highly skilled in the art of disguise, blending in with the common people to survive. The name of the Night Spider echoed far and wide, but few knew the true face of this nocturnal spider.
Today, Su had come to Guishan to pay respects to someone. He opened his travel pack, took out a boiled chicken and a bundle of incense, and arranged them on a flat rock near the edge of the abyss. He lit the incense, bowed in prayer, and burst into tears:
“Father! Your son has searched painstakingly for ten years but has yet to find our enemy. I am truly ashamed before your departed soul and the thirty disciples of the Spider Sect.”
His prayers faded. Su Chao stood up and let out a long howl, as if to vent his hatred to the heavens.
Slinging his pack over his shoulder, Su was about to head down the mountain when he noticed someone sitting silently on a boulder about four zhang away, completely blocking his path of escape!
Su Chao's face paled. He had not expected anyone in the world to possess the skill to track him all the way to this place. He said coldly:
“Which master might you be, to dare block this Su's path?”
He knew the other party had already discovered his identity, so he no longer hid it.
The other man stood up, brushed the snow from his shoulders, and removed his hat to reveal a handsome and majestic face, though he was around fifty years of age. He replied calmly:
“This old man is the Golden-Eyed Eagle, Chu Quan, Chief Constable of Guangdong Prefecture. Surely you have heard of me?”
Su Chao was startled and frowned:
“Out of respect for Constable Chu, I have never committed a crime in Guangdong. Why does Elder Chu pursue me so?”
Chu Quan said solemnly:
“At the beginning of last year, you killed the Magistrate of Dongtai, Jiangsu, and stole ten thousand taels of gold. The victim happened to be the nephew of the Minister of Justice, so he requested an imperial decree to dispatch me to hunt down the killer! Although I originated from the martial world, I am now an official of the Imperial Court, so I cannot let you go for the sake of our shared ties in the martial world!”
The “Golden-Eyed Eagle” Chu Quan was a lay disciple of the Emei Sect, his swordplay and lightness skills ranked among the very best in the martial world of his time. He was also highly skilled in solving cases and tracking; with eyes as sharp as an eagle’s, he could spot treachery with a single glance, which was how he earned his moniker.
Although Chu Quan was a government officer, he was righteous by nature, carrying out his duties uprightly and in accordance with the law, never abusing his power to bully fellow martial artists. Even when dealing with outlaws, he spoke politely and with decorum. Consequently, the Golden-Eyed Eagle was highly respected in the martial world, and bandits steered clear of Guangdong Prefecture.
Ye Zhizhu knew his skills were no match for his opponent’s. He sighed and replied:
“The Magistrate of Dongtai was a corrupt dog of an official who preyed on the blood of the common people. My killing him was a blessing to the populace. Chief Constable, you are known as a gentleman of the yamen; why can you not show some understanding for me, Suo?”
Chu Quan replied solemnly:
“Every dynasty has its corrupt officials. If everyone with a bit of martial skill took the law into their own hands, ignoring the laws of the land, the world would fall into utter chaos. Since you care so much for the common people, why did you not gather evidence and report it to the Ministry of Justice?”
Suo Chao laughed aloud:
“The Magistrate of Dongtai was the nephew of the Minister of Justice, and his wife is the Empress’s cousin! Even if I had ample evidence, nothing could have been done to him! Surely you, Chief Constable, must understand this?”
The Golden-Eyed Eagle’s expression shifted, recognizing that Suo Chao spoke the truth. The imperial administration was corrupt, and the Emperor was fatuous, allowing those with power and influence to act with impunity, never facing punishment!
Chu Quan replied ruefully:
“I understand your plight and your grievances, but having received the imperial decree, I have no choice but to execute it. After this case is resolved, I shall resign from my post and retire into seclusion.”
With that, he drew his sword and pointed it at his opponent:
“Ye Zhizhu! In the name of the law, I arrest you for robbery and murder!”
Knowing there was no other way, Suo Chao immediately struck first to seize the initiative. A woven silk cord exactly one and a half zhang long, which had been wrapped around his waist, unfurled and whipped toward Constable Chu’s face like a striking viper. At the same time, his left hand unleashed a rapid succession of pitch-black hidden weapons.
That black silk whip was named the Black Spider Whip. Though only as thick as a finger, it was incredibly durable and impervious to blades. The tip of the whip was fitted with a refined steel spike, coated with the rare poison of the Spider Sect. The black whip also served as an aid for Suo Chao’s lightness skills when navigating areas with buildings or trees. With a proper anchor point, Suo Chao could easily traverse a distance of four or five zhang using the whip.
Yet on this precipitous cliff, there was not a single tree—only barren rocks and white snow! Ye Zhizhu only hoped to carve out a bloody path to escape. His whip technique was extraordinarily formidable, and supplemented by his insidious, eight-legged spider-shaped hidden weapons, he managed to maintain a safe distance.
The Golden-Eyed Eagle truly lived up to his reputation as an outstanding disciple of the Emei Sect, calmly wielding his sword to deflect the tempestuous onslaught of the black whip and the Eight-Legged Flying Coins.
The barrier of sword shadows surrounding Chu Quan was tight and seamless, leaving Suo Chao’s weapons no way to penetrate. From time to time, Chu Quan would close the distance, forcing Ye Zhizhu to shorten his whip to defend himself.
The tip of the whip clashed repeatedly against the longsword, producing ear-splitting screeches. Suo Chao began to pant heavily, sweat soaking through his inner robe. Roaring in fury, he lunged forward to unleash his ultimate move. Infused with inner qi, the body of the whip straightened like a spear, its tip writhing like the head of a venomous serpent as it struck at four vital points on Chu Quan's face, shoulders, and chest. Simultaneously, his left hand flicked out, launching his final five hidden weapons at his opponent's lower body.
The Golden-Eyed Eagle suddenly soared straight into the air like a skyrocket, sword shadows flashing around him as if he wielded hundreds of longswords. Chu Quan shot down toward Suo Chao's head like a falling star.
Seeing his opponent employ the sword-controlling technique, the Night Spider dropped his hands and closed his eyes, waiting for death. But the brilliant sword light suddenly vanished, leaving only the cold chill of steel pressing against Suo Chao's neck.
The Golden-Eyed Eagle descended, landing behind him, and swiftly tapped seven major acupoints on his back to seal his inner qi. He said in a solemn voice:
"As a fellow martial artist, I cannot bring myself to cripple your martial arts. On our way back to Jiangsu to face justice, if you have the strength to unblock your acupoints, you will have a chance to escape!"
Suo Chao sneered, "I still carry the heavy burden of a family feud. I certainly won't let any opportunity to escape slip by!"
Though he said this, his heart was filled with utter despair, for no major criminal captured by Chu Quan had ever managed to escape—even though Elder Chu never used chains or shackles on his prisoners! Chu Quan retrieved the Black Spider Whip, tucked it into his bundle, and went to gather the Eight-Legged Flying Coins as evidence before leading his prisoner down the mountain.
Now as weak as a commoner who had never practiced martial arts, Suo Chao was carried, tucked under the Golden-Eyed Eagle's arm. Looking at the faint footprints left in the snow, he secretly marveled at Chu Quan's lightness skill. Without asking a single question, the Golden-Eyed Eagle carried Suo Chao straight back to an inn outside the city of Handan. As it turned out, Elder Chu had been staying at the very same inn as Suo Chao without the latter ever realizing it!
The two of them walked into the inn like close friends, much to the surprise of the innkeeper and the waiters. They hadn't arrived together, so how did they now seem like old companions?
Chu Quan searched the prisoner's room. Finding no other belongings except for a hundred taels of gold in a travel pack, he smiled. "It turns out the Night Spider is indeed a chivalrous bandit, not an impostor!"
Suo Chao retorted, "The fact that Constable Chu was able to track me down proves that your reputation is indeed well-deserved!"
Elder Chu nodded. "It took me seven whole months to find you. Truly, you have my utmost admiration!"
He quickly drafted a confession, detailing the confiscated evidence, and handed it to Suo Chao to sign. The two then left the inn, mounted their horses, and departed Handan!
Seven days later, they reached Mount Ma on the border of Henan and Xiongzhou, stopping at a small tavern in a mountain town for lunch.
Watching them drink and dine together, no one would have ever guessed they were an officer of the law and his prisoner. After traveling hundreds of miles together, a mutual respect had quietly blossomed between Chu Quan and Suo Chao. The saying "heroes recognize heroes" could not have been more fitting.
The Golden-Eyed Eagle was a man of loyalty and wisdom, while the Night Spider was a noble and awe-inspiring hero. Suo Chao seemed to have completely forgotten that his head would soon roll; delighted to have met a kindred spirit, he conversed warmly with Chu Quan.
Elder Chu casually asked, "Master Suo, do you know the name of this mountain?"
Suo Chao nodded. "This is Mount Ma, within the territory of Xiongzhou!"
Chu Quan asked eagerly, "I wonder if there is any other mountain in Xiongzhou with the same name?"
Suo Chao smiled. "There is none! Because the peak of this mountain resembles a horse's head, it was given this name. There is no other such place under heaven!"
Chu Quan fell into deep thought:
"I have a younger brother living in seclusion on this mountain! I must trouble you to accompany me on a visit to him."
Ye Zhishu smiled coolly. "Elder Chu is indeed a rare gentleman of honor. Even toward a prisoner, you remain perfectly courteous. Even if I, Suo Chao, die at your hands, I will have no regrets! Let us go!"
The two left their horses with the innkeeper and walked toward the foot of the mountain. Chu Quan reached out, tapped Suo's acupoints, and said:
"I have restored forty percent of your inner power. You should be able to use your lightness skill now!"
Ye Zhishu nodded. "Is Constable Chu not afraid that I might escape?"
With that, he glided swiftly up the mountain path. Though the snow was falling heavily, Chu Quan's golden eyes still caught sight of a tiled roof faintly visible on a flat terrace some dozens of zhang high.
Elder Chu's heart swelled with anticipation for the upcoming reunion. Chu Jun was his youngest brother, barely thirty years old, who preferred scholarly pursuits to martial arts. He was as handsome as Pan An, which was how, two years ago, he had won the heart of the beloved daughter of the Prince of Pingnan in Changsha.
Due to strict notions of matching social status, the Prince of Pingnan would never accept such a marriage. Consequently, Chu Jun had secretly brought Lady He Xiangying to Mount Ma to build their love nest.
Last year, Chu Jun had sent a letter home announcing that his wife had given birth to a son. The Golden-Eyed Eagle was overjoyed that the Chu family lineage now had an heir. Having trained in the mental cultivation methods of the Emei Sect and being well-versed in Buddhist dharma, he himself had no desire to marry. He planned to retire from office and move here to live with his younger brother's family.
Though lost in thought, he did not forget his duty, keeping close behind Suo Chao to guard against any attempt to escape.
Suddenly, Ye Zhishu came to an abrupt halt, even though the bamboo gate stood wide open. He slipped into the bushes, gestured to Chu Quan, and whispered:
"Constable Chu! I smell blood!"
The Golden-Eyed Eagle was startled and strained his ears to listen. His face paled when he failed to hear any sound of a child, or indeed any sound at all, coming from the wooden cabin.
Gripped by dread, he drew his sword, grabbed Suo Chao, and swept across the flower-filled courtyard to the front door.
Chu Quan let out a cry of agony upon seeing the corpse of a young scholar in white robes lying sprawled on his back on the floor. The victim was none other than Chu Jun, the younger brother of the Golden-Eyed Eagle, Chu Quan.
Chu Jun's chest had been pierced right through the heart. Blood pooled around the body, still giving off a strong, metallic stench, indicating the murder had occurred only a day or two ago.
Swallowing his tears, Chu Quan tapped Suo Chao's acupoints, leaving him frozen like a wooden statue.
Gripping his sword, he rushed to the back of the house to search for Chu Jun's wife and child, but there was no sign of their bodies.
Pale with fright, the Golden-Eyed Eagle cried out in desperate panic:
"Sister-in-law He! Princess He Xiangying!"
Only the patches of snow shaken loose from the edge of the tiled roof fell to the ground in response.
Chu Quan turned back to examine his brother's corpse. He undid Chu Jun's robes to inspect the wound and extracted a highly unusual concealed weapon.
The Golden-Eyed Eagle grabbed a teapot from the table, washed the weapon clean, and stared in bewilderment at a peacock feather made of refined steel, painted so meticulously that it looked exactly like a real one.
Had Chu Quan looked up, he would have seen that Suo Chao's face had gone pale and his eyes were burning with hatred. But the man merely said:
"Constable Chu, please release my acupoints so we can bury your brother together."
Chu Quan wiped away his tears, placed the murder weapon in his pouch, and released Suo's acupoints. Ye Zhishu said in a low voice:
"There should be shovels and hoes in the backyard. While I dig the grave, Elder Chu, why don't you search around to see if there are any other clues?"
With that, he walked straight toward the back of the house to go out to the garden. Chu Quan was not afraid of him escaping, because behind the wooden building lay a deep, bottomless abyss. The old man meticulously searched every inch of the house, but found no suspicious traces.
Suddenly, Suo Chao's voice echoed from the back garden:
“Constable Chu! Come here quickly!”
The Golden-Eyed Eagle darted toward the back, finding Suo Chao standing at the edge of the abyss, tilting his head to listen. As soon as he arrived, Suo said:
“There seems to be the sound of a baby crying down in the abyss!”
Though overjoyed, as an experienced veteran, he remained cautious and guarded, stepping to the edge of the abyss while keeping a safe distance from the Night Spider. Old Chu channeled his inner energy and focused his hearing toward the bottom of the abyss. Sure enough, he heard the faint, hoarse cry of an infant.
The Golden-Eyed Eagle pursed his lips and said to Suo Chao:
“From this moment on, this old man is no longer a member of the constabulary. I hope you will help me rescue the child, after which you may leave!”
The Night Spider spoke in a solemn tone:
“If Constable Chu is no longer the Chief Constable, then this Suo will no longer be a bandit either. I, Chao, beg to bow to you as my elder brother, so that we may join forces to avenge my late father and the thirty disciples of the Spider Sect who also lost their lives to that Peacock Feather. For the past ten years, I have wandered far and wide, primarily to hunt down the killer. Killing corrupt officials and aiding the poor were merely things I did along the way!”
Chu Quan, famous as the Golden-Eyed Eagle, was naturally a keen judge of character. Recognizing the sincerity and earnestness in Suo's manner, he replied thoughtfully:
“To think we share the same enemy. This old man is delighted to become sworn brothers with a hero such as you, Brother Suo. But I only hope you will keep your promise and cease being a bandit!”
Overjoyed, Suo Chao knelt on the snow-covered grass. Old Chu knelt as well, and the two performed eight bows to each other.
Having no time for sentimental words, Chu Quan immediately unblocked the Night Spider's acupoints, and together they rushed into the house to search for a thick rope. Unfortunately, they only found a piece of rope that was two zhang long and very flimsy!
Suo Chao slapped his forehead and said:
“Big Brother! I will use my Black Spider Whip to climb down to the bottom of the abyss and find the baby. Meanwhile, you should head down the mountain to find a proper rope!”
Chu Quan immediately tossed his bundle to him and darted away like an arrow. Suo Chao drew his silk whip, stood at the edge of the abyss, channeled his inner energy, and lashed out forcefully. The tip of the whip shot forward, embedding itself deeply into the cliffside.
Suo Chao gave it a few experimental tugs. Feeling that it was secure, he tied the other end of the whip to his right wrist, took off his shoes, gripped the edge of the abyss, and began to climb down.
As a true disciple of the Spider Sect, his “Gecko Wall-Crawling” technique was among the finest in the martial world. His ten fingers and ten toes were like steel claws, digging deep into the soil or gripping the rocky protrusions. At this moment, he looked no different from a giant spider crawling down into the depths of the abyss.
Reaching the spot where the whip's tip was embedded in the cliff, Suo Chao secured his left hand and both feet, pulled out the steel tip, and repeated the strike a second time. This whip served merely as a safety line in case his grip slipped!
Though it takes long to describe, the Night Spider's movements were incredibly swift. The baby's crying had suddenly stopped, which filled him with anxiety and made him hasten his descent. After all, the child, barely over a year old, had endured hunger, thirst, and freezing cold for more than two days. Suo Chao wondered what miracle had kept the infant alive until now.
The snow suddenly stopped falling, and the winter sun shone brighter than before. This allowed Suo Chao to quicken his pace. After throwing his whip ten times, Suo lowered himself onto a ledge protruding from the cliffside. The area was only about the size of four straw mats and was covered in debris and fallen leaves. Perhaps Chu Jun and his wife often dumped their trash here, creating a relatively soft cushion that had broken the baby's fall.
Now, the boy was fast asleep, utterly exhausted from crying. Suo Chao took off his sheepskin coat, draped it over the child, and lit his fire-stick to look around. He was curious to know how this child had managed to survive the bone-chilling winter cold.
Eventually, he discovered a milky-white mushroom growing on the cliff wall. Around it were the traces of hundreds of other mushrooms that had been plucked. Clearly, this had been the child's food.
Suo Chao plucked the mushroom, caught its sweet fragrance, and took a bite. He circulated his energy and waited to see what would happen. A moment later, he felt his Dantian warm up, and his body grew as warm as if he were wearing a premium fur coat.
Suo Chao muttered in delight:
"A blessing born of disaster! This boy fell down here and stumbled upon a rare treasure!"
From the edge of the cliff, Chu Quan's voice echoed down:
"Brother Suo! How is the child?"
Suo Chao laughed heartily:
"Big Brother, lower the rope! The boy is asleep and perfectly healthy!"