In the third month of spring in Jiangnan, fresh green grass stretched to the horizon, orioles chirped merrily on the branches, and the lush trees looked as if they had put on a brand-new green coat.
The morning sun slowly rose. Outside Jinxian Gate in Nanchang Prefecture, the crowd bustling back and forth was far denser than usual.
Suddenly, a cloud of dust billowed up from the main road in the distance, and out of it emerged two riders galloping like the wind.
Seeing the road packed with people, the two riders let out a soft exclamation of surprise and pulled back their reins.
The horses, galloping at full speed, were suddenly reined in hard. They let out long neighs and reared up on their hind legs, kicking up a thick cloud of dust.
The rider on the right was a large man dressed in an azure short robe. A silk ribbon attached to the whip tucked into his waist fluttered in the wind, and his face bore a fierce expression.
The other was a young man of about twenty-eight or twenty-nine. He had sharp, sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, and a fair but slightly pale complexion. Dressed in a luxurious silk robe, he was extraordinarily handsome, though his face unfortunately carried a somewhat cunning look.
Furrowing his sword-like eyebrows, the young man asked:
"Where did all these people come from?"
The large man curled his lips into a smile and said:
"Enjoying the spring blossoms is an elegant pastime of the world. They are all heading to Sancun to see the peach blossoms.
When we came here, I completely forgot about this. Haste makes waste indeed. What can we do now but bear with it?"
By then, the crowd, thick as ants, had surrounded the two riders in the middle of the road, making it difficult to either advance or retreat. Seeing this, the two exchanged wry smiles and slowly let their horses take one step at a time.
Just as they passed the city gate, the young man suddenly gasped, "Oh?" and cast his eyes toward the bustling crowd in the distance ahead.
The large man looked at the young man in surprise and asked:
"Young Hero Xu, what did you see?"
The young man surnamed Xu's face turned cold as ice. He nodded slightly and said:
"The rumors we heard along the way are not entirely groundless. Even the Three Heroes of Yannan, who have long disappeared from the jianghu, are here. This shows that many other famous figures of the wulin must have gathered here as well!" At this point, the young man let out a cold chuckle and continued:
"It seems there will be quite a lively show to watch!" The large man looked startled and said:
"I wonder if those rumors are actually true?"
"Whether they are true or not, this is highly unfavorable for Martial Uncle Tao. Master Shi, you have been in Nanchang for a long time. Do you know of any shortcut we can take to reach our destination faster?"
The large man immediately pulled his reins and turned into a small path on the right. The young man also whipped his horse to follow. The continuous clatter of hooves on the paved road gradually faded into the distance.
Suddenly, a terrified scream rang out, but then the surroundings fell back into their former silence...
Less than an arrow's flight away from Linggong Temple stood a grand and majestic mansion. In front of the gate was a pair of exquisitely carved stone lions that looked as lifelike as if they were alive. Within the walls, rows of halls and wings connected to one another, with vermilion pavilions and purple towers scattered here and there, looking no different from the private estate of a prince.
Situated beside Donghu, this mansion was a famous landmark in Nanchang Prefecture. Standing on the upper floor, one could see three interconnected lakes, their deep blue waters rippling gently. Lotus and water caltrop leaves bobbed endlessly, sending forth a faint, intoxicating fragrance. Meanwhile, hundreds of wild flowers bloomed in vibrant competition along the lakeshore, making the scenery even more spectacular.
Every year during summer and autumn, as the sun began to sink in the west, the lake would bustle with the boats of tourists rowing back and forth. When the crescent moon first appeared, Zhemin Temple, situated opposite Donghu, would echo with the clear tolls of bells and the steady beat of wooden fish. Blending with the rich fragrance of the lotuses, these sounds made the leisurely tourists feel as though they had completely forgotten the mortal world.
It was an early morning. The morning sunbeams shone upon the gold-lacquered horizontal plaques hanging before the mansion's entrance, making them gleam even more brilliantly.
The black-painted gates of the mansion were still tightly closed. On the gravel road passing by the entrance, the occasional cries of street vendors passing by in sparse numbers could be heard.
Suddenly, there was a clanking sound from the two large bronze rings on the gates, and immediately after, the double doors slowly creaked open. A boy of about twelve or thirteen stepped out from within. He wore a set of old but clean clothes. Though his body was small, his complexion pale, and his eyes listless, a closer look revealed quite delicate and handsome features.
The boy stretched his arms, let out a few long yawns, and looked around, murmuring to himself:
“It’s getting late. I’d better sweep up quickly, or else the old housekeeper will scold me if he sees.”
With that, he turned and ran straight inside to fetch a broom, then set to work sweeping the area in front of the gates clean.
The boy’s surname was Tao and his given name was Jiaqi. He shared a surname with the master of the house, Tao Ruhai, but they were not related in any way. His mother was a washerwoman in the Tao residence. Tao Jiaqi and his mother lived together in a small, dilapidated shack at the end of the alley behind the master’s estate. Since Tao Jiaqi’s father had died young, his mother washed clothes by day and did extra sewing by night, relying on her own strength to earn a meager living. Consequently, mother and son loved each other dearly.
However, due to prolonged overwork, she eventually lost her sight and suffered from severe rheumatism. Learning of this, the master, Tao Ruhai, summoned Tao Jiaqi to do odd jobs around the estate, such as sweeping the rooms and courtyards, paying him two taels of silver a month to sustain the mother and son's livelihood.
Tao Jiaqi had been working at the Tao residence for over three years and noticed that Tao Ruhai always stayed indoors, rarely stepping outside. His expression was always stern and cold. Most of the people who came to visit him were martial artists. They came and went without a trace, and their mysterious movements filled Tao Jiaqi with immense curiosity.
Tao Ruhai treated the servants in his household with extreme severity.
The martial arts master in charge of security and the many men under his command would fall as silent as clams and show utter terror whenever they saw Tao Ruhai. As for Tao Jiaqi, his position in the residence was truly miserable.
All year round, he had to endure the contempt, bullying, and harsh abuse of everyone around him. Yet, having grown accustomed to adversity, he could only bow his head and bear it in silence.
Every night when he returned home, he did not dare mention any of this to his mother. He would only lie in bed crying silently, grieving over his miserable fate, while resentment piled up day by day within his innocent heart.
In recent months, Tao Jiaqi suddenly felt that the entire Tao Manor was enveloped in a heavy atmosphere. Especially the expressions of the martial artists on guard duty, which seemed even colder and more terrifying. From this, Tao Jiaqi felt as though something truly momentous had already occurred.
While he was sweeping outside the gate, the hurried sound of galloping hooves suddenly approached. Looking up, he saw two horses galloping swiftly toward him. On the back of the leading horse, a man was slumped low, clinging tightly to the horse's body. When he was not far from the manor's gate, his grip suddenly slipped, and he fell to the ground with a heavy thud, lying there motionless.
Riding the horse behind him was a handsome young man. Seeing this, he immediately leapt from his saddle, reached down to lift the fallen man, and carried him straight toward the gate.
With just a glance at the fallen man, Tao Jiaqi recognized him as Shi Dongyang, a capable martial arts master of the manor. In shock, he blurted out:
"Is that not Master Shi?"
The handsome young man's eyes filled with sorrow. He looked at Tao Jiaqi and said:
"Please go inside and inform Master Tao that Xu Longxiang of Laoshan has arrived at his invitation and requests an audience. At the same time, make it clear that Master Shi has been secretly assassinated."
Tao Jiaqi hurriedly replied:
"Please wait a moment, honored guest. I will go report this immediately."
With that, the boy turned and ran straight inside.
Because he did not know a shred of martial arts and was physically weak, he could not help but trip and fall two or three times in his haste. Just then, a martial artist was rushing out from the inside, and Tao Jiaqi collided heavily with him. Instantly, the martial artist swiftly raised his left hand to grab Tao Jiaqi, while his right hand slapped the boy hard across the face with a loud "smack," before roaring in anger:
"You useless wretch! Walk properly! Where are you running in such a rush?"
Poor Tao Jiaqi was left dizzy by the slap, blood spilling from his mouth as several teeth were broken. Yet, he still stood up straight and said in a trembling voice:
"I have urgent business to report to the Master! Master Shi is outside the gate, gravely wounded and on the verge of death!" Hearing this, the martial artist's expression changed completely, and he barked:
"What did you say?"
Unable to suppress his anger, Tao Jiaqi replied loudly:
"I said that Master Shi Dongyang of our manor is being carried to the gate by someone calling himself Xu Longxiang of Laoshan, who is requesting an audience with Master Tao."
The martial artist looked startled, but he still scolded:
"You fool! Why didn't you say so earlier? Fine, this is none of your business now. I will go report it myself."
With that, the martial artist turned and ran straight inside.
Tao Jiaqi remained standing there, dazed. His cheek burned with intense pain, and two lines of tears could not help but roll slowly down his face. He felt that there was truly no warmth left in this world; everywhere he turned, he met only cruel and heartless treatment. If not for his elderly mother, he would have thrown himself into a lake to drown, ending his pitiful, redundant life to be free of it all.
Not long after, an old man with grizzled hair and a remarkably majestic appearance came rushing out from the inner quarters. Following closely behind him was a large crowd of other martial artists, most of whom Tao Jiaqi had never seen before.
Seeing Tao Jiaqi standing in the middle of the path, the old man barked:
"Go home! Don't bother coming here today!" Even as he spoke, the old man swept his sleeve toward Dao Jiaqi, yet he kept running forward without slowing his pace in the slightest.
Swept away by the gust of powerful wind generated by the old man, Dao Jiaqi was flung five or six yards away and tumbled to the ground. He felt as though every bone in his body had been shattered to pieces. Struggling to his feet with tears welling in his eyes, he staggered off toward the back of the manor.
As soon as the old man ran out of the gate, he spoke up:
"Nephew Xu, you have traveled a long way; it must have been exhausting. I wonder, is your esteemed master in good health these days?"
Because his arms were full carrying Shi Dongyang, the handsome young man could not properly salute. Instead, he simply smiled and replied:
"Thanks to Uncle Dao's blessings, my master is still in excellent health."
"As for Master Shi here..."
Just then, two young martial artists stepped out from behind the old man, took Shi Dongyang from the youth's arms, and hurried inside.
Stroking his beard, the old man smiled and continued:
"Nephew Xu, shall we go inside and speak at our leisure?"
The young man surnamed Xu clasped his hands and said:
"I shall obey your command, Uncle!" The old man let out a hearty laugh, and side by side, the two walked back into the house. This old man was none other than Dao Ruhai, who had dominated the martial world thirty years ago in the Guanzhong region. Armed only with a golden saber and his twenty-eight forms of the White Tiger Palm, he was famously known as the "Tiger Palm Golden Saber," a name that struck terror into the hearts of all who heard it, earning him illustrious fame in his time. Yet, fifteen years ago, he had suddenly announced his retirement from the martial world, relocating to Nanchang Prefecture to live in seclusion, completely severing ties with the affairs of the jianghu. Dao Ruhai's sudden retirement had come as a massive shock, sending waves of speculation through the martial world. But as time passed, people gradually forgot. Now, almost no one remembered that there had once been a man named Dao Ruhai in the martial world.
As Dao Ruhai walked shoulder to shoulder with the young man surnamed Xu back into the house, he suddenly let out a long sigh and said:
"Your master is a man of peerless talent, and his miraculous martial arts have always commanded my deepest admiration. The bond between us has never wavered, but unfortunately, he grew weary of the mortal world and chose seclusion even earlier than I did. Before my own retirement, I went looking for him several times, but each time I had to return empty-handed."
At this point, he paused for a moment, then smiled and continued:
"If I hadn't met an old friend during last year's New Year's Eve gathering, where we happened to discuss the rising talents of the martial world, I would never have known that my old friend had trained such an outstanding disciple. In such a short time, your name has resounded far and wide, especially for your unfathomably profound Triple-Link Three Ultimates Swordplay. It was also through that meeting that I learned of a young hero named Xu Longxiang, and discovered that your master had retired to Mount Lao to devote himself to the Daoist path."
Xu Longxiang said:
"Uncle, your praise is far too generous. It truly humbles this junior."
Dao Ruhai let out a hearty laugh. By then, the two had stepped into a spacious and elegantly decorated grand hall.
Once they had taken their respective seats as host and guest, Xu Longxiang continued:
"Master Shi was struck by the Five-Cloud Snake-Headed Nails, so I was completely helpless. I hope Martial Uncle can quickly tend to his treatment; if we delay, I fear it will be too late!" Upon hearing this, Dao Ruhai's face instantly changed color. He stood up abruptly, his eyes flashing like two bolts of electricity as he said:
"Worthy nephew, are you absolutely sure those are the Five-Cloud Snake-Headed Nails?"
Xu Longxiang said:
"I examined the wound on Master Shi's back and saw five dark red, cloud-like swellings. At the same time, five small objects resembling snake heads were visible there. That is why I deduced they are the Five-Cloud Snake-Headed Nails, which have not been seen in the jianghu for many years. However, since I have only recently entered the jianghu and my knowledge is still shallow, my judgment could very well be mistaken. I hope Martial Uncle will examine him in person to make sure."
Dao Ruhai sat back down dejectedly, staring straight ahead as he muttered to himself:
"Then it is certain! Is it possible that old demon is not yet dead?"
That Shi Dongyang had been brought down by the Five-Cloud Snake-Headed Nails was truly beyond anyone's imagination.
Xu Longxiang knew he was referring to the Divine Hand of Retribution, Lu Gonghang, a legendary eccentric who had been famous in the wulin twenty years ago, so he quickly said:
"Could it be Lu Gonghang's successor?"
Dao Ruhai forced a smile and said:
"Shi Dongyang has followed me for over a decade. He is extremely cautious and humble; unless absolutely forced, he would never pick a fight with anyone. After I hung up my blade and retired, he followed me here and became even more gentle and amiable. There is absolutely no way he could have provoked a grudge with Lu Gonghang's successor. Moreover, the Five-Cloud Snake-Headed Nails are a hidden weapon that once struck terror into the entire jianghu. Unless dealing with an extremely wicked person or someone with peerless martial arts, he would absolutely never use them carelessly. Even his successor would have to respect that rule. Therefore, it must be..."
As he spoke, his voice trailed off, and he suddenly lowered his head in deep thought.
Xu Longxiang said anxiously:
"On my way here, I heard rumors that at the end of last year, Martial Uncle obtained an extremely precious treasure at Dayu Ridge called the Cold Iron Guanyin. Is that true? I have learned that top masters from both the righteous and evil factions are currently rushing to Jiangxi, likely because of this matter of yours. Just now, I even saw the Three Heroes of Yannan, who have been missing from the jianghu for a long time, present right here."
With a calm expression, Dao Ruhai replied:
"If they want to frame someone, they will never lack excuses. I have hung up my sword and lived in retirement here in Nanchang for the past fifteen years. During this time, not only have I known absolutely nothing of the affairs of the wulin, but I have also never set foot more than ten miles outside the city walls. That being the case, how could I possibly have obtained the Cold Iron Guanyin at Dayu Ridge?"
Having said this, he let out a hearty laugh, then continued:
"Worthy nephew, you are a young hero; surely you understand what is so strange and precious about this Cold Iron Guanyin that makes every figure in the wulin drool at the mere mention of it? Could you explain it to this old man?"
Xu Longxiang could not help but be taken aback, and said:
"I have never paid any mind to the matter. It is just that while traveling, I heard so much chatter about it that I couldn't help but believe it."
Though he spoke thus, in his heart he thought:
"He has denied everything."
Dao Ruhai let out a long sigh and said:
– Not to mention you, my worthy nephew, even this old man cannot help but believe it. However, I felt that the best way to put an end to such slander was to remain silent. Yet, in the jianghu, grudges and disputes are truly unpredictable. Furthermore, realizing that we must guard against unforeseen misfortunes, I have dispatched several people to various places to invite some of my old friends to gather here, so we may judge and arbitrate this matter fairly.
As he spoke, he stood up and continued:
– Worthy nephew, come with me to check on Shi Dongyang’s injuries first! Just as Xu Longxiang was about to reply, he suddenly saw a black object whistling through the air. It flew in from the outside as fast as a flash of lightning. His face paled, and he hastily reached out his right hand to catch it. However, Xu Longxiang was not fast enough; the object flew past him and embedded itself with a sharp thud into a pillar.
Dao Ruhai swiftly glided forward and reached out to pluck the object. He saw that it was an arrow about three inches long, its head carved with a fierce, menacing demon face, which left him utterly startled. While Dao Ruhai was pulling out the arrow, Xu Longxiang also swiftly darted out of the main hall. He swept his gaze around, but saw nothing but lush trees rustling in the wind, with no sign of any human figure. Realizing the opponent had already fled and that giving chase would be futile, he immediately returned to the hall.
By then, Dao Ruhai was staring intently at the arrow in his hand, his face deep in thought. Xu Longxiang hastily asked:
– Martial Uncle, do you recognize the origin of this arrow?
Dao Ruhai shook his head and said:
– I have no idea of its origin.
Having said this, he let out a dry laugh and continued:
– If one does not show alarm in the face of an alarming event, then the event itself will naturally lose its effect. The opponent intends to intimidate us, but since I have a clear conscience, what is there to fear?
Just then, seven or eight figures suddenly glided into the main hall from outside. They bowed respectfully and said:
– Report, Master! Just now, several people sneaked in here. When we noticed them and rushed over, they all fled immediately. Because they were too swift, we could not get a clear look at their faces.
Dao Ruhai waved his hand and said:
– I understand. You may withdraw and ensure tight security.
The eight martial artists acknowledged the order in unison and stepped outside. Meanwhile, Dao Ruhai and Xu Longxiang also stood up and left the main hall.
Night had completely enveloped all things. From the watchtower, the occasional beat of the drum drifted with the wind, signaling that the night had entered the second watch. A crescent moon hung suspended above the treetops. In Dao Ruhai's estate, all the lamps and torches had been extinguished, and the surroundings were so quiet that not even the faintest sound could be heard.
Within the compound walls, numerous figures were lurking behind trees and ornamental shrubs. They all remained silent, almost holding their breath, waiting for whatever might happen next.
At that moment, to the northwest outside the estate, a dark figure suddenly appeared. The dark figure was crippled in his left leg and had to use a cane to walk. As soon as the tip of his cane touched the ground, his body shot straight up into the air about six zhang, then soared onto the top of a towering ancient tree, as light as a bird. With only a very soft rustling sound, the dark figure landed gently on a thick branch. Standing still to listen for a moment and finding no movement, the dark figure let out a low howl and swiftly dropped to the ground. Just as the dark figure touched down and was about to dash forward, a person suddenly emerged swiftly from the darkness, blocking his path, and said:
"I, Dao, guessed correctly that you would definitely come tonight, and also anticipated that you would infiltrate from the northwest. Thus, I have personally come here to wait for you."
The man's eyes were as bright as lightning, striking fear into anyone who looked at them. He swept his gaze over Dao Ruhai, then said in a cold voice:
"Once my Ghost-Head Arrow is shot, I will personally retrieve it within a set time. Yet you dared to pull it out yourself; this is no different from sowing deeper hatred. Tonight, you must pay back double for the humiliation of having my leg severed by you in the past!" His voice was gloomy and truly terrifying. Dao Ruhai nodded, smiled, and replied:
"Although I, Dao, have lived in seclusion, I have never neglected my martial arts over the past fifteen years. Since you could not defeat me in the past, I will certainly not be defeated today. Moreover, now that you have lost a leg, it is clear that your desires can never be fulfilled."
Extremely furious, the man sneered:
"Are you also mimicking the boastful tongue of a child? Why don't you make your move?"
Dao Ruhai's face darkened as he said:
"I knew that if you weren't dead, you would surely seek me out for revenge one day. But unfortunately, you have chosen the wrong time!" The man could not help but be startled and asked:
"Why is it not the right time?"
Dao Ruhai smiled sinisterly and said:
"I don't believe you are unaware that experts from both the orthodox and unorthodox paths have flocked to the prefectural city because of my affairs."
The man lowered his voice and said:
"I already know. Although they came looking for you, Dao Ruhai, their target is the Cold Iron Guanyin. As for me, I don't care whether the Cold Iron Guanyin is truly in your hands, because I have absolutely no desire for it!" Dao Ruhai laughed coldly and said:
"Tonight, if you die under my White Tiger Palm, there will be nothing left to say. But on the contrary, if I lose my life at your hands, the experts of both the orthodox and unorthodox paths will assume that you have snatched the Cold Iron Guanyin. If so, even though the four seas are vast, you will not find a single place to hide."
The man laughed arrogantly and said:
"Those figures of the orthodox and unorthodox paths who consider themselves extraordinary are actually not even worth my attention. Do you think I am trembling in fear of them?"
"But there is one person you cannot help but fear!" "Who is that?"
"The 'Divine Hand of Retribution' Lu Gongxing!" Upon hearing the name of the "Divine Hand of Retribution" Lu Gongxing, the man could not help but be struck with terror. His eyes darted around, and a sudden thought crossed his mind. He then smiled and said:
"Lu Gongxing has long since departed for the immortal realm. Do you think your words can frighten me?"
"I, Dao, knew you would never believe it."
As Dao Ruhai spoke, he reached his right hand into his robe, smiled sinisterly, and continued:
"The Five-Cloud Snake-Head Nails are a hidden weapon that once shook the martial world, belonging to Lu Gongxing. This morning, they were used to eliminate my subordinate, Shi Dongyang. I have retrieved five of these snake-head nails as proof. If you do not believe me, take a close look at this."
As Dao Ruhai spoke, he swiftly thrust his hand directly in front of his opponent's face and spread it wide. Instantly, five gleaming black snake-head nails, about three inches long, appeared clearly in the palm of his hand. The other man glanced over, and seeing clearly that it was indeed the deadly hidden weapon unique to Lu Gongxing, he could not help but startle. Taking advantage of his opponent's attention being drawn to the five snake-head nails in his right palm, Dao Ruhai's left hand struck like lightning, slapping hard against the opponent's flank. Because the distance was too close and Dao Ruhai's action was too sudden, with a sharp "smack," his hand struck the target squarely. The man could not help but let out a dry grunt, his face turning deathly pale.
Dao Ruhai swiftly leaped back five paces and laughed eerily, saying:
"My White Tiger Palm is laced with three Soul-Reaping Needles, specifically designed to shatter protective qi. The higher a person's cultivation, the greater the pain they will suffer. Therefore, you cannot possibly live for more than another three hours."
Before the words had fully left his mouth, the man propped himself up with his staff and lunged forward, swinging his right palm in an incredibly powerful strike, the surging inner energy howling with a terrifying roar.
Dao Ruhai let out a cold laugh and swiftly raised both palms to block the opponent's attack. After a loud "boom," Dao Ruhai was thrown back three consecutive steps. Meanwhile, the other man's body also swayed slightly. He cast a look filled with deep hatred at Dao Ruhai, then rasped:
"As long as I do not die, you yourself will suffer a defeat many times worse than mine in the future. But what you have suffered tonight is already enough."
With that, he planted the tip of his staff on the ground, vaulted into the air, cleared the perimeter wall, and vanished into the night.
Dao Ruhai had indeed sustained no light injury. Large, bean-sized beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, and his blood surged chaotically, nearly erupting from his mouth. He hastily circulated his true qi to regulate his breathing, guiding the turbulent blood back into his meridians. Only after a long while did he recover and slowly walk back inside. Immediately, he ordered several martial masters to secretly search for the man, demanding that they bring him back, dead or alive. He estimated that the man could not have gone further than five miles and would surely collapse and die along the way. However, he did not want outsiders to know of this matter, as any leakage would be highly disadvantageous to him. Yet, little did he know that man's designs are inferior to Heaven's will; this very act was bringing disaster upon himself, sowing the seeds for a bloody slaughter in the martial world in the future.
Late at night, a cold wind blew. Under the hazy moonlight, Nanchang City was blanketed in a thin layer of freezing mist. Not far behind the Dao Manor, at the end of a small alley, stood a dilapidated house. Inside was a dark loft, barely large enough to hold a small bed and a single chair.
Dao Jiaqi lay on his small bed. Clutching a worn, tattered cotton coat, his eyes were wide open as he tossed and turned restlessly, unable to find sleep. His thoughts wandered aimlessly; his future seemed utterly bleak, and his life felt entirely hollow and meaningless. The further his mind drifted, the heavier and more sorrowful his heart grew, making it impossible to catch even a moment of sleep. The night wind carried the sound of watchtower drums, signaling that the night had already entered the fourth watch. The profound silence of the deep night only magnified his melancholy tenfold.
Suddenly, a loud thud echoed from the alley outside Dao Jiaqi's loft window, sounding like a heavy stone plunging into water. The sound reverberated through the quiet night, lingering for a long time. Startled, Dao Jiaqi quickly sat up and strained his ears. From the direction of the noise, he caught a faint groan, as soft as the buzzing of a mosquito. He guessed that someone had slipped and fallen, suffering injuries so severe they could not get back up. He hurriedly threw a coat over his shoulders, slipped out of bed, and quietly made his way down from the loft. Fearing he might wake his mother, he tiptoed carefully toward the door.
Just then, his mother's voice called out from inside the house:
“Qi'er, did you hear that noise outside the door too?”
As is often the case with the blind, her hearing was far sharper than that of ordinary people.
Hearing his mother's question, Dao Jiaqi replied:
“Yes, Mother. I heard it, so I want to go out and see what is happening.”
“Put on another coat so you don't catch a cold from the night dew!” — “I've already put one on, Mother, so please don't worry!” As he spoke, the boy slid back the door bolt and stepped outside. Under the moonlight, he saw an old man collapsed on the ground not far from his door. Startled, he rushed over, knelt beside him, and asked:
“Sir, what is the matter?”
Now he could see the old man clearly. He was missing a leg, his hair was disheveled, and his eyes were wide and bloodshot, bulging like two brass bells. He was gritting his teeth tightly, as if suppressing an agonizing pain.
The old man's eyes slowly rolled over to scan Dao Jiaqi. Seeing that he was just a frail, thin boy, he said:
“Young man, I am a dying man. There is nothing you can do to help me. You had better go back inside quickly, lest those pursuing me catch up and drag you into this.”
The old man's voice sounded dark and raspy. Dao Jiaqi asked in bewilderment:
“Sir, who is pursuing you? And how do you know you are about to die, or that I have no way of saving you?”
The old man widened his eyes and said:
“I am gravely injured and can no longer even stand. How could I not be dying? Besides, even if there were medicine to cure me, I would have to rest quietly for several years to hope for a recovery. If I must drag out such a useless existence, wouldn't it be better to just die and be at peace?”
Dao Jiaqi said:
“You are wrong to say that. Even ants cling to life, so how can a human being not cherish their own existence?”
“If you do not mind, please come rest in my thatched hut for a while. You will surely be able to recover as before.”
Ever since he was a child, Dao Jiaqi had been taught by his mother that saving a life was better than building a seven-story pagoda. How could he stand by and watch someone in danger without trying to save them?
The old man replied in a cold voice:
“I only fear that doing so will bring you untold disasters.”
Dao Jiaqi was stunned to hear this. Right at that moment, the figure of his elderly mother appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame as she called out:
"Qi'er, if he is injured, quickly help him inside. If he is left out in the cold wind, his injuries will only worsen."
Dao Jiaqi said:
"Yes, Mother, please go back to sleep. Qi'er will help him inside right away!" With that, he said no more and used all his meager strength to help the old man sit up. Seeing this, the old man couldn't help but sigh deeply, yet he allowed the boy to assist him. He cast his gaze toward Mother Dao and was startled to see that her eyes were blind, and she was wearing a cotton-padded jacket patched in a hundred places. Leaning against the door, she looked like a dying candle flickering in the wind.
Deeply moved, a sudden spark of hope to cling to life arose in the old man's heart. He turned his eyes back to Dao Jiaqi and said:
"Young lad, please go and pick up my cane. Out of appreciation for your kindness, I will try my best to drag this fading life out for a few more years."
As he spoke, he pointed toward the base of the wall. Dao Jiaqi turned to look and indeed saw a cane lying there, so he hurried over to pick it up and hand it to the old man. Immediately, the old man pressed his right hand firmly against the ground and stood straight up, while simultaneously planting the cane in his right hand onto the floor to keep his balance.
Although he managed to stand upright, a dry grunt escaped his throat, and his face contorted in extreme pain.
Forcing a smile, he said:
"Elder Sister, your kindness has truly moved me to the core. It is because of this that I have found the will to live. You are blind and suffer from severe rheumatism, yet you still have the strength of will to raise your son. How could this old man not do the same...?"
Dao Jiaqi couldn't help but startle, thinking to himself:
"How does he know my mother has rheumatism?"
Because of this, his heart was filled with both shock and suspicion.
The old man continued:
"The night is cold, so please go inside and rest, Elder Sister. Your son will help me."
Mother Dao replied:
"In that case, I shall retire."
With that, she turned and walked straight inside.
Dao Jiaqi supported the old man with both hands and said:
"Sir, the wind is strong out here, please come inside quickly."
The old man nodded and said:
"Very well!" As soon as he spoke, without waiting for Dao Jiaqi to support him, he simply pressed his cane hard against the ground, and his entire body soared straight through the doorway like a bird.
Dao Jiaqi hurriedly ran inside and shut the door tightly.
Once inside, the old man swept his eyes, which shone as bright as lightning, across the room before turning to ask Dao Jiaqi:
"Where do you sleep, young lad? Is it up in that loft?"
Dao Jiaqi replied:
"Yes, that's right!" Instantly, the old man's body swayed, and he soared straight up, landing softly on the loft floor. Then, pressing his hand firmly against the floorboards, he propelled himself onto the bed, causing it to creak loudly.
Dao Jiaqi couldn't help but think in silent terror:
"How could his actions possibly belong to someone who is gravely injured?" He had lived in the household of Dao Ruhai for many years, so he was accustomed to seeing martial arts masters demonstrate their skills. Yet, he had rarely seen anyone with movements as swift as this old man. Having frequently witnessed the superb skills of others, he held a deep admiration for martial arts, but for a long time, he had kept this passion hidden in his heart, never daring to reveal it.
When he climbed up the stairs to the loft, he saw the old man already lying quietly on the bed. The old man was panting incessantly, a wheezing, rattling sound coming from his throat. Seeing this, Dao Jiaqi was deeply alarmed and asked in a low voice:
"Sir, what is wrong with you?"
The old man did not answer but merely waved his hand to stop the boy from speaking. He took out three highly fragrant pills, put them into his mouth, and swallowed them with a gulp.
Dao Jiaqi stood silently by the bedside. The old man's breathing gradually grew softer. Outside the window, a rooster crowed, signaling the end of the fifth watch. Yet, it was still pitch black outside, and a biting chill seeped through the cracks of the door, making the entire room as cold as the depths of winter.
Suddenly, from outside the window, the sound of footsteps walking down the alley echoed. Then, a muffled voice was heard saying:
"The master said that old devil couldn't have run further than five miles, so why haven't we found him despite searching everywhere?"
Another person sneered and replied:
"In this prefectural city, there are no fewer than tens of thousands of houses. If that old devil went somewhere and met a kind-hearted soul willing to hide and feed him, then with our capabilities, even if we searched for six months or a year, we might not necessarily find him."
"That makes sense. It really isn't easy for us to find where that old man has hidden. But since the master ordered us to search, if we return empty-handed, what are we going to say?"
"We aren't the only two sent to find that old devil."
"In my opinion, the others will surely return empty-handed as well! As for the name and background of that old devil, Master Dao didn't make them clear at all. Furthermore, when he ordered us to search, there was still a look of terror on his face. This is enough to show that Master Dao is currently in hot water—we can see that just from the incident involving Shi Dongyang. Could that old devil actually be the Retributive Divine Hand, Lu Gonghang?"
"Who knows! You and I had better go back and report!" Immediately after, there was the sound of wind whistling as they leaped away, and the area outside the window fell back into silence.
The old man propped himself up, looked toward the window, and sneered. Dao Jiaqi asked, "Are they talking about you?"
The old man slowly turned around, looked straight at Dao Jiaqi, and said:
"Young man, light the lamp. This old man has something to say to you!" Dao Jiaqi answered, then took the flint resting on the chair and struck them together sharply. Sparks flew, lighting a tinder that glowed faintly in the dark. He immediately brought the tinder close to his mouth and blew on it softly, and a flame instantly flared up. He then used the burning tinder to light the wick of the oil lamp beside him, before extinguishing the tinder.
At that moment, the loft was brightly lit. The old man looked closely at Dao Jiaqi. Seeing that the boy's eyes and the bridge of his nose were bruised blue and black, and his cheeks were scratched, he could not help but ask in surprise:
“Do not hide it from me. I can see the wound on your face is still fresh, which proves you were just beaten and bullied but did not dare tell your mother. What is the meaning of this?”
Dao Jiaqi could not help but be astonished by the old man’s keen observation, which was as if he had witnessed everything with his own eyes. The boy wanted to tell him the truth, but found it difficult to put into words. As he hesitated, the old man’s intimidating gaze staring intently at him, combined with his majestic countenance, made the boy involuntarily let out a long sigh and recount his circumstances.
After listening, the old man’s expression shifted slightly, and he said:
“If that is the case, then Dao Ruhai has bestowed a favor upon you as heavy as a mountain. How do you intend to repay that debt of gratitude?”
Dao Jiaqi shook his head and said:
“The only reason Dao Ruhai hands out charity and favors to others is out of sheer hypocrisy. Nevertheless, he did save my mother and me from starving and freezing to death. One day, I will surely repay that debt.”
Hearing this, the old man gave a thumbs-up in approval and continued:
“Do you know who inflicted these injuries upon me?”
Dao Jiaqi replied:
“The words of those martial artists outside the window just now proved that you fell victim to Dao Ruhai’s vicious hand, did they not?”
The old man’s eyes flashed with a furious light, and he let out a cold laugh, saying:
“In the past, Dao Ruhai’s actions infuriated anyone who witnessed or heard of them. The martial arts masters he harmed numbered in the hundreds, even thousands. He thought his deeds would remain hidden, but paper cannot wrap fire. In the end, four people investigated and uncovered his insidious schemes, proving he was a great menace to the martial world, and so they resolved to eliminate him.”
At this point, the old man let out a long sigh and continued:
“But unexpectedly, Dao Ruhai struck first to gain the upper hand, which is how this old man lost a leg to him. He knew that if his heinous crimes were exposed, he would never be able to live in peace within the martial world, so he hung up his sword early and went into retirement.”
The old man suddenly cut his words short, then lowered his voice and continued:
“You are still young, so it is not fitting for this old man to dwell on such matters. Throughout my life, I have never wished to rely on others, yet I never expected that in my twilight years, I would owe you my very life.”
Dao Jiaqi opened his mouth to speak, but the old man waved his hand to silence him and continued:
“Although you saved me, I will have to recuperate in this attic for at least six months to a year. You will not regret this, will you? Furthermore, can you keep this matter strictly confidential?”
Dao Jiaqi replied:
“Why do you say that, elder? As long as you do not mind our family’s humble meals and plain tea, it would not matter even if you stayed for three to five years.”
His expression was so deeply sincere that the old man was profoundly moved. Looking directly at Dao Jiaqi, he smiled and said:
“I intend to help you in order to repay your immense favor, but I do not know your inclination. Do you prefer to study literature, or are you willing to train in the martial arts?”
Hearing this, Dao Jiaqi could not help but feel a surge of joy in his heart. Yet, he remained calm, showing no outward sign of his excitement, and respectfully replied:
“If I can receive your help, it would be as great a favor as giving me a second life. Studying literature is to understand reason, while practicing martial arts is for self-defense. In ancient times, people established the Six Arts; the literary and the martial are actually one and the same, so why do you separate them like that?”
Hearing Dao Jiaqi’s words, the old man showed great astonishment. He silently stared at Dao Jiaqi for a long time before slowly letting out a breath and asking:
“You have been fatherless since childhood, never enjoying even a shred of warmth from the world. From your eyes, one can see that your heart harbors resentment and anger toward the world. In the future, you could easily go to extremes, which truly worries this old man. You must know that the path of learning values most the cultivation of an upright and broad-minded character. If you stray, you will surely fail to achieve a good outcome in the end.”
Having said this, the old man suddenly changed his tone and continued:
“My words are as solid as iron, and I never regret them. Starting tomorrow, I will teach you everything I know. As for your future, that will depend on your own fortune.”
With that, he told Dao Jiaqi to bring over a brush and ink, then swiftly wrote down a list of items. At the same time, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a gold ingot, handed it to Dao Jiaqi, and told him to go to the market to buy the goods written on the paper.
Furthermore, he instructed the boy on where to buy those items and emphasized the need for absolute secrecy.
Dao Jiaqi then went downstairs and saw that his mother was not yet asleep.
She immediately called Dao Jiaqi over to ask about what had happened.
After listening, she pondered for a moment and said:
“In the wider world, there are many extraordinary talents, so you should respect him as your master. Since I am an ignorant woman, I cannot plan for your future. Today, you are fortunate to have met with this opportunity, so you must strive to learn and progress. In the future, if you can bring honor to our family name, I will be able to close my eyes and smile even in the Nine Springs. Go now, but first, ask the steward for half a day off, then go to the streets to buy the items.”
Dao Jiaqi repeatedly voiced his obedience, then headed straight toward the back gate of Dao Ruhai’s estate.
The spring sunshine was warm, and the lush, green young willow branches stretched along the lakeside, swaying gracefully in the wind. Ripples shimmered on the lake’s surface, and the bobbing green lotus leaves made the spring scenery even more beautiful. Dao Jiaqi had finished buying all the items the old man had written on the paper, which included two packets of highly expensive healing medicine, a lodestone, and several books. He wrapped them all together into a bundle and walked home along the lake.
Suddenly, he saw a dozen figures on horseback riding toward him like the wind. The thundering of hooves rumbled like thunder, and clouds of dust billowed into the air. The person riding the lead horse was none other than the “Tiger Palm Golden Saber” Dao Ruhai.
Dao Jiaqi was quick-witted; the moment he saw them, he slipped into a small alley, pressing himself against the wall to peek out.
The troop of horses swept past like the wind, turning onto Zhuangyuan Bridge and then heading straight out of the city through the Shunhe Gate. Master Dao’s face was as cold as ice, as if something extremely serious had occurred. Dao Jiaqi pondered for a moment, then turned and took shortcuts to rush back home. Just as he stepped up the stairs, he saw the old man sitting upright on the bed with one leg tucked in, his eyes tightly closed as he channeled his true energy to regulate his breathing. His face had begun to regain some color, but it was still pale.
Hearing the noise, the old man slowly opened his eyes and asked:
"Did you buy all the items listed on the paper?"
Tao Jiaqi said, "I bought everything!" As soon as he finished speaking, he handed the package directly to the old man, then knelt on the ground and said, "My mother taught me that I must bow to you and honor you as my master. Please accept this formal bow from Qi-er."
With that, he respectfully kowtowed several times. The old man smiled and said, "Although your mother is blind and lives in darkness, her mind is extraordinarily clear and bright, which is truly rare. Although this old man does not wish to be a master, I will certainly be strict in teaching you. From beginning to end, do not slacken in your studies."
As he spoke, he opened the package and checked the contents, finding the two packets of healing medicine exactly as requested. Then, using his right hand, he picked up the lodestone, while lifting his robe with his left hand. Tao Jiaqi looked over and couldn't help but startle. Beneath the old man's armpit was a dark, bruised wound about the size of a palm. In many places, the flesh had begun to rot, oozing a foul-smelling yellow pus. The old man's eyes flashed with a cold light. He let out a cold laugh, then pressed the lodestone gently against the wound.
Tao Jiaqi stared intently, watching the old man's every move. His expression looked even more tense than the old man's. Before long, the old man pulled the lodestone away. Instantly, three glittering black iron needles, barely an inch long and as thin as hair, came out clinging to the stone. Those needles were still coated with streaks of dark, clotted blood, looking truly gruesome.
The old man removed the three needles and placed them in his palm, staring at them for a moment. His eyes shone like two bolts of electricity, and his face clearly betrayed a wave of killing intent.