Chapter 1: Yi River Chill

Chapter 1: Yi River Chill

Catkins fluttered chaotically, warm winds brushed the face—it was the heart of late spring.

The Yi River, located in central Hebei, had long since shed its ice. Rippling light danced on its surface. Willow trees lining the banks sprouted thousands of green tendrils, occasionally brushing the water’s surface with the breeze, leaving behind circles of expanding rings. Thanks to abundant snow this past winter, the river’s flow was strong after the ice melted. At its widest point along this hundred-li stretch, the Yi River spanned about a li. All eleven ferry crossings on both banks were now open; the boatmen’s chantey songs carried across the water.

Compared to the other ten crossings, Lotus Leaf Ferry was small and remote. A lone wooden stake meant for tying boats stood by the shore, surrounded by reeds that stretched out in all directions. The occasional cry of a bird or croak of a frog only deepened the sense of loneliness and desolation. The sun was setting westward; the ferry was deserted. Only a small boat half-concealed within the lush green reeds remained. At its prow sat a boatman wearing rain gear, fishing alone.

The ancient ferry beneath the setting sun, the endless reeds, the solitary boat with its angler—it painted a bleak and distant picture.

This boatman looked about in his fifties. His hair was black as ink, yet a sparse, grizzled beard hung from his chin. His phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, the corners of his mouth turned slightly downward—his appearance was unexpectedly refined.

Suddenly, the fishing hook twitched. The old boatman lifted his rod, pulling up a fish about half a foot long.

The old boatman removed the fish and tossed it into a reed creel at the bow. He lifted his head to look at the fiery sunset clouds rimming the horizon and murmured, “There’s going to be heavy rain in the coming days…” As he spoke, he pulled a bamboo pole from the water and used it to push the boat away from the shore, intending to row upstream.

Just then, the urgent beat of hooves sounded on a small path, like thunder rolling over flat ground. Six jet-black horses galloped forth. Their riders were dressed as martial folk, the hilts of blades visible at their backs. The leader carried a cloth bundle on his back. His beard was thick and coarse, his expression fierce. Truly: a man like a fierce leopard, horses like swimming dragons! In no time, they reached the riverbank.

The old boatman, poling upstream, ignored them completely.

One of the six men shouted, “Boatman! Don’t leave! Ferry us across…” The old boatman stopped his boat about three or four zhang from shore. Turning back, he said, “You wish to cross? Why didn’t you come earlier? Why arrive only now?” The bearded man responded, “The way was long and hard. We galloped hard to get here. Ferry us across regardless, you’ll be paid handsomely.”

Though coarse in appearance, his words were surprisingly refined.

The old boatman gave a slight, cold smile. “Small boat, many people. And horses besides. How long would it take to ferry all that? This old man is heading home. If you wish to cross, find a larger ferry.” The bearded man thought this reasonable and asked, “How far to the nearest ferry?” The old boatman raised four fingers, waggling them. “Not far. Forty-nine li by water. Easy enough to reach.”

One man asked, “What’s forty-nine li distance?” The old boatman said, “One-nine is nine li. So four-nine? Do the math yourself.” The man glared. “Don’t toy with me, master! Thirty-some li? That’s almost a full hour! Bring that boat back now, or I’ll burn your rotten scow…” The old boatman snorted coldly, offered no reply, and simply rowed away.

That man flew into a rage. With a twist of his wrist, he palmed a Plum Blossom Dart. He muttered softly, “Elder Brother, that old man is really rude! Shall I…?” The bearded man said, “Sixth Brother, you’re always rash. Do you know whose territory this is?” The Sixth Brother snorted. “Even if the Long River Gang holds sway, must we of the ‘Golden Saber Wei Family’ fear them?” The bearded man replied, “This trip is solely to offer birthday congratulations to Senior Zhuge. There’s no need to stir up unnecessary trouble during our journey.”

A tall, lanky man chimed in, “Elder Brother speaks true. Traveling far from home, one must be cautious everywhere. Especially concerning this Long River Gang. Though they dominate the Yellow River, this Yi River area is at the edge of their reach—still, we must not be careless. Our Wei family’s ‘Saber Toss to Halt the Current’ formation, it’s true, is the old man’s nemesis. But ultimately, the few cannot withstand the many.” The bearded man nodded. “Second Brother, what do you make of that boatman just now? Any signs of something amiss?”

The Second Brother said, “That man didn’t seem like he practiced martial arts. Besides, this place is remote, isolated, and poor. It’s unlikely the Long River Gang would post hidden sentries here.” The bearded man grunted. “We’ve long been at odds with the Long River Gang. We must be cautious. It’s late now. Let’s ride slowly along the riverbank and find lodgings. We can cross at a larger ferry tomorrow.”

The six riders proceeded along the riverbank. Twilight deepened, the sky hazy. Flocks of returning crows flew by. A crescent moon climbed halfway up the sky.

As for the old boatman, he poled steadily upstream. A faint, smoke-like mist hung over the green water. Reeds swayed. The scent of earth and wildflowers, mingled together, drifted over now and then, lifting his spirits considerably. The small boat wove through this for a long time. Finally, along the shore, a tiny fishing village appeared. A fishing village in name—it consisted of barely more than a dozen households, all living in cramped, low, humble thatched huts. Desolation and poverty were evident at a glance. It was dinnertime. Smoke curled from every chimney, carrying a strong odor of fish.

The old boatman tied up his boat, picked up the reed creel, and stepped ashore. He’d walked perhaps four or five steps when the door of one thatched hut creaked open. Out stepped a girl of twelve or thirteen, wearing plain blue clothes patched at the elbows and knees. When she looked up and saw the old boatman, her face lit up with joy. “Grandfather! You’re back! I was just about to go and see you.” The old boatman smiled. “Back. Yes, back.”

The two went inside the hut. The girl lit an oil lamp, its light illuminating the slightly barren room. The center was a small straw-mat hall. Two inner rooms on either side had been partitioned off with old wooden planks to serve as bedrooms. The bedroom doors were woven bundles of wild grass adorned with wildflowers. A faint floral scent permeated the entire hut. Though frugal, it didn’t feel shabby. One could see the owner’s unique attention to detail.

The old boatman walked to the table. He shooed a large tabby cat off the chair seat. On the table was a plate of golden-yellow, plump scrambled eggs flecked with vivid green scallions—a dazzling, fragrant sight. Next to it, a clay pot held a stew of crucian carp, and beside that sat a wine jug. The old boatman frowned. “This wine… exchanged at Wang Si’s shop again? Hmph. That lad waters his wine down too much! Tamer than vinegar! Lian’er, how many times have I told you…”

The girl, Lian’er, giggled. She tipped the wine jug, pouring it into a bowl. A pure, bracing aroma rose instantly. The old boatman inhaled the scent and couldn’t help but gasp, “Ah!” He saw the wine in the bowl was pale blue-green, incredibly clear. He hurriedly took a sip. He savored it thoughtfully, puzzled. “That lad’s off his game. Ten-year-old premium Bamboo Leaf Green… actually undiluted? Probably grabbed the jug meant for his son’s wedding by mistake.” He drained the bowl in two gulps. Fragrance lingered in his mouth. He praised, “Good wine! Truly excellent wine!” And then he poured a large bowlful.

Lian’er, seeing him loudly praising and drinking happily, was also delighted. She giggled. “Uncle Wang Si wouldn’t make that mistake! Today, when I went to his shop to buy needle and thread, it had changed hands. That’s when I traded fish for this wine.” The old boatman paused. “Changed hands? Wang Si quit the shop?” Noticing his odd expression, Lian’er stopped smiling playfully. “Not exactly. The new shopkeeper said he’s a relative of Uncle Wang Si. He said Uncle Wang Si went to Qinghai to visit family and won’t be back for a year or two.”

The old boatman’s wine bowl stopped halfway to his lips. He didn’t drink. “What did that new owner look like? Did he come alone?” Lian’er giggled again. “The shopkeeper? He was short and fat, with a big nose… really… oh, really like a big fat pig! He also had a helper, though—tall and thin like a bamboo stick.”

Upon hearing this, the old boatman sat silently for a moment. He let out a cold laugh. “Ten years. Heh heh. They’ve finally come…” He lifted the wine bowl, raised it to his nose, sniffed several times, then slammed it back down onto the table. “Fine wine. Truly loosens sinews and dissolves bones! Fragrance that puts Du Kang to shame!”

He saw Lian’er watching him, her gaze both concerned and bewildered. He couldn’t help but smile slightly. He reached out and gently stroked her hair. Raising his voice, he called, “Come on out, friends outside! The dew in the grass is cold and damp—not good for one’s health…”

Lian’er jumped in fright. “Grandfather! Who are you talking—” Before she could finish, a voice, hoarse and resonant yet steeped in cold, sounded outside the door. “Brother Qin Tangguan, what sharp ears! I barely had time to crouch down before you heard me! Ha ha! Guo Jiangfeng of the Long River Gang, here today to visit an old acquaintance!” The tone was icy, carrying a venomous undercurrent of tragedy and resentment, enough to send chills down one’s spine.

The old boatman laughed heartily. “Ah, Chief Guo! My apologies! These past few years, under your guidance, the Long River Gang’s reputation in the Jianghu has soared, its prestige grown ever heavier. Far surpasses your nephew’s time! Truly worthy of celebration!”

Hearing this from outside the door, Guo Jiangfeng’s rage flared intensely. This old boatman, Qin Tangguan, had a formidable background. Exactly fifteen years ago, the former Chief of the Long River Gang, Guo Qingquan, had been killed by Qin Tangguan. This forged a bitter feud. Guo Jiangfeng had long retired by then, but driven by grief for his nephew, he returned. Given his seniority within the gang and his status as the foremost fighter among his peers, the members elected him chief. For over a decade, he had searched relentlessly for Qin Tangguan. Guo Jiangfeng possessed a perverse temperament, intensified by hatred. Entirely focused on revenge, he exercised no restraint over his gang members. Even if disciples committed murder or arson, as long as it was supposedly done while pursuing the enemy, they were pardoned. Thus, the Long River Gang’s reputation had plummeted. Hearing Qin Tangguan mention his nephew now, adding “reputation soared, prestige grown”—clearly mocking words—filled Guo Jiangfeng with shame-turned-rage. He shouted, “Old Man Qin! You, too, are a man of repute in the Jianghu! To think you became a coward, hiding here for over a decade, prolonging your wretched life! Shameless!”

Qin Tangguan chuckled. “‘Dog-extending wretched life’ is apt. Though I wonder, among all the great heroes and stalwarts present here… who belongs to the Year of the Dog?”

Fury seized Guo Jiangfan; his teeth ground audibly. He was born in the Year of the Dog. Due to his bad temper, certain senior figures in the past had mockingly nicknamed him “Friendly Dog” (meaning he had to be stroked in the right way; any opposition made him bare his teeth angrily). Naturally, no one dared call him that to his face, but with time, word inevitably reached him. Reportedly, an informant had earned a slap that split lips and dislocated teeth for his trouble. Hearing Qin Tangguan taunt him this way, how could he not be enraged? He waved his hand. Over a hundred burly men in black, trim outfits instantly rose from positions encircling the hut. Each clutched an identical Ghost Head Saber. Under the bleak moon, the cold glint of the blades shone like the fangs of countless savage wolves, ready to devour their prey.

Qin Tangguan’s voice came from inside the house, “Aha, quite a crowd has arrived this time. Gang Leader Guo, you’re growing old, aren’t you? Suddenly acting so timid and hesitant, this really pales in comparison to your nephew.” Guo Jiangfeng, however, was no longer provoked. He sneered coldly, “This old man seeks only to avenge my nephew. I have no need to engage in a solo duel with you. If you don’t come out now, I’m going to take action.” Dozens of torches suddenly blazed to life within the crowd, illuminating the surroundings like daylight. A few gang members who were holding the torches stepped closer, preparing to set the house on fire.

Qin Tangguan’s voice rang out again, “Gang Leader Guo, you can go right ahead and burn the house if you wish. But know that something will inevitably be reduced to ashes and scattered with the wind.” Guo Jiangfeng let out a cold laugh, “That something will be your remains.” With a wave of his hand, the gang members flung their torches towards the rooftop.

Suddenly, swift figures flickered as fast as ghosts. As soon as the torches left the throwers’ hands, they were caught and hurled straight back. Whoosh! One gang member’s entire face of thick beard caught fire, igniting with a crackle and pop. Simultaneously, another gang member, who was in mid-shout, found a torch suddenly thrust into his mouth. His tongue was immediately seared, lips cracked, and his mouth instantly blistered. Several men screamed in agony as they stumbled backward.

Guo Jiangfeng saw that the two figures who had intervened were one immensely fat and short, the other extremely thin and tall. Fury welled within him. “Brothers Cao and Guan! This is improper indeed. It was thanks to your substantial aid that this old man was able to find the prime culprit. And have you not also received my twenty thousand taels of silver? Why do you now turn against me, aiding my enemy and hurting my disciples?” His last two sentences were charged with severity, his rage palpable.

The fat man sneered coldly, “You must be senile! We did take your silver, it’s true. But we also helped you find your foe, and helped poison him. We are quits. As for what happens after? That was not agreed upon beforehand.” Guo Jiangfeng’s voice sharpened, “So, you mean to say you will aid Old Goat Qin?”

The thin man chuckled darkly, “Our brothers have never cared much for ‘seeing injustice and drawing blades to help’. Making an exception today? Doesn’t bother us one bit.”

A murderous glint kindled in Guo Jiangfeng’s eyes. He said icily, “If that’s how it is, nothing more needs to be said…” Four or five dozen Long River Gang members dropped their broadswords, lifted the bows and arrows from their backs notched, pointing them straight at the two men. Under the moonlight, the arrowheads gleamed with a sinister, sickly light, clearly poisoned.

Suddenly, Qin Tangguan’s voice sounded from within the house once more, “Oh dear, this is terrible! The Long River Gang’s poison arrows ready to fly… ‘Twin Shades of the Netherworld’, living up to the name! Yama’s halls are going to get crowded…” His tone dripped with malicious glee.

These stout and emaciated two were known by the shared nickname of the “Twin Shades of the Netherworld”. The fat one was surnamed Cao, given name Buren (“Ruthless”). The thin one was surnamed Guan, given name Buyi (“Treacherous”). Both were equally vicious. Ten years prior, a certain valuable had sparked a fierce conflict between them and Qin Tangguan. They fought three brutal battles, and the Twin Shades suffered defeat each time. In the final conflict, using stealth and poison, the Twin Shades set a trap; Qin Tangguan, caught off guard, sprang it. Enraged to his core, Qin Tangguan fought desperately with all his might. All three sustained grievous wounds. Afterwards, Qin Tangguan suffered another upheaval, went into hiding under an alias, and vowed never to return to the jianghu (Martial World). No one expected the Twin Shades to track him down again after ten years and poison him once more, this time with the “Slackened Sinews, Dissolved Bone Scent”. This numbing poison carried a faint wine aroma, was colorless and technically non-lethal. Victims found their kung fu gradually dissipating over seven days; unable to summon even the fiercest martial skill, they became utterly at their enemies’ mercy. Its absolute domination was formidable indeed.

Successful in this latest ambush of Qin Tangguan, the Twin Shades shed their last shred of caution. They regarded the poison arrows pointed at them by the Long River Gang members with utter disdain. Exchanging a glance, they suddenly crouched low and charged straight into the thick of the crowd. Poison arrows flew at them like a swarm of locusts! The two men swept off their large, spacious outer robes and whirled them like shields before them, effortlessly sweeping aside the four or five dozen poisoned projectiles.

Guo Jiangfeng yelled, “Encircle them!” His men flung down their bows, drew their swords, and rushed forward to attack simultaneously. Another four or five dozen men formed a wide ring with their blades, guarding against Qin Tangguan escaping in the confusion.

Swift as lightning bolts, the Twin Shades plunged into the crowd. Palms struck, fingers jabbed; their footwork was bizarre, their moves peculiar. Cao Buren’s fat palms were a sickly gray-blue, his five fingers stubby and utterly devoid of nails, even the knuckles indistinct – like five plump earthworms. Guan Buyi splayed his ten thin, skeletal fingers like eagle claws, movements slicing the air with a sharp hiss, like wire whipping through wind.

At the moment of clash, a succession of muffled thump thump sounds echoed, like punching hard leather. Cao Buren slapped the chests of two gang members; these two stared in surprise, finding themselves completely unharmed! Yet, two gang members behind them were struck as if by a hidden thunderbolt – their robes tore open over their chests and they were flung backward. Beside Guan Buyi, three gang members hacked downwards with their broad-choppers; inexplicably, the blades plunged deep into each other’s bodies! All five froze stiff, expressions of absolute horror on their faces, before their knees slowly buckled and they collapsed limply to the ground. Without uttering a sound, their lives ended.

Guo Jiangfeng, a man of extensive experience, recognized it instantly. He cried out, “‘Tasteless Poultry Ribs’, ‘Borrowing Jingzhou’… ALL of you! FALL BACK!”

“‘Tasteless Poultry Ribs'” and “‘Borrowing Jingzhou'” were the Twin Shades’ unique signature skills, named after famous events from the Three Kingdoms period. When Cao Buren struck someone with his palm technique, the primary target actually felt an extreme sense of comfort and well-being. But the true force blasted out sideways, striking anyone within three feet—non-fatally injuring or outright killing bystanders. The stronger the palm strike, the greater the comfort for the recipient, and the more severe the damage to those nearby. However, if there was no one nearby, the force would recoil back onto the user, often shattering limbs and splattering flesh, a horrific spectacle. The power itself was like the proverbial ‘chicken rib’ – seemingly rewarding to taste, of little real value, and ultimately destructive to itself.

Guan Buyi’s “‘Borrowing Jingzhou'” technique was the ultimate skill of redirecting force, most potent in chaotic melees—the more fighters, the greater its effect. If someone swung a blade toward him, midway its descent, his claw-like fingers would subtly divert it, making it uncontrollably veer off to strike another target. Even in a one-on-one fight, Guan Buyi could redirect an enemy’s own weapon back onto itself, making it extremely tricky to defend against.

Hearing Guo Jiangfeng’s warning, the Long River Gang members instantly parted, surrounding the trio in a large circle. Holding their torches high, they watched to see how their leader would withstand the Twin Shades of the Netherworld.

Cao Buren said coldly, “The poultry rib: tasteless when eaten, a pity if discarded. Will you consume it or not?” Guan Buyi giggled, “Borrowing your Jingzhou land, to carve out my Three Kingdoms. Care to test again?”

Guo Jiangfeng strode purposefully into the combat area. He detached his unique weapon, the “Nine Interlocking Rings”, from his belt. Using the move “Iron Chain Bars the River”, he swept the rings towards Cao Buren’s lower body.

The Nine Interlocking Rings were formed from nine serrated steel rings linked together, combinable or separable. Instead of a handguard, the inside edge of each ring sported wolf-tooth saw teeth. They could hook an enemy’s weapon, lock it away, or be thrown as hidden weapons. Formidable! Because the Long River Gang dominated stretches of the Yellow River in Henan, this weapon had gained an alternative name: “The Yellow River’s Nine Bends”.

Cao Buren’s palm techniques were potent, but the extended chain measured over six feet long, its movements vicious and deceptive. Seeing such an unusual weapon for the first time, how dare he close in? He could only perform the “Retreating Seven Stars Step”, withdrawing four feet in retreat.

Forcing back his opponent with a single move invigorated Guo Jiangfeng. He surged forward aggressively. “Turn Back to Shore”, “A Reed Rides West”, “Dragon Gate’s Three Folds”, “Flying River Plunging Down”… His techniques flowed like a great river, cascading relentlessly. This was the Long River Gang’s pinnacle secret skill, passed exclusively to the Gang Leader and Elders – the “Nine Schools Cloud-Sweeping Ring Method”. Cao Buren was suppressed by this whirlwind of attacks, finding no opening for a counter. He could only rely on his bizarrely agile body movement, scrambling forward and leaping backward, twisting and turning. Despite his immense girth, he moved with startling nimbleness and speed; Guo Jiangfeng couldn’t land a blow on him for the moment.

Meanwhile, Guan Buyi wasn’t idle either. He darted and slithered into the ranks of the surrounding gang members, pointing east yet striking west, revolving faster, ever faster. Whenever members rushed him collectively, their ghost-head broad-choppers often ended up hacking their own comrades. Individuals stepping forward, however, were no match and were quickly felled; Guan Buyi knocked down over a dozen swiftly.

The Long River Gang members who had come this time were all seasoned fighters. Realizing the situation was amiss, they instantly whistled sharply. Forming into groups—three together, ten in a unit, twenty in a larger band—they swiftly arrayed themselves into a strange, nested broadsword formation. The innermost layer had three men standing back-to-back, blades pointing outward. Another ten men formed a ring around these three, positioned to face the center, capable of pinching an enemy between them. Around this group of ten, another twenty men formed the outermost circle, preventing escape from the blade array.

This bizarre formation was the Long River Gang’s unique battle array. Coordinated properly, it could withstand seven or eight first-class masters. Within the array, some members focused solely on defense, others purely on attack; attackers only attacked, defenders only defended. This way, they still couldn’t capture Guan Buyi within it, but it became extremely difficult for him to inflict further casualties.

Guo Jiangfeng continued his aggressive assault, yet his peripheral glance swept over the compound. He thought to himself: The old fox Qin is drugged helpless, and the Twin Shades are pinned down by me. If I don’t strike for vengeance now, when else?! He shouted aloud: “Haize! Haiyuan! The old thief has lost all kung fu! Lead some men—hack off his head and bring it to me!” His two disciples, Luo Haize and Tan Haiyuan, responded instantly. Leading over a dozen gang members, wielding torches and broadswords, they stormed the house—some smashing the door, others crashing through windows, charging inside.

Bang! Crash! Thud! Sounds of shattering wood filled the air as the house structure was torn to pieces—yet no sounds of fighting or shouting issued from within. Guo Jiangfeng paused, stunned. He yelled out, “What’s happening? Did you kill the old thief?” Fang Haize’s voice came from inside, laced with panic, “Master! The old thief… he’s gone! There’s no one in the house!”

Guo Jiangfeng received a shock. Anxiety pricked him: Could the old thief burrow through the earth? Has he slipped away in the chaos? Distracted, his offensive rhythm faltered. His ears caught Cao Buren’s cold sneer. The fat man lunged forward, his palm whipping out with a whoosh, striking flat onto the handguard of the third ring in Guo Jiangfeng’s chain.

At that very moment, Guo Jiangfeng was unleashing the move “Wave Ebb, Tide Rise”. True to its name, the assault surged with the relentless force of ocean waves—one wave overlapping the next before the previous subsided, the nine rings mimicking the churning sea. An opponent who blocked the first surge seldom evaded the second—truly formidable. But precisely at the instant the second wave hadn’t fully formed, the impact on the middle ring forced it downward. The front six rings snapped back with centrifugal fury plus the momentum from Cao Buren’s palm blow—hurtling with immense speed directly at Guo Jiangfeng!

Guo Jiangfeng truly was highly skilled. Seeing his own weapon rebelling to devour him, he showed not a flicker of panic. His hand flicked the steel rings violently, hurling them towards Cao Buren’s face! At the same time, his left hand shot out, pressing lightly on the very last ring, neutralizing its return momentum. His right hand gracefully snatched the handguard back into his palm.

This move simultaneously dissolved the backlash and launched a counter-attack! The seamless reversal of the rings’ positions would put a stage magician to shame. His form and technique were executed with supreme elegance, manifesting the bearing of a true master.

Seeing this, the Long River Gang members roared in unison like thunderous applause.

Upon hearing that Qin Tangguan had disappeared, Guo Jiangfeng lost the will to fight. With a move called “Silver River in Nine Heavens,” like an inverted Milky Way, he shielded himself and shouted, “Dig three feet into the ground if you must, but find him! Light the signal fire, summon everyone nearby! Find that old thief…”

Cao Buren, finally relieved that Guo Jiangfeng had ceased his attacks, retracted his palms and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Guan Buyi. Without any visible leg movement, they retreated dozens of yards in an instant.

Guo Jiangfeng knew these two were not to be trifled with. Cao Buren’s movement technique “Talk of Cao and Cao Arrives” and Guan Buyi’s footwork “Thousand Li Solo Ride” were rare lightness skills in the Jianghu. Once they decided to flee, pursuit was difficult. Fortunately, Guo Jiangfeng had no interest in chasing them. His entire focus was on Qin Tangguan. He had searched for over ten years; he couldn’t fail at the last moment. Staring at the empty house, fury surged through him. He flung a torch onto the thatched roof. In moments, flames soared into the sky, reddening half the heavens.

The neighbors had never witnessed such a scene, trembling in fear under their blankets, too terrified to even peek outside, let alone attempt to extinguish the fire. Unexpectedly, the night wind grew stronger, and the burning house was directly upwind. Sparks scattered, igniting several nearby homes instantly. Smoke and flames blotted out the sky, a crimson dragon writhed on the earth, fire was everywhere. People screamed as they ran from their houses. Guo Jiangfeng waved his hand. Sword glints flashed, and seven or eight fishermen were cleaved in two. The others cried out and fled, but how could they evade the slaughter of over a hundred burly men?

In an instant, the crackling of dry grass, the crashing of falling roof beams, the wails of women and cries of children, and the groans of the dying blended into a chaotic cacophony that echoed miles through the silent night.

At this very moment, a small boat was silently gliding downstream on the Yi River. Qin Tangguan strained at the oars, having already traveled two or three miles downstream. Though poisoned by numbing drugs, the dosage was fortunately light. Combined with his profound Internal Energy, he could still move.

While listening for any external commotion, he retrieved a cloth bundle and a scroll painting from a cabinet, slung them on his back, moved his bed aside, and uncovered the muddy earth beneath. He clawed downward, fingers sinking deep into the soil as if grabbing something, then lifted. With a scraping sound, a metal plate was lifted, revealing a dark, pitch-black hole beneath. Qin Tangguan told Lian’er to go down first. He then took a cloth package from a drawer, dragged the bed back into place, and crouched down into the hole.

The tunnel, seemingly dug long ago, led all the way to the riverbank, sealed by another iron plate. Qin Tangguan kicked it open and emerged with Lian’er right beside the wooden post where their boat was tied. They boarded, and Qin Tangguan rowed with all his might.

Lian’er sat in the cabin, even after they had traveled four or five miles, staring blankly back the way they had come. Suddenly seeing flames leap into the sky, she gasped sharply, “Grandfather, did they burn our house?” Qin Tangguan glanced back and sneered, “How many houses has the Long River Gang burned? Ours is just another. Pity about your flowers and plants, though.” Lian’er frowned. “And my big striped cat!” Qin Tangguan chuckled, “Ah, yes. But that cat has four legs, he’ll surely have escaped faster than us. He won’t be burned.” He rowed without pause, the boat gliding onward another mile.

Watching the receding flames, sorrow filled Lian’er’s heart, tears threatening to fall. After a while, she said, “The house is burned. Where will we live now?” Qin Tangguan replied, “Don’t be afraid. I will take you now to find someone. You’ll stay with her from now on.” He paused, then added, “I had wanted to wait until you were older before taking you to her. But now, it seems we cannot wait any longer.” Lian’er asked curiously, “Who is it? A relative? Do I know her?”

Qin Tangguan’s face suddenly turned melancholy. He murmured softly, “You… you know her, of course. How could you not… She is… your… mother.”

Lian’er was stunned. “My mother? Didn’t she die long ago? When I first started remembering, years ago, that’s what you told me.” Qin Tangguan said, “She didn’t die. Grandfather hid it from you for many years. Now it’s time you knew. She lives alone, far away, forbidding anyone to visit. Her life… is very hard…” He sighed, his eyes reddening. Young and confused, Lian’er was about to ask more when Qin Tangguan’s expression abruptly changed. He looked back upriver a few times, snorted through his nose, “Tenacious ghosts…” Then, bending down close to Lian’er’s ear, he whispered urgently, “Someone’s pursued us. We won’t escape going like this. Lie flat in the cabin, absolutely silent. Grandfather will lead them away and come back for you.” Lian’er obeyed immediately, lying down. Qin Tangguan maneuvered the small boat into a cluster of reed beds. Just as he was about to leap ashore, his legs felt strangely numb and weak. A shock ran through him; he thought, Such potent poison.

Thinking quickly, he pulled the cloth bundle from his robe and stuffed it into Lian’er’s hands. He then tied the painting scroll onto her back and whispered, “Wait here for me. If I haven’t returned by dawn, don’t wait. Go find your mother alone. I’ll shake off the pursuers and find you both. Remember, your mother’s name is Qin Xueyi. Her nickname is Lady Xueyi. She lives at Crescent Moon Spring on Mount Mingsha, Dunhuang, Gansu. The bundle contains some silver coins and a gold hairpin. The stuff in the bundle and the painting on your back are your mother’s possessions. Don’t let anyone see them. Above all, don’t lose them. Your mother will recognize the painting and the hairpin; they will prove you are her daughter.” Seeing his solemn face and grave tone, Lian’er’s heart pounded wildly. Too scared to speak, she could only nod repeatedly.

Qin Tangguan finished his instructions, then added one final warning: “Say your mother’s name to no one on the road.” Lian’er promised, “I won’t.” Only then did Qin Tangguan leap ashore. Spotting two silhouettes speeding towards him in the distance, he let out a cold laugh, “Twin Shades of the Netherworld! The Nitian Manual is right here on this old man! If you want it, come take it with your real skill!” Summoning his Internal Energy to forcefully suppress the spreading numbness, he unleashed his movement technique, flying across the ground as if his feet never touched it.

The two shadowy figures were indeed the Twin Shades of the Netherworld. Hearing his words, they increased their speed in hot pursuit.

Seeing the three figures vanish into the distance, unease churned within Lian’er. She didn’t know if her grandfather would return for her. Suddenly feeling utterly alone and helpless, tears welled in her eyes. She lay in the cabin for some time, sensing no further disturbance. Just as she was about to sit up, she heard faint sounds of movement and low voices through the grass on the bank nearby. Fear seized her. She held her breath and strained to listen.

She heard one voice say, “Elder Brother, the person speaking sounded like that old boatman.” Another replied, “Correct. Judging by his stance and movement, his skill is certainly not inferior to the Twin Shades.” A third voice added, “Elder Brother, what is this ‘Nitian Manual’ the old boatman mentioned? It made the Twin Shades chase after him like cats after a fish.” The Elder Brother replied coolly, “It’s the Red Lotus Sect’s sacred treasure. Hmph, for us brothers to stumble upon it… this venture has proven unexpectedly fortuitous.”

The first voice asked, “Elder Brother, what shall we do?” The Elder Brother commanded, “We present Master Zhuge’s birthday gift; the formalities cannot be neglected. Fourth Brother, you take the gift and proceed directly to Jianxian Manor (Hall of Meeting the Virtuous). The rest of you, follow me discreetly.” Following his words, a few chilling glints seemed to flash amidst the grass. Several heavy thuds sounded, like objects falling to the ground. Then, five or six shadowy figures flitted away silently. Another figure led out a horse and galloped northward at high speed.

Immensely frightened, Lian’er listened until she heard no one nearby. She quietly paddled the boat to the bank, climbed onto the grassy shore, and cautiously peered towards the clump of grass where the voices had originated. What she saw made her jump violently in terror, her heart hammering wildly.

Lying in the tall weeds were five dead horses. Their heads had all been cleanly severed by a single sword stroke. Blood was still gushing from the stumps. The Elder Brother, determined to follow silently – to be the oriole stalking the mantis – knew noise and visibility of mounted men would betray them. His decision to kill the horses and proceed on foot was thus swift and ruthless, revealing meticulous calculation and severe cruelty.

Lian’er stumbled backwards several steps and collapsed onto the riverbank, struggling to calm her frantic heart. The moonlight was cold and clear; reeds sighed mournfully. Over the river, a thin mist slowly rose, enveloping the reed beds in a hazy, dreamlike veil. Lian’er sat on the bank, chin resting on her hands, staring blankly at the crescent moon in the sky. Her mind raced: Soon I can see Mother! How wonderful. What does she look like? I must have seen her when I was little, but I don’t remember. Grandfather said there’s a fairy lady living on the moon, very beautiful. Mother must look like her too. Only one lives on the moon, and one in the mountains. Ah, if only I could see her right now.

Suddenly, a thought struck her: Grandfather said the gold hairpin and that painting belonged to Mother. Could it be her portrait?

Excitement surged through her. Eagerly, she reached behind her back to untie the painting scroll. Her fingers were just loosening the cord when the sound of shouting men and neighing horses erupted from upstream. Hoofbeats thundered like fast drumming. Torchlight flooded the area, bright as day, as an unknown number of men surged towards her – it was the Long River Gang.

Guo Jiangfeng, after the bloodshed in the village, had calmed somewhat. Believing the numbing poison ensured Qin Tangguan couldn’t have gone far, he ordered his men to bring horses. Leading fifty or sixty riders, he galloped along the riverbank downstream, right towards Lian’er. If she had obeyed Qin Tangguan and remained hidden in the reed beds, the Long River Gang might have passed her by unnoticed. But by going ashore, she was out in the open too close to escape back to concealment.

Someone in the gang recognized Lian’er and shouted loudly, “Leader! The little girl up ahead! She’s the old thief’s granddaughter!” Guo Jiangfeng had already spotted her in the torchlight. With a wave, he ordered curtly, “Seize her…” Men spurred their horses towards her, roaring and yelling. Judging by sheer ferocity, their charge would put Xiang Yu breaking his cauldrons or Guan Yu attending the solitary feast to shame.

Lian’er had never faced such a terrifying onslaught. Terror weakened her limbs. Scrambling frantically, she managed to hoist the painting scroll onto her back, leap back into the boat, and unsteadily pole it away from the shore, downstream. Benefiting from the current, even in her panicked state, the boat moved at a good clip.

The gang members galloped along the bank, laughing heartily at her helpless floundering. Immediately, five or six men stripped off their shirts, clenched daggers in their teeth, and rolled into the river. The Long River Gang bore the river’s name for a reason; its members were masters of the water. The treacherous currents of the Yellow River were routine to them; this calm, shallow Yi River was like level ground. Six men sped underwater toward the small boat like barracudas.

Hearing the splashing, Lian’er knew pursuers were closing in. She rowed with frantic effort, but her young body and small strength couldn’t produce much speed. Before she had covered even half a mile, they caught up. One man surfaced right beside the boat, dagger in teeth – Fang Haize.

Fang Haize, shamed by his earlier failure to capture Qin Tangguan, felt he had lost face before the whole gang. Seeing Lian’er utterly alone was his chance at redemption. He grabbed the gunwale and heaved himself upward. Lian’er whipped her bamboo pole wildly, striking his hands and body. Fang Haize ignored the blows, half his torso already across the side. Desperate, Lian’er thrust the pole directly at his face. Thwack! It hit squarely on the bridge of his nose. Fang Haize howled like a beast, his dagger falling into the water. His nose, previously straight and handsome, now lay flattened and askew like a piece of flabby sea cucumber. Stinging tears of pain, rage, and humiliation rolled down. Lian’er swung the pole fiercely in all directions, driving the six men back temporarily.

His prized nose shattered beyond recognition, pure fury ignited in Fang Haize. He took a deep gulp of air and plunged back underwater. Snatching a dagger from one of his comrades, he stabbed viciously upward several times. Chunk! Chunk! Chunk! Multiple holes punctured the boat’s bottom. Cold water poured in violently, rising instantly above their ankles.

At this perilous moment, a dark-prow boat sped upstream from further downriver. A figure stood at the bow, silhouette barely visible in the darkness. He wore monastic robes, his head was shaven bald – a monk. Seeing the lone girl besieged, Lian’er screamed for help. The monk, witnessing this assault on a defenseless child, felt righteous anger blaze within him. He leaped effortlessly through the air, landing lightly on Lian’er’s waterlogged boat, which was now filling fast past the knees. His left sleeve wrapped securely around Lian’er’s waist. With his right palm, he struck the prow forcefully.

The strike propelled both himself and Lian’er backward through the air, landing safely back on his own vessel.

Suddenly, the water’s surface churned violently. The six gang members surfaced one after another, faces deathly pale, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths. They clutched their chests, gasping for air. The monk’s palm strike had channeled immense Internal Energy through the water, like a wall of bronze striking their bodies. He had clearly held back; had he truly intended harm, their organs would have shattered, and blood would have flowed from their orifices, sending them straight to the Dragon King of the River.

Guo Jiangfeng, watching from the shore, saw everything clearly. He blurted out, “Vajarapāmi Palm! May I ask, Respected Monk, are you from Shaolin?” The monk stood tall at his boat’s prow, shielding Lian’er behind him. He uttered a thunderous Buddhist incantation: “Amitābha! This aged monk is Shaolin’s Guangdu. May this humble seeker inquire as to the Eminent One upon the shore?”

Guo Jiangfeng, seeing his men clinging breathlessly to the sinking boat, first ordered others to throw six long ropes and pull them ashore. Then he declared loudly, “This aged one is Guo Jiangfeng, Leader of the Long River Gang. I did not realize Venerable Guangdu graced this place. I pray for your tolerance.”

Guangdu held up a single palm at the prow in acknowledgment. “So it is Leader Guo. I pay my humble respects. Might this seeker inquire why your Gang stops river traffic to seize a lone orphan?”

Guo Jiangfeng replied sternly, “The girl is a remnant of the traitorous Red Lotus Sect. This aged one seeks root and branch extermination.”

Guangdu scoffed coldly. “She is but a young girl. The grudges of the previous generation do not touch her. Please, Leader Guo, lift your hand high, extending beneficence to accumulate virtuous deeds.”

Guo Jiangfeng, notorious for his fiery temper, ignored the monk’s stature. Angrily, he retorted, “Killing one sect remnant is accumulating no virtue? But when Shaolin Sect killed thousands of Red Lotus followers, you called it upholding Heaven’s Way! This logic holds no water!”

Unwilling to argue further, Guangdu only stated coldly, “The world’s justice shall prevail. Since this aged monk has intervened in today’s matter, you shall not arbitrarily slay this innocent girl. Farewell!” He stamped his foot several times on the deck. His boat pivoted gracefully and began moving upstream against the current.

Guo Jiangfeng was far from conceding. He led his mounted men galloping along the riverbank in pursuit. However, further ahead, the Yi River took a massive bend, formed by recent flooding – a vast marshland choked with mud and reeds. Their galloping steeds quickly sank into the mire, helplessly stuck. As the men struggled frantically, they could only watch the dark-prow boat glide further and further away until it vanished. Infuriated, Guo Jiangfeng cursed explosively, starting from Shaolin’s founder Bodhidharma and insulting every renowned monk down the ages.

Leaving Guo Jiangfeng to vent his rage, we come to Lian’er. Saved as if in a dream, she stayed close to her rescuer’s side, not daring to breathe a word.

Guangdu led Lian’er into the cabin. A lamp illuminated two younger monks already seated there. Lian’er observed Guangdu: his eyebrows and beard were pure white, his face kind. Yet, a trace of stern power still lingered in the corners of his eyes and brows.

One monk asked, “Master, what happened?” Guangdu answered, “It was Long River Gang’s Guo Jiangfeng behaving lawlessly, pursuing this young girl.” He then turned to Lian’er. “Child, who are you?”

Lian’er replied nervously, “I… I’m a good person.”

Guangdu clarified gently, “I know. I mean your family name, your given name. Where do you reside?”

Lian’er said, “My surname is Ying, given name Lian. Ying Lian. I live in Wu’s Ferry village, not far upstream.” Guangdu nodded. “Then why was Leader Guo… why was that Leader Guo pursuing you?”

Lian’er feigned innocence, “Don’t know! That nasty old man is bad. Grandfather is good, and I’m good too. So they chased us. Humph, didn’t catch even one this time. Hope he gets so mad his mouth tears open to his ears, turned into an ugly toad!” Spoiled by her grandfather, she couldn’t resist adding the sharp words.

Guangdu asked patiently, “Your grandfather? What is his surname?”

Lian’er opened her mouth but recoiled, sharply remembering Qin Tangguan’s warning. Grandfather and Mother share the surname Qin! Cannot say it! She swiftly changed her answer, “It’s… it’s Wang.”

Noticing her large eyes darting nervously, Guangdu knew she was lying but chose not to expose her. “And your parents?”

“They… they died long ago,” Lian’er answered, inwardly thinking, That’s not a lie, Grandfather always told me that.

Seeing her pitiful state – coarse cloth robe covered in mud and tears, hair disheveled, scratches on hands and feet – Guangdu felt a pang of compassion. A truly ill-fated child, he thought sadly. He gently brushed a few stray reed leaves from her tangled hair.

Feeling his kindness, Lian’er lost some fear. “Old Grandfather Monk, I have… a relative living in Gansu. I must go find her.”

Guangdu looked surprised. “Gansu? Do you know how far that is from here?”

“I don’t know,” Lian’er admitted honestly. “But Grandfather likely cannot come for me now. I must find her alone.”

“That is a terribly long journey, little one,” Guangdu sighed. “Over mountains, through valleys, toiling thousands of miles… You would endure much hardship.” Lian’er widened her eyes resolutely. “I am not afraid! If I can finally see her, I can bear any hardship.”

Guangdu smiled faintly. “Courageous. But do not worry. I will find someone to accompany you. With him by your side, you will not suffer.” Lian’er perked up instantly. “Truly? You won’t trick me?” Guangdu nodded firmly. “I do not deceive. Now… rest a while.” Mentioning sleep instantly summoned intense fatigue. The night’s terror and flight had drained her. Curling up in the cabin, she murmured incoherently. A large, warm hand gently stroked her hair. It felt like her grandfather sitting beside her bed, softly humming lullabies.

Wrapped in this comforting presence, rocked gently by the moving boat, Lian’er fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.