Chapter 9: Myriad Miles Through Jianghu, Yearning to Sense Dust and Chaos (The previous chapter title echoes the tune of “Sumuzhe”)

Gu Fengchen said, “My surname is Gu, an unknown nobody in the Jianghu (Martial World). Dare I ask Lady Iron what sect you belong to?” Tie Furong sneered coldly: “If you can overcome these two hands of mine, I’ll tell you.” She attacked instantly. Her figure flickered, and in a flash, she stood before Gu Fengchen. Her right hand darted out to seize his throat.

With this sudden move, everyone in the main hall drew a sharp breath of astonishment. This strike was swift as lightning—her hand had hung loosely by her side, and by the time you registered it, her five fingers were already brushing his skin. Many thought: If that strike had been aimed at me, there would be no avoiding it.

Though inwardly shocked himself—this was the first time since entering the world that he had witnessed such speed—the Heaven-Defying Divine Art Gu Fengchen cultivated was extraordinary. It grew most potent in moments of extreme peril. He barely had time to think before his head jerked down and to the side, causing her fingers to flash past his neck. The snowy white wrist before his eyes held no appeal for him; instead, he bit down hard.

Tie Furong was jolted into surprise. She had never encountered such a rogue technique. To avoid those teeth, she had only one choice: retract her hand. Though Tie Furong generally smiled easily, her fighting style was exceptionally savage. In that brief moment, her fingers hooked backwards like claws, aiming directly for Gu Fengchen’s head pressure point (naohu). If she’d struck true, he would have collapsed unconscious immediately.

Gu Fengchen had no desire for a head-on clash. He ducked low, drove power through his feet, and shot backwards three feet, chair and all, causing Tie Furong’s grasp to miss.

But before he could fully raise his head, Tie Furong was upon him again, still aiming for his chest. However, since Gu Fengchen’s head was down, her strike now targeted his scalp. Hearing the sharp sishi sound of the approaching blow, Gu Fengchen felt a surge of stubborn defiance rise within him. Let’s see whether her internal energy is superior, or my Heaven-Defying Art more formidable, he thought internally.

With this thought, he snapped his head up. His left hand formed claw-like tiger fingers, driving straight out to meet Tie Furong’s attack. Just as their ten fingers seemed destined to collide, Tie Furong’s technique shifted like a ghostly wraith. Her arm seemed to break mid-air, flipping downward, then instantly snapping upwards like lightning. Her five fingers clamped firmly down onto his pulse gate.

Against anyone else, this would have rendered the victim limp and at the attacker’s mercy. But the Heaven-Defying Divine Art far surpassed common internal energy techniques. Even if the Ren and Du meridians were sealed, power could still surge through the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. So, despite being seized at his pulse gate, he remained fully mobile. His left arm pulled back sharply, dragging her off-balance, while his right fist whistled through the air towards her.

The moment Tie Furong secured Gu Fengchen’s pulse gate, she exerted force, intending to paralyze him. To her utter disbelief, it had no effect. With his pull, he yanked her towards him while his other fist, stirring fierce wind, smashed towards her face.

Tie Furong had never imagined Gu Fengchen could counter-attack with his pulse gate clamped. Now her attempt to subdue him backfired, trapping her; her grip on his wrist became her greatest vulnerability. Frantically trying to disengage, she felt a burst of chilling Yin energy surge from his arm, cementing her fingers to his skin. Unable to free her right hand, she had no choice but to raise her left palm to meet his fist.

But this time, her move was flawed. Gu Fengchen suddenly changed his fist into a claw, capturing her pulse gate with electric speed. An instant later, a fierce surge of pure Yang energy crashed into her.

Tie Furong urgently mobilized her own energy to resist. But how could she hope to withstand this combined assault? Almost immediately, her body trembled slightly. Inside her, it felt like mountains toppling and seas boiling, alternating waves of searing heat and biting cold—an agony beyond measure.

Gu Fengchen wasn’t using his full power. He didn’t intend to defeat Tie Furong utterly, only to demonstrate the potency of his art. To onlookers, it simply seemed they had mutually seized each other’s pulse gates, clashing blow for blow—a deadlock, pure and simple.

Tie Furong exerted every ounce of strength but could not withstand Gu Fengchen’s energy. Even so, her expression remained calm, her eyes showing not a trace of fear—something Gu Fengchen found remarkably admirable.

Abruptly, Gu Fengchen withdrew his energy surge, sprang backwards, and retreated five feet.

Tie Furong stood frozen, quietly regulating her breathing. Shock reverberated within her. She was a unique woman who resided in the Tian Shan Mountains, never before venturing into the Central Plains, which is why no one recognized her. Confident in her skills, she had looked down on all who dwelt in the Central Plains Wulin. She never imagined being defeated today by this unheard-of man—her pride stung deeply.

Truthfully, disregarding internal energy, Tie Furong was far more skilled than Gu Fengchen. But her overconfidence, combined with the sheer ferocity of the Heaven-Defying Divine Art, led to this loss.

The Tianping Daoist and the others, unaware of this nuance, merely stared, dumbfounded. The women of Broken Heart City, seizing this respite, hurried to tend their wounded comrades. Hua Yuehen, however, stared fixedly—dazedly—at Gu Fengchen.

Within moments, Tie Furong regained her composure. She smiled faintly. “Your internal energy is impressive. Were you sent by the Four Great Clans?” As she spoke these words, all those poisoned inhaled sharply, shifting guard unconsciously.

Gu Fengchen scoffed coldly. “Your methods are also quite masterful. Were you sent by the Red Lotus Sect?”

Hardly had his words fallen than a collective gasp erupted within the hall: “The Red Lotus Sect!”

Hua Yuehen’s expression hardened instantly as she glared at Tie Furong. The Tianping Daoist and his retinue slowly retreated, putting as much distance as possible between themselves and the pair, as if fearing a toxic miasma threatened their life if they drew close. For everyone knew it: neither the Red Lotus Sect nor the Four Great Clans were adversaries to provoke lightly.

Tie Furong frowned almost imperceptibly, deeply startled inwardly. I’ve never revealed myself in the Central Plains Wulin. How could this man know my origins? Though her thoughts raced, her face revealed nothing. “You, at such a young age, also know of the Red Lotus Sect?”

Gu Fengchen casually pulled off his outer robe and flung it towards Tie Furong. “See for yourself.” Tie Furong caught and unfolded the robe. A fiery red lotus bloomed before all eyes. Seeing it finally made Tie Furong’s expression change. “You… where did you get this?” Gu Fengchen gave a cold smirk. “You’ll know soon enough. Go back and tell your master, Hong Linger, that on the twenty-seventh day of the fourth month, I will seek her out at the Huangshan Bright Summit.”

Tie Furong was momentarily stunned. She asked, disbelievingly, “You know her name? And you go to Bright Summit to find her?” Gu Fengchen replied, “She told me herself. Also tell her: she must not harm a single hair on that girl’s head. Otherwise, I will spend this very life hounding her to the bitter end.”

Tie Furong’s eyes scanned his face several times. She slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand…. Truly, I don’t…” Gu Fengchen stated bluntly, “No need for you to understand. Just deliver the message.” Tie Furong murmured, “It’s not that I don’t grasp what… it’s just that I fail to comprehend—” Her expression was peculiar—half-smiling, yet overwhelmingly laden with astonishment.

Hua Yuehen suddenly addressed Tie Furong: “So you are of the Red Lotus Sect. Even if Broken Heart City perished to the last soul, we would never seek the Sect’s aid. You may leave.” Tie Furong simply ignored her. Instead, she continued to squint intensely at Gu Fengchen, her steady gaze bewildering him. It irritated him. “No need to stare longer. I am Gu Fengchen. I shall come seeking enlightenment at Bright Summit in half a month.”

Tie Furong actually cracked a smile now. “Gu Fengchen! I have it now. But I must warn you: never has an outsider set foot upon the Bright Summit. Are you truly unafraid of death?” Gu Fengchen countered with a chilling grin: “I have not planned on emerging alive from this visit to Bright Summit.”

Tie Furong nodded slightly, smiling. “A real man. A pity your features aren’t quite so winning… Until then.” As she spoke, she completely disregarded everyone else. Her body swept upward like a green whirlwind, her retreat both uniquely graceful and astonishingly swift. In the blink of an eye, she had vanished beyond the hall’s entrance.

Watching Tie Furong depart, Tianping Daoist and his companions stood frozen, directionless. All gazes now fixed pointedly upon Gu Fengchen. Among them, Tianping Daoist possessed the greatest strength and the biggest reputation, holding the leadership position. He approached Gu Fengchen and spoke: “Having just witnessed Brother Gu’s divine skills, I am deeply respectful. However, our poison affliction runs deep. Concerning the antidote—whether to take it or not—we beg Brother Gu to provide some guidance.”

Gu Fengchen responded matter-of-factly: “You acted upon misunderstanding and false belief, failing to discern truth. Such recompense is inevitable.” Tianping Daoist flushed crimson with shame. “Indeed, quite so indeed. Brother Gu’s admonition is extremely correct.” Had it been any other time, Tianping Daoist’s arrogant nature would have surely flared into immediate attack. But with lives hanging in the balance, he had no choice but to swallow his pride.

Gu Fengchen pointed behind him. “You’ve killed and injured so many innocent women, yet there’s nowhere for their grievances to seek redress. Go ask them. If they bear no grudge, I will show you a path to survival.”

Tianping Daoist had no choice but to approach Hua Yuehen. Laying his long sword flat across both hands, he presented it upward. “We were blind, we failed to recognize the vile scheme. We beg City Lord Hua Yuehen, for your great magnanimity, not to hold it against us. However, the dead cannot return. If City Lord Hua’s anger has yet to be appeased, you may simply kill us.”

Hua Yuehen’s nature, though stubborn and headstrong, was ultimately not treacherous or cruel. Over a dozen from her side had died, but the other side had also lost seven or eight. Finding it difficult to press the matter further, she only said, “Get out of here! From now on, if any of you dare set foot on this mountain again…” Suddenly recalling that today’s intrusion had already broken the rules, and that Broken Heart City lacked the power to either kill or expel this group, she didn’t finish her sentence.

Tianping Daoist, hearing this, was greatly relieved. He turned back to Gu Fengchen. “Master Gu, City Lord Hua has agreed not to pursue it.”

Gu Fengchen nodded. “The poison inside you is deep. Without the antidote, you likely won’t live past the next few hours. But this antidote itself is surely also a poison. It attacks poison with poison. While it neutralizes the venom of the Three Blossoms Bone-Rotting Scent, it contains another even more vicious and potent toxin. If you take this antidote, from now on you must obey the Red Lotus Sect. Otherwise, you will suffer poisoning as well.”

Tianping Daoist panicked. “Then what are we to do?”

Gu Fengchen said, “With fire singeing the eyebrows, care for the immediate moment first. Take it now. In half a month, I will reach Bright Summit and find a way to obtain the antidote for you. If I fail, then you will have no choice but to become slaves of the Red Lotus Sect.”

Tianping Daoist stood dazed for a long while before finally saying, “I suppose it must be so. The Red Lotus Sect has returned to the Jianghu and will surely come back to Mount Huang. We martial practitioners living near here probably won’t be able to avoid becoming their slaves.” As he spoke, he swallowed the pill and cupped his hands towards Gu Fengchen. “Elder Brother Gu, your immense kindness cannot be repaid even if we were ground to dust. Should you ever have need of us, we will certainly serve.”

Gu Fengchen secretly despised them. He thought: It’s the same flattery you recited for Tie Furong earlier, fickle as grass bending with the wind, utterly spineless. Disdaining these people, he wanted nothing more to do with them. He didn’t even return their salute, simply saying coldly, “Leave. Await my news.”

Tianping Daoist sighed and led his men away. Fearful that Hua Yuehen might change her mind, he dared not glance back even once.

In the blink of an eye, Gu Fengchen was the only man left in the Main Hall. He cupped his hands towards the gathered women. “As a man, it is inconvenient for me to linger here long. I take my leave…” He was about to step out of the hall when suddenly Hua Yuehen let out a delicate cry and collapsed.

Gu Fengchen instinctively reached out to steady her. The moment he touched Hua Yuehen’s body, his mind suddenly cleared. He jerked his hand back, thinking: Physical contact between men and women was improper, especially since this sect hated men. What thoughts might they harbor towards me? I must not be overly concerned.

This withdrawal had dire consequences for Hua Yuehen. She fell heavily to the ground with a thud, the back of her head striking an iron whip lying there. She nearly fainted. Several women rushed forward to help her up. Hua Yuehen gazed intently at Gu Fengchen. “You truly aren’t from the Red Lotus Sect?” Gu Fengchen nodded. “No.” Hua Yuehen said, “But that garment you wore…”

Gu Fengchen said, “A high-level Red Lotus Sect expert wore it on me as he escaped an encirclement, trying to shake off his pursuers.” Hua Yuehen asked, “What is that expert’s name?” Gu Fengchen said, “Qin Tangguan!” Hua Yuehen nodded. “That’s a top figure in the Red Lotus Sect. The Earthly King, Qin Tangguan.”

Gu Fengchen was startled. “Earthly King?”

Hua Yuehen said, “Correct. The Red Lotus Sect has the Three Talents and Eight Steeds. The Three Talents are the Heavenly King, the Earthly King, and the Mortal King—all peerless masters.” Gu Fengchen said, “I’ve heard of them, but didn’t know their names.”

Hua Yuehen nodded. “You… you saved our entire city. You are our great benefactor.” Gu Fengchen repeatedly waved his hands. “I was captured by you, not invited. If you hadn’t captured me, why would I have come to Broken Heart City? So, no thanks to me. Thank Heaven’s grace instead.”

Hua Yuehen said, “Since you are not from the Red Lotus Sect, everything is simpler. Otherwise, we would rather die than accept grace from the Red Lotus Sect.”

As she said this, all the women who could move followed Hua Yuehen’s lead in kowtowing to Gu Fengchen to express their gratitude. Unwilling to accept their bow, Gu Fengchen also knelt, saying, “Do not do this. As a man, I cannot bear this…”

Tears streamed down Hua Yuehen’s face. “Benefactor says this because you consider Broken Heart City’s reputation vile and unworthy of connection? But Jianghu gossip molds perception like gathered metal melting gold. The women of my Broken Heart City are all pitiful souls who have suffered countless humiliations. To no longer be oppressed by men, we were forced to answer violence with violence. Yet the Jianghu speaks of us as licentious and depraved. If Benefactor also harbors such thoughts, then Broken Heart City has no trustworthy reason to exist. What purpose remains for us in this world?”

She plucked a dagger from the floor near her hand and placed it over her own face. “If Benefactor truly thinks this way,” she murmured softly, “then I will strike downward with this knife first, ruining my own appearance, and then drive it into my own chest.”

Before Hua Yuehen finished speaking, the women behind her all raised knives to their own faces. It was clear that if Gu Fengchen gave the slightest shake of his head, seventy or eighty faces, lovely as peach blossoms kissed by dew, would be instantly destroyed.

Gu Fengchen frantically waved his hands. “You must not think like that! I, surnamed Gu, am also one who has endured false accusations. I have tasted that bitterness.” Hua Yuehen joyfully said, “In that case, Broken Heart City has an audacious request. Would Benefactor be willing?” Gu Fengchen said, “If it is within my power to achieve, I will certainly exert myself.”

Hua Yuehen pronounced each word deliberately: “I wish to request that Benefactor take up the position of City Lord of Broken Heart City!”

Upon hearing this, Gu Fengchen was shocked. “City Lord Hua, this joke of yours goes too far. I, Gu, a man, how could I possibly become the City Lord of Broken Heart?”

Hua Yuehen’s tone was resolute. “Broken Heart City has always sought a truly extraordinary man to be its leader. The previous leader, Lady Liu, chose the Leader of the Red Lotus Sect, Ling Yufeng—back when he was not yet its Leader. Leader Liu believed he was suitable, but was cruelly deceived by Ling Yufeng. After that, Broken Heart City’s principle has always been ‘rather lack than have flawed.’ By Heaven’s blessing today, I, Hua Yuehen, confidently believe I have found the real person. I trust my own judgment. Benefactor possesses true character and capability. You are unlike those hypocrites.”

Gu Fengchen shook his head, completely unmoved. “I cannot agree.”

Hua Yuehen said, “If Benefactor refuses, then from now on, the name Broken Heart City will cease to exist in this world.” Gu Fengchen scoffed coldly. “Are you threatening me?” Hua Yuehen replied, “We dare not. We are sincerely requesting you, Benefactor. You witnessed events today. If you do not become City Lord, who knows how many vicious men will ascend this mountain to bully us in the future. We’d be better off dying now to avoid future disgrace.”

Observing the resolute, deadly resolve on the women’s faces, Gu Fengchen felt Heaven was playing a cruel joke on him. If a man became the leader of a women’s faction, news would spread. Not only would his reputation be utterly destroyed, but more importantly, Broken Heart City would become even more despised. Yet, given the immediate situation, if he refused, seventy or eighty women would perish on the spot. That would make his wrongdoing even greater.

Gu Fengchen’s mind was in turmoil. “You established a rule forbidding men from ascending the mountain. If I became your City Lord, Broken Heart City would become a laughingstock in the Jianghu.” Hua Yuehen countered, “If Benefactor became City Lord, that rule would naturally cease to exist.”

Gu Fengchen remained silent. Hua Yuehen’s gaze shifted. “We are already despised by the Jianghu. Benefactor cherishes his reputation; that’s only natural. We will not force you.”

These words struck Gu Fengchen’s inner sore spot directly. Despised by the Jianghu? So what? Are those despised by the Jianghu inherently not good people? I recovered the scriptures for Shaolin but suffered misunderstanding; I too am despised by the Jianghu. No matter how many good deeds I do, it won’t retrieve my reputation. In the eyes of the Jianghu, I will always be a thief. Since that’s the case, perhaps I should engage in more actions despised by the Jianghu, so I don’t bear this ill name in vain.

Thinking of this, he rose to his feet and declared loudly, “You say I cherish my reputation? That couldn’t be more mistaken. Mine is already utterly ruined, with nothing left to cherish. If you don’t mind, I accept—but I won’t be City Lord.”

Hua Yuehen said, “If our benefactor refuses to be City Lord, am I to stand above you? I dare not.” Gu Fengchen replied, “If I must join, let me remain solely as Broken Heart City’s retainer. You provide me food and wine; when trouble arises, I’ll fight for you.” Hua Yuehen frowned. “‘Retainer’ sounds harsh, like a hired thug. Instead, why not serve as Broken Heart City’s Honored Guest? You’d guide us in great matters. Would that suit?”

Gu Fengchen thought privately, Anything is better than leading women. Honored Guest… it carries a fine ring. He nodded. “The title suits me. I shall be your Honored Guest.”

Roaring cheers instantly erupted in the Main Hall. Every woman’s face lit with joy, many weeping unrestrainedly. Those less injured surged forward, lifting Gu Fengchen amid a flurry of hands and tossing him high into the air.

The celebration lasted about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before they finally set him down. Hua Yuehen stepped gracefully before him, her eyes still glistening. “We’ve called you ‘benefactor’ all this while, yet still don’t know your noble name.” Gu Fengchen said, “I am Gu Fengchen, once a monk of the Shaolin Sect, now cast out of its gates.”

Hearing this, Hua Yuehen started violently. “You… could you be Zen Master Guang Xing’s disciple?”

Gu Fengchen nodded bitterly. “I am. City Lord Hua must have heard of my disgrace.” Hua Yuehen smiled faintly. “I heard the tales, and even privately scorned the Shaolin Temple. But today proves the rumors false. I believe, Benefactor, you are not that man.”

Unwilling to linger on the topic, Gu Fengchen declared, “On the twenty-seventh of this month, I have urgent business at the Bright Summit of Mount Huang. Thus I cannot delay long.”

Hua Yuehen urged anxiously, “The Bright Summit is the Red Lotus Sect’s stronghold, teeming with martial masters. Not even Heaven-sent strength makes one man their match. Must you go?”

Gu Fengchen shook his head. “I must. Lives hang in the balance. It’s a promise to a dear friend, deceased. Should I survive, fulfil his final wish… I shall return to be your Honored Guest.”

Voices rose among the women: “We’ll go with the Benefactor!” / “Yes, we share life or death!” / “At worst, we fight the Red Lotus Sect to avenge our late City Lord Liu…!”

Gu Fengchen waved his hands urgently. “No! Absolutely not. This is private. Don’t drag Broken Heart City into it. If you honor me as Honored Guest, agree to stay.”

Seeing his resolve, Hua Yuehen reluctantly consented.

Though Broken Heart City had just endured turmoil, with several dozen dead or wounded, the arrival of an extraordinarily skilled Honored Guest flooded their hearts with joy, washing over sorrow. Hua Yuehen directed the women to sweep the Main Hall, bury the dead, tend the injured, and summon disciples disguised as fisherwomen back from the lakeshore. The women worked diligently, soon cleaning everything spotless, even hanging crimson lanterns everywhere as if preparing for a grand festival.

Soon, long tables were arranged in the Main Hall. Seeing jar after jar of Nu’er Hong wine, Gu Fengchen gave a hollow chuckle. He could scarcely believe all that had happened these past two months. Had Feng Jue never brought Lian’er to find him, he might have lived his whole life in Gu Village as a common blacksmith. Sweating days by the forge still felt vivid, yet now he was surrounded by chattering maidens amid songbirds and fragrant blossoms.

Amid his sighs, the lanterns brightened while music swirled in a frenzy. Bowl after bowl of Nu’er Hong was pressed upon Gu Fengchen until he was stone drunk. Most women also collapsed, piled together asleep in the hall, oblivious to the dawn breaking in the east.

After the night’s revelry, they stirred only near midday the next day. Seeing their Main Hall in shambles, they tittered and burst into laughter.

No journey could be made that day. Gu Fengchen had the women ready his horse and provisions. He rested well till dawn when, carrying silver, he was escorted across Lake Chao in a boat by Hua Yuehen herself. She led his horse over ten miles onward.

Gu Fengchen halted near a willow grove. “A thousand miles escorted still ends in parting, City Lord Hua. Turn back.” Tears blurring her vision, she nodded softly. “This is the second time I’ve watched a man depart. The first one, he…”

Fearing painful memories, Gu Fengchen squeezed her hand. “If I’m not back within half a month… take your sisters away. Seek elsewhere. Broken Heart City bears hatred with the Red Lotus Sect. We’re too near, too vulnerable.” Hua Yuehen insisted, “You will return. We’ll wait.”

Gu Fengchen chuckled. “Auspicious words. Perhaps the Red Lotus Sect won’t kill me, but invite me for wine! Ha!”

With booming laughter, he leapt onto his horse and cracked the whip. It surged forward like an arrow.

Hua Yuehen stood motionless, gazing silently at the dust his horse left behind.

Leaving Lake Chao, Gu Fengchen rode south, crossing the Yangtze and arriving days later at Mount Jiuhua. It stood among sacred Buddhist peaks, soaring above the clouds in peerless splendor. Taibai Li once penned: From Jiujiang once viewed afar, Jiuhua’s crown hung in sky, Where streams braid through emerald hills, Nine lotus blooms arise high. —attesting to its sublime beauty.

Born near the Yishui River, Gu Fengchen had never visited areas south of the Yangtze. Accustomed to deserts and long rivers, such spirit-filled mountains met his eyes for the very first time, filling him with serene delight.

Counting the days, less than three remained of his twenty-day limit. Luckily Mount Jiuhua lay near Mount Huang; he should arrive within a day. Though tempted to sightsee, Gu Chengfen’s restless thoughts strayed to Lian’er. Without pause, he asked a woodcutter the path and pressed straight through the mountains.

As he traveled, he met a band approaching. Drawing nearer, he saw most were injured—dust-stained and battered, some leaning on others or limping with sticks. Clearly, they’d suffered brutal defeat. Their torn robes bore matching colors and designs; likely all belonged to the same sect.

Drawing abreast, Gu Fengchen steered aside. The group shuffled past glumly, paying him no mind—too shamed perhaps by their wretched state.

It was late April now, the weather growing hotter. Gu Fengchen still wore his white outer robe inside-out to hide the red lotus emblem. Yet, burdened by the heat, he wore it loosely unbuttoned like a cloak. Midway past them, a groundswell wind suddenly swept up the robe’s hem.

The red lotus tumbled free from his clothes. Bathed in sunlight, it blazed vivid before every staring eye.

All who sighted it recoiled in shock, leaping off the path. Then steel flashed as dozens of blades leapt from their scabbards.