The 21st Chapter

Chang'an untied the ropes binding Little Brother and helped him sit up. Little Brother said bitterly, "That woman is a lunatic, a complete demoness!"

"I will kill her with my own hands!" Chang'an replied calmly. He never spoke menacingly when he intended to do something; he always believed that acting menacingly was far less satisfying and effective than doing something menacingly.

"She has a vast network of influence behind her, very terrifying. You need to be careful," Little Brother warned.

"I'll investigate it bit by bit! I didn't expect Erhu to fall into her hands too. Her goal is definitely not as simple as killing me for revenge," Chang'an mused.

Little Brother looked at the corpses strewn across the boat, a look of mournful confusion appearing in his eyes. He sighed, "These people are so pitiful. They toiled and suffered just to make a living, only to die inexplicably. I really can't stand by and watch them die in vain, just like my parents back then, who died so inexplicably."

"This is partly my fault too!" Chang'an sighed.

The Ferryman had already boarded the boat and slowly sat down, concentrating on healing his poisoned body without a word.

Chang'an opened a jade bottle and sniffed it. He immediately detected a foul, fishy stench and cautiously took a small sip. The viscous liquid slid down his throat like a centipede slowly crawling into his stomach. In an instant, a layer of black energy appeared on Chang'an's face, and black blood flowed from his nostrils.

This was a bottle of poison.

Chang'an felt his breathing become incredibly difficult, his chest feeling as if it were being crushed by a thousand-pound boulder. His breaths became short and rapid. Within moments, his limbs went numb, and the sights before him blurred, becoming indistinct.

"This is a bottle of poison," Chang'an said bitterly. He struggled to open another jade bottle. It also emitted an unpleasant stench. Chang'an drank a little, and felt no ill effects. He breathed a sigh of relief and handed the jade bottle to Little Brother. It seemed Guo Qingshui had not lied to him; she had indeed given him an antidote.

Little Brother watched Chang'an nervously. After taking the antidote, Chang'an's complexion improved slightly.

Chang'an immediately sat down cross-legged and secretly circulated the Three Pure Nine Nether Wonderful Dharma Lotus Heart Sutra to begin healing the poison.

The Ferryman had already expelled all the poison from his body and began gathering the corpses on the boat.

He could no longer live at Qingfeng Ferry Crossing. They could never clear their names of these murders. The culprit had fled, and the authorities would never believe their side of the story. Moreover, with Chang'an here, it would be even harder to defend themselves.

As dawn broke, the eastern sky began to lighten, and a golden ray of light spilled onto the vast surface of the Mohe River, making it sparkle.

Chang'an managed to suppress the poison in his body, and the discomfort lessened significantly.

The Ferryman looked out at the boundless river and said, "Let's go! We can't stay here any longer."

Chang'an bowed deeply to the old man. "Thank you for saving me, senior. I still haven't asked for your esteemed name. I would like to remember who my benefactor is, so I can repay you handsomely in the future!"

The Ferryman replied, "Zhang Wanshan! There's no need for repayment."

Chang'an froze, then exclaimed, "Zhang Wanshan, the Dual Mastery of Internal and External?!"

The name "Zhang Wanshan" struck them like thunder. He was a legendary figure in the martial arts world, renowned for many years. Zhang Wanshan was a grandmaster-level legend who had retired from the martial arts scene more than a decade ago, disappearing from public view, only to become an old ferryman at Qingfeng Ferry Crossing in Mohe City.

Zhang Wanshan's external martial arts were renowned; years ago, he had already reached the realm of invulnerable physique, a feat in itself. His internal energy was vast and sustained, his inner force movements resembling dragons and tigers, another remarkable skill. Hence, he earned the title "Dual Mastery of Internal and External." He had risen from humble beginnings, step by step, to achieve the reputation of a great hero, admired by countless people in the martial arts world.

Within the vast territory of the Great Gan Dynasty, there were countless heroes and righteous individuals in the Jianghu, but very few were honored with the title of "Great Hero." The Qiyuan Divine Temple, a sacred land of martial arts, held a supreme position above all Jianghu affairs, transcending the mortal world. Even they treated these Great Heroes with equality and respect.

When the Ferryman uttered the name "Zhang Wanshan," his normally soft voice sounded like a clap of thunder to Chang'an and Little Brother, their hearts violently shaken.

"It's just a hollow title; no need to be surprised. I've been in seclusion for many years and no longer interfere in Jianghu affairs. Such titles are burdensome and harmful. A simple, solitary life is true bliss. Young man, view hatred and grudges with detachment, and cherish righteousness and affection with intensity. No matter what others do to you, what they say about you, or what you carry on your shoulders, you can disregard it all. What you want to do, what you insist on, the path you choose to walk among thousands of roads – that is what matters most. Looking back years from now, stripping away fame and status, if you can still say to yourself that you have a clear conscience and no regrets, that is perhaps a divine state! Alright, enough of my rambling. Disperse."

Chang'an listened, deeply moved. The Great Hero Zhang Wanshan's state of mind was on another level. His heart held profound wisdom, understanding human affairs, life and death, honor and disgrace, and wealth and status with clarity and detachment.

When martial arts and the cultivation of the mind reach their ultimate state, it leads to a harmonious connection between heaven and man, a state of mutual prosperity.

Chang'an vaguely felt that Zhang Wanshan was infinitely close to this mysterious realm, possessing an aura of an immortal on earth.

For such a person to offer guidance was a fated encounter that countless Jianghu figures would dream of.

At this moment, Chang'an's heart, previously clouded by hatred, was cleansed by Zhang Wanshan's wise words, returning to its pure state. He instantly felt refreshed, as if struck by divine enlightenment.

Chang'an bowed deeply. "Thank you for your golden words, senior, for enlightening this junior."

Zhang Wanshan said, "The Jianghu does not need a second Ten Thousand Slayer. I hope my words serve as a warning to you. Young man, killing is a sin!"

Chang'an was taken aback, then nodded seriously. The Ten Thousand Slayer was Su Wantu. Zhang Wanshan had seen through Chang'an's true identity at a glance, yet showed no surprise, his expression calm and even tinged with a hint of expectation. Chang'an's heart tightened, then relaxed.

The reputation of a Great Hero was not easily earned!

His words of warning and guidance to Chang'an suggested some connection to Su Wantu and a certain understanding of the Three Pure Nine Nether Wonderful Dharma Lotus Heart Sutra.

Little Brother suddenly staggered forward and knelt before Zhang Wanshan with a thud.

Zhang Wanshan was surprised and sighed, "Young man, what is the meaning of this?"

How could he not know Little Brother's intention?!

Little Brother said, "This junior, Fang Xiao, begs you to take me as your disciple!"

Zhang Wanshan chuckled and began to walk away, saying as he went, "You wish to inherit my legacy?"

Little Brother stood up from the ground and stumbled after him, nodding seriously. "Yes!"

Zhang Wanshan asked, "And what would you do with my legacy?"

Little Brother replied, "So that when others call me 'Little Brother,' they will also respect me!"

Zhang Wanshan smiled, a very kind smile. His steps seemed slow but were actually incredibly fast. Little Brother could barely keep up at first, and it became increasingly difficult, but he was exceptionally resolute. His dark face showed a determined expression as he gritted his teeth and tried his best to follow. When Little Brother set his mind to something, he would do everything in his power to achieve it, just as he dared to face any danger to help Chang'an.

Having met a great figure of the Jianghu today, he was determined to become his disciple, even if it meant following him to the ends of the earth.

Little Brother didn't have many aspirations, but whatever he set his mind to, he would see it through.

Chang'an watched their receding figures, his gaze falling on the iron rod Zhang Wanshan was carrying, which had always been with Little Brother. A knowing smile flickered across his face. He mounted his horse and rode towards Spring Breeze Tower in Mohe City.

At this moment, he was utterly exhausted and felt a wave of weakness.

However, the thought that Little Brother was finally found brought him immense satisfaction.

He had never met Little Brother before, nor did he understand why Little Brother trusted him so much as to risk his life to save him. But the name Fang Xiao was now firmly etched in his heart. Drawing his sword to help those in need, that was a rare hero in the martial world.

The thought that he hadn't even managed to say a single word of thanks, coupled with Little Brother's resolute gaze, made Chang'an feel that Little Brother was a remarkable person, a truly lovable individual.

Under the morning sun, Chang'an rode his horse back towards Mohe City.

The Spring Breeze Tower seemed unusually subdued and solemn.

Inside, there was none of the usual laughter of patrons, nor the clinking of cups and the sounds of merrymaking.

Two rows of armored warriors, swords at their waists, stood guard in front of the Spring Breeze Tower. As Chang'an approached, he was sharply halted and blocked. Chang'an looked closely and realized he had never seen such soldiers before. Their dark armor glinted with a cold, chilling light, all forged from meticulously refined Cloud Pattern Steel. Each piece of armor bore a faint cloud pattern, a distinct characteristic. These plates weren't crafted from raw steel but were directly cut from large blocks, preserving the integrity of the cloud patterns. It seemed they were mass-produced, but the quality was exceptionally high. The method for forging Cloud Pattern Steel had always been a military secret of the Great Zhou Dynasty, strictly forbidden from being leaked. Moreover, the output of Cloud Pattern Steel was extremely low, making it priceless and impossible to obtain even with vast sums of money. Therefore, to assemble such a troop of armored warriors couldn't simply be described as having deep pockets. This was something wealth alone couldn't achieve.

For someone in the martial world to possess a weapon forged from Cloud Pattern Steel was like having wings on a tiger; ordinary blades couldn't even scratch its edge.

Chang'an glanced around and saw a full twenty of these armored warriors, each clad in heavy Cloud Pattern Steel armor. They were imposing and powerful, their eyes flashing with cold, murderous intent directed at him.

His horse, Chasing Lightning, seemed unwilling to be outdone and whinnied, rearing up on its hind legs.

Only then did Chang'an notice that the entire Spring Breeze Tower was empty. At this hour, it should have been packed with people.

Chang'an immediately sensed something was amiss.

At this moment, a tall, handsome man in white strode out from the Spring Breeze Tower, his steps brisk as he let out a hearty laugh.

This man was handsome, exuding an air of noble valor, dignified and imposing. His face was like jade, his sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes possessed a strong masculine aura. Anyone, man or woman, would be unable to resist looking at him twice.

Chang'an was no exception, gazing intently from atop Chasing Lightning.

The foremost among the armored warriors suddenly stepped forward, one hand resting on his sword hilt, his eyes wide as he roared, "How dare you! Dismount and kneel before the young master!"

Chang'an replied, "Kneel?! Give me one good reason why I must kneel."