Going Down the Mountain

Not long after Tang Yi left, a female disciple named Tian Xiang hurried over. She whispered a few words into Tang Susu's ear. Tang Susu raised her eyebrows, let out a cold laugh, and then whispered a few more instructions.

A short while later, another person arrived to pay his respects outside the gate. It was none other than Song Yanqing.

After receiving permission to enter, Song Yanqing saw Tang Susu hand a letter to Tian Xiang beside her and instruct, "After Niu Youdao goes down the mountain, have him give this to the abbot of Nanshan Temple in Xiaonanshan, Guangyi Commandery. It's on his way, so make sure he delivers it!"

"Yes!" Tian Xiang took the letter with both hands and acknowledged. As she turned to leave, she cast a furtive glance at Song Yanqing.

Song Yanqing, however, was paying close attention to the letter in her hand. He turned back and bowed respectfully to Tang Susu, saying, "Disciple greets the Elder!"

Tang Susu happily raised a hand, signaling him to dispense with the formalities.

But Song Yanqing's expression was impassive. He calmly said, "Elder, I heard that Niu Youdao is going down the mountain to serve as a bodyguard mage for Shang Chaozong?"

Tang Susu nodded slightly. "There is such a matter."

Song Yanqing's face tightened slightly. He said gravely, "Elder, you just promised that the Shangqing Sect would not send any accompanying pháp sư to Shang Chaozong." He had returned to the Shangqing Sect before Shang Shuqing and had already informed the sect beforehand. Now that the Shangqing Sect was sending someone to Shang Chaozong, he wouldn't know how to report back to his family.

Tang Susu sighed. "It was truly an unexpected situation. The County Princess Shang produced a token of gratitude that the Shangqing Sect had given to Prince Ning years ago and came to the mountain herself. How could the Shangqing Sect refuse? The Shangqing Sect is a reputable righteous sect. They owed a debt of gratitude, and now the person has come to collect. If they don't repay it, how can the Shangqing Sect show their faces in the cultivation world? They would be pointed at and ridiculed. Yanqing, this is not a trivial matter that can be ignored; it was truly unavoidable."

Song Yanqing said, "Whether to repay a debt or not, this disciple is not privy to the past and cannot make judgments. This disciple only knows that the words from the capital have been delivered to the Shangqing Sect, and the Shangqing Sect's actions are beyond the expectations of those in the capital. This disciple wishes to ask the Elder, how should I explain this to the capital?" His tone was slightly deep and carried a hint of aggression.

Tang Susu chuckled. "You worry too much. Don't you know Niu Youdao's capabilities? Can he really be a personal attendant mage for just anyone? It's purely a perfunctory gesture towards Shang Chaozong." In truth, they hadn't intended to send anyone to Shang Chaozong at first. But since the person had come to the mountain with the token, it was a matter of the sect's reputation, and they couldn't directly refuse, so they had to engage with them. Sending Shang Shuqing to see Niu Youdao was also intended to make Shang Shuqing retreat, as Niu Youdao's age was a factor. Who knew that Shang Shuqing, for some unknown reason, actually agreed, putting the Shangqing Sect in a rather awkward position.

Song Yanqing said calmly, "This disciple has not been at the Shangqing Sect for many years, so I don't know Niu Youdao's situation. This disciple only knows that the capital's intention is that no one should be sent to Shang Chaozong, not even one!"

"You!" Tang Susu pointed at him, shaking her head slightly. "I'm thinking of you, can't you see that?"

"Uh..." Song Yanqing was stunned for a moment. "Thinking of me? I don't see how you're thinking of me!"

Tang Susu casually pointed out, "There's something you might not know. Sect Master Tang Yi doesn't think highly of Niu Youdao at all. She's only met him a few times over the years, and they haven't consummated their marriage yet. The Sect Master is still a virgin. Just as I told you earlier, the Sect Master is only shouldering a heavy responsibility, not truly intending to marry Niu Youdao. How could the Sect Master fancy a rustic villager? Between you and Niu Youdao, can't the Sect Master distinguish who is better? But the Sect Master is the daughter of the previous Sect Master, and there are responsibilities she must bear. As a man, you should understand the difficulties she faces as a woman."

"..." Song Yanqing was completely stunned, looking as if he wanted to speak but couldn't. His eyes gradually lit up, and his heart stirred again. Tang Susu had already made her intentions very clear.

Tang Susu observed his reaction and continued, "Everyone knows Shang Chaozong's situation; he is destined for great danger and a tragic end. Moreover, Niu Youdao has no self-preservation ability. Following Shang Chaozong is no different from seeking death. There are some things the Shangqing Sect cannot do openly; you should understand the reasoning. It's not appropriate for someone to have an accident within the Shangqing Sect. However, if he is implicated by Shang Chaozong, that's another matter. You know the relationship between Prince Ning and Dongguo Haoran. Shang Chaozong specifically sought out Dongguo Haoran's disciple to go out. The other disciples of the Shangqing Sect can understand this and won't have any objections."

Song Yanqing's eyes flickered, as if he were contemplating something. In any case, his tense expression softened.

There was a moment of silence in the hall. Tang Susu, who was observing his expressions, suddenly smiled and said, "Of course, there are always unexpected circumstances. Perhaps Shang Chaozong can overcome all the dangers and, in doing so, ensure Niu Youdao's safety. That can only be attributed to his destiny, and then the Sect Master's marital relationship with him will have to continue. Yanqing, the Shangqing Sect has its own difficulties. Niu Youdao is not much of a bodyguard. You need to help the sect explain the situation clearly to the capital!"

Song Yanqing forced a smile onto his face and nodded repeatedly. "This disciple is also a disciple of the Shangqing Sect and naturally speaks for the sect. Elder, rest assured, this disciple knows how to explain it to the capital."

Tang Susu nodded. "That's good, that's good. I truly didn't misjudge you."

"If the Elder has no other instructions, this disciple will take his leave!" Song Yanqing cupped his hands and bid farewell.

Tang Susu happily waved her sleeve. "Go, go."

Song Yanqing respectfully took a few steps back, then turned and quickly left.

As soon as he left, he immediately went back to find his two followers, Xu Yitian and Chen Guishuo. He instructed one to prepare horses and the other to request leave from the sect, stating that he needed to return to the capital.

With everything prepared, the three of them galloped away from the Shangqing Sect.

On the journey, Song Yanqing was quite excited, excited by Tang Susu's words. Tang Yi and Niu Youdao had a relationship that was merely in name only, which was truly unexpected. It seemed this flower still had to be plucked by him. He resolved to win Tang Yi over this time. Tang Susu should understand the consequences of continually deceiving him. Let her try to refuse!

"Senior Brother, you're going the wrong way. That's not the direction to the capital!"

The three horses galloped out of the Shangqing Sect's territory. Just as they crossed a shallow stream and reached the other side, Chen Guishuo, who was following behind, quickly shouted a reminder as Song Yanqing, who was leading the way, turned his horse in the opposite direction.

"Nonsense! I'm not blind. Just follow me!" Song Yanqing cursed back.

Xu Yitian and Chen Guishuo exchanged glances, not knowing what he was up to, and could only speed up to follow...

Tang Susu, cross-legged and with her eyes closed on the meditation cushion, was silent. The lights in the hall were not very bright, and the light was half-immersed in darkness.

Tian Xiang hurried into the hall from outside and knelt before Tang Susu, saying in a low voice, "Elder, the person did not head towards the capital!"

"The fool is thinking too highly of himself!" Tang Susu opened her eyes and sneered...

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a disciple of the Shangqing Sect arrived at 'Peach Blossom Spring' to ask Niu Youdao to go down the mountain, inquiring if there was anything he needed help packing.

It was evident that the disciple's eyes carried a sense of curiosity towards this Sect Master's husband. However, when Niu Youdao asked him anything, he cautiously refused to say anything.

Niu Youdao had nothing much to pack. He packed two sets of clothes into a bundle and slung it over his shoulder along with the precious sword given by Shang Shuqing. He then descended the mountain.

He followed the steep "Z" shaped steps carved into the middle of the cliff all the way down the mountain. After crossing a stone bridge, he saw Shang Shuqing waiting there.

Behind Shang Shuqing stood four burly men. Two were dressed in green tunics, and the other two in earth-grey tunics. They wore leather bracers on their wrists and leather belts around their waists, all exuding a fierce and murderous aura. Weapons such as bows, crossbows, swords, and sabers were hung on the horses beside them.

" pháp sư!" Shang Shuqing cupped her hands in greeting.

Niu Youdao nodded and smiled. Tian Xiang led a spirited, dark red horse over. After greeting him, she pointed to the bundle hanging on the horse and said, "Martial Uncle, here is the gold and silver you prepared from the sect, as well as some dry rations for the journey." Then, she took out a sealed letter from her sleeve and handed it over. "This is a letter the Sect Master asked you to deliver to the abbot of Nanshan Temple in Xiaonanshan, Guangyi Commandery on your way. You will pass by that place, and you can ask for the exact location. The Sect Master asked you to ensure it is delivered."

Niu Youdao took it and flipped through it. There was no name on the envelope. He casually stuffed it into the bundle hanging on the horse, looked up towards Shangqing Palace, and asked, "Don't I need to go and bid farewell?"

Tian Xiang smiled. "The Sect Master said it's not necessary, and that the County Princess and the others still have to rush their journey."

"Oh! Then let's go." Niu Youdao's lips curved into a self-mocking smile.

For so many years, he had never had any choice here, and it was the same this time. Talking more was pointless. He took the reins and nimbly mounted the horse.

The County Princess's entourage also quickly mounted their horses and turned to gallop away first. Niu Youdao followed behind, chasing after them.

The group galloped wildly, their horses' hooves pounding the ground.

Under a tall pine tree on the cliffside of Shangqing Palace, Tang Yi, her robes fluttering like an immortal, looked down with a frown at the scene of them riding away. She became increasingly suspicious of Niu Youdao's background. Seeing Niu Youdao's skillful riding, she wondered if he had received riding training in his early years. A poor boy from a mountain village having such conditions?

Amidst the rapid and crisp sound of horse hooves, Niu Youdao glanced back at 'Peach Blossom Spring'. The peach blossoms were still as brilliant as ever. He wondered if he would ever have a chance to return.

The Shangqing Sect's territory was quite large. After galloping through the mountain forest roads for a while, as they were about to leave the area, several horsemen suddenly stopped their horses urgently on the forest path, forcing Niu Youdao, who was behind them, to stop as well. He leaned forward and saw that Tu Han, the one-eyed, lame man, was blocking the road ahead.

"County Princess, I have something to discuss with him alone." Tu Han pointed at Niu Youdao behind him, his voice rough.

Shang Shuqing glanced back. Seeing that Niu Youdao had no objections, she waved her hand and led her four attendants away.

Niu Youdao dismounted and smiled, "What is it that requires stopping me here to discuss?"