He slowly drew a breath, his expression settling back into calm, though a new wariness had entered his eyes.
"Thank you for the guidance, sir."
Lu Changfeng raised his cup and said solemnly, "This information is worth a thousand gold pieces."
Xu Yuanzhi raised his cup as well. "It is only my duty. I merely hope there will be a little less turmoil in the martial world in days to come. The mountain paths are treacherous. Take care."
They drank together, and Xu Yuanzhi added one final warning. "If you encounter Zhou Yichen, remember this: a chess player plans before he moves. He excels at overwhelming others through momentum and turning their own strength against them. When opposing him, do not enter his game or follow his logic. Break cunning with strength-that is the proper approach."
Lu Changfeng had been thinking along the same lines. He smiled. "You are playing favorites, sir. Is Zhou Yichen not listed in the Monthly Appraisal?"
"He is not."
Xu Yuanzhi shook his head, his tone mild but firm. "Even if he were, I can still distinguish between helping a physician and helping a schemer. Be careful on your journey."
Lu Changfeng grew solemn. "Thank you."
With the wine finished, their gathering ended. Outside the window, the sun had already tilted westward. Xu Yuanzhi rose to take his leave. His blue robe stirred, and he drifted into the crowds in the streets and alleys, as though he truly were nothing more than a fortune-teller met by chance.
Lu Changfeng delayed no longer. He settled the wine bill and took Qing Dai and Snow Robe straight out of Jingling Town, setting off along the rugged trail toward Mount Yunmeng.
The mountain scenery grew darker, the woods deep and secluded.
After they had traveled some three or