At dawn, clouds and mist shrouded the end of the Luo River, where over a hundred boats of all sizes had arrived from far and wide and floated on the water.
Crowds thronged the surrounding banks. In the open spaces, martial artists sparred while onlookers cheered. More wandered along the main road leading to Dragon Gate Pass, and numerous peddlers had set up stalls selling all manner of wares.
Yu Huatian emerged from the cabin and surveyed the scene, his sharp brows drawing together slightly.
"Quite a crowd here to join the fun."
Ding Xiu gnawed on a steamed bun, his long, slender saber resting on his shoulder. He surveyed the surroundings with a languid expression, paying little heed to the martial artists around them.
With his double-headed spear strapped to his back, Zhao Tong also scanned their surroundings. Then, apparently noticing something, he approached Yu Huatian and whispered, "Overseer, our men are keeping watch."
Yu Huatian nodded slightly. His senses were exceptionally keen now. Just moments ago, he had noticed several figures on the bank quietly leave upon seeing him emerge from the boat. They had probably gone to Dragon Gate Pass to report his arrival.
"Let's go."
Yu Huatian paid no attention to the surrounding martial artists. In his eyes, nearly all these people who dared come to join the excitement would end up dead if they ventured beyond the pass into the desert. They were not worth his attention.
What truly concerned him were the major powers that also coveted the treasure.
After instructing the boatman to dock, the three disembarked from the merchant vessel and headed straight for the main road ahead.
Yet after only a few steps, Yu Huatian suddenly stopped, a trace of puzzlement flashing through his eyes.
"Overseer, someone has their eyes on us."
Zhao Tong spoke quietly. He had noticed it too: ever since they disembarked, quite a few martial artists nearby had been studying them, some openly and others discreetly.
Yu Huatian nodded slightly. "Don't stir the grass and startle the snake."
With that, he walked straight toward a roadside peddler selling candied fruit and dried fruit. Picking up two pieces of candied fruit, he asked casually, "Shopkeeper, quite a few martial artists have come here lately, haven't they?"
The peddler hurriedly rose. "Young master, would you like to buy some candied fruit?"
Yu Huatian said evenly, "You sell candied fruit here every day. Do you know who has arrived recently?"
The peddler beamed. "Young master, the candied fruit is very sweet."
Yu Huatian's mouth twitched. He put down the fruit and tossed the peddler a silver ingot. "I'll buy all your candied fruit. Enough nonsense. I have a few questions for you. Take us to Dragon Gate Pass while you're at it. We'll talk along the way."
The peddler picked up the silver, his face full of "delight," and nodded repeatedly. "Whatever you say, young master. Shall we... get going, then?"
"Let's go."
Yu Huatian turned and continued forward. Abandoning even his stall, the peddler immediately trotted after him, his face wreathed in fawning smiles.
That single silver ingot was enough to buy several stalls like his.
As Yu Huatian and his companions left, some of the nearby martial artists immediately began whispering.
"A handsome young man in white robes, accompanied by a blue-faced spearman and a swordsman with a ponytail. Those three must be the ones who killed Tian Boguang, the 'Lone Wanderer of Ten Thousand Miles,' and Linghu Chong, the Mount Hua Sect's eldest disciple, a few days ago, right?"
"It should be them. I didn't expect them to turn up here. Could they be after the treasure too?"
"Are you fucking stupid? What else would they be here for?"
"I wonder where those men came from. They even dared kill someone from the Mount Hua Sect."
"Pfft! Who knows how many major powers have arrived these past few days? What does a mere Mount Hua Sect amount to?"
"Exactly. His disciple was killed, and Yue Buqun didn't even dare let out a fart. The Mount Hua Sect is declining more and more..."
Perhaps because the treasure had caused such a stir lately and attracted so many martial artists, even the banks of the Luo River had developed an entire network of businesses.
Numerous merchants and peddlers seized the opportunity, throwing up makeshift thatched sheds and opening for business. They offered everything from snacks and fruit to teahouses, taverns, and eateries. There were even horse sellers.
Dragon Gate Pass was still dozens of li away. Yu Huatian and his companions did not begrudge the expense; they bought several horses and rode toward the pass.
The candied-fruit peddler drove a donkey cart alongside them. Once aboard, the fawning expression vanished from his face. He drew close to Yu Huatian and said quietly, "Overseer."
Yu Huatian said evenly, "People have their eyes on me. What's going on?"
The peddler was a West Depot scout who had spent this period disguised as a vendor, gathering intelligence by the Luo River. Naturally, he knew all about the matter and explained in a low voice:
"A few days ago, you killed Tian Boguang, the 'Lone Wanderer of Ten Thousand Miles,' and Linghu Chong of Mount Hua. It caused quite a stir in the martial world. Many people have been discussing it lately."
Yu Huatian immediately understood. He had thought his identity had been exposed, but it was only because of Linghu Chong. In that case, there was no need to worry.
"Our men are all at Dragon Gate Pass?"
Yu Huatian asked.
"The first and third chiefs are both there. The six Thousand-Household Commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard have also been secretly moving men beyond the pass."
"Xueyong came too?"
Yu Huatian was somewhat surprised. Ji Xueyong, the third chief, had been carrying out missions elsewhere, and Yu Huatian had not seen him for some time.
"The third chief reached Dragon Gate Pass half a month ago," the peddler answered quietly.
Yu Huatian nodded and asked nothing more. He immediately picked up the pace toward Dragon Gate Pass.
The treasure should emerge within the next few days. The most pressing matter was to determine who had come and make preparations in advance.
Dragon Gate Pass was one of Ming's eight great passes, an important route beyond the frontier. Like Jiayu Pass in northern Ming, it had been built to defend against the northern tribes.
Beyond Dragon Gate Pass, however, lay endless desert where few tribes settled, so they rarely invaded Ming through this route.
Even so, a Ming garrison remained stationed here year-round as a precaution. To prevent the commanding general from using his troops to build an independent power base, the emperor also sent members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to monitor him secretly.
Now that the Embroidered Uniform Guard was largely under Yu Huatian's control, this could also be considered West Depot territory.
Two hours later, Yu Huatian and his companions reached the city closest to Dragon Gate Pass-Dragon Gate City.
The entire surrounding area was known as Dragon Gate, and Dragon Gate City was its principal city.
Although situated on the frontier, it was still exceptionally prosperous.
Upon entering, they found hawkers crying their wares along the streets and countless vendors making a living from roadside stalls. Here and there, they also spotted martial artists carrying sabers and swords.
To avoid injuring anyone, they led their horses into the city. As he surveyed the streets, Yu Huatian asked, "Where are our men?"
The peddler answered quietly, "To conceal their movements, the first chief and the others haven't contacted the local authorities. They've been staying at the Golden Phoenix Tower these past few days. It's the largest inn in Dragon Gate City, and most of the martial artists who have arrived lately are staying there."
Yu Huatian nodded. "Go back first. Keep watching the Luo River and see how many more martial artists come."
"Yes."
The peddler immediately turned his cart around and departed. To outsiders, he appeared to have merely shown Yu Huatian and his companions the way, revealing no flaw in his disguise.
The three asked someone for directions to the Golden Phoenix Tower, then headed straight there.
They had barely taken a few steps when Yu Huatian suddenly sensed killing intent. He stopped and looked back. Pedestrians hurried along the street, yet he immediately picked out a black-robed figure carrying a longsword.
Zhao Tong and Ding Xiu followed his gaze. After a moment's thought, Zhao Tong's expression changed. "Overseer, that person has followed us the whole way!"
Yu Huatian narrowed his eyes slightly. Someone who had followed him all this way was probably not here over Linghu Chong and the others. He had a feeling this person had already recognized his identity.
A swordsman in black, apparently quite skilled, who knew his identity and bore him a grudge. Who could it be?
Yu Huatian's eyes flickered. "Let's go. Ignore him. Since he knows who I am, sooner or later he'll come to me himself."
"Yes."
Zhao Tong nodded. The three quickened their pace, soon disappearing into the crowd as they headed toward the Golden Phoenix Tower.
Just after they left, the black-clad swordsman, who had been standing with his back to them, slowly turned. He revealed a strikingly handsome, spirited face, his narrow eyes fixed on the direction they had gone, murderous intent raging in their depths.
"Yu Huatian of the West Depot. What sharp senses!"
"But however great your martial arts, with so many experts here this time, you will surely die without a place to bury you!"
"Zhao Huaian, I will avenge you..."
As he spoke, the black-clad swordsman took a bamboo flute from inside his robes and looked at it. Grief flashed through his eyes. Then he abruptly turned and vanished into the sea of people.
No one knew that he was the one who had spread news of the Great White Upper Kingdom's treasure. His purpose was to lure Yu Huatian out and avenge Zhao Huaian!
The Golden Phoenix Tower combined a restaurant and lodging under one roof. Located on Dragon Gate City's most prosperous central avenue, it catered almost exclusively to dignitaries and wealthy merchants who spent lavishly-people who had no shortage of money.
These past few days, however, its guests had been martial artists drawn by the treasure. They were not necessarily wealthy, but most cared about saving face. Having come to Dragon Gate City, they would grit their teeth and pay to stay at the Golden Phoenix Tower, if only to display their status and prove themselves no worse than anyone else.
As soon as Yu Huatian and his companions reached the entrance, the West Depot scouts watching outside spotted them and immediately escorted them upstairs.
It was noon, and many martial artists sat drinking in the downstairs restaurant, discussing everything under the sun. The moment the group entered, they attracted numerous glances from people eager to see what new heroes had arrived.
After a glance, many looked away when they found they did not recognize them. Some, however, seemed to recognize the trio as the men who had recently killed Tian Boguang and Linghu Chong of Mount Hua, and could not help looking a little longer.
Most of those were female martial artists. Whether they looked longer because of Yu Huatian's appearance or because they recognized the trio's identities was anyone's guess.
Yu Huatian caused no trouble. With a calm expression, he followed the West Depot scout to a street-facing room on the third floor.
Only two men were inside. One was Ma Jinliang. The other, a pale-faced bald man, was Ji Xueyong, the West Depot's third chief.
Seeing Yu Huatian arrive, both hurried forward and bowed. "Your subordinates greet the overseer."
Yu Huatian glanced over Ji Xueyong and nodded slightly. "Jinliang, Xueyong, thank you for your hard work."
Ma Jinliang cupped his hands without speaking. Ji Xueyong, however, was visibly excited and hurriedly bowed low. "For you, Overseer, I would die ten thousand deaths without hesitation!"
Knowing Ji Xueyong's temperament, Yu Huatian said little more. He waved a hand. "All right. Tell me how things stand. Who has arrived these past few days?"
Zhao Tong did not remain in the room. With considerable tact, he went outside to stand guard and prevent anyone from eavesdropping.
Ma Jinliang glanced at Ji Xueyong, signaling for him to answer. Ji Xueyong did not decline. He loved opportunities to distinguish himself before the overseer and hurriedly cupped his hands.
"Several dozen martial factions have arrived recently, along with several hundred unaffiliated martial artists. But only a handful of those factions amount to anything."
Yu Huatian nodded slightly. "Give me the details."
"Yes."
Ji Xueyong answered, "The Sun Moon Holy Cult arrived first. Afterward, the major orthodox sects, including the Wudang Sect, the Shaolin Sect, and the Emei Sect, came upon hearing the news and killed quite a few cult members. The two sides have been fighting on and off these past few days, with considerable losses on both sides. Overall, though, the Sun Moon Holy Cult has lost more men."
"Dongfang Bubai didn't come personally?" Yu Huatian asked.
"No. But if this continues, he may come as well. With so many members of the Sun Moon Holy Cult dead, someone as domineering as Dongfang Bubai won't simply let it go," Ji Xueyong replied.
Yu Huatian nodded slightly. "Who else?"
"The Money Gang is here too. Jing Wuming, Shangguan Jinhong's foremost expert, personally led the party. With him are five Innate experts: Zhuge Gang, Xiang Song, Gao Xingkong, Yan Shuangfei, and Tang Du!" Ji Xueyong's expression was grave.
"The Money Gang?"
Yu Huatian frowned.
The Money Gang was another major power in the martial world. Its leader, Shangguan Jinhong, was a veteran grandmaster whose Mother-and-Child Dragon-Phoenix Rings ranked second on the Weapons List. He was said to have reached the realm of "no rings in his hands, yet rings in his heart." No one had seen him use those twin rings in twenty years.
But the Money Gang was already one of Ming's foremost gangs, with immense wealth and strength. Why would it be interested in this treasure?
Shangguan Jinhong could not possibly be unaware that the imperial court would intervene too. Contending for the treasure meant openly breaking with the court. Surely he was not that foolish.
"Besides the Money Gang and the Sun Moon Holy Cult, what other factions are here? Has no one come from the Bright Moon Cult?"
Yu Huatian looked at Ji Xueyong and continued questioning him.
"We haven't spotted anyone from the Bright Moon Cult yet. But members of the Heavenly Venerable and Black Stone assassin organizations have appeared these past few days and killed some martial artists. Someone probably hired them."
Ji Xueyong answered.
Yu Huatian nodded, not particularly concerned. Compared with the Sun Moon Holy Cult and the Money Gang, the Heavenly Venerable and Black Stone, though extensive organizations themselves, were merely two assassin groups. They could not stir up much of a storm.
Moreover, he knew their inner workings well. They had few true experts. Only the identity of Black Stone's leader, the Wheel King, remained unknown to him, but he should not be all that formidable either.
What surprised Yu Huatian instead was the Bright Moon Cult's absence.
The Bright Moon Cult and the Sun Moon Holy Cult were both demonic organizations rejected by the orthodox factions. They also constantly sought rebellion and frequently opposed the imperial court.
He did not know what the Bright Moon Cult was thinking, sending no one this time.
Yu Huatian looked at Ji Xueyong. "Have our men keep a close watch. Report immediately if anyone from the Bright Moon Cult appears."
"Yes."
Ji Xueyong hurriedly cupped his hands.
Yu Huatian continued, "Wasn't it said that the Demonic Cult had entered the pass too? How many came?"
In this world, "Demonic cult" did not refer solely to one particular sect. It was a collective term for all factions rejected by the orthodox martial world. The Sun Moon Holy Cult and the Bright Moon Cult, for example, could both be called demonic cults.
But there was also one faction universally recognized by Ming's martial world as the Demonic Cult. It had spread here from the deserts of the Western Regions, and its leader, Ren Tianxing, had once been a mighty figure whose name resounded throughout the realm.
However, in the war between the orthodox and demonic factions thirty years earlier, the Demonic Cult had lost to the orthodox side. Its leader, Ren Tianxing, had also been defeated by Bai Tianyu, the orthodox grandmaster who headed the Divine Blade Hall. Forced to withdraw from the Central Plains, he had agreed with Bai Tianyu that the Demonic Cult would never return while Bai Tianyu lived.
Ji Xueyong shook his head. "Overseer, the Demonic Cult hasn't entered the pass. A few days ago, a saber wielder using the Full Moon Scimitar appeared in the northwest and fought Bai Tianyu's successor, Fu Hongxue. His name is Ding Peng, and he uses the Demonic Cult's supreme art, the 'Divine Blade Slash.'"
"'In a little tower, listening all night to spring rain'-Ding Peng?"
Surprise flashed through Yu Huatian's eyes before he nodded.
He more or less understood what had happened.
Ding Peng was the protagonist of Gu Long's novel Full Moon Scimitar. Originally an ordinary swordsman in Ming, he had later suffered grievous injuries in an unexpected incident and traveled far from the Central Plains. He fell in love with Qingqing, daughter of the Demonic Cult's leader Ren Tianxing, inherited the cult's teachings, and switched to saber arts.
Ding Peng's return now was probably at Ren Tianxing's behest. Ren Tianxing was honoring his promise not to enter the Central Plains, but Ding Peng was not a member of the Demonic Cult and was therefore not bound by it.
He simply did not know what Ding Peng had returned for.
To duel Bai Tianyu's successor, Fu Hongxue, and recover their lost face?
Yu Huatian shook his head. "As long as they don't interfere with our business, leave them alone for now."
"Yes!"
"Wasn't it said that martial artists from other dynasties were coming too? Who has arrived?"
Yu Huatian continued asking.
"So far, only people from Great Song have come, and most are minor figures. The only one with any real reputation in the martial world is Murong Fu of Gusu, who shares the title 'Qiao Feng of the north, Murong of the south' with Great Song's Beggar Gang leader, Qiao Feng."
"Murong Fu?"
Disdain flashed through Yu Huatian's eyes. "He really will throw himself into anything for the sake of restoring his kingdom."
Without much thought, Yu Huatian knew that Murong Fu had surely come to obtain the Great White Upper Kingdom's treasure and restore Great Yan.
But with his martial skills, he dared covet the treasure?
"Since he's come, there's no need for him to leave!"
Killing intent flashed through Yu Huatian's eyes. In his mind, he had already sentenced Murong Fu to death.
Someone from Great Song dared come to Ming and steal its treasure. He truly did not know whether to live or die!
"Has there been any movement from Great Song's court?"
Yu Huatian looked at Ji Xueyong. More than Great Song's martial world, he cared about its imperial court's response.
If Great Song sent troops, this affair would likely escalate considerably. He probably could not resolve it alone.
"We haven't detected Great Song mobilizing any troops so far," Ji Xueyong replied.
"Good. Then we only need to guard against the martial artists."
Yu Huatian nodded slightly, feeling a little more at ease.
"How long until the treasure emerges?"
Ji Xueyong answered, "The desert's winds and clouds have been shifting unpredictably these past few days. According to the martial world's estimates, it should happen within the next few days."
"Excellent!"
Yu Huatian rose and ordered, "Notify the Embroidered Uniform Guard and begin setting things in motion. We leave tomorrow, heading beyond the frontier into the great desert!"
"As you command!"
Everyone cupped their hands in salute, then turned and left the room.
Yu Huatian walked to the window and gazed at the ever-shifting sky outside, his hands clasped behind his back and his eyes grave.
So many people had come this time, and he had no idea how many were interested in the treasure. In truth, he felt tremendous pressure as well.
Still, more people isn't a bad thing. Let them become the stepping stones for my breakthrough to Great Grandmaster!-
I originally wanted to jump straight into the plot, but the protagonist is the sort who plans before he acts. Besides, he controls the West Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so there's no way he wouldn't even be able to find out how many people had arrived. That's why I wrote this chapter first to lay the groundwork. The plot starts moving in the next chapter.
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(End of chapter)
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