The "Deer Gate" in Deer Gate Residence came from Deer Gate Mountain, where Meng Haoran had once lived in seclusion. It too stood far from the water and against a mountain, in the rear half of the Chess and Sword Music House.
By the time Cao Jinxing and Qin Xuanji arrived, a crowd had already gathered.
Meng Haoran's riddle was public, so naturally there were more people here than at Zhang Ruoxu's.
A quick glance revealed several familiar faces to Cao Jinxing: Yang Linqian, Han Tang, Du Wei of the God of Wealth Gang, and a branch master of the Beggar Gang who also practiced Sonic Wave Skill. All were figures who had made names for themselves in the martial world.
Everyone stood gathered around a stone tablet, studying it.
Inscribed on it was a quatrain by Meng Haoran.
--
Temple bells rang from the mountain; daylight had already dimmed. At Yuliang Ferry, voices clamored to cross.
People followed the sandy bank toward the riverside village; I too boarded a boat, returning to Deer Gate.
Moonlight at Deer Gate parted the misty trees; suddenly I reached Lord Pang's secluded retreat.
The rocky doorway and pine-lined path lay forever still; only a recluse came and went alone.
--
It was Meng Haoran's "Song of Returning to Deer Gate at Night."
"Meng Haoran carved this tablet with his sword while drunk once. It contains sword moves and sword intent."
Qin Xuanji said, "This tablet faces south. Anyone who faces it and comprehends the Vast Righteousness Sword preserved on it will find the treasure where the sword intent points on the final stroke of the final move."
"Comprehension again..."
Cao Jinxing said in puzzlement, "No wonder the Chess and Sword Music House declined. If all its supreme arts are like this, they simply