Through the wards (9)

The night stretched deep and distant. Zhang Xing arrived beneath the Water Street tavern and drew out the strand of True Qi he had acquired that day.

Unlike the distinctly icy and fiery properties of the True Qi already in his body, this strand had a noticeably invigorating effect when used, and even his breathing grew long and deep. When he pressed his True Qi-filled hand against the ward wall, he indeed felt a powerful adhesion.

Zhang Xing had no doubt that he could easily use this property to climb the wall, just like the man who had died that day.

Yet even after circulating the True Qi for a while, he never moved to climb the ward wall and enter the tavern. Quite the opposite: after some hesitation, this Street-Cleaning Tigers, who had joined only half a month ago, chose to withdraw his True Qi and turn away without a word. Once back in Xiūyè Ward, he climbed the ladder into his side courtyard, then lay down and went straight to sleep, as though nothing had happened.

Early the next morning, he went to Xiao Zhao's home in Cultivation Ward to offer condolences as usual, then reported to the Water Street tavern for orders as he always did.

Nothing happened all day. He returned that afternoon, went to the tavern again the following day, then stopped at Xiao Zhao's home. Still nothing happened.

Not only did nothing happen, but his visits were fruitless. There were too many people, with someone keeping watch day and night; he truly had no way to open the coffin and examine the body. Still, he had not come away entirely empty-handed, for when he returned to Xiūyè Ward that afternoon, someone was waiting for him.

"Zhang, that friend of yours from the Brocade-clad Patrol Cavalry came to see you with a box of books." Brother Zhang greeted him with a smile as soon as he returned. "I had him wait in the side room."

Zhang Xing nodded and quickened his steps. Passing the side room, he raised a hand to Qin Bao, who had risen at the sound of his arrival, then opened the gate to his own side courtyard and went in first.

Once they were seated inside, Qin Bao handed him an exquisite wooden book box. "The famous work you wanted, Brother Zhang... Inspector Bai said this book is acclaimed as a masterpiece of both literature and history... I have a rough idea which set it is, but there's no need for me to chatter on. Take your time reading it yourself."

Unexpectedly, Zhang Xing, who had always been interested in books, merely nodded. Before he had even set the wooden box aside, he spoke first. "There are a few things I want to ask you."

"Go ahead, Brother Zhang." Naturally, Qin Bao had no objection.

"A few days ago, our Feng Zongqi took us Street-Cleaning Tigers to wipe out the Green Fish Gang... Do you and Inspector Bai know about that?" Zhang Xing asked earnestly. "This is serious. My life is at stake. Don't lie."

"Yes." Qin Bao had visibly hesitated at first, but after hearing the last part, he answered plainly.

"Qin Erlang, you and Inspector Bai are the only people I know in the Eastern Capital, so I'll speak frankly." Zhang Xing kept his eyes on him as he continued. "If I ran into something like the business with Yuan Da again, and you happened to be nearby and saw me in danger, would you be willing to help me?"

"Of course." Qin Bao answered without thinking.

"Then do you think Inspector Bai would still listen to reason and protect me, as she did last time, if she learned about it?" Zhang Xing pressed, frowning.

"Certainly." Again, Qin Bao answered without thinking, then hurriedly asked, "What exactly happened?"

"No hurry." Zhang Xing breathed a sigh of relief, but kept asking questions. "A few more things about cultivation... When I went to attack the Green Fish Gang the day before yesterday, I saw a thug whose hands and feet turned green when he used True Qi, and he could cling to walls and climb them... What was that?"

"That's a proper path of the Three Radiances and Four Sovereigns: longevity True Qi, the hallmark of the Eastern Azure Emperor." Qin Bao answered at once. "It's also the most common True Qi under heaven, without exception."

"Because it grants longevity?" Zhang Xing paused, then immediately understood.

"Exactly." Qin Bao gave a rare chuckle. "But to be fair, the Azure Emperor's longevity True Qi really does nourish the body. You can feel it while opening the Twelve Orthodox Meridians... They say even the flowers and plants in the imperial palace are given some longevity True Qi to hasten their growth... That's why all the eunuchs of the Northern Office who have achieved anything in cultivation follow this path."

Here, Qin Bao paused briefly, but still lowered his voice and said with a smile, "I've heard some jokes among the Brocade-clad Patrol Cavalry. They say Superintendent Niu of the Northern Office, one of the world's current Grandmasters, has even achieved Fuyang through longevity True Qi."

"Fuyang..." Zhang Xing stared for a long while before understanding, then continued his questions. "Then if someone's arms turn an earthy yellow when they use True Qi, which of the Three Radiances and Four Sovereigns does that belong to?"

"None of them." Qin Bao tilted his head back in thought, then shook it. "If it's earthy yellow rather than gold or bright yellow, it's either Earth-Splitting True Qi inherited from the Mountain-Splitting Lord, Flying Sand True Qi passed down from the western borderlands, or possibly the Turbid Water True Qi popular around Jingxiang."

"The Mountain-Splitting Lord has a True Qi lineage too?" Zhang Xing keenly picked up a new piece of knowledge... Clearly, he had still read too few books during his half month in the Eastern Capital.

"Many True Dragons have passed types of True Qi down into the human world, or they're said to come from True Dragons. In fact, True Qi attributed to True Dragons accounts for seventy or eighty percent of all schools of True Qi." At this point, Qin Bao visibly hesitated. "For instance, the Ice True Qi you cultivate is said to be the legacy of the Wind-Swallowing Lord of the Northern Wasteland. The Wind-Swallowing Church under him is itself a major local power there..."

Naturally, Zhang Xing knew why he was hesitating, but as the saying went, there was no problem so long as he did not feel awkward. Without missing a beat, he immediately asked in return, "Then what True Qi do you cultivate? What lineage is it?"

"I cultivate Fixed Thunder True Qi," Qin Bao answered properly. "It's also said to come from a True Dragon divine lord, one who served under the Eastern Azure Emperor. After the Azure Emperor attained Position Attainment as the Supreme One, this True Dragon took the title Eastern Thunder True Lord. They say he can even take human form, and his image always stands behind the Azure Emperor in his temples... Still, no one can say for certain about the affairs of gods and immortals. Who knows whether later generations made it up or some emperor bestowed the title? In any case, I imagine the True Lord doesn't care."

"Leaving True Lords and True Dragons aside, can you summon lightning and release electricity?" Having skimmed a few history books, Zhang Xing naturally knew Qin Bao was right, but that did not stop him from asking curiously, "Can you show me?"

"No." Qin Bao shook his head. "This True Qi is a little strange. It has advantages and disadvantages. During meridian opening, the advantage is that you can often open a meridian in a single stroke; the disadvantage is that it's difficult to draw the True Qi outside the body to use it. Even at Condensing the Core, it has its good and bad points. Its techniques are tremendously powerful, but it's difficult to control the True Qi as freely as other types..."

Zhang Xing nodded, inwardly speechless... It would be stranger if lightning were easy to control... Still, that did not keep him from continuing. "What about Inspector Bai? What kind of True Qi does she use?"

"She follows the proper path of the Three-One Orthodox Church, so naturally she uses Radiant Light True Qi of the Three Radiances and Four Sovereigns." Qin Bao continued his explanations helplessly. "It's the most orthodox, and for nearly two thousand years, it has been second only to longevity True Qi in prevalence. They say it can fuse all the world's myriad types of True Qi at their root."

Zhang Xing paused, nodded, then suddenly asked another question. "Back to that earthy-yellow True Qi... Does it have any special uses?"

"Leaving higher cultivation aside, at the Meridian Opening level, it's mainly for defense." Qin Bao continued serving as a human repository of information. "They say that once you reach the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, as long as you open the Conception and Governing Vessels, you can cover your entire body in True Qi, as though wearing armor all over. So long as your True Qi holds out, blades and spears can't harm you."

"Golden Bell Shield, Iron Cloth Shirt?" Zhang Xing looked thoughtful. "Then suppose someone has fairly high cultivation and specializes in defense, but gradually becomes lax and lazy. Could an ordinary person still kill him with one blow?"

Qin Bao studied Zhang Xing and hesitated again, but still nodded firmly. "I don't know about higher cultivation, but what you describe is actually very common at the Meridian Opening level... We both understand the Twelve Orthodox Meridians, so there's no need to discuss those... With the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, things are actually even worse, and it's not limited to the situation you described."

"How so?"

"Because as far as I know, eighty percent of experts at the Eight Extraordinary Meridians stage die unnatural deaths... Quite a few are killed in surprise attacks by ordinary people."

"I don't quite understand." Zhang Xing shook his head. "How could it come to that?"

"Because opening the Twelve Orthodox Meridians is so arduous, while once you open even one or two of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, all sorts of ingenious applications of True Qi become available. Though you're still flesh and blood, ordinary people can hardly match you anymore. Even armor and powerful crossbows aren't impossible to deal with." Qin Bao looked at the man before him and explained with earnest patience. "So the court, sects, gangs, and powerful local figures all scramble to invite you. Fame, wealth, beautiful women, and high office are yours for the taking. Even if you become a bandit, you can establish yourself as a local lord... After years of hardship, power comes in a single morning, and people often fail to hold fast to their true selves, stirring up every kind of trouble!"

Zhang Xing understood. Plenty of people went astray after entering university, and there were more than enough cases of people getting into sexual scandals as soon as they received a promotion. Whether it was True Qi cultivation, literary and martial accomplishments, power or official rank, across ancient and modern times, east and west, two lives and three realms-as long as it arose from the mortal world, how could it escape the human heart and human nature?

"The Central Pacification Office of the Jing'an Directorate mainly deals with these people," Qin Bao continued earnestly. "Listening to the old cavalrymen talk about their cases, so many heroes and gifted young people have lost their lives so easily to wealth, lust, fame, and profit... I'd like to mock them: cultivating the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is itself about refining the spirit and steadying one's nature, yet instead they throw their lives away. But when I remember that I was also planning to join the army to get ahead, and that I've now joined the Jing'an Directorate, I can hardly mock them... Is there anything else you want to ask, Brother Zhang?"

"No." Zhang Xing rose, making to see his guest out. "For the next three to five days, if you're willing, spend some time outside Chengfu Gate, west of the Old Central Bridge, around the third watch each night."

The place Zhang Xing named was in Luoyang County, north of the Luo River, directly across the river from Jingshan Ward.

"What are you planning to do, Brother Zhang?" Qin Bao rose anxiously. "Wasn't everything I just said meant to remind you that cultivation is so difficult, there's no need to be reckless and combative unless you have no choice? You cut down that thug from the illicit brothel, and that's done. Surely you aren't going to provoke someone more formidable?"

"This isn't recklessness, and I'm not the one provoking anyone. Someone tried to kill me first." Zhang Xing stood and spoke with absolute conviction. "They failed, and nearly even kept it hidden. But now that I know, what would it amount to if I didn't strike back and kill them?"

Qin Bao was stunned for a moment, but he had a good foundation after all, and understood instantly. "There was more to that business with the Green Fish Gang?"

Zhang Xing nodded.

"Do you have evidence?" Qin Bao lowered his voice.

"If I had evidence, I'd already be waiting outside the Marquis of Ji'an's residence to plead my grievance before that great lady of justice. Why would I come to you?" Zhang Xing kept shaking his head. "If you insist on intervening, you can ask Inspector Bai to question that Deputy Gang Leader Shen or a colleague of mine, a captain surnamed Wang... But I don't recommend it, because you'd be beating the grass and startling the snake on my behalf, putting me in danger... Wait until it actually happens and can no longer be covered up, then speak for me."

"Must you go?" Qin Bao sighed, his voice dropping still lower.

"Qin Erlang, you and I can only be called colleagues. We aren't friends who have entrusted our lives to each other." Zhang Xing looked at him solemnly. "It would be perfectly normal if you didn't want to come. I wouldn't resent you... But then again, all the brothers I could entrust my life to are dead. Who can I rely on if not you? Really, I don't need you to fight for me. Just wait across the river to receive me, and if things go wrong, save me if you can. How about it?"

Qin Bao sighed. "With you putting it like that, how could I refuse? I only beg you to take care, Brother Zhang, and be meticulous in everything you do."

"I understand." Zhang Xing nodded and said no more.

Qin Bao also cupped his hands and rose, but when he reached the gate, he turned and saluted again. "Rest assured, Brother Zhang. Since you've entrusted this to me, I, Qin Er, will never fail you."

Zhang Xing could only cup his hands in thanks.

Nothing happened that night. Zhang Xing did not open the box of books, merely practicing his martial arts as usual before sitting in meditation to open his meridians. Sharpening one's blade on the eve of battle was rather dubious, but it was also true that since killing those men that day, his True Qi had been abundant, and he vaguely felt he was close to finishing the opening of his fourth orthodox meridian.

Early the next morning, Zhang Xing again went to Water Street for orders. That afternoon, he first returned to his lodgings to leave his saber, then went to Xiao Zhao's home, where he played the gentleman on the rafters for once. Taking advantage of the crowd and confusion, he secretly found Xiao Zhao's saber, which Deputy Gang Leader Shen had returned, then carried it out openly at his waist.

Another day passed, and he again reported to the Water Street tavern for orders.

This time, he encountered Xiao Yu.

Unexpectedly, though Xiao Yu smiled a little less, she showed no grief at all. As usual, she moved among the captains and guards, pouring wine and tea. Not only that, but as the weather grew warmer, she was noticeably exposing a little more of her chest, and she went around to everyone, attending them carefully, as though impatient to find a new protector now that Xiao Zhao was dead.

At this sight, some sneered, some sighed, some stared lecherously, and some simply put their hands on her.

"Xiao Yu, right?"

Watching the woman make her way around nearly every table yet keep putting off coming to his, Zhang Xing felt something stir in his mind. When she passed beside him, he reached out and seized her wrist, then teased, "Now that Xiao Zhao is gone, aren't you afraid Sister-in-law will marry you off to some pig butcher or brick burner one day, leaving you to spend the rest of your life in those filthy southeastern wards?"

Given the Divine Capital's layout, with Ziwei Palace in the northwest, certain southeastern wards were destined to become what were called "slums."

Xiao Yu forced a smile while struggling to pull free. "Commandant Zhang, you're hurting me."

Zhang Xing kept his grip on her and teased in a tone even he found smarmy. "Hurting you was an accident, but it's also because I'm strong... Did you know? During that business with the Green Fish Gang, I was the best fighter there. I put a crossbow bolt straight through an expert who'd almost reached the Eight Extraordinary Meridians... In that sense, I helped you avenge Xiao Zhao."

At first, Xiao Yu was still smiling, but at the latter part, she froze. Tears nearly fell, yet she quickly held them back, then merely struggled in silence to pull her hand free. As the other captains looked over, and especially once Old Wang stood up, Zhang Xing finally burst into laughter and let go.

But it did not end there. Having risen with a laugh, Zhang Xing followed the fleeing Xiao Yu toward the counter and called loudly, "Sister-in-law! Everyone made a handsome profit from the Green Fish Gang, so I'll forgo that remaining twenty strings we agreed on. I have a little money now, too... Could I have Xiao Yu's bond of servitude instead, at the same price Xiao Zhao was paying?"

Madam Feng, who had noticed what was happening as early as Zhang Xing's tussle with Xiao Yu, rose behind the counter, her eyes shifting. "That won't do. Xiao Zhao was Xiao Zhao, and you're you... Really, Zhang, who brings up something like this before Xiao Zhao's first seven days are even over?"

"I only dared mention it because Xiao Yu was already serving in the tavern before Xiao Zhao's first seven days were over," Zhang Xing retorted without ceremony. "I thought you didn't observe such niceties here, Sister-in-law!"

The guards and captains seated outside wore varying expressions, only now realizing that this fellow Zhang was not merely being frivolous but mocking their company commander's wife. Several rose, ready to rebuke him, but seemingly wary of the strength and courage Zhang Xing had displayed these past days, they hesitated instead when he turned and swept his gaze over them with a hand on his saber.

Seeing this, Madam Feng was momentarily embarrassed. Her eyes, each a different color, involuntarily turned toward the counter before her, avoiding Zhang Xing's gaze. "I didn't want Xiao Yu coming out so soon either, but nothing had been settled between her and Xiao Zhao. Leaving her alone in the back, I was afraid she'd brood. So when she asked to come out front for some air today, I allowed it..."

"I guessed as much." Zhang Xing nodded, leaned on the counter, and grew serious. "So although I was joking just now, I did mean some of it... Sister-in-law, truly let me have Xiao Yu!"

"What do you mean?" Madam Feng was slightly taken aback.

"Ultimately, Xiao Zhao's death must be laid at Sun Wogua's door. Strictly speaking, it has little to do with me. But there was a reason for what happened that day, after all, and he went to Shangshan Ward right before my eyes. I do feel somewhat guilty."

Zhang Xing leaned sideways against the counter, his eyes fixed solely on Xiao Yu, who stood behind Madam Feng looking somewhat startled and uncertain. His tone was calm.

"Now he's dead, his death has been avenged, and his funeral arrangements have been splendid. All I can do is show a little consideration for his family... But his brother and sister-in-law put on a false show of affection and never got along with him. I went to his home several days running and found it all rather pointless. After thinking it over, Xiao Yu was the only person he truly cared about... And though she's exceptionally pretty now, young and lively, in a few years, whether the company commander gets promoted and you have more people around you, Sister-in-law, or she herself grows older and loses her looks, won't she simply end up married off as a concubine in some southern ward? Better to give her to me. For Xiao Zhao's sake, I can at least treat her sincerely."

What Zhang Xing said seemed eminently reasonable. Not only had everyone behind him long since sat back down, even Madam Feng could find no reply for a moment.

Only after a long pause did the company commander's wife smile. "You have a point, Zhang, but this isn't something I can decide. As it happens, your elder brother and Old Wang have gone across the Luo River to tie up the Green Fish Gang business... Why don't you speak to your elder brother in person tomorrow?"

Zhang Xing nodded repeatedly.

Thus, that afternoon, rather than going to Xiao Zhao's home again, he returned to his old habits and went back early to his rented courtyard, practicing martial arts to temper his body as usual, then sitting in meditation to open his meridians.

It seemed the day would pass just like that.

But toward evening, just as Ward Chief Liu returned from Street-Clearing and began calling reminders outside the ward gate before closing it, Zhang Xing emerged from his side courtyard in everyday clothes, his saber wrapped in cloth. Rather than use the ward gate, he circulated the longevity True Qi he had only just begun to familiarize himself with at his usual wall-climbing spot, then calmly climbed up, preparing to slip over and leave without alerting anyone.

Yet something unexpected still happened.

Once atop the wall, Zhang Xing glanced back and discovered Brother Liu's youngest daughter standing on the threshold of the family's inner courtyard, holding a jar of pickles and staring at him in astonishment. Completely helpless at the sight, he could only give an awkward laugh from the wall and gesture for silence. Once she nodded blankly, he jumped straight down and left Xiūyè Ward amid the clamor of the ward gate closing.

Now, the wards were all square and regular, like little cities, and most were similar in size. At the very least, Xiūyè, Xiuwen Ward, Shangshan Ward, and Jingshan Ward were four wards of exactly the same size.

In other words, the north gate of Xiūyè Ward, where Zhang Xing lived, actually faced Jingshan Ward's south gate directly.

Thus, taking advantage of the bustle at the ward gates, with crowds surging and jostling to get inside, Zhang Xing leaped down from the wall to one side. Though he startled a few nearby men and women, he paid them no heed and simply charged straight ahead toward the opposite side. Moments later, he squeezed into the crowd before Jingshan Ward and vanished.

By sunset, Zhang Xing had entered Jingshan Ward with his saber in his arms, then followed the dispersing crowds deeper into the ward in the dusk.

Come to think of it, this was his first time approaching the Water Street tavern from inside the ward to have some fun.