Capturing a Lustful Villain; Creating a Commotion in Shijia Alley; Meeting on a Narrow Path; Outsmarting the Eight-Fingered Monk. - Sword Xia of the Shu Mountains

The Wuhou Shrine is a famous historical site in Shu, its walls filled with writings from renowned figures. Zhou Chun casually strolled through it, eventually reaching the Wangjiang Pavilion, where he ordered a pot of wine and some dishes, dining alone. Suddenly, he heard footsteps on the stairs. A man dressed as a martial scholar, with a face as handsome as jade but exuding a roguish aura, appeared. He wore a blue satin embroidered warrior's cap, with a large quivering pink silk blossom tucked into his hair. He ordered some wine and dishes for himself but ate listlessly, his eyes fixed below the tower. Curious, Zhou Chun followed his gaze. Down by the riverbank, a large boat was docked, teeming with female passengers, among whom was a stunningly beautiful woman descending into a sedan. Upon seeing her, the martial scholar quickly tossed a silver ingot onto the table, settled the bill, and hurried downstairs with great urgency. Judging this man to be no upstanding character, Zhou Chun also paid his bill and decided to follow him. He soon noticed a Taoist ahead, bearing a large red gourd on his back, ambling leisurely. Closer inspection revealed it was the Drunken Taoist he had encountered on Emei Mountain. Torn between pursuing the scoundrel and missing this rare meeting with the Taoist, Zhou Chun weighed his options. While he hesitated, the city's famed "Flying Legs" sedan bearers had already disappeared, and the martial scholar was nowhere to be seen. At a loss, Zhou Chun had no choice but to discreetly follow the Taoist. The Taoist seemed unaware of Zhou Chun trailing behind, moving steadily onward. Thrilled at the opportunity, Zhou Chun followed closely. The Taoist wandered into the fields, always keeping a distance of about ten to twenty paces, regardless of how Zhou Chun quickened his pace. Frustrated, Zhou Chun called out, "Taoist in front, please hold your esteemed steps; I have something to say!" Despite his plea, the Taoist quickened his pace and, in an instant, vanished. Entitled to a meeting, Zhou Chun felt defeated and reluctantly returned to his inn. Later that night, a light breeze fluttered a piece of paper onto his table. Rushing outside, Zhou Chun found the night sky still and quiet, save for distant barking dogs. Returning to the room, he examined the paper, which prominently displayed three characters: "Shi Family Alley." The vigorous handwriting seemed eerily familiar, yet he couldn't recall where he'd seen it before. Puzzled, he mused, "What connection do I have with these wealthy households?" Yet a thought crossed his mind: "Could there be trouble at the Shi residence, with the sender seeking assistance?" Deciding to investigate, he armed himself, secured the door, and exited through the window, moving swiftly from rooftop to rooftop. As he proceeded, a shadow dashed ahead, vanishing upon reaching Shi Family Alley. Confounded by the long street and uncertain destination, Zhou Chun arrived at the first house, finding it silent. Continuing to the third, a large courtyard caught his attention, with lights shining from an upper floor. Peering through a window, his fury soared. Inside, a breathtakingly beautiful woman lay bound and unconscious on a bench, stripped bare. The martial scholar from earlier was in the process of undressing, intent on violating her. Enraged, Zhou Chun shouted, "Despicable fiend! Daring to assault a respectable woman; get out here to face your death!" The villain chuckled, "Who dares disrupt your master's pleasure?" Extinguishing the lamp, he flung open the door, hurling a chair at Zhou Chun. Zhou Chun deflected it with his sword and prepared for combat. Suddenly sensing an attack from behind, he deftly leaped to the side, evading a sneak assault. The scoundrel lashed out with a blade, prompting Zhou Chun to parry in response. This cunning rogue had thrown the chair to distract Zhou Chun while he attempted an ambush through the window. If not for Zhou Chun's seasoned reflexes, he might have fallen prey to the attack. Engaging the foe for several rounds, Zhou Chun discerned the villain's familiar fighting style. He demanded, "Scoundrel, who is your master? Name yourself, for I am the Cloud-flying Crane and my sword will not leave a nameless ghost!" The rogue, laughing maniacally, taunted, "So you are Zhou San! My master assumed you wouldn't come to Chengdu, little did he know you'd come courting death." He boasted, "Your master is Ba Zhi Chan Miao Tong, commonly known as the Many-Armed Bear, Mao Tai's disciple. I am the Shadowless Peony Zhang Liang!" Stunned by the revelation of his adversary, Zhou Chun feared Mao Tai might lend assistance. With renewed vigor, he unleashed his full prowess, enveloping Zhang Liang in a dance of flashing swords. Though adept, Zhang Liang was outmatched by Zhou Chun. Coincidentally, the household’s owner, Wang Chengxiu, a martial enthusiast, was alerted by the clamor. Initially unable to discern good from evil, he hesitated to intervene. Upon recognizing the intruder's declaration, he rallied family members to assist. Realizing his failing position, the villain attempted escape, only for Zhou Chun to spring up, severing his legs in one swift strike. The rogue fell, crying out in agony before succumbing. Binding him securely, the household entreated Zhou Chun to enter, thanking him profusely for his deed. Zhou Chun cautioned, "Though apprehended, do not draw attention. This man’s master, Mao Tai, is a sword immortal, and if he discovers this, none of your lives are safe." Terrified, Wang Chengxiu sought Zhou Chun’s continued protection. Zhou Chun advised, "I cannot best Mao Tai either. As long as he remains unaware, reinforcements will arrive. Meanwhile, prepare a suitcase, slip this man to the authorities discreetly, let them imprison him secretly, and await Mao Tai’s capture for further action. Keeping me here invites calamity." Wang Chengxiu understood, reluctantly complying with Zhou Chun’s guidance. Quietly retracing his path back to the inn, Zhou Chun reflected on the night’s vigilante act, vexed at deepening animosity with Mao Tai, and regretted missing another chance to ally with the Drunken Taoist. His mind turbulent, he found no rest through the night. The following day, after a midday meal, Zhou Chun roamed the city seeking the elusive Drunken Taoist. Days passed yet no trace. Wandering beyond the city on a whim, he entered a wooded area, spotting a corner of whitewashed walls amidst greenery, indicating a temple. Parched, he approached for water. Nearing the temple, the sound of clattering carriage bells heralded a dozen men on horseback racing toward the gates. Ever cautious, Zhou Chun stepped aside as the group, led by one in Taoist robes, charged in without ceremony. Laden with bundles, suggesting concealed arms, they vanished inside, the temple doors closing silently behind them. Zhou Chun knew instinctively that this group was up to no good. However, given that the temple was close to the city, it seemed unlikely to be harboring criminals. Curiosity piqued, he approached the temple's entrance. The temple was grand and imposing, with a plaque displaying the gilded characters "Imperial Ci Yun Zen Temple." Zhou Chun thought, "I've heard of Ci Yun Temple, a well-known monastery in Chengdu, where the abbot, Zhi Tong, maintains strict discipline and the monks adhere closely to monastic rules. How could they be associated with such ruffians? If they were mere passersby pilgrims, the situation feels off." Just as Zhou Chun pondered entering the temple to investigate, a splat was heard as a clump of dry mud hit his face. Startled, he looked around but saw not a soul, not even a bird, leaving him puzzled about the source. Despite his curiosity and believing in his skill and courage, he resolved to proceed and knock on the door. Lifting his hand, he suddenly sensed something behind him. This time, fully alert, he ducked his head just as another dry clod struck the ground. Glancing towards the source, he saw a silhouette over twenty paces away between trees before it vanished. Frustrated, he abandoned his intent to enter and sprinted into the woods in pursuit, determined to find this prankster and demand an explanation. Once in the woods, he searched keenly but found no trace. As he contemplated abandoning the pursuit, yet another clump of earth flew at him. Now fully vigilant, Zhou Chun dodged and peered ahead, spotting a slender figure darting out of the woods. Infuriated, Zhou Chun gave chase, but despite his own remarkable speed, he couldn't catch up to the fleet-footed figure. The chase stretched over ten li, with Zhou Chun racking his brain: "I've never met this person before, why harass me like this? If they bore a grudge, they'd have harmed me at the temple door already. From their skill, they must be my martial match. Why lead me into this desolate place?" As Zhou Chun thought, suddenly an epiphany struck. He paused and shouted, "Honored one ahead, stop a moment, let Zhou Chun speak with you!" His calls went unheeded. Then, unexpectedly, the figure paused at a tree, and Zhou Chun felt a surge of hope, closing the distance. But just as he neared, the figure took off again, disappearing swiftly like a bolt of lightning. Approaching the tree, Zhou Chun found a paper package on the ground. Opening it, he discovered two pills and a note saying, “For future use, immune to all poisons.” Puzzled but hopeful, he pocketed the pills, gleaning that the temple might be fraught with peril and that someone meant to divert him from danger. Accepting that he’d face challenges alone, Zhou Chun turned back, feeling disheartened. Having walked four or five li, he suddenly noticed a large bell hanging from a tree by the roadside. "I didn't see this bell earlier. It must weigh six to seven hundred jin. How could someone hang it without lifting three or four thousand jin?" Nearby, he spotted a household and approached to investigate. As he reached the gate, faint cries for help could be heard. Zhou Chun's chivalrous nature compelled him to circle around to the back and leap atop the roof to survey the scene. What he saw sent a chill down his spine.