Focusing on Avoiding Disaster; Staying Briefly at the Jade Bamboo Hermitage; A Thought of Sincerity; Emotions Chase After the Old Man Among the Clouds. - Sword Xia of the Shu Mountains

Zhou Chun was in a precarious situation during his fight with Mao Tai but was fortunate to receive assistance from the Drunken Daoist. As Mao Tai and the Drunken Daoist's sword lights clashed fiercely, a sudden whooshing sound came from the sky, followed by five streaks of red light flying towards them. The Drunken Daoist quickly grabbed Zhou Chun, withdrew his sword light, and flew towards the city. Zhou Chun closed his eyes, only hearing the wind whistle past his ears. In a short while, they landed in a secluded spot outside the Wu Hou Shrine. Immediately, Zhou Chun knelt down to express his gratitude for the Drunken Daoist's lifesaving intervention. The Drunken Daoist, without saying a word, led Zhou Chun to a simple thatched hut, pushed open the door, and entered. Inside, the space was immaculately tidy. There were two young Daoist children, about twelve or thirteen years old, who promptly went to serve tea upon seeing the two enter. Anticipating that Zhou Chun hadn't had dinner, the Drunken Daoist instructed them to prepare some food and wine. After the Daoist children retreated, Zhou Chun knelt once more, earnestly beseeching the Drunken Daoist to accept him as a disciple. The Drunken Daoist replied, "Given your sincere heart and foundation, you could indeed be nurtured. But you are forty years old and no longer a child, making the study of swordsmanship exceptionally difficult. If you were to become my disciple, I fear you might only endure hardship." Zhou Chun persisted in his pleas, to which the Drunken Daoist added, "It's not that I don't wish to accept you as a disciple, but one of the two old masters of Mount Song, who is also one of the three immortals of the Eastern Sea, would be a hundred times better a teacher than me. He possesses a miraculous elixir that can replenish one's essence and spirit, so even if you are no longer a virgin, it wouldn't matter. If you weren't someone our sect was meant to take in, why would I have followed you from Mount Emei to here?" Realizing the truth of these words, Zhou Chun dared not press further. Yet, curious about who these two old masters of Mount Song were, he frequently asked the Drunken Daoist, only to be told that when the time was right, he would naturally find out, and asking now would be of no benefit. After a while, the Daoist children brought the meal, and Zhou Chun, after eating, worn out from the day's events, was shown to a side room to rest. The next morning, upon waking and intending to visit the Drunken Daoist, Zhou Chun found he had already left without a trace. The two young Daoists, named Song Er and He Er, were still there. Zhou Chun asked Song Er, "Where has the master gone? I didn’t have the chance to ask his true name amidst the rush last night. You both have been with him for years and must know." Song Er responded, "Our master does not often stay at the temple. He returns possibly once or twice every few months. He didn’t leave any word when he left this morning. As for his name, we don’t know either. People outside call him the Drunken Daoist because he enjoys drinking. Even those seeking him only ask for the Drunken Daoist, so that might as well be his name. This place is called the Green Bamboo Hut, initially the retreat of Su Yin, the foremost disciple of the divine nun You Tan. Master loves the tranquility here and temporarily borrowed it. We've been here for just over half a year, and it's rarely visited. If you’re alone in Chengdu, why not move your belongings here and stay? I heard from the master that you’re skilled in martial arts and could teach us in the meantime. Would you be willing?" Finding Song Er quick-witted and considering that staying here was certainly cleaner than any inn, Zhou Chun thought that since the Drunken Daoist had brought him here, he would likely not object. He eagerly agreed, confirming the directions to retrieve his belongings from the city inn, settled his accounts, and moved into the hut to avoid trouble, rarely venturing out. After the Drunken Daoist left, he did not return for many days, but conversing with Song Er and He Er staved off loneliness. Zhou Chun, being experienced, cautiously avoided blustering about his martial arts during their discussions. One early morning, he heard extremely faint sounds of leaping and bounding from the courtyard. Peering through the window, he saw Song Er and He Er each wielding bamboo swords, sparring slowly and cautiously. Initially unimpressive, their movements were deliberate, appearing to practice forms. Absentmindedly, Zhou Chun coughed, alerting Song Er and He Er to his spying. Showing off, their sparring intensified, moving with such speed and agility that even Zhou Chun, a master of the Six Harmony Sword, couldn’t quite track their maneuvers. Enthralled, Zhou Chun watched as Song Er cunningly feigned a flaw, executing the "Cranes Spread Their Wings" move. Unfazed, He Er clasped a sword gesture with his left hand, brandishing the "Long Snake Enters its Den" move with his right, exclaiming, "Take this!" He lunged swiftly at Song Er’s chest. Zhou Chun, watching intently, was anxious for Song Er, fearing he couldn't parry. But in a heartbeat, Song Er didn’t retract for defense. Instead, he lightly took off, transforming his stance midair, executing the "Swallow Piercing the Clouds" move. In a fluid swoop, he employed the "Divine Eagle Strikes the Rabbit," diving diagonally with his sword poised at He Er's back. Aware of the impending danger, He Er instinctively owled forward, spinning onto his back, facing up, performing the inverted "Drunken Eight Immortals Sword" technique. Barely dodging Song Er's strike, something suddenly flew towards He Er's face amidst the chaos. He Er, shouting "Bring it on!" launched from the ground with the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate," soaring seven to eight feet into the air. With successive agile moves, he reached the branches of a nearby osmanthus tree, perched there to catch his breath, jesting, "Elder brother, aren’t you ashamed, using hidden weapons when outmatched?" Song Er laughed in response, "Who used a hidden weapon? As I leaped up, coincidentally a flock of sparrows flew by, and I just happened to catch one with a flick of my sword. It came off the tip unintentionally. Who's heartless enough to attack you with hidden weapons?" As Zhou Chun stepped outside, he indeed saw a dead sparrow skewered through the neck by Song Er's bamboo sword, marveling secretly, "These youngsters are so skilled at their age. I’m glad I didn’t boast recklessly." As He Er climbed down from the tree, he repeatedly urged Zhou Chun to display his swordsmanship. Deeply impressed with the two young Daoists, Zhou Chun was initially hesitant to act. But eventually, unable to refuse, he showcased his special skill, the "Five Blossom Plum Crossbow." Since the Drunken Daoist forbade learning hidden weapons, Song Er and He Er, fascinated by Zhou Chun's display, begged him to secretly teach them. Zhou Chun reluctantly agreed, imparting his knowledge daily and in return learned many sword techniques from the young Daoists, practicing even before formally becoming a disciple. After a fortnight, Zhou Chun suddenly remembered his daughter Qing Yun, who had mentioned visiting Chengdu soon. Not having left word when moving his lodging, he feared she wouldn’t find him. Moreover, the Drunken Daoist had hinted at meeting a master soon, and staying hidden in the hut solely for safety wouldn’t help seize opportunities. He explained to Song Er and He Er his intention to go out daily to find a teacher and friends. If he didn’t return for three consecutive days, it would indicate trouble, and they should inform the Drunken Daoist for help. The young Daoists agreed. After lunch, Zhou Chun bid farewell to the young Daoists and wandered casually out of Green Bamboo Hut. Avoiding the city center, he paid attention to prominent temples and shrines around Wu Hou Shrine and Qingyang Palace, hoping to spot a learned individual. Occasionally, he’d rest his legs at Wangjianglou Pavilion and grab a meal. Despite several days of searching, he encountered no one of note. One day, he ventured to his former lodging in the city to inquire if anyone had sought him after his departure. The innkeeper said, “A day or two ago, a tall elderly man about fifty years old, accompanied by a red-faced, white-browed monk, came looking for you. Seeing how hurried you seemed when you left, we assumed you'd returned home, so we said you'd moved away some time ago without leaving a destination. The guest seemed quite disappointed. Before leaving, he left a message, saying if you returned, to tell you that an old friend from Emei had followed the white-browed monk to retreat in Yunwu Mountain, and you need not return to your hometown. When asked for his name, he wouldn’t say, but he seemed like an old friend of yours?” Recognizing Li Ning from the description, Zhou Chun puzzled over why he chose monastic life and why his daughter Ying Qiong wasn’t with him. Being advised against returning to Emei, he suspected Mao Tai might have pursued them there. Unable to decide, he resolved to visit Emei in a few days to clarify the situation. He exchanged a few perfunctory words with the innkeeper and then left. On the street, he noticed a commotion with a crowd gathered, arguing loudly. Drawing closer, he saw a frail, shabbily dressed old man seated on the steps of a shop, eyes shut tight, saying nothing amid the rabble of onlookers, some hurling insults, others idly gossiping. Zhou Chun asked someone nearby what was going on and learned this old man had come to the eatery since morning, demanding wine and food, eating heartily. Just a while ago, as the shopkeeper looked away, the old man slipped out unnoticed. The shopkeepers, suspicious this was just a trick for free meals, caught him at the door and attempted to drag him back, accidentally tearing half of his ragged coat. The old man, furious, not only denied escaping but demanded compensation for his coat, asserting he'd only stepped out for the bustle and had left his bundle to assure them. Upon checking, the shopkeepers found a worn bundle indeed left behind, initially dismissing it as filled with junk. To their shock, when opened before the crowd, it contained not only a few pieces of scattered silver but also a string of pearls, each the size of a soybean, amounting to one hundred and eight. Thus, emboldened, the old man argued further, insisting the shopkeepers underestimated him, exclaiming, “How dare you suspect me of swindling meal bills with such valuables in your keeping? This coat is worth more than the pearls, and if you don’t compensate, I won’t file a lawsuit; I’ll simply hang myself right here.” Despite public attempts to mediate, anyone approaching was met with hostility as the old man insisted on having the coat repaired or compensated. Upon hearing the commotion, Zhou Chun was quite intrigued. He squeezed through the crowd for a closer look and indeed saw an old man dressed in ragged clothes, his face smeared with grime, wearing broken shoes with his heels exposed, thin and dark-skinned. Next to him was a small bundle. The shopkeeper stood nearby, apologetically pleading, his face flushed with anxiety. The old man simply kept his eyes shut, saying nothing. The more Zhou Chun observed, the more curious he became. Feeling sympathy for the pitiful shopkeeper, he was about to intervene when the old man suddenly opened his eyes, noticing Zhou Chun. "You came, just as I expected," the old man said. Zhou Chun asked, "Why are you so angry with them, sir?" The old man replied, "They're tormenting me. If you’re truly a devoted disciple of mine, you should demolish their house and set it on fire. Do you understand?" Taken aback by such nonsensical talk, Zhou Chun was left bewildered. The nearby onlookers, noting the old man's familiarity with Zhou Chun and observing Zhou Chun’s dignified appearance, surmised, "No wonder the old man is so bold—he has such a wealthy disciple!" The already anxious shopkeeper was about to explain when the old man stood up, tucked the bundle under his arm, and said, "It’s good you’re here. I’ll leave this to you now. But let’s not leave with a reputation for freeloading; before setting the place on fire, be sure to pay for the meal. I’m leaving." With that, he swaggered off. The old man’s accent was foreign, his words sudden and swift, leaving Zhou Chun momentarily baffled. By the time his senses returned, the old man had already left, and although the notion of burning down the place was a mere jest, Zhou Chun felt compelled to settle the meal debt for appearances’ sake. Thanks to his poised demeanor, Zhou Chun gracefully placed a silver ingot of over two taels on the table to settle the bill, dispersed the crowd, and hurriedly pursued the old man. After chasing down two alleys without success, he wandered leisurely, circling several times until he reached the entrance of Wangjiang Pavilion, where hunger struck him. Deciding to eat, he entered the familiar establishment. As soon as he set foot inside, Liu Da, a staff member, greeted him warmly, "Zhou, you’re here! Please, sit over here." Guided by Liu Da to a table, Zhou Chun noticed an elaborate spread with two sets of cups and chopsticks. Half the dishes were already in disarray, partially consumed, whereas the other half remained untouched. Assuming Liu Da had mistakenly taken him to someone else's seat, Zhou Chun inquired, "Someone hasn’t finished here; could you find another table?" Liu Da replied, "This was reserved for you." Zhou Chun, puzzled, asked, "Who left this for me?" Liu Da explained, "It was your teacher." Recalling the earlier episode, Zhou Chun’s temper flared, "Who claims to be my teacher?" Liu Da elaborated, "Your teacher, the destitute old man. Please, don’t be upset; we wouldn’t have arranged this otherwise. Word reached us of an old man causing trouble at a nearby diner, so I watched the spectacle myself, seeing you there settling the meal bill on behalf of your supposed teacher. Returning here, I found your teacher had already ordered substantial food and wine, claiming he hadn’t had a decent breakfast and wanted to dine with you." Continuing, Liu Da recounted, "He ate quickly and copiously, leaving half the dishes for you, saying, ‘I can’t let my beloved disciple eat leftovers.’ He added that he specifically ordered your favorite dishes, which convinced us of his long-standing association with you. After eating, since you hadn’t arrived, he mentioned other business and couldn’t wait, instructing you to meet him at Ciyun Temple without fail. Given the earlier incident at the diner and your deferential manner towards him, we let him go. Surely, this wasn’t a mistake?" Hearing this, Zhou Chun was both exasperated and amused, finding himself unable to argue. Resigned, he asked Liu Da to reheat the remaining dishes, ate casually, and had two cups of wine. The more he thought about it, the more his frustration grew, pondering, "After decades roaming the martial world, here I am fooled into paying for food and drink, being dubbed someone’s student!" Just then, the stairs resounded with heavy footsteps, the wooden floor shaking as a brawny man ascended, with a purple face, yellow mustache, leopard head, and tiger-like eyes, dressed in green clothes. Just as the waiter moved to guide him to a seat, the man spotted Zhou Chun, marched straight towards him, and bellowed, "Are you the Crane Zhou San?" Alarmed by the man’s aggressive manner, Zhou Chun, uncertain of his intent, sprang towards the window, declaring, "Indeed, I am Zhou. What business do you have with someone you’ve never met?" The man laughed heartily, "No wonder the old man claimed you could fly—truly impressive! I’m not here to fight; please, come down, for I have something to say." Studying the man's coarse yet honest face, Zhou Chun sensed no malice and gracefully returned to his seat. The man inquired whether Zhou Chun had finished eating. Assuming he planned to share a meal, Zhou Chun replied, "I’ve had my fill. If you require a meal, kindly ask the waiter to serve more." Before Zhou Chun could inquire his name, the man suddenly stood, rummaged his waist for a silver ingot, and threw it onto the table, settling the bill. Just as Zhou Chun began to politely refuse, the man swiftly closed the distance, seizing Zhou Chun’s hand, hoisting him onto his back, and dashed down the stairs, displaying impressive speed. Despite Zhou Chun's martial adeptness, the grip rendered him motionless, unable to counter. Patrons, initially impressed by the man's entry and Zhou Chun's window leap, were now stupefied as the man carried Zhou Chun off, speculating that Zhou Chun might be a thief caught by a law enforcer claiming a bounty. Amidst the hubbub, a bespectacled scholar sitting nearby sneered, settled his bill hastily, and left without further ado. Meanwhile, Zhou Chun, now slung over the burly man's back, felt both infuriated and humiliated. Reflecting on his years of unblemished reputation, being so easily overpowered by an unknown figure and paraded down the street made his heart heavy. His pulse points precisely pinched, he could only observe as he was transported. His captor, with remarkable speed, soon passed beyond the city’s perimeter. Realizing they were headed towards Ciyun Temple, Zhou Chun grew increasingly uneasy. At the temple's wooded entrance, the man finally set him down, beaming at Zhou Chun. Despite his frustration, Zhou Chun, his circulation revived after being held captive, took a moment to regain feeling in his limbs, observing the man closely who remained cheerful and seemingly harmless. Before Zhou Chun could voice his grievances, a sudden bright flash caught his eye—a young scholar, about eighteen or nineteen, stood before him in a white satin outfit. Seeing the burly man stand frozen, sweat pouring from his face, Zhou Chun realized the youth had used a unique acupoint technique to immobilize him. Just as Zhou Chun was about to inquire, the youth retorted harshly, "You clumsy oaf! You ascend the staircase like a stampede, spilling dirt all over the place, and still have the audacity to abduct someone using your bone-dislocating skills. Have you no shame? Show us your skills now, or don't complain if I humiliate you." The man, eyes pleadingly on Zhou Chun, seemed to appeal for assistance. Recognizing the acupoint technique as a rare skill, Zhou Chun knew if left untreated, lasting harm could befall the man. Moreover, despite the man's rough exterior, Zhou Chun sensed he harbored no ill will and likely had reasons for the prank. Feeling empathetic, Zhou Chun addressed the youth, "Though crude, we yet know not this man's character. Why not overlook, young hero?" Despite persuading for a while, the youth stood silent, seemingly proud. Irritated, Zhou Chun moved closer, intending further mediation, but noticed the youth was also immobilized, apparently struck by a hidden technique unbeknownst to Zhou Chun until then. The youth's eyes fixedly stared, rendering him more helpless than the man. With his advanced skills, Zhou Chun had been surprised earlier by the man's tactics, so this was but a mere diversion. Approaching the man, he struck firmly beneath his ribs, breaking the paralyzing hold. The man gradually returned to his senses, appreciably bowed to Zhou Chun but shot an angry look at the youth, instinctively swung out a kick. Zhou Chun, unable to intervene on time, was aghast; the man's physical prowess meant the kick bore considerable force, one bound to inflict serious injury or worse if it landed. In the heart of this tense moment, an old man suddenly appeared beside the youth and effortlessly caught the foot of the large man. The burly man exclaimed, "Where did you disappear to after telling me to carry Zhou here? I nearly got humiliated by this rascal. Step aside and let me teach him a lesson." The old man responded, "Don't embarrass yourself. Do you think he's easy to deal with? Had I not restrained him for his impudence, you'd have already met your match." Zhou Chun recognized this old man as the peculiar figure he'd paid off earlier, who had posed as his master and conned some food and wine. Realizing this man was no ordinary person, Zhou Chun quickly knelt and respectfully declared, "Master, disciple Zhou Chun greets you." The old man replied, "So now you don't think I'm just a drunkard sponging drinks, do you? Hold on a moment while I attend to this fellow." Saying this, he merely tapped the youth on the shoulder. The youth, visibly embarrassed, snapped out of his stupor, and in a startled moment opened his mouth, releasing a ray of white light. Zhou Chun began to worry for the old man, but he merely chuckled, "A mere grain of rice, daring to sparkle," reaching up to effortlessly seize the light in his hand. The white light, seemingly alive, wriggled like a snake in the old man's grip, attempting to escape. The youth watched the old man reclaim the sword light and sighed, turning to leave. However, with every attempt, the old man blocked his path. Irritated, the youth exclaimed, "You've immobilized me and taken my sword's light, isn't that enough? Why continue to pursue me?" The old man replied, "This is our first meeting, and you've already resorted to such underhanded tactics. Did that servant Li Yuanhua teach you this?" Startled by the old man's authoritative tone, the youth quickly pleaded, "I acted impulsively because you embarrassed me by sealing my acupoints in public. I only wished to trim your hair with my sword to save some face, never intending such disrespect. My master's strict prohibition on using sword lights without necessity means this was my first use since descending the mountain. Please verify this." The old man examined the captured sword light, conceding, "Your words ring true. Considering it's your first offense, I'll let you off this time, but you'll need to do something for me. My previous associates have either passed or disappeared, and I prefer fresh, energetic hands for the task." With that, he returned the sword light to the youth. The youth quickly agreed, "Instructor, as long as it doesn't violate my master's principles, I'll dare anything." The old man whispered a few instructions in the youth's ear, to which the youth assented. Meanwhile, Zhou Chun understood that the burly man was Wei Qing, the husband of the woman he had saved during his first encounter with Mao Tai. Upon hearing of Zhou Chun's aid from his wife, Wei Qing, naturally seeking vengeance against Mao Tai and gratitude towards Zhou Chun, searched relentlessly, only to encounter the old man unintentionally. Initially playful, Wei Qing was taught a technique to abduct Zhou Chun to the forest, suspecting Zhuo's lack of hospitality would lead to dismissal. Now, Zhou Chun, recognizing Wei Qing's earnest, forgave the misunderstanding as the old man returned with the youth. Both Zhou Chun and the youth inquired about the old man's identity. To the youth, the old man said, "When you return to your master, inform him that the White Elder from the Shao Shi of Mount Song sends his regards, and he will understand." Surprised by the old man's identity, the youth quickly knelt, "Are you the legendary Cloud Chaser of the Jianghu from fifty years ago, one of the Three Immortals of the East Sea, and one of the Mount Song Elders, the White Sword Swordsman?" Humbled by his lack of recognition, he implored forgiveness. "Playing with you," the old man cheerfully reassured, helping him up. Zhou Chun realized this was one of the two elders the Drunken Daoist had mentioned, and again knelt to ask for mentorship. The old man teased, "Some seek masters who dismiss them, while I, contrary as I am, fancy those whom others discard. I brought you here twice, yet now I've changed my mind." Desperate, Zhou Chun pleaded, "Master, enlightened sages hide in plain sight; forgive my ignorance and grant me this chance all the same." Amused, the elder laughed heartily, "Just jesting. You look quite the pitiful sight. If you wish to be my disciple, there's a condition. Can you comply?" "Receiving your guidance is a profound honor; I vow to obey your every command," Zhou Chun assured. The old man declared, "I have a fondness for wine but no money, nor, at my age, can I gallivant as the Drunken Daoist, pilfering drinks. If you settle my tab for all three daily cups, will you comply?" Understanding his playful nature, Zhou Chun respectfully agreed, standing attentively by his newfound master. He then inquired for the youth's name, discovering he was Sun Nan, a favored disciple of Li Yuanhua. Learning about Zhao Yaner, he was pleased to hear her advancement in cultivation, expecting her emergence into society in three years, stirring joy for her mother's sake. Known for his penchant for white, Sun Nan, despite only roaming for two years, had already earned the title of White Knight. As they conversed, odd laughter echoed from within the woods, "Who was accused of pilfering wine, elder?" Stepping out was the renowned Sword Immortal, the Drunken Daoist, flask slung behind him, accompanied by a woman. All but Wei Qing recognized the famed figure and stepped forward to greet him. Zhou Chun, recognizing the lady clad in black, felt his heart skip and was about to speak when she knelt, revealing herself as his daughter, Qing Yun. Inquiring she had delayed, Qing Yun explained her task of crafting an artifact, "On my journey, I encountered Master Drunken Daoist and upon learning father was here with Master Bai, I came along." Zhou Chun introduced her to their elders and companions. Sensing no coincidence in the gathering, he was about to inquire when the Drunken Daoist turned to Cloud Chaser, remarking, "With these heroes at hand, we stand ready to confront that bald monk. News says Zhi Tong tasked Qin Lang to fetch Tibetan herbs, returning through Dajianlu with support invited: Abbot Pink-faced Buddha Yu De and Flying Yasha Ma Jue. The latter is manageable, but Pink-faced Buddha's Five Poison Soul-chasing Red Cloud Dust poses great threat. Though we may face them unfettered, our young compatriots won't easily withstand it; striking swiftly before their allies rally would avoid undue hardship. Elder, what are your thoughts?"