Blade - Unbound

As the night passed, the forty-second year began. Firecrackers started exploding throughout the city at the first light of dawn. In the Guanzhong Plains, it was customary to rise early on the first day of the New Year and eat breakfast early. After washing up, one first paid respects to the ancestors and the Six Household Deities before setting off firecrackers.

If any child slept in, the adults would inevitably scare them awake.

Some would say: Be careful, or the Old Lord will pinch your nose.

Others would warn: Watch out, the Kitchen God will paint freckles all over your face.

If those stories were true, the "Old Lord" had to have pinched the noses of countless mischievous children over the years...

Sha Lifei wasn't afraid of getting his nose pinched, but he was afraid of having bad luck. So when he stepped outside, he tilted his head toward the sky, faced the auspicious direction to welcome the God of Fortune, and performed what was known as "Setting Out Under Heaven."

The flavor of the New Year was never just the smell of firecrackers. Everything from traditions, family heritage, rituals, and countless little taboos to families gathering together and everyone's hopes for the coming year together formed the true spirit of the New Year.

From the first to the fifth day of the first lunar month, there were countless taboos. Needles, awls, scissors, and other sharp objects were to be avoided. Moving house, breaking ground, construction, burials, and opening businesses were all forbidden. During these few days, even the Divine Tower troupe suspended rehearsals.

As a result, Li Yan enjoyed several solid days of rest. His only outing was to pay New Year's respects at his master's home, where he shared a few drinks with the Li family. The rest of his time was spent quietly planning.

As the saying went: the whole year's plans begin in spring.

Whether it was cultivation or the future of their team, preparations had to begin early. The past half-year had been filled with danger, but the rewards had been equally great. He had successfully entered the mystic path, and inherited the mysterious legacy of the underworld.

Both the Luofeng Scripture and the Northern Emperor Scripture were ancient beyond measure, with unfathomable abilities. They were both true paths toward godhood. Moreover, he had finally gained a preliminary understanding of the world.

The path of martial arts was vast and profound. Though he had earned something of a reputation, he could only be considered an up-and-coming talent within Chang'an, much less across the entire martial world of the Divine Continent.

From what he could now tell, a Jin Transformation Realm master was powerful enough to become the leader of a local organization. Figures like Zhou Pan or Xiong Baodong were already untouchable authorities in the eyes of ordinary martial artists, men capable of deciding life and death of many people.

Once one reached the Core Jin Realm, however, one entered an entirely different level. Such people no longer concerned themselves with the mundane affairs of local jianghu circles, serving instead as the foundational pillars of their sects.

Clearly, that level possessed its own exclusive circle. Perhaps, that was the true jianghu of the Divine Continent. Unlike his previous life, this era was not flooded with information. Imperial authority scarcely reached the countryside; communication was slow; and many commoners never traveled farther than a hundred li from their hometowns throughout their entire lives.

Ordinary martial artists were much the same. Most simply struggled to earn a living. They had no opportunity to even learn the names of the truly powerful figures of the Divine Continent.

It was just like the banquet after the Divine Fist Association. Thanks to Old Master Zhang's prestige, Zhang Shitong could identify the genuine heavyweights from the local area. Yet he hadn't recognized a single expert who had come from other provinces.

The Daoist world was lofty and detached, but it was no different. Although Daoists enjoyed high status, most still survived by performing rituals, driving away evil spirits, resolving hauntings, and earning enough to get by.

According to Shen Sanyou, without sufficient aptitude, fortune, or cultivation methods, an ordinary person could at most cultivate a three-storey inner temple in their lifetime. Only after reaching the fourth level of cultivation would one begin to uncover the world's hidden secrets.

Of everything, what fascinated Li Yan most was the God Ascendant.

At present, he felt as though he had finally glimpsed a towering mountain. Yet clouds and mist concealed everything halfway up the mountain. Only the occasional glimpse of a claw or scale emerged from the fog, but it was enough to leave him awestruck.

What lay atop that mountain?

He desperately wanted to find out. Still, the path had to be walked one step at a time.

The box of relics they had obtained from Xiangji Temple had been completely sold off by Sha Lifei and Luo Faqing before the New Year. After Luo Faqing received his share, they still earned twelve thousand taels of silver. When they added the reward from the Du Residence, they had seventeen thousand taels deposited in the bank.

As for their daily expenses, Wang Daoxuan's ritual work was more than enough to support them. It was a considerable fortune. If they wished, they could immediately purchase a large residence in Chang'an along with several storefronts and establish a firm foundation.

Unfortunately, enormous expenses awaited them. If they secured a place in the Drum King Assembly, they would be able to travel to Mount Hua for the Wine Unsealing Ceremony. There, they would be able to get their hands on Dao Coins.

There were endless uses for Dao Coins along the mystic path. If they had enough, they could buy better spiritual artifacts. They could even make the Money Sword Wang Daoxuan had always dreamed of owning. Even the Demon-Suppressing Coin tassel on Li Yan's blade could be further upgraded. Lesser-quality coins could still be prepared for use in rituals to dispel evil and pray for blessings.

Moreover, the wine cellar buried long ago contained far more than things like Dao Coins. There were numerous crafting materials as well, including meteorite iron and spirit wood. Having been nourished within a blessed land for many years, they were all exceptional materials.

Li Yan's treasured Guanshan blade had already been destroyed. Although he had acquired Yao San's twin blades, and even asked Shopkeeper Wan to introduce him to a Daoist swordsmith so they could be reforged into a new Guanshan Saber, the swordsmith had offered an even better suggestion.

Yao San's blades had been forged from refined hundred-fold steel. Melting and reforging them would indeed produce an excellent weapon, but it would still remain an ordinary blade. If, during the Wine Unsealing Ceremony, Li Yan could purchase a high-quality piece of spiritual iron and combine it with refined steel, the smith could forge a genuine spiritual blade.

Paired with the Three Talent Demon-Suppressing Coin tassel, even a zombie whose flesh was as hard as iron could be beheaded with a single strike.

A trip to Mount Hua would undoubtedly require a great deal of money, then there were heavenly treasures to purchase, inner temples to construct. RIght now, Li Yan feared only one thing, not having enough money! Every tael they possessed had already been deposited in the bank.

As such, his primary goal for the year was clear. First, he had to secure a qualification in the Drum King Assembly. Then they would travel to Mount Hua at the beginning of spring to purchase what they needed.

In the meantime, they would simply have to find ways to earn more.

***

The fifth day of the first lunar month was commonly known as Breaking the Fifth.

After that day, nearly all the New Year taboos were considered lifted. For ordinary people, however, the day was even more important because it marked the sending off of the God of Poverty and the welcoming of the God of Wealth. Many shops and inns also chose that day to reopen for business.

Early that morning, Sha Lifei hauled away all the rubbish that had accumulated from New Year's Eve through the fifth day before setting off another string of firecrackers. Afterward, he immediately locked himself back inside.

He had become completely obsessed with firearms. The flintlock, despite having no ammunition, had become his favorite toy. He repeatedly disassembled and reassembled it until he knew every component by heart. Not satisfied with that, he also asked people to find him ancient military treatises, carefully studying every type of historical firearm they described.

Five-Thunder Divine Machine, Divine Fire Flying Crows, Thunder Cannons, and even Poison Fire Bombs... One technical term after another poured from his mouth. He was becoming almost fanatical about them.

Wang Daoxuan, meanwhile, continued performing rituals at home. Now that they had money, he had rebuilt the ancestral altar using only the finest incense and candles. No matter what, he intended to hold a proper ceremony and ask the patriarch of the western mystic path lineage to bless them with smooth fortunes and abundant wealth in the coming year.

Li Yan, on the other hand, had left the house early. Now that money was no longer a concern, he had visited one of Chang'an's finest clothing shops before the New Year and purchased a completely new outfit.

He now wore a black yesa robe tailored from premium cloth. Cloud patterns and immortal cranes were embroidered across the back in silk, symbolizing that he had entered the Dao and become a member of the mystic path.

Since he disliked hats, he tied his hair into a Daoist topknot secured by a bronze Taiji Eight Trigram hairpin. Leather bracers wrapped his forearms, and a leather belt circled his waist. His long blade and Divine Tiger Token hung at his side. Altogether, he cut a remarkably imposing figure.

Amid streets still filled with drifting firecracker smoke, he rode toward Chongxian Street.

"Happy New Year, Brother Li!"

Outside a spacious restaurant, before Li Yan had even approached, Shopkeeper Wan, already waiting outside, smiled and cupped his fists.

Shopkeeper Wan was dressed in brand-new clothes as well. His dark yellow gentleman's robe made him resemble one of Chang'an's wealthy gentry. His beard was neatly groomed, and his face positively glowed with health.

Li Yan hurried forward to return the greeting. "Happy New Year, Senior Wan."

Shopkeeper Wan winked. "Come upstairs. You're in for a treat today. This restaurant belongs to an old friend of mine. Since it's reopening on Breaking the Fifth, he's personally cooking every dish, and I've reserved the entire place.

"He's a true general when it comes to cooking. We call him the General of Cuisine!"

Li Yan's eyes immediately lit up. "Then I definitely can't miss this!"

Starting that day, the Divine Tower troupe would resume training. Since the New Year had only just passed, Shopkeeper Wan had gathered everyone together for a celebratory feast.

As for the title General of Cuisine, it carried its own significance. The culinary profession had always maintained close ties with the jianghu. It was a world of its own, complete with fierce rivalries and internal rankings. Chefs were divided into imperial chefs, government chefs, restaurant chefs, household chefs, temple chefs, ship chefs, and military chefs.

Different regions specialized in different culinary traditions. But they also had ranks within their own profession. A Kitchen Servant occupied the very bottom, serving merely as an apprentice working in wealthy households. At the very pinnacle stood the Kitchen Sage Yi Yin, the legendary cook who embodied the saying: Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish.

A General of Cuisine referred to a master chef who had become famous throughout the land within a particular culinary tradition. Such chefs usually possessed awakened divine abilities, allowing them to prepare every dish with flawless precision. Chefs of that level owned their own establishments and were honored guests of nobles and high officials. They rarely cooked personally for others.

Just hearing about it made Li Yan's mouth water, thus he quickly entered the restaurant.

The moment he stepped inside, he spotted the towering sedan-chair bearer, who called out, "Young Hero Li, over here!"

The man's name was Guo Luquan. His name was festive, and so was his profession. He specialized in carrying sedan chairs, particularly divine palanquins. Their trade was the counterpart of the bier bearers.

Because of various customs and taboos, one handled joyous occasions while the other handled funerals. Each kept to its own business, but they occasionally cooperated, for example, during wedding processions or ghost marriages.

Guo Luquan came from Eastern Manor and led his own team of bearers. Whether transporting bridal sedans, divine palanquins, or carrying distinguished guests for wealthy families, they handled it all. Though considered part of the lower professions, they never lacked food or drink.

Guo Luquan happened to be good friends with Scarry Yue, the coffin bearer. Thanks to that connection, he and Li Yan had become close in the past few days.

Li Yan was already tall and broad-shouldered. His fair complexion, combined with his new clothes, lent him an unmistakably noble air. Everyone who saw him couldn't help but brighten.

The sedan-chair bearers immediately began flattering him.

"Young Hero Li truly has the bearing of a dragon among men!"

"Exactly! Even the noble sons probably couldn't compare!"

"No wonder you're called the Top Scholar of the Pleasure Quarters!"

Li Yan's face immediately darkened. "What do you mean, 'Top Scholar of the Pleasure Quarters'? Where on earth did you hear such nonsense?"

Guo Luquan burst into laughter. "It came from Fengyi Street. They say Liu Sanbian took the title of Brothel Scout, while Guan Yizhai claimed the Runner-up of the Entertainment Quarter, so the only title left for you was Top Scholar of the Pleasure Quarters."

Fengyi Street?

Night Crier! It has to be that bastard again!

Speechless, Li Yan cupped his fists and muttered, "Thank you all for the compliment, but those two could probably outclass me with a single hair. Please don't say things like that anymore, or people will laugh at me.

"And save your appetites. Later, I'll make sure every one of you walks in standing... and leaves lying down."

"Hahaha! Young Hero Li's martial arts are impressive, but so is his confidence!"

"As for drinking, though, I refuse to lose!"

Laughter filled the room as more and more guests gradually arrived. Li Yan greeted each of them personally. Though they did not rely on martial arts for a living, they all belonged to the jianghu.

Some were even Daoists, and each possessed a craft they excelled at.

The Huayin Zuo Opera Troupe was not only famous for its shadow puppetry and powerful singing, but also possessed secret arts. The Eight Directions Projection Art they would perform during the competition could project shadow puppets into midair as though they had truly come alive.

The Xianyang Drum Troupe, meanwhile, inspired courage and shook the hearts of listeners, participating in the Drum King Assembly every year. Even Guo Luquan and his sedan-chair bearers possessed astonishing skill. Several men could carry a heavy pole with cups of tea balanced atop it, jostling and swaying without spilling a single drop.

In short, no one without genuine ability could join this team.

Once everyone had arrived, the restaurant became packed to the brim. Even every table on the second floor was completely occupied. After Shopkeeper Wan delivered a stirring speech to encourage everyone, the waiters began bringing out the dishes one after another.

"Steamed Sun-Dried Chicken!"

"Deep-Fried Roasted Spare Ribs!"

"Three Phoenix Marrow Delicacies!"

"Roasted Offal with Stuffed Sausage!"

As the waiter announced each dish, Li Yan instinctively sniffed the air before exclaiming in admiration,

"Wonderful!"

"This is authentic Shandong cuisine."

"Senior Wan... did this master chef come from Qilu?"

"Mhm..."

Shopkeeper Wan had only begun to answer when a plump old man who had a kindly appearance emerged from the kitchen.

Smiling, he cupped his fists and introduced himself, "Fellow friends of the jianghu, today Brother Wan is hosting the banquet, and with the restaurant reopening for the New Year, I've decided to join in the festivities by preparing a few specialties for everyone to enjoy.

"Unfortunately, I'm getting old. If any of the flavors fall short, I ask for your understanding."

Everyone hurriedly stood to return the greeting.

"You're too modest, Senior!"

"The aroma alone has my stomach growling already!"

Some were openly swallowing, anxiously glancing toward the dishes lest someone else grab them first.

"Hahaha... you're too kind." The old chef chuckled before calling over three young men. "These three are my grand-disciples. They'll be running the restaurant from now on. I hope you'll all continue to support them. If you're unhappy with the food... Feel free to scold them!"

"You're far too humble, Senior."

"We'll definitely be coming back!"

After introducing his successors, the old chef cupped his fists toward Shopkeeper Wan before allowing two of his grand-disciples to help him away.

Only then did everyone notice that the old man's back was already soaked through with sweat.

Li Yan could not help sighing. "To pass on a tradition and to keep the incense burning generation after generation... No profession has it easy."

But then his eyes widened, and he lunged forward. "Hey! Leave some for me!"

The old master's cooking was beyond reproach. Everyone immediately forgot all banquet etiquette as chopsticks flew wildly across every table.

Who still cared about drinking? All of them were busy stuffing their faces.

Li Yan naturally joined the feast with equal enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the old chef's stamina was limited. Each table only received five dishes prepared by him. Everything afterward came from his grand-disciples. Only after those five dishes had been completely wiped clean did everyone finally slow down.

Being jianghu men, drinking games soon broke out throughout the restaurant.

"Strong liquor is but water from the five grains. It softens your arms before it softens your legs!"

"The Mid-Autumn moon shines round and bright! Come on, play another round of Staring Fist!"

"The crescent moon shines upon the Nine Provinces; some rejoice while others grieve..."

Li Yan boldly declared he would challenge every table. His own alcohol tolerance was already formidable and on top of that, the game he chose involved tongue twisters.

"Arriving at Liu Family Gully, where sixty-six-year-old Old Liu Six built a sixty-six storey tower and tied sixty-six monkeys to the top..."

In less than half an hour, he had drunk an entire table of fools under the table.

"Hahahaha!"

The drunken antics that followed sent everyone roaring with laughter.

At that very moment, Guo Luquan, his face flushed red as he leaned against the window for fresh air, suddenly pointed outside. "Hey... Look over there. What's going on?"

Li Yan turned toward the window and his expression immediately grew serious.

The Enforcement Hall's contingent had returned. However, they looked to be in very bad shape.

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