Blade - Unbound

The moment Shopkeeper Wan saw Li Yan, he let out a long sigh of relief. "Heavens be praised! You've finally made it."

Glancing around, he shook his head and lowered his voice. "I brought my people up the mountain, and all along the way, news kept coming in. That bounty has attracted no shortage of outlaws and powerful figures from the jianghu, and they've been searching everywhere for you. These past few days, I've been worried sick, constantly asking people to keep an ear out. It wasn't until last night that I learned you'd made it onto Mount Hua."

Li Yan apologized, "Something came up yesterday and delayed us. I didn't have the chance to come see you, Senior Wan. I hope you'll forgive me."

Shopkeeper Wan shook his head as he replied, “As long as you made it up the mountain safely, that's all that matters. There's no need for such formalities between us."

"Let's not stand here at the entrance. Come inside and we'll talk."

Smiling faintly, Li Yan raised a hand and ushered everyone into Wangxian Temple.

Once inside the guest room, everyone naturally exchanged another round of greetings.

Looking around at the comfortable and elegant quarters, Yuan Ba clicked his tongue in admiration, his eyes full of envy. "Brother Li, you're living far too comfortably here. Meanwhile, the past few days have been absolute misery for us."

Li Yan looked surprised. "Mount Hua is famous for its magnificent scenery. How could it have been miserable?"

Yuan Ba immediately launched into his complaints. "Too many people! Those from the orthodox sects and Daoist lineages at least have places to stay. But us folks from the unorthodox paths aren't exactly welcome! We've been sleeping in tents on the ground. We’ve been freezing every night like ghosts. My master's rheumatism even flared up..."

As he spoke, his eyes darted about before he put on an ingratiating grin. "Brother Li, you seem to have quite a few connections. Think you could pull some strings and let my master and me stay here too?"

The moment his master heard that, his expression changed drastically, and he scolded him, "Shut your mouth! Shameless brat."

Li Yan smiled wryly and shook his head. "To tell you the truth, we're only staying here because of a senior's favor. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to trouble them further."

Naturally, he wasn't about to mention that it was because they had suppressed the Drought Wraith. The matter was far too important, and the Pure Yang Courtyard certainly wouldn't want word of it spreading and inviting idle gossip.

Inside the main hall of Wangxian Temple's front courtyard, Yu Fengzi, who had been meditating before burning incense, heard every word of their conversation. Seeing Li Yan deliberately conceal the matter, his opinion of the young man improved considerably.

Shopkeeper Wan wore a troubled expression. He took the opportunity to change the subject. "The real reason I hurried here to see you, Brother Li, is because something has gone wrong."

Li Yan frowned. "What happened?"

Shopkeeper Wan sighed helplessly. "I'd already arranged things with that old friend of mine, but he's suddenly fallen ill and is bedridden. He can't make it to Mount Hua, and I doubt he'll be able to fire up his forge anytime soon."

Li Yan said reassuringly, "Please tell Senior that his health comes first.”

Though he couldn't help knitting his brows. He had quite a few things to accomplish during this trip up the mountain.

First, he intended to purchase spiritual materials and help everyone remake their spiritual artifacts. Second, he planned to use the spiritual node within the blessed land to construct the next floor of his inner temple.

Most importantly, he needed a new weapon. Ever since his family heirloom blade had been destroyed, he had been using the blade taken from Yao San. Though forged from refined steel, it had never quite suited him.

This time, he wanted to forge a blade that was a spiritual treasure. An ordinary blacksmith couldn't undertake such work. Shopkeeper Wan had used his connections to invite a true master—the elderly craftsman from the Artisan Sect who had appeared during the Spirit-Lifting Pavilion affair.

They had originally agreed to ascend the mountain together, but the old man had unexpectedly fallen ill. Now, his entire schedule would likely be delayed. Still, the man had been helping him out of goodwill. How could Li Yan possibly blame him?

Seeing that Shopkeeper Wan still looked guilty, Li Yan comforted him with a few words before turning toward Yuan Ba and his master with a smile. "The two of you came here together. Is there something you need?"

His acquaintance with the pair was only a chance encounter. Although he had obtained a valuable treasure from Yuan Ba, they had also fought each other before. They could hardly be considered close.

Since they had deliberately come looking for him, there had to be another reason.

Sure enough, Yuan Ba's master cupped his fists and said solemnly, "I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Quan Wanzhong, a descendant of a branch of the Mount Mei Faith. I've come to Mount Hua this time in search of a spiritual material known as white copper. I wish to establish my own ancestral altar and become a subordinate of the main branch.

"I've already prepared everything else. Only this material is lacking in quantity. I have come uninvited because I have an embarrassing favor to ask. I hope all of you can show some leniency and leave me the chance to purchase a little more."

Beside him, Yuan Ba also cupped his fists with a grin. "My master has always been too embarrassed to ask. I practically dragged him here. Once the vault opens, the orthodox sects and Daoist lineages will get first pick. There probably won't be much left afterward. Then, if everyone starts scrambling for it, the price will definitely soar. My master and I simply can't afford that, so we're begging all of you to show mercy. Otherwise, this ancestral altar we've worked so hard toward will probably come to nothing."

"That much, I can certainly help with." Li Yan smiled. "To be honest, I can barely be counted as one of the orthodox sects. I'll be among the first group allowed in to make purchases. Tell me how much you need, and I'll buy as much as I can on your behalf."

Quan Wanzhong was overjoyed. "That couldn't be better! Then I'll have to trouble you, Young Hero Li. I need fifty jin. I'll head back now to fetch the money and deliver it before the opening."

With that, he hurriedly took his leave.

***

After the master and disciple had left Wangxian Temple and walked for a short distance, Yuan Ba suddenly spoke up. "Just who is this Li Yan? Not only is he staying in Wangxian Temple, where only the elders of the inner courtyard are allowed to stay, he's even entering the treasury with the very first group. Plenty of disciples from the orthodox sects are still crammed together in the communal dormitories."

Quan Wanzhong immediately smacked him hard on the head and scolded, "How many times have I told you? When you're out in the jianghu, mind your own business, especially when it comes to other people's private affairs. Never pry into them casually. If Young Hero Li has a way to do this, that's a favor. We can find a way to repay it later. But if you keep running your mouth, that friendship may very well turn into enmity."

"Yes, yes, yes... You're absolutely right, Master!" Yuan Ba answered with his usual cheeky grin.

Quan Wanzhong merely sighed and shook his head. Truth be told, he himself had never been good at dealing with people. He had hoped that after establishing his ancestral altar and laying down his roots, he would at least have a disciple who could handle social interactions.

Instead, the disciple of his was becoming more and more full of shit, and his skin seemed to be growing thicker by the day. He could only hope that after gaining more experience in the jianghu, the young man would become steadier in both speech and conduct.

Back inside the guest room, after the master and disciple had left, Shopkeeper Wan's expression immediately turned grave. "I came this time with another important piece of news I have to tell you, Brother Li. The Fire Bear Gang matter... I'm afraid it isn't over yet.

"Xiong Baodong may be dead, but he had several officials from the Regional Military Commission standing behind him. In truth, the Fire Bear Gang served as the commission's private moneybag. That backing is exactly why the Fire Bear Gang was able to throw its weight around in Chang'an for so many years. Now that Xiong Baodong is dead, the commission has lost its source of income. They're bound to take it out on you.

"I happened to overhear some rumors. The Fire Bear Gang and the Qiao Family's bounty probably has those officials secretly fanning the flames from behind the scenes.

"You must be extremely careful, Brother Li."

However, Li Yan remained completely at ease, smiling faintly. "It's fine. Once our business on Mount Hua is finished, we'll be leaving this place and traveling throughout the Divine Continent. No matter how far the Regional Military Commission's influence reaches, they won't be able to find us."

"That's for the best." Only then did Shopkeeper Wan finally breathe a sigh of relief. His eyes filled with envy as he sighed wistfully. "When I was young, I dreamed of roaming the jianghu too, traveling ten thousand miles and seeing all the beautiful sights this world has to offer.

"But unfortunately, when I was young, I was obsessed with making a name for myself. By the time I reached middle age, I had a family business and countless people depending on me. And now... I'm too old to travel anymore. Brother Li, go out and see as much of the world as you can while you're still young."

After sharing his regrets, Shopkeeper Wan took his leave.

He had brought an entire group up the mountain with him, all members of Chang'an's Artisan Sect. They too had come to purchase spiritual materials, so he had no shortage of matters demanding his attention.

After Shopkeeper Wan departed, Yu Fengzi, who had been meditating in the main hall, fell into thought. Turning slightly, he quietly whispered a few words to Yu Hanzi beside him. When he was done, he rose to his feet and headed toward the guest room.

When he arrived at the door, Yu Fengzi knocked lightly a few times. Only after hearing a response from inside did he push the door open and enter.

Cupping his hands with a warm smile, his eyes full of enthusiasm, he said, "Fellow Daoists, the opening of the vault won't take place until tomorrow. Since you've made the long journey here, why not allow this poor Daoist to accompany you on a tour of Mount Hua's magnificent scenery?"

Li Yan smiled and agreed without hesitation. "That would be wonderful."

At present, Mount Hua was crowded with experts from the orthodox mystic sects, various lineages, and the unorthodox paths alike. They had no desire to stir up trouble, which was why they had been quietly waiting here for the ceremony the next day.

With Yu Fengzi accompanying them, they were bound not to run into any trouble. When the idea of touring Mount Hua was brought up, Wang Daoxuan and Sha Lifei readily agreed. After all, it wasn't easy to come here. Yan Jiuling was even more excited, immediately jumping to his feet to get ready.

Mount Hua was one of the most important strongholds of the Daoist world, guarded by the Pure Yang Courtyard. It was also a gathering place for the military forces of the Guanzhong Plains. Outside of major state ceremonies, ordinary pilgrims were only allowed to reach North Peak before being forbidden from going any farther.

Especially now, with the opening of the treasury imminent, access beyond Thousand-Foot Precipice had been completely restricted. Being able to explore the mountain with everyone today would make the journey worthwhile.

Only Lu San, upon hearing that there would be crowds of people on the nearby peaks, immediately shook his head and declined. Compared to dealing with people, he would much rather stay indoors and tinker with his gourd and his hawk.

Li Yan did not press the matter and simply led the others out with Yu Fengzi.

Not long after leaving Wangxian Temple, they rounded several rocky slopes, and the view suddenly opened up before them into a vast stone platform. Mount Hua was formed from a single gigantic mass of rock, its terrain rising and falling in uneven waves, so the platform itself was irregular, with varying elevations.

More than twenty young Daoist disciples were practicing swordsmanship there. They all cultivated the Pure Yang Sword Art. Figures darted back and forth while sword light flashed incessantly as they bounded and leaped among the rocks with astonishing speed.

Beyond them lay sheer cliffs and a sea of clouds. They looked as though they could tumble into the abyss at any moment, making for a breathtakingly dangerous sight. Yet these young disciples had already mastered the fundamentals of their swordsmanship, and their footwork was equally refined. They showed not the slightest fear.

Li Yan couldn't help but praise them under his breath, "Excellent!"

The Pure Yang lineage truly deserved its reputation as one of the great orthodox sects. Moreover, the Pure Yang Courtyard on Mount Hua was merely one branch of that greater tradition.

The few young Daoists he had seen at the foot of the mountain had already impressed him greatly, yet there were many more here. Any one of them, if sent into the jianghu, would be capable of standing on their own.

Moreover, by practicing swordsmanship in such perilous terrain, their sword techniques had unconsciously absorbed the very spirit of Mount Hua, graceful yet perilous, imbued with the austere killing intent of the Geng Metal qi. They were truly extraordinary.

Smiling as he stroked his beard, Yu Fengzi said, "They're all disciples who have only recently entered the sect. I hope they haven't made a fool of themselves before you, Fellow Daoist Li."

With that, he stepped forward and led everyone onto a mountain ridge.

This mountain ride was in fact a narrow path leading to the other peaks. The terrain was so treacherous that walking upon it felt like balancing on the edge of a blade. Bottomless chasms stretched thousands of feet below on either side, while rolling seas of clouds surged beneath them, making it feel as though they were walking along the spine of a dragon.

Sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, gilding the sea of clouds with shimmering golden edges, creating a scene as dreamlike as an immortal realm. The fierce mountain winds howled around them, sending their robes fluttering. The place possessed both the transcendent aura of the immortal path and an overwhelming sense of terror.

Just as Yu Fengzi was about to introduce the location, Yan Jiuling's eyes widened in delight. "Could this be Azure Dragon Ridge?"

Yu Fengzi nodded slightly, the corners of his lips lifting as approval shone in his eyes. "You're remarkably knowledgeable, Fellow Daoist."

"I wouldn't dare." Now that there was hope for his mother's illness, Yan Jiuling was in excellent spirits. Beaming with excitement, he explained to everyone, "It's said that when Han Yu traveled here, he was so terrified that he couldn't move forward or retreat. He even wrote what he thought would be his final letter and threw it off the cliff to seek help."

"Hahaha..." Sha Lifei burst into laughter. "So even Han Yu, that great literary giant, wasn't much for courage."

Li Yan shot him a sidelong glance, a smile tugging at his lips. "Uncle Sha, if you're going to say that, can your legs at least stop shaking? If you're scared, you can always head back first."

"What nonsense! Me? Scared?" Sha Lifei stiffened his neck and forced himself to appear composed, but his body was far more honest.

He quickly turned his head away, not daring to look down at the cliffs below. He had climbed Mount Taibai before, yet for some reason, this place filled him with instinctive dread.

The clouds and mist swirled endlessly around them, hiding an abyss whose bottom could not be seen. The moment he leaned forward to peek over the edge, an overwhelming urge to throw himself into the void seized him, making his heart leap into his throat.

Seeing his reaction, Yu Fengzi said nothing, though a hint of amusement flashed through his eyes.

After crossing Azure Dragon Ridge, the terrain suddenly leveled out. When they reached another peak, Yu Fengzi smiled and said, "This is Chaoyang Peak, the finest place on Mount Hua to watch the sunrise. In ages past, Patriarch Chen Tuan played three games of chess here against Emperor Taizu of Song and defeated him all three times. As a result, the emperor exempted Mount Hua from taxation.

"Everyone, the road ahead is somewhat dangerous."

With those words, he led them to the edge of a cliff. Then he leaped down without hesitation, grabbing the ropes fastened to the cliff face as he descended. After climbing to an exposed ledge, he twisted gracefully through the air with another agile turn.

Clouds billowed around him. Living up to his Daoist title, Yu Fengzi's movements were light and ethereal, as though he were riding the wind through the clouds.

The sight made Yan Jiuling's scalp tingle, and his face turned rather pale.

"This must be Hawk's Turnover. I'm afraid I simply can't make it through there. Forget it... Forget it."

Sha Lifei craned his neck for a look before immediately jerking it back, waving both hands frantically. "No, no. Let's head back. We're only here to enjoy the mountain. Let's not throw our lives away."

The Hawk's Turnover was even more perilous than the one Li Yan remembered from his previous life. Snow and ice made the rocks slick, and the only means of crossing were a few hemp ropes tied to the stone.

Moreover, all famous mountains and great rivers in this world were shrouded in innate astral qi, causing the seas of clouds to churn endlessly. While it lent the place an immortal aura, it also made the scenery appear even more terrifying.

Li Yan shook his head with a smile. "He's just teasing you. If we look around, there should be another route that goes around."

He had visited Mount Hua in his previous life and had crossed Hawk's Turnover before. As he recalled, there had been another path, though he wasn't sure whether it had been opened up in the world.

Sha Lifei, however, shook his head so vigorously it resembled a rattle drum. Absolutely refusing to go any farther, he grabbed Wang Daoxuan tightly. "Daoist, let's just stay here and enjoy the sunrise."

Though Wang Daoxuan was somewhat tempted, seeing that both Sha Lifei and Yan Jiuling refused to continue, he stroked his beard and smiled. "Very well. Just looking at it is enough to make this poor Daoist dizzy."

Li Yan grinned. "Then wait for me here."

Left with no choice, Li Yan followed Yu Fengzi and leaped down as well. His movements were nimble and agile, like a mountain monkey. He crossed Hawk's Turnover with ease, and disappeared into the boundless sea of clouds in the blink of an eye.

After catching up to Yu Fengzi, Li Yan smiled and asked, "Daoist, why trouble yourself to tease them like that?"

Yu Fengzi stood atop a cliff, the mountain wind sending the wide sleeves of his Daoist robe billowing dramatically. Smiling faintly, he replied, "Please don't take offense, Fellow Daoist Li. There are simply some matters... that are best discussed in private."

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