Chapter 91

【5】

Translation: "Cinnabar Yang City is the largest city upstream of Rising Prefecture City, and also the necessary route for inland travel to Rising Prefecture City before going out to sea."

the necessary route for inland travel to Yangzhou before going out to sea

【9】

Translation: "That day, four smuggler ships carrying sea salt weighed anchor and set sail, heading upstream to the west, bound for the Four Provinces, rushing to Solitary Esteem Fort."

Smuggler ships, weighing anchor and setting sail, heading upstream to the west, bound for the Four Provinces, rushing to Solitary Esteem Fort.

【13】

Translation: "On a giant vessel stood two groups: one side a beautiful woman in white leading two handsome youths; the other side a handsome, elegant young man and a middle-aged man about forty, yet with a full head of white hair and a beautiful silver-white beard."

A beautiful woman in white, two handsome youths, a handsome and elegant young man, and a middle-aged man about forty with a full head of white hair and a beautiful silver-white beard.

【17】

Translation: "The middle-aged man showed no sign of aging, possessing a dignified and heroic bearing, the air of a great family, and was very affectionate with a rather alluring young woman beside him."

He showed no sign of aging, possessed a dignified and heroic bearing, had the air of a great family, and was very affectionate with a rather alluring young woman beside him.

【21】

Translation: "The former group were Fu Junruo, Kou Zhong, and Xu Ziling, who were being pursued by the Yuwen Clan; the latter were Song Shidao, the young master of the Song Clan, and his clansman Song Lu, with the alluring woman being Song Lu's newly taken concubine, Liu Jing."

The former group consisted of Fu Junruo, Kou Zhong, and Xu Ziling, who were being pursued by the Yuwen Clan; the latter were Song Shidao, the young master of the Song Clan, and his clansman Song Lu; the alluring woman was Song Lu's newly taken concubine, Liu Jing.

【25】

Translation: "After Song Lu learned that his nephew had taken a liking to this foreign woman, seeing Fu Junruo only give her name and not discuss her origins, he smiled and asked:"

After Song Lu learned that his nephew had taken a liking to this foreign woman, seeing Fu Junruo only give her name and not discuss her origins, he smiled and asked:

【29】

Translation: "\"Miss Fu, your essence is inwardly gathered, clearly possessing superior martial arts; your sword style is full of exotic flair. I wonder which master could have trained someone as outstanding as you? \""

Miss Fu, your essence is inwardly gathered, clearly showing superior martial arts; your sword style is full of exotic flair; I wonder which master could have trained someone as outstanding as you?

【33】

Translation: "\"Please understand, Mr. Song, Fu Junruo is under strict orders not to reveal her identity or origins. \""

Please understand, Mr. Song—Fu Junruo is under strict orders not to reveal her identity or origins.

【37】

Translation: "After Fu Junruo finished speaking, Liu Jing gazed at Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling with her autumn-water eyes."

autumn-water eyes

【42】

Translation: "\"You two young men both look handsome and heroic; why haven't you studied martial arts with Miss Fu? I wonder what relation you are to her. \""

You two young men both look handsome and heroic; why haven't you studied martial arts with Miss Fu? I wonder what relation you are to her.

Kou Zhong replied bluntly:

Translation: "Kou Zhong replied bluntly:"

【46】

We two brothers are getting ready to study high-level martial arts under our mother.

Translation: "\"We two brothers are about to follow our mother to study superior martial arts. \""

【50】

Upon hearing this, Song Shidao's expression shifted; he could hardly believe his ears or his eyes—the woman he had fallen for at first sight was clearly young, yet she had two sons in their mid-teens.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Song Shidao's expression changed slightly; he could hardly believe his ears or his eyes, for the woman he had fallen for at first sight was clearly young, yet she seemed to have two teenage sons."

【54】

Fu Junruo's cheeks flushed slightly, her cool demeanor fading as she glared at Kou Zhong and then spoke, somewhat embarrassed.

Translation: "Fu Junruo's pretty face flushed slightly, her cool demeanor fading as she glared at Kou Zhong, then spoke somewhat awkwardly:"

【58】

Don't listen to this brat's nonsense; they insist on calling me their mother.

Translation: "\"Don't listen to this brat's nonsense; they insist on calling me mother. \""

【62】

Just then, a small boat came speeding like an arrow, with a person wearing a bamboo hat and blue clothing standing at the prow.

Translation: "Just then, a small boat came speeding like an arrow, with a person in a blue garment and bamboo hat standing at the prow."

【66】

The Buddha and demon realms are separated; the human world suffers countless calamities; benevolent law brings sweet rain; in the sea of suffering, the Buddha manifests.

Translation: "\"The Buddhist and demonic realms divide; worldly calamities abound; benevolent law sends sweet dew; in the sea of suffering, the Buddha appears. \""

【70】

The blue-clad, bamboo-hatted person moved like a flowing spring; his warm, pleasant voice reached the great ship, and he leapt up, landing before everyone in an instant, palms together.

Translation: "The person in the blue garment and bamboo hat flowed like a clear spring; his warm, pleasant voice reached the giant vessel, and he leapt up, landing before everyone in an instant, palms together."

【74】

I am Jingyuan, the head of the New Quiet Abbey; I have come to meet you all.

Translation: "\"The abbey head of New Quiet Abbey, Qing Jingyuan, greets you all. \""

【78】

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were fine, not knowing much about the martial world, but Song Shidao and the others showed looks of surprise and uncertainty.

Translation: "Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were fine, not knowing much about the martial world, but Song Shidao and the others' faces showed uncertain surprise."

【82】

When did the Cihang Quiet Abbey change its leader? Hearing 'New Quiet Abbey' and seeing the newcomer—though he wore a bamboo hat, his voice sounded like a youth's, yet his waist-length white hair made it seem wrong.

Translation: "When did Cihang Quiet Abbey change its abbey head? Upon hearing of New Quiet Abbey, and seeing the newcomer—though wearing a bamboo hat, his voice still sounded like a youth's—his waist-length white hair made things seem off."

【86】

The Cihang Quiet Abbey's disciples have always been women; how could there be a male disciple, let alone one who claims to be the abbot?

Translation: "Cihang Quiet Abbey's disciples and successors have always been women; how could there be a male disciple, let alone an abbey head?"

【90】

"Excuse my boldness, may I ask what 'New Quiet Abbey' means?" Song Lu inquired solemnly.

Translation: "\"Please forgive my boldness, may I ask what New Quiet Abbey means? \" Song Lu inquired solemnly."

【94】

Zhuang Buran spoke in a gentle tone:

Translation: "Zhuang Buran spoke in a calm tone:"

【98】

It simply means exactly that; as a successor of the Cihang Quiet Abbey, becoming its head is only natural.

Translation: "\"That's exactly what it means; as the successor of Cihang Quiet Abbey, becoming abbey head is only natural. \""

【102】

Song Shidao let out a bitter laugh beside him:

Translation: "Song Shidao let out a bitter laugh beside him."

【106】

But who doesn't know that your sect consists entirely of women who cultivate the Dao of Heaven?

Translation: "\"Who doesn't know that your sect consists entirely of women who cultivate the Heavenly Way? \""

【110】

So, I am referring to the New Quiet Abbey.

Translation: "\"So I am referring to New Quiet Abbey. \""

【114】

At once, everyone fell silent, unsure what to say and even more confused about the newcomer's identity.

Translation: "At once, everyone fell silent, unsure what to say and even less able to discern the newcomer's identity."

【118】

Zhuang Buran looked at Fu Junruo:

Translation: "Zhuang Buran looked at Fu Junruo:"

Check: straightforward.

【125】

Translation: "\"You must be the Rakshasa Woman who has recently been notorious for daring to assassinate the king and overthrow the emperor. \""

You must be the one who has recently gained notoriety—the Rakshasa woman who dares to assassinate the king and overthrow the emperor.

【129】

Translation: "Upon hearing this, the Song Clan members immediately understood; no wonder Fu Junruo had refused to reveal her origins earlier, especially Song Shidao, whose expression was inexplicable and seemed quite regretful."

Upon hearing this, the Song Clan members immediately understood; it was no wonder Fu Junruo had refused to reveal her origins earlier, especially Song Shidao, whose expression was inexplicable and seemed quite regretful.

【133】

Translation: "\"Although I have lived in High Beauty since childhood, I have also heard that Cihang Quiet Abbey is the leader of the orthodox martial world in the Central Plains; when would it obey a foolish ruler's orders and become a henchman of the Yuwen Clan? \""

Although I have lived in Goguryeo since childhood, I have also heard that Cihang Quiet Abbey leads the orthodox martial world of the Central Plains; when would it obey a foolish ruler's orders and become a henchman of the Yuwen Clan?

【137】

Translation: "\"In this world, as the abbey head of New Quiet Abbey who upholds the orthodox martial way of humanity, I do not care whether you assassinate Yang Guang, but you have broken the martial rules of the Central Plains—should you not give an explanation? \""

In this world, I am the head of New Quiet Abbey, upholding humanity's orthodox martial way; I do not care whether you assassinate Yang Guang, but you have broken the Central Plains' martial rules—should you not give an explanation?

【141】

Translation: "Zhuang Buran said unhurriedly:"

said unhurriedly

【145】

Translation: "\"If you are allowed to leave the Central Plains unharmed, won't the many small foreign states laugh that the Central Plains has no one? \""

If you are allowed to leave the Central Plains unharmed, the many small foreign states would surely laugh that the Central Plains has no one.

【149】

Translation: "Upon hearing this, how could Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling not realize this was trouble? Just as they were about to speak, Fu Junruo spoke first:"

Upon hearing this, how could Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling not realize this was trouble? Just as they were about to speak, Fu Junruo spoke first.

【153】

Translation: "\"I was actually hoping to learn the renowned sword art of Cihang Quiet Abbey. \""

I was actually hoping to learn the renowned sword art of Cihang Quiet Abbey.

【157】

Translation: "\"I have long heard that your master's martial arts combine the essences of the Central Plains, Western Regions, and High Beauty; emerging from the pivot, he is thus able to stand alongside the Western Regions' Martial Venerable Bi Xuan and the Central Plains' Daoist Ning Daoqi as the three grand masters of the present age. \""

I have long heard that your master's martial arts combine the essences of the Central Plains, the Western Regions, and Goguryeo; having emerged from the pivot, he can stand alongside the Western Regions' Martial Venerable Bi Xuan, and the Central Plains' Daoist Ning Daoqi is likewise regarded as one of the three grand masters of the present age.

【161】

Translation: "Zhuang Buran's tone carried a hint of delight:"

his tone carried a hint of delight

【165】

Translation: "\"I too wish to see the famed Strategy Sword Art. \""

I too wish to see the famed Strategy Sword Art.

【169】

Translation: "Having said that, he casually removed his bamboo hat, revealing an extraordinarily graceful bearing that left everyone present stunned for a long time."

Having said that, he casually removed his bamboo hat, revealing an extraordinarily graceful bearing that left everyone present stunned for a long time.

【173】

Translation: "His slender, curved eyebrows lightly flew into his temples; his charming phoenix eyes seemed half-open, half-closed; and his clear pupils, admitting no speck, instantly transformed that face from alluring charm to solemn composure."

His slender, curved eyebrows lightly flew into his temples; his charming phoenix eyes seemed half-open, half-closed; his clear pupils admitted no speck, instantly transforming his face from alluring charm to solemn composure.

【177】

Translation: "\"The fairy of Cihang Quiet Abbey is indeed as renowned as said; even in male attire, she surpasses all worldly women. \""

The fairy of Cihang Quiet Abbey is indeed as renowned as said; even in male attire, she surpasses all worldly women.

【181】

Translation: "Song Lu seemed to have realized something, and he praised with an admiring face:"

Song Lu seemed to have realized something, and he praised with an admiring face.

【185】

Translation: "\"No matter how extraordinary the fairy Qing's skill in cross-dressing as a man, it cannot conceal her transcendent, otherworldly grace. \""

No matter how extraordinary the fairy Qing's skill in cross-dressing as a man, it cannot conceal her transcendent, otherworldly grace.

【189】

Translation: "\"Mr. Song, as a renowned master of the Song Clan, you have made your self-created Silver Dragon Crutch Method famous throughout Jiangnan, and moreover have earned the nickname Silver Beard. \""

Mr. Song, as a renowned master of the Song Clan, you have made your self-created Silver Dragon Crutch Method famous throughout Jiangnan and earned the nickname Silver Beard.

【193】

Translation: "The blue-clad youth spoke plainly:"

The blue-clad youth spoke plainly.

【197】

Translation: "\"You wouldn't think my Adam's apple is fake, nor that I've bound my chest, would you? \""

You wouldn't think my Adam's apple is fake, nor that I've bound my chest, would you?

【201】

Translation: "\"Uh, could it not be so? \" Song Lu hesitated."

"Uh, could it not be so?" Song Lu hesitated.

【203】

"Rakshasa woman, as an assassin, you wouldn't want me to take the initiative, would you?"

【205】

Only to see her figure like a falling star, her sword qi condensing to a point, the blade aiming straight for the vital point of the blue-clad youth.

【207】

How could she not know this is an unimaginably strong expert, far stronger than Yuwen Huaji who pursued her, by who knows how much?

【209】

This also caused the surrounding people to retreat to safe corners where they wouldn't be accidentally hurt, but for the untrained Kou Zhong and his companion, the shockwaves from the distant battle still scraped their skin painfully, making it hard to keep their eyes open.

【211】

His sword moves are like placing a piece to fix the heavenly origin, forcing the opponent into a passive defense.

Swordsmanship also stresses anticipating the enemy and chessboard layout; combat is viewed as a chess game, and by observing the opponent's true qi flow and technique flaws, one can beforehand seal off their movement routes.

It is to employ keen eyesight to assess the opponent's martial skill, ascertain their foundation, then judge, and by sealing off their next move a step ahead, one can subdue the enemy.

Zhuang Buran commented leisurely:

The subtlety lies in uniting wholehearted feeling with the sword; external feeling is illusory, while spiritual feeling is real, and its essence is to appreciate and savor it with the mindset of an onlooker.

As he said this, the fierce wind sweeping from his sleeves suddenly changed, actually crushing Fu Jun tuo's long sword in his hand into pieces, which turned into specks of starlight that fell into the great river.

Your mind is filled with too many distracting thoughts, all just resentment and grudges; the Yi Jian Shu in your hands is a shame.

Just as his words fell, Fu Jun tuo was again blown away by a burst of strong qi; fortunately the boat was large enough, otherwise she would have fallen into the great river, her face pallid as she collapsed limp, oh, coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood.

The internal cultivation method that combines the essences of the Central Plains, the Western Regions, and Goguryeo is indeed extraordinary.

It also combines the profound mystery of the Dao, the innermost truth of the 'Gate of All Wonders'; the internal energy is enduring and penetrative, able to shake the opponent's meridians from a distance, while the true qi can resonate with heaven and earth like tides.

Thus, even if I shatter your heart meridian, you could still cling to life for a few days.

The blue-clad youth laughed happily:

His hero is my enemy.

I hope you can return to Goguryeo in time and inform me of the outcome of our match.

This way, in future exchanges with your teacher, it won't be considered that I took advantage.

(End of chapter)