Chapter 208: Duan Yu Is About to Blow My Coins

Beneath Wuliang Mountain, steeds galloped along the river.

Duan Zhengchun rode ahead, absentminded; Gu Qing and the others followed on horseback, and this group departed Wuliang Mountain in broad daylight, drawing the attention of another faction within the mountain.

At a cliffside in the mountains, a dozen women clad in emerald brocade cloaks, with black eagles embroidered on their chests, gazed downward, watching the party ride away; one of them called out sharply: "Who are they?"

These women in brocade were Holy Messengers of the Piaomiao Peak's Lingjiao Palace; the lead woman, surnamed Fu, named Minyi, was the head of the Yangtian Division among the Nine Heavens and Nine Divisions, a trusted lieutenant under the Heavenly Maiden of Mount Tian, strikingly beautiful—she had orchestrated the Shen Nong Gang's assault on the Wuliang Sword Sect, forcing it to rename itself the Wuliang Cave and submit to the Piaomiao Peak's Lingjiao Palace.

The reason they had targeted the Wuliang Sword Sect was the Wuliang Jade Wall.

Now that Fu Minyi had succeeded, she noticed another group of riders in the mountains and demanded answers.

Shen Nong Gang's leader Sikong Xuan hurried forward to introduce Duan Zhengchun and the others to Fu Minyi, but he did not recognize Gu Qing, Wang Yuyan, or Mu Wanying behind them.

"I've heard of that man in green."

Zuo Zimu, master of the Eastern Wuliang Sword Sect, said: "A man from Great Song claims his sword, palm, finger, fist, lightness, hidden weapons, poison arts, internal energy, and wisdom are all number one in the world. Such a title is wildly arrogant, yet he has never lost in Great Song—reportedly, the Southern Murong of 'Northern Qiao Feng, Southern Murong' has already fallen to him."

Zuo Zimu held some standing in Dali and was well-connected among the Jianghu, well-informed.

"The Southern Murong fell to him?"

Fu Minyi knew of the legend of 'Northern Qiao Feng, Southern Murong' and recognized them as the era's outstanding talents; she asked: "Who told you this?"

Zuo Zimu hesitated, then said: "It seems Gu Qing himself said it—but the Southern Murong never denied it."

Fu Minyi sneered; she had heard phrases like "the modest gentleman, gentle as jade," yet now she fixed her gaze on Gu Qing—his skin subtly gleamed with jade-like luster, truly gentle as jade, yet far from modest.

Watching Gu Qing ride past, Fu Minyi turned away, about to give orders, then paused and asked: "The woman beside Gu Qing—is she wearing a pale yellow silk robe?"

The women around her exchanged glances.

"Yes, Holy Messenger."

Zuo Zimu hurried to confirm.

Fu Minyi frowned tightly—where had she seen this color and style before?

Gu Qing had returned to Dali City for the second time.

The Dali Duan clan ruled a small kingdom, but its founding predated Great Song by years; the people had long settled, and the Duan family, as emperors, ruled with broad benevolence, resulting in peace and prosperity.

Gu Qing and the others entered the Zhen Nan Prince's Mansion under the escort of the Duan family's ceremonial guard; Emperor Duan Zhengming awaited them there. Since Gu Qing was a Jianghu figure, Duan Zhengming met him according to Jianghu customs.

The Dali Duan clan commanded respect across Tiannan, holding dual identities as both Jianghu figures and court officials; Gu Qing was a Jianghu man, so Duan Zhengming received him with Jianghu etiquette.

Duan Zhengming had three flowing beards, exuding great authority; after seating himself opposite Gu Qing, he asked directly: "The Yi Yang Finger is the Dali Duan clan's secret art—how did you learn it?"

In the Duan family, Yi Yang Finger was passed only internally; even during the era of the Demolishing Eagles, the Southern Emperor and Wang Chongyang exchanged martial arts to counter Ouyang Feng, and only then did Yi Yang Finger become publicly known—afterward, the Southern Emperor taught it to his disciples.

Now that Gu Qing had learned Yi Yang Finger, it was a troubling matter for Duan Zhengming.

"Naturally, I learned it from your brother."

Gu Qing said.

In the original version of Demolishing Eagles, Wang Chongyang's ultimate skill was Yi Yang Finger, while the Southern Emperor's was Xian Tian Gong; now that Yi Yang Finger rests in Gu Qing's hands, it is merely returning to its rightful owner.

"Can you truly learn Yi Yang Finger just by looking?"

Duan Zhengming found it hard to believe.

Yi Yang Finger was profound and intricate; even the masters in the Tianlong Temple spent years refining it to gain only slight progress—how could Gu Qing, after merely a brief exchange with Duan Zhengchun, have mastered it?

"I've heard that the Murong family of Gusu, to uphold their reputation of 'using the enemy's own methods against them,' often train in secret for days until they fully learn their target's signature technique, then strike suddenly, defeating them with their own famed art."

The speaker was a yellow-browed monk.

Gu Qing looked at the monk's yellow eyebrows, drooping at the ends, and recognized him as the monk from the original tale who played chess with Duan Yanqing for Duan Yu's sake; this monk was a close friend of Duan Zhengming and had greatly aided in rescuing Duan Yu.

"All martial arts share the same principles; once one principle is clear, all others become evident."

Wang Yuyan suddenly said: "Once one comprehends the highest truth of martial arts, no technique holds secrets to him. Any finger force, any hand method—he sees it, feels it, and can replicate it. That is beyond the Murong family's reach."

After Gu Qing helped her break through Yin-Yang Balance and reach Ming Yu Level Eight, Wang Yuyan gained deeper insight into many martial arts and understood Gu Qing's realm even more profoundly.

"Do you mean Master Gu's martial arts have reached the highest level?"

The yellow-browed monk asked.

Wang Yuyan paused briefly, then said: "Perhaps even higher."

Once, in the Manuo Manor, Wang Yuyan had laughed inwardly upon hearing Gu Qing's "Ten Perfects" title, thinking him arrogant—calling himself number one in the world was one thing, but why split it into so many categories? Yet as she grew closer to Gu Qing, she realized his strength was comprehensive—he dared to dissect and refine his own skills to compete with heroes across the land.

Perhaps this was what Gu Qing meant by a "six-sided warrior."

"Then the old monk must ask you for a lesson."

The yellow-browed monk looked at Gu Qing.

The yellow-browed monk had known Duan Zhengming for years; Duan Zhengming had summoned him to debate martial arts with Gu Qing—if Gu Qing truly could learn an opponent's signature technique mid-battle, the Dali Duan clan would ask him not to teach it outside—but if he stole their art, they would reclaim it.

"If it's the Golden Finger, forget it."

Gu Qing extended his foot and drew a straight line on the ground: "I once fought a finger-striking expert from Xinyang, drawing several Shaolin monks—among them, one who knew Golden Finger."

The yellow-browed monk stared at Gu Qing's footmark—a groove two inches deep, evenly carved, stretching two feet; after Gu Qing withdrew his foot, his shoe showed no damage.

The yellow-browed monk bowed his head in defeat.

If he used Golden Finger with such depth, he could not match the speed; if he matched the speed and depth, he could not achieve Gu Qing's length—Gu Qing's toe technique had surpassed the monk's limits.

Duan Zhengming, seeing this, had nothing to say.

The Shaolin Temple's transmission was far stricter than the Dali Duan clan's; such refined Shaolin finger power should require thirty or forty years of dedicated cultivation to reach this level—but Gu Qing's appearance and array of skills clearly did not suggest he had spent decades on this one art.

This was talent.

"The Dali Duan clan is famed in the Jianghu for having the best finger-striking art with Yi Yang Finger."

Duan Zhengming said: "Master Gu, since you've learned this art, please do not teach it outside."

Duan Zhengming was shrewd—he did not claim Yi Yang Finger was "number one in the world," but called it "best at finger-striking," avoiding Gu Qing's "Ten Perfects" title.

"Rest easy."

Gu Qing said.

After learning Yi Yang Finger, Gu Qing had little use for it.

Duan Zhengming immediately ordered a banquet; as rulers of a kingdom, the Dali Duan clan's feast was exquisite. At the banquet, Duan Zhengchun held an adoption ceremony; Duan Zhengming granted Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanying the title of Princess; Duan Yu formally paid his respects to Gu Qing as his master. As for Wang Fu and Qin Hongmian, Duan Zhengchun pretended not to see them, and the Dali Duan clan naturally ignored them too.

The next morning, Duan Yu, unable to suppress his longing, came to find Gu Qing, hoping to learn martial arts and steal a few glances at Wang Yuyan—to become better acquainted, to deepen their sibling bond.

But as he entered, he saw Mu Wanying's face icy, her whole body cold, staring at something.

Duan Yu was about to greet her, but Mu Wanying cast him a sidelong glance—he instantly fell silent and looked inside, where Gu Qing leaned against the bed, holding Wang Yuyan in his arms; she offered no resistance, whispering softly to him, and as he played with her jade hand, he kissed her cheeks twice.

Duan Yu's vision blurred.

Inside, Wang Yuyan seemed to sense someone outside; she broke free from Gu Qing's embrace and hurriedly said: "Remember well!" Then she vanished like a fairy, leaving at once.

Duan Yu stepped forward, but met Mu Wanying's frost-laced gaze—he halted, watching her enter.

"You've seen how my father falls for every woman he meets, never devoted to one—my mother left in anger."

Mu Wanying said to Gu Qing, voice trembling with anger.

"Wang Yuyan's mother left too."

Gu Qing reached out, pulling Mu Wanying into his arms: "Don't worry—I'm nothing like my father-in-law. I don't crave power or position." After speaking, he kissed her twice.

!

Duan Yu, already dizzy, now saw his sister being taken into a harem—he clutched the wall to keep from collapsing.

After the dizziness passed, Duan Yu looked inside: Mu Wanying's face flushed red, utterly lifeless, helping Gu Qing fasten his robe.

"The Dali Duan clan disrespects my mother so much—I shouldn't accept this princess title."

Mu Wanying whispered: "My mother is heartbroken—I must go comfort her. Just teach Duan Yu a little martial arts, then come with us."

"Don't leave Dali City."

Gu Qing said: "The Four Evils always stick together—Yun Zhonghe has already appeared; the other three can't be far. After I teach Duan Yu a few days, we'll leave together."

Mu Wanying blushed faintly, nodded gently, then added: "If they come after me, I'll cut them down with the Chang Ge Fei Hong Sword!"

Chang Ge Fei Hong Sword was Gong Sun Lan's Gong Sun Jian Qi.

Wang Yuyan always thought martial arts vulgar, but with Gu Qing, whether it was the Gumu Sect's lightness, the Yihua Palace's sword and palm techniques, or Gong Sun Lan's Gong Sun Jian Qi—all were elegant and beautiful; Mu Wanying, who had trained under Qin Hongmian in the Shura Dao, had made great progress switching to sword arts.

"Practice Lingbo Microstep regularly."

Gu Qing advised.

"Of course…"

After speaking with Gu Qing, Mu Wanying kissed him lightly, then glided away gracefully.

Duan Yu stepped out, his expression troubled.

"Master."

Duan Yu bowed: "In Dali, our customs differ from Great Song—men and women walking together in public is natural, and we welcome romantic love—but between you, Yanyan, and Wanying, there remains the master-disciple bond. Besides, one's life should be devoted to…"

Duan Yu droned on.

"I want them to be both my disciples and my wives!"

Gu Qing cut him off coldly.

Of the two disciples, Mu Wanying was fiery yet easily soothed; Wang Yuyan, after her trials in the Wuliang Jade Cave, carried a resigned calmness—whatever Gu Qing did to her, she barely resisted.

Duan Yu, stunned by Gu Qing's utter disregard for propriety, fell silent.

"Duan Yu…"

Gu Qing studied him carefully, then said: "You had no martial foundation before. If I'm to teach you, I must start from the beginning."

Duan Yu listened obediently.

Thus, in the mansion's side courtyard, Gu Qing taught Duan Yu for two days. That night, as usual, Gu Qing cultivated, bathed, and prepared to sleep—when suddenly, Princess Dao Baifeng arrived.

"Master Gu, let me in first."

Dao Baifeng pushed past Gu Qing as he opened the door, shut it behind her, and wrapped her arms around his waist.

???

Gu Qing instinctively reached out and embraced Dao Baifeng's supple waist and jade-like back, yet his eyes held a hint of confusion—what was going on? He hadn't teased her these past two days.

Gu Qing was in Dali teaching Duan Yu martial arts because he was waiting for Xiao Zhi; following the principle that more skills never weigh one down, he intended to examine the Seventy-Two Superior Arts Xiao Zhi would bring, as well as the Six Meridians Divine Sword of the Duan clan of Dali.

With Gu Qing's current martial insights and his foundation in the One Yang Finger, he could naturally grasp the essentials of the Six Meridians Divine Sword just by observing how it was unleashed.

Thus, Gu Qing was diligently cultivating Duan Yu, strolling around Dali City, meeting Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing, and was thoroughly baffled by Dao Baifeng's sudden embrace.

But now, the peerless martial artist Gu Qing had been shoved onto the bed by Dao Baifeng, and only then did she recount the backstory.

Today, the Shaolin abbot Xuanbei, accompanied by four disciples, had arrived, claiming the Four Evils had come to Dali and intended to harass the Duan clan of Dali; Shaolin had specially dispatched monks to serve under the Dali monarch's command. During the welcoming ceremony, after waiting long without seeing Duan Zhengchun, Dali's side learned that Duan Zhengchun had vanished.

"He's been imprisoned in the Wan Jie Valley by the Four Evils."

Dao Baifeng spoke coldly.

The current Shaolin abbot was the lover of Ye Erniang; wherever the Four Evils committed evil, Shaolin bore some responsibility, hence the dispatch of monks to stop them. According to the original story, Xuanbei should have been killed by Murong Bo, but due to Gu Qing's interference, Murong Bo was still recovering, so Xuanbei had arrived in Dali unharmed.

As for the Four Evils, they had allied with Zhong Wanchou and indeed came to target the Duan family of Dali.

"Zhong Wanchou said the other three Evils, upon hearing that Dali had a Master and Shaolin monks arriving, had already given up hope—until they discovered Duan Zhengchun had walked right in."

Dao Baifeng grew even more furious.

Only then did Gu Qing understand the cause: Duan Zhengchun's arrival was a heavenly blessing for Duan Yanqing.

Old Duan had walked right into his own trap.

"We swore before the Bodhisattva, but he betrayed us again and again."

Dao Baifeng had long been consumed by jealousy over Wang Lady, Qin Hongmian, and Gan Baobao; seeing Old Duan publicly swear allegiance, then turn around and seek out Gan Baobao once more, she could no longer contain herself.

Her arm, white as a mountain camellia, curled around Gu Qing's neck. He looked up and saw her golden hairpin askew, her eyes filled with bitter resentment yet brimming with affection; unable to resist, he lifted her into his arms, sighing inwardly.

This brat Duan Yu is going to bankrupt me.

(End of Chapter)