Chapter 16

"Sure." Zhang Jun said bluntly, "Those people won't let us go so easily."

Translation: "Sure." Zhang Jun spoke bluntly, "Those people won't let us off so easily."

Lin Xue sighed, leaning against the tree trunk and closing her eyes: "I need to rest a bit; we still have to travel tomorrow."

Translation: Lin Xue sighed, leaning against the tree trunk and closing her eyes: "I need to rest a bit; we still have to travel tomorrow."

Zhang Jun nodded, adding a few sticks to the fire. The firelight fell on Lin Xue's face, outlining her delicate features. He silently assessed her: though she looked frail, she was actually quite skilled; those pursuers earlier were trained fighters, and for her to evade them this long shows considerable ability.

Translation: Zhang Jun nodded, adding a few sticks to the fire. The firelight fell on Lin Xue's face, tracing her delicate features. He silently observed that although the girl looked frail, she was actually quite skilled; those few pursuers earlier were all trained fighters, and for her to have evaded them this long showed considerable ability.

Night deepened; Lin Xue fell asleep, but Zhang Jun couldn't. He took out the "Yang Gang Zheng Qi Jue" given by Mo Lao and, by firelight, flipped through it. This technique is indeed marvelous, complementing the Xuan Yin True Skill—yin and yang perfectly balanced.

Translation: Night deepened; Lin Xue fell asleep, but Zhang Jun couldn't. He took out the "Yang Rigid Righteous Qi Technique" given by Mo Lao and, by firelight, flipped through it. This technique was indeed marvelous, complementing the Profound Yin True Technique—yin and yang perfectly balanced.

At dawn, the two packed up their belongings and continued on their way.

Translation: At dawn, the two packed up their belongings and continued on their way.

"How far is Yanjing?" Lin Xue asked.

Translation: "How far is Yanjing?" Lin Xue asked.

"At this speed, we'll get there in three days."

Translation: "At this speed, we'll get there in three days."

Lin Xue nodded, saying nothing more. The two traveled in silence, each lost in thought.

Translation: Lin Xue nodded and said nothing more. The two traveled in silence, each lost in thought.

On the third day's evening, Yanjing city finally came into view—towering walls, majestic presence, bustling crowds at the gate, extraordinarily lively.

Translation: On the evening of the third day, Yanjing City finally came into view. Tall city walls, imposing grandeur, the gate bustling with people, extraordinarily lively.

"We've arrived." Zhang Jun stopped.

Translation: "We're here." Zhang Jun stopped his steps.

Lin Xue gazed at the city before her, a flicker of complex emotion in her eyes: "Let's first find a place to stay."

Translation: Lin Xue gazed at the city before her, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her eyes: "Let's first find a place to stay."

In the city, an inn; each took a room.

Translation: In the city, an inn; the two each took a room.

"Miss Lin, how much do you know about the Long family?" Zhang Jun asked.

Translation: "Miss Lin, how much do you know about the Long Family?" Zhang Jun asked.

Lin Xue paused: "The Long family is one of Yanjing's four great clans; its head, Long Tianba, is highly skilled in martial arts and ruthless. He has a son named Long Aotian, who relies on the family's influence to run amok in Yanjing."

Translation: Lin Xue fell silent for a moment: "The Long Family is one of Yanjing's four great clans; the clan head is Long Tianba, whose martial arts are formidable and whose nature is cruel. He has a son named Long Aotian, who relies on the family's power to run rampant in Yanjing."

Upon hearing the name "Long Aotian," Zhang Jun almost laughed. As Mo Lao had said, such a person really exists.

Translation: Upon hearing the three words "Long Aotian," Zhang Jun almost laughed out loud. What Mo Lao said was indeed true—such a person really exists.

"Where is the Long family located?"

Translation: "Where is the Long Family?"

"To the west of the city, a vast estate with tight security, hard for outsiders to approach." Lin Xue paused, then asked, "What do you plan to do about the Long family?"

Translation: "To the west of the city, a huge manor with tight security, difficult for outsiders to approach." Lin Xue paused, then asked, "What do you plan to do about the Long Family?"

Zhang Jun shook his head: "Let's first gather information. By the way, Elder Liu gave me a letter saying to seek help from a friend in Yanjing."

Translation: Zhang Jun shook his head: "Let's first get the lay of the land. By the way, Old Liu gave me a letter, saying to seek help from a friend of his in Yanjing."

Lin Xue became interested: "What friend?"

Translation: Lin Xue perked up: "What friend?"

Zhang Jun produced the letter, which read: "In eastern Yanjing, at the Zui Xian Lou, find the proprietor."

Translation: Zhang Jun took out the letter, which read: "East of Yanjing City, Drunken Immortal Pavilion, look for the shopkeeper."

"Zui Xian Lou?" Lin Xue frowned. "That's Yanjing's largest restaurant, thriving business, backed by powerful forces."

Translation: "Drunken Immortal Pavilion?" Lin Xue frowned, "That's Yanjing's largest restaurant, booming business, backed by a powerful force."

"We'll check it out tomorrow."

Translation: "Let's check it out tomorrow."

The next day, the two arrived at Zui Xian Lou. The three-story establishment glittered with gold and jade; its entrance bustled with carriages and horses, a scene of prosperity.

Translation: The next day, the two arrived at Drunken Immortal Pavilion. The three-story establishment was resplendent with gold and jade, its entrance thronged with carriages and horses, a scene of prosperity.

"I'll go find the proprietor; you wait here." Zhang Jun said, then strode straight into the restaurant.

Translation: "I'll go find the shopkeeper; you wait here." Zhang Jun said, then strode straight into the restaurant.

The proprietor was a man in his forties, smiling broadly, clearly a shrewd individual.

Translation: The shopkeeper was a man in his forties, smiling broadly, clearly a shrewd individual at first glance.

"Sir, I have a letter for you." Zhang Jun handed over the envelope.

Translation: "Shopkeeper, I have a letter for you." Zhang Jun handed over the envelope.

The proprietor took the letter, opened it, glanced at it, his expression shifted slightly before returning to normal: "Please follow me, sir."

Translation: The shopkeeper took the letter, opened it, glanced inside, his expression shifting slightly before returning to normal: "Sir, please follow me."

The proprietor led Zhang Jun through the back kitchen to a private room.

Translation: The shopkeeper led Zhang Jun through the back kitchen to a secret chamber.

"Master Zhang, I've long heard of your name." The proprietor bowed, "I am Zhao, an old friend of Elder Liu."

Translation: "Young Master Zhang, I've long heard of your name." The shopkeeper clasped his hands, "My surname is Zhao; I'm an old acquaintance of Old Liu."

"Proprietor Zhao, Elder Liu asked me to come seek your help."

Translation: "Shopkeeper Zhao, Old Liu sent me to ask for your help."

Proprietor Zhao nodded: "I've read Elder Liu's letter; I know a bit about the Long family's affairs."

Translation: Shopkeeper Zhao nodded: "I've read Old Liu's letter; I know a bit or two about the Long Family's affairs."

"Then please, Proprietor Zhao, point us in the right direction."

Translation: "Then please, Shopkeeper Zhao, point us in the right direction."

"In recent years, the Long family's influence in Yanjing has grown, and many have suffered because of them." Proprietor Zhao lowered his voice: "Recently, the young master Long Aotian has become even more arrogant, relying on family power to bully men and women, committing all kinds of evil."

Translation: "In recent years, the Long Family's influence in Yanjing has grown ever greater, and many have suffered at its hands." Shopkeeper Zhao lowered his voice, "Lately, the young master of the Long Family, Long Aotian, has become even more arrogant, relying on family power to bully men and women, committing every conceivable evil."

"Why is the Long family so obsessed with the Liu family's heirloom?"

Translation: "Why is the Long Family so obsessed with the Liu Family's heirloom?"

Proprietor Zhao sighed: "That piece of jade is said to be part of a treasure map. The complete map consists of three pieces; the Liu family has one, the Long family has one, and the third is missing."

Translation: Shopkeeper Zhao sighed: "That piece of jade, it's said to be a fragment of the Treasure Map. The complete Treasure Map consists of three pieces; the Liu Family has one, the Long Family has one, and the third piece's whereabouts are unknown."

"Where does the treasure map point?"

Translation: "Where does the Treasure Map point to?"

"Legend says it leads to an ancient tomb containing a peerless martial arts manual." Proprietor Zhao paused: "The Long family has long sought to obtain the complete treasure map to find that manual."

Translation: "Legend says it's an ancient tomb that houses a peerless martial arts secret manual." Shopkeeper Zhao paused, "The Long Family has long wanted to obtain the complete Treasure Map to find that manual."

Zhang Jun pondered: "What movements does the Long family have now?"

Translation: Zhang Jun pondered: "What movements does the Long Family have now?"

"Long Aotian often goes lately to the southern city's 'Zui Yue Lou,' a famous pleasure house in Yanjing." Proprietor Zhao lowered his voice: "Rumor has it he's taken a liking to the establishment's top courtesan."

Translation: "Long Aotian often goes recently to the southern city's Drunken Moon Pavilion, a famous pleasure spot in Yanjing." Shopkeeper Zhao lowered his voice, "I've heard he's taken a fancy to the top courtesan there."

Zhang Jun nodded: "Thank you, Proprietor Zhao, for the guidance."

Translation: Zhang Jun nodded: "Thank you, Shopkeeper Zhao, for the guidance."

"Master Zhang, the Long family is not to be trifled with; be careful." Proprietor Zhao warned: "I have a private room here; if you need anything, feel free to come."

Translation: "Young Master Zhang, the Long Family is not to be trifled with; you must be careful." Shopkeeper Zhao warned, "I have a secret room here; if you need it, you may come anytime."

Zhang Jun thanked Proprietor Zhao, returned to Lin Xue's side, and relayed the information he'd received.

Translation: Zhang Jun thanked Shopkeeper Zhao, returned to Lin Xue's side, and told her the information he had obtained.

"Zui Yue Lou?" Lin Xue's eyes flashed with something unusual: "Let's go check it out."

Translation: "Drunken Moon Pavilion?" Lin Xue's eyes flashed with a hint of something unusual, "Let's go take a look."

That evening, the two approached Zui Yue Lou. It was a luxurious three-story pavilion, lights blazing, with many elegant carriages parked outside.

Translation: That evening, the two came near Drunken Moon Pavilion. It was a luxurious three-story pavilion, lights blazing, with many splendid carriages parked at the entrance.

"That most imposing carriage must belong to the Long family." Lin Xue pointed to a carriage carved with dragons and painted with phoenixes.

Translation: "That most imposing carriage must belong to the Long Family." Lin Xue pointed to a carriage carved with dragons and painted with phoenixes.

The two found a concealed spot and waited patiently.

Translation: The two found a concealed corner and waited patiently.

After about two hours, the doors of Zui Yue Lou opened and a group of people escorted a young man out. He wore fine brocade, had a handsome visage, and bore an arrogant demeanor.

Translation: After about two hours, the doors of Drunken Moon Pavilion opened, and a group of people escorted a young man out. He wore fine brocade, had a handsome visage, and bore an arrogant demeanor.

"That's Long Aotian." Lin Xue whispered.

Translation: "That's Long Aotian." Lin Xue whispered.

Beside Long Aotian was a beautiful woman in splendid attire, the top courtesan of Zui Yue Lou.

Translation: Beside Long Aotian was a beautiful woman in splendid attire, none other than the top courtesan of Drunken Moon Pavilion.

"Come, let's follow them." Zhang Jun said.

Translation: "Come, let's follow them." Zhang Jun said.

The two quietly followed Long Aotian's carriage. After traveling a distance, the carriage stopped before a luxurious manor.

Translation: The two quietly followed behind Long Aotian's carriage. The carriage traveled a stretch of road and stopped before a luxurious manor.

"This isn't the Long family's main residence." Lin Xue frowned.

Translation: "This isn't the Long Family Manor." Lin Xue frowned.

Long Aotian helped the courtesan alight from the carriage, and the two entered the manor chatting and laughing.

Translation: Long Aotian helped the courtesan alight from the carriage, and the two entered the manor chatting and laughing.

"Looks like this is his private villa." Zhang Jun observed the surroundings: "There aren't many guards; we can go inside and have a look."

Translation: "Looks like this is his private residence." Zhang Jun observed the surroundings, "There aren't many guards; we can go in and have a look."

Lin Xue nodded. Taking advantage of the darkness, the two scaled the wall and entered.

Translation: Lin Xue nodded. Taking advantage of the darkness, the two scaled the wall and entered.

Inside the manor, lights were dim; Long Aotian and the courtesan had already gone into an inner chamber. Zhang Jun and Lin Xue approached cautiously, peering through a window.

Translation: Inside the manor, lights were dim; Long Aotian and the courtesan had already gone into the inner chamber. Zhang Jun and Lin Xue crept close, peering through the window.

All they saw was Long Aotian drinking and making merry with the courtesan, his words and deeds revealing his spoiled, decadent nature.

Translation: All they saw was Long Aotian drinking and making merry with the courtesan, his words and deeds fully revealing his spoiled, decadent nature.

"Let's wait a bit longer, see if we can overhear anything useful." Zhang Jun whispered.

Translation: "Let's wait a bit longer, see if we can hear any useful information." Zhang Jun whispered.

The two crouched beneath the window for a long while; Long Aotian and the courtesan's conversation mostly concerned amorous topics, of no value.

Translation: The two crouched beneath the window for a long while; Long Aotian and the courtesan's talk was mostly about frivolous matters, utterly worthless.

Just as Zhang Jun was about to leave, Long Aotian suddenly mentioned a key word: "treasure map."

Translation: Just as Zhang Jun was about to leave, Long Aotian suddenly mentioned a key word: "Treasure Map."

Now after all lines, output

Then

"Father said, as long as we find the third treasure map, our Long Family will be able to obtain that secret manual; then the entire martial world will submit beneath our feet!" Long Aotian said proudly.

The top courtesan laughed coquettishly: "Young Master Long is truly impressive; I admire him greatly."

"Hmph, that old thing from the Liu Family refuses to hand over his treasure map no matter what; my father had no choice but to send people to Jiangbei to try to seize it." Long Aotian said proudly.

"How is it now?" the top courtesan asked.

Long Aotian's face darkened: "Those good-for-nothings were actually thwarted by a brat named Zhang Jun! My father is furious, and has already sent more capable people to Jiangbei."

Zhang Jun, hearing this, felt his heart tighten. It seems trouble is brewing again over at the Liu Family.

"What about the third treasure map?" the top courtesan asked again.

"Father said, it might be in the hands of a family called Lin." Long Aotian took a sip of wine, "The Lin Family was wiped out by our Long Family long ago, but the whereabouts of that treasure map are unknown."

Lin Xue's body shuddered violently upon hearing the two words "Lin Family", and she almost fell.