Chapter 329: 338 The Autumn Wind Rises

In the blink of an eye, another month and more passed, and suddenly it was the ninth month.

The ninth month is mid-autumn; Jichun City no longer held a shred of warmth, and scattered snowflakes had begun to drift upon Jiugao Mountain.

The turbulent waves at Zhuoyu Villa had gradually subsided, and the fervor of the Sword Casting Conference cooled day by day along with the dropping temperature. There are always things happening in the world, and the center of the storm had long since shifted. Only the idlers in Jichun City, drinking tea and chatting, would still chew over the grand occasion of over a month ago, when the guests had gathered in clouds, before sighing, "They said the conference would be well-run and everyone would benefit? Is that it? It's all gone cold?"

Over this past month, although the city was not as bustling as before, it was not as if nothing had happened.

For instance, that auction, which had been postponed again and again, was finally held in Jichun City on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. At that time, the bright moon was in the sky, the city was ablaze with lights, and the entire street was decorated with shimmering, flower-like lanterns; the scene was extraordinarily lively.

The scale of the White Jade Grand Assembly was grand, the auction items were numerous, the young lady hosting the auction was very beautiful, the auction process was very standardized, and the final transaction prices were also astonishing. The distinguished guests who had come down from Zhuoyu Villa and the new and old customers who had traveled from afar upon hearing the news were all very satisfied. Everyone took away valuable gifts before leaving.

Public order in Jichun City is very good; even if the bidding at the auction was fierce, there were no incidents of people being ambushed, bagged, or murdered for their treasures after the event concluded. Zhuoyu Villa had specifically requested that the White Jade Grand Assembly guard against such things, and in particular, Manager Tang, even while in seclusion, had specifically reminded Manager Liu to be careful, as he had heard this plot point in many stories.

This was a grand, successful, safe, and perfect auction.

Oh, it was not entirely without flaws.

For example, as the big boss and founder of the White Jade Grand Assembly, Tang Zhao, or Manager Tang, could not attend this long-prepared grand event, but instead remained silently in seclusion on the mountain, sending only a video blessing. Fortunately, the White Jade Grand Assembly had enough staff, the preparations were sufficient, Manager Liu was experienced, and he had also hired quite a few people from the Yama Shop through Madam Hua Rong to provide security, ensuring that guests felt at home. Xue Yeyu also appeared as a shareholder representative, which made up for the regret of the boss's absence.

Aside from this auction, which had a certain influence in Yunzhou, another legend that spread through every street and alley in Jichun City was that about ten days after the Sword Casting Assembly ended, a stone slab that seemed to be sealing a sewer was moved aside, and several dozen disheveled, weak-looking people crawled out.

At first, everyone thought such filthy people must be a Beggar Sect gathering, but unexpectedly, someone later recognized that among these people were some famous heroes of the pugilistic world and wealthy merchants—all respectable figures. Several of them had even been parading through the streets in gold and silver just half a month prior, acting like bullies; no one knew how they had ended up locked in the sewer.

When these people came out, they were distraught, like idiots. Later, as they gradually regained their senses, they couldn't help but curse the heavens and the earth, saying things that no one could understand, such as "Holy crap, evil magic," "How did I forget everything?", and "You masked bastard, I curse your ancestors for eight generations." Seeing them in such a state of agitation, the people of Jichun City thought a street battle would break out, but unexpectedly, after they finished cursing and wiped their faces, they scattered in a rush, and most of them slipped out of Jichun City that very day, as if they had never been there.

After that, there was no more news in Jichun City. If there was any, it was that the Government Office and the Land Inspection Division mobilized together to clean up Jichun City, throwing out those martial artists who had come to attend the Sword Casting Conference and had not yet left, as well as some underworld and gray-market figures who were reluctant to leave. Then, after the auction, they immediately maintained an order in the city that was only slightly looser than martial law, and this had continued for more than half a month.

It is said that almost all the cities in Yunzhou did the same, and the atmosphere was unusual. At first, some suspected that some great Yin Calamity was about to sweep through Yunzhou, and people were very panicked for a while. Later, the prefectural office issued a denial, saying there was no such thing, and that it was a "Clean and Bright New Yunzhou—100-Day Public Security Cleanup Campaign" personally presided over by the Gaoyuan Marquis. Law-abiding citizens could go about their activities as usual without being affected. The Hou Mansion's word was still relatively credible, so after being nervous for a while, everyone got used to it.

There were many things happening down the mountain, but on the mountain, it was calm and peaceful.

The swamp is a body of still water; since it formed in ancient times, it has never stirred up waves. Even if fish and turtles forcibly stir up a storm, time will eventually smooth out these ripples and return the great swamp to tranquility.

After the Sword Casting Conference ended, the Disciples of Zhuoyu Villa moved back to their original residences and lived and studied as they had before. Although Zhuoyu Villa had produced two Sword Masters in a row, stirring up a storm in the pugilistic world, and the reputation of the entire sect had risen a level, everyone on the mountain felt no change, and their mindsets had not altered. Perhaps only when a certain disciple finishes their studies, goes down the mountain, and is looked upon with higher regard when stating their sect affiliation in the pugilistic world, will they realize—the status of Zhuoyu Villa is, after all, different from before.

One day in mid-ninth month, sunny.

The door to the ninth Sword Hut by the swamp opened again after forty days.

A youth walked out; the Sunlight shone on his head and body, golden and radiant, as if welcoming him.

The youth's handsome and elegant features melted into the light, like a natural painting; there could be no scene more harmonious than this.

"Azhao!"

Tang Zhao tilted his head and saw Xue Yeyu coming toward him.

Xue Yeyu was dressed differently than usual, wearing that fluffy gray cloak, looking just like an owl.

It was the same outfit she wore when Tang Zhao first met Xue Yeyu, the very clothes she loved to wear when going out.

Yes, Xue Yeyu was going out, which was something she had agreed upon with Tang Zhao. Although Tang Zhao was in seclusion, he had not completely cut off contact with the outside world, and the sect knew his progress.

He chose to go out today to go down the mountain with Xue Yeyu.

They were going to Zhongtian Prefecture.

Tang Zhao was going to pay his respects to the Gaoyuan Marquis, settle his official rank by the way, and then... ask for a short leave to travel with his sword for a while, so he could arrive at the Black Spider Villa in He Yang County by the end of the year to keep his appointment. This might be his last leisurely days; once he returned to the Hou Mansion, he would be a man with a job.

He also had a premonition that as soon as he reported for duty, someone would immediately find him to fulfill his obligations as a Sword Guest.

As for Xue Yeyu, she was taking the same path as Tang Zhao to retrieve her sword.

It wasn't that Xue Yeyu had been very enthusiastic about being a Sword Guest before; she was like other girls from good families with no worries about food or clothing, quite satisfied with her life, having no great ambitions, and living leisurely. But once this opportunity to ascend to the heavens was placed before her, Xue Yeyu could not hold back. She had spent this whole month in full anticipation, even feeling anxious about gains and losses.

Today the day had finally arrived, and she had changed her clothes early and was waiting for Tang Zhao at the door.

Tang Zhao was very understanding of her mood and smiled, "Since Senior Sister is ready, shall we bid farewell to Master and go down the mountain?"

This time, only the two of them were going out; Jiang Shenyi was obsessed with researching Souls and did not want to go down the mountain.

Xue Yeyu said, "Okay. Father is with Second Senior Brother; let's go find him."

Tang Zhao asked in surprise, "Second Senior Brother hasn't left yet?"

It had been over a month since he went up the mountain; it was quite rare for Senior Brother Xu to stay for so long.

Xue Yeyu smiled, "He's still here, but he won't be staying much longer. These past two days, Father has already been finding him an eyesore."

Tang Zhao found it amusing, and the two walked together along the wooden boardwalk by the shore to that Taoist temple-like Sword Hut, which was the residence of the Second Senior Brother.

Just as they reached the door, they heard someone roar, "Get out!"

As the door opened, Xu Zhongnan, wearing a Taoist robe, ran out stumbling, pointing at the door and shouting loudly, "I'm leaving, I'm leaving! Do you think I want to be here? Old man, don't come begging me to come back once I'm gone!" With that, he flicked his sleeves and left.

Tang Zhao and Xue Yeyu were secretly amused when they saw this scene, but they still bowed and greeted him on the surface.

Seeing that his Junior Brother and Junior Sister had caught him in the act, Xu Zhongnan looked slightly embarrassed, but in an instant, he acted as if nothing had happened, smiling and saying, "Junior Sister, Tang Shidi, are you going down the mountain today?"

Xue Yeyu said, "Yes, we'll leave after bidding farewell to Father."

Xu Zhongnan said, "Since that's the case, how about we go down the mountain together? We can keep each other company."

Tang Zhao and Xue Yeyu looked at each other, and Xue Yeyu said, "You're going back to Jingcheng, right? We're going to Zhongtian Prefecture. We aren't going the same way."

Xu Zhongnan waved his hand, "It's the same way, both heading south. I can go to Zhongtian Prefecture first and then detour back to Jingcheng. It just so happens I haven't been there in a long time. Zhongtian Prefecture also has plenty of good food and fun things. Then I'll take the official road back. I heard Junior Brother is going to travel? Why not come with me to Jingcheng to take a look? Since you want to broaden your horizons, how can you not go to Jingcheng?"

Tang Zhao was about to speak when he heard Xue Xianyun roar from inside the Sword Hut, "Stop trying to take Azhao to that kind of filthy place! You're the only one who likes rolling in the mud. Get out!"

Xu Zhongnan made a face, signaling Tang Zhao and the others to come find him, and then he trotted off alone.

Tang Zhao thought to himself: Is Senior Brother Xu's official position so leisurely? He can stay outside as long as he wants without having to go back to fulfill his duties?

The two entered the Sword Hut and saw Xue Xianyun. Although Xue Xianyun was a bit angry, he wasn't truly furious, and he gave a few instructions. He told Xue Yeyu not to be too obsessed, just let things take their course; if she could be matched with a sword, then so be it, and if not, there was no need to worry too much. Their own family was a Sword Casting sect, so why worry about having no swords to use in the future?

Then, he instructed Tang Zhao, "The Gaoyuan Marquis is still a decent feudal lord; be diligent and honest when working for her, but don't be too eager for advancement, lest you lose your sense of propriety. Your future lies in scholarship and the sword; don't be like that brat Xu Zhongnan, whose heart is obsessed with officialdom. And also..."

Xue Xianyun lowered his voice and said, "It's not that I'm telling you to avoid the important and dwell on the trivial, or to be selfish; to resist the Heavenly Demons and protect the people, you naturally must do your utmost. But when you encounter those open and secret struggles in the Imperial Court, you must not rush to the front. We are scholars; don't get too deeply involved in those sordid affairs. Although you are intelligent, you lack experience; don't get sold and still help count the money. If it really doesn't work out, come back; Zhuoyu Villa will protect you."

Tang Zhao promised solemnly. After several months, he bid farewell to his master again and went out with Xue Yeyu. Xu Zhongnan was indeed waiting outside, having just come from Third Senior Sister Zhu Ying's place. After the three of them reunited, they went down the mountain together toward Zhongtian Prefecture.