Chapter 128: Snow and Wind Enter Chang

“This… Aunt Guan, hello.”

Li Yan didn’t know what to say, so he merely bowed and offered a polite reply.

Childhood memories surged in his heart—this woman was the one who, during the New Year, had once fought another woman at the door.

The other one seemed to be surnamed “Jing”…

Just as Li Yan was lost in thought, the middle-aged Daoist nun turned calmly and said to Guan Wanchue: “Let’s go. The past is past; no need to mention it again.”

“Also, my Daoist title is Zi Yuan.”

Guan Wanchue sighed helplessly. “Sister, why do you insist on this? Forget it, forget it. Master Zi Yuan, let’s go.”

With that, he and his men spurred their horses away.

Huh~

Li Yan immediately exhaled in relief.

Sha Lifei, beside him, shook with mirth and grinned: “This one’s still reasonable. The other two are real nuisances. Young Master Li, watch your back—don’t get stabbed.”

Li Yan gave him a cool glance. “Too much talk!”

Sha Lifei instantly fell silent, but seeing Hong Yecha’s puzzled look, he couldn’t help muttering, revealing a few of Li Yan’s father’s amorous exploits.

“Oh.”

Hong Yecha listened, then understood, but asked no further. Instead, she gazed at the retreating nun’s back and mused: “I think I’ve seen this Daoist before…”

Li Yan asked curiously: “You know her?”

Hong Yecha shook her head. “I often take jobs for the Profound Heaven Sect. I’ve been to Mount Taibai several times.”

“Two years ago, I teamed up with disciples of Doumugong to track a wandering corpse. We accidentally wandered deep into Mount Taibai and stumbled upon a secluded little sect. Together, we subdued and killed the corpse.”

“That little sect excels in talismanic arrow techniques—every one of them is a master archer. According to the Doumugong disciples, this sect descends from the Divine Bow Corps of the Great Xing Dynasty, and once matched the Golden Tent Wolf Nation in archery contests without losing.”

“After the Great Xuan Dynasty rose, they retreated into the mountains to cultivate in seclusion. Their methods resemble those of Meishan Sect, but they’re even more skilled in talismanic arrows.”

“That woman was among them then.”

“Talismanic arrows?”

Li Yan frowned, suddenly remembering: Guan Wanchue had indeed said his sister had gone to Mount Taibai to follow the Dao, and looked like she’d entered the Xuan Gate.

But if she wasn’t cultivating on the mountain, why had she come to Chang’an?

Could she be aiming to join the Commandant’s Office?

Of course, the thought passed through his mind only fleetingly.

Cultivating martial arts and Daoist techniques, establishing himself in Chang’an, tracking clues… he had many plans. He had no time to dwell on this.

…………

Although Chang’an’s layout had changed and it no longer boasted the former glory of nations coming to pay tribute, the old habit of “East Noble, West Wealthy, North Solid, South Empty” remained unchanged.

Xingqinggong lay in the northeast of Chang’an, and most government offices were concentrated there, while the west was filled with merchants and wealthy elites.

Property prices in these two areas were astonishingly high—often involving deep courtyards and grand mansions, though now even ordinary families could afford to buy.

But who, after all, could establish themselves there if they weren’t extraordinary?

“Chang’an has many inns.”

Li Yan and the others walked with their horses, while Sha Lifei chattered beside them: “The lowest tier are chicken-feather rooms and carriage inns—one for vagrants to barely survive, the other for carters traveling north and south to rest. Cheap, but you, Young Master Li, probably won’t want to stay there…”

“Then there are the Jianghu inns, where many martial artists mingle. All kinds of rumors circulate, and martial folk often receive preferential treatment when paying their respects.”

“Then there are ordinary inns, mostly occupied by traveling merchants. The environment is decent, but prices are slightly higher. The trouble is, some corrupt yamen runners often come to beg for handouts. Without connections, you can’t scare them off…”

Li Yan thought for a moment, then shook his head. “We didn’t come to Chang’an just to pass through. We’ll inevitably need to deal with people on the Jianghu. Let’s stay at a Jianghu inn—we’ll hear plenty of news.”

“As for Jianghu inns, I do know one.”

Hong Yecha suddenly spoke up. “The innkeeper there is somewhat acquainted with me. It’ll save us a lot of trouble.”

“That’s perfect, Red Sister. Where is it?”

“Yongan Fang.”

……

“Is this the place?”

Far off, they saw the sign of Fenglai Inn and the couplet at its entrance: “Phoenix flies, spreading good tidings; guests fill the hall, speaking of deep affection.” Sha Lifei grinned. “I’ve seen this place on the Qinling Road.”

“When I delivered a corpse back home, they wouldn’t even let me in. I guessed then the owner was a woman. Red Sister, am I right?”

“Mm.”

Hong Yecha smiled. “She’s from Fengxiang. Her family was once a major household there, but after their downfall, she rebuilt herself in Chang’an with remarkable skill. She and I get along well. Her name is Feng Feiyan.”

Wang Daoxuan, hearing this, stroked his beard. “The phoenix gathered on Qishan, flew and sang over Yong, and thus Zhou rose. What a weighty name! This owner, a woman establishing herself in Chang’an, is no ordinary person.”

Sha Lifei chuckled. “All I know is her Lao Qin wine is unmatched!”

“Indeed.”

Hong Yecha laughed. “After all, she’s from Fengxiang—where no banquet is complete without wine. Even rats can drink two taels.”

“Hahaha…”

As they spoke, they arrived at the inn.

Before they even approached, they heard the sound of a sanxian and a deep, bold voice singing: “Head resting on the Yellow River, facing heaven, singing in the small stream, shouting in the great river—one cry has echoed for five thousand years!”

“Guest, you… Red Great Hero!”

Seeing guests arrive, the innboy came out to greet them. He’d barely spoken when he saw Hong Yecha, and his face lit up. He hurried forward to take their horses. “Red Great Hero, you’ve come at the perfect time—the innkeeper was just talking about you…”

His eyes darted toward Li Yan and the others. Sha Lifei’s memory turned sour. He cursed: “What’s wrong with your staff? Even the branch on the Qin-Chu Ancient Road had a waiter with wandering eyes!”

The innboy bowed deeply. “Sir, that was my younger brother.”

Sha Lifei: “…”

Hong Yecha chuckled. “Take us to see Madam Feng. I’d like to introduce a few fellow cultivators.”

“Yes, Red Great Hero. I’ll take care of your horses—guarantee they’ll be fed fat and well.”

The innboy was eager, immediately calling others to lead the horses away.

Following the innboy into the inn, Hong Yecha’s expression instantly changed—back to her cold, detached, no-nonsense demeanor.

The main hall still held scattered patrons: some were itinerant performers with long and short instruments, others were martial types with fierce faces and slightly bulging temples.

They appeared to be drinking or chatting, but their eyes subtly drifted over, silently guessing the newcomers’ origins.

Li Yan and the others ignored them, following the innboy up the stairs to the second floor, then knocking on a room facing the street to the east.

“Madam, Red Great Hero is here!”

!.

Li Yan looked up. The room was elegantly arranged: on either side stood antique shelves holding porcelain and curios, and bookshelves filled with volumes.

By the window lay a long couch, where a woman in blue sat, swaying her wine flask idly as she gazed out the window, her pale neck revealing a graceful curve.

Li Yan sniffed, surprised.

This incense—what was it made of? It could clear away foul odors and ill fortune.

Hearing the knock, the woman turned her head. She looked to be in her twenties or thirties, yet her appearance was exceptionally well-preserved.

Oval face, eyes with a peach-blossom glow, alluring yet with a touch of martial spirit.

She turned, rose from the couch, smiling. “Red Sister, I was just thinking your mission must be done. With snow and wind arriving, you’d surely come to Chang’an for wine. Who are these…?”

“Hahaha, of course.”

Seeing her friend, Hong Yecha’s face lit up again. She gestured. “Let me introduce: this is Li Yan, a rising star from Xianyang’s Xuan Gate. This is Daoist Wang Daoxuan. This is Sha Lifei…”

After the introductions, Madam Feng Feiyan smiled. “Since you’re Red Sister’s friend, you’re all heroes. Stay as long as you like. If you need anything, just tell me.”

“Red Sister, since you’re here, stay and drink with me.”

Li Yan and the others were sharp—they saw Madam Feng had something to discuss with Hong Yecha. They immediately bowed in thanks and followed the innboy toward the back courtyard.

Yong’an Fang, where Fenglai Inn stood, was not a merchant district, so land prices were cheap and the area large.

Behind the inn lay a row of small courtyards, apparently carved out by walling off parts of the original Fang .

“Here you are.”

The innboy led them to a small courtyard on the west side, unlocking the gate as he explained: “This courtyard doesn’t face the street—quiet at night…”

Opening the door, Li Yan looked inside. The courtyard was small: one main house, two side rooms, a kitchen, and an outhouse.

Beneath an old tree stood a well.

Though cramped, it was clean and odorless.

Li Yan immediately liked it. He nodded. “Good.”

“Glad you’re satisfied.”

The innboy handed them the key. “If you want food or wine, just call out—someone will bring it. Hot water you can heat yourself.”

With that, he withdrew and shut the door behind him.

“This is nice.”

Wang Daoxuan smiled. “Last time I came, I was broke and stayed in a carriage inn—what a torment.”

Li Yan shook his head. “No matter how good, it’s still temporary. I need to cultivate martial arts and Daoist techniques, and Daoist, you must set up your ancestral altar. Too many eyes—it’s inconvenient.”

“Daoist, come with me to Chenghuangmiao first. Get your Dao permit, then pay a visit to Daoist Luo.”

Sha Lifei grinned. “You two go. Chenghuangmiao’s incense is heavy—I’d be too nervous to speak, feel all cramped. I’ll wander around, find a real estate agent, and check what houses are available.”

With the plan settled, the three told the innboy to relay the message to Hong Yecha, then left the inn and split up.

After walking a few steps, Li Yan sensed something and turned to look back. Through a second-floor window, Madam Feng was holding her wine flask, watching them.

Seeing Li Yan had noticed, the still-charming woman smiled faintly and raised her flask in salute.

Strange woman…

Li Yan nodded slightly, then turned and merged into the crowd.

On the window, the innkeeper Feng Feiyan turned back and smiled, “Red Sister, your friend is young, but he looks quite skilled.”

Hong Yecha took a sip of wine and shook her head. “These are people from the Xuanmen. Don’t go plotting against them—they don’t kill for money.”

“Hahaha…”

Feng Feiyan smiled faintly. “Red Sister, where do you think I’m going? I’m just happy for you—you’ve finally made a friend, someone to lend a hand when trouble comes.”

“Ahh~”

Hong Yecha sighed. “I’m getting old. This time, I nearly lost my life—thankfully, these few came to my aid.”

Feng Feiyan nodded slightly, then her eyes flickered. “Something big has happened on the road lately. Have you heard the news, Red Sister?”

“What’s happened?”

“Something extraordinary was unearthed near the old capital of ancient Zhou Hao…”

(End of Chapter)