Chapter 299: Drawing the Sword for My Lord Today (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 299: Drawing My Sword for You Today (Seeking Monthly Vote)

Wuyan Mutual Market.

A night alive with rain and clamor.

Towering raindrops hammered into the dense forest, dry leaves scattering and tumbling, crashing against the towering rocks and trees.

Tap-tap-tap, never ceasing.

In this bustling market, its contours now far clearer than before, it resembled a proper town.

Tall city walls rose from the ground, narrow walls lined with dozens of watchtowers.

Within the walls, bright fires flickered, casting faint light upon dozens of armored guards.

Some were from the Xiao family, others from the mountain clans.

Within the walls,

Most of the streets remained a mix of mud and stones, though a grand avenue of stone ran north and south.

Five zhang wide, polished smooth, its surface gleaming even under the rain, faintly reflecting the fires.

Two hundred shops of varying sizes and heights lined both sides, orderly and precise.

Behind them, warehouses stood—square and spacious, some bearing red paper notices on their doors.

The red paper bore words like "Hongyuan Red Cliff Trading House" and "Ancient Omiri Tribe of Wumen Mountain."

Clearly, these warehouses had been claimed by certain trading houses or mountain clans.

Beyond the stalls and warehouses, a few open spaces dotted the ground, hundreds of pits of varying depths collecting rainwater.

Many laborers bent over, clearing debris from the pits, rainwater pouring over their glistening backs.

Dewdrops sparkling.

Xiao Hong stood on a small hill outside the market, face bare under the sky, gazing far into the bustling scene within, his expression one of quiet satisfaction.

The old matriarch, her days passing like a fleeting breeze, felt a weight lift from her heart as Wuyan Mutual Market nears completion.

Though difficulties had arisen, through her alliance with the mountain clans, they had reached this point.

Of course, she was not truly pleased.

Yet now that the market was complete, Xiao Hong could finally step away.

The three towns' new army, honed through years of trials, was ready to prove its worth.

Should there be no major upheaval, this elite force would reclaim its former strength, as it had before the barbarian king's invasion five years prior.

Not in vain were her years of effort.

And what pleased Xiao Hong most—once these tasks were done, she could finally rest in the capital city.

The old matriarch, her elder sister, uncles and elders, and—her lord—she longed to see them all.

After all, the New Year approached; she couldn't wander abroad as she had during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As Xiao Hong thought these thoughts, she hurried back to her wooden hut.

Su Zimei rose to greet her, bowing politely, smiling warmly: "My lady, you always check on the market, no matter the weather."

"Indeed, I couldn't rest without seeing it."

"With you here, what else could I worry about?"

Su Zimei mused, and in Xiao Hong's eyes, she saw not just the general, but also a few moments of wistfulness.

If not for the keen-eyed, those who sought trouble would not have dared to cause a stir. Even some of the mountain clans, unruly and unruly, had learned to behave.

Without such order, Wuyan Mutual Market would never have neared completion so swiftly.

Xiao Hong nodded, settling into her seat, her gaze naturally drifting to the painting hanging before her.

—Within the warm, gentle glow, Xiao Fengchun, Fu Wenneng, Xiao Wanie, Xiao Wuge, and Chen Yizheng smiled at her, their faces bright.

In contrast, her own painted likeness stood in the corner, hands clasped before him, a wary, distant posture.

Since the painting arrived from home, Xiao Hong had glanced at it often.

At first, she focused on Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wenneng, recalling the few memories of her childhood in Hou's mansion.

Yet, seeing the images stirred longing.

Even as a general, she could not help but feel a pang of nostalgia.

Later, her attention shifted to Xiao Wanie and Xiao Wuge, then to Chen Yizheng.

Though the painting's Chen Yizheng seemed more handsome than her memory held, she still recognized his features.

Just as she had first seen him—sunlight bright, he held up a freshly caught earthworm, his smile as gentle as jade.

Looking at it, a smile tugged at her lips.

Su Zimei noticed her expression, her face turning slightly mischievous: "My lady, you're thinking of your nephew again?"

Xiao Hong quickly composed her smile, turning to face her: "Have the provincial governors sent word?"

Su Zimei met her gaze, coughed once to steady her smile, and handed her a scroll: "The garrison commanders reported contact with Mengshui Pass, no signs of barbarian incursions."

"General Zhang's pigeon also brought word; the Tea Horse Road is similarly clear, no sight of the Phoenix King's banner within a thousand li."

Xiao Hong read the scroll, nodding slightly: "Commander Li will continue monitoring, Zhu Hao..."

Pausing, she retrieved the letter from the scroll's back, opening it with a frown: "The Emperor's decree punishing the old matriarch has already reached Guangyuan?"

Su Zimei quickly flipped through her documents, finding a page: "It arrived in Guangyuan County three days prior."

"My lady, did Commander Zhu mention tax issues in his letter?"

Xiao Hong shook her head: "He's probably gone mad with grief, doubting the administrators' calculations."

"What? How could he doubt that?"

"Hmph, insatiable greed!"

A chill flashed in Xiao Hong's eyes: "He's been scheming to manipulate my army for years; this debt will come due soon enough!"

No wonder she was so angry.

In the past two years, the garrison commanders' meddling had often stemmed from Zhu Hao's hand.

Without Commander Li's mediation, Xiao Hong would have long since clashed with Zhu Hao.

She was about to press Su Zimei for more news from Shuozhou when a sharp cry of an eagle echoed outside.

Xiao Hong startled, rising to her feet, looking up at the dark sky.

Through the torrential rain, she spotted the soaring eagle, its head crowned with a small cluster of white feathers.

"Grandfather's urgent report..."

Xiao Jinghong furrowed her brows, slipped two fingers into her mouth and blew a sharp whistle.

The white-headed eagle, upon hearing the sound, didn't hesitate to spiral before snapping shut its wings and diving straight toward her.

Just before reaching the height of the cottage, it flicked its wings to slow down, settling steadily on Xiao Jinghong's shoulders, nuzzling her cheek in a display of obedience.

Xiao Jinghong gently patted its head, withdrew the small bamboo tube from its claw, and drew out a slip of paper.

[The general under King Lan's banner, 'Wolf' Du Cang, has captured the princess, and 'Dragon Spear' Liu Wu is racing to rescue her!]

[There is also a matter of great significance to discuss!]

[The Duke hopes the general returns swiftly—Xiao Jin, your hidden guards!]

Upon seeing the last line, Xiao Jinghong's expression shifted slightly. Without hesitation, she turned back into the cottage, drawing her long sword and fastening it to her waist.

She quickly gathered her belongings while issuing orders:

"The city below has seen turmoil. Stay here and keep watch over the workers. If trouble arises, seek out the mountain people immediately!"

Su Zhe Mo glanced up at her composed face, unable to ask further questions, and handed her the half-face mask from the table, bowing respectfully: "At your command!"

Xiao Jinghong donned the mask and hurried out of the cottage, soaring skyward in a single leap.

She slapped her thigh, and the long sword from its sheath fell to her feet at her will.

In the next instant, a bright silver gleam of light erupted in the darkness, flashing across dozens of miles in the blink of an eye.

It left a trail like a streak of starlight across the night shrouded in clouds, stretching endlessly northward.

But within a few breaths...

As Xiao Jinghong unleashed her true energy in her haste, she suddenly spotted a figure approaching from the front, gliding like a rainbow.

—The man was upright in appearance, his expression cold, clad in snow-white robes, standing beside his own long sword just as she was.

The difference lay in Xiao Jinghong's dazzling speed, which only manifested when she exerted her full power, whereas this white-robed swordsman wielded it with effortless grace.

Xiao Jinghong scrutinized the stranger, her instincts shifting into defensive alertness.

Yet the man seemed oblivious to her presence, passing by without altering his demeanor.

Only one sentence remained.

"Master Li Wu Dang's disciple?"

"On the fifteenth of October, I, Gong Zhe Bai, will meet you on the upper reaches of Chi Shui River. You are qualified to witness our duel."

Before Xiao Jinghong could respond, the white-robed swordsman's voice continued: "Shall I deliver a message for you to your master?"

"After our battle, I hope to test swords with him as well."

Then, his words grew closer: "Time... place... will be determined by him."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong's figure froze mid-motion, turning her long-sword-clad feet to gaze behind her.

She saw the white-robed swordsman standing with hands clasped behind his back, speeding away as if she would obediently follow his words.

After a moment of careful observation, Xiao Jinghong's eyes flashed with sudden realization: "It's him."

"He has already reached the Land Immortal Realm..."

After a moment's thought, Xiao Jinghong silently noted the date—the fifteenth of October—and turned again toward the prefecture city in Shu Zhou.

In her urgency to ensure Su Wane Er's safety, she also recalled some old tales she had heard while accompanying her master, Li Wu Dang.

These included the names of several top swordsmen in the martial world:

"Broken Willow Sword" Chen Zhi Tang, "Absolute Cloud Sword Master" Jiang Yan Liu, and the white-robed swordsman just now—"Snow Sword Lord" Ye Ge Xian!

"Snow Peak Independent Nineteen Springs, plum blossoms on his shoulders, untouched by dust."

"Today, he draws his sword to challenge, realizing he too is a fool."

"Ye Ge Xian is a swordsman whose talent is unparalleled in a millennium, yet he is so devoted to the sword that he ascends rapidly within its realm."

"Perhaps in a few years, he will come to challenge me..."

Recalling these, Xiao Jinghong's face showed concern.

She understood Li Wu Dang's situation; having withdrawn to practice swords for several years, he was likely no match for Ye Ge Xian, who had just attained the Land Immortal Realm.

In such battles among warriors of such caliber, one misstep could lead to fatal injury or death.

Though driven by personal motives, she did not wish to inform Li Wu Dang, yet she knew that if Ye Ge Xian and others spoke, Li Wu Dang would eventually learn of it.

Their duel would inevitably occur.

Xiao Jinghong's mood grew troubled until the prefecture city came into view, when she made up her mind.

"On the fifteenth of October... I shall inquire with his elder again."

Fortunately, the immortal had mentioned beforehand that he could be sought if needed.

Xiao Jinghong could thus speak freely. For her master's sake, she needed to be cautious.

After all, Ye Ge Xian, though bearing the title "Snow Sword Lord," was known for his idiosyncratic ways.

Especially in matters of swordplay.

Labeling him a "sword addict" would not be far off.

Thinking this, Xiao Jinghong suppressed her spirit, sheathed her sword, and descended into Xiao Family Courtyard.

Before the soldiers around her could speak, she called out loudly: "What is the current situation? Is the eldest sister safe?"

As they approached, King Li Xing hastened forward to bow: "To report, General, the princess has returned safely two hours ago!"

He spoke with slight excitement: "Our guards were unsuccessful in their defense; we ask for your judgment and punishment!"

Xiao Jinghong's expression eased, her tone softened: "She has returned safely... In that case, let grandfather decide the rewards and punishments."

She paid no further heed to King Li Xing and others kneeling before her, and walked straight toward the Pure Dwelling.

After a moment...

Within ten zhang of the Pure Dwelling, there was not a soul to be seen.

Xiao Jinghong sat inside the hall. Xiao Elder Tai Ya wore simple clothes, straightened his back and smiled:

"The situation arose urgently, and I did not know if Liu Wu could rescue Wane Er, so I sent you back."

"Fortunately, Liu Wu is capable; he killed Du Cang and rescued Wane Er. Otherwise, I would not have dared to meet your father... mother."

Xiao Jinghong exhaled in relief, nodding: "Grandfather, this is also my responsibility."

"If I had stayed in the mansion, Du Cang would not have dared to venture so deep into the city..."

Before she could finish, Elder Tai Ya waved his hand: "It is not your fault. I was in Xiao Family and could not protect Wane Er completely—it is all my fault."

But then he smiled: "However, through this misfortune, we have gained a blessing."

"A blessing?"

"I have found you a suitable match."

Xiao Jinghong's expression shifted slightly: "That 'Dragon Spear' Liu Wu?"

"Grandfather, who exactly is he?"

"Regarding the matter of burning the summer grain in the previous three towns, this person appeared outside Iron Wall Town, killed Liu Wen, then sent a generous gift to our Xiao family. And now, this time..."

"Could he be your doing, Grandfather?"

Xiao Laotai shook his head, smiling as he spoke: "If he were old man’s own, that would be ideal."

After a pause, he asked: "Do you remember Bai Caotang?"

Xiao Jinghong thought for a moment. "The Bai Caotang with tea service, the one that collaborates with our pharmacy?"

The matter of Bai Caotang was trivial, merely involving some silver within the Hou family, so she hadn’t given it much thought.

Xiao Laotai nodded: "Liu Wu, the owner of Bai Caotang, surnamed Chen, given name Yu, is a master of the medical arts, a true paragon of healing."

"Chen Yu? A master of medicine?"

Xiao Jinghong was slightly surprised: "Beyond firearms, he also excels in medicine?"

"Not only that."

"When Xiao Jing came to report previously, this time he slew Du Cang, not only displaying his skill with firearms but also revealing his mastery in boxing."

Xiao Laotai chuckled: "His boxing has also reached the pinnacle of mastery."

Xiao Jinghong slightly widened her eyes: "Boxing... at the pinnacle... so with firearms, medicine, and boxing, he must be... he must be..."

Seeing her expression, Xiao Laotai felt pleased: "Now you understand why old man favors him, don’t you?"

"His talents are worthy of my daughter Wan’er."

"Besides his medical skills, it’s possible he might yet cure Wan’er in the future. What’s more..."

Xiao Laotai paused, then rose to his feet, his body erupting with the recovered spiritual energy nearly fully restored.

A vaguely blood-soaked, fierce aura enveloped the hall.

Xiao Jinghong startled, rising from her seat, scanning him from head to foot, her expression slightly agitated: "Grandfather, your body... it’s healed?"

Xiao Laotai suppressed his energy, shoulders back, smiling: "Thanks to that Chen Yu, old man’s old wounds have mostly healed."

"Though it may never reach full recovery, I reckon I could endure another ten, twenty years."

His voice brimmed with joy.

It was not an exaggeration to compare it to a withered tree in spring.

Xiao Jinghong stared at him for a moment, then composed herself: "In that case, Chen Yu is indeed a suitable match for my elder sister."

"Grandfather, has the marriage date been set for him and my elder sister?"

Xiao Laotai fell silent, then shook his head when seated: "For now, it’s merely old man’s thought."

"Earlier, Eldest Brother asked Wan’er, and she seemed reluctant to marry. You should persuade her later."

Xiao Jinghong smiled faintly, agreeing: "I will."

In her view, Chen Yu, skilled in medicine, was indeed a proper match for Xiao Wan’er. Even if Xiao Wan’er could not be cured in the end, it would be better than living alone until death.

"Does Chen Yu know of Grandfather’s plan?"

"He? Probably... aware of it, then?"

Though Xiao Laotai was somewhat uncertain, his tone remained resolute:

"Old man’s granddaughter, so exceptional, he would refuse to give it a try!"

Xiao Jinghong could not help but feel both amused and troubled: "Grandfather, in my opinion, this matter should be clarified first, lest we do harm with good intentions."

Even after years in the army, she understood the ways of the world, and marital affairs required proper preparation.

Just as she and Chen Yi had once caused a scandal called the 'runaway groom,' hadn’t they?

Thinking of Chen Yu’s cold, indifferent demeanor, Xiao Laotai no longer pressed the point.

"After a while, when you have time, go meet him, and ask his thoughts, then."

Xiao Jinghong agreed once more.

"Though that boy needs a bit of a shake-up—you don’t know, he..."

Old man went on to explain how he’d arranged for Chen Yu to pose as Kongzhu Wangma, a banner general of the Xiongnu or barbarian tribes.

He laughed heartily at that.

Xiao Jinghong slightly furrowed her brow: "Even so, his methods for dealing with the Ji Zhou merchants... "

After a pause, she nodded: "My son understands now. When I meet him, I’ll assess him carefully."

"Good..."

After some casual talk.

Xiao Jinghong thought of the "great matter" in the letter, and asked: "What business does Grandfather have to discuss with me?"

Hearing this, Xiao Laotai paused, his smile fading:

"Liu Hong, he’s entangled with the barbarians and the Pouch Gai Empire!"

"Who?"

"Liu Hong?"

(Chapter Complete)