The light of the sword is like the moon reflecting on Kyushu

Chapter 2021 Will he come?

The sky in the northwest gets light much later. At this time, the sun is already high in the sky in the East China Sea, while it is still pitch black here.

The Tibetans had a long and sleepless night, mainly chasing after the lost yaks. Although Hassan said these yaks were old and would return on their own soon, the young Tibetans weren't sure how long that "soon" would be, so they continued their search.

If they can't find the yaks they're responsible for, they'll surely face cruel whippings! Hassan's smile may be benevolent, but his actions are equally ruthless! So no one will believe his lies and foolishly wait in place!

As it turned out, the old oxen got tired and fell asleep in the distance; not one of them turned back!
After finally finding nearly a hundred yaks, Hassan conscripted a few unlucky ones to skin the wolves.

After much busy work, the six wolf skins were finally peeled off.

Due to the shortage of fresh water, everyone could only wipe off most of the bloodstains on the wolf skin with sand and then place it on the back of a yak to dry. They would wash it properly after they encountered a river!
Feng Jiuxiao clasped his hands in greeting to Hassan, saying, "Uncle, farewell."

Hassan said, "We will meet again someday, if fate allows!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Gaozhou is under martial law now, you'd better be careful!"

Hassan's pupils contracted. "Martial law? Does the young master know why?"

"We are arresting traitors and spies!"

"Traitor? Spy?"

"The Song Dynasty has just pacified Gaozhou, and someone is already plotting to seize it from within!"

"Who are you? Are you remnants of the Shu army?"

"no!"

Hassan's gaze deepened. "Who could it be?"

Feng Jiuxiao's gaze also deepened, and he said meaningfully, "It is said to be a Tibetan, or of course, it could be a Qiang, but no matter who it is, disturbing the peace of the people is ultimately wrong, don't you think, old man?"

Hassan chuckled, “Yes. Merchants like us hope for peace the most. Only when the world is at peace can we make money! Once war breaks out, people will suffer everywhere, and life will be miserable. Forget about making money, even saving our lives will be a luxury!”

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Old man, you see things very clearly! Only in times of peace and prosperity can you amass great wealth! Those who always dream of becoming kings and emperors, and who don't care about the people, will be punished by Heaven sooner or later! The Mother of Heaven will never forgive such people!"

Hassan remained expressionless, but Toba behind him had his eyebrows practically standing on end!
That kid's got some nerve! It sounds like he's warning everyone not to act rashly!
Hassan squinted, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes becoming more pronounced—not just the marks of time, but also the accumulation of years of wisdom. He stared into Feng Jiuxiao's eyes, "This old man would like to ask a question!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "You're too kind, sir. Please feel free to offer any advice you may have!"

Hassan asked, "Gaozhou was originally part of the Great Shu region. What do you think of the Song court's attack on Gaozhou?"

Feng Jiuxiao smiled and asked, "What would you like to hear, old man?"

Hassan said, "From what you just said, if the Tibetan attack on Gaozhou is an atrocity that disregards the lives of the common people, then why don't you have any objection to the Song army attacking Gaozhou? Is it just because you are a Song person?"

Feng Jiuxiao smiled, thinking to himself: He really did ask that question!
"Old man, strictly speaking, I am a Chu person, or you could say a Liao person!"

Hassan was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Because I was born on Shenlong Island in the Bohai Sea, which, according to geographical division, was under the jurisdiction of the Great Liao Kingdom! Later, I stayed in Hengyang for a few years, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, that will be where I spend my final years. That place was originally the Chu Kingdom! So I should be considered a Chu person, but since the Chu Kingdom was annexed by the Great Zhou, I can only be considered a Zhou person. Now it has been incorporated into the territory of the Great Song, so I have also become a Song person. The original core of the Song army was from Luoyang, and they went through the Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou dynasties. It's just that now they have become Song people like me. If you simply think that a Hengyang person would be biased towards a Luoyang person for no reason, then you are too presumptuous! And superficial!"

Hassan wasn't angry, but Doba behind him couldn't hold back any longer and roared, "Kid! You're so arrogant! How dare you talk like that!"

Before Feng Jiuxiao could even speak, Pang Shiwu had already started cursing: "Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you talk to my older brother like that?"

Hassan immediately stopped Toba's rash behavior with a look! Seeing the extreme sharpness in his eyes, Toba clearly felt genuine anger and forcibly suppressed his rage, shutting his mouth and saying nothing more!
Although Hassan couldn't fathom Feng Jiuxiao's true strength, he could tell from the words and actions of these people that they were no ordinary individuals! Especially that black-clad youth who dared to carry two swords at his waist!
Anyone who dares to be so ostentatious is either a reckless fool or a peerless master!

If he were a brute, how could he have been so arrogant all the way from the Central Plains to the Northwest?

Moreover, the two long swords at the waist of the black-clad youth were definitely not ordinary!

The weapon on his left hip, in particular, exuded a faint aura of bloodlust, making one's mind uneasy! Even more bizarrely, when one got close, their blood vessels and true energy would become sluggish and disordered, which was simply unbelievable!
If the sword is already this terrifying before it is drawn, what kind of terrifying situation will it be when it is drawn?
Hassan was a shrewd and experienced man, absolutely confident in his judgment! To argue with the young man in white now, escalating the conflict, would be a completely unwise choice! Therefore, he had to quell Doba's anger immediately!

Seeing that Doba had quieted down, Pang Shiwu naturally couldn't continue to press his advantage and also quieted down!
Hassan immediately replied solemnly, "I would appreciate your further guidance on our previous topic, young master!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "I dare not presume to offer guidance! I do have many humble opinions! The reason why I have different attitudes towards the Song army and the Tubo army's attack on Gaozhou is because the ultimate goals of the supreme rulers of the two dynasties are different! The Song emperor attacked Gaozhou in order to annex the entire Great Shu, in order to unify the world and eliminate all strife!"

Hassan said, "My Tibetan dynasty can also unify the world and end the strife. Why don't you think it's a good idea?"

Feng Jiuxiao laughed and said, "Both sides are fighting to unify the world and end the conflict, but the Song army is fighting a just war!"

Hassan shook his head and said, "That's a bit of sophistry! My Tibetan dynasty unified the Central Plains and ended the chaos of the world. Why wasn't that a righteous act?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Then let me ask you a question. If Tibet conquers the Central Plains, how do you think the Tibetans will treat the Han people?"

This is a tricky problem!

Hassan didn't answer immediately, but fell into deep thought. Behind him, Toba coldly said, "What's there to ask! Of course, we'll make you kneel down, submit, and serve us like cattle and horses!"

Feng Jiuxiao laughed and said, "Men become slaves and women become maids, right? Uncle Hassan, you see, this is the difference I was talking about! You Tibetans have not been educated by the Central Plains civilization, you do not understand the way of the sages, you only understand the law of the jungle, so your military expeditions will only bring suffering and disaster! If Tibet invades the Central Plains, it will be nothing more than a replay of the history of the Five Barbarian Invasions! Uncle Hassan, do you know about the bloody history of the Five Barbarian Invasions?"

Hassan's gaze deepened, and he said slowly, "Of course I know... I've spent my whole life dealing with people from the Central Plains! I've loved reading historical texts about the Central Plains since I was a child! The so-called 'Five Barbarian Invasions' refers to the period after the War of the Eight Princes in the Western Jin Dynasty, when the five major barbarian tribes—the Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, Qiang, and Di—seized the opportunity to flood into the Central Plains and ruled for a full 135 years! To summarize this history in eight words—'The northern lands are desolate, and people eat each other!'"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Old man, you're amazing! You're right! That person must know that after Liu Cong, the King of the Xiongnu, conquered Luoyang, 30,000 men, women, and nobles were slaughtered by the Xiongnu soldiers in the manner of driving sheep! You must know even more that palace maids were used as 'two-legged sheep,' raped at night and cooked during the day!"

Chili's face turned deathly pale! She couldn't even imagine how devastated those girls must have been in that hellish situation!

Feng Jiuxiao's voice also carried a chill: "After the Xiongnu army captured Chang'an, the starving people in the city resorted to cannibalism! Historical records state: people ate each other, and white bones covered the fields! Uncle Hassan, what do you think the Tibetan army will do to the people after they enter the city?"

Hassan remained calm: "When the Song army entered the city, didn't they burn, kill, and loot?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "It's unrealistic to say that there isn't a single soldier who does bad things! However, compared to those inhuman and uncivilized barbarians, the Song army is definitely a kingly and righteous army, not even on the same level! Because the Song army has three rules!"

Hassan's eyes flashed: "Three rules? Does the emperor of the Song Dynasty want to emulate Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, “What’s wrong with that? A bronze mirror can straighten one’s clothes; history can teach us about rise and fall. Since there are precedents, why not learn from them? When Emperor Taizu of Song sent Cao Bin to lead troops to attack the Southern Tang, there were three rules: first, no killing of surrendered officials; second, no plundering of the people’s property. This rule was very strict. The original words were: ‘Any Song soldier who dares to take anything into the city will be beheaded!’ Even if it’s just a needle, he will be beheaded without exception. Can you do that? The third rule is to retain the old system. Officials of the Southern Tang can stay in their posts or come to the Song to serve as officials, and the tax system in Jiangnan can continue to be used!”

Hassan's eyes gleamed. "Retaining official positions wins the hearts of the people, and keeping the tax system unchanged wins the hearts of the merchants! To have both the court and the government in our hands is truly impressive!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Furthermore, regarding the three rules for attacking Shu, the first is to protect the Meng family, the second is not to disturb the people, and the third is to retain Shu officials! The interests of all levels, whether royal family, officials, or common people, are taken into account. How can this not win the hearts of the people?"

Hassan said, "Our Tibet can also establish three rules!"

Feng Jiuxiao shook his head and smiled, "Unfortunately, your word doesn't count! Nor does the prince behind you! The one who has the final say is your Zanpu, but unfortunately, he will never establish any rules! He only knows how to plunder and enslave the people of the Central Plains!"

Hassan and Doba were both startled! Their shock wasn't about anything else, but about how Doba's identity had been revealed!
Hassan wondered to himself: How did this kid see through Doba's identity? Apart from himself, none of the serfs in charge of escorting the goods knew Doba's true identity. Who leaked it to the boy in white?

Meanwhile, Toba was secretly watching Hassan, wondering: Could it be that Hassan inadvertently revealed his identity yesterday? But he shouldn't have made such a basic mistake.

Hassan coughed lightly, "How do you know our king can't keep the three rules?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Hehe, although I have never been to Tibet, I know that the people of Tibet live a very hard life! You could say that they are worse off than dead!"

Hassan's expression turned somewhat grim, but he remained silent.

Feng Jiuxiao continued, "During the Tang Dynasty, your Zanpu (king) would bestow land upon nobles and monasteries, forming a manor economy. The original free people, losing their land, gradually became serfs. The Tibetan word for serf is something like 'chaba,' I'm not sure if that's correct. Serfs were required to serve their lords and pay rent. Back then, the children of serfs had a chance to return to civilian life. But now, the status of serfs is firmly bound, passed down through generations. The children born to serfs remain serfs! Uncle Hassan, I want to know, how would a Zanpu who doesn't understand how to love his people, who treats his people as mere talking tools, treat the people of the Central Plains? Moreover, I've heard that the drums in your temples are made from the skin of young girls, and some ritual implements are even made from children's skulls. You commit cruel and tyrannical acts against the people, yet you accept their worship with a clear conscience. What makes you think you have the right to unify the world?"

Hassan said, “We can…adapt to local customs…in Han Chinese areas, we can use Han laws and customs to govern, just like the Liao Dynasty did, right? Northerners govern the north, and southerners govern the south!”

Feng Jiuxiao laughed and said, "Tibet and Liao are different!"

Hassan asked, "How is it different?" Feng Jiuxiao replied, "Tibet has no advantage in terms of timing, location, or popular support!"

Hassan said, "Oh? Please enlighten me!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "From a geographical perspective, after the Tubo Kingdom expanded to the Hexi Corridor, maintaining control over the Four Garrisons of Anxi in the Western Regions was already at its limit. Further eastward into the Guanzhong Plain would require crossing natural barriers such as the Longshan and Liupan Mountains, making logistical support difficult. On the other hand, after the Liao Kingdom controlled the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun, it gained access to agricultural bases in Han China and the Great Wall defense line, making it both offensive and defensive!"

Hassan's eyes flashed. "That makes sense!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Furthermore, regarding human relations, although Tibet established a monarchy during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, it was essentially still a tribal alliance with powerful nobles, and the king was often sidelined. Lacking a stable bureaucratic system, it relied heavily on local powerful figures after expansion, resulting in weak control. Now, Tibet is further divided into two major local regimes, Qusiluo and Liangzhou Liugu. How can a divided dynasty unify others? The Liao Dynasty, on the other hand, implemented a system of officials in the north and south, using the state system for nomadic tribes and the Han system for Han people, effectively integrating resources. Through the Ordo system, it directly controlled elite troops, avoiding the Tibetan-style problem of noble power division."

Hassan said, "That makes sense."

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Furthermore, regarding timing, during the An Lushan Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty, the Tibetans seized the opportunity to invade Chang'an. That was the best time for the Tibetans to attack the Central Plains! Unfortunately, the Tibetan army only looted a few times before retreating. Why? Because they couldn't hold the city! Their highland cavalry are fast, but they lack the ability to attack cities. If Anshan hadn't breached the gates of Chang'an, the Tibetan cavalry wouldn't have been able to enter the city! Apart from that time, you've never had another chance to trample the Central Plains! You couldn't even seize the opportunity given to you. Even after entering the city, you acted like petty thieves, grabbing things and running away. How stupid can you be?"

Doba finally couldn't help but interject, "Who the hell are you cursing?"

Pang Shiwu said coldly, "If you dare to insult my elder brother again, today will be your death anniversary!"

Hassan immediately clasped his hands in apology and said, "I'm sorry, he's a bit immature and his words were offensive, please don't take offense, young master. Farewell!" With that, he gave a wink and immediately turned and left!

Feng Jiuxiao laughed and said, "Never again!"

Doba stiffened for a moment, but quickly continued walking!
"The feud is now officially set in stone! You just wait!"

The mighty yak caravan, like a long dragon, set off southward, with Doba and Hassan following at the rear on horseback!
Pang Shiwu suddenly withdrew the suppression of the Blood Sword's murderous aura. Doba and Hassan suddenly felt a chilling killing intent coming towards them. The two instinctively turned around, only to find that there was nothing behind them. When their gazes fell, the black-clad youth, who was more than ten feet away, was still staring coldly at them!
What a murderous aura!
Hassan's palms were sweating profusely!
Doba was also tense, and a question arose in his mind: This black-clad youth could exude such a strong killing intent; his martial arts must be far superior to his own! When did such a genius young swordsman appear in the Central Plains martial arts world? He shouldn't be an unknown nobody!
Doba, riding alongside Hassan, asked, "Hassan, what's the name of that boy in black?"

"I don't know. Those kids are really slippery. Last night, only the boy in white gave his name; the others didn't reveal theirs."

"What's the name of that boy in white?" Last night, he was afraid of revealing his identity, so he didn't sit with Hassan. He spent the whole night in another campfire circle listening to those Tibetan lads singing and dancing, and didn't pay much attention to Hassan's conversation.

"That kid's name seems to be Feng Jiuxiao. I don't know if he's using his real name or a fake one. Based on my experience, he seemed to have seen through my secret at first glance, so he's most likely using a fake name!"

Doba suddenly paused, "What? Feng Jiuxiao? I feel like I've heard that name mentioned by some senior brother. Who said it? I can't quite remember... I think someone said that a guy named Feng something killed Losang and Duba..." His eyes suddenly lit up, "I remember now! It was Sangjie who said it! He said... he said... Feng Jiuxiao killed Losang and Duba! Yes, it was Sangjie who said it!"

Hassan's expression changed. "What did you say? The Holy One's two disciples, Losang and Duba, were killed?" He had always thought that the two were traveling abroad because many people had spread similar rumors. The Garan Temple later clarified that the two had not died at the hands of the Han people, but had gone to travel in the Central Plains.

I can't believe it, he actually died!

Doba immediately covered his mouth, realizing he had revealed a secret. He lowered his voice: "You must keep this a secret!"

Hassan said, "Hmm. You mean, that person surnamed Feng is this Feng Jiuxiao?"

Doba frowned. "It might be! I only remember the surname is Feng, but I forgot the given name. I don't know if it's the same person, but it's possible! I haven't seen my master for half a year, otherwise he would definitely know if I asked him!"

"You can send a message by carrier pigeon to ask!"

"Row!"

"If this Feng Jiuxiao is really the Feng that Sangjie mentioned, then it's best to warn the Holy Venerable in advance. I estimate that these people's destination is the Qinghai area!"

Doba asked, "How did you know?"

Hassan said, "Recently, more and more martial arts figures from the Central Plains are heading to Qinghai. I guess they must have received some kind of news that some unparalleled treasure is about to appear there! It's either a martial arts manual or a miraculous elixir, and nine times out of ten it's related to improving one's skills!"

Doba said, "Yesterday, a large group of people from the Central Plains also headed north, but some of them actually asked our people about Nianboyeze Mountain. Could it be that some treasure has appeared on this mountain as well?"

"Mount Nyangboyeze?" Hassan asked, puzzled. "There's nothing of value there except cordyceps. If they go up the mountain, they might get eaten by snow leopards!"

Nianboyeze Mountain, shaped like a white conch shell, is covered with snow all year round. At this time, countless figures are scattered all over the mountainside, searching for traces on the ground!

They hoped to track down their target from the messy animal footprints on the ground!
Halfway up the mountain is Baiyu Temple, which is also crowded with martial arts masters from the Central Plains!
The temple was deserted, and there were bloodstains on the ground, suggesting a struggle.

A middle-aged man dressed as a scholar said, "It looks like all the lamas here have been eaten!"

A monk holding a staff said, "Zhang Tanyue is right! The claw marks on these floor tiles are definitely not made by humans; they must have been left by some kind of wild beast. Judging from the depth, width, and angle of the claw marks, this beast was huge and ferocious. It is most likely that it is that monstrous beast!"

Many people echoed this sentiment!
"Let's go up the mountain and take a look!"

"Yes! I see there are already quite a few people on the mountain. If we go too late, we won't be able to get any!"

"Walk around..."

Countless figures left the temple.

At the mountain peak, a man dressed in black stood on the edge of the cliff, his clothes fluttering in the biting mountain wind.
He looked down the mountain and saw countless ant-like figures scattered in every corner. A hint of sarcasm appeared on his handsome but cold face. "A bunch of ants, daring to negotiate with a tiger!"

A voice behind him said softly, "Judging by the time, Feng Jiuxiao should arrive in the next few days."

The man in black said, "According to my information, he should have arrived in Gaozhou in the next two days. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, he should reach the foot of the mountain in the next day or the day after."

The man behind him said, "This Feng Jiuxiao can't shake his habit of meddling in other people's business. I heard he went to Forget-Worry Valley again on the way." He was dressed in white, with a long sword slung across his back.
A woman's voice rang out, "Will he come up the mountain?" Her voice was soft, sweet, and seductive, enough to steal one's soul! She was dressed in white, as white as snow, with exquisite features, and her every glance exuded a bewitching aura! A bewitching enchantress!
The man in black said, "Didn't Brother Wang say that he's a busybody and he'll definitely come? Seeing so many people coming up the mountain, the news that monsters are lurking and hurting people here must have spread, and he probably knows about it too."

The woman in white also walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the dense black shadows below. "So many people are coming up the mountain, probably for the inner core of the ferocious beast!"

The white-robed man with a sword on his back suddenly sighed and said, "That's the difference! He went up the mountain to get rid of the ferocious beast and eliminate the threat to the local people. As for the inner core, that was just something he did as a matter of course. But these people," his gaze as he looked down the mountain gradually turned cold, "came here solely for the inner core!"

The woman in white said, "Why don't I play a tune to see them off?"

The man in white said, "No! You've finally managed to change his impression of you. If you commit more killings, forget about meeting him again; you'll probably become his target!"

The man in black said, "That's right! Uncle Xiong's unfortunate passing must have affected his opinion of you! At least in his mind you are a lonely person. As long as you stop getting involved in the affairs of the Demonic Sect, he won't deliberately avoid you!"

The man in white said, "That's right! Our break with the Demonic Sect is a perfect opportunity to discuss cooperation with them!"

The three were Xiong Mengyan, Wang Sheng, and Duanmu Yan!
Xiong Mengyan said, "Now that the Bright Dharma King has raised the banner of the Demonic Sect and is purging his old followers, will Feng Jiuxiao let her go?"

Wang Sheng said, "However, the rumor is that the Bright Dharma King and Feng Jiuxiao have reached some kind of agreement, so Feng Jiuxiao probably won't go looking for trouble with her!"

Duanmu Yan said, "The Bright Dharma King has wanted to be the leader for a long time. Now that she has achieved her wish, she will naturally keep her promise and no longer invade the Central Plains martial arts world. But what about her successor? When someone suddenly has supreme authority, will he let that power be buried in the dust? Wealth and honor not returned to one's hometown are like embroidered clothes worn at night; who will know them! Once power is in hand, one can issue orders!"

Wang Sheng said, "I once heard a saying—true power is never exposed to the light; it only circulates in the shadows of secret edicts, smeared on brocade, as the night draws to a close. No one can resist the temptation of power! Whoever possesses the power to change the world will be driven by ambition to use that power!"

Xiong Mengyan said, "But most people in this world just drift along, living mediocre lives."

Wang Sheng laughed and said, "It's not that they don't want to, but... they're powerless to do it!"

Duanmu Yan said, "Just like all the men in the world, who among them who has seen you wouldn't want to get close to you? But why is it that almost no one can get close to you? It's because they know they don't have the ability!"

Wang Sheng laughed and said, "This is what they call having the desire but not the courage! They have the idea but dare not take action! And what about Brother Duanmu and me, who are considered bold? We are still powerless."

Xiong Mengyan sighed, "This is a bad example!"

Duanmu Yan's expression also showed some melancholy: "It's not good!"

Seeing the atmosphere growing cold, Wang Sheng laughed and said, "Which man in this world doesn't want to be an official, who doesn't want to be rich, who doesn't want to marry a beautiful woman? But in the end, only a few succeed! Why? Because the bold get rich, and the timid starve!"

Duanmu Yan said, "So, although the Great Bright Temple took in the remnants of the Demonic Sect, it also planted a hidden danger for itself! The Bright Dharma King wants to coexist peacefully with Feng Jiuxiao, but those former members of the Demonic Sect will only pretend to be nice to her. Moreover, her direct followers have discovered that the four sects of the Demonic Sect are clearly the winners, but in the end they have retreated to the Western Regions. I can't imagine whether someone will be unable to hold back and jump out to betray her!"

Wang Sheng said, "When the four factions were vying for power, everyone hoped to unify the Demonic Sect. But now that the Demonic Sect is unified, their territory and power have shrunk, and they have lost their ambition. So they might really turn against us!"

Thank you for your strong support and encouragement from Yudong!