Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 25 A Gentleman's Virtue is Worth a Million Gold (5.295k)
The man on the wall frowned.

Just now he seemed to be in control of the overall situation, but now he was hesitant.

Shan Xiongxin secretly exclaimed in amazement.

After a while, the man from the Golden and Purple Camp took out the short spear from behind, placed it in his palm and slowly turned it.

The mottled wall under his feet had collapsed in half, and the inside was hollow and loose, less than three fingers thick. At this time, he stepped slowly with his feet, and there was no dirt falling or mud balls rolling down, which showed that his ability to control strength and skill was very high.

It seems like he's ready to take action at any moment!

But the man's next move left Zhou Yi and Shan Xiongxin stunned.

I saw him jump down from the wall and suddenly put the short spear back into his back.

The murderous look in his eyes and the hostility on his face disappeared in an instant!

He looked fierce and murderous just now, but now he smiled at Zhou Yi.

It seems quite sincere.

Zhou Yi asked himself if he could see any flaws in his expression and was at a loss for a moment.

do not fight?
Shan Xiongxin reminded coldly:
"What do you mean? Are you saying you're not from the Golden and Purple Camp? I've seen you in Zhang Xutuo's formation."

"Don't be angry."

The man surnamed Yu responded and smiled at Zhou Yi, saying, "Master Zhou, I dare to bet you a five-zhu coin. You must be in a state of despair right now. I don't know why I changed my mind."

Zhou Yizhao touched his arms.

With a "ding" sound, a copper coin was flicked to the man.

"You win this coin. Tell me about it."

The man surnamed Yu took it and was quite delighted: "I will treasure this five-zhu coin. It is of great significance."

He added, "I have seen your portrait in the camp, and I also know what you did in Yongqiu. I know I cannot do what you did, so I admire you."

"In this chaotic world, people's hearts are unpredictable. Everyone serves their own masters, fighting for supremacy. Few care about the innocent people caught in the middle. Master Zhou is an exception, and that's why I want you to be remembered. If someone else from the Golden and Purple Camp came here, they might not recognize you."

Zhou Yi didn't take these compliments to heart, "Is that all?"

"Of course not."

The man surnamed Yu said, "I have a friend named Xie. He acts much like you and possesses the qualities of a gentleman, but he lacks your cunning."

“That’s not a disparagement.”

He tossed the coin and said, "Just now, when we were at loggerheads, this tiny coin actually affected my mind. It's quite bizarre. This is the first time I've encountered such a thing."

Zhou Yi also looked at the copper coin: "Is your friend in Fule?"

The man surnamed Yu stopped throwing the coins and said, "He died on his way to conquer Goguryeo."

"General Zhang did not convey the order to kill you, so my relationship with Master Zhou is not hostile."

He looked at Shan Xiongxin again: "This man rebelled and killed officials in Jiyin County, but he is a traitor that the court wants to kill."

"Officials who disturb the people deserve death."

Shan Xiongxin glared at him: "If I had recovered from my injury, would you have the courage to say this to me now?"

The man surnamed Yu grinned and said, "I'm just a soldier, following orders. What you said is true, but it doesn't excite me."

"The so-called enemy's harm is great, so take advantage of the situation and use the strong to overcome the weak."

"Taking advantage of someone's misfortune and using it on the battlefield is a brilliant strategy."

Zhou Yi pointed at the mottled wall and said, "Give me back the copper coins, then jump up again and we'll fight again. Let's see if what I said was just a threat or if it was true."

"Eh~!"

The man surnamed Yu tossed the copper coin again: "We work outside to make a living. If we have money, we can eat. There is no reason to give back the money we have earned."

"For the sake of Master Zhou Tianshi, I can spare him."

Before Zhou Yi could speak, the man surnamed Yu said, "Perhaps Master Zhou thinks that I am shameless for saying so."

"But you just heard this lone bandit leader say that our Golden Purple Camp never acts alone. As long as I call on my fellow campers, can the Heavenly Master still control the situation?"

Zhou Yi touched his chin: "Tell me your conditions."

The man surnamed Yu pointed at Shan Xiongxin and said, "To buy his head, I want ten thousand taels of gold."

Shan Xiongxin smiled in astonishment: "Shan's head is so valuable. Brother Zhou, please kill me immediately. I will gladly let you earn the money."

Zhou Yi patted Shan Xiongxin on the shoulder and said, "Don't be impatient. Ten thousand gold is just a drop in the bucket. Buying a brother's head is a great deal."

Shan Xiongxin's eyes widened, he couldn't believe that he was so arrogant.

Zhou Yi turned to the man surnamed Yu and said, "Today I will pay you one copper coin. I will discuss the rest of the payment with Li Mi. I am his creditor. He burned down my Fuzi Mountain. He must pay me at least 100,000 taels of gold."

"If you can't wait, you can ask Li Mi directly for it."

The man surnamed Yu shook his head: "I won't pay it back at all."

Zhou Yi stared at him: "Then please draw a path."

Seeing the man surnamed Yu groping in his arms, he flicked a letter to Zhou Yi: "Help me deliver a letter."

Zhou Yi frowned slightly and looked at the envelope, but did not see the signature.

Unable to figure out the man's purpose, he casually asked, "Whose letter is it?"

"friend's."

Zhou Yi guessed, "Is it the one named Xie you just mentioned?"

The man surnamed Yu nodded after hearing this.

He thought of his old friend and sighed: "The road to the end of the world is broken by the horse's hooves, and the old friend is coming with the wine flag waving."

"Hehe, I'll never see you again."

After calming down, he turned to Zhou Yi and said:
"Actually, this is a letter from home. I've carried it with me for a long time, but I didn't dare to fulfill my friend's last wish. His father is in Nanyang, and I can't bring this cruel news back."

"It just so happens that I met you today."

He breathed a sigh of relief:

"Master Zhou is a man who shares his gentlemanly virtues and is well versed in Daoist learning and the teachings of Huang-Lao. Please help me deliver this letter home. If his father asks about it, you can answer it better than I could."

The man surnamed Yu looked towards the north, as if he saw the Liao River, and said slowly:
"A letter from home is worth a thousand pieces of gold."

"This ten thousand gold is just enough to buy his head."

Zhou Yi was silent for a while, then asked, "Where should I send it to?"

The man surnamed Yu replied, "Nanyang, Wolonggang."

Zhou Yi weighed the pros and cons, and under the watchful eye of the man surnamed Yu, he finally put the letter from home into his arms.

Even he felt the weight of carrying ten thousand taels of gold.

The man surnamed Yu felt lighter: "Thank you."

“When people get older, they sometimes worry about strange things.”

"My last name is Yu, and my given name is Xingzhe. If the old man asks, please tell him that I am dead too. That way, the old man will know that we brothers have company in the underworld and are not alone."

Zhou Yi nodded and said, "I'll bring it to you."

"Farewell."

Yu Xingzhe bowed to Zhou Yi, pretended not to see Shan Xiongxin, and jumped over the wall.

In a few breaths, he disappeared.

"Are all the people in the Jinzi Camp like this?" Zhou Yi was quite curious.

Shan Xiongxin shook his head: "Absolutely not."

He suddenly cursed again, "That bastard surnamed Yu made me owe my brother another life in such a short time. I will never be able to repay him in my whole life."

"He didn't explain Brother Zhou's identity clearly. I don't know where he is a big boss."

There were also titles like "Tianshi". Shan Xiongxin was injured and his mind was already not at peace. His head was like a mess at this moment and he couldn't remember anything no matter what.

"Since you're not in Yongqiu, it's normal that you don't know about it."

"I am the Heavenly Master of the Taiping Dao on Mount Yongqiu," Zhou Yi thought for a moment and added, "I am considered the leader of the Taiping Sect."

"Peace Road!"

Shan Xiongxin suddenly realized that compared with the Taiping Dao, he, a bandit leader from Liangwangtai, was indeed a small fry.

They can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, with a long tradition. They stirred up chaos in the world and fought against the Nine Provinces with thirty-six parties. This is the big rebel in the eyes of the court.

Brother Zhou is still the leader here!
He is indeed a rare talent.

After this battle, Shan Xiongxin had a lot of good feelings towards Zhou Yi, knowing that he was virtuous, talented and intelligent, and this was not enough to repay his kindness.
So I made up my mind.

At this time, he said solemnly and seriously:
"To be honest, brother, after I killed the official who disturbed the people, I heard that Zhai Rang was a hero of the time. I wanted to find him after leaving Caozhou, but I was chased all the way here."

"After meeting Brother Zhou today, I realized it was God's will."

"I cannot repay the kindness of these two lives. Forget about the vain afterlife. Please give me a chance and let me join the Taiping Dao. Whether I'm fighting in battle or guarding the mountain gate, I won't hesitate to show my bravery. I will follow your lead, whether I live or die, without regrets!"

After saying this, he ignored his injuries and bowed his head.

How could Zhou Yi not be happy? He almost couldn't suppress the smile and stepped forward to support him: "This is a blessing for the Taiping Dao. However, now that the Fuzi Mountain Dojo has been destroyed, I am wandering around the world with nowhere to go."

Shan Xiongxin reacted very quickly and suggested, "That's easy."

"I happened to be sending this letter to Nanyang. Wolonggang is where Wu Hou came out of the mountains. This place connects the east and the west, and connects the south and the north. It is indeed a good place to go."

Then half-jokingly said:
"Why not take root in Nanyang and establish another Taoist temple? Since the Master of Confucius Mountain is gone, I can become a Wolong Master. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

When Zhou Yi first heard it, he thought it was a good idea.

However, compared to Yongqiu, Nanyang is much more difficult to survive.

Yongqiu has only one powerful Hunyuan sect, but Nanyang is a big stage with many gangs and masters.

For example, in the Tiankui Sect in Nanyang, there are no less than 10,000 disciples in a Tiankui Taoist temple!
But with such strength, it is only considered mediocre in Nanyang.

Because there are seven other forces that are competing with it!

Nanyang in this world is so terrifying.

"You can go to Wollongong and have a look."

Zhou Yi responded, which was equivalent to agreeing to Shan Xiongxin's joining the Taiping Dao.

Shan Xiongxin wanted to have a ritualistic worship of the leader, but Zhou Yi refused.

"For now, your injuries are the most important thing. Once you've recovered for a few days, we'll leave for Fule and escape this dangerous area."

Shan Xiongxin calmed down immediately and felt much more energetic and refreshed than before.

Then he regained his domineering attitude and said, "If I had a good horse and a lance, as long as my injuries were not a problem, I would be able to come and go freely even if there were soldiers guarding the Fule City Gate."

Of course Zhou Yi believed it, otherwise he wouldn't be called the 'Flying General'. ...

For three consecutive days, Zhou Yi went to Fule City to shop.

Shan Xiongxin didn't have to worry about anything else except calming his mind and practicing martial arts to heal his injuries, which made him feel a little guilty.

How can a leader run around here and there while his followers just sit back and reap the benefits?

But Zhou Yi has always been sincere, which touched the heart of Lao Dan, a Shandong man.

At noon on the fourth day, Shan Xiongxin had recovered about 70% to 80%. The two of them sat in front of the clay Buddha and ate Hu Bing, drinking raw water scooped from the river to comfort their stomachs.

The biscuit crumbs scattered on the ground are considered as offerings to the Buddha behind him.

A few days ago, Zhou Yi had a huge appetite and could eat a lot at one time.

It made him think he was a good-for-nothing.

After eating three pancakes, I felt full and finally returned to normal.

"There are many Jianghu people pouring into the city. I don't think it's advisable to stay here for long. Let's eat and leave."

Shan Xiongxin stroked his beard and asked, "Going straight to Nanyang?"

Zhou Yi thought about Dou Kui's news and the recent situation in Taikang, and after thinking for a while, he said:

"Wait a few days, but we have to wait outside the city."

"Well, it's always better to be cautious." Shan Xiongxin swallowed the cake and stood up.

There was a commotion outside, and he leaned against the broken door, looking around with his leopard eyes.

The last time the man named Yu came, he was seriously injured and had just woken up not long ago, so he had no choice but to let himself be bullied.

It’s different now.

The commotion grew louder and louder, and Zhou Yi also came to the door.

The two looked at each other and hid behind the door.

If the enemy comes to visit at this time, they will inevitably be hit by a move similar to the "Jue Niu Lei Li Hot Knife" used by the two men.

There was a commotion in the alley, and someone could be heard shouting from afar:

"He ran over there!"

"This damn demon, we can't let him get away this time!"

"Captain, the Iron Cavalry Society, the Great River Society, the Sea Sand Gang, and the Four Great Bandits are chasing us!"

"Hurry up, hurry up!"

"..."

Hearing the word "demon", Zhou Yi frowned.

"They didn't come this way. They weren't looking for us."

"Walk."

Although Shan Xiongxin is fierce and heroic, he is also meticulous. He has always followed Zhou Yi and walked through the streets and alleys in a low-key manner.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the west gate.

This is the direction Zhou Yi entered the city from. If he went east, he would be close to Taikang.

There were a lot of people from the martial arts world gathering over there, and Zhou Yi didn't want to join in the fun.

From afar, one could see the battlements on the three-meter-high city wall, which were undulating like teeth.

The battlements reflected the strong midday light, revealing numerous cracks. The ancient road below the city was deeply rutted, with people and carriages moving in and out.

Shan Xiongxin breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the journey was smooth. "It should be safe on the west side of the city."

Zhou Yi nodded and was about to respond, but before he could finish his words, he suddenly stopped and looked up at the outside of the city!
Shan Xiongxin suddenly took a deep breath and his eyes narrowed: "It's the sound of horse hooves!"

"There are dozens of them, no, hundreds!"

At this time, the sound of horse hooves was heard outside Fule City!
A large group of cavalry rushed through the clouds like an iron stream, black flags fluttered, and spears and swords like a forest pierced the silence around Fule.

Boom, boom, boom!
The sound of horse hooves echoed, and the earth seemed to have a pulse, beating violently!
Zhou Yi and Shan Xiongxin took a few steps forward. The sounds of people shouting and horses neighing became louder and louder. Looking closely, they saw a general wearing armor and holding a whip, riding in the lead.

This man was tall, with three scars on his brow that looked like a centipede, making him look even more ferocious.

It was You Hongda, the cavalry captain of the Yingyang Army.

It is rumored that this man killed many rebel armies in Yongqiu and was a trusted general of Yuwen Chengdu.

"drive!"

"drive!"

More and more cavalry appeared behind You Hongda, nearly two thousand people.

A banner with the word "Yuwen" engraved on it emerged from the dust, and Zhou Yi and Shan Xiongxin turned and left.

If you want to leave the city at this time, you can only rush forward.

I'm afraid it will attract the attention of this cavalry, and then the road will be dangerous.

There's no need to take the risk.

As soon as the cavalry of the Yingyang Prefecture Army arrived, they immediately took over the west city gate.

This cavalry seemed to have received some news in advance. After taking over the west side of the city, they arranged hundreds of light cavalry to circle the city, while sending hundreds of people to break into the city.

It seems that they are heading straight for the east of the city, as if they are going to surround the Fule Group!
The west side of the city had just been taken over, and ten riders were immediately dispatched to begin searching along the streets.

The speed of the action is astonishing!
Zhou Yi knew that he had been linked to someone else's boss, so of course he didn't dare to show his face.

Forced to go to the crowded places in East City.

They quickened their pace and after about half an hour, they arrived near Lijing Tower, the largest and most famous inn in Fule City.

Opposite the Lijing Building there is a very ordinary two-story shop named "Fushi Inn".

They sell some side dishes and Fule's local millet wine.

However, I heard that the owner of this store is a cunning person who added water to the wine. He also had an argument with the lay disciples of the outer courtyard of Qing'an Temple over wine, so his reputation is not very good.

The reason why the restaurant has a constant source of customers is simply because the food and drinks in the restaurant are cheaper than those in the surrounding areas.

Zhou Yiben was just passing by.

But as soon as they moved towards the east of the city, they were spotted.

Now there are people from the Yingyang Mansion Army scattered around the city, and they are all very cautious and don't want to cause any disturbance.

If Zhou Yi was alone, it would not be difficult for him to hide his identity.

Shan Xiongxin was tall and strong, and in the eyes of his enemies he was like a bright light in the dark night. This was why he was chased all the way here from Caozhou.

"It's another bastard from the Yingyang faction." Shan Xiongxin glanced behind him and cursed.

"Old Dan, didn't they say that the people the Yingyang Sect was chasing were just a few?"

Zhou Yi felt the murderous aura behind him and couldn't help but ask.

Shan Xiongxin touched his nose:

"That's right, but I killed all the kittens that chased me. The ones that are left are naturally old cats."

"Oh."

Zhou Yi glanced back and saw a man in his forties holding a long sword. His eyes were extremely sharp, sweeping over them like a sharp blade.

This fierce murderous intent was very different from the warriors he had encountered before.

Shan Xiongxin was used to it, and without caring whether the people following behind could hear him, he directly introduced Zhou Yi:
"The Yingyang Sect is a major sect in the north, deeply influenced by Turkic martial arts. They focus on offense rather than defense. Their Soaring Eagle swordsmanship is ruthless and decisive. If they fail to kill someone, they may die themselves."

"Once these Yingyang Clan members have murderous intentions, they can't hide it."

While he was speaking, seven or eight more people appeared around the man.

Someone has already placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, unleashing murderous intent without restraint.

"Drive~!"

At this moment, a fierce sound of horses' galloping was heard. It was the cavalry returning from the east gate!
The leader was none other than the cavalry captain You Hongda, who was ambushed by Li Mi's men.

As soon as the Sui cavalry appeared, the murderous intent behind Zhou Yi disappeared.

The Yingyang Faction has a very similar name to the Yingyang Army, but the two great masters of the Yingyang Faction, Liu Wuzhou and Liang Shidu, have both defected to the Turks.

In the eyes of the Sui army, they, the Yingyang faction, were also rebels.

Deep in the heart of the Central Plains, even though they were a major faction in the north, they did not dare to confront the Sui army in the city at this time.

However, You Hongda is not a good person either.

How could he not notice such blatant murderous intent? So he led a patrol team and rode towards the Yingyang faction!

Zhou Yi and Shan Xiongxin looked at each other, avoided You Hongda, and had to turn around and head towards Fushi Inn.

"Let's go in too."

The man from the Yingyang Sect caught sight of You Hongda, and led his men in, following Zhou Yi and the others.

The cavalry battalion's team was signaling towards the inn with their eyes.

"Captain?"

You Hongda said without hesitation: "Go in!"

A waiter rushed out of the inn and greeted them with a smile: "My lords, please come in!"

You Hongda nodded, raised his head and led a dozen people into the inn.

As soon as he stepped into the door, he noticed something strange and many eyes were focused on him.

Look up.
The first and second floors of the inn were packed with swords, spears, hooks and halberds everywhere. It could be said that all the wise men had come here!

These people are not ordinary diners.

The inn was clearly full, but it was quite quiet, with few people talking.

The atmosphere is really weird.
……

……

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(End of this chapter)