Legend of The Frost Blade - Chapter 15

If speaking on Fuyue Manor twenty years ago, it would be like thunder piercing the ears to all martial artists. Taking a closer look, however, its origins date back over sixty years.

The first master of the manor was Liu Yun, who initially served as an ordinary officer in the army. By chance, he became the disciple of a famous master and learned exceptional swordsmanship. Subsequently, he resigned from his post and ventured out, making a name for himself with his skills. Ten years later, he had accumulated wealth and married the daughter of a renowned martial artist. They had a single son, named Liu Ji, who also learned his father’s swordsmanship.

Liu Yun’s strength lay in innovation. Though he started learning martial arts later in life, he developed his own unique techniques. Liu Ji was even better, as indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant, but surpasses it in color. He combined his father’s teachings with the hunting movements of falcons, creating a unique sword technique called “Chuan Yun Jian Fa.” Fuyue Manor’s reputation thus grew, and Liu Yun entered the Nine Springs with a smile at the age of around sixty-seven.

Liu Ji became the second master of the manor, marrying the daughter of a scholar from a neighboring county. They had three sons. The second and third sons, Liu Congfeng and Liu Jiaqi, learned martial arts from him, while the eldest, Liu Tenglong, was weak and studied literature. Liu Congfeng and Liu Jiaqi traveled Jianghu with chivalry and righteousness, their excellent reputations earned not lacking. Liu Tenglong focused on imperial examinations, becoming a scholar at twenty-five, marrying in the same year, and having two sons within two years. The eldest, Liu Yunzhi, was very clever, and the younger, Liu Baozhi, was weak.

As the Chang Sun of Fuyue Manor, Liu Yunzhi gathered thousands of affections in one body: At that time, his Zu Fu Liu Ji was already a respected and esteemed senior figure in the martial arts world, his practice of “Chuan Yun Jian Fa” so skillful to the point of being divine; His father was kind with a belly full of wisdom; both his Shu Fu were young heroes with countless admirers; his Zu Mu and mother were also well-educated, gentle and virtuous. The entire Liu family doted on this eldest grandson. Liu Ji, personally appraising him, determined that Liu Yunzhi had exceptional bones and was a great candidate for martial arts, making them very happy.

For this reason, Liu Ji spent a lot of money to have the Miaojiang Yao Wang prepare medicinal soups for his grandson. After drinking and soaking for three years, Liu Yunzhi developed a strong physical foundation and resistance to poison compared to ordinary folk.

Starting from the age of five, Liu Ji personally taught martial arts to Liu Yunzhi. Liu Congfeng and Liu Jiaqi also occasionally taught him their prized, unique hand-to-hand and footwork techniques. Liu Yunzhi was extraordinarily intelligent. Whether it was the basic skills or complex formulas, he mastered them all with ease. While ordinary children loved to play, he focused diligently during martial arts practice and his father’s lessons, drawing amazement and praise from the adults. They all said this child was extraordinary and would undoubtedly achieve great things in the future.

Thus growing up to fourteen years old, Liu Yunzhi indeed made remarkable progress in his martial arts. In several trials, he could even fight to a draw with his second uncle, Liu Jiaqi. That year, coincidentally, the Five Great Clans organized a gathering of young heroes. Liu Congfeng and Liu Jiaqi took their nephew to participate. This gathering was meant to pave the way for the young talents of these clans to enter Jianghu and to make connections with others from different sects.

Liu Yunzhi stepped up to compete, winning fifteen consecutive matches without a single defeat, astonishing everyone. Later, he was given the nickname “Zhui Yue Yin Hua” — due to his swift moves, extremely refined swordsmanship, and exceptionally graceful footwork. After this event, Fuyue Manor gained great honor, and though young, Liu Yunzhi immediately became a rising star in Jianghu. In no time, numerous invitations were delivered to the Liu family’s doorstep, and many young maidens silently kept their fragrant hearts up for offer.

Years ago, Yan Qingqiu left home to learn martial arts when he was young. Although Mijiu Xian was eccentric and untamed, he cared a lot for this beloved disciple. To pass the time in the evenings, he recounted these past events to him as stories. Thus, Yan Qingqiu developed a longing and some reflections about the upheavals of the martial world, and the gratification of vengeance and justice.

Now, hearing the elderly servant suddenly cry out “Shao Ye,” Yan Qingqiu’s heart surged with memories of what he had heard, secretly estimating the age, and wondering if Murong Ai could actually be the “Zhui Yue Yin Hua”Liu Yunzhi from twenty years ago?

The elderly servant, referred to as “Feng Bo,” was weeping uncontrollably, unable to speak for a while. Murong Ai helped him into the house to sit down. Just as he let go, the old servant knelt down with a thud, crying: “This old one knew, Shao Ye would return one day… if Lao Ye knew in the underworld… he would surely be gratified…”

Murong Ai helped the elderly servant up, making him sit, and said with a bitter smile: “Things have changed and people have left, what does it matter if one returns or not?”

The elderly servant’s expression was sorrowful. He tried to speak but could only cry.

Yan Qingqiu, not daring to disturb them, tied the two dogs in the corner and found some charcoal to start a fire.

Feng Bo stopped his tears, closely examining Murong Ai’s face, saying: “Though Shao Ye has grown, his features still carry traces of his childhood, looking even more like Lao Ye. Where have you been all these years, Shao Ye? Why has there been no news at all?”

Murong Ai smiled, saying: “It’s a long story, Feng Bo. Stay tonight. I’m injured and need to rest. I will tell you thoroughly later.” Pointing to Yan Qingqiu, he added: “This is my Jie Yi Xiong Di. I hope Feng Bo will take good care of him.”

The elderly servant wiped away his remaining tears, hurriedly paid his respects, then brought out old bedding for Murong Ai, allowing for him to sleep first, and invited Yan Qingqiu to stay in the adjacent room.

The manor was truly dilapidated. Though the furniture was still there, everything was covered in dust and smelled musty. Feng Bo busily tidied up, making a bed, and found some animal hides from his hunts to use as bedding. After preparing everything, the old servant said to Yan Qingqiu: “I didn’t have time to prepare properly, so tonight will be a bit of an imposition for you, Gongzi.”

Yan Qingqiu replied: “No problem, thank you for your care, Elder.”

The elderly servant said: “Since you are my Shao Ye’s Jie Yi Xiong Di, you are naturally also this old one’s master. Just tell me if you need anything.”

Yan Qingqiu replied: “What you’ve done is already sufficient. Thank you, Elder.”

The elderly servant said: “Gongzi, there’s no need for formalities. Just call me ‘Jiang Feng’ or ‘Lao Jiang.'”

Yan Qingqiu nodded and asked: “Feng Bo, you have been living in the manor all this time. In these twenty years, have you never left?”

The elderly servant nodded and replied: “Yes, indeed. If I weren’t here, Shao Ye would feel lonely upon returning. But I don’t understand why Shao Ye is so severely injured.”

Yan Qingqiu, having no time for a detailed explanation, simply said they were being pursued by enemies, and was due to being ambushed.

The elderly servant gritted his teeth and said angrily: “I knew it. All these years, there are always those who won’t let things go! The Liu Clan is not yet extinct, so how could they ever be at peace?”

Hearing the elderly servant’s bitter resentment, Yan Qingqiu grew even more suspicious but dared not ask directly. The elderly servant then took his leave, bringing in a pile of charcoal before leaving, saying it was for Yan Qingqiu to keep warm.

As the night deepened, Yan Qingqiu lay on the wooden bed. Although the animal hide covering it was riddled with holes from insects, at least he could stretch his limbs. The charcoal fire at his feet brought waves of warmth, easing some of the fatigue from his many days of travel.

Outside, the wind howled mournfully. Inside, the tables and chairs were decayed, and dust covered everything. Yan Qingqiu’s mind was still pondering Murong Ai’s true identity, preventing him from falling asleep immediately.

Who would believe that the Demon Cult’s Zuoshi came from a prestigious and righteous family in Central Plains and was once a famous and charming young man? Back then, Fuyue Manor had over a hundred people, including servants and staff, and was constantly visited by people of all walks of life from Jianghu. Yet now, this vast manor was like a deserted house, with only three living people. Who could have imagined such a fate?

Mijiu Xian once said that the decline of Fuyue Manor began exactly when Liu Yunzhi became famous. After acquiring the title “Zhui Yue Yin Hua,” the Liu family did not let Liu Yunzhi venture into Jianghu with his uncle but kept him at home to practice martial arts and study. However, more and more people visited, and many came with marriage proposals, including the Sima family, one of the Five Great Clans, proposing a match with Sima Xiao’s elder sister, Sima Ruyan. Yet, before the engagement was finalized, a person from beyond the border sought refuge at Fuyue Manor, claiming an old connection with the first master of the Liu family, Liu Yun. This person, with a high nose and deep-set eyes, had the appearance of a Hu, which drew much attention. Later, it was rumored that this person was a Zhang Ling Shi in the Demon Cult. The martial community of the Central Plains was in an uproar, demanding the Liu family hand him over, but they firmly refused. It turned out that Liu Yun had learned his martial skills from the Demon Clan during his time stationed at the border.      

As a result, admiration turned into disdain, and Fuyue Manor faced attacks from various sects. Every few days, someone would come seeking vengeance, and every ten days or half a month, there would be a sneak attack. Eventually, the situation escalated, and the sects sent their best warriors, engaging the Liu family in a series of fierce battles. 

The fighting lasted for a month, with the trio of Liu Ji, Congfeng, and Jiaqi facing over forty bouts against various sects, leaving a great amount of their internal energy depleted. At this point, the Sima Clan acted as mediators, suggesting that the Liu family hand over the Demon Clan figure so everyone could disperse. However, before the Liu family could respond, they were mysteriously massacred that very night. Liu Ji and his two sons, Congfeng and Jiaqi, were brutally killed. The eldest son Tenglong, the second grandson Baozhi, and many female family members, who did not know martial arts, were also massacred. Only a few servants who stayed in a separate courtyard survived.

The attackers scoured Fuyue Manor, finding no survivors and no trace of the Demon Clan figure among the dead. It was speculated that the Liu family might have been about to comply, only to be repaired for their kindness with enmity. After burying the corpses, the attackers dispersed. In the future, when people in Jianghu speak of Fuyue Manor and the ‘Chuan Yun Jian Fa,’ it is said that ‘they associated with the Demon Clan and brought about their own destruction.’

Yan Qingqiu had never heard of the later events regarding Liu Yunzhi, the “Zhui Yun Yin Hua.” Mijiu Xian only mentioned that the entire Liu family was buried in Fuyue Manor’s ancestral tomb, and that in Jianghu, there was no longer any news of the Liu Clan’s descendants.

Yan Qingqiu tossed and turned on his bed, feeling that the tragedy of twenty years ago harbored hidden truths. How did Murong Ai survive the massacre and end up beyond the border? In his youth, being lonely and destitute, how did he endure all these years? And how did he climb to the position in the Guangming Sect where he is second only to one, and ruling over ten thousand?

As the night deepened and all was silent, these doubts troubled him even more. While Yan Qingqiu was pondering, he suddenly heard a light cough. Worried about Murong Ai’s injuries and unable to sleep, he got up, dressed, and went to the adjacent room.

The two dogs, initially lying on the ground asleep, immediately stood up when the door opened. Recognizing him, they wagged their tails and lay back down.

Murong Ai got up and smiled at him, saying: “What brings you here, Juechen? Is this place too crude, making it hard to sleep?”

Yan Qingqiu closed the door and sat beside him, saying: “Da Ge, there’s no need to be so formal. Xiaodi has never been concerned with such things.”

Murong Ai couldn’t help but cough twice: “Indeed, I was overly sensitive.”

Yan Qingqiu looked around and asked: “Da Ge seems a bit unwell. Should I call Feng Bo to bring some water?”

“He wanted to stay here and serve, but I told him to rest. He’s old and might not sleep well here.” Murong Ai paused for a moment: “Why can’t you sleep either, Juechen? Are you too shocked by what you learned today?”

Yan Qingqiu didn’t hide it and nodded: “I never thought that Da Ge was originally from an upright sect in the Central Plains.”

Murong Ai laughed: “Even now, Juechen is still dividing people’s identities by righteous and wicked?”

Yan Qingqiu’s face blushed slightly but he said: “When I first met Da Ge, I said that the righteous path has despicable individuals, and the evil path has noble ones. Da Ge, why tease in such a manner?”

Murong Ai smiled: “I spoke without thinking, Juechen, don’t mind it. It’s just that returning to the old place today brings some resentment.”

Yan Qingqiu heard his light-hearted words but saw the smile disappear from his face. Unable to help himself, he held Murong Ai’s hand: “Da Ge is injured, so don’t dwell too much on sadness.”

The person lying on the bed shook his head: “I’ve shed bl00d, shed tears, and discarded everything that should be discarded. Liu Yunzhi is long dead. I’m just Murong Ai now, so why feel sad? If not for my severe injuries, I wouldn’t have returned. Now there’s nowhere else to go, and this is the only place Sima Xiao and the old thief Yelu can’t find, so I have no choice but to stay temporarily.”

Yan Qingqiu picked up what he meant, and it seemed that even saying ‘evoked emotions upon touching the scene ‘ felt like a stretch. It seemed more like he was avoiding the topic, so he asked: “I wonder how Da Ge’s injuries are?'”

Murong Ai replied: “Just now, when I circulated my Qi throughout my body, I felt intense pain in my Dantian and a dull, aching itch around my Ju Que. It seems that the Tang Clan’s ‘Zi Ye Zhui Hun,’ though potent, has been suppressed. Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem, but the poison used by the Si Shi from Yao Tang complicates matters. I don’t know its name. The toxicity of these two poisons have intertwined, and if not expelled properly, it could at best destroy my martial arts abilities and at worst endanger my life. The current plan is to first use Qi to regulate and nourish, then practice the reverse meridian flow technique to expel some of the poison, and finally force it out completely.”

Yan Qingqiu frowned: “Da Ge, didn’t you say that technique is perilous, and your body isn’t as strong as before? Is this alright?”

“As long as one doesn’t push too hard. Moving slowly and steadily, just as when one began practicing, it’ll be fine.”

Yan Qingqiu felt somewhat reassured and asked: “How long will this take?”

“Even if it’s not two months, it must be at least forty days.”

“If it’s as you say, it seems we might have to stay until spring.”

“Exactly.”

Yan Qingqiu felt a slight pang of bitterness—

Though he roamed Jianghu, he always kept his elder brother in mind, spending every Year’s End with his family. Now it seemed that Murong Ai’s injuries would be difficult to heal, and he couldn’t just abandon him. This year, he would have to stay in this dilapidated manor. However, being naturally broad-minded, he merely smiled bitterly to himself and didn’t dwell on it, treating it as another unusual experience.

Murong Ai lay back down, glancing sideways at Yan Qingqiu’s thin back, and said softly: “It’s understandable that Juechen feels reluctant and unwilling, but my concern isn’t just my injuries. In these few days, who knows what chaos those ghosts and spirits will stir up? How can we prepare against it?”

Yan Qingqiu felt a chill in his heart, knowing that Murong Ai’s words were not without reason. While they could temporarily hide here without issue, they couldn’t know how many people outside would have their throats slit be decapitated, and how the Five Great Clans and the righteous sects would plot against him and Murong Ai. On the day he followed Murong Ai to the Ye Clan under the moonlight by West Lake, Yan Qingqiu never imagined they would end up in such a situation today. Truly, the world is unpredictable.

However, at that moment, as the two of them were alone, Yan Qingqiu inexplicably felt a sense of gratitude, as if befriending this person wasn’t so unlucky after all. On this cold winter night, reflecting on the friendship they developed during adversity, and learning about Murong Ai’s background, he felt even closer to him.

FOOTNOTES

Titles

Chang Sun: “Eldest grandson”.

Zu Fu: Refers specifically to one’s paternal grandfather, i.e., the father of one’s father.

Shu Fu: “Uncle” (Father’s younger brother).

Zu Mu: Paternal Grandmother.

Miaojiang Yao Wang: “Healer/Medicine King of Miaojiang(a historical region in China, specifically in the present-day Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan Province)”.

Zhui Yue Yin Hua: “Moon-Chasing Silver Streak”, title given to Liu Yunzhi.

Jie Yi Xiong Di: “Sworn Brother”.

Zhang Ling Shi: “Command Envoy” or “Order Master”.

Other

“Indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant, but surpasses it in color”: 青出于蓝而胜于蓝 (qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán):  Meaning the student surpasses the teacher.

Chuan Yun Jian Fa: “Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique”, the sacred sword technique of the Liu Clan.

Nine Springs: (九泉) is a metaphorical reference to the underworld or the afterlife in Chinese culture.

“Gathered thousands of affections in one body”: 集万千宠爱于一身 means to be extremely loved and doted upon.

“So skillful to the point of being divine”: 出神入化 (chū shén rù huà) An idiom which is often used to describe a level of mastery that is so high it appears almost supernatural.

“Belly full of wisdom”: 满腹 (mǎn fù):  Metaphorically means having a wealth of knowledge. 经纶 (jīng lún): Refers to classics and administrative talents, representing wisdom and scholarly knowledge.

“Silently kept their fragrant hearts up for offer”: 芳心暗许 (fāng xīn àn xǔ): Secretly admired.

“Evoked emotions upon touching the scene”: This idiom means that certain scenes or sights can stir up emotions or memories.

Ju Que: 巨阙” (jù què) is a specific acupuncture point located on the upper abdomen, just below the chest. It’s associated with the meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to influence various internal organs and functions.

Year’s End: 年除” (nián chú) In traditional Chinese culture, “年除” often includes the time around Chuxi (New Year’s Eve), when families engage in cleaning their homes, settling debts, and other customs to ensure a fresh start for the New Year.

Ghosts and spirits: Troublemakers or chaotic elements.