Legend of The Frost Blade - Chapter 2

From Shuzhong to Hangzhou, no matter how fast an ordinary person ran, it would still take one or two months at best. However, Yan Qingqiu postponed his rendezvous with Murong Ai for another fifteen days, subtly implying a test of their agility. It should be known that although “Young Master Feihua’s” sword skills were slightly inferior to that of the “Demon Blade’s”, the same couldn’t be said regarding his Qinggong. The day he received his nickname was due to this very skill.  

Determined to arrive before Murong Ai, he utilized his strength whenever possible, rented a carriage when he was tired, hurrying and bustling in this manner, and surprisingly managed to reach Hangzhou on the fifteenth day. Upon arriving, he freshened up at an inn, changed clothes and went directly to West Lake. 

Ciufang is a well known area of impoverishment in Hangzhou. Because it is built by the lake, one would be able to see the emerald-green surface of its waters when opening a window. In addition, there were beautiful singers and dancers proficient in prose, music, and poetry, which naturally attracted the presence of many literati and poets in swarms. This added a touch of elegance to it, compared to other ordinary brothels. Though Yan Qingqiu was a martial artist, he had also passed the imperial examination, making Ciufang a familiar gathering place for him and his literati friends.

He entered through the main gate and asked the proprietress to prepare a refined lakeside pavilion, also requesting two songstresses to perform a few ballads. 

It is already early winter, and as soon as the sun sets, the frigid airs emerge. At this time, it’d be perfect to heat a pot of osmanthus wine. However, the wine should not be too hot, just enough to rest comfortably in a delicate woman’s jade-like hands, complimenting her body temperature.

Yan Qingqiu held a white porcelain cup, drinking half a pot’s worth of wine while listening to the soft Wu dialect. When the mood hit, he used his chopsticks to tap a beat on the side of the dish, singing half of the verse. The two songstresses, seeing he was young and handsome, knowledgeable and interesting, naturally put in all of their effort into serving him, their eyes brimming with springtime charm.

In the current moment, a notable creak was heard amidst the other sounds, and the lakeside window opened unexpectedly. A man dressed in pitch-black clothes, with a silver-white sword in his hand, stretched his leg as he entered, as if arriving in his own house. 

The two songstresses were so frightened that their faces turned pale——after all, outside that window lay the West Lake. It was already late into the night, with no ferries or piers providing any means of transport. The tall man’s sudden appearance was like that of a ghost.

The songstress holding the pipa was so startled she broke a string with a qiāng, creating a streak of blood on her slender, delicate finger.

Yan Qingqiu couldn’t drink any more wine, so he immediately put down the cup, took out a snow-white handkerchief, carefully held and bandaged her hand, gently advising her to clean and medicate it promptly. The two songstresses received their rewards and timidly withdrew. 

Only then did Yan Qingqiu turn to face the guest who abstained from using the front door with a clasped fist: “I neglected Murong Xiong just now, please forgive me. I haven’t seen you for half a month, yet you still seem to be in good spirits. Truly commendable.”

Murong Ai’s thin lips curved into a smile: “The Yan Clan of Jinling has been scholars for three generations and officials for five. Though you, Young Master Feihua, are a martial artist, you can’t get rid of the elegant and charming air of a literati.”

This was the first time Yan Qingqiu heard someone use such a disdainful tone to praise him, but he wasn’t offended. With a smile, he invited Murong Ai to sit, and poured him a cup of wine, saying: “Women are this world’s most precious treasures. Cherishing them, in my opinion, is only natural.”

“Even if those women are courtesans?” 

“Whether they are courtesans in a brothel or daughters of a wealthy family, both possess the same beauty and charm, how could one treat them differently?”

Murong Ai tilted his head back and laughed, downing the wine cup in one go. “Young Master Feihua is truly an interesting person! It must be for similar reasons that I am able to both learn from you through sparring as well as drink with you. Pity this wine is mild. Next time, I’ll be the one to treat you. If Young Master Feihua is willing to show his face, why not join me beyond Yamen Pass?”

“Based on your words, is Murong Xiong inviting me to visit the main hall of the Guangming Sheng Sect?”

Murong Ai chuckled: “How rare. This is the first time hearing a respectable young master from the righteous path call our sect by its proper name, instead of just saying the ‘Demon Sect.'”

Yan Qingqiu poured him another cup of wine: “In fact, though I have read many books, I don’t consider myself a pedantic scholar, and dislike distinguishing people into righteous and unrighteous. Within the righteous path are people that are noble and virtuous, and also people who are sanctimonious on the surface but thieves and courtesans within; there are people within the unrighteous path who are guilty of heinous crimes, murdering others without any regard, as well as those who are passionate in their loyalty and full of chivalry, just with unconventional behaviors.”

Murong Ai snorted and said: “Young Master Feihua is willing to lower his status in order to make friends with me. Is it because you categorize me with the latter?”

Yan Qingqiu shook his head: “Regarding what kind of person Murong Xiong is, I merely heard a few rumors, and I dare not make any rash judgments.  It’s just, in the case of the Tang Sect’s Lao Shiliu, I believe Murong Xiong was framed. It can be boldly assumed that the murders of the Twelve Heroes of the North may be just as suspicious.”

Murong Ai did not even spare him a glance, instead focusing on eating and drinking.

Yan Qingqiu turned sideways, recalling as he stroked the wine glass: “Five months ago, the resilient Yang Wei of the Shandong Jinpeng Escort agency died in his outer residence’s bed. His wife and legitimate son were also killed, and not even the nearly twenty servants and porters were left alive. The wounds on the corpses were inflicted with a very thin sword. Although they were all decapitated, puncture wounds were still evident on their throats, serving as the fatal wound. Though there are many sword techniques in the world, only the ‘Blood-Sucking Sword Technique’ is capable of consistently leaving a fatal strike at the throat. This will inevitably raise people’s suspicions. If the victims died later in different ways, there wouldn’t be a concise perspective, but they all happened to meet the same fate. Even Kaifeng’s renowned “Iron-hearted Master”  Xiao Fuhu was no exception. You should know that Xiao Fuhu hailed from Shaolin, and his mastery of the Thirteen Taibao Heng Lian kungfu was legendary. If it weren’t for his exceptional internal strength, it would take more than mere imitations of sword techniques to be able to strike his vital points.”

Murong Ai poured out the last drops of wine, saying: “These words were repeated countless times by those in the righteous sects long before coming up with plans to kill me.”

“There are countless piles of evidence, what is to be done?” Yan Qingqiu slowly combed his fingers through the strands of hair that fell over his chest, a smile tugging at his lips, “But in my humble opinion, when all the evidence points to one person, something is often amiss. Besides, I gleaned a bit of the ‘Demon Blade’s’ nature based on the battle at Qianxin Garden that year.”

“I would like to hear Young Master Feihua’s insights.”

“While Murong Xiong’s methods of purging the traitors of your sect were naturally ruthless, you were never afraid of anyone stopping you. I suspect you never cared to take the words ‘conceal your actions’ to heart. Over the years, Murong Xiong’s actions across Jianghu were just as I’d speculated. Yet, in these recent events, every time someone  was killed, no matter how quickly the heroic helpers arrived, the murderer was never seen. In their haste to leave, the murderer even left a few servants alive. This time, in the case of the Tang Sect’s Lao Shiliu, rumors of a masked figure emerged. So secretive and hesitant to speak……how could the ‘Demon Blade’ be so reticent?’

Murong Ai toyed with the empty wine cup in his hand, before finally nodding: “It does sound reasonable. But Young Master Feihua’s words, I suspect they’ve never been shared with your friends in the orthodox sects ba.”

Yan Qingqiu felt somewhat embarrassed and rubbed the tip of his nose, saying: “I’m ashamed. When the Yang, Chen, Nangong, Sima, and Xie of the Five Great  Clans jointly issued a reward, I have considered it, but there was no solid basis on which I could prove Murong Xiong’s innocence, and there was no shortage of personal and material evidence to prove the ‘Demon Blade’ was in fact responsible for the crime; secondly, members of the Yang, Xie, and Nandong Clans were also killed. The Five Great Clans are all interlinked through marriage ties, how could they listen to outside advice in their anger?” 

Murong Ai smiled coldly, saying nothing.

Yan Qingqiu turned around, speaking seriously: “Coming to Chengdu this time, I really didn’t anticipate running into the case of the Tang Sect’s Lao Shiliu. Since I have already been seen by those in the Tang Sect, I probably need to make the situation clear to them. Doesn’t Murong Xiong want to clear his name?”

Murong Ai retorted: “What good would that do?”

These words made Yan Qingqiu tongue-tied, and he couldn’t help but laugh at himself: “Exactly, it seems I am still projecting my own standards onto others. If one doesn’t take into consideration the opinions of others, what does it matter if their name is cleared? Murong Xiong, I have truly overstepped, please do not take offense.”

Murong Ai waved a hand, his eyes fixed on the young man before him, only thinking of how his black hair and white clothes were untainted, contrasting with his own dusty appearance. Murong Ai suddenly smiled: “I didn’t expect Young Master Feihua to be so interesting! To be frank, I am quite intrigued by the actual murderer who has deliberately imitated me in order to kill. If Young Master Feihua is also interested in knowing, why not investigate the matter with me?”

Yan Qingqiu was stunned for a moment, then got up to sit a seat closer to Murong Ai and asked: “Are you serious?”

“Of course.”

Yan Qingqiu became happy once again: “Alright! Since Murong Xiong has spoken, count me in. I like to meddle in other people’s business, and now that trouble has come knocking, how can I pass up the opportunity?”

The two looked at each other and laughed heartily. Yan Qingqiu called for a servant to bring in several jugs of strong liquor, personally filling Murong Ai’s cup. During their conversation, they actually began to regret becoming acquainted with each other until now.

Murong Ai finished a whole jug and praised: “Turns out there is liquor as strong as Hengchuan’s in Jiangnan. Truly worthy of being a paradise on Earth.”

Yan Qingqiu smiled: “The benefit of this place is: With the right amount of money, you can buy whatever it is you desire.”

Murong Ai narrowed his eyes, looking at the flute on the waist of the person opposite him: “ Dare I ask, how much for Young Master Feihua’s music then?”

Yan Qingqiu slapped his forehead and laughed: “Damn, I promised last time to offer Murong Xiong a song as an apology, but the wine made me forget completely. If Murong Xiong doesn’t mind,  I’d like to make a show of myself right here.”

“I’ve always heard that Young Master Feihua uses his flute primarily for performing, and only secondarily for fighting. Is that really the case?”

Yan Qingqiu nodded repeatedly; “That’s absolutely true.”

He gently untied a green silk ribbon from around his waist, taking out the green bamboo flute that it was hanging by. There was a white tranquility pendant hanging from it, looking bright and crystalline in the light. His pale lips approached the mouthpiece as he tested the sound first, his slender fingers pressing on the holes were thin and slender, as white as his face.

Murong Ai used his hand to rest his head, slightly closing his eyes as he listened to the waves of the flute’s music. It was as if the windows had suddenly opened, the cool evening breeze brushing past his ears. This breeze was gentle, like the air stirred by the wings of wild geese, softly passing people by, far unlike the harsh, blade-like winds of the Northern Frontier. Murong Ai felt that this trip to Chengdu, which led to such a pleasant auditory experience, was truly worthwhile.

As the last lingering notes of the flute faded away, Murong Ai opened his eyes. He didn’t give any approval, only looking at Yan Qinqiu’s fingers pressed on the flute holes and shaking his head: “Such a pair of hands, not used for holding a pen but instead for practicing martial arts, it’s such a pity.”

Yan Qingqiu put down the flute, took Murong Ai’s hand and carefully observed it, saying: “Such a pair of hands, strong phalanges, slightly long nails, and rounded fingertips, not playing the Qin but wielding a sword, it’s such a waste. 《Píng Shā Luòyàn》was originally a Qin piece. I adapted it into a flute performance, but it still sounds better on the Qin. I still lack a good companion, Murong Xiong should hurry and change his profession, ba.”

As the two joked, a commotion was heard from outside, causing Murong Ai to frown, but he did not move. The noise soon grew closer, and with a sudden clang, someone pushed the door open.

A tall man in brocade clothing had grabbed the servant who had previously brought the wine, giving him a glance as he smiled grimly. The servant, trembling, pointed at Murong Ai and said: “Sir……the only one dressed in black and armed with a weapon which you inquired about is this person……”

The man in brocade clothing threw the servant aside, tossing a broken piece of silver at him. The servant scrambled out in a hurry, while the man in brocade clothing waved a hand, and around a dozen people followed behind him and rushed into the room.

Yan Qingqiu noticed that the man had a sturdy physique, with a full beard and a knife hanging at his waist. Everyone following him also had weapons in their hands. At first glance, they seemed very much like Northerners, but hearing the man speak, the accent of a local was unmistakable. Yan Qingqiu’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, suddenly recalling a hero who was exceptional at wielding a knife, Ye Buping, who was said to have had the spirit of one from Yanzhou, despite hailing from Jiangnan. Could this be him? 

Sure enough, the burly man stood in front of them, eyeing the “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” sword at Murong Ai’s side, declaring loudly: “This esteemed one must be the ‘Demon Blade’, ba? This humble one, Ye Buping, has a few questions for you! My uncle, Ye Shan, who happened to be here today became the victim of another’s harm, with twenty-six sword wounds all over his body and a slit throat. What’s even more despicable is that the murderer even beheaded him! Since you’ve done the Twelve Heroes of The North and the Tang’s Lao Shiliu  a favor by happening to be in Hangzhou today, you should tell me whether or not you have been to the Ye Sect’s mansion!” 

Murong Ai looked at him, sneering: “The Ye Clan’s sword skills are not worth my personal effort to destroy.”

Ye Buping flew into a rage. With a “cēng” sound, he brought out his broadsword and slashed at Murong Ai. 

Yan Qingqiu leapt up, his bamboo flute slicing across the blade’s back, gently turning the blade and diverting its attack on the table, leaving a deep gash in its fine red lacquered wood. 

Ye Buping, having his attack easily intercepted, grew even more furious. The Ye Clan members behind him all began to clamor, drawing their weapons and ready to charge. Murong Ai remained still, only his hand moving to rest on top of “Kuaiyi Qiushuang”. With a flick of his thumb kā, the sword’s blade, which was three times whiter than its sheath, immediately sprang out an inch, exuding a chilly gleam.

Yan Qingqiu shouted internally that this was not good, quickly stepping to the side to position himself between Ye Buping and Murong Ai, smiling: “If there is a misunderstanding, it should be discussed calmly. What good would it be if someone got injured?” 

Ye Buping glared at him angrily: “Who are you? Since you are together with this demon, you must be no good either!” 

Yan Qingqiu put his bamboo flute away and bowed with clasped hands: “I am Yan Qingqiu, and in my haste have offended Ye Daxia, please forgive me.”

Ye Buping’s eyes widened, looking him up and down. His expression grew even nastier, a heavy snort coming from within his nose: “I heard before that when Tang Shiliu was murdered, Young Master Feihua had some connections with the Demon Blade. We all know things happen for a reason, and looking at things today, there’s nothing more to say!”

Yan Qingqiu gave a bitter smile, still persuading politely: “Please forgive me Ye Daxia, I just arrived in Hangzhou today, and really did not know of this tragedy which happened in your household. I invited Murong Xiong to Hangzhou, only because I lost to him before in a competition in Chengdu, so it is highly implausible that he came here specifically to kill Ye Shan Daxia. I think there must be something questionable going on behind the murder case in your residence, and it would be best to investigate the truth first.”

Ye Buping gripped his knife, angrily saying: “Today, no matter what, I must ask the ‘Demon Blade’ to come to my place, otherwise, I won’t have the face to confront people again! If you respect the Ye Clan, I advise Young Master Feihua not to interfere, otherwise, don’t blame me for taking action and disrupting the peace!”

Yan Qingqiu hadn’t had the chance to respond, as Murong Ai stood up and smiled at Ye Buping: “You are quite unpleasant to look at; might as well rid yourself of your face!”

Before he finished speaking, only a flash of cold light was seen. Before Ye Buping had time to react, the beard on the left side of his face had been sliced off along with a piece of flesh, causing blood to immediately flow down his face.

The rest of the group were in a fit of rage for a moment, before charging forward with their blades drawn!

Murong Ai’s longsword whirled around, blocking several broadswords aimed at his chest. Then exerting a bit of force, the only thing seen were three burly men being thrown far back. They crashed into the door with a lā, smashing through it and tumbling into the corridor, the servants and courtesans passing by screaming in fright.

Ye Buping clutched at the wound on his face, shouting furiously: “The demon has harmed someone! Quick! Come quickly!”

Yan Qingqiu grabbed Murong Ai, saying anxiously: “Saying anything more right now would be useless, let’s leave first ba!”

Murong Ai said sarcastically: “What? Is Young Master Feihua afraid that I will kill these small fries?”

“Taking more lives will only lead to increased enmity. It’s better to avoid them for the time being!”

As he was talking, several more broadswords came his way. Yan Qingqiu did not strike back, only blocking their blows! Murong Ai saw the anxious look on his face, suddenly laughing: “No matter, your song will serve as the price to consider the lives of these fools!”

FOOTNOTES

Titles

Daxia: Great Hero

Places

Area of impoverishment: 销金窟, refers to a place where money is easily spent; Brothel

Guangming Sheng: 光明圣(教Jiào), “Sacred Light” Sect, alternative name of the “Demon Sect”

Yamen Pass: Also known as Yanmen Pass, is a mountain pass located in Shanxi Province, China. It includes three fortified gatehouses along the Great Wall of China and was a strategic choke point in ancient and medieval China.

Objects

Tranquility pendant: 白色的平安扣, refers to a traditional Chinese accessory often given as a talisman or amulet. These pendants are usually round, flat pieces of jade or other precious materials, believed to bring peace, safety, and protection to the wearer.

Qin: : A traditional Chinese stringed instrument related to the zither

Sounds

Qiāng: An onomatopoeic sound that represents a sharp, metallic sound, similar to the twang of a string.

Cēng: An onomatopoeic sound often used to describe a sudden, sharp sound, like the whoosh or swish of a blade being drawn quickly, or metal clanging.

Kā: An onomatopoeic character, often representing a sharp, snapping, or cracking sound.

Lā: Another onomatopoeic character, often conveying a sharp, clattering, or crashing sound.

Other

Qinggong: Lightness skill; Agility

Imperial Examination: 科举(kējǔ), an ancient Chinese civil service examination system used to select candidates for the state bureaucracy. The term 秀才 (xiùcái) refers to a “cultivated talent”(scholar), which is a degree attained through the lowest level of these exams.

“Show one’s face”: Directly translates from 愿意赏 脸. Basically means willing to give the other the honor of one’s presence, to show up.

Heng Lian Kungfu: 横练功夫 (héng liàn gōng fū)Can be translated to “hard external training” or “iron body training.” It’s a type of martial arts practice focusing on toughening the body to withstand blows.