Legend of The Frost Blade - Chapter 4

To be honest, Sima Xiao and Yan Qingqiu had met once before. Back the, Yan Qingqiu was only fifteen or sixteen, brought by Mi Jiuxian to participate in a sword competition hosted by the Five Great Clans. The idea of letting him experience the world sounded appealing, but in reality, it was just a way for his disrespectful master to covet the culinary skills of the chef.

Sima Xiao had just come of age at that time. He learned to master the art of wielding the twin-hooked weapon and was already well-known quite a bit in Jianghu, so he was selected as an opponent against various swordsmen. 

Yan Qingqiu had never seen anyone use the twin-hooks in such an elegant yet formidable manner. The way it pulled, pressed, hooked, slashed, and picked, it was all wonderful. A young disciple from the Kongtong Sect went up to test his sword, and within fifteen moves, the plum blossom hooks disarmed him, sending the long sword flying out of the ring, landing right beside Yan Qingqiu as it stabbed into the ground. Sima Xiao helped his opponent up and cupped his fists as an apology to Yan Qingqiu. At that time, Young Master Feihua’s name was not yet well-known, and Sima Xiao just assumed he was an anonymous disciple from an unknown sect.

Now, after ten years, Yan Qingqiu had completely changed from the time he was a teenager, while Sima Xiao remained as charming as ever. He was seen standing at the window with a smile, a jade hairpin adorning his head, a long green robe on his body, and a white jade belt around his waist. His handsome features exuded a heroic aura under the moonlight, his entire figure looking as fresh and elegant as bamboo after the rain.

Murong Ai sneered from the side, saying to Yan Qingqiu: “Such a gentleman, only, I’m afraid he’s still a self-righteous fool.”

Sima Xiao leapt lightly, jumping from the window and touched down briefly on the water’s surface, before landing at the bank of the pond. The rest of the people in the room followed him out, but their Qinggong was slightly inferior, so they didn’t dare to use the water’s surface for support.

Ye Xiangtian was a burly man, and with leopard-like eyes glared Yan Qingqiu and the other person down, questioning loudly: “Who are you two little thieves, daring to be so insolent in the midst of my Ye Clan!” 

The other three also stepped out, standing beside Ye Xiangtian: that esteemed Kou Laoxia was of medium build, with white hair and a beard but still brimming with energy. A long black whip was coiled around his leg, a steel ball the size of a fingertip hanging off its tail. Yan Qingqiu recognized him as Huizhou’s “Chixing Bian” Kou Zhongchang;  the young man referred to as “Yang Shaoxia” was not that outstanding when it came to looks, dressed in very simple clothing. He had a longsword hanging at his side, with a wine-red scar between his eyebrows, from which his identity still remained unclear; the old woman was very tall, and although her wrinkles were like chicken skin, her hair was black and shiny as clouds. Her face bore a somber expression, a strange half-foot-long scimitar in her right hand. Yan Qingqiu immediately thought of the “Duan Hou Niangzi” Zhen Guafu. 

Yan Qingqiu knew that dealing with just Sima Xiao would be difficult enough, and now with these four calamities added, even with Murong Ai joining forces with him, it would still be difficult to escape. Seeing Ye Xiangtian asking a question, he simply came straight with his words. Walking into the light, he cupped his fists, saying loudly: “I am Yan Qingqiu from Jinling. Upon hearing of the incident at your noble residence, I decided to come here. I was in a hurry, and failed to send a greeting card in advance. Please forgive me Ye Shaoxia.”

Ye Xiangtian sneered: “It turns out it’s the esteemed Young Master Feihua who has come to visit. I have long since heard about you appearing at Tang Shiliu’s residence in Chengdu at the same time as that ‘Demon Blade’, and now you’ve come to the Ye’s residence to eavesdrop on our conversation! I don’t know when Young Master Feihua learned such petty behavior, perhaps you are also involved in these series of vicious murders!”

Madam Zhen’s dismal eyes shifted to look behind Yan Qingqiu at Murong Ai, frowning as she asked: “Who has Young Master Feihua brought here? Why not introduce him?”

Murong Ai remained silent, but the frost-blade long sword in his hand was already seen clearly by Sima Xiao. The green-clad gentleman’s expression remained the same, but smiled slightly at Yan Qingqiu: “I’ve heard from the Tang Clan that Young Master Feihua became acquainted with Murong Ai, but I didn’t believe it. Did Young Master Feihua actually bring the ‘Demon Blade’ for us to see today?”

As soon as he said those words, everyone else became horrified, immediately taking hold of their weapons. Ye Xiangtian roared further: “Murong Ai, you demon, killed my father, and now you want to wipe out the rest of the Ye Clan?”

Yan Qingqiu’s heart skipped a beat, but it wouldn’t be convenient to explain everything clearly in this situation, so he only said hurriedly: “Ye Shaoxia please calm down and allow me to explain the whole story steadily. Master Sima, Murong Ai and I are not here to harm the Ye Clan, there are just some things that are still doubtful—”

Before he finished speaking, he heard Madam Zhen “tut-tut” sarcastically, saying: “You refer to yourselves as brothers, Young Master Feihua, and if you tell me you and this ‘Murong Zuoshi’ aren’t close, this old one won’t believe it ah. What, are you here as a mediator?”

These words only fueled the anger in Ye Xiangtian’s heart, glaring at Murong Ai with flames in his eyes! He drew the blade from his waist and, with a loud shout, slashed at Murong Ai.

Murong Ai’s form shifted slightly, swiftly retreating a step back, causing Ye Xiangtian’s sword to come down upon the empty air. However, he had indeed inherited his father’s true teachings. Crossing his hands, the intricately crafted blade split in two, his right hand sweeping horizontally to strike Murong Ai’s waist. Only a “ceng” sound was heard, as the sheathed “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” blocked the incoming force, Murong Ai taking advantage of the momentum to retreat back three steps.

Ye Xiangtian’s anger only intensified, attacking rapidly. The cold blades fluttered like butterflies under the moonlight, each aimed at vital points.

Yan Qingqiu grew incredibly anxious, never expecting that the temper of this young master of the Ye Clan would be even more volatile than his cousin’s. He wasn’t worried about Murong Ai getting hurt but feared he would send Ye Xiangtian to join his father in a fit of rage. At this moment however, Young Master Feihua’s position was no less awkward and embarrassing, and any intervention would definitely solidify the accusation of “colluding with the demon”. 

Yan Qingqiu looked towards Sima Xiao, hoping he would stop Ye Xiantian, but the green-clad gentleman turned a blind eye, watching the battle with his hands behind his back. Yan Qingqiu watches as Ye Xiangtian pressed on with several more attacks, Murong Ai’s face growing more impatient over time. Although “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” had still not been unsheathed, his hand was getting closer to its hilt. Yan Qingqiu finally couldn’t bear it any longer, and drew out the flute from his waist to try and separate the two of them. His body just advanced two steps, when something cutting through the air sounded from behind him. He sidestepped as a gust passed straight through his left ear, and quickly bent down. 

It turned out “Chixing Bian” Kou Zhongchang had been cautiously watching, and seeing him touch his weapon, he attacked without saying a word. 

The “Duan Hou Niangzi” cackled and said: “Young Master Feihua has incredible physical prowess! This old one has long since wanted to spar with you.”  She held her scimitar horizontally across her chest after speaking, advancing quickly.

Yan Qingqiu knew they must have thought he intended to harm Ye Xiangtian, hence the attack. Although he wanted to defend himself, he had no chance to speak. Both Kou Zhongchang and Zhen Guafu had been renowned for many years, and their kungfu would naturally be powerful. Although not as unfathomable as Murong Ai, they were senior masters in Jianghu. Zhen Guafu’s scimitar was called “Sangmen Shen” , the amount of throats it had already slit unknown, and it could also be used as a shield when held in a backhanded position; Kou Zhongchang’s long whip was like that of a snake flicking its tongue as it swam around with ease, although the steel ball on its end had the capability of breaking through stone as it landed. The two of them attacked from near and far, and although none of them had any fatal intent behind them, they successfully kept Yan Qingqiu from reciprocating. 

He gave Ye Xiangtian a sideways glance, who continued attacking relentlessly without any regard for his life or death. His apprehension only grew the longer Murong Ai held off from drawing his sword, Sima Xiao maintaining his calm, composed attitude in contrast. The one with a scar on his face, Yang Shaoxia, came beside Sima Xiao and whispered a few words to him, but Sima Xiao was just seen shaking his head.

At that moment, there was a ka sound as Ye Xiangtian finally crossed his twin-blades, perfectly blocking the lower end of “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” by chance. Yan Qingqiu yelled internally that this was bad, but Ye Xiangtian’s face lit up with joy. Before he had the chance to be happy, Murong Ai drew his sword out of its sheath and, with a backhanded strike, drew a bloody streak from his chest to his forehead. 

The young master of the Ye Clan screamed, both his hands losing their strength. At that moment, a green figure, swift as lightning, simultaneously kicking at Murong Ai’s legs. Murong Ai stabbed straight down, but the person withdrew his momentum, retreating back to his original position, and handed Ye Xiangtian to Yang Shaoxia.

Sima Xiao looked at the front of his clothing, saying: “It’s alright, it’s alright. Many thanks to Murong Zuoshi for showing mercy and sparing my favorite piece of clothing.”

As he spoke, both Kou Zhongchang and Zhen Guafu immediately halted, standing still as if having received an order.

With all the commotion, the Ye Clan members holding torches and lanterns all came rushing over. In an instant, the entirety of the small courtyard was crowded with around forty people, leaving Yan Qingqiu and Murong Ai in the center with a large open space around them.

Ye Xiangtian was not seriously injured, but his face was covered in blood, soaking his clothes and giving him a frightening appearance. Yang Shaoxia and Kou Zhongchang brought out antiseptic and applied it onto him, but he was panting like a cow and seemed indifferent, continuing to glare at Murong Ai.

Yan Qingqiu had not expected for things to develop to this extent. Murong Ai still had a stern look on his face and remained silent, while the eyes of the Ye Clan members were bloodshot, as if they would rush over to fight if someone were to speak.

He did not expect that Murong Ai would handle the situation tactfully, and had no choice but to smile at Sima Xiao, saying: “Young Master Sima, please understand, Murong Xiong and I are not here to cause any trouble, it’s really a misunderstanding.”

Kou Zhongchang was somewhat angered, saying: “Young Master Feihua, what kind of misunderstanding would leave Ye Shaoxia injured to such an extent?”

Yan Qingqiu replied: “Kou Lao Yingxiong, if Murong Xiong intended to harm Ye Shaoxia, I’m afraid that sword strike would have already gutted him.”

Kou Zhingchang knew he was telling the truth, but Ye Xiangtian added more fuel to fire as he heard this, immediately cursing angrily: “Who needs your pretentious acts? Even if I have to risk my life today, you both can forget about leaving from the Ye Clan!”

Yan Qingqiu was about to speak, but unexpectedly, Murong Ai suddenly addressed Sima Xiao directly, saying: “Ye Shan wasn’t killed by me. We will have a duel today, relying on each of our abilities. If I win, I get to leave.”

The green-clad gentleman laughed and said: “Murong Zuoshi must be joking. I am not the host here, how can I decide whether to let guests come and go?”

Yan Qingqiu pondered to himself: things could easily be assumed even if all the Ye Clan members were to use their weapons, but if Sima Xiao joined forces with them, they would not be able to get away. Even if they could leave, Murong Ai would still have killed many, turning even those without a grudge into sworn enemies. If Sima Xiao alone were to be dealt with, it would be better.

Having thought about it clearly, he then said: “Young Master Sima, Ye Shaoxia has already said in the matter of tracking down the actual murderer, he will follow the lead of The Five Great Clans.”

Sima Xiao looked at Yan Qingqiu, grinning, clapping his hands: “I forgot the walls had ears, thank you for the reminder Young Master Feihua.”

Yan Qingqiu was not angry when he heard his sarcasm, and instead gave a smile and bowed.

Sima Xiao looked at Ye Xiangtian who was bandaging his wounds. Although the latter was reluctant, he finally gave a nod.

Sima Xiao turned to the center of the courtyard, clapping his hands and saying: “I haven’t wielded a weapon in a long time and have become unfamiliar with them, but Murong Zuoshi’s ‘Kuaiyi Qiushuang’ cannot be disrespected.” He looked behind him and smiled at a young Ye Clan member holding a large knife: “I wonder if this young Xiongdi could lend me his weapon for a while?”

The youth was taken aback, quickly offering it with both hands. 

Sima Xiao took it and swung it twice, praising: “The weight is neither too heavy nor too light, truly handy.”

Yan Qingqiu was somewhat surprised, not expecting him to choose a blade instead of twin-hooks. He really didn’t know if this was a deliberate act to belittle Murong Ai, or if his skills had improved over the past ten years. 

Sima Xiao, now armed with a blade, began leaving the area, saying to Yan Qingqiu: “Young Master Feihua, since you are here as Murong Zuoshi’s friend today, how about giving him a helping hand?”

The people around murmured amongst themselves, and even Yan Qingqiu was surprised. Murong Ai sneered: “As expected as a member of the Sima Clan, having no regard for your life once you go mad.”

Yan Qingqiu refused: “Young Master Sima, you jest. With two masters dueling, I can only watch. How dare I interfere?”

“Young Master Feihua cherishes his reputation, and would naturally not participate in a two-against-one fight. Rest assured, I suggested this because I also want to ask a friend for help.” He called out to the man with a scar on his face, “Yang Xiong, could you draw your sword to help?”

Yang Shaoxia’s face flushed. Although silent, he nodded, arriving in front of Yan Qingqiu and clasped his hands with respect.

Yan Qingqiu deeply sighed inwardly: No matter how things end tonight, the news of Young Master Feihua and the Demon Blade colluding will surely spread throughout Jianghu.

However, Murong Ai did not seem concerned with Sima Xiao calling for assistance. He merely glanced at Yan Qingqiu, then flipped “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” upside down, held the scabbard in his other hand and, with Yan Qingqiu unaware of how they were able to connect, twisted them twice. The sword body and the scabbard integrated as one, forming a spear-like weapon that wasn’t a spear, a blade-like weapon that wasn’t a blade.

Sima Xiao was not verbose. Uttering a quick “Please excuse any offense”, he attacked directly at Murong Ai’s face, striking brutally with even more ferocity than when he had used the hooks in the past. Murong Ai pursed his lips tightly, holding the “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” which was now twice as long in both hands, parrying Sima Xiao’s several killing moves. Sima Xiao channeled his internal strength into the ordinary steel blade, and even as he struck Murong Ai’s divine weapon, it sustained little damage. The corners of Murong Ai’s lips curved slightly, reflecting a look of joy.

Yan Qingqiu was naturally familiar with this expression—in the battle at Chengdu half a month ago, Murong Ai’s nature of having a fondness for competing with strong opponents was made clear. While most people would have dreaded facing today’s situation, Murong Ai was the opposite. The more formidable Sima Xiao was, the more delighted he became!

However, Yan Qingqiu could no longer focus on that at the moment, as Yang Shaoxia who was in front of him was not easy to deal with. As soon as the man drew his sword, Yan Qingqiu was startled: His three-foot blade glimmered not with ordinary white light but with a faint reddish hue. Assuming his stance, the blade was raised horizontally, as if corresponding with the scar between his eyebrows, and even his entire person began emitting a murderous aura!

Yan Qingqiu dared not be disdainful, waiting for him to make the first move.

With only a sharp sound, “Yang Shaoxia” consecutively stabbed at Yan Qingqiu’s face, side, and abdomen with three swords! Yan Qingqiu reacted swiftly, dodging the first two swords with ease. The third came too quickly, so he used his bamboo flute to tap the sword’s tip, flipping through the air. But before he could stand still, he felt a chill coming towards him. He used his internal strength and blocked the attack with a backhand strike, a crisp sound echoing from the flute.

This flute of Yan Qingqiu’s was a gift from Mi Jiuxian the year he ended his apprenticeship. According to the old trickster, the flute was made from top-quality purple bamboo, which he had refined with medicinal solutions for three years, its color having changed from dark purple to emerald green, and its hardness rivaled the finest steel. In the years since Yan Qingqiu debuted, no weapon has ever been able to damage his flute, but the crisp sound just now made him feel something was amiss.

He quickly leaped a yard back, carefully inspecting the flute. Sure enough, he saw a white line of damage on the green bamboo flute. That man surnamed Yang did not restrain himself, the strength of his hands not lacking. No matter how much of a good temper Yan Qingqiu had, he still became a bit angry at this moment. As “Yang Shaoxia’s” sword aura approached again,  he employed the “Chuan Hua Bu”, the bamboo flute in his hand striking the opponent’s Shangxing, Qianding, and Touwei acupoints. 

“Yang Shaoxia’s” face remained expressionless, his long sword blocking Yan Qingqiu’s bamboo flute continuously as if it had eyes. It seemed as if he had already been sparring with him for several years, having mastered each of his moves. Yan Qingqiu noticed that his footwork was exceptionally stable. Although he circled around him like a butterfly, he remained unshaken, showcasing his solid foundation. 

Yan Qingqiu secretly grew anxious: The martial arts he learned were skillful, and focused on leveraging an opponent’s force against them. Firstly, it was because Mi Jiuxian had a childlike temperament, and loved creating these kinds of kungfu; Secondly, he came from a scholarly background and his physique was thinner than other martial artists, so he couldn’t practice overly powerful martial arts. This “Yang Shaoxia’s” style was honest and sincere, every move he made being solemn. Although it cannot be said that he is swift, he was watertight, resembling a towering mountain, unshakable, which was precisely Yan Qingqiu’s nemesis. 

Yan Qingqiu now roughly understood Sima Xiao’s aim, which was to have this person keep him occupied, so he could concentrate on dealing with Murong Ai.

Speaking again on the competition over there—

Sima Xiao’s sword technique was vastly different from his gentlemanly appearance, his moves fast and fierce, slicing horizontally and vertically, broad and encroaching, full of a domineering force. A green shadow darted swiftly, as quick as a deer, as fierce as a hungry tiger, eliciting constant exclaims from the spectators.

Yet, Sima Xiao did not gain any advantage over Murong Ai. The “Demon Blade’s” techniques were strange and unconventional, many of his moves remaining unknown to the martial artists of the Central Plains. The combination of a sword and sheath was never seen before, not to mention being heard of. “Kuaiyi Qiushuang” alternated, suddenly stabbing, cutting, and picking, seemingly able to  embody the strengths of various weapons in itself. 

After over a hundred exchanges, neither were able to claim superiority over the other, and Yan Qingqiu noticed beads of sweat accumulating in his palm. He couldn’t resist glancing at Murong Ai in distraction, and it happened that the man also met his eyes during the brief pause. In that instant, Murong Ai suddenly disengaged from Sima Xiao’s blade, landing like a great black Roc beside Yan Qingqiu.

(To be continued)

FOOTNOTES

Titles

Chixing Bian: 赤星鞭, “Red Star Whip”

Duan Hou Niangzi: 断喉娘子,  “Throat-Cutting Lady”

Guafu: 寡妇, “Widow”

Zuoshi: 左使, “Left Envoy/Emissary”

Lao Yingxiong: 老英雄, another way to say “Old Hero”

Xiongdi: Brother/Brothers (Similar to Shi Xiongdi)

Objects

Sangmen Shen: 丧门神, “Harbinger Of Death”

Other

Chuan Hua Bu: Flower-Piercing Steps

Shangxing, Qianding, Touwei:   Shangxing: Located on the midline of the head, approximately 1 inch posterior to the anterior hairline. Qianding: Found on the midline at the top of the head, 3.5 inches posterior to the anterior hairline. Touwei: Located at the corner of the forehead, 0.5 inches above the anterior hairline and 4.5 inches lateral from the midline of the head.

Roc: A mythical bird of enormous size and strength, often featured in Middle Eastern and South Asian folklore.