Legend of The Frost Blade - Chapter 9

Speaking of Murong Ai, one must mention the Guangming Sheng Sect. The martial arts community in the Central Plains refers to it as the “Demonic Sect,” and not completely without reason. For over a century, this sect has been rooted in the Western Regions, with numerous followers of strange, treacherous behaviors. After entering the pass, they frequently clashed with the local martial arts factions of the Central Plains. They repay any slight with violence, and their methods are ruthless, deepening the enmity over time. Several crusades were launched by various sects, all of which have failed to gain an advantage. The demonic sects have also sent people to create chaos, resulting in mutual destruction. Thus, the rift between the two sides grew deeper by the day. The Central Plains factions have been without a leader for a long time and value openness and integrity, making their affairs clear to everyone. In contrast, the Guangming Sheng Sect’s matters are rarely made public, making them seem even more mysterious.

 

The current leader Feng Xingyun is a martial arts enthusiast, with no wife or children, obsessed with the sect’s supreme skill “Zhurong Shijiu Shi”. Ten years ago, Murong Ai entered Jianghu with a sword named “Kuaiyi Qiushuang,” taking charge of the sect’s Punishment Hall. It was rumored that he was Feng Xingyun’s adopted son, but no one knew where he was adopted from. Moreover, Murong Ai’s kungfu was different from Feng Xingyun’s, making it even more puzzling. At that time, he was just over twenty-three years old, yet his actions were seasoned and ruthless, showing no consideration for others’ feelings. In addition, his swordsmanship was extraordinary, reaching a level of perfection. Everyone in the sect, from top to bottom, admired and submitted to him. Later, the battle at ‘Qianxin Garden’ once again instilled fear in the martial arts community of the Central Plains, and the reputation of the Demon Blade gradually became well-known. 

 

However, Murong Ai’s appearance raised further questions. The Guangming Sheng Sect had been established outside the Central Plains for over a hundred years, with many of its followers intermarrying with the locals, resulting with the majority having mixed features. And although Murong Ai had distinct features, he was fully and completely Han.

 

At this moment, Yan Qingqiu looked at the red marks on Murong Ai’s back, his mind racing with various thoughts as he fell into a trance. Murong Ai placed down his teacup, turned around, and saw the odd expression on Yan Qingqiu’s face. He couldn’t help but laugh and said: “Xiandi, are you still indignant and want to stand up for these two beauties?”

 

Although Murong Ai’s tone was cold and full of sarcasm, Yan Qingqiu’s anger gradually subsided.

 

Yan Qingqiu turned back to inspect Qiluo’s injuries closely and found that they were not serious. He comforted Biyao with a few words, asked her to take care of Qiluo, then lowered one of the curtains and casually picked up a piece of clothing to bring to Murong Ai.

 

“The night is getting colder. Murong Xiong, you should put this on.”

 

Murong Ai stared at him for a long while before taking it and saying in a low voice: “Thank you for your kindness, Feihua Gongzi.”

 

Yan Qingqiu grabbed his arm and took a few steps closer to the window, sighing, “Murong Xiong, please don’t blame me for speaking out of turn, but your actions towards Miss Qiluo just now were excessive. Even though we are now being pursued by the Five Great Sects and various others, we don’t need to be wary of a mere brothel girl. Exhibiting such paranoia is uncharacteristic of you, Murong Xiong.”

 

Murong Ai laughed heartily, Ha Ha. With his hair disheveled and his clothes in disarray, he appeared even more unrestrained, making Yan Qingqiu feel that what he said was uncredible. 

 

His face flushed, and he continued: “Since ancient times, brothel girls loved money and sometimes snooped on their clients’ backgrounds. Miss Qiluo is probably just greedy. You don’t need to worry too much, Murong Xiong.”

 

Murong Ai crossed his arms and said: “So, Feihua Gongzi is asking me to let it go?”

 

“Miss Qiluo is quite stubborn. Murong Xiong, if you haven’t lost anything, why not leave her here with me? We’ll head north first thing in the morning. What trouble can she cause then?”

 

Murong Ai didn’t respond, his dark eyes fixated on Yan Qingqiu. It was hard to tell if his gaze held anger or amusement, his eyes flickering momentarily, then quickly sinking again, becoming even more unfathomable. Yan Qingqiu wasn’t sure what Murong Ai was planning, so he remained silent, waiting for him to speak. 

 

Finally, Murong Ai shifted his gaze to the window and laughed: “Feihua Gongzi is truly a soft-tempered person. If it hadn’t been for your knowledge and etiquette since childhood, and constant pampering, it would definitely be difficult to act in this way. No matter who or what, you always assume the best first. But do you know how my Kuaiyi Qiushuang sword got its name?”

 

Yan Qingqiu was taken aback, not understanding why Murong Ai suddenly brought up his weapon, but still replied: “Is it because the scabbard is pure white?”

 

Murong Ai smiled and said, “Human feelings are as thin as paper, human hearts as cold as frost. If you want to survive, you must be willing to let go! The blade of a sword must be sharp enough to cut through the autumn frost. If there is even a bit of softness in your heart, it will lead to eternal damnation.”

 

Yan Qingqiu felt a pang of bitterness in his heart and couldn’t help but ask: “Why is Murong Xiong so certain? Have you truly seen through the ways of the world already?”

 

“The ways of the world are inherently clear, it’s only a matter of understanding or not understanding! This world does not treat you well just because you are good to it. You may laugh at me for being cold-hearted, but I worry that you will never see through it in your lifetime and will unnecessarily suffer much pain.” Murong Ai suddenly took Yan Qingqiu’s left hand, examined it, and gently traced his palm lines, laughing softly: “You are truly a nobleman’s son, having had a smooth life in the first half, naturally kind-hearted and sincere to others.”

 

Yan Qingqiu just felt the rough calluses on Murong Ai’s fingertips slowly glide across his palm. Though the touch was not forceful, it carried a warmth that penetrated his skin, making him startle unexpectedly.

 

He abruptly pulled his hand back and turned sideways, catching Murong Ai off guard. However, Murong Ai did not stop him, merely curved his lips into a slight smile.

 

Yan Qingqiu glanced at the bedside and sighed: “There’s no use in talking about anything else right now. I’ve learned some things that are quite strange, but I’m not excusing Miss Qiluo. If Murong Xiong is angry and wants to investigate, please hear me out first ba.”

 

He then recounted everything Biyao had told him.

 

Murong Ai remained expressionless as he listened. After a moment of contemplation, he said: “If your little lady is really a brothel girl, she couldn’t have made up such a coincidental story. The strange guest she mentioned should be someone who practices ‘Mian Li Zhen’. That skill is sinister, gathering Qi in the palms and making the hands cold and dry, like those of a corpse.”

 

“Can you determine who it might be based on their appearance?”

 

Murong Ai shook his head, adding: “What use is appearance as evidence? Disguising one’s appearance is not difficult. Can you be certain that the face you see now is my true face?”

 

Yan Qingqiu knew he was right, but couldn’t resist joking: “Why not? If Murong Xiong is willing to let me pull your face, then I’ll know.”

 

Murong Ai was momentarily stunned and didn’t respond.

 

Yan Qingqiu regretted his words, feeling that suddenly interjecting such a remark during a serious conversation was just as out of line as Murong Ai’s earlier actions. He was worried that Murong Ai would rebuke him, but to his surprise, Murong Ai simply lowered his head and smiled, without any mockery, which was very unlike him.

 

At this moment, Biyao lifted the curtain and looked over at them. Yan Qingqiu quickly walked over and saw Qiluo slowly waking up, her beautiful eyes blinking twice, glistening with a few tears. 

 

Murong Ai also walked over and sat down on the bedside.

 

As he got closer, even though Qiluo was usually tough, she couldn’t help but shiver and retreated further back.

 

Murong Ai, with a casual demeanor, smiled and said: “How about it? Do you want me to help you loosen the bones in your other hand as well?”

 

Qiluo sat up, leaning against Biyao, and glared at Murong Ai with hatred, but remained silent. Biyao, full of anxiety, tried to persuade Qiluo with gestures and writing, but to no avail.

 

Murong Ai then said to Yan Qingqiu: “Xiandi is a romanticist. Do you know when a woman, as soft as water, can become as hard as steel?”

 

Yan Qingqiu replied: “For chastity and for loyalty.”

 

“A brothel girl has no chastity, so is Miss Qiluo’s meticulousness out of love?” Murong Ai reached out to stroke Qiluo’s hair: “I checked the bundle, not a single silver note is missing, and all the gold leaves are present. What exactly are you looking for?”

 

Qiluo’s face was covered in cold sweat, with a few strands of hair sticking to her cheeks. Murong Ai inserted his fingers into her hair bun and yanked hard, dragging her to his side. Yan Qingqiu felt a pang in his heart but couldn’t stop him.

 

Murong Ai leaned close to Qiluo’s ear and whispered as if speaking sweet nothings: “You’ve been able to read countless people, so you should know I’m no gentleman. Unfortunately, there are countless ways to torment someone, but I don’t have the time to try them on you today. In life, nuisances are what I hate the most. Whatever you’re looking for, you didn’t get it, so I just need to get rid of you, and tomorrow will be as usual for me. How about that?”

 

He pressed his fingers against Qiluo’s throat, needing only a little force to crush her windpipe. Qiluo trembled, tears streaming down her face: “My offense is not serious enough to warrant death ba?”

 

“Whether you live or die is up to you. Can’t you weigh the difference between dying for others or living for yourself?”

 

Qiluo’s expression turned desolate, and she finally spoke: “Yesterday, someone told me that if someone with the appearance of a gentleman comes here late at night, I should look for a wooden token. If I find it, I should stash it away for the time being, and would naturally be rewarded for my efforts. I desperately need money to buy my freedom, so I agreed out of desperation. I thought it was a joke at first, but I didn’t expect to actually meet you today, so……”

 

“Who told you this?”

 

“A stranger, young in age, whom I had never seen before. However, he was dressed in luxurious clothing and acted generously, so I did not suspect him.”

 

“Did he describe the appearance of the wooden token?”

 

“He only said it was three cun in size, black as iron, with a hollowed-out flame pattern.”

 

Yan Qingqiu, listening nearby, couldn’t help but feel a shock in his heart: from Qiluo’s description, it seemed like something from the Guangming Sheng Sect. He had witnessed such tokens during his famous battle in Dali, where he fought six Guangming Sheng Sect commanders, killing three and injuring the others. He raised his eyes to look at Murong Ai, who remained silent and released Qiluo.

 

The two maidservants quickly helped Qiluo to the side, feeling as if they had narrowly escaped death, breathing a great sigh of relief. 

 

Murong Ai said to Yan Qingqiu, “It seems we cannot stay here any longer, we must leave immediately! I must trouble you to wait a bit longer Xiandi!”

 

Yan Qingqiu quickly nodded, and Murong Ai then moved to the next room.

 

Yan Qingqiu instructed Biyao to take clean clothes from his luggage, dress him neatly, and to tidy his hair. Shortly after, Murong Ai returned, also dressed. He took out a silver note from his pocket and tossed it to Biyao, saying: “Give this to your madam first thing in the morning. After deducting the night’s fees, it’s enough for your and your sister’s freedom.”

 

Biyao was astonished and carefully looked at the note, seeing that it was a full five hundred taels.

 

Yan Qingqiu asked in surprise: “Does Murong Xiong intend to take Miss Qiluo away?”

 

Murong Ai nodded: “The girl has already leaked information, it would be difficult to avoid being silenced. It would be best to send her far away. Besides, this matter is becoming more and more complicated, who knows what we might need to learn from her in the future.”

 

As they spoke, Qiluo listened with fear and said, “I’ve told you everything I know, why do you still want to harm me?”

 

Yan Qingqiu reassured her, “Miss, don’t be afraid. We’re just sending you to another place, not intending to harm you.”

 

Qiluo shook her head repeatedly, “I won’t go anywhere… I’ve made a promise with Xiao Lang, I must wait here for him to return!”

 

Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqiu immediately understood the significance of the “redemption money,” and felt a pang of sadness in his heart. However, Murong Ai, impatient, flicked his finger and knocked Qiluo unconscious, then wrapped her up in a large blanket and picked her up.

 

In her anxiety, Biyao was about to step forward to stop them, but Yan Qingqiu blocked her and comforted her with a few words, warning: “What you said tonight is very important to me, and I will repay you in the future. However, you must be careful and, if possible, leave this place for now.” As he spoke, he handed her some silver notes, “If you can buy your freedom, it would be best. Even if you can’t, you must stay hidden and avoid strangers.”

 

Biyao grasped his hand, a reluctant expression on her face. Yan Qingqiu sighed inwardly, then quietly pressed her acupoints to make her fall asleep. He gently laid her on the couch and covered her with a quilt.

 

Murong Ai stood by the window, observing these actions with a cold smile but said nothing.

 

The two of them quietly left Zui Hongguan, abandoning their horses and using their Qinggong to leave the Zhuozhou area overnight.

 

Afterward, Murong Ai and Yan Qingqiu abandoned the main road and took small paths. Along the way, they left Qiluo in a small town, bought some old clothes, and disguised her as an ordinary woman. They also donated money to a nunnery called “Guanyin Tang,” claiming that they had urgent business at home and had to temporarily leave a female relative there for two or three months. The abbess accepted the money and agreed.

 

Qiluo was naturally unwilling, but Murong Ai had his ways. He first poisoned a chicken to death, then forced Qiluo to swallow a pill, saying that he would provide the antidote within three months. If she wanted to stay alive to see her “Xiao Lang,” she had to obediently stay put. Qiluo was filled with resentment and anger but didn’t dare to act out, her beautiful eyes almost spitting fire. Murong Ai found this even more amusing and added fuel to the fire: he said that if Qiluo privately returned to Zhuozhou, he wouldn’t be angry, but would simply break Xiao Lang’s legs.

 

Having experienced Murong Ai’s methods, Qiluo finally complied.

 

Thus, Murong Ai and Yan Qingqiu bought horses and resumed their journey.

 

Yan Qingqiu and Murong Ai both understood that their movements had been tracked, but they didn’t know when or by whom.

 

Murong Ai once said to Yan Qingqiu: “That person must know a lot about us and accurately predict our actions. He understood my behavior well enough to set up spies in Shenzhou City the day before. I suspect more than just Qiluo has been instructed. Places like brothels, taverns, tea houses, and inns are where outsiders must go. Who knows how many ‘Qiluos’ are waiting there?”

 

Although Yan Qingqiu had been in the martial world for a long time, he had rarely encountered such a situation—knowing someone was lurking around, yet seeing no trace of them, was truly chilling.

 

He asked Murong Ai: “Previously, we knew that the real culprits behind the serial murders were two groups, but Miss Qiluo mentioned that the instigator was looking for a token. Could there be a third party involved? Could it be someone from your sect?”

 

Murong Ai sneered: “Are you suggesting that someone from my sect is secretly intending to harm me?”

 

“Your sect’s affairs have nothing to do with me. As long as they don’t harm the innocent, I won’t interfere. There’s no need to be suspicious, Murong Xiong.”

 

Murong Ai said: “It’s no harm in telling you. I’m out here to track down a traitor, so it’s inevitable that some of the old folks in the sect are feeling nervous and making some moves. The difference is that in our sect, as long as the rules are not broken, bringing things to the surface is no problem. Unlike your Central Plains factions, where everyone is all smiles on the surface but shoots arrows in the dark behind each other’s backs.”

 

Yan Qingqiu wasn’t angered: “People’s hearts are like a spider’s web, full of true villains and hypocrites. As long as one manages to stay upright, there’s no need to force others to do the same. Everyone has their fate, and those who deserve retribution will get it.”

 

Murong Ai laughed heartily: “That’s what I like most about you Feihua Gongzi! Other heroes can’t stand it when I speak the truth, but you seem to appreciate it!”

 

Yan Qingqiu felt his palm heat up upon hearing the word “like”, though his face remained calm. He found Murong Ai’s hearty laughter much more pleasant than his previous eerie demeanor. Yan Qingqiu also laughed and said: “Since Murong Xiong understands my character, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. The name ‘Feihua’ is indeed quite exhausting. Just call me by my courtesy name in the future. My courtesy name is ‘Juechen’; I hope Murong Xiong remembers it.”

 

Murong Ai’s eyes showed a hint of joy as he murmured: “A fine horse and light cloak, galloping away into the distance, how delightful.” He then turned and laughed: “I won’t take advantage of you, but unfortunately, I’ve never taken a courtesy name, so I can’t tell you mine. Since I am a few years older, if you don’t mind, just call me ‘Da Ge.’”

 

Yan Qingqiu naturally said: “Alright.”

 

 The pair chatted and laughed along the way. Although they knew they were in a dangerous situation, they didn’t feel scared,but instead grew even closer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOOTNOTES

 

 

Titles

Zhurong Shijiu Shi: “The Nineteen Stances of Zhurong”. 祝融(Zhurong) refers to a legendary ancient Chinese deity of fire.

 

 

 

 

 

Places

Guanyin Tang: Translates to “Guanyin Hall”

 

 

 

 

 

Objects

Curtains: 帐幔 (zhàng màn) refers to a type of canopy or draped curtain, often used in traditional Chinese settings. It typically describes curtains or drapes used around a bed or a sleeping area to provide privacy, warmth, or to keep out insects.

Silver Note: Silver notes in ancient China were a type of promissory note issued by banks, representing a certain amount of silver. They were used for transactions much like modern paper money or banknotes.

Token: A specific, tangible item that holds significance, possibly as a symbol of authority or membership. Tokens are often used in various organizations, including secret societies or martial arts sects, to identify members or grant access to certain privileges.

 

 

 

 

 

Other

“Fully and completely”: The original, 十足十(shí zú shí) is an idiomatic expression in Chinese, which means “completely” or “thoroughly.” It literally translates to “ten full ten,” implying something is fully or entirely in a certain way.

“Countless”: 千千万万” (qiān qiān wàn wàn), literally translates to “thousands upon thousands and tens of thousands,” is a common Chinese idiom that means “countless” or “innumerable”.

Qi: Often described as the vital life force or energy that flows through all living things. It’s considered essential for maintaining health, vitality, and balance. It is believed to circulate through pathways in the body known as meridians.In martial arts, Qi is harnessed and directed to enhance physical abilities, focus, and endurance. Martial artists practice techniques to cultivate and control their Qi for effective movement and power.