The Affairs of the Martial World - Vol 2: Chapter 22

Zhu Que got onto the carriage and saw an elderly man sitting inside, dressed in casual clothes, with a very amiable expression. Upon seeing Zhu Que, he said, “I witnessed the young hero’s chivalrous act just now; not only are you skilled in martial arts, but you also know how to act with discretion. It’s rare to find someone so young with such insight. I originally intended to invite you personally, but unfortunately, I have an old leg injury that makes it difficult for me to move. I hope you won’t take offense at my rudeness. May I ask for your esteemed name, young hero?”

Zhu Que said, “Oh, it’s nothing, really. This is just a small matter, not worth mentioning. Since we are acquainted, there’s no need for formality. No need to call me ‘young hero.’ My name is Zhu Que. May I ask your esteemed surname?”

The old man chuckled and said, “In that case, let’s skip the pleasantries. My surname is Tong, and my given name is Wufeng. I’m a few years older than you, so you can just call me Old Tong.”

Zhu Que asked, “Are you the Old Tong of the Three Elders of Jiangnan?”

The Three Elders of Jiangnan were not people of the martial arts world but three talented scholars renowned for their poetry and prose. They came from affluent families, sought no fame or official titles, and spent their days composing poetry and enjoying music. Their literary style was unique and refreshing, likely because they were not involved in court politics and lacked ambitions for power, which earned them the respect of the world. Most of the popular folk songs circulating in Jiangnan at that time were composed by them.

Because they spent all day frequenting taverns and brothels, calling friends and acquaintances, they heard many tales about the martial arts world, which they incorporated into their poetry. Many famous courtesans’ songs were set to their lyrics, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of worldly affairs. Thus, even though they were not part of the martial arts world, they were well aware of many happenings within it.

Old Tong laughed and said, “I have my literary skills, and you have your martial prowess; each has its strengths. A little fame cannot compare to the renowned Zhu Que. As the saying goes, ‘There is no first in literature and no second in martial arts.’ I would like to know, in the hearts of you people from the Jianghu, who does this ‘first’ refer to?”

Zhu Que said, “In the Central Plains, apart from Murong Hanshan of the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords, I fear no one else would dare to claim they are the best.”

Old Tong asked, “Why said ‘in the Central Plains’? Isn’t the number one in the Central Plains the number one in the world?”

Zhu Que pondered for a moment and said, “Murong Hanshan’s swordsmanship is certainly unmatched among the renowned martial artists in the Central Plains, but looking across the world, many masters hide in the mountains and fields, never chasing fame and fortune; it’s hard to say they are any less than Murong Hanshan.”

Old Tong nodded, sighed, and said, “Unlike us literary types, which can have a poem or an article spread far and wide for everyone to critique, you martial artists can only evaluate skills through the clash of swords. Alas, whether in literature or martial arts, fame is always burdensome.”

Zhu Que did not understand the meaning behind his words and could only listen quietly.

Old Tong continued, “I wonder if you have heard about Murong Hanshan recently?”

Zhu Que replied, “Recently, my mind has been unsettled. I have been wandering alone in the land of wine without gathering with friends of Jianghu. However, a few days ago, I stayed at the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords for a few days and didn’t hear of any events occurring.”

Old Tong asked, “Have you heard of the Tianshan Sword Sect of the Western Regions?”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Que moved and said, “Are the people of the Tianshan Sword Sect going to compete with Murong Hanshan for the title of the world’s number one?”

Old Tong said, “That’s not it. I heard that the Shadowless Sword of Jinan, Yin Wuxing, was killed, and Yin Wuxing is the junior brother of the Tianshan Sect’s leader, Ji Wuyou.”

Zhu Que trembled all over and exclaimed, “Yin Wuxing was killed by someone? Was it with a sword?”

Old Tong replied, “That’s right.”

Zhu Que thought, no wonder this matter involved Murong Hanshan. He then asked, “When did this happen?”

Old Tong said, “The fifth day of last month.”

Zhu Que calculated that when he returned from the desert, it was in mid-last month. When he saw Murong Hanshan at the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords, he didn’t notice anything unusual. If it was really Murong Hanshan’s doing, then he was too calm about it.

Zhu Que said, “How can the Tianshan Sword Sect stand by and do nothing? Murong Hanshan is indeed the most suspicious person.”

Old Tong said, “That’s right. The people from the Tianshan Sword Sect arrived outside the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords two days ago, but they haven’t come to seek justice. I think they are waiting for Ji Wuyou’s arrival. Once Ji Wuyou gets here, regardless of whether Yin Wuxing was killed by Murong Hanshan or not, the two will have a confrontation.”

Zhu Que agreed with this point. Murong Hanshan of the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords, the number one swordsman in the Central Plains, while Ji Wuyou, the leader of the Tianshan Sword Sect, dominated the Western Regions for many years. When two unparalleled swordsmen met, even without hatred, they would yearn to duel with each other, for they were both incredibly proud swordsmen who hoped to find a rival worthy of their skills. This was what is known as the loneliness of the masters.

Three days ago, the old man he saw with Fuying in the tavern was probably not Yin Wuxing, and it was even less likely to be Ji Wuyou. Ji Wuyou’s ethereal elegance would be unmistakable to Zhu Que. He heard that the two of them also had a younger junior brother named Zhong Wuxie; he wondered if this was the person.

Yin Wuxing was a former elder master of the White Lotus Sect, which had a vast influence. Naturally, they would not let the death of Yin Wuxing go unpunished. Thinking of this made Zhu Que’s head spin. He vaguely felt that Yin Wuxing could not have been killed by Murong Hanshan, but he couldn’t think of anyone else who could kill the Shadowless Sword.

Old Tong continued, “From my position, I naturally hope that the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords stands strong because Murong Hanshan has already become the pride of the Jiangnan martial arts community. If Murong Hanshan were to be defeated by the Tianshan Sword Sect, it would not only be a serious blow to Jiangnan but also to the morale of the entire Central Plains martial arts world.”

Zhu Que understood that in the martial arts world of the Central Plains, reputation was paramount. Since everyone acknowledged Murong Hanshan as the number one in the Central Plains, if he were to be defeated, no one would be able to hold their heads high. Just think about it: if even the number one swordsman, Murong Hanshan, could be defeated, what value would there be in one’s own training? This would also cause serious damage to the confidence of martial artists.

Zhu Que thought of this and said to Old Tong, “I understand now. Although I don’t know what I can do, I must do something.”

Old Tong nodded and signaled the carriage to stop.

Zhu Que got off and bid farewell to Old Tong.

Puyu: This is the end of volume 2. If you enjoy this novel, please rate and review it in Novel Updates. Please also consider supporting the author by buying the RAW. Many thanks. ♡