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墨書 Inktalez
The sky was thick with low-hanging clouds, a gray haze pressing down to the depths of one's heart. In the distance, the Yellow River had long frozen, blending almost seamlessly with the banks, obscuring any clear boundary in the grayish-white expanse. The howling North Wind swept across the wilderness, gradually mixing in icy snowflakes. The snowflakes grew larger, further clouding the vision. The world was a vast, desolate gray.
Two figures abruptly appeared on the frozen surface of the Yellow River. Amidst the wind and snow, one stomped his feet and shouted loudly, "Chuxuan, look! This ice is so solid that when I step on it, there isn't even a crack!"
Across the river lay Bianjing.
In the howling wind and snow, the massive black square silhouette of Bianjing stood tall amidst the white wilderness. The high battlements were topped with swirling gray clouds that seemed almost to connect with the sky itself, an awe-inspiring sight.
This capital of the Song Dynasty was once the center of prosperity in the world, the pride of Along the River During the Qingming Festival, and a cherished homeland in the hearts of Han people that had suffered greatly. It had repelled the Jin Army several times but had also fallen into their hands repeatedly. After Zhong Jian Gong Zong Ze's death while stationed in Dongjing, it finally fell completely into Jin hands once more.
Chuxuan squinted coldly at the fluttering Jin flag atop the battlements and suddenly said ominously, "Sixth Senior Brother, do you dare to charge in and take it back?"
Li Hong also narrowed his eyes coldly, feelings of hatred surging within him.
Their mission to Lin'an was under the banner of Zhao Family's ancestor who had once joined Nine Li Sect, armed with a Silk Scroll, Chuxuan's Jade Register, and Yun Wangfu's Golden Order Token as proof. Regardless of whether Zhao Gou believed their identities or not, they needed to investigate whether there had been a significant disappearance of soldiers within the Song Army.
Li Hong let out a long breath and said, "Let it go. Don't forget our purpose here; it's not wise to make a big commotion now. Those Evil Spirits from Demon Sect might be lurking in some corner waiting to catch us!"
Chuxuan thought about how Great Celebration Hall had been occupied by those barbarians; perhaps at this moment they were sitting on Great Ancestor's legendary dragon throne laughing heartily. A surge of anger welled up within him as he involuntarily began to channel Li Fire Scripture, releasing a powerful and dangerous aura from his body.
He was now at the initial stage of Refining the Heart cultivation, equivalent to a semi-immortal; a thunderous strike fueled by his rage could likely destroy half of Bianjing!
Li Hong coldly reminded him, "Don't forget Master’s words! On this mission to Song Dynasty, everything must follow my lead."
Chuxuan paused, and the dangerous aura within him gradually dissipated. Unable to contain himself any longer, he tore open his collar; crystalline snowflakes floated onto his heated skin and immediately melted into drops of water. The icy water finally helped quell his anger; Chuxuan took a deep breath and said angrily, "One day it will return to our hands! Let these Golden Dogs enjoy their time for now!"
Li Hong felt no better inside. Seven years ago he had been here when it was still Song territory, resisting against Jin under his grandfather's leadership. He had even shared a meal with Wanyi in one of the most prosperous places... Wanyi...
A sharp pain pierced his heart as he turned away and said coldly, "Stop looking; let's go."
As the figures of the two were about to disappear, Li Hong suddenly noticed and turned around, pointing in surprise at the Yellow River ten miles away, saying, "There are people over there!"
The wind and snow grew stronger, howling across the Yellow River, with snowflakes swirling on the icy surface, forming small snowdrifts. At the riverbank ten miles away, there were piles of grayish-white stones covered in snow, where five people were hiding motionless. If it weren't for Li Hongxiu's exceptional eyesight, they would have been undetectable from such a distance.
In the dead of winter, who would hide themselves in a bone-chilling snowdrift? Li Hong's heart stirred: "Let's go! We need to check it out!"
As they approached, those people suddenly moved. Four long spear tips swiftly emerged from the snowdrift, and someone shouted, "We do not kill nameless individuals under our weapons! State your names!"
It was a genuine Central Plains accent.
The four strong men simultaneously lifted their conical hats and raincoats pressed against the snow and slowly stood up. Though they were mere mortals, their bodies stood straight in the wind and snow like the gun barrels in their hands, their eyes shining as they stared directly at Li Hong and Chuxuan.
The person behind remained hidden in the snowdrift and did not move; it seemed these four were covering for him. Li Hong revealed a gentle smile: "You are scouts from the Song Army, right? Don't worry; we are also Song People. On such a cold day, with the Golden Dog Tortoise hiding in Bianjing, it seems you have come here for nothing."
A flicker of surprise crossed the faces of the four men, but their guns remained pointed at Li Hong and Chuxuan, steady and unwavering. Their hands were calloused from years of service; it was clear they were seasoned soldiers.
Li Hong was about to call out to the leader behind to speak when unexpectedly that person moved first. A tall figure rose from the snowdrift, revealing a frost-covered dark face that bore a smile similar to Li Hong's: "So it's you! Don't worry; he is indeed one of us."
The latter part was directed at the four soldiers. Someone whispered, "My Lord, do not let your guard down. This is Jin territory."
But Li Hong had already recognized him and could hardly believe his eyes: "It's you! We met here seven years ago; you are that Brother Soldier from City Gate!" He couldn't help but feel nostalgic; the once spirited young soldier now bore signs of age and hardship but still had those sharp, intelligent dark eyes that remained strikingly recognizable after seven years.
That man chuckled softly as frost fell from his black beard. He said quietly, "You have a good memory! This is not a place for conversation; please follow me."
Chuxuan cast an inquiring glance at Li Hong, who communicated telepathically: "Don't worry; he is a commander under Zong Ze. I have met him here before."
The Song People's resistance army! They came to Bianjing with only four men to scout enemy camps! Chuxuan felt a surge of respect and cupped his hands toward that man.
The group gradually disappeared into the ice and snow.
Rushing ten miles quickly, a few soldiers were anxiously waiting in a hollow. Upon seeing their leader, they immediately smiled and whispered, "The General has returned!" Clearly, they were genuinely happy.
Soon, someone brought over the horses, but two were missing.
Just as the person was about to ask his subordinates to yield their horses, he heard Li Hong laugh and say, "Brother Soldier, we don't need to ride." With that, he floated up high and lightly landed on the rear of a soldier's horse. He barely touched the horse with his toes and stood against the wind; the horse didn't even notice that someone had joined him on its back. Chuxuan did the same.
"Masters!" Their expressions towards Li Hong and Chuxuan changed instantly, filled with admiration and joy.
They knew that if such skilled individuals had wanted to kill them just now, they could have done so easily; there was no need to wait until now. It was clear they were on the same side. Realizing they were in need of skilled fighters, their gazes grew even more fervent, especially that of the leading Brother Soldier, who was already chuckling: "I should have known that the warrior is no ordinary person. No wonder after seven years, his prowess surpasses the past! Please!"
The cavalry sped westward.
These men were extremely familiar with the battlefield, taking small paths along the way to avoid the Jin camp as they headed towards the mountainous area. By midnight, they arrived at a small village.
A sentry appeared from behind a dirt wall at the village entrance. Just as he shouted a warning and saw the line of horses, his expression turned joyful. He was about to kneel but heard the man say in a deep voice, "First ask for the password!"
The soldiers showed great respect and loudly asked, "Password?"
"Devotion to Country!" the man replied loudly and then solemnly instructed, "Remember! Even when you see your own people, you must first ask for the password. During your watch, do not leave your post without permission; there is no need to kneel when you see someone; I will do the same!"
"Understood!"
As the cavalry passed through the checkpoint, Li Hong looked back and saw that the soldiers standing guard in the wind and snow were even more upright, staring straight ahead into the dark.
Li Hong and Chuxuan exchanged glances; this person managed his troops with strictness and had an impressive demeanor—he must be a general.
********
"You are Yue Fei!" Li Hong and Chuxuan looked at each other in surprise and delight.
Li Hong felt his heart warm up and laughed, "I thought General Yue was extraordinary seven years ago, but today I truly recognize you!" He stepped forward and gave Yue Fei a hearty slap on the shoulder.
What a powerful strike! The towering Yue Fei was nearly brought to his knees by Li Hong's blow, yet he laughed heartily, "Good lad! No more talk, join me in resisting the Jin and restoring our Song Dynasty homeland!"
Looking at the weathered, dark yet friendly face before him, Li Hong almost spoke the good words that were on the tip of his tongue, but thinking of his identity and mission, he could only shake his head slightly.
Yue Fei thought Li Hong still had concerns, but he was not in a hurry. He called out, "Bring out the wine and meat! I want to have a candlelit discussion with these two brave men!"
The tattered curtain of the small hut was lifted, and snowflakes blew in, dimming the candlelight. Two soldiers entered, carrying large trays. One tray held simple, coarse rations and a jar of wine, while the other soldier carried a large platter of meat that looked steaming and tempting; however, it not only lacked fragrance but also had a strong fishy smell.
Yue Fei paid no mind to it and moved the meat in front of Li Hong and Chuxuan, gesturing with his chopsticks as he smiled, "There’s nothing fancy to treat you two gentlemen in the military. This is from a Jin Army dead horse we found a few days ago. It's cold outside, but the meat is still fresh enough. Dig in, don’t be polite!" Saying this, he took some meat for himself and began to chew on it with the coarse rations, clearly already hungry.
Li Hong and Chuxuan exchanged glances, their respect for him rising uncontrollably. To venture deep into Jin Army territory with just four men to scout military intelligence while eating rough rations and dead horse meat—this small village had transformed into the Central Military Headquarters for this commander of both the southwestern route of the Song Dynasty and the northern route of Jinghu. There were only about five hundred soldiers here; Yue Fei had come out to gather intelligence during the winter truce when the Jin people were not fighting.
Loyalty and bravery combined; leading by example! Li Hong felt tears welling up in his eyes as he sighed inwardly. With Yue Fei in Central Plains, how could there be any worry about restoration!
He lightly lifted a large wine jar and poured himself a big bowl which he downed in one go, showing the empty bowl to Yue Fei: "To you, General!"
"To both brave men! Please!"
The three of them drank heartily and ate generously; soon enough, the horse meat and wine were all gone.
Wiping his mouth with grease and wine stains, Yue Fei exclaimed, "Refreshing!" He looked at Li Hong with sharp eyes that gleamed like blades: "You two need not say anything; you must be extraordinary individuals." Suddenly standing up, he bowed deeply to the ground: "I sincerely request your assistance for me, Yue Fei, and for our Song Dynasty!"
Li Hong and Chuxuan hurriedly stood up to return the gesture. They exchanged glances filled with mutual understanding; they wished they could agree immediately but knew they could not speak such words. The Cultivation World must not interfere in Mortal Realm affairs—that was a rule.
Seeing that Li Hong and Chuxuan did not respond, Yue Fei spoke solemnly: "Currently, Song and Jin are separated by the Huai River at Dazhan Pass. But there...," he heavily gestured northward with his hand, "that is our homeland! The Jin have taken our Central Plains and our Bianjing; the humiliation of Jingkang is still fresh in our minds. Though I have limited strength as Yue Fei, our emperor has been swayed by treacherous men to consider peace talks. Peace talks! That is a disgrace for our Song Dynasty! Only by achieving results can we show our emperor so that he will have confidence to confront the Jin. I am without virtue or ability; I rely solely on my sincere loyalty to serve my country! I earnestly request your assistance!"
Li Hong could no longer remain calm. He stood up with cupped hands and said solemnly: "Rest assured; we will lend you a helping hand. However, I also have my own methods of assistance."
"Who are you two?" Yue Fei began to realize that the two before him were likely not just ordinary figures from the martial world.
Li Hong pulled out a Silk Scroll from the Cosmic Bag and handed it over.
After reading it, Yue Fei suddenly understood: "So you are from the lineage of Jingying Xianyou Zhenjun. I was foolish! I have met you, National Guardian Masters!" He was about to bow in respect.
Li Hong quickly supported him, saying seriously, "General Yue is someone we respect greatly; you must not perform such a grand gesture. This time, we are here to help the general fulfill his wishes. Restoring the Central Plains relies on you!"
"Yue Fei dares not refuse your command; I will serve with utmost loyalty until death!"
The three lit candles, and Li Hong inquired about the reports of numerous Soldiers disappearing in the army. Yue Fei shook his head in confusion, stating that he had not witnessed such occurrences among his troops. However, he began to worry and asked, "Could it be that our Song people are disappearing in large numbers? This..." He became angry and slammed the table: "Who dares to commit such a heinous act!"
Li Hong pondered, unsure whether he should tell him the truth.
Chuxuan immediately gestured to Li Hong and said, "The general's concern for the country and its people is truly admirable, but this matter does not require your involvement. Just focus on resisting the Jin; we will handle everything! The ones we need to deal with are Demons and people like Guo Jing!"
Yue Fei recalled some rumors among the common folk and felt a sense of worry. However, he also understood that those who needed the National Guardian Masters' intervention were mere mortals like himself. He sincerely said, "You Celestial Masters just need to give orders. Even if there are Demons at play, Yue Fei remains unafraid!"
"Good!" Chuxuan clapped his hands, his eyes filled with admiration.
Li Hong sighed inwardly; Chuxuan was indeed quick-witted. It seemed that his master had chosen the right person for this journey. Looking at Yue Fei's slightly haggard face, he felt a stir in his heart and took out Nine-Turn Soul-Severing Wine from the Cosmic Bag. He poured only a small amount into a bowl and handed it over: "Please drink this, General."
"What is this?" Yue Fei looked at the milky white liquid at the bottom of the bowl, which emitted an intoxicating fragrance. Seeing that Li Hong had only poured a little, he immediately understood, and his dark eyes brightened: "This is a treasure from the immortals!"
"It's not exactly a treasure; it's just something to strengthen your body. The general has been burdened with state affairs, so we wish for you to remain strong and healthy!" Li Hong chuckled.
Yue Fei drank it down in one gulp and felt warmth surging through his chest and abdomen. He could not help but exhale hot air as he began to sing passionately:
"With anger rising to my crown, I lean against the railing as the rain falls lightly. Raising my gaze to the heavens, I let out a long howl filled with fervor. Thirty achievements are but dust and dirt; eight thousand miles of road are clouds and moonlight. Do not wait idly until your youth turns gray with regret! The Jingkang Shame has yet to be avenged. When will the hatred of ministers be extinguished? Driving my chariot, I will break through Helan Mountain! With great ambition, I shall feast on Hu soldiers' flesh and laugh as I drink Xiongnu blood. Awaiting the day when I can reclaim our old mountains and rivers, I will rise towards the heavenly palace!"
The voice was bold and passionate, echoing through the wind and snow for miles. Hearing it, Li Hong felt his blood surge and couldn't help but cheer loudly.
After Yue Fei finished singing, he tossed the bowl onto the table, and immediately a snoring sound erupted. The effects of the medicine had kicked in.
The Nine-Turn Soul-Severing Wine was just like ordinary wine to Li Hong and the others, but for mortals, it had almost miraculous effects. From then on, Yue Fei would be free from ailments and live a long life, which was the only thing Li Hong could do for him at this moment.
Looking at this good man before him, Li Hong felt genuine admiration. He took a piece of clothing from the wooden couch and draped it over Yue Fei's shoulders, signaling to Chuxuan. The two of them stepped out of the small house together.
Outside, the snow was falling even heavier, blanketing the distant mountains and nearby waters in pure white. It was as if the world had been washed clean.
They turned back one last time to look at Yue Fei, feeling an indescribable sense of boldness and excitement wash over them. Chuxuan smiled and said, "Let's set off and finish our business!"
"Alright!"
The two figures disappeared into the swirling snow.
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