4
Standing in the Wind
In Qian Lingyan’s room at Qian Manor, candlelight flickered. In this room, the mother was gentle, the son obedient, and the two were engaged in conversation. The warmth inside the room unknowingly spread outside, melting the ice and snow.
“I’ve seen Weiqi’s swordsmanship. It’s no less impressive than the ‘Ultimate Cold Sword,'” Qian Lingyan said.
“Has Weiqi ever told you who taught him his swordsmanship?”
“He hasn’t mentioned a word about his swordsmanship. But I think it must be a family heirloom.”
“If it’s another family’s heirloom swordsmanship, how can you ask to learn it?”
Qian Lingyan thought that made sense, but at the moment, he couldn’t find a more suitable swordsmanship. If he were to settle for any random swordsmanship, Qian Lingyan would definitely refuse.
“I have a set of fist techniques called ‘Beast-Form Fist,’ which I brought from my maiden home,” she said, taking the manual from her bosom and handing it to Qian Lingyan.
Qian Lingyan opened the manual and was quite astonished. Typically, fist techniques have specific moves and sequences. The order of moves, which comes first and which follows, is logical. But this manual only contained moves, with no connection between them—truly strange.
Mother Qian had also learned a few of these moves and naturally knew the techniques were exquisite. This set of fist techniques was extremely profound, requiring great effort to master. If Qian Lingyan could cultivate Qi techniques, he would have no time to study fist techniques. Now that Qian Lingyan couldn’t learn Qi techniques, Mother Qian took out the manual. In Yang Yi’s hometown, many people studied this set of fist techniques, but few mastered it. As far as Yang Yi knew, only her uncle had truly mastered it. Thus, Qian Lingyan would have to learn and practice on his own, with little guidance from others. Even Yang Yi wasn’t sure whether this set of fist techniques would be a blessing or a curse for Qian Lingyan.
“Yan’er, don’t let anyone know about this set of fist techniques.”
Qian Lingyan thought to himself, Mother is trying to keep it a secret.
“In the Qian family, most people cultivate Qi techniques. Practicing this fist technique requires no less effort than cultivating Qi. It’s hard to focus on two things at once; without dedication, it’s difficult to achieve anything.”
In truth, since most people in the Qian family cultivated Qi techniques, they likely wouldn’t care much even if they knew Qian Lingyan had obtained a new fist technique. Yang Yi’s words were meant to encourage Qian Lingyan to study diligently and not waste his time.
Another morning dawned. Chang Weiqi opened his door and stretched. Although he was now employed by Qian Lingyan, he had little to do all day. He still carried the burden of family vengeance, so he absolutely couldn’t neglect his swordsmanship. That’s why he woke up early today to practice.
Chang Weiqi arrived in the courtyard and found someone already there—it was Qian Lingyan. Having obtained the fist techniques the previous night, Qian Lingyan was both anxious and excited, unable to sleep. So, before dawn, he had already risen.
These fist techniques also emphasized the coordination of Qi and strength. Qian Lingyan’s left arm was still injured and not fully healed, so he dared not make wide, forceful movements. Instead, he focused on refining his Qi first. Although Qian Lingyan couldn’t transform his Qi into cold energy, he could refine it to become more concentrated. Qian Lingyan was highly sensitive to Qi and naturally gifted, so this process went smoothly. However, since the “Beast-Form Fist” primarily emphasized fist techniques, even with refined Qi, its power remained insufficient.
Initially, Qian Lingyan lamented having wasted his efforts on nurturing his meridians, but because of his previous work, refining his Qi now yielded twice the result with half the effort. Qian Lingyan secretly felt fortunate. That morning in the courtyard, he had also reviewed the first two levels of the Qi techniques again.
After finishing his Qi condensation, Qian Lingyan lightly practiced a few moves of a fist technique. He discovered this set of fist techniques focused mainly on defense and evasion, with offensive moves being quite rare, which left him somewhat disappointed.
Yang Yi’s intention was clear—she hoped Qian Lingyan could fight if possible, and if not, he could at least run away. However, Qian Lingyan was not satisfied with this. His mother had given him a piece of cotton, and he was pondering how to weave this cotton into a long rope capable of strangling someone. He intended to use this rope to hang that Withered Ghost.
Seeing Qian Lingyan practicing his fist techniques, Chang Weiqi wanted to go over and greet him. At that moment, a figure leaped over the wall, agile and nimble with swift hands and feet. Chang Weiqi thought a thief had broken into the house, but upon seeing the person, he noticed they were dressed in fine clothes, appeared to be in their teens, held a folding fan, and looked every bit like a young noble.
As Chang Weiqi saw this person, the person also noticed him. Before Chang Weiqi could speak, the person pointed at him and shouted, “Who are you?”
Chang Weiqi thought to himself, You’re the one who jumped over the wall, yet you have the nerve to ask who I am? Qian Lingyan also noticed the newcomer by now, and Chang Weiqi waited for Qian Lingyan to speak, ready to take action.
“Xu Lifeng, when will you ever use the front door? Are you addicted to climbing walls?” Clearly, the newcomer was very familiar with Qian Lingyan.
The person didn’t answer but instead said, “Qian Lingyan, who is this?”
This person seemed accustomed to being unrestrained, speaking bluntly, but when addressing Qian Lingyan, his tone became noticeably more polite.
“Chang Weiqi, from Tonggu. Xu Lifeng, from the Xu family of the Seven Great Houses.” Qian Lingyan was somewhat displeased that they had interrupted his practice.
Chang Weiqi could also tell that Qian Lingyan was unhappy and thought, I’m innocent here, so he directed his annoyance toward this Xu Lifeng.
However, Xu Lifeng didn’t seem to notice Qian Lingyan’s mood and continued on his own, “Don’t listen to his nonsense. My name is Xu Sa, but it’s true that I’m from the Xu family of the Seven Great Houses. Come on, Qian Lingyan, let’s go out and have some fun.” It turned out Xu Lifeng was just a nickname Qian Lingyan had given him.
Chang Weiqi was familiar with the “Qianjiang Xu, Liu Huangtianfeng” of the Seven Great Houses. What kind of character has the Xu family produced this time? he wondered.
Qian Lingyan still wanted to practice his fist techniques a bit longer. “I’m busy; I need to practice. Besides, I only know Xu Lifeng. I don’t know who Xu Sa is. Please leave, Xu Sa.”
“Master Lifeng, please leave.” Chang Weiqi happily joined in the joke.
Seeing Xu Sa’s awkward expression, Qian Lingyan also smiled.
“Come on, Qian Lingyan,” Xu Sa said, patting Qian Lingyan on the shoulder.
Unfortunately, Xu Sa patted Qian Lingyan’s wound, causing his expression to suddenly change.
Xu Sa panicked. “I heard you were beaten up by a monster. It seems it’s true.”
Qian Lingyan knew this was just Xu Sa’s nature and couldn’t be bothered to argue with him.
“Look, your wound hurts badly now, so you can’t practice anyway. You might as well come out with me.”
Qian Lingyan was both amused and annoyed. It seemed he wouldn’t be able to practice today, so he instructed Chang Weiqi to inform his mother that he was going out with Xu Sa.
The two of them headed toward the courtyard wall without a word—it seemed this wasn’t the first time they had climbed over it. Outside the wall was the street, which made it quite convenient.
“You’re the host, after you,” Xu Sa said politely this time.
Qian Lingyan paid no heed. With a single leap, he stepped onto the wall, using it as leverage to propel himself upward. With just that step and jump, half his body cleared the wall. At that moment, Qian Lingyan pressed his right arm against the top of the wall and flipped over, landing outside.
Xu Sa watched as Qian Lingyan’s movements flowed seamlessly yet oddly, muttering to himself, “What kind of fist technique has he been practicing lately?”
Chang Weiqi thought he was asking him, “I don’t know.”
The step Qian Lingyan used was “Wall-Crawling Lizard,” while the press-and-flip maneuver was “Robust Leopard’s Soar.” Originally, “Robust Leopard’s Soar” required support from both hands, but Qian Lingyan’s left arm was injured, so he could only use his right arm. Otherwise, with both hands and sufficient strength, the move would resemble a robust leopard leaping through the air.
Snapping back to reality, Xu Sa said to Chang Weiqi, “The name Xu Lifeng—only Qian Lingyan can call me that. If anyone else does, I’ll get angry.” Then, with a faint smile, he too executed a swift, agile leap, flipping over the courtyard wall.
This time, when Chang Weiqi addressed him as “Young Master Lifeng,” Xu Sa wasn’t angry, but he felt some things needed to be clarified to avoid future awkwardness in their friendship.
Since others disliked it, Chang Weiqi wouldn’t make such jokes again. All he wanted now was to master swordsmanship and then find a decent Qi technique.
Turning around, Chang Weiqi noticed something on the stone table in the courtyard—it looked like a book. Walking closer, he saw it was the Qian family’s heirloom Qi technique, the “Ice-Snow Technique.”
On the streets of Weidao City, where snow still lingered, two youths walked side by side—Qian Lingyan and Xu Sa.
“So early, where are we going?” Qian Lingyan asked.
“Don’t worry about it yet. I’ll tell you when we get there,” Xu Sa replied mysteriously.
After turning down several unfamiliar streets, Qian Lingyan grew impatient. “Where exactly are you taking me? If you don’t tell me, I’m going back.”
Xu Sa quickly stopped him. “What’s the rush? We’re almost there.”
“Where is it? Why all the secrecy?”
Hearing this, Xu Sa dropped the pretense and whispered, “Wangfeng Pavilion.”
Qian Lingyan frowned slightly. “From the name, it sounds like a brothel.”
“Exactly,” Xu Sa nodded affirmatively.
Qian Lingyan thought, Exactly your head. “What are you going there for?”
“I heard Wangfeng Pavilion has a new girl who looks like she stepped out of a painting. Let’s go see her.” Xu Sa had always been weak when it came to women, and Qian Lingyan knew his tendencies all too well.
“If you’re going to a brothel, go at night. During the day, they’re resting. Why cause trouble?”
“Qian Lingyan, what kind of person do you take me for? Besides, Miss Hua Rou sells her art, not her body. She only sings at the pavilion at noon and in the evening.”
“Did you bring money? Listening to her sing isn’t free, is it?”
“Qian Lingyan, are you stupid? We can sneak in! Money should be saved whenever possible.”
“I think we should forget it. If our families find out, we’ll both get a beating.”
“We’ll just take a look. How could anyone find out?” Xu Sa continued to persuade.
If Qian Lingyan believed Xu Sa’s words, he’d be a fool. “Who is this Hua Rou anyway? Can’t you live without seeing her?”
“It’s not about seeing her less—I haven’t seen her at all! But as for who she is, that’s hard to say. She seems to have appeared out of nowhere just a couple of days ago.”
“Did she come to Weidao City alone?”
“I don’t know. You might find out if you go see for yourself.” Seeing Qian Lingyan’s apparent interest, Xu Sa seized the opportunity.
“Xu Sa, if you want to avoid spending money, it’s best to go at night. That’s when it’s crowded and chaotic—perfect for slipping in unnoticed. During the day, it might be difficult.”
Xu Sa slapped his forehead, suddenly enlightened. “Next time, definitely next time.” Relieved that Qian Lingyan seemed to agree, Xu Sa relaxed.
Qian Lingyan, however, thought to himself, I hope there won’t be a next time. With the heavy snow surrounding the city these days, how could a woman arrive here alone? Even Chang Weiqi, who has trained in martial arts and cultivates Ice-type Qi, barely made it into the city. Without my help, he might not have survived. However Hua Rou managed to enter, this woman is certainly no ordinary person.
Qian Lingyan kept these thoughts to himself. As long as this Miss Hua Rou meant no harm, he hoped Xu Sa could simply enjoy listening to her music happily.
Back at Qian Manor, Qian Lingyan had been interrupted by Xu Sa and left without properly storing the family’s inherited Qi technique. Chang Weiqi now found himself facing the Ice-Snow Technique, torn between conflicting feelings. He happened to lack an Ice-type Qi technique, and the Ice-Snow Technique was exceptionally rare in the world. Mastering it would bring him one step closer to avenging his family. Yet, learning the Qian family’s treasured technique without permission was both unreasonable and improper. Thus, Chang Weiqi wrestled with his dilemma alone.
He sat silently in the courtyard for a long time, unable to decide.
As cold gusts swept through the yard, Chang Weiqi suddenly made up his mind. Since ancient times, it was said that those who achieve great things do not fuss over minor details. Besides, he meant no ill intent—he sought only to avenge his family. Qian Lingyan would surely understand. Once his vengeance was fulfilled, he would apologize to the Qian family and accept any punishment without complaint.
In the northern part of the city stood a towering red-lacquered pavilion, several zhang high, imposing and majestic. Adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, it exuded an antique charm. On its intricately carved gate hung a large red-lacquered plaque inscribed with three characters: “Wangfeng Lou.” Though it was around mid-morning, nearing noon, Wangfeng Lou remained tightly shut, appearing deserted and quiet.
While few visited at this hour, some arrived uninvited. Qian Lingyan and Xu Sa had slipped in through the back door, exploring the layout to familiarize themselves with escape routes.
The rear courtyard of Wangfeng Lou, though less grand than the main building, was simple and tidy. The courtesans who entertained guests at night stayed in the pavilion, while those not chosen slept in the courtyard. Of course, given Wangfeng Lou’s reputation, no courtesan was ever left unselected—those sleeping in the yard were either servers or cooks.
Qian and Xu climbed onto the roof, memorizing Wangfeng Lou’s layout. Unsure whether Hua Rou was inside the building or in the courtyard, and not daring to venture upstairs rashly, they wandered aimlessly around the yard. Fortunately, the courtyard was spacious enough that they hadn’t covered it entirely. Qian Lingyan kept grumbling that Xu Sa had come too early.
From their elevated position, they could see far. As they moved cautiously across the roof, they suddenly spotted a tall, well-built man standing near a distant building. His robust physique clearly indicated martial training—he was certainly no servant of the establishment.
While Qian Lingyan pondered the man’s identity, Xu Sa spoke up, “Do not say you start too early, for there are others earlier on the road.” With a slight smile, he aimed to counter Qian Lingyan’s earlier complaints.
Qian Lingyan couldn’t be bothered with Xu Sa and quietly crept onto the roof of the room guarded by the burly man. Approaching the rear window, he heard movement inside. The room had both front and back entrances, with the guard stationed at the front door, making it difficult for him to detect Qian Lingyan.
“Young Lady Hua Rou, I truly adore you! Why are you still being so shy? Just give in to me.” This was followed by more crude and vulgar remarks.
“Young Master Chen, Hua Rou has already said that she came to the city only to find the ‘Xuan Yin Sword’ to cure her chronic illness. Once the matter is settled, she will leave. Hua Rou is not blessed with good fortune and cannot bear the weight of your affection.”
What kind of illness did Hua Rou suffer from that required a sword for treatment? What was the Xuan Yin Sword, and could it really be used to cure illness? Multiple questions arose in Qian Lingyan’s mind, but he couldn’t answer them at the moment and decided not to dwell on it.
Listening to the commotion inside the room, it was chaotic, yet Hua Rou’s speech and breathing showed no signs of panic. Qian Lingyan couldn’t help but feel secretly suspicious.
“Young Lady Hua Rou, if you follow me, not only the ‘Xuan Yin Sword,’ but even the ‘Xuan Jin Sword,’ I, your humble servant, will find it for you.”
“Young Master, if anyone can find the ‘Xuan Yin Sword’ and help this humble girl escape the torment of illness, she would be willing to serve them like an ox or a horse, unable to repay the kindness. But today, Young Master has come, and this humble girl hasn’t even seen a sword sheath. Could it be that Young Master is toying with her?” Her words were tinged with sobs, pitiful and tender. Even Qian Lingyan couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy, though he couldn’t tell whether Hua Rou’s tears were genuine or feigned.
“Ah, how could I toy with you, young lady? I am sincere!” This Young Master Chen made no mention of the sword at all, truly shameless.
The woman inside wept softly, her cries enough to break one’s heart. But Young Master Chen’s lust only grew stronger; the more pitiable Hua Rou seemed, the more unwilling he was to relent, and the commotion inside grew even more chaotic.
Xu Sa grew furious and was about to stand up, but Qian Lingyan grabbed him and pulled him back. Xu Sa looked puzzled, and Qian Lingyan shook his head, signaling to wait and see what happened. After all, this woman was quite mysterious, and it was better to be cautious.
But Xu Sa, consumed by anger, couldn’t think clearly and misinterpreted Qian Lingyan’s meaning. He thought Qian Lingyan was afraid of being recognized and tarnishing his family’s reputation, intending to stand by and do nothing.
Xu Sa grew even angrier, never expecting his best friend to be such a person. He shook off Qian Lingyan’s hand and jumped down from the roof.
Qian Lingyan gritted his teeth in frustration and couldn’t help but curse under his breath.