Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 73 The Wind God Without a Shadow
The moonlight bathed the night, and a thin mist lingered in the forest. The stream murmured more swiftly at night, its crashing against the rocks sounding like shattered jade striking each other.

Zhou Yi stood with the old man in front of the lonely wooden house. Looking up, the eaves were upturned, and the crescent moon seemed to be hanging above them.

"Uncle Xie, please wait a moment."

"actually."

“I also have a connection with your family’s ancestors.”

Xie Jiyou had just opened the thatched gate when he heard the sound and stopped to look back.

Zhou Yi ultimately couldn't get over her conscience and was unwilling to deceive the old man before her:

"The reason why the ancestral martial arts heart was shattered was all because of the Celestial Master Sun En, and my lineage is closely related to Sun En."

“It’s true.”

Old Xie clicked his tongue in surprise as he stared at Zhou Yi, his expression revealing his astonishment.

But the mountain wind swept through the forest, and in a moment the strange expression on his face disappeared, and a smile returned.

"No wonder this family letter traveled all the way to Nanyang through Master Yi. You and my child are similar in temperament, both very honest."

"You also say it's the 'Wang and Xie families of old'."

"Old grudges in the borderlands have long since faded with time. Moreover, my family ancestors withdrew from the world because of my grandson's kindness; who knows if this is not a blessing? Why should we be concerned about whether someone is an enemy or a friend?"

"What does Master Yi think?"

It would be better if the elderly didn't mind, Zhou Yi said happily, "Perhaps it really is a matter of fate."

Old Xie nodded and pointed to the moon in the sky: "This moon once shone on my ancestor fighting against Sun En in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Now it shines on you and me in the Sui Dynasty, but the scene is completely different."

"In my old age, I have encountered such a mysterious and coincidental event, which has truly added color to my twilight years."

The old man's knowledge and manner of speaking did not resemble that of a country bumpkin.

Having noticed something amiss, he asked out of curiosity, "Our ancestor called his rival Sun En 'Celestial Master'?"

"How can I still address Master Yi as my friend now?"

Zhou Yi looked up at the moon and said, "The moon shines on the ancients and on people today. You can call me Master, old man."

Upon hearing this, even Xie Jiyou, who was known for his composure, widened his eyes.

Looking at the young man standing under the moon, I suddenly felt an indescribable aura.

"Celestial Master."

He murmured two words, imagining how his ancestors' martial spirit had shattered.

A fleeting smile appeared on his wrinkled face:

“You have given me a chance to surpass my ancestors. In this life, I will never have to worry about my Dao heart collapsing when facing the Celestial Master, because I have never practiced martial arts.”

Zhou Yi couldn't help but laugh.

Old Xie pushed open the wooden gate and invited the guest into the room.

The dim wooden house was gradually filled with candlelight, and in the flickering light, the old man took out a long, narrow wooden box from a hidden compartment in the wall.

It is shaped like a sword case.

It must have been a long time since it was taken out; the surface of the wooden box was covered with old dust. I dusted it several times and then wiped it clean with a damp cloth.

After everything was ready, he handed it to Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi accepted the box with both hands and opened it as instructed by the old man.

Xie Jiyou held the candle and approached, shining it on the side of the box.

An ancient longsword lies quietly inside.

He slowly moved the candlestick, allowing Zhou Yi to see every detail by the light of the fire.

The ancient patterns are as refreshing and smooth as a mountain spring, clear and cool yet imbued with the weight of a thousand years.

"I lean against the wind and pour out my wine, drunk and letting my hair down as I rinse my mouth with the flowing spring. How many autumns have passed since Ou Ye left? The sword Zhanlu is also lost. The heroes of Wu and Yue are now just wild grasses, and the palace of Helu is now just an empty hill."

After Old Man Xie finished reciting, Zhou Yi's eyes gleamed:
"Could this be Zhanlu?!"

"Exactly."

“From King Yunchang of Yue to King Goujian of Yue, then to King Fuchai of Wu, then to the King of Chu, and finally to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, where he was acquired by Grand Tutor Xie.”

Old Xie recounted his story in detail, and Zhou Yi listened intently.

"On a snowy day one year, Grand Tutor Xie was discussing literature with his children and grandchildren. He asked what the falling snow resembled. Xie Daoyun recited the poem about willow catkins, and Grand Tutor Xie laughed heartily."

"The Grand Tutor was pleased, and thus gifted Zhanlu to Xie Daoyun."

"As I told you before, my ancestor went with Song Beifeng to rescue Xie Daoyun. Later, Xie Daoyun gave Song Beifeng a sword. Seeing that my ancestor's heart for martial arts was broken, Song wanted to inspire him with Zhanlu, so he gave it to him instead."

Zhou Yi heard this anecdote.

He found it bizarre, yet also felt an indescribable sense of art and romance.

Old Master Xie let out a long sigh: "During the Spring and Autumn Period, the famous swordsmith Ou Yezi forged five unparalleled swords: Zhanlu, Juque, Shengxie, Yuchang, and Chunjun."

"Zhanlu is the foremost of the five peerless swords."

"At the bottom of this sword box is the sword manual of my ancestor, which was passed down from Xie Xuan, the commander of the Northern Army and the number one swordsman in the South."

"So, does my family's ancestral artifact meet your standards?"

This statement was clearly a joke.

It wasn't just that he was attracted to the sword; Zhou Yi's gaze was already fixed on it.

"Thank you, Uncle. This is far too much."

“Don’t refuse,” Xie Jiyou said. “This Zhanlu son only drew his sword once, and feeling that he was not worthy of his master, he has not touched it again.”

"Let the Celestial Master draw his sword and take a look."

Zhou Yi took out Zhanlu sword. At first, he only felt that it was ancient and simple. He grasped the hilt and slowly heard the low hum of metal rubbing against metal coming from the scabbard.

Looking at the blade again, it seems no different from an ordinary sword.

It's just that over the years, I never expected it to remain completely rust-free.

After pulling it up a foot, Zhou Yi tried to inject his true energy.

In an instant, a deep, dark light flashed before my eyes, and the flowing patterns on the sword's spine clearly reflected the slightly contracted pupils of the swordsman.

This was indeed the work of Ou Yezi.

Anyone who can unleash the light of this blade will be dazzled by the cold gleam emanating from it. Zhou Yi exclaimed, "What a fine sword!"

Old Master Xie exclaimed, "This is the first time I've ever seen a sword that can gleam with a ghostly light. The Celestial Master truly is its master."

Xie Jiyou then took out several more bamboo scrolls and handed them to him.

"Han Fu?"

"If you want to learn my ancestor's swordsmanship, you must study the 'Ode to the Wind' in the Han Dynasty poetry."

"This is not something that can be accomplished overnight; Master Yi can proceed gradually."

He changed his title from "Celestial Master" to "Master Yi," which clearly indicated his intention to see the guest off.

How could Zhou Yi not have noticed?

"Uncle Xie, please rest early. Tomorrow we will hold a farewell banquet for Brother Ya and enjoy some fine wine again."

"it is good."

The old man escorted Zhou Yi to the gate of the wooden house, then turned and went back inside.

Zhou Yi gazed at the moon in the sky, thinking of Xie An, then Xie Daoyun, and then at the sword box in his hand.

Wildflowers bloom by the Vermilion Bird Bridge, the setting sun slants over the Black Robe Lane. The swallows that once graced the halls of the Wang and Xie families now fly into the homes of ordinary people.

When they returned to the Taoist temple, the Crow Taoist had already vacated the guest rooms.

Zhou Yi had planned to talk to him some more.

Unexpectedly, as soon as the Taoist Crow turned his head, a loud snoring sound came from him.

That night, Zhou Yi studied the sword manual under the sword box again.

This sword technique is called: Wind God Without Shadow.

He had no proper sword manual and had not received systematic training in swordsmanship. In the past, he used a short sword merely as a weapon to avoid always fighting with his fists and palms.

This sword technique, while not the most advanced in the world, was the most skillful one he had ever encountered.

If you can learn it, it will be of great benefit.

In this terrifying and chaotic world, the more skills you have, the better.

The next day.

Zhou Yi and Old Man Xie gutted and scaled the fish, while the Crow Taoist washed the vegetables.

Although it was called a farewell banquet, it was actually simple and unpretentious.

Fish and wild vegetables are cooked together, seasoned with scallions and ginger, and topped with locally grown garlic with a slightly spicy flavor, and served with millet rice.

The three of them sat around the pot, drinking some Xie family aged liquor.

Most of the time, it was Crow Taoist and Old Man Xie catching up on old times. The two were old friends, and as they were about to part, they talked a lot.

Zhou Yi found the fish to be incredibly delicious, with a slightly spicy flavor that melted in her mouth – it was truly wonderful.

With the two old friends frequently raising their glasses, the children naturally enjoyed their meal.

However, the Crow Taoist had sharp eyes and wouldn't allow him to 'cheat or cheat'.

So he pulled him to drink with him, and they drank all three jars of aged wine before they stopped.

Unfortunately, Zhou Yi was preoccupied with the fish and meat, and his poetic inspiration failed him.

Otherwise, I would definitely compose a poem titled "Sending Off the Crow Taoist at Wuzhuang Temple".

Before leaving, the Crow Taoist entrusted the fields at the foot of the mountain and the dilapidated properties in the county town to him.

Zhou Yi reciprocated with sincerity, giving him half of her money as travel expenses.

The money was for the Emperor's coffin, and another was a reward to appease Old Master Ren.

The wider Crow Taoist's grin was when he received the money, the more heartbroken Zhou Yi felt.

"I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Yi to be so generous."

This Crow Taoist seems to really like money; his eyes light up whenever he sees gold.

So he said:

"It's not that he's rich, he just has some connections."

The Crow Taoist frowned: "What kind of method? Could it be ill-gotten gains?"

"How could this be!"

"Oh?"

Thinking that Li Mi might go to Xingyang, Zhou Yi said:
“I have a way to make money in Xingyang, it’s a bit risky, but the profits are very high.”

"Fortune favors the bold," the Crow Taoist knew this well.

He added, “I have a great appetite and lack income. I would rather do something improper than do something illegitimate.”

Zhou Yi stroked his chin: "This is a debt collection business. Even Mu Daoren made a thousand taels of gold by following me."

"what!"

The Crow Taoist was both anxious and angry: "I am above, how come this Fatty Wood earns so much? His skills are not even as good as mine!"

"If you need manpower for this legitimate business next time, come to me immediately."

The Crow Taoist put his arm around Zhou Yi's shoulder and gave him some instructions:

“I can take on two, no, three wooden Taoists by myself. Five hundred gold coins will be enough. As long as it doesn’t violate morality, I will help you out of respect for you.”

"No problem, I'll arrange for someone to come to Misty Mountain to find you."

"Gaga. It's a deal."

"It's a word."

The Crow Taoist bid farewell to the two men, and Zhou Yi and Old Man Xie escorted him all the way to the foot of Wolonggang.

Watching the Crow Taoist's retreating figure, Zhou Yi continued to ponder.

Do you have a public enterprise in Pushan?

Then I have a debt collection camp.
……

(End of this chapter)