The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 148 A Tale of Two Extremes, The Mighty Vajra Finger

"Brother Yang."

As the loud voice rang out, two fine horses arrived outside the courtyard, and Zhang Wangyue and Huyan Lei jumped off their backs.

The two men arrived with wine and pushed open the door.

Zhou Yan stood up and said to Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi, and Ma Yu, "My family's Chief Escort Zhang and Chief Escort Huyan."

Ma Yu had met Zhang Wangyue in Zhongdu, but they had never spoken, though they had a prior connection.

He got up and walked quickly toward Zhang Wangyue.

"I am Ma Yu, and my partner has suffered misfortune in Xiangyang. I am deeply grateful to Chief Escort Zhang for taking care of us."

Ma Yu was referring to Sun Bu'er.

Zhou Yan rescued Qingjing Sanren, and Zhang Wangyue indeed took great care of him by arranging transportation from Xiangyang to Jingzhou.

Zhang Wangyue hurriedly replied, "You're too kind. Master Ma's name is renowned far and wide. It is an honor to meet you today."

Qiu Chuji was a forthright and generous man. The Seven Masters of Quanzhen had a deep bond with each other. Fu'an had taken care of Sun Bu'er and Yang Tiexin, so he naturally felt close to them as well.

"Zhang and Huyan, you've come at just the right time. This old Taoist priest will have a good drink with you two, Brother Yang, and young friend Zhou today."

"Respect is no excuse, but we shall obey." Zhang Wangyue and Huyan Lei bowed.

"Chief镖头, Qing," Ma Yu said.

"it is good!"

Yang Miaozhen was familiar with Zhang and Huyan, and the three of them didn't stand on ceremony.

Yang Tiexin was well-prepared. Ever since he learned from Zhou Yan that Qiu Chuji had brought Guo Jing to Zhongdu for a meeting, he had prepared a banquet according to the standards for a visit from the Seven Masters of Quanzhen. Therefore, there were many tables and chairs in the courtyard.

Zhou Yan moved the table and put it together, while Mu Nianci added bowls and chopsticks.

The saying goes, "A cup of wine brings joy to a chance encounter," and another proverb says, "A thousand cups are not enough when drinking with a bosom friend."

Everyone was toasting each other, and it was very lively.

During this time, Yang Tiexin talked about his encounter with Qiu Chuji, which turned into a friendship after a fight. Qiu Chuji threw a leather bag on the table, revealing a human head and heart.

Qiu Chuji laughed heartily as he recalled the past, saying that the severed head belonged to the corrupt official Wang Daoqian. Years ago, the emperor had sent him to congratulate the Jin ruler on his birthday, but Wang Daoqian had colluded with the Jin to plot an invasion of Jiangnan. In a fit of rage, Qiu Chuji beheaded him. He added that monks should be compassionate, but upon seeing treacherous villains, enemy states, or traitors, they would be consumed by rage and determined to kill them all.

Hu Yanlei and Yang Miaozhen clapped and cheered.

Guo Jing had never heard these things from Qiu Chuji before, but the young hero, full of chivalry, was thrilled by the story. Thinking of the earnest teachings of his masters and mother, he resolved to follow in Qiu Chuji's footsteps and do good.

Yang Miaozhen raised her cup: "Daoist Master, you are so chivalrous. I toast you. If I ever encounter a corrupt official like that, I will definitely find a way to stab him through the heart."

The two drank it all in one gulp.

Huyan Lei laughed and said, "When Chief Yang arrives in Zhongdu, does he also intend to hunt down this corrupt official?"

Yang Miaozhen laughed: "We kidnapped a corrupt Jin official and found out that the Mongols wanted to attack the Jin. So we went to Zhongdu to investigate, thinking that we could coordinate a pincer attack. But just now Brother Zhou said what if the Mongols become the next Jin? I think I was too reckless."

Zhang Wangyue pondered.

Yang Miaozhen said, "Chief镖头 Zhang, we talked on the Huai River. I admire your talent and learning. What do you think?"

"Brother Zhou's words are not without merit."

Qiu Chuji said, "I would like to hear the details."

Zhang Wangyue raised his wine cup, carefully considering his words, "I am of shallow learning and cannot explain the specific reasons, but the turmoil in the Central Plains is all due to the invasion of barbarians. There are the Xiongnu in the distance, and the Liao and Jurchen in the near future. They are not of our race, and their hearts are bound to be different. The ambitions of the barbarians are not the same as those of the Chinese."

"Brother Zhou, is that what you mean?" Yang Miaozhen asked.

“That’s exactly what my chief bodyguard was thinking,” Zhou Yan laughed.

"It's hateful that the court is so incompetent and lacks any ambition. There are no virtuous officials in the court. Chen Tang of the Han Dynasty wrote to Emperor Yuan, saying, 'Their heads should be hung in the streets and in the homes of barbarians to show the world that those who offend the mighty Han, no matter how far away, will be punished.' How infuriating! I lament that I was born decades too late and did not know Yue Fei. Otherwise, this old Taoist priest would also be wielding his sword to sweep away the enemy, instead of killing a corrupt official to vent my anger like this." Qiu Chuji sighed, then changed the subject: "However, Brother Yang is a descendant of General Yang Zaixing. Meeting you again is a relief, so let's drink."

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Qiu Chuji said, "We're all family here. There's something I need to tell Brother Yang."

This is about Bao Xiruo, Zhou Yan thought to himself.

As expected, Qiu Chuji said, "Brother Yang, your child is still alive."

The words came out like thunder, and Yang Tiexin's hand trembled violently, spilling half a bowl of wine onto the table.

"Brother Yang, your son is alive and well, but where is he?" Hu Yanlei asked.

"Far away, yet right before our eyes." Qiu Chuji didn't keep them in suspense: "It's not just Brother Yang's child; the mother and son are together in the Zhao Prince's residence. Now, their identities are Princess Zhao of the Jin Kingdom and the young prince."

Yang Tiexin was already emotionally charged when he met Qiu Chuji and Guo Jing. Upon hearing this, he said in a trembling voice, "Daoist, this is impossible."

"It's a long story."

"Please explain in detail, Master." Zhou Yan poured wine.

"Thank you, young friend." Qiu Chuji replied, and said to Zhou Yan, "The whole story is related to you, young friend Zhou."

"Why is that?" Huyan Lei asked.

Qiu Chuji recounted in detail the information he had gleaned from the Six Eccentrics of Jiangnan: Zhou Yan had captured Duan Tiande at Taihu Lake, and Zhu Cong and others, during their southward journey, had interrogated him and discovered that Wanyan Honglie had plotted in Niujia Village, leading to the deaths of the Guo and Yang families. Bao Xiruo, unaware of the full story, eventually gave birth to Yang Kang at the Prince's residence.

Apart from Qiu Chuji's voice, there was no other sound in the courtyard. The silly girl listened with rapt attention. Qiu Chuji briefly recounted how he and the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan made a pact to find the descendants of Guo and Yang, how they had a martial arts contest in Jiaxing, and how they found the Bao family and Yang Kang from Niujia Village in Lin'an Prefecture to recognize their ancestors.

Zhou Yan had been observing Yang Tiexin during this time, and saw that the other man's cheek muscles twitched, his hands trembled and his lips shook, and tears welled up in his eyes, falling to the ground and into the wine bowl. After Qiu Chuji finished speaking, Yang Tiexin shouted: "Wanyan Honglie, you dog thief."

"Thud!" Yang Tiexin was so frustrated that he fell backward.

Zhou Yan reacted quickly and grabbed Yang Tiexin.

"father!"

"Uncle Yang."

Chaos erupted in the courtyard. Zhou Yan placed his right hand on Yang Tiexin's "Mingmen" acupoint, and a surge of pure internal energy flowed in, relaxing his muscles and promoting blood circulation. With his left hand, he pinched the vital points, and Yang Tiexin slowly regained consciousness.

"I swear to kill that old traitor Wanyan."

Yang Miaozhen said, "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Wanyan Honglie is sure to be at the Prince's Mansion. Why don't we just go and kill him? Senior Yang doesn't need to stay in Zhongdu anymore. Take your wife and children away from the Jin Kingdom. There's nowhere in the world you can't go. If you don't mind, come to my mountain stronghold. Brother Zhou, what do you say?" Zhou Yan helped Yang Tiexin sit on a bench and said, "Let's hear what the Daoist has to say first."

"Alright."

Qiu Chuji said, "Although my unworthy disciple has acknowledged his ancestor, he is greedy for wealth and status. Brother Yang is also staying at the escort agency. If this is not handled properly, it will implicate the escort agency. This matter needs to be carefully considered and cannot be taken lightly."

Zhou Yan said, "What the Daoist says makes sense."

"What about the Taoist priest's construction?" Yang Miaozhen asked.

"Old Taoist, bring that unworthy disciple out and see how he behaves."

“That makes sense.” Zhang Wangyue nodded and said to Yang Tiexin, “Brother Yang, if you need anything, please feel free to speak up.”

Yang Tiexin stood up and bowed.

Zhang Wangyue quickly helped him up, and Yang Tiexin said, "What Daoist Qiu said makes sense. This matter is of great importance and must not be a burden on the escort agency. It is also inconvenient to trouble the chief escort and others with family matters. I will not come to the escort agency for the next few days."

“No problem.” Zhang Wangyue also had his own ideas, but he needed to discuss them with Zhou Yan, so he politely replied and said nothing more.

Mu Nianci was in a daze. Her adoptive mother was actually the current Princess Zhao, and she had gained an adoptive brother. As her thoughts returned, she thought of her adoptive father's hardships over the years, and she couldn't help but shed tears.

Zhou Yan said, "It is ultimately a joyous occasion for you to know the whereabouts of your wife and children."

“That’s right!” Yang Miaozhen said, “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, let’s not talk about sad things. What do you say, Guo brothers?”

Guo Jing kept thinking about how to kill Wanyan Honglie to avenge his father and the Yang family. Yang Miaozhen suddenly asked him a question, and he replied, "I swear to kill the traitor Wanyan."

Yang Miaozhen was taken aback, thinking to herself, "I asked you to persuade Senior Yang, why are you saying this? You're such a blockhead." She smiled bitterly at Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan thought to himself that if Guo Jing were so adaptable, he wouldn't have become a great hero who served his country and people in the world of The Legend of the Condor Heroes and The Return of the Condor Heroes. It's a pity he died in Xiangyang. He then thought that he would inevitably have to deal with Guo Jing in the future, and Yang Tiexin was still alive and well. With his patient guidance, perhaps Guo Jing's future would be different.

……

The Prince's mansion was brightly decorated, and Yang Kang stood craning his neck to look out from beneath the imposing gate. Beside him were Helian Chuncheng, Yin Kexi, Nimo Xing, Lingzhi Shangren, Sha Tongtian, and others.

As dusk settled, two carriages approached from afar.

Helian Chuncheng hurriedly said, "Young Prince, my father has arrived."

Yang Kang's eyes and brows showed excitement.

In the past, during a trip to Datong Prefecture, we visited Helian Zhantai. The Changfeng Escort Agency facilitated the connection, enhancing the reputation of the Prince's Mansion. Now, we have finally invited people from the Vajra Sect of the Western Regions, but we wonder what the quality of this great Buddha statue is.

The carriage stopped at the Prince's Mansion. The porter in the previous carriage jumped down, quickly went to the back of the carriage, placed a stool, and lifted the curtain.

Helian Zhantai got off the train.

"Mr. Helian."

Yang Kang greeted him with a smile.

Helian Zhantai hurriedly said, "I am unworthy of such a favor, sir, to trouble you to welcome me."

"It's alright. What's inside the car?" Yang Kang asked knowingly.

"It is Master Baoxiang of the Vajra Sect. I will take the master to pay respects to the young prince."

"Thank you."

"Your Highness is too kind. Please wait a moment."

As Helian Zhantai turned around, the bamboo curtain of the rear carriage was lifted, and a robust monk in his thirties with droopy eyebrows landed on the ground.

The owner of Changfeng Escort Agency stepped forward quickly, "Master, the young prince has been waiting for a long time."

"Thank you for your introduction, Master Helian." Bao Xiang clasped his hands together.

"Please, Master."

When Bao Xiang stepped forward, Yang Kang said warmly, "Master, you have worked hard. I have prepared a banquet to welcome you back and wash away the dust of your journey."

"Thank you for your kind words, Young Prince."

"You're too kind, Master. Please."

"Being respectful is worse than obeying orders."

Seeing Yang Kang's lavish hospitality towards Bao Xiang, Hou Tonghai felt indignant and asked, "Master Lingzhi, have you ever heard of the Vajra School?"

Sha Tongtian was taken aback, thinking to himself, "My junior brother usually speaks incoherently, how come he's suddenly become sensible?"

The One-Eyed Master Lingzhi understood perfectly well that Hou Tonghai intended to ridicule him. He was also dissatisfied with Yang Kang's current favoritism and, having never heard of the Vajra Sect, said, "This humble monk is ignorant and uninformed."

Bao Xiang was no fool. "Young Prince, who are these heroes?"

"A guest of the household."

"I see."

Baoxiang clasped his hands together and said, "This humble monk Baoxiang hopes that you heroes will give me your guidance in the future."

“No problem,” Hou Tonghai said.

Bao Xiang chuckled softly and followed Yang Kang through the gatehouse. Suddenly, he bumped into Lingzhi Shangren, who was carrying a bronze cymbal.

It fell down.

Baoxiang reached out and caught it. "Master, here's your cymbal."

Caught off guard, Master Lingzhi was struck and was furious, but he couldn't show it in front of Yang Kang. He grabbed his weapon with a grim expression.

With the cymbals in his hand, Master Lingzhi's expression suddenly changed, for he saw five finger marks clearly visible.

Sha Tongtian, who had been watching from the sidelines, was greatly surprised. The finger strength required to leave a mark on the cymbals was something Ouyang Ke could not achieve. This monk was truly formidable.

Yang Kang witnessed this scene and was overjoyed, finally getting his wish to hire a master.

(End of this chapter)