From the Qin Dynasty onwards, he eked out a living among the heavens.

Chapter Three: First Encounter with Han Fei

As the morning sun slowly rose, it dispelled the thin morning mist, and its warm light bathed the entire long street in the south of Xinzheng City. The heat from the breakfast vendors along the street gradually faded, and the flow of people changed. The early-rising farmers dispersed, replaced by servants of prominent families, scholars, and swordsmen. The time quietly moved towards noon.

After passing by the entrance of Zilan Pavilion, Xu Huang didn't go far. He simply found a spot across the street and stood under an old locust tree. The locust tree provided ample shade, perfectly concealing his burly figure. Bystanders simply assumed he was a strong, unfamiliar man taking a break, and no one paid him any special attention. He maintained his composure, his breathing as even as an ordinary person, his gaze calmly fixed on the vermilion gate of Zilan Pavilion, secretly observing the situation.

He paid no heed to Wei Zhuang's sharp, cold gaze from upstairs this morning. Having endured two lifetimes of arduous training, he was already accustomed to all sorts of piercing scrutiny, and the mere scrutiny of a young swordsman could not shake his composure in the slightest. He remained here only to learn more about the actions of various figures in Xinzheng, neither actively provoking them nor deliberately avoiding any entanglements that might come his way.

About half an hour later, a lone figure appeared at the end of the long street, slowly walking towards the direction of Zilan Pavilion.

The man was dressed in an elegant purple brocade robe, its fabric subtly embroidered with delicate cloud patterns. He exuded a refined yet noble air, his eyes holding a smile and a worldly wisdom hidden within. He was none other than Han Fei, the Ninth Prince, who had returned to the country alone and had yet to recruit any followers. He held the reins of a pure white steed, its mane flowing smoothly and its physique majestic. The horse followed him with a gentle gait, stopping only slowly before reaching the entrance of the Purple Orchid Pavilion.

Han Fei had just stopped when a clear, girlish voice came from the alleyway to the side.

"elder brother!"

Honglian rushed out and threw herself into Han Fei's arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, pressing her cheek against his shoulder, and whispering joyfully, "You're finally back! Hehe! Brother, I missed you so much."

Han Fei chuckled, gently supporting the princess in his arms with one hand and handing the reins of the white horse to the servant waiting beside him with the other. He softly comforted his sister who had been waiting for his return. The two siblings chatted quietly, without making any attempt to conceal their conversation.

Xu Huang, standing under the locust tree, took in the entire encounter and understood everything.

The chance encounter between Honglian and Han Fei, who had just returned to the kingdom, marked the beginning of the Nine Songs turmoil. Ji Wuye held military power, his network of intrigue spread throughout the capital, and undercurrents surged in the court. From this point onward, various power struggles and conflicts in the martial world would unfold. He had only intended to observe the chaos of the world from the sidelines during his three journeys through the heavens, but now that the main storyline was close at hand, there was no need to deliberately avoid it.

With his mind made up, Xu Huang slowly walked out of the shade of the locust tree and headed towards the brother and sister in front of the Zilan Pavilion. His steps were heavy and steady, and he stepped silently on the bluestone slabs. He concealed all his sharpness and aura, and only the mountain-like demeanor that he had cultivated for ninety years was hidden beneath his ordinary appearance.

Han Fei was gently coaxing Honglian, but his keen intuition, honed by years of deep thought and strategic planning, immediately detected the approaching presence of a stranger. He subtly glanced sideways, scrutinizing Xu Huang as he walked closer.

This man wore only a worn and simple blue cloth robe, looking like an ordinary traveler on the move, but his demeanor and bearing were completely different. He had broad shoulders and a thick back, standing like an old tree deeply rooted in the soil. His eyebrows and eyes were calm and peaceful, and the surrounding hustle and bustle of the city and the prying eyes of others could not disturb him in the slightest. His appearance was unremarkable, but his inner self was unfathomable.

Before Xu Huang could get close, Han Fei took a half step forward, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said in a gentle yet cautious tone: "I am Han Fei. Just now, I had just reunited with my younger sister after a long separation, and my conversation disturbed you, brother who possesses the invisible feather. I hope you will forgive me."

Xu Huang stopped, calmly returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and replied: "Xu Huang," his expression as calm as still water, without the slightest ripple.

Han Fei's eyes flickered slightly, and he asked, "Brother Xu, why are you lingering here?"

Xu Huang answered calmly, "I have long heard that Zilan Pavilion in Xinzheng is the city's top dance hall, and it is rumored that the pavilion has a fine wine called Orchid Wine. This wine is pure and elegant at first sip, but upon closer tasting, one can taste its rich fruity aroma, with a full-bodied flavor and a long, mellow aftertaste. Since I have just arrived in Xinzheng, I naturally have to come and taste this famous wine."

Upon hearing this, Han Fei secretly sized up the man. He was robust and composed, clearly not an ordinary person. Befriending such a man of hidden talent would greatly benefit his foothold in Xinzheng. His mind raced, and he turned to the reluctant Honglian beside him, gently comforting her. He found a pretext to persuade her to return to the palace first, and then sent servants to escort the princess back to the palace.

Although Honglian was unwilling, she could not go against Han Fei's wishes and could only follow the servant away, looking back every few steps.

After Honglian and her group had gone some distance, Han Fei's smile widened. He stepped aside and raised his hand in an inviting gesture: "Since Brother Xu has come for the orchid wine, how about I treat you to a meal at the Purple Orchid Pavilion, where we can drink fine wine and chat?"

Xu Huang did not refuse, nodded slightly, and followed Han Fei toward the carved vermilion gate of Zilan Pavilion.

The two walked side by side up the bluestone corridor leading into the building. The corridor was shaded by flowers and trees, isolating them from the noise of the street outside. Han Fei glanced at Xu Huang, who seemed ordinary but was actually unfathomable, and spoke first about the doubts that had been lingering in his heart.

"Just now, I saw Brother Xu standing quietly under the locust tree from afar. He was dressed in simple, unadorned clothes, and his aura was completely concealed. This deliberate concealment of his brilliance must be a deliberate disguise, to avoid attracting attention?"

Xu Huang did not stop walking, and replied calmly: "The city of Xinzheng is full of powerful and influential people, and undercurrents are surging. As a stranger from a foreign land, I have no backing or foundation. Acting in a high-profile manner will only attract endless scrutiny and trouble. Keeping a low profile and concealing my strength is the best way to protect myself."

Han Fei, deeply moved by these words, nodded slightly: "Brother Xu is absolutely right. The current situation is unclear, with undercurrents swirling both inside and outside the capital. Various forces are deeply entrenched, and deadly intent lurks in the streets. Since returning to the country, I have often restrained my actions and dared not fully reveal my ambitions. However, this pretense has both advantages and disadvantages. If one hides too deeply, one may miss the opportunity to meet like-minded people. Our meeting today is a rare and fortunate encounter."

He shifted his tone slightly, frankly stating his thoughts and making no attempt to hide his admiration for Xu Huang: "From the first time I met you, I felt that you were no ordinary merchant. Your demeanor and bearing both exude profound knowledge. I am very happy to associate with someone as insightful and composed as Brother Xu. It is too lonely to walk alone in chaotic times. Having a confidant gives us more confidence to support each other."

Xu Huang glanced at Han Fei, a faint smile flashing in his eyes, but said nothing, simply listening quietly as Han Fei explained his plans.

The sun climbed higher and higher, and the summer heat slowly spread along the long street, nearing noon. The two walked slowly along the flower-lined corridor into the depths of the Purple Orchid Pavilion. The shallow friendship formed by their first encounter, accompanied by the gentle breeze in the corridor, was quietly brewing into an unpredictable undercurrent.