Chapter 26: Wandering the World with Sword (Part Eight)

Several men emerged from the river, their bodies dripping wet. Leading them was a burly figure whose breath was deep and steady. Behind him, more than a dozen men strode out, each bare-chested in the sunlight, their physiques as sturdy as oxen.

At the head was a fair-faced man of renowned reputation along the Han River: Bai Sheng, the Little Dragon King. He was tall and imposing, yet strikingly handsome. Ahead, nestled in the forest before the mountain, stood the stronghold of their river bandit gang; from here, one could glimpse the tall wooden watchtower. The tower served as both lookout and signpost for returning to their lair after their forays on the water.

Bai Sheng returned to the stronghold, changed his clothes, and headed home. A child playing in the courtyard rushed up, calling "Father!" and clung to Bai Sheng's knee. His wife, Sha'er, who had been cooking inside, hurried out at the sound, tears glimmering at the corners of her eyes.

"Husband, you're back."

"Yes," Bai Sheng replied, picking up little Bai Sheng and embracing his wife with one arm, gently stroking her long hair.

"Madam, how much salt should I add to the steamed fish..." A maid hurried over to ask, but seeing that the master had returned, she quickly bowed her head.

"You go on, I'll play with Ming'er in the courtyard for a while," Bai Sheng said gently.

Sha'er nodded and returned to the kitchen with the maid.

Bai Sheng set little Bai Sheng down and joined him in catching crickets. Old Master Tan soon entered, leaning on a wooden cane, and made his way to Bai Sheng's side.

Bai Sheng rose to support his father-in-law, but the old man waved him off.

"I hear you're planning to rob that silver tribute?" Tan Hengshui tapped his cane and reproached him.

"Father-in-law, I do intend to," Bai Sheng answered frankly, neither avoiding nor denying.

"We are already outlaws, living by unrighteous deeds. Perhaps Heaven sometimes turns a blind eye, but that silver tribute is an official matter, meant as tribute for the Emperor. Bai Sheng, think carefully," the old man shook his head, turning away. "I don't have many years left. Sha'er and Yongming must depend on you... Take care, Bai Sheng."

Bai Sheng stood where he was, watching his father-in-law’s retreating figure, his heart momentarily stirred, but soon regaining calm. If he did not seize the silver, his men would lose respect for him; the very foundation of Dragon King Stronghold was his prestige. Such a heist might bring government siege, but could also expand their power and his own fame. Yet now, with Sha'er and Yongming, he would consider the matter with greater caution.

After the meal, Bai Sheng convened a council in the stronghold with a dozen skilled swimmers, all present.

"Chief, whatever you say, that’s what we’ll do. The brothers all await your orders!" Monkey was the first to speak, clever and agile as ever.

"I've decided to send a few men into town first to gather intelligence..."

A few days later, sunlight was bright and the spring breeze warm. Yellow wildflowers dotted the riverbanks, brimming with life, while red fish swam through clear mountain streams.

Wu Yueling and Hua Chuer strolled through the market and soon found a tavern called The Old Tower. They ordered several signature dishes and a jug of fine sake.

Wu Yueling sampled the green liquor in her bowl, eating a piece of lamb pie and finding it quite tasty. Hua Chuer, meanwhile, was already wolfing down pie and wine with relish.

Watching her, Wu Yueling teased her for being such a glutton. Hua Chuer, puzzled, was given an explanation.

The little lynx sat on the table, licking at the green wine in its bowl. It stuck out its tongue, finding it a bit spicy, but after finishing half a pie, it continued lapping up the wine until it was soon drunkenly swaying, losing its balance and tumbling off the table, only to be caught by Hua Chuer’s quick foot.

Wu Yueling picked up the tipsy lynx, set it back on the table, where it lay lazily, occasionally meowing and letting out a wine-soaked burp.

After their meal, Wu Yueling cradled the drunken lynx and returned to their inn with Hua Chuer.

Night fell, stars scattered sparsely across the sky. Wu Yueling propped her chin in her hands, gazing upwards. The city was under curfew; all was peaceful and still, save for the occasional barking of dogs and the distant, intermittent strains of zither music drifting from unknown boudoirs.

"Little lady, what shall we eat tomorrow? How about we hunt some wild game in the hills? Oh, and I heard that all the scholars of Xiang County are going on a spring outing—why don’t we join in the fun?" Hua Chuer moved closer, mimicking Wu Yueling’s pose as she looked at the night sky.

Wu Yueling inhaled the delicate fragrance from Hua Chuer and replied with a soft hum, continuing to count the stars in carefree contentment.

Suddenly, a yellow firework burst in Wu Yueling’s field of vision, followed by the clamor of gongs within the city. Soon, shouts and the sounds of battle echoed from the north.

Hua Chuer’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she linked arms with Wu Yueling. "Little lady, let’s go watch the show! There’s such a commotion in the north—it must be something big!"

"No," Wu Yueling refused.

Hua Chuer was about to resort to her usual trick—coquetry—when the sounds from the north became even clearer.

"Han River's Little Dragon King is here..."

"Don't let the river bandits escape..."

"They’ve abducted a prisoner..."

"Block them—there’s a reward of over ten thousand..."

Hua Chuer glanced at Wu Yueling, and Wu Yueling met her bright gaze.

"Fine. We’ll just watch and do nothing else. No matter how much you yearn for that life or admire the Little Dragon King, you’re not to interfere. Promise me, and we’ll go watch."

"Alright, I’ll do as you say."

Hua Chuer donned her night-walking garb, and Wu Yueling changed into black men’s clothes. The two climbed out the window to the rooftop and slipped toward the flames in the north.

They reached a small courtyard and climbed onto the roof. Wu Yueling looked toward the fire and saw several figures fleeing through the street, one fighting as he retreated and holding his own against an opponent. Their contest was fierce; swords and spears clashed as torch-bearing constables and soldiers closed in. The spearman feinted and withdrew, while the swordsman dodged and continued the chase.

Their fight moved from street to street, leaping into houses and making a great commotion before shifting to another alley.

When they lost sight of the action, Hua Chuer suggested moving to another vantage point. Avoiding patrols and blockades, they tracked the fighting, soon finding themselves atop a ward wall, watching the lively battle below.

"Is that spearman the Little Dragon King you mentioned?" Wu Yueling asked, observing the figure darting about, striking out with his spear or parrying attacks.

"Probably. I heard he’s famed for his red-tasseled spear, and from the shouts, it must be him," Hua Chuer replied, not entirely certain.

Soon, Chief Escort Lü appeared in the street, blocking six of the Little Dragon King's men and then vanishing with them. Bai Sheng was now completely surrounded, facing none other than Constable Niu, who had come to Xiang County with Chao Heng.

Torches lit the area brightly.

Constable Niu finally saw Bai Sheng clearly—a handsome man indeed. "Hmph, I thought you river bandits would look fierce. Turns out you’re just a plump beauty—ha!"

The surrounding officers and constables joined in the mockery.

Bai Sheng remained calm and silent, spinning his spear and sweeping aside several constables with a single swing. He lunged forward, the bloodstained tip aimed at Niu’s throat.

Niu parried with his blade, stepping back and gathering his strength for a heavy slash.

Blade met spear in a shower of sparks; both retreated three steps, then clashed again in fierce combat.

"Once your men are captured, let’s see how you resist! Still dreaming of stealing the silver tribute?" Niu taunted between blows.

"Reporting in, Constable! That group disappeared!" someone panted, running up with the news, only realizing his mistake after entering the circle.

Niu glared at the messenger in exasperation. "Get him!"

Bai Sheng let out a hearty laugh, forced back his opponents, wounded Niu, broke through the siege, and vanished into the night with a mysterious ally.

Wu Yueling and Hua Chuer, now noticed by searching officers, had to flee. Luckily, Hua Chuer was adept at such things; they slipped over walls and through alleys, evading pursuit.

Climbing over another courtyard wall, they were nearly ambushed by a knife-wielding figure in the dark. Hua Chuer, alert, pulled Wu Yueling aside, deftly dodging the attack.

"Big Ghost, are those officers?"

"Unclear. There’s a woman’s scent."

Wu Yueling peered into the darkness to see several vague figures lurking by the wall. Two of them circled around, and without a word, she pulled out a tactical flashlight and shone it on them, making one cry out in pain.

"Who are you?" the one shielding his eyes demanded, quickly retreating. The others withdrew as well, ready to escape.

Wu Yueling noticed they were all robust fellows. Among them, one, drenched in blood with limbs twisted and broken, was clearly a victim of torture—though she did not realize this was Monkey, who had entered the city to gather information.

"Known as the Flower Thief in the martial world. May I ask the names of you heroes?" Hua Chuer inquired, clasping her sword and hands, all the while curious about the glowing device in Wu Yueling’s hand.

"We are the Five Ghosts of the Little Dragon King, Han River! Quickly extinguish the torch—don’t invite trouble," Second Ghost hurriedly answered.

Wu Yueling switched off her flashlight and stowed it away. "Then why did you attack us just now?"

"Misunderstanding! We thought you were officers. Please forgive us, esteemed thieves!" Big Ghost relaxed as the light vanished, bowing in apology.

Just then, two more figures vaulted down—one with a long spear, none other than the Little Dragon King, and the other, who lit a firestick, revealed himself to be Chief Escort Lü.

"Who are these two?" Bai Sheng whispered, noticing Wu Yueling and Hua Chuer’s presence.

"Just passing by," Wu Yueling replied. Hua Chuer tensed, feeling a subtle pressure from the stranger’s unseen gaze.

"It’s the Little Dragon King and Chief Lü… back at last," Second Ghost greeted them, stopping short of naming Lü in the presence of outsiders. "Chief, you’re not hurt?"

"No harm done. Since fate has brought us together, allow me, the Little Dragon King of Han River, to offer you both my respects!" Bai Sheng stepped forward and saluted Wu Yueling and Hua Chuer.

"I am the Flower Thief, and this is my lady. An honor to meet the famed Little Dragon King," Hua Chuer replied with a bow.

Wu Yueling simply observed in silence, but Bai Sheng noticed and conversed mainly with Hua Chuer, recalling the Flower Thief’s reputation and offering praise.

"What are your plans, Little Dragon King? How will you escape the city?" Hua Chuer asked.

"I plan to create a diversion in the south while my men escape north," Bai Sheng answered without hesitation.

Hua Chuer grinned slyly. "That will be obvious and easily foiled. Why not cause trouble in the south yourself, I’ll stir things up in the north, and your men can flee east? That way, success is assured."

Wu Yueling considered stopping her but relented.

"Excellent plan! Then I must thank you, Flower Thief. This debt, the Little Dragon King will never forget!" Bai Sheng, moved, knelt and bowed deeply to both, his sincerity evident. He introduced Chief Lü and recounted their past: how, years ago, he had saved Lü’s life during a river robbery, forging their bond.

With everything settled, Wu Yueling and Hua Chuer waited while Bai Sheng headed south, his men and Chief Lü moving east.

Once they’d gone, Wu Yueling tapped Hua Chuer’s nose in exasperation. "I never should have brought you out."

"Little lady, return to the inn first. I’ll come back later," Hua Chuer giggled, taking Wu Yueling’s arm.

"No need. Since you want chaos, let’s give them a real storm—leave not even the chickens and dogs in peace!" Wu Yueling took out her black skirt and top from the warehouse—the battle attire from past fights—pulled on black stockings, wrapped her men’s clothes around her back, and armed herself with dual submachine guns. "Tonight, the people of Xiang County will get no sleep."

"Wow, your outfit… I don’t even know what to say," Hua Chuer exclaimed, eyes roving over Wu Yueling’s striking appearance and those curious weapons.

After a brief exchange, the pair wrapped their faces in black cloth.

That night, Xiang County was in uproar. In the south, Bai Sheng fought valiantly against constables and soldiers, even dueling several rounds with a Taoist priest known as Immortal Seeker before escaping.

Firecrackers thundered across the city. Wu Yueling, wielding her twin submachine guns, fired into the night sky while she and Hua Chuer darted through the streets, drawing the wounded Constable Niu and a host of officers in pursuit. In the north, the rattle of gunfire, barking dogs, and officers’ shouts mingled in a cacophony. The townsfolk could not sleep, every house lit up.

Once satisfied, Wu Yueling and Hua Chuer slipped through the city’s drainage ditches and returned to their inn.

On the eastern wall, several shadows scaled the ramparts, knocked out the sentries, and escaped Xiang County.