Chapter 10, True Feelings in Adversity

This time, the army of the Qin under Fu is not comparable to that of previous years. Not only are there fierce generals and elite troops, but also Murong Chui and Yao Chang, who are renowned as the valiant commanders of the age, leaving him with no confidence whatsoever in achieving victory.

Huan Xuan slammed his palm on the nanmu table, immediately leaving an imprint of his hand. He had spent the entire night awake, drinking alone in the inner hall, his heart filled with resentment and discontent.

Liu Yu looked at him, and the graceful and masculine contours of Yan Fei came into view. What was most remarkable was that he not only lacked the vulgarity of the martial world but also exuded a refined and cheerful demeanor, making people willing to befriend and trust him. He said lightly: "The reasoning is quite simple; without your assistance, I could never accomplish my mission, so I have made a wise choice."

The Grand Marshal is Huan Chong, and Huan Xuan's fief is in Nanjun, hence he is known as the Duke of Nanjun. Four years ago, during the Battle of Xiangyang, Huan Chong was struck by a poisoned arrow from the Qin forces, which has since recurred intermittently, making it impossible to eliminate the toxins from his body. This has led to a continuous decline in his health, compounded by his advanced age, rendering him no longer as valiant as in his youth

Huan Xuan took another swig of strong liquor and indifferently remarked: "It is best that he is dead; my father's prestige has all been lost because of him"

Yan Feixin said with delight: "Why have you suddenly become so frank?"

Liu Yu sighed softly. Although he felt an instant connection with Yan Fei, he could see that despite knowing that Qifu Guoren was lurking nearby, Yan Fei still acted to destroy the jade without regard for his own safety, in order to prevent the demon from succeeding. This revealed the kind of person he was. The issue was of great importance; if it were to leak that he was looking for Zhu Xu and this information reached Fu Jian, then everything would be over. He forced a bitter smile and said, "I have strict orders, please forgive me, Brother Yan."

Liu Yu calmly said: "I have never feared anyone; I just do not understand why Brother Yan does not destroy the demon jade immediately"

Liu Yu asked: "Is its name called Tianyan?"

Yan Fei felt the entire world plunge into darkness, although the natural light remained unchanged, the bright moon still shone. However, his protective vital energy was rapidly consumed by the attacking cyclone, diminishing his power and resulting in a significant decline in his vision. Even at this moment, he still did not know the location of the assailant, only aware that this person's martial arts were extraordinarily high, unprecedented and unheard of, and something he had never even dreamed of.

Xie Xuan watched the young men from the Northern Army march proudly in front of him, his mind filled with a tumult of thoughts

Huan Xuan said in a deep voice: "Where is the medicine?"

Suddenly, angry shouts and sounds of fighting came from outside the forest. Yan Fei showed a look of joy, placed a hand on Liu Yu's shoulder, and said: "Heaven is assisting me; it must be Qifu Guoren who has arrived. He surely has no life or time to pursue us. Let's hurry."

Huan Xuan opened his eyes, stared at the brocade box, and asked: "Who else knows about this matter?"

They lay by the river on the cold, damp earth, gasping for breath

Liu Yu hurriedly rushed towards Yan Fei, who was struggling to stand up from the ground, his face as pale as paper, with blood stains at the corners of his lips

Huan Chong's reproaches still lingered in his ears. He questioned himself, believing that in any aspect, he surpassed Xie Xuan. Yet, on the list of the top nine masters, Xie Xuan held the first position, leaving him to settle for second place. Now, with the army of Fu Qin advancing south, Xie Xuan was leading the troops to confront them, while he could only remain confined in Jingzhou

Yan Fei smiled and said: "You save me, I save you, we support each other in times of hardship. Do you still intend to go to the border wilderness market?"

Yan Feidao: "To be honest, Gao Yan went to Shouyang to meet with Xie Xuan. I originally had a way to ensure his victory in this battle, but unfortunately, I no longer have that confidence now"

Kuang Shimou, feeling proud of his great achievement, smiled and said: "How could Shimou be so careless? This matter is known only to Shimou himself"

Liu Yu brandished a thick-backed knife, swaying it left and right in Yan Fei's blurred vision, making it even more difficult for him to cope with the situation.

Liu Yu first lifted his head out of the water, allowing the droplets to flow down his cheeks, and pondered: "That person might perhaps be An Yuqing's father, An Shiqing, but this possibility is relatively low. We can deduce who that person is by observing who else comes to pursue us."

Yan Fei sat up cross-legged, regulating his breath and circulating his blood, and said: "Brother Liu, how is your injury?"

Huan Xuan remained silent, yet his chest rose and fell rapidly, indicating an internal struggle between his human and divine nature

Yan Fei returned to his side and said softly, "That hawk did not follow."

Yan Fei said softly: "Xie Xuan?"

Yan Fei said: "Since Brother Liu has his own difficulties that are hard to speak of, I will not press further. While it is still not dawn, I must continue on my journey. Let us part ways here. I hope there will be another opportunity for us to meet in the future"

With a long whistle, Yan Fei unleashed the Butterfly Love Flower, fully deploying the Great Method of the Sun and Moon in the sky. First, he used the strength of the Yin Moon to firmly block the opponent's cyclone, then transformed the moon's energy into the sun's. The tip of the sword emitted a hissing sound as it cut through the wind, darting into the gap between the two columns of energy, and with a reverse airflow, he thrust the sword towards the approaching person.

Yan Fei cast a glance at him, their eyes met in a collision of gazes, both feeling a mutual understanding, with no lingering doubts from before

Liu Yu faintly sensed that Yan Fei had something to say. After the life-and-death battle they had just experienced, their relationship had changed significantly, evoking a sense of sharing life and death and fighting side by side. He replied, "Indeed! I carry the heavy trust of the governor, and even if it costs me my life, there is only this path to take."

Liu Yu put away the precious jade and said: "This jade may still have some value for use. Brother Yan, you must have come from the borderlands, right? Do you know the situation with Gao Yan?"

Yan Fei took out the precious jade and handed it to Liu Yu, saying lightly: "I used this to disturb the enemy, causing Qifu Guoren to be hindered. Now that this jade has lost its purpose, I will leave it to you, Brother Liu, to handle."

Clang

Huan Xuan's complexion grew even paler as he gazed at the shattered pieces of the wine cup on the table, uttering word by word: "Are you asking me to ... ... " Kuang Shimo hurriedly replied: "How could Shimo dare to ask the Duke of Nanjun to do anything? Everything is at the discretion of the Duke of Nanjun. Shimo is merely fulfilling his duty as a subject, not wishing for the Duke of Nanjun to miss a good opportunity."

The howling sound seemed to arise from all directions; at first, it was barely audible, but in an instant, it transformed into a deafening roar that filled the forest, overwhelming the eardrums of the two individuals. The surrounding air was charged with energy, creating countless swirling gusts the size of palms, slicing at the two like sharp blades. It felt as if they had suddenly been caught in a violent storm, nearly losing their footing, and managing to stand firm was already a remarkable feat

At the beginning, the two were still as if in a dream, unable to comprehend what was happening. In the area of about thirty feet around the edge of the dense forest where they found themselves, the branches and leaves began to sway, yet they did not feel any intensification of the northwesterly wind blowing in from the open field into the forest

The Vanguard Army, consisting of 20,000 men, under the leadership of Xie Yan, advanced towards the front line, with the strategic location of Bagong Mountain on the eastern bank of the Feishui River as their destination

Huan Xuan's face turned pale, and he said: "What if Fu Jian is victorious?"

Kuang Shimo stated: "As long as the military power of the Duke of Nanjun is in hand, it is only natural to establish himself as emperor, rallying the military and civilians of the south. Taking advantage of the instability in Fu Jian's formation, he can strike upstream, launching a surprise attack to drive Fu Jian back to the north, thus achieving great success."

However, he has always trusted Xie An, who has supported him all along, because his opinions have never been wrong. It remains to be seen whether this time will be equally insightful

Yan Fei apologetically said: "Brother Liu, please do not take offense. When I am drunk, I cannot remember anything. Brother Liu, you are indeed a man of courage, knowing full well that you are facing Qifu Guoren, yet you still bravely drew your sword to cut the belt."

Under the unique leadership of Xie An, the inexperienced commander was ordered to go into battle. At that time, Xie An only uttered two phrases: "Feign strength and strike in the east while attacking in the west." Following Xie An's advice, he created the illusion of an attack on Liucheng, where Peng Chao's supplies were located, forcing Peng Chao to return with his troops for defense, while He Qian seized the opportunity to recapture Pengcheng. After reuniting with another army, Peng Chao, with over 60,000 troops, marched south again, surrounding the strategically important San'e, which was only a hundred miles from Guangling. He immediately led his troops westward from Guangling to launch a surprise attack, achieving a great victory over the Qin army, burning the enemy's warships and supply ships, and cutting off their retreat. The 60,000 Qin troops attacking San'e were nearly annihilated, but unfortunately, they had already lost Xiangyang, sowing the seeds for Fu Jian's personal campaign southward today.

Yan Fei and Liu Yu entered the dense forest one after the other, both feeling exhausted. The former leaped to the top of a tall tree, while the latter leaned against the tree, turning back to look and scanning the vast wilderness outside the dense forest, where Ruyin City had become a small black dot in the southeast

Kuang Shimou walked lightly, approaching him from behind, and bowed his head to speak softly: "The Grand General may be worried about the situation in Jianghuai. After meeting with the Duke of Nanjun, his old ailment has recurred, and he is unable to manage affairs while lying in bed. It seems the situation is not good."

Huan Xuan said in a deep voice: "If it is not urgent, do not bother me."

Since the establishment of the Northern Army, he has never tasted the bitter fruit of defeat. The battle that made his name widely known and established his current position occurred four years ago, when Fu Jian sent his son Fu Pi to lead an army of 70,000 to invade the south. They first captured Xiangyang, taking the governor Zhu Xu prisoner. After securing a foothold, they quickly dispatched Peng Chao to besiege Pengcheng, causing a stir in the court and among the people of Jiankang.

Liu Yu extended both hands and shook them firmly with him, sincerely saying: "Brother Yan, I hope you do not take offense. Liu Yu is very grateful. I have been captivated by you at first sight. If I still have my life and you pass through Guangling again, you may come to find me at General Sun Wuzhong's residence. I will certainly do my utmost to be a gracious host." By saying this, he indirectly acknowledged that he was a member of the Northern Army.

When '' !

Kuang Shimou solemnly stated: "In defeat, the clan is ruined; in victory, the family is also overturned. This is the inevitable fate of all the high-ranking ministers and generals of the Southern Jin who have gained too much power and shaken the ruler. Now that Fu Jian's army is advancing southward and the court is in chaos, if the Grand General encounters any misfortune, Sima Yao will have no choice but to allow the Duke of Nanjun to inherit the position of Grand General in order to appease the troops of Jingzhou. This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity; otherwise, if this matter were to occur during a stable period, Sima Yao would surely take the opportunity to diminish the military power of the Huan family."

As the anger grew stronger, the voice of his most trusted advisor, Kuang Shimo, came from outside the door: "Shimo has urgent matters to report immediately"

Kuang Shimou leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "As long as the Duke of Nanjun pretends to be concerned about the illness of the Grand Marshal, and then instructs his servants to administer a dose of the sacred medicine for healing and recovery to the Grand Marshal, he will be able to fulfill the Duke of Nanjun's ambition to dominate the world"

Liu Yu said: "The more difficult the task, the more I find it enjoyable, or perhaps I am the kind of person who is unwilling to remain dormant and loves to seek stimulation. For instance, I now feel that life has never been so meaningful."

Liu Yu smiled and said: "I recognize the red cloak of Qifu Guoren, not to mention his peculiar appearance. Brother Yan must have forgotten that my name is Liu Yu."

Yan Feichun relied solely on instinct, realizing that Liu Yu, unable to evade, was forced to wield his sword to meet the incoming energy column. The assailant's energy technique not only surpassed that of the two but was also executed with full force. Liu Yu, in a state of desperation and exhaustion, was left to fight in a panic, and the outcome was predictable

At this moment, Liu Yu's powerful strike, infused with true energy, had struck the sharp edge of the opponent's energy column. Suddenly, he felt the opponent's force diminish significantly, yet it was as if he had been struck heavily by a thousand-pound iron hammer on the blade's edge. With a loud "whoosh," he spat out a mouthful of blood and was sent flying backward, crashing into the thick trunk of a tree. He then slid down to the roots of the tree, his vital energy surging, nearly losing grip on the thick-backed knife that he never let go of.

Kuang Shimou took out a brocade box from his pocket and respectfully placed it on the table

Huan Xuan's cup fell onto the table, shattering into pieces, and he exclaimed in shock, "What are you saying?"

Yan Fei said: "This matter is difficult to explain in a few words. Brother Liu, what brings you to Ruyin? Is that woman not with you, Brother Liu?"

A small river flows down between two hills in the dense forest, more than ten miles away from the place of the attack

Xie Xuan was mounted on his horse outside Guangling City, accompanied by his trusted generals Liu Lao and He Qian, both clad in armor, which made Xie Xuan's scholarly attire appear even more casual and artistic. His demeanor was elegant and distinguished, setting him apart from others

Yan Fei nodded and said, "You are indeed a very special person. Could you please answer my question first?"

Kuang Shimo said with great joy: "With just one word from the Duke of Nanjun, the imperial ambitions will surely be realized"

Liu Yu coughed and said: "When I mentioned that the demon jade has utilitarian value, I had not considered that it could be used to save a life. Who would have thought it could also take the life of Qifu Guoren? Alas! Damn it! There are indeed such terrifying masters in this world. Seeing that he does not dare to reveal his true identity, I suspect he is either Sun Si or Jiangling Xu, these two demon figures."

Kuang Shimou said: "Lord of Nanjun, rest assured, this medicine will only take effect three days after consumption. Its function is merely to prevent the Grand Marshal from suppressing the remaining poison within his body, ensuring that the divine will remain unaware. Alas! Because Shimou has always understood the concerns of the Lord of Nanjun, I have gone to great lengths to arrange this."

Yan Fei had already guessed that his destination was Bianhuangji. He smiled and said, "Brother Liu, do not mock me for speaking too deeply with shallow acquaintances. Fu Rong's vanguard has already stationed at Bianhuangji, blocking all routes in and out, in preparation for the arrival of Fu Jian's army. Your journey to Bianhuangji is no different from seeking death. However, if Brother Liu can honestly tell me the purpose of your visit, I may have a way to assist you."

Kuang Shimou was dressed in scholarly attire, with a slender build and a pair of shifty eyes, who particularly enjoyed calculating others through cunning schemes

Yan Fei crawled forward a few steps and dipped his head into the cool river water. Liu Yu, seeing his demeanor was quite artistic, followed suit and also crawled forward to immerse his head in the river water

Suddenly, two columns of air, seemingly substantial and possessing an irresistible force, struck directly at the backs of the two individuals. If they were to be hit, it would guarantee the rupture of their internal organs, and their protective vital energy would provide no protection whatsoever.

Liu Yu suddenly burst into laughter, but then coughed up a mouthful of blood, leaving one unable to discern whether he was in joy or in pain

Bang

Liu Yu took the precious jade, using the moonlight to focus his gaze intently on the patterns of the jade, and said: "Thus, it can be said that Qifu Guoren's intention is not to seize the jade, but rather to target Brother Yan. It just so happens that he encountered this situation. I wonder what connection Brother Yan has with Fu Jian"

Huan Xuan nodded slightly, and suddenly, with a swift motion, struck Kuang Shimou on the chest with his palm. Amidst the sound of bones breaking and flesh tearing, Kuang Shimou was sent flying backward, unable to even let out a cry of despair before his demise

Liu Yu felt a wave of disappointment and did not respond directly to Yan Fei. He sighed and said, "Then I can only go and try my luck myself. What is the situation like at Bianhuang Market?"

Upon hearing the name of Sun Wuzhong, Yan Fei felt a stir in his heart and was just about to speak when an unexpected change suddenly occurred

Yan Fei had a favorable impression of this friend who was both wise and courageous, and could not bear to keep it from him, saying: "If you hurry to Shouyang, perhaps he is still there. At the very least, you can learn of his whereabouts from Hu Bin; you and Hu Bin should be colleagues, right"

Liu Yu turned over onto his back, gazing at the clear sky above the treetops, and said: "It is merely fatigue, nothing serious. I have yet to have the opportunity to express my gratitude to Brother Yan for his life-saving grace."

Huan Xuan held the brocade box with both hands, cherishing it as he brought it into his embrace, and calmly said, "Now only I know."

Liu Yu calmly stated: "The order was indeed issued personally by Governor Xie."

Huan Xuan leaned back against the soft chair, seemingly losing his usual strength, and closed his eyes, groaning and murmuring: "If he dies from taking the medicine, would I, Huan Xuan, not become a person lacking loyalty and righteousness"

The terrifying master, akin to a demon king, waved his sleeve, causing Yan Fei to spin and tumble to the side. In an instant, he had dashed through the forest, pursuing Baoyu with a speed surpassing that of a ghost.

Liu Yu suddenly sat up and said with a serious expression, "I wish to hear the details."

Liu Yu understood that Yan Fei was unwilling to answer him, and he himself was also at a loss for words. He forced a bitter smile and said: "I too find it difficult to speak. That demoness named An Yuqing encountered me in the city and even attempted to kill me. It is truly strange that, despite the geographical map of famous mountains and scenic spots depicted on the jade, it does not indicate the location of the hidden scriptures. What use is it then?" After saying this, he presented the jade to Yan Fei.

The sound of fierce clashes echoed densely in the dark woods, and Liu Yu, seeing stars before his eyes, spotted a tall and robust figure clad in black, wearing a terrifying ghost mask. This person, with sleeves billowing, was relentlessly attacking Yan Fei, who was struggling to evade, darting east and west, barely holding on, facing perilous situations where death was a constant threat.

Yan Fei exclaimed: "Your insight is extraordinary, indeed you possess the heavenly eye"

Yan Fei had no interest at all, but out of politeness, he had to pay close attention and agreed, saying: "It is indeed strange"

Liu Yu realized that Yan Fei had risked his life to fight against the enemy and saved him. Otherwise, he would not be sitting here catching his breath but would have become a corpse! He felt a surge of emotion in his heart, and suddenly regained his strength. He took out the precious jade from his bosom and shouted, "The Taiping Jade is here!" With a wave of his hand, he forcefully threw the jade out of the forest.

The sky gradually lightens, and this small river winds its way through the hilly wooded area, with particularly dense trees along the banks, creating an ideal refuge for them

Yan Fei originally intended to inquire, yet unexpectedly found himself laughing, a laugh that was quite strenuous, but also immensely joyful