Seven, Soul Exchange

Chang He had been observing for quite some time and finally understood some of the underlying circumstances. He walked up to Lu Huai and scrutinized him from top to bottom and then from bottom to top. Lu Huai felt uneasy under his intense gaze and awkwardly said, "General Chang, I apologize..." Chang He shook his head and said, "You are old and fat, with an ugly appearance, not at all resembling me. It is too much of a humiliation for me to have you impersonate me." Hearing him call others ugly, everyone couldn't help but smile. Lu Huai, blushing, didn't know what to say and could only force a smile, saying, "The general's heroic demeanor is unmatched by me." Chang He, pleased by his words, was about to respond when suddenly there was a whoosh, and blood splattered everywhere as a short sword was plunged into his right chest. Wang Xiu shouted, "General!" and hurriedly ordered the soldiers to rush forward. However, before his call could finish, Chang He had already fallen heavily to the ground, a short sword now embedded in his neck as well, the tassel on the hilt stained red with oozing blood, still trembling slightly.

The masked man walked up to Chang He, and several soldiers, seeing his intimidating presence, involuntarily took a few steps back. Guo San, who had been lying on the table, suddenly stretched and sat up, saying, "Who is making such a racket, disturbing my sweet dreams?" The masked man glanced at him but paid him no mind, raising the large iron hammer high and bringing it down towards Chang He. Suddenly, there was another loud crash, and the iron sword, which had flown in from who knows where, intercepted the blow. Guo San called out, "What great strength!" Without leaving the table, he merely extended two fingers and lightly flicked them, causing the iron sword to hum in the air and launch a series of rapid attacks against the masked man. The iron sword thrust, slashed, lifted, and swept, as if it were being wielded by a living person, showcasing the Moshang school's unique sword control technique. However, although the sword was fast, the masked man's movements were even quicker. Despite the hissing sound of the sword wind, not a single thrust hit its target, and instead, the masked man seized the opportunity, striking the iron sword with a powerful blow. The iron sword, like a bird struck by an arrow, fell to the ground with a clang.

Guo San exclaimed, "Ah! Xiao Qing!" as he rushed forward, cradling the iron sword in his hands, his face filled with concern. Xiao Yan, standing nearby, smiled at Xu Guan and said, "So that sword is named Xiao Qing, how interesting. I wonder if he has a few more swords named Xiao Huang and Xiao Bai." Xu Guan replied, "Stop just making sarcastic remarks and hurry up to help Brother Guo." Xiao Yan said, "No rush, no rush, he isn't going to lose yet." Then Guo San declared, "This won't stop you, take my next move." He placed one palm against his chest, muttering incantations, and shouted, "Seize!" He extended his palm outward, revealing a circle of white light that enveloped the masked man, employing the Maoshan technique known as the Soul Seizing Spell. This technique was created by Tao Hongjing, the ninth-generation master of the Maoshan sect during the Southern Dynasties, originally called the Tranquil Soul Spell, which helped practitioners focus their minds and regulate their breathing. By the end of the Sui Dynasty, the tenth-generation master Wang Yuanzhi of the Maoshan sect, feeling the turmoil of the world and the suffering of the people, thought that even if one was outside the worldly affairs, how could one achieve "tranquility of the soul"? Thus, he transformed this spell into a powerful technique capable of seizing the souls of people, hoping that one day it could be used by those who would bring peace to the world. Later, the disciples of Maoshan felt that the name Tranquil Soul Spell was not fitting, so they renamed it the Soul Seizing Spell.

The next morning, Xu Guan finally woke up, feeling unwell all over. Looking around, he realized he was back in his own room at the inn. When he casually touched his mouth, he was startled to find two whiskers. Fortunately, Xiao Yan was guarding by the bed and recounted the previous events, allowing Xu Guan to understand that his soul was within Guo San's body. Xu Guan had recited Buddhist scriptures since childhood, and although he had experienced unusual events, his mind remained calm. He comforted Xiao Yan, saying, "The Buddha said: 'All forms are illusory.' It does not matter whether this body is mine or Brother Guo's." Xiao Yan replied, "You think it doesn't matter, but does the other party think it doesn't matter? Do you think you look very good?" Seeing her getting anxious, her pretty face flushed red but could not hide her haggard appearance, with red and swollen eyes clearly a result of staying up all night to take care of him. He felt touched and said, "Xiao Yan, you have worked hard." Xiao Yan had initially been angry with him, but seeing that he was not only unperturbed but also spoke gently to comfort her, she sighed and said softly, "You silly fool, recklessly showing off. If you hadn't stood in front of me, that soul-seizing spell wouldn't have hit me either." Xu Guan had risked himself to save her, which made her very happy, yet she still complained.

Xiao Yan rushed in front of Xu Guan, delivering a fierce blow to his chest, and exclaimed: "You dead man! You even know the Imperial Sword Technique, how much have you been hiding from me?" Xu Guan grimaced from the hit, rubbing his chest and said: "Who has been hiding anything from you! I am Guo San, not Xu Guan!" Xiao Yan was taken aback and asked: "What did you say?" Xu Guan replied: "I am Guo San, I have merely borrowed his body. After he was struck by the Soul Capturing Spell, his soul left his body, and I had to use my own body to hold onto his original spirit to prevent it from scattering. I had no choice but to place my own soul in his body temporarily." Xiao Yan stared in disbelief and said: "What? You are Guo San, yet you are attached to Xu Guan's body? Should I call you Guo San or Xu Guan?" The man shook his head and said: "The body is merely a shell, you can still call me Guo San." Xiao Yan asked: "Why not hurry and switch back?" Guo San replied: "He has already been affected by the Soul Capturing Spell; switching back immediately might cause his soul to scatter. But do not worry, the Soul Capturing Spell from Maoshan is not too overpowering, in due time, the soul will naturally return." Xiao Yan inquired: "In due time? How long will that take?" Guo San reached to stroke the two whiskers on his lip, only to find his face smooth and hairless, shaking his head he said: "That is hard to say. It could be as short as five to seven days, or as long as several months or even years."

A soldier forcefully tore off the mask of a masked man, and everyone looked to see a face like pale gold, with a pair of narrow eyes. Xiao Yan exclaimed in surprise, "You... you are not Lieutenant Li, are you? How could you..." It turned out that this masked man was actually Li Baojin, the Lieutenant of Zhaowu in Kuizhou. Li Baojin said to Xiao Yan, "Miss Xiao Yan, we meet again." He then turned his face towards Chang He, his gaze becoming sharp and cold, and said icily, "How have you been these past two years, General? I suppose those golden knives have earned you quite a bit of money, haven't they?" His words did not sound like those of a prisoner who had just been captured, but rather like a magistrate interrogating a criminal. A few soldiers around them heard this and scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting, assassin!" However, Chang He’s face changed dramatically as he pressed his hand against his injured right chest and stood up trembling, saying in a quavering voice, "You... you are one of the Crown Prince's people?"

Lady Wu held the longevity bottle in her hands, examining it carefully against the light, and said: "This is a relic from the Republic of China known as the longevity bottle, and the porcelain shards on the bottle's wall serve as the lock to open it. Where did you obtain this bottle?" Xiao Yan replied: "No wonder everyone says you are knowledgeable; you even recognize this treasure." She then recounted everything that had happened at the treasure fair in Chengdu, adding: "Since this longevity bottle can grant eternal life, as long as we uncover the secrets within, your illness will surely be cured." Lady Wu weighed the bottle in her hand and said: "It has been passed down since ancient times that the longevity bottle conceals the secret to immortality, but the Republic of China has long been submerged by the sea, and it is likely that no one can open this bottle now." Hearing her words align with what was said at the treasure fair, Xiao Yan felt disheartened and said: "Then this bottle we obtained is of no use at all." Lady Wu pondered for a moment and replied: "Not necessarily; there may still be someone in the world who knows how to open this longevity bottle." Xiao Yan immediately jumped up, her eyes shining brightly, and hurriedly asked: "Quickly tell me, who is it? Who is it?" Lady Wu said: "It is merely a legend, the truth of which is unknown." Xiao Yan tugged at her sleeve, pleading: "As long as it can save you, even if it means fetching a four-cornered egg or the whiskers of a rabbit, I would go to great lengths to obtain it. Moreover, this longevity bottle is right here, we just lack a method to open it. Who exactly knows? Please tell me!" Lady Wu sighed and said: "It would be of no use to tell you. It is all my fault for being talkative; if I do not share this with you, you will surely come to bother me every day."

Two soldiers rushed forward to lift Wang Xiu, crying out: "Captain Wang!" Wang Xiu, weak as a thread, struggled to say: "I... I cannot make it, you must protect... protect the general." After saying this, he fell back and died. The two soldiers, tears streaming down their faces, wanted to help lift his body, when suddenly they heard a loud clang of metal above them, causing them to tremble in fear. They saw a large iron hammer and a sword fall from the sky beside them; the hammer struck the ground with a loud bang, creating a deep pit in the courtyard, while the sword flew like a bird returning to its nest, landing on the back of the sleeping Guo San. As the courtyard wall rumbled, a large hole appeared. Amidst the swirling smoke and dust, a masked man in black rushed in through the hole, holding a large iron hammer and striding forward. Xu Guan and Xiao Yan recognized him immediately as the assassin they had encountered in the Yan Wanyuan. Xu Guan asked: "Xiao Yan, do you think this person is A He Mang?" Xiao Yan replied: "Although I cannot see his face, his figure does resemble him." He added: "This person comes as an assassin, yet wields such a heavy weapon as a large iron hammer; it is truly remarkable."

The masked man used a round shield to protect himself and was about to rush towards Xu Guan when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck. He reached back to find it covered in blood; he had been struck by an arrow. Looking down, he saw that it was Chang He, who was struggling on the ground, having shot the arrow. Chang He, weakened from his injuries, did not severely wound the enemy with this shot, but it caused the masked man to hesitate for a moment. In that instant, a steel sword flew in and pressed against his throat, leaving him no chance to evade. Chang He, swaying unsteadily, stood up and said, "You stab me with a sword, I return you an arrow; we are even now." Seeing the masked man subdued, several soldiers under Wang Xiu rushed forward, each holding a sword or knife against his neck and back.

Xiao Yan noticed that her cough was getting worse and couldn't help but feel anxious, asking, "Is this illness not getting any better?" Wu Niang took a breath, covered her heart, and sighed, "It's an ailment I developed in my early years; it cannot be cured." Xiao Yan replied, "Don't say that, there must be a way to treat it." Wu Niang shook her head and said, "I know myself that my health is deteriorating day by day; I fear I won't live for many more years." Seeing her serious expression, Xiao Yan realized that her words were not empty, and her heart ached as her eyes turned red. Just as she was feeling sad and disappointed, she suddenly remembered something important, jumped up, clapped her hands, and exclaimed, "That's right, there is still hope!" She took out the longevity vial and placed it on the table, saying, "Wu Niang, do you know what this is?"

Guo Sanyi struck out with his palm, and the masked man slightly turned to the side, suddenly producing a small round shield that was as smooth as a mirror. The halo emitted from Guo San's palm was entirely reflected back by the shield, striking directly at the side of Xiao Yan, who was standing nearby. Xu Guan, seeing this, acted without a moment's thought and hurriedly embraced her, just as the halo hit him squarely on the back with a whoosh. Xu Guan immediately felt the world spin around him, and faintly heard Guo San exclaim, "This is bad!" before collapsing to the ground. Xiao Yan was startled and frightened when she saw Xu Guan suddenly fall, and she quickly bent down to lift him, calling out loudly. Xu Guan tilted his head but did not respond at all. Xiao Yan, in a panic, grabbed his shoulders and shook him vigorously, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Guo San rushed over to Xiao Yan and said, "It's alright, I will save him." Xiao Yan was overjoyed and urged Guo San to support Xu Guan, saying, "You must take a look!" Guo San sat cross-legged, laid Xu Guan across his legs, and placed one hand on his head, silently reciting a spell. To his surprise, after only uttering one line, he fell backward, also losing consciousness. Xiao Yan was even more flustered, feeling as if everything before her had turned pitch black, not knowing what to do. When she saw the masked man pick up a large iron hammer from the ground, a thought suddenly struck her: "This man has killed Xu Lang, I will kill him first to take revenge!"

Xu Guan said to the masked man, "You really do not know what is good for you. Do you think I cannot defeat you?" He extended his index finger and pointed in the air, causing the iron sword to emit a sound and turn entirely emerald green, with blue flames appearing on the blade. The iron sword shot towards his opponent like the wind and lightning. The masked man raised his hammer to block it, and the massive iron hammer was split apart by the blue flames on the sword, transforming into two hemispherical iron pieces that fell to the ground. The iron sword sliced through the large iron hammer, circled in the air while carrying the blue flames, and then swooped down again. The masked man raised his small round shield to block this strike, and in an instant, blue flames splashed everywhere. The iron sword let out a dragon's roar and returned to the air, while the small round shield remained completely undamaged.

Xu Guan did not understand the feelings of a young woman, scratching his head and saying: "You are right. Brother Guo's appearance is much more handsome than mine; it is better to change back. Where has he gone?" Xiao Yan replied: "Just now, a messenger came to inform you that you have been appointed as the military officer of Kuang Daofu, and you must report for duty immediately. I asked him to go in your place." Xu Guan said: "That would be difficult for Brother Guo." Xiao Yan continued: "Guo San said that it would take at least a few days and up to several years for your souls to be exchanged back. This is not a solution; it would be better for me to take you to see Wu Niang and see if she has a method for soul exchange." Xu Guan asked: "Who is Wu Niang?" Xiao Yan sighed: "Like you, I was born without seeing my parents; it was Wu Niang who raised me. Where has he gone?" Xiao Yan said: "Just now, a messenger came to inform you that you have been appointed as the military officer of Kuang Daofu, and you must report for duty immediately. I asked him to go in your place." Xu Guan said: "That would be difficult for Brother Guo." Xiao Yan continued: "Guo San said that it would take at least a few days and up to several years for your souls to be exchanged back. This is not a solution; it would be better for me to take you to see Wu Niang and see if she has a method for soul exchange." Xu Guan asked: "Who is Wu Niang?" Xiao Yan sighed: "Like you, I was born without seeing my parents; it was Wu Niang who raised me. She is the owner of Yan Wan Garden, and if we talk about experience and knowledge in the rivers and lakes, there are really not many who can compare to her." Xu Guan said: "I see. Shall we go now?" Xiao Yan replied: "That won't do; you are in such a state... she is the owner of Yan Wan Garden, and if we talk about experience and knowledge in the rivers and lakes, there are really not many who can compare to her." Xu Guan said: "I see. Shall we go now?" Xiao Yan replied: "That won't do; you are in such a state... Guo San's attire is too shabby; how can you meet anyone? You must tidy yourself up first." She looked at Xu Guan carefully and said: "Your beard is all messy; it must be shaved off." Xu Guan said: "Changing clothes is fine. However, I am only borrowing Brother Guo's body; his beard should be left as it is." Xiao Yan thought for a moment and smiled: "Let us dress him up nicely; he will be pleased to see himself later."

She reached out with her heart and hands, leaping into action, the golden snake-like whip striking directly at the masked man's chest. The masked man raised his hammer to block, noticing her eyes were bloodshot, as if possessed, her movements swift as a ghost, causing him to retreat a few steps, unwilling to engage in a prolonged fight. The two exchanged several blows, when suddenly a buzzing sound erupted, and Guo San's iron sword, Xiao Qing, flew back to attack the masked man. Xiao Yan turned to look, feeling both surprised and puzzled, as she saw Xu Guan standing up, surprisingly still directing the sword's attack with his hand. The masked man remained unfazed by the dual assault, swinging his large hammer with force, deflecting the whip and sword, sending sparks flying but unable to penetrate his defense. Xiao Gong observed his hammer technique, fierce and unmatched, and couldn't help but stroke his beard in admiration, thinking: "I wonder who this masked man is; in my years of military service, I have rarely seen such exceptional martial skills." The masked man swung his hammer with increasing urgency, each strike more forceful than the last. Xu Guan called out, "Xiao Yan, step back." Xiao Yan leaped aside, realizing that Xu Guan also possessed sword control skills, leaving her filled with doubt.

Ashina Polomen returned to his tent and summoned Aheng Mang to discuss the matter of the troops stationed at Eyang Ridge. He was filled with excitement and said, "At last, I can lead troops into battle. I want my father Khan to see that my skills on the battlefield are no less than those of my two brothers." Aheng Mang opened the map and examined it carefully, saying, "The Khan cherishes His Highness; it seems that His Highness may not need to engage in combat after all." Ashina Polomen, puzzled, replied, "My father Khan has just assigned me twenty thousand elite soldiers; why do you say this?" Aheng pointed to the location of Eyang Ridge on the map and said, "Eyang Ridge connects to the Hun River to the south and blocks Dingxiang to the north. It is indeed a strategic location for military operations. However, this place is too far from the heartland of the Tang Dynasty for resupply, and the surrounding area consists of valleys and hills, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. If I were in the Tang army, I would not dare to advance alone through this route to attack Dingxiang." After hearing this, Ashina Polomen lowered his head and said, "According to you, I can hardly lead an army even once, yet there is no battle to fight." Aheng Mang replied, "Your Highness, if you wish to achieve merit, there is no need to rush. The Khan has already agreed to send troops for Your Highness this time; next time, he will surely assign you a more important task." Suddenly, Ashina Polomen drew his curved knife from his waist and with a swift stroke split the oil lamp on the table in half, exclaiming, "Next time? I have already waited for over twenty years; how much longer must I wait? I might as well lead my troops to Chang'an and settle the score with Li Shimin!" Seeing his impatience, Aheng Mang pondered for a moment and said, "If Your Highness wishes to go to war, it is not difficult."

Seeing the sword in Xiaogong's hand, white as frost and snow, Li Daliang fell to his knees with a thud, repeatedly bowing his head as if pounding garlic, and cried out: "Your Highness, spare my life! Your Highness, spare my life! I only sought a bit of silver, this truly was not my idea!" No one expected that Li Daliang was also an imposter; everyone was momentarily speechless. Looking at Li Hong, his face was ashen, his legs trembling, as if he could no longer stand. Xiaogong snorted and said: "You may deceive others, but not me. Li Daliang once fought alongside me against the Duke of Fugu, he is a true hero, how could you possibly resemble him? Speak quickly, who exactly are you!" The man lay on the ground with a mournful expression and said: "I am from Jingyang, named Hu Zheng. Because of this scar on my face, those familiar with me call me Scarred Hu. In my youth, I also guarded the borders in Guazhou and Liangzhou, but as I grew older, I returned to Jingyang. Who would have thought that I would encounter a locust plague in the interior, causing the people of Jingyang to suffer to the point of selling their children for food? I could only go to Chang'an and became a well-known goose vendor in the muddy streets. That day..." At this point, Hu Zheng glanced at Li Hong, swallowed hard, and continued: "That day, this Young Master Li found me, knowing that I had stayed in Xiliang, and if I were willing to impersonate the governor of Liangzhou, Li Daliang, he would give me two taels of silver. I had not eaten for three days, and my mind was clouded by greed, so I agreed... As for the rest, I truly do not know." He had been cautious all along, afraid to speak, but now having finished a long speech in one breath, it seemed he had exhausted all his strength, slumping to the ground yet still struggling to bow his head a few more times.

Xiao Yan fetched a basin of hot water, took out a small jade-handled knife, and shaved Xu Guan. She then untied his hair and styled it for him. Xu Guan, having grown up in poverty, had never been served by anyone before. When Xiao Yan's delicate fingers touched the back of his neck, he felt an indescribable sensation, his heart racing, and he dared not move. After styling his hair into a bun, Xiao Yan took out a white silk robe and a jade belt for him to change into. Once Xu Guan had changed into the new attire, Xiao Yan walked around him, inspecting him from a distance and up close, clearly very satisfied, as if admiring her own masterpiece. After styling his hair into a bun, Xiao Yan took out a white silk robe and a jade belt for him to change into. Once Xu Guan had changed into the new attire, Xiao Yan walked around him, inspecting him from a distance and up close, clearly very satisfied, as if admiring her own masterpiece.

The soldiers on either side saw Li Baojin's defiance and struck him fiercely on the back with the hilt of their knives. To their surprise, it felt as though they had struck rock or steel; despite the loud thuds, Li Baojin seemed completely unfazed. Chang He, with a pale face, said, "Do not make things difficult for him." Zhao Xiaogong bowed and said, "This matter should be decided by the prince." Xiaogong looked at Li Baojin and asked, "That day in Yanwan Garden, did you act with the intent to kill Zhang Gongjin?" Li Baojin nodded and replied, "This person is indeed one of the main culprits behind the Xuanwu Gate Incident." Xiaogong said, "Now that the world is settled, the Emperor has long issued a pardon. The crimes of treason are limited to the former Crown Prince and Prince Qi. Why do you still cling to your delusions?" Li Baojin responded, "One must not betray righteousness, nor disregard loyalty in the face of death. Why do you still cling to your delusions?" Li Baojin continued, "I cannot forget the kindness shown to me by the Crown Prince." Xiaogong praised, "A true man!" He waved his hand to have the soldiers take him away. Noticing Wang Xiu's corpse still lying on the ground, he frowned and instructed the soldiers, "You should prepare his body for burial." Seeing Xi Meng and Li Hong trembling in fear by the side, he added, "Since blood has been shed today, it is not suitable for marriage. Let us choose another auspicious day in the future."

Note: The involvement of Chang He in the incident at Xuanwu Gate is not recorded in the official history. Mr. Chen Yinke, based on the inscription "Epitaph of Chang He" written by Li Yifu found in Dunhuang manuscripts, proposed the viewpoint that Chang He switched sides to assist Li Shimin during the Xuanwu Gate incident. Readers interested in this matter may refer to works by Mr. Chen, such as "A Brief Discussion on the Origins of the Sui and Tang Systems" and "A Study on the Political History of the Tang Dynasty".

Dressed and ready, the two left their previous location and arrived at Yanwan Garden. Upon entering the backyard, they pushed open a small door by the wall, revealing a narrow flowerbed. At the end of the flowerbed stood a tall green stone wall. Xiao Yan walked into the flowerbed, bent down under a cherry tree, and after a moment of searching, a stone platform slowly rose from the flowerbed with a creaking sound. Xiao Yan grabbed Xu Guan, and with a leap from the stone platform, they gently landed inside the wall. Upon touching the ground, Xu Guan felt it was quite soft, and looking around, he was even more astonished. The area enclosed by the high walls was surprisingly vast, spanning several hundred square yards, with the ground covered in thick yellow sand. If one did not see it with their own eyes, no one would believe such a place existed within this bustling city. Xu Guan took a few steps, feeling as if he had entered a desert. Nestled among the sand dunes was a crescent-shaped small pond, planted with lotus flowers, and at this time in late spring, the lotus leaves were just beginning to sprout. Amidst the lotus branches, there was a small wooden house, from which the faint sound of an ancient zither could be heard.