Chapter 3

Two members of the Jinyiwei who arrived first seized the opportunity on the opposite side of the stone bridge, blocking Meng Jianqing's path; meanwhile, three other Jinyiwei cut off his retreat from behind, trapping him against the tree

The old tree's roots have decayed, unable to withstand his mighty blow that could split mountains and overshadow the world, crashing down with a thunderous sound, revealing a deep, bottomless black hole within the trunk.

Yet before this breath could be fully exhaled, the body had already become rigid

Meng Jianqing hurriedly ran towards the riverbank. Gen Bo instinctively raised his axe upon sensing someone approaching, but as soon as his shoulder lifted, it fell back down again

Everything is no longer related to him. He has seen the light of the flames of the afterlife

Meng Jianqing felt a great shock in his heart, and he immediately stepped onto a waist knife on the ground. With a press of his foot on the hilt, the waist knife leaped up and, with a swift kick, he sent it spiraling rapidly towards the man.

Five members of the Jinyiwei shouted angrily as they drew their swords and charged at Meng Jianqing. However, Meng Jianqing had already rolled down the slope.

However, they no longer have the opportunity to hesitate

The initial shock quickly faded, and Meng Jianqing bent his body, swinging his right hand as a small knife sliced through the air towards the man who had suddenly appeared in the water

Geng Bo immediately shouted, "Take your knife and leave quickly!"

A disheveled man, bare-chested, is slowly rising from the river.

Meng Jianqing turned around. He needed to retrieve his knife before leaving

The two individuals stepped forward simultaneously, side by side, to meet the oncoming blade of light.

At the other end of the post road, the six riders that appeared were precisely the Jinyiwei led by Fan Lishi, along with the masked individual responsible for identification.

Mr. Yan Er's body trembled slightly, and his expression seemed both bewildered and relieved. After a long pause, he murmured: "Alright, alright, those two are already fine. Young lad, you must know who I am by now, right? Ha, I never expected that the hero of a lifetime, Yan Er, would die tonight in this nameless little river. Young lad, the things buried under the pillar at the east end of my dilapidated straw house, I will give them to you. Ha, I never expected that the hero of a lifetime, Yan Er, would die tonight in this nameless little river. Young lad, the things buried under the pillar at the east end of my dilapidated straw house, I will give them to you. If the Thirteen Cuts were to be used like you do, fearing to touch the opponent's blood, could it still be called the Thirteen Cuts? I cannot allow Yan Er to be embarrassed!"

Fan Lishi was unable to draw his sword in time and kicked out with a flying kick. Meng Jianqing, bracing himself for the kick to his back, ultimately managed to slash the masked man's neck with a reverse stroke before the other several Jin Yi Wei could arrive for assistance

Fan Lishi's small, tower-like body stiffened involuntarily as Meng Jianqing leaped forward to attack. Fan Lishi felt a chill in his throat, and the two approaching Imperial Guards could only watch in shock as he collapsed with a loud thud, kicking up a cloud of dust, while droplets of blood burst from his throat and splattered onto the grass

Meng Jianqing was momentarily taken aback, then turned and ran away.

Meng Jianqing placed his hand on the Baihui point at the top of his head and slowly infused it with vital energy

With a loud shout, the elder jumped forward.

Meng Jianqing's hand had already reached for the other small dagger at his waist, but he managed to stop just in time

If the man were to use a machete to block, the whirling flying dagger would be sufficient to circle around his machete and sever the right half of his body

Fan Lishi swung his right arm forcefully, intending to throw that annoying thing away

Meng Jianqing blurted out the name of Genbo, and immediately felt a sense of foreboding in his heart—despite still being masked, Genbo would surely be able to deduce his identity.

In Mr. Yan Er's heart, which was already as clear as a mirror, a question suddenly flashed by:

Mr. Yan Er fought his way through the encirclement of the enemy forces and escaped, and for many years, no one knew his fate.

Meng Jianqing squatted by the shore and said softly, "It is I."

However, Mr. Yan Er immediately set aside this doubt

Under the moonlight, Mr. Yan Er's flame tattoo on his chest is faintly visible, yet it differs slightly from Xu Qiao's. Xu Qiao has only four clusters of flames on his chest, while Mr. Yan Er has five clusters.

Meng Jianqing reached out to catch the short knife and the small blade thrown by Genbo, glancing back at Genbo's damp, aged, and lean figure as he sprang up the post road like a monkey, momentarily hesitating.

A small dagger was inserted into his lower abdomen, twisting as it went in. The pain was unbearable, as if his internal organs were being violently churned, and the effects of the castration had not yet subsided

Meng Jianqing had already disappeared into the cave beneath the tree roots, with two long swords propped up in a precarious manner, barely supporting the swaying bodies of two imperial guards. Their legs were already a bloody mess, with tendons severed, leaving them unable to move an inch.

Meng Jianqing instinctively felt that when he gave himself this eight-character evaluation, it was indeed very commendatory. Wasn't the young Genbo also such a person?

Meng Jianqing let out a long sigh, only then realizing that a layer of cold sweat had already formed on his back

Meng Jianqing took a deep breath inwardly

Meng Jianqing no longer hesitated and swiftly darted into the white grass thicket on the slope of the post road. However, he did not venture far, anticipating that Genbo had already met the newcomer and was too preoccupied to notice him. He cautiously poked his head out from the white grass.

Meng Jianqing had been away for many years and had only met Genbo a few times. However, for some reason, he had a particularly deep impression of this elderly man, who was both timid and somewhat muddled. Perhaps it was because of Genbo's focus and skill when wielding the hatchet, which had once given him the illusion that the blade was a living creature in Genbo's hands, leading him to unconsciously develop a measure of respect for Genbo.

He grinned and said: "Young man, I never expected that your father, with such a laid-back personality, could actually raise a son like you! Without hesitation, ruthless and decisive—now it truly is the world of you young people!"

The autumn moon has risen, coldly illuminating the six horses that lie fallen on the post road, their throats severed by the blade of a sword, unable to neigh any longer, along with the six corpses scattered among the white reeds.

What the root elder has unleashed is the true whirlwind slash—unyielding and unstoppable, much like a whirlwind roaring across the sea

Fan Lishi initially thought it was a hidden weapon, and with a horizontal slash of his knife, he did not expect that the incoming threat was not a concealed weapon, but rather two plump weasels. These creatures were particularly cunning and agile; upon encountering the blade, they immediately twisted their bodies, squeaking and leaping onto his right arm where he held the knife. Although they did not bite him, being entangled by these furry, foul-smelling creatures was enough to cause great distress and confusion.

Under the cold moon, five more Imperial Guards rushed in.

Uncle Gen's reaction was too hasty and abrupt, almost causing him to rush off the mountain path. He forcefully halted his blade and turned around. At that moment, the brocade-clad guard had already dashed to another mountain hollow. However, Uncle Gen did not strike, allowing him to escape around the bend.

Meng Jianqing's short knife suddenly slipped from his hand, whistling sharply as it spun and struck the waist knives of two Imperial Guards. The two blades crossed in defense, but they misjudged the trajectory of the short knife. The spinning blade whirled around their right arms, and with a "thud," it embedded itself into an old orange tree on the opposite bank of the small river

On an autumn night, the starlight glimmers, reflecting the ripples on the river's surface. The water flows gently, its sound particularly clear in this tranquil night

Amidst the densely intertwined branches of the ancient trees, there is neither sight of a person nor sound to be heard

The two Jinyiwei must first block this round of swift blades, otherwise they will not be able to retreat

The two individuals also fell to the ground with a thud

It was as if Genbo had an eye growing on his back, perceiving his hesitation, and he urged in a low voice: "Hurry up!"

Meng Jianqing kicked up two waist knives from the ground, pinning both of them to the hillside behind him.

However, from the other side of the post road, the sound of hooves suddenly echoed.

The setting sun has dipped below the horizon, and the white reeds on the hills sway like waves in the wind. In the distant village, wisps of smoke rise from cooking fires, adding a touch of warmth to the desolate twilight. Amidst the dusk, on the drill ground outside the village, the stationed troops of Ninghaiwei are still engaged in training. This late autumn season is indeed an excellent time for military exercises.

Mr. Yan Er shouted again: "Young man, hurry up. If you have a heart, bury me according to the rules in the future, and that will count as your repayment for the thirteen strikes passed down to you by my three brothers!"

Meng Jianqing once again heard the four lines of verse that filled him with dread: "The present world is dark, evil runs rampant; reborn through fire, the next life is bright"

The arrows cross and penetrate the branches. The one hiding in the tree, a mere cat, would surely not escape this well-trained net of arrows

The blade glimmers sharply, exuding a chilling aura

The night gradually envelops the surroundings, and the fields are so quiet that one can only faintly hear the sounds of laughter drifting from the village. At this moment, it is likely that every household is having dinner with their books.

As soon as Meng Jianqing turned around, he was stunned into a daze.

The mountain wind is vast and sweeping, the dusk is gradually deepening, and the practicing troops have already dispersed

The right arms of the two men were severed at the elbows. It was only when their waist knives struck their own insteps that they felt a pain that pierced to the bone at the site of their severed arms, screaming in agony as they jumped up.

Meng Jianqing furrowed his brow. Did Gen Bo intentionally let that person go, or was he unable to do so due to his limitations

Mr. Yan Er... Meng Jianqing felt an overwhelming sense of emotion in his heart

Two Imperial Guards rushing over from the opposite side of the small stone bridge suddenly shouted: "Fan Lishi, be careful!"

Yet there is no sound of people in the thicket

On the other side of the post road, the urgent sound of hooves suddenly echoed. Meng Jianqing gritted his teeth and quickly took out a white sweat towel to cover most of his face.

What unusual reason could Meng Baihu's son have for disguising himself to assassinate a group of Imperial Guards?

Because he already knows who Genbo is

Gen Bo reluctantly opened his eyes, recognized him, and felt a sense of relief, causing his entire body to almost sink into the water

Uncle Ben stared at him in astonishment

He is clear about why he must stay. ... Genbo has already recognized him, and if Genbo is captured by the Jinyiwei ... . ... He must ensure that this matter has no future repercussions

In his final words, he spoke with a tone of sternness that made Meng Jianqing's heart shudder

Among the five horses, the last one became the scapegoat for the master, while the other four horses neighed loudly and turned to follow the brocade-clad guard as they fled. Genbo paid no attention to them, turned around, and delivered a fatal blow to each of the four fallen guards, ensuring there were no survivors. He then straightened up and let out a long sigh.

Two blades met in the air, producing a clanging sound, sparks flying, and simultaneously fell into the grass by the riverbank

As the six riders galloped past the post road, a flash of blades suddenly emerged from the white grass thicket

The blade targets the horse, which is more prominent and easier to strike, rather than the person

The man raised his right hand, gripping a worn-out chopping knife, just in time to block the lightning-fast strike. The knife was deflected with a sharp whistle, flying towards the riverbank, and embedded itself in the old orange tree, the handle trembling wildly, making a clattering sound

Almost simultaneously with catching sight of the rider, Meng Jianqing had already drawn the short knife strapped to his back with a reverse motion

If they had not heard it with their own ears, the several members of the Jinyiwei would hardly have believed that such a slender body could emit a thunderous roar, shaking their eardrums and causing a buzzing sound, with golden lights flashing before their eyes

He hesitantly asked in a low voice, "Cross Slash?"

Within the Ming Sect of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Elder Yan Er, with his skill in the Thirteen Cuts, has stood proudly for over a decade. However, this changed overnight with an imperial edict from the Hongwu Emperor, which transformed the previously helpful Bright Sect into a malevolent cult threatening the Ming Dynasty.

Mr. Yan Er no longer looked at him, and with great difficulty, he crawled to the grassy bank, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and clasped his hands, murmuring incantations.

Amidst the roar, Genbo's body seemed to merge with his hatchet, swiftly charging towards the five Imperial Guards who were racing along the narrow post road in what appeared to be a straight line.

As soon as he opened his mouth to speak, Meng Jianqing finally recognized who this man was, and was even more shocked: "Genbo?"

What a resounding name this once was! The Thirteen Slashes claimed that no one in the world could withstand them—unless his two brothers, Yan Wu and Yan Qi, joined forces.

Moments later, Mr. Yan Er's condition stabilized slightly. Meng Jianqing withdrew his hand and said softly: "The ones who taught me the swordsmanship are Mr. Wu and Mr. Qi, whose Dharma names at Tiantai Temple are Mingxin and Mingxing. Both gentlemen passed away peacefully last night"

He finally managed to get everything done before the Jinyiwei arrived at Ninghaiwei

However, at the moment Meng Jianqing drew his sword, the man also let out a loud shout and swung his machete. The direction of the machete's swift rotation was from top to bottom, precisely intersecting with the waist knife in a cross pattern

The remaining two Jinyiwei were filled with trepidation. Should they continue to attack this imposing masked figure, or should they return to report?

Fan Lishi exclaimed "Not good," but it was already too late. As the two Jinyiwei beside him shot their fifth arrow, just as their momentum was waning, a figure suddenly erupted from the soil at the roots of an old tree, dancing low to the ground with a flurry of blades. The two Jinyiwei screamed in horror, discarding their longbows and drawing their swords to thrust into the ground.

The first of the Imperial Guards was knocked off his horse before he could even draw his sword; the second managed to pull his blade halfway out just before being thrown off; the third completely drew his sword but was struck so hard that it embedded itself in his own chest; the fourth blocked a strike but had his right arm severed by the whirling blade, falling from his horse with a scream; the last one, quick to react, rolled off the saddle, using his mount as cover to deflect the blade's light, and rolled out from the corner of the mountain hollow.

Two dark objects were suddenly thrown out of the tree hole

In the soil behind him, the glint of the blade reappeared. Fan Lishi, disregarding the two weasels entangled around his arm, twisted his waist and turned, striking down with his knife. Meng Jianqing exerted all his strength to block this strike, his left foot sweeping up a cloud of dust and fine sand from the ground. Lishi couldn't help but squint his eyes, pressing down harder on Meng Jianqing's knife to prevent him from seizing this opportunity to counterattack.

Beneath the post road lies a winding stream, with a small stone bridge spanning the water. Ancient trees stand by the bridge, their branches sprawling, thick enough for two people to embrace. Meng Jianqing grasped a branch and leaped into the dense foliage.

This young man with a mask, so familiar with the hollow of this old tree by the small stone bridge, must certainly be a local youth from Ninghaiwei. There do not seem to be many boys from Ninghaiwei sent to other places to practice martial arts. Genbo has already begun to suspect who this masked person might be. He broke into a smile. In that moment, the familiar good-natured Genbo from Ninghai returned.

Meng Jianqing knew that he should take this opportunity to leave this place. The escaped Jinyiwei must have remembered the description of Gen Bo, the evil spirit, very clearly, and would certainly not implicate him. Since Gen Bo had committed such a self-destructive act, it was already clear that he would never reveal his presence.

However, Fan Lishi suddenly felt a sharp pain in his lower abdomen

He stood frozen in place for a moment, then suddenly shouted and leaped into the icy river water beneath the post road. The moonlight shone softly, illuminating his face, which was as red as fire, with the veins on his forehead throbbing violently.

However, Meng Jianqing still remained

Meng Jianqing stepped aside to avoid the droplets of blood, raising his right hand at an angle, the short knife slicing through the necks of two incapacitated Imperial Guards with leg injuries.

Fan Lishi, in a fit of rage, struck at the gnarled old tree that sheltered the criminal with a single blow of his knife

He aims to enter the grand hall of martial arts, where thousands envy him, with integrity and honor, and will not waste his life in this remote and impoverished land; he aspires to achieve success and return home in glory, and will not become a fugitive living in constant fear.

Meng Jianqing let out a low shout and lunged forward in a spinning motion

Five years ago, when Genbo drifted to Ninghaiwei, he became the favorite target of teasing among the local youth, as no one was more honest, muddled, and indifferent than Genbo. Meng Zhiyuan, the head of the Ninghaiwei household, could no longer tolerate this and gave a severe beating to his second son, Meng Jianchen, who was born of his legitimate wife and led the group. After that, the youths somewhat restrained themselves; however, it was not until Genbo accidentally rescued Meng Zhiyuan's young daughter from a pond that, out of respect for Meng's position, everyone dared not to tease Genbo recklessly anymore.

After a flash of blades, six horses fell to the ground, whinnying in pain, their severed hooves splattering blood. The masked man, seemingly aged, struggled to rise after falling to the ground, but was pinned down by two horses, crying out in agony; what terrified him even more was the blade gliding towards him close to the ground.

Meng Jianqing lay hidden among the white grass by the post road, gazing at the winding waters surrounding Ninghaiwei, quietly waiting. He was certain that he had arrived ahead of the Jinyiwei; if they had gotten there first, Ninghaiwei would not be so tranquil at this moment.

The enemy is in the dark while I am in the light; the five members of the Jinyiwei did not dare to launch a reckless attack for the moment. After a brief standoff, Fan Lishi commanded to shoot arrows.

Meng Jianqing slowly retreated

In this world, there is only one person capable of executing such a whirlwind slash—Mr. Yan Er

The man's aged and hoarse voice came through: "Whirlwind Slash, Void Slash, Cross Slash—was it Yan Wu or Yan Qi who taught you? How many of the Thirteen Slashes have you actually learned?"