Chapter 4, Interlude

Zhou Fei roughly surveyed the terrain and then began to focus intently on her first target—a small pavilion with a thatched roof, located about seven or eight zhang away, which was used for the handover of sentry duty

The middle-aged man half-closed his eyes and said, "Oh, where did you receive your teachings?"

Zhou Fei widened her eyes this time. She was aware of the Taishan Sect, as the Qianzhong lineage among the forty-eight strongholds had migrated from there. Their leader highly esteemed the "State and Society Palm Technique" of the Eighteen Paths of Taishan. It is said that the founding ancestor of Qianzhong was once a disciple of Taishan, who later integrated the palm technique into the long spear, thus creating this lineage. The middle-aged man, seeing that this ignorant little girl was finally intimidated, smirked somewhat sarcastically: "At last, you mentioned a sect you know—it's good that you understand the severity of the situation. Consider yourself lucky; now that you know, you can leave."

The middle-aged man looked at her deeply and said, "Do you dare to trespass? Do you know who the master of this place is?"

She rolled down from the haze, covered in dust, her face marked with patches of gray and white, but her wide-open eyes were round and bright, resembling a flowered cat. Upon seeing her appearance, Xie Yun couldn't help but want her to escape from this place of turmoil, to run as far away as possible, while his own safety was not much of a concern to him.

She initially thought that the sentries scattered across the mountains were all of the same caliber as herself, but unexpectedly, there were indeed experts hidden in the corners. Just as Zhou Fei began to worry about whether she might reveal her presence, a sudden fit of coughing, as if someone were about to lose consciousness, came from behind her. The hand resting on her shoulder involuntarily pressed down a little further with the owner's cough, as if that person could barely stand and was using her as a human support.

Zhou Fei felt a bit displeased, but then she remembered that the remark about "the family being few in number" was something she had made up herself. She had no choice but to briefly suppress her anger, while also being curious about the identity of this person and how, at such an age, they still did not know how to speak properly.

Zhou Fei was completely unaware of the brewing turmoil in the tranquil valley. She patiently searched for nearly half an hour and finally followed a few servants to the kitchen area. After learning about the dangers of this place, she did not dare to let her guard down against the seemingly ordinary servants in the kitchen. She exerted all her efforts to follow a short and plump cook. The cook, likely feeling hungry at night, wanted to prepare a late-night snack for himself without being seen, so he dismissed the junior apprentices and other servants, heading to the kitchen alone. After learning about the dangers of this place, she did not dare to let her guard down against the seemingly ordinary servants in the kitchen. She exerted all her efforts to follow a short and plump cook. The cook, likely feeling hungry at night, wanted to prepare a late-night snack for himself without being seen, so he dismissed the junior apprentices and other servants, heading to the kitchen alone

Xie Yun solemnly instructed: "You remember one thing"

Zhou Fei glanced around in confusion at his words, wondering where the four brothers came from. He then saw Xie Yun pointing upwards, then across, and finally pressing a finger on his own shoulder, casually saying: "Su Yue, Bai Gu, Lan Shan Ye, and me"

If I am discovered," she thought calmly, "then I will fight my way out, and if I can no longer fight, I will deal with it then

The middle-aged man reached out to take the steamed bun, which still had some warmth, and turned it over in his hands, examining it as if he had never seen a steamed bun before in his life. Afterward, he did not express any gratitude but simply asked in a calm tone, "Where did you say your elder brother was imprisoned?"

Zhou Fei, as a girl who has lost her sense of direction upon arriving in a new place, has long forgotten which path was her "original route". Asking her to return to find Old Madam Wang is as difficult as asking her to sneak her way to Jinling and cling to Zhou Yitang's thigh, crying about how her mother mistreats her.

Xie Yun interrupted her: "This place is quite nice; the four of us brothers can chat and laugh, and even if we stay for another two months, we won't feel lonely."

At this moment, her various complex worries involuntarily transferred to the middle-aged man in front of her, and she could not help but ask: "Are you ill, senior?"

At that moment, someone called out from not far away: "Jia Liu, what are you dawdling about?"

When they locked me in, I took a glance, "Xie Yundao said, "The places I didn't see were inferred from the daily curses of those heroes above.

Little did she know, Zhou Fei thought to herself: So this is how formidable it is, the plan that caused such a commotion is no longer feasible. I must still be cautious; it would be better to quietly search for the antidote first and then send out more helpers.

Xie Yun referred to them as "some rather unsavory friends from the underworld". He probably thought that even if he mentioned it, she might not necessarily be aware, so he chose to omit it.

His words can be described as exceedingly rude, carrying a hint of a commanding tone that reflects a sense of superiority, while his attitude is remarkably self-assured, making one feel as if he is inherently entitled to speak in such a manner

Zhou Fei couldn't help but feel a bit anxious and fearful. The light in the stone cave was dim, casting a large shadow on the face, making it hard to tell whether he was alive or dead. Fortunately, Xie Yun soon woke up by himself. Although his complexion had worsened a bit, he still weakly said to Zhou Fei across from him: "I am alive, don't rush to admire the corpse... Where were we just now?"

The middle-aged man glanced at the steamed bun, his expression revealing a peculiar curiosity as he scrutinized her

Zhou Fei fixed her gaze on his every breath and movement, subconsciously mimicking the rhythm of the chef's walk. Just as the plump chef pushed open the wooden door of the kitchen, Zhou Fei suddenly struck. With a soft "puff" sound, the plump chef did not even make a sound; a hole had already appeared in his throat.

Zhou Fei is a rather reliable person. Not in a hurry to leave, she first turned back to carefully examine the marks she had made on the wall, ensuring that she remembered everything clearly, before asking Xie Yun: "Is there anything else you would like me to do?"

At this moment, it was quite precarious. She had just ascended, and the departing sentry turned his head sharply, squinting as he scrutinized the flickering flame. He then took a few steps back in confusion, circling around the pavilion.

Xie Yun's original intention was to have her pass through the stone prison area, where there was a small path leading up the mountain that could lead directly out. However, Zhou Fei did not plan to escape; when she came out, she took advantage of the path indicated by Xie Yun and unilaterally devised another plan. Her target was the horse pen behind the stone prison—these masked individuals had likely engaged in numerous acts of robbery, and many passersby had their horses and belongings stolen. The horses that could not be transported in time were first kept in a designated area on the back mountain.

Zhou Fei hesitated for a moment, not leaving immediately, and quietly said: "Thank you... Senior, are you alright?"

Zhou Fei felt a sudden jolt in her heart, almost pulling out the knife immediately

Middle-aged person said: "You must have heard of 'the mountain of living and dead' before, right?"

However, in the next moment, she felt her ears twitch slightly and heard a very faint rustling sound of clothing coming from not far away— the person's footsteps were too light; had he not wished to conceal his presence, Zhou Fei would not have been able to detect his existence

Zhou Fei looked down at his splendid neck, contemplating how to silently and swiftly eliminate this person in the shortest time possible

The person said lightly: "Where did this little girl come from, such audacity."

Zhou Fei hesitated for a moment. When she was alone, she exhibited a certain arrogance, unafraid of anything. However, when it came to matters concerning her family, her inherent caution and carefulness awakened all at once. She was unsure of the background of the person before her and was acutely aware of her own lack of experience. Fearing that she might cause trouble for the Forty-Eight Villages, she could only speak partially and vaguely: "We have some martial arts passed down from our ancestors at home. My parents taught it casually, and I practiced it haphazardly, merely for the purpose of strengthening my body. Our family is small, consisting of only three people and two siblings from relatives' families, so we cannot be considered a proper sect."

Zhou Fei anticipated that he had been planning so laboriously all day, surely there was something he wanted her to handle. She promptly nodded and said, "You may go ahead and speak."

Zhou Fei shook her head in confusion

The middle-aged man then released Zhou Fei, pressed his hand against his chest, and leaned against the side to rest, his breath very faint

At that moment, a shadow slipped down from the spot where Zhou Fei had just stood, landing at the entrance of the stone prison. It soon became apparent that this "shadow" was actually a person, cloaked in black, pressed against the rocky wall, indistinguishable from a true shadow. The man in black knelt respectfully on one knee, waiting for the middle-aged man in the stone prison to give instructions

In the Forty-Eight Villages, there are countless hidden masters, many of whom, like the old lady Wang, appear to be nothing more than ordinary old men and women, yet may possess unfathomable skills. Zhou Fei, having limited experience, does not know how to buy basic necessities after leaving home, but she has encountered numerous experts. However, among the elders in the villages, including Li Dazhangjiajia, none exerted the indescribable pressure that the middle-aged man before her does, even though he appears more frail than Zhou Yitang.

Zhou Fei had a very clear mind. She approached the cell that was closest to the edge, fixed her gaze on the horse pen not far away, gripped the knife in her hand, took a deep breath, and immediately planned to take action

After he had completely walked away, Zhou Fei slipped down from a corner of the pavilion. She glanced into the sentry post and saw a pot of tea on a small table under the oil lamp, along with a steamer of white steamed buns, covered with a white cloth to retain the heat. It seemed that the sentry intended to have a meal when he returned. Zhou Fei, having been hungry all day, felt a surge of anger upon seeing these indulgent items, and without hesitation, she decisively took two buns, each about the size of a palm, and made off with them.

My daughter, this person is critically ill and it is likely that there is no hope for recovery

"Why are you staring at me?" Xie Yun sat in the corner like a boneless figure, smiling weakly and said, "I am a person of principles, and my principle is to never send light beauty individuals to do dangerous things"

Xie Yunchong waved to her and said softly: "Listen to me, you should endure here for one more day. When it is the first watch of the night, it will be dark, and they will change shifts. Take that opportunity to leave, and I will show you a path that runs close to this side of the prison. There are many stones between the mountain walls, which provide good cover. The people who are locked up should not raise an alarm when they see you."

Zhou Fei suddenly realized—so they were not just idly passing the time by cursing for fun, but could also convey messages through this tacit understanding!

The person not far away seemed to pause for a moment, likely unwilling to approach this consumptive individual. With a tone of disdain and disgust, he softly clicked his tongue and turned to walk away into the distance

Moreover, even if we manage to escape, who knows how to return the same way from this cursed place

If that little girl happens to be seen, spare her life—if not, then so be it; let her fate decide.

Zhou Fei hesitated and said: "But you..."

She slightly closed her eyes, concentrating fully on imagining a vast net woven from the threads of fate pressing down upon her, the scene of the pitch-black river surface filled with glimmers of cold light. The slight fear in her heart immediately transformed into a trained excitement of trembling—this was her self-created little trick. Each time she found herself cornered by the threads of fate, filled with terror and dread, she forced herself to envision a long staircase, the other end leading to the summit of a great mountain, and then persuaded herself that as long as she could pass through this web of fate, she would be able to climb another step, albeit with difficulty.

What?

"Hurry up, remember what your elder brother told you," Xie Yun said. "By the way, when I get out of here in the future, if you haven't gone home yet, I will come to find you. I also have something quite important to give you."

The middle-aged man glanced at her and said: "The master of the Zhuque sect is named Mu Xiaoqiao. Years ago, due to some minor grievances, she ascended Mount Tai alone. Within the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, she challenged the three great elders of the Taishan sect, broke three ribs of the sect leader, and in front of the public, she forcefully opened the chest of the sect leader's only son, extracted a lively heart, and threw it on the ground before retreating unscathed."

Xie Yun spent the entire day meticulously explaining the terrain of this place to Zhou Fei, instructing her to draw it on the stone wall opposite the small hole, correcting any misunderstandings immediately. They were interrupted several times by the delivery of meals, and outside, there were intermittent shouts of anger in various dialects. At one point, Xie Yun was affected by the "gentle dispersal" and suddenly lost her voice mid-sentence, leaning against the stone wall behind her, motionless, as if she had fainted

She executed her lightness skill to perfection, gliding through the night like a gentle breeze, slipping into the pavilion at the very moment the last person departed, just a short distance from the sentry.

The middle-aged man let out a sound of acknowledgment, though it was unclear whether he believed her or not; in any case, he had lost interest in her and waved his hand, indicating that she could leave. Zhou Fei was not particularly fond of engaging with strangers, but seeing the man's haggard appearance, she inexplicably thought of Zhou Yitang. In the cave, she listened to Xie Yun's few words that swept through thousands of troops; although her face did not reveal much, her heart was in turmoil. At one moment, she worried that her father was wandering around without anyone to care for him, and at another, she thought that since he was so imposing, he must have many renowned doctors and attendants. After all these years away, not a single word had been sent back to the village, and she feared he might have forgotten about her and her mother.

Zhou Fei planned to set fire and release the horses, ideally turning this mountain prison into a chaotic mess, and then go find the kitchen

The man in black, upon hearing the sound, obediently slinked back to the prison door, waiting to receive instructions. Before him, the middle-aged man, resembling a consumptive, broke off a piece of steamed bun, suspiciously brought it to his nose for a careful sniff, tasted a bit of the crumbs, and repeatedly confirmed that it was indeed not poisoned, before finally taking a small bite. His demeanor while eating was extremely serious, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he were making a difficult decision.

Was that sickly uncle just trying to scare people for fun

However, after all, she only vaguely understood why these masked individuals carried out their nefarious deeds with such ease, without having many other feelings about it. After all, she had never seen the true forms of these "monsters and demons" with her own eyes, and when it comes to the "underworld," the likes of the Forty-Eight Villages, which are "authorized to act as bandits," are not much better.

Zhou Fei suddenly realized and said: "Oh"

"This is what I brought from the sentry post," Zhou Fei explained, "They ate it themselves, and it is not poisonous. I see that the medicine in those foods is quite harmful, and since you are injured, it would be better to eat a little less if possible."

The sentry replied impatiently, "What are you rushing for!"

However, there is an oil lamp in the pavilion, and she must act quickly enough, be lucky enough, and also be careful not to cast a shadow

Xie Yun was unwilling to let her get involved, so he did not tell her what the antidote for "Gentle Diffusion" looked like. However, Zhou Fei thought that since it was mixed into food, it was clearly prepared uniformly by the kitchen. The kitchen had chefs, helpers, food deliverers, sentries, and so on, with people coming and going, making it impossible to be foolproof. Over time, it was certain that someone from their side would accidentally consume it, so they most likely had a backup antidote. If they could capture a chef and interrogate him, they might be able to obtain the antidote if things went smoothly. The kitchen had chefs, helpers, food deliverers, sentries, and so on, with people coming and going, making it impossible to be foolproof. Over time, it was certain that someone from their side would accidentally consume it, so they most likely had a backup antidote. If they could capture a chef and interrogate him, they might be able to obtain the antidote if things went smoothly.

Not only did he discuss the terrain, but he also detailed the best routes to take, along with a plethora of discreet tips, appearing to be an expert in stealthy maneuvers. Zhou Fei attentively noted everything, and finally could not help but ask, "Haven't you been locked underground all this time? How do you know all this?"

"Cold dish," Xie Yun said calmly, "I have observed the celestial phenomena at night, and there will surely be disputes occurring in the near future. You may consider yourself unaware of this matter, but after the person arrives, you should leave Dongting as soon as possible"

Xie Yun glanced up, and through the small gaps where light leaked in, he made a judgment about the time. He said to Zhou Fei, "I think it's about time; you should get ready. They will be ringing the gong to change shifts, so it won't be difficult to avoid them. Just be careful."

After speaking, he put down the oil lamp and left, ultimately not looking up. Zhou Fei slowly exhaled, silently counting to three in her heart. The sentry had taken a few steps out and instinctively looked back once, finding nothing, which confirmed that it was just her paranoia. She shook her head and turned to leave.

"It's nothing," the middle-aged man said淡淡地, "just a minor incident, it doesn't matter. I only want to know, are you sure that Zhuque is in this mountain tonight?"

The man in black opened his mouth to say something, yet no sound came out. However, the middle-aged man in the stone prison seemed to have heard it. He let out a low laugh and said, "Very well, it was worth my long wait. Go ahead, proceed as planned. Kill Mu Xiaoqiao; Huo Liantao is of no consequence."

After finally swallowing that piece of steamed bun, the middle-aged man said in a low voice: "If I happen to see that little girl, I will spare her life—if not, then so be it; let’s see how lucky she is."

Xie Yun looked at her gently and said, "Last time I intruded into your home, although it was at someone else's request, it ultimately caused your parents to be separated and even led to you breaking a sword. I thought about it afterwards and felt quite guilty. That day at the Ximo River, I noticed that you seemed to handle the narrow-backed long knife more easily, so I went back and forged one for you. I didn't bring it with me this time, but I will give it to you later."

At a quarter past the hour of the Dog, a crisp sound of a gong indeed echoed through the mountains, neither too loud nor too soft, yet carrying a considerable distance. The guard yawned and went to change shifts, the torches swirling like dancing dragons in the narrow mountain pass, and it was in that fleeting moment that Zhou Fei slipped out.

Xie Yun stated that during the handover, the individuals at the forefront would withdraw from the small pavilion, while those arriving later would briefly patrol the surrounding area. In that moment, the handover pavilion would be in a state of "darkness under the light," allowing for a moment of respite.

Xie Yundao: "Once you go up, do not hesitate at all, just leave immediately. These seasoned individuals have experienced all kinds of tricks and deceptions, and they will naturally think of ways to escape. You must not get involved in unnecessary matters. When you return, do not say much; go directly to your elders and demand the person from the Huo family. Rest assured, at this critical moment, Huo Liantao will not want to offend Li Dadangjia and will definitely find a way to return your brother in one piece."

Having spoken, Zhou Fei lightly leaped down from the stone prison door, making two or three jumps towards a row of houses behind the horse pen. The middle-aged man suddenly opened his eyes, seeing that she completely disregarded his advice and was determined to seek her own death. He then gazed gloomily in the direction Zhou Fei had departed, murmuring: "Unaware of the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth"

She then said to the middle-aged man: "Thank you for your guidance, senior."

At that moment, the middle-aged man in the stone prison suddenly said: "Wait a moment."

The middle-aged man seemed taken aback that she would主动 engage him in conversation, and after a brief pause, he simply replied: "A minor old injury"

Where is the promised den of monsters and demons

She remained motionless in the narrow crevice between the stone walls, and this time she finally saw clearly—indeed, as Xie Yun had said, this place was a long valley wedged between the peaks. Numerous openings had been hollowed out on the rocky sides, resembling a large prison standing face to face. Many cells contained prisoners, yet there was no sound of chains; presumably, with three meals a day of 'gentle dispersal,' everyone had become quite gentle, lacking the strength to escape even without being locked up.

Zhou Fei could not help but respond with a hint of caution, saying: "I have an elder brother at home who was captured by them while he was out alone. I had no choice but to come in search of him, and I apologize for disturbing you, senior."

In the realm of the living and the dead, countless demons and monsters roam the mountains. There are four main positions, brazenly claiming to be named after the Four Symbols, a notorious group known for their disruptive actions across the world. Their methods are ruthless, and their moods are unpredictable, once causing a bloody storm of chaos, earning them the infamous title of 'underworld'. Later, the four brothers turned against each other, leading to an internal strife, coinciding with the confrontation between the North and the South, both sides seeking to eliminate them, which ultimately led to their disintegration. Among them, one faction of Zhuque settled near Yueyang. When this group was lawless and reckless, they made enemies everywhere. Now, having retreated to this place, they are aware that it is unwise to expose themselves, thus they have each sought to benefit by aligning with the Huo family.

Zhou Fei was momentarily taken aback, thinking she had misheard something, and asked, "And then? What will you do?"

Xie Yun saw that she understood immediately, and smiled, saying: "Indeed, you are worthy of being Mr. Gantang's daughter, possessing half the cleverness I had in my youth"

In that moment, a myriad of indescribable feelings surged within Zhou Fei. She was not one to indulge in self-pity, for every day she remembered the words Zhou Yitang had spoken to her before leaving, constantly striving to become a little stronger. She also rarely felt "wronged," because when a child falls, it is only through the attentive comfort of the adults around them that they come to understand that such experiences are worthy of sympathy and concern, and only then do they learn to feel a sense of grievance. However, if those around them treat it lightly, over time, they will come to believe that falling is merely a part of walking—albeit a somewhat painful one.

As soon as Zhou Fei closed and opened her eyes, her gaze calmed down. The sentry returned to the small pavilion and reached out to adjust the wick.

At that moment, a hand suddenly reached out from the silent stone prison behind her and pressed down on her shoulder

The stable is filled with hay, and the wind is strong at night, making it just right for setting a fire

Zhou Fei: "... ..."

What if it fails

He seemed a bit impatient, thinking that just a few words of advice would suffice, but unexpectedly, Zhou Fei's expression appeared even more bewildered. The middle-aged man frowned and said coldly: "How can a weaned cub wander around? It seems your family is indeed lacking in care."

Zhou Fei cautiously turned her head back, only to see a gaunt middle-aged man imprisoned in the innermost dark cell. He had just been hiding in the shadows, silent and still, to the extent that she had completely failed to notice the presence of a living being here. The man had graying hair at his temples, dressed in simple cloth garments. Although his shoulders were not hunched, they were not particularly straight either, and his face bore the marks of hardship and destitution, resembling a human embodiment of "poverty." The man gently shook his head at Zhou Fei, unable to say anything before he was seized by a fit of heart-wrenching coughs, which made Zhou Fei feel a heaviness in her chest, nearly causing her to struggle for breath alongside him. This man had graying hair at his temples, dressed in simple cloth garments. Although his shoulders were not hunched, they were not particularly straight either, and his face bore the marks of hardship and destitution, resembling a human embodiment of "poverty." The man gently shook his head at Zhou Fei, unable to say anything before he was seized by a fit of heart-wrenching coughs, which made Zhou Fei feel a heaviness in her chest, nearly causing her to struggle for breath alongside him.

Zhou Fei said nothing, picked up her long knife, and went straight to the hole from which she had fallen. She leaped up and supported herself against the stone walls on both sides with her hands and feet. Being slender and light, she skillfully climbed out from the narrow opening. The cool night breeze outside rushed into her mouth and nose like a torrent, and Zhou Fei felt a slight lift in her spirits, thinking to herself: This is truly difficult to comply with; the chief had never taught her how to escape in a critical moment.

The middle-aged man glanced up at her, and Zhou Fei met his gaze, feeling an inexplicable shock in her heart. His eyes were murky and somewhat lifeless, and when they looked over, they inexplicably tightened her heart.

Zhou Fei felt a sharp pain in her chest from holding her breath, her body was tense to the extreme, and the veins on her thin hands were visibly bulging, while her back was already soaked with cold sweat

Unfortunately, although her lightness skill was passable, it was far from the level of "wind passing without a trace." The moment Zhou Fei landed, the oil lamp hanging to one side was swayed by the wind she created, causing the flame to flicker. Zhou Fei made a quick decision; as soon as her toes touched the ground, she used the force to propel herself upward without hesitation, swiftly leaping onto the thatched roof, her limbs gripping several beams, her entire body parallel to the ground, wedged on the thatched roof.

Zhou Fei let out a soft "oh," thought for a moment, took a steamed bun, and handed it through the gap in the prison door

Zhou Fei: "... ..."

Following the route planned by Xie Yun, Zhou Fei had to navigate through the intricate small passages near the stone prison. The natural stones and obstructions in the passages helped her conceal her movements. Occasionally, she would inadvertently encounter the heroes imprisoned inside, and as Xie Yun had mentioned, the inmates recognized her as someone who had sneaked in. Not only did they refrain from making a commotion, but some would even discreetly point the way for her.

The man in black lowered his head, seemingly responding with a "yes". In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a shadow, clinging to the mountain wall like a gecko, having already climbed several feet.

Zhou Fei listened to his shameless self-praise and thought to herself with irritation: You are truly clever, clever enough to be locked underground for more than two months, almost ready to sprout.

Zhou Fei regarded him with a peculiar gaze. She had only descended the mountain for a few months, yet she had already witnessed the bustling crowds, the incessant flow of traffic, the overgrown fields, and the hardships of people's lives. She had encountered the most heinous of criminals, the treacherous and cunning, the shameless...! ... To her surprise, at this moment and in this place, she also encountered a big fool illuminated by the light of Buddha!