Chapter Six, A Decade of Dreams in Drunken Yangzhou

Alas... under the sorrow of autumn, the ancestor finally took up the brush, writing with the swiftness of the wind, and in the blink of an eye, had filled several lines with dense characters.

"Put pen to paper!" Zheng Dongting said impatiently

"Disciple, do not open your eyes for the time being," Zheng Dongting carefully supported Zu Beiqiu's body, using one hand to cover Zu Beiqiu's eyes

Two young attendants immediately entered, placed the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone in front of Zu Beiqiu, and then quickly exited

Gong Tianying's facial muscles twitched slightly, and his left thumb could not help but press against the sword rest. However, after a long hesitation, he merely let out a soft hum, shook his head, and strode off in the opposite direction

"Senior Brother, I truly do not understand why you are covering my eyes." Zu Beiqiu stood in the middle of the road, "We have been traveling through desolate villages and wilderness for seven days and nights. Now that we have finally arrived at a place with people, I want to quickly take a hot shower, have a warm meal, and get a good night's sleep. I feel so dirty after these days that I want to end my own life..."

Hmph, I do not regard these two little shrimp at all. There is no need for us to be so polite; we will have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future. " Gong Tianying scoffed coldly, casually waving his robe sleeve, exuding an indescribable elegance

The momentum of the dual blades had not yet dissipated when a sudden flash of shimmering sword light appeared before them. The clear and bright sword blade paused slightly in their line of sight, and in the reflection of the blade, both of them simultaneously saw their own heads slowly rolling backward, the bare necks gushing blood. Then, the sunlight above the Jiangnan forest, the earthy smell of the land, the city of Yangzhou ahead, and the desolate tree-lined official road behind them continuously rolled and transformed in their vision, until everything turned into a despairing pitch black.

Shao Tianyu drew the Yin-Yang twin blades with a sharp sound, saying, "Don't think that just because you've been acting arrogantly these past few years, you are something special. If you want us to stay, do you really consider yourself the Moon Knight of Tianshan?"

I happen to be in a fortunate situation; these two heads are unnecessary" The young man in white gently shook his head and said

But, Autumn Tong would also hate me, I..." Zuo Bei Qiu's face turned red with anxiety as she took out the divorce letter from her arms, making a motion to tear it up, "I cannot let her see this!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a flash of white light appeared before him, and he felt a warmth on his cheek. He quickly wiped it with the back of his hand, only to discover that his two ears had already vanished.

Zheng Dongting suddenly struck the table, producing a loud "dong" sound.

If Qiu Tong is willing to change her mind, I am willing to build a villa for her in Yangzhou and settle down with her there, " Zu Bei Qiu murmured. Zheng Dong Ting shook his head vigorously: "What a lack of ambition! How beautiful can Luo Qiu Tong be! Can she compare to a living immortal? There are plenty of beauties in Yangzhou. Just look at those boatmen's daughters selling water chestnuts—" He pointed towards the center of the thin West Lake in front of him.

Zhu Bei Qiu eagerly opened his eyes, only to find himself standing on the lakeside where willows swayed in the breeze. The green willows were enchanting, and the willow leaves were light and airy, resembling a picturesque scene. The shimmering lake water before him presented a mysterious and cool emerald green, while in the distance, where the water met the sky, it transformed into a gem-like, crystal-clear blue. Pavilions and terraces were connected along the lakeside, with towers leaning against one another. The sounds of people filled the pavilions, and from time to time, the soft and soothing Wu Nong dialect floated on the wind, intoxicating to the ears. The light and graceful sounds of the yao qin and the lingering notes of the pipa mingled with the thunderous applause, making one wonder if they were in paradise.

As he watched the two figures recede into the distance, Gong Tianying slowly turned his head, his eyes suddenly revealing themselves from the shadow of the hat, glinting with a hint of mockery

The swordsman's lips curled slightly, revealing a proud smile, as if he was quite pleased with the eyesight of the two individuals

"What the hell is this, a divorce letter or a love letter?" Zheng Dongting, seeing this, was so furious that smoke seemed to rise from his seven orifices. He lifted his foot and kicked Zubeiqiu in the chest, sending him rolling all the way to the corner of the wall

"Hehe, everyone says that." Zheng Dongting contentedly adjusted his belt, as if Yangzhou were established by his own hands. "Now you finally understand what you have missed after being trapped in the ancestral garden for ten years."

Shao Tianyu and Chao Zhanxiong stared at the swordsman for a long while, and suddenly exclaimed in unison: "Is it 'Sword Piercing the Nine Heavens' Gong Tianying?"

Master, I would like to formally introduce to you the foremost town in the southeast, the premier gold-dispensing hub in the world, and one of the four renowned cities of the Tang Dynasty: Yangzhou!" Zheng Dongting proudly declared in front of Zu Beiqiu, "In the world, the moonlit night is divided into three parts, with two parts of the scoundrel residing in Yangzhou; how can the emperor bear to exchange the achievements of Chen Ping for just a few acres of farmland in Leitang? The spring breeze along the ten miles of Yangzhou road, even the rolling up of pearl curtains cannot compare. On the moonlit night of the twenty-four bridges, where is the jade figure teaching the flute in Yangzhou?" "In the world, the moonlit night is divided into three parts, with two parts of the scoundrel residing in Yangzhou; how can the emperor bear to exchange the achievements of Chen Ping for just a few acres of farmland in Leitang? The spring breeze along the ten miles of Yangzhou road, even the rolling up of pearl curtains cannot compare. On the moonlit night of the twenty-four bridges, where is the jade figure teaching the flute in Yangzhou?"

Hmph! Gong Tianying displayed a look of disdain, "The Tianshan Sect and the Yue Nu Palace are still part of the righteous path, yet you hold such narrow views. Let me remind you that I, Gong, am now the foremost swordsman of the Outer Pavilion, serving as the guardian of the Burial Sword Pool. Reflecting on the various matters of the Tianshan Sect truly feels like a lifetime ago."

Hmm..." responded Zu Beiqiu with a sense of melancholy.

On the official road of Jiangnan, Shao Tianyu and Chao Zhanxiong, having finally endured until the paralysis technique lost its effect, ran swiftly towards the secret location of the Eighteen Villages in Yangzhou. The paralysis technique of Zu Beiqiu was truly bizarre, instilling fear in their hearts. After discussion, they decided to gather the seven village leaders from Jiangnan and Huainan to capture Zu Beiqiu. If they could seize this martial art, the South Village of Taihang would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the North Village. With this thought, the indignation and humiliation they had suffered at the hands of their enemies a few days prior transformed into excitement and anticipation for achieving great deeds. Just as these two were calculating their plans, a wave of murderous intent swept towards them like a bone-chilling wind, causing them to tremble in fear.

"How could it be him?" The two exchanged glances, each detecting a hint of fear in the other's eyes

"What a coincidence!" Gong Tianying lifted his hat slightly, revealing a pair of bright, piercing eyes as he fixed his gaze on the young man in white

The Four Treasures of the Study are at your service! Zheng Dongting shouted loudly.

"The young lady is truly understanding. My brother admires your beauty and wishes to have a few words with you," Zheng Dongting said, casually draping his arm over Zu Beiqiu's shoulder.

"The warrior's heart is not here, so why provoke with words?" The fisherman's daughter cast him a flirtatious glance, smiled sweetly, and with a shake of her bamboo pole, floated away.

"Senior brother... please be a bit more tactful, I do not wish to offend my esteemed father-in-law too much." Zu Bei Qiu got up from the ground and moved closer to Zheng Dong Ting.

The young man in white glanced at the long sword in Gong Tianying's hand, which shimmered with a blood-red light, and was momentarily taken aback: "Are you the one pursuing them?"

Gazing at Gong Tianying's sword, his chillingly brilliant achievements swirled in the hearts of the two chieftains of the Taihang Mountain stronghold, causing a wave of coldness to wash over them

The two raised their heads and saw a swordsman dressed in white like snow, wearing a green bamboo hat, leaning against a tree trunk by the roadside, dozing with his head lowered. He had his arms crossed over his chest, and in his embrace was a narrow-bladed long sword, the scabbard of which was engraved with elegant crane patterns, symbolizing the renowned sword sect of the Jianghu, the Yue Nu Palace. However, swordsmen from the Yue Nu Palace prefer to use slightly shorter and narrower long swords to unleash the world-famous Yue Nu Sword Qi. Yet, this swordsman's sword measured three feet and nine inches in length, with an extremely narrow hilt, and lacked the white flower tassel commonly worn by Yue Nu swordsmen, making it a weapon imbued with a hidden killing intent. However, swordsmen from the Yue Nu Palace prefer to use slightly shorter and narrower long swords to unleash the world-famous Yue Nu Sword Qi. Yet, this swordsman's sword measured three feet and nine inches in length, with an extremely narrow hilt, and lacked the white flower tassel commonly worn by Yue Nu swordsmen, making it a weapon imbued with a hidden killing intent

The name Gong Tianying was originally obscure in the martial world, and no one knew that there had once been such a person in the Tianshan Sect's Wangyun Pavilion. However, he became famous overnight when he openly betrayed the Tianshan Sect and turned to the Outer Pavilion of the Yue Nu Palace, quickly rising to become the number one young master of the Outer Pavilion within just a year. To carve a bloody path in the talent-rich Outer Pavilion of the Yue Nu Palace and become the top expert is enough to make anyone take notice. Yet, Gong Tianying seemed unsatisfied. Whether it was due to a deep-seated hatred for evil or a thirst for martial glory, within a year, he traversed the ten paths of the world, sweeping through the five major underworld factions and thirteen associations, engaging in over a hundred battles, both large and small, with many heroes falling beneath his swift sword. Gong Tianying gradually became a nightmare for underworld figures and a star in the righteous martial world, with the title of "Sword Piercing the Nine Heavens" taking root in the hearts of the young martial artists.

Go!" Shao Tianyu shouted loudly like thunder as he pulled Zhao Zhanxiong, and the two sped away.

I, Zheng Dongting, have roamed the martial world for ten years. Whenever people in the martial world see me, they point and say: "Look! This is the disciple of the notorious Mu Tianhou!" Zheng Dongting placed his hand on the table, glaring angrily at Zu Beiqiu, "I once thought that there could be no greater misfortune in this world than this." He raised the xuan paper in his hand: "Do you know what my fellow practitioners in the future will say when they see me? Look! This is the senior brother of Zu Beiqiu!"

Zhu's sorrow in autumn had never witnessed such a spectacle; his round face turned bright red, and he hurriedly lowered his head in fright

The young girl thrust the bamboo pole in her hand towards the center of the lake, causing the black-sailed boat to come to an abrupt halt. She glanced up and down at Zheng Dongting and Zu Beiqiu, and with a charming smile, she said: "Are you two truly after the water chestnuts?"

The young man in white gently shook his head, bent down to wrap the heads of the two traitors from Taihang in his white cloak, and lifted them in his hand: "Even if such a so-called number one in the world is given to me for free, I would not want it." Having said that, he did not even glance at Gong Tianying and walked past him with ease

Gong Tianying cast a faint glance at the white cloak, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly as he suppressed a smile: "It is merely a small token of goodwill from a wanderer of the rivers and lakes."

Seeing the person blocking the road ahead, Shao Tianyu shook his hand and raised his long blade, shouting angrily: "The men of Taihang Mountain are here; those who block the way shall be killed!" The blade flashed, ready to cleave the young man in white in two. Zhao Zhanxiong was already exhausted and panting, too tired to even speak, as the nine-ringed broadsword was already slashing down at his waist. Both of them had been humiliated by Zu Beiqiu and injured by Gong Tianying, and they had long been seething with anger. At this moment, seeing someone collide with the blade, they instantly turned him into a punching bag.

"Since the two of you have seen me, you might as well stay." Gong Tianying straightened up, standing tall on the official road, still maintaining his lazy posture with both hands holding the sword, yet turning his back towards Shao Chao and the other person.

Hmm, fragrant... a little sweet, with a hint of sweetness amidst the fragrance, possessing the taste of rich wine, and carrying a touch of warmth

"No, they won't. The Luo family relies on reputation and moral standing, so they wouldn't dare to do anything to me. Moreover, this divorce letter was not written by me; it was written by you." Zheng Dongting pulled Zuo Beiqiu's collar and forcefully stuffed the divorce letter into her bosom.

"Miss, how much are the water chestnuts?" Zheng Dongting shouted loudly.

At that moment, a young gentleman dressed in moonlight blue appeared on the official road, draped in a white cloak, with a bright red silk scarf around his neck, resembling an immortal who had stepped out of the moonlight

A striking young girl, dressed in a blue and white floral fisherman's outfit, skillfully maneuvered a black canopy boat, gliding past the two of them.

"Once this letter of divorce is submitted, the Luo family will surely devour you alive!" Zuo Beiqiu gasped in shock

Thank you for your kindness. The young man in white cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, but upon catching sight of the sword sheath in his hand adorned with a crane pattern, he couldn't help but frown.

Zheng Dongting abruptly brought the rice paper before his eyes: "Autumn Tong, if we were to meet again: Although I was born into wealth and honor, endowed with exceptional talents, none of these are my fortunate circumstances. My true fortune in life is marrying you as my wife. You are a paragon of grace and beauty, possessing both literary talent and charm, with a noble demeanor that encompasses the essence of the world's finest qualities. I, an ordinary man, do not know how many lifetimes I have cultivated to deserve such a celestial match. Ten years ago, you left without a word, wandering the rivers and lakes, and since then, there has been no news of you. I, an ordinary man, do not know how many lifetimes I have cultivated to deserve such a celestial match. Ten years ago, you left without a word, wandering the rivers and lakes, and since then, there has been no news of you. I have endured in solitude, heartbroken and weeping, day and night only hoping to see you once more, to gaze upon your visage, to hear your melodious voice. Even if it means enduring a thousand cuts and a thousand deaths, this life would still be worth it ... ".

Hehe, what you have written is a thousand words off-topic! As for the divorce letter, make it clean and straightforward. If you violate the seven grounds for divorce, just pack your things and leave, and that will be that. Bring the materials, and I will help you write it!

"Senior Brother, where exactly is this place?" Zu Bei Qiu could no longer hold back and asked.

Hehehe... Zheng Dongting suddenly moved his palm away from Zu Beiqiu's eyes

At the renowned Zanhua Tower in Yangzhou, Zheng Dongting and Zu Beiqiu sat in the flower pavilion overlooking the slender West Lake, engaging in lively conversation and laughter, holding fine wine while gazing at the beautiful sunset over Yangzhou.

Zhu Beiqiu trembled as he picked up the brush from the table, dipped it in ink, and, as if lifting a heavy burden of a thousand pounds, took a long time to raise it above the Xuan paper, hesitating to let it fall.

"Even the disciples of the Duke of Mutiang do not have a coward like you!" Zheng Dongting forcefully smashed the crumpled rice paper in his hand onto Zu Beiqiu. "Senior brother, please calm down. I am about to write a divorce letter; the previous words were just to help me get into the right mood..." Zu Beiqiu quickly defended himself.

Ah! The sound of a tragic scream echoed around him, as Zhao Zhanxiong bent down, his face in hand, with his nose already sliced off at the bridge.

"Run faster, Thirteenth Brother! After walking so many nights, we finally encounter this fierce spirit!" Shao Tianyu shouted nervously while sprinting.

"Did you see that? The beauties of Yangzhou are renowned throughout the world. You must not hang yourself on a single tree." Zheng Dongting took a swift step to the end of the lakeside and shouted loudly in the direction where the fisherman's daughter had gone: "Miss, my lifelong ambition is to marry twelve wives. Once I have married my primary wife, I will return to Yangzhou to take you as my concubine. Please wait for me—"

"To rebel against the Tianshan Sect and become the foremost figure, indeed a grand spectacle!" the young man in white said淡淡.

The senior brother's lesson is that without trust, one cannot stand firm. I... The ancestor, feeling dejected and listless, lowered his head and bit down hard on his own lip

The fisherman's daughter glanced at Zu Beiqiu and chuckled, "Your brother appears to be honest and trustworthy, indeed a worthy companion for a lifetime. However, I, Qiongniang, yearn for a spirited and chivalrous hero from the rivers and lakes. Such a golden son-in-law is better left for the sisters of other families"

"Gong Tianying, how dare you, a mere outsider from the Yue Female Palace, oppose me, the Taihang Mountain? Are you tired of living?" Upon seeing Gong Tianying's arrogant demeanor, Zhao Zhanxiong was instantly filled with rage

In just one year, he gained fame, and in two years, he shook the world with his prowess. The speed at which Gong Tianying rose to prominence is unprecedented in history. Having debuted only a few years ago, he has already become the darling of the martial world, the object of envy and emulation for countless young sword practitioners. The Yue Female Palace has also gained immense respect in the martial world due to this new favorite.

"Where are you two going?" he said nonchalantly, without even looking up to meet their gaze.

For a hundred years, no man has served as the guardian of the Sword-Burying Pool at the Yue Woman's Palace! The young man in white was taken aback

At the moment when Chao Zhanxiong and Shao Tianyu's heads fell to the ground, Gong Tianying had already arrived beside them like a wisp of light smoke. The young man in white was holding his white cloak in front of him, which was splattered with filthy blood. The young man in white shook his hand, tearing the cloak from his body, and casually draped it over the heads of the two thieves, then raised his gaze towards Gong Tianying

They hate you, and you still hate them! Marrying your daughter, and not having seen her for ten years, what can they do to you? Hmph! Truly cowardly and afraid of trouble!" Zheng Dongting's eyes widened.

My father-in-law will surely hate me! Aren't you putting me in danger?" Zu Beiqiu was drenched in cold sweat.

"Not bad, I am the first person." When Gong Tianying said the words "first person," he slightly raised his tone, sounding quite proud

Luo Jiaqiu Tong, married into the Zu family, has been childless for ten years, which is deemed unfilial. Leaving home and exposing oneself, wandering the rivers and lakes, is considered promiscuous. Disrespecting elders and failing to serve one's parents is regarded as lacking virtue. Claiming to be in the rivers and lakes, beyond the constraints of ordinary people, is seen as nonsensical talk. Leaving without return, leaving the husband to guard an empty bed, wasting youth, where to seek the ten years of time, is considered theft of virtue. Wandering the rivers and lakes, plagued by illness, is unbearable to share. Now, with this letter of divorce, it is permissible to leave you. Zheng Dongting, with a swift stroke of the pen, produced a divorce letter capable of infuriating the Luo family.

"Disciple, look, it seems that this fisherman's daughter really has a bit of a liking for me..." Zheng Dongting said, patting Zu Beiqiu's shoulder with enthusiasm, unable to contain his excitement

Gong Tianying coldly smiled: "The bandits of the Taihang Mountains, everyone deserves to be punished!"

"Is there truly such a place in the world?" lamented Zu, filled with sorrow for the autumn.

Gong Tianying smiled lazily: "No matter where I go, you always want to be one step ahead of me. However, times have changed. In addition to the Tianshan Moon Hero, there is now me, the Sword Soaring to the Skies. A few months from now, at the Luoyang arena, we will both find out who truly is the number one in the world."

This bow and shadow seems to be a monkey that jumped out from some crevice, as if it has known martial arts since birth, truly troublesome!" Chao Zhanxiong said, running in a daze.

"Senior Brother, I... I want to see Qiutong first, to clarify the reason for her departure, and then..." Zu Beiqiu stammered. "Junior Brother, do not forget that you once promised me that the first thing you would do upon arriving in Jiangnan is to divorce your wife. I have endured countless hardships to bring you to Yangzhou. Now that we are only two li away from the Luo family's benevolent estate, you are not changing your mind at this moment, are you?" Zheng Dongting exclaimed in anger.

People on the street are leisurely and carefree, engaging in lively conversation and laughter, with a bustling crowd. Along the way, many young girls in white dresses and green skirts hold freshly picked peonies, climbing onto passing carriages to sell their wares. Their bare, snow-white feet shine brilliantly, making one wonder what kind of world this is.

These are all my heartfelt words. Zu Beiqiu huddled in the corner, arguing. Zheng Dongting pressed his hand against his forehead, tightly closing his eyes, his yellow face now tinged with purple, as if he were about to lose consciousness at any moment

Disciple, disciple, let us not speak of such nonsense for the time being. Take a breath, what do you smell?

Overall, is it not fragrant, sweet, warm, and slightly intoxicating

It turns out that the young lady prefers heroes of the martial world. I have roamed the martial world for many years; I wonder if I can be considered a hero in the young lady's eyes

"Junior brother, have you finished writing the letter of divorce?" Zheng Dongting put away his playful demeanor and said with a serious expression