Chapter Four: The Sword Dance of Chang'an
Ren Piaoping originally had considerable research on the art of Qimen Dunjia, but just now, in her eagerness to save someone, she had entered the formation. Now, calming her mind, she smiled slightly and had already discerned the location of the Shengmen (Life Gate), heading straight for it. Unexpectedly, she felt an overwhelming force of thousands of troops charging towards her, the sounds of wailing and howling echoing incessantly. Alarmed, she realized she had mistakenly entered the Jingmen (Shock Gate). Therefore, she shifted three feet sideways, tightly closed her eyes, and in a moment, understood that this formation was indeed the 'Tiangang Dishazhen' (Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Formation), but it was in reverse. While pondering this, she had already emerged from the formation.
Ren Piaoping and Liu Rujun could not help but laugh upon witnessing this situation
Ren Piaoping awoke to the distant and refreshing sound of a zither, and Liu Rujun and Chang Xiaoyu also stirred from their slumber. However, the first words out of Chang Xiaoyu's mouth were: "Who is so bored early in the morning to play that bird zither, disturbing people's sweet dreams?" After saying this, he turned over and went back to sleep. Before Ren Piaoping could respond, Liu Rujun spoke up: "Chang Xiaoge, it’s Yan Wushuang playing that... what’s it called again..." Ren Piaoping interjected: "Bird zither." Chang Xiaoyu immediately sat up and said: "Is it really Yan Wushuang? Hmm... maybe it’s because I’m tone-deaf!" Suddenly, he felt that their conversation seemed a bit off, and before Ren Piaoping could say anything, Liu Rujun continued: "Chang Xiaoge, it’s Yan Wushuang playing that... what’s it called again..." Ren Piaoping interjected again: "Bird zither." Chang Xiaoyu sat up straight away and said: "Is it really Yan Wushuang? Hmm... maybe it’s because I’m tone-deaf!" Suddenly, he felt that their conversation seemed a bit off, and couldn’t help but say indignantly: "You two were also... right, right, it’s just because she called me Chang Xiaoge that you’re jealous!" Ren Piaoping and the other two couldn’t help but burst into laughter, rolling on the bed with mirth.
Murong Qiuyue's guess was not wrong; it was just that the one who killed him was not Ren Piaoping. Ren Piaoping had no idea that Murong Qiuyue's swordsmanship had reached a realm where sword techniques and sword momentum operated in parallel. Having exhausted all her variations, she could not change her move to evade Murong Qiuyue's extremely fierce strike, so she had no choice but to employ the unparalleled lightness skill of "a world apart in close proximity," moving to Murong Qiuyue's back.
The old man allowed the blood to drip from his left shoulder, fully aware that Chang Xiaoyu had shown mercy under the blade, and said: "Thank you!"
Ren Piaoping, with a face full of helplessness, said: "Today's matter is not that we are being unreasonable; it is indeed that the letter has been stolen. Once we retrieve the stolen letter, we can discuss the rights and wrongs. Senior, I take my leave now"
Ren Piaoping furrowed her brows, halting in her tracks. However, Chang Xiaoyu laughed and said, "What a ridiculous forest, filled with things that should not be seen." Before her words had fully left her mouth, she had already stepped inside. Liu Rujun and Ren Piaoping simultaneously shouted, "Stop!" but Chang Xiaoyu's figure had already vanished from sight.
Yan Wushuang gazed at the distant figure of Ren Piaoping, her face filled with confusion
Changlefang was not far away, and soon the three arrived in front of a large mansion. In front of the crimson double doors stood two towering red cacti, each reaching a height of four meters. While this may not be remarkable in the desert, it is considered a miracle in the Central Plains. The doors were slightly ajar, and Chang Xiaoyu strode forward to push them open with one hand. What greeted the eyes of the three was a vast expanse of forest; no, to be precise, it was a forest of cacti, a crimson cactus forest. Each cactus stood at least two meters tall, with varying distances between them. There were countless paths winding through the forest, yet none seemed to lead to an end.
Murong Qiuyue's sword advanced towards Ren Piaoping's palm, the sword technique simple and unadorned, striking straight down with no variation. Suddenly, Ren Piaoping's palm changed direction and struck directly at Murong Qiuyue's face. Murong Qiuyue's sword technique and sword momentum split into two; the sword was held horizontally to block, yet the sword momentum continued to slash at Ren Piaoping. The sword technique transformed into a knife technique, seemingly intending to cleave Ren Piaoping in two with this strike. The force was not great, but it was extremely swift. Murong Qiuyue seemed to have already envisioned victory. Unfortunately, although the sword came down, Ren Piaoping's figure had vanished from sight. Murong Qiuyue was greatly alarmed, realizing that today, he might not survive.
Ji Qingyun seemed tired and said, "I see that several of you are also tired, so it would be better to rest early." He then instructed his servants to make arrangements.
Ji Qingyun replied, "Good, good, good." However, his eyes were sizing up Ren Piaoping from top to bottom. Liu Rujun hurriedly introduced Ren Piaoping and Chang Xiaoyu to Ji Qingyun. Ji Qingyun nodded and said, "Young hero Ren, hmm, not bad, not bad, good, good, good, I have been neglectful." He continued, "Quickly, come to Feixue Chang Xiaoyu, haha, truly, heroes emerge from the youth! Haha! Please take a seat!" Naturally, Ren Piaoping and Chang Xiaoyu had to exchange some pleasantries.
Ren Piaoping felt that the originally empty Chilong Hall was suddenly filled with countless sharp swords pointing at him. He did not know when Murong Qiuyue had acquired a sword in hand, the Sword of Loyalty and Righteousness, a sword that once made the underworld of the Jianghu retreat in fear. Murong Qiuyue approached Ren Piaoping with a seemingly slow yet swift demeanor, without any visible movement, but the pervasive atmosphere of coldness and killing intent had completely enveloped Ren Piaoping.
Yan Wushuang, dressed in a pink outfit that accentuated her graceful figure, instantly caught the eye. Upon seeing Ren Piaoping, her phoenix-like eyes conveyed emotions as she pretended not to recognize him and said, "Oh, isn't this Ren Shaoxia?" However, there was a hint of pride and resentment flickering in her gaze. She then expressionlessly greeted Liu Rujun, saying, "I have met Liu Shaoxia," yet her eyes did not look at Liu Rujun.
Ren Piaoping felt a chill in her heart, realizing that Murong Qiuyue's sword technique was precisely the formidable sword move of the Tianshan Sect, 'Bing Tian Xue Di'. Therefore, she did not dare to be careless and silently circulated her internal energy, entering a state of calmness akin to still water.
Ji Qingyun pondered and said: "Well, I am not entirely sure about this, but... I do know that there is a large mansion in the vicinity of Changlefang that has always been quite mysterious. Ordinary people do not dare to approach it. A few years ago, some well-meaning martial artists went to investigate, and once they entered, they never came out again." As Ji Qingyun spoke, he kept glancing at Yan Wushuang from the corner of his eye, as if inquiring about something.
Ji Qingyun inquired, "Are you all leaving?"
Yan Wushuang seemed to be in a good mood, saying: "What are you all laughing about so early in the morning? The entire Qingyun Inn is filled with your laughter"
Upon hearing this, Chang Xiaoyu was extremely angry and said, "Hey, old fox, don't underestimate me. When did I ever say I wanted to stay here?" After saying this, she turned around and left. Ren Piaoping and Liu Rujun bid their farewells, but the person had already followed Chang Xiaoyu away.
The old man had a solemn expression and said: "I do not wish to conceal anything from you, young hero. I am indeed Murong Qiuyue. May I ask if you could allow me to take a look at that letter?"
Once the host and guest were seated, Ji Qingyun inquired, "Brother Liu, your visit to Chang'an today must not be merely for sightseeing. If there is any way I can assist you, please do not hesitate to speak up."
Ren Piaoping recognized that Murong Qiuyue's move, which seemed to have numerous flaws, in reality had no vulnerabilities at all. She couldn't help but admire and said, "What an excellent sword technique!" As she spoke, she had already closed the distance and struck down directly at the Loyalty and Righteousness Sword in Murong Qiuyue's hand.
The knife of Chang Xiaoyu does not fly snow, but blood
Ren Piaoping thought to herself that Liu Rujun was indeed not visiting this place for the first time, yet she did not inquire about Liu Rujun. Instead, she nodded and smiled at the old man, saying: "Senior Murong, previously someone in Luoyang kidnapped the wife of the Young Master of the Zhen Tian Gang, Ouyang Xiaodie, leaving a note stating 'Distant as the horizon.' However, upon closer inspection, there was a mark on the paper—a cactus, a red cactus."
The old man said, "You all do not seem to be here to visit a friend?" Liu Rujun shook her head. The old man continued, "Then are you here to seek revenge?" Chang Xiaoyu shook her head. The old man, puzzled, said, "Please enlighten me." Ren Piaoping smiled and said, "We are looking for someone, Ouyang Xiaodie." The old man replied, "There is no one by the name of Ouyang Xiaodie here, young hero, please return." Ren Piaoping sighed and asked, "Then is there someone named Murong Qiuyue here?" Ren Piaoping could not determine whether the person before her was Murong Qiuyue. The old man seemed to be taken aback, slowly saying, "Murong Qiuyue has been dead for eighteen years, you should still return." The old man seemed to be taken aback, slowly saying, "Murong Qiuyue has been dead for eighteen years, you should still return."
The inner hall, elegantly and warmly arranged, saw Ren Piaoping and the other two take their seats, yet the host still did not appear. Liu Rujun stood up and looked at the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi's "Lantingji Xu" hanging on the wall, asking, "Chang, do you think this is an authentic piece?" Chang Xiaoyu did not even glance at it and replied, "I am a simple person; ask the old fox." Ren Piaoping did not respond, as someone else had already answered. "Ji Qingyun never collects fakes; if Brother Liu likes it, just take it." The speaker was naturally Ji Qingyun, the former top disciple of the Huashan Sect and now the wealthiest man in Chang'an.
Murong Qiuyue felt that Ren Piaoping's aura had suddenly shifted from weak to strong, and she seemed to be tightly ensnared by the other party's aura, which resembled a spider's web. She struggled with all her might, and the web seemed to stretch, yet it snapped back like a rubber band. No matter how hard she struggled, she could not escape this web.
After a moment, Murong Qiuyue felt a jolt throughout her body, a bone-chilling coldness spreading all over her, her meridians felt as if they were about to burst, and her vital energy surged uncontrollably, yet that net had already vanished
Murong Qiuyue laughed heartily and said, "Is that how you are leaving?"
Liu Rujun bowed and said: "Old Master Ji, it has been three years since we last met, how have you been?"
At this moment, Liu Rujun seemed to be preoccupied with heavy thoughts, so much so that she did not even hear Ji Qingyun's question. Ren Piaoping had no choice but to interject, saying: "It is said that Old Master Ji is exceptionally righteous and well-informed in this Chang'an city. May I ask if you could kindly inform me where the headquarters of the Cactus Red Dragon Hall is located?"
Ren Piaoping stretched lazily and said, "I am indeed tired today, and I apologize for the trouble."
Ji Qingyun wore a robe of sapphire blue, his complexion rosy, and his fingernails were neatly trimmed and smooth
Qingyun Inn
At this time, the servants had already prepared the items for washing. After the three had finished washing, they arrived at the back hall, where Ji Qingyun and Yan Wushuang had been waiting for a long time.
Ren Piaoping still felt somewhat puzzled, as Liu Rujun seemed to be quite familiar with this place. While she was deep in thought, someone had already begun to speak.
During the conversation, Liu Rujun was preoccupied with his thoughts, while Chang Xiaoyu's gaze was fixed on Yan Wushuang, and Yan Wushuang's eyes were constantly on Ren Piaoping
Murong Qiuyue seemed to be taken aback by Ren Piaoping's cultivation level having reached such a realm. Startled, she found her sword uncertain of where to strike, and the murderous aura that had enveloped Ren Piaoping suddenly vanished without a trace. Murong Qiuyue let out a long howl and said, "Indeed, Ren Piaoping is not merely a name without substance, even at a distance of mere inches." As she spoke, Murong Qiuyue stepped forward at an angle, and an extremely cold aura swirled towards Ren Piaoping, with her sword infused with ninety percent of the power of 'Ice and Snow Mystique.' Murong Qiuyue let out a long howl and said, "Indeed, Ren Piaoping is not merely a name without substance, even at a distance of mere inches." As she spoke, Murong Qiuyue stepped forward at an angle, and an extremely cold aura swirled towards Ren Piaoping, with her sword infused with ninety percent of the power of 'Ice and Snow Mystique.'
Liu Rujun suddenly stopped smiling, her face filled with helpless sadness
What surprised Ren Piaoping was that Liu Rujun and Chang Xiaoyu seemed to have already exited the formation. Not only did she feel admiration, but she also said: "Impressive! I was still worried about Xiaochang, it seems I was unnecessarily concerned." Chang Xiaoyu replied: "If it weren't for Brother Liu, I fear I would have been exhausted in the formation, and even if I didn't die from exhaustion, I would eventually starve to death." Liu Rujun smiled and said: "I only have a superficial understanding."
Ren Piaoping forced a smile and said, "Senior Murong, it is indeed missing."
Ji Qingyun seemed to have already known their problem. Although he feigned surprise, it still appeared somewhat forced, and he said: "Cactus? Red Dragon Hall? How could you have gotten involved with them?"
The elderly man previously looked at Ren Piaoping and smiled, saying: "Swift Blade, Flying Snow, and Chang Xiaoyu, good! This must be the renowned Ren Piaoping, known throughout the world!" Ren Piaoping smiled, but Chang Xiaoyu was puzzled. Pointing to Liu Rujun, he asked: "Why is he not Ren Piaoping?" The old man smiled and said: "I have previously made the acquaintance of Young Hero Liu."
As Chang Xiaoyu took a few steps, she suddenly felt the sky darken, as if clouds were blocking the sun, plunging the world into gloom. In an instant, a fierce wind arose, and the earth seemed to tremble and crack. She silently lamented in her heart, realizing that she had fallen into a strange formation. It felt as though a giant rock was about to crush her. Although she knew it was an illusion, she instinctively tried to dodge, and before long, she was utterly exhausted.
Ren Piaoping did not respond; he was waiting for Ji Qingyun to continue
The one wielding the sword is none other than the perceptive Liu Rujun. Liu Rujun is indeed insightful; just after Murong Qiuyue's sword strike had reached its end, and at the moment when Ren Piaoping felt a pang in her heart, Liu Rujun's sword lunged towards Murong Qiuyue.
Liu Rujun does not speak, Chang Xiaoyu does not inquire, and Ren Piaoping does not ask either
Ren Piaoping suddenly felt a bone-chilling cold silently spreading around her, yet she did not make an effort to resist it, saying: "The sword of loyalty and righteousness has now turned into a mercenary killer for money, which is truly lamentable"
Ren Piaoping let out a long laugh and said: "You have fallen into my trap."
Ren Piaoping candidly said: "Thank you very much, old sir"
... ...
The next day, in the morning
At that moment, "Uncle, there are guests at home, why didn't you let me meet them?" Though the person was not yet visible, the voice had already arrived, sounding as pleasant as jade beads falling to the ground
Liu Rujun and Chang Xiaoyu looked at Ren Piaoping, their inquiring expressions needing no words, while Murong Qiuyue coldly stared at Ren Piaoping and said: "Young Hero Ren wouldn't say he lost it, would he?"
Murong Qiuyue's eyes were filled with anger as she said in a deep voice: "You three, without any evidence, have intruded into my Red Dragon Hall and harmed my brothers. Is this not a blatant disregard for others?"
Ren Piaoping reached into her bosom to take something, but her hand felt as if it bore a weight of ten thousand pounds, and she could no longer pull it out
"Good skills, I have seen the three young heroes before," came a voice from afar, full of vigor.
Upon hearing this voice, Liu Rujun ceased to smile, while Piao Ping inwardly exclaimed in dismay, and Chang Xiaoyu was left in a daze. The newcomer was none other than Yan Wushuang
Ren Piaoping smiled and said: "Things should be returned to their rightful owner; it is impolite not to reciprocate." It is likely that the cold ice and dark snow were forced back by Ren Piaoping and given to Murong Qiuyue, who was already greatly shaken and took three steps back.
At this moment, Chang Xiaoyu could no longer endure and said, "If you refuse to drink the toast, you will have to drink the penalty wine." The person transformed into a spear and lunged at the old man. Suddenly, another person appeared before the old man; it was the elder who had blocked the carriage to save the child yesterday. He unleashed a palm strike that transformed into a thousand blades, directly striking at Chang Xiaoyu. The power behind that palm was something Piao Ping had witnessed and could not be underestimated. Meanwhile, Chang Xiaoyu's knife had somehow appeared in his hand, transforming into a flurry of snowflakes that flew directly towards the enemy. This was the swift knife technique known as "Flying Snow" that had made Chang Xiaoyu famous. The old man was greatly alarmed upon seeing this and immediately changed his technique, but how could he contend with the all-pervasive snowflakes? In an instant, a series of blood droplets swiftly fell from the tip of the knife.
The rain continues to fall, yet the car has stopped
Ren Piaoping looked at Liu Rujun and Chang Xiaoyu, feeling somewhat angry. Suddenly, she jumped up from her chair and said loudly, "The play is over." However, her eyes glanced at Yan Wushuang and Ji Qingyun, who seemed a bit nervous and said, "Play? What play? Young Hero Ren is joking." Yan Wushuang crossed her arms in front of her chest and said fiercely, "Only you know how to act, you startled me. Hmph, I am going to sleep now." With that, she disappeared. Liu Rujun and Chang Xiaoyu had regained their senses, and Ren Piaoping ignored the two of them, heading straight back to her room to sleep.
Ren Piaoping immediately thought of only one possibility, which was that while she was asleep at the 'Tianyi Gambling House', those two letters were stolen from her. In this world, the only person capable of stealthily taking something from her bosom must be one person, and that person must be 'Stealing the Sky and Changing the Sun', Xie Jiangnan
Upon seeing Chang Xiaoyu enter the formation, Ren Piaoping, despite knowing the dangers, rushed straight into the formation without a second thought. Liu Rujun appeared to be confident, smiling as she closely followed Ren Piaoping.
Ren Piaoping replied: "I am leaving with Brother Liu, as for Brother Chang, I cannot say for certain why he is afraid."
Ji Qingyun seems to be quite fond of this niece, so he can only introduce her one by one
... ...
When paying respects to Chang Xiaoyu, the voice was exceedingly gentle, with eyes full of tender affection, saying: "I have met you, Brother Chang!" At that moment, Chang Xiaoyu was completely immersed in a realm of tenderness, forgetting who he was, and was unaware of what he was saying.
Ren Piaoping said: "It's nothing, thank you for your music." She then said to Ji Qingyun: "Good morning, and I must also thank you for your warm hospitality."
At this moment, a sharp pain surged through his chest, and Murong Qiuyue felt the blood within him gushing out. A sword, the sword of Liu Rujun, was piercing through his chest.
Murong Qiuyue said with a bitter smile: "Impressive." Without saying much, he tilted the tip of his sword towards the ground, his whole body appearing languid, and said: "Please!"
Ren Piaoping indeed felt a bit hesitant to look at Yan Wushuang, yet she still stole glances from time to time, for a beauty was before her. She simply found that Yan Wushuang's eyes were surprisingly familiar.
Ren Piaoping's "Within Reach, Yet Worlds Apart" was originally intended for self-preservation, and Ren Piaoping never used it to take lives
Ren Piaoping then noticed a row of ordinary houses in front of her, where a thin old man stood, his eyes bright and his demeanor extraordinary. Ren Piaoping bowed and said, "It is well said."
Murong Qiuyue felt a surge of joy in his heart, knowing that Ren Piaoping had already fallen victim to his Cold Ice Mystic Snow. He immediately sensed that the calm and unperturbed aura surrounding Ren Piaoping was rapidly weakening. Such a golden opportunity could not be missed, and he said, "The Murong Qiuyue of yesteryear is already dead; what stands before you now is merely an assassin of the Red Dragon Hall." With his loyal sword, he unleashed the move 'Cold Plum Blossoms in Full Bloom,' transforming the sword into countless plum blossoms that flew towards Ren Piaoping.