"Ten days ago at the Martial Arts Tournament, Chen Xiaofei re-entered the pugilistic world, and on the very last day, he defeated the new champion in just three moves." A young swordsman holding a treasured sword stood respectfully before a doorway. "Master, according to reports from our men from Heavenly Sword Villa along the way, Chen Xiaofei and his party are now heading straight for the villa."
The door slowly opened, and a white-haired middle-aged man stepped out. His eyes flashed with a sharp light, his stature was tall, and he walked with his hands clasped behind his back. "Jī Kūn, when they arrive, open the doors and welcome the guests. Chen Xiaofei is indeed an excellent opponent; that battle from years ago is still fresh in my mind. If not for my advantage in age, it's hard to say who would have won and who would have lost."
"Master, it's just that this disciple's skills are not yet refined. Otherwise, against such an opponent, this disciple would also love to have a proper match with him." A yearning gleam radiated from Jī Kūn's eyes.
"Hahahaha, good! This master believes that you will surely surpass this Chen Xiaofei in the future!" Baili Chengfeng stepped forward and patted Jī Kūn on the shoulder.
"Master, I have already mastered the Five Mountains Sword Classic, so I ask Master to impart even deeper sword techniques." Jī Kūn bowed respectfully. "This disciple also wishes to venture into the pugilistic world sooner and spar with various experts."
"You are still too impetuous. You have yet to comprehend the true essence of the Five Mountains Sword Classic. Go and contemplate the Five Mountains further, and let your foundation settle." With those words, Baili Chengfeng vanished from the spot.
"Understood."
Jī Kūn bowed.
***
"Brother Fēi, do you know that this Holy Dynasty has three wonders?" Niu San pointed at a city ahead, his smile pregnant with meaning.
Chen Xiaofei had spent six whole years in seclusion undergoing bitter training, and suddenly his interest was piqued. He hurriedly asked what the three wonders were.
"The books of the Holy Capital."
"The brocades of Jiangzhou."
"And the slimmest horses of Yangzhou City..."
Chen Xiaofei, with his sharp ears, heard a girl skipping up from behind, accompanied by the clinking of the silver ornaments on her body. A crafty look flashed in his eyes. "Third Brother, tell this elder brother of yours, what is a 'slim horse'? Is it a skinny horse? Can you eat it?"
Niu San wore a look of utter disgust, feeling that this sworn elder brother of his lacked all worldly experience, so he enthusiastically began to educate him. "The most important and captivating of these three wonders are the slim horses of Yangzhou City. Along the ten-li Qinhuai River, amidst countless travelers in the mist and rain, young maidens drape themselves in sheer gauze, moving with the grace of swallows. When their soft voices call you 'dear lover' and 'good elder brother,' a person simply melts. Beneath that sheer gauze, their skin..."
Before he could finish, Niu San sensed that the situation was somewhat different from what he had imagined. Chen Xiaofei stood before him, looking deeply ashamed and indignant. He pointed at Niu San and sternly reprimanded him, "How could you be such a person, talking to me about such unprincipled things? Your brother here reads the *Spring and Autumn Annals*; I am ashamed to share company with someone as depraved as you!"
Niu San was so overwhelmed by this righteous awe that he didn't know where to hide. He wanted to open his mouth to explain, but Chen Xiaofei interrupted him again. "Do not speak to me of these decadent affairs ever again. Even if I were to leap from the city walls, I would have no interest in them whatsoever."
Then Chen Xiaofei suddenly spun around and called out to the rear, "Xia Yun, look at this. A rat dropping has gotten into our group."
Watching Chen Xiaofei's retreating back as he marched straight ahead, Niu San instantly felt overwhelmed by shame. He turned around with a tremble, and sure enough, Xia Yun was standing right behind them.
"Xia Yun, you know how it is. I'm usually a man of upright character myself; I only heard about those things from other people outside, I've never actually been to such places!"
"Pui! Mother told me that men who chase after flowers and willow branches are no good! You're never getting my medicinal pills again! Chen Xiaofei is the only one who looks upright at first glance." Xia Yun chased after Chen Xiaofei without looking back.
Niu San followed behind with a mournful face. "Don't do that! I still rely on your pills to boost my vital energy and blood! I really have never been..."
Although he was walking at the very front, Chen Xiaofei kept his ears perked to catch the commotion behind him. Now, his peace of mind was finally restored. "You always fight me for the pills; from now on, you won't even need to fight for them."
Although this was not his first time coming to Yangzhou City, stepping into Yangzhou once again still left Chen Xiaofei awestruck by its bustling splendor.
Xia Yun was the same; her eyes never blinked. She had never seen such a city. Not only did these high walls of brick and stone possess a solemnity to rival Wudu's, but the streets inside were also brimming with the warmth of everyday human life. Standing amidst such a majestic and grand city, one felt not the slightest bit insignificant; instead, it felt as though one were being embraced by a vast ocean, seamlessly melting into it.
Yangzhou City was precisely such a city that embraced all things.
"Wow, Chen Xiaofei, Yangzhou is so pretty. I love it."
Seeing Xia Yun acting so unaccustomed to the world, Chen Xiaofei quickly closed his mouth. "I came here once many years ago, and it's just so-so. You like it, and it likes you back."
Xia Yun was overjoyed. "Really? Mother said no one could possibly dislike me."
"It likes your money." Niu San sidled up to them at some point and blurted out the truth. "Yangzhou City is the biggest money pit in the entire Holy Dynasty. Whenever night falls and the colorful lanterns along the Qinhuai River are lit, and maidens as fair as flowers and jade emerge..."
"Let's go, how disgusting. I read the *Spring and Autumn Annals*." Chen Xiaofei walked away without looking back.
Xia Yun hurried to catch up. "Chen Xiaofei, when was the last time you came here, and what were you here for?"
"Six or seven years ago, I suppose? I've somewhat forgotten. I came here to fight. There is a sect in Yangzhou City called the Qin Pavilion, which is an intelligence organization. Back then, they were selling my intelligence, which made me so furious that I ran over here and fought them," Chen Xiaofei recalled.
"Then you'd better be careful. You're being targeted now, it's very dangerous," Niu San sidled up from behind again.
Chen Xiaofei was unconcerned. "I'm just passing through. I'm not here to play around, and I don't look for trouble. I'll just read the *Spring and Autumn Annals* in my room, what can they possibly do to me? Besides, I actually got along quite well with them back then."
"That's right, Chen Xiaofei, let's go look around first and then find an inn." Xia Yun ran forward happily, motioning for Chen Xiaofei to follow.
"You're just bragging. Nobody gets beaten up and stays happy about it," Niu San muttered at the very back.
***
Night finally enshrouded Yangzhou City.
Beneath the moonlight, the wine houses along both banks of the Qinhuai River glowed with flickering lights. People came and went, and the sight of painted pleasure boats drifting across the waves resembled an exquisite painting. Patrons drank the wine in their cups, either raising their eyes to gaze at the dancing girls on the stage or tilting their heads to listen to the soft, melodious tunes. Adorned by the Qinhuai River, the scene of red lanterns, green wine, and a peaceful era seemed altogether harmonious.
"If you guys aren't going, I'll go myself."
A nine-foot-tall brute stood beneath the largest tavern on the banks of the Qinhuai River, gazing at the plaque above the entrance.
"Caihong Tower."
Niu San was quite satisfied. The last time he came to Yangzhou, he hadn't even begun to have fun before his old man dragged him back in front of a crowd, making him lose all face. This rare opportunity had to be seized so he could experience the feeling of a money pit and let them thoroughly milk him dry.
"This young master, you certainly are robust. Our maidens are in for a treat tonight." The procuress cheerfully pointed the way for Niu San, whose attire clearly indicated the finest brocades from Jiangzhou.
Niu San retrieved a stack of silver notes from his bosom. "I want the best River-view Terrace."
"I'm afraid not, Young Master. The River-view Terrace is already taken tonight..."
Before the procuress could finish, Niu San headed straight up the stairs, charging all the way to the top floor. "I am taking the River-view Terrace today, and I'd like to see who dares stop me."
Niu San was determined to wash away his past humiliation and make up for the regrets of years gone by.
The procuress chased after him, but could not catch up.
"Yiyi, I can't even see you anymore."
"You're bad, Young Master."
Standing at the doorway, Niu San thought this voice sounded somewhat familiar. But pushing those thoughts aside, he shoved the door open directly. "Who dares contend with me for the River-view Terrace?"
As the door swung open, he saw a young man resting his head on a pair of slender jade legs. A beauty's half-exposed breasts were visible as her jade hands massaged the young man's temples, occasionally feeding him a grape. The beauty's face was flushed red, likely from the young man's teasing.
Hearing the commotion, the young man furrowed his brow, raised his head, and angrily rebuked with irritation, "Who is it?"
Niu San and the young man locked eyes, and his jaw instantly dropped in shock.
"Br... Brother Fēi?"