Lin Yuan took off his outer robe, and even all his clothes, to lie down on the felt blanket. The soft fur felt comfortable beneath him, and he was just covering himself with a quilt to sleep when the tent flap was suddenly pushed open. Yēlǜ Ābǎojī strode in, carrying a soundly sleeping Yēlǜ Zhìwǔ in his arms. The five-year-old girl was curled up in her father's embrace, a happy smile on her face.
"Good brother!"
Ābǎojī's voice was like a booming bell, rattling the ox-bone wind chimes hanging from the tent ceiling.
"What is it?!"
Lin Yuan scrambled to pull the wolf-skin rug over his naked upper body.
Leaning against the door frame, Ābǎojī didn't leave. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and inspected the skin Lin Yuan had revealed in his panic with great interest.
Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the felt tent, dappling his slender frame. The fair complexion, characteristic of the Central Plains people, looked like fresh snow against the backdrop of the wolf-skin. As Lin Yuan fidgeted, the smooth muscle lines of his waist and abdomen were faintly visible, much like the most agile white deer on the grasslands.
"Tsk," Ābǎojī suddenly stroked his chin and sighed, "If this physique of yours had breasts, it would likely be even more seductive than the most beautiful Khitan girls. If you were truly a woman, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from pouncing on you right now."
"Are you an idiot? Get out!"
Lin Yuan wished he could wrap himself into a cocoon. Yēlǜ Ābǎojī's expression was becoming increasingly strange as he stared straight at him.
"Forgot the main point—Zhìwǔ is sleeping with you tonight!"
"Damn it, can you stop barging in without asking? And Yēlǜ Zhìwǔ—she's only five!"
Ābǎojī didn't care in the slightest and placed his daughter directly onto the bed.
"That's exactly why I need you to show some restraint!" He winked, "She will be your wife in the future; get familiar with each other."
"I think you just want to go do something else, don't you?"
"You guessed it. Shùlǐduǒ is afraid of disturbing the child, and I've been having such a hard time..."
"Do you really take me for a nanny?"
Lin Yuan clutched the edge of the blanket tightly, watching helplessly as the little girl rolled into his bed. Her face, soft as a bun, nuzzled into the pillow, and she smacked her lips unconsciously.
"I won't disturb you anymore, I'm heading out."
Before the curtain even fell, Ābǎojī's final remark floated in: "Zhìwǔ likes to kick her blanket off in the middle of the night, hold her tighter!"
Lin Yuan froze in place. The little girl on the bed suddenly turned over, her small hand "smacking" onto his waist and abdomen as she mumbled, "Sugar."
Outside the tent, Ābǎojī's fading hum could be heard: "Oh, the prairie moon~, shining on the Han man's pretty backside."
"I give up."
"Ah, it was so noisy just now. It's you, Gentleman! Did you hold me over here?"
Little Zhìwǔ rubbed her eyes with her tiny fists and lazily moved her body to lie on Lin Yuan's chest.
"That irresponsible father of yours brought you over."
"Oh, I'm so sleepy. Sleeping with you, Gentleman."
...
The morning sun had just dyed the grasslands red when Yēlǜ Yáoguāng sat squatting in front of Lin Yuan's tent clutching his scimitar. The moment the youth saw the tent curtain move, he pounced over and performed an awkward cupped-fist salute: "Master! Teach me the skill to strike people down!"
Ābǎojī appeared from out of nowhere and slapped Lin Yuan on his rear end.
"My son is in your hands!" He even rubbed his palm across it suggestively a couple of times. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"You!"
Lin Yuan jumped back as if electrocuted, covering his backside, his face turning iron-green. "If you touch me again, I'll make your son learn the Evil-Suppressing Sword Manual!"
"Sorry, sorry, I'm going."
The youth suddenly became anxious: "I want to learn the ultimate technique of cutting a horse in half with a single strike!"
Lin Yuan suddenly squatted down to look him in the eye: "On the grasslands, there are plenty of people who can teach you the skill of killing."
He tapped his fingertip on the young warrior's chest. "But do you know why the Han people were able to build city walls taller than the snow mountains?"
Yēlǜ Yáoguāng was stunned.
The morning lesson took place beside an ovoo. Lin Yuan drew a circle in the sand with a twig: "This is your Diela Tribe's livestock."
Then he drew a larger circle: "This is the pastureland shared by the eight tribes. If other tribes come to take it..."
"Kill them all!" The youth slashed his blade and scattered the sand drawing.
"Wrong."
Lin Yuan pressed down on his hand holding the knife. "You need to make them willingly tether their warhorses to your posts.He dipped his finger in mare's milk wine and wrote the character for "Tang" (Greater Tang).
"Do you know that the Great Tang of the past, with its vast territory and immense national strength, was incomparable to any other dynasty in history? The foundation, however, lay in the open-mindedness and magnanimity of the great emperors of the Great Tang."
Ābǎojī's originally playful expression gradually solidified. He saw his son's eyes growing brighter—it was the look of a prairie eaglet looking down at the immense earth for the first time.
"But Master, isn't Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang also an emperor of the saddle?"
"Hehe, that's where you're wrong. Emperor Taizong was wise, martial, and peerless; he relied not only on force, but more importantly on his magnanimity that embraced everything. During the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Han sent Wei Qing and Huo Qubing to sweep across the grasslands, but the grasslands never submitted, instead fighting the Han on and off. Looking through history, only Emperor Taizong was honored by the grasslands as the 'Heavenly Khan'. This is exactly what you must learn to do."
Yēlǜ Yáoguāng suddenly tugged on Lin Yuan's sleeve. "Teach me to write Han characters! I also want to be the 'Heavenly Khan' of the world.Master, teach me how to write 'the world' (the world)."
Lin Yuan smiled and touched his head: "You must learn the characters first. Remember, this is not mindless benevolence, but rather, benevolence toward your subjects, benevolence toward the world, and benevolence toward those who desire peace."
Yēlǜ Yáoguāng finally understood why the warriors of the grasslands were so fierce and good at fighting yet could never conquer the Central Plains. The scimitars of the prairie people were not held back by the Great Wall of the South, but by a Great Wall within the hearts of the people of the Central Plains.
"By the way, call me 'Teacher', don't call me 'Master' (Shifu)."
"Yes, Teacher. Oh, and Teacher, my older brother has also always loved Han culture. Can I bring him along to learn from you?"
"Your brother? Yēlǜ Bèi? Hm, yes, you may."
Lin Yuan nodded. In real history, this Yēlǜ Bèi was highly regarded by Yēlǜ Ābǎojī and was early on named the Crown Prince with the title 'Prince of Dongdan', but unfortunately, he was forced by Yēlǜ Yáoguāng to flee to Later Tang, where he lived out his life in misery. Lin Yuan had always thought these two brothers were caught in a struggle for power; it seemed they were quite harmonious in their youth.
...
"Good brother, you are truly amazing. Usually, that little rascal is so restless, but after just one morning, he went to study so obediently."
"He is far stronger than you. You are a great ruler who united the grasslands, but he aspires to be an emperor comparable to Taizong; that's a whole different level."
"That makes sense, that makes sense."
Ābǎojī sat beside Lin Yuan, shifting his bottom every so often.
"If you keep crowding me, I'm going to slap you."
"Ahem, well, good brother, I only just realized that you smell so good."
"What do you want?! Damn it, do you belong to the dog family? Stop sniffing!"
"Ah~! Good brother, why aren't you a woman? If you were my woman, I would be willing to give you everything! The great goddess endowed you with such a face, yet she was cruel to turn you into a man!"
"You bastard, I can't take it anymore!"
"Oh oh oh! Don't hit, don't hit, I know I'm wrong! My eyes!"
...
Several days of teaching had transformed Yēlǜ Yáoguāng. The youth no longer swung his blade recklessly but had learned to observe with a calm mind. In the morning mist, he stood with his sword, and his every move began to show structure; the hostility between his brows had also faded into steadiness.
Yēlǜ Bèi cheered for Yēlǜ Yáoguāng, applauding continuously.
"Teacher, how did I perform in this move, 'Long Rainbow Piercing the Sun'?"
Yēlǜ Yáoguāng sheathed his sword and bowed, his eyes sparkling with a thirst for knowledge.
Lin Yuan nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, but the sword intent is not condensed enough. Remember, a sword is like the heart; if the heart is righteous, the sword is righteous. On this point, you must learn well from your brother."
Ābǎojī walked over with bruised, purpling eye sockets, wincing when he tried to grin: "Hiss—good brother, it's time to set off."
The surrounding Khitan warriors stifling their laughter, their gazes darting away. No one dared to ask why their invincible Yilijin had suddenly acquired these injuries.
Lin Yuan glanced at him and gave a cold snort: "Try putting your hands on me again, and next time it won't be your eyes.
Ābǎojī chuckled sheepishly, rubbing his swollen eye socket, but still moved closer undeterred: "Brother Lin, the way you hit people is really invigorating."
"Get lost."
At the moment of parting, Lin Yuan placed both hands on Yēlǜ Yáoguāng's shoulders, giving him some final words: "Yáoguāng, the world is in chaos today, and the people are suffering. If one day you really do lead an army southward, please treat the people well and see them as your subjects."
"Rest assured, Teacher. Yáoguāng will not be an inhumane bandit but will become a wise leader loved by the people."
"Good."
Lin Yuan looked toward Yēlǜ Bèi. This youth, only a few years younger than himself, had eyes full of admiration.
"Teacher, you are knowledgeable and talented in both culture and martial arts. I will definitely take you as my example."
"Hahaha, you two must study hard as the sons of Yēlǜ Ābǎojī. Remember, you must also follow your father's example—travel around personally to witness the hardships of the common people."
Yēlǜ Bèi and Yēlǜ Yáoguāng bowed in unison: "The students will keep this in mind."
"Gentleman, Gentleman, where are you going?"
Yēlǜ Zhìwǔ ran over huffily, her chubby little face trembling, hugging Lin Yuan's thigh and refusing to let go.
"I don't want you to go."
"Alright."
Zhìwǔ let go, and Lin Yuan crouched down. When they first met, the child's eyes had been dim, but now they were bright and full of hope.
"I will come back, and I will come to see you often."
"Will you marry me?"
"Hehe, your father betrothed you to me. But let's make a bet: when you grow up, if you can beat me, I will marry you. If you can't..."
"I can, I definitely will, hug me."
"Alright."
Lin Yuan picked up Yēlǜ Zhìwǔ, and the two walked along together. When they were a hundred meters away from the others, Yēlǜ Zhìwǔ suddenly spoke: "Gentleman, before, Daddy didn't really talk to me, and Mother made me practice martial arts every day. I was so lonely. But after you came, Daddy suddenly talked to me so much, and Mother smiled at me too. Don't leave, okay?"
"Little cutie."
Lin Yuan scraped her little nose with his index finger: "I can't stay with you forever. You have to be strong. Didn't you say you don't cry even when you fall?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Zhìwǔ, are you not going to say goodbye to Daddy?"
"Mm, Daddy, wait a moment."
Zhìwǔ did not rush to get down from Lin Yuan's arms, but instead pulled his cheeks with her small hands and, in front of everyone, pressed her tiny mouth onto him.
"Great Eternal Heaven, could it be that the grasslands are about to have another epic romance?"
"What Eternal Heaven, this must be the Goddess manifesting."
"It's the Eternal Heaven!"
"It's the Goddess!"
Two Khitan soldiers began to scuffle. People around them cleared a space, no one willing to admit they knew the two idiots.
Lin Yuan sat on his horse, dazed. Ābǎojī waved his hand, and Lin Yuan finally snapped out of it.
"Why is there such a big reaction for being kissed by a little girl?"
"Although she is a little girl, that was my first kiss."
"Hm? You are truly interesting. Everyone saw it—the Aogu kissed Brother Lin, the Eternal Heaven will bless them."
The dozens of Khitan warriors following behind shouted out; they were more excited than if they had married wives themselves.
"Good brother, now you can't refuse anymore!"
"I know, I know. You're really something else."
Yēlǜ Làgé looked toward the direction his older brother was leaving. My good brother, if you cannot sit steadily on that throne, then let your younger brother sit there in your stead.
Shùlǐduǒ stood with her hands behind her back, expressionless. No one knew what she was thinking. She waved her hand, and Yēlǜ Zhìwǔ returned to her side, somewhat reluctantly.
"You promised him that when you grow up, you will be able to beat him."
"Mm."
"Come with me, and continue your martial arts practice."
...
Seven days later, they could already see the silhouette of the Tianshan Mountains from afar. Horse hooves crunched through the frost as they headed toward the majestic Tianshan Mountains, one after the other.
Ābǎojī finally restrained his playful nature and pointed to the snow line in the distance: "The Tianshan range is covered in snow year-round, and the terrain is dangerous; be careful."
The biting wind, carrying swirling snow, shrouded the Sword Casting Pavilion at the peak of the mountain in a vast haze. Lin Yuan, Ābǎojī, and the others crossed the final ice bridge and finally reached that archaic, giant gate. The ice frost that had not melted for a thousand years condensed on the door knockers. The three characters for 'Sword Casting Pavilion' were faintly visible, the strokes like swords, sharp and overbearing.
Ābǎojī rubbed his frozen-red hands and exhaled a white breath: "This place is ten times colder than a prairie winter!"
He turned his head to look at Lin Yuan, only to see the man's expression was as normal as ever, not even a drop of sweat frozen on his temples. He clicked his tongue in wonder: "You fellow, are you made of snow?"
Lin Yuan smiled slightly, the Extreme Yang True Qi circulating endlessly within his body, melting the cold the moment it approached his skin. He looked up at the giant gate, faintly sensing the sharp sword intent coming from behind it.
Ābǎojī stepped forward, grasped the knocker, and struck it three times, saying loudly: "Yēlǜ Ābǎojī of the Khitan, with a friend, has come to visit Pavilion Master Lingxiaozi!"
The voice echoed among the snow-covered mountains. A moment later, the giant gate opened slowly with a 'creak'. A young man in plain white sword robes appeared.
"Are you perhaps the registered disciple of my Sword Casting Pavilion, Liu Yi?"
"Yes, please trouble yourself to announce us."
"Very well, please come in."
The Tianshan Sword Casting Pavilion was built on the mountain itself. In the center of the plaza, a massive, peerless sword was plunged into the ground, connected by countless chains, with various precious swords thrust into the surrounding area. It was grand and magnificent. It was hard to imagine such a treasure land existed atop Tianshan.
"Brother Yēlǜ, you used to like wandering about."
"Yes, I was once a disciple of the Tianshan Sword Sect; I know many friends."
Not long after, a man in his forties appeared. His hair and beard were blue, yet his eyes were piercing, like two unsheathed sharp swords.
"Ābǎojī, it has been many years. You have become increasingly impulsive, haven't you?"
Lingxiaozi said lightly, his gaze landing on Lin Yuan. "And this young friend, what brings you here?"
Lin Yuan bowed in salute: "Junior Lin Yuan has come to seek the Tianshan Snow Lotus. I hope the Pavilion Master will grant my request."
Lingxiaozi's eyebrows flicked: "The Tianshan Snow Lotus grows on cliffs of ten thousand fathoms of ice and blooms only once every hundred years. It is the treasure of the Pavilion. What need do you have for it?"
"To heal my body."
Lin Yuan's gaze was firm.
Lingxiaozi pondered for a moment, then suddenly flicked his sleeves: "The Tianshan Snow Lotus is indeed rare, but my Sword Casting Pavilion does have a few."
He paused, then continued: "In that case, I will give you two choices."
"First, exchange moves with me. I will use only thirty percent of my power; if you can break the Tianshan Sword Formation, I will hand over the ice lotus willingly."
"Second, go to the ice cliff and gather it yourself. The Sword Casting Pavilion will not stop you."
He paused, a flicker of sharpness in his eyes: "However, beneath that ice cliff are buried the bones of countless greedy men."
Ābǎojī's expression changed upon hearing this, and he whispered: "Brother Lin, this Lingxiaozi's Sword Formation is devilishly strange. Back then, I couldn't even take two moves from him."
Lin Yuan, however, had already stepped forward: "Junior chooses the second path."
A trace of surprise flashed in Lingxiaozi's eyes, followed by a cold laugh: "Great courage. But have you thought it through? The cold of that ice cliff is enough to freeze True Qi; one slight error, and you will be dashed to pieces."
Lin Yuan smiled slightly: "The Pavilion Master just said that the Sword Casting Pavilion would not stop me; you didn't say you wouldn't leave traps."
His gaze was sharp as a torch: "I assume there is something else hidden on that ice cliff, right?"
Lingxiaozi suddenly laughed aloud: "Interesting! I like you, hahaha. I might as well speak plainly—both options are impossible. The Tianshan Sword Formation is something even the Buliang Shuai had to expend great effort to face years ago. Of course, he didn't encounter just thirty percent of my power that time."
"Buliang Shuai?"
"You don't even know the Buliang Shuai? In the past, Emperor Taizong ordered Yuan Tiangang to establish the mysterious Buliangren organization, responsible only to the emperor himself. The Buliang Shuai, Yuan Tiangang, once refined the elixir of immortality with Li Chunfeng; after consuming it, he has lived until this day, his martial power unfathomable. No one dares to provoke him."
"Is he that powerful? I should stay far away if I see him."
"Alright, truth be told, the Tianshan Snow Lotus is not scarce. It is just difficult to find and hard to gather, hence why it became our sect's treasure. I'll declare in advance: if you fall off the cliff or get frozen into an ice cube, it has nothing to do with us, the Tianshan Sword Casting Pavilion."
"The junior understands."