The Land So Rich in Beauty Chapter Seven

The next morning, Xiao Xiao disguised the Linglong sisters as two inconspicuous girls. Taking advantage of the bustling crowd at Jiangyuan, the sisters slipped out one after the other without incident.

I had originally intended to leave as well; the reputation of the Spring Water Sword Sect wasn't particularly important to me. However, seeing the seats reserved for Hidden Lake Cottage in the council hall last night had stirred a sense of anticipation within me. I'd been wandering the martial world for quite some time, and this was the first time I'd had the opportunity to directly encounter someone from Hidden Lake. As

the sun rose high in the sky, Liu Yuanli knocked on the door. "Young Master Wang, the time for my Alliance Leader's birthday banquet is approaching. Please, Young Master Wang and the two Miss Yus, take your seats."

Liu Yuanli's expression was much colder than yesterday; his small eyes were no longer so kind and approachable, but instead held a sharp edge. I didn't care. Although he was a steward like Zeng Fugui at the Yuelai Inn, the Great River Alliance wasn't Yuelai. Zeng Fugui treated guests like his own father, never retaliating or arguing, and always wearing a憨憨 (simple and honest) smile no matter what happened. He, on the other hand, was a master ranked thirty-ninth in the Hall of Fame, so it wasn't surprising he had a temper, especially since I had just offended his master.

However, his expression immediately turned to surprise. Seeing me leisurely walking towards the council hall, he couldn't help but ask, "Where are the two Miss Yus?"

"They've already left." Seeing Liu Yuanli's surprised mouth agape, I added, "Our sect received intelligence that Hua Xiangrong's whereabouts have been discovered. My junior sister went to check if the clues were true. Fortunately, this birthday celebration was mainly for my younger brothers, so their absence won't be a problem."

Liu Yuanli didn't say anything more and hurriedly went to knock on the door of another room. It seemed the guests had all gotten up late. I walked towards the council hall, encountering many martial arts practitioners along the way, but their expressions had changed from yesterday's curiosity to disdain.

"The news travels fast!" I thought to myself.

In the courtyard outside the council hall, fifty or sixty tables were set up. The birthday banquet hadn't even started yet, but these martial arts friends were already making a ruckus. The council hall was much quieter. The seating arrangement was the same as last night, except the chairs had been replaced with cushions, and a low table laden with exquisite food had been added in front of each.

Upon entering the council hall, my gaze immediately fell on the most prestigious low table at the head of the table. The fact that it was empty behind me made me feel a little disappointed. However, the birthday banquet hadn't started yet, and considering that Hidden Lake Cottage was the head of the ten major sects, their airs were understandable. I sat down on my cushion, only to see Han Yuanji looking at me with considerable surprise, then glancing at the two empty seats behind me.

"Linglong has already left," I said with a smile.

Han Yuanji, a seasoned veteran, frowned. "What's wrong with your sect?"

Everyone in the room stared at me, seemingly waiting for my response. I didn't know if they were concerned for the Linglong sisters or the Spring Water Sword Sect. Of course, young talents like Gong Nan from Wudang, driven by the desire for beautiful women, might be more concerned for the Linglong sisters, but what business was it of theirs! Did something really have to happen for them to leave this birthday banquet? Who was Qi Fang? Don't be fooled by the nickname "Heavenly King," he wasn't really the Heavenly King.

"It's like this," I said, my face grim, "Our sect received intelligence that Hua Xiangrong was on the move. Junior Sister Linglong went to verify the intelligence."

Gong Nan, Tang Tianxing from the Tang Clan, Sikong Buqun from the Pai Gang, and most others seemed to understand. Song Si's death was a great disgrace to the Spring Water Sword Sect; how could they not investigate a lead on their enemy? Han Yuanji's brows furrowed again before relaxing, while the Shaolin monk Mu Chan also seemed lost in thought.

In the council hall, greeting these important guests was Gongsun Qie, the vice-leader of the Great River Alliance, nicknamed "Little Zhuge." He was a shrewd and worldly man, showing no arrogance despite Luo's high ranking of twentieth in the list of notables. On the contrary, he was overly humble, even treating me, an unknown nobody, with a friendly demeanor, which sent a chill down my spine.

"Young Master Wang, your sect's intelligence network is truly impressive. Our sect has a thousand disciples in Jiangnan, yet none of them have any news of this lecherous scoundrel," Gongsun Qie said, lightly waving his feather fan in flattery.

All eyes immediately returned to me. I cursed inwardly, but smiled and said, "Hero Gongsun, snakes have their ways, rats have theirs. My family is wealthy enough to support informants."

Indeed, for a sect to make a name for itself in the martial world, both superior martial arts and ample wealth are indispensable. A disciple's loyalty is unreliable; gleaming gold is far more alluring, after all, everyone needs to make a living. Look at these江湖豪客 (

jianghu heroes/martial arts figures) in the council hall—aren't they all impeccably dressed? According to the Linglong sisters, among the top ten sects, even the weakest, the Eagle Claw Sect, has three escort agencies, except for the Spring Water Sword Sect. The Spring Water Sword Sect is an anomaly; its disciples are mostly impoverished girls who have suffered endless oppression. Within the sect, their hearts find liberation, hence their extreme loyalty.

Fortunately, the martial arts tea party that determines the top ten sects isn't based on who has more money, which is why the Spring Water Sword Sect was able to remain among them. However, some had already voiced their discontent. "My martial arts are inferior to Madam Yu's," said Li Zhan, the leader of the Cao Gang, "but my Cao Gang has thousands of brothers. If we were to really fight, we'd exhaust even the Spring Water Sword Sect members to death."

Being an informant is a lucrative profession, but compared to the money they earn, their reputation suffers greatly. In many people's eyes, they are no different from prostitutes because they all adhere to the same principle: whoever provides the benefits is their master.

High-paying industries are always high-risk, and informants are often killed inexplicably. Some well-connected and resourceful informants only serve two or three regular clients; naturally, the quality of their information is guaranteed, and the price is much higher.

Most sects in the martial arts world only buy intelligence from informants when they need it, making it a quick and easy transaction. Only large sects can truly afford to maintain informants because the cost is extremely high. An informant who has built an intelligence network with a large sum of money might die at the hands of a competitor the very next day, which deters most sects.

I naturally didn't understand the difference between buying intelligence and cultivating informants. In my eyes, informants were no different from farm laborers who tilled the land for me—both were creating wealth for me. Therefore, I didn't understand why these martial arts heroes' eyes had suddenly become so strange.

"Haha, that lecherous Hua Xiangrong really picked the wrong target this time!" Sikong Buqun from the opposite gang laughed loudly. "With Young Master Wang joining us, it seems the Spring Water Sword Sect is about to make its mark!"

Perhaps due to his years of activity on the Yangtze River, Sikong Buqun's voice was exceptionally loud.

"Our sect has no ambition, but we will never allow ourselves to be bullied." I didn't take Sikong Buqun seriously, but his words reminded me of my master and Lu Lingxi, the master of Hidden Lake. Who would Hidden Lake send to Qi Fang's birthday banquet? Would it be Xin Chuiyang, the elder of Hidden Lake who traveled most frequently outside, known as "Weaver Girl Sword," or Wei Rou, the rising star who had recently shaken the martial world? After all these years, it was time for Hidden Lake to pay the price for my master.

"Hua Xiangrong has insulted our sect! We will make him wish he were dead!"

"Hua Xiangrong has been missing for a long time. Could he have entered the Twelve Linked Forts?"

Hearing Gong Nan's question, my opinion of him improved slightly. It seems this rising star of Wudang isn't entirely idiotic.

"Master Gong is absolutely right," I complimented him, then recounted the information I'd obtained from Yang Wei.

The faces of those in the council hall showed more sympathy. Gong Nan frowned, "Brother Wang, if he really is in the Twelve Linked Forts, things will be very troublesome. Taihu Lake spans thousands of miles, crisscrossed by waterways. No one knows exactly where the Twelve Linked Forts are."

He paused, noticing everyone staring intently at him, a smug look spreading across his face. "Because according to our sect's information, the Twelve Linked Docks isn't a place name, but rather the name of a ship. The ship's owners are the current arbitrators of the Taihu underworld, 'Butcher' Yin Guan and 'Bitter Monk' Gao Guangzu. And the ship is docked at the Twelve Linked Docks. So, trying to find someone at the Twelve Linked Docks is like trying to find someone in Taihu Lake—extremely difficult."

When Gong Nan mentioned "Bitter Monk" Gao Guangzu, he glanced at Mu Chan. Mu Chan still had a faint smile on her face, but a hint of bitterness flickered in her eyes.

I wondered what Gao Guangzu's relationship was with the Shaolin Temple. Seeing everyone listening intently to Gong Nan, it seemed they knew very little about the Twelve Linked Docks. If it was truly as Gong Nan said, this task I'd taken on was no easy feat.

“Master Gongsun, the Twelve Linked Forts are right under your alliance’s nose. There must be some conflict. Besides, could they have killed you?” I asked in a flash.

Before Gongsun could speak, Gong Nan laughed and said, “Brother Wang, you don’t travel much in the martial world, do you?” Gong Nan didn’t look much older than me, but he was already a well-known first-class master in the martial world, and his words were filled with a sense of superiority.

"Although the Twelve Linked Forts is a den of villains, it has its own rules. Those who escape to the Twelve Linked Forts are not allowed to step out of Taihu Lake unless they leave. And once they leave, the Twelve Linked Forts will not accept them again. So, rumors about the Twelve Linked Forts have circulated in the martial arts world for almost thirty years, and several arbitrators have come and gone, but there has never been any news of it clashing with other martial arts sects. Moreover," Gong Nan paused, "those villains, once they enter the Twelve Linked Forts, rarely come out; most die of old age on Taihu Lake. Friends in the martial arts world know they can no longer commit any evil deeds, and apart from those with a blood feud or a stolen wife, very few people will go to the Twelve Linked Forts to hunt down the culprits."

The beautiful Taihu Lake has become a paradise for villains to retire in; this is truly unexpected. Seeing everyone's somewhat unnatural expressions, it seems that without the drive of self-interest, everyone is simply minding their own business, which is why things have turned out this way. Martial arts justice? Everyone talks about it, but it's all just talk.

"Brother Wang, you may not know..." Gong Nan, perhaps realizing that allowing the Twelve Linked Forts, this malignant tumor, to survive for thirty years wasn't a glory for the righteous path of the martial arts world, explained: "Actually, more than twenty years ago, the great hero Xiao Yuhan mobilized the entire Happy Gang to enter Taihu Lake and besiege the Twelve Linked Forts. At that time, the Happy Gang's strength was no less than that of Wudang or Shaolin now, yet they ended up destroyed and their members dead; Wudang also joined forces with Shaolin twice to attack, only catching some small fry, while the big fish all escaped, and we lost many men ourselves. Taihu Lake is simply too vast."

Gong Nan's usually proud face now showed some pain; it seemed those two attacks had caused Wudang considerable losses, and they still felt lingering fear. I didn't want to gamble with my life, so I decided to change my target. If Hua Xiangrong really stayed in the Twelve Linked Forts for her entire life, then let her die peacefully there.

"My master's kindness is profound, and this grudge cannot go unavenged." Although my heart wavered, I couldn't give the Great River Alliance any ammunition, so I slowly said, "Hua Xiangrong wasn't born from a stone; he has parents, brothers, and sisters. I refuse to believe he can truly sever all ties." Since I couldn't enter the Twelve Linked Forts to capture him, I had to find a way to force him out.

I'm not a member of the martial world, so I'm not part of the righteous path. The rules of the righteous martial world have no binding force on me; only the laws of the Ming Dynasty can constrain my behavior.

Everyone looked at me in surprise, even Han Yuanji was astonished. They were all wondering where this kid named Wang Dong would lead the Spring Water Sword Sect.

For a moment, the council hall was quiet. Seeing the somewhat awkward atmosphere, Gongsun Qie smiled and said, "Young Master Wang's idea is also unconventional..."

I was about to speak when a tinkling sound came from the doorway. With that melodious sound, my heart skipped a beat. Had the Hidden Lake people arrived?

A moment later, a young girl appeared at the doorway. My seat was very close to the door, and although she was backlit, her features were still clearly discernible.

"Small hills overlap, gold gleams and fades; her hair, like clouds, seems to brush against her snowy cheeks." The girl immediately reminded me of the alluring beauty of women from Jiangnan—the Xiao Xiao and Linglong sisters, Su Jin of Tingyue Pavilion, and Wang Qu of Bitao Terrace. The bright sunlight shone on her face, making her smile even more radiant.

The moment I saw her, I knew she wasn't from Yinhu. My master had said that Yinhu's martial arts were characterized by a pure and detached spirit; it was difficult for outsiders to discern the turmoil in their hearts from their expressions. This girl, however, wore a face full of longing and affection, clearly contradicting the principles of Yinhu's martial arts.

Sure enough, the girl's eyes lit up after rolling halfway around, and the joy on her face seemed to infect the council hall with a happy atmosphere. She lifted her skirt and ran to Gong Nan, excitedly saying, "Brother Gong, you really came!"

Gong Nan quickly stood up, his handsome face flushed, his joy tinged with a hint of pride.

"Junior Sister Qi, Grandma is back. How is Uncle Lian?"

"Yes, Master and I came back together." As she spoke, she pulled Gong Nan to sit down with her and asked Gongsun Qie, "Uncle Gongsun, may I sit with Brother Gong?"

The girl's demeanor was completely unpretentious; her heartfelt pleading was written all over her face, which made me feel a pang of pity. Gongsun Qie, seeing the girl's affectionate expression, smiled and said, "Uncle Gongsun, how could you refuse?"

Han Yuanji leaned closer and whispered, "Young Master, this girl is Qi Luo, the beloved daughter of Alliance Leader Qi..."

Hearing Han Yuanji's words, I looked her over more closely and indeed, she did resemble Qi Fang somewhat. Just as I was wondering what kind of beauty her mother must be, Han Yuanji's voice came again, "Her master is Lian Qingni, the head of the Hengshan Sect, who is also the younger sister of Qingfeng Daoist, the head of Wudang."

Oh? I glanced at Han Yuanji; a hint of worry appeared on his horse-like face. Was he afraid of Wudang? He had no conflict of interest with Wudang after leaving the manor. Could it be that he was afraid of a marriage alliance between the Great River Alliance and Wudang?

"Strange, Qi Luo is back, but I haven't seen Qi Xiaotian," Han Yuanji muttered to himself.

When I first met the Linglong sisters, besides Gong Nan and Tang Sanzang, the most frequent topic of conversation was Qi Fang's son, Qi Xiaotian. Just as men's eyes are always drawn to beautiful women, these three handsome and skilled young swordsmen in the martial arts world were naturally the objects of many young women's dreams. Linglong was no exception, of course, before she met me.

Qi Xiaotian only debuted last year, so he missed the latest revised edition of the Martial Arts World Records by Bai Xiaosheng. However, upon entering the martial arts world, he immediately killed Zhang Daze, the notorious bandit from Jiangnan, who was ranked forty-seventh in the record, and immediately rose to the top of the list of new martial arts talents. His popularity was unparalleled, and even Ruyi Fang, the largest casino in Hangzhou, offered odds of 3 to 5 for him to enter the top twenty in the new edition of the World Records at the end of the year.

Hearing Han Yuanji say that, I also became puzzled. How could his son not be present for his father's fiftieth birthday? I looked out of the council hall, where Liu Yuanli, the general manager of the Great River Alliance, was bustling about.

“No need to look,” Han Yuanji said in a low voice. “Qi Xiaotian isn’t outside. I haven’t seen him these past few days. I hadn’t paid attention at first, but I remembered him when I saw Qi Luo just now. I haven’t heard from him recently either. What’s he busy with? Does the Great River Alliance have something that requires his presence, to the point that he even has to give up his father’s birthday banquet?”

I hummed in agreement. What Qi Xiaotian was busy with was none of my business, and I figured he wouldn’t be busy dealing with the Spring Water Sword Sect, so I didn’t say anything more. Besides, Qi Luo’s beautiful eyes were now fixed on me.

“Why are you sitting in the Spring Water Sword Sect’s seat? Where’s Elder Li? Where’s Sister Yu?” Qi Luo’s eyes were full of surprise, looking at me as if I were a monster.

I swore that next time I joined a sect, I'd find a monastery like Shaolin Temple, so I wouldn't attract attention.

"Elder Li is ill," I lied. Elder Li Qingbo of the Spring Water Sword Sect should be instructing my unseen senior and junior sisters right now. But since I'm not as important to Qi Luo as Li Qingbo, it's better to give her a reason for not being able to come, so as not to hurt her feelings.

"Linglong left this morning because she received news of the lecherous Hua Xiangrong."

Qi Luo chuckled, brightening the council hall. "Yes, Sister Yu is a famous lecherous killer. I've heard of her and her sister's reputation all over Hengshan."

I nodded in agreement, but I'm a lecher too, and Linglong will soon be my woman. “And I,” I bowed slightly, “Wang Dong, the twelfth generation disciple of the Spring Water Sword Sect.”

Qi Luo looked surprised and turned to look at Gong Nan, who nodded with a smile. “Junior sister, Brother Wang is indeed a disciple of the Spring Water Sword Sect. His master was the ‘Rain-Cleansing Sword’ Song Si, the Fairy Song. Unfortunately, Fairy Song was killed by Hua Xiangrong and Yang Wei.”

Qi Luo gasped and covered her mouth, her eyes instantly filled with sorrow—a sorrow I hadn’t even seen in the Linglong sisters. Everyone was immediately affected by her grief, and remembering Kuang Tian’s tragic death at Zhuziba, a somber atmosphere filled the council hall.

It was Qi Fang’s appearance that broke the silence. He didn’t glare at me, only glancing at me indifferently. His attention was entirely on his beloved daughter, and seeing her sitting beside Gong Nan, he gave Gong Nan a meaningful smile. Qi

Fang took his seat, while Gongsun Qie stood at the entrance of the council hall, waving his feather fan and loudly announcing, "The time has come!"

People inside and outside the hall stood up, raising their wine cups. "May Alliance Leader Qi enjoy boundless happiness and longevity!" "Long live Alliance Leader Qi!" "May Alliance Leader Qi live a thousand years and unify the martial world!" The cries of congratulations rose and fell.

But I felt a deep sense of loss. It seemed no one would come to Hidden Lake Cottage. Was Hidden Lake so mysterious? Even the leader of the Great River Alliance wasn't enough of a consideration? In this vast martial world, who else could Hidden Lake take seriously?

Inside the council hall, cups clinked, but everyone harbored their own thoughts. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, just as Qi Fang was about to go to the courtyard to toast everyone, I stopped him. "Alliance Leader Qi, this junior must take his leave."

Qi Fang said "Oh," a strange expression flashing across his face before he quickly added, "Very well, my dear nephew, your revenge is of utmost importance. If you need my assistance, please let me know. Go ahead."

Han Yuanji hadn't expected me to leave so soon, not even waiting for the wedding banquet to end. He looked at me with suspicion, hesitant to speak. I told him I was going to Taihu Lake and then left the council hall.

Xiao Xiao was anxiously waiting for me by the window. Seeing me approach quickly, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Master, did Qi Fang make things difficult for you?"

"He is, after all, the head of a sect; he should have some magnanimity." I gently patted Xiao Xiao's fair cheek. "Besides, he has more pressing matters to attend to. The Spring Water Sword Sect, at most, won't help him, nor will they undermine him. There's no point in him making things difficult for you, Master. Let's pack our things and leave."

"I've already packed."

Xiao Xiao always thinks ahead; no wonder I spoil her.

I placed the wisteria trunk containing our changes of clothes across the saddle. Xiao Xiao, leading the horse, asked me, "Master, is there still no news from Hidden Lake?"

Only Xiao Xiao knew my thoughts; Hidden Lake was my only target. However, there was a hint of joy in her voice, because she didn't want me to meet with the people from Hidden Lake. Her master's despair left her lingering fear; she was afraid Hidden Lake would turn me into the same state as her master.

I didn't speak, looking up at the ever-changing, unpredictable clouds. Master, please show me the way. Where exactly is Hidden Lake?

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The Land So Rich in Beauty Chapter Seven

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