Chapter Forty-Seven: Highway Robbery [Extra]

Southern Liang.

This land lies in the south, its air humid, its earth fertile, its resources abundant—a region of utmost importance to the previous dynasty, which even set its capital here in the south. Later, when the Tang fell, Southern Liang grew strong upon this foundation. The territory occupied by Southern Liang could be said to possess every advantage of nature; compared to it, Shu appears somewhat impoverished.

“Southern Liang has always prided itself as the land of propriety and ritual—such claims are not unfounded.”

Qingyuan and Gu Cang arrived at the nearest town, watching the carriages and horses passing by, the crowds flowing through the streets. Perhaps it was the inheritance of the former dynasty's traditions, but here in Southern Liang, the air seemed thick with scholarly culture and etiquette. Even their attire differed slightly from that of Shu, though not by much—only subtle changes at collars and cuffs, barely noticeable unless one looked closely.

Qingyuan withdrew his gaze and turned to Gu Cang with a smile. “These past days, wandering through the deep mountains, we have braved wind and dew for our meals. Why not find a tavern and enjoy a proper meal?”

Though Gu Cang was a monkey demon, he minded neither meat nor vegetable, accepting whatever was offered. He nodded readily. “Good.”

His entire body was swathed in a black robe, drawing curious glances, but his weapons were well hidden; for now, no one discerned his true nature.

The two walked along the street and found a tavern. It was two stories high, but not crowded. On the second floor, an old man was telling stories, just as they arrived, speaking of recent battles.

Qingyuan led Gu Cang to a table by the window and ordered some dishes. Before the food arrived, tea and pastries were served.

Qingyuan glanced out the window at the crowds below, then turned back to Gu Cang. “Eat something first.”

With permission, Gu Cang replied, then took a pastry, pulled back his hood, and began devouring it, hidden from view.

Qingyuan closed his eyes slightly, listening in silence for a moment. The storyteller spoke of the recent great victory of Deng Yin.

General Deng Yin of Southern Liang had defeated General Jiang Baijian of Shu, capturing two large cities in succession. Once the troops were reorganized, he would attack Dongtiao Pass, slay Jiang Baijian, and deliver a crushing blow to Shu.

Yet, the story did not mention the heroic deeds of Chen Zhiyun and his two hundred soldiers in white, who risked their lives to burn Shu's supply of grain. Nor did it speak of the role played by cultivators and the efforts they contributed. Such matters were secrets, not for common ears.

Qingyuan listened for a while but heard nothing of use, so he focused instead on asking the waiter about directions.

He did not come to the tavern merely to rest and eat, but also to inquire about the way to his intended destination.

“Gu County…”

The waiter’s face showed surprise and hesitation. “It’s a bit far, though not too far, but…”

He trailed off, then continued, “I’ve heard it’s not very peaceful there.”

Qingyuan frowned slightly. “What do you mean it’s not peaceful?”

The waiter replied, “I’m not certain, but there are rumors of child traffickers—many children have been stolen. The authorities pay attention, but haven’t caught them yet. They say outsiders aren’t welcomed in Gu County now… Young master, if you’re going there, you should be careful.”

Qingyuan nodded, thanked the waiter for his kindness, and after eating and resting with Gu Cang for a while—having traveled for days, it was best not to overexert—they prepared to leave.

Once Gu Cang was ready, Qingyuan called for the bill.

The waiter approached. Qingyuan took a few taels of silver from his sleeve, paid, and still had some left.

He smiled to himself, thinking, “Luckily, the currency is the same in Shu and Southern Liang. I’ve heard that in the northern Yuanmeng region, they use copper coins and silver, but the styles differ from those here. In fact, most Yuanmeng people still barter, trading goods as they always have.”

He was lost in thought when something caught his attention—a skinny young man was staring at him from the stairs. As Qingyuan looked over, the youth hurriedly descended and left.

“That person…” Qingyuan’s eyes narrowed but he said nothing.

…

“The journey has been smooth,” Qingyuan mused.

Most of the obstacles he had anticipated failed to materialize. Only the ruined temple in the mountains had posed some trouble. Had he not advanced to the second stage, Qingyuan might not have been able to deal with the monsters inside and would have had to avoid the temple altogether.

Now, having broken through the Refining Form stage, his cultivation advanced, his abilities greatly improved, the way ahead was clear.

He was bound for Gu County, a journey of several days—not far.

He had expected the round trip to take two or three months, but now, if all went well, it would take just over a month.

He and Gu Cang left the tavern, intending to hire a carriage, only to find that the border of Southern Liang forbade the sale of horses—only ox carts were allowed.

But ox carts were slow, so they gave up the idea and continued on foot toward Gu County.

Not far from town, as they entered the mountain road, dozens of men emerged from either side, blocking their path.

“This mountain is mine, this tree was planted by me. If you want to pass, pay the toll.”

The leader, grinning wickedly, brandished a steel blade and stood in front, his face fierce. “Young master, I know you’re generous—you wanted to buy a horse, so you must carry plenty of silver. We only want your money, not your life… Unless you resist, in which case, we’ll take both. These days, our hands have spilled much blood…”

Qingyuan studied him closely, sensing a heavy aura of blood—a man who had killed many.

He swept his gaze over the group; forty or fifty men, all dressed in shabby clothes, armed with assorted weapons, faces fierce. Not all had killed, but each was experienced, not new to banditry.

From their words, Qingyuan realized he had been targeted in town—the skinny youth in the tavern was one of their scouts. Yet he did not see the youth among them now.

“If you don’t want to die, hand over your silver—or else…”

The bandit chief chuckled, “Such delicate skin—shame I don’t fancy men, but some of my brothers might. You could fetch a fair price sold to certain officials in town who like pretty boys…”

He cocked his head, and at once several bandits rushed forward.

Qingyuan’s expression turned icy. “Do it.”

Gu Cang drew his blade. “Should I hold back?”

He remembered his teacher’s words—not to kill needlessly.

“To destroy evil is to do good,” Qingyuan said calmly. “They have killed many; there’s no need to show mercy.”

Gu Cang replied, “Understood.”

He charged forward, swinging his blade.

The first man struck was cleaved from shoulder to waist, his upper body falling away, blood spraying, entrails spilling across the ground.

ps: This chapter is an extra for Hall Master Forty Degrees of Temptation—it's been delayed far too long, O(∩_∩)O haha~ Routine request for recommendation votes…