Wulongling secretly provides assistance
The news of the nine Liangshan leaders' deaths at the Battle of Wulong Ridge was like the bitterest cold wind, instantly freezing all hope and warmth within the Xishan Island teahouse. The news of Xu Ning's death, in particular, pierced my heart like an icy needle. We had clearly left a way out, that jade pendant, that promise... had it all been in vain?
Lu Renjia sat dejectedly on the chair, muttering, "Nine... nine brothers lost in one fell swoop... How many more people will have to die before this battle ends..."
Yiqing stood silently by the window, his back straight and upright, yet revealing a deep loneliness. He said nothing, simply gazing out at the cloudy lake, as if peering through the misty rain of Jiangnan towards the distant mountains that had just swallowed countless lives.
"General Xu Ning...he..." My voice was dry and I could barely form words. "Did he..."
I want to ask, has he ever tried to contact us? Is there any sign that he ever considered using the escape route we left?
Lu Renjia understood what I meant and shook his head, his expression complicated. "According to our spies in the army, General Xu Ning was shot by several poisoned arrows while trying to protect his companions during the breakout. He was killed on the spot... He didn't mention anything unusual, nor was he seen interacting with strangers."
Yes. He was, after all, the "Golden Spearman" who prioritized loyalty and righteousness above all else. Even when wounded and sick, even when the future looked bleak, on the battlefield, he chose to protect his comrades and fight to the bitter end. Perhaps, in his heart, the path of survival we left behind was always more important than his military duty and brotherhood.
A mixture of admiration, sadness, and powerlessness surged in my chest. We tried to defy fate, but we underestimated the weight of righteousness in the hearts of these heroes.
"Where are the others? Ruan Xiaoer, Meng Kang and the others..." I forced myself to divert my attention, my voice still trembling.
Lu Renjia took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and began to recount the gruesome events of the Battle of Wulong Ridge. Taking advantage of the terrain, Fang La's army had set numerous ambushes at Wulong Ridge. Despite a valiant attack, the Liangshan army suffered heavy losses. Ruan Xiaoer, defeated in the naval battle, committed suicide; Meng Kang was struck by artillery fire, his remains completely destroyed; and Hou Jian and his men also perished in the chaotic battle...
Every time I heard a name, it was like a knife cutting through my heart. These were all living people, who once lived in the same mountain village with me and listened to my music, but now they have become cold numbers and vague legends.
"But..." Lu Renjia suddenly changed the subject, a strange look flashing in his eyes, "There is something quite strange."
"What's the matter?" Yiqing turned around and looked at him sharply.
"According to our informants, Brother Liu Tang, the 'Red-Haired Demon,' was also trapped in this battle, suffering numerous wounds and on the verge of following in the footsteps of his brothers... But for some unknown reason, at the last moment, a strange, thick fog suddenly arose in the area where he was. It didn't last long, but when it cleared, Liu Tang miraculously escaped his pursuers. Although seriously injured, he was rescued by his companions who arrived later, and luckily managed to save his life."
Thick fog? Yiqing and I exchanged glances, each seeing the surprise and suspicion in the other's eyes. Jiangnan is often foggy, but with the two armies engaged in a fierce battle, ordinary fog is unlikely to form, let alone appear so coincidentally when Liu Tang is in danger.
"Have you ever investigated the source of the fog?" Yiqing asked in a deep voice.
Lu Renjia shook his head. "The battlefield was in chaos, life and death were hanging by a thread. Who would bother to investigate the source of the fog? They just thought it was a sign of God, or that Brother Liu Tang was destined to die."
My fate wasn't to end? Something in my heart moved me, and I looked at Yiqing. Could it be...
Yiqing's brows furrowed slightly, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the table, as if calculating something. After a moment, a flash of understanding flashed in his eyes, and then turned into a deeper solemnity.
"It seems... besides us, there are other 'interested people' hiding in this Jiangnan area." He said slowly.
Who are the other scheming individuals? Who are they? Are they friends or foes? Why are they saving Liu Tang?
A series of questions flooded my mind. But no matter what, Liu Tang's survival finally offered a glimmer of hope amidst this bloody haze. At least, the list of lives we were trying to save wasn't completely wiped out.
"Keep a close eye on Liu Tang's injuries and subsequent condition," Yiqing instructed Lu Renjia. "Also, dispatch additional personnel to conduct a secret investigation to see if there are any other unknown forces operating in Jiangnan, especially those associated with Taoism or otherworldly arts."
"Yes, senior brother!" Lu Renjia took the order and went down to make arrangements immediately.
Once again, Yiqing and I were the only ones left in the secret room.
"Yiqing, who do you think will save Liu Tang?" I couldn't help but ask.
"It's hard to say." Yiqing shook his head. "It could be a hermit with old ties to Liangshan, or a local tyrant displeased with Fang La, or even... it could be some faction within the imperial court that doesn't want to see Liangshan suffer such heavy losses, and is secretly taking action. The waters of Jiangnan are murky, so anything is possible."
He walked over to the map, his gaze settling on the location of Wulong Ridge. His tone was heavy, "After this battle, Liangshan's vitality was severely damaged, and morale was inevitably dampened. But Fang La's main force was intact, and even more brutal battles were yet to come. Muzhou, Shezhou, and especially Bangyuan Cave...that's the real gate of hell."
Bangyuan Cave, Fang La's lair, is also where the most Liangshan heroes fell. I know that Lin Chong, Lu Zhishen, Wu Song... those names whose endings I least want to see will all face their final test there.
"We... can't just wait passively like this any longer." I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. "Isn't Xu Ning's lesson enough? We must be more proactive! At the very least... we need to let someone know that there is a way out!"
Yiqing turned around and looked at me deeply: "What do you want to do?"
"Lin Chong!" I said the name without hesitation. "His health has always been poor. He suffers from old illnesses and a complex emotional problem. In the battle of Bangyuan Cave, he... he might very well be at the end of his rope! We must find a way to let him know that there is a way out! Even if he doesn't choose, at least... give him a chance to choose!"
I can't just watch Lin Chong walk towards this inevitable tragedy. Xu Ning's regret must never happen to Lin Chong again!
Yiqing remained silent, not answering immediately. I knew he was weighing the pros and cons. Directly approaching Lin Chong was far riskier than approaching Xu Ning. Lin Chong was Liangshan's core commander, with a bigger target and more concerns. He was also meticulous and not someone to be trifled with.
After a long while, just when I thought he was going to refuse, he slowly said, "Maybe... there is a way."
"What method?" I asked anxiously.
"We won't contact Lin Chong directly." Yiqing's eyes grew deep. "We can contact... 'Flower Monk' Lu Zhishen."
Lu Zhishen? I was stunned.
"Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong are close friends, as close as brothers. While seemingly rough and tumble, Lu Zhishen possesses a penetrating mind and a deep sense of loyalty. If he knew of a possible escape route that could save Lin Chong's life, he would undoubtedly do everything in his power," Yiqing analyzed. "It would be far safer for him to persuade Lin Chong than for us to intervene."
Yes! Why didn’t I think of Lu Zhishen? He is the most suitable candidate!
"But how do we contact Lu Zhishen? How do we gain his trust?" This is also a difficult problem.
Yiqing pondered for a moment and said, "Lu Zhishen loves drinking and is uninhibited. The Liangshan army is currently stationed outside Muzhou City for recuperation, and he won't stay in the barracks obediently. We can have Junior Brother Lu arrange a 'chance encounter' with him at a tavern in Muzhou City where he might be."
"Then what?"
"Then..." Yiqing's eyes flashed with determination, "I will personally come forward."
"You?!" I was shocked. "This is too dangerous!"
"That's all right." Yiqing said calmly, "I know my limits. Lu Zhishen recognizes me and knows my identity. If I tell him in person about the severity of Lin Chong's injuries and that Jiangnan isn't a place where he can stay for long, and leave him my contact information, he'll be more likely to believe me. As for the reason... I'll say it's because of our old friendship with Liangshan, and I can't bear to see an old friend buried in a foreign land."
This reason is quite plausible. Given Gongsun Sheng's transcendent status and mysterious image in Liangshan, his coming forward to enlighten Lu Zhishen is indeed more significant than any anonymous letter or indirect hint.
"I'll go with you!" I was worried about letting him take the risk alone.
"No," Yiqing flatly refused. "You will stay in the teahouse. If anything goes wrong, you and Junior Brother Lu must immediately sever all ties with the Muzhou stronghold to ensure the safety of the Jiangnan network core."
His arrangements were calm and thorough, minimizing the risks. I knew this was the most rational choice, but my worries remained undimmed.
"Don't worry," he noticed my uneasiness and patted my shoulder gently, his tone softening. "Lu Zhishen is a reasonable man. Even if he doesn't believe me, he won't easily do anything against me. Besides, I have my own way to escape."
The plan was thus set. Lu Renjia immediately set off for Muzhou City to make arrangements. Meanwhile, Yiqing began preparing everything necessary for his "chance encounter" with Lu Zhishen.
A few days later, news arrived that Lu Zhishen had indeed been frequently drinking at a tavern in Muzhou called Wangjianglou, where Lu Renjia had already arranged a location and personnel to meet him.
Yiqing changed into an ordinary scholar's robe, concealing most of his otherworldly aura. He only took the Bagua jade pendant as a token of his loyalty. On an evening when the lights were just coming on, he set out alone on the road to Muzhou City.
I stood on the attic of the teahouse, watching his figure disappear at the end of the waterway, my heart filled with anxiety and anticipation.
This time, we will no longer passively sow seeds. We will take the initiative and, before that bloody fate arrives, throw a chess piece that may change the outcome.
Success or failure depends on this one move.
(End of Volume 4)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
