Description
The Xiaoli Feidao series is a series of five wuxia novels by Gu Long.
Lǐ Xúnhuān, the protagonist of the first novel, becomes a famous figure in the jianghu (martial artists’ community) for his skilful use of his signature weapon, the Little Li Flying Dagger. Although he is secretly in love with Lín Shīyīn, he ultimately decides to give up on her in order to repay the kindness he had received from his sworn brother, Lóng Xiàoyún, who is also in love with Lin Shiyin. After Lin Shiyin and Long Xiaoyun are married, Li Xunhuan feels so emotionally hurt that he retires from the jianghu to lead a reclusive life. When Li Xunhuan comes out of retirement a decade later, he encounter a swordsman, Āfēi (阿飛), and befriends him. He also meets a maiden, Sūn Xiǎohóng, whom he eventually marries. Around the time, a mysterious “Plum Flower Bandit” has committed several robberies and rumours in the jianghu suggest that the bandit is Li Xunhuan. With Afei’s help, Li Xunhuan manages to clear his name and expose the bandit’s true identity. At the same time, Li Xunhuan is drawn into the complex feuds involving three key figures: his sworn brother Long Xiaoyun; Shàngguān Jīnhóng, the evil chief of the Gold and Money Sect; and Shangguan Jinhong’s lover, Lín Xiān-ér. Li Xunhuan ultimately defeats Shangguan Jinhong and restores peace in the jianghu before retiring once again to spend the rest of his life with Sun Xiaohong.
Xiaoli Feidao -Sentimental Swordsman, Ruthless Sword
Chapter 1. Flying Dagger vs. Quick Sword
The cold wind act as a knife, using the ground as the cutting board, and people as fish meat.
The snowstorm extends for thousands of miles, making everything seem like bright white silver.
In this cold winter snowstorm, a horse carriage came from the north. It’s wheels shattered the snow on the ground, but cannot shatter loneliness in the world.
Li Xun Huan yawned, trying to stretch his legs. The inside of the carriage might be quite comfortable, but this trip is just way too long, too lonely. He not only feel exhausted, but also irritated. He feels that loneliness is the biggest annoyance in his life, yet loneliness frequently accompanies him.
A person’s life is usually filled with contradictions. No one can do anything about this.
Li Xun Huan sighed and took out a wine bottle. As he’s drinking the wine, he also begin to cough. His continuous coughing made his pale face appear very sick, as if fire from Hell is burning his flesh and soul.
The wine bottle’s empty now, so he grabbed a little dagger and start to carve a wooden human figure. The dagger’s thin and sharp, his hand is long and powerful.
The figure is that of a woman, so beautiful and warm under his masterful carving, looks so full of life.
He not only gave her a striking look, but also gave her life and soul, only because his life and soul is already quietly disappearing under the tip of the dagger.
He’s no longer young.
Wrinkles filled the corners of his eyes, every wrinkle filled with all the joy and sadness in his life. Only his eyes are young.
This is a strange pair of eyes, a shade of green, similar to the Spring wind blowing on the Willow leaves, warm and flexible. Or similar to the sea water under the Summer sun’s light, filled with energy.
Maybe it’s only because of this pair of eyes that allowed him to live til today.
The wooden figure is finally finished. He mindlessly stared at this figure, not knowing for how long, and then pushed the carriage door open, jumping out.
The carriage driver immediately stopped the horses.
This carriage driver’s eyes are sharp like a eagle, but as those eyes looked at Li Xun Huan, they immediately became warm, filled with loyalty and sympathy. Like a beast looking at its master.
Li Xun Huan dug a hole on the ground, burying the figure he just carved into that hole. Then he just mindlessly stared at the pile of snow where he buried the figure.
His fingers have now been frozen, his face red from the cold, and snowflakes covered his whole body. Yet he does not feel the cold. The item buried under the snow is like the most important person in his life. As he buried “her”, his own life also became filled with emptiness.
Any other person would find this event to be quite strange, yet the carriage driver is already used to all this. He only said, “It’s almost dark. We still have a long road ahead. Please come back onto the carriage, young master.”
Li Xun Huan turned around, finding that there is one set of footprints besides the carriage, coming alone from the far north, going ahead alone.
The footprints are quite deep, showing that this person has walked very much, is very fatigued, yet still would not stop to rest.
LI Xun Huan took a deep breath, said, “I can’t believe there’s someone who will travel in a place like this in this kind of weather. I think he must be a very lonely, very sorrowful person.
The carriage driver didn’t say anything, only sighing in his heart, thinking, “Aren’t you also a very lonely, sorrowful person? Why do you only sympathize other people, but forget yourself?”
There’s a lot more Pine wood under the carriage seat, so Li Xun Huan begin to carve yet again. His technique is now excellent with so much practice, because what he’s carving will forever be that one single person.
This person not only filled all of his heart, but also all of his body.
The snowstorm finally stopped, but the coldness only got heavier, the loneliness thicker. Good thing the wind also carried the sound of a person’s footsteps.
Although this sound is much softer than the horses, it is the sound Li Xun Huan has been searching for. So no matter how soft it is, it cannot escape Li Xun Huan’s ears.
As he pulled up the drapes of the carriage’s window, he saw the shadow of that lonely person walking in front.
This person walks very slowly, yet does not stop. Although he heard the horses, he still does not turn around to look. He has neither an umbrella nor a hat. The melted ice and snow dropped from his face to his neck. He only has a single piece of thin clothing.
Yet he still held his head high, as if he’s made of steel. Snow, coldness, exhaustion, fatigue, hunger, all cannot conquer him.
Nothing can conquer him.
Its only as the carriage passed him that Li Xun Huan saw his face.
His eyebrows are thick, eyes very big, thin tight lips made a line, a straight nose that also made his face look even thinner.
This face reminds one very easily of stones in a flower pot, strong, rigid, cold, as if nothing matters, not even himself.
Yet this is also the most handsome face Li Xun Huan has ever seen in his life, although it’s a bit young, a bit immature, it also already contains a very magnetic personality.
Within Li Xun Huan’s eyes seems to exist a smile. He opened the carriage door, saying, “Come into the carriage. I’ll take you on the next part of your journey.”
His words has always been short and simple, filled with energy, in this seemingly endless snowfield, no one in the world would reject his offer.
Who could’ve possibly imagine that this youngster would not even look at him, his footsteps not even slowed down, as if he never even heard talking.
Li Xun Huan asks, “Are you deaf?”
The youngster’s hand suddenly grabbed the sword from his waist. Although his hand is already frozen, his movement is still quick and fluid.
Li Xun Huan laughed, saying, “I guess you’re not deaf after all. Then come in and have a drink. A sip of wine will not hurt anyone!”
The youngster quickly replied, “I can’t afford it.”
He could actually say something like this! Even the wrinkles on the side of Li Xun Huan’s eyes seem to have a smile on them, but he did not smile, instead said, “I’m inviting you for some wine, not selling you wine.”
The youngster responded, “If it’s not something I bought with my own money, I’ll never take it. If it’s not wine that I bought with my own money, I’ll never drink it. Have I made myself clear enough?”
Li Xun Huan said, “Clear enough.”
The youngster said, “Good, you can go now.”
Li Xun Huan thought for a while, suddenly said with a smile, “Ok. I’ll go, but when you can afford to buy wine, will you invite me for a drink?”
The youngster stared at him a bit, then said, “Alright, I’ll invite you.”
Li Xun Huan started to laugh as his horse carriage sped away, until it can no longer see the youngster. Li Xun Huan laughingly asked, “Have you see such a strange kid before? I thought he must be a wise person, yet his words are just so innocent, so honest.”
The carriage driver responded, “He’s just a very strong-willed kid, that’s all.”
Li Xun Huan asked, “Did you see that sword on his waist?
A hint of a smile also appeared on the driver’s face. “That can even be considered a sword?”
In the strictest sense, that really cannot be considered a sword, it’s just a one meter long strip of metal. It contains no sharp tip, no sword cover, just two pieces of wood nailed onto a metal, which can be considered the handle.
The driver continued with a smile, “The way I see it, it’s just a child’s toy.”
This time not only did Li Xun Huan not smile, he even sighed, saying, “The way I see it, this toy is incredibly dangerous. It’s best to not play with it.”
The hotel in this little town is not big, but is full of people trapped by the heavy snowstorm, making the place incredibly crowded.
In the courtyard are numerous empty carriages of escort service. On the east side is the escort service’s flag, flapping loudly as the wind whistles by, making people unable to make out whether the design is that of a tiger or a lion.
At the little restaurant in the hotel, a big man with a sheepskin coat constantly went in and out. Sometimes after a few drinks, he’d take off his coat, showing that he’s not afraid of the cold.
As Li Xun Huan arrived, there are no more empty tables at the restaurant. Yet he’s not anxious at all, because he knows that there aren’t that many items in this world that can’t be bought with money, so he was able to find a table on the corner of the restaurant, asked for some wine, and started to drink slowly.
He does not drink very fast, but he can drink for several days and nights without stopping. He constantly drinks, constantly coughs, and the day gradually became dark.
The driver came in, standing behind him saying, “The room on the south side is empty now, they’ve cleaned it up, young master can rest at any time now.”
Li Xun Huan just nodded. After a while, that driver suddenly added, “The Golden Lion Escort Agency also has people here, as if they are escorting something from the border area.
Li Xun Huan asked, “Really! Who’s the main escort?”
The driver answered, “It’s the ‘Sudden Wind Sword’ Zhu Ge Lei.”
Li Xun Huan raised his eyebrows, laughingly said, “This geezer can actually lived til today? Not bad at all.”
Although he kept talking about the man behind him, his eyes are staring at the front door, as if waiting for someone.
The driver said, “That kid’s not walking very fast. You probably have to wait until midnight before he arrives.”
Li Xun Huan laughed, saying, “I don’t think it’s that he’s walking slowly, but rather wants to conserve energy. Have you seen a wolf walking around on the snowfield? If there’s no prey in front and no enemies in the back, it’s definitely not going to walk very fast. Because it feels that exhausting energy on the road is quite a waste.”
The driver also laughed, saying, “But that kid is not a wolf.”
Li Xun Huan did not say anything, because at this time, he started coughing again.
Then, he saw three people coming in from the back door, all talking loudly about a story in the martial world, as if they’re afraid people won’t know they’re important people in the Golden Lion Escort Agency.
Li Xun Huan also recognizes that the red-faced fat guy is ‘Sudden Wind Sword’, but doesn’t seem to want that person to recognize him, so he just lowered his head to carve that wooden figure.
Good thing Zhu Ge Lei never looked closely at anybody in this little town. They quickly ordered some food and wine, and began to eat.
Unfortunately, the food and the wine did not shut their mouths. After a few drinks, Zhu Ge Le became even more arrogant, laughing loudly. “Number two, do you remember that time under Tai Xing mountain when we met ‘The Four Tigers of Tai Xing’?”
The other guy smiled. “How can I forget? That time ‘The Four Tigers of Tai Xing’ were brave enough to come take our escorted items, even said something like ‘If you Zhu Ge Lei just crawl on the floor, we’ll let you pass. Otherwise not only do you leave the items, but also your head.’ ”
The third person also laughed loudly. “Who would’ve thought that while their sabers haven’t finished the strike, big brother you has already cut off their heads.”
The second person said, “He’s not trying to brag. When it comes to the power of palms, the best is obviously the head of our agency, ‘Golden Lion Palm’. But when it comes to sword skill, there’s probably no one better than our big brother here.”
Zhu Ge Lei laughs as he raised his cup, but suddenly his laugh stopped, as the cover of the baggage besides him suddenly was blown by the wind.
Two human shadows appeared.
These two people both have bright read capes with a peculiar mask unique to people living outside the borders. The two people seem to have the same physic, the same height.
The masses might not see their faces, but from their lightness kung fu and outfit, they all unintentionally began to stare at them.
Only Li Xun Huan’s eyes are still staring at the door, because as the wind starts to blow the door again, he saw that youngster.
That youngster just stood outside the door, and seems as if he’s stood there for a long time, as if he we’re a savage beast. Although he is yearning for the warmth inside the hotel and does not want to leave, he’s afraid of entering the world of man.
Li Xun Huan gave a light sigh, and only now transferred his attention to those two men. Only to see that these two people have taken off their masks, revealing two ugly faces.
Their ears are small, but noses are big, as if it covered one-third the face, making the eyes and ears seem really far apart.
But their eyes revealed evil, like the eyes of a rattlesnake.
Then, they took off their capes, revealing a black shirt. It seems as if their body also resembles that of a snake, thin and long, and can strike at any moment. Making people not only scared, but also disgusted.
These two people looked very similar, except one face looks white, while the other looks black. Their movements are slow, taking off their cape, folding it, and walked slowly to the counter. Then they walked in front of Zhu Ge Lei.
It became so quiet in the restaurant that people can even hear Li Xun Huan carving the figure.
Zhu Ge Lei pretended that he didn’t see these two people, but failed.
Those two people also stared at him, those eyes like an oil brush, brushing Zhu Ge Lei from top to bottom.
Zhu Ge Lei can only stand and ask, “May I ask the names of the two gentleman, please? Excuse me for not recognizing.”
The white faced man suddenly said, “So you’re ‘Sudden Wind Sword’ Zhu Ge Lei?”
His voice is sharp, and there seems to be a resonance, like that of a rattlesnake. Zhu Ge Lei is scared out of his wits just listening to the voices. “Y…yes.”
The black-faced man laughed coldly. “You deserve to be called ‘Sudden Wind Sword’?”
His hand shook, a long, thin, black sword suddenly appeared in his hand.
As the sword pointed at Zhu Ge Lei, he said, “Just leave what you are carrying, and I’ll spare your life.”
The second guy sitting there suddenly stood up, and said with a smile, “The two gentleman must’ve made a mistake. On this trip, we escorted our items out to the border, not back in. Our carriages are empty.”
Before he can even finish his speech, the sword in the black-faced man entered his neck. With a light flip, the head popped right off.
Everyone is just plain shocked now. Their legs trembling under the tables.
However, since Zhu Ge Lei can live til today, obviously has some real skills. He took out the package under his arms and put it on the table. “Your info is correct. We truly did bring something from the border. But the two of you, unfortunately, do not have the skills to take it away.”
The black-faced man laughed. “What do you want to do?”
Zhu Ge Lei responded, “The two gentleman should at least leave some martial skills here, so I can have an excuse when I get back.”
Even as he speaks, his foot has retreated seven steps. The sword came out. And everyone figured he’s going to fight to the death.
No one expected him to instead flip a table to his side. The dish is filled with shrimp balls, which went into the air.
After only hearing the ‘Si Si’ sounds of the sword, seeing the bright light of the sword turning, over ten shrimp balls have all been cut in half.
Zhu Ge Lei said, “If you can do the same thing, I’ll immediately hand over the package. Otherwise, please leave.”
This sword skill is definitely quite excellent, the words are also very pretty, but Li Xun began to laugh silently. By doing this, his opponents can only slice shrimp balls, not his head. So no matter win or lose, he’ll keep his life.”
The black-faced man started to laugh. “This can only be considered a chef’s specialty. Do you really think it’s also martial arts?”
When he said this, he took a deep breath, made the sliced shrimp balls on the floor bounce up again. Then, with only the sight of a black light, the shrimp balls all suddenly disappeared. Apparently, they all got stuck on his sword. Even those with no kung fu realizes how hard it is to slice shrimp balls, but to capture them on a sword is much harder.
Zhu Ge Lei’s face suddenly went very pale, because he saw this sword skill, and quietly retreated a few more steps. Saying, “I assume that the two gentlemen are ‘The Blood-Stained Twin Snakes’?”
As he heard those words, the third person sitting at the table suddenly got scared out of his wits, quietly trying to crawl away.
Even the carriage driver by Li Xun Huan raised his eyebrows, because he knows that in the past years, very few robbers in the yellow river area can match these two people in terms of skill or ruthlessness. It is rumored that their red capes were stained by the blood of their victims.
But he still has not heard much. Because of the people who actually know what ‘The Blood-Stained Twin Snakes’ has done, 9 out of 10 had their heads relocated.”
Only to hear the black snake laughed, saying, “You can actually recognize us? At least your eyes aren’t blind.”
Zhu Ge Lei bit his teeth, saying, “Since the two want this package, I guess I can’t do anything about it. Just take it and leave.”
The white snake suddenly said, “If you’re willing to crawl on the floor, we’ll let your live. Otherwise, not only do you have to leave your package, but also your head.”
This just happens to be the words Zhu Ge Lei said ealier when he was gloating. This time as it comes out of the white-faced man’s mouth, every word seem to be cutting like a knife.
Zhu Ge Lei’s face turned green, then turned white, then suddenly dropped onto the floor, crawling around his table once.
It’s at this moment that Li Xun Huan let out a deep sigh, saying to himself, “I see that this person’s personality has changed, no wonder he can live this long.
Although he spoke very softly, the Twin snakes still heard him and turned to look. Yet Li Xun Huan didn’t seem to see this, instead concentrating on his human figure.
White snake laughed, “Looks like there’s a top kung fu expert here, my brother and I unfortunately did not see it.” Black snake said, “This package was given to us out of his own free will. If there’s someone whose sword is even faster than ours, we’ll also freely give our package to that person.”
White snake’s hand suddenly shook, and another sword appeared, except this sword is white, saying, “If there’s someone sword faster than us, not only will we give up this package, but also our head.”
Their eyes are staring at Li Xun Huan as they spoke. Yet Li Xun Huan’s simply concentrating on his carving. As if he heard nothing.
Yet someone outside suddenly yelled, “How much is your head worth?”
When he heard this, Li Xun Huan suddenly felt quite surprised, but also very happy. He raised his head, finally seeing the youngster walking into the room.
His clothing are still not fully dry. Some areas even turned into ice, yet he’s still standing straight as a spear.
His eyes still look that lonely, that proud.
His eyes contain that wild look which cannot be tamed, as if it can fight at any time, making it hard for people to get close to him.
But everyone’s attention is focused on that sword on his waist. When he saw this sword, the white snake suddenly began to laugh. “Were those words spoken by you?”
The youngster responded, “Yes.”
White snake said, “You want to buy my head?”
The youngster responded, “I just want to know how much it’s worth, because I want to sell it to you.”
White snake gathered himself, saying, “Selling me my own head?”
The youngster said, “Exactly, because not only do I not want this package, but I also do not want your head.”
White snake said, “It seems that you simply want to challenge me, then.”
“Yes”
White snaked looked closely at him, then looked at his sword, suddenly began to laugh hysterically. He’s never seen anything so funny in his life.
The youngster just stood there quietly, as if he has no idea what this person’s laughing about. He just think that there’s nothing funny about what he just said.
The carriage driver sighed, as if he thought this child must be mad, Zhu Ge Lei also thinks that there’s something wrong with the youngster’s head.
Only to hear white snake said, “Thousands taels of gold would have a hard time buying my head.”
The youngster said, “A thousand taels of gold is way too much, I’ll only need 50 taels.”
White snake suddenly stopped laughing, because he found that the youngster’s neither mad nor joking.
He then saw that sword again, and started to laugh uncontrollably again. “Ok, if you just do exactly as I do, I’ll give you 50 taels.”
Within his laughs, he suddenly struck at the candle on the counter. Yet nothing happened to the candle. Everyone was surprised, wondering what’s going on. It’s at this time that white snake blew at the candle, only to see it split into seven pieces. The sword moved again yet again. Those 7 pieces thenl got caught up on his sword. Amazingly enough, the fire on the top piece didn’t even go out!
White snake arrogantly said, “So do you think my sword is fast enough?”
The youngster’s face seems to contain absolutely no emotions, answering, “Very fast.”
White snake laughed, “How about you?”
The youngster responded, “My sword is not for cutting candles.
“Then what is your piece of scrap metal for?”
The youngster’s hand held the sword, said one word at a time, “My Sword Is For Killing People.”
White snake smiled. “Killing people? Who can you kill?”
The youngster said, “YOU!”
Just as the word ‘you’ came out of his mouth, he struck with his sword!
The sword was originally at the youngster’s waist, everyone saw this sword.
Yet in an instant, this sword has already entered the throat of white snake. Everyone saw that this meter long sword cut through white snake’s throat.
Yet no one saw just how his sword entered white snake’s throat!
There’s no blood, because blood hasn’t came out yet.
The youngster stared at white snake, saying, “So is your sword faster, or my sword is faster?”
White snake’s gave out a ‘ge ge’ noise. The muscles on his face all trembling. Suddenly his mouth opened, his tongue came out.
Blood came out of his mouth.
Black snake raised his sword, yet dare not to strike. Sweat dropped from his head continuously. His hand trembling.
Only to see the youngster suddenly took out the sword, and blood spilled from the throat of white snake. White snaked yelled loudly, “You…”.
Afterwards, he fell on the floor.
The youngster turned to black snake, saying, “He lost. Where’s my 50 taels?”
He is still that serious. Serious like an innocent child.
Yet this time no one dared to laugh at him.
As he trembles, black snake said, “So you really killed him for 50 taels of silver?”
“That’s correct.”
Black snake doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He suddenly grabbed his own hair, shredded his own cloths as silver came out. He then threw all that silver towards that youngster. “Here, take it. Take all of it!”
He then ran out the door like a mad person.
Not only did that youngster not follow him, he’s not even mad. Instead he simply bent down to pick up the silvers, then took them to the manager of the hotel, asking, “Do you think this is 50 taels?”
That manager was already crawling behind the table. Unable to speak. Only nodding his head furiously.
It’s only at this time that Li Xun Huan turned his head to the carriage driver, laughing. “I was correct, wasn’t I?”
The driver can only sigh. “You’re definitely correct. That toy is way too dangerous.”
He saw that youngster walking towards them, but couldn’t see Zhu Ge Lei. Zhu Ge Lei never got out from under the table.
It’s at this time that he finally came out, and he suddenly begin to strike at that youngster from the back!.
His sword is not slow. The youngster also never figured Zhu Ge Lei would try to kill him. He killed white snake. Zhu Ge Lei should be thankful to him. Why kill him?
Just as everyone thought this sword would penetrate the youngster’s heart, Zhu Ge Lei suddenly give a loud yell, his sword left his hand, stuck on the ceiling.
As the sword still springs back and forth on the ceiling, Zhu Ge Lei’s hands are already grabbing his own throat. But his eyes are on Li Xun Huan, the eyeballs almost popping out.
Li Xun Huan at this moment is no longer carving. Because the dagger he used to carve the figure is no longer in his hand.
Blood trickled from Zhu Ge Lei’s back.
He stared at Li Xun Huan, his throat also giving off a ‘ge ge’ sound. It’s only at this time that people began to understand that Li Xun Huan’s carving dagger made its way to Zhu Ge Lei’s throat.
Yet no one saw how this dagger got to his throat.
Sweat poured down from Zhu Ge Lei, his face full of pain. Suddenly he bit his teeth, and pulled that dagger out of his throat. Then stared at Li Xun Huan, yelling, “I should’ve recognized that it was you!”
Li Xun Huan sighed. “Unfortunately, you only found out now, or you never would’ve attempted to do such a disgraceful act.”
Zhu Ge Lei did not hear these words. He’ll never be able to hear ever again.
The youngster also turned to take a look, his face full of wonder, as if he’d never understand why this person would to kill him.
But he only looked for an instant, then walked up to Li Xun Huan. Beneath his wild and savage exterior seems to exist a hint of warmth and smile.
He only said one sentence. “I want to invite you for a drink.”
End of Chapter 1
Chapter 2: A Close Friend Stored in the Seas
The horse carriage is now filled with many bottles wine. These wine are bought by that youngster, so he drank them one after another, fully enjoying the taste.
Li Xun Huan looked at him with eyes filled with joy. He rarely finds people he’s interested in, but this youngster is incredibly interesting.
The youngster suddenly put down the wine bottle, staring at Li Xun Huan. “Why must you invite me into your carriage for a drink?”
Li Xun Huan laughed. “Because that hotel is not a place we should very long at.”
“Why?”
Li Xun Huan replied, “No matter who kills a person, he’ll end up in some sort of trouble. While I am not afraid of killing, I despise trouble.”
The youngster thought for a moment, then started drinking again. Li Xun Huan smiled as he looked at the youngster, appreciating his look as he drinks.
After a while, the youngster also sighed. “Killing is definitely not a happy thing. But there are people in this world that you just have to kill. So I must kill them!”
Li Xun Huan laughed. “You really killed him for those 50 taels of silver?”
The youngster replied, “Even without the money, I would’ve stilled killed him. But having 50 taels of silver is better.”
Li Xun Huan asked, “Why do you only ask for 50 taels?”
The youngster responded, “Because that’s how much he’s worth.”
Li Xun Huan smiled. “There are many people in the martial world that should die. And some are worth even more than 50 taels of silver. So later maybe you’ll become filthy rich.”
The youngster said, “Unfortunately, I’m too poor. Otherwise, I really should give you 50 taels.
“Why?”
“Because you helped me killed that person.”
Li Xun Huan laughed heartily. “You’re wrong. That person’s not worth 50 taels. In fact, he’s not even worth a single wen [the lowest form of ancient Chinese currency, like the penny today].
He suddenly asked, “Do you know why he tried to kill you?”
“No.”
“Because although white snake did not kill him, he still made Zhu Ge Lei unable to keep his place in the martial world. You killed white snake. Only by killing you will he be able to regain his position. That’s why he must kill you. People in the martial world are devious beyond your imagination.”
The youngster went deeply into his own thoughts. Then said, “Sometimes, a person’s heart is much more vicious than that of a tiger. At least when a tiger wants to eat you, he’ll let you know first.”
He drank another bottle of wine, then continued. “Yet I only hear people say that tigers are vicious, but never hear tigers say that humans are vicious. In reality, tigers only kill to survive. Yet humans can kill for any reason. And from what I know, humans kill a lot more humans than tigers do.”
Li Xun Huan looked at him. “That’s why you’d rather make friends with a tiger, right?”
The youngster thought a bit more, then suddenly laughed. “The only problem is, they can’t drink.”
This is the first time Li Xun Huan saw the youngster smile. He never thought a smile could bring such a huge change to a person.
The youngster’s face used to be so lonely, so proud, making Li Xun Huan think he’s like a wolf in the snow.
Yet when he smiled, his person totally changed. He became so warm, so close, so cute.
Li Xun Huan has never seen anyone’s smile can be so charming.
The youngster suddenly asked, “Are you a really famous person?”
Li Xun Huan smiled. “Sometimes, being famous is not a good thing.”
“Yet I would wish to become famous. I want to be the most famous person in the world.”
The way he said this made him look so innocent.
Li Xun Huan laughed again. “Everyone wants to be famous. You just happen to be a lot more honest than most people.”
That youngster said, “I’m different from others, I MUST be famous. If I’m not famous, I’ll have to die!”
Li Xun Huan was shocked at this statement. “Why?”
The youngster did not answer this question. Yet one can see the look of incredible pain from his eyes.
It’s only at this time that Li Xun Huan sees that this innocent child also has many hidden secrets. His childhood must have brought him much pain and suffering.
Li Xun Huan said in a warm voice, “If you want to be famous, you should at least tell me your name.”
The youngster thought for a long time, then responded, “People who know me all call me Ah Fei.”
“Ah Fei?”
Li Xun Huan laughed. “So your last name is ‘Ah’? There’s no one in this world with that last name.”
The youngster replied, “I have NO last name!” Much fire appeared in his eyes. Li Xun Huan realizes that not even tears can put out this type of fire. He cannot bear to keep on asking. He never thought that the youngster would continue to talk. “When I become really famous, I might say my last name, until then…”
Li Xun Huan said in a calm tone. “For now, I’ll just call you Ah Fei.” The youngster responded, “Very good, you can call me Ah Fei now. Quite frankly, you can call me by whatever name you want.”
Li Xun Huan said, “Ah Fei, let’s toast.”
Just as he finished half a glass, Li Xun Huan started to cough again, his pale face revealed a serious illness. Yet he still finished the rest of the glass.
Ah Fei stared at him strangely, as if wondering how a famous person like him can be in such bad health. Yet he said nothing, just finished his own glass.
Li Xun Huan suddenly smiled. “Do you know why I like you as my friend?”
Ah Fei did not respond, so Li Xun Huan continued. “Because of all my friends, you’re the only person to see me cough, yet does not persuade me to stop drinking.”
Ah Fei said, “Should you not drink if you cough?”
“In actuality, I shouldn’t even touch alcohol.”
Ah Fei said, “Then why do you keep drinking? Do you have a very sad past?”
Li Xun Huan’s bright eyes dimmed, looking at Ah Fei. “Have I asked you anything you did not wish to answer? Did I ask who your parents were? Who taught you kung fu? Where you’re from? Where you’re going?”
“No.”
“Then why do you ask me?”
Ah Fei quietly sat there. Then smiled. “I won’t ask you.”
LI Xun Huan also smiled, he seems to want to toast again, but just as he picks up the glass, he started to cough again.
Ah Fei opened the window for him, but suddenly the carriage stopped.
“What happened,” Li Xun Huan asked.
The driver said, “There’s someone blocking the street.”
“Who?”
“A snowman.”
They got off the carriage. Li Xun Huan simply just breathed slowly, yet Ah Fei kept staring at the snowman, as if he has never seen a snowman in his life before.
Li Xun Huan looked at him and asked, “You’ve never seen a snowman before?”
Ah Fei responded. “I just know that snow is terrible. Not only does it bring coldness to people, but also make plants die out, animals hide, people lonely, hungry.”
He made a snowball and threw it. The ball landed somewhere far away, broke apart, and disappeared. His eyesight is also looking at a faraway place. “To those who have enough to eat and enough to wear, snow might be very nice. Because not only can they make snowman, but also enjoy the scenery of a snowfield. But to people like me…”
He suddenly stared at Li Xun Huan. “Do you realize that for a person growing up in the wild as I did, wind, snow, hail, and rain are my biggest enemies?”
Li Xun Huan made a snowball too, saying, “I don’t hate snow, but I hate others blocking my path.”
He threw that snowball at the snowman. Oddly enough, the snowman did not fall down. They only saw the snow break apart, revealing something beneath it.
There’s actually a real person inside the snow!
A dead person.
A dead person’s face is never pretty, this face is incredibly hideous.
“Black snake!” Ah Fei suddenly yelled.
Why would black snake die here?
Why would the person who killed him put him here as a snowman?
The driver took his body from the snow, examining it closely, trying to find the strike that killed him.
Li Xun Huan asked, “Do you know who killed him?”
Ah Fei answered, “I don’t know.”
Li Xun Huan said, “It’s that package.”
“Package?”
Li Xun Huan continued, “That package was always on the table, so I did not notice it. But when black snake left, that package disappeared. Therefore I thought, he just pretended to be insane, to divert everyone’s attention while he leave with the package.”
“Ok.” Ah Fei said.
“Yet he never would’ve thought that the package would cause his death. The person who killed him must did so for that package.”
No one knew when that dagger made its way back to his hand again. “I wonder what’s in that baggage? Why would so many people be so interested in it? Maybe I should’ve taken a look.”
Ah Fei has been listening intently, but suddenly cut in, “If the person killed him for the package, why did they turn him into a snowman to block our paths?”
Li Xun Huan was very surprised. He found that while this youngster does not have much experience in society, innocent as a child. he does have an amazing intellect. Something many experienced people in the martial world cannot even compare.
Ah Fei continued, “That person must’ve calculated that no one else will travel on this road. Only you. So the snowman here is to block your path.”
Li Xun Huan did not respond, but said, “Did you find the lethal wound?”
But before the driver can respond, Li Xun Huan said, “Don’t bother.”
Ah Fei added, “That’s right. Those people are already here, why bother to keep looking?”
Li Xun Huan’s hearing and eyesight can be said to have no equal in the world. He really could not believe that this youngster’s hearing is just as good.
This youngster seems to have some natural beast-like abilities, to observe things others cannot. Li Xun Huan gave him a congratulatory laugh, said, “Since you’re all here, why not come and have a drink?”
The snow on the trees to the side of the road suddenly came down.
A person laughed heartily. “It’s been ten years since we last met. I never thought your precious dagger is still young. I must congratulate you.”
During the laugh, an one-armed man with a stare of an eagle appeared from the forest.
Another person also appeared from the other side of the road. This person’s thin and small. Looks like he has no more than a pound of meat on him, that light wind can probably blow him away.”
Ah Fei can see instantly that as this person appeared, there’s no footprint in the snow.
For a person to be able to leave no footprint, even if he has the advantage of being a bit light, still must have incredible inner power.
Li Xun Huan smiled. “I only came back from the border area for half a month. Yet Golden Lion Escort Agency’s head and ‘Traveling Without Shadow’ Mr. Yu Er both came to see me. My reputation must be pretty good.”
That short old man smiled deviously. “It seems that Little Li Tan Hua’s* fame is not undeserved. Your memory is amazing. We only saw each other once thirteen years ago, yet you still recognize me, this old, useless man.”
*[Note: Putting the word ‘little’ in front of one’s last name is sometimes used by elders to call a younger person. ‘Tan Hua’ is a title in ancient China. Given to the 3rd place tester in the imperial examinations as a method to determine future government officials. Kind of like calling someone a “Dr.” today for those with a Ph.D. Li Xun Huan, of course, got 3rd place in the examination. That’s why Yu Er called him by that title, as a sign of respect. Try to remember the term ‘Tan Hua’, as it will appear many more times later in the book]
It’s only now that Ah Fei saw that one of the old man’s legs is broken. He could not imagine how a broken-legged man be an expert in lightness kung fu.
But he didn’t understand that just because this man was handicapped at birth, he practiced his lightness kung fu much more rigorously to make up for the deficiency.
Ah Fei can’t help but feel respect for this man.
Li Xun Huan chuckled. “Since you also invited some friends, how come you’re not going to introduce them to us?”
Mr. Yu Er said coldly, “You’re right, they also have heard of your fame, and would like to meet you.”
As he spoke, four people appeared from the forest. Although it’s daytime, Li Xun Huan still could not help but feel a chill when seeing these four people.
These four people all look mature, yet they still dress like kids, with brightly colored clothing with flowery designs. Their shoes are kids shoes with a tiger design in front. Apron tied to their waist. Although their eyesight showed their mature age, they still act as if they are kids. If people see them, they’d probably throw up.
The most interesting thing is, they have bracelets with bells on their wrists and ankles. So they’d make a lot of noise when walking.
When the driver saw these four people, he immediately said, “Black snake was not killed by someone.”
Li Xun Huan said, “Huh?”
The driver said, “they’re killed by a scorpion’s poison.”
Li Xun Huan’s mood was changed. “In that case, these four must be the disciples of the 5-Poison-Kid then.”
The ‘kid’ in the yellow clothes laughed. “You destroyed that snowman we spent so much effort making. You’re going to pay.” As the word ‘pay’ came out, he suddenly flew toward Li Xun Huan, yet the bells on him did not make any noise.
Li Xun Huan just smiled at him, didn’t even move.
But Yu Er also flew, intercepting that yellow-clothed ‘kid’. Pulling him to the side.
‘Golden Lion’ suddenly stood up and laughed loudly. “Mr. Tan Hua here is incredibly rich. Forget a snowman, he can even afford to pay a ‘gold man’. The four of you should not be so hasty. I want to introduce everyone.”
The ‘kid’ in red said, “I know him. His last name is Li, first name is Xun Huan.”
The other ‘kid’ in red added. “I also know he’s an expert in eating, drinking, woman, and gambling. So I’ve always wanted him to help us go seek some pleasure*.”
*[Note: Li Xun Huan’s first name, ‘Xun Huan’, means to ‘seek pleasure’. The ‘kid’ in black used that exact term ‘Xun Xun Huan’, obviously as a play on words. I don’t know why I bother pointing this out, though.]
The last ‘kid’ in green said, “I also know that he’s quite a knowledgable person, was able to score a Tan Hua in the imperial examinations. I heard his dad, and his dad’s dad, were all Tan Huas.”
The ‘kid’ in red giggled. “Unfortunately, this Little Li Tan Hua doesn’t want to be a government official, but rather a thief.”
While others might not care too much about what they said, Ah Fei was spellbound by all this information. He had no idea his new friend had such a colorful life.
He did not realize that they only picked some of the more spectacular aspects of Li Xun Huan’s life. Li Xun Huan’s whole life story can’t be finished in three days and three nights.
Ah Fei also did not see that while Li Xun Huan’s smiling, his eyes revealed terrible pain, as if his heart will be broken when hearing others speak of his past.
Suddenly, Yu Er said with a serious face, “You really do know a lot about Li Tan Hua. But have you evver heard? Little Li’s Legendary Dagger, No equal under the Heavens, once leaving his hand, would NEVER miss!”
[I would like some help here. The phrase “Li Bu Xu Fa” describing his dagger is one of my favorite phrases in the book. It would be nice if someone can come up with a better translation than the gay one I have up there.]
The ‘kid’ in yellow laughed. “Once the dagger’s thrown, it never misses. So you must’ve been afraid that I would have died under his dagger, and then won’t be able to explain this to my master, right? That’s why you stopped me.”
Li Xun Huan said with a smile, “But everyone can be rest assured, my second dagger is not really all that great. And my first dagger has absolutely no chance of killing six people.”
“So if everyone wants revenge for Zhu Ge Lei, just go ahead.”
‘Golden Lion’ laughed twice. “Zhu Ge Lei’s doesn’t deserve to live, why is brother Li’s fault?”
Li Xun Huan responded, “Since everyone’s not here for revenge, are you all really here to have a drink?”
Yu Er responded coldy, “We just want the package!”
Li Xun Huan raised his eyebrows. “Package?”
“Yes, that package needs to be sent by the escort agency. If there’s any problems, the Golden Lion Escort Agency’s reputation will be shot.”
Li Xun Huan looked at black snake’s body. “You mean the package is not with him?”
‘Golden Lion’ responded, “Brother Li really knows how to joke. With brother Li at the scene, how could black snake possibly get away with the package?”
Li Xun Huan sighed. “The thing I hate most in my life is trouble. Why does trouble always seem to find me?”
‘Golden Lion’ didn’t seem to hear him, instead kep talking. “Brother Li just have to give up that package, I’ll leave immediately, and give brother Li some wine too. ”
Li Xun Huan played around with the dagger in his hand. Suddenly smiled. “You’re right, that package is with me. But I don’t know whether I should give it to you or not. Give me some time to think.
Yu Er asked, “How long will it take?”
Li Xun Huan responded, “Just two hours. After two hours, we’ll meet here again.”
Yu Er didn’t even hesitate. Said immediately, “Fine!”
He did not say another word before leaving.
The ‘kid’ in yellow suddenly chuckled. “In just one hour, you can already disappear. Why need two hours?”
Yu Er said, “Ever since Little Li Tan Hua entered the martial world and before retiring, had over 300 battles. He did not try to escape a single time.”
They came quickly and went quickly. Even as they speak, they had already disappeared deep into the woods.
Ah Fei suddenly said, “You don’t have the package.”
“True.”
“Then why did you lie?”
Li Xun Huan smiled a bit. “Although I did not take it, they would never have believed me. A battle was unavoidable. It’s better for me to admit it, rather than having to talk more.”
“If a battle’s unavoidable, why wait?”
Li Xun Huan said, “We must find someone in these two hours.”
“Who?”
“The person who stole the package.”
Li Xun Huan continued, “That night three people were at the table. Two are dead. We must find the third one.
Ah Fei thought deeply. “You’re saying that guy in the purple coat, with a whip on his waist, and hair in his ears, right?”
Li Xun Huan smiled. “You just saw him for an instant. Yet you remembered such extreme details!”
“I did see him just for an instant. An instant is enough.”
“You’re right. He’s the person I’m talking about. Of the people at the restaurant that night, only he knows the true value of that package. He stayed to the side so no one would notice him. That’s why he has the chance to take it. Because the package is so valuable, he wants to keep it for himself. Yet he’s afraid that his boss will find out, so he pushed the blame on me.”
He smiled lightly, and continued. “Good thing this isn’t the first time I’m wrongly blamed.”
Ah Fei said, “The only reason those people know where you are must be because of him.”
“Correct.”
“But in order for ‘Golden Lion’ not to be suspicious of him, he must still be around!”
“Correct.”
“That’s why he must be with the ‘Golden Lion’ people. So all we need to do is find them to find him!”
Li Xun Huan tapped his shoulders. “You just have to be around in the martial world for 3-5 years, and everybody else life will start to be miserable. Hopefully if we meet again, we’re still friends.”
He laughed heartily as he continued. “Because I really do not want to be your enemy.”
Ah Fei looked at him silently. Then said, “You want me to leave now?”
Li Xun Huan said, “This is my business. It has nothing to do with you. They weren’t looking for you. Why shouldn’t you leave?”
Ah Fei said, “You don’t want me get into this mess with you? Or do you simply not want me to travel with you?”
Li Xun Huan let out a sad look, but still kept smiling. “There’s no never-ending party under the Heavens. We’ll part eventually. Why care whether it’s soon or late?”
Ah Fei has a heavy look on his face. Then got two glasses of wine from the carriage. “Let me toast you one more time.”
Li Xun Huan drank the wine quickly. He wanted to smile, but instead started to cough again.
Ah Fei looked at him silently for a long time, then quickly turned around and left.
It’s at this time that it began to snow again. It’s so quiet one can the snowflakes landing on the ground.
Li Xun Huan stared at this youngster disappear into the snow and wind, stared at the ground’s slow, lonely footprints.
He immediately poured another glass of wine. Then said, “Youngster. I give you another toast.”
“You do know that I don’t really want you to leave. It’s just that your future is too bright. By being with me will only lead you to trouble. I’m a person that has made friends with trouble, bad luck, danger and sadness. I can… no longer have any more friends.”
But Ah Fei can no longer hear those words.
The driver still just stood there like a statue. He did not speak, and although filled with snow, will not move.
Li Xun Huan drank again. Then turned towards him. “You wait here. It’s best to bury this snake’s body. I’ll return in two hours.”
The driver lowered his head. “I know the Golden Lion’s palm is very famous, but it’s power is very exaggerated. You should need at most 40 moves to defeat him.”
Li Xun Huan said, “Maybe it won’t even take 10 moves.”
“What about Yu Er?”
“His lightness kung fu is quite good, and is an expert with the hidden weapons. But I should still have no trouble with him.”
The driver said, “I heard that the disciples of the 5-poison-kid knows some very strange kung fu. Based on what I saw, their kung fu is different from most.”
Li Xun Huan cut him off with a laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m not afraid of these people. They do not pose a problem.”
The driver is still very serious. “You don’t have to lie to me. I know this trip is very dangerous. Young master should not let Master Fei leave at this time.”
Li Xun Huan suddenly became a bit angry. “Since when did you began to like chattering?” he scolded.
The driver stopped immediately, and lowered his head even more. By the time he raised his head again, Li Xun Huan is gone, leaving sounds of his coughs.
Anyone that hears this continuous coughing sound in the middle of a snowfield could not help but feel sympathy. But the wind finally covered even the sound of his cough.
Tears dropped down the side of the driver’s face. Talking to himself, “Young master. We were living so peacefully at the borders. Why did you come back to this place of pain and sadness? Can you still not forget her after ten years? Do you still want to see her? But after you see her, you still would not talk to her. Why do you even bother and bring more suffering to yourself?”
Once in the forest, Li Xun Huan’s savvy, happy look suddenly changed, changing into that of a predator. His ears, eyes, nose, every ounce of muscle in his body searched the forest, leaving no trace missed. In the past twenty years, no one has escaped his pursuit.
Although his movement is quick as a rabbit, he doesn’t look like he’s in a hurry. Like a great dancer, no matter under what conditions, he can still maintain his gracefulness and composure.
Ten years ago, when he gave up everything he had and left for the borders, he also traveled on this road. At that time, spring flowers were just beginning to bloom.
He remember that there’s a small bar here. He would always stop there for drinks. Although the wine is not the best, the scenery is. The mountain on the other side, the waterfall. There are many tourists then. He looked at those couples while drinking his bitter wine cup by cup. Thinking he’ll forever leave this place. This is a memory he’ll never forget.
Now, he can’t believe he’s back here again. Ten years. The people must all be new now. The little waitress now married. The married couple who loved each other deeply left this world. Even the peach trees, now trapped under the snow.
Oh but how he yearned that the little bar would still be there.
He thinks this way not because of old memories, but rather because he thinks the person he wants is here.
Although the world in this snow is vastly different from the Spring winds, he still feel stabbing pain from it.
Money, power, fame, place in society are all easy to give up. But those great memories, those sweet memories, all act like locks, trapping him so he can never escape. Never break free.
Li Xun Huan took out a wine bottle and drank the whole bottle. He only started moving again after he finished coughing.
He really did see that little bar again.
He remembered that in the Spring, a no-name mountain flower would grow everywhere. He would drink wine here and enjoy the flowers.
Now everything has changed.
But he saw a carriage, and heard the sound of horses in the back.
Li Xun Huan knows that he did not guess wrong. They’re really here! Because in this weather, in this area, cannot have any other tourists.
He picked up his pace, became more careful, quietly listened for a while. No sound came from the little bar. He then dashed towards the bar.
When he got really close, he found that this bar is quiet beyond belief. Other than some low horse sounds, everything’s quiet.
Just as Li Xun Huan stepped up to the door, the floor gave a creak. He immediately backed off.
But still no sound.
Li Xun Huan sneaked to the back, thinking, “Maybe they’re not here.”
But he then saw ‘Golden Lion’,who’s just staring at him. But there’s no movement, like a statue.
Li Xun Huan sighed. “I would’ve never thought!”
He just said those three words before closing his mouth.
Because he just then realized that the ‘Golden Lion’ will never ever hear another voice again.
End of Chapter 2
Written by Gu Long
Translation by Meh
Edited and proofread by audiowuxia.
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