Faraway Wanderers

The weather had no regards for the heroes gathered at Dong Ting, seeing how gloomy the sky was. It was as if something heavily suspended the rain in midair and it could fall down any time. The damp air was chilly and there were less and less fallen leaves.

There was a man standing in the middle of this with sadness, thinking about his hometown. Thirty years seemed like such a long dream.

Cao Chong stepped down to let Abbot Ci Mu take the reins. Zhou Zishu, while hidden in the crowd, heard the young man next to him sighed, One day I should become someone like him.

Xiang Yu the Overlord of Western Chu, upon seeing Emperor Shi Huangs procession, had said, I am fit to replace him.1Liu Xiu the Emperor Guangwu during his younger years also dazedly lamented, Palace guard leader is a worthy official title to strive for, just as Yin Lihua is a worthy maiden to wed.2In this vast and obscure world, who wouldnt want to give it their all and become a legendary hero fit for the history books?

The adolescence years were always full of vitality, so it wasnt uncommon for someone to look up at a figure, gritting his teeth and clenching his fist while exclaiming One day, I should become someone like him.

Someone who had the world in his power.

But what came after the glory?

Zhou Zishus Master passed away too soon, leaving the Si Ji Holdings in chaos with a lack of a leader. Just like that, the responsibility fell on his shoulders as he is the Big Senior Brother but how much could a Big Senior Brother really do? He was barely over fifteen that year.

The current Emperor when he was fifteen was still biding his time however he could; Nan Ning Wang3when he was fifteen was indulging in wine and pleasure and letting them cloud his senses; even the Great Shaman of South Xinjiang back when he was fifteen was a kid stranded in a foreign land as hostage, full of resentfulness but had no way out.

Thats why Liang Jiuxiao in some ways had become his only solace as they depended on each other to live on.

But since when did the cracks in their relationship appear?

Maybe it was when Liang Jiuxiao visited the capital for the first time and saw the corrupted struggles, saw the increasingly horrible conflicts between families, saw brothers murdering each other in cold blood, saw all the crimes, framings, even deaths of loyal officialsbehind all of which was the Big Senior Brother whom he always looked up to

Gao Chong was already standing up, fiercely condemning the Ghost Valley in front of all the heroes.

Zhou Zishus eyes were downcast, as if he was sleeping. Not a single syllable of Liang Jiuxiaos interrogating words had once left his mind all these years.

What are you all after, really? Power? The throne? Glory and wealth?

Your fate will not end well if you continue down this road, please snap out of it!

An eye for an eye is how it is, big brother

An eye for an eye? Why should blood be paid back with blood while in this world there were other ways to make people suffer without dyingZhou Zishu smiled mockingly and thought,Ah, Jiuxiao, were both wrong after all.

At that moment, there was a grunt interrupting Gao Chongs words and Zhou Zishus train of thought. The noise sounded like it belonged to a child, but was also strangely raspy. There was internal force underlying Gao Chongs voice, so it was evident that this person was not your run-of-the-mill type, seeing how they were able to cut him off.

They spoke louder. Sir Gao, how can you come to the conclusion that the Ghost Valleys behind all this just with mere words? Isnt this a little far-fetched?

Everyones gaze was drawn to one spot, not excluding Zhou Zishu. The one who spoke up was a dwarf-like man who was only around a meter tall, currently sitting on the shoulder of another man whose build was the complete opposite. Zhou Zishu could be considered tall compared to the average man, but even he had to crane his neck to look at this giant. His hair was wild and his beard was untamed, only leaving his dark eyes visible. He carried the dwarf with care, using his huge hands to grip the smaller mans legs to prevent him from falling.

Werent these Earth Lord4Feng Xiaofeng and his wishy-washy friend Gao Shannu?

Their physical attributes were too distinctive, to the point that everyone knew who they were the moment they opened their mouths. There was a glint in Zhou Zishus eyes; in fact, he harbored no bad feelings towards this Feng Xiaofeng at all. If the rumors were correct, he was someone with a gray morality and acted on his own emotions rather than following the rules. His physique might also be the one that contributed to his stubborn and unpredictable behaviors.

Except for Gao Shannu to whom he was attached at the hip, he didnt listen to anyone else. In short, he was difficult.

Feng Xiaofengs voice was grating to the ears. Youre being unreasonable, Sir Gao, with your talk about those evil-doers in the Ghost Valley. Of course the Ghosts of Qingzhu Ridge have done a lot of despicable thingsthey would be decent human beings otherwise. But forgive me for being rude, because with the Valleys strict rules forbidding people to leave once they enter and preventing the Ghosts from causing mayhem for years, I dont see why they have to act up right at this moment.

Gao Chong pursed his lips, his Buddha-like face no longer smiling. His eyes were unnaturally serious, carrying indescribable intimidation. He looked at Feng Xiaofeng for a good while, then asked slowly. Is that you, Brother Feng? What is your opinion then?

Feng Xiaofeng sneered, Spare me all of your niceties. You think I dont know how youre calling me Brother on the outside but Dwarf on the inside? Well this dwarf has heard something through the grapevine and would like to give all you joblessheroesa warning, so that you dont go and do something embarrassing.

Zhou Zishu had heard enough to confirm the rumors about this man for himself. Feng Xiaofeng was definitely not the malicious type, he was neutral at worst; but people-pleasing seemed to be non-existent in his vocabulary. Not only was he unpleasant, others would label him a mad dog without a doubt.

There were whispers about how he cut off someones tongue after they called him a dwarf. He would even cut the tongue of someone who address him impolitely, and when they did show him politeness he would deem it a liea real tough nut to crack.

Gao Chong frowned, but as a renowned hero he had to be courteous and not try to argue with a mad dog. So he asked in a civil manner, What rumors have you heard, Sir Feng?

Feng Xiaofeng let out a cruel laugh, sounding not unlike a mystical bird. Why are you playing dumb, Gao Chong? I may know nothing about Mu Yunge and Yu Tianjies case, but do you dare say that the deaths of Zhang Yusen and the Patriarch of Tai Shan have no correlations to the Lapis Armor?

At this, the expressions of those who were in the know changed immediately as whispers broke out. Zhou Zishu took note of Gao Chong seemingly turn to glance Abbot Ci Mu with a grave expression. In contrast, Monk Gus young disciple who was sitting near Gao Chong paid no attention, his posture and attitude resembling a detached immortal.

Zhang Chengling, sitting beside Zhao Jing, sneaked a look at the elder. He saw Zhao Jings face turned into a mix of rage, contemplation and something else rather scary after Lapis Armor was uttered.

The boys impending question was stuck in his throat.

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In this relatively short amount of time, he had come to understand a lot of things. Zhang Chengling could see the contempt and pity in peoples eyes and read it in their words thats right, how could the famous Sir Zhang Yusen have such a coward for a son? He once heard the Zhaos servants gossiping in secret about whether it was worth it for hundreds of people to lay down their lives just for a kid.

With him being incompetent in every aspect, how could they expect him to avenge Sir Zhang and rebuild the Zhang family?

They only saw him as a mascot to express their hatred for the Ghost Valley; then they would turn to him and said Ah, the Zhang orphan. Dont worry, kid, we will seek justice for your father and family.

A helpless, pitiful mascot.

Zhang Chenglings thought strayed to the sickly and quiet man he met in the abandoned shrine that day. Ever since that horrific night, he could never sleep without encountering nightmares, but who would care if he told them? Even uncle Zhao would tell him to straighten his spine and stop it from getting to him; that everyone would stand beside him to avenge the Zhangs. There was no one else who would embrace his shoulders and talked to him softly, that Its alright, sleep all you want. Ill wake you if theres a nightmare.

Seeing that chaos had broken out, Feng Xiaofengs smirked remained as he requested that Gao Chong gave everyone an explanation about the Lapis Armor. Zhang Chengling lowered his head and was kneading his temples when there was a stealthy rush of wind flew at him, carrying a tiny ball of paper to hit his palm directly. Zhang Chengling startled, and after seeing that no one was noticing him, he bent down and picked up the paper ball.

Written on it was simply:Follow me if you want to know the truth.

When Zhang Chengling looked up, in the crowd there was a man in dark clothes who was staring at him without blinking. A cruel sneer seemed to be hung at the corner of his lips, his gaze dark and disdainful as if he was sure that the boy wouldnt follow him.

In a blink of an eye, not sure if it was out of being over-emotional or impulsive, Zhang Chengling gripped the note tightly. Taking advantage of the current commotion, he quietly left Zhao Jings side and followed the strange man through the crowd.

No one noticed him except for Zhou Zishu.

Zhou Zishu always had half of his attention on Zhang Chengling, and his keen eyes immediately noticed and alarming him of the man shooting the note at the boy. Seeing that Zhang Chengling discarded all notions of danger and went after the man alone, he frowned and immediately abandoned the heroes quarrel to chase after the boy in secret.

The man seemed to be toying with him, disappearing as soon as Zhang Chengling followed him; but not long after that, there would be small rocks shooting at him from different directions, apparently mocking his extremely terribleqinggong, like a cat playing with a mouse.

Zhang Chengling gritted his teeth, unconsciously able to pursue further and further. He didnt have an aptitude for these physical activities, and after he arrived at the Zhaos Holdings, everyone was too busy about doing heroic deeds to remember to teach him morekungfu. Soon enough, his angry chase left him out of breath and dizzy. He could almost hear the sound of his pulse by the temples.

Never before had the spoiled boy been so angry with himself. He heard someone snort, This is Zhang Yusens brat? What a waste.

He thought,Thats right, youre a waste, Zhang Chengling; why did uncle Li risk his life to save you?

Why did it have to be you?

The man then appeared in front of him, hands like claws twisting his neck. His gaze at Zhang Chengling was sinister. When the boys body warmth slowly started to disintegrate, he realized they were standing on deserted land.

Shadows appeared seemingly from nowhere behind the man with the same fashion, circling around Zhang Chengling.

The one who led him here laughed quietly and released him. He raised his voice, My poorly hidden friend, why must you be so worked up over a boy like this?

A man dressed in deep red stepped forward at that. On his face was a red birthmark, making his features incredibly formidable at first glance.

Zhang Chenglings legs started to tremble, but he tried his best to keep his chin up and feigned courage at the man in red.

The man suddenly laughed, the dry sound not unlike that from a rusty fan, causing goosebumps to erupt across the skin. In just a blink, he materialized in front of Zhang Chengling and held the boys neck. His fingers were cold like a corpses, and for a brief moment Zhang Chengling mistook him for an undead.

Then the man asked softly. Let me ask you: That night at the Zhangs Holdings, did you see a man with a missing finger?

Zhang Chenglings eyes were as wide as saucers as he tried to shake his head.

The man narrowed his eyes, softening his voice even more. No? Think again, my good boy, did you see him? Or did you not?

The softer his voice was, the stronger his grip became. Zhang Chengling tried to breathe and struggle out of the grip with all his might, his face reddening; but all of his retaliating punches were futile. He rasped, Fuck you!

The man in red seemed not to notice, a demonic smile appearing on his face. Yes or no?

Zhang Chengling felt like his chest was going to burst. He knew this man wanted him to say yes, but right at this life-and-death moment, his stubbornness awoke with a vengeance as he spit on the mans face. The grip quickly turned crueler, and Zhang Chengling had no more strength to struggle.

The mans voice was still gentle. Im asking you once again: Yes, or no?

Zhang Chengling was slipping out of consciousness. He thought,This is it

Suddenly, the man let out a sound of pain and let go of the boy. Air rushed into his lungs and he stumbled backwards, eventually falling on the ground with a Thud!, coughing painfully.

The man in red took a few steps back, eyes glancing at the rock that almost broke his wrist with hostility. Whos there?

Footnotes.

Both references 1 & 2 are from real historical figures.

1Xiang Yu was a ruthless warlord famous for his conquests in the late Qin dynasty, and Qin Shi Huang was the most prominent Emperor of the Qin dynasty and is one of the most influential figures in Chinese history.

2Emperor Guangwu was and emperor during the Han Dynasty, and Yin Lihua was his second empress. They knew each other when they were young and he had always been impressed with her beauty way back then.

3 (wng) here, while literally translates to King, is a title used for the current/former Emperors/Kings siblings.

4Likely refers to , a deity in Chinese myth.

The weather had no regards for the heroes gathered at Dong Ting, seeing how gloomy the sky was. It was as if something heavily suspended the rain in midair and it could fall down any time. The damp air was chilly and there were less and less fallen leaves.

There was a man standing in the middle of this with sadness, thinking about his hometown. Thirty years seemed like such a long dream.

Cao Chong stepped down to let Abbot Ci Mu take the reins. Zhou Zishu, while hidden in the crowd, heard the young man next to him sighed, One day I should become someone like him.

Xiang Yu the Overlord of Western Chu, upon seeing Emperor Shi Huangs procession, had said, I am fit to replace him.1Liu Xiu the Emperor Guangwu during his younger years also dazedly lamented, Palace guard leader is a worthy official title to strive for, just as Yin Lihua is a worthy maiden to wed.2In this vast and obscure world, who wouldnt want to give it their all and become a legendary hero fit for the history books?

The adolescence years were always full of vitality, so it wasnt uncommon for someone to look up at a figure, gritting his teeth and clenching his fist while exclaiming One day, I should become someone like him.

Someone who had the world in his power.

But what came after the glory?

Zhou Zishus Master passed away too soon, leaving the Si Ji Holdings in chaos with a lack of a leader. Just like that, the responsibility fell on his shoulders as he is the Big Senior Brother but how much could a Big Senior Brother really do? He was barely over fifteen that year.

The current Emperor when he was fifteen was still biding his time however he could; Nan Ning Wang3when he was fifteen was indulging in wine and pleasure and letting them cloud his senses; even the Great Shaman of South Xinjiang back when he was fifteen was a kid stranded in a foreign land as hostage, full of resentfulness but had no way out.

Thats why Liang Jiuxiao in some ways had become his only solace as they depended on each other to live on.

But since when did the cracks in their relationship appear?

Maybe it was when Liang Jiuxiao visited the capital for the first time and saw the corrupted struggles, saw the increasingly horrible conflicts between families, saw brothers murdering each other in cold blood, saw all the crimes, framings, even deaths of loyal officialsbehind all of which was the Big Senior Brother whom he always looked up to

Gao Chong was already standing up, fiercely condemning the Ghost Valley in front of all the heroes.

Zhou Zishus eyes were downcast, as if he was sleeping. Not a single syllable of Liang Jiuxiaos interrogating words had once left his mind all these years.

What are you all after, really? Power? The throne? Glory and wealth?

Your fate will not end well if you continue down this road, please snap out of it!

An eye for an eye is how it is, big brother

An eye for an eye? Why should blood be paid back with blood while in this world there were other ways to make people suffer without dyingZhou Zishu smiled mockingly and thought,Ah, Jiuxiao, were both wrong after all.

At that moment, there was a grunt interrupting Gao Chongs words and Zhou Zishus train of thought. The noise sounded like it belonged to a child, but was also strangely raspy. There was internal force underlying Gao Chongs voice, so it was evident that this person was not your run-of-the-mill type, seeing how they were able to cut him off.

They spoke louder. Sir Gao, how can you come to the conclusion that the Ghost Valleys behind all this just with mere words? Isnt this a little far-fetched?

Everyones gaze was drawn to one spot, not excluding Zhou Zishu. The one who spoke up was a dwarf-like man who was only around a meter tall, currently sitting on the shoulder of another man whose build was the complete opposite. Zhou Zishu could be considered tall compared to the average man, but even he had to crane his neck to look at this giant. His hair was wild and his beard was untamed, only leaving his dark eyes visible. He carried the dwarf with care, using his huge hands to grip the smaller mans legs to prevent him from falling.

Werent these Earth Lord4Feng Xiaofeng and his wishy-washy friend Gao Shannu?

Their physical attributes were too distinctive, to the point that everyone knew who they were the moment they opened their mouths. There was a glint in Zhou Zishus eyes; in fact, he harbored no bad feelings towards this Feng Xiaofeng at all. If the rumors were correct, he was someone with a gray morality and acted on his own emotions rather than following the rules. His physique might also be the one that contributed to his stubborn and unpredictable behaviors.

Except for Gao Shannu to whom he was attached at the hip, he didnt listen to anyone else. In short, he was difficult.

Feng Xiaofengs voice was grating to the ears. Youre being unreasonable, Sir Gao, with your talk about those evil-doers in the Ghost Valley. Of course the Ghosts of Qingzhu Ridge have done a lot of despicable thingsthey would be decent human beings otherwise. But forgive me for being rude, because with the Valleys strict rules forbidding people to leave once they enter and preventing the Ghosts from causing mayhem for years, I dont see why they have to act up right at this moment.

Gao Chong pursed his lips, his Buddha-like face no longer smiling. His eyes were unnaturally serious, carrying indescribable intimidation. He looked at Feng Xiaofeng for a good while, then asked slowly. Is that you, Brother Feng? What is your opinion then?

Feng Xiaofeng sneered, Spare me all of your niceties. You think I dont know how youre calling me Brother on the outside but Dwarf on the inside? Well this dwarf has heard something through the grapevine and would like to give all you joblessheroesa warning, so that you dont go and do something embarrassing.

Zhou Zishu had heard enough to confirm the rumors about this man for himself. Feng Xiaofeng was definitely not the malicious type, he was neutral at worst; but people-pleasing seemed to be non-existent in his vocabulary. Not only was he unpleasant, others would label him a mad dog without a doubt.

There were whispers about how he cut off someones tongue after they called him a dwarf. He would even cut the tongue of someone who address him impolitely, and when they did show him politeness he would deem it a liea real tough nut to crack.

Gao Chong frowned, but as a renowned hero he had to be courteous and not try to argue with a mad dog. So he asked in a civil manner, What rumors have you heard, Sir Feng?

Feng Xiaofeng let out a cruel laugh, sounding not unlike a mystical bird. Why are you playing dumb, Gao Chong? I may know nothing about Mu Yunge and Yu Tianjies case, but do you dare say that the deaths of Zhang Yusen and the Patriarch of Tai Shan have no correlations to the Lapis Armor?

At this, the expressions of those who were in the know changed immediately as whispers broke out. Zhou Zishu took note of Gao Chong seemingly turn to glance Abbot Ci Mu with a grave expression. In contrast, Monk Gus young disciple who was sitting near Gao Chong paid no attention, his posture and attitude resembling a detached immortal.

Zhang Chengling, sitting beside Zhao Jing, sneaked a look at the elder. He saw Zhao Jings face turned into a mix of rage, contemplation and something else rather scary after Lapis Armor was uttered.

The boys impending question was stuck in his throat.

In this relatively short amount of time, he had come to understand a lot of things. Zhang Chengling could see the contempt and pity in peoples eyes and read it in their words thats right, how could the famous Sir Zhang Yusen have such a coward for a son? He once heard the Zhaos servants gossiping in secret about whether it was worth it for hundreds of people to lay down their lives just for a kid.

With him being incompetent in every aspect, how could they expect him to avenge Sir Zhang and rebuild the Zhang family?

They only saw him as a mascot to express their hatred for the Ghost Valley; then they would turn to him and said Ah, the Zhang orphan. Dont worry, kid, we will seek justice for your father and family.

A helpless, pitiful mascot.

Zhang Chenglings thought strayed to the sickly and quiet man he met in the abandoned shrine that day. Ever since that horrific night, he could never sleep without encountering nightmares, but who would care if he told them? Even uncle Zhao would tell him to straighten his spine and stop it from getting to him; that everyone would stand beside him to avenge the Zhangs. There was no one else who would embrace his shoulders and talked to him softly, that Its alright, sleep all you want. Ill wake you if theres a nightmare.

Seeing that chaos had broken out, Feng Xiaofengs smirked remained as he requested that Gao Chong gave everyone an explanation about the Lapis Armor. Zhang Chengling lowered his head and was kneading his temples when there was a stealthy rush of wind flew at him, carrying a tiny ball of paper to hit his palm directly. Zhang Chengling startled, and after seeing that no one was noticing him, he bent down and picked up the paper ball.

Written on it was simply:Follow me if you want to know the truth.

When Zhang Chengling looked up, in the crowd there was a man in dark clothes who was staring at him without blinking. A cruel sneer seemed to be hung at the corner of his lips, his gaze dark and disdainful as if he was sure that the boy wouldnt follow him.

In a blink of an eye, not sure if it was out of being over-emotional or impulsive, Zhang Chengling gripped the note tightly. Taking advantage of the current commotion, he quietly left Zhao Jings side and followed the strange man through the crowd.

No one noticed him except for Zhou Zishu.

Zhou Zishu always had half of his attention on Zhang Chengling, and his keen eyes immediately noticed and alarming him of the man shooting the note at the boy. Seeing that Zhang Chengling discarded all notions of danger and went after the man alone, he frowned and immediately abandoned the heroes quarrel to chase after the boy in secret.

The man seemed to be toying with him, disappearing as soon as Zhang Chengling followed him; but not long after that, there would be small rocks shooting at him from different directions, apparently mocking his extremely terribleqinggong, like a cat playing with a mouse.

Zhang Chengling gritted his teeth, unconsciously able to pursue further and further. He didnt have an aptitude for these physical activities, and after he arrived at the Zhaos Holdings, everyone was too busy about doing heroic deeds to remember to teach him morekungfu. Soon enough, his angry chase left him out of breath and dizzy. He could almost hear the sound of his pulse by the temples.

Never before had the spoiled boy been so angry with himself. He heard someone snort, This is Zhang Yusens brat? What a waste.

He thought,Thats right, youre a waste, Zhang Chengling; why did uncle Li risk his life to save you?

Why did it have to be you?

The man then appeared in front of him, hands like claws twisting his neck. His gaze at Zhang Chengling was sinister. When the boys body warmth slowly started to disintegrate, he realized they were standing on deserted land.

Shadows appeared seemingly from nowhere behind the man with the same fashion, circling around Zhang Chengling.

The one who led him here laughed quietly and released him. He raised his voice, My poorly hidden friend, why must you be so worked up over a boy like this?

A man dressed in deep red stepped forward at that. On his face was a red birthmark, making his features incredibly formidable at first glance.

Zhang Chenglings legs started to tremble, but he tried his best to keep his chin up and feigned courage at the man in red.

The man suddenly laughed, the dry sound not unlike that from a rusty fan, causing goosebumps to erupt across the skin. In just a blink, he materialized in front of Zhang Chengling and held the boys neck. His fingers were cold like a corpses, and for a brief moment Zhang Chengling mistook him for an undead.

Then the man asked softly. Let me ask you: That night at the Zhangs Holdings, did you see a man with a missing finger?

Zhang Chenglings eyes were as wide as saucers as he tried to shake his head.

The man narrowed his eyes, softening his voice even more. No? Think again, my good boy, did you see him? Or did you not?

The softer his voice was, the stronger his grip became. Zhang Chengling tried to breathe and struggle out of the grip with all his might, his face reddening; but all of his retaliating punches were futile. He rasped, Fuck you!

The man in red seemed not to notice, a demonic smile appearing on his face. Yes or no?

Zhang Chengling felt like his chest was going to burst. He knew this man wanted him to say yes, but right at this life-and-death moment, his stubbornness awoke with a vengeance as he spit on the mans face. The grip quickly turned crueler, and Zhang Chengling had no more strength to struggle.

The mans voice was still gentle. Im asking you once again: Yes, or no?

Zhang Chengling was slipping out of consciousness. He thought,This is it

Suddenly, the man let out a sound of pain and let go of the boy. Air rushed into his lungs and he stumbled backwards, eventually falling on the ground with a Thud!, coughing painfully.

The man in red took a few steps back, eyes glancing at the rock that almost broke his wrist with hostility. Whos there?

Footnotes.

Both references 1 & 2 are from real historical figures.

1Xiang Yu was a ruthless warlord famous for his conquests in the late Qin dynasty, and Qin Shi Huang was the most prominent Emperor of the Qin dynasty and is one of the most influential figures in Chinese history.

2Emperor Guangwu was and emperor during the Han Dynasty, and Yin Lihua was his second empress. They knew each other when they were young and he had always been impressed with her beauty way back then.

3 (wng) here, while literally translates to King, is a title used for the current/former Emperors/Kings siblings.

4Likely refers to , a deity in Chinese myth.