Chapter 24: Forcing Entry into the Niu Residence

Lu Xin practically threw himself down Lion Peak Mountain in a blind rush, the fire of rage in his chest threatening to burst from his very being. He was not only angry, but more than anything, consumed by guilt and regret.

Back in Hangzhou, he had clearly seen Niu Ercheng, and the grand red bridal sedan carried by eight men. Yet he hadn’t lifted the curtain, hadn’t spared a glance at the person inside. He knew well enough that Niu Ercheng’s fourteenth concubine was most likely snatched away by force.

But what of it? The world was cold, everyone struggling just to get by. In this world, if something doesn’t concern you, who would care about the life or death of another? Who would care about anyone else’s plight?

Lu Xin told himself he was no different from others; he was no saint. Yet that single missed moment, that instant of passing by, perhaps, meant life and death forever parted.

“Yuer, I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I should have looked, should have lifted the curtain, should have seen you. I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

He raced through the wind, regret overwhelming him. His eyes, which had held back tears for so long, were gradually moistening. He could not imagine how Tian Yuer, who once swore she would never set foot in the Niu household even if it cost her life, must have felt—how humiliated, how terrified—when she put on the bridal gown, when she stepped into that sedan.

The more he thought about it, the more unbearable the pain in his chest became, as if a thousand blades were being driven into his heart. He could not recall how he made it down the mountain; his mind was blank, his body drenched in sweat and rage. The boatman at the foot of the mountain was startled at the sight of him, but since Lu Xin said nothing, the man dared not ask questions and simply rowed in silence. It was only when the boat neared the shore that the young man finally spoke.

“Where’s the nearest doctor?”

“Manager Lu, what do you need a doctor for? Did you get hurt on the mountain?”

The boatman was concerned. He knew Lu Xin well; for the past two years, whenever anyone from the Xu family went up the mountain, it was always his boat. He’d witnessed all of Lu Xin’s changes. But today, the young man was clearly not himself.

“It’s not for me. It’s for Old Tian. Old Liang, please, just tell me.”

“Alright. There aren’t many renowned doctors near West Lake, but Shopkeeper Hong at Shenghe Pharmacy knows medicine. You can try him.”

“Thank you.”

Lu Xin nodded. Before the boat even reached the dock, he was already skimming over the water. Shenghe Pharmacy lay right beside West Lake, less than half a mile from the pier. Though he longed to storm the Niu residence and take Tian Ling’er away at once, Tian Gui’s injuries were too severe; without a doctor, he dared not imagine the consequences.

“Young hero, our shop just received a batch of top-grade ginseng, straight from Goguryeo by boat yesterday. Would you care to have a look? If ginseng isn’t to your liking, we also have Tianshan snow lotus from the Western Regions—a holy medicine for healing, perfect for an adventurer like yourself.”

The clerk at the counter spotted Lu Xin’s martial attire and immediately began hawking all sorts of portable medicines. But Lu Xin had no patience for this; he furrowed his brow and tossed his sword onto the counter.

“Cut the nonsense. Who is Shopkeeper Hong?”

The clerk’s face drained of color and he hurried several steps back. Only now did he realize the youth’s gaze was not that of a customer, but of someone seeking vengeance.

“Shop—Shopkeeper Hong is resting in the back. Hero, please, spare me. I’m just a menial worker, I have an eighty-year-old mother at home…”

The clerk was so nervous he was shaking all over, not daring to look at Lu Xin again. The young man ignored him, vaulting into the inner hall.

“Who dares barge into a private home? This is the back hall, not the pharmacy. Stop right there! Is there no law left? Someone, throw this rascal out!”

Shopkeeper Hong was flirting with a maid when Lu Xin strode in, his face dark, sword in hand. Startled, Hong shouted in alarm.

“You are Shopkeeper Hong? I have little time. I come seeking your medical skills to save a life. If I’ve disturbed you, forgive me. But this is urgent—please, come at once.”

“Oh? So you’re here for a medical consult. Very well, very well. Where is the patient, and what strange illness do they suffer? But let’s be clear, my visiting fee isn’t cheap.”

Seeing Lu Xin’s demeanor suddenly turn respectful, Shopkeeper Hong was no longer afraid and leisurely raised his teacup. Lu Xin’s face darkened again; in a flash, his heavy sword was pressed to Hong’s throat.

The sword was weighty and the youth’s grip unyielding. Before Hong could react, the chair beneath him splintered and he crashed to the floor, truly scared out of his wits.

“Spare me, hero! Where is the patient? I’ll go right now!”

“Lion Peak Mountain!”

“Lion Peak Mountain? But…”

Despite his terror, upon hearing those words, Hong’s pupils shrank in fear—he was clearly hesitant. Lu Xin cared nothing for his worries; tightening his grip, the blade sliced Hong’s neck, blood immediately flowing.

“Spare me, hero! I’ll tell you the truth—it’s not that I don’t want to go, I’m forced. Do you know the Niu family in Hangzhou? Their eldest son sent word this morning—no one is to go up Lion Peak, no one is to treat those villagers, not even sell them medicine.”

“So, Niu Ercheng again? Fine, what difference does it make if we’re all as good as dead? If you won’t go, you can leave this world first!”

Lu Xin sneered, eyes fierce, sword poised to kill. Hong felt a violent wind whistle past his ears, his whole head ringing.

“I’ll go! I’ll go right now! Please, hero, have mercy!”

…

From entering Shenghe Pharmacy to leaving, Lu Xin took less than five minutes. He then rode straight for Hangzhou, not pausing for a moment, yet it was still half an hour before he stood outside the gates of the Niu residence. The wedding guests were already departing. Several servants were taking down the great red “double happiness” character from the doors. Lu Xin glanced at the sky, his brow furrowing even deeper. He had still arrived too late.

“Young master, the banquet is over, the master has gone to the bridal chamber, please head back.”

Seeing Lu Xin about to enter, the gatekeepers rushed to bar his way. The last thing Lu Xin wanted to hear was mention of the bridal chamber. With a single palm strike, he sent one flying. After two years of taking bone-strengthening pills and training with the heavy sword, even without having cultivated inner power, his physical strength alone was more than ordinary men could withstand. The servant hit the ground, vomiting blood.

“How dare you cause trouble here? Do you know where this is? This is the Niu residence of Hangzhou, and you dare make trouble?”

As soon as one fell, a group of guards armed with cudgels charged out from behind the doors. Their attire marked them as the Niu family’s hired muscle—a common sight in wealthy Tang households.

But right now, even if ten thousand men stood in his way, Lu Xin was going in to take Tian Yuer away. He wasted not a word. His sword flashed, his figure darted like a dragon, and he plunged into the crowd. One against ten, his heavy blade moved with surprising agility. Every swordsman trains both technique and movement; this was Lu Xin’s first time facing so many opponents, but his footwork was nimble, and with each swing, someone went flying.

At this moment, the youth’s movements were like ink on rice paper, forming dragons and phoenixes, mountains and rivers with each stroke. Every turn and step was a master’s flourish. This was a beautiful sword technique; if the mute Wu were watching, he would see that Lu Xin had become one with his sword—a brush furiously writing. He was already approaching the minor mastery of the “Wondrous Brush Sword Technique.”

Ten guards, and Lu Xin took only thirteen breaths to fell them all. He left none dead; the sword was not sharp. As the protectors fell, the servants and maids scattered, screaming and fleeing in all directions. The grand Niu residence descended into chaos in an instant. Lu Xin’s face was expressionless as he pressed deeper, following the trail of red wedding characters, soon reaching the main hall.

Before him stood over twenty banquet tables, still littered with leftovers. Most guests had already left; only three drunken men still slumped over the tables. At one, a burly middle-aged man with a sword at his side and an old Daoist with a horsetail whisk sat drinking together. No servants remained to clear the dishes.

Normally, the master would reside in the main room behind the hall. Lu Xin didn’t know where Niu Ercheng had taken Tian Yuer, but he had to pass through to find out. His sword still dripped blood as he strode into the hall. Instantly, the burly man looked up sharply and hurled his wine bowl at Lu Xin.

Lu Xin swung his sword, shattering the bowl. The man let out a cold snort, drew a fierce broadsword from his belt, and the blade flashed with cold light. Lu Xin narrowed his eyes; the man was bearded, wore a black headscarf, and his gaze held a ruthless glint uncommon among ordinary men.

“It’s better to destroy ten temples than break up a single marriage. Young man, today is my brother Niu Ercheng’s wedding day. Whatever grudge you bear against the Niu family, settle it another day.”

Though the man drew his sword, he did not rise or even look at Lu Xin, clearly not taking him seriously. The youth was chillingly cold, offering only a curt, “Move aside.”

The man laughed. “I, Jin Bo, have stood tall with my saber for over twenty years, and never has a youngster dared be so rude to my face. I thought to spare your life for my brother’s wedding, but it seems fate cannot save those who bring ruin upon themselves!”

With a fiendish grin, he suddenly rose, crossing ten paces in a single bound, his great blade sweeping down at Lu Xin’s head. He was fast, his stroke fierce—if it landed, a man would be split in two. Fortunately, Lu Xin was ready; he did not meet force with force but shifted, appearing at the man’s left.

Clang!

Lu Xin struck with his sword as Jin Bo hastily changed his blade’s direction, losing half his strength in the process. The clash of blade and sword rang in the hall, sharp as thunder. Jin Bo, always relying on brute strength, staggered back five steps before steadying himself, while Lu Xin retreated only half a step. At last, a trace of fear appeared on Jin Bo’s face.