plumnovel Chapter 15 Heading south to Jiaxing, an unexpected encounter with six oddities!
Chapter 15 Heading south to Jiaxing, an unexpected encounter with six oddities!
Ouyang Ke stayed in the desolate valley for several more days.
That morning, he stood outside the cave, gazing at the mist rising from the distant waterfall, and suddenly felt a pang of longing. It had been almost two months since he entered the valley.
For two months, he kept company with snake gall, stayed with Jiuyang, relied on the spiritual firebird, and gazed at the silent divine eagle.
As martial arts skills improve, so does one's state of mind; the desire to move when still is extreme is ultimately human nature.
He leaned on his crutches and slowly walked towards the sword tomb.
The cliffs still towered into the clouds, but those sheer drops of twenty or thirty feet were nothing to him now. With his crutches on the ground, his white robes fluttering, he reached the summit in a few breaths.
The firebird perched quietly on his shoulder, seemingly sensing something as well.
A man and a bird stood atop the precipice, gazing into the distance. The morning breeze ruffled his clothes, stirred the firebird's feathers, and rustled the lush greenery of the mountains. The distant waterfall still roared, the nearby forest remained silent—everything was just as it had been two months ago, but he knew it was time for him to leave.
After a long while, Ouyang Ke turned his head and looked at the silent figure not far away.
"Brother Eagle, I need to leave the valley for a while. Would you like to come with us?"
The Divine Eagle stood beside the Sword Tomb, tilting its head to look at him. Its gaze was calm and profound, as if it understood, or as if it was pondering. It turned its gaze back to the mound of rubble.
Then, it turned around and made a "coo" sound towards Ouyang Ke.
That sound was low and long, clearly a rejection.
Ouyang Ke understood its actions, but couldn't help feeling a pang of regret.
He smiled slightly and said softly, "Brother Eagle, since that's the case, I'll come to the valley to see you again next time."
The eagle didn't cry out again, but just watched him quietly.
Ouyang Ke sighed, his white robes fluttering as he descended from the cliff. Using his crutches as leverage, he moved swiftly, reaching the valley floor in a matter of moments.
The firebird took flight, circling above his head and letting out a few clear cries. It didn't yet understand the taste of parting, but seeing the Divine Eagle still standing alone beside the Sword Tomb, it couldn't help but cry out a few times, as if calling out to him.
The eagle did not respond.
Ouyang Ke did not turn around.
The man and the bird walked out of the valley.
As we reached the valley entrance, a mournful cry of an eagle suddenly came from behind us.
The cry pierced through the mountains and forests, through the morning mist, and through two months of close companionship, reaching directly into Ouyang Ke's ears. He stopped and turned around, only to see the Divine Eagle on the distant cliff, its enormous figure appearing exceptionally lonely in the morning light.
The firebird took flight and let out a long cry in that direction.
Ouyang Ke gazed silently for a long time before finally turning away and never looking back.
……
Xiangyang City.
The city gate was bustling with carriages and horses, and throngs of pedestrians. The soldiers guarding the city leaned lazily against the wall, glancing casually at the passersby. Ouyang Ke, holding the reins, slowly entered the city.
Xiangyang was a vital city, a crucial hub connecting the north and south, attracting merchants from all over. Looking around, shops lined both sides of the street, their cries of vendors rising and falling. Some sold cloth and silk, others tea and porcelain, still others various snacks. And then there were the wandering swordsmen, carrying knives and swords, moving about in twos and threes, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.
Ouyang Ke spent two months in seclusion in the desolate valley, eating dried food and wild fruits, and drinking mountain spring water. Although this did not hinder his cultivation, his stomach was already craving food. He found the most famous restaurant in the area and went inside.
The restaurant was called "Juxianlou," a three-story building with flying eaves and intricate brackets, exuding an extraordinary grandeur. Seeing his distinguished attire and distinguished bearing despite using crutches, the waiter hurriedly came forward: "Sir, please come upstairs!"
Ouyang Ke sat down by the window on the second floor and ordered several signature dishes—braised crab meat lion's head, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, beggar's chicken, and braised duck—along with a pot of fine Shaoxing wine.
Before long, the table was filled with dishes.
The firebird perched on his shoulder, inhaling the aroma, unable to contain itself any longer. It hopped onto the table, tilting its head to examine the dishes, finally fixing its gaze on the wine glass in Ouyang Ke's hand.
Seeing its appearance, Ouyang Ke couldn't help but chuckle. He called over the waiter, asked for an empty wine cup, poured a shallow cup of yellow wine, and pushed it in front of the firebird.
The firebird leaned over and pecked at the wine. It paused slightly as the liquid entered its mouth, then pecked again and drank the entire glass clean.
After drinking, it raised its head and made two "cooing" sounds towards Ouyang Ke, its coral-like little eyes full of anticipation.
"You little rascal, you've got a good capacity for alcohol!"
Ouyang Ke smiled and poured it another cup.
The firebird lowered its head and pecked, drinking with great relish.
The waiter standing nearby stared in disbelief and couldn't help but exclaim, "Young master, your bird is truly magnificent! In all my years in Xiangyang, I've never seen such a spiritually intelligent bird!"
The firebird understood the praise, raised its head, puffed out its chest, and looked extremely proud.
Ouyang Ke shook his head and chuckled, then took out a few silver ingots from his pocket and placed them on the table: "I'd like to trouble you to make this trip and add some silver to my donkey so you can get a better horse."
The waiter quickly took the money, patting his chest and assuring him, "Don't worry, sir, I've got it covered!"
After a hearty meal, Ouyang Ke led a newly purchased green horse and, with the satisfied firebird by his side, left Xiangyang City and headed south.
……
Xiangyang is not too far from Jiangnan, and there are two routes to take: one by water and the other by official road. Ouyang Ke chose the official road and rode his horse slowly along.
Before long, they arrived in Suizhou.
This area of Suizhou was once part of Zeng, and many ancient bronze artifacts from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods are buried underground.
But a thousand years have passed, and those bronze artifacts have long since rusted into the soil, no longer connected to the world. Ouyang Ke simply rode by without stopping.
Traveling east to Yingshan, there is a stone bridge outside the city called "Ant-Crossing Bridge". Locals say that during the Northern Song Dynasty, a scholar was studying here when he saw ants falling into the water. He used a bamboo pole to cross them, and later he indeed passed the imperial examination with flying colors.
Ouyang Ke reined in his horse by the bridge, gazing at the babbling water below, seemingly lost in thought.
The firebird on his shoulder cooed twice, as if curious about why he had stopped.
Ouyang Ke shook his head and said softly, "It's just a pity that there are people in this world who are so infatuated!"
When he passed through Huangzhou, he deliberately took a detour to the riverbank.
The Red Cliffs were not the place where Zhou Yu displayed his martial prowess, but they were the site of two poems and one essay by Su Dongpo. Ouyang Ke leaned on his cane by the river, gazing at the surging waters flowing eastward, and thought of the lines, "The great river flows eastward, its waves sweeping away countless heroes of the past."
He was banished here by fate, just as Su Dongpo was banished here by the imperial court.
It seems that people who are down on their luck throughout history are all looking at the same river.
Outside Chizhou city lies Mount Qi, covered with cliff carvings. Ouyang Ke dismounted and walked slowly up the mountain path. The carvings dated from the Tang and Song dynasties, containing poems, prose, records, and inscriptions. He stopped before a Song dynasty inscription and lingered for a long time.
The owner of those words has long since turned to dust.
But his words remain here.
The firebird had no interest in the stone carvings and had long since flown into the woods chasing butterflies. Ouyang Ke ignored it, simply looking at the carvings slowly, admiring the elegant or vigorous characters and the inscriptions, some long and some short, until the sun began to set before he slowly descended the mountain.
Outside Xuanzhou City stands Jingting Mountain, from which two ancient pagodas can be seen standing majestically. Ouyang Ke did not climb the mountain, but only gazed up at it from its foot for a moment.
"We gaze at each other without ever growing tired, only Mount Jingting and I together."
When the poet Li Bai ascended the mountain, he had Mount Jingting as his companion.
What about him?
He looked down at the firebird on his shoulder. The little creature was tilting its head and looking at him, its ruby-like eyes full of curiosity.
Ouyang Ke then smiled.
……
On the second day of the eighth lunar month, the man and the bird finally arrived at Jiaxing Prefecture.
Since the southward migration during the Jianyan era, Jiaxing Prefecture, relying on ports such as Zhapu, Ganpu, and Qinglong, has enjoyed frequent foreign trade and attracted numerous merchants, making it no less prosperous than Lin'an. The streets were bustling with people, and various accents rose and fell, truly embodying the prosperous atmosphere of Jiangnan.
Ouyang Ke led his green horse, with a firebird perched on his shoulder, and slowly walked through the crowd.
As he traveled and enjoyed the scenery, most of the gloom in his heart gradually dissipated. Recalling his uncle's parting words and the "Black Jade Broken Heart Ointment," a slight stirring stirred within him.
It has been more than three months since we parted ways in Sheyang County.
Given my uncle's martial arts skills and cunning, if he has already found the whereabouts of the Vajra Sect, he should already be on his way back.
If he could find that "Black Jade Healing Ointment," his legs...
Ouyang Ke looked down at his legs, which were still unable to walk independently, and a smile appeared on his lips.
Although he has now mastered the third volume of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, his internal strength is far greater than before, and he has regained some feeling in his legs, he is still far from fully recovering.
If my uncle can really find that "Black Jade Broken Heart Ointment"...
Just then, a wine shop sign appeared not far ahead, with three large characters written on it—
"Drunken Immortal Pavilion".
Ouyang Ke's heart stirred.
He recalled that amusing anecdote from the martial arts world—eighteen years ago, Qiu Chuji and the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan had a drinking contest and a martial arts contest on this very rooftop, passing wine from copper vats, their heroic spirit soaring to the heavens. That wager had exhausted the efforts of so many people, and changed the destinies of so many.
The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan traveled to the desert for eighteen years to keep a promise.
Life, oh life, how many eighteen-year periods does one have?
Ouyang Ke sighed softly and spurred his horse toward Zuixianlou.
Zuixianlou (Drunken Immortal Pavilion) is located on the shore of South Lake. Ouyang Ke hadn't walked far when he caught sight of the pavilion. With its soaring eaves and ornate beams, it was indeed a magnificent structure. Inside, a large wooden plaque stood upright, inscribed with the four characters "Li Bai's Legacy." The three golden characters "Zui Xianlou" (Drunken Immortal Pavilion), written by Su Dongpo, gleamed in the sunlight atop the building.
A yellow horse was tied outside the gate. The horse was exceptionally fine, tall and plump, and of uniform color. It was clearly a rare and divine steed.
Having lived in the Western Regions for a long time, Ouyang Ke naturally recognized such a fine horse. A slight thought flickered in his mind, as if he had remembered something, but he remained outwardly calm. He dismounted, handed the reins to the servant who came to greet him, and, leaning on his crutches, lightly stepped into the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
The servant was secretly amazed that he could still ride a horse and travel a long distance despite his leg ailment.
A bartender approached: "What would you like, sir?"
Ouyang Ke said, "Warm a pot of Shaoxing wine, order a plate of braised duck, and add a few of your favorite side dishes."
Before he finished speaking, his gaze had already swept across the restaurant without him even noticing.
A few people were sitting in the corner.
The leader, dressed in rags, with his eyes closed, a sharp mouth and cheeks, and a sallow complexion, looked quite fierce—this was Ke Zhen'e, the Flying Bat.
Not far from him, a poor-looking scholar, holding a folding fan, was pouring himself a drink—the Master Scholar Zhu Cong.
The other four were a short, stout man like a winter melon, a burly man like an iron tower, a woodcutter, and a lean and wiry man. They were none other than Nan Xiren, the woodcutter of Nanshan; Zhang Asheng, the laughing Buddha; Quan Jinfa, the chivalrous hermit of the bustling city; and the slender woman.
Ouyang Ke shifted his gaze slightly, landing on the only woman in the corner.
The woman was slender and beautiful, around thirty years old, but her brows revealed a heroic spirit—she was none other than Han Xiaoying, the Yue Maiden Swordswoman.
The Six Eccentrics of Jiangnan.
Ouyang Ke glanced at them, his expression unchanged. With a light tap of his crutches under his armpits, he took a stride more than twice as long as a normal person, and in the blink of an eye, he was already sitting down at another table.
The firebird perched on his shoulder, curiously observing the group of people.
The moment Han Xiaoying saw Ouyang Ke, her delicate brows furrowed tightly. She whispered to Zhu Cong beside her, "Second Brother, it's him."
Zhu Cong lightly waved his folding fan, nodded, and said in a low voice, "Not bad. You seem like a completely different person after not seeing you for several months."
"Which one?" Ke Zhen'e's ears twitched slightly as he asked in a deep voice.
Zhu Cong said softly, "Brother, it's Ouyang Ke, the one who fought us outside the capital city."
"It's this lecherous thief!" Upon hearing this, Ke Zhen'e slammed his iron staff down with his right hand, his tone filled with rage.
Han Baoju, known for his fiery temper, was about to get up as soon as he saw Ouyang Ke appear. Zhu Cong quickly stopped him, whispering, "Third brother, don't be hasty. This man is always cunning, yet he dares to show himself alone today despite suffering from a leg ailment. He must have something to rely on. Let us observe for a moment!"
Upon hearing this, Han Baoju suppressed his anger, but his eyes were fixed on Ouyang Ke.
At this moment, the waiter had already brought out the wine and dishes. Before Ouyang Ke could even make a move, the firebird hopped onto the edge of the wine cup and began to peck at the yellow wine.
"Huh?" Han Xiaoying couldn't help but exclaim softly.
The firebird was entirely crimson, exuded a strange fragrance, and was quite adorable. Although she was a woman, she couldn't help but take a few more glances at this magical creature.
Zhu Cong and the others felt a chill run down their spines. Remembering Ouyang Ke's lineage, they subconsciously held their breath, fearing that the fragrance might be poisonous.
Ouyang Ke observed all of this without offering any explanation. He raised his wine glass, held it up to the distance, and said calmly, "Gentlemen, we meet again."
Ke Zhen'e snorted coldly and slammed his iron staff on the ground: "This old blind man doesn't remember having any past with you, you lecherous thief!"
Zhu Cong lightly waved his folding fan and laughed, "You see my six siblings and I here, yet you do not retreat. Have you forgotten the battle outside Dadu? Or is it that Peng Lianhu and his men are lying in ambush outside, waiting for us to fall into their trap?"
Han Baoju slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "That's right! If you're going to fight, then fight! Don't try any more tricks or schemes!"
The other three did not speak, but they had already gripped their weapons and fixed their eyes on Ouyang Ke.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke showed no anger whatsoever. He took a small sip of wine, set down his cup, and said slowly, "Gentlemen, there is no need to be nervous. I have long since parted ways with Wanyan Honglie, and there is no one lying in ambush here today."
He spoke these words calmly, his gaze open and unwavering, without the slightest hint of evasion.
Zhu Cong raised an eyebrow slightly, thinking to himself: This kid seems like a completely different person after not seeing him for several months.
He stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Oh? Judging from your tone, it seems you intend to turn over a new leaf and start anew?"
These words were spoken politely, but the tone was full of mockery.
If it were the old Ouyang Ke, he probably would have already slammed his fist on the table and stood up.
But Ouyang Ke simply nodded, his expression calm: "That's right. After the great calamity I suffered several months ago, when I woke up, it felt like a lifetime had passed. Looking back on everything I did, it was truly despicable. Perhaps this is retribution for what I've come to be."
As he spoke, he looked down at his legs, which he couldn't move, and his tone carried a hint of self-mockery and relief.
He raised his head and looked at Zhu Cong, his gaze clear and frank: "Whether you believe it or not, this is my honest opinion."
Upon hearing this, the mocking expression on Zhu Cong's face gradually faded.
He stared into Ouyang Ke's eyes, trying to find even a trace of hypocrisy or evasion. But the gaze was calm as still water, crystal clear, leaving even this seasoned scholar with countless experiences with people unable to find fault with it.
Although Ke Zhen'e was blind, he could sense the change in the surrounding atmosphere. He said in a deep voice, "Second brother, what's going on?"
Zhu Cong said softly, "Brother, this person... seems to have truly changed."
"Changed?" Ke Zhen'e sneered. "A leopard can't change its spots! This man was philandering outside the capital just months ago, but now he's suddenly come to his senses. There must be a trick involved!"
Ouyang Ke was not angry upon hearing this. He simply sighed softly and said, "Master Ke is right. The Ouyang Ke of the past was indeed like that. But there are always exceptions in this world."
He paused, then added, "Besides, if I were still that person, why would I have come here alone to risk my life today?"
Upon hearing this, Ke Zhen'e was speechless for a moment.
Zhu Cong scrutinized Ouyang Ke for a moment, then suddenly asked, "May I ask how you injured your leg?"
Ouyang Ke smiled slightly and said frankly, "My lustful nature led to my downfall. Several months ago, on that deserted island in the East China Sea, I was tricked by Miss Huang and smashed in two by a massive boulder."
"What?"
The Six Eccentrics of Jiangnan all changed color.
Han Xiaoying blurted out, "You mean Rong'er? Then what about Jing'er...?"
Before she could finish speaking, Ke Zhen'e interrupted her sharply: "Seventh Sister! What Rong'er and Jing'er? That little vixen surnamed Huang, how dare you and I address her like that?"
Han Xiaoying bit her lip, not daring to say anything more.
Ouyang Ke glanced at her, understanding that she was worried about Guo Jing's safety, and said calmly, "Miss Han, there's no need to worry. Brother Guo is perfectly fine."
He paused, then continued, "That day on the deserted island, Elder Hong Qigong was also there. Brother Guo has been taken in by him and learned the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms. He and Miss Huang have shared life and death, and are deeply in love. Now the two have received the consent of Island Master Huang for their marriage, and will be getting married soon."
Upon hearing this, the six people reacted with varying expressions.
A look of surprise flashed in Han Xiaoying's eyes. Although she hadn't spent much time with Huang Rong, she could tell that the girl was intelligent and quick-witted, and genuinely cared for Jing'er. If things could turn out well, that would be wonderful. However, she knew her elder brother's prejudice against Huang Rong, and remembering Guo Jing's engagement to Hua Zheng in the desert, she couldn't help but feel secretly worried.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Cong's doubts were largely dispelled. He knew well the affection between Guo Jing and Huang Rong, but he hadn't expected them to gain Hong Qigong's favor, which added new suspicions to his mind.
Ke Zhen'e flew into a rage. He slammed his iron staff down on the floorboards with a loud thud, and roared, "What an unfilial and rebellious son! I spared him a harsh punishment back then because he was young and disobeyed the marriage agreement between the Guo and Yang families. Now, he dares to make a private engagement, disregarding even the orders of his parents and the words of his teachers! That little vixen surnamed Huang is truly a scourge!"
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke suddenly laughed.
The laughter wasn't loud, but it reached the ears of the six people clearly.
Ke Zhen'e angrily retorted, "What are you laughing at?"
Ouyang Ke's smile vanished, his gaze fixed on Ke Zhen'e's blind eyes, and he said, word by word, "I laugh at you, Ke the Hero, for living most of your life yet remaining so pedantic!"
Ke Zhen'e's face darkened: "What did you say?"
The relationship between the two sides, which had just eased, has once again become tense.