**What Value a Fallen Warrior?**

In the Yan Shu Tea House of Linzi, discussions raged, one voice rising above the din with particular fervor. Such places, tea houses and wine shops, were ever the domain of idle chatter. Since antiquity, the affairs of nations, families, and villages, everything under the heavens, became fodder for debate.

The argumentative spirit wasn’t quite as fervent in the state of Qi. The state of Song, however, was a truly wondrous sight. In any city, at any given time, one could stumble upon a heated debate, a clash of words sharper than swords. Who knew how many had been verbally scourged to death? Of course, that too was a derivative of a certain cultivation path.

Presently, the most renowned orator in Linzi, the one who could scold with the greatest flair, was naturally the celebrated Confucian, Er Feng Ming. His eloquence was superb, his writing equally so. Being a rather unconventional and unrestrained individual, his theories were often shocking. Though he faced considerable scorn from both court and populace, he also garnered significant support.

In this moment, gathered around a large tea table, he occupied the seat of honor. Among the assembly of literati, he was clearly the opinion leader, the focal point of all attention. His voice, naturally blessed with a captivating cadence, could easily stir emotions. “The purpose of a dead soldier is simply to die for their master’s family!” he declared. “To sacrifice grandly, that is heroism! To die nameless, that is loyalty and righteousness!”

“To crawl in the darkness of the night, dedicating a life to a single task, sacrificing a life for a single person!”

“Examine the annals of history, ancient and modern! Can a dead soldier ever gain great renown? To speak nothing of the absurdity of defying the master-servant relationship, disrespecting propriety!”

“In years past, how heroic was Marquis Bo Wang Hou! And yet, his descendant, Zhong Xuan Sheng, has become entangled with a dead soldier, bringing shame upon their lineage! He disregards the hierarchy, disregards the distinction between noble and ignoble, losing all semblance of great ritual! Now, he even makes a grand display over this dead soldier’s disappearance, declaring his intent to take her as his wife! Mobilizing vast manpower and resources, stirring up storms throughout the city, spreading the tale across the heavens!”

He suddenly swept a sleeve, his voice ringing out like metal striking metal. “Truly, a disgrace to a renowned family!”

As he spoke, not far away, the snow-white paper door of an elegant private room, painted with distant mountains and flowing water, was suddenly pulled open. It revealed two figures seated facing each other at a tea table within.

One, though dressed in casual attire, could not conceal the aura of a seasoned killer, a figure clearly of military origin at first glance. He sat kneeling on a bamboo mat, yet his spine and waist were perfectly straight. His hands rested on his knees, his face displaying an expression of absorbed interest, as if watching a play unfold.

The other was considerably more relaxed. One leg was coiled beneath him, the other propped up. His elbow rested on his knee, slender fingers cradling a teacup, poised between drinking and not drinking, his gaze fixed on the speaker, a half-smile playing on his lips.

His eyes were like ink brushed onto paper, his white robes whiter than snow.

He was, of course, Zhong Xuan Zun, the Great Qi Champion Marquis.

“And what renowned family might you be?” he said, looking at Er Feng Ming, his face holding a hint of a smile, yet his words were undeniably impolite.

Er Feng Ming was clearly taken aback, but quickly recovered. He let out a cold laugh. “I was wondering who was eavesdropping! So it is the Champion Marquis!”

Then, he continued, “Although the Er family is not some illustrious clan of merit, we are a family steeped in poetry and literature, adhering to ritual and music, pure through generations from the time of Emperor Wu to the present. Champion Marquis speaks of renowned families; what defines a renowned family? Renowned means reputation, brightness, ritual—”

A teacup directly shattered in front of him, interrupting his eloquent flow. Broken shards, tea water flowing outwards, and a single stubborn tea leaf stirred the painted scroll beneath the feet of Er Feng Ming and his circle of friends.

The sudden crash startled the crowd. Er Feng Ming also subconsciously fell silent.

Zhong Xuan Zun stared at him imperiously. “The affairs of the Zhong Xuan family are none of your concern, you mere clown, to comment upon!”

Er Feng Ming’s face flickered between green and white as he stared at him for a while. Finally, swallowing the torrent of argumentative words within him, he brushed his robe sleeve and moved to leave. “Truly, a summer insect cannot speak of ice!”

But then, a majestic aura suddenly erupted. Zhong Xuan Zun’s voice rang out. “Did I say you could leave?”

Er Feng Ming spun around abruptly. “Even the Son of Heaven does not condemn based on words! How dare you?”

Zhong Xuan Zun simply gestured towards the debris on the ground, lifting his chin. “You smash a teacup and then walk away? Is this the conduct of a family steeped in ritual and music? Clean up this mess for this Marquis before you leave.”

Er Feng Ming’s friends, who ordinarily could write with lightning speed and speak with fiery conviction, now faced the Champion Marquis and dared not utter a single word.

“Zhong Xuan Zun!” Er Feng Ming, being a renowned scholar of Great Qi, how could he endure such humiliation? He suddenly roared, “Do not think you can lord over Linzi with a single hand! A scholar can be killed, but not insulted!”

*Clang!!*

Without a hint of hesitation, Zhong Xuan Zun casually drew the blade from Wu Du Qiu’s sheath. Barefoot, sword in hand, clad in white, he walked towards Er Feng Ming.

The circle of people around Er Feng Ming collectively recoiled. The entire Yan Shu Tea House fell silent. No one dared to step forward, no one dared to intervene. The current Zhong Xuan Zun, not to mention the younger generation of Qi, even counting back several generations, how many would dare to bravely challenge him to a fight to the death?

And that number certainly did not include this Er Feng Ming.

So, he decisively squatted down, pulled out a handkerchief, meticulously wiped the tea water from the ground, wrapped up all the tea cup fragments and tea leaves… then, without a word, he hurried away.

Zhong Xuan Zun, who had already reached the doorway, did not pursue or make a scene. He casually pulled the snow-white paper door shut, cutting off the gazes of the onlookers. With a casual flick of his wrist, the military knife taken from Wu Du Qiu returned to its sheath.

And from beginning to end, Wu Du Qiu, who hailed from the Spring Die Army, simply sat quietly in front of the tea table. This time, he produced another teacup and poured tea for Zhong Xuan Zun.

He laughed and said, “If he had been someone with backbone, would you truly have let his blood splash on the spot?”

Zhong Xuan Zun, in a relaxed posture, sat down, and said casually, “It’s just as well Yi Wu can’t return to Linzi this year. Killing this fellow, I can also go out and play with him.”

Wu Du Qiu only smiled at his words. This was Linzi, the capital of Qi, under the watchful eye of the Son of Heaven, home to the headquarters of the Patrol Inspection Office, where the laws were strict. To kill a figure like Er Feng Ming, who had both identity and influence, would certainly require a considerable price. Of course, the Champion Marquis was absolutely capable of paying that price. It was precisely for this reason that Er Feng Ming dared not wager his own head on Zhong Xuan Zun’s temper.

“Ah, this Er Feng Ming,” he said, shaking his head. “He often spouts shocking words. I don’t know why.”

Zhong Xuan Zun said indifferently, “Perhaps he wants to emulate that Xu Fang of years past, relying on scolding others to gain fame… The Confucian family has a unique method, relying on reputation to aid cultivation.”

Wu Du Qiu chuckled and said, “Then he is far more clever than Xu Fang. He is selective in who he scolds, and apologizes promptly. General Cao won’t bother with such a person. Marquis Wu An, as a new arrival in Qi, always acts with scruples, and is focused on cultivation, so he won’t specifically seek him out. Today, scolding your esteemed brother, in my opinion, is just testing the waters. He probably intended to rely on you, but his flattery backfired.”

Zhong Xuan Zun finished his teacup. “This kind of cleverness is truly somewhat off-putting.”

“Speaking of which, why the sudden burst of anger today?” Wu Du Qiu asked. “You’re not the type of person who cares about these things.”

Zhong Xuan Sheng’s desperate mobilization of various connections, searching the entire world for a dead soldier, had long become a hot topic in the streets and alleys. There were far more unpleasant things being said than what Er Feng Ming uttered. Some said Zhong Xuan Sheng was fat and ugly, that among all the dukes and ladies in the court, none were willing to marry him, and in desperation, he had to forcibly take a subordinate… Some said Zhong Xuan Sheng inherited his father’s lineage, and his ultimate end would also not be far off… Some even claimed that Fourteen was actually a spy from another country, who had stolen the secret Zhong Xuan technique from the Marquis Bo Wang Hou residence, which was why he was being pursued with such fanfare.

Those who spoke, of course, knew they were fabricating. Those who heard, naturally understood it was utter nonsense. But trampling on others with the greatest malice was always the inertia of street talk. One fly buzzed, then another, becoming more absurd with each buzz. Yet, the more absurd, the more shocking, the more people were eager to spread it. Even with the current influence of the Zhong Xuan clan, it was impossible to suppress so many loose tongues. To truly engage with them would only lower one’s own status.

Zhong Xuan Zun, of course, understood this logic. But he simply said, “It was noisy to me.”

Wu Du Qiu paused, then asked again, “So, why did you seek me out today? It wasn’t just for tea, was it?”

“My fat younger brother, after such a grand effort, hasn’t found her in two days. I suspect Fourteen has already gone to sea,” Zhong Xuan Zun’s tone was light and breezy. “You have some connections on Jue Ming Island, don’t you? Help him look.”

Wu Du Qiu couldn’t help but laugh. “Champion Marquis, why are you doing this?”

“The older the ginger, the spicier the flavor. The old master specifically chose the day I was to enter the Learning Palace to summon me and Zhong Xuan Sheng to discuss the matter of succession. He precisely calculated that I would settle old and new scores together, and carry Zhong Xuan Sheng into the Learning Palace to beat him… This way, he subtly separated Zhong Xuan Sheng and Fourteen, not giving them a chance to communicate. Then, he slowly pushed forward the marriage arrangements, setting out conditions, giving them both a chance to choose. Fourteen’s choice was her own, and if Zhong Xuan Sheng also made the expected choice, the old master could still use the matter of allowing Fourteen to be a concubine to repair his relationship with Zhong Xuan Sheng… He just didn’t expect Zhong Xuan Sheng to be so resolute.”

Zhong Xuan Zun spread his hands. “The old master conveniently set a trap for me, so I must also add some obstacles for him.”

Wu Du Qiu grinned. “You didn’t need to explain so much… I should do this matter.” He paused, then asked, “Right, I’m actually quite curious. What is your own attitude regarding Zhong Xuan Sheng’s choice?”

“How to put it…” Zhong Xuan Zun turned his teacup. “It’s even a little admirable.”

Wu Du Qiu then laughed. “It seems you’re ready to bury the hatchet.”

“No.” Zhong Xuan Zun set down the teacup, patted his hands, and rose. “Beating him up feels better.”

For two whole days, news of Fourteen was absent from the border counties of Qi. Zhong Xuan Sheng was almost frantic, but he had to remain in Linzi, consolidating messages from various sources, calming himself, and analyzing clues about Fourteen.

And Jiang Wang, after reporting to the court, headed east out of Lin Hai County, venturing alone towards the nearby islands.

Although his relationship with Lv Zong Xiao meant that none of the thirteen docks in Lin Hai County found any information about Fourteen’s ship, given that no trace of her had been found at any border pass in Qi, the nearby islands were the most likely possibility.

The docks of Lin Hai County were always a chaotic mix of people. Finding someone deliberately hiding their identity was not an easy task. Tracing their past movements was even more difficult, and omissions were inevitable.

The De Sheng Business Line, which had businesses overseas, could provide some assistance. Jiang Wang also specifically sought out the Four Seas Business Alliance, spending a fortune to utilize their intelligence network. Furthermore, Jiang Wu You was also quite active in this matter, saying something about how rare it was for a young master in Linzi not to be a scoundrel, and that he was very willing to mobilize people to help… But Jiang Wang considered Zhong Xuan Sheng’s family background and felt it was not appropriate for him to be too closely associated with the imperial princess, so he politely declined on Zhong Xuan Sheng’s behalf—although the current Zhong Xuan Sheng would certainly not care about such things.

The last time he went to sea was two years ago. That life-and-death battle on Tian Ya Tai seemed like a distant memory. The names on the Sea Merit List had long since been pushed down. Since time immemorial, this place had seen people come and go, tides rise and fall.

Jiang Wang going to sea to find someone for Zhong Xuan Sheng was not without preparation. He wasn’t very confident about finding the person. But when it came to making a grand spectacle, he was quite experienced. If the intelligence networks jointly woven by the De Sheng Business Line and the Four Seas Business Alliance couldn’t find Fourteen, he was prepared to use the name “Fourteen Sheng” and publicly challenge Chen Zhi Bo of Fish Sea Building on Tian Ya Tai.

With this matter, destined to cause a sensation on the nearby islands, he would inform Fourteen of his arrival and let her know of Zhong Xuan Sheng’s determination. If, after defeating Chen Zhi Bo, Fourteen still didn’t appear, he would challenge the Divine Realm powerhouses on the nearby islands one by one, according to their fame.

He would continue challenging until he had challenged fourteen such figures.

That year, when he boiled and killed Ji Shao Qing, Chen Zhi Bo had said, “If only he had been born fifteen years later.”

Perhaps this time, Jiang Wang could also tell him that being born fifteen years earlier actually made no difference.

Of course, this was just a last resort, and for now, it remained only in Jiang Wang’s mind… And ultimately, it remained just an idea.

Because just as Jiang Wang landed on Sea Gate Island and was organizing various groups to search for Fourteen, an unexpected person came to his door.

It was a middle-aged man, holding the token of the Miscellaneous Affairs Envoy of Fish Sea Building. As the highest-ranking official under the Elders of Fish Sea Building, the position of Miscellaneous Affairs Envoy held considerable authority, especially now, several years after the establishment of the Zhen Hai Alliance.

“From De Qiao to You Xia, such as the Angry Whale Gang. In short, we have thoroughly investigated everyone who has arrived from the direction of Qi in the past four days. There is absolutely no sign of that girl, Fourteen. In other words, if you are certain she left Linzi on April 26th, then she definitely did not go to sea.” This Miscellaneous Affairs Envoy, surnamed Lu, reported directly.

Thoroughly checking everyone who had sailed from the direction of Qi within five days – just thinking about the sheer scale of this task was terrifying. The manpower and resources mobilized were certainly not insignificant.

The historical status and operations of Fish Sea Building on the nearby islands were naturally beyond doubt. Even with Qi’s current strong momentum and its constant erosion of the Zhen Hai Alliance’s share and suppression of Fish Sea Building’s prestige overseas, when it came to intelligence capabilities on the nearby islands, Fish Sea Building was still unmatched.

Unless Zhu Bi Qiong was intentionally deceiving him, this was the final truth. If Fourteen had not gone to sea, where was she now? As for whether this news was an intentional deception by Zhu Bi Qiong… Jiang Wang didn’t even consider this possibility. Speaking of which, since their last parting, they had not seen each other again.

The days spent together in Qing Yang Town, even now, were a precious memory. At that time, they were both still obscure figures, both with a very simple understanding of the world—now, one had returned to Fish Sea Building, becoming a disciple of Fourth Elder Gu Huai Xin, capable of dispatching a figure of the Miscellaneous Affairs Envoy’s level to handle matters for her. The other was still in the officialdom of Qi, titled the Marquis of Wu An of Great Qi, and a trip to sea, without even doing anything, caused attention from all sides.

They had each risen very high, and thus the distance between them seemed even greater.

No more meeting old times, seeing the black dog bark, the white dog sad.

The ceaseless sound of the sea waves pulled at his memories. Jiang Wang was silent for a long moment, then asked, “Where is Miss Zhu?”

“Our young lady said,” the Miscellaneous Affairs Envoy Lu replied, his eyes fixed on his nose, his nose on his heart, “if you inquire, tell you that now is not the time to meet.”