A journey without mishap saw Qingni guide her two peculiar companions, seeming scavenged from who-knew-where, safely back to the town. A place perhaps viewed by outsiders as a haven of shadows and vice, but in the young woman’s eyes, it held a comforting familiarity. Reaching the town’s edge, the gaunt maiden visibly relaxed, her steps growing lighter. Earlier, trailing the sword-bearing youth across the wilds, Qingni’s posture had been stiff, her nerves strung taut. To one born and raised in this soil, the familiar embrace of the town was as different from the alien wilderness as night from day.

“Young Qingni,” the youthful Daoist inquired, “does this town possess a name?”

“Fongle,” she replied.

“Once a battlefield where war drums echoed,” he mused, “now, every season offers its own endearing charm.”

This Daoist, adorned with a lotus-shaped coronet, wore a heavy, homespun Daoist robe that fell just past his knees. Cloth strips bound his shins, a necessity given the lack of smooth roads in the Mount Hehuan region. His leggings were flecked with thorns and barbs.

The maiden’s worries centered on the inevitable reprimand from Sister Zhou upon their return. Gentle and refined as she might be, speaking always in hushed tones, years of shared existence had taught Qingni that even the stalwart Uncle Liu and his ilk held Zhou-jie in considerable esteem.

Through a labyrinth of winding alleys, Qingni led the youthful Daoist and the sword-bearing youth, casting furtive glances behind. The Daoist, she noted, had a shifty look, as if casing the joint.

Zhou Qiu, parasol raised, her embroidered slippers barely audible, appeared at the intersection of two alleys, a slight frown creasing her brow. “Why have you returned?”

The slender, dark-skinned maiden twisted the hem of her garment, her lips pursed. The flimsy excuses concocted along the way now seemed hollow in the face of Zhou-jie. She found herself unable to lie.

Thankfully, the sword-bearing youth interjected, offering a reprieve. “When I accepted the coin beneath the tree, the commission was taken, but no departure date was specified. Zhou-jie, I vow to bring Qingni out of the Hehuan Mountains, safe and sound. Should Zhou-jie doubt my word, Chen will swear upon it. Should Qingni suffer even a scratch in this town tonight, my esteemed friend and companion, Daoist Lu, shall forfeit his worthless head as recompense and apology to Zhou-jie.”

Daoist Lu stared blankly. “Ah?”

Zhou Qiu suppressed her rising anger. “And who is this?”

The youthful Daoist turned abruptly, cleared his throat, and gave a deep bow. “Lu is my name, divining is my game! Expert in character reading, casting lots, and especially adept at palmistry! Fair prices, satisfied customers, or your coin is returned!”

From behind Zhou Qiu emerged an armored warrior, his hand resting on the hilt of his sabre. Witnessing the scene, he could neither scold the foolish girl nor speak his mind aloud, instead lamenting silently, “Zhou Qiu, what on earth possessed you?”

Zhou Qiu, equally bewildered, replied in kind, “My fault. I chose poorly.”

The warrior pressed, “If necessary, shall I seek the aid of old Qi?”

Zhou Qiu demurred, “Let me speak with them first.”

He cautioned, “Do not delay too long.”

Zhou Qiu stroked the maiden’s head. “You are normally so obedient. Why this disobedience at such a crucial moment?”

Qingni murmured, “Home is here. Zhou-jie, Uncle Liu, you all are here. I cannot bear to leave.”

Zhou Qiu offered a bitter smile and led them to a humble yet immaculate dwelling. The maiden, familiar with the surroundings, set down her satchel and hurried to the kitchen to fetch white bowls and a gourd ladle. She scooped rice wine from a stoneware vat. The four gathered around a small table in the courtyard. Qingni poured herself a bowl, but remained standing by the kitchen doorway.

The sword-bearing warrior chuckled. “My name is Liu Tie. I trust Master Chen and Daoist Lu recognize that we are no longer among the living. That you both show no aversion and are willing to share a drink with us, I salute you.”

The sword-bearing youth and the young Daoist both raised their bowls. Liu Tie drained his in one gulp. Zhou Qiu, abstaining, pushed her own bowl toward the armored warrior.

Chen Ping’an inquired, “Brother Liu, from whence do you hail? Your accent is not that of the Qingxing Kingdom.”

Liu Tie replied, “From the north.”

Lu Shen laughed. “Which north? North of the Great River?”

Liu Tie shook his head. “Daoist Lu jests. North of that river is the Great Li Dynasty.”

Lu Chen exclaimed, “My spiritual attainment may be meager, but my judgment of character is impeccable! A single glance tells me that Brother Liu is a mighty warrior capable of hefting mountains! A veteran of countless campaigns and a high-ranking officer!”

Liu Tie paused, taken aback. Zhou Qiu’s expression remained unchanged.

From the doorway, the maiden inquired, “Should it not be ‘rongma kongzong’?”

Was this rambling Daoist an uneducated scholar prone to misusing words?

The sword-bearing youth smiled faintly. “Perhaps he employs a borrowed character?”

Lu Chen showed no embarrassment. Wiping his mouth with his thumb, he continued, “In which mountain lord’s service does Brother Liu currently reside? I have heard that both Zhuiyuan and Wuteng mountains boast well-equipped armies. With Brother Liu’s talents, to not hold at least the rank of Captain would mean the overseers’ eyes are firmly planted on their nether regions!”

Liu Tie smiled. “Too high a calling. Enough of this unpleasantness. I must take my leave.”

After two bowls of wine, Liu Tie bid farewell, with Zhou Qiu rising to see him off. Outside, they exchanged knowing, rueful smiles. She had hoped the Daoist would be a paragon. If he possessed even half the skill of the fourth-realm warrior, Chen Ren, perhaps a grotto-heaven realm cultivation, a qi cultivator paired with a pure martial artist, then the likelihood of escorting Qingni out of this realm would be much greater. However, the Daoist was gasping, clearly unable to adapt to the sinister energy. He was certainly no middle five cultivator.

Zhou Qiu, in life, had been both a spy and a military cultivator. Thus, Liu Tie and his band, alive or dead, held her in great respect.

Chen Ping’an inquired, “What is the young lady’s true name?”

The dark-skinned maiden by the doorway faltered, speechless. How had he discerned her sex?

Zhou Qiu chuckled. “Ni Qing. Reverse the syllables and take the homophone.”

The youthful Daoist, like an ignorant peasant, asked, “What was that surname again?”

Zhou Qiu laughed. “Daoist Lu, are you unfamiliar with the works of the Daoist sage? ‘Without knowing the cause’ ni, knowing what can and cannot be done, knowing that large and small cannot be distinguished. Surely even a Daoist immortal such as yourself, or even learned scholars outside of Daoism, should know these sayings?”

Lu Daoist bristled. “Just because I have not read those particular chapters does not make me a false Daoist! Zhou-jie, are you taking advantage of my humble upbringing and lack of education?”

Chen Ping’an twitched his lips and took a sip of the rice wine. It lacked the flavor of the Dong family’s brew.

Zhou Qiu chuckled. “The height of Dao lies not in rote memorization, Daoist Lu…”

The Daoist sighed. “How can I ever compare to this man, that Zhou-jie knows him so well…”

Chen Ping’an interjected, “Enough flattery.”

Lu Chen reluctantly ceased his self-praise and turned toward the slender, dark-skinned girl. “Ni Qing, a fine name. ‘Useless words become clear with Heaven’s influence’, the sharp air of autumn cuts down and the cold air will make the plants wilt. Qingni is also a fine name, the pass of Qingni, snow and wind covering the thousands of mountains. Ni Qing in name and Qingni as a title, truly perfect.”

Zhou Qiu frowned, sensing something amiss. The very fact that he had quoted “Useless words become clear with Heaven’s influence” implied that the Daoist was not as illiterate as he pretended.

She glanced at the sword-bearing youth, who sat drinking in silence, and then at the youthful Daoist, who had barely touched his wine. One spoke rarely but profoundly, while the other chattered incessantly, spouting strange and outlandish theories. No wonder these two were friends.

Zhou Qiu addressed, “Daoist Lu.”

She could delay no longer. The iridescent glow and sword light emanating from Ink Splatter Peak served as a signal.

The youthful Daoist quickly responded, “Just call me Brother Lu.”

Ignoring him, Zhou Qiu continued, “You both likely have some understanding of Fongle Town. Especially tonight, the night of the Hehuan Mountain’s marriage ceremony. The place will be rife with danger far beyond the norm. Liu Tie and I have private matters to resolve, and with slim odds of succeeding. Knowingly running to death must be due to a good reason. Do not ask any questions, but I am unable to care for Ni Qing, and so asked Master Chen to bring Ni Qing out of these dangerous lands. After I became a ghost, I took refuge in Ni Qing’s ancestral home, later Liu Tie and the others moved to this alley. For many years, there are things ghosts cannot do which Ni Qing has done, to repay kindness with kindness, and to revenge hatred with hatred, is heaven’s law. Therefore I beg the both of you to take Ni Qing away from Fongle town, if Master Chen dislikes the amount of money, I can offer more god-money.”

Chen Ping’an pointed at Lu Chen, “I was going to Qingxing’s capital. It was him who wanted to return, claiming that Ni Qing returning to the town would have a chance for her.”

Zhou Qiu looked at the Daoist.

However, the Daoist had turned his back to her.

Zhou Qiu had to await for Liu Tie’s news, so that Qi could bring her out of town.

The courtyard then went silent as they drank in silence.

Liu Tie soon arrived with an old man and a girl, with Zhou Qiu standing up to bow. “Senior Qi, Miss Lu.”

The old man’s surname was Qi, first name Song, the top retainer of the Zhang Family.

When the Zhang family was rebuffed, Qi Song covered their escape, with Zhao Fuyang and Yu Chunzhi not wanting to go to death.

Qi Song was a short, fat old man with a broad face, he saw the Daoist and smiled. “Miss Liu has guests, I hope that it does not disturb you.”

The young Daoist waved his hand and laughed. “Everyone is a guest, what can it disturb? It is not that we lack drink.”

Lu Mo was unlike Zhou Jie, but was like the rich people.

The Daoist was staring at her.

The Daoist winked at Liu Tie.

Liu Tie did not see anything. Ni Qing brought over 2 long benches from the main hall, with Zhou Jie and Liu Tie sitting on them.

Zhou Qiu had to say, “Master Chen, Daoist Lu, I will not waste time. Liu Tie has came to an agreement with Senior Qi and Miss Lu, who will send Ni Qing away from the town.”

Chen Ping’an nodded and did not say anything.

Lu Shen felt as if his face was thin, and reminded, “Old Chen, Zhou Jie wants to give you god-money.”

Chen Ping’an said, “This is not your business.”

Lu Chen was almost going to take it, and said, “If you are dead for wealth, you must give the money to the Grandmaster Qi and Miss Lu, and one to return to Zhou Jie.”

Qi Song chuckled, gently stroking his round belly.

Lu Mo frowned, and wondered how there were two scammers, and wondered how Chen Ren was a 4th realm master.

Zhou Qiu chuckled. “Daoist Lu must have made a mistake. That money is the payment for Master Chen.”

“What is this, did you not say that we were going to earn one bag of god-money.”

The young Daoist’s eyes widened, and then rubbed his hands. “People die for wealth, I go around slaying demons to earn a few snow-money, I will take this job! I don’t need Miss Lu…”

Lu Mo had no expression, and then the young Daoist flew out, who was so weak.

She had to flip her hand, and sent a gale, with the young Daoist falling. After he stood up, he said, “I’m fine, everything is alright.”

The youth did not do anything, only saying, “Miss Lu, are you not afraid of getting hurt.”

Qi Song laughed. “Peace is wealth, Peace is wealth. Lu Mo, apologize to Daoist Lu. Master Chen is right, we must show kindness to others, and not treat the world as demons.”

Lu Mo gave a bow and said, “I am sorry.”

The young Daoist brought the bench back and said, “We are family.”

The young Daoist suddenly changed his expression, and started to shoot the chair towards the women. The women suddenly went over the table, grabbed the chair, and elbowed the Daoist, causing the Daoist to fly into the main hall. He cried, “I’m hurt, Chen Save me.”

The youth took out two bags of god-money and said, “Here is it.”

Zhou Qiu looked at the money. She was trying to hold it in. It was alright. The money was for sending Ni Qing home.

Lu Mo took the money and gave one to Ni Qing, “We can go now.”

Zhou Qiu said, “Liu Tie, send us off.”

The armored warrior put down his bowl.

Ni Qing wanted to say something, but she knew that Zhou Jie was angry. She had to take the umbrella and leave the house. Zhou Jie nodded to her, with the youth drinking and the Daoist waving at her while laying down.

Walking in the alley, the girl thought of something. “Uncle Liu, the hat of Daoist Lu is strange, I have never seen one like it.”

There were rules for normal Daoists to wear.

Liu Tie changed his expression, and asked, “How is it?”

Ni Qing said, “Like a Lotus Flower.”

Liu Tie stopped, feeling hesitant.

In this land, there were only a few Daoists that could wear that hat.

The most mysterious thing was that he did not wear anything.

If he did not see, then what about Zhou Qiu?

The Lu might be pretending to be a Daoist, or was a Daoist from Lingfei?

Liu Tie thought and said, “Miss Lu, can you see if the Daoist has a background?”

Lu Mo smiled and said, “He is a scammer. It is good. I use skill. If he was in the middle 5, then he wouldn’t be so weak, and if it was true, then Senior would see.”

Liu Tie asked with his mind, “Legend says that Cheng had the Jinque school, and had the best incense, and had a background with Lingfei?”

Lu Mo was shocked, and said, “Do you know, you are aware of the Jinque’s origins, but it is not revealed. I was told that the Founder came from the Lingfei. Maybe he was removed from the school, so no one knew. Senior only knows because he is friends with Zhang.”

Liu Tie grabbed his sword, and said, “Ni Qing, did the Daoist reveal his origin? Tell me what you know.”

Ni Qing said, “He said things such as the God of Shengao knows him, and he can kill 14 people, by 14 one realm people.”

Liu Tie was speechless and spat and said, “Those scammers.” and then said, “We must leave now.”

Then remind Zhou Jie to leave him and the sword-bearing youth.

The girl was feeling empty inside.

Both were interesting people. While they were in the middle of the river, the youth ate the grass and watched the river. The Daoist said that nothing was useless. The Daoist said that left ear hears better, and then talked about people facing the soil. She ignored him, but he said that there was yin and yang, and there was floating people. Even if they had no face, she would see them, men would be yin and women were yang, that the corpses would be facing the bottom, and that was the people seeing heaven.

Over the alley, Zhou Qiu sent Qi away, with the old man patting his belly, “Since we have the same goals, why not work together?”

Zhou Qiu shook her head. “These are two things.”

The old man sighed, “Even if it is for revenge, why not reveal yourself?”

Zhou Qiu said, “No Proof.”

Qi Song hinted, “The proof would come once you have the demon.”

Zhou Qiu smiled, “The army has a rule, to use things for revenge, and will be beheaded.”

Qi Song had to give up, and said, “The people here are not simple, you must be careful.”

At the house, Zhou Qiu saw the Daoist and said, “Master Chen, don’t hate me for sending you away.”

Chen Ping’an said, “To take payment to do tasks, the god-money is your pay.”

Lu Chen stopped rubbing his waist. “What?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Zhao Fuyang and Yu Chunzhi, did they collude with demons? Does Liu know this. You do not need proof, just think of this.”

Zhou Qiu was shocked. “Who are you?!”

She was far, there was no way they could have heard.

The young Daoist protested. “You forgot about me. I am not a bad person. I hate evil.”

Chen Ping’an looked at Lu Chen. “Do the task for the money.”

Lu Chen put down his cup, and muttered.

It seemed like taking the money to do the tasks.

He was friends with Chen.

Zhou Qiu closed her hand in her sleeve, as she was confused, was the Daoist trying to do something.

A woman showed up in the alley, wearing a bun, showing her forehead, and said, “Master.”