Chapter 134

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Chapter 134: Crisis

The night was boundless, with a crescent moon hanging in the sky. The vast, snowy landscape reflected a faint white light. Suddenly, a small black dot appeared in the distance, rapidly darting toward the snow-covered mountains.

From time to time, the black figure flitted past tree branches reaching into the night sky, moving across the thick snow without touching the ground. The branches swayed slightly, but no snow fell from them, and the snow-covered ground was left with only the faintest traces. Clearly, this was an incredibly advanced lightness skill.

It turned out that this was a night traveler dressed in black.

The black-clad person moved at an incredible speed and soon reached the base of the mountain. After pausing briefly, the figure leaped up the mountain, moving as quickly as on the plains.

Before long, the figure arrived at a level area, quickly surveyed the surroundings, and headed toward a shadowy spot. As the figure approached, the dark shape took on the outline of the Mountain God Temple, wasn’t that where Zhang Xiaohua had taken shelter for the night?!

At that moment, the person in black suddenly halted and let out a soft exclamation: “Hmm?”

Taking something from their chest, they slowly walked to the temple entrance, peeked inside, and stared at Zhang Xiaohua, who was sleeping next to the nearly extinguished bonfire. After listening for a moment, the figure then walked in, stepping heavily. As they entered the temple, the dim light from the fire revealed a cold, black dagger in the person’s hand, emitting a cold and sinister aura.

The figure in black breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the half-grown boy lying by the bonfire. However, they still held their dagger tightly as they took a few steps into the temple. He picked up a small stone from the ground and tossed it at Zhang Xiaohua. The stone landed with a soft “snap” on Zhang Xiaohua’s hand, however, he was deep in sleep, how could he feel a thing?

However, it was precisely this lack of reaction that startled the person in black. Cautiously, the figure stepped forward and tentatively kicked Zhang Xiaohua. He remained completely still, like a dead pig. The person in black breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the boy was dead. They reached down and placed a finger under Zhang Xiaohua’s nose, “Huh, why is there still breathing?” Puzzled, the figure forcefully shook Zhang Xiaohua, but he just rolled over and continued to sleep, completely oblivious.

Seeing this, the man no longer paid attention to Zhang Xiaohua. He casually picked up a few dried branches from nearby and added them to the nearly extinguished campfire. The flames immediately wrapped around the branches, rapidly blazing up, brightening and warming the entire temple hall.

After a short while, the man in black, who had been staring at the flames, suddenly glanced upwards, as if sensing something. Then, he fixed his gaze on the temple entrance.

Sure enough, a shadow darted in from outside, bringing a gust of cold wind that made the campfire flicker. When the person stood still, it turned out to be a short, lean night traveler, also with his head wrapped in black cloth, making it hard to see his face. The newcomer glanced around the temple, spotted Zhang Xiaohua by the fire, frowned, and asked: “Old Mei, who is this boy?”

The man in black, referred to as Old Mei, smiled and said: “I don’t know either. When I got here, this boy was already asleep.”

The newcomer in black continued: “Then why haven’t you moved to another place?”

Old Mei, somewhat annoyed, replied: “Do you think finding a hidden place is easy? I tried earlier. This kid was sound asleep, and no matter what I did, he wouldn’t wake up. He doesn’t have any internal energy, so he’s probably just a country boy who got lost. Manager Liu, you’re being overly cautious.”

Hearing this, Manager Liu finally stepped forward and said: “Being careful steers the ship for ten thousand years. If I weren’t cautious, would I still be alive today?”

Manager Liu walked up to Zhang Xiaohua, examined him, and kicked him twice. Just as Old Mei said, there was no reaction. However, he still wasn’t reassured. Gathering his inner energy, he pressed a few acupuncture points on Zhang Xiaohua’s body and said: “Let him sleep soundly. I wouldn’t feel at ease if I didn’t seal his sleep acupoint.”

Old Mei continued warming himself by the fire and said: “Alright, now you can rest easy. Come over and warm up.”

Following Old Mei’s suggestion, Manager Liu sat down by the fire and asked: “Old Mei, how did you find this place? I’ve been in Yanyu Town for so long, but I’ve never heard of a mountain god temple here.”

Old Mei, somewhat annoyed, replied: “Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I discovered this place a few years ago while on a mission in Yanyu Town. I was discovered by my enemies and was pursued all the way to this mountain. When I needed to meet you this time, I suddenly thought of it. It’s a perfect hiding spot.”

Manager Liu laughed and said: “Exactly. A place even I didn’t know about is certainly very safe. But on a snowy night like this, only someone with your level of lightness skill wouldn’t leave too many traces in the snow. I couldn’t manage that, there’s no guarantee I wouldn’t be seen.”

Old Mei sneered and said: “Even if someone sees it tomorrow, so what? Do you think they would know what we talked about tonight? Could they find your store?”

Manager Liu laughed and said: “Brother is right. I was indeed being overly cautious.”

Old Mei replied: “There’s no right or wrong in this. Once you’re involved in the martial world, you can’t control your own fate. There’s always the risk of bloodshed, so being careful is normal. Alright, enough small talk. Have you noticed anything unusual with the Tan family?”

Manager Liu immediately stopped smiling and said: “The Tan family operates with a clan-based management system. I’ve sent people to infiltrate and spy on them several times, but all attempts have failed. To avoid alerting them, I haven’t dared to try again. However, in my role as a jade shop manager, I’ve managed to establish some connections with their third young master.”

Old Mei remained impassive, and seeing this, Manager Liu couldn’t discern his emotions, so he smiled and said: “I understand this falls short of the organization’s expectations, but I really faced some difficulties. You see, making connections with low-level disciples doesn’t help because they can’t get close to the Tan family’s core and can’t gather any useful information. As for the core disciples, let alone the first and second young masters, who are both outstanding and incredibly shrewd, even disciples like Tan Wen and Tan Wu, who are slightly more peripheral, have undergone strict training since childhood and are strict with themselves in all aspects. It’s very difficult to win their favor.”

Old Mei frowned and said: “These are the facts, and the organization is well aware. Isn’t the reason I came here precisely because they value your skills? That’s why they entrusted you with this tough task. You need to demonstrate a spirit of perseverance and bring out the tenacity you’re known for in tackling difficult tasks. Strive to achieve something noteworthy in this challenging environment, like launching a ‘Kongming Lantern’!”

Manager Liu was puzzled and asked: “Well, Brother Mei, what is a ‘Kongming Lantern’?”

Old Mei smiled and said: “Brother Liu, you’re a bit out of touch. A ‘Kongming Lantern’ is a type of lantern that floats in the sky, symbolizing a remarkable achievement that earns the admiration of others.”

Manager Liu cupped his hands in respect and said: “I admire you, I admire you, Brother Mei. As the saying goes, ‘When a scholar has been away for three days, you should look at him with new eyes’. After your training at the headquarters, your skills have greatly improved.”

Old Mei was pleased and also cupped his hands in a certain direction, saying: “This is all thanks to the grace of our Lord. We should both be grateful. If you do well this time, you might even earn our Lord’s favor.”

Upon hearing this, Manager Liu quickly stepped forward, carefully took out an item from his chest, and presented it to Old Mei with a smile, saying: “Brother Mei, this is an ancient jade piece I acquired in the countryside recently. It’s warm in winter and cool in summer, truly remarkable. Please accept it and enjoy it in your leisure time.”

Old Mei glanced at the item that Manager Liu handed over, accepted it casually, and smiled: “Brother Liu, you really have a kind heart. Even such a small interest of mine has been noticed by you. With your thoughtfulness, it would be impossible not to make progress.”

Manager Liu modestly replied: “My humble skills are nothing compared to yours, Brother Mei. It’s like comparing a firefly to a bright moon. I hope you will continue to speak well of me in the future.”

Old Mei, examining the ancient jade in his hand, said with a smile: “Our Lord is a person who cannot tolerate any sand in his eyes. Naturally, he rewards those who contribute and punishes those who err. If Brother Liu can achieve some results, it will also bring some recognition to me.”

Manager Liu responded: “That will still depend on the Lord’s guidance and Brother’s support.”

Old Mei smiled and did not speak further, focusing on admiring the ancient jade.

Seeing that the purpose of the conversation had been achieved, Manager Liu continued: “However, recently, I heard the Third Young Master of the Tan family mention some things that hint at some clues.”

Old Mei responded with interest: “Oh? Tell me more. There might be new discoveries.”

Manager Liu said: “According to the Third Young Master of the Tan family, during the period around the New Year, the Tan family dispatched many disciples on various missions. It seemed unusual because, typically, the family’s tasks are spread out over time. But this year, they sent disciples away even close to the New Year, which puzzled him.”

Old Mei asked: “Did you not ask him what kind of missions they were?”

Manager Liu replied with a smile: “I wouldn’t dare to probe into such sensitive matters. However, from his vague hints, it seems he doesn’t know the specifics either. When he asked the family head, he was even reprimanded. Hehe, if he hadn’t been reprimanded, he might not have shared any information with me.”

Old Mei inquired further: “If the Third Young Master Tan doesn’t know, what about the First and Second Young Masters? Have they been involved in any missions?”

Manager Liu shook his head and said: “No, they are both staying at the Tan family’s main residence.”

Old Mei frowned and said: “That’s quite odd. If there were significant matters, the eldest and second eldest young masters would need to oversee things. Their stay at home suggests that the Tan family might be dealing with some minor issues. You should investigate carefully to see if you can uncover anything.”

Manager Liu smiled and said: “Brother Mei is wise.”

Old Mei laughed and said: “Brother Liu, there’s no need for such formalities. We were once close comrades sharing the same bed, and although our roles are different now, and each has their division, it’s just the nature of the job. We are like stones in the organization, moved wherever needed. There’s no need for such politeness between us.”

Manager Liu laughed and said: “I dare not, I dare not. Even running, I can’t match your speed, Brother. I should just follow your advice honestly.”

Old Mei smiled and didn’t press the issue.

After a moment, Manager Liu seemed to remember something and said: “Oh, right, Brother Mei, there seems to be another matter. I’m not sure if it’s useful.”

Old Mei responded with a smile: “Feel free to mention it. I’ll see if it can be of any reference.”

Manager Liu continued, “Recently, the Third Young Master Tan vaguely mentioned that his two older brothers used to practice martial arts with him frequently. However, in the past year, they haven’t practiced with him, nor do they spar with him anymore. Sometimes, when he feels like sparring, his brothers always come up with various excuses to avoid it. He finds this very puzzling. He later overheard some disciples from a minor sect mentioning that his two older brothers have significantly improved their martial arts and are now among the top figures in the younger generation of the Tan family.”

At this point, Manager Liu glanced at Old Mei and said: “However, the Third Young Master sneered at this statement. He believes that since the three of them are the direct descendants of the Tan family, it is normal for them to have high martial arts skills. Brother Mei, do you think this information is useful?”

Old Mei replied: “Brother Liu, this information is very important. I will make sure to personally report it to the Lord. You should definitely be credited for this.”

Manager Liu, pleased, said: “Thank you very much, Brother Mei.”

Then he appeared somewhat puzzled and asked: “But please enlighten me, Brother Mei. I don’t see anything unusual about this information.”

Old Mei smiled and said: “Haha, Brother Liu, this is the difference between central and local perspectives. Information asymmetry naturally leads to different evaluations. To be honest, do you know why you were specifically transferred here to Tan Family last year?”

Manager Liu shook his head in confusion.

Old Mei whispered: “The Lord has an old friend, not very close, who has a significant grudge against Tan Yefeng in the past. However, Tan Yefeng’s martial arts were much inferior to his, so Tan Yefeng had always endured silently. Who knew that last year, at the beginning of the year, the Lord received news that Tan Yefeng had defeated his old friend in battle, killing him with his ‘Shadowless Kick’. The Lord was quite surprised by Tan Yefeng’s sudden increase in power. This is why he arranged for you to be sent here.”

Manager Liu suddenly understood.

Old Mei continued in a low voice: “This matter is classified, and I was afraid you might not understand the significance, so I had to explain it to you. Please keep this confidential and pay close attention to it. If you achieve results, I can also recommend you for merit.”

Manager Liu immediately bowed and said: “Understood. Brother Mei, with a general direction now, I won’t be like someone fishing in troubled waters. With the breakthrough provided by the Third Young Master Tan, I am confident I will meet the leader’s expectations and your recommendations.”

Old Mei nodded in agreement.

The two of them exchanged a few more words and, as the sky lightened with the first light of dawn, they parted ways and descended the mountain.

The two people exchanged such confidential matters in a deserted mountain temple, but they had merely pressed a sleeping acupoint on Zhang Xiaohua, treating him as if he were a lifeless object, without any further precautions. Moreover, when they left, they did not carry out any measures to cut the weeds and remove the roots, they simply left as if nothing had happened, with a nonchalant air.

In reality, however, Old Mei, the first black-clad man, had no intention of allowing Zhang Xiaohua to survive until morning. Therefore, he hadn’t even looked at Zhang Xiaohua’s face, viewing him only as a lost child. When he left, with just a casual touch on a fatal acupoint, was there any chance for survival?

However, Manager Liu, who arrived later, was more cautious. He had first pressed Zhang Xiaohua’s sleeping acupoint, knowing Liu’s strength meant Zhang Xiaohua would remain immobilized for at least twelve hours and could not wake up on his own. The campfire in the temple had already gone out during their conversation, and they hadn’t added any more dry branches. In this freezing winter where water turns to ice, who could possibly endure for a whole day and night?

In Old Mei and Manager Liu’s view, this child, regardless of why he was at the mountain temple, was simply unfortunate. They had shown mercy by not ensuring his death directly by pressing a fatal acupoint, and there was no reason for him to survive. He was destined to freeze to death.

As Old Mei was about to leave, he had intended to finish Zhang Xiaohua off with one final blow. However, Manager Liu had insisted on going first, and out of respect, Old Mei didn’t want to question Liu’s methods in his presence. So, he had to leave first, exuding the confidence of a leader who trusted his subordinate’s handling of the situation.

To them, killing someone to eliminate a witness was as trivial as swatting a fly. They didn’t give it a second thought. But they failed to consider that this young boy, lost in the wilderness, had finally found a place to sleep. He was deeply asleep and posed no threat to them, yet they still chose to press a sleeping acupoint, intending to let him freeze to death. If that was their plan, why not just kill him directly? At least then he wouldn’t have to endure such a cruel fate.

Yet, as fate would have it, fortune favored the boy. Long after the two had left and the sky had started to lighten, the first rays of sunlight streaked across the temple. Zhang Xiaohua, who had been tapped on the sleeping acupoint, suddenly opened his eyes. With a faint flash in his eyes, he casually stretched, sat up, and looked around. Noticing the cold ashes of the extinguished fire, he recalled the events of the previous night. Stretching lazily again, he silently thanked his luck, without this abandoned temple, he had no idea how he would have survived the long, freezing night.

After wiping his face with snow, Zhang Xiaohua felt refreshed and began practicing his martial arts, both his punches and sword moves, until his body was completely warmed up. Then, he ate some dried rations and prepared to descend the mountain in search of a nearby town.

However, as he stepped out of the temple, gazing at the snowy mountains around him, Zhang Xiaohua frowned deeply. He grumbled in his heart about Mistress Jingxuan, what kind of ghost place did she find? After wandering for a whole day, he had only managed to find this mountain range, now, how was he supposed to continue?

While he stood there, hesitating and cursing, Zhang Xiaohua’s eyes suddenly brightened. On the snow-covered steps leading up to the temple, he noticed a few sets of footprints!

The smaller footprints were, of course, his own, but next to them were several larger ones, undoubtedly left by others who had visited the temple. Zhang Xiaohua’s heart filled with excitement. Last night, when he arrived, it was too dark to see them, but now, in the daylight, these tracks could guide him in the right direction. It seemed this temple truly was blessed, attracting visitors even in such a remote location.

However, why can’t I remember seeing any deity statues inside the temple?

But what did it matter to Zhang Xiaohua whether there were statues or not? After thanking the inexplicable deity in his heart, Zhang Xiaohua tidied up and prepared to follow this trail to search for a town.

At least he could find a place where there are people.

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