Jianghu Demolition Squad

Between Buddha and Demon (Part Five)

After leaving Jile City, the group gathered with the people from the Wuwei Palace. Jian Mobei and others were both surprised and overjoyed to see them safely return with Yan Li, expressing their deep gratitude.

Wei Ran shared what he observed and heard within the city, mentioning the jianghu figures referred to by Wu Yu. Jian Mobei firmly declared, “This time, no other jianghu friends accompanied us, and I did not send those five disciples to Jile City.”

After listening, Wei Ran pondered, “But Wu Yu doesn’t seem to be lying. She’s always been straightforward and domineering. It’s not her style to secretly abduct Wuwei Palace disciples. Besides, she has already released our junior sister. She clearly doesn’t want trouble with Wuwei Palace, and we have no intention of pursuing the matter further. Why would she keep those five disciples and create unnecessary problems for herself? It seems her words are likely true.”

Yu’er pointed out, “Everyone knows about the conflict between Jile City and Wuwei Palace. Perhaps someone is deliberately trying to instigate a fight, hoping both sides will weaken each other, allowing them to reap the benefits.”

Wei Ran had a realization, “Jile City borders Miaojiang, could it be…!”

Jian Mobei’s expression changed, “Ran’er’s guess makes sense, it might be those people from the Miaojiang…”

In the past, when heroes from wulin gathered in the Miaojiang to eradicate evil sects, one reason was the concentration of outlaws in the area. Some sought pleasure in murder, some experimented with deadly Gu poisons on humans, and some delighted in instigating conflict between sects, treating human life as insignificant, sowing chaos wherever they went.

They were like a persistent plague, requiring drastic measures for complete eradication.

However, many escaped the battle in the Miaojiang, lying dormant and waiting for the right time to return and cause more trouble.

Among them was Wu Chang. Suddenly, everyone remembered how Wu Chang had escaped from the Mingjian Manor years ago, and the jianghu sects have been unable to find him since. Miaojiang was his stronghold, and it was likely he had returned there.

Recalling Wu Chang’s cruel methods and those fierce walking corpses, everyone shuddered.

Jian Mobei solemnly declared, “This matter is of great importance, we cannot ignore it.”

The next day at dawn, Yu’er and her companions prepared to depart for the Xuhuai Valley. Their initial purpose in coming to Jile City was to rescue Yan Li. Now that they had successfully rescued her and with the disappearance of the five disciples raising further questions, they had no reason to linger.

Jian Mobei, accompanied by his disciples, headed to the Miaojiang to investigate the disappearance of the five disciples, while sending Jiang Ying and a few injured disciples back to Wuwei Palace to report what had happened in Jile City.

As they were about to part, Yan Li hesitated and then said to Jian Mobei, “Shishu, this time, Jile City has also been manipulated. Although there’s longstanding resentment between Jile City and Wuwei Palace, if a greater enemy is present, it’s time to set aside past grievances and unite against a common enemy.”

Jian Mobei sighed, “I understand your reasoning, but that Wu Yu girl is incredibly stubborn. She’s never liked Wuwei Palace. It’s unlikely she’d cooperate with us. If you try to reason with her, she’ll listen if she feels like it. If not, she’ll ignore you at best. And if she’s in a bad mood, she’ll attack without hesitation. Wuwei Palace and Paradise City are like ice and fire. They simply can’t mix.”

Yan Li offered a reassuring smile, “She’s not a foolish leader. Jile City shares a border with Miaojiang. If someone from that region truly intends to cause chaos, Jile City will be the first to suffer. As the City Lord, responsible for the safety of her people, she’ll understand the stakes and take precautions. So Shishu, when the time comes, you might want to consider attempting a collaboration with her.”

Jian Mobei bowed his head, contemplating her words, “What you said makes sense. Alright, Shishu will keep that in mind.”

As Yu’er and the others were about to leave, Yan Li bowed to Jian Mobei, “Shishu, you traveled a great distance to rescue this disciple. The kindness of the sect is something I can never repay in this lifetime. I should stay by your side and serve you, but my dear friend’s life and death are unknown. Until this matter is resolved, I will never be at peace.”

Jian Mobei chuckled, patting Yan Li’s shoulder, his eyes glistening with emotion. “You’ve always been aloof, Li’er,” he said. “Your master and I worried that you weren’t experiencing the joys of life. Thankfully, you had Ran’er and the others to keep you company, preventing you from becoming too detached. After your master’s death, you blamed yourself and lost all will to live. The entire sect feared we couldn’t save you. But who could have imagined that you would travel the world, forge deep bonds with such valiant heroes, and rediscover your passion for life, embracing a carefree and unrestrained spirit. I don’t know how to thank them enough.”

Yan Li replied, “This disciple is unfilial…”

Jian Mobei said, “Ah! It’s all in the past. You value loyalty and righteousness, and having friends who are willing to go through life and death with you makes me very happy. Li’er, Ran’er, you, Ying’er, and Chenggui, you four have been raised by us from childhood, and we’ve treated you as our own children. There’s no parent in this world who doesn’t want the best for their children. All the sect wishes for you is to live happily. Do you understand?”

“Go on, do what you want to do.”

Yan Li’s throat tightened, and he bowed deeply to Jian Mobei again, “Take care, Shishu.”

Yu’er and her companions traversed the Miaojiang and headed towards Xuhuai Valley.

Xuhuai Valley is located at the border between Sichuan and Miaojiang. It’s a deep valley surrounded by misty mountains. At the entrance to the valley is a lake, which one must cross by boat.

Xuhuai Valley is known for its medicinal arts and benevolence, attracting those seeking aid from far and wide. The local residents, grateful for the valley’s generosity, volunteer to operate boats to ferry people across the lake.

On the day the group arrived at the entrance, they negotiated with the boatman and prepared to cross the lake by boat.

Qing Jiu stood at the shore. Since the day Yan Li had cut her chains, Yu’er and the others had not shackled her again, but without the Fenghou Sword in hand, she stood little chance of escape against Tang Linzhi, Hua Lian, Yang Chun, and Yu’er. If she fought, it would only result in mutual destruction…

So, she had been unable to escape, and that’s how she ended up in this situation.

Yu’er turned around and said to Qing Jiu, “Miss Zhi Huan, please board the boat.”

Qing Jiu remained motionless. Yu’er repeated, “Miss Zhi Huan?”

Taking a deep breath, Qing Jiu asked, “Do you really have to take me with you?”

“What’s the matter? Does Miss Zhi Huan not want to go? But you’re a criminal now, and you have to go whether you want to or not.” Yu’er said lightly, almost with a hint of amusement, “Miss Zhi Huan, it’s getting late, let’s not delay any longer.”

Qing Jiu frowned, neither moving nor speaking. A breeze blew over the lake, creating ripples, and Yu’er straightened her hair, teasing, “Could it be that Miss Zhi Huan is afraid of boats?”

With a sigh in her heart, Qing Jiu closed her eyes, resignedly stepped forward with a sense of doomed resolution.

Everyone turned to watch her board; the boat dipped slightly as she stepped on, her body pausing momentarily. Then, she moved through the cabin to the stern, each step steady, finally kneeling at the stern and sitting motionless.

The group needed three boats. Since Xin Chou was too heavy, causing the boat to sit too deep in the water, he took one boat by himself, while the rest divided among the other two.

On the boat with Qing Jiu were Yan Li, Qi Tianzhu, Yang Chun, and Yu’er. Yu’er noticed some sewing supplies on the boat and borrowed them from the boatman.

The boatman smiled, “This needle and thread are for my wife to mend my clothes. If the young miss doesn’t mind, feel free to use them.”

Yu’er thanked him, took the needle and thread, and sat next to Qing Jiu at the stern.

Qing Jiu, pale-faced, pursed her lips, “What are you doing…” She couldn’t say much and quickly shut her mouth.

Yu’er threaded the needle and pulled Qing Jiu’s arm closer, “This is torn; let me mend it for you.”

Qing Jiu’s clothes had been sliced open by Yan Li’s sword during their initial encounter. Although the wound was just a flesh wound and had healed in a few days, the fabric, unlike skin, couldn’t heal itself, leaving the tear as it was.

Qing Jiu dared not move or speak, allowing Yu’er to mend her clothes.

The boatman, encouraged by Yu’er’s conversation, gave them a curious look and asked, “Judging by your appearance, you’re all wanderers of jianghu. Are you coming to Xuhuai Valley to seek medical treatment?”

Yan Li replied, “Something like that.”

The boatman, excited, said, “Hehe, Xuhuai Valley is renowned for medical expertise and compassion, and like you, many come seeking treatment. But Xuhuai Valley doesn’t treat just anyone. Do you know about the three types of people they refuse to heal?”

Yang Chun, curious, asked, “There’s such a rule? Which three types?”

The boatman explained, “They don’t save those who deserve to die, those who have given up on life, or anyone associated with Mo Qingyan.”

The three inside the cabin looked at each other, and Yang Chun asked, “Boatman, can you explain these three types?”

The boatman said, “Those who deserve to die are those filled with evil deeds, harmful thieves that Xuhuai Valley refuses to treat; those who have given up on life are people who no longer desire to live; as for Mo Qingyan…”

With a cold snort of disdain, the boatman continued, “Mo Qingyan was the senior disciple of Valley Master Xuan Shen and was raised by both Valley Master Xuan Shen and Valley Master Bai Sang. However, she proved to be an ungrateful wretch who repaid kindness with enmity and killed her benefactor. The merciful Valley Master Bai Sang spared her life but expelled her from Xuhuai Valley. Since then, it has been decreed that anyone connected to this ungrateful traitor will not be saved, without exception.”

The others inside the boat fell silent. Seeing their strange expressions, the boatman added, “I know the blood of jianghu heroes runs hot. If your quest for healing fails, please refrain from resorting to violence within Xuhuai Valley. It’s a place of peace, acknowledged by all jianghu sects. Failing to receive medical help is a minor issue; there are many healers in the world. But if you offend Xuhuai Valley, you offend the entire jianghu. It’s not worth it.”

Yang Chun smiled and assured, “Don’t worry, boatman, we have always respected Xuhuai Valley. We wouldn’t resort to violence. When the time comes, we’ll handle everything peacefully.”

Yu’er finished mending Qing Jiu’s sleeve with neat stitches and bit off the thread.

When she looked up, Qing Jiu was just turning her head to look at her.

Since they met, the two had never been this close; close enough for their breaths to mingle, close enough for Yu’er to see those beautiful eyes beneath the mask, as deep and dark as ink-stained misty rain, the most beautiful sight in the world.

Just then, the boatman called out, “We’ve arrived!”

The boat docked steadily, and Qing Jiu suddenly stood up, leaped to the shore but stumbled and fell to her knees.

Yu’er’s heart skipped a beat as she hurried to help her, “Miss Zhi Huan, you don’t look well.”

Qing Jiu’s lips were pale, and she was covered in cold sweat. After a moment, she said, “It’s just an old ailment flaring up, nothing serious.”

Concerned, Yu’er remembered the terrifying sight of Qing Jiu covered in blood when they had last met, thinking the ailment had worsened. She moved to check her pulse, “Let me see.” But Qing Jiu pulled her hand away.

“I understand, you don’t want me to touch you… Just ahead is Xuhuai Valley. The healers there are kind and only wish to help, not harm. You can trust them to take a look.”

Once everyone was ashore, Qing Jiu’s sense of revulsion eased somewhat, and she caught her breath enough to move on.

The dwellings of Xuhuai Valley disciples were nestled against the mountain and water, with herb fields in front and a side adorned with various plants and flowers, serene and tranquil.

Hua Lian admired the scene, “This truly is a paradise. One day, when I have the time, I’ll buy a plot of land and build a residence like this.”

In the fields, several disciples were tending to the plants. Seeing strangers arrive, one approached and asked, “Have you come to seek healing?”

Before Yu’er and the others could speak, a disciple recognized them. From the days at Mingjian Manor, if not for them, many Xuhuai Valley disciples might have perished on Huxiao Mountain: “Hurry and inform the master that distinguished guests have arrived!”

The disciple then directed Yu’er and her companions, “Please, come to the guest hall.”

The group was ushered into the guest hall, where the disciples served them floral tea. Curious younger disciples, having heard of the arrival of important guests, peered in from the door. Seeing Xin Chou’s massive stature sitting at the doorstep, they were not frightened but rather fascinated, and one approached to check his pulse: “Do you have the bloodline of the ancient giants?”

“Is it true that giants feed on morning dew? Do you drink only dew?”

They chattered away, asking all sorts of questions.

Bai Sang arrived, followed by Zizhi and Zelan. She gently told them, “Go play elsewhere, don’t disturb the guests.”

The disciples responded in unison, “Yes.”

The disciples grabbed Xin Chou’s fingers, pushing and pulling him.

Xin Chou said, “Chou needs to wait for Master.”

“Come play! Your master won’t run away.” They managed to drag him away with their combined effort.

Bai Sang entered the guest hall, and Yu’er and the others stood up. Bai Sang said, “I apologize for the wait.”

Zelan cheerfully said, “We’ve been waiting for you to visit. What took you so long?”

Everyone exchanged smiles and replied, “Life is unpredictable.”

Tang Linzhi looked around but did not see Mo Wen. She asked, “Valley Master Bai, where is Mo Wen? Why hasn’t she come over yet?”

Bai Sang’s expression darkened, and frowned: “There’s no one called Mo Wen here. I thought you came to visit or seek medical treatment, but it seems you are here to look for someone. We don’t have the person you’re looking for here. If you’re looking for someone, please look elsewhere.”

Zelan, standing behind, made faces at the others, quickly catching on. Hua Lian swiftly grasped the situation and laughed, “Valley Master Bai, please don’t misunderstand. We are here for healing. It’s just that a friend of ours once wrote saying she was in this area, so we asked.”

Bai Sang remained silent for a moment before responding, “Although Xuhuai Valley has rules against healing certain individuals, since you have shown kindness to our valley, if it’s healing you seek, Xuhuai Valley will certainly provide it. However, if it’s for other matters, we must unfortunately offend.”

Hua Lian replied, “Yes, yes, what Valley Master Bai said is right.”

Tang Linzhi still had more to say, but Hua Lian quickly grabbed her hand, whispering, “Let’s settle down first and then talk.”