Volume 5, Chapter 7: Dark Clouds Gather

The sound of zither music, flowing like water, came from a magnificent pavilion in Long Tingfeis residence. The music resonated like the sounds of nature, resounding with the help of the still frigid breeze. Xiao Tong hurriedly walked over. Through the window, he could see a figure in black and could not help sighing gently. More than a month ago, he had unintentionally discovered some old information that had practically been destroyed, discovering that Qing Dai had for an extended period of time disappeared on the frontier of Northern Han. Becoming uneasy, he had immediately begun making preparations to take Qing Dai into custody. However, just as he was doing so, he learned that Duan Wudi had taken Qing Dai out of the residence, not letting anyone know where they were going. While he was frazzled, Ling Duan revealed the news he had acquired through eavesdropping. Feeling even more uneasy, Xiao Tong had asked Qiu Yufei to come with him to help find Duan Wudi and Qing Dai. At Shi Yings grave, they had found the unconscious Duan Wudi and his dead guards. Duan Wudi had been poisoned with a highly toxic poison specially manufactured and used by Great Yongs spy network in Northern Han. This kind of poison, although not especially potent and would not lead to immediate death, was extremely difficult to treat and cure. It would take months for the individual poisoned to recover his health and was frequently used by Great Yong agents to capture their targets alive. After Duan Wudi had awakened and explained Qing Dais intentions, Xiao Tong was greatly upset. Wasnt it his fault he hadnt discovered that Qing Dai was actually a secret agent from Great Yong?

In order to make up for this mistake, Xiao Tong had asked Qiu Yufei to pursue and kill Qing Dai. After all, he could tell that Qiu Yufeis martial arts had advanced by leaps and bounds. However, Qiu Yufei actually tactfully declined his request. Xiao Tong knew that this junior apprentice brother of his had no interest in warfare and power, and practically was never involved. However, this time, Qiu Yufeis acceptance of the mission to assassinate Jiang Zhe and his interference in the Duan Wudi scandal had caused Xiao Tong to forget about this point. As a result, the two of them had a nasty argument. However, ultimately because they were apprentice brothers, Qiu Yufei had still gone personally. Moreover, in the several hundred

li

pursuit, Qiu Yufei had personally killed or wounded more than half of the fleeing spies. Were it not for timely reinforcements from Great Yongs military, Qing Dai, whose martial arts were better than anyone anticipated, would probably have been unable to return alive to Great Yong.

After he had returned to Qinzhou, Qiu Yufei was extremely unhappy to the point of almost immediately wanting to return to Jinyang. Were it not for Long Tingfeis persuasion that used every possible means, causing Qiu Yufei to temporarily stay, Qiu Yufei would likely have departed long ago. Xiao Tong could perceive that Qiu Yufei not only did not wish to get involved in military matters, but his junior apprentice brother probably also bore a grudge for being forced to pursue and kill Qing Dai. This was a conclusion he had reached after listening to Ling Duan, who had revealed that Qiu Yufei thought quite highly of Qing Dai.

Recalling Qing Dai, Xiao Tong found himself fuming with rage. Responsible for weeding out Great Yongs intelligence network, he had suffered such a heavy defeat. This woman had openly displayed her loathing for the Northern Han court, causing him to never suspect her of being an agent for Great Yong. Based upon what Duan Wudi had witnessed, this womans position was quite high. Furthermore, she had been able to withstand a hundred exchanges with his martial apprentice brother. As someone with such martial arts and scheming, she was likely that head agent of Great Yongs intelligence network in Northern Han. It was extremely unfortunate that she was allowed to escape. Although Xiao Tong was not blamed by Long Tingfei, he still apprehensive. As a result, he racked his brains to seek to have Qiu Yufei remain. His junior apprentice brothers martial arts had advanced by leaps and bounds, and with his help, Xiao Tong felt that he could do many things.

When the zither music finally stopped, Xiao Tong coughed lightly before walking into the magnificent pavilion. Qiu Yufei continued to caress the strings of the zither, not rising to greet and welcome his senior apprentice brother. From the beginning, there was no obvious difference in their status and position. Within the Devil Sect, martial arts and talent determined many things. Now that Qiu Yufei had advanced to the

Xiantian

realm, he had the qualifications to treat Xiao Tong coldly even if Xiao Tong was his senior apprentice brother.

Hesitating momentarily, Xiao Tong said, The Grand General wants to send someone to the Eastern Sea to prevent the Marquis of the Eastern Sea from pledging allegiance to Great Yong in the near future.

Qiu Yufei callously replied, How to prevent him? From the very start, the Marquis of the Eastern Sea has been a relative of Great Yong. Moreover, Jiang Zhe spent years in the Eastern Sea. It is just a matter of time before the Eastern Sea surrenders and pledges its allegiance.

Helplessly, Xiao Tong remarked, What you say is correct. However, we require supplies from the Eastern Sea. Although we have been stockpiling as best we could, it is still not enough. If the Eastern Sea surrenders to Great Yong, it will be a grievous blow to us. We only want the Eastern Sea to retain its neutrality.

His eyebrows arching, Qiu Yufei replied, This wont be easy. Could it be that the Grand General has a plan?

Xiao Tong frostily answered, In the past, when the Eastern Sea was an enemy of Great Yong, they would have fallen long ago without our countrys secret assistance. Right now, we do not seek their assistance. We simply want them to remain neutral. If they wont even agree to this minor point, then the Jiang familys father and son are truly ungracious and should suffer Heavens wrath.

You want me to use the threat of assassination against them? asked Qiu Yufei indifferently. The Eastern Sea is their sphere of influence. Are you not afraid that I will die on the ocean?

Xiao Tong responded, Based upon your current martial arts, you will be able to escape from the Eastern Sea at the very least. Moreover, with the backing of Master, the Eastern Sea will definitely not make things difficult for you lightly. Our demands arent excessive. I believe they will agree.

Qiu Yufei lightly strummed the zither strings, appearing to waver. Xiao Tong knew that Qiu Yufei wasnt worried about the danger, but rather whether he should be involved in these matters. Xiao Tong was not certain how his junior apprentice brother would respond, making him apprehensive. At this moment, Ling Duan, who was standing to the side as an attendant, spoke up in a soft voice, Fourth Lord, when a nest is overturned, can eggs remain unbroken? Will Great Yong take the Fourth Lord as someone harmless now?

Qiu Yufei shivered inwardly, recalling his assassination attempt at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and his pursuit of Qing Dai. Ultimately, he sighed and replied, All right, Ill go.

Overjoyed, Xiao Tong declared, Many thanks to junior apprentice brother for understanding elder brothers difficulties. This is also Masters intention. As such, I hope that junior apprentice brother will be diligent.

Qiu Yufei stared apathetically at the zither score beside his zither. He could not help but recall the deep affection that man had displayed for him, and the grief and indignation that man had shown upon learning that he was an assassin. Recalling that handsome and refined, but gray-templed face, Qiu Yufei felt an indescribable sorrow in his heart. One of the rare intimate friends of his life and yet Qiu Yufei could only treat him as an implacable enemy.

***

Within a sanctum of the marshals residence, Long Tingfei sat and gazed at the gathered generals before him. He frigidly said, There is no need for you to speak further. I know that morale is shaky. However, now is not the time to be soft. Great Yongs Prince of Qi is already glaring like a tiger upon its prey. Although his attack upon Qinzhou approaches, the soldiers and officers under Shi Ying must be reorganized so that no hidden dangers are left behind. Now that Northern Hans survival is at peril, if we do not take emergency measures before the iron boot of the Great Yong oppressor has arrived, we will already be finished. Relay my orders. All males fifteen and older in Qinzhou are to be conscripted into the army. After this war ends, I will naturally provide hefty rewards and financial support. If we are defeated and the kingdom falls, whats the point of discussing peace and prosperity?

Waving his hand to dismiss his subordinates, Long Tingfei tiredly sat down in his chair. The load on his shoulders in recent days had been exhausting. With Shi Ying dead and Duan Wudi poisoned, he had lost his arms. In addition, with news of Shi Yings defection and Duan Wudis smuggling spreading like wildfire, Long Tingfei had completely exhausted all of his mental and physical efforts in order to calm the army and counter the court. Even with this, Duan Wudi was still demoted a rank, while Shi Yings subordinates were implicated. Long Tingfei was forced to begin a purge. Right now, of his subordinates, Long Tingfei felt that in their silence there was only resentment and resistance. However, Long Tingfei had no alternatives. Restoring the lost morale required an opportunity.

His eyes fell upon the scroll upon his desk. Upon it was all of the gathered information available about Great Yongs Marquis of Chu, Jiang Zhe. Long Tingfei picked up the scroll and once again began to read it. Reaching the end, hatred and bitterness gradually rose into Long Tingfeis mind. It was all this man alone, since his reappearance in the Eastern Sea, who had frustrated Long Tingfeis plans. Long Tingfei could not help but tear the scroll into shreds. Powerlessly sighing, he could not help wondering if Jiang Zhe was the bane of his existence. Feeling dejected, Long Tingfei returned to the inner residence, ordering his servants to prepare food and drink. He began to drink by himself. With the alcohol, his worries began to multiply. After drinking for some time and regardless of how well he could hold his drink, he became dead drunk.

With his head throbbing in pain, Long Tingfei woke up. It was already past noon. His bodyguards delivered hot water and a towel. One of them very carefully asked, Grand General, General Duan has been waiting outside for you for some time.

Startled and not worrying about his haggard appearance, Long Tingfei walked out of his bedroom. He saw Duan Wudi standing at the foot of the steps in martial attire. Duan Wudis expression was grave and stern, his complexion pale. Long Tingfei hurriedly walked over and anxiously said, Wudi, why have you come? You have not yet completely recovered from your injuries.

Afterwards, he reprimanded his bodyguards, Do you not know that General Duan was poisoned? Why have you not invited him to one of the side halls to rest? Truly useless!

Trembling like cicadas in winter, the bodyguards did not dare to justify themselves. However, Duan Wudi calmly replied, Grand General, do not blame them. It was this general who insisted upon waiting here.

Feeling guilty, Long Tingfei spoke, Wudi, everythings been held up because I got drunk, letting you down. Quickly, come inside and take a seat.

A brilliant light appearing in Duan Wudis eyes, he replied, This general has a matter that needs to be discussed with the Grand General.

Long Tingfei personally led Duan Wudi into his bedroom. After driving away all of his bodyguards and hastily washing his face, Long Tingfei said, Wudi, tell me what is going on.

Rising to his feet, Duan Wudi unflinchingly stated, This general has come today to report on military matters to the Grand General. However, since the Grand General surprisingly did not emerge, this general asked your bodyguards and learned that the Grand General had gotten drunk. As a result, this general has come to admonish the Grand General. Now that our Northern Han is on the brink of extinction, the Grand General is the heart of the army. How can you drink to excess? If this news were to spread, wouldnt it leave all of the soldiers bitterly disappointed? This general was arrogant in my blunt words and hopes that the Grand General will not take offense.

Blushing, Long Tingfei sat down in distress. He replied, Wudi, you are one of my trusted subordinates. I will not keep you in the dark. I am truly powerless to reverse the present situation. Based upon military power, Great Yong is several times more powerful than us. Based upon supplies, Great Yong can fight for many years, while after a few months, we will have likely exhausted everything. Based upon generals, Great Yong can dispatch numerous capable generals, while the most trusted generals under my command have either died or defected, while you carry poison in your body. It truly is a bit difficult for me to continue. Great Yong has a wise and virtuous monarch in Li Zhi, a commander