Chapter 519: A Letter

After returning to their guest courtyard, Huang Lie abruptly stopped and turned to the people on either side of him. “Shao Pingbo is one of Xiaoyue Pavilion’s people. Do you think that’s possible?”

The two Elders who had followed him stopped as well and exchanged glances. Huang Tong hesitated before saying, “That cur made it sound convincing enough, but we also know he definitely means no good. Who knows whether it’s true or false? Besides, even if it is true, Shao Pingbo would never admit it even if beaten to death. If it’s false and we take it seriously, wouldn’t we be walking straight into that cur’s trap? He plainly means to bring disaster down on Shao Pingbo.”

Huang Lie paced back and forth, his expression grave. “True or false, this is no small matter. Dachan Mountain has labored for years. We cannot make wedding clothes for someone else. We must neither fall for that little thief’s trick nor fail to investigate. But under the present circumstances, we must be exceedingly cautious. We cannot leave ourselves beset within and without. For now, do not beat the grass and startle the snake. Keep Shao Pingbo under control. First settle the outside affairs before us and stabilize the external situation. After that, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation into Shao Pingbo.”

That did establish the general direction firmly. The two Elders nodded in approval. “Sect Leader speaks wisely!”

Huang Lie pressed one hand downward, not interested in hearing flattering words. After a moment of thought, he said, “There is one thing we must guard against. Niu Youdao’s words are edged everywhere with hidden intent. I fear the matter is not so simple. Everyone must be cautious. Any abnormality, however slight, must put us on alert!”

...

Several days later, Huang Lie had visited, one by one, every major sect temporarily staying at Myriad Beasts Sect that it was appropriate for him to call upon.

Courtesy was one reason. Establishing acquaintances and relationships was another. More importantly, he needed camouflage. He did not want Han’s three great sects to suspect anything because he had visited them, nor did he want Yan’s three great sects to become suspicious.

The negotiations were still continuing, but Huang Lie had to leave. He could not sit here waiting for a result, because there was never going to be a result.

By this point in the talks, the six great sects had begun showing signs of loosening their position, which meant Dachan Mountain ought to make some concessions in return. But Dachan Mountain’s entire purpose was to let the negotiations collapse. They had no intention of conceding. If the six great sects made concessions while Dachan Mountain refused to budge, the six Sect Leaders might simply come looking for Huang Lie personally.

So he had to leave.

Once he was gone and back home, the people left behind would have room to advance or retreat as needed. The negotiators below could indulge in a little temper of their own and keep dragging matters out. Naturally, the talks would eventually end without agreement.

After having someone send word ahead, Huang Lie led his party toward Myriad Beasts Sect’s main hall to take his leave...

“Master Dao, the flag’s been hung.”

Niu Youdao was playing Go with Guan Fangyi when Yuan Gang hurried over, entered the pavilion, and bent down to murmur beside his ear.

Guan Fangyi lifted her eyes slightly, displeased by the way the two men treated her like an outsider.

Hearing the report, Niu Youdao stood and pressed one Go stone into Yuan Gang’s hand. “It’s my turn. Continue for me.” With that, he planted his sword and walked away.

Inside the pavilion, Yuan Gang stood while Guan Fangyi remained seated. The two stared at each other for a moment.

Clatter.

Yuan Gang casually tossed the stone onto the board, turned, and walked away, plainly too lazy to waste time playing with Guan Fangyi.

“Bastard!” Guan Fangyi viciously cursed his retreating back.

The mountain ravine seemed to be one of Niu Youdao’s favored places to think.

He often appeared beside the stream below the mountain, pacing slowly with his head lowered as though pondering something.

Only Yuan Gang, standing guard along the mountain’s edge and watching the surroundings, knew what Niu Youdao was actually doing.

Inside the crevice behind the hanging vines, Chao Shenghuai saw Niu Youdao rub his nose. Receiving the signal that it was safe, he finally spoke. “Dachan Mountain’s people are preparing to leave.”

Niu Youdao stopped. “When?”

“Probably soon. They’re in the main hall right now taking leave of the Sect Leader. The moment I heard, I came straight to find you. I won’t let it delay your business.”

What he really feared delaying was not Niu Youdao’s business, but Niu Youdao collecting the debt. Four million gold coins were at stake, and more importantly, Chao Shenghuai wanted to confirm whether Niu Youdao had been deceiving him. If the man had only been stringing him along, he would need to make other preparations.

Niu Youdao said, “Good. I understand. Anything else?”

“No. Um... does Huang Lie really owe you money?” Chao Shenghuai still had his doubts. He suspected Niu Youdao might simply be using him.

“Of course he does.”

“Dachan Mountain is stronger than you, isn’t it? Will he really repay you?”

“You mean the stronger side can simply refuse to pay its debts, and I should give up collecting?”

“That’s not what I mean. I just think collecting it will be difficult.”

“Difficult or not, I still have to collect. Wait here. I’m going to stop him right now.”

When he returned to the mountain’s edge and met Yuan Gang, Niu Youdao gave a cold laugh. “Huang Lie is about to leave. Heh, wants to run? That’s no longer up to him. The letter. Bring me one.”

Yuan Gang nodded slightly, turned at once, and headed back to the courtyard.

Niu Youdao also returned with his sword. Under a tree, Guan Fangyi was waving a round fan while staring up at the leaves, though no one knew what she was looking at. He did not go over to her and instead called loudly, “Old Six Xu.”

Guan Fangyi looked back at the sudden shout, wondering what had gotten into him.

Old Six Xu came out from the rear courtyard, approached, and cupped his hands. “Master Dao!”

Niu Youdao did not answer. He merely lifted one hand, signaling him to wait, then planted his sword before him and stood there.

Old Six Xu turned his head toward Guan Fangyi, who was strolling over gracefully, and gave her an inquiring look. Unfortunately, she had no idea what this was about either.

Yuan Gang quickly returned carrying a letter that had been resealed and carefully preserved. He handed it to Niu Youdao.

Niu Youdao tipped his head toward Old Six Xu, signaling Yuan Gang to give it to him instead. Yuan Gang naturally complied.

Old Six Xu still did not understand. “Master Dao, this is...”

“Sect Leader Huang of Dachan Mountain is leaving. Take this letter to Myriad Beasts Sect’s mountain gate immediately and wait for him. Stop him and hand the letter over.”

Guan Fangyi finally understood something. This man might spend all day wandering within a tiny patch of ground, but he knew the slightest movement outside with remarkable clarity.

“All right.” Old Six Xu nodded, then asked, “How should I answer him?”

“You don’t need to answer anything. If he is willing to come over, lead him here. Go quickly.” Niu Youdao waved his sleeve and headed toward the pavilion with his sword.

Old Six Xu tucked the letter into his sleeve and left at a brisk pace.

Yuan Gang watched him go for a moment. He understood what this meant. Master Dao had begun openly using Fufang Garden’s people, which meant he was ready to lay his cards on the table and close the net. It also meant that even if a few minor flaws appeared now, they could no longer affect the overall outcome. The great game Master Dao had planned for so long was already decided.

This was one of the things Yuan Gang admired most after following Niu Youdao for so many years.

Master Dao was still that same Master Dao who had once ranged across the jianghu!

At times like this, even Yuan Gang had to admit that when Master Dao held the whole situation in his grasp, he possessed a true, effortless charisma. Commanding wind and cloud, he made the heart yearn to follow.

Yuan Gang had once thought of imitating him. But reality had forced him to admit that people truly were different. Even identical experiences would rarely produce identical men.

That was also why he had introduced Niu Youdao to Shang Shuqing all those years ago. Yuan Gang knew the gaps in his own abilities. He knew who truly had the ability to help the Shang siblings break free of their desperate situation.

Guan Fangyi entered the pavilion and sat opposite Niu Youdao. Testing him, she asked, “What did you write in the letter?”

Niu Youdao studied the Go board and replied absentmindedly, “You’ll know soon enough. An honored guest is coming. Go prepare a pot of tea first.”

Guan Fangyi rolled her eyes at him, but still rose to prepare the tea...

At the mountain gate, beneath the towering ceremonial arch, Old Six Xu had barely made it in time.

He had only just arrived when Huang Lie appeared with a group from Myriad Beasts Sect.

At Xi Haitang’s request, Qiu Shan had personally come to see him off.

Old Six Xu immediately stepped forward to block the way and cupped his hands. “Greetings, Sect Leader Huang.”

Huang Lie did not know him well and had no idea what his name was, but he had seen the man in Niu Youdao’s courtyard during the previous banquet. One glance was enough to know he belonged to Niu Youdao’s people. Huang Lie asked coldly, “What is it?”

Old Six Xu took out the letter and presented it with both hands. “Master Dao instructed me to deliver this to Sect Leader Huang.”

Huang Lie gave a cold laugh and looked toward Qiu Shan. With pointed meaning, he said, “Brother Qiu, it seems Niu Youdao is remarkably familiar with my movements inside Myriad Beasts Sect. I decided to leave only suddenly, yet he learned of it immediately. Not simple at all.”

The implication in his words was obvious.

Qiu Shan merely smiled. He knew Huang Lie was probably accusing Myriad Beasts Sect of having some internal problem.

There was no good answer to that.

Myriad Beasts Sect was a vast organization. When the forest was large, every kind of bird could be found. Besides, who in the cultivation world did not know a few people outside his own sect? Some relationships with outsiders were unavoidable, and Myriad Beasts Sect’s business dealings often depended precisely on such connections.

Sect rules were fixed, but human hearts were alive. No rules could bind everyone perfectly. It was the same anywhere. Qiu Shan himself had bent things slightly when Chen Tingxiu came asking for help.

If there truly was some problem, who knew whom it might involve behind the scenes? Without evidence, and when the matter was not especially serious, Myriad Beasts Sect could hardly launch an investigation just because an outsider threw out a vague suspicion.

So Qiu Shan only smiled without answering, at most filing the matter away in his mind.

Huang Lie wanted to see what sort of trick Niu Youdao had written to him. He accepted the letter, briefly examined it with his spiritual power, then broke the seal and withdrew a sheet of paper still marked by many creases despite having been flattened again.

The moment he read it, his expression changed drastically.

He flipped the letter over, then folded it again with remarkable speed, clearly unwilling to let anyone else see its contents.

Qiu Shan grew curious. What exactly had Niu Youdao written that could provoke such a reaction from Huang Lie?

He was not the only curious one. Dachan Mountain’s people were wondering too.

Huang Lie shoved the letter back into its envelope. His gaze toward Old Six Xu carried a trace of cold menace, and his tone was stiff. “Where is Niu Youdao?”

Old Six Xu was curious himself, but politely answered, “He hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s in the guest courtyard.”

Huang Lie turned his head, and a smile returned to his face. Holding the letter, he cupped his hands to Qiu Shan. “Brother Qiu, my apologies. Niu Youdao has invited me over by letter. There are certain matters he wishes to discuss. I need to make a trip there. I’ve made Brother Qiu come all this way for nothing. Truly my fault.”

“No matter, no matter. Please, go ahead.” Qiu Shan politely returned the gesture.

The Dachan Mountain people quietly exchanged glances. Some looked at one another outright. They could all sense that this matter was probably not simple.

Huang Lie waved his hand and led the group back the way they had come.

Old Six Xu immediately hurried forward to guide them with complete courtesy. Inwardly, however, he was astonished and somewhat impressed by Niu Youdao.

Master Dao had said one letter would make Huang Lie come over—and the dignified Sect Leader of Dachan Mountain really had turned around and come.

Qiu Shan stood with his hands behind his back, watching them depart, doubt written across his face.

He muttered inwardly, You could fool a ghost with that story.

Did Niu Youdao really have that much face? One summons and Huang Lie obediently went over? The dignified Sect Leader of Dachan Mountain could actually be that compliant?

Wasn’t this completely backward?

The distance was hardly great. If Niu Youdao had business, could he not simply come over personally? Given Niu Youdao’s seniority, strength, and background compared with Huang Lie’s, sending only a subordinate made his airs absurdly large.

Qiu Shan understood there had to be something fishy here. He simply could not figure out what.

[End of Chapter 519]