Chapter 1210: Niu Youdao's Request Before His Death

Restrain her grief? Tang Yi had no idea why he would say such a thing. She and Niu Youdao had only ever been husband and wife in name, and whatever marital tie had existed between them had long since been severed. What grief was she supposed to restrain?

Yet there was one thing she could not deny even to herself. Ever since learning of Niu Youdao's death, a faint sorrow had lingered in her heart.

Looking back, the Shangqing Sect had wronged Niu Youdao, and so had she. Strictly speaking, the Sect Leader of the present generation should have been Niu Youdao. She had obtained the position from him through maneuvering and coercion.

He had originally been the man meant to lead the Shangqing Sect. Now that he was dead, everyone in the sect inevitably felt some sorrow and regret. Wei Duo especially had cried bitterly.

But whether in feeling or in reason, there was no real basis for telling her to restrain her grief. She had tried to make the relationship clear, yet Chuan Ying insisted on speaking of it this way. Tang Yi did not want to argue over the point. What concerned her was the "secret help" he had mentioned. She tested him with a question. "Did Niu Youdao truly ask you to help me?"

Privately, she wanted to know the answer as well. Niu Youdao had never married anyone else. Had he truly liked her?

Chuan Ying smiled. "Otherwise, why would I have come? To make a special trip just to lie to you?"

That was true enough. Tang Yi silently acknowledged the point, though another doubt remained in her heart. "I never heard that Niu Youdao had any dealings with you. How did you and he become such close friends?"

Chuan Ying answered directly. "Before Brother Niu entered the Sacred Realm, we did not know each other at all. I had heard his name for years, but never had the chance to meet him. I originally belonged to Tiandi Sect in the State of Jin. Does Sect Leader Tang know of it?"

"I've never heard of it." Tang Yi thought for a moment, then shook her head slightly.

Many matters, including the investigations surrounding the Sacred Realm, had never been made public. Given Chuan Ying's present identity, those who did know more were hardly in a position to gossip about him. It was only natural that Tang Yi knew nothing.

Seeing that she did not, Chuan Ying asked, "What about the relationship between Linghu Qiu, Sect Leader of Tiandi Sect, and Brother Niu? Does Sect Leader Tang know of that?"

"Linghu Qiu?" Tang Yi paused, then nodded. "I've heard something. I was told he and Niu Youdao were sworn brothers."

Chuan Ying said, "That was where the connection began. Luo'er and I were to enter the Sacred Realm and marry there. Sect Leader Linghu may have been worried about Brother Niu's safety inside, so he sought me out and asked me to look after Brother Niu if my position allowed it once I entered the Sacred Realm. Afraid Brother Niu might misunderstand, Sect Leader Linghu even wrote him a letter and asked me to carry it in. In effect, he meant to introduce Brother Niu and me to one another."

"After I entered the Sacred Realm with the letter, I was completely unfamiliar with the place and could not deliver it to Brother Niu immediately. But fate is a strange thing. I never expected Brother Niu and Luo'er to be old acquaintances. They had met years ago at the Ice and Snow Pavilion and already knew one another."

"On the day Luo'er and I were married at the Ice and Snow Sacred Land, there were no guests from outside the Sacred Realm. The only person who came to offer congratulations was Brother Niu. He came for Luo'er's sake and personally painted a picture as a wedding gift for her. The moment I heard he had arrived, I thought it was perfect timing. I immediately went to meet him and gave him Sect Leader Linghu's letter. That was how we came to know one another."

"Some people can know each other an entire lifetime without ever becoming friends. Others meet only once and find themselves perfectly matched in temperament. What does it mean to have an affinity with someone? That was Brother Niu and me. We hit it off the moment we met, and from then on we had dealings with each other inside the Sacred Realm."

"He would come to the Ice and Snow Sacred Land, and I would visit him in Wentian City. We went back and forth, regretting only that we had met so late. Gradually, we became friends who could trust each other completely."

"I remember the last time we met. Luo'er and I were preparing to leave the Sacred Realm and return to the Ice and Snow Pavilion, so husband and wife went together to Wentian City to see him."

"When he learned I was leaving the Sacred Realm, he said he did not know whether he would ever have another chance to leave. I told him he was being too pessimistic and that I would certainly find a way to help him get out. I simply wasn't familiar enough with the situation yet and asked him to give me some time. It was during that meeting that he pulled me aside and asked me to look after you and the Shangqing Sect."

"I didn't think much of it at the time. I agreed readily. Afterward, Luo'er and I left, bringing that visit to Wentian City to an end."

"Ah. I truly never imagined that farewell would become the last time Brother Niu and I saw one another. I only regret that I was not still inside the Sacred Realm when it happened. Otherwise, I would have exhausted every possible means to keep anything from happening to him. But regret is useless now. Thinking it over, the only thing I can still do is honor the promise I made Brother Niu. Only then will I not have failed the friendship we shared."

By the time he finished, the melancholy and regret on his face looked entirely genuine.

So that was how it had happened. Tang Yi slowly nodded, though inwardly she could not help wondering whether Niu Youdao had simply been currying favor with Chuan Ying inside the Sacred Realm, while Chuan Ying had taken the friendship seriously.

Whatever the truth, a man of Chuan Ying's status had no reason to come all this way merely to deceive her. She tentatively asked, "How did Niu Youdao die? Who killed him?"

"This..." Chuan Ying hesitated. After a moment, he said, "There are some things I cannot speak about freely. They involve matters inside the Sacred Realm. Without evidence, saying too much would do neither you nor me any good. But his death was probably connected to his position as an inspector."

"They say he uncovered certain problems during his investigations and offended people he should never have offended, so he was silenced. No one yet knows who the true killer was. But Brother Niu's death was no small matter inside the Sacred Realm. His authority as an inspector came directly by command of the Sacred Venerables. Beneath the Sacred Venerables, no one had the authority to decide his life or death. Yet someone actually dared assassinate an inspector appointed by sacred command."

"The matter alarmed all nine Sacred Venerables, who personally descended upon Wentian City. Even now, the investigation remains extremely strict. Sect Leader Tang, I am truly sorry. That is all I can tell you."

In only a few sentences, he had revealed enough to make Tang Yi's heart pound. Niu Youdao had offended someone inside the Sacred Realm whom he should never have offended and been silenced?

After taking a moment to digest the information, she nodded slightly. "I understand. Then Mr. Chuan Ying came here because..."

Chuan Ying answered with a question. "Sect Leader Tang, do you not understand the Shangqing Sect's present situation? You should understand it better than I do. Two states are at war. Thousands upon thousands of troops clash, sweeping forward like thunder and crushing everything in their path. Swords and spears have no eyes. Arrows fall like driving rain. No one gives thought to the common people. Fire and flood are unleashed whenever useful, and every means is employed. Life and death show no mercy. Wei is in dire straits. If Sect Leader Tang continues leading the Shangqing Sect along with it, I fear you may all be buried together."

Tang Yi was silent for a moment, then sighed. "I have no choice."

Chuan Ying said, "I understand. I did not want to disturb you lightly, but after learning that the Shangqing Sect's situation was truly dangerous, I remembered Brother Niu's request and came to see you."

Tang Yi tried another question. "Mr. Chuan Ying is willing to lend Wei a hand?"

Chuan Ying shook his head. "Sect Leader Tang must be joking. Everyone knows the rules. Even the Ice and Snow Pavilion cannot casually interfere, much less me. I came only to offer Sect Leader Tang one word of advice."

"Of course, I am not telling you to forget gratitude and abandon your obligations. I only hope you understand that when the time comes to leave, you must leave. If not for yourself, then for the survival of the Shangqing Sect. Do not act out of emotion."

Tang Yi smiled bitterly. "The affairs involved are complicated. It is not as simple as Mr. Chuan Ying imagines."

Chuan Ying replied, "I am not as ignorant as Sect Leader Tang seems to think. I know something of why you have no choice. I am afraid that even if Sect Leader Tang wanted to lead the Shangqing Sect away now, you would not be allowed to do so."

"This concerns army morale. Wei's three great sects cannot easily permit the Shangqing Sect to leave. And that is precisely why I came."

Tang Yi looked thoughtful. "Mr. Chuan Ying means..."

Chuan Ying continued for her. "That is why I happened to pass by and came to meet Sect Leader Tang. That is why, in front of the Sect Leaders of Wei's three great sects, I called Sect Leader Tang my good friend."

"I am shameless enough these days to possess a little status. Once the three great sects know you are my friend, they will not dare make things too difficult for you. Otherwise, even if they survive defeat and escape with their lives, they will still have to consider what might happen if I come looking to settle accounts with them."

"Sect Leader Tang, once matters truly become impossible, you must withdraw at once."

Tang Yi understood. A trace of relief appeared on her face. She immediately cupped her hands in salute. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Chuan Ying!"

Chuan Ying said, "There is no need to thank me. This is something I ought to do. If I could not even offer this little help, I would have failed Brother Niu's request and would have no face to meet his spirit in Heaven."

"I only hope Sect Leader Tang will not resent me. I too am constrained by circumstances. I cannot openly or secretly interfere in a war between two states. This is all I can do. I can only happen to be passing by."

Tang Yi nodded. "I understand. For you to do even this is already an enormous kindness to the Shangqing Sect."

Chuan Ying smiled. Then he reached into his sleeve and took out an ice-jade token. It was translucent and exquisitely carved. He held it out to her. "This is an access token for the Ice and Snow Pavilion. It must not be used casually. If you ever encounter danger that truly cannot be resolved, you may take it out and use it as a credential. Perhaps it will be of some help."

"If anything happens in the future and you truly need my assistance, you may also bring this token to the Ice and Snow Pavilion and look for me. If I am not there, you can find my wife. For my sake, she will consider the matter."

"With this token, the guards of the Ice and Snow Pavilion will not stop you. My wife and I will also welcome you as a guest at any time."

Tang Yi was delighted. Calling this token a treasure would hardly be an exaggeration. To the Shangqing Sect, it might become something that saved their lives at a critical moment. It would be a pity to refuse it. She therefore did not stand on ceremony, but received it with both hands and thanked him sincerely once again. "Thank you, Mr. Chuan Ying. Tang Yi truly does not know how to repay you."

Chuan Ying waved a hand. "Talking about repayment only makes us strangers. I dare not forget Brother Niu's request. I am merely doing what little lies within my power."

"Sect Leader Tang, I have said all I needed to say. This place attracts too much attention, and it would be inconvenient for me to remain long. I will take my leave." With that, he flicked his hand and the finger bell rang.

"Screee!"

A piercing cry sounded from the sky.

Tang Yi looked up and saw a massive Scarlet Hunting Eagle descending from above, skimming low over the ground as it approached.

Chuan Ying flashed upward and landed on the eagle's back. The great bird curved into the sky and rose away.

"Take care, Mr. Chuan Ying!" Tang Yi called loudly, watching the distant figure in the sky until it disappeared.

Only afterward did she lower her gaze and slowly stroke the token in her hand. For a long time, she could not settle the emotions in her heart. She truly had never imagined that at the Shangqing Sect's most dangerous moment, the help that arrived would come from a request Niu Youdao had left behind before his death.

...

Song Capital, Chancellor's Residence.

Zi Pingxiu returned home. As the steward came out to receive him and accompanied him inside, he quietly reminded him, "Chancellor, Sir wishes to see you. He asked that once you returned, you go to him."

"Oh." Zi Pingxiu understood that Jia Wuqun must have something important in mind. Otherwise, he would not have had the steward waiting to pass on the message. Without even changing out of his official robes, Zi Pingxiu headed directly toward the deepest part of the inner residence.

When he reached the secluded little courtyard, he saw Jia Wuqun pacing beneath a tree, apparently thinking something over. Zi Pingxiu called, "Sir!"

Jia Wuqun turned and cupped his hands in greeting. When Zi Pingxiu approached, he gestured for him to sit, then took the seat opposite him.

Once they were seated, Zi Pingxiu asked, "Does Sir have some instruction?"

Jia Wuqun reached into his sleeve, took out a letter, and handed it across, indicating that Zi Pingxiu should read it before they spoke.

[End of Chapter 1210]