Chapter 266: The Grudge of Three Arrows, Do You Remember?
A seven-foot green bamboo pole and a ten-foot silk line, blown by the wind among the reeds. Several times I cast the fragrant bait, startling the ducks on the sandy shore.
“Plop”
A lively perch landed on the small boat.
Yanbo Diaosou laughed heartily, “Du Kang wine, perch head, let Brother Zhou enjoy the good fortune.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it,” Zhou Yan said with a smile, but his heart was already enjoying the mountains and waters of Dongting Lake. He saw a bright moon rising from behind the eastern mountains through the clouds and mist, with light smoke and thin fog enveloping vast green waves, a truly beautiful sight.
“Gazing at the green mountains and waters of Dongting, like a green snail on a silver plate. What a magnificent lake view.”
“Brother Zhou has refined tastes. Do you now understand the benefits of finding solace in nature?” Yanbo Diaosou said.
Ten days had passed since the battles of Funiu Mountain and Tongbai Mountain.
Zhou Yan had been circulating energy to heal his injuries in a secluded valley of Funiu Mountain for two days, and his wounds had completely recovered. Because Yanbo Diaosou had mentioned when he arrived at Cuya Mountain that the Iron Palm Sect was expanding its influence in Jiangnan, and conflicts frequently occurred in the western Hunan region among the Manichaeism, White Lotus Sect, Iron Palm Sect, Five Venoms Sect, and Beggars’ Sect, Zhou Yan, who was concerned about Liu Qingzhou of the Hengshan Sect, did not linger. He bid farewell to Yang Miaozhen, Zhang Wangyue, Lu Beihe, and others, and headed south.
The stronghold of Tongbai Mountain had Du Kang wine from Luoyang collected by Liu Qianfeng. The two took a few jars, but did not take any silver or ginseng. However, Zhou Yan did temporarily leave his Profound Iron Heavy Spear and Ox Horn Giant Bow at the mountain stronghold.
Firstly, they were too conspicuous, and secondly, for roaming the Jianghu, a Qingfeng Sword was sufficient.
From Nanyang to Xiangyang, they traveled south by boat, bidding farewell to the colorful clouds at dawn and watching the Dongting moon at night.
Yanbo Diaosou did not take much effort to catch another perch, over a foot long.
He never let anyone interfere with his cooking. Zhou Yan was happy to enjoy the process. He watched as the other man washed and cut the perch, marinating it with Shaoxing wine, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and light soy sauce. He took a small amount of wood ear mushrooms, tore them into small pieces, blanched them in boiling water, and then drained them. He then pan-fried the marinated fish head and pieces until golden brown on both sides, added water, ginger slices, and garlic slices to bring out the aroma, then added the black wood ear mushrooms. He cooked until the sauce thickened and reduced. The braised perch, complete with color, aroma, and taste, was ready.
Zhou Yan felt that Yanbo Diaosou’s meticulousness in cooking dishes could rival Huang Rong.
The fish was tender and refreshing, and the Du Kang wine was sweet and mellow, giving Zhou Yan a feeling of “not knowing what night it is.”
“Kid, Du Kang wine, Dongting fish, why don’t you call this old beggar?” Suddenly, a voice came from the lakeside. Zhou Yan was startled. Had Hong Qigong come, drawn by the aroma?
He stood up and looked. Hong Qigong, wearing patched clothes and carrying a vermilion lacquered gourd, moved with the speed of a flying duck, lightly stepping on the ripples of the lotus flowers. With a few leaps, he landed on the small boat.
“Long time no see, Qigong.”
Yanbo Diaosou greatly admired Hong Qigong. He politely said, “Old Diaosou greets Hong Bangzhu.”
“Don’t be polite, sit down.”
Hong Qigong made himself at home, sat cross-legged, sniffed the wine jar, and laughed, “Surrounded by three mountains, a hundred springs gushing, clear and pure. This is authentic Du Kang from Jiuchuan, Luoyang.”
“Qigong has good insight.”
Zhou Yan added a bowl and chopsticks. Hong Qigong drank first, then tasted the fish, and laughed heartily, “A thousand heads of perch and a hundred measures of wine, lying drunk in the southern mountains. Wonderful, wonderful.”
Yanbo Diaosou was quite pleased with Hong Qigong’s praise of his cooking.
Zhou Yan asked, “Why has Qigong come to Yuezhou?”
Hong Qigong ate the fish head like a whirlwind and said, “It’s not peaceful around Yuezhou. The Iron Palm Sect, White Lotus Sect, and Manichaeism frequently clash, and many beggars from the Beggars’ Sect have been caught up in it. It’s troublesome, and I’ve been here recently.”
Zhou Yan suddenly understood; it was only natural.
“Kid, I heard you injured the White Lotus Sect Leader.”
“Qigong knows about this?”
Hong Qigong glared, “How many bandits escaped from Funiu Mountain? At least several hundred joined the White Lotus Sect.”
“So that’s how it is.” Zhou Yan realized belatedly, and was not surprised. When a tree falls, its branches scatter; it was normal for escaped bandits to be taken in by various gangs. When Yu Huacheng fled, many people would have followed him.
He smiled and replied to Hong Qigong, “I also took a palm strike from the White Lotus Sect Leader Yu Huacheng and took several days to recover.”
“You’re amazing, kid. You’ve fought against Qiu Qianren and Yu Huacheng, people this old beggar hasn’t even encountered.”
“Enemies often cross paths.”
“Indeed, you can be considered promising. Not only did you save your life, but you’ve also grown stronger with each fight. I think in another twenty years, you could contend for the title of number one under heaven.”
Hong Qigong, instead of talking about his own fame, was now discussing Zhou Yan’s potential to contend for the number one spot in twenty years.
“It won’t take twenty years,” Yanbo Diaosou said.
Hong Qigong was not annoyed by the differing opinion, “That’s true. I told this kid back then that he would become one of the top figures under heaven in twenty years, and it’s only been three years, and he’s already made a name for himself at Shaoshi Mountain.”
Zhou Yan smiled, “I never cared about being ranked number one in martial arts. In this life, I act to seek revenge when it’s time for revenge, to fight when it’s time to fight, and to draw my sword when I see injustice.”
“The first time this old beggar met you, you said, ‘I place myself in the sharpest blades, killing in the mortal world.’ Those words are believable, but Old Venomous would surely call you boastful.”
“Yes.” Zhou Yan laughed. In the Jianghu of Legend of the Condor Heroes, Ouyang Feng and Qiu Qianren cared most about false fame.
“Are you escorting a letter escort to Yuezhou?”
“I’m no longer working for an escort bureau.”
“Well, it’s good not to be an escort. Like this old beggar, roam the Four Seas.”
“Qigong, have some wine.” Zhou Yan smiled. In the Jianghu, one is often not in control of their own destiny. He poured wine for Hong Qigong.
“Cheers,” Yanbo Diaosou said.
It wasn’t just Zhou Yan and the others raising their cups to the moon.
Yueyang Tower was renowned throughout the land, and the eight hundred li of Dongting Lake were picturesque.
From time to time, the sounds of flutes and pipes, and the laughter of maidens, drifted from the slow-moving flower boats.
A large boat, lit up, slowly moved across the lake. The spacious deck was laden with food and wine, with over ten people seated around it.
The Young Master in the center was dressed in luxurious attire, with a fair complexion and red lips. It was Yang Kang. Seated in order were Qiu Qianren, Gongsun Zhi, Helian Chuncheng, Ni Mo Xing, and others.
Beside Yang Kang sat a man over fifty, with sharp eyes, wearing a blue robe and a matching blue headscarf, looking like a scholar.
Five or six people were seated in order next to the man.
Helian Chuncheng raised his cup and said, “In the past, when I visited Shopkeeper Zhang in Lin’an Prefecture, Chief Escort Jiang happened to be absent, which I regretted. Now that I meet the Chief Escort, my wish is fulfilled. This junior toasts the Chief Escort.”
Zhou Yan had transmigrated. After delivering a letter escort from Datong Prefecture back to Zhongdu, Huyan Lei hosted a banquet. While they were drinking at Songhe Tower, a head escort from Fu’an mentioned the escort agencies, saying that among the many escort bureaus in the world, the Dragon Gate Escort Agency in Lin’an was the most famous. Its Chief Escort, Jiang Kui, possessed martial arts that were not inferior to the Northern Beggar or Southern Emperor. Yang Kang, as an Imperial Envoy to Lin’an, happened to be visited by Helian Chuncheng and Ni Mo Xing, who were visiting Lin’an. They had a pleasant conversation. Zhang Wangyue also visited the Dragon Gate Escort Agency during this time but did not get to meet Chief Escort Jiang Kui.
From the conversation at the table, one could easily deduce that the other person was the Jiang Kui mentioned by Huyan Lei.
Helian Chuncheng raised his cup, and Yang Kang smiled, “When I arrived in Lin’an, I was deeply indebted to the Dragon Gate Escort Agency for their hospitality. I am extremely grateful. I also toast Chief Escort Jiang.”
“Crown Prince, you are too polite.” Jiang Kui raised his cup.
Amidst the clinking of cups and crossed chopsticks, a young escort from the Dragon Gate Escort Agency suddenly fixed his gaze on the man in the small boat not far away as the large boat passed by.
After a brief identification, his expression turned mocking.
“I’ve spotted an enemy, that arrogant kid who shot at our Dragon Gate Escort Agency’s flag in the suburbs of Xiangyang.” The young escort stood up and walked to the bow of the boat.
Yang Kang looked over, his expression slightly stunned. It was Zhou Yan, and also Hong Qigong.
In an instant, Yang Kang’s expression returned to normal.
The young escort grabbed a bow and drew an arrow.
“Kid, do you remember the grudge of three arrows?”
“Bang, bang, bang…”
The thunderous bowstring startled the moon, and three consecutive arrows chased the stars.
Zhou Yan followed the sound. The long arrow, passing through the moonlight, had already enlarged.
He extended his chopsticks to catch the arrow, flicked his wrist down, dissipating the force of the arrowhead, and leaped up. With his left and right hands, he caught two more arrows.
Due to the angle of view, Zhou Yan could not see Yang Kang and the others, but how could he tolerate the provocation from the young man at the bow?
“Take your arrows back.”
Zhou Yan placed the three long arrows flat on his palm, arrowheads pointing outwards. He flicked his right middle finger towards the fletching. With three crisp sounds, the long arrows shot out, faster than those fired from a strong bow, and as if fired simultaneously.
The large boat and the small boat were only a few dozen feet apart, and the arrows reached their destination in an instant.
Three years ago, the young escort was no match for Zhou Yan. Now, the difference was like that between heaven and earth.
The escort’s hair stood on end, and his hands and feet turned cold. Three arrows fired as if simultaneously, how could he possibly dodge them?
