Inside the City, at the Yuan Master's Residence
In the spacious main hall, Marshal Hong wore a broad smile as he sat in a wide wooden chair at the head of the room, paper clutched in hand. "Junior Brother, word has reached us—today Li Yan has finally left the Military Strategist's Residence and entered the city. I wonder what business he has here?"
From behind one of the four sturdy pillars lining the hall, a burly figure draped in a black robe emerged from the shadows. His form was only vaguely visible, as though he deliberately shifted between different columns each time he wished to hide. His low, resonant voice soon echoed throughout the hall.
"Senior Brother," his companion said, "if we calculate the elapsed time, this man's sojourn is far longer than that of the previous disciple who stayed in the valley. Based on our earlier estimation—since that disciple encountered trouble after 49 days (seven times seven)—this timing perfectly corresponds with the Buddhist and Daoist theory that the 'small circulation' must be established over periods of 36, 49, or 81 days."
"Yes, that was exactly my thought," the other replied. "There are two things we can be sure of. First, Ji Wenhe's cultivation method must require exactly 49 days to grasp the initial core of the small circulation—undoubtedly a Daoist technique. Second, Li Yan, having succeeded in his practice, must already have completed his small circulation."
"But there are still two points we cannot confirm," continued his junior. "First, now that Li Yan has succeeded, does that mean Ji Wenhe truly intended him as his heir? Or is it that Li Yan still isn't suitable to serve as the vessel for his toxic absorption? And second, if Li Yan did manage to cultivate successfully, does the previous disciple's demise prove that their inner technique is so profound that ordinary men cannot fully comprehend its secrets?"
"Exactly," agreed the senior brother. "Those two issues will greatly influence our next steps. If Li Yan is merely to be used as a toxin conduit, then we'll have a prime opportunity at our disposal. But if his cultivation method is uniquely deep, then we must act carefully—treat him with patience and slowly exploit his abilities so that even if we obtain his technique, we remain aware of its intricacies."
"So what is your plan then, Senior Brother?" asked the junior.
"Since he managed to enter the city today, there will be future chances—next time, and the time after that. We must not make any hasty moves now; doing so might unsettle him and alert Ji Wenhe. Instead, let our men keep a close watch on him to see exactly what his purpose is this time. Then we shall decide on our next move."
"Understood, Senior Brother."
The hall then fell into a heavy silence, and moments later even Hong Linying vanished from sight.
Moments later, Captain Liu was addressing Li Yan. "Captain Liu, there's no need for formality. Last time, your advice helped me when I first entered the city—I haven't had a chance to thank you properly."
Li Yan quickly advanced and took hold of Captain Liu Chengyong's arm. "Not at all, not at all," Liu Chengyong replied modestly. "I merely offered a few casual suggestions." Yet seeing Li Yan's earnest expression, Liu Chengyong's heart leapt with satisfaction. He recalled hearing that Master Ji had recently taken on a new disciple—rumored to be from the Great Qing Mountain. That memory even stirred up the route map Li Guoxin had once shown him. Now, with Li Yan arriving accompanied by Chen An and the other representatives from the Military Strategist's Residence, it was abundantly clear that his suspicions were correct.
Though Liu belonged to Marshal Hong's faction, in Master Ji's famed army few were unaware that being in the good graces of his disciples brought tremendous advantages.
Chen An and Li Yin exchanged relieved glances at this point. They couldn't help but feel a twinge of misfortune—the old master rarely showed a kind face these days, and today his temper had already slipped. "Old Liu," one soldier remarked, "you once favored him greatly. It seems our old acquaintances still linger. Perhaps you'll be called upon to look after him further down the line."
Another soldier chimed in, "Old Liu, that day not everyone got the chance to be on duty with you. Have you really met this Lord Li before?" "Old Liu, isn't this Lord Li the very disciple that Master Ji has been talking about recently?" several others added.
Captain Liu sighed inwardly as more questions swirled around him. Though his men were outstanding in battle—obedient when orders came and fearless in combat—they often lacked decorum in quieter moments. With a dismissive wave, he said, "I have indeed met Lord Li—there's no doubt he is Master Ji's disciple. Now, stop prying. While on duty, you—yes, you, and you, please see that these horses are led to the gate and kept under close watch."
The trio then strode quickly along the city streets. Li Yan, eager to meet with Li Shan and Li Yu, directed Chen An and Li Yin to lead them toward the "Natural Wine Lodge." After sharing half a cup of tea along the way, they arrived at the inn's entrance. Li Yan proceeded directly into the familiar storefront he had visited the last time, with Chen An and Li Yin right behind him.
No sooner had they stepped inside than a keen-eyed waiter rushed over. "Ah, three officials, are you here for drinks or for a meal?" Used to the constant flow of travelers coming from every direction, the waitstaff could immediately tell from the three men—one in a distinctive black robe at the forefront, followed by two military gentlemen—that they were not casual walk-ins but had come on official business.
Li Yan paused to survey the interior. "Wow," he thought. "Last time I only observed from afar, but now that I'm here I see that this front storefront is just one of several adjoining rooms. There are seven or eight spaces connected side by side. Even though it's well past noon and many patrons have nearly finished eating, the bustle of hand games, bets, lively chatter, and hearty laughter fills the air—indeed, it's as vibrant as ever."
"Ah," said Li Yan politely, "I'm here to see Li Yu—he is studying his art here. Please fetch him for me." The waiter, caught off guard, carefully eyed the three men. "Could it be that young Yu has gotten into trouble outside? But no—young Yu rarely leaves," he thought.
Noticing the waiter's dazed expression, Li Yin stepped forward and patted his shoulder, "Our young lord is speaking—is something wrong? Are you deaf or mute?" Startled, the waiter quickly recovered and apologized, "Milord, please don't be angry. I'll go call him right away." Not even noticing the apologetic look from Li Yan, he turned and disappeared toward the back hall.
Li Yan, however, had no wish to behave rudely. In the valley he had only been forced to act haughtily before Chen An, Li Yin, and a few women on occasion—circumstances borne out of necessity. Yet men like Chen An and Li Yin, who were hardened by daily battles, rarely tolerated such treatment from commoners; even their ordinary speech carried an edge of severity.
Observing the sincere apology on Li Yan's face and recalling how he had treated Captain Liu at the city gate, Chen An smiled and said, "Young master, these slackers are dawdling about. We can't let your business be delayed." Li Yan, noticing the subtle disapproving glance from Chen An, felt a chill of realization. He knew his behavior today was a bit off—after all, his temper could be volatile—and so he shot them both a stern side-glance. "My affairs require no babysitting," he snapped. "Now, both of you step back—I need to talk privately with my old friend. Don't interrupt my peace."
Chen An and Li Yin shared a bitter look—clearly, the master's ill temper had flared up again.
Before long, the waiter returned with Li Yu. Having found him in the back hall, the waiter explained that Li Yu was a relative of Manager Li here and, known for his absolute diligence in his apprenticeship, had earned quite a good reputation. He then asked Li Yu if he had ventured out recently or gotten into any trouble, adding that a distinguished young man—accompanied by two military officers—was asking for him.
The timid Li Yu's face turned pale as he exclaimed dramatically that he hadn't gone out at all, always remaining in the back hall and never even stepping into the main dining room to serve tea. This news reassured the waiter. At first, Li Yu wasn't quite sure what "resembling a noble young lord" meant—simple yes or no—but then he recalled someone, and his face lit up with joy. In the village, over the past few months, everyone had been talking about Li Yan: a young man who had entered the military and even became a disciple of the renowned Master Ji. For a boy like Li Yan—and for someone like Li Yu and Li Shan, who hail from a humble mountain village—even if it were just a couple of months or even a year from now, who wouldn't envy him for donning elegant, noble attire?
When Li Yan saw Li Yu approaching, his heart surged with emotion. After so many months confined in the valley, meeting his childhood friend stirred a powerful nostalgia for the Great Qing Mountain, for the quiet village, for his parents and every living thing back home. He hurried forward to embrace him.
Li Yu, arriving in the front hall, spotted from afar a man standing at the counter clad in a black robe. Though his features were ordinary, something about him was unmistakably familiar—even if his aura had changed somewhat, Li Yu recognized him instantly. Overcome with tears, he ran toward the man with soft sobs. The waiter sighed to himself, thinking, "This kid is wonderful—if only he wouldn't cry so easily. Every time someone from home visits, he ends up with tears in his eyes, as if he's suffered great injustice here."
"Yan-ge, Yan-ge…" Li Yu called out between sniffles, drawing the attention of nearby diners who momentarily paused in curiosity.
Li Yan, his eyes misty with emotion, embraced Li Yu warmly as the friend rushed into his arms. Chen An and Li Yin exchanged looks before Chen An briskly approached the waiter. "Waiter, is there a private room where my young master can have a quiet conversation with his old friend?" Noting that the main hall was too crowded—and with half-grown children crying in one corner, which wouldn't do for decorum—the waiter quickly replied, "Yes, yes, yes. There are private rooms on both the first and second floors." Chen An glanced over at the noisy first floor and declared, "Then let's use the one upstairs."
A few steps later, he joined Li Yan, who was now comforting Li Yu. "Young master, it's too noisy in here. Let's head to the private room on the second floor to talk." Li Yan, relieved at the prospect of quiet, smiled inwardly. Chen An really knows how to handle things—I appreciate his perceptiveness. They followed the waiter up to a refined private room on the second floor. After the waiter set down a pot of tea, Li Yan ushered him out. He then instructed Chen An and Li Yin to wait outside, but they insisted on staying by his side to ensure his safety. In the end, they were left lingering outside the door while Li Yan conversed privately with Li Yu.
After two cups of tea—and amid Li Yu's lingering, wistful glances—the trio, with Chen An and Li Yin, hurried off to the "Ironworks Pavilion." There, after a joyful reunion with Li Shan, Li Yu left behind several dozen taels of silver to be collected by someone from the village later for his parents. Later still, after a brief tour of the city in which Li Yan purchased new clothes, the group left the city and, after gathering horses, returned to the Military Strategist's Residence.
As soon as he reentered the valley, Li Yan felt a sudden surge of divine perception emanating from Master Ji's quarters. It swept quickly over him and even traced carefully over the new clothes he had just bought—before vanishing completely. Feigning ignorance, Li Yan deliberately peeked into the first stone chamber; when he saw that its door was tightly shut, he muttered a few words to himself and then proceeded to his own chamber. Once inside, Li Yan relaxed, downing a glass of water, then sat for a brief rest before rising to close the door. But after shutting it, he sensed nothing—the divine presence was absent. His face grew grim.
Today's venture into the city confirmed a few things for him:
Constant Surveillance: Chen An and Li Yin are undoubtedly the agents Master Ji has placed by his side to keep an eye on him. Though they outwardly display subservience and even a hint of timid respect, when out in public they never let him stray from their vigilant watch. On the streets, they literally sandwich him to prevent any stealthy assassination attempts from Meng Guo's spies.
Master Ji's Precaution: Master Ji is clearly wary of him. Today, when Li Yan inexplicably bought a new set of clothes, he noticed that his divine sense examined every new item that suddenly appeared on him—ensuring that everything stayed firmly within Master Ji's sphere of control.
Reflecting on these matters, Li Yan's brow furrowed in resignation. It was clear he was effectively under a form of house arrest in this valley. Now, he was left wondering: how could he possibly escape this deadly trap?