Chapter 7: Watching the Show

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Matters like these are judged right or wrong only by those involved. In martial contests, drawing blood is to be expected; injuries and lasting ailments are commonplace. After all, from the moment the duel begins, both parties must be prepared for injury or death. No one can guarantee victory with absolute certainty.

Therefore, regardless of the wounds sustained in the arena, according to the code of the martial world, the defeated party’s friends and family are not to seek revenge.

However, Yongjie does not consider the martial code; he thinks in terms of good and evil. He believes he should not harm a good person.

Li Miao said nothing. From the sidelines, it is easy to speak without pain. Since Yongjie has made up his mind, Li Miao will not question his decision.

Yet, Li Miao seemed to recall something. Yongjie had never mentioned anything before about his life prior to becoming a monk. When he went to repay debts, those who recognized him would do so immediately, requiring no further explanation. Only Liu Song’s family, who neither practiced martial arts nor had ties to the martial world, failed to recognize him.

Thus, Yongjie gave his secular name: Tu Qingcang.

Li Miao had seen this name prominently featured in the archives of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Fifteen years ago he rose to fame, twelve years ago his chivalrous reputation spread far and wide, ten years ago he became notorious for his misdeeds, and nine years ago he disappeared; his fate unknown.

A peerless master now reduced to a wandering monk, staggering under the weight of his debts.

Li Miao always felt Yongjie’s personality was somewhat fractured. At first meeting, he was a hearty, boisterous man. But when it came to his past, he transformed into a compassionate and sorrowful monk.

It seemed that his true nature was that frankness, and only certain events had turned him into who he was now.

Li Miao grew ever more curious about Yongjie’s story.

But rather than listening to a dry recounting, it was far more interesting to uncover it bit by bit.

Since their destinations were close, and the journey long, there was no rush.

Bloodied and fierce-looking, Yongjie staggered down the street, naturally drawing fearful stares from the townsfolk.

Before reaching the inn, a group of soldiers approached.

“Stop!” one shouted.

Li Miao watched with interest but said nothing, letting Yongjie handle it.

By now, Yongjie was exhausted and confused, barely able to respond, half-closing his eyes as he looked on.

With his scowling gaze, it was as if he were spitting into the soldier’s eyes.

The soldier swallowed hard and drew his blade.

“Don’t move!”

Thud!

Yongjie finally collapsed to the ground.

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The soldiers glanced at each other, then looked toward Li Miao.

“Are you two accomplices?”

“Come with us to the magistrate’s office!”

—

When Yongjie awoke, he saw the bars of a prison cell and straw scattered on the floor.

He sat up and clenched his fist.

“Stop staring, I’ve already treated you,” came Li Miao’s lazy voice from the neighboring cell.

Yongjie looked up to see Li Miao leaning against a pile of straw, arms crossed, watching him with great interest.

“Benefactor… this…” Yongjie hesitated.

“What, do you think I shouldn’t have treated you?”

“No, certainly not.”

“Good, then it’s settled. If I hadn’t treated you, you’d be dead already. You’ve suffered enough pain. Don’t you still have things to do? I don’t want to travel with a seriously injured man.”

“If you want more excitement, we can come back after we finish our business and have you chopped up.”

Yongjie could only smile wryly and nod.

After a moment, he looked at Li Miao again.

“Benefactor, where exactly is this place?”

“A prison cell. You were bleeding all over the street; of course, you’d get caught,” Li Miao said casually.

“But… you…” Yongjie struggled for words.

Li Miao was a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, feared even by the provincial governor. Showing his badge would cause the magistrate to scramble to greet him.

Even if Li Miao spat in the magistrate’s face, the governor would probably smile and wipe it off, saying, “Your Excellency, your saliva warms my heart.”

How could anyone have imagined Li Miao would actually willingly let himself be taken by soldiers to a prison cell?

Li Miao said, “If I don’t let you lie low here for a few days, what if you run off again to repay debts?”

“A monk must follow the rules; no prison breaks, right?”

“Just lay low for a few days. When I think it’s time, I’ll take you out.”

Yongjie was at a loss for words.

He knew he and Li Miao were mere acquaintances, not deeply connected.

—

Along the way, Yongjie’s injuries had troubled Li Miao quite a bit. Now, for his sake, Li Miao, with his lazy nature, was willing to spend a few days locked up with him.

Yongjie was unwilling but felt too embarrassed to object.

Li Miao glanced at him.

He quite liked the monk.

Though he didn’t agree with Yongjie’s methods, he admired anyone who walked their chosen path firmly and was willing to pay the price. So he was happy to offer some help.

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Of course, if Li Miao later discovered Yongjie committing evil deeds, he would not hesitate to kill him without mercy.

Just like Yun Zelin, whose aura of a seeker of truth Li Miao appreciated. But since he slaughtered innocents, Li Miao would not grant him any leniency despite his admiration.

Debt must be repaid; that is only just. A villain’s prowess does not exempt him from death.

One thing at a time—that is Li Miao’s philosophy.

Just as Yongjie remained silent and Li Miao closed his eyes to rest, a faint voice emerged from the deepest cell.

“Is… is that Brother Tu?”

Yongjie suddenly turned his head toward the sound.

Li Miao also looked in that direction.

The cell was dimly lit and far off, hard for most to see clearly, but not for Li Miao.

In the farthest cell, a frame was nailed to the wall.

A woman was bound to it, her hands and feet tied, iron shackles hung from her ankles. Her body was covered in bloodstains.

Her gravest injury was two sharp steel hooks piercing her scapula, fastening her firmly to the wall.

She lifted her head with great effort and turned toward Yongjie.

“Tu… Brother Tu…”

“You’re still alive! That’s wonderful, wonderful…”

“You were captured too… Are you hurt?”

“Is it serious?”

Though she was in mortal peril, her concern was all for Yongjie.

Yongjie sighed deeply.

“Sixth sister… I’m still alive…”

Li Miao was instantly wide awake. He reached behind the straw pile, pulled out a cloth bag, and took a handful of melon seeds and snacks, leaning back comfortably to listen carefully.

He wasn’t truly suffering; the straw in this cell was freshly harvested barley stalks, cleaned and sun-dried.

Behind him, provisions of wine, fruit, and food were already prepared—more comfortable than most inns.

After Yongjie passed out, Li Miao had shown his badge.

This cell was arranged by the local magistrate at Li Miao’s request, purely as a place for Yongjie to recover in peace.

Unexpectedly, the story was far from over!

(End of chapter)