Chapter Ninety-Two: The Tripartite Stand

Chapter Ninety-Two: The Tripartite Balance

The vast night remained dim and obscure, much like the scene at the villa’s gate.

Soon, only Zhang He and another remained, along with dozens from Hidden Sword Villa. Of the nine visitors who had arrived, eight departed in one swift motion. Though those who left had thick skin, even they wouldn’t dare stay and actually drink wine.

The one who remained, though not among them, showed no intention of sharing a drink or cleansing the dust of travel. Deep down, he likely wished to avoid getting entangled in the murky waters of Life and Death Judgment and Hidden Sword Villa, yet his luxuriant Daoist robes would not allow him to slip away so easily.

Wudang was the orthodox sect of internal martial arts, a renowned righteous school. To Yun Han Ying, this statement was incomplete; its unspoken corollary was, “To stand in the spotlight, one must suffer out of view.”

Did you think the Sword Dance Hall of Wudang was so formidable, so impregnable? For example, in the current predicament, even the hall master wouldn’t dare act arrogantly. For even the master of Wudang’s Sword Dance Hall lacked the qualifications to be listed on the gang blacklist of Life and Death Judgment.

Those named on that blacklist are either storm-commanding heroes of the martial world or regional warlords; if the hall masters cannot make the list, how could an ordinary Sword Dance disciple ever hope to?

Even if you mentioned the legendary sect master Zhang Sanfeng, it would be pointless, for the old man would hardly bother with such trivial matters.

Thus, those few from the Northern Electric Guild earlier showed the makings of gang officials: so long as their seat was secure and their interests untouched, even if floods raged outside or thunder roared overhead—what concern was it to them? To outsiders, they still appeared as inscrutable men of great strength.

Of course, even if you wanted to play it steady, you must maintain appearances; and Yun Han Ying was not lacking in ability. He cupped his hands and said,

“Now I understand the young master’s concerns. In truth, Life and Death Judgment is not a righteous sect—I too wish to investigate it.”

Qi Shiqi’s gaze flickered as he returned the salute. “Brother Yun, your noble character commands respect.”

Sometimes, even genteel words sting; Yun Han Ying’s face flushed slightly as he replied, “Since there are agents of Life and Death Judgment on the main road, I will depart at once to uncover the truth.”

This time, all members of Hidden Sword Villa bowed in return. Yun Han Ying’s silhouette faded into the depths of night, while Qi Shiqi stared long into the vast shadows, lost in thought.

Only then did the female among the two men and one woman step forward. Though her features were delicate, an indescribable ferocity lingered between her brows—a sign of one long accustomed to deadly combat. Most telling were the two Moonwatcher Swords at her waist, for Zhong Shuman followed the twin short-blade path.

She asked, “Brother Qi, why has Life and Death Judgment targeted our Hidden Sword Villa?”

Qi Shiqi smiled lightly. “If they want to target us, what can we do? Should we ask them not to?”

His answer missed the question, yet it made people laugh, because the question itself was pointless.

Fat Mantis explained, “This is our villa’s protector ‘Wedding Dress Qi.’ The three of them are all villa guardians.”

Zhang He nodded silently. Though unfamiliar with these titles, he could see that these three held significant influence within the villa.

Qi Shiqi suddenly turned to the two male guardians. One was tall and imposing, but worry clouded his face.

Qi Shiqi asked, “Rich Man, what do you think?”

Rich Man bit his lip. “If they dare attack again, we must fight back.”

Qi Shiqi sighed, seeming somewhat disappointed, then turned to the other guardian. “Brother Shao Gong, what about you? Any thoughts?”

This Shao Gong was no less impressive than Qi Shiqi, his demeanor exceptionally calm. Yet his answer failed to satisfy Qi Shiqi: “I think we should wait and see.”

At those words, Wedding Dress Qi could no longer contain herself. “Wait? Wait until when? How many more must die in vain?”

Rich Man spoke up, “So what do you want? We’re out in the open, they’re in the shadows. If you can ferret them out, I’ll be the first to act.”

Wedding Dress Qi retorted, “I must find them, or why else would I ask?”

Rich Man sneered, “Then you should at least have a plan.”

Wedding Dress Qi replied, “If I could come up with one, why would I ask you?”

Rich Man snorted, “Hmph.”

Wedding Dress Qi turned away, “Hmph.”

...

The two refused to back down, but Qi Shiqi turned to Zhang He. “Brother Wu, what do you think?”

Zhang He pondered, “Fat Mantis mentioned earlier that the eight disciples killed on the main road were returning from Ezhou to Yuezhou after completing a quest.”

Fat Mantis bowed, “Exactly.”

Zhang He continued, “So it means they were targeted long ago, and it was premeditated.”

Qi Shiqi clasped his hands, “Please elaborate.”

Zhang He said, “Because this crossed two provinces, keeping watch would not be easy. Yet the attackers dared to strike on the main road, which means they were not only skilled but also fearless—what they rely on, I cannot yet say. Of course, this is only speculation.”

Qi Shiqi’s eyes brightened. “Brother Wu, your courage and insight surpass us all.”

Though he praised him, Qi Shiqi turned to Wedding Dress Qi. “Qi Qi, set out immediately. Go to the scene on the main road and assist Brother Yun Han Ying in gathering information on Life and Death Judgment. If you encounter their agents, eliminate them on sight.”

Within Hidden Sword Villa, Qi Shiqi’s words were absolute.

“Rest assured, Brother Qi. I’ll go now.” Wedding Dress Qi departed at once.

Qi Shiqi continued, “Rich Man, assemble one hundred second-stage disciples and head to Seven Star Hill. Report any news of Life and Death Judgment along the Pearl River route back to the villa immediately.”

At this moment, Qi Shiqi was no longer the courteous villa master. Every gesture exuded the calm authority of a true leader. Zhang He and Zhong Shuman watched quietly.

Seeing Wedding Dress Qi and Rich Man depart, Shao Gong bowed, “Master, what about me?”

Qi Shiqi, unusually, did not return the gesture. Instead, he patted Shao Gong’s shoulder and said earnestly, “Your task is the most difficult. Take everyone to Xie Family Post at the foot of the mountain and strengthen patrols for the next two days. Ensure the villa’s territory remains safe. Do not let another such incident occur.”

It was indeed a daunting task, though somewhat monotonous. Disappointment flickered briefly in Shao Gong’s eyes, but it vanished in an instant. He nodded, “Rest assured, Master. I’ll head down the mountain at once.”

The crowd dispersed swiftly, each heading to their assigned mission. Only Qi Shiqi, Fat Mantis, Zhang He, and Zhong Shuman remained at the gate.

When Shao Gong led the last group down the mountain, Zhang He smiled, “I used to think you enjoyed wandering the mountains and making friends. Now I realize I was mistaken.”

Qi Shiqi smiled faintly, “And how do you see me now, Brother Wu?”

Zhang He laughed, “You not only know how to employ people well, but you are also a master of strategy.”

“If such words came from others, I’d only thank them in advance. But from Brother Wu’s lips, I can neither be too modest nor underrate myself,” Qi Shiqi praised. “Brother Wu, you roam the martial world with sharp insight; nothing escapes your notice.”

Zhang He laughed as well. His earlier thoughts were not wrong—consider that someone who could gaze from Peony Tower, savor wine and music, and command Hidden Sword Villa would not be an ordinary person.

Qi Shiqi walked slowly to the high platform by the Sword Stone, facing the night wind, gazing at the myriad lights of Xie Family Post below. His expression flickered, growing dim.

Zhong Shuman approached, “Are you still worried about Life and Death Judgment, Young Master?”

Qi Shiqi nodded silently, staring into the valley. “Hidden Sword Villa is one of the three great villas of Yuezhou. Divine Sword Villa is famed for its swordsmanship; once, it produced outstanding figures who shook the martial world. Hidden Sword Villa was once ruled by the Ghost Shadow Master, but its true fame comes from its collection of famous swords and stories.”

Zhang He seemed to understand, “And what about Famous Sword Villa? What is it known for?”

Qi Shiqi answered, “Six hundred li southeast lies Famous Sword Villa, also founded by a notable figure from Divine Sword Villa. Its main role is to defend Divine Sword, Hidden Sword, and Xie Family Post from external threats and wild beasts.”

Zhong Shuman mused, “So Famous Sword Villa is also a self-established sect, and its martial arts must be respectable.”

Qi Shiqi shook his head, “It’s not only as you say.”

Zhang He said slowly, “If I’m not mistaken, this is a balance—like the tripartite standoff in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. If any leg breaks, the whole cauldron falls.”

Zhong Shuman frowned, “I don’t understand.”

Zhang He explained, “It’s simple. Let me put it this way: lips and teeth depend on each other—if the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.”

Zhong Shuman fell silent, then nodded, “I see.”

Qi Shiqi finally smiled, “Brother Wu, your vision is extraordinary and your predictions uncanny.”

Zhang He winked, “I'm afraid someone now wishes to disrupt this balance.”

Qi Shiqi exhaled deeply, “Clearly, Brother Wu is no dullard; you saw the signs long ago. And this matter cannot proceed without your help.”

Before Zhang He could refuse, Qi Shiqi continued, “Brother Wu, you know the saying—if you ask for fish, you must teach a man to fish. Beauty entices, riches tempt. My villa has neither, but if you and Miss Zhong trust me, please follow. If this matter succeeds, I will remember it always. Hereafter, if either of you ever requires aid, I will devote the full strength of the villa to assist.”

Rarely had he shown such solemn sincerity. Zhang He sensed the gravity of the coming matter—one of great consequence.

...