Chapter 30 Found, Finally Found

Wu Gang was a burly man who didn't bother shaving his beard, while Chen Mingguang was a slender, fair-faced scholar. When the two stood together, there was an unmistakable sense of disharmony that could leave anyone at a loss.

In truth, neither had set out to become friends; it was simply that the nation required it. With the ominous clouds of war gathering, the military had their reasons for pairing them, and those reasons certainly had nothing to do with their appearances.

That was not the key to survival on the battlefield.

“I asked the innkeeper's assistant this morning. He told me you were taken away by Miss Yue’er from Jade Treasure Pavilion at dawn. I love a good story, and the whole city is talking. Brother Gu, I thought I’d come straight to the source and let you tell it yourself.”

The young man with the fan was eloquent and poised, carrying a certain pride like a prodigy among youths.

Wu Gang, on the other hand, was more reserved. He simply felt that Gu Yi’s words from the day before suited his temperament. He offered no further explanation, merely cupping his hands in greeting.

Since they were here for a story—and just as lunch was about to be served—it was clear their appetites were involved.

Gu Yi grinned at the two of them, unashamed of his own gluttony. “Come in, come in. I was just bored, and had no idea where to find you.”

Wu Gang said, “The Academy of Immortal Cultivation would do. We both live there.”

“Brother Gu, have you ever considered joining the Academy for training?”

Gu Yi knew that, even if they wished to, they couldn’t simply bring outsiders into the Hall of Techniques, so he didn’t press the matter. Still, he sensed that day would come soon.

He exaggerated, “Whether I want to doesn’t matter—the point is, the Luyang Academy of Immortal Cultivation is hardly a place you can just walk into.”

Leading them to the Literary Courtyard, he realized it was his first time entering as well. He had thought, from the size of the gate, it would contain only a small chamber, but inside was a different world: a small arched bridge led to a lawn and a serene two-story pavilion.

In this world, Gu Yi had long since abandoned notions of saving money or buying property. So long as he had a place to stay, that was enough—though a finer residence was, of course, welcome.

This place would also reveal much to Mingguang and Wu Gang—like the truth of Lady Ye’s search for her kin, which was as genuine as could be.

“Come in and sit. You are my friends, and Lady Ye is aware. Lunch is ready and will be brought over shortly.”

Both Chen Mingguang and Wu Gang couldn’t help but exchange secret glances of delight, like children thrilled at the prospect of a good meal.

Wu Gang, though, was ill at ease on the soft cushions—his body too stiff to sit cross-legged comfortably, nor could he kneel for long. In the end, he simply squatted in the corner, grinning foolishly like a simpleton from the countryside.

Gu Yi spared him further discomfort and quickly brought over a table. Wu Gang, without needing to be asked, lifted it with one hand.

“Wow, a Kirin Arm!” Gu Yi laughed, pointing at him.

Mingguang explained, “Although Wu Gang is only at the Heart-setting Stage, he was born with great strength. In a fight, he’s direct and fierce; most people aren’t his match.”

“Even those who aren’t ordinary people aren’t my match,” Wu Gang said, quite pleased with himself.

Gu Yi recalled, “Is this your first time on the battlefield?”

“There’s always a first time.” Mingguang glanced at Wu Gang. “Most of my companions are skilled students from the Academy. We'll be fine.”

Wu Gang declared boldly, “I’m not afraid at all—just waiting for the chance to earn military merit!”

Gu Yi had a question, “I come from a small place and know little of the world’s affairs. Tell me, why is our Xu State going to war with Li State this time?”

The fighting hadn’t yet begun, but even an outsider like Gu Yi could sense the tension. Soldiers on horseback raced through the city with urgent messages.

Chen Mingguang’s brow furrowed, a sigh escaping his nose. “Xu and Li have clashed many times. This time, it’s over Little Yuan Mountain.”

Gu Yi’s finger trembled on his teacup. “Little Yuan Mountain? How is that involved?”

“Brother Gu, you truly don’t know?” Wu Gang added, “There has long been talk that Li State has a cultivator at the Cloud Sage level. Originally, so did we—the immortal of Little Yuan Mountain. When he broke through to the Cloud Sage realm, light filled the night for a hundred miles around. That’s no rumor—it’s fact. But a few days ago, His Majesty decreed the mountain sealed. Even a rough fellow like me knows nothing good can come of it—something terrible has happened!”

Bang!

As he spoke, he struck the table hard.

“In my view, the immortal of Little Yuan Mountain is a figure of great power. Not even the Divine Forest Guard could keep him in. So the only purpose of sealing the mountain is to keep outsiders from learning what’s happened.” Mingguang spoke slowly, but with reason. “His Majesty claims it’s to keep mortals from disturbing the immortal, but those of us in the Academy know it’s really to keep enemy eyes away.”

“If they’re keeping things secret, something must have gone wrong. But Li State can’t be sure what, and war is a grave matter—they dare not strike first without cause. So sealing Little Yuan Mountain isn’t a matter of curbing folk customs, but a way to buy time and avoid conflict.”

Gu Yi felt a jolt of shock inside. He was just a bystander—how had he gotten drawn into this?

“What’s most worrying is that none of us know what’s really happened on the mountain. I’ve asked the elders at the Academy, but most know nothing.”

Wu Gang was unconcerned. “What of it? If the Li wish to strike at a moment’s weakness, let them come! I, Old Wu, am not afraid!”

Despite his bravado, none of their hearts were truly at ease.

Chen Mingguang tried to remain optimistic, waving the matter aside. “Brother Gu, you needn’t worry. Just stay safe in Luyang. Fighting is our business—to shed blood and lay down our lives, all so the people of Luyang can live in peace. Otherwise, what’s the nation keeping us for?”

Gu Yi couldn’t help but be stirred by their patriotism.

No matter what, these two were fighting for their country and their people—worthy of respect.

In his view, the Emperor’s sealing of the mountain was certainly to prevent enemy intelligence, but also to maintain morale among his own army and citizens.

So Gu Yi suddenly realized that it wasn’t just Mingguang—almost no one knew the mountain was now empty.

Even those who had seen him emerge from the Four Stones Array that day only thought him a disciple, not the immortal himself.

People revered those at the Cloud Sage realm; they would never believe such a figure could be gone so easily.

So Gu Yi couldn’t reveal what had truly happened atop Little Yuan Mountain. He must join the Emperor in maintaining this grand deception.

...

...

In the main hall.

Lady Ye, hands warmed by her teacup, asked Xiao Yue’er, “Has someone been sent to deliver the food?”

“Yes.”

“Every instruction from the young master is to be followed. Did he say anything else?”

“Nothing in particular—just asked for a few jugs of wine. I heard that the young master is discussing Little Yuan Mountain and the current state of affairs between Xu and Li with two gentlemen from the Academy.”

Perhaps he was in high spirits and wanted wine.

Lady Ye’s lips curved, unsurprised. “Young men, when they gather, it’s only natural to talk grandly of the world. All affairs are contained within a single jug of wine; after a few cups, emotions overflow. Send a few more jugs, let him keep company with the talented youths of the Academy—it’s certainly better than idling away in Changning, wasting his days among flowers and willows.”

Changning Street was several streets from Tianmu Street—a fine place, to be sure.

Just then, a shout was heard from outside. “Master! Master!”

Lady Ye glanced over. “Is that the disciple my brother took in?”

“It’s probably Lord Ma. Lady, please remain seated—I’ll go have a look.”

Ma Ye came running, breathless, ignoring any who tried to stop him, excitedly asking, “Sister Yue’er, where’s my master? Where is he?”

“No need to hurry, sir—the young master is here.”

“How can I not hurry!” Ma Yuan brushed past her. “This is urgent, truly urgent! Master! I’ve found the person you were looking for!”

Gu Yi had indeed been searching for someone.

Lady Ye had heard of this, and hearing him shout, she paid attention.

Ma Yuan was not known for his manners. Reaching the main hall, he pushed the door open and burst in, shouting, “Master! I found her!”

But on looking around, he saw no sign of Gu Yi—only Lady Ye, wrapped in a shawl by the charcoal brazier.

“Ah... Forgive my rudeness. Wasn’t my master supposed to be here?”

Lady Ye let it go. “He is, but not here—he’s in the Literary Courtyard. You said you’ve found someone—he did mention searching for a person. Who is it?”

“Oh,” Ma Yuan beamed, excited at his success. “Master has been looking for Xie Yiyi. I thought it would be hard, but it only took me half a day to find her! Ha!”

At his words, the faces of the two women in the room turned odd. Lady Ye’s expression was particularly troubled. She asked again, “He asked you to find Xie Yiyi?”

“Yes, Lady. This is important, so I must tell my master—he’ll be overjoyed to hear it!”

As he dashed off, the room fell into silence.

“Lady, could it be the one from Changning Street?” Xiao Yue’er muttered through clenched teeth, spitting in disgust. “The young master isn’t such a good person after all!”