Chapter 49: Linghu Chong Leaves the Mountain

Chapter 49: Linghu Chong Descends the Mountain

Zheng Jian, seeing that matters had come to an end, felt at ease and returned to the Cliff of Reflection to continue his secluded contemplation.

Within the Huashan Sect, however, everyone harbored different thoughts. Witnessing Zheng Jian’s repeated displays of brilliance, Linghu Chong, the second senior disciple of Huashan, could not help but feel envious—especially when he saw his former little junior sister, Yue Lingshan, gazing at Zheng Jian with stars in her eyes. This left Linghu Chong with a bitter taste in his heart.

Shutting himself away in his room, Linghu Chong reflected for a long time. At last, he made a firm decision: “I, too, must descend the mountain and make a name for myself! Only then will little junior sister look at me with new eyes!”

Even though Yue Lingshan was no longer the little junior sister—since Qu Feiyan had taken that title—in Linghu Chong’s heart, she would forever remain his little junior sister.

Having made up his mind, Linghu Chong went to inform Old Yue of his intentions.

A flicker of surprise crossed Old Yue’s eyes, but he nodded. “Chong’er, you truly wish to travel the world? Last time you all went down the mountain, it could hardly be considered dangerous. If you truly go this time, the road ahead is long and fraught with peril. Have you truly thought it through?”

Linghu Chong’s gaze was resolute. “Master, I have made up my mind! Moreover, my martial arts have reached a bottleneck here on Huashan. It’s been a long time since I made any progress. Perhaps by traveling the martial world, crossing blades with its experts, I might achieve a breakthrough.”

Old Yue pondered for a moment before nodding again. A fledgling eagle must eventually soar—without braving wind and rain, it could never grow strong. Now that his eldest disciple had become famous throughout the martial world, Old Yue hoped his other disciples might also make a name for themselves. Even if they did not all reach Zheng Jian’s heights, it would be enough if they earned some measure of renown.

That way, the future of the sect would not rest solely upon Zheng Jian’s shoulders.

“If all these disciples achieve success and grow into masters like the Thirteen Protectors of Mount Song, then Huashan will truly flourish,” Old Yue thought with longing.

Of all he was leaving behind, Linghu Chong was most reluctant to part from Ning Zhongze. Of all the disciples, she favored Zheng Jian and Linghu Chong most, having watched them grow up. Now, seeing Linghu Chong set out into the martial world, her heart was heavy.

“Chong’er, if you must go, I will not stop you. But remember, the hearts of people in the martial world are difficult to fathom, and schemes and treachery abound. You must be careful,” Ning Zhongze said tearfully.

Deeply moved, Linghu Chong thanked her again and again.

“Second senior brother, you must make a name for yourself no less than eldest senior brother! I’ve always wanted to travel too, but father and mother won’t allow it. When you return, you must tell me all about your adventures,” Yue Lingshan came to bid him farewell as well.

Linghu Chong’s face flushed with excitement at her words, though it was unclear whether it was from exhilaration or embarrassment. “Rest assured, little junior sister, I will not let you all down!”

After bidding farewell to the rest of his fellow disciples, Linghu Chong cast a final glance at the distant Cliff of Reflection, a hint of disappointment in his eyes, though he said nothing. He shouldered his bundle and began his descent.

…

Only when the figures of his fellow Huashan disciples had disappeared from view did Linghu Chong’s heart ache, and he could no longer hold back his tears. This was truly his first journey down the mountain alone—not a mere excursion, but a bold venture into the world, determined not to return until he had made his mark.

Leaving the mountain, his home, was no easy thing.

“Eldest senior brother is something else—here I am, leaving the mountain, and he doesn’t even show his face!” Linghu Chong grumbled as he walked. Though he secretly admired Yue Lingshan, and knew she cared only for Zheng Jian, Linghu Chong felt neither jealousy nor resentment. In his heart, he believed only Zheng Jian was worthy of his beloved little junior sister.

“At the crossroads of history and fate, he has finally made his choice. Yet who can say what changes await, as the wheel of destiny turns and his life is swept along its course?”

Suddenly, Linghu Chong heard this peculiar phrase. Looking up, he saw Zheng Jian leaning against a nearby tree.

“Eldest senior brother? You startled me, speaking so mysteriously…” Linghu Chong complained, though his eyes betrayed his delight. He had feared Zheng Jian would not come to see him off, never expecting that his senior brother had been waiting for him here all along.

Zheng Jian smiled mysteriously. “Linghu, don’t dismiss it! I tell you, I can read faces, and I can see that this journey will bring unexpected twists to your fate, and your life will grow ever more exciting.”

Linghu Chong was half convinced, half skeptical. “You really can read faces? You can see my future? What will change?”

Zheng Jian teased, “The secrets of heaven must not be revealed! Enough of that—here, take this.”

Dropping his act, Zheng Jian tossed Linghu Chong a wine jar. “On the mountain, master forbids it, but now that you’re descending, you can drink. This is the good stuff I’ve been hoarding. Well?”

Linghu Chong was, after all, still the same wine-loving Linghu Chong. Though circumstances had kept him restrained so far, the moment he received the wine, he instinctively broke the seal. Inhaling deeply, he wore an expression of utter bliss.

“Excellent wine! Eldest senior brother, you know me best.” Without further ado, Linghu Chong took a hearty swig. “Ahhh…”

Exhaling contentedly, Linghu Chong felt utterly relaxed. “Senior brother, what am I to do? I fear I’ll never be able to live without this stuff now…”

Zheng Jian laughed. “Then you’ll just have to earn it yourself! This is my only jar—take it, it’s yours, but that’s all there is.”

On hearing this, Linghu Chong quickly licked the last drop from his lips and carefully cradled the jar. “Then I’ll have to ration this well. When I reach the next town, I’ll buy a regular jug to drink from—this one must be treasured.”

Seeing this, Zheng Jian shook his head. This fellow was a natural-born drunkard, rivaling even Chief Xiao.

“On a serious note, the martial world is not as easy as you imagine. Once you’re down the mountain, don’t act so naïve—keep your wits about you, understand?”

Of all the disciples of this generation, Linghu Chong was Zheng Jian’s closest friend. Thus, Zheng Jian could not help but nag a bit.

“I know, I know! Master said it, mistress said it, and now you—it’s enough to make my ears grow calluses!” Linghu Chong protested.

“It just shows we care about you, you foolish oaf! Go on, get going. If you wait any longer, you won’t reach the next inn before nightfall,” Zheng Jian waved him off.

With a laugh, Linghu Chong bowed deeply, then, clutching his wine jar, sword at his waist, and bundle on his back, he set off down the mountain, his steps a bit unsteady.

Clearly, he was already a little tipsy…

Watching him go, Zheng Jian could not help but worry. “That fellow—he won’t get himself drunk and roll into a ravine, will he? That would be truly laughable…”

As if in response, Linghu Chong’s voice drifted back from afar. “Don’t worry, eldest senior brother…”

…

(End of chapter)