First Entry into the Ethereal Void 107. Far-Reaching Schemes

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Li Hao quickly wrote back, “Senior sister, don’t be suspicious. My sworn brother would never harbor prejudice against women.”

Meng Biyu smiled softly and replied, “He only swears brotherhood with men, never with women. That alone proves his bias against the opposite sex.”

Gao Yunxiang chuckled, “Senior sister, if you’re willing to swear siblinghood with me as a brother and sister, it would be a dream come true.” Pausing briefly, he added, “My family is male-dominated; I have brothers but no sisters.”

Li Hao agreed with a steady tap of his brush, writing, “I think that’s very good.”

Meng Biyu glanced back and asked, “Shall we swear the oath together? The four of us here, let’s form a bond. I’ve been secretly investigating recently, and both the righteous and the underworld factions are closely monitoring you. We must unite into a solid force.”

Li Hao nodded and wrote, “Senior sister, would you mind if we swear brotherhood again?”

Meng Biyu answered, “No objection. Since you haven’t formally joined the sect, and I taught you martial arts without a formal master-disciple ceremony, you can call me whatever you like.”

Feng Jiezheng said, “There are no incense or paper offerings here. We should go to town to buy supplies and perform the oath ceremony properly. Afterward, we’ll have much to discuss.”

Li Hao tapped his brush and wrote, “No need to go to town. Let’s just swear the oath in the same way I did with my sworn brother earlier.”

Meng Biyu asked, “Are you using soil as incense?”

Li Hao nodded. The four of them gathered soil as incense and swore their oath together.

Li Hao looked intently at his senior sister and wrote, “Putting up a notice backfired terribly; it’s like lifting a stone only to drop it on one’s own foot.”

Meng Biyu asked, “Are you afraid?”

Li Hao shook his head and wrote, “Junior sister, after enduring such suffering, would I still be afraid of death? I’m only frustrated that I haven’t lived up to your expectations or your devoted care.”

Meng Biyu said, “The earlier plan was a moment of rashness. I detest the major sects who preach righteousness and virtue but lack any true chivalry or compassion. I wanted to cause a ruckus, teach them a lesson. Later, I realized it was unwise, so I called Feng Jiezheng to support you.”

Gao Yunxiang said, “Now we’re sworn siblings bound by life and death, sharing hardships. From now on, please give us orders, sworn sister.”

Meng Biyu said, “I sense that Junior Brother Hu is regaining his true self, which is a good omen. The long-lost ‘Qing Nang Divine Art’ has appeared in his cousin’s hands. I wonder where she acquired it?”

Li Hao wrote, “Senior sister, have you seen it?”

Meng Biyu replied, “I took it from her and entrusted it to our master. The ‘Jialing Scripture’ was almost in our hands, but someone seized it at the last moment. Finding the thief won’t be easy.”

Meng Biyu smiled mysteriously and said, “I know who took the ‘Bianling Scripture.’ Actually, he lacked the ability to wrest it from the Shaolin monk. The old monk deliberately let it slip.”

Feng Jiezheng cursed bitterly, “Damn it!”

Gao Yunxiang smiled faintly, “I suspect you’re right. The bald monk’s not letting it go; it’s a false calamity, a scheme to use others as pawns—killing two birds with one stone.”

Meng Biyu, shocked by his words, said, “Ah! I hadn’t considered the bald monk’s true intentions. Junior brother, what you say makes sense; indeed, that old monk harbors such schemes.”

Li Hao wrote, “Senior sister and sworn brother, I don’t quite understand. Please explain clearly.”

Meng Biyu said, “The one who seized the scripture was sent by the Hundred Sects. His martial arts were mediocre. I secretly watched as the thief snatched the scripture from the old monk. The monk was momentarily stunned and then gave chase, but he didn’t pursue with full force.”

“I tracked the thief far from the Famen Temple and caught up with him. After exchanging only a few moves, the thief died by my sword. Reflecting on it, the monk’s deliberate slack allowed the Hundred Sects to weaken us. The plan is likely to have us and the Hundred Sects cripple each other, then Famen Temple will finish us both off. There may be deeper conspiracies, but it’s hard to say for now.”

Li Hao wrote, “Very well. I’ll settle accounts with the Hundred Sects once and for all.”

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Meng Biyu smiled at Gao Yunxiang, “I am the eldest sister; you must follow my orders. No objections?”

Gao Yunxiang laughed, “Sometimes yes, sometimes no.”

Feng Jiezheng chimed in, “Second brother, that’s not a responsible answer.”

Gao Yunxiang laughed, “Fourth sister says I’m irresponsible. We’ll see how it goes. No use debating now—please, eldest sister, give your orders.”

Meng Biyu said, “Third brother’s misfortune is something Second Brother doesn’t fully understand yet, nor do I wish to explain everything. For revenge and restoration, I will arrange the sequence of actions. The final decision rests with you. As for the role you play, I won’t elaborate—you’ll understand.”

Gao Yunxiang laughed, “The title of ‘Stubborn Advisor’ suits me well. Since the eldest sister assigns it, it must be right. This is serious; I cannot shirk responsibility.”

Meng Biyu nodded, “Good. I’ve learned that the abbot of Famen Temple and leaders of other sects are heading to the Heavenly Blade Pavilion. We must hurry there. Whether by pleading or force, we must borrow the secret manual of ‘Hair Removal and Marrow Washing.’”

Gao Yunxiang said, “No need to confront them. If they willingly lend it to us, that’s best, preserving harmony. If not, we can use Miss Jie as leverage to have her sneak it out.”

Feng Jiezheng said, “Right. Miss Jie is deeply devoted to our third brother. Even if asked to steal the manual or die for him, she wouldn’t bat an eyelash.”

Li Hao wrote, “I can’t agree to that. I’d rather die than betray so many.”

Meng Biyu, unwilling to argue before the crisis, turned to Gao Yunxiang, “Shall we act separately or together? Please consider.”

Gao Yunxiang said, “On the road to Heavenly Blade Pavilion, we’re like white mice in the street—everyone wants to strike us, and there are ambushes. It’s very dangerous to split up.”

Meng Biyu said, “Third brother and fourth sister stand out too much during the day. Do you have a way to disguise them?”

Gao Yunxiang said, “Before dawn, we’ll reach the town and rest at an inn. I’ll buy a few yards of cloth. Since you’re skilled in needlework, you can make cloaks for third brother and fourth sister. I’ll arrange for four horses for travel. We must be vigilant against ambushes.”

Feng Jiezheng nodded, “Very good.”

Meng Biyu said, “No time to waste. Let’s go. Third brother, lead the way.”

Li Hao nodded but seemed rooted to the spot. He gazed at the burnt remains of his home, blinking tears like morning dew.

Gao Yunxiang patted his shoulder but quickly withdrew his hand, wondering if he wore protective leather beneath his clothes. He then said, “Third brother, we’re men — we must be able to hold on and let go. Though losing one’s home and family is painful, we must grow strong. If others use any means against us, we’ll use the same against them.”

Li Hao hesitated, then wrote, “Is that really possible?”

Gao Yunxiang said, “Nothing is impossible if one has the will. You were once a powerless scholar, but now you’ve mastered top-tier martial arts. That’s proof.”

Li Hao nodded to hold back his sorrow, then strode forward, leading the way to the neighboring town.

The neighboring town was a busy thoroughfare, bustling with merchants traveling north and south.

By the time the four arrived, dawn had broken and all shops were open.

Li Hao and Feng Jiezheng drew fearful attention as they entered the “Fuxing” Inn. The owner and staff were shocked and awkward.

Other guests stared in surprise, whispering among themselves. The sight of a handsome young scholar and a blooming maiden mingling with two masked bandits seemed incongruous. Many hurried to settle their bills and leave.

After entering, Meng Biyu and the others requested a private room. Soon, a waiter brought freshly brewed hot tea, which they eagerly drank, parched.

The owner and staff remained fearful of the four.

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Gao Yunxiang handled all negotiations. Being well-educated and courteous, he gradually dispelled their fear.

After drinking his tea, Gao Yunxiang suddenly acted strangely—jumping about wildly, even flipping the bed.

Feng Jiezheng whispered to Meng Biyu, “Second brother, what’s wrong? Is the tea poisoned? I feel nothing.”

Meng Biyu frowned but smiled, “Second brother, it doesn’t seem like poison. Perhaps he was once a temple acolyte and senses evil spirits here, performing a ritual to dispel them.”

Gao Yunxiang flipped the bed a few more times, then smiled faintly, restored the bed to its place, and said, “The evil spirits in this room have been driven off. You can rest easy. I’ll go buy cloth and horses.”

Meng Biyu smiled, “Second brother, do you have enough money?”

Gao Yunxiang laughed, “This is my hometown. If short on silver, I can buy on credit. I still have some face here.”

Pausing, he added with a smile, “Eldest sister, what color horses do you prefer?”

Meng Biyu looked at him with a gentle smile, “Second brother, guess.”

Gao Yunxiang scratched his ear and grinned, “You surely like pure white mounts.”

Meng Biyu laughed, “Second brother, you have a knack for divination—spot on.”

Gao Yunxiang said, “Just careful observation. Eldest sister has lived long in the mountains. In winter, everything she sees is silver-white. Prolonged exposure breeds affection. White symbolizes purity. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, untouched by worldly chaos, your heart remains pure. That’s why you favor white.”

Meng Biyu smiled, “Second brother, go ahead. Tell the waiter to send us breakfast soon.”

Gao Yunxiang glanced at Li Hao, who sat with his head bowed by the bed. He gestured quietly for Meng Biyu to comfort him, then slipped out.

Shortly, breakfast arrived: rice porridge with marinated pork, salted eggs, pickled vegetables, and peanuts—perfect accompaniments.

During the meal, Meng Biyu, as senior sister and mentor, encouraged Li Hao with words of duty and fate. He must pull himself together.

Gao Yunxiang returned in mid-afternoon carrying two bolts of cloth. Entering the room loudly, he declared, “We cannot set out today!”

Meng Biyu rose and took the cloth, asking, “Why not?”

Gao Yunxiang said, “Good horses aren’t available here. I went to Pingshi and bought four sturdy mounts. Eldest sister’s white horse is excellent. To match it, I commissioned a silver saddle. It won’t be ready until tomorrow.”

Meng Biyu examined the cloth and smiled, “The color and quality are excellent. Two cloaks will not consume so much fabric.”

Gao Yunxiang said, “The cloth is more than enough for cloaks. Eldest sister and fourth sister can make clothes too; they can’t wear the same outfit every day. Among the blue cloth is fine white silk for the younger sister’s garments.”

Meng Biyu, touched by his thoughtfulness, smiled, “Second brother, thank you. Go rest for a while.”

Gao Yunxiang checked his pockets, “I bought needles and thread, but we need scissors.”

Meng Biyu, skilled in needlework from her mountain days, began cutting and sewing immediately. She had made her master’s and junior brothers’ winter and summer clothes before.

Feng Jiezheng also knew needlework. Together, they finished two cloaks in less than half an hour.