Chapter 54: Surprised? Was It Unexpected?

Chapter 54: Surprised or Not? Expect the Unexpected?

At this thought, Zheng Jian couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. In the original novel, Linghu Chong fell victim to Xiang Wentian’s schemes and followed him into the Plum Manor by West Lake, where he was ultimately swapped out and imprisoned, while the former leader of the Sun Moon Cult, Ren Woxing, made his escape. If not for the greed of Black and White Chess, one of the Four Friends of Plum Manor, for the “Star Absorbing Skill,” Linghu Chong would have met his end for sure.

In this timeline, because of Zheng Jian’s interference, Linghu Chong hadn’t been wounded nor obtained the music score for “The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.” Zheng Jian thought Linghu Chong would have no further entanglements with the Sun Moon Cult, but, much to his surprise, Linghu Chong still ended up in Luoyang as if fate itself insisted on it…

As Zheng Jian was still speculating, the conversations in the tavern had already turned to Linghu Chong.

“That ‘Heavenly King’ Xiang Wentian is truly formidable—even surrounded by enemies, he remained completely at ease.”

“Once the battle began, Xiang Wentian charged into the crowd like an unstoppable force. Even with so many experts, no one could stop him.”

“It’s a pity the newly risen ‘Sword Saviour’ wasn’t present that day. Otherwise, Xiang Wentian might not have fared so well!”

“Speaking of which, I must mention the Huashan Sect. They’re truly the backbone of the righteous path. Even though the ‘Sword Saviour’ Hero Zheng wasn’t there, the new disciples from Huashan still took it upon themselves to uphold justice, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the other martial artists, and displaying remarkable swordsmanship.”

“Alas, the young hero from Huashan was no Sword Saviour. After being captured by Xiang Wentian, he was taken hostage and escaped with him!”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jian could no longer sit still. Damn it, he had guessed the beginning but never expected this ending! Who could have foreseen that, in this timeline, Linghu Chong’s passionate sense of justice would lead him to join the siege on Xiang Wentian—only to be kidnapped by him?

“Damn! What a reckless fool!” Zheng Jian immediately stood up, settled his bill, and left. He was determined to head straight for the Plum Manor by West Lake, hoping it wasn’t too late.

After all, the current situation was different from the original story. Linghu Chong was no mere NPC, but a living, breathing person. What if Xiang Wentian, thinking differently this time, simply killed him?

…

Zheng Jian galloped south at full speed and, after a few days, reached the outskirts of Hangzhou.

Known in ancient times as Lin’an, Hangzhou was famed for its beauty. Now, at the start of summer, the streets were crowded and music filled the air.

Arriving at the shore of West Lake, Zheng Jian gazed at the water as clear as a mirror, with willows brushing the surface—an enchanting scene. After asking around, he quickly found the location of Plum Manor. As he approached, he saw plum trees everywhere, their gnarled old trunks densely packed.

Making his way through the plum grove and along a stone-paved path, he finally arrived at a manor with red gates and white walls—Plum Manor. The inscription above the entrance read “Yu Yunwen,” the name of a famed minister who once defeated the Jin.

Zheng Jian glanced at the inscription, his heart stirred, then vaulted over the wall and slipped inside.

Once inside, he calmed his breath and gradually made his way toward a row of secluded chambers, listening intently for any sound. Judging by the circumstances, if Xiang Wentian had really captured Linghu Chong, he likely intended to use him in a plot to rescue Ren Woxing.

But had Zheng Jian arrived too early or too late? He wasn’t sure.

He actually had a good impression of the eldest of the Four Friends, Yellow Bell. In the original story, when Ren Woxing returned to Plum Manor and coerced the Four Friends to submit to him, the others all yielded, but only Yellow Bell refused and took his own life.

Lost in thought, Zheng Jian was suddenly alerted by noises from within the chambers. He immediately concealed his presence and focused, spotting a man whose face was as pale as a corpse, hair jet-black, and skin deathly white—a stark contrast. He looked intimidating.

“That must be Black and White Chess,” Zheng Jian guessed.

The man glanced nervously about, as if spying on someone, then, after ensuring no one was watching, slipped quietly into a room.

Zheng Jian, suspecting what was afoot, silently followed.

As he entered, Black and White Chess was already gone, but Zheng Jian noticed the disturbed bedding and realized that he had gone down to the secret chamber beneath the lake. Zheng Jian followed stealthily.

Leaping into the tunnel and proceeding several yards ahead, Zheng Jian spotted an open stone door. Smiling quietly, he pressed on, moving ever downward. After several dozen more yards, he came to another iron door, which was also open. Listening carefully, he realized Black and White Chess had already vanished deeper inside, so he continued on.

After passing through the iron door, the tunnel ended at four more doors—an iron door, then a wooden door, then another iron door, and finally a nailed wooden door.

Even though Zheng Jian had always known these underwater chambers were ingeniously constructed, seeing them in person left him secretly awed. No wonder Ren Woxing had been imprisoned here for over ten years without escape. In such an underwater cage, escape was truly impossible!

He pressed on for a long while until, in the distance, he finally heard Black and White Chess speaking.

“Master Ren, it’s been so hot these days. How is your health?”

So, as Zheng Jian had guessed, Black and White Chess was still after the “Star Absorbing Skill.” But was the person imprisoned below really Ren Woxing, or had the unfortunate Linghu Chong already taken his place?

With this in mind, Zheng Jian strained his ears to listen further.

“These words—I ask you every two months. Today is the first of July, and I ask again: will you finally agree, Elder?” said Black and White Chess.

“Master Ren, you are a hero of your age. Why wither here in this dungeon? As long as you agree, I will help you escape.”

Silence from within the cell. Black and White Chess continued, “If you are so stubborn, I’ll return in two months.”

Just then, a voice called out from within the dungeon, “What do you want me to agree to?”

The voice was muffled, but Black and White Chess was overjoyed and stammered, “You’ll truly agree?”

Not far away, Zheng Jian breathed a sigh of relief. Black and White Chess didn’t realize it, but Zheng Jian did—the voice, though altered, was unmistakably Linghu Chong!

He didn’t know how Linghu Chong had ended up in this mess, but at least the poor fellow was alive!

Thankfully, he hadn’t arrived too late. Though Ren Woxing had escaped, at least Linghu Chong survived—and judging by the circumstances, he’d probably gained the “Star Absorbing Skill” as a result!

Zheng Jian knew that Ren Woxing, imprisoned for years, had carved the “Star Absorbing Skill” into the floor for Linghu Chong to memorize. Zheng Jian had no interest in this martial art, but for Linghu Chong, who had missed out on the “Nine Swords of Dugu,” it was quite a fortuitous opportunity.

Black and White Chess arranged to return in three days, feeling as if his long-held dreams were finally coming true. Elated, he strode away.

He had only walked a few steps when Zheng Jian suddenly appeared in front of him, extended a finger, and sealed his acupoints.

Surprised? Didn’t see that coming, did you?

Little brother…

(End of chapter)