Chapter 313: Jianghu, Always the Same

Soon, Du Sha led Gu Mo and the others to Tie Tou's armory. Tie Tou's armory had been relocated next to the Six Doors headquarters in Yunzhou. Besides the specialized guard force Du Sha mentioned that was assigned to Tie Tou, its proximity to the headquarters theoretically made it highly unlikely for him to be abducted without anyone knowing.

"There's a supreme expert there, and three first-class experts over there..." Du Sha introduced the armory's security forces to Gu Mo and his companions.

"It's not entirely unbelievable that someone could take Tie Tou from here," Du Sha stated, "but the complete lack of any trace leaves us no starting point for investigation, nor can we comprehend what method could achieve this. We can only consider and investigate along the lines of all thirteen master smiths disappearing."

After Gu Mo extended his consciousness to scan the armory, he said, "Using conventional methods, it would indeed be nearly impossible to abduct Tie Tou without a trace and without anyone knowing. However, it's not entirely without possibility. For example, a domain!"

Du Sha quickly interjected, "That's impossible. While a domain is remarkable, it primarily serves to suppress. It couldn't take someone without leaving any trace. Besides, Tie Tou himself is an expert; he wouldn't resist at all."

Gu Mo chuckled softly, "What if it's combined with primal spirit power?"

Du Sha asked, perplexed, "What is primal spirit power?"

Gu Mo thought for a moment before explaining, "It's the power of the Ascension Realm. When primal spirit power is affixed to a domain, it can effectively create a world of its own. One could use mental techniques to stun Tie Tou, then brazenly take him away. Unless your two Grandmasters from Six Doors were present, they might detect a slight anomaly, but no one else would sense a thing!"

Du Sha's expression turned grave. He said, "Great Hero Gu, how could such a method exist in this world? Wouldn't that be like the techniques of immortals or gods?"

"Isn't the Ascension Realm precisely the legendary state of achieving immortality?" Gu Mo replied.

Du Sha asked, "Then... are there many people with such abilities?"

Gu Mo shook his head. He said, "If there were many, the world would have long been in chaos. To put it this way, even Su Qianqiu couldn't do it."

At his words, Du Sha and the few Six Doors constables looked at Gu Mo with a very peculiar gaze. Du Sha seemed hesitant, as if wanting to speak but holding back, then he hesitated before saying, "Then... Great Hero Gu, aren't you essentially describing yourself?"

Gu Mo paused for a moment, then immediately realized. On the current Martial Arts Ranking List, he was ranked first, and Su Qianqiu was second. Since Su Qianqiu couldn't do it, it implied that only he, the number one under heaven, could achieve it. After all, very few in the world knew about the true existence of the Thirteen Taboos or the reclusive old monsters.

"I'm not the only one in this world who can do it," Gu Mo said. "I don't know exactly who else can, but I've already encountered several individuals capable of this method. If Tie Tou was indeed abducted by such a person, then you definitely won't find any traces by investigating the scene. However, I can't be certain if he was abducted by someone like that; perhaps there are other sophisticated methods of crime."

Du Sha nodded and said, "Currently, the only direction for solving the case is the disappearance of all thirteen master smiths. The culprits abducted Yunzhou's most renowned smiths, which means they must be forging weapons, and not just ordinary ones. We can investigate along these lines."

Gu Mo chuckled, "You Six Doors are the professionals when it comes to investigating cases, so I won't offer amateur advice to experts. How about this: I'll stay in Yuncheng for now. If you need any help or find any clues, just let me know."

Du Sha cupped his hands and said, "With Great Hero Gu overseeing things, our Six Doors will be much bolder!"

"My Lord." Just then, Hongyi suddenly spoke, "Actually, I have another direction we could pursue for the search."

"Tell me," Gu Mo said. Du Sha and the others also looked towards Hongyi.

Hongyi slowly took out several tortoise shells from her sleeve and said, "My Lord, I am a Qi practitioner and know a bit of divination. I can actually try to perform a deduction."

Gu Mo suddenly recalled that Hongyi, by his side, was a master of all arts. As the optimal human vessel for the previous generation's White Jade Capital, Hongyi, over hundreds of years of existence, had learned virtually all cultivation methods, mastering them all.

For instance, regarding this divination art, although Hongyi spoke modestly, Gu Mo's estimation was that her divination skills were at least among the top ten in the world.

Immediately, Gu Mo instructed, "Hongyi, give it a try."

"As long as no one is concealing the heavenly secrets, I should be able to deduce something."

As she spoke, Hongyi cupped the tortoise shells in her hands, slowly crouched down, and gently tossed them onto the ground. At that moment, Gu Mo saw strands of qi, moving in a patterned flow, emanating around Hongyi.

Hongyi stared intently at the tortoise shells, and after a long while, she slowly raised her head and said, "My Lord, I see four points in the divination: First, the person you are looking for is still alive. Second, he is not in immediate danger. Third, if you head east at the second quarter of the Tiger Hour today, you will encounter a swordsman dressed in white who will invite you to his home; you can simply follow him. Fourth, I saw a flood."

Gu Mo chuckled slightly. It was another one of those mystical divinations. Last year, on his way to Penglai Island, he had asked Ji Wusuan, the foremost diviner under heaven, to perform a divination. That one was also enigmatic, but ultimately, everything Ji Wusuan said came true. At that time, if he had resisted fighting White Jade Capital, he truly would have cornered Jiang Ruoxu on Penglai Island.

Immediately, Gu Mo cupped his hands towards Du Sha and said, "Chief Constable Du, let's leave it at this. You can continue your investigation, and I'll go try the divination's instructions. If you find any clues, send someone to inform me at any time. I imagine it'll be quite easy for you to find me within Yuncheng's borders."

Du Sha quickly said, "I was still planning to arrange accommodations for you, Great Hero Gu..."

"No need to trouble yourself."

"Then please forgive my inadequate hospitality."

Soon, it was the second quarter of the Tiger Hour. Gu Mo, accompanied by Gu Chudong and Hongyi, walked east. They continued until they were outside the city, yet they didn't encounter anyone dressed in white. However, it wasn't surprising. While martial arts novels always depicted white-clad heroes, in reality, very few true martial artists, male or female, wore white. It wasn't that they couldn't afford white clothes, but martial artists often traveled through dust and grime, through wind and rain. White garments would quickly get dirty with the slightest oversight, and who had the leisure to change and wash them constantly? Therefore, typically, wearing white either had a specific purpose or was purely for show.

After leaving the city, people became scarcer, mostly traveling merchants. About seventeen or eighteen li outside the city, they reached a crossroads where the path no longer led directly east, splitting into a southeast and a northeast direction. Just as Gu Mo was about to ask Hongyi which path to take, he suddenly heard the rapid sound of horse hooves approaching from behind. A person dressed in white and carrying a sword galloped past Gu Mo and his companions. The person sped past before Gu Mo and the others could react. Then, he suddenly pulled on the reins, stopped, and turned his head sharply, exclaiming in surprise, "Brother Gu, Sister Chudong, what are you doing here?"

"Brother Shen, what a coincidence!" Gu Chudong was somewhat surprised, as the white-clad swordsman was none other than Shen Bai, a renowned hero of the Canglan Sword Sect, the direct disciple of Grandmaster Ye Liuyun, and the son-in-law of the previous Sect Leader, Qi Tianshu. Previously, Shen Bai was a second-generation disciple of the Canglan Sword Sect. Now, after the retirement of Qi Tianshu and other elders, his status had been elevated; he had taken his master's place and become the new Elder of Sword Enforcement.

Gu Mo was no longer surprised that Shen Bai wore white. Initially, like most young people, Shen Bai wore white deliberately to make a name for himself and be more recognizable while traveling the jianghu. He endured the hardships this entailed, always carrying a large bundle filled with changes of white clothes whenever he traveled. Before attending crowded events, he would first find a secluded spot to change his clothes, acting furtively like a thief, terrified of being caught and suffering public humiliation.

Later, a white robe and a white pristine sword became the signature look for the renowned hero Shen Bai. When he was out and about, many people paid attention to him, as he represented the prestige of the Canglan Sword Sect. This later led to him feeling vexed and regretful, yet he was helpless; he couldn't *not* wear white anymore.

At that moment, on the main road, Shen Bai turned his horse around, dismounted excitedly, and said, "Brother Gu, Sister Chudong, long time no see..." As he spoke, he glanced at Hongyi, a flicker of shock in his eyes, but politely refrained from staring, then inquired, "And who is this?"

"A friend, Hongyi," Gu Mo said.

Shen Bai quickly cupped his hands, addressing her as "Miss Hongyi." With Gu Chudong's introduction, Hongyi also greeted Shen Bai.

Then, Shen Bai asked, "Brother Gu, what brings you here?"

Gu Mo said, "Just returned from Chang'an City, strolling around."

Shen Bai quickly said, "Why not come to Canglan Sword Sect? My father-in-law and master often mention you. Ah, Brother Gu, you're always traveling everywhere; it's so hard to catch a glimpse of you. The last time we met was when you brought that girl named Xiaobai to Canglan Mountain, and I returned late that time, so we didn't even get a chance to drink together. Now's perfect! I've just finished my business and have a month or two back home. I have a jar of century-old liquor at my house, stolen from my father-in-law, hehe. Brother Gu, you'll be in for a treat if you come to my place now!"

"An invitation for fine wine, I cannot refuse."

Immediately, Gu Mo mounted his horse. Gu Mo naturally had no reason to hesitate; Hongyi's divination had come true, and the white-clad swordsman was undoubtedly Shen Bai. All that remained was to faithfully follow Shen Bai.

Canglan Mountain, where the Canglan Sword Sect was located, was not far from Yuncheng, approximately a hundred li away. Gu Mo and his group found an inn on the way, rested for a night, and arrived at Canglan Mountain by noon the next day.

Canglan Mountain, with its steep peaks piercing the clouds and towering cliffs, from afar, as always, seemed to experience different seasons at its summit and base. Due to its immense height, snow continuously fell at the summit, accumulating deeply, and the peak was almost entirely composed of glaciers.

Gu Mo specifically instructed Shen Bai not to announce his arrival at Canglan Mountain. Consequently, there was no massive welcoming crowd as there had been during his previous visits to the Canglan Sword Sect. The group thus arrived quietly on the mountain and entered the mountain gate at its halfway point.

However, as soon as they entered the mountain gate, Shen Bai frowned. He noticed something was amiss within the sect: there were many more patrols than he remembered, clearly indicating that a major event was about to happen.

Immediately, Shen Bai stopped a few passing disciples and asked, "Why are there suddenly so many people from the Hall of Enforcement?"

The Canglan Sword Sect disciple who was stopped quickly bowed respectfully and said, "Reporting, Elder Shen, it's because Wang Dongli, the sect leader of the Dongli Sect in Qingyang Prefecture, issued a challenge to our former sect leader. They agreed to fight on the ninth day of this month here at Canglan Mountain, and our former sect leader accepted the challenge. This matter has already begun to spread, and observers from various sects should be arriving gradually over the next few days. Therefore, the Hall of Enforcement needs to prepare in advance and has recalled all disciples who were outside, to prevent any chaos when various sects mingle."

Shen Bai asked, puzzled, "When did this challenge happen?"

"Almost a month ago," the disciple replied.

"Alright, I understand. You may go!"

Shen Bai dismissed the disciple and said to Gu Mo, "I can't believe such a major event happened while I was away. I was on a mission to Fengzhou this time, constantly rushing on the road, not staying in any fixed place for long, so I didn't receive any sect correspondence. And on my way back, I was so eager to return that I didn't hear a single whisper of this."

Gu Mo inquired, "Who is this Wang Dongli? How dare he challenge old Sect Leader Qi?"

The name Wang Dongli stirred no memory in Gu Mo, so he was puzzled by this matter. He was certain that this person was by no means famous in Qian Dynasty. Gu Mo had some impression of the top ten on the Qian Dynasty Heavenly Ranking, as well as the top one or two in each of the eight prefectures. And he knew all of the top ten on the Yunzhou Heavenly Ranking, none of whom were named Wang Dongli. Yet, the fact that this person dared to challenge Qi Tianshu, and Qi Tianshu accepted, clearly indicated he wasn't just seeking attention.

It was important to know that while few people knew about Qi Tianshu's life-risking techniques, which granted him top-ten power in the world, even without that knowledge, Qi Tianshu's current title as the sixth strongest expert in Qian Dynasty was undeniably real.

Shen Bai explained, "Brother Gu, you haven't been in Yunzhou much these past few years, so you wouldn't know. This Wang Dongli is an expert who suddenly became active recently. Previously, he was also a somewhat renowned expert in Yunzhou, considered among the top tier below Grandmasters. The Dongli Sect he founded had a minor reputation in Qingyang Prefecture. A few years ago, the Four Directions Sword Sect in Qingyang Prefecture collapsed after the cat demon case was solved. The Dongli Sect suddenly abandoned its usual non-competitive stance and began seizing territory everywhere, almost taking three-tenths of the Four Directions Sword Sect's territory. The Dongli Sect began to develop from then, remaining relatively peaceful until last year, when Wang Dongli suddenly began challenging various experts. Within a few months, he replaced Grandmaster Meng Qingkong, who was ranked tenth on Yunzhou's Heavenly Ranking, becoming a new Grandmaster. Since the beginning of this year, Wang Dongli has been very prominent in Yunzhou. I just didn't expect him, having only recently gained the title of Grandmaster, to dare challenge my father-in-law. I don't know if he truly possesses that strength, or if he's been blinded by fame and fortune along the way. However, what truly puzzles me is that my father-in-law actually accepted the challenge?"

"What's so strange about that?" Gu Chudong, who was nearby, asked.

Shen Bai chuckled softly. "Sister Chudong, you don't know this, but since the great battle between good and evil that erupted in Dongping Prefecture five years ago, my father-in-law has not made a single public move in these five years. He always said he was getting old and didn't want to fight anymore, that he wanted to gradually fade out of the jianghu and retire from the Heavenly Ranking. Unless there was an unavoidable reason, he wouldn't act."

Gu Chudong said, "Then could he be planning to use this opportunity to be defeated and retire?"

"Impossible," Shen Bai said. "My father-in-law's sword is very proud. He might be defeated and retire, or gradually fade into obscurity, but he would never fake a defeat at someone else's hands. He is a very pure swordsman; he would never insult his sword and true intent!"

"Why not just ask him?" Gu Mo said with a smile.

Immediately, the group headed towards the mountain summit.

The wind howled and snow swirled; the chill at Canglan Mountain's summit seemed capable of freezing bone marrow. Shen Bai led Gu Mo, Gu Chudong, and Hongyi, treading through thick snow, to the summit. From afar, they saw a simple thatched cottage, half-buried in snow. An old man sat on the covered porch in front of the cottage, holding a long, slender fishing rod. A small hole had been chiseled into the ice, and the fishing line descended into the dark, icy water. Snowflakes silently fell on his head, forming a thin layer. This person was none other than Qi Tianshu, the former sect leader of the Canglan Sword Sect, formerly the top expert in Yunzhou, now second in Yunzhou and sixth in Qian Dynasty.

"Father-in-law!" Shen Bai quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "I've returned."

The bamboo hat was slightly lifted, revealing Qi Tianshu's somewhat aged face. His gaze swept past Shen Bai, landing on Gu Mo and the others behind him. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which then turned into a gentle smile: "Oh, Gu Mo, and Chudong, my girl? Did you also hear that I'm about to fight someone?"

Gu Mo sat beside Qi Tianshu and said, "Not really. Your fights aren't much of a spectacle for me. Do I need to travel a thousand miles just to watch?"

Qi Tianshu pursed his lips and said, "You don't give this old man any face at all."

Gu Mo smiled, took a fishing rod, and said, "Fishing here has a unique charm." With a gentle flick, his hook landed precisely in the small ice hole Qi Tianshu had chiseled. "It's just that the fish at Canglan Mountain's summit are truly hard to catch."

"Haha," Qi Tianshu laughed heartily, his voice remarkably clear amidst the wind and snow. "As for fish, whether you catch them or not depends on fate. Sitting here, listening to the wind, watching the snow fall, my heart becomes tranquil. I'm old now, unlike you youngsters; I just want to live out my years peacefully and quietly."

Gu Mo pursed his lips and said, "If I hadn't seen your barely contained sword intent from afar, I might actually have believed you."

Qi Tianshu chuckled. He said, "Indeed, nothing escapes your eyes. Since returning from Penglai Island, my sword dao has advanced another half-step. Recently, after Master Liansheng sent a letter and taught me the method to remove White Jade Capital's restriction, I truly took a full step forward."

Gu Mo nodded slightly and said, "Master Liansheng is quite trustworthy."

Qi Tianshu nodded and said, "White Jade Capital placing restrictions in our primal spirits — it was fine when we didn't know, but once we did, it almost became a heart demon. Master Liansheng not only helped us lift the restrictions but also removed the mental obstacle!"

Gu Mo nodded slightly and said, "Tell me about this Wang Dongli situation. Why did you accept the challenge?"

"Wang Dongli..." Qi Tianshu's voice lowered, tinged with a distant recollection. "His reason for challenging me is quite compelling."

His gaze slowly lifted, eventually settling on the distant, swirling goose-feather snow, and he slowly began, "As you all know, I seized this Canglan Mountain from someone else sixty or seventy years ago. I was only in my twenties back then, full of youthful vigor and acting solely on passion, so mistakes were inevitable."

Inside the thatched cottage, silence reigned, broken only by the crackling of the hearth fire and the howling wind and snow outside the window.

"The one who controlled this mountain back then was a senior known as 'Cloud Sovereign,' Wang Yunshen, who was revered as Yunzhou's top expert before me," Qi Tianshu slowly recounted, each word like a pebble dropping onto ice. "At that time, I was young and ambitious, my sword dao newly formed, and I was solely focused on challenging the strongest opponents to make a name for myself. I ascended to the peak of Canglan and issued a challenge to Senior Wang Yunshen."

"That battle..." Qi Tianshu's eyes grew complex, holding both a nostalgia for past glory and an ineffable trace of shame. "The fight was incredibly fierce. Senior Wang's 'Cloud Sea Ethereal Sword' was executed with divine skill, something I had never seen in my life. We fought intensely for three days and three nights, and in the end... I won by half a move."

"But back then, I was young and impetuous, not understanding the wisdom of leaving a margin for others. I only thought that I had won, that I was the victor and he the loser, so I made him hand over Canglan Mountain and stripped him of his title as Yunzhou's top expert, giving him no face. Unexpectedly, after that, he became despondent and eventually died in sorrow, consumed by bitterness."

Gu Mo frowned. He said, "Conflicts in the jianghu have always been like this. You don't need to blame yourself, do you?"

Qi Tianshu waved his hand and said, "No self-reproach, just reflecting on the matter and realizing I was too impetuous back then. At the time, I thought sparing his life was a great kindness and didn't consider his dignity. Looking back now, it's quite a pity. If I had been a little more restrained, perhaps such a promising martial arts Grandmaster wouldn't have died prematurely like that."

Gu Mo didn't dwell on Qi Tianshu's philosophy but returned to the main topic, asking, "So, Wang Dongli is a descendant of Wang Yunshen?"

Qi Tianshu nodded and said, "Wang Dongli is Wang Yunshen's direct grandson. He came with a challenge letter, stating unequivocally that this mountain should return to its original owner, that he would seek justice for his grandfather, and restore the name of 'Cloud Sea Ethereal'. Every word on the challenge letter was heartbreaking, every sentence expressed injustice."

He looked at Shen Bai. "He carries his ancestor's dying wish, and in the name of his bloodline, he has honorably challenged me to reclaim Canglan Mountain. This karma, this obsession... How could I avoid it? How could I not accept?" He then looked at Gu Mo and chuckled, "As you said, the jianghu has always been like this!"

Gu Mo smiled and asked, "You should be able to win, right?"

Qi Tianshu thought for a moment and said, "If it's a fight to the death, I would definitely win, but in a friendly match or duel, it's not certain."

Gu Mo was slightly surprised. He said, "Even without fighting to the death, you're still the sixth strongest in Qian Dynasty. It can't be that bad, can it?"

Qi Tianshu was silent for a moment before saying, "I've checked his combat record; his sword is very peculiar. I can't tell if it's strange or fast, because no one has seen his sword so far, or rather, everyone who has seen his sword has died. However, he wasn't strong before; he suddenly changed about a year ago, as if... possessed by a ghost!"