A grizzled scholar with graying temples led a young man in a green robe away from the village school to a memorial archway. This learned teacher, the most knowledgeable in the town, looked weary. He pointed to a plaque above their heads and asked, "What do the four characters '当仁不让' mean?"
The young man, Zhao You, who was both a student and the teacher's assistant, followed the scholar's gaze and replied without hesitation, "Our Confucianism is founded on the principle of 'Ren.' The phrase '当仁不让于师' means that while we should respect our teachers and uphold our virtues, we should not yield when it comes to righteousness and moral principles."
The scholar asked, "Not yield? What if we change it to '不可让,' meaning 'must not yield'?"
The young man, Zhao You, had a refined appearance. Unlike Song Jixin's sharp and aggressive demeanor, Zhao You's temperament was more gentle and reserved, akin to a budding lotus blossom, naturally charming. When the teacher posed this question, Zhao You, realizing its depth, dared not respond hastily. Seeing the cautious look on his student's face, the scholar smiled and patted his shoulder, "It was just a casual question. Don't be so tense. I see now that perhaps I've been too strict, over-sculpting your nature, making you live like a statue in the Hall of Civilities, always adhering to rules and principles. But it seems it has turned out to be a good thing."
Zhao You was puzzled, but the teacher led him to another side of the archway, still looking up at the plaque. Relaxing his usually stern demeanor, the scholar began sharing many amusing anecdotes, explaining to Zhao You, "The '当仁不让' plaque was written by the foremost calligrapher of his time, sparking many debates about its style and significance, and whether it embodied 'ancient simplicity' or 'modern elegance.' These arguments are still unresolved today. The four tenets of calligraphy—rhyme, law, meaning, and posture—have been discussed for a thousand years, and this individual excelled in two of these aspects, leaving his peers in the dust. The '希言自然' plaque is interesting too. If you look closely, you'll see that while the characters share a similar style, they were actually written by four different Daoist masters. Two of them even argued over who would write the word '希,' with neither wanting to write the more mundane '言.'"
The scholar then took Zhao You to another plaque that read "莫向外求." He glanced around, sighing, "The school where you study will soon be closed by a few powerful families or perhaps converted into a small Taoist temple or a shrine with a monk or a Taoist priest. This will go on for sixty years, with changes in personnel to avoid arousing the townspeople's suspicions. It's merely a crude trick. However, even performing a minor miracle here would seem like a grand event outside, like a thunderous spring storm."
Toward the end, the teacher's voice grew so faint that even Zhao You, straining to listen, couldn't make out the words.
Sighing, the scholar said with a hint of fatigue, "Many things are meant to be kept secret, but at this point, it doesn't matter much. We, as scholars, still need to maintain some decorum. If I, Qi Jingchun, were to break the rules, it would be disgraceful."
Zhao You, mustering courage, said, "Teacher, I know you are not an ordinary person, and this town is not a common place."
Curious, the scholar asked, "Oh? Tell me what you think."
Zhao You pointed to the imposing archway, "This place, along with the Iron Lock Well in Xinghua Alley, the bridge with two hanging iron swords beneath it, the old locust tree, the peach tree in Taoye Alley, and the annual postings in Fulu Street, all seem unusual."
The scholar interrupted, "Unusual? You've never left this town. How can you compare it to the outside world and call it unusual?"
Zhao You, with a deep breath, said, "I have memorized the books you gave me. The peach blossoms in Taoye Alley differ significantly from those described in poetry. Also, why do we only study the Three Books in school, focusing on literacy? What comes after basic education? What is '举业'? What does it mean to rise from a farmer to a court official? What does it mean that the emperor values heroes and teaches scholars? The two kiln supervisors never spoke of court or capital affairs, but..."
The scholar, pleased, said, "That's enough. No need to say more."
Zhao You immediately fell silent.
Qi Jingchun, the scholar, said softly, "Zhao You, remember to be cautious with your words. Many sages are known for their silence. Above sages are gentlemen who practice self-discipline. Saints, like the heads of the seventy-two academies, can make their words come true. Such figures, once they reach this level, are collectively known as 'earthly immortals,' having one foot in the divine realm. These people are elusive, some high above like statues in temples, others hidden and hard to find."
Zhao You, listening, felt as if he were lost in a fog.
He asked, "Teacher, why are you telling me this today?"
With a broad smile, the scholar replied, "You have me as a teacher, and I have my teacher. As for my teacher...never mind. I thought I could linger for decades, but some people can't even wait that long. So, I can't take you out of this town; you must leave on your own. I wanted to tell you some truths, hoping you'll understand that there is always someone better, no matter how lucky you feel. Never be complacent or lazy."
With a profound look, Qi Jingchun reminded, "Do you remember the locust leaf I gave you?"
Zhao You nodded vigorously, "I kept it with the seal you gave me."
"How can a leaf remain so fresh and green after falling from a tree? Out of thousands in this town, only a few are so blessed. You can play with that leaf often; it might bring you luck someday."
With a deep gaze, the scholar continued, "I've always urged you to do good deeds and treat everyone with respect. You'll understand the wisdom of this in time. These seemingly trivial acts can yield great benefits."
Zhao You noticed a yellow bird hopping on a stone beam, chirping.
With a solemn expression, Qi Jingchun looked at the bird. Then, he glanced toward Mud Bottle Alley, frowning.
He sighed, "Spring awakens hibernating insects, and they emerge. But acting so sneaky under the host's nose, do they think they can do as they please with just a half bowl of water?"
Concerned, Zhao You asked, "Teacher?"
The scholar waved him off, indicating it was nothing for him to worry about. Leading him to another plaque, Zhao You froze at the sight of a girl in black, her face obscured by a veil, standing beneath the plaque that read "气冲斗牛." She was well-proportioned, neither too slender nor too voluptuous, with a white-sheathed sword and a green-sheathed narrow saber at her waist.
Finding it amusing, the scholar coughed lightly.
Zhao You, entranced, didn't heed the subtle reminder.
Seeing this, the scholar did not scold him but allowed the boy to continue staring.
The girl, seemingly unaware of his gaze, admired the characters "气冲斗牛" inscribed in semi-cursive script, unlike the formal characters on the other plaques.
She liked it!
When Zhao You snapped out of his daze, the scholar patted his shoulder and said, "It's time to gather your things from the school."
Blushing, Zhao You followed his teacher back.
The girl, relaxing her grip on the sword hilt, looked back with a hint of killing intent in her eyes.
Far off, the scholar teased, "Zhao You, I just saved your life."
Startled, Zhao You asked, "Teacher?"
Looking serious, the scholar warned, "Avoid her in the future."
Surprised and disappointed, Zhao You asked, "Why?"
After a moment's thought, Qi Jingchun said, "She is a blade without a sheath, destined to be unmatched in sharpness."
Though Zhao You had more to say, he remained silent.
With a kind smile, the scholar added, "If you just like someone secretly, not even the Daoist or Buddhist sages can stop you. Even the most rule-abiding scholars are only warned against improper speech, sight, hearing, and actions, not improper thoughts."
Suddenly emboldened, Zhao You blurted, "She smells nice!"
Immediately regretting it, Zhao You stood frozen.
With a sigh, the scholar said, "Turn around, Zhao You!"
Obeying instinctively, Zhao You faced away.
Beneath the archway, the girl's killing intent surged.
She began to charge, drawing her sword and saber with lightning speed.
In the blink of an eye, she slashed at the scholar.
With a casual stomp, the scholar created a ripple that forced the girl back to her starting position.
With a smile, he remarked, "Not bad, using full strength against even a small threat. However, this place's rules prevent you from truly succeeding. Ten earthly immortals couldn't break the barriers here, let alone you."
Seeing she was no match, the girl, undeterred, charged again.
The scholar, raising a fist
, smiled, "In this realm, even if it crumbles, the rules stand until the end. How can you defy them?"
Forced back again, the girl closed her eyes, understanding the futility of her actions.
The scholar, curious, asked, "Who taught you such sword and saber skills?"
Without opening her eyes, she swung her sword at his waist.
With a shout, "Retreat!" the scholar sent her skidding back, her hands bloodied.
She knew he matched her skill while suppressing his true power.
On the verge of breaking, she distorted the light around her.
Understanding, the scholar gently advised, "Don't compare yourself to me now. It could hinder your progress."
Holding her weapons, he mimicked her earlier tone, "Listening is your choice. Speaking is mine."
After a pause, she responded, "Thank you."
Nodding, he returned her sword, noting its quality but lamenting it couldn't bear more than two characters' worth of energy.
With a gesture, he imbued the sword with the essence of "气" and "牛," the "冲" and "斗" characters on the plaque dimming.
Throwing the sword back to her, he saw her determination and realized she rejected the path it represented.
Curious, he asked, "Do you know who I am?"
She nodded, "I've heard this place is guarded by a saint from one of the three teachings every sixty years, maintaining a great formation for thousands of years. Occasionally, those who leave here gain treasures or power, so I came to see. When I saw you, I knew who you were."
"Do you know what you just gave up?" he asked.
The sword in its scabbard trembled, as if pleading.
Seeing Zhao You watching, the scholar advised, "Keep the sword. It might protect you in the coming turmoil."
Ignoring him, she walked away, leaving the sword behind.
With a sigh, the scholar embedded the sword in a pillar, ensuring it would alert him if removed, much like the previous interventions he had monitored.
Escorting Zhao You home, Qi Jingchun wondered aloud about the girl's origins.
Returning to his desk, he examined a jade tablet with intricate carvings and inscriptions, a symbol of the town's significance.
Flipping it over, he revealed just two characters, written with strength and grace.
Also on his desk was a recent secret letter.
Eyes reddening, he whispered, "Teacher, I'm powerless to stop this…"
Staring out the window, he felt neither joy nor sorrow, only a deep loneliness.
"Qi Jingchun owes his teacher a debt, surviving a hundred years, only to die."
---
As Song Jixin placed an item on the table, Fu Nanhua couldn't hide his joy. It was an unremarkable teapot with "Mountain Demon" inscribed on the bottom.
Leaning forward, Song Jixin asked, "How much is it worth?"
Fu Nanhua, with difficulty, replied, "In the mortal world, not even worth an ounce of silver. But to me, it could buy a city."
Song Jixin guessed, "Thirty thousand?"
Fu Nanhua, startled, laughed, having expected him to say three thousand.
---
In Xinghua Alley, a taciturn man stared at the iron chain in the well, pondering how to move it.
---
A black-clad girl with a veiled hat wandered aimlessly, her hands crudely bandaged. As she entered an unnamed alley, a flying sword buzzed behind her.
Irritated, she commanded, "Go away!"
The sword, frightened, retreated into its scabbard.
Proud maiden. Obedient sword.