The scenery in the desert is not peaceful as usual.The ferocity of the sandstorm in the Gobi is hard for those who are not experienced to imagine how severe it is.This is Sandaoling, which is 190 miles away from the southern suburbs of Hami. It goes to Dunlu Road, and it is the beginning of Qiongba Station.Originally it was the Gobi vast sea, full of yellow sand, reaching to the horizon, not even a small tree could be seen.The wind on this day was particularly fierce, and I saw the howling wind, the yellow dust surging, and the floating sand in the desert was swept up by the strong wind, dancing in the sky, and the whole land was covered by these floating sand and dust clouds. A dire scene.Walking among them, it is like being trapped in a sea of ​​yellow fog, with nothing to be seen on the opposite side.The sun has long since disappeared, and the sky has become a dark red color.Sometimes the wind and sand stop for a while, and stop for a while, amidst the gloomy clouds and mist, just a round of faint gray and white sun shadows appear, and suddenly the frenzy rises again, and the sun shadows are immediately swallowed by the yellow mist.The wind was more violent than before, and there was only the sound of whirring and roaring, with the dust and sand sandwiched between thousands of feet, like ten thousand horses galloping, and the raging waves were raging, covering the sky and covering the earth.There is also a sand column rolled up by the whirlwind in the middle, which looks like a mountain peak in the distance, turning sharply in the air.In the shadow of dust and mist, it doesn't seem real at first glance, but sparks seem to flicker in the shadow on the opposite side.Those who don't know, don't know the way to avoid, are staring nervously, their eyes suddenly brighten up, the more sparks there are, the sand pillar is already rushing like lightning, and it hits them right on the head.The one who bears the brunt, needless to say, dies, even with a little wind blowing, he can't even think about surviving.If the sand pillar was about to collapse suddenly, it immediately turned into Qianxun sand waves. The waves undulate and roll forward with the wind.When the wind stopped, countless wavy sand dunes appeared on the vast plain.These dunes are not fixed when they move with the wind.Today, Chonggang is undulating and continuous, and tomorrow it will be swept by the wind, and it will turn into sand pillars, flying wildly and dancing in the desert, raging to and fro.When encountering the most powerful force, wherever it goes, no matter the city walls, gardens, human and animal houses, it will either be overwhelmed by it and buried in it, or it will be swept away by the wind and become nothing.Duan's momentum was fierce and fierce.

At this time the wind was still just rising.That place is a vast expanse of plains, filled with yellow sand, boundless as far as the eye can see.With the wind and sand, it was even more dizzy, and I couldn't see anything. The yellow clouds in the surrounding fields were connected with the sky above, and the sky was so low that it was about to press down on my head.There is only one mound nearby, and not far on the opposite side, there is an incomplete cliff with a height of only two or three feet, and the rest is all Gobi flat sand.Seeing that the wind was getting stronger and stronger, the dust and sand were billowing, flying up and down, and became a ball of sand whirl.In the midst of this sad wind and howling, suddenly heard the sound of a few luan bells ringing in the distance from Hami's way, because they were forced by the wind and sand, they fell intermittently and were almost silent.People who have lived in the local area for a long time know that two fast horses are coming from afar when they hear the bell.At this time, there was a young boy about thirteen or fourteen years old on the cliff, wearing a short jacket with anti-sheepskin, he ran out from behind the slope and went up the cliff, intending to cross it.Hearing the ringing of the bell, he leaned down again, leaned on the ground, listened closely, and said with a smile: "The wind is so strong today, all merchants who have been in the desert for a long time know to check the wind. The weather is so dangerous. Helping the camel team take risks? These two guide horses are surprisingly fast, what is the reason? Let me see where it came from, and then tell Master." After speaking, he jumped up the cliff again and whistled against the wind.Follow along to Lu Yao's resounding bird song in the air, because the wind was favorable, it was realistically heard.Immediately afterwards, the sound of the driving bell was getting closer, and suddenly I saw two white horses, riding two strong men wearing cloaks, short swords and bows on their shoulders, coming through the wind and fog from the vast yellow dust.The two horses looked very majestic, but the fierce wind couldn't stop them. They turned their hooves and clapped their palms, and rushed forward with their heads raised.The strong man reined in the horse, and the horse was sweating and dusty from running.After stopping, Yingfeng let out a loud hiss, and the hot air from the horse's mouth surged like a white mist.The two strong men, one tall and one short, rode their horses back straight, looked around from the saddle, and looked very imposing.The man at the end is a hero, and the horse is a colt. It is clear at a glance that he is not an ordinary businessman.

Seeing these two people, the young boy was overjoyed.Fang wanted to jump down to inquire about the purpose of his visit, but suddenly he heard the sound of camel bells ringing and Wanqi trampling the dust, faintly coming from against the wind, he knew that the camel caravan was about to arrive.At the same time, an ink cloud in the sky will also fly down.The trend of the wind and sand is getting more and more fierce.I thought: "It's better to see who is coming, and report to Master."After a while, only the sound of hooves shaking the ground, a large cloud of dust suddenly rolled up in the shadows ahead, mixed with the shadows of countless people, horses and camels, galloping against the wind.The two strong men said at the same time: "How can we go in with such a strong wind? Tell the seventh brother quickly." Then they galloped down the hill and galloped up to meet them.That piece of ink cloud also flew down from the sky Lingfeng, and landed on the cliff, it was a big bird about Zhang tall.At the same time, the thousands of camels, together with their horses, have also approached.When the big bird fell, the two strong men had already gone ahead, their eyes were blinded by the wind and sand, and their hearts were terrified, but they didn't find the boy and the bird.The camel caravan came and drove against the wind, and they were far apart, let alone.Seeing the wind and sand getting stronger, the young children seemed unwilling to stop for a long time.The bird's iron wings hadn't been retracted yet, the young boy had already flown onto the black back, and said: "A Peng, go to Master quickly." .The two strong men seemed to hear the sound of wings spreading in the air, and one of them looked behind him, and there seemed to be a black cloud flying to the side, and it disappeared for a moment.At first, it was regarded as dust and mist rolled up by the whirlwind, so I didn't pay attention to it.Afterwards, thinking of where Mo Yun went, the wind direction was not right, so I hurriedly looked back, but there was no trace, I felt strange.

The large group of people, horses and camels came rushing in like a tide in the wind and yellow dust.The leader is about 20 years old, born with ape arms and shoulders, and has a heroic appearance.He wears a felt hat with goggles on his head, covering his face so that he cannot see his face.Wearing a short black jacket with tight buckles, leggings, and leather fast boots, seven gleaming double-edged sharp knives are stuck in the waist belt, a long sword hangs from the waist, and a bergamot flying claw is stuck on the right shoulder. , with a slingshot hanging obliquely on the left shoulder, covered with a black bow.The body is straight, riding on the horse.The horse was originally white, and it was very tall. Both the seer and the seer are famous products of Yili.As soon as the leading boy came galloping from the wind and sand, the two strong men hurried forward to meet him.The horse was running fast, when the eating boy suddenly reined in, immediately raised its head and neighed proudly, raised its front legs, stood up, landed on its heels, backed a few steps, and then stopped.The long mane of the horse's head was blowing in the wind, and steam was rising from the mouth and nose.The boy went up and down with him, standing still, as if stuck to the back of a horse, looking more heroic and majestic.

The two sides just met each other, and a lawyer inside said: "Seventh brother, the wind and sand are too strong today, much worse than what I encountered on the way here. The yellow sand is vast in front of me, and there are no people living here. This is the beginning of Qiongba Station. It's not too early, and there is no place to shelter from the wind, why don't you put up a tent on this earthy cliff, and let the wind catch you before you go." The young man replied: "Second Brother Wang is right. We stayed in Hami temporarily for a day or two. I was looking for the enemy everywhere, although I don’t know that we are disguised as a caravan camel caravan and came far outside the desert. After all, our brothers’ expressions, words and actions are different from ordinary merchants, and they are easy to show Let’s go to Wuniuxia to meet Zhu Wuxiong and his wife, and feel at ease early. For this reason, I got up in the wind, but I didn’t expect the wind to be so strong. Let’s put down the tent, let everyone rest and warm up for a while, eat something, and lie down early. Fengzhu, get up and get up." When he said that, the camel team behind him was still more than an arrow away, and they would also arrive.A dwarf riding a black mule seemed to be supervising the team at the back. Suddenly, he jumped over the team and galloped over. When he saw him, he shouted to the young man, "Sha Zhongzi said that the wind is very strong today. When I am young, I am afraid I will meet the wind pillar of Shashan Mountain. If you don't pay attention, no one will be able to survive. Seventh brother gathered the camel caravan, set up a siege, guarded the four sides, and set up tents in case of emergency. If you wait for something to happen in a hurry, it will be too late."

Hearing the words, the young man was about to answer, when suddenly a gust of wind whipped up a large cloud of sand and dust, rushing towards his face, at that moment his breath was blocked, it was difficult to turn around.The camels and horses raised their heads and neighed together, which sounded very tragic in the wind.Seeing the fierce wind, the young man couldn't open his mouth, so he quickly turned his horse's head to stand against the wind, took out a silver horn from his side and blew a few times.The camel team in the back is managed by a special person. Most of the camel horses are young men in their twenties and thirties, and there are more than a hundred of them.The rest of the camels and mules mostly carried firewood, water, tents, food and utensils. When they heard the sound of the horn, the camel team stopped.Six people and six cavalry flashed out from inside, and together with the two strong men in front, they waved each other's hands, each took out a small command flag, waved against the wind, and galloped out in all directions.The camel team dispersed immediately, led by these eight people separately, and formed a camel city circle with a radius of several tens of feet.Then, the people on the hunchback got down one after another, lying down on the hunchback, and divided their efforts: half of them took the hay and beans to feed the hunchback; tools, lay the stakes, and pitch the tent.Because of the strong wind, one of the tent piles was a little shallow. As soon as one was finished, it was pulled up by the strong wind and blown into the air, like a kite with a broken string. It turned over several times in the fog and shadow, and disappeared.Two strong men were standing beside the curtain, and hurriedly grabbed the tent rope to rescue them.The tent was not snatched away, but it was blown by the wind for more than ten feet, his hands were strangled, his skin was bleeding, his face was covered with sand, and he almost held his breath.When everyone saw this, they were all panicked.There was no choice but to drive the wooden stakes deep into the ground, set up horizontal bars, and barely tie down the four tents.In order to prevent the strong wind, the support is extremely low, the height of the four sides is only a few feet high, and a wind tunnel with air holes is also set up.It took a lot of hands and feet, and after a lot of time, it was barely completed.Everyone was exhausted, their hands and feet were frozen, and they looked like clay figurines.Everyone rushed into the tent first, panting for a while, shaking off the dust and sand.

The water in the desert is extremely precious, and I brought nine good horses. Although there is plenty of water, there are a large number of camels and horses, and the future is still far away, how dare I waste it.The man in charge of water fetched the skin bag containing water, and all the people were thirsty, so they shared some drinks.There is still water in the bag, and I am taking the washbasin, and I want to ask the boy to wash up.The young man hurriedly drank the water from the pipe and said: "Yang San, why don't you know the weight? The water here is as precious as gold, and it is acceptable for people to eat. How can I use it to wash my face? Send it to Sha Zhongzi and the others quickly." A middle-aged strong man said: " Seventh brother, you are the leader of dragons, and you love cleanliness on a daily basis. Nine of our brothers are more loving than our compatriots. Sha Zhongzi and the others are twenty-five in total. Just like us, you are also a big sheepskin. Why don't you use it for washing?" The young man smiled and said, "That's not the case. Although my brother is loved by all brothers and sisters and leads the whole team, he must not be selfish in his actions. It's just half a basin of water, why do you and my brother care about it? But we nine It is right that people share misfortune and good fortune. Even if it is washing face, the elder brother should start with washing one by one, how can the younger brother use it alone?" The middle-aged strong man knows that the young man has a upright temperament, strict laws and strict rules, and he must follow his words, and he is full of head and neck It's all sand, and he replied with a smile: "There is little water, and we can wash the dirty things together. It's better to soak your hands and wash them together. Make a fire and cook, drink a few cups together, and sleep to rest your mind." The young man promised.

Yang San then wet everyone's hands, there was only half a basin of water in total, and there was nothing left to drain.The nine brothers each wiped off the sand and dirt on their faces and regained their spirits.Then he set up a chimney on the skylight of the tuyere, took out the dry dung of cattle and horses, and buried the pot to make rice.On the one hand, he took out the preserved beef liquor and drank it on the floor.The young man could hear the howling wind outside the curtain, flying rocks and flying sand, like a landslide and tsunami, the sound was extremely loud.The camels were already one by one, crowded into three or four layers, and surrounded the outside of the screen.From time to time, camels honked and horses neighed, the night had already fallen, it looked like a sad wind and black night in the desert beyond the Great Wall, the scenery was extremely desolate and bleak, making people feel terrified and terrified.There are more than 20 people in the middle tent, besides the first nine young heroes, there are more than ten people, most of them are warriors who accompany them.Despite the strong wind outside the curtain, the camels and horses screaming, the tent was shaken by the strong wind, the canopy ropes rattled and rattled, and a large amount of shocking sand hit the top of the tent like a drum, and there was a danger of being blown away by the wind at any time. Everyone still gathered around the fire, eating large pieces of meat, drinking in big bowls, drinking and cheering freely, passionate and generous, and didn't care at all.When the wine is intoxicating and ears are hot, each speaks his mind, and his spirit becomes stronger.

It turned out that the head boy was named Li Mingqi, and his ancestors traveled south with the Song family and moved to the south of the Yangtze River.After the Jin Yuan Rebellion, the country was destroyed and the family was destroyed, unwilling to submit to the enemy.In addition, he is a young man who is a hero and good at martial arts, and he has traveled all over the world, and he has developed amazing skills.At first Li Qi saw that the enemy was strong and the country was in danger, so he knew something was wrong, so he made friends and spent money, making friends with many heroes.On the one hand, he secretly ordered his comrade Yingxia to pretend to be a merchant, colluded with the Mongolian people, and set up many large grain stores in various places in Mengjiang, doing business on the surface, but actually spying on the enemy.There are not many people in the department, and they are all brave and loyal soldiers.In order to deal with the enemy's crimes in the south, he secretly used the Ministry of War Law to lead his subordinates to rise up suddenly, thinking that they should respond internally.Unexpectedly, with Yashan's defeat, the general situation is gone.Li Qi and other nine men and women are so powerful that they have long been taboo by the enemy.After the death of the Song Dynasty, they searched everywhere, but finally the secrets of the grain stores they opened have not been revealed.Nine Heroes suffer from the pain of subjugation, and their ambitions are not dead.Knowing that it is difficult to gain a foothold in the south, there is a good friend Zhu Wu in Xinjiang who has a close relationship with the local gentry.Therefore, he decided to avoid going to the wilderness outside the Great Wall, seek refuge with his friends, and lead his confidant comrades to open up wasteland on the surface, but in fact he secretly accumulated wealth, gathered dead soldiers, and moved with the camera, intending to recover.So the nine men and women, disguised as businessmen, sneaked into the northern province. First they went to the grain store they opened, pretended to be a business gang, assembled a camel caravan, and selected more than a hundred strong men to join them. In Xinjiang, when I traveled to Hami, I heard that the trail had been leaked, so I went on the road overnight. When I arrived there, the road was blocked by a strong wind.At this time, the situation outside was very dangerous. Because everyone was a hero, they were speaking tragically and fiercely, but they didn't know that disaster was coming.

The oldest of the Nine Heroes is Duan Quan; the second is Wang Fan; the third is Cui Nanzhou; the fourth is Huang Jian; She is a beautiful young man, she can never be seen as a woman; the six heroes Wan Fangxiong; the seven heroes Li Qi; the eight heroes Chengquan; the nine heroes Zhang Wan is also a beautiful female hero. Two chivalrous women, and Li Qi are cousins.Nine people were drinking around the fire, and they were talking about having fun.Zhang Wan, the Nine Heroes, was the most thoughtful, outside her ears, Fang felt that the sound of the wind was getting sharper and harsher, which was unusual, and said with a smile: "Seventh brother, listen to the wind, our tent is about to collapse, and there is no place to sleep tonight. Jin Guoshi said: "Jiumei, why are you so timid? I have always lived one day at a time. Life is like a post, and good or bad luck is fixed. Why do you care about it?" Someone shouted urgently.The tent was set up very skillfully, the curtain door opened against the wind, and there were two skylights on the top, so it was not afraid of the wind.On the night of Piansheng, the wind was erratic, sometimes east and sometimes west.As a precaution, the curtain door has been tightened.At this time, the wind turned a little bit, and it was facing the wind outlet, and the wind was already tight.Among the six heroes, Wan Fangxiong, the most reckless man, heard Sha Zhongzi's screaming, jumped over, pulled out the live latch, before he could pull it back, a gust of wind rushed in through the door, blowing on the fire, at that time The bulls and candles were all extinguished, dung and sparks flew, and a large cloud of dust rushed in.Falling into one person at the same time, the door will fall to the ground.The carpet at the front door was already on fire, but fortunately there were many people with quick hands, brave and powerful, and they extinguished it together.On the one hand, separate people to close the curtain door.

It took a lot of effort for the male and female heroes to forcefully pull the curtain door tight.When the candles were lit, the ground was covered with yellow sand and littered with ashes and feces.He lifted Sha Zhongzi up again and saw that his whole body was covered with sand and soil, and he became a yellow man, his face was as white as paper, almost human.Duan Quan hurriedly brought a cup of hot wine, and just after feeding it, Sha Zhongzi also took a breath, and suddenly shouted: "Heroes, I don't know how powerful it is, and disaster will come in a blink of an eye." Everyone was shocked and asked why.Sha Zhongzi said: "Tonight is a whirlwind with big sheep's horns, which is rare even in the desert. Just now I heard that the wind sounds strange, and I ventured out to explore, and two or three wind pillars appeared in the sky. It was already going to be bad. I think At that time, there was a large wind column, like a volcano, flying towards us. The tallest one is more than a hundred feet. The sand grains are tightly wrapped by the wind, whirling around, rubbing and agitating each other, emitting thousands of sparks, which look like a volcano. If one can't avoid it, if it hits it, no matter whether it is human or animal I saw that although the first and second wind pillars were rolled to the side, there might still be some of them underneath. Fortunately, the camels and horses were all tied together with long ropes beforehand, so they were not afraid of being blown away, and the matter was still extremely worrying. For this reason, I ordered people to notify each tent one by one. I know that you must have been drinking and did not sleep. For this reason, I came to the police. Please turn off the lights. If there is any accident, quickly use wool felt to protect the head and face, and then tie everyone together with a long rope. , in case the wind column rushes over, avoid being blown by sand and stones on the head and face, or else you will be seriously injured if you don’t die. At first I was afraid, and wanted to order someone to pass the news on my behalf. At this moment, how timid? As soon as he walked out, he was blown down by the strong wind. He rolled and crawled all the way to the third tent on the left outside the screen, and everyone was blown away by the wind. Fortunately, he ordered his son Sha Ming to pass on the story in advance. With preparations, only one person suffered a floating injury. Now they are all crowded into the camel pile, half to shelter from the wind and half to keep warm. I yelled several times outside, but seeing that I couldn't support it, Master Wan Liu put me in, and waited It will be dead in a while. The wind seems to be a little weak at this time, so it's better to be cautious, everyone, get ready." Speaking of time, Li Erxia knew that Sha Chongzi was a good traveler, loyal man, and expected to be dangerous. Before he finished talking, he put out the fire and left only one light to light it. As he said, he took out the long rope. Okay, suddenly I heard the sound of thunder and thunder amidst the howling wind and howling, which kept ringing from east to west.Sha Zhongzi turned pale with shock, and shouted urgently: "Everyone, protect your head and face, turn off the lights and lie down on the ground." Before he finished speaking, Li Qi suddenly heard the exclamation of Wang, Wan, Jin and Zhang, men and women.Hurrying over there, I looked out through the hole in the tent, and saw a volcanic wind column suddenly flying in the middle of the sky in the northwest, about ten acres in thickness, towering to the sky, with thousands of ignited lights flickering and flickering on it. It exploded like rain.First, standing in the wind and dark mist, the Zhaolun is driven by electricity, turning in a sharp direction, moving back and forth from left to right.It seems to be twenty or thirty miles away, but before they approach, they hear the sand and stone fighting, rubbing and squeezing, roaring like ten thousand horses galloping, thousands of drums beating, heaven and earth screaming, tsunami and landslides, rumbling , with extremely sharp and ear-piercing stern voices, which made one's heart palpitate, and the momentum was already frightening.Just staring at it for a few words, the volcanic wind column seemed to be turning a windmill, whirling sharply in the distance, and suddenly swung twice.All the heroes could only hear Sha Chongzi screaming loudly: "If you don't lie down, you will die." When he said that, except for the leading heroes, the rest of them took off the goggles as Sha Chong said, and wrapped them in cloth. After a good head and face, wrap the body with felt, tie a long rope, squeeze each other, and lie down on the ground.After Sha Zhong finished speaking, he glanced at the gap in the canopy, hurriedly lay down on the spot, grabbed a luggage bag and put it on his head, still screaming anxiously. Among the leading heroes, Li Qi is the bravest and calmest. Seeing the situation, he knew that the situation was critical, so he hurriedly shouted at his brothers and sisters, and followed Lao Sha's words to lie down and avoid disaster.He just picked up a piece of felt, looking back at the four heroes standing together, they all fell down as they said.When I was still waiting to peek outside, I looked everywhere, and suddenly felt a very strong hot wind blowing in front of me, and at the same time, my eyes were strangely bright.In the blink of an eye, the wind column with a height of several tens of feet, filled with countless sparks, has already flown towards him, like a mountain pressing down on his head.Knowing that something was wrong, he hurriedly covered his head with the felt in his hand, and hurriedly rolled to the ground.As soon as his body touched the ground, he suddenly heard the explosion of thunder, which shook the sky and the earth. With a loud earthquake, the sand mountain in the wind column suddenly collapsed and collapsed, pressing on the tent.Listening to the booming sound, it was deafening, as if the earth was shaking together, like a boat on a leaf, whale waves appeared, and it rose and fell with the turbulent waves.People rolled all over the floor inside, involuntarily.The tent had already collapsed, and most of it was swept away by the strong wind.Most of the people were already buried in the floating sand, the heat was so unbearable that no one dared to look out.Originally the situation was extremely dangerous, relying on their amazing martial arts and strong physical strength, they felt that there was too much floating sand on their bodies and the pressure increased, so they struggled and rolled to the side, so they were not suffocated by the sand.But no one could stand up, so they had to roll with the wind to fight for their lives. Li Qi was the most courageous, several times he wanted to turn his back to the direction of the wind and look out with his head.As soon as the hand was slightly loosened, the felt wrapped around the body was rolled up by the wind and almost blown away.At the same time, a gust of hot wind slammed in countless startling sands from behind, and he couldn't even breathe.The big and small sand and stones, like locusts and hail rain, hit the whole body again.Because it was the last to lie down, not with the others, the child was alone, and the blanket was not wrapped.The biggest clods of sand, gravel and earth that come flying with the wind are the size of a teacup. If he hadn't practiced excellent martial arts, he would have been beaten half to death, or even killed, even through a layer of felt.Therefore, the line is presided over by myself. If I knew the wind and sand were so severe, it would be better to stay in Hami and wait for the enemy to chase me. If I fight with it, it is worth dying. How can I be worthy of everyone like this casualty?The more I think about it, the more anxious I become.Finally figured out a way to forcefully take out the goggles, put them on riskily, relying on the leather case with your hands, open a little felt seam first, block the front with your hands, stick it close to your fingers, and look out.Just now, the volcanic wind column has disappeared, and the land is a mess, the darkness is as dark as paint, and sparks can be seen flashing out from time to time in the shadows.Strong rustic, choking mouth and nose.Although he wore a hood in advance to protect most of his five sense organs and looked out from the wind, the wind and sand were so violent that the gaps in the felt were slightly opened, and a large amount of sand rushed in with the gusty wind, almost filling his face.Although the volcano has passed, the wind is blowing stronger and stronger, even if he is a strong martial artist, let alone be unable to resist, if he is not paying attention, he will be swept far away.Sometimes it even follows the whirlwind, spinning around on the ground.There is nothing to think about except to endure hardship and obey orders.I had no choice but to bury my head in the felt and forcibly endure.Although the Nine Heroes are extremely loyal, in this crisis, Kongzi cares about each other anxiously, and no one can afford to take care of each other.After a long time, Li Qi finally rolled with the crowd unintentionally, felt the long rope, and tied it to his body with all his strength, so as to avoid the pain of rolling around with the wind, it would be better.But the strong wind blew for a day and a night, and occasionally the wind was slightly weaker in the middle.Everyone was exhausted, their bodies ached, their mouths were dry, their internal organs were on fire, and the sky was always chaotic and dark, never bright. In the evening of the second day, the wind changed from strong to weak, and gradually stopped.Li Qi, Wang Fan, and Jin Guoshi barely managed to get up from the sand.One can see that despite the wind, the fog has not dissipated, and there are yellow clouds all over the field, connecting with the sky above, as if the body is immersed in the sea of ​​yellow sand and mist. blow away.After all, the floating sand is still shallow, most of the heads and feet are exposed, and they are not buried under the sand pile.Many people have already emerged from the sand, and it seems that there is not much death.The horses and mules also stood up a bit, shaking the sand from their bodies.After the wind blows, the heat subsides and the coolness arises, and I feel a chill.The disaster is over, and I am pleasantly surprised.Hastily took out the silver horn and blew a few times in the wind.Everyone helped each other and stood up one after another.There were only a few people, one survived, and only four were injured by sand and stones.There were two people inside. Because the headgear was not fastened, it was blown away by the wind, and their faces were covered with gravel and blood.Busy to get the wound medicine, it is healed. Sha Zhong suddenly came trembling, and shouted urgently in a hoarse voice: "The tent was blown away by the wind, it's okay. The water bag was all blown and cracked by the wind and sand. There are very few people living here for hundreds of miles. Let's just say there is nowhere to get water. Yes, it’s like a bowl of spring (a place name in the desert). After a lot of work, the water brought up is not enough for three or five people. What should we do? We have so many horses.” Everyone worked hard all day and night, and the water The rice hadn't touched it yet, all of them were on fire, their mouths were thirsty, their lips and kisses were about to split, and they were about to ask Li Qi to order to fetch water, but they were all terrified. Li Qi was anxious in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface, and was about to order someone to check whether the water sac was completely broken.Yang San suddenly ran up and said: "In the sand pile on the left, I found four water sacs. The camel fences that were not fenced out yesterday are still there. Because they were surrounded by floating sand, they were not broken. It is barely enough for people. After using it for half a day, the livestock had no water to drink. Two of them were found in the tent, and they were ordered to be dug up. I am here to ask for help.” Li Qi ordered: “First take two sacks of water for everyone to share. Use the rest to drink for the horses. The camels are thirsty, so let them go for the time being. It will be dark, so we set up the tent and have a rest. While dividing up the search for water, we will search for water sources on the spot." Yang San took orders and acted according to his words.Almost all the tents were blown away by the strong wind, only two were dug out in the sand, luckily they were not damaged.After everyone drank the water, they felt hungry. Although the wind was not strong, the night was bitterly cold.Li Qi had already heard from Sha Zhong that there was no water source nearby, if he went to Hami to fetch water, it would take a round trip of three hundred miles, with so many people and animals, it would be difficult to load; if the alarm he heard was true when he came, he would be throwing himself into the jaws of a tiger, and he would have to cautious.What I said at the time was to reassure everyone, but in fact I was extremely anxious.They didn't make a meal either, they each ate a meal of dry food and drank half a bag of water.In order to prevent thirst, even salt is not allowed.Fortunately, the weather has turned cold, which is better.After the meal, take back the previous order, order everyone to sleep peacefully, and simply raise their spirits, spend half a day with the remaining water in the morning, and then try again.Everyone was also extremely tired, and they all fell down.Only Duan and Li Erxia were still awake, hearing mules and horses neighing very anxiously, knowing that they were thirsty and begging for water, remembering that there would be no water tomorrow, they were relatively worried and had nothing to do. After discussing in the middle of the night, I felt that it was quiet outside the tent, and there was no wind at all, and the camels neighed early; it was just unbearably cold, and my hands and feet were numb.It seems to hear the sound of the jade flute, which is heard from afar. If you listen carefully, you can't hear it.Doubting here and now, where is the sound of the flute?Maybe it was a bird singing, but he didn't care.Duan Quan happened to add fuel to the fire, and suddenly found a white light flashing outside the gap in the tent. When he went over to see it, he couldn't help being ecstatic, and shouted: "Seventh brother, it's snowing heavily." The heavy snow fell, and I don't know when it will start, the ground has been covered with two inches deep, and there will be no worries about no water tomorrow, so I can't help but be overjoyed.Seeing that everyone was asleep, they were not alarmed.The two brothers talked to the fire for a while, and when they were relieved, they became tired.At the same time, Yang San and Sha Chong woke up from the cold dream. Seeing that Duan and Li Erxia were still awake, they knew they were on vigil.The second hero gave each a cup of hot wine by the fire, and each of them lay down, feeling at peace and dreaming, and fell asleep without feeling sleepy. After a while, I suddenly heard the sound of many people walking outside the tent, I woke up and was shocked again.It turned out that the snow was surprisingly heavy last night. It had piled up six or seven feet thick, and the two tents were almost completely overwhelmed by the snow.If Fei Sha Chong woke up in the morning, several of them would be injured.Knowing that Duan and Li Erxia didn't go to bed until midnight, they slept soundly, so they couldn't bear to be disturbed.Under Sha Zhong's presidency, he fought the cold to remove the snow on the roof of the tent, and then ordered someone to clean it up, and opened up an open space.In the end, only two camel fences fell down, and three camels and two horses were injured. Fortunately, under the protection of everyone, nothing happened.Fortunately, although the tent was blown away last night, not a single bag of fuel and food was lost.The prisoner made two tents, and set up two more dung fires in the tents (there is a lack of fuel in the desert, so cattle, horses and camel dung are often used for heating).Although it was snowing heavily outside the tent and it was unbearably cold, the fire inside the tent was blazing and warm as spring.The hot water is taken from the snow and is inexhaustible.Because everyone came and went to sweep the snow, the yellow sand was not cleaned up in time last night, and the ground was in a mess.It is rare to have water in the desert, and everyone washes and washes in turn. Their faces were covered with dust last night, and they have been completely washed, and everyone is refreshed.Only Duan and Li Erxia's faces were still covered with dust, Yang San brought hot water.After washing, Li Qi saw that he had just escaped from a difficult situation and was in danger again, so he asked Sha Chong, "How can there be such a heavy snowfall if it has not been cold for several days?" If the preparations are complete, people can still try to make a sled. How do camels and horses walk? I am most afraid of the warm weather after snow, or the weather in February and March, when the top is frozen and the snow is loose below. In the snow cellar, it is even more difficult to escape." Hearing the words, although the heroes were very troubled, they finally realized that they each had lightness skills, and there were so many people, at most they abandoned the mules and horses, which was better than the wind last night.I saw a piece of Qiongyao on the ground again, the silver light was dazzling, and the snowflakes the size of goose palms were still falling.People from Duanquan are the most optimistic. They feel that worry is useless, and said with a smile: "We grew up in the south, and we have never encountered such a magnificent snow scene. With fat sheep, we take some mutton, freeze some sheep jelly, and sit around the stove to enjoy the snow. , although there are no red sleeves to add fragrance, there are Jin and Zhang Ermei chivalrous women present, and the victory is full of pride, isn't it better than the party leader Ji Qing talking about the brocade tent?" Everyone is a young hero, one person is happy, and they all applaud. .Only Jin Guoshi said with a smile: "Brother Duan has always been mature, but today he made fun of my sister. Compared with the party singer, shouldn't he be punished with three cups?" ?” Li Qi followed orders to kill four of the live sheep in the sheep cage, together with the accompanying beef, rewarded the crowd separately, enjoyed the snow and drank together. After a while, Yang San fetched the stove, cut thin slices of mutton, made another fire to cook the meat, and removed the frozen mutton jelly. Because he had been with Li Qi for many years, he was good at cooking and his hands were quick. When it was done, it was time for dinner.Jiuxia wants to open up wasteland outside the Great Wall and live in seclusion. He has planned carefully in advance and has everything in place.There was a strong wind the night before, and only two empty tents were lost, and many water bladders were broken, but nothing else was lost.The entourage are all loyal, righteous and brave men, full of vigor, who believe in the Nine Heroes the most, regardless of life or death.There is wine today, no matter what is the Ming Dynasty, what is the danger of wind and snow?The tent was huge, and several pools of fire were set up at that time. Except for the snow sweepers who were divided into shifts, everyone gathered around the fire to drink and eat.Although Li Qi's laws are strict, he loves the public very much, and he is the most loved by the public.When marching, the law is like a mountain, no matter how close you are, you will not allow the slightest leniency.When there is nothing to do on weekdays, they are as close as family members, talking and laughing freely.Before the wine and meat are served, go to condolences to the injured and prepare food and soup.Then seated, nine brothers sat around the tent, facing the tent door, the wind curtain was drawn up, and it was rolled up high.At this time, the snow on the roof of the tent had just been swept away, and the cleaners on duty were busy drinking warm water for horses and feeding grass in the camel fence. Everyone was eating around the stove, drinking and cheering, exuberant and lively, and suddenly someone outside the tent said in a hoarse voice: "How strange do you think it is? The strong wind last night, no one will be killed. Such heavy snow, look How do they go?" The other boy replied: "Didn't you say that it's cold and you want to drink? See how delicious the wine and meat are, how about we ask for some?" The previous boy replied: "What are you busy with? This group of people, Sooner or later, they would die of hunger without freezing, and the rest would be ours. At that time, even if the sheep, horses, mules and camels were eaten up by them, we would always have something to eat. Reach out? Don't you think it's embarrassing?" The nine heroes in the tent were surrounded by snow, and there was no outsider. First, they only thought it was their own people who were telling jokes, and when they were drinking and joking, they didn't pay attention. Among them, only the six heroes, Wan Fangxiong, are closest to the door, have the sharpest ears, and are rougher and bolder, so he didn't pay much attention to it at first.Later, the more I listened to the tone, the more wrong it became. Not only did my voice sound very raw, but I also wanted to eat a living person. I just ate a lot of hot wine, and I couldn't help but slammed into it.Without thinking about it, and without telling everyone, he left his seat alone and went to look outside the tent.Seeing those two people, one is a dwarf with a short jade flute hanging from his waist; Walk out on the snow.The snow has accumulated for a long time, and the snow is gradually stopping.Those two looked dressed like the poor natives they saw on the way.The more I thought about it, the more irritable I became, so I stopped to drink.Those two didn't even bother.Wan Fangxiong jumped up and came in front of the two of them. Before he could speak, the young boy asked first: "You want to chase us back, please have a meal?" Wan Fangxiong said angrily: "I know you The natives are poor, so it’s okay to ask for food, why do you speak evil and hurt people, and want to eat our human flesh, do you want me to die?” The dwarf was ugly, with a pair of hanging eyes, two long eyebrows, black and thick, parted on the left and right, and a lion nose. Wide mouth, flat face and square cheeks, but thin and short stature.Wan Fangxiong is seven feet tall and has the most majestic appearance among the Nine Heroes. If he hadn't seen that the other party was thin and short, he would have already attacked him.I was still thinking: "This kind of ignorant native is not worth a beating. As long as I make an apology, I will let him go." I also saw that the young boy was very smart and dressed in thin and pitiful clothes. If the young child eats something, he will be angry with that dwarf. Unexpectedly, the dwarf heard the words and ignored them. He rolled his strange eyes and said coldly: "Is there anyone in the world who cares about food and drink, and who cares about people's speech? What does it matter to you if I eat or not? Aren't you Haven't you died yet? It won't be too late when I eat your flesh." Wan Fangxiong heard that, that's not bad, if this guy eats us, we will be dead, how can we say that?At that time, he was very angry and funny, so he wanted to use force, but he felt that the opponent was weak and vulnerable.Thinking of Jiuxia's promise not to bully the weak, he is unwilling to do anything.I thought to myself: "Most of these people are suffering from hunger and cold, and they intend to use excuses to make a fuss. They cheat money and food. It's not worth worrying about him, but I can't be angry with him." In the middle, eat a meal, donate some property, and get angry with that dwarf.He shouted: "An ignorant person like you is nothing to worry about. This kid is good. I will only feed him, not you." When he was talking, he caught a glimpse of the young boy making faces and smiling at the dwarf, but he didn't care.After speaking, seeing that the person didn't move, he stretched out his hand and pulled it.满拟这么一个小孩，还不是一拉就走，哪知竟未拉动。乘着三分酒兴，试再用力一拉，幼童仍然不动，身子如生了根一般，心方奇怪。幼童冷笑道：“天底下有你这样请客的么？”矮子也在旁笑道：“大个子，你莫卖好。我这兄弟年纪虽轻，今日天寒思饮，还不受那嗟来之食呢。你有本事，将人拉走，就扰你一顿。否则，单凭你，决不赏光。” 万方雄闻言，又奇又愧。先恐力大拉伤，未使全力。正待以全力再拉，忽听身后高呼：“六哥停手。”回头一看，正是李琦同了王藩、张婉赶来。刚一松手，幼童笑对矮子道：“人家把我们当花子待，我不想再扰他了，我们走吧。”矮子笑道：“你这小淘气鬼，好也是你，歹也是你。每日馋痨，好容易有了主顾，又装腔作甚？”话未说完，王藩已抢先上前，拱手笑道：“大雪寒天，佳客光临，愚弟兄先前不知。万六弟又多饮了几杯，想必说话莽撞，以致欲靳临贶，在主人既是难堪，在贵客也未免客气。不嫌薄酒粗肴，请即宠临，当奉斗酒，略申敬礼，并为我万六弟谢罪如何？”矮子哈哈笑道：“前听人言，下川东小孟尝铁臂王藩文采风流，最善词令，今日一见，果然不差。如不扰你一顿羊羔美酒，岂不道我兄弟小气？”万方雄先还不服，因李琦乘着双方说话之际把嘴一努，这才想起：“四外大雪盈丈，初下松浮，广漠千里，四无人家，这两人怎会突然来到？自己已换重裘尚觉奇冷，对方穿得如此单薄，并无寒意，面色又那么光润。自己生来力大，练就一身好武功，那幼童竟会拉他不动，明是异人无疑。”立时转怒为喜，抢前一步，拱手笑道：“小弟酒后无知，还望恕罪。”矮子和那幼童同声笑道：“万兄人真豪爽。我二人原奉师命，来此接引诸位义士出险。同至宝帐，再谈如何？” 王藩素来心细机警，先听外面有人说话，虽未留意，后见万方雄匆匆离座，探头往外一看，见有两个外人，想起四外雪深丈余，这两人如何来的？忙拉隔座张、李二侠一同赶出。刚到帐外，便见万方雄用力强拉幼童不动，已知是异人。忙同赶上，唤住一谈，那矮子竟知自己名姓来历，越发惊奇。先还不知用意善恶，心正盘算，闻言俱都大喜。 宾主六人同往帐内，方始分别礼叙。才知昨夜吹笛人正是矮子耿和，幼童名叫钟灵，二人乃隐居天山鹰巢顶雪衣老人的门徒。因为老人由南宋得道，移居天山，收养有一只仙禽，乃天山绝顶特产，名为乌鹏。性最猛鸯，又极高大，虽不似垂天之云，动辄扶摇千万里，飞将起来，也有三四丈大小。两翅风力本来奇大，加以老人训练之功，差一点的树木，吃它一搧，立时拔起。爪喙坚利，裂石如粉，多厉害的蛇兽恶物，也禁不起它一击。钟灵也是前朝忠烈遗孤，被老人由乳婴中救去，从小便练就一身惊人本领。耿和乃老人嫡传高弟，已然练就剑术，飞行绝迹。钟灵无事，每喜骑鹏出游，或往北天山追逐猛兽为戏。前日归途，遥望下面来了大队驼马，看去不似寻常商帮驼队，赶往前途降下，想等人来探询。不料风沙越来越大，不耐久停，料知来人必陷险境，忙即骑鹏赶回想请老人往救。偏巧老人他出，连耿和也不在家。老人并还留有手谕，回后不可再出。风沙更大，空代众人愁急。 第二日夜间，风住雪下：耿和忽然回山，才知途遇老人，说起众人被困之事，令速回山，带同乌鹏往援，横渡雪漠，引往离雪地七百里的铁堡之中安置。并说李琦好友朱武夫妻，与堡主任中迟也是朋友。那铁堡位在北天山深谷之中，外有峭壁千丈，雪峰回环，入口处是条漆黑险隘的山峡缝，蛇径羊肠，中通一线，迂回三十余里，方入正路。谷口又是危崖对峙，排空人云，路更险峻，真有一夫当关，万人莫入之势。再进十余里，路转峰回，忽然柳暗花明，山清水秀，始达境内。当地乃是半山凹中大片盆地高原，四外群山环绕，宛若城堡，外来的风沙寒潮，全被山和森林挡住。地既广大，水源又多，遍地奇花异草，嘉木森林，气候和暖，四时皆春。主人上辈乃宋名将忠臣岳飞手下大将，由宋南渡以后，忠武就义，为奸臣所杀，一时愤极，孤军转战，窜往大名道境内。因是进退皆敌，危机四伏，经一异人指引，隐居当地。多年生聚教训，开辟出这么一个世外桃源，人间乐土。名为铁堡，无异一个和平忠义，诚厚仁爱，公正勇敢，又极富庶的小桃源。自开创以来，其间流风善政，佳话雄谈，也不知有多少。主人始终以宋室孤臣自居，未称王位。 现堡主任中迟，人更文武全才。膝前无子，只有一女兰珠，生得粉装玉琢，聪明灵巧，父母全家，人人喜爱。大来越发出落得姿容艳丽，美如天仙。加以中迟中年无子，一向当她男儿看待，幼承家学，文武全才。中间又得异人传授，练就一身惊人本领，双手能发二十四枝飞黄弩。父母钟爱，自不必说。虽是堡主独生爱女，不免娇惯，但因堡中政法贤良，平日不论尊卑，一律平等，除爱好天然，服饰珍贵华丽，用有四名侍女而外，也无别的过分之处。堡人因她武艺高强，才貌无双，虽然性稍高做，自尊心重，均想女孩儿家，例有两分矜持。并且全堡人民终身温饱安乐，全由她家所赐，中迟人更精明和厚，凡有设施，无不造福人民，法良意美，己身又复与民同其忧乐。慢说没有甚过分之处，纵多享受，也是应该。这样贤主，偏有伯道之忧，俱都代他惋惜，本就爱屋及乌，越发爱戴，奉若仙神。再想到中迟无子，堡中人民虽因教育有方，不论男女老少各有所长，文武两途十九来得，要寻一个像中迟和前两任堡主那样雄才大略，而又贤明老成谨细的人来继承大位，还找不出。任家又是单传，虽有几个远支同族，俱都平庸，难当大任，算来算去，只有兰珠能够胜任。渐渐把她认作未来的堡主，无形中增加了几分敬意。 兰珠心高志大。堡中有才貌的少年原也不少，平日又无尊卑之见，尽管比不上兰珠，不堪匹配，少年好色，人之常情。对方又是未来的女主，一经成婚，立为堡主，于是纷纷向其献媚求婚，追随恐后。堡中人民均愿兰珠早日订婚，便是中迟平日，也已不得早获佳婿，了此向平心愿。兰珠自负才貌，又听传她本领的异人说过，自己婚事尚早，虽然中有波折，但那未来夫婿，却是一个文武全才的少年英雄。此人不特关系将来全堡安危存亡，成婚以后，也许还要合籍双修，异日同证仙业，永留佳话。兰珠眼界又高，自不把这些略谙文武的堡中少年放在心上。起初两年，求婚的人不知多少，均吃兰珠明拒暗讽，或令比武，将其打败了事。有的还在老着脸皮，追逐不舍。下余多半自惭形秽，知难而退。到了最后，只剩三数人尚在苦缠。兰珠也不理他们。 内中一人，名叫钱希唐，最是奸猾。因兰珠愤其浮薄无耻，借着比武，将他打伤，当众羞辱了几句。心中怀恨，借着北天山打猎之便，向当地隐居的一个著名侠盗武成之子武凯暗泄机密。武凯因乃父刚直，家法甚严，一面之词，尚未深信。又早听说铁堡人多势众，个个武勇，颇有能手，更擅地利，不是好惹，冒昧登门，难免取辱和吃亏。也不信兰珠会有那等美貌。希唐又设计，将兰珠诱往北天山打猎，故意引错途向，却令武凯暗伏相待。武凯一见，惊为天人，假装路遇，请往家中款待。兰珠人虽大方，但见武凯素昧平生，持礼大恭，未免生疑，当即坚拒，率众回山。武凯为色所迷，当时未敢动强，归告父母，欲往求婚。武成也只有独子，久闻铁堡之名。一则隐居北大山才得两年，不知底细，无门可入；二则对方威名远震，山深路险，以前颇有几个江湖能手前往访探，多是一去不归。就有几个全身回来的，也多缄口不说。日子久了，方始露出一点口风，也都不吐详情，只说山路艰险，主人闭关自守，不喜外人间津，再说也难寻到地头，最好不去等情。因此传说纷歧，颇多异闻。自己初来，原欲往访，也因不知途径，欲行又止。一听武凯说起铁堡简直是世外桃源，兰珠如此才貌，又是独女及未来堡主，不禁心动。便照钱希唐所说途径走法，由老的先去，装作游山迷路，暗入堡中。如照往日，外人只一入境，立被防守的人阻住，不论软硬明暗，均遭坚拒，休想深入。来人再若恃强，立有性命之忧。武成因得好人泄机引路，本领又高，未经入口，一到便直达堡宫左近。 事有凑巧，这日恰值中迟独出闲行，见众人围着一人，正在盘诘来路，意欲动武。过去一看，见是一个身材高大的老头，相貌威武，声若洪钟。想起那一带危崖壁立，形势奇险，外人如何能到？知非庸流。再一问答，竟说投了机，当时延往堡中下榻，双方便成了朋友。因武凯与兰珠见面时未说姓名，武成老奸巨猾，心思细密，来时早向武凯仔细问过，胸有成竹，自己身世来历，一毫也未隐瞒，直言前是江湖侠盗。并详细说道：“小弟因见元室凶横强暴，所用爪牙僧官到处流毒，残害人民，想起亡国之痛，心中悲忿，仗着武功和手中宝刀，一十八粒飞弹，专与贪官污吏、凶僧恶霸作对。由少年起，纵横大江南北近三十年，所杀都是极恶穷凶。无如一向单刀匹马，独往独来，近年树敌大众，又杀了几个大贪官，当道连下密令，到处穷搜。本来还想与他一拼，因听老妻、好友之劝，前年才来北天山雪狮峡内隐居，就便洗手躬耕，以终余年。堡主威名，江湖上虽曾听人说过两次，但因大漠穷荒，天山高险，终年堆满冰雪，亘古不消，说话的人又都言词闪烁，不肯尽说真相，再不便是讳莫如深，语焉不详，传闻异词。只当故意夸大，言之过甚，谁也不信天山近顶，冰雪乱山围拥之中，会有这等桃源乐土。前听门人归报，说是发现一伙少年壮士在附近猎熊，所穿均是前宋衣冠，人人武勇，健步如飞，觉着可疑，暗中尾随，不知怎的，略一转折，竟会全数失踪。过去一看，当地乃是一个没有通路的崖洞，二十步以外，便看不出一点脚印，不知对方怎么走的，越想越怪，回来禀告。 “小弟一时好奇，带了山粮，跟踪寻访，不料前人失踪之处，并未寻到出入途径。后想临高可以望下，只要在此山，终能发现。于是不避艰险劳苦，连攀援了好几处从无人迹的危峰峭壁，峻岭高崖。后在无意中，误走到一处满布森林的危崖，将路走迷，无法回去，只得在林中乱窜。连经两日夜，备历艰危，也不知走了多少路，好容易走出森林，忽然闻得山凹中传来鸡犬之声，沿着崖顶，由高下望，越往前，风景越好，路忽中断。想起平日传言，决计查看到底。又费了不少事，才到堡前崖上，果然下面奇景呈现，比起平日所闻还胜十倍。刚刚冒险援崖下降，便被众人围住。幸蒙堡主不弃，以客礼相待。彼此同居一山，只隔二三百里山路，如蒙赐示入山途径，使小弟得以常时登门讨教，不似武陵渔父，一离仙源，便从此不许问津，就感谢不尽了。” 中迟虽然精明强干，英勇心细，无如惺惺相惜，自古皆然。来客又是元室对头，专以杀敌为务，本领既高，谈吐又复从容俊爽，不似武夫，由不得心生好感。武成又是老谋深算，欲取姑与，言动大方，装得极像。只把好人泄机，指示途径走法一层隐起，余均真情。表面说是山居寂寞，难得有此芳邻，又是平生敬仰的前宋先烈遗民志士，只愿攀交，时共往还，毫未露出就此进身，移居堡中的口风。井还表示：“此中人语，不能为外人道，小弟自会守口如瓶，不必说了。而那所经来路虽甚艰险，我所能到，焉保后来无人？还望贤主人对小弟所来险径，加上一层防备才好。虽然堡中形胜天然，占有极好地利，全堡人士又个个英雄，到底敌势方张，众寡悬殊，时机未至，难与为敌。近年江湖上颇有传闻，一旦被敌酋听去，从此多事。固然不怕，终是惹厌，不可不防。”词色十分诚恳周到。 到了第二日，便推说是游山日久，恐妻子悬念，告辞起身。堡中原无外客登门，平素相处，虽然上下平等，中迟人也谦和，毕竟是个执掌政令的堡主，人民爱戴之余，由不得生出许多敬意。加以人中龙风，自有威仪，领袖群伦，难求友声，除与娇女相对而外，所至之处，堡人俱都肃然起敬，不敢随便言笑。平日过惯不觉，忽然来了这么一个久在江湖，见闻众多，人品本领俱都高人一等的英雄，相与抵掌雄谈，佯样投机，自然相见恨晚。本意多留几日，对方偏是固辞说：“以后还要常来领教，相见日长，何在此一二日之聚。”中迟也极谨慎，除引其出山而外，并派了两个武功高强，人又精干的后辈，借口护送，查看行踪，一面命人尾随下落。哪知武成在北天山危崖幽谷之中，另辟有一处避寒别墅，来时早有准备。那一带山深路险，素无人踪，地名皆武成移居后所起。一听派人持了礼物陪送，知道主人尚有疑念，毫未推辞。武成去后，中迟父女对谈，兰珠也曾想到，前月行猎所遇少年，许与此老一家，疑其有为而来。及听去人归报，说武成所居雪狮峡，偏在东面，幽谷百丈，避风面阳。虽不及铁堡的世外桃源，沃壤千顷，物产丰美，但也气候温和，树果稻粱，牲禽林木，应有尽有。武家人口又少，老夫妻外，仅有子女和三个门人，岁月甚是悠闲。对去的人十分优礼，令代道谢。说是春耕伊始，种植正忙，家无多丁，须同操作，暂时尚难拜访。只等稍微清闲，当和老妻再入宝山，一览桃源胜景。另外附有几件礼物，均是武妻自制的南中风味，为物不多，却甚精美。分明所说不虚，毫无可疑之处。并不是兰珠行猎时所遇少年约往款待之处，方向也是相反。疑念一去，结交之念更切。兰珠又听说武家有一美秀少女，武功似乎得有家传，也想一见。 一晃月余，武成并未再来。中迟闲中无事，想起礼尚往来，对方成名多年，不免心高好胜，讲究礼节，也许因为自己不曾回拜之故，意欲往访。兰珠天性好动，便同了去。寻到当地一看，老夫妻二人已率乃子武凯出猎未归，只剩爱女武凤和门人陶旦、巴泉、王希及使女万妮在家。将任氏父女引往家中，恭礼款待，苦口留住。武凤美秀灵巧，善伺人意，口甜已极，和兰珠十分亲热，姊姊喊个不住。兰珠天性好胜，武凤一味巴结殷勤，于是二女也谈投了机。武凤说道：“小妹除小婢万妮而外，并无女友姊妹，哪似姊姊堡中人多。听爹爹说，宝山水土甚好，所有少女俱都丽质天生，又精武艺。姊姊更是人中驾凤，才貌无双，早就想望颜色，心还不信，世上哪有这等仙女一般的人品？今日一见，果是天人。可惜相隔大远，不能时常追随讨教，实为憾事。”神情十分欣羡。兰珠怜她娇小玲珑，山居寂寞。心想：“当地风景出产虽好，比起铁堡，却差得多。反正避世之人，堡中沃壤甚多，也不多这一家数口。如能移往堡中同隐，自己多一闺伴，岂不也好？”便把心意暗告老父。中迟爱女，又见武家人好，便即应诺，兰珠大喜，以为对方一定愿意。武凤果然高兴非常，只说：“父亲生性孤高，不喜依人，须待禀明。万一不肯，务望姊姊禀明老伯，代为劝说，使妹子得长依姊姊，感谢不尽。”一面强留任氏父女多住几日，等乃父归家再走，恨不能当时便跟了去的神气。兰珠为她热情所感，强劝老父多留了一日，仍未见回。后听三徒背后说话，说乃师往猎白熊，并采雪莲，相隔当地数百里，往返少说也要半月，暂时如何能回？他父女听了，只当武凤留客，乃迁居心切所致。哪知早有奸细送信，不特武氏父子知他父女要来，故意避开，连武凤挽留和三徒私语，均是拟就圈套，假装孤高自傲，欲令任氏父女俯允，自来请其迁居。并在事前不令武凯与兰珠相见，以防中变，露出马脚。 任氏父女果然中计。回堡十日，武老夫妻回访。因听钱希唐说，兰珠对于乃子似颇讨厌，去时推说此次行猎，为一旧友染有奇疾，必得天山所产雪莲和白熊掌，才能医治，且喜全都得到。现命小儿送去，远在凉州，到后老友定必留住，归期尚早，只好等他归来，再令拜见等语。中迟随露出请移来同住之意，武成虽在推谢，中迟也未勉强，可是双方往来渐勤，尤其二女常共往还。武凯本是假走，虽是爱极兰珠，因守乃父欲速不达之诫，须先避开，要等到二女日久交情越厚，你来我往，极少分开之时。这日