Chapter 2 The second time the sword energy soars to the sky, the majestic wind seeks the alchemist

Li Qi was about to look for Duan and Wang Zhuxia, when suddenly he heard the laughter of men and women, Lan Zhu and Zhuxia had come chatting and laughing together.Zhang Wan first smiled and said: "Seventh brother, why did you wake up so late? Could it be that there is something else on your mind?" Seeing that Lingyun did not come with him, Li Qi blushed when he thought of the dream last night.Lanzhu smiled and said: "The martyrs still have ambitions in their old age, not to mention the seventh brother's ambitions. Although our place is a paradise, after all, the desert and barren mountains can live in peace, and it will be difficult to restore the motherland with a 10% brigade. How can we avoid it?" What's on your mind?" Hearing this, Li Qi suddenly remembered that the people who came with him hadn't gone to see him yet, so he was very uneasy, so he hurriedly asked: "Brother and brothers and sisters, did you go to see the brother who came with you this morning?" Wang Fan said: "Seventh brother I have never woken up so late. My brother went with us. I wanted to ask you to go with me, but was stopped by the master. They see the coach in the future. When you are too tired recently and fell ill here, they want to visit. After my words, Say you went to bed too late, made an exception and got up late, and we will meet each other in the afternoon, that's all." Because Li Qi has always won the hearts of the people, every time he marches, he must make arrangements for his subordinates.I was forced by the owner yesterday and never went in person. This morning is the first day, so I should have gone early to condolences and arrangements.I didn't know that Duan Quan and other heroes wanted to call twice, but they were stopped, and they couldn't go with them.Fortunately, it is an old disciple who has been with me for many years. Otherwise, we will share weal and woe on weekdays, and we will forget about our robes when we go to the paradise.Although Lan Zhu had good intentions, it was almost a mistake.I feel a little unhappy in my heart, and it is inconvenient to export it.Zhang Wan is well aware of Li Qi's temperament, seeing him talking and laughing reluctantly, she thought it was caused by inattentiveness and breaking his mind, and she was afraid of his displeasure, so she opened her mouth.Li Qi suddenly said: "Brother, please sit with the master for a while, my second brother and fifth sister and I will go see them."

At this moment, Lan Zhu had already ordered someone to prepare a table of exquisite breakfast, and she hurriedly persuaded with a smile: "Brother Seven, go before you finish eating, it will be served soon." Clinging to Qing, listening to Lingyun expressing his thoughts secretly in the morning, he thought it was funny, fearing that Li Qi's temper would be too blunt, so he hurriedly smiled and said: "The seventh brother has come to share weal and woe with them. It’s not good to eat, so it’s better to let it go.” Lanzhu smiled and said: “Then we will all go together to see what your ministry needs, whether the diet and daily life are satisfactory, and I will order the equipment. The seventh brother is himself People, if you have something to ask, you don’t need to be polite." Li Qi quickly thanked him, saying: "This place is already a paradise, so there is nothing wrong with it. But the old example is like this. The early treasures have already been worshiped, and yesterday they talked about the feast. I just came to Baoshan this afternoon. I want to have dinner with them. When the old castle master comes back, I will sit with Wei. I don’t know if it’s possible? I hope I will agree.” Lan Zhu told Duan and Wang Zhuxia in the morning that he was in a hurry yesterday and didn’t have any good food. The banquet is just over an hour away.For some reason, Li Qi was obedient and obedient. Hearing the words, he immediately replied with a smile: "Because I was slow yesterday, I have two extra tables of bouillon today. Since the seventh brother puts your department first, let me tell my brother, Don't wait for my father to return to the mountain, to reward first, we all go to the Liuhua teaching ground in Hongxuexi, have a picnic together, and the seventh brother will review it, so that the younger sister can also see the grandeur of the army, wouldn't it be a pleasure?"

Jiuxia felt that thousands of miles were lost, and seeing a dead end, he suddenly entered Taoyuan and looked for shelter.The owner of the castle has never met before, and has not seen him yet.The opponent is also an expert from outside the world, although he does not give up martial arts in ordinary times, it is only because there are too many ferocious beasts in the mountains, he must defend from time to time, not forgetting danger in safety, and guarding against foreign aggression, there is no such thing as military affairs.I am a foreigner, and I have brought so many people with me. As usual, no outsiders are allowed to enter.Although the old man in Xueyi spoke first for Guan, in the end it is prudent to be right, why did he assemble the army and show off his martial arts when he first arrived?Even if it comes from the host, if it is hosted by yourself, it is no different from demonstrating to others, making the guest usurp the host, and if it is an unfortunate event, it will easily lead to suspicion.I also saw that Lanzhu was sincere and innocent, she only wanted to make friends with visitors, she did what she thought, and acted capriciously, without any calculations.Although she is a heroine, a charming daughter of the castle owner, loved by the whole castle, and a future castle owner, she is young, and she might be able to completely decide whether she can be the master.At the same time, he humbly said, "I'm waiting for many people, and it's a blessing that the master of Mengbao made an exception to take him in. How dare you use the axe? Don't dare to be presumptuous." rush out.Lanzhu then asked to change clothes and got up, and said: "My father is not here, and the people of Mengbao recommend love. As usual, the younger sister will act as the executive order. As long as it is not related to the public, this kind of thing is just a casual game on weekdays. The Liuhuayuan area is the original The Fort Parade Army Training Ground has a very good view. Because it is specially used for performing martial arts and defending against the enemy, my father and younger sister are in charge, so they can act cheaply without public discussion. In recent months, my father has felt that a strong enemy is close at hand. , just in case something happens, there are few people and strength is weak, and it is rare for a powerful team to descend from the sky. The people of the whole castle respect the old man in snow clothes the most, and they are very happy to hear that the old man has attracted them. From now on, we will be like a family, so please don't be polite."

The Nine Heroes knew they couldn't stop them, so they had to listen and get up together.Walking on the road, Ren Long and Haitang greeted each other, and said: "This afternoon, we will welcome the newcomers. We have beef and wine. It is suitable for the fourth sister to order Haitang to report and send the order again. Fortunately, the food is ready, and the genius At the hour of the hour, after reading the exercises, it is not too late to reward the men. The horses are also ready, most of the brothers bring their own famous horses, and only a pair of saddles and bridles are replaced. In addition, the little white dragon that the castle owner rides is borrowed to ride with the seventh brother Wouldn't it be good to be accompanied by the fourth sister?" Lan Zhu and Li Qi had a long-lasting relationship, and a thread of love had long been tied to each other.Hearing that Ren Long's move has a deep meaning, his mind has been seen, and he is very happy when he hears this.Smiling: "Brother Long is so kind." Ren Longfang replied: "The teaching ground is far away in the back mountain, ten miles away from the castle. Wouldn't it be a delay to walk slowly?" The sound of the ground came from a distance on a stone road where two lines of Qiao Song faced each other.Immediately afterwards, I saw Yang San, together with two athletes, leading a dozen good horses, galloping there. The pine path was about five feet wide, with green pines and cypresses on both sides, as thick as several arms, standing as tall as a mountain. cover.Although it is mid-winter, it is still green, looking like two green dragons, winding on the Baishi Avenue, and there are all kinds of flowers beside the road, red and purple, colorful and colorful.The horse is also pure white in color, with red saddle and purple bridle. Looking from a distance, it looks like a white cloud, surrounded by a few clusters of red light, flying towards the electric gallop, making the figure look magnificent and beautiful.After a while, he galloped to the front, and after Yang San and the two athletes saluted, they invited them to mount their horses. There were sixteen horses in total.Li Qi knew that there were only fourteen white horses that came with him, and the rest were all mixed colors, so he matched them with the owner's name horse.The horses had been washed clean, the roads were rocky, flat, clean and spotless, and the costumes of the horses and men were extremely gorgeous and bright, really better than drawing pictures.In particular, Li Qi and Lan Zhu were riding a pair of Ili famous products of the same age. They were tall and big, white as frost, and the horse hair was cut short, leaving only a thin layer on their bodies, reflecting the sunlight, shining brightly. There are pieces of silver flowers moving, long manes like snow, jets forming clouds, looking forward to leaping, looking very handsome.The nine heroes are only in their forties, and most of them are the children of civil and military families in Sichuan, Hunan, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, and they usually dress carefully.When they arrived, the two heroines Jin and Zhang knew about the grand occasion, and urged Li Qi to stay for a while, change into new clothes, wear military uniforms and swords, and be extraordinarily energetic.Lanzhu's maidservant also hurriedly put on a chivalrous attire, wearing a scarlet cloak, and riding on the horse, she felt more heroic and dazzling.Li Qi is also a beautiful man among all, with a heroic appearance, phoenix eyes and long eyebrows, and a face like a crown of jade. After riding a horse, he is even more heroic.Two horses walk together, and the two gallop abreast, a hero and a beauty, they are a natural couple, and no one will be wronged.Everyone thought: "This man and woman are really a perfect couple. It's rare for this woman to fall in love at first sight, and her deep affection can be revealed invisible. My sister-in-law is waiting for the letter, just in time to propose marriage, and the castle master comes back. Nineteen successes." Most thought it was a paragraph. Good marriage.And seeing Lan Zhu standing close to Li Qi's right, her face full of spring breeze, her eyes fixed on Li Qi from time to time, she was very kind.Li Qi seemed to be deliberate in falling flowers and ruthless in flowing water, although he answered modestly, without looking sideways, his expression was very solemn, sometimes he seemed to be thinking about something, and often answered irrelevant questions.Except for the two heroines Jin and Zhang, they all felt that Li Qi usually let the other party fall in love with him and refused to accept it.A character like Lanzhu, who is perfect in both civil and martial arts, has never been seen before, so how could he be merciless?Usually there is still a perfunctory, not to embarrass the other party, how can there be such a difference between hot and cold?

Fang felt strange, and suddenly saw that the winding path turned to the pine forest. First, there was a cliff with thousands of plum blossoms planted up and down. The ground in the mountain was warm, and the trees were full of red.Hearing the neighing of the horses, each of the horses sat down and neighed proudly, responding to each other.The horse traveled faster, along the cliff slope, then turned around, and galloped into a large forest of flowers.Before he walked out, he saw a large plain outside the forest in front of him, and there were more than a dozen tents standing on the ground, lined up neatly.Many athletes are under the hanging willows on both sides, galloping horses for a play, the sound of hooves is as dense as a drum, the shadows of swords and spears are shining brightly in the sun, and everyone has changed into a new military uniform. .Li Qi thought of his situation today, it was all given by the master, and he couldn't help feeling grateful.He didn't despise Lanzhu at all, but because of his past love affairs, when he saw Lingyun, he fell in love with himself.Although they met by chance, the love seedling was angry, the two had never met, they always loved themselves, and never had any romantic thoughts, but Tingting's beautiful image was deeply imprinted in my heart, and I couldn't let go of it no matter what.Seeing that the person didn't come with me, I felt a very subtle disappointment, my mind was out of order, and I didn't want to talk or laugh, not intentionally sloppy.At this time, I saw that people had come out of the forest, and there were more plum blossoms on the bank, as bright as red clouds, and the teaching field was vast, surrounded by willows on three sides.Although it is winter, there are still empty branches, the tall forests are sparse and beautiful, the long strips are scattered, the willow buds have not yet bloomed, and there is already business.The two sides of Chidao are also the same as the pine path on the way, full of grass and flowers, and the scholars and horses are so jubilant.

As soon as the Nine Heroes came out of the forest, the drums and horns rang together, and the cheers were thunderous.The dazzling people returned to the team, lined up in two rows, and there was no sound at once.I saw the banners fluttering, the swords shining in the sun, people and horses, like puppets, swaying quietly and neatly, arranged in a plum blossom formation, standing in the center of the square, motionless, with military uniforms and weapons, a clear example.This kind of military appearance, coupled with thousands of plum blossoms, a ring of tall willows, two rows of flourishing heroes, and a large area of ​​Pingyang, became more and more in full swing and flourished for a while.Pressing the bridle to face the wind, just feeling satisfied, suddenly hearing the thunder and thunder seemed to be a crowd of cheers, and the noise of the crowd merged into one.Looking around, it turned out that the distance around the teaching field is mostly uprooted from the flat ground, with strange peaks and rocks full of flowers and trees, steep mountains and lofty hills.At this time, the people in the castle were also convinced and came from afar.Due to the laws of the fort, the owner of the fort has supreme authority over all military affairs and foreign enemies. Although the teaching ground is not a forbidden place, he has never obeyed orders, and no one has been doing good to others. Looking from a distance, seeing this military appearance, they cheered in unison.

Li Qi felt that the master had a lot of love, but also felt that such a show of power was not a guest courtesy, the boss felt very sorry.But Lan Zhu said with a smile: "Seventh brother, how do you see how the people of this castle treat you all?" Li Qi hurriedly replied with a smile: "Brother Yu waited for the master to treat you so favorably, how can you repay it? It really makes people feel ashamed!" Lan Zhu I don't know that Duan and Wang Zhuxia were secretly signaled by Jin Guoshi to use the excuse of the leader to urge the horse to go forward, but Ren Long left early to prepare bonus rewards, and only the second maidservant followed the horse.Seeing Li Qi and her walking slowly side by side, their smiles were gentle and their faces were full of gratitude, unlike the previous ones who answered only when they had questions, they were humble on the surface, but in reality they had an air of indifference, which made their hearts feel more comforted.Lanzhu looked at no one, and replied with a low smile: "Seventh brother will live here for a long time. This is a family, divided into guests and hosts. Last night, we agreed on the sequence and called them brothers and sisters. How can we see outsiders and don't mind being high-ranking? How about my sister Lan?" Li Qi had something on her mind just now, so she didn't look carefully, but now she saw that after changing her clothes, her eyes and teeth became brighter, her smile was sweet, radiant, heroic and beautiful. Hard to beat.Knowing that she is tender and wants to vomit, and loves him, but somehow, she has no love, but because of this question, why doesn't Lingyun come?With a move in his heart, he couldn't help blurting out and asked, "Why didn't Jin Xianu see you?" After speaking, Fang felt that he shouldn't have been so reckless, and felt a little regretful.Lanzhu seemed innocent and generous, and didn't care about it. She smiled and replied: "Sister Yun is really the best person. I forced her to come here this morning, but because someone was looking for her, I left in a hurry. Seventh brother wants to see her, and I ordered her to come." Haitang, please go." Li Qifang replied: "I just asked casually, I have no other intentions, so don't look for it." Haitang has been ordered by the master, and gallops away.Li Qi came here for the first time, but he didn't know how to suffer from a stroke, so he felt that the answer was wrong.I also remembered last night that I heard that Lingyun came with his father, teacher and apprentice, and was sent away by the owner of the castle and Zhu Wu and his wife. She was left alone in the castle. How could anyone look for him?It is suspected to be the slender boy seen in the dream.She asked with a smile, "When will Jin Xianu's master come back again? How good is it?" Lanzhu replied: "She was an orphan, and her adoptive father, Wei Chengzhuang, nicknamed the Three-shot God Old Man, adopted her since she was a child. This is honest and unreasonable. Because of the old friendship with Zhu Wu, and because his son Wei Bi is not motivated and has no intelligence, he specially left sister Yun in the care of Mrs. Zhu Cheng Xianzhen, and wanted to lead Wei Bi to another person. Sending off with the Zhu family and his wife, he will come back alone."

Before he finished speaking, the drums started again.It turned out that the two men had arrived at the foot of the hill in front of the battle, and there was a general's platform on the slope. Duan and Wang Zhuxia had each led an army and divided them into eight teams, standing facing the general's platform.As usual, Li Qi bowed his hands to the Eight Heroes first, and said: "There is an arrogance." The Pegasus reached the stage, just jumped up, and heard the coquettish voice behind him: "Seventh brother, can I go up?" Come, we have arrived at the entrance of the platform.She thought to herself: "She is a landlord, how could she forget to be courteous?" He hurriedly turned his head and smiled and replied: "From then on, Brother Yu will obey the command of the master, and I will go on stage first to announce to the public." The tall horse, with a slight leap, flew onto the stage, his body was light and agile, his posture was beautiful, like a flying fairy swordsman, he was extremely fast.When they met, they had wonderful eyes, and complained with a smile: "Seventh brother is still a host and a guest, do you really see others?" Li Qi quickly changed his words and said: "Sister Lan, don't want to be offended, how about you come and give orders?" Lan Zhu He smiled and said: "Your formation is like Zhuge Kongming's five elements and eight formations. Although I know a little bit, but because I am young, I am afraid that I will not be able to convince the public. I also heard my father often say that the king's master lost the great mountains and rivers first, and then he lost the great mountains and rivers. Because the master misused this formation, he didn't know the pros and cons to produce and restrain changes, and he stuck to the old formula, which led to defeat by the enemy. Although this formation has been practiced by military strategists since the Han Dynasty, they only understand the form, and it is difficult to understand the subtleties. There are two One hundred and fifty-six divisions and combinations are solved, and even the weapons of the people in the formation are different. According to the change of the formation, each person's specialties. I saw that the athletes of the eight teams ride differently, and each team has two kinds of weapons. The seventh brother is very good Very subtle, why be polite?"

Because of Li Qi's Zhuge Eight Formation Diagram, there are countless changes. Since the Han Dynasty, many famous generals, only King Yue'e, has fully understood it.This is rumored by a stranger, this time the army was alone for thousands of miles, and they turned to the desert, and they got out of trouble thanks to it, without any casualties.Usually very conceited.I was humble before, but the other party is the master, so I have to.Originally, even if Lanzhu agreed to issue the order, she had to help herself.Hearing such statements, it is clear that he is an expert, and he can't help but admire.Still waiting to be modest, and wanted to see if she would meet in the plenary meeting, Lanzhu understood, and said with a smile: "Little sister is not good at deceit, it is not polite. Brothers are new, how are you willing to obey the first female stream? Seventh brother is the coach, how can I let me? The formation is mysterious, the great-great-grandfather was originally the old general of Yue Wang, and this formation was arranged by him. In recent years, my father, Meng Xueyi, has pointed out that the people in Butebao are quite familiar with it. Our fort has a radius of hundreds of miles. There is an ambush in this formation, and outsiders entering the country can be captured without using their hands. Today, because a new guest has arrived, and there is no time to guide them, fearing that they will fall into ambush, I deliberately withdraw for three days, and I will know the magic in the future. Otherwise, the surname Wei will not come back: I'm definitely underestimating, Seventh Brother, don't take offense." Li Qi was even more amazed, so he had no choice but to agree.Sui went to the front of the stage, pulled out the command flag behind him and waved.Make another secret signal to tell Baxia that there are many capable people here, please pay attention.The Eight Heroes immediately sent an order to go down secretly, and then practiced.

The Wuhou Eight Arrays are all very proficient, and according to the commander's code, knowing that there are many capable people in the castle, they dare not neglect them even more.I saw the spears and spears reflecting the sun, the flags floating in the sky, the separation and combination are intricate, and the extreme changes are wonderful.The sound of the golden drum is sometimes dense like a shower, shaking the ground and making the sky loud;Like this, with the transformation of the formation, from time to time, it changed dozens of times in succession, making people dazzled and fascinated, like a large piece of brocade, with thousands of points of cold light, turning left and right on the large plain, The front divides and the back unites, the spring clouds relax, and change suddenly, and it is impossible to tell how many people there are.Although Li Qi looked around at the audience fascinated and seemed to approve, Lan Zhu acted nonchalantly and didn't say a word.On the spur of the moment, he waved the command flag twice.The Eight Heroes in the formation received the hint and immediately issued orders, and the formation changed even more urgently.Looking at the group of people from a distance, they seemed to be in a mass; when they focused their eyes on them, they walked alternately, in an orderly manner.Because the eight teams consisted of sixteen kinds of uniforms and equipment, they looked like sixteen colorful dragons, flying with each other, passing through the square and plains with extreme speed.Looking back at Lanzhu, Li Qi was already nodding and smiling, and his heart was slightly relieved, and the formation suddenly changed.A sound of silver horns, like a crane chirping in the sky, resounded through the clouds. It started from the formation, and the people and horses in the formation immediately turned several times like a windmill. They were divided into sixty-four teams, each making a pile and lined up on the ground.The ground was immediately quiet, the spears and spears were completely hidden, the golden drum was silent, and the men and horses did not move again, but there was a murderous look, and it seemed that there was a thick layer of fog covering the formation.Gradually, the shadows of the people and horses also became blurred, as if dozens of black shadows and dozens of banners appeared and disappeared, which could not be seen clearly.The audience applauded sky-high.

Lan Zhu smiled and said to Li Qi: "I just said that the Eight Marquis Marquis Formation is the secret of this castle. At this time, the people of the whole castle came to watch the ceremony because they knew that the seventh brother was parading. So there are many people who grew up here. The formation has been played before, but only a little understanding. Unexpectedly, the seventh brother can understand the subtleties, so why not teach them to admire it! My father is always afraid that there are few people in the castle, and once foreign enemies come, it will not be enough. With this parachutist What is there to worry about? But there is one strange thing: except for the leader of the Eight Heroes, there are a total of 1,024 people in the formation, which should be uniform. Why are there three people who seem to have a little disordered footwork and are reluctant to advance and retreat. What is the reason? Hearing this, Li Qi was greatly surprised and said: "Sister Lan is really a heavenly man. There were originally three people in the formation, two were injured by the strong wind and yellow sand on the way, and one slipped in the snow, and none of them recovered. There were originally sixty-four Filling in the vacancies, because these three people were selected for a while, and they were unwilling to lag behind in their thinking. They played with illness. Although they were only a little bit reluctant between advances and retreats, they were actually seen. You must have mastered the formation, it is really admirable." Lanzhu laughed and said, "I only know a little bit, and I will often ask Brother Seven for advice in the future. I don't know if I want to improve." While talking, I saw Ren Long running to say: "It's past noon, and the banquet is ready. Please send an order to close the battle, and have a drink together. Let's catch the wind for all the athletes." Dozens of flags flickered, and people and horses moved faintly.In the blink of an eye, there was another sound of silver horns rising, the thick fog disappeared, and the eyes blurred.Looking at the field again, the five colors are vivid again, and the cold light is dazzling. It is still the leader of the Eight Heroes, the same as in the first performance, divided into eight teams and lined up on the ground, the same people, nothing has changed.The sound of applause from all around shocked the whole field.Following the golden sound, all the horses and horses dispersed into sixteen squads, galloping towards the tent like a snake entering a hole, and disappeared in a blink of an eye.Li Qi hurriedly got off the platform, went forward to meet him, and arched his hands.The Eight Heroes dismounted together, tied the reins, and waved back.The eight white horses seemed to have been practiced, turned their heads and turned around, and galloped away into the tent. Lan Zhu and Ren Long also rushed off.Afterwards, a hundred strong men picked up tables and chairs and lined up long seats.Ren Long had already issued an order to set up dozens of stoves, and all the food and wine were ready.Duan Quan blew twice with the silver horn.In just half a cup of tea, the subordinate athletes have changed their weapons and walked out calmly.Li Qi went forward to greet them, first apologized to everyone, and then ordered them to sit down separately.The Nine Heroes also sat together and thanked their masters.Lanzhu originally intended that the Nine Heroes should be in the middle and sit alone, but upon seeing this, she knew that this was the usual practice, so she had no choice but to let it go.The food and wine are very rich, which is different from the usual rewards for the army, which are just big wine and big meat.This group of athletes and Jiu Xia are as close as brothers, and the master treats them so favorably, they are all elated and very happy.In Li Qi's heart, there was always the state of Lingyun, the previous military parade was better, but now that he sat down, the shadow of the person he likes came to his heart again.Looking around, I don't know if I will come, and I don't know if I am among the audience. I feel depressed, and I can't tell the reason. Jin Guoshi is sitting next to him, and he sees that Lan Zhu is also among the crowd, sitting side by side. On the side, his eyes are always looking at Li Qi.Li Qi chatted and laughed with the crowd, stopping his glass from time to time to meditate.Fearing that Lanzhu would be unhappy, he made an excuse to joke with her.Except that Li Qi and Lan Zhu had something on their minds, the host and guest enjoyed themselves to the fullest.Leaving the table after the meal, Jiu Xia was happy because the master said that his subordinates had been guided by special personnel to tour the whole castle. They drank and feasted for three days.Duan and Li Erxia had to tell the crowd: guests are welcome, here is a paradise, we are many people, we must respect ourselves, not to violate military regulations, there is no tolerance.When the castle owner returns, he will return to farming.Everything is done according to the orders of the two castle masters, the old and the young.Even the nine of us are the same.Everyone agreed in unison, saluted and dispersed, and there was no mention of their own hospitality. Lanzhu's maidservant and Jiuxia bid farewell to Ren Long, and went forward, ordering the second maidservant to lead the horse to follow, and said to everyone with a smile: "The climate here is mild, although the flowers bloom constantly, it will be worse in the middle of winter. Except plum blossoms As usual, it blooms early, and it is different from other places. Turning around the cliff, there is a valley named Zhongxiang Valley. There is a Tanghuawu in it, and there are peonies in the inner mansion of the warm house. Various flowers such as peonies, cloves, and crabapples were originally cultivated in artificial greenhouses. This is because my father and I both love flowers, and the people in the castle work hard on weekdays. As the owner of the castle, except for the service of the palace and the use of seven or eight maids, there is no excessive enjoyment. There are all kinds of flowers in this flower house, which are prepared for my father's yearly cleanup and peaceful day viewing. Because it is a public discussion in the whole castle, my father has no power to stop it, so he has to listen. At this time, the peonies should be in bloom. There are three paths in the valley, everywhere. There are warm corridors and fire paths along the hot springs, and the willows on one road have sprouted early, and it is quite sunny. The ten of us, it is best to divide into three groups, each according to his own preferences, how about browsing the past at will?" Duan Quan had already heard a secret report from Jin Guoshi, saying that his master had a great deal of respect for Li Qida, and he understood what he said, so he first praised him.Lanzhu smiled and said, "Let's ask the fifth sister to allocate the number of people." Jin Guoshi knew that she wanted to be with Li Qi the most, but he was embarrassed not to take the two of them as companions.Quickly smiled and replied: "You are the master. Although the seventh brother is not old, he is the leader of the crowd. The two of you should go all the way, and I will accompany you with Jiumei. Duan, Wang, and Chengba will be together. Next The other three are anxious to do it together again, so as not to follow them to see the flowers, make the crowd laugh, and even bring the others along." The sixth hero Wan Fangxiong said with a smile: "The fifth sister likes to sarcastic. We don't know the way Well." Lan Zhu said with a smile: "It's okay, although there are three Guzhong Roads, there is only one entrance, no matter how you go, you can all meet at Tanghuawu, and you can do whatever you want." After finishing speaking, everyone had already walked through the plum grove, and then passed two small bridges over mountain streams.Suddenly I saw a dangerous cliff in front of me blocking the road. There was a stone cave at the bottom of the cliff, a big abbot, and a fire was looming below.Looking closer, it turns out that the cave is very deep. From the entrance, there is a long artificial slope, which is more than a hundred feet from top to bottom.The cave is wide, with stalactites everywhere and crystal curtains hanging all around.There are also many bright lights hanging inside, scattered high and low, as bright as stars, illuminating the forest of stalactites with colorful lights and floating brilliance, forming a spectacle, which everyone can't help but praise.Not far away, I suddenly heard the voices of men and women arguing, vaguely coming from the exit.Li Qi could tell it was Lingyun's accent, just now Haitang was not found by the reporter, so it turned out that it was here, his heart moved, and his voice stopped suddenly.When I asked Lanzhu, I realized that the terrain on the other side of the cave was the lowest, and the sound transmission in this cave could be heard from far away.Without saying a few words, I walked through the cave and looked at the exit. The terrain was suddenly wide, with flowers and trees along the way, and the ground was full of grass. It really was early spring. Not far ahead, in the flower forest, suddenly there is a mountain like a rockery, with the bones of the clouds supporting the sky, exquisite and steep.There are three holes at the bottom, and the four seal characters "Sanle Fangjing" are written on the top.Lanzhu then asked everyone to choose a hole and move forward separately.Citing Li Qi, Jin and Zhang Erxia, they walked in through a small hole engraved with "a small building in the sky".The mountain is only over ten feet high, and it looks wide across the horizon, but inside it is very tortuous, and it is only about ten feet long.When you go out, you will immediately feel that the willows are dark and the flowers are bright, the mountains are clear and the water is green, and the atmosphere is completely new.Zhang Wan first clapped her hands and cheered.It turns out that on the right side of this place is a dangerous cliff, about two zhang to the ground. There is a long corridor built, which is very tall, with green tiles and red corridors.The whole cliff is covered with moss.There is also a flat ground about Zhang Xu wide in the corridor, and there is a clear stream artificially opened inside. The hot springs are rolling and flowing around the cliff.There are more weeping poplar trees on the top of the corridor, providing continuous shade.Not far away, there is a flying pavilion.The flowers below are like embroidery, and the fragrant grass is full of taro cotton.On the left is a clear stream of more than ten feet, with sparkling blue waves, rising to level the bank.The large cliff on the other side of the stream is the same as this side. It is also a long corridor, but it has no roof and is about two feet wide.Below is water.There are many large and small flowers and trees planted in the corridor, which looks like a red dragon with a brocade cloud on top, scattered high and low between the mountains and the water.There are weeping poplars along the stream, the soft silk is curling up, and the fog is like a smoke cage. At a glance, there are two miles in the past.There are five colors of flowers at the corner, and the clouds are steaming. They are very gorgeous, and it is impossible to tell what kind of flower tree it is.The end is beautiful and majestic, and the fairy scene is no different.Lanzhu laughed and said: "It was built by the people of the whole castle by rotation. It took three years to get to where it is today. There are special personnel on duty everywhere. It was originally set up for my father, but later the construction became bigger and bigger, except for the maintenance of the warm house and the furnishings in the castle. Outside, it has become a playground for the people of the whole castle. Don’t look at the quietness at this time, as in the early morning, there are many tourists. If there were not many people before, and you want to read exercises, please come here to eat.” Li Qifang was thanking and praising, when he suddenly saw a man and a woman walking under the shade of willows in front of him.The girl is Lingyun, and the boy is a thin and thin boy about thirty years old, with an ordinary appearance and a clever smile on his face.The two walked side by side.After seeing the four of them, Lingyun bowed to each other and introduced him: "This is my senior brother Weibi." After exchanging salutes, Li Qi saw Lingyun Yiyi Weibi beside him, joking with the three girls.They only greeted each other briefly, and then ignored themselves.And said: "I went back to Zhu's house in the morning. Brother Wei just turned back halfway. The master went out to visit friends with the owner of the castle. He was bored at Zhu's house alone. I accompanied him. I heard that the Nine Heroes paraded the army, and Lanmei hosted a banquet. As a reward, I had lunch with him at Zhu's house and came here together. We are tired from traveling now, and we are going back." Li Qi saw the closeness between the two, the man's appearance seemed to be similar to what he saw in the dream, his heart was sour, and he couldn't tell the reason.Just as I was about to ask the two of them to go back to the castle for a chat and wait for the dinner, I suddenly saw the second servant girl running towards Lan Zhu with a panicked face. Meng Zhu and Cheng came to the rescue. In the midst of a crisis, the two heroes suddenly arrived and rescued the three of them. They were seriously injured. Now the people gathered in front of the castle are all worried about the safety of the old castle owner. The lady is not happy Go." Everyone was shocked when they heard the words, and hurried back without saying anything.Li Qi then asked the two servant girls to send one of them to invite Duan and Wang Zhuxia to return to the castle quickly in case something happened.The second maid was about to speak, Lan Zhu glanced back, and Hong Xing rushed away immediately.Lanzhu then asked, "Where's the horse?" Haitang replied, "It's been led outside the cave." Everyone hurried back.This kind of thing had never happened in the castle, everyone was extremely anxious, and got on their horses one after another when they got out of the cave.Duan and Wang Zhuxia also rushed over from other roads, and when they met each other, they didn't care to speak, and flew towards the castle.Walking on the road, dozens of people in the castle came to summon them on flying horses.Seeing that he had just arrived and his master hadn't seen him yet, Jiu Xia was completely uneasy when he encountered such a disappointing thing.Lanzhu was extremely sad and indignant, and asked the visitors who were traveling with the horse while walking. Zhongchi accompanied Zhu Wu and his wife to see the guests off the mountain, and met an old friend on the way home.In the past, he was hunting late due to reasons, and met at the giant Lingbi in the North Tianshan Mountains, and they were speculative at first sight.Zhongchi also made an exception and invited him to stay in the fort several times, and became a close friend.The man's name was Hong Ju, and he was a lone knight from Shandong.Both of them were teenagers when we met, and we hadn't heard from each other for thirty years.Zhongchi missed him very much, and once ordered people to inquire about his hometown in Caozhou, Shandong. They all said that he had not returned from the mountain tour, and went three times in a row, but there was no whereabouts.It was already late at night when I saw off the guest that day. On the way home, I heard the sound of the cave Xiao, with clear syllables, as if I had heard it before.I thought to myself: "It was the middle of winter, only the iron castle was warm, and there was little ice and snow. In addition, the entire Northern Tianshan Mountains were almost completely covered by ice and snow. Who would have such a good taste in the icy and snowy land, where the snowy mountains are blowing? In such a cold night, The sound of the ordinary golden drum is suppressed by the air-conditioning and cannot be heard from a distance, but the sound of this flute can break through the cold wind and fog around, and blow it very loudly, it must be a strange person." Zhong Chi was curious by nature, although because of the old man in snow Xianshi learned that the Nine Heroes led a large group of people to join him. First, the guests they sent were important to what the old man said they should do, and they were far apart. The second was that the guests were all younger generations. When I leave, my beloved daughter is in charge of the reception, so it doesn't matter if I return late.It was already late at night when I returned, and I didn't want to rush back before dawn, so the gatekeepers went out to welcome them in the cold.On the way, I drank some wine and looked for the sound of the flute on the spur of the moment.About a mile away, the sound of the flute stopped suddenly, and a person came towards him. It was his old friend Hong Ju.After saying goodbye, he worshiped a Sanxian Wujiu Shanren as his teacher, and he was recently ordered to collect ice ginseng and snow lotus from the snow cellars on the ice cliffs in the Chuanyunding area, and it has been three days.Because of the teacher's order, things must be meticulous and not known.After finishing the matter, I suddenly remembered that the iron castle of my old friend Zhongchi was in the dark valley more than a hundred miles away, and I wanted to pay a visit.But the snow lotus and ice ginseng have already been picked, so I have to rush back tomorrow morning.I was thinking about it, and I saw the special oil lights in the fort from a distance.I thought to myself: "It's snowing and cold, and it's late at night in the barren mountains. How could someone walk with a lamp and walk so fast?" It was suspected that the people in the iron castle had just returned from outside, and it hadn't occurred to Zhongchi to go out of the mountain himself.Try taking out the sapphire flute that has been with you for many years and blowing it. If the person who comes is too late, or if there are people who have heard the sound of the flute in the past, they will definitely find it.Seeing that the light changed its course and came towards him, he hurriedly closed his flute to meet him, but it turned out to be late in the middle of the day. In addition to Zhu Wu and his wife, there were four other people in the same company, who shared the lights, wine and food.He first invited Hong Ju back to the castle, and Hong Ju said: "The time is running out, and I have to get up at dawn. Why bother to go back and forth? When I go back, I will refine the pill, and then I will visit you." In the cliff ice cave, I intend to talk about Tianming and send him on the road.Unexpectedly, before dawn, it snowed heavily and the weather was even colder.Zhong Chi and Cheng Xianzhen inquired to know that although Hong Ju had a firm heart towards the Tao, he learned his teacher very late.People from Wujiu Mountain said that he was not top-grade at all, so he didn't accept him at the beginning.Later, Shanren saw that he had been with him for ten years. He was sincere and hard-working, and he was not afraid of hardships and dangers.In the past ten years, he was only taught the art of breathing and guiding.In the past few years, he has made a famous mountain for collecting herbs, preparing to refine it into a panacea, reborn and pass on his mantle.Because he has practiced for many years, although he looks much younger than middle-aged and elderly, he has no magic power except for the original martial arts, and he is not at ease when he is traveling alone in the snow-capped mountains thousands of miles away.On the way back, we have to change the route again, and the places we pass are mostly the lairs of extremely violent wild animals produced in this mountain, such as white bears, snow rhinos and the like.Although the white bear is fierce, it is better.The most powerful one is the snow rhinoceros, with a single-horned head, thick skin and strong strength, and the most gregarious person. It can be easily multiplied by hundreds of people. It has a ferocious temperament and moves like flying. When it sees a stranger, it will attack in groups. What a martial artist. , I don't know how to avoid it beforehand, once I hit it, I have no physiology.Zhongchi was overwhelmed by friendship, and wanted to send the place where the snow rhinoceros was entrenched and the most difficult ice cliff, and then they broke up.Braving the wind and snow for more than a hundred miles, the danger has passed, and neither rhinoceros nor bears have been encountered.Hong Ju thanked him again and again.Zhongchi also saw that he was light and healthy, faster than birds, and could move forward without hindrance, so he had to let him go in the wind and snow, and he led the crowd back. Hong Ju went to the left side of the iron fort. If he went back to the fort the same way, the road would be flatter, but it would be twice as far.After people go, they are in a hurry to return. If they copy diagonally from the local area, the road is much shorter.Except for the danger of two peaks and cliffs near the fort, most of the rest are steep slopes, which are convenient for skiing, and it is expected to be sunny below the middle of the mountain.Zhong Chi never accepted his old age, and all the people accompanying him were all good at martial arts, so he insisted on taking shortcuts.After walking for more than ten miles, the snow had stopped falling, but the strong wind blew the sky full of snow and sand, making a very shrill howling sound.The head is even more densely covered with freezing clouds, dark fog, desolate and gloomy, and the air-conditioning penetrates the bone.Zhongchi saw that it was very cold, Cheng Xianzhen was alright, Zhu Wu and the four of them were all chilly.He laughed and said: "The oldest of you is only thirty or forty years old, and you are all wearing leather hats and trousers. How can you not be as good as the old man, afraid of the cold?" After finishing speaking, he ran forward first.Zhongchi has a unique skill in skiing, and none of the crowd can catch up with him, and he ran a long way in a daze.Everyone knows that after crossing the large ice field in front, there are dangerous cliffs and gullies everywhere, and the snow peaks and ice walls that have stood upright for hundreds of thousands of years. Fearing that Zhongchi would be in danger, they all became anxious.Cheng Xianzhen said to Zhu Wu: "The owner of the castle is so old, the wind is so fierce, and there are thousands of feet of snow and ice in front of him. In case of danger, let's go back and see Lanmei and the people in the castle? Wait for me取出飞行甲马，和你一同追去，他们四人后来便了。”随取甲马，和朱武朝前追去，飞行自然要快得多，晃眼追到冰原。遥望前面地上，倒着一只比水牛还大的白熊。中迟正和一伙穿皮短衣，头戴风镜的壮汉，在那里争吵。目光到处，还未追近，双方已动起手来。当头一人举刀先砍，才一照面，便吃中迟抬腿把刀踢飞，跟着拔剑应敌。敌人也一拥齐上。二人见状大惊，刚把各人兵器取出，忽听怒吼一声，中迟人已中了暗器。总算命不该绝，二人恰好赶到面前。贤贞眼快，瞥见敌人本领甚高，手中拿着两枚铁蒺藜，二次要打。知道中迟为他所伤，急怒交加之下，朝朱武打一暗号，令助中迟对敌。倏地纵身一跃，飞身过去，左手一袖箭，正中那贼面门，右手宝剑也随人飞落，拦腰一挥。那贼也是一个成名人物，打得一手好暗器，百发百中。见中迟肩上受伤，还在苦战未倒，正想施展毒手，不料恶贯满盈。贤贞忽由侧面飞来，恰有一阵旋风卷起大片雪尘，目光迷乱，竟未看清，等到发现人影，脸门上首先中了一箭。刚怒吼得一声，一道寒光拦腰而过，斩为两段，洒了满地鲜血。 贤贞回顾敌人甚多，本领颇强，一声清叱，连人带剑，舞起一片剑花，杀上前去。发暗器的贼后到，相隔较远，贼党见他被杀，也甚激怒，分人迎杀上来。贤贞因见中迟右肩受伤，兵器已改交左手。朱武左手明月刀，右手判官笔，双斗群贼，似颇勉强。恐其受伤，连用袖箭打退迎面二贼，冲入人丛之中，和朱武、中迟三人作品字形，与敌苦斗。方觉敌势太强，虽然打伤了三四个，无济干事，袖箭用剩一枝，不敢轻用，后面四人相隔尚远，就到也难占上风。心正愁急，忽听熊吼之声。百忙之中往侧一看，由坡下飞也似跑来两个持叉壮汉。另有七八条大人熊，多是白毛如霜，比水牛还要雄壮。连熊带人，一齐吼啸喝骂，朝当地跑来，相隔也只一箭之遥。 中迟原因路过当地，遇一大白熊猛力扑来，知道这类天山熊的掌最是美味，但是皮革坚强，刀枪不入，因知刺熊之法，想连皮带掌顺便带回。飞手一剑，刺中熊的颈间要害，纵向一旁，又用连珠镖将熊眼打瞎。刚把熊身上拔出来的宝剑拾起，任其在雪地里乱窜乱滚，想等它野性发完，力竭而死，再去剥皮取掌。忽听喝骂之声，由坡下赶来一伙壮汉，齐声喝骂，说那熊是他家养，要中迟与熊抵命，双方言语不和，动起手来。刚把当头一贼打倒，不料又有一贼赶来，人还未到，扬手一铁蒺藜。中迟独斗群贼，头上又戴着皮帽风兜，不曾留意，右肩头已中了一下。眼看危急，幸而贤贞、朱武相继赶到，才勉强扯个平手。跟着另二贼带了七八条大白熊赶来。 三人俱知白熊猛恶力大，单遇时除它尚且费力，为数这么多，又加许多强敌。中迟不受伤也好，偏又伤重，如何能敌？眼看群熊和二贼党已决赶到面前，正在心寒，叫不迭的苦。忽听呼呼轰轰，狂风如潮，夹着破空振羽之声，眼前倏地一暗，立有一片墨云飞坠，敌我双方全在笼罩之下，贼党首先纷纷惊呼，四下逃散。那黑影铺天盖地而来，已快压到头上。三人因变出非常，误以为雪山崩堕，开头也颇惊慌，百忙中抬头一看，不禁大喜。原来那黑影正是雪衣老人座下仙禽乌鹏，钟灵坐在鹏背之上，一同飞落。见面便喊道：“堡主和诸位兄嫂快请上骑。这伙贼党上半年才由恒山迁居来此，内中还有两个妖人甚是凶恶。现在妖人已然得信追来，耿师兄已往对敌。此事恐有后患，请先回堡，我用乌鹏送诸位回去吧。”说时后面四人也相继赶到。贼党已早惊散，只有几个逃避稍迟的，被鹏翅风力扇出老远，跌入冰原下面雪壑之中，送了性命。另有两人身受重伤，白熊也伤亡了两三只，晃眼逃尽。 众人匆匆骑上鹏背，遥望冰原封面，雪峰腰上有青红二色的剑光，正在飞舞争斗。知道敌人竟擅飞剑，贼巢相隔铁堡颇近，好生犹疑。中迟受伤不轻，本就难支，上了鹏背之后，几乎晕倒。钟灵见他负痛，忙道：“这是什么暗器？如此恶毒，此时怕吹风，虽带丹药，不能医治。我和耿师兄本往山外有事，归途发现堡主受群贼围攻，可惜晚来一步。我看贼党均颇厉害，还须赶回。今将丹药交与朱仁嫂，到了堡中再治，料无妨碍。”说时已同飞抵堡前。钟灵匆匆取了两丸丹药，交与程贤贞，半敷半服，仍骑乌鹏飞走。 那铁蒺藜十分厉害，中迟那好武功，又隔着两层厚皮，不知怎会被他打进，并还伤筋动骨，俱都惊奇。贤贞见伤势甚重，忙命人去将兰珠和李琦等九侠寻回。堡中人民闻得堡主受伤，纷纷赶来，聚向堡前，探听消息。后听眼药敷治之后，痛止回醒，方始放心散去。有那心急的人民，听说不能入看，便去寻找兰珠。兰珠本极孝父，闻言早就愁急，再见众人这等张皇，不知伤势如何重法，心乱如麻，一路急驰。中途任龙迎来，兰珠急问：“爹爹怎么样了？”任龙道：“钟小侠的丹药真灵，已然转危为安，连痛都止了。命我迎来，告知你和九侠弟兄不要担心。并向堡人传命，不许张扬。明日堡主还要亲出，向众训话。不料你们这么快。请放心吧。”众人闻言，心定好些。只九侠觉着事情不会如此简单，当时也未深说。一同人堡，赶到大厅。 朱武、贤贞望见李琦、王藩、金国士同了兰珠，男女四人，当先往里急走，连忙迎出，匆匆未及叙话，同到厅上。兰珠一眼望见老父卧在软榻之上，见了客来，欠身欲起，忙扑过去，一把抱住，喊得一声：“爹爹！”两行痛泪已夺眶而出。随道：“七哥他们不是外人，爹爹伤未痊愈，有女儿款待呢。”中迟最爱兰珠，刚才伤好，询问任龙所答口气，爱女对于李琦颇为看重。又听她单喊七哥，手朝后指，昂头一看，见来客英姿飒爽，仪表非常。再想起他平日威名和雪衣老人之言，大为喜慰。一高兴，便坐将起来，掀髯笑道：“我已无妨。这位便是李琦弟么？”兰珠随指九侠和卫壁，一一引见。九侠见中迟年在七旬左右，生得虎背熊腰，身高七尺以上，面如朱砂，狮鼻大耳，阔口方颐，一双虎目炯炯有光，两道长眉斜飞入鬓，腮下一部花白长髯，左手上戴着一个铁扳指。端的威风凛凛，天神也似，一点看不出肩受重伤神气。由不得心生敬佩，各以后辈之礼拜见。中迟忙要还礼，被贤贞与兰珠扶住，同说肩伤未愈，不可劳动。一面又请九侠等起来，分坐两旁。中迟笑道：“久闻九侠威名，不料飞将军自天而降，实为快事。因在途中为鼠贼所伤，诸多失礼。好在小女与诸位定交在先，老夫痴长几岁，恕我潜妄吧。”段、王、李三侠同答道：“小侄等与朱仁兄、仁嫂多年旧交，同是后辈，老伯何必客气？”中迟含笑点头。 九侠随即请问受伤经过。中迟朝卫壁看了一眼，略一寻思，答道：“区区鼠贼，不值一谈。九侠少时与朱贤侄一谈，自知底细。你我今日幸会，不谈扫兴之事吧。”随命备酒。兰珠说：“天色尚早，爹爹刚服完药，也须养息。女儿已命人备下两席，算是爹爹与诸兄接风了。”九侠只当中迟好高，不愿说他吃亏的事，便未再问。中迟笑对兰珠道：“我儿怎看得我这样软弱？闻说来客颇有几位好量，饮酒谈天，可以助兴，只忘了九侠阅军多劳，和朱贤侄夫妇先谈一会，老夫借此稍睡片刻也好。”兰珠明白乃父有话，想令朱武夫妇转告，忙即应诺，意欲陪往。九侠知他父女尚有话说，再三辞谢。卫壁想和九侠攀交，也要随去。灵筠忙使眼色。中迟已先说道：“卫贤侄且慢，我还有话要和你说。灵筠先去，夜来同饮便了。”灵筠知道中迟不甚看重卫壁，本意拉他同回朱家，一听这等说法，兰珠又在旁使眼色，不便辞谢，心中自是不快。刚一出门，金、张二女侠已返身来迎，便同了去。到了九侠所居花园之内，李琦正向朱武问话，见灵筠孤身前来，由不得精神一振。刚想让座，贤贞因中迟方才之言，只能告知九侠，灵筠虽然无妨，偏多了一个卫壁，恐有泄漏，便迎上前，把灵筠拉向一旁。灵筠本和贤贞最好，又不愿和李琦多说话，此举正合心意，便走了过去。李琦虽觉有点扫兴，但也无法，朱武所谈又颇重要，只得随同段、王、金三侠听了下去。因入门时朱武防有别人跟来，早令诸侠散坐，装作者友叙谈，拉向一旁告知前事。 原来雪衣老人早算出铁堡不久多事，除指示中迟机密外，并留了两封柬帖。头一封回堡方能开看。等到中迟受伤回来，打开一看，大意是说：那伙敌人甚强，武功好的极多，并有几个左道中人在内。因其不知铁堡底细，又与耿、钟二人一斗，吃了点亏，为首二妖人反倒胆怯，回去便命众贼党谨守，不可惹事。说本山必有能者，今日敌人飞剑神奇，更有那一只大怪鸟，不可与敌。又听人说，穿云顶和西山树玉峰也隐有几位异人，好似对头一派。早知北天山有这些异人隐居，也不会来。早晚终须一拼，此时切忌妄动。现往山外寻找同党去了。此时除他们虽较容易，一则定数所限，铁堡该有这场危难，不可避免。再则这两个妖人淫凶无比，连所约同党均是罪恶如山，正好乘其引来，一网打尽，为世除害。不过事情尚早，应在九头狮子龙天化与这伙贼党联在一起之后。老人去时，曾在各要口设有仙法埋伏，堡中人民只要不出山，期前便可无事。事须缜密，只九侠可共机密，行动出入听其自便，反有益处。留意身旁的人，以防非常之变。 中迟本与卫壁不甚投缘。乃父本意，将他引进到一位隐居本山的异人门下。谁知出游未归，卫璧竟嫌当地寒冷，不肯在异人茅棚中等候，私自回来。虽然事前乃父溺爱不明，有人如不在，等到过年不归，可回铁堡，留居朱家度岁，明春再去的话，但他年轻力壮，这等不耐劳苦，心志更不坚诚，那异人最恨憬薄狡诈少年，多大情面，也必不收。因此中迟更看卫壁不起，又想起雪衣老人的嘱咐，故此不肯当面明言。好在事前已和朱氏夫妻说过，示意令其转告。诸侠闻言，知道主人看重，俱都心喜。内中黄建、万方雄、成全三侠最是性刚疾恶，因听王藩转说前事，得知雪衣老人曾说九侠任意行动反倒有益，均想抽空暗入贼巢，一探虚实，就便为主人出点气，因被段泉力阻，暂时罢了。 说了一会，卫壁、任龙走进，李琦偷觑灵筠，与贤贞。张婉三人同坐一旁，虽在说笑，面上时现不快之容。卫壁一进门，和众人略微招呼，便走过去。灵筠好似背人和他对打了一个手势，面上立转喜容，说笑起来，神情甚是亲密。贤贞随同说笑，还不怎样，张婉已然走开。李琦暗忖：“这姓卫的一身媚骨，两只狗眼，除却未言先笑，善于逢迎而外，有何可取？灵筠怎会对他如此好法？”心正有点气闷，忽见张婉暗中点首，同去段泉房内，问有何事。张婉道：“七哥，我们九人比亲骨肉还亲，无话不说。我看你自见金灵筠后，好似失了常度，你是爱她不是？”李琦知她心直口快，不由脸上一红，无言可答。张婉笑道：“如我料得不差，我劝你死了心吧。”李琦忍不住想开口，觉着话不好说，欲言又止。张婉又气道：“七哥怎不说话？以你人品威名，何求不得？兰珠妹子实比此女强得多，对你又极垂青，真是天生佳偶。你偏不在心上，单对此女情痴，受人的气，何苦来呢？”李琦强笑道：“我本没有室家之念，又没和她多说，怎见得受人的气呢？”张婉笑道：“你还没有受气么？昨日才多看她两眼，你看人家那个神气。今朝我和五姊因看出你有情于她，原想此女才貌也实不差，同是女子，容易谈话，再三代你挽留，她只一味假客套。这还不说，后听姓卫的偷跑回来，便像失了魂一般，忙赶回去，因此连阅军、午宴也未来赴。后来使女去寻不见，路上相遇，你情发乎中，满面都是喜容，她偏是冷冰冰地对你。方才姓卫的一来，又立时改样。还不受气吗？”李琦平日不喜女色，对于灵筠本无逻想，不知怎的，由不得心生爱好，也说不出是什缘故。深知张婉小妹娇憨，心直口快，自觉除心喜此人外，无什异念，如不承认，张婉必当假话掩饰。 正在为难，贤贞忽然走进，笑问：“七弟多年不见，还未及谈别后光景，便和九妹到这里来作什？有背人的话么？”李琦越发脸涨通红。贤贞为人温和，张婉与她一见投缘，又知双方好友，本想说出。见李琦窘状，于心不忍，改口说道：“小妹气不过那毛贼，想和七哥讨令去探。他坚不令去，吃小妹激了几句，正生气呢。”贤贞知他兄妹情厚，信以为真，笑说：“那伙贼果然厉害。最奇的是个个力大身轻，难得许多人本领差不多，果然不可轻视。虽然雪衣老人暗示可以随意行动，也等日内商议定后，再去为是，自家兄妹，有何争论？外屋坐谈吧。” 三人随去外屋谈不一会，兰珠兴冲冲赶来说：“爹爹昨夜未睡，奔驰了一天雪山，受伤新愈，经小妹力劝与诸兄不是外人，今夜酒筵又是仿照宣和宫中的百珍全席，有百零八件，二十四道咸甜果点，要换囚次席面，照例由西初吃到午夜。这是小妹计算，家父今日必回，早命准备。且喜无妄之灾，仗着灵丹之力，已经结疤，现睡甚香。经小妹说好，我们先吃，家父何时醒，何时入席好了。”随请众人去往冷芳榭入席。行前，李琦瞥见灵筠曾向兰珠耳语，兰珠不住摇头，并用手拉灵筠同走。回头又朝卫壁说了两句，好似灵筠本不愿去，迫于情面，不得不往神气。 那冷芳树乃堡中美景之一，当中一所大厅，碧瓦雕栏，四外种满梅花。夜间花树上又点上千百盏银纱小灯，时当望后二日，碧月微缺，分外光明。灯月交辉之下，望去宛如四面香雪海中，闪耀着千百颗明星。室内履舃交错，冠剑如云，华灯吐焰，明辉似昼，照得那几位女侠越发容光美艳，仪态万方。席次乃主人排定，先是十三人，分坐两席。兰珠特意招了灵筠、程贤贞、段泉、王藩、李琦，连自己三男三女，同坐一席。首座自是段泉，二座王藩，三座贤贞，四座