Chapter 3 Chapter Two
"throw!"
With a yell, the crew member nodded, and threw a lump of dry mud the size of a rice bowl from the deck into the air above the river.
Jing Li then stepped on the deck and exerted his strength, swung his left arm vigorously, with a long iron chain in his hand, and flew towards the mud block like an arrow.
The thing hit the flying mud block accurately, and the mud and sand fragments burst and scattered, falling into the river.
Jing Li didn't wait for the thing to fall into the water, as soon as his left wrist was wrapped around the iron chain, it flew back quickly, Jing Li freed his left hand to catch it.
"Come again!" Jing Li shouted again.
There were more than a dozen clumps of mud of about the same size piled up beside the crew member's feet, all of which were dug up on the shore yesterday and dried in the sun, ready to be used as flying targets for practice.He immediately picked up another piece, this time using a different strength and angle, and threw it towards the river beside the boat.
Jing Li threw the object again, hitting the mud ball with the same hit.
Tong Jing, who was leaning on the railing beside the boat and watching, clapped her hands happily. The crew of the "Minjiang Gang" also cheered.
"Brother Jing, you are amazing!" Yan Heng approached.It happened that Jing Li took the weapon back, and Yan Heng took it for a closer look.
The pitch-black gun head was glowing coldly, and the two ancient characters "Emei" were engraved on it. The head of the gun.
"How did you do this?" Yan Heng returned the tip of the iron gun to Jing Li.
"I used to learn some basic rope dart techniques in the South Sea Tiger Sect." Jing Li wrapped the long iron chain around his left forearm, and held the tip of the spear as a dagger. "Later, when I came here, I learned the method of flying knives from the Hui people there. I used the two together, and I didn't expect it to be very smooth."
He stroked the lettering on the tip of the gun. "This thing is still attached to the spirit of Senior Sun. From now on, every time I use it to kill a Wudang person, it will be done on behalf of Senior Sun."
After the bloody battle in Chengdu that day, people from the "Minjiang Gang" not only retrieved the weapons lost by Jing Li, but also took away the weapons left by the Emei and Wudang sects.At first, Jing Li just wanted to use the weapon as a souvenir, but then he had an idea, and when the cargo ship was berthed to the town for supplies, he asked a blacksmith to make a long iron chain and put it on the gun head, turning it into a body Soft weapons used.I tried it for the first time today, and it turned out to be so handy. I hit the target five times out of seven attempts.
Jing Li untied the iron chain, put the gun head on the deck at one side, and pulled out another weapon from the back with his left hand.It turned out to be a mandarin duck ax left by Shi Hong, a master of Wudang's "Soldiers and Crows".Jing Li removed the wrapping cloth from the handle of the mandarin duck axe, and the blacksmith had the whole weapon thinned and lightened. He also blunted the "fish tail" blade at one end and used it as a handle, and transformed the mandarin duck axe into a A dart knife with an extra large handle.That night Jing Li saw Shi Hong throwing a mandarin duck to kill Sun Qianjin, although he was sad, but he really had to admire him, he was very impressed, and he wanted to learn this skill no matter what.
Jing Li tossed the mandarin duck axe in his hand. "Let's go ashore to practice later, and try this again."
Tong Jing watched Jing Li play with all kinds of weapons casually, learning very fast, and admired her in her heart, resting her chin on the railing with her hand, staring at Jing Li's chic appearance.
"I don't understand...why do you use your left hand?" She wiped the tip of her nose and asked puzzled, "Brother Jing is not left-handed. I see that he often uses a knife with his right hand."
"The right hand is reserved for the knife." Shimadzu Hu Linglan, who was standing next to her, folded her arms on her chest and said, "This kind of flying weapon is never the main force for killing the enemy, but it is used to open the way at a long distance." She stretched out her hands and gestured: "Throw out with your left hand to interfere with the enemy, and draw the knife with your right hand at the same time, and seize the opportunity to attack."
When Tong Jing and Yan Heng heard this, they suddenly realized.
Tong Jing looked at this sister from Japan.Also being a girl, Hu Linglan's martial arts attainments and wisdom are far superior to hers, which makes her a little ashamed - this is the feeling Miss Tong of the "Minjiang Gang" has not felt in the past ten years.
Hu Linglan turned to look at the river bank, admiring the scenery of the cliff.
"It's so beautiful..." Hu Linglan gazed at the scenery, her red lips couldn't help murmuring admiration.
The four of them left Chengdu on a cargo ship of the "Minjiang Gang". It has been more than three months without knowing it. The prefectural border is near the Wushan River Basin in the Qutangguan area.This is the most northeastern tip of Sichuan Province. As soon as the boat leaves Wu Gorge, it enters the territory of Huguang, not far from Wudang Mountain.
Although Jing Li decided not to pursue the Wudang faction for the time being, and to rest and strengthen his martial arts for a while, but in order to inquire about Wudang's movements at any time, he also ordered the boat to sail to this area.
The water in Wushan area is beautiful, and the twists and turns of the river are sandwiched between the dangerous cliffs on both sides. The rocks on the cliffs have strange shapes, and they are covered with forests like layers of green waves. The poet praised it as a fairyland on earth.
In the past year, Hu Linglan traveled across the oceans, traveling alone, with hatred in her heart, and never relaxed for a moment on the journey; now that she found Jing Li, although the hatred was not repaid, most of the hatred has dissipated. In the past three months Roaming along the river and practicing swords made me feel a lot more relaxed. Seeing such a beautiful scenery again, I feel refreshed and happy, showing a rare smile.
Seeing Hu Linglan laughing naturally, Tong Jing stared blankly for a moment, and then blushed.
——She is so beautiful that even girls would blush...
Tong Jing hurriedly turned her head away, and also looked at the shore.
"Let's go there!" She pointed to the left bank, there was a vast rocky beach just under the rock wall, it was a good place for martial arts.
Tong Jing walked to the other side of the rudder, ordered the cargo ship to stop, and prepared to put down the boat that came ashore.She also called the crew to start preparing lunch, and they can eat immediately after practicing.
Yan Heng looked at her from a distance, and couldn't help but look at Jing Li again.Brother Jing smiled at him.
Yan Heng remembered: more than three months ago, Jing Li agreed to take Tong Jing along and teach her martial arts.This made Yan Heng very dissatisfied, and felt that it was a big burden on this journey of revenge.
"Fool." Jing Li explained to him at that time: "We take this 'Minjiang Gang' lady with us, it's like carrying a money bag that can move around, and we don't have to worry about food, clothing, housing and transportation." Jing Li He also explained: When crossing states and provinces, you will also encounter inspection checkpoints from county and town governments, and you need to check the citation permit.Although they are warriors, it is absolutely impossible for the militia Baojia of the general county government to stop them, but it is still not as convenient as the "Minjiang Gang" to clear the customs.
"That...isn't that good?..." Yan Heng understood at the time, but frowned and said, "It seems to be using her..."
"It's not for free. Just teach her martial arts." Jing Li patted him on the shoulder. "rely on you."
The blunt iron sword vibrated, and the tip of the sword turned a half circle from the outside to the inside, the trajectory was very graceful.It is the eighth move of the Qingcheng School's entry-level sword technique "Fenghuojian", "Snake Entangling Branches". Yan Heng, who was standing beside him, shook his head and shouted, "No way!" Tong Jing gritted her teeth, and used the sword to perform "snake wrapped around branches" again.This time the tip of the sword turned faster and harder. "No!" Yan Heng still shook his head. "What's the matter?" Tong Jing stamped her feet angrily. "You forgot again? I said it earlier!" Yan Heng gestured with the gray-black long sword in his hand. "This 'snake wrapping branch' is intended to hit the opponent's wrist veins holding the sword. The trick is to be delicate, not fast! But you blindly map fast, the sword circle is too big and too loose, and the opponent can easily detect it. , retracted your hand, what else do you want?" Tong Jing bit her lower lip.In the past, she and so many masters have never suffered such a temper. "Come again!" Yan Heng urged. "What's the matter..." Tong Jing said dissatisfiedly: "It took me so long to learn these ten moves and eight moves... My previous master, in three months, I learned a whole set of sword skills..." "Because your former masters were all rice bags." Yan Heng said disdainfully: "The tricks they taught you are all tricks that you can only watch. Those masters were all paid by your father, right? They are afraid that you will learn Being bored and unhappy will cause them to lose their jobs, so naturally they teach more and faster. This is not how real kung fu is learned. Do you think you are really a peerless genius in martial arts?" Yan Heng swung his sword, and played out the eight moves "Fenghuo Sword" that Tong Jing had taught, from the first move "half-blocking" to the eighth move "snake wrapping branches", in two breaths. Like clouds and flowing water, there is no stagnation at all. "Don't think that you can learn faster because you don't use the sword less. You learned those fancy kung fu before and developed a lot of bad habits. I still need to spend more time correcting you one by one." Yan Heng said with his sword closed. Seeing Yan Heng's move, Tong Jing had to give in.But being scolded by such a young man of similar age, I found it difficult to swallow this breath. Witnessing Yan Heng's solo battle against the "Horse Card Gang" in Chengdu that day, Tong Jing really admired this young hero of the Qingcheng School; On top of that, and seeing that every time Jing Li practiced martial arts with amazing moves, which were fresh and fun, her admiration was transferred to Jing Li. Tong Jing looked over from a distance.On the other side of the rocky beach, Jing Li and Hu Linglan were fiercely chopping each other with long wooden knives, the sound of their impact seemed to be powerful even from a distance.The crew in charge of keeping the boat couldn't help watching curiously. But seeing that the two people's postures and movements are getting faster and faster, their offense and defense are so dense that they seem to be rehearsing in advance, and their styles of moves are similar. They seem to be fighting, and they seem to be playing a game. Tong Jing looked at it with a little envy, and murmured, "Why didn't Brother Jing teach me? He is much better than you. He taught me, and I must learn better." Yan Heng didn't really want to teach Tong Jing at first, and felt that he was hindering himself from practicing swords, so he was even more angry when he heard this. "If you like him, go find him! I'm too lazy to teach you!" Yan Heng turned and walked away after saying that. His phrase "you like him" turned out to mean "you like to be taught by him".Listening to Tong Jing's ears, it made her round face flush, and she lowered her eyes shyly.Fortunately, Yan Heng had already walked away and did not see him. Yan Heng walked to the water's edge of the rocky beach, pulled out the dagger "Tiger Pi" from the back of his left hand, turned his wrist around, and began to dance. Originally, Jing Li objected to him practicing dual swords so early.But after listening to Tong Jing's description of Yan Heng's great prowess in the "Horse Card Gang", the next day he took the initiative to teach Yan Heng how to use double weapons. "Perhaps, you have talent in this area." Jing Li said. To use dual swords, the first step is naturally to strengthen the left hand sword.For more than three months, he has been practicing with his left hand—using this short but thick and heavy "Tiger Pi" to re-practice the most basic sword moves in each style.Sometimes I even practice in my sleep at night. Hearing the sound of "Tiger Pi"'s blade piercing the wind, as daily practice became sharper, he knew that the left-handed sword's dexterity was beginning to be decent - only when the blade's slashing angle was correct and consistent, the sound of piercing the wind would change. tip.Yan Heng was very excited.Next, you can start to study the technique of coordinating the left and right swords. After practicing for a long time, Yan Heng stopped to take a rest, thinking about sword moves in his heart.Then he couldn't help but look at Tong Jing in the distance. He didn't like this arrogant Miss Tong very much in his heart, and felt that she was far worse than Song Xiaoli-although Xiaoli would occasionally play tricks on him, she would always find a chance to make him happy afterwards, after all, she still understood Be considerate. (——Thinking about it, I wonder if Xiaoli is doing well in Weijiang Town now?... Has she calmed down?) But Yan Heng found out again: Ever since he started teaching Tong Jing the sword technique, he would keep thinking about her progress from time to time.Although he was a little reluctant at first, since he started teaching, he wanted to teach more seriously, and hoped that Tong Jing could learn better. Yan Heng saw: Although Tong Jing was angry just now, she continued to practice the eight moves of "Fenghuo Sword" by herself.Seeing her putting so much effort into learning Qingcheng School's swordsmanship, Yan Heng couldn't help feeling relieved. ——As long as it is a pursuit related to martial arts, personal likes and dislikes are naturally thrown aside.This is the nature of warriors. Seeing the error of Tong Jing's sword move from a distance, Yan Heng frowned.But just after the quarrel, I was embarrassed to go over to teach her right away, so I had to let her continue to practice by herself. Yan Heng practiced the left-handed sword for a while, and then put the "Tiger Pi" back into the sheath at the back of his waist, and picked up the gray-black long sword again.This sword is the relic "Still Life Sword" of Hu Yanda, a disciple of Wudang "Bing Crow Dao", and it was also picked up by people from the "Minjiang Gang" after the First World War in Chengdu.The four-foot "Dragon Thorn" is too long, and Yan Heng can't control it satisfactorily, so he temporarily uses this sword as a saber. The "Still Life Sword" is a pair of swords. The handle he is holding now has a small "right" character engraved on the root of the sword body to identify that it is used by the right hand.Another "Still Life Left Sword" hangs on his waist. He raised his sword and gazed at the muted edge.The Qingcheng faction was massacred that day, and the situation was chaotic. He didn't see every enemy clearly, but Huyan Da must be included.This "Still Life Twin Swords" was stained with the blood of many Qingcheng disciples.Thinking of this, Yan Heng felt sad. ——I must become stronger as soon as possible. He lowered his sword and looked towards Jing Li and Hu Linglan.The wooden knives of the two were still clashing, and the sound seemed to have a strange rhythm, which was very pleasant. Yan Heng didn't know much about this female swordsman from the Japanese country, only that her martial arts cultivation was as good as Jing Li's, and far superior to her own - thinking of such a beautiful sister, who was much stronger than herself, Yan Heng could only Feeling that the world is so big and masters come forth in large numbers, I am really too small... At this distance, he couldn't see the expressions of the two of them.But I can feel that they seem to be laughing. Indeed, Jing Li and Hu Linglan were laughing happily while the wooden knives clashed. ——That smile is like two musicians finding a bosom friend for an ensemble. They have been fighting for a long time.Hu Linglan's arm strength was still inferior to Jing Li's, and the strength of the wooden knife began to weaken.Jing Li felt it, and restrained his attack.But Hu Linglan didn't want to be let go, and immediately jumped back to withdraw the knife. "You are much better than a year ago." Hu Linglan knelt down, put the wooden knife on the ground beside her, took out a sweat towel from her belt, and wiped the sweat from her wheat-colored shoulders and neck. "You have fully integrated 'Yinliu' into your own sword technique." Hu Linglan spoke Chinese, and since she knew that she would stay in China for a long time, she tried to practice speaking the language of China as much as possible, and she also reduced her Japanese to Jing Li.Only the word "Yinliu" she didn't know how to translate, and she still pronounced it in Japanese. "You didn't stop practicing swords on the way to Sichuan, did you?" Jing Li responded with a smile. "Of course." Hu Linglan bit her lower lip, but it was actually a smile. "Don't forget, I'm here to kill you." She put back the sweat towel, picked up the wooden knife and stood up, and couldn't help but look at the beautiful scenery on both sides of Wushan Mountain.It is spring, the clouds and mists are thick, and the looming colors of the mountains and rivers have a sense of fantasy and unreality. "Now I know what I want to do in China." Hu Linglan's Chinese was still awkward. "Just follow you and continue to practice. Until you are as strong as you." She pointed at Jing Li with a wooden knife. "You won't bear a woman who is as strong as you, will you? At that time, you can't help but fight with me." "Okay." Jing Li flicked his braided and long hair. "I look forward to that day." After speaking, he walked over to Yan Heng's side. "What's wrong?" Jing Li pointed at Tong Jing who was practicing sword alone on the other side with the wooden knife. "Don't you teach her?" Yan Heng sighed: "Brother Jing, let you teach her in the future. I don't want to waste this kind of time. I just want to concentrate on practicing swords." "Isn't it good?" Jing Li asked with a smile. "She's cute." "Not at all!" Yan Heng yelled in protest, "You're just a spoiled young lady!" Jing Li looked at Tong Jing again: "But she is really practicing the sword moves you taught her very hard." Yan Heng was speechless, only feeling suffocated.He didn't want to mention Tong Jing anymore, so he changed the subject: "Just now I saw you practice swords with Miss Shimadzu, it's very good." "Really?" Jing Li didn't take it seriously, he waved the wooden knife, thinking about the knife technique he used against Hu Linglan just now. "I watched it carefully for a while just now..." Yan Heng said, "Some of the moves you used are similar to the sword moves of our Qingcheng School." "It's not the same." Jing Li admitted it bluntly: "It is indeed the Qingcheng swordsmanship. I watched it on Qingcheng Mountain that day, and I learned it while practicing swords with you for a while." "What?..." Yan Heng's eyes widened. "This...isn't..." He was very nervous when he thought of Qingcheng swordsmanship being passed on to outsiders in his own hands, which violated the taboo of the sect.Tong Jing can also be regarded as a teacher, and she only teaches her the most basic "Fenghuojian", so that's fine; but Jing Li is like this, but she is almost stealing martial arts. Faced with this senior elder brother who was his savior and taught him, Yan Heng was embarrassed to reprimand him directly, and didn't know what to say for a while. "Are you trying to say that I 'learned' the martial arts of your Qingcheng faction?" Jing Li said seriously. "But what I'm teaching you is not Qingcheng School's kung fu. Then do you want to learn it?" Yan Heng was speechless. "If you want to become stronger in the shortest possible time, you have to forget about this kind of boring sectarianism." Jing Li warned him: "Don't talk about the martial arts of your companions. Even if it's the moves of the enemy Wudang sect, I will still study them in detail. .You have to do the same." Yan Heng looked at the sword in his hand, which originally belonged to the enemy. - Keep everything available at your fingertips.This is how the path of the strong goes. Yan Heng recalled when he first met Jing Li, how Jing Li encouraged him: to revive the Qingcheng School, and even create a stronger Qingcheng School. Although it is far away, Yan Heng does have this great wish.And since it is "stronger", it means that it is different from the original Qingcheng faction, and it must contain different things.Also includes other people's stuff. "I understand what you said." Thinking of this, Yan Heng nodded. "I was thinking: before the establishment of the Qingcheng faction, it was impossible for the founders of Qingcheng to create so many martial arts out of thin air. They must have learned from others, right?" Jing Li shrugged his eyebrows.He was a little surprised.This young swordsman, after only a short experience, gradually became clearer in thinking. Jing Li stretched out his hand and pulled out another "Still Life Sword" from Yan Heng's right waist, turned the hilt upside down and handed it to his left hand. "Okay. Let's start teaching you how to use dual weapons today." Yan Heng excitedly took over the "Still Life Left Sword". Tong Jing on the other side practiced again, and finally stopped when she was tired.At this time, she looked at Yan Heng and saw Jing Li teaching him how to practice double swords, which made her very envious. ——If Brother Jing taught me, I would definitely improve faster. She didn't want to look any further, she turned her face to the other side, and saw Hu Linglan standing alone on the bank, admiring the landscape.Tong Jing picked up the bamboo tube with clear water on the side and walked over. "Want a drink?" Tong Jing handed the bamboo tube to the beautiful swordsman who was a head taller than her. "Thank you." Hu Linglan took it.She unplugged the bamboo tube and took a sip of water, her eyes still focused on the mountains on the other side of the river. Such a fit and petite pair of heroic girls stood side by side on the shore, watching the boatman of the "Minjiang Gang" who couldn't help peeping. Seeing the direction of Hu Linglan's eyes, Tong Jing also looked to the other side. "It's so beautiful." Hu Linglan praised again. "Your hometown..." Tong Jing asked curiously, "Is there no mountain?" "Of course." Hu Linglan looked at her and said with a smile, "But it's very different. The mountains in Kagoshima can breathe fire." Tong Jing has never heard that mountains can breathe fire. "Really? How is it?" "When the fire erupted, the entire sky on the mountain turned red." When Hu Linglan thought of her hometown, nostalgia flooded her face. "It's so dangerous. Looking at it from a distance, it will make people feel very powerful. But it's also beautiful." Tong Jing listened, imagining the picture of the volcanic eruption in her heart.Then she looked at Hu Linglan's healthy and beautiful figure again, and thought to herself: It is under such a vigorous mountain that such a girl is bred... "I really want to go and see..." Tong Jing said yearningly. "You're still so young, you have a chance." Hu Linglan looked at her with a charming smile. "I saw you practicing hard just now. Not bad." Tong Jing was very happy to be appreciated by this high-strength sister, and the depression she had just quarreled with Yan Heng was swept away. "I like swords very much." Hu Linglan took Tong Jing's right hand and took a closer look at the blunt iron sword in her hand. "This middle-earth sword is very different from our Japanese one. I saw you learning how to use it, and it is also very different." She handed the sword back to Tong Jing's hand, and then raised the wooden knife. "Although martial arts are different, I think I can still give you some pointers." "Can you?" Tong Jing's big eyes lit up. "thank you!" "Why should we thank you? We are..." Hu Linglan thought about the correct Chinese expression. "……companion." Tong Jing happily held Hu Linglan's hand.Only then did she realize that the skin on the back of Hu Linglan's palm was smooth and firm, but the fingers on the inside were full of thick calluses accumulated from practicing swordsmanship. When they were about to start, Hu Linglan suddenly put away her smile and looked towards the distance of the river. Although separated by fog, she was born in an island country and has rich experience in going to sea. She can see something strange in the upstream at a glance. "Someone is here." Hu Linglan said.Tong Jing also looked at the river. Jing Li and Yan Heng on the other side of the rocky beach also stopped their swords and looked at the river together. After a while, three large ships appeared through the fog and were sailing towards the "Minjiang Gang" cargo ship moored in the middle of the river. The flags of the "Minjiang Gang" were also hung on the three boats. Hu Linglan felt that Tong Jing's palm in her hand became stiff. "I know." Tong Jingmu lowered his head expressionlessly. "Come to find me."
"Our 'Minjiang Gang' has no rules of succession. I only had this daughter, and I never thought of passing on the position of gang leader to her. Although my Tong family is not a decent family, I only hope that this daughter will live. Be safe and happy, grow up to be an ordinary girl, and marry a promising man in the future, and I will be satisfied, so I named her with the character 'Jing'." On the deck of the big ship, a sumptuous banquet was set up, with river fresh beef and sheep, vegetables and fruits, piled up with more than a dozen dishes, and of course good wine.A shade curtain was erected above the banquet. Tong Boxiong, leader of the "Minjiang Gang" sitting at the main seat, raised his glass to Jing Li, Yan Heng and Hu Linglan present as he spoke, and drank it all in one gulp.Jing Li and Hu Linglan generously reciprocated and toasted.Only Yan Heng, who was not very good at drinking, raised his tea bowl and took a sip in embarrassment. Yan Heng couldn't help but secretly glanced at Tong Jing who was standing in the distance at the stern.She was leaning on the railing wondering, with one hand resting on her swollen cheeks, and the other holding a small knife, she carved it on the railing one by one angrily. Her father, Tong Gangzhu, was only about forty years old, with a handsome face and facial features, but his face was extremely tanned due to long-term walking in rivers and rivers.With a neatly combed long beard, coupled with the tall and strong figure and the very exquisite clothes, sitting on the table with extraordinary momentum, he is worthy of being a hero who leads the Gang of Thousands.Those big eyes, quite similar to Tong Jing's, were as bright as stars, showing his shrewd and capable nature. After the three of them drank, the helper next to them immediately added more wine for them.Tong Boxiong sighed, and continued speaking. "But the gods are playing tricks. My daughter's nature has nothing to do with the word 'quiet'. Tong was widowed in her early years and was in charge of assistants for many years. I can't help but love her too much. She wants to learn martial arts, so I will Do everything possible to find the best master for her. Alas, this daughter is the only one in the entire 'Minjiang Gang', so I can't do anything about it." Yan Heng couldn't help secretly agreeing in his heart. While Jing Li was listening, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.Facing the number one gang leader in Chengdu, he was not polite at all.On the other hand, Hu Linglan who was beside him had kept the etiquette of the nobles of the Wu family since she was a child, and just sat quietly, holding the wine glass with both hands. "Don't mind, let's talk while eating." Tong Boxiong smiled, but seeing that Yan Heng and Hu Linglan were still too embarrassed to pick up their chopsticks, they started to eat with their chopsticks.The two just started eating. After a few mouthfuls and another sip of wine, Tong Boxiong continued: "Actually, Tong has returned to Chengdu two months ago and learned that his daughter practiced with a few chivalrous men... Please forgive me for coming to visit now. " "Do you want to wait for your daughter to get tired of training, or to go home by herself?" Jing Li said with a smile, still chewing on the beef. "But after waiting for so long, I still couldn't wait for her to come home, so I was anxious; I also knew that our ship was here and seemed to be leaving Sichuan Province soon, so I was in a hurry to find her?" "I knew Jing Xiashi had experience." Tong Boxiong cupped his hands and smiled: "Don't misunderstand Tong and blame a few of you. It is really a few lifetimes for my little girl to win Jing Xiashi, and this eminent Qingcheng sect to teach her personally. The blessings I have cultivated. But...Jing'er is really arrogant and has no experience in dealing with people, I am afraid that she will easily cause trouble when she is outside." "My daughter is yours. What's more, she is so young. If you want to take her home, we have no room to talk." Jing Li said while eating roasted leg of lamb. "Taking your daughter away, we didn't inform you, your father, before and after the incident. We were wrong. Just fine me with a drink." He picked up the glass and drank it. Tong Boxiong also raised his glass in return: "Jing Xia is indeed a reasonable person. Please don't worry, I will help the cargo ship and let you use it as usual. You can use it whenever you like. If you want to go ashore and go by land, For the chariots and horses Panchuan, please go ahead and tell my subordinates to make preparations." When Yan Heng heard that the Tong Gang was mainly taking away his daughter, he couldn't help looking at Tong Jing again.Although he didn't like her personality very much, after all, she was a companion who traveled and practiced with her for many days. When he thought of it, she even saved his life in the headquarters of the "Horse Brand Gang".Now that we are about to part suddenly, Yan Heng can't help but feel a little sad. The same goes for Hu Linglan.She had a good impression of this martial-minded little sister, and when she thought about breaking up, she couldn't eat any more, so she slowly put down her chopsticks. "Tong has something else he wants to talk to Yan Shaoxia." Tong Boxiong bowed his fist at Yan Heng respectfully, teaching Yan Heng to be flattered. "Tong has already heard about the Qingcheng faction. I also know something about the grievances between Shaoxia and Jing Xiashi and Wudang faction. Tong has a bold guess about Yan Shaoxia's future plans: whether to rely on his own strength How about seeking justice from the Wudang faction and restoring the gate walls of the Qingcheng faction?" Yan Heng's face was ashen, without words.This kind of lofty ambition can be uttered in front of a companion like Jing Li; but to Tong Boxiong, an old Jianghu, Yan Heng thinks to himself that he is just an unknown soldier in the martial arts, so he can't say such big words. But if he didn't say it, it was tantamount to acquiescing. "Tong was just a reckless rivers and lakes, and there is no room for comment on this kind of martial arts competition. But to be honest, Yan Shaoxia, don't you think this matter is too remote?" Tong Boxiong stood up and walked to the side of the boat.The river wind blew his long beard fluttering, and his vicissitudes of eyes looked at the river bank. "When a man is born in the world, what he seeks is nothing more than power, wealth, and respect from the world. Yan Shaoxia's martial arts skills have been proved in the battle of the 'Horse Card Gang'. He may not have made a name for himself in the martial arts world, but in the In the eyes of the Jianghu people like me, such force is already beyond the reach of ordinary people. Isn't it a pity that such extraordinary talents are wasted in the hatred of killing each other?" Tong Boxiong walked up to Yan Heng. "Tong has a request: if you don't give up, Tong is willing to betroth the young hero with his little girl, and give him the position of deputy leader of the young hero to lead the thousands of members of the 'Minjiang Gang'. After another ten or eight years, Tong When you are old and weak, you will inevitably succeed to the position of gang leader - even though the 'Minjiang Gang' has no tradition of family succession, but with the martial arts of a young hero and the son-in-law of Tong, there is no one in the gang who opposes it. " Yan Heng was stunned.He looked at Tong Jing anxiously.She stood far away and did not hear. "This... this..." Yan Heng didn't drink a drop of wine, but his face was flushed, and he hurriedly looked to Jing Li on the opposite side for help. Jing Li was also very surprised by these words, he didn't expect Tong Gang leader to be so direct.The members of the "Minjiang Gang" around the banquet were also generally surprised when they heard that the gang leader had suddenly proposed marriage. But Tong Boxiong already had such a plan when he set off in Chengdu: it is a rare fate for his daughter to make friends with the successor of the famous Yanheng sect—when the Qingcheng sect was still there, the "Minjiang gang" tried every means to gain a little relationship It's impossible.Although the Qingcheng faction has perished today, the identity of Qingcheng's disciples is still no less than that of nobles and grandchildren in the eyes of the Jianghu people.Yan Heng's independent creation of the "Horse Card Gang" also shows his martial arts courage and character.Having such a good son-in-law and being able to add a young strong general to the "Minjiang Gang", Tong Boxiong firmly believes that this is a rare opportunity in a thousand years and must not be missed. "Tong knows that Jing'er's personality is not so likable. But girls will naturally become good when they get married." Tong Boxiong looked at his daughter from a distance and smiled.He once again extended his hands to the sides of the ship.Yan Heng looked over and saw the two escort ships moored beside them, with high sails and strong ships, and the decks were full of hundreds of valiant sailors, and the two blue flags of the "Minjiang Gang" hung high, hunting in the wind. Flying, the style is no different from the naval warships of the officials. "Shaoxia has also seen the grand occasion of the "Mantong" gambling shop in our city making thousands of dollars every day? That is just a small business of the gang. We have a total of more than 50 such large ships on the Minjiang River and the Dajiang River. Even the government has to give enough face. Tong Mou said in a big tone: Although the 'Minjiang Gang' is not rich and powerful, the status of the gang leader can also be called a hero. .In the future, the young heroes who lead the 'Minjiang Gang' will be able to flex their muscles even more, and it will be a great achievement in this life." Tong Boxiong tried his best to lobby, showing full sincerity. Jing Li and Hu Linglan looked at each other.They recalled the similar situation when Shimadzu guarded Xu Qin that day, and the two couldn't help being a little embarrassed. "Brother Jing..." Yan Heng stood up and asked Jing Li for help again. "This is your own business." Jing Li said indifferently. "Others can't help you how to go about your life. If you have any ideas, just tell the leader Tong directly." Yan Heng looked at Tong Jing again, saw that she was looking at him curiously, and intuitively told her that they were talking about him.Yan Heng was afraid that she would hear a few words, so he asked Tong Boxiong to come to the bow and speak.Tong Boxiong also signaled to the gang that they don't need to follow. "Master Tong, I don't read much, and I don't know how to say polite words..." Yan Heng reached the bow of the boat, looked at the big river ahead, took a deep breath, and boldly said, "The kindness of Master Tong is not acceptable to the younger generation. " Tong Boxiong lowered his eyebrows, very disappointed. Yan Heng hastily added: "Please don't misunderstand, this has nothing to do with your daughter, and it's not that I look down on the 'Minjiang Gang'. I can see how rich the Gui Gang is just by looking at the style of this big boat. Poor boy, the Tong Gang leader's proposal of marriage is probably like the wealth that fell from the sky, right?" He then patted the "Tiger Pi" hilt behind him. "Although I don't have any valuables on me, I still have a sword. The sword is the kindness bestowed on me by my master. My name was also given by my master. If I can forget the blood feud of my master in front of Fugui, I still have Are you qualified to be the deputy leader of the 'Minjiang Gang'? Do you still have the face to lead others?" Hearing this, Tong Boxiong was moved, and his disappointment instantly turned into admiration. "The leader guessed right. The younger generation has made an oath to revive the Qingcheng faction and take revenge on the Wudang faction. But you are wrong, the leader. I am not relying on my own strength." Yan Heng pointed at Jing Li. "I still have friends who help me. Friends who share the same ambition. He helps me because he believes in my vow. If I quit halfway, it will not only betray me, but also betray him." While drinking, Jing Li looked at the two of them.Although he couldn't hear a word, he couldn't help smiling when he saw the respectful expression of Tong Boxiong who was almost 30 years older than Yan Heng. ——Of course Jing Li knew what answer Yan Heng would have.He never worried about it. Tong Boxiong stared at Yan Heng for a long time without saying a word. Yan Heng was a little uncomfortable, and cupped his hands at him: "Master Tong, I offended you..." "Do I look a little unhappy?" Tong Boxiong stroked his long beard and smiled boldly: "I'm a little disappointed. But I'm happy." He hung Yan Heng's shoulders. "It seems that I, Tong Boxiong, have not missed a single person in half my life." Yan Heng scratched his hair in embarrassment, always showing the shyness of a teenager. "That's right. Tong is here, in addition to picking up his daughter, he also has important news for several knights." Tong Boxiong said. Yan Heng's eyes lit up: "Is it about...the Wudang sect?" Tong Boxiong nodded. "It's none other than the head of the Wudang faction—the news says that he left Wudang Mountain alone and headed west to Guanzhong." ——The head of Wudang! "Guanzhong?..." Yan Heng was not familiar with geography, so he was puzzled.He immediately beckoned Jing Li and Hu Linglan to come over, and told them. After hearing this, Jing Li clenched his fists excitedly. "Guanzhong..." Jing Li said, "Huashan." Among the "nine sects" in the world, only the Huashan Sword Sect sits in Guanzhong, Shaanxi. It can also be regarded as a coincidence. The journey from here to Guanzhong is not very far: as soon as you go east, you will enter Jingzhou as soon as you leave Wu Gorge, and then go north to Henan through Xiangyang, then you can go west and enter Qin from Wuguan. "I don't know who got this news first? Who started spreading it?" Jing Li asked. Tong Boxiong shook his head: "I don't know. But the news has come to Sichuan, it seems that it has been circulating in the rivers and lakes for some days." "If this is the case, maybe the martial arts people in other provinces already know this amazing news." Jing Li thought about it. “恐怕已有不少人，赶了过去趁热闹，探一探虚实。” “荆大哥，我们……”燕横焦急地问。 “当然去了！”荆裂豪笑：“武当派的掌门本人有多厉害，难道你不想亲眼瞧瞧吗？”
荆裂等人临行前，童伯雄又命人各送上新做的衣冠。燕横得了一顶方巾，好奇尝试戴上去，俨然就是个年轻文士的模样。荆裂看看送来的衣袍，式样和布色都很简朴，但一摸上去就知道是上乘的布料所做。虎玲兰也得了几套汉人妇女的衣裳，她拿起新衣，很是欢喜。衣服款式都很适合三人，足见童伯雄准备周到。 他又亲自向燕横送上一包银两，燕横满不好意思地接过。 燕横和虎玲兰都步过跳板，登上原来的货船。 荆裂过去之前却回头，看一看站在父亲身边的童静。 童静仍然紧紧抱着那柄练习用的钝铁剑。她一双大眼睛已然通红，却咬住下唇，强忍着没有哭。 平日爹事事对她千依百顺，但这次他如此隆重地带着船队来找她，而且自到达至今，还没有跟她说过一句话——童静知道，父亲每次这样，就是说什么都不可能改变他主意的时候。所以她也是半句抗议或请求都没有说过。 燕横隔着船望向童静。她发现了，两人相对遥视。 他们不久前才吵了一架，却不想已经是分别前最后的说话，不免感到怅然。 荆裂这时问童伯雄：“童帮主，请问你加入'岷江帮'时有多大？” “十六岁。”童伯雄抚须怀想。“我在帮里，整整三十年了。” 荆裂瞧一瞧童静。 “呵呵，那也只比令嫒大一、两岁吧？你这么年轻就进道上混了，家里没意见吗？” “童某父母早已双亡，孑然一身。否则怎会走上这条道？” “那可真是命运使然啊。”荆裂微笑。“不过当初你进帮的时候，必然有些抱负吧？也许没想过有一天会当上帮主，但也定然希望干一番事业？” “这个自然。否则童某又哪有今日？……”童伯雄说着，好像感到荆裂话中另有深意。“荆侠士，你想说的是……” “没说什么。我只是想：三十年前，十六岁的童伯雄，也是自己决定自己要去哪儿的。” 荆裂说着，又再瞧着童静。仿佛是朝着她说。 “每个人，都有他自己的路。” 童静有点激动，双眼更红了。 但她已经决定，今天，绝不会哭。 童伯雄听了，嘴唇紧抿着没再开口，眼睛却往下看着甲板，似在咀嚼这话。 荆裂也不再多言，回身两步就跃过跳板，跟燕横和虎玲兰并肩而立，朝着童氏父女一挥手。 跳板被抽回去。货船起锚开行。 燕横和童静，隔着船四目交投。 燕横蓦然又回想起那天：自己身陷罗网，童静擎剑守护着他，面对着许多强弓利箭都不肯走的情景……还有她那时英气的表情。 ——我不会让他们伤了你！ 门派被灭、遭人逼害的燕横，当时听到她这句话，心头是何等暖热…… 燕横急往伸手到腰间，解下那武当的“静物左剑”，趁着船未开远，隔着江水把剑连鞘用力抛过去。 童静在船边伸手，把那“静物剑”一把接住。 “回去也要好好练呀！”燕横向大船高声呼喊。 童静把这剑也抱入怀中，朝着已渐远的燕横用力地点点头。 货船扬帆往东缓缓行驶。不一会儿，后面那三条“岷江帮”大船已经变小，半隐在氤氲之中。燕横、荆裂、虎玲兰三人仍然站在船尾目送。 荆裂指着那些大船，半说笑地问身旁的燕横：“你知道拒绝了童帮主，自己错过了什么吗？” 燕横眺视着，收紧目光。 “本来就不是属于我的东西。没有什么错过不错过的。” 货船沿着曲折河道而行，越是前进，那巫峡两岸奇峰似乎就越高，河谷更形深狭。船帆乘着风，正带着燕横驶出他平生也没有离开过的四川，航向更广大而未知的江湖。
Notes:
The blunt iron sword vibrated, and the tip of the sword turned a half circle from the outside to the inside, the trajectory was very graceful.It is the eighth move of the Qingcheng School's entry-level sword technique "Fenghuojian", "Snake Entangling Branches". Yan Heng, who was standing beside him, shook his head and shouted, "No way!" Tong Jing gritted her teeth, and used the sword to perform "snake wrapped around branches" again.This time the tip of the sword turned faster and harder. "No!" Yan Heng still shook his head. "What's the matter?" Tong Jing stamped her feet angrily. "You forgot again? I said it earlier!" Yan Heng gestured with the gray-black long sword in his hand. "This 'snake wrapping branch' is intended to hit the opponent's wrist veins holding the sword. The trick is to be delicate, not fast! But you blindly map fast, the sword circle is too big and too loose, and the opponent can easily detect it. , retracted your hand, what else do you want?" Tong Jing bit her lower lip.In the past, she and so many masters have never suffered such a temper. "Come again!" Yan Heng urged. "What's the matter..." Tong Jing said dissatisfiedly: "It took me so long to learn these ten moves and eight moves... My previous master, in three months, I learned a whole set of sword skills..." "Because your former masters were all rice bags." Yan Heng said disdainfully: "The tricks they taught you are all tricks that you can only watch. Those masters were all paid by your father, right? They are afraid that you will learn Being bored and unhappy will cause them to lose their jobs, so naturally they teach more and faster. This is not how real kung fu is learned. Do you think you are really a peerless genius in martial arts?" Yan Heng swung his sword, and played out the eight moves "Fenghuo Sword" that Tong Jing had taught, from the first move "half-blocking" to the eighth move "snake wrapping branches", in two breaths. Like clouds and flowing water, there is no stagnation at all. "Don't think that you can learn faster because you don't use the sword less. You learned those fancy kung fu before and developed a lot of bad habits. I still need to spend more time correcting you one by one." Yan Heng said with his sword closed. Seeing Yan Heng's move, Tong Jing had to give in.But being scolded by such a young man of similar age, I found it difficult to swallow this breath. Witnessing Yan Heng's solo battle against the "Horse Card Gang" in Chengdu that day, Tong Jing really admired this young hero of the Qingcheng School; On top of that, and seeing that every time Jing Li practiced martial arts with amazing moves, which were fresh and fun, her admiration was transferred to Jing Li. Tong Jing looked over from a distance.On the other side of the rocky beach, Jing Li and Hu Linglan were fiercely chopping each other with long wooden knives, the sound of their impact seemed to be powerful even from a distance.The crew in charge of keeping the boat couldn't help watching curiously. But seeing that the two people's postures and movements are getting faster and faster, their offense and defense are so dense that they seem to be rehearsing in advance, and their styles of moves are similar. They seem to be fighting, and they seem to be playing a game. Tong Jing looked at it with a little envy, and murmured, "Why didn't Brother Jing teach me? He is much better than you. He taught me, and I must learn better." Yan Heng didn't really want to teach Tong Jing at first, and felt that he was hindering himself from practicing swords, so he was even more angry when he heard this. "If you like him, go find him! I'm too lazy to teach you!" Yan Heng turned and walked away after saying that. His phrase "you like him" turned out to mean "you like to be taught by him".Listening to Tong Jing's ears, it made her round face flush, and she lowered her eyes shyly.Fortunately, Yan Heng had already walked away and did not see him. Yan Heng walked to the water's edge of the rocky beach, pulled out the dagger "Tiger Pi" from the back of his left hand, turned his wrist around, and began to dance. Originally, Jing Li objected to him practicing dual swords so early.But after listening to Tong Jing's description of Yan Heng's great prowess in the "Horse Card Gang", the next day he took the initiative to teach Yan Heng how to use double weapons. "Perhaps, you have talent in this area." Jing Li said. To use dual swords, the first step is naturally to strengthen the left hand sword.For more than three months, he has been practicing with his left hand—using this short but thick and heavy "Tiger Pi" to re-practice the most basic sword moves in each style.Sometimes I even practice in my sleep at night. Hearing the sound of "Tiger Pi"'s blade piercing the wind, as daily practice became sharper, he knew that the left-handed sword's dexterity was beginning to be decent - only when the blade's slashing angle was correct and consistent, the sound of piercing the wind would change. tip.Yan Heng was very excited.Next, you can start to study the technique of coordinating the left and right swords. After practicing for a long time, Yan Heng stopped to take a rest, thinking about sword moves in his heart.Then he couldn't help but look at Tong Jing in the distance. He didn't like this arrogant Miss Tong very much in his heart, and felt that she was far worse than Song Xiaoli-although Xiaoli would occasionally play tricks on him, she would always find a chance to make him happy afterwards, after all, she still understood Be considerate. (——Thinking about it, I wonder if Xiaoli is doing well in Weijiang Town now?... Has she calmed down?) But Yan Heng found out again: Ever since he started teaching Tong Jing the sword technique, he would keep thinking about her progress from time to time.Although he was a little reluctant at first, since he started teaching, he wanted to teach more seriously, and hoped that Tong Jing could learn better. Yan Heng saw: Although Tong Jing was angry just now, she continued to practice the eight moves of "Fenghuo Sword" by herself.Seeing her putting so much effort into learning Qingcheng School's swordsmanship, Yan Heng couldn't help feeling relieved. ——As long as it is a pursuit related to martial arts, personal likes and dislikes are naturally thrown aside.This is the nature of warriors. Seeing the error of Tong Jing's sword move from a distance, Yan Heng frowned.But just after the quarrel, I was embarrassed to go over to teach her right away, so I had to let her continue to practice by herself. Yan Heng practiced the left-handed sword for a while, and then put the "Tiger Pi" back into the sheath at the back of his waist, and picked up the gray-black long sword again.This sword is the relic "Still Life Sword" of Hu Yanda, a disciple of Wudang "Bing Crow Dao", and it was also picked up by people from the "Minjiang Gang" after the First World War in Chengdu.The four-foot "Dragon Thorn" is too long, and Yan Heng can't control it satisfactorily, so he temporarily uses this sword as a saber. The "Still Life Sword" is a pair of swords. The handle he is holding now has a small "right" character engraved on the root of the sword body to identify that it is used by the right hand.Another "Still Life Left Sword" hangs on his waist. He raised his sword and gazed at the muted edge.The Qingcheng faction was massacred that day, and the situation was chaotic. He didn't see every enemy clearly, but Huyan Da must be included.This "Still Life Twin Swords" was stained with the blood of many Qingcheng disciples.Thinking of this, Yan Heng felt sad. ——I must become stronger as soon as possible. He lowered his sword and looked towards Jing Li and Hu Linglan.The wooden knives of the two were still clashing, and the sound seemed to have a strange rhythm, which was very pleasant. Yan Heng didn't know much about this female swordsman from the Japanese country, only that her martial arts cultivation was as good as Jing Li's, and far superior to her own - thinking of such a beautiful sister, who was much stronger than herself, Yan Heng could only Feeling that the world is so big and masters come forth in large numbers, I am really too small... At this distance, he couldn't see the expressions of the two of them.But I can feel that they seem to be laughing. Indeed, Jing Li and Hu Linglan were laughing happily while the wooden knives clashed. ——That smile is like two musicians finding a bosom friend for an ensemble. They have been fighting for a long time.Hu Linglan's arm strength was still inferior to Jing Li's, and the strength of the wooden knife began to weaken.Jing Li felt it, and restrained his attack.But Hu Linglan didn't want to be let go, and immediately jumped back to withdraw the knife. "You are much better than a year ago." Hu Linglan knelt down, put the wooden knife on the ground beside her, took out a sweat towel from her belt, and wiped the sweat from her wheat-colored shoulders and neck. "You have fully integrated 'Yinliu' into your own sword technique." Hu Linglan spoke Chinese, and since she knew that she would stay in China for a long time, she tried to practice speaking the language of China as much as possible, and she also reduced her Japanese to Jing Li.Only the word "Yinliu" she didn't know how to translate, and she still pronounced it in Japanese. "You didn't stop practicing swords on the way to Sichuan, did you?" Jing Li responded with a smile. "Of course." Hu Linglan bit her lower lip, but it was actually a smile. "Don't forget, I'm here to kill you." She put back the sweat towel, picked up the wooden knife and stood up, and couldn't help but look at the beautiful scenery on both sides of Wushan Mountain.It is spring, the clouds and mists are thick, and the looming colors of the mountains and rivers have a sense of fantasy and unreality. "Now I know what I want to do in China." Hu Linglan's Chinese was still awkward. "Just follow you and continue to practice. Until you are as strong as you." She pointed at Jing Li with a wooden knife. "You won't bear a woman who is as strong as you, will you? At that time, you can't help but fight with me." "Okay." Jing Li flicked his braided and long hair. "I look forward to that day." After speaking, he walked over to Yan Heng's side. "What's wrong?" Jing Li pointed at Tong Jing who was practicing sword alone on the other side with the wooden knife. "Don't you teach her?" Yan Heng sighed: "Brother Jing, let you teach her in the future. I don't want to waste this kind of time. I just want to concentrate on practicing swords." "Isn't it good?" Jing Li asked with a smile. "She's cute." "Not at all!" Yan Heng yelled in protest, "You're just a spoiled young lady!" Jing Li looked at Tong Jing again: "But she is really practicing the sword moves you taught her very hard." Yan Heng was speechless, only feeling suffocated.He didn't want to mention Tong Jing anymore, so he changed the subject: "Just now I saw you practice swords with Miss Shimadzu, it's very good." "Really?" Jing Li didn't take it seriously, he waved the wooden knife, thinking about the knife technique he used against Hu Linglan just now. "I watched it carefully for a while just now..." Yan Heng said, "Some of the moves you used are similar to the sword moves of our Qingcheng School." "It's not the same." Jing Li admitted it bluntly: "It is indeed the Qingcheng swordsmanship. I watched it on Qingcheng Mountain that day, and I learned it while practicing swords with you for a while." "What?..." Yan Heng's eyes widened. "This...isn't..." He was very nervous when he thought of Qingcheng swordsmanship being passed on to outsiders in his own hands, which violated the taboo of the sect.Tong Jing can also be regarded as a teacher, and she only teaches her the most basic "Fenghuojian", so that's fine; but Jing Li is like this, but she is almost stealing martial arts. Faced with this senior elder brother who was his savior and taught him, Yan Heng was embarrassed to reprimand him directly, and didn't know what to say for a while. "Are you trying to say that I 'learned' the martial arts of your Qingcheng faction?" Jing Li said seriously. "But what I'm teaching you is not Qingcheng School's kung fu. Then do you want to learn it?" Yan Heng was speechless. "If you want to become stronger in the shortest possible time, you have to forget about this kind of boring sectarianism." Jing Li warned him: "Don't talk about the martial arts of your companions. Even if it's the moves of the enemy Wudang sect, I will still study them in detail. .You have to do the same." Yan Heng looked at the sword in his hand, which originally belonged to the enemy. - Keep everything available at your fingertips.This is how the path of the strong goes. Yan Heng recalled when he first met Jing Li, how Jing Li encouraged him: to revive the Qingcheng School, and even create a stronger Qingcheng School. Although it is far away, Yan Heng does have this great wish.And since it is "stronger", it means that it is different from the original Qingcheng faction, and it must contain different things.Also includes other people's stuff. "I understand what you said." Thinking of this, Yan Heng nodded. "I was thinking: before the establishment of the Qingcheng faction, it was impossible for the founders of Qingcheng to create so many martial arts out of thin air. They must have learned from others, right?" Jing Li shrugged his eyebrows.He was a little surprised.This young swordsman, after only a short experience, gradually became clearer in thinking. Jing Li stretched out his hand and pulled out another "Still Life Sword" from Yan Heng's right waist, turned the hilt upside down and handed it to his left hand. "Okay. Let's start teaching you how to use dual weapons today." Yan Heng excitedly took over the "Still Life Left Sword". Tong Jing on the other side practiced again, and finally stopped when she was tired.At this time, she looked at Yan Heng and saw Jing Li teaching him how to practice double swords, which made her very envious. ——If Brother Jing taught me, I would definitely improve faster. She didn't want to look any further, she turned her face to the other side, and saw Hu Linglan standing alone on the bank, admiring the landscape.Tong Jing picked up the bamboo tube with clear water on the side and walked over. "Want a drink?" Tong Jing handed the bamboo tube to the beautiful swordsman who was a head taller than her. "Thank you." Hu Linglan took it.She unplugged the bamboo tube and took a sip of water, her eyes still focused on the mountains on the other side of the river. Such a fit and petite pair of heroic girls stood side by side on the shore, watching the boatman of the "Minjiang Gang" who couldn't help peeping. Seeing the direction of Hu Linglan's eyes, Tong Jing also looked to the other side. "It's so beautiful." Hu Linglan praised again. "Your hometown..." Tong Jing asked curiously, "Is there no mountain?" "Of course." Hu Linglan looked at her and said with a smile, "But it's very different. The mountains in Kagoshima can breathe fire." Tong Jing has never heard that mountains can breathe fire. "Really? How is it?" "When the fire erupted, the entire sky on the mountain turned red." When Hu Linglan thought of her hometown, nostalgia flooded her face. "It's so dangerous. Looking at it from a distance, it will make people feel very powerful. But it's also beautiful." Tong Jing listened, imagining the picture of the volcanic eruption in her heart.Then she looked at Hu Linglan's healthy and beautiful figure again, and thought to herself: It is under such a vigorous mountain that such a girl is bred... "I really want to go and see..." Tong Jing said yearningly. "You're still so young, you have a chance." Hu Linglan looked at her with a charming smile. "I saw you practicing hard just now. Not bad." Tong Jing was very happy to be appreciated by this high-strength sister, and the depression she had just quarreled with Yan Heng was swept away. "I like swords very much." Hu Linglan took Tong Jing's right hand and took a closer look at the blunt iron sword in her hand. "This middle-earth sword is very different from our Japanese one. I saw you learning how to use it, and it is also very different." She handed the sword back to Tong Jing's hand, and then raised the wooden knife. "Although martial arts are different, I think I can still give you some pointers." "Can you?" Tong Jing's big eyes lit up. "thank you!" "Why should we thank you? We are..." Hu Linglan thought about the correct Chinese expression. "……companion." Tong Jing happily held Hu Linglan's hand.Only then did she realize that the skin on the back of Hu Linglan's palm was smooth and firm, but the fingers on the inside were full of thick calluses accumulated from practicing swordsmanship. When they were about to start, Hu Linglan suddenly put away her smile and looked towards the distance of the river. Although separated by fog, she was born in an island country and has rich experience in going to sea. She can see something strange in the upstream at a glance. "Someone is here." Hu Linglan said.Tong Jing also looked at the river. Jing Li and Yan Heng on the other side of the rocky beach also stopped their swords and looked at the river together. After a while, three large ships appeared through the fog and were sailing towards the "Minjiang Gang" cargo ship moored in the middle of the river. The flags of the "Minjiang Gang" were also hung on the three boats. Hu Linglan felt that Tong Jing's palm in her hand became stiff. "I know." Tong Jingmu lowered his head expressionlessly. "Come to find me."
"Our 'Minjiang Gang' has no rules of succession. I only had this daughter, and I never thought of passing on the position of gang leader to her. Although my Tong family is not a decent family, I only hope that this daughter will live. Be safe and happy, grow up to be an ordinary girl, and marry a promising man in the future, and I will be satisfied, so I named her with the character 'Jing'." On the deck of the big ship, a sumptuous banquet was set up, with river fresh beef and sheep, vegetables and fruits, piled up with more than a dozen dishes, and of course good wine.A shade curtain was erected above the banquet. Tong Boxiong, leader of the "Minjiang Gang" sitting at the main seat, raised his glass to Jing Li, Yan Heng and Hu Linglan present as he spoke, and drank it all in one gulp.Jing Li and Hu Linglan generously reciprocated and toasted.Only Yan Heng, who was not very good at drinking, raised his tea bowl and took a sip in embarrassment. Yan Heng couldn't help but secretly glanced at Tong Jing who was standing in the distance at the stern.She was leaning on the railing wondering, with one hand resting on her swollen cheeks, and the other holding a small knife, she carved it on the railing one by one angrily. Her father, Tong Gangzhu, was only about forty years old, with a handsome face and facial features, but his face was extremely tanned due to long-term walking in rivers and rivers.With a neatly combed long beard, coupled with the tall and strong figure and the very exquisite clothes, sitting on the table with extraordinary momentum, he is worthy of being a hero who leads the Gang of Thousands.Those big eyes, quite similar to Tong Jing's, were as bright as stars, showing his shrewd and capable nature. After the three of them drank, the helper next to them immediately added more wine for them.Tong Boxiong sighed, and continued speaking. "But the gods are playing tricks. My daughter's nature has nothing to do with the word 'quiet'. Tong was widowed in her early years and was in charge of assistants for many years. I can't help but love her too much. She wants to learn martial arts, so I will Do everything possible to find the best master for her. Alas, this daughter is the only one in the entire 'Minjiang Gang', so I can't do anything about it." Yan Heng couldn't help secretly agreeing in his heart. While Jing Li was listening, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.Facing the number one gang leader in Chengdu, he was not polite at all.On the other hand, Hu Linglan who was beside him had kept the etiquette of the nobles of the Wu family since she was a child, and just sat quietly, holding the wine glass with both hands. "Don't mind, let's talk while eating." Tong Boxiong smiled, but seeing that Yan Heng and Hu Linglan were still too embarrassed to pick up their chopsticks, they started to eat with their chopsticks.The two just started eating. After a few mouthfuls and another sip of wine, Tong Boxiong continued: "Actually, Tong has returned to Chengdu two months ago and learned that his daughter practiced with a few chivalrous men... Please forgive me for coming to visit now. " "Do you want to wait for your daughter to get tired of training, or to go home by herself?" Jing Li said with a smile, still chewing on the beef. "But after waiting for so long, I still couldn't wait for her to come home, so I was anxious; I also knew that our ship was here and seemed to be leaving Sichuan Province soon, so I was in a hurry to find her?" "I knew Jing Xiashi had experience." Tong Boxiong cupped his hands and smiled: "Don't misunderstand Tong and blame a few of you. It is really a few lifetimes for my little girl to win Jing Xiashi, and this eminent Qingcheng sect to teach her personally. The blessings I have cultivated. But...Jing'er is really arrogant and has no experience in dealing with people, I am afraid that she will easily cause trouble when she is outside." "My daughter is yours. What's more, she is so young. If you want to take her home, we have no room to talk." Jing Li said while eating roasted leg of lamb. "Taking your daughter away, we didn't inform you, your father, before and after the incident. We were wrong. Just fine me with a drink." He picked up the glass and drank it. Tong Boxiong also raised his glass in return: "Jing Xia is indeed a reasonable person. Please don't worry, I will help the cargo ship and let you use it as usual. You can use it whenever you like. If you want to go ashore and go by land, For the chariots and horses Panchuan, please go ahead and tell my subordinates to make preparations." When Yan Heng heard that the Tong Gang was mainly taking away his daughter, he couldn't help looking at Tong Jing again.Although he didn't like her personality very much, after all, she was a companion who traveled and practiced with her for many days. When he thought of it, she even saved his life in the headquarters of the "Horse Brand Gang".Now that we are about to part suddenly, Yan Heng can't help but feel a little sad. The same goes for Hu Linglan.She had a good impression of this martial-minded little sister, and when she thought about breaking up, she couldn't eat any more, so she slowly put down her chopsticks. "Tong has something else he wants to talk to Yan Shaoxia." Tong Boxiong bowed his fist at Yan Heng respectfully, teaching Yan Heng to be flattered. "Tong has already heard about the Qingcheng faction. I also know something about the grievances between Shaoxia and Jing Xiashi and Wudang faction. Tong has a bold guess about Yan Shaoxia's future plans: whether to rely on his own strength How about seeking justice from the Wudang faction and restoring the gate walls of the Qingcheng faction?" Yan Heng's face was ashen, without words.This kind of lofty ambition can be uttered in front of a companion like Jing Li; but to Tong Boxiong, an old Jianghu, Yan Heng thinks to himself that he is just an unknown soldier in the martial arts, so he can't say such big words. But if he didn't say it, it was tantamount to acquiescing. "Tong was just a reckless rivers and lakes, and there is no room for comment on this kind of martial arts competition. But to be honest, Yan Shaoxia, don't you think this matter is too remote?" Tong Boxiong stood up and walked to the side of the boat.The river wind blew his long beard fluttering, and his vicissitudes of eyes looked at the river bank. "When a man is born in the world, what he seeks is nothing more than power, wealth, and respect from the world. Yan Shaoxia's martial arts skills have been proved in the battle of the 'Horse Card Gang'. He may not have made a name for himself in the martial arts world, but in the In the eyes of the Jianghu people like me, such force is already beyond the reach of ordinary people. Isn't it a pity that such extraordinary talents are wasted in the hatred of killing each other?" Tong Boxiong walked up to Yan Heng. "Tong has a request: if you don't give up, Tong is willing to betroth the young hero with his little girl, and give him the position of deputy leader of the young hero to lead the thousands of members of the 'Minjiang Gang'. After another ten or eight years, Tong When you are old and weak, you will inevitably succeed to the position of gang leader - even though the 'Minjiang Gang' has no tradition of family succession, but with the martial arts of a young hero and the son-in-law of Tong, there is no one in the gang who opposes it. " Yan Heng was stunned.He looked at Tong Jing anxiously.She stood far away and did not hear. "This... this..." Yan Heng didn't drink a drop of wine, but his face was flushed, and he hurriedly looked to Jing Li on the opposite side for help. Jing Li was also very surprised by these words, he didn't expect Tong Gang leader to be so direct.The members of the "Minjiang Gang" around the banquet were also generally surprised when they heard that the gang leader had suddenly proposed marriage. But Tong Boxiong already had such a plan when he set off in Chengdu: it is a rare fate for his daughter to make friends with the successor of the famous Yanheng sect—when the Qingcheng sect was still there, the "Minjiang gang" tried every means to gain a little relationship It's impossible.Although the Qingcheng faction has perished today, the identity of Qingcheng's disciples is still no less than that of nobles and grandchildren in the eyes of the Jianghu people.Yan Heng's independent creation of the "Horse Card Gang" also shows his martial arts courage and character.Having such a good son-in-law and being able to add a young strong general to the "Minjiang Gang", Tong Boxiong firmly believes that this is a rare opportunity in a thousand years and must not be missed. "Tong knows that Jing'er's personality is not so likable. But girls will naturally become good when they get married." Tong Boxiong looked at his daughter from a distance and smiled.He once again extended his hands to the sides of the ship.Yan Heng looked over and saw the two escort ships moored beside them, with high sails and strong ships, and the decks were full of hundreds of valiant sailors, and the two blue flags of the "Minjiang Gang" hung high, hunting in the wind. Flying, the style is no different from the naval warships of the officials. "Shaoxia has also seen the grand occasion of the "Mantong" gambling shop in our city making thousands of dollars every day? That is just a small business of the gang. We have a total of more than 50 such large ships on the Minjiang River and the Dajiang River. Even the government has to give enough face. Tong Mou said in a big tone: Although the 'Minjiang Gang' is not rich and powerful, the status of the gang leader can also be called a hero. .In the future, the young heroes who lead the 'Minjiang Gang' will be able to flex their muscles even more, and it will be a great achievement in this life." Tong Boxiong tried his best to lobby, showing full sincerity. Jing Li and Hu Linglan looked at each other.They recalled the similar situation when Shimadzu guarded Xu Qin that day, and the two couldn't help being a little embarrassed. "Brother Jing..." Yan Heng stood up and asked Jing Li for help again. "This is your own business." Jing Li said indifferently. "Others can't help you how to go about your life. If you have any ideas, just tell the leader Tong directly." Yan Heng looked at Tong Jing again, saw that she was looking at him curiously, and intuitively told her that they were talking about him.Yan Heng was afraid that she would hear a few words, so he asked Tong Boxiong to come to the bow and speak.Tong Boxiong also signaled to the gang that they don't need to follow. "Master Tong, I don't read much, and I don't know how to say polite words..." Yan Heng reached the bow of the boat, looked at the big river ahead, took a deep breath, and boldly said, "The kindness of Master Tong is not acceptable to the younger generation. " Tong Boxiong lowered his eyebrows, very disappointed. Yan Heng hastily added: "Please don't misunderstand, this has nothing to do with your daughter, and it's not that I look down on the 'Minjiang Gang'. I can see how rich the Gui Gang is just by looking at the style of this big boat. Poor boy, the Tong Gang leader's proposal of marriage is probably like the wealth that fell from the sky, right?" He then patted the "Tiger Pi" hilt behind him. "Although I don't have any valuables on me, I still have a sword. The sword is the kindness bestowed on me by my master. My name was also given by my master. If I can forget the blood feud of my master in front of Fugui, I still have Are you qualified to be the deputy leader of the 'Minjiang Gang'? Do you still have the face to lead others?" Hearing this, Tong Boxiong was moved, and his disappointment instantly turned into admiration. "The leader guessed right. The younger generation has made an oath to revive the Qingcheng faction and take revenge on the Wudang faction. But you are wrong, the leader. I am not relying on my own strength." Yan Heng pointed at Jing Li. "I still have friends who help me. Friends who share the same ambition. He helps me because he believes in my vow. If I quit halfway, it will not only betray me, but also betray him." While drinking, Jing Li looked at the two of them.Although he couldn't hear a word, he couldn't help smiling when he saw the respectful expression of Tong Boxiong who was almost 30 years older than Yan Heng. ——Of course Jing Li knew what answer Yan Heng would have.He never worried about it. Tong Boxiong stared at Yan Heng for a long time without saying a word. Yan Heng was a little uncomfortable, and cupped his hands at him: "Master Tong, I offended you..." "Do I look a little unhappy?" Tong Boxiong stroked his long beard and smiled boldly: "I'm a little disappointed. But I'm happy." He hung Yan Heng's shoulders. "It seems that I, Tong Boxiong, have not missed a single person in half my life." Yan Heng scratched his hair in embarrassment, always showing the shyness of a teenager. "That's right. Tong is here, in addition to picking up his daughter, he also has important news for several knights." Tong Boxiong said. Yan Heng's eyes lit up: "Is it about...the Wudang sect?" Tong Boxiong nodded. "It's none other than the head of the Wudang faction—the news says that he left Wudang Mountain alone and headed west to Guanzhong." ——The head of Wudang! "Guanzhong?..." Yan Heng was not familiar with geography, so he was puzzled.He immediately beckoned Jing Li and Hu Linglan to come over, and told them. After hearing this, Jing Li clenched his fists excitedly. "Guanzhong..." Jing Li said, "Huashan." Among the "nine sects" in the world, only the Huashan Sword Sect sits in Guanzhong, Shaanxi. It can also be regarded as a coincidence. The journey from here to Guanzhong is not very far: as soon as you go east, you will enter Jingzhou as soon as you leave Wu Gorge, and then go north to Henan through Xiangyang, then you can go west and enter Qin from Wuguan. "I don't know who got this news first? Who started spreading it?" Jing Li asked. Tong Boxiong shook his head: "I don't know. But the news has come to Sichuan, it seems that it has been circulating in the rivers and lakes for some days." "If this is the case, maybe the martial arts people in other provinces already know this amazing news." Jing Li thought about it. “恐怕已有不少人，赶了过去趁热闹，探一探虚实。” “荆大哥，我们……”燕横焦急地问。 “当然去了！”荆裂豪笑：“武当派的掌门本人有多厉害，难道你不想亲眼瞧瞧吗？”
荆裂等人临行前，童伯雄又命人各送上新做的衣冠。燕横得了一顶方巾，好奇尝试戴上去，俨然就是个年轻文士的模样。荆裂看看送来的衣袍，式样和布色都很简朴，但一摸上去就知道是上乘的布料所做。虎玲兰也得了几套汉人妇女的衣裳，她拿起新衣，很是欢喜。衣服款式都很适合三人，足见童伯雄准备周到。 他又亲自向燕横送上一包银两，燕横满不好意思地接过。 燕横和虎玲兰都步过跳板，登上原来的货船。 荆裂过去之前却回头，看一看站在父亲身边的童静。 童静仍然紧紧抱着那柄练习用的钝铁剑。她一双大眼睛已然通红，却咬住下唇，强忍着没有哭。 平日爹事事对她千依百顺，但这次他如此隆重地带着船队来找她，而且自到达至今，还没有跟她说过一句话——童静知道，父亲每次这样，就是说什么都不可能改变他主意的时候。所以她也是半句抗议或请求都没有说过。 燕横隔着船望向童静。她发现了，两人相对遥视。 他们不久前才吵了一架，却不想已经是分别前最后的说话，不免感到怅然。 荆裂这时问童伯雄：“童帮主，请问你加入'岷江帮'时有多大？” “十六岁。”童伯雄抚须怀想。“我在帮里，整整三十年了。” 荆裂瞧一瞧童静。 “呵呵，那也只比令嫒大一、两岁吧？你这么年轻就进道上混了，家里没意见吗？” “童某父母早已双亡，孑然一身。否则怎会走上这条道？” “那可真是命运使然啊。”荆裂微笑。“不过当初你进帮的时候，必然有些抱负吧？也许没想过有一天会当上帮主，但也定然希望干一番事业？” “这个自然。否则童某又哪有今日？……”童伯雄说着，好像感到荆裂话中另有深意。“荆侠士，你想说的是……” “没说什么。我只是想：三十年前，十六岁的童伯雄，也是自己决定自己要去哪儿的。” 荆裂说着，又再瞧着童静。仿佛是朝着她说。 “每个人，都有他自己的路。” 童静有点激动，双眼更红了。 但她已经决定，今天，绝不会哭。 童伯雄听了，嘴唇紧抿着没再开口，眼睛却往下看着甲板，似在咀嚼这话。 荆裂也不再多言，回身两步就跃过跳板，跟燕横和虎玲兰并肩而立，朝着童氏父女一挥手。 跳板被抽回去。货船起锚开行。 燕横和童静，隔着船四目交投。 燕横蓦然又回想起那天：自己身陷罗网，童静擎剑守护着他，面对着许多强弓利箭都不肯走的情景……还有她那时英气的表情。 ——我不会让他们伤了你！ 门派被灭、遭人逼害的燕横，当时听到她这句话，心头是何等暖热…… 燕横急往伸手到腰间，解下那武当的“静物左剑”，趁着船未开远，隔着江水把剑连鞘用力抛过去。 童静在船边伸手，把那“静物剑”一把接住。 “回去也要好好练呀！”燕横向大船高声呼喊。 童静把这剑也抱入怀中，朝着已渐远的燕横用力地点点头。 货船扬帆往东缓缓行驶。不一会儿，后面那三条“岷江帮”大船已经变小，半隐在氤氲之中。燕横、荆裂、虎玲兰三人仍然站在船尾目送。 荆裂指着那些大船，半说笑地问身旁的燕横：“你知道拒绝了童帮主，自己错过了什么吗？” 燕横眺视着，收紧目光。 “本来就不是属于我的东西。没有什么错过不错过的。” 货船沿着曲折河道而行，越是前进，那巫峡两岸奇峰似乎就越高，河谷更形深狭。船帆乘着风，正带着燕横驶出他平生也没有离开过的四川，航向更广大而未知的江湖。
Notes: