Chapter 9: Sword in Hand, Beauty by My Side—A Wager Made

“Endless yellow sands shroud the dying sun, leaning alone on the Cloud Pavilion, my heart wanders in hesitation. I long to sing a song with fine wine, yet—”

Suddenly, a few lines of verse floated down from the loft beside Su Mu and the others. Everyone turned to look and saw a figure half-leaning against a third-floor window, carelessly holding a wine jug.

“Yet, parting sorrow wrenches the heart,” An Rui blinked and casually completed the final line.

The man burst out laughing. Seeing their attention, he flashed a row of white teeth in a wide grin and, with a twist, leapt straight down from the third floor. Xiao Lan shrieked and covered her eyes in fright.

Su Mu, however, watched closely. As the man jumped, his descent was slow, as if some unseen force was gently tugging him downward—undeniably elegant.

He wore a cyan robe, open at the front to reveal his inner garments. His long hair was loose about his shoulders, and his left hand formed a sword gesture while his right hand lifted the wine jug for a swig as he walked.

When he stood before them, they could see that despite his handsome features, his eyes glimmered with an eerie light.

Catching An Rui’s gaze, he smiled and said, “Such an intelligent and perceptive young lady—I like that. Once Du Feiyang has dealt with your protector, you shall come with me.”

Su Mu’s anger flared. He pointed at the man in blue and shouted, “Who are you? An Rui will never go with you! And as for my Uncle Mu, there’s no way he’ll lose to some sorcerer!”

The man in blue laughed loudly, ignoring Su Mu, but kept his eyes on An Rui. “What do you say?”

An Rui bowed and replied, “My lord’s favor overwhelms me. I am unworthy. Yet my family is strict, and my father bade me return home early. Any delay, and he’ll surely send for me. I fear I must disappoint your kind intentions. Besides, my Uncle Mu is highly skilled—who wins or loses is far from certain.”

The man listened to her words with keen interest, not interrupting. When she finished, he said, “Your voice is as clear as water, as melodious as a song. Once you’re with me, I’ll teach you a few of my own tunes. Sing them for me every day—it would be delightful.”

Xiao Lan, indignant, retorted, “What nonsense! Who wants to learn your silly songs? My lady is destined for greatness, meant to marry a true hero, not someone like you. Have you even looked at yourself?”

Before she finished, the man’s brow furrowed. With a flick of his left hand, still in the sword gesture, the tiny swords before them darted like little fish, suddenly aiming for the group’s throats.

Of the three, only the sword before An Rui hovered, unmoving. The other two flew to Su Mu and Xiao Lan’s throats. Feeling the cold tip so close, Xiao Lan’s face turned ashen with fear, and Su Mu’s brows drew tight.

The man in blue said coldly, “Whoever makes a fuss, my Wandering Fish Sword will put a hole in them and save me the annoyance.” His words filled Su Mu and Xiao Lan with fury, but neither dared speak again.

Disregarding their glares, he turned to An Rui with a smile. “No more tricks. Even if your family comes, however many there are, I can kill them all. My name is Zhou Chen—you may call me Mr. Zhou. Even at Pinglong Fort, I answer to no one. The power of the Zhou family is beyond your imagination. Follow me, and you’ll have everything you desire.”

“Is that so? All I want is my freedom and a safe return home—can you grant me that?” An Rui replied, her face expressionless.

“Don’t be unreasonable,” Zhou Chen said coolly. “I am a man of my word. I dislike forcing others, but I won’t tolerate endless excuses or ingratitude.”

Su Mu could no longer contain his fury. Ignoring the threat of the sword, he shouted, “If An Rui does not wish to go, no one can force her! Try anything, and I’ll stop you even at the cost of my life!”

Zhou Chen, already annoyed, now laughed in anger. “What’s this? Is she your sweetheart? For someone so young, you’ve got lofty thoughts. Do you think a country bumpkin like you is worthy of someone I’ve chosen? I’d like to see you try.”

“We’re not sweethearts. An Rui and I are best friends. In any case, you’re not allowed to bully her!” Su Mu gritted his teeth, his cheeks flushing.

“In the past, anyone who spoke to me like that would be dead already. Hmph. But today I’m in a good mood, and you’re just a child. I’ll give you a chance—since you’re so determined to stop me, let’s make a bet. I’ll stand right here. If you can touch me anywhere, you three may leave, and I won’t stop you. But if you fail—” Zhou Chen shook his head and laughed, “—imagine, me taking you seriously; it’s laughable! Ten breaths. I won’t harm or kill you in those ten breaths, but if you haven’t managed it by then, your life is forfeit.”

Su Mu knew that touching this man would be nearly impossible. With a wave, this man could send swords flying, and every move exuded an intimidating aura. To him, killing a child like Su Mu would be no harder than swatting a mosquito. But at least he’d been promised ten breaths without harm—if he tried his best to dodge, perhaps there was a sliver of hope.

Facing Zhou Chen’s threats to An Rui, Su Mu felt that dying to protect her would be worthwhile. If he failed, today might be his last day on earth. He didn’t fear death—only that he’d die for nothing, leaving An Rui helpless before this man.

No time for hesitation, eyes red, Su Mu stared at Zhou Chen and nodded. “Fine. I accept.”

An Rui and Xiao Lan cried out together, “No, you mustn’t!”

“Don’t be reckless, Su Mu. We’re not at the end of our rope yet—just apologize,” An Rui urged calmly.

“That’s right, you’re just an ordinary child. How can you gamble with someone so powerful? Don’t throw your life away!” Xiao Lan pleaded anxiously.

Zhou Chen took a sip of wine, smacked his lips, glanced at Su Mu, then burst out laughing. “You look like an ordinary country boy—nothing remarkable about you. But this courage is impressive. Fine! You’re half a man, at least. Show me what you can do.”

With a flick of his left hand and a dimming of the light in his eyes, the small swords that had hovered near them all flew back to his sleeves like fish returning home.

“If you want to run, you can try,” Zhou Chen said, turning to An Rui. “I’m not forcing him—our wager is set. Anyone who tries to interfere will answer to me.”

Seeing the situation was now beyond reversal, An Rui hurried to protest, “Wait! This wager is entirely unfair—how can we accept it?”

Zhou Chen scoffed, “You needn’t accept anything. I could kill you all on a whim. I’m already being generous by letting this boy die with dignity. Unless you agree to come with me, I promise no harm will come to these two.”

Su Mu shouted, “Never! An Rui, don’t try to talk me out of it. My mind is made up.”

An Rui sighed quietly but persisted, “Lord Zhou, I truly admire your skills, almost godlike. We are mere children, and Su Mu is no match for you. If you could make it a fair contest, I would serve you in the future with a willing heart.”

Zhou Chen, pleased by her praise, grinned. “Very well! Tell me, what would you consider fair? I’ll let you be convinced.”

An Rui replied, “For someone of your vast power, using your sword arts against Su Mu would only diminish your reputation. Could you refrain from using your sword techniques?”

Zhou Chen’s expression darkened. “My cultivation is based on sword control—enough talk.”

An Rui continued, “Your Wandering Fish Sword seems to be five or six blades at once. Even several Su Mus couldn’t withstand that. Could you use only one sword?”

After a moment’s thought, Zhou Chen agreed—he figured one sword was more than enough to deal with a child.

An Rui bowed gratefully, then added, “And is it true that no matter the method or skill, as long as Su Mu touches you, he wins?”

Zhou Chen nodded confidently, “No matter the method or skill—if he touches me, I lose. I keep my word.” He added, “I mean physical contact—don’t try to exploit loopholes.”

An Rui nodded and turned to Su Mu. “Su Mu, Lord Zhou’s abilities are beyond your reach. Do your best to show some courage. Lord Zhou is kind; I’ll plead for your life again afterward.”

Su Mu bristled. “I’ll give it my all, An Rui. I don’t need you to beg for me.”

Zhou Chen snorted but said nothing. An Rui sighed softly, then whispered to Su Mu, “Growing up with you has been my good fortune. Who knows if we’ll have another chance in the future? Do you remember the time that big kid from the next town came, and together we drove him away? It always makes me smile. Do your best now, as you did then. Don’t forget.”

Su Mu felt a pang of confusion. Why mention that now? And truth be told, An Rui had only cheered him on while he fought—the two of them hadn’t really worked together. Back then, he wasn’t the big kid’s match, but An Rui had slipped him a packet of flour, which he dashed in the boy’s face to win. But now, there was no flour or lime to use.

An Rui looked toward the battlefield between Du Feiyang and Mu Zhenshan and remarked in surprise, “What are those two doing?”

Everyone looked toward the field. Su Mu suddenly felt something cool in his hands—a packet of face powder from a girl had been pressed into his palm. He looked at An Rui in astonishment; she nodded slightly but didn’t look his way, as if nothing had happened.