Chapter Eighty-Three: Reminiscing Old Times

Chapter Eighty-Three: Reminiscing
Chapter Eleven: The Hidden Triumphs in the Capital, The Seven Powers Stir Chaos in the Spring and Autumn (13)

Everyone responded in unison, and when they had finished speaking, the young man slowly stepped down from the stage. Of the two women beside him, one strode forward and delivered a rousing speech, her words stirring the crowd below into passionate fervor, their shouts echoing for a long while. Ye Hua, Zhang Ke, and the rest stood on the outskirts, unable to approach. It was only after several hours, as the day waned and dusk began to fall, that the crowd gradually dispersed.

Cai Shufeng said, “Brothers, might you accompany me to pay our respects to Patriarch Heqing?” Zhang Ke answered, “Of course, that is for the best. With turmoil at our doorstep, I was just thinking of meeting this Heqing Patriarch. The traitors Xiahong and Zixian deserve death, but for the Sun and Moon Divine Alliance to incite such unrest—what are they planning? I must go and demand answers!”

Cai Shufeng hurriedly replied, “Brother Zhang, you mustn’t act rashly. Patriarch Heqing is the third leader of the Sun and Moon Divine Alliance. Though our paths differ and we cannot join forces, it is imperative we show respect and not offend him.”

Zhang Ke said, “You're overthinking it, brother. I know my limits!” Suddenly Ye Hua interjected, “In that case, I would prefer to wait here and seek out my cousin from my mother’s side. I hope you’ll forgive me for my absence.” Cai Shufeng smiled, “Nonsense, brother, go as you wish!” With that, he waved the others into the First Transmission Hall. Ye Hua, meanwhile, turned to look toward the high platform, where the people had mostly dispersed and the four figures atop the stage were just about to descend.

Ye Hua strode forward, his gaze fixed on Gao Lu’s back, his heart pounding. When he was only a few yards away, he called out, “Cousin!” The young man started as if struck, standing frozen for a moment before slowly turning around and scanning the thinning crowd, eyes filled with confusion. His gaze fell upon a youth standing ahead, whose face bore a trace of youthful innocence.

Staring intently for a moment, Gao Lu’s expression shifted from doubt to astonishment, then to joy, and finally to uncertainty once more. In a trembling voice, he said, “You... you are Ye Hua, my cousin!” Seeing the youth across from him smile, he was at last convinced. His face broke into a delighted grin as he rushed forward, embracing Ye Hua and weeping with joy, “Cousin, I have searched for you so long and hard!”

Ye Hua was equally moved, unable to help saying, “Since I was swept away by that demon wind on Little Wutai, it's been almost four years since we last saw each other!” Gao Lu sighed, “You remember, then! After you were taken by the demon wind, Grandmother was inconsolable, and Uncle and Aunt both fell gravely ill. Later, several Daoists came to inquire after you, and I realized you must have been taken by evil forces! I didn’t dare delay and pursued the direction of the demon wind, but never found word of you.”

Ye Hua said with guilt, “The whole matter was perilous and fraught with twists. To tell it all would take a day and a night! I'll recount it to you slowly another time.”

Gao Lu nodded with relief and joy, “Seeing you safe and sound now, my heart is finally at ease! I spent a year wandering in search for you, and later, on Mount Jinmiao in Yuezhou, I encountered demons, but was luckily saved by Master Gong Yu of the Purple Grotto. After that, I became a disciple of Patriarch Heqing, then moved to the Martial Academy in the capital to study the Dao. Two years later, I returned home and finally received word from Biyun Monastery on Wutai that you were cultivating at Ye Dou Peak on North Terrace. Only then could I let go of my worry, planning to visit you at Wutai when the chance arose—yet I never expected to meet you here! You’ve grown so tall these years! I almost didn’t recognize you! Haha!”

Ye Hua was filled with mixed emotions, gratitude and guilt intertwining. “I have spent all this time at North Terrace, yet never returned home, letting my family and friends worry so—how thoughtless of me!” Looking closely at Gao Lu, he saw that, though young, his cousin bore an air of maturity and steadiness, with a hint of hardship etched upon his face. It seemed he had weathered much on his journey.

As Ye Hua pondered this, Gao Lu burst out laughing, “Cousin, come, let’s go inside and catch up!” He took Ye Hua by the hand and led him into the First Transmission Hall. They passed through the main hall, wound their way around several towers and pavilions, and finally arrived at Gao Lu’s residence. Along the way, young disciples greeted them with respect, calling out, “Senior Brother Gao!” Gao Lu returned each greeting.

Once seated, Ye Hua asked in surprise, “Cousin, how is it that you hold such a high position among the disciples of Patriarch Qingling?” Gao Lu sighed, “It’s a long story. At first, I wanted to become a disciple of Master Gong Yu, but he entrusted me to Patriarch Heqing, so I followed him to the Martial Academy in the capital, joining the Sun and Moon Divine Alliance and recruiting disciples. Though my cultivation is shallow and my skills meager, I am counted among the senior disciples.”

Ye Hua responded, “So that’s how it is.” Gao Lu asked, “What brings you suddenly to the capital, cousin?” Ye Hua then recounted how he fought for the ancient ferry relic, was transported by a teleportation array to Jiyou, and later came to the capital seeking his uncle, Master Zhiguang.

They talked for a long time until a voice called from outside, “Senior Brother Gao, Master asks you to attend instruction at Xuanming Pavilion!” Gao Lu replied, “Is that you, Brother Wang? Thank you!” Turning to Ye Hua, he apologized, “Cousin, I’m afraid I can’t keep you company. Master must have important business for me. Please rest here tonight; I’ll return as soon as I can.”

Ye Hua said, “Go on and do what you must, cousin. I came here with the brothers from the Zhang family to visit Patriarch Heqing; they’re probably waiting for me outside. Since you’re busy, I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”

Gao Lu replied apologetically, “In that case, I won’t insist you stay. Since you’re with friends from the Zhang family, I know where you’re staying and will surely visit you soon.”

Ye Hua nodded, “There’s plenty of time ahead—we shall have a proper talk then!” Gao Lu agreed, “Yes, indeed!” With that, they left the house together, parting reluctantly at the gate.

When Ye Hua turned back, he saw that Zhang Ke and the others were already outside, engaged in conversation with several young disciples. Ye Hua calmed himself and walked forward, just as Ma Fei was saying to a stranger, “What, your Qing Hall is also sending hundreds of disciples to the External Affairs Office at Taifu Temple tomorrow?”

The youth replied, “Of course. Who could not be enraged at ceding territory? The Sacred Emperor Hualuo is young and ignorant, and the eight great ministers of the late emperor’s court are so foolish and inept, they have lost the people’s trust. Naturally, the heroes of the realm must rise up!”

Another youth chimed in, “Not just Qing Hall—look at the Three Mountains and Five Gardens! There’ll be quite a spectacle at Taifu Temple’s External Affairs Office tomorrow!”

Zhang Ke and Ma Fei exchanged worried glances. With so many gathering tomorrow and agitators at work, it seemed a great upheaval would be hard to avoid.

As they fretted, Ye Hua approached. Shi Lei laughed, “How was it, Brother Ye? How is your cousin? He’ll have quite the grand occasion tomorrow!”

Ye Hua asked curiously, “What do you mean by that?” Gu Yunqi explained, “We just went to visit Patriarch Heqing. He said that tomorrow, thousands from the Three Mountains and Five Gardens, led by disciples of the Sun and Moon Divine Alliance, will gather at the External Affairs Office of Taifu Temple, and things will certainly not end peacefully!”