Unsheathed

Outside a house in Clay Vase Alley, there was an unruly child with two lines of snot trailing from his nose. He was viciously kicking the door at this moment, cursing as he did so. Saliva flew everywhere as he shouted, “Chen Ping’an, if you don’t get the hell over here, I’m going to get someone to hack you to death and smash all of that worthless crap lying around in your house! What are you so busy with? Perhaps you’re with Song Jixin’s wife? You’re doing the deed with her in broad daylight? Don’t you know to look after Song Jixin’s feelings?

“Very well, you’re not going to come out, huh? Is that how it’s going to be? Then I’m going to leave! I’m genuinely going to leave! Don’t even think about seeing me ever again! I initially wanted to leave my treasures to you, but… Chen Ping’an, hurry up and answer the door!”

For some reason, the little boy’s voice eventually started to carry a hint of a sob. He sniffed loudly, causing the two lines of snot to shoot back into his nose.

Gu Can suddenly felt a dull pain on the back of his head. He hurriedly turned around, and after seeing that familiar face, he let loose again, shouting, “Chen Ping’an, you bloody little thing!”

Judging from Chen Ping’an’s expression, it was clear that he wasn’t feeling too well. Gu Can hurriedly changed his tune upon seeing this, asking, “Are you feeling alright?”

His sudden change in tone was as smooth as hovering clouds and flowing water — it didn’t appear jarring at all.

Chen Ping’an was already used to this snotty little child’s rude and mischievous behavior. Standing there with a new clay pot in his hands, Chen Ping’an huffed, “Can you not tell whether I’m feeling alright or not?”

Realizing that he still had important matters to deal with, Gu Can hurriedly dragged Chen Ping’an to the entrance of his courtyard. He then stuffed two exquisitely decorated pouches into Chen Ping’an’s hands, lowering his voice and saying, “Remember the small loach you gave me last year?”

Chen Ping’an was slightly baffled as he held the two weighty pouches. He was quite familiar with these pouches, as the brocade-robed boy had especially given a pouch of copper coins to him after forcefully buying that golden carp. Chen Ping’an looked around, and he saw that there was no one else on Clay Vase Alley. However, he still opened his door in a hurry, bringing Gu Can into the courtyard.

After putting the clay pot down, he directly asked, “An outsider wants to buy that catfish from you, is that correct, Gu Can? I strongly suggest you not to sell it. Don’t sell it even if they try to force you. Didn’t you want to give your mother a good life in the future? If so, then you definitely have to keep that loach, understand?”

Gu Can suddenly burst into tears. He grabbed onto Chen Ping’an’s sleeves and said through sobs, “I wanted to return the loach to you, but Mother didn’t let me. She even smacked my face! Ever since I was young, my mother has never hit me before. And that storyteller, I don’t know if he’s a god or a ghost, but he’s extremely terrifying. He brought me into his white bowl, and after that, the loach suddenly became extremely big. In fact, it became even bigger than the water vat in my house!”

Chen Ping’an held his hand over the little boy’s mouth, his expression extremely serious as he shot a glare and said, “Since I gave the loach to you, the loach is now yours. Do you still want to give your mother a good life in the future? Do you want her to be able to eat meat every day? And use makeup and be able to buy those smooth and silky clothes?”

Gu Can sniffed before earnestly nodding in response.

Chen Ping’an removed his hand, squatting down and asking, “What’s with these two pouches of coins? Did you secretly bring them over?”

Gu Can’s eyes darted around, and he was just about to make up a story. However, Chen Ping’an was far too familiar with him, so much so that he could immediately see through his thoughts. He directly rewarded Gu Can with a rap on the head before saying sternly, “Take them back.”

Gu Can’s stubbornness also showed itself at this moment, and he retorted, “No!”

An angry expression spread across Chen Ping’an’s face. He raised his hand and was just about to give Gu Can a true smack on the head. However, seeing his extremely stubborn expression, Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but feel soft-hearted. He pondered for a moment before softening his voice and asking, “What’s going on? Tell me what’s happening.”

Gu Can recounted the events to him, from beginning to end. While this little child was truly infuriating most of the time, one had to admit that he was indeed very smart and intelligent for his young age. From the old locust tree to the Iron Lock Well, and from the Iron Lock Well to Clay Vase Alley, the little boy clearly described his encounter with the storyteller and how the storyteller had wanted to take him as a disciple.

After hearing this, Chen Ping’an felt like he largely understood the situation. Gu Can was most likely someone who had obtained locust leaves with ancestral blessings. Regardless of whether this was because of fortune rising from the graves of his ancestors or because of the fated opportunities and fortunes that Mr. Qi and Daoist Lu spoke of, it was very likely the case that Gu Can would be brought out of the small town by that storyteller. However, Chen Ping’an immediately felt anxious and uneasy upon thinking of the River Severing True Lord.

According to Mr. Qi, this person was extremely immoral, and most importantly, he had tried to lead him to his death. He hadn’t hesitated to use immortal techniques to create conflict between him and Cai Jinjian. Was it truly a good thing for Gu Can to become his disciple? On the other hand, however, since this person was willing to take Gu Can as a disciple, and since he didn’t try to kidnap or trick him, nor forcefully buy him, could it be presumed that Gu Can wouldn’t face any life-threatening dangers?

The eyes of the mischievous little boy darted around. Seizing the opportunity while Chen Ping’an was still thinking, he suddenly grabbed the two pouches of coins from his hands without warning. He then tossed them toward the house before turning around to run away.

However, Chen Ping’an’s hand shot out and grabbed onto his collar, immediately bringing him to a halt and dragging him back.

Gu Can wrapped his arms around his head, appearing as pitiful as could be.

Even though Chen Ping’an had dragged the little boy back, he was still hesitant about how to deal with the situation. This was a matter with great consequence, so Chen Ping’an was extremely afraid of making an incorrect decision and ultimately bringing harm to Gu Can and his mother.

If this matter had only involved himself, the young boy with no one to depend on would have most likely been much more decisive and resolute.

The young woman in black had already gotten off the bed at some time, and after arriving at the doorstep, she said, “My mother once said that each person has their own fate. Just looking at him, it’s clear that this child is a scourge who’s destined to wreak havoc for 1000 years. He’s the type of person who’ll be struck with dumb luck after dumb luck.”

Gu Can’s eyes lit up at this moment, and he hurriedly wiped the two lines of snot from his face. He cracked an obsequious smile, revealing his missing baby teeth as he said, “Sister, you’re so pretty! You look just like my second sister! This place is too cramped, so why don’t you come to my house to chat?”

Chen Ping’an said in exasperation, “When did your mother get remarried to your father?”

The little boy immediately rolled his eyes after being exposed. He quickly changed his expression and tone, clicking his tongue in wonder and saying, “Chen Ping’an, how impressive! You’re finally starting to show some promise! When did you trick a lady back home? Are you going to get married and have guests play pranks on you[1]? However, it’s a shame that I won’t be able to attend. Otherwise, I would definitely squat in the corner and listen to you two wrestling in bed.”

Chen Ping’an pressed his hand down on Gu Can’s head. He then turned to the woman in black and said apologetically, “This is just what he’s like; don’t be angry.”

The young woman glanced at the little boy and said, “Little brat.”

Gu Can was just about to unleash his immense talent, yet he suddenly felt the hand on his head pressing down even harder. He immediately wilted under the pressure, saying in a listless manner, “Sister, you’re so beautiful. Of course everything you say is correct.”

The young woman in black didn’t pay any heed to the little boy. Instead, she turned around to face Chen Ping’an, saying in a meaningful voice, “It’s best that you accept those two pouches of copper coins, lest they become the reason for a falling out in the future. Moreover, once this little boy achieves some success in cultivation in the future, it’s extremely likely that his Dao Heart will be unstable if you cause him to feel lingering regret and guilt today. That will expose his heart to the claws of demons.”

These were the words that Gu Can wanted to hear. He raised a thumb at the young woman and said, “Your hair is long, and you’re also long of wit and knowledge[1]. Sure enough, you’re more reasonable than that young lady from next door.”

The young woman in black raised an eyebrow, yet she surprisingly accepted this compliment with pleasure.

At this moment, an extremely worried yet furious voice roared, “Gu Can!”

The little boy became slightly pale, and he said, “Alright, alright, I’m going to leave now, Chen Ping’an. I’m going to leave, okay?”

Even though the little boy said this, he didn’t realize that he was gripping Chen Ping’an’s sleeve even tighter.

Perhaps in Gu Can’s subconsciousness, he had already accepted Chen Ping’an as his only close companion apart from his mother since long ago.

Chen Ping’an led the little boy out of his courtyard. He squatted down and said in a quiet voice, “Gu Can, remember to be careful of your master. Also, make sure to look after your mother. You’re a responsible man, and your mother can only rely on you in the future. Don’t make her worry all the time.”

“M-hm,” Gu Can responded with a nod.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Once you arrive outside, remember to do more and speak less. Control your tongue, and so be it if you have to suffer a little because of it. Don’t try to always seek an advantage with your tongue. Unlike us, the people outside are far more likely to bear grudges.”

The little boy’s eyes were slightly red as he retorted, “The people here are also very good at bearing grudges! Only you’re an exception.”

Chen Ping’an didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. However, he was indeed rendered speechless.

Chen Ping’an suddenly recalled something at this moment, and he asked in a serious voice, “Gu Can, did you receive a locust leaf?”

If he hadn’t received one, then Chen Ping’an would be more inclined to believe that Gu Can hadn’t obtained some fated immortal opportunity. Instead, the arrival of that storyteller was perhaps akin to the arrival of the grim reaper.

The little boy immediately started to feel angry upon hearing this. With a whoosh, he grabbed a large handful of locust leaves from his pocket and cursed out of habit, “I don’t know which cursed bastard did this! They secretly stuffed all of these crappy leaves in my pockets, and I only just discovered this when I tried to put the two pouches in my pockets after sneaking away from home. If it wasn’t Fatty Zhao, then it must have been that little girl Liu Mei. If my mother finds all these leaves when washing my clothes, won’t I be scolded and called a headache again? Those two are lucky that I’m about to leave soon. Otherwise, I’ll certainly toss stones into their latrine in secret!”

The little boy was on a roll as he continued to curse in anger. Chen Ping’an was absolutely stunned. After coming to his senses, however, he immediately felt a great sense of relief. Upon seeing the little boy preparing to roughly throw the handful of leaves onto the ground, he hurriedly stepped forward to stop him. His expression was extremely serious as he said, “Gu Can, take them back and take good care of them. You definitely have to take good care of them. If it’s possible, it’s best that you keep these locust leaves a secret from even your mother. This is very possibly for her own good.”

The little boy was baffled, but he still nodded and said, “Okay.”

Chen Ping’an exhaled a long breath, saying to himself, “I genuinely feel relieved now.”

Gu Can suddenly fell forward, and his head heavily clashed together with Chen Ping’an’s. He whimpered and said, “Sorry.”

Chen Ping’an tousled his hair and scolded with a smile, “Silly boy.”

Gu Can suddenly whispered something next to his ears.

Chen Ping’an immediately faltered.

The little boy turned around and ran away, not forgetting to wave his hand and say, “I heard the old man say that he’s going to bring Mother and me to a place called Cyan Gorge Island in Lake Shujian. If you wind up in such a sorry state that you don’t even have a wife, you can go there to look for me. I’m not boasting, but if it’s some average woman like the neighboring Zhi Gui, I’ll be able to gift you a dozen of them no problem!”

Chen Ping’an stood still and nodded in reply.

He was feeling a little sad.

After all, Gu Can was much like a younger brother to him. Thus, Chen Ping’an was always willing to cater to Gu Can’s whims.

The young boy in straw sandals appeared slightly dazed as he looked at the slowly disappearing figure of the little boy.

Life had always treated him like this. It was as if the people who he cared about would always leave his side no matter what he did.

Standing on Clay Vase Alley, Chen Ping’an cracked a grin.

The heavens were fairly stingy.

The neighboring door was quietly opened, from which emerged the maidservant Zhi Gui. She was slender and graceful, much like a lotus in a lake.

“You heard all of Gu Can’s mean words?” Chen Ping’an asked.

She blinked her beautiful eyes and replied, “I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear anything. In any case, there’s no way I can win an argument against that mother and son.”

Chen Ping’an felt slightly awkward. In the end, he could only put in some good words for that little brat Gu Can, saying, “In reality, he doesn’t have any bad intentions. It’s just that his words are a little crude and jarring.”

Zhi Gui wore an emotionless smile, saying, “I have no clue whether Gu Can’s intentions are good or bad. However, his widowed mother is definitely no easy person to deal with. I’m very certain of this.”

Chen Ping’an didn’t know how to respond. Thus, he could only employ the same tactic that he had only just learned from her — pretend that he hadn’t heard anything.

Zhi Gui suddenly asked a mystifying question. “Chen Ping’an, you truly don’t feel any regret?”

Chen Ping’an was stumped. “What?”

It didn’t look like he was playing dumb and acting. Zhi Gui sighed before going back inside and shutting the wooden door.

Chen Ping’an had remained standing on Clay Vase Alley this entire time, and with his extremely good eyesight, he was finally able to see the door of Gu Can’s house opening. Three people walked out, with the mother wearing a large backpack and her son a small one. They slowly walked toward the other end of Clay Vase Alley.

In fact, Chen Ping’an clearly saw the storyteller turning around to glance at him, a playful smile on his face.

Only when the three figures vanished into the distance did Chen Ping’an return inside. It was also at this moment that he found that Ning Yao was already able to sit on the doorstep by herself.

Was her body forged from steel?

Chen Ping’an placed the jade hairpin that Mr. Qi had given him and the two pouches of copper coins on the table. He then started to boil water and brew medicine, his actions showing off his wealth of experience. He appeared nothing like a potter at this moment, and he instead appeared like someone who had worked in a pharmacy for many years.

Ning Yao felt slightly puzzled, but she didn’t open her mouth to ask. She was extremely bored right now, so she walked over to the table. After pondering for a moment, she retrieved the pouch of coins that Chen Ping’an had hidden in the vase.

She sat down, and there were now three pouches of coins and a jade hairpin on the table before her. Of course, there was also the sword that was obediently “cowering” in the corner.

Chen Ping’an didn’t stop her from retrieving the pouch of coins. He simply warned her, “Mr. Qi gave that jade hairpin to me, so be careful with it.”

Perhaps afraid that the young woman wouldn’t take his warning seriously, Chen Ping’an timidly warned again, “You really do have to be careful.”

The young woman rolled her eyes.

Three pouches of gold essence copper coins — coincidentally, there was one pouch of Greeting Spring Coins, one pouch of Offering Coins, and one pouch of Good Fortune Coins. All three types of coins were present.

The young woman rested her chin in one hand as she reached over to play around with three coins with her other. “How did everything go? Are you able to tell me?” she casually asked.

Chen Ping’an kept a careful eye on the flames as he squatted next to the wall near the window. Occasionally, he would also flip through the three sheets of prescription. Upon hearing Ning Yao’s question, he replied, “Is it appropriate to tell?”

The young woman furrowed her brows. “You’re already stuck in such a miserable state, yet you’re still afraid that I might be silenced and killed after hearing your secrets? Chen Ping’an, I’m not trying to belittle or discourage you, but I truly encourage a foolishly kind person like you to never leave this small town. Otherwise, you won’t even know how you got killed.”

The young woman was expressing great pity for his misfortune, yet she was also expressing deep annoyance at his lack of fight.

Even if this stubborn and inflexible youth were an Arhat, Heavenly Lord, and sword immortal all at once, he would still face certain death within a year once he left this small town and was tossed into her hometown. Not even his corpse would remain.

The young boy in straw sandals chuckled and said, “Then I’ll tell you.”

Ning Yao placed three slender fingers on three separate copper coins, dragging them around the table. “Do whatever you want.”

Chen Ping’an recounted the events before Mr. Qi’s arrival. As for the events after Mr. Qi’s arrival, he picked and chose what he told her.

After listening to his recollection, the young woman calmly said, “That River Severing True Lord Liu Zhimao was clearly the culprit behind everything. However, it’s not like Cai Jinjian and Fu Nanhua were good people either. If it weren’t for Mr. Qi’s help, you would’ve had no hope of escaping from the clutches of the three forces in the future, regardless of how far you fled. To put it bluntly, killing you is truly an easy task. If we weren’t in this small town, to say nothing of Liu Zhimao, even that woman from Dawn Cloud Mountain would be able to crush your body and soul with a single finger.”

Chen Ping’an nodded and murmured, “I know.”

“You don’t know squat!” Ning Yao huffed angrily.

Chen Ping’an didn’t deny this, and he continued to brew the medicine.

“It’s all because of that loach that you’re facing this calamity. Why didn’t you tell that little boy the truth?” she asked.

Chen Ping’an didn’t remain silent this time. Nor did he turn around to look at her. He sat down on a small stool and looked at the jumping red flames as he quietly replied, “Doing that wouldn’t be right.”

Ning Yao wanted to say something, but she hesitated for a moment before eventually looking at the back of the skinny young boy. She sighed with emotion and said, “Then do you know? If your fists aren’t strong enough, no one will care whether you’re right or wrong.”

The young boy shook his head. “Regardless of whether they want to listen to it or not, the truth of the matter won’t change.”

As if unsure of himself, he turned around and asked with a smile, “Right?”

Ning Yao glared back at him. “Right in your dreams!”

Chen Ping’an huffed and turned back around, continuing to brew the medicine.

The young woman in black, the outsider called Ning Yao, picked up the jade hairpin and carefully observed it. She quickly discovered a small line of characters inscribed upon it.

She glanced at Chen Ping’an.

Even though she only had a rough understanding of calligraphy, she still felt that the characters inscribed on the jade hairpin were extremely beautiful and moving.

As gentle and amiable as jade should a virtuous person be.

1. There is a Chinese custom where guests banter with and play pranks on the newlyweds. ☜

1. A play on the derogatory saying that women have long hair, but are short of wit and knowledge. ☜

Johnchen and Flying Dumpling’s Thoughts

My advice is don’t quit before you get to 43. The novel is slow, but it’s worth it. & it’ll be less confusing soon