First Entry into the Spirit Void 94. Parting Ways

The first concubine and the Yin-Yang Old Demon were married, but their hearts were at odds. The first concubine was kind-hearted and sincere, while the Yin-Yang Old Demon was lawless and unruly. The first concubine repeatedly tried to persuade him, but he refused to listen and only grew more reckless. Feeling helpless, the first concubine finally gave up and ceased to concern herself with his affairs.

She spent years in seclusion at the Hall of Repentance, devoutly worshipping Buddha behind closed doors—rumor had it for seven or eight years—with no contact with the Yin-Yang Old Demon. Since I became entangled with the Yin residence, I often discussed Buddhist principles with her, and thus we got along very well.

Not only was the first concubine skilled in martial arts, but she was also deeply versed in the art of the Qinnang medical texts. I noticed the man had his right eye gouged out, so I surmised that it was the first concubine who had secretly returned to the Yin residence, gouged out that man's right eye, and patched it onto the Yin-Yang Old Demon before rescuing him. Aside from her, no one else could have done it.

“Oh…” The down-and-out scholar’s suspicion vanished instantly. He looked up and laughed heartily: “Truly, ‘A night as husband and wife yields a hundred days of grace; a hundred nights together, and the bond is as deep as the sea.’ Though displeased with her husband’s conduct, the marital affection remains deeply buried in her heart. Like sturdy grass battered by the storm, she is indeed a genuine and faithful wife.”

Pausing slightly, he glanced at the three women and laughed aloud: “When you marry in the future, be sure to support and teach your husbands and children well—don’t just stew in jealousy!”

The three women blushed deeply and lowered their heads.

The Yin residence was a vast and complex structure. To completely destroy it was impossible with their limited strength.

Knowing that the old demon had been rescued by the first concubine, Jie Yuhua ceased searching and led the down-and-out scholar and others out of the Yin residence’s underground passages, rushing toward the Bai family estate.

From afar, they saw a vermilion tower rising within an elegant garden, surrounded by green trees and bamboo groves.

At that moment, the tower was brightly lit, radiating an atmosphere of joyous celebration—likely the masked men had already escorted Miss Bai safely back home, and the family was rejoicing their reunion.

Jie Yuhua had visited once before and led the group directly to the estate gates.

The household servants guarding the gate recognized Jie Yuhua immediately and came forward to greet her. Bai Xue Mei’s father, Bai Jiemin, happened to be seeing off guests at the gate. Upon seeing Jie Yuhua, his joy was immeasurable, and he hurried forward, clasping his hands in salutation: “Madam was just about to send someone in search of the heroine. I never expected you and your esteemed companions to grace our humble abode. Please forgive our lack of preparation.”

The down-and-out scholar inwardly chuckled at this. If it weren’t for his beloved daughter being kidnapped and someone risking their life to rescue her, the proud magistrate might not have been so courteous.

Jie Yuhua returned the greeting with a slight smile and said, “Master Bai, what brings you to seek me? Has your daughter not yet returned home?”

Bai Jiemin quickly shook his head: “Thanks to the heroine’s secret care, my daughter escaped harm and is now safely home. Such kindness will never be forgotten. I would like to invite the heroine to stay a few days at our humble home as a token of gratitude.”

Jie Yuhua smiled: “There’s no need for such formality. I merely ran some errands; the real rescuers were your niece.”

Pausing briefly, she added, “Our sudden visit is to inquire about a matter and seek your counsel.”

“Oh!” Bai Jiemin responded with surprise, stepping aside and waving his hand: “This is hardly the place for such talk. Please, come in and have some tea first.”

He then led them into the inner courtyard parlor. The servants along the corridor all bowed respectfully.

Inside the Bai estate’s main hall, many distinguished ladies and gentlemen were seated. Seeing Bai Jiemin escort several unfamiliar guests, they all withdrew into side rooms.

The old beggar, observing the opulence of the estate, thought to himself: If Jie Yuhua hadn’t come along, it would have been very difficult for the two of us paupers to enter this former magistrate’s grand doors so splendidly.

Bai Jiemin led them to the parlor and sat them down. Jie Yuhua introduced the down-and-out scholar and the others, briefly explaining their purpose to Bai Jiemin.

Bai Jiemin had always admired unusual men from the mountains and wilderness. After hearing Jie Yuhua’s explanation, he felt even more pleased, laughing heartily: “What a rarity! If it weren’t for my daughter’s matter, we wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to welcome you all.”

After speaking, he gestured to the servants to prepare a feast immediately.

The down-and-out scholar and the old beggar had never expected this retired magistrate to be such an open-minded man, and their initial impression shifted. Hearing that a feast was being arranged, the down-and-out scholar smiled broadly: “Thank you, thank you. We apologize for disturbing your noble estate so abruptly.”

Bai Jiemin waved his hand: “Nonsense. This is our first meeting. Many separate civil and military officials strictly, but I disagree. I believe a civil official must embody the boldness and magnanimity of a martial man to truly serve and love the people. If one remains aloof from the common folk, how can one understand their hardships? I wonder if you two heroes agree?”

The two paupers secretly admired him. They had assumed officials were all corrupt, never expecting such enlightened wisdom.

The down-and-out scholar eagerly nodded, “Well said, well said. I sincerely admire your view.”

As they conversed, the feast was set. Bai Jiemin rose to invite everyone to the table.

Bai Jiemin had two wives but only one daughter, Xue Mei. The family’s love for her was evident. Since Jie Yuhua had saved the beloved daughter from peril, their gratitude was beyond words.

The two ladies showed their respect by preparing a banquet of delicacies, all delicious and rare.

Meanwhile, Bai Jiemin devised a unique toasting ritual. He gathered all family members, young and old, wives and servants, and began to toast the martial guests. Irrespective of their drinking capacity, each was given three large cups.

Consequently, many of the Bai family members became quite drunk, and even the three women and Jiezhenzi drank their fill.

Only the two paupers were delighted, drinking every cup dry with ease.

The younger combatants soon became dizzy and retired early, attended by sober servants to the back courtyard for rest.

Only Bai Jiemin remained in the main hall with the two paupers, continuing to drink.

Bai Jiemin laughed: “Brother Bi, don’t boast prematurely. I’m no drunkard, but I’m quite capable. Especially tonight, I’m happier than when I passed the imperial exams. We won’t stop until we’re drunk.”

The down-and-out scholar laughed heartily: “Brother Fan and I would never defy your hospitality, but before we drink, may we ask Brother Bai a question?”

Bai Jiemin nodded: “Of course! What would you like to ask?”

The down-and-out scholar said: “We came to your estate to inquire about your niece, Miss Meng. We have some matters to discuss with her. Could you kindly tell us where she resides?”

Bai Jiemin replied: “My sister-in-law’s home is not far from here, but my niece often does not live at home. May I ask what brings you to seek her?”

The down-and-out scholar answered: “The one who negotiated with the heroine for the rescue at your estate was your niece, but the masked men who rescued your daughter at the Yin residence were two others—one was Miss Jie’s cousin and the other was Jiezhenzi’s younger sister. Both disappeared eight or nine years ago. After years of searching, their whereabouts were recently discovered, but they often conceal their faces and refuse to acknowledge relatives. We do not understand why they live outside and avoid returning home. We seek your niece’s help to inquire.”

Bai Jiemin sighed deeply: “Ah, I see. Brother Bi, your story is the third strange case I have heard. My niece also refuses to stay at home.”

The old beggar, overhearing the mention of a third strange case, interrupted eagerly: “What kind of strange case is that?”

Bai Jiemin said: “My niece disappeared at a young age and returned home on her own after more than ten years.”

The down-and-out scholar, startled, asked: “Under what circumstances did your niece disappear?”

Bai Jiemin thought for a moment, then looked up: “My niece was weak and sickly since childhood. Despite consulting many famous doctors, no cause was found. She took all kinds of rare medicines and miraculous elixirs, but the more she took, the weaker she became. It seemed death was imminent.

“My sister-in-law and brother-in-law, at a loss, heeded the advice of devout believers and took her to the Goddess Temple to burn incense and pray for health. Seeing that medicine had failed, they did all they could.

“While they knelt in prayer, a sudden fierce wind blew, covering the sky with dust and blotting out the sun. My sister-in-law fainted from fright. When she woke, her beloved daughter was missing. They searched everywhere, but the temple abbot said he had seen nothing. My sister-in-law believed the wind had swept her away and mourned bitterly. Searches near the temple yielded no trace, not even a bone.”

The down-and-out scholar listened intently, thinking: Could there have been some evil cult kidnapping children and young women? Why did all disappear roughly eight or nine years ago?

He asked: “Was your niece kidnapped as well?”

Bai Jiemin shook his head: “I never heard if she was abducted. But when she returned at age ten, her illness had vanished, she was graceful and tall, and had learned excellent martial arts.”

The down-and-out scholar asked: “Did she train on a famous mountain? Has Brother Bai heard her speak of it?”

Bai Jiemin nodded: “My sister-in-law said she trained on Thunderhead Mountain.”

Suddenly, the down-and-out scholar stood, bowed respectfully, and said: “Thank you for your time. We must take our leave.”

Bai Jiemin quickly rose and blocked their path: “Brother Bi, why the rush? It is late at night. No need to hurry now. Please sit. We have yet to compete in drinking!”

The down-and-out scholar said: “I am pressed by urgent matters and cannot stay. There will be many opportunities to visit again.”

Bai Jiemin said: “You shan’t leave tonight. Our estate lies right next to the Thunderhead mountain range, stretching hundreds of miles. Though I hear your niece lives on the Nine Nether Peaks, I, a local, have never been there or know its exact location.

“Legend says the Nine Nether Peaks are always shrouded in mist, steep and forbidding. Ordinary people dare not ascend even halfway. It’s said that poisonous snakes, fierce beasts, mountain spirits, and wild men abound. Those who venture past the midpoint either perish to venomous creatures or are devoured by spirits and wild men.

“Though I doubt these tales, the consensus cannot be ignored. Though you are all skilled warriors unafraid of beasts or spirits, one can never be too careful. Moreover, unfamiliar with the terrain and in the dead of night, there is no one to ask for directions. Why not endure one night at my home? Tomorrow I will find someone familiar with the paths to guide you. Isn’t that much safer?”

The two paupers found his words impressive and smiled inwardly. The down-and-out scholar, sensing his sincerity, hesitated to insist on leaving and asked: “Has Brother Bai’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law ever visited the Nine Nether Peaks to see your niece?”

Bai Jiemin nodded: “They have. To facilitate their visits, my niece gave them a square cloth of five colors. Waving this cloth halfway up the mountain summons someone to come down and escort them.

“When my daughter was abducted, my brother-in-law went again to ask my niece to come down and rescue her. But the five-colored cloth was taken away at that time, and after my niece descended with him, she no longer gave it back. Otherwise, I would have sent someone to borrow it for you.”

The story ended.