Chapter Eleven: The Boundless Road Ahead

“To answer evil with kindness can be called the wisdom of the greatest, but also the folly of the greatest; to answer evil with evil is neither great wisdom nor great folly. Originally, I had no wish to do such a thing, but that person once said, 'If in this life I can know the sweetness of her lips, I would die without regret.' Today, you risked yourself to help me, fearing neither peril nor hardship. I have nothing with which to thank you, except to help you fulfill your heart's desire. Besides, the mayor is not a good man. These past days, I have witnessed how he exploits the townsfolk to enrich himself. If the circumstances allowed, I would gladly answer evil with kindness. But the situation does not permit it. Once reinforcements arrive at the northern pass, the mayor will surely draft strong men to replenish his lost soldiers. While guarding against the Black Wolf Army, he will also hunt for us. In other words, whether we treat the leprous mayor with gratitude or grievance, we still face their pursuit. Clinging stubbornly to a good name is useless. You and I, brothers on the run, need money for our journey. Since we have already taken from the mayor, let him hate us thoroughly.”

When Bu Jinxian finished, he sighed, his brow furrowed. “Moreover, the sights and events I've witnessed in Leper Town have left me deeply confused. So many honest men simply striving to survive—yet what kind of life do they lead? While vicious, evil soldiers swagger through the streets, and everyone either flees from them or flatters them with false respect. What sort of chaos is this age, what kind of injustice? Loyal ministers and true generals live with empty sleeves and pure hearts, while powerful courtiers and military lords gild their halls with gold. In such a world, how can one remain loyal and upright, and how can one live with a loyal heart? I believe the heart may be loyal, but one’s actions cannot be as loyal as the heart. How many men of famous virtue have lived lives of bitter solitude, buried on wild ridges, their cries lost to the wind?”

As they spoke, they had already reached the waterfall’s pool. Gui Jianchou could not grasp Bu Jinxian’s concerns, nor had he ever considered such pointless questions. After putting down Bilian, he panted, “Ah, I don't understand what you're saying. Right now, I just want to know how we’re going to escape. Where are the people from the Sunset Sect? Did they ditch us to run for themselves?”

“Young hero, well spoken. The world is indeed thus. How many traitors and villains have a lifetime of horses and carriages, and are buried in halls of gold and jade?” The sect leader of the Sunset Sect emerged from the trees, leading her three disciples. All three cast disdainful, angry looks at Gui Jianchou, clearly having overheard his words. He realized his mistake, quickly forcing a smile and apologizing, but no one paid him any heed.

“My brother spoke out of turn. I hope you all will forgive him.”

“You are too polite, young hero.”

“Your argument is brilliant, Sect Leader, but I believe one who acts in evil is already no longer good. What meaning is there in speaking of what lies in the heart? If the deed itself has caused harm, then no matter how much good one harbors within, the act is done. Do you agree?”

“If you say so, do you not count yourself among the evil as well?”

“So it is. What I have done today is evil. Since circumstances required it, I see no need to shy from the evil name I have made for myself.”

“You are candid, young hero. I admire you greatly.”

Sunset, unable to resist, interjected, “If anyone dares call Left Shore a villain, I’ll be the first to oppose it!”

Bu Jinxian and the Sunset Sect Leader both laughed at her words.

The party followed the river, soon reaching the mountainous borderlands of Zheng. At the foot of the mountain, Sunset played a tune on her flute; before long, a group appeared from the heights and warmly welcomed them into a cave dwelling. These were mountain bandits who traded weapons with the Sunset Sect and relied on their protection for a living.

When Sunset and her companions had come, they had not taken the main pass, but rather had followed the mountain path, guided by the bandits to avoid the checkpoints.

“Sect Leader, it’s late and the mountain roads are dangerous at night. If you do not mind, please rest in our stronghold tonight. At dawn, I shall personally lead you out of the mountains.”

“We must trouble you, then.”

“It is only right. The honor of your presence graces our humble stronghold.”

At once the bandit chief ordered preparations for their lodging and personally led them there. The bandits’ homes were all cave dwellings, yet inside they were surprisingly well equipped. Bu Jinxian, reflecting on the day’s events, could not be certain whether his actions had been right or wrong. After careful thought, he did not regret it. Remembering the footwork Ling Shaobao had used to strike him in the room, so subtle and exquisite, he found himself unable to sleep and rose to try to imitate and practice it.

Intending to find a quiet spot, he exited the cave, only to see Sunset sitting on a boulder outside, hugging her knees and lost in thought.

“Why are you still up so late?”

She turned, saw it was Bu Jinxian, her face flushing red—a blush hidden by the darkness. She quickly composed herself and stood. “...I can’t sleep.”

At first, Bu Jinxian was puzzled, but then he recalled that Gui Jianchou’s room was right next to hers. Suddenly understanding, he couldn’t help but chuckle. Raised atop the mountain, he was accustomed to such things and thought little of them. Having lived long in the mountains, he had no idea that in the wider world people were so secretive and evasive about such matters, even in conversation, so he spoke without reservation.

Sunset was stunned, her face growing redder and redder, layer upon layer of blush. She never imagined he would say such a thing so bluntly, and for a moment she felt she had no place to hide. The scene at the waterfall flashed through her mind, and she wondered whether Bu Jinxian’s teasing words meant something more, or whether he was still thinking of her earlier embarrassment.

Burning with shame and anger, she rushed straight back into the cave, ignoring Bu Jinxian’s calls behind her.

Seeing her depart so abruptly, Bu Jinxian was utterly bewildered, having no idea why she acted so. On Beiling Mountain, the disciples often joked openly about matters between men and women, never avoiding the topic. During his years as a slave, he often witnessed such matters and heard them discussed as casually as food and drink. It never occurred to him that such conversation would mortify Sunset so deeply.

Fleeing his words, Sunset hurried back to her cave, but as she passed by Gui Jianchou’s quarters, she could not help but hear the embarrassing noises within. Her face burning, she returned to her room, but the sounds still reached her ears. She wanted to leave, but remembered Bu Jinxian was still outside; lying down, the noises disturbed her so she could not sleep. Left with no other choice, she ran to her elder sister, the Sect Leader’s, room.

“Sister? Are you asleep?”

The Sect Leader opened the door, saw it was her, and sighed, letting her inside.

“Aren’t you a grown woman? Running to your sister in the dead of night—are you still afraid of the dark?”

“It’s not that—Gui Jianchou’s room is right next to mine, I simply can’t sleep!”

As she spoke, her face turned crimson, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s. The Sect Leader understood, laughed, and said, “All right, then, let’s chat for a while. So, how did you meet Young Master Left Shore?”

At the mention of Bu Jinxian, Sunset’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly recounted their first meeting in detail. Since childhood, the sisters had been close, sharing everything without reserve, so she did not hide what happened at the waterfall.