Volume One: The Emperor’s Decree Chapter Six: Drunk on Wine, Entangled in Love

The thieves fled, and the eastern embankment returned to its tranquil state. After several basins of cold water were poured, the people inside the tents slowly awakened from their stupor, groggy and confused. There were two corpses and, aside from two discarded weapons, no clues to be found. Xiao Yi took a handkerchief, wiped the blood from his sword, and sheathed it.

Wenwan vomited for quite some time before her complexion eased; the shock of witnessing such violence was more than she could bear. Young Master Liao, once he understood what had happened, exploded in curses: “They were clearly here for me! Steward! Where is my steward? Tell my father to investigate every corner of Banner City—inside and out! Investigate thoroughly!”

Gratitude was offered in turn, but Xiao Yi cared little for it. What intrigued him was how inept those thieves had been. In the following fortnight, squads bearing all manner of banners swept through Banner City and its outskirts. Though the original thieves eluded capture, many unexpected discoveries were made.

The inner courtyard of the Xue family was livelier than usual. Every great family employed tutors in both literary and martial arts to educate the younger generation. When the patriarch of the Xue family heard it was Xiao Yi who had saved his kin, he came in person. Despite Yi Ran’s strenuous protests, the patriarch insisted on hiring Xiao Yi as a new tutor.

After ten years of sword training with Xia Liang, there was hardly anyone in Banner City whose foundation was stronger than his. Yet he remained unaware of how renowned the Frost Sword was throughout the martial world.

“Father, he’s about our age; how can we let him teach us martial arts?” Yi Ran protested in the main hall, dejected. Her father, usually so wise, had made a baffling decision.

The patriarch had already investigated Xiao Yi’s background—he came from Lingshan Town, where his family ran a weapons shop. Calculating swiftly, the patriarch dismissed the old, lazy tutor without hesitation.

“His skill surpasses not only all of Banner City’s youth but even the famed swordsmen of the previous generation. The world outside is unsettled; stricter instruction is for your own good.”

Her anger was not solely for this reason. The Yu and Xue families were close, their estates neighboring, so their tutors held joint classes. Once lessons began, Wenwan followed Xiao Yi everywhere, and soon everyone knew the Yu family’s eldest daughter fancied the new teacher.

For reasons she could not explain, Yi Ran found herself sleepless with frustration at night. When she saw Wenwan, she could barely speak coherently.

“Wenwan, I’ve never seen a girl like you—chasing after someone so openly. Don’t you see he’s not interested?”

“Ran, are you jealous? With Xiao Yi’s looks, I’m not losing out at all! Not at all! Hee hee!”

Whenever this topic arose, Wenwan would act shamelessly, often gifting Xiao Yi with pastries she’d made herself, delivering them to his room.

The tutors’ quarters were on the left side of the Xue family’s inner courtyard, conveniently connected by a passage to the training grounds shared by both families. Wenwan could walk that path with her eyes closed.

She was not motivated by anything trivial; the martial world was fascinating. To be a mere ornament in her family, subject to others’ whims, was not her ambition. Every young lady confined to the inner chambers dreams of freedom, and Wenwan, who loved reading street novels, was no exception. Tales of swords and shadows accompanied her through every leisurely afternoon.

Later, when Xiao Yi encountered vendors selling illicit books, he would buy up their entire stock and burn them in secret.

A sword grows sharper with use, and a person, more skilled through practice.

On the seventh day, Xiao Yi mastered the Frost Sword Technique. Pinching his middle and index fingers together, he condensed a droplet the size of a grain of rice, flicked it skyward, and a familiar white mist enveloped the courtyard.

The final move—so this was its true purpose. Xiao Yi was stunned, having previously mocked Xia Liang for not using his signature skill before dying. He had not known that the last move of the Frost Sword Technique required no sword at all.

“Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!” Suddenly, three cries of approval echoed from within the white mist. “So young, yet already you command the Frost Sword Technique. I choose you!”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi clenched his fist, and the mist contracted, forming a droplet that vanished.

The courtyard was empty. Only a letter remained, weighted by a jade token.

Climbing atop the wall, Xiao Yi gazed at the bustling crowds beyond, searching in vain for anything unusual. He then opened the letter: To avenge, bring the jade token and enter the Great Wilderness.

The name “Southern Wilds” came from the vast Great Wilderness to the south—three thousand miles of barren land, nothing but yellow earth. No crops or animals could survive. Thirty miles past Han Pass, it lay outside the Iron Dynasty’s territory.

“Teacher Xiao? Is Teacher Xiao here?” Hearing voices beyond the wall, he knew it was the young gentlemen again. Since the incident at the eastern embankment, not only Young Master Liao but the others as well treated him as a close friend. Today, they had arranged to stroll the city together.

The four young masters were neatly dressed, folding fans in hand, swords at their waists, robes of four colors. They carried birdcages and brought servants, waiting by the courtyard wall.

Xiao Yi vaulted over the wall. The young masters quickly bowed. “Teacher Xiao, today the four of us are your hosts. Let us tour Banner City—anything that catches your eye, it’s yours!”

Young Master Liao, in particular, walked alongside with lowered gaze, eagerly explaining every shop they passed. He spoke at length, never mentioning the loss of his sword since that day.

If Three Mountain City was considered prosperous, Banner City rivaled even the greatest capitals of Central Plains. Pedestrians wore immaculate, elegant attire; eateries and workshops lined the streets. Knowing Xiao Yi’s fondness for good food, the young masters took him to their favorite haunts.

Banner City’s largest tavern, Sky Loft, belonged to the Liao family. “Sky Loft—high enough that the emperor’s far away! Teacher Xiao, my family serves delicacies here that even the capital cannot offer!” Young Master Liao hurriedly ordered the dishes.

After several rounds of wine, the conversation shifted. The young masters exchanged knowing glances. Xiao Yi had never tasted alcohol before; after three or five cups, his face flushed deep red.

“Teacher Xiao, have you eaten well?” Liao asked.

“Yes, I have,” Xiao Yi replied, his head swimming. As they walked onto the street, he took deep breaths to clear his mind and steady himself.

“Shall we continue our tour? Young Master Du, I need to use the lavatory; you take the lead.”

When they reached a deserted stretch of street, Xiao Yi realized the young masters had vanished. Just as he turned to search for them, a fair-skinned woman pressed close.

“At last, you’re here! Young Master Xiao, please come inside! Ladies, hurry and entertain our guest!” Xiao Yi struggled to breathe in her embrace, catching a glimpse of the sign outside: Spring Delight Courtyard.

Knowing trouble was afoot, he tried to break free, but a strong fragrance entered his nose, intensifying the effects of the alcohol. His body went limp, and he was dragged into the establishment by a crowd of chirping courtesans.

At the street corner, the young masters emerged from the shadows. Young Master Liao chuckled, “You’re no match for me! Watch how I ruin your reputation today!”

“Indeed, Young Master Liao—brilliant, absolutely brilliant! A teacher from the Xue family visiting a brothel in broad daylight—once word spreads, he’ll never be welcome in Banner City!” The other three chimed in, and after a couple of minutes, a carriage approached. Hanging from it was the Xue family insignia.

Young Master Liao stepped forward to halt the carriage. “Miss Xue, long time no see. My respects to you.”

Yi Ran peered out, intending only a brief greeting, but the young masters blocked her path.

“I’m heading to the academy ahead. Why are you obstructing the way?”

“It’s not that we mean to, but your Teacher Xiao is enjoying himself across the street. We’re just keeping watch outside…” Liao winked, his lips curling into a smile.

Hearing Xiao Yi’s name, Wenwan inside the carriage immediately lifted the curtain and stepped out. She looked up at the Spring Delight Courtyard sign on the street and her face turned deathly pale.