Chapter 27: The Scarlet Serpent Fairy

Tang Xuan and his master, Master Xuan Zhi, journeyed together from Shaolin Temple toward Dasheng Pass. Dasheng Pass, situated near Xiangyang City, was a strategic stronghold; though its terrain was imposing, its markets were not bustling. North of Dasheng Pass lay territory already occupied by the Mongol army. The martial arts assembly convened by Guo Jing and Huang Rong was to be held at the Lu Manor in Dasheng Pass.

The host of Lu Manor had deep ties with Guo Jing and Huang Rong. The manor’s master, Lu Guanying, had once been the young lord of Cloud Return Manor; his father, Lu Chengfeng, was a disciple of the "Eastern Heretic," Huang Yaoshi. Later, Cloud Return Manor by Lake Tai was burned to ashes by "Western Venom" Ouyang Feng. In his fury, Lu Chengfeng led his family north, settled at Dasheng Pass, and rebuilt a manor—thus establishing Lu Manor. After Lu Chengfeng's death, the title of master passed to Lu Guanying.

Lu Guanying, being of the grand-disciple generation to Huang Yaoshi, was in fact older than Huang Rong, yet his seniority was lower by one generation. His wife, Cheng Yaojia, was a disciple of Sun Bu’er, one of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen, known as the "Hermit of Purity." In fact, Cheng Yaojia was the senior sister of Li Weiwei, who had also entered Sun Bu’er’s tutelage.

In their heyday, the Lus of Cloud Return Manor led the bandits around Lake Tai, amassing great wealth. Even after relocating north and building the new manor, their residence was exceptionally lavish—so much so that Guo Jing and Huang Rong chose it as the venue for the martial arts assembly. The manor was easily capable of hosting several thousand, even tens of thousands, of martial artists.

For days, Tang Xuan and Master Xuan Zhi had been on the road, now not far from Dasheng Pass. During these days, more and more players had cleared the normal difficulty of the Blackwind Stockade instance, left the novice village, joined the great sects, and become outer disciples. The world of Jianghu was now seeing more and more traces of players. Even the difficult version of Blackwind Stockade (levels 11–15, for 1–10 players) was gradually being conquered by leading figures and elite players from the major gaming guilds. Once these players reached level 16, they would be able to challenge the nightmare-level Blackwind Stockade instance. However, the first kill of the nightmare mode had already been secured by Tang Xuan.

The game "Grand Wuxia," with its promise of perfect realism, had only grown more popular since its open beta, and an ever-increasing number of players had become part of the novice village.

On this particular day, Tang Xuan and his master arrived at a small town near Dasheng Pass.

It was midday, so the two entered a tavern, intending to have a simple vegetarian meal. As monks of the Xuan generation from Shaolin, they came from a wealthy and influential order; traveling monks had their expenses covered and need not beg for alms.

Along the way, Master Xuan Zhi had tirelessly explained to Tang Xuan the local customs and martial sects of every region, his demeanor that of a seasoned and scholarly wanderer. To Tang Xuan, though, his master seemed more like a tour guide.

The two took seats on the tavern’s second floor. The server hurried over, immediately recognizing Master Xuan Zhi as the senior, and greeted them with fawning politeness. “What would you like to order, venerable master?”

“Two bowls of vegetarian noodles and a pot of tea,” Master Xuan Zhi replied.

“At once, honored guests. Please wait a moment,” the server said, bowing as he retreated.

At that moment, Tang Xuan’s attention was drawn to several guests at another table. Two of them wore grotesque masks. The masks, leaving only the eyes and mouth exposed, were ugly, but their fit was so precise they seemed almost natural, as if fused to the skin—an uncanny craftsmanship.

Among the three at that table, beside the masked man and woman, was a young lady of striking beauty. Suddenly, the masked woman spoke, “I’ve heard that the demoness Li Mochou has arranged to meet members of the Beggars’ Sect here at noon. They should be arriving soon.”

Though her mask was hideous, her voice was clear and pleasant. Tang Xuan, whose "Arhat’s Thousand-Pound Skill" was already at full mastery, had deep internal force; no matter how softly the woman spoke, he could hear every word distinctly. So could Master Xuan Zhi, whose profound skill ensured he missed nothing.

At the mention of “Li Mochou,” Master Xuan Zhi’s expression subtly shifted. The "Scarlet Serpent Fairy" Li Mochou was a notorious villainess in the martial world. Shaolin, being a righteous sect devoted to eradicating evil, counted her among their enemies.

Both master and disciple now kept their attention fixed on the trio at that table.

The masked man spoke next: “Li Mochou is extremely cunning. For one so young as yourself to have tracked her here is truly impressive.”

His tone suggested that, despite the matching masks, he was not well acquainted with the masked woman.

“Sir Yang flatters me,” the woman replied coolly.

Sir Yang continued, “Your mask is most ingenious, madam. Your lightness skill is also not to be underestimated. May I ask which school you hail from?”

The masked woman replied with quiet indifference, “My lightness skill is but a trivial art, unworthy of mention. Sir Yang is too kind.”

Though their conversation was subdued, Tang Xuan heard every word.

Sir Yang? Li Mochou? Dead-faced masks from Peach Blossom Island?

Tang Xuan had already deduced the likely identities of these individuals.

Just then, three more people ascended the stairs. Leading them was a beautiful Taoist nun in her thirties, stunningly attractive yet icy, her expression forbidding and unapproachable. Behind her was a lovely young Taoist nun, and a girl just entering womanhood—bright-eyed, with radiant teeth and fair skin, delicate and charming, though she walked with a limp.

“Li Mochou!” Master Xuan Zhi’s expression shifted once again at the sight, surprised to find this notorious villainess here in person. As a high monk of Shaolin, he thought that today, he might have to uphold the righteous path and eliminate evil!

Tang Xuan, too, had identified the newcomers: Li Mochou and her two disciples.

In truth, Li Mochou was a tragic figure. She had once been good at heart, falling deeply for Lu Zhanyuan and tending his wounds without regard for propriety. Banished from her sect for defying her master’s command to never leave the ancient tomb, she had hoped to share a life of love with Lu Zhanyuan, only to be heartlessly abandoned by him. Wounded by his betrayal, her nature changed, love turning to hatred, and she slaughtered the entire Lu family.

Yet, for all her sorrow, Li Mochou, after her transformation, spent more than a decade roaming Jianghu, sowing terror and death with her Icy Soul Silver Needles. Her very name struck fear into the hearts of all.

For Tang Xuan, a disciple of Shaolin, Li Mochou was a shining source of virtue points—precisely what he needed to enter the Scripture Pavilion and master the Seventy-Two Supreme Arts of Shaolin.