Chapter 137 — The Heartbroken
The Sword Questions the Heavens · Page 6 of 7
Yun Yifeng nodded, took the letter Li Xun handed him, and glanced it over. On the envelope, written in neat, upright characters, were the words: To be opened personally by Senior Brother Yun Yifeng of Fenxia Valley.
The sender's name was inscribed: With respects, Daoyan of the Canglan Sect.
It was indeed in the hand of Daoist Daoyan of the Canglan Sect. Yun Yifeng smiled faintly, tore open the seal, drew out a thin sheet, and read it through from beginning to end, the smile never leaving his face.
At last he nodded slightly, pondered a moment, then folded the letter away into his robes. Raising his voice to the assembly, he said, "That will do for today. Go back and make your preparations. Before long, I shall lead the finest disciples of Fenxia Valley into the Central Plains to pay our respects to our friends of the Canglan Sect and the Fanyin Temple, and together we shall deliberate the great affairs of the world!"
The crowd was startled. It had been long indeed since Fenxia Valley had marched into the Central Plains in force, and none had expected their valley master to issue so momentous an order the moment he emerged from seclusion. But Yun Yifeng had always commanded deep reverence, and the folk of Fenxia Valley gave it little thought. After paying their respects, they withdrew one and all to make ready, and of them all only Li Xun was bidden by Yun Yifeng to remain.
When the others had gone, only master and disciple, Yun Yifeng and Li Xun, were left in the Shanhe Hall. Alone with his master, Li Xun was less reserved than he had been before the crowd, and he asked with a smile, "Master, what manner of cultivation did you practice in seclusion, to produce such wondrous effects?"
Yun Yifeng smiled. "This is a rare art handed down from the founding patriarchs of Fenxia Valley. When your own cultivation is sufficient in days to come, do you fear I will not pass it on to you?"
Li Xun started, then saw the kindly laughter in Yun Yifeng's eyes, which seemed to carry a deeper meaning. A moment's thought, and he was overcome with joy. He hurriedly threw himself to his knees. "Thank you for your great kindness, Master! Your disciple will never fail your expectations!"
Smiling, Yun Yifeng raised him up and looked him over from head to foot. "Your bones and sinews are rare and wondrous—you are fine material for the Dao," he sighed. "Only I see that you are young and full of vigor, and your temper still somewhat restless. You must learn to govern yourself, and only then, with diligent practice, will you achieve greatness."
Li Xun nodded again and again. "Thank you for your guidance, Master. But tell me—did you keep me back for some reason?"
Yun Yifeng glanced at him. "Indeed. I want you to go first to the Central Plains."
Li Xun blinked. "The Central Plains? Where?"
Yun Yifeng said mildly, "Mount Canglan. I shall write a reply in a moment. You will set out at once and deliver this letter into the hands of Daoist Daoyan at Mount Canglan."
Li Xun nodded. "Yes."
Yun Yifeng paced back and forth a few steps, then added, "After Daoist Daoyan has read this letter, he will most likely ask you to stay a few days at Mount Canglan. Do not decline. Stay a few days at Qingyun; I will bring the others and follow shortly."
Li Xun nodded, but was somewhat puzzled. "Master, you are so eager to enter the Central Plains—is there some urgent matter?"
Yun Yifeng smiled faintly. "Is it not that very matter you have begged me about for so long?"
Li Xun's body jolted, and then an excitement he could not conceal spread over his face. At once he knelt again and cried aloud, "Thank you, Master, for granting my wish!"
Yun Yifeng shook his head and laughed. "Enough, enough. Go back and make your preparations for now; come fetch my letter in a little while, and set out straightaway."
Li Xun answered eagerly and strode out.