Ten Years Lantern on a Stormy Martial Arts World Night Chapter 12

T/N: I've actually translated to chapter 41. I'm going to try to post weekly.

Chapter 12: The Twelve Hours of Muwei Palace

When Cai Zhao woke it was late afternoon. Fan Xingjia came to call her to dinner.  

The Chang Ning that slept well was very polite. He actually poured a cup of water for Fan Xingjia. Fan Xingjia was so surprised he almost drank it into his nose. This orphan of the Chang family had never given anyone other than shifu a positive glance. He had always acted like everyone owed him a debt.  

“Fan shixiong has worked hard. We’ve rested here while Fan shixiong has run around like a worker grasshopper...” Just a short afternoon, yet it was like Chang Ning had completely changed. He was filled with warmth and consideration; it was just this simile was a bit... 

“Chang shixiong, it’s not grasshopper, it’s ant.” Cai Han said, rubbing his eyes.  

Chang Ning patted Cai Han’s head. “Xiao Han is a good boy. How can you say Fan shixiong is an ant? You can crush ten ants with a footstep, but can you crush Fan shixiong with a footstep? So, Fan shixiong is not an ant.” 

“But Fan shixiong is not a grasshopper, cause... cause...”  

“You can’t crush a gasshopper with a foot, cause grasshoppers can jump.” 

Little Cai Han nodded. The logic was correct. 

“You two. Fan shixiong is not a grasshopper or an ant--he is a human!” Cai Zhao was a bit woozy from sleeping, but she slapped the table to announce her verdict. 

Fan Xingjia accepted the cup of water: “...”  

The three were led by Fan Xingjia into a newly arranged Muwei Palace main dining area...’s side dining area.  

The entire Muwei Palace was symmetrical. Every main room had two side rooms.  

This time, Fan Xingjia carefully arranged the three of them at a table by the window in the west side hall. Two young monks from Changchun Monastery sat on the left side of the table. In terms of seniority, they were Cai Zhao’s Uncle, Juexing Dashi’s disciples’ generation. On the right was a thin little girl who was silent and had her head down. Her name is Yang Xiaolan, and she was the daughter of the Sect Leader of Siqi Sect. She was so shy that she didn't even dare to raise her head when saying hello. 

--The former two were harmonious and the latter one was innocent and shy—Fan Xingjia had really put in effort. As for Qi Lingbo and those others, he had arranged them to eat in the east side hall. The two were separated by a large main hall. Even if one yelled at the top of their lungs on one side, the other couldn’t hear, much less have another ‘misunderstanding’.  

Amigdibala, now there can finally be some peace. Feeling better, Fan Xingjia let out a breath and sat down. 

Cai Zhao was looking for her parents. The Cai couple sat beside Sect Leader Song of Guangtian Sect. The couple were expressionless as they fielded the inquiries of their fellow martial artists. 

Cai Zhao couldn’t help but ask, “Fan shixiong, tomorrow is the ceremony. Have all the guests arrived?” 

“Other than the Leader of Changchun Monastery, Fa Kong Shangren (title for respected monk) and Taichu Temple’s people, everyone else is here.”  

“I know Fa Kong Shangren. His shixiong Fa Hai Shangren just passed away. It makes sense if he wants to stay and chant sutras for him, and so he will be late a few days. But why are the people from Taichu Temple late?”  

“Of course it’s to put on an entrance.” Chang Ning whispered. “Three years ago at your aunt's funeral, everyone in the martial arts world went to pay their respects. Father said that Taichu Temple arrived last, it was quite a statement.”  

“At that time I got sick and I didn’t know.” Cai Zhao whispered back, “If being last gives you pomp, then wouldn’t not coming at all give them even more face?” 

Fan Xingjia joined in too: “If Taichu Temple really did not come to Beichen Laozu’s rememberance ceremony, they would get so much flack. Taichu Temple’s Sect Leader Qiu Yuanfeng has been arrogant in the last few years. He sticks his nose in every event. They’re really something!” 

“If Taichu Temple acts like this, does no one say anything?” Cai Zhao asked. 

“Of course.” Fan Xingjia laughed. “It’s just...”  

“Yunke shidi.” Guang Tian Sect Leader Song Shijun sat with his shining golden ensemble at the second-most important seat, but he seemed displeased. “Tomorrow is Beichen’s Ceremony, yet Taichu Temple still hasn’t arrived. Is this a bit ridiculous?” 

He purposefully used his qi to make his voice loud. At once, everyone in the hall looked towards the front.  

The one in the top seat, Qi Yunke, said kindly, “Sect Leader Qiu said he had something to take care of in his letter, so he will arrive a bit late, but he will be here before tomorrow morning’s ceremony.” 

Song Shijun laughed. “Yunke shidi, I know you are kind, but some things you should be firm. Fa Kong Shangren is a guest, so if he comes that is because of his graciousness, but it’s not a must. But us Beichen Six Sects are his descendants! If they wanted to make a fanfare about other things we can let it go, but this is our ancestor’s Two Hundred Year Remembrance Ceremony he dares to belittle. Will Qingque Sect not say something?” 

There was absolute silence after these words. Everyone waited for what Qi Yunke would say.  

The Beichen Sects might appear united, but each sect governed itself. Only when facing the demonic sect would they take orders from the Qingque Sect. Of course, some generations of Qingque Sect leaders were domineering, and could say things about other sect’s internal affairs.　 

Song Shijun bringing up the Taichu Temple now was clearly putting Qi Yunke on the spot. 

Cai Zhao lowered her voice. “Sect Leader Song is making things difficult on purpose? How should Qi Bofu respond? If he says ‘being late is no problem’, people will say that Qi bofu is not respectful of Ancestor Beichen. But if he gets angry, are they going to go and beat up Taichu Temple? That’ll make us a joke to the demonic sect.” 

Chang Ning: “Of course. It's only called making things difficult if you can’t respond properly no matter what. But, the two of them don’t have any grudges, why is he doing this to Sect Leader Qi?” 

The two of them looked to Fan Xingjia, who sighed and said: “These years Guang Tian Sect has recruited a lot of disciples and is catching up to our Sect. Before, Sect Leader Song had suggested that this year’s 200th remembrance ceremony be done at Guang Tian Sect. But even if Shifu is kind, he can’t agree to that. Good thing Mount Pei Liang Manor and Luoying Valley supported us steadfastly, so the thing was settled. Sect Leader Song couldn’t accomplish his goal, so, he must have been dissatisfied.” 

“Ah pei!” Cai Zhao spat to show her displeasure. “Jiuli Mountain Muwei Palace was where Ancestor Beichen cultivated. If we were to host a remembrance ceremony, how can we do it anywhere else. He just relies on the fact that Qi bofu is nice and is taking it too far!” 

Chang Ning said, “Third shixiong is Sect Leader Song’s son. Him going against Sect Leader Qi like this, isn’t he afraid that his son will suffer?” 

FJX said. “Shifu is a manigamous person. He does not take things personally. No matter what Sect Leader Song does, he would not relate that to san shixiong. And...” 

“And there is a Madame Sulian here. Her sister Qinglian was Sect Leader Song’s wife. The Sect wouldn’t mistreat their old sect leader’s nephew.” Cai Zhao pouted. “All that to say, they are bullying the nice person.”  

“Mom is speaking, look!” Cai Han said.  

Ning Xiaofeng also used her qi to make her voice louder, but she was not that strong, so her voice did not ring in people’s years like Sect Leader Song. Everyone had to be quiet to hear what she was saying. 

“...even if you’re brothers of the same parents, if you move out, you each decide what goes on in your own household. Although Qingque Sect is the leader of the six sects, it can’t interfere with the other six sects. As long as Taichu Temple does not delay the remembrance ceremony tomorrow morning, it cannot be considered a fault. "Ning Xiaofeng disliked Song Shijun for more than ten years, so she would not be polite now. 

“A famous phrase goes: Only a deaf and blind person can be a rich person.* It’s difficult to be the Sect Leader of Qingque Sect. Luckily Qi dage is kind and upright, otherwise, if he were to use his power and ask about our little sesame-sized issues, us in the lower five sects would cry.”  

T/N:*Chinese saying ‘Only a deaf or blind person can be a rich person’ 不聋不哑不做翁姑: meaning to run a large business, you must let go of little things...if you count the pennies, you won’t be making millions. Or, if you make millions, you won’t be counting your pennies. It means to be a good leader, you have to let go of some things i.e. be “deaf” and “blind” to some things. In my opinion, this is basically saying “mind your own beeswax”. 

The words were a bit informal, but it was reasonable. If the Sect Leader was someone who loved politics and asking about each sect’s business, then the five sects would not be ok. Everyone was nodding. Song Shijun’s face tightened.  

A middle-aged man sitting opposite Song Shijun saw that he looked bad, smiled slightly, and said loudly: “What Xiaofeng says is right. Everyone only knows that Qingque Sect is the number one sect in the world, but few know how difficult it is to be the Sect Leader. Luckily brother Yunke is honest, and doesn’t nitpick, so us Beichen Six Sects can be harmonious. Brother Song is also filial today, but he has always been quick to speak. Since everyone here is family, let’s not make a fuss.” 

Ever since Song Shijun opened his mouth, Yin Sulian had been uneasy. One side was her husband and her brother-in-law on the other. When she heard this elegant and handsome middle-aged man trying to smooth things over, she quickly said: "Brother Zhizhen...ahem...it's true what Master Zhou said. We’re all family. Let's stop quarreling. Come here, serve wine and food, quickly!” 

The one that just spoke was Mount Pei Liang Manor’s Master, Zhou Zhizhen. He was known in the martial arts world for his gentleness, elegance, calligraphy and swordsmanship. Everyone laughed and joked, and this thing passed.   

Song Shijun was still upset, so he shot a look at Yang Heying, the master of Siqi Sect beside him. The two of them had always been on good terms, and Song Shijun meant 'it's your turn'. 

But Yang Heying thought, you, Song Shijun, personally tried to make things difficult for Qi Yunke but failed, so why would I bring shame on myself? He rolled his eyes and saw Cai Pingchun and his wife on the side. He suddenly had an idea and said loudly: "Valley Master Cai, I haven't seen you for many years. How have you been?" 

Cai Pingchun was slightly surprised. "Not worries, not bad." 

Yang Heying said with a smile: "Oh, the heroic smile of the heroine Cai Pingshu is still vivid in my mind. I remember that at a young age, she was the best in martial arts. She stepped into the devil's den, walked through the bandits' stronghold, and acted chivalrously and righteously. Everyone in the world admired her. Now that she has passed away, I see that Valley Master Cai has the same demeanor. It is so gratifying to finally have someone to succeed Luoying Valley." These words were obviously in memory of Cai Pingshu, but they were implying that Luoying Valley was nothing without Cai Pingshu.  

Chang Ning frowned: "Why does this person speak so snidely?" 

"Not only does he speak snidely, but he also behaves snidely." Cai Zhao gritted her teeth, "I saw this person when I was a child." 

Chang Ning and Fan Xingjia were surprised. 

Cai Han said: “Then how come I haven’t?” 

“That year I was four, you didn’t even exist yet. Be quiet, eat your dessert!” 

After tapping her younger brother's head, she continued: "The 'Three Heroes of Shahe' came that year, and they kept saying that they would challenge my father in martial arts - ahem, I don't even know how they got into the valley. Those three people were shameless. They said that always fought as one. If they fought a hundred people, it was with three of them. So they would fight against my father with all three of them." 

Chang Ning laughed coldly: "If it were me, I would really find a hundred people to fight the three of them. I would exhaust them to death. If they don't use up all their energy and energy, it's not finished." 

“So did Valley Master Cai win?" Fan Xingjia asked.  

"No need to ask. Of course, Valley Master Cai won. Otherwise this matter would have spread throughout the martial arts world." Chang Ning snorted.  

Fan Xingjia was startled: "What do you mean?”  

"When Nie Hengcheng was alive, the Demon Sect was very powerful. In several battles, many of the Beichen Six Sect's masters were killed and injured, especially in Luoying Valley. This incident clearly shows that those three bastards knew the situation and took advantage of it. Look at Valley Master Cai's uncle and sister. With one dead and one wounded, Valley Master Cai was young and unknown, so he wanted to take advantage of it. If the three of them won, they would make it known to the world, boasting that they defeated the Valley Master of Luoying Valley and Cai Heroine’s brother. Since no one knows about this matter, naturally Valley Master Cai won." 

Cai Han was stunned: "Wow, Chang shixiong, you are so smart. Ah-jie, is this what happened?"  

Cai Zhao rolled his eyes at Chang Ning: "Yes, just like Chang Ning shixiong said, dad won. Alas, mom said that dad trained hard day and night in those years just to guard against this kind of thing."  

Fan Xingjia also praised: "Chang shixiong is smart, more than me." 

Chang Ning didn't pay attention to him and continued to ask: "What does this have to do with Yang Heying?" 

"Two years before those bastards came, dad had already made a breakthrough, and it was not difficult to beat them. Yang Heying was there to watch the show, while saying he was there to uphold justice. When the three masters of Shahe attacked my father, he remained motionless and silent. When father was about to destroy those three bastards, he intervened to stop him. He said something about "everyone is a comrade in the martial arts world, fights should not result in harm"? Bah! "Cai Zhao said bitterly. 

Chang Ning: "Well, it seems that Yang Heying went to gauge your father’s strength."  

Cai Zhao was puzzled: "Gauge? Yang Heying? Why is he gauging my father's strength?"  

Chang Ning: "Your aunt Cai Pingshu was famous. She was unparalleled in the world. She obtained many rare treasures, famous medicines, and secret books. A powerful sect like Qingque Sect Guangtian Sect would not be jealous. Mount Peiliang Manor and Taichu Temple are noble and self-reliant and wouldn’t bother to take action, but what about Siqi Sect? Haha, the rules of that sect are outdated and backwards. The talents are withered and have declined for several generations, how can they not covet treasures?" 

Hearing this, Cai Han couldn't help but interject: "Actually, Mom said that the Luoying Valley before my aunt has also declined for several generations..." 

“Don’t even think about having a late-night snack if you keep talking!” Cai Zhao wished he could sew her younger brother's mouth shut. 

Chang Ning smiled: "Yang Heying went to measure Luoying Valley. If your cultivation was advanced, he would shut up and get out. If your cultivation was not enough, he would have an opportunity. If my guess is correct, then he helped the three heroes of Shahe enter Luoying Valley. Later, after you changed the formation protecting your valley, few people could enter." 

Chang Ning was speaking and saw Fan Xing showing off his cute dimples to serve Cai Zhao more food, he changed his tune and pointed out: "Even if Sect Leader Qi protects the Luoying Valley, the water from far away cannot quench the thirst of the near. As long as Valley Master Cai can't stand up on his own, there will always be little men who find an opening. Shimei, do you think so?" 

*T/N: Idiom. The water from far away cannot quench the thirst of the near 远水解不了近渴. This chinese idiom means that no matter how strong your ally is, if they are too far away, they can do nothing. 

Cai Zhao lowered her head and said nothing.  

Chang Ning was unhappy without the audience: "Why don't you speak anymore?"  

Cai Zhao seemed to be thinking about something else: "Your Father, Chang Haosheng, has been traveling around the world for many years. He has been in the Jianghu for more years than my aunt. It is rare that he has lost. Therefore, the Chang family has also accumulated many rare treasures, famous medicines, and secret books?" 

Fan Xingjia's eyes lit up. It seemed that no one had ever thought about this problem before, so he hurried to look at Chang Ning.  

Chang Ning stared at Cai Zhao: "Yes. My father has indeed accumulated a lot. I wouldn't call any secret books, but rare medicines and treasures there are plenty. And they are hidden in various places. Now only I know." 

Fan Xingjia was a simple person and immediately respected rich people.  

Cai Zhao felt bittersweet. Her aunt Cai Pingshu regarded wealth as dirt. Every time she ventured out, she would only pick up those strange and weird things to collect. The things were good, but they could not be changed into much money. 

Chang Haosheng was different. He was mature and knew how to live well. He would accept gold bricks, silver, jewels and gems - these were all things Ning Xiaofeng had said to her before while chatting.  

Chang Ning saw the change in Cai Zhao's face with great joy and smiled: "Next time I will buy a jeweled hairpin for shimei to wear. Shimei, do you prefer east pearl, south pearl or jade?"  

Cai Zhao snorted and turned her head proudly.  

She wouldn’t bend for five buckets of rice*, because if she was pressed, she would open a rice shop herself. 

*T/N: Another idiom: To bend for five buckets of rice 为了五斗米折腰: meaning to do things for money  

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