54 The injuries are severe.
"Deal?" Bai Zongnan asked with a hint of surprise. "What deal?"
"You let me go, and I'll tell you all the secrets I know," Wang Ying replied.
"Hmph. Why should I trust anything you say?" Bai Zongnan snorted coldly.
"You don't have to believe me. But I will definitely come to kill you tonight. If you're afraid to die, you can refuse the deal. I promise, I will kill you!" Wang Ying sneered.
Bai Zongnan frowned. This woman was indeed sly. His own martial skills were far from lacking, and he possessed formidable mental strength—he could control others' thoughts or will. Yet, he had no desire to deal with fools, which was why he wasted so much time talking to this woman. Had she been an ordinary woman, she would have long been dead and would never have had the chance to act so arrogantly before him.
"Fine. For now, I'll trust you this once. Tell me, what secrets do you know?" Bai Zongnan asked.
"I know the whereabouts of the generals Taishi Ci, Lü Bu, and Li Cunxiao," Wang Ying spoke slowly.
"You really know where they are?" Bai Zongnan asked, his voice trembling with excitement.
"I only know Zhao Yun and Taishi Ci are near Luoyang. As for Li Cunxiao, I have no idea where he is," Wang Ying said.
"What are they doing near Luoyang?" Bai Zongnan asked, puzzled.
"I don't know the details. But Taishi Ci once saved my life. Back on the plains of Hebei, we were surrounded by barbarian cavalry, and if not for Taishi Ci's heroic charge, I would have been slain by those marauders. I owe him my life. When I heard Lü Bu and Taishi Ci had been captured, I decided to rescue them," Wang Ying answered.
"Is Taishi Ci badly injured?" Bai Zongnan asked, worried.
"His wounds are grave. He nearly died," Wang Ying shook her head and sighed.
"Where is he now? Take me to him at once," Bai Zongnan urged.
"Follow me," Wang Ying agreed.
Bai Zongnan hurried after her. They vaulted the village wall and headed straight for the depths of the mountains.
"You want me to rescue Taishi Ci?" After a hurried journey, Bai Zongnan couldn't help but ask.
"Yes. I heard Lü Bu was captured too. If you can rescue Lü Bu, there’s still hope for the three of us siblings to escape," Wang Ying replied.
"Lü Bu is Lü Bu, Taishi Ci is Taishi Ci—no matter who is captured, it changes nothing. I am determined to destroy Cao Cao," Bai Zongnan declared resolutely.
"Then why do you want to rescue Taishi Ci and Lü Bu?" Wang Ying asked.
"Because both are men of loyalty and courage," Bai Zongnan replied.
Wang Ying was momentarily taken aback by his words.
Bai Zongnan’s journey was swift as lightning. In only half a day, he arrived near the camp where Lü Bu and Taishi Ci were held.
From a distance, he saw great numbers of cavalry stationed around the camp.
Lü Bu and Taishi Ci were top-tier generals—even gravely wounded, they were not men ordinary soldiers could handle. If Bai Zongnan rushed in recklessly, not only would he be unable to save them, but he might also end up surrounded and annihilated.
After a moment’s hesitation, Bai Zongnan concealed himself and began to observe Lü Bu and the others in secret.
When night fell, Bai Zongnan finally found his chance. He crept in while Zhao Yun and Taishi Ci slept and quietly woke Taishi Ci. Taishi Ci, fully armed with bow and crossbow on his back and a long blade at his waist, woke with a start.
"What are you doing here?" Taishi Ci, just awakened, was shocked to see Bai Zongnan.
"I come at His Majesty’s command to rescue you," Bai Zongnan replied calmly.
"His Majesty sent you to save us? Is…is this true?" Taishi Ci asked, shaken.
"Will you come with me?" Bai Zongnan asked.
"Of course! Hurry and inform the lord that someone is here to rescue us," Taishi Ci said, overjoyed.
"Stay here and do not act rashly. When dawn comes, I will bring men to rescue you," Bai Zongnan instructed.
"Alright!" Taishi Ci nodded.
Bai Zongnan then left to look for Zhao Yun.
"Who are you?" Several Cao camp guards at the entrance noticed Bai Zongnan and instantly drew their swords.
"You’d best not try anything, or you’ll be the ones to suffer," Bai Zongnan warned as he swept past them.
"Stop!" The guards panicked.
"Ghost! There’s a ghost!" one guard cried, collapsing in terror, while two others wet themselves in fear.
Bai Zongnan ignored these cowards and strode up to Lü Bu’s tent.
Lü Bu had just finished washing up and was about to rest when he noticed a commotion outside his tent, soldiers gathering as if searching for something.
"What’s going on?" Lü Bu called out, frowning.
"General, we saw a ghostly shadow just now—I suspect an assassin has slipped into the camp," one guard stammered.
Lü Bu was alarmed. Could there really be an assassin?
Though a master of martial arts, Lü Bu was not adept at military tactics or intrigue. Whenever he faced the enemy, he always felt constrained.
"Where is the assassin?" Lü Bu demanded, his face grave.
"Right at your tent door! General, stop him!" a guard urged.
"Come!" With no other choice, Lü Bu went himself.
Hearing the commotion outside, Bai Zongnan smiled wickedly. Lü Bu was coming in person. It seemed Zhao Yun really had been captured. Bai Zongnan knew this was his only chance to defeat Lü Bu—if Lü Bu recovered, Bai Zongnan would stand no chance.
"Who goes there? Daring to trespass in this general’s camp—have you grown tired of living?" Lü Bu roared.
"Heh, General Lü, don’t you recognize me? I’ve come to rescue you," Bai Zongnan said with a ringing laugh.
"Nonsense! When has this general ever needed your help? Get lost!" Lü Bu bellowed.
"General Lü, this must be an impostor—let’s kill him!" a guard shouted.
Lü Bu was stunned. This young man was audacious beyond belief.
He had no time to argue and charged at Bai Zongnan.
"General Lü, it’s a misunderstanding. Look at me closely," Bai Zongnan explained hastily.
Lü Bu paused, scrutinized Bai Zongnan, and suddenly recognized the young man before him as Yuan Xi, whom he hadn’t seen in years! Yuan Xi’s appearance had changed much, but his bearing was unaltered—Lü Bu recognized him at a glance.
"Gongyou, is it really you?" Lü Bu asked, excited.
"It’s me, General Lü!" Bai Zongnan exclaimed.
"How did you become the emperor’s bodyguard? And who’s this man with you?" Lü Bu asked.
"He is Zhang Liao, a mighty general as well. They’re here to rescue us. General Lü, let them free Zhao Yun first," Bai Zongnan ordered.
Lü Bu nodded.
"General Lü, you’re weak from injury—don’t get entangled with the enemy. Let’s end this quickly," Bai Zongnan reminded.
Lü Bu nodded again and retreated into the camp.
"Shoot! Kill this traitor pretending to be the emperor!" a Cao camp guard shouted.
Instantly, bowstrings thrummed. Hundreds of arrows rained down upon Bai Zongnan.
He snorted coldly, crossed his arms before his chest. The sound of steel rang out as every arrow bounced away.
"He’s a peerless warrior—don’t fight him head-on! Shoot him down!" Cao camp guards shouted in panic.
With a cold, sweeping glance, Bai Zongnan charged into the camp. The guards scattered in terror.
Moments later, Bai Zongnan reached the camp gate and kicked the barricade aside.
At the same time, dozens of guards rushed out from inside.
"Protect the lord!" one barked.
Bai Zongnan ignored this rabble and made straight for the tent.
Inside, Zhao Yun had already fainted.
Lü Bu, leaning heavily on his halberd, was barely fending off soldiers of Liu Bei’s army. His armor was in tatters, blood streaming down his wounds.
"My lord!" Seeing Lü Bu’s state, Bai Zongnan was devastated.
"Save the lord, quickly!"
"Stop them!"
When Lü Bu and his guards saw who it was, their faces changed dramatically and they shouted.
Bai Zongnan had no time for distractions. He felled a guard with one punch and slipped into the tent.
"Villain, die!" Several Cao guards tried to rush in and kill him, but Lü Bu and Zhao Yun’s men held them off.
"Save the lord at once!" Bai Zongnan wept on seeing Lü Bu near death.
"My lord! Wake up!" Bai Zongnan shook Lü Bu’s shoulder, tears streaming.
Lü Bu coughed a few times and slowly opened his eyes.
"My lord, how do you feel?" Bai Zongnan asked with concern.
"I’m alright," Lü Bu forced a faint smile.
"I came too late," Bai Zongnan said, ashamed.
"It’s not your fault—I was careless! Cough… Go and save Zilong at once," Lü Bu waved his hand.
"Yes! Please hold on, my lord. I’ll rescue General Zhao Yun right away," Bai Zongnan nodded and prepared to withdraw.
At that moment, the sound of marching feet rang out outside the camp.
"Report! General, the cavalry of Beihai has surrounded the camp. We are in grave danger!" a scout rushed in, terrified.
Lü Bu’s face turned deathly pale.
"Damn it!" he cursed.
"General Lü, stay here. I’ll lure away the cavalry—lead the others in a breakout. Remember, find a safe place and hide," Bai Zongnan instructed solemnly.
Reluctantly, Lü Bu nodded.
Bai Zongnan dashed out of the camp.
He didn’t go far, worried Lü Bu and the others might fail to break out. Bai Zongnan’s figure vanished into the night.
Sure enough, not long after, Beihai’s cavalry tracked down the camp.
"General, looks like there’s firelight ahead—let’s go check it out," a soldier pointed to a faint glow ahead.
"Let’s go!" they rode hard.
"Lü Bu! Tonight, I’ll take your life!" Bai Zongnan watched Lü Bu coldly.
"Haha! You alone?" Lü Bu laughed aloud.
"I don’t believe the gap between us has grown so wide after so long!" Bai Zongnan shouted in anger, blade in hand.
Lü Bu, undaunted, met him with his halberd.
Though a hero of his time, Lü Bu’s body was weak, his skills far from their peak, and after fighting Liu Bei’s army for so long, he was clearly faltering under Bai Zongnan’s assault.
Gritting his teeth, Lü Bu struggled on, hoping to buy time for reinforcements.
But it was not meant to be.
Soon, Bai Zongnan hacked off Lü Bu’s right arm, gravely wounding him and knocking him to the ground.
"Lü Bu! Prepare to die!" Bai Zongnan sneered, spear poised at Lü Bu’s throat.
"Wait!" A powerful voice halted Bai Zongnan’s killing blow.
"Cao Mengde, don’t think I won’t dare kill you," Bai Zongnan turned to glare at Cao Cao.
"Young master, don’t be rash! The lord is gravely wounded and won’t live much longer," Xun You urged.
"Rubbish!" Bai Zongnan fumed.
He had never seen Xun You before, but from his address to Xun Yu, Bai Zongnan guessed this must be a scholar from Yingchuan.
"I come at the lord’s command," Xun You said.
"At the lord’s command? Where’s Cao Cao? Tell him to get over here!" Bai Zongnan roared.
"You all leave. I’ll speak to the young master alone," Xun You said after a moment’s thought.
The soldiers hesitated, but finally filed out.
"Now can you speak?" Bai Zongnan stared at Xun You, his tone icy.
"Cao Cao is on his way with the army. His only target is you. Therefore, you must stay here, or he’ll soon find out you’ve gone, and then he won’t let you go," Xun You said gravely.
Bai Zongnan frowned deeply.
"Your Cao clan is truly ambitious wolves! Seeking to seize Jingzhou—aren’t you afraid the great clans of Jiangdong will resist?" Bai Zongnan snapped.
"Heh! Does the young master really think the gentry of Jiangdong can still hope to take Jingzhou?" Xun You sneered.
"What do you mean?" Bai Zongnan’s eyes narrowed.
"Have you forgotten? Cao Cao’s father, Cao Song, was once Yuan Shao’s top advisor. After Yuan Shao was killed by Dong Zhuo, Cao Song also died. Prime Minister Yuan Shu has suppressed the Cao family ever since usurping the throne. The Cao family only holds its position today because its members serve Cao Cao loyally," Xun You explained.
Bai Zongnan suddenly understood.
"Cao Cao’s uncles, cousins, and others are all members of the Yuan clan, with Cao Ren and Cao Ang outstanding among them—now both generals of the cavalry. Cao Cao’s mother was a noble lady of the Yuan clan. When Yuan Shao was alive, she was a highborn daughter; now that he’s dead, she’s not even a concubine’s child. So Cao Cao has no need to consider the Yuan clan’s interests," Xun You went on.
Bai Zongnan realized the truth.
"I see! So it was all Yuan Shao’s design," Bai Zongnan sighed.
"Exactly. The so-called widow of Yuan Shao is in fact Yuan Tan’s wife—Yuan Tan’s own sister—and Yuan Tan is Cao Cao’s cousin," Xun You nodded.
"How did you get in here?" Bai Zongnan asked warily, looking around. He hadn’t noticed any ambush.
Given his current level, only a few like Huang Zhong could do that.
Xun You’s face flickered.
"Don’t worry, young master. We have only a few hundred soldiers, and I’ve sent them all out scouting," Xun You said hastily.
"I see," Bai Zongnan relaxed.
"If you know so much, why didn’t you inform me earlier? I wasted so much effort searching for you!" Bai Zongnan shouted, humiliated.
"Young master, please don’t be angry! We only received word yesterday that Cao Cao was sending troops against us, so we dared not appear in case we misled your judgment," Xun You replied respectfully.
"Hmph! Very well, I’ll let you go this time. If there’s a next time, don’t blame me for being ruthless!" Bai Zongnan threatened.
Xun You bowed hastily. "Thank you for your magnanimity, young master. Xun You will remember your teachings!"
"Alright, leave now," Bai Zongnan waved him off.
"Take care, young master," Xun You said with a deep glance, then left.
"What’s your name?" Bai Zongnan suddenly asked.
"Guo Jia, your servant."
"Oh, Guo Fengxiao," Bai Zongnan nodded. "From now on, you are my personal strategist."
"You flatter me, young master. I dare not accept," Guo Jia protested.
"Enough false modesty! You are both brave and wise. Serving me is your best choice!" Bai Zongnan laughed, clapping Guo Jia on the shoulder.
A look of joy appeared on Guo Jia’s face at these words. He cupped his hands and said, "Guo Jia pays his respects, my lord!"
"Good. From now on, we are brothers—sharing fortune and hardship together!" Bai Zongnan said heartily.
"Yes!" Guo Jia replied solemnly.
He departed quickly with several hundred men in black attire.
Bai Zongnan remained in the camp, awaiting Cao Cao’s army.
"Young master, Cao Cao’s army will arrive soon! We must leave at once," Xun You said anxiously.
"Why panic? Aren’t they after me? Very well, let me see for myself just how formidable this Cao Cao is," Bai Zongnan said, narrowing his eyes.
"Young master…" Xun You said, full of concern.
"My mind is made up. Enough," Bai Zongnan said flatly.
"Forgive my boldness, but you are badly wounded, not fit to face Cao Cao head-on," Xun You hesitated.
"You want to leave? Fine, if that’s your wish, begone at once!" Bai Zongnan said with a half-smile.
"Young master, I merely fear to see you fall into danger," Xun You explained anxiously.
"Enough talk! I’ve given you two choices. If you pick the second, then go now!" Bai Zongnan said sternly.
"Young master…" Xun You tried to speak.
"Do you think my wounds have healed?" Bai Zongnan asked suddenly.
Xun You’s face changed slightly.
"If you wish to go, I won’t stop you," Bai Zongnan said coldly.
Xun You lowered his head, silent.
After a long while, he raised his head and said determinedly, "Young master, I will stay and serve at your side!"
"Very well," Bai Zongnan nodded.
"When shall we set out?" Xun You inquired.
"No rush. Rest and recover. We move at night," Bai Zongnan said calmly.
"As you command," Xun You nodded.
…
Night gradually fell.
A thousand meters from Bai Zongnan’s camp, hidden in the woods, hundreds of fine horses waited.
Leading them was none other than Cao Hong.
Cao Hong’s face was twisted with rage, his eyes bloodshot. Cao Cao’s son, Cao Pi, and grandson, Cao Ang, had both perished on the battlefield. The rest of his sons were mostly dead; only Cao Hong survived.
Though Cao Cao had not rebuked him, Cao Hong felt fallen from favor, living in constant fear.
Cao Cao had sent assassins after him!
Cao Cao ordered Cao Chun to lead five hundred guards to assassinate Bai Zongnan.
He commanded Xu Sheng to lead five hundred Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to raid Liu Bei’s stronghold.
He ordered Cao Hong to go to Jizhou and gather troops to encircle Liu Bei!
Cao Hong was no fool; each order targeted him alone.
Yet he could not fathom Cao Cao’s true intentions.
Cao Hong hated Bai Zongnan with every fiber of his being.
Cao Cao had once told him that Bai Zongnan was the man he admired most.
But he had not expected his beloved youngest son, Cao Pi, to die at Bai Zongnan’s hand.
Bai Zongnan was the one Cao Cao loathed most.
Cao Hong swore to kill Bai Zongnan and avenge his son.
He led five hundred elite guards to Liu Bei’s stronghold.
His plan was to strike when Liu Bei’s defenses were weak, break in and kill him.
He kept his force small to avoid alerting Liu Bei’s guards.
"Brother, what’s our plan for tonight?" Cao Ren asked.
"I’ll lead the charge. You and your five hundred men stay hidden near Liu Bei’s camp. When I give the order, attack with all your might—our goal is simple: kill Liu Bei at all costs!" said Cao Hong.
"Yes, brother!" Cao Ren nodded.
Cao Hong and his five hundred men crept toward Liu Bei’s stronghold.
The defenses were tight, sentries everywhere; a silent assault was impossible.
"Lord, the enemy approaches," Dian Wei whispered.
"Ignore them. Tell our scouts to keep watching the enemy," Liu Bei replied coolly.
"Wise, my lord," Dian Wei flattered.
A faint smile played at Liu Bei’s lips. Trapped as he was, who could truly threaten him now?
Cao Hong’s cavalry inched closer.
"Lord, Liu Bei’s patrols are few—they don’t see the need for more," Cao Ren observed.
"Good. Now’s our chance! Brothers, follow me!" Cao Hong drew his sword and charged, his five hundred cavalrymen surging forward.
They closed in from all sides, trying to cut off Liu Bei’s reinforcements.
Liu Bei’s guards responded quickly, drawing their swords to meet them.
But they were outnumbered; after a few exchanges, they fell.
Cao Ren led his cavalry into the fray, ordering his men to shoot Liu Bei’s guards.
Screams pierced the night.
"Retreat!" Dian Wei, seeing the tide turn, ordered a withdrawal.
"Protect the lord! Archers, fire!" Dian Wei ordered.
Arrows whistled through the air, decimating Cao Hong’s cavalry, two-thirds lost in an instant.
"Withdraw!" Dian Wei cried, fleeing with his men.
Cao Hong, seeing defeat, led his survivors away.
"Ha! Liu Bei, you’re finished!" In Liu Bei’s mansion, Cao Cao laughed triumphantly.
"Yuanhao, you have rendered great service. I name you General of Chariots and Cavalry!" Cao Cao said to Cheng Yu.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Cheng Yu said, kneeling with excitement.
"Haha…Liu Xuande, you are faithless, so I will be ruthless! I will destroy your Liu dynasty today!" Cao Cao laughed.
Liu Bei shivered at his laughter.
"Your Majesty, may I speak?" Liu Bei asked cautiously.
"Speak freely, my good minister," Cao Cao replied with a smile.
"Your Majesty, Liu Bei is now a stray dog. Why not press the advantage and destroy him? That will raise your prestige and win even greater loyalty from the gentry," Liu Bei advised.
"Excellent, Xuande—no wonder you are my pillar of state! Prepare the chancellor’s residence for a feast—I will banquet the officials today!" Cao Cao was delighted.
"Your Majesty is wise!" Cheng Yu praised.
Cao Cao arrived at the chancellor’s residence.
Emperor Liu Xie was already seated.
"Long live the Emperor!" Cao Cao knelt in reverence.
"Rise, beloved minister!" Liu Xie helped him up.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Cao Cao said.
He glanced around, puzzled. "Where is the chancellor?"
"Your Majesty, the villain Zhang Rang plotted rebellion and deserves death. I beg Your Majesty to execute him as a warning!" Cao Cao said.
Liu Xie frowned, sensing a trap, but young and inexperienced as he was, he could not see through the intrigue.
The dream ended. Bai Zongnan awoke, finding the beautiful Zhen Mi before him, though his mind still lingered in the bloody chaos of his dream.
"Young master, you’re finally awake!" Zhen Mi’s face lit up with joy.
"Yes," Bai Zongnan nodded slightly.
"You must be starving. I’ll have someone prepare food at once," she said kindly.
"Thank you," he replied coolly.
Zhen Mi left the room.
Soon, a palace maid arrived with a set of clothes, placed them down, and stood silently by the door.
"Please change, young master," the maid said sweetly.
Bai Zongnan dressed and told her, "You may go. I want to rest a while."
She nodded and departed.
Bai Zongnan lay on the bed, pondering his next steps. He bore two lives now and dared not risk them lightly.
"Strange—this looks like an inn room," he realized suddenly.
He jumped up to check and confirmed it was indeed an inn.
"No wonder I dreamed of Zhen Mi—was it real? Is this fate?" he murmured.
He noticed leftover food on the table, and his stomach rumbled again.
He picked up the food and ate contentedly.
A sudden knock startled him.
"Young master, I’ve brought you hot food. If you’re hungry, please open the door," Zhen Mi’s gentle voice called.
"Oh," Bai Zongnan said, opening the door.
Zhen Mi entered, carrying a tray.
"I’ll help you wash up," she smiled.
She set the dishes out, then fetched a basin and towel to help him wash his face, hands, and feet.
Bai Zongnan sat quietly, watching this gentle woman.
"Aren’t you going to change clothes?" she asked, blushing as she caught him staring.
"Ah, I forgot to take this robe off! Help me dress, will you?" he grinned.
"Alright," she bit her lip and helped him remove his robe.
Soon, they lay bare before each other.
"We didn’t do anything, right?" Bai Zongnan said sheepishly.
She stifled a laugh, "Young master, I only wished to help you bathe!"
He scratched his head awkwardly, feeling thirsty, but found the teacup empty.
"Ah, I forgot to make tea," he said, slapping his forehead.
"I’ll brew some for you," Zhen Mi offered.
"No need," he tried to refuse, but she insisted.
She went to the kitchen, made tea, and brought it to him, even feeding him herself.
Bai Zongnan thought how capable she was, knowing all the proper etiquette.
"I’ll make your bed," she smiled.
"No need—just sleep as is," he said, lying down.
After a moment’s hesitation, she climbed into the bed and snuggled against him.
"Ahem, I’m used to sleeping naked, so I don’t like sharing covers," he coughed.
Her cheeks flushed; she’d never been so close to a man before.
And she could feel how strong and well-built he was.
"Don’t misunderstand—I have no improper intentions. Just hold me, let me feel your presence," Bai Zongnan said hastily.
"I understand," she whispered.
Bai Zongnan closed his eyes, inwardly conflicted.
"You’re trembling—are you ill? Are you uncomfortable?" she suddenly asked.
He sighed, "You’re right—I am sick, and badly so."
"What illness? Is it serious? Should we call a doctor?" she asked anxiously.
"No need," he refused.
"But what will we do? I don’t want anything to happen to you," she said with deep feeling.
"Aren’t you afraid? I’m a real scoundrel," he suddenly rolled over, pinning her beneath him.
"I’m not afraid. As long as I can stay by your side, that’s enough," she replied.
Bai Zongnan was filled with happiness—what more could a man ask for in a wife? Though not Yuan Xi, for this wondrous woman, he would be sworn enemies with that traitor Cao.
He woke early the next morning.
Stretching, he felt something odd at his chest. Looking down, he nearly spat blood—Zhen Mi had struck him as he slept, landing a blow to his chest. If an ordinary martial artist had been struck, they’d have died. But since she lacked skill and strength, he was only lightly bruised.
"Hmph! You dare challenge me?" he sneered.
"Who’s there?" Zhen Mi looked warily toward the window.
"It’s me! Get up, I have to take the county exam today—time is precious," Bai Zongnan said.
"But it’s just dawn—there are still three hours before the exam. Let me help you wash and dress first," she said softly.
"Fine, but hurry!" he said.
She relaxed, glad he wasn’t angry about last night. After all, Bai Zongnan had saved her and given her a home.
"Please wait, young master. I’ll get you ready right away," she said with a radiant smile.
Soon, she had him properly attired and saw him out.
She watched until he was gone before returning inside.
Bai Zongnan headed straight for the north gate of the county.
He intended to observe the candidates at the exam. His goal was the provincial examination.
The county exam was held six times a year, with over eight hundred candidates; each session lasted a full day, so he planned to take the county exam today and the prefectural exam tomorrow.
Arriving at the county office, he queued for registration.
Since he was recommended by Assistant Magistrate Zhang Liang, the official in charge was very respectful and personally led him to the reception hall.
"My surname is Liu, given name Yong. May I ask your name?" Liu Yong inquired politely.
"Bai Zongnan. My name is Bai Zongnan," he replied.
"So it’s young Lin. Which exam would you like to enter?" Liu Yong asked.
"I choose the prefectural exam," Bai Zongnan answered without hesitation.
Liu Yong was taken aback.
The prefectural exam was the most important in the entire province. All candidates had to be registered to prevent impostors from other counties. Had Bai Zongnan not been recommended, Liu Yong would have thought he was boasting.
The prefectural exam required much more than the county one. First, a candidate must submit a question—this could be literary, mathematical, or any other type. Then, they must provide three test papers and an answer sheet. Most importantly, they had to pay a deposit of five thousand coins, with four options for the deposit based on origin and age, with higher amounts offering greater security.
Most candidates came from poor backgrounds or were orphans, and only those with special talent could even apply. This made competition fierce, with only a few qualifying in the end.
"You’re still young and not yet qualified to be a licentiate," Liu Yong advised.
"Thank you for your concern, but my resolve is firm. Farewell," Bai Zongnan said, bowing.
Seeing his obstinacy, Liu Yong shook his head.
As Bai Zongnan left the office, he saw over a dozen constables lined up on the street, watching him gravely.
"Are they here to arrest me?" he wondered, then walked off.
But just then, the leader, a middle-aged man, blocked his way.
"Are you Bai Zongnan?" the man asked.
"Yes. And you are?" Bai Zongnan replied coolly.
"By order of Magistrate Zhang, we are to arrest you," the man barked.
"Such airs! I’d like to see if you have the right to take me in," Bai Zongnan smirked.
"Courting death!"
The man charged at him.
Bai Zongnan stamped the ground, leaping high.
With a single punch, he sent the man flying.
The other constables drew their swords and surrounded him.
"Trying to die?" they shouted.
Bai Zongnan dodged easily, his legs sweeping them off their feet.
They were no match for him.
"Master, this one is too strong—we can’t handle him! Please take him yourself!" the leader called, clutching his stomach.
A white-haired old man emerged, face full of arrogance.
"You the magistrate?" Bai Zongnan asked.
"I am. Do you admit your crimes?" the old man demanded.
"Crimes? You abuse the law and beat civilians—aren’t you afraid of public outrage?" Bai Zongnan laughed coldly.
"Insolence! As magistrate, I will not tolerate your slander! Arrest him!" he roared.
Seven constables rushed out.
"Wait!" Bai Zongnan stopped them.
"What will it take for you to surrender?" the old man asked coldly.
"Simple. Let me take the prefectural exam first. If not, don’t blame me for being rude," Bai Zongnan said icily.
"Insolence!" the old man fumed.
"Sir, let me teach him a lesson!" the middle-aged man, still smarting from before, said.
The old man nodded.
The man approached.
"Careful not to damage my exam papers," Bai Zongnan warned.
"Don’t worry, your exam papers will be intact," the man sneered.
"Then be careful yourself," Bai Zongnan grinned.
The man’s face darkened, knowing he was being mocked.
"I’ll show you!" he roared, lunging like a hungry wolf.
But Bai Zongnan’s agility was unmatched; the man could never land a blow.
In moments, he was beaten black and blue, and began to suspect Bai Zongnan of cheating.
"Stop!" the old man shouted.
"If you tell me to stop, must I obey?" Bai Zongnan asked coldly.
"You dare defy orders?" the old man raged.
"I already have," Bai Zongnan sneered.
"You’re dead today!" the man shrieked, attacking in fury.
"Out of my way!"
Bai Zongnan struck him in the chest, sending him flying, spitting blood, and knocking him unconscious.
"You…you really dare resist?" the old man stammered in terror.
"Not only will I resist, I’ll kill you all—believe it?" Bai Zongnan’s eyes glinted with a demonic chill.
The old man trembled, trying to flee.
But Bai Zongnan flashed behind him, seized his neck, and lifted him up.
"Help! Let me go—I’m the magistrate!" the old man begged in terror.
Bai Zongnan ignored him, dropped him to the ground, and helped the middle-aged man up.
"Let’s go," he said, supporting the man toward the county.
The constables hesitated before giving chase.
"Hey! You need evidence to make an arrest!"
"This is illegal detention—what about the law?"
"My back…"
Cries of pain echoed.
"Young man, please let my master go," the man pleaded as he stood.
"Uncle, I can save you, but you must do one thing for me," Bai Zongnan said seriously.
"What is it? If I can do it, I will," the man promised.
"I want you to join my martial school," Bai Zongnan said.
"Martial school? What do you mean?" the man was confused.
"Join my Dragon Tiger Mountain sect and learn martial arts," Bai Zongnan explained.
"I see," the man nodded.
"I’ll consider it. I’m just a peasant…"
"Join us and you’ll get five taels of silver a month and free training," Bai Zongnan said.
"Five taels? Are you robbing me?" the man gawked.
"Is that too little? Not everyone’s as rich as me," Bai Zongnan retorted.
"That’s not it—just, I’m not suited for martial arts, and it costs money—" the man said awkwardly.
"Join us and I’ll provide everything. No fees, food, lodging, or training costs," Bai Zongnan smiled.
"Really? Don’t lie to me!" the man said excitedly.
"Do I look like a liar? You’ll soon see," Bai Zongnan said.
"You’ll see for yourself!" the old man suddenly sneered. "Arrest them!"
A dozen masked men armed with blades surrounded them.
"Best not try anything, or you’ll die without a grave," the old man threatened.
"Oh? Think you can kill me?" Bai Zongnan asked with a mocking smile.
"Hmph! Don’t think a little skill means I can’t deal with you. I am a master—you’re nothing but an insect," the old man declared.
Bai Zongnan was shocked—a master?
He hadn’t expected the old man’s skill to be so high.
There were nine levels of martial cultivation: Apprentice, Warrior, Adept, King, Emperor, Sage, Venerable, each divided into three stages, making eight ranks in all.
He was only a beginner, able to match a third-rank apprentice—already formidable for his age.
But his top-tier Overlord Spear Art and toughened body made him more than a match for ordinary apprentices.
"Old man, enough talk. Make your move!" Bai Zongnan’s tone turned murderous.
"Courting death!"
The old man leapt, raining blows upon Bai Zongnan.
His fists struck like thunder.
Bai Zongnan blocked, then lashed out with a whip kick, knocking the old man to the ground.
"How can this be? He’s just a boy!" the old man exclaimed, getting up in shock.
"That kick was your warning. We of Dragon Tiger Mountain do not accept the wicked. Now get lost!" Bai Zongnan said coldly.
"You’ll regret this!" the old man snarled, darting away.
Bai Zongnan moved to block him.
Suddenly, a dagger whistled for Bai Zongnan’s throat.
"Watch out!" the man cried.
Bai Zongnan reacted instantly, dodging the deadly blade.
Yet the dagger grazed his right arm.
"Who are you, villain?" Bai Zongnan roared.
Arrows flew at him.
"Die, brat," a hoarse voice sneered.
Frowning, Bai Zongnan used his Heavenly Star Steps to dart away.
"So, an innate sixth-rank master—no wonder he dared challenge me," the old man mused.
Bai Zongnan dodged the arrows and looked around, but the old man had vanished.
"Strange," Bai Zongnan muttered, puzzled.
Though the old man was only sixth-rank, he had disappeared without a trace.
Just then, a chilling sense of danger crept up behind Bai Zongnan.