Chapter 021: “No Match for the Army” (09/09)
Xie Chenyang used up all his strength and was panting when they finally ended up lying down on the bed. Wei Jin had given him face and did not press the subject any further.
Xie Chenyang: [The method you suggested works quite well. It’s just that it can be somewhat taxing on the body.]
It was at this moment that Wei Jin’s voice rang out, “How did you play that Go game?”
System: “Don’t panic; listen to me ……”
Wei Jin rolled Xie Chenyang over, then pinched his chin to hold his gaze, his chilly frown carrying a glint of displeasure. “You don’t want to tell me?”
Xie Chenyang: [He’s really breaking his persona. I thought he was a cold swordsman.]
System: “Not to worry; he doesn’t have a set persona.” It wasn’t a surprise that Wei Jin would turn out to be any other way.
Wei Jin: “Not going to tell?”
Xie Chenyang caught his hand and pressed a kiss on it; his voice was low and slightly hoarse. “I admit that I did not fight with my own skill; in fact, that was my father’s style of play.”
Xie Chenyang reached out and cuddled into his arms, burying his face in Wei Jin’s chest. “My parents liked to play Go, and I’ve often watched them play growing up. I would never be able to play, but despite that, I had memorized a lot of their plays after watching them so many times.”
Wei Jin encircled his waist and sighed softly.
“When we played today, there were many moves that I had seen when my father and mother were playing Go. There was always a variation in my approach, wasn’t there? Sometimes that was my father’s approach, and other times it was my mother’s.” Xie Chenyang lowered his voice. “Ah-Jin, I’ve always had a good memory.”
His speech was calm and steady, but he was actually panicking inside. [Will he believe this?]
System: “The tactics I used were not originally unique to me.”
[Who was the other one?]
System: “Don’t get distracted. Seriously try to allay his suspicions.”
[Oh, oh.]
Wei Jin rubbed his forehead. “I’ll go call for water. You rest for a while.”
Xie Chenyang responded sullenly.
After Wei Jin left, Xie Chenyang unhappily asked, [Shouldn’t he be lying limp on the bed, with me being the one that picks him up and helps him bathe?]
System: “He has Internal Force.”
“?” Xie Chenyang whacked the bed. [Is Internal Force all-powerful?]
System: “Although it’s not a panacea, when his Internal Force goes around his body, it quickly alleviates any soreness and weakness.”
Xie Chenyang, a little miffed: “……”
[Tell me, can I nullify this ability of his……]
System: “Ruin him?”
[How could I do that? I don’t want to hurt him!]
[Sigh, I haven’t been working hard enough. Starting tomorrow when he is practicing his sword, I shall also train with my sabre, and we can work out together.]
The system sincerely commented, “You’re already strong, really, by all accounts.”
[I don’t need you to think I’m strong. I want Ah-Jin to think I’m strong.]
System: “…… ” Leaving, goodbye.
—–
A few days later, the eldest son of the Grand Princess’s residence, Xia Yuanyi, arrived.
Xia Yuanyi had a gentle and elegant appearance, with a strong sense of intellectualism on his body. Not at all like a general, but more like a scholar.
He sized up Xie Chenyang, who was standing with Wei Jin, with friendly eyes. “This is brother-in-law, yes?”
Xie Chenyang cheerfully went up and shook Xia Yuanyi’s hand, hooking his shoulder and walking to the hall to sit down. “Big Brother, you must be tired after rushing all the way here. Please come–drink some water and eat something.”
Xia Yuanyi laughed along with him. “Many thanks, brother-in-law.”
Wei Jin noted his subtle glance, and without changing his expression, followed and sat next to them.
“Big Brother, you don’t need to call me brother-in-law. It’s a mouthful–call me Xiao Yang.”
“…… Alright, Xiao Yang.”
Wei Jin had straightforwardly mentioned his relationship with Xie Chenyang when he had sent his letter to the family before.
All this time they had thought Wei Jin would end up spending his life with a sword, a solitary swordsman for the rest of his life. So when it became known that he had a beloved, the gender was not even an issue that they cared about anymore.
It was always better than a sword, wasn’t it?
After some pleasantries, Xia Yuanyi straightened up, and his gentle brows took on a commanding bearing. “Second Brother had someone send a message saying that the Famous Sabre Sect is interested in cooperating with the Imperial Court.”
Xie Chenyang: “Yes.”
Xia Yuanyi: “I wonder how Xiao Yang intends to do that?”
Xie Chenyang simply stated, “The Sabre Sect will craft weapons for the Imperial Court, and the Imperial Court will send troops to join us in eliminating the Demonic Sect.”
Xia Yuanyi remarked meaningfully, “Is this all for revenge?”
“The Demonic Sect has repeatedly persecuted the people. The Imperial Court has also had its plans for a long time, hasn’t it? This would be the right timing; there’s no need to delay any longer.”
“I can personally lead the troops to eliminate the Demonic Sect but …… in doing so, I’m afraid the position of your Sabre Sect in the Wulin is going to change.”
“Position?” Xie Chenyang let out an Ah. “You mean they will think that I am a court lackey?”
Xia Yuanyi nodded. “The Imperial Court and the Wulin have always kept their hands to themselves; you are upsetting the balance between the two, and they are bound to make trouble for you.” Because you initiated it. Giving the court a chance to insert themselves.
“Under the sky, there is no place that is not the King’s territory, and under the rule of the Kingdom, there is no person who is not the King’s subject,” Xie Chenyang lamented with a sigh. “They are so undisciplined that they forgot about this; it’s time to shake things up a bit.”
Since the emergence of martial arts practitioners, sects were created and the Wulin was formed. With their “strength,” the Wulin people forgot that this country had a sovereign. They began to disregard the king’s laws, thinking that Jianghu affairs were Jianghu now.
Even if someone had committed a crime, they should clean up their own affairs instead of bringing them to the authorities. They practiced chivalry and thought they were being righteous, but time and time again, they were in defiance of the king’s laws.
Hearing his words, Xia Yuanyi was truly shocked this time. “I didn’t expect that you would think this way.”
Wei Jin did not expect it either.
Xie Chenyang raised an eyebrow. “Without having the ability to plot against the dynasty and usurp the throne–since they’re in this kingdom and are citizens of this nation, they should follow the laws of this nation.”
Xia Yuanyi: “……” That is to say, if they had the ability to conspire usurping the throne, then they would be qualified to speak for themselves?
If Xie Chenyang were to hear his thoughts, he would’ve nodded his head seriously and dismissed him with a phrase, ‘The strongest leads the way.’
Wei Jin faintly asked, “If you have the ability, would you want to conquer the dynasty and usurp the throne?”
Xie Chenyang was surprised and stared at him. “Why would you think such a thing? Isn’t it better to be free? Why would you want to do something so tiring?”
Xia Yuanyi: “……” Okay, I understand.
Xie Chenyang: “Let’s not talk about this anymore… Big Brother, how many men and horses do you intend to bring with you? How many weapons are needed? Oh right, I have a map of the layout and staffing of the Demonic Sect ……”
—–
Ten days later, the court sent 50,000 soldiers and horses, led by Xia Yuanyi, to attack the Demonic Sect together with more than 500 disciples from the Sabre Sect.
To destroy a Demonic Sect, it would not necessarily require 50,000 soldiers and horses. Xia Yuanyi just wanted to use this to show the Jianghu people that even if you were strong in martial arts, you couldn’t beat a thousand soldiers and horses.
Previously there was no rectification of the Wulin; it was just a matter of wanting to first solve the external problems and then address the internal problems. Otherwise if the Wulin people counterattacked, there would be battles and trouble on the streets.
The fact that the Famous Sabre Sect submitted to the Imperial Court and the Imperial Court brought troops to destroy the Demonic Sect was instantly spread in Jianghu. The other sects were instantly upset and quickly gathered to discuss the matter.
Blazing Sun Sect Master: ”When I first saw that Vice Commander of the Forbidden Guards, I always thought that the Sabre Sect was destined to submit to the Imperial Court! The fact that he still wants to pull us all down is simply a disgrace to the Wulin.”
Violet Flame Palace Master: “I think it’s because we didn’t have the intention to form an alliance that the Famous Sabre Sect chose the Imperial Court.”
“Ridiculous! Jianghu matters are Jianghu matters! He submitted to the Imperial Court in order to avenge his sins, and the Imperial Court has consequently stepped into the Wulin, and in the future ……”
“Amitabha Buddha,” Venerable Master Lingkong of Foan Temple leisurely spoke. “Our sect is within the boundary of the Xia Yun Kingdom. We were born in Xia Yun, we are the people of Xia Yun, and even the Wulin is also the Wulin of Xia Yun, and should not have flouted the king’s laws.”
Blazing Sun Sect Master: “Is Venerable Master Lingkong actually from the imperial court?”
Fa An Temple Abbot: “What Sect Master Lingkong said makes sense; we are originally the people of the Xia Yun Kingdom.”
“Is the Fo An Temple going to submit to the imperial court as well?”
“Fellow Master, why are you being so aggressive?”
Regardless of how loudly they argued, Xia Yuanyi presented Xie Chenyang’s proposal and received the Emperor’s approval.
Thus, the court sent out official orders to all the sects of the Wulin.
Those who recognized themselves as citizens of the Xia Yun Kingdom were to act according to the laws of the Xia Yun Kingdom. If they do not recognize themselves as Xia Yun’s citizens, they should leave Xia Yun’s Kingdom, or else troops will be sent out to forcibly expel them from Xia Yun’s borders.
Xie Chenyang’s exact words were, “If you want to be a resident of Xia Yun Kingdom, then you should obey; if you don’t, then you should get out and join some other country’s wastes.”
When one sect stated that they would not submit to the Imperial Court even if they died, intending to fan the flames and motivate everyone to rebel against the imperial court, Xia Yuanyi led the army to arrest everyone from that sect and throw them out of the Xia Yun Kingdom.
The Violet Flame Palace was the first to state that they were from the Xia Yun Kingdom and were willing to abide by the laws of the land.
One by one, the other sects “submitted” to the court.
When Xie Chenyang happened to learn about these incidents, he laughed at them unreservedly. The court did not make things too difficult for the Wulin sects. Only that they could no longer continue to behave as they had in the past.
If someone committed a crime, they had to be turned over to the government as well, and were not allowed to use their status as Wulin people to cover up their crimes.
As long as they did not violate the law of the land and pay taxes, they could do whatever they want. Other citizens had to pay taxes, but you Wulin people weren’t responsible.
The Famous Sabre Sect, by contrast, remained the same as always.
Except that it used to be a supplier of weapons for all of the major sects, but now there was an extra Imperial Court.
The 500 guards didn’t leave–they stayed in Sabre Sect as disciples, learning craftsmanship.
Wei Jin still practiced his sword every day; only now when he practiced his sword, there was an additional Xie Chenyang practicing by his side.
Year after year.
When Ling Yi was finally able to assume his role, Xie Chenyang stated that he would like to pass on the title of Sect Master to him.
Ling Yi immediately refused.
Xie Chenyang frowned. “You know my relationship with Ah-Jin. I won’t take a wife and have any children… There is no one to succeed me. You are my father’s apprentice and my senior; it would be best for you to take over the position.”
Ling Yi’s face flushed red. “Sect Master, I am ashamed that I have disappointed your expectations …… for I will not take a wife and have children either.”
Xie Chenyang: “Ah? You …… can’t?“
Ling Yi ground his teeth. “I’m very capable! I am just in the same situation as the Sect Master, and I am also a Long Yang!1龙阳 Lóng yáng (coll.) male homosexual Longyang’s love, in ancient times, refers to male homosexuality. The allusion comes from a record of the King of Wei and Longyang Jun in “The Strategies of the Warring States ” . Later, it was widely used to refer to homosexuality between men , also known as ” Longyang’s excitement “. — One day, the King of Wei and Lord Longyang were fishing together. Lord Longyang caught more than a dozen fish and started crying. The King of Wei was surprised and asked him why. Lord Longyang said that he was very happy when he first caught one fish, but later he caught bigger and bigger fish and threw away the small fish. This made him think about himself. There were many beauties in the world and he was afraid that the King of Wei would favor other beauties and abandon him, so he cried. In order to prevent Lord Longyang from being sad and worried, the King of Wei issued an order to ban the discussion of beauties throughout the country. Anyone who violated the ban would be executed along with his entire family, to show his love for Lord Longyang. [1]“
Xie Chenyang: “Who is it?”
Ling Yi did not answer, just added, “If the Sect Master wants a successor, I have a recommendation for a candidate. He was originally a disciple of the sword casting elder. He loves casting as well as sword techniques, so whether it’s casting weapons or fighting, he’s adept at it, as well as being extremely well-connected and acting prudently ……”
“Alright, then let’s pass it on to him.”
Ling Yi thought he had succeeded in his interruption and went to find the future Sect Master to reveal the news.
After he left, Xie Chenyang crowded towards Wei Jin. “Come on, let’s follow and see who the brat is seeing.”
Wei Jin: “Curious?”
“Curious.” Xie Chenyang lightly harrumphed. “Cheating away my favored heir, I shall have to see who the other guy is.”
Wei Jin faintly said, “It’s my good friend.”
“Your good friend?”
Wei Jin had only a handful of friends.
“That monk?”
“Uh-huh. Still wondering?”
“Forget it.”
Xie Chenyang met the person Ling Yi had mentioned, and after the system declared it satisfactory and Wei Jin also said he was good, Xie Chengyang simply handed over the position of the Sect master to him.
The next day, he took Wei Jin and ran away.
System: “That …… Wei Wenbin ……”
[He’s not dead yet?]
System: “Not yet. He is locked in the dungeon of the mountain’s villa, and his life is worse than death.”
[Oh, no matter. Rest assured that I will not forgive him even if he dies. The task can certainly be completed.]
System: “With you, of course I’m not worried.” Although it wasn’t quite the same as what it expected, it was true that Xie Chengyang would surely be able to complete his mission.
Xie Chenyang grabbed Wei Jin’s hand and said affectionately, “Do you know where I’m taking you?”
Wei Jin: “Where to?”
“The ends of the earth.” Xie Chenyang with his eyes full of love. “I want to cover every corner of the world with the flavor of our love.”
[How many points does this sentence of love score?]
System: “……” Doesn’t want to score.
Xie Chenyang and Wei Jin began to travel the mountains and play all kinds of tricks until their hair turned gray before returning to the capital.
Wei Jin: “I thought you’d want to go back to the Sabre Sect.”
Xie Chenyang: “The Sabre Sect has long been changed; we’ve been coming to see your family members every one or two years, and now we’re all dying, so we can come back and let our big brother help us collect our corpses.”
Wei Jin: “…… ” My big brother is also nearing his own death.
He helplessly went with Xie Chenyangto the General’s Mansion.
Since the death of the Grand Princess, Wei Jin’s big brother and third brother had divided the estate. Although Xia Yuanyi wasn’t a general anymore, his son was. So the plaque for the General’s Mansion had never been changed.
Knowing that the two of them had arrived, Xia Yuanyi, who was originally lying in bed dying, suddenly became energized.
Then he passed away the next day.
Xie Chenyang lowered his voice. “I didn’t expect Big Brother to really leave before us. Why don’t we go find our younger brother to collect our corpses?”
Wei Jin was speechless.
In his opinion, they should just find an uninhabited place to die. Why bother coming back to burden their loved ones?
The young girl following them heard Xie Chenyang’s words and widened her eyes. “Don’t be afraid, Second Grandpa and Second Grandma! We will solemnly collect your corpses!”
When Xia Yuanyi’s eldest son heard his daughter cry out like this, the sadness in his heart dispersed a bit as he looked at the two old men who were extremely close to each other, and solemnly declared, “Second Uncle, Uncle Yang, just stay in the mansion, and leave everything to your nephew.”
Xie Chenyang: “Good, ah.”
He said that they were expecting death, but in reality, they lived for another year and spent every day teasing the youngsters in the general’s residence.
It was only when Wei Jin had gone that Xie Chenyang retracted.
[Let’s go. Head to the next world and let me keep entwining with my love]
System: “……With all due respect, he won’t be able to recognize you in the next world at all.”
[Go, Go, Go.]
————
Author’s Note: Next World Preview~! Xie Chenyang Omega —> Recuperating General Alpha
-Krone: Doesn’t WJ have internal force? aren’t they supposed to be long lived? or he didn’t practice anymore cause XCY doesn’t have internal force?
-Shio:… that…. is a good question?
I think in plain Wuxia they live ‘longer’ than others mostly because the expected life ended at like 50?~ but the I.F. isn’t immortality like in Xanxia. So wuxia has long-lived folks (80s-90s) while Xanxia has ancients (1k-2k)
—-
Shio: That’s it for Arc 2 guys and gals! I struggled with this setting as I’m not as familiar with it. So I’m very thankful for my editor and PR who let me whine in our discord lol.
Next arc is ABO with reversed OA paring in a future setting!
—
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
