Chapter 89: The Deal

As this thought crossed his mind, the helplessness in Han Tanyi’s heart deepened by several degrees. Bright Moon Manor was the largest sect in the martial world, long regarded as the embodiment of righteousness, yet who would have imagined that, behind the scenes, it was engaged in such disgraceful dealings? And how much more of this went on beyond what he knew? All for the sake of that empty title, the Martial Alliance Leader. With Shen Wansan’s status and standing, and at his age, why would he need to go to such lengths? He was already an object of universal reverence; even if he climbed one step higher, it would mean little. And if these things ever came to light, his reputation would be ruined, the loss far outweighing any gain. Shen Wansan was no fool; naturally he understood this. Yet knowing it and still doing it anyway could only mean that what lay behind it was far from simple.

“I just don’t understand it. If it were some petty thieves and rabble from the martial world, obsessed with fame and rank, then perhaps they might stoop to such sneaking and disgraceful acts. But you, Shen Wansan, Manor Lord Shen, with the battle of the Three Wolves sixteen years ago behind you and Bright Moon Manor’s present standing in the martial world, you already count as a figure at the very top. Why would you do something so contrary to the honor and faith of the martial world?” The doubt in Han Tanyi’s heart was not something he voiced himself, but Shao Changchun said it bluntly and directly. Rather than asking, it sounded more like mockery. The phrase petty thieves and rabble was hardly pleasant to hear. Shen Wansan’s already unpleasant face seemed to grow even darker at that, and in truth it was not only him; even Han Tanyi, at that moment, felt somewhat dishonorable himself. After all, had he not also played the part of a thief in the night, and all merely to win a woman’s favor?

“The word first is easier spoken than achieved. Even I have my own hardships; there are things beyond my control.” The tone of helplessness could be discerned in him, to some degree. Shen Wansan, who had always stood high above others, somehow let a trace of desolation seep into his face. Yet like his voice, it was fleeting. To expose one’s weakness before others was, after all, one of the most important things a mature man ought to know how to withhold. Very quickly, his expression returned to its original pride, and his tone cooled by a few degrees. “Why should I waste words on you?”

“Fair enough. Then, Manor Lord Shen, speak plainly. If you truly mean to make things difficult for us, you could always gather a band of men and come here in force. If you wanted to seize the credit for yourself, Bright Moon Manor lacks nothing so much as manpower; that way, your chances might even be greater. But you came alone, so naturally that is not your purpose. Speak then—what deal is it you want to make with us?” Now that the other man had returned to the proper posture, Shao Changchun likewise put on a solemn expression. Though his words sounded relaxed, his body had already settled into a defensive stance. Indeed, with a man like Shen Wansan, whose temperament was so deeply restrained, even if he smiled at you, you could not know what he might become the next moment. Better to remain cautious. As spiritual energy surged, the atmosphere throughout the temple grew unbearably heavy.

Shen Wansan did not answer at once. With his hands clasped behind his back, he began to walk slowly around the hall. Such a gesture was, in effect, a declaration that he would not strike first. His eyes ranged over the surroundings until he reached the slanted Buddha statue. There he stopped, extended his right hand, and lightly brushed away the webs clinging to it. The action was undeniably strange, and Shao Changchun never relaxed his guard, even subtly turning his body with Shen Wansan’s movements so that Han Tanyi was always kept behind him.

“High above, the gods and Buddhas were once the objects of all mortal adoration. When incense burned in abundance, their gilded faces shone brilliantly indeed. Yet who could have imagined they would fall to such a state? Webs, dust—never mind the faithful, even the down-and-out beggars would not glance at them twice. Is that not a joke?” Whether these words were a sudden feeling from Shen Wansan or something he deliberately meant for the two before him, none could say. The meaning was too profound to be readily grasped by just anyone. Of course, there was no need to grasp it. If he wished to speak plainly, he would do so. Guessing was hardly interesting. On this point, Shao Changchun perhaps understood better than Han Tanyi. Yet he remained silent, standing motionless as his gaze locked firmly on Shen Wansan. Slowly, the old man turned back to face them and continued, “Whether it is I, Shen Wansan, or your East Hua Gate, or even you, young Master Han, all of us have at one time borne the renown of the four great sects of the martial world. But in the end, you are intelligent people; some things need no further explanation from me.”

Though Shen Wansan’s words were somewhat profound, their meaning was not difficult to understand. East Hua Gate had once been the foremost sect in the martial world. In the days when Shao Donghua was still alive, his martial arts were unmatched, and his fame and prestige shone at their height. But after the battle of the Three Wolves, Shao Donghua perished, and East Hua Gate began its descent. Though it still bore the name of one of the four great sects, it had long since fallen into decline. Even in the martial world, it could no longer be counted among the foremost. As the new master of East Hua Gate, Shao Changchun carried the burden of restoring its glory—a task far from easy. The bitterness of it, perhaps, only he himself could truly understand. As for Han Tanyi, though he need not labor over such burdens, his identity as the senior disciple of the Qilian Mountains was itself an honor of the highest order. Wherever he went, the people of the martial world would regard him with special deference. Yet in the blink of an eye, he had become a spy within the Blue Lotus Demon Sect. Such an identity brought the condemnation of all under heaven, and even his own master did not believe him. The pain contained in that must surely have been heavier still than what Shao Donghua had borne.

“Since we all bear the same pain, why not unite? My purpose is simple: you help me reclaim the title of Martial Alliance Leader. Shen Wansan, in this lifetime, does not wish to fall from the altar. Only by reaching the highest place can I be satisfied!” Perhaps this was Shen Wansan’s true intent. Direct and to the point. A faint smile appeared on Shao Changchun’s face at that moment; whether it was because the other man had struck precisely at his thoughts, or whether it was a smile of utter mockery, was hard to tell. In truth, people are strange creatures. In order to earn the approval of others, they keep moving forward; after climbing one mountain, they want to climb a higher one. Yet they never seem to consider that while standing still or even moving backward may draw ridicule, if one keeps advancing without pause, when will it ever end? Besides, the higher the mountain, the more painful the fall. Did they not understand that?

Perhaps that was just how it was. Shen Wansan was like this, and was he himself any different? Only the direction of their desires differed. Thinking of this, Shao Changchun’s gaze could not help but drift toward Han Tanyi, as though measuring whether his own persistence was truly worth it. Of course, there was no answer to be found. If there had been, he would not have become what he was now. In the end, he was still the one who owed others more.

“And what can we gain from this?” The deeper these thoughts went, the more unbearable they became, so Shao Changchun decided it was best to change the subject as quickly as possible. His reaction may well have been exactly what Shen Wansan wanted. The old man slowly walked back, and this time there was a firmness in his eyes, as though he were sending the two young men a reassuring message. “I will not say much else. So long as you can help me recover the position of Martial Alliance Leader, I can promise you this: Shao young master, if you truly are Shao Changchun, then East Hua Gate will surely regain its former glory. First place is impossible, but second may not be. If you are not, then perhaps the Blue Lotus Demon Sect could shed the label of demon sect and become what the martial world calls a righteous faction. As for young Master Han, I wonder whether the position of Lord of the Qilian Mountains might suit your wishes?”

Such conditions were indeed highly tempting. As for Han Tanyi’s thoughts, let them be set aside for now. Shao Changchun, for his part, wore a somewhat silent expression, not because of the offer itself, but because of the peculiar way the other man spoke. What did he mean, if you truly are Shao Changchun, and if you are not? Could it be that this old monster already knew his identity? Otherwise, why would he deliberately mention words like the Blue Lotus Demon Sect? The thing a person fears most is that what he most wishes to conceal will be understood by the very people he does not want to know. At that moment, he instinctively let his gaze settle on Han Tanyi. It was clear that the young man’s expression was also somewhat unnatural, bearing the look of a man in torment. When Shen Wansan reached the doorway, Han Tanyi finally spoke. “If you become the Martial Alliance Leader, then wouldn’t my master have to do exactly what you just said—fall from the altar? I am his disciple. I cannot do such a thing!”

Shen Wansan seemed unsurprised by the answer. He only paused slightly, his expression unchanged from before, as though he had great confidence in the terms he had offered. He lifted his gaze a little and happened to catch the faint light of the crescent moon breaking through the clouds. “Young Master Han, this may indeed be a difficult choice for you. But allow this old man to ask you one more question: do you think that old monster still regards you as his disciple?”