The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 147 - 116 Hot Spring Bath Encounter_2

Chapter 147: Chapter 116 Hot Spring Bath Encounter_2

Li Yan’s lips curved into a smile.

With his current level of Dao, the "Soul Hook" could only extend one foot long, appearing quite threatening in general.

But if he disguised it with his sleeve-blade,

then he would have the terrifying "Soul-breaking Blade" at his disposal!

...

Shangluo City, also known as "Shang Luo," was established during the Qin dynasty.

This county city was surrounded by mountains and bordered by water on three sides, which could be described as having excellent Fengshui, but it also limited the city’s size.

Three main streets, crisscrossing through the city, divided it up. Though not large in area, it was exceptionally bustling as the core of the Shangzhou region.

Most of those who could afford to buy properties in the city had some wealth; the truly destitute populace lived in the villages near Shangluo City.

For this reason, the whole town also looked very clean.

The custom of bathing has existed since ancient times and became popular among the common folk during the Song dynasty, with many cities building "public bathhouses." Regular citizens could go for a wash for a few coins and even enjoy scrubbing services.

Many scholars and literati were fond of bathing, especially the scholar Su Dongpo, who not only relished his baths but also had high demands for the bathhouse attendants, as he wrote in his "As if in a Dream – The Trifling Grime":

"Of grime, we never truly shared, on close inspection, none was there. Convey to the one who scrubs my back, all day long your elbow’s knack. Gentle hand, gentle hand, the scholar is naturally unsoiled."

Essentially, while Su Dongpo was in a public bathhouse in Sizhou, he encountered a scrubber with a heavy hand and complained, "Oh, master, you’ve been working your hand and elbow all day long; go easy, go easy, this scholar’s body wasn’t that dirty to start with."

Of course, by now, bathhouses are categorized by different standards.

"Luo Tang" was the most luxurious bathhouse in the city, not only boasting an elegant environment but also offering alcohol and tea and a song from the ladies after the bath.

"Ouch, miss, your hand’s a bit heavy..."

Amidst the hazy steam, Wang Dao Xuan also complained.

The "Hot Spring Bath" was luxurious, and all the scrubbing was done by women—light-handed and gentle, pursuing the refinement that comes without a sound.

However, the three travelers, covered with dust from the road, felt they could never get clean enough and naturally thought the "Hot Spring Bath" was a bit of a cheat.

The bathhouse girls also got annoyed.

Alright, our "Hot Spring Bath" may not serve just anyone, but it is a place of luxury. Just our luck today, we get these three rough men, covered in filth, making our arms sore from scrubbing, and still they’re not satisfied.

With that thought in mind, the girl softly said, "If the honored guest is unsatisfied, I can find someone else for you."

As she spoke, she also gave a signal to her fellow attendants,

and the one scrubbing Sha Lifei immediately nodded and left.

Only the attendant beside Li Yan kept her head down as if she didn’t see anything.

Soon, two sturdy women came in, rolled up their sleeves, and gave Wang Dao Xuan and Sha Lifei a scrubbing that caused them to howl in protest.

"Taoist master, why did you have to speak up?"

"Ha ha ha..."

After leaving the bathhouse, Sha Lifei continued to grumble, much to Li Yan’s amusement, who laughed heartily.

Fortunately, after a thorough wash, the three of them felt refreshed, changed into simple robes, and reclined on the soft couches by the pool in their room.

Soon, a servant brought in wine and food.

And in the pool opposite, there was a pavilion stage.

However, in such a place, naturally, they wouldn’t sing the powerful arias of the old Qin opera; instead, there was the Shangluo Daoist emotional opera. Originally narrated and sung by Tang dynasty Daoists, it had spread among the folk, with each region developing its unique style.

The opera on stage was "The Great Luo Heaven," telling the tale of Lü Zu and Ziyang descending to the mortal realm to enlighten Chong Mozi to transcendence; but this Chong Mozi, steeped in wine, women, and wealth, proved quite the handful...

The night air carried a slight chill, and as the three men ate and drank, listening to the opera, they felt all their recent exhaustion being swept away.

"I’m going to take a stroll."

Sha Lifei, who couldn’t stay put, grew restless listening to the opera and turned to leave, curious about what other novelties this "Hot Spring Bath" might offer.

But as soon as he opened the door, he quickly pulled his head back in and closed it, clicking his tongue, "What timing, ran into someone I know."

Wang Dao Xuan was curious, "Who is it?"

Sha Lifei whispered, "Lu Family’s guard, Feng Ping."

Li Yan pondered for a moment, "The Lu Family is a prominent household here in Shangluo; it’s not strange to encounter them. We have matters at hand; better to ignore him."

Sha Lifei nodded, stretched out on the soft couch, and after a few drinks, he was soon snoring loudly...

...

"Feng Ping, what’s wrong?"

A tall, young man inquired.

"Young Master, we encountered a familiar face," Feng Ping said respectfully with a bow, "He once gave us space to take shelter from the rain on the road, but he’s just a traveler from the pugilistic world, no need to bother with him."

"Hmph, I knew we shouldn’t have come to this place."

By the side of the young man stood another, apparently of greater age, garbed in luxurious attire, with puffy bags under his eyes—a clear sign of excess in wine and pleasure.

The "Hot Spring Bath" was luxurious in every corner, but in his eyes, it was filled with disdain as he muttered, "Such places are frequented by servants, I wouldn’t give it a glance in Chang’an..."

The two young men were the sons of Lu Kang.

Although Lu Kang’s official career was smooth sailing, he was infatuated with his wife, adoring his wedded wife without taking any concubines.

His elder son, named Lu Xiaowen, having risen through the ranks with him, was spoiled without strict discipline, growing up to become a notorious profligate in Chang’an.

The younger, named Lu Xiaowu, was born to the couple in their later years. Learning from the lesson with Lu Xiaowen, they took his upbringing seriously, hiring private tutors for him since childhood. His scholarship and conduct were both quite extraordinary.

Upon hearing Lu Xiaowen’s complaint, Lu Xiaowu shook his head slightly and said in a low voice, "Big brother, mother wants us to deal with the family estate as soon as possible, and the only one in Shangzhou daring enough to take on the task is Qiao Sanhu."

"This man is domineering and ruthlessly cunning. He has arranged to meet us here clearly to show us his superiority. Big brother, you must refrain from conflict with him..."

The moment Lu Xiaowen heard this, he instantly became irritated and cursed in his mind, "This Qiao Sanhu, who went to Chang’an years ago begging to see me, showed such a humble face, now he is so full of himself, it is really..."

"Big brother!"

Lu Xiaowu’s expression became solemn, "Times have changed, our Lu Family’s fate hangs by a thread, you can’t be reckless. If you can’t stand to suffer the indignity, then go back first and let me talk to him."

"No, that won’t do," Lu Xiaowen shook his head, "You’re cunning, little brother. Mother mentioned splitting the inheritance, and I won’t quibble over it with you, but don’t try to play tricks on me."

After listening, a glint of murderous intent flickered in Lu Xiaowu’s eyes, yet he remained expressionless and patiently said, "Since big brother doesn’t trust me, then follow. But listen to one condition, do not say a word."

"If you can’t do that, I’ll walk away immediately!"

"Fine, fine, I’ll listen to you," Lu Xiaowen said impatiently.

After the death of Lu Kang, their mother decided to partition the family estate, and he was not willing to stay in tiny Shangluo City, eager to get his hands on the silver and return to Chang’an.

In Chang’an, he had many friends; with his past relationships, he could deal with anything and thrive with ease!

Travel thousands of miles to Qi Lu?

He didn’t want to suffer that hardship...

Feng Ping, standing to the side, shook his head inwardly.

Guided by the attendant, the three made their way to a secluded, small courtyard behind the hot spring bath facilities, even more luxurious and exclusively private, costing a hefty price.

Qiao Sanhu had already finished his comfortable bath, sipping tea while humming a tune. Upon seeing the two brothers enter, he simply glanced over, smiling, "Oh, the two young masters have arrived. Please take a seat, serve the tea quick!"

He had rushed here from Fengyang for the Lu family’s property.

Under the protection of Lu Kang, the Lu Family had thrived in recent years with a vast number of businesses and an astonishing amount of farmland.

This fat piece of the pie, others dared not touch, fearing accusations of bullying the widow and orphans.

Just perfect for Qiao Sanhu.

Whether he could swallow the whale depended on how the negotiations went tonight...

...

Two hours later, Li Yan and his two companions left the hot spring bath, talking and laughing as they headed toward the inn.

They had already set their plans to leave the following day.

Another two hours passed, and the night had deepened when the Lu brothers and their guard Feng Ping left the bath, all with grim expressions.

"Lu Xiaowu, how could you agree to such terms?"

Lu Xiaowen’s face had turned the color of a liver, angrily scolded without any courtesy.

"Big brother, we have no choice," Lu Xiaowu sighed and turned to leave.

However, Lu Xiaowen snorted and got directly into a carriage nearby, commanding, "Take me to Zuihua Building, I’m very angry right now!"

Lu Xiaowu then returned to Lu Mansion and reported the entire incident to the old Madame Lu.

"Ah~"

The old Madame Lu was completely disappointed in her elder son, "Let him go then. Xiaowu, when do you plan to set off?"

A gleam of sharpness flashed in Lu Xiaowu’s eyes as he lowered his head, "Mother, the fake funeral for father has already deceived everyone."

"No delay is permissible; tonight, I will secretly set off to escort father’s coffin to the treasure vault..."