Chapter 43: In the Jianghu, One Is Not Master of One’s Own Fate

Seeing the hesitation on Zhong Ming's face, Mr. Guo smiled and said, "Enough, let's not talk about these things. The path you take in the future is yours to decide. I can only tell you this: among the top hundred new talents in the Jianghu as ranked on the New Star List, you are placed fifty-sixth—neither high nor low."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir," Zhong Ming replied with tact. He immediately lifted the wine pot and filled Mr. Guo's cup, pouring himself one as well. Holding his cup in both hands, he offered a toast to Mr. Guo.

After draining his cup once more, Mr. Guo reached for the wine pot to pour again, only to find it empty. He shook the hollow vessel and smiled wryly, "When drinking with a kindred spirit, a thousand cups are too few. This pot of wine barely let us savor its taste before it was gone."

Zhong Ming hurried to say, "Don't worry, sir. I'll have someone fetch more."

Mr. Guo waved his hand, "No need. One pot is enough. I must travel tonight; it's not good to get drunk."

Setting down the wine pot, he continued, "Since I'm leaving, I want to thank you for keeping me company. Before I go, let me give you three pieces of advice.

First, do not provoke Tian Xingjian. I hear you are quite familiar with him, and that is not a good thing. While he possesses extraordinary talent and intelligence, his family’s ambitions are vast. If you are careless, you may be swept into their vortex; even Yang Yanlang would not be able to protect you.

Second, there are hidden talents in Muddy Village, and many people there have mysterious origins—especially Carpenter Li and Hunter Hu. Keep your distance from them. I sense that Carpenter Li has designs on you; it is wise to guard against him.

Third, in the coming days, the Border Town will be flooded with strange people. Do not provoke them, whether immortals, ghosts, or wandering heroes. Steer clear of them all. This border is about to change; if you can, leave and explore the wider world."

With these words, Mr. Guo rose, swept his sleeves, picked up a small bundle from the bed behind him, slung it over his back, and prepared to leave.

Still pondering the three pieces of advice, Zhong Ming saw Mr. Guo already walking out of the courtyard and called after him, "May I ask where you are headed, sir?"

"I have two legs and a tongue; the world is vast, and I can go anywhere."

Stepping out of the small courtyard, Mr. Guo laughed heartily, "The world says immortals are wonderful, but fame is hard to forget! Now, I am off to see the immortals for myself. I've heard the immortals of White Jade Capital possess incredible powers—I want to see where they rank on the Star List!"

His laughter echoed down the alley. Zhong Ming, suddenly awakened from a dream, hurried to the door and shouted, "Please, sir, tell me your name!"

"With a laugh, I step out the door—how could someone like me be a mere commoner? Zhong Ming, remember this well: I am Guo Dexing!"

The laughter faded into the distance. In the youth’s gaze, the short, stout Mr. Guo suddenly soared into the air, leaping dozens of yards at a time.

Under the bright moon, Guo Dexing’s figure vaulted over Jujube Lane, striding across rooftops. In the blink of an eye, he was atop the city wall; with another leap, he landed outside the city.

Mr. Guo departed from the East Gate, heading north, evidently bound for the far northern White Jade Capital.

"Guo Dexing? Guo Dexing? Why does that name sound so familiar?" Zhong Ming stood frozen at the door, muttering the name over and over.

After some time, realization struck him: this was none other than the famed Jianghu Chronicler who compiled the Martial Star List!

Guo Dexing, the Jianghu Chronicler, the greatest eccentric of the ages. Three hundred years ago, he entered the Jianghu, renowned for his unparalleled agility and once contended for the title of foremost martial artist. Yet, for reasons unknown, he vanished without a trace.

When Guo Dexing, the Chronicler, reappeared, he brought with him the Martial Star List.

The Star List has been passed down for three centuries, as has the name of Guo Dexing, the Jianghu Chronicler.

Jianghu is a place where each new generation replaces the old; legends never last forever. Even the one hailed as the greatest martial prodigy in a thousand years, the Dao Patriarch Zhang Daoling, was no exception.

Dao Patriarch Zhang Daoling lived over a hundred and eighty years, with powers said to reach the heavens. It was rumored he could challenge the heavens with a single sword, causing the world to change color, and summon thunder to strike a massive stone, carving the character "Dao" with lightning.

Even such a figure eventually grew old; now, centuries after his passing, the world has long been without him.

Guo Dexing is different. Nearly every generation of notable Jianghu figures has encountered him; he seems an ageless, immortal legend.

Sometimes he is a musician, sometimes a wandering hero, sometimes a traveling storyteller.

No matter the guise, every decade a Guo Dexing appears, bringing a Martial Star List to inform the Jianghu of their rankings.

Some say the Jianghu Chronicler is not a single person, but a title, an organization, a living myth.

Now, Zhong Ming understood. No wonder Mr. Guo’s behavior was so peculiar—he was the legendary Jianghu Chronicler.

To encounter the Chronicler—was it the youth’s fortune, or his misfortune?

Rumor had it that those who met the Chronicler would one day have a place on the Martial Star List.

Yet, the Jianghu is rife with love and hate, violence and sorrow. Is the free-spirited Zhong Ming truly suited for such rivalries?

Before the youth could answer, Liang Yu rushed up, his expression anxious. "Ming, are you all right? That blabbermouth Guo didn’t give you any trouble, did he?"

Zhong Ming shook his head, gazing thoughtfully in the direction Mr. Guo had gone.

Liang Yu glanced into the courtyard, seeing no sign of Mr. Guo, and asked, "Where did that blabbermouth Guo go?"

"Don’t ask. Go home."

With a sweep of his sleeve, Zhong Ming led Liang Yu and the others away, carefully remembering the three pieces of advice Mr. Guo had given.

It seemed that, for now, he should keep a low profile and stay home to avoid trouble.

...

The moon was dim and the stars sparse. Zhong Ming led his horse, accompanied by a group of youths, along a country path.

Having just visited Mr. Guo in town, Zhong Ming found his understanding of the Jianghu transformed.

He had always thought the Jianghu was distant, that the violence and chaos had nothing to do with him. But now, things were different.

Wherever there are people, there is Jianghu—this saying was true.

According to Mr. Guo, this border town was about to change, and caution was paramount.

Upon returning to the village, Zhong Ming cautioned Liang Yu and the others, "Be careful in the days ahead. Don’t cause trouble."

The group of youths nodded meekly, not daring to protest. Even Liang Yu, usually quick with a joke, kept his head down, knowing he was in trouble.

Fei Dacheng scratched his round face, "Ming, in a few days it’s Qingming. There’s work to do on the eastern fields. I’ll take them to plant crops. Don’t worry, we won’t cause any trouble."

Liang Yu quickly echoed, "The city guard is training these days. I’m busy and can’t get away—no time to cause trouble."

Zhong Ming nodded in relief. "Good. Remember, there may be many strange people coming to the border soon. If you see outsiders, avoid them. Don’t interact too much."

"Got it."

The group answered in unison, each making a promise before Zhong Ming let them go.

Perhaps because Zhong Ming had been so stern that day, Liang Yu didn’t linger either. Once Fei Dacheng and the others left, he mounted his horse and said, "Ming, I’m tired. I’ll head home."

Liang Yu rode off, leaving Zhong Ming alone with his old horse, walking slowly under the starlight along the village road.

The youth ambled along, unhurried, sometimes looking up at the sky, sometimes glancing around.

The Jianghu before him was nothing like the one in his mind. It wasn’t just the stories of great heroes settling scores; it was also filled with small people worrying about daily necessities, trying to avoid trouble.

"Ah, Jianghu, what’s so good about it? Saddle-sore, throat-burning liquor—why do so many people yearn for it?"

He muttered as he led his old horse, which snorted as if in agreement.

Strolling home, under the moonlight, Zhong Ming saw a figure standing before his small fenced yard.

Seeing a stranger, Zhong Ming’s reflections faded. He led his horse forward and asked, "Who’s there?"

The figure turned—it was Sun Luolian, who hadn’t spoken to Zhong Ming for more than half a month.

Since she had gifted Zhong Ming the embroidered handkerchief, Sun Luolian had avoided him, perhaps out of embarrassment.

Even when they crossed paths, if Zhong Ming greeted her, she would lower her head and run away.

Who knows what moved her tonight, but she had come to seek him out.

Zhong Ming was delighted—he hadn’t minded the handkerchief, but worried that she might be troubled by it.

Seeing Sun Luolian, he smiled, "It’s you, Luolian. Is there something you need?"

"Mm." Her voice was barely audible, head lowered, hands nervously twisting the hem of her clothes. Ever since she gave him the handkerchief, she became anxious whenever she saw Zhong Ming—and it only grew worse.

Zhong Ming opened the wooden gate for his horse, then turned to Sun Luolian, "Come in and talk."

She quickly waved her hands, "No, I won’t come in... Brother Zhong, I came today to give you something."

Seeing her blushing, anxious face, Zhong Ming couldn’t help but laugh.

Sun Luolian raised her hand and offered an object, "Today my grandfather went to town to invite the Daoist priest for a ritual, and got a peace charm for me.

I thought, I’m always at home or working in the fields, nothing bad ever happens to me. But you, Brother Zhong, are always out and about, encountering strange things.

I won’t need this peace charm, so I’ll give it to you."

Without waiting for a reply, she pressed the peace charm into his hand.

The peace charm was wrapped in red brocade, with a red tassel and cord, perfect for tying at the waist. The brocade covering was likely Sun Luolian’s own handiwork; inside, the yellow paper charm was folded into a triangle.

It was meant for Sun Luolian, gifted by her grandfather, so Zhong Ming hesitated to accept it. He was about to refuse, but seeing the hope in her lively eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to say no.

Sun Luolian, thinking he was unsure how to use it, took the charm back and tied it to his waist herself.

With the red charm swaying at his side, Sun Luolian beamed, her eyes curved like crescent moons. "It looks wonderful! Brother Zhong, with this peace charm, you’ll be safe for life!"

Zhong Ming felt warmth flooding his heart. He smiled, "Thank you, Luolian. With your peace charm, I’ll surely be safe."

"That’s best. Brother Zhong, you should rest early. I must get home or my grandfather will scold me for being late."

With that, Sun Luolian turned and skipped away.

Her departing figure radiated joy. The peace charm might be a trivial thing to Zhong Ming, but for her it contained all her grandfather’s blessings.

A peace charm, symbolizing safety. The old man hoped for his granddaughter’s well-being, but Sun Luolian’s thoughts were all for Zhong Ming.

A small object, a simple gesture—yet it revealed Zhong Ming’s place in her heart.

Zhong Ming watched her go, then lifted the charm at his waist and sighed softly.

Having received both an embroidered handkerchief and a peace charm from Sun Luolian, how could he ever refuse her?

This had become a weight on the young man’s heart, no matter how he pondered it.

Turning the matter over and over to no avail, Zhong Ming finally let go of the charm and murmured, "Let tomorrow bring its own troubles."