Chapter 4: A Message in a Dream

Upon hearing Lin Wanyue’s words, Xu Xuan had already formed an idea—so it seemed his brother-in-law wasn’t exactly an honest man either! But life in officialdom was rife with social obligations, and Lin Luo was notorious for being henpecked, so he could only report “military intelligence” with a bit of creative license.

In the eyes of his sister, Xu Rongjun, her husband had always been a devoted family man who seldom indulged in social events. She naturally trusted whatever he told her. What pleased Xu Rongjun most was Lin Luo’s unwavering loyalty. She had once tested him by suggesting he take a concubine, but unexpectedly, Lin Luo had ignored her for three days as a form of protest against her presumptuous decision.

Yet, the truth was that Lin Luo, once inebriated, accidentally let slip that during those days, Xu Rongjun had hidden a knife under her embroidered pillow, terrifying him so much he didn’t dare close his eyes while sleeping.

Her husband was busy with official duties that day, accompanying the county magistrate on a mussel-fishing trip. But there was another handful in the household who hadn’t shown up today.

Lin Pingzhi, the only son of Lin Luo and Xu Rongjun, was sixteen this year, just two years older than Xu Xuan. The boy had loved martial arts since he was a child, training both in the chill of winter and the heat of summer under the guidance of renowned masters. Despite his youth, his martial prowess was already considerable. Last year, he even passed the military scholar examination, making the Lin family home to two scholars—a great source of pride for Lin Luo.

Seeing Lin Pingzhi so obsessed with martial arts, Xu Xuan sometimes worried. If this kid ever got his hands on the “Evil-Repelling Sword Manual,” who knew if he would actually practice it. And if he did, all these years of effort his sister and brother-in-law had poured into raising their “main account” would be in vain. They might have to start all over again, cultivating a new “alt account” to carry on the Lin family line.

“Where’s Rui’an? It’s so late and still no sign of him!” Xu Xuan asked. Rui’an was Lin Pingzhi’s courtesy name, signifying peace and auspiciousness. In this era, sixteen-year-old boys underwent their coming-of-age ceremony, could take wives and have children, and had their own courtesy names.

“That boy has plans tonight too. I heard he and a few other martial scholars went out to observe and discuss some peerless martial art,” Lin Wanyue replied, her sparkling eyes lively as if they could speak.

“Peerless martial art? What kind of peerless martial art?”

“I heard it’s… the Concave-Convex Divine Skill!”

“…”

“Brother Hanqing, what kind of look is that?”

“He’s out so late and you’re not worried he’ll go astray?” Xu Xuan frowned, sipping his rice soup.

“What’s there to worry about? Rui’an is focused on his training, uninterested in women. Nothing to be concerned over.” In the eyes of the whole family, Lin Pingzhi was a martial arts fanatic, uninterested in the fairer sex.

“Uninterested in women? Nonsense! Who doesn’t know what kind of person that kid is?” Xu Xuan silently scoffed. Hadn’t he run into the boy at the brothel the other day? Clearly, they were birds of a feather.

Truly, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree—father and son were of the same mold. As he ate, Xu Xuan cursed them both under his breath, hoping they’d run into each other at the brothel.

Unbidden, a scene conjured itself in his mind:

Lin Pingzhi: “Hey, Dad, fancy meeting you here! Weren’t you supposed to be fishing mussels with the county magistrate? Or are the mussels at the Spring Blossom House fresher than those in the river?”

Lin Luo: “You little brat, so this ‘Concave-Convex Divine Skill’ you’re practicing is actually performed with women?”

Madam: “Tonight’s star performer, Little Peach Blossom—highest bidder wins, gentlemen!”

Lin Pingzhi: “Father, forgive my unfilial ways. I bid five taels of silver—Little Peach Blossom must be mine!”

Lin Luo: “Good lad, trying to drive up the price? I bid ten taels! I’ll deduct it from your allowance next month.”

The thought of such a scene made Xu Xuan almost laugh aloud.

After dinner, seeing the hour was late, Xu Xuan retired to his room. Lin Wanyue’s fragrant boudoir was separated from his by only a wall. Not long after he lay down, he faintly heard the sound of water from the next room—she was bathing.

It was already September and the weather had cooled, but young women always cherished cleanliness. The gentle sound of water, mingled with Lin Wanyue’s singing, drifted to Xu Xuan’s ears, and the youthful fire in his blood made his thoughts wander.

Confucius said: “Do not look at what is improper, do not listen to what is improper. Sleep, sleep!”

It took a great effort to calm his mind, banishing his wild thoughts. Gradually, Xu Xuan drifted into sleep.

As soon as he entered his dream, he found himself in a deep, wild mountain forest. Confused, he looked around, and suddenly, a burly old man with a face black as charcoal appeared before him. If he didn’t know better, he’d have thought he was from Africa.

The old man had a leopard-like head, round eyes, a full beard, and wore armor, looking as sturdy as an iron tower. He strode up to Xu Xuan and barked angrily:

“You scholar! My adopted son was only hungry and looking for food—he never wronged you. Why did you strike him down so viciously?”

Xu Xuan was baffled. He clasped his hands and replied, “Elder, I’ve never met you before. I’m known for my good deeds—when have I ever harmed another’s life without cause?”

“If you’re looking to make a false accusation, I’m not afraid. My brother-in-law is the constable of Wuliu County. If this reaches the magistrate’s court, beware you don’t end up flogged.”

“It wasn’t easy for me to adopt a son, and I’ve always doted on him. Now you’ve killed him and still try to deny it—truly outrageous!” The old man’s eyes bulged with fury, ready to fight Xu Xuan to the death.

“Calm down first. Tell me your adopted son’s name, so I can recall if I know anything.”

The old man glared at him, then wailed, “My adopted son’s surname is Badger; he lived on Sunset Slope in the Western Hills. He’s the eldest of my three adopted sons, so we call him ‘Elder Badger.’ My eldest was the most filial—whenever he went out for food, he never forgot about me, always thinking of me.”

“And now, thanks to you, he’s dead. Who will care for me in my old age? Give me back my son!”

Hearing the old man demanding his son back, Xu Xuan was at a loss.

Elder Badger?

The name sounded oddly familiar.

Suddenly, Xu Xuan remembered what “Elder Badger” was.

“How dare you! You wretched beast, daring to come seek revenge on me—have you eaten a bear’s heart and a leopard’s gall?”

“Your son, Elder Badger, was indeed killed by me—so what? If you dare make more noise, beware I don’t chop off your bear’s paw for a stew or dig out your gall for wine!”

Realizing the old man’s identity, Xu Xuan immediately cursed him out.

No wonder the fellow was so dark, like a smuggler from Africa—he was actually a black bear spirit.

“Outrageous! Shameless brat, you infuriate me beyond words!” The black-faced old man was so enraged he howled and lunged at Xu Xuan.

But Xu Xuan not only practiced immortal arts, he hadn’t neglected martial training either. He easily dodged the old man’s attack, then landed a solid kick on his backside, sending him sprawling.

The black-faced old man got up, spat out dirt, and roared, “Bookworm! This enmity is set—I’ll repay it someday and make sure your family knows no peace!”

“Hmph! You dare threaten me? Then I’ll just have to raze your lair to the ground!” With that, Xu Xuan took advantage of the old man’s unsteady footing and kicked him again, sending him tumbling head over heels down the hill and out of sight.

Xu Xuan opened his eyes—dawn was breaking, the eastern sky tinged with pale light.

He was no longer sleepy, mulling over his dream.

He realized the black-faced old man in his dream must have been Bear Second Master, as mentioned by Tu Shanxue. That creature had come seeking revenge in his dream with its wandering spirit, only to be soundly beaten—a humiliation he certainly wouldn’t let go.

Fortunately, the Lin family boasted two scholars, protected by literary and national fortune, surrounded by righteous energy. With Lin Luo holding office, they also enjoyed the blessing of official luck. Although Bear Second Master was a monster with centuries of cultivation, he wouldn’t dare seek vengeance openly.

This was the county seat, under the jurisdiction of Great Qian, bustling with human activity—a natural deterrent to mountain spirits and monsters. Plus, the Lin residence enjoyed triple blessings: national, literary, and official fortune. If Bear Second Master tried to break in, he’d suffer a backlash.

Still, this matter needed to be resolved swiftly. After all, being targeted by a demon with centuries of cultivation made for uneasy sleep.