Chapter Eleven: Lanterns of Qingyang

The sky was just beginning to dim as the three of them arrived at Qingyang City. This city was indeed vastly different from the village; before they even entered, the towering city walls and imposing gates appeared before their eyes.

Despite the sun nearly setting as they entered Qingyang City, the bustling marketplace was undiminished. Vendors of all sizes hawked their wares enthusiastically. Ye Sansi was once again awestruck by the lively scene, looking around as he said, “Lingshuang, Taiyi, Qingyang City is so lively!”

Liu Lingshuang covered her mouth with a light laugh, replying, “You’ve never seen anything like this, have you? And this is already late in the day—tomorrow morning it’ll be even livelier. I’ll show you around then.” Ye Sansi clenched his fists in excitement and grinned, “Life down the mountain is so much fun!”

Li Taiyi pointed to an inn ahead and suggested, “Let’s first book three rooms at the inn. If it’s not too dark yet, perhaps we can go out and explore a bit.”

Upon arriving at the inn, the innkeeper greeted them warmly. Li Taiyi placed a silver ingot on the counter and said, “Three superior rooms. Prepare some good food and wine. Serve us well, and you’ll be well rewarded.” The innkeeper gratefully took the silver, passed instructions to a servant, and had them shown to their rooms. As they walked upstairs, Ye Sansi exclaimed in surprise, “Wow! This is much grander than the inn in Tianhai Village!”

Liu Lingshuang laughed, “Just wait—this is nothing. When you come to Liu Family Fort, I’ll arrange a room twice as big as this for you.”

Ye Sansi rushed to the bed, flopped down, and called out, “So comfortable! It’s so soft—I could fall asleep right now.” Liu Lingshuang came over and tugged at him, “Don’t sleep yet! We still have to go out. If it gets dark, it’ll be too late.”

A servant interjected, “Esteemed guests, perhaps you’d like to eat before heading out? Tonight, Qingyang City will be releasing lanterns. It’s much more beautiful after dark.” At the mention of lanterns, Liu Lingshuang’s eyes lit up. She asked, “Lanterns? Is today a special occasion?”

The servant smiled and explained, “Tomorrow is a grand day for the Magistrate—he treats us well, so tomorrow he’s holding a martial contest to find a husband for his beloved daughter. Everyone in Qingyang City is grateful to him, so we all release lanterns to send our blessings.”

Ye Sansi said, “I don’t really understand, but it sounds like fun.”

The servant then invited, “Why don’t you wait in the front hall? Your meal will be ready soon.” The three went downstairs and found an empty table. Liu Lingshuang stamped her feet in excitement, “There will be lanterns tonight—how wonderful!” Ye Sansi asked, “What are lanterns?” Liu Lingshuang waved her hand and smiled, “You’ll see when you get there. Last time I saw lanterns was in Lingzhou. I let off a dozen by myself. Back then, I was just having fun and didn’t even make a wish. This time, I’m going to wish for something special.”

As they chatted, the food was brought out. Famished, Ye Sansi reached out with his hands, but Liu Lingshuang pulled him back, “Hey now! You can’t keep doing that. From now on, I’ll teach you to use chopsticks. When you’re out in the world, you need to mind your manners. Remember, you’re going to be the man of the Sword Immortal!”

With that, Liu Lingshuang patiently taught Ye Sansi to use chopsticks. Though Ye Sansi had lived on the mountain all his life and knew little of worldly customs, he learned quickly and was soon adept. Liu Lingshuang laughed, “I really wonder if you’re a wild man. Your talent for learning is impressive.” Ye Sansi scratched his head and replied, “These ‘chopsticks’ are great—no more messy hands. Much more convenient!”

Li Taiyi said, “Since Brother Sansi learns so fast, why don’t I start teaching you the Flaming Feather Step from today?” Liu Lingshuang glared playfully at Taiyi, “Why so biased? Teaching Sansi and not me. I’m not slow to learn either.” Li Taiyi laughed, “Miss Lingshuang, if you want to learn, I’ll teach you as well.”

Lingshuang waved her hand, “Taiyi, don’t call me ‘Miss Lingshuang’ anymore—it’s too formal. Just call me Lingshuang.”

“Very well, Lingshuang,” Li Taiyi replied. “Lingshuang, is your father Liu Zhen, the famed hero?”

Liu Lingshuang nodded, “You know my father?”

“My father, Qi Fei, is your father’s close friend.”

“So you’re Uncle Qi’s son! No wonder your martial arts are so strong. I’ve heard stories of Uncle Qi since I was little, but I’ve never met him.”

“My father is used to a carefree life. As I grew up, I seldom saw him. When I meet your father, I’ll be sure to send his regards.”

Ye Sansi interrupted, “What are you two talking about? Hurry and eat—the food here is delicious. If you don’t eat soon, I’ll finish it all!” Liu Lingshuang shook her head with a smile, “You…”

After the meal, Ye Sansi stretched and patted his belly, “I’m full. Time to sleep.” Liu Lingshuang grabbed him, “Hey, you just ate and now you want to sleep? There are lanterns to see!” Ye Sansi frowned, “I’m so sleepy. What’s so special about lanterns? I think the bed is better. You two go ahead, I’m going to sleep.”

Liu Lingshuang stood up, stamping her foot, “You wild man! You said you’d take care of me in the Underworld, and now you won’t even see lanterns with me! I’m really getting angry!” With that, she struck the table, splitting it in two; plates shattered everywhere and the other guests fled in terror.

The innkeeper hurried over, but before he could speak, Taiyi tossed a money pouch to him. The innkeeper peeked inside, smiled, and said, “Please carry on, heroes.” Then he withdrew.

Li Taiyi said to Ye Sansi, “Brother Sansi, these lanterns are a rare sight. Don’t you like lively scenes? It wouldn’t hurt to see the world.”

Ye Sansi scratched his head (Women are scary—thank goodness Taiyi gave me a way out) and said, “Alright, I’ll go and see them, if I must.” (That was close—Lingshuang looked ready to kill me.)

Liu Lingshuang’s mood shifted instantly. Hearing this, she beamed, “Great! No time to waste—let’s go now!” She seized Ye Sansi and led him out of the inn. They saw others carrying lanterns and hurried to join them, with Li Taiyi following behind, shaking his head in amusement. Though the youngest of the three, Taiyi seemed the most mature; Ye Sansi and Liu Lingshuang were like children.

They arrived at the river running through Qingyang City, where people of all ages were gathering to release lanterns. The scene was bustling. Lingshuang exclaimed, “Wow, I never expected so many people releasing lanterns!”

An old man nearby overheard and approached, “You must be outsiders. Tomorrow the Magistrate will hold a contest to find a husband for his daughter. Every person in Qingyang has received his kindness—how could we not send our blessings?” With that, he moved to the riverbank.

Li Taiyi remarked, “I never imagined the Magistrate was so beloved.” Turning, he found Ye Sansi and Liu Lingshuang had vanished. He called their names as he walked forward.

“Taiyi, we’re here!” Ye Sansi called. Lingshuang had dragged Sansi to a stall to pick out lanterns. The vendor greeted them, “What price range are you looking for?”

“What kinds do you have?”

The vendor pointed, “These are the best—make a wish and they’re sure to come true, but the price is…” Li Taiyi arrived, pointed to several lanterns, and said, “I’ll take this one, this one, and that one.” He placed some silver coins down. The vendor was delighted, “Such generosity! My lanterns are the most effective. Blacksmith Chen’s wife couldn’t conceive; after releasing one of my lanterns, she had a child within ten years!”

Li Taiyi asked Lingshuang, “Lingshuang, do you want any others?” Lingshuang replied, “These three are enough. Any more and we couldn’t carry them. Taiyi, you’re too generous.” Taiyi waved his hand, “It’s nothing.”

Ye Sansi grabbed a lantern, hugging it to his chest, “This one is mine—it’s the prettiest!” Lingshuang laughed, “Didn’t you say you wanted to go to bed? Now you’re fighting for a lantern?” Ye Sansi burst out laughing, “This is much more fun than sleeping!”

The three exchanged smiles. Lingshuang and Taiyi each took a lantern, and together they walked to the riverbank. The surface of the river was covered with lanterns, reflecting in the water—a breathtaking sight. Ye Sansi was so excited he could barely wait, turning to Lingshuang, “Lingshuang, show me how to release a lantern! I can’t wait any longer!”

Lingshuang walked to the riverbank, crouched down, and the other two joined her. She explained, “First, light the wick, then set the lantern on the water and make a wish. If the lantern floats downstream, it’s a good omen.” She placed her lantern on the water, clasped her hands to her chest, and silently made a wish.

Ye Sansi imitated her, set his lantern afloat, stood up, and said, “I want to become a Sword Immortal!” Lingshuang quickly pulled him down, “Don’t say it out loud! If you do, it won’t come true.” “Huh? I didn’t know! What do I do now? Will I never become a Sword Immortal?”

Lingshuang laughed, “You’re so earnest! Just make another wish—it’ll come true, I’m sure.” Li Taiyi handed his lantern to Ye Sansi, “Brother Sansi, you can release mine.” Ye Sansi asked, “Taiyi, you’re giving yours to me? What about your wish?” Taiyi smiled, “I travel the world freely with no worries—I have no wishes. Go ahead.”

“Thank you, Taiyi.” Ye Sansi set the lantern afloat, and it drifted downstream until it disappeared. Ye Sansi smiled, “Haha, that’s a good omen.” Li Taiyi congratulated him, “Brother Sansi, it seems you’re destined to become a Sword Immortal.” Ye Sansi shook his head mysteriously, “I made an even better wish this time, but I can’t tell you—otherwise, it won’t come true.”

Liu Lingshuang laughed, “You’re so clever! But apart from becoming a Sword Immortal or hunting wild boars, what else could you wish for?” The three laughed heartily, Ye Sansi scratching his head in embarrassment.

After chatting a while, they noticed the night had grown late, and the crowd had thinned. Ye Sansi yawned, “It’s late. Let’s return to the inn—I’m tired.”

Back at the inn, the innkeeper greeted them, “You’re back, esteemed guests. Did you enjoy the lanterns?” Ye Sansi replied, “Yes, it was wonderful. I even made a wish!” The innkeeper said, “Then your wish will surely come true.”

Lingshuang asked, “Innkeeper, do you know which road to take from Qingyang City to Lingzhou?”

The innkeeper thought for a moment, “Lingzhou? Go to Tianhai Village, take the river on a merchant boat to the Lingjian Creek crossing, then travel by land. It takes only a few days.”

“If we don’t take the Lingjian Creek crossing?”

“If you avoid the river, it’s much farther and the route is complicated—I can’t explain it well. Why don’t I draw you a map tonight and give it to you in the morning?”

Lingshuang bowed to him, “Thank you for your trouble.” The innkeeper returned to the office to tally his accounts, and the three each retired to their rooms. They fell asleep as soon as their heads touched the pillows, truly exhausted.