Chapter Fifty-Two: An Uninvited Guest

Six days later...

The demon plague in Lingzhou had miraculously subsided on its own. Liu Jin assumed that some other elder must have tracked down the demon and eliminated it, thus ending the affliction. He withdrew the barrier around Lingzhou and settled back at the Liu Fortress, content to remain there and train the Liu family army alongside Liu Zhen and Liu Mu.

In the days prior, Liu Lingshuang had no heart for martial training, but as time went on, seeing Taiyi and Nian'er so diligent—already advancing to the Liu clan’s inner techniques—she realized she could not afford to fall behind. She also hoped that when Sansi returned, he’d see her progress and offer some praise.

This morning, after the three had finished breakfast and were practicing in the martial courtyard as usual, several uninvited guests arrived...

These strangers swaggered into the Liu Fortress without announcement, the guards powerless to stop them, claiming to be old acquaintances of the fortress lord. At their head was a middle-aged man, about Liu Zhen’s age, and at his side a youth with refined features and a grave expression, steady of gait, sword in hand. Twenty-four swordsmen in blue followed behind.

The disciples in the martial yard, seeing such insolence, stepped down from the platform and formed up in a defensive array, trying to block their advance. Xu Xuan stood at their head, sword pointed at the intruders, and shouted, “How dare you! This is the Liu Fortress—such disrespect cannot be tolerated. Even if you are old friends of our lord, you must wait for us to report and receive permission. To barge in so, like common bandits—do not blame us for being discourteous!”

The man in the lead sneered, “Well, well, the Liu clan is certainly not what it once was. Even the lackeys dare to challenge me? Bring out Liu Zhen!”

Xu Xuan brandished his sword and barked, “If you wish to see our lord, you have two choices: One, wait for us to report, and if he consents, we will let you through. Two, step over our corpses.”

“Very well, I’ll grant your wish.” As he spoke, the man seized a sword from a disciple’s side, flicking it effortlessly—sending it flying at Xu Xuan.

Xu Xuan, seeing the intent to force entry, braced himself to resist with all his might. The Liu family disciples also gripped their swords tightly, ready to fight to the death—determined not to let the fortress lose face. Just as the sword came within ten paces of Xu Xuan, an axe fell from the sky, intercepting the blow.

It was Liu Zhen, who had heard the commotion and come to investigate. Soaring through the air, Liu Zhen caught the returning axe in his hand and landed smoothly before the intruders, laughing loudly, “Brother Su, after all these years, you’re still so overbearing! You come to my Liu Fortress without so much as a word, and try to kill my disciples? If I hadn’t intervened, your blow would have sent my disciple to meet the King of Hell.”

“So, you remember that I, Su Xing, am your elder brother? And now you think you need to be announced to enter the Liu Fortress? Don’t forget who saved your life back then. The Su family may not compare to the Liu clan, but surely I don’t need to teach you the propriety that the elder brother takes precedence?”

Liu Zhen smiled wryly, “Yes, yes, you are the elder brother. But above me are the elders and the uncles of the Liu clan—acting this way puts me in a difficult position.”

Su Xing waved him off and strode up the martial stage, saying as he went, “You are the legitimate head of the Liu clan. The elders and disciples cannot overrule you. I’m not here to embarrass you. But surely you haven’t forgotten the promise made eighteen years ago? I’ve come today to fulfill that agreement. It’s your Liu clan that would break propriety by shutting me out.”

“Promise? What promise?”

The Liu lord is truly forgetful! Let me remind you. Eighteen years ago, at the full-month banquet for my son, Su Hantian, we drank and talked at length. You declared that if you ever had a daughter, we would become in-laws. I said words alone were not enough, so we drew up a contract, and you sealed it with your handprint. Don’t tell me you don’t remember?”

With a furious flick of his sleeve, Liu Zhen snapped, “Nonsense! I recall having a drink with you that day, then passing out. When I awoke, my money and belongings were gone, and so were you. Now, after eighteen years, you show up with this story and expect me to give you my daughter?”

“This isn’t just my word.” Su Xing withdrew a yellow contract from inside his robe and spread it open. “Disciples, look here—this is your lord’s handprint. It says that if Liu Zhen should have a daughter, she would be betrothed to my son, Su Xing’s heir, to form a union for a hundred years. Now, your Liu clan has no legitimate male heir. My son, Su Hantian, should be the next lord of the Liu Fortress.”

There was an uproar among those present. Liu Zhen, incensed, retorted, “That was forced on me while I was unconscious—not my true intention. How can that count?”

“That’s not my concern,” Su Xing replied. “I’ve already spread the news across every province that the Su family has come to the Liu Fortress to claim a bride. Don’t you dare break the engagement and ruin your clan’s reputation.”

“You…” Liu Zhen was furious, but he was at a disadvantage. After all, the handprint on the yellow paper was indeed his, and if he reneged, outsiders would never know the truth—they’d only think the Liu clan bullied others and broke its word. He felt utterly helpless.

The crowd murmured anxiously. Su Xing stood proudly on the martial stage, savoring his triumph. Two elders, having heard the commotion, hurried over and quickly learned what had happened. This was, after all, a matter for the head of the clan to handle; their intervention would be inappropriate.

Taiyi approached Liu Mu and asked quietly, “Master, who is this Su Xing to dare challenge the Liu Fortress? He looks like a scoundrel—how could Uncle Liu ever have sworn brotherhood with him?”

“I know a little,” Liu Mu replied. “Nineteen years ago, Zhen’er was traveling and nearly drowned. Su Xing pulled him to safety. Zhen’er, being young and naïve, swore brotherhood out of gratitude. But Su Xing was always a street ruffian, using his skills to bully townsfolk. Zhen’er was taken in, attended his son’s full-moon banquet, and was drugged. Su Xing set his sights on the wealth of the Liu Fortress and came up with this scheme. It was only when Fei’er intervened that Su Xing was taught a lesson and stayed away for ten years or so.”

Taiyi fumed, “Despicable! Now he’s back, seeking to seize the Liu clan’s legacy?”

Liu Jin, having overheard Taiyi and Liu Mu, stepped forward with a cold snort and a mocking smile. “Such a villain will never succeed. Word is, Su Xing has been busy these past years—he’s founded a school in Creek Province, recruiting many disciples. I suspect the king of Qingjian Creek is backing him, using him to consolidate power in Creek Province. There’s no way Shuang’er will marry such a wretch.”

With that, Liu Jin leaped into the air and stood atop the tall pole of the martial yard. His voice rang out like thunder from above: “Su Xing, is it? I am Liu Jin, Grand Elder of the Liu Fortress. It’s true Liu Zhen is the lord, and all matters are his to decide, but clan law is my domain! The lord cannot intervene—such are the rules of the Liu family.”

Su Xing pointed up at him and jeered, “Hey, old man, since when does a father have no say in his daughter’s marriage? What’s that got to do with clan law?”

Liu Jin chuckled, “It’s true that marriages are traditionally arranged by the parents and matchmakers. I can’t deny that. But the Liu clan has its own rules—no room for your nonsense. Our ancestors decreed that if a daughter is to be married, the groom’s qualifications must be judged. Though it’s a marriage, we cannot be careless—especially since Lingshuang is our only legitimate heir.”

“How do you determine if my son is qualified?”

“That’s for the elders to decide, of course!”

Su Xing sneered, “Ha! You’ll only make things difficult for us. I won’t allow it.”

“Then what do you propose?”

“Isn’t the Liu clan famed for martial prowess? Let’s have a contest. If someone defeats my son, I’ll admit defeat and leave. If no one can match him, my son will wed the Liu daughter and become the legitimate heir—when Liu Zhen dies, he’ll inherit the lordship.”

Liu Zhen shouted, “You—!”

“Zhen’er—” Liu Jin interrupted, speaking gently, “This matter is settled. Tomorrow we’ll hold a tournament, inviting friends from all quarters. Any household with a suitable young man may participate. Second Brother, make the arrangements.”

“Yes, Elder Brother.”

The Su family, hearing Liu Jin’s decision, could only acquiesce. After all, if the Grand Elder took offense and killed them, no one would dare object. Su Xing was confident in Su Hantian’s abilities—few peers could hope to match him—so he nodded and withdrew, taking lodging at a nearby inn.

Once they were gone, Liu Mu beckoned Liu Jin over and whispered, “Elder Brother, a single day isn’t enough to gather friends from afar.”

“Second Brother, do you really want to marry Lingshuang off? Do you truly mean to let those young men fight for her hand? Just spread the word that the Liu clan is hosting a martial contest for a bride, and invite some respected people to offer guidance. Don’t mention that any eligible youth may enter.”

Liu Mu laughed, “Ha! I see, Elder Brother. I can’t match your wisdom. But—”

“I know your concern. Do you really think Su Hantian is so formidable? Xu Xuan and Taiyi are hardly pushovers.”

With that, Liu Jin strode off. Liu Mu, understanding his meaning, laughed quietly, “Elder Brother, how I envy your wit!” With a burst of laughter, he flew off to send word to their friends.

The disciples, unsettled by these events, found themselves unable to focus on their training. Liu Zhen dismissed them for the day, sending Lingshuang and Nian’er to their chambers.

Back in her room, Lingshuang behaved as usual, as though nothing had happened. Nian’er, worried, took her hand gently and said, “Lingshuang, are you all right? You haven’t said a word—this isn’t like you. Normally, news like this would make you furious. If you’re angry, let it out—don’t keep it bottled up. It’s not good for you.”

Lingshuang laughed heartily, “Nian’er, you’re overthinking. I truly don’t care about this at all. That Su Hantian wants to marry me? I refuse! What can he do? If he wins tomorrow, I’ll simply run away. Besides, my father and the elders are all on my side—they have no wish to marry me off to such a villain. This concerns the Liu clan’s legacy—our kin will never yield so easily.”

Nian’er nodded and smiled, “If that’s how you feel, I’m relieved. But if Su Hantian wins and you run away, I fear the Liu Fortress will be mocked by the world.”

“It won’t happen,” came a voice from outside.

Lingshuang looked up and saw Xu Xuan at the door. She beckoned him in. “Senior Brother Xu, why are you so sure?”

Xu Xuan bowed, “My lady, forgive my boldness—”

“Senior Brother, please rise! I am but your junior—such formality is unnecessary.”

Xu Xuan straightened. “Junior Sister Liu, tomorrow I wish to challenge Su Hantian in single combat…”