Chapter Fifty-Two: Ascending the Cliff of Reflection
Ning Zhongze said, “I think young Yang is quite good—he’s kind, and his abilities are impressive. I find him and Lingshan very well matched.”
Upon hearing this, Yue Buqun’s expression darkened. From Ning Zhongze’s address toward Yang Wenhao, it was clear her impression of him was more favorable than he’d expected.
But as it was his wife, Yue Buqun didn’t hide his thoughts and shook his head. “No, Lingshan cannot be with him. Besides, we still have Chong’er—he and Lingshan grew up together, childhood friends. Isn’t it better to have no outsiders involved?”
Ning Zhongze was surprised by Yue Buqun’s resolute attitude. “Buqun, do you know something?”
Yue Buqun glanced at her and said, “To be honest, Yang Wenhao is a direct disciple of the Wudang Sect.”
“The Wudang Sect?” Ning Zhongze was startled. “But isn’t Wudang a righteous sect? What does it matter?”
“My dear,” Yue Buqun sighed and shook his head, “you don’t understand. If we get entangled with Wudang, it’s bound to bring trouble.”
Ning Zhongze didn’t grasp her husband’s reasoning; all she cared about was her daughter’s well-being.
“Let’s not discuss this any further,” Yue Buqun said. “Now Yang Wenhao has provoked both Qingcheng and Songshan Sects. Let’s focus on our own affairs and keep out of the rest.”
…
For the next few days, Yang Wenhao stayed comfortably at Mount Hua, living almost as if he were cultivating his health.
During this time, since it was known Yang Wenhao’s swordsmanship was superb, Yue Lingshan frequently sought him out to practice. Yang Wenhao couldn’t refuse her—Lingshan was far too clingy.
Yet, while practicing, Yang Wenhao’s own skills did not greatly advance, whereas Yue Lingshan’s abilities steadily improved.
Yang Wenhao’s mind was set on the Reflecting Cliff. Initially, it was Road Monkey who brought meals to Linghu Chong, but in recent days, Yue Lingshan had taken over.
At noon today, Yue Lingshan was about to deliver food again when Yang Wenhao called out, “Lingshan, do you remember our previous wager?”
“What are you planning?” Yue Lingshan eyed him warily, afraid he was up to something dubious.
“I’d like to go with you to Reflecting Cliff,” Yang Wenhao replied. “You know, I came here originally to see Brother Linghu.”
Yue Lingshan hesitated. “But Father said the Reflecting Cliff is forbidden ground for Mount Hua—outsiders aren’t allowed.”
“I only wish to see Brother Linghu, to visit an old friend. Surely that’s not a problem?” Yang Wenhao said.
Yue Lingshan looked at him, pausing before nodding. “Alright, but my father mustn’t know. Whenever I leave, you leave too.”
“Of course,” Yang Wenhao agreed.
Yue Lingshan was familiar with Reflecting Cliff, while Yang Wenhao found it strange and unfamiliar. Initially, he had thought to sneak in alone, but realizing he didn’t know the way, he abandoned the idea.
He’d take this opportunity to familiarize himself; when the time was right, he’d return.
---
Reflecting Cliff was the place where Mount Hua disciples faced the wall to reflect on their mistakes.
There were tranquil paths and peach blossoms—a place meant for cultivation of character. Yet, there were hardly any buildings, aside from a pavilion and a thatched hut.
“Senior Brother!” Yue Lingshan called out.
Apparently hearing her, a figure darted out from the hut—the one punished to reflect upon his faults: Linghu Chong.
Linghu Chong was delighted to see his young junior, but his glance also caught Yang Wenhao standing nearby.
Linghu Chong was surprised. “Brother Yang, why are you here?”
Yue Lingshan explained, “He’s been staying at Mount Hua for several days now. Knowing I bring you meals, he insisted on coming along, saying he wanted to reminisce with you.”
Linghu Chong’s expression brightened. “Thank you, Brother Yang, for thinking of me.”
“It’s nothing,” Yang Wenhao waved his hand. “Today I’ve come to drink with you.”
“To drink?” Linghu Chong was puzzled. “But here…”
Suddenly, Linghu Chong spotted the two jars of wine in Yang Wenhao’s hands, and his eyes shone.
“There you go,” Yang Wenhao lifted the jars.
Yue Lingshan found it odd—Yang Wenhao hadn’t brought anything when they set out, yet now he had two jars of wine. Strange as it was, she didn’t dwell on it, thinking she must have simply overlooked it.
Linghu Chong, confined here, felt stifled. Though Yue Lingshan’s daily visits brought him joy, she always had to leave.
What Linghu Chong loved most was drinking, and Yang Wenhao’s arrival fulfilled that desire.
He hadn’t tasted wine in ages; eager, he lifted the lid and drank heartily.
“Slow down!” Yue Lingshan watched anxiously.
“Ah… marvelous…” Linghu Chong wiped the wine from his mouth, utterly satisfied. “Brother Yang, you are my lucky star!”
“A lucky star… Well, perhaps,” Yang Wenhao said, less enthusiastic about drinking—it was a commonplace matter for him.
“Drink with me, Brother Yang,” Linghu Chong urged.
Yang Wenhao nodded lightly. “Alright.”
---
The wine was potent—each sip burned with fiery strength, yet left a lingering aftertaste.
“Excellent wine,” Linghu Chong cared little whether Yang Wenhao drank or not, focusing solely on his own pleasure.
Yue Lingshan watched, helpless; Yang Wenhao drank very little, and she wished her senior brother could show the same restraint.
After all, no woman likes to see the man she cares for lose himself to drink, for it often leads to misfortune.
Yang Wenhao turned to Yue Lingshan. “You stay here and look after your senior brother. I’m going out for a bit.”
“Alright, go ahead,” Yue Lingshan nodded, without a second thought.
Yang Wenhao wandered for a while and finally found a cave—a vast cavern, almost a giant grotto.
Inside, there was even a swing, where Yue Lingshan and Linghu Chong would play together.
According to Yang Wenhao’s guess, this was indeed the place.
He identified a stone wall, distinct from the others—the space behind it was hollow.
“This must be it,” he thought.
Unfortunately, though what he sought was within reach, it was not yet time to take it.
Having confirmed its location, Yang Wenhao felt reassured, knowing nothing would be lost. He turned and left.
As he exited the cave, he paused briefly, the corners of his mouth curving in a faint smile before he departed.
Returning to the spot where they had been drinking, he found Linghu Chong thoroughly drunk, his face flushed.
“I’ll settle him and head back,” Yang Wenhao said.
(End of chapter)