Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Invincible General of the Golden Spear

At this moment, Sun Qi raised his head and glanced at the sky. The sun was no longer as scorching as before, and a few threads of cool breeze had crept into the air. He said, “It’s getting late. Notify the brothers to set out.” Someone outside the pavilion answered, turned back, and gave a shrill whistle. Suddenly, four to five hundred men burst out of the forest in a flurry—about half dressed in black, the other half in white, each armed with blades or spears. On every man’s back was a long, flat box, its contents and purpose unknown. Apparently, these men had been hiding in the woods to escape the heat. Fang Guohuan, seeing their crisp black-and-white attire, recalled the chess formation Sun Qi had arranged earlier and realized with a start that these hundreds of men were meant for battle formations. He thought in surprise, “This Mr. Sun is truly skilled in commanding troops. Could these be the very men he mentioned, who once defeated two thousand bandits?”

Fang Guohuan then said, “So Mr. Sun has brought such a large company. May I ask where you are from?” Sun Qi replied, “Since I have the fortune to meet you today, Young Master Fang, there’s no need to conceal my origins. Ever since I led my men to defeat the bandits years ago, I’ve gained some local renown. Later, I had the honor to meet the righteous heroes of the Six Harmonies Hall, and joined their ranks. Now, I am the chief hall master of the Six Harmonies Hall.” “Six Harmonies Hall?” Fang Guohuan exclaimed in delight, “So you serve under Sister Lian.” Sun Qi and his men exchanged glances of surprise. Sun Qi asked, “May I ask, Young Master Fang, what is your connection to our Grand Hall Master Lian? I haven’t seen you before.”

Noticing Sun Qi’s subordinates eyeing him with suspicion, as if “Sister Lian” was not a name he ought to utter, Fang Guohuan produced the Six Harmonies gold command token to dispel any misunderstanding. “Mr. Sun, do you recognize this?” At the sight of the token, Sun Qi and his men were taken aback and immediately fell to their knees. Sun Qi said respectfully, “I, Sun Qi, chief hall master of the Six Harmonies Hall, did not know the gold command token had arrived. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner, Young Master Fang.” Having once experienced this, Fang Guohuan quickly put away the token and stepped forward to help Sun Qi up. “No need for such ceremony, Mr. Sun and all you heroes. I only wished to prove that your Master Lian and I are good friends, to avoid any misunderstandings.” He then briefly recounted how he had saved Lian Qiying by the Yellow River, astonishing Sun Qi and his companions.

Fang Guohuan continued, “Where are you bound with so many men, Mr. Sun?” Now aware of Fang Guohuan’s special status, Sun Qi replied with utmost respect, “By order of the Grand Hall Master, I lead the five hundred Dragon-Tiger Troops of the main hall northward, to respond to the Greenwoods heroes of the east who wish to join us, in case of any unforeseen events.” “Ah!” Fang Guohuan said, “So it’s for the alliance. I didn’t know the main hall had five hundred Dragon-Tiger Troops.” Sun Qi replied, “These five hundred brothers are the elite of the elite, drilled by me for years in battle formations. They are formidable enough to take on ten thousand, charged with safeguarding the main hall, and take orders only from the Grand Hall Master.”

Fang Guohuan smiled, “I never expected Sister Lian to have her own guard, let alone the aid of someone as skilled as Mr. Sun.” Sun Qi asked, “Where are you three headed, Young Master Fang, to have come across us by chance?” Fang Guohuan answered, “The three of us are undertaking a task and passing through here on our way to Tongling. By the way, is Sister Lian sending you north with the troops in anticipation of battle?” Knowing Lian Qiying had already made contact with Du Jian and others in the east, Fang Guohuan was relieved, but seeing the movement of the Six Harmonies Hall, he suspected trouble. Sun Qi said, “The Grand Hall Master’s order states that when the Greenwoods heroes of the east enter the pass to join our ranks, it will surely attract the attention of the Jurchens. They may attempt to block us, perhaps even by force. To be prepared, the Grand Hall Master plans to lead our forces out to meet them, thus summoning the elite from all our branches to head north.”

Fang Guohuan nodded, “Sister Lian’s foresight is admirable. It seems the alliance is settled. Since this is a time of need, once we finish our business, we’ll come to lend a hand.” Sun Qi was overjoyed. “The Grand Hall Master will be glad indeed to meet the two heroes you bring, Young Master Fang. I hope you three come soon. I still have questions about battle formations to consult you on, by way of chess.” Fang Guohuan said, “With pleasure. By the way, where might I find you and Sister Lian in the future?” Sun Qi replied, “All the elites of our branches are assembling in Xuanhua, Hebei. You can find us there.” Fang Guohuan was delighted, “Excellent! I’ll be able to meet the heroes of the Six Harmonies Hall.” Sun Qi laughed, “When you arrive, I will welcome you most respectfully.”

Sun Qi then turned to Lü Zhufeng. “As soon as I arrive in Xuanhua, I’ll have someone forge you a heavy steel bamboo spear. It will be ready when you come.” Lü Zhufeng thanked him happily. Sun Qi also presented the three men with two hundred taels of silver. Fang Guohuan declined, but Sun Qi insisted, so Fang Guohuan glanced at Lü Zhufeng and accepted with a smile. Sun Qi then led his five hundred troops away. Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng saw him off, then mounted their horses and continued toward Tongling, seeking the famous chess master Bai Guangjing, to await the imperial eunuch and chess grandmaster Li Wusan.

With plans to join Fang Guohuan in the Six Harmonies Hall’s campaign, Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng were particularly excited. Bu Yuan said, “The Six Harmonies Hall is full of heroes, all acting for justice and with a great reputation. Having met Mr. Sun today, I can tell he’s extraordinary. I look forward to meeting your Sister Lian, the Grand Hall Master—a woman with such ability to lead such a great cause!” Fang Guohuan replied, “Success knows no gender. Think of Hua Mulan, who went to war in her father’s stead, or Liang Hongyu, who fought the Jin invaders. Both left their names to history. With talent and courage, anyone can achieve great things.” Lü Zhufeng said, “In my view, women are still not the equals of men. Look throughout history—emperors, generals, and those who accomplished earth-shaking deeds were mostly men, with only a few women.” Bu Yuan laughed and shook his head, “Brother, you know a thing or two! Are you aware of Wu Zetian of the Tang, who even became emperor?” Lü Zhufeng shook his head, “How many Wu Zetians have there been? Out of hundreds of emperors and countless ministers, just one. Rarity makes value, and with only one, women think themselves extraordinary, but in reality, the difference between men and women is vast.” “Hey!” Bu Yuan teased, “Where did you pick up this logic? Did you learn it while herding cattle?” Lü Zhufeng replied, “I can’t even read a word. I heard it from a village tutor, Mr. Li, who is quite prejudiced against women. He often says the most venomous heart is a woman’s, and only petty men and women are hard to manage. He’s over sixty and has never married. Anyone mentioning a famous woman, he will refute. Over time, I began to think he had a point.”

Bu Yuan laughed, “Maybe that teacher was jilted by a woman, or suffered some blow in his youth?” Lü Zhufeng said, “Who knows? He even avoids women on the road, afraid of bad luck.” Bu Yuan roared with laughter, “What a strange fellow!”

As they spoke, they arrived at a small town on the Yangtze’s bank. Night was falling, so the brothers found an inn and learned from the staff that by crossing the river the next morning, they would reach Tongling before noon. At dinner, Lü Zhufeng ate heartily, prompting Bu Yuan to click his tongue in amazement. Fang Guohuan shook his head with a smile, “It seems only Sister Lian of the Six Harmonies Hall could afford to feed you, brother.”

At dawn the next day, the three sought out the ferry and crossed the river by boat with their horses, then took the road to Tongling. After some distance, the city gates of Tongling appeared in the distance, filling the three with joy.

As they approached, rounding a bend in the road, they suddenly saw more than a dozen people sitting or lying by the roadside, all wounded, their faces twisted in fear and anger. The three were taken aback. Bu Yuan rode forward and asked, “What happened here? Were you robbed?” Fang Guohuan was puzzled—so near to Tongling, how could bandits appear?

A young man struggled to his feet, his face forlorn. “No... we weren’t robbed. We came to avenge our master, but that man’s swordsmanship was too fierce. In a flash, he felled us all and escorted away a strange old man.” At this, Fang Guohuan’s heart stirred with unease. Bu Yuan asked, “Who are you?” The young man choked, “We are disciples of Master Bai Guangjing’s chess academy in Tongling city.” The three were shocked, realizing something serious had occurred, and immediately dismounted. Bu Yuan helped the youth up. “Calm yourself, brother. Tell us what happened.”

The young man, grief-stricken, said, “This morning, two strangers came seeking a chess match with our master. One was a strange old man. After a game, regardless of the outcome, he sneered and left with his companion. For some reason, our master remained seated at the chess table, unmoving. We dared not disturb him, but when our eldest brother brought tea, he noticed our master’s face was off. Upon closer look, our master had no breath, his body rigid—killed by some unknown method of that old man. We were shocked and furious, gathered a dozen men, and pursued them, catching up here outside the city. When we confronted them, the man in blue was incredibly fierce—left-handed with a sword, he quickly disabled us all, saying his master’s chess skill was unrivaled and others' business was none of their concern. Then he escorted the old man away on horseback, using who knows what devilry to kill our master.” He broke down in tears.

Fang Guohuan was horrified, realizing he was too late. He urgently asked, “How long since they left? Which way did they go?” The young man, seeing their alarm, asked, “Are you officials? Please, you must avenge our master!” Bu Yuan replied, “They can’t have gone far, let’s mount up and pursue them.” Turning to the young man, he said, “Your master fell to the ghost-chess of a sorcerer. Go home and tend to the aftermath. Leave that fiend to us.” Lü Zhufeng, eager for battle but missing his bamboo staff, found a discarded long stick and followed as the three galloped after the killers.

Following the direction indicated, they raced for half an hour but saw no sign of the eunuch chess grandmaster Li Wusan and Yu Ruoxu. They asked a farmer, who said he had seen no one. They pressed on for another six or seven miles, but soon arrived at a fork with several diverging roads, unsure which to take. Bu Yuan lamented, “Too bad! We’re a step too late; the fiend has escaped.” Fang Guohuan sighed, “Is it fate? Twice now, we’ve missed him.” Bu Yuan consoled, “Don’t be disheartened, brother. We’ll get our chance. With the Six Harmonies Hall’s help, he’ll have nowhere to hide. Whether you defeat him at chess or with a blade, you must not spare him.” Fang Guohuan said, “We’ll see in time. For now, let’s head straight for Xuanhua.” The others agreed, and they set off for Hebei.

That day, the trio traveled until dusk, when no inns could be found in the wild. As they despaired, Bu Yuan spotted a temple on a hillside ahead. Fang Guohuan looked up and, spotting the temple amidst the trees, said, “Let’s spend the night there.” They led their horses to the temple gate—it was the “Faning Temple.” After dismounting, Bu Yuan knocked at the door. Soon, a monk appeared. Bu Yuan greeted him, “Monk, it’s late—may we stay the night? We’ll pay, of course.” “Amitabha,” the monk intoned, “It is our way to offer convenience. Please, come in.” He led them to a guest room.

Lü Zhufeng tethered the horses to a tree and found some straw to feed them. When he returned, the monk brought three bowls of rice and a dish of tofu. Bu Yuan gave the monk two taels of silver, asking, “Could you bring more rice? My brother eats a lot.” The monk replied, “We already cooked extra rice for a group staying here, but they didn’t eat much. I’ll bring you the rest.” Soon, he and another monk brought a large basin of rice, several vegetarian dishes, and a pot of tea. After setting the table, they bowed and left. Bu Yuan laughed, “Pay first and you’re treated better.” Lü Zhufeng remarked, “Before attaining enlightenment, monks are just like layfolk—worldly and greedy.” Fang Guohuan smiled, “For someone who’s never studied, your insights are impressive.” Bu Yuan teased, “Maybe our brother is a hidden sage!” Lü Zhufeng replied, “Some truths are known to all, it’s just a matter of depth.” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan exchanged amused glances.

After their meal, the monk returned to clear the dishes, then brought a pot of hot tea and a plate of wild fruit, saying, “These are usually reserved for our abbot, but please, try them.” Bu Yuan handed him another tael of silver, “Don’t be shy, monk. Bring out whatever you have.” The monk accepted, smiling awkwardly, and left. As night fell, Bu Yuan, restless, pulled Lü Zhufeng out for a walk, while Fang Guohuan lay on the bed, pondering the ghost-chess murders of Li Wusan.

Not long after, Bu Yuan burst in, elated, “Brother, come quickly—there’s a spectacular spear show in the courtyard!” Fang Guohuan was surprised, “Someone practicing martial arts at night? A monk?” Bu Yuan replied, “Looks like another guest. Let’s go see.” He dragged Fang Guohuan outside.

They circled to the rear courtyard. On a flat stretch, a young man was practicing with a golden spear, while an elder stood with his hands clasped behind his back. Lü Zhufeng watched from behind a tree. When Fang Guohuan caught sight of the young man, he was stunned. The golden spear danced in dazzling arcs, light swirling, the wind from its movements rippling outward—truly a display of mastery that left the three onlookers spellbound.

Suddenly, the youth spun and halted, spear poised, not the least bit winded, ending his routine with effortless grace. The elder sighed, “Chao’er, your spear technique is now quite unlike the Han family’s style. It seems you have abandoned our ancestral method.” The youth replied, “Father, while the Han spear is unique and fierce, it’s only suited for single combat. On the battlefield, it’s limited. My creation, the ‘Flowing Shuttle Spear,’ blends the strengths of Han, Yang, Zhao, and Yue family spears, effective in all directions. The spear is king among weapons—quicker than a dragon, swifter than a serpent, feared above all in battle, for it can strike from any distance.”

The elder nodded approvingly, “You’ve always loved the spear and have recognized our style’s weaknesses, learning from others’ strengths. I’m proud! This ‘Flowing Shuttle Spear’ is astonishing—perhaps not unmatched, but seldom met with a worthy opponent. The heroes on the rivers and lakes have dubbed you the ‘Invincible Spear Marshal,’ a fitting title. Among the ‘Three Peerless Heroes’ of the Six Harmonies Hall, you are the foremost.” Fang Guohuan, hearing this, was delighted—they were from the Six Harmonies Hall.

At that moment, the young man flicked his golden spear, sending a dozen blossoms of spear flowers darting forth. On a thick tree ahead, wood chips flew as the spear created a dozen holes, each several inches deep. “What skill!” Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng exclaimed in unison. The elder was startled, turning sharply. “Who’s there?” The young man stood his spear and called out, “The three friends spying on us, come out.” Clearly, he had noticed them long ago, so the trio sheepishly stepped from behind the tree.

The elder, annoyed, demanded, “Who are you to be spying on us?” Fang Guohuan quickly stepped forward and bowed, “Forgive us, sir. We were entranced by this brother’s extraordinary skill and forgot ourselves. Please excuse us.” The elder intended to scold them, but the young man intervened, “Let it go, father. These friends mean no harm, only curiosity.” Fang Guohuan, impressed by the youth’s skill and magnanimity, saw an opportunity to make friends. Knowing they were from the Six Harmonies Hall, he asked, “Do you know Mr. Sun Qi of the Six Harmonies Hall?” The elder and youth were surprised. The elder asked, “May I ask your name, sir?” Fang Guohuan replied, “I am Fang Guohuan, an acquaintance of Mr. Sun.” The elder smiled in relief, “So you’re friends of Mr. Sun—my apologies for the misunderstanding.”

Fang Guohuan asked, “How may I address you?” The elder said, “I am Han Zhen, and this is my son, Han Mengchao.” Fang Guohuan bowed again, “An honor to meet you both.” He introduced Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, and all greeted each other.

Han Mengchao asked, “Where are you three headed, and why are you here?” Fang Guohuan replied, “We met Mr. Sun Qi lately and learned of the Six Harmonies Hall’s mobilization north. Respecting the heroes of your society, we agreed to meet in Xuanhua to offer what help we can.” Not mentioning Lian Qiying, he avoided drawing attention to his own status. The Han father and son realized these three must have Sun Qi’s trust and treated them with increased respect.

Han Zhen said, “What a coincidence. My son and I, with our brothers, are also heading to Xuanhua. We can travel together.” Fang Guohuan was pleased. “With all the branches gathering, I’ll finally meet the famed heroes of the Six Harmonies Hall.” Han Mengchao expressed concern, “With the Grand Master gathering so many for the alliance, the Jurchens may not take it quietly. There could be battle.” Fang Guohuan said, “It’s serious—even Sun Qi brought the five hundred Dragon-Tiger Troops.” The Hans were surprised. Han Zhen said, “If the Grand Master called up the Dragon-Tiger Troops, things must be grave.” Han Mengchao added, “They’re rarely dispatched, and Sun Qi seldom appears. To mobilize from the Poyang Lake Hall means trouble is expected.” After chatting more, Fang Guohuan learned that the Hans were branch masters from Yunnan, traveling north at urgent summons. They agreed to set out together at dawn and retired for the night.

Back in their room, the three discussed Han Mengchao’s spear technique, singing its praises. Lü Zhufeng said, “That golden spear is incredible! To strike a dozen targets at once—truly peerless!” Fang Guohuan laughed, “He’s called the Invincible Spear Marshal, striking all directions. But your own bamboo staff is formidable, sweeping all before it—together you would be twin champions!” Bu Yuan said, “Few reach such mastery. Brother Lü’s staff sweeps, Han’s spear thrusts—both deadly in different ways. Lü’s skill is natural, Han’s hard-won. In the army, both would be generals.”

Fang Guohuan smiled, “Indeed. Heroes need a stage. When you meet Sister Lian, show your worth and prove my brothers are no ordinary men.” Bu Yuan replied, “Of course, but if anyone brings you honor, it’s Brother Lü.” Lü Zhufeng said, “I’ll do my best not to let you down.” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan shared a smile.

The next morning, the Hans sent for them early. After preparing, the three met Han Zhen, Han Mengchao, and their dozen men, and together left Fanning Temple for Hebei. On the road, they chatted and grew close. By day’s end, they reached Xuanhua.

Upon entering the city, they were met by Six Harmonies Hall members and led twenty miles northeast to Qijia Fort, the northernmost stronghold of the Hall, where the Hebei branch was based. The Six Harmonies Hall had made this their base, gathering forces to welcome the Greenwoods heroes from the east. Fang Guohuan was impressed by their thoroughness. Han Zhen asked the guide about current affairs and learned that over fifty branches had arrived, numbering four to five thousand. Han Zhen nodded, “Such a gathering hasn’t been seen since the Grand Master succeeded eight years ago.” He asked, “Have the two men the Greenwoods heroes asked us to find been located?” The man replied, “Yes, Chief Zhao Xiangkong from Guangdong found them, and they arrived days ago.”

Han Mengchao mused, “How did the famous Medicine King become so connected to the Greenwoods heroes that our Hall would search the world for him and his disciple?” Han Zhen replied, “Gu Sicheng of Medicine King Valley is one of the greatest physicians in the land, also a master of martial arts—a true polymath. No wonder his ties are broad. It will be a privilege to meet such a legend.” Fang Guohuan asked, “This Medicine King—is he a divine doctor?” Han Zhen answered, “Yes, the ‘Northern King of Medicine’ is him. When the Grand Master called up the elites, she also ordered a search for Gu Sicheng and his disciple, Luo Kun, who apparently has ties to the Greenwoods. He must be remarkable.” “Luo Kun?” Fang Guohuan was startled, then shook his head to himself, “Impossible. The Luo Kun the archer girl seeks must be another, just a coincidence.” Remembering the Luo Kun lost in the spinning-top monastery, he felt a pang of sadness. As they neared Qijia Fort, another party came to greet them, and the earlier guide returned to Xuanhua for more arrivals.

Qijia Fort, now emptied of its original residents, had been completely taken over by the Six Harmonies Hall for their growing army. The place resembled a military camp, horses neighing and men bustling everywhere. Han Zhen checked in with acquaintances and, after a meal, was summoned with Han Mengchao to report to the Grand Master in the main hall. He told Fang Guohuan, “Rest here for now. Once we’ve reported and found Mr. Sun, I’ll send him to see you.” Fang Guohuan thanked him, “Please, take care of your business.”

Fang Guohuan then said to Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, “With nothing to do, let’s walk the streets and meet some of these heroes.” Bu Yuan agreed, “Excellent! Maybe my friend is here, too.” Fang Guohuan was surprised. Bu Yuan continued, “Remember that black steed, ‘Midnight Cloud’? The Greenwoods heroes probably gave it to your Sister Lian.” Fang Guohuan smiled, “You’re still thinking of that horse, Brother Bu. But Sister Lian is busy, so let’s look for it ourselves.” Lü Zhufeng asked, “Is this horse really that remarkable?” Bu Yuan replied, “Indeed, a rare steed—much more impressive than your old bull.” Lü Zhufeng asked, “Is it as obedient as my bull?” Bu Yuan laughed, “No one’s managed to tame it yet—it’s wild.” Lü Zhufeng was amazed, “Such a fiery horse?” Fang Guohuan said, “Wait until you see it—it surpasses all expectations.” Lü Zhufeng shook his head, “It’s only a horse. Can it be harder to handle than a tiger?”

As they walked, five or six dozen riders thundered into the fort, all burly men in matching uniforms, each carrying two gleaming broadswords. Their leader was tall and imposing, with a yellow stallion and extra-wide swords. Fang Guohuan asked a bystander, “Brother, who is that man?” The man looked at him oddly, “Aren’t you with the Six Harmonies Hall? Don’t you know Zhu Weiyuan, the ‘Twin Sabres of the Six Harmonies,’ one of the Three Peerless Heroes?” Fang Guohuan was amazed, “Twin Sabres? Three Peerless Heroes? So this is Han Mengchao’s equal.”

Bu Yuan admired, “Anyone who can wield two such massive blades must be extraordinary!” Lü Zhufeng exclaimed, “The Six Harmonies Hall seems full of talent—each more formidable than the last. How do they gather such men?” Fang Guohuan was equally astonished, “Truly, the Hall is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers—more impressive than I imagined.” As they strolled, they saw that all the assembled men were strong, valiant, and exuded an undeniable heroic spirit. The three brothers marveled at the Hall’s power and grandeur, their admiration growing with each step.