Chapter 29: Reunion at the Qi Family Fortress

Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng were strolling leisurely along the street of the Qi Family Fortress when suddenly someone called out from behind, “Is that Young Master Fang Guohuan ahead?” Fang Guohuan turned at the sound and saw that the caller was none other than Lu Yukai, who had once escorted him all the way to Liu Family Village. Lu Yukai, delighted to see it was indeed Fang Guohuan, hurried forward to pay his respects. Fang then introduced Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, and both sides exchanged courtesies.

Lu Yukai said cheerfully, “When did you arrive, Young Master Fang? The Chief Hall Leader and Mr. Sun Qi were just thinking of you yesterday!” Fang Guohuan replied, “I arrived today. Mr. Sun Qi must have been here for some time already?” Lu Yukai said, “Mr. Sun Qi led five hundred Dragon-Tiger troops here several days ago. Even the Chief Hall Leader was pleased to hear that Mr. Sun Qi had met you by chance on the road and agreed to rendezvous here. He said you must have a special affinity with our Six Harmonies Hall to have become acquainted with such an important figure. Mr. Sun Qi spoke highly of you, claiming you are an extraordinary man in today’s world, which astonished all the hall leaders and incense masters present. They are eager to see what manner of person you are, for there are few whom Mr. Sun would praise.”

Fang Guohuan smiled, “Mr. Sun flatters me. He is skilled in military strategy and formations; he is the true master of our era.” Lu Yukai said, “You are right, Young Master Fang. Mr. Sun Qi is our Six Harmonies Hall’s premier hall leader and also serves as the Right Envoy, acknowledged by all as our strategist—truly the second Sun Wu. Within the Hall, only Chief Leader Lian ranks above him; Mr. Sun Qi is the most respected among our brothers.” Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng were startled to learn of Sun Qi’s exalted status, second only to Lian Qiying.

Lu Yukai then said, “Since you are here, Young Master Fang, why not visit the Chief Hall Leader and Mr. Sun?” Fang Guohuan replied, “Sister Lian and Mr. Sun Qi are busy with hall affairs; it is best not to disturb them now. I will visit them later. By the way, the matter of Northeastern heroes joining Six Harmonies Hall seems settled?” Lu Yukai answered, “Yes, after Chief Leader Lian received word from Hebei Hall Leader Huang Xiaotian, she hurried to meet the liaison sent by King Gong Changjiu, the mighty archer of the Northeast. We later learned it was you who facilitated this, which delighted everyone. The Chief Hall Leader declared you have rendered the Hall another great service.” Fang Guohuan laughed, “It is my duty to serve Six Harmonies Hall.”

Lu Yukai continued, “Chief Leader Lian greatly appreciates the righteous act of the Northeastern heroes joining us and immediately promised King Gong Changjiu the position of Left Envoy, to serve alongside Mr. Sun Qi as Right Envoy. Both will reside at the Chief Hall, assisting in all affairs. The Northeastern heroes will be organized into three halls under the Left Envoy’s command, remaining under Gong Changjiu’s leadership. This gesture has deeply moved the heroes from outside the Pass.” Fang Guohuan nodded, “Sister Lian truly possesses the bearing of a sovereign; her decision is wise and commands trust. With the alliance settled, when will the Northeastern heroes be received?” Lu Yukai replied, “This is a major undertaking. Chief Leader Lian was planning a foolproof strategy, but recently Gong Changjiu sent word from beyond the Pass that their unusual activities have aroused the suspicions of the Jurchens. He urged Chief Leader Lian to set the entry date quickly and act ahead of time to prevent mishaps. To avoid sudden changes and danger, Chief Leader Lian plans to lead selected forces from all sub-halls to meet them outside the Pass soon.” Fang Guohuan was delighted, “Sister Lian is meticulous, and with so many heroes from Six Harmonies Hall joining, success is assured.”

Lu Yukai said, “Let us hope all goes smoothly. However, it is said that Chief Gong intends to bring over five or six thousand men in one move, which draws attention and leaves no time for phased entry. The Jurchens will certainly try to block and intercept, and a bloody battle will be inevitable.” Fang Guohuan said, “That does make things difficult. Let us hope nothing untoward occurs.” He then asked, “Are Chief Du, Chief Lei, and Miss Gong here?” Lu Yukai answered, “Miss Gong and Chief Du are in the fortress, preparing to join Chief Leader Lian in meeting Chief Gong outside the Pass. Chief Lei has gone back to the Northeast to deliver a message, informing Chief Gong of the time and place for the rendezvous.” Fang Guohuan then learned the whereabouts of Gong Ying’er and, taking leave of Lu Yukai, proceeded with Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng to a certain residence.

At the gate stood two guards. Fang Guohuan stepped forward and said, “May I trouble you to inform Chief Du and Miss Gong that a friend named Fang Guohuan has come to visit?” One of the men replied promptly, “You must be from Six Harmonies Hall. Please wait a moment.” He turned and went to announce the visitor. Soon, he returned, saying, “My mistress invites you in.” He led Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng into the guest hall, where Gong Ying’er, accompanied by two maids, greeted them joyfully. After exchanging greetings, they took their seats as hosts and guests.

Gong Ying’er said happily, “I did not expect Young Master Fang to arrive as well. Why did you leave so abruptly in the past?” Fang Guohuan replied, “I had matters to attend to at the time and left in haste. It has been a while; how have you been, Miss Gong?” Gong Ying’er laughed, “Thanks to your auspicious words, both matters I came to the Central Plains to address have been accomplished.” Fang Guohuan smiled, “Then let me congratulate you. Now that you have successfully joined Six Harmonies Hall, you may settle in the Central Plains with peace of mind.” Gong Ying’er said eagerly, “The heroes of Six Harmonies Hall are all honorable, and Chief Leader Lian is personable. She treats us as sisters, with not a trace of formality. Such demeanor is rare among women!” Fang Guohuan smiled, “From this day, heroes within and outside the Pass are one family. You and Sister Lian calling each other sisters makes you even closer.” Gong Ying’er replied, “Sister Lian is the Chief Leader after all. I only address her as sister in private; I dare not do so in public, for which she once scolded me. It made me feel so guilty.” Fang Guohuan nodded, “Sister Lian combines authority with humanity, a feat few men achieve.”

There was a matter pressing on Fang Guohuan’s mind, so he asked, “The person you were seeking, I heard, was a young master called Luo Kun. What sort of hero is he?” Gong Ying’er replied joyfully, “You mean Brother Kun; he is now with Uncle Du and Mr. Gu discussing matters with Sister Lian. He once saved my life and has eaten a precious elixir; he is the disciple of the Medicine King. When he returned recently, I told him about you, Young Master Fang, and he was quite surprised—he eagerly asked if you were skilled at Go.” Fang Guohuan was startled, “What did you tell him?” Gong Ying’er replied, “I said I did not know if you played Go, only that you were a chivalrous hero with a special connection to Six Harmonies Hall and had greatly assisted us. Brother Kun sighed, saying it was likely a coincidence of name, and was much disappointed, explaining he had been searching for a friend with the same name for years, and the search was arduous.” Fang Guohuan, elated, stood up, “It is him! It must be Brother Luo Kun! I never thought he was still alive.” Gong Ying’er was surprised, “Could you be the Brother Fang whom Brother Kun has missed day and night?” Fang Guohuan replied excitedly, “Indeed, I am Fang myself. Heaven has favored us, granting my brother and me another reunion.” Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, surprised in turn, were also overjoyed.

Gong Ying’er was moved, “Brother Kun will surely be delighted when he learns that Brother Fang has arrived!” Bu Yuan smiled, “It is remarkable that the friend you spoke of turns out to be Miss Gong’s acquaintance. What a fortunate coincidence!” Gong Ying’er said, “Brother Kun came to the Northeast alone to find Brother Fang, and has never ceased searching for him. Now you may finally meet.” Fang Guohuan was deeply moved.

At this moment, a servant reported, “Mistress, Mr. Sun Qi of Six Harmonies Hall has sent someone to summon Young Master Fang and his companions. The messenger is waiting outside.” Fang Guohuan said, “So Mr. Sun wishes to see me. I shall go now. When Brother Luo Kun returns, tell him to come find me quickly, so we may be reunited.” With that, he took leave of Gong Ying’er, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng.

The messenger led the three out of the Qi Family Fortress. Fang Guohuan asked, “Where will Mr. Sun Qi meet us?” The man replied, “Mr. Sun learned from Hall Leader Han of Yunnan that you three had arrived and sent me to welcome you. Mr. Sun is now gathering forces from all sub-halls outside the fortress, rehearsing military formations. He asked me to bring you directly to the temporary training ground, as he wishes to consult you on certain matters.” Fang Guohuan nodded, “Mr. Sun is thorough indeed. Training all sub-hall troops in formations prepares for any contingency.”

Fang Guohuan and his companions arrived at the temporary training ground on the outskirts of Qi Family Fortress. Before them unfolded a grand spectacle: groups of three hundred, formations of five hundred, drilling in ever-changing military arrays. Sun Qi stood atop a tall platform, observing and directing. Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng ascended the platform. Sun Qi, delighted, came forward, “You three arrived quickly!” Fang Guohuan smiled, “With Six Harmonies Hall in need, how could we not hasten?” Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng greeted Sun Qi in turn.

Fang Guohuan gestured to the orderly and powerful scene below, “Mr. Sun, are you practicing Sun Wu’s formation charts?” Sun Qi replied, “Indeed. To guard against unforeseen events, I am having the troops familiarize themselves with the formations.” Fang Guohuan, observing closely, was amazed, “Each formation is endlessly variable and composed of experts, greatly increasing power. A few hundred could withstand tens of thousands.” Sun Qi said, “You have keen insight, Young Master Fang. In close combat, numbers matter less than the quality of troops and the ingenuity of formations. If the formation holds, the army is orderly, morale stays firm, and victory comes easily. Throughout history, armies have triumphed with fewer men thanks to the marvels of formation. Sun Wu once used the weak state of Wu to defeat the powerful Chu, not just by strategy but by mastery of formations. His legacy, ‘Sunzi’s Chess Interpretation of Military Formations,’ is a treasure of the military. I have used these formations in the martial world, achieving victory after victory and helping Chief Leader Lian build Six Harmonies Hall’s strength.” Sun Qi pulled out a few chess-diagram formation charts, “Sadly, the version I possess is incomplete, missing several key positions. I once consulted Liu He, the Sichuan sub-hall leader and a chess master, who used chess strategies to solve several formations, but there are three he could not unravel. Recently, thanks to your guidance, Young Master Fang, I found the key to the Twin Dragon Formation. I know you are skilled at chess; today, I ask you to solve the remaining two for me, so my lifelong puzzle may be resolved.” Fang Guohuan replied, “No need for ceremony, Mr. Sun. Such chess-based formation diagrams are rare through the ages; I am honored to see them today and will do my best.” He took the two diagrams and studied them, finding both exceptionally complex and challenging. Yet, with his mastery, he soon explained and demonstrated the solutions to Sun Qi, who, upon seeing them, was overjoyed, bowing deeply in gratitude. Fang Guohuan quickly helped him up.

Sun Qi, delighted, ordered the Dragon-Tiger troops to drill the two new formations, which proved smoother and more formidable than before. Sun Qi, pleased, had all troops practice together. Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng watched the imposing and chaotic drill, marveling at the spectacle.

After a while, Fang Guohuan remarked, “On the chessboard, both military tactics and formations are present. The local maneuvers—pressing, connecting, fighting—and the overall strategies—feints, encirclements, rescues—are all expressions of military art.” Sun Qi nodded, “Indeed, a game of chess is like a military manual, a battlefield. The players are generals, their success depends on intellect and strategy. Chess is the way of war!” Fang Guohuan laughed, “Alas, Mr. Sun, if only you lived in turbulent times, you would achieve feats like Sun Wu or Kongming.” Sun Qi replied, “Better to let my skills go unused in a peaceful era than employ them for slaughter in chaos. I use them only when necessary.” Fang Guohuan smiled and said, “Among those present, Han Mengchao and Zhu Weiyuan are formidable—one invincible with the golden spear, the other with the twin knives. Both could serve as the formation’s keystone.” Sun Qi said, “Exactly. Young Master Han is familiar with the golden spear, and Zhu Weiyuan, whom you met briefly on the street, is a true general.” Fang Guohuan replied, “I saw Hall Leader Zhu earlier and learned about him; he seems a great commander.” Sun Qi said, “Indeed, the Six Harmonies Twin Knives and their technique are our hall’s treasures. The first Chief Hall Leader founded the Hall with them. Zhu Weiyuan has brought the technique to perfection; his twin blades are impenetrable and fierce. Together with Han Mengchao’s golden spear and Zhao Qingyang’s iron staff, they are the Hall’s three wonders. These three are known as the ‘Three Peerless Heroes’ of Six Harmonies Hall, famed throughout the martial world.” Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “Six Harmonies Hall is truly rich in talent, both scholars and warriors; no other force can compare!” He then asked, “Who is Zhao Qingyang?” Sun Qi smiled, “If I don’t introduce you, Chief Leader Lian certainly will. Zhao Qingyang wields a solid iron staff that can split trees and stones; he once fought eighteen powerful bandits in Shaanxi alone, defeating them utterly.” Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng were amazed.

Sun Qi then addressed Lü Zhufeng, “I once promised you a heavy steel bamboo staff; it has been forged and should be ready tomorrow.” Lü Zhufeng was delighted and thanked him. Fang Guohuan asked, “Liu He, the Sichuan sub-hall leader, is one of the three greatest chess masters in the land. Is there a chance to meet him?” Sun Qi replied, “For the purpose of receiving the Northeastern heroes, only martial experts have been summoned; the literary hall leaders, including Liu, did not come. But since you are both chess experts, you will meet someday.”

Sun Qi continued, “The Northeastern heroes sought Six Harmonies Hall for alliance, and it was all thanks to you, Young Master Fang. Chief Leader Lian was thrilled when she learned you had arrived; she must meet you today.” Fang Guohuan, remembering he must soon see Luo Kun after years apart, said, “Sister Lian is busy; I will pay my respects tomorrow.” Sun Qi replied, “That is fine; I will report back.”

Bu Yuan then asked, “Is it true the Northeastern heroes gifted Six Harmonies Hall a prized steed called ‘Clouds Veiling the Moon’?” Sun Qi answered, “Yes, it is an extraordinary horse, rare in the world. According to Chief Du from beyond the Pass, it once killed a Siberian tiger with a kick.” Lü Zhufeng exclaimed, “This horse is fiercer than a tiger!” Sun Qi said, “Hall Leader Wei, who is skilled in judging horses, declared it a once-in-a-century treasure. Chief Leader Lian said this horse should go to the Hall’s bravest warrior.” Lü Zhufeng asked, “Who is the Hall’s bravest warrior?” Sun Qi smiled, “Our Hall is full of courageous men; whoever can tame it will earn the title. Even Chiefs Gong and Lei, who raised it, dare only ride it gently, not at full speed. The gift to Chief Leader Lian is both a token of respect and a challenge to see who can tame ‘Clouds Veiling the Moon’ for use.” Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng were already itching to try.

As it was getting late, Sun Qi ordered the troops to disperse. Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng pleaded to be shown the horse, and Sun Qi laughed and agreed. Fang Guohuan, eager to meet Luo Kun, did not go with them, but returned to search for Luo Kun among the Northeastern heroes’ quarters.

When Fang Guohuan arrived at Gong Ying’er’s residence, the gate guard recognized him as Miss Gong’s friend from earlier and greeted him. Fang Guohuan asked, “Has Young Master Luo Kun returned?” The man replied, “He did, but after Miss Gong spoke to him, he rushed out excitedly, alone, and I don’t know where he went.” Fang Guohuan was pleased, knowing Luo Kun was searching for him, and quickly inquired about his direction, then hurried after him. Not far along, he met Du Jian and Gu Sicen, chatting as they came.

Du Jian, seeing Fang Guohuan, was delighted, “Young Master Fang! When did you arrive?” Fang Guohuan, recognizing Du Jian and an unfamiliar companion, greeted them, “Chief Du, I just arrived today.” He then asked urgently, “Have you seen Young Master Luo Kun?” Du Jian was surprised, “You know Young Master Luo?” Fang Guohuan replied, “Luo Kun is a friend I lost years ago; he heard I was here and went to find me, and I am searching for him.” Du Jian said, “What a coincidence! He just asked some Six Harmonies Hall members about you, then rushed to the temporary training ground outside the fortress. He greeted me and Mr. Gu, then ran off alone—he must be looking for you.” Fang Guohuan was overjoyed and said, “My brother and I are eager to meet; I will discuss matters with you later.” With that, he ran toward the fortress outskirts.

Du Jian watched Fang Guohuan go and said to Gu Sicen, “Mr. Gu, it was Young Master Fang who mediated between me and Six Harmonies Hall, preventing a near conflict. His status is special, and his relationship with the Hall is extraordinary.” Gu Sicen mused, “He has a celestial aura, no less than Kun’er; so he is the Fang Guohuan whom Kun’er has sought all these years.” Then, pleased, “Kun’er will finally fulfill his wish today. Chief Du, prepare a feast; your future master is about to have a great joy.”

Fang Guohuan reached the temporary training ground and looked about, but Luo Kun was nowhere to be seen, nor was Hall Leader Fang Sihai, who had been riding. Only two men remained, sitting beneath the command platform. Fang Guohuan approached and asked, “Gentlemen, did a young man come by here?” The two recognized Fang Guohuan as the one who had spoken with Sun Qi earlier and watched the drills, so they stood and replied, “A brother came looking for Young Master Fang; I thought he meant our incense master Fang Sihai, so I told him Fang was out riding. The brother chased after him, as if he had urgent business.” Fang Guohuan realized Luo Kun, in his haste, had mistaken the man, and quickly pursued in the direction indicated.

Fang Guohuan searched a while, now far from Qi Family Fortress, but found no trace of Luo Kun or Fang Sihai. He felt disappointed. In his dejection, he saw a solitary farmhouse ahead and walked over, pushing the door open. Inside sat an old farmer. Fang Guohuan, feeling despondent, took out all his silver and said, “Old man, I am troubled; do you have wine to sell me?” The old man saw Fang’s forlorn look and guessed he wished to drown his sorrows. Seeing so much silver, he was delighted, “I have a jar of fine aged wine I rarely use; since you pay so well, I will part with it.” He brought out the wine. Fang Guohuan opened it and found it to be fine homemade rice wine. He filled a bowl and drank it all. The old man found some cucumbers, “I have no good dishes; please make do, and don’t drink yourself ill.” Fang Guohuan, heedless, drank two more bowls and felt a bit better. The old man thought, “He will regret giving me so much silver. I'll slip away while he’s dazed; by the time he realizes, he won’t find me. This old hut isn’t worth much anyway—let him be.” With that, the old man quietly left.

Unable to find Luo Kun, Fang Guohuan drank several bowls of wine and sat in gloom, sighing, “My brother Luo Kun is so near, yet eludes me. Does Heaven forbid our reunion?” He shook his head and sighed. The saying goes, ‘Wine only deepens sorrow’; soon, Fang Guohuan was drunk, resting his head on the table, lost in melancholy.

Just then, someone came to the door, muttering, “Could Brother Fang not be here? That man was not him. Ying’er wouldn’t deceive me. Well, let me ask the host for a drink.” Luo Kun entered, seeing a man slumped over a jar of fragrant wine. He stepped forward, “Brother, may I have a bowl of wine? I can pay.” Luo Kun placed all his loose silver on the table. Fang Guohuan, in his stupor, heard someone come to drink and said, “Wine eases sorrow; help yourself.” He remained motionless. Luo Kun replied, “You are generous, brother; thank you.” He drank a bowl, then sighed, “Heaven is blind; after all my searching, I cannot find Brother Fang.”

Fang Guohuan, sharing the sentiment but halfway drunk, mumbled, “Unfair! Unfair! Where has my brother gone? Why does fate keep us apart?” Luo Kun sighed, “I seek my brother, you seek yours—our fates are alike.” He then sensed something amiss, glanced at the drunken man murmuring at the table, and was suddenly startled. He stood and asked, “Are you Brother Fang Guohuan?” Fang Guohuan’s shoulder trembled; he raised his head and stared at Luo Kun. Both were stunned. Though three years had passed and their faces had changed, they recognized each other. Luo Kun cried, “Brother Fang! I have searched so bitterly!” He embraced him and wept aloud. Fang Guohuan, half-sober from the wine, murmured, “Brother, is it really you?” Luo Kun replied, “Who else but me, Luo Kun! Where have you been all these years? I searched so hard for you!” Fang Guohuan, now almost fully sober, looked at Luo Kun in delight, “Brother! It truly is you!” The two, overwhelmed, embraced and wept.

After their tears, Fang Guohuan and Luo Kun laughed together. Fang Guohuan pulled Luo Kun to the table, filled two bowls, “Brother! Good brother! You have taken on the air of a celestial spirit in these years. Our reunion is Heaven’s blessing. Come, let us drink!” Luo Kun replied, “Brother Fang, let’s drink!” They emptied their bowls and laughed, full of joy. Fang Guohuan was moved, “Brother, we only knew each other for two days, yet after three years apart, where have you been? I thought you were gone from this world.”

Luo Kun replied, “That night we stayed at the Spinning Top Temple, not expecting that rascal Ah Xi, whom we saw in town, to set fire later and try to steal your money.” Fang Guohuan was surprised, “So the fire at Spinning Top Temple was his doing?” Luo Kun said, “Who else? I heard a disturbance, went out to investigate, and scared him off. In my anger, I chased him to the river; he, stronger than me then, knocked me out and threw me in.” Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “How vicious! How did you escape? I thought you had perished.” Luo Kun said, “Perhaps my thoughts of you kept me alive. A fisherman rescued me, and I woke three days later. When I returned to the temple, it was a heap of ashes. I thought you were lost in the fire and was heartbroken. Later, someone told me you had escaped unharmed, waited two days, then left in tears.” Fang Guohuan regretted, “Had I waited one more day, we would not have been separated so long.” Luo Kun sighed, “Perhaps it was fate. I searched everywhere for you, remembering you spoke of going to a place called Lianyun Mountain, but after visiting several places with that name, I found no trace.” Fang Guohuan was moved, “You suffered greatly, brother!” Luo Kun laughed, “Later, by mistake, I entered the Northeast and had unexpected adventures.” He then recounted how he ate the ‘Male-Female Ginseng,’ became Medicine King Gu Sicen’s apprentice, and befriended the Northeastern heroes. Fang Guohuan listened in wonder.

Fang Guohuan then told Luo Kun about going to Lianyun Mountain’s Tianyuan Temple to study chess, which surprised Luo Kun, “Half a year ago, I went to Tianyuan Temple to find you. Why did the young monk say no one named Fang Guohuan lived there? I must have been deceived.” Fang Guohuan replied, “That was Senior Brother Fanan; he meant well. At the time, I was meditating in White Cloud Cave, and he feared interruption, so he turned you away. Later, he mentioned it to me, never guessing it was you.” Luo Kun sighed, “I wandered around the mountain, saw the cave, and never imagined you were inside. Was it fate?”

Luo Kun continued, “Recently, I came with my master to Qi Family Fortress to help the Northeastern heroes join Six Harmonies Hall. Ying’er said a Young Master Fang Guohuan mediated the alliance. I thought of you, but Ying’er didn’t know if you played Go and said your status was special, which disappointed me. I assumed it was a coincidence of name.” Fang Guohuan said, “I too heard Six Harmonies Hall was seeking you and your master. Hearing your name, I couldn’t imagine your connection to the Northeastern heroes and thought it another person. Only after meeting Miss Gong did I realize it was truly you.” Luo Kun said, “Earlier in Qi Family Fortress, Ying’er told me the Young Master Fang was you and had arrived. I was overjoyed!” The brothers drank another bowl together. Fang Guohuan smiled, “It seems Miss Gong is deeply attached to you.” Luo Kun shook his head, “She is quite clingy; let’s not discuss her.” Fang Guohuan smiled, “Such devoted women are rare—do not reject her feelings.” Luo Kun sighed, “She was troublesome even in the Northeast; now she has followed me here, asking Six Harmonies Hall to search for me. Alas, my life is hard!” Fang Guohuan chuckled.

Luo Kun stood up, “I have a treasure to give you as a reunion gift.” He went out, removed his inner garments—a seamless heavenly robe—and handed it to Fang Guohuan, “This robe will protect you. Since you don’t practice martial arts, wear it for safety.” Fang Guohuan examined it, marveling at its softness and seamlessness, unable to discern its make, “Seamless heavenly robe—is this it?” Luo Kun laughed, “Indeed, it is called the Seamless Heavenly Robe.” He briefly recounted how he obtained it, and Fang Guohuan was amazed.

Luo Kun added, “This robe is impervious to blades and bullets, waterproof, fireproof, seamless as if made by Heaven. It also disperses force from heavy blows, protecting the body. I discovered this by chance.” Fang Guohuan, astonished, declined, “Such a treasure is more useful for you in combat. I only play chess—there is little danger. You should keep it.” Luo Kun replied, “I have internal strength to protect myself. The martial world is perilous; as you travel and play chess, the robe will guard you against unexpected harm, and I will be more at ease. Please accept it.” Fang Guohuan, unable to refuse, thanked Luo Kun and put on the robe, which delighted Luo Kun.