Chapter Thirty: The Tournament Field and the Seized Horse

Wishing great success for the revised edition.

After a long separation, Fang Guohuan and Luo Kun were overjoyed to reunite. They drank several more bowls of wine and, finding the room stuffy, moved the wine jar outside into the courtyard to drink freely. After several more bowls, the jar was more than half empty, and both men showed signs of inebriation. At this moment, Fang Guohuan pointed to the thatched hut and grinned at Luo Kun, saying, “Brother, today’s reunion is a cause for great celebration. How about burning down this hut to add to our merriment?” Luo Kun laughed, “Brother Fang, how did you come by such a penchant for watching houses burn?” Fang Guohuan chuckled, “Once I saw two men, caught up in their drunken revelry, set their own house ablaze. When they sobered up, the owner deeply regretted it and dragged his drinking companion to court, only to be chased out by the magistrate with a beating.” Luo Kun laughed, “That’s the act of scoundrels and ruffians. Are we such drunkards?” At this, the two brothers burst into boisterous laughter, reveling in their joy.

Suddenly, two swift horses came galloping toward them. Fang Guohuan looked up to see Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng arriving, and he was immediately delighted. “Brother, let me introduce you to two heroes.” As he spoke, Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng had already dismounted. Bu Yuan called out happily, “So you’re here drinking with a friend—we searched everywhere for you!” Lü Zhufeng added, “Mr. Sun Qi noticed Brother Fang was missing and sent people searching for quite some time.” Then they dismounted, and Fang Guohuan warmly welcomed them: “Brother Bu, Brother Zhufeng, come, I’ll introduce you to someone.” Bu Yuan looked at Luo Kun in surprise, “Could you be the Brother Luo Kun that Fang Guohuan has spoken of?” Luo Kun clasped his hands in greeting, “Indeed, I am.” Bu Yuan praised him, “What an extraordinary man!” After Lü Zhufeng and Luo Kun exchanged greetings, the four brothers were filled with happiness. Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “All the brave men I’ve ever met in my life are gathered here today—how exhilarating!” They finished the rest of the wine and, laughing and joking, returned together.

Upon entering Qi Fortress, members of the Six Harmonies Hall came to meet them and informed Fang Guohuan that the Hall Master wished to see him at once. Fang Guohuan took leave of Luo Kun, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng, and went to the Hall of Brotherhood to meet Lian Qiying. Luo Kun then invited Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng back to the quarters of the Eastern Heroes, where they greeted Gu Sicheng and Du Jian. Upon learning that Luo Kun had reunited with Fang Guohuan, Gong Ying’er, Gu Sicheng, and Du Jian were all delighted. Hearing that Fang Guohuan had been summoned by Lian Qiying, they began their own feast, toasting each other merrily.

Led to the Hall of Brotherhood by the Six Harmonies Hall members, Fang Guohuan was met at the entrance by Sun Qi, who smiled, “Young Master Fang, what took you so long? The Hall Master and the branch leaders have been waiting for you.” Fang Guohuan was startled, “Are they all waiting specifically for me?” Sun Qi nodded, “Indeed. Word spread that the great mediator of the alliance between the Eastern Heroes and the Six Harmonies Hall had arrived—everyone wished to see you. The Hall Master has been eager for your arrival, sending people out for ages, not knowing where you’d gone.” Fang Guohuan replied, “I ran into an old friend and was outside the fortress.” Sun Qi said, “That explains it. No wonder you were hard to find. Please, come in.” With that, he led Fang Guohuan into the hall.

This Hall of Brotherhood was originally a shrine of the Six Harmonies Hall, but had been expanded severalfold to accommodate the leaders of the various branches for their council. Seated on either side of the hall were seventy or so dignified, imposing men, with Lian Qiying at the center in the highest seat. Upon seeing Fang Guohuan, Lian Qiying rose to greet him with a smile, “Since you’ve arrived, why didn’t you come to see me first and instead made me send people after you?” Fang Guohuan quickly bowed, “Sister Lian, knowing how busy you are with affairs, I dared not disturb you without cause.” Lian Qiying laughed, “You’re the key to all of this—how could we do without you?” She pulled him to sit beside her. The branch leaders, seeing this brother-sister familiarity, were astonished. Han Zhen and Han Mengchao, father and son, realized that Fang Guohuan was no ordinary acquaintance of the Hall Master, and were even more shocked.

Lian Qiying then addressed the hall, “This is Young Master Fang Guohuan, a great benefactor to our Six Harmonies Hall. Not only did he save me once, but he also facilitated the Eastern Heroes’ alliance with our hall. For his great merit, I have presented him with a Six Harmonies Golden Plaque as a token of our gratitude. Hereafter, all branches must treat him with utmost respect—no slights are permitted.” At these words, the branch leaders exchanged startled glances, never expecting Lian Qiying to bestow their highest symbol upon this young man. All recognized that Fang Guohuan was an extraordinary person and began to ponder his background. Lian Qiying then introduced each branch leader to Fang Guohuan, some of whom he already knew, such as the Han family, Liu Yunhe, and Huang Xiaotian. When she introduced Han Mengchao, Zhu Weiyuan, and Zhao Qingyang, she smiled, “These are the ‘Three Heroes of Peerless Might’ of our hall. Since you love making friends with heroes, you must not fail to know these three.” Fang Guohuan replied, “I already know Branch Leader Han. I’ve seen Branch Leader Zhu on the street, but have yet to meet Branch Leader Zhao.” He then greeted Zhu Weiyuan and Zhao Qingyang. Zhao Qingyang was a burly, imposing figure, reminiscent of the mighty Zhang Fei, and Fang Guohuan could not help but be impressed. After meeting over sixty branch leaders, everyone resumed their seats.

Lian Qiying said, “There are still forty-odd branch leaders yet to arrive. I’ll introduce you another time.” Fang Guohuan replied, “The halls of the Six Harmonies Hall are filled with talent—knowing all your heroes is like knowing all the heroes under heaven!” The branch leaders, recognizing Fang Guohuan’s unique status and extraordinary bearing, were filled with respect. He continued, “Sister Lian, I have brought two friends with me, both men of peerless bravery. I hope you will accept them into the Six Harmonies Hall, so they may join these heroes in great endeavors.” Lian Qiying smiled, “Anyone you recommend must be a true hero. It would be our great fortune to have them.” Fang Guohuan was delighted, “Thank you! My friends will not disappoint you.” Sun Qi added, “I’ve already met the two friends of Young Master Fang. The Six Harmonies Hall may soon have a few more peerless champions.” Lian Qiying was overjoyed, “The disciple of the Medicine King, Young Master Luo Kun, is also a remarkable man. With such talent, our hall will truly flourish. As it happens, the Bow Master of the East has gifted us a superb steed, the ‘Dark Cloud Chasing the Moon,’ but no one has yet tamed it. Tomorrow, we’ll hold a competition in the training grounds—whoever can subdue the horse shall be its owner.” The branch leaders erupted in cheers—clearly, all coveted the famed steed. Fang Guohuan recalled Bu Yuan’s words and was secretly pleased.

After taking leave of Lian Qiying, Sun Qi, and the others, Fang Guohuan returned to the Eastern Heroes’ quarters. It was already dusk. Luo Kun joyfully introduced him to his teacher, Gu Sicheng. Fang Guohuan, knowing the man’s reputation in medicine, bowed respectfully, “Junior Fang Guohuan greets Master Gu.” Gu Sicheng nodded, “I have heard much of your heroic deeds. That my disciple should have such a friend makes his years of searching worthwhile.” Fang Guohuan was impressed by Gu Sicheng’s affable manner. He then greeted Du Jian and Gong Ying’er. Luo Kun, delighted, said, “My teacher, Master Du, and Ying’er all prepared a feast for our reunion, but by chance we met while drinking at a farmhouse. We have already toasted with Brother Bu and Brother Lü. Let us feast again!” Another table was promptly laid.

After several toasts, Luo Kun, unable to contain his excitement, said to Gu Sicheng, “Teacher, Brother Fang has been guided by masters these past years and has made great progress in chess.” Gu Sicheng smiled, “To Kun’er, Young Master Fang is nearly perfect—his chess must be extraordinary. I’m envious.” Fang Guohuan replied, “You flatter me, Master Gu. Luo Kun often says he’s learned a lot from you—he’s fortunate indeed.” Gu Sicheng answered, “He found his own fortune by chance; I only gave him a little guidance.” He then asked, “As a chess master, have you heard of Qu Liangyi, currently recognized as the nation’s champion by the court? I hear he made his name in the capital.” Bu Yuan interjected, “Let’s not mention that champion. He’s been ruined by others, both his mind and his chess destroyed—a true tragedy! Fang Guohuan could not bear to see such a master in disgrace, wandering the streets of the capital, and braved dangers to return him and his servant to their home in Jiangsu.” Gu Sicheng was shocked, “How was Qu Liangyi harmed?” Fang Guohuan sighed, “Chess is a refined art, yet there is evil and righteousness in it. In the palace, a eunuch possessed a demonic chess manual and developed a sinister technique that could harm or kill without a trace. Qu Liangyi fell to this demonic chess.” Gu Sicheng, Luo Kun, Du Jian and the others were stunned. Luo Kun exclaimed, “Such things can happen in chess? Incredible!” All were deeply impressed by Fang Guohuan’s righteous act.

Bu Yuan then said, “The strangest part is yet to come. As Brother Fang and I were escorting Mr. Qu through Shandong, we encountered a notorious ‘Divine Doctor’ named Yu Mantang. He wanted to steal Mr. Qu’s brain to transplant into his son, so his son could gain Qu’s chess skills without effort. Fortunately, Brother Lü arrived in time to drive the villains off.” “Yu Mantang?” Gu Sicheng was startled. Fang Guohuan said, “Though he’s an unscrupulous man, his medical skill is astonishing, especially in mind and brain transplants. Master Gu, you must know of him.” Gu Sicheng nodded, “I met him in my youth. He excels in surgical dissection, a skill I do not match. But he often practiced on patients without regard for life, bankrupting families with his treatments. I broke ties with him long ago, never imagining he’d master such a technique and use it to harm others.” Fang Guohuan said, “When skill is used for harm, the disaster is even greater—the demonic chess and brain-transplanting medicine are proof.” Gu Sicheng sighed, “To have a skill and not use it for the world’s benefit is to bring disaster. But those who act against the heavens rarely prosper.”

Fang Guohuan then asked, “Master Gu, Yu Mantang said Qu Liangyi’s mind was ruined by the demonic chess’s moves. As the famed ‘Medicine King,’ do you know of a cure?” Gu Sicheng replied, “Qu Liangyi’s chess is unmatched, yet he could not withstand such a sinister technique. His condition is unlike ordinary mental afflictions—treatment will be difficult and lengthy. Still, if there is a chance, I’d be willing to try.” Fang Guohuan rose and bowed, “Thank you, Master. If you can cure him, I may learn how the demonic chess harmed him. Then, should I ever face that eunuch across the board, I’ll be better prepared to defeat him with the true art of chess.” Gu Sicheng was moved, “Your ambition is rare indeed. I am impressed.” He thought to himself that if even the champion Qu Liangyi was defeated by the demonic chess, how high must Fang Guohuan’s skills be for him to dare challenge it.

After more toasts, Fang Guohuan announced, “Tomorrow, the Six Harmonies Hall will hold a horse-taming contest. Whoever can tame the ‘Dark Cloud Chasing the Moon’ will win it. The opportunity is rare—Brother Bu, Brother Luo, Brother Lü, you must all try.” The three were delighted. Lü Zhufeng said, “That horse is no ordinary steed—truly magnificent, faster than tigers or leopards.” Gong Ying’er added, “It was my father’s gift to the Six Harmonies Hall. Brother Kun, you should win it back tomorrow. I meant it as a gift for you.” Luo Kun smiled, “A fine horse is only won by skill. Let’s see if I’m up to it.” Du Jian remarked, “Our Eastern brothers are all skilled riders, yet none can tame this wild horse. Whoever wins it tomorrow is no ordinary man.” Bu Yuan could barely contain his excitement, “Such a steed! I must try for it.” Lü Zhufeng thought, “The contest will be fierce. I’ll wait until the end, and if no one has succeeded, I’ll make my attempt.” That night, the four brothers shared a room, talking through the night, each savoring their friendship.

At dawn, after breakfast, members of the Six Harmonies Hall came to invite them to the horse-taming competition at the training grounds outside Qi Fortress. Sun Qi personally welcomed Gu Sicheng, Du Jian, Fang Guohuan, Luo Kun, Gong Ying’er, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng to the stands, where they greeted Lian Qiying. Fang Guohuan introduced Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, and Lian Qiying was delighted by their heroic bearing. The two were surprised and admiring to discover the Hall Master was a young woman. Everyone took their seats. Lian Qiying warmly pulled Gong Ying’er to her side and whispered a few words, then smiled at Luo Kun, making him bewildered and Gong Ying’er blush, before the two continued their private conversation.

Soon, Sun Qi saw that nearly everyone had arrived and called out, “The Bow Master of the East has given our Hall Master a magnificent horse, but it remains untamed. By the Hall Master’s decree, whoever can tame it today shall be its owner.” The crowd roared their approval. Lian Qiying smiled and waved her hand. A groom led the “Dark Cloud Chasing the Moon” into the arena, and the crowd was awestruck by the horse’s magnificence. The horse, as if understanding, raised its head and neighed, its voice clear and stirring. The crowd admired its inky black coat, luminous eyes, strong build, and noble demeanor. Shouts of praise erupted: “What a horse!” “A heavenly steed!” “Such jet-black color, such snowy mane!” “A divine horse!” The admiration was overwhelming.

A branch leader named Gao, afraid of being preempted, stepped forward and saluted Sun Qi, “Sir, I wish to try first.” Sun Qi replied, “Please, Branch Leader Gao.” Gao cautioned the groom, “Step aside, let me handle it.” The groom hesitated, “Be careful—this horse does not tolerate strangers.” Gao replied, “Just watch what I can do.” As the groom stepped away, Gao reached for the reins, but the horse suddenly neighed and kicked wildly. Gao reacted quickly, flipping backward and rolling five or six meters away. Embarrassed, he shook his head and retreated. The crowd cheered, “What a fierce horse!”

This spectacle piqued the interest of Zhu Weiyuan, one of the “Three Heroes of Peerless Might.” He stepped out, smiling at the horse, “What a fiery temper! Let me try.” The crowd, knowing Zhu Weiyuan’s riding skills were unmatched, believed he would win. Those who hesitated regretted missing their chance. Sun Qi smiled at Lian Qiying, “It seems the horse will belong to Branch Leader Zhu.” She nodded, while Du Jian shook his head and sneered.

Zhu Weiyuan, knowing the horse’s temperament, circled it several times, looking for an opening to mount. But the horse watched him warily, turning in place to match his movements. Zhu was surprised, as was the crowd. He quickened his pace, and, spotting an opening, leaped onto the horse’s back. The crowd cheered, but before the cheer faded, the horse neighed, reared up, and flipped in the air, flinging Zhu Weiyuan off. He landed more than ten meters away, managed to right himself, and retreated, shaken, calling himself “ashamed.” The crowd was in an uproar, “Is this horse even rideable?” No one dared approach. The horse, pleased, pranced about as if to taunt the crowd. Even Lian Qiying and Sun Qi shook their heads in wonder. Gong Ying’er whispered to Luo Kun, “Brother Kun, your turn.” Luo Kun shook his head with a smile, “I’m no horseman—leave it to someone else.” Though disappointed, Gong Ying’er was relieved, “Later, I’ll ask my father to find you a gentler horse.” Luo Kun nodded and watched intently.

Bu Yuan, seeing no one else step forward, could contain himself no longer. “Let me try!” Fang Guohuan cheered, “Excellent! May your wish come true.” Smiling, Bu Yuan handed his Overlord Bow to Fang Guohuan, left the stands, and approached the horse. The crowd, seeing an unfamiliar young man, was intrigued. As Bu Yuan approached, the horse did not shy away but advanced toward him. The crowd was astonished, “Is this horse a demon?” Bu Yuan, startled by the horse’s advance, muttered, “Well, well! You look down on me?” The crowd chuckled. Worried, Fang Guohuan called out, “Brother Bu, be careful! If it’s too much, let it go.” Though wary, Bu Yuan did not flinch and continued forward. As the gap closed, tension mounted; the crowd held its breath.

Staring into the horse’s eyes, Bu Yuan suddenly grabbed the reins and swung onto its back with astonishing speed. The horse was caught off guard, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Expecting to be thrown, Bu Yuan clung tightly to the horse’s neck. The horse bucked violently but could not throw him. Bu Yuan squeezed with his legs, urging the horse to gallop, and the crowd roared as the black steed shot across the arena like lightning. Bu Yuan felt the wind in his ears but no jostling—he was amazed. But suddenly, the horse stumbled intentionally, sinking its forelegs while kicking out behind. Bu Yuan was flung more than fifteen meters, rolling to a stop. Fang Guohuan cried out in alarm. The crowd thought Bu Yuan was surely injured, but to everyone’s amazement, he stood, dusted himself off, and gave the horse a thumbs up, “Well done! Impressive!” The crowd was won over by both man and beast, erupting in applause. Fang Guohuan, Luo Kun, and the others were overjoyed. Sun Qi laughed, “What a tough man—rare indeed!” Lian Qiying nodded, “Brother Bu Yuan has impressed our hall’s heroes. Your recommendations are indeed outstanding.” Fang Guohuan joked, “A pity the horse outwitted Brother Bu.” Bu Yuan returned to the stands, lamenting, “What a horse! But it’s not meant for me.” Fang Guohuan consoled him, “Though you didn’t win, no one else has matched your feat.” Bu Yuan, “I am humbled,” and sat down.

At this point, the horse pranced a half-circle, neighed loudly, and with a crack, broke a thick hitching post with its hind legs, as if to say, “Who else dares?” The crowd was stunned. Bu Yuan exclaimed, “Now, even if you let me ride, I wouldn’t dare!” Fearful whispers spread, “A demon horse!” No one dared try, and silence fell over the arena.

Lian Qiying sighed, “Is there no one today who can tame this ferocious steed?” Just then, a voice answered, “I will.” Lü Zhufeng rose slowly. Fang Guohuan was delighted, “How could I forget Brother Zhufeng?” Lü Zhufeng, casual as ever, descended from the stands and approached the horse, astonishing the Six Harmonies Hall leaders. Bu Yuan said, “It seems only my Brother Lü has the strength for this.”

Curiously, the horse seemed cowed by Lü Zhufeng’s calm, unhurried bearing. As Lü approached, the horse grew restless. The crowd watched in breathless silence to see what this youth would do. The horse neighed defensively, pawing the ground, but Lü Zhufeng stood his ground, then suddenly stepped forward, wrapped his right arm around the horse’s neck, and pressed down. The horse, unable to resist, bent nearly to the ground. The crowd gasped; even those on the stands stood up. Taking advantage, Lü Zhufeng gripped the horse’s foreleg, pressed his chest to its neck, and held it firmly. The horse struggled, kicking up a great pit, but could not break free. Lü Zhufeng shouted, “Rise!” lifted the horse’s forequarters, and dragged it forward a few steps. The horse, subdued by Lü’s strength, followed meekly. The crowd was dumbstruck.

Lü Zhufeng released the horse, mounted, and, with a squeeze, urged it to gallop. Using his leg strength to control the horse, it dared not misbehave and was tamed. Lü Zhufeng rode several laps around the arena at dizzying speed, black light flashing by. After several circuits, he slowed and dismounted, patting the horse’s neck. The once-unruly steed now stood meekly, and thunderous applause erupted.

Bu Yuan was elated, “So, Brother Lü’s skill at taming bulls works on wild horses too!” Sun Qi marveled, “Strength of a god, a divine horse, and a divine man!” Lian Qiying, overjoyed, ordered, “Bring the finest saddle from Chief Lu’s collection for Brother Lü and his steed.” The order was quickly obeyed. Sun Qi quieted the crowd and announced, “This horse now belongs to Brother Lü Zhufeng. The horse has chosen its master—Heaven’s will! Does anyone object?” “We are convinced!” “We are in awe!” “We are deeply impressed!” The crowd responded as one. Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan exchanged pleased glances. Soon, a luxurious silver saddle arrived, and Lü Zhufeng, thrilled, fitted it with the groom. The horse shone even more, drawing further cheers. Lü Zhufeng, learning the gift came from Hall Master Lian Qiying, bowed in thanks. Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “A fine horse deserves a fine saddle—Sister Lian is truly thoughtful.” Lian Qiying laughed, “Where did you find such a man of strength for our hall? A rare talent!” Fang Guohuan replied, “He came by Heaven’s will—I never imagined he’d have such skill.”

Just then, a man approached Sun Qi and whispered something. Sun Qi’s face lit up, “Just in time—bring it out!” Two strong men carried a long, leather-wrapped object into the arena, placing it before Lü Zhufeng. Fang Guohuan cried, “Is this the divine weapon for my brother?” Sun Qi smiled, “Indeed. Unwrap the gift!” The men removed the leather, revealing a gleaming, wrist-thick, eighteen-jointed solid steel bamboo staff, forged to resemble bamboo but made entirely of the finest steel. Lü Zhufeng was ecstatic, picking it up, “What a fine iron bamboo!” Sun Qi explained, “This staff weighs one hundred and forty-two jin, forged in one piece, and took many days and nights to complete.” The staff fit Lü’s hand perfectly; its top five joints were shaped for stabbing, the next four slightly flattened for cutting, and it was over seven feet long—truly a unique weapon. Accustomed to wielding bamboo, Lü was overjoyed at such a weapon. He bowed to Sun Qi, “Thank you for the iron bamboo, sir!” Then, mounting his horse, he galloped about, brandishing the staff, a blur of silver and black streaking across the arena, drawing wild cheers.

Excited by his triumph, Lü shouted, “Clear the way!” and galloped toward a sturdy poplar on the edge of the field. With a sweep of the staff, he felled the tree in one stroke. The crowd gasped. Gu Sicheng was amazed, “I never imagined such strength and skill existed! The younger generation truly surpasses the old.” Lü then swept his staff, felling five or six saplings as easily as slicing radishes, stunning the crowd.

Next, Lü lifted a large log with his staff and flung it into the air, calling to the stands, “Brother Bu!” intending to show off Bu Yuan’s Overlord Bow. The log, more than a hundred meters away, was well out of normal bow range. Bu Yuan, understanding, drew the bow and shouted, “Strike!” A steel pellet shot out like a meteor, shattering the log midair in a shower of splinters. The crowd went wild, marveling, “What a mighty marksman!” Lü Zhufeng and Bu Yuan’s prowess won them great fame among the heroes. Du Jian, watching, was stunned, thinking, “That pellet’s power rivals the Bow Master’s. The Six Harmonies Hall truly hides dragons and tigers within!”

Lü Zhufeng, holding his iron bamboo and riding the black steed, returned in glory. Inspired by the display, Luo Kun said to Fang Guohuan, “For you, Brother Fang, and for the Eastern heroes, let me show a trick as well.” Turning to his teacher, “Master, please lend me a hand.” Gu Sicheng smiled and, placing his right palm on Luo’s back, gave a powerful push as Luo leapt. Luo soared from the stands like a great bird, landing atop Lü Zhufeng’s iron bamboo thirty meters away. The crowd cheered this feat. Lü Zhufeng steadied the staff as Luo Kun landed lightly on its tip, as a dragonfly alights on a twig. The crowd burst into applause; Gong Ying’er and Du Jian exchanged amazed glances and stood up.

Lü Zhufeng tried shaking the staff, but Luo Kun remained steady as though his feet were glued. Lü shook it again, and Luo slid down, hugging the staff but not falling. Delighted, Lü carried Luo, riding up to the stands. With a flick of the staff, Luo leapt off, returning to the stands, and bowed to Lü, “Thank you, Brother Zhufeng, for your help.” Another wild ovation swept the arena.