Chapter Seven: The Mountains of Luofu
Chapter Seven: The Mountains of Luofu
Life on the little boat took a lively turn for Fang Junmei, whose previously stern brows now relaxed into joy. The Xuanwu Vulture, capable of spitting fresh water, provided endless fish from the sea, and even the loneliness that once gnawed at him faded with the creature's arrival.
Clang—clang—
The sound of metal striking metal echoed. Beneath the azure sky and over the sapphire sea, Fang Junmei sat cross-legged at the prow, gently tapping his Lovesick Sword with several long, ash-brown feathers, his eyes tangled with curiosity and contemplation. The ringing came from this very act.
"Your iron feathers are practically a suit of armor."
"Can your feathers be used for attack as well?"
"Are you perhaps the steed of some immortal?"
...
Normally composed, Fang Junmei found himself unusually talkative—perhaps due to his broadened horizons, or simply from loneliness. Encountering the bird opened the floodgates of his imagination; no surprise, only fascination.
Beside him, the Xuanwu Vulture, bound like a zombie, regarded Fang Junmei with round, proud eyes, filled with disdain, as if looking at a country bumpkin.
"One day, I will become an immortal myself," Fang Junmei declared, perceiving the vulture's contempt. He understood its thoughts and took no offense, only smiling faintly, a certain resolve gleaming in his bright gaze.
What was the Xuanwu Vulture’s noble birth to care about the boastings of a mere mortal? Its eyes grew even more scornful at his words.
Seeing this, Fang Junmei curled his lips wickedly. "Enjoy your final days. Once we reach shore, I’ll roast you for meat!"
The Xuanwu Vulture shuddered violently.
Threats.
Bindings.
Plucking feathers.
Forcing it to spit water.
After all these ordeals, the immature vulture both hated and feared Fang Junmei, the shadow in its heart enormous.
Fang Junmei burst into hearty laughter.
...
The vast ocean, though boundless, eventually yields a shore. One day, a seemingly endless horizon appeared before Fang Junmei’s eyes. Its vastness assured him that even if it were merely an island, it must be enormous—most likely a continent.
Ignoring all else, Fang Junmei rowed with all his strength, unaware that the Xuanwu Vulture beside him grew increasingly terrified. High above, amidst the clouds, a much larger Xuanwu Vulture circled, its gaze cold and fixed on Fang Junmei.
Half a day later, they reached the shore.
A fishing village stood at the coast. The language spoken was the same as in Pan Kingdom. Fang Junmei soon learned he had arrived at a seaside village called Little South Village, belonging to the River Country—a middling nation in the southeast quadrant of the Tianfeng Continent. As for the continent’s size, the villagers could not say.
On Tianfeng Continent, the pursuit of immortality and the Way was fervent, with frequent rumors of immortals appearing—exactly the kind of destination Fang Junmei had dreamed of.
After some inquiries, he returned to his boat.
The young Xuanwu Vulture saw Fang Junmei approaching, sword in hand, striding like a dragon or tiger. Fang Junmei’s gaze fell upon it, his lips curling as if eager to drink and feast, causing the vulture to tremble in fright.
This time, Fang Junmei did not laugh. Though he looked at it, his thoughts seemed elsewhere. With a flick of his sword, he swiftly cut the ropes binding the vulture and said, "I have arrived. You may go home now."
His clear brows and upright gaze radiated heroic spirit.
The vulture’s pupils contracted.
Not going to eat me?
Just letting me go, so simply?
Is this human plotting something?
Fang Junmei, noticing its caution, laughed. "I, Fang Junmei, am an honorable man. Having received your favor, I naturally will not take your life. Our accounts are settled. Go!"
With these words, he turned and strode away.
Moments later, the wind howled and the young Xuanwu Vulture soared off.
Fang Junmei did not look back.
A new world unfurled before him; why would he concern himself with an immature vulture? Little did he know that their fates would remain intertwined, and that by sparing it, he had saved his own life—for the massive vulture above might have torn him to shreds otherwise.
...
After a few days in the fishing village, regaining his strength, Fang Junmei learned the way and set out for the nearest great city—Nan Zhao, the southern stronghold of River Country.
No horses were sold in the village, so Fang Junmei found a secluded spot and employed his light-footed skills, speeding away. After more than ten days, he arrived at Nan Zhao.
Nan Zhao, bordering the sea, prospered from fisheries and salt, ranking among River Country’s wealthiest cities. Its population was large, and the customs liberal; men and women wore little, and the streets rang with calls of “brother” and “sister.” Upon entering, Fang Junmei was dazzled and his horizons broadened. Bold Nan Zhao women, seeing his handsome face, even approached him, leaving him awkward and flustered.
Escaping their advances, Fang Junmei immediately inquired about immortals, discovering that they were indeed present—called Immortal Masters by the common folk.
The most famous legend in Nan Zhao told of a range of deep mountains a thousand miles from the city, named Luofu, beautiful and majestic. Within lay an immortal sect, the Luofu Sword Sect, renowned for its upright reputation. Disciples occasionally ventured into the world, ridding evil and upholding the Way.
The woodcutters around Luofu Mountain sometimes glimpsed sword-lights in the sky, but when seeking the mountain’s depths, were chased out by wild beasts, fleeing in terror. This only added to the mountain’s mystery, and over time, its inner reaches became forbidden to mortals.
Fang Junmei was delighted, especially since it was a sword sect. He cared little for wild beasts. On the very day he arrived in Nan Zhao, he bought a map, a fine horse, and some provisions, then rode off toward Luofu Mountain.
No delays.
No rest.
The fire of his pursuit of the Way burned fiercely; he could not waste a single moment.
...
Half a month later, he reached the outskirts of Luofu Mountain.
From afar, the range stretched endlessly, its scope unknown. Even his map failed to mark it fully. The outskirts were shaded by forests; deeper in, the darkness thickened, deep and mysterious, dangers concealed beyond the eye’s reach.
At the horizon, countless peaks soared skyward. The tallest, rising four or five thousand zhang, was the legendary Luofu Mountain.
"That silhouette… seems familiar somehow…"
After glancing at the mountain’s outline, Fang Junmei paused in confusion. He had never been here, yet where had he seen it?
He pondered.
"Of course—the broken jade!"
A few moments later, his eyes brightened. He drew from his breast the fragment of jade left by the deceased immortal. Upon it, the mountain’s silhouette was unmistakably Luofu.
"What a coincidence. Could it be fate, guiding me to join the Luofu Sword Sect?"
Fang Junmei smiled, his eyes brimming with anticipation.