Chapter Thirty-six: Liang Haiter (Part Two)

The name Divine Martial Xu Le had already resounded throughout the city of Yunzhong and its outskirts within half a day. Some of the men from the Lianghaiter Tribe watched the excitement from afar, while others, even if confined within their tents, had their ears filled with tales of the event.

A lone figure battling the elite Heng'an Eagle Guards—from Yuan Junwei to Yuchi Gong, and finally causing Liu Wuzhou himself to step forward to calm the situation. Even those unfamiliar with him, upon hearing the name Divine Martial Xu Le, could hardly fail to react.

For Lianghaiter Luodun, the chieftain of the Lianghaiter Tribe, the name Divine Martial Xu Le, coupled with Xu Le's sudden personal visit, immediately clarified things for him: this was the grandson of his old Han friend, the stubborn and formidable Divine Martial Old Xu Gan!

With a slap to his thigh, Luodun's wrinkled face broke into a broad smile, the creases gathering as he glanced around and pulled Xu Le into the entrance of the tavern, signaling his men to shield them on both sides.

From this single gesture, Xu Le instantly understood why this elder chieftain could befriend his grandfather. Both seemed honest and simple on the surface, yet each was a crafty old fox within. When they first met, they matched wits and courage countless times, weaving many tales worthy of song and legend.

The old man grasped his current situation at once. Although the battle at the city gate had shaken the entire city, it had thoroughly offended the powerful Yuan Junzhang of the Heng'an Eagle Guards. Thus, Xu Le was now keeping a low profile, not wishing to reveal his identity. Luodun immediately concealed Xu Le's presence, eager to hide him behind his own back as he hurried into the tavern.

Xu Le quickly protested, "Chief, I still have companions!"

Luodun turned, noticing Han Yue and Song Bao gaping at the scene. Song Bao had never imagined that this old man, clearly a noble from the Lianghaiter Tribe, would treat Xu Le as family after a simple salute. What other hidden cards did Xu Le possess?

Luodun barked at them, "Hurry up! How could the Xu family employ such a bunch of fools, with not an ounce of sense among you!"

His Mandarin accent barely betrayed his Tartar heritage. Truly, he regarded Xu Le as his own nephew, scolding his attendants without reserve.

Han Yue led the way, Song Bao followed, and seven or eight men rushed over. The chieftain's bodyguards shielded them, ushering everyone into the tavern. Even the tavern owner was caught in the throng. Luodun fixed his gaze on the proprietor, who first scrutinized Xu Le, then gave a thumbs up, finally pounding his chest, "Young master, your skill is extraordinary! Men of Yunzhong love nothing more than a hero like you! You're only avoiding giving Yuan the Fourth an excuse to cause trouble. My tongue is as tough as iron!"

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Before long, Luodun had dragged Xu Le into a room in the inner courtyard, seating him beside himself, with Xu Le's companions benefiting as well, arranged around the hearth. Lianghaiter chieftain's bodyguards stood watch at the door, hands on their curved sabers.

The proprietor, eager to please, whether because of Luodun's status or admiration for Xu Le's youthful valor, brought out more than ten large platters of cold mutton, circling the hearth. The salt from Jiechi and spices were piled on as if they cost nothing. Several jars of wine were opened, their clay seals broken, and served warm.

The owner personally patrolled the entrance, wary of troublemakers.

Xu Le's visit to the tavern brought prestige to the proprietor; should Yuan the Fourth learn of this and stir up trouble, the tavern's reputation in Yunzhong would be ruined. Not to mention, Luodun was his patron—outside the autumn market, he did business with the Lianghaiter Tribe. Offending Luodun would threaten his livelihood. So, he was especially diligent in his hospitality.

Inside, Luodun sat cross-legged in the seat of honor, pulling Xu Le to his side, while the others sat around the hearth, faces weary and thirsty, their eyes fixed on the wine and meat.

Xu Le was about to speak with Luodun, but the old man waved him off, "I know you've traveled hard. Eat first, then we'll talk!"

The group eyed the food, nearly drooling, but waited for Xu Le's nod. With his smile and approval, seven or eight hands reached out and tore into the mutton.

None could outmatch Han Yue. Usually quiet and steady, Han Yue was like Xu Le's silent shadow, almost invisible. Today, his two large hands scooped up the mutton, emptying the platter in moments, stuffing his mouth with a roar that shook the room.

The house filled with the sounds of ravenous eating. After a few bites, Xu Le turned to Luodun, who had been smiling and stroking his beard. Now, his face grew stern, "Speak, what happened? I wouldn't dare provoke the Heng'an Eagle Guards, yet you fought them at the city gate?"

Xu Le muttered inwardly; no wonder his grandfather had told him not to stand on ceremony with Luodun. These twenty loads of goods could be used as forty. Luodun truly treated him as kin, ready to scold him as if he were his own.

As his grandfather's old friend, Xu Le could only put on the obedient demeanor of a junior, his bravado from the gate vanished, scratching his head before starting, "…Elder Chief…"

Luodun waved him off again, "Old Xu Gan lost his son, I lost mine too. When drunk, Old Xu Gan boasted about his grandson, saying his grandson was as good as mine, that when he grew up he'd bring him to the steppe for me to see, and I'd send him home with a gift. So, what should you call me?"

Xu Le forced a smile, never expecting his grandfather's connection with the Lianghaiter chieftain to be so deep! His grandfather had spoken lightly of a route across the steppe, but he hadn't realized it was a life-and-death bond, like family.

He could only salute, "Luodun Grandfather."

Luodun grunted, settled into a more comfortable position, and lazily gestured for Xu Le to speak.

Xu Le dutifully explained why he had gone out as a merchant, the attack by Chang Shuxin, his own troubles escalating to their peak, and finally the great brawl in Yunzhong, recounting everything to Luodun.

Luodun's expression changed throughout: he was somber hearing of Xu Gan's stroke, animated hearing of Xu Le's exploits shaking Yunzhong. When Xu Le finished, Luodun hid his admiration, scowling fiercely as he rebuked him.

"I know Old Xu Gan's skills; he personally trained you. With talent, you dared stir up trouble. The Heng'an Guards were at fault, and now Liu Wuzhou and Wang Ren Gong are rivals, needing to strengthen their faction. So you did right, fighting for survival and earning a name. In a few days, who in Mayi County won't know Divine Martial Xu Le? In chaos, fame is your shield. Old Xu Gan raised a fine grandson… But why didn't you return after the trouble?"

Luodun jabbed his finger at Xu Le, almost poking his forehead, spittle flying. Xu Le bowed his head, not daring to dodge.

…

"Still hoping to get your goods back? Yuan the Fourth—Yuan Junzhang—is infamous for his cruelty and narrow mind. Who knows what excuse he'll find to avenge his brother! Take your gains and run, don’t linger. How many grandsons does Old Xu Gan have to spare?"

Xu Le smiled bitterly, not daring to retort.

Luodun snorted heavily, "It's just youthful pride; you don't want to return empty-handed and lose face before your grandfather… stubborn, even more than him! Now, I'll decide: eat, then stay in my tribe's tents outside the city tonight. Tomorrow, you'll get a hundred fox pelts and twenty horses. Then tuck your tail and get out!"

Song Bao and the others, half-sated, exchanged delighted glances at Luodun's generosity.

Lianghaieter fox pelts were famous and valuable—a hundred was a great fortune. This was an unexpected windfall. Following Xu Le had brought them prestige in Yunzhong and now real riches; it was hard to say if Xu Le was their bane or their blessing!

Only Han Yue kept eating and drinking in silence. Whatever Xu Le said to do, he would obey.

Xu Le smiled, "Thank you, Grandfather… It is fortunate to have met you in Yunzhong; otherwise, seeking refuge west of Yinshan would have been in vain… But may I ask, what brings you personally to Yunzhong?"

Luodun's face darkened, staring at Xu Le in silence.

Xu Le smiled faintly, his sword-like brows rising, "Your visit to Yunzhong must mean there are clouds gathering here. My grandfather suffered a stroke and sent me out to temper myself, and I mean to fulfill his lifelong regrets. If I don't experience such events, I might as well stay in Divine Martial County forever… But I fear this turbulent world won't let me rest at home."

He finished, quietly watching Luodun, then smiled again, "Besides, isn't Grandfather here? With your protection, what should I fear? Let me stay in Yunzhong and watch the spectacle. In times of crisis, I can be useful at your side, can't I?"

Apart from Han Yue, who continued eating, everyone else paused, surprised that Xu Le, after securing their livelihood, wished to remain in Yunzhong!

At the door came the sound of movement—the proprietor himself brought several freshly butchered sheep, ready for roasting over the hearth.

Luodun shook his head, "Eat first, then talk! You trouble me more than your grandfather ever did!"