Chapter 24: The Commandant
Early the next morning, Wu Yu arrived at the inn accompanied by Wu Xiu and the same guard whom Cui Xiu had met during his previous visit.
“Brother Cui, here are the items you requested. My family has no military background, nor any martial arts legacy. These two manuals were acquired by chance and are not particularly formidable, but you needn’t worry—I’ll continue to collect more in the future.”
Wu Yu did not know why Cui Xiu was so intent on learning martial arts, but he wasn’t one to pry. What mattered most to him now was resolving the issue of the malevolent deity, so he had little mind for guessing Cui Xiu’s motives.
Cui Xiu nodded, accepting the books. Glancing down, he saw both were quite thin, their covers simple and slightly yellowed with age—evidently, they had been around for some years.
The titles were plainly marked: one was a boxing technique called “Subdued Ox,” the other a saber technique named “Blazing Sun.”
Though Cui Xiu understood little of this world’s martial arts, he trusted Wu Yu would not deceive him with counterfeit manuals, so he was content and tucked them away.
“Thank you, Brother Wu.”
“You’re too polite. Though these are not powerful arts, mastering them will yield some results. This is Wu Qi, my guard—he’s practiced both techniques. I know little of martial training, so if you have any questions, you can ask Wu Qi.”
Wu Yu smiled at Cui Xiu’s straightforwardness.
“There’s no rush. I should return to my village and fetch the item for you first; the rest can wait.”
“In that case, I’ve prepared horses and carriage. Let Wu Qi escort you back.”
With a carriage at his disposal, Cui Xiu had no reason to refuse. Though he already carried the short staff, and thus need not truly make the trip, he had previously promised Wu Yu, and now was obliged to follow through.
This matter was crucial to Wu Yu, and Cui Xiu did not wish to seem like someone who procrastinated, so he wasted no time and rode with Wu Qi.
...
Cui Xiu returned the same day, much to his mother Xu’s surprise and concern—she feared something was amiss. Upon hearing his explanation, that he had forgotten something at home, her worries eased.
He did not linger, and after pretending to retrieve the item, promptly returned with Wu Qi to Anyuan County.
Though the carriage sped his travel, the round trip meant he arrived in the county by afternoon.
On the way, Cui Xiu regretted not fully absorbing the energy from the short staff, but he also perused the two manuals. He had hoped, as in a game, that simply opening them would allow him to learn the techniques, but reality proved less accommodating.
...
This left him somewhat disappointed, but he did not dwell on it. Gaining the power of the gray mist was already a stroke of fortune, and he was not ungrateful.
Though he could not learn instantly, it merely meant a few extra steps. In fact, it might help him gain deeper understanding. Familiarizing himself early on was no bad thing.
With Wu Yu’s help, he could consult Wu Qi, so entry into martial arts was not a difficult problem—though it would be somewhat troublesome.
...
Arriving at the Wu residence with Wu Qi, Cui Xiu intended to visit Wu Yu and hand over the short staff, but was informed that Wu Yu and the master of the house were entertaining guests.
Cui Xiu was not one to press his luck, so he waited in the courtyard.
Soon, he saw a burly man emerge from the reception hall, dressed in attire befitting an official. The man wore a long beard, his face ruddy and imposing, reminding Cui Xiu of a historical figure from his previous life—full of presence and vigor.
His stride was bold and confident.
Passing this man, Cui Xiu surmised he must be someone of notable status, but did not dwell on it.
Wu Yu, who had escorted the man out, spotted Cui Xiu and his previously troubled expression eased, greeting him with a smile and inviting him inside.
“Wait!”
Just as Cui Xiu nodded and was about to follow Wu Yu into the hall, a coarse voice called from behind.
Hearing this, Cui Xiu immediately pictured the bearded giant in his mind. Turning around, his suspicion was confirmed.
Indeed, the man’s bearing, appearance, and voice evoked a certain legendary figure.
“Captain Guan, is there something else you wish to discuss?”
His surname was Guan?
Cui Xiu was surprised, and from Wu Yu’s demeanor, it seemed this man made him nervous.
...
Captain? What exactly was his position?
Captain Guan ignored Wu Yu, barely glancing at him with evident disdain. After a pause, he turned his attention to Cui Xiu.
Sizing him up, he said, “Scholar, may I have a look at the box you’re holding?”
He was surprisingly courteous.
Cui Xiu glanced at Wu Yu—the box contained the short staff Wu Yu needed, so it was only proper to ask him, especially as Wu Yu understood Captain Guan’s status better and could advise.
Wu Yu, seeing Cui Xiu’s look, realized what was in the box. He hesitated, glancing at Captain Guan, but finally nodded.
Though Captain Guan was proud due to his position, he was not unreasonable; even if he coveted the item, he would not seize it by force.
With Wu Yu’s nod, Cui Xiu decisively handed the box to Captain Guan. In some respects, it already belonged to Wu Yu, so Cui Xiu would follow his decision.
Besides, Captain Guan’s status was clearly extraordinary; Cui Xiu would not risk offending such a man over something soon to be out of his possession.
Captain Guan opened the box, and his expression visibly changed—the contents provoked strong emotion.
Snap!
He hastily shut the box, his demeanor settling somewhat, then addressed Cui Xiu, “Scholar, I desire this item. Would you be willing to sell it to me? If you agree, with my authority, I dare not promise everything, but anything within Anyuan County is within my power.”
The man spoke boldly. Cui Xiu was startled; though Wu Yu’s manner had hinted at Captain Guan’s significance, he had not expected such words.
Looking to Wu Yu, whose expression had also shifted, Cui Xiu realized Captain Guan spoke no exaggeration.
“Heh...”
Cui Xiu did not rush to reply. He carefully studied Captain Guan and Wu Yu’s faces, then smiled slightly.