**Chapter 21: Ambush in the Valley**
"With a stroke of the brush, the dragon soars, and ink becomes rain, sketching the lives of the common people."
The man in the yellow robe penned these two lines on the cover of his book, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. The wide rosewood desk was sparsely adorned, holding only writing tools and the completed manuscript.
"Shi Cangsheng, the observer of the common people. Unbeknownst to me, my name has become so renowned," said Shi Cangsheng, ruler of the Three-Eye Dynasty. Despite his imperial status, his face bore little of the usual sternness, instead exuding the carefree air of a scholar.
"Report," came a voice from outside the hall, causing the yellow-robed man to furrow his brows.
If it weren't urgent, the guards wouldn't dare intrude at this hour. But with the dynasty backed by the Five Elements Sect and protected by his sister, a highly skilled Taoist, what could be so pressing?
"Enter," he said, though puzzled. He knew that as the Three-Eye King, he had to prioritize the dynasty's affairs over his personal freedom as Cang Shusheng.
The guard bowed and entered, respectfully presenting a sealed letter.
Due to the palace's unique nature, outsiders' communication mirrors and paper crane messages couldn't penetrate its defenses. Only those with the blood of the Three-Eye royal family could activate the communication mirrors to send messages inside. Naturally, others had to resort to old-fashioned letters.
Shi Cangsheng extended his hand, and the letter floated into his palm. A faint aura emanated from him, verifying his identity, and the letter unsealed itself, releasing a sheet of paper from within.
With a wave, he dismissed the guard. The text on the paper was encrypted with military techniques, and it took him a moment to fully extract the contents. The letter ignited in mid-air, the ink condensing into a floating blob above his hand. Activating his Imperial Eye between his brows, he gazed into the ink and was immediately alarmed.
"The Immortals of the Northern Border Mountains are gathering, seemingly intent on invasion." The rest detailed recent movements in the Northern Border Mountains.
At that moment, the communication mirror in his bosom vibrated.
Shi Cangsheng retrieved it, only to see two lines on its surface: "The Immortals of the Northern Border are about to invade. I have summoned disciples from the Five Elements Sect to defend together. Jade Book accompanies me, fearing information leaks. I will explain in detail upon returning to Ningyuan."
"The Northern Border Mountains," the yellow-robed man muttered, squinting as he enunciated each word.
Recalling the guard's letter, he called out loudly, "Summon the Chancellor."
While waiting, Shi Cangsheng paced restlessly in his study, as if a fleeting thought eluded him.
"The Northern Border Mountains, the Northern Border Mountains… Ah, I've got it!" He suddenly looked up, a flash of insight in his eyes.
With a gesture, a blank book flew from a nearby shelf. Shi Cangsheng inscribed "Romance of Resisting Immortals" on the cover and began writing furiously.
"The Immortals of the Northern Border invaded, shaking the Three-Eye Dynasty. Upon hearing this, the Emperor spat three liters of blood, and the Chancellor fainted in court. Yet, heaven did not abandon them; in the sky, the Purple Star of the General slowly rose. The Chancellor, observing the night sky, declared, 'The General Star appears; heaven's will is set.' The Emperor ordered the search for this person to repel the Immortals of the Northern Border Mountains. In this time of peril, a shepherd boy answered the call, his brows sharp as swords, his eyes like stars, his face handsome, possessing courage beyond measure. The Emperor, upon seeing him, laughed and said, 'With such talent, our dynasty is secure.' He was granted titles and honors, appointed as the Grand Commander of the Northern Defense…"
Stopping here, Shi Cangsheng set down his brush, threw back his head, and laughed heartily, slapping his thigh in excitement. "Rising from obscurity, slaying Immortals, aiding the dynasty against foreign foes, and ultimately achieving fame and marrying a princess. Such a story will surely be a hit. Heaven favors me!"
Thus, Shi Cangsheng continued writing with fervor, so engrossed that he didn't notice the Chancellor entering the study.
The elderly Chancellor, upon entering, saw the Emperor writing intently. Not wishing to disturb him, he stood quietly to the side, waiting patiently. This wait lasted half a day, as Shi Cangsheng's inspiration flowed ceaselessly, his brush never stopping, leaving the old man no opportunity to interrupt.
Finally, Shi Cangsheng used a technique to dry the ink and closed the book with satisfaction.
*Ahem…* The old man, having waited long, couldn't help but cough lightly.
"Oh, Chancellor, why didn't you announce yourself?" Shi Cangsheng exclaimed, finally noticing the additional presence in the room.
The old man smiled and bowed. "I saw Your Majesty was inspired and dared not disturb you."
At this, the Emperor's interest piqued. Forgetting the urgent matter, he beamed and approached. "Come, see my masterpiece."
He draped an arm over the old man's shoulder and handed him the newly completed manuscript.
The Chancellor frowned slightly, feeling helpless. *Everyone knows you love writing, but to summon me just to read your work… Should I be flattered by your favor or…*
Sighing inwardly, he accepted the novel and began reading. Within a few lines, he saw himself fainting in court and nearly choked, wishing he could faint on the spot to escape this absurd Emperor.
But his composure was impeccable. Pretending not to see that line, he continued reading. The more he read, the more alarmed he became. Shi Cangsheng's writing seemed too real—aside from the Emperor spitting blood and himself fainting, the depiction of the Northern Border Immortals' movements was startlingly accurate.
He couldn't help but point to the section about the invasion. "Your Majesty, this…"
"Ah!" Shi Cangsheng slapped his forehead, finally remembering the urgent military report.
He coughed awkwardly, turned to look at a painting by the window, and said unnaturally, "Chancellor, there's something I forgot to mention earlier. Don't get too agitated; you're not young anymore. I was thinking of your health, so I eased you into it with the novel…"
The old man's heart sank, sensing bad news. "Your Majesty, don't worry about my health. Though old, I can still wield a brush. What is it?"
Shi Cangsheng discreetly took back the novel, lest the Chancellor's emotions damage it. Then, somewhat embarrassed, he said, "Well, what's in the novel… it's happening."
"Your Majesty, you… spat three liters of blood?" The Chancellor gasped, looking at the Emperor with concern.
"I—I did not," Shi Cangsheng's face paled. He clarified, "The Immortals of the Northern Border Mountains are coming."
With a crash, the Chancellor stumbled back, knocking over a glass cup. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed onto a guest chair, fainting.
"Chancellor! Chancellor!"
The old man lay unresponsive, no matter how Shi Cangsheng called.
The Emperor knew the Chancellor was upset. He rushed to the chair, but the old man twisted away, slumping to the other side.
Determined, Shi Cangsheng tried again, but the Chancellor, eyes closed, always managed to evade.
Finally, he apologized, "Chancellor, I was wrong! Truly wrong!"
At that, the old man opened his eyes, feigning just waking up. "Your Majesty, what did you say? I'm old and hard of hearing."
Shi Cangsheng, helpless, was about to apologize again when the Chancellor stood, knowing not to push too far. "What happened earlier? Perhaps my old body had a qi imbalance, causing me to faint. Could Your Majesty explain the matter of the Northern Border Immortals in detail?"
Relieved, the Emperor began to recount the situation.
---
A flying boat drifted through the mountains. Chi Yan, clad in a purple fur robe, stood at the prow, with Qingshu in his green and white scholar's robe behind her.
"Jade Book, why do I feel uneasy?" Chi Yan softly called Qingshu by his secular name, revealing a trace of worry to her nephew.
"Aunt, with your strength, if you feel uneasy, it must be a warning from your *Dao* heart. This trip to Ningyuan may hold great danger," Qingshu replied.
"Though I do not fear the Immortals of the Northern Border Mountains, the *Dao* heart's warning means we must be cautious," Chi Yan instructed.
"Qingshu understands."
At that moment, Chi Yan surveyed the surroundings and pointed to the steep cliffs on both sides. "We are far from the Five Elements Sect and still some distance from Ningyuan. If I knew the route of reinforcements, I would set an ambush here. It seems the Northern Border Immortals lack a strategist; to think they could threaten the dynasty is laughable."
No sooner had she spoken than a sinister laugh echoed through the valley. Qingshu's face changed, alert for danger. Chi Yan merely narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the approaching black figure.
The figure drew near, revealing a disheveled, filthy Immortal with a bald patch on his head, his remaining hair plastered wetly as if he'd just emerged from water.
He grinned slyly. "The Miasma Immortal has been waiting for Fairy Chi Yan for quite some time."
Chi Yan sneered. "A single Immortal dares to block my path? Call out the rest of your rat-faced ilk!"
The Miasma Immortal chuckled and shouted to the cliffs, "The fairy misses you all—come out and greet her!"
At his words, eerie laughter erupted from both sides. Several dark figures appeared on the cliffs, surrounding Chi Yan's group.
Chi Yan scanned the area, her expression unchanged, merely gazing at the Miasma Immortal with interest. Once the laughter subsided, she said, "The Northern Border Mountains underestimate me, sending only one peak's worth of forces."
But the Immortals on the cliffs burst into laughter.
Chi Yan turned to see a green-skinned, wide-mouthed Immortal with bell-like eyes leap forward, his face fierce. "Just the Bald Immortal isn't enough. How about adding the Toad Immortal?"
The Miasma Immortal, irked by the insult to his baldness, snapped, "Green Skin, don't mock your grandpa!"
"Pah, you want to be this toad's grandpa?"
The two Immortals began bickering, seemingly in no hurry to deal with Chi Yan's group.
Chi Yan whispered to Qingshu, "These two are no match for me, but they likely have a backup plan. Jade Book, if we can't defeat them, activate the wind sail to break through. I'll hold them off for your escape."
Qingshu hesitated. "What about you, Aunt?"
Chi Yan scoffed. "They can't trap me. If not for the disciples…"
原始中文文本
『筆動龍飛墨作霖,勾勒之間識蒼生.』
黃袍男子提筆在書冊封面留下這兩句,臉上露出滿意的微笑.寬大的紫檀木桌沒有太多擺飾,除了筆墨外,便只有這已寫成的小說.
「識蒼生,是蒼生.本王這名頭,不覺便如此響亮.」識蒼生身為三目王朝之主,面容卻沒有多少威嚴,反倒顯露出幾分瀟灑的書生氣.
「報.」外殿傳來一聲請示,讓黃袍男子忍不住蹙起眉頭.
如果不是緊急之事,侍衛必然不敢在此時擅入.不過,如今王朝背靠五行觀,又有皇姐那樣修為高深的道士守護,能有什麼急事?
「進來.」雖然心中納悶,但識蒼生知道自己現在還是三目王朝的三目王,不是那個逍遙自在的蒼書生,還是需要先顧及王朝大事.
侍衛躬身入內,雙手恭敬地捧著一封書信.
因為王宮的特殊,外人的傳訊鏡與紙鶴傳書無法入內,只有身懷三目王族血脈者,能激活傳訊鏡,將訊息傳入王宮內.自然,非三目王族血脈者只能用上古老書信了.
識蒼生伸出手掌,書信便緩緩飛入手中.他身上閃過一絲氣息,書信確認其身分後,便自行開啟,從信封內飛出一張信紙.
黃袍男子揮手讓侍衛退下.信紙中的文字用兵術加密過,他花了一會兒時間才將內容完整取出.信件在空中燃燒,墨字凝結成團,漂浮在識蒼生手掌上.他開啟眉間皇瞳,朝墨團看去,頓時大驚失色.
『北疆山群仙匯聚,似有來犯之意.』除了這兩句以外,其餘都是對北疆山近期異動的勘測.
此時,懷中傳訊鏡震動.
識蒼生伸手取出傳訊鏡,卻看見鏡面上僅留兩行字:北疆仙將犯,貧道已招五行觀弟子共禦.玉書同行,恐訊息走漏,待吾歸返寧原,再詳陳述.
「北疆山.」黃袍男子瞇起雙眼,一字一頓說道.
思及守軍來信,他又朗聲朝門外喊道:「傳丞相.」
等待的時間裡,識蒼生不停在書房內負手踱步,彷彿有什麼東西從他腦袋裡一閃而過,卻始終抓不住那一絲靈光.
「北疆山,北疆山⋯⋯有了!」他霍地抬起頭,一抹神光由眸中閃過.
伸手一招,由一旁架上飛來一本空白書冊,識蒼生提筆在封面寫下『御仙情緣』,然後翻開內頁,筆走龍蛇.
『北疆諸仙來犯,三目王朝震之.帝聞,吐血三升,丞相暈厥於朝.然天不絕人也,天際間,紫薇將星冉冉升起.丞相夜觀察知,曰:將星現,天意已定.帝命:查出此人,並以其禦北疆山諸仙.此危難之際,一牧羊少年應命而出,其劍眉星目,面容俊秀,有驍勇過人之膽識.帝見之,笑曰:有此英才,吾朝安泰.許其拜官加爵,封為北督大統帥⋯⋯』
寫至此處,識蒼生放下筆,抬頭哈哈大笑,興奮得一拍腿,說道:「起於草莽,卻能見仙殺仙,助王朝抵禦外敵,最後功成名就,三目王亦許之王女.如此題材,肯定大受歡迎.天助吾也!」
於是,識蒼生更是眉飛色舞地揮毫過紙,深陷文墨之中,就連丞相進了書房都沒察覺.
一把年紀的丞相入內後,便看見皇帝奮筆疾書的樣子.他不忍打擾,靜立一旁,默默等待.這一等,卻等一個晌午.期間,識蒼生靈感源源不絕,筆墨不斷,讓老者一直找不到時機打斷.
終於,識蒼生用術法蒸乾了墨跡,滿足地闔上書冊.
「咳咳⋯⋯」等候許久的老者,忍不住輕咳兩聲.
「哎呀,丞相來了怎麼沒有提醒朕.」識蒼生一聲驚呼,這才發覺書房內多了一人.
老者笑著拱手道:「臣見吾皇有所得,不敢驚擾.」
說起這件事,皇上馬上來了興致.他完全忘記了北疆大事,眉開眼笑地走上前道:「來,看看朕的得意之作.」
說著,一把攬住老者,將剛完成的書冊遞了過去.
老者蹙眉,有些無奈,心想:雖然大家都知道您愛寫書,但特地傳喚我過來看,這是該高興自己深得皇寵,要謝主隆恩呢?還是⋯⋯
在心裏嘆了口氣,老者還是接過了小說,攤開看了起來.剛看沒幾句,馬上看到自己暈倒殿中的情景,老者差點一口氣喘不過來,真想馬上暈在此處,暫時離這個荒唐的帝王遠一些.
只是老者涵養極好,完全當作沒看見這行字,繼續向下閱讀.他越看越心驚,識蒼生寫的這不像是假的啊!除了皇帝吐血三升,跟自己暈倒殿中以外,對於北疆山諸仙的布置,那宛若親眼所見.
他忍不住指著北疆山進犯的段落,問道:「吾皇,這⋯⋯」
「哎呀!」識蒼生一拍額頭,終於想起了緊急軍情的事情.
他面色尷尬地輕咳一聲,轉頭看向窗邊字畫,語氣極其不自然地說道:「丞相啊,有件事情朕方才忘了說,你聽了可別太過激動.畢竟,一把年紀了,朕也是替你著想,所以先用小說鋪墊一下⋯⋯」
老者心下一驚,隱隱有股不好的預感.他連忙問道:「陛下,您不必顧慮老臣身體.老臣雖年邁,但仍能提筆,究竟是何事?」
識蒼生先不動聲色地從老者手上接過小說,免得等等丞相的情緒一激動,小說就先沒了.然後,他才有些發窘地說道:「就是,小說裡的事,發生了.」
「陛下,您⋯⋯吐血三升?」丞相大驚,連忙關切地看向皇上.
「朕,朕沒有.」識蒼生臉色一青,只好明說道:「北疆山諸仙,來了.」
匡噹一聲,只見丞相倒退兩步,撞上了琉璃盞.隨即他又兩眼一翻,退了數步倒在客椅上暈了過去.
「丞相!丞相!」
老者倒在客椅上,任憑識蒼生怎麼呼喚都沒有反應.
皇帝心裡知道,丞相這是生氣了,連忙撲向客椅,但老者身體一扭,癱到了另一側,讓他撲了個空.
識蒼生不信邪,又對著老者一撲.一個客椅就這般大小,然而老者卻總能閉眼躲開.
見狀,他只好向老者道歉:「丞相,朕錯了!朕真的錯了!」
話一說完,老者睜開眼,裝作一副剛醒來的樣子,驚訝地問道:「陛下,您剛剛說什麼,臣年事已高,有些耳背.」
識蒼生無奈,正要再度道歉.老者連忙起身,心裡也知道有些事情不可太過,朝皇上問道:「剛才發生了什麼事?可能是老臣身體老邁,這氣血突然一個不順就暈了過去.陛下可否和老臣詳細說說那北江山諸仙之事?」
皇帝見丞相願意原諒自己,心下也鬆了一口氣,連忙向老者娓娓道來.
一艘空帆飄在山間,身著紫衣裘袍的赤煙站在船首處.青書站在他身後,仍是一身青白儒袍.
「玉書,為何貧道心底隱隱不安.」輕喚了青書俗名,赤煙在與這位血脈相連的姪子說話時,終於透露出了一抹憂色.
「姑姑,以您的實力,若是感到不安,必為道心示警,此次寧原之行,恐有大難.」青書回道.
「雖然貧道並不畏懼北疆山群仙,但道心示警,此行還須謹慎.」赤煙順著青書的話交代道.
「青書明白.」
就在此時,赤煙環顧周遭,突然指著兩側峭立山壁,對青書說道:「此處於五行觀已遠,亦離寧原尚有段距離.若是貧道知曉援兵路程,便會在此處設伏.可見北疆山諸仙未有善算者,如此還妄圖染指王朝,簡直可笑.」
話才說完,山谷間卻傳來一聲桀桀怪笑.青書臉色一變,如臨大敵.赤煙只是瞇起雙眼,打量著那從遠而近的黑色身影.
黑色身影由遠而近,來者渾身破爛髒汙,顱頂禿了一塊,其餘髮絲紛紛黏在頭上,像是剛從水裡爬出來一般.
他賊兮兮地笑道:「瘴癘仙已在此久候赤煙仙子多時.」
赤煙卻是冷笑,說道:「僅憑一仙豈敢攔住貧道,讓那些獐頭鼠目之輩都出來罷!」
瘴癘仙嘿嘿一笑,朝兩側峭壁喊道:「仙子懷念得緊,弟兄們趕緊出來招呼招呼.」
隨著他話語落下,兩側峭壁紛紛響起各種怪笑聲.數道黑影從山間乍現,赤煙一行赫然已經陷入包圍.
赤煙掃視一圈,面容不顯異色,只是饒有興趣地盯著面前的瘴癘仙.等峭壁間群仙靜下聲後,赤煙才對瘴癘仙說道:「北疆山是有些瞧不起貧道了,竟然只來了一峰人馬.」
然而,峭壁群仙之間卻傳來哈哈大笑.
赤煙轉頭望去,只見一頭綠皮大嘴,眼若銅鈴的仙跳了出來,面色猙獰道:「只有癩頭仙那自然不夠,加上蛤蟆仙如何?」
瘴癘仙聽見蛤蟆仙恥笑他禿頂,忍不住罵道:「綠皮仙,少笑話你爺爺.」
「呸,還想當蛤蟆爺爺?」
兩隻仙立刻打起嘴仗,似乎是不急著收拾赤煙一行.
赤煙低聲對青書交待道:「這兩仙尚非貧道對手,恐其仍有後著.玉書注意,若是不敵群仙,便開啟風帆強行破陣,貧道自會牽制群仙讓爾等突圍.」
青書遲疑地問道:「那姑姑?」
赤煙冷笑:「僅憑這個陣仗,還留不下貧道.若不是顧及弟子⋯⋯」