Fan Yun did nothing as he watched, not moving forward to stop them.
He knew very well that between Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao, neither of them were willing to submit to the other. Presently, in order to win them over via benefits so that they may be of use to the Pavilion Lord, their relationship with each other should not be overly friendly, for only in this way the Pavilion Lord could steadily balance his control between them, by balancing each other out.
Thus, he was naturally happy to see strife established between Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao.
Once the fire burned to a certain degree, Fan Yun finally stepped out.
"Alright. From this day onwards, we are a family. Buqu and I had been tutor and student for many years. Although his attitude is a little tyrannical and stubborn…"
"Who is a family with him?"
Feng Xiao laughed in ridicule, relenting Cui Buqu's jaw as he rose to his feet, conveniently rubbing on the other's robes as if touching Cui Buqu's skin just now was the greatest shame upon himself. "Master Fan, when you recruited me, you had not mentioned that Cui Buqu would be recruited alongside. Whether it was the Pavilion Lord or Yuan Sansi, neither of their martial arts are beneath me, and since all of you joined before me there's the excuse of having more experience, yet this person—"
He cast a glare at Cui Buqu, a contemptuous smile showing itself.
"What qualifications does this person have to succeed as a Deputy Pavilion Lord right after he joins and sit on the same level of power as I?"
Fan Yun smiled, "Young Master must be joking. Buqu is one of the Zuoyue Bureau, wasn't he already sitting on the same level of power as the Jiejian Bureau?"
Feng Xiao said in disinterest, "That was simply relying on having the support of Empress Dugu and lending her influence to succeed in the position. Truthfully, even until now I have yet to see what holy entity is the Pavilion Lord himself. If one is to say that their loyalty lies with the Thirteen Pavilions of Yunhai, then, a nonsense like this sort, even Master Fan yourself would not believe it."
Fan Yun replied with a timely statement, "Young Master is discreet in his speech, naturally, I do believe you."
"Joining the Thirteen Pavilions of Yunhai was first, for the 'Forging Jade' technique, second, for what you had promised me, that I will obtain a position of high-order that I would never get even within the Sui Empire, and third, for days where I would no longer need to fight a battle of wits and courage daily with this fellow Cui Buqu. Yet now you're telling me that not only will I have to see him often in the future, but I will still have to continue being officials with him for the dynasty? Since I have already sold him out, I have no route left to retreat for myself, he will hold resentment in this heart. Aren't these actions of you people just putting a blade behind my back?"
Fan Yun's expression unwavering, "Then, what is the meaning of Young Master Feng?"
"If there is me, there can never be him; if there is him, then there can never be me." Feng Xiao raised his jaw slowly, slowly enumerating everything in full detail, eye-piercing light radiating all around him. This was the Feng Xiao that Cui Buqu knew, and perhaps the Second Commander Feng that left an impression on everyone.
Wayward and unrestrained, playful and mocking; that was simply the façade he put on when he was carefree and bored to pass the time. Hiding beneath his skin remained the old proud God's favoured one, intolerant of any form of defiance.
Although Fan Yun was glad to see the contradiction between the two of them, if their worsening relationship reached a degree where it affected the Thirteen Pavilions of Yunhai's schemes, naturally it cannot be permitted.
Feng Xiao's concern was something he couldn't refuse to consider the importance of.
Fan Yun was soused in deep silence for a moment, "Let it be taken this way: I will consult the Pavilion Lord that once Buqu accomplishes this mission, he will fake his death and escape south, starting there all over again."
Feng Xiao's beautifully handsome face was cold and indifferent, but at least he did not object to it.
Fan Yun then recalled and asked Cui Buqu, "Buqu, what do you feel about this?"
Cui Buqu released a low laugh. He laughed as he coughed, and the more he coughed the more he laughed, laughing wildly in the end.
"It seems you have put everything in order. Whether I agree or decline, wouldn't it be of little importance?"
Fan Yun's expression was amiable, watching as he laughed boisterously and ridiculously as if he could not understand the younger generation who had run wild, "As things have progressed, I do not think that you will decline."
Cui Buqu laughed nearly for a good quarter of an hour only to have his laugh gradually stop.
"Teacher, you've fallen behind." He said.
Fan Yun raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
Cui Buqu, "Since the eleventh year of the reign of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin, the Northern Dynasty has experienced the three Weis, the Northern Qi, and the Northern Zhou; these five dynasties, more than two centuries since then. During that period, they experienced the Hu people1 riding South, the rising flames of war and chaos, the establishment of clans of wealth and power, consolidation of the lands, battles between Buddhism and Daoism, and other large pandemoniums such as these; till the reign of the Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, the mess was contained and everything was wrought anew. Through the process, although there were sincere Emperors that accomplished nothing, all the great powers under the sky would unite once they had parted long enough. This is a principle that has never been changed. This man, Yang Jian, although he cannot compare to the Three Sovereigns and the Five Emperors, he is indeed a brilliant ruler that was hard to come by since Yuwen Yong."
Fan Yun gave a faint smile, "I cannot believe you think so highly of Yang Jian."
Cui Buqu coughed twice and continued, "All those Emperors before him, including the Song, Qi, Liang and Chen Emperors from the Southern Dynasty had never dared to go against the aristocratic families. Only he alone who held his own opinion against society, with the two concepts of "having high morals and conduct" and "having excellent skill in governance and profound knowledge" he cast the imperial edict to recruit successful candidates, opening up a path for the poor so they may be promoted to higher offices. Of course, this path is still a narrow road, but in a few more years later, it will gradually broaden, even replacing having one's position decided by their birth and become one of the main roads to roam in the land. Just by this, dare I ask who else besides him would be willing to risk defying the opinion of the world and officiate such a vast plan? Even the new Master that teacher serves would not have such a resolution I fear?"
Fan Yun disagreed, "Gathering all the most skilled people beneath the sky is naturally a good thing, but Yang Jian's abrupt impulsiveness would only draw an innumerable number of reproaches. Even if he is the Emperor, he cannot omit the objections of all the people. I've said earlier that he definitely had the meteorology of an Emperor, but it is a pity that harm is fated to come to him2. No doubt bedazzling to the eye, but it would only last a brief silver of breath. Only through understanding the need to balance between forces with mercy, that a narrow river goes a long way, can one be lasting."
"I am guessing that the new master the teacher serves might not be the Emperor Chen from the Southern Dynasty. As with the present trend of events, to acquire the world one must either walk the path of Yang Jian, gaining power through having a consort for kin. However, Yang Jian has spent a decade of hard work. To your new master, that time is too long. He cannot wait, so he could only walk the perilous road and the unorthodox path, planting a vast scheme shocking the Heavens. The country has been divided for too long, the people's hearts have turned, and long it has been decided. Even if your new master really acquired the position of Emperor, without being like Yang Jian whose methods are grand in scale, it would be futile."
Cui Buqu stared at Fan Yun's expression that was getting uglier and uglier. However, he remained unchanged in his strictness and daring, being soft-spoken and gentle, yet every word hit like a sharp blade, "Have I not made myself clear? With just the lot of you wanting to recruit me. You really overestimated yourselves. Like swarms of flies hustling about trying to gain benefits, you should just hide in your grim drains and refrain from coming out and make a fool of yourselves, agreed?"
After listening to these words, even Yuan Sansi's face changed. His hand moved a little but didn't lash out in the end, only looking at Fan Yun.
Feng Xiao lowered his eyes, not looking at Cui Buqu, or anyone else. It was as if he had isolated himself from this place and one couldn't tell what he was thinking about.
Following Cui Buqu's rudeness of splitting apart their ambitiousness and ideals bit by bit, putting all the bloody-insides out for a show, Fan Yun finally retreated his smile.
When he smiled he looked courteous and easy-going, but when the corner of his lips was tight, there was an obvious rawness filled with chill, "Buqu, I've taught you so many things, but it wasn't for the sake so you could fight me for superiority."
"Hence my words: Teacher, you've fallen behind. Once someone falls behind, very easily they grow proud, thinking that your experiences in life would suffice to champion any challenge in the world. A pity that even you, teacher, were not an exception." Cui Buqu was standing in the enemy's camp, faced before three top martial artists that could flatten him to death just by reaching out a finger, yet his mouth was just as poisonous as ever, not leaving even a little bit of space for the other.
Fan Yun spoke slowly, "This is to say that you are determined not to join us? Even if the Jade of Heaven's Lake could save your life?"
"Apologies," Cui Buqu curled his lips, "In all of my life, I would never ally with fools. If even Feng-er could be the Deputy Pavilion Lord, I see that the sinking ship is not far from you lot. If you are willing to surrender yourselves to the Imperial Court of Sui, surrender that new master of yours, I could speak for your contribution in front of the Emperor."
Their convincing failed and were instead being convinced; Fan Yun practically laughed himself furious, "We've known each other for many years, we used to be teacher and student who shared the relationship of father and son, so today, I offer you a final warning: Do you know what the consequences will be if you decline?"
Cui Buqu answered in surprise, "Like father and son? So your family's tradition is for the father to pit his son, or for the son to deliver his father onto the same boat as thieves? Teacher, your family's style is truly extraordinary!"
The gaze Fan Yun gave him resembled the way one looked at a dead person.
Just at this moment, in the inner cavern, a stone wall slid open and someone walked in.
He looked better, an air of an undoubtedly elegant handsome young man if one were to ignore the eyepatch that covered one eye.
That defect gave him an insidious look, his eye fell upon Feng Xiao first.
"I originally thought that, between the both of you, Cui Buqu would surrender and you would be the one who refused to give in even if you pledge your life to death. This way, I could avenge myself for the day I lost my eye."
Feng Xiao waved his hand, "That day we each served our own masters. Blades and swords are blind, if I didn't give it my all, I fear I would have lost my life by now."
Fan Yun picked the right moment to loosen the atmosphere, "Master Two, Young Master Feng hadn't intended to do so at that time. Since we're all serving the same master now, why not let go of any former ill wills and make peace with a shake of hands. The Pavilion Lord has also agreed to compensate you."
Yu Xiu smiled earnestly, "So this resentment of mine naturally cannot be taken out on our own people. Cui Buqu, here we meet again3. Rest assured, considering the time and time again you stood in my way, I will not let you die easily today."
Just as he finished talking, a leg had already risen into the air, kicking towards the other's chest!
With his strength, this kick of his would definitely shatter Cui Buqu's bones, even puncturing his lungs.
Yuan Sansi stood the nearest from him; he would be able to stop him just by reaching a hand out, but naturally, he didn't hold that intention.
Fan Yun could also make Yu Xiu stop. Although his rank is inferior to Yu Xiu, being Master Three, Yu Xiu still held fear for his words. It could be seen that the Pavilion Lord valued Fan Yun more.
However, even Fan Yun said nothing. He watched with a cold gaze, as if determined to let Cui Buqu suffer.
Regardless, Cui Buqu would not be able to avoid this.
He might as well close his eyes, waiting for the anticipated searing pain to land.
But one shadow moved faster than the minds of them all, shifting in front of Yu Xiu and parried that attack of his. Both of them crossed a few moves in the inner hall before immediately splitting apart.
Yu Xiu was furious, "Feng Xiao, you said that you'd surrender, are you faking it?!"
Fan Yun and Yuan Sansi both glared at Feng Xiao.
Even if Feng Xiao's martial arts were unsurpassed, it would be insufficient with one against three, especially when all three of them were all well-matched in strength.
However, he laughed mockingly, looking at Yu Xiu with a gaze as if he was looking at a stupid person, "I've long-since despised Cui Buqu, yet if the opportunity was robbed by you with the state his body is in, would there still be a chance for me?"
Yu Xiu squinted his eyes, "What can you do? Surely not like a little lady just giving a few light slaps to vent?"
Feng Xiao gave two cold laughs and reached out towards Fan Yun, "Lend me your knife, Master Fan."
Fan Yun undid the dagger from his waist and passed it to him.
As if he wanted to test him, whether or not Feng Xiao was sincere in surrendering.
Feng Xiao lowered his head, the dagger in his hand was sharp beyond comparison, shining with a cold glare, truly a hard-bought precious dagger.
With such a sharp dagger, even if one were to lightly brush across the skin, they would still see blood flowing.
He held the sharp item in his hand, step by step as he walked towards Cui Buqu.
As for Cui Buqu, he was calm and composed, silently sitting upright.
They were close at hand, yet separated across by vast clouds of mist, heavy mountains and seas.
Author's Notes:
p.s.: QuQu's mouth is truly poisonous.
[1] Hu people: A nomadic tribe from the great plains of Eurasia.
[2] harm is fated to come to him: 白虹贯日 (lit. White rainbow passing through the sky) a phenomenon that harm will come to an Emperor/King.
[3] here we meet again山水有相逢: (lit. mountain and waters would meet) usually saying that the world is small, and one shouldn't make enemies easily of others since they are very likely to meet again.