Secret Recipe | Chapter 108 | Swords Over Lixin Lake | Novela.app

To the east of Jiugao City, not far beyond the moat, lay a vast expanse of shimmering water known as Lixin Lake. The scenery of Lixin Lake was exquisite. On clear days, the water was as translucent and piercingly bright as emerald glass. Yet, for reasons unknown, almost no fish or shrimp could be found within its depths, nor did waterfowl ever stop to rest there. Some said it was because the water was too cold; others cited the proverb that "water which is too clear holds no fish." Regardless, throughout the Longshu region, Lixin Lake was a famous "dead lake," always carrying a faint air of desolate misfortune. Lixin Lake had not existed since antiquity, and thus it never appeared in the poems or songs of scholars. It was said that in earlier years, there was no body of water here worthy of being called a lake, only numerous small ponds scattered throughout the mountain hollows. Later, the upper reaches of the Huan River breached their banks, and the floodwaters, carrying silt and sand, poured down. Overnight, the hollows were mostly submerged; the small ponds merged into a great lake, and the highest mountain peaks became a multitude of small islands. Today, those islands still held the ruins of ancient dwellings, pavilions, and ancestral shrines. The imperial court had simply chosen the largest of these islands to serve as a prison, naming it Qionghu Island. An ancient legend described it thus: The celestial gods once possessed a divine artifact called the Jade Pot—the *Qionghu*—which could capture demons and imprison the seven souls and six po of a man. Bestowing the name "Qionghu" upon the island signified that it was meant to confine the most treacherous and evil of men. Prisoners exiled to the island could never leave for the rest of their lives, remaining until they died of old age or illness. During the era when vassal kings rebelled and great prisons flourished, sweeping up many innocent people in their wake, Qionghu Island had once expanded into a massive penitentiary holding hundreds. However, the world is unpredictable; what is called "the turning of heaven and earth" can happen in a single night. Fifteen years ago, the current Emperor ascended the throne. He practiced benevolent governance and declared a general amnesty. Consequently, the prison on Qionghu Island was abandoned. The court no longer sent men to guard the island, and the once-terrifying atmosphere faded, no longer mentioned by the people. Yet, the gray past of Lixin Lake continued to haunt the waters. Few merchants were willing to develop businesses there, let alone ordinary folk settling down. As the years passed, the entire lake district and its shores gradually became a lawless "no-man's-land," growing increasingly wild. Only people of the *jianghu* were keen to gather there, delighted to have found a quiet place free from interference. As the saying goes, hedgehogs do not fear pricks, and weasels do not mind the stench; ominous lands naturally draw ominous folk. This year’s Sword Appreciation Assembly was to be held on Qionghu Island within Lixin Lake. The Sword Appreciation Assembly was originally a martial arts tournament designed for masters of the *jianghu*. However, it could not be officially called a "martial competition." Instead, "Sword Appreciation" was used as a pretext and a facade to avoid the word "martial" entirely. The reason for this was largely due to the new Emperor’s policy of "suppressing the martial and exalting the literary." The political winds from the court blew stronger each year, and even in the *jianghu*, everyone felt the danger. No one wished to court trouble at such a time, so they chose to act with discretion, seeking the safety of a quiet corner. To prevent sects from setting traps for one another through territorial disputes, the Sword Appreciation Assembly was held in different locations each year by rotation to ensure fairness. This year, it was Longshu Jiugao’s turn. When people of the *jianghu* gathered, they loved to choose remote and perilous locations. They would pick the highest mountain or the deepest ravine. Sometimes, setting out half a year in advance did not guarantee an on-time arrival, and those who did arrive were often exhausted to the point of death. If a particular sect lacked the strength to make the journey, it provided fodder for judgment and gossip regarding their standing. But *jianghu* folk were human too; though they didn't say it aloud, they secretly loathed the hardships of the road. Last year’s assembly was held at the Flower-Pitying Peak of Drifting Summit; the year before that, it was in the Evil-Warding Bamboo Sea of Double-Gate Pass; and the year before that, it was even held within the Ancient Jade Abyss Tomb of Nanyou. Finally, after three consecutive years of suffering, the *jianghu* travelers had been granted Lixin Lake in Jiugao City. Though Lixin Lake was not within the city itself, it was adjacent to a proper urban center. Land routes were accessible, and waterways connected in all directions. One only needed to take a boat three to five days in advance to arrive. Afterward, one could eat and drink to their heart's content in Jiugao City. It was truly far more comfortable than in previous years. Perhaps for this reason, this year’s Sword Appreciation Assembly saw the highest number of participants ever. The day before the assembly began, the waterways inside and outside Jiugao City were already crowded with *jianghu* guests coming to join the excitement. Large and small boats followed one after another; any given bridge tunnel could have four or five boats lined up waiting to pass. Professional boatmen went into hiding, unwilling to provoke these high-profile *jianghu* types. A few bold ones took the opportunity to come out and hustle for business, while the rest were commoners huddled near the gates of various villages outside the city to watch the spectacle. For a time, the entirety of Jiugao was like a giant vat into which various dyes had been poured. Up close, it was a riot of color; from afar, the original base color could no longer be discerned. Perhaps this was why the Master of the World’s Number One Villa had chosen Jiugao for this year’s assembly. It is not easy for a person to hide among mountains and rivers, but to hide within the urban crowds is the simplest thing in the world. For those unwilling to show their faces or those who had long ignored *jianghu* affairs, Jiugao City was the best cover. The fish lurking beneath the waters of the *jianghu* had all been stirred up now. They only waited for the right moment to decide: whether to remain a hidden dragon for another year, or to leap through the dragon gate and stake it all. The next morning, the sun rose as scheduled, and Jiugao City welcomed another day of fine weather. Outside the East Harmony Gate, at the end of the ancient road, the three-story stone barge by the shore of Lixin Lake was surrounded by layers upon layers of people. It was impossible to trace which era this stone barge had been built in, but its grand scale was far beyond that of ordinary pavilions or waterside gazebos. Rumor had it that it was a place for worshipping the gods hundreds of years ago. In those times, emperors would watch Nuo operas on the platform to welcome the gods, drive away plague demons, and pray for favorable weather in the coming year. However, almost no one in the Xiangliang Empire worshipped the gods anymore. The so-called Nuo operas had been relegated to the status of low-class entertainment, and officialdom was too lazy to set foot here. Thus, the stone barge had fallen into the hands of *jianghu* guests, becoming a "spectator's seat" in the truest sense. Yet, just as weapons were divided into sabers, forks, swords, and halberds, people were divided into social ranks. Even within the *jianghu*, one could not escape this convention. Within the three-story stone barge, the highest level had been booked early on by several major sects. The sect members themselves would not come, but they used these "seats" to build connections with friends in official circles. Those who could ascend to the third level were not only wealthy but also of noble status. From a distance, the pomp was extraordinary; even the accompanying attendants and maidservants could share in the prestige of ascending to that highest position. If one could not squeeze into the third level, being able to board the second level still indicated significant power. Rumor had it that near Shouqi Street, people had been hawking seats for that level, with prices reaching over a hundred taels of silver at their peak. However, the guests patronizing the second level were ultimately unwilling to spend more silver to bring attendants, so their pages and maids formed a line half a street long outside. If one was even less fortunate, they could spend two or three taels of silver to bribe the local wardens for a chance to squeeze into the bottom level of the stone barge. However, this level had no assigned seats. Those who arrived early could claim a good spot, but there were also latecomers who were physically strong and fierce-looking; once they stood at the front, ordinary people had to obediently move aside and look for another chance to join the fun. Of course, there were also those who could not even enter the bottom level of the stone barge. Qin Jiuye wore a lotus leaf on her head, gazing at the colorful crowd on the stone barge against the fierce sun. While scratching her backside, which was being pricked by a straw mat, she clicked her tongue in admiration. "After all that talk, you make it sound as if you could actually get in." Beside her, Tang Shenyan yanked half of the straw mat back under his own seat, unceremoniously trying to drive her away. "If you're so capable, then go. Don't sit on my mat and talk nonsense." With his tugging, the small sampan carrying the four of them swayed and spun in the reed marshes. Qin Jiuye hastily shifted her weight, finally stabilizing the boat, feeling an unprecedented sense of disappointment. Who said the *jianghu* was all about "gratifying grievances and slaughtering in all directions"? In the end, wasn't it just poling a boat through a gutter and stumbling along? Thinking of this, Qin Jiuye couldn't help but turn to look at the youth sitting upright at the stern. With a tone of "hating that iron cannot become steel," she spoke. "Didn't you stay at the Fangwai Sect for a while for the sake of revenge? How is it that you didn't even make a single decent *jianghu* friend? You're not a child anymore, yet you can't even manage to get onto a stone barge. You're still squeezed in with us low-level small fry—don't you find it embarrassing?" Li Qiao was at the stern repairing the half-rotten deck. Hearing this, he wiped his sweat and looked up. He glanced at the stone barge, then surveyed the surroundings before finally speaking after a long pause. "Sister, do not be anxious. This spot has a wide field of vision; the situation on the lake is clear at a glance. If any unexpected change occurs, we can withdraw in time. We won't be caught in a chaotic crush or a stampede because of the crowds." Hearing this, Tang Shenyan nodded happily. "Young Brother Li is right. The position I chose is just perfect. If Shopkeeper Qin has poor eyesight, she shouldn't blame it on not sitting close enough." Qin Jiuye felt a surge of irritation at these words and turned her sharp gaze toward Tang Shenyan. "Speaking of which, where is Old Dog Du now? He should be here identifying people one by one. Perhaps the person who was boating that night is somewhere on this shore. With such a big commotion as the Sword Appreciation Assembly, any *jianghu* person would have no reason not to come and see, right?" Tang Shenyan did not look up to meet the woman's eyes, turning his head away with a hint of a guilty conscience. "Why ask me? Brother Du treats the four seas as his home; he is a free man. Besides, Tingfeng Hall has to do business. Where would we find the time to support another idle person?" Qin Jiuye refused to let him off easily, leaning in closer to press him. "Thanks to that Su Lin, Tingfeng Hall was closed for ten days. Is your information truly still accurate? Or are you just making things up to trick me?" Having already collected the silver, Tang Shenyan’s entire posture had become sluggish. When he spoke, his voice was slow. "If you don't believe me, it's not too late to leave now and avoid the noon sun. Since you only paid for one piece of information, I can only tell you that the Fangwai Sect will definitely participate in this Sword Appreciation Assembly. As for whether that Yuan Qi will come, when he will appear, or where he will appear—that will be another price." Only a few days had passed since the Su family incident, and this stingy shopkeeper of Tingfeng Hall had already returned to his usual "style," never speaking three sentences without mentioning silver, as if he wished he could write the price tags on his forehead. Qin Jiuye shut her mouth. She wasn't actually that anxious. Her hands didn't stop moving as she continued to clean the reeds she had dug up nearby. Since she was here, she would make the best of it. She had already passed the stage of overthinking and hesitating. But she still felt a bit disgruntled. On one hand, she felt the sting of the silver she had spent on the information; on the other, she thought about how if she had risked coming here only to end up empty-handed, that brute Lu Zican would surely put on that "experienced elder" act again, telling her to retreat to the second line and continue being that damn "aide." However, as things stood, she had no better choice. The lead regarding Su Lin was broken. As for the Prince Xiaoning’s Manor behind him, that was not something she could interfere with. The only clue left before her that had not been thoroughly searched and traced was Yuan Qingshu. Before it was heavily damaged, the Fangwai Sect had been a sect with considerable influence in the *jianghu*. Although it was now half-dead, it had ultimately survived, showing that its previous foundation was not simple. And that Yuan Qi, who was rumored to be coughing up blood in grief and kept alive by mountain ginseng, might not be as fragile as imagined. Otherwise, he certainly would not have appeared at the Treasure Mirage Pavilion with that Teng Hu, nor would he have traveled to seek refuge with the World’s Number One Villa. After calming her mind, Qin Jiuye had carefully deduced: Was the reason Yuan Qi brought Teng Hu to the Treasure Mirage Pavilion that day because he knew from the start that the secret formula was dangerous, and thus he had to rely on Teng Hu’s experience and strength? And from the moment he spent gold like water at the Treasure Mirage Pavilion, determined to obtain that treasure chest, Qin Jiuye was certain: this man definitely knew something of the secrets inside that box. Unlike Su Lin, who came from a merchant background, Yuan Qingshu was a thoroughbred of the *jianghu*. His actions were naturally more secretive and cautious, and his experience in dealing with the various open and hidden arrows and treacherous arts of the *jianghu* was far richer than Su Lin’s. This was perhaps why he did not keep the secret formula but instead gifted it to the Qiushan Sect. Unfortunately, he was still one step too late. Where exactly did the things in Yuan Qingshu’s box come from? Did they come from the same person as the secret formula in Su Lin’s hands? Besides Yuan Qingshu, did anyone else know the inside story? For instance, someone close to Yuan Qingshu... The more she pondered, the more Qin Jiuye’s heart itched to see Yuan Qi. She immediately turned her head and looked at the youth at the stern. "Based on your past experience, will that Yuan Qi show his face?" Li Qiao finally stopped his movements. He did not look toward Qin Jiuye; his hand still gripped the stone hammer. He paused for a moment before speaking in a low voice, though he did not answer her question directly. "Is Sister not afraid that he is here seeking revenge?" Revenge? If it were truly that easy to seek, why would Yuan Qi need to cling to the World’s Number One Villa? Besides, even if the other party truly had gathered enough confidence to seek revenge, they would be aiming for some great demon; what did it have to do with small fry like them? Qin Jiuye found it somewhat strange, but she didn't think much of it and replied immediately. "That's a bit of a strange question. Wouldn't it be perfect if he came for revenge? It saves you from searching everywhere without success. It would be better to take this opportunity to settle everything once and for all, so you can start your life anew in the future." She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but the moment she finished that sentence, a flash of complex hesitation appeared on Li Qiao’s face. But in the end, he didn't say much, only lowering his head to continue hammering the deck. Seeing this, Tang Shenyan showed a rare bit of empathy, taking on the air of a mediator to offer comfort. "Young Brother Li likely also feels that everything in the *jianghu* is unpredictable. Even if this Sword Appreciation Assembly is the grand annual event of the *jianghu*, who can say for sure that the person you seek will appear at this time? Even if he does appear, you might not actually get to see him. I’d say that Lord Duanyu is not good for much else, but his ability to paint a pretty picture is not to be underestimated. Rather than racking your brains here for that bit of intangible salary, you’d be better off flying far away, finding a mountain forest that costs no silver to live in, and staying away from these worldly disputes. That would be the best course of action." Only a few days had passed, yet her little mess with Qiu Ling had probably gone in and out of Tingfeng Hall’s broken signboard several times already. Qin Jiuye looked at Tang Shenyan with gritted teeth. "I see Shopkeeper Tang is very happy earning silver from these worldly disputes every day, isn't he? How come I don't see you flying far away and closing down that broken tea hall of yours?" Tang Shenyan was stunned, seemingly not expecting Qin Jiuye to turn the topic back on him. He paused for a long time before speaking indignantly. "I'm already this age; naturally, I can't run anymore. I advise you out of kindness, and yet you won't listen. Fine, fine..." As Tang Shenyan spoke, he turned his head to the side. Qin Jiuye assumed he was just embarrassed and angry; she shrugged indifferently and pulled a reed from the cleaned pile, putting the tender white root in her mouth. However, she had only chewed a few times when a commotion broke out on the stone barge. Fearing she might miss something, she hurriedly looked toward the lake. She saw three large ships, connected bow to stern, slowly approaching from the distance. Though they were merely sailing across an ordinary lake, they somehow projected the imposing aura of ships braving the heavy waves of the deep sea. Qin Jiuye spat out the reed root and couldn't help but rub her hands in excitement. "They're here! They're finally here!" *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 璃心湖 | Lixin Lake | Lit. "Glass Heart Lake." A "dead lake" near Jiugao City. 琼壶岛 | Qionghu Island | Lit. "Jade Pot Island." A former prison island. 赏剑大会 | Sword Appreciation Assembly | A martial arts gathering disguised as a cultural event. 偃武兴文 | Suppressing the martial and exalting the literary | An imperial policy favoring civil officials over military/martial arts. 方外观 | Fangwai Sect | A martial arts sect, formerly influential, now diminished. 听风堂 | Tingfeng Hall | An information brokerage run by Tang Shenyan. 石舫 | Stone Barge | A large, permanent stone structure shaped like a boat, used for viewing events. 断玉君 | Lord Duanyu | A title/alias, likely referring to Qiu Ling (lit. "Lord of Broken Jade"). 元岐 | Yuan Qi | A key figure from the Fangwai Sect. 元漱清 | Yuan Shuqing | Another name/alias for Yuan Qi or a closely related figure. 宝蜃楼 | Treasure Mirage Pavilion | A location mentioned in previous events involving a secret formula. 天下第一庄 | World’s Number One Villa | A powerful and prestigious organization in the *jianghu*. 参佐 | Aide / Assistant | A minor official or staff position.