Chapter Twenty-Six: The Fox’s Tail

Gongsun Xi also sensed the underlying meaning in his words, and though she felt deeply unconvinced, she realized that, having just lost, spouting harsh words would be unpersuasive. For once, she forced herself to consider Pei Min’s advice: making reasonable use of speed! How could she maximize her advantage? She grasped a crucial point, but couldn’t quite see it through.

Pei Min smiled and said, “I remember your swordplay has these three moves. Watch as I perform them—see what’s different between your execution and mine.” Relying on memory, he selected three connecting moves from the Sword of the Yue Maiden, and demonstrated them one by one. The first two moves were performed at an average speed, far slower than Gongsun Xi’s. But when he reached the third move, his speed suddenly soared; the sword flashed, and the blade returned to its sheath.

Gongsun Xi couldn’t help but exclaim, “So fast!”

Pei Min shrugged and replied, “That’s only your impression. Because my first two moves were slow, the third appeared fast. Whether in friendly competition or a fight to the death, there’s no need to be relentless in speed. As long as you’re fast enough at the decisive moment, that is enough.”

Gongsun Xi recalled their previous exchange—the simple strike that had defeated her—and suddenly realized her loss had been inevitable.

Pei Min had long noticed her flagging arm strength and slowing sword speed. He had matched her pace, adjusted his own speed to hers, preventing her from noticing her own decline. She had fallen into his rhythm and the trap he’d set—how could she not lose?

Seeing her expression, Pei Min knew she had grasped the lesson and said, “Of all things in the world, the hardest is concealing your strengths. The greatest flaw in your swordsmanship is that you reveal your sharpest edge from the start—such talent, yet wasted.”

Joy sparkled in Gongsun Xi’s eyes. “I understand now. Thank you, Master Pei, for your guidance. I’ll go seek out that person right away.”

“No rush.” Pei Min glanced at Li Yide. “When you find him, don’t make a scene—just let me know who it is.”

Gongsun Xi, realizing there was an outsider present, sensed there were matters unspoken. But she cared little for the convoluted reasons behind it all. The sooner things were settled, the sooner she could digest what she’d learned today. She agreed, turned to leave, but at the door, a thought struck her and she looked back. “You know the Sword of the Yue Maiden too?”

Pei Min replied, “At first I didn’t—I learned a move or two from your sister. Now I know more, and I’ve learned them from you.”

Without another word, Gongsun Xi walked away.

Pei Min stroked his chin, thinking, “These two sisters really are interesting!”

Li Yide hadn’t had a chance to speak. Only after Gongsun Xi left did he burst out impatiently, “Young master, why are you teaching her martial arts? That girl is already formidable enough—she’s beaten us without mercy. If she becomes any stronger, how are we to manage?”

Pei Min replied, “What’s there to fear? If I dare to teach her, I’m not afraid she’ll surpass me.”

“That’s true!” Li Yide grinned broadly. “Young master, you really are something. Of all the people I know, besides Master Wu, I respect you most.”

“Master Wu?” Pei Min mused. “Do you mean Li Wuyi, known as Fifth Master Lai of South Street?”

“Of course!” Li Yide answered. “Who else could bear the title ‘Fifth Master’? Let me tell you, he and I go way back. He’s a generous host, always fond of befriending heroes from all walks—he could be compared to Qin Shubao of old. Say, young master, how about I introduce you two? If Master Wu learns there’s someone of your caliber in Jizhou, he’ll surely welcome you heartily. Soon all of Jizhou will know your name, and you’ll be famous!”

Pei Min shook his head. “I appreciate your kindness, but I’m not a man of the martial world. Fame in those circles isn’t much use to me.”

“That’s true!” Li Yide actually understood, nodding his large head. “Just like me—my idol is Zhang Fei, and my dream is to become a general like him. But things haven’t gone well, so I rely on Master Wu for food and drink.”

Pei Min looked at Li Yide’s features—he did indeed resemble the Zhang Fei of the novels. He asked, “Then why not join the army?”

“Join the army? Don’t joke!” Li Yide replied. “Serving as a local soldier—no land, no rations—who’d want that? Not me. I’m not a fool.”

Hearing this, Pei Min felt a heaviness in his heart. A country’s strength is closely tied to its military, and if even someone as straightforward as Li Yide refused to enlist, the collapse of the local militia system was even more serious than he’d imagined. If the Tang Dynasty wished to reclaim the glory of the Zhenguan era, military reform was essential.

Li Yide continued, “But my wish is about to come true. Master Wu says that after our defeat in Youzhou, there’s a shortage of officers. He’ll find a way to recommend me for a squad leader or something. If I slay a few more Khitan or Xi brutes, maybe I’ll become a real general!”

Pei Min asked, feigning casualness, “Did he say when this would happen?”

Li Yide replied, “Should be in the next few days, though I’m not sure exactly when. But Master Wu always keeps his word. If he says it, it’ll be done.”

Pei Min knew that any further questioning would arouse suspicion, even in someone as simple as Li Yide, so he stopped and said with a smile, “Then I wish you success and hope you become a general soon.”

Li Yide pounded his chest. “Just you wait, young master! My skills with spear and staff may not impress martial experts like you, but on the battlefield, your swordplay might not outmatch my spear.”

“Of course!” Pei Min knew that victory in the world of martial arts was a different matter from that on the battlefield. After chatting a bit longer, he saw Li Yide out of the Yuan residence.

Li Yide was loose-tongued and couldn’t keep a secret. Within half an hour, word of Pei Min’s victory over Gongsun Xi had spread throughout Jizhou. Remembering the rumors of Pei Min’s defeat of elite Xi warriors in Huairou County, people realized the tales might not be mere exaggeration.

Because of Gongsun Xi, Pei Min’s swordsmanship quickly became the talk of the city.

At dusk, Gongsun Xi returned to the Yuan residence, but came back empty-handed.

She said, “I remember that person’s face and voice clearly, but after circling that street a few times, I found no trace. Perhaps I’ll look again for you tomorrow? I should go—if I don’t, my sister will come looking for me.”

“No need,” Pei Min replied with a smile. “Now that he’s shown his tail, it won’t be easy to hide again. You should go home, so your sister won’t worry.”

“Alright,” Gongsun Xi nodded. “I’m staying at the Three Heroes Inn—if you need anything, find me there!”

That night, Pei Min quietly slipped out of the Yuan residence, using the token given by Xue Na to once again seek an audience with the Grand Commander Xue Na.