Chapter Fourteen: The Inescapable Net

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The Mystical Terrace of the Taiyi Mountain Sect is located north of Hedong Commandery, a renowned region now known as Nanshan, later called Zhongnan Mountain—the source of the vast Qin River stretching eight hundred miles.

After accepting Senior Brother Yingxia’s invitation, they did not linger long within the sect. Taking along Zong Quan and Zong Qiong, the four of them set off lightly. Traveling north from Ba Commandery for a thousand miles, they made frequent stops; by the time they reached Taiyi Mountain, the timing was just right.

The four, each on horseback, might seem ordinary. For someone like Zhou Qing, whose figure was petite, a normal person might barely settle onto a horse before being jolted off.

But for Zhou Qing now, with internal energy surging, a single slap on the brown-coated horse beneath him forced the beast into submission. Combined with his nimble lightness, riding the horse posed no difficulty.

Emerging from the depths of the Ba mountain range and heading north, the cities along the way were sparse. Though Ba Commandery was vast, the Qin Empire had long been busy expanding its borders without strictly developing each commandery.

Following the river northward—the future Yangtze River, though its course had yet to shift through time and nature—and surrounded by towering mountains, the landscape bore little resemblance to what it would later become.

The further north they traveled, the more prosperous the land seemed. Yet despite the flourishing scenes, the people along the rugged roads appeared gaunt and weary, a consequence of the Qin Empire’s recent years of recuperation.

Had the empire been at war with the other states in previous years, the sight would have been far more grim.

“Senior Brother, which place in all the lands of the Central Plains is the most bustling?”

In these remote hinterlands, the cities were small, with minimal garrisons—though this was typical not only of Qin but of other feudal states as well.

Except for the capitals, which housed the largest military presence, most areas had sparse troops. Reflecting on the cities they passed, it was difficult to imagine this was the Qin Empire that had conquered the six states and unified the realm.

“The most bustling region is naturally the land of Qi and Lu,” came the reply. “It has long known little war, boasts vast plains and dense populations, and is home to the Jixia Academy where myriad philosophers gather.”

“In the future, if you have the chance, you should visit and see for yourself. Beyond Qi and Lu, the capitals of various states are next in prominence.”

Allowing the horses to gallop freely, Chi Songzi responded softly to his junior brother’s words. In his youth, he had also been to Qi and Lu, and his perception of that place was naturally different.

Having traveled for three days and covered only a few hundred miles, once they reached the thoroughfare, the journey would surely quicken.

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“Of course!” Zhou Qing nodded slowly. Not only Qi and Lu, but also Yan and Zhao, Wu and Yue were places he yearned to experience firsthand. Along the way, he had often heard tales of the myth “Creation of Heaven and Earth,” which brought a quiet joy to his heart.

******

It took a full twelve days to reach the vicinity of the Mystical Terrace of Taiyi Mountain, traveling leisurely while sightseeing. They journeyed from Ba Commandery, passing through Hanzhong Commandery, Wuguan Pass, the Luo River, and Hangu Pass.

This route was insisted upon by Chi Songzi, as it was the original path of the sect’s founder. Guan Yinzi had transmitted the Daoist classic "Tao Te Ching" here, and according to later legends, the ancestral master Laozi passed through Hangu Pass before heading west, his destination unknown.

Compared to the southern cities of Qin, the defenses of Hangu Pass were the strongest among the seven states. Six years prior, Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji, led five allied states to defeat Qin’s general Meng Ao here.

Though Lord Xinling became famed throughout the land, his achievements bred suspicion, and he was subsequently neglected by the King of Wei, dying two years ago to much lamentation. The king’s folly explained why Wei was eventually annexed by Qin.

“Senior Brother, it feels like we have shadows following us these past two days!”

North of Hangu Pass, the path leads straight into the Fen River, entering the heart of Nanshan. This area had long been developed, dotted with numerous cities far more prosperous than Ba Commandery.

They took lodging in an inn, sitting by the window, eating the establishment’s unique but modest fare—satisfying enough. Suddenly, Zhou Qing sensed something and glanced outside toward a certain spot.

“Ignore it. The battle between the Daoist Celestial Sect and the Human Sect at the Mystical Terrace of Taiyi Mountain is no secret. Those with intent know of it. If they come merely to observe, it poses no problem. But if they bear ill will, trouble awaits them.”

Chi Songzi seemed to have noticed long ago. He glanced at Zhou Qing but paid no heed to the scene outside, quietly sipping his sake. Zong Quan and Zong Qiong, meanwhile, remained oblivious.

Hearing Zhou Qing’s words, the others instinctively scanned their surroundings but found nothing unusual.

“Indeed! I had thought it might be some secret faction within Qin itself!”

Conflicts among the martial world could be grave or trivial depending on the ruler’s stance. Currently, Qin’s political affairs remained firmly under the control of the Marquis Wenxin.

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Though King Ying Zheng wished to seize full power, he lacked a perfect opportunity, and seemed destined to be held back for several more years—unless the enigmatic figures from Chu and another extraordinary individual intervened, breaking the deadlock.

“Junior Brother, you know of Qin’s secret factions as well?”

Zhou Qing’s words stirred a flicker of surprise in Chi Songzi’s expression. He hadn’t expected his junior brother to be aware of such clandestine matters. Though the secret faction was not strong now, it had grown increasingly domineering under court protection.

“The Heavenly Net, Earthly Mesh—inescapable and all-encompassing.”

Zhou Qing toyed with the wooden cup in his hand and spoke slowly. How could he forget this organization? Were it not for the intervention of his master, Beimingzi, he might have perished long ago.

“Yes, this faction is a secret force supported by Qin, designed to counter the Hundred Schools of Thought, always under the Marquis Wenxin’s control. It harbors many formidable figures.”

“Though a sharp sword, if wielded poorly, it can harm its wielder. It is said this faction emerged centuries ago, spreading throughout the Central Plains. Only as Qin grew stronger did it become openly controlled by Qin.”

Chi Songzi’s expression grew increasingly astonished. He had not imagined his junior brother knew of the Heavenly Net. Even many scholars of the Hundred Schools were unaware. The faction was formed by outlaws and assassins centuries ago, committing countless acts of slaughter.

For such an organization to survive, it must root itself in fertile soil. The more prosperous the land, the faster it grows. Choosing the rapidly strengthening Qin was, after all, a logical decision.

“You speak truly, Senior Brother!”

In Daoist thought, all things have two sides. The stronger something is, the more uncertainty it holds. When Qin is strong, the Heavenly Net is a sword in hand. But what of the day when Qin is weak, or in chaos?

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