Chapter Forty: The King of Halberds

Zhang Xuan listened to the man leaning against the door. The way he spoke suggested he knew Zhang Xuan, so Zhang Xuan carefully recalled everything since meeting Old Master Tong. Judging by the man’s words, he must be Li Yan, Tong Yuan’s senior brother—another legendary figure. Zhang Xuan racked his brain for any stories or records about Li Yan but came up empty. As expected of such a master—there wasn’t even a record about him!

Old Master Tong nodded at Li Yan’s words and spoke to his retreating back, “Senior Brother, I won’t be leaving for now, either. It’s about time I stayed home for a while. All these years wandering have left me weary; I need some peaceful days at home.” Then he turned to Zhang Xuan and the others. “Let’s go. You must all be hungry. Let’s eat.”

“Old Master Tong, is this your home?” Zhang Xuan finally had a chance to ask the question that had been nagging at him. From what he’d seen, this must be Old Master Tong's father-in-law’s house, but it was better to confirm. If it was Old Master Tong’s own home, everyone could relax a bit more. But if it was his in-laws’ place, certain behaviors would need to be more restrained.

“I’ve never had a fixed home, how could I afford such a grand courtyard? This is my father-in-law’s house. I only come back occasionally—the last time must have been four years ago.”

“Four years ago? Old Master, I think you might misunderstand the meaning of ‘occasionally’. No wonder your father-in-law complains. If I were him, I wouldn’t just complain—I’d beat you a few times, too!” Zhang Xuan muttered to himself, oblivious to the look on Old Master Tong’s face.

“Xiao Xuan, are you itching for a beating? Has it really been that long?”

“Reporting, Old Master, absolutely not. Not even a little itch. If there’s any scratching to be done, such a trivial matter isn’t worth troubling you at all.” Zhang Xuan replied with a straight face.

“Alright, enough joking. Let’s eat first. You’ll stay here for now. After the meal, I’ll show you where you can sleep in the courtyard.” None of the others had any objections to Old Master Tong’s arrangements. Though men often long for distant lands, home is something no one can truly leave behind. Old Master Tong had finally returned; it was only right he spent more time with his family. As for themselves, having food and shelter here was already more than enough.

“Old Master, I heard you call that man ‘Senior Brother.’ If he’s your senior, he must be incredible. Does he take disciples, by any chance? Could you introduce us?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“My senior brother favors the halberd. In the martial world, he’s known as the ‘King of Halberds.’ Do you think he’s skilled? As for whether he has disciples, I’m not sure. But he has already met you, Xiao Xuan.”

Yang Zaixing glanced at Uncle Yang, who nodded. “Li Yan is a master of the halberd. In his hands, the weapon seems alive—he’s known as the ‘Number One Halberd Under Heaven.’ And as for Old Master Tong here, he’s renowned for his skill with the spear, bearing the title ‘Number One Spear Under Heaven.’” At this, Yang Zaixing, Yang Hu, and Zhao Yun all looked at Old Master Tong with newfound admiration. To think the elder who’d traveled with them was such a formidable figure! They regretted not seeking more guidance from him along the way. Zhao Yun, though unfamiliar with these titles, was now even more determined to take Old Master Tong as his teacher. Only Zhang Xuan remained unruffled, thinking to himself that everyone else was simply inexperienced.

“He’s already met me? I don’t remember. I have a good memory—surely I’d recall if it was recent. Unless… he saw me while I was, well, relieving myself? No wonder I once felt someone’s gaze on me in the latrine. If that’s true, it’s downright terrifying!”

“Xiao Xuan, we’re about to eat. Can you not be so crude? There are children present.” Yang Zaixing couldn’t stand it anymore and covered Zhao Yun’s ears. Who knew what shocking words Zhang Xuan might utter next? It was enough to ruin anyone’s appetite.

“Xiao Xuan, would you dare repeat what you just said in front of my senior brother? I guarantee you wouldn’t live to see tomorrow’s sunrise. He’s been known to cripple people for teasing him like that. I’m not trying to scare you—it’s the truth,” Old Master Tong said with a grin.

Zhang Xuan felt uneasy under Old Master Tong’s cheerful gaze. Given the era, he could well believe it. “Did I say something? I don’t recall at all. My mind’s been a bit muddled lately. Brother, did you hear me say anything? I don’t think I said a word, right?” The others chuckled and nodded, used to Zhang Xuan’s shameless reversals. Sometimes, his sworn brothers were truly speechless at his antics. As for little Zhao Yun, he looked at Zhang Xuan with amazement, wondering if he could learn that trick himself.

Old Master Tong snorted coldly. He had expected Zhang Xuan to deny everything. Besides, his stories about his senior brother were mostly just talk; he hadn’t witnessed such things himself.

“Old Master, people always say ‘there’s no first in literature, but no second in martial arts.’ So between you and your senior brother, who is stronger?” Uncle Yang, Yang Zaixing, and the others watched Old Master Tong with great interest. After all, people are naturally curious. One was called the ‘King of Halberds,’ the other the ‘King of Spears’—the best in the land. Of course they wanted to know who was truly the greater.

“Well, since he’s my senior brother, of course he’s stronger,” Old Master Tong replied carelessly.

“That’s perfunctory, Old Master. Your answer isn’t even as good as a fart—a fart at least has some substance to it. Yours has nothing,” Zhang Xuan complained, dissatisfied with such an evasive reply. How could the two of them not have crossed swords at some point?

“Xiao Xuan, perhaps in the past I might have had the urge to compete with my senior brother, but not anymore. When you reach my age, you’ll understand what that means. You wouldn’t get it now, so why add needless worries?” Old Master Tong continued onward.

“Fine, don’t tell me then. I didn’t care to know anyway!” Zhang Xuan replied indifferently, hurrying to keep up—food was the priority. Uncle Yang shook his head. In all the world, Zhang Xuan was probably the only one who could speak to Tong Yuan this way.