The scene Zhao Changhe once mentioned to Tang Wanzhuang—Bashan, where the autumn rain fills the pools—arrived at last, though it was now early summer. The timing did not quite match the famous verse, and Zhao Changhe lamented that he was once again out of poetic inspiration, unable to craft a fitting line.[1]0

He wondered if Bashan, aside from the Sword Hut, had a Daoist Gu skilled in the Forty-Nine Forms of the Willow Wind Sword.[2]0

As he led his horse out of Kuaiji and passed beyond the reach of Tang Buqi’s influence, Zhao Changhe noticed that whether it was court officials or people from the jianghu who recognized him and the massive blade on his back, they treated him with great respect. At every town or city where he stopped to rest, the hospitality was remarkable.0

This was especially true when he reached Xiangyang. After the Blood God Cult had finished the war, they did not return to their home in Wushan but instead remained stationed in Xiangyang, seemingly addicted to their new life of masquerading as officials and gaining power. Naturally, when Zhao Changhe passed through, he stopped by to see Cult Leader...0