Chapter 28: Beacon Fires Ignite on Crossroad Slope

"Brother, where are we heading?"

Shi Qian had no family and no home, so he simply followed Ren Yuan.

"Shaohua Mountain. Ever heard of it?"

Ren Yuan took him into an inn, ordered three or four pounds of beef, two jugs of wine, and a few steamed buns. As they ate, they chatted about matters of the pugilistic world. Shi Qian was curious; as the supreme leader of Liangshan, why was Ren Yuan traveling alone?

"The one in Huayin County? I’ve heard of it. Rumor has it that three outlaws have recently taken up residence there."

"Not bad, your intelligence network is quite sharp."

Ren Yuan could not help but praise Shi Qian. He knew about the three heroes of Shaohua Mountain because of his knowledge of history, but for Shi Qian—who was not from Huayin—to know this was truly impressive.

"Hehe, I don’t mean to be immodest, but even cats have their paths and mice have their holes. In our line of work, staying well-informed is essential."

Shi Qian was candid; he knew exactly what he was.

"There is honor even among thieves. You said you never target the impoverished; that is enough for me. However, Shi Qian, once we return to the mountain, keep your thieving skills hidden unless absolutely necessary. I believe there is a far more important position on the mountain that would suit you better."

Ren Yuan set down his bun and looked at Shi Qian, speaking with great sincerity.

"If that is your command, Brother, I will give it my all."

Over the past half-month, the name of Liangshan had begun to spread throughout the martial world. In particular, their act of opening granaries to feed the poor had earned them silent praise from the common folk, some of whom were already preparing to head to Liangshan to seek justice, hoping the mountain could soon come to their villages to punish local tyrants. Others were gathering their entire families to join the mountain. Liangshan was arguably the most promising and powerful stronghold in the Great Song's outlaw world. How could Shi Qian not be willing to contribute?

"The stronghold is expanding rapidly, and gathering intelligence from all four corners is vital. Once we return, I want you to lead a unit dedicated to scouting for information. Be the eyes and ears of the stronghold. What do you say?"

"I have spent my life in petty theft, and I am grateful that you, Brother, do not despise me and even entrust me with such a heavy responsibility. I swear here and now that I will never fail your expectations. As for my thieving skills, I shall never use them again without your permission."

Shi Qian patted his chest in assurance. In the Song Dynasty, a man's word still carried weight—it was as firm as a nail driven into wood.

"Good. Let’s eat!"

Ren Yuan didn't say more. He trusted Shi Qian. This hero had a good nature; it was just that "Black-faced Song" Jiang didn't know how to use him properly, forcing him into petty thievery until he died of illness in Hangzhou, barely finding a peaceful end. In this life, Ren Yuan would ensure he did not repeat that mistake.

The night passed without incident. The next day, after buying more provisions, Ren Yuan and Shi Qian set off again. As they traveled for two or three more days, Ren Yuan gained a deeper understanding of his companion. It was said that Shi Qian’s light-footed techniques and thieving skills were inherited from Dao Zhi of the Warring States period, which was why he had his own pride and would never target the poor.

In turn, Shi Qian gained a better understanding of his leader. It was no wonder he couldn't break free when they first met; Ren Yuan’s grappling techniques, derived from Zhou Tong, were top-tier.

"Brother, there’s an inn up ahead!"

One day, while traveling, the two were feeling hungry and thirsty when the sharp-eyed Shi Qian spotted an inn. Ren Yuan was just about to take out some dry rations when he heard Shi Qian. He was surprised, looking around; they were on a desolate hillside, and not a single house was in sight. Logically, there shouldn't be an inn here.

Yet, below the slope not far ahead stood several thatched cottages. A wine banner hung from a willow tree by a stream—indeed, it was an inn.

"Let’s go. We’ll get some water to refresh ourselves, then see what this is about."

With the caution born of years in the martial world, Ren Yuan first took a deep drink from his canteen, then gave one to Shi Qian. Only after they were both refreshed did they move forward. As they approached, Ren Yuan stopped. The place felt too eerie.

The large tree standing before the inn was unnaturally lush and strange, unlike the withered flora elsewhere. Its trunk was so thick it would take four or five men to encircle it. Looking down at the roots, the soil was damp with a dark, viscous red—it looked exactly like human blood seeping into the earth.

"Brother, there is a smell of blood here."

Shi Qian knelt, bringing his nose close to the roots. He stood up with a grave expression.

"This is not good. This shop is very suspicious."

Ren Yuan’s face was equally grim. He knew well that in the Song Dynasty, there was a sickening practice among some outlaws: cannibalism. The original *Water Margin* mentioned more than once that some black-hearted innkeepers would use drugged wine to incapacitate travelers, kill them for their wealth, skin them, and butcher them. The fat was used for meat buns, and the remains were tossed into the river. A living person would simply vanish without a trace.

Ren Yuan detested such conduct. Upon taking control of Liangshan, one of his first orders was to ban such practices in all their inns. Consequently, he had no affection for those who consumed human flesh. Especially that famous couple from the *Water Margin*—Zhang Qing and Sun Erniang, those cannibalistic demons...

Wait! Ren Yuan suddenly realized!

This hillside, this tree... heavens, this must be Crossroad Slope!

Then this inn was that very black-hearted shop!

"Shi Qian, have your broadsword ready."

Ren Yuan’s tone had turned cold. Since he had encountered them, there was no need for this place to continue existing. As for those two cannibalistic murderers, Zhang Qing and Sun Erniang, today next year would be their memorial day!

"Yes, Brother."

Shi Qian felt Ren Yuan’s killing intent for the first time. He grew serious, knowing that if his brother was this angry, the shop must be harboring something foul.

"When we go in, don't eat anything. Stay sharp and adapt to whatever happens."

Ren Yuan instructed him before striding toward the inn. He was confident that with his physique, the people inside would surely try to kill him and mince him for sale.

As they approached, a woman emerged from the inn, carrying a wooden basin brimming with an unrecognizable substance. Upon seeing Ren Yuan and Shi Qian, she faltered for a moment, then beamed. "Welcome, travelers! Come in, I’ll be right with you!" With that, she turned and hurried back inside.

Shi Qian’s nose twitched; the smell of blood was even stronger now. His expression changed, and he gripped his broadsword tighter, nodding at Ren Yuan.

"Heh."

Ren Yuan let out a cold laugh and walked into the inn. As they reached the entrance, he noticed a small sign standing by the window frame. He stopped and read:

"Speak little in the crowd, go home early if you can. Always remember the day you left home, and the back-slapping farewell of your parents. Dismount when crossing a bridge, avoid boats when there is a road. Find lodging before it gets dark, and wait for the rooster to crow before looking to the sky..."

Ren Yuan hadn't finished reading when the woman who had just gone inside returned, now empty-handed and wearing a wide smile.

What did she look like?

Her hair was adorned with golden pins and rings, wild flowers tucked behind her ears, her face thick with rouge and powder. Her upper garment was a green gauze shirt, and she wore a bright red silk skirt. Her chest was exposed, revealing a peach-colored bodice with gold buttons. Despite the biting cold, she was only interested in flaunting her flesh.

Heh, Sun Erniang, it is indeed you!