Tie Niaofei, Zao Ying, and Zheng Daniu were instantly overjoyed when they sensed Dao Xuan Tianzun's presence.
The three of them had led several hundred cavalry far from Dao Xuan Tianzun's domain, chasing Jin merchants across Shanxi. They had been away for a long time, and without realizing it, a strange emptiness had settled in their hearts. Now that Dao Xuan Tianzun appeared, that emptiness vanished at once.
Their spirits soared.
Even their tired bodies felt lighter.
Tie Niaofei stepped forward and said respectfully,
"Dao Xuan Tianzun, what brings you here today?"
Dao Xuan Tianzun sighed softly.
"The flood relief efforts in Henan have temporarily wrapped up, so I took the opportunity to come and check on how things are going with you."
Tie Niaofei immediately straightened.
"Jin merchants traditionally deal in border trade. When they fled north, we pursued them further and further. Now we've reached Daizhou—this is already close to the northern frontier."
Dao Xuan Tianzun nodded.
"From Daizhou, twenty li north lies Yanmen Pass."
Beyond Yanmen Pass lay Datong, under the jurisdiction of the Xuan–Da Commander Zhang Zongheng. That region was perpetually at war with the northern nomadic tribes and never truly knew peace.
Tie Niaofei continued,
"Of the two Jin merchants who opposed me in Hedong City back then, one—Zhai Tang—has yet to be found. The other, Tian Shenglan, is currently hiding inside Daizhou City."
He then briefly described the formidable reputation of a man named Sun Chuanting within Daizhou.
Dao Xuan Tianzun nodded slowly.
"Zao Ying is correct. Daizhou City cannot be taken like Hedong City was. With Sun Chuanting defending it, a few hundred cavalry won't be enough."
Tie Niaofei frowned.
"Then how should we deal with Tian Shenglan?"
Dao Xuan Tianzun asked calmly,
"Do you have any salt warrants on you?"
Tie Niaofei grinned.
"Yes."
By now, Xing Honglang had already secured the position of Salt Revenue Commissioner. With salt warrants, when one's own people issued them to one another, the numbers could be… quite generous.
Tie Niaofei indeed carried two salt warrants, both for sizable quantities.
Dao Xuan Tianzun said,
"Good. From now on, you are a Jin merchant. Walk into the city openly, with the posture of a merchant."
Tie Niaofei was a sharp man. The moment he heard this, he understood completely.
There was no need for elaborate disguise. He simply pulled out a merchant's robe and draped it over himself. With his natural bearing, he instantly looked like an authentic trader.
He selected thirty men to accompany him, ordering them to leave behind firearms and armor. They dressed in ordinary jianghu attire, carried waist sabers, and followed him toward the city.
Meanwhile, Zao Ying and Zheng Daniu remained hidden in the forest outside Daizhou, ready to respond at any moment.
As Tie Niaofei approached the city gates, he whispered,
"Dao Xuan Tianzun, once I enter the city, should I look for a chance to assassinate Tian Shenglan?"
"No need," Dao Xuan Tianzun chuckled.
"Our goal this time isn't to kill him. We're here to make contact with Sun Chuanting."
Tie Niaofei was puzzled.
"Why him?"
Dao Xuan Tianzun explained,
"Sun Chuanting resigned due to his dissatisfaction with the Eunuch Party's monopoly of power and returned home. But he's not the type to sit idle. Every day, he writes essays on border strategy."
Dao Xuan Tianzun chuckled softly.
"Those essays are highly valued by Zhu Youjian and are often adopted."
Tie Niaofei's eyes lit up in sudden realization.
"If we inform him that Jin merchants are selling supplies to aid the Manchus, and he includes it in his essays, then the court might finally pay attention."
"Exactly," Dao Xuan Tianzun said.
"The Jin merchants need a thorough reckoning. We don't have the time to handle this ourselves—let the imperial court do the dirty work."
Now everything was clear.
Tie Niaofei felt a wave of confidence surge through him.
Before long, they reached the gates of Daizhou City.
Not long ago, the combined forces of the Chuang King and the Chuang General had attacked this place. As a result, Daizhou's defenses were exceptionally tight.
City guards stood watch, backed by large numbers of militia. Several retainers of the Sun family even patrolled atop the gate tower.
The moment Tie Niaofei and his group appeared, they drew attention.
A guard shouted,
"Who goes there?"
Tie Niaofei replied calmly,
"A merchant."
"A merchant?" the guard said suspiciously. "You don't seem to be carrying any goods."
Tie Niaofei pulled out a salt warrant and waved it toward the wall.
"I recently acquired a salt warrant and am exploring a new trade route. Naturally, I came ahead to scout the road first. Why would I bring cargo while reconnoitering?"
That explanation made sense.
The guards examined the salt warrant carefully and confirmed it was genuine. Their remaining doubts dissolved.
After all, merchants passed through Daizhou daily—especially Jin merchants heading north through Yanmen Pass to supply the Datong garrison.
"Alright," the guard said. "Entry tax—five copper coins per person."
Tie Niaofei paid promptly, then asked,
"I've long admired Master Sun Chuanting. May I ask how to reach the Sun estate?"
This time, the guards didn't answer.
Instead, they looked toward the Sun family retainers on the wall.
One retainer immediately stepped forward, alert.
"You wish to see my master? For what reason?"
Tie Niaofei smiled.
"I wish to discuss matters concerning the border."
"Border matters?"
The retainer stiffened.
His master was obsessed with border affairs. Anyone who came to speak on such topics was bound to interest him.
"In that case," the retainer said, "follow me."
He personally led Tie Niaofei and his companions to the Sun estate.
The Sun estate was expansive, a classic wealthy-landowner mansion—gardens, flowing streams, rockeries, pine trees, lotus ponds, everything.
Dao Xuan Tianzun couldn't help muttering inwardly,
This backyard looks like a full-fledged 5A scenic attraction.
They entered the rear garden, where a stone table and several stone stools stood.
A middle-aged man with a scholarly air sat at the table. He could only be Sun Chuanting.
Before him stood a young scholar, respectful as a disciple before his teacher.
The young man sighed.
"Master, the world is already beyond saving. Everywhere is chaos and decay. Why not put these matters aside and live peacefully?"
Sun Chuanting snorted.
"Let it begin with me. Whether it succeeds or fails—that is fate."
Dao Xuan Tianzun was momentarily stunned.
Damn… I didn't understand that at all. I really am a philistine.
Fortunately—
Tie Niaofei understood perfectly.
Seizing the moment, he stepped forward and praised loudly,
"What profound words! 'Let it begin with me; success or failure lies with fate.' To act first oneself, leaving Heaven to judge the outcome—Master Sun's righteousness is truly lofty. I am deeply in awe."
Dao Xuan Tianzun suddenly realized:
Ah—so that's what it meant.