Volume 28: Pilgrimage to Offer Incense

Zhang Desen felt an uncomfortable pang at the thought that his old comrade might be aiding the enemy. However, he also considered that he might have misunderstood the situation and that he shouldn’t jump to conclusions so quickly.

At the moment, Zhang Desen was more concerned about replenishing his weapons, especially since the ammunition for his Type 95 assault rifle was limited and irreplaceable. It would be best to use weapons that could be supplied locally. After some thought, he realized he carried throwing knives and needles, and that special forces soldiers could employ such weapons with great flexibility. If he needed more, he could simply have a blacksmith forge them.

Suddenly, it struck him: why not focus on crafting throwing needles? Not only in reality, but even in novels he’d read, protagonists with a background in special forces often used throwing needles to defeat their enemies. In some martial arts stories, the main characters were doctors who used acupuncture needles as concealed weapons. Throwing needles were indeed powerful and easy to carry, and they could easily be resupplied. Why couldn’t he use them as well? With this idea, Zhang Desen turned to Butler Liu and asked,

“Butler, are there any blacksmith shops nearby?”

Butler Liu Man’s face showed a hint of displeasure as he replied, “Why would you need to look for a blacksmith shop elsewhere? Isn’t that like undermining the Liu family’s reputation?”

He then proceeded to introduce Zhang Desen to the many businesses owned by the Liu family, confirming that their wealth was vast and their influence extensive. Previously, Zhang Desen had assumed the family was powerful based on their residence alone, but now, hearing the butler’s account, he realized the family’s ventures were far from limited.

The Liu family’s enterprises included salt production, ironworks (including weapon forging), sugar refining, farmland, grain and oil trade, textile trading, and inns scattered across the land. They truly seemed to have everything imaginable.

Though the world of this universe was fractured into competing states, nothing could stop the Liu family’s trading caravans from traversing the land. For the first time, Zhang Desen experienced the true magnitude of their empire. Such merchants, though without noble titles, were as powerful as any lord—no local warlord would dare to offend them lightly.

To Zhang Desen, this was a tremendous advantage. Until he could reestablish contact with headquarters, he now had a secure place to stay. He then asked the butler,

“Would it be possible to have some weapons forged for me?”

Liu Man immediately replied, “That’s no problem—however many you need, we can provide. But may I ask, what kind of weapons do you require?”

Zhang Desen quickly sketched the designs for throwing needles and knives, handed them to the butler for safekeeping, and after their meal, the butler departed to make arrangements.

Zhang Desen activated the communicator and recorder on his spaceship, documenting the events of the past few days to send to headquarters. Although the distance was vast and, without the multiverse travel device, it was impossible to know how many years would pass before the message arrived—or even how far humanity might have evolved by then—he believed that, no matter what changed, the information should be left for future generations. Perhaps it might be of use to someone someday.

Later that evening, Master Liu sent Zhao Chengming to invite Zhang Desen to the council hall, and Zhang Desen could guess what the meeting was about.

Though still wearing his special forces uniform, Zhang Desen did not cover his face—he was meeting the master of the house, after all, and it would be inappropriate to wear a mask. On the way, Zhao Chengming said,

“Brother Desen, when you meet the master, pay no mind to what others are doing. Simply answer his questions properly.”

Zhang Desen was taken aback. “What do you mean? Manager Zhao, from your tone, it sounds as if there’s trouble?”

Zhao Chengming replied, “No need to be so formal when it’s just us. As before, you can call me Brother Chengming. To be honest, our household’s retainers are divided into several factions. Most of them are out on errands right now, so you needn’t concern yourself with them. I have a good relationship with Butler Liu Man—we’re on the same side, so to speak...”

That explained why Butler Liu Man had been so courteous to Zhang Desen. In other words, having been brought into the household by Zhao Chengming, Zhang Desen naturally belonged to his faction. Zhao Chengming continued,

“Just now, when I came to find you, Hu Tu—who doesn’t get along with me and isn’t currently out on business—was reporting something to the master. If he’s still there when we arrive, just ignore him. With me around, there’s no need to worry. We’ll find an opportunity to put him in his place later.”

“Understood,” Zhang Desen replied.

“There’s more you may not know,” Zhao Chengming went on. “Master Liu has only one daughter, and she’s famous for her beauty. She’s at the prime of her youth. Many in the household are vying to win her favor for various reasons—if they succeed, they’ll likely inherit the family estate and business in the future.”

He sighed. “But despite their efforts, Miss Liu remains unmoved. Yet ever since the ‘Strange-Clothed Hero’—that is, you—made a name for yourself, she’s grown increasingly interested in you, even though she’s never met you.”

He glanced at Zhang Desen. “In fact, when you wiped out the bandits around the Western Capital, she would often visit those areas with only her maid, hoping to see you. And after you saved her last time, she’s become even less interested in anyone else. Because of this, those who had designs on her now bear a grudge against you.”

Zhang Desen felt somewhat exasperated—it seemed he’d made enemies for no reason at all. But after some thought, he said, “Their worries are probably unnecessary. If I suddenly reestablish contact with my family, I might just...”

Zhao Chengming interrupted, “You mean you...”

At that moment, a group of retainers approached. The leader glanced at them with disdain before walking away. Zhao Chengming said, “That’s Hu Tu.”

Zhang Desen nodded and they continued to the council hall.

Soon, under Zhao Chengming’s guidance, Zhang Desen entered the council hall where only Master Liu and his butler awaited. They took their seats and drank tea. Master Liu began,

“Desen, I hear from the butler that you’re willing to help us. That’s wonderful. If you prove yourself, you’ll never be treated unfairly here.”

Zhang Desen thought, “So he wants me to risk my life for him.” Out loud, he replied, “It’s a soldier’s duty—I’m only doing what’s right.”

“However,” Master Liu continued, “to be frank, we are worried about that retainer of Councilor Qian’s.”

“There’s no need for concern,” Zhang Desen reassured him. “It’s winter—just pour water outside the walls and it will freeze, making it nearly impossible to scale. With added defenses on the mountain side, we can prevent any attempt to sneak in from there.”

“You think he might try the mountain route?” Master Liu was puzzled.

“To be honest, after the butler described this retainer, I suspect he might be someone I know...” Zhang Desen explained his reasoning and assured Master Liu that he would not allow villains to run rampant. Master Liu accepted his words and sent the butler to make arrangements. As the butler was about to leave, someone suddenly called out,

“Who’s there?”

Before anyone could react, a voice replied, “It’s me!”

Everyone immediately recognized Liu Yuting’s voice. She had been eavesdropping outside and now entered as the butler departed to handle his errands. Master Liu scolded her,

“I told you not to interrupt—why were you eavesdropping? Go and rest!”

“Father, I’m not an outsider,” she replied. “Besides, I heard everything. Even if that retainer is someone remarkable, Desen is sure to defeat him.”

Father and daughter began to bicker, while Zhang Desen fell into deep thought about Tang Shijie.

From his memories, his comrade Tang Shijie had always been an outstanding special forces soldier—he shouldn’t have fallen from grace so quickly. Even if he’d lost contact with headquarters for several months, he likely arrived by spaceship as well and shouldn’t have run out of supplies so soon. And even if he had, with his survival skills, he ought to have managed for quite some time before encountering real problems.

Something must have happened to cause his rapid decline—or perhaps it wasn’t him at all. As Zhang Desen pondered this, he was suddenly brought back to reality by someone calling his name. He realized Master Liu was speaking to him and apologized,

“Sorry, I was lost in thought. What did you say, Master Liu?”

Liu Yuting, displeased, interjected, “Honestly, Desen, Father was asking if you’re free tomorrow to accompany me to Miaoming Temple.”

“I can,” Zhang Desen replied, “but aren’t you worried about running into Young Master Qian?”

“He doesn’t know who I am. Anyway, that notorious playboy can barely remember anyone’s face. Even if we do run into him, with your skills, you could easily protect me and get us out of trouble without anyone noticing.”

Zhang Desen was about to respond, but Liu Yuting cut in,

“Please, Desen, I’ve been wanting to go for so long!”

After thinking it over, Zhang Desen realized there was no reason to refuse. It would be a good chance to see this universe’s version of Hangzhou—also known as the Western Capital. He nodded, and Liu Yuting’s face lit up with joy.

“Great! I’ll make sure everything is prepared for you tomorrow.”

Seeing his daughter so happy, Master Liu decided to say nothing more. The Liu family, though powerful and respected, was often the target of envy. As a merchant, he knew their position was always precarious. Moreover, after losing her mother, Liu Yuting had grown withdrawn and insecure due to constant malicious gossip and slander from outsiders. Once a lively and innocent girl, she now preferred seclusion, venturing out only to places with few people to avoid the ridicule and scorn of strangers.

It was only when she began searching Nanping Mountain for her “idol” that she unexpectedly encountered Young Master Qian, and subsequently Zhang Desen. With Zhang Desen’s help, she experienced warmth outside her home for the first time in years, which helped her regain some of her cheerful spirit.

Thus, Master Liu wished only for his daughter’s happiness and hoped Zhang Desen could continue to bring her joy. Naturally, he treated Zhang Desen with exceptional kindness.

The next day, Zhang Desen, out of habit, wore his military uniform underneath the plain clothes Master Liu had prepared for him, to avoid standing out. He left his helmet behind, tied up his (fake) hair using a cloth wrap and a hairpin—after all, his real hair was cropped short—blending in perfectly with the people of this world.

In this way, Zhang Desen set out for Miaoming Temple with Liu Yuting and her maid, Biliu. The journey was uneventful, and few people recognized Liu Yuting—only those with a sharp memory might notice her.

Having been withdrawn for so long, Liu Yuting found everything outside novel and exciting. Zhang Desen, new to this universe, was equally curious, and together they found plenty to talk about.

At Miaoming Temple, the two offered incense. Zhang Desen noticed that the rituals here were much the same as in his original world, so he felt quite at ease. After paying their respects, they wandered around the temple grounds. Suddenly, a haughty voice called out,

“Well, if it isn’t the merchant’s daughter! I haven’t seen you in ages. And now, you’re out with some wild man for a stroll!”