Faraway Wanderers

Chapter 18. Dong Ting

Dong Ting was bustling with noise and people. In just one night, figures from all trades across jianghu were gathered here; and after having proclaimed their titles among themselves, each started pursuing their own ulterior motives.

Zhou Zishu’s group, during their meal at two taverns, had already witnessed at least three fights breaking out before the day could end.

Zhou Zishu felt like this place was no better than a dog market, with people incessantly barking at each other and competing over some of the most trivial matters ever. He wondered how this “gathering of heroes” would turn out.

Deng Kuan and Gao Xiaolian took them to see Gao Chong first and foremost. There were only three factions who possessed the Realm’s Command: Shaolin was highly respected in the pugilist scene, with their strength being their raw power; and Monk Gu of Mount Chang Ming was elusive but greatly admired1, known for his martial art skills. The most socialized out of all of them was Sir Gao, as he had a wide circle of acquaintances spreading across many big sects, and therefore was the one with the biggest influence among the three.

He was actually not at all the type of hero with a pleasant appearance and graceful manners; at first glance he looked neither handsome nor wicked, but an old, short and stout man2 with gray temple hair. When he talked, there was an evident healthy spirit to him, and his laugh was especially loud and hearty.

One look at him and Zhou Zishu understood how he got his current status.

Each person had their own unique aura, and people would flock together, separating into groups based on this invisible element.

An example would be the type of people like Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu: One looked like a sickly, staggering beggar and the other a silver-tongued, male-beauty-loving troublemaker. They weren’t that special at first glance, but someone with a sharp mind could easily sense the subtle distinctions to them once acquainted.

It was possible that both Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing could blend in a crowd without anyone noticing, but after all they weren’t that type, so naturally there was no reason for them to do such a thing. Furthermore, blending in would only turn them into unremarkable props.

But Zhou Zishu would raise his guards every time Wen Kexing got near; and during their first meeting Wen Kexing had warned Gu Xiang against provoking the other man.

It was a kind of instinct that helped one identify their peers.

This wasn’t a thing in Gao Chong’s case, however.

He could be on friendly terms with anyone, and people would overlook everything from his age to his status the moment they stood before him. Whether one was young or old, from righteous sects or was simply a knight-errant, he could always evoke a sense of familiarity in them, one which made them feel like they were of the same age and had actually experienced a part of life together.

Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing involuntarily stopped their nonsensical blabbering to observe this infamous Sir Gao silently; only exchanging necessary small talks at random and with politeness.

Zhou Zishu couldn’t help but think, If only Tian Chuang had such a talent…

But there was only one Gao Chong in this whole world.

They arrived relatively early. A few days later, one by one came the big sects’ representatives and Dong Ting Lake had very likely turned into a place for family reunion. Every day one would hear something along the line of: “Ah, You must be someone someone someone, I have heard a lot about you… Please don’t flatter me, of course, the Ghost Valley has been on their evil rampage for way too long, we will not stop before they are eradicated, it is natural that I will lend my strength, so that we can finally make a move in the name of justice and righteousness…”