The Gourd Sword Immortal

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At sunset, just outside Huaiyuan Town.

By now, the country road was nearly deserted, with only a few figures in sight. Oddly, at the road’s end stood a group of children, clearly divided into two rival factions.

One of the boys, half a head taller than his companions and with striking, well-defined features, was shouting at another boy across from him:

“Zhang Daniu, a bet is a bet. You already lost the last round, and if we win this one too, from now on whenever you see me in town, you’ll have to call me ‘Big Brother’! And you can’t pester Xiaocui anymore!”

The boy called Daniu, burly and thickset even at his young age, snorted in response. “All right, Liang the Mutt, you only won last time with a sneaky trick. This round, I won’t go easy on you!”

Liang, quick-witted, replied at once, “You set the test last round, so it’s my turn now.”

“How do we compete?”

“Let’s see who can climb to the top of Wenliang Hill first!”

“It’s a deal!”

Barely had the words left his mouth when Liang shot off like an arrow, leaving Daniu momentarily stunned before he cursed and took off after him.

…

As dusk deepened, the mountain path grew ever more silent. A boy darted through the woods, his nose straight, lips thin, with sword-like brows and bright, lively eyes. For one so young, he had an impish, clever air. This was none other than Liang Yan, the boy who had wagered with Daniu earlier.

He suddenly stopped to glance at the sky.

“I can’t believe our contest has gone on so long. If I don’t head home