Chapter 26 — Luck

He Dachuan said: "I'm ashamed to say it—little junior sister may be young, but she's done far better than her fourth senior brother. Her future is boundless."

Zheng Dali said: "Don't forget little junior brother, either. He's made it into the third round too."

Du Biyan said: "How about we lay another wager—what are the odds little junior brother clears one more hurdle? Who dares to put money down?"

Wu Dayi, He Dachuan, Zheng Dali, and Lü Daxin: "I bet he loses! Double stakes!"

Du Biyan: "Ahem—wait, how did Elder Martial Brother vanish while we were walking? Ah, Little Junior Brother? Little Junior Sister? What's going on, where has everyone gone?"

He Dachuan thought for a moment, then said: "The little junior brother and little junior sister I can't account for, but as for the elder martial brother, I've got a fair guess."

The others exchanged a look, then said in unison: "Senior Sister Wen Pei of Xiaozhu Peak!"

Song Dayi was a big, tall fellow, yet his body suddenly gave an inexplicable shudder. Wen Pei saw it and was greatly puzzled. "What's wrong with you?"

Song Dayi frowned. "I don't know. A sudden chill came over me."

Wen Pei shot him a glance and scolded playfully: "Don't tell me it's a guilty conscience!"

Song Dayi at once shook his head like a rattle drum, saying again and again: "Nothing of the sort, nothing of the sort!"

Wen Pei's expression eased, though she still gave a little snort. "Then what are you doing, sneaking alone into the women's quarters of my Xiaozhu Peak?"

Laughter came from nearby. Song Dayi looked around awkwardly. The contest was over now, and most of the Xiaozhu Peak women had returned, each wearing a smile and watching him with keen interest. His face colored slightly; he changed the subject. "Oh—how is it I don't see my little junior sister anywhere?"

Wen Pei smiled. "That little junior sister of yours is beautiful by nature and lively besides. Someone will have asked her out long ago."

Song Dayi was startled. "What? Asked out by whom?"

Wen Pei shook her head and said nothing, then added: "If you see your junior sister Ling'er, you'd best advise her to be careful tomorrow."

Now that the talk had turned to Tian Lingsu, Song Dayi was no longer so awkward as he had been alone with Wen Pei, and his words flowed more smoothly. He frowned and said: "I know my little junior sister is to contest tomorrow with your junior sister Six of Xiaozhu Peak. The elders of our two branches have always been on good terms, so there should be nothing to worry about—and besides, the Seven Branches Martial Contest is only a friendly trial of skill."

Wen Pei glanced at him and said mildly: "Your master's wife, Uncle-Master Su, is of course on excellent terms with my master. But my master finds your master thoroughly disagreeable to look at, and I daresay she still blames him to this day for running off with our Uncle-Master Su!"

Song Dayi was checked, and was about to say more when he saw Wen Pei glance again at the Xiaozhu Peak women around them. All of them had fallen quiet and were looking this way. Song Dayi said in surprise: "What is it?"

Wen Pei looked at him, seeming to hesitate a moment, before saying: "Elder Martial Brother Song, Junior Sister Six is not like the rest of us. Her temper is somewhat strange, yet our master dotes on her exceedingly. Once she steps onto the platform, anything may happen."

Song Dayi's expression changed. "How so?"

Wen Pei closed her mouth and said no more.