此前,盧孔章在邢珣離去後,不斷想着邢珣擒拿手法。盧孔章一招受制,大覺丟臉,於是將手下逐一大罵,力數眾人貪生怕死。罵後,盧孔章思索邢珣「任永在南方」的話,不知其言是真是假,料想邢珣名震四海,目標亦是捉拿任永。邢珣武功高強,一人之力便能成事。盧孔章斷定邢珣不會施出調虎離山之計,惟怕邢珣殺害任永。盧孔章深怕不能向主公交代,邢珣與己目的一致,不會為難自己,於是與從人上騎南奔,直追任永。737Please respect copyright.PENANABQ2gZwUB8v
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遠方塵沙四起,盧孔章和其手下快要到來。邢珣道:「那位朋友不是壞人,何故要捉拿兄弟?」任永急道:「現下沒時間解釋,盧孔章大奸大惡,他要殺我,亦要活捉這位蘇姑娘,先姦後殺。」盧孔章曾想強暴蘇寧雪,這事當真,但殺人之言,全是任永胡亂瞎說。邢珣欲保護任蘇二人,暗暗自忖:「盧孔章見識過我的厲害,不會敗於同一技倆。我和盧孔章無仇無怨,互相周旋下,當能自保。但任兄弟武功患得患失,姓蘇的姑娘昏迷不醒,我難以同時保護二人周全。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA5wCb1BdAVd
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於是邢珣道:「比試暫時擱下,任兄弟先抱着蘇姑娘上馬離去。邢某已知兄弟去向,一兩月後,必找任兄弟重新比試。兄弟若運功不靈,大可多邀幫手助戰。姓盧的和我不是敵人,你們放心,我自可勸退他們。」話後從懷中取出事物,交到任永手上,再道:「這是御用療傷聖藥與一些銀兩。兄弟可僱大夫,若蘇姑娘情況有異,可給她服食靈藥。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAp2U9xuKshx
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任永把藥瓶放入懷中,又速速將二十多兩銀錠收入蘇寧雪的包袱。任永想:「這麼多銀子,當可請上十個華佗。」任永拾回黑色短弓,背於身後,抱起蘇寧雪上馬。盧孔章和其手下漸追漸近,任永無暇長篇大論,連箭支也不拾回,只向邢珣說了句謝,慌忙策馬南奔。737Please respect copyright.PENANAtp9IXgwuWR
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任蘇二人到達宜章。任永租了一間客棧房間,把蘇寧雪置在床上。任永拿出一兩,命客棧小二代他聘請當地最好的大夫,要求大夫親自上門,為蘇寧雪治療。大夫到達房間,先向任永詢問患者情況,再為蘇寧雪把脈,後用手指撐開蘇寧雪眼皮。望診後,大夫向任永道:「在下不便掀開姑娘背後衣衫,請任公子代勞。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA7tMdfEw403
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任永愣住一陣,心想:「大夫要求,蘇寧雪不能怪我。」伸手解開蘇寧雪長裙腰帶,拉起束在下裳的上衫。蘇寧雪背部露出,皮膚黑作一團。大夫檢查一番後,向任永道:「這位姑娘沒有骨折,只要受了嚴重內傷。說也奇怪,姑娘傷情並非太壞。敢問公子,有人治過這位姑娘否?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAleHxcter6O
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任永為蘇寧雪整理衣衫,再從懷中拿出藥瓶,倒出瓶內全部兩顆丹藥,置於掌心。大夫看了丹藥,便道:「這紅色方形圓角之生藥,名叫『內衛丸』,是前內廠所用靈藥,珍貴非常,想來公子認識朝中人士。」當地大夫竟然識得朝中靈藥,任永大疑不信。大夫笑道:「在下師出『何氏藥莊』,天下珍藥,在下略知一二。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA5Uv0zcm1SG
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「何氏藥莊」天下聞名,是「殺命軍」二弟子何仲禎的生意。何仲禎人稱「何大大夫」、以示與一般大夫之異。名號本有讚賞之意,好事者卻戲稱他為「何大大」、「何雙大」、「何太大」、「何二大」、「何小小」,花樣甚多。任永想:「原來是「何大大」的門生。與『殺命軍』有關的人可謂層出不窮,皇帝老子密探,似乎不如『殺命軍』首領、『一刀兩斷』謝長千。」任永問:「大夫見多識廣,有藥方否?」737Please respect copyright.PENANA4tIbSPkp4M
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大夫道:「這位姑娘服了靈丹,加上在下開出的一道藥方。十天之內,姑娘須按時服藥,當可行走。三四月內不作操勞,即可痊癒。」任永想:「邢珣一掌廢了蘇寧雪三四個月武功。我跟他對掌良久,亦是僥倖。若是喬老復生,代我出手,邢珣必敗。」任永總覺體中內力強勁無比,偏生不能盡數使出力量。任永又想:「若非盧孔章趕到,我早已敗在邢珣手上。下次碰到盧孔章,該要謝他一番。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAFhgCuFcWvm
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任永怕做麻煩事,多出二兩銀子,要求大夫派遣下人依方煎藥,又讓那人按時來到客棧,幫助任永餵藥。任永再問:「她何時會醒?應否讓她再服『內衛丸』?」大夫道:「若她沒有吐血,兩三日後,自然轉醒;如果她口吐紅血,公子可差人告知在下,讓在下親自察看;若她吐血不斷,血現黑色,在下來到之前,公子須餵她服用靈藥。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA7CMIFIBbb4
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大夫離去後,任永助蘇寧雪蓋上被褥,再離開客房。任永在客棧露台憑欄看景,街上人流絡繹不絕。樹木枝葉隨風飄蕩,商販大聲叫賣,婦女抱着小孩購買,壯丁推着車子緩緩而前,老伯肩挑兩擔行進,男孩玩弄手上風車。任永想:「宜章是南下廣東要衝,確是一個好地方。可惜我愛東奔西跑,不能久住一處。」又想:「我插手江湖事情,惹下不少麻煩。蘇寧雪無恙後,我該是時候離去。」又想:「我內力亂作一通,不知如何解決,今後必影響生計。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAvhMKr1E1NI
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任永重進房間,看了蘇寧雪一眼,不知她是昏是睡。任永心下尋思:「廣州派要挑上十四大派,蘇寧雪身受重傷,回到海豐,亦不能做些甚麼。她為我擋下一斧,我與她分別前,該要為她做些事來。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA1oL2vi9dU1
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任永將暗紅色小牌子、「殺命軍」的信物掛在腰間,在街上閒逛。不久,一名頭頂蓑帽的男子跟在任永身後。任永察覺有人跟蹤,於是進了一道僻巷。那人開口道:「口令或牌子。」任永轉過身來,展示刻有「木天永壽」的小牌子。那人道:「報價否?」任永道:「我不知價。」那人皺一皺眉,再道:「送信看路程,二兩至二十兩;哨探看對象,五兩至四十兩;保鏢看事物,無謂不保,五十兩起價;做大事看對象人數,一百兩起。其他事,看委託者身份,或不接。」說話全是短語,語句並不完整。737Please respect copyright.PENANAOIsS9CdAKA
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任永想:「這幫人原來會當鏢師,『大事』應該指殺人,似乎達官貴人才可以委託『其他事』來。邢珣給我二十多兩,不知請他為我打探情報,對方會否開足四十兩價口。」任永道:「我要查探廣州派攻打嶺南十四派一事,要悉知事件大概,廣州派內有何方高手,還要了解那些門派早已遭殃,也要探得海豐派是否無恙。」那人拿出紙筆,把問題一一記下,再道:「十兩。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA2tt9k1WX0L
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任永心中大寬,料想所處的宜章與廣州府路途不遠,價不甚高。任永再問:「可否在五天內辦妥?」那人答:「快事多五兩,最快七天,失手不賠。」任永想:「這幫『殺命軍』生意之道可真了得,明碼實價搶錢。我說五天,他說七天,安全至上,保證成功。」任永再道:「沒問題。」737Please respect copyright.PENANALLZxahezsp
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那人接過任永銀子後,向任永道:「在下提醒公子一句,我們『救命軍』信物不應隨便掛在身上。下次有事委託,公子只需拿着一信封,問途人『送信何價』便行。七天後,我們在此相會。」話後那人轉身離去。737Please respect copyright.PENANAegO23tXTj7
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過了三天,蘇寧雪仍舊昏迷。大夫下人餵藥時,任永再出一兩,要下人同時餵蘇寧雪進食。蘇寧雪沒有吐血,任永料想蘇寧雪情況好轉,但大夫說蘇寧雪會在兩三日內醒來,現下快到第四天,蘇寧雪還是老樣子,任永心下着急。737Please respect copyright.PENANAbZY3VROE1o
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當天三更時分,蘇寧雪悠悠轉醒,任永臥地而睡。蘇寧雪伸出一足,欲立於地上,為自己盛水,豈知一站起來,背部疼痛非常,身子不由自主地倒在地上,胸口直壓任永。任永受到撞擊,猛然轉醒,鼻中聞香,只覺一柔軟事物壓在自己身上。任永張開眼睛,蘇寧雪身子在目前三寸之地。蘇寧雪一雙妙目看着任永,任永笑道:「我任英雄再次拯救蘇寧雪,難道你大感恩德,要以身相許?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAUVL7yV6pQS
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蘇寧雪面紅耳赤,伸手拍向任永臉頰,怒道:「無恥小人,是我擋斧救你,快快扶我上床。」蘇寧雪傷癒不久,沒能大叫,雖然心中憤怒,但揚聲之音柔弱動聽。任永聽出耳油,十分受用,同時伸手牢接蘇寧雪手臂,使她手掌沒能擊中自己。任永笑道:「你求我,我立刻扶你上床。」蘇寧雪欲親自站立,但痛感傳身,剛剛撐起,隨之墮下,胸口反擦任永身上。任永大感舒服,狂笑不止。737Please respect copyright.PENANAh4USEcnSNy
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忽然間,蘇寧雪雙目閉起,兩臂下垂,全身倒在任永身上。任永大驚,一邊扶起蘇寧雪,一邊叫道:「喂!死了沒。」蘇寧雪沒有回應。任永將蘇寧雪抱回床上,讓蘇寧雪躺臥。蘇寧雪突然睜開雙眼,左手拍向任永臉頰。任永不閃不避,右頰中掌。任永笑嘻嘻道:「蘇寧雪阿蘇寧雪,你學了我任永騙人的本領,亦是無恥小人。這掌軟綿綿的,你幼時沒請教你的好妹妹蘇寧霜用掌之道,今天後悔否?」蘇寧雪一掌牽動痛楚,沒能答出話來。737Please respect copyright.PENANAyTRpah66GZ
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少頃,蘇寧雪道:「喂!給我水。」任永笑道:「甚麼喂?你應該說『請任大俠倒茶給小女子蘇寧雪』之類的話來。」任永還是倒了一杯水,把它遞給蘇寧雪。蘇寧雪接過水杯,喝了一口後,問道:「邢珣怎麼了?」任永眼現狡猾神色,高聲叫道:「他在這裡。」蘇寧雪被任永嚇唬,頓時慌張大驚,手中握杯不定,連聲問道:「邢珣沒打傷你?他在這裡,我們該怎麼辦?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAm6czeCEIcO
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蘇寧雪惶惶神色。任永奸計得逞,笑道:「我們沒事。邢珣那麼窩囊,我一掌打傷了他,讓他昏迷不醒,如像豬狗睡了好幾天,我猜他應該會餓着醒來。這餓豬餓狗醒來後,或許按捺不住,一掌打到我臉上。但我任永有蓋世神功,武功高強之餘,人品又佳。豬狗終會跪下來,求我為她倒茶。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA2wcXyzbVPo
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蘇寧雪知任永拐彎罵自己,任永又重複當日自己跟徒兒方婷的說話。蘇寧雪不知好氣還是好笑,說道:「胡說八道。」任永笑道:「當初是某人對方婷小娃娃說我人品佳和武功高強。我是胡說的話,想來你也一樣。」蘇寧雪說不過任永,一時間默然不語。蘇寧雪不回話,任永大笑道:「我一掌把他斃了。」蘇寧雪道:「說謊。」任永改口道:「我跟邢珣比掌,勢均力敵,你信不信?」蘇寧雪大疑不信,於是任永略說一遍比掌之事,又重複大夫的交待。任永說話之時繪聲繪影,亦不忙嘲諷蘇寧雪幾番。737Please respect copyright.PENANAVdBUXxJBF8
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任永敘事畢後,把蘇寧雪手上水杯放回案上。蘇寧雪臥床欲睡,身子移動時,身背又傳來一陣痛楚。蘇寧雪微動身子,忽然感到不對勁,於是摸摸後背衣衫,驚叫道:「任永你這個無賴、淫賊……」蘇寧雪竟然哭了起來。任永不知所措,忙道:「我……我……大夫要求的。」心下後悔:「剛才轉述大夫言語時,該不要省略此節。」蘇寧雪哭個不停,任永百口莫辯,欲推門離去。737Please respect copyright.PENANAmiVhwRDflL
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蘇寧雪聽到門開的聲音,一邊收淚,一邊道:「喂!你住的房間在哪?」任永道:「甚麼我住的你住的,我只租了一間房。」蘇寧雪居然與這個無賴同處一室多時,再次號啕大哭起來。任永忙到床邊,向蘇寧雪道:「我……銀子不夠……租另一間房!」蘇寧雪哭道:「是你……幫我……用飯……用藥?」任永急道:「不是,我僱大夫的下人……」蘇寧雪嗚呼搶天,哭得厲害,打斷了任永的話,怒道:「你剛剛說沒銀子,如何能僱人!」737Please respect copyright.PENANAKkxoXYhaJ2
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任永啞口無言,多說多錯,索性不說。過了一陣,蘇寧雪哭道:「為何不說話?你作賊心虛!」任永感到難以招架,心想:「平日不見得她伶牙俐齒。我任永自問說遍蘇寧雪無敵手。誰知她邊哭邊鬥嘴,我反要投降認輸。孔夫子說『唯女子與小人為難養也』,很有道理。」任永耳根不淨,抱頭掩耳,竄出房間。737Please respect copyright.PENANAHRmFPlDwJ4
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任永在門外待着,不知蘇寧雪哭到何時。無聊之際,任永在房外迴廊來回踱步,由巷頭走到巷尾,再由巷尾走到巷頭。不久後,任永在巷尾聽得前方巷頭傳來腳步聲,一名男子道:「主公若知三公子辦事了得,必定好生歡喜。」任永一聽此聲,大感不妙,立即打開自己所租住房間的一扇門,遮擋自己,其時蘇寧雪正在啁啁低嗚。那男子看不見任永,進了任永隔壁的房間,蓋上了門。737Please respect copyright.PENANAO0Aq0VKGW9
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任永頓感息懷,覺得剛才那聲音似曾相識,心想:「『江西三友』好像說過,其中一人要輔助甚麼三公子。剛才那人不是李士實、就是劉養正,可惜我記不起是那一位。半年前,李士實和盧孔章合鬥蘇寧霜,二人武功稍弱。那個持鐵扇的劉養正卻是陰險毒辣,看準蘇寧霜破綻,一招便擊走她手上青玉、再一招差點送掉她的性命,只盼來人不是劉養正。」737Please respect copyright.PENANACqt3pfGIog
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任永來到蘇寧雪面前,蘇寧雪不欲直視任永,掩面轉頭。任永低聲道:「江西的敵人來了。」蘇寧雪大為驚恐,隨即鎮定起來,輕聲說道:「你又騙我。」任永急道:「今次沒有騙你……我不是有意的。你躺在床,我睡在地。幫你餵藥餵食的大夫下人,女的!」蘇寧雪擦乾臉上淚水,向任永道:「盧孔章?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAz2E044xUdd
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任永道:「不是,當日你在破屋迷迷糊糊之時,還有兩人與你的好妹妹相鬥,一個名叫李士實,一個名叫劉養正,外間必是兩者之一。我去探聽消息,你不要再哭。」蘇寧雪正欲開口,任永已離開房間,關上房門。737Please respect copyright.PENANAYvrvRpDsVn
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任永輕聲踏步,來到隔壁房間大門外。任永張耳於房門隙縫,偷聽房間中人的話。房內傳出微細的聲音,那男子道:「……到來,三公子武藝了得,『虹天劍』一出,廣東群鼠……望風而逃。」任永聽不清楚全部說話,於是聚精會神,伸耳傾聽。另一男子道:「若不是劉先生在旁指點一二,我……於比武中捷捷得勝。」聲音甚是年輕,任永心頭一震,想道:「當真是『贛江居士』劉養正,另一位就是甚麼三公子。三公子與『江西三友』的口中主公有父子關係,卻不知為何南下跟人比武。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAicwqwTdHYd
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三公子道:「父親大人常常說我辦事不力,肯定不相信我技蓋眾小。」劉養正笑道:「屬下勸三公子減少忤逆主公意思,少與主公鬥口,多到江湖歷練,才能有所成就。」任永想:「三公子南下廣東,與人比武,旨在鍛練,由劉養正監督。這與我四處找人比武對招,目的有所不同。哼,若我任永有財有勢,怎會做這些辛辛苦苦的事來?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAyFOfDkOLou
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三公子續道:「不是我想逆父親大人意思,是父親大人不明白我。他經常道我年少,行事做人過於稚嫩。」劉養正道:「三公子行事踏實,想當年『伏龍』諸葛亮出山相助,成就劉備大業,年紀也不過二十七八。我家三公子以十六之齡在江湖做大事,所向披靡,遠超古人矣。」任永想:「此話阿諛諂媚,無恥至極。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAeTglU8rxPc
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三公子大笑道:「先生過獎。劉先生不過三十上下,武藝便如此了得,智謀不在話下。無怪父親大人破格提拔先生,與李老師一起成為我家的左右手。」任永想:「李老師無疑是李士實。當日劇鬥之時,李士實髮鬢斑斑,想來也有五六十歲。劉養正以三十之齡,地位與李士實同等。恐怕劉養正有點真材實學之餘,鬼話諂媚的本領亦是眾賊之首。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAtcb1xJxwkz
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任永聽到物品碰撞之聲,不知二人正在對飲。忽然間,任永眼前頓見一影,右側陰風陣陣,渾身不對勁,於是側頭一看。任永眼珠內呈現另一雙目,任永嚇驚不已,欲大叫起來。那人立刻手掩任永嘴巴,任永強自鎮定,沒有喊出話來。737Please respect copyright.PENANAVGhyn3Z4u2
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原來任永身旁站着一名蒙面黑衣人,那黑衣人比任永高出一個頭來,背持長刀。任永與那人同時偷聽房中二人交談,任永卻沒有發現對方。那黑衣人放下粗手,施個手勢,示意不是敵人。那人手指房間大門,再指雙方耳朵,似乎表示自己要繼續偷聽,任永不需理會。任永暗暗駭然,心想:「他到底是何方神聖?這人無聲無息的來到,我竟不知曉。若他是劉養正手下,我必被對方鐵扇所斃。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAxneof7rpDL
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三公子道:「廣州派掌門張熹大動干戈,不知何派是他的下一目標。」任永耳聞「廣州派」三字,當下更留神傾聽。劉養正道:「那人吞併了龍門派,六日後將挑戰韶州府曲江派。三公子,曲江離這裡不算太遠,我們應否到曲江湊個熱鬧?」三公子道:「那張熹雖然庸碌無能,畢竟已令五派俯首、一派併歸,當下聲勢浩大。曲江派無甚人才,要是比武對招,亦不值得一看。說起嶺南各門,我反而關注海豐派。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAiaAogndeyr
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劉養正道:「細作回報,海豐派掌門王習亡故,大弟子失蹤至今。派內武藝最強的人是一女子,名叫蘇寧雪。半年前,我們搶得玉寶時,蘇寧雪和她的手下同時被盧兄捉拿。他們被押至吉安府囚着,聽候主公發落。現下海豐派的高手,剩下一名叫方頴的女孩,實在不足為患。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA9tcn204Zvb
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任永心中暗忖:「蘇寧雪知道王老師傅身故後,必定哭得厲害。」又想:「我竟然做了蘇寧雪的『手下』,當真可笑。」轉念又想:「幸好劉養正未知我已逃離盧孔章魔掌。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA9AgQ8QEtVV
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三公子問道:「海豐高手竟是女孩?那方頴很厲害的嗎?」劉養正回答道:「她快到十五歲,乳臭未乾,不足為患。」三公子道:「嗯。但劉先生不要忘記,我們搶到半只玉寶,另外半只不知所蹤。我們的細作混入海豐派查探多時,至今仍杳無音訊。我們應當親自前往海豐打探消息。」劉養正道:「這……大公子……」三公子插口道:「沒問題。你火速到曲江探聽消息,再來稟報。」劉養正道:「領命。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAT9cGTkenia
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任永知劉養正要離開,速速返回房間,那背持長刀的黑衣人早已離去。任永想:「此人來無影去無蹤,幸好不是敵人。」又想:「那破石竟然被尊稱作『玉寶』,我可不見得那石頭是價值連城的寶貝。相比起來,喬老丹藥有用得多。但他們最初亦不知道玉內有另有乾坤,當真奇怪。」任永回房,蘇寧雪坐在床上道:「江西的人發現了我們麼?」任永道:「沒有,他們在討論廣州派……的事。」737Please respect copyright.PENANASvNNjwVxff
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任永說到「廣州派」三字後,突然想起一心事,但恐難以啟齒,於是掉過頭來,不敢直視蘇寧雪,說話至尾結結巴巴。蘇寧雪默不作聲,想着同一事情。剎那間,剛才傳出陣陣說笑哭啼之聲的房間,一下子變得水靜河飛,連戶外鳥鳴狗吠之聲幾也可聞。737Please respect copyright.PENANAXQo412kNfH
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兩刻靜默過後,蘇寧雪微開灰白嘴唇,目視任永,緩緩地道:「你說過我神劍無敵,六天後我用藥完畢,我……我自行返到海豐。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAaBfxLch7HB
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任永回過頭來,望向蘇寧雪蒼白的面容,徐徐問道:「你回去後,還能做些甚麼?」蘇寧雪稍稍伸展右臂,再道:「我不動武,亦能幫師父指揮眾人臨敵。」任永想:「王習老伯不在人世,你傷勢初癒,我如何能開口。」737Please respect copyright.PENANALsGgRCb0a1
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二人久久不語,互相思索事情。蘇寧雪擰過頭來,雙目望向別處,輕聲道:「謝謝你。」任永微一抬頭,不敢相信耳中聽到「謝謝你」三個字,不敢相信自己戲弄十次百次的蘇寧雪,會親口說出這句話來。737Please respect copyright.PENANAuPFavOYJwH
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蘇寧雪轉臥於床,頭靠枕上,側身背向任永,緩緩地道:「我們到了廣東界口,你又僱人照顧我。我當信守承諾,你……」蘇寧雪嚥下口水,再道:「你自便。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA57lAoVkqHF
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任永想:「從今以後,我任永重做獨行俠,少理江湖之事。但她這個樣子,我於心何忍。」又想:「蘇寧雪分明想我跟她同回海豐,但她個性倔強,向我道謝、不肯道別,也不肯開口求我。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA4Gfue5HPds
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蘇寧雪背向橫臥,任永不知蘇寧雪是否睡着。任永內心掙扎,不知應否一走了之。過了兩刻時間,任永嘆了口氣,開口道:「我擔心方婷小妹妹安危,決意到海豐探望她。我們同路而歸......算是巧合。」理由甚是牽強。737Please respect copyright.PENANAFCanodRtyq
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蘇寧雪慢慢轉過頭來,雙目直視任永,柔聲道:「你回海豐,只是為了我徒兒方婷?」任永微有怒意,心想:「我已不顧面子,先露口風,你何苦咄咄逼人。」737Please respect copyright.PENANABJqBpwBZdd
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任永看着蘇寧雪,蘇寧雪又看着任永。任永眼中盡是蘇寧雪清澈的雙目,活見一對明珠。737Please respect copyright.PENANAoAnj53hLFs
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任永長嘆一聲,想好說法,淡淡地道:「我是你的大債主,一定要到海豐討錢。比武賞錢、看守酬勞,還有教方婷習武的費用,合共二十四兩。我路上順道……的的確確是順道……照顧你蘇寧雪,再加一兩,整合二十五兩。」任永此話實是胡言亂語,卻收起了平日輕挑無禮的態度。737Please respect copyright.PENANAuhALeOWFU5
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蘇寧雪沒有回答,一雙妙目瞧着任永,看得任永身子不敢動彈分毫,雙方呼吸之聲微微可聞。蘇寧雪黯然神傷,心想:「難道......難道......」737Please respect copyright.PENANAd2oWKTOxsS
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二人對望良久,蘇寧雪微張雙唇道:「好。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAAsqGcd0SZj
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是晚,蘇寧雪臥在床上,任永席地而睡。夜去晨來,蘇寧雪被一些聲音吵醒,張眼坐定後,見床邊地上放着一袋箭、一條弓弦、一張黑色短弓。短弓內沒有弦線,似乎被任永拆除。任永坐在地上,左手握着弓臂,右手抓着一條未上弓的弦線。737Please respect copyright.PENANAaWsjbLBJmU
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蘇寧雪道:「你在幹甚麼?」任永目視短弓,說道:「整理武器啊,不然我如何守你海豐派。我今早買了新矢和弦線,趁現在雙手有勁,為短弓上新弦,不然改日喬老作怪,我便沒有機會。」心想:「你跟了我半年,每次到販賣弓箭的地方,我都會買上新弦以備替換。你竟不知此事,只道我會買箭。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAMIB1AV66h8
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任永說話時,短弓橫放胸前。任永左手握着左弓臂,右手把弦線的一頭扣上左弓臂頂端。然後右手沿着弦線橫掃,把弓弦拉直,將弦線另一頭扣到右弓臂。拉弦之時,任永雙手使勁,慢慢地將左右弓臂由向外,拗至向內。蘇寧雪大奇,問道:「你這樣將弓臂內拗,不怕弓臂斷裂嗎?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAWxDfNokI6l
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任永道:「這是反曲弓,天生是反向外,成一個反『八』字狀。扣上弦線的反曲弓,弓臂向內彎,便是你平日看到的樣子。我死去的爹從來不用這弓。四歲那年,我爹把它送給我。我用了它足足有十六個年頭,弓臂斷裂是遲早的事。」蘇寧雪大疑道:「你四歲能用弓?我不相信。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAotRakBXgS6
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任永笑道:「我未足一歲便會拉弓射箭。」蘇寧雪道:「假話連篇,我不信。」任永道:「一歲是騙你的,四歲卻是真話。我祖上數代,蒙漢通婚。蒙古習俗,孩童兩三歲習騎,三四歲開始學拉弓射箭,五六歲通曉騎射。蒙古有一拉弓不射的練習,我孩時每天拉弓五六十下,十歲開始每天拉弓一二百次,鍛鍊臂力。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA5AeolagcJr
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任永再道:「這祖傳金色……現在是黑色短弓,這弓非輕。我四歲開始練習,提不起此弓,於是把弓置在地上,左腳踏着弓臂,身子彎下,以右手拉弦,當時只能拉動弦線分毫。我爹說以往蒙古士兵出征,一人帶上三四張弓。我孩時有弓兩把,一張長弓、一張反曲弓。四歲時以長弓練習射箭。」蘇寧雪想:「難怪你騎術和射術如此了得,原來祖上有蒙古血統。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA3RdnANqzzb
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蘇寧雪扶着床柱,嘗試慢慢站起,只覺背身仍有痛感,尚可勉強立定。蘇寧雪坐下來,向任永道:「你昨夜說探到廣州派的事,難道江西的人與廣州派有關?」任永道:「江西兩個傢伙住在隔壁,一個是劉養正,一個是甚麼三公子,他們……」蘇寧雪插口道:「三公子?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAycdgb2gMtW
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任永道:「不知姓甚名誰。『江西三友』受命於一個不知來歷的主公,我只知道那主公財雄勢大,三公子是主公的兒子,想來排行第三。他們說了很多無關的事,亦說廣州派已挑了五派、滅了一派,並會於六日後到曲江派尋事。三公子還說要親自到海豐派,查探另外半只玉寶去向。」蘇寧雪道:「甚麼玉寶?」737Please respect copyright.PENANA7OP8k9x9yt
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任永道:「在喬老故宅,你的好妹妹搶了半塊破石。那半只破石就是我不小心丟在地上的那塊。劉養正和三公子稱呼它作『玉寶』。他們得到半塊石頭,打算到你府上,查探另外半塊破石下落。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAD8GBIPc9cR
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蘇寧雪道:「廣州派和那位三公子似乎不是同黨。不知我派境況如何,我亦怕三公子亂我海豐總壇,我們須立刻起行……」任永打斷蘇寧雪的話,說道:「不會的。那個三公子派了劉養正打探廣州派和曲江派相鬥的情況。六天後,廣州派會挑上曲江派,那兩人亦暫時不會到海豐。況且你連行走也有困難,還要用藥六天,再者……」任永忽然沾沾自喜,笑道:「我有一份禮物送你。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAxxyx3ShI3x
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蘇寧雪喜道:「甚麼禮物?」任永望見她開懷的樣子,眉飛色舞地道:「我任永突然灑好心、做好事,大揮錢財,花了足足一百兩,於四日前僱了『殺命軍』打探清息。海豐派被踏平了沒,三日後便知分曉。你高不高興?是否想以身相許?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAKnp6jO0Td2
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蘇寧雪淡淡地道:「我還以為是甚麼。」任永想:「你到底以為甚麼。」蘇寧雪道:「你任永又在胡言亂語,那裡來的一百兩。就算有百兩,你這個守財貪婪之輩一定不捨得花上。若你真的為我花上一百兩的話,我蘇寧雪跟你任永姓氏,叫任寧雪!」737Please respect copyright.PENANAyuiBTD4LRx
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任永嬉皮笑臉地道:「你要跟我姓氏,想必你要以身相許,下嫁於我。若你跟我姓任,二十五兩債當作聘禮,一筆勾消。」蘇寧雪臉上一紅,無話可說,轉話題道:「到底你僱『殺命軍』是真是假?」任永裝作正經,大聲道:「假!」蘇寧雪心想:「你這個模樣說假,那麼此事肯定是真。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAyvrP8PpBGm
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接下來的幾天,蘇寧雪在房中休息,任永惟恐盧孔章追來,不時到宜章街上流連巡視,又常到三公子房間門前偷聽。但劉養正早已離去,三公子單獨一人,不會在房內自言自語。任永想:「劉養正認得我相貌。蘇寧雪休養畢後,我們得趕快離去。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAVtixr9WrJt
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到了任永與「殺命軍」人眾相會之日,任永重回那條僻巷,站着等待半個時辰,那頭頂衰帽的「殺命軍」男子才現身。任永忿氣難平,正想開口責罵。那人不打招呼,先開口道:「廣州派攻打嶺南十四派,欲先挑戰位於廣東的十派,最後才找上廣西四派。廣州派掌門張熹在四個月內攻打了廣州府附近的德慶、新會、香山、從化、連州五派,讓五派投誠歸順。廣州派又找上了龍門派,龍門派掌門陳義死戰不降,門派被吞併除名,成為廣州派龍門堂。廣州派人眾現正起行,兩三天後會對上曲江派。」說話時抬頭望天,似在背誦情報。737Please respect copyright.PENANAkkt9vM4TkV
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任永想:「廣州派四月前開始出手,或許王老師傅在那時委託『殺命軍』通知我們,不久後才逝去。」又想:「蘇寧雪早晚知道她師父身故,現下我隻字不提,對她的傷情來說也是好事。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAEXx8IS3WvL
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那男子見任永低頭尋思,問道:「公子?」任永回過神來,就道:「嗯,你說嶺南十四大派之內,廣西四派未被攻打,其他廣東的十派之中,已有五派降、一派被滅、一派快要遭殃,即是一二五……七派。餘下三個門派,包括海豐,情況如何?」那男子道:「長樂派與蓬州派分別修書,派人到廣州派處請和,廣州派暫未回應。海豐派掌門新喪,派內群龍無首,未有決定,似乎沒有請和投降之意。」任永問:「廣州派如何侵占各門各派?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAaQHyvhgP07
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那人道:「廣州派每到一派地方,與那派定下比武決勝之法。兩方各遣門人一對一比武,或三戰兩勝、或五戰三勝。若廣州派勝,對方便要歸降,受廣州派號令。至於龍門派……」任永道:「想是龍門派掌門陳義不肯比武,被廣州派強攻,於是一派被滅。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA8LCdBjri8w
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那人道:「正是,龍門派不肯比武,廣州派掌門張熹命令三百門徒強攻。與此同時,龍門派內出現叛徒,裡應外合,殺了掌門陳義,率眾降者加入廣州派。」任永想:「那叛徒早與廣州派聯手,若有任何異動,即與廣州派一起對付自己人。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAVhTSQ8vfY5
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任永又想:「以比武對招決定一派命運,十分冒險。廣州派內必有高手,亦在各派安插奸細,確保穩操勝券、百戰百勝,才到各派生事。嶺南各派害怕被廣州派眾人一擁而上,只好答應比武。其實各大門派只需假意歸降,便可了事。」任永胡思亂想,不知道嶺南各派極度重視世系流傳、先祖遺訓,又不知廣州派將勝利之事傳於千里。落敗的各派門徒個個面目無光,派內四分五裂,假意歸降又談何容易。737Please respect copyright.PENANAgpEolV5Qpp
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任永問道:「我聽說廣州派內沒有武林高手,掌門張熹不見得武功高強。比武決戰,廣州派何以不敗?」737Please respect copyright.PENANACIKC3BCHVF
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那人道:「廣州派最近招收了一批江湖人士,共二十四人。那些人個個籍貫不同,大部分不是廣東人。廣州派與德慶、新會、香山、從化、連州五派相鬥,全都派遣新來的門人進行比武。二十四人中,十三名好手曾經出戰,與各門各派人士比拼。一人名叫何福,使大刀;一人名叫賀軍,使劍……」那人背出十三人的姓名及所用兵刃,再問道:「在下要詳說各人所用武學招式、比武情況,公子有閒否?」737Please respect copyright.PENANAvvjZJksEEI
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任永想:「我記不住十三人的姓名兵刃,如何能記下這許許多多人的武學家數。」於是道:「不必了。」那人道:「公子若沒要事,在下先行告退。」話罷,那人伸出左臂,攤開手掌來。任永愕然一陣,隨即會意,從懷中抽出一兩打賞那人。那人轉身欲走,任永忽道:「等等,甚麼何福等二十四人,有從屬你們『救命軍』的人嗎?」那人道:「一個也沒有。」737Please respect copyright.PENANArwj9Frt2If
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任永回到客棧,將所知事情告知蘇寧雪。海豐一派暫時無恙,蘇寧雪心中一寬,向任永道:「廣州派不會無緣無故生事,還不知在何處生出許多高手來,只怕當中有重大陰謀。」又道:「嶺南各派自視甚高,很久以前就輕視廣州派。各派想必不肯聯手對付敵人,致有今日結果。我怕張熹對付曲江派後,下個目標就是海豐。」737Please respect copyright.PENANABbXCUqp5Al
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任永道:「幸好海豐派群龍無首,實力不足,廣州派才會將你們放到最後。不然我們被盧孔章追殺時,海豐派早被血洗了。」蘇寧雪問道:「我海豐如何群龍無首?」任永想:「不好,我說錯話。」於是強笑道:「沒有你寧雪女俠和我任永男俠,海豐派一盆散沙、一擊即破,不足為懼。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA0RTr9sLtiT
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任永再道:「對了,剛才在房間外廊走過,那三公子早已退房離開。」蘇寧雪道:「不好,他要和那個叫劉養正的手下到海豐尋事,我們不能再耽誤時日。」任永笑道:「你還要休養數天,否則便會暴屍房內、嗚呼哀哉。」737Please respect copyright.PENANA6T5X2rBny8
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蘇寧雪站起道:「我休息了七天,行走已無大礙。你不起行,我自行回到海豐。」話後伸手,欲提起任永的黑色短弓,負於背上。任永心下後悔:「早知如此,我不該告訴你這事,三公子害人不淺。」於是向蘇寧雪道:「你有背傷,背不動我的短弓。我們還是換回武器,起行上路。」737Please respect copyright.PENANAOpmjhJX1E2
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長篇武俠:《反曲記》
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長篇武俠:《反曲記》
Author:
餘悸
ISSUE #9
第一季第九章:伶牙利齒
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