Silver Spear Cleansed in Blood - 碧血洗银枪 - Gu Long

As promised, I'm taking over the translation for Bixue Xi Yinqiang, also known as Righteous Blood Cleansing Silver Spear. BeeDreamer did the first translation here. I got the above title from Gu Long wiki...though BeeDreamer's title is actually a bit more accurate. I use a different title to differentiate between the two translations.

About the book:
It's from Gu Long, the story is taken place after the Flying Dagger series and after Legendary Sibling based on things mentioned in the book. To give you an idea of the timeline, the following "past" characters were mentioned in this book: Duan Yu (Jasper Sabre), Li XunHuan, Ah Fei (both from Flying Dagger) , Masters of Yihua Gong (two sisters from Legendary Siblings), and Yan Shisan (3rd Young Master's Sword)...

It was written in 1977, according to wuxiapedia, so this one of Gu Long later work. I'm gonna skip the premise cause the story is more like a mystery thriller anyway. The book has one prologue, 39 chapters, and a very short epilogue.

I'll be releasing one completed chapter at a time. This is my first translation, feel free to point out any mistake or confusion. I'll be happy to correct them.


Current Status
(1 prologue, 39 main chapters, 1 epilogue = 41)
Translated: 41/41, 100% completed
1st draft, posted: 41/41, 100% completed

Review for accuracy: 7/41, 17% completed
2nd draft, edited: 0/41, 0% completed


Goal:
1. First translate all chapters by hand - DONE
2. Post the 1st draft translation - DONE
3. Review all chapters and compare to original text,checking for error.
4. Edit translation for grammar and comprehension.
5. (TBD) Make a epub/mobi file


PLEASE READ UNABRIDGED THREAD HERE.

In case you are wondering:

-Why start from the beginning?

Originally I was just playing around with the translation. I have never translated a book before, so I wanted to test out how well I can translate from Chinese to English. Since Righteous Blood Cleansing Silver Spear had a bunch of translated chapters and seemed like a frozen project, I used this as a reference. I first translate the a chapter and then compared it with BeeDreamer.

By the way, I just wanted to say from what I've read from the original source BeeDreamer is a very good translator. It's a pity BeeDreamer did not finish the translation.

After four chapters, I was quite satisfy with my own translation so I told myself if I can get the first 14 chapters translated I will pick up the project. After all, if I can translated 14 chapters, what's another 25 chapters, right? LOL. At the time I posted this, I have ch1-16 translated.


-How do I translate?

I mainly translated by hand, read the original and in my head translate what I see. Interestingly, I will say 20% of the text take up maybe 80% of the translation time. Again, I had mention before, I am not particularly good at either Chinese or English. Even though I can understand most of the text, there are a bunch of words and phrases that I have know idea what it meant.

For those, I would use Chinese-English dictionary, Baike, Hudong, a thesaurus, and sometimes Babelfish, which is terrible most of the time. To be honest, even after using a bunch of references, my translation might not even make sense. So...lol...

...

If you guys have any question, I'll be happy to answer them. :)

These are some info about the story w/out spoilers. Always be updated.

Characters:

-Four Young Masters (四公子) - Four famous young martial of Jianghu at the time. They don't seem to be friends or anything. They are (based on when they first appear):
1. Qiu Fengcheng (邱凤城), aka the Silver Spear Gentleman (银枪公子) - He use a silver spear and seem to have come from a rich, prominent Wulin family.
2. Du Qinglian (杜青莲), aka Green Lotus (青莲) - He is a pale and fair looking gentleman that loves to drink. He is also from a rich family.
3. Ma Rulong (马如龙), aka the White Horse Gentleman (白马公子) - He seems arrogant, doesn't talk much and carried a sword. He is also from a prominent Wulin family.
4. Shen Hongye (沈红叶), aka Red Leaf (红叶) - The poorest of the four (lol). He has a folding fan. He came form the Ye (叶) Family, the descendent of Ye Kai from the Flying Dagger Series

-Madame Biyu (碧玉夫人) or Jasper - A very mysterious and powerful woman that is repected and feared in Wulin.
-Jin Zhelin(金振林) - Carried a golden spear. A rival of silver spear, Qiu Fengcheng.
-Peng Tianba (彭天霸) - A famous sabre user of Jianghu, known for his qui
-Feng Chaofan (冯超凡) - Another famous Wulin senior, seemed to know Qiu Fengcheng's father.
-Jue dashi (绝大师) - A monk set to rid evil people and won't hesitate to kill.
-Dawan (大婉) - A haughty and mysterious girl Ma Rulong met.
-Yu Wu (俞五), aka Broken Bowl - Leader of the Beggar Clan. A very knowledgeable, skilled, and respectable Wulin master.
-Xiaowan (小婉) - A lover of Qiu Fengcheng.
-Monk Chiku (吃苦和尚) - Said to be more powerful than Jue dashi. Knowledgable in poison.
-Jade Taoist (玉道人) - Another equal with Monk Chiku but more powerful than Jue dashi, Feng Chaofan. Said to be handsome and know how to cure poison
-Yu LingLong (玉玲珑) - A well-know prominent expert of disguise.
-Xie Yulun (谢玉仑) - Seemed to know Dawan and has a rivalry with her. She has the same type of arrogance and mysterious background.
-Zhang Rongfa (张荣发) - A plain common owner of a general store.
-Wang Guizhi (王桂枝) - Zhang Rongfa's bedridden wife, said to have a hot temper.
-Zhang Laoshi (张老实) - Zhang Rongfa uncaring and honest clerk.
-Tao Baoyi (陶保义) - A local constable that lives with his wife.
-Tie Zhentian (铁震天) - An infamous and powerful expert in Wulin, said to be more powerful than Jue dashi.
-Tie Quanyi (铁全义) - Tie Zhentian's loyal brother.
-Wang Wanwu (王万武) - A renowned Wulin master with a vicious attacks.
-Sun Zao (孙早) and Sun Chi (孙迟)- A pair of young crippled twin brothers.
-No Thirteen (无十三), aka Wu Shisan - A undefeatable fighter the beaten all the top Wulin masters at the time, thirty years ago. Disappeared after suddenly appearing in Jianghu for three months.
-Yu Liu (俞六), i.e. Yu Six - The rather non famous younger brother of Yu Wu (Yu Five).
-Peng Tiangao (彭天高) - A unknown and illegitimate younger brother of Peng Tianba

Places:
- Jianghu (江湖) - Common term for the martial art, wuxia world.
- Biyu Villa (碧玉山庄) - Place where Madame Biyu live. No one seem to know where it is. It was compared to the Floral Palace 移花宫 (from Legendary Sibling), where it's a mysterious and women-only place.
- Tianma Tang (天马堂) - Sounded like Ma Rulong's family house...I dunno.
- Xingxiu Hai (星宿海), or Constellation Sea - A mysterious and legendary place in the far north.

Weapons:
- Wuhu Duanmen Dao (五虎断门刀) Five Tiger Breaking Down the Door Sabre - Used by Peng Tianba, a powerful and famous saber skill of the Peng family.
- Dragon Phoenix Gold Ring (龙凤金环) - Formerly used by Shangguan Jinhong, I think. Very powerful and currently used by a mysterious person.
- Mandarin Duck Kuahulan (鸳鸯跨虎篮) - A strange powerful weapon also used by a mysterious user.

Other:
-Tiansha (天杀) - A mysterious assassin organization, with unknown leader or motive.
-Three Positive Lineage Ending Palm (三阳绝户手) - A powerful palm skill with terrible outcome to its victim.
-Separate Muscle Wrong Bone Hand (分筋错骨手) - Literally a crippling technique.
-High Force Eagle Claw Kung Fu (大力鹰爪功) - Powerful technique originated from the Eagle Claw King 鹰爪王.
-Babu Ganchan (八步赶蝉) Eight Steps Pursuing Cicada - A broadly known qinggong that's hard to master.
-Tianma Xingkong (天马行空) Heavenly Steed Galloping Across the Sky - Another qinggong specialty, used by Ma Rulong

---A break ---

Perhaps, I will list out all the chapters here. I dunno.

Prologue - 楔子
Chapter 1 - Four Young Masters - 四公子
Chapter 2 - The Killer - 杀手
Chapter 3 - Tiansha (Heaven Kill) - 天杀
Chapter 4 - Long Night - 长夜
Chapter 5 - Dawan - 大婉
Chapter 6 - Broken Bowl - 破碗
Chapter 7 - Xiaowan - 小婉
Chapter 8 - Personal Affair - 私情
Chapter 9 - Adversity Revealing True Feeling - 患难见真情
Chapter 10 - Question - 问题
Chapter 11 - Strappado - 吊刑
Chapter 12 - Jasmine - 茉莉花
Chapter 13 - Flower Girl - 卖花女
Chapter 14 - Extreme People Extreme Measure - 绝人绝事
Chapter 15 - Exquisite Jade Hand Yu Linglong - 玲珑玉手玉玲珑
Chapter 16 - General Items Store - 杂货店
Chapter 17 - Things You Mustn't Do - 有所不为
Chapter 18 - The Person That Eats Salt - 吃盐的人
Chapter 19 - Things You Mustn't Do - 有所必为
Chapter 20 - No Other Choices - 别无选择
Chapter 21 - No Regret - 义无反顾
Chapter 22 - Green Fog Not Fog - 绿雾非雾
Chapter 23 - Dishonest Honest Man - 不老实的老实人
Chapter 24 - Old Customer And Big Customer - 老主顾与大主顾
Chapter 25 - Dead Alley - 死巷
Chapter 26 - Dead Land - 死地
Chapter 27 - Black Rock - 黑石
Chapter 28 - Legend of the Death Valley - 死谷传奇
Chapter 29 - The Feast - 盛宴
Chapter 30 - Tailor, Makeup, Bride Carriage - 裁缝胭脂花轿
Chapter 31 - The Miraculous Tailor - 神奇的裁缝
Chapter 32 - Hand that Scare People - 吓人的手
Chapter 33 - Inside the Hole - 洞中
Chapter 34 - Mansion and Bad Night - 华屋恶夜
Chapter 35 - Bad Night and Ghost - 恶夜惊魂
Chapter 36 - Soul Returning at Midnight - 三更后
Chapter 37 - Death Valley - 死谷
Chapter 38 - Suspicion Everywhere - 疑云重重
Chapter 39 - The Answer - 解答
Epilogue - 尾声

Prologue

It was said in these three hundred years, the luckiest man in Jianghu¹ was Duan Yu², the eldest son of the Duan family in Jintan³.

In Jintan, the Duan family was an influential family. In Jianghu, the Duan family had a celebrated reputation and was a noble Wulin⁴ family.

Although their traditional family’s sabre⁵ techniques were rather gentle and soft, contains no vicious or devious stance, and didn't stray from conventional means; these techniques were full of strength, extremely profound, and contain extraordinary power. Their sabre techniques were like Duan Yu himself; though not fearful, it commanded respect.

Their family legacy weapon was the “Jasper Sabre”⁶ (Biyu⁷ Dao). It was also a legendary weapon with a grand history. However, the story we are telling is not the story of the Jasper Sabre.

In Jianghu, there was another treasure called the “Jasper Hairpin” (Biyu Chai). Jasper Sabre will bring to its owner, luck and prosperity. On the other hand, the Jasper Hairpin will lead to misfortunes and disasters.

It was said, whoever owns the Jasper Hairpin will be immediately plagued with disasters. It was said, its owner would always be struck down by sudden death. There were no exception.

In Jianghu, there were many stories about the Jasper Hairpin. Some were close to becoming mythical; filled with supernatural and evil elements. This, I must say, is also not the story about the Jasper Hairpin.

The story we are telling is about the “Jasper Pearl” (Biyu Zhu).

What is the Jasper Pearl? a person? a weapon? a treasure? or a mystical pill?


-----------------------------------------------------Footnote-----------------------------------------------------

1. Jianghu (江湖) lit. rivers and lakes. It refers to the martial art world.
2. Duan Yu (段玉) - Surname Duan means section, given name yu means jade.
3. Jintan (金坛) - a county city in Changzhou prefecture, Jiangsu province.
4. Wulin (武林) lit. martial forest. It's also used to describe the martial art community. In my opinion, wulin is used to describe things related to martial art society; whereas jianghu is typicially used as if it was an actual place.
5. A Chinese dao is a single-edge sword, similar to a sabre. Whenever a sabre is mentioned, just remember it's referring to a very specific type of weapon.
6. Biyu dao, aka Jasper Sabre or Jade Sabre is part of Gu Long's seven weapon series.
7. Biyu is literally jasper. It was commonly translated as jade (yu). Although that's technically correct, biyu is more precisely a jasper. Afterall, it's specially a biyu not just a yu (jade).

Chapter 1 - Four Young Gentlemen⁸ [四公子]

Severe winter. It was bitterly cold in the snow valley.

Thousands of li⁹ (miles) were covered in snow, the land was completely white. One person was digging a pit on the snow ground. This pit was three chi¹⁰ (feet) wide, five chi deep, and seven chi long.

He was young, healthy, tall, and handsome with signs of proper upbringing. He was wearing a mink coat that was worth a thousand gold and held a pair of glimmering silver spears. The spear shaft was pure silver with the following five words carved onto it:

“Phoenix City, Silver Spear, Qiu¹¹.”

Such a person originally did not dig pit. Such a pair of spear was not supposed to be used for digging.

This place was a beautiful valley. The sky was clear blue, snow was silvery white, and the plum blossom was bright red.

He came on a horse and had rode a long way. The horse was a pure-breed Ferghana¹² colt. It was a noble and spirited horse. It had vivid saddle and bridle, and even the stirrup was made of pure silver.

Why would such a person, who was riding this type of horse and using this type of weapon, came here to dig a pit?

The pit was finally finished. He laid down in the pit. It seemed like he wanted to examine how big this pit was and whether he could comfortably lay down inside. Did he dig this pit for himself?

Only a dead person would have use for such a pit. He was young and healthy. It looked like he could still live for several decades. Why would he dig such a pit for himself? Could it be that he wanted to die? He seemed to be living well, why would he want to die? And why did he have to pick this place to die?

The snowing stopped yesterday night. The weather was clear and cold. He took off the saddle, gently patted the horse, and said, “You go now. Go find a good master.” The horse neighed softly and rushed away from this snow-covered valley. He sat on the horse saddle and looked upward to the blue sky. Lost in thoughts, his eyes carried a hint of unspeakable sorrow and grief.

At this time, a group of people appeared. Some carried boxes of food, some carried tables and chairs, and some even carried two tan¹³ (jugs) of wine, walked into the valley. The person in the front, who looked like a restaurant waiter, came and asked, “Excuse me, young master. Is this Winter Plum Valley?”

The pit-digging young man nonchalantly nodded. He did not even look at them.

This person again asked, “Did the eldest young master of the Du family invited you here?” The pit-digging youth did not even pay attention to him.

This person let out a sigh, abashedly said to himself, “I just do not understand why Young Master Du want us to bring the food and wine to this place?”

Another person laughed, “Young noble masters from rich family have strange temperament. Of course, poor wretches like us wouldn’t understand. “

These people set up the table and chairs under the plum tree, arranged several dishes of food and cups of wine, and then left. After half a day, a person outside the valley suddenly made out a drawn out noise.

There really were bells ringing. One person rode on a young donkey and another rode on a white horse, and entered the valley. The one riding the donkey had a pale white complexion. He looked sick but still had a warm smile, graceful manners, and dressed luxuriously.

The other person was carrying a long sword on his waist, wore a silver fox fur cap and silver fox coat, and dressed entirely in silvery white. He was riding on a tall and magnificent white horse. He was looking around and had an air of arrogance. He did have reasons to be arrogant. There were not much beautiful man like him in the world.

The pit-digging young man was still sitting here. Lost in his world, it seemed like he did not even notice them.

They also did not recognize him either.

These three young people were not the same. The latter two came to this snowy place looking for the plum blossom, and to admire the flower and drink wine. The pit-digging youth came here waiting for death.

The wine was under the flower. The sickly-looking youth poured a cup of wine, drank it, and said, “Good wine.”

The flowers in front of the wine had already blossomed. He drank another cup and said, “Good flower!” The flowers were radiant next to the snow; the red looks redder and the white looks whiter. He raised the cup again and said, “Good snow.” After three cups, his pale white face was showing sign of redness. He seemed very leisurely, high spirited, and vigorous.

Though his body was indeed weak and sickly, he can still enjoy and appreciate all the beautiful things in life. He seemed to be interested in everything, therefore also lived an interesting life.

The beautiful young man that rode the white horse, wore the fox coat, carried the long sword had a calm and somber face. He did not seem to be interested in anything.

The sickly-looking noble gentleman smiled and said, “Such beautiful snow, such beautiful flower, such good wine. How come you don’t drink a cup?”

Beautiful young man said, “I never drink wine.”

Noble gentleman said, “You came here and you don’t even drink. Wouldn’t you be wasting such a beautiful snow valley, and these thousands of plum blossom?”

Beautiful young man coldly said, “No matter where I am, I don’t drink wine.”

Noble gentleman sighed and mumbled, “This person is truly a layman, killing the mood. How did I even have a friend like him?”

Pit-digging young man was still lost in thoughts. The noble gentleman suddenly stood up, walked around his pit and said, “Good pit.” The young man the dug the pit ignored him. Noble gentleman said, “The pit is well dug.” The pit-digging young man ignored him.

Noble gentleman simply walked in front of him. He asked, “Did you dig this pit?”

Pit-digging young man could not ignore him and answered, “Yes.”

Noble gentleman said, “I have been saying you’ve dug this pit well. Do you know what I mean?”

Pit-digging young man said, “You want me to drink with you.”

Noble gentleman laughed and said, “Not only can you dig a pit well but you understand people well too.”

Pit-digging young man said, “Unfortunately, I will not drink.”

Noble gentleman stop laughing and asked, “You also never drank alcohol before?”

Pit-digging young man replied, “When I am in the mood to drink, I will drink. When I am not, I will not drink.”

Noble gentleman asked, “How come you will not drink right now?”

Pit-digging young man replied, “Because I am not in the mood to drink right now.”

Noble gentleman not only did not get angry but instead laughed, “I know who you are now. I’ve always heard, the Silver Spear gentleman, Qiu Fengcheng¹⁴, temper is like his spear, straight and stiff. You must be Qiu Fengcheng.”

Pit-digging young man ignored him again.

Noble gentleman said, “My surname is Du, name is Du Qinglian¹⁵.” Qiu Fengcheng was still ignoring him. As if, he had never heard of this name before.

Actually he had heard of this name before. For those roaming in Jianghu, very few people had never heard of this name.

In Wulin, there were four young gentlemen: Silver Spear, White Horse, Red Leaf, Green Lotus. Among this generation of youngsters in Jianghu, there was no one with talents that could surpass them. Although they were not acquainted with each other, Qiu Fengcheng should recognize the name Du Qinglian. He also know that beautiful young man that rode the white horse, wear fox coat, carried long sword was White Horse young gentleman, Ma Rulong¹⁶. However, he still pretended he did not know.

Du Qinglian sighed and said, “Look like you are determined not to drink today.”

Suddenly, a voice outside the valley yelled, “They don’t want to drink. I’ll drink.”

The wine drinker came. The time after the snow stopped was colder then when it was snowing. Even though they wore fur coats, they still felt cold. This person was only wearing thin silk garments. Although the material was not bad, it was definitely not the type of clothing to wear in this type of weather. So he was trembling. Although it was really cold, he was actually holding a folding fan.

There were wine bottle and wine cup on the table. He rushed over here, and lifted up a wine jug and drank directly from it. After a large gulp, he let out a breath and said, “Great wine.” Du Qinglian laughed.

After taking another large gulp, he said, “Not just great wine; great flowers and even the snow is great.” After three large gulps, he was no longer shivering and even his face liven up.

Although this person was poor, he was not obnoxious. He could even be considered a very likable person. He had a beautiful and delicate face. When he smiled, there were two dimples. Du Qinglian was starting to think, the person was quite cute and interesting.

This person said, “Such mood and atmosphere at such time, those who do not drink really should...”

Du Qinglian asked, “Should what?”

This person said, “Should be spanked.”

Du Qinglian laughed heartily. The pit-digging young man still showed no interest beside that person and that matter on his mind. Even though other people are in front of him, it was as if they were not there. Other matters, he couldn’t care less.

Ma Rulong furrowed and seemed to be agitated, but he haven’t done anything yet. It was not because he was afraid. It was merely because of his disdain of stooping to the level of these people.

However this person went directly to him, lift the wine jug and said, “ Come, you have a drink too.”

Ma Rulong coldly said, “You are not worthy.”

This person said, “What kind of people would be worthy to drink with you?”

Ma Rulong, “What kind of person are you?”

This person did not answer, and simply opened his fan. There were seven words written on it. The characters were well written and elegant, just like him.

“Autumn leaves are redder than February flower.”

Although the person was lowly and poor, his fan was rather refine. The seven words on the fan was, without a doubt, the work of an expert calligrapher.

Du Qinglian raised the cup and heartily said: “Great characters.”

This person lifted the wine jug, drank a large gulp, and said, “Your taste is also pretty good.”

Du Qinglian asked, “Who wrote these characters?”

This person said, “Other than me, who else could’ve written these flawless characters?”

Du Qinglian laughed and said, “Now I also know who your are.”

This person said, “Oh?”

Du Qinglian said, “Other than Shen Hongye¹⁷, who else can be as conceited as you?”

Amongst Wulin’s four young gentlemen: the proudest one was “White Horse” Ma Rulong; the headstrong one was “Silver Spear” Qiu Fengcheng; the most spirited one was, of course, Du Qinglian; and the most conceited one was Shen Hongye.

Ma, Qiu, and Du were rich, powerful and distinguished families. White Horse, Silver Spear, and Green Lotus were famous and recognized noble gentlemen. Red Leaf’s origins was a mystery.

It was said, he was the descendent of previously world’s number one hero, Shen Lang¹⁸.

It was said that “Little Li Tanhua”¹⁹ best friend, the world’s fastest sword “A-Fei”, was his ancestor.

A-Fei’s past was already a mystery, so Shen Hongye’s past was also a mystery. He never told anyone about his origin. Everyone considered him to be part of the four young gentleman mainly because he grew up in the Ye family.

Ye family was Ye Kai’s family. Ye Kai was Little Li Flying Dagger’s only disciple. — Who is Little Li Flying Dagger? Who doesn’t know?

Wulin’s four young gentlemen had now gathered together, but they did not plan to meet up here.

This place was several thousand li away each of their home. Even if Du Qinglian was in a good mood, he would not have traveled several thousand li to this place just for flowers and wine.

Qiu Fengcheng would not travel several thousands li just to die. If a person wants to die, any place would have suffice. Why would he come here? What was he doing here?

Ma Rulong coldly and silently sat here. His attitude did not changed after hearing the name Shen Hongye but his hand was drawing closer to his sword’s handle. He gazed at Shen Hongye and suddenly said:, “Very good.”

Shen Hongye asked, “What is very good?”

Ma Rulong said, “It’s very good that you are Shen Hongye.”

Shen Hongye asked, “Why?”

Ma Rulong said, “Originally I thought you are not worthy. Not worth me drawing my sword. My sword never touches the insignificant.”

Shen Hongye asked: “How about now?”

Ma Rulong said: “Shen Hongye is not insignificant. So if you said anything skittish and rude, between me and you, one would be a corpse with blood spilling everywhere.”

Shen Hongye sighed, bitterly smiled, and said, “I just want you to drink with me. Why are you so upset?”

Du Qinglian said, “If he doesn’t drink, I’ll drink.” He took Shen Hongye’s jug of wine, tip it to his mouth, and drank several mouthful before breathing and said, “Good wine.”

Shen Hongye took back the jug of wine. He also drank a mouthful then sighed and said, “With wine like this, even if it’s poisonous, I would give up my life to drink it.”

Du Qinglian smiled and said, “Not bad. If we could die here, it would’ve been our fortune.”

Shen Hongye exclaimed, “Why?!”

Du Qinglian said, “Because there is a person here that could dig a really good pit.”

Shen Hongye asked, “Is the pit he digs that good?”

Du Qinglian said, “It’s superb.”

Shen Hongye suddenly stood up, carried the jug of wine, went to and walked around the pit and muttered, “This is indeed a good pit. After a person dies, he would be lucky to be buried in this pit.”

Du Qinglian said, “Unfortunately, this pit was not dug for us.”

Shen Hongye said, “Only a dead person would have any use for such a pit. Could it be that he wanted to die?”

Du Qinglian said, “It looks like it.”

Shen Hongye seemed shocked and asked, “Why does a person like him wants to die?”

Du Qinglian said, “Because, like us, he also received a letter telling him to come here.”

Shen Hongye exclaimed, “Is that letter also sent by Biyu-furen²⁰ (Madame Jasper)?!”

Du Qinglian said, “Definitely.”

Shen Hongye said, “Madame Jasper told us to come here because she wants to select a son-in-law among the four of us.”

Du Qinglian said, “Right.”

Shen Hongye said, “Madame Jasper is widely-acknowledged as a world’s number top expert. In Biyu Sanzhuang²¹ (Jasper Villa), everyone is a woman of great beauty.²² After receiving this letter, I was so happy I couldn’t even sleep.”

Du Qinglian said, “I could imagine that.”

Shen Hongye said, “If she choose me to be her son-in-law, I would be so happy that I will go mad.”

Du Qinglian said, “You better not go mad. Madame Jasper would not want a madman to be her son-in-law.”

Shen Hongye asked, “Would she want a dead person to be her son-in-law?”

Du Qinglian said, “Of course not.”

Shen Hongye asked, “In that case why would our young master Qiu wants to die?”

Du Qinglian said, “Because he is a love-obsessed fool and he already have a beautiful lady whom he had already pledged his undying love to.” He sighed and said, “If Madame Jasper selected him to be his son-in-law, he would not be able to be together with his love.”

Shen Hongye said, “So once Madame Jasper selects him, he would choose to die here instead.”

Du Qinglian said, “That is all correct.”

Shen Hongye thought for a bit and said, “There is another way of saying all of this.”

Du Qinglian said, “What way?”

Shen Hongye asked, “Is Madame Jasper absolutely able to see this pit?”

Du Qinglian smiled and said, “It would be difficult to not notice such a big pit.”

Shen Hongye said, “If she see this pit, she’ll know young master Qiu is committed to death. There’s a possibility that she’ll spare him and select me as the new guye^​23 (master’s husband) of the Jasper Villa.”

Du Qinglian said, “You really are a smart man. This is the thinking of a smart manx; definitely not like regular people, and especially not like a love-obsessed fool.”

Shen Hongye laughed and said, “Being a love-obsessed fool doesn’t mean he is not smart.”

Qiu Fengcheng’s expression changed. He suddenly got up, stared at Du Qinglian, and said: “How do you know about this?!” This was a secret. A secret that only two people knew about. However, this question confirmed the validity of Du Qinglian’s statements.

Du Qinglian sighed and asked, “You couldn’t imagine how I would know about such a thing?”

“Even I couldn’t imagine. Unfortunately, that beautiful lady...”

He did not finish the sentence and a strange expression suddenly appeared on his face. A pale-white face suddenly became deathly black. He looked at Shen Hongye with his mouth opened. He wanted to say something but his voice was already gone.

Shen Hongye said, “Are you...” His voice also cracked after two words and a strange expression appeared on his face. The two people faced and looking at each other, their eyes has an expression of extreme fear.

A sound of “bo”, Shen Hongye’s jug of wine fell out of his hand into the pit, and broke into many pieces. His face suddenly had a sad and mysterious smile. Using his coarse voice, he said, “It looks like my luck is better than yours. I am standing by this pit...” These were his last words and without finishing it, he fell into the pit. Even though this pit was not prepared for him, he was already in the pit. Why would the living fight with the dead for this pit?


-----------------------------------------------------Footnote-----------------------------------------------------
8. Gongzi is more of a noble gentleman. It’s used to refer to someone of higher social status. Will use young master at times.
9. Li (里) is a Chinese mile. It's about half a kilometer, 500m, or a third of a mile, 1650ft.
10. Chi (尺) is a Chinese foot. It is about a third of a meter, 33.33 cm, or 13.13 inches.
11. Qiu (邱), a surname, means mound.
12. Dayuan (大宛) is an historical Chinese name for a country that existed in the Ferghana Valley in Central Asia. In this context, it's referring to the area and not the long-gone Dayuan civilization so I used the English name instead of sticking to pinyin. The area is famous for their good horses.
13. tan, a large clay jug to smaller opening and wider body. It’s use for storage, in this case wine.
14. Qiu Fengcheng (邱凤城), surname Qiu, given name means “phoenix city”, hence the inscription on his spear.
15. Du Qinglian (杜青莲), surname Du, given name means “green lotus”.
16. Ma Rulong (马如龙), surname Ma means horse, given name means “like dragon”.
17. Shen Hongye (沈红叶), surname Shen, given name means “red leaf”.
18. Shen Long is the main protagonist of Gu Long’s Wulin Waishi.
19. Tanhua was a title given to those that finished third in the imperial examination. Little Li is a protagonist of the Flying Dagger series -- check out Sentimental Swordsman, Ruthless Sword. A Fei is also another protagonist in that story. Note this is a reference that A-Fei may be related to Shen Lang.
20. Furen is an honorific referring to an esteemed married woman, hence Madame Jasper.
21. Sanzhuang is a resident on the mountain. It’s a mountain side manor house, or villa.
22. Tianxiangguose, lit. means heavenly fragrance and national beauty.
23. Guye (姑爷) is a term to address the son-in-law by the family of the wife.

Holy crap...

Now I know why translation posting here have extra line between paragraphs. There are no tabbing in post :(. Ughh...lol...imma going take a break and continue with the posting later.

Thank you for the translations.


Posting here is kind of a hassle due to the editing that needs to be done to ensure that paragraphs stays intact.

Han Solo

Chapter 2 - The Killer [杀手]

Du Qinglian also fell down. At the moment he fell down, bloods were seeping out the edge of his mouth. However, he still struggled to get up. There were still wine in the wine bottle on the table. He struggled and grabbed onto the table and drank all of the remaining wine in the bottle. He laughed and said, “Great wine. Great wine.” His laughter sounds extremely miserable and sad.

“Such a great wine. Even if I know there are poison, I still want to drink. Everyone look, did I not drink it all?” He laughed while rushing over and somersaulted into the pit. He would not let Shen Hongye enjoy this all to himself. The sky was already dark and the wind was piercingly cold. However, they would never feel cold anymore.

Qiu Fengcheng and Ma Rulong were startled while looking them tumbled down. It was as if they would tumble too. This change was too sudden, too shocking, and too horrible.

Unknown amount of time had passed, Qiu Fengcheng finally lifted his head and stared at Ma Rulong. His glance was colder than wind. His eyes were like knives, a knife that wanted to cut opened Ma Rulong’s chest and dig out his heart. Why did he stared at Ma Rulong in such a manner? Ma Rulong had already calm down and composed himself. Du Qinglian was his friend. Although his friend died in front of him, he did not seem to be sad. Du Qinglian’s mysterious and sudden death did not seems to shock him.

Whether people were dead or alive? How did they died? He didn’t seem to care. Because he hadn’t died and he was still Ma Rulong. The “White Horse gongzi”, Ma Rulong, who thought he was above all else.

Qiu Fengcheng stared at him and suddenly asked, “You seriously never drink wine?”

Ma Rulong refused to answer. He seldomly answer other people’s question. He was usually the one that ask the question, give the order.

Qiu Fengcheng said, “I know you drink wine. I seen you drank wine before, drank quite a bit too.”

Ma Rulong neither confirm nor deny this.

Qiu Fengcheng said, “Not only do you drink wine, you drink quite often, and gotten drunk often. Once at Zhenzhu Fang (Pearl Place) in Hangzhou²⁴, you drank for three straight days and chased away all the customers in Pearl Place because these people were too vulgar and not worthy to drink with you.” He continued, “It was said that you drank all of Pearl Place’s nu’er hong²⁵, twenty catties worth of this aged wine. You drank four jugs worth, a record that hasn’t been broken since.”

Ma Rulong coldly said, “The last jug was not nu’er hong. Pearl Place only had three real jugs of nu’er hong.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “After drinking sixty catties worth of alcohol. You can still determined the authenticity of the last jug. You really have good alcohol tolerance.”

Ma Rulong said, “Indeed good tolerance.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “However, today you haven’t touch a drop of wine.” He coldly stared, “How come you did not drink today? Is it because you know it’s poisonous?” Ma Rulong did not reply. Qiu Fengcheng continued: “Since you and Du Qinglian came here as friends, you definitely should have known where he would order food and wine. It should be easy to bribe someone to put poison in the wine.”

Although he did not confirm this, he did not deny this.

Qiu Fengcheng said:, “I already decided to die instead of marrying into Jasper Villa. Now even Du Qinglian and Shen Hongye are dead. Madame Jasper no longer need to chose, you are now her proud son-in-law.” He coldly smiled, “I should truly congratulate you.”

Ma Rulong remained silent. After a while, coldly said, “I now understand what you mean.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “You should understand.” He was already gripping onto his silver spear.

Ma Rulong did not speak anymore and slowly walked over facing him. At this time, suddenly someone came out and said, “Qiu Fengcheng is mine. This is not your turn.”

No one know when this person came, possibly when Du Qinglian and Shen Hongye’s suddenly died. At that time, no one would had notice anything else. This person was slim, tall, had high cheekbone, and extra large hands. His hands were holding onto a golden spear, which was four chi (feet) nine cun²⁶ (inch) long. The gold was radiant. Even if it was not really made of pure gold, it looked as if it was.

The clothing this person was wearing was also gold. They were high quality and tailored fit. These were his signature appearance. Thus, people of Jianghu would recognize him in an instance, “Golden Spear” Jin Zhenlin²⁷.

In Jianghu, the most famous spear was supposed to be a gold spear, Jin Zhenlin’s gold spear. However, things were different now all because Silver Spear Gentleman had defeated this gold spear three years ago. Since then there had been unresolvable rivalry between the gold and silver spear.

Jin Zhenlin said, “We still have some old grudges. Old grudges come first.”

He point his golden spear toward Qiu Fengcheng, “We will take care of our scores today.”

Qiu Fengcheng coldly smiled and said, “What a coincidence for you to pick such a time.” Jin Zhenlin also coldly smiled. He suddenly pivoted his body, planted his feet, and viciously thrusted with his golden spear. With the golden spear in motion, the silver spear also responded. Ma Rulong could only step back.

Old scores come first, this was a rule of Wulin.

The golden spear was vicious, fast, powerful, and longer than the silver spear. One inch longer, one inch stronger. However, the silver spear was more agile, quicker, and had more changes in stances compared to the golden spear. It looked like the golden spear would be defeated again. Qiu Fengcheng clearly wanted to end this battle; he was using all his might. As he was using all his strength against Jin Zhenlin, a person suddenly leap out from behind the snow-covered plum blossom tree.

A person adorned in black attire, face covered with black scarf, and entirely covered in black. This person was even slimmer and taller than Jin Zhenlin; like a stick of black arrow. His body movement was really quick, also like an arrow.

He had a sabre on his hand, a thin and sharp Yanling sabre²⁸. Sabre flashed and hacked on Qiu Fengcheng left neck, which could definitely takes a person’s life.

Although Qiu Fengcheng critically escaped this attack, he was already bearing his chest. Jin Zhenlin already striked, like a bolt of lightning, toward and into his heart.

This spear attack was also very lethal! While attacking, Jin Zhenlin did not stop. He flipped over in mid-air, plundered outward four zhang²⁹.

Blood was gushing out. By the time Qiu Fengcheng collapsed, Jin Zhenlin is already ten zhang away. The black-clothed man retreated even faster.

Ma Rulong did not chased, he went back to Qiu Fengcheng’s side. He never cared about anyone’s death. However he didn't chased after the murderer, only came to check whether Qiu Fengcheng was already dead. Therefore he missed a opportunity to see something no one could imagine! Jin Zhenlin almost caught up with the black-clothed person. These two were fleeing side-by-side together. The black-clothed person was slowly falling behind. Suddenly with a flash of sabre, the black-clothed person was struck out like lightning with his Yanling sabre. The sabre struck on the back of Jin Zhenlin left neck. The strike was even more vicious and faster than his previous move.

Jin Zhenlin cried out in pain, blood were shooting out like arrow. He wanted to turn around to pounce onto this black-clothed person. As soon as he turn around, he collapsed.

The black-clothed person succeeded in one blow and did not stopped. He continued on fleeing away from the valley. His killing moves was clean, precise, and extremely effective. Obviously he was very experience. After he killed, he left, and did not even look back. Unfortunately he was still one step behind.

He suddenly realized someone in front of him blocking his way. He silenced someone, other also wanted to silence him. He immediately realized this.

Without waiting for the opponent to attack, he struck first. His sabre was more vicious than poisonous snake. He rarely failed to kill someone. Unfortunately, this time, he picked on the wrong opponent.

Standing side by side outside the valley, there were three people blocking his way. One was big, tall and strong. One was fat and stubby. One was a monk. The big and tall one was a silver hair, red face old man. He was good looking and had a majestic air to him.

If a monk roaming in Jianghu, then he should have quite a background. Everything know that in Jianghu -- begger, woman, and monk -- were the three most difficult type of people.

An experienced killer, of course, would’ve chosen the weakest one first. He selected the clumsy and slow-looking fat man.

He never would have thought this fat man was currently the most famous sabre user, the current master of “Wuhu Duanmen Dao” (Five Tigers Breaking Down the Door Sabre), Peng Tianba³⁰. Currently Jianghu’s fastest, fiercest, and most famous sabre was Peng Tianba’s family sabre, Five Tigers Breaking Down the Door Sabre.

Peng Tianba was, of course, carrying the sabre. The sabre was at his waist, in the sheath. All of a sudden, it was at the black-clothed man’s throat. The black-clothed man struck out his saber and just saw the flashing movement of a sabre’s light. By the time he saw the light from the sabre, the sabre blade had already slashed his throat.

The big, tall and strong old man called out, “Let him live....” However after he said this, the black-clothed man’s head had almost completely left his neck.

Peng Tianba let out a sigh and said, “You said it too late!”

The old man also let out a sigh and said: “Actually I should have known. No one have ever live through your sabre.”

That monk calmly said, “Peng daxia³¹ has killed many. The one he killed deserved to be killed. This person had already kill five. His death was definitely just.”

The old man said, “I just want to ask him, those five waiters and workers from “Jufenglou”³² were not people of Jianghu. They should not have any grudges with him. Why must he killed them all?”

Peng Tianba said, “Although he is dead, we will eventually find answer to that question.”

Old man said, “Who should ask? Other than him, who else would know?”

Suddenly there was a loud noise, “I know!”

Qiu Fengcheng, surprisingly, did not die. He struggled, pushed Ma Rulong aside, and breathlessly said, “Fortunately, I still know what’s going on.”

After the two sister masters of Yihuagong³³ passed, Wulin most mysterious and mystical woman was Madame Jasper. The world most mysterious place was also the Jasper Villa. No one knew the state of affair in Jasper Villa. No one even knew where it was. This was because Jasper Villa was like Yihuagong, a female’s world. Male were forbidden.

It was said not only were the women there beautiful, but they also possessed extremely mysterious wugong (martial art). No matter how capable these women were, there were still times where there was still a need for men. Especially when they wanted to continue their legacy.

Now that Madame Jasper’s daughter was all grown up, Madame Jasper did not wish her sole daughter to live her life alone. Like any mother, she wanted a perfect son-in-law. Currently, the most suitable bachelors happened to be the four young gentlemen.

Unfortunately, she only had one daughter so she had to select one among the four. As such, she invited the four young gentlemen to the Winter Plum Valley. Madame Jasper’s request, no one could ever refuse and no one dare to refuse.

So the four young gentlemen, Qiu Fengcheng, Ma Rulong, Du Qinglian, and Shen Hongye; all came. Madame Jasper never told them to keep this a secret but they also never told anyone about this. This was because only one will be chosen among the four. If he were not the chosen one, he would definitely lose face. The four young masters reputation were renowned, no one wanted to be embarrassed.

It was hard to believed there were poison in the wine. Du Qinglian and Shen Hongye were poisoned to death. Also it was even harder to believe that Qiu Fengcheng’s archrival, Golden Spear Jin Zhenlin, came here. Also an experienced assassin came. Other than themselves, no one should know Qiu Fengcheng would be here today. How did Jin Zhenlin found out?

— Of course, someone brought him here. In addition, the person brought a professional assassin along with him. Because this people knew very well that Jin Zhenlin might not be able to defeat Qiu Fengcheng. This person also would’ve been the one that put poison into the wine. This person wanted Jin Zhenlin and the assassin to be ambushed en route, and killed all five workers from Jufeng Lou that brought the food and wine here.

This person also wanted the assassin to silence Jin Zhenlin afterword. He was not afraid the assassin would revealed his secrets. Because a person that kills for a living not only has to be cruel, vicious, fast; but also able to keep a secret. So even if the assassin lived, he would not reveal his customer’s secret.

Qiu Fengcheng’s final conclusion was, “I should’ve die upon Jin Zhenlin’s spear. You three are not supposed be here. This person’s plan originally would’ve succeeded and no one would’ve ever know about this conspiracy and secret. Madame Jasper would not need to waste time on the selection. This person would’ve become Jasper Villa’s son-in-law.”

Though Qiu Fengcheng did not say this person’s name, that was not necessary. Who this person was, everyone would’ve guessed. Everyone stared coldly at Ma Rulong.

Ma Rulong had no reactions. How other looked at him? What other people thought about him? He did not care.

Peng Tianba constantly walked around. Although he was fat, he was extremely active. At this time he stopped, stopped beside Jin Zhenlin’s corpse. He picked up his spear, weighed it slightly and mumbled, “This spear is not heavy.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “He practiced his family’s Lihua³⁴ Spear, it is originally an light and quick skill. “

Peng Tianba said, “It was said that someone tried and tossed seven copper coins toward his face. He thrusted out his spear and pierced through all seven coins.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “His hands are definitely accurate.”

Peng Tianba let out a sigh and said, “He definitely would never imagine, he would fail today.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “No, he did not fail.”

Peng Tianba said, “If he did not fail, why are you still alive?”

Qiu Fengcheng did not answer him directly. He struggled and open his lapel. Beside a mink coat on the outside, inside there were three more piece of tight-fitting garments. The one closest to his body has a hidden pocket right at his heart. Inside this pocket, there was a small pouch.

A flower was stitched on the pouch. It was very detailed. It must been stitched by the extremely careful woman’s hands. Now the pouch had be pierced through between two stems of flowers. A piece of jade inside the pouch was completely crushed.

Jin Zhenlin’s spear did not miss, his spear definitely could’ve pierce through Qiu Fengcheng’s mink coat and straight to his heart. But Jin Zhenlin never would’ve imagined there would be a piece of jade close to his heart blocking the way.

Qiu Fengcheng said, “Xiaowan gave this to me. She want me to keep it close to my heart. She doesn’t want me to forget her.”

His eyes became gentle, “I did not forget about her so I am still alive.” No doubt, Xiaowan was his lover. The lover that he would rather die than abandon.

Peng Tianba let out a sigh, eye with a hint of smile, said, “So there is an advantage of being lovestruck.”

The tall, big, and strong old man suddenly said, “Young master Qiu; although I do not recognize you, I recognize this silver spear.”

Qiu Fengcheng said, “This is wanbei’s³⁵ (junior) family treasure. Wanbei do not dare to show off with this.”

Old man said, “I know.” His phrases were also gentle, “Many years ago when your father used this to battle “Changbai Qunxiong”³⁶, I was there.”

Changbai Qunxiong brothers were all fearless and brutal great bandits. Situated in Liaodong for many years, people of Jianghu never dared to intrude their territory.

Qiu Fengcheng’s father together with “Fengtian daxia”³⁷, Feng Chaofan³⁸, charged into Mt. Changbai. With a pair of silver spear and Feng Chaofan’s pair of pure steel Hunyuanpai³⁹, they wiped out Changbai Qunxiong stronghold. This event not only caused a huge sensation back then, people still spoke about it today.

Qiu Fengcheng said: “Could it be that qianbei⁴⁰ (senior) is Feng daxia?”

Old man said, “That’s correct. I am Feng Chaofan.”

He smiled and said, “You saw his sabre at first. You should also know who he is.”

Beside the Five Tiger Breaking Down the Door Sabre, there wasn’t a more “absolute” sabre technique. Absolute sabre, absolute love, absolute man, absolute life! One sabre cut-off lives, never leaves a survivor.⁴¹

Qiu Fengcheng let out a sigh and said: “This person must have committed atrocious crime to meet the fate of the Five Tiger Breaking Down the Door Sabre.”

Peng Tianba laughed and said, “If he was up against the monk at first, he would’ve die even faster.” Is this monk’s skill more extreme than Five Tiger Breaking Down the Door Sabre?

Qiu Fengcheng changed and said: “This senior must be Shaolin’s Jue dashi⁴².”

Peng Tianba said: “That’s right, he is Monk Jue.”

Shaolin’s extreme monk are even more extreme, emotions are even more cut-off, innately hates the wicked. If anyone with any wrongdoing falls into their hand, they can give up the idea of living in peace.

Qiu Fengcheng let out a long sigh and said, “I couldn’t believe heaven would sent three seniors to this place.”

Peng Tianba said, “Indeed we were not supposed to come, and wouldn’t have come here.”

Feng Chaofan said, “We originally want to go to Jufeng Luo to drink to wine.” He was a frequent customers at Jufeng Luo.

In a restaurant, a frequent customer will have a designated waiter to serve him. It is because this waiter will know this customer’s behavior; his favorite food and drink without the customer ordering. However on this day, the young waiter, Xiaogu, that normally served them was sent out to deliver a table of food and wine to Winter Plum Valley.

— In such bitter cold, there was still a person at Winter Plum Valley appreciating flower and wine. This must be a person with refined taste.

Peng Tianba said, “After drinking three cups, us three old fools became spirited and decided to come over to Winter Plum Valley to meet this gentleman.”

Feng Chaofan sighed and said, “Couldn’t imagine that halfway here, we saw Xiaogu’s group corpses.”

Peng Tianba said, “Everyone was killed in one sabre blow. They’re killed cleanly, orderly.”

Feng Chaofan said, “He also uses sabre so of course he couldn’t help coming here to see who would have such a fast sabre.”

Peng Tianba said, “So the three of us, who were not supposed to be here, came.”

This must be fate. Qiu Fengcheng looked above to the sky and said:, “Lord is all knowing. Nothing escapes god’s eye. Those who kill will be punished.”

He suddenly stood up and faced Ma Rulong articulated, “These three phrases, you should put in your heart and never forget them.” At this moment the sky was slowly getting dark, the winter night always come earlier.


-----------------------------------------------------Footnote-----------------------------------------------------
24. Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang, close to Shanghai.
25. nverhong, lit. daughter red. It’s a huangjiu (yellow wine) that originate from Shaoxing, Zhejiang. It is said that it came from a tradition of burying wine when a daughter is born and only dug up for the daughter’s wedding, hence the name.
26. Chi, Chinese feet is around 13.12 in. (33.3 cm). Cun, Chinese inch is 1.312 in (3.33 cm). Note: Chinese measurements are in units of 10.
27. Jin Zhenlin (金振林), surname Jin means gold, given name means “shaking forest”.
28. Yanlingdao is a type of Chinese sabre. Literally means goose-feather sabre.
29. Zhang, about ten chi, so about 3.33 meters or 3.645 yards.
30. Peng Tianba (), Surname Peng, given name means “sky overlord”.
31. I could probably write a paper on the term “xia” but in short it’s a person that follows a code of chivalry. Daxia, thus means a great chivalrous hero.
32. Jufenglou (聚丰楼), lit. mean gathering and plentiful restaurant.
33. Yihuagong (移花宫), Yihua Palace, lit. Flower-Shifting Palace, from the Legendary Siblings/Twins.
34. Lihua, pear blossom.
35. wanbei (晚辈), refers to a person of a younger generation.
36. Changbai Qunxiong, lit. bear group of Changbai mountain.
37. Fengtian (奉天), old name for Shenyang.
38. Feng Chaofan (冯超凡), surname Feng, give name means “beyond ordinary”.
39. Hunyuanpai (混元牌), hunyuan lit. means the essence of the universe, pai is a plate, tile, or tablet.
40. qianbei (前辈), refers to a person of an older generation.
41. Jue (绝), has several meanings: 1. sever/cut-off, 2. extreme, 3. absolute, 4. more etc. There are no single English word the means all these thing. Just be aware all the extreme/absolute/sever/more are the same word in Chinese.
42. dashi, lit. great master. Dashi is also a title of a Buddhist monk.

Chapter 3 - Tiansha (Heaven Kill) [天杀]

Ma Rulong still had no reaction. If it was anyone else at this point, even if they did not flee they would’ve strongly defended themselves. However he did not. He just quietly stood there and did not even seem to care what other people were saying. — He did not defend himself, is it because this is nothing for him to defend?

— He did not flee, is it because he knows he could not escape these three people in front of him?

Jue dashi also quietly stood there with an apathetic face with no emotion. Now he finally said, “I think I heard from someone, the essence of sabre techniques in the world all exist within the Five Tigers Breaking Down the Door Sabre. As such every sabre techniques in the world, there isn’t any one he doesn’t know.”

Peng Tianba said, “Not think, you DID hear that from someone.”

Jue dashi said, “Who did I hear this from?”

Peng Tianba said, “You, of course, heard it from me.”

Jue dashi said, “I’d always believe in the things you say.”

Peng Tianba said, “Although I sometimes boast, I only boast in front of woman not in front of a monk.” He smilingly said, “Boasting in front of a monk is like playing a lute in front of an ox. There is no purpose to it.”

Jue dashi did not get angry or argue back. His face still has the cold and indifferent expression. He said, “The black-clothed person at first wanted to kill you in one blow. The sabre stance he was using, must also be an essence of his sabre skill.”

Peng Tianba said, “In such a situation, of course he would have used his most capable skill in his repertoire.”

Jue dashi said, “You seemed to have said that the essence of saber skills of every school and every sect in the world; there are none you do not know.”

Peng Tianba said, “I said it before.”

Jue dashi said, “His sabre skill are from which school and which sect?”

Peng Tianba said, “Don’t know.” He gave a really straight-forward reply. Everyone in Jianghu knew the master of “Five Tigers Breaking Down the Door Sabre” is a straight forward person.

Jue dashi still asked, “You truly do not know?”

Peng Tianba said, “If I don’t know, then I don’t know. What’s so true or fake about it?”

Jue dashi said, “You may not know, but I know.”

Peng Tianba was a bit taken back. He blurted out and asked, “You truly know?”

Jue dashi said: “If I know, then I know. What’s so true of fake about it?”

Peng Tianba laughed, “The sabre skill he used; which school and which sect is it from?”

Jue dashi said, “That is Tiansha (Heaven Kill)!”

Tiansha!

Peng Tianba said, “I don’t understand. What is Heaven Kill?”

Jue dashi said, “Go undo his clothing and take a look.”

Black-clothed man’s chest has nineteen bright red characters. It was hard to tell whether it was tattooed with cinnabar or blood. “Heaven gave men countless things. Men did not give anything to heaven. Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!”

Peng Tianba asked, “This is Heaven Kill?”

Jue dashi said, “Yes.”

Peng Tian said, “It’s a pity. I still don’t understand.”

Jue dashi said: “This is an assassin organization. People of this organization kill for a living, kill for pleasure. As long as you can afford it, whoever you wants to kill, they will kill that person.”

Peng Tianba said, “How do you know about this?”

Jue dashi said, “I have been pursuing them for five years.”

Peng Tianba said, “Pursue what?”

Jue dashi said: “Pursue their headquarter. Pursue their leader. Pursue their lives!” He blandly said, “Killers deserve to die. They have kill countless people. If they don’t die, where is the heaven justice in that.”

Peng Tianba said, “Have you found them yet?”

Jue dashi said, “No.”

Peng Tianba said, “One day you will definitely catch them. If not, you will not let it go even after you die.”

Jue dashi said, “Yes.”

Sky was dark, cold wind were like knives. Peng Tianba looked down to the body, he put his clothes back on as if he was afraid the body would get cold. The body will never felt cold.

If the black-clothed person was still alive and freezing to death, Peng Tianba wouldn’t had even care. But no matter whom, they are especially kind to the dead. This is because everyone would eventually die. When he dies, he wants other to show him same kindness. When Peng Tianba pulled clothes back on the dead body, something fell out of the body.

What fell out was a piece of jade. Jade is a precious gemstone. Jade is an ancient gem. Not only does it ward evil, it also brings fortune, peace, and wishes.

In old legends, it was said jade could also “swap death”. It would die for the owner and saved the owner’s life. The jade that Xiaowan gave to Qiu Fengcheng saved his life.

This jade, however, wanted Ma Rulong’s life. This was because the jade had a string attached to it. Attached to the string was a gold medal piece. On the front of the gold medal was a horse, on the back were four characters:

“Tian Ma Xing Kong”⁴³

This was a Tianma Tang⁴⁴ (Hall of Divine Horse) badge. Ma Rulong was the eldest son of the master of Hall of Divine Horse.

Why would was a Hall of Divine Horse badge with the assassin? There could be one explanation: Ma Rulong used this piece of had and this badge to hire the assassin to help him kill. Kill Du Qinglian, Qiu Fengcheng, Jin Zhenlin, and the workers and waiters from Jufeng Lou.

However he could not believe Qiu Fengcheng was not dead yet. Furthermore, could not have imagine Peng Tianba, Feng Chaofan and Jue dashi would come. This must all be heaven’s will. Heaven kill is not heaven’s will. Heaven’s will guard against killing!

Until now, no one had mention the name of “this person”. Because this matter involved a lot of people: Du Qinglian, Shen Hongye, Jin Zhenlin. Any one of these people death would had shocked Wulin. Also, this could lead to a lot of vendetta within Wuli’s prominent families.

Once these revenge starts, it would not end in a short period. It was also hard to imagine how many would die. No one should jump to conclusion. However there were undeniable motives and evidences here.

Feng Chaofan had serious look on his face and said, “Now we should all hear what Ma Rulong has to say.”

Ma Rulong did not say a think, he slowing took off his silver fox fur coat and calmly said, “This came from my third uncle’s night hunt in the great snowy mountain when he was young. I can not let the property of the deceased be ruined under me.”

He handed the fox fur coat to Peng Tianba, “In former years, I know gexia⁴⁵ was a good friend of my third uncle. I hope you can bring his item back to Hall of Divine Horse and give it to my third aunt.”

Peng Tianba let out a sigh and said, “The hero, Third Brother Ma, died young, I... I definitely will bring this back.”

Ma Rulong slowly took off his dazzling long sword and gave it to Jue dashi.

He said: “The Wudang⁴⁶ master of the Xuanzhen⁴⁷ Taoist monastery gave this sword to my father. Shaolin and Wudang are closely
related, I wish you can give this back to Xuanzhen Taoist monastery. This way it could not end up in the hands of the wretched.”

Jue dashi said, “Absolutely.”

Ma Rulong took out a pile of silver-based banknotes and gold leaves and hand it to Feng Chaofan.

Feng Chaofan said, “Who do you want me to give this to?”

Ma Rulong said, “Money originally do not have an owner. Who you want to give this to doesn’t matter. “

Feng Chaofan was pondering, took it, and said, “I will use this the save a few people and do some good deed.”

Now every could that Ma Rulong was settling things. Very few people can refused a person’s last wishes before death. They couldn’t help feeling heavy and serious holding the items Ma Rulong gave them.

Ma Rulong took a long sigh and said, “Now there is only this horse.”

His white horse was still under the plum tree. These strictly trained well bred colt was like a Jianghu expert. Not confused in perils and always clam. Ma Rulong went over there, untied the ropes, lightly patted the horse, and said, “Go!” The white horse neighed and walked out.

Ma Rulong turn around, faced Feng Chaofan, and said, “Now, I only have one thing to say.”

Feng Chaofan said, “Go ahead.”

Ma Rulong said, “You are all pigs.”⁴⁸

With this said, his body shoot out like arrow and fled. His white horse started out slowly but rapidly increase his speed. The horse was already ten zhang (about 33.3 meter or 36.5 yards) away. With all his might, Ma Rulong used his “Tianmaxingkong” superb qinggong (lightness martial art). This type of lightness skill was energy-consuming. However by the time he was running out of energy, he already caught up to the horse. This one-of-a-kind fast horse’s body had already warmed up and reached its full stride.

Once Ma Rulong got on the horse, the horse neighed. Traveling like dragon, the rider was pure white, horse was pure white, and the earth was silvery white.

Feng Chaofan and Peng Tianba started to move and chase while still holding the money and fox fur coat Ma Rulong handed him. By the time they realized how stupid and foolish they were, the man and horse disappeared into the silvery white land. Feng Chaofan stomped on his feet and threw the money on the ground, “I really am a pig.”

Sky was even darker and the wind was even colder. The cold wind was piercing toward here, but Ma Rulong chest had a fire. Burning with anger! This was because he knew he was not the murderer. He had never put poison in the wine. Unfortunately, other than him no one would believe he was innocent. He understood this very well.

He could only run away! Death, he did not care. A death battle with those who were certain he was the culprit would have been very satisfying. However, if he died in their hands he would had died with the accusations, unable to clear his name. If he wanted to die, he rather die with innocence, with honour. He vowed he would wait until he found the real culprit and clear his name. Then have a duel to the death with them.

Who was the real culprit? Who poisoned the wine? Who hired the assassin? He did not have a clue.

No matter who he was, he was definitely a cunning and vicious person. This plan was careful and thorough without any flaws. Can he really solved this conspiracy and find the culprit? He had no assurance. He did not even know where to start. Until the real culprit was found, in everyone’s view he was the murderer.

If Feng Chaofan, Peng Tianba, and Shaolin’s Jue dashi said someone was a murderer, no one in Jianghu would have doubt them. No matter where he went, he would’ve been hunted down and killed. He could not bring the trouble back. If everyone considered you to be a criminal, there was no place to hide and no where to run.

If it was anyone else in his situation, they would’ve died of anger and worry. However, he did not care. He believed in this vast world, there would a place he could go. He also the heaven was just, no evil can escape. There would be a day where he could find the culprit. He had confidence. He was full of confidence. His hand was stronger than other, mind more nimble than other, and ear and eye were more sensitive than other.

At this time, he already heard something other couldn’t hear. It was a cry. It sounded like a weak groan. Then he saw some hair. The sky was completely dark. However it was hard not to notice the jet black among the silvery white snow.

If someone else was here, they, too, would’ve noticed these hair and would’ve definitely notice this person here. This person’s body was completely buried in the snow, revealing only half a pale white face. This half of a face flashed before his eye, the fast horse already galloped past it. He did not stop. He was running for his life.

The merciless Jue dashi would not let him go. It was possible he would soon catch up to him. If they caught up to him this time, they would definitely not let him have a chance to escape again. He definitely could not stopped for stranger that was close to freezing to death.

— However this person was definitely not dead, this person was still groaning. The horse was like flying and had already galloped far away. He suddenly turn the horse around and rode back.

If a person simply let another die, how could he be proud of himself? Ma Rulong was a proud person, full of pride.

This pitch black hair already had ice all over it. The pale white face had no hint of blood. It was a miracle this person was still alive. — How long does it take for a person that is buried under snow to die?

It was said women could withstand bitter cold, hunger, and pain better than men. This person was a woman and quite young but not beautiful. In fact, this woman was quite ugly, could even be considered hideous. She had a broken and crooked nose, fat pig lip, rat-like eyes all on this round face with no traces of blood. She looks like an botched work of a porcelain worker that was broken even before going into the furnace.

Although she was not dead, staying alive was still difficult. If there was a cup of warm wine, hot soup, fur coat, or a good doctor; her chance of surviving would be higher. Unfortunately, there was nothing here.

Ma Rulong’s clothing were not sufficient to protect against the cold. Whether he could live was also questionable. He tried his best. Right now, he should had abandoned this ugly female stranger and run away from here. However, he took off his only warm cloth and wrapped it around the her. He wrapped himself around her and using his body temperature to keep her warm.

— Man greatest grief is “stupidity” and woman greatest grief is “ugliness”. An ugly woman is usually a pitiful woman. Not only did he not abandoned her because she was ugly, he felt sympathetic. As long as she was still alive, he would definitely not abandon her like a wild dog in the cold. However, he did not know where to take her. He, himself, have lost everything and had no where to go.

The sky was already very dark. Cold winter night not only come early but also last longer.


-----------------------------------------------------Footnote-----------------------------------------------------
43. Tianmaxingkong, lit. means divine horse walking in air. It is also used to describe something out of this world. For here, it’s just a wordplay on his family name, “Ma”.
44. Tianma Tang, lit. divine horse hall.
45. gexia (阁下), a very honorary way to refer to someone, means “you”.
46. Wudang, a very famous Taoist martial art school. School also had Shaolin lineage.
47. Xuanzhen (玄真), part of Taoist philosophy.
48. Chinese consider pigs to be very stupid animals.

Chapter 4 - Long Night [长夜]

Night. The long winter night had just begun. Ma Rulong was gathering pieces of dry wood and started a fire in this abandoned temple to ward off the cold.

Fire light might lure the enemies here. Anyone knew, when running for your life, you could not start fire; even if it meant dying from the cold. However, this woman desperately needed the fire. Although he did not mind dying of cold, he would not let the female stranger die of cold just so he could hide from his enemies. He rather died than to do something so shameful.

The fire was burning brightly. He moved the woman to the warmest and driest spot. He also needed rest. Right when he finally closed his eyes, he heard a shrieked, “Who are you?”

This woman actually woke up. Not only was she hideous, her voice was dreadfully peircing. Ma Rulong did not answered her. Right now, he did not know who exactly he was either. A refugee without a future or a past. He slowly stood up and wanted to go over and check out how she was doing, whether she can move, and whether she can live. Who would’ve thought she would suddenly picked up a stick next to the fire and shouted, “If you dare come near me, I’ll kill you.” He risked his life to save her. Now this grotesque woman acted as if he was going to rape her. Ma Rulong did not say a single word and sat down.

The woman was still gripping onto her stick, used her rat-like eyes and ruthlessly stared at him.

Ma Rulong shut his eyes again. He doesn’t want to waste time looking at her. The woman, using her high-pitched voice, asked, “How come I am here?” Ma Rulong was too lazy to answer.

This woman finally thought about her situation and again asked, “I believe I was buried in snow at first. Did you save me?”

Ma Rulong said, “Yes.”

Surprisingly this woman called out, “Since you saved me, why didn’t you bring me back to the city to go see a doctor? Why did you bring me to an abandoned temple?”

Her voice was extra sharp, “I had seen your kind of people all the time. I know you are up to no good.”

Ma Rulong almost wanted to say, “Don’t worry. I am not going to rape you. With a face like yours, I have no interest.” However, he did not say those words out. This woman looked even uglier under the fire light, he did not want to hurt her feeling. So he slowly sighed and said, “I did not bring you to the doctor because I am penniless.”

The woman coldly laughed and said, “How did a man like you ended up in such a state? Don’t even have a penny, it’s probably because you are lazy and jobless.” Ma Rulong again couldn’t be bother by her. This woman did not let him go and continued scolding him about how he was good for nothing and lacked maturity.

Ma Rulong suddenly stood up and coldly said, “The firewoods here are enough for you to last the entire night. By tomorrow, someone should pass by here.”

He couldn’t stand it so it was better to leave.

The woman again retorted, “What are you doing? You want to leave? You want to abandon a poor, helpless, and weak woman here? And you consider yourself a man?” From the way things look she sure did not look like “weak woman”; however, she was still a woman.

The woman coldly smiled and said, “Are you afraid my enemies will come here? So you are trying to leave as soon as possible and avoid any conflict.”

Ma Rulong couldn’t bear it and asked, “You have enemies?”

This woman said, “I don’t have enemies? So you think I buried myself in the snow? You think I’m crazy?”

Ma Rulong slowly sat down again. He did not ask her who her enemies were or why they were after her. He only know that he could not leave. Someone was trying kill and bury a weak woman. A real man facing this would not stood by and ignore this.

This woman again asked, “You are not leaving now?”

Ma Rulong said, “I am not leaving.”

The woman unexpectedly said, “Why aren’t you leaving? Do you have some kind of sinister plan?” Ma Rulong actually laughed. He couldn’t hold it and had to laugh. A woman like her was rare; he couldn’t believe he actually met one today. Other than laughing, what else can he do? Should he cry? Should he kill himself?

The woman sharply yelled, “What are you secretly laughing about? What exactly are you plotting? Talk!”

Ma Rulong did not say anything because outside the abandoned temple someone said: “He will not talk. Whatever’s on Ma-gongzi’s mind, he’ll never say it out.” In the wavering fire light, a man slowly walked in. Surprisingly, it was Peng Tianba.

Peng Tianba was still holding the fox fur coat in his left hand. His right hand was holding a sabre; a sabre that was already out of its scabbard, the Five Tiger Door Breaking Sabre. Unfortunately, this woman did not recognize this person or this sabre. She looked up with her rat-like eyes and shouted, “Who are you?”

Peng Tianba said, “I am a pig.”

The woman said, “Although you seem a bit fat, you are still skinnier than a pig.”

Peng Tianba let out a sigh and said, “It’s too bad I am dumber than a pig. That’s why I have his silver fur fox coat.”

The woman seemed very surprised and asked, “This is his?”

Peng Tianba said, “Yes.”

The woman asked, “Why would he give you such a valuable item?”

Peng Tianba said, “Because he need to use this fur coat to hold onto my hand.”

This woman asked, “Did you use your hand to hold onto fur coat, or did the fur coat hold onto your hand?”

Peng Tianba said, “It’s all the same.”

This woman said, “Why is it the same?”

Peng Tianba said: “Whether the fur coat was holding up my hand, or my hand was holding onto the fur coat, in the end the coat was on my hand. Therefore I could not draw my sabre or use my throwing weapon.” His Feihu Zhuihun Biao (Flying Tiger Soul Chasing Dart) was just as menacing as his Five Tiger Breaking Down the Door Sabre.

This woman didn’t understand and asked, “Why didn’t he let you draw your sabre or use your dart?”

Peng Tianba said, “Because he wanted to run away.”

The woman asked, “Why did he want to run away? Is it because you are bullying him? Why are you bullying people?”

Peng Tianba could only bitterly smile. He finally realized talking to this woman was not exactly a wise decision. He returned to his serious face and coldly said, “Ma-gongzi, this time you don’t need to flee. The three of us split up and gone to different paths. Only I am here, why do you try to silence me too?”

Ma Rulong did not open his mouth, the woman butt in and said, “He will not kill you. He is a good person.”

Peng Tianba asked, “He is a good person?”

The woman said, “Of course he is. I have never seen such a good person. If you touch him, I will kill you.”

Peng Tianba laughed, coldly laughed, but unexpectedly the woman jump forward and grab onto his neck and yelled, “I am holding onto him, quickly run away.”

Ma Rulong did not run. She can not hold onto him. Peng Tianba, with one shook, threw her on the ground.

Peng Tianba said, “You’d said a lot. You must be tired, why don’t you rest a bit.” He lightly kicked out his foot and knocked on her yunxue (faint acupoint)⁴⁹. He covered her with the fox fur coat on his hand.

Ma Rulong eye as gazing at the sabre on his hand, waiting for him to make his move. Surprisingly, he put his sabre back to its sheath on his waist and warmed his hand near the fire. He knew Ma Rulong could not escape so before doing anything, it was better to warm up his hand first. This type of poise and composure of a seasoned Jianghu man was hard not to respect.

Ma Rulong was also pretty calm. He was not anxious and did not attack first.

Fire was weakening. Peng Tianba added several more firewoods into the fire and slowly said, “Did you know I was friend with your third uncle?”

Ma Rulong said, “En.”⁵⁰

Peng Tianba said, “When he was alive, had he ever spoke of me in front of you?”

Ma Rulong said, “En.”

Peng Tianba said, “Did he ever told you how we became friends?”

Ma Rulong said, “No.”

Peng Tianba said, “We met each other through fighting.” Peng Tianba laughed, and then said, “Your third uncle was an extremely prideful person. Of course he would mention this to you.”

Ma Rulong said, “Why?”

Peng Tianba said, “Because although my wisdom and intelligence can not be compare to his, it was a pity he had too many interests - music, chess, literature, art - he wanted to learn everything. Obviously he would have less time practicing sword skills.”

Ma Rulong had heard of this. Not only was his uncle a famed swordsman, he was also a well-rounded intellect.

Peng Tianba, “So even though he was better than me at everything, his martial art was not. I had fought him three times and every time I defeated him within a hundred stances.” He did not let Ma Rulong speak and suddenly said, “How is your sword skill compare to your third uncle?”

Ma Rulong was pondering to himself. After a while he said, “I am not better than him.”

Peng Tianba said, “I also believe your sword skill is not better than him. So even if you have a sword, I can kill you within one hundred stances.” He dully continued, “ Right now your hand is empty. You can, at most, withstand sixty stances.”

Ma Rulong did not open his mouth. Peng Tianba continued, “My sabre skill, every strike is a killing stance and I never hold back. Sometime even if I did not intend to kill, once I strike I couldn’t control myself. “

He sighed again and said, “Therefore, very few can lives past my sabre.” Ma Rulong was silent. Peng Tianba continued, “You are like your third uncle; very intelligent, very proud. However, I do not wish that you will die young like him.”

Ma Rulong said, “What are you trying to say?”

Peng Tianba pondered for a while and finally said, “All of a sudden I thought there are something peculiar about this.”

Ma Rulong said, “Oh?”

Peng Tianba said, “Did you know how did I find this place?”

Ma Rulong shook his head.

Peng Tianba said, “You brought me here. Track from your horse on the snow led me here.”

Ma Rulong actually never thought of this because he never tried to flee before.

Peng Tianba said, “If you are capable of coming up with such a secretive and vicious plot, then you should not be this careless. Also in a time where you are desperately trying to flee, you shouldn’t go save such a ugly and unfamiliar woman.” He sighed and said, “However you did do all of these thing. And it does not look like you are acting. Even though I am a pig, I can’t help being suspicious. So...”

Ma Rulong said, “So what?”

Peng Tianba said, “So I wish you would come with me. Don’t make me use force.”

Ma Rulong uttered, “Where do you want me to follow you to?”

Peng Tianba said, “In the meantime, I want to sent you to Shaolin. Within three months, I will try to investigate the truth behind this. By then, I will give you your justice.” Ma Rulong neither agree or refuse the offer.

Peng Tianba said, “Right now you are a wanted man. No matter where you go, you will be pursued. This is the only path you can take.” This was the truth. This was also reality.

Peng Tianba slowly walked over and said, “So you have to completely trust me. Only I can help you now.” He sticked out his hand. It look like this was the only hands in the world that wanted to and could help Ma Rulong.

Ma Rulong finally held onto his hand and said, “I believe you but...” He did not finish because at this point Peng Tianba suddenly lifted his foot and kick his huantiao⁵¹ acupoint. Once his feet wobbled, Peng Tianba flew over and sealed his maimen (pulse). He loudly laughed, “Now you know who is the pig.”

Hand released and the man collapsed. “Ke” sound rattled, the Five Tigers Breaking Down the Door Sabre was leaving its sheath. No wonder Peng Tianba was Jianghu top sabre expert. The motions when he was drawing his sabre were clean and graceful.

His killing posture should also be elegant. Drawing sabre was usually for killing. However he should have a lot questions to ask Ma Rulong. Even if he already determine Ma Rulong was the real murderer, he should still ask him to clarify. Why was he already pulling out his sabre?

Ma Rulong finally understood. Seeing Peng Tianba's sabre out, he realized that the real murderer was Peng Tianba! He was responsible for this whole conspiracy, so he definitely could not let the “Tiansha” black-clothed man live.

So right now there was no need for him to ask anything. Similarly, he could not let Ma Rulong live.

Unfortunately, even though Ma Rulong finally understand, it was already too late. Sabre light was like snow and was already coming down toward him.

Surprisingly this sabre did not strike Ma Rulong's neck. Peng Tianba suddenly jumped and somersaulted back far away. His faced already changed, and shouted, “Who is it?” Other than the two people who he had sealed their acupoints, there was no one here. Did he saw a ghost?

Fire light was wildly flickering. Peng Tianba face also seemed to be changing -- one instant red, one instant white, one instant green. However, not only could you not see anyone here, you couldn't even see a shadow. He suddenly thrust forward aiming his sabre at Ma Rulong’s neck.

He saw the ghost again! This time what he saw must had been even more frightening. Ma Rulong could not see anything. He jumped again, this time even higher. Once his jumped back down, he sprinted out and did not even look back.

Outside the abandoned temple was completely dark. Once he fled, there wasn’t even a shadow. Fire was flickering and wind was blowing. In the winter wind, there was suddenly was a shout; it was short but sharp, dreadful, and surprised.

Ma Rulong could hear that the noise came from Peng Tianba, but could not understand what was happening. He wanted to go out and see but both his wrists and two knees’ acupoints were sealed.

Though Peng Tianba was renown for his sabre skill, his dianxue⁵² (or Dim Mak) martial art were not bad. At this moment if someone came in and there was a sabre on this person’s hand. Doesn’t matter who this person was or what sabre this person was holding; at this point this person can definitely use this sabre and sever Ma Rulong’s neck. Luckily no one came in. There was no one, no shadow, no voice, no movement, nothing. As if in this world there were only the two of them and an almost burnt up fire.

However, Ma Rulong knew at any moment someone could come in. Even if Peng Tianba would never come back; Feng Chaofan, Jue dashi, Qiu Fengcheng could come at any moment. No matter who came, this person would not let him go.

Right now this long winter night still had not pass. It was not sure what will happen from now on. Winter nights were especially long, very long.


-----------------------------------------------------Footnote-----------------------------------------------------
49. yunxue, faint acupuncture point, shorten these as acupoint (made up).
50. En is a sound indicating approval or agreement. It’s not a word.
51. Huantiao acupoint is at the side of your hip/butt.
52. Dianxue (or dim mak), is a martial art concept (i.e. fictional) based on traditional Chinese acupuncture. Its attacks are based on striking pressure points and meridians (acupuncture-based) that cause various effect on the body.

Chapter 5 - Dawan


The firewood burned really fast. The fire was getting smaller. Ma Rulong was trying hard to stay calm. His mind had not settle down. His body was getting colder. He was almost frozen stiff. The fire was almost completely out. With his acupoint sealed, he did not know when they would be released.

Right now was not the coldest time of the night. If this continue, death was a possibility. He had never thought a person like him could possibly freeze to death. Actually, life is like this; no one could prepared for whatever happen in the future. No one could predict his own future.

Ma Rulong sigh in his heart and suddenly realize he did not have much to be proud of. At this moment, that woman suddenly stick her head out of the fur coat.

Ma Rulong bloodflow was still blocked. Surprisingly her acupoint was released first. Using her mouse-like small eye, like a little mouse she was looking around for half a day. Finally let out long breath and said: “Couldn’t believe that fat man left. Couldn’t believe you are still alive.”

This was indeed a surprising outcome. No one would have thought Peng Tianba would let Ma Rulong live. It was like a rabbit running away after it was shot by an arrow.

She stood up and wore Ma Rulong fur coat and smiled: “The fur on this coat is not that bad, It’s light, soft, and warm. It fits me pretty well too.”

Fortunately Ma Rulong could still speak and couldn’t help said: “It’s a pity that fur coat seems to be mine.”

This woman shook her head and said: “This is not yours. Right now, it’s no longer yours.”

Ma Rulong said: “Why?”

This woman said: “Because you gave it to the fat man. That fat man gave it to me.” She was laughing heartily: “So right now this coat is mine.”

Ma Rulong could not argue. He never really cared about small matter. This didn’t really affect him. However he was too cold, again could help say: “Can you increase the fire?”

This woman said: “Increase the first for what? I am not cold.”

Ma Rulong bitterly smiled: “You are not cold, I am.”

This woman said: “I am not cold. Why are you cold?”

Ma Rulong was startled. This woman was something. She push people to the point where they know whether to cry or laugh. He luckily had not been angered to death.

The woman unexpectedly said: “Young people should be able to withstand hardship. What is the matter with being a bit cold? You are so young and couldn’t even take this. What accomplishment can you achieve in the future?”

Ma Rulong can only shut his mouth. He finally realized debating with such was not only stupid but a waste of time. A man encountering such a woman, it was best to simply close his eye and shut his mouth.

This woman actually spare him and muttered: “Wonder if the day going to come soon. I will go check.”

After talking to herself, she went out. Just as she left, she suddenly screamed and hurried back in like she was shot by an arrow.

Ma Rulong originally did not want to care about her. Though she was annoying, she wasn’t bad to him. Not only did she called him a “good person”, she risked her life holding onto Pang Tianba urging him to run. A person living should live a life with no regret and understand distinction between gratitude and grudges. So Ma Rulong asked: “What happened?”

This woman with a shaking voice said: “Outside...There is a person outside.”

In such a cold place in the middle of the night, why would people come to an abandoned temple in the middle of nowhere? Ma Rulong have to asked: “Who?”

This woman said: “It was the fat man at first.”

Ma Rulong moved and said: “He still haven’t left?”

This woman said: “Still haven’t.”

If he had not leave, why didn’t he come in?

Ma Rulong asked: “What is he doing outside?”

This woman said: “Who know what he is doing? He stood there as if he was sleeping.” She unexpectedly reasoned: “Fat people always like to sleep.”

However no matter how fat, how much you like to sleep, a person would sleep out in the snow. Ma Rulong said: “You are probably saw something else.”

This woman said: “I am not mistakenly seeing thing. Not only are my eyes pretty, I have very good vision.” Well her eyes were not really bad looking, at least much better than a rat.

Ma Rulong said: “Can you go out and look again.”

This woman said: “Why don’t you, yourself, go out and look?” Ma Rulong, again, kept his mouth shut.

This woman looked at him, suddenly smiled and said: “I get it. You are like me. Got kick by that fatty and no couldn’t even move.” Ma Rulong kept his mouth. She actually said: “Fine, I will help you take a look. You weren’t bad to me.” The instant she went out, she shrieked and ran back in shocked.

Ma Rulong: “He’s not there?”

This woman gasped: “He....He is still there. He never could walk again.”

Ma Rulong said: “Why?”

This woman said: “Because he is already dead!”

Why would Peng Tianba be dead? He was still alive at first. He was healthy, no sickness nor pain. It would look he would’ve live longer than anyone else.

Ma Rulong said: “He is really dead?”

This woman said: “Absolutely dead. From head to toe, he is clearly dead.”

Ma Rulong said: “Can you tell how did he suddenly die?

The woman said: “Of course I can tell.” She seemed to be shivering: “No matter who. If their head is cut off, they would definitely die.”

Ma Rulong was extremely surprised. Peng Tianba was absolutely a top Wulin sabre expert. How could someone chopped off his head? Who could it be? In this world, whose sabre skill could be faster than him? more brilliant? Why did this person chopped him?

There was only one explanation. The real culprit was not really Peng Tianba. The master behind this scheme was another person. Even Pang Tianba was this person’s pawn. Now this person wanted to get rid of Peng Tianba. Who was this person? This person can kill Peng Tianble, why not kill Ma Rulong too?

Only “this person” can answer these questions. Ma Rulong finally realized, this conspiracy was even more complicated and terrifying than he had imagined.

This woman suddenly said: “Can’t be.”

Ma Rulong said: “Can’t be what?”

This woman said: “We absolutely can not stay here.”

Ma Rulong agreed. They definitely should not stay. Coincidentally, he could not go.

The woman suddenly said: “I am a woman.”

Ma Rulong said: “I know.”

This woman said: “Great heroes are men. Gentlemen obviously have to men. So...”

Ma Rulong said: “So what?”

This woman said: “So I am neither a gentleman nor hero.” She sighed againg and said: “So if you can’t go. I will go.”

Only because of her, did Ma Rulong came here, started a fire, and encountered this situation. Now she wanted to leave by herself.

Ma Rulong unexpectedly said: “Okay, you go.”

The woman actually said: “However I can not walk, I need to ride your horse.”

Ma Rulong surprisingly agreed: “Fine, take the horse.”

This woman finally thought this person was strange. She was still human. She
couldn’t stand it but sighed and said: “You are truly a good person. It’s a pity...”

Ma Rulong said: “It’s a pity...what?”

This woman said: “It’s a pity and good people don’t live long.”

She was actually really leaving while wearing Ma Rulong’s fur coat and right his horse. Fire was almost dead and she didn’t even add more firewood to it. This woman was truly ruthless, even more ruthless than Jue dashi.

In the lonely winter night, gallop noise had not left far. In the winter wind, there was suddenly and really fast and light footsteps.

Footsteps of two people stop in front of the abandoned temple.

“There is a people dead here.” One person said: “The one that died is Peng
Tianba.”

“Can he still be saved?”

“A death blow, even god can’t save him now.”

Ma Rulong’s heart sinked. When he heard these two voices belong to Jue dashi and Feng Chaofan. Seeing Peng Tianba’s dead body and finding him again, the would absolutely not give him a chance to explain. Surprisingly, they did not come in because they saw that white horse galloped away.

“That must be Tianma Tang’s white horse.” They also saw the rider wearing the fox fur coat.

“One death blow, fled after killing, a lethal hand, what a vicious person.”

“He wouldn’t be able escape.”

“However Peng Tianba......”

“Peng Tianba would wait here but Ma Rulong wouldn’t wait. Let chase after him!”

After these words, their footstep disappear into the distance. They all thought that person wearing the fox fur coat and riding the white horse was Ma Rulong. They wouldn’t have imagine there was still someone in the temple.

If that woman had not leave, if there was still a fire, and if the white horse was still here, what would the current situation be like? Ma Rulong could definitely picture that scenario.

He suddenly thought the things that woman did was not only extreme, but also seems coincidental and clever. He suddenly thought she might not be the heartless and unreasonable woman that one would’ve thought. Perhaps, she was more intelligent than anyone.

No matter how long the cold winter night was, there will always be a morning. No matter who sealed your acupoint, it will always be released eventually. Right now the sky was bright and bloodflow was back at his sealed acupoint.

Peng Tianba technique used wasn’t too severe because he was not planning to sealed his acupoint for too long. Because he thought Ma Rulong wouldn’t be living for long. However, Ma Rulong was still living. His own body, on the other hand, was completely frozen. That sabre blow hit his right neck, came in front of him, and cut a major blood artery on the back.

Succeeded with one deathblow. This renowned Wulin sabre expert could not even avoid this blow. The was never a move in the world he couldn’t avoid, and yet killed by this one blow here.

Unless he could’ve never imagine that person would kill him and would even dream that person would make this blow. Perhaps because this person was a friend, a very close friend he trusted. They came up with the plot together and now it succeeded so that person wanted to silence him. Who was this person? Ma Rulong was not able to guess and did not even have a lead or clue. No one could answer this question.

Some easier questions might be -- after this plot succeed, what would happen? What was the outcome? Who would benefit?

The person devised all this would, of course, benefit himself. After this plot succeed, he would be branded the culprit. Du Qinglian, Shen Hongye, and Qiu Fengcheng’s friends and relatives would look for Ma Rulong to settle scores.

If they could not find Ma Rulong, they would go to Tianma Tang. If they killed Ma Rulong, Tianma Tang would want to avenge him. As a result, this matter would lead to Tianma Tang and Du, Shen, Qiu, three families, fighting each other.

If the four families fought, they mutually weaken each other. When snipe and mussels fights, the one benefitting would be the fisherman.
[TL: This came from traditional Chinese saying: YuPangXiangZheng, YuWengDeLi -- lit. translate to: snipes mussel mutually fight, fisherman benefit. It simply means when two factions fight, only the third party would benefit.]

Who was the fisherman?

Sky was clear again. The horse print on the snow was extremely clear as if it deliberately wanted people to follow it. Wonder if they already caught up to her?

Ma Rulong could also imagine the counldn’t laugh or cry expression on their face after they found out what kind of woman was. He suddenly thought this woman was very brilliant, very ugly, very strange, and very interesting. This was the first time he thought she was interesting.

No matter what, he did not owe her anything. In the future, they might not even see each other. She headed east and he decided to head west.

Now, not only was terribly cold, but also hungry out of his life.

He knew the west side had a very large city with a very good tavern. The building
was clean and tidy, fresh linen on bed, and there was a great fireplace inside.
In the kitchen, there was always a pot of mutton and well-roasted, good smelling, and crispy sesame-flavored baked cake ready. These were exactly what he needed the most.

In a prosperous city with clean street, that tavern’s waiter were outside the entrance pulling business. Ma Rulong did not dare to go in. When he was almost near the entrance, he realized he did not have any money with in. The couldn’t even afford a rice cake. The waiter outside did not even try to approach him. In this cold winter weather, a person that didn’t even have a coat on would not be a good customer.

Being looked down upon did not feel good. This was the first time Ma Rulong experience this. He finally realized the value of money. Status of money in his mind was now much higher than before. With such extreme hunger, cold, and penniless, he still lift his chest and stride forward.

Even though he, himself, did not know where he wanted to go, his feet did not stop. At this moment, he saw a white horse. He recognize this white horse. This white horse also seemed to recognized. The horse raised his hoof and hissed. This horse was actually his White Dragon Colt.

The horse was next to a restaurant, at the restaurant window upstair a person’s head poked out and greeted him. This was the same person that someone thought was ruthless, brilliant, and interesting ugly person. She clearly went east, why was she suddenly in a city at the west?

She yelled: “Come, quickly come up.” Ma Rulong was still hesitant, she yelled again: “Do you want to come up by yourself or want me to go down to get you?” Ma Rulong bitterly smiled: “I’ll go up. I’ll go up by myself.”

The resturant upstair was warm and big, full of mutton, flaky fish, maotai (wine), white spirit (wine), and sesame sauce cake aroma.

She took up an eight-seated table with eight people-worth of food and wine. She was still wearing Ma Rulong’s fox fur coat, looked at him and said: “Sit. Quickly sit down.”

Ma Rulong decided to sit down. She loudly said: “Eat, quickly eat.”

Ma Rulong decided to eat. He did not want her to come pull him or try to put lamb to his mouth. Her action did not seem to leave any choice to other.

Seeing Ma Rulong ate an overcooked piece of lamb, she looked like she wanted to laugh. Still with a stoic face she said: “Young people not only should withstand hunger, they should be able to eat. If you can not finished the bowl of mutton, doesn’t matter what you say, I will ignore you.”

Ma Rulong really ate that big bowl of mutton and also two baked cakes.

This woman poured him a big bowl of wine: “After eating, you should drink some wine. Quickly drink.”

This time Ma Rulong shaked his head: “Not drinking.”

This woman said: “Do you want me to pinch your nose and pour it down your throat?”

Ma Rulong ignore her. He did not believe she would publicly pinch his noise in front of everyone. However, he was wrong. She actually really did pinch his nose.

Although her face was weird and ugly, her hand was really pretty. It was fair, smooth, soft, and not bony. This was the first time Ma Rulong discovered that there a part of her body that this pleasant looking. He finally drank this bowl of wine.

Since being drunk for three days straight at Zhenzhu Fang, he was committed to quitting alcohol.

No matter how committed someone was, after encountering these unfortunate series of event and being pinched in the nose publicly by a woman, his commitment would sway.

The woman finally laughed and said: “This is more like it. How can someone, who doesn’t even dare drink wine, considered himself a man?”

She help him pour another bowl: “You don’t have to worry. These wines don’t have poison. I don’t want to poison you.”

Since Ma Rulong broke his commitment, he might as well drank heartily. He, originally, did not want to get drank. No matter whoever was in his situation, he would’ve wanted to get drank too. After three big bowl, the alcohol was kicking in. He finally said: “Now, can I finally talk?”

This woman coldly: “Spit it out.”
[TL: Original text was: YouHuaKuaiShou, YouPiKuaiFang, which literally means “If you have something to say, say it. If you have fart, let it out.” ...lol...don’t know how to translate that.”

Ma Rulong asked: “How did you come here?”

This woman said: “I like to come here so I’m here.”

Ma Rulong said: “You are supposedly hearing east?”

This woman said: “However, I suddenly wanted to go west.”

Ma Rulong said: “Are you staring at me?”

This woman said: “ Are you thinking because you are good looking, every woman will stare at you?” She suddenly coldly said: “Since I am not Du Qinglian’s mom, not Shen Hongye’s mother, and especially not that stinking mond’s granny. Why should I stare at you?”

Ma Rulong freely said: “You know about this?”

This woman said: “Hmph.”

Ma Rulong said: “How did you know?”

This woman said: “Hmph.”

Ma Rulong said: “Did you see Feng Chaofan and Monk Jue. Did they tell you this?”

This woman did not even “hmph” this time, only filled his bowl to the brim with wine, a big bowl.

Ma Rulong sighed and said: “When you drink wine, do you have to use a big bowl?”

This woman finally answered: “Yes.”

Ma Rulong asked: “Why do you have to use a big bowl?”

This woman said: “Only Xiaowan drink wine with a small bowl. I am not Xiaowan.”
[TL: Xiaowan, here, means Little Wan (wan is a typical female name). Small, in Chinese, is xiaowan. They sound the same but are different characters.]

Xiaowan? Ma Rulong seems to have heard of this name, heard it from Qiu Fengcheng. Qiu Fengcheng’s lover’s name was Xiaowan. Xiaowan give him the piece of jade in his small pouch.

Ma Rulong couldn’t help asked: “You even know about Xiaowan?”

This woman coldly said: “You asked too much.”

Ma Rulong: “However, you have answer anything.”

This woman said: “Because those are not the question you are supposed to ask. You haven’t ask the right questions yet.”

Ma Rulong said: “What should I ask?”

This woman said: “You ate my food and drank my wine. You should at least first ask for my name!”

Ma Rulong: “What is your name?”

This woman said: “Xiaowan use small bowl to drink wine. We use big bowl to drink
wine, what is this call?”

Ma Rulong said: “You are Dawan?”

This woman suddenly laughed and said: “At least you are getting smarter.”

Chapter 6 - Broken Bowl


This woman’s name was Dawan. Although she looked weird and ugly, her hand was better looking than a lot of woman. Although her eyes were small, narrow, and slanty, when she smile there was this grace and beauty about them. It was like the sunlight shining at flowing spring water.

Her word seems brash and harsh, but if you pay closer attention they seemed to have deeper meaning. Her action seems to put people on the spot and unreasonable, but you would slowing realize they were for your own good. If it wasn’t for her to wear his fur coat and ride away with his white horse, he might not be alive here.

Right now, she possibly gather a lot of information about this situation from Feng Chaofan and others but did not considered Ma Rulong as a cold-blooded killer. Now, it seems like she the only person in the world that would want to be his friend. Who exactly was she?

Ma Rulong suddenly said: “You are a good person.” He sighed: “I used to think you are quite unreasonable, but now I know you are a good person.”

Dawan said: “ How do you know I am a good person?”

Ma Rulong said: “I can’t say, but I know.”

He also pour her a bowl of wine: “Come, I use this big bowl to salute you, Dawan.”

Dawan actually did drank this big bowl. She drank heartily.

Ma Rulong suddenly asked: “Do you, Dawan, have any kind of relationship with that Xiaowan?”

Dawan said: “No.”

Ma Rulong said: “Pity.”

Dawan said: “What’s a pity? Is it because you wanted to see this Xiaowan?”

Ma Rulong said: “I really do want to see her.”

Dawan said: “It’s a pity you can’t find her.”

Ma Rulong bitterly smile and said: “It’s a pity she’s not called Dawan.”

Dawan said: “What’s so pitiful about that?”

Ma Rulong said: “If she’s called Dawan, it’ll be easier for me to find. It’s pity she just has to be called Xiaowan.” He explained: “There should not be much girl with the name Dawan. On the other hand, girl with a name like Xiaowan are plentiful. I just know her name is Xiaowan, how can I find her?”

Dawan said: “Though you can’t find her, eventually some would.”

Ma Rulong said: “Who can find her?” Dawan did not answer, suddenly asked:
“Today, how many bowl of wine did you drink?”

Ma Rulong said: “Drank eight bowl, eight big bowl.”

Dawan said: “How much more can you drink?”

Ma Rulong said: “Don’t know.”

Dawan said: “Don’t know means you can still drink a lot.”

Ma Rulong said: “Don’t know means I usually do not drink with bowl.”

Dawan said: “What do you use?”

Ma Rulong said: “Wine jugs.” Dawan laughed again.

Ma Rulong said: “You think I am bluffing?”

Dawan said: “If you alcohol tolerance is really that good, I can bring you to meet someone.”

Ma Rulong said: “Meet who?”

Dawan said: “Meet a person that will never use a small bowl to drink wine, but can definitely find that Xiaowan.”

Ma Rulong said: “What does he use to drink wine?”

Dawan said: “A broken bowl.”

Ma Rulong: “Using a broken bowl to drink wine, should be called Powan?!”

Dawan sweetly said: “Can’t imagine you are getting smarter and smarter.”

Ma Rulong with a glimmer in his eyes, said: “The broken bowl you are talking about, is it “Broken Bowl” Yu Wu?

Dawan said: “If it’s not him, who else could it be?”

Other than this man, the definitely could be not other. There absolutely would not be another man like him. No one could drink like him and no one understand how to drink alcohol better than him. No one could eat and no one understand how to eat better than him. He was renowned for these two quality, could definitely be consider the best of the world.

He was not only famous for these two quality. In the past, Jianghu’s best hero, Ye Kai, commented him with these sixteen words: “Poor as a dirt, rich as a country, famous around the world, no one can recognize.”

These sixteen words describe him perfectly. The wealthiest in the world were salt merchant. The most profitable business were oil, rice, silk, lumber, and pawn shop. The Yu family in Jiangnan was not only the largest salt merchant, but also a magnate of these four businesses. Definitely could be considered the rich amongst the riches, wealth that could be compare to a nation. Jiangnan Yu family had five brothers, Yu Wu was the fifth master.
[TL: Just so you know, the wu in Yu Wu is Chinese for five. Note that “four businesses” here is not a typo, that is what’s written in the text. So I don’t know...considering five things, not including salt, is mentioned in the text...]

The poorest people in the world was, of course, beggars who beg for food. Yu Wu was also called the big brother of beggars, the current “Beggar Clan” clan master. Although he was famous around Jianghu, few had met him before so even if people saw him they would not recognize him. However he had countless underlings, spreading over both side of the yellow river and vast reaches of the north and south. Therefore, if you want to find a person you just need to find him.

Ma Rulong said: “You can find him?”

Dawan said: “If I can’t find him, who could?”

Ma Rulong said: “You know where he is?”

Dawan said: “Actually you should know, he is of course eating and drinking.”

Beggar Clan members viewed the world as their home, eat anywhere and drink anywhere. Places with food and wine, though plentiful, were usually restaurant, inn, and tavern. Dawan brought Ma Rulong to a small restaurant, a extremely small restaurant. This restaurant only had two broken table and several broken chair.

Ma Rulong went in and already could smell a rottten oder. Even a plate of salted vegetable had already changed color and became dry and hard. It looked like it came straight from the sewer, even a heavily starved person wouldn’t dare to try. For a clan master that were usually critical about cleaniless and serious about eating, why would he eat and drink here?

There was even a single customer here even the old storekeeper was taking a nap. Still Dawan went over and said something to his ear. He suddenly woke up and opened his weary eyes. Jianghu was full of hidden dragon crouching tiger (latent t
talents). Could it be that this old man was a Wulin expert in disguise?

He had this weird expression while staring at Dawan. It seemed both shocked and surprised, like a child suddenly meeting his longly admired celebrity. Ma Rulong was a handsome figure, a rare beautiful man in Jianghu. No matter where he go, people notice him. However this old did not even glance at him. Next to Dawan, this White Horse young master was not even noticeable. Ma Rulong thought this was interesting.

Old man suddenly let out a long sigh and muttered: “Can’t believe, Can’t believe, I couldn’t believe it.”

Dawan said: “You couldn’t believe I would come?”

Old man said: “To have an opportunity to welcome guniang (miss), my life is not wasted.”

He suddenly bowed down, all the way to the floor, and kissed Dawan’s foot. His behavior was even more respectful than an extremely loyal official seeing his emperor. Afterward he stood up and said: “Fifth master is in the kitchen at the back. Miss please come with me.”

Ma Rulong was quite amused. What was this strangely ugly woman’s background? Other were so respectful toward her, and it looked like she think this was appropriate and well-deserved. Dawan saw what he was thinking and said: “This old man was a servant at the kitchen in my house. Our house customs are always excessive.”

Ma Rulong wanted to ask: “Do the servants of the always greet people by kissing their feet? It seems like not even the imperial palace has that kind of custom.”

He did not ask because at this moment they had already entered the kitchen.

No one could ever imagine in such a smelly and filthy small restaurant, there could be such a kitchen. The kitchen was huge, clean, bright, and everything was neat and tidy. Every plate and bowl were more polished than a mirror. There were not even any black ashes above the stove.

Tianma Tang was a prominent household and also meticulous about food and dining. However, not even Tianma Tang, had such a big and clean kitchen.

In the kitchen, there was person stir-frying some vegetable. Any person stir-frying vegetable does not look good but this person was an exception. This person holding a spatula is a like a classic painter holding a brush, like the brilliant swordsman Ximen Chuixue holding a sword. No only was the form and movement elegant and beautiful but also full of concentration.

He is currently pan-frying some shrimp tofu. The tofu was not done yet. The old man stood behind and did not want to disturb him. Dawan, unexpectedly, also did not disturb him. He was not too tall, white and chubby face, wearing patched up but extremely clean clothes. He looked like an unrecognized talented scholar that failed the examination.

Ma Rulong can not bear and quietly asked: “Is he Yu Wu of Jiangnan?”

Dawan sighed and said: “Other than him, who else could it be?”

The tofu was now done and wok had left the fire. Using the spatula he lift each one out, every pieces was fried just right. Golden crisp tofu fried in low fire, sitting on the snow white porcelain plate looked like pieced of gold. However gold would not smell this good and this enticing. Even he was satisfy with the plate of tofu. He held the plate with two hands and placed it on a fully cleaned table. Then slightly sighed and lift his head. He finally saw Dawan and said: “It’s you.”

“It is me.” Dawan laughed and did not even look a bit annoying: “Can’t believe Fifth Master can still recognize me.”

Yu Wu was very gentle toward her and said: “Did you drink already?”

Dawan said: “I drank a bit.”

Yu Wu said: “Good. Very good. I just wanted to have someone drink with me.” He smiled and said: “Drinking wine is like playing chess. It must have two people drinking to be interesting.”

Dawan said: “Three people drinking is much better than two. I found another person to drink with you.”

Yu Wu finally saw Ma Rulong and said: “He also want to drink? Can he drink?”

Dawan said: “Heard he has pretty good tolerance.”

Yu Wu said: “Where did you heard it from?”

Dawan said: “I heard it from him.”

Yu Wu said: “You believe in what he said?”

Dawan said: “Why don’t you try to verify yourself?”

Yu Wu said: “Good. Very good.”

The pan-fried tofu was also very good. Ma Rulong couldn’t help himself and ate three pieces; eat one tofu, and drink one bowl of wine. He already drank three bowl, three big bowl. Yu Wu also drank three bowl.

He really did use a broken bowl, a very big broken bowl. It already split into three piece and they were mended back together.The bowl was light blue, like the color of the sky after the rain.

Ma Rulong suddenly said: “Good bowl.”

Yu Wu said: “You can tell this is a good bowl?”

Ma Rulong said: “This was made using firewood kilning. Moreever, it was done using the best kiln. Other than the imperial palace, throughout the world you can not find a third bowl like this.”

Yu Wu said: “Not bad, in the world there are only two of these bowl.” He looked at Ma Rulong, “Hard to imagine, you have a really good eye. No only can you see good people, you can see a good bowl.”

Dawan coldly said: “They way he sees people, might not be that good.”

Yu Wu laughed: “If he is not good at eye, then how come he saw you.” Dawan acted as if she didn’t hear those word. Ma Rulong blushed a bit.

Yu Wu suddenly said: “You people came to me, of course, isn’t because you want to drink with me.”

Ma Rulong said: “I want to find someone that I couldn’t find.”

Yu Wu said: “You want me to help you find someone?”

Ma Rulong said: “Yes.”

Yu Wu said: “Who are you looking for?”

Ma Rulong said: “I just know her name is Xiaowan.”

Yu Wu laughed loudly and said: “Small bowl is not as good as a big bowl. Since you have a big bowl, why do you still want a small bowl?”

Dawan deliberately asked: “Why couldn’t small bowl better than a big bowl?”

Yu Wu said: “No matter whether its holding wine or medicine, a small bowl can not hold more than a big bowl. Of course, a small bowl is not better than a big bowl.”

Dawan said: “How about a broken bowl?”

Yu Wu laughingly said: “Oh, a broken bowl is even better than a big bowl.”

Dawan said: “Why?”

Yu Wu said: “If a bowl is broken, it must have went through a lot. A person will mature through trials and tribulations. An old man is obviously richer in experience than a young child. Ginger is hotter when it’s aged.” He raised his broken bowl, drink everything, and laughed: “So a broken bowl, of course, is much better than a big bowl.”

Dawan also laughed: “Fortunately, we are talking about people not bowl. This Xiaowan is not just better than a big bowl, even the broken bowl.”

Yu Wu said: “Oh?”

Dawan said: “I know. This Xiaowan must be a very beautiful woman and probably gentle and loving.”

Yu Wu said: “How do you know?”

Dawan said: “Because she is Qiu Fengcheng’s lover. The woman that Silver Spear young master likes, wouldn’t be an ugly like me.”

Yu Wu laughed loudly and said: “So this Xiaowan belongs to someone else. No wonder you let me help him find her.” He did not let Ma Rulong defend himself and didn’t asked anything else. Suddenly he said: “Why don’t we make a trade.”

Ma Rulong said: “What trade?”

Yu Wu said: “You stay here to drink wine with me using a big bowl. I help you find this Xiaowan.”

Ma Rulong said: “Ok.”

Yu Wu said: “Within three days, I promised to bring you some news.”

Ma Rulong said: “I will stay here and drink with you for three days.”

Yu Wu said: “Drink with a big bowl?”

Ma Rulong said: “You want me to drink however many bowls, I will drink however
many bowls.”

Yu Wu said: “Not bad.”

Yu Wu kept looking at him, after half a day, finally asked: “Do you know what is
my biggest ability?”

Ma Rulong said: “Please say.”

Yu Wu said: “My biggest abilities are eating food, drinking wine, and sleeping.”

Ma Rulong said: “Eating or sleeping, I have no confidence. Drinking wine, on the other hand, I might be comparable to you.”

Yu Wu said: “You are not afraid of getting drunk?”

Ma Rulong said: “I will continue drinking even if I drink myself to death.”

Yu Wu laughed: “Good, very good.”

In the world, there were people that would rather die than admit defeat. Ma Rulong was this type of people. Watching them drinking one bowl after another, Dawan sighed and said: “When I came out, my mother warned me not to get drunk and get involved with drunkard. She said all alcoholic are the same, not only do they lose grasp of reality but all became unreasonable.”

Yu Wu said: “Your mother is a very smart woman. You have to remember what she told you.” He drank another bowl: “When a man gets drunk, he can do anything.”

Dawan said: “So she said, when a smart woman meet a drunkard she should run away as fast as possible to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Ma Rulong said: “Reasonable.” He drank another bowl: “Very reasonable.”

Dawan said: “Two drunkards are obviously worst than one drunkard.”

Yu Wu said: “Make sense.” He drank another bowl: “The only thing in the world worst than a drunkard is two drunkards.”

Dawan sighed and said: “Unfortunately, I will see two drunkard soon.”

Yu Wu said: “Where? Where are these two drunkards?”

Dawan said: “It seems to be here, in front of me.” Yu Wu and Ma Rulong look at each other, and then laughed.

“My mother only told me I should run away when I see two drunkard. But never told what to do if I see two drunkards?”

She laughed and said: “Fortunately, I know exactly what to do.”

Yu Wu said: “Like what?”

“I will get myself drunk.” She drank a big bowl of wine, and quickly said: “Once I, myself, becomes a drunkard I will no have to worry about drunkards.”

Yu Wu clapped and said: “Make sense.”

Ma Rulong: “There is only one bad point.”

Yu Wu said: “Which point?”

Ma Rulong said: “Isn’t three drunkards worst than two drunkards?”

Yu Wu said: “Yes.”

He sighed: “I’m afraid the only thing in the world worst than two drunkard is three drunkard.”

“Now I’ll see three drunkards.” Mar Rulong let out a sigh and said: “Because of these three drunkards, I am one of them.”

Right now he was still not drunk, those were not drunk words. He had many feeling in his heart. A person can not escape from himself -- his own wrongdoing, his own sorrow, his responsibility, he could never escape. Because like he own shadow, he can never run away from it.

Chapter 7 - Xiaowan


Ma Rulong was drunk. A person drinking with other he trust will get drunk, will get drunk easily. He trust Dawan and he also trust Yu Wu. A person in a bad mood or was mistreat would want to drink and get drunk. Although he believe his accusations will be clear one day, his was still melancholic.

If a person get drunk using a big bowl, he couldn’t remember what he said or did. Even if he remembers, it was such a blur he would think it was a dream, like those were other people’s words and actions.

He seemed to remember saying something that would even surprised him just thinking about it.

At that point everyone was drunk, he suddenly hold Dawan’s hand and said: “Would don’t you marry me?” Dawan then laughed and couldn’t stop laughing. She laughed until she couldn’t breath and then asked: “Why would you marry me?”

“Because you are very good to me. Because even when others suspect me, thought I was murderer, and even wanted to kill me, only you believed me. Only you would want to help me.” He was telling the truth. When a person was really drunk, he usually tells the truth.

Nevertheless, Dawan didn’t believe. “You want to marry me because you are drunk. Once you are fully sober, you will regret this.” Although she was still laughing, her laughter sounds a bit miserable. “Once you see prettier woman, you would regret this even more.” She said: “I am ugly, strange, and terrible. There are so much woman better looking than me.”

Now he was already sober and already forget whether Dawan agreed. However, he just had to ask himself: “If she did agree, right now am I regretting it. Would I still marry her now?” He couldn’t even answer these questions. At the time, he saw another girl. A girl that was much prettier than Dawan.

When he woke up he was not at the kitchen anymore. Yu Wu and Dawan were not here. By the time he woke up he was on a bed - a not very big but soft, comfortable, good smelling bed. This bed was in a not considered big but very clean, comfortable, good-smelling room.

This room had several roses outside the window. Beneath the window was a dressing table. The dressing table had a small copper mirror and next to the mirror was a vase of plum blossom. This girl was standing next to the plum blossom.

Plum blossom was very noble and beautiful. This girl is like the plum blossom, similarly beautiful and classy. Although her clothes were bright red, her face was pale white. Although her eyes were lucid and beautiful, it carried a hard to say melancholy.

She was currently looking at Ma Rulong. She was using a very strange look to look at Ma Rulong, like it was odd and afraid. Ma Rulong’s head was still hurting. He did not recognize this girl nor could he remember why he was here.

This girl suddenly asked: “Are you Ma gongzi? “White Horse Young Master” Ma Rulong?”

Ma Rulong said: “Yes I am.”

The girl said: “Several days ago, were you at the Winter Plum Valley?”

Ma Rulong said: “Yes.”

The girl said: “You saw Qiu Fengcheng?”

Ma Rulong said: “You know him?”

The girl nodded her head. Her forehead furrowed a bit and gently said: “My surname is Su, name Xiaowan. I am the person you are looking for.”

“What is this place?” Ma Rulong finally asked: “How did I get here?”

“A Master Yu Wu sent you here.” She first answered his latter question and then clearly answered why she would take in an unknown drunk man. “Master Yu Wu said you are not only Fengcheng’s friend, you also know his whereabouts.”

Ma Rulong bitterly smiled. Yu Wu actually managed to sent him here. Obviously, he was not as drunk as him.

He never though someone can manage to get him this drunk. He suddenly realized he was overestimating himself. He, again, asked: “This is your home?”

Xiaowan said: “I don’t have a home. This place can not be considered a home.” Ma Rulong understood what she meant. “Home” could not be consider a house. No matter how beautiful a house was, it could not be considered a “home”.
[TL: If you are confused...the Chinese word “jia” could mean both a home and family.]

Xiaowan said: “I am originally just a...a prostitute at Yifang Yuan in the city. Never had a father or mother since I was young. Fengcheng help me released my contract and bought this house for me.” She smile but her smile had this hard to say dreariness: “But he is not here. So how can this be considered a home?”

Ma Rulong couldn’t help but sighed: “Couldn’t think he is actually such an affectionate person.” An prestigious gentleman such as Qiu Fengcheng could suddenly fell deeply in love with a woman of her background. Being so love struck, definitely could make people felt touched by this.

Xiaowan said: “Tough he had an unyielding temperament, he is a very kind person and has never wronged anyone.” Speaking about Qiu Fengcheng, her eyes were full of tender and love: “He was especially good to me, was always considerate of me. He never look down on me. A woman like me being able to meet this type of man...I...I could die with content.”

Ma Rulong said: “Both of you are still young, why talk about death?”

Xiaowan smiled again, drearily smiled: “If you had came here late, you wouldn’t be able to see me.”

Ma Rulong suddenly thought about the pit Qiu Fengcheng dug.

Xiaowan said: “Before he left, he made an agreement. He would come yesterday night by the latest.”

Xiaowan bleakly said: “That would’ve meant he had already left this world. I would, of course, follow him.” Though her voice was gently, it felt fully committed to death. A pledge of eternal love that last beyond life and death.

Ma Rulong lightly sighed and said: “Fortunately he hasn’t die.”

This was because they were fortunate. “He was like you. Fully committed to death, but he hasn’t die.”

Xiaowan said: “Then where is he? Why hasn’t he come back?”

Ma Rulong closed his mouth. Even he doesn’t know where Qiu Fengcheng was.
When Pang Tianba, Feng Chaofan, and Jue dashi were chasing after him, Qiu Fengcheng was not with them.

Jin Zhenlin’s spear did not kill him but he was heavily injured. An injured person, where can he go?

That day they were supposed to attend Madame Biyu meeting. That was why they were at Winter Plum Valley. In the end, was Madame Biyu at Winter Plum Valley? Did
Madame Biyu take him back to the Biyu Villa? Ma Rulong could not confirm.

Xiaowan was still gazing at him waiting for his reply. He could real talk about his theories in heart. He doesn’t want to hurt such a sentimental girl.

Xiaowan lightly sighed: “I know if he hasn’t die, he would come back. Why did you lie to me?”

Ma Rulong said: “I...”

Xiaowan didn’t let him continue and said: “You actually don’t need to lie to me. I
just need to know that he was as committed as I am. I am already satisfy.”

Her attitude all of a sudden became desolate and said: “Right now it’s already dark. A man and woman alone makes other people suspicious. I don’t dare let Ma gongzi stay.” After these word, it was hard to say anymore.

Ma Rulong could only leave. Before he left: “I know your commitment. I will not for you but I hope you can wait three more day. Within three day, I will have information about Qiu Fengcheng to tell you.”

She hesitated and finally replied: “Okay, I will wait three days.”

The sky really turned dark. Outside was a very long narrow alley, Xiaowan house was the deepest end of the alley. Ma Rulong pulled his clothed together, preparing for the wind.

He came here to meet Xiaowan to confirmed Qiu Fengcheng’s words from that day. It was not that he was suspicious of Qiu Fengcheng. It was just that he had no other lead. It was like a drowning person, no matter what they see they would try to grab onto it.

Right now, he already confirmed Qiu Fengcheng was truly a sentimental person and their love. Even he was moved.

So he hope he could help them out. Hope that within three dsys he could find Qiu Fengcheng’s whereabout. He hope these two lovers can reunite.

However he still thought this matter was still strange. What was strange about it? He couldn’t say. He thought Xiaowan’s house was missing something and had something extra. What was missing? What was extra? He couldn’t put a word to it.

Right now, was Dawan also awake? Was her head hurting like his? He suddenly realized he was thinking about her. This unbelievably ugly and unreasonable woman look like she had a lovable side.

Unfortunately he did not know where she came from. Also did not know where she was. They actually bearly know each other and already separated. From now on, it was possible they will never meet again. Ma Rulong let out a sigh and decided not to think about her.

Late winter at the remainder of the year. The end of the year was near, every household was preparing for the new year and buying new clothes. Right now, everyone’s pocket needed some extra money. So things that can be exchanged for money were taken out to be exchanged for money. Outside this alley was a small flower market: Chinese sacred lily and calyx canthus were perfect for current situation.
[TL: Those are flowers...need to find a better word for them.]

The mistress of a small household brought a servant girl to help her buy new year’s good back: daylily, jelly fungus, red date, white nuts, dried apricots filled the basket. That servant girl was holding a basket and looking at a pot of plum blossom. Which fifteen sixteen year old girl doesn’t like beautiful things? Who doesn’t like fresh-smelling and red plum blossom.

She finally couldn’t hold it and said: “Madame, why don’t we also buy two pot of plum blossom back?”

“No.” The madame with the silk clothing firmly replied with a serious face.

The servant girl did not gave up: “These flowers were not expensive, what’s wrong with buying some?”

“Because I don’t have the mood for flowers.”

Servant girl sigh and muttered: “Madame is truly....Master only hadn’t come back for two three days. Madame does’t even have to mood for flowers.”

The servant did not want to but could only bit on her mouth and walked away with that gloomy madame. This is only an insignificant and minor matter, no one would have noticed or cared. Yet Ma Rulong noticed this.

-- A simply housewife with husband only gone for two three days, she did not even have the mood for flowers.

-- Xiaowan vase of plum blossom on her table was freshly putted in.

-- If Ma Rulong had not came, she would’ve committed suicide for love. Why would she even had a mood for flowers?

Now Ma Rulong finally realized that house was missing what? has extra what? That place was missing a servant and had an extra vase of flower.

Door was already closed. The alley only had small household. Xiaowan’s place was already comparably bigger with higher wall and the door made with sturdy and thick plank was already locked.

But it was not hard for Ma Rulong to get in.

He could jump over wall since he was ten. The lightness skill and swordplay of Tianma Tang was admirable in Jianghu. He was already suspicious of Xiaowan, he just have to jump in and secretly spy on her. He also know, the best way to find the true faces of people was to check on them when they were not in front of you.

However he would not do such a thing. No only had he not done this before, he would not do this in the future. He decided to knock on the door but just as he was about to know on the door he suddenly heard a strange noise.

He heard a person’s laughter. Laughing was not a strange noise. Although there were a lot of tragedy in society, no matter where you go you could still hear laughter.

What he thought was strange was that the was definitely a male’s laughter and it came from the house. The was house Qiu Fengcheng bought Xiaowan, and only Xiaowan lived here. Why would there be a male laughter? Night was quiet. Ally was quiet. Although the laughter was short, he could hear it clearly.

-- For anyone involved in this matter, they could get killed and die any moment.

-- Some people would laugh before they kill.

-- Right now, did someone want to kill and get rid of Xiaowan? Ma Rulong no longer scrupled and leaped in.

The furnace fire in the house was too warm. A window facing the west in the room in the east was opened. Situated on top of a pine tree next to the plum blossom had a perfect view of the window. Xiaowan was standing next to the window in the room.

Ma Rulong leaped over the wall and happend to be on top of this tree. He did not want to spy on other’s private matter but he already saw it. Not only did he saw Xiaowan, he also saw a man.

He could not see his face. This man had his back to the window and was facing Xiaowan. He was leaning on a soft couch.

He could only see that one of his leg was hanging next to the soft couch. The foot was wearing a very good looking, high craftsmanship shoe. Only a wild and extravagant gentleman, would wear this type of shoe.

Xiaowan was standing in front of him and looked at him with a strange expression, the coldly said: “You really wanted me to die?”

This man coldly laughed and said: “You really think I don’t dare? You really think I’m afraid of you.”

Xiaowan said: “Fine. You want me to die. I’ll die in front of you.”

Chapter 8 - Personal Affair


Some people always love flower, no matter what was the mood they would have several flowers in the vase.

It look like Xiaowan was not hiding anything, and definitely wasn’t having an affair. She really wanted to die. Why did the man wanted to force her to die? What relationship does this man have with her? Could it be one of Qiu Fengcheng’s friend wanted to force her to a love suicide? Perhaps he came to silenced her?

While he was thinking, Xiaowan suddenly did something he would had never dream of. She suddenly went over, sat down on this man’s lap, wrap her arm around his neck, and nibbled on his ear and breathily said: “You want me to die. I also want you to die.”

Her clothing had already loosen. Within her silk piece, was a bright red Chinese brasserie that made her skin looked extra white. Ma Rulong could not continued on. This was someone else’s personal matter that he should not interfered with. However, he thought about Qiu Fengcheng’s craziness and that pit -- originally he could suprised these two people that wanted to “die”. He could jumped through the window. However he leap bak behind the wall instead and knocked on the door. He knocked for a long while and then finally heard Xiaowan asked: “Who?”

“It’s me.”

“Who are you? He should I know who you are? You don’t even have a name.” Xiaowan’s tone was very friendly but she finally came out.

“It’s you!” Seeing Ma Rulong, she was taken back. However, she composed herself, and with a serious look coldly said: “Couldn’t believe Ma gongzi came back. Are you afraid I will be lonely at night so you wanted to help Qiu Fengchen take care of me.”

Those words were pretty extreme. After hearing these words, anyone that knows better would’ve leave immediately. However Ma Rulong was exactly the type that does not know better, and said: “I know you are not lonely. I am just afraid people will harm you.”

Xiaowan expression changed, her face sometimes red, sometimes white. She suddenly turned around and walked. “Come with me.” she said.

Ma Rulong followed her and she actually led him back to that room. That man at
first was not here.

“Sit.” She pointed at the soft couch that man sat before and said: “Please sit.”

Ma Rulong did not sit. He did not see that man but saw his shoes, the same good looking shoe.

This room had a bed and this bed had a cloth certain hanging over it. This cloth certain was very long and almost touch the floor. However it did not fully cover floor so this pair of shoe was still showing.

Xiaowan said: “Why didn’t you sit?”

Ma Rulong said: “This seat, doesn’t look like it’s for me to sit.”

Xiaowan laughed but it wasn’t very natural: “If you don’t sit, who else will sit.”

Ma Rulong said: “Look like someone is here.”

Xiaowan said: “This place, other than Fengcheng, only you’ve came before. Why
would there be another person?”

She can really hold her emotion, at this point, she can still fully denied there was someone else in this room.

Ma Rulong could not hold back and quickly went over and open the curtain. Behind the person was a like but indeed there wasn’t “another” person here. Because the person here was actually Qiu Fengcheng.

Ma Rulong ran out the room, ran out the door, and ran out the long alley. Fortunately, it was already dark. At these winter weather, once it was dark there was no one in the street. Otherwise, people would think he was crazy.

The only thing he wanted to do right now was hit his ear. He could not forget the instant he opened the curtain Qiu Fengcheng’s expression and, moreover, couldn’t forget Xiaowan’s expression.

However, he should’ve known Qiu Fengcheng could had came back any moment. Also, should’ve thought this person could be Qiu Fengcheng. However he just happened to overlook this. He originally should’ve recognized Qiu Fengcheng’s voice but unfortunately didn’t notice it.

Qiu Fengcheng was a well-raised son of a noble family, but at that point he unexpectedly smiled. However, to Ma Rulong, it was a very uncomfortable situation. He could only hurriedly leave, as if someone kicked him out.

However he was currently only one person, without any money, and no where to go. Right now, he had absolutely no lead. Right now, it was as if you was in mid-air hanging by a thin piece of rope with no where to land and could fall down anytime and died.

Not right! He suddenly realized he was not alone, there was someone following him. He did not even need to turn around and already know who was following him. And don’t know why, but his empty and wavering heart, suddenly became stable. The person behind him rush forward, sticked out a hand and handed him something.

Ma Rulong received it. What he needed now was a medicine to help relieve his headache. What she gave him was packet of headache pain reliever.

Once he swallowed this packet of medicine she stuck out her hand. On the hand there are seven, eight packets of medince: some were pills, some medicine caplets, and some were medicinal powders. She gave it all to me.

“These are anti-alcohol drugs, these are zijideng (stomach pill), these are stomach pain relievers, these are for intestine...”

Ma Rulong laughed: “What do you think I am? a medicine jar?”

She laughed: “I know you are not a medicine jar. You are a wine jug.” She chuckled and said: “Unfortunately a really really small on that can’t hold much wine.”

Dawan did looked more energetic and healthier than him. “Could it be that her tolerance is better than mine?” Ma Rulong was not convinced and could help asked: “You head does not hurt?”

Dawan said: “Doesn’t hurt.”

Ma Rulong said: “How come it doesn’t hurt?”

Dawan said: “Because I usually does not like poke into other people’s business.” Poking into other people’s business does indeed caused headache. No only does it make other people’s head hurt, it makes your own head hurts too.

She asked: “You saw that Xiaowan?”

“Ehh.”

“How is it?”

“What do how is it?”

“How does she looks?”

“Not bad at all.”

Dawan smiled: “Since she doesn’t look bad at all, why do you look like you saw a ghost?”

Ma Rulong sighed and said: “I would’ve been better if I saw a ghost.”

Dawan said: “What did you see?”

Ma Rulong said: “I saw Qiu Fengcheng.”

He actually told her everything that happened at first. These were embarrassing and he originally didn’t want to talk about it but for some reason, in front of her, he felt like he could say anything and didn’t need to hold back.

Dawan didn’t laughed at him. On the other hand, sighed and said: “If i was you, at that moment I would’ve look for a hole and hide in it.”

This was exactly how he felt at first. He suddenly felt this woman was not only sassy, extreme, and ugly, but also had a kind, understanding, and sympathetic heart. This was the first time he felt like this.

Dawan suddenly said: “However, I do not get this.”

Ma Rulong said: “Get what?”

Dawan said: “Qiu Fengcheng must’ve known you were there, why would he hid?”

Ma Rulong said: “They are not truly a husband and wife. A person of his background should be a bit reserved. If I was him, I would’ve also hidden myself.”

Dawan saw him and said: “Can’t believe you are such a considerate person.”

Ma Rulong said: “What type of person you originally think I was?”

Dawan ssaid: “Originally I though you are pompous and selfish. No someone that would care about other people’s life or death.” Her voice became gentle: “However, now I know I was wrong.” This unreasonable woman actually admits being wrong. This was unimaginable.

Dawan said again: “After he saw you, what did he say?”

Ma Rulong said: “It’s because he did not say anything, I felt even worst.”

Dawan said: “What did you say?”

Ma Rulong bitterly smiled and said: “At that time, what else could I say?”

Dawan: “He had no intention of taking you to Feng Chaofan?”

Ma Rulong said: “No.”

Dawan said: “He did not ask you that day after you left, did something happen at Winter Plum Valley? Did Madame Biyu went there? Was she selected as her son-in-law?”

Ma Rulong said: “I did not ask.”

He suddenly asked her: “How do you know all of this?”

Dawan mysteriously laughed and said: “Of course someone told me.”

Ma Rulong said: “Who told you?”

Dawan said: “A person that was drunk.”

Ma Rulong: “Was this drunk person me?”

Dawan said: “At least you are not stupid.”

Ma Rulong could only bitterly smile. He probably said a lot when he was drunk. Unfortunately, even he could not remember what he said.

“Actually Madame Biyu do not need to choose. Shen Hongye was dead. You’d became a running rat being chased. Other than the Silver Spear Young Master Qiu Fengcheng, who would be situable to be Biyu Villa’s son-in-law.” he sighed and said: “Even if Madame Biyu want to choose, there is nothing to choose from.” This was all true, after what had happened, the one benefitting the most was Qiu Fengcheng.

Ma Rulong said: “But, he is definitely not the culprit!”

Dawan said: “Why?”

Ma Rulong said: “Because he already has some he loves very much. He doesn’t really want to be son-in-law of Biyu Villa.”

Dawan let out a sigh and said: “I also don’t believe he did all these. But if he wasn’t the culprit and you’re not the culprit, who is?”

Ma Rulong siad: “It must be Tiansha!”

Dawan said: “Who is Tiansha?”

Ma Rulong said: “Tiansha is not one person. It is a mysterious organization. It’s a killing organization.”

Dawan said: “Why would they do such a thing? Why would the frame you?”

Ma Rulong said: “Because they wanted chaos.” He explained: “If our families start fighting each other, Jianghu would be in chaos. They would seize this opportunity to rise.”

His explanation was reasonable. It was not like these things he not happened before, it would continue to happen in the future.

Ma Rulong said: “Right now they are simply and underground organization. Once their plan succeeded, they would changed and become an legitimate clan sect. Because at the point, there would be not one in Jianghu that could contain them.”

Dawan said: “Because at the point the houses and families would all sustain heavy casualties.”

Ma Rulong said: “But I would definitely not let this happen.”

Dawan said: “What are you planning to do?”

Ma Rulong said: “I must first find the leader of Tiansha.”

Dawan said: “How are you planning to find this leader?”

Ma Rulong did not say anything. He did not have a single lead nor know where to start.

Dawan said: “This person must have know you four young masters would be at the Winter Plum Valley that day.”

Ma Rulong said: “That’s right.”

Dawan said: “How does he know? Other than the four of you, who else would know? Did you tell anyone about this?”

Ma Rulong said: “I did not. However, Qiu Fengcheng...” He suddenly thought, Xiaowan did mention “Winter Plum Valley”.

Xiaowan once asked: -- Several days ago, were you at the Winter Plum Valley? She knew they were at the Winter Plum Valley. Of course, Qiu Fengcheng told her.

If Qiu Fengcheng could tell her this, he could’ve told someone else. Xiaowan could also tell someone else. Like other men, he could never believe a woman and keep secrets. This was his only clue.

Ma Rulong said: “We must go ask him. There are a lot of thing we have to ask him.”

Dawan said: “Are you planning to go ask him now?”

Ma Rulong said: “Of course now.”

He said he was going so he went. Dawan sighed and said: “You really know how to
pick your timing. You couldn’t have chosen a better time. RIght now, if you go they’re probably at the ‘you’re-killing-me-I’m-killing-you.” state. If you can get there in time, you might be able to save them again. They would’ve thank you wholeheartedly.”

He was not going anymore. He could also imagine if they saw him coming back again what type of expression they would have. This kind of mood killing and annoying thing, no one would want to do.

Ma Rulong said: “When do you think I should go?”

Dawan suddenly revealed a strange expression and softly said: “It’s the best that you go now. Quickly go.” Woman’s heart is like the weather in May, changed so fast.

Ma Rulong couldn’t help but asked: “Why do you want me to go now?”

Dawan said: “If you do not go right now, you probably never have another chance.”

She suddenly let out a sigh and said: “Actually I am afraid it is already too late.”

At this moment, they entered the dark alley. Ma Rulong again asked: “Why?” He no longer need to ask because right now he saw two heads. Someone were blocking their way. Seven people, seven people in black-clothes.

Chapter 9 - Adversity Revealing True Feeling
[TL: Sorry translation of title is terrible...lol...]


A rich household must be living in this alley..

Rich household must have security against bandits and thieves. Therefore they rather not see daylight just to build two high wall. So there are two high wall on both side of this alley. Even Tianma Tang lightness skill can not jump over such high wall.

The alley was very deep and dark. There were four people in the front, three at the back. Seven people were wearing tight black clothes. Also there was a black cloth covering their face. They were walking slowly and didn’t seem to be in a hurry. Because they knew these two people were like carps in a pone, fishes in a net, with no where to run.

Ma Rulong lowered his head and quietly said: “You don’t need to be afraid. I would tell them to let you go.”

Dawan said: “They would let me go?”

Ma Rulong said: “This matter has nothing to do with you. Why wouldn’t they let you go?”

Dawan said: “You think, they are here for you?”

Ma Rulong said: “Of course.”

Dawan said: “You are wrong.” She let out a sigh and said: “I also wish they are here for you. Unfortunately that’s not the case.”

Ma Rulong said: “Why not?”

Dawan said: “You are a branded a murderer. Catching a murderer is an honorable
and upright thing to do. Why would they have to masked themselves for this?”

Ma Rulong finally remembered she was the same as him. She had her own trouble and people were after her.

Dawan said: “However you don’t have to be afraid. I will tell them to let you go.”

Ma Rulong said: “You think I will go?”

Dawan said: “We have no relationship. Other people want my life, do you really want to die with me?”

Ma Rulong said: “No matter what, I can’t simply just leave you here.”

Dawan said: “Why?”

Ma Rulong said: “I can not do such a thing.”

Dawan said: “That doesn’t sound like a good reason.”

Ma Rulong said: “However, to me, it’s good enough.”

Dawan said: “Hard to say, maybe I am a bad woman or a criminal. Maybe you
should even help them catch him.”

Ma Rulong said: “I know you are definitely not such a person.”

Dawan said: “How do you know. You don’t even know my last name.”

Ma Rulong said: “However I believe in you.”

Dawan looked at him and then suddenly let out a sigh and said: “I thought you
are getting smarter. I can’t believe you are still this stupid.”

Although the alley was long and the seven people in black clothes were slow, they were almost near them. Seven people were carrying weapons, very rare type of weapons. There was a person carrying the a weapon that hadn’t been used since Shangguan Jinhong died by Little Li’s Flying Dagger, the Dragon Phoenix Gold Ring (Longfeng Jinhuan). Another person was holding a “Mandarin Duck Straddling Tiger Basket” (YuanYang Kuahulan).
[TL: Damn...these direct translations are killing me...lol...they are some weapons. That direct translation of that 2nd weapon is terrible.]

These are Jianghu long lost weapons. This was because these weapons were too powerful and hard to master. The people that were capable of using these weapons would not have weak skills. Ma Rulong really did not have the confidence that he could handle them. However he was not discouraged or terrified.

She suddenly said: “Hey, are you people here to look for me? or here to look for him?”

The one holding the Dragon Phoenix Gold Ring man in black was short and capable, steps are clam. From his black masked face revealed a brilliant pair of eyes, sharp like an eagle. Absolutely looked like an expert. The person coldly said: “So what if we are here to look for you? What if we are here to look for him?”

Dawan said: “If you are here for him, then this has nothing to do with me. I am not a hero or gentleman. Even if you people kill him, I wouldn’t get involved.”

This person coldly said: “You don’t need to say, I can tell.”

Dawan said: “However, if you people are here for me, the situation will not be the same.”

This person said: “Oh?”

Dawan said: “Even though he has a lot of his own problem, unlike me he refused
not to get involved. As long as any of you touch, he will fight you to death.”

This person said: “So if we are to touch you, we have to kill him first.”

Dawan looked at Ma Rulong said: “Isn’t that right?”

Ma Rulong said: “Yes.”

He, himself, did not know why he said those words because right now he had a lot
of things to do. Without finding out the truth behind his situation, he absolutely should not die. If he were to die here, not only would it be an obscure death but he would also never clear his innocence. However, he already spoke those works, he didn’t want to turn on his word nor regret this decision.

Dawan said: “Hey, did you people hear his words?”

The man in black cloth coldly laughed and said: “Looks like he is not only a true
hero but also a gentleman.”

Dawan said: “It looks like it.”

This person said: “Unfortunately these type of people don’t live long.”

Dawan sighed and said: “I had already told him that but he wouldn’t listen”

With a “ding” sound, the pair of rings rattled, fire lights shoots everywhere. In the past, Shangguan Jinhong shoke the entire world. He established the dominating “Gold Money Clan” in Jianghu. Not only did he had outstanding ability and grand vision, his wugong (martial art) were phenomenal. In Bai Xiaosheng’s Book of Weapons, the “Shangguan Gold Ring” was placed second but many in Jianghu believed his wugong was not inferior to the number one ranked Tianji Old Master.

The pair of Dragon Phoenix Gold Ring in his palms was considered the world most dominating weapon. This weapons was in the hand of this man in black clothes. Although it did not have the same quality when it was with Shangguan Jinhong during his reign, this was still a phenomenal weapon. Dawan did not even pay attention to it, her eyes were looking at Ma Rulong. Her eyes had a hint of smile, a smile that was gentle and delightful.

Strong opponents with killing intent were already here. Life and death were on the line. She actually though it was delightful. Because Ma Rulong did not even abandoned here. Although her mouth was shut, but within her heart this was more important than life or death.

Ma Rulong suddenly also thought it was delightful. Even her pair of dropsy eye right now became more lovely. There were no absolute standard between beauty and ugly. A person that made him delightful was a lovely person.

Dawan softly asked: “Are you afraid?”

Ma Rulong was not fully unafraid. Fear was a human weakness that was hard to
conquer. Fortunately there were better human emotions that can overpower fear.

Dawan said: “If you are scared, you still have a chance to escape.”

Ma Rulong said: “I’m not going.”

Dawan softly sighed and said: “Then I...” She did not finished her words. It was as
if an invisible and incredibly fast dagger cutting off her voice or an invisible devil grabbing onto her throat. Her eyes has an expression of extreme terror, as if she saw a devil.

If Ma Rulong turned his head around, he would realized she only saw a person, an ordinary woman. She was wearing plain green clothes and holding a basket of flower. She just came into the alley. Ma Rulong did not turned his head so he asked: “Are you alright?”

Dawan said: “I need to go. You’re not going, I am.” She actually really did leave just as she was finished sayiing this. She softly leap up and amazingly she managed to go above this high wall.

That plain looking flower girl continue walking, as if she did not see the high wall in front of her. Everybody saw her head hit the wall and her head was bleeding. Surprisingly the wall did not bashed her head, but she bashed through the wall. With a “pu” sound, the two, three feet thick wall had a human silhouette hole in it. This plain looking flower managed to pass through wall as if it was a piece of paper.

Ma Rulong and everyone frozed. Dawan lightness skill was superb. This flower girl’s martial art was even better. The sky look as though it suddenly turned dark. The wind felt as though it suddenly turned colder. Although they were gone, the people with killing intent were still here. The gold ring was still on that person’s hand.

Ma Rulong finally asked: “So are you people here for her or me?”

The man in black said: “For her.”

Ma Rulong said: “She already left.”

The man in black said: “To you, that’s not good.”

Ma Rulong said: “Why?”

The man in black said: “Because you should know the a sharp blade out of its sheath must see blood or else it’s unlucky.”
His palm still had a killing weapon, eyes had killing intents: “We are all the same. As long as we start, we have to kill. Now she already left, we can only kill you.”

Ma Rulong said: “Very good.”

Actually he knew the current situation was not good. No matter who, this was not a very good situation. His palm did not have a killing weapon and his heart did not any killing intent. He did not have a choice either.

-- Why do people kill others? He despised violence. In certain situation, you can only use force to prevent violence. He already fully collected the chi and energy of his body. He only had one life and he did not want to die yet. He believed violence must be controlled.

With a “ding” sound, the gold ring was struck again. Fires like rains of comet shot out four times. Ma Rulong also shot out like an arrow.

He did not have killing intent. However, he had another air (chi), vigor!

His target was not the man in black holding the gold ring, it was another. The phrases “capture the ringleader first” does no apply in this case. Right now, he needed to attacked the opponent’s weakest link.

In a righteousness-and-evil-cannot-coexist and an enemy-and-I-hard-to-coexist situation, if I can survive I will need to survive. If I can destroy the enemy, I would
need to destroy the enemy. His target of attack was Heiba.
[TL: Heiba literally means ‘black lord’.]

Heiba’s last name was Huang but everyone called him Heiba. This was because he was the blackest, biggest, tallest, and most arrogant one within the organization. Heiba height was eight feet nine inches tall, shoulder breadth was three feet, his arm was bigger than most people’s thigh, and his fist was bigger than a baby’s head.

Why would Ma Rulong think such a person was the weakest link? Is it because this person was always following the Gold Ring’s side?

Wisteria only relied on nearby tree to survive. Cunning fox only relied on the might of the tiger to threaten. Weak obviously relied on the strong for support. A person strength could not depend on his appearance. Ma Rulong’s judgment was not wrong.

Heiba’s weapon was a pair of Hunyuan Iron Plate. It looked like a sixty to sevety catty heavy Hunyuan Iron Plate.

Ma Rulong charged forward, this pair of Hunyuan also started to attack; a swept and a clap. It was a pity that the strength of a weapon was not determined by its weight.

Ma Rulong wave his fist and went through the sweeping and striking iron plate. The fist was already struck a blow at his nose bridge. When this fist struck, there was only a soft noise; like a fist hitting a piece of dead meat. There wasn’t even a cry and Heiba fell down facing upward.

Ma Rulong can rushed over this fallen body toward the outside of the alley or through that hole in the wall. He did not do that. Because he suddenly thought he could fight these people and he has a chance. As long as there was a chance, he would not give up. He faced an arrogant person, very arrogant looking.

When Heiba fell down, he already used a toe to kick up a iron plate, grab it with left hand, seize this opportunity sweeping strike, and swept back the gold ring . His right hand was already cut off to another person’s wrist and a judge’s pen dropped.
[TL: I have no idea if I translate any of these correctly....hmmm...]

The gold ring was still here, in an intimidating hand. Then there was also another terrifying hands, holding a pair of kuahulan. These two pair of hands and these two weapons are really life threatening. By the time the odd, immeasurable kuahulan and soul-snatching gold ring with unparalleled power attacked, he then would realized he made another terrible mistake. He underestimated his opponents and overestimate himself.
[TL: Previously, I’d translated kuahulan as straddled tiger basket (lol)...turns out that direct translation is very deceiving. I did some research, this weapon has the shape of crescent (except almost like a full circle) and symmetrical. The outer edge of this crescent of is the blade except for a small portion in mid-section of this cresent, which forms the handle. They look small, probably less than the sizes of a regular plate.]

These type of mistake can never be repeated again, because one already cost you your life! But he can still fight, he would risk his body and life to fight. A person that was willing to risk his own life was not only dangerous but also terrifying. A person will risk his one life only when this person was pushed to the edge. Why are these people not risking their life to battle him? -- Tiansha! -- They originally wanted to kill him. He suddenly thought this through.

Heiba struggled and stood up. He had trouble breathing with his bloody and broken nose. He suddenly ripped off his clothes wildly yelled: “Kill him! Kill him! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!”

A miserable hollered and a killer willing to stake his life. With the ripped clothed, his bare chest revealed those nineteen words in blood -- Tiansha! Using cruel method and willing to sacrifice everything to kill him.

Ma Rulong tightened his fist, gritted his teeth, ready to die if he had to. Another person fell under his fist, he didn’t see clearly who this person was. However, he suddenly saw a sliver light. Glitter and blindingly silver light flash through the air, it’s a spear, a silver spear!

“Fengcheng, Silver Spear, Qiu.” When he save this spear, he heard Qiu Fengcheng’s voice: “If you people want to kill, break this spear first. If you people want to break this spear, you must kill me first.”

He never thought Qiu Fengcheng would come save him. However, Qiu Fengcheng was already here by his side. With one spear and one life, fighting with his own life with him. -- Why do people have to wait until at times of adversity where they can finally see who are really considered friend? Where the can finally see the true face of another.

Spear sharply pierced through a person’s throat. A fist, again, broke another’s rib cage. This time everyone could hear the agony and pain of crushed victim.

Those who hadn’t fell suddenly disappeared. Two life-risking people were obviously more dangerous and terrifying than one. Beside, these two were Qiu Fengcheng and Ma Rulong.

Didn’t what time it is. The color of the night became deep. The narrow alley became chilly and dark. Ma Rulong could only feel a warm hand holding on to his hand.

Qiu Fengcheng’s voice was also full of warmth: “I can tell what you needed the most right now? You needed to drink some wine.”

Chapter 10 - Question


Wine was not considered good. It was not vintage wine or NvErHong, it was simply a huadiao (rice wine) that could be bought in any marketplace. Ma Rulong did not really mind, Xiaowan still apologetically explained: “Fengcheng rarely drink here or have friends over. I just bought this wine at first.”

She bought this wine herself and cooked this disk herself because she did not have a female servant. “Fengcheng like being quiet and do not want to use servant so I did everything here.” Her voice was full of femininity, her voice seemed to centered around Qiu Fengcheng. She complied to whatever Qiu Fengcheng likes.

If a man and woman mutually loved one another, that was enough. What was the use for others? What was the use of good wine? Ma Rulong suddenly felt envious of them. He couldn’t bear but asked himself: “If he also have a woman like Xiaowan that wholeheartedly follow him, that let’s him decides everything, will he be really willing give up everything and live such a plain and simple lifestyle?”

He suddenly thought of Dawan. If he married Dawan, would she treats him this way too? Ma Rulong did not think much further. This question was not only ridiculous and laughable, it was simply ludicrous.

He, of course, would not marry a woman like Dawan. Even if he had a knife by his throat, he was not willing. Although Dawan no longer looked as ugly and annoying, she was still not considered good looking or cute. How could a prince charming in a lot of girl’s heart marry such a woman? Ma Rulong lift the cup and drink all of its content and decided to forget about such a woman.

Qiu Fengcheng looked like he drank quite a bit. Since he was in such a mood to drink, Xiaowan also drank with him. Both of them looked a bit drunk and they were starting to get intimate. It look like they already forgotten that Ma Rulong was still there. Ma Rulong finally realize he was an extra leg, so he was preparing to find a chance to bid farewell.

The questions he wanted to asked in the beginning, he didn’t want to ask anymore. This is because he fully trust Qiu Fengcheng now. Right when he stood up, Qiu Fengcheng toasted him again and grab onto Xiaowan’s hand and smiled: “You also toast him three cups, three big cups.”

Xiaowan chuckled and strongly shook her head: “I can only toast him a cup.”

“It must be three big cup.”

“Three big cups will drink me to death.”

“If you don’t drink I will choke you to death.”

Xiaowan charmly smiled and playfully said: “I rather you choke me to death.”

“Really?”

“Of course really.”

“Good.” Qiu Fengcheng was smiling and grab onto Xiaowan neck and softly said: “Then I am really going to choke you to death.”

Ma Rulong didn’t really want to listen or watch anymore. He should leave immediately. But he did not leave because at the moment he stood up he suddenly witness something he would never imagine would happened. He saw Xiaowan’s pair of eyes that was so full of love all of a sudden sticking out like a dead fish, her face already green, and body stiffen. This time it was really for real. Qiu Fengcheng choked Xiaowan to death.

Ma Rulong frozed as if there was also an invisible hand holding his neck, breathing stopped, body stiffen, and leg and hand became cold. Xiaowan already fell down. Qiu Fengcheng saw her fell down and his face haven’t change and was still smiling.

“Lying is a bad practice. I never lied.” He was still smiling and said: “I said I was really going to choke her to death. I really did choke her to death. So from now on the words I say, you better believe it.”

Ma Rulong couldn’t even say a single word. “Actually I was prepared to choke her to death from the day I met her because she was not only pretty but also love crazy type of woman. A woman like her was perfect for my plan.”

-- His plan? What plan? Although Ma Rulong was not stupid, he still doesn’t fully understand.

Qiu Fengcheng explained: “I wanted everyone to believe I already have woman fully committed to me that had a eternal vow with me never to be seperated. Everyone would believed I would not be interested in being Madame Biyu’s son-in-law.” He sighed: “Actually I really wanted that.”

However his rival were really strong, even he didn’t have confidence he would be selected. “So I must get rid of you three first.” Getting rid of these three were not easy.

“Fortunately I know you were all drunkard and coincidentally know Little Du ordered a banquet of food and wine from Jufeng Lou.”

So he bribed these Jufeng Lou employee to put poison in the wine and then used “Tiansha” assassin to kill these employees.

“The only one thing I didn’t expect was that you didn’t drink.” He continued: “However I am a very cautious person, already had a backup plan.”

His back up were Jin Zhenlin and Pang Tianba. Jin Zhenlin was already persuaded by him. Pang Tianba originally was working with him. The jade placed next to his heart was, of course, part of the plan. Afterward, everyone was killed off.

“Feng Chaofan and Jue dashi did not know a single thing. I deliberately used Pang Tianba to ask them to come over to Jufeng Lou to drink wine an then bring them to Winter Plum Valley. All for the purpose of witnessing this incident, to prove I am completely innocent and you are the culprit.” He smiled: “However you couldn’t blame me. Blame that you were unlucky, you didn’t drink the wine and you didn’t die. If you also died, then I wouldn’t have to go through this mess. “

Now he did not have any rivals and if Xiaowan did not die he can not get rid of her and successfully became Madame Biyu future son-in-law. Thus Xiaowan had to die.
Qiu Fengcheng looked at Ma Rulong. “As for you, it doesn’t matter if you are dead or alive because everyone already determined you are the murderer. You staying alive might have an advantage.”

“What advantage?” Ma Rulong finally said: “If I don’t die, what advantage would you get?”

Qiu Fengcheng sighed and said: “You still haven’t thought that I am the mastermind behind ‘Tiansha’?”

Ma Rulong whole body was frozen stiff. “Tiansha” wanted to rise, must first create chaos in Jianghu and lead everyone to kill each other. If he didn’t die, it might create this kind of chaos. Now, the finally understand. He originally thought he might never know the truth behind this. However, he suddenly understands. He could dreamed the real culprit would reveal all of this to him. He could hold it and asked: “Why are you telling me all of your secret?”

Qiu Fengcheng lauged: “Because...” Right after he said this, his expression changed like the changed Du Qinglian had right before he died, pale white face became deathly black. He struggled to stand up but tripped on a chair, he wanted to grab on but when the chair fell, he fell too.

thank you for continuing. i really appreciate it

Chapter 11 - Strappado


Ma Rulong was startled again. How could there be poison in the wine? Who put poison there? Did Xiaowan figured out Qiu Fengcheng was going to murder her so she put poison in the wine first? He drank from the same bottle of wine. Right now Qiu Fengcheng already died from poison, how come he was not affected?

Too many questions, too complicated, and too sudden. His train of though was all messed up. He couldn’t even figure out the simplest question.

He smartest move was to leave this troubling place immediately. All these were part of a plan, this must be a trap. He already thought about this point, it’s a pity by the time he realized this he already fallen into the trap. A plan that was even more secretive, even more vicious trap. No matter who fell in, there would be no escape.

The room had four lamps light. Four extremely expensive Persian crystal lamps. Really expensive items are good items. These type of lamps even if fell to the floor wounld not even break. These four lamps were placed on the table, both squared and stable. Suddenly, with a “bo” sound, four exquisite crystal lamp shattered at the same time and the lamp light went out.

At the same moment, Ma Rulong also suddenly felt an enormous pressure, like ocean waves clashing toward him from all sides. His heart was immediately beating faster, breathing almost stopped, blood coming out of noise, and throat was getting dry. He eyeballs felt like popping out and he almost fainted. Once his dizziness had passed, all these strange phenomenon disappeared and there were now four people in the room. The first person he saw was Jue dashi; heartless, loveless, and spareless killing Jue dashi.

With Jue dashi, Feng Chaofan was also here. One was a skinny, bony, pitch-black skin and face ascetic monk. Although his monk gown seems heavily repaired, his hand was holding a string of priceless jade Buddhist beads. The other has big sleeved wide gown, topknot on his head, crystal-clear skin like jade, kind of like person carved of white jade. A striking contrast compare to the ascetic monk.

These four people came in from four directions. Before coming in, every person released their decades-worth of trained eternal energy and chi. and sealing off Ma Rulong escape route and chance of attack. They were already very cautious of Ma Rulong and believed he was capable of doing anything.

When the these forces rushed over, the forces from the west and east were far superior those from north and south. From the east was that ascetic monk and the west was the jade taoist. These internal energy of these two were much better the the world-renown Jue dashi. Ma Rulong had never seen these two before but already guessed who they were.

The ascetic monk’s Buddhist name was “Chiku” (endure hardships). He had endured untold hardship, journeyed thousands mile to the west to faraway India (Tianzhu) not for Buddhist scriptures. Since Bodhidharma came to the east, he wanted to discover the mystery of Buddhist martial art which all martial artists dreamt of. His journey, undoubtedly, had gains.

The jade Taoist in former year roamed and shook Jianghu with one sword. A man all hero fear, and all women fell for. Seeing these four men, Ma Rulong’s heart sank. In the world, there were absolutely no one that could escaped these four nor could anyone save someone from their hands. This was something no one could deny.

Lamp light did not die because they did no want the light to go out. The thing they wanted to do would be completed, those they don’t want to do would not happened. They did not looked like they even noticed Ma Rulong. They were looking at Qiu Fengcheng.

Qiu Fengcheng breathing already stopped. The wine bottle and wine cups all fell on the floor. Chiku Monk picked it up and sniffed it. A pair of eyes deep in his socket glimmered sharply like razor. He following Tang Sanzang journey to the west path to faraway India, a very tenacious road. Going through those barren mountain, untamed rivers, jungles, and marshes, there were poisonous insect, snake, beast, plants and tree that were lethal. He had nearly seen all the poisonous things in the world. With respect to this, his experience were comparable to the Shennong (god of argriculture?) that tasted hundred of plants.

Although Jue dashi became a monk for many year, he still attained his fiery and irritable temperament. He already couldn’t bear and asked: “What?” Monk Chiku not only kept his mouth shut, he also shut his eyes. Jue dashi became more anxious.

If Monk Chiku could not determined which poison killed Qiu Fengcheng, there are no other person in the world that could. Luckily, monk Chiku finally open his mouth.

“There are no poison in the wine in the bottle.”

“Where is the poison?”

“In the last cup his drank.”

“What is the poison?”

“A poison made with three other poisonous herb; qianji, duanchang, and xiao wan. It’s called ‘Autumn Insect Powder’ (qiuchongsan).”
[TL: They translate to pulling machine (qianji), intestine breaking (duanchang), soul melting (xiaohun)...but these are herbal term which are always like this. Since direct translation doesn’t help at all, I’ll keep them as pinyin.”

“Are you sure?”

“This poison powder is colorless and tasteless. It’s most suitable for wine because with alcohol the poison spreads even faster.”

“How fast?”

“Once the wine enters throat, poison immediately spreads. Once the wine enters stomach, death.”

“He had just been poison.”

“So the poison must be in the last cup of wine.”

“Can the poisoned be cured?”

“Autumn Insect does not guarantee death. As you as you can help
him quick enough, it could be cured.”

“Can you cure him?”

“I can’t. He can.”

Monk Chiku turned his head, looked at Jade Taoist and said: “No one can compare to me in terms of recognizing poison. Curing poison, I’m inferior to you.”

Jade Taoist said: “How do you know you’re inferior to me?!”

Monk Chiku said: “Because you are a heartless person, I am not.”

Jade Taoist laughed. He could not deny this. Since he was sixteen,
countless woman tried to poison him. He had too many and not faithful, many woman didn’t want to lose him. They knew unless they poison eventually he would become heartless. A sick person could become a doctor. A person the could be poison to death any day, how could they not know how to cure poison?

Monk Chiku said: “If he does not know how to cure poison, he would already be dead.”

Jue dashi said: “If he could not cure this Autumn Insect Powder poison, is there anyone else that could?”

Jade Taoist answered this himself and his answer was: “No.”

Ma Rulong finally understand. This was not merely a trap, it was a
noose. If one said Qiu Fengcheng poisoned himself, who would believe he would poison himself. Therefore, the one that put in the poison was Ma Rulong.

Qiu Fengcheng’s poison symtons were exactly the same as Shen Hongye and Du Qinglian. The poison in the wine at Winter Plum Valley was undoubtedly Autumn Insect Powder. So the person the put in the poison that time was also Ma Rulong.

Qiu Fengcheng already knew that Jue dashi and them would come. He already knew he would be saved so he put poison in his wine.

Even though he already revealed the fact that he was the mastermind behind him, who would believe him. There was no other person that had heard his confession. Also absolutely no one would believe a person would reveal all of his crime in front of another. So right now even if Ma Rulong said it all out, no one would believe him.

Since Qiu Fengcheng was poisoned by Ma Rulong, he would obviously be the one that choked Xiaowan to death. No one would investigate why he would choked her to death. A cold-blooded murderer like this would be able to do anything. Killer should die. Right now Ma Rulong had already been sentenced to be hanged.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zhouyu

thank you for continuing. i really appreciate it

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No problem...

Originally I was planning to take up either this, Wulin Waishi, or Third Young Master's Sword. Wulin Waishi was even worst...it started all the way back in 2003.

I picked this up because:
1. This is the only inactive project among the three.
2. For some reason I don't remember what happen at the end of this story. Whereas, for Wulin Waishi and 3rd Young Master...I could still remember the end. Though, I seems to somewhat recall most events all the way through chap. 28 or so. I dunno I'm actually reading as I am translating. Not reading ahead make the translation much more enjoyable. Now...I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Luckily it'll be like reading a brand new story.