Sword of the Third Young Master -Gu Long (Translation)
Hi, I’ve run out of anime to watch and I’m really bored so I decided to start reading a new book tody. San Shaoye De Jian or the Little Sword of the Third Master. This is thanks to Tai Han who recommended me the Vietnamese site about a million months ago and gave me the Chinese name. I haven’t finished this book, I’ve decided to translate as I go because it’s more fun this way plus I hate re reading Vietnamese books. Therefore I’ve finished chapter one and decided to put it up.
Ummm… because I’m Vietnamese the names will be in Vietnamese unless I can think of English translations or actually know the mandarin pinying- which will be very rare. Oh yeah, I am really lazy and have absolutely no dedication whatsoever, therefore this project could be abandoned at any time. I’ll try really hard so hope that doesn’t happen. Can’t actually remember how many chapters I downloaded so we’ll see. If there’s a part that doesn’t make sense to you, it probably didn’t make sense to me either- Vietnamese is so much harder than it looks and I’m relatively new at this :)
Chapter One: One Sword Pierces Heart :D
Kie^/m khi/ tung hoanh\ tam va.n ly/
Nha^/t kie^/m quang han/ tha^.p cu`u? cha^u
Sword aura roams for 30 000 li
Light of a sword sends shivers throughout 19 provinces <This line is thanks to Noodles- Thank you!>
Late autumn. The setting sun casts shadows from the dried up leaves of a lone tree.
Under the tree there stood a figure, a figure so still and so cold that he seemed to be one with the earth.
A tiredness that seeped through every bone of his body and an unimaginable killing aura. He was tired probably because he had no other choice. His hand held a sword. A sword with a sheath that was made from black crocodile skin. The mouth of the sheath was made of gold and on it was set large 13 pearls. The people of the jiang hu world did not know little of this figure. Since 17, he and his sword had made a name for themselves. Now he was older and he had put down his sword. However, other people did not allow him to put down his sword. When he puts down his sword, his life will come to an end. Fame at times is like a piece of luggage, a piece of luggage that can never be put down.
Afternoon. Autumn leaves flutter in the wind.
A person was walking up towards the tree. His clothes were exquisite, his face pale and his sword in hand as he stared ahead. His steps were steady and he walked very fast, stopping only about seven steps away from the figure under the tree.
“Yen Thap Tam?” He suddenly asked.
“Yes.”
“Is your Doat Menh Thap Tam Kiem [Taking Lives 13 Swordplay] really unbeatable?”
“Not necessarily.”
The person laughed coldly.
“I am Cao Thong, One Sword Pierces Heart Cao Thong”
“I know.”
“Did you ask me to come out here?”
“I know you have been waiting for this.”
“Precisely. I was looking for you so that I could kill you.”
Yen Thap Tam said coldly
“You’re not the only one who wants to kill me.”
“It’s because you are too famous. If I kill you I can become renowned instantly.” He laughed. “It’s not easy to be famous in the jiang hu world. To be famous quickly, this is the easiest method.”
“Very good.” Yen Thap Tam answered.
“Now I am here, I have brought a sword that will wash your throat.”
“Very good.”
“Where is your heart?”
“My heart is dead.”
“Then I will let it die one more time.”
A flash of light as the sword is drawn from its sheath. It moves towards Yen Thap Tam’s heart as fast as lightning.
One sword pierces heart.
Using this sword, he has pierced an uncountable number of hearts. This is his ultimate killing technique.
However, he could not pierce Yen Thap Tam’s heart.
As he thrust his sword forward, he felt a flash of coldness by his throat. Yen Thap Tam’s sword was 1.3 inches deep inside his throat.
Cao Thong’s sword fell from his hands, his body not yet dead.
“I hope you know that to become famous is not an easy thing.”
Cao Thong stared at him, his body dead.
“Therefore it’s better that you should die.”
He drew back his sword, slowly very slowly so that the blood did not touch him. He knew that it was very hard to clean blood stained clothes. It was even harder to clean the streak of blood upon his hands.
The night grew darker.
The blood on the sword had been washed clean. The sword had been returned to the sheath. In the night four people appeared. Four people, four swords. All four were dressed exquisitely and they all had arrogant faces. The oldest had white hair whilst the youngest was a mere adolescent. Yen Thap Tam recognized these people. He knew who they were.
The oldest had been famous for 40 years. He lived in the country and he became famous with his clan’s ‘Phi Ung Thap Tam Thich [Flying Eagle 13 ?]. This time he had entered the city to look for Yen Thap Tam. He did not believe that his ‘Phi Ung Thap Tam Thich’ could be less than Yen Thap Tam’s ‘Doat Menh Thap Tam Kiem’.
The youngest was a person whom had recently risen to fame in the jiang hu world. He was also the best student of the Diem Suong Sect. He was a genius and he was also hardworking. His heart was also very evil. He had roamed the jiang hu world for a just a year before he earned the nickname of Heartless Youngster Tao Bang.
The other two people were also highly skilled pugilists. Thanh Phong Kiem’s swordplay was light and like the wind. Iron Sword Tran Tam Son’s swordplay was steady and his sword weighed 30 pounds. Yen Thap Tam knew them for he had asked them to come here. All eyes were on Yen Thap Tam, no one even glanced at the corpse near him. No one wanted to have their confidence effected by the person who lay dead on the ground. No matter who it was on the ground it didn’t matter to them. As long as they were alive, whoever was dead or alive was no concern of theirs.
Yen Thap Tam’s smile was very tired.
“So you all came.”
Quan Ngoai Phi Ung said coldly
“I thought you only invited me.”
Yen Thap Tam said lightly
“If I can solve this all at once then why not.”
Tao Bang interrupted
“Four people have arrived, so who goes first?”
He was very impatient, impatient to become famous, impatient to kill Yen Thap Tam.
Iron Sword Tran Tam Son:
“We can use rock, scissors, paper to settle the matter and see who goes first.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“No need.”
Iron Sword Tran Tam Son:
“Yes there is.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“You can all come at once.”
“What kind of people do you think we are to use so many against only one?” hollered Quan Ngoai Phi Ung.
Yen Thap Tam:
“But I agree to it.”
He drew his sword and swung it like lightning across the four faces of his opponents. Now they had no choice but to attack him all at once. Four swords were drawn from their sheaths. Tao Bang attacked the fastest and with the most killing intent. Quan Ngoai Thien Ung had leapt into the air and was striking from above. Phi Ung Thap Tam Thich was a type of martial arts that used ‘up’ to overcome ‘down’ and ‘hard’ to overcome ‘soft’ but it was unfortunate that his opponent was far faster.
In a flash, Tao Bang had initiated 9 sword strikes. He did not pay attention to anyone else except for Yen Thap Tam. He wanted his sword to be the one that killed Yen Thap Tam but all his strikes hit empty space. Yen Thap Tam who was before him had disappeared. He stood still and suddenly realized something very scary. On the ground there were three other corpses. On all their necks there was another hole. Quan Ngoai Thien Ung, Thanh Phong Kiem, Iron Sword Tran Tam Son- three number one swordsmen in jiang hu had all died under Yen Thap Tam’s sword in a blink of an eye. Tao Bang’s hands became cold. He saw that Yen Thap Tam was standing under the lone tree again. The killing sword had returned to its sheath.
Tao Bang held his two hands tightly.
“You…”
Yen Thap Tam interrupted.
“I don’t want to kill you yet.”
Tao Bang:
“Why?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Because I want to give you a chance to kill me.”
The green veins on Tao Bang’s hands rose and sweat formed on his forehead. This was an insult. But he could not forgo this chance.
Yen Thap Tam:
“Go home and continue to practice. After three years come and find me again.”
Tao Bang held in his anger.
Yen Thap Tam:
“Diem Suong Swordplay is actually very powerful. If you practice hard you will have a chance.”
Tao Bang suddenly asked:
“What if someone else kills you in those three years?”
Yen Thap Tam laughed.
“Then you can go and kill the person who killed me.”
“Well then you should take care. It’d be best if you don’t die.” Tao Bang said.
Yen Thap Tam:
“I also hope that that would be the case.”
The night got even darker. Darkness had swallowed the earth.
Yen Thap Tam slowly turned around and faced the darkest part of the night.
“Are you well?”
After a long while, a voice came from the darkness.
“I am well.”
It was a cold voice, a dry voice. A person stepped from the shadows slowly: black clothes, black hair, black sword and on his black face there seemed to be the colour of death. However, his eyes shone very brightly. He walked very slowly and his two feet seemed to not even touch the ground like a ghost in the shadows of the night.
Yen Thap Tam’s body seemed to shrink a bit and he asked suddenly.
“Black Raven?”
“Yes.”
Yen Thap Tam sighed.
“So at last I still get to meet you.”
Black Raven
“Seeing me is not a good thing.”
That is probably the case. Black ravens are not heroic birds, no one likes to see these birds. From long ago there has been stories about black ravens flying past and bringing disaster. So what type of calamity has it brought this time? It could be that it is Black Raven himself that is the calamity, an unavoidable calamity. If one knows that it is unavoidable then there is no point worrying about it.
Yen Thap Tam was calm once again. Black Raven was looking at him, looking at his sword.
“That’s a good sword.” He said.
Yen Thap Tam:
“Do you like swords?”
Black Raven:
“I only like swords. You not only have good swordplay but also a good sword.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“You want my sword?”
Black Raven:
“Yes.”
The answer was short and straightforward. Yen Thap Tam laughed. This time his laughter was free from any tiredness it only had a killing aura. He knew that this time he had finally met a formidable opponent.
Black Raven:
“Other birds bring joy but black ravens only bring disaster and worry.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“You brought disaster here?”
Black Raven:
“Yes.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I am in danger?”
Black Raven:
“Yes.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Are you the danger that I must face?”
Black Raven:
“No.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“If not you then what?”
Black Raven:
“Your sword.”
The woodsman was innocent but to carry jade within himself is a crime. Yen Thap Tam knew this principle very well. Fame and a good sword were like the sweet smell of muskrat and the antlers of deer.
Black Raven:
“I have collected 17 good swords.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Impressive.”
Black Raven:
“17 famous swords.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Seems like you’ve killed quite a few famous people.”
Black Raven:
“I will take the swords of Cao Thong and Phi Ung.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“If you bury them, then the swords are yours.”
Black Raven:
“I don’t need corpses I only need swords.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“But you need the swords of corpses.”
Black Raven:
“That’s right.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“If you kill me then my sword is yours.”
Black Raven:
“Ofcourse.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“That’s good.”
Black Raven:
“No its not.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Why not?”
Chapter Two: Change of Fortune
I feel really ashamed. No idea what the title of the chapter means.
Chapter One recap:
Yen Thap Tam:
“If you kill me then my sword is yours.”
Black Raven:
“Ofcourse.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“That’s good.”
Black Raven:
“No its not.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Why not?”
************************************************** ***************
Chapter Two: Change of Fortune
Black Raven:
“Right now I’m not sure I can kill you.”
Yen Thap Tam burst out laughing. He suddenly realised that this person really was a black raven at least black ravens do not tell lies.
Black Raven:
“Especially that move that you used to kill Quan Ngoai Phi Ung.”
Yen Thap Tam laughed.
“You can break that move?”
Black Raven:
“I can’t think of a person who can break that move.”
Yen Thap Tam.
“You don’t think that that is the ultimate unbeatable move do you?”
Black Raven:
“ I have met highly skilled members of the Seven Main Sects and the Four Main Families.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“What do you think?”
Black Raven:
“Their swordplay is too defensive. They place too much value on their lives and so their swordplay fall short of yours.”
Yen Thap Tam sighed.
“Your insight is quite good but your knowledge is rather limited.”
Black Raven:
“Oh?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I know a person who could break that move easily.”
Black Raven:
“Who is it?”
Yen Thap Tam did not answer him directly but held up three fingers.
Black Raven:
“Three Hands Sword Kim Phi? According to rumours, when you duel with Three Hands Sword Kim Phi one hand turns to three and one sword turns to three swords. The incredible speed and the charisma of his sword can be deduced from that rumour alone.”
But Yen Thap Tam shook his head.
“To kill a person you don’t need three hands or three swords. Just one sword is enough.”
Black Raven:
“So you say its not him?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“It’s not him.”
Black Raven:
“Then who?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“The Third Young Master.”
Black Raven:
“Which third young master?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“The one under Mt Thuy Van and in front of Lake Luc Thuy.”
Black Raven squeezed his two hands tightly.
Yen Thap Tam said:
“His sword is also said to be number one in the sword.”
Black Raven’s body seemed to grow smaller.
“But I advise you to not visit him.”
Suddenly Black Raven laughed. He rarely laughed and so his laugh sounded forced and very queer.
Yen Thap Tam:
“This is not a laughing matter.”
Black Raven:
“I’m laughing at you.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Oh?”
Black Raven:
“You know that I am here so I would not let you of easily.”
Yen Thap Tam agreed.
Black Raven:
“I’m not sure I can kill you but you are not sure you can kill me either.”
Yen Thap Tam agreed.
“That’s why you want me to go to Mt Thuy Van to challenged the Third Young Master first.”
Now it was Yen Thap Tam’s turn to laugh.
Black Raven.
“And this is a laughing matter?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I’m laughing at myself.”
Black Raven:
“Oh?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Because you have seen what I am thinking.”
Black Raven:
“So you don’t want to duel with me?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Very much so.”
Black Raven:
“Why?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Because I still have an appointment to keep.”
Black Raven:
“What kind of appointment?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“An appointment with the god of death.”
Black Raven:
“Under Mt Thuy Van in front of Lake Luc Thuy? You know you can’t beat him so why are you still going?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“It’s an appointment with the god of death, I can’t not go.”
Black Raven:
“Don’t tell me you made that appointment to die?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Don’t tell me you think that living is something that is enjoyable.”
Black Raven stayed quiet. Yen Thap Tam laughed, inside his laugh resided indescribable contempt.
“Humans learn swordplay only to eventually be killed by someone else’s sword. Even if you want to dodge that sword you can’t.”
Black Raven stayed silent.
Yen Thap Tam:
“Throughout my life I have killed many people. To die under the sword of the world’s number one famed sword family is enough.”
Black Raven looked at him for a while.
“Ok. You can go.”
Yen Thap Tam cupped his fists in farewell and turned around without a word. Black Raven continued to look at him.
Yen Thap Tam:
“I know why you let me go.”
Black Raven:
“Oh?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I can go because you can’t go.”
Black Raven:
“You’re not as stupid as I think.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“But you don’t have to follow me.”
<Thanks Noodles for the translation of this missing part below>
Yen Thap Tam cupped his fists in farewell and turned around without a word. Black Raven continued to look at him.
He did not go far before he stopped once again as he discovered that Black Raven had been following him all along. Following him like his shadow.
Black Raven stopped too, and stared at him.
Yen Thap Tam: “I know what you mean by this.”
Black Raven: “Oh?”
Yen Thap Tam: “If I can go, why can’t you go?”
Black Raven: “You’re not as stupid as I think.”
Yen Thap Tam: “But you don’t have to follow me.”
Black Raven: “But I must.”
Yen Thap Tam: “Why?”
Black Raven: “Because I don’t want to miss the chance to see you two duel.”
He continued coldly: “Great martial artists must duel with all their strength, if I can watch by the side, I definitely will be able to spot the flaws in the swordplay of you two.”
Yen Thap Tam sighed: “Very logical.”
Black Raven: “No matter who the victor is in your duel, the last person standing will be me.”
Yen Thap Tam: “Because the victor of my duel will have exhausted all his strength and by then, you would have seen the flaws in his swordplay, if you wanted to kill him, it would be the perfect opportunity.”
Black Raven: “And how can I miss out on an opportunity like that?”
Yen Thap Tam: “It really is a golden opportunity.”
He sighed: “It’s just a pity that you’ve made one error in your calculations.”
Black Raven: “What?”
Yen Thap Tam: “Within Third Little Master’s swordplay, this is no flaw, not even one!”
Now, they were having a drink with each other.
The best restaurant, the best wine, these two have always had been extravagant kind.
Yen Thap Tam: “After I killed someone, I must drink wine.”
Black Raven said, “Even if I haven’t killed someone, I’d still drink wine.”
Yen Thap Tam: “After drinking, I must find a woman.”
Black Raven: “Even if I haven’t drank wine, I’d still go find a woman.”
Yen Thap Tam: “Who would have a thought that you are an admirer of wine and woman.”
Black Raven: “It takes one to know one.”
They really have drunk a lot.
Yen Thap Tam: “Since you too are an admirer of wine and woman, today I’ll let you have it.”
Black Raven:
“Let me have what?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“The bill.”
Black Raven:
“I don’t need you to let me have anything. Stop being polite.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“This time I have to let you have it, I have to be polite.”
Black Raven:
“No need. No need.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Yes I should, yes I should.”
Other people would be insisting on paying the bill while these two were insisting on not paying the bill.
Yen Thap Tam:
“When I want to kill someone I never bring along anything that will get in the way of my fighting.”
Black Raven:
“Oh.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Especially money.”
Black Raven agreed. If a person carried hundreds of taels of silver then he definitely couldn’t move as freely as he liked.
Black Raven:
“But you can carry debt papers/paper money <translation for ngan phieu anyone?> with you.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I hate debt papers/paper money.”
Black Raven:
“Why?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“You don’t know how many hands has that debt paper passed through. Don’t you think that’s dirty?”
Black Raven:
“What about the pearls on your sword sheath? Can’t you see them for money?”
Yen Thap Tam laughed.
Black Raven:
“Why did you laugh?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I’m laughing at you.”
He suddenly lowered his voice.
“All the pearls are fake. The real ones were sold a long time ago.”
Black Raven stared at him in disbelief.
Yen Thap Tam:
“That’s why today I definitely have to let you have it.”
Black Raven:
“What if I wasn’t with you today?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“If that was to happen I would have another way but because you are here I don’t need another way.”
Black Raven laughed.
Yen Thap Tam:
“What are you laughing at?”
Black Raven:
“I’m laughing at you because you found the wrong person to drink with.”
And he also lowered his voice.
“I’m like you. Today I was prepared to kill people too.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“And you hate debt papers/paper money too?”
Black Raven:
“I despise them.”
Now it was Yen Thap Tam’s turn to stared in disbelief.
Black Raven:
“So today I have to definitely be polite and definitely let you have it.”
Yen Thap Tam sighed only to see the restaurant owner walk forward and laugh.
“You both don’t have to be polite because someone upstairs has already paid for both of you.”
Who paid for them? Why would they pay for them?
They both did not think of these questions nor did they ask them. To them, this issue was no important.
To be able to drink freely without money, this is something that makes people very happy. When a person is happy then their alcohol tolerance becomes much higher. Both are not yet drunk. When they were on the verge of becoming drunk, two girls appeared both pretty and both dressed to captivate men. When men are on the verge of being drunk, they are most easily captivated. Both Yen Thap Lang and Black Raven were captivated and trying to find an excuse to talk to these two girls. But before they could find one, the two girls appeared before them.
“I am Tieu Hong.”
“I am Tieu Thuy.”
Both laughed very sweetly.
“We have come to wait on you gentlemen.”
Yen Thap Tam looked at Black Raven and Black Raven looked at Yen Thap Tam. If the people that these two had killed could see their faces right now they would feel that they had been unjustly slained. Their faces were now completely unlike the faces of emotionless expert swordsman.
Tieu Hong said with surprise.
“Do you gentlemen want to drink wine here or come to our places to drink it?”
Tieu Thuy
“Both places have been paid for you two.”
Even if there are many good things in this world, something as good as this is quite rare.
Black Raven:
“Is this my lucky streak or yours?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Mine offcourse.”
Black Raven:
“Why?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“People say that if one is close to death than their luck changes.”
************************************************** ***************
And so the first day went past. And it was the same as the second. Where ever they went, there was always someone who would pay for their expenses. Who was treating them? Why? They had no need to ask. They had no need to know. They slept very late and also woke very late. Every morning as soon as they stepped out of the door there was always a horse-drawn carriage waiting for them as if afraid that the night before they had played too hard and was too tired to walk. But today they wanted to walk. It was a beautiful day.
Black Raven:
“Is Mt Thuy Van far?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Not very far.”
Black Raven:
“To travel this way, I hope that it is a little bit further and the further the better”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Lets go into the forest and drink some wine.”
Black Raven:
“Where’s the wine?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Don’t worry, if I want to drink wine, someone will bring it there for me.”
************************************************** ***************
The sky was very sunny. They were walking along a very bright road, the horse-drawn cart were following them on a different road. Another horse-drawn cart appeared and stoped at the edge of the forest near them. Three people jumped down from the carriage. Two adults and a child.
End Chapter Two
Hey, I’m really on a role. Two chapters in one day. Wow. My arm hurts from typing now. This is getting interesting. Wonder who those three people are? The kid must be important. Hope he’s not a brat. Unless, he’s the Little Third Master. That would be pretty cool and kinda weird. I like Yen Thap Tam- wouldn’t want him to be beaten by a kid. Why are there no young and handsome heros in here anyways? The only young one was evil. In this aspect Jin Yong is better. But jin yong in Vietnamese is so boring. No idea why. I find him riveting in English but in Vietnamese? Geez, long winded and boring. Maybe cos I’m not good at the language. Anyways, it’s night time over here. Gonna sleep now. Good night.
Chapter Three- Odd Thousand Snake Sword
Thanks for all the lovely comments. I didn’t expect people to reply so soon.
Tai Han: Yes, I’ve finished Wu Lin Wai Shi. It was good. There was a whole set of chapters with only Chu Qi Qi that I didn’t like but the rest was excellent. However, it took me three months to complete the novel so I wouldn’t say my Vietnamese is very good either. Don’t worry about the site, we’ll take what we get.
Trinie: Are you going to be translating too? Cool! That’s another less Vietnamese book for me to read! I agree that the translation for Gu Long books in Vietnamese are not good. But better than nothing I guess. That’s why I am translating as I am reading along, so that I can discuss it with everyone and have fun while translating.
Anyways, here’s the next chapter. Have fun.
Chapter Two Recap:
The sky was very sunny. They were walking along a very bright road, the horse-drawn cart were following them on a different road. Another horse-drawn cart appeared and turned into the forest and stopped near them. Three people jumped down from the carriage. Two adults and a child.
Chapter Three: Odd Thousand Snake Sword
The adults entered the forest. The beautiful child who wore a green hat took out a piece of red silk and draped it on the branches of the tree on the edge of the forest. Yen Thap Tam sighed when he saw this.
“Seems like I better drink at a different place.”
Black Raven:
“Isn’t this a good place?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“A very good place.”
Black Raven:
“Then why must we change places?”
Yen Thap Tham:
“Because of that.”
He pointed to the red silk that was now tied to the trees.
Black Raven:
“What is that?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“This place has momentarily become a forbidden place. No one can enter it now.”
Black Raven laughed coldly.
“Who has set out this condition?”
Before Yen Thap Tam could answer the sound of the zither floated from the forest. The sound was gentle to the ears and was filled with contentment.
At that moment, 11 horses suddenly appeared. Upon the horses sat strong looking pugilists each with a saber by his side. Upon each saber there was a piece of red silk.
These people appeared to be really skilled. The fastest movement was made by the leader who shouted as soon as he entered the forest. The whole group moved quickly and efficiently.
“Prepare to give your lives.”
The sound of the zither was still soft and gentle. The 11 men had stormed into the forest.
Black Raven:
“It seems like these people come from Mt Thai.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Yep.”
Black Raven:
“What do you think they are doing here?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“They are here to die.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a body flew out from the forest. The body was immobile, unable to move. That was the leader of the group.
From the forest, bodies kept flying out- a total of 11 people. 11 people were immobile on the ground. When they stormed into the forest their movements were efficient but the way they were thrown out were even more efficient.
Black Raven said coldly.
“They really did come to die.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“They are not the only ones who came here to die.”
Black Raven:
“There is also me.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“It’s not your turn yet.”
Black Raven did not say anymore. He saw that two people were approaching, an adult and a child. The adult was not very old, she was a pretty woman around thirty years old whose face carried unimaginable sorrow. The child was even younger than the one with the green hat and had a pair of large, round eyes which kept looking around. Anyone who saw the child would agree that he was a clever child. However, the thing that he was about to do was not very clever. They were both going to enter the forest. Even Black Raven did not have the heart to see them die and he was prepared to stop them. They both saw the red silk on the tree and the woman, dressed in green, suddenly said
“Take it down.”
The child immediately stood on his toes and took down the red silk, replacing it with a green one. After that, the two walked slowly into the forest. It seemed as if they did not even see Yen Thap Tam and Black Raven. Even though Black Raven was prepared to stop them, for some reason he changed his mind. Yen Thap Tam lay still on the ground. Suddenly, the music from the forest stopped. The wind blew gently and the bright light from the sun covered the earth. After the music stopped, for a very long time no sound came from the forest. Who was the zither player? The music had stopped so suddenly. Would the woman and the child be like the men from Mt Thai and be thrown from the forest? Anyone would want to know the answer to these questions. Even Black Raven and Yen Thap Tam. That’s why they did not leave, even the driver of the horse-drawn carriage was staring at the forest to see some excitement. But there was no excitement to see, no one was thrown from the forest. They only heard the footsteps that tread on the forest leaves, very slow and soft footsteps. In front was the child who had tied the red piece of silk on the tree earlier. The two people behind him was one man and a woman, they seemed to be husband and wife. They were not very old and wore elegant clothes and had an open demeanour. The man wore a sword on his back and seemed handsome and dashing whilst the woman was not only pretty but also gentle and sweet looking. If they really were husband and wife then they were a match made in heaven. However, their faces now were pale and they seemed greatly annoyed by something. They were about to board their carriage but changed their minds when they saw Black Raven and Yen Thap Tam. They bent down and gave the child a few instructions. The child immediately ran over to Black Raven and Yen Thap Tam.
Child:
“You have been here for a very long time haven’t you?”
Yen Thap Tam nodded.
Child:
“You’ve seen everything?”
Yen Thap Tam nodded.
Child:
“Do you know where I am from?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Mt Hoa Diem, Hong Van Valley, Ha Hau Manor.”
The child sighed.
“It seems like you know a lot of things.”
Even though his voice was like a child’s his manner of speaking was much older.
Yen Thap Tam:
“What is your name?”
Child:
“You don’t need to ask me, I didn’t come to make acquaintances with you.”
Black Raven:
“Then what did you come for?”
Child:
“My master wants three things from you, three from each.”
Black Raven:
“One tongue and two eyes.”
Yen Thap Tam laughed. Black Raven also laughed. Suddenly they both moved, each grabbing hold of one of the child’s legs and arms. Lowering their voice they said:
“Fly little brat.”
Swoosh, the child was thrown up into the air. The man looked as if he had seen nothing, placing his hands nonchalantly behind his back, however his wife knitted her eyebrows. Now the child was falling back down again, Black Raven and Yen Thap Tam easily caught him and gently set him upon the ground. The child was so frightened that his pants were now wet. Yen Thap Tam smiled and patted his head.
“Don’t be scared, when I was younger I use to fly like that too.”
Black Raven:
“It builds up courage.”
The child was wide-eyed, ready to run back.
Yen Thap Tam:
“The things you need you haven’t taken yet, how can you answer to your master?”
Child:
“I…”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I can teach you.”
The child looked at him, listening.
“Is your master Young Master Ha Hau?”
The child nodded.
Yen Thap Tam:
“Did he tell you to come here?”
The child nodded.
Yen Thap Tam:
“So now you can tell him that if he wants to take those three things, why doesn’t he come and take them himself.”
The child did not nod anymore, he only turned around and ran back.
Young Master Ha Hau’s face did not change when he heard this but his wife started walking towards them. Her walk was elegant and her voice was also cultured and gentle.
“I am Tiet Kha Nhan. The person standing beside me is my husband Ha Hau Tinh.”
“So it really is the Young Master of Hong Van Valley.” Yen Thap Tam said coldly.
Tiet Kha Nhan:
“Since you both have heard of my husband, you must know what kind of person he is.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I don’t know.”
Tiet Kha Nhan:
“He is a genius. Not only is he good at both the literary arts and martial arts, his swordplay is almost unbeatable.”
Even if a women really admires her husband it is rare that they would praise him so much in front of others. Even if they did so, they would at least blush a little. But she did not blush at all, her voice did not sound even a little forced. In her eyes was only the love and admiration she had for her husband.
“To marry a woman like that, what more could you ask for?” Yen Thap Tam sighed to himself.
Tiet Kha Nhan continued:
“So naturally you don’t want to fight with someone like him do you?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Oh? Why not?”
Tiet Kha Nhan:
“Because if you do you’ll certainly die. Therefore you should…”
“Obediently cut our own tongue and poke our own eyes out?” Yen Thap Tam finished for her.
Tiet Kha Nhan sighed.
“I know that that is a little inconvenient for you but at least it is better than dying isn’t it?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“So is your perfect husband unable to talk?”
Tiet Kha Nhan:
“Ofcourse not.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Then why isn’t he telling us this himself?”
Black Raven:
“Even if he is unable to talk he still has a place to fart. Why doesn’t he come here and fight us himself?”
Ha Hau Tinh’s face changed colour many times.
Yen Thap Tam:
“He’s here already, can’t we go over there to him?”
Black Raven:
“We can.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Are you going or am I?”
Black Raven:
“You.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I heard that his Heavenly Snake Sword is an excellent sword. It is also unique.” <unfortunately there are two lines of poetry that go with this sword- no clue whatsoever what it means so sorry :( >
Black Raven:
“Yes.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“So if I kill him who will the sword belong to?”
Black Raven:
“You”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Don’t you want it?”
Black Raven:
“Yes.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Then why don’t you challenge him?”
Black Raven:
“Because I’m lazy and I don’t want to fight such an annoying turtle.”
Just as his sentence finished, Ha Hau Tinh appeared in front of him. His face was pale and his voice was very cold.
“But the person I want to challenge is you.”
Black Raven:
“Then draw your sword quickly.”
Ha Hau Tinh had drawn his Heavenly Snake Sword. It really was a unique sword. He shook his hand slightly and it really seemed as if the sword had turned into a thousand snakes. The sword seemed to have scattered into a thousand sharp fragments, each fragment aiming for Black Raven’s vital areas. Black ravens know how to fly but now he was unable to. He swerved and his sword shot out to protect himself. With a ‘crack’ the thousands of sword fragments charged at Black Raven’s critical areas. This sword was a special sword and inside there had been fixed a special device. This allowed the sword to be one long sword or thousands of projectiles linked by a thin silver wire. When the thin silver wire was contracted, the sword fragments would link together to become one long sword again. Yen Thap Tam sighed.
“I should have fought this battle. I really want that sword.”
Ting! Ting! <this sounds lame I know> The sound was like rain splashing against a jade wall and dripping onto a table. In a flash, Black Raven had made 49 moves, each move hitting the fragments of the Heavenly Snake Sword. The Heavenly Snake Sword was amazingly flexible, like a shining silver whip. The Heavenly Snake Sword was now wrapped inside Black Raven’s sword. Ha Hau Tinh spun around and leapt upwards, the sword turning with his body and leaving Black Raven’s hold. ‘Crack’, the fragments had now become one long sword.
Yen Thap Tam said:
“You guys haven’t decided who won. Now it’s my turn.”
Ha Hau Tinh laughed coldly, however his face turned incredibly pale as he looked in all four directions. He suddenly realised that someone was missing. The child was lying on the floor, his acupuncture points immobilised. Tiet Kha Nhan had disappeared. Ha Hau Tinh kicked the child, mobilising him.
“Who did this?” He snapped.
The child’s face was very white.
“It…it was Young Mistress.”
Ha Hau Tinh:
“Where is Young Mistress?”
The child looked at him, bewildered.
“Young Mistress is gone?”
The child collapsed on the ground, crying. Ha Hau Tinh quickly disappeared in search of his wife. Yen Thap Tam and Black Raven did not bother to follow. When someone’s wife suddenly leaves them, Yen Thap Tam and Black Raven could guess what the husband must be feeling. But in their wildest dreams they could have never guessed that such a gentle, sweet, devoted woman could leave when her beloved husband was in the middle of an important battle. They seemed like such a match made in heaven. Even Yen Thap Tam admired them. Why did she leave? Suddenly Yen Thap Tam felt filled with sorrow. He was not sorry for himself nor for Ha Hau Tinh. He felt sorry for mankind. Who knew how much sorrow and discontent hid the midst of perceived happiness and contentment? <I love this line in all languages>
The child crying on the ground had left but now another, younger child appeared. He was laughing and running about. He was not running fast but in a flash he had appeared in front of Yen Thap Tam and Black Raven. At most he was only 7 or 8 years old. An eight year old with such good lightness kungfu was unbelievable. But Yen Thap Tam and Black Raven had to believe it because they saw it with their own eyes. The child looked at them and smiled. He had and absolutely adorable smile. Normally Black Raven didn’t like children. He had always thought that children were like cats and dogs. Men should see children and avoid them. However, this time not only did he not avoid the child but he also asked:
“What’s your name?”
Child:
“I’m called Despicable Child.”
Black Raven:
“But you are not even a little bit dislikeable, how can you be called Despicable Child?”
Despicable Child:
“You’re obviously a human being how come your name is Black Raven?”
Black Raven wanted to laugh but he didn’t. It was true that everyone hated black ravens. But on this world, how many wanted to hear straightforward and truthful words?
Yen Thap Tam:
“Do you know that his name is Black Raven?”
Despicable Child:
“Stupid question.”
It really was a stupid question. If he didn’t know Black Raven’s name then why did he call him Black Raven?
Despicable Child continued.
“I do not only know that his name is Black Raven but I also know that your name is Yen Thap Tam. I know why you are called Yen Thap Tam <Yen 13>. Before, there was a person called Yen That <Yen 7> and one called Yen Ngu <Yen 5>. You felt that you were stronger than them combined and so you called yourself Yen Thap Tam <Yen 13>.”
Yen Thap Tam stared at him in surprise. That truly was his intention and it was also his secret. He had no idea how Despicable Child knew about it.
Despicable Child:
“Actually, I don’t really know much about you, I’ve just heard about you from my older sister.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Doesn’t your sister have a name?”
Despicable Child:
“Ofcourse she does.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“What is her name?”
Despicable Child:
“Are you unable to talk?”
Yen Thap Tam shook his head.
Despicable Child:
“Are you lame?”
Yen Thap Tam looked down at his legs as if to check to see whether he really had legs or not.
Despicable Child:
“You can speak and walk, why don’t you go and ask my sister yourself?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Because I am not blind and I can still see.”
Despicable Child:
“What can you see?”
Yen Thap Tam pointed to the green piece of silk tied to the tree.
“You are the one who put that piece of silk onto that tree. You should know what the meaning behind that piece of silk is.”
Despicable Child:
“The meaning is: this piece of land is ours. Those who enter who are able to talk will become unable to talk. Those who are able to walk will become unable to walk.”
End Chapter Three
Wow, that was a longer chapter than usual. But interesting. I like Despicable Child though his name is so hard to translate. He seems very smart. I love the way he makes fun of those two. Seems I was wrong about Young Third Master. Oh well. My only thoughts on this chapter is that the Heavenly Snake sword is so cool. I want one. I hope this book turns out to be a good one. Tai Han said it was so I decided to start reading it. If it isn’t we can hunt him down together :p
Chapter Nine: whatever...
Chapter Eight Recap:
When a person is thinking jumbled thoughts, it is not easy to notice another person. But at the point where his thoughts were the most jumbled, Yen Thap Tam saw this person.
This person was nothing out of the ordinary. He was middle aged, possibly older. His hair had grey edges and his eyes had the tiredness of those who had grown old. He was dressed simply. Green robes and white boots. It seemed like he was just an ordinary man doing some sight seeing at the end of autumn. Maybe because he was so ordinary, ordinary like the curtain of night that Yen Thap Tam noticed him. Sometimes when a person is so ordinary that capture the attention of others more easily. When Yen Thap Tam looked at him it was like looking at the autumn night. He felt very calm, happy and contented inside without the least bit of fear or worry.
Chapter Nine: umm…. <Something> hidden….
When Manager Ta saw this person he was not only surprised but he also looked scared.
Yen Thap Tam could not help from asking:
“Who is that person?”
Manager Ta answered with a question.
“Do you know who is the current master of the Godly Sword Mountain Manor?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Ta Vuong Ton!”
************************************************** ***************
Ta Vuong Ton was not the type of person who was famous for their earth shattering deeds. He was famous because he was the master of the Godly Sword Mountain Manor. Yen Thap Tam knew this but never would have thought that this famous master was so kind looking and easily approachable. Although it did not seem that he had nothing left in him, it did seem that he had reached a point in his life where it was just like an autumn night- quiet and lonely. It seemed as if nothing in this world could touch his heart any longer.
His hands were warm and dry. He clasped Yen Thap Tam’s hands tightly in his and smiled.
“You don’t have to introduce yourself. I know who you are.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“But Senior…”
“Please don’t call me Senior. You are my guest now that you are here.”
Yen Thap Tam did not argue but he did not agree that he was a guest. To have those hands clasped around his made him feel warm inside. But his other hand still held the hilt of his sword tightly.
“My house is near here. We can leisurely walk back.” Ta Vuong Ton said.
He laughed and continued.
“On a such a beautiful day as this to have a companion such as yourself walk and talk with me is a very pleasurable thing.”
************************************************** ***************
Even though the afternoon light had dissipated, the leaves on the mountain still shone brightly. In the night air, the fragrant smell of dry wood lingered from the top of the mountain. Inside the forest the was a small, stone paved road. Yen Thap Tam suddenly felt a feeling of pleasure and peace that he had felt once many years ago. A poem suddenly appeared in his mind.
A worn stone path climbs the cold mountain,
Hidden in the white clouds my house resides,
In a carriage, I travel through the forest,
After March, the mist on the leaves glows pink.
<That’s how I interpreted it but now that I read the following lines I think that the third line is wrong. Damn>
At this moment, was not the scenery like the one depicted in the poem? Was not the person he was walking with him like one from a poem, a painting?
Ta Vuong Ton walked slowly. To him, life was very short but he never hurried nor worried.
As he looked ahead, he could see the grand, ancient Godly Sword Mountain Manor ahead.
“This is the Godly Sword Mountain Manor that was built by my ancestor 200 years ago. To this day, nothing has been changed. Not even a little bit.” Ta Vuong Ton said.
His voice carried many emotions.
“But the people in it have changed. They have changed greatly.”
Yen Thap Tam listened closely. He could hear the emotions in the man’s voice but he was only slightly touched, not moved. Because he knew Ta Vuong Ton had understood something else. People always change so there is no use being emotional about it.
“The person who built this manor was also the first person in this village. I’m sure you know briefly about him.”
Ofcourse Yen Thap Tam knew. Two hundred years ago at the gathering of skilled swordsman at Hoa Son, many had been captivated by this person. At that time, to be able to gain the admiration of so many skilled swordsman, this person must be legendary.
Ta Vuong Ton:
“After our ancestor passed away, we have had many new generations of swordsmen. Though none have achieved the grandeur of our first ancestor, each generation has achieved great deeds in the name of the Godly Sword Mountain Manor.”
He laughed.
“There was no one ordinary like me. I am not worthy of carrying the Ta surname.”
He laughed very naturally and comfortably.
“Because I know I am an unskilled and ordinary person, I was able to live an ordinary and peaceful life.”
Yen Thap Tam could only listen. He had no way of interrupting this old man’s words.
Ta Vuong Ton:
“I have two daughters and three sons. My eldest daughter married a young man who was very skilled. Because of their arrogant pride, they died an early death.”
Yen Thap Tam had already heard this story. First Young Mistress had married a quick swordsman who was amongst jiang hu’s most courageous. It was true that they had died young. They had died on the night of their wedding, ambushed in their own bedroom.
“My second daughter also died early because she was too hesitant. She was in love with my page but she was too shy to tell anyone. My wife and I arranged a marriage with a different person for her and though the wedding day was set, she became ill and died before the day.”
The old man sighed deeply.
“If she had told us we would not have denied her this happiness because my page was also a very talented young man.”
This was the first time he sighed, but it was only a sigh of acceptance not one of sorrow.
Ta Vuong Ton:
“My eldest son was a day dreamer and died when he was very young. My second son went to seek revenge for his eldest sister and brother in law and died in battle.”
Stopping a little, Ta Vuong Ton then continued.
“Those were the unfortunate events of my family and I blame no one for them.”
His voice was very natural.
“Everyone has their own destiny. Some are lucky and some are not. We cannot blame others for our misfortune. In this past years I have gradually come to understand this concept.”
Although he has experienced so much tragedy and sorrow he still can recall them calmly. This point alone makes this man a formidable opponent.
Yen Thap Tam respected him completely for this point alone.
Ta Vuong Ton:
“Now I have thought it through. Perhaps the misfortunes of the Ta Family are due to the karma of the many lives that my ancestors have taken.”
To think of such things is very admirable. But why was he telling this to an outsider? These things should have been family secrets. There was no need to tell them to an outsider.
Did he tell these things to Yen Thap Tam because he viewed Yen Thap Tam as someone who was already dead? Because only a dead person can keep secrets.
Yen Thap Tam knew this but he didn’t let it bother him. Because he had also thought it through. Whatever another person thought of him was of no importance.
Ta Vuong Ton:
“You naturally know that I have another son called Ta Hieu Phong.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I know.”
Ta Vuong Ton:
“It is obvious that he is a very bright child. It seems as if the talent of the entire Ta Family has been concentrated in him.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I know that when he was very young he defeated the renowned Hoa Thieu Khon!”
Ta Vuong Ton:
“Hoa Thieu Khon’s swordplay is not as good as it seems. He was too proud, proud enough to show a weakness and even a little weakness can be lethal.”
This was really good advice and so Yen Thap Tam listened closely.
Ta Vuong Ton laughed.
“Because since the beginning he has never underestimated any opponent, he has always put all of his strength into his fighting and so…”
Even though he did not finish this sentence, Yen Thap Tam understood.
“When a person uses everything they have in a battle, the will definitely win.”
He knew that there was no compassion in the Third Young Master’s sword.
Ta Vuong Ton sighed.
“His biggest mistake was to kill too many people.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“You can’t actually count that as a mistake of his.”
Ta Vuong Ton:
“No?”
“Sometimes he doesn’t want to kill but he has no other choice.”
If I don’t kill them they will kill me.
Yen Thap Tam sighed.
“When a person enters jiang hu, there are many things they have no control over. Killing people is one of them.”
Ta Vuong Ton looked at Yen Thap Tam for a very long time before he slowly said.
“It surprising that you know him so well.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Because I have also had to kill.”
Ta Vuong Ton:
“Do you really want to kill him?”
“Yes.”
“You are very honest.”
“People who kill have to be honest. Those who aren’t often die under another’s sword.”
A person who learns swordplay must be truthful to themselves.
Ta Vuong Ton looked at Yen Thap Tam strangely. Suddenly he said:
“Good! Follow me.”
“Thank you Senior.”
************************************************** ***************
“Thank you Senior.”
This was normally a very ordinary sentence. But in this situation, it was strange that Yen Thap Tam could still use it.
Why did he have to thank him? Because of the understanding between him and this old man or because this man was sending him to his death?
He came here to die anyway.
************************************************** ***************
Night.
As night fell, the Godly Sword Mountain Manor was lit up by candles and torches. The two entered a house that was next to the main entrance. The main entrance was grandly lit with torches while the light in the house was muted.
Everything in the house was covered with a black cloth, magnifying its cold atmosphere.
Why didn’t Ta Vuong Ton receive his guest in the main entrance? Why in this house? Yen Thap Tam did not ask but he felt the need to ask.
Ta Vuong Ton removed a black cloth to reveal a plaque with the golden words ‘the world’s number one sword’.
Ta Vuong Ton:
“Since ancient times, there has been no one whom has had this honour. This plaque has been the pride and shame of the Ta Family for generations.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Shame?”
“Because since our first ancestor died, no one has been deserving of this title.”
“But now there is someone worthy of it.”
Just one person. Third Young Master of the Ta Family!
“This is because the sword that our ancestor used at Mt Hoa Son has been passed down to him.”
Ta Vuong Ton emphasised the point again. “This sword has not been touched since our ancestor died but now it has been passed down to ‘him’.”
Yen Thap Tam understood. Aside from ‘him’ who else was worthy of such a sword?
Ta Vuong Ton:
“Do you want to see this sword?”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Yes. Very much so!”
Another black cloth removed. Upon a wooden stand a sword was placed. The sheath was black. Even though it was very old it was still whole. The hilt colours were faded. The blade was ancient but still sharp and shining.
Ta Vuong Ton was standing in front of the sword as if he was standing in front of the person he admired most. Yen Thap Tam felt the same way. He felt this way even more so than Ta Vuong Ton because he felt that in this world only this sword could kill him!
Ta Vuong Ton suddenly spoke.
“This is not a sword made by a famed sword smith nor is it an antique.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“This is a sword that is one of a kind in this world.”
Ta Vuong Ton agreed.
“Yes.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“But I don’t want to view this sword.”
“I know.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“I want to meet its master. The current master of this sword.”
Ta Vuong Ton:
“And you are facing him now.”
Yen Thap Tam was ‘facing’ a wooden stand. A wooden stand with a sword. Behind the wooden stand was another object covered by a black cloth. A rectangular, long object…
Yen Thap Tam suddenly felt cold, a coldness that travelled from his heart to his feet. He felt apprehensive. He wanted to ask but he was too afraid to ask. He didn’t dare to believe it and he didn’t want to. He wanted to be wrong.
Unfortunately he wasn’t wrong. As the black cloth was removed a coffin appeared. A coffin that had eight words carved on it. Yen Thap Tam only saw the first three. ‘Ta Hieu Phong’….
In the main entrance, the grand lights were very bright but no matter how bright they were they could never light up Yen Thap Tam’s heart. For the light inside him was put out. The light of the sword was gone! The light of the only sword that could kill him.
Ta Hieu Phong had died 17 days ago! Naturally he did not die under Tao Bang’s sword. No one could defeat him! Definitely no one.
The only thing that could defeat Ta Hieu Phong was destiny. Each person has his own destiny. Maybe because Ta Hieu Phong’s destiny was so grand that it had to be so short. He died suddenly but peacefully. In his father’s eyes there were thousands of tears but his voice was still steady.
“I am not too upset. Because he has lived enough. Because his life had meaning. It was not too much of a waste.”
Ta Vuong Ton asked Yen Thap Tam:
“Do you want to live the rest of your life or live the short life that he lived?”
Yen Thap Tam did not answer. He didn’t need to.
“Do you want to be a shooting star or a long burning torch?”
Even though the light of a shooting star was short lived, its brightness was far greater than thousands of torches together.
************************************************** ***************
The main entrance was very bright but Yen Thap Tam choose to walk into the darkness. In the mountain area there was an endless ocean of darkness.
He suddenly asked:
“Before when you told me those stories, was it because you viewed me as a dead person?”
Ofcourse not!
Third Young Master had died. How could he die? Yen Thap Tam turned around and asked:
“Why did you tell me those stories?”
“Because I know you came to die.”
“You knew?”
“I saw the admiration you held for Hieu Phong. You knew you would never beat him.”
He laughed.
“Because I admired your courage. I would never have that courage. Because I am ordinary. And because I am old….”
His voice grew softer until it was just a sigh.
At that moment a sword flashed from the darkness!
************************************************** ***************
One person one sword. The person’s move was strong and that one sword was phenomenally fast!
That person appeared behind Ta Vuong Ton. The sword was also aiming for his back!
When Yen Thap Tam saw it, it was too late to help him…
It seemed as if Ta Vuong Ton did not feel anything for he sighed and bent down to pick up a dry leaf. His movement was slow and it seemed as if he had picked up the leaf on a whim…
His life was like the leaf; dry and wrinkled. But because of it, he had easily dodged the attack that was as quick as lightning!
In a blink of an eye, it was obvious that the sword strike would pierce Ta Vuong Ton’s heart but it had pierced thin air. The difference of only a hair’s breadth!
The person whom had attacked had used all of his strength and he could not draw back his sword. He rolled over the back of Ta Vuong Ton, his sword turning into one that was aiming for Yen Thap Tam’s life! The momentum of the sword strike was still there, it was still enough to take someone’s life!
Yen Thap Tam had no choice but to fight back. His sword left it’s sheath and flashed…
The person rolled and flew back 7 or 8 feet, his pale green face still drunk.
“Tao Bang!”
Yen Thap Tam’s voice carried 3 parts surprise and 7 parts pity.
Tao Bang stared at Yen Thap Tam, in his eyes there was surprise and fear. He wanted to say something but couldn’t say it.
From his vital point, a trickle of blood appeared and he fell.
************************************************** ***************
The autumn wind continued to sigh. Ta Vuong Ton slowly straightened, still holding the dry leaf, as if nothing had happened. In a flash, a person’s life was like a dry leaf breaking into dust. Even though the life of a leaf was short, next year the leaves of the tree will grow back.
But what about humans?
Ta Vuong Ton slowly bent down and placed the leaf on the ground. Yen Thap Tam continued to look at him, his eyes filled with admiration and respect. At this point, he realised that this person was highly skilled at hiding their ability. His martial arts had reached a godly stage, a stage where it had fused with his natural way of being. Because of this, no one had recognised this ability!
When the frost came, no one can see its power. Its invisible ability to freeze lakes and kill people.
“I am but an ordinary person…”
In this world, how many can achieve that level of ‘ordinary’?
************************************************** ***************
Yen Thap Tam did not say a word.
Even though now he understood a lot of things, he still did not say anything. He had learnt how to be silent.
Ta Vuong Ton just casually said one sentence:
“It is late. You should go now.”
Yen Thap Tam:
“Yes.”
End Chapter Nine.
By far the most beautiful chapter yet. Lovely depiction of Ta Vuong Ton. You can get a complete sense of his character without Gu Long explicitly describing him. What a great character. This is one of the reasons why I love Gu Long. I did the translation no justice at all. And I have this feeling that the Vietnamese translation did the original one no justice either. Either way I felt that this was a very flowing and beautiful chapter. Very nice. Ta Hieu Phong’s death was a shocker though. The book is titled Little Sword of the Third Young Master. How can he be dead? Gu Long spends eight and a half chapters building up this character only to tell us now that he died 17 days ago? Truly weird. I can only hope that he’s not really dead. We’ll see. Anyways, wonder what will happen next. Let the next arc begin….
Actually, it’s 3 am now so I think I’ll skip that and go to bed. :o Enjoy. :D