Wuxia [RPG #4.0] Story thread.

[creamcheese007]

Xiao Ping sighed as he watched the owner of the rabbit took it away. "That could have been my dinner." Xiao Ping whispered.

"What's that? Did you say something?" ZhiXuan asked.

"What?... No, I didn't say.... anything." Xiao Ping stuttered. "Do you have any plans for the future?" Xiao Ping said looking up at the sky.

"For the future?...No why?" Zhi Xuan responded.

"No, no reason at all. I was just wondering. Wondering about what will become of me in the future. Will I continue to remain a lowly beggar?" Xiao Ping sighed once more.

Having known his personality, Hearing Xiao Ping's comment caused Zhi Xuan to laugh. "You're actually worried?" She said giggling.

"What's so funny? I can be serious at times too, you know." He refuted.

"Ok, I'll stop laughing now. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll become a very important person." She said with a smile.

"Wow, you really mean it?"

"Yea, I really do."

"Thanks a lot, that made me feel much better now." Xiao Ping then placed both his hands behind his head. "I'll treat you to a dinner sometime."

"To those leftovers? No thanks, I'll pass." Zhi Xuan said, immediately turning Xiao Ping down.

"Well then, you really don't know what you're missing." Xiao Ping said as he continued to look at the sky above them. Then he suddenly remembered something. "Ai! I almost forgot about them! Sorry, I must go now. I talk to you at some other time." He said with a smile and without waiting for Zhi Xuan to reply, he raced back to his home, a ran down temple somewhere outside the city.

[kwekmh]

Bai Tian Yun thought, "No matter what they try to do, I won't go back. I came out to do something else too..."

His thoughts gradually flew to the massacre 15 years ago...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

He was only 6 years old then. He watched helplessly as his sister, 15 years old at that time, fought the eight masked men with his mother. Even though both of them possessed good martial arts, they were unable to defeat the eight masked men. Gradually, they began to tire.

They fought and ran, and slowly, they reached the cliff. They fought dangerously at the edge of the cliff, and Bai Tian Yun watched nervously. He knew that his mother and sister had only a low chance of surviving. He prayed that his father will come soon.

Suddenly, one of the masked men flew towards Bai Tian Yun with his spear aimed at his throat! Bai Tian Yun was shocked and stood rooted to the ground, terrified. His sister saw that the spear will pierce Bai Tian Yun's throat soon and she quickly flew in front of him. Blood spurted everyone. The spear had penetrated his sister's arm. With a roar, the masked man kicked his sister off the cliff.

"Nooo..." cried Bai Tian Yun as he lunged crazily at the masked man. The masked man swiped his spear down, preparing to slice him into half when suddenly someone grabbed hold of Bai Tian Yun and moved away. His spear hit empty air.

Almost instantly, the man who saved Bai Tian Yun sent a palm flying towards the masked man with the spear. The masked man was pushed back 5 steps and nearly toppled over.

The other masked men saw this and instantly knew that Bai Wu had arrived. All of them lunged towards Bai Wu, and executed their deadliest moves. Bai Wu just moved around and all of them missed him.

"Hmph, you guys call yourself the 'Peerless Eight'?! What scumbags!" And he sent a palm flying towards all of them. They felt the palm wind even from such a distance and they quickly moved backward. Soon, they reached the edge of the cliff.

Suddenly, someone flew over and said, "Brother Bai, let me help you!" The newcomer pushed out both palms as one of the masked man with the sword advanced forward. The masked man felt a strong force and quickly used his sword to cover himself. Suddenly, the sword broke and the palm hit him! He vomited blood and died instantly.

"'Earth-Shaking Palm' Yang Gang!" The masked men shouted unanimously.

Bai Wu cried in rage as he took the sword from his wife, "How dare you kill my daughter!" And he swinged the sword at them. One of the masked man laughed coldly, "If not for your appearance in jianghu, we would still be the most famous! You destroyed all our fame!" And he sweeped his hand. 30 over needles flew out separately towards Bai Wu, his wife and Yang Gang. These were the famous "Bone-shattering Needles"! Bai Wu and Yang Gang deflected the needles easily, but Bai Wu's wife was not so lucky as 5 needles hit her in her major acupoints. All the blood was drained from her face as she said, "Goodbye..." With that, she died.

Bai Wu screamed in rage and put all his might into the sword, swinging it at the masked men. The masked men felt an unbelievable force pushing at them as the sword cut their throats. They could not even retaliate!

After this event, Bai Wu retired from wulin and moved into Carefree Island. This unfortunate event was then never spoke of again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bai Tian Yun travelled into jianghu for another important reason. His instincts were telling him that his sister was still alive somehow. He travelled out of the island in hopes that he will be able to find his sister. He did not tell his father about his instincts as he knew that his father did not believe in this even though it was instinct that brought him to the cliff that fateful day.

Suddenly, he heard Constable Li and he watched the exchange between him and Kong Long Zhi quietly.

[druid]

tanding up to stretch himself, Chang Ye felt as if he was in another body, like his soul was transfered into another body of superior strength and power.

" I used to cry out in pain and crawl around in the dirt. But all that will soon crease and fade, for soon many others will experience what i had experienced." thought Chang Ye as picked up the manual and tucked it in into his clothes.

Looking around the cell, he walked towards his left and placed his palm onto the wall.

" Hmmm.... it seems hollow... i wonder..." with that he launched a palm strike onto it." A hole of significant size appeared as the dust settled, yet no sound was heard as Chang Ye looked in amazement. The seconds passed. A smirk had replaced the initial shock. Looking at his palms , Chang Ye allowed himself a chuckle before breaking down the wall and stepping into the sunlight.

" Ah... so this how it feels to be powerful. Yes... i will grow accustomed to this new feeling soon. But first things first. I need to find a place of extreme coldness... " Thought Chang Ye as he walked in the shelter of the golden rays of the sun.

~

" Elder Brother, we... we have found Sixth brother... or what remains of him. I strongly advise that you do not go and look." Spoke a tall, handsome man in green.

" Hmmm... Someone is out to harm us; " the 7 gentlemen of the North." But who? We have few enemies in this region and sixth brother's martial arts are quite high. Not to mention that our heroic deeds more then speak for us." Spoke a rather short and average looking man in black as his face took on a look of being deep in thoughts.

" Perhaps you do not know elder brother, but sixth brother's actions were more hastily and forceful than all of ours combined. He may have offended someone... powerful..." suggested the man in green as he followed behind the short man in black to where the remains of Wang Yi Qing laid.

Instantly, the shorter man turned his face away in disgust. No doubt such a scene was but a first for one such as himself. Averting his eyes, he unsheathed his sword and with one move sent a wave sand towards Wang Yi Qing, burying the mutilated body.

" Whosoever did this did not possess an once of martial arts. Gather the rest. We are going to hunt this sick bastard down." The tone was devoid of any feelings which frightened the man in green.

" Ermm. Yes Elder Brother. I leave at once."

[druid]

On and on he walked, caring little on his surroundings and their happenings. People passed him by and pointed at him, mumbling about his dirty beggar like appearance and casting despising looks at him. As if they were but the lords and he, just a slave or a lackey of sorts.

Yet Chang Ye never did once do anything harmful or wrong. He knew what it was like and he did not blame the common folks for it was simply not their fault that he was dressed like this.

" Soon. Revenge will come at the expense of time. Then i will have your arms and legs..." with that comforting thought, Chang Ye smiled. It was not a smile that told the world that Chang Ye had evil or sly thoughts. Rather It reassembled a smile full of happiness as if one had gotten his or hers lifelong wish at last.

Struck in his own world of thoughts and "what ifs", Chang Ye failed to notice that the road he was traveling on was now deathly quiet and deserted.

In an instant just a preoccupied Chang Ye took a walk down a bend on the road, four figures jumped from the sides and stood in front of Chang Ye, blocking his path.

" Leave your valuables and we will spare your dog life. Try anything else and you'll be begging that for a much quicker death." spoke the one holding on to a saber his voice soft yet there was a hint of boredom in them as if Chang ye was nothing to worry about.

Chang Ye looked at his attackers and pondered.

" If you really wanted to rob me, i would have let you do it. But by insulting me, you have broken my will to keep my anger in check."

Ignoring the threat from the group, Chang Ye turned his back onto them. As if daring them to make the first move.

" Make your choice just like what i did years ago." Thought Chang Ye as he waited for the first attack.

" Foolishly dog! Come, let us teach him a lesson!" roared the one holding onto the saber. Nodding in agreement, two other companions charged at Chang Ye with their weapons.

The last one merely stood and stared at Chang Ye. There was something wrong with this traveler. It wasn't the fact that the traveler had turned his back on them, but the way he had looked at them. A single glance and a quick exhalation of breath as if sighing, sighing for them and not at his ill luck for encountering this group of bandits.

And so he stood there, staring at his buddies and also at Chang Ye.

As the first bandit came, a wind came before the strike of saber was in motion for the bandits were experienced and they had trained their bodies to the point whereby their external skills such as stamina and brute strength were good. Or so they thought.

Chang Ye stopped and smiled. In an instant, his palm had reached the chest of the saber wielding bandit. Their eyes locked together for but an instant yet the distance between them was far. Far indeed, as the bandit had breathed his last as his saber landed on the sandy path with a loud "dang!"

The other two bandits stopped staring at their fallen comrades and then at each other. One was filled with anger and sorrow, the other fear.

But Chang Ye was game for more. Using his newly acquired powers, he dashed forward picking up the saber and with a strike that encompassed 90% of his internal strength, he served the head of the frightened bandit in a single stroke.

Picking up the head with his left hand, saber in the other... Chang Ye walked towards the anger filled bandit.

" His eyes hold the exact same look when I first awoke with my broken joints. He will do." Thought Chang Ye as the bandit came roaring at him. Rage was evident as his face was red and his veins were visible in his forearms.

" Such rich display of anger and rage. Yes!" thought Chang Ye as he threw the head at the attacker.

Stunned by the sudden throwing of the head, the bandit stopped and caught the head in his arms and stopped. His sword flying out of his hands as Chang Ye floated past.

Again, nimble movement and within seconds two arms came floating down. The bandit collapsed onto the ground. Breathing heavily but not dead. Blood came gushing out of his shoulders as his arms lay a foot away.

" Ah! A fine day for exercise! Yup!" spoke Chang Ye as he threw down the saber and walked past the remaining bandit.

Walking past the last bandit, Chang Ye knew that the bandit would not attack him. This was a smart bandit who knew when it was right or wrong to strike.

" Why cant all be like that? You know what is right and wrong yet you foolishly do what is expected. I may have not have first blood drawn but then the winner in the very end is not determined by who draws first blood. I maybe eventually be defeated but what I have gained from all this may be the best blow i will ever dealt to you. You might have all the glory for now, but my anger and patience will see me through. Mark my words for upon this day, where blood has already been spilled... the battle has truly begun in earnest. "

[creamcheese007]

On his way home, Xiao Ping stopped at the market to buy something for dinner for the others. Of course, Xiao Ping was not as stupid as to give all of the money back to Tang Yu Long. He had kept a good amount for himself and it seems like it was just enough for the five chickens that he was about to buy. Taking the five chickens, Xiao Ping continued to head back towards that ran down temple which he called home.

"I'm back!" Xiao Ping shouted as he came into sight of the temple. Then about 20 other beggars flooded out to welcome Xiao Ping back. Their ages ranged from 10-16 years old. They were also, obviously, all orphans who came under the care of Xiao Ping and looked up to him as their very own big brother.

"Big brother!" They all shouted in unison.

“Look what I brought back!” Xiao Ping shouted in return while waving the dead chickens at the large group in front of him. Then three of them quickly came forward and took the chickens from Xiao Ping’s hands so that they can clean them and prepare them for dinner. The three then walked off to the side while Xiao Ping and the others walked back into the ran down temple.

Standing in front of the table in the center of the temple, Xiao Ping waited while the others dumped their earnings on the table. He watched in satisfaction as the top of the table got covered in copper coins, silver, and jewelry. “And where did you get these from?”

“We robbed them from those arrogant rich sons of the turtles!” They replied in unison.

“Good good, you guys can split them up now.” Xiao Ping said, laughing out loud. Then he walked to a corner and laid down on the mattress made of hay. That’s when he suddenly realized something. “Wait. Where’s Xiao Xiong and Xiao Mao?”

“Don’t know they haven’t came back yet.” said one of them by the name of Xiao Xuan.

“Xiao Xuan, take a few others and go look for them. It’s not a habit of them to be this late.”

“Yes.” Then just as Xiao Xuan and a few others were about to go out to look for the two, two little beggars suddenly stepped into the temple. One of them supporting the other. The one supporting the injured one was Xiao Xiong and the injured one was Xiao Mao.

Xiao Ping quickly jumped to his feet and raced over to the two. He picked Xiao Mao up and laid him down over at the corner. “What happened?” He roared.

“Xiao Mao was begging for coins on the street where he accidentally bumped into the owner of the textile shop near Mei Hua Lo. That bastard then beat him senseless.” Xiao Xiong said, sobbing.

“Don’t worry, big brother will take care of this and avenge you.” Xiao Ping said, trying to comfort Xiao Mao. Xiao Mao was in so much pain that he could only manage to give a nod and fainted.

“Quick, use those money on the table to get a doctor here immediately.” Xiao Ping ordered and Xiao Xuan immediately ran off to find a doctor.

The next morning....

“Oh heavens! What happened to my beautiful textile shop? No, no, no, no!” A middle man sobbed in front of a burnt down shop. “Why! How will I make a living now?”

The man was surrounded by many others who pointed in disbelieve. “Who could have done this?” They whispered among themselves.

[druid]

Dusting off all dirt from his clothes, Chang Ye continue his journey in satisfaction.

" Ah... the glorious sun... the wondrous warmth and the thrill of releasing anger through those killings..." thought Chang Ye as he smiled happily like a five year old who stumbles upon a sack of candy.

Humming to himself, he walked on with not a care in the world till a group of people came walking into his sight from the opposite direction. Chang Ye stopped and his knees weaken, unable to move on.

The glittering of weapons and soft chorus of whispers told him everything. This was a horde of pugilists traveling towards him.

" No... I need to remain calm. They should not be able to recognize me. No one saw me kill them and besides my current appearance should draw their attention elsewhere."

And so the distance between a beggar-like-man and the horde of pugilists decreased. And soon Chang Ye was walking passed the first wave. He recognized many of them for their faces were etched deep in his mind, to the fateful day where the old Chang Ye died. His eyes flashed and radiated anger and resentment. But never did they notice the eyes for who in the right sense of mind could ever cast a glance at a beggar like him?

" I wonder why a gathering of sorts have been organized in Luo Yang?"

" Yes indeed! How queer! And to think the one who organized it is the leader of the 7 Gentlemen of the North; Xu Wen Zhi."

" Oh? Is it him? I wonder why this is so?"

" Well rumor has it that the Tian Mo Cult has gotten stronger. Perhaps this gathering of sorts has something to do with them?"

" Ah.. that cult! It would be good if we eradicate it. The sooner the better!"

" Nay my good man! To my knowledge, they have not created any trouble these past few years! By declaring war on them would throw the whole of Wulin into a bloody war!"

" I say..."

Chang Ye had enough. He had listen to what he had wanted to and yet he was more happy than fearful.

" Ah, so they have found the bodies! Damn it. Its too soon. But at least i had my fun. I would be the last person in everyone's mind to even be a suspect. Ha!" Chang Ye's face held a smirk as he looked at the passing group. The last few passed Chang Ye were members of the Blue Manor of Mt. Yiliang. He knew that for certain as that man wore the same head dress as that damn Wang Yi Qing; only that his was gray.

Casting a glance at Chang Ye, one of them a tall average looking man in gray approached him. Thinking that he was in it for a beating and knowing full well that he could not afford to fight back, Chang Ye bit his lower lip and embraced for the first impact as he rise his hands in defense.

" Oh! Please! I mean you no harm! Here, take this and get yourself something to eat." With that the gentlemen placed a couple of silver ingots into the hand of a stunned Chang Ye.

Smiling at Chang Ye, the man patted him on the back and left.

" What... May I know this honorable mister's name?" Stammered Chang Ye.

" Ou Guo Wen." Came the reply.

" Ah... another one of the famed seven gentlemen of the North! A damn member of the Blue Manor. You are quite unlike your brothers, but nonetheless you were present at my breaking. A few ingots you gave for what reason? To increase your fame and reputation? To show that you still care for the lesser folks or simply a front that you and your brothers had agree before hand to put up?" Thought Chang Ye as he looked at the passing group.

" Whatever the reason, at least you gave a ingot to me. For that, it may just change something in the future."

Casting one last look at the group, Chang Ye turned and continued walking and walking till at last, a snowy mountain loomed in the far distance.

" Ah! Yup! thats where i am headed! At least another five days to the foot. That's where I'll be spending for quite sometime. At least till I sort of mastered the Xuan Yang Hu Di Gong and Nan Rou Luo Yin Shen Gong. Well then... here I come!"

[sixdays]

A Friend In Need

"Ouch!" Xiao Die rubbed her elbow and turned around, looking for the person who bumped into her. Instead of a rude fellow like she was expecting, she saw a small figure crumpled on the ground coughing in the dust. A man in the doorway sneered, "We don't serve your kind here, beggar!" Looking up, Xiao Die saw that it was a clinic for treating injuries. She turned to the man in the doorway and asked, "What seems to be the problem?"

"For you, Miss, there's no problem at all," he greedily replied. "I'm just getting rid of some rubbish so that some real customers like yourself can come in. Now what can I get for you? Ginseng? A diagnosis?"

"No thank you. I don't deal with rubbish, either. And that means you." Xiao Die crouched low to the ground and helped the little boy up. "Di Di (Little Brother), what is your name?"

Seeing such a beautiful girl be nice to him, the little boy tried his best to hold back the tears. "My...my name is Xiao Xuan, and I've been going to every doctor in the city since last night, but they don't want us, even though I've got money they say I stole it, and, and, if I don't get a doctor then Xiao Mao will die..." Xiao Xuan began to cry then, and Xiao Die knew that she had to help the boy.

"Shh, shh, don't cry," Xiao Die said, rocking the boy in her arms. "I know a doctor who can help you."

"Re...really?" Xiao Xuan sniffed.

"Yes, really. Now be good and wait here. I'll go fetch him, and you can take him to wherever Xiao Mao is, okay?"

"NO! Jie Jie can't leave, because the doctor will come and just look at me and say I'm worthless and not saving and neither is Xiao Mao and then he'll die..." Poor Xiao Xuan began to cry all over again, right in the middle of the street.

"Xiao Xuan, Xiao Xuan, don't cry. Everything will be alright, you'll see. Trust in Xiao Die Jie Jie, okay?" Xiao Die had a soft spot for people in hard times, and loved to help them in their times of trouble just as Constable Li had helped her.


A few moments later...


"Yay! Big beggar and little beggar, old beggar and young beggar, Xiao Mao can be saved now..." Xiao Xuan skipped down the road happily, holding the hand of an old beggar with purple wine spilled all over his beard and rags. Of course, this was actually Xiao Die in disguise, ready to use her medical skills to cure whatever this Xiao Mao was suffering from.

"Look, Gong Gong (Gramps)! We're here!" Xiao Xuan shouted. "Dirty beggar and clean beggar, fast beggar and slow beggar, Xiao Mao can be saved!..." Hearing Xiao Xuan's song, all the little boys ran out of the ruins to meet the pair. Immediately, they showered that Xiao Die with hugs and laughter, tugging at her rags and hair. A slightly older boy stood in the doorway, looking on with an amused look in his eye.

"Ping Ge Ge! Ping Ge Ge! I was beat up by a mean old man in a clinic but then i met this really pretty lady and then she helped me and I cried but she was nice and then I cried again and then she found me a doctor I was scared first but then he was a beggar too, and, and..."

"Okay, okay, enough!" Xiao Ping laughed, patting Xiao Xuan on the head. He turned to address Xiao Die. "Esteemed Elder, thank you for helping us today. You must be part of the Beggar Clan, to be so talented yet living the humble life of a wanderer. Let me take you to our little brother. He's still in serious pain." He brought Xiao Mao forward, and Xiao Die began to massage, bandage, and administer medicine to Xiao Mao's frail body. As she finished, Xiao Ping pulled her off to the side and whispered, "I know you're a girl, probably the same girl who helped Xiao Xuan earlier. I don't know who you are, but thank you."

Xiao Die, stilled dressed in her disguise, looked at Xiao Ping in surprise. "How did you know I was in disguise?"

"You did almost everything right," Xiao Ping said. "I mean, you look like a beggar, you dress like a beggar, you even laugh like an old beggar! But to tell you the truth, we beggars don't smell like fresh flowers. I knew you were in disguise from the time you walked up with Xiao Xuan!" Xiao Ping smiled proudly.

"Not bad, not bad at all," said Xiao Die, removing her disguise to reveal her own smiling face. "You would make a pretty good constable!"

"Constable!" Xiao Ping wrinkled his nose in disgust. "The law only exists to hurt and punish people like us. I'd rather be punched in the stomach every day for the rest of my life than be a constable!" Then Xiao Ping frowned. "I still can't figure out why you would want to help us, though."

"Well, what is your name?"

"Xiao Ping."

"And the other boys?"

"Well, you've met Xiao Xuan, and there's Xiao Mao lying there, and then Xiao Xiong and so on..."

"Exactly. My name is Xiao Die, which means I'm the big sister of you all. How can Jie Jie (Big Sister) not take care of her own family?"

Xiao Ping was speechless. Such a pretty lady, so skilled and nice, was willing to be his big sister? He was bursting with pride, and could only grin a huge grin in response. Xiao Die laughed at his expression, and the two of them carried Xiao Mao back to the area where the rest of the boys slept.

---


Okay, new developments on the way --- i'm gonna introduce a couple plot elements for everyone here to keep the whole thing going.

-six.

[kwekmh]

Suddenly, Bai Tian Yun felt strong arms grasping his shoulders and he was hauled off to a deserted alleyway. He did not even bother resisting as he knew that even if he used all his might, he won't even be able to move a single inch. He was shocked, "Who possesses such high internal energy?"

He felt the release of his shoulders and his shoulder gradually regained strength. With all the might he could muster, he unsheathed his sword and stab it behind without even looking! Suddenly, his wrist felt numb and the sword was taken from him. He quickly looked back and saw that it was Yang Gang!

He laughed at his own foolishness. He should have guessed that no one else would possess such amazing internal energy. However, he was not eager to see them either.

"I'm not going back!" He shouted.

Suddenly, someone flew over and chuckled. "Who says we're going to bring you back?" Tie Fei replied.

"Then what?" Bai Tian Yun asked suspiciously.

"Your father has resigned to fate. He knows that he can't keep you on the island." Yang Gang answered. "Here's something from him."

He handed a parcel to Bai Tian Yun and he opened it. Inside it contained a bank note for 1000 taels and a broken jade bracelet.

"He was hoping that you could help to do some good deeds with the money. Also, he said that the other half of the jade bracelet was given to your sister long ago. He said you would know what he means." Yang Gang added.

Bai Tian Yun looked at the broken jade bracelet and thought, "Has he finally started to believe in instincts...?"

"You still remember the 'Great Demon Skill' which I taught you? I believe it's time for you to learn the last level since you already have a strong foundation. Here's the manual. Destroy it after you're finished with it. I wouldn't want it to land into the hands of some evil guy." Tie Fei said.

He handed the manual over to Bai Tian Yun. They said, "It's now time for us to go. Remember, the world is fraught with dangers and you've to be careful of everyone, even those closest to you. You never know if they'll betray you."

In a flash, they had leapt away and were nowhere to be seen. Bai Tian Yun quickly headed back towards the inn.

[kwekmh]

He returned to his room in the inn and he put the parcel on the table.

Opening the manual of 'Great Demon Skill', he began to read the last level. It was mainly an internal energy cultivation method.

"The last level is indeed much more powerful. It's no wonder he chose to let me learn it only now." Bai Tian Yun noted.

He started following the directions of the manual and began practising. As he had high intelligence and was a fast learner, he understood the skill very fast.

He got so absorbed in it that even if a sword was pointed right at him, he would not notice it.

Gradually, he felt his internal energy making some improvement. He thought, "I've learnt so many different internal energy cultivation method. If I can make use of the Energy Conversion technique of the 'Carefree Skill' to convert all the different internal energy into the internal energy method of 'Carefree Skill', my improvement rate would be much faster."

He slowly began to think of the Energy Conversion technique which his father had taught him. He compared the different internal energy methods which he had learnt and tried to imagine them being merged together according to the theory of the Energy Conversion technique.

He began to perspire profusely as he thought about it and tried merging the internal energy methods subconsciously. Suddenly, he felt a jolt of pain.

"Argh, what am I doing now? I should master the last level of the 'Great Demon Skill' first, maybe after that I'll then attempt the Energy Conversion technique." He thought to himself.

Once again, he began practising the 'Great Demon Skill'. Strangely enough, he found it much more easier as the resistance he felt before due to the many methods he practised decreased.

[druid]

Chang Ye was feeling warm. Too warm and comfortable for anyone standing on top of a snow-covered; ice forming mountain top. Yet here he was, feeling as if the sun was shinning happily in him in a hot sunny day.

He smiled. The weeks of freezing his butt on the mountain top had bloody paid off at long last. Looking around, he sighed. All he had done was the easy part. Now begun the hardest. Revenge!

For two weeks, he has trained under the instructions from the Xuan Yang Luo Yin Xin Fa on how to cultivate internal Qi to the highest possible level. It was not easy for the ways and instructions from the manual were so very strange and dangerous...

To fully obtain the highest possible amount of controllable Qi, one has to first have the amount. The easy past. Next how to fully released it so that you can use it. The hard part.

And what better way to do so under harsh and bitter conditions? The manual had instructions on how to train under such conditions but with repetitive warning on the dangers involved when attempting to practice the two sets of divine skills; Xuan Yang Hu Ti Gong and Nan Rou Luo Yin Shen Gong.

The first set of skill involved primarily on the Yang essence of the Qi within the body. Known for aggressiveness and being hard in nature, this skill instead focuses on both aggressiveness and gentleness; soft yet hard. Used only for defense, once one masters the this set of skill, one's body has a heightened awareness in all five senses; the ability to purge even the most stubborn/lethal poison and minimize its effects; the ability to withstand all acupoints attacks as if nothing more than an ant's bite (in short, the immunity from others sealing your acupoints).

And the benefits came with such a high price! For Lu Chang Ye had to generate insane amounts of Yang based Qi in the freezing conditions of the mountain top. More often than not, Chang Ye passed out from the chilling cold as his internal Yang based Qi has not reached the point whereby it alone could warm the body and counter the freezing effects of the weather. When he first embarked on learning and practicing this Xuan Yang Hu Ti Gong, he was covered in snow and nearly risk being entombed in a coffin of solid ice.

When faced with repetitive failure, anyone would surely curse and swear before deciding if one wants to continue. Any sane human would agree. But who can say that Chang Ye was sane? Instead of cursing, he smiles and smiles! Gradually, the snow settling around on him while practicing began to melt away... first upon contact then eventually even before touching his very clothes! More often than not, after each practice when stand up to stretch Chang Ye would notice that his backside would aways be wet due to the melting of the ice on the ground. As he stands up, the water instantly freezes up in a matter of sheer seconds... a testimony to his success.

The second set of skill focuses on the Yin nature with just a hint of yang. Also, the focus of the skill is mainly on nature of the Yin elements. The ability to escape from the strokes of your enemy even when they are but inches away from your skin (in short superior Qing Gong techinques) and also the unique way of sealing aucpoints that no one else but yourself can unseal.

Again, the training and route to complete mastery was tedious. To be able to avoid your enemies killing strikes, one has first learn theories from the book of changes before applying the countering moves as described in the manual. But Chang Ye only learned the countering moves form the manual did not contain a copy of the book of changes. It was akin to learning the forms, yet they hold no real substance. Even so, Chang Ye still continued practicing as instructed such as moving around (in the adverse weather conditions) in double quick time so much so that when done correctly one would almost leave a image in a particular position for a mere second before it fades. Which by then, more of such images would have been created.However more often then not, he fell face first onto the ground with the ground tearing his skin and freezing any blood that bled out of his wound. Although continuous running in the cold would gradually warm the body up, the cold slippery surface of the ground and the agonizing pain from his freezing wounds soon drove Chang Ye to defeat. But learned the acupoints sealing techinques he did.

And so having mastered the two divine skills, Chang Ye then commit the contents of the whole manual to heart. For within the manual, there were also various pointers on a variety of Martial arts related topics such as ways and hints to counter formation based fighting; herbs to boost poison resistance etc. But he noted that something was seriously lacking in the manual... there were no offensive martial arts i. Not a hint of a palm style nor a swordplay set. Nothing on offensiveness...

" Ah... i guess its time to move. I need to learn more... offensive stuffs...Ah! I know! I shall visit the famous Zi Long Sect. But first... a debt to repay..."

[Son of Light]

Once again, he began practising the 'Great Demon Skill'. Strangely enough, he found it much more easier as the resistance he felt before due to the many methods he practised decreased.

Suddenly, he felt something funny, a mysterious sense of friendliness and intimacy, like an old friend was around.
Someone with the TianMo Art must be near by! And is searching for those with dark arts!
For all dark arts users, the very presents of TianMo energy will cause them to fall down on their knees with fear, respect and near absolute obedience, this is the nature of such arts,
But since the Great Demon Skill, unlike most other dark arts, was a branch off some part of TianMo Art mixed with some other skill, the learner will feel a sense of intimacy, rather then fear.
But who? Could it be XieWang himself?
But that is not such a major issues, for even an art as great as TM Art has its limits, it cannot zoom in to the exact location.

Meanwhile, out side LuoYang City…

"I can feel it, Wind, come to me." Said XieWang in a soft voice.
"Here I am." Mentioned a girl from behind him.
"Qian, there is someone in the city practicing a art which branches off TianMo Art, find him, do not harm him but as much as possible, bring him to me."
"Ok, sounds good." Answered DongFang Qian, the Wind Vixen.

[kwekmh]

From the information XieWang had given, DongFang Qian guessed that the person practising the skill should be in the inn.

She was not known as the 'Wind Vixen' for nothing. With unbelievable lightness skills, she flew past every room and looked into it. No one noticed her. At last, she saw one room with someone practising a skill.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bai Tian Yun had just finished practising the most crucial part of the last level when a shadow flew into the room with extreme speed! He was shocked. He could not believe that someone was able to sneak up on him unnoticed until the person flew in front of him. Before he could even respond, a sword has flew towards him! He dodged it with the sword missing him by only a few inches.

He picked up his sword from the table and unsheathed it. He moved back three steps as he barely parried a strike from the attacker. With lightning speed, he attacked back. Suddenly, the attacker was all blurry and he hit nothing. There was a flash of light and he felt something coming at him from behind! He swung his sword back without even looking. A sound was heard as the swords clashed. DongFang Qian felt her hands shake as she staggered back three steps.

"Who are you?" Bai Tian Yun roared as he launched a series of attacks. Every attack was swift and vicious, aimed to kill. He knew that unless he executed such a fast and vicious swordplay, he would be unable to take down the assassin for questioning.

DongFang Qian moved back as the sword sliced off part of her assassin clothes and mask. Hair flowed down her shoulders as it was revealed she was a woman! With a move of her hand, thirty needles flew towards Bai Tian Yun as she leapt backwards out of the window!

Bai Tian Yun dodged and used his sword to repel the needles at the same time, but three of the needles still hit him. Suddenly, he saw something on the ground! Something had dropped out of the mysterious assassin! He was totally shocked when he saw it. It was a broken jade bracelet!

Suddenly, he felt a stinging pain in the areas in which the needles pierced his skin. He took out the needles and saw it was poisoned. He quickly took out a pill from his pocket and ate it. The pill was from the "Crazy Doctor", who has already retired into Carefree Island. He quickly utilized his energy as he purged out the poison.

After a few moment's time, he had fully recovered. He took out the broken jade bracelet and saw that it fit perfectly with his.

"Why does she has the other half of the jade bracelet?!" He cried as he flew out of the window and tried to chase after the female assassin even though he had absolutely no idea which direction was the female assassin headed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DongFang Qian was startled as she ran. She had saw something on the parcel which was on the table. It was a broken jade bracelet. She quickly reached into her pocket to take out hers as she realised it was missing.

"How did I lose it? How can I lose it?! The broken jade bracelet was the only thing Mother left for me before she died!" She cried out to herself. She was in tears by the time she reached XieWang.

[Son of Light]

"How did I lose it? How can I lose it?! The broken jade bracelet was the only thing Mother left for me before she died!" She cried out to herself. She was in tears by the time she reached XieWang.

"Oic… I know what to do now…" Said XieWang after knowing what happened.

A few moments later, there were posters all over the streets of LuoYang.

The posters had a drawing of a broken jade bracelet on it.

"Wanted: Broken Jade Bracelet belonging to an important member of TianMo Cult, if found, please returned to us during our next performance, near the north city gate this afternoon at the Shen bi-hour (1500). Reward: 3 TianMo ShenDan made from the blood of the best Jade Fox and rarest herbs, each with 5% of a full grown Jade Fox flesh and blood's power, with additional health benefits. Admission to the performance would also be free to the bearer of the broken jade bracelet."

[druid]

It had been days since he had returned to the accursed city, but it had changed. Pugilists from many clans and school now roamed the streets, awaiting for the much anticipated gathering called by the leader of the seven Gentleman of the north; Xu Wen Zhi. But Chang ye could not be re bothered about the event. Who in their right minds would care or even glance at a filthy beggar like himself? No one.

He passed by street vendors and passer-bys who promptly covered their noses and chased him away at the mere sight of his shadow. Cursing and swearing under their breathe, they cursed their ill luck for Chang Ye had crossed their paths.

In the past, all Chang Ye could ever do was to endure the humiliation as he had faced all the insults as he was powerless to do anything. But times has changed.

Anger was boiling deep within him and his blood boiled. But still he did nothing. For he understood the lessons of his pained past. Endurance was the key to everything. And so was anger.

Anger is such as powerful emotion. The ability to be angry gives and opens the path for a seed of sheer hatred to take form and grow. When fully immersed in anger, the door to hatred opens and the perversion of the mind begins. All that is right and wrong is gone as the need to release rage is the foremost and only concern.

Yet Chang Ye was nurturing his anger into something more... controllable.

" No way am I going to get angry at these folks. No. They are not the ones at fault. It never was them when i was starving on a cold winter's day in torn clothings, nor was it them when people shun me because of my appearance, nor was it them that my body lives in agony every minute. That was then. This is now."

At the thought, he stopped walking. He looked up at a building and smiled.

" Ah... yes.. this inn. I wonder is brother Xiao Shuang is around. But it matters not if he isn't. But still... Hmmmm..." With that Chang Ye took a step into a inn of his past...

[kwekmh]

"Wanted: Broken Jade Bracelet belonging to an important member of TianMo Cult, if found, please returned to us during our next performance, near the north city gate this afternoon at the Shen bi-hour (1500). Reward: 3 TianMo ShenDan made from the blood of the best Jade Fox and rarest herbs, each with 5% of a full grown Jade Fox flesh and blood's power, with additional health benefits. Admission to the performance would also be free to the bearer of the broken jade bracelet."

Bai Tian Yun calmed down and thought about the female assassin. Suddenly, he realised that the female assassin's swordplay looked familiar!

He decided to take a walk in the streets to calm himself down so he can think properly. As he walked along the streets, he saw one of the posters.

"TianMo Sect? So that female assassin is from TianMo Sect?" Bai Tian Yun was stunned. He thought, "I can make use of this chance to see who it really is. This afternoon at the Shen bi-hour, huh? I'll make sure I can make it..."

Suddenly, he saw Lu Chang Ye among the crowd and remembered faintly that he had seen him before. He quickly followed Lu Chang Ye into the inn, wanting to ask how he is.

[kidd]

Wen Shao Shuang walked in through the back entrance of the inn, holding a blue bundle. He has just came back from visiting his aunt, Mrs Wei. He has stopped by his home after delivering wine to a customer's resident to see how his aunt was doing and to give her aunt part his monthly salary. He was happy to see that his aunt has recovered fully from her injury.

He went straight to his room to put away his bundle before starting work again. Besides monetary salary, his boss also provided meals and lodgings for his workers. Xiao Shuang chose to stay in the inn instead of walking the distant home every day. Instead he will go home to visit the Wei family every weekend. He opened the blue bundle, revealing a set of new clothes. The clothes was made by his aunt for him. He then opened the small cupboard in his room and put the new clothes in together with his other clothes. Inside the cupboard also laid Chang Ye's broken sword.

Xiao Shuang took the sword out and look at it for awhile.

"I wonder how Brother Lu is doing now." thought Xiao Shuang.

Then, he put back the sword, closed the cupboard and went back to his work.

[resident:alien]

AN EVENING YAO MANOR

[ EXT. YAO COMPOUND – DAY ]

Security men and porters are loading wagons for a small convoy. As they work, they spot from across the garden what seems to be two persons; one definitely a woman and the other. . .gender was hard to tell as the attire was quite uncommon. However, it seems as if the young woman was pulling the beautiful youth by the ear. Finally, one of the men recognizes her.

“Ah, Fifth Young Lady is back!” shouts one of the workers. Yao Ruo Lan is the fifth and youngest child of the prime minister; she was adopted as a young child as the Yao’s yearned for a daughter. Their wishes came true one day as a baby was left at their front door. She came only with a jade pendant. Ruo Lan was doted by her adoptive parents, so she is quite spoiled. However, with only four older brothers, she is not a traditional young woman rather she is a tomboyish brat with a nose for curiosity. She does not know she was adopted and Yao’s made sure word would never leak.

In the background, old Aunt Liu, at the sight of Yao Ruo Lan, drops her parcels and runs excitedly into the building.

“You old hag!” shouts one of the workers, “These parcels must remain undamaged!” He picks up the parcels and shakes his head. Aunt Liu, though she means well, is a gossip and no subject remains unscathed.

[ INT. EAST HALL WAY – DAY ]

Aunt Liu runs hurriedly through the wide halls. “Madam Yao,” she gasps as she tries to catch her breath.

[ INT. YAO MING’S ROOM – DAY ]

“Madam Yao!” shouts old Aunt Liu. Her shouts are audible in down the East Hall Way. Yao Ming, Ruo Lan’s fourth brother who is in his early 20s, has just finished packing for the convoy. He wraps a few small items in a linen cloth and proceeds to exit his room. He walks into the East Hallway nearly colliding with the old Aunt Liu.

“Aunt Liu,” he asks, “Why are you running inside the manor?”

“No time. . .gasps. . .to explain,” she puffs as she runs off again. Finding the answer vague, he decides to follow her.

[ INT. MADAM YAO’S ROOM – DAY ]

Madame Yao, an elegant woman in her mid 40s, is sewing in her room. She pulls the last thread through the cloth in a circular pattern resembling a hibiscus flower, as Aunt Liu bursts in.

“Yao Fu Ren,” she says as she takes in a deep breath of air, “I apologize about the intrusion, but Fifth Young Lady is back and she’s brought home a handsome young future son-in-law!”

“Ruo Lan’s brought home a man?” she thought.

"Now this, I have to see," says Yao Ming.

[ INT. YAO PRACTICE HALL – DAY ]

“My beautiful ear. . .you’re ruining it, you wretch!” protests Tang Yu Long as Ruo Lan continues pulling him into the hall by his ear lobe. They are greeted by Madam Yao, Yao Ming, and Aunt Liu. At the sight of her mother, she deliberately tries to trip Tang Yu Long but to no avail. She puts her hands on her waist and turns her head as she rolls her eyes upward.

“Look! What did I tell you madam!” excitedly whispers Aunt Liu, “She’s brought home a man!”

“Ruo Lan, my dear,” says Madam Yao, “What’s all the commotion about?”

“Sister, you shouldn’t be treating our guest like that!” chuckles Yao Ming, “Especially ‘submissive boys’ . . . otherwise, how are we to find you a match?”

“Si Ge, shut up! This is no mere guest. It’s that trifling ungrateful dog, Tang Yu!” she shouts. There is an awkward silence between all parties as Tang Yu Long turns his attention to Madam Yao. The Yao family refers to him only as Tang Yu dropping the Long part of his name. Tang Yu Long is has no blood relations with the Yao family. However, his biological grandfather and the prime minister’s father are sworn brothers.

“Tang Yu? Come hither. Is that really you?” she beckons. Before Tang Yu Long can greet Madam Yao, Ming stands in front of him.

“Mother, this cannot be that scrawny Tang Yu!” he states. Ming then lunges for Tang Yu Long with his hands turned into fists. Quickly, Tang Yu Long blocks with his knees. Each block sent Yao Ming backwards. Ming and his older brothers were bullies when they were younger and they nearly made every day at Yao Manor hell for Tang Yu Long. Unfortunately, back then, he was scrawny. Ming and Tang Yu Long are the same age and he often felt jealous that his father spent more time with Tang Yu Long.

“Madam, do something to stop them!” exclaims a frightened Aunt Liu. Tang Yu Long lands another block forcing him to stop. Though they were only blocks, Ming could feel pain surging through his fists.

“Tang Yu apologizes if he hurt Brother Ming,” he says unimpressed.

“No, it’s really okay,” he chuckled. Without any cue, Ming leaps at Tang Yu Long.

“Aunt Liu, it’s quite alright. Boys will be boys. Trust me,” she replies. When the boys were younger, Madam Yao’s sons used to beat on Tang Yu Long and curse him. He was never much of a fighter enduring it all but he could always outrun them and he never surrendered. At the last second, Tang Yu Long steps to his left and watches as Ming crashes into one of the tables in the practice hall. Ruo Lan and a few servants run over to check on Ming.

“That’s enough, Ming,” says Madam Yao.

“Tang Yu Long gracefully pays his respect to Aunt Yao,” he elegantly states, “May aunt’s beauty be everlasting and bring every flower to shame.”

“Oh, hoh, hoh, you sure now how to flatter me,” she says her cheeks begin to flush with red, “Look at you…you’re a beautiful young man now. My if I weren’t...” She pauses for a few moments and then grins. “Excuse me, I must apologize on behalf of my rude daughter and son.” Tang Yu Long slightly smiled and began to ponder her words. “Is she having dirty thoughts?” He then turns to Ming. “Again, Tang Yu apologizes if he hurt Brother Ming.”

“Mother!” she exclaims, “That pompous @$$…he’s, he’s!”

“That’s enough, my dear,” she replies, “Have your brother brought to his room.”

“Mother!” she retorts. Madam Yao curled her brows at Ruo Lan. That meant one thing, do as your told or else. . .Ruo Lan knew better than to protest.

“Madam, who is this young man?” asks Aunt Liu.

“Of course, that’s the master’s apprentice, Tang Yu,” she says, “He’s lived here since he was a young boy before you moved in. You’ve never met him because he left to protect our nation’s border in the northwest against the Turks.”

“Oh dear! My blasphemous lips,” she says in embarrassment, “Such a beautiful young hero is always a welcome addition. I must apologize for my demeanor.”

“My deepest apologies, Aunt Yao. I’m afraid I left all my possessions at Yi Jian Inn,” he replies, “I’ve brought something from the west for you.”

“I’ll have the maids fetch your possessions,” she says, “Why don’t you get settled in for now?”

“As long as she keeps her filth,” Tang Yu Long hesitates for a few seconds.

“What is it?” she asks.

“Oh nothing,” he replies, "Very well then." The thought of his possessions being touched by dirty hands disgusted him.

[druid]

Stepping into the inn, Chang Ye paused and glanced around. The inn was moderately full. A group of men sat at a corner table, dressed in scholarly like clothes and mumbling about the imperial exams and poems; a young couple sat near the counter with their eyes glued to each other very obviously in love with each other (in which Chang Ye let out a smirk); however a figure sitting at the center most table caught his attention.

It wasn't that the figure had a very unusually long sword, nor was it that the figure had an aura of care freeness about him, but it was what the figure was wearing that caught his attention. The headdress was way too similar to Wang Yi Qing.

" Another one of those so called gentlemen of the north. They really are bend on hunting me down. This might be problematic indeed. Well, another time for this." Thought Chang Ye was he kept his eyes on the figure while simultaneously pulling a waiter towards him.

" What... What do you want you beggar! keep your dirty hands away..."

" Shut up and listen. I can break your whole arm in six different places in a blinking of an eye. Do what i tell you and you get to keep your arm and even some ingots. Simple?" spoke Chang ye softly into the waiter's ear whose face turned pale as the words send a chill down his spine.

" Give this to a waiter named Wen Shao Shuang who works here and him alone. Take a look at its contents and you would wish you had die a thousand times instead. Clear? For your troubles, here is something for you." with that a couple of ingots and a bundle appeared in the trembling hands of the waiter whose face was white with fear and shaking.

" Go now."

With that Chang Ye slowly backed away and turned around. Only to came face to face with another pale face.

Only that this pale face was not a waiter.

" Some troubles you giving to this waiter beggar?"

" None sir. I was asking him if there are but some left over food that I might have." spoke Chang Ye as he studied the face in front of him. The pale face had two eyes that showed no emotion as if they belonged to a corpse and a skin so smooth and pale that it rivals even that of the fairest maiden.

" Ah... a beggar begging for food... but in an inn? How.. interesting..." came the reply in which the voice was devoid of feelings.

" Indeed good sir! Would you believe that someone has indeed given me some food some time ago at this very inn?" spoke Chang ye in a very naive tone.

" Why would I doubt your words? Here, eat what you want. My treat. Waiter? Ah... give him what he desires or orders... this should cover the expenses. Good day to you mister beggar." With the fainest of nod, the pale face gentlemen left Chang Ye and the bewildered waiter with a gold ingot in his hand.

" Interesting... I believe that was the 4th brother of Xu Wen Zhi. Interesting... yes.." thought Chang ye has he stepped out of the inn in deep thoughts.

~

And so it was that Wen Shao Shuang received the bundle form a very unstable college. Finding it hard to resist the call of temptation, he opened the bundle and found pieces of jewelery, six gold ingots and a small dagger with two rubies on the hilt. As he shifted the items about in a state of a shock, a letter came into his view...

" When I asked for leftovers, you give me a fresh bowl of rice. When I wanted to show my gratitude by kowtowing, you refused and helped a filthy beggar like me up just like an equal. Without asking for anything, you willing gave a bun to a beggar without a second thought. Now that debt is repaid ten fold. Yet a filthy beggar is forever in your debt."

[kidd]

~

And so it was that Wen Shao Shuang received the bundle form a very unstable college. Finding it hard to resist the call of temptation, he opened the bundle and found pieces of jewelery, six gold ingots and a small dagger with two rubies on the hilt. As he shifted the items about in a state of a shock, a letter came into his view...

" When I asked for leftovers, you give me a fresh bowl of rice. When I wanted to show my gratitude by kowtowing, you refused and helped a filthy beggar like me up just like an equal. Without asking for anything, you willing gave a bun to a beggar without a second thought. Now that debt is repaid ten fold. Yet a filthy beggar is forever in your debt."

This was of course what the letter said. But, Wen Shao Shuang, being illiterate, didn't understand a word of it.

"What does this letter say?" Wen Shao Shuang thought to himself, brow knitted.

He quickly put away the presents in his cupboard and then went out to look for someone who can read the letter to him. He saw Zhao Fu, the waiter who handed the presents to him just now, cleaning an empty table. The manager was at the cashier counter looking at the account book. He knew the cashier, Wang Li, was literate, while Zhao Fu was only semi-literate. Not knowing what was written inside the letter, he felt it was safer to let Ah Fu read it than to let his superior read it. So, he walked over to Zhao Fu.

"Brother Fu, interupt you for awhile. Can you read this to me?" asked Shao Shuang, showing him the letter.

Zhao Fu read through the letter. There were some words he didn't know, but he can roughly made out what the letter said.

"The letter says you give leftover and fresh rice to a little begger and you refuse his kowtow. He now repay you 10 folds. He says you gave him a bun too." explained Zhao Fu. "How can you give our fresh rice and buns to beggers without permission? Even the leftovers shouldn't simply be given to these beggers. They will just come back for more." grumbled Zhao Fu.

"Thanks for reading the letter for me. I've already paid for the rice and the bun. Anyway, you sometimes took leftover abalons and sharkfin back home too, didn't you?" said Shao Shuang with a smile and then rushed to the cashier counter.

"Manager Wang, can I go out for awhile? It's urgent." asked Shao Shuang.

Seeing that most customers were already served and having their meal and usually after this hour, there won't be many customers, he let lad go (seeing that Shao Shuang really looked like he has urgent matter to attend to).

"Ok, go ahead, but don't be too long." said Wang Li.

"Thanks" said Shao Shuang and went out to look for Lu Chang Ye.

[Son of Light]

"The concert is starting."
"Like as if anyone cares."
"Do these losers ever give up?"
"Actually, I think they are rather good."
"Young man, you really don't understand music."
Yes, the latest performance of the TianMo cult band is just about to start, people all around LuoYang are talking about it. Some have found the music good, others hates it.
"Wonder if anyone would show up with that broken jade bracelet they were asking for…"