Thread: A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

  1. #5461
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
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    The beauty of Huang Yi's writing is that readers should expect the unexpected. Once I think I've figured things out, I'm constantly proven wrong. When things are going smoothly for XSL, you have to be on guard because there is bound to be trouble around the corner.

    I still hope that Xiao Yuetan did not betray XSL. Happy to know that Lord Longyang kept to his words.

    Thanks for all your marathon postings, Justin. You truly brighten up many people's days.

  2. #5462
    Senior Member Justin13's Avatar
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    Wow! Appreciate all the thanks and conspiracy theories. Let's have some reader participation...

    Who is ultimately friend or foe? Guesses only. Don't read comics or chinese and spoil the fun for others.

    Xiao Yuetan
    Feng Fei
    Shi Sufang
    Lan Gongyuan
    Zongsun Long Family
    Xie Ziyuan
    Li Yuan
    Han Chuang
    Lord Longyang
    Xu Yizhe
    Cao Cuidao

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    Quote Originally Posted by Justin13 View Post
    Wow! Appreciate all the thanks and conspiracy theories. Let's have some reader participation...

    Who is ultimately friend or foe? Guesses only. Don't read comics or chinese and spoil the fun for others.

    Xiao Yuetan
    Feng Fei
    Shi Sufang
    Lan Gongyuan
    Zongsun Long Family
    Xie Ziyuan
    Li Yuan
    Han Chuang
    Lord Longyang
    Xu Yizhe
    Cao Cuidao
    I'm stealing FIRST even if it's not a post of the next chapter!!!! Friend would be Lord Longyang, Xu Yizhe, Xiao Yuetan, Feng Fei (hoping), Shi Sufang(hoping), Zongsun Long Family, Xie Ziyuan. Foe would be Li Yuan, Han Chuang, Cao Cuidao. I like to think more of people rather than less so MORE Friends that Foes!!!!
    Last edited by GUO'ER; 08-20-13 at 09:42 PM.

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    My 2nd Post in this forum.

    Here i think friend or foe depends on benefits they have by killing XSL.
    xiao yuetan has less (NO) benifits in comparision 2 others.
    feng fei n lan gongyuan are dubious.
    shi sufang n xie ziyuan are friends.
    li yuan, hanchuang only benifits for their states by killing XSL and may be in a dilema
    lord longyang is proved to help XSL even by going against his state.
    cao cuidao is just a swordplay maniac.
    zongsun long family and xu yizhe are just like grass on the wall. They shift to which ever direction wind flows.

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    aiyoh - can't participate - have read the chinese & the comics...

  6. #5466
    Senior Member Gubrak's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Justin13 View Post
    Wow! Appreciate all the thanks and conspiracy theories. Let's have some reader participation...

    Who is ultimately friend or foe? Guesses only. Don't read comics or Chinese and spoil the fun for others.

    Xiao Yuetan
    Feng Fei
    Shi Sufang
    Lan Gongyuan
    Zongsun Long Family
    Xie Ziyuan
    Li Yuan
    Han Chuang
    Lord Longyang
    Xu Yizhe
    Cao Cuidao
    In this circumstance, better to consider all foes, the only friend is Shan Rou​ (and hope Xie Ziyuan)

  7. #5467
    Junior Member Anok Cukai's Avatar
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    I agree with RajMonarch.
    Everybody is driven by self interest; and would sway to the political climate of the moment.
    Perhaps the only neutral person is Cao CuiDao who is only interested in sword arts.
    "Beau non fidele en fidele non beau"

    d'enfant fiscale

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    Xiao Yuetan - Friend
    Feng Fei - Bed Friend
    Shi Sufang - Bed Friend
    Lan Gongyuan - Bed Friend
    Zongsun Long Family - Foe
    Xie Ziyuan - Friend
    Li Yuan - Foe
    Han Chuang - Foe
    Lord Longyang - Foe
    Xu Yizhe - Neutral
    Cao Cuidao - Neutral

  9. #5469
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    Quote Originally Posted by Justin13 View Post

    Enemy

    Xiao Yuetan


    friend

    Cao Cuidao
    In my opinion
    Ali Derhamy

  10. #5470
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    Quote Originally Posted by Justin13 View Post

    Xiao Yuetan - Friend
    Feng Fei - Hopefully "friend with benefit"
    Shi Sufang - XSL met her too few times.. I want her to become one of his wives though... but maybe not enough time... Maybe she will become like Lady Qingxiu, just adoration..
    Lan Gongyuan - Well, she tried to kill XSL and stabbed him before.. so I would say foe..
    Zongsun Long Family - Probably "friend" as they expect XSL to go back to Qin
    Xie Ziyuan - Reading how kind hearted and uncorrupted and how Shan Rou chose him, I would say he is a friend
    Li Yuan - Remembering Lady Qingxiu, a foe
    Han Chuang - Foe
    Lord Longyang - It looks like he is a friend.. hopefully he stays friend
    Xu Yizhe - This guy was the one that expert in ambush right? Ambush XSL 2 times? If he is a friend, then I think he can help XSL go back to Qin, if he is a foe, then probably he will ambush XSL again just for the kick (3 times)
    Cao Cuidao - I think he doesn't have a good character.. I meant, he took Han Jie as disciple.. so he doesn't really care about other people.. why would he become friend with XSL?
    There it is, my theory..

  11. #5471
    Member Jaran.Saga's Avatar
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    Xiao Yuetan - Friend
    Feng Fei - Friend
    Shi Sufang - Foe
    Lan Gongyuan - Foe
    Zongsun Long Family - Friend
    Xie Ziyuan - Friend
    Li Yuan - Friend
    Han Chuang - Foe
    Lord Longyang - Friend
    Xu Yizhe - Foe
    Cao Cuidao - Friend

  12. #5472
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    Quote Originally Posted by r_aribawono View Post
    There it is, my theory..
    I like your analysis on Cao Cuidao

  13. #5473
    Senior Member kohchun's Avatar
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    Xiao Yuetan - foe
    Feng Fei - foe
    Shi Sufang - friend
    Lan Gongyuan - friend
    Zongsun Long Family - friend
    Xie Ziyuan - foe
    Li Yuan - friend
    Han Chuang - foe
    Lord Longyang - friend
    Xu Yizhe - friend
    Cao Cuidao - foe

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    Xiao Yuetan - No doubt. Friend.
    Feng Fei - Selfish, but with tendency to friend
    Shi Sufang - not decisive enough on her own- friend, but will
    Lan Gongyuan - not decisive enough on her own, similar to Shi Shu Fang - will give in to pressure from bad guys
    Zongsun Long Family - bad character never lies-foe
    Xie Ziyuan - Friend
    Li Yuan - Fickle Friend and backstabber. Depend on need, can be friend or foe. Trust Li Yan Yan better
    Han Chuang - Fickle Friend and backstabber. Foe
    Lord Longyang - In sex we trust...originally friend but will turn foe due to country loyalty
    Xu Yizhe - who is he? no idea
    Cao Cuidao - ignorant and overconfidence sword master? at most being used by others..

  15. #5475
    Senior Member Justin13's Avatar
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    Looks like we all have our own theories and beliefs... Isn't this wonderful?
    Appreciate the contributions. Let's see who is right!






    Facing this ranked below Cao Cuidao and equal to Dan Chu Qi swordsman extraordinaire, Xiang Shaolong dare not be complacent. Brandishing his sabre horizontally to protect his front, he smiled: “Brother Xuanhua, after you!”

    In trepidation of Zongsun Xuanhua’s reputation, the spectators dare not even breathe loudly.

    His bearing as calm as still water, Zongsun Xuanhua held his sword and took two steps forward. Xiang Shaolong instantly sensed a formidable sword aura emanating from his opponent and dare not waver. Raising his eyebrows, he moved his sabre backwards.

    With his blazing eyes scanning Xiang Shaolong, Zongsun Xuanhua suddenly roared and executed a quick stab.

    Xiang Shaolong is stirring with heavy emotions.

    Zongsun Xuanhua’s sword skills are not inferior to Guan Zhongxie’s but compared to Cao Cuidao, he is still light years away. It clearly demonstrates that Cao Cuidao’s talent in swordfighting is a gift from Heaven for even his most outstanding disciple is only able to inherit his skills but not his cultivation.

    With a JIANG sound, Xiang Shaolong deflected the blow with his sabre.

    Reeling from the enormous impact from Hundred Battle Sabre, Zongsun Xuanhua is unable to execute his subsequent moveset and was forced to retreat.

    Xiang Shaolong would not allow his opponent to recompose and prepare another attack. Flourishing Hundred Battle Sabre once, he advanced and attacked Zongsun Xuanhua like relentless churning of the ocean waves.

    Zongsun Xuanhua is at a disadvantage because he is unfamiliar with the attacking style of Hundred Battle Sabre. In the meantime, he could only defend himself and took a step back every now and then.

    The more Xiang Shaolong fought, the more he immersed himself into the fight, rotating between sweeping moves, narrow slashes, long strikes and short stabs. For a brief period, he even utilized close combat techniques with every sabre stroke forming a killing move, causing the audience to hold their breaths in awe and seemingly forgetting to exhale.

    Between the clashes of the sabre and sword, the space between is so minute not even a strand of hair can pass through. The ladies began to shriek and trembled in fear, having the impression that they are fighting for real and are going all out to kill each other.

    Only an expert like Shan Rou could tell that Xiang Shaolong has gained full control of the initiative and is holding back some of his strength and prowess. Employing all the merciless moves, he is trying to carve an understanding of Cao Cuidao’s swordplay through Zongsun Xuanhua’s moves.

    Right now, Xiang Shaolong is changing his attacking strategy. Although his moves are amazingly slow, Zongsun Xuanhua seems to be deflecting them with greater difficulty.

    Presently, Xiang Shaolong has recovered all the confidence that Cao Cuidao had frightened away, attacking, defending, advancing and retreating with ease. Every time Zongsun Xuanhua tries to counterattack, he is able to swiftly negate it, limiting Zongsun Xuanhua’s potential.

    In the eyes of the crowd, including Dong Shuzen and the other courtesans who do not comprehend swordfighting, Xiang Shaolong’s sabre moves are ever-changing and comprises of both hard and gentle blows, giving them the sensation that he is the king of the world, dominating all his subjects from high up above.

    DANG! DANG! DANG!

    Stepping forward, Xiang Shaolong launched three successive sabre strokes, every stroke flawlessly chopping on the same crack of Zongsun Xuanhua’s sword regardless of which direction Zongsun Xuanhua wields it. It is incredibly unbelievable to pull off a combo like that.

    The long sword broke into two equal parts.

    Returning the sabre to its scabbard, Xiang Shaolong laughed: “Brother had the advantage of a superior weapon!”

    Zongsun Xuanhua is a hero in his own right. Discarding the broken sword in his hand, he boisterously laughed: “Great General holds true to your fame. Little Brother can put his mind at ease.”

    Loud clapping can be heard from afar.

    Feng Fei and Xiao Yuetan came up to them and Feng Fei cheerfully invited: “Feng Fei has prepared breakfast, offering our esteemed guests some hospitality. Shall we adjourn to the front hall?”

    Everyone went on his or her way after breakfast is concluded.

    Shan Rou is rushing home to tend to her sons while Zongsun Xuanhua, who has military duties, is off to attend to his responsibilities. Feng Fei and the courtesans resumed their rehearsal for the birthday banquet which is two days later, leaving the two men Xiang Shaolong and Xiao Yuetan in the hall to converse in secret.

    In a low voice, Xiao Yuetan praised: “Cao Cuidao is truly a grandmaster and agreed to the ten strokes proposal without the slightest hesitation. However, judging by his appearance, it seems that he has discovered a way to defeat you within these ten strokes.”

    Xiang Shaolong felt as if a heavy burden has been lifted off his shoulders. He grinned: “This is fantastic. Regardless of any circumstances, I don’t believe I cannot withstand merely ten strokes from him.”

    His eyes flashing with a strange glow, Xiao Yuetan warned after some uncertainty: “You cannot afford let your guard down. Shaolong had better not sheathe your sabre the minute the ten strokes are over. For all you know, Old Ghost Cao may use this opportunity to launch another two more strokes.”

    Xiang Shaolong light-heartedly laughed: “I don’t think so! Old Cao, after all, is a grandmaster and should be a man of his word. That night, he could only stare blankly as I slipped away. You can put your mind at ease.”

    A flustered Xiao Yuetan is behaving as if he wanted to say something but could not due to certain reasons. He advised: “No matter what happens, you must promise me that you will exercise extreme caution. If possible, treat it like a Hundred Strokes Agreement or even a Thousand Strokes Agreement.”

    Xiang Shaolong was puzzled: “Why is Elder Brother behaving as if you are certain that Old Cao will go back on his word?”

    Xiao Yuetan dryly coughed once and gazed at him, honestly declaring: “All along, you have trusted me. Just trust me one more time.”

    Xiang Shaolong may be completely baffled but never really doubted Xiao Yuetan. Changing the topic, he updated him about Li Yuan and Lord Longyang’s encounters. He also took the opportunity to enquire: “You did mention that the river route has been blockaded by ice and snow. Is it possible that you had made a mistake?”

    With awkward and unnatural body language, Xiao Yuetan replied: “That is what I heard from other people. Maybe Lord Longyang’s news is more accurate than mine.”

    Xiao Yuetan then changed the topic: “The entire Lin Zi city is now fervently discussing about last night’s incident when you defeated Ma Chenjia with one sabre stroke. Many of them who originally bet that you would lose to Cao Cuidao are now betting that you would win. The odds from one-to-thirteen have plummeted to one-to-five now. Looks like the odds are in your favour now!”

    Remembering the gambling fever linked to Guan Zhongxie and his duel, Xiang Shaolong was amused to witness a reenactment in Lin Zi. He chuckled: “Paying five to one is a pretty good deal. Nonetheless, my victory last night was due to coincidence and luck. It is really strange. Whenever I grip Hundred Battle Sabre in my hands, I can feel my confidence swelling.”

    Xiao Yuetan was delighted: “The way you chopped off Zongsun Xuanhua’s long sword earlier was truly exciting, even a miracle if I may say so. No wonder the gamblers of Lin Zi have bestowed the respected title: Sabre King, to you. The title is as glamorous as the title Sword Saint and both titles are on the same par.”

    Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “I know myself best. I, Sabre King, is definitely not as skillful as Sword Saint. If not for the Ten Strokes Agreement, I would have fled within these two nights.”

    His face flashing with a bizarre look once again, Xiao Yuetan solemnly counseled: “You must never think like this. Otherwise, you would succumb even before the ten strokes are up. Have you decided on your Lin Zi escape plan? In my opinion, Zongsun Long is more reliable.”

    Unconcerned with Xiao Yuetan’s odd behavior, Xiang Shaolong nodded: “Relax! I believe I have attained a certain understanding of this Sword Saint. Although Zongsun Xuanhua is not as skillful as him, he can be considered a doppelganger, benefitting me to a huge extent.”

    Pausing, he added: “I already made it clear to Xie Ziyuan and Zongsun Xuanhua last night that I am depending on them to arrange for me to leave Lin Zi after the duel.”

    Satisfied, Xiao Yuetan reminded: “It would be great if you can engage Zongsun Long father and son to put Guo Kai and company under surveillance. We do not want to walk into an ambush because of our negligence.”

    Secretly praising his vast experience and well-rounded thinking, Xiang Shaolong nodded in agreement.

    A servant happened to come in and reported that Boss Jin is here to look for him. Xiao Yuetan took this opportunity to excuse himself.

    Xiang Shaolong personally went to welcome Boss Jin. When the latter caught sight of him, he happily chortled: “There I was, thinking that a new hero is born. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be our famed Xiang Shaolong of the northwest. Great General has deceived me thoroughly.”

    Xiang Shaolong apologized: “I was forced by circumstances and hereby seek Boss’s forgiveness.”

    Boss Jin hooked Xiang Shaolong’s arm as they strode into the hall together. He whispered: “When Great General destroyed Ma Chenjia’s reputation with one sabre stroke last night, it has caused a loss of face for Qi. Within these two days, there may be some desperados who will come and create a scene. Great General must take some precautions.”

    He continued: “There are a band of warriors standing outside but they do not appear to be the soldiers of Qi. I wonder who sent them?”

    Only now did Xiang Shaolong recall that they are his personal escorts that Zongsun Xuanhua had dispatched. He answered: “They are family warriors from Zongsun Residence. I did not know they had arrived.”

    Once they got seated, Boss Jin warned in a serious tone: “Zongsun Long father and son are not the law-abiding kinds. Once Great General is no longer useful to them, they can simply turn their cannons towards Great General.”

    Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “With my prior experience with Lu Buwei teaching me an unforgettable and excruciating lesson, I know what I am up against. While everyone knows how to butter up to the rich, someone like Boss Jin lending a critical helping hand to the unfortunate is truly rare.”

    His face turning red, Boss Jin explained: “Great General is giving me too much credit. This is simply my innate character and even if I suffer a loss in the process, I just cannot alter this habit. Oh yes! After Sufang learns about your genuine identity, she was quite upset and pleaded with me to invite you for a meeting with her. Since the last encounter in Xianyang, she retains a deep impression of you!”

    Xiang Shaolong was bewildered. All along, Shi Sufang does not exhibit any interest in men. Why is she suddenly yearning to see him?

    Back when they first met, it was due to Pu Hu (Po Hu error)’s arrangement. Now that Pu Hu has been executed for treason, it does not make any sense for her to get closer to him.

    As per Xiao Yuetan’s advice, he should not let his guard down. Choosing not to meet her sounds like a better choice.

    Boss Jin added: “I understand that before Great General’s duel with Grandmaster Cao, you would need sufficient rest and inviting you to a banquet is inappropriate. Why don’t we fix the appointment on the evening the day after Great General’s triumph victory? What does Great General think?”

    Conscious that he would have fled by then, he did not foresee any issues with temporary agreeing to the appointment. When the time comes, he would simply leave a message, asking for Shi Sufang’s forgiveness. He agreed with a smile.

    After some idle chatter, Boss Jin knowingly bid farewell to him.

    Just as Xiang Shaolong was sending him out of the door, accompanied by Xie Ziyuan, Second Prince Tian Jian came by unexpectedly.

  16. #5476
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    first again...tks Justin

  17. #5477
    Junior Member Anok Cukai's Avatar
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    Thank you Justin
    "Beau non fidele en fidele non beau"

    d'enfant fiscale

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    Wow - that's fast! Thanks!

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    Thanks Justin. Caught by surprise again.

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    ahem...Xiao Yuetan's mannerisms are interesting...

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