Originally translated by kara on 1/23/07. Revised by kaister.
Chapter 17
Carefully Hidden, Not to be Shown89
— If a man has power, what else in the can he not have?
The Big Boss said, “He doesn’t want anything, perhaps it is because he wanted my position!”
Iron Tiger’s eyes lit up, “If the Big Boss say it, I can’t get rid of him anytime!”
The Big Boss said, “Are you confident?”
Iron Tiger said, “I…”
The Big Boss said, “I know your martial art and know you’d killed many famous people!”
Iron Tiger did not refute and was not modest.
The Big Boss said, “In these six years, I never ordered Little Leaf into any actions because even I thought he had no martial art!”
Iron Tiger said, “He shouldn’t have any!”
The Big Boss said, “You’re wrong and I was wrong.”
Iron Tiger said, “Oh?”
The Big Boss said, “Until today, I finally realized he is a true master.”
Iron Tiger couldn’t help but asked, “Master of what?”
The Big Boss replied, “A saber master.”
Iron Tiger asked, “Big Boss saw him use saber?”
The Big Boss said, “I saw it today. His saber skills are much better than anyone I’d ever seen.”
— With the flash of a saber, he cut off Jin Lanhua's half an ear.
The Big Boss said, “His saber movement was not only fast, it was precise. However he had it well hidden without showing any of it and perhaps until now he still think I did not notice.”
He smiled and said, “However he is also wrong. Even if I never ate pork before, I know how a pig walks.”
His smile was still very peaceful. Iron Tiger, however, was angry. “People that used saber, it’s not like I’d never seen before.”
The Big Boss said, “I know, the Five Tigers Breaking Down the Door Saber90, Myriad Victories Saber91, Seven Skill Saber92, and the Taihang Rapid Saber93 schools’ experts that had been defeated under your hand are at least twenty to thirty people.”
Iron Tiger said, “As of today, with ‘Flying Wolves Saber’ Jiang Zhong94, it’s exactly thirty.”
The Big Boss said, “I also know you are definitely able to kill him!”
Iron Tiger said, “I could any time!”
The Big Boss said, “But right now it’s not necessary.”
Iron Tiger asked, “Why?”
The Big Boss said, “Because I know at least right now he still haven’t betray me.”
Iron Tiger said, “Until the time Big Boss finds out, it might already be too late.”
The Big Boss said, “Definitely not late!”
Iron Tiger asked, “Why?”
The Big Boss said, “Because he is also a man. No matter what kind of man, it is hard to his secret in his heart in front of the woman he like.”
The table has a flower vase. The vase had flowers.
He picked a chrysanthemum flower from the vase and smelled it. “If that woman is smart enough and was constantly next to him in bed. That woman would eventually know.”
Iron Tiger asked, “He has a woman he like?”
The Big Boss replied, “Of course.”
Iron Tiger asked, “Who?”
The Big Boss replied, “Zi Ling95 (Purple Bell).”
He knew Iron Tiger would not know who Zi Ling was so he explained, “Zi Ling is the one I brought back from Huaihe96. The woman with the beauty mark at the corner of her mouth.”
Iron Tiger was not stupid and immediately understood. “Also the woman waiting for him in his bed today!”
The Big Boss smiled. He knew he made Iron Tiger realized two things.
— The Big Boss is not a man easy to deal with, and absolutely would not tolerate deception.
— The Big Boss’s true confidant is only Iron Tiger.
He knew that with these two points, it would allow Iron Tiger to be completely loyal to him. He closed his eyes while smiling. Iron Tiger quietly left. He believed Iron Tiger would have a way to deal with Ah Ji. Also, he would definitely find Iron Hand Ah Yong and asked about the Ah Ji’s method of attack.
When this person did other things, it seemed like he was a bit reckless. However, when he met a strong opponent, he became astute and cautious than anyone. Ten years ago when he first built his fame, he rarely failed to kill his opponent.
Although the Big Boss closed his eye, it seemed he had witnessed Ah Ji dying under Iron Tiger’s sword. He fell into his own pool of blood.
* * *
The room was clean and comfortable.
The Big Boss was always generous toward his subordinate. Ah Yong did not completely lost his worth.
It was only that his hand was still wrapped in bandage and he was in a great deal of pain.
When Iron Tiger came in, he was lying in bed and hoped Madame Han could find a virgin for him to help him rid his bad luck.
However, he knew the one that came was Iron Tiger. There was always only one person that dared to barge into his room without knocking. This was always something he was discontent with but never spoke about it. He needed a friend like Iron Tiger. He needed it even more in this situation. However if Iron Tiger died, he would not shed a tear.
* * *
Iron Tiger was looking at the arm tightly wrapped in white clothes. Iron Tiger raised his eyebrows and asked, “You are heavily injured?”
Ah Yong bitterly smiled. Of course he was heavily injured. It was very possible he would never be able to use this hand again. This was something he had to keep as a secret. The Big Boss would absolutely not continually support a hopeless and useless man.
Iron Tiger asked, “Who was the person who injured you?”
Ah Yong replied, “He called himself Ah Ji, the Useless Ah Ji.”
Iron Tiger said, “Yet he manage to injure you and killed Da Gang.”
Ah Yong bitterly smiled and said, “Perhaps he is useless in other area, but his martial art is absolutely useful.”
Iron Tiger asked, “What did he use to injure you?”
Ah Yong replied, “Used his hand!”
He originally wanted to say an iron weapon but he didn’t dare to lie. There were still many witnesses at the scene.
Iron Tiger was raising his eyebrows even harder.
He knew Ah Yong’s iron fist martial art was not bad. No matter who could bare-handedly injure this iron palm, he must not be simple.
Ah Yong said, “I know you must’ve came here to ask me what kind of martial art he was using.”
Iron Tiger admitted; he wasn’t here to ask about his injury.
Ah Yong said, “Unfortunately not even I know which school or which sect his martial art came from.”
Iron Tiger’s eyes began to show anger. He said, “You’ve trained in martial art for twenty to thirty years and killed countless. Right now someone inflicted such a terrible injury on you, yet you don’t even know what martial art this person used to injure you.”
Ah Yong said, “His attacks were extremely fast.”
Iron Tiger coldly laughed. He suddenly lifted up the injured arm and unwrapped the white-cloth bandages.
Ah Yong’s expression immediately changed, “What are you doing?”
Iron Tiger said, “I wanted to take a look.”
Ah Yong forcibly smiled and said, “It’s just a hand, what’s there to look at?”
Iron Tiger replied, “There is.”
Ah Yong said, “The doctor from ZhangBaoTang97 said I must wrapped this up and to not touch it for two days.”
Iron Tiger said, “His mother’s rubbish!”
Ah Yong shut his mouth because the clothes wrapped around his arm were completely removed.
Looking at his hand, Iron Tiger’s expression changed again. This hand that was trained for twenty years worth of iron palm martial art was completely shattered now.
It was shattered by three fingers. His arm still had three purple black finger imprints.
— That Useless Ah Ji, exactly what martial was he using?
Iron Tiger suddenly deeply sighed. He said, “No matter what, we are still friends.”
Ah Yong had a indemnify smile and said, “We are basically friends.”
Iron Tiger said, “Therefore you don’t need to worry. I would never tell anyone this.”
Ah Yong forcibly smiled, “Tell what?”
Iron Tiger said, “Your arm’d been crippled.”
Ah Yong’s smiled froze, and pupil contracted.
Iron Tiger said, “Even if I keep this secret for you, the Big Boss would eventually find out. So…you better hurry and plan something for yourself.”
Ah Yong lowered his head and suddenly yelled, “I can still use the other hand and can still kill for the Big Boss!”
Iron Tiger said, “What can you kill? Kill garbage that are more useless than you?”
He suddenly reached into his body and took out a bunch of folded banknotes and tossed it to Ah Yong without looking at it. “You would definitely need these money some day. Keep it well and don’t spend it all at once.”
After finished saying these words, he walked out without turning his head back.
* * *
When Zhuyeqing came in, the banknotes were still on the bed.
Ah Yong was looking at him stunned.
Zhuyeqing gently said, “I specially came over to inquire about your injury and just happened to hear the conversation you had.”
Ah Yong said, “You also heard it. Hearing it’d be the best.”
Zhuyeqing said, “No matter what, he wasn’t bad to you.”
Ah Yong said, “He didn’t treat me badly. He was so great to me so he told me to keep well of these money.”
He suddenly laughed, “Keep it for what? Could it be I’ll use his stinking money to start a small business? Go open a small shop to sell beef noodle soup?”
He laughed maniacally and took the money with his other hand and threw it out with force. He then dropped back down to his bed and then painfully cried.
He understood his feeling. After letting him cried for a while, he gently said, “You don’t need to worry, let yourself heal. No matter what happened, I will help you take care of it!”
* * *
The Big Boss closed his eyes and received a bowl of ginseng soup from a warm and gentle hand.
He slowly took two sips and finally asked, “Where’s Zi Ling?”
“Already at Ye-xiansheng’s place!”
“Did Ye-xiansheng and her…”
“Already once!”
The Big Boss smiled.
He believed Zhuyeqing would not disobey his order. No matter what the Big Boss order people to do, no one dared to disobey.
Hence the Big Boss continued to asked, “Where’s Iron Tiger?”
“He went out!”
“Did he say where he was going?”
“He went to Ah Yong first. Right now seemed to be going to Madame Han’s place.”
The Big Boss’s eyebrow furrowed but immediately understood what he was doing.
Obviously, he was not looking for women.
The first place Ah Ji showed up was at Madame Han’s place. To investigate Ah Ji’s background, he must go to Madame Han’s place. Madame Han at least knew a bit more than other people.
Being able to think of this proved that Iron Tiger was even more meticulous in his pre-battle preparation. Thus the Big Boss was laughing even harder.
Now everything was under his control. Everyone was in the palm of his hand. No matter who offended him or who deceived him, he shouldn’t even think about running away from his punishment. His punishment was always fair but extremely horrible.
* * *
Iron Tiger sat facing Madame Han. He was fixated at her eyes. Until he finally believed her drunkenness within her eyes had subsided, he finally asked, “You should know why I came here.”
Madame Han smiled that her eyes formed a line. “I know your assignment trip must be difficult. I just received a new shipment. One of them is in its original packaging.”
Iron Tiger said, “I am not looking for woman!”
Madame Han said, “Could it be that Master Tiger’s interest changed recently and wanted a man for a change of flavor!”
Iron Tiger’s face sank and coldly said, “If you are drunk, I have a method to help you wake up.”
Madame Han’s smile immediately froze.
Iron Tiger asked, “Right now are you sober enough?”
Madame Han replied, “Yes!”
Iron Tiger asked, “Right now do you know who I am looking for?”
Madame Han replied, “You must be looking for Ah Ji, that Useless Ah Ji.”
Iron Tiger said, “I heard that he came from your place.”
Madame Han said, “He did stay here for a short period of time.”
Iron Tiger asked, “Where did he came from?”
Madame Han said, “No one know where he came from. By the time he came here he was already drunk. He continued to be drunk for several days. He was intoxicated to the point of being unconscious.”
Iron Tiger stared at her. Once he determined she was not lying, he finally continued to ask, “Why did you take him in?”
Madame Han said, “Because he had no money to pay. Beside he had this pitiful look!”
Iron Tiger said, “And he is young and did not look bad.”
Madame Han actually blushed a little. “However, he had no relation with me.”
Iron Tiger said, “Because he wasn’t interested in you.”
Madame Han sighed and said, “It doesn’t seem like he was interested in any woman.”
He asked each question quickly, evidently had thought carefully about it.
Madame Han yet had to thought about things before answering because she knew once she answered wrongly she would be signing her own death warrant. “Actually he did not do much here. He only washed some dishes and poured teas…”
She suddenly remembered something particularly unusual. “He also took a few saber blows for us?”
Iron Tiger asked, “Who made these blows?”
Madame Han replied, “Seemed like Chefu’s little brothers!”
Iron Tiger asked, “Ah Ji killed them?”
Madame Han replied, “No, he basically did not retaliate at all.”
Iron Tiger’s pupil suddenly contracted, “Could it be that he just stood there and suffered those little punks’ sabers?”
Madame Han replied, “He did not even move.”
Iron Tiger’s corner of his eyes started twitching again.
Iron Tiger’s corner of his eyes twitching did not necessarily mean he wanted to kill. It sometimes happened when he felt ill omen about himself.
He grew up in a poor and wretched environment. Since little, he was mixed in on the street and obviously had suffered other’s saber blows. The first time he suffered a saber blow, he eyes twitched.
Because that time he offended the gang leader of the neighborhood. He knew he was facing a very dreadful opponent.
Right now the corner of his eyes was twitching the same way as that time.
— The person he will be facing this time, what kind of person is he exactly?
— A person that could use three fingers to shattered Ah Yong’s iron palm, why did he just stood there and suffered the sabers of those punks?
— Why did he endure those type of pains and insults he did not need to endure?
Madame Han was sighing. She continued, “At that time, we would never imagined he was that type of person?”
Iron Tiger, “In your opinion, what type of person is he?”
Madame Han replied, “On first glance, he did seemed rather useless. No matter how we mistreated him, he did not seemed to care. No matter how much he had to endure, he could still tolerate it.”
Iron Tiger said, “He really did not need to endure any of this!”
Madame Han said, “I also heard he killed Master Iron Head yesterday night.”
Iron Tiger asked, “What do you think was the reason why he would rather endure the saber blow than retaliate at that time?”
Madame Han was pondering and replied, “Perhaps he did things in the past the should not be seen by anyone.”
Iron Tiger said, “Not right!”
Madame Han asked, “Not right?”
Iron Tiger asked, “He did not even move and endured saber blows for you, what would he gain?”
[End of Chapter 17]
Footnote
89. shenccangbulou (深藏不露), literally means “well hidden, not shown” is the same name as ch. 8 which I translated as “More than Meets the Eye”. I also considered “Well-Hidden Talent” based on context. I kept this version because it’s really not wrong.
90. Wuhuduanmendao (五虎断门刀), lit. “five tiger breaking door saber”.
91. Wanshengdao (万胜刀), lit. “myriad victory dao”. wan could be myriad, ten thousand, or simply ‘countless’. When the word “wan” is used, most often it’s used to mean great number and not literally ten thousand. IMO, “millions” in a figurative sense is also an acceptable translation.
92. Qiqiaodao (七巧刀), lit “seven ‘conincidence’/‘skillful’ saber”.
93. taihangkuaidao (太行快刀), lit “great travel fast saber” but taihang is usually a place so I kept it untranslated.
94. Jiang Zhong (江中), surname Jiang means river, given name means “middle/within”.
95. Ziling (紫铃), lit purple/violet bell.
96. Huaihe (淮河), the Huaihe River near east of China.
97. Zhangbaotang (章宝堂), lit. “section precious hall”. Take it as just a name of a medical hall.
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