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Chapter 1 The Theft in East City
It was late summer to early fall, and the city of Chang'an was shrouded in the sunset's twilight. Overhead in the sky, an immortal descended with a vast stretch of golden flowers, covering this national capital in a gold muslin. Away from the Suzaku Gate Third Lane, the East city was at the peak of its trade with people flowing in like the tides of the ocean, foreigners interspersed among them, and the consistently the poor looked outlandish as if in bizarre clothes-- simply as if all the nations had put on an exhibition.
There are hundreds of thousands of families as if it were a chess board, with the 12 streets like furrows to plant their harvest. Heaven will open the gate to the palace with all nations that worshiped the crown dressed. Xu Zhens mind unknowingly thought of this poem.
He stayed far from the crowd, leaning on the side of a wall, arms wrapped around a leather scabbard to his chest; his mouth lazily dangling a bitter tea stalk and his hands fiddling a stack of Tang dynasty money.
A big sum of money rolled around in his hands, and it rolled again from the tip of his thumb to his pinky, circling on the back of his hand and rolling around. His hands were dexterous and light and the huge sum of money flowed smoothly as if it were supernatural.
Everyone says that on the front of the one dollar coin is a 1, and on the back is a chrysanthemum, and it goes to show that these current peoples viewpoint is far from the Tang, at the very least the Chinese Tang money had a hole in the middle.
Xu Zhen was filled with coarse thoughts, which has already become part of his daily routine, experiencing insight into ever new thing. He always liked to contrast this world with some sort.
But soon his attention was once again captivated by crowds alarming cry. The front of the Hong Ren building was long packed with people. Xu Zhen watched as his colleagues one by one stood tall and valiantly to maintain order, their hearts pulsing like waves of wry smiles.
Tang people were also unreliable, obviously even including the police and government officers who contrarily take on the mighty Wuhou title to sound authoritarian. This was very fitting for Xu Zhens work in Wuhou district. Inside his scabbard, there was not even the real thing inside, only the shaft to scare people.
The Hong Ren building at East City was still a bit famous. Today, unknowingly it was praised by the nobility. Unexpectedly, it opened a hundred drama set. In the front hall as well there was a white elephant parading. The cages on top of the stage enclosed exotic animals. The spectators constantly yelled again and again, The crowd was packed so tightly that one drop of water could not fickle through[1], there was already no way to describe this grand occasion.
ASan[2] (阿三) was really a minority in Kaifeng[3], unexpectedly traveling thousands of miles to ChangAn as an entertainer. Although nominally he was said to be an unusual individual from Tian Zhu.[4] But once he wore his Hu clothing[5] and wrapped his scarf around his head, only the devil will finally know what country he was from.
At this time, Asan appeared as a old man with a large beard, leaning on a serpent staff, with a stooped forward body walking into the location. He stopped on top of an already prepared square carpet. Many of the people watching are unaware, their eyes were indeed full of hope. Neither crow nor sparrow could be heard[6]. Unexpectedly, it turns out that they were overawed by the old mans mysterious aura. The serpent staff on Asans hand inserted in the ground, his mouth murmuring incantations, conspicuously displaying his supreme yoga techniques. Six seven alluring foreign girls swayed their slender hips and gourd-shaped butt, dancing around Asan. Their bells, necklaces, and precious stones jingled, producing a ringing sound. Their snow white hand and feet stole the gaze of many eyes. All the men that were attracted and involved had a sensational feeling in their mouth and parchness on their tongues.
Moreover, two foreign Han people guarded at the two sides of the stage. From time to time, they spit the exotic oil contained in their mouth onto their hand torches, causing the flames to roar and surprising the people again and again.
Come look! Come look!
The crowd immediately riots because old Asan stroked the rod in his left hand, his right hand pinching together into the image of a lotus, both feet slowly coiled together and actually floated upward!
This is a guru descended from the Buddhist Kingdom! It is a living Buddha! Everyone come worship about, or pray to be blessed with fortune.
Not knowing who brought about this, the surrounding crowd at once kneeled down over a large area. A big sum of money tinkling and falling into the purple golden bowl in front of the square carpet.
Soon the place became overflowed with people. Others simply dropped to the floor directly, even more people offered incense, piously worshiping.
The noble guests up on the platforms also stroked their palms and praised for benevolence. The ordered servants unceasingly brought up and bestowed rewards. Although the barbarians did not express a thousand thanks and ten thousand gratitude,[7] their eyes are indeed blazing with incomparable passion.
Xu Zhen sneered in his mind, but he did not expect that this was one of the top ten super powers: Indias levitation technique. Actually, it was already seen in the early Tang Dynasty. Of course, as a former FISM (Fdration Internationale des Socits Magiques) champion, Xu Zhen knew at least three way to make such effect.
However, in the great history of the Tang dynasty, to be capable to such extent, you cannot help but say this person Asan must indeed be distinguished.
Even the people that usually boss around Xu Zhen were stunned this time, secretly throwing several huge sum of money onto the ground, deeply thinking and chatting, guessing that next years evaluation will certainly once again increase by 2 kilograms.
The Wuhou people also could not maintain order because absolutely almost everyone had been shocked by this kind of intimidating, mystic yoga technique. They were all secretly praying. Even worse, some people began to flock to Asan, wanting to touch a living immortal!
All step aside! Move out a bit!
A remonstrance voice like a thunder crack called out. The crowd separated to form a path. Seven eight warriors wearing black clothes surrounded a young wealthy boy and went straight in front of Asan.
This playboy from a wealthy family was about eleven or twelve years old. His body was still not fully developed, his forehead beginning to grow. He was exquisitely beautiful, striking as if in a painting of a young immortal.
Xu Zhen swept a glance at the young boy, who wore Hu clothing and carried a jeweled jade dagger on his waist. Even where there are lots of nobles, the royalty can give off air of threatening motifs everywhere they go.
All the people are quickly driven away and dispersed. The young boy pretended to be older, strutting up without causing a reaction. He simply circled around Asan twice and then drew out his jade dagger, wanting to lift the old mans robe. Clearly he is a boy who likes to uncover secrets and reveal his intelligence and boldness.
On the side, the two female dangers wanted to stop him, but the warriors wearing black clothes glared at them. Under the powerful and fearful oppression, the female dancers had no choice but cast their look for help toward the old man. The latter opened his eyes slightly and gently shook his head to show no harm.
The young boy snorted coldly, but does not directly touch the old man. He lifts the old mans robe to examine generally and then he softly knocked on the serpent rod. Immediately the color of his face worsened. Apparently he did not find intriguing mechanisms and things like he had imagined.
When the stewards of Hong Red Building saw the young boys appearance, they promptly returned to report back. Not long, a short and stout owner of the building immediately came out taking small quick steps to deal with the problem. When the young boy was welcomed to the front of the building, the warriors dressed in black divided into left and right, their imposing manners rather majestic.
When it appeared to be almost time, the old man slowly let down his pair of legs, his feet touched the ground, and he pulled out his serpent rod. The dancers on his left and right side collected the huge sum of money on the floor and even removed the square carpet, revealing the intact bricks on the surface of the ground.
The audience once again gasped for breath. Originally, they thought the old man on the ground would be someone who planned his actions beforehand. Now they all admire from their heart, looking at the old mans eyes brimming with more admiration and adoration.
Huh? This is a bit interesting... After Xu Zhen watched the square be removed, he also slightly surprised, and once again saw highly of the old mans abilities.
The young boy was obviously todays honored guest, so the owner promptly let the old man of Tianzhu perform his amazing skill once again. If it is to the young masters liking, then Hong Building will really be popular in ChangAn!
The old man of TianZhu was not loquacious, pinching his finger into the mark of a lotus toward the chairmans location and carrying out a Buddhist etiquette. Nevertheless he released the three inch grass rope around his waist, both hands raised over his chest. The crowd circled him on all 4 sides, but then he voluntarily threw himself out of the crowd.
The mass of people already considered the old man as an immortal. At once, they swarmed to snatch that grass rope. Covered in grease and dirt, a father and son pair relied on their exceptional size and strength and soon grabbed the rope in their hand.
However their hands were satiny. Indeed the grass rope turned out to be a green florid snake!
Oh my mother![8]
The crotch of their trousers shrank[9] and they frantically threw the green snake toward the chairman. The audience who witnessed such shameful situation roared into laughter and recognized the old man as a wise respected god.
Xu Zhen slightly narrowed his eyes, his heart was all shaken up. Because with even one move from the old man, even he, a magic champion, was not capable of discerning it.
The old man of TianZhu smiled playfully, then took off the cloak on his back and placed it on the ground. The snake coiled a circle, wrapping itself in the center of the cloak. He took 2 step back, and once again he murmured an incantation.
On top of the platform, the eyes of the wealthy young boy revealed a pleasant surprise in spite of his noble bearing. He stood up from his seat and a lot of noble guests and ordinary people stretched their necks to stare at the package on the ground.
Salutations to the great lord.[10]
The old man of TianZhu shouted so loudly that the cloak on the floor moved in agitation. A length of rope protruded upward as if an invisible immortal snatched it up and pulled it up toward the sky. The rope seemed to be endless. No one knew how far it will stretch up into the sky.
I know! This is Indias long lost immortal rope. Xu Zhens heart was all shaken, stunned with awe by the scene before of his eyes. He didn't expect that to see such a wonderful skill in his lifetime!
This! How is this possible! The young boys cheeks that were white as jade were now flushed with excitement, his small chest unceasingly rising and falling. Clearly he was astonished by this sudden performance.
The surrounding crowd already could not restrain the shock and fright they felt in their hearts. To the people from ancient times, this kind of event was no different from a miracle! The surrounding atmosphere exploded into a loud rumble with chatters of shocked voices. The large mass of people once again knelt to the floor. Nevertheless, this time they prostrated themselves in admiration as if it were a big ceremony.
The face of old man of TianZhu was pale, as if his strength was exhausted. Two men in black promptly supported him on each side. The crowd suddenly broke into cheers like a tsunami, one by one came forth offering gifts and money that they harbored. Not long, it piled up into a small hill.
If I known earlier how easy this profits, I would have left a long bread, dress as an Indian and become a fart of a government officer. Xu Zhen muttered a curse, staring at the bag of money, his eyes fixed at it.
Excellent. Excellent. Bestow. Quickly Bestow.
After a while, the young boy finally collected himself, clapping his hands and laughing loudly. The warrior on his left slightly bowed, pulling a bulging bag of money out of his chest, throwing it at the foot of the old man. With a click of a sound, the bag burst open and one by one, gold leaves the size of a thumb flowed out!
The old mans eye paused to looked at gold leaves only for a moment, and quickly ignored such dirt. He approached the young boy, slightly nodding to pay respect.
Xu Zhen's gaze was flaming like a torch. As a master magician, observing somebodys words and gestures was a mandatory procedure, figuring out someones mental thoughts was even more essential. This old mans behavior is all in respect apparent and strange. Basically, he really unlike the usual foreign performers.
The moment Xu Zhens heart swelled with vigilance, the young boy jumped from his seat. He changed his conceited attitude, proudly stroking his chin as if he were matured, He came down to the center of the scene carefully scrutinizing the Daoist immortal. After his courage slowly rose, he unexpectedly extended his hand to grip the rope. He pulled hard but it remained unmoved like heavenly pillars.
Guru, Can this rope really lead to the Immortal Kingdom in the sky? As the young boy asked, his eyes were filled with fascination as they were directed toward the old man from TianZhu. His speech was filled with questions but also with awe and shock.
The old man from TianZhu slightly smiled, using a slightly stiffer voice to reply, This old monk is also unaware of where it leads. Young master, you have an exceptional bearing. But why not ask how high is the sky?[11]
The young boy was slightly startled. His heart was truly filled with dismay. But once he saw the teasing look in the old mans eyes, it evoked an urge to fight as he clenched his teeth.
His white face flushed red as he struck a posture to climb that rope. The surrounding crowd shouted cheers as the young boy began to fill with more pride.
Many of the warriors dressed in black promptly stepped forward, wishing to stop the young master. But they were pushed back by the expression in the young boys eyes and had no choice but to guard the surrounding.
Although the young boy looked delicate, he was quite dexterous afterall. Not long, he was already in midair. The crowd beneath his feet kept quiet out of fear and the only sound remaining was that of raised necks gulping saliva.
However, the young boys figure soon disappeared into the cloud, while the warriors in black tensed up in anxiety. At once they pressed their knives and asked, but the old man from TianZhu simply rose up slowly. With both hands clasped and he spoke, Certainly the young master eager to see the landscape of the Immortal Kingdom. He might enjoy himself and forget to go home. Wait for this old monk to return the young master!
Without much to say, the old man started climbing the rope. That being the case, once he had climbed past the height of Hong Ren buildings second floor, the rope unexpectedly became loose, rustling as it fell downward. The old man exclaimed in alarm as shadows draped over the land.
This is terrible! This is not right! Xu Zhen recalled that he happened to have read some ancient books containing records of the immortal rope. His heart suddenly sank as he rushed through the crowd for a look. The shadow was from the old mans robe. He could not find a single persons shadow!
How did this happen?
The warriors in black suddenly realized that something was wrong. They pushed aside the dancers and foreigners wearing long robes. In the middle of the field, there were only the rope and a long robe. The young master and the old man were indeed missing.
Not good
The warriors in black immediately broke into cold sweat and glanced around, but after surging around, the old mans and the young masters figures were no where to be found.
Unsheathing the long knives on their waist, the warriors dressed in black seized a group of foreigners in a flash. Under tension, the head warrior Qiu Ran shouted like a clap of thunder, All kneel down to me! Otherwise we will kill with lawful authority.
In the midst of ChangAn, at the foot of the emperor,[12] the people were aware of the regulations. Once they saw a sword in the air, they would loudly topple to the floor on their stomach. But amongst the crowd, they could not find even a single strand of the old mans hair.
The warriors dressed in black were so anxious that they started to become angry
Still not replying?!
A warrior in black became disillusioned, removing his hand crossbow from under his black clothing. With low motivation, he launched an arrow straight into the sky, as direct as a blood red sunset. All of ChangAn was in panic, shrouded in the midst of the dark shadows.
There really was something fishy about that old guy! Xu Zhen spitted out the bitter tea stem and secretly departed from the crowd. Following the analysis of Indias immortal rope as written in the ancient books, he was roughly able to determine the relative location. Very soon he arrived at a congested street. His eyes saw as far as he could see and not long he found a shadow of a long robe on the ground. He does not make a sound and accelerated his pace to catch up.
End of Chapter 1
[1] Idiom 水泄不通
[2] derog. of an Indian
[3] city in east-central Henan province
[4] The Indian Subcontinent
[5] 胡服. 胡 is how the Han people refer to the other ethnic people.
[6] Silence, Chinese Idiom
[7] Another Chinese Idiom.千恩万谢
[8] Chinese expression 我的老娘耶
[9] 裤裆一缩
[10] I tried. 摩诃竭帝波若波罗可喏 Probably an incantation
[11] 不若上得青天问天高?
[12] Very literal translation of 天子脚下