Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 60

Thread: Round Robin #3: Battle of Wulin

  1. #1
    Senior Member fridaythe13th's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    somewhere
    Posts
    713

    Post Round Robin #3: Battle of Wulin

    The sun shone over Hangzhou like it never did before. It was unusually dull. Something about the sky was not right. It was probably the colour of the sky, gray and looking like a thunderstorm ahead. People, though, went on doing their usual business as if nothing is wrong.

    A young monk was standing next to the famous Three Laughter Inn, with a bowl in his hand. He was probably begging for food. The young monk looked at the sky and thought, bad luck will be brought here today. The day went on slowly. Night falls and the poor little monk was still begging for food, with no luck at all.

    In seconds, the quiet inn for the townspeople was filled with strange characters. The little monk peeked into the inn and saw escorts, priests, monks, nuns, fighters and warriors of wulin. The strange customeres were busy shouting at each other to notice what was going on. The young monk was so curious that he decided to sneak into the inn. Just two steps and he felt someone grabbing his shoulder. He tucked but the grip was too strong. He turned around and saw a massive body. The face was covered by a straw hat. The body was covered by a cape. The only things he saw were the arm that grabbed him and a sword which the mysterious man carried in his left hand. The only other feature the young monk saw was the strip of cloth wrapped around the man's right hand and wrist.

    The young monk asked trembling, "Who are you?"

    The mysterious man replied coldly, "Get out of here before its too late."
    “我停在原处也许就是为了让大家在累的时候,有个可以回头休息的地方。”

  2. #2
    Senior Member C Monster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Posts
    648

    Talking

    I couldn't let Fridaythe13th efforts die in vain. Here's my short contribution to get the ball rolling...


    Meeting his deadly stare, the young monk couldn't help but step aside and let the man in the straw hat enter Three Laughter Inn. The man sauntered in a seemingly casually manner yet filled with latent tension.

    Noticing the collection of mighty fighters gathered, the monk's curiosity got the best of him even more than concerns for his personal safety. He was not going to leave and miss a tale that will be the talk of the town for centuries to come. Rather, he stole back in and found shelter hiding under an obscure alcove beneath the wooden staircase that led to the second floor of the inn. Through the slapboards of the stairs, he watched attentively at the events unfolding.

  3. #3
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    Now that you have brought it up C Monster, here is my descriptive piece...

    <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">...

    As the strength of the wind starts to gather some speed, he blustery edges of the raging storm incessantly rattle the shutters of the inn and plays the wooden sign post like the clatter of a child's drum. A shiver runs down the spine of the young monk, but the other people in the room seem to be unshaken as they demand their needs from the busy waiters and whisper among their bands in anticipation of the events which are about to happen.

    A group of Emei priestesses show a gentle patience after their long journey from the West and keep to themselves in the raised area, as they sip the gently refreshing tea and savour the plain buns they have ordered. They are accompanied by two pretty disciples dressed in blue and white dresses and each carrying the trademark swords of this sect, strapped securely to their backs.

    On the opposite side of the room are the Shaolin high monks who have had less to travel and take care to keep away from the ladies. They sit cross-legged on the floor and gently meditate, seemingly saving energy and preparing mentally for what is to come.

    In between them are scattered groups from the other Wulin sects and divisions, some more brawlish than others but all carrying a burden of suspicion and allowing little interaction as they exchange piercing stares and frightening scowls.

    The man in the straw hat strides towards a stool placed near a table in the centre of the room. The other guests around the area discreetly scuttle away to create an opening and the man takes his seat on the chair and places his sword on the table with some force.

    Without looking up, he calls out to the innkeeper in his deep and empowering tones:
    "Give me a bottle of your best Lui Yee Hung!"

  4. #4
    Senior Member C Monster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Posts
    648

    Post

    Eyeing the man nervously, the innkeeper waved one of his waiters to go and set his table. Soon enough a large jug of the best Lui Yee Hung, along with a few fragrant dishes, were brought over. The mysterious man downed the wine and food quickly as if he had not eaten or drank for days. Within moments, he belched loudly, clearly satisfied. He cried out to the innkeeper who was busy calculating tabs with his abacus at the front desk. "Compliments to your chef, Sam Siu! She has reached another rung of success. I never would have thought that even simple homestyle dishes can be made to taste even better than the reknowned kitchens of the Imperial Palace!"

    Upon hearing the whispers of ties to the Emperor, the gathering of wulin fighters quickly grasped hold on their weapons raising their guard. Like running rivers that never trespass into fortressed wells, the Court life and ongoings of wulim kept their separate ways, especially now when there was so much discontent toward the corrupted and ill-managed government.

    Raising a slight brow, the tall lanky innkeeper countered smoothly still keeping his eyes to his books, "And you are well adept in making such a comparison, Ah Nam, since only narrowly escaping your own beheadment?"

    "Why yes!" The swarthy man laughed heartily. "Ko Qin Nam's head is hardly worth that much effort or energy. Not when there are bigger and mightier fishes to fry." Gently, he untied the strip of yellow silk that had been wrapped around his hand and wrist all this time. Long and narrow like a headband, on one side of the fine material that had been kept hidden from view were swirling embroidery mixed with intricate patterns and animal motifs. As the cloth unfurled, its colored threads glistened and glimmered catching the fading rays of the hiding sun.

    From the next table, the two younger disciples of Emei gasped in awe and appreciation recognizing the fine craftsmanship. While their sect may preach of aestheticism and the simpleness of mind and heart, it was difficult not to be touched by such beauty. And to have such delicateness handled by the knotted and rough hands of a swordsman, it made a even more striking contrast.

    Recognizing the yellow silk for what it was, the innkeeper worked to school his features back into placidness while his insides were a jumble of nerves. With long quick strides, he left his desk and went over to the table of strawhat man. Showing great deference, Ko Qin Nam handed the piece of silk drapped over his wide open arms to the owner of Three Laughter Inn bowing slightly.

    Sam Siu in turn received it with as much respect. Still couldn't take his eyes away from the cloth, he asked excitedly, "Ah Nam. Where.... how... did you come across this? Was it... was it given to you personally? How is it possible..."

    Eyes ashining with a wide smile across his face, Qin Nam cut-in sharply. "All is as well as it can be. Given the circumstances." He swept a knowing glance across all the wulin onlookers gathered who were watching their exchange attentively. He said in a low whisper, "But now is not the time to talk, Sam Siu." Then in a louder, jovial voice, he yelled, "Come. Sit and drink with me. For we have much to celebrate! Another round of Nui Yee Hung please!"

  5. #5
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    Outside in the narrow streets of the marketplace, the vendors hurriedly collect up their wares as they see the stormclouds gather and the spots of drizzle begin to fall from the heavens. Baskets of unsold vegetables are heaved onto the ends of long poles and hauled away whilst the man selling piglets pushes his trolley of squealing animals back to his home.

    Among these panicked people is a scholarly pauper who has been selling his rather common looking paintings and helping villagers to write letters. Worried that his precious pictures may become soaked, he carefully rolls them up and packs them into his roughly built cane backpack. Dressed in the uniform of one who studied at the town academy, his clothing and appearance has seen better days, but he continues along his way with high spirits after a fair day of business.

    The storm is nigh and the clouds begin to shower their worst down upon the streets, making them glisten as the glows from the newly lit candle light in the homes reflect from a hundred surfaces. Chu Shu the befallen scholar scurries along the wet road, taking care not to slip and risk damaging his precious products.

    Gallop gallop gallop...

    The sound of thundering hooves drowns the pitter patter of the raindrops and the howling of the strong winds. Speeding down the centre of the street, the horseman takes no care of anyone who stands in the way and narrowly misses Chu Shu. Startled by the force of the shadow which has just passed him by, Chu Shu loses his concentration and slips in the muddy road, tipping the contents of his backpack into the middle of a dirty puddle.

    Looking up angrily at the figure riding away from him, Chu Shu shakes his fist as he uncharacteristically loses his temper.

    "Hooligan!" he yells, before gaining his breath and salvaging what is left of his possessions. The thumping of the horse continues to fade as it runs further away, the mounted figure not having heard his shouts.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    3,729

    Thumbs up

    Great work! Great work! More, more, more!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

  7. #7
    Moderator Suet Seung's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Posts
    14,053

    Talking

    Mel, why don't you join in and write something short or long...doesn't matter.

    <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
    I just love how you Captivate My Mind

    Self reminder - Update blog more often and continue editing/writing for TOV fanfic.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    3,729

    Unhappy

    Err, I'd ruin the story with my beginner's skills, WK. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I think I should read rather than write. <IMG SRC="smilies/dizzy.gif" border="0">

  9. #9
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    Go on Mel - I've read some of your work and it is very good. Please join in!! We'd love to see how you can help to turn the story around!!

    <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

  10. #10
    Senior Member Yak's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Posts
    314

    Post

    Hey can someone please post more on this round robin?? This is the only one I can keep up, since the other is too long <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> The story is great so far <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">, so please don't leave it behind!

  11. #11
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    why don't you join in Yak?
    I am waiting for someone to write a continuation from my section... otherwise it will turn into my third fanfic! hee hee
    (Which reminds me, I really ought to got to work on COTB again!)

    <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

  12. #12
    Senior Member fridaythe13th's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    somewhere
    Posts
    713

    Post

    Chu Shu continues along the road but stopped after a short while, upon seeing the inn filled with people shouting and cheering. He walked up to the main door and peaked in. Upon seeing martial artists, have of who are drunk, he is disgusted. Suddenly, a hand grabbed his shoulder and spurred him around. Chu Shu was stunned to see a lady in white, face masked, looking at him.

    He was about to say something when the lady put a finger on her lips. She grabbed him and fled onto the roof of the inn.

    Below, a short teaboy ran into the inn. Chu Shu and the lady both leaned down to hear a voice say, "Sir, a messager from the Imperial Palace just went pass. They are looking for you."

    Chu Shu had no idea what was going on, but the lady did. She turned to him and scolded, "If you don't want to get killed, stay here and don't move."
    “我停在原处也许就是为了让大家在累的时候,有个可以回头休息的地方。”

  13. #13
    Senior Member C Monster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Posts
    648

    Post

    With a swoosh, the lady in white disappeared as quickly as she came like an apparition concocted from his wild imaginings. The mighty wind of the brewing storm whipped across Chu Shu's face. He was stuck three stories high with no way down. He pressed his body as close to the tiled roof as possible. It was the only way to keep himself from being blown away. Luckily, Chu Shu, being the befallen scholar that he was, was used to weathering the elements. He may look weak and fragile, but he's always been tough and strong where it counts the most, his health. With these comforting thoughts, he relaxed a bit and took in the sight of his familiar village from this new view. Up here, he could discern just how far the main street stretched back, how the marketplace was meshed like a tightly woven basket, how there was a plaguing dust cloud rising up from the bend of the road heading straight toward the village gate along with it came the thunder of a thousand hoofbeats!

    A stampede of over 50 armored Imperial horsemen came charging up the street straight towards Three Laughter Inn. Leading the pack was the mounted guard that had knocked Chu Shu down earlier. He wasn't sure at first because everyone looked about the same in heavy uniform, but another glance he remembered the dapper gray horse the man was riding.

  14. #14
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    Stepping into the dining hall where the many heroes are gathered, the gracious and beautiful white cloaked lady catches a few gasps and stares from the many pairs of eyes in the room. Among these, the less refined give her a lecherous jeer whereas others turn their noses up at her presence.

    Qin Nam welcomes the entrant with his deep, yet carefree smile and calls over to her - he seems to know her quite well.
    "We are honoured! Who would have thought that we would be graced with the presence of the only remaining disciple of the Gu Mo Sect?"

    The woman seems quite disgusted at the sight of him but she is still drawn into the argument, sensing his sarcasm.
    "My master and those before her have been blessed with the respect of Wulin, it is only fair that I come to offer my assistance in its time of need. However, I do not see why you who yields from no sect in Wulin has any business being here!"

    "Ngo Suet! Once again I am drunken with the sounds of your sweet voice..." mocks Qin Nam.
    "Come, share a drink with me! We must catch up on the old times."

    "I would rather drink poison than drink from the same pitcher of wine as you." she retorts.

    "Oh, you have changed so much!"
    Qin Nam smirks at her as she walks away towards the staircase towards the guest rooms, apparently ignoring him. However, she seems to be trying to tuck away some memories she'd rather forget.

    Suddenly an almighty crash can be heard from the courtyard. The continuing rain and the beating wind has made it extremely difficult for Chu Shu to maintain his balance, especially as he has no martial arts skills. After clinging on for as long as he can, he slips on the roof tiles and hurtles down towards the ground, landing on a planter in the courtyard. A little dazed and in some pain, he pushes himself up from the ground and is met with a barrage of swords and spears all pointed at his neck.

    --------
    oops looks like we kinda overlapped each other a bit from working simultaneously!
    seems to be okay with a slight modification to my piece!

    more please!! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

    <font size="1">[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: Em ]</font>

  15. #15
    Senior Member Yak's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Posts
    314

    Post

    Very good <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">keep it up!!!

  16. #16
    Senior Member fridaythe13th's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    somewhere
    Posts
    713

    Post

    He slowly rised his head to encounter imperial soldiers looking angrily at him. Chu Shu put on a weak smile. A guard pushed through the soldiers and studied him front top to bottom. The guard asked, somewhat angry yet curious, "Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

    "I...I was just..." Chu Shu couldn't explain why he was there. He didn't even know why he came to the inn. The guard eyed him suspeciously, and motioned the soldiers to take him away. Just as he got up, a piece of shiny metal flashed across his eyes and in one moment, three soldiers fell dead on the ground. Their throats were cut. Chu Shu, at the sight of blood and violence, nearly fainted. However, the soldiers' swords made him swallow instead, not moving a muscle.

    The guard was to surprised to see who the person was, but came back to his senses and shouted, "Alert!"

    Before the soldiers realized what their commander was saying, their horses started to buckle wildly on the streets. It was not long before they realized that thick smoke surrounded them. It was, however, too late. By the time the soldiers and their horses settled down, Chu Shu was gone.
    “我停在原处也许就是为了让大家在累的时候,有个可以回头休息的地方。”

  17. #17
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    "The time has come..."
    Zhang Tian Zen, the leader of the Ching Shing Sect and current holder of the Wulin Master title announces that the hour of anticipation has arrived.
    "Our target will be passing by the village in less than half an hour - it is time we took our positions and prepare to exercise our plan."
    He leads his band of disciples and martial brothers out into the courtyard and the sound of flicking robes can be heard as they leap away over the rooftops to avoid detection by the patrolling soldiers outside on the street.

    One by one, the representatives from the different sects make their exits respectively and disappear to their agreed positions. Within a few minutes, only the Emei priestesses, Qin Nam and Sam Siu remain in the main room of the inn.

    Qin Nam continues to merrily drink from his wine bottle, he is not affected by the sudden clearance of the room as he continues to laugh and joke and eat.
    "Sam Siu! Make a bowl of vegetarian noodles. I would like to treat our extra guest."
    He looks over at the gap under the stairs and catches the eye of the little shaven boy hiding silent and motionless, still aghast by what he has witnessed.
    "You can come out now, young master! I think you must be hungry."

  18. #18
    Senior Member fridaythe13th's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    somewhere
    Posts
    713

    Post

    The young monk slowly stepped out from the stairs and shyly stood there. Qin Nam eyed him coldly, "Aren't you going to come here and eat?"

    The young monk swallowed silently. He slowly made his way across the room and sat down next to the mysterious man that caught him earlier. Suddenly, the door to the inn flung open. The young monk was startled by the noise and was about to run off again when Qin Nam grabbed his shoulder and sat him down again.

    Five men, dressed in the colors blue, red, yellow, silver and green, representing the five elements: water, fire, earth, metal and wood respectively, came in. The Emei priestesses, who were meditating, opened their eyes. Upon seeing the five odd men, they went back to meditating, trying to ignore the newcomers.

    Qin Nam scanned his eyes around the inn, sensing many people of wulin hiding around the inn. He then looked at the newcomers briefly, but went back drinking wine. Only the young monk was staring wide-eyed, like a mouse upon seeing a cat.

    The newcomers was bit confused about the people in the inn, other than the innkeeper, there was Qin Nam with a monk, and Emei priestesses meditating. The men sat down at a table, with their sabers beside them. Two of them was carrying a rather large chest, another was carrying a small flag with a red dragon on it.

    Emei priestesses were surprised by the men. They immediately recognized them as the Five Escorts of Dragon Guardianship. Qin Nam, however, couldn't care less about who they were. He eyed the chest closely, realizing what was hidden in it.

    <font size="1">[ April 09, 2003: Message edited by: fridaythe13th ]</font>
    “我停在原处也许就是为了让大家在累的时候,有个可以回头休息的地方。”

  19. #19
    Moderator Em's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    a little island east of america and west of europe
    Posts
    2,106

    Post

    A long way away from the inn in Hangzhou, Chu Shu stirs from his comatose state and wakes to find himself lying on a bed of dry, but smelly straw in the corner of what seems to be a disused stable. A single horse is tied up on the other side of the battered building and it quietly huffs as it chews at some fresh hay.

    Chu Shu shakes his head and squints at the light of the moon breaking through the cracks in the roof and as his eyes start to focus, he is startled by the gaze of a pair of pearly eyes hovering not far from his head. Pulling away sharply, he makes out the form of the shiny bald head of an old man with silver grey whiskers trailing from his chin.

    "Did I scare you?" asks the old man rhetorically.
    "My old eyes just don't work too well any more, I was checking to see if you were awake."

    Standing just three feet from the ground, the man had a frailty to him which also exuded much strength. With the many large and small folds in his once more elastic skin, he looked like he was at least a hundred years old. In one hand he held a small stick whilst the other clutched a small basket with some apples inside.

    "Here, this is all I have. You must be hungry..."

    Still shocked and stunned by the evening's events, the last thing in his mind was hunger, but after hearing the man's words he suddenly felt a churn in his stomach as it reacted to the sight of the rosy apples in the basket. Without a thought for who the man might be, he reaches out trustingly and eats the fruit. The kindly old man looks on with serenity, nodding gently.

  20. #20
    Senior Member fridaythe13th's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    somewhere
    Posts
    713

    Post

    The old man smiled, "Why are you, a scholar, involved in the events of the Three Laughter Inn?"

    "I don't really know." Chu Shu sighed, "I just remember walking pass the inn when a masked lady took me to the rooftop of the inn."

    The old man stroked his whiskers, but didn't say anything. Chu Shu asked, "Who are you?"

    The old man laughed but didn't answer the question. Instead, he replied, "It isn't me that is important, but the situation."

    Chu Shu didn't understand what he means. The old man got up. He eyed Chu Shu, "Stay here."

    He walked out of the worn down door. But Chu Shu's curiosity won't let him stay put. He slowly creeped outside and followed the old man from a distance back to Hangzhou. The old man stopped and turned around, "Do you want to go back and get killed?"

    Chu Shu pleaded, "Please let me follow."

    The old man said, "You are not a martial artist. If you go, you will get killed."

    "I'm not afraid." Chu Shu protested.

    "Even if you are not afraid, you are going to cause trouble."

    "Please. I will not talk or move. I just want to see what is going on."

    The old man sighed, "If you can catch up with me, you can come along."

    After that, the old man used his qinggong to slide across the forest when he suddenly disappeared into the distance. Chu Shu was quite disappointed but he was determined to go back to the inn. He had to take the long way back, though.
    “我停在原处也许就是为了让大家在累的时候,有个可以回头休息的地方。”

Similar Threads

  1. Battle of 19th/20th Century "Wulin" Legends
    By Ken Cheng in forum Wuxia Fiction
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 10-14-06, 02:58 AM
  2. Wulin Super Battle!
    By K2Grey in forum Wuxia Fiction
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-21-06, 01:58 PM
  3. Rainbow's Diary (Modern round robin)
    By Em in forum Fan Fictions
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 03-28-05, 01:09 PM
  4. Round Robin Fic (Modern) ?
    By junny in forum Fan Fictions
    Replies: 125
    Last Post: 08-16-04, 05:01 AM
  5. Round Robin #2: Secret of the Sword
    By Floo.. in forum Fan Fictions
    Replies: 143
    Last Post: 06-23-03, 09:03 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •