The Quest of Heaven and Earth

[Acidbeastonfire]

Keep it going Goofy!!!!!!
I've sampled the other fan fics as well....so far non proving to be half as addictive as yours! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
Hmm... i c a tough choice ahead for Ah yu,
A choice between love & its related obligations, & righteousness.

Keep smilling, Keep writing, Keep thrilling!

[andrea7974]

Goofy..the way you write is very outstanding <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

Your story plot, the dialogues....all are very nice. It makes me realize how my writing skills is very low <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/crying.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bawling.gif" border="0">

Anyway...really...your story is going to be a good wuxia stories if it is made to be a film <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Acidbeastonfire]

Agree with Andrea 101%!!!!
As i've said b4, get a great cinematographer & director for the film + your script....sure fire win. It'll be such a beautiful movie.

& since u r planning a trilogy, all the better <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon stopped at one. Imagine a trilogy better than that. Mind boggling!

[Goofy]

Andrea, thanks for your encouraging. I love your story too for you put a lot of work and research on culture and historial aspects.

As for my story, I just bs (any better word?) everything out of my imagination. <IMG SRC="smilies/redface.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/twirl.gif" border="0">

Acidbeastonfire, here are another two chapters. Please keep correct me on any mistakes. Truly appreciate your comments. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/hatoff.gif" border="0">

[Goofy]

Chapter 12
A Hunt

Character List (not in any particular order):
Tian Xin-er (Vivian Leung Siu Bing)
Shu Qiuyang (Deric Wan Siu Lan)
Ke Jing (Julian Cheung Chi Lam)
Miao Li (Jackie Lui Chung Yin)
Huang Yitao (Felix Wong Yat Wah)
Jiaping (Fiona Leung Ngai Ling)
Shu Xiayue (Maggie Siu Mei Kei)

Shu Qiuyang kept asking Ke Jing what time it was, while Miao Li was pacing in front of the inn anxiously, waiting for the return of Tian Xin-er. The day was almost gone, and the three men were getting worried second by second.

At last, Miao Li cried out jubilantly that Tian Xin-er had returned. The next minute, Tian Xin-er rushed into the men’s room and went straight to Shu Qiuyang, who was still lying on his bed. Then she knelt down and kowtowed to him several times. “Brother Shu, I beg your pardon.”

Shu Qiuyang immediately told her to get up, but she refused, maintaining that she had to confess everything to him first. She looked as if she was having fever with bright eyes and red cheeks. Her clothes were soaking wet, and her shoes were muddy. All three men in the room looked at one another questioningly, but none of them knew the cause of Tian Xin-er’s agitation. Realized that the matter had to be very serious, Shu Qiuyang finally allowed the young maiden to relate her story.

“All right, but whatever happened, you need to take care of yourself first. Put on some dry clothes before doing anything else. I don’t want you to catch a cold.”

Tian Xin-er cried guiltily. “I really don’t deserve your kindness. With what I have done, a cold would be the lightest punishment for me.”

In the end, she meekly obeyed his wish. After changing into a new garb, she returned to his room again and started her confession. She told the three men that she had arrived at the meeting place, which was a large inn. To identify herself to her contact, she had put a symbol of the Sun-Moon Cult that she had received from Shu Qiuyang on the table. After a few moments of waiting, a man in servant uniform came to her table and invited her to the second floor. The servant had led her to a spacious room with luxurious interior that prepared for selected guests only. There, she met an old man clad in an expensive yet with simple design silken robe sipping wine at a table in the middle of the room. Several strong servants were stationing behind him, while a good-looking maid was pouring aromatic wine from an ancient jug into a porcelain cup in his hand.

Although Tian Xin-er had never had an occasion to meet any government official before, she could guess at first glance that this old man must be someone in high position from the way he carried himself. He had steel-like eyes and thin lips that were accustomed to giving out orders. At that moment, he was scrutinizing her with interest. “Who are you?” His voice was deep and demanding.

Tian Xin-er remembered that she had cupped her hands and bowed to him courteously before introducing herself as a friend of Shu Qiuyang’s and stating her business. Knowing that her father, Tian Fei, did not have good opinion on government officers in general, she refrained from mentioning that she were from Emei and Sword South School. Moreover, she let him understood that she had come from Shu Qiuyang’s tribe.

The old man had listened attentively to her and at the end nodded sympathetically. “Of course, I will be pleased to help nephew Shu find his cousin. I am a good friend with his uncle and have done a great deal of business with his tribe. I’ve profited a lot from our trade. Hmm, I will send people to search for Miss Shu and her friends. As long as they are in this area, I am certain that we will find them.” He gave an order to one of his servants, and that man went out of the room. Then the old man motioned his maid to serve wine to his guest.

“I have a few more questions, so please have a seat and join me in a drink. This wine comes exclusively from the palace and drunk by the emperor and his family.”

His manner was polite, but his tone conveyed an order. Tian Xin-er was a bit put out but reminding herself that she should not make trouble for the sake of Shu Qiuyang. She inwardly thought, ‘I came to meet this man to obtain help. It is right to be deferential and respectful toward him.’

With a slight smile, she sat down opposite him and took a cup of wine from the maid. She smelled its fragrance and examined its content before slowly tasting it. Then she acclaimed, “good wine! Good wine!” She finished the whole cup and put it out for more.

The old man chuckled with satisfaction and asked her about her age and her marriage status. Though feeling annoyed at the other’s nosiness, she answered him truthfully. The old man smiled wider and waved all his servants to leave the room.

Then he said casually. “Miss has reached the age of having a family, and if may I say so, your beauty is unrivaled in this earth and should be admired by a good man. Flowers in bloom should be picked early and arranged in a vase to be appreciated fully. If they remain in garden, they would only wither in short time from wind and rain or be eaten by insects. On the same token, a young woman should seek a loving husband to take care of her at an appropriate age and not wait till her youthfulness leave her. At the present, I have one young gentleman in mind that suits you in every way. He is rich and…”

Tian Xin-er interrupted him. “I thank you for your kind suggestion, but I still love freedom and never think of getting married. Besides, being a flower in the garden is not a bad thing for when it withers, it can return to earth and be food for its plant to create another beautiful blooms.”

The old man humphed but kept a smiling face. “Miss Tian is rather hasty in replying. Men and women are born for one another. A young girl like you has to get a husband some day. I merely suggest a perfect match for you since you might not get a chance to meet anyone like him again. Not only he is rich, but his father also has a high rank in the government office. In fact, that gentleman is the only son of mine. I see that Miss Tian is a bright and beautiful maiden and will do well as a phoenix bride for a dragon groom.”

He looked hard at the young maiden opposite and invited her to visit his house to meet his son. At this point, Shu Qiuyang moaned aloud.

“Thoughtless me! I should not have sent you to that tiger den. I recall now that this official always kept a lookout for a wife for his son who was sick with some disease whenever he comes to our tribe. A fortuneteller once predicted that his son has to marry a foreigner in order to get rid of the illness and beget an heir. Although the old man wants to cure his son, he is also choosy in selecting his daughter-in-law. Most women in our tribe are uneducated and don’t know the Central Plains’ custom, so they are not good candidates. However, if that withered turtle misunderstood that sister Tian was from the outside border, he would surely, surely…” He had to pause for breath, and Ke Jing admonished him to stay calm.

“Keep still. Sister Tian is now safe and sound in our room, so there is nothing to worry.”

He then turned to Tian Xin-er. “Shall we continue the story tomorrow? I don’t want brother Shu to get too excited. He is still weak and needs a lot of rest.”

Shu Qiuyang waved his hands weakly. “No, no. I want to hear everything. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep a wink tonight.”

Ke Jing considered and nodded. “All right. Just try not to exert yourself.”

Tian Xin-er used her handkerchief to wipe Shu Qiuyang’s sweats. “Brother Shu, I really harm you. I…I have wronged you and your tribe.”

She then continued. “Of course, I refused for I began to detest this old man’s calculating eyes. This old man grunted but went on drinking wine silently. I tried to leave, but he said that he was waiting for his servants to come back with daily reports from city gates. I thought that there might be some clues on Miss Shu and others, so I decided to stay there for a little while longer. By that time, I have already drunk several cups of wine without knowing. The wine really had nice fragrance and addicting taste, and the maid kept pouring wine into my cups all this while. Just when I began to feel a bit dizzy, the old official clapped his hands twice, and his servants rushed in the room. He then commanded them to take me back to his house. I heard him and became very angry.”

Miao Li grinned. “So, sister Tian gave them something to remember, eh?”

Tian Xin-er nodded. “I should have used my light kung fu to escape then. However, I have one weird personality. That is the more I get drunk, the more I am prone to a fight. So, not only I beat up all those lackeys, but I also…I also shaved their boss’ hair and beard. After that, I left them and stopped to cool myself down at a creek on my way back here.” She blushed at the flashback of her pranks.

The three men laughed in unison, and Shu Qiuyang said with big grin on his face. “You did a right thing, so there is no need to feel bad. I am not angry with you. Although this official does business with us, he has no right to bully our people.” He winked to Tian Xin-er, and she smiled back at him with relief.

“My uncle is a reasonable man, and he will understand your actions.” He frowned. “I am now worried about Yue-er though. If she arrives to the capital and goes straight to him as herself, she might get caught and be your replace. Although her art of disguise is superb, she has no martial arts.”

Tian Xin-er paled. “Then, I harm her unintentionally. Brother Ke, what shall we do?” She turned to Ke Jing and asked for his advice.

Ke Jing knitted his eyebrows thoughtfully and eventually said that they should leave this inn and find a place near the official’s mansion to keep an eye for the arrival of Shu Xiayue and others.

At that point, Miao Li ventured out a suggestion. “I would like to humbly suggest that we disguise both brother Shu and sister Tian before entering Beiping. According to sister Tian’s story, that official seems to have a lot of power in the capital. It is possible that he might put out notice for your arrests to revenge his humiliation.”

Ke Jing agreed. “Brother Miao has good foresight. Xin-er and I are about the same height, so I will lend her my robe. It will be safer for four men to enter the city.”

Shu Qiuyang contributed his share. “Tomorrow, I will make fake beard for us. Xiayue taught me how to do that.”

Tian Xin-er cupped her hands and bowed around to her friends. “Brothers, I am grateful for your kindness. I am lucky to have such good brothers like you three.” She then said a good night and went out.

The next morning, the four youths paid for their rooms and went into the capital. Shu Qiuyang was assisted both sides by Ke Jing and Tian Xin-er, while Miao Li carried their bundles. They rested often so not to tire out Shu Qiuyang whose body was still weak. Late in the afternoon, they finally arrived at a city gate. Surprisingly, there were neither Tian Xin-er nor Shu Qiuyang’s portraits at the gate as if the official had forgiven the offense he received the night before.

Instead, there was a hubbub on the greatest crime that occurred last night. Everyone in the city seemed to talk only about the massacre at the Minister Chen’s mansion. Soldiers were marching throughout the city, searching for any suspicious character. Upon hearing the name, Shu Qiuyang cried astonishingly.

“Minister Chen was the official that sister Tian met last night.” The four youngsters looked at one another and silently entered the inn. There, they rented two rooms and selected one table to sit and listen to the gossips around them.

A man at the table behind them was telling his theory to his friends. “I think the criminal must be someone with high martial arts. Think of it, there must have been hundreds of soldiers guarding Minister Chen’s residence, but this killer managed to get in and slay Minister Chen and his entire immediate family without the guards’ knowledge.”

Someone else voiced. “I think the motive is for revenge.”

Other person argued. “But I think it is because of work rivalry.”

His friend from the same table added. “This case certainly overshadows the news of the missing Mongol princess.”

A man nearby nodded. “Yes, the princess has been missing for over a month now. She could have dead already.”

A woman next to him instantly slapped his wrist. “Nobody would mind if you say less. Do you want to go to jail?”

The topic then changed to a debate whether the murderer was the same person who had kidnapped the princess. Shu Qiuyang looked at Tian Xin-er and was about to say something but changed his mind. He continued eating in silence; eyebrows knitted.

Tian Xin-er digested every information around her with deep thoughts. She recalled a portrait of Jiaping at the city gate today. Could she be the Mongol princess?

At the same time, the other two men was wondering if the murder of Minister Chen had anything to do with his meeting with Tian Xin-er at the inn.

Ke Jing mentioned softly. “It is a good thing that Xin-er has on a disguise for everything that Minister Chen did yesterday would surely be investigated. For now, let us stay in town and wait for Miss Shu.”

After a meal, the four went to their rooms and turned in early. Each tried to prod on the mystery of the murder case.

Meanwhile, Jiaping and Shu Xiayue were enjoying the carriage ride. Both maidens agreed that this was the best way to travel.

“Ah, how come didn’t we think of doing this before? At least, Ah Yu and Huang Yitao should have found some horses for us to ride.” Shu Xiayue whistled merrily. She and other passengers were stopping at a wayside inn for a midday meal, while the coach driver was changing a fresh team of horses.

“Well, before that, we had Ah Yu, and you know that he prefers forests to towns. People tend to stare at his mask, making him uncomfortable. Also, we didn’t have enough money to buy a horse, and Master Huang definitely would not approve of our deceiving people using disguise.” Jiaping protested gently.

Shu Xiayue yawned lazily. “All right. I should know better not to criticize to you anything about those two heroes. Jiaping, I am rather disappointed in you. Before the flood, you were so fun to be with. Now, Ah Yu and Huang Yitao had brainwashed you and turned you into a boring lady. Don’t forget that you ran away from home for adventures and freedom. Otherwise, why bother leaving your princess title?”

Jiaping widened her eyes. “You…you know? How could you guess it?”

Shu Xiayue grinned slyly. “Ha-ha. That’s because I am a good detective. In fact, I deduced the truth from what I heard during this trip. One month ago, a tribe in Mongol area sent its princess to present to the Ming Emperor. On the way, the princess was kidnapped from her caravan, but I think you just made up a situation and ran away because you don’t want to live a life of a concubine.”

Jiaping nodded forlornly. Her eyes cast down. “You are right. I decided to run away because I don’t want to marry the emperor. Among all high-ranked ladies in our tribe, I was chosen because my mother came from Central Plains and had taught me about its culture and language. Originally, I thought that if I could stay put for a while, everyone would forget about the wedding, then I could return home. However, the Emperor is still looking for me, and my father would never let me go home, so I decide to seek shelter from my uncle who lives just outside Beiping’s city gates in the north. I know that he will protect me from my father.”

Shu Xiayue concluded. “But you were afraid that you might not be able to cross the border; therefore, you constantly asked me to disguise you.”

Jiaping looked at the other pleadingly. “You won’t tell my secret, will you?”

Shu Xiayue lifted her eyebrows and pretended to think aloud. “Hmm, let’s see. I am your friend and can care less about the emperor’s marriage life, so I promise to keep mum. Personally, I think you did the right thing. In fact, I would have done the same thing too if I were you.”

She then went on opening her heart to the other. “Father wants me to marry Qiuyang after this task. Although we don’t love each other as lovers, we used not to mind that idea. But now that I met Huang Yitao, I know that he is the only man that I want to spend the rest of my life with.” She sighed gently, bringing out the knife that Huang Yitao had given her and touched it tenderly.

Jiaping heaved a sigh too. Just then, the coach driver gave a call, and every passenger scrambled toward the carriage. Another leg of the journey had started again.

Huang Yitao at the moment was inquiring a coach driver about his passengers. “Yes, I did come from that village and got two old ladies on board at the last minute. But they got off at the last post and got on another carriage that headed to Beiping. Seeing that they are poor and old, I didn’t charge them any fare at all. If you are their relative, you should take care of them better and not let them traveling alone like this.”

Huang Yitao listened to the scold patiently. He took out his moneybag and gave the driver few last taels that he had. “Thank you for taking good care of them, brother.”

He cupped his hands and bowed. He was gone the next moment.

A hunt had begun, but who was mouse, and who was cat; it was still yet to be determined.
--------------------------
thank you for reading. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Goofy]

Chapter 13
Wedding and Funeral

Character List (not in any particular order):
De Pang (Liu Kai Chi)
Ah Qing (Au Yeung Pui San)
Ah Zhu (Yeung Pan Pan)
Hua Bingzhu (Mariane Chan Miu Ying)
Hua Wuxie (Angie Cheung Wai Yi)
Hua Xue-she (Carmen Lee Yuek Tung)

Time was running out for De Pang and he knew it. He had left the Great Walls since last weak but still was unable to find the way to the Widow Mansion. Ah Qing had been with him all this time despite his insisting her to go back to her village. Although she was a sweet woman, she could be very stubborn when it came to love matters. She refused to leave him and quietly followed him everywhere. As for De Pang, he had no heart to abandon her in this lonely wilderness, especially when his inner feeling never wished to depart from her.

Days went on, and De Pang’s anxiety increased. One evening, he voiced his worry to Ah Qing at a campfire. “The Widow Mansion seems so close yet out of reach. I am certain that its headquarters must be in this vicinity, but I don’t know how to get there.” He heaved a helpless sigh, and Ah Qing’s heart ached along with him.

She tried to console him. “Madam Man is a good person, so the heaven must protect her.” She thought aloud. “A lot of people in this area worship the Widow Mansion. If we ask them directly about the cult, they might not give us truthful answers. However, if we pretend to be new followers…”

“But the Widow Mansion is only interested in women who turn widows…” He paused and glanced at Ah Qing who nodded vigorously. “No way. That is too dangerous for you. You are not a part of the pugilistic realm, so you should not concern yourself in this business. I don’t want you to be harmed.”

Ah Qing smiled and her dark eyes reflected the dancing flame from the fire. “Master De, I am glad to hear that you still care about me. Just that last sentence, it is enough to make me happy and don’t mind dying for you.” She flushed at this daring revelation.

De Pang also blushed. He had limited experience with women, and in this kind of situation, he was at a lost. Looking into Ah Qing’s burning eyes, he unconsciously reached for her hands. “Ah Qing, I am the lucky one to meet you.”

Then he let go of her hands. “But I am too old for you. Also, I have a duty of rescuing my sister-in-law, and I might not come out alive. I don’t want to hurt you more than this. It would be unfair to you.”

Ah Qing grabbed his hands and spoke urgently. “No, those are all your thinking, not mine. From my point of view, you are a great hero and a dignified gentleman – the best person I have ever met. Love has no border. There are many instances that older men marry young girls. Our difference in age is nothing but your harsh excuse to deny me. If we truly love each other, there is nothing to be afraid of. I am but an orphan and common girl, only wish for a kind man that I can give my life to, and I know that you are the right one for me. I trust you and want to be with you forever, may it be in this world or in the land of death. Since that day you pulled me out of the death’s hands, my soul has already belonged to you. Please open your heart and accept me. Master De, if you look at me and tell me that you don’t want me, I will go away then and will not bother you again.”

De Pang’s eyes locked into hers and he tried to utter a word. “G…go. No, don’t leave me, Ah Qing. I love you and want to take care of you.” He wrapped his arms around her, and she put her head on his shoulder, smiling with joy. “I will always be with you.”

Drops of tears fell from her starry eyes and De Pang gently dried her cheeks. “From today, you won’t need to cry again, my love.”

Ah Qing sobbed harder. Finally, she said. “I cried because I was too happy. I wish that I will be this happy every day.” She looked up at him. “I want you to go ahead with my plan because it would be the only way to get into the Widow Mansion.”

De Pang protested. “No. I don’t want you to fall into their hands. What if I can’t help you out?”

Ah Qing patted his hands softly. “Don’t worry. I believe that everything will be all right. I trust you, so you should trust yourself. Besides, I heard from people that we have met these past weeks that the Widow Mansion is really not bad people. They do good deeds by protecting widows and young girls from being bullied by men. My life is yours, and I would do everything for you.”

She begged him prettily and reasoned with him for hours until he finally relented. “All right. There is really no other method to get inside the Widow Mansion.” He clasped her hands tightly. “But I would not tar your name with the fake widow title. Will you marry me tonight, Ah Qing?”

Ah Qing reddened. She nodded shyly. “Yes,” she whispered.

In a middle of nowhere, the couple entered a simple nuptial with only campfire as their wedding candles and the sandy ground as their bedchamber. Nonetheless, the night was as sweet and memorable as it could be for both blissful bride and groom.

Three days later, De Pang and Ah Qing arrived at a remote village. There, De Pang developed an illness and passed away within a week. According to the tradition of the village, Ah Qing had to stay with the death three days and three nights to send her husband’s soul to heaven. Moreover, she had to pray for protection from the Three Widows as the villagers here were followers of the Widow Mansion.

The newlywed bride now a widow, Ah Qing, was crying ceaselessly in front of De Pang’s coffin. She had prayed for almost three days and three nights for the Widow Mansion to accept her into the cult. According to the information she had gathered, each year the Three Widows would select certain young widows to train as their disciples. Those that entered the Widow Mansion would learn high martial arts and get to bathe in the Youth Fountain so that they would remain young and beautiful forever. However, they had to remain inside the ‘Mansion’ all their lives.

Toward dawn of the third night, as Ah Qing’s eyelids were closing from weariness, all of a sudden, a gust of wind blew in, putting out funeral candles. Ah Qing looked up and noticed a group of shadows dressed in black and white at a doorway. “Who are you?” She whispered fearfully.

One shadow stepped forward and cited in icy voice. “We are from the Widow Mansion and are here to receive you into our cult. Our masters have observed you these past three days and sympathize with your lost. We are to bring you and your husband’s body to the Mansion. There, he will rest in peace, and you will become our new disciple.”

Before Ah Qing could have replied, that shadow grabbed her and flew away into the misty air. Four more shadows approached the coffin and lifted it. Then, they also vanished without noise as if they were spirits from the underworld.

From inside the coffin, De Pang heard everything. He felt his coffin moving through wind in high speeds and could not help admiring its carriers. ‘The Widow Mansion has only female members. Yet, they managed to convey this heavy casket without even a sound of footstep. This cult really is not common. I have to be very careful.’ He suddenly regretted involving Ah Qing in this plan.

Just then, those people stopped. One person spoke. “Let’s see what he looks like.” De Pang felt a lid being removed and moonlights shining on his face. That person looked into the coffin and sighed. “What a pity.” She repeated and closed the coffin lid.

Inside, De Pang smelled a whiff of perfume and instantly felt dizzy. Realized that he had inhaled poison, he tried to use his energy to purge it out, but it was too late. A second later, he was unconscious.

Outside the coffin, four figures were laughing shrilly. “Men are always so careless.” The casket was lifted again and the four shadows traveled on, chanting a song of death.

“Flowers scatter on the ground, but who knows how many people die each day?
Flowers fell down from plants to feed the soil, but how much ash one gathers from corpses each day?
Flowers bloom and wither,
People born and die.”

Faraway, wolves howled a chorus as if to mourn with a new widow. Would this fake funeral turn into a real one?

De Pang woke up again in a dark cell. He lay still for a moment, recalling everything. Suddenly, he shot up and shouted out wildly. “Ah Qing! Where is she? What did you do to her?”

Someone clapped her hands in the dark. A sweet voice rang out. “Master De is a real hero and loving husband. In this critical time, you still care more about your wife than yourself.”

The same voice continued. “Ah Qing is doing fine. I personally guarantee her safety. We, the Widow Mansion, never hurt the same genders without reason. Since you are conscious now, I will bring you to see my elder sister. She will decide your fate.”

An iron door was opened, and some shadows in white rushed in. De Pang tried to circulate his inner force and instantly felt weak. The voice in the dark laughed like silver bell amusingly. “Don’t bother to fight. You have inhaled our Power Dissolving Dust and will lose your energy for the time being.”

Cold hands prodded him and he had no choice but to stumble through the door into a dimly lit hallway. Someone caught his hands and led him along a narrow passage that connected to staircases. Up and up, he was guided by slim figures clad alluringly in white robe. Each woman covered her face with a thin lace veil. From what De Pang could catch a hazy glimpse of his guards, they all had attractive look.

After a long ascending and some more dark passages, De Pang finally emerged into a small room where a golden basin full of hot water sat on a table. The figure closest to him pushed him toward the basin and told him to make himself more presentable. Ten minutes later, he was taken to a throne room where the Three Widows were waiting for him.

Contrast to the other areas, this room was brightly lit with torches and lanterns. De Pang could hear birds singing from faraway and realized that it was daytimes. Both sides of the hall, facing three thrones in the middle, were lined with females in red, black, and white outfits. All of them had on a white lace veil.

Sitting at the thrones were three beautiful women. The one from the left throne dressed entirely in white lace. Her long hair gently caressed her white neck and her bare shoulders, but her face was like a carved marble statue. Her eyes were icy and expressionless, and her skinned though soft and delicate was pale and cold. She took one disdain look at De Pang and closed her eyes.

Contrary to her white beauty, a woman in crimson robe from the right throne was intensively attractive. If the other were calm water, she must have been raging fire. Her raven hair was decorated with golden hairpins and De Pang could smell perfume fragrance from her body. She lowered her eyelids and stared at him for a long time before smiling charmingly. De Pang blushed automatically, and she laughed at his embarrassment. He then recognized her voice as the one who was at the cell.

De Pang took his eyes off her with difficulty toward the middle throne and faced a gorgeous woman in black. She looked mysterious and somewhat evil but intriguing and inviting at the same time. She scrutinized De Pang coldly for a moment then spoke with severe voice.

“Master De, you tried to deceive us to enter our mansion on a sly. Is this a behavior of a righteous hero from Wu Dang?” How would you explain to that?”

De Pang licked his dry lips and almost kneeled down under her compelling eyes. However, Ah Qing’s image flashed in his mind, and he became himself.

“My name is De Pang, the first brother of Wu Dang. I am here to fetch my sister-in-law back home. Because your headquarters is in secret location, I have no choice but to resort to a low trick. Please pardon me.” He straightened his back and cupped his hands, bowing at the three ladies on the thrones.

The lady in red laughed. “Eldest sister, your spell didn’t seem to work on him.” She sighed. “Ah, here goes another man in love. Why can’t we catch someone whose heart is still free?”

The lady in black turned to her sister annoyingly. “Be quiet, Wuxie.” She admonished the other and turned to De Pang again. “Hero De’s reason is acceptable. I will not punish you for sneaking in then, but the Widow Mansion is restricted to females only. We do not welcome males. You have entered our mansion; therefore, you have to remain here or die.”

De Pang was not afraid. Instead, he smiled guilelessly. “Miss is not being fair. First of all, I traveled this long journey because of your invitation. The Widow Mansion has sent people to kidnap my sister-in-law and ordered me to be here within three months. If the Widow Mansion doesn’t welcome men, why bother asking me to come personally? Secondly, the four disciples who carried my coffin knew that I was alive. Therefore, they should have either killed me or abandoned me. Why should they sneak me into the Mansion, knowing well that it is against the rule? Thirdly, since you meant to lure me from Wu Dang from the beginning, it should be me who shall demand for your explanation.”

The lady in red giggled and received another warning look from her eldest sister. The lady from the middle throne grunted. “Hero De is very clever and open. Since you kept your appointment, I will let you meet your sister-in-law. We have taken good care of her these three months. As for other matters, we can discuss them later.”

She lifted her hands to motion her disciples to take De Pang away, but he shot out a request. “Can I meet my wife too?”

The other glared at him but finally replied in cold voice. “Men are so greedy.” She waved to her sister in red. “Wuxie, you decide. After all, Ah Qing is your girl. Take care of him for me.”

She stood up and left the room. The lady in white followed her quietly, and the disciples in the room bowed down respectfully.

The woman in red stepped down from her throne and smiled flirtatiously at him. “Hero De, I admire you for your courage. You won this round.”

She grabbed his hands and pulled him through a door, passing another maze of hallways before stopping in front of a room. She nodded to two guards who bowed to her deferentially. They unlocked the door and a woman inside dashed out.

She cried upon seeing her visitor. “First brother!”

De Pang also greeted her gladly. “Ah Zhu, are you all right? Man He misses you very much. He asked me to take you back to him.”

The lady in red laughed. “We never have living men here. Moreover, no one can escape here alive. Hero De, although the Widow Mansion might be a bit small, we ladies are glad to serve you and help you pass the time.”

De Pang turned to her. “If you want to help me, please let us go. Wu Dang never does anything wrong to the Widow Mansion. Why can’t we be friends?”

The other stopped laughing. She narrowed her eyes. “I see that we have a lot to talk to each other. Follow me if you want to see your wife.” She then ordered the guards to add a security around Ah Zhu’s room. “Just in case Hero De has some funny idea.” She winked mockingly, knowing full well that De Pang had no energy left.

De Pang smiled encouragingly at Ah Zhu and said softly to her. “Don’t worry. I am here to fulfill my promise to third brother. Take care.”

He then left the room and followed his guide to another room where he was told that Ah Qing was waiting for him. “Seeing how much you love your wife, I will allow you to stay with her for now.”

The lady in red then took leave after opened pushing him into the room.

Ah Qing was there, sitting on a bed. She had changed her dress into a red outfit that De Pang saw on other disciples. She looked up with joy when he stepped forward and ran into his embrace.

“I thought we would never seen each other again.” De Pang murmured, kissing her forehead with love. He then asked her what had happened to her.

Ah Qing poured a cup of tea for him and told him of her adventure. “A lady in black grabbed me and flew through the air. I was very afraid and fainted on the way. When I came to, I saw another lady who introduced herself as the second master of this place. Her name is Wuxie. She is very beautiful and always dresses in red.”

De Pang thought inwardly that Ah Qing must have been poisoned too for she seemed different. Outwardly, he said nothing so not to frighten her. “Everything will be all right. I am here to protect you.” He heaved a sigh. He needed to restore his energy as quickly as possible. Ah Zhu and Ah Qing were waiting to be rescued.

Ah Qing smiled at him and gave him another cup of tea. “Everyone is very nice to me.” She showed him her dress. “Don’t you think it is beautiful?” De Pang nodded and yawned. “I feel very sleepy.”

Ah Qing nodded. “You are probably tired. Come here, and I will give you a massage.” She undressed him and put him to bed. Then, she gently rubbed his head. “Whatever happens, don’t forget that I am your wife.” She whispered into his ears, and De Pang sleepily echoed. “Always, Ah Qing, always.”
--------------------------
I have been reading some of Gu Long's novels lately and very impressed with his writing style. Ah, how I wish I could write like him. I love Jin Yong for his plot and characters, but I love the poetic words of Gu Long. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Thank you for reading.

[ October 09, 2002: Message edited by: Goofy ]

[Acidbeastonfire]

Hoorraayyyy....Goofy back with 2 chapters!
Blimey...about time De Pang surrender to his feelings too <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
So far so good. Not so good for my heart though as the suspense is wreaking havoc to my blood pressure.

[Goofy]

can you guess who was who among the three widows? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Acidbeastonfire]

who was who among 3 widows???
i don;t get you.
<IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> now i'm really losing all my hair from scratching my head!
Anyway, i think the widow in black is the most dangerous & evil. Although the one in red displays her viciousness often, i feel its more out of her playful nature & her desire for attention.

[Goofy]

I rewrote the song in chapter 13. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Chapter 14
The Three Widows

Character List (not in any particular order):
De Pang (Liu Kai Chi)
Ah Qing (Au Yeung Pui San)
Hua Bingzhu (Mariane Chan Miu Ying)
Hua Wuxie (Angie Cheung Wai Yi)
Hua Xue-she (Carmen Lee Yuek Tung)
Tian Xin-er (Vivian Leung Siu Bing)
Shu Qiuyang (Deric Wan Siu Lan)
Ke Jing (Julian Cheung Chi Lam)
Miao Li (Jackie Lui Chung Yin)

Night came then morning followed. Sun had set and risen. The sleeping pill had done its work, and De Pang woke up to find himself in an unfamiliar room. For a moment, he was puzzled then remembered everything. Quietly, he got up and picked up his clothes that folded neatly on a chair. Nearby them was a set of female clothing belonging to his wife, Ah Qing. At the present, she was not in the room.

De Pang fingered Ah Qing’s old dress fondly and reminisced of their wedding night. He had told her that he intended to buy a present to her as soon as they got back to Wu Dang. “I had a jade pendant that was the only heirloom from my family. Too bad that I have lost it. Oherwise, I would have given it to you as my wedding gift to you.”

Ah Qing had said to him lovingly. “Your love is the best present you could ever give to me. I don’t want anything else.”

He also remembered commenting her that she looked good in blue. He sighed at the thought of her new image. “Ah Qing, I have to help you from this place. You don’t belong here.” He promised to himself and tried circulating his inner power. To his delight, he was able to revive his energy about almost sixty percents. “So the tea was just to put me to sleep, not a poison.” Then he felt ashamed. “Ah Qing would never poison me. She is my wife and I should trust her.”

Nevertheless, he was more alert after that although he acted calmly outwardly. Everyday, he would meet the same lady in red, for a short chat. Topics were usually about the outside world. Although the other tried to avoid talking about the Widow Mansion, it was inevitable that she would let her inner thought slip from her mouth from times to times especially when her listener was a rare guest – a male among females. When one had something in one’s mind, it was not easy to keep it a secret. When one fed up with talking with same people every day, one would of course be happy when met new face and all the more jubilant when that new guest was of the opposite gender.

A thirsty traveler could not realize how thirsty he was until he had a drink. One could not tell how hungry he was until he saw food in front of him. On the same line, a woman would never realize that how much she had missed male companion until she met one after so many lonely years.

Women and men needed one another like flowers and butterflies or like rain and spring season. Eventhough flowers had the most alluring fragrance or the most colorful petals, they would only bloom without use and wither in loneliness if no one paid attention to it. Conversely, butterflies could also not live without the honey from flowers and their lives would be empty without flitting among beautiful blossoms.

On the same token, when spring came, rain was expected. Without spring, snow would not melt, and farmers could not plant. Without rain, seeds would not grow and farmers could not harvest. Spring without rain caused droughts and famine, and rain out of season could produce flood and other disasters.

Likewise, although the lady in red realized that De Pang’s heart had no room for her, having him as a daily conversationalist was certainly better than her dreary days where no men existed. A wise man said love was immortal but friendship never died. Between her and De Pang, even she wanted him, she knew that it would be wiser of her to just be his friend. Good friends had to be honest to one another; therefore, even if she did not mean to, she had to tell a few things about herself and the Widow Mansion to him.

Together with additional information De Pang got from Ah Qing, he understood somewhat of structure of this mysterious clan.

The Widow Mansion composed of three divisions under leadership of three sisters known as the Three Widows. Subordinates of each branch dressed accordingly to their master’s favorite color. The Ice Division was led by the eldest sister, the lady from the middle throne, Hua Bingzhu. Its color was black. The lady in red that was the friendliest to De Pang was the second sister. Her name was Hua Wuxie; her division was called Mist. The last division was Snow and was controlled by the youngest sister named Hua Xue-she who always wore white. So far, she seemed the mysterious and coldest among the three sisters. Even Hua Wuxie admitted to De Pang that she was a bit afraid of her younger sister.

“We widows here have once lost our loved ones; we all have passed some life tragedies that we no longer wished to remain in the outside world. But, Xue-she is different. She never marries and has no sorrowful background. She only followed my sister and I to this cult because she does not like men and does not wish to be near them. She is not a widow, but she behaves as if she were one. For this, she was allowed to be one of us. I am her blood sister, but I never understand her. Even my fierce older sister is more preditctable than she is. Many times, I thought she was merely a spirit for she was so cold and expressionless. I don’t remember hearing her say the word ‘love’ even once.” Hua Wuxie sighed and looked coyly at the man in front of her.

De Pang could only smile gently. He was used to her gregarious manner by now. In fact, this maiden was delicate as a cherry blossom despite her outer appearance. She was actually ice under fire, a lady underneath a playgirl image. Being a beautiful woman among other good-looking women, one would certainly wish to stand out and be noticed at first glance. Since she could not be the most handsome widow, she could present herself as the most charming one.

One day, he asked her. “Would miss explain to me the real purpose behind my being kept here?” Of course, he knew that he could have been poisoned to death anytime. The Widow Mansion was known of poisoning, and however he was careful, he still had to eat, drink, and breathe. Food and water were handled by Ah Qing, and air belonged to the Widow Mansion. With only a dose of mildest poison, De Pang would end up a corpse because he had lost his energy again. Somehow, he had been poisoned with ‘Energy Absolving Powder’ during his attempt to regain his inner strength.

If the Three Widows wanted to kill him, why let him live to these days? If they meant him no harm, why used Ah Zhu’s life to threaten him?

Hua Wuxie laughed like a silver bell. “Your room has no lock. With your martial arts, you would have no problems leaving here a thousand times. Why did you say that we keep you here? We merely want to befriend Wu Dang and invite you and your wife as our guests because we think that the desert out there is not a proper bridal chamber for the newlyweds. Madam Man is also here to prepare a place for you, as she knows your taste the best. You are free to go anytime. Only we would feel bad not be able to please you.”

De Pang spoke grimly. “I take you as my only friend here because I feel that you are earnest to me. However, your reply disappointed me. Why pretended ignorance when you know too well that I am now a weak man, not even able to kill a chicken. Therefore, how could I leave here with my sister-in-law and my wife that was totally under your thumb?”

Hua Wuxie blushed slightly but remained cheeful. “That means Hero De doesn’t understand women. Men choose friends over families but women choose families over friends. I am honored to know such a hero like you. I truly admire and respect you. But, I also have obligations to my sisters and my clan. First sister handles all affairs of the Widow Mansion, and I don’t dare to upset her plan. At the same time, because I regard you as my friend, I can only give you a comfortable life during your stay here. This is the best I can do. If Hero De would listen to me, I guarantee with my life that Madam He and you will be released at the end of three-month time and can leave this place unscratched. During this time, please think that you are on honeymoon. I am willing to do everything to make you two happy.”

De Pang’s face softened. He heaved a sad sigh. “Everything but an antidote. Miss Hua is right. I really don’t understand women. Otherwise, how come I could not talk sense into Ah Qing’s head?”

Hua Wuxie smiled dryly. “Ah Qing is lucky to have a husband like you. Too bad that she has entered our ceremony. Once a ‘widow’ is always a ‘widow’. Even if she marries a hundred times, she will still belong to the Widow Mansion.”

Guilt flooded De Pang’s heart. “I caused her to be like this. I am a lousy husband.” He cried with pale face. If he had had inner force, he would have killed himself with his palm long time ago. The morning that he had woken up in Ah Qing’s room, he had told her that he would take her away as soon as possible. To his surprise, Ah Qing refused to go with him. She said with tears that she had become one of the ‘widows’; therefore, she had to remain in the Mansion. At first, De Pang thought that she was under influence of some drug and was threatened to stay but soon found that she was bound with the Widow Mansion by an inexplicable thread. He had argued and reasoned with her, but his love could not even alter her mind or loyalty. She was no longer his sweet loving wife but a faithful disciple of the Mist Division.

De Pang was shocked and grieved with her sudden sudden change but was unable to do anything. Added to that, he realized that his own wife was the one who poisoned him twice, and no doubt, she did that according to her mistress’ order, or the other word, by command of Hua Wuxie’s.

However, he said nothing to the two women – for the sake of love and friendship maybe? Or could that be because he did not trust them? Whichever it was, his first priority was to find a way out of the Widow Mansion with both Ah Zhu and Ah Qing. One was his sister-in-law, and another was his wife. He had a duty to protect them at all costs.

De Pang sighed and poured wine into his cup then took a sip. He then exclaimed. “Hmm, excellent wine. Even if it contains poison, it is still worth to drink.” He drank up the wine and returned to his room. Ah Qing was there, waiting for him to have a meal with her. De Pang hummed a song softly and sat down next to her. Next, he lifted a wine cup that was next to his chopsticks and put it to his lips.

“Good wine should not be wasted. I cannot refuse to drink what my wife gave me.” He chuckled; his eyes were bright. Ah Qing reddened but waited until he put down the empty cup before picking up her chopsticks and inviting him to eat.

Afterward, the couple went to a garden for a walk. No guard followed them. When he could not fight, why the need to worry that he would escape? De Pang held Ah Qing’s hands and leisurely strolled around flowerbeds.

“Ah Qing, tonight is the fullmoon. We have been married a month already. Ah, time is long but one’s lifespan is short. Within a blink of an eye, a month passes and another year will soon come. How longer can we be this happy? Ah Qing, I want you to know that I am glad to have you as my wife.” He looked into her starry eyes and hugged her gently.

Ah Qing sobbed silently to his chest. “Dearest, I am not worthy of you. I am not a good wife. I…I help them hurt you…”

De Pang touched her lips with his fingers. He whispered softly. “Hush, my love. I never blame you and I am not angry with you. This is my fate, and I am ready to face what may come. I am only sorry that you were pulled into this web unintentionally. I am the one who wronged you.”

Ah Qing’s eyes were full of tears. “Not at all. A wife should go through thick and thin along with her husband. I am here because I wanted to. Whatever happens, please remember that my love for you is true.” What else the pair needed to say? When one’s heart was full of love, there was no room left for anything else. No excuses or apologies were necessary because there was simply nothing to forgive.

Ah Qing slept like a child in De Pang’s arms that night, while he pondered many things. At last, he yawned and kissed her forehead lovingly before closing his eyes too.

In a throne room, three sisters were talking about them. The youngest maiden wondered why her sisters would not get rid of the man, while the one in red tried to persuade the others to release him.

Hua Wuxie suggested. “Why can’t we let them leave? Isn’t it better to be Wu Dang’s friend than its enemy? After all, we still have Ah Qing…”

Her eldest sister replied softly. “He is a man, and no male is allowed to leave here alive.”

Hua Xue-she contradicted her sister in low voice. “First sister must have forgot the elder that came here six months ago. He entered our Mansion but left here safe and sound.” Her marble skin was almost as white as her dress was, and her eyes were as cold as ice.

Hua Bingzhu threw an irritate glance at her youngest sister but did not answer. Hua Wuxie exclaimed, “a man? How come you didn’t tell me about him?” She questioned her elder sister suspiciously, and Hua Bingzhu avoided her eyes.

“Wuxie, he is an old man, nothing interesting.” Xue-she looked at Bingzhu. “I don’t want to take parts in this plan of yours, but I want you to be careful. Men should not be trusted, and that elder looked like a sly fox to me.” She then floated out of the room.

Bingzhu snorted and turned to her second sister. “Wuxie, that man was an important elder of the former Persian Ming Cult. He has promised to teach us the topmost martial art and elect Xue-she as a new cult leader once it is restored. If he succeeds, our Widow Mansion would stand side by side with Emei and Wu Dang. We would no longer be called ‘heretic sect’ or ‘evil cult’. All we have to do is to keep De Pang here for three months. Don’t you think that it is a good business for us?”

Wuxie stared at her long nail absentmindedly. “I think gold is a right color for my nail, what do you think?” She sighed. “Bingzhu, no matter what happens, Xue-she and I will always stay behind you, but I would rather we isolate ourselves from outer affairs. Men are dangerous species. They have no qualm in stepping over our heads for their goals. I only want you to promise me not to harm De Pang and Ah Qing. I cannot have love in this lifetime, but Ah Qing can. I don’t want her to get hurt.”

Bingzhu smiled at her sister. “You are always this considerate for your disciples. Don’t worry. I will not kill him. As for Ah Qing, she knows what to do.”

Wuxie shook her head. “I should have known better to let you have her. Take care of yourself.”

She too left her sister. Alone in the room, Hua Bingzhu walked to her throne and sat there, thinking about the bright future of the Widow Mansion. Strangely, she felt no elation. Instead, she had a premonition. “Was I too hasty?” She questioned herself. It was too late now to be sorry.

She was now like riding on a tiger, impossible to get down without being torn in two. That old man had very high martial arts, and it would be unwise to break a promise with him.

It was destiny and she had to follow it. She stood up slowly and walked down gracefully from the throne to the door. ‘I have to glorify the name of the Widow Mansion.’ She decided.

Faraway in Beiping, a masked man was fighting with Tian Xin-er and Ke Jing. Miao Li was inside the room with Shu Qiuyang as Tian Xin-er had ordered. In order not to arouse everyone in the inn, Ke Jing and she used light kung fu and led the masked man to a wooded area behind the inn. There, they attacked the night visitor at the same time, intending to catch him this time. Ke Jing used palms and Tian Xin-er used a dry twig as weapons. Both youngsters showed all they had because they learned from experience of how dangerous their opponent could be. To their surprise, this masked man in blue robe was no longer ferocious. His martial skills still were as excellent as ever, but they lacked violence. His weapon this time was a sword. Although his thrusts were lethal, they had no killing intent. He used only half his strength and focused more on avoiding the coming weapons.

Therefore, in twenty moves, the two managed to injure the opponent. Ke Jing hit squarely at the other’s shoulder, and almost at the same time, Tian Xin-er stabbed forth at the masked man’s left side. At that point, the stranger swept the air with his sword and disappeared into a cloud of dust as whirlwind gathered. Turned out that Tian Xin-er and Ke Jing also reduced their force at the last move and unconsciously let the opponent escape. Neither of them regretted their actions. They did not want to win unfairly.

Ke Jing and Tian Xin-er did not attempt to follow him. They knew that it was useless. Besides, he had left a puzzle for them to think about. Both had the same question. Who was that masked man?

Quietly, they returned to the inn where Miao Li and Shu Qiuyang were waiting anxiously. Miao Li expressed his regrets that he wished his martial arts were better so that he could help Tian Xin-er fight against the stranger.

“I try to recall what I did at the duel with brother Ke that night but cannot remember the stance. That time, it was just a fluke.” He sighed in earnest, and Tian Xin-er began to doubt herself. Miao Li seemed innocent enough. As for Shu Qiuyang, he had recovered, but his sword skills were far below those of the person she had encountered. Could it mean that both Miao Li and Shu Qiuyang were not the masked man in blue then? Therefore, she was wrong from the beginning.

Ke Jing must have the same feeling for he uttered no words since his return. His eyebrows furrowed in deep concentrations, and nobody dared to disturb him.

Shu Qiuyang who was usually the quiet one became the most talkative person that night. He gave his opinion that this midnight stranger must be Minister Chen’s murderer. “He saw sister Tian with the officer that day and was afraid that she would tell the policemen about him. Hmm, he seems to want all of us dead. I wonder why?”

Tian Xin-er went to sleep that night with heavy heart. Her enemy hid in the shadow, and she was in the light. How could she find him? What did he really want from her? Where were Shu Xiayue and the rest? Would she meet them again?

For now, her questions had no answers. Fate was waiting patiently for the right time to reveal everything.
--------------------
thank you for reading.

[Goofy]

These last two chapters are rough drafts. Sorry for any mistakes. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/redface.gif" border="0">

Chapter 15
No Name

Character List (not in any particular order):
Tian Xin-er (Vivian Leung Siu Bing)
Shu Qiuyang (Deric Wan Siu Lan)
Ke Jing (Julian Cheung Chi Lam)
Miao Li (Jackie Lui Chung Yin)
Huang Yitao (Felix Wong Yat Wah)
Jiaping (Fiona Leung Ngai Ling)
Shu Xiayue (Maggie Siu Mei Kei)

Jiaping and Shu Xiayue were getting excited as they approached the capital. Jiaping was also afraid that she would be recognized. However, Shu Xiayue was confident. “Nobody has ever detected my disguise yet. Even your own father would not recognize you in this form.”

Jiaping sighed with relief. She relaxed then came up with a new question. “Where is Huang Yitao? Do you think he has lost us and gave up the chase?”

Shu Xiayue was wondering the same thing. She rubbed her pox marks annoyingly and pretended to be indifferent. “Who care? He cannot be a gentleman as he has claimed if he does not follow us. I shall call him a turtle then.” Nevertheless, she looked out of the carriage window often, hoping for a sight of the man she thought of all the time.

Although outwardly she announced calmly to Jiaping that she did not care, her heart was full of turmoil. What if Huang Yitao was too angry at her pranks? She bit her lips hard; in her mind, only one name existed – Huang Yitao. Where were you?

Nobody could ever guess where Huang Yitao was or what he was doing for even Huang Yitao himself hardly realized what had happened. At that moment, he was carried inside a big bamboo basket at one end of a long staff. Another basket at the other end contained many kilograms of peaches, oranges, and bananas. The carrier was an old fat man with a pink face; he was shouting a song loudly while running speedily uphill. The two heavy containers swung dangerously on either side of the bamboo pole that rested on his shoulder. In spite of the loads, the old man skipped cheerfully as if they were feathers.

When he reached a waterfall, he stooped down and took a drink. Next, he waded in water, looking for fish. In a short time, he caught several fish with bare hands. Then, he built a fire and cooked the fish; all this time, he still carried the two bamboo baskets and the rod. After the fish were done, he ate them with good appetize. In the middle of the meal, he brought morsels of fish to one basket where he had put Huang Yitao in. With a big grin, he spoke to the younger man.

“I will release your pressure points so that you can eat. So, be a good boy.”

He then hit at the other’s shoulder a few times, and Huang Yitao suddenly found that he could move his hands. Meekly, he received his share of food and started eating. After he was done, he motioned to the old man that he needed to do a private business. The old man chuckled and unsealed the other’s pressure points for the legs. “Don’t think of running away, my good apprentice.” He warned.

Huang Yitao felt his circulation work as normal, so he stepped out of the basket, heading toward a grove of trees. As soon as he was out of the other’s sight, he flew away as quickly as he could with his light kung fu. After an hour of running, he came to stop under a tree. Unexpectedly, the jolly old man had already sat there as if waiting for him to catch up.

“Exercise after a meal helps keep you in a good shape so that you won’t end up fat like me. That is a good idea indeed. Ha-ha.” The old man said while reaching out. Huang Yitao immediately turned around and sprinted away but felt his body being pulled back by strong force. In the next minute, he was under the other’s big hands.

Right then, the old man’s eyes twinkled at a new idea. “A long run probably made you hot. I will cool you down.” He grabbed the other’s shoulders tightly and leaped into the air. Within fifteen minutes, he had arrived back at the waterfall. Huang Yitao could only sigh with despair inwardly. ‘I am not his match in any way. I can never get away from this strange man.’ He had never felt so helpless like this before.

The old man dumped Huang Yitao on the ground, tied the young man with long vine, and threw him into the pool of waterfall. With one hand held the other end of the vine, this strange old man pulled his victim up from the water then dipped him back down again repeatedly. At last, he became bored and pulled Huang Yitao out of the water. Suddenly, he turned hospitable and busily made a fire for the soaking young man. He also unsealed the other’s mute point.

The fire warmed Huang Yitao degree by degree. His outer clothes draping on sticks around the fire were also drying. His outer needs were taken care of, but his inner thoughts were in confusion. Even he could speak now; he did not know where to start.

This morning, while he was chasing after a coach, an old man with white beard suddenly appeared in front of him. The stranger took one look at him and nodded approvingly. Without a word, he expertly sealed the other’s pressure points like lightning and shoved the immovable young man into his bamboo basket.

The old man glanced at the other and spoke softly. “If you want to scold me, I won’t be angry at all.”

When the other was still silent, he became anxious. “Hope you didn’t turn mute just from a shock.” He murmured while checking Huang Yitao’s pulse. Then, he sighed with relief.

“Hmm, you must be furious at me then.” He made an observation and smiled guilelessly at the other. “Don’t be mad. My good apprentice, that was just your first lesson to improve your inner strength.”

To prove his point, he put his palms on Huang Yitao’s back and opened five important points to let energy circulate continuously. Huang Yitao immediately felt warm force enter his body and spread throughout different channels. When he tried basic breathing exercise, he found that his body seemed lighter, and he felt more refreshed and stronger. He then realized that the strange old man had transferred energy into him.

Although Huang Yitao was puzzled at the other’s strange behavior, out of habits he cupped his hands politely at his elder. “Elder, thank you for taking me to another level of inner strength, but I have an urgent business to take care of. Please let me leave, and I will be greatly appreciated.”

The old man’s smile instantly disappeared. He dropped to the ground and kicked up his feet, crying like a spoiled child. “Why are you so cruel to abandon your mentor so soon?” Tears flowed endlessly down his pink cheeks. It was really a funny and rare sight. However, Huang Yitao did not even smile. Instead, he gently helped the old man up. To his astonishment, the old man suddenly laughed and Huang Yitao found that his pressure points had been sealed once more.

Huang Yitao shouted out lividly. “Elder, don’t you feel ashame resorting to this dirty trick? It is not very dignified for a person your age.”

The old man replied good-humoredly; he was grinning again. “First of all, I am not dignified. Secondly, I just want to have fun. Thirdly, with or without trick, you can never get away from me.”

At that point, Huang Yitao was certain that he was facing a mad man, but he tried for the last time. “Elder, I was looking for two friends of mine who were traveling to Beiping. They were ladies without martial arts, and they need my protections.”

The old man widened his eyes and exhaled with relief. “Then, I rescued you in time. Believe me, all women are small devils and you’d better get away from them.” He shuddered with a frightful thought. “What a luck that I found you first!”

Huang Yitao was desperate but what more could he say to this crazy man? After a while, he asked, “where are we?”

The old man replied. “We are now outside the Great Walls. We are not far from my cottage.” He surveyed the other proudly. “You look just like I at young age – smart, handsome, and talented.”

It might seem that he was admiring Huang Yitao, but in fact, he was praising himself. However, Huang Yitao did not hear the last sentence for he was stunned upon learning that he had been carried this far. “That means we have passed Beiping already.” He muttered. His throat was dry with apprehension. All his life, he had always been a brave man, ready to face any danger. However, today, he couldn’t help feeling intimidated by this unpredictable old man with strange kung fu. He feared for the safety of the two maidens who were alone on the road, and he was worried that he would not be able to help them in the time of need.

The old man noticed anxiety on the other’s face and misinterpreted it. “I know you are afraid that you might not live up to my expectations, but that’s all right. The world cannot have two geniuses at the same time. If only you could learn at least half from me, you will be a good enough apprentice.”

Huang Yitao couldn’t help arguing. “I am a student of Sword South School, so I cannot be your apprentice.”

The old man grunted annoyingly. “Hmm, I don’t remember that I was this stubborn. Anyhow, even if you don’t want to, I will make you, so there! I have waited all my life for a right apprentice, so I won’t let you go away easily. From now on, you no longer belong to Sword South School.” He announced gleefully.

Huang Yitao gritted his teeth. “Entering the School for one day is the Sword South School’s student for the rest of one’s life. I’d rather die than renounce my school.” He tried to bite his tongue.

The old man immediately grabbed the other’s mouth and opened it widely. “Ah! Young man, no need to be so hasty. You cannot die. You cannot die.” He was clearly agitated while consoling Huang Yitao.

“There, there. Don’t mind me. I was just teasing. I like to make jokes. Of course, you are still the Sword South School’s student. Don’t die yet. You cannot die. I won’t know how to restore your life because I am not my brother. Promise me not to die.” He pressed Huang Yitao’s head, making him nod once. Then he smiled with joy.

“Now that you have promised, you cannot kill yourself. I know you would keep your words.” He let go the other’s mouth but still watched over the younger man warily, ready for any further attempt.

Huang Yitao did not know if he should laugh or cry in this situation. The only person he missed the most just then was his sworn sister, Tian Xin-er. ‘She is very clever, and she would know how to handle this old man.’ He heaved a sigh.

The two men were quiet for a moment. Then Huang Yitao suddenly asked the other.

“Elder, may I have your name?”

“No Name.”

Huang Yitao became curious. “Don’t you have a name?”

The old man thought for a long time before repeating his reply. “That is my only name – No Name.”

“No Name – can a person have that kind of name?” Huang Yitao wondered. “Does Elder have any family?” He thought that he might get some clues about the other’s identity.

The old man paced back and forth thoughtfully then reluctantly answered. “I have a brother, but I have sworn not to meet him again. So, I cannot tell you who he is because you will lead him to me then.” He felt proud that he could foresee the other’s trick.

Huang Yitao could not help but smile at the other’s silliness. “So, Elder has a brother. Why did you refuse to see him? Were you in argument with him?”

The old man shook his head. “No, we got along very well. But my brother has married to a fierce woman. I can’t even bear to think of her.” He was truly afraid of his sister-in-law. “I cannot meet my brother because I don’t want to see her. Women are little devils. Remember to avoid them as best as you can.” He taught the younger man kindly.

Huang Yitao thought of Shu Xiayue and her prank and grinned unconsciously. “Yes, some women are devilish but some are very sweet.” Lu Tingli’s image flashed in his mind and he heaved a sigh. “Too bad that I am not that luckly.”

The old man did not understand what the other meant but clapped his hands in agreement. “There are some nice women, but they are rare like a needle in a haystack. I pity my brother very much.” He wiped his tears in sincerity and placed Huang Yitao into his bamboo basket. Then, he took up the pole and continued his journey. “I will take you to my mud cottage so that you will be safe from the hands of those women.”

Like wind, he flew passed forests and shrubberies and stopped in front of a large mud lake. There, he pointed at a small island in the middle of the lake. “Our house is on that island.”

He then jumped into the lake. Huang Yitao at first thought that they would all sink into the water, but amazingly, the old man was gliding over the lake surface as if he was walking on a solid ground. Huang Yitao could not help commending on the other’s high light kung fu skill. The old man grinned with pleasure at the younger man’s flattering words.

“If you want to learn, I will teach you how.” He spoke magnanimously.

In a few minutes, he arrived at the island. With one graceful leap, he was at the threshold of his cottage. Finally, he released Huang Yitao. “Be careful on where you walk for the area has a lot of mud holes.” He threw an orange to one seemingly solid spot, and the fruit was suddenly swallowed into a mud pool like a hungry beast lying in wait for its preys.

He then entered the cottage, and Huang Yitao had no choice but to follow him inside.

Shu Xiayue was looking out of the carriage window when she detected a tall figure in blue robe lying on the road. ‘Ah Yu,’ she thought and immediately signaled the driver to let Jiaping and her get off.

It was indeed Ah Yu with animal skin mask stained with blood. His side had a deep cut where blood was gushing out. At that moment, he was unconscious.

Jiaping cried in distress upon seeing his condition, but Shu Xiayue was calmer than she was. “We need to get him out of the road first.” Together, they half-carried, half-dragged the masked man into a wooded area. While Jiaping was trying to stop the bloodflow, Shu Xiayue wandered out to find some water.

At that moment, Ah Yu was raving. “Chang-er, where are you?”

A soft hand held him, and he smiled in his delirium. “Chang-er, you have come.”
--------------------------------
Thank you for reading.

[ October 16, 2002: Message edited by: Goofy ]

[ October 18, 2002: Message edited by: Goofy ]

[Goofy]

Chapter 16
Greeting and Farewell

Character List (not in any particular order):
Tian Xin-er (Vivian Leung Siu Bing)
Shu Qiuyang (Deric Wan Siu Lan)
Ke Jing (Julian Cheung Chi Lam)
Miao Li (Jackie Lui Chung Yin)
Jiaping (Fiona Leung Ngai Ling)
Shu Xiayue (Maggie Siu Mei Kei)

Ah Yue opened his eyes to see Jiaping’s concerned face. He smiled at her weakly, and she shouted to Shu Xiayue joyously. “Xiayue, he woke up!”

“Where am I?” Ah Yu asked; the pain at his left side had significantly decreased. He guessed that the two maidens must have done something to his wound.

Jiaping replied happily. “We are at an old barn. Xiayue wanted to take you to a village to see a docor but I know that you would not wish that. Good thing that she knows how to take care of the wound.” She had taken off her disguise especially for Ah Yu. Who would not want to look the best for their loved one?

Ah Yu could smell herbal medicine. He could almost see a pot brewing herbs on a fire. He gazed at the woman in front of him. Her face was pale, and her eyes were red from lack of sleep. A tress of hair fell into her eyes, and Ah Yu gently brushed it to the side.

“You two must be very tired because of me. Thank you.” He spoke gratefully, and Jiaping blushed at his tender gaze. “Huh, it was my pleasure. You have done the same thing for me before.”

Shu Xiayue appeared then with a bowl of medicine. “Yes, I remember that you have given me very bitter herb to drink. Now, it is your turn.” She joked; her eyes danced lively.

Ah Yu smiled and meekly drank up the black liquid. Then, he licked his lips. “Hmm, it tastes all right.” He looked so sincere that Jiaping could not help laughing.

Shu Xiayue threw him an incredible look. “You actually like that bitter ink?” She shrugged then turned grave. “The person who wounded you must be a good swordsman. If your opponent had stabbed you a little bit higher and harder, you would not have been alive by now.”

Although she did not know martial arts, having seen her cousin, Shu Qiuyang, practiced sword technique since young, she came to understand principles of attack and counterattack. Moreover, she had learned to take care of wounds from the accidents during the training.

Ah Yu thought of that beautiful maiden’s sword skills. If she had used the real sword and did not purposely lessen her force, he would have indeed become a dead man. It was an eye opening for him to witness such an aesthetic and powerful sword display. He smiled ruefully then changed the topic.

“I have found your friends when I was in Beiping. A young woman named Tian Xin-er and a young man named Shu Qiuyang are staying at an inn on the Lotus Street. I meant to come back to tell you about them.”

In an excitement, Shu Xiayue forgot to question him about the cause of his injury. She exclaimed jubilantly, glad that her cousin was alive. She shook Jiaping’s hands a few times.

“Everyone was all right. I am so glad.” Her tongue was quicker than her brain. “We have to see them right away before we lose them again.” Then she remembered Ah Yu. “Oops, I am sorry. Ah Yu should not be moving for a while.”

Ah Yu chuckled good-naturedly. “Not at all. I have traveled all this way because I want to take you two and Master Huang to them. We should be hurry too because I don’t know how long they plan to stay at that inn.” After his attack, he would not be surprised if they would move to somewhere else.

He looked around for Huang Yitao. “Where is Master Huang?” He asked and Shu Xiayue’s eyes clouded.

Jiaping was the one who answered for her. “We don’t know. We got separated on the road, but if we calculate right, he should be somewhere behind us.”

Ah Yu nodded. “Then, the first thing to do right now is to go to Beiping as fast as possible. Then, I will find Master Huang for you.” He did not plan to meet Tian Xin-er and friends. He was too ashame to meet them. Besides, he had to keep his secret. He intended to ask the two women not to mention about him in front of their friends.

Jiaping shook her head. “No, the first thing YOU should do is to rest.” Her tone was decisive, and Ah Yu instantly recalled another face. ‘If only Chang-er would care for me like Jiaping did…” He sighed.

Shu Xiayue agreed. “Yes, you obviously are in no condition to go anywhere today. What you need is sleep, otherwise Jiaping would not take a rest, and at the end, we will have two sick people instead of one.”

Jiaping turned crimson from her friend’s tease. Of course, Ah Yu did not understand the hidden meaning, but he could not deny that he really was too weak to attempt a trip at the moment. His external wound was his least concern at the present. What the two maidens did not know was his internal injury from Ke Jing’s palm that drained strength out of him.

Together, Tian Xin-er and Ke Jing made up a formiddable team that he could not overlook in the future. Ah Yu told himself that he had to be more careful the next time he encountered them.

Jiaping did not wait for his answer. She covered him with a blanket and told him to close his eyes. Lulled by her soft voice, Ah Yu obeyed her sleepily. He felt a white hand gently touched his forehead, checking his temperature before withdrawing. In the dreamland, Chang-er was at his side, whispering to him, “I’m here, Ah Yu.”

Early next morning, Ah Yu woke up, feeling more refreshed. He sat up and started meditating, circulating his energy to heal his internal body. Hours passed, and Jiaping who was dozing nearby began to stir. Ah Yu then opened his eyes and breathed in and out slowly. He felt much better and decided to do some exercise.

Noiselessly, he went outside and practiced his sword stances. Unhurriedly, he gracefully displayed each move. It was as if time had stopped, and the surrounding had become one with his body. Although he did not put in any inner strength, and he used only a bunch of tall grass as his sword, the stances were nevertheless spectacular and powerful in themselves.

After the last move, Ah Yu looked at the grass in his hand. Its green blades somehow had withered and become brown. Ah Yu let go of the dead grass and sighed remorsefully. “To achieve the stage of sword and body become one is not easy. When one’s heart is full of troubles, it has no room for the sword spirit to enter. Hopefully, I can reach the point where the grass would stay green in my hand some day.”

He turned around and saw Jiaping behind a tree. “Good morning.” He greeted her with a wide grin.

Jiaping blushed. She wondered if he knew that she had been quietly watching him this past hour. She shyly returned the greeting and inquired after his health.

Ah Yu nodded. “Thanks to Miss Shu’s wonderful medicine, I am much better now.” He continued. “I am thinking of taking you two to Beiping today.” Jiaping was about to protest, but Ah Yu waved his hands at her. “Don’t worry about me. I can travel all right. By the way, I am starving. Do you have anything for me to eat?” He knew that hunger was a good proof of healthiness, and as he had expected, Jiaping smiled happily.

“Sure, I have some buns in my bag. Come into the barn and I will give them to you.” She eagerly went back to her bundle and searched for the dry food.

While Ah Yu was eating, she tried to wake up the sleepy Shu Xiayue. “Xiayue, Ah Yu said that we are going to the capital today. Sleepy head, get up!”

Shu Xiayue finally got up and yawned. She grumbled. “Hmm, I have ached my back boiling medicine for your man all day, and what I got is a lost of my beautiful sleep.”

However, she obediently got ready for the journey after being reassured that Ah Yu had regained his health. “You must have strong kung fu. Qiuyang used to tell me that the higher energy a person has, the faster he can recover from injury.” She made a comment, and Ah Yu smiled modestly.

“I would put all merits in your good medicine.” He said, and Shu Xiayue beamed satisfactorily.

“I have no martial arts, so I need to learn a thing or two to help my cousin.”

Jiaping looked at her soft hands. She suddenly felt useless. “I don’t know anything.” She confessed forlornly.

Ah Yu turned to her and spoke consolingly. “That is not true. You can play a flute beautifully.” He reached in his pocket and brought out a wooden flute. “I bought this for you in town because the one I had made for you at my cottage was not so good.”

Jiaping’s face lit up. Her heart fluttered. “You still remember that I wanted it.” Back at her tribe, she had been pampered and presented with all riches that her parents could find for her, but she had never felt so pleased like this time before. This cheap wooden flute would be her treasure that could not be bought with any amount of gold.

During her stay at Ah Yu’s cottage, Ah Yu had fashioned a rough flute for her upon discovering that she liked to sing and play music. Most of her tunes described the vastness of the grassland and the life in her tribe, and he often tapped his feet along with the lovely music while working around the hut.

Jiaping smiled upon recalling the happy time, and Ah Yu smiled. He also remembered the tunes that Jiaping had played for him. “I miss hearing your songs, Jiaping.” He looked at her tenderly, and Jiaping almost choke with bubbles of happiness. Then a name entered her mind, and those bubbles suddenly broke. Her delightful world turned sour when she recalled that Ah Yu kept calling her ‘Chang-er’.

“Thank you for the flute.” She curtsied slightly and walked away.

Shu Xiayue rolled her eyes at Ah Yu. “She is angry at you for taking her as another girl. Who is this Chang-er? You were calling her name all night.”

Ah Yu turned pink. “She is my mentor’s granddaughter. We have been friends since childhood and only a friend I had before I met you people.”

Shu Xiayue nodded wisely. “You don’t seem too thickheaded beyond help like someone I know, so I will give you a good advice. Don’t mention her name in front of Jiaping because it is plain rude to think of other women when you are with someone else. And you should be extraly nice to her for she cares about you.”

Ah Yu was puzzled. “You two are my friends, so of course I will be very nice to both of you.”

Shu Xiayue threw her hands up desperately and sighed loudly. “Men are all alike – so stupid and useless.” She marched after Jiaping, and Ah Yu followed her confusingly.

They could travel fast because they had found some wild horses on the way. Turned out that Jiaping knew how to tame horses since she had practically grew up with finest breed of steeds. Glad to be of help, she caught two horses and gave one to Ah Yu while riding on another with Shu Xiayue. Ah Yu who had lived in wilderness all his life was also fond with animals. It took him only a short time to tame his ride.

Nonetheless, Jiaping insisted that the group took a rest often so not to tire out Ah Yu. Therefore, it took them almost three days to reach Beiping. At the city gate, Ah Yu stoppped and pointed to a road that would lead his friends to the inn where Tian Xin-er was staying.

“A terrible crime has taken place in the city recently, so the guards are more strict with people passing the gate. I look different, so I might attract the guards thus bring troubles to you. I will wait till tonight and meet you at the inn then whether you would meet your friends or not.”

Ah Yu explained to the two maidens and instructed them again not to mention about him to their friends. “I am not convenient to meet them just yet.” He then departed.

Shu Xiayue and Jiaping waited until he had gone from their sights then turned around and faced the gate. “Beiping, here we come.” Shu Xiayue announced and led Jiaping to join a throng of people at the gate.

By then, Jiaping had put on her disguise again. As two old ladies, both young women passed the soldiers easily. As Jiaping had expected, her portrait was all over the town although her disappearance was no longer a fresh topic for it was overshadowed by the massacre that happened a week ago.

At the inn, Tian Xin-er was pondering about the masked man when Miao Li approached her without sound. He coughed a few times, and she looked up with surprise. Then her heart skipped upon Miao Li’s entrancing smile. His dark eyes mesmerised her for a moment, and she blushed unknowingly.

“Brother Miao,” she greeted.

Miao Li bowed gracefully. Tian Xin-er could not help noticing that he had a good poise, more like a young master than a mere scholar. “Sister Tian, I have something for you as a souvenir from me.”

Tian Xin-er did not know if she was relieved or sad at a possibility of not seeing him anymore. She was often unable to think clearly in front of his magnetic presence. At the same time, she could sense death surrounding him and was both intrigued and scared of him.

Miao Li gave a piece of white jade to her. It was carved into a butterfly shape. “This is the gift from my father when I was born. I know that you are a part of the martial world, and our paths might not cross that often. Just a moment ago, brother Shu mentioned that he wanted to go back to his tribe soon. If he goes, I know that you will go with him. So, I want to say a farewell ahead.”

Tian Xin-er looked at the jade in his hand and replied softly. “This is such important heirloom that I don’t dare to take it from you. Although we are not from the same world, fate brought us together, so I am not likely to forget you. Actually, I should apologize to you for putting you at risk with us. An unknown stranger seems to want my life, so it is not safe for you to be around me. I was just thinking of talking to you about this.”

Miao Li sighed; he gazed at his butterfly jade for a long time before speaking. “I understand your reason. I will keep it for you until we meet again. Hopefully, you will change your mind and accept this gift then. As for that masked man, I am not afraid of him and would not shirk protecting you if I have enough ability to do so.” He sighed again. “Too bad that my martial arts are still weak compared to the other two brothers’.”

Tian Xin-er could only look at his white hands; she was afraid that she might hastily decide her future if she was captivated by his compelling eyes again. At that moment, she thought of Ke Jing and felt more serene.

If Miao Li were raging fire that seemed to consume her, Ke Jing would be soothing water that rescued her from being burnt. As for Shu Qiuyang, he was like solid earth, unchanging yet was filled with turmoils underneath.

Tian Xin-er could not deny that she was attracted to Miao Li with strange power, but she also enjoyed being with Ke Jing. She felt a taste of danger when Miao Li appeared, but she felt peace when Ke Jing was around. At the same time, she still could not forget Ah Yi, her first love.

At a lost with herself, she had spent more time with Shu Qiuyang for he was the only one that she had no doubt about their relationship. She had made clear to him earlier that she thought of him as a good friend and elder brother. Shu Qiuyang was disappointed but calmly respected her decision. He was a patient man, and he would wait until he could get rid of his other two rivals. He thought that as soon as Tian Xin-er arrived at his tribe, she would likely belong to him.

“Although Yue-er does not want me, being a son-in-law of the famous master of the Sword South School is not a bad bargain at all. Uncle cannot really blame me on this since Yue-er refused me first.” He had said to himself, and consequently proposed to the group that he planned to return to the Sun-Moon Cult to report the death of Minister Chen to his uncle.

He had suggested that Ke Jing and Miao Li remained behind to wait for his cousin since their destination was Beiping from the beginning. Miao Li did not argue but Ke Jing was not certain. He was worried about her safety in case of another attack from the masked man.

Tian Xin-er was lost in her thought and did not hear Miao Li’s question. “Hmm?” She murmured.

Miao Li repeated his inquiry. “Which way are you going? I have some friends outside the border, and they can give you shelters at night. I will write an introduction letter for you.”

Tian Xin-er shook her head. “I don’t know where we are going. Brother Shu is my guide, and I only follow him.” She sprung up and suddenly invited the other for a parley.

“Since you have received instruction from brother Shu thus learned some Sword South School’s arts, it is right that I test your sword skills.”

She picked up two green sticks from the ground and gave one to Miao Li. “Let’s use these tree branches for our weapons. The one whose stick lose all their leaves first will be a loser.”

She waited until Miao Li began with a basic move then complimented him, “correct pose – a good start.” She stepped her feet aside and tapped her branch at his lightly. The first leaf fell from his branch. Her stick then continued forth and aimed toward his chest.

Miao Li could feel a wave of energy press at him and automatically deflected it with his tree branch. Another two leaves of his stick dropped to the ground. Suddenly, the pressure was gone, and Tian Xin-er retreated to her old pose; her eyes danced mischievously, and her smile was taunting.

Miao Li gritted his teeth and dashed toward her; his weapon aimed at her side. Tian Xin-er nimbly dodged his attack to find that he had quickly changed his move and his stick was now at her left shoulder. Calmly, she twisted her left shoulder slightly and blew on Miao Li’s stick. A leaf fell off it.

Simultaneously, she poked at his side with her stick, and Miao Li had no choice but to brought his weapon down to ward it off. More leaves flew from his tree branch. In another five moves, Miao Li ended up with a bare stick while Tian Xin-er’s tree branch had not lost any leaves at all.

Miao Li wiped his sweats and thanked the other. “To practice with you is really a great experience for me. I will treasure this memory forever.” He looked into her eyes, and once again she turned pink.

Tian Xin-er quickly replied to cover her embarrassment. “Brother Miao is actually a talented person. If you would keep practicing, in five years, you could become the first in martial art examination.” (There are two types of imperial examinations – scholar and kung fu.)

Miao Li bowed to her. “Sister Tian is too kind. I lasted this long because you let me so.” He then invited her inside for refreshment.

Tian Xin-er accepted his invitation with smiling face. She put down her tree branch on the ground gently. Suddenly she frowned with astonishment. However, she said nothing and walked into the inn with Miao Li; in her hand was a brown leaf that she had just picked up from the ground.

Ke Jing was at a table downstairs, drinking tea alone when Jiaping and Shu Xiayue entered the inn. Because it was the busy time of the day, the two ladies were led to his table where there were only available seats left.

Ke Jing smiled at them politely. He poured tea into two cups and offered to them. Shu Xiayue scrutinized the young man in front then decided that he looked like a naïve scholar. She took the tea from him and drank thirstily. Jiaping uttered a thank you then accepted his tea.

Shu Xiayue leaned forward and whispered to her friend. “You wait for me here. I will go ask the clerk if Qiuyang or Xin-er is still here.”

Ke Jing’s hearing was excellent through living in a quiet tomb all his life. He immediately replied without thinking. “Both are still here.”

Shu Xiayue turned angrily to him and admonished him for eavesdroppings. Upon which, Ke Jing humbly apologized and added that he was a friend of Tian Xin-er and Shu Qiuyang.

Still feeling peeved, Shu Xiayue looked at the other coldly. “Hmm, how do you know then that I am not their enemy?”

Ke Jing scratched his head. “I could feel from your tone that you did not mean them harm.” He replied.

Shu Xiayue rolled her eyes. “I spoke so softly, and this place is so noisy. You must have good ears to distinguish even my tone.” She motioned Jiaping to follow her to the clerk and spoke aloud. “You have got to be careful of people in big cities. Qiuyang once said that they are full of weirdos.”

Ke Jing could not help but smiling at her sarcastic aimed at him. He looked away and immediately called the two old women. “Elders, the people you want to meet are there.” He pointed at the three people who were entering the eating area, Shu Qiuyang, Miao Li, and Tian Xin-er.

Shu Xiayue smiled delightfully. She ran to her cousin and grabbed his hands. “Qiuyang, I am glad to see you again.” She couldn’t help crying at this reunion for she had been worried about her cousin since their separation.

Shu Qiuyang recognized her right away. “Yue-er, I thought that I would never see you again.” He grinned jubilantly then looked at the other old lady questioningly.

Jiaping smiled. “Did you forget me already?”

Tian Xin-er broke out a bell-like laugh. “You must be Jiaping.” She turned to Shu Xiayue and bowed respectfully. “I admire your disguise skill.”

Shu Xiayue beamed proudly, and Tian Xin-er brought her two friends to Ke Jing’s table. Then she introduced the two maidens to the two young men. After proper greetings, the party started. While they were eating, news was exchanged although certain details had been omitted.

After a big meal, Tian Xin-er led Jiaping and Shu Xiayue to her room. “The inn was full already, so you two might have to spend a few days with me here. I am sorry for the inconvenience.”

She then kneeled down. “I had no idea that you are the princess and the bride of our emperor. Please forgive this humble servant.”

Jiaping paled. “You must have known from the notices at the gate then. Please don’t turn me in to the emperor. I have come a long way and don’t want to return to a golden cage again.” She begged the other pitily.

Tian Xian-er knitted her eyebrows. “But because of your disappearance, we might be at war with your tribe. Then, we might have to deal with Manchu for befriending Mongol. Either way, Han could not avoid conflicts with the other two nations. We are now like a piece of meat inside a bun.”

Her comparison made Shu Xiayue giggle. “I like that. However, remember that the bun had to be bitten first before one could get to the meat in the middle. If Han, Manchu, and Mongol are destined to have wars, they will eventually enter the battle whether Jiaping would reappear or not.”

She glared at Tian Xin-er. “You are a part of pugilistic realm; therefore, you shouldn’t be concerned of the politics. As a woman, you should understand Jiaping’s distress. As a pugilist, you should help her because she needed you. If you reveal her identity, then you are not fit to be a heroine and an Emei disciple.”

She added when Tian Xin-er hesitated. “Besides, Jiaping was in love with Ah… Ouch!” She yelled with pain and stopped talking. Jiaping had just pinched her arm.

Tian Xin-er thought over carefully and finally sighed. “You are probably right. I heard that the emperor has already had many concubines. One less for him should not make any differences. But, what are you planning for your future now? If you want help from me, you will need to tell the truth.”

Jiaping answered eagerly. “I was telling the truth when I said that I was going to visit my uncle. He is a leader of another tribe, and he is in favor of Manchu. So, he won’t let me be sent to the Han emperor.”

Tian Xin-er nodded. “Then, I will escort you to your uncle’s first if Miss Shu would allow me.” She looked at Shu Xiayue who nodded. “I will send a pigeon post to my father, explaining to him that we would be a little late in return.”

“How about your cousin, Master Shu? Would he tell anyone about me?” Jiaping was still worried.

Shu Xiayue replied confidently. “That is all right. Qiuyang will do as I say.”

Tian Xin-er supported her. “You don’t need to worry about him. We both realized your real status upon arriving at the capital, and we agreed not to say anything until we have a talk with you first.”

Jiaping could relax. She smiled gratefully to everyone. Everything would be perfect if Ah Yu would be here with her.

Outside their room, a shadow walked away quietly. Here was a good chance from the heaven. A plan began to form in his mind.

Inside the room, Jiaping was recounting her story to Tian Xin-er and Shu Xiayue. “My father is a big Khan of Mongol region. Lately, he was in disagreement with the Manchu court, so he thought of seeking a protection from Ming. My mother was a Han native. She was in fact from the palace. Several years ago, she was sent to our tribe along with other girls as a gift from the Ming emperor. Therefore, I was the first choice to be sent to tie the diplomatic knot between Han and Mongol. I did not want to end up in the palace, so I ran away and to avoid being caught, I purposely hide myself in Central Plains until everything is peaceful again. I once heard that the most dangerous place is the safetest place. Therefore, I thought that nobody would think that I would come to the capital.”

Tian Xin-er listened to her with sympathy. “Hmm, but without Miss Shu’s disguise, you will be recognized nevertheless because you have an exotic look.” Then she asked Shu Xiayue. “You mentioned that Yitao had been right after you. Where is he now?”

Shu Xiayue snorted. “I guess that Hero Huang must have felt tired of following us and has returned to his home already.” Inwardly, she wished that she were wrong.

Tian Xin-er refused to believe the other’s slander. “Yitao would never behave like that unless he was delayed.” She instantly thought of the masked man in blue robe. “What if he met him?” She exclaimed anxiously and related her encounters with the mysterious man to the others.

Jiaping and Shu Xiayue stole a glance at each other puzzlingly. The description doubtlessly identified Ah Yu as the masked man, but how was it possible that he had appeared in front of Tian Xin-er while he was traveling with them all the time.

Then, Jiaping realized that Ah Yu’s whereabouts could not always be accounted for every minute. With his excellent light kung fu, he could have come and gone without her knowing. Came down to it, he seemed elusive and secretive. Moreover, didn’t he leave her and others in a hurry a weak ago? That coincided with Tian Xin-er’s latest fight with the masked man. The more she recalled about him, the more she was confused and in doubt.

However, she had promised Ah Yu not to talk about him to Tian Xin-er and the group. She imperceptibly shook her head at Shu Xiayue who was about to burst out her indignation. However, Tian Xin-er’s sharp eyes had already detected the change in the other maidens’ face and what passed between them. She pondered on the reasonable explanation but was unable to find any satisfied answer, and she realized that it was no use to question them. If it were not a secret, they would have told by now.

Therefore, she tried a new track. “Since you are all here, I think that we should start our journey. As for my sworn brother, I am sure that he would appear sooner or later. I have confidence in him.”

Jiaping stared at Shu Xiayue intensely and spoke deliberately. “Er, I think that I will remain here to wait for Hero Huang. Xiayue has let Master Huang know of the contact’s address in the city. When he comes to Beiping, he might get into trouble with the law if he goes to the Chen Manor.”

She then proposed a plan. “Miss Tian, why don’t you settle your errand with Xiayue first. Afterward, you can come back and take me to my uncle. I am not in a hurry and I think I will want to do some sightseeing of the capital first.” She squirmed under Tian Xin-er’s keen eyes and licked her lips nervously.

Tian Xin-er lifted her eyebrows but refrained from making comment on the other’s contradict statements. Earlier, Jiaping had been so excited to see her uncle and did not seem to like the capital. Just now, she tried to find an excuse to stay behind upon hearing that the group would depart the city as soon as possible.

Instead, she replied in clear voice. “How can I leave you here alone? As for Yitao, you don’t need to worry about him at all because I will leave private sighs for him so that he would know where to find me.” She paused for a moment then continued. “However, if you want to take a look at the city, we can stay here a few more days. That would give time for Yitao to catch up on us.”

She noticed that Jiaping exhaled with relief and concluded that the other was waiting for someone else. She then turned to Shu Xiayue and asked the other’s opinion.

Shu Xiayue was no less befuddled than Jiaping was, but she kept quiet for the sake of Ah Yu and Jiaping. She recalled Ah Yu’s compassionate eyes and did not think that he could be the man Tian Xin-er was talking about. Hence, she readily agreed for everyone to stay at the inn for a few more days. Inwardly, she prayed that Huang Yitao would join the group soon. If Ah Yu was not the masked stranger, and if that person was still at large and wanted Tian Xin-er’s life, Huang Yitao could be in danger too.

That night, after everyone had turned in, Jiaping tiptoed out of the room quietly to wait for Ah Yu. She had not long to wait before Ah Yu appeared in front of her. Wordlessly, he led her out of the inn into a nearby park. There, he asked her if she had found her missing friends. Jiaping gave him a positive reply then could no longer hold back her troubling thought, so she inquired him how he had come to know Tian Xin-er and Shu Qiuyang’s whereabouts.

Ah Yu considered the question for a moment before truthfully answered her. “I have come to the inn to see someone and happened to overhear her name. After a bit of investigation, I was certain that they must be the friends you were looking for.” However, he omitted one important fact that he had also fought with Tian Xin-er.

Jiaping was relieved. “I should have thought of it before.” She almost laughed at her silliness. Of course, how could Ah Yu be that ruthless assailant. A lot of people wore blue, and covering one’s face with a mask was not uncommon for people who wanted to conceal their identities.

She smiled wider and told Ah Yu that she and others were leaving Beiping soon. “I want you to go with us. Miss Tian is a nice lady, and I am sure that you two would make good friends.”

Ah Yu shook his head. He said that since she had found her friends and was on her way home, he should take leave of her. He also said that he wanted to spend these last few days in search of Huang Yitao. “It is strange that he has not appeared yet. Nevertheless, I will keep a lookout for him and have him follow you as soon as I meet him.”

Jiaping sighed with disappointment. She had hoped to introduce him to her uncle. This uncle of hers loved her as if she were his own daughter, so she knew that he would respect her choice of groom. Was Ah Yu really blind of her feeling for him? Or did he just pretend not to understand what she thought of him?

Tears welled in her pretty eyes and bathed her cheeks. She sobbed and turned her face away; her heart felt as if it was ripped in two.

Ah Yu could not stand seeing her cry like that. He awkwardly comforted her with gentle voice and eventually promised to visit her at her uncle’s once he had time. Jiaping could at last smiled in tears. As long as Ah Yu would not forget her, she was willing to wait for him. She stared dreamily into his eyes, and Ah Yu felt a shock run through him. Her eyes had declared devotion and love, and he was overwhelmed.

Warmth spread in his heart, and he felt so complete. How long had it been that he had not seen love from someone’s eyes? Since his mother’s death? Even Bai Chang had never looked at him this way. Ah Yu sighed happily, savoring the blissful moment.

He bowed to the young maiden. “Thank you for your high regards of me. I am lucky to meet you. I will always treasure our friendship.”

His simple but earnest words were enough for Jiaping. At least she was now one step closer to his heart. Jiaping blushingly gave him her handkerchief as a souvenir before skipping back to her room in bliss.
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Thank you for reading. Comments would be appreciated. <IMG SRC="smilies/hatoff.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/alien.gif" border="0">

[Acidbeastonfire]

As always....BRILLIANT!!!

The emotional turmoil which Xin-Er is caught in is wonderfully encapsulated in the analogy of the three men with the elements. Delightful.

Go Goofy go!

[andrea7974]

I like the way your write...and also the romantic scene is very lovely <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

Good work Goofy! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

[Giant Eagle]

When I was reading through the scene between Ah Yu and Shi, I was instantly reminded of the musical Phantom of the Opera.
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If you have no idea what I'm talking about, Phantom of the Opera is an Andrew Lloyd Webber muscial based on the book of the same title written by Gaston Leroux. It tells the tragic tale of a masked man who lives an Opera house. He wears the mask all the time because of his hideous appearnace.

He falls in love secretly with a young budding opera singer, Christine but doesn't dare to declare his love because of his face and...

Wooops, better not type anymore lest I spoil the story for readers who may want to watch the musical or read the book themselves.

[Goofy]

Does this mean you like my fanfic? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Jiaping would not be like Christine though and Ah Yu would not turn monsterous like the phantom either. <IMG SRC="smilies/alien.gif" border="0">

I remember seeing several versions of the movie although I have never seen the real opera.

[Giant Eagle]

So Ah Yu is like Yang Guo, the handsome, dashing one armed swordsman who hides his face all the time?

Yeah, goody, my favourite hero in Wu Xia

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[Goofy]

thank you andrea, acidbeastonfire, and giant eagle. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">

[eve13]

to gigi/goofy

this is my first time reading fan fic, and wow, i didn't expect it to be that 'excellent'!!
the plot and writing's great!
keep up the great work.
i can't wait for the next chapter.
the story is good that it evens out the fighting, romantic and serious parts, not spending too much time on either. and the romance parts are just right. it doesn't get too soppy, makes u feel content and fullfilly with just what there is.
xin-er and ke-jing are really cute.
both so naiive and innocent.
jiaping and ah yu are also very cute.
i esp loved the bit when xin-er thought of using her sword technique backwards to defeat shu. very cleverly thought!
it's been great reading u're work, i must say that i'm really enjoying!

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

[Goofy]

to eve13, thank you for the feedback. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

If you enjoy this, you might want to read my first fanfic, Legend of the Sword and Saber at http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/swordandsaber.

It is a completed story and a prequel to this one...

Thank you. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">