Shadows of the Sword

[Tu Vi]

Hi Everyone. I am a newcomer to this fanfiction board even though I have been writing for a long time. Hope that you would like this very odd and strange wuxia fiction.
Tu Vi
P.S. Thank you so much Gigi. It was your newest fan fiction that inspire me to continue this tale. I am eternally grateful. tu vi bows

Shadows of the Sword

The time was set in the early Ming Dynasty. The pugilist world was, as always, bound in an endless struggle for power and supremacy. Newly emerged sects such as the Heaven and Earth, Blue Robes, and Black Snakes fought for control with older sects such as the ancient Shaolin, established Mo Dang and powerful Ngow Mei. Meanwhile, other establishments hid in the shadows with their unknown agendas. What they were waiting for, no one knew. Their names were only whispers in the night. The frozen Ice Palace, the mythical White Cloud Manor, and most dangerous of all, the forbidding City of Mist.

He was a man rarely concerned with pugilistic affairs, contented to stay in his own world. But a long ago promise forced him to enter a bloody world of endless wars, sinister plots, hidden deceptions and a destiny that was far too cruel for him to endure. But endure it he must for the fate of the pugilist world hung in the balance.
Her name brought smiles to even the most jaded of men. Her silvery laugh could bring an army to their knees. Her fragrance could cleanse even the bloodiest field. One word from her could topple a kingdom, swept away palaces, and destroyed even the most influential sect. She was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was the White Fairy.
He was a man running away from his own past. Forced to choose between justice and duty, he faced the ultimate truth and realize his fate. Torn apart by his forbidden love and awesome burden, he sought to remain nameless and faceless yet it could not be for he was the final key to unlock the secret of all time.
A fierce war erupted in the mo lam world, propelling the contending sects into its deadly game. The sleeping pugilist world woke up to one of the most terrible battles that it has ever faced. Silent assassins, righteous leaders, ancient sects, hidden identities, seductive sirens and learned monks raced against time and each other to achieve the ultimate price: The Red Script. A timeless martial art book that had disappeared fifty years ago suddenly resurfaced. And whoever possessed it would have unlimited power, power to rule over the pugilist world and achieve total dominion over all.
It was the Red Script that molded and carved the destinies of the three very different people. They were forced together by circumstances, formed unlikely partnership, and in the end, one ultimately betrayed all.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the prosperous Ming Dynasty, this is a tale of love and loss. A tale of greed and vengeance, a tale of justice and retribution, but most of all, it is a tale of hope and redemption.


CAST:
Vivian Leung
Louis Koo (Please imagine him when he was pale and princely looking)
Julian Cheung
Carmen Lee
Andy Lau
Nicky Wu
Vicky Zhao
And more to come.


Chapter 1- Brewing Storm
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Vicky Zhao- Dong Y Van - Tong Yee Man


The fragrance of flowers was heavy on the air as spring descended upon the heavenly city of Hangzhou. The road that wound its way along West Lake was lined with blooming cherry blossoms. Their soft petals scattered and fell under the muttering wind in a mist of fragrant rain. Dreamy poets walked under its soft wing in a daze, muttering quotes. A few birds chirped cheerfully. And in a pavilion set not far from the lake, a handsome man in his mid twenties dressed in a rich, expensive blue robe were in intent conversation with an older man with the air of a businessman
“I assure you, honorable Lu. This poem is indeed written by the great poet Du Mu of the late Tang Dynasty. Look at the exquisite line, the beautiful and yet proud curve of the characters.” The younger man said.
“Yes, but a thousands taels?” The merchant said dubiously.
“A thousand tael is nothing, kind sir. Imagine, ten years from now, the price for this poem will at least triple and you would have gain twice the profit. It is because you are a dear friend of mine that I am selling this to you.” The other man said persuasively.
“All right.” The merchant nodded and reached inside his pocket, failing to see the glimmer of greed in the younger man’s clear, brown eyes.
“You dog, I finally found you.” A loud scream was heard as five men descended upon the pavilion. Their eyes were spitting fire as they stared at the man.
The man’s face paled for one split second and he laughed almost nervously. “Oh, my dear friends, you can’t tell how glad I am that you are here.”
“Save your lie for someone else.” A large, burly man said contemptuously. He then turned to the shock looking merchant, “Sir, do you who this man is?”
The merchant shook his head, “He told me that he is a scholar from a very distinguish line but his family has been in decline for these past few years and he is forced to sell his father’s precious treasures.”
“A scholar??” The five men burst into guffaw. “A scholar? That is a new name for the Rodent. He is a man who is willing to sell his mother just for a mere twenty taels. He is a liar, a thief, and an absolute scoundrel. There is nothing that he won’t do for money. The entire mo lam world holds him in absolute contempt.”
“Is this true?” The merchant demanded as he looked at the so reputed Rodent.
“Of course not, Honorable Lu. I am a perfectly legitimate businessman. These people just want to ruin my reputation.” The man said defensively. “Who know? Maybe they want the poem for themselves and don’t want to pay the price.”
The merchant held the poem protectively as he turned and faced the other men.
“For Heaven’s sake, don’t listen to him.” The burly man said and reached out for the poem. “Here, I will show you.”
“No!” The merchant shrank back and screamed, attracting the attention of everyone who was in the vicinity. Curious people gathered and formed a circle. Using the opportunity, the Rodent reached out and neatly nipped the merchant’s thick purse. He silently blended into the crowd and disappeared from view.

“Well, Tieu Phong, you didn’t do too bad.” The Rodent (Julian Cheung) said cheerfully as he stared at the thick banknotes. He was sitting on a large stone in a forest clearing. Trees surrounded him and the scent of moss and grass was heavy. “Hmm, with this much money, I can probably last a month. Those idiotic men, do they really think that they can catch me?” He chuckled with delight. But his eyes narrowed when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. He dove into a nearby bush.
“Senior brother, what do you want?” A voice demanded impatiently.
Peeking out, Tieu Phong (Julian Cheung) saw two men dressed in Taoist clothes. They were both in their mid-forties.
“Fourth brother, don’t think that I didn’t hear you sneaking in the night before?” The older looking man said.
“What are you talking about?” The second Taoist asked but his face paled.
“You were listening in on sifu and martial art uncles’ conversation. I know because I saw you hiding behind the oak tree wearing night clothes.”
“How did you know?” The younger Taoist squeaked out. At the last moment, he shut his mouth but it was already too late.
“You know that listening in on sifu’s conversation has a terrible price. You might even be expel from the sect.”
“You don’t have any evidence.”
“Oh, don’t I?” The senior Taoist pulled out a glinting piece of metal. “I found this last night. And if I tell sifu, he would listen to me. After all, I am the senior disciple and I also have the evidence of your betrayal.”
“I did not betray sifu.” The other Taoist said angrily.
“I know. But sifu doesn’t know that.”
“What do you want?”
“The same thing that you want.” The senior Taoist leaned forward and whispered into the other man’s ear. The younger Taoist’s face turned deadly pale and his hands trembled. He finally nodded.
“Good, I know that you would see it my way.” The senior Taoist said. He smiled and put his hand comfortably around the other man’s shoulder. Only a martial art expert could see that his finger was pressing on his younger martial art brother’s most deadly pressure point.
Recognizing the danger, the younger Taoist meekly followed his brother. They left and the forest became silent once more.
Tieu Phong emerged from the bush. He frowned when he saw that his once fine clothes were stained with dust.
A thin, heart shattering scream suddenly rose. Birds squawked and flew up into the sky. Tieu Phong hesitated for a split second then he moved forward in a dead run. He neatly concealed himself in the shadows of the trees as he ran. Soon, he reached another clearing where a body lied lifelessly. Even from the distance, he could see that it was the younger Taoist. His dead eyes were wide open with horror. A sense of danger pulsed and danced around the clearing. Always a cautious man, Tieu Phong hid behind a large tree, watching. The senior Taoist was nowhere in sight.
A thick blanket of silence descended.
About five minutes later, the sound of a horse approaching was heard. A blazing white, magnificent horse appeared from the trees. Its rider was also dressed completely in white, creating an almost surreal painting, as opposed to the scene of death that lied not so far away.
The horse and its rider came closer. And Tieu Phong finally saw the rider’s face. At the same time, the rider also saw the body. He frowned slightly and jumped smoothly down. He patted his horse’s restless head and muttered a few words of reassurance, as the animal smelled the scent of death.
He (Louis Koo) crouched down next to the body and picked up the seemingly boneless hand.
“The Crush of Death.” He muttered softly.
Behind the trees, Tieu Phong’s eyes widened. The Crush of Death was a cruel kungfu that destroyed its enemy’s inner organs, shattering all the blood veins, and yet leaving no trace of its presence on the outside. This kungfu could only be practice by someone who has an extremely high level of internal energy because it required almost inhuman strength and inner power. That’s why not so many people practiced it. And it had become extinct some twenty years ago when the abbot of Wu Dang killed its last practitioner, the Scorpion. Or so the mo lam world thought.
His thought was disrupted as four Taoist burst into the clearing, led by the senior Taoist that he has seen but a few minutes ago.
“Fourth brother.” Three of the Taoists screamed and lunged forward.
“Fourth student.” The oldest Taoist with a silvery beard and lined face said sadly. All of them stared at the white figure who slowly rose.
“What did my brother ever do to you?” The senior Taoist asked with a shaking voice. “Why must you kill him?”
Tieu Phong smiled scornfully. Ah, the mo lam was the same as always, the guilty blaming the innocent, the strong blaming the weak. He settled down, ready to enjoy the scene before him.
“Reverend, I have never seen your brother before. And I did not kill him.” The white figure said in a polite, calm voice, showing no anger at an unfair accusation.
“Then who killed him? The ghost of the forest?” Another Taoist asked. “You are the only one here.”
“But I am not the killer.” The white figure continued in the same tone of voice.
The old Taoist held out a hand to stop his students’ words. He stared at the white figure,
“Are you the Scorpion’s student?”
“No, I’m afraid not, Reverend.”
“Then there is only one way to find out.” The Taoist shot forward. His hand moved in a strangely gentle way, slashing at the white figure’s throat. The white figure’s toes pushed on the ground and he effortlessly backed away seven steps, neatly dodging the Taoist’s attacks. His movement was so fast that everyone only saw a blur of white and then he was already out of range.
“The Dancing Phoenix.” The Taoist cried out in surprise. “You are from the White Cloud Manor.”
His words reverberated in space, shocking everyone. White Cloud Manor was a mythical sect, situated in the high, snowy covered peak of Mt. Song. It had very few students and yet those students that it produced possessed almost unbeatable kungfu. Their trademark moves was the Dancing Phoenix and the Nine Dragons Palm. But for these past thirty years, the sect had seemed to disappear completely. And their reputation became nothing more than a myth in the pugilist world.
“You are very well learned, Reverend.” The white figure said politely.
“Thirty five years ago, I have had the honor of seeing the White Cloud Manor’s dueled with my grand teacher. It was a fight that I would never forget.” The Taoist’s voice has become almost respectful. “If you are the White Cloud Manor’s student, then I believe you when you said that you did not kill my disciple. Please forgive us for the misunderstanding.”
“It’s perfectly all right.” The white figure smiled. “Please accept my sincerest condolence.”
“Thank you.”
The white figure walked toward his horse and jumped on fluidly. He gestured politely to the Taoists in farewell and then nudged his horse forward. As he went past Tieu Phong’s hiding place, he nodded slightly in greeting. And then he was gone.
Tieu Phong stared after his disappearing back.
“Sifu, are you sure that he didn’t kill fourth brother?” The senior Taoist asked.
“I am sure. The White Cloud Manor would never lie.” The older man replied crisply. He looked at his dead student with sorrow in his eyes. “Bring him. We would give him a proper burial.”
“Yes, sifu.” In a few moments, a litter was created and the body was carried away.
After about ten more minutes of waiting, to make sure that no one would come back, Tieu Phong walked hesitantly out into the clearing. He stopped when he saw a trickle of blood on the ground. He bent down and touched it with his finger. Hmm, interesting, the killer didn’t possess enough energy to just shatter the internal organs without breaking the skin. That’s why there was blood. There should be none when an expert was doing the Crush of Death.

“Tieu Phong, you scoundrel, where have you been?” A feminine, seductive voice demanded as Tieu Phong stepped inside the lavish, decadent outer room of the Lotus Palace. Women dressed in the barest of silk giggled and fluttered their lashes at intoxicated men. The golden tables that scattered around the large room were filled with people.
Tieu Phong smiled down at the small, yet perfectly feminine woman who has stuck to his side like glue the minute he stepped in, “Y Van, my heart.”
“My heart?” Y Van (Vicky Zhao) sniffed delicately. “Stop using your sugary words, you still own me money no matter what.”
Tieu Phong sighed a bit dramatically, “Don’t you trust me?”
“Ha, the day that I trust you would be the day that pigs knows how to fly.”
“You don’t know how much your words have wounded my heart.” Tieu Phong sighed again as he walked up the stairs, separating the two floors.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Money?” Y Van held out her hand.
Biting back another sigh, Tieu Phong put his hard earned money in her hand. “There, two hundreds taels. That should cover my debt.”
“Ah, haven’t you forgotten about something?” Y Van’s hand closed protectively around the bank notes.
“What?”
“Interest. With my calculation, you still owe me one hundred taels.”
“One hundred?” Tieu Phong’s eyes budged and nearly popped out of their sockets. “That’s murder. Why don’t you just kill me and get it over with?”
“But if I kill you, who is going to pay?” Y Van patted Tieu Phong’s cheek and walked to her room. She hadn’t taken two steps when a loud argument is heard down stairs. Curious, she walked toward the railing and looked down.
“Where is Tieu Phong?” A large, burly man demanded as he turned over a table. Prostitutes creamed and cowered in the corners while the customers fled the room.
“Please, kind sir.” A skinny, old woman writhed her hands desperately. “Please stop destroying my property. I haven’t done anything.”
“You haven’t but Tieu Phong has. Now, where is he?”
The mother’s shrew eyes stared at his enraged face and calculating her loss, she pointed upstairs.
Tieu Phong swore under his breath and ran toward the other end of the hallway. Hearing shouts behind him, he didn’t dare to turn around. Seeing the window, he crashed right through it and fell two floors down. Pain radiated through his body but he gritted his teeth and limped away, knowing that his life hung on the balance. He bumped through the crowd, ignoring shouts and screams. Seeing the merchant that he had just stolen from this morning standing in the middle of the street with large men surrounding him, Tieu Phong grimaced and ducked into an inn. He walked casually up the stairs as if he was a customer. Just as he escaped from everyone’s view, he tried the doors to his right and left. But to his frustration, all of them were locked. Desperate, he tried the last door and praying silently to heaven. And to his relief, the door opened easily. He slipped in and closed the door after him. He leaned against the frame and breathed deeply.
“May I help you?” A masculine, calm voice asked.
Startled, Tieu Phong spun around and saw the white figure sitting at the table, calmly sipping his tea.

Chapter 2- City of Mist
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Vicky Zhao- Dong Y Van - Tong Yee Man

“I..” Tieu Phong stared at the man before him. He winced when he heard the loud pounding of footsteps in the hallway.
“Please have a seat.” The white figure gestured politely.
“Ahh, thank you.” Lost for words, Tieu Phong sat down across from him.
“Tea?” The man asked calmly. It was as if it is a daily occurrence for some stranger to crash into his room.
“Thank you.” Tieu Phong accepted the hot, steaming cup with steady hands.
“We still haven’t been properly introduced yet. I am Kim Bat Pham.” Bat Pham (Louis Koo) gestured.
“Tieu Phong.” Tieu Phong replied just as the door crashed open.
“Do you really think you can escape us?” A voice demanded.
Tieu Phong looked up and saw the burly man who he had stolen from two weeks ago and Merchant Lu, his victim of this morning. He sighed when he saw six muscled men flexing their arms behind them. It seemed like it was inevitable for him to get a beating. Oh, well. He shrugged philosophically and stood up.
“I don’t want to stain this gentleman’s room. So do you want to take this outside?”
“Let’s go then.” The burly man said gruffly.
“Oh, Reverent, what are you doing here?” Tieu Phong’s eyes suddenly widened and his voice was respectful.
Surprised, all the men spun around.
Using the opportunity, Tieu Phong ran toward the window and for the second time in a day, fell through it. But at least, this time the window was open. He comforted himself with that thought as air whooshed past him. He grunted as he landed on the hard ground and ignoring all the startled faces of the vendors and customers, he wove his way through the crowded street, running for his life.
Meanwhile, up at the inn, the burly looked down at the disappearing figure of Tieu Phong and knew that there was no way that he could catch him. The damnable Rodent was like a snake, slithering away and holed up at the slightest sound of danger. He turned and stared at the man who the Rodent has been conversing with. This man, dressed impeccably in a pure white robe, with his eyes calm and patient didn’t seem like the Rodent’s usual acquaintant.
“I want to know where the Rodent has gone off to and I want to know now.” He demanded.
“I’m sorry but I have no idea.” Bat Pham continued to sip his tea.
“Don’t know or don’t want to tell.”
“You can take it any way you wish.” Bat Pham said politely.
“Let’s see if you can still talk like that after this.” The man gestured for his followers to move forward.
They charged and screamed with their fists raised.
Bat Pham didn’t even change his position as he moved his right hand slightly, neatly blocking an incoming fist. His fingers flickered and hit the man directly on his pressure points. He stood there frozen.
Bat Pham’s white boot kicked out and hit another man’s kneecap. He crumbled down in pain. Just as the other four men moved in simultaneously, Bat Pham blew gently into his tea and four drops rose into the air, as if propelled by an invisible hand. With another almost negligent flick, the drops of tea shot forward and hit the men in their chests.
They stumbled back as pain radiated through their bodies. Just one harmless drop of water and they felt like they were encased in fire and ice. But only for a split second because Bat Pham’s hand moved for the second time and withdrew the water from their bodies. They staggered and stared at Bat Pham in gratitude, knowing that he has saved them from intolerable pain.
“Who are you?” The burly man asked in a shaky voice.
Bat Pham only smiled, “Please close the door after you leave. Thank you.” Then he turned his attention back to the cup of tea. And almost in an after thought, he released the frozen man by his side, “My apology, I forgot.”
After a long moment, the burly leader shook his head and left, followed by his men.
“The mo lam world.” Bat Pham muttered to himself. And at that moment, he wanted nothing more than to retreat back to his White Cloud Manor, living in absolute solitude and peace with only the blooming flowers as company. But he has make a promise long ago and he would keep it, no matter what.
He bit back a sigh when he heard footsteps outside and the door slammed open for the third time. He just wanted to drink his tea in peace and quiet. Was that too much to ask for? He asked the sky silently.
“Where is Tieu Phong?” A feminine voice demanded.
Bat Pham looked toward the door and saw a slender, very pretty woman with rosy pale skin and a pair of captivating, beautiful eyes that could capture any man’s heart. And those eyes were now splitting out fire. He rose politely and nodded,
“Guleung.”
Y Van pursed her lips and looked at the outrageously handsome man in front of her. Her anger was momentarily forgotten. In her line of work, she has seen quite a lot of men but none has possessed such an air of. She didn’t know how to put it into words but there was something radiating from this man, something unstained and pure. He was like a fresh breath of air, blowing into a bloody and stained world. She suddenly got an urge to check her face, and wondering whether or not she was dressed too skimpy or was her dress showing too much skin?
“Guleung? Is there anything that I can do for you?” The man asked her patiently. He was looking at her in a way that no other men had looked at her before. All the other men had leered at her with greedy, hungry eyes. No, she was wrong. There was also another man, Tieu Phong. Tieu Phong has always looked at her with mischievous, laughing eyes but he had never leered at her in any inappropriate way. Maybe that was why he has become the only friend that she had in the Lotus Palace. And no matter what, she owed Tieu Phong nearly a year of close friendship to find out what has happened to him. And if she can, tried to rescue him. That’s why she has followed Merchant Lu’s men from the Lotus Palace to this inn.
“Where is Tieu Phong?” Y Van asked again.
Bat Pham remained standing as he answered her, “He left a few minutes ago.”
“Was he hurt?” Y Van asked worriedly.
“No, he was fine. He managed to escape all those men.” Bat Pham said with a slight smile.
Relief burst through Y Van. She sagged against the doorway.
“Guleung, are you all right?” Somewhat alarmed, Bat Pham asked.
“Yes, I am fine. Thank you, guong gee (young gentleman).” Y Van turned and promptly bumped into a group of four men walking in the hallway. One of them reached out and steadied her. Mumbling a thank you, Y Van was about to walk away when he grabbed her again.
“What are you doing?” Y Van demanded. All the men were fairy young from their early twenties to their thirties. They were richly dressed with the symbol of the sun and the moon imprinted on their fur hats.
“Hey, aren’t you the singer from the Lotus Palace?” A man asked, his eyes traveling slowly up and down her body.
“So?” Y Van tried to yank her hand out of his iron grip but couldn’t.
“So we are in need of entertainment today. Why don’t you go to our room and sing a few songs for us.” All the other men guffawed at the man’s words. His intention was already clear. He wanted more than just a few songs.
“I believe that it is impolite to hold a lady against her will.” Bat Pham said mildly as he reached out and with a twist of his wrist, hitting the man on his pressure point, forcing him to release Y Van.
“Who are you?” The man asked scornfully as he took a step forward. But his threatening posture disappeared as he stared at something behind Y Van and Bat Pham. His skin turned into a pasty pallor and his knees shook. And all of his friends’ reactions were the same. Their eyes budged with horror and fear.
Curious, Bat Pham and Y Van turned around. And suddenly the hallway was covered in darkness. It was as if the cloud has blocked out the sun.
They saw two masked men dressed completely in black with a black hand on their chest. They didn’t move or twitch but instead stood still, like two frozen statues.
Y Van could feel her hair raised and she instinctively scooted closer to Bat Pham. Goosebumps ran up her back and suddenly her bones were very cold.
Behind them, the men with the fur hats moved backward and as they reached the stairs, they run down like the devils were chasing them.
Then, the two masked figures moved forward. They didn’t exactly walk like normal humans; instead they glided on the air. They brushed past Bat Pham and Y Van and the sharp presence of death and destruction nearly buckled Y Van if it wasn’t for Bat Pham. He stood before her, blocking most of the deadly presence away.
The masked men reached the end of the hallway and they turned at the corner. Then they were gone.
Y Van let out an explosive breath. And with shock, she realized that she was shaking violently.
Seeing her pale face, Bat Pham reached out and with his hand five inches away from her back, he transferred his internal energy to her.
Feeling warmth flooding her back, Y Van breathed deeply and after a long minute, she stopped shaking.
“What happened?” She whispered.
“The City of Mist.” Bat Pham answered. His eyes were troubled as he looked at where the masked men have disappeared. “It seemed like their reputations were true after all.”
“The City of Mist.” Y Van gasped. Because she was a singer at the Lotus Palace, she has heard a lot of tales brought by men from the mo lam world. And among those tales, The City of Mist preceded them all in horror and power. It was a vast empire of assassins, controlled by the man whom the mo lam world known as the Black Hand. The assassins were capable of killing anyone for the right amount of money. A few months ago, the mo lam world shook with the news that the much-respected student of the Abbot of Shaolin was killed by the City of Mist. His body was found with an almost unnoticeable slash to his throat. There was a minimal amount of blood. And a black hand was imprinted on his chest. She trembled when she realized that death has just brushed her.

A masked man dressed completely in black entered a simple room, almost spartan in its decoration. There was nothing in it beside a blue veil at the end of the room. The only window was half open, allowing the cool wind to enter.
“Master.” The man kneeled down respectfully.
The veil moved slightly due to the wind. Behind it, an unblemished, jade white hand with a black ring on its index finger moved, petting the pure, white cat sitting contently on the figure’s lap.
“Report.” The voice said, its tone was curiously empty of all inflections. It was neither warm nor cold, soft or hard, light or heavy, feminine nor masculine. It was just simply there, a voice free of all emotions but it couldn’t be call emotionless because there was simply nothing.
“Master, Wu Dang has sent its second most powerful man. It is rumored that the abbot will come in a few days. Shaolin sent eighteen monks led by the Keeper of The Hall of Books. Ngow Mei’s leader also personally came. As for the other sects, Heaven and Earth, Blue Robes, Back Snakes were all there. It is said that even the Ice Palace will come.”
“What about the White Cloud Manor?” The hand moved idly over the cat’s head as the feline purred loudly.
“Master, we haven’t received any information from there yet.”
“Continue to observe and do not interfere unless the script surfaces. If it does, use any means to obtain it.”
“Yes, Master.” The figure bowed and withdrew.

This chapter is inspired by the one and only Nicky Wu. I was doing my math homework when I saw his pictures from Sword Girl again. OMG, he was so cute. Tu Vi swooning. Please excuse me while I drool for a minute. Grin.

Chapter 3- Invitations
Kim Bat Pham- Louis Koo
Tieu Phong- Julian Cheung
Ho Thanh Son- Eddie Cheung

Tieu Phong sat down at the small table with no small amount of relief. He has managed to lose all those men nearly three hours ago. And now his throat was parch dry, his stomach screaming for food, and his feet were aching. No matter what, he would sit down and eat something even though it could kill him.
“Uh, sir?” The waiter asked hesitantly as his eyes ran over Tieu Phong’s ragged clothes.
“Give me whatever specialties you have for today and one jug of your best wine.” He said to the waiter as he put a small, silver nugget on the table.
“Yes, sir. Please wait one second.”
After the waiter left, Tieu Phong idly glanced around. His eyes narrowed when he saw that the nearly full restaurant was filled with pugilists. There, in the corner were four beggars with at least seven pockets on their ragged clothes. That meant they are at least Captains of the Divisions. And not far away from the Beggar Sect were the four Taoists that he had seen earlier. Their faces were somber, and their hands rested near their swords. That was strange for the Beggar Sect and Wu Dang had always been friendly toward each other. Aside from the two major sects, there were at least twenty wandering pugilists. They sat apart from each other with occasional wary glances. And half of those men possessed high kungfu for their temples budged out which shown that their internal energies were cultivated to the highest point.
Lost in thought, Tieu Phong jerked as the waiter put his food down.
“Thank you.” He muttered and immediately opened the jug of wine. A heady aroma drifted out. Although this wine was not of superior standard but it could quench his thirst. He hurriedly took a deep gulp without bothering to pour it into a cup.
“Sifu, are we staying here?” A feminine, soft voice asked with mild distaste.
Tieu Phong looked up and saw a group of women and nuns standing at the doorway. There were two women dressed in regular clothes and six nuns. And it was one of the women who have spoken. She was rather pretty, he thought as his eyes assessed her, with large eyes, pale skin and a very stubborn mouth. At that moment, she turned and looked at him directly. Her gaze was unflinching as she looked at him with dislike. He knew it was because he was still dressed in that blue robe, dirty by this morning’s encounter with the forest mud, torn by his jumps down from the Lotus Palace and the Inn and his face wasn’t helping much as it was streaked by sweat and dirt. He shrugged mentally and ignored her.
“Yes, Khiet Lan (Ada Choi).” The head nun with silvery hair sat down at the last available table, followed by her students. She didn’t even glance at the Wu Dang people.
That was even stranger. Tieu Phong thought. The bond between Mo Dang and Ngow Mei has been unbreakable since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Mo Dang’s founder, Truong Tam Phong, was a close friend of Ngow Mei’s founder, Quach Tuong. Because of that close friendship, the two sects’ students have even married each other. And now, they met and no word was exchange between them. Hmm, something odd was definitely going on.
“I’m sorry, Young Master. Our restaurant is full.” The waiter’s apologetic voice jerked Tieu Phong out of his reverie. He glanced over curiously and saw a slender man, in his early twenties, standing outside the door. He was richly dressed in a yellow robe and an air of elegance radiated from him. Another potential victim, Tieu Phong thought with glee as he called out loudly,
“Young Master, if you don’t mind. You can sit here.”
The young man entered the restaurant and nodded as he approached Tieu Phong.
“Thank you, sir.” His voice was unusually soft and melodic.
“It’s ok. We, pugilists, have to help one another, right?” Tieu Phong smiled as the man sat down across from him. His eyes widened when he saw that the man was remarkable handsome in a strange way. His skin was flawless, tinged by a faint blush. And his dark eyes were magnetic and very soulful. Tieu Phong was sure that if he were a woman, he would have swoon.
“Pugilists?” A soft snicker sounded from the Ngow Mei table. Tieu Phong glanced over and saw one of the two women laughing. It wasn’t Khiet Lan but a younger, mischievous looking girl. “Older martial art sister, if that man is a pugilist, I would eat my own dirt.” She continued.
“An Nhien (Joyce Tang).” The head nun with blazing white brows admonished. “Do not talk in such a tone.”
“Yes, sifu.” An Nhien subsided but her eyes were still sparkling.
“Young Master, you have a very impressive grip over your temper.” The man told Tieu Phong.
“I don’t understand.” Tieu Phong confessed.
“That woman just insulted you and yet you show no trace of anger. To me, that is, indeed, extraordinary self-control.”
“I am but a beggar who possesses nothing. What right do I have to be angry?” Tieu Phong replied with a smile.
“Ahh, but sometimes appearance is very deceptive.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Tieu Phong’s eyes remained on the man’s face as he smiled mysteriously.
The man shown no outer emotion but his skin took on a pinkish hue. It was as if he was blushing.
“I still don’t know your name. Mine is Tieu Phong.” Remembering, Tieu Phong introduced himself.
“Nam Cung Hong.” The other man gestured.
At that moment, a loud commotion sounded from the door. Everyone turned and saw an elaborate carriage, drawn by four magnificent black horses.
“Sir, we are sorry but we are out of room.” The restaurant owner said, wringing his hands.
“Move.” One of the men pushed him aside roughly. They were all dressed in gray robes with the symbols of the moon and sun on their fur hats. Two of them entered the inn and with one deadly glare at the occupants, the pugilists who had came either by themselves or with a partner and didn’t possessed the high temples, stood up and scurried out.
“Master.” The men bowed and ten other men ran in, forming two lines. And then the carriage door opened and a regal figure stepped out. He was perhaps in his late forties (Eddie Cheung) with a coldly handsome face and shrewd eyes. He went past the line and sat down on one of the chairs, already pulled out and wiped with a white cloth by one of his men. After he sat down and arranging his robe, he turned and smiled at the Wu Dang’s leader.
“Reverent Vo Nghi, it is a pleasure to see you here. Where is your older martial art brother by the way?” His voice was deep and pleasantly warm.
“Leader Ho, my regards to you.” Reverent Vo Nghi bowed slightly. “My brother, unfortunately cannot make it today. If he knows that you will be here, I am sure that he would make every effort to be able to meet with you.”
“As always, you are too kind. I am not worthy of such greeting.” Ho Thanh Son (Eddie Cheung) other known as the Man with a Thousand Hands said silkily.
He then turned to the stony face nun, “Respected Bach Mi (white brow) su thai, I am humble by your presence here today.”
“Save your fancy talk for someone else, Ho Thanh Son, I am not interested.” Bach Mi said tensely.
“As you wish.” Thanh Son nodded but his eyes hardened. He looked around the inn.
“Gentlemen, brothers of the pugilist world, I am sure that we all know why we are here today. But to be fair, I must warn you that whoever oppose the Heaven and Earth ’s objective would be like this.” He touched his cup of wine gently. At first, nothing happened. But a whiff of cool wind suddenly blew in through the window and the cup broke into ten even pieces.
Gasps and mutters rose. Some pugilists looked at each other then they stood up and left.
Some of the younger nuns and Taoist looked confused, as they did not understand what had happened. But their sifus’ faces were grim because they had seen that the Leader of the Heaven and Earth’s internal energy had increased ten folds since they last saw him. He was infamous for his deadly palms and grips. And now, his internal power has increased to the level that his hand has become a sharp, almost invincible sword.
“Show off.” A low mutter sounded from the corner and echoed like thunder.
“Who would dare to speak against our Master?” All the Heaven and Earth men screamed as Thanh Son’s civilized smile slipped. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he looked toward the direction where the scornful voice had came from.
Tieu Phong resisted the urge to bury his head in his hands as every eye in the room pinned him down. He glared at Nam Cung Hong, the culprit.
Seeing Tieu Phong’s pale face, Thanh Son dismissed him and looked at the other man.
“Young Master, if you don’t like my skill, perhaps you would be so kind as to show what you are capable of.”
“If you wish.” Nam Cung Hong remained seated as he took Tieu Phong’s cup of wine. But then he frowned and put it down again.
“No, I can’t do that. He would know.” He muttered so softly that only Tieu Phong could hear him. “Drat.” But then his face brightened and he rose slowly.
“Well, Ho Thanh Son, let me show you what I am made of.” He flew forward and his hands blurred into thousands of palms, heading toward the Leader of the Heaven and Earth.
“Palms of Mercy.” Thanh Son said with some surprise as he neatly dodged the incoming palms. His hand curled, twisted, aiming at Cung Hong’s vulnerable points on his wrist. “You are from Shaolin.” He continued while his hand flew and moved with deceptive grace.
“Let’s see if you can guess this.” Nam Cung Hong smiled as he suddenly changed his style, from one of hand-to-hand combat, to a battle of flying skill. His feet moved rapidly and he sidestepped all of Thanh Son’s attacks just by moving in intricate steps. His shoes barely touched the ground and he seemed to float.
“The Dancing Phoenix.” Thanh Son chased after him with some difficulty as his hand writhed and turned, cut and flicked, all directly aimed at Nam Cung Hong. “The White Cloud Manor.”
“Very good.” Cung Hong smiled and then he changed his style once more. And the fight went on as Thanh Son named one kind of martial art, and Cung Hong immediately moved to a different style. A hundred moves went by and there was no sight of Cung Hong exhausting his seemingly endless well of martial art knowledge.
At last, frustrated and embarrassed of being on par with an unknown youngster, Thanh Son yelled loudly as his hands moved with lightning speed, energy rolled out of them endlessly.
Cung Hong’s face paled, as he knew that the Leader of Heaven and Earth’s internal energy was much greater than his own. He flipped back. His feet danced and fluttered above the ground as he retreated. But at last, he reached the doorway and there was nowhere else for him to run.
Smiling triumphantly, Thanh Son shot forward and a sharp explosion was heard as blazing energy shot out of his palms.
With his back to the door, Cung Hong watched the incoming palm and then his hands raised and met Thanh Son’s power directly on. He grunted as the superior power pushed him back step by step. Sweats ran down his face and his arms shook.
But at that exact moment, a white figure stepped inside the restaurant and seeing Cung Hong’s figure flying toward him, he raised his hand and put his index finger on Cung Hong’s vital point on his back.
A warm, powerful surge of energy surged through Cung Hong’s body and he pushed forward.
Thanh Son’s feet were imprinted on the ground as he met the strange, foreign power. He grunted as he increased his energy and nearly staggered backward when the power suddenly lessened and then faded into nothingness. He hastily pulled back his hands, fearing another confrontation.
“Thank you.” Relief, Cung Hong turned around and smiled in gratitude. His entire face lit up and there was something so luminous about him that it made his rescuer blinked.
“Brother Bat Pham.” Tieu Phong called out from the corner.
“Tieu Phong.” Bat Pham nodded in greeting.
“Who are you?” Thanh Son demanded as Bat Pham walked toward Tieu Phong.
“My name is Kim Bat Pham.” Bat Pham gestured.
“He is from the White Cloud Manor.” Vo Nghi of Mo Dang spoke for the first time.
Thanh Son blinked in surprise but then he quickly gained back his control. “Even the mythical White Cloud Manor is interested?”
Bat Pham was about to answer when the two men dressed in servant’s clothes walked in.
“Reverent Vo Nghi of Mo Dang, Beggar Clan, Respected Bach Mi (White Brow) su thai, Leader Ho Thanh Son of Heaven and Earth and fellow pugilists, my Master awaits for you at the Cherry Blossoms Manor.” One of the servants said respectfully. “But due to the limited space, my Master could only invited two people from each sects.” He pulled out a metal medallion with a tree in the middle and handed one to each leader. “Please bring this with you tomorrow morning.” He then turned and looked at the remaining swordsman.
“Kim Bat Pham of White Cloud Manor.” He handed Bat Pham a medallion.
Seeing Nam Cung Hong’s expectant face, he apologized, “I’m sorry, Young Master. You are not of any major sects and your name wasn’t on the list.”
Cung Hong silently pulled out a medal with a writhing black snake on both sides.
The servant’s face brightened, “Please forgive me, you are from the Black Snakes. There is a reserved space for you.” He gave Cung Hong another medallion.
After passing out all the invitations, the two servants bowed and then left.
Silence fell as every pugilist tensed and prepared for the storm ahead. A storm that would destroy age-old sects, unearthed untold secrets and shook the mo lam world with its untamed power.

<font size="1">[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Tu Vi ]</font>

[Bubeng]

I would like to welcome Tu Vi back to the Fanfic World. May your days be merry and bright <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">.

It's time for a big welcoming celebration ! <IMG SRC="smilies/rockband.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/rockband.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/twirl.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

[ December 04, 2002: Message edited by: Bubeng ]

[Yak]

Hi, I'm new here too, so I pretty much don't know my way around. But so lucky to bump into here and start reading your fanfic. I really enjoy your fanfic! It's very descriptive and well plotted, kind of make me feel like I'm watching a serie. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> I love Louis & Julian role. Hey can you translate Louis name for me? Anyway, please update more!

[Goofy]

Tu Vi!!!!
<IMG SRC="smilies/love.gif" border="0"> lots of hugs to you.

Finally, you are back and updated the story I have been wanting to read more. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/crying.gif" border="0">

Go Tu Vi Go!!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/twirl.gif" border="0">

(you can see I am very exciting. I am going to practice jumping with my cat now to express my happiness.)

[Kara]

Hi Tu Vi!

YESSSSS!!! You're back! I love your writing and i'm so glad you've decided to continue!!

Wow! I can't wait for what's to come! I'm bubbling with anticipation!

Thank you Goofy for inspiring her to come back, the fanfiction world owes you big time! [Not to mention the fact that your fanfics are excellent, so we owe you anyway]

[KieuFeng]

Wow! love your writing =) Tu Vi? are you viet?

[Tu Vi]

to Bubeng - thank you so much for your warm welcome. thank you, thank you. I hope i won't disappoint you too much with this story.
to Yak- hehe, thank you. glad that you like this odd story. As for Louis name, I am completely stumped in Chinese but in English, his meant Extraordinary (roughly).
to Goofy- thank you dear. It is you that prompt my retire to the fanfic world. I am forever thankful. Bows to Gigi.
to Kara- you are too kind. thank you, thank you.
to KieuFeng- thank you, and yes, I am Viet. Glad to meet you.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I am very grateful.
Tu vi

P.s. I have also edited the foreword. I hope that this chapter is not too boring.

Chapter 5, Gilded Lily
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Vicky Zhao- Dong Y Van - Tong Yee Man
Unknown- Nam Cung Hong
Felix Wong- Vuong Thien Ton
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Gigi Lai- Mai Tu Diep
Vincent Jiao - unknown



The rain was falling softly with a steady rhythm. The moon shone palely on the blooming, wet flowers and the lush grass. The fragrance of the flowers combined with the smell of the spring rain created a heady scent. It was a picture of perfect serenity and peace and yet the elegantly beautiful lady (Gigi Lai) felt nothing. She was leaning against the window, staring about into the rain with unseeing eyes. Her heart was heavy and a headache threatened to pounce upon her. She raised her hand and pressed her slender fingers against her forehead as if to forestall the impending ache. Hearing the soft whimper behind her, she turned and smiled, and it was like the brilliant sun coming up. She walked across the thick, expensive golden carpet and bent over the bed. And there he was, the love of her life. The baby opened his eyes sleepily. His cheeks were flushed and his mouth was pursed as if he was about to cry.
“shh..” Tu Diep (Gigi Lai) soothed and picked him up. Her headache disappeared when she felt her son settled trustingly into her arms. She started to walk back and forth, crooning a soft melody. A few minutes later, she felt him going slack and heavy. She gently laid him back down on the downy nest that she had made for him on the bed. She stood there for a while, staring at her sleeping son, feeling love bursting through her heart. No matter what had happened, this was the miracle of her life and she would forever be thankful for him, regardless of the circumstances.
She sighed softly and sat down next to the bed, her headache coming back in full force. Feeling the familiar pressure in her chest, she immediately stood up and headed toward the open window. Putting her head out slightly so that she wouldn’t disturb her son, she started to cough furiously. Pulling out a white handkerchief, she used it to cover her mouth. Suddenly tired beyond belief, she sank down on an exquisitely decorated divan and moment later, felt into an exhausted sleep.
Minutes passed, the room was silent except for the soft breathing of Tu Diep and the baby. The scent of spring rain and flowers was heavy on the air. The silk covering the bed fluttered lightly under the muttering wind.
The door suddenly opened soundlessly. A man (Vincent Jiao) in his early thirties walked in. He was dressed in a light yellow robe and his face was stern and commanding. It seemed like a smile has never touched his face. He saw the sleeping Tu Diep and hesitated for a split second before he crossed the distance with determined steps. Picking a fallen blanket, he draped it over her figure. His mouth tightened when he saw the white handkerchief lying forgotten on the floor. He picked it up and something indescribable flickered in his rich, golden eyes when he saw the blood staining the silk much like a cherry blossom decorating the white snow. His eyes closed for one brief moment and when he opened them, they were emotionless once more. He leaned over her and closed the window gently. He gazed at her for a long moment, noticing the dark bruises under her eyes and the way her hands clenched together as if to prevent something from slipping away. He reached out and his fingers hovered above her cheek, wanting to brush a strand of wandering hair away but he stopped at the last moment, withdrawing his hand as if it was burned. Shaking his head, he walked toward the bed and looked down at the sleeping child. His face softened and love shone from his usually enigmatic eyes. Just as before, he reached down but this time he didn’t hesitate, he brushed a gentle finger across the baby’s forehead. The baby stirred and put his pudgy, little thumb in his mouth and started to suck on it quite enthusiastically. A faint smile hovered around the man’s hard mouth. After standing there for a few minutes, making sure that the baby was fully sleeping, he left the room just as quietly, leaving no trace of himself behind.

Hangzhou,
Tieu Phong (Julian Cheung) smiled rather evilly at Nam Cung Hong and Kim Bat Pham (Louis Koo) when he suddenly stopped in the middle of the crowded street. People pushed and bumped around them, trying to get to their destinations. Thousands of light winked within the opened shops and the side vendors. The smell of food, staled clothes, perfume and human odors all mingled together, creating a smell unique to all the markets in the world.
“Why are we stopping?” Cung Hong asked he glanced curiously around him. He was dressed in a pale blue robe this time, making countless women looked backward whenever they passed him. And of course, with the otherworldly Kim Bat Pham (Louis Koo) and the roguishly handsome Tieu Phong, the remarkable duo caused many women’s hearts to flutter. And of course, Tieu Phong noticed it; he smiled easily and winked whenever a particularly pretty maiden walked past. The aforementioned maiden would blush prettily at the pair of light, expressive eyes that seemed to be able to talk. On the other hand, Kim Bat Pham was oblivious to the interested look. His eyes were lost in thought as he looked absently at the colorful shops and the equally colorful shoppers.
“We are here.” Tieu Phong gestured toward a brilliant lit building that stood at the end of the street. A large number of males seemed to be heading toward it and strangely there were no women with them.
“Really?” Cung Hong marched determinedly toward it, his interest fully piqued. Just as he reached the doorway, two scantily dressed women immediately surrounded him. The scent of perfume threatened to choke him while he found his face to be dangerously close to a woman’s bosom. He blinked and tried to retreat but couldn’t because one of woman had a steely hold on his arm.
“Oh, young Master. Where have you been?” The woman with the bosom crooned shrilly, and he could feel his eardrums hissed in pain.
“I, ah.” He tried valiantly to disengaged himself but couldn’t. Exaggerated, he shifted and with a quick, smooth moment, he slipped out of their hands and had already retreated three steps back while they blinked in surprise. Truly, they had never seen anyone moved that fast before. And Cung Hong was also fairly shock at himself, he had never been force to move that quickly. In his entire life, he had been treated with the uttermost deference and respect. His every whim fulfilled, his every wish done at the snap of a finger. No one has ever put him in the position that he had to retreat while they didn’t even possess any martial art skill. This was embarrassing, he decided and turned to glare at the smirking Tieu Phong.
“What is this place?” He demanded.
“Why, this is the Lotus Palace where the most beautiful flowers of Hangzhou resided.” Tieu Phong blinked innocently. “I thought this is where you want me to bring you. After all, you expressed such interests in flowers.”
“I mean real flowers, not women.” Cung Hong clenched his teeth. “And you still haven’t tell me what is the Lotus Palace.”
“Why don’t you come in and see.” Tieu Phong smiled and headed toward the door and was immediately escorted in by the women. Cung Hong glanced at Bat Pham and seeing the later’s faint smile, he straightened his shoulders and followed his blasted friend. But he learned his lesson and kept a careful distance between him and the other two women.
Once he walked in the door, his jaw nearly dropped when he saw the decadently decorated room with its deep, purple carpet and the stairway, which was decorated, like a lotus. And there were men laughing with barely dressed women in their arms. He had never seen such a scene in his entire life.
“Tieu Phong.” A feminine voice sounded and a slender figure rushed down the stair.
“Y Van.” Tieu Phong greeted her with genuine pleasure.
Dong Y Van (Vicky Zhao) looked at him closely, “Are you all right?”
“I am fine.” Tieu Phong smiled with some arrogant, “Those fumbling idiots couldn’t even find their own feet, talk about catching me.”
“Arrogant boor.” Y Van said fondly. Her gaze slid past him and widened when she saw that extraordinary man. He smiled at her politely.
“A pleasure to meet you again, guleung.”
“Oh, you know each other?” Tieu Phong asked, surprised.
“Come on, there is a room reserved for you upstairs, we can talk then.”

After everyone was settled in the cozy, little room with a table spread with food and wine, Y Van filled Tieu Phong in with how she had met Bat Pham.
“City of Mist.” Cung Hong muttered as he frowned, “there would be serious trouble. It seemed like the Black Hand also coveted the Red Script.”
Tieu Phong narrowed his eyes. A few moments ago, Cung Hong was blushing furiously and yet now he has gained back his composure. This was a man that one could easily underestimated due to his easy blushes and charming naiveness, but there was a sharp intellect beneath those guileless eyes.
“I would be surprise if he doesn’t want it.” Bat Pham said in his quiet voice.
“I know but I was hoping.” Cung Hong smiled ruefully, “It would be so much simpler if the City of Mist is not involved.”
“It is always better to know your enemies now rather than at the crucial moment.”
Cung Hong nodded.
Taken by the serious conversation, Tieu Phong smiled brightly, “Come, everyone. This is our night of relaxation; don’t talk about such gloomy thoughts. Tomorrow will come as it will, nothing can change it. Sit down.” He gestured toward the chairs.
Everyone took their seats but Tieu Phong noticed that Bat Pham waited until Y Van (Vicky Zhao) was seated before he took his place.
“Do you think that the City of Mist is still staying at that inn?” Cung Hong asked after he put the wine cup down. He smiled sheepishly at Tieu Phong, “sorry, I can’t help it.”
“I think that it is unlikely.” Bat Pham replied, he didn’t touch the wine at all. “Their identities have been exposed, they wouldn’t want to stay where there are so many martial art masters.”
“I agree. The question is, did the leader of the Cherry Blossoms Manor included them in his invitations. If not, then we can expect a battle three days from now.” Cung Hong said softly.
Y Van was listening intently and she couldn’t content her curiosity any longer. “Why is the Cherry Blossoms Manor summoning everyone to his house? Did he know where the Red Script is?”
“No, no one in this world knows where it is.” Bat Pham explained when he saw her confused face. “The Red Script was created by the most powerful swordsman of all time, the Holy Sword, more than a century ago. But no one knew of its existence until fifty years ago when a student of Wu Dang accidentally discovered it. By that time, the martial art prowess of the Holy Sword has become a myth. And a legend sprang from the Book that whoever possessed it would have ultimate power to rule over the mo lam world. Because of that, countless people were killed and the pugilist world became a bloody arena. The book passed from hand to hand because no one ever stay alive long enough to learn it. Until a nameless man got it and he hid his family so successful that it took people more than three months to find him. By that time, he had already buried the book and created a map so that his son could find it when he grew up. But as the mo lam people surrounded him, he was slaughtered and the map was split into five parts. Immediately afterward, one piece of the map simply dropped from sight. No one ever saw it again. And for twenty years, the mo lam world was in constant turmoil as everyone fought for remaining four parts of the map. Until thirty years ago when the major sects got tired of the constant battles and loss of lives. The leaders of the sects decided that a tournament would decide the fate of the map. And so on top of the Ice Mountain, they battled each other. And three winners emerged, the Leader of the White Cloud Manor, the Ice Emperor of the Ice Palace and the leader of the Cherry Blossoms Manor. But when they went to retrieve the map from its hidden place, they discovered that a part was missing. After much investigation, they still couldn’t find anything so the remaining three parts went to the White Cloud Manor, Ice Palace and Cherry Blossoms Manor. Those three sects knew that sooner or later someone would come and try to steal the pieces and more lives would be lost. So the White Cloud Manor retreated to Mt. Song and into obscurity. They produced no more students into the world. As for the Ice Palace, the Ice Emperor went back to his home and never came out again. Cherry Blossoms Manor became the leader of the world and because of that exalted status; no one dared to steal from them. Until today, when one piece of the map suddenly resurfaced. The Cherry Blossoms Manor immediately called the major sects to decide the fate of this piece to prevent the repeat of those two bloody decades. And to make sure that this piece was real and not a replication. After all, beside the leader of the Cherry Blossoms Manor, no one else has that authority.”
“Except for you and the Ice Palace.” Tieu Phong said quietly.
Bat Pham smiled, “I am only a messenger send by my sifu as for the Ice Palace, it has disappeared almost entirely.” When he said that, his eyes focused on Cung Hong’s face for a split second.

[Kara]

Beautiful. Your story is very absorbing. I like the sense of mystery that you've created, i feel like we're building up to something good.

Keep up the great work!

By the way, where is Carmen Lee? Unless...she's appeared already?

[zzzbeauty]

I find your story so interesting. I really want to know who plays Cung Hong. I can't wait to for you to post some more chapters up.

[sweetvietgirl]

keep up the good work.

[Tu Vi]

to Kara- thank you for the continuous support. I really do appreciate it. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> As for Carmen Lee, hehe, we'll see.
to zzzbeauty - thank you and Cung Hong, hehe...
<IMG SRC="smilies/laugh.gif" border="0">

to sweetvietgirl- thank you dear. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">

Thank you everyone for your suppport,
Tu Vi

This chapter is very boring because i have to introduce the characters. HOpe you won't fall asleep. <IMG SRC="smilies/sleep.gif" border="0">

Chapter 6, White Fairy
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Vicky Zhao- Dong Y Van - Tong Yee Man
Unknown- Nam Cung Hong
Felix Wong- Vuong Thien Ton
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Nicky Wu- Vuong Nhat Phi

Tieu Phong stirred as a loud shout outside the window jerked him out of his restless sleep. He groaned with irritation and flipped his hand over his eyes to prevent the bright sun from entering. A hammer was pounding viciously behind his head and he felt that he had eaten something very nasty. He licked his dry lips and tried to ignore the painful sounds vibrating from outside. He shouldn’t have drank so much last night. Wine and him just did not go together very well. But it was in the spirit of the moment and somehow, Nam Cung Hong and him were involved in a drinking competition with Bat Pham and Y Van as the judges. He couldn’t remember who won but he sincerely hoped that Cung Hong was suffering the same affect. He buried his face deep in the pillow to prevent the noises from reaching his ears but he didn’t succeed. He could feel each noise drilling inside his head like a sharp knife. Sitting up, he blinked groggily as the room revolved around him. Gingerly placing one foot of the floor, he stood up, swayed slightly and headed toward the door with the thought of murder foremost in his mind. He was going to kill whoever was making those noises. No, not just kill, he corrected himself, he would flay them and lay them over a burning fires. He jerked the door open and staggered toward the courtyard. And there they were, two idiots from some sects were arguing loudly. He gritted his teeth.
“You are not worthy to even hear the White Fairy speaking, talk about actually seeing her.” One man sneered. He was in his twenties and dressed richly in a golden, shimmering robe. An obviously expensive belt encircled his waist. It glinted with diamonds and emeralds.
The other man’s hand went to his sword. “You would dare to speak to me this way. Who are you to talk?” He asked mockingly, “you are but a young pup not even dry from your mother’s milk yet. The White Fairy has no need for a puppy.”
The younger man gasped at the obvious insult. His hand moved and hundreds of tiny starlights flew out and headed toward the other man with lightening speed. The older man jumped up and with a steely ring, his sword came out of its sheath and neatly blocked all the darts.
The two jumped toward each other and began to fight furiously.
Meanwhile, Tieu Phong yawned as he leaned against the wall. It might take a while from the aggressive looks of these two. So, these two idiots were babbling about the White Fairy, the only daughter of the Master of the Cherry Blossoms Manor. It was rumored that her beauty was unrivaled in the Middle Kingdom. And with one word from her, she could start a war or end a vicious feud. Not a lot of people have seen her because she had never stepped outside of the manor. But the visitors who have the good chance to see her all came away with praises for her beauty, comparing her to the moon and the sun. It might be interesting to see such a beauty face to face. Tieu Phong mused. But for now, the clashes between the swords were making his headache worse. He had to stop these fools. He straightened and looked around for assistance. His face brightened when he saw Bat Pham walking toward him.
“Brother Bat Pham.”
Bat Pham peered at Tieu Phong. The later’s face was pale and sweaty. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” Tieu Phong gestured toward the two fighting men. “I don’t really think it is polite for them to fight in the manor of Vuong Elder, do you?”
“Ah, but it will also be impolite for me to disrupt their fight.” Bat Pham replied serenely. “Why don’t we going somewhere else so that they could fight in peace?”
Tieu Phong groaned and was about to speak up when a young maid (Ho Mei Sei) dashed into the heat of the battle, seemingly oblivious to the danger.
Bat Pham shifted and in the blink of an eye, he was between the two men. Each of his hand holding a descending sword, protecting the maid from the slashing blades.
“Who are you? How dare you to interfere with our affairs?” The younger man demanded. He tried to pull his sword away but couldn’t because the sword felt like it was stuck in a rock. There was no way he could pull it out.
“I apologize for my intervention. But you were about to injure this guleung. I couldn’t let that happen.” Bat Pham explained mildly.
The maid looked up to the two men. A fierce scowl was on her pretty face.
“How dare you to fight in this courtyard! Do you know that you have nearly destroyed all the cherry blossoms?” She pointed toward the broken branches and scattered petals. “My Young Miss is very fond of these trees.”
“You little..” Whatever the man was about to say, he stopped and a flush rose from his throat, “Your Young Miss, you are a servant to the White Fairy?”
Seeing that no harm would come to the maid, Bat Pham let go of the swords and walked back toward the lounging Tieu Phong.
“Yes, I am,” the maid said with a defiant jilt of her chin. She ignored the two men’s awed looks and headed toward Bat Pham.
“Young master.” She curtsied slightly, “thank you for helping me.”
“It was my pleasure.” Bat Pham smiled at her and inclined his head.
“My Young Miss will be very happy to know that there is such a gentleman living in this courtyard. You can look after the cherry blossom trees for her.” She turned and aimed a deadly look at the two other men, “unlike someone.” Then with a dimpled smile at Bat Pham, she was gone.
Embarrassed beyond belief, the two men glared at Bat Pham but knowing that they had no chance fighting against him, they left.
“Finally, some quiet.” Tieu Phong exclaimed. He plopped down on the floor and held his head. Looking up, he said mournfully,
“Bat Pham, I should have followed your example last night and refuse all the wine.”
“But then what was the fun in that?” A clear, melodious voice sounded behind him. Tieu Phong turned and scowled when he saw the cheerful looking Nam Cung Hong. He seemed to be unaffected by the large amount of wine that he had consumed last night.
“What did you drink, ice water?” Tieu Phong asked irritably.
“No, it is just that I am stronger and better than you at drinking wine.” Cung Hong smiled angelically.
Tieu Phong muttered something that should not be said in polite company.
“Just think of this as revenge for last night.” Cung Hong continued.
Bat Pham watched the entire exchange with an amused smile. He walked back to his bedroom and came out a few minutes later.
“Here, I think this would help you.” He handed Tieu Phong a cold, flat leave.
“What is it?” Tieu Phong stared at it with untrusting eyes.
“Tea leave, collected on top of Mt. Sung with the morning dews still clinging on it. It is very therapeutic.”
Tieu Phong put it into his mouth and to his surprise, felt the leave dissolved immediately, leaving a fragrant and refreshing feel to his mouth. His stomach stopped lurching and the hammer stopped pounding against his head.
“It actually works.” He smiled, “You know, you will make a ton of money selling this. What do you think? I can be your business manager.”

“Young Miss.” Xuan Nhi (Ho Mei Sei) skipped into the airy study room with a wide smile on her face.
“What is it?” An incredibly soft, gentle, and clear feminine voice asked. Her voice was like a brook tinkling into a stream or the sound of the nightingale.
The room was decorated in a pale blue color and the carpet was a soft, mystical cream. It was very simple with two windows, a table, a couple of chairs and shelves upon shelves of scrolls. A lady was sitting at the table, bending over an aged book. Her black silky hair flowed down her slender back and there was an air of absolute serenity around her.
Xuan Nhi began to talk excitedly about the perfect gentleman that she just met.

An hour later, in the pavilion not far from there, Lam Tam Nhu (Ruby Lin) was putting a soft blanket over her dozing Young Master. His face was peaceful in repose but there was a faint line of worry between his brows. She yearned to reach out and wiped away all his concerns but she knew that it was impossible. Suddenly, a light scent of orchid reached her. She turned around and curtsied when she saw the lady dressed in a pale blue dress. She was accompanied by Xuan Nhi (Ho Mei Sei).
“How is he?” Vuong Nha Yen (Vivian Leung) asked softly.
“He seems to tired very easily this past week.” Tam Nhu answered.
“Is it because too many people are coming and disrupting his rest?” Nha Yen said worriedly, “Maybe I should talk to father.”
“I am fine.” Vuong Nhat Phi (Nicky Wu) opened his eyes and smiled. The lock of white hair blazing at his forehead.
“But..” Nha Yen protested.
“Little sister, you worry too much.” Nhat Phi said gently.
“I have to. You don’t take care of yourself.” Nha Yen sat down next to him and touched his hand. She smiled when she felt him patting her hand.
“Would you like to take a walk?” She asked.
Nhat Phi nodded and stood up carefully. Nha Yen hovered anxiously behind him.

“Ahh, this is the life.” Tieu Phong leaned back against the trunk of the cherry blossom tree and inhaled the fragrant air.
Cung Hong stood a few feet away from him and was idly throwing stones into the clear surface of the lake.
Bat Pham was sitting in meditating style on a boulder with his eyes closed.
“Cung Hong.” Tieu Phong called out.
“hmm?”
“You don’t know how to skip rocks, do you?”
“Skip what?” Cung Hong looked at Tieu Phong with confusion.
“You are missing a very vital part of your education. Where have you been living?” Tieu Phong asked as he stood up and headed toward Cung Hong. “Here.” He picked up a flat rock and threw in it. It sailed into the air and bounced a couple of times across the water.
“How did you do that?” Cung Hong asked with awe.
Feeling his chest puffed up, Tieu Phong handed Cung Hong a rock, “and you just throw it like that.” He demonstrated but unfortunately, Cung Hong’s rock sank once it touched the water. It happened a couple more times regardless of what Tieu Phong was saying.
“You are doing something wrong. Here.” Tieu Phong reached out and without thinking, cupped Cung Hong’s hand in his own. He swung both hands back in practice. “See, that is how you do it.”
A shock gasp sounded from behind them. Tieu Phong turned around and saw four people staring at him. Well, actually, only the three women were, the man’s eyes were focused somewhere else. Why were they looking so scandalized? He mused and looked down at Cung Hong. Feeling the soft hand in his own, he stared at Cung Hong’s face and realized that he was holding a man’s hand. He jerked back as if burned and a slow flush worked its way up his neck. This was ridiculous. He hadn’t blush since forever.
Cung Hong’s eyes widened as he saw Tieu Phong’s face. And suddenly realizing the situation, he stared at his hand as if he couldn’t believe it. And he too started to blush furiously.
A thick silence hung between the two groups until the other man spoke up,
“Nha Yen, why are we stopping?”
Tieu Phong narrowed his eyes at him and saw the way his gaze focused on the air intently. The man was blind, he realized.

[Kara]

Ha! That was a cute chapter. It made me laugh- Tieu Phong and Cung Hung are cute together. One minute they are rivals the next they are friends.

Yeah! Vivian and Nicky have appeared. Now, all i'm waiting for is Carmen and Andy.

I like the humour in this chapter, it contrasts with the seriousness of the previous chapters and lightens the story a litte.

Keep it up.

[yuehyin]

This is a great story. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> I can't wait to find out the person acting as Cung Hong.

[zzzbeauty]

i love the relationship between cung hong and tieu phong. Hmmmmmm...let's see so Carmen Lee hasn't appeared yet..?! <IMG SRC="smilies/thinkingof.gif" border="0"> Could she be Cung hong? <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> Anyway, I find all your chapters entertaining, please post soon. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Tu Vi]

to Kara- thank you, my dear. Glad that you like the lame humor. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">
to yuehyin- all will be reveal soon. hehe.
to zzzbeauty- thank you, dear, thank you.
Thank you everyone for your kind support. I apologize before this boring chapter but promise next chapter will have more action.

Chapter 7- The Red Script

Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Unknown- Nam Cung Hong
Felix Wong- Vuong Thien Ton
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Nicky Wu- Vuong Nhat Phi


“Young Master, there are two men holding hands.” Xuan Nhi (Ho Mei Sei) piped up.
Tam Nhu (Ruby Lin) snickered while Nha Yen (Vivian Leung) admonished her maid, “Xuan Nhi, don’t be rude.”
“Well, I am sure that they have a reason to hold hands.” Nhat Phi (Nicky Wu) said blandly.
“Ahem.” Tieu Phong coughed, “We were just experimenting something.” Realizing how odd that sounded, he continued hurriedly, “It is for a higher purpose.” He winced and desperately hoped that someone just stuffed something in his big mouth. He was digging a grave for himself.
“My name is Kim Bat Pham. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Hearing the conversation, Bat Pham jumped in to rescue his flustered friend.
“Young Miss, this is the gentleman I was talking about.” Xuan Nhi whispered to Nha Yen but of course, in the utter silence, her voice was very loud and it echoed.
“Xuan Nhi!” Nha Yen’s cheeks turned into a rosy hue.
“Well, it is indeed a pleasure to finally meet the White Fairy.” Tieu Phong said as he gained back his senses. He bowed deeply and a smile hovered around his mouth. “But I must say that even your exalted reputation could not be compare to the real White Fairy. Ah, no word could describe your beauty.”
Cung Hong rolled his eyes when he heard Tieu Phong waxing poetry. He pushed Tieu Phong aside and walked forward,
“It is an honor to meet you.”
Nha Yen smiled at him and nodded in greeting to everyone else.
Tieu Phong’s eyes glazed over and he seemed to be greatly taken with the famed beauty. But Bat Pham was uninterested and he treated the White Fairy with the same courtesies that he gave everyone else. Cung Hong, on the other hand, paid more attention to the blind Vuong Nhat Phi (Nicky Wu).
“Ah, I see that everyone has met each other.” A booming voice sounded as Vuong Thien Ton (Felix Wong) strode down the path toward them.
“Father.” Nha Yen and Nhat Phi greeted him while everyone else uttered the appropriated greetings.
“Come, Bat Pham. I need to talk to you. If you would excuse us.” Thien Ton gestured with his hands.
“Of course, Vuong Elder.” Bat Pham nodded at everyone else and followed Vuong Thien Ton down the flower-strewn path.

“You probably know why I need to talk to you.” Thien Ton said bluntly as he and Bat Pham sat in his very plain study room.
Nhat Pham nodded as he sipped the tea thoughtfully, “Sifu has told me to assist you in any possible way.”
Thien Ton stood up and walked to his desk and pulled out a slender box from the top drawer. He put it in front of Bat Pham,
“In here are two pieces of the map for the Red Script. Thirty years ago, your sifu, the Ice Emperor and I all got a piece of the map to prevent the mo lam world from descending into total chaos. As you know, the meeting two days from now will be centered on the fourth piece of the map that went missing during that fateful battle. I want you to take my piece and the fourth piece now. You will go to the Ice Palace and give this letter to the Ice Emperor.” He handed Bat Pham a sealed letter. “I hope that he will understand the seriousness of the situation and my predicament. If he does, then he will give you his piece of the map. By then you will have four pieces and your duty will be to find the last piece of the map and put them together.”
“You want me to find the Red Script.” Bat Pham said with a slight frown. “But wouldn’t that only bring more killings and chaos to the pugilist world? Everyone would be fighting to get it and the tragedy of fifty years ago will be repeated.”
“I know.” Thien Ton held up a hand. “Once you find the book, you will destroy it in front of everyone.”
“That is a very risky move.”
“There is no other choice. For these past twenty years, the mo lam world is like a sleeping tiger, ready for the slightest movement.” He smiled wryly, “Sometimes, I felt like I was sitting on a keg of explosive powders, ready to blow up at any moment. And the Red Script is the fuse and once it is initiated, nothing can stop it. That’s why we must move ahead and destroy it before it has the chance to lit up.”
“I understand.” Bat Pham stood up and wandered toward the window. “I will try my best, Vuong Elder. But I am worry about the pugilists and sects. They would not let you hand me the fourth piece of the map so easily.”
“Don’t worry. I have already talked to Shaolin, Wu Dang, Ngow Mei and the Beggar Sect. All of the leaders agreed that this was the best way. We will try to contain the situation at the meeting.”
“What will you tell them?”
“I certainly cannot tell them the truth because that would make you the ultimate target. I will just tell them that this piece of the map was a fake.” Thien Ton said with a vaguely uncomfortable expression on his face.
“I am sorry.” Bat Pham said as he knew how much Vuong Thien Ton valued his honesty.
“Well, there is no other way.” Thien Ton spread his hands helplessly.
“What about the Ice Emperor? Would he let go of his piece of the map so easily?”
Thien Ton grinned, “The Ice Emperor, you will understand when you meet him. He is a very strange man, reclusive; rarely interfere with mo lam’s affairs. It is because of your sifu’s influence that he agreed to keep the map thirty years ago. He would be glad to let it go.”
“Then, that would make it a little bit easier.” Bat Pham turned from his position near the window and looked at Thien Ton, “Vuong Elder, do you have any clue as to the whereabout of the last piece of the map that disappeared fifty years ago?”
“Unfortunately, no. I have spent all my life searching for it. But it is very difficult because most people who lived during that time have died due to old age and illness.”
“What about the man who created the map?”
“We don’t know much about him, except for the fact that he was an extraordinary martial art fighter, well versed in almost every sects’ skills. We have no idea where he came from. We just know that he had a son around fifteen years of age when he created the map. And when he was killed, the son disappeared with his mother. He also has a servant, it was this servant that leaked the news and let the mo lam world knew where the man was hiding. After that fierce battle for the possession of the map, the servant also disappeared without any trace. I think the best way for you to start your search is at the village where the man was hiding. I will show you on the map. After that, I can’t help you anymore.”
“When do you want me to leave?” Bat Pham asked after he accepted the box containing the pieces of the map. It was very light but he felt the heavy weight of it in his heart.
“Today, as soon as possible.” Thien Ton said, “I have already sent instructions to Nha Yen (Vivian Leung) and Nhat Phi (Nicky Wu). They will accompany you.”
“Yes, Vuong Elder.”
“Aren’t you going to question why I sent my daughter and son with you? After all, one is a famed beauty and the other is blind.” Thien Ton asked with an amused glint in his eyes.
“I am sure that you have your reasons.” Bat Pham said steadily.
“That I do.” Thien Ton laughed out loud for the first time, “That I do. Nha Yen will help you tremendously as you will discover. As for Nhat Phi, even though he is blind, he is the most brilliant man that I have ever met in my life.” Paternal pride shone on Thien Ton’s face. “And he is also the best healer in the Middle Kingdom who can cured almost anything. You will need his help.” He clasped Bat Pham’s shoulder, “I wish you the best of luck. I am sorry for placing such a heavy burden on you but you are the only one in this world who I can trust. The White Cloud Manor is the only sect without any interest in the Red Script.”
“The Ice Palace doesn’t either.” Bat Pham said.
“But the Ice Emperor is far too erratic and I cannot predict what he will do next. The map is safer in your hand. The fate of the pugilist world now rests on you.”

The afternoon sun shone brightly on Bat Pham as he walked through the tiny path that winded its way through the cherry blossoms. He inhaled deeply and sent a silent apology to both Tieu Phong and Nam Cung Hong. He had to leave in secrecy and couldn’t say good-bye to both of them. But he suspected that the two would be too busy trying to outwit and outdo each other to pay any attention. A faint smile touched his lips. It would be very interesting to watch for the outcome but unfortunately, he didn’t have the time. He narrowed his eyes against the brilliant rays of the sun when he saw three figures sitting inside a bamboo pagoda. As he approached, the three figures stood up and walked out to meet him.
“Vuong Guleung, Young Master Vuong, Guleung.” He greeted Nha Yen, Nhat Phi and the maid whose name he has yet learned.
“Please call me Nha Yen.” Nha Yen said in her serene, soft voice. “There is no need for any formality. After all, we will be fighting side by side. My brother, Nhat Phi and his maid, Lam Tam Nhu (Ruby Lin).”
“Then please call me Bat Pham.” Bat Pham gestured toward the road. “Shall we start?”
“Yes.” Nha Yen took a deep breath and with one hand on her brother’s arm, she followed Bat Pham.
Unknown to them, three figures stood behind the trees and silently watched them departed. They stood separately, without knowing that the others were there.
“Best of luck, my children.” Vuong Thien Ton (Felix Wong) whispered. And then he turned around resolutely and left.
The other two figures remained there for a while and then they took off in opposite directions. And soon, a white pigeon was released from the Cherry Blossoms Manor.

Bat Pham watched the flames danced cheerfully and listened almost bemusedly to the crackles of the burned wood. Not far from him were Nha Yen, Nhat Phi and Tam Nhu. They were sitting inside an abandoned temple because they knew they couldn’t take the main roads. They would be too noticeable. It was easier to slip out of Hangzhou by using the shadowed forest to blend in. He looked up when a light scent of orchid reached his nose.
“Here you go, Bat Pham.” Nha Yen handed him a white, meatless bun.
“Thank you.” He stood up and accepted the bread. The wind blew through the cracked wall and make Nha Yen’s hair fluttered and danced.
“Are you warm enough?” He asked concernedly.
“I am fine.” Nha Yen’s eyes were worried as she turned and looked at her dozing brother, “I am concern about Nhat Phi, though. I am not sure if his health is strong enough to stand this weather.”
Bat Pham remembered Nhat Phi’s quiet, fathomless eyes, “Maybe he is stronger than you think.”
“I hope so.” Nha Yen sighed when she saw Tam Nhu carefully putting a blanket over her brother’s sleeping form.
“Get some rest.” Bat Pham suggested. “We have to start early tomorrow.”
“Yes. Good night.”
“Good night.” After making sure that everyone has settled, Bat Pham walked out of the temple and stared up at the sparkling stars. “Sifu, I hope I won’t disappoint you.” He whispered softly.

And it was during this night that two figures silently slipped out of the Cherry Blossoms Manor. One headed toward the crowded streets and the other toward the isolation of the lake. One took a horse and the other took a boat. But both of their destinations were the same.

Two days later, a white pigeon flew inside a window and was immediately caught. A report took from its leg was carefully delivered to a yellow robed man. After reading it, he scribbled down instructions and the pigeon was sent out once again.

At the same time, the meeting at the Cherry Blossoms Manor was over. All the leaders and pugilists left the manor with one question in their mind. Was Vuong Thien Ton (Felix Wong) telling the truth? Was that piece of the map a fake or was he trying to possess the Red Script for himself? Most people leaned toward the later speculation. And every sect scrambled to assimilate information. Meanwhile, the shrewd Heaven and Earth leader Ho Thanh Son (Eddie Cheung) noticed the absent of the White Cloud Manor student, Kim Bat Pham (Louis Koo) and the envoy of the Black Snakes, Nam Cung Hong has also disappeared. He sent out orders that those two must immediately be found.

And thus the battle for ultimate power finally began. But only a handful of people knew that more than the fate of the mo lam world was at stake. The entire Middle Kingdom’s destiny depended on the Red Script. And some of those people would not hesitate to kill to protect their ancestors’ deadly secret. Thus, the race began.

[Kara]

AHHH....So mysterious. I can't wait to see what happens! Tell me! Tell me! [getting down on my knees] please tell me what is going to happen, the suspense is killing me!

I feel all this suspense being built up and i really want to know what happens. Well-built suspense is a mark of a good writer. You have my utmost admiration with your latest chapter. Keep it up!

[C Monster]

Such exquisite writing and scene setup. Your characters are so real. And I love the fact that you switch the normal typecasting between the Louis and Julian characters. It harks back to the time when they starred together as best buddies in the modern drama, "Cold Blood Warm Heart." However, Julian as Tieu Phong reminds me more of the happy-go-lucky fellow that he's currently portraying in the new drama "Take My Word For It." And like everyone else, I'm dying to find out WHO exactly Nam Cung Hong is... Tieu Phong and Cung Hong have great chemistry... so much so that I wonder if Annie Man might step into the role... heh heh... wink... wink... Please let his/her identity be revealed soon. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

And keep up the great work, Tu Vi!

[zzzbeauty]

All your chapters are good and entertaining. HOw do you do it? <IMG SRC="smilies/hatoff.gif" border="0"> When are you going to reveal Cung HOng's identity? I'm really curious about who ends up with who. Who is going to be Bat Pham's love interest Vivian or Vicky? And Tieu Phong's love interest Vivian or Cung hong? He did seem interested in Vivian. I know Christmas is coming up and you're probably busy, but please update whenever you have time. Have a Merry Christmas.

[Goofy]

I just got time to sit down and read over the story. <IMG SRC="smilies/read.gif" border="0">

Such beautiful writing, Tuvi, make me feel that I still have a lot to learn from you. <IMG SRC="smilies/catroar.gif" border="0">

the cast are very interesting and I am waiting to read more of their stories.

btw, wasn't ho mei sei cast as emei's disciple in one chapter and as a maid in another chapter??? <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

[zzzbeauty]

Tu Vi, where are you? I know you must be busy with the holidays and everything but could you please update it. <IMG SRC="smilies/bawling.gif" border="0"> You've got me totally hooked. Your story is like my morning cup of coffee;i;m totally addicted to it!! I'm totally <IMG SRC="smilies/twirl.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/dizzy.gif" border="0"> without it. Please update it whenever you have time. Thank you very much.