Legend of the Kilin (Mo-hup fan fic #1)

[C Monster]

Interesting spin -- SC. Here's my contribution from the other mountain front.


Meanwhile, the wagon ride to the Sword Lake Sect turned to be adventurous indeed. It turned out that the ominous words spoken by the ruffian -- Lung Juan Fung -- had rung true. Not long after they (Lau Hong, Fong Zheng, Cheng Yuen Jin and Mong Ley Daisi) accepted the ride, one mishap was followed by another -- first an almost turnover during a nasty bump on the ride, followed by a broken wheel, and finally the entire wagon nearly skidded over ravine while crossing a narrow pass. Luckily, the gang kung-fu background came in handy to pull the wagon and cargo back onto the main road. With all the excitement, Lau Hong began to wonder if it would have been better if they never accepted the ride and had travelled on foot instead. At least, he didn't have to be in such close proximity to that ruffian's nasty odor, he thought.

By the time the gang arrived at the shack to rest, it was already nighfall. It was then decided that they should stay the night there than rather risk further exposure to the elements and travel in the dark. Yet, the accomodations that the merchant had promised were meager at best. Built barely able to withstand the howling winds of White Krane Mountains, the house rattled and shook like a paper latern. Lau Hong barely slept a wink. Noticing the dark circles under the eyes of his sifu, sihing and Daisi this morning, he didn't believed they fared any better.

As for the ruffian, Lung Juan Fung and his scholarly friend, Man Mun Tung, Lau Hong discovered that they surprisingly left at the break of dawn just when the windstorm broke. He went to search out the merchant and ask him for their whereabouts, but the merchang just shrugged a bit and continued counting the cargo in his wagon.

"Come on," Fong Zheng called his disciple. "We better get back on the road." He turned to the merchant and said, "Thank you for your hospitality. This is where we must part. With the yesterday's delay, we need to make time using the narrow footpath rather than the main wagon road. I wish you a speedy journey so that your wine can get to the House of Chen by tomorrow's wedding. Farewell."

With that the foursome began their next ardous trek across White Krane Mountains.

[Suet Seung]

Everyone,

I am pleased and honored to have my alias mentioned and used in the story. Yet, I feel unworthy for it's been five months since the fanfic had started and I only once or twice skim through it and did not competely take time to actually read it throughly and whole-heartly. The story of Kilin sounds interesting and well...the story itself that you all have written is remarkable and intriguing. I, myself, think that I can not match the writing capabilities of you all. The twists and mysterious air of the story makes me even more curious as how the story will turn out and what Chiu Man has to say in her journal and how the journal happened to be there. I am currently brainstorming for my own wuxia fan-fic. It's surprising how reading or titles of things can inspire people when at that moment they are having a writer's block...I had recently bought a old book in my campus's library called, "Sins of the Fathers", and well...my mom came in and was talking about something with me yet I kept looking at the book's title and suddenly gave me an idea about a character...but this idea did not come from the book's title alone but from reading this fan-fic with it's twists, it also contribute to my idea for the twist of character. I was also listening to Jacky Cheung's Condor Heroes Return themesong while reading this story... Anyways...its weird how inspirations just comes to you at such unexpected moments.

I'm currently still working on perfecting my first chapter and planning to post it on SPCNET when I have at least four to five chapters done...I hope I won't be keeping anyone waiting too long for the preview of my first fan-fic.

The fanfic you guys are writing is very good, it just grabs hold of the reader and making the reader unable to let go of the story. Continue on with the story....I love it!

[C Monster]

Thanks White Krane for your eloquent praises. Not sure if I deserve them of late since I've made so many typos in my last posting. Actually, it's supposed to be White Crane Mountains --- spelled with a "C" rather than a "K". One of these days when this story is finally completed, we're going to be to do some serious editing. You are right that this story is getting more and more intriguing. Wish more potential writers would contribute though...

By the time the gang of four reached the end of the footpath to arrive at the main gate of Keem Wu (Sword Lake) Sect House of Cheung, it was already sunset. Seeing the two ostentatious kilin statues flanking the entrance and ornate decorations of paper laterns with the "double happiness" character written on it and ribbons of red and gold, Lau Hong breathed a deep sigh of relief. Tonight, he might get his wish of being able to take a wonderful hot bath before falling into deep slumber to fully rest up and enjoy tomorrow's festivities.

Cheng Yuen Jin saw the look of excitement on Lau Hong's face and immediately commented, "Sidai, you like your eyes are ready to pop out and drool all over these fine marble steps. Why don't you do us the honor of announcing our arrival?"

Lau Hong happily climbed up the white steps and knocked on the giant wooden doors. Within a few moments, a refined gentleman in his sixties with a scholarly trimmed beard greeted them at the door. Seeing the group before him, he quickly identified the two elders. "Ah yes. Mong Ley Daisi of Shaolin Sect and Fong Cheung Meun (Leader Fong), Fong Zheng of Qing Tong Sect. So good to see that you've finally arrived. Hope your trip has not been as harrowing as what I've heard from some of our other guests who has arrived. Please come in and rest up in the main hall while I go and tell my Master."

"Fok Guen Ka (Housekeeper Fok), you do me a great honor to be able to recognize me. How long has it been since the last time we saw each other?" Fong Zheng asked with a smile.

Standing in front of the door slowly stroking his beard, Fok Guen Ka remarked, "It must have been more than twenty-five years. When Siu-Yeah (Little Master) was just a babe and Master invited everyone from Mo-lin for his one month birthday celebration."

"And at the time, I was still a young pup following the coattails of my sifu."

"Ah yes yes. By the way, how is Master Yun Mik Yau doing?"

"Good. Good. But sifu's wanderlust has not lessen over the years. Since passing the reigns of Qing Tong Sect over to me ten years ago, he's been off all over traveling. The last I heard he was on a boat trip exploring the Southern Islands."

"Yeah, sikung (grand-teacher) even wrote that he caught a few crocodiles too," chimed in Lau Hong.

Fong Zheng gave his disobedient disciple a stern stare and reprimanded, "Lau Hong, you must learn to curb this wagging tongue of yours."

"No harm done," the housekeeper replied haughtily, "So these two are your disciples?"

"Yes. Lau Hong and Cheng Yuen Jin. Please come and greet Fok Guen Ka, Fok On Tzi." Noticing the curious smirks exchanged between his two disciples, he knew what they were thinking. The man was just a lowly servant. What was the fuss about? Shaking his head, Fong Zheng continued knowing how much the housekeeper enjoyed having his ego stroked. "Before Fok Guen Ka became Fok Guen Ka, he was known throughout mo-lin by another name. Yuen Jin, ever heard of the phrase 'but duk man boon su, ji kow jung yat tzi'? (Don't read ten thousand books, just pray for one single word.)"

The older student, Yuen Jin, shook his head. The only one he's heard of was the well-known expression that said reading a thousand books is not as important as walking a thousand miles.

Finally Mong Ley Daisi spoke up. If he didn't, he wasn't sure if Fok On Tzi would ever let them in through the doors. He said, "Please don't tease your disciples, Fong Siju. All this occured before their time, how could they now? Over 30 years ago, Fok Siju here made a name for himself as a hup-si who aided the poor and the weak. Not only was he well-trained fighter, he was famous for his literary essays that appealed to the government to lessen the burden on 'ping mun bak sing' (general people) when the crops didn't come in during times of drought or excessive rain."

"Oh, 'Ji kow jung yat tzi' has to do with Fok Cheen Pui (Elder Fok )'s name then?" Yuen Jin added, "The 'yat tzi' (one word) clearly means that the value of the words written by Fok Cheen Pui was worth more than reading all the books in the world. Wow. Impressive."

"Not only that. Fok Guen Ka's kungfu is derived from the use of his beautiful calligraphy. His choice of weapon is a simple inkbrush which gives the phrase even further meaning." Fong Zheng continued.

"Please. Please. Speak no more," protested Fok Guen Ka feigning modesty by waving his hand. His face glowed with delight at the mentioning of his famous past. "That was ages ago. Now that the country's at peace, my brush has been hung up to dry. Now, I'm just an old housekeeper helping my Master with the management of his household and sect duties."

"Yes. But to be employed by the famed leader of Sword Sect, Master Cheung Chi Xue, is no light matter." Fong Zheng raised one of his brow to give it further emphasis.

"You are right. Maybe not," Fok Guen Ka agreed. "Master has such exacting standards." Hearing his master's name, he remembered his task at hand. He waved them to cross over the threshhold. "Please do come." He cried, "Xiao Yee," and a demur girl with red pockmarks all over her face stepped up to answer his call. He ordered, "Ah Yee. Take this honored guests to the main hall while I go to the study and tell Master." He then turned to the four of them and apologized shaking his head, "Don't mind her appearance. It's not contagious or anything. So hard to find good help these days."

The servant girl kept her head bowed low while she escorted them towards the main hall.

--- enjoy

[C Monster]

I can't believe that this censor thing here works so well... the *** (stars) is not a curse word at all but the last name -- F U K (the Chinese word to mean prosperity) -- for the Housekeeper. Why doesn't it work?

Oh well! Hope you guys still understand what I wrote.

[Suet Seung]

I don't know but...I just reread my comment above and please don't be confused....I actually did read it all word for word last nite well early morning..its just before last nite I didn't take time to read it...sorrie..

[spcnet]

C Monster: I basically choose what strings and substrings I want to be censored out at the board. Figured that some people might be creative with their cursing and try to bypass it. Try "Fok" next time for Fortune. Your previous addition to the story edited. x

[spcnet]

C Monster: Forgot to add, good character definition on Fok Guen Ka.

WhiteKrane: Thanks for your feedback.

I do hope more people would join the round robin fan fic, but oh well..

[Suet Seung]

I would give it a try however...what happens when you're writing a part and then theres also another person writing at the same time you are and then you two post wouldn't it mess up the process of the story? I dunno...have I confuse anyone?

[spcnet]

Hmm.. WhiteKrane, you have brought up a very good point. How about this from now on? Whoever is planning to add the next part to the story, put up a short post first saying something like, "in process of writing" so that whoever sees it will not try to add something until they also see the next continuation from that person. Let me know if I'm not making sense.

[Suet Seung]

I'm going to give it a try now....so please do not post anything right now....in the process of writing..please wait your turn... thnx

[Suet Seung]

As the maid, Ah Yee continue to lower head, to keep Fong Zheng and his disciples from recognizing her as the maid of that mysterious lady that the three had met days before. Ah Yee brought them to the main hall as quickly as she could and was about to leave, however, she was stopped abruptly by Lau Hong.

"Hey litle servant girl,"said Lau Hong with his right hand scratching his head. Ah Yee immediately turned around and had forgotten to lower her head because she was annoyed by Lau Hong's way of addressing her. Even her mistress who always seen her as a friend, never labeled or call her a "little servant girl". Her eyes looked straight into Lau Hong's eyes.

With Ah Yee's head looking straight up, Lau Hong and Yuen Jin was able to see the uglyiness of the servant girl. Despite her appearance,she possessed a pair of familiar brown eyes that the two martial brothers notice, yet could not quite remember exactly where they had seen it before.

Lau Hong cleared his throat and looked straight back into Ah Yee's eyes challenging her stare. "I'm sorry to bother you...Xiao Yee...is it? My sifu and martial brother have come a long way...and it has been a couple hours since the last time we had any thing to drink...please bring some tea for us to drink."

Ah Yee looked quickly around the room and relieved to see that Fong Zheng is busy looking at a silly painting on the wall and had not notice her brief carelessness and lower her head once again and told Lau Hong she would be out with the tea and gave a little bow before she quickly retreated to the kitchen.

"Sidai, did you notice that servant girl? Her eyes look very familiar," said Yuen Jin.

"Yes, but where could we have seen such an ugly girl like that?"

Yuen Jin was going to say something when a man dressed in the finest brown silk robe came into room, followed by Fok Guen Ka.

The man walked over to Fong Zheng, who was still admiring the painting,that hung above the wall.

"Ah, Fong Cheung Meun, I see you have notice our portrait of White Crane Mountain," said Cheung Chi Xue.

"Oh! I am sorry I was just admiring the painting. Is that the sacred beast, Kilin, I see hidden below a tree?"

"Yes, Fong Cheung Meun, may I say you have very sharp eyes? This painting was a gift from...", he paused for awhile as if trying to remember who had given him the painting,"I don't remember who had given this painting to me, yet I believe it was given some time after my father had died of an illness.

Cheung Chi Xue and Fong Zheng looked at each other in silence, as Ah Yee came out carrying a tray of tea cups. Cheung Chi Xue gave a fake laugh and gestured Fong Zheng to have a sit.

"It's a pleasure, to have you all here to witness my son, Ping's marriage to my beautiful bride to be, Li Yu Mei".

"No, it is an honor to be invited to witness such a collossal event,"said Fong Zheng. He then gave a side look at his at his two disciples, who were busy arguing over where they might have met the servant girl, Xiao Yee and had forgotten greet Cheung Chi Xue.
-------------------

I hope my contribution was okay...

[Suet Seung]

Darn! SPCNET can you change Fong Zheng's last comment from "No, its a pleasure" to "No, its an honor..." and I forgot to use past tense to some of the words..please edit that also..sorrie...

[Suet Seung]

P.S. Feedback would be a kind, boost of support for this first time fan-fic writer here!

[Goofy]

Pretty good, WhiteKrane. And C.Monster, I like the woven story of yours around the housekeeper. This fanfic is surely rated better than some on winglin site.

[C Monster]

Very good writing, White Krane. For a first time fan fic writer, I think you got a great feel for Cheung Chi Xue's character. I also love the chemistry between Xiao Yee and Lau Hong. Do you know that great minds think alike? I was thinking that they would make a wonderful pair and long behold... you got it

First a mysterious diary, now a painting... there are sure a lot of secrets hiding in this House of Cheung.

So White Krane, does this mean you want to continue writing for a little bit more or not?

[TKL]

I have been keeping up with this story and it is getting quite interesting. So many intrigue and mysteries.
WhiteKrane: you have the talent for writing fanfic, cannot wait to read your story.Please do post it soon.
C Monster: I like your background on Fok Guen Ka.

[Suet Seung]

C Monster: You've said too much! I don't deserve every word you said...as I reread my part...I noticed alot of errors...yet...I guess it's okay...it can be edited once we're done with the fanfic.

Great feel for Cheung Chi Xue's character?! I don't know about that! It just came to my mind...because in usual drama series...the mysterious? well..the head of the house is always very flattering and gives a fake laugh...I dunno... Cheung Chi Xue just reminds me of that man in ROCH...that wanted to marry Siu Long Nu and told her that once the marriage ceremony was done....he would give the antidote to Yeung Gor for the No Love flower poison...just seems like he's the the average guy...having his son getting married.

With Ah Yee...I just thought how you had her lower her head...and I thought of Lau Hong's curiousity and you know....just wanted to have one of the people of Fong Zheng to notice and be suspicious of her...you know....anyways...I think I will write more...but not until you add some more because...I am not sure I can write the next part as good as you will...so I will work with what you'll write...so go ahead and give us something to read!

[Suet Seung]

just seems like he's the average guy...having his son getting married.

Ack! I meant to say he doesn't seem like an average guy...thats all...

TKL:Thank you for your support. I will try to complete the first few chapters to give you all something to read...but having a hard time finding a plot....*sigh*

[C Monster]

I'm still working on this, but I just thought that I'll post a little for now to see how you guys like it. Will check up later for another posting. Enjoy!

Meanwhile on one of smaller hilltop at the valley of Sword Lake, two men stood attentively keeping eye at the flurry of activities and guests arriving at the House of Chen below. The sun had already set, but it was still a clear night with a full moon shining brightly above. Over on the farther side of the slope near the entrance of a cave, there was another man busy tending the campfire. Skewers of meat were hung over the fire while chestnuts and taro were being baked by the embers of the flame. The man turned the skewers of rabbit and fish meat gingerly giving each side thorough grilling. It turned out that he was the big bearded ruffian that had left Lau Hong's party so unexpectedly this morning. In a gruff voice, he called out, "Yee Dai (2nd Brother). Sam Dai (3rd Brother). The food is ready. Come and get it!" The rich aroma of grilled meat mixed with the sweetness of chestnuts made his mouth watered badly. He grabbed the biggest skew there was and began chomping eagerly. By his side was a big flask of wine that he had pilfered from the wagon ride earlier. He took a few gulps. Not bad at all, he thought to himself, exceptional wine for an exceptional wedding party. A few moments later, he called out again. This time his mouth was filled with food. "If you don't come soon there won't be any left!"

Reluntantly, one of the two men, the scholarly companion came over to complain. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Remind me next time, Dai Koh (Big Brother), to never ask you to set up camp again." He sat down and carefully used a stick to rolled some of the taro and chestnuts away from the fire. "What is this? They're almost burned to crisp!"

The big brute burped loudly before replying in a smile. "Yes, Sam Dai. But without me, how will you ever have any food in the first place. It was I who did most of the hunting and the cleaning afterwards. A cook who faints at the slightest bit of blood."

"Well, if it wasn't for my excellent preparation, you wouldn't be sucking on that piece of bone so loudly."

"Enough, you two!" The third man garbed all in black finally broke away from the spectacle below and walked over. Under normal circumstances, this 2nd Brother would never have such a short temper and yelled at them so sharply. Tonight, however, was an exception. The two brothers exchanged worried glances as the third man sat down and immediately dived into his ration of food silently.

The oldest brother suggested gently, "Drink some of this wine. It'll make you feel better."

The man grabbed the flask of wine and poured it straight down his throat. He dranked so quickly that he began to cough.

"You all right, Yee Dai?"

He only nodded after a few hacks.

The youngest brother said, "Yee Koh. Even if you yell at me, I'm still going to say it. There comes a time when you have to learn to let things go. Her kind of beauty is only skin deep. Offered to the highest bidder. Five years ago, you lost your family and home because of her. And now...." He stared across the fire eyes pinned on the deep scar across the left jaw of his beloved brother.

--- to be continued ---

[Suet Seung]

Interesting! Give us some more C Monster!