Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay

[Melanie]

CHAPTER 40 --- BLOOMS OF POISON

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han

IN A DARK CELL UNDERNEATH THE CAVE

Swiveling toward the voice, Lun stares into the darkness. He finally manages to make out the blurry outline of a slender young woman sitting cross-legged on the floor at the corner of the cell. "Suk Yu!" He calls out to his younger sister in surprise.

The young woman at the corner of the dark cell quickly turns her head toward Lun's voice, crying out in relief. "Eldest Brother! Is it really you?"

At Suk Yu's exclamation, Sui Han and Lun exchange surprised glances.
Rushing forward, Lun grabs onto his younger sister's shoulders, his eyes scanning her face with shock and disbelief. "Suk Yu! It really IS you! We all began to think the worst after you fell off the canyon." Pausing, he shakes his head again. "Mother and Father searched the entire canyon for you for days and yet couldn't find a trace of you."

"Mother and Father! How are they?" Suk Yu asks urgently. Taking in a painful breath, she frowns in shame. "I am such a useless daughter! Not only did I fail to defend the Lam Mansion, I also caused them such worry!"

Overjoyed at finding his sister alive and well, Lun laughs at Suk Yu's concerns. "Don't be silly, Suk Yu! Protecting the family home is all of our duties, not just yours alone. If anyone should be blamed for the ambush, then it is I. As the eldest brother, I should have been more careful of possible attack and should have taken better care of you, Wah, and Chi Chi."

At the mention of her second elder brother, Wah, who was severely injured the last time she saw him, Suk Yu grabs onto her eldest brother's arms urgently, staring ahead blindly. "How is Second Brother? The enemies poisoned him, causing him serious internal injury. Is he all right?"

"Err…" Lun hedges.

Sensing her brother's hesitancy, Suk Yu tightens her grip on his arms. "What? What happened to Second Brother?"

Lun sighs. "He's alive, but we still haven't been able to purge the poison from his body. I am actually on my way to the Sun Moon Sect headquarters to steal the antidote."

In the background, Sui Han looks on Lun and Suk Yu's reunion, her heart a little uneasy. While glad that her third young mistress is alive, she feels guilty about Wah's poisoned condition. She originally agreed to help her godfather, the Sun Moon Sect Leader, to infiltrate into the Lam family and pass information on to her godfather. However, she agreed under the impression that the Lams were devious, ruthless villains masquerading as heroes in the martial arts world. But the Lams just do not seem all that bad. During her stay at the Lam Mansion, they have treated her with nothing but kindness, especially First Young Master. And now, because of her sect, Second Young Master is injured. Thank goodness Third Young Mistress is alive.

Lun's next question breaks into Sui Han's thoughts. "Suk Yu, how did you end up here?" He looks around the dark cell they are in. "Where are we?"

Suk Yu sighs as she recounts the events she experienced since the night of the Sun Moon Sect's ambush on Lam Mansion. "After I fell down the canyon, a hero rescued me. He left to deal with some personal affairs not long after. While he was away, I intended to return home as my internal injuries were completely healed by then. However, on the day of my departure, a group of assassins ambushed and captured me. When I regained consciousness, I found myself here in this cell. I've been here for at least a month, and still I have no clue where I am or who my captors are."

"Have you had any contact with your captors yet?" Lun inquires.

Shaking her head, Suk Yu stands up and runs her hands along the rough stone wall of the cell to guide her way. "The only contact I have had is with the old lady who brings me my meals. She speaks very little and ignores my questions most of the time. Even though she has never exchanged stances with me, I suspect that her martial art is at a much higher level than ours. Whenever she brings my meals, I cannot not even hear her footsteps, nor do I feel the vibration of the air as she moves."

Hearing Suk Yu's comment, Lun frowns, deep in concentration. "From what you say, then this old woman's internal energy must be very impressive if she is able to travel without disturbing the air around her. This will lower our chances of escape." Glancing around the dark cell, he squints his eyes, inspecting for any possible ways of leaving the cell. "Have you tried escaping, Suk Yu?"

Sighing, Suk Yu nods. "It's no use. I have spent an entire month here during my captivity examining every single nook and corner of this cell." Pointing toward a small rectangular opening situated at eye level in the west wall, Suk Yu flattens her lips together in frustration. "Other than that hole over there, which is only large enough to allow the old woman to push a bowl of rice through, there are no other openings in this place. The walls are solid granite and impenetrable." Sighing, Suk Yu suddenly turns toward Lun's direction. "By the way, how did you end up here, Eldest Brother?"

"Sui Han and I were on our way to the Sun Moon Sect headquarters to obtain the antidote for Wah." Lun explains. "On our way there, we sought shelter from the blizzard in a cave above this cell. We accidentally activated a trap door mechanism on the cave's wall and fell down a tunnel and ended up here."

"Sui Han?" Suk Yu asks in surprise. "Is she here, too?" She looks blindly around.

"Third Young Mistress, I am standing right in front of you." Sui Han rushes forward and takes hold of one of Suk Yu's hands. Shocked that Suk Yu is not able to see her, Sui Han slowly waves a hand in front of Suk Yu's eyes.

Unable to see Sui Han's waving hand, Suk Yu continues to stare blankly ahead. Finally realizing that Suk Yu is blind, Sui Han and Lun exchange horrified looks.

Clutching at Suk Yu's arms, Lun leans forward, his eyes roving across his sister's face, still not fully recovered from the shock. "Suk Yu! What happened to your eyesight?"

Bringing a trembling hand to her face, Suk Yu touches the corner of her eye, her expression with a tinge of regret. "I have been blind ever since the fall from the canyon."

Beside Lun, Sui Han whispers softly. "Is the damage permanent, Third Young Mistress?"

"I don't know. It might be temporary blindness due to the serious injury I sustained from the fall." Sighing, Suk Yu turns away. "But it has been months since the injury, and yet I have not regained my eyesight. Perhaps I am destined to suffer this misfortune."

Guiltily, Sui Han lowers her head, her eyes downcast as she gnaws at her lower lip. "I'm sorry, Third Young Mistress." She whispers in shame and regret.

"Don't apologize, silly!" Suk Yu puts up a brave face and smiles at Sui Han. "You aren't the one who caused the injury leading to my blindness. If anyone is to be blamed, then it should be the Sun Moon Sect."

Sinking her head down even lower at Suk Yu's words, Sui Han frowns as she drowns in shame. She may not have personally caused Suk Yu's injury. However, she is nevertheless responsible for Suk Yu's blindness for she belongs to the Sun Moon Sect. Third Young Mistress has always treated her with kindness. Now realizing that the Sun Moon Sect has caused this kind-hearted woman's injury, Sui Han cannot help but start to question her sect's motives and actions.

"Suk Yu, let Eldest Brother try to heal your injury with my internal energy. I may be able to revive your eyesight." Lun offers, about to settle down into a meditating position.

Placing a hand on her brother's arm to stop him, Suk Yu shakes her head. "No, my internal injury from the fall has already completely healed. As for the blindness… Only time will tell…"

"But…" Lun begins to object. "Suk Yu, don't despair. Once we escape from here, Eldest Brother will find the best physician available to heal your eyesight."

Suk Yu shakes her head again. "Eldest Brother, herbs will not cure my blindness. Only time can. I should know, since I am a healer myself."

Sighing, Lun falls into silence for a moment. Suddenly, he murmurs, "Healer… That's right!" Pulling Sui Han forward by the hand, Lun turns to Suk Yu with hope shining in his eyes. "Suk Yu, Sui Han has been injured not too long ago. I have been using my internal energy to keep her alive. However, she fluctuates in and out of consciousness sometimes. Is there anything you could do to help her?"

"Injured?" Suk Yu queries. "What does the injury site look like?"

As Lun himself has not yet seen the injury due to concerns of propriety, he hesitates, turning toward Sui Han.

"It's some kind of palm print." Sui Han chimes in. "In the beginning, the front of my chest, near the right shoulder where the palm injury is, appeared bright red, like blood. Gradually, the red palm print faded away, leaving behind the faint pink shadow of a palm mark. However, the excruciating, burning pain returns every so often. The pain is so harsh that I pass out."

Frowning with concern after hearing Sui Han's description of her palm injury, Suk Yu's heart sinks as she begins to suspect something. "Has the flaming red palm print now migrated to your back, exactly opposite from where your injury was in the front?"

Pausing, Sui Han blinks in confusion. "I'm not sure, since I can't see my back…"

Seeing Suk Yu's concerned expression, Lun urgently asks, "What, Suk Yu? What's wrong? Is Sui Han's injury curable?"

Suk Yu turns toward her brother. "Eldest Brother, since I cannot see, will you take a look for me and tell me whether or not you see a blood red palm print on Sui Han's back?"

"Well…" Lun hesitates as he glances at Sui Han's embarrassed and uncomfortable expression. Clearing his throat, he says, "I don't think it would be too proper, given that Sui Han and I are not husband and wife. Perhaps we can find a village woman to take a look for us after we leave this cell."

Shaking her head impatiently, Suk Yu explains urgently. "There is no time to wait! If I am not mistaken, Sui Han's injury may be due to the Blood Shadow Palm."

"The Blood Shadow Palm?" Sui Han wonders out loud.

Nodding, Suk Yu begins to explain. "I recall reading about the Blood Shadow Palm while perusing old medicine texts. According to these old texts, this deadly palm sequence originates from an ancient sect known as the Thousand Snake Black Rose Clan."

Knitting his brows together, Lun remembers hearing his father mention of such a clan during the Heroes Gathering three years ago. "The Thousand Snake Black Rose Clan? I've heard of this clan. The clan leaders, two sisters named Black Rose and Poison Snake, quarreled extensively because of their different philosophies. Black Rose, the younger kind-hearted sister, spent her life curing those poisoned by her older sister, Poison Snake. However, Poison Snake, despite her evil nature, was a martial arts genius. It took the combined efforts of Black Rose and her husband, the leader of the Floating Cloud Sect, to drive Poison Snake into the depths of Persia. Since then, Poison Snake has never been heard of again, and the Thousand Snake Black Rose Clan vanished from the martial arts world since the split up of the two sisters."

"Exactly," Suk Yu adds. "Poison Snake was indeed a martial arts and poison genius. The ancient medicine manuals mention that amongst the many new martial arts techniques she discovered, the deadliest remains the Blood Shadow Palm, a lightening fast sequence of palm stances designed to kill the enemy at a slow and tortuous pace. The palm's strength originates from three of the world's deadliest poisonous blooms - the Black Widow Ivy, the Scorpion Lily, and the Blue Cobra Magnolia. These three flowers only bloom once every fifty years. In order to attain the highest level of the Blood Shadow Palm, the learner must soak all three plants in the fresh blood of one hundred live children born on the ninth month of the ninth day of the ninth hour. After a total of forty nine days, the leaner then must drink this concoction of blood and plants and afterward meditate for another forty nine days."

Lun rushes forward, gripping onto Suk Yu's hand. "Do the old medicine texts mention anything about how to cure the poisons inflicted by the Blood Shadow Palm?"

Nodding silently, Suk Yu hesitates. "Yes, but…"

"But what?" Lun jumps in urgently.

"But if the executioner of the Blood Shadow Palm attains the highest level, then his victim CANNOT be cured." Suk Yu suddenly turns toward Sui Han. "Sui Han, that's why I need to know what the injury site looks like in order to access which level of the Blood Shadow Palm you have been hit with. Since I am blind and you cannot see your own wound on the back, I need Eldest Brother to describe the injury to me so that I can instruct him on how to heal you."

"No…" Sui Han replies hesitantly, her face tinged with crimson.

Placing a hand on Sui Han's arm, Suk Yu reassures her softly, so that Lun cannot hear. "Sui Han, I know my request puts you in an uncomfortable situation, but it's a matter of life and death. If there's a chance that you can be saved, then we must start treatment immediately." She pauses, sighing. "But if you are unfortunate enough to be injured by the highest level of the Blood Shadow Palm, resulting in no chance of cure, then starting treatment will only hasten your death and make it more painful…"

Glancing embarrassingly at Lun, who has discreetly retreated to the corner of the cell to give the women some privacy, Sui Han shakes her head adamantly. "No."

"Don't worry, Sui Han." Suk Yu reassures her. "Eldest Brother is a gentleman. He will not look elsewhere except at your injury." Sensing Sui Han's hesitation, Suk Yu gently persuades. "Sui Han, I am a woman, too. I understand your difficult situation. But it's your life we're talking about. I swear that whatever happens in this cell will remain with the three of us. Your reputation won't be soiled."

Lowering her head, Sui Han frowns, pondering her situation.

"Don't think too much, Sui Han! We'll start the first round of your treatment tonight after Eldest Brother describes your injury to me. Then we'll figure out a way to get out of here." Making the decision for Sui Han, Suk Yu drags her over to the far corner of the cell where Lun is standing. "Eldest Brother, take a look at Sui Han's injury so that we can save her."

Staring at the uncomfortable Sui Han, who is looking at everywhere but at him, Lun clears his throat awkwardly. Leaning toward Sui Han, he whispers in her ear. "Sui Han, I swear that I will take responsibility for my actions and will take care of you for the rest of your life after tonight." Sui Han keeps her face turned away from him and remains silent as if she did not hear his words. Taking her silence as permission, Lun reaches forward and gently slides Sui Han's white undergarment off her shoulders, revealing her smooth, bare white shoulders. Trying hard to keep his eyes off her bare slender back, he concentrates on searching for any evidence of the Blood Shadow Palm's mark on her back.

"What does her injury on the back look like, Eldest Brother?" Suk Yu asks, her question interrupting Lun's perusal of Sui Han's back.

"Actually, there is no sign of the Blood Shadow Palm on her back." Lun replies.

"No palm print at all? Are you sure, Eldest Brother?" Suk Yu insists that he check carefully.

"I'm sure." Lun confirms as he surveys her entire back meticulously one more time. Carefully and gently, he drapes the white undergarment over Sui Han's shoulders again, his hands reaching forward to help her retie the strings at the side. Uncomfortable with his attention, Sui Han shies away, her eyes downcast, and fumbles at the strings herself. Seeing Sui Han's reaction, Lun sighs inwardly before turning toward Suk Yu.

"Then that is good news!" Suk Yu exclaims. "That means that the person who delivered the palm has only completed level two of the Blood Shadow Palm, as the palm print has not yet penetrated to the back."

"Then what is the method of cure?" Lun questions, happiness and relief evident in his voice.

Taking Sui Han's pulse, Suk Yu tilts her head in concentration. "Eldest Brother, you must have been transferring a great amount of internal energy into her. If not, she would not have survived this long."

"Then all I have to do is to continue transferring my internal energy into her?" Lun asks.

Shaking her head, Suk Yu interrupts him. "No, according to the medicine texts, while internal energy can prolong her life and relieve her pain, too huge of a surge of energy will backfire soon and hasten her death. Her current injury will only tolerate a slow flow of low internal energy over a period of ten hours. During this critical time period, both must remain absolutely stationary and not be disturbed by any outside forces. If not…"

"If not, what, Third Young Mistress?" Sui Han walks to Suk Yu's side, trying to keep her distance from Lun.

"If not, then Eldest Brother will suffer from fire deviation and die." Suk Yu sighs after imparting this morbid piece of news.

"After the transfer of energy, Sui Han will be cured, right?" Lun looks to his younger sister for confirmation, apparently not bothered by the danger he will be putting himself in during the energy transfer.

"No." Suk Yu shakes her head. "Unfortunately, the transfer of energy is only the first step of her cure. Once the energy transfer is complete, she will have another three months to live. During this time, you must find the nearly extinct green python, which spends its lifetime only feeding on the world's most poisonous plants and critters. Once Sui Han ingests this python's innards, she will be completely healed of the poison from the Blood Shadow Palm."

"Then I will immediately begin the transfer of internal energy now." Lun starts to move toward Sui Han, but she takes a step away from him.

"No, First Young Master." Sui Han objects, her eyes clouded with concern. "This is not the time to waste your internal energy on me. You need to save your strength for escaping this place."

"But…" Lun begins.

"No," Sui Han interrupts him firmly. "Don't you remember what Third Young Mistress said? She mentioned that the old woman, who brought her meals, appears to have to tremendous internal energy. If a mere elderly servant who brings food to prisoners is already that powerful, then her master should be even harder to defeat. I don't want you ruining your chances of escape in order to prolong my life."

"Sui Han!" Lun rushes forward and clasps her shoulders tightly, his eyes glittering dangerously as he leans his face close to hers. "Do you really think that I value your life any less than mine and Suk Yu's? Do you really think that I would rather save my internal energy so that I can escape and just let you die?" He tightens his hold on her punishingly. "Do you really think that little of me?"

"That's not what I mean, First Young Master!" Sui Han glares at him stubbornly. "It is all my fault for triggering that booby trap on the cave's wall. Now you have to sacrifice your internal energy for me." Seeing Lun about to interrupt, she hurries on. "I know you're going to say your decrease in internal energy will only be temporary and that all you need is a few hours of rest to recover. But what if we are attacked during those few hours while your internal energy is still at its lowest? Or what if someone attacks you while you are in the process of transferring the energy to me? Third Young Mistress says that any interruption will cause fire deviation and even your death! I do not want you to risk your life for me!" She paces away from him, her expression resolute. Once she is a few feet away from him, she whirls around and exclaims in a firm and stubborn tone. "And I refuse to be a burden!"

In that moment, Lun suddenly flips though the air and lands in front of Sui Han. Catching her by surprise, he seals her pressure points, immobilizing her before she is able to put up any resistance. Staring into her eyes intensely, he speaks calmly and quietly. "You are not a burden. And even if you are, then you are MY precious burden." With those solemn words, he pushes her down to the stone floor, assuming a meditation position behind her. As he concentrates his internal energy into his palms, an orange glow radiates from his hands. Slapping his palms onto Sui Han's back, Lun closes his eyes as the flow of energy seeps from his palms toward Sui Han. Soon, a brilliant red glow of energy envelops them, while Suk Yu stands close by, listening for any approach of enemies.

NINE HOURS LATER…
IN THE CELL UNDERNEATH THE CAVE

Suk Yu paces slowly across the straw covered stone floor of the cell. Behind her, Lun and Sui Han remain in meditating position, surrounded by a glowing halo of brilliant red and orange.

"One more hour to go and the transfer of energy will be complete." Suk Yu murmurs. "So far, there are no signs of those captors. Hopefully, they will keep away until Eldest Brother recovers from the energy transfer."

Quietly approaching the two people on the floor, she crouches down and observes Lun and Sui Han, silently willing the hour to past quickly. Suddenly, from behind she hears footsteps. Leaping upward, she turns around in time to hear the stone wall of the cave slide open.

"Well, well, well." A sly voice chuckles mockingly. "Look what we have here."

[eeyore]

Mel, I just catch up with the latest 3 chapter, you're getting better I reckon especially the way you describing the fighting and all those details. I can see the improvement you have on the choice of words you are using.

What will happen next? It's only an hour away from the healing process. Please update again!!!!

[Melanie]

CHAPTER 41 --- NATURE CALLS

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Steven Ma Jing Tao---Leung Cheuk Fu a.k.a. Blue Executioner a.k.a. Blue Diamond Rapist
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han
Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Chi Chi
Kevin Cheng Ka Wing---Cheng Sai Chung

Guest appearances in this chapter:
Alec Su You Peng---Ah Peng (one of the bandits)
Chun Wong---Bandit Leader

JADE ORCHID TOWN
IN THE CELL UNDERNEATH THE CAVE

Quietly approaching the two people on the floor, Suk Yu crouches down and observes Lun and Sui Han, silently willing the hour to past quickly. Suddenly, from behind she hears footsteps. Leaping upward, she turns around in time to hear the stone wall of the cell slide open.

"Well, well, well." A sly voice chuckles mockingly. "Look what we have here."
Reaching for her jade flute, Suk Yu twirls the weapon expertly in her hand, raising it in attack position. "Who is it?"

"Tsk, tsk," Blue Executioner mocks at Suk Yu's belligerence. "Why raise your weapon to me, my beautiful?" Taking a step closer, he smiles slyly at her before shifting his gaze to Lun and Sui Han, who are both on the cell floor in meditating position as the energy transfer continues.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Suk Yu demands, her voice firm, even as her mind races to come up with ways to distract this enemy from disturbing her brother and Sui Han's energy transfer.

Ignoring her questions, Blue Executioner stretches his lips into a wider grin, as he sizes up the situation. "Ah, when the Master asked me to come here and escort our prisoner to the main chamber, I did not expect to encounter not only one, but two visions of beauty," he jeers, referring to Sui Han and Suk Yu. "If I knew the Master was keeping such lovely maidens here all this time, I would have volunteered to keep you company. You two ladies must be lonely here in this dark cell."

Turning toward the motionless Lun on the floor behind Sui Han, Blue Executioner feigns surprise. "Oh! And what are you doing here, First Young Master Lam? I didn't expect to meet you again so soon after our little encounter a few days ago." Smirking at the silent Lun, Blue Executioner continues to goad him, trying to drive Lun to lose control and end up with fire deviation. "You must forgive me for being so…familiar…with your fair wife, First Young Master Lam." Blue Executioner drawls, as he alludes to his despicable attempt to violate Sui Han a few days ago. "After all, a woman as beautiful as your wife must feel lonely very quickly. I was just doing you a favor by keeping her…satisfied…while you were away…" Blue Executioner chuckles slyly, his sharp eyes observing Lun closely.

Throughout all the taunting, Lun wisely remains silent, continuing to ignore Blue Executioner's insulting remarks as he concentrates on transferring his internal energy into Sui Han.

In the background, Suk Yu listens in on Blue Executioner's one-sided conversation, hoping he would not succeed in provoking her eldest brother, else all efforts at healing Sui Han's Blood Shadow Palm injury would be in vain. Just another half hour before the energy transfer is complete and Eldest Brother is able to safely move again without causing serious damage to his internal energy, Suk Yu reminds herself quietly.

Meanwhile, Blue Executioner, refusing to give up, persists in his insults. He snorts as he observes Lun and Sui Han, correctly guessing the reason behind their silence. "Oh, I see! You can't move or speak because you are transferring energy into your dear wife!" Casually strolling closer to the pair on the floor, Blue Executioner tilts his head speculatively. "Tsk, tsk. Look at you, First Young Master Lam! Working so diligently to keep your wife alive." He smiles fondly at Sui Han as he mocks. "Since the young Mrs. Lam here is just so lovely, I really don't have the heart to see her die. Why don't I help you with the energy transfer?" He volunteers with fake goodwill, a malicious gleam in his eyes.

Just as he finishes his words, Blue Executioner moves suddenly without warning, sending his palm forward, aiming straight for Lun's back. Feeling the force from his palm wind, Suk Yu flips through the air and kicks at Blue Executioner's arm, diverting the direction of the lethal palm force. Enraged, Blue Executioner jerks around and leaps toward Suk Yu. As both meet in the air, Suk Yu's jade flute clashes with Blue Executioner's saber. His saber slices with killer intent, while Suk Yu evades and is forced into defensive mode as her blindness puts her at a disadvantage.

"I would advise you to mind your own business, pretty lady. I have a score to settle with that Lam scum over there!" He spats as he refers to Lun. Recalling the injury he suffered at the hands of Lun a few days ago, Blue Executioner burns with fury, slashing out at Suk Yu with full force, intending to destroy all those who dare to stand in his way.

"He is my eldest brother," counters Suk Yu. "Whatever score you have with him, you must go through me first."

Bending gracefully backwards at the waist, Suk Yu avoids the slice of the saber. Swinging her jade flute forward, she crisscrosses it with her opponent's blade, blocking his blow. Blue Executioner immediately slides his weapon to the side, and agilely switches the saber to the left hand, thus freeing his right hand to palm Suk Yu on the shoulder.

Flying backward from the impact of his palm, Suk Yu crashes into the wall. Dragging herself up, she immediately somersaults into the air, her palms meeting Blue Executioner's. However, her opponent's superior internal energy knocks her backward, forcing her to an unsteady landing. Barely recovered from the shock, she looks up to find Blue Executioner rapidly approaching from above. Unable to see but feeling a shift in the air, Suk Yu quickly dodges just in time as his saber slices off a small lock of her hair, narrowly missing her head.

After exchanging fifty stances with Blue Executioner, Suk Yu begins to show signs of fatigue. Sensing her opponent to have much greater internal energy, Suk Yu uses her last resource, trying to prolong the fight as long as possible to buy her brother and Sui Han some time. Dropping down onto the floor and assuming a meditating position, Suk Yu begins to play a shrill tune, concentrating all her internal energy into the melody.

As the sound waves curl and wrap around Blue Executioner, he, too, assumes a meditating position on the opposite side of the cell. The force generated from his internal energy acts as an invisible net, trapping the internal energy waves from Suk Yu's flute and reflecting them back toward her, only ten times stronger.

As the surge of energy rushes directly back toward her, Suk Yu quickly changes her tune. This time, instead of a shrill, ear-piercing melody, her notes become soft and soothing. The gentler waves of internal energy, though light and ethereal, act as an amazingly effective cushion against the stronger force emitted from Blue Executioner.

As this battle of internal energy continues between Suk Yu and Blue Executioner, Lun, although concentrating fully on his energy transfer into Sui Han, remains aware of his sister's struggle with the enemy. From his previous encounter with Blue Executioner, he knows that Suk Yu may be able to deter him for a short time, but is really no match for him if the fight continues for a prolonged period. Up to this point, Suk Yu has managed to distract Blue Executioner for a total of three-quarters of an hour. Now he needs another crucial fifteen minutes before he is able to come to Suk Yu's aid. Hopefully, she will be able to last that long.

Meanwhile, Blue Executioner hurls another surge of internal energy toward Suk Yu, the force fierce and merciless, like the slap of a thousand crashing ocean waves, engulfing and suffocating Suk Yu under its overwhelming strength. Forced to leap aside, Suk Yu rolls sideways and somersaults away to escape the rapidly approaching energy field. A series of explosions erupt at the location she has just vacated. Unfortunately, the noise from the explosion prevents her from hearing Blue Executioner's approach. As the small fragments of rock fly through the air, Suk Yu feels a shift in the air and turns around one second too late and suffers a vicious blow to the shoulders from Blue Executioner. Sagging limply to the floor, she promptly loses consciousness.

"Ahahahaha!" Blue Executioner laughs maniacally. "Sorry, my beautiful," he looks at the unconscious Suk Yu regretfully. "I do not mean to handle you so roughly, but revenge must come first." With Suk Yu out of the way, he leaps forward toward Lun, his palm extended…

MEANWHILE…
GREEN PYTHON VALLEY
BANDIT HIDEOUT

Lying amongst a bed of straw in the storage shack of the bandit hideout, Chi Chi wriggles around, trying futilely to loosen the thick ropes binding her hands and feet together. "Ugh!" She mumbles, disgusted. She and Sai Chung have been trapped here for several days, and yet there still has been no opportunity for escape.

On their first day of capture, the bandits went through everything in her travel bundles, cheering at the pretty pouch full of gold coins they found. Of course, they also mocked at her feminine coin pouch decorated with creamy lace and colorful ribbons, a gift to her from her mother on her sixteenth birthday. Unaware that Chi Chi is a young woman disguised as a man, the bandits jeered at her, claiming at never having heard of a full-grown man carrying around such a "girly" thing. Hence, they all nicknamed her "pretty boy."

Grinding her teeth at such an insult, Chi Chi huffs and puffs even harder, twisting her hands against the ropes until the tender skin of her wrists burned. "Hmph! Just wait until I get out of these ropes! I'll show you people the consequences of laughing at me!"

Thrashing about, she accidentally kicks Sai Chung in the chest. The slumbering young man, who is lying next to her, blinks as he awakens. Lifting his head, he stares at Chi Chi, confused at all the commotion. "Little Brother, what's wrong? Why are you wriggling around so much?" Suddenly, an idea pops into his head. "Oh! Is there an itch on your chest? I can try to scratch it for you." He offers helpfully, scooting closer toward Chi Chi and lifting his bound hands toward her body.

"Hey!" She squeals indignantly, swatting Sai Chung's hands away. Glaring fiercely at him, she threatens him with bodily harm. "Keep your hands to yourself, or I'll punch you in the face and pull out all your hair!"

Hesitantly, Sai Chung stares at her with disbelief. "Err, okay, Little Brother. Calm down."

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?" Chi Chi nearly shrieks. "How can I calm down at a time like this? I am suppose to be on my way to the Sun Moon Sect headquarters to steal the antidote to cure my second brother! Now instead of being there, I am stuck here! Who will save my second brother, huh?" Chi Chi cries dramatically.

"Don’t worry, Little Brother!" Sai Chung promises heroically. "I will think of a way to get you out of here, even if I have to sacrifice my life. Since you are my Little Brother, I have a responsibility to take good care of you."

Hearing Sai Chung's earnest speech, Chi Chi's hot air deflates a bit. Feeling quite guilty at her outburst at him, she sighs grumpily. "I don't understand how you can sleep at a time like this. For all we know, those bandits are planning to sell us into prostitution!" She bursts out, forgetting for the moment that she is disguised as a man.

"Prostitution?" Sai Chung frowns in bewilderment. "Why would they do that? We're both men. The brothels have no use for us."

Realizing her slip of tongue, Chi Chi blushes. "Okay, forget about the prostitution idea. But what if they decide to keep us here forever, waiting for the ransom money that will never come?" Glancing around the dark storage shack, Chi Chi scoots a bit closer to Sai Chung as a plan pops into her mind. "I just thought of a plan!" She whispers excitedly.

"What plan?" Sai Chung whispers back, leaning his head closer to hers.

"While you were sleeping earlier today, I overheard two bandits outside talking. They were saying that the Bandit Leader's daughter is back from visiting her aunt. In a moment, I will lure in those two bandits guarding the storage shack door. Once they come in, I will make up an excuse so that they will release us from these ropes. Then, once we get out of this shack, we will search this place for the Bandit Leader's daughter and hold her hostage, demanding that the leader return our belongings and allow us to leave this valley peacefully!" Chi Chi finishes sharing her plan with Sai Chung, a proud smile on her face.

Puzzled, Sai Chung furrows his brows. "But why don't we just make a run for it once they untie our ropes? Why waste time searching for the daughter and holding her hostage?"

"You dopey! These bandits outnumber us! Who knows how many there are running around this place? There could be hundreds! We need a hostage to guarantee our safe escape! And the Bandit Leader's daughter will be our best ticket out of here!" Chi Chi grumbles at Sai Chung. "Besides, we need to get our gold coins back. How will we be able to travel without the gold coins? How will we buy food? How will we pay for our inn fare?"

"Oh, well, that's true. That's true." Sai Chung nods agreeably. "But…"

"Shh!" Chi Chi hushes him suddenly, as she hears the approach of footsteps at the storage shack door.

At that moment, the shack door swings open, and Ah Peng walks in, carrying two trays of food.

"Dinner time!" Ah Peng calls out, placing the trays in front of Sai Chung and Chi Chi.

As he stands back up and prepares to leave, Chi Chi stops him. "Wait!"

Turning around, he stares at Chi Chi suspiciously. "What?"

"Umm, I need to go use the toilet." Chi Chi makes something up.

"You just went to the toilet about half an hour ago." Ah Peng protests, exasperated.

"Well, yes, I know that!" Chi Chi replies condescendingly. "But I need to go again."

"Why?" Ah Peng demands belligerently.

"WHY?" Chi Chi asks incredulously. "What kind of question is that? If I need to go, then I need to go. You cannot question nature like that."

"Hmph." The young bandit huffs reluctantly. "Okay, but don't try anything funny!" He warns. Helping Chi Chi up, he starts to lead her out the shack, but Chi Chi digs her heels into the straw covered floor as she looks back at Sai Chung, who remains sprawled on the straw mat. "He needs to use the toilet, too."

"What?" Ah Peng cries out with disbelief. "How in the world would YOU know whether or not HE needs to use the toilet?"

"I just know, okay?" Chi Chi replies haughtily. "We are best friends. We can read each other's minds."

Ah Peng stares at Sai Chung and Chi Chi strangely. "If you say so…" Directing his gaze toward Sai Chung, he says, "Well, come on. Don't you need to use the toilet…according to your best buddy here?"

"Umm…yes." Sai Chung laughs awkwardly. "Now that you mention it, I believe a toilet break would be nice." Struggling to stand up with bound feet, Sai Chung trips twice before toppling back down onto the straw covered floor.

"You need to untie us!" Chi Chi demands. "How else can we walk to the washroom? Unless you want to carry both of us there…"

Ah Peng looks at Chi Chi and Sai Chung's bound feet and sighs. "Okay, okay." He concedes reluctantly. But don't try anything funny!" He threatens. With another long-suffering sigh, he bends down to untie the ropes wrapped around Chi Chi and Sai Chung's feet. Then, he loosens the ropes around their hands.

Over Ah Peng's head, Chi Chi winks excitedly at Sai Chung. Finally freed from the ropes, Chi Chi pretends to follow Ah Peng out the shack meekly while Sai Chung trails hesitantly behind, his expression wary.

Leading the two prisoners toward a small, wooden shack serving as a washroom, complete with toilet and a large wooden tub, Ah Peng gestures at Chi Chi and Sai Chung. "Make it quick, you two."

Shifting her eyes furtively toward Sai Chung, Chi Chi pretends to walk toward the washroom. However, just as she passes the bandit's side, she swiftly turns and pushes him into the washroom, slamming the door shut.

"Brother Sai Chung! Hurry up and push that large rock over here to block the doorway to the washroom!" Chi Chi pushes at Sai Chung's shoulders frantically.

"Okay, okay." Sai Chung replies, a bit dazed at the turn of events. Quickly, he rushes over to a grove of bushes near the washroom, where a large boulder sits. Blessed with tremendous strength, he picks up the rock without any difficulty and places it in front of the washroom door.

The door of the washroom rattles and Ah Peng's angry voice screams, "Hey! Let me out, you two! Help! The prisoners are escaping! The prisoners are escaping!"

Grabbing onto Sai Chung's hand, Chi Chi drags him away. "Hurry! Let's get out of here!"

However, before they are able to take another step, a band of ruffians armed with knives, spears, and an assortment of other random weapons surrounds them.

"Where do you two think you are going?" The Bandit Leader demands, his round belly jiggling with each word.

Backing away, Chi Chi gulps. "Uh oh…"

Pushing Chi Chi behind him protectively, Sai Chung tries to shield her from the bandits. "Little Brother, when you get a chance, run as fast as you can."

"But what about you?" Chi Chi asks, her eyes wide.

"Don't worry about me, Little Brother. I will distract them as best as I can. Use that opportunity to escape."

"No! I can't just leave you here like this!" Chi Chi protests.

Just as she finishes her sentence, the Bandit Leader screams and waves his arms wildly in the air. "Nobody is escaping until I get my ransom! Capture them!"

At the leader's command, four bandits rush toward Chi Chi and Sai Chung, swinging their knives haphazardly in the air. Ducking, Chi Chi evades the blades and somersaults into air, kicking out at her pursuers, knocking down two of them. Meanwhile, Sai Chung lunges at one of the bandits, picking him up with his superior brute strength. Throwing the bandit at anther one, who is approaching rapidly from the side, Sai Chung manages to take two opponents down at once. With all four bandits sprawled on the ground, Sai Chung snatches at Chi Chi's hand and dashes off with her.

"Come back! Come back!" The Leader hollers, trying to give chase. However, his considerable weight prevents him from following, and soon he is forced to sit on a nearby stone bench to rest, his stomach heaving from the exertion. Shrieking at the top of his lungs, he calls for his followers. "Hurry, you slowpokes! After them! Bring them back!"

MEANWHILE…
BACK AT JADE ORCHID TOWN
IN THE UNDERGROUND CELL

With Suk Yu unconscious and out of the way, Blue Executioner flies toward Lun with his lightness kung fu, his palm extended, intending to seek revenge for his injury several days back.

From the corner of his eye, Lun spies an oncoming palm. Forced to defend himself, he keeps his left palm firmly placed against Sui Han's back, while using his right hand to receive Blue Executioner's palm. Keeping the bulk of his internal energy concentrated on Sui Han to prevent injury to her, Lun has no choice but to use only five percent of his internal strength on his opponent.

As his right palm clashes with Blue Executioner's left one, Lun grits his teeth from the impact. Five minutes into the internal strength struggle, sweat begins to trickle down both men's temples. Sensing a losing battle as he is only using a small portion of his energy, Lun rips his palm away from Blue Executioner's, ending the internal energy competition. Swiftly, he brandishes his sword and thrusts it forward toward his opponent's chest.

Flipping sideways to avoid the sword, Blue Executioner kicks off from the wall of the cell and flies back toward Lun, his saber flashing in the torchlight. As sword and saber clash, both combatants exchange one hundred stances. The sword slices forward, only to encounter the strength of the saber. At a grave disadvantage because he cannot move from his meditating position behind Sui Han, Lun is forced to take the defensive. As a last resort, Lun twirls his sword in a rapid sequence of figure eight's, creating the illusion of multiple swords attacking at once, in an attempt to confuse the opponent.

Momentarily confused by the whirl of blades from Lun's hand, Blue Executioner changes tactic and focuses his attack on Sui Han. Lunging toward her, he slices his saber through the air, intending to strike at her back.

"Sui Han!" Lun calls out in alarm.

Five minutes left in the energy transfer, Lun is forced to remove his left palm from Sui Han's back, thus ending the energy transfer prematurely. In order to save Sui Han, Lun pushes her out of the way and sandwiches Blue Executioner's blade between his right index and middle fingers. Using the last of his strength, he snaps the saber into two pieces. Then, somersaulting into the air, Lun kicks a surprised Blue Executioner in the chest, sending him crashing backward.

However, Lun's victory is short lived as he begins to feel the internal energy inside him swirl and twist uncontrollably, like a vortex spinning endlessly. Suk Yu's warning of fire deviation if the energy transfer is disturbed flashes through his head. As he staggers to his feet, his vision begins to blur and his head starts to throb. Blinking his eyes to clear his vision, he notices Blue Executioner once again flying toward him. Weakly, Lun raises his arms to meet his enemy's palms, realizing that he has no chance of surviving this blow…

[eeyore]

NO......!!!!!!!!!!

update again please!!!!!

thanks Mel.

[Melanie]

Lingz13: Thanks for dropping by to give me encouragement, even though you do not have time to read. Please update your Heroine of the Yangs site when you get a chance.

FanFan: Hi hi! Long time no talk, fanny! How have you been? Are you in pharmacy school right now?

Cathy: Still running around stalking fanfic writers?

Eeyore: Thanks for the compliment regarding my fighting scenes, eeyore. I am truly struggling with those scenes. Thank goodness the readers are so kind and forgiving as to overlook this story's weaker aspects.

cherrie: Thanks for being such a consistent reader.

And last, but not least, kidd:

kidd wrote on 02-10-2004 01:42 AM:
Hi, Melanie.

I'm glad that u don't mind my negative comment . I feel most strongly about a story when I'm angry at the action of certain characters in a story. That's why my comment mostly contain negative review. But anyway here's some positive one.

I really like how u write Hung Yee's character. Initially she came across as a shameless gold digger. But the more I read about her the more I like her because even though she repeatedly said she wants to marry rich, I feel that she truly loves Mun Lung (and it turns out I was right hehe). That was part of the reason I want her to succeed in wooing Mun Lung. Another reason I want her to succeed is that I was annoyed with Mun Lung treating
her so coldly and acted like she was the most louthsome person in the world. So, even before I feel that Hung Yee truly loves Mun Lung, I still want her to succeed. And I have this weird idea of Hung Yee succeeded in making Mun Lung fall for her. And after Mun Lung fall for her, his attitude towards her changes and her treats her really really well. This touches Hung Yee very much and she began to love him more than the money. After that they
live happily ever after. Haha.

As for Sui Han, now that I know all her timid, damsel-in-distress act is for a mission, I don't hate her anymore. Now, I feel that among all her actions, the one when she was looking at the hairpins are the most real of her. The fainting, hiding behind Wai Sun's back, insisting on becoming a servant to replace debt, it's all an act. But looking at the hairpin in wonder, that was the real her. I'm not sure about the teasing in the kitchen and the outburst in the servant room though.
Now that this turn of events is revealed, I am confuse about one part of the story in the earlier chapter. Did Sui Han really escape from the brothel? Are the people in the brothel Sun Moon Sect's member too? When Sui Han was thinking to herself, why did she say another girl in the brothel help her escape? Did this event really happen? She can definitely escape by herself. And if it was all a planned before hand, she definited doesn't need to mentioned the girl to herself and make it sound like she was really lucky this girl help her escape.

On to Wai Sun. Love certainly make him lost mind. The guy is going on a dangerous. How can he think of bringing a defenseless girl on the journey? If he is really rasional he would realise how dangerous is it for the girl. He should have brought a servant who knows martial arts. But he so wanted to be with Sui Han that he lost all common sense.

Lastly, Tin Lok. The part where he was jealous of Wai Sun is so funny. "I don't like the way he dresses" - that is the only thing he can think of to dislike Wai Sun. And he has to nod to reaffirm his opinion. That was way too funny. Hahaha.

Don't worry about being honest with your opinions. I would rather receive honest constructive criticism rather than dishonest, sugary words of praise.

To answer your question about Sui Han's encounter in the brothel... No, the prostitutes and brothel Madam are not part of the Sun Moon Sect. Of course, Sui Han has sufficient martial arts skills to escape the brothel had she wanted to. However, Sui Han did not use her skills, because she wished for the whole setup to appear "real," just in case gossip ever got around to the Lam Family that her stay at the house of prostitution was orchestrated.

As to why I reveal to the readers about Sui Han's thoughts on Mong Ching (the prostitute who helped her escape), I mean to do so in order to lull the readers into believing that Sui Han is truly a damsel in distress. I want her connection to the Sun Moon Sect to come as a surprise as the story progresses. I guess in doing that, I manage to confuse you. Sorry.

I am a pretty devoted Annie Man fan, as some of you can tell by now. I have seen almost all of her serials, all of which she plays the cute, lively, comedic girl next door. Honestly, I am tired of such roles for her. I believe that she has the potential to branch out and conquer other types of roles. Hence, her character in this story is not meant to be immediately likeable. Sui Han is not the stereotypical funny and cute girl seen in the tv series. I intend for this character to be a bit more ambivalent, one who walks a fine line between good and evil. As a little girl, she was raised by her parents in a farming village. Her comfortable and secure world ended when her family met an untimely and tragic death. Many villagers, being superstitious, narrow-minded folks, blamed her family's tragedy on her, claiming that she was bad luck. Hence, Sui Han's young life was rife with tears. As you read more of the story, you will learn that Sui Han's childhood is quite tragic. She was basically homeless after her parents' death. Villagers would not even allow her to sleep on the streets outside of their cottages, for fear that they would "catch" her bad luck. The only brightness in her young life was her Brother Ka Wing, a young man who took pity on her and found her a shack to live in and brought her food whenever he could. Unfortunately, he, too, encountered misfortune. He was attacked by mountain bandits while on his way to visit her. Many believed that he died from the attack, as nobody ever heard of him again. Hence, the villagers once again blamed his "death" on Sui Han and her bad luck. They forcibly sold her into prostitution to rid themselves of her presence. Luckily, the Sun Moon Sect Leader, after deciding that she would be rather useful to his plans, rescued her from a life of prostitution. As she was a grateful person who paid her dues, she swore allegiance to the Sun Moon Sect. Her fondness for Tin Lok further sealed her loyalty to this sect. Being naive of the schemes and intrigue of the martial arts world, she readily agreed to infiltrate into the "evil" Lam Family and pass information to her godfather (the Sun Moon Sect Leader). However, she soon began to question her role in this game as she slowly realized that the Lams were kind, upright people, not the monsters her godfather made them out to be.

Hopefully, this will clarify some of your questions. I look forward to reading more of your comments.

Thank you for reading, everyone.

[cherrie]

hi mel! honestly, i don't like gilbert's character that much. sure he's good, gentlemanly, great son, great fighter, great lover, perfect in short. but he's way toooo perfect! but well, that's the common lead character. but i think it would be better if you make gilbert a human, not a saint. (if you get what i mean) adding some weaknesses on gilbert's character will actually make his character more believable and loveable (imo) i actually like louis' character more than gilbert's. coz louis is 'human' (o gosh, i can't forget gilbert's acting in burning flames 2 as a gay! completely opposite in his character here!) anyway back to my comments...
as much as i enjoy reading star-studded fanfics, i find it rather confusing to have so many characters in a story. don't get me wrong. your story is really good. the casts are also great. but somehow, due to the many characters involved and the not that fast duration of the updates, i tend to forget some of the characters already. or mainly get confused as to who he/she is. i suggest narrowing down.
i also noticed that there's an imbalance between the good and evil characters. seems that you have too many good characters. i suggest more evil characters. maybe some of the good characters would turn evil (but not steven and frankie pls )
these are my comments as of now. keep up the good work mel!

[Melanie]

Advice noted, cherrie. Actually, I agree that there are too many characters, but I am still debating who to get rid of. Will begin to kill off some characters and perhaps lure some over to the evil side. Thanks for the suggestions.

[kidd]

I've read a few more chapters now. So I've got another question.

Question:
You wrote that in Sui Han's previous incarnation (500 years ago), she was shunned by the villagers because of her special ability. So, she live in the forest all alone. Since she has never seen a man close up, I assume that she grew up all alone in the forest. If that is so, how can the villagers recognise her (they immediately chase her out of the village the moment they saw her) when she went down to the village after she grew up?
If she has went down several times to the village she should have seen plenty of men, so would not be so curious about that injured guy.

Comment:
Tin Lok is fast becoming my favourite character, replacing Chi Chi. I love his childish antics that stem from his jealousy. Appearance wise he is all cool and dangerous, behavior wise, he acts like a jealous little boy, critisizing Wai Sun's dress when he has nothing bad to say, and chasing after Wai Sun insisting on a duel because he was jealous of seeing Wai Sun and Sui Han together. My favourite part among these few recent chapters I have read is the duel between Wai Sun and Tin Lok, and the part where they get injured and have to stay put in the cave together. I love Tin Lok's deadly stare and Wai Sun's amused look. I hope they stuck together longer. They have great chemistry.

As for Wai Sun's perfection. I don't think he is perfect but very near. He is perfect in every way except one, that is, he lost rasional thinking every time he is with Sui Han. Sui Han is his weakness.

The one I actually felt is perfect is Sui Han. She is beautiful, intelligent, good-hearted and have great martial arts. And now, she becomes the all powerful Seer too. There is not flaw in her.

[Melanie]

Hi, kidd and cherrie. Thanks for your insightful comments. I had a long day today and was feeling kinda down. I really like writing, but I find it harder and harder to find time to write nowadays in between school, sleep, and personal life. Some days, I am very discouraged, as nobody seems to be reading the story. Or if they are, they are too shy to speak up. But what keeps me writing are the few devoted readers who keep coming back. I consider myself very fortunate to have such wonderful readers. This story is far from perfect. In fact, the story's flaws are innumerable and probably too embarrassing to even mention in this forum full of talented writers. And yet, the majority of readers are so forgiving of my shortcomings and so generous with their comments and time. Thank you for making my day more bearable with your nice remarks.

To answer a few of kidd's questions:

1) Ching Ching, although an outcast and shunned by the villagers, is a curious girl. Who could blame her for wanting human contact? After all, it is very lonely to live like a hermit. Therefore, from time to time, she would sneak into town to observe people from afar. Every so often, someone would spot her and chase her away. As it is not her first time venturing into town, the villagers have no problem recognizing her. She is so fascinated by the unconscious man at her doorstep mainly because she has never seen another human up close and personal. Remember, she has only seen them from afar.

2) I'm glad you like Tin Lok, as I am fond of Louis Koo myself. I first fell in love with him in Cold Blood Warm Heart. He was nice and pale back then. I am not too sure I like his "charcoal" look now, though... His character is kinda cute, isn't he, with this endearing jealousy? Your comment about Wai Sun and Tin Lok having fabulous chemistry (along with cherrie's comment about Gilbert Lam's gay character in Burning Flames 2) nearly had me choking on my glass of water.

3) It's interesting to see differing views between you and cherrie regarding Wai Sun's character. Actually, you are both right, in a sense. Wai Sun does seem too perfect and too good to be true right now. He is the eldest son of the Chancellor of the martial arts world, and most likely also the heir to this prestigious position. He has the love of his parents and the admiration of his younger siblings. He is also blessed with superior martial arts skills. However, it is also very true that his one weakness is Sui Han. As he has never encountered hardship in his life yet, we do not know how he will react once he realizes that his beloved is a spy and loves someone else. Will this paragon topple? Wai Sun also has a few more flaws, one of them being too cocky and proud. Recall his smirks at Tin Lok during their duel, as he believes he is superior to Tin Lok. He is too confident of his own abilities and lacks humility - the very element which can make him a true hero.

4) Actually, it is very interesting that you find Sui Han to be perfect, as I did not intend for her to be. She has the love of two handsome men. But is this a blessing or tragedy in disguise? To be truly loved once in a lifetime by a good man is a blessing. But to be loved simultaneously by two men in the same lifetime may actually cause confusion, uncertainty, and lead to heartbreak for all three at the end.

[Long]

Hi Melaine,

Keep it up. I have been a silent reader of yours for a while now and find your writing style impressive. I know how you feel at times, trying to fit in personal life, work, ect... and sometimes when you're down its very sapping in motivation, especially when you find not too many people seem to be reading your story.

Also I wouldn't worry too much about the various flaws and errors in the story so far. Like mine there are various inconsistencies. It's always good to write from the 'heart' first and say what is on your mind. The story comes second. And if you decide to edited later when you've actualy finished the entire story, that's where the masterpeice will be as you'll be writing with the 'mind' and not the 'heart'.

Sometimes I cringe when I see my own errors, but I am often writing on a laptop on a bus or plane or in a hotel room, from one meeting to another. That's why it's so hard to keep your thoughts going.

But I think you've done a very good job. SO keep it up.

Long

[kidd]

Originally posted by Melanie
Your comment about Wai Sun and Tin Lok having fabulous chemistry (along with cherrie's comment about Gilbert Lam's gay character in Burning Flames 2) nearly had me choking on my glass of water.

So naughty of u . My comment is perfectly innocent , u know?

Originally posted by Melanie
Sun also has a few more flaws, one of them being too cocky and proud.

Oh, yeah. Forgot his cockiness. Now, I did recall one of your readers mention that Wai Sun is arrogant.

[cherrie]

now as you mentioned it, i recall that gilbert was indeed too arrogant. never noticed that point until you pointed that out. im now watching looking back in anger and i saw a much younger gilbert lam there he's very very arrogant there!
another suggestion i thought of just now was that maybe you can devote some more effort in developing the characters of other casts

[Melanie]

Cherrie: What role does Gilbert play in Looking Back in Anger? How is he like? Any pics?

CHAPTER 42 --- THE MASTER'S LAIR

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Steven Ma Jing Tao---Leung Cheuk Fu a.k.a. Blue Executioner a.k.a. Blue Diamond Rapist
Bae Yong Joon---Yip Fung
Angie Cheung Wai Yee---Silver Executioner a.k.a. Concubine Cheung
Song Yun Ah---Tong Mei Si
Joyce Tang Lai Ming---Suen Ling Wan
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han

JADE ORCHID TOWN
IN THE UNDERGROUND CELL BENEATH THE CAVE

Blinking his eyes to clear his vision, Lun notices Blue Executioner once again flying toward him. Weakly, he raises his arms to meet his enemy's palms, realizing that he has no chance of surviving this blow. As his palms meet Blue Executioner's, Lun shudders from the impact, backing up several steps from the force. He gathers all his internal energy into his core, allowing the energy to circulate before channeling it through his palms.

Unfortunately, just as he begins to send his energy toward his palms, an opposing energy force inside him churns and rapidly gains strength, suffocating and blocking Lun's years of carefully cultivated internal energy. In the vague recess of his mind, Lun realizes he is experiencing the first taste of fire deviation as two separate and opposing forces within him compete with each other for domination. His vision quickly graying and his head feeling as if it would explode from the chaotic energies surging through his body, Lun vomits up a mouthful of blood.

Sensing victory, Blue Executioner smirks triumphantly and advances forward ruthlessly. "Ha! Ha! Ha!" He chuckles with ill intent, his eyelids half closed as he observes Lun calculatingly.

Driven backward by the sudden increase in internal energy from Blue Executioner, Lun staggers a few steps before holding his ground determinedly. After a few minutes, his knees begin to weaken. At that moment, another person bursts through the tunnel connecting the cave above to the cell below and flies toward the battling duo with lightening speed. As the newcomer approaches, he slams both palms against Lun's back, sending a large surge of internal energy through Lun toward Blue Executioner.

Shocked and unprepared for this sudden attack, Blue Executioner is knocked back by Yip Fung's additional blast of internal energy. Flying through the air like a useless puppet, Blue Executioner nearly slams into the opposite granite wall of the cell, if not for four silver and gold ribbons which streak out and wrap around his torso, pulling him toward a safe landing. The minute his feet touch the cell floor, the ribbons withdraw, flashing across the darkness like glittering serpents, before retracting into the sleeves of Silver Executioner's gown.

Meanwhile, Yip Fung has settled onto the cell floor behind Lun in meditating position, as he channels his internal energy into his good friend. As Fung's internal energy circulates within Lun, it acts as an impenetrable shield, forcibly and effectively fending off the harmful turbulent flow of negative energy threatening to spin out of control, thus allowing Lun the opportunity to focus completely on healing himself. Oblivious of Silver Executioner and Blue Executioner, Lun and Yip Fung remain in meditating position, gradually cultivating an invisible internal energy field which envelops them in an orange-red glow.

In the background, Silver Executioner, who has just appeared onto the scene in time to save Blue Executioner from a fatal injury, glances at Blue Executioner from the corner of her eyes, while keeping her main attention on the two men meditating on the cell floor. "So we have some uninvited guests! No wonder you took such a long time to escort our prisoner out to the main chamber!" She murmurs to Blue Executioner. Turning toward Fung and Lun, she continues on demurely, and yet her eyes gleam maliciously. "I am so pleased to make your acquaintance." She purrs to the two young, handsome men on the floor meditating. "The Master will not be pleased if you all leave without introducing yourselves to him first."

Smirking, Blue Executioner, his pride still injured from that surprise attack from Fung, adds, "The lovely Madam is correct, as usual." He agrees with Silver Executioner. "The Master would love to make your acquaintance, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to escort all of you to the main chamber and introduce you to our humble host."

Without any further conversation, Blue Executioner flies toward the motionless Lun and Fung, intending to attack them from the back in an attempt to break their energy field, so that both would end up with fire deviation. Just as his palms reach within an arm's span of Fung's back, two short daggers flash through the air. Like twin streaks of lightning, the daggers glitter and slash viciously at Blue Executioner's hands, forcing him to retreat and abandon his attack on Yip Fung.

Bringing his saber forward, Blue Executioner blocks a blow from the twin blades. Somersaulting backward to avoid another attack, he kicks off from the far wall and launches himself once again at his new enemy. Catching a brief glimpse his attacker, he momentarily loses his concentration, surprised when he realizes that his enemy is a beautiful young woman, clothed completely in white from head to toe, like an angel sent from heaven.

Contrary to her outer angelic appearance, Tong Mei Si fights like an avenging demoness as she launches herself through the air, her twin daggers cutting down on Blue Executioner fiercely as she relentlessly fends off her opponent. Her left blade defends and parries each of Blue Executioner's saber thrusts, while her right dagger takes the offensive and weaves itself rapidly in and out, aggressively aiming for each of Blue Executioner's vital accupressure points.

Meanwhile, Silver Executioner, seeing Blue Executioner occupied with Mei Si, leaps toward Lun and Yip Fung. As her ribbons flash forward to strangle the two meditating men, she glances upward in surprise as a long, thin sword appears suddenly, cutting at the ribbons.

Flying at the scantily dressed woman, Ling Wan, Yip Fung's junior martial sister, executes the Six Swords Manor's "Silk Billowing in the Breeze," a series of fluid sword stances, countering Silver Executioner's flowing ribbons with soft, snakelike movements of her sword. Somersaulting and kicking off from wall to wall, Ling Wan avoids her enemy's rapidly approaching ribbons. Sending her sword forward, she flies upward and grabs onto two of the ribbons. Flipping over Silver Executioner's head, Ling Wan attempts to entangle her opponent in her own ribbons. However, Silver Executioner immediately sends out two more ribbons toward Ling Wan, wrapping the fabric around Ling Wan's torso and pulling her downward. Screaming in alarm, Ling Wan begins to fall toward the floor.

Nearby, Suk Yu, who has just regained consciousness, listens carefully to her surroundings. Hearing the familiar voice of her friend, Ling Wan, Suk Yu guesses correctly that reinforcements have come to help. Flipping into the air toward Ling Wan's voice, she boosts Ling Wan from the back, preventing her from crashing to the floor.

Leaping toward her sword, which is stabbed into the stone wall, Ling Wan reclaims her weapon before landing next to Suk Yu. Raising her sword in attack position, Ling Wan glances briefly at Suk Yu, as she exclaims in surprise. "Suk Yu! I have not seen you in such a long time! Imagine us meeting here!"

"I'm glad to see you, too, Ling Wan." Suk Yu smiles slightly. "You are alone?"

"No," Ling Wan answers. "Senior Martial Brother and I found a tunnel in the cave above this cell and ended up here. He is helping your eldest brother over there at the corner of the cell. You don't see them at the corner there?" Ling Wan asks in surprise, unaware that Suk Yu is blind.

Suk Yu gives Ling Wan a sad smile. "Too much has happened since we last saw each other three years ago at Hero Yip's wedding." Sighing slightly, Suk Yu admits, "I am blind now."

Ling Wan gasps in shock but is unable to question Suk Yu further on her blindness as Silver Executioner is once again heading toward their direction. As a flurry of ribbons surround Ling Wan and Suk Yu, the two friends leap in opposite directions. Somersaulting in the air, they flip and twist to evade capture by the lengths of fabric.

At a different part of the dark cell, Blue Executioner and Mei Si continue their struggle. Finally recognizing the fair maiden's dagger stances, Blue Executioner smiles charmingly at her, all the while holding off her advances with expertise. "So you are the only daughter of Hero Tong from the renowned Golden Lion Escort Agency. Everyone in the martial arts world has long heard of your grace and beauty. Many have hoped to steal a brief glimpse of your elegance on your wedding day three years ago to Hero Yip. Too bad the old man died days before your wedding date." Blue Executioner taunts. "Perhaps the old man was so excited at the prospect of gaining such a young and beautiful second wife that his heart gave out. Hahahaha!" He laughs mockingly.

With eyes flashing in fury, Mei Si flies forward toward Blue Executioner. "Do not speak of my late husband in such insulting tones."

As he blocks her blades with his saber, Blue Executioner continues his insults. "Why not? Don't tell me that you truly loved that old geyser! Why, he was old enough to be your father!" He eyes Mei Si lasciviously. "It is a pity that a beautiful young woman is widowed at such a young age. How about we stop fighting right now and you run away with me? I promise to show you a good time, one that your old geyser of a husband will never be able to do." He suggests lewdly.

Furious at his words, Mei Si somersaults over Blue Executioner's head. Landing behind him, she lunges forward with her daggers, as she executes a move called "Twin Daggers Dancing Across Calm Waters." Using her family's renowned martial arts, Mei Si moves her blades expertly, the glimmer of metal flashing like a pair of silver waves forms undulating smoothly through the air. However, although Mei Si's dagger stances are intricate and of a high caliber, her inferior internal energy could not fend off Blue Executioner for long.

Moving his body slightly away from Mei Si, Blue Executioner swings his saber at her daggers. As her twin blades sandwich his saber, Blue Executioner twists his weapon slightly to the right, forcing Mei Si's right dagger to the stone floor.

Left with only one dagger, Mei Si thrusts her left blade toward her enemy's throat, while her right leg hooks around his left leg. Unfortunately, Blue Executioner anticipates her attack and slightly bends his leg, causing Mei Si to miss her target. Falling forward into his arms, she struggles violently and stabs her left dagger toward his chest. In retaliation, Blue Executioner grabs onto her left wrist. Using his superior internal energy, he applies just enough pressure to force her to drop the blade. Immediately, he twists her left arm behind her back, pulling her toward him in a tight embrace.

"Ha! Ha!" He laughs in triumph. "How about a kiss to make up for the rough way you treated me?" He taunts at her, aiming his lips toward her mouth.
Suddenly, he feels an incredible pain pierce through his left shoulder. Screaming in agony, Blue Executioner glances over his shoulder to find a furious Yip Fung gripping his left shoulder with enough internal strength to tear off the shoulder joint. Ripping the rapist away from his second mother, Yip Fung flings Blue Executioner across the room, his extreme anger intensifying the power behind his throw.

With Blue Executioner out of the way, Yip Fung grasps Mei Si's arms in concern and demands hurriedly, "Second Mother, are you all right?" Scanning her face frantically, he tightens his hold on her, unaware of his painful grip on her shoulders. Not waiting for her answer, he jerks her into his arms, tucking her head safely under his chin. Shocked at his actions, Mei Si stands within the circle of his arms, motionless.

However, after a few seconds, Mei Si shakes herself out of her confused daze and pushes at Fung's chest. Hurriedly stepping out of the circle of his arms, she gives him a surprised look. "Of course, I am fine! Your Second Mother may not be the best martial artist around, but I can still put up a fairly good fight." She laughs uncomfortably, trying to steer away from the awkward situation. "Besides, I have you, my capable son, to protect me if I can't handle the enemy."

Hearing her words, Fung freezes, his lips twisted into a bittersweet smile. "Of course, Second Mother. You are my Second Mother, and as your filial son, I will always protect you."

Forcing a cheerful smile to her lips, Mei Si looks away from Fung, her gaze directed blankly at the far corner of the cell, where the battle among Silver Executioner, Suk Yu, and Ling Wan continues.

Meanwhile, Blue Executioner bounces off the granite wall after being thrown across the cell by Fung. Spitting out a mouthful of blood and glancing around desperately for help, he notices Silver Executioner busily fending off Suk Yu and Ling Wan at the other corner of the cell. As Silver Executioner's gold and silver ribbons multiply in number, Ling Wan and Suk Yu become entrapped within the mini tornado of ribbons. Entangled within the endless lengths of fabric, both women are rendered helpless as Silver Executioner somersaults into the air, dragging her captives along.

From the other corner of the cell, Lun completes his healing meditation. Glancing upward, he sees his sister and her friend pulled across the cell. Somersaulting upward, he grabs onto the long ribbons and channels his internal energy forward, causing the fabric to explode into a million flimsy pieces of gold and silver. Freed from the tight cocoon of ribbons, Suk Yu and Ling Wan land safely next to the unconscious Sui Han.

Above them, Lun somersaults twice in the air before disappearing from sight. Confused, Silver Executioner darts her eyes around nervously. In a flash, Lun reappears in front of her and palms her on the shoulders, sending her flying across the cell. As she crashes against the stone wall, a portion of the wall crumbles and large pieces of rock and debris rain down. Quickly leaping away from the small avalanche, Silver Executioner flings a smoke bomb in Lun's direction. As he waves his arms around to clear away the cloud of smoke and haze, Silver Executioner escapes, rushing quickly to the main chamber to inform the Master of the intruders.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the cell, Suk Yu gently shakes Sui Han, trying to rouse her. "Sui Han? Sui Han?" She calls out.

Blinking in confusion, Sui Han gradually awakens, as she takes in the chaos in front of her. "Third Young Mistress, what happened?"

However, before Suk Yu is able to explain, a blue shadow rapidly descends upon her. Knocking Suk Yu away, Blue Executioner jerks the confused Sui Han into his arms.

"Sui Han!" Lun calls out in alarm from the other side of the dark cell. Flipping through the air, he lands in front of Blue Executioner. However, he halts his advance abruptly as Blue Executioner quickly swings around to face Lun, taking Sui Han with him to use as a shield.

"Come one step closer and I'll break her neck!" Blue Executioner threatens, his right hand clasped in a death grip around Sui Han's delicate neck.

Anxious for Sui Han's safety, Lun instinctively takes another step closer toward her, but stops again upon seeing Blue Executioner's grip tighten around her neck.

"I mean it, First Young Master Lam!" Blue Executioner screams. "One more wrong move from you, and I will make sure that you lose your pretty wife here!" Seeing Lun freeze at his words, the rapist commands, "Move back!"

Grinding his teeth angrily at his inability to do anything at this point, Lun backs away slowly, his eyes focused intensely on Blue Executioner's right hand, which is still wrapped around Sui Han's neck.

By this time, Yip Fung, Mei Si, Ling Wan, and Suk Yu have rushed to Lun's side. All stand silently and motionlessly as they watch Blue Executioner slowly back away and head toward the cell's entrance with Sui Han held as a shield in front of him. Once he reaches the entrance, Blue Executioner chuckles at Lun, a vindictive gleam in his eyes. Viciously tightening his grip around Sui Han's slender neck, he smiles in satisfaction as she yelps involuntarily from the pain and gasps for breath.

"Hey!" Lun shouts in alarm as he sees Sui Han in pain. Unconsciously, he takes a step forward again, but immediately stops once he notices the warning look in Blue Executioner's eyes. His lips flattened into a grim line, Lun slowly nods with pent up anger. "Just tell me what you want and leave her alone." He demands of Blue Executioner.

Grinning maliciously, Blue Executioner cackles in triumph. "First Young Master Lam, you are way too distracted by this lovely maiden in my arms. Once your father retires from the martial arts world, you will be the successor to the prestigious position of Chancellor. You have great responsibilities ahead of you. How will you ever be able to concentrate if you keep her around?" Blue Executioner jerks Sui Han closer toward him, extending her neck forcefully, causing her to once again squeak in discomfort.

"Enough of this nonsense chatter!" Lun spats out, clearly agitated, although he tries to keep a calm face. "What do you want?"

From behind, Yip Fung places a supportive hand on Lun's shoulder, silently cautioning his friend to control his anxiety so as to not give Blue Executioner the upper hand.

Nodding slightly to acknowledge Fung's silent message, Lun stares coldly at Blue Executioner, a single muscle in his jaw ticking uncontrollably. "Just let her go. I promise to let you go peacefully. Besides, she will only slow down your escape."

"Let her go?" Blue Executioner laughs mirthfully, as if Lun has just revealed the funniest joke in the world. "Why would I do that? Do I look dumb to you? Besides, with this lovely shield, I can even control someone as powerful as the heroic First Young Master Lam." He taunts, as he smiles slyly.

"What do you want?" Suk Yu demands, while the others look on in concern.

Stretching his lips slowly into a predatory smile, Blue Executioner jerks his head toward Lun's direction. "I have a score to settle with him." Keeping his right hand clutched around Sui Han's neck, he jabs at Lun with his left index finger. "I vowed to make you pay for humiliating and injuring me several days ago. I now want you to completely self annihilate your own martial arts, and then to cut off your right arm!"

Frowning with concern, Suk Yu sidles up to her eldest brother and whispers in his ear. "Eldest Brother, even if you do what that villain requests, he will kill Sui Han, anyway."

Remaining as still as a statue, Lun continues to stare steadily at Blue Executioner, his expression unreadable. To his right, Mei Si and Yip Fung exchange worried glances, wondering what is going through Lun's mind at this moment.

Impatient at Lun's hesitance, Blue Executioner squeezes his fingers around Sui Han's neck.

"Ugh!" Sui Han gasps softly, as she tries to take in large gulps of air as best as she can.

"Stop!" Lun shouts urgently, his fists clenched tightly as he witnesses Sui Han gasping for breath. Finally, he nods his head, his lips flattened into a thin line of anxiety. "Fine. Fine, I will do as you ask. Just let her go first."

"Once I see you eliminate your own martial arts and sever your right arm, I will return her to you." Blue Executioner smirks.

"Fine! Fine!" With his eyes glued to Blue Executioner, Lun slowly raises his sword and slashes swiftly down at his right arm.

[cherrie]

he's quite a cameo there so i have doubts whether there will have pics of him from that series. i'll try to upload the episode if it will not take a long time.
anyway, great chapter! left some comments in winglin
btw, gilbert's character there was he had the same birthdate as felix and carina. but they have very different fates. he's an arrogant noveau rich...i think he made his fortunes through architecture or something like that. however, he went downhill through the years and eventually died of a car accident

[kidd]

Just wonder. If Ka Wing has not loss his memory after the attack by the bandits, why didn't he at least write home to tell his family that he is ok? Did he know how to write or not? Even if he didn't, he can still ask someone else to write for him.

[Melanie]

cherrie: So how many times does Gilbert appear in Looking Back with Anger? I bet he looks very young! How does his hair look like? What types of clothes does he wear in the serial?

kidd: Nope, Ka Wing has no family back in his village. That's the main reason why he does not return or write back. And yes, he does know a few Chinese characters, but he is overall not well educated, given that he grew up in a farming village.

CHAPTER 43 --- GREETINGS FROM THE MASTER

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Bae Yong Joon---Yip Fung
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han
Steve Ma Jing Tao---Leung Cheuk Fu a.k.a. Blue Executioner a.k.a. Blue Diamond Rapist
Song Yun Ah---Tong Mei Si
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Joyce Tang Lai Ming---Suen Ling Wan
Louis Koo Tin Lok---Koo Yat Fei
Benny Chan Ho Man---Koo Yat Keung
Kevin Cheng Ka Wing---Cheng Sai Chung
Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Chi Chi

Guest appearances in this chapter:
Chun Wong---Bandit Leader
Alec Su You Peng---Ah Peng (one of the bandits)

JADE ORCHID TOWN
IN THE UNDERGROUND CELL

"Fine! Fine!" With his eyes glued to Blue Executioner, Lun slowly raises his sword and slashes swiftly down at his right arm.

Right before Lun's sword contacts his right arm, Yip Fung thrusts his sword forward, blocking the downward slash of Lun's blade. "Brother Lun, amputating your arm and eliminating your years of internal energy are huge prices to pay." Yip Fung frowns. "Think carefully first," he advises his good friend.

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Fung, but I have no choice." With those words, Lun twists his sword slightly, thus slipping his blade over his friend's. With his weapon free, he again attempts to bring the sword down onto his arm.

"Brother Lun!" Yip Fung objects loudly. Bringing his sword forward, he again blocks Lun's blade.

"I understand your concern, Brother Fung, but this is my decision to make. I cannot let anything happen to Sui Han." Lun strikes his sword downward on Yip Fung's blade, forcing Fung to withdraw his weapon. As the two swords clash, a distressed Sui Han calls out.

"First Young Master, stop immediately!" Sui Han's voice echoes urgently in the background. "I am not worth sacrificing your years of internal energy and arm for." Turning her head slightly to glance at her captor out of the corner of her eyes, she informs Blue Executioner in a taunting voice, "I am simply First Young Master Lam's servant girl, not his wife. Do you really think a lowly servant, such as myself, would be your ticket out of this situation? You've chosen the wrong woman to hold captive!" She mocks at him.

"Shut up!" Blue Executioner screams at her, his hand tightening viciously around her neck, choking her breath out of her. "Do you think you can lie to me that you are a mere servant girl?" Flashing her a feral smile before jerking his head at Lun, Blue Executioner continues, "He sure does not act as if you are simply his servant! And even if you are not his wife, then you are at least his mistress from the way he hovers over you like a lovesick puppy!" Throwing Lun a triumphant look, Blue Executioner taunts, "Isn't that right, First Young Master Lam?"

Clenching his teeth in anxiety and anger, Lun glares at Blue Executioner.

"Whether or not she is my servant girl or my wife, Sui Han belongs to Lam family. If you cause her to lose even one strand of hair, I will personally see to it that you die a painful death."

"Don’t waste your time reasoning with him, First Young Master," Sui Han injects. "Someone like him who hides behind a woman for protection is not worth our time." She belittles Blue Executioner. "Go ahead and kill me," Sui Han goads her captor. "You are such a loser. Go ahead and kill me!"

"Shut up! Shut up!" Blue Executioner screams hysterically. Clamping his hand furiously down against Sui Han's throat, he threatens, "Do you really think I won't kill you? Do you?" He rages on maniacally. "The worst that can happen is that I die, but at least I'll be able to take you with me to hell! Hahahaha!" He cackles madly, his pupils dilating into swirling pools of darkness.

As Blue Executioner laughs crazily, Lun and Fung exchange glances from the corner of their eyes. Communicating silently, they nod slightly, signaling to each other. Suddenly, without warning, both fling their swords toward the unsuspecting Blue Executioner. Traveling at lightening speed, Fung's sword rotates in the air and slices at Blue Executioner's left leg. Hollering in pain, the rapist sinks to this knees, just as Lun's sword slashes the hand clamped against Sui Han's neck, expertly forcing Blue Executioner to withdraw his grip while avoiding injury to Sui Han.

Taking advantage of this new turn in events, Sui Han quickly slips out three silver needles from her sleeve. Then, swiftly, she turns around to face Blue Executioner and brings her right hand upward, stabbing the needles into her captor's shoulder.

Howling in pain, Blue Executioner staggers back a step. Once freed, Sui Han unleashes three more needles, shooting them toward Blue Executioner's right cheek. The poisonous projectiles embed into his flesh, rapidly melting away skin and flesh, leaving a dark and mottled crater in his once handsome appearance.

"Ugh!" He hollers in shock and agony. Blood gushes from his wound in rivulets as he covers one hand over his injured cheek. Furious, Blue Executioner palms Sui Han on the back, sending her flying forward.

"Sui Han!" Lun calls out. As she catapults across the cell, he flies upward and catches her before she tumbles to the granite floor. Landing with her safely in his arms, he reluctantly settles her gently down onto the floor, keeping his arms protectively around her slender waist.

Meanwhile, Yip Fung somersaults forward, seizing the opportunity to attack Blue Executioner. Flashing his sword straight toward his opponent, he channels his internal energy into his weapon. A surge of cold sword energy shoots toward Blue Executioner, piercing his chest like a thousand knives.

Flying backward, Blue Executioner crashes against the stone wall before bouncing to the ground. As blood continues to trickle down his injured cheek, he gathers all his strength and leaps forward. Feigning attack on Tong Mei Si, he thrusts his saber toward her torso. Immediately, Yip Fung abandons his attack on Blue Executioner and somersaults toward his second mother. Kicking at the Blue Executioner's saber midair, Fung deflects the weapon's trajectory while simultaneously scooping Mei Si into his arms and flying off with her.

At that moment, Blue Executioner swerves to the right and directs his outstretched palms toward the unsuspecting Ling Wan and Suk Yu. Leaping out of the way, Ling Wan manages to escape. However, Suk Yu, at a disadvantage due to her blindness, valiantly tries to fend off her enemy, but finds herself dragged off by Blue Executioner.

"Suk Yu!" Lun calls out to his sister. Somersaulting forward, he attempts to go after her, but is forced back by the sudden explosion from Blue Executioner's smoke bomb. Landing on the ground, he backs away a few feet, coughing as he swipes at the residual cloud of dust and debris clinging to the air. With his blurry vision, he sees Blue Executioner escape with Suk Yu in tow.

Before anyone is able to recover from the suffocating fumes, the sliding stone door of the cell slams shut, trapping all of them once again inside the underground cell.

MEANWHILE…
JADE ORCHID TOWN
AT THE THOUSAND LILIES INN

Fei paces back and forth across the inn room he shares with his younger brother, Keung. Fury and anxiety battle for supremacy deep within his heart as all types of horrible scenarios that could happen to Sui Han swirl inside his head. Finally, he swings his fist across the room, the palm energy causing the flimsy wooden panel to splinter into countless pieces.

At that moment, the inn room door swings open and Keung walks in. Staring curiously at the hole in the wall, Keung strolls over to the table and pours himself a cup of wine.

Fei remains at the other side of the room, glaring at his younger brother. "Well?" He demands expectantly. "Did you find Sui Han?"

Sighing with exasperation, Keung puts down his wine cup. "Do you see me walk in with her?" Glancing again at the hole in the wall, Keung snorts, "You obviously haven't found her yet, either."

"Where could she be?" Fei rages. "If that Blue Diamond Rapist captured her, then I'll shred him into a million pieces!" He bares his teeth menacingly.

Seeing Keung once again bringing the wine cup to his lips, Fei rushes over and tears the cup from his younger brother's hand. Flinging the cup across the room in a fit of anger, Fei twists his lips in fury. "Stop drinking!"

Furious, Keung leaps up from his seat and charges at his older brother. "What is the meaning of this?" He grabs at Fei's gown and pushes his brother against the wall.

Retaliating, Fei flips overhead and slams Keung against the wall. "I don't like it that you’re sitting here drinking calmly while MY SUI HAN is missing with some rapist!" He hollers at the top of his lungs, punctuating each word by thudding Keung against the wall.

Punching out, Keung dislodges Fei. Angered, he flings three small daggers in rapid succession at his older brother, who uses his palm energy to deflect the blades and send them hurtling back toward Keung. Seeing the approach of his daggers, Keung somersaults over Fei's head and lands behind him. Swiftly turning around, he pushes his palms out toward Fei's back.
Executing a rotating kick, Fei uses his legs to block Keung's attack. As Keung's palms clash against Fei’s booted feet, the brothers both backflip away from each from the impact. A tiny tornado of dust whips furiously through the room as they land and stare at each other venomously.

As seconds and then minutes tick by, each refuses to back down from this contest of wills. Finally, a knock on the door breaks their concentration. Sending Keung one last glare, Fei storms over to the door and yanks it open with so much force that the top hinge comes loose, causing the door to whip haphazardly against its frame.

"What is it?" Fei demands coldly, his intense stare sending shivers cursing up and down the poor inn servant's spine.

"Ah…ah…" The servant mumbles incoherently, his teeth clattering from fear.

"Speak up!" Fei's voice booms dangerously.

Swallowing his fear, the servant stutters, "Young Master, I have good news. The…the…young lady you are looking for…" He stops to gulp in a large breath of air.

Hearing about Sui Han, Fei suddenly lunges forward and grabs onto the servant's gown, his breath within inches of the servant's face. "What about her? You've found her? Have you?" He jerks the servant's gown with each word.

‘Meanwhile, Keung comes to stand close behind Fei upon hearing that the servant has news about Sui Han. "Well, don't just stand there stuttering! Tell us where she is!"

Clearing his throat, the servant begins from the beginning. "Well, I was on my way to purchase more wine for the innkeeper when I noticed a tall, handsome young man dressed completely in white carrying a young woman matching your description. I tried to follow them, but he moved too quickly. Within seconds, he and the young lady in his arms disappeared into the swirl of snow and frost.

"Tall man in white? What else did you notice about him?" Fei asks urgently.

Pausing to think, the inn servant recalls seeing Lun's sword as he passed by. "Oh! The tall man had a long sword strapped to his back. The Chinese character 'Lam' is engraved on the sword hilt."

"It's him again!" Fei spats out. "Why can't he just stay away from Sui Han?" Fei fumes with anger.

"Which direction did they go?" Keung asks from behind Fei.

"I think they headed south. There's a cave a few miles south from here. Given the wind and snow, they probably sought shelter in that cave." The servant muses.

Even before the servant finishes his sentence, Fei has already dashed out of the room, leaping over the upstairs balcony onto the inn lobby. In a matter of seconds, he disappears out the entrance.

Following behind his brother, Keung flips out the open window and flies after Fei.

"Wait!" The servant calls out in surprise. "What about my reward for bringing you this news?" Speaking to the empty room, the disgruntled man mumbles with bad temper. "I should have known that promise of ten gold coins is just a way to trick everyone to help them locate that young woman!"

In a huff, the servant stomps down the stairs as he hears the innkeeper calling for him.

GREEN PYTHON VALLEY
BANDIT HEADQUARTERS

The stars above sparkle like colorful gems of red, green, silver, gold, and blue, basking in the silvery rays of the full moon. Silence, as thick as the swirling forest mist, hovers over Green Python Valley, where the bandit headquarters are located.

Nearby, an oak tree, its ancient branches curled and gnarled like the fingers of an old lady, looms sturdy and proud above the small collection of wooden huts housing the bandits. Perched on one of the oak branches, an owl howls, its brown colored feathers blending in with the dark night. As its bright green eyes glow eerily, the bird waddles along the tree branch, occasionally flapping its wings. Without warning, the owl swoops down rapidly, heading straight toward a grove of thick bushes to his left as he spots a field mouse scurrying about.

From within the bushes, Chi Chi lets out a yelp of surprise as the bird's wings brush against her cheek. Sweeping over Chi Chi's head, the owl glides so close to her that she could smell the fear in the mouse as the rodent squeaks and struggles pitifully while dangling from the owl's jaws.

From behind, Sai Chung reaches forward and clamps a hand over Chi Chi's mouth, preventing her from emitting any noise, lest they give away their hiding place to the bandits still scouring the area for them. "Shh!" Sai Chung whispers, his breath within inches of Chi Chi ear.

"Umph!" Chi Chi mumbles. Piqued at Sai Chung's manhandling, she nips down hard on the tender flesh of his palm, drawing blood.

"Ugh!" The young man grunts in surprise, immediately withdrawing his hand. Cradling his injured hand protectively, he gives Chi Chi a wounded look, while she sticks her tongue out at him before grinning triumphantly. "Why did you bite me, Little Brother?" Sai Chung asks, bewildered.

"Hmph!" Chi Chi tosses her head before looking haughtily away.

However, just at that moment, she notices a collection of torches heading toward them. "Oh, no!" She turns to Sai Chung, her eyes round with fear. "They're here!"

Craning his neck forward, Sai Chung observes the situation as the bandits rapidly approach. Making up his mind, he looks at Chi Chi, his lips pressed together into a determined line. "Little Brother, I will lure them away from here while you run."

"No! Are you crazy? If they capture you and find out that there won't be a huge ransom, they’ll kill you!" Chi Chi whispers back urgently.

Gulping, he tries not to think of what may become of him if the bandits recaptured him. "You're my little brother, and protecting you is what any big brother should do. If anything happens to me, would you do me a favor?" He looks intently at Chi Chi. Before she is able to answer, he rushes on. "If you could manage to find my remains, would you cremate my body and bring my ashes back to West River Village? I have no family back there, but I would nonetheless like to be buried at my birthplace." As Chi Chi begins to shake her head vehemently, Sai Chung quickly interrupts her, as he remembers Sui Han. "Oh, and if you have time, could you please find out if my childhood friend is still at West River Village? She's an orphan, like myself…"

However, before Sai Chung is able to continue any further, a saber slashes through the thick foliage. Grabbing Chi Chi, Sai Chung leaps away from the blade, taking Chi Chi with him. Unfortunately, Sai Chung slips and ends up rolling down the hill, with Chi Chi still clutched in his arms.

The couple tumults down the rocky hillside, gaining speed rapidly before finally smacking right into a large willow tree at the bottom of the hill. Behind, the bandits charge down the steep incline, waving their weapons and torches wildly in the air.

"After them!" The Bandit Leader screams, his saber dancing madly in the air, his bulky belly jiggling up and down as he huffs down the hill, his stout legs pumping up and down. "After them! Don't let them get away!"

"Yes, Bandit Leader!" Ah Peng, the young bandit, replies. "Hurry, everyone! Don't let the captives escape!" He rushes down the incline at much faster pace compared to his overweight leader. Behind him, five more bandits dash forward after Sai Chung and Chi Chi.

"Oomph!" Chi Chi sputters as she knocks into Sai Chung at the foot of the hill. Glancing up, she sees the bandits rushing toward them at an alarming pace. "Oh, no!"

Springing into action, Sai Chung throws Chi Chi over his shoulder and tears off into the dark forest. "Hang on, Little Brother!"

Dangling halfway over Sai Chung's shoulder, Chi Chi could only mutter, "Oomph, oomph, oomph!"

JADE ORCHID TOWN
BACK AT THE UNDERGROUND CELL

Ling Wan and Mei Si run up to the stone wall, trying to move the granite slab acting as the door. "We're trapped again!" Ling Wan cries in distress, as she turns back toward the others.

"Maybe we could all gather our internal energy together and focus it toward the wall." Mei Si suggests. "Our combined efforts may be able to shatter this stone slab."

"Maybe," Lun murmurs. "But the stone is about three feet thick and made from pure granite. It could take hours to shatter it."

"It's better than waiting around like sitting ducks for this Master character to appear." Fung approaches the wall and tests the sturdiness of the stone. Turning back toward Lun, he gives his good friend a questioning look. "What do you say, Brother Lun? Shall be combine our efforts and try to shatter this cell door?"

Nodding, Lun agrees, "You're right, Brother Fung. It's worth a try."

"First Young Master," Sui Han intercepts Lun, glancing at him in concern. "You have just recovered your internal energy after near fire deviation. Shouldn't you rest for a while first before attempting to burst that stone wall?"

Patting Sui Han's hand in reassurance, Lun smiles at her. "Don't worry, Sui Han. I feel fine." Turning toward Fung, Lun sighs. "Hopefully, this shouldn't take more than a couple of hours."

"Fung, would you like me to help? I don't have as great internal energy as you do, but three people are better than two." Mei Si volunteers to help.

"No, Second Mother. You rest and let me do the work, okay?" Stepping closer to Mei Si, he whispers to her discreetly. "Second Mother, that despicable pervert didn't hurt you, did he?" Before Mei Si is about to answer, Yip Fung hears Lun clearing his throat and turns to look at his good friend.

"Ahem, this must be Madame Yip?" Lun politely inquires, his brows lifted questioningly at Mei Si.

"Yes, this is Tong Mei Si," Fung begins the introductions. "My Second Mother…" he adds reluctantly.

"Madame Yip." Lun nods courteously. "I have heard much about you from Brother Fung. I just did not realize you are so young." He murmurs to himself, frowning. Now he understands why his good friend, Fung, always has this strange look in his eyes whenever the topic of his second mother comes up. So that strange glazed look is love!

"I'm pleased to meet you, First Young Master Lam." Mei Si smiles at Lun politely. "I've heard much about the famous and heroic Lam Family and was looking forward to meeting you and your family at my wedding three years ago. Unfortunately, the wedding was prematurely cancelled and my late husband (Fung's father) and I never had the opportunity to extend our hospitality to you and your family."

"Second Mother?" Sui Han sidles up to Lun and whispers in surprise. "She looks young enough to be his wife!"

"Sui Han!" Lun hushes her as he notices Mei Si blush in discomfort.

"Sorry." Sui Han mumbles, embarrassed at being overheard. Lowering her head, she retreats behind Lun.

"Ahem," Fung clears his throat awkwardly. "Brother Lun, why don't we start trying to break that wall down?" He changes the subject quickly, silently observing Mei Si from the corner of his eyes.

Refusing to meet Fung's gaze, Mei Si moves away from him and goes to stand beside Sui Han and Ling Wan, who have both retreated to the back of the cell to give Fung and Lun some space to shatter the cell door.

Noticing Mei Si's avoidance of him, Fung sighs before meeting Lun's amused eyes. "Erm, shall we get started, Brother Lun?" Fung asks.

Nodding, Lun leans his sword against the wall next to Fung's sword. Taking the lead, Fung walks up to the stone door and plants his feet firmly on the ground. Gathering his internal energy, he directs it toward his palms. As his palm energy shoots forward, the granite shudders mildly and tiny cracks form near where his palms connect with the stone door.

From behind, Lun somersaults through the air and lands directly behind Fung. Slapping his palms against Fung's back, Lun channels his internal energy through Fung toward the stone column. With the additional energy, the cracks in the stone deepen and creep further along toward the corners of the door. Then, in synchrony, Fung and Lun both release their palms.
Re-cultivating his strength, Fung once again slaps his palms against the granite door, while Lun reconnects his palms with Fung's back, lending his support. With droplets of sweat collecting on their foreheads, both men concentrate their years of internal strength toward shattering the thick slab of stone.

In the background, Sui Han, Mei Si, and Ling Wan exchange anxious glances, holding their breaths, waiting hopefully for the stone door to shatter. As minutes tick by, the door remains sturdy and stubbornly intact. Suddenly, Fung and Lun once again release their palms and somersault through the air. Both fly through the air and slap their palms against the cool stone, sending another burst of internal energy forward. In unison, both immediately backflip away. As they cartwheel midair, both reach down and grab their respective swords, which are leaning against the opposite wall.

Once again flipping forward, Lun and Fung crisscross their blades and direct the sword tips toward the granite door. As sparks spew from the impact of metal against metal, two blinding streams of white light shoot forward from the tips of their weapons, traveling toward the door at lightening speed. As the twin shafts of light rapidly approach the door, they combine into one larger, brighter stream of sword energy, which hit directly onto the door.

The stone shudders for an indeterminable minute before finally crumbling to a million pieces, creating a cloud of dust. As the smoke gradually clears, a tall figure, impeccably dressed in a long, white gown, emerges from behind the screen of smoke.

"Very impressive! Very impressive, indeed!" The Master claps three times, his voice smooth and quiet, his eyes dark and dangerously calm as they peer at Lun and Fung through the eyeholes of his white mask.

[gigglypuff103]

This is great reading! Keep up the good work!

[kidd]

kidd: Nope, Ka Wing has no family back in his village. That's the main reason why he does not return or write back. And yes, he does know a few Chinese characters, but he is overall not well educated, given that he grew up in a farming village.

But Melanie, I remember one part where Sui Han recounted that Ka Wing shielded her from his mom when the woman tried to beat her. So, his mom died before that bandit attack incident?

BTW, even if Ka Wing used to work hard all day at the farm, it won't explain his exatraordinary strength that he can pick up a big rocks and hold down people with great internal energy like Ho Man. U might as well say that Ka Wing is born with extraordinary strength. Haha.

[charbydis]

nice suspense, melanie. i will be looking forward to who the Master is. By the way, why was the Blue Diamond Rapist's eye pupils dilating?

[Melanie]

gigglypuff: Thanks for reading. Are you at the beginning of the story? Which part do you like so far?

kidd: Oops! I guess I forgot what I wrote in the beginning of the story regarding Ka Wing! Which chapter did I say Ka Wing shielded Sui Han from his mother? I will go back and correct it. My intention is for Ka Wing to be an orphan when he met Sui Han. With both being orphans, they bonded and treated each other like siblings. And Ka Wing is suppose to be blessed with brute strength, not internal energy, since he does not know martial arts...yet. Using brute force, he could probably hold Ho Man down for a very short while, but would get overpowered very quickly. Which chapter are you on, kidd? I can't seem to figure out where you are, since you pop in and out so sporadically.

charbydis: Hiya! I still have a lot to say about your Zhuang Zhan Chi. But...Green Shadow is so I made Blue Executioner's eyes dilate as a way of showing that he was lost in his own panicked world, where he saw nothing but murder and revenge since he knew he might not get out of that cell alive anyway. Kinda went overboard with the special effects... Yea, I guess everyone is wondering who the Master is, including myself... Just kidding. I already know who this person is.