Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

Please update soon you are driving crazy. I have read that chapter at least five times per day. The story is now getting so interesting. Ching Ching should Tin Pang pay for what he did to her even if it turns out to be just a misunderstanding. He should die and thousand times worst. Who would watch and do nothing when their child died.

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

Now I am confuse is Ching Ching dead or she just float away. How are they going be the founder to the Sun-Moon Sect when Ching Ching really hate him? Plus if the son died then how does she see the images of the past where she see a baby boy struggling with an enemy in the chapter of Reborn of the Seer. Unless there is another guardian not Tin Pang.




As the leader raises his hand, ready to deliver a deathblow to the defenseless child, Sui Han looks on in horror from her hiding place in the grove of trees. Her eyes stare sightlessly ahead, her breaths coming in short, agitated spurts, as she suddenly and involuntarily sees images from long ago, from a time five-hundred years past when another baby boy struggles helplessly against an enemy…

[charbydis]

I'm just hoping that whoever the guy who let Ching Ching's son died, it was just a look-a-like to Sit Tin Pang! (crossing fingers) If it is really him, then let him burn in hell! But he has reincarnated, let him be because one's sins should never carry onto the next life! Great chapter Mel!

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

In way I hope it was him, then the story would be very interesting. If it is a look alike then I think it would not bring excitment and mystery to the story of why he did it.

[cherrie]

yeah i agree with psycho, it will be more interesting if he is sit tin pang

[Psycho Cat aka Cathy]

If Gilbert was Sit Tin Pang then there other Guardian and Annie are the founder of teh Sun-Moon Sect. Melanie please update.

[cherrie]

aw still no update

[Melanie]

Hi, everyone. It's been quite a long time, huh? I hope there are a few people left who still visit this thread. I've been pretty busy lately and therefore, this story had to be unfortunately put on hold for the time being. I've started half of chapter 52 and hope to finish it over the holidays. No guarantees, though, because I don't want to disappoint any remaining readers if I don't get the chapter written in time. I apologize for the long wait and thank all my readers, including the silent ones, for the many months of support and cheering. Happy holidays, everyone! My New Year resolution is, of course, to post the next chapter promptly!

[cherrie]

hi melanie! although im quite disappointed to see no updates, i'll still patiently wait for your next update take care!

[moonlight-sonata]

wat is link for this fic pleaz?

[DopeyPooh]

Here it is: http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/legendarybook/

[Melanie]

CHAPTER 52 --- BITTERSWEET REUNION

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han
Steven Ma Jing Tao---Leung Cheuk Fu a.k.a. Blue Executioner
Patrick Tam Yiu Mun---Marquis Ching Bong
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu

MASTER'S UNDERGROUND LAIR

Blue Executioner lifts his right arm, signaling to his band of assassins. From behind, ten more men in black rush forward, fanning out on each side of Blue Executioner. Crouching down, they raise their bows, the arrows aiming at Lun and Sui Han.

Alarmed, Sui Han and Lun jerk upright. Reflexively, Lun pushes Sui Han behind him, protecting her from harm with his body. Glancing around furtively, he notices that he and Sui Han are trapped inside the alcove, with a group of assassins blocking the entrance and ten more men in black surrounding them in a semi-circle.

Looking back at Sui Han from the corner of his eyes, while still focusing his attention on Blue Executioner and his band of men, Lun whispers to Sui Han, "I'm going to divert the men's attention toward me. As soon as they lunge for me, I want you to move toward the entrance. I'll try to clear the way for you as best as I can."

"No! I can't just run off, leaving you to fend for yourself, First Young Master!" Sui Han retorts, horrified. "We're outnumbered and you're already injured!"

"Just do as I say, Sui Han!" Lun commands.

At that moment, a flurry of arrows shoots through the air. As the dense curtain of deadly projectiles converge on the two, Lun pushes Sui Han further back before he somersaults forward, adroitly evading the arrows. Twisting his body to the left and then to the right, he catches hold of two arrows heading toward his direction. With his two confiscated projectiles, Lun flings them toward the assassins, killing two men instantly as the weapons rip through muscle and pierce the assassins’ hearts.

The fallen men drop limply to the ground, their heavy bodies knocking the assassins nearby off balance. Taking advantage of this momentary break in his opponents’ concentration, Lun flips forward and grabs hold of one of the assassins. With a vicious twist of the arm, he holds the man in black in front of him, using him as a human shield. Temporarily protected from the torrent of arrows, he knocks out three more enemies.

In the background, Sui Han flies forward. Landing near a fallen assassin, she heads directly for the bow abandoned on the ground. An injured assassin grabs onto her ankle. Out of the corner of her eyes, she notes that Lun is occupied fighting off several other men, and hence, not entirely focused on her. With a nonchalant glance at the enemy, she coldly kicks him on the side, dislodging his grip.

Reaching forward, she grabs the bow. "First Young Master!" Sui Han calls out, flinging the weapon through the air toward Lun.

As he palms an assassin on the shoulder, Lun glances up, just in time to see the bow heading in his direction. Somersaulting through the air, he reaches for the weapon with his left hand. At that moment, a band of assassins launches another series of arrows at him while he is midair. Reacting to the attack quickly, Lun swivels to the right, avoiding two arrows. As three more projectiles pierce through the air, Lun thrusts his right palm forward, diverting the arrows with his palm energy.

With lightening speed, Lun then lunges toward the group of assassins on the ground, delivering a series of rapid kicks at his enemies’ heads, thus sending the men in black hurtling backward. However, just as Lun backflips away from the sprawled bodies, another sheet of arrows rains down on him, as another band of assassins assembles behind him.

In the background, Sui Han flings three silver needles at the men in black, knocking down three opponents. As these men drop to the ground, screaming in pain as the poisonous needles embed in their chests, eroding their flesh, Sui Han rushes forward and grabs their discarded weapons. She turns around, intending to use her newly acquired arrows and bow on her opponents.

Swiveling around, she gasps as she crashes into a solid wall of muscle. "Ah!" Eyes round with surprise, Sui Han quickly backs away from Blue Executioner.

Roughly grabbing hold of her arms, Blue Executioner laughs lasciviously. "Where are you going, sweetheart? I think you should stay close to me." Tightening his grip on her arms so that the bow and arrows in her hands drop to the ground, he lowers his voice mockingly. "I’ll keep you safe if you promise to do everything I say." Jerking her forward, he drags Sui Han toward the entrance of the alcove.

"Let go, you monster!" Sui Han screams. Bucking wildly, she digs her heels into the dirt path, refusing to budge. Glancing back at Lun, who is outnumbered twenty to one by the assassins, Sui Han hollers, "First Young Master! Help me!"

"Ahahaha!" Blue Executioner laughs with malicious glee. "What’s wrong, honey?" His lips flatten into a thin line, his eyes with an evil glint. "I’m not good enough for you?"

Ignoring Blue Executioner’s jeers, Sui Han attempts to kick him. Missing her target, she trips and tumbles into his arms. "First Young Master! Save me! Save me!" She shrieks, looking desperately back at where Lun fends off wave after wave of assassins.

"Save your breath, pretty lady." Blue Executioner wraps his arms viciously around Sui Han, almost crushing her ribs. "Your handsome young master is too busy to come to your rescue." Chuckling maliciously, he adds, "Besides, when I am done with you, Young Master Lam wouldn’t want you anymore. Hahahahaha!"

Meanwhile, in the background, Lun thrusts his left palm outward. As the assassin jerks to the right to avoid the blow, Lun swiftly thrusts his right hand forward and smacks the man in the face, knocking him backward. As the assassin stumbles, the force of the punch so severe that a stream of blood pours down his forehead, Lun nimbly plucks the sword hanging from his opponent’s waistband.

Now with sword in hand, Lun swings the weapon downward. As the sword tip pierces the ground, Lun propels his body upward, and rapidly executes a backflip, palming several assassins in the process. Without breaking his pace, he swivels around and somersaults back, grabbing the sword still stabbed into the ground.

An assassin flies forward, his sword raised. While Lun parries the attack easily with his own sword, he slips his foot under a fallen arrow nearby. With a swift upward lift of the foot, he sends the arrow shooting up, piercing his opponent under the chin straight through to the crown of the head. Instantly dead, the assassin falls backward, stiff as a board, his opened eyes staring sightlessly at the ceiling of the alcove, the arrow tip glistening with fresh blood still pouring from the head wound.

In the background, the remaining assassins halt to a standstill, their eyes clouded with fear as they stare at their dead fellow assassin lying motionless on the ground. Glancing around skittishly, the men in black look toward Blue Executioner, waiting for guidance. However, their leader, focused on Sui Han, does not notice his followers’ nervousness.

Sensing his opponents’ fear, Lun takes a threatening step forward. Alarmed, the men in black quickly scramble back, their gazes darting left and right like trapped animals. Suddenly, without warning, Lun flings his sword forward, the blade slicing through the air with lightening speed. Within moments, the weapon impales one assassin. As the unlucky man crashes lifelessly to the ground, the rest dive for the alcove entrance, stumbling one after another, thus abandoning Blue Executioner.

Smiling coldly at the assassins’ cowardly act, Lun smirks, ignoring the thin trail of blood trickling down the corner of his mouth. Already injured from the Master’s earlier blows, Lun grimaces as his shoulder begins to throb uncontrollably. After valiantly fending off the band of assassins, he now starts to feel the impact of his injuries. In the far recesses of his pain filled mind, he hears Sui Han screaming for help. With blood rushing toward his head, he turns toward the direction of the screaming, and blinks to clear his blurry vision.

Meanwhile, furious at being overpowered by Blue Executioner’s strength, Sui Han pretends to faint in his arms. Suddenly put off balance by her dead weight in his arms, Blue Executioner momentarily loses his concentration. At that instant, Sui Han suddenly straightens and aims directly for his neck, taking a hefty bite at the tender skin below his left jaw, drawing blood.

"Ahhhh!" Blue Executioner screams in pain, as blood pours down the side of his neck in rivulets. "You little devil! You’ll pay for this!" His eyes flashing in anger, he wraps both hands around Sui Han’s slender neck, squeezing mercilessly. "So you think I’m not good enough for you, is that it?" Blue Executioner spats, his teeth bared, his intentions murderous. "You think wealthy, privileged boys like your Young Master Lam are the only men fit to lay their hands on your body, is that it?" Tightening his hands around Sui Han’s neck even more, Blue Executioner proceeds to shake her like a rag doll.

As Blue Executioner raises his right hand to slap her, a flash of white darts across his line of vision, seizing his hand. Looking up in surprise, he encounters Lun’s angry eyes and steely gaze.

"A gentleman never hits a lady." Lun speaks with clenched teeth, his face stony as he glares at Blue Executioner.

"I never admitted to being a gentleman!" Blue Executioner retorts, his expression equally as angry.

"Let her go." Lun demands, his calm tone belying the mounting fury building in him, his hand clamping down harder on Blue Executioner’s right wrist.

"What if I don’t let go of your precious servant girl?" Blue Executioner taunts, as he swings Sui Han around, using her as a shield, his left arm hooked around her neck like a noose.

As Blue Executioner’s arm tightens around Sui Han’s neck, she coughs and gags from lack of air. "I’ll kill her first before you can even touch me!" He threatens.

"Is that so?" Lun asks quietly. With a swift flick of his hand, he twists Blue Executioner’s right wrist brutally, the tremendous burst of internal energy nearly dislocating his opponent’s wrist joint.

"Ahh!" Blue Executioner screams in pain. He immediately lets go of Sui Han, palming her on the back, thus sending her flying through the air.

Reflexively, Lun somersaults through the air and catches Sui Han before she crashes onto the ground.

Cradling his injured right hand against his chest, Blue Executioner stumbles toward the entrance of the alcove. As he passes by, he strikes at lever hidden behind a pile of rocks, therefore causing an automatic destruction mechanism to activate.

Inside the alcove, the ground begins to shudder. The large stone pillars of the alcove crumble like thin paper. Without the support of the pillars, the ceiling starts cracking, the tiny crevices enlarging at alarming speed. As the entire chamber rumbles with intensity, Lun and Sui Han are thrown apart.

Near the entrance of the alcove, Blue Executioner laughs maliciously, "Today, you both will die in here together!" Turning to give Lun and Sui Han one last smug and evil look, Blue Executioner exclaims, "Now that is what I call true love! Hahahahaha!" With that parting comment, he somersaults into the air and disappears into the dark series of corridors.

Meanwhile, Lun stumbles toward Sui Han, narrowly avoiding a huge stone slab breaking off from one of the pillars.

"Sui Han!" Lun rushes to her side, where she lies injured. "Sui Han! Are you all right?" As rubble and pieces of stone pellets rain down on them, Lun gently extricates Sui Han’s right foot from under a pile of rocks. "Can you walk?" He screams, trying to project his voice above the thundering noise caused by rocks cascading downward.

Grimacing, Sui Han tries to stand up with Lun’s help, but she buckles under the pain, falling limply into Lun’s arms. "Ahh!" She cries out. "I can’t put weight on my right foot! I think I sprained it! First Young Master, just leave me! Save yourself!"

"No!" Lun retorts.

"I’ll only slow you down with this injured foot!" Sui Han screams above the noise.

Ignoring her protests, Lun picks her up into his arms and makes a run for the entrance of the alcove. Ducking under a fallen pillar, he somersaults into the air, tucking her closely to his chest, trying to shield her from any loose pieces of pebbles flying through the air.

As he lands a few feet near the entrance, a large stone slab crashes from the ceiling and slams into his back. Dizzy from the impact and from the lingering effects of his previous injury, he feels himself going weak. Blinking to clear his cloudy vision, he clenches his jaw and continues to race toward the entrance.

At that moment, the opening of the alcove begins to crumble, a tornado of rocks and debris raining down like a waterfall. Leaping into the air, he rapidly executes a series of kicks, knocking debris and small boulders aside to clear the path. Then, using his last burst of energy, he palms Sui Han on the back, sending her flying safely out the alcove.

Sui Han lands onto the dirt ground outside the alcove, about one hundred feet from the entrance, out of harm’s way. Quickly, she turns around, just in time to see the whole structure collapse onto itself, burying Lun inside.

"First Young Master!" She calls out in horror before her world blacks out.

WEST LAKE PROVINCE
RED LANTERN INN

The dark night blankets the sky like a velvet cloth. Millions of tiny stars sparkle and wink merrily, as if beckoning young lovers to come closer to bask in their romantic glow. Pale moonbeams illuminate the pristine hardwood floors of Marquis Ching Bong’s inn room. A soft breeze blows through the open shutters, lightly stirring the silken bed curtains.

At a table near the center of the room, Ching Bong sits, oblivious to the refreshing cool breeze, the sweet, tangy scent of blossoms swaying in the cool night air, and the ethereal beauty of the full moon glowing brightly outside. His mind full of turmoil, he stares intently at Suk Yu’s painting, mesmerized by both happy and bittersweet memories of the past.

After a long moment, he sighs with resignation. Carefully rolling the painting back up, he walks over to the bed and attempts to fall asleep. But as he closes his eyes, images of Suk Yu dance across his mind. As if he were transported back to the past, he saw her laughing joyously as they embraced and twirled playfully in a field of wildflowers. He saw her pensive look as she studied a medical manuscript. And finally, he saw her with tears glistening in her disappointed eyes the moment she learned of his betrayal and marriage to the Royal Duke’s daughter.

As his memories of Suk Yu continue to play across his mind, Ching Bong clenches his eyes tighter together, praying for sleep. Unfortunately, he remains wide awake. Finally, exasperated, he drags himself out of bed. Grabbing his sword, he heads out into the night, hoping to walk off some of his energy.

IN THE NEARBY WOODS

Ching Bong strides briskly toward a small patch of woods a couple of miles from the Red Lantern Inn. The night breeze brushes its cool fingers across his cheeks, soothing him with its gentle caress. Entering the woods, Bong takes in a deep breath, reveling in the crisp, earthy scent of nature. Slivers of moonlight peek through the cracks between the leaves, illuminating the forest with just enough light to give the woodland a dreamy, otherworldly glow.

Suddenly, Bong takes in a quick breath, his footsteps slowing as his heart thumps like a drum against his rib cage. From within the depths of the forest, he hears the soft flute tune, its melancholy and fluid melody drifting gently towards him, embracing him, luring him deeper into the woods. Recognizing the flute melody as the one that has haunted his dreams for the past two years, Bong clutches his sword tightly, nervous yet secretly thrilled to see Gong Yu again.

Stopping a few feet from a clearing in the forest, he holds his breath. Moonbeams spill onto the forest ground, like a pale waterfall, splashing light onto the deep green vastness. Silhouetted against the pale glow stands a slender figure, her white gown fluttering delicately against her ankles, the pale pink waist sash swaying gently with the wind. A jade flute rests lightly against her lips, music drifting from the instrument, the tune delicate yet bittersweet.

Frozen to the spot, Bong listens intently, mesmerized by the vision in front of him. For a few minutes, he allows himself to pretend he is not the Marquis, to enjoy the presence of the woman he never thought he would see again. All around, the small critters seem to silence, as if they, too, wish to concentrate on the beauty of the moment.

The melody finally fades away, bringing Bong back to reality. He sighs softly, as his dream world fades away all too soon.

Upon hearing Bong’s sigh, the young woman turns around slowly. "You’ve been standing there for quite some time." She stares sightlessly ahead, her large brown eyes full of emotion. "How have you been, Bong?"

Taking in a sharp breath, Bong gasps in surprise. "Sui Yu…" He begins, using his old endearment for her. "How do you know… ?"

Smiling sadly, Suk Yu replies, "How do I know it is you even though I can’t see?" Sighing, she shakes her head. "I’ve known you all my life and have loved you for almost as long." Pausing, she stares off into the distance, experiencing the flood of bittersweet memories. "Do you know that when you love someone as deeply as I have loved you, you become attuned to his every move, his every sense, his every emotion, without even having to lay eyes on him?"

When Bong remains silent, Suk Yu turns her head uncannily toward him again, her eyes sightless, yet seeing all too clearly the painful past flash across her, haunting her every moment since the day Ching Bong left.

Bong clears his throat, his heart squeezing painfully as he faces the only woman he has ever loved, the woman he has hurt mercilessly in order to pursue his greed for power and ambition. "Sui Yu," he begins, his throat scratchy from unshed tears. "I miss you."

Shaking her head slowly, Suk Yu turns around and walks determinedly away.

Rushing after her, Bong clutches her arm. "Sui Yu! Please, don’t walk away from me! I just want to see you, to talk to you for a few more minutes!"

Without turning toward him, Suk Yu brushes off his hold on her arm. "Marquis Ching, your behavior is inappropriate for a married man, especially one of your political status."

"Sui Yu, please…" Bong pleas. "I have so many things I want to tell you, so many things I never had the chance to say." When she remains in stony silence, he forges ahead, his words jumbled in his mind, his only clear thought is to keep her here with him, just for a few more minutes. He misses her dearly, so much that his heart almost feels like it is going to stop beating if she walks away.

Bong takes in a deep breath. "Sui Yu…" He hesitates, unsure of how to proceed. "How have you been? How did your eyes…?"

"I’ve been better, Marquis." Suk Yu replies coldly. "Now if you’re done with your pleasantries, then I would like to return to my inn room to rest." She walks briskly away.

"Wait!" Bong chases after her again. "Sui Yu! Do you know that I have dreamed about you every night? You fill my senses." When she continues walking off, unmoved by his confessions, he blurts out, "I love you, Sui Yu!"

With that declaration, she slows her steps, until she comes to a complete standstill.

"I love you, Sui Yu," he repeats. Coming up behind her, he lays a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I still love you very much."

Gritting her teeth, Suk Yu spins around, so rapidly that she catches him by surprise, nearly toppling him backward. "You LOVE me???" She asks incredulously. "You LOVE me?" Advancing forward, she shakes her head with disbelief, her blind eyes narrowed, her mind seeing his features as clearly as the last day she saw him two years ago before he left her to marry another woman. "How could say you love me when you left me in tears to be with another woman? How could you leave without a warning, without any sort of explanation at all, leaving me to find out about your marriage from the smirking words of the townspeople?"

Outraged, she tries to keep her voice from shaking. "Did you know that after you left, I became the laughingstock of the town?" When she encounters shameful silence from Bong, she continues. "Many whispered behind my back, some pitying me, some mocking me, of how blind I was to not suspect that my fiancé was romancing another woman behind my back." She laughs bitterly.

"Sui Yu, please let me explain." Bong begins.

"No." She shakes her head sadly, losing her anger. Suddenly, tired beyond words, she sighs. "I no longer want to hear your explanations. What’s done is done. There are some things that can never go back to the way they were, no matter what the explanations are."

"Sui Yu, I know you still care for me!" Bong insists. "You wouldn’t still keep my flute if you don’t. If you’ll just let me explain…"

Holding the jade flute close to her heart, Suk Yu closes her eyes. "I still keep this flute by my side because it is a good weapon and because it is a birthday gift given to me by a man I have loved dearly."

Bong rushes forward, a smile breaking across his face. "Then you DO still love me!"

Suk Yu shakes her head sadly, stopping him. "No, I loved the Ching Bong from my past. I watched the sunset with that Ching Bong, took romantic walks through the woods with him, shared my deepest joys and sorrows with him. He dried my tears when I was sad and spun me around in the air when I was happy. He was my friend, my confidante, my soul mate." A tear slowly trickles down her cheek as she continues. "But I’ve lost that person the moment he decided to leave me for another woman. He became someone I no longer knew, let alone loved." Running a hand gently over the smooth, cool surface of the flute, Suk Yu fights back tears. "The man who stands before me today is only a stranger wearing the face of the man I once loved. The man who stands before me today means absolutely nothing to me."

With those words, Suk Yu walks away from Bong, walks out of his life as he had walked out of hers two years ago, her slender figure gradually disappearing into the shadowy night.

AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST

With her head held high, Suk Yu marches determinedly out of the forest. However, despite her resolve, tears roll down her cheeks involuntarily, the droplets lingering at her jaw line, glistening like jewels in the moonlight. Her eyes, dark pools of pain, glimmer with tears, adding to the vulnerability clearly reflected in her pale, delicate features.

From within the thick foliage emerges a tall figure dressed in white. "Miss Suk Yu."

[cherrie]

hi melanie! im still here! so happy to read your update

[Beneathestars]

Wow, an update! Finally! I've been waiting.

This is a great unexpected surprise. You've made my day. Thanks so much. I've really enjoyed your story so far.

I've a pile of work waiting to be done, but this is a good excuse to take a break. Cant wait to see what happens next.

[Melanie]

Thank you for reading, cherrie and Beneathestars.

CHAPTER 53 --- A MOTHER’S REVENGE

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Ekin Cheng Yee Kin---Yeung Lap Chun a.k.a. White Executioner
Bae Yong Joon---Yip Fung
Song Yun Ah---Tong Mei Si
Marco Ngai Chun Kit---Ng Sam Lung a.k.a. Red Executioner
Idy Chan Yuk Lin---Chan Yin Yuk
Louis Koo Tin Lok---Koo Yat Fei
Benny Chan Ho Man---Koo Yat Keung
Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa

From within the thick foliage emerges a tall figure dressed in white. "Miss Suk Yu." Lap Chun steps into Suk Yu’s path. "I’ve been looking for you all night. Are you all right?"

Sniffling, Suk Yu quickly averts her face, wanting to hide her tears, her vulnerability. "I’m fine. I just couldn’t sleep and need some fresh air."

As she tries to walk past Lap Chun, he blocks her path, placing his hands on her arms. "Wait." Looking at her closely, he notices the tearstains. "You’re crying." Hesitantly, he reaches up and brushes away the tears from her face.

Swiftly taking a step back, Suk Yu swipes away the tears herself. "I’m fine. Really, I’m just tired. All I need is some rest."

She hurries by Lap Chun, not sure how she would be able to once again survive the pain squeezing her heart. Rushing by too rapidly, her booted feet slip on a patch of damp earth, causing her to stumble forward.

"Miss Suk Yu!" Lap Chun calls out in alarm. Catching her in time before she hits the ground, he helps her toward a fallen log nearby. "Here, you’re obviously very upset and should sit down for a while first." After making sure she is safely settled on the log, he crouches down and stares up at her distraught features. "Are you sure you’re alright?"

"I’m fine," Suk Yu insists, right before she bursts into tears. "I’m fine, I’m fine." She keeps repeating the words like a mantra.

Sighing, Lap Chun raises a hand to softly brush at her bangs, before trailing his thumbs down her cheeks, drying the moisture. "I know you’re fine, Miss Suk Yu. But being fine doesn’t mean you can’t talk about what’s upsetting you." Engulfing her hands in his larger ones, he gently encourages her to talk. "It’ll make you feel better."

Sniffling, Suk Yu hiccups several times before bursting into another bout of tears. Squeezing her hands tightly, Lap Chun comes to sit beside her on the log. Allowing her to cry to her heart’s content, he silently waits for her to speak again. Suddenly, she lunges forward and hugs him tightly, sobbing into his shoulder.

Tearfully, she mumbles into his gown. "I’m sorry, Young Master Yeung. I am soiling your gown." Horrified at her abrupt and inappropriate action, Suk Yu starts to push herself away from him.

However, he tightens his hold on her, keeping her within his arms. "No, I want you to stay right where you are." Resting his chin on top of her head, he just holds her in his arms, listening to her sniffles and the occasional shaky sob.

Finally, after a long moment, she speaks, her face still partially buried against his shoulder. "I saw him again tonight."

"Who?" Lap Chun asks. When she fails to respond, he ventures a guess. "The man who gave you your flute?"

Nodding, she sighs. "Yes. He was my fiancé."

"Do you still love him?" Lap Chun asks.

"No." Suk Yu replies with resolve. "No, I no longer love him."

"Then why are you crying over him?" Lap Chun nudges her chin with his fingers so that she faces him. "Why are you crying over someone you no longer love?"

"I guess I am crying over the loss of a beautiful memory." Sighing, she sits up and stares off into the distance. "For two years, I’ve dreamed of him coming back to me, of begging me to take him back. I’ve memorized what I would say to him in my sleep. And I’ve asked myself constantly what I lacked. Why did he leave me for another woman? What was wrong with me as a woman? Was I unattractive? Was I not feminine enough? Was I not caring enough?"

Stopping, Suk Yu swipes impatiently at the tears that start to spill from her eyes again. Beside her, Lap Chun sits patiently, letting her talk, allowing her to pour out her emotions.

"Each night I laid in bed, missing him, missing him with every breath I took. And every time I missed him, I hated myself, wondering why I was so foolish to still care about a man who treated me so callously." Suk Yu stops long enough to gulp down a huge sob. "Worse, I had to act as if I were absolutely fine in front of my family, because I knew they would worry. In public, I was strong and stoic. In private, I couldn’t stop crying. And every morning, I had to face the fact that he was no longer coming back, that I would no longer feel his arms around me, hear his voice calling my name. And as the years passed, I felt my heart breaking, piece by piece, until only a gaping void that nobody and nothing can fill remained."

Suk Yu looks at Lap Chun, her bottom lip trembling uncontrollably. "I feel so empty! I feel so empty!" She cries.

Sighing, Lap Chun hesitantly reaches toward her, pauses before covering her hand with his. "Sometime, certain things are meant to happen. You may love someone, but he may not return your feelings. It doesn’t mean that there is something lacking in you. It just means that your destiny lies with another." Looking earnestly at Suk Yu, he continues. "I know you suffered a lot when your fiancé left you, but if you continue to hold onto something that could never be, then you only hurt yourself and those who love you. Does that make sense?"

Smiling sadly, Suk Yu nods. "Yes. My mind tells me to let go numerous times, but my heart refuses to listen." She stares off into the distance, hearing the rustle of leaves, watching the flickering pattern of moonlight on the forest ground. "The day he left, he took my dreams with him. Ever since the first moment he held my hand, I had built my dreams and hopes around him. I loved him so much and was willing to follow him to the ends of the earth, to share happiness and sorrow with him. When he picked another woman over me, he crushed my dreams."

Turning to look blankly at Lap Chun, Suk Yu mutters. "I’m just like any other woman. All I want is to find someone whom I love and loves me in return. I want someone to grow old with, someone who will still hold my hand when I am eighty, someone who will be by my side through good times and bad. Is that too much to hope for?"

"No, that is not too much to ask for." Lap Chun agrees.

"I’m just so tired, I don’t wish to think about him anymore. I’m so tired." Suk Yu mumbles, closing her eyes, hugging her arms together as the night breeze turns chilly.

Emotionally drained, she rapidly dozes off. Deep in sleep, she unconsciously moves closer to Lap Chun’s warmth and rests her head onto his shoulder. Quietly, he shifts toward her and puts his arm around her shoulders. Sighing silently, Lap Chun gazes up at the full moon, aimlessly watching wisps of gray clouds float by, casting odd shadows across the moonlight splashed forest ground.

MASTER'S UNDERGROUND LAIR

After being separated from Lun and Sui Han, Yip Fung finds himself running through an endless maze of corridors. Carrying his second mother on his back, he flips several times through the air, racing down the dark tunnel of the underground lair. From behind, Red Executioner and a band of assassins rush forward, hot in pursuit.

Suddenly, Fung somersaults twice and swerves to the right, narrowly avoiding three poisonous darts approaching from the left. As the projectiles embed into the stone wall of the tunnel, Fung leaps forward, and springing from one wall, he swivels around to face the assassins. With one smooth and rapid movement, he strikes down two of the men in black with his sword.

Following with one of the Six Swords Manor's signature techniques called "Double Edged Steel Fan Sweeps Ten Thousand Paces," he flashes the sword tip upward. The tip quivers slightly and flickers with lightening speed from side to side, giving the impression of a silver steel fan. As Fung drives the sword tip forward, a wave of energy projects from the "steel fan," undulating in rapid currents, knocking back the band of assassins.

All around, the men in black flip backward, crashing to the ground and squirming in agony, unable to withstand the burst of internal energy. As his followers collapse around him, Red Executioner assumes a meditating position, calmly channeling his internal energy toward the core of his body in a move to reflect and counter Fung's energy wave. From behind, another new band of assassins approaches, surging forward like a sea of black.

In the next second, Fung's sword tip changes directions, swerving downwards, bringing with it another surge of internal energy. As the energy wave hits the ground, the granite cracks immediately before a series of explosion rings through the dark tunnel. A thick cloud of dust balloons out, enveloping the tunnel in smoke and hindering the assassins' visibility.

Screams of pain echo hollowly down the darkened corridor as assassins vomit blood. Fung flies off with Mei Si on his back, taking advantage of this diversion. Within seconds, Red Executioner bursts through the thick veil of smoke and debris and flies after Fung and his second mother, leaving behind his band of followers still writhing in pain on the ground.

Several paces ahead of Red Executioner, Fung turns the corner, breathing heavily. His left shoulder, where he sustained a hit from the Master earlier, throbs painfully. Turning his head slightly, he looks at Mei Si from the corner of his eyes.

"Second Mother, how are you doing?" Fung asks a bit breathlessly.

"I'm fine." Mei Si replies weakly from behind, her head leaning limply against Fung's upper back. Licking her dried, pale lips, she takes in a painful breath. "Fung, put me down."

Alarmed, Fung quickly asks, "Why? You are not feeling well? What's wrong, Second Mother?"

"Nothing is the matter." She gasps breathlessly, trying to gulp in air, as she is finding it harder and harder to breathe. "You're injured. I am too weak to defend myself right now. I do not wish to burden you any further." Pausing, she coughs weakly. "Put me down, Fung."

"No! We came together. Now, we shall leave together!" Fung objects strenuously.

"Fung…" Mei Si tries to persuade him.

"No!" He interrupts her stubbornly. "Do you really think I would leave you behind, Second Mother?"

"Fung! I’ve been poisoned by silver needles. I won’t live long, anyway. I don’t want to slow you down!" Mei Si reasons urgently.

"No!" He practically screams at her. "No, I won’t leave you behind! You won’t die, Second Mother! We’ll find a way to cure you of the poison. Brother Lun’s servant girl must have the antidote to the poison. Once we leave this underground lair, I’ll search for the servant girl and demand for the antidote!"

"I'm your Second Mother!" Mei Si tries to inject as much authority as possible into her tone, despite her rapidly weakening state. "Are you disobeying me?"

"Don't try to pull that Second Mother nonsense with me right now!" Fung counters with bad temper. "In terms of age and experience, I am your senior, so just let me make the decisions!"

At that moment, footsteps lightly tap against the stone walls as Red Executioner uses his lightness kung fu to race along the walls of the tunnel. With a single somersault, he flips over Yip Fung's head and lands in front of the couple.

Unsheathing his flexible sword, Red Executioner points the weapon at the couple, his expression stoic and emotionless. "If you surrender now, I will allow you two to die swiftly and painlessly."

Keeping his eyes trained on Red Executioner, Fung bends down slowly and places Mei Si in the corner, temporarily out of harm’s way. Then turning his full attention back on his opponent, Fung raises his weapon in attack position. "How about if YOU surrender, I’ll allow YOU to die painlessly?" He retorts.

Smiling coldly at that comeback, Red Executioner flies forward. Midair, his weapon clashes with Fung’s sword. As sparks spew from the contact, Fung flicks his wrist adroitly, parrying Red Executioner’s attacks move for move. Red Executioner’s flexible blade flashes like a serpent, its sinuous movements twining left and right with deadly intent. Fung counters by swinging his sword suddenly upward, the tip gleaming dangerously in the darkness. As the weapon swiftly changes direction, an internal energy wave surges forward, cutting through air and forcing Red Executioner back several steps.

In retaliation, Red Executioner flies upward and suddenly changes direction midair. While surging downward, he executes a rapid series of sword movements, his aim directed at Yip Fung’s major pressure points. To protect himself, Fung twirls his sword in a figure eight, his technique painstakingly slow, almost as if dragging his weapon through water. The sword technique, known as The Calm Eye of the Storm, focuses on the sword executioner’s internal energy, its deceptively slow and simple stances masking the intense web of energy at the center of each sword stroke.

As Red Executioner’s sword approaches, the field of internal energy created by Fung acts like an impenetrable shield, deflecting the enemy’s weapon. Refusing to give up, Red Executioner flips upward and then dives downward, once again attempting to break through the force field.

Failing to force his weapon through the energy field despite multiple attempts, Red Executioner suddenly turns toward Mei Si. Lunging at her, he flings his sword directly toward her heart.

"Ahh!" Mei Si screams in alarm, her face deathly pale. Weakly, she unsheathes her short twin swords as quickly as possible. As Mei Si’s blades intercept his flexible sword, Red Executioner leaps into the air. Within a few seconds, he suddenly appears in front of her, catching her off guard. Bringing his palms forward, he aims for Mei Si’s shoulders.

At that moment, Fung somersaults forward with lightening speed. Landing in front of Mei Si, he meets Red Executioner’s oncoming palms. The resultant explosion forces both back several steps. The wall behind Mei Si rumbles. Cracks creep along the stone slab before the wall breaks apart and crumbles to pieces.

As the debris settles, a shaft of light peaks through the curtain of dust. The crashing sound of waterfall fills the underground lair. In the background, a group of assassins rushes onto the scene. Knowing he is outnumbered, Fung sends his sword flying toward the assassins. While airborne, the weapon divides into six rotating blades. As the weapon sweeps a wide arc, driving the enemy back, Fung concentrates his internal energy into his palms. With a swift motion, he knocks the already crumbled wall further apart.

The small boulders from the destroyed wall cascade down the steep cliff, rolling furiously before tumbling into the dark abyss beneath. The crashing waves of the river below whip madly at the jagged rocks lining the base of the cliff. The foaming currents recede, only to return full force, beating at the slippery rocks again. The moon, only a small sliver of white, hides behind thick wisps of gray clouds.

As more and more assassins appear from around the corridor of the lair, Fung picks up Mei Si. Without a backward glance, he leaps through the hole, bracing himself as he and his second mother plunge down into the deep, dark vastness, leaving the underground lair.

GREEN PYTHON VALLEY

The night grows colder. A bracing wind rushes through the cracks in the thick canopy of leaves forming the ceiling of the woodland, causing the leaves to rustle loudly. As the gust of wind dies, silence once again descends upon the night.

From within the darkness, two figures emerge. The woman, garbed completely in white, walks with a timeless grace, her elegance apparent with each step she takes. The moonlight casts pale shadows across the dirt path, lightly illuminating the woman’s delicate yet emotionless features. Her white gown, shimmering in the white moonlight, almost floats across the forest ground, a testament to the woman’s superb lightness kung fu.

From behind, the old woman trudges along, her face lined with fatigue and coated with several layers of dust. Huffing breathlessly, she shuffles behind her former mistress, her staff digging into the earth.

Coughing several times, Grandmother Fa speaks in labored spurts. "Mistress, maybe we should find shelter and rest for the night. It’s so dark with barely enough moonlight to light the path. We won’t be able to find our way tonight."

Ignoring her, Yin Yuk continues going forward.

Sighing, Grandmother Fa tries again. "Please, Mistress. My old bones won’t be able to make it any further."

Without warning, Yin Yuk whirls around and directs a steely gaze toward the old woman. "Grandmother Fa, are you trying to slow down our progress?" Coming to stand next to the old woman, Yin Yuk continues coldly. "I get the feeling that you are leading me on a wild goose chase. First, you lead me to the desert. Then, you lead me here." Pausing, she narrows her eyes at Grandmother Fa. "Where is the Sun-Moon Sect headquarter? Where is my son, Yik Hong?"

"Uhh…uhh…" The old woman stutters, wiping her brow with a shaky hand. "Mistress, Young Master Yik Hong is indeed alive! He’s…he’s at the Sun-Moon Sect headquarter right now and it’s a long journey to the headquarter…"

When Yin Yuk continues to stare at her, unmoved by her nervous stammering, Grandmother Fa gulps. "Mistress, please spare my life! Mistress, I swear that I will…"

Suddenly, Yin Yuk raises her right hand, silencing Grandmother Fa. "Shh!" Swiveling around, she stares at a nearby grove of bushes, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. Somersaulting forward, she releases two long white sashes. The fabric whips through the air with lightening speed and pierces through the bushes. Within seconds, the white sashes drag out two men.

Fei and Keung catapult out of the bushes where they have been hiding and fly through the air, the fabric wrapped tightly around their torsos. Midair, Fei unsheathes his sword, the steel blade winking dangerously in the pale moonlight. With a swift slash, he shreds Yin Yuk’s white sash. Then, without pause, he sends his weapon twisting rapidly in a wide arc toward Keung. As the sword approaches the younger of the Koo siblings, it slices through the fabric bounding Keung, before returning to Fei.

Immediately, Yin Yuk sends out another strip of fabric, which shoots out with the speed of light, so fast and fierce that only a thin stretch of white could be seen by the human eye. As the sash again twists around Fei, she jerks him forward. With palms outstretched, she exchanges three stances with him the moment he approaches. Obviously the superior of the two in terms of internal energy, Yin Yuk gains the upper hand quickly.

On the third stance, she palms him forcefully on the shoulders. The impact, so fierce and powerful, causes him to catapult backward before slamming into a tree trunk. Coughing up blood, Fei clutches at his chest, gritting his teeth from the pain and severe injury.

"Elder Brother!" Keung calls out in horror. Somersaulting through the air, he flies toward Yin Yuk. Midair, he unleashes a flurry of small daggers. The weapons slice across the distance, each deadly blade aimed for Yin Yuk.

In defense, Yin Yuk uses her palm energy to deflect the daggers, sending them hurtling back toward the Koo brothers. Then, with a few quick steps, she glides through space and suddenly appears in front of Keung within the blink of an eye. Surprised, Keung does not even see her attack until he is palmed and flung backward toward Fei.

Crashing into his severely injured older brother, Keung gasps as he looks back at his opponent. For a moment, he almost believes he is trapped in a dream world, for his attacker looks so serene and beautiful standing a few feet away. With the pale moonbeams kissing her timelessly elegant features and giving her alabaster complexion an otherworldly glow, she almost resembles a goddess from heaven. A light breeze gently ruffles her glossy raven black tresses, playfully teasing her soft bangs.

As Yin Yuk walks toward the Koo brothers, her emotionless tone betrays none of her anger. "I remember you two young men." Giving them a hard stare, she continues calmly. "You two are the ones who ambushed my children many nights ago at Lam Mansion. You are the ones who poisoned my son, Yik Wah." Clenching her hands into tight fists, she takes in a deep breath. "Tonight, I shall avenge my son for all the suffering you have put him through. Tonight, you two will not leave this forest alive."

With that statement, Yin Yuk brings her hands forward, rapidly cultivating her years of internal energy toward her palms. Within seconds, a blinding beam of white energy shoots from her palms toward Fei and Keung…

[cherrie]

hey melanie! you left a cliffhanger again! hm i change my mind, perhaps ho man is the real son, not tin lok hey, would you consider adding raymond lam in your story?

[Melanie]

CHAPTER 54 --- A MOMENT OF SUSPICION

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Idy Chan Yuk Lin---Chan Yin Yuk
Louis Koo Tin Lok---Koo Yat Fei
Benny Chan Ho Man---Koo Yat Keung
Bae Yong Joon---Yip Fung
Song Yun Ah---Tong Mei Si
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
Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa

GREEN PYTHON VALLEY

"Tonight, I shall avenge my son for all the suffering you have put him through. Tonight, you two will not leave this forest alive."

With that statement, Yin Yuk brings her hands forward, rapidly cultivating her years of internal energy toward her palms. Within seconds, a blinding beam of white energy shoots from her palms toward Fei and Keung.

At that moment, from above, flashes of lightening burst across the sky, the bolts of electricity cutting through the darkness like ghostly tentacles. Thunder follows, rumbling ominously, as if protesting Yin Yuk’s ill intentions toward Fei and Keung.

As the beam of internal energy shoots forward from Yin Yuk’s palms, a burst of lightening suddenly surges downward from the heavens above, intercepting Yin Yuk’s palm energy. Using that opportunity, Fei rolls to the side, away from Yin Yuk’s line of vision. Grabbing his weapon lying on the forest ground near the bushes, he somersaults into the air and attacks Yin Yuk from the side.

In the background, thunder continues to roar ferociously. Lightening zigzags diagonally across the sky, its whiteness blinding and bright. Taking advantage of help from the elements, Fei points his sword toward the heavens, positioning the blade directly underneath the white light. As the brightness reflects off the metal of the blade, Yin Yuk squints, bringing her arm up to shade her eyes.

While Yin Yuk is distracted, Fei exchanges eye contact with Keung. Nodding, Keung takes his older brother’s cue and somersaults forward, meeting Yin Yuk in a clash of palms. From the side, Fei rolls over and swings his sword, aiming at Yin Yuk’s right arm.

From the corner of her eye, Yin Yuk spies the oncoming sword. With a graceful arch of her back, she swings her right leg up and intercepts Fei’s weapon. Kicking the sword sideways, her foot then hooks around Fei’s sword arm. With a quick twist, she dislodges the blade. Swinging her leg back around, she delivers a hard kick to Fei’s chest, knocking him back against the bushes.

With Fei disposed, she focuses her attention back on Keung. With her hands still locked in combat with Keung, she kicks forward with her left leg, breaking Keung’s stance.

Forced to retreat several steps, Keung grunts and wrinkles his forehead in concentration. Channeling all his internal energy toward his palms, he tries to over power Yin Yuk. However, she remains rooted to the spot, not giving an inch. Unable to overcome her superior internal energy, Keung secretly unsheathes a small dagger attached to the bottom of his boot. Without warning, he kicks out, aiming for her midsection.

Catching sight of the glint of metal, Yin Yuk swerves to the left, avoiding the blade. A long white sash shoots out from her sleeve and twists around Keung’s leg. With a quick flick of the wrist, she jerks Keung off balance and yanks him toward her. As he involuntarily flies forward, she suddenly releases the sash from his foot and palms him on the shoulders.

The force of the hit sends him catapulting through the air.

Looking at his younger brother in alarm, Fei calls out, "Keung!"

Leaping into air, he catches Keung right before he hits the ground. As he lands, he immediately scoops up a fistful of dirt and flings it in Yin Yuk’s general direction, blinding her momentarily. As she lifts her arm to protect her eyes, Fei hurtles a stink bomb toward her. The bomb explodes upon hitting the ground, filling the forest with smoke and a malodorous stench. While Yin Yuk coughs and sputters, Fei and Keung somersault through the air and disappear into the dark night.

Unwilling to allow Fei and Keung escape easily, Yin Yuk places her palms together, gathering her internal energy. Within seconds, her whole body begins to rotate rapidly, creating a vortex of energy, which swiftly disperses the thick curtain of smoke.

As visibility is restored, Yin Yuk shoots through the air, giving chase, determined to punish the culprits responsible for poisoning her second son, Yik Wah…

BESIDE THE RIVER
NEAR THE MASTER’S UNDERGROUND LAIR

The strong currents of the river whip furiously against Yip Fung, slapping his face madly like an unforgiving scorned woman. Only a sliver of moonlight illuminates the dark waters, the pale light appearing like a wavy beam flittering eerily against the murky, watery backdrop. Keeping his arm tightly clamped around Mei Si’s waist, Fung fights his way toward shore.

After what seems like an eternity, Fung finally reaches the bank of the river. Wadding through the shallow waters, he lifts the unconscious Mei Si into his arms and shuffles across the wet sand. A breeze sweeps across the riverbank, causing Mei Si to shiver in his arms. Her wet clothes add to the chill, as she begins to chatter uncontrollably.

Waking up, Mei Si starts coughing. "Fung," She whispers weakly. "Where are we?"

"Second Mother, we’ve left the Master’s underground hideout, but I don’t know where we are." He settles her down on the sand. Surveying the area, he squints, trying to see through the darkness. "It looks like some deserted stretch of emptiness with just a few scattered trees and the river behind us…"

"You should leave here as soon as possible before the Master and his assassins catch up with us," Mei Si gasps. Her vision dims as the pain becomes unbearable. "Fung…" She reaches for his hand.

Grabbing hold of her hands, he pulls her into his arms, trying to quiet her shivering. "Second Mother, you’re freezing. Your hands are ice cold!"

"Fung, listen to me. I won’t make it very far. You must leave now, before it’s too late." She cuts Fung off when he starts to object. "Fung! You must not argue! Those assassins outnumber you. The best way to protect yourself is to leave immediately and avoid a confrontation. If you take me along, I’ll only slow you down."

"No, Second Mother, I won’t leave you behind." Fung states firmly. Closing his ears to any objections, he picks Mei Si up into his arms and proceeds to walk off, ignoring her protests.

"Fung…" Mei Si weakly tries to talk some logic into him, but breaks off as another wave of pain hits her. "Ahhh!" She screams involuntarily from the agony.

Glancing down at her in alarm, Fung quickly places her down on the sand again. "Second Mother!"

Losing consciousness momentarily, Mei Si lies limply in his arms.

"Second Mother!" Fung calls urgently again.

However, she remains silent. Worried, Fung reaches for the waist sash of her gown. He hesitates, briefly concerned about the breech of propriety, but quickly makes up his mind and loosens the sash. Working swiftly, he pulls down the collar of her gown to reveal the wound on her shoulder where the poisonous needles have hit her.

In the pale moonlight, the injury appears a grotesque purple, the area completely darkened with two puncture wounds at its center. From the appearance of the wound, the poison would eventually cut off the blood supply and affect her entire shoulder and arm.

Taking in a deep breath, Fung apologizes to the unconscious Mei Si. "I’m sorry for this impropriety, Second Mother, but I need to suck the poison from your wound now or you will lose your arm."

Leaning down, he sucks the dark blood from her wound and forcefully spits the blood back out. Tearing off a strip from the hem of his gown, he uses the fabric to bind the injury.

The wind beings to pick up, the night air growing more chilly. Mei Si remains in a deep slumber, unconscious and unmoving. Glancing down at her worriedly, Fung then scans the area for any sign of shelter. Seeing none, he somersaults into air, using his lightness kung fu to travel miles, hoping to get far away from the Master’s underground palace before the assassins locate them.

MEANWHILE…
MASTER’S UNDERGROUND LAIR

The pile of rocks of the now collapsed alcove rumble before settling down. After a few seconds, the small boulders shutter again, causing the lighter pebbles near the top of the pile to tumble toward the ground. As more and more small rocks cascade downward, the entire pile suddenly explodes. Debris flies everywhere, filling the area with a cloud of smoke.

From within the murky depths of dust, Lun emerges, staggering from the blood loss and internal injuries. Clutching at his chest wound, he limps forward, tripping clumsily over some loose rocks.

Blinking his burning eyes, he glances around frantically, looking for Sui Han. Spying her lying in an unconscious heap nearby, he crawls over as quickly as possible.

"Sui Han! Sui Han!" He calls out urgently, shaking her shoulder, trying to awaken her.

However, she remains silent, unmoving.

"Sui Han!" Lun gasps again, his breath catching as he begins to feel another wave of pain overtake him. Attempting to reach forward, he caresses her cheek. "Sui Han…" He mutters weakly one last time before he drifts off, his head dropping limply onto the dirt ground next to Sui Han’s.

MEANWHILE…
GREEN PYTHON VALLEY

An icy wind whips across the meadows, wrapping its chilly tentacles around Chi Chi and Sai Chung. The dying embers of the campfire nearby offer little warmth. Wrinkling her brow, Chi Chi curls into a tight ball and unconsciously shifts closer toward Sai Chung’s side in her sleep.

However, without any overhead covering, the cold air continues to sting Chi Chi’s cheeks, blowing across her face until her cheeks become a rosy tint. Pouting in her sleep, she sneezes.

Now wide-awake, she jerks upright, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. Squinting, she glances toward the distance, but can only see a black blur. All around, the leaves on the trees rustle nosily. The wind picks up intensity, whipping through the cracks in the dense canopy of leaves, whistling madly like banshees announcing some bad omen.

Teeth chattering, from cold and from fright, Chi Chi scoots quickly toward Sai Chung, who remains in a deep slumber. Looking down at her feet, she suddenly notices that the thick chains binding her feet have melted away. Gasping in surprise, she glances over at Sai Chung and sees that his chains have dissolved, too.

"What in the world happened…?" She wonders in bewilderment. Reaching down to touch the remnants of the thick metal links, she shakes her head again in confusion. "The only way these chains could have melted away is if someone uses his internal energy to dissolve away the metal, but these links are so thick and hardy that the person must have a very strong internal energy background… Who could it be?" She wonders.

As Chi Chi ponders this question, the wind shrieks wildly again, sending the leaves beating against each other furiously. A forest critter streaks across the ground near Chi Chi’s feet, alarming her.

"Ah!" She yelps in surprise. "Big Brother Sai Chung!" She nearly screams in fright. Throwing herself into his arms, she wakes him up with the force of her hug.

"Huh? Huh?" Sai Chung asks drowsily. Sitting up, with Chi Chi still huddled closely against his chest, he blinks his eyes sleepily. "What’s going on?"

"Something just crawled across my feet!" Chi Chi frets, pointing toward the vicinity of her feet nervously.

Staring dumbly at Chi Chi’s feet, Sai Chung wrinkles his brow in confusion. "What is it? What crawled by?" Seeing nothing but darkness, he scratches his head. "I don’t see anything…"

Curling her booted feet protectively under her, Chi Chi pouts with bad temper. "Something creepy crawly slithers across my feet and all you could do is sit here and look clueless!"

Giving her a bewildered look, he rubs his neck idly. "Little Brother, are you hungry? I’ll pick some peaches for you!" He offers helpfully, hoping to distract her from her tantrum.

Only slightly mollified, Chi Chi crosses her arms across her chest and huffs halfheartedly. When Sai Chung trots over to the nearby peach tree and starts to climb it, Chi Chi reluctantly looks over and furrows her brows worriedly.

"Be careful! Don’t fall and hurt yourself, especially since it’s so dark!" She calls out, temporarily forgetting her tantrum and frustration with Sai Chung.

Looking back at her, Sai Chung replies cheerfully. "Don’t worry, Little Brother!" Holding on firmly to a jutting branch, he steadily makes his way up the old peach tree. "I’m an expert at climbing trees back in my village! I’ve never fallen before!"

While Chi Chi observes Sai Chung’s progress up the tree anxiously, a flock of bats suddenly burst from within the thick cocoon of leaves of the peach tree. Angered at being disturbed, the winged animals screech wildly, their beady eyes sightless, yet terrifyingly bright in the very pale sheen of moonlight.

As the bats head straight toward Chi Chi, she raises her arm up to protect her face. "Ah! Big Brother Sai Chung!" She screams. "Help me!"

The minute the screams leave Chi Chi’s mouth, Sai Chung acts with lightening speed. Lightly gliding up the trunk of the peach tree, he reaches for a handful of leaves and throws them toward the direction of the bats. The leaves shoot across the air, the force of the throw so rapid and fierce that the weightless leaves stiffen midair, acting like darts, which slice right into the bodies of the winged predators, killing the animals immediately.

As the bats drop like flies a few paces from where Chi Chi is sitting, she lowers her arm briefly to peek at her attackers. Surveying the lifeless bodies in front of her, she yelps and quickly scoots backward, getting as far away from the dead animals as possible.

Leaping down from the tree, Sai Chung runs over to Chi Chi. Crouching down in front of her, he grabs her arms, calling out to her worriedly. "Little Brother! Little Brother! Are you alright?"

Still frozen in shock, Chi Chi turns slowly toward him and gives him a blank look.

"Say something, Little Brother! Are you alright?" Sai Chung persists.

Finally, after a few long seconds, Chi Chi gulps and points weakly at the dead bats. "How…how…did you do that?"

Suddenly averting his eyes, Sai Chung adopts a confused expression. "Do what, Little Brother?"

"Kill those bats with mere leaves?" Chi Chi clarifies her question. "I can’t even kill with weightless leaves, and I know martial arts. You don’t. So how did you manage to transform harmless, weightless leaves into deadly weapons that can pierce through skin and flesh?"

"Erm…I’m not sure how I did that, Little Brother." Sai Chung shakes his head with a puzzled look on his face. "Perhaps, I was so worried about your safety that I put extra force into my throw." As an afterthought, he adds, "Maybe all those years of backbreaking farm work gave me a lot of strength."

"Hmm…" Chi Chi stares at him suspiciously. "Really? Farming can give a person such strength and power?"

"Yes…I suppose…" Sai Chung laughs nervously. "I guess I don’t know my own strength…"

"Hmm…" Chi Chi mutters again, as she continues to view him doubtfully. "And you don’t know any martial arts?"

"Of course, I don’t know any martial arts!" Sai Chung exclaims firmly. "If I do, do you think I would be so easily captured by those mountain bandits earlier on?"

"But…" Chi Chi furrows her brows. Looking down at her feet, she suddenly remembers the melted chains that once bound her feet together. "Hey! The chains on our feet!" Flashing Sai Chung another suspicious look, she asks, "Did you break those chains on our feet?"

"Huh?" Sai Chung gasps in surprise. Glancing down at his own feet, he widens his eyes. "Hey! The chains on my feet have broken apart! I was so absorbed with picking peaches earlier on that I did not even stop to realize that the chains are gone!"

"So…you aren’t the one who broke the chains?" Chi Chi insists on getting a straight answer from him.

"What?!" Sai Chung chuckles at Chi Chi’s question. "You think I am the one who tore apart the chains?" Looking straight into her distrustful eyes, he reasons, "Even if I do have great strength, I can’t break thick metal with my bare hands."

"Great strength developed from farming can’t break apart thick metal chain links, but years of cultivated internal energy can." Chi Chi counters.

Sai Chung starts to laugh nervously again, appearing somewhat uncomfortable. "Little Brother, how could I have years of cultivated internal energy when I don’t have any martial arts training?" He scratches his head, looking innocent and sincere.

"But…" Chi Chi frowns, torn between her doubts and wanting to believe him.

"Little Brother," Sai Chung interrupts her. "Please don’t suspect me! I would never do anything to hurt you! I swear! I don’t know any martial arts."

Staring deeply into his eyes, Chi Chi ponders for a moment. Finally, she sighs. "I guess I’m over thinking this whole thing. You’re my silly Big Brother Sai Chung who runs around and trips over everything in sight. You don’t know any martial arts. I’m just being too suspicious." Chi Chi reasons with herself.

Sighing with relief, Sai Chung quickly tries to change the subject. "Look, Little Brother." Reaching into his gown pocket, he reveals a huge, juicy peach. "I picked this for you, right before those bats attacked you."

Her stomach immediately growling at the sight of the delicious fruit, Chi Chi grabs at it. Munching down on the peach, she chews enthusiastically, setting aside her suspicions.

"Good?" Sai Chung asks, smiling at her indulgently.

"Uhmmm!" Chi Chi mumbles, nodding happily as a trail of sweet juice trickles down her chin. Swiping at her chin, she grins at him, her eyes bright.

His heart warming at her happiness, Sai Chung grins back at her, his expression almost idiotic.

"What about you?" Chi Chi asks, remembering that he is not eating.

"I’ll pick some more peaches." Sai Chung replies.

Getting up, he jogs over to the peach tree and prepares to climb the tree again. Suddenly, he freezes and listens carefully. Without warning, he races back toward Chi Chi, scooping her up into his arms.

"What’s wrong?" Chi Chi exclaims in surprise. "Hey, put me down, Big Brother Sai Chung!"

"Shh!" He hushes her. "Someone is coming!" Listening closely, he adds, "In fact, I think there are as many as four people heading this way!"

Gasping, Chi Chi dumps the peach onto the ground and wraps her sticky fingers around Sai Chung’s neck. "Do you think it could be the mountain bandits coming to recapture us?!" She asks in alarm.

Shaking his head, Sai Chung dives into a thick bush nearby, carrying Chi Chi along with him. "I don’t know, but let’s hide."

As Chi Chi and Sai Chung huddle amongst the thick leaves, Fei and Keung burst onto the scene, with Yin Yuk and Grandmother Fa close on their heels.

Racing across the valley, Fei stops long enough to throw a stink bomb over his head. Swiftly, Yin Yuk kicks the bomb to the right, sending the object shooting across the dark expanse of land. As the bomb lands many feet away, it explodes in the distance, the noise echoing like thunder in the quiet night.

"Elder Brother!" Keung calls out. "There’s a cave up ahead!" Flipping through the air, he heads toward the direction of the cave.

Somersaulting after Keung, Fei follows, hoping to lose his attacker within the maze of the trees and bushes.

Close behind the Koo brothers, Yin Yuk races through the air, her feet barely touching the ground, her white clad figure flashing by like an ethereally beautiful specter.

Not far behind Yin Yuk, Grandmother Fa skims over the treetops with her lightness kung fu and lands a few feet from where Chi Chi and Sai Chung are hiding. Huffing and puffing from the chase, she trudges slowly across the dirt path, digging her staff into the soft earth with each step.

Stopping after a few steps, the old woman stares off into the distance toward the direction where Fei, Keung, and Yin Yuk have disappeared. "Hmph! Good riddance!" She smirks, thinking of Yin Yuk. "This is my perfect opportunity for escape." Somersaulting into the air, she vanishes into the night, heading in the opposite direction that Yin Yuk has taken.

After a few moments of silence, Chi Chi and Sai Chung emerge from the bushes where they are hiding.

"That’s my mother!" Chi Chi exclaims. "She went toward the direction of that cave with that eccentric elderly couple guarding that strange sword! The Sword of Sun, or something like that!"

As Chi Chi runs toward the cave, Sai Chung chases after her. "Wait! Little Brother, where are you going?"

Without stopping, Chi Chi turns around long enough to shout, "I’m going to find my mother, of course!" She replies excitedly.

"Wait! Wait for me, Little Brother!" Sai Chung calls, dashing after her toward the cave.

[FaFie`]

Hi Melanie!

Another great chapter! I love it. The Kevin/Gigi part is getting more and more interesting, I really like them together. And I feel that Kevin's role is going to be very important to the story too. I hope Annie will meet her Ka Wing Gor again soon, she thinks he is dead, right?, according to my poor memory. I read that very long time ago.

Well, is there anything wrong with winglin? I couldn't get access to it since yesterday. In fact, I read the last chapter here last night but I was too sleepy to post comment, but I'm here to post now!

Please update soon, Melanie, and more on Gilbert and Annie. I also would love to read more about Annie's dream about Ching Ching, it's very interesting.

[FaFie`]

By the way, I'm Freja from winglin. I hope you remember.

[Melanie]

Thanks for reading, FaFie. Yes, I remember you from winglin. I also remember that you liked Gilbert and Annie from Heroine of the Yangs.

CHAPTER 55 --- BLUE MOON VILLAGE

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Ekin Cheng Yee Kin---White Executioner a.k.a. Yeung Lap Chun
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Kevin Cheng Ka Wing---Cheng Sai Chung
Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Chi Chi
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Patrick Tam Yiu Man---Marquis Ching Bong

Guest appearances in this chapter:
Margie Tsang Wah Sin---Chu Sau Fa
Sean Lau Ching Wan---Lau Yeun

WEST LAKE PROVINCE
RED LANTERN INN

Marquis Ching Bong shuffles dejectedly back to his inn room after his confrontation with Suk Yu earlier that night. Placing his hand against his chest, he massages the ache there, the wound that would never heal after hearing Suk Yu’s words earlier that evening.

"She no longer loves me." He mutters to himself. "I mean nothing to her. She no longer loves me!" He screams, laughing bitterly to himself. "Hahaha! She no longer loves me…"

In agony, he brandishes his sword, swinging wildly about the room, staggering like a drunk. After a few moments, he sinks to the floor, his expression defeated, his face tortured. "She doesn’t love me anymore… She no longer holds me in her heart…" He whispers over and over again, like a mantra.

Suddenly, with renewed energy and grief, Bong leaps up and slams his fist down onto the table, causing the wine gourd to catapult upward. Somersaulting into the air, he kicks forward, shattering the gourd midair, sending the ceramic shards flying.

At that moment, a white fan cuts through the open window of the inn room and circles rapidly around Bong, its sharp edges aiming for Bong’s neck. Quickly snapping out of his dazed state, Bong uses his foot to kick his sword upward. Catching the weapon with this right hand, he twirls his sword swiftly, using the hilt to block the fan’s attack. Swinging the sword horizontally, he knocks the fan away after a few strokes.

As the fan circles back toward the open window, a figure in white leaps through and catches the fan mid air before it hits the floor. Snapping the fan close, the figure twirls the fan expertly in his hand, using it to aggressively attack Bong’s vital pressure points.

In defense, Bong unsheathes his sword. As blade clashes with fan, sparks of energy spew from the contact. Twisting in the air, the white clad figure swerves toward the right. With a flick of his wrist, he slashes down at the thick cord of the bed curtain. Without the support of the cord, the heavy piece of fabric cascades down. With his palm energy, the figure directs the curtain toward Bong.

In retaliation, Bong leaps forward and slashes the curtain to pieces with a single stroke of his sword. Throwing his weapon over his head, he pierces the sword blade into the thick wooden bedpost. Without taking his eyes off his attacker, Bong somersaults forward and meets the figure in white in a clash of palms. Both men execute backflips before meeting once again in a second clash of palms. The powerful encounter forces both to somersault away from each other.

The figure in white lands a few feet away from Bong, his back facing Bong.

Meanwhile, Bong retrieves his sword from the bedpost and points the tip of the blade toward his attacker. "Who are you?" He demands.

Calmly, the figure in white flips open his fan, slowly fanning himself as he turns toward Bong, finally facing him. "Why should I bother introducing myself to a dead person?"

With that comment, Lap Chun leaps forward again, catching Bong off guard. As Bong raises his sword in attack position, a soft but firm voice calls from the distance, stopping the two men in mid stance.

"Stop!" The voice yells in distress and disbelief. "Stop!"

"Sui Yu?" Bong turns around in surprise, just in time to see his love step over the threshold of his inn room, her hands carefully feeling the walls to guide her way.

Lowering his weapon, Bong rushes over to Suk Yu. "Sui Yu, be careful. This man is dangerous and obviously crazy." He refers to Lap Chun.

However, she ignores him and walks over to Lap Chun. "Young Master Yeung, what are you doing here?"

Silent for a moment, Lap Chun finally answers. "Miss Suk Yu, you should be sleeping rather than wandering around at this time of night."

"I should be sleeping?" Suk Yu inquires softly, her voice with a tinge of sarcasm. "I should be sleeping so that you can come and kill the Marquis?"

Stubbornly, Lap Chun takes in a deep breath. "You were pretty upset earlier this evening." Directing a venomous glare at Bong, Lap Chun coldly states, "This man is the cause of your tears, so he needs to be taught a lesson."

Gasping in disbelief at his high and mighty words, Suk Yu wrinkles her brow in frustration. "He needs to be taught a lesson? Who do you think you are? My business if none of your concern!"

Observing the exchange, Bong interrupts the argument. "Sui Yu, who is this man?" He demands, the ugly head of jealousy rearing its fangs. Rushing over to her, he places his hand possessively on Suk Yu’s arm.

Seeing red, Lap Chun immediately palms Bong on the shoulder, taking Bong by surprise and forcing him to retreat a step. "Take your hands off her! Haven’t you upset her enough?" Lap Chun stares coldly at Bong.

"Who are you to tell me to take my hands off MY Sui Yu?" Bong counters.

"She is no longer yours. You chose to leave her. Now you must accept the fact that she is a free woman, free to choose whom she wants to be with!" Lap Chun argues.

Snorting, Bong mocks at Lap Chun. "And you think she will choose you? Sui Yu and I share memories that you can never touch!"

Glaring at Bong stonily, Lap Chun suddenly leaps toward Bong, slicing down with his fan, catching his opponent by surprise and inflicting a minor wound on Bong’s hand.

As blood trickles from the injury, Bong brandishes his sword and uses the tip to flick the ceramic shards from the broken gourd up into the air, flinging them at Lap Chun like small daggers. Twisting sideways, Lap Chun avoids being hit.

"Stop it! Do you two hear me?" Suk Yu shouts in disbelief. "Stop it!"

Intent on defeating the other, both men ignore her. Disgusted, she gives up and storms out of the inn room.

Sensing her absence, Bong and Lap Chun break away from their fight and chase after her. "Suk Yu!" Both call after her.

MEANWHILE
GREEN PYTHON VALLEY

"Little Brother! Wait for me!" Sai Chung runs after Chi Chi, while she ignores him and continues to zigzag rapidly through the valley, easily dodging the leafy branches with her petite size, in a hurry to get to her mother.

Chasing after her, Sai Chung grunts as a thick branch swings down and slaps him in the face. Knocked back, he whacks at the leaves, trying to see in his dark surroundings. Blinking, he panics when he sees no sign of Chi Chi. With the moon providing only a stingy sliver of light and the dense collection of tress obscuring his view, he thrashes about amongst the foliage, calling Chi Chi’s name.

Then, from within the darkness, a scream pierces the silence, slicing Sai Chung’s heart like the sharp edges of a knife. "Little Brother!" He calls out urgently, crashing through the trees like a madman. "Little Brother! Where are you? Little Brother!"

Reaching a clearing in the woodland, he stops suddenly, coming upon a tattered piece of Chi Chi’s clothing tacked up to a tree trunk with a small dagger. The red imprint of a palm stares back at Sai Chung from beneath the wispy piece of fabric, bringing dread to Sai Chung’s heart.

Approaching the tree trunk slowly, he pulls out the dagger and holds the fabric in his hand, concentrating intently on the piece of cloth. "So it seems that I can run, but I can’t hide." Turning back to glance at the red palm imprint on the trunk behind him, he sighs. "They have found me…" He murmurs to himself.

MEANWHILE…
MASTER’S UNDERGROUND LAIR

"Ouch…" Sui Han groans, blinking her eyes in confusion. Dust motes dance merrily over her head, flittering about like tiny sparks of white light in the darkened underground chamber.

Coughing from the dust, Sui Han gingerly scoots to a sitting position. Leaning over Lun, she pushes at his shoulder. "First Young Master! First Young Master!" She calls, trying to rouse him.

Receiving no response, she places a finger on the side of his neck. Detecting a pulse, she breathes a sigh of relief. "First Young Master!" She tries to wake him again, this time, pushing a little harder against his shoulder. "FIRST YOUNG MASTER!"

"Huh?" Lun finally murmurs. Forcing his eyes open against the shaft of pain pulsing behind his eyes, he focuses on Sui Han’s large, luminous eyes staring at him worriedly. "Sui Han, what happened?"

"We’re still trapped in this underground chamber." Carefully standing up amongst the pile of rocks and pebbles, she makes her way over to one of the walls. Listening closely, she hears the distant sound of waterfall. Rushing over to Lun, she exclaims excitedly, "First Young Master, I hear the sound of water! Maybe there’s an exit!"

Groaning, Lun stabs his sword into the dirt path. "Hurry, Sui Han. Come help me up. We need to get out of here before the Master reappears."

Crouching down next to Lun, she holds onto his arm and tries to assist him to a standing position. Staggering a bit, he hobbles toward the sound of the waterfall, with Sui Han’s help. Down the long corridor, they come upon the big gap in the stone wall made earlier by Yip Fung.

"First Young Master, look!" Sui Han points toward the opening in the wall. Rushing over, she peers over the edge to see the crashing white waves of the river below. Glancing back at him with concern, she pauses. "It’s a long jump down and the river current seems to be very fierce and strong. With your injury, I’m not sure it would be a good idea to…" She trails off.

Shaking his head, Lun reassures her. "I’ll be fine, Sui Han."

"But…" She begins.

"No," He interrupts her objections. "We must get out of here now before the Master comes back. The strong waves are nothing compared to the menace of the Master." Strapping his sword to his back, Lun comes up behind Sui Han and wraps his right arm tightly around her waist. Peering down at her upturned face, he asks, "Ready?"

Gulping in a big breath, she nods and closes her eyes. "Yes."

With her affirmation, Lun leaps down into the dark abyss, heading toward the crashing waves below, his arm gripping Sui Han’s slim waist.

Within seconds, they plunge into the icy waters of the river. Shivering uncontrollably, Sui Han unconsciously wraps her arms around Lun’s neck and hangs onto him for support. Keeping one arm locked around her waist, Lun uses his free arm to fight the river current, which slaps viciously against his face with its unforgiving, chilly fingers.

"Hold on tight, Sui Han!" He yells, projecting his voice above the deafening currents.

Nodding, Sui Han tries to grip Lun’s neck tighter, her fingers numb from the cold.

Gasping as he chokes on water, he spies several pieces of driftwood floating a few feet away. Tightening his hold on Sui Han, Lun somersaults out of the water and lands onto the nearest piece of driftwood. With his lightness kung fu, he leaps from driftwood to driftwood. With a final flip, he lands onto the wet sand lining the shoreline.

Stumbling across the sand, they sink onto the ground tiredly, taking in deep breaths. Hugging herself tightly, Sui Han attempts to keep her teeth from chattering.

Embracing her closely, trying to warm her with his body heat, Lun rubs his hands briskly up and down her shoulders. "How do you feel, Sui Han?"

Nodding, she assures him, "I’m f-f-fine." Her teeth continue to clatter uncontrollably.

"Come on, we need to get away from here as quickly as possible." With his arm around Sui Han for support, he makes his way across the dark expanse of beach.

ONE HOUR LATER…
BLUE MOON VILLAGE

For what seems like an eternity, Sui Han and Lun stumble forward, hoping to find refuge. The harsh and cold night air saps their already diminishing energy as they shiver constantly during the entire journey. In the distance, Lun spots the blurry twinkle of yellow lights and hears the occasional sound of human voices.

"Sui Han!" He turns to her excitedly. "I think there is a village up ahead!"

Tired and starved, Sui Han’s knees give out under her and she collapses onto the dirt path. Huffing, she lays her cheek against the cool earth and closes her eyes. "I’m so tired, I can’t go any further, First Young Master." She mumbles sleepily, nearly falling into an unconscious state.

Kneeling down beside her, he shakes her determinedly. "Wake up, Sui Han! You need to wake up and keep walking! There’s a village up ahead!"

She hears his voice calling to her, but it begins to fade as she allows herself to drift into a sea of unconsciousness. "I can’t wake up, First Young Master. I’m so tired and hungry…" She mumbles.

"Sui Han!" He persists. "Wake up!"

Taking in a deep breath, she pushes herself up, telling herself to stay alert. Hanging onto Lun’s arm, she pulls to a standing position and forces a smile on her lips. "Let’s go, First Young Master. I’m awake."

Placing his arm around her shoulders to help her along, Lun continues forward, trudging slowly, but steadily toward the lights and voices.

Not long after, they reach the edge of the village. Nailed to a sturdy, tall tree trunk fashioned into a pole, a sign reads, "Blue Moon Village." Not far in the distance, the happy chatter of children permeates through the air, bringing warmth and humanity to the two weary travelers.

Staggering toward the door of the nearest wooden cottage, Lun knocks on the door, while Sui Han leans tiredly against his shoulder. As the door swings open suddenly, Lun nearly falls over the threshold but catches himself in time before he lands onto the small child who stares up at him with wide, curious eyes.

After a long moment, the child blinks. "Hi hi!" He greets his two visitors with the guilelessness of youth. Sizing up Lun and Sui Han, the toddler decides he likes what he sees and lifts his arms up in a demand to be carried. "Up up!" He commands.

"Who is it, Hong Yee?" A woman’s voice calls out from behind. Within seconds, a young woman in a long, simple, pale green gown appears at the doorstep and scoops up the toddler, hugging him protectively against her chest.

"Hi hi!" The toddler repeats, his chubby cheeks puffed out happily as he points at the travel weary Lun and Sui Han. Ever friendly, Hong Yee wriggles in his mother’s arms and tries to lunge toward Lun in an attempt to get into Lun’s arms.

Sau Fa clutches her son closer to her chest, wary of strangers after her son’s prior kidnapping incident about a month earlier. "Shh!" She hushes her son, bringing her lips softly to his cherubic cheek, murmuring gently into his ears to still his wriggling.

Keeping her eyes cautiously trained on the visitors, she asks politely, "May I help you?"

"Miss," Lun begins. "My…err…younger sister and I have been attacked by mountain bandits on our way to visit relatives. We are injured and need a place to stay for the evening." Supporting the fatigued Sui Han in his arms, he directs an imploring look toward Sau Fa. "Would you be so kind as to spare us a place to rest for the night?"

Swallowing to moisten her parched throat, Sui Han adds, "Please, Miss. We don’t need fancy accommodations. We just need shelter and a roof over our heads. I can even help you with the cooking and cleaning as payment for your kindness."

Hurriedly, Lun retrieves an ingot of gold from his gown pocket when he notices Sau Fa hesitating. "Please, Miss, accept this as a token of our appreciation for your kindness and hospitality tonight."

"No, no." Sau Fa refuses the ingot, pushing it back towards him. "Offering you and your sister refuge for the night is really no problem and does not require any repayment." Seeing how weary Lun and Sui Han are, she softens. Nodding, she steps away from the doorway and invites them inside. "Please come in and make yourselves comfortable."

Glad to have a place to stay for the night, Lun and Sui Han breathe a sigh of relief. Helping Sui Han over the threshold, Lun leads her to the simple square table and sets his sword down on the table. Kneeling down next to the seated Sui Han, he inquires gently, "Sui Han, are you thirsty?"

"A little," she admits, licking her chapped lips unconsciously.

Looking at his hostess, Lun asks politely. "Miss, would you mind sparing us a cup of water?"

Observing the interaction between Lun and Sui Han curiously, Sau Fa snaps out of her thoughts and smiles at Lun. "Sure. It will just be a minute." She hurries toward the small kitchen at the back of the cottage.

In the clean, but cluttered kitchen, Sau Fa places her son on the ground. "Be a good boy and stay right here, alright, Hong Yee?"

"Mama!" Hong Yee answers enthusiastically. Running to the tiny stool near the entrance of the kitchen, he sits down and reaches for the soft rice cakes in the box nearby. Munching happily on the sweet treats, he babbles to himself.

Peering at her son, Sau Fa smiles at him lovingly before turning back toward the stove. Placing the teakettle on the stove, she bends down and feeds firewood into the stove pit. As she straightens, a masculine arm snakes its way around her waist and lifts her off the ground in a bear hug.

Squealing from fright, Sau Fa wiggles, trying to free herself. "Help! Help!"

The man leans forward and kisses her on the cheek before putting her back down on the ground. Whirling around, Sau Fa prepares to smack her attacker in the face, her hand lifting a spatula, ready to retaliate.

Getting a good look at the tall, dark man, she gasps. "Big Brother Yuen!"

Grinning, her husband takes the weapon out of her hand and wraps his arms around her waist, burying his face into her long, glossy tresses. "You smell like cinnamon and spice."

"Oooohhh, you! You scared me!" Sau Fa reprimands him sternly, but involuntarily giggles as Lau Yuen nuzzles his nose against her neck.

"Papa! Papa!" Little Hong Yee screams excitedly, running in circles around his parents.

Glancing down at his young son, Yuen scoops the toddler up into his arms. But after a minute, the little boy starts to become restless, and wiggles down to run back to his stool near the kitchen entrance. Reaching for his sweet treats, he once again chews happily, ignoring his parents.

"How come you’re back so soon?" Sau Fa asks Yuen.

"Great Grandmother changed her mind about going to the marketplace and insisted on coming home immediately halfway into the journey." Yuen shakes his head. "I’ve never seen her so insistent about something."

"Where’s Great Grandmother now?" Sau Fa peers over her husband’s shoulder to look for the elderly woman.

"I’m not quite sure. The minute we reached the cottage, she disappeared." Yuen sighs. "I believe she might have gone to the lake at the edge of the forest. Great Grandmother seems to have a deep fondness for that place, for some odd reason."

Wrinkling her brow, Sau Fa seems to be deep in thought about her great grandmother. "Great Grandmother has been acting somewhat strangely lately. It’s a good thing that we decided to come and visit her. I don’t feel comfortable about her living here alone, with nobody to take care of her." Suddenly, she remembers her two guests. "Oh! I almost forgot about our guests!"

"Guests?" Yuen asks, surprised. "What guests?"

"You didn’t meet them when you came in?" Sau Fa asks.

"No, I came in through the back door. What guests?" Yuen asks again.

"Oh, they are just two travelers seeking shelter for the night." Sau Fa explains. "They claim to be brother and sister, but they don’t act anything like siblings. I bet they are eloping lovers!"

"And how do you know that, Miss Nosy?" Yuen teases his wife.

"I just know!" Sau Fa laughs. "There’s something about the way that man looks at the young woman… He’s in love with her. I can tell by the way he talks to her and the way he treats her."

Tapping the tip of his wife’s nose gently, Yuen chuckles. "Even if they are eloping lovers, we should pretend we don’t suspect anything. They must have a reason for presenting themselves as siblings. We should leave them be."

Changing the subject, Yuen pokes his nose into one of the large pots on the stove and sniffs deeply. "What’s for dinner? I’m starving!"

MEANWHILE…
OUT IN THE MAIN ROOM OF THE COTTAGE

Left alone, Sui Han and Lun glance around the interior of the cottage, taking in their surroundings. The small wooden table dominates the bare, modest size room, with four long benches. A tall cabinet occupies one corner of the room, its shelves cluttered with tiny jars of indistinguishable herbs and plants. On the topmost shelf lies a small sword, carved crudely from wood. Next to the sword sits a tin box, its lid covered with dust. A stack of incense is neatly stacked adjacent to the box. On the other side of the room, a large, wooden rocking chair takes up almost the entire corner, its cushion appearing clean but threadbare after years of use.

A gust of wind blows in from the window, drifting into the cottage, sending a chill down Sui Han’s spine. The single candle at the center of the table provides the only source of light, its flame undulating in the breeze, casting ghostly shadows across the wall.

Exhausted, Sui Han feels her eyelids become heavy. Leaning her head onto Lun’s shoulder, she begins to doze off. Likewise, Lun closes his eyes, resting his chin on top of Sui Han’s head.

As the minutes pass, another gust of wind blows through the window, extinguishing the candle flame, putting the room in darkness. At that moment, the cottage door slowly swings open, its hinges creaking. A pool of pale moonlight spills through the open doorway, illuminating Sui Han’s fragile features, as she breathes quietly, deep in slumber against Lun’s sleeping form. Footsteps shuffle slowly toward the sleeping couple, each step bringing the intruder closer and closer toward Lun and Sui Han.

Suddenly, a bony hand grabs at Sui Han’s hand, jerking her awake. Alarmed, Sui Han stares at the gnarled fingers clutching her hand tightly in a death grip. Swinging around on the bench, she stares into the face of an old woman, her skin so wrinkled that Sui Han could barely see the sharp eyes hidden behind the folds of skin around the elderly woman’s eyes. Shocked, Sui Han opens her mouth to scream, but no sound comes out.

"You are the Seer. You are the Seer." The old woman chants, her voice hoarse. Staring deeply into Sui Han’s eyes, the elderly woman whispers, "Have you finally come to reclaim the Sword of Moon?"