Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay

[Melanie]

WhiteHairedMaiden! Wow, I thought you had given up on this story since it took such a long time for me to update! Well, I'm glad to hear from you and thanks for still reading.

You know, I've already planned out Suk Yu's (Kristy Yeung) ending, but I just haven't decided whether or not she's going to love Ching Bong (Patrick Tam) or Yeung Lap Chun (Ekin Cheng) in the end. I won't divulge whether or not she will have a happy ending though. I am interested, however, on whom readers want her to love. If you think about it, Ching Bong seems like a pretty nice guy. He's just misguided and is too dumb to figure out sooner what is more important to him. He realizes too late that Suk Yu is more important than political status. But you're not the only one who doesn't like Ching Bong. I think there is someone else who dislikes him (charbydis, I believe). Poor guy. Since I'm so happy that you are still supporting this story, I'll be generous and give you a hint. There will be an interesting twist to Suk Yu's story soon before the Heroes' Gathering.

Oh, I like outside scenes - brighter and more space for the characters to leap and somersault around. Also, I may have confused you a bit with the different executioners and assassins. Blue, Red, White, and Silver Executioners belong to the Master's group of assassins. The Master's identity is yet to be revealed. Green Robe Assassin(Selena), Purple Robe Assassin (Raymond), and Shadowless Assassin (Kevin) belong to the Association, which is another secret society of assassins affiliated with the Sun-Moon Sect, which is headed by Fong Sing Duk (Simon Yam). So there are two evil, power hungry head honchos here - the Master and the Association Leader/Sun-Moon Sect Leader. Now, if you remember from the very beginning, the Sun-Moon Sect is an evil off-shoot of the Sun-Moon School of Swordplay (the Lam family). Fong Sing Duk, the evil elder martial brother of Lam Siu Tin (Andy Lau) and Chan Yin Yuk (Idy Chan) took off with one half of the Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay and established the similarly named Sun-Moon Sect. Ok, hope I haven't confused you further.

Anyway, thanks for reading and for letting me know that you're reading! Bye for now!

[WhiteHairedMaiden]

Oh thanks for clearing that up for me, Melanie. Yes, I had gotten the different executioners and assasins mixed up. And you're welcome. Reading your story is a pleasure and you deserve all the words of encouragement and appreciation you can get. It's the least that readers like myself can do to repay you.

By the way, I forgot something in my last post on your other site: Just wanna add, you've created THE perfect male character for me, Melanie, in Yee Kin. So I hope you continue to give him cool scenes. Ever since I was little, I liked male wuxia characters who dressed in white and carried a fan (not just for the sake of style but as their choice of weapon) AND showed up at just the right moments to save ppl, esp. when it was a heroine I liked (as opposed to weak, helpless women, which I really didnt like for some reason. Must've been the girl's pride in me). And Gong Yu is my idea of a perfect female wuxia character, though Sui Han is a bit more interesting as she has to be--since she's the main female character. Well, write on!

Thanks so much for creating them. Rarely do I come across characters that just make me go "oh!" from the start. I feel like they've always existed.

[Melanie]

WhiteHairedMaiden, thanks again for commenting. Wow, I didn't realize you liked Yeung Lap Chun (Ekin) that much. I always thought you were a Kristy fan and hence you liked Ekin in association. Interestingly enough, the two guys who pop into my mind when I picture a handsome white-robed man who uses a fan as a weapon are Au Yeung Hak from Condor Heroes and Prince Fok Do from Return of Condor Heroes - and they are both evil scumbags. Of course, that is the TVB portrayal of those two villains, so I don't know if the actual novel portrays them that way.

Anyway, as for Lap Chun (Ekin) and Suk Yu (Kristy) in this story, keep in mind that Lap Chun's interest in Suk Yu may be completely one-sided. She still seems pretty devastated over Ching Bong's abandonment of her years ago, even though she denies it. If she didn't still love him, she would not be upset by Ching Bong's reappearance in her life. But there will be a cool scene involving Lap Chun and Suk Yu.

[Melanie]

CHAPTER 69 --- TEA, ANYONE?

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Kevin Cheng Ka Wing---Cheng Sai Chung
Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi a.k.a. Chi Chi
Simon Yam Tat Wah---Fong Sing Duk
Raymond Lam Fung---Chu Kot Chuet Ching a.k.a. Purple Robe Assassin
Selena Li Sze Wan---Sum Guk Yiu a.k.a. Green Robe Assassin
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Ada Choi Siu Fun---Lok Bing Yee
Steven Ma Chun Wai---Lee Wai Kit
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han

JADE ORCHID TOWN
MARKETPLACE
NOODLE SHOP

Just as Sai Chung is about to lift his teacup to his lips, he spies three newcomers, two men and one woman, entering the noodle shop. The hand holding the teacup freezes halfway up to his suddenly dry mouth, and his heart pounds thunderously against his rib cage. Clutching Chi Chi’s hand, Sai Chung quietly, but urgently, insists, "We have to quickly leave!"

Feeling the constricting hold on her hand, Chi Chi glances up at Sai Chung with surprise. "Huh?" She sputters, a tad annoyed. "But I haven’t eaten my spicy noodle soup yet!

"We have to leave!" Sai Chung repeats, his voice soft and low, but filled with fear. "I’ll explain later." He mutters through his teeth. Intending to drag Chi Chi along if he has to, Sai Chung looks furtively at the three newcomers, hoping they have not noticed his presence yet.

Unfortunately, before Sai Chung is able to drag Chi Chi to the back entrance of the noodle shop, the older of the two men glances in their direction. His eyes narrowed in recognition as he focuses in on Sai Chung, Fong Sing Duk lowers himself calmly down onto the empty table two tables away from the one occupied by Chi Chi and Sai Chung. Without any change in his expression, he shifts his eyes toward Chu Kot Chuet Ching, giving his subordinate a signal with a subtle jerk of his head.

Responding to the Association Leader’s order with a nod of understanding, Chu Kot Chuet Ching takes a step toward Sai Chung’s table. Before he is able to go far, Sum Guk Yiu, who is standing next to him, clutches at his hand, her pleading eyes trained on his emotionless face. Shifting his eyes briefly toward Sai Chung, Chu Kot Chuet Ching immediately guesses correctly Sum Guk Yiu’s concern for Sai Chung’s safety. A jealous rage suddenly unfurls within him, threatening to consume him. Carefully controlling his emotions, Chuet Ching returns Guk Yiu’s beseeching stare with an unfathomable look and pulls his hand out of her grasp. Turning away, Chu Kot Chuet Ching walks toward a tense Sai Chung.

Smiling, Chuet Ching gazes at an oblivious Chi Chi. "Good afternoon, Miss." Ignoring Sai Chung, he speaks directly to Chi Chi, his tone charmingly pleasant.

Startled, Chi Chi glances up, her eyes resting on Chu Kot Chuet Ching’s convincingly friendly expression. "Oh!" She gasps in surprise, her mouth forming a small "o."

"How do you do, Miss?" Chuet Ching bows slightly. "My surname is Chu Kot. I am Brother Sai Chung’s old friend." He lies smoothly. Shooting Sai Chung a challenging look, Chuet Ching shifts his attention back toward Chi Chi, his expression winsome once more. "May I sit down?"

"Oh, well…" Chi Chi beams at Chu Kot Chuet Ching. "Of course! You are certainly welcome to join us!" As Chuet Ching settles himself down on the wooden stool next to Chi Chi, she peeks over at Sai Chung, chattering happily. "It’s a good thing we didn’t leave earlier, Big Brother Sai Chung, or else, you would have missed meeting your good friend!"

"Oh?" Chuet Ching smiles coolly. "Brother Sai Chung, you were trying to leave just when I came into the noodle shop?" He queries, his tone taunting.

Tense, Sai Chung consciously forces his facial muscles to relax into a smile. "Fancy seeing you here, Brother Chuet Ching. Don’t you remember what I told you the last time we saw each other that night in the forest?" He stares steadily into Chuet Ching’s eyes, a threat apparent, as he refers their last encounter when Chuet Ching faked Chi Chi’s death and injured him.

"And do you remember what I told you last time we saw each other?" Chuet Ching replies, his tone calm, but no less dangerous, as he refers to his threat that nobody can leave the Association without permission alive.

Unsure what is going on, but sensing the thick tension between the two men, Chi Chi darts her eyes uneasily back and forth between Sai Chung and Chuet Ching. "Umm…is everything all right?"

Ignoring her, Chuet Ching continues to stare solely at Sai Chung. Keeping his eyes trained on Sai Chung’s face, Chuet Ching reaches for the teapot and pours tea into the teacup in front of him. "We haven’t had a chance to sit down and chat for a long time, old friend. Today is the perfect opportunity to do so. Here, have a drink!" Lifting the cup, he thrusts it forward toward Sai Chung.

"No, thank you, Brother Chuet Ching. I’m not thirsty." Blocking the thrust, Sai Chung pushes the teacup back toward Chuet Ching with his palm.

In counterattack, Chuet Ching swerves the hand holding the cup to the right and immediately lifts his hand upward, thrusting the teacup forward again toward Sai Chung. Blocking Chuet Ching’s move, Sai Chung hits his opponent’s hand from the bottom, dislodging the teacup, sending it hurtling straight up into the air above the table. Following this move, Sai Chung punches forward with his right fist, only to have Chuet Ching block the fist with an open palm. To counterattack, Sai Chung opens his fist and sweeps forward with his palm, aiming for Chuet Ching’s shoulder. Twisting his torso to the side, Chuet Ching evades the punch, executing a perfect somersault in the air before landing neatly back onto his stool. Meanwhile, Sai Chung uses his palm wind to send the still airborne teacup hurtling toward his enemy. With swift reflexes, Chuet Ching grabs onto the cup flying in his direction with his hand, while simultaneously thrusting his right foot forward, attacking Sai Chung from below the table. Quickly, Sai Chung raises his right foot to meet Chuet Ching’s. Almost at the same time, both men’s left feet cross over their right ones, meeting in a deadlock.

Tossing the cup once again up into the air, Chuet Ching picks up the pair of chopsticks lying in front of him and deftly picks up a peanut from the small dish sitting at the center of the table. Sending the peanut hurtling toward Sai Chung, Chuet Ching intends to seal his opponent’s accupressure point with the peanut. In response, Sai Chung slams his right palm down onto the table, bringing the small dish of peanuts flying upward, just in time to catch the single piece of peanut coming towards him. Within seconds, the peanut dish lands safely back onto the table, without any spillage, a testament to Sai Chung’s skill.

As the teacup once again starts its descent back toward the table, Sai Chung utilizes his palm wind to push the cup back toward Chuet Ching. "You must be thirsty by now, Brother Chuet Ching. Have a drink!" He offers, as the cup spins rapidly through the air, shooting toward his opponent.

In response, Chuet Ching channels his internal energy toward his palm. "No, thank you! You drink it!" Pushing his palm forward, he sends the cup hurtling back through the air at Sai Chung.

For the next few seconds, a tug of war occurs, as two opposing internal energy force fields suspend the teacup midair between the two combatants. Finally, unable to withstand the energy field surrounding it, the cup explodes into a million pieces.

Almost immediately, Sai Chung picks up a pair of chopsticks. Following his move, Chuet Ching also latches onto a pair of chopsticks. As two pairs of chopsticks clash, each man sends forth a burst of internal energy, causing the wooden eating utensils to glow with a bright white light. In a matter of seconds, the chopsticks break under the pressure. Instantly, Sai Chung and Chuet Ching meet in a clash of palms. Unlocking their feet below the table, both simultaneously kick at the wooden table legs, causing the table to splinter and crash to the floor.

Shocked at the rapid turn of events, Chi Chi leaps back from the crumbling table to avoid being hit by pieces of flying wood. Her eyes round as she hugs onto the two travel bundles tightly, Chi Chi jerks her head back and forth between the two men while they continue to exchange stances.

Around them, chaos erupts as the noodle shop’s other customers scream at the outbreak of a fight.

"Please, please!" The nervous shopkeeper runs up to the two men, his hands wringing anxiously. "Please do not fight, gentlemen! Please spare my humble noodle shop!"

However, the shopkeeper’s pleas fall on deaf ears as Sai Chung and Chuet Ching continue to lunge at each other, legs kicking, fists punching. Tables flip over, stools lie overturned, dishes crash to the wooden floor, as bedlam ensues. Frightened customers scurry and trip over each other in a mad dash to exit the shop. Soon, even the shopkeeper runs for safety, abandoning the restaurant. The shop quickly clears, leaving only the two combatants, the motionless Chi Chi hovering near the window, a concerned Sum Guk Yiu, and a very calm Fong Sing Duk, who continues to sip tea slowly as if nothing out of the ordinary is occurring.

As Sai Chung flips up onto the second story of the noodle shop, Chuet Ching follows right behind. Hooking his arm around a pillar, Chuet Ching kicks forward. In retaliation, Sai Chung somersaults into the air and wraps his legs around one of the rafter beams, dangling upside down. Receiving each of Chuet Ching’s kicks with sweeps of his palm, Sai Chung exchanges fifty stances with his enemy.

Suddenly, Chu Kot Chuet Ching flings a sack of flour at Sai Chung. Raising his hands up, he hurls the sack back at Chuet Ching, ripping the sack in the process. As white powder disperses everywhere, obscuring Sai Chung’s view temporarily, Chuet Ching unleashes a flurry of poisonous darts, aiming for Sai Chung’s torso. Quickly leaving his upside down perch from the rafters, Sai Chung flips vertically in the air and grabs onto the closest available weapon – a long pole with a metal hook on its end used for reaching baskets of herbs hanging from the beams on the second story. Holding the weapon horizontally in front of him, Sai Chung uses it as a shield as the four darts embed into the length of the pole. Then, lunging forward with the pole, he twirls it around rapidly before striking at Chuet Ching. Leaping back, Chuet Ching barely avoids the sharp tip of the metal hook. Sandwiching the tip of the pole between his palms, Chuet Ching channels his internal energy toward his palms and snaps off the hooked end. Now, with each man holding onto one end of the pole, a battle of internal energy ensues. Each channels his internal energy towards the other via the wooden stick. Within seconds, the pole bends and snaps in the middle, as both Sai Chung and Chuet Ching fly toward each other, meeting in a resounding clash of palms.

Suddenly, a loud, shrill yell from the first floor distracts Sai Chung’s concentration, as he recognizes Chi Chi’s voice. Taking advantage of his opponent’s slight break in momentum, Chuet Ching delivers a kick to Sai Chung’s abdomen, sending him catapulting over the balcony railing onto the ground floor. As Sai Chung hits the ground, he scrambles to his feet and swivels urgently toward the direction of the scream. There, by the window, Chi Chi stands stiffly with a bright green whip looped around her neck. Behind her, Sum Guk Yiu tightens the whip, causing Chi Chi to squeak in distress.

"Little Brother!" Sai Chung calls out with worry.

"Big Brother Sai Chung!" Chi Chi screams nervously. "Who are these people?! Are they not your friends?!"

Still sitting at the table leisurely helping himself to some peanuts, Fong Sing Duk acts undisturbed by the chaos playing out in front of him.

Shooting Fong Sing Duk a venomous look, Sai Chung demands, "Let her go! Our dispute does not involve her!"

Chuckling slightly, the Association Leader continues sipping his tea, as if enjoying a show. "Oh, I know it does not concern your young lady friend, Shadowless Assassin. However, I am tired of your resistance. Do you remember the rules of the Association when you joined? Once you decide to join, you remain a member for life!"

"Enough!" Sai Chung hollers uncharacteristically, as he is usually reserved. "I don’t care about your rules. I refuse to return to the Association. What I owe you, I have repaid in my years of service to you!"

With those words, Sai Chung suddenly somersaults toward the green gowned Sum Guk Yiu. Seeing his approach, Guk Yiu flies backward, taking Chi Chi along with her. As Sai Chung nears the green robed young woman, she raises her green whip. Snaking through the air at rapid speed, the whip flashes like a green apparition, disappearing briefly before reappearing near Sai Chung, wrapping tightly around his wrist.

In counterattack, Sai Chung grabs onto one end of the whip and gives it one hard yank, bringing Guk Yiu and Chi Chi flying through the air toward him. Leaping upward to meet the two women midair, he uses his free hand to palm Guk Yiu on the shoulder. Forced to evade his blow, Guk Yiu twists to one side, her hold on Chi Chi loosening. Using this opportunity, Sai Chung reaches forward and wraps his arm around Chi Chi’s waist, bringing her safely to his side. Landing on the ground, he sets her down.

Losing her hostage, Guk Yiu unfurls her whip from around Sai Chung’s wrist and sends it slashing through the air. Somersaulting left and then right, Sai Chung easily escapes the sting of the whip. Raising her hand again, Guk Yiu this time feigns an attack on Sai Chung. At the last second, however, she moves her hand slightly off to the side and hurls her whip toward Chi Chi instead.

Noticing Guk Yiu’s attack, Chi Chi rolls to the side, evading the first blow. Without a weapon on hand, she improvises and yanks at a stack of dishes nearby. Flinging the plates at Guk Yiu, she aims for the head even as the green whip lashes out, shattering the ceramic. Not before long, she runs out of dishes. Quickly vaulting over the shopkeeper’s desk, Chi Chi ducks, barely escaping the deadly flick of the whip.

At that moment, Sai Chung jumps in and slams his palm down on the end of the whip, nailing it down onto the surface of the shopkeeper’s desk, trapping the weapon. Struggling to free her whip, Guk Yiu pulls and yanks fiercely. However, she is unsuccessful at recovering her weapon, for she is no match for Sai Chung’s superior strength. Knowing Fong Sing Duk would not easily spare her if she does not put in a good effort to recapture Chi Chi, Guk Yiu abandons her whip and flies toward the desk, intending to grab the hidden Chi Chi.

To thwart her, Sai Chung somersaults forward and unleashes his Silent Palm. Using only a small percentage of his internal energy so that he does not seriously injure Guk Yiu, his palm glides forward, bringing with it an invisible field of energy.

Up on the second story, Chu Kot Chuet Ching yells out a warning. "Guk Yiu, be careful!"

Unfortunately, it is too late, as Sai Chung’s palm already connects with her shoulder. Knocked away, Guk Yiu catapults backward. Before she hits the opposite wall, Chu Kot Chuet Ching flips down from the upstairs balcony and catches her. Settling her safely on the ground, Chuet Ching swivels toward Sai Chung, murder evident in his eyes.

"You dare to use your lethal Silent Palm on Guk Yiu?" Chuet Ching rages at Sai Chung. "Do you even know what she has done for you?" He refers to the night when Guk Yiu has given her precious last antidote pill to Sai Chung.

Unaware of what Guk Yiu has done for him, Sai Chung gives Chuet Ching a confused look. However, before he is able to further question the purple robed man, Chuet Ching releases a rain of purple darts toward Sai Chung. Grabbing onto an overturned table, Sai Chung uses the tabletop as a shied. As the darts embed into the wooden table, he flings the table away. Reaching behind the shopkeeper’s desk, Sai Chung clutches onto Chi Chi’s hand and pulls her up.

"Let’s go, Little Brother!" Sai Chung shouts, dragging Chi Chi along.

As he makes a beeline for the door with Chi Chi in tow, Sai Chung suddenly feels the slightest shift of the air. With a feeling of doom, he knows that Fong Sing Duk has finally decided to intervene. Before Sai Chung is even able to react, a shadow flashes before his eyes. With lightening speed, a palm streaks forward and slaps him hard on the shoulder, ripping him away from Chi Chi and sending him flying through the air like a discarded rag doll.

At that moment, two figures, one tall and one petite, leap through the window of the noodle shop. The smaller of the two newcomers flings a smoke bomb into the center of the room. As the bomb explodes, smoke fills the restaurant, occluding everyone’s vision, sending the occupants into coughing spasms. The taller figure flips an injured Sai Chung over his shoulder, while the more petite person grabs onto Chi Chi’s hand. Without wasting time, the two newcomers vault over the window once more with Sai Chung and Chi Chi in tow.

As the thick, suffocating layer of smoke settles, an incensed Fong Sing Duk bellows with fury. "Chuet Ching, Guk Yiu! Go after Cheng Sai Chung and the girl! Bring them back alive! That turncoat Cheng Sai Chung needs to be taught a lesson!"

As Chu Kot Chuet Ching and Sum Guk Yiu rush after the four people who have escaped, Fong Sing Duk slams his fist down on a nearby table, smashing the piece of furniture to pieces.

THAT EVENING
OUTSKIRTS OF JADE ORCHID TOWN
SEASIDE

A white robed man sits alone on the sand, staring blankly into the dark expanse of sea, oblivious to the chilly night air. Foamy waves rush at the shoreline, like slippery fingers grasping onto wet sand. Every so often, a seagull cries in the distance, the soft whoosh of its flapping wings blending in with the crashing waves. Despite the cold night, the evening sky remains clear with no signs of stormy clouds. The waning moon, just a tiny crescent shaped beacon in the heavens, barely provides any light, allowing the wondrous display of twinkling stars to shine against the deep blanket of darkness thrown across the sky.

As Lun gazes out at the ocean, he thinks back to a conversation he had with a little boy earlier today in the morning. Since separating from Sui Han the night before, Lun has wandered aimlessly around, like a lost soul, homeless, without purpose, without the zest for life he experiences when Sui Han is by his side. Earlier this morning, he found himself somehow ending up in Jade Orchid Town, where he rescued Sui Han from Blue Executioner several weeks ago. He loitered about a small farmer’s market at the town square. After staring blankly at the various vendor stands set up alongside the worn dirt path, he sat down on the steps of a temple. Ignoring the curious glances of the townspeople as they passed by, he looked down glumly at the sword lying across his lap, unsure what to do.

He should get going and find the Sun Moon Sect headquarters and steal the antidote for his younger brother, Lun thought to himself. Then, he had to rush back to the city of Lam On in time for the Heroes’ Gathering. But he couldn’t bring himself to drag his body up. His couldn’t concentrate. He couldn’t think. He couldn’t breathe without Sui Han.

"Big Brother, are you all right?" A childish voice asked.

Looking up, Lun found himself facing a boy of about eight years of age, his young eyes solemn and filled with innocence. "Of course, I’m all right." Lun forced himself to smile at the boy, even though he felt like crying, like screaming at the fates.

"Are you sure?" The boy frowned, amazingly perceptive at his age. "You look like you lost something, Big Brother."

"How do you know I lost something, little friend?" Lun inquired, amused despite his gloomy mood.

"Because I look exactly like you do whenever I lose the bronze coins Mother gives me to buy candy with." The boy explained. Then, he broke out in a toothy grin. "But this morning, I was very careful and did not drop my coins at all! Look! I bought two pieces of sweets with my money!" Stretching his hand forward, he showed Lun two pieces of melted candy in the palm of his hand. "I’ll give you one piece of candy, Big Brother. That way, you won’t have to be so sad anymore."

Smiling, Lun gently patted the boy on his shoulder. "Thank you for your generosity, little friend, but Big Brother has lost something that candy can’t fix. You keep the sweet for yourself, little buddy."

"Oh…" The youngster hesitated, obviously preferring to eat both pieces of candy, but at the same time, he did not want Lun to be sad either. "If you’re sure…" In the background, a woman’s voice called for her son. Turning swiftly toward his mother’s voice, the boy looked back at Lun, grinning. "That’s my mother! I have to go!" He started to take off but paused a few paces away. Running back to Lun, he gave him a hug. Patting Lun on the back, he spoke with worldly wisdom. "Don’t be sad, Big Brother. Stop sitting around and go find whatever you lost. You’ll be much happier!" Tilting his head, he mused. "That thing you lost must be sweeter than my candy to make you this sad!" With those parting words, he raced off, screaming joyfully for his mother.

Now sitting alone on the sandy beach, Lun recalls his encounter with the little boy earlier this morning. He chuckles to himself mockingly, realizing how enlightening the boy’s parting words are. He stares up at the night sky, his mind in turmoil. Where is Sui Han right now, he wonders. Is she safe? She still needs to ingest the innards of the green python in order to completely cure her injury from the Blood Shadow Palm, he thinks in a panic. And what about that poison that her godfather feeds her? What will happen to her once her temporary antidotes are used up? Sui Han needs someone to take care of her! What was he thinking of last night, leaving her like that? Urgently, Lun leaps up from the sandy beach, ready to rush off and find her.

But then, he stops and sits back down. Covering his face with his hands, he mutters deprecatingly to himself. "What are you doing, Lam Yik Lun?" He scolds himself. "She’s with the enemy!"

In response, a tiny voice inside his head yells back at him. No, she’s not your enemy, you idiot! Don’t let your stubborn male pride stand in your way. Listen to your heart. She’s your fiancée, the woman you love, the one you choose to spend the rest of your life with! Go after her before it’s too late!

Closing his eyes, he grits his teeth, frustrated. Extending his palm toward the sea, he releases a burst of internal energy, causing an explosion as water forcefully shoots upward. As the sea finally calms down again, Lun breathes heavily.

Trying to quiet his mind, he assumes a meditating position, closing his eyes. After many minutes, his breathing begins to even out as he falls into a semi-drowsy state. And in this dreamy state, visions of Sui Han dance across his mind, teasing him. He sees her long tresses fluttering in the wind as she turns to look at him playfully, her large eyes sparkling mischievously, her laughter tinkling.

"First Young Master," she calls out softly to him. The vision smiles beguilingly, before turning around and walking away.

"Sui Han!" Lun calls out to her in his mind. "Sui Han! Wait! Don’t leave me!" He reaches for her, but she eludes him, skipping out of his grasp.

"First Young Master!" She giggles, glancing back at him to see if he is giving chase. "First Young Master, hurry up!" She teases, disappearing behind a billowy curtain.

Rushing after her, he bursts through the sheer covering, catching hold of her from behind. Wrapping his arms tightly around her slim waist, he kisses her temple, breathing in the light scent of lavender that clings to her skin. But then, suddenly another tall man materializes out of nowhere, his handsome tanned face blurry. The man reaches a hand out and pulls Sui Han away.

"No!" Lun screams, trying to grab Sui Han’s other arm. However, his hand seems to slip through thin air, as she disappears with the darkly handsome stranger in a puff of smoke. "Sui Han!" Lun repeatedly calls out, his tone desperate. Fighting through the thick mist, he can only hear her soft voice calling to him…

"First Young Master… First Young Master…" A voice whispers, its sweet tones undulating like gentle waves, washing over him, toying with him.

Jerking awake from his dream, Lun opens his eyes and leaps up into the air. Executing several somersaults, he tears around the beach, calling out, "Sui Han! Sui Han!"

When only silence greets him, he blinks, still shaky from his dream. Behind him, the ocean has calmed down, its waves rolling gently against the shoreline. The distant cry of a seagull complements the light splashing of water against the cluster of rocks lining one end of the shore. Swallowing to wet his parched throat, Lun glances up at the stars, his gaze landing on a cluster of reds, blues, and golds.

"Dancing fairies," he murmurs, remembering the story she told him about her dancing fairies in the heavens above. Staring intently at the stars, he stretches his hand up, as if trying to touch that cluster of brilliant color. "You’re my dancing fairy, Sui Han."

At that moment, the wind carries a distant call toward him. The voice is gentle, definitely belonging to a female.

Jerking his head suddenly toward the direction of the muffled voice, Lun searches the dark, empty beach frantically. "Sui Han? Sui Han, is that you?" His heart beating with hope, he runs toward the voice.

As he approaches, a shadowy female figure materializes from the darkness. Taking a few tentative steps toward him, she then breaks into a run. Her long black hair streams behind her, whipping wildly in the wind, as she tears across the sandy beach and races into his arms.

"Big Brother Yik Lun!" Lok Bing Yee cries happily. "You have finally come back!"

Disappointed that she is not Sui Han, Lun puts his hands on Bing Yee’s shoulders and gently, but firmly, sets her away from him. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he asks, "What are you doing here, Bing Yee?"

"We have been waiting here in Jade Orchid Town for you for the past several weeks." A male voice answers him. Glancing in the direction of the voice, Lun sees Lee Wai Kit, Bing Yee’s male servant, approach them from the other end of the beach. "First Young Master Lam," Wai Kit nods a greeting to him once he reaches Lun. "Since that day a few weeks ago when you saved us from bandits, we have stayed with a local family here at the outskirts of Jade Orchid Town, waiting for your return."

"Yes," Bing Yee confirms, looking up at Lun. "Remember you spotted a small hut that day, while we were traveling through a snowstorm that hit Jade Orchid Town? You told us you would travel ahead with your lightness kung fu to ask for permission to stay with the local family living there, while Wai Kit and I walked behind you at a slower pace. However, by the time we reached the hut, you were nowhere to be found. I was so worried that those bandits had returned and ambushed you. I wanted to go out and look for you, but Wai Kit mentioned that staying in one place to wait for you would yield better results than wandering about." Smiling happily at Lun, Bing Yee snuggles against his chest. "I knew you would come back for me, Big Brother Yik Lun!"

"Umm…" Feeling awkward, Lun shuffles his feet, unsure how to politely tell Bing Yee to please stop hugging him. "Umm, Bing Yee, it’s getting late and the night will become colder soon. We should look for shelter." Once again setting her away from him, Lun takes a huge step backward, in case Bing Yee decides to lunge back into his arms. "Tomorrow morning, you and Wai Kit should return to the city of Lam On. You’ll be safer back home with your parents."

Shaking her head vigorously, Bing Yee refuses to leave Lun. "No, I want to stay with you!"

Hearing his young mistress’ words, Wai Kit lowers his head, hiding his hurt. Sighing inwardly, he silently reprimands himself for even daring to dream the impossible, for wishing for his young mistress to love him back.

"I still need to obtain the antidote from the Sun Moon Sect for my younger brother, Yik Wah." Lun explains. "It is a dangerous mission. Plus, there is another errand I need to do before going to the Sun Moon Sect…" He murmurs, thinking of first stopping by Green Python Valley to search for the nearly extinct green python for Sui Han. Turning his attention back to Bing Yee, he reasons, "How will I ever be able to explain to your parents if anything were to happen to you, Bing Yee?"

"I’m not afraid of danger, Big Brother Yik Lun!" Bing Yee insists. "Are you afraid that I will burden you? I promise to stay out of trouble! I won’t slow you down you at all!"

Sighing, Lun frowns. "It is not that I consider you a burden, Bing Yee. I just wish for you to be safe." He looks helplessly toward Wai Kit for help convincing Bing Yee to return home.

"But…" Bing Yee starts to object again. However, she is cut off by Wai Kit’s intentional sneeze.

"Aaa-choooo!" Wai Kit sneezes deliberately after he notes Lun’s silent request for help. "Umm, Young Mistress, it’s getting really chilly all of a sudden. Why don’t we find shelter for the night and discuss our plans tomorrow?" He adds a convincing sniffle at the end.

Reluctantly, Bing Yee nods. "All right. I guess we’re all tired."

Sighing with relief that he doesn’t have to continue the argument with Bing Yee, Lun bends down and picks up his sword and travel bundle. "Then it’s settled. It’s pretty isolated here in the outskirts of Jade Orchid Town. It is unlikely that there will be an inn nearby, since it’s at least another twenty to thirty miles before we reach the town center. Hopefully, there will be a cave or abandoned hut close by."

As Bing Yee and Wai Kit start walking, Lun trails behind them at a slower pace. Giving the distant cluster of red, blue, and gold stars one last look, he prays to Sui Han’s fairies that he would locate her soon. "Please keep her safe. And tell her, wherever she is, that I love her and I am sorry for being such a foolish idiot for driving her away." He whispers to the twinkling points of light in the sky.

Minutes after he leaves, a petite figure emerges from behind a large boulder situated some distance away. Her white gown flutters around her slender form. Against the dark night, her flawless ivory skin appears even more pale, even more ethereal and otherworldly. Staring after Lun with dark, unreadable eyes, Sui Han remains still as a statue, watching him until he disappears from sight.

Slowly, she lifts her face up, breathing in the fresh sea air as a crisp breeze washes over her skin. Gazing up at the stars, she, too, calls upon her dancing fairies to grant her a wish. Finished with her wish, she smiles slightly to herself and turns, intending to walk away.

But suddenly, she halts in mid-stride, sensing the presence of another person. Gulping nervously, she immediately drops down onto her knees, just as a dark shadow races toward her so quickly that it seems to have appeared out of nowhere.

"Godfather," Sui Han greets Fong Sing Duk respectfully.

"Sui Han, have you accomplished your task yet?" Fong Sing Duk asks, referring to Sui Han’s order to poison Lun with the Thousand Year Spider Poison.

"Godfather, Lam Yik Lun has discovered my identity. I’m afraid I cannot complete my mission, as he no longer wishes to keep me by his side." She keeps her head lowered, waiting with abated breath for her godfather’s outburst.

Seconds tick by, but the expected outburst never comes. Hesitantly glancing upward, she stares at Fong Sing Duk’s tall, dark figure looming over her. Finally, after a long ominous silence, he speaks. "He has discovered your identity?" Sing Duk whispers, his breathy voice somehow more lethal and frightening than angry screaming. Turning to stare straight into Sui Han’s eyes, he smiles coldly. "Well, then! That means you are no longer useful to me. Is that what you are telling me, Sui Han?"

"I…" Sui Han begins, a feeling of doom engulfing her. Quickly crawling on her hands and knees over to him, she clutches desperately at his hand. "Godfather, I can still aid you in other matters, even if I can never return to Lam Yik Lun’s side!" However, her pleas fall on merciless ears.

"I have no desire to keep useless people around." He informs her coldly, his expression stormy as he shakes off her hand. But then, a thought suddenly flits through his mind, and his countenance lightens up again. "Ah, but on second thought, I believe I still have use for you, Sui Han." Turning to face Sui Han again, he flashes a lethal grin at her, his teeth gleaming white in the darkness like fangs of a wild animal, his eyes dark and terrifying.

Fearful, Sui Han starts to back away from Sing Duk. But for every inch she retreats, her godfather advances forward two inches. Reaching down, Sui Han clutches onto a handful of sand. Without warning, she flings the handful of grainy material into Fong Sing Duk’s eyes, distracting him momentarily. Leaping to her feet, she tears across the beach, running for her life. Unfortunately, her lightness kung fu is far too inferior to her godfather’s, and within the blink of an eye, he reaches her.

Grabbing forcefully onto her shoulders from behind, he swings her around to face him. "What is the matter, Sui Han?" He taunts at her. "I’m your godfather. You can’t possibly be afraid of me!" Laughing maliciously, he lifts her chin up with his thumb and index finger. "You’re worried that I am going to kill you, aren’t you?" When she remains silent, he answers his own question. "Don’t worry, I still have one more use for you. But…I don’t need you to be healthy… I need you to be severely injured to be useful…" With lightening speed, he raises his palm and slams his hand against her back, completely destroying her martial arts with one forceful blow.

"Ahhhhh!" Sui Han screams, her cry of agony resonating loudly across the quiet seaside.

Raising his palm once again, Fong Sing Duk prepares to deliver another violent blow to Sui Han. As his palm approaches Sui Han’s forehead, a figure flies out, approaching them rapidly. The person lunges forward, and using his palm, blocks the blow from Fong Sing Duk. As their palms meet, the waves churn and crash in the background, disturbed by the heavy blanket of energy wave vibrating through the air.

Smiling confidently, Fong Sing Duk pushes forward with his palm, his sudden burst of internal energy forcing the newcomer to withdraw his palm and retreat. As the person back flips and lands a few paces away, Fong Sing Duk tightens his strangle hold around Sui Han’s neck, holding her in front of him, as if dangling her like a carrot in front of the other man’s nose.

Stretching his lips apart into a predatory grin, Fong Sing Duk speaks with false friendliness. "Ah, you have finally arrived, as I expected! I have been waiting for you…"

[WhiteHairedMaiden]

WhiteHairedMaiden, thanks again for commenting. Wow, I didn't realize you liked Yeung Lap Chun (Ekin) that much. I always thought you were a Kristy fan and hence you liked Ekin in association. Interestingly enough, the two guys who pop into my mind when I picture a handsome white-robed man who uses a fan as a weapon are Au Yeung Hak from Condor Heroes and Prince Fok Do from Return of Condor Heroes - and they are both evil scumbags. Of course, that is the TVB portrayal of those two villains, so I don't know if the actual novel portrays them that way.

Anyway, as for Lap Chun (Ekin) and Suk Yu (Kristy) in this story, keep in mind that Lap Chun's interest in Suk Yu may be completely one-sided. She still seems pretty devastated over Ching Bong's abandonment of her years ago, even though she denies it. If she didn't still love him, she would not be upset by Ching Bong's reappearance in her life. But there will be a cool scene involving Lap Chun and Suk Yu.

"I always thought you were a Kristy fan and hence you liked Ekin in association".

How perceptive you are, Melanie, coz that IS true as well. I think that's actually what first had me start liking him. But then he gave me many good reasons himself. Im not sure about bein a Kristy fan (never seen her act) but I sure am a Suk Yu fan! And I shall be miserable if she doesnt end up w/ Ekin. Actually, that itself would be far preferable to her being w/ Bong (what, you planning on killing off his wife?) My apologies to those who like him for some reason, but I really dont like him. I like him even less than..than..that Ho man guy (I forget his new name) - Fei's brother, tho I dont mean I dislike Ho man. He's alright. Actually quite loyal. See the way he acts (out of the true spirit of a brother) when he finds out that the girl he has a crush on is the same girl that his big brother cares for. Doesnt let jeolousy rule his head. I'd even have Suk Yu's match be neone other than Bong, seriously. You cant match my Gong Yu up with a traitor like Bong, Melanie! Death to traitors! It'll be like matching ME up w/ him, and I'd rather eat grass (sorry to be mean to your character).

PLEASE dont tell me she still loves him. She loves..mm..the guy she thought Bong was whom she loved long ago, and the beautiful memories she shares w/ him (well you're the writer so you decide these things, I know, but that's really how I want it to be ). But NOW (now that cool Ekin has appeared), she will soon know that Bong is nothing compared to Ekin--even if he had given her a cool flute.

As for the scumbags... *laughs* we;l, thanks for telling me! :P TVB sucks in that case. How dare they ruin my image of the perfect wuxia hero. I dont recall Au Yeung Hak from LOCH but I do recall Prince Fok (some prince - nothing princelike about him) and Im not sure if he wears white in the actual story but he better not. The last time I heard, Jin Yong was editing his old novels; well, I half have a mind to send in a request that he give none of his bad or uncool characters white clothing and fans (not that he'd listen to me, Im sure).

Neway, yay! A brand new chapter to brighten my day. I shall read it as soon as poss. Thanks.

[Melanie]

Yup, WhiteHairedMaiden, you sure don't like Ching Bong, do you? What would happen if I dressed him up in a white gown and gave him a fan as a weapon? : Would you like him then? All right, all joking aside, you have to keep in mind that Suk Yu is very faithful in love. Whomever she chooses will be one lucky guy because she is someone who will never abandon someone she has made a commitment to. And once she decides to love a person, she will stick to her guns and not change her mind... With that said, I will let you keep on guessing whom she will end up with.

Something you mentioned in your PM to me about Lun... You said that you might learn to like him again. I am curious. What does poor Lun have to do in order to get back into your good graces?

By the way, so far, you have only talked about the men you dislike in the story. Do you dislike any of the females? Also, how come Blue Executioner hasn't ticked you off yet? Rather, poor Ching Bong, who is far less evil than Blue Executioner, seems to be the one who gets your full wrath.

[tweety365]

the change in events are so... wow! things are getting even more exciting as the big meeting draws near. there are so many characters that i wonder how you will wrap up everything. please don't kill off too many characters. i hope both sui han and suk yu will have happy endings. i usually don't like tragic tales. but as the writer, it is up to you to decide, mel. i'm sure you will have good reasons for your decisions. and i'll keep supporting you no matter what. waiting for more

[Melanie]

Hi tweety! Thanks for dropping by. Your comments are much appreciated as usual. You seem a bit shocked at the change in events. Could you be more specific regarding what has you doing and how do you feel about the change in events? I know I'm fishing for more input on how readers think the story is progressing, but comments and opinions will allow me to custom tailor the story a bit better. I'm surprised you don't like tragic endings. As I recall, you have an ancient period short story that is rather tragic and I loved it! I think sad endings are memorable, because it leaves that bittersweet feeling in the reader's heart. But that doesn't mean a happy ending is any less memorable.

[Melanie]

WhiteHairedMaiden, since you like heroes in white gowns with fans, I want to mention that if you get a chance to watch Heroine of the Yangs, Gilbert Lam's character, the evil but very charming Yelut Honam, also wears white and uses a fan as a weapon. Of course, his character, which is very versatile in the series, uses a variety of other weapons also. You should really watch that series. I really think you will like Gilbert's character in there. He's super cool-headed, dashing, excels in martial arts, and most importantly, he's extremely devoted to the woman he loves.

[tweety365]

I knew you were going to bring up my ONE tragic story . But I had good reasons for ending it the way that I did. I was toying around with the idea of a sequel .

I suppose I’m a bit shocked at how fast the pace of the story is moving. With the plot starting to unfold more and characters/readers are starting to understand more about the events, the revelations are rather suspenseful. So many questions (I’m gonna use the real life names rather than character names as I still don’t remember them all).

1. Who is Idy’s long lost son. Both Louis and Benny have the mark. How or why did that happen?
2. Is Annie going to lose her martial arts? Will Gilbert forgive her? Will they end up together or will history repeat itself?
3. Is Kevin going to be able to successfully leave the Association and live happily ever after with Gigi?
4. All Simon’s students are poisoned. Are they going to get the antidote or perish together?
5. And the ending for all other couples...

So many more questions, hence the , but my brain is temporarily fried . I’ll add more when I think of them. Or I’ll just wait for the updated chapters….

[Melanie]

Tweety, are you really going to write a sequel to your short story?! I have so many questions regarding the sequel but can't really ask them for fear of spoiling the story for others who haven't read it yet. Can you at least let me know if it's going to be another short story, or will it be longer this time? Also, who is your cast? Please make it an ancient story! And can you please, please, PLEASE add Annie and Gilbert into your story this time????? Or can you write a short story dedicated to Annie and Gilbert? It's a short story, so I'm not asking too much, right? I am banging my head against the wall because I can't find a good ancient period Annie-Gilbert story to read. And I know the stories you write will be good. It's no fun reading my own story, for heaven's sake!

As for your questions regarding my story, I can't tell you much because it would spoil everything. However, your questions have not been asked in vain, because they give me an idea what areas/characters/developments in the story interest you (and other readers). However, I am clapping my hands in glee for the day I reveal who really is Idy's son... And everyone will die and continue to quarrel in the afterlife. Ok, just kidding. I seriously can't reveal anything right now or you won't go anymore. But as you can see, I am diligently working on closing the story. Hopefully, I will be able to complete it before the end of 2008 and can move on to another story. This time, it will probably be a series of inter-related short stories, if I feel brave enough to tackle another fan fiction.

[tweety365]

I’m so anticipating what you have planned for the story, but your idea on a series of short stories sounds awesome too! Can hardly wait. I know if you reveal too much it will spoil the plot for me, so I’ve been really good and not asked too many questions. I’m also wondering about the identity of the Guardian. We know Annie is the Seer, but what about the Guardian?!

Mel, I’ve already started on the sequel… but haven’t mentioned it to you because it’s not finished and I don’t know when I’ll have time to finish it. I’ve made so many readers wait around for my first story and even abandoned it (covers face in utter shame). Also it’s set in modern time, but you’ve been harping at me for an ancient one.

And whoever said it's not fun reading one's own story? I think it's plenty fun. Write more on Annie and Gilbert. Well, how about this… I promise to write a short ancient story on Annie and Gilbert one day in the far off future. When work and life leave me some breathing room. I'm only doing this for you, babe! But I hope your hair will not turn white in the long wait .

[Melanie]

Ok, I can handle a sequel set in modern times, but will you please add Annie and Gilbert into the story? I know you'll take a long time to actually get to a story dedicated to Annie and Gilbert, so can you add them into your current one? I know I will be married with children, and even have grandchildren, by the time you write an Annie-Gilbert story. Why do good writers, like you, have no time to write? So sad, but I understand that work and family and friends are more important.

And it truly is no fun reading my own story because I already know what's going to happen. I may get so depressed that I may just quit this story and hide in my little corner and cry, because of the lack of Annie-Gilbert stories out there.

Ok, this is like deja vu, where I used to go around begging people to write Annie-Gilbert stories.

[tweety365]

awwwwwww...

[Melanie]

Is Annie going to lose her martial arts? Will Gilbert forgive her? Will they end up together or will history repeat itself?

Hey tweety. I thought I would answer at least one of your questions. It won't really be a direct answer to your question, but it will provide some insight into Sui Han's character. Another reader, Tran, left me a very thought-provoking comment at winglin regarding Sui Han and this is actually a part of my answer to Tran's comment. My answer delves more into Sui Han's past and why she is the way she is today. Sui Han is a complicated character, and I hope this will help you (and anybody else who is reading) understand her more. See my response to Tran below:

I think of all the characters in the story, Sui Han (Annie) is probably the most pitiful, among all the leads. Sure, Suk Yu (Kristy) was dumped by Ching Bong and very hurt as a result. But she had her family's support. And Yik Wah's (Frankie Lam) wife and child died, but he also had family support. Sui Han, on the other hand, experienced a very rough childhood, where she was shunned by many, simply because they were very superstitious and believed that she was bad luck. Orphaned at a young age, she had to fend for herself in a very cruel, selfish world. Then, just when she thinks she has found some measure of security by joining the Sun Moon Sect/Association, she ends up poisoned by her godfather, who rules with an iron fist. It's no wonder that she doesn't really warm up to anyone completely. She is cautious and holds her feelings in check. She is like an injured puppy, greedy for love but too afraid to believe that someone truly cares for her when love comes knocking on her door. She has emotional baggage that she carries with her. And despite how sweet Lun (Gilbert) is to Sui Han, his one major failure is his inability to acknowledge Sui Han's past and understand how much that past affects her actions in the present. All he can think about is how hurt HE is and how she betrayed HIM. And until he learns to put Sui Han's emotions before his, he will never be able to win her heart. Notice the similarity between Lun and Sit Tin Pang (the Guardian). Both are great heroes, noble, chivalrous, intelligent. But both are also too self-centered without really realizing this flaw. They put their own feelings before those of the women they love. Sit Tin Pang could only think of his status in the martial arts world when he abandoned Ching Ching (Seer), and similarly, Lun could only think of his bruised pride when he learned of Sui Han's duplicity.

I believe WhiteHairedMaiden also left me a similar message at winglin regarding how ticked off she is at Lun for not understanding Sui Han's situation. Geez, Lun sure has a tough female audience to please.

[Suet Seung]

Hey Melanie, No more talking more updating woman! Or else don't expect me or Charbydis to update ours. Who says I'm not reading? I'm just reading at a slower pace.

[Melanie]

Suet Seung, what chapter are slowly you on? Anyway, all this discussion about updating should motivate you to update your story more quickly. What happened to Goofy and charbydis? Haven't seen them around for ages. Have they abandoned you to update alone now? If you do update, write more about Hong Ye and her beau, and don't forget the scholar! Ok, thanks for "reading" my story. I understand you're busy, so don't feel guilty about having no time to read.

[Melanie]

CHAPTER 70 --- TWINS

Characters appearing in this chapter:
Simon Yam Tat Wah---Fong Sing Duk
Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun
Annie Man Chung Han---So Sui Han
Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu
Ekin Cheng Yee Kin---Yeung Lap Chun
Andy Lau Tak Wah---Lam Siu Tin
Louis Koo Tin Lok---Koo Yat Fei
Idy Chan Yuk Lin---Chan Yin Yuk a.k.a. Sui Yuk
Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa

Guest appearance in this chapter:
Yammie Lam Kit Ying---Koo Ming Chu

OUTSKIRTS OF JADE ORCHID TOWN
SEASIDE

Stretching his lips apart into a predatory grin, Fong Sing Duk speaks with false friendliness. "Ah, you have finally arrived, as I expected! I have been waiting for you."

Pointing his sword at Fong Sing Duk, Lam Yik Lun demands in a carefully controlled voice. "Let her go."

Throwing Lun a pleasant smile, Sing Duk tilts his head thoughtfully. "First Young Master Lam! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you! I have heard much about you, about your impressive feats in the martial arts world at such a young age. It’s no wonder people say that the younger generation will soon overtake the older generation." As he speaks, he continues to tighten his hold around Sui Han’s neck, causing her to gasp painfully for breath.

"LET…HER…GO!" Lun enunciates each word forcefully through gritted teeth. Despite his calm façade, his heart hammers with anxiety as he notices how pale Sui Han looks.

Ignoring Lun’s request, Sing Duk chatters on, as if discussing the weather with a close friend. "I’m getting old, son." He sighs, shaking his head with feigned sadness. "You know, as people grow older, all they want is to have filial children. They spend their time and effort caring for children in hopes in that one day their kids will be able to help them." Pointing to himself, Sing Duk continues his one-sided speech. "I’m not any different than other parents. I’ve taken in Sui Han when she was homeless and hungry, taught her martial arts, adopted her as my very own. And how does she repay me?" He asks rhetorically, his voice rising with each word. "She disobeys me for the enemy!" He screams now, his eyes darting around maniacally. "Such disobedience must be punished!"

"LET HER GO!" Lun yells furiously, taking a step toward Sing Duk and Sui Han. However, he freezes in his tracks when he notices the older man squeeze Sui Han’s neck even more tightly. "No!" He calls out in concern.

Choking and gasping for air, Sui Han winces in pain. Her entire body feels weak and her head spins wildly. With her martial arts destroyed now, she cannot even put up a good struggle against her godfather. Trying to swallow, she fights to remain conscious. "First Young Master, just go. Just leave me."

Cackling, Fong Sing Duk pats Sui Han on the cheek. "Dear goddaughter, do you really think Lam Yik Lun would leave you to my mercy? Why do you think I have spared your life tonight? It is because I saw your young hero gazing out at the ocean earlier, undoubtedly thinking of you. I knew he had not gone far and would come running back to you if he heard your screams. And sure enough, here he is!"

"It’s no use, Godfather." Sui Han gasps in a weak voice. "Lam Yik Lun hates me for betraying him. I am nothing but a useless hostage to you. I’ll die painfully from your poison anyway. I have served you for five years. If you have any ounce of paternal feelings left for me, just kill me now and save me from a slow, painful death."

"Ah, but you are incorrect, my lovely and beautiful goddaughter." Sing Duk counters. Chuckling maliciously, he narrows his eyes at Lun, who holds himself tensely as he stares at Sui Han’s distressed state. "You underestimate this boy’s love for you. You and I both know that your First Young Master Lam would not leave you, even if it means that he has to sell his soul to the devil." Glancing over at Lun, Sing Duk smiles knowingly. "Isn’t that right, Young Master Lam?"

"What do you want? I swear, if you don’t safely release Sui Han, I will hunt you down and tear you apart, even if I have to sacrifice my life to do so!" Lun threatens.

Lifting his eyebrow, Sing Duk scoffs at Lun’s claim. "Young man, even your father may not win in a fight with me. What makes you think that you are in the position to bargain with me? Hmmm?" He emphasizes his statement by pushing his right palm forward, forcing Lun back with his palm wind. As Lun grunts from the internal energy field emitted by Sing Duk’s palm, Sing Duk laughs mockingly. "You see, young man, you are at my mercy, as much as Sui Han is. I can kill both of you easily right now, but you are very fortunate, for I have a better and much more satisfying plan to anger your father, Lam Siu Tin, into an early grave! Haha!"

Before Lun is even able to respond, Fong Sing Duk suddenly lifts his palm and slams down on Sui Han’s back, completing the process of destroying her martial arts. A sickening cracking noise reverberates through the night as Sui Han vomits blood.

"NO!" Lun screams, his heart breaking at seeing Sui Han suffer. He charges forward, sword raised. As the tip of his weapon nears his enemy, Sing Duk quickly shifts the limp Sui Han in front of him, using her as a shield. Immediately stopping his advance for fear of injuring Sui Han, Lun pants heavily and darts a furious gaze at the older man holding her hostage. "Why do you hurt her? What kind of man are you to seriously injure your own goddaughter?

Laughing uproariously at the pained expression on Lun’s face, he flings Sui Han at Lun like an unwanted rag doll. "If you want her so much, take her!"

Leaping upward, Lun catches Sui Han midair and lands back on the ground with her safely in his arms. Lowering her to the ground, he cuddles her protectively against his chest as he jerks his head toward Sing Duk. "What have you done to her?!" He rages, his voice hoarse from unshed tears of anger.

"Relax, young man." Sing Duk replies calmly, nonchalantly brushing at his gown front, straightening out the wrinkles. "I’ve only taken back the martial arts I have taught her over the years. It’s a small punishment for disobedience. You should be more worried about her poison. Without her martial arts, her body will not be able to withstand the potency of the poison circulating through her body. Now, even with my temporary antidotes, she will still suffer unbearable pain for months before she dies."

Thrusting one hand forward while his other arm encircles the weakened Sui Han securely to his side, Lun demands loudly. "GIVE ME THE CURE!"

"You keep forgetting, young man. You are not in the position to demand anything from me." Sing Duk stretches his lips into a feral grin. "However, I will cure her poison…in exchange for your cooperation with something…"

"What do you want?!" Lun practically screams at Sui Han’s godfather, losing his level-headedness with Sui Han half dead in his arms.

In answer, Sing Duk throws a small yellow medicinal packet onto the ground in front of Lun. "It’s all very simple, First Young Master Lam. If you will take that packet of poison, I will give you half of the antidote for Sui Han. Once you complete one task for me, I will give you the rest of Sui Han’s cure." Crossing his arms across his chest, Sing Duk lifts an eyebrow challengingly. "What do you say, First Young Master Lam? Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for her?"

Glaring at Sing Duk suspiciously, Lun questions. "How do I know if you’ll keep your part of the promise and save Sui Han?"

Lifting his chin high, Sing Duk looks condescendingly down on Lun with hooded eyes. "You’re right. You won’t have any guarantees that I will keep my part of the deal, but you don’t have much of a choice at this point if you truly want to save Sui Han. Her life is in your hands."

Without hesitation, Lun reaches for the medicinal packet. As he lifts the poison to his mouth, a small hand grasps at his arm.

"No, First Young Master!" Sui Han implores, her voice barely a whisper, as she clutches at his sleeve. "I thank you for your willingness to protect me, but there is no need to do so. You do not need to sacrifice your life for me out of obligation. I absolve you of our engagement." Turning her face away from him, Sui Han speaks sadly. "Miss Lok Bing Yee loves you very much. I can tell by how happy she was when she reunited with you tonight. Go to her and forget me. I can take care of myself, as I always have."

Hugging Sui Han tightly to him, Lun shakes his head. "I don’t care whether or not you can take care of yourself! I am going to take care of you and love you for the rest of our lives, and nothing you do can persuade me otherwise!"

With that declaration, he shakes free of Sui Han’s grasp and pours the poisonous powder into his mouth.

A few paces away, Fong Sing Duk claps, his tone derisive. "Ah, true love is so touching to witness!" He mocks.

"Cut the mockery! Where is Sui Han’s antidote?" Lun demands vehemently.

In response, Sing Duk throws Lun a small bottle. "There’s one pill inside. It’s a partial cure to her poison."

As Lun hurriedly feeds Sui Han the pill, Sing Duk silently observes the gentle and loving way Lun treats his goddaughter. For a fleeting minute, a flash of pain flickers across his eyes, and in that brief moment, Fong Sing Duk seems almost human. Closing his eyes, he turns away from Lun and Sui Han, his expression contorted in pain, as he remembers that long ago he once loved a beautiful maiden as deeply as Lam Yik Lun loves his goddaughter. And like the young man now cuddling Sui Han, he, too, was once willing to travel to the ends of the earth in exchange for his beloved’s smile. With his love by his side, he felt invincible, so filled with happiness that he could almost burst from the joy. But then, his junior martial brother stole her away from him, even knowing how deeply in love he was with her. And with her ripped away from him by his deceitful and traitorous junior martial brother, his sunny days turned into endless stormy nights, and hatred festered in his heart. In the years following his betrayal, he eventually married another woman, but he could never forget his first and only love, nor could he let go of his grudge for the man who presented himself to the world as a heroic gentleman but resorted to filthy tactics to steal another’s love. And so, he plotted his revenge and swore that one day he would return to make his junior martial brother regret his actions.

Opening his eyes again, Fong Sing Duk pulls his mind back to the present and stares at Lun, his eyes narrowed. And now the time has come for his revenge!

Placing a hand tenderly on her forehead, Lun asks Sui Han softly. "How do you feel, Sui Han? Better?"

As Sui Han nods slightly in response to Lun’s query, Fong Sing Duk smirks. "Oh, stop coddling her! She won’t drop dead tonight. As long as you do as I say, I will give her the rest of the cure." He pauses, his cold, emotionless eyes clashing with Lun’s darkly furious ones. "Don’t worry, First Young Master Lam, the poison you have ingested won’t kill you immediately, either. It will only activate after ten days’ time, and if you don’t receive the antidote by that time, then your internal organs will gradually bleed out, and you will die a horrible, painful death. As long as you perform one task for me, I will give you the antidote."

Resisting the urge to lunge at Fong Sing Duk and wipe that smug expression from his enemy’s face, Lun takes in a deep breath to calm himself. He knows he cannot win in a one on one fight with an elder. Furthermore, he still needs to obtain the other half of Sui Han’s antidote. "What task do you wish for me to perform for you?" Lun asks.

A ghost of a smile flickers across Sing Duk’s face. "A very simple task." He turns so that he is starring right into Lun’s eyes. "I want you to fight on my side at the Heroes’ Gathering against Lam family. Once you help me defeat your family and obtain the title of Chancellor for me, I will give you and Sui Han your antidotes, and you two can live happily ever after." He taunts, chuckling as he imagines the rage on Lam Siu Tin’s face when he finds his own son fighting on the enemy’s side. Noticing Lun’s shocked expression, Sing Duk adds, "Of course, you can be the filial son and refuse, First Young Master Lam. But if you refuse, then both you and Sui Han won’t receive any antidote. Now, I know you don’t fear for your own life, but can you really stand to see Sui Han die a painful death?"

Remaining still as a statue, with Sui Han still clutched in his arms, Lun breathes with disbelief. "Why are you doing this to me? What have I ever done to you?"

"You have done nothing to me, First Young Master Lam. It is your father I have a vendetta against. If you must blame someone for your misfortune, then blame your own father for being the fraudulent hero that he is! It is time that Lam Siu Tin pay for his sins when he becomes humiliated in front of the whole martial arts world when his own son fights against him!" Arching his back, Fong Sing Duk screams at the heavens, his laugh echoing loudly through the night. Panting from the exertion, he finally glances back over at the couple on the ground. "If you don’t want Sui Han to die, then meet me at the Heroes’ Gathering in eight days’ time in the city of Lam On!" With those words, Sing Duk leaps into the air, his figure fading rapidly away into the night.

Once Fong Sing Duk has disappeared, Sui Han turns toward Lun, her voice feeble, yet laced with worry. "First Young Master, you don’t have to do what Godfather wants you to do. I will be fine. Don’t worry about me…" She trails off, as she drifts into unconsciousness.

Placing his lips softly against her forehead, Lun lifts the slumbering Sui Han into his arms. As he walks off to meet up with Bing Yee and Wai Kit, his eyes gaze blankly ahead as he ponders what to do next…

THE FOLLOWING MORNING
CITY OF LAM ON
FEW STREETS FROM LAM MANSION

Lam Mansion stands tall and proud at the heart of the city of Lam On. Its splendorous and gleaming structure towers over the city, like a dignified lord overlooking his subjects. Flanked by red lanterns, a beautifully carved lacquer plaque with the Chinese characters "Lam Mansion" hangs over the main entrance.

A young woman dressed in pale yellow walks slowly and carefully along the street leading toward Lam Mansion. A few paces behind her, a tall young man clothed completely in white, trails after her, leisurely fanning himself with his ever-present white fan. Lining the street, vendors tout their wares, calling out loudly as they compete for customers.

One vendor, a young woman selling jewelry and ornately decorated tassels calls out to Suk Yu happily as she passes by. "Miss Suk Yu! Miss Suk Yu! You are back!"

As Suk Yu hears her name, she pauses and looks toward the direction of the voice. "Chun Fa? Is that you?" She makes her way over to the young woman at the vendor stand.

"Yes!" Chun Fa replies joyously. "You have finally come back! My mother and I were so worried when we heard you went missing a few months ago. Thank heavens you are back safely. Your parents just returned back to the city of Lam On last evening. They will be relieved to learn of your return."

Smiling, Suk Yu admits, "Yes, I am happy to be home."

Behind Suk Yu, Yeung Lap Chun stations himself to her right, lazily surveying the marketplace. He nods politely to Chun Fa when he notices that she is shyly peering in his direction. He scans the trinkets neatly arranged on Chun Fa’s table, narrowing his eyes with interest as he spies a simple, yet elegant, tassel designed from strands of red and green colored silk threads. Grinning to himself, as he has found the perfect gift for the aloof Suk Yu, he looks up to find Chun Fa gawking at him, obviously besotted by his dashing form in a long white gown.

"Young Master, have you found anything you like?" Chun Fa blushes prettily, not even aware of Suk Yu’s blindness as she is too preoccupied with trying to catch Lap Chun’s attention.

"As a matter of fact, yes." Lap Chun replies. "I would like to purchase that red-green tassel over there." He points at the exquisitely designed ornament. "How much is it?"

"Oh!" Chun Fa smiles bashfully. "You must be Miss Suk Yu’s friend. Then consider that tassel a gift."

Flashing Chun Fa a brief smile, he fishes out a few bronze coins from his gown pocket. "Thank you for your generosity, Miss, but you must make a living, too. These coin should cover the cost of the tassel."

Picking up the tassel, Lap Chun grabs Suk Yu’s hand, which is holding onto her jade flute.

"What are you doing?" Suk Yu gasps in surprise.

"I have a gift for you, Miss Suk Yu." Hooking the decorative tassel securely to the end of the flute, he then brings Suk Yu’s other hand forward so that she can touch the tassel. "The tassel looks beautiful on your flute, and the brilliant red-green silk threads accentuate the jade."

"I can’t accept your gift!" Suk Yu begins to protest, but Lap Chun squeezes her hand tightly, silencing her.

"Miss Suk Yu, you already object to my every offer of help. Now you also try to rob me the pleasure of purchasing token gifts for you!" Lap Chun takes Suk Yu’s hand and wraps it tightly around the flute. "The tassel only costs a few coins, so please don’t argue." Suddenly frowning slightly, he glares a bit at the instrument. "Besides, the flute is a gift from your Ching Bong, and if you insist on carrying it around all the time, then I also want you to carry around something from me. Now, whenever you play the flute, the tassel will brush against your hand, and you will remember me when I am not by your side."

Blushing for the first time since she has met him, Suk Yu opens her mouth to speak, but then slams her mouth shut since she cannot find anything say. Flustered, she looks over toward Chun Fa’s direction. "Chun Fa, it is nice talking to you again. I should be getting home now. I have much to discuss with my parents."

Saying her farewell to the other young woman, Suk Yu starts making her way toward Lam Mansion. Lap Chun bows slightly to Chun Fa, giving her a polite nod before following Suk Yu.

As his tall figure blends into the crowded marketplace, Chun Fa sighs wistfully. "Miss Suk Yu is so fortunate to have such a handsome and noble man at her side. He’s much more deserving of her affection than that Ching Bong!" Chun Fa mutters to herself, angry on Suk Yu’s behalf as almost everyone in the city of Lam On knows about Ching Bong’s betrayal.

OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE OF LAM MANSION

After carefully navigating through the crowded streets, Suk Yu finally reaches her destination. Pausing in front of the mansion’s front entrance, she almost sobs with relief. A sense of belonging washes over her, and she reaches forward, touching one of the large pillars flanking the door. Running her fingers down the pillar’s glossy finish, Suk Yu takes in a deep breath and proceeds toward the door.

Behind her, Lap Chun watches a flurry of emotions flit across her face as she touches the wooden pillar. Standing just outside the entrance, he does not follow her as she walks toward the door.

Not hearing Lap Chun’s footsteps following her, Suk Yu pauses, a bit surprised as she is so accustomed to hearing him walking slightly behind her. Turning back, she asks, "Aren’t you coming, Young Master Yeung?"

Shaking his head, Lap Chun flicks his fan close. "No, all I want is to make sure you reach home without harm. I know you have not been thrilled that I insisted on accompanying you home, so I will take my leave now, knowing that you are safely home."

"But…" Suk Yu begins, as an unexpected feeling of regret and sadness washes over her.

Smiling charmingly, Lap Chun walks over to Suk Yu and covers her smaller hand with his larger one. "Will you miss me, Miss Suk Yu?"

When she only hesitates silently, he sighs with melancholy. "Go on inside, Miss Suk Yu. Your family is waiting for you." He reaches forward and knocks on the door.

Almost immediately, the door swings open and an elderly housekeeper shuffles out. "Third Young Mistress!" He exclaims with gladness. Tears flow down his eyes. "You are safe and alive! Master and Mistress have been so worried!" Pulling her over the threshold, the elderly man shoos her inside. "You’ve lost weight! Don’t you worry, Third Young Mistress! I will have the cook make a big meal for you tonight!"

Resisting the housekeeper a bit, Suk Yu looks back, trying to listen intently for Lap Chun. "Wait, Housekeeper Lau! I would like to invite my friend inside, also."

Confused, Housekeeper Lau looks past Suk Yu’s shoulder into the street. "What friend, Third Young Mistress? There’s nobody behind you."

Bewildered, Suk Yu stretches her arms out, as if trying to feel for Lap Chun. When she only grasps air, she turns back and reluctantly follows Housekeeper Lau inside, a strange emptiness settling heavily in her heart.

LAM MANSION
GUEST CHAMBER

Dabbing at the sweat from his forehead, Lam Siu Tin gets up from the bed after transferring his internal energy into an unconscious Koo Yat Fei. Carefully laying Fei down onto the bed, he covers the young man with a blanket. Nearby, his wife, Chan Yin Yuk, hovers anxiously.

Rushing up to her husband now, she questions, "How is our son, Big Brother Siu Tin?"

Sighing with exhaustion, Siu Tin goes over to his wife. Looking into her eyes intently, he finally asks. "Sui Yuk, you are sure Koo Yat Fei is our son?"

"Of course, he is our son!" Yin Yuk states firmly, without any doubt in her voice. "He has a sunburst birthmark on his shoulder, the exact replica of the one on Yik Lun’s shoulder! Now how is our Yik Hong?"

Siu Tin pats his wife’s hand reassuringly. "He’ll be fine after the internal energy transfer. Now we just need to find the nearly extinct green python. After he ingests the innards of the snake, he will be completely cured from his Blood Shadow Palm injury."

"Then I will go immediately to look for this green python!" Yin Yuk declares, about to rush out to pack her travel bundle.

Catching hold of her arms, Siu Tin stops her flight. "Whoa! Hold on, Sui Yuk! The green python is not that easy to find. It lives in the dark caves of the steepest mountains of Green Python Valley. Just travel time alone takes several days with lightness kung fu. And once there, we will have to patiently wait and lure it out of its hiding place. With the Heroes’ Gathering approaching, we can’t afford to disperse at this point."

"Our son’s life is more important than some martial arts world title, Big Brother Siu Tin!" Yin Yuk retorts angrily. "Yik Hong is Yik Lun’s twin brother, and hence, not your biological son. Is that why you don’t value his life?" She accuses him, her emotions in turmoil as her worry for Fei’s life causes her to lash out at her husband.

Shaking her slightly, Siu Tin admonishes his wife. "Sui Yuk! You know me better than that! Twenty-five years ago, when we escaped from the palace, I vowed to treat your unborn child as my very own. When Yik Lun was born, I felt like the happiest father alive. And when you surprised us with a second baby a mere two hours after Lun’s birth, I thanked the heavens for blessing me with two healthy twin boys, two boys whom I loved with all my heart. When Hong was kidnapped shortly after his birth, I grieved with you and wandered the whole martial arts realm searching for him." Giving Yin Yuk a look filled with hurt and pain, he asks, "Knowing all that, how can you accuse me of not loving Lun and Hong because they are not my biological sons?"

"I…I am sorry, Big Brother Siu Tin!" Yin Yuk sobs. "For some reason, my emotions have been turned upside down lately, and I am just not my level-headed self! Will you forgive me, Big Brother Siu Tin?"

Gathering her into his arms, Siu Tin hugs Yin Yuk tightly. "Shh… It’s all right. I could never stay angry at you, my Sui Yuk." Stroking her silky hair soothingly, he coaxes, "Everything will be all right. Don’t worry, I will save Hong. He is my son as much as he is yours. I will leave for Green Python Valley today."

"But…the Heroes’ Gathering will occur in a few days… You won’t make it back in time if you go now." Yin Yuk sniffles a bit, torn and unsure of what to do.

"Nonsense!" Siu Tin reassures Yin Yuk. "There is still a chance for me to make it back in time for the Heroes’ Gathering if I leave immediately today. Besides, you are absolutely correct in scolding me and bringing me to my senses. Our son’s well being is much more important than defending the title of Chancellor."

"Thank you, Big Brother Siu Tin," Yin Yuk whispers gratefully, tears shimmering in her large luminous eyes.

Kissing her softly on the forehead, Siu Tin smiles tenderly. "There is no need to thank me. I think, after being husband and wife for over twenty-five years, we are beyond polite words of gratitude. I will go pack a bag now and leave immediately for Green Python Valley." Siu Tin lets go of Yin Yuk, but then he turns back and bumps his forehead against hers, as he stares deeply into her eyes. "I love Sui Yuk. Everything I do, I do for you, because I love you so much. Do you know that?"

With a teary smile gracing her lips, Yin Yuk nods. "I know, Big Brother Siu Tin. I love you, too." Snuggling in his arms, she rubs her cheek against his chest.

At that moment, loud footsteps interrupt their intimate moment. Breaking apart, the couple glances toward the guest chamber’s door just as Housekeeper Lau bursts through.

"Master! Mistress! Third Young Mistress has arrived home safely!" The elderly housekeeper delivers this piece of happy news.

MEANWHILE…
NEAR SUNG BORDER
SUN MOON SECT HEADQUARTERS

An imposing, gray-colored stone structure stands alone in the desert, its weathered granite slightly blackened with erosion after centuries of withstanding against harsh sandstorms and cold nights. Hardy desert weeds and gnarled plants clutter around the entrance of the structure, guarding its gloomy interior from intruders. Lacking windows, the inside of the Sun Moon Sect Headquarters consists of a maze of dark, damp hallways and corridors that lead to a series of chambers.

In one particular chamber, quite large compared to the other rooms, a woman in her late forties sits in a wooden wheelchair, her long black hair sprinkled with gray and severely pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck. Creases line a face that had once been beautiful. But years of unhappiness, sorrow, and bitterness have turned a once vibrant beauty into a lifeless old woman, too old for her age. The woman stares into the mirror sitting atop her dressing table, her posture slumped over, her eyes tired and dispirited.

Catching a slight movement in the corner of the mirror, the middle-aged woman suddenly jerks upright, her expression perked up. Hope glimmers in her eyes and she turns around quickly, greeting an old woman, who has just walked into the chamber.

"Grandmother Fa, you have finally returned!" The middle-aged woman maneuvers her wheelchair over to Grandmother Fa. "Did you see him? Did you see him? How does he look like?" She questions the elderly woman excitedly.

Sighing, Grandmother Fa looks down on the wheelchair bound woman with pity. "Ming Chu, why do you insist on torturing yourself? After all these years, why do you still think of him?"

Koo Ming Chu lowers her eyes, her expression becoming woeful. "Because I miss him so much…" She whispers, staring down at her lap.

Crouching down so that she is at eye level with the younger woman, Grandmother Fa jerks Koo Ming Chu slightly, hoping to shake some sense into her. "Ming Chu, I have worked at your parents’ household for many years and have raised you from birth. When you married, I accompanied you to your new home. You are like a daughter to me. I cannot stand to see you torture yourself this way, year after year! You have chosen to abandon him twenty-five years ago. Leave the past in the past, Ming Chu!"

Shaking her head, Ming Chu turns tearful eyes toward Grandmother Fa. "I cannot forget him, Grandmother Fa! I was wrong to abandon him over two decades ago! I was young, angry, and rash. After Fong Sing Duk raped me, I became pregnant with his child and had no other choice but to marry him. I resigned my fate to being married to him and even foolishly hoped that he would one day love me back. When he agreed to my father’s request to allow our unborn child to carry my surname Koo as I am my father’s only child, I thought he agreed out of love for me." Ming Chu stares off into the distance, seeing the horrors of the past flash across her eyes. "Little did I know that he only agreed because he could care less what surname a child I birthed carried. I was nothing to him, even less important than the dirt he walked on. He never once loved me, no matter how hard I tried to please him. He couldn’t even bring himself to spare me a glance, let alone love me. All he could think of was his precious junior martial sister, his Chan Yin Yuk!"

Clenching her fists so tightly that her nails dig painfully into her palms, Ming Chu sobs. "He didn’t even bother to stick around when I gave birth to my twin boys. And so, out of foolish anger and a crazed desire for revenge, I strangled the younger of my twins right out of the womb!" Crying loudly, she covers her face with her hands. "I killed one of my sons!" Suddenly, she jerks her head up, her eyes once again filled with hope, as she looks at Grandmother Fa. "But thank heavens you stopped me in time, or else, I would have strangled my older twin boy, also!"

"Yes," Grandmother Fa sighs. "I knew you were acting out of grief and fury. I knew you would regret your actions once you calmed down."

"But even though I didn’t kill my older twin son, I couldn’t bring myself to look at him, for he was the product of rape. Every time I heard his cry, every time I stared at his little face, I relived the horrors of that night when Fong Sing Duk forced himself on me." Ming Chu whispers.

Sighing again, Grandmother Fa nods with understanding. "Ming Chu, I helped raise you, and therefore, I knew exactly what inner turmoil you were experiencing. I sensed that you wished to love your son, but couldn’t erase the shadow of his father in your heart. And so, I proposed a plan that would save the infant boy, and yet, also bring a twisted sort of revenge on Fong Sing Duk."

As if in a trance, Ming Chu smiles bitterly. "Yes, you had heard that Sing Duk’s love, Chan Yin Yuk, had also given birth to twin boys at about the same time as I gave birth to my twins. And you proposed that the sweetest revenge would be to steal Chan Yin Yuk’s twins and swap them with the one son I had left. That way, Fong Sing Duk would unknowingly spend his time and effort raising his enemy Lam Siu Tin’s sons, while his own biological son would be calling Lam Siu Tin father."

"I remembered twenty-five years ago, when I applied for the position of nanny for the Lams." Grandmother Fa recounts past events. "I stayed there for days, waiting for the opportunity to poison the well water. With the Lam household drugged into a deep slumber, I took Chan Yin Yuk’s seven day old twin boys, and replaced them with your seven day old son. But before I left, I tattooed a sunburst birthmark on the your son’s shoulder, because I noticed that Chan Yin Yuk’s twins had that birthmark. All three boys were so close together in age and their features were so indistinct at one week of age that even Chan Yin Yuk and Lam Siu Tin could not tell that the boy left behind was not even their flesh and blood."

"And when Chan Yik Yuk woke up from her drugged sleep, she noticed only one baby next to her, and assumed that you had only taken her second twin. Little did she know that you had taken BOTH twins, and the baby she held in her arms was actually my son." Ming Chu murmurs, her eyes connecting with Grandmother Fa’s.

"All these years, Chan Yin Yuk thought she had only lost her second twin, when she actually lost both twins, and was raising her enemy’s son instead." Grandmother Fa shakes her head in pity. Then, she looks pleadingly into Ming Chu’s eyes. "But all that is in the past. Since you have decided to give up your son years ago, why do you still long for him today? Ming Chu, let the past go!"

"Because, I can’t forget him, Grandmother Fa!" Ming Chu weeps, leaning over her wheelchair to hug the older woman tightly. "He is my own flesh and blood. No matter how much I loathe his father, I could not bring myself to forget my son. As the years passed, I grew to also love the twins I had stolen, and so, I never divulged Yat Fei and Yat Keung’s true identities to my husband, for fear that Sing Duk would kill them once he realized that they are not his biological sons. But I nevertheless long for my own son." Looking at Grandmother Fa desperately, she begs, "I just want to see what my boy now looks like, to know that he is happy and safe. Can you understand that, Grandmother Fa?"

Closing her eyes painfully, Grandmother Fa nods and cups Ming Chu’s cheek tenderly, her tone filled with motherly love. "Yes, I can understand that, my darling girl. And that’s why I have brought you this." She takes out a scroll from her gown pocket and hands it to Ming Chu.

Taking the scroll, Ming Chu carefully unrolls the parchment. Gasping, she reverently touches the painting of a young man on the scroll. Glancing up at Grandmother Fa, Ming Chu whispers, "Is this…?"

Nodding, the older woman affirms, "Yes, that young man in the painting is your son."

With tears spilling down her eyes, Ming Chu skims her fingers over the painting and gently traces the curve of the young man’s jaw. "My son… My Yik Lun…"

[tweety365]

HOLY SMOKES!
I've being doing that a lot lately. Gosh, Mel, it's so shocking that there are so many secret identities and plotting going on. OMG... Gilbert, Benny, and Louis have such a messed up history .

But I like it that Simon totally got played by his wife. Nice job!
So the king has twin sons... he's gonna get so pissed off. It won't be pretty.
Can't wait to see the next installment

[Melanie]

Hey tweety, you're kind of cute with your . I guess the shock of the men's identities surprised you so much that it overshadowed Gilbert's selfless sacrifice for Annie and Ekin's sweetness to Kristy in this chapter. There is a reader who emailed me, and she is the exact opposite of you. She only briefly mentioned the revelation of the men's identities, but then she focused a lot on how she loved Gilbert and Ekin's actions in this chapter. Anyway, ever wonder if Gilbert and Annie's wedding will ever take place with all the drama going on? Also, I also loved how Simon's wife played him! He's going to be really ticked off when he finds out he poisoned his own son. I do think it's a kind of ironic justice though, after the way he treated his wife. Don't you think?