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Thread: Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay

  1. #1
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Talking Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay (日月剑谱传奇)

    Thank you to all my readers who have created the lovely story posters below for Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay.

    HAOMEI'S CREATIONS:

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    $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4327/swordplay.jpg')

    $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/6866/lbosmsp.jpg')




    TWEETY'S CREATION:

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    HANNIE'S CREATION:

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    CAST OF CHARACTERS

    Ada Choi Siu Fun---Luk Bing Yi 陸冰怡
    Adam Cheng Siu Chow---Emperor 皇上
    Alec Su You Peng---Ah Pang 阿朋
    Andy Lau Tak Wah---Lam Siu Tin 林笑天
    Angie Cheung Wai Yee---Cheung Yim Na 張豔娜
    Angie Chiu Ngar Chi---Chung So Lan 鍾愫蘭
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Bae Yong Joon---Yip Fung 葉風
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Chun Wong---Bandit Leader 強盜頭子
    Ekin Cheng Yee Kin---Yeung Lap Chun 楊立俊
    Eric Wan Tin Chiu---Law Man Kin 羅文健
    Felix Wong Yat Wah---Wong Hap Ming 黃俠明
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi 林淑姿
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa 花婆婆
    Idy Chan Yuk Lin---Chan Yin Yuk 陳嬿玉
    Joe Ma Tuk Chung---Lau Dong 劉當
    Joyce Tang Lai Ming---Suen Ling Wan 孫泠雲
    Kenix Kwok Ho Ying---Kwok Mong Yuet 郭夢月
    Kevin Cheng Ka Wing---Cheng Sai Chung 鄭世忠
    Kitty Lai Mei Han---Kwan Suet Lin 關雪蓮
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜
    Lau Dan---Old Man
    Lee Heung Kum---Old Woman
    Louis Koo Tin Lok---Gu Yat Fei 古日飛
    Marco Ngai Chun Kit---Ng Sam Lung 吳三龍
    Margie Tsang Wah Sin---Chu Sau Fa 朱繡花
    Myolie Wu Hung Yee---Mok Yi San 莫綺晨
    Patrick Tam Yiu Man--- Marquis Ching Bong 程邦晨
    Paul Chun Pui---Royal Physician Chun Ying 秦鷹
    Rain Lau Yuk Chui---Sung Ling 宋玲
    Ray Lui Leung Wai---Luk Gwan Lam 陸君林
    Raymond Lam Fung---Chu Kot Chuet Ching 諸葛決情
    Roger Kwok Chun On---Kong Dai Hei 江大嘻
    Sean Lau Ching Wan---Lau Yuen 劉运
    Selena Li Sze Wan---Sum Guk Yiu 沈菊耀
    Song Yun Ah---Tong Mei Si 滕美詩
    Steven Ma Chun Wai---Lee Wai Kit 李偉劼
    Steven Ma Jing Tao---Leung Cheuk Fu 梁卓虎
    Tony Leung Chiu Wai---Ha Ming 夏命
    Vincent Jiao Enjun---Chau Mo 周武
    Wong Suk Yee---Lai Hong 黎紅
    Yeung Jak Lam---General Law 羅将官

  2. #2
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    PROLOGUE

    The Sword of Sun glows bright and red
    His blade fierce and all-consuming
    Slashing those who stand in his path
    With ruthless vengeance and deadly swiftness

    The Sword of Moon shimmers in ethereal beauty
    Her timeless grace unrivaled
    In the heavens above and on the earth below
    Mesmerizing all who lay eyes on her

    United, two swords attack as one
    Like lovers with hearts beating in harmony
    Striking fear and stirring awe
    In all who witness the power of Sun and Moon

    But pity that Sun betrays Moon
    Leaving her with hatred and revenge raging through her heart
    And she vows to never rest in peace
    Until Sun and Moon meet once more

    And hence two swords shall rest in eternal sleep
    Their radiance and power never more
    Until Sun and Moon walk the earth again
    And learn to forgive and love once more

  3. #3
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 1 -- THE ESCAPE

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Adam Cheng Siu Chow---Emperor 皇上
    Idy Chan Yuk Lin---Chan Yin Yuk 陳嬿玉
    Andy Lau Tak Wah---Lam Siu Tin 林笑天
    Angie Cheung Wai Yee---Cheung Yim Na 張豔娜

    IN THE DESERT

    Lightning blazed across the dark sky, sending currents of electricity hissing through the silent night. A lone rider, astride his mighty black stallion, galloped across the desert terrain, the horse's hooves beating the rhythm of a thousand drums. The tall man on horseback, robed in an impressive long yellow garment embroidered with the imperial symbol of the dragon, scanned the horizon, his eyes darting back and forth urgently, hoping to catch a glimpse of his target.

    Finally from afar, he spied two figures, a man in black and a woman in white, racing through the evening sky using their lightness kung fu. The man on horseback urged his horse along, and with a hand placed on the stallion's back for leverage, he pushed himself into the air, executing several flips to pursue the couple ahead of him. As he neared them, he reached out with his hand and attempted to palm the man in black.

    Sensing another's presence, the man in black twirled in the air, avoiding the man on horseback's attack and at the same time pulling the woman with him so that they both landed safely on the ground. The three people now faced each other, both men with menacing expressions on their faces and the woman with a contrite look on hers.

    The man wearing the yellow gown with the embroidered dragon pointed at the man in black, a ferocious expression on his face. "How dare you try to elope with Concubine Chan! I shall have you beheaded for this outrageous behavior!"

    The woman, with a terrified expression, ran to stand in front of the man in black, as if trying to protect him from the man in yellow's wrath. "No! Please, Your Majesty! Spare my senior martial brother's life! If you need to blame someone, then blame me."

    She knelt down in front of the Emperor and held his hand beseechingly. In the background, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, giving the night sky an eerie brightness and accentuating the woman's delicate and breathtakingly beautiful features.

    The Emperor stared despairingly at the woman. "Why, Siu Yuk? I love you so much. In the past year since you have entered the palace, I have not even looked at other women. I have even neglected Concubine Cheung to spend more time with you. Why do you betray me with this man?"

    Tears streamed down her cheeks as Yin Yuk pleaded. "Your Majesty, I know I have abused your kindness by eloping with Big Brother Siu Tin, but we truly love each other. Even though I have tried my hardest to put him out of my mind after I have entered the palace, I cannot bring myself to forget him. My senior martial brother will always be my one and only true love. Your Highness, you control the world in your fist. Why not let an insignificant woman like me go? I do not deserve your love and kindness!"

    The Emperor looked at his beloved concubine for a painful moment, then suddenly turned to his love rival, Lam Siu Tin. "This is all his fault! If he had not shown up at the palace, enticing you to leave with him, then you would still be at the palace now and we would still be happily together! I am going to kill him for this!"

    Chan Yin Yuk tightened her hold on the emperor's hand. "No, Your Highness! Execute me, instead!"

    Lam Siu Tin dropped down to the ground to hug Yin Yuk tightly. "Siu Yuk, do not beg him. I am not afraid to die. I will die without regrets, knowing that you still love me." He tenderly kissed her on the forehead and then stood up facing the Emperor. "Your Highness, I challenge you to a sword fight. If I win, then I want you to let us leave. If I lose, then my life is yours to take."

    Yin Yuk, horrified at the prospect of a sword fight between these two men with powerful martial arts, burst out, "No, please!"

    The Emperor looked at his precious concubine for a long time with a tortured expression. "Just leave, both of you. I do not want to see you again."

    He turned his back on the couple, who looked at each other with surprised relief. Lam Siu Tin helped his junior martial sister stand up, and they both slowly walked away.

    Suddenly, the Emperor turned to look back at the couple. "Wait! Take my stallion with you, Siu Yuk. You are not accustomed to prolonged travel by foot. My stallion is strong, and he will take you safely to your destination."

    Yin Yuk gnawed at her bottom lip and gave the Emperor a remorseful look. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will always remember your kindness."

    The couple took the reins of the stallion from the Emperor. Siu Tin leapt up onto the stallion and bent from the waist to help Yin Yuk onto the horse. They galloped away, the sound of hoof beats fading into the darkness, as the Emperor stared at their retreating backs solemnly. As if the heavens pitied the Emperor his misfortune of losing his most beloved concubine, the sky released a torrent of heavy rain.

    THE NEXT MORNING
    ON A SMALL BOAT

    Yin Yuk, with her head snuggled on Siu Tin's shoulder, looked at her senior martial brother uncertainly. "Big Brother Siu Tin, do you regret running away with me?"

    Siu Tin glanced down at her, surprised at her question. "Of course, not! I love you, Siu Yuk!"

    Yin Yuk gnawed at her bottom lip anxiously. "But I am carrying the Emperor's child…"

    Siu Tin lifted her chin with his index finger and thumb. "Don't be silly, love. The Emperor does not know that you are carrying his child. Besides, I will treat your child as my own. He will receive the best of care, the best schooling, and I will personally teach him our Lam family martial arts."

    Yin Yuk glanced at him teasingly. "Him? How do you know the baby will be a boy? Are you a physician?"

    Siu Tin looked insulted. "I do not have to be a doctor to know! I can just feel your abdomen here…" He reached forward to caress her flat belly.

    Yin Yuk giggled and playfully pushed his hand away. "There are other passengers on the boat!" She whispered with embarrassment.

    An elderly couple looked at the younger couple's playful antics with a smile. How loving and compatible they appeared, the elderly man and woman thought to themselves. As the boat sailed off into the horizon, Yin Yuk snuggled closer to Siu Tin, feeling like the luckiest person in the world.

    NINE MONTHS LATER
    LAM ON CITY
    AT LAM MANOR

    Siu Tin paced back and forth in front of the birthing room. "What is taking so long? It has been hours!"

    Inside the room, Yin Yuk let out an ear-piercing scream. Upon hearing her scream, he jolted to a halt. "Oh, no! Siu Yuk!"

    He dashed into the room in time to see the midwife wrap a squalling, red-faced infant boy in a red blanket. The midwife turned to the new father with a jubilant grin. "Congratulations, Young Master Lam! You have a son!"

    The midwife handed the baby over to Siu Tin, and he stared at the little wrinkled face with awe. He brought the baby over to his wife's bedside to share his joy with her.

    Siu Tin showed the baby off to Yin Yuk proudly, as if he had single-handedly brought the child into this world. "Sui Yuk, we have a beautiful son! Look how handsome he is!"

    Yin Yuk peeked at her son with a tired but serene expression. "He is kind of cute. Look at his tiny hands and feet!" Pausing, she pondered, "What shall we name him?"

    Siu Tin paused in deep thought. "Let's name him Yik Lun. One hundred million ethics. I want our son to be ethical, to be an upstanding man who will know right from wrong, who will protect and uphold the moral principles that we, the Lam family, represent as Chancellor of Wulin."

    Yin Yuk stroked her son's cheek tenderly as the baby punched the air vigorously with his miniature fists as his tiny rosebud mouth searched for his mother's breast. "Yik Lun…"

  4. #4
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 2 -- SWEET BUN

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻

    TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER
    SEASHORE

    Seagulls glided across a deep blue sky, their cries blending in with the soothing melody of gentle waves lapping against the jagged rocks lining the bottom of a steep cliff. The orange sun blazed proud and hot, its rays reflecting off the waves, making the sea appear like a blanket of shimmering ice-blue jewels.

    A lone man in a long white robe walked briskly along the shore, his right hand clutching a sword. Suddenly, he stopped as if listening intently to the surroundings. Out of nowhere, five men, dressed completely in black with black handkerchiefs covering the lower part of their faces, flew out toward the lone man in white. The man in white adroitly executed several flips in the air and vanished from sight. The five black-robed assassins surveyed the surrounding beach in confusion. Suddenly, from the corner of their eyes, they caught a glimpse of the metallic glint of a sword, but before they could react, they felt the fatal sting of blade against their throats. All five assassins collapsed onto the sandy beach, blood gushing from their wounds.

    One assassin gasped and panted as he pointed weakly at the man in white. "Lam Yik Lun, there are more assassins coming. Do you think the Wulin Chancellor’s family is invincible? Your enemies lurk everywhere. One day, your guard will be down, and you will die at our hands!" He coughed up blood and finally dropped his head onto the sand as he took in his last breath.

    Yik Lun glanced at the five bodies emotionlessly. Drops of crimson blood slowly trickled down the blade of his sword, saturating the dry, thirsty sand. Calmly, he re-sheathed his sword and strolled away without a backward glance.

    LATER THAT DAY
    GRASSY MEADOW

    Lun sat cross-legged on the soft grass under the shade of a willow tree, with his ever-present sword on the ground beside him. He untied the travel sack on his lap and took out a sweet bun. Enjoying his bun slowly, he leaned back against the trunk of the willow tree and closed his eyes as he listened to the gentle swishing sounds of leaves swaying in the breeze. Bees buzzed busily around the field, flying from one sweet blossom to another, sampling their sweet nectar.

    The tinkling sound of chains and soft footsteps interrupted the peaceful sounds of nature. Lun opened his eyes, looked up, and found himself staring into the most angelic face he had ever seen. A young woman stood in front him, garbed in a long frosty pink gown. From her appearance, she seemed to have been traveling for a long time. Specks of dirt dotted the silver ruffles at the hem of her gown and mud caked her once white slippered shoes. Her long, silky black tresses, slightly disheveled, trailed down her back, the tips fluttering around her tiny waist. Long, thick eyelashes framed a pair of large, brown eyes. A streak of grime slashed across her left cheek. As a gust of wind swept by, a loose tendril of hair tickled her cheek, and she absentmindedly brushed the lock aside, further smearing more dirt across her soft, smooth cheek.

    To Lun, she looked achingly beautiful, fragile, lost, and in dire need of help, yet the expression in her eyes revealed a trace of determination. Despite her delicate appearance, Lun could sense a subtle but strong will to survive, as steely and tenacious as the steel chains clamped around her ankles, restricting her from taking long strides and from running. Lun could not help but gawk at those metal links, wondering why this maiden was chained.

    On the other hand, the young woman did not seem to notice his curiosity and attention, but instead stared hungrily at the sweet bun in his hand. Finally, Lun noticed her hungry look.

    Clearing his throat, he awkwardly offered her a new bun from his travel sack. “Miss, would you like a bun?”

    Tears of gratitude swam in her eyes as she hesitantly reached for the bun. She whispered gratefully. "Thank you, Young Master."

    As she eagerly broke the bun in half, Lun tried to politely look away, but he kept finding his gaze involuntarily returning to her. Oblivious to his fascination with her, she hungrily devoured the bun and finished it within minutes. Still, her stomach continued to rumble, as she had not eaten in nearly three days.

    In the past few days, she had mainly travelled along small paths and side roads, avoiding towns and any bustling locations where her presence could be detected. Though penniless, she was too proud to beg, or rather, she was too cautious to beg, as she knew a stranger would never help without a steep price. Besides, even if she had wanted to plead, she couldn’t, as the small roads she had travelled on were nearly deserted. She had drunk from streams, had dug the earth for potatoes or anything that could possibly be edible, but unfortunately her efforts had been fruitless. Just when she thought she would starve to death, she had spotted him across the grassy expanse of meadow, his white gown like a bright beacon of hope, the food in his hand like a magnet, drawing her toward him. Hunger had gnawed painfully and anxiously at her, and she had found herself inching toward him as she threw caution aside.

    Now, after nearly swallowing one whole bun without chewing, she shamefully looked at Lun with downcast eyes, wanting to ask him for another bun but too embarrassed to voice her request.

    Astutely, he noticed her longing look and smiled kindly at her. “If Miss does not mind my simple fare, then please take the rest of the sweet buns.” He placed the small travel sack containing the remaining sweet buns in her hands.

    With her head still lowered, she accepted the buns shyly and smiled at him. "Thank you, Young Master. I will forever be grateful to you." She bowed to him slightly.

    The young woman turned around and began to walk away, the chains around her ankles rattling with her every step.

    Quickly, Lun jumped up from his seated position. "Wait, Miss!” When she turned back toward him with a quizzical look, Lun fumbled around for something to say and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Forgive me for being too curious, but why do you have chains around your ankles?"

    She paused and stared at the ground with a sad expression. "It's a long story. I must leave now, for I do not want to bring you trouble."

    She began to walk away. Again, Lun chased after her, unwilling to let her disappear.

    Lun attempted to stop her again. "Miss, wait! My name is Lam Yik Lun. Please, will you tell me your name?"

    The young woman hesitated but finally decided to divulge her name since he had been so kind to her. "My name is So Siu Han."

    Lun trailed after her. "Miss Siu Han, if you do not object, I would like to accompany you." He helpfully offered. "It is not safe for a woman to be traveling alone in the wilderness."

    Siu Han shook her head vigorously, her eyes huge as saucers. "No, you must not travel with me, Young Master! I will bring you bad luck!"

    Lun smiled gently at her frantic expression. "Nonsense. Why would you bring me bad luck? Does this have something to do with the chains around your ankles?"

    Siu Han nodded her head sadly before explaining. "I was born in a small fishing village. From the day I was born, my family started experiencing episode after episode of misfortune. My family caught and sold fish at the marketplace for a living. Before my birth, my father would always come home from a day at sea with barrels of large fish. Unfortunately after my birth, my family could no longer catch any fish, not even one single fish, and because of this, my baby brother starved to death. By the time I was three years old, my father died at sea in a boating accident. My mother, due to unbearable grief, committed suicide soon afterward, leaving my older brother and me to fend for ourselves."

    Frowning, she continued. "We lived off the streets, because the landlord considered us bad luck. When I was ten years old, my brother went up the mountains to look for wild berries and never came back. From that day on, I roamed the streets alone. When I turned fifteen years old, a terrible flood killed many people in my village. So, you see, I am pure bad luck." Siu Han concluded her story with a depressed sigh.

    Seeing her forlorn expression, Lun reassured her. "I am not superstitious. Everything that happened to your family could simply be due to coincidence. You should not blame yourself."

    Siu Han, her eyes downcast, spoke in a shaky voice. "A fortune teller in my village predicted that I would bring misfortune to everyone around me. Because of his words, no one would dare come near me."

    She stared into space, as if looking into the past. In a trance, she continued her story. "Big Brother Sai Chung was the only one who would befriend me after my biological brother disappeared. He was an orphan, too. He was out foraging for food when he found me one cold, wintery day, huddled next to a haystack in an open field. He took one look at me and knew we came from the same background, orphaned and unwanted by the rest of the villagers. He immediately looked after me as if I were his own younger sister. He allowed me to live with him in the wooden shack he was staying at. He brought me food and blankets, and for the first time in a very long time, I felt safe and happy.”

    Too emotional to continue, Siu Han sniffed back her tears. "But one day, he went out to look for firewood and never returned. I waited and waited, but he never came back. Days later, I heard gossip from some of the villagers that mountain bandits had stabbed a young boy to death while he was up on the mountains chopping firewood. The youth the villagers described matched Big Brother Sai Chung’s description."

    Sobbing softly, Siu Han confessed, "I killed Big Brother Sai Chung with my bad luck. I am such a jinx!" She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and then looked at Lun determinedly. "Don't you see? You must stay away from me!"

    She turned and walked away as quickly as her chains would allow her, but she tripped on a rock in her haste. Lun quickly lunged forward in an attempt to break her fall. Unfortunately, he was too far away and reached her a second too late, and instead of preventing her from falling, he tumbled to the ground with her. He landed with her sprawled on top of him, their faces inches apart.

    He stared deeply into her beautiful brown eyes, strangely mesmerized by this young woman he had barely met, as if he had known her from a different lifetime. Embarrassed, Siu Han scrambled to get up, but he suddenly jerked her head down onto his chest. Alarmed, she looked up at him, but he signaled to her to be quiet. He concentrated intensely on the grove of trees behind them.

    Suddenly, arrows shot out from the vicinity of the trees. In one fluid movement, Lun picked Siu Han up in his arms and flew away from the rain of arrows.

    Five men, dressed in black, gave chase. Lun settled Siu Han back on her feet and charged toward the men. Siu Han, her eyes wide with fear, backed away from the scene, trying to distance herself from the violence.

    Meanwhile, the five assassins seemed to be losing to Lun's more superior martial arts skills. With five consecutive forceful kicks, Lun knocked all five men down.

    Staggering backward, one of the assassins looked at Siu Han out of the corner of his eyes. Without warning, he lunged to his feet and charged toward Siu Han in an attempt to hold her hostage. Swiftly, Lun flipped through the air and stabbed the man through the heart. Without his feet touching the ground, he kicked off from a nearby tree trunk and flipped several more times through the air to where the other four assassins lay sprawled on the ground. With one swift slash of his sword, he finished them off.

    Shocked at what had just happened, Siu Han stood frozen to the ground.

    Walking toward Siu Han, Lun looked at her with concerned eyes. "Miss Siu Han, are you all right?"

    Siu Han stared at him with wide, horrified eyes and began to hyperventilate. The combination of hunger and fright caused the world to suddenly spin out of control, and soon she saw a curtain of gray before she dropped limply toward the ground. Calling to her in surprise, Lun rushed forward and caught her in time.

    Lun held an unconscious Siu Han in his arms and gently tapped her cheeks in an attempt to rouse her. "Miss Siu Han! Miss Siu Han!"

    When he received no response from the unconscious Siu Han, he quickly picked her up in his arms and ran swiftly towards Lam Manor.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 3 -- THE REST OF THE LAMS

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi a.k.a. Chi Chi 林淑姿
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜

    LAM ON CITY
    MARKETPLACE

    A young man, delicate in build with almost feminine features, walked around in the crowded marketplace, eyeing the vendors and calmly fanning himself with an expensive white fan. He strolled past Lam On City’s most famous house of ill repute, Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, then suddenly backtracked to the brothel's main entrance. Curiously, he glanced up at the balcony occupied by seductive women waving their handkerchiefs and calling to the men on the streets. He seemed to ponder for a short moment. Suddenly, he smiled mischievously and snapped his fan shut before walking into the notorious establishment.

    INSIDE PEARL FRAGRANCE PAVILION

    The Madam Ma, the brothel’s proprietor, a colorfully dressed older woman, rushed toward the young man who had just entered her establishment. He looked at his surroundings with a cheerful twinkle in his big eyes.

    Madam Ma sashayed shamelessly up to her new costumer. "Young Master! Welcome to Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, where the women are beautiful, the music is high-classed, and the food is delicious! Is this your first time here? You do not look familiar to me, but I promise after one unforgettable night in the company of my beautiful girls, you'll come back for more! Now who is your pleasure?"

    The young man grinned playfully, as he dangled a pouch full of gold coins in front of the madam's nose and declared brashly. "I want the most beautiful girl here!"

    Madam Ma stared greedily at the bag of gold coins, practically drooling thinking about the amount of wealth in that little pouch. "Of course! I will immediately summon her!" She turned around and screamed at the top of her lungs. "Mong Ching! Mong Ching! Come here quickly!"

    However, before Mong Ching could make an appearance, the young man felt a masculine hand clamp tightly around his arm. He turned around and saw another man, dressed in a dark blue gown, with an angry expression on his face. The man in blue yanked the young man away, and with his lightness kung fu, sped past the confused Madam Ma while dragging the protesting young man with him.

    Within seconds, both men arrived in an open field five miles away from Pearl Fragrance Pavilion.

    The young man pouted as he rubbed at his sore arm where the other man's tight grip had previously been. "Second Brother! You and Eldest Brother are always ruining my fun!"

    Lam Yik Wah sighed as his angry expression faded. "Chi Chi, do you know it is inappropriate for a genteel lady, like you, to be found in a house of prostitution? What will your future husband think?! If your good name is soiled, the Lam Family's honor will be marred and no man would want to marry you!"

    Lam Suk Chi pouted at her brother. "I am just having some good-natured fun. Besides, I want to see what the inside of a brothel is like. I am disguised as a man, so nobody will know who I am." She kicked at a loose pebble with her foot. "It is so boring at home, especially with Eldest Brother away on a mission and Third Sister touring the countryside gathering herbs. And you are no fun to be with! All you do is practice your sword skills. You won't even practice with me!"

    Wah sighed. "Chi Chi, have you ever considered staying home and practicing your embroidery like Mother suggested? A well-bred lady like you should not run around dressed as a man! And to enter such a disreputable establishment! What would Mother and Father say if they return and find out?" Noting that she was about to interrupt him, he held up a hand and continued his lecture. "I don't practice my sword skills with you, because you always quit after you sense that you are losing. Now come on. Let's go home. Eldest Brother and Suk Yu should be back soon."

    Chi Chi, still pouting, reluctantly trailed after her second brother while muttering under her breath about boring brothers. "Fine. I will go home and stare at the walls," she mumbled, disgruntled.

    IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF LAM ON CITY
    SMALL TEA STAND

    A beautiful young woman dressed in pale yellow sat at a small table at a tea stand, enjoying tea and some biscuits. On the table beside her food lay a jade flute, her weapon of choice. She finished her meal quickly, placed a few gold coins on the table, and left. A few minutes after her departure, two burly men sitting at a table nearby picked up their swords and followed her.

    FOREST

    As the young woman passed through the forest on her journey home, she played her flute, showering the woodland with a sad, lilting melody. The rustle of leaves from the nearby brush alerted her to the presence of others. She stopped in her tracks, but continued to play her flute. However, her tune changed to a sharp, ear-piercing pitch, causing the surrounding trees to quiver and the small animals to run for cover. The men hiding in the brush screamed and crashed out of the shrubbery, their hands clenched against their ears. The young woman continued her flute playing mercilessly as she looked at the two burly men writhing in pain on the forest ground. Blood trickled from their nostrils. Finally, taking pity on their suffering, the young woman halted her melody.

    The young woman twirled her flute. "Had enough, you two? Which sect do you belong to and why are you following me?"

    Without responding to her questions, the two men stabbed themselves with their swords, refusing to provide her with answers. The young woman hurried to their sides in an attempt to prevent them from committing suicide. Unfortunately, it was too late, for the men had already died. A metal disc hanging from a chain from one of the men's waist sash caught her eye, and she picked it up for closer inspection. The engraving on the metal read, "Sun Moon Sect."

    The young woman frowned as she examined the metal disc incredulously. "Hmmm…the Sun Moon Sect? There exists a second Sun Moon Sect?"

    In the distance, footsteps pounded on the dirt road of the forest. Soon two familiar voices could be heard, one male and the other female.

    Wah shouted, "Suk Yu! Suk Yu! Where are you?"

    Chi Chi followed close behind her second brother, screaming at the top of her lungs. "Third Sister! Third Sister! Are you all right?"

    Lam Suk Yu turned toward the direction of the voices, her hand still holding the metal disc. "Chi Chi! Second Brother! I am over here!"

    From the depths of the woods, Wah and Chi Chi emerged. They ran towards their sister, Lam Suk Yu.

    Chi Chi happily trotted over to her sister, a wide smile gracing her mischievous face. "Third Sister!"

    Suk Yu looked at her second elder brother and her younger sister with a confused expression. "Why are you two here? I thought you were at home."

    Wah shot Chi Chi a long-suffering look before turning toward Suk Yu to answer her question. "We were home, until Chi Chi sneaked out to cause trouble. I had to go look for her. On our way back to Lam Manor, we heard your flute playing and were concerned that you were in danger."

    Chi Chi, highly insulted by her brother's remark, pouted. "I was not out causing trouble, Second Brother! I just wanted to have some fresh air!"

    Suk Yu smiled at her younger sister's irked look. "All right, Chi Chi. I believe you. By the way, Second Brother, have you ever that there are two Sun Moon Sects? I found this metal disc on the body of one of the men following me."

    Suk Yu showed Wah the metal disc in her hand. Wah scrutinized it closely, his brow furrowed in concentration. Finally, he shook his head in confusion.

    Tiptoeing and peeking over her second brother’s shoulder, Chi Chi narrowed her eyes at the words engraved on the metal disc. “Two Sun Moon Sects?” Chi Chi butted into the conversation. “Impossible! We are the only Sun Moon Sect around! This other sect must be an impostor!”

    Wah handed the disc back to Suk Yu, replying, "No, I have never heard of another sect with the same name as our sect. Our Sun Moon Sect only consists of family. Other than you, me, Chi Chi, and Eldest Brother, Father and Mother have no other disciples. Therefore, there isn’t even the possibility of a fellow disciple establishing his own sect with the same name.” His fingers traced over the unfamiliar carving on the disc. “This symbol of a snake intertwined around a single rose... I’ve never seen this before...” He glanced at Suk Yu. “I wonder why its members are following you."

    Suk Yu appeared just as confused as her brother. "I asked them the same question, but they committed suicide before I was able to force an answer from them. I guess we'll have to ask Father when he and Mother return."

    Listening in on her siblings' conversation, Chi Chi suddenly chirped excitedly. "Maybe we should ask around to see if anyone has heard of this phony Sun Moon Sect!"

    Alarmed that Chi Chi will get into further mischief, Suk Yu and Wah shouted in unison, "No!"

    Wah frowned sternly at his youngest sister. "Chi Chi, you need to learn how to stay out of trouble! Lam Family is one of the pugilist world's most respected families. We have a reputation to uphold! You have to remember that. Let's all return and wait for Eldest Brother to return."

    The three set off on their journey home. Suk Yu and Wah continued to speculate on the origins of the mysterious “other” Sun Moon Sect, while Chi Chi trailed after them with a pout.

    As the three siblings exited the forest, two men arrived on the scene, dressed similarly in style as the two deceased men. They rushed toward the two corpses lying on the forest ground.

    The first man checked the pulses of the two dead men, his expression grim. "They're dead. We have to report back to First Young Master that they have failed their mission."

    Nodding, the second man inquired, "Should we pursue the Lam siblings?"

    The first man pondered briefly before answering, "No. Since our two dead comrades have already been discovered, the Lam siblings will be more vigilant. It will not be easy to capture them. Let's see what First Young Master wishes for us to do next."

    After burying their two fellow disciples, the two men disappeared into the thick woodland.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 4 -- UNCONSCIOUS GUEST

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi a.k.a. Chi Chi 林淑姿
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜
    Myolie Wu Hung Yee---Mok Yi San 莫綺晨
    Rain Lau Yuk Chui---Sung Ling 宋玲
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻

    LAM ON CITY
    LAM MANOR

    The minute Yik Wah, Suk Yu, and Chi Chi arrived home, a servant girl ran out to greet the three siblings. Without paying much attention to her two young mistresses, she headed directly toward Lam Yik Wah.

    The servant girl placed her hands on Wah's arm and batted her eyelashes. "Second Young Master, you have finally come home!"

    Wah cleared his throat self-consciously and removed his arm from her grasp. "Yi San, please have the cook prepare us a meal."

    Mok Yi San pouted and replaced her hands on Wah's arm again. "Second Young Master, where did you go? Why wouldn't you let me accompany you? You need someone to see to your comforts.”

    Shaking his head with a mild trace of impatience, Wah extricated his arm from her grasp again and spoke more firmly this time. "Yi San, would you please do as I say and go get us some food?"

    Yi San pretended that she did not see his irritation and smiled at him. "Fine. I will bring you some food immediately. You just rest."

    She continued smiling sweetly as she curtsied to Wah before leaving. However, her smile turned into a vicious snarl the minute she entered the hallway, out of the Lam siblings' earshot. With her fists tightly clenched, she stomped into the kitchen.

    Yi San muttered to herself angrily. "One of these days, I will marry into the Lam Family and never have to tend to others' needs again!"

    LAM MANOR
    KITCHEN

    News of the Lam siblings’ return reached the kitchen staff rapidly. Because the Lams had always been kind and fair to the servants, many were extremely loyal to them and were overjoyed that they had returned safely. The cook and several servants bustled around the kitchen. Some busily chopped firewood, some washed vegetables, and some tended to the huge wok.

    The Lam's young cook, Sung Ling, screamed indignantly at another servant. "AAAAAHHHHHH! Ah Ming! You cannot just randomly throw ingredients into the pot! You must add them one by one delicately." She demonstrated by gently sprinkling a dab of salt here and a dab of pepper there. "There! Perfect!" Satisfied, she ladled the boiling soup as she leaned forward to sniff the aromatic the fumes.

    As Yi San passed by, the cook grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the sizzling pot of stew.

    Sung Ling grinned happily. "Yi San! Here, try my stew. I bet Second Young Master, Third Young Mistress, and Fourth Young Mistress would love it!"

    Yi San angrily brushed off her friend's hand. "Ling, leave me alone. I am not in the mood to taste any of your concoctions."

    Sensing something wrong with Yi San, Ling frowned as she stared at her friend's dark expression. "What's wrong, Yi San? I thought you would be overjoyed that Second Young Master is home."

    Pouting, Yi San, sighed deeply and stomped her feet. "He doesn't even notice that I am alive. All I am to him is a servant. I'll show him one day."

    Hearing this complaint from Yi San a million times before, Ling now sighed and shook her head sympathetically. "Yi San, I told you not to get your hopes up. We are servants and should know our place. Besides, I do not think Second Young Master has any romantic feelings for you."

    Yi San clenched her fists. "I will make him love me. I swear to this!"

    LAM MANOR
    MAIN RECEPTION HALL

    Yik Lun burst through the main entrance of Lam Manor, an unconscious Siu Han cradled in his arms. He looked about frantically, shouting for assistance.

    Lun called for his third younger sister, the healer in the family. "Suk Yu, Suk Yu! Are you home, yet? I need your help!"

    After a few minutes of no response, he stared down at the unconscious Siu Han helplessly. Frowning, he carried Siu Han into one of the guest chambers and laid her gently down on the bed. While he wiped her brow with a cloth, Suk Yu, Wah, and Chi Chi barged into the room upon hearing their eldest brother's shouts.

    Wah rushed up to Lun, a happy grin gracing his serious face. "Eldest Brother! I am glad you are back. It has been months since you left on your mission."

    Lun gave his younger brother a slight, preoccupied smile before turning his attention back to the young maiden on the bed.

    Chi Chi curiously sidled toward the bed and stared at Sui Han. "Eldest Brother, who is she? She's very pretty."

    Lun urgently looked at Suk Yu. "Suk Yu, she just suddenly fainted. Can you find out what is wrong with her?"

    Suk Yu nodded, calmly sat on the bed beside Siu Han, and reached for her radial pulse. After a few minutes, she turned toward Lun, a reassuring smile on her face. "Don't worry, Eldest Brother. Her pulse appears fine to me. She probably fainted from exhaustion. She should recover nicely after some rest."

    Lun let out a relieved sigh, reclaimed his seat by the side of Siu Han's bed, and gently dabbed at her brow with the wash cloth. Meanwhile, the rest of his siblings looked down on Siu Han curiously and then directed a questioning look at their eldest brother, who had never brought a woman home before, nor had he ever shown such concern for one.

    Suk Yu, the most sensitive sibling of the bunch, smiled with understanding as she observed the worry on her brother's face. Suk Yu placed a comforting hand on her oldest brother's shoulder. "Don't worry, Eldest Brother. She will wake up soon. You have just returned from a long journey. Why don't you eat something and then get some rest? Chi Chi and I will take care of her and inform you when she wakes up."

    Chi Chi cheerfully piped up. "Yay! I am so happy that I now have someone my age to keep me company! I wonder if she knows martial arts? Maybe we can practice our sword skills together. You three never practice with me." She glared accusingly at her three siblings.

    Suk Yu gently pushed her oldest brother out the door. "Go ahead, Eldest Brother. Get some rest. Chi Chi, why don't you see if you can get some fresh clothes for her to change into once she rouses."

    Lun reluctantly left after one final concerned glance at Siu Han. Wah, who had remained silent all this time, trudged out, too, after another curious look at their delicate guest. Chi Chi, however, continued to gawk at the unconscious young woman with interest. Suk Yu, not wanting her talkative younger sister to disturb their guest, shooed her out to search for clothing.

    LAM MANOR
    LATER THAT EVENING

    The moon shone luminescent and bright, its white light bathing the majestic gardens of Lam Manor. In a guest chamber facing the gardens, Suk Yu sat at a table, reading a martial arts manuscript in the candlelight, her ever-present jade flute on the table by her side. Chi Chi, on the other hand, paced back and forth, too full of energy to sit still. Her older sister looked at her and sighed, shaking her head indulgently.

    Finally, Chi Chi came to stand beside Suk Yu. "Third Sister, why do you think this Miss has chains on her feet?" She pondered this mystery for a while. "Maybe she's an escaped convict! Maybe she's a ruthless killer!" Her eyes widened as her imagination ran wild. "But why would Eldest Brother bring her home if she's evil? Hmmm…"

    Suk Yu sighed at Chi Chi's bizarre imagination. "Eldest Brother has always been a good judge of character. I doubt our mysterious guest is evil. Remember, try to refrain from asking her about the chains when she wakes up. It might upset her."

    Chi Chi nodded absentmindedly. Trotting back to stand beside the bed, she scrutinized the unconscious Siu Han. "She looks very slender. I bet she hasn't eaten in days. Poor thing!" Tilting her head curiously, she spied a small, simple heart-shaped jade hanging from a red string by Siu Han's waist. "Look at this, Third Sister. It's very simple but pretty."

    Chi Chi's voice broke through Siu Han's consciousness, and she struggled back to reality. Siu Han moaned as she turned her head slowly to stare up at Chi Chi. Shocked at seeing a stranger's face, Siu Han sat up quickly, knocking her forehead right into Chi Chi's.

    "Ouch!” Chi Chi and Siu Han grimaced in pain as they both rubbed their foreheads. In unison, they muttered something incoherent.

    From behind, Suk Yu approached the bed. "Miss! You are awake! How do you feel?"

    Alarmed and still disoriented, Siu Han backed away from the two sisters in shock and fright.

    Suk Yu smiled reassuringly. "Miss, do not be afraid. We mean you no harm."

    Nodding her head enthusiastically, Chi Chi tugged on Siu Han's sleeve. "I'm Lam Suk Chi, but everybody calls me Chi Chi. This is my sister, Lam Suk Yu. What's your name?"

    Siu Han, still rubbing her forehead, eyed the two strangers warily. "Why…why am I here?"

    Chi Chi, eyes wide, exclaimed, "Don't you remember what happened? You fainted and my eldest brother carried you home."

    Confused, Siu Han stared at Chi Chi and Suk Yu blankly. "Huh?" Then she suddenly remembered her sweet buns, which she had been looking forward to eating. "Where are my sweet buns?!" She frantically searched the bed for the buns. When she realized that she must have dropped them, she became teary-eyed because she was so hungry.

    Suk Yu guessed correctly that their guest must be hungry since she was so upset over the sweet buns. "Miss, would you like to eat something first?" She gestured at the dishes of food on the table. “Why don't you and Chi Chi eat, while I go inform Eldest Brother that you are awake?"

    After Suk Yu left the room, Siu Han edged hesitantly toward the table full of delicious smelling food. She nearly clapped with joy and quickly sat down and hungrily devoured the biscuits and slices of fruit. Chi Chi sat down next to her, with her elbows resting on the table.

    As Siu Han ravenously feasted, Chi Chi perched on the stool and looked at Sui Han curiously. "You haven't told me your name."

    Less frightened now as she sensed that the sisters had no intention to harm her, Siu Han swallowed her food slowly before answering. "My name is So Siu Han."

    Chi Chi tilted her head inquisitively at her guest. "Do you have any family here?"

    Siu Han shook her head. "No. I come from a fishing village up north. Everyone in my family has passed away except for me."

    Chi Chi nodded sympathetically. "It must be difficult being without family." She stopped to contemplate something. "Although I must admit being the youngest in a big family isn't always easy. My siblings always treat me like a child, and they watch every move I make!" She suddenly brightened as an idea popped into her head. "Hey, why don't you stay here and become my younger god sister, so that I don't have to be the youngest anymore!"

    Siu Han peered at the talkative Chi Chi questioningly. "Hmmm…," she mumbled, unsure how to reply to that statement.

    Thinking that Chi Chi was a little peculiar, Siu Han made a noncommittal sound and returned to her eating. Since escaping Pearl Fragrance Pavilion three days ago, she had not eaten and had been hiding in corners and alleys, afraid that the two burly brothel security guards would find her and drag her back. If Mong Ching, another prostitute at the brothel, had not created a diversion to help her escape, she would still be trapped in that despicable place. Siu Han was not so naïve to believe that Mong Ching had aided her out of kindness. She knew that the other woman saw her as stiff competition for customers and would love to see her leave the establishment.

    Unaware of Siu Han’s thoughts, Chi Chi babbled on and on about all the fun things they could do together as god sisters.

    Siu Han finished her food quickly and turned to Chi Chi. "Where am I?"

    Smiling proudly, Chi Chi puffed out her chest and exclaimed, "Why, you're at Lam Manor!”

    She stared expectantly at Siu Han after that announcement, expecting some sort of awed applause. When no sort thing happened, she frowned. “Siu Han, haven’t you heard of Lam Manor?”

    Siu Han shook her head, her expression puzzled.

    “Do you know martial arts, Siu Han?” Chi Chi questioned.

    Again, Siu Han shook her head.

    At that, Chi Chi slapped her palm down onto the table top suddenly, startling Siu Han, and cried loudly, “Then no wonder you don’t know Lam Manor!” She clasped Siu Han’s hands tightly in hers. “We are the one of the most respected families in the pugilist world. Everyone must give face to Lam Family of Lam On City. Don't worry, whoever put those chains around your ankles would not dare harm you as long as you stay with us."

    Upon learning about her location, Siu Han started panicking. "Wait! Lam Manor is in Lam On City? I am back in Lam On City?! How could it be? I remember being near the outskirts of the city yesterday!"

    Frightened at the prospect of being discovered by the brothel security guards since Pearl Fragrance Pavilion was also located in Lam On City, Siu Han frantically tried to come up with an escape plan. Without out another word, she stood up and hurried toward the door.

    Noticing that her guest was leaving, Chi Chi halted her nonstop chatter and placed a hand on Siu Han's arm to stop her departure.

    Chi Chi exclaimed in surprise. "Siu Han, where are you going? Eldest Brother will be so mad at me if I let you leave before he sees you!"

    Ignoring Chi Chi's question, Siu Han frantically shook off Chi Chi's hand. "Miss Chi Chi, I really must go!"

    Sui Han rushed out the door at full speed, ran right into Lun's chest, and bounced back from the impact.

    Caught by surprise, Lun reached out to steady her. "Whoa! Miss, where are rushing off to? You have just recovered. You must stay here and rest!"

    Siu Han glanced up at him with terrified eyes. "I can't stay! They are going to come after me! They are going to come after me!"

    Lun and Chi Chi exchanged confused looks and asked in unison. "Who's going to come after you?"

    Breathing rapidly, Siu Han replied in a shaky voice. "Those Pearl Fragrance Pavilion security guards! They are out there looking for me right now, waiting for the opportunity to drag me back! Madam Ma said that she would pay a handsome reward for any employee who is able to return me to her."

    Wah, who had wandered out of his room to see what the commotion was about, joined in the conversation. "I am Chi Chi's second brother. Miss, why don't you explain the situation to us? We will help you." He tried to calm Siu Han down.

    Siu Han looked at her hosts with big, frightened eyes before taking in a deep breath. "About a week ago, the villagers in my fishing village said that my presence was bad luck. They all decided to sell me to a house of prostitution in Lam On City, far away from the village so that my bad luck would no longer affect them. The Madam of Pearl Fragrance Pavilion paid a hefty sum for me and planned to launch my debut as one of her 'stars.' I tried to run away once but was captured. They locked me in chains to prevent future escapes. Luckily, three days ago, one of the girls there helped me escape. They have been looking for me ever since. I must leave before they find me!"

    Wah furrowed his brows, speaking in a reassuring voice and trying to calm down Siu Han's hysteria. "We will pay for your freedom. You have nothing to fear."

    Chi Chi chimed in cheerfully. "Yeah! I'll accompany you tomorrow to Pearl Fragrance Pavilion and give that evil Madam Ma a piece of my mind!"

    Sighing, Wah and Lun glanced at Chi Chi reproachfully. "Chi Chi, please! We do not need anymore problems while Mother and Father are away!" They burst out in unison.

    Siu Han whispered gratefully to her benefactors. "Thank you, everyone. I will work to repay your kindness."

    Lun shook his head. "No, you are our guest. There is no need to repay us." He reassured her.

    Siu Han, full of stubborn pride, pursed her lips into a grim line. "I won't accept your help unless you let me work to repay you."

    Chi Chi squeezed into the conversation enthusiastically. "Okay! Then, it's settled. Siu Han can be my personal maid!" Turning to Siu Han, she grabbed her hand excitedly. "We will have so much fun exploring the city!"

    At her declaration, her brothers frowned at her warningly.

    Chi Chi returned their glances indignantly. "What?! I'll take care of Siu Han. I promise!"

    Not at all reassured, the brothers continued to eye Chi Chi suspiciously, while Siu Han smiled at their sibling tiff.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 5 -- MY HERO

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Louis Koo Tin Lok---Gu Yat Fei 古日飛
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Joe Ma Tuk Chung---Lau Dong 劉當
    Vincent Jiao Enjun---Chau Mo 周武
    Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa 花婆婆

    NEAR NORTHERN BORDER OF SUNG DYNASTY
    SUN MOON SECT

    The two Sun Moon Sect members, who had previously discovered the deaths of two fellow members in the forest, hastily returned to the Sun Moon Sect to report this setback. They pressed a hidden stone lever near the entrance of a stone structure, and a hidden door slid open to reveal a long, torch lit hallway. The two members entered, their footsteps echoing loudly in the silence. At the end of the hall, they hesitated at the entrance of a huge, dimly lit room and exchanged apprehensive glances before stepping inside.

    A darkly handsome man sat meditating on a stone slab with his legs crossed and eyes closed. Sensing the presence of the two newcomers, his eyes suddenly opened, and he jerked his head in the direction of the entranceway. His cold, emotionless eyes pierced the two Sun Moon Sect members.

    The man looked questioningly at the two members. "Did the two men I sent out successfully capture the third young mistress of the Lam family, Lam Suk Yu?"

    One of the members, Chau Mo, shook his head. "No, First Young Master. Lau Dong and I found the bodies of our two fellow sect members in the forest near the outskirts of Lam On City. She must have discovered and killed them."

    Hearing this news, the darkly handsome man tightened his jaw muscles, his lips flattened into a grim line. "Incompetent imbeciles! I send two burly men out, and they cannot even capture one young maiden! What about the ten assassins I sent out to kill the eldest Lam family son, Lam Yik Lun?"

    The other Sun Moon Sect member, Lau Dong, glanced worriedly at his fellow sect member, Chau Mo, before answering. "They, too, have failed their mission. Chau Mo and I found five assassins dead on the beach and five more dead on a meadow in the outskirts of Lam On City."

    Incensed at this news, the darkly handsome man hurled a fireball at the opposite stone wall.

    Another young man stood at the corner of the inner chamber with his back facing the other three people in the room, as he calmly studied the martial arts drawings on the walls. He now turned around and spoke, smirking slightly at his darkly handsome older brother. "Elder Brother, I told you that the Lam siblings are difficult to defeat. After all, the Lam family has been holding the title of Chancellor of the Pugilist World for over forty years."

    The darkly handsome man glanced over at his younger brother, his gaze piercing. "Yat Keung, don't be so sure of the Lams' invincibility. After all, everyone has a weakness. All we have to do is find that weak spot and strike. I will challenge these Lam siblings personally if I have to, and I believe that I, Gu Yat Fei, will be able to defeat them."

    Gu Yat Keung walked calmly toward his older brother. "Why waste your talents, Elder Brother? Why don't I take care of them for you?"

    Fei looked at his younger brother questioningly. "You? Are you sure you want to deal with this?"

    Keung shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure. Why, not? I haven't had the chance to try out my new Dragon Claws Flying Daggers technique. I might as well use this skill on the Lams."

    Fei smiled. "Then I shall wait here for your good news, Little Brother. Take Lau Dong and Chau Mo with you to help. Don't disappoint me, Keung."

    Keung grinned confidently. "When have I ever let you down?"

    LAM ON CITY
    OUTSIDE PEARL FRAGRANCE PAVILION

    Lun walked toward Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, with Siu Han trailing apprehensively after him. He paused in front of the brothel's entrance and glanced back at the quivering Siu Han.

    Lun smiled reassuringly at the frightened maiden before walking over to Siu Han's side. "Siu Han, do not be afraid. I promise I won't let them recapture you."

    Siu Han peeked up at Lun worriedly. "But First Young Master, what if they…?"

    Lun shook his head and reassured Siu Han again. "Don't worry. We are here to pay for your freedom. You'll never have to return to this place again."

    Siu Han looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, First Young Master. You are so kind and generous. You have no obligation to help me, and yet, you still offer to pay for my freedom. I don't think I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness."

    Lun stared at her intently but remained silent for a moment. Then he smiled slightly and patted her hand. "Don't be silly. There is nothing to repay. Let's get this unpleasant task settled, and we can be on our way."

    Sui Han, eyes wide, hesitantly followed him into Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, her hand tightly gripping his.

    INSIDE PEARL FRAGRANCE PAVILION

    Inside the notorious house of ill-repute, drunken men chased scantily dressed women around, while some customers enjoyed the seductive dance performance on stage as they sampled the fine wine and cuisine. Discreetly from a corner of the main reception hall, the madam of the establishment scanned the crowd, her sharp eyes immediately spying a well-dressed Yik Lun, and smelling a potential rich customer, sashayed up to him.

    Madam Ma smiled charmingly, baring all her teeth. "Young Master! Welcome to Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, where the women are beautiful, the music is high-classed, and the cuisine is delicious! We have a wide variety of girls for selection. Who is your pleasure today?"

    As Madam Ma chattered on, Siu Han hid behind Lun and stayed out of the madam's line of vision.

    Lun dangled a pouch full of gold coins in front of Madam Ma's nose. "I am here to pay for the freedom of one of your girls." He pulled Siu Han out from behind him, thus revealing her presence to the madam.

    Spotting Siu Han, Madam Ma’s mouth dropped open with surprise. As surprise turned into outrage, the madam pointed an accusing finger at Siu Han as she advanced toward the frightened young woman threateningly. "You! So this man is whom you have been hiding with all this time! I paid good money for you, and you have not brought in one gold coin for me!"

    Terrified, Siu Han burrowed herself against Lun's chest. He held her protectively against him as he thrust one hand out to halt the advance of the angry Madam Ma.

    Lun spoke calmly. "Madam, why don't you just take these gold coins as payment for Siu Han’s freedom? There is more than enough money in the pouch to cover all your losses."

    Madam Ma, incensed at being told what to do, screeched, "What?! Set this girl free? Are you kidding? She has the kind of fragile beauty that attracts men like honey attracts bees! She will make me a million times richer than I am now! Do you think that your pouch of gold can compare to the riches that I will gain in the future?"

    Lun's eyes narrowed dangerously at the madam’s uncooperative attitude, his voice cold with anger. "I sincerely advise that you take the gold coins I am offering, Madam."

    Madam Ma laughed mockingly in Lun's face. "I am not afraid of you! I have men to take care of troublemakers like you!"

    She backed away from Lun and Siu Han as she clapped her hands loudly. From the interior balcony of the reception hall, four heavyset men leapt down and surrounded Lun. Sensing trouble, Lun set Siu Han away from him and turned to face his opponents with a dangerously quiet expression.

    Madam Ma shrieked in the background. "Beat him up!!!"

    The four men charged at Lun simultaneously with fists raised menacingly. Calmly, without unsheathing his sword, Lun grabbed one of the men by the lapels of his robe and flung him toward a second man, who was in the process of charging forward, thereby knocking both down. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw two more men swiftly approaching, and with a forceful kick, sent both crashing into a nearby table. The occupants of the table screamed and ran for cover. Chaos ensued as guests quickly evacuated Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, leaving the four brothel security guards writhing in pain on the floor and Madam Ma cowering in the corner.

    Siu Han quickly ran to Lun's side and latched onto his arm as she surveyed the carnage. Lun, with Siu Han attached to his arm, walked toward the frightened madam.

    He dropped his pouch of gold coins onto the floor in front of Madam Ma. Stretching his hand out toward the frightened woman, he demanded, "Give me Siu Han’s ownership papers." When Madam Ma continued to stare up at him with shock, her eyes glazed over, he added calmly in a lethally soft voice. "Now."

    Her head nodding like a puppet attached to strings, Madam Ma crawled over to a wooden cabinet hidden behind a thick, red brocade curtain at a secluded corner of the reception hall. With shaky hands, she pulled out Siu Han’s ownership papers from a hidden compartment inside the top drawer and handed them over to Lun. "Here, Young Master."

    Lun scanned the papers to confirm their authenticity and then immediately shredded them to pieces. Then holding Siu Han's hand, he started to walk out of Pearl Fragrance Pavilion with her.

    One of the burly men, unwilling to accept defeat easily, charged at Lun's back with a small knife. A split second before the knife touched his back, Lun swiftly turned around and stared emotionlessly at his opponent. Frightened by Lun's steely gaze, the man dropped his knife and ran away.

    OUTSIDE PEARL FRAGRANCE PAVILION

    Holding Siu Han’s hand firmly, Lun pulled her across the cobblestone road, walking at a steady pace without glancing back at the brothel. After passing several store fronts along the busy market street, Lun paused and turned toward Siu Han with concern.

    "Are you all right?"

    Siu Han looked at him quietly for such a long time that Lun began to worry that she might have been traumatized by the events inside Pearl Fragrance Pavilion earlier. Then Siu Han suddenly grinned widely, surprising him.

    "First Young Master, you were fabulous in there, just like the heroes in the bedtime stories my mother used to tell me!" She raved enthusiastically.

    Not expecting such a compliment, Lun turned beet-red and looked bashfully down at the ground. "Ummm…" Clearing his throat, he mumbled shyly to his feet. “It is nothing. Siu Han…”

    However, by the time he glanced back up, Siu Han had already wandered off to inspect some hairpins at a nearby vendor stand. He walked over to her and peered over her shoulder to see which pieces had caught her eye.

    Lun commented, "Those hairpins are beautiful. Would you like one?"

    Siu Han smiled and shook her head, although a tinge of wistfulness danced fleetingly across her eyes. "The hairpins are pretty, but too expensive. Let's go, First Young Master. It's getting late." She walked away after one last longing look at the hair pieces.

    Hesitantly, Lun glanced back at the hairpins. After a moment, he followed Siu Han, who appeared to be deep in thought. Tapping Siu Han on the shoulder, Lun made up an excuse to stop Siu Han from heading straight back to Lam Manor. "Siu Han, I am a bit hungry. Why don't you find us a table at that restaurant up ahead? I have something to do first and will meet up with you in a few minutes."

    Sui Han nodded. "All right."

    Sui Han walked toward the restaurant up ahead. Once she disappeared into the restaurant, Lun quickly returned to the hairpin vendor stand.

    VENDOR STAND SELLING HAIR ACCESSORIES

    The vendor, a smooth-talking elderly woman, enthusiastically welcomed Lun's browsing and excitedly advertised her goods. He inspected the wide selection of hair accessories with a confused frown, since he had never bought anything for a woman before.

    The vendor spoke encouragingly. "Take your time, Young Master. I have a wide variety of hair accessories which not only accentuate a maiden's beauty but also are sturdy to wear and tear."

    Lun studied every hairpin spread out on the table. "Which hair accessory did that young maiden like?"

    The vendor looked at Lun questioningly. "You mean, the young maiden with you here a few moments ago? Well, it was hard to tell because she glanced at every piece." The old woman smiled at Lun cunningly, sensing an easy target. "Young Master, if you wish to impress her, then my advice is to purchase this one here." She pointed to a delicate gold hairpin with multicolored jewels clustered together at one end to form the shape of a phoenix. The phoenix “feathers” extended into three long, shimmering, gold chains, which dangled from one end of the pin. "It's a replica of the hair accessory worn by the beautiful and famous Tang Dynasty concubine, Lady Yeung."

    Lun picked up the recommended hairpin and examined it closely, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Hmmm…" He glanced at the other hairpins, which looked exquisite, also. He tried to imagine which one Siu Han would prefer, but came up with a blank. Finally, after much deliberation, he made a decision. "I would like to buy all of them. Wrap them up for me, please."

    The vendor smiled excitedly, for this was her lucky day. "Thank you! Thank you, Young Master! That young maiden is truly fortunate to have you as an admirer."

    After handing over his payment and tucking his package away, Lun headed toward the restaurant, deciding that he will surprise Siu Han tonight with his purchases. As he strolled away, the hairpin vendor, also known to others in the Sun Moon Sect as Grandmother Fa, grinned slyly at Lun's retreating back…

  8. #8
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 6 -- PERVERT!

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi a.k.a. Chi Chi 林淑姿
    Myolie Wu Hung Yee---Mok Yi San 莫綺晨
    Rain Lau Yuk Chui---Sung Ling 宋玲
    Vincent Jiao Enjun---Chau Mo 周武
    Joe Ma Tuk Chung---Lau Dong 劉當
    Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa 花婆婆

    LAM ON CITY
    SKY DRAGON RESTAURANT

    Sky Dragon Restaurant occupied a prime location in Lam On City and consisted of two stories. The second story overlooked the city’s bustling marketplace, providing restaurant customers with a dazzling view of the streets below. At any hour of the day, customers packed the restaurant to sample the establishment’s famed, delicious dishes. Currently, customers filled every table on the second floor. Near the long winding staircase, a few people hovered, hoping that someone would vacate a table soon. However, those fortunate enough to find a seat seemed determined to lazily enjoy their meal and the view for as long as possible. Dejected, the few standing people descended to the first level.

    Gu Yat Keung, Chau Mo, and Lau Dong occupied a table near the restaurant’s balcony overlooking the busy marketplace. Yet, unlike the other patrons, the three Sun Moon Sect members appeared to be oblivious to the scenery below as they sipped their wine.

    Gu Yat Keung brought his cup of wine close to his nostrils for a sniff. "Have the scouts we sent out to survey Lam Manor returned?"

    Chau Mo nodded. "Yes, they have, Second Young Master. According to reports, Chancellor Lam Siu Tin and his wife Chan Yin Yuk are away, leaving their two sons and two daughters to guard Lam Manor. There are a total of four entrances to the manor, each with two stationed manservants serving as guards. Change of guard duty occurs at sunrise and at sunset."

    Keung nodded approvingly. "Have you found out any more useful information?"

    Lau Dong smiled. "Yes, we have. One of the servant girls, Mok Yi San, appears to have romantic feelings toward the second Lam son. It also appears that she is very rash and short-tempered. In addition, a few days ago, the Lams acquired a new servant, a previous dancing girl at Pearl Fragrance Pavilion, Lam On City’s most famous and elite house of entertainment and prostitution.

    Keung rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Very interesting, indeed. One very rash servant girl and another with a questionable background. I want you to find out more information on these two servant girls. Ballads sing of beauties bringing great men to their knees. Perhaps it is true. These two maidens may be the keys to the downfall of this esteemed family of invincible pugilists."

    Chau Mo nodded in agreement. "Yes, we will see to this immediately. Grandmother Fa wants us to inform you that she will meet with you tonight for any reports of new developments."

    Their conference over, Chau Mo and Lau Dong stood up and excused themselves. While descending the winding staircase of Sky Dragon Restaurant, they brushed past Siu Han, who was coming up the stairs to look for a table while she waited for Lun.

    Luckily for Siu Han, one family had just finished their meal and left, vacating the table next to the one Gu Yat Keung was sitting at. Delighted at finding an empty table near the balcony overlooking the bustling marketplace, she quickly walked over to claim her spot. Humming a soft tune to herself, Siu Han glanced down at the street below, trying to catch a glimpse of Lun.

    At the next table facing her, Keung looked up from his wine, trying to locate the source of the gentle, sweet melody, and saw a vision of delicate beauty in front of him. He gazed at Siu Han, bewitched, his wine forgotten. For Keung, the rest of the world rapidly faded away, leaving only this fair maiden.

    A toddler, who had escaped from his mother's grasp, energetically chugged his stubby legs toward the balcony, where colorful lanterns swayed in the gentle breeze. He clumsily bumped into Keung, bringing him out of his trance. The little boy slipped from the collision and nearly catapulted over the low railing of the balcony. In the background, the child’s mother screamed, but her reflexes were too slow and she could not reach her boy quickly enough. Everyone glanced over toward the balcony at that moment, just in time to witness the child wobble precariously for a brief second before flipping over the horizontal wooden balcony beam. Immediately, Keung released one small dagger. The blade whizzed soundlessly through the air and stabbed through the hem of the child’s small robe and into the wooden railing of the balcony, safely nailing the child in place.

    For what seemed like an eternity, silence engulfed the entire second story of the restaurant. Motionless, everyone stared incredulously and stupidly at the toddler dangling over the edge of the balcony, nailed to the wooden beam by a gleaming dagger. Then the toddler’s frightened cries broke through everyone’s reverie. Applause erupted throughout the restaurant.

    Both Siu Han and Keung rushed over to the boy, and in their haste to pull the child up, they accidentally brushed their hands together. Feeling awkward, Siu Han immediately lowered her eyes and took a step back, allowing Keung to lift the wailing and shaky child into his arms.

    “Mama!” The toddler sobbed, turning his tear-streaked face toward his mother, who stood frozen nearby.

    His mother, galvanized into action by her child’s cry, dashed over, grabbing the boy into her arms.

    The child's mother gushed gratefully at Keung. "Thank you so much, Young Master! Thank you so much! You saved my little boy’s life!"

    Keung acknowledged her gratitude distractedly. "You're welcome, Madam."

    He kept his eyes on Siu Han, who had her head turned slightly away from him, uncomfortable at being stared at so blatantly.

    Siu Han quietly went back to her seat and resumed her watch for Lun, while Keung also returned to his table. Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed Keung's steady gaze. For a very long time, he continued staring.

    Siu Han muttered under her breath. "Pervert!"

    Extremely uneasy, Siu Han tried to ignore him. After a few minutes, she peeked over in his direction again, hoping that he had lost his fascination with her. Unfortunately, her gaze locked with his the second she glanced over. He smiled charmingly at her. Unimpressed, she leapt up from her seat and hurried downstairs.

    Alarmed that he had scared her off with his smile, Keung immediately stood up and attempted to pursue her, but his chase was thwarted by the appearance of huge, excessively friendly, burly man.

    The burly man enveloped Keung in a bone-crushing embrace. "Thank you, Young Master, for taking care of my little boy in my absence. My wife tells me you saved his life! Thank you!" The man delivered a couple of forceful slaps to Keung's back before walking off with his family.

    Stunned at what had just occurred, Keung stood still for a few minutes before he remembered Siu Han. Quickly, using his lightness kung fu, he leapt over the balcony railing and ran down the crowded street, urgently scanning the area for the enchanting young maiden.

    Siu Han, hiding behind a large woven basket in an alley, sneaked a peek at Keung as he rushed past her.

    "You strange man! Following me around!" She grumbled angrily under her breath.

    She waited a few more minutes after Keung had passed before walking back toward Sky Dragon Restaurant to wait for Lun.

    LATER THAT DAY
    GARDENS OF LAM MANOR

    Sparrows fluttered from tree to tree, chirping furiously as their peace was disturbed by Yik Wah's swift and accurate sword strokes. He flew into the air and flipped from one tree to the next, scattering leaves with his sword. With one final airborne somersault, he landed onto the rooftop, sat down, and chugged from a small gourd of wine to quench his thirst. On the ground below him, the scattered leaves formed the Chinese character, "Lam."

    Nearby, Chi Chi, who was also practicing her sword skills, stopped and ran over to admire her second brother's impressive skills.

    Chi Chi exclaimed excitedly. "Second Brother! I want to learn how to form Chinese characters with scattered leaves!

    Wah leapt down from the rooftop to pat Chi Chi on the cheek. "I'll teach you only if you promise to not leave Lam Manor until Father and Mother return."

    Chi Chi pouted. "Hey! That's not a fair exchange! I'll be bored to death! You and Eldest Brother never let me go anywhere! He wouldn't even let me accompany Siu Han this morning to Pearl Fragrance Pavilion."

    Wah sighed. "That is because it is not appropriate for a well-bred lady to frequent those places!"

    Chi Chi stuck her tongue out at Wah. "I am going to find Siu Han. She is more fun to be with!"

    She ran off to the kitchen, leaving Wah staring after her with a resigned look. He picked up his sword and dabbed at the sweat on his forehead with this robe sleeve. At that moment, Mok Yi San entered the garden, carrying a tray of dessert. She smiled at Wah and quickly placed the tray down on the stone table.

    Yi San rushed over to Wah and made a move to help dab the sweat from his forehead. "Here, let me help you, Second Young Master."

    Wah quickly moved his head backward, away from her hands. "I am fine." He walked into his chamber and shut the door firmly, leaving a fuming and speechless Yi San standing alone in the garden.

    KITCHEN

    Siu Han busily chopped vegetables on a cutting board. Because the Lam family's regular cook, Sung Ling, was visiting her ailing mother and most of the kitchen staff had the day off, Siu Han had volunteered to help prepare the evening meal. Beside her, Lun stared at the pot of half-cooked rice in confusion.

    Lun frowned and muttered to himself. "I know I added enough water to the pot! But why is the rice only half-cooked?"

    Siu Han glanced over at him and smiled discreetly. "First Young Master, how is the rice coming along over there?"

    Lun tried to hide the rice pot from her view. "Ummm…fine. Everything is under control."

    Sui Han probed teasingly. "Really? Let me see the rice pot."

    Lun turned his head around and stared at her indignantly, clutching the pot more tightly. "Why? I can cook just as well as any person!"

    Not believing a word he said, Siu Han stood on tiptoes to peek over his shoulder at the pot of half-cooked rice. "Hmmm…" She giggled at his insulted look. "First Young Master, you do not belong in the kitchen. Why don't you wait in the dining hall until dinner is ready? I can handle this by myself."

    Lun, wanting to take advantage of every opportunity to be near Siu Han, objected quickly. "No, I want to help you. You are new here, and it is unfair that you have to take over another servant's responsibilities in addition to your own."

    Chi Chi, who had just reached the kitchen, stood in the doorway silently observing her Eldest Brother's lovesick expression.

    She smiled mischievously. "Eldest Brother, since when did you decide to become a cook? I recall that you dread even the simple task of boiling water. Remember that time you almost burned the whole kitchen down trying to impress Mother by making her breakfast?" She turned to Siu Han and whispered to her. "Our previous cook retired the day following that incident!"

    Lun glared at Chi Chi, willing her to be quiet with his stern expression. "You're making that up! That incident never happened!" He denied.

    Siu Han smiled at the siblings. "First Young Master, to be honest, I think dinner will be finished sooner if you wait in the dining hall."

    Chi Chi, upon hearing this, giggled uncontrollably. Lun continued to glare at his youngest sister.

    Siu Han, taking pity on Lun, took the pot of half-cooked rice from him and suggested, "First Young Master, why don't you help by chopping more wood for me?"

    Lun broke into a wide grin, relieved that he did not have to re-cook the rice. "Sure! I can do that!"

    He walked over to the pile of wood and began to break each large block into miniature pieces with his bare hands. Chi Chi rolled her eyes at her brother's obvious attempt to show off in front of Siu Han.

    Chi Chi cleared her throat. "Uhhh… Eldest Brother, the axe is right at your feet."

    Lun stopped and glared threateningly at Chi Chi. Siu Han chuckled softly, convinced that the Lams were a strange but very amusing family.

    THAT EVENING
    LAM ON CITY
    EAST SEA ROYAL INN

    Gu Yat Keung sat at the table inside his inn chamber, a small smile on his lips as he stared dreamily at his drawing of the young maiden he had met this morning at Sky Dragon Restaurant. Three consecutive knocks on the door interrupted his reverie. Keung quickly rolled up the drawing and placed it beside his pillow on the bed.

    Keung walked toward the door. "Who is it?"

    Grandmother Fa replied, "Second Young Master, it is I, Grandmother Fa."

    Recognizing the voice of one of his subordinates, Keung opened the door and invited her in. "Do you have any more news on the Lam family?"

    Grandmother Fa nodded. "Yes. It appears that the eldest Lam son is infatuated with the new servant girl. He came by my vendor stand this morning and bought all my hairpins in an attempt to impress her."

    Keung laughed amusingly. "There is a saying in the pugilist world that First Young Master Lam Yik Lun of the Wulin Chancellor’s family is a stone-faced, cold swordsman who barely glances at women. If this woman has managed to catch his eye, then I would love to meet her, too.”

    Grandmother Fa asked, "What do you want us to do?"

    Keung, with an evil glint in his eyes, mused to himself. "United, the Lams are invincible. Even individually, they are difficult to defeat. However, it seems that we have discovered a new weak link in this unbreakable chain." He paced the chamber slowly, scheming. "Grandmother Fa, here is what I want you to do…"

  9. #9
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 7 -- LOVE POTION

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Louis Koo Tin Lok---Gu Yat Fei 古日飛
    Myolie Wu Hung Yee---Mok Yi San 莫綺晨
    Rain Lau Yuk Chui---Sung Ling 宋玲
    Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa 花婆婆

    THE FOLLOWING MORNING
    LAM MANOR
    LAM YIK LUN'S CHAMBER

    Lam Yik Lun sat crossed-legged on his bed with fifteen assorted hairpins spread out on the bed in front of him. He picked one up, held it up toward the ceiling, and examined it with one eye squeezed shut. He then repeated the procedure with the other fourteen pins. Finally, he put the last hairpin down and sighed. Getting off the bed, he started to pace around the room as a hundred thoughts raced through his mind.

    Lun muttered to himself. "Which one should I give her? Maybe she would like the one with the rubies." Then he changed his mind, shaking his head slowly. "No, no. That one looks too gaudy and bright. How about the one with the silver flowers? No, that one is so bulky it will hurt her head. Maybe she would like the one that the vendor recommended, but what if she does not like wearing a hairpin that is a replica of something once worn by someone who is now dead? What if she does not want any hairpins at all?"

    He paced even faster but then suddenly halted as a horrifying thought popped into his mind. "What if she laughs at me when I show her the hairpins?"

    Finally, after wearing out the rug with his pacing, he dropped down into a chair, his head slumped forward gloomily. The soft knock on his door had him springing up from his seat in surprise.

    Lun shouted. "Who is it?"

    Siu Han stood outside his chamber door balancing a heavy tray of rice porridge. "First Young Master, it is Siu Han. Third Young Mistress wanted me to bring you some breakfast."

    Lun, with a panicked look at the hairpins scattered all over his bed, stuttered. "Ummm…hold on, Siu Han."

    He rushed over to his bed and frantically collected the hairpins into a black velvet pouch. However, in his haste to put them away, the dangling chains on several of the pins became tangled together. On the other side of the door, Siu Han knocked again.

    Lun glanced at the door worriedly. "Wait just a few more minutes, Siu Han."

    Siu Han, having a difficult time balancing the heavy tray, called out, "First Young Master, please hurry up. This tray is very heavy!"

    Not wanting Siu Han to drop the tray and hurt herself, Lun gave up trying to hide the hairpins and opened the door. "Siu Han, here, let me help you with that tray."

    He took the tray from her and walked over to place it on the table. The sunlight shining into his room through the opened window reflected off the gold and silver hairpins lying on his bed, attracting Siu Han's attention. She stared at the hairpins curiously for a brief moment before remembering she was overstepping her boundaries. She blinked and looked apologetically away.

    Lun smiled at her interest. “Do you like them?”

    Alarmed, Siu Han shook her head furiously. “I’m sorry, Young Master! The sparkle caught my eye for a moment. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have been so curious.” She lowered her head. “It won’t happen again.”

    Lun walked over to her and gave her a somber look. “Hey, it’s all right. There is nothing to apologize for.” He reached toward the hairpin recommended by the elderly hairpin seller earlier. “Do you like this one?”

    Eyes wide, Siu Han tentatively raised her eyes and reverently touched a dangling chain on the hairpin."It’s very beautiful,” she murmured, trying her hardest to keep the wistfulness from her voice.

    Overjoyed at Siu Han's interest, Lun reached up and inserted the pin into her hair. "It looks even more beautiful now that you are wearing it."

    Siu Han shook her vigorously as she reached up in an attempt to remove the hairpin. "I cannot accept it, First Young Master! You must already have a young maiden in mind to give this to. I cannot take this away from her."

    Lun clasped her hands in his to prevent her from removing the hairpin. "Leave it on, Siu Han. I bought it for you."

    Siu Han, eyes round with wonder, looked at Lun questioningly. "You bought this for me?" She looked down at the floor demurely. Then, suddenly remembering that her small hands were still enveloped in his big warm ones, she quickly jerked her hands away and hid them behind her back, a warm blush creeping up her neck.

    Lun smiled at Siu Han's charming shyness. "I bought all these hairpins for you." He gestured to the hair accessories scattered on his bed. "Do you want to try on a different one?"

    Siu Han shook her head and continued looking down at the floor bashfully, while Lun stared at her, completely mesmerized by her shyness and delicate beauty, her comely blush making her even more attractive.

    After several long moments of silence, Siu Han glanced up and noticed Lun's steady gaze. Embarrassed, she muttered something about having to finish cleaning up the kitchen and hurriedly left his chamber.

    As Siu Han rushed from Lun's room, Grandmother Fa, who had stationed herself on the rooftop of Lam Manor overlooking Lun's room, chuckled slyly and followed Siu Han's departure with calculating eyes.

    LAM ON CITY
    EAST SEA ROYAL INN

    Gu Yat Keung returned to the East Sea Royal Inn after a long fruitless search for the young woman he had seen at Sky Dragon Restaurant yesterday. All morning, he had walked around the marketplace, showing the townspeople her drawing. Unfortunately, no one knew who she was. He had even waited at the restaurant for two hours this morning, hoping she would reappear.

    Now mildly dejected, he shuffled listlessly down the long hallway toward his inn room. As he neared his chamber, he halted, sensing the presence of an intruder. He straightened slowly as his eyes carefully scanned his surroundings. A shadow shifted inside his room and the soft tinkling of liquid being poured into a cup could be detected.

    With eyes narrowed, Keung kicked open his inn room door. “Who is it?” He demanded.

    Sitting at the table inside the chamber leisurely sipping tea, Gu Yat Fei glanced up at his younger brother, a wry smile on his lips. “What a loud welcome, Little Brother.”

    Spotting his older brother, Keung rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation. “Elder Brother, what are you doing here?”

    Keung stepped over the threshold and closed his inn room door.

    Instead of answering Keung’s question, Fei asked, "Where have you been, Keung?"

    “I went out,” Keung responded vaguely. “You haven’t answered why you are here.”

    Fei put down his cup of tea. "I want to be here to witness and enjoy the Lams' defeat."

    Keung smiled challengingly. "Did you come to check up on me, Elder Brother? Do you doubt my ability to handle them?"

    Fei chuckled. "Wow, you are in a nasty mood this morning!" Then he spoke in a more serious tone of voice. "How are the plans coming along?"

    Keung walked over to the table to pour himself a cup of tea. "Everything will go as planned. You just relax and sit back to enjoy the show."

    The brothers smiled craftily as they discussed their upcoming plans for the Lam family tonight.

    LAM MANOR
    SERVANTS' QUARTERS

    Siu Han sat on her cot folding laundry, as the Lam family cook Sung Ling, who had just returned from visiting her mother, unpacked her travel bag. Suddenly the door to the servants' quarters slammed open, and Mok Yi San stomped in and flopped down angrily onto her cot.

    Sung Ling went over to Yi San, her expression concerned. "Why are you so mad, Yi San?"

    Siu Han sidled up to the other two servants curiously. Yi San picked up her pillow and threw it across the room in a fit of rage.

    Yi San whined, "Second Young Master ignored me again this morning."

    Sung Ling sighed and shook her head. "I told you to stop wishing for the impossible!"

    Confused, Siu Han asked, "What are you two talking about?"

    Sung Ling turned to Siu Han to explain. "Yi San likes Second Young Master, but I told her that her dream is impossible! We are servants. Why would the master's son want to marry a lowly servant when he has plenty of young maidens from respectable, wealthy families fluttering around him?"

    Siu Han slowly sat down on Yi San's cot, mulling Sung Ling's words over in her mind.

    Yi San jerked her head up at that moment, about to say something, but dropped her jaw in shock when she saw the expensive hairpin on Siu Han's head.

    She reached up to gently touch the pin. "This is exquisite. Where did you find the money to buy this?"

    Suddenly remembering the hairpin, Siu Han lifted her hand to touch the shimmering hair accessory. "First Young Master gave it to me as a gift."

    Yi San narrowed her eyes at Siu Han suspiciously. "Really? Why would he do that?" After a few minutes, she smiled with a knowing look on her face. "Oh, I see. How many nights did you have to spend with him to persuade him to buy you that hairpin?"

    Sung Ling yanked on Yi San's arm, admonishing her to be quiet. "Yi San! What a thing to say!"

    Furious at Yi San's implication, Siu Han leapt up from the cot. "WHAT!!! I did no such thing! Unlike you, I have morals!" She stomped to the door and flung it open to reveal Lun on the other side, who was just about to knock on the door.

    Lun smiled. "Siu Han, I want to ask…" He trailed off as he noticed Sung Ling and Yi San in the room listening closely to his words.

    Awkwardly, Lun stood at the threshold of the room. An uncomfortable silence descended on the room.

    Yi San gave Siu Han a sly wink as she dragged Sung Ling with her out of the chamber. "We'll leave you two alone."

    Siu Han pouted and glared after them and then shifted her look of displeasure to Lun. "What do you want, First Young Master?" She crossed her arms and turned her back to him.

    Lun cleared his throat nervously. "Siu Han, I am wondering if you would…"

    Still indignant about Yi San's accusations and in no mood to deal with Lun, Siu Han interrupted him. "Honestly, First Young Master, you should get your own servant. I am Fourth Young Mistress' personal maid, not yours."

    Siu Han huffily walked out, leaving a confused and stunned Lun behind.

    Staring at Siu Han's retreating figure with bewilderment, Lun spoke to the empty room. "What did I do?"

    LATER THAT AFTERNOON
    MARKETPLACE

    Mok Yi San strolled along the marketplace, a woven basket containing vegetables and fruits hanging from her arm. She envied Siu Han. She would give up ten years of her life, if only Second Young Master would look at her the way First Young Master looked at Siu Han! Deep in thought, she walked past a fortune-teller’s stand.

    "Miss! Miss!” The fortune-teller called after her. “Congratulations! I could not help but notice the good luck blooming on your face. According to my years of fortune-telling experience, I can guarantee that you will marry a wealthy husband by the end of this week!"

    Yi San stared at the elderly woman curiously. "Really? Are you telling the truth?"

    “Yes, of course, I am telling the truth!” The elderly woman assured her. “Why would I lie about such a matter?”

    Her interest piqued, Yi San sat down on the stool at the fortune-telling stand. "Do you know who my future husband is?"

    The fortune-teller took Yi San's palm and scrutinized it. "Hmmm…I see you marrying a young, handsome man. He is the second son of a powerful and wealthy family. Hmmm…It appears that you already know this person…"

    Yi San's face lit up excitedly. "Yes! Yes! I think I know whom you are referring to!" She clapped her hands together in glee, but then glumly slumped down in her seat as she remembered that it would be impossible for Second Young Master to change his mind that quickly. "It is an impossible dream. He doesn't even like me. How will I get him to marry me?"

    The fortune-teller smiled knowingly. "I have a little something to help you, Miss." She took out a small bottle and handed it confidentially over to Yi San. "This is a love potion that my teacher has passed along to me. All you have to do is put a few drops into his drink, and he will have eyes only for you."

    Yi San studied the bottle and then looked up. "Will it really work?"

    The fortune-teller grinned reassuringly. "I guarantee that you will be married by the end of the week. As a show of good faith, I will not collect any fortune-telling fee now. You may come back at the end of the week with your payment."

    Yi San gushed happily. "Thank you, Grandmother! I will put the potion in his drink tonight!"

    As Yi San joyfully skipped off, her mind filled with thoughts of which bridal outfit to wear, the fortune-teller stared after her retreating figure with a crafty smile.

    Grandmother Fa, who was disguised as the fortune-teller, chuckled evilly to herself. "Yes, little girl. You will be surprised at what that potion can do…"

  10. #10
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 8 -- THE CRY OF DEATH

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Myolie Wu Hung Yee---Mok Yi San 莫綺晨
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi a.k.a. Chi Chi 林淑姿

    EVENING
    LAM MANOR
    KITCHEN

    Yi San rushed to the kitchen after returning from the marketplace, her bottle of love potion nestled safely in her pocket. She causally sauntered over to the shelves holding several jugs of wine. She watched one of the kitchen servants remove one of the jugs and place it on a tray.

    Yi San quickly intercepted the kitchen servant and asked nonchalantly, "Are you bringing that jug of wine to Second Young Master?"

    The kitchen servant nodded. "Yes, Second Young Master requested that I bring some wine to his chamber."

    Smiling, Yi San helpfully took the tray from the servant, eagerness building up inside her. "Oh! Let me help you. I can bring that to him. You are busy enough here with your kitchen duties."

    The servant beamed at Yi San and sighed gratefully. "Thank you, Yi San! I am especially busy tonight, preparing for Master and Mistress’ return."

    Yi San nearly hopped around in glee. "I am glad that I am able to help out!"

    The moment she walked out with the tray, she quickly took out her bottle of love potion and sprinkled a few drops into the jug of wine.

    With a satisfied smile on her lips, Yi San exclaimed softly to herself, "There! That should do the job!" She brought the jug of wine to Yik Wah's room and knocked on his door.

    LAM YIK WAH'S CHAMBER

    Yik Wah sat at his table, reading a martial arts manuscript.

    "Who is it?" He asked when he heard the knock on his door.

    Yi San called out from the other side of the door. "Second Young Master, it’s Yi San. I brought you the wine you requested. May I come in?"

    Wah sighed inwardly, wishing Yi San would just leave him alone. "Why don't you leave it by the door? I will come get it in a moment."

    Yi San pouted but reluctantly agreed. "Fine, I'll leave the tray by the door. Remember to come get it soon."

    She placed the tray down and walked away. However, instead of leaving, she hid behind a stone pillar near his room.

    Wah, upon hearing no movement outside his chamber, opened the door to pick up his wine. Outside his room, a crow perched near the edge of the rooftop overlooking his chamber, its beady eyes glowing in the moonlight as it squawked loudly, as if announcing impending doom. An ominous shiver ran down Wah's spine. Uneasy, he closed his door slowly and went back to the table with his wine. As he sipped his wine, he sensed something terribly wrong but could not place his finger on it.

    Outside Wah's room, Yi San covered her mouth with her hand, laughing giddily.

    MEANWHILE…
    COURTYARD OUTSIDE THE SERVANTS' QUARTERS

    Lun paced back and forth, wringing his hands. He wanted to ask Siu Han why she was mad at him, but he was afraid that she will rebuff him again as she did this afternoon. Finally, drawing in a deep breath, he marched over to the door leading to the servants' rooms and raised his hand, getting ready to knock. However, his breath whooshed out of him at the last minute, and he lost his resolve. He shook his head at his lack of courage when it came to Siu Han. How ironic that he could face an opponent without breaking a sweat and can kill without a backward glance, and yet his heart thumped wildly when he was within shouting distance of Siu Han. Discouraged, he dispiritedly shuffled back to his room.

    INSIDE LAM YIK LUN'S CHAMBER

    As Lun entered his chamber, he noticed a note on his table. Quickly, he scanned its contents, becoming more excited as he read.

    First Young Master,

    I am sorry about the way I treated you this afternoon. Please let me make it up to you. Meet me in the forest five miles from here. I have a surprise for you. I'll be waiting for you and won't leave until you show up.

    Siu Han

    As he finished reading the letter, Lun's eyes sparkled happily. All thoughts of caution vanished from his mind as he thought only of Siu Han. He picked up his sword, more out of habit than necessity, and hurried out into the dark night.

    GARDENS OF LAM MANOR

    Chi Chi leaned over the stone railing of the pavilion situated at the center of the Lam Manor gardens. Her fingers flicked aimlessly at the flowers planted around the pavilion. Every few seconds, she would let out a loud, disruptive sigh.

    Seated on the stone stool opposite Chi Chi, Suk Yu tried to concentrate on her martial arts manual. However, she finally glanced up after Chi Chi’s tenth sigh.

    “If you don’t leave those poor tulips alone, the gardener will be very unhappy with you when he finds all his hard destroyed by you.” Suk Yu warned her younger sister.

    Chi Chi turned around to face her older sister. “I’m so bored, Third Sister!”

    “If you’re bored, then you should go find a martial arts manual in the library to study.” Suk Yu suggested seriously.

    “Ugh, no, Third Sister!” Chi Chi whined. “That is even more boring than whacking at these flowers here!” Restless, Chi Chi wandered over to her sister and started playing with Suk Yu’s long hair. “Third Sister, bad people usually come out to cause mischief late at night. Why don’t we go out and see if there are any villains we can hunt down and beat up?”

    Suk Yu raised her eyebrow at Chi Chi, sending her a strange look.

    Offended at her sister’s expression, Chi Chi huffed. “What? We are the Wulin Chancellor’s daughters! It is our duty to protect and rid the pugilist world of scum!”

    Suk Yu shook her head at Chi Chi, her exasperation apparent. “If you are that determined to ‘rid the pugilist world of scum,’ then you should stay here and study more martial arts manuals to make sure the ‘scum’ won’t be beating you instead.”

    Chi Chi pouted and opened her mouth, about to respond to Suk Yu when she noticed her oldest brother rush by them.

    Forgetting what she was about to say to Suk Yu, Chi Chi ran up to Lun. "Eldest Brother, where are you going so late at night?"

    Suk Yu approached at a slower pace, her expression just as confused as Chi Chi's.

    Lun glanced at his sisters and answered vaguely. "Uhhh…I have some business to take care of."

    Chi Chi enthusiastically asked, "What business? May we come with you?!"

    Lun, his face reddening, stammered, "Uhhh…" Unsure how to refuse Chi Chi's request to tag along without rousing her suspicions, he patted his youngest sister on the head awkwardly. "Next time, all right? Eldest Brother must go now, or else I'll be late."

    He quickly walked away, leaving Suk Yu and Chi Chi to stare after him in confusion.

    Chi Chi worriedly looked over at Suk Yu. "Third Sister, where do think Eldest Brother is going at this time of night? He is never this closed-mouthed and mysterious."

    Suk Yu shrugged but a frown remained on her forehead. "I don't know, but we should not be too concerned. Eldest Brother can take care of himself."

    At that moment, Siu Han wandered out of the servants' quarters, unable to sleep as Yi San's words circled in her mind. Upon seeing Suk Yu and Chi Chi at the far side of the gardens, she broke into a happy grin. The sisters had been kind to her since she started staying at Lam Manor, especially Young Mistress Chi Chi, who treated her like a friend. Glad to have found some company to take her mind off the rumors circulating about her and First Young Master, Siu Han ran over to Suk Yu and Chi Chi.

    Sui Han greeted the sisters, a bit breathless from the jog. "Third Young Mistress, Fourth Young Mistress."

    Chi Chi turned to Siu Han with delight. "Siu Han! Isn't this just so funny? It's already so late at night, but no one seems to be asleep yet!"

    Siu Han, confused by Chi Chi's comment, frowned at her questioningly. "What do you mean?"

    Suk Yu explained, "We just saw Eldest Brother rush off somewhere a few minutes ago. We wanted to come along, but he refused. He said he has some 'business to take care of.'" Suk Yu sighed to herself. "We are just worried because he was acting strangely."

    Siu Han mulled over this new information to herself. "Hmmm… That's strange. He doesn't seem to be the type to leave without letting people know where he is going. Unless…" Siu Han's eyes widened as a new thought occurred to her. "I have to leave!" She rushed off, her heart pounding with dread.

    Chi Chi and Suk Yu called out in unison. "Wait! Siu Han, where are you going?!" They exchanged confused looks as Siu Han rushed off.

    MEANWHILE…
    IN LAM YIK WAH'S CHAMBER

    The empty jug of wine sat by the candle on the table. At the opposite end of the room near the wash basin, Lam Yik Wah prepared for bed. For some odd reason, the image of the crow that had been perched outside his room earlier this evening refused to leave his mind. Its continuous squawking echoed through his head, like a death cry. With his brow wrinkled in worry, Wah walked over to the table, about to blow out the candle flame. Suddenly, from the corner of his eyes, he noticed a shadow dash by.

    Wah shouted in alarm. "Who is it?"

    He listened carefully for an answer. Seconds ticked by as the candle flame danced wildly, sending ghostly shadows bouncing off the walls. Complete silence, except for Wah's even breathing, descended on the room. Then all of a sudden, a shadowy figure flashed by outside of his room, and several small knives shot through his window. Wah executed several backflips to avoid the rain of knives. Determined to capture the intruder, Wah picked up his sword and flew out through his window, giving chase.

    Yi San, who had been lurking outside near Wah's chamber all evening, stealthily followed him, curious about the effects of the love potion.

    GARDENS OF LAM MANOR

    Meanwhile, back in the gardens, Suk Yu and Chi Chi stared at Siu Han's rapidly retreating figure, baffled by the turn of events.

    Chi Chi shook her head. "Everyone is acting so strangely this evening. Third Sister, what do you think…?" She stopped mid-sentence as Suk Yu raised a hand to signal to Chi Chi to be silent.

    Suk Yu twirled her flute as her eyes scanned the surrounding area carefully. "Friends, you have been hiding for quite some time now. Don't you think that it is time you reveal yourselves?"

    Alarmed now, Chi Chi came to stand beside Suk Yu, her eyes also surveying her surroundings. Out of nowhere, a fireball shot out in their direction. Quickly, Suk Yu and Chi Chi leapt apart, avoiding the fireball's licking flames.

    Four men, dressed in black, flipped over the walls of Lam Manor and landed on the garden grounds, surrounding the sisters. However, instead of charging at Suk Yu and Chi Chi, they threw small hand bombs at the sisters and then immediately flipped back over the walls of Lam Manor. The sisters somersaulted through the air, dodging the bombs. As the bombs hit the ground, they exploded, enveloping the gardens in a cloud of smoke and dust. The impact sent Suk Yu and Chi Chi crashing into the hard surface of the huge well in the gardens.

    Chi Chi leaned against the side of the well in a daze. "Ouch!!!"

    Suk Yu winced from the pain but crawled over to Chi Chi. "Are you all right?"

    Chi Chi nodded. "Yes, I am just a little shocked. Who are those people?"

    Suk Yu helped Chi Chi to stand up. "I don't know, but we'll find out very shortly."

    Suk Yu grabbed Chi Chi's arm, and together they flipped over the walls, flying after the intruders.

    MEANWHILE…
    FIVE MILES FROM LAM MANOR
    FOREST

    Lun reached the edge of the forest, his heart pounding furiously as he anxiously searched for Siu Han. Slivers of moonlight peeked through the small cracks in the thick canopy of leaves, illuminating the forest ground with a lacy pattern of white light. Other than the sound of his footsteps and the crackle of dry leaves, silence reigned throughout the forest, almost like the calm before a storm. From the depths of the woodland, Lun spied a small figure with her back turned to him. The iridescent shimmer of precious stones from her hairpin winked at him in the moonlight, almost like a beacon beckoning to him.

    Lun approached her, giddy with anticipation and yet strangely uneasy. "Siu Han…"

  11. #11
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    CHAPTER 9 -- BLINDED BY LOVE

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi 林淑姿
    Myolie Wu Hung Yee---Mok Yi San 莫綺晨
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Louis Koo Tin Lok---Gu Yat Fei 古日飛
    Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa 花婆婆
    Chau Mo 周武
    Lau Dong 劉當

    FIVE MILES FROM LAM MANOR
    EASTERN END OF FOREST

    Lun reached the edge of the forest, his heart pounding furiously as he anxiously searched for Siu Han. Slivers of moonlight peeked through the small cracks in the thick canopy of leaves, illuminating the forest ground with a lacy pattern of white light. Other than the sound of his footsteps and the crackle of dry leaves, silence reigned throughout the forest, almost like the calm before a storm. From the depths of the woodland, Lun spied a small figure with her back turned to him. The iridescent shimmer of precious stones from her hairpin winked at him in the moonlight, almost like a beacon beckoning to him.

    Lun approached her, giddy with anticipation and yet strangely uneasy. "Siu Han…"

    The figure remained silent. Confused, Lun ventured closer, until he stood directly behind her. Reaching a hand out to touch her shoulder, he called to her again. "Siu Han…"

    The figure slowly turned around and suddenly flung some unknown white powder into his face, blinding him. Lun backed away in surprise, his stinging eyes squeezed shut. He waved his arms around in the air in an attempt to clear the dense cloud of white ballooning out around him.

    From the surrounding trees, twenty men, garbed in black, flipped out from their hiding places and encircled the blinded Lun. One of the men, taking advantage of Lun's shock, delivered a resounding kick, sending Lun flying backwards and crashing into a tree trunk.

    The figure, which resembled Siu Han, disappeared in a poof of smoke, and in her place stood Grandmother Fa. She cackled loudly, her whole body trembling with glee.

    "I’ve heard that Chancellor Lam Siu Tin’s four children all represent wulin’s brightest future, especially the Chancellor’s eldest son. However, it appears that the heir to Chancellor Lam’s lofty position is nothing but a common man easily brought to his knees by a pretty face!" She chuckled to herself as she backed away from Lun.

    Lun quickly recovered and lunged to his feet, even though his vision remained greatly impaired by the gritty powder still clinging to his eyes and face. With his eyes tightly shut to prevent further irritation and damage by the unknown powdery substance, he relied on his hearing to determine the location of each of his opponents. Head slightly cocked, he listened carefully and estimated a total of fifteen to twenty men surrounding him, all with swords as he heard the whooshing sound of blades slicing through the air. With his sheathed sword in his left hand, he twirled it three times before switching the weapon over to his right hand as he readied himself for attack.

    From his right, three assassins charged at him with swords raised. Lun flipped his sword horizontally, allowing the sword sheath to shoot out, hitting the first man in the chest and sending him crashing into the two men running up behind him. With a swift turn of his body toward the left, he kicked two more opponents down. Then stabbing his sword vertically down into the forest ground and holding onto the hilt with his left hand, he suspended himself over his weapon, using it as a pivot point to spin himself in the air as he sent consecutive, forceful kicks to the assassins rapidly approaching from all directions.

    MEANWHILE…
    WESTERN END OF SAME FOREST

    Wah, with his sword strapped to his back, raced along the treetops, chasing after the figure clothed completely in black. While in the air, he neared the intruder and attempted to palm him in the back. The intruder flipped away adroitly, and using a tree trunk as a springing board, he kicked off and circled back, flying straight toward Wah. In a counter move, Wah, using the treetops as stepping stones, launched himself higher up into the air and then dived vertically downward in a move to palm the intruder on his head. Seeing Wah’s approaching palm, the man in black quickly changed direction and flew upward vertically. Both men's palms met half way, causing a resounding clash to echo throughout the silent night. Reeling from the impact, both men executed back flips away from each other before landing onto the ground.

    Wah pointed to the intruder with his sword. "Who are you and why were sneaking around Lam Manor?"

    The intruder laughed slyly behind the black cloth covering the lower part of his face. "Why don't you ask the God of the Underworld for the answer?"

    Wah, incensed, retorted, "We shall see who ends up in the Underworld."

    They charged at each other and a fierce battle ensued. The intruder released a series of daggers, sending them flying at Wah, who parried using his sword blade to block the rain of knives. Stabbing his sword into the ground, Wah rushed toward the intruder. Their palms again collided in a forceful clash of qi.

    As this battle of qi continued, four black-robed men raced toward the battling duo. The four intruders periodically glanced behind them, as if expecting company. From afar, Wah heard two familiar female voices.

    Suk Yu's voice echoed clearly in the distance. "Hold it right there, you four!"

    One of the four black-robed men flung a hand bomb backward over his head as he continued to run forward.

    Chi Chi screamed warningly, "Watch out, Third Sister!"

    An explosion shattered the silence of the night as rock particles scattered in all directions. The four assassins somersaulted and landed directly behind their leader, the masked man in black who was locked in an internal energy struggle with Wah.

    From the darkness, two young women flipped out and landed on the forest ground, chasing close behind the four black-robed men.

    Chi Chi immediately noticed Wah and pointed to him in surprise. "Third Sister, it's Second Brother!"

    Chi Chi and Suk Yu ran toward Wah.

    Gu Yat Keung, his palms still connected to Wah's, glanced sideways at his four subordinates. "Don't just stand there, idiots!" He jerked his head toward the rapidly approaching Suk Yu and Chi Chi. "Finish them off!"

    Chau Mo nodded. "Yes, Second Young Master."

    The four men charged at Suk Yu and Chi Chi.

    MEANWHILE…
    EASTERN SIDE OF FOREST

    While his siblings battled the Sun Moon Sect members at the other end of the forest, Lam Yik Lun fended off wave after wave of assassins at his end of the forest. Even blinded, he remained calm, as he sent his opponents crashing to the ground with his deadly accurate kicks and sword strokes.

    In the background, a darkly handsome man emerged from the woods, quietly observing the struggle between his men and the young swordsman. As he watched all twenty assassins fall at this swordsman's feet, he smiled craftily and stepped over several of his fallen Sun Moon Sect members. With a flick of his hand, he ordered the remaining assassins to retreat to the background.

    Gu Yat Fei stepped forward and clapped loudly twice, applauding Lun's martial arts skills. "Very impressive! Even when blinded, you manage to defeat all twenty of my members. It is no wonder that your family has held onto the coveted position of Wulin Chancellor for over forty years."

    Lun, his eyes still closed, turned toward the direction of Gu Yat Fei’s voice. "Who are you?"

    Fei chuckled. "I am your nemesis. Prepare to die at my hands tonight."

    Lun snorted at Fei's brash declaration. "You? What makes you think that you could kill me?"

    Fei smiled coldly. "We'll see who will emerge as the victor tonight."

    Fei clasped his hands together, channeling his internal energy toward his palms. A small flicker of flame rose from his clasped hands, gradually enlarging and gaining heat, and eventually becoming a fireball balanced on the palm of his hand. With a wicked grin, Fei hurled the fireball toward Lun, intending to burn him alive.

    Unable to see the approach of the fireball, Lun tilted his head slightly, listening attentively to his enemy's actions. Suddenly, he felt a change in the air temperature and heard the licking of flames. Deducing that he was being attacked with fireballs, he quickly shifted slightly to the side, avoiding the fiery ball. Immediately, several more balls followed. Lun twisted through the air, expertly dodging each volley. Using his sword, he batted at one of the fireballs, sending it hurtling back toward Fei, who executed a back flip to avoid being burned.

    Lun goaded Fei with a mocking smile. "Is that the best you can do?"

    Furious, Fei signaled with his hand. Immediately, ten black-robed men leapt down from the treetops, each armed with a long wooden staff. At their leader's cue, the ten men struck the ground with the ends of the staffs, filling the previously silent forest with harsh, discordant noise. Fei flew at Lun, now with the aid of the background noise created by his men . Unable to hear clearly now, Lun tried his best to dodge Fei's blows. After forty stances, Fei managed to sock Lun in the chest, causing Lun to stumble backward several steps.

    Unwilling to give up easily, Lun advanced and hooked his foot around Fei's leg and tripped him. Just as Fei stood back up, Lun somersaulted into the air and kicked him in the chest. The battle continued for another twenty stances. Eventually, Lun, unable to see or hear well, began to lose the upper hand. Taking advantage of his opponent’s increasing confusion, Fei forcefully palmed Lun on the shoulders, sending him crashing backward into a tree. Lun spat out a mouthful of blood.

    Flying toward the injured Lun, Fei raised his sword with the intent to kill. "Prepare to die, hero…"

    MEANWHILE…
    WESTERN SIDE OF FOREST

    Wah remained locked in an internal energy contest with Keung. For an excruciatingly long time, the two men stood stationary with their palms connected. In the background, weapons clashed as Suk Yu and Chi Chi engaged in combat with the four Sun Moon Sect members.

    Suddenly, for some odd reason, Wah felt his inner strength draining. The trees started to blur together and his vision grayed. Sensing victory, Keung smiled slyly as he pushed forward forcefully, sending Wah flying backwards several paces before crashing to the ground.

    Suk Yu and Chi Chi yelled in unison, "Second Brother!"

    Both sisters raced toward Wah, but the four Sun Moon Sect members blocked their rescue attempt.

    Passionlessly, Keung watch the injured Wah writhe on the forest ground, clutching his heart painfully. Blood trickled out the side of Wah’s mouth.

    Keung chuckled wickedly and mocked, "Nothing like a little love potion to bring a hero to his knees." Keung picked up Wah's sword from the ground as he approached Wah, staring straight into his poisoned opponent’s eyes. "Prepare to die by your own sword."

    Keung raised the sword and threw it straight at Wah.

    Suk Yu turned toward Wah's direction and called out frantically, "Second Brother, watch out!"

    She sent her jade flute twirling into the air, in an attempt to block the advance of the sword heading straight at her second brother.

    Unfortunately, Keung quickly intercepted the flute with a flying dagger, knocking the instrument down. Meanwhile, Wah's sword continued to cut through the air toward him. Suk Yu and Chi Chi, with too little time to halt the sword's progress, watched in horrified silence.

    MEANWHILE…
    EASTERN SIDE OF FOREST

    Fei approached the injured Lun, his sword raised with the intent to kill. "Prepare to die, hero…"

    Just as Fei's sword was about to stab into Lun, a figure, clothed in black from head to toe with face covered with a black cloth, emerged from the depths of the wood. The mysterious person blocked Fei's sword with a rain of silver needles, knocking the blade to the ground. Taken by surprise, Fei jerked around and flew toward Lun's savior. The two met halfway in the air, their palms clashing, causing the trees to quiver and the dust to rise. Both executed back flips away from each other. Fei landed onto the ground and peered up his new adversary, who twirled gracefully in the air before landing on a low-hanging tree branch.

    Fei demanded in a cold voice, "Who are you?"

    The mysterious rescuer lounged calmly on the tree branch, ignoring Fei's question. After staring silently at Fei for a brief moment, the person released another torrent of silver needles at him. While Fei twisted in the air trying to dodge the onslaught of needles, the person somersaulted down from the tree branch, and grabbing onto Lun's arm, flew off with him. As they flashed by, Fei caught a glimpse of a piece of heart-shaped jade hanging from the rescuer's waist sash.

    Grandmother Fa and the rest of the Sun Moon Sect members attempted to rush after Lun and his rescuer, but Fei raised his arm to halt their pursuit.

    Fei commanded, "Let them go."

    While his followers backed off, Fei took a few steps forward and stared thoughtfully in the direction which Lam Yik Lun and the rescuer had disappeared, his eyes narrowing with suspicion…

    MEANWHILE…
    BACK ON WESTERN SIDE OF FOREST

    Suk Yu and Chi Chi watched helplessly as the sword shot through the air straight toward their second brother's heart.

    One split second before the blade pierced Wah's heart, Mok Yi San leapt out from her hiding place behind the trees and flung herself in front of her second young master, thereby shielding him. As the weapon stabbed into her back, blood gushed out of her mouth and splattered onto Wah's dark blue gown, quickly saturating the dark fabric with a crimson stain.

    Wah, shocked at Yi San's appearance, held her in his arms and shook her limp body. "Yi San! Yi San!"

    Yi San choked on her blood and tried to speak in breathless spurts. "Second…Second Young Master… I am… I am sorry. I was the one who put… who put the love potion in your wine. I did not…" She coughed up more blood, her voice becoming weaker and weaker with each word. "I did not realize it was poison." Yi San sobbed softly, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I only wanted you to love me…"

    Wah wiped the tears from her face. "Yi San…"

    Yi San gulped in large breaths as it became harder and harder for her to breathe. "Good-bye, Second Young Master…" Her voice trailed off, and her head fell forward onto his chest.

    Wah shook her lifeless body. "Yi San! Yi San!" He leaned his forehead against hers, his heart heavy with guilt for not being able to love her the way she wanted him to.

    While Wah held Yi San's lifeless body in his arms, Suk Yu and Chi Chi managed to kill two of the four black-robed men, leaving only Chau Mo and Lau Dong.

    Keung charged at Wah, intent on killing him. Swiftly, Wah set aside Yi San's body and staggered up to a standing position. Unfortunately, in his weakened state, Keung easily struck him down again.

    Determined to help her second brother, Suk Yu delivered a strong kick to Lau Dong and flew over to Wah's side. She blocked Keung’s blow with her flute. Enraged at her interference, Keung swung toward Suk Yu and punched forward with his palm. Immediately, Suk Yu raised her flute and knocked her enemy’s palm off to the side. For the next twenty stances, Keung engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand combat with Suk Yu. Keung charged at Wah with every opportunity, while Suk Yu tried her best to thwart his advances.

    A few feet away, Chi Chi slashed Chau Mo's arm with her sword and palmed him in the shoulders, causing him to collide backward into Lau Dong.
    Both Sun Moon Sect members crashed to the ground in an unconscious heap. Chi Chi raced over to Wah and quickly sat him up. Sitting crossed-legged behind him, she placed both palms on his back, channeling her internal energy toward him in an attempt to halt the progression of the poison.

    Wah coughed and spat out blood. "Chi Chi… It is useless…"

    Chi Chi shouted in frustration. "No! Don't give up, Second Brother!"

    Wah started to hyperventilate as the world spun uncontrollably. "Listen to me!" He inhaled painfully, and with all his strength, turned around and shrugged off Chi Chi’s palms, halting the transfer of qi. "If you still consider me as your second brother, then do as I say."

    Chi Chi hugged her brother in her arms, crying softly while nodding her head. “Second Brother, what do you want me to do?"

    Wah tried to focus on Chi Chi's face. "Go find Eldest Brother. We need his help. Suk Yu is no match for that black-robed masked man. Hurry! Hurry!"

    Chi Chi began to sob uncontrollably. "I am not leaving you here! Besides, I don't know where Eldest Brother is! He rushed off earlier this evening without letting us know where he was going!"

    As Wah and Chi Chi argued, Keung kicked Suk Yu in the abdomen, and she crashed backward into a tree trunk. Ignoring her pain, she swiftly stood back up and flew toward Keung again.

    Wah screamed at Chi Chi urgently. "Try your best to locate Eldest Brother, or else we will all die tonight! GO!!!"

    With her second brother's urging, Chi Chi nodded quickly and ran off into the depths of the forest, away from Suk Yu and Wah. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she prayed to the heavens to watch over her siblings while she searched for her eldest brother...

  12. #12
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    I like the poster at wingi you should post it here! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">nice story!! is there a part II?

  13. #13
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Hi Danielle,
    Wow! Aside from Hannah, you are the second reader I know of from SPCNET. Since I have been posting my story here for so long and have not been receiving any comments, I thought everyone is ignoring my story or just hate it in general. Thank you so much for coming forward and letting me know that you are reading it. That means a lot to me. I have taken your advice and have posted the story's poster here. Thank you for complimenting the poster. All credit for the poster goes to Hannah(HMT), who has been kind enough to make Legendary Book a marvelous poster. As for a part 2 - well, part 1 is still a long way from being finished. Therefore, if there is a part 2, then it will not be written any time soon. Please continue to leave me comments to let me know you are reading. Thanks. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

  14. #14
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    Melanie! I bet u there are plenty of people that reads your story!! there are just probabaly silent readers! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">on't get discouraged! can wait for your next update your fan <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> cant wait to till part II! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

  15. #15
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Hi Danielle,
    Thanks for the encouragement and support! I hope more readers will drop me a short message to cheer me on. Please continue checking the winglin fan fiction forum for more current updates, as my chapter postings here at SPCNET lag behind by several chapters. Once again, thank you and I hope to hear more from you in the future!
    http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/legendarybook/

  16. #16
    Senior Member Goofy's Avatar
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    Cool

    a promising story with some interesting dialogues. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

    Probably a bit more description on setting, maybe to make the story flow better.

    Anyhow, interesting cast. BTW, who is the actor in that blue robe next to Annie Man?
    "History's third dimension is always fiction."
    -- The Glass Bead Game, Hermann Hesse

  17. #17
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Hi Goofy,
    Thank you for reading my story. I feel very honored that you, an established, veteran author of ancient fan fictions, have given my amateur story a glance. Thank you for your advice about the setting. Sadly, I lack sufficient knowledge about Chinese history and geography to elaborate on the setting in my story. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> Hopefully, you and everyone else will overlook this major flaw and the many other shortcomings in my story and continue to support it. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

    The actor in the blue robe next to Annie is Gilbert Lam Wai Sun. He used to be with ATV and has starred with Annie in ATV's Heroine of the Yangs 1998. Since then, he has switched over to TVB and has appeared as supporting characters in various dramas, such as Where the Legend Begins, Burning Flame 2, and Doomed to Oblivion.

    If you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to let me know, as I am a fumbling novice. I would greatly appreciate guidance from a master like you. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

    Once again, thank you for reading my story, and I hope to hear from you again in the future.

  18. #18
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    Red face

    sorry i have not been updating comments! <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> Wow I read the updates on wingli!! cant wait to find out what happens to ching ching! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">its kinda annoying though why does everyone like annie??? ooh! i was hoping she'll fall in love with the 'da sui ye' but she already likes the other dude:crying <IMG SRC="smilies/redface.gif" border="0">k ok its you story i will butt out of it!! cant wait for an update <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> -danielle-

  19. #19
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Talking

    CHAPTER 10 --- THE BLACK VOID

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜
    Gigi Lai Chi---Lam Suk Chi 林淑姿
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Louis Koo Tin Lok---Gu Yat Fei 古日飛
    Helena Law Lan---Grandmother Fa 花婆婆

    EVENING
    FEW MILES FROM THE FOREST
    CAVE

    The campfire burned strong and hot, its licking flames crackling furiously, reaching upward like fiery hands fighting to ward off the chill inside the dark, drafty cave. Lam Yik Lun lay unconscious on the makeshift straw bed on the floor of the cave, his face bathed in the soft firelight. Siu Han sat beside him, gently cleaning the caked blood at the corner of his mouth with a damp cloth.

    Lun mumbled in his sleep, as dark shadows with roaring flames emerging from their palms surrounded him in his nightmare. "Who are you? Who are you? Reveal yourself!" He shifted around restlessly, his hands grabbing Siu Han's in his slumber.

    Siu Han tried to extricate her hand from his grasp, but he held on tightly. Finally, she gave up trying to yank her hand away and sighed with exasperation. “First Young Master? First Young Master?" She shook him gently at first and then with a little more force. "Wake up, First Young Master."

    Lun began to waken as he heard Siu Han's voice at the edge of his consciousness. "Siu Han?"

    He blinked several times, trying unsuccessfully to focus on Siu Han's blurry image. His eyes felt gritty, as if he had not slept for several days.

    Siu Han smiled as she stared down at Lun with relief. "You are finally awake! How do you feel?"

    Confused, Lun reached up to rub his eyes. "My eyes…"

    Quickly, Siu Han grabbed his hand to stop him. "Don't rub your eyes. Someone threw sand and some sort of powder into your eyes. I cleaned it off, but your eyes will still feel gritty and your vision will still be out of focus for some time."

    Lun tried to sit up, and Siu Han immediately scooted closer to him to prop him up against her side. Looking around the cave in confusion, he asked, "Where are we? Why am I here?"

    Siu Han tried to support his heavy weight against her. "I am not sure what happened. I walked by your chamber earlier tonight and found it empty with the door gaping open. When I went inside, I saw a note on the floor. Sensing something was wrong, I read it and immediately knew that you were somehow in danger, since I never sent you such a note. I wandered around searching for you. Finally, I found you unconscious by the edge of the forest, so I lugged you back here."

    Lun stared at Siu Han questioningly. "You never left me a note asking me to meet you in the forest?"

    Siu Han shook her head, her eyes wide with surprise. "Why would I do that?"

    Without answering her question, Lun glanced down at his hands glumly and sighed. "I just thought that you…" He cut himself off and shook his head, “Never mind."

    For a long moment, he sat there in silence, while Siu Han peered at him strangely. Suddenly, he jerked his head up as a new thought occurred to him. "What happened to that hero who rescued me?"

    Siu Han sent him a puzzled look. "What hero?"

    Lun stumbled up from his straw bed with Siu Han's support. "I was ambushed in the forest and a hero saved me. I couldn't see at the time and therefore do not know his identity."

    Siu Han asked doubtfully, "Are you sure you remember correctly? When I found you at the edge of the forest, you were alone on the ground. Why would this person save you and then leave you alone so that you would be vulnerable to attack again?"

    Lun frowned as he staggered unsteadily. "No, I specifically remember someone rescuing me!"

    Seeing his agitation, Siu Han replied soothingly. "All right, all right, First Young Master. I believe you. You are injured and should not overtax yourself. Why don't you lie down and get some rest?"

    Stubbornly, Lun started heading unsteadily towards the entrance of the cave, his footsteps faltering slightly as his vision remained hazy. "No, for some reason, I have a bad premonition. I want to return to Lam Manor immediately to make sure everything is in order."

    Siu Han rushed toward him to help guide him out of the cave. "Be careful, First Young Master!"

    The two left the cave, with Lun stumbling drunkenly, as Siu Han struggled to prevent both of them from collapsing to the ground.

    MEANWHILE…
    NEAR THE EDGE OF THE FOREST

    Chi Chi tore through the thick shrubbery, half running and half flying as she tried to sprint back to Lam Manor as quickly as possible to see if her eldest brother had returned yet. Her vision blurred by tears, she tripped on a root and fell forward, scraping her palms. Too frightened and worried to be aware of the stinging pain, she scrambled back up and charged blindly ahead, her mind only thinking of bringing reinforcements to rescue her second brother and third sister. Preoccupied, Chi Chi did not realize that she was no longer alone, until it was too late…

    MEANWHILE…
    BACK IN THE DEPTHS OF THE FOREST

    Keung dodged the swipe of Suk Yu's jade flute, and with a quick, forceful kick, he knocked her weapon down the dark, bottomless canyon situated dangerously close to their battleground. Improvising, Suk Yu somersaulted through the air and grabbed her second brother’s sword, which was lying abandoned on the ground nearby. Raising the weapon, she used the belly of the blade to evade the onslaught of Keung’s flying knives.

    As Suk Yu tried to ward off Keung's attack, the injured Wah pulled himself upright and settled himself into a cross-legged sitting position on the ground, as he used his internal energy in an attempt to force some of the poison out. After much effort, he managed to spit out a mouthful of blood, which congealed rapidly into a viscous puddle of black substance. Gulping in a tortured breath of air, he leaned against the tree trunk behind him, his arms and legs feeling like rubber and his head throbbing painfully. He attempted to crawl over to his younger sister to lend her a hand, but his severely injured body refused to cooperate.

    A few paces away, the fatigued Suk Yu flew toward Keung, who easily grabbed and yanked on her foot, causing her to crash to the ground as she clutched at her side in agony. Her sword clattered a few feet away from her. Suk Yu crawled slowly over to the weapon, but her enemy flipped through the air and kicked it over the side of the cliff.

    Keung laughed tauntingly. "Give up, you two. You will die tonight, and nothing will change that."

    He approached brother and sister threateningly…

    MEANWHILE…
    AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST

    Chi Chi continued dashing through the thick woodland, sobbing as she ran. In her haste, she again tripped over a loose root.

    Chi Chi sprawled onto the ground in despair. She clenched her hands and shouted loudly, "ELDEST BROTHER!!! ELDEST BROTHER!!! WHERE ARE YOU?""

    Her cry for help echoed hollowly through the dark forest. In response, the leaves quivered around her and footsteps pounded on the earth, signaling the presence of others in the forest. Suddenly, from the dark night, ten black-robed men flipped out and surrounded Chi Chi. Alarmed, she quickly scrambled up to a standing position, her sword raised as she readied for attack.

    The ten black-robed men parted, clearing the path for a tall man, his eyes emotionless, his hands linked loosely behind his back. An old woman, slightly hunched over, stood behind the tall man.

    Gu Yat Fei smiled coldly as he glanced down at Chi Chi. "Why don't I bring you to your eldest brother?"

    Chi Chi took a step backward and glared at the stranger suspiciously. "Who are you? What have you done to my eldest brother?"

    Fei snorted mockingly. "Your eldest brother, the coward, is already dead,” he lied convincingly. “Why don't I do you a favor and hasten your journey to the Underworld to meet up with him?"

    Chi Chi screamed angrily, "You are lying! My eldest brother is not so easily killed!"

    She charged at Fei, who expertly knocked the sword from her hand and kicked her hard in the abdomen. Undaunted, Chi Chi flew toward him, but immediately crashed backward into a tree trunk as Fei palmed her shoulder. She knocked her head forcefully on the rough bark and lost consciousness.

    Grandmother Fa turned to Fei. "First Young Master, should we finish her off?"

    Fei stared unsympathetically at Chi Chi. "No, bring her with us. She may be useful as a hostage."

    Fei led the way out of the forest and calmly headed back toward Lam On City. The others followed behind, carrying the unconscious Chi Chi with them, as the group made their way back to the inn to wait for Gu Yat Keung.

    Shortly after Fei’s departure, Lun and Siu Han wandered onto the scene on their way back to Lam Manor. The two walked slowly over the uneven and rocky path, with Siu Han guiding the vision-impaired Lun. Suddenly, Siu Han halted, bringing Lun to a stop, also.

    Siu Han spied a metallic object a few feet away. "First Young Master, be careful. There seems to be a sharp piece of metal a few feet ahead of us."

    Lun blinked several times, trying to clear his vision. He ventured closer to the piece of metal, suspecting that it may be a sword.

    He crouched down on the ground and picked up the sword, squinting to bring the inscription on the sword hilt into focus. "It's Chi Chi's sword!" He pointed to the surname “Lam” engraved on the sword hilt.

    Siu Han hunched down beside him, her brow furrowed with concern. "Why would Fourth Young Mistress' sword be out here? Isn't she supposed to be back at Lam Manor?"

    MEANWHILE…
    BACK IN THE DEPTHS OF THE FOREST

    Keung approached the injured Wah with his palm raised, prepared to strike a fatal blow to his opponent’s head. Suk Yu swiftly crawled over, ignoring her intense pain, and grabbed tightly onto Keung's leg, trying to halt his advance toward her second brother, who lay helplessly on the ground.

    Suk Yu yelled, "NO!!!"

    Keung glanced coldly down at Suk Yu before flinging her away with one forceful shrug of his leg. She rolled away, but crawled back again, determined to sacrifice her own life to save her second brother. Irritated by her pesky attempts to stop him, Keung kicked her hard in the head, sending her flying over the edge of the cliff into the hollow, black depths of the canyon.

    Suk Yu screamed, her arms and legs flailing in the air helplessly as her body rapidly descended into the black void. "AHHHHHHHH!!!"

    MEANWHILE…
    BACK AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST

    Lun and Siu Han stared at Chi Chi's sword with concern. Before Lun could speculate on the whereabouts of his youngest sister, they heard an ear-piercing bellow reverberate through the forest, the agony in the scream sending an ominous chill down their spines.

    Siu Han darted her eyes anxiously toward Lun. "What is that?" She looked around frantically, trying to see through the thick foliage.

    Lun quickly dragged Siu Han up with him. "I don't know, but we'll find out soon."

    They rushed into the depths of the forest, toward the direction of the scream…

  20. #20
    Senior Member Melanie's Avatar
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    Talking

    CHAPTER 11 --- THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY

    Characters appearing in this chapter:
    Gilbert Lam Wai Sun---Lam Yik Lun 林億倫
    Annie Man Chung Han---So Siu Han 蘇小嫻
    Frankie Lam Mun Lung---Lam Yik Wah 林億龍
    Benny Chan Ho Man---Gu Yat Keung 古日強
    Joe Ma Tuk Chung---Lau Dong 劉當
    Vincent Jiao Enjun---Chau Mo 周武
    Andy Lau Tak Wah---Lam Siu Tin 林笑天
    Idy Chan Yuk Lin---Chan Yin Yuk 陳嬿玉
    Kristy Yeung Gong Yu---Lam Suk Yu 林淑瑜
    Louis Koo Tin Lok---Gu Yat Fei 古日飛

    FIVE MILES FROM LAM ON CITY
    BACK IN THE DEPTHS OF THE FOREST
    NEAR THE MOUTH OF THE CANYON

    Wah watched in horror as Suk Yu catapulted over the edge of the cliff. "SUK YU!” He called out, shocked that his younger sister had just disappeared into the depths of blackness.

    Wah dragged himself over to the edge, overlooking the bottomless pit, which had swallowed his sister whole. Unsympathetic, Keung calmly strolled over to Wah and raised his palm, ready to strike a deathblow.

    Suddenly, a sword twisted through the air, heading straight for Keung, and slashed at his hand. Forced to retreat, Keung executed five backflips to avoid further injury. From the darkness, Lun flew out and grabbed his twirling sword mid-air. Hooking his arm around a high tree branch, he swung himself around and headed toward Keung, who unleashed a rain of daggers at him. Lun adroitly maneuvered through the curtain of projectiles, knocking some away with his sword, as he continued flying toward his adversary. As he swept by Keung soundlessly, his sword slashed a gash across Keung's chest. Keung twisted sideways in the air from the impact and crashed.

    Spotting his younger brother, Lun landed behind the poisoned Wah. Quickly, he sat his brother up and placed his palms against his back, his expression fierce with concentration.

    In the background, Keung quickly recovered and charged at Lun, taking advantage of Lun’s preoccupation with transferring internal energy to his younger brother. From the corner of his eye, Lun noted Keung’s rapidly approaching palm. Calmly, he kept his left palm against his brother's back, while he used his right hand to ward off blows from Keung.

    At that moment, Chau Mo and Lau Dong started stirring. They stumbled unsteadily to their feet, dazed from being previously knocked unconscious. They scanned the area in confusion before focusing in on Keung fighting with Lun several feet away. Immediately, the two Sun Moon Sect members flew over to help Keung.

    As Chau Mo and Lau Dong attacked from the right, Keung rushed Lun from the left. Lun, forced to contend with three opponents now, used his right hand to knock away the less skilled Chau Mo and Lau Dong first, while keeping his other hand plastered against his younger brother’s back. Then, he swiftly switched hands, using his left hand to fight off Keung, who was approaching from the left, while slapping his right palm against Wah’s back. For twenty stances, he continued alternating his hands, making sure one palm always remained against his younger brother’s back to avoid disruption to the transfer of internal energy.

    Unfortunately, as the battle continued, Lun’s tactic no longer worked, as all three opponents started to synchronize their movements and attacked in unison, forcing Lun to choose between abandoning his younger brother and hence freeing up both hands to defend himself, or keeping one palm against Wah’s back and taking hits from his enemies. Just as it appeared that Lun would have no choice but to leave Wah’s side, twin swords shot out from seemingly nowhere and pierced Lau Dong through the heart while injuring Chau Mo. Lau Dong dropped to the ground, already dead. Chau Mo glanced down at his fellow Sun Moon Sect member in surprise. Before he could recover from his shock, a long sash of white fabric whipped out from within the depths of the forest and wrapped around Chau Mo, flinging him through the air before dropping him abruptly, causing him to crash against a tree, the impact killing him immediately.

    From the behind a large tree, hidden from view, Siu Han watched the impressive display of martial arts with wide eyes. Only two people in wulin possess the ability to kill without being physically present - Wulin Chancellor, Lam Siu Tin, and his wife, Chan Yin Yuk.

    Sensing grave danger for himself, Keung abandoned his attack on Lun and flew off. With all his opponents gone, Lun now could concentrate fully on reviving his younger brother.

    Coughing, Wah spoke weakly, "Eldest Brother, you are finally here." He tried to turn around to face Lun. "Suk Yu... Suk Yu..." He gasped urgently. "She went over the cliff. Find her… Find her…"

    Lun nodded. "Don't waste your energy speaking. We need to concentrate on healing you first. Mother and Father are back. We will find Suk Yu. She will be all right."

    Siu Han emerged from behind the tree and ran toward Lun and Wah. Kneeling down next to the brothers, she looked at Wah’s ashen complexion with worry. "Second Young Master," she began.

    The arrival of a handsome couple in their forties interrupted her Siu Han’s words. The couple somersaulted out from the thick grove of trees and landed a few feet away. Robed in a long, flowing gown, the woman was stunningly beautiful, despite her age. Her white gown billowed gently in the wind as she surveyed the scene. Beside her, the tall man, also dressed in white, appeared dashing and distinguished with his twin swords strapped behind his back. Upon seeing Wah injured and sprawled on the ground, the woman swiftly moved over to her two sons, while the man followed closely behind.

    Chan Yin Yuk knelt on the ground next to Wah and tenderly cupped his cheek with her hand. "Yik Wah, you are hurt." She glanced at Lun questioningly. "How badly is he injured?"

    Fatigued, Wah answered himself. "Mother, it is poison. We don't know what kind, unfortunately."

    Lam Siu Tin crouched down to examine Chau Mo's body. Noting the metal disc hanging from his waist sash with an engraved snake entwined around a single rose, his eyes darkened with worry as he headed over to his wife and sons.

    Siu Tin showed the metal disc to his wife. "After three decades, he is back." He sighed. "I fear wulin will face blood shed again."

    Yin Yuk took the metal disc from her husband and stared at it with a hopeful look. "If he is truly the one behind Yik Wah’s poisoning, then there is hope for our second son! I could seek him out and beg him for the antidote!"

    Siu Tin shook his head sadly as he took his wife's hand. "Siu Yuk,” he interrupted, using his endearment for his wife, “do not deceive yourself into thinking that he is the same person three decades ago. Do you think that after all those years of hatred, he would simply hand over the antidote?"

    Yin Yuk, with tears glistening in her eyes, cried, "But we can't just let Yik Wah die from the poison! If he is truly the mastermind behind the poisoning, then no other in this world can help Yik Wah. Only he can cure our son."

    Wah could vaguely hear his parents’ conversation, as he drifted in and out of consciousness. The pain from the poison had started to cloud his mind, but he could still partially understand the discussion. He had no clue whom his mother was referring to, but he no longer had the strength to inquire.

    Seeing his mother’s teary expression, Wah grabbed his mother's hand, smiling wanly at her. "Don't worry about my poison, Mother. I will place my life in fate’s hand. You and Father must help Suk Yu!"

    For the first time, Wah noticed Chi Chi's absence. He quickly turned to Lun. "Eldest Brother, where is Chi Chi? Did she go back to Lam Manor first?"

    Lun frowned at Wah with confusion. "Chi Chi? I did not see her tonight since leaving Lam Manor." He suddenly recalled finding Chi Chi's abandoned sword. "Oh, no! I found her sword abandoned in the forest earlier! Then we heard a scream and followed the sound here, where we found you injured. Are you saying Chi Chi is missing? Where could Chi Chi be?"

    Siu Tin looked from one son to the other. "What are you two talking about? What happened to Suk Yu and Chi Chi?"

    Wah sucked in a tortured breath before explaining the situation to his parents and eldest brother.

    With her heart racing, Yin Yuk rushed over to the edge of the cliff after hearing Wah's explanation. "Suk Yu! Suk Yu!" She called urgently.

    Loose rocks scattered and cascaded down into the bottomless pit as Yin Yuk stepped closer to the edge, peering desperately down.

    Siu Tin hurried to his wife's side. “Siu Yuk, be careful!”

    He placed his arm protectively around and tried to guide her away from the edge of the cliff. However, she stubbornly refused to move and tried to venture further toward the edge.

    “No, Suk Yu is down there somewhere! We have to help her!” Yin Yuk exclaimed.

    "Siu Yuk, don't worry, we will send a search party down to look once there is enough daylight." Lam Siu Tin reassured in a calming voice.

    Though he was just as worried as his wife over Suk Yu’s safety, but he knew that acting rashly would not help the situation.

    “I know you want to look for Suk Yu now.” Lam Siu Tin said, as he noticed his wife’s stubborn expression. “However, in this nearly moonless night, we not only cannot see well enough to find her, but we may end up injuring ourselves, too, trying to go down such a steep cliff. Who will look for Suk Yu if we injure ourselves? The best plan is to retire and rest tonight. As soon as the sun rises, we will return to look for Suk Yu.”

    Hearing the logic behind her husband’s words, Yin Yuk nodded reluctantly. She turned toward Lam Siu Tin worriedly. "What about Chi Chi? Where could she be? She has never been away from home!"

    Lun tried to reassure his mother. "Don’t worry about Chi Chi. I will go and look for her now, Mother. Why don't you and Father bring Wah back to Lam Manor? He is poisoned and should be resting."

    Siu Han, who had been up to this point a quiet observer in the background, stepped forward upon hearing that Lun planned to search for Chi Chi at this time of night.

    She placed her hand on Lun's arm. "First Young Master, you are also injured, and your vision has not completely recovered yet."

    Noticing Siu Han for the first time since their arrival, Lam Siu Tin and Chan Yin Yuk glanced at her with curiosity.

    Yin Yuk peered at the young maiden speculatively. "This Miss is…?"

    Lun quickly explained, "Mother, this is So Siu Han. She is an orphan with no home. Therefore, we have offered her a home with us at Lam Manor."

    Siu Han curtsied respectfully, keeping her head slightly lowered. “Madam Lam, Master Lam,” she nodded her head politely. “The young masters and young mistresses at Lam Manor kindly offered me shelter and protection. Fourth Young Mistress Chi Chi took me in as her personal maid. I will always remember this generosity.”

    Yin Yuk remained silent, as she studied the young maiden with curiosity. The petite young maiden in front of her barely reached the top of her eldest son’s chin. Yet, despite her small build and stature, she carried herself with subtle composure and confidence. Her beautiful, dainty features made her appear delicate and helpless, but the intelligence in her eyes hinted that she would not be some damsel in distress when faced with danger. Yin Yuk shifted her gaze to her eldest son, Lun, and noted the interested look he was trying to hide. Amused, Yin Yuk nodded and smiled at Siu Han.

    “Siu Han, right?” She asked the young maiden.

    “Yes, Madam.” Siu Han nodded.

    “My youngest daughter is very spoiled and requires a lot of coddling. Are you sure you want to be her personal maid?” Yin Yuk raised an eyebrow questioningly. “My eldest son requires much less attention. Why don’t you be his personal maid, instead?”

    “Mother!” Lun gasped in shock at his mother, who only curved her lips with amusement in response to his uncomfortable frown.

    “Um, why don’t I go look for Fourth Young Mistress?” Siu Han volunteered helpfully, adeptly changing the topic. "I am not injured and therefore would have a better chance of finding her."

    Lun immediately objected. "I disagree. Siu Han, you have no martial arts skills. Besides, you shouldn't be wandering around the woods by yourself at this time of night."

    Lam Siu Tin, who had been standing quietly off to the side, interrupted before Sui Han had an opportunity to reply to Lun. "I think the best plan of action now is for us to all return to Lam Manor and get some rest. It is impossible to conduct a search for Chi Chi or Suk Yu at this time of night. In addition, we need to find a way to halt the progression of Wah's poison."

    “All right,” Yin Yuk nodded in agreement.

    With Lun carrying his younger brother over his shoulder, the group began started toward Lam Manor.

    LATER THAT NIGHT
    BOTTOM OF CLIFF

    Suk Yu sprawled on her side at the bottom of the cliff, her right leg bent at an awkward angle. A bruise started to form on her forehead, discoloring her flawless, porcelain complexion. The long stalks of weed undulated in the soft breeze, brushing back and forth against her face, as if trying to rouse her from her deep slumber. Yet, she remained still and unconscious.

    A few feet away, footsteps approached Suk Yu hesitantly.

    The person bent down to gently shake Suk Yu's arm. "Miss? Miss? Are you all right?" He found a weak, thready carotid pulse.

    Receiving no response from her, the person picked her up in his arms and carried her away.

    MEANWHILE…
    LAM MANOR
    LAM YIK WAH'S CHAMBER

    Lam Siu Tin sat by his second son’s bedside as Wah slept fitfully. He felt his son's weak radial pulse, his brow furrowed in concentration and worry. Yin Yuk hovered anxiously by as she waited for her husband's verdict on their second son's condition.

    Yin Yuk asked worriedly, "How is he?"

    Siu Tin sighed. "I don’t know what poison has been used on Yik Wah. However, his pulse is thready. In addition, his condition is worsened because he used his internal energy, which accelerated the circulation of the venom throughout his body."

    Yin Yuk, her voice hoarse with tears, lamented, "There must be a way to cure this poison. We can't lose him, now that Suk Yu and Chi Chi are missing, too!"

    Siu Tin stood up and hugged his wife comfortingly. "Don't worry. We will find Suk Yu and Chi Chi. As for Yik Wah…" He paused and sighed deeply. "I can temporarily prolong his life by transferring my internal energy to him daily. However, the long term solution is to find the antidote.”

    “Then I will go and ask him for it.” Yin Yuk stated with determination.

    “Don’t be naive, Siu Yuk,” Lam Siu Tin shook his head. “Do you really think he will voluntarily give you the cure? I am afraid we must steal the antidote from the Sun Moon Sect." He laughed bitterly, his voice full of irony. “After thirty years, our Sun Moon Sect and his Sun Moon Sect will clash again.”

    Yin Yuk nodded. "I will go immediately tomorrow to steal the antidote."

    Siu Tin shook his head at his wife. "No, you must stay here. Yik Wah needs our combined internal energy to sustain his life."

    Yin Yuk sighed with frustration. "But that leaves only Yik Lun free to go steal the poison. He is injured…"

    AN HOUR LATER…
    LAM MANOR
    LAM YIK LUN'S CHAMBER

    Lun sat on his bed with his legs crossed and his eyes closed as he channeled his qi toward the core of his body. As the internal energy coursed through his limbs toward his heart, he could feel his body relaxing as he started the healing process. At that moment, he heard soft footsteps outside his chamber. Smiling, he opened his eyes.

    Lun called out happily just as the door to his room opened. "Siu Han…"
    However, instead of Siu Han, he saw his mother enter his room, carrying a tray of refreshments. A damp face towel occupied one corner of the tray. Lun attempted to smile at his mother, but he couldn’t hide his disappointment from his mother.

    "Oh…it's you, Mother." Lun slipped off his bed to help her with the tray, as she sat down on one of his chairs.

    Yin Yuk jested, "How quickly my darling son trades me in for a pretty girl. I guess he has completely forgotten who has brought him into this world and has raised him for twenty-five years." She sighed dramatically, a teasing expression on her face.

    Lun's face reddened at her words. "I just thought you were Siu Han, because she promised to bring me a cool towel for my eyes."

    Yin Yuk handed her son the damp towel from the tray. "Here's your towel."

    Lun stared at the towel, crestfallen. "You mean Siu Han is not coming?"

    Yin Yuk smiled knowingly. "I am sure you would rather that she bring you the towel. I saw her outside just now. Since I was gong to bring you some desserts, anyway, I volunteered to also bring you the towel, so that she could get some rest."

    Lun glumly took the towel from her. "How is Wah?"

    At the mention of Wah, a sad expression replaced Yin Yuk's teasing look. "His condition is serious. Your father and I need to stay here to prolong his life with our combined internal energy. Yik Lun…" She turned to her oldest son as she took his hands in hers. "We need someone to travel to steal the antidote."

    Lun heard this and replied without a single thought to his own injuries, "Then I shall go. Who has the antidote?”

    Yin Yuk sighed. “You will need to obtain the cure from a sect also named Sun Moon Sect, just like our sect.”

    “There are two Sun Moon Sects?” Lun frowned in confusion. “Is this other Sun Moon Sect related to us?”

    “It’s a complicated story.” Yin Yuk smiled with bittersweetness. “The story is too long to explain in one night, especially since you are injured and need your rest.” She turned and stared solemnly at her eldest son. “Yik Lun, just remember that although this sect shares our name, its sect leader will not spare you should he catch you trying to steal from him.” She frowned with worry. “I really shouldn’t ask you to go. If there were any other option, I would go myself.”

    Lun patted his mother's hand as he laughed amusingly. "Don't worry about me, Mother. A little injury won't stop me from successfully stealing the antidote. But…ummm…" He paused meaningfully. "Since I am injured, I think it is best if someone could…could…"

    Yin Yuk studied her son with an amusing look as she finished her son's thoughts. "If someone could come along with you to take care of you on this journey? Someone like Siu Han?"

    Lun remained silent, slightly flushed.

    Yin Yuk laughed as she patted his hands. "I will ask Siu Han tomorrow to accompany you on your trip. It is late. Get some rest. You have a long journey ahead of you."

    DAWN THE FOLLOWING MORNING
    FIVE MILES FROM LAM MANOR
    FOREST

    In the distance, the sun barely peeked above the horizon, its early rays painting the sky the faintest shade of pink. The clouds glided aimlessly across the heavens, like wispy swirls of puff. Morning dew glistened like translucent pearls on the forest green, as fat droplets plopped loudly onto the ground. Birds chirped busily and hopped from treetop to treetop, their activity signaling the dawn of a new day. Gradually, squirrels emerged, running around nature's playground, chasing after various tree nuts. Little by little, the forest began to awaken after witnessing a long night of conflict.

    Human footsteps, long purposeful strides, intruded upon the teeming activity of nature. Several miles into the depths of the woodland, those footsteps stopped a few feet behind another person, who stood silent and still, waiting in the weak light of dawn.

    Gu Yat Fei walked to stand directly behind the person, who waited in the forest for him.

    "I miss you." His deep voice floated toward the person.

    The person remained silent as she gently touched the delicate wings of a butterfly resting on a nearby leaf. The creature, disturbed by her action, fluttered away, its bright, multihued wings a colorful contrast to the solid green of the forest. She smiled fleetingly. Then she turned around and walked directly into Gu Yat Fei's waiting embrace, her movements causing the heart-shaped jade to swing slightly from her waist sash. Fei glanced at her face tenderly, memorizing the fragile bone structure and drowning in the deep, inky pools of her eyes.

    Fei tenderly brushed aside her bangs. "Why did you save him last night?"

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