The Sword And The Exquisiteness by GU LONG

[Athena]

This Guo Pianxian is really despicable. I cannot imagine that Madame Hai Tang saw in this creep.
Guo Pianxian is not even fit to carry the shoes of the "Mastermind."
But anyway I can reveal that for the next two, three chapters the focus will be on Jin Yanzi and Silver Blossom.

Hong Lianhua initially ignored the protests of the other beggars. But when he heard that Guo Pianxian adressed him he smiled and waved his hand:"Would all the brothers just be quiet for a minute."
His voice didn't carry as far as Guo Pianxian but all the beggars instantly settled down.
Hong Lianhua smiled:"The discipline of our association hasn't changed a bit. But the brothers here are not used to that elder Guo is giving orders. You cannot blame them, anyone who has left us for about 15 years has little power to order around anymore."
Guo Pianxian's face changed and said:"In order words they have forgotten about me."
Hong Lianhua said:"Not forgotten, but they all assumed that elder Guo left the association 15 years ago."
Guo Pianxian angrilly asked:"What is the meaning of that?"
Hong Lianhua smiled:"The later master told everyone that elder Guo has left the association. All the disciples could clearly remember the words of the late master. I don't think you'll have any suspicions about that."
Guo Pianxian scoffed:"He didn't say that he banned me. But he told everyone I left. What a good friend he was!"
Hong Lianhua continued:"The late master knew that elder Guo was accustomed to a carefree life. Elder Guo is also not a person who puts a lot of value to a mere title like elder of the Beggars Association.
With your martial arts and fame when the late master died you could have succeeded him easily."
Guo Pianxian laughed loudly:"No wonder everyone in Wulin praises Hong Lianhua. Not only are you intelligent but also a great orator."
Hong Liahua turned to Jin Yanzi and said:"Welcome, Miss Jin. What can I do for you?"
Jin Yanzi said:"I'm here with him."
Hong Lianhua asked:"Miss Jin knows our elder Guo?"
Jin Yanzi said:"He is my dearest person in the world."
Hong Lianhua was a bit surprised to hear that and said:"Well, I never knew that."
He wanted to find out if Guo Pianxian has done anything to her but he was disappointed to hear her response.
Guo Pianxian said:"Initially I was afraid you were too young to lead us. But now I'm assured, you're a great leader."
Seeing that he couldn't win the beggars over, he quickly started to praise Hong Lianhua. This man is a true sycophant.
Hong Lianhua was thinking:He must realise not that he cannot count on the support of the brothers of the association. (Humph*)If you can't beat them, join them. What a piece of work this Guo Pianxian is!
He felt relieved now and smiled:"I'm most grateful that elder Guo has still the best interest for the association."
When he finished his sentence his eyes were drawn to the creepy eyes of Guo Pianxian.
He wanted to divert but it was too late.
Guo Pianxian smiled:"One man cannot perform all the tasks of our association. I think you want me back in the association, don't you?"
Hong Lianhua replied:"Yes, I do."
Guo Pianxian smiled:"From now on we will rule the association together."
Hong Lianhua answered:"Yes."
All the beggars felt strange that their leader would listen to all the suggestions of Guo Pianxian. But the rules of the association are very strict so everyone kept silent.
Mei Simang quickly shouted:"Master! You cannot listen to him! You must reconsider!"
Guo Pianxian sternly said:"This man has shown no respect to his superiors. He should be punished."
Hong Lianhua stuttered:"He....he...."
Mei Simang knelt in front of Hong Lianhua and said:"Even if the master has to punish me severly I have to say this. We cannot allow this man to have any power over the association if he does great disaster will fall upon us."
Hong Lianhua looked troubled.
Guo Pianxian took out his necklace with the black pearl again.
He dangled casually in front of Hong Lianhua and said:"He deserves to die! Issue an order!"
All the beggars were terrified.
Mei Simang kowtowed and said:"I am not afraid to die, but you must not let..."
Guo Pianxian interrupted him:"This man has shown disrespect to his superiors more than once. Also he dares to question the orders of the master. He has already broken the First and the Seventh Directive of our association. According to our rules he should die the death of numerous wounds.

*Note: Death of Numerous Wounds: the flesh will be sliced of the body bit by bit the victim will have to endure unspeakable pain before he eventually dies of too much lost of blood. Or simply when the unbearable pain knocks him out.

Jin Yanzi said:"Yes."
Her eyes were focussed on the black pearl too. Hong Lianhua said:"Yes, he deserves to die."
Mei Simang roared and passed out.
All the beggars were stunned that their leader would issue an order to execute Mei Simang. However no one dared to raise objections.
The rules of the Beggars Association were upheld always ten times stricter than other martial arts schools and/or associations.
The order of the leader was similar to an imperial decree, no one has the right to question it.
Even if the leader is wrong as a subject/disciple you cannot question or refuse the orders of the leader. If you do you will pay the ultimate price.
The reason for this is because the association was founded during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907 A.D. - 960 A.D.). During that period China was thrown into chaos, the Tang dynasty had lost total central command over all regions. And warlords popped up everywhere.
The founder of the association upheld the principle of in times of chaos, extreme measures and utmost disciplie had to be taken and upheld. This principle has been upheld by all the previous leaders of the Beggars Association.
When Hong Lianhua issued his order, Mei Simang was overcome by disappointment and anger.
Guo Pianxian smiled sinisterly:"Didn't all of you hear the order of the master? Where are the disciplinary disciples?"
At this moment four beggars walked up with tears in their eyes.
Guo Pianxian was still dangling his necklace. Guo Pianxian said:"Hong Lianhua, you can now...."
Before he could finish there was a sharp noise coming towards and before he realised what that was. The pearl was shattered.
Guo Pianxian stepped backwards and angrilly said:"You...you....!"
Hong Lianhua laughed loudly:"Do you really think I will fall that easily under your hypnotic spell? Think again!"
Guo Pianxian angrilly said:"Hong Lianhua! You had me fooled!"
Hong Lianhua laughed:"If I didn't play it that convincing how can expose your evil plans? How can I present the evidence of your wicked deeds to the brothers of the association?"
All the beggars were surprised and happy to see this change of events.
Mei Simang was extremely happy and shouted:"What the late master couldn't do, has finally been realised by master Hong Lian. Guo Pianxian's days are numbered, the late master can rest in peace now."
Guo Pianxian's face looked very pale but he arrogantly said:"What plans? What evidence of my wicked deeds? I don't understand a bit."
Hong Lianhua angrilly said:"Don't think you can talk your way out now!"
Guo Pianxian scoffed:"What have I done wrong? You were the one who issued the execution of Mei Simang, now you regret that decision that is not my business."
Guo Pianxian easily put the blame on Hong Lianhua and made sure he stayed out of shot.
Not even Hong Lianhua had anticipated this, he was too shocked to retort.
Guo Pianxian loudly adressed the other beggars:"Listen to my brothers! Hong Lianhua said that I used hypnotic spells. Can he present evidence that I used this sort of cheap trickery? If not he is merely slandering me."
All the beggars looked at each other and were too surprised to speak.


End of chapter 11

<font size="1">[ June 14, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[Sha Gu]

Go Hong Lianhua! Stupid Guo Pianxian.. How dare he try and hypnotize my favorite character so far..

[Goofy]

Can you give one hint? - whether the mastermind had made his appearance yet?

[TigerWong]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#dcdcdc" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="#DCDCDC"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#eeeeee"><font size="1">Originally posted by Goofy:
<STRONG>Can you give one hint? - whether the mastermind had made his appearance yet?</STRONG></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think that'd ruin things for some people. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> If you have questions you can always PM me (or Athena) and I can tell you.

[eeyore]

Waiting...... <IMG SRC="smilies/handball.gif" border="0">

Update soon please, Athena.

[Athena]

Chapter 12 Unexpected Mysteries

Guo Pianxian saw that Hong Lianhua couldn't prove he used hypnotism, so he
scoffed:" Hong Lianhua, if you can find one person who can prove that I used hyponotism I will admit my defeat. However if you fail to produce any evidence you are guilty of slandering an elder of the association. As I am an elder appointed by the late master I can and will punish you for this insolence."
Guo Pianxian was a sly devil and could twist and turn his way out of the most peril situations. Hong Lianhua was shocked to see this change of events and was thinking:I am wrong! I underestimated him, I thought I could easily expose his crimes. I am so wrong. What the master couldn't do in twenty years, how could I possibly accomplish that with one mere plan.
Suddenly a girl loudly said:"What is this place? Why am I here?"
Hong Lianhua saw that Jin Yanzi woke up and was extremely happy and said:"Guo Pianxian, do you really think no one can prove that you used hypnotic spells to do evil?"
When the black pearl was shattered the spell on Jin Yanzi was also broken,
she felt dizzy for a minute and passed out. She now gradually woke up and was
totally disorientated.
Hong Lianhua asked her:"Miss Jin, do you remember why you are here?"
Jin Yanzi looked around and saw Guo Pianxian, she immediately shouted:"It's him, this monster! He used some sort of hypnotic spell on me and told me I was his lover, disciple and friend."
At this moment all the disciples of the Beggars Association were very angry.
Mei Simang yelled:"Guo Pianxian! Today you will receive retribution for your crimes."
Guo Pianxian saw all the surrounding disciples moving in on him. Guo Pianxian
shouted:"What do you want?"
Mei Simang replied:"We are going to punish a traitor to the association."
Guo Pianxian scoffed:"You're not fit to judge me! None of you are! Take a close look at this!" He took out an old painting of a pair of dragon and phoenix dancing. There was a small row of characters on the top of the painting: Seeing this painting is like seeing me.
Mei Simang was shocked and exclaimed with shock:"Where did you get this painting?"
Guo Pianxian ignored him and turned to Hong Lianhua and said:"You must know who drew this painting, right?"
Hong Lianhua lowered his head and answered:"300 years ago, our founder patriarch Zhu drew this painting."
Guo Pianxian shouted:"Bow before this painting! Now!"
Hong Lianhua sighed deeply and bowed, the rest of the beggars had no choice but to follow the example of their leader.
Guo Pianxian was laughed loudly:"Even if I have commited a series of unforgivable crimes no one is allowed to punish me. The only person who has the right is patriarch Zhu, but he is dead for about 300 years."
Suddenly his laughter stopped and he looked very pale.
Everyone heard a girl saying:"I don't belong to the Beggars Association and I
don't care what painting you have in your hands."
Jin Yanzi had already drawn a short dagger and attacked him while he was laughing happily. When he noticed someone ambushed it was too late, the dagger had already pierced him in the back.
All the beggars were happy to see this, Guo Pianxian said:"I never thought I would be ambushed by a little lass like you....." He waved his palm and hit Jin Yanzi on the shoulder. This wave was generated with his powerful internal strength. Jin Yanzi flew aside and fainted immediately.
Guo Pianxian held on to the painting and staggered away from the beggars, he laughed evily:"With this in my hand, none of you can touch me."
Everyone could see that Guo Pianxian was severly injured anyone could capture
without any trouble but nobody dare to move forward.
Suddenly two figures blocked Guo Pianxian's way, the first person was a young pretty girl and the second was a middle-aged good-looking Taoist priestess.
This priestess wore a yellow robe and carried a long sword on her back.
She was the leader of the Huashan School, the Lotus Fairy Xu Shuzhen.
And the young girl was her disciple Zhong Jing.
Hong Lianhua was happy to see them, Xu Shuzhen coldly said:"Guo Pianxian, I
have finally found you."
Guo Pianxian roared loudly and wanted to escape, Xu Shuzhen swiftly advanced forward and sealed seven of his acupoints. At this time he was already
severly injured and couldn't even use 10 percent of his martial arts.
Hong Lianhua asked with surprise:"Master Xu, do you have grudges with this man?"
Xu Shuzhen sighed deeply:"Ever since the gathering at Lake Huang I have been tracking him. This man is the enemy of the Huashan School."
She waved her hand and Zhong Jin picked up the painting and presented it to Hong Lianhua. Xu Shuzhen said:"I'm returning the painting to you, but could I take this man away."
Hong Lianhua respectfully took the painting and said:"If master Xu didn't come, he would have gotten away."
Xu Shuzhen smiled:"More than ten years ago the late master of the Beggars Association already banned him. His ties with you and the association are severed."
Hong Lianhua said:"Indeed."
Xu Shuzhen said:"Thank you, master Hong Lian." And put her palms together and
gave Hong Lianhua a Taoist greeting.
She turned to Jin Yanzi and said:"Thanks to this Miss we were able to capture Guo Pianxian this easily. Would you tell her that she can alway rely on my help and the help of Huashan in the future."
Hong Lianhua smiled:"Miss Jin is very fortunate to receive such privilege."
With this Xu Shuzhen and Zhong Jin took Guo Pianxian away, Hong Lianhua went over to check on Jin Yanzi and was about to revive her when he saw another shadow moving by.
Although the level of art of levitation of this person was not high, the posture was very elegant. Hong Lianhua frowned:"Are you an emmisary of the Baihua association?"
A young woman gracefully paid her respects to Hong Lianhua:"My name is Hua Xun, my respects to you, master Hong Lian."
Hong Lianhua smiled:"Miss, are you here on orders of Madame Hai Tang?"
Hua Xun answered:"Madame Hai Tang wants to thank master Hong Lian for bringing back sister Lin. Madame Hai Tang also has a small request."

<font size="1">[ June 14, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[Athena]

For questions and spoilers send me a private message! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Han Solo]

Not asking for spoilers etc, but why did elder Guo PiaXian,someone with a highly respected kungfu was not even able to notice Jin Yan Zi's sneak attack before too late?

No matter how good Jin's kungfu is, after the hypnosis, her attack's should be greatly impaired.

[TigerWong]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#dcdcdc" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="#DCDCDC"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#eeeeee"><font size="1">Originally posted by eeyore:
<STRONG>I still feel Pei Yu in the wonderland.. he,he,he,he... howcome Pei Yu is so weak.. well he's only man I suppose... <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

Update soon Athena.. look forward for it.</STRONG></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

Pei Yu isn't that bad now, is he?

- He has above average strength, surprising many people with his solid inner power base.
- He's very well versed in martial arts philosophy, able to pick up concepts quickly and deciphering cryptic patterns.
- He's learned the concept of Sword Intention, able to use a branch as a sword and disguising his martial arts with other forms while retaining the same Intention.
- He's fairly evenly matched with that mysterious old man who was looking for the treasure, losing only because of his concern for Golden Swallow's safety.

I'd say he's as good as any of the leaders of the 13 prominent sects right now.

But he does get a little too emotional for my taste sometimes. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Athena]

Hong Lianhua smiled:" I'm happy to help out whenever possible."
Hua Xun smiled:"This matter concerns an elder of your association, elder Guo Pianxian. He disappeared 15 years ago and has resurfaced recently. My eldest martial arts sister has recently seen him, Madame Hai Tang deducted that master Hong Lian has organised this assembly of beggars to think of a way to deal with elder Guo. Madame Hai Tang...."
Before she could finish, Hong Lianhua asked her:"Does Madame Hai Tang have any resolved issues with this Guo Pianxian?"
Hua Xun sighed lightly:"Indeed she has, when elder Gou appears could you immediately notify us. Madame Hai Tang is just around the neighbourhood and will come here at once."
Hong Lianhua was silent for a moment and smiled wryly:"I am too happy to comply with Madame Hai Tang's request. However, I am afraid you're just too late."
Hua Xun asked with surprise:"Has he been executed?"
Hong Lianhua sighed:"Would Miss be so kind as to inform Madame Hai Tang that Guo Pianxian is banned from our association. His ties with us are severed. He is being held captive by the lotus fairy master Xu, leader of the Huashan School."

After about an hour Jin Yanzi gradually woke up. Hong Lianhua immediately said:"Thank you very much, Miss Jin for helping us. All the disciples of our association will remember your kindness."
Jin Yanzi smiled lightly and said:"You're too kind."
She suddenly remembered something and quickly asked:"Is that monster dead?"
Hong Lianhua replied:"He is seriously injured and is being held captive by master Xu Shuzhen. It seems that he and
the Huashan School are mortal enemies. Knowing master Xu's character he will not live for long."
Jin Yanzi was silent for a minute and sighed:"To be honest I'm still a bit worried. Only after seeing his corpse with my own eyes I will be sure."
Hong Lianhua laughed:"This man has enemies through the entire realm of martial arts. Even if master Xu will spare him, Madame Hai Tang will surely deal with him."
Jin Yanzi frowned and said:"Madame Hai Tang?"
Hong Lianhua explained:"Madame Hai Tang sent a disciple to question the whereabouts of Guo Pianxian."
Jin Yanzi quickly asked:"You didn't tell her, right?"
Hong Lianhua was surprised and said:"Actually I did. Why are you this surprised?"
Jin Yanzi sighed:"I'm afraid that from now on the Baihua Association and the Huashan School will become enemies."
Hong Lianhua quickly asked:"How come?"
Jin Yanzi asked him:"Does master Hong Lian know what the relationship is between Guo Pianxian and Madame Hai Tang?"
Hong Lianhua frowned and said:"I don't know."
Jin Yanzi said:"Doesn't anybody know that they are husband and wife?"
Hong Lianhua was surprised and exclaimed with shock:"Husband and wife?"
Jin Yanzi sighed:"Even if there are some misunderstandings between Guo Pianxian and Madame Hai Tang, she will not allow him to die at the hands of others. It is likely she has now become the enemy of master Xu and the Huashan School."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"No wonder Hua Xun quickly left when she heard the whereabouts of Guo Pianxian. Both Madame Hai Tang and master Xu are formidable women in Wulin. If the two of them really would fight each other things will really get out of hand."
Jin Yanzi said:"What's done is done. By the way the reason why I came to look for master Hong Lian is, that I want to ask you something."
Hong Lianhua laughed:"Whatever you want to know I will gladly share it with you, Miss Jin."
Jin Yanzi lowered her head and said:"Could perhaps tell me what precisely happened between Miss Lin Daiyu and young master Yu in that inn the other night?"
Hong Lianhua's face changed a bit and sighed:"May I ask why does Miss want to know about this matter?"
Jin Yanzi smiled wryly:"I hope you can tell me what happened. I would rather not tell why I'm interested in this matter."
Hong Lianhua was silent for some time and sighed:"That day I was at that little village too and I saw Miss Lin Daiyu travelling with another young man. Because I know Miss Lin I went over to greet them."
Jin Yanzi said:"Master Hong Lian, you were close friends with the late Yu Peiyu, I think you must have felt a bit angry when you saw Miss Lin travelling with another young man."
Hong Lianhua was surprised by this question and laughed:"No, you are wrong. I am not a conservative man, furthermore Miss Lin wasn't not even married to the late young master Yu. And even if they were married I don't expect her to stay a widow for the rest of her life. If she has met another person. As a friend I'm very happy for her."
Although he was laughing, there was no joy in his voice. In fact he sounded rather sad.
Jin Yanzi didn't hear that but smiled:"Master Hong Lian is indeed an open-minded man. I do apologize for my words."
Hong Lianhua smiled too and continued:"When I walked over to greet them, the young man seemed to be quite pleased still didn't speak but Miss Lin ignored me. Which was strange because we've known each other for a long time."
Jin Yanzi said:"Perhaps she was a bit angry that day."
Hong Lianhua said:"Possibly, but I remember about a month ago she did a similar thing. At that time she was in a dangerous position and ignored me with a purpose."
Jin Yanzi said:"So you suspected there was something amiss too this time."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"Indeed."
Jin Yanzi said:"That's why master Hong Lian went over that evening to investigate."
Mei Simang who never left Hong Lianhua suddenly spoke:"Miss Jin, you're right. If someone else who saw a similar situation would certainly investigate this matter in the evening. Even if this matter concerns some private matters of young women.
But Miss shouldn't forget that master Hong Lian is the leader of our association. His status is not the same as all and sundry, so he couldn't just go and investigate."
Jin Yanzi's face turned red and said:"I'm sorry. So master Hong Lian didn't go and investigate?"
Mei Simang said:"Master Hong Lian was very worried about the safety of his friends. So being careful he still had to look into this matter with precision."
Jin Yanzi smiled:"Master Hong Lian is a true righteous friend, everyone in Wulin knows that. Elder Mei doesn't have to remind me of that."
Mei Simang's face turned red and continued:"Master Hong Lian instructed a disciple to disguise himself as a waiter in the inn. And told him to observe the room of Miss Lin."
Jin Yanzi asked:"What time was it?"
Mei Simang looked at Hong Lianhua first and saw that Hong Lianhua nodded and replied:"Around dusk....."
Jin Yanzi smiled:"Master Hong Lian, if it is not to much to ask could you tell me what happened? Because if every time elder Mei has to ask for your permission to reveal something it will take forever when he is done."
Mei Simang laughed loudly:"Jin Yanzi is truly a very straightforward heroine. I just offended Miss Jin without intention and still Miss Jin is able to get back at me."
He bowed to Jin Yanzi and remained silent.
Jin Yanzi said:"Master Hong Lian, you have a very loyal confidant. But what did the disciple see?"
Hong Lianhua said:"He saw that Miss Lin looked very angry and totally ignored him."
Jin Yanzi said:"But why would she pay attention to a waiter?"
Hong Lianhua explained:"She knew that disciple, a month ago the same disciple went over in a disguise to make contact with her."
Hong Lianhua continued:"So this time I believed her situation must be more dangerous than the last time."
Jin Yanzi said:"Perhaps she wasn't in any danger that's why she didn't pass any message to that disciple."
Hong Lianhua said:"If that's the case why didn't she greet me when she saw me."
Jin Yanzi said:"Perhaps she was feeling not too comfortable in greeting you while someone else was around?"
Hong Lianhua said:"Impossible."
Jin Yanzi looked at him for awhile:"You're very confident."
Hong Lianhua said:"Yes."
Jin Yanzi smiled:"You must be very close to Miss Lin, right? No wonder you're so concerned about her safety."
Hong Lianhua's face changed a bit but smiled too:"Seeing that Miss Jin is so concerned too about this matter and Miss Jin is defending young master Yu all the time. I take it you must be very close to him too."
Jin Yanzi was stunned for a moment and laughed:"Master Hong Lian is a very formidable person."
Hong Lianhua laughed too, but their laughter seemed to a bit artificial. Although both of them were very open persons, they had very deep emotional issues to deal with.
Hong Lianhua said:"That disciple, Song Si entered the room twice. The second time he saw that Miss Lin was crying softly and used the sheets to cover her head. And young master Yu had his back to Song Si all the time. It seems that he didn't want anyone to see his face. When Song Si reported what he saw to me, I was thinking about whether I should go myself. During this time I noticed a few dark figures passing by, judging from the movements they were martial arts experts. And they were heading to the inn too so I followed them."
Jin Yanzi asked:"Do you know who these men were?"
Hong Lianhua said:"All of them wore black robes and used a black cloth to cover their faces. However I managed to identify at least one of them by his martial arts. That was Ximen Ruo."
Jin Yanzi said:"But why would Ximen Feng and others follow them?"

<font size="1">[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[BluLotus]

Argh! More please! Hehe, thx for translating!

[Athena]

Hong Lianhua sighed deeply:"Concerning this matter I cannot reveal too much. But I can tell you that because because Miss Lin is the fiancee of my late brother Yu. They will investigate and follow very person close to him."
Jin Yanzi sighed:"This matter is becoming more and more complicated."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"This entire incident is all connected to a big mystery. Miss Jin is the benefactress of our association that's why I am revealing this secret to you."
Jin Yanzi said:"I will keep this a secret. No matter whether this concerns the late Yu Peiyu or the live Yu Peiyu I will promise I won't reveal a word to anyone."
Hong Lianhua continued:"That night those men in black robes surrounded the inn and that Ximen Feng silently sneaked into the inn to spy on them."
Jin Yanzi said:"Were they plotting something against Miss Lin?"
Hong Lianhua said:"Yes, they were."
Jin Yanzi asked:"What were they planning?"
Hong Lianhua didn't say anything for some time.
Jin Yanzi loudly said:"No matter what! For Yu Peiyu I will never reveal a word to anyone. I will rather die!"
Hong Lianhua said:"They were ordered to
to bring back Miss Lin. If they cannot bring her back alive, they will have to bring back her corpse."
Jin Yanzi was surprised and asked:"Why?"
Hong Lianhua said with a smile:"This doesn't really concern that incident."
Jin Yanzi said:"But Ximen Feng and Lin Shoujuan are close friends if Ximen Feng killed Miss Lin the Flowered Chestnut Sword will surely avenge his daughter."
Hong Lianhua said:"A lot of strange things are happening lately. These people wanted to deal with Miss Lin for a long time. Luckily she was saved by Madame Hai Tang. But they will not leave her alone whenever she is alone they will and shall try to harm her."
Jin Yanzi asked:"Why didn't they attack Miss Lin that night?"
Hong Lianhua said:"Perhaps they were a bit afraid of young master Yu, or perhaps they wanted to see what the relationship was between Miss Lin and this Yu Peiyu. These people are still very suspicious about my late brother Yu, but they are also suspicious about the live Yu Peiyu. They think that he is still alive and both Yu Peiyus are the same person. And because Miss Lin is travelling with him makes them more suspicious."
Jin Yanzi asked:"Master Hong Lian, are you also thinking that both young masters Yu are the same person?"
Hong Lianhua shook his head:"Brother Yu is dead, if this young master Yu is my brother Yu he wouldn't just ignore me."
Jin Yanzi was silent and said:"Both young masters Yu are truly good friends."
Hong Lianhua said:"I know that those five men were good martial artists and I was worried about the safety of Miss Lin. But I couldn't attack them first without knowing their intentions. So I stayed behind them and observed their movements."
Jin Yanzi asked:"Was there anything happening in Miss Lin's room?"
Hong Lianhua said:"There was nothing happening in the room but the candles were still burning. I thought they had already slept. However suddenly Miss Lin stormed out and started cursing and so."
Jin Yanzi loudly said:"Now I understand. She was deliberately creating a scene because she noticed someone was spying on them. The commotion attracted a lot attention so those five men couldn't go through with their planned attack."
Hong Lianhua said:"Miss Lin has always been a very careful and vigilant person. So your deduction could be right, but although the argueing part could be an act but she did use her sword to stab this young master Yu."
Jin Yanzi said:"But she didn't really injured him severly, right?"
Hong Lianhua said:"His wounds were not too light but also not too deep. Miss Lin did the wrong thing by creating a scene. Because these five men were a bit afraid of this young master Yu. But now seeing the two of them weren't friends and one was wounded they instantly wanted to come out."
Jin Yanzi said:"But those people in the inn..."
Hong Lianhua said:"They will not have any reservations because of a few bystanders."
Jin Yanzi said:"So that's why master Hong Lian came out to stop Miss Lin. In fact you wanted to stop those men from taking actions. Everyone thought that master Hong Lian saved young master Yu, but in fact you saved Miss Lin."
Jin Yanzi continued:"The deduction I made earlier is also wrong. So Miss Lin really did want to kill young master Yu. Because if she knew she was in danger she wouldn't have stabbed him. I mean she needed all the help she could have."
Hong Lianhua said:"I don't think so. She could have known that I was around to save her."
Jin Yanzi asked:"But why did she ignore you all the time."
Hong Lianhua said:"Perhaps she was afraid these five men would think this young master Yu was my late brother Yu. She wounded him for the purpose of protecting him from those men."
After saying this he slightly trembled.
Jin Yanzi said:"In other words she injured in order to save him."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"But that is my deduction."
Jin Yanzi asked:"Didn't you ask her when you saved her?"
Hong Lianhua sighed:"What right do I have to question her."
Jin Yanzi was silent and looked at Hong Lianhua for a moment. She smiled:"Don't worry she won't have any feelings for this young master Yu. In fact I think she really might want to kill him."
Hong Lianhua felt a bit awkward and said:"Why...why should I not worry."
Jin Yanzi sighed:"You cannot fool me, I know what your feelings are for Miss Lin. Does she know your feelings for her?"
Hong Lianhua laughed but looked very sad:"No matter what she is the fiancee of my brother Yu."
Jin Yanzi said:"But Yu Peiyu is dead."
Hong Lianhua said:"He is always alive in my heart."
Jin Yanzi said:"Because of him you're willing to put aside your feelings for Miss Lin for the rest of your life. I think Yu Peiyu would want you to comfort Miss Lin."
Hong Lianhua loudly said:"She doesn't need comforting."
Jin Yanzi said:"You're wrong, she needs someone to comfort her. And that person is you."
Hong Lianhua looked at her for some time and scoffed:"You want me to comfort Miss Lin because you're afraid she will steal your young master Yu away from you. You hope she will hate him and even perhaps you wish she really does kill him. You would rather see him dead than seeing them together."
Jin Yanzi trembled and lowered her head and said in a sad tone:"You're right. Absolutely right. I am a very selfish person."
She started to weep.
Hong Lianhua felt sorry for the way he talked to her and said apologetically:"Who is not selfish when it comes to love."

<font size="1">[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[Goofy]

hope the two heartbroken people get together at the end. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Athena]

Again thanks everyone for your nice words.

Jin Yanzi looked up and said:"You're not selfish. You're willing to give up your happiness for the one you love. And you don't expect people will know about your sacrifice. Why can't I be more like you? Why? Why?"
Hong Lianhua didn't know what to say, but he was hurting too now when he heard Jin Yanzi's words.
He quickly changed the subject and asked:"Miss Jin, I have a few questions for you?"
Jin Yanzi said:"I will be happy to answer your questions."
Hong Lianhua asked:"How come you knew of that incident at the inn?"
Jin Yanzi wiped her tears and said:"That night Sima Bin (The young master of the Divine Sabre) was at the inn too. Didn't master Hong Lian see him?"
Hong Lianhua was surprised and said:"He was there too? I didn't see him."
Jin Yanzi sighed:"When he told me what he saw I thought it was not so complicated but after hearing your detailed story about what transpired I'm even more confused."
Hong Lianhua said:"I'm confused too about the entire situation. I had my attention on Ximen Feng and others, I didn't noticed the young master of the divine sabre. I'm not surprised if there were others lurking about too at that time."
Jin Yanzi said:"There was another person observing the entire incident."
Hong Lianhua asked with utmost surprise:"Who?"

[Athena]

Jin Yanzi replied:"A mysterious young woman but when young master Yu saw her he immediately ran off."
Hong Lianhua asked:"Who was that woman? Why was Yu Peiyu afraid of her?"
Jin Yanzi sighed:"I'm afraid only young master Yu knows that secret."
Hong Lianhua looked up and said:"Yu Peiyu......Yu Peiyu....Why is this name filled with mystery?"
Jin Yanzi said:"Why...why won't you ask me what happened between young master Yu and Miss Lin before they went to that inn? I do know a bit what happened between them?"
Hong Lianhua smiled sadly:"If one knows too many secrets one will only feel more frustrated. I already know too many secrets, I really do hope I won't know anymore mysteries or riddles."

Jin Yanzi's injuries were quite serious although she was given the best medicine available she was still in not fit to travel yet.
Hong Lianhua advised her to rest for a few more days but being a forthright person she didn't like the idea of just resting for another few days. Hong Lianhua instructed Mei Simang to take her to the Family Li Village.
The disciples of the Beggars Association had already prepared a carriage for them.
Mei Simang rode the carriage and soon they were headed for Family Li Village.

After riding for a day they reached Family Li Village and it was already night now.
Mei Simang asked:"Miss Jin, where were you supposed to meet with your sister?"
Jin Yanzi replied:"Well, two years ago I passed through this village and I lodged at the family Li inn, so I told her to wait for me there."
Mei Simang smiled:"This is the first time that I came to this village, I don't know where the inn is. Could you tell me what street it is located?"
Jin Yanzi said:"There is only one main street in this little village, and the inn is right in that street."
Suddenly they heard loud strange noises coming towards them.
It was very difficult to tell what that noise was, it sounded like wild animals roaring but they could hear drums, cymballs too.
Mei Simang said:"Miss Jin, hide in the carriage. No matter what don't come out and try to keep quiet."
They quickly got off the road and soon some very suspicous characters passed by. Judging from their postures they were martial artists too.
One of those characters said:"The old one looks annoying there, shall I kill him?"
The other said:"Our brother is waiting for us, we don't have time for this."
The other scoffed:"The old fool is lucky tonight."
And with that they were gone already, Jin Yanzi now came out the carriage and asked:"Sir, why didn't you do something?"
Mei Simang smiled wryly:"They didn't attack us, did they? We shouldn't be bothered with the likes of them."
Jin Yanzi asked:"Are they troublesome charactes in Wulin?"
Mei Simang looked rather surprised at Jin Yanzi:"Haven't you heard of them before?"
Jin Yanzi asked:"Who are they?"
Mei Simang said in a serious tone:"They are the infamous Four Beasts."
Jin Yanzi said:"They belonged to the Four Beasts?"
Mei Simang nodded and said:"It seems that all four of them are assembling further ahead."
Jin Yanzi said:"Although these four rogues are supposed to be sworn brothers, but they always operate alone. What brings them here?"
Mei Simang replied:"They are infamous robbers so they must be here for a big job. But what is here in this little village?"
Jin Yanzi felt uneasy and asked:"Where were they heading for?"
Mei Simang said:"Just straight ahead."
Jin Yanzi said":"They are headed for the family Li inn...."
Mei Simang asked:"Does your sister have any precious jewelry with her?"
Jin Yanzi said:"Yes, and lots of it too." She wanted to get off the carriage and rush over to the inn. Mei Simang stopped her and said:"You're still recovering from your wounds."
Jin Yanzi said:"The Four Beasts are not to be trifled with, my sister cannot fight them by herself. I can't watch her just die at their hands."
Mei Simang said:"But if you go too you will be in danger as well."
Jin Yanzi asked:"What shall we do?"
Mei Simang smiled and said:"With me around they won't succeed." Although he said that he wasn't sure whether he really could stop the Four Beasts.

Jin Yanzi asked:"Do you have a plan?"
Mei Simang said:"We have to be careful because the four of them are very cautious."
Mei Simang and Jin Yanzi reached the family Li inn, Mei Simang smiled:"Miss Jin, I'm 68 years old if you don't mind that I'm a smelly old beggar please climb up my back. We will observe them from the roof first."
Jin Yanzi sighed:"There is nothing else we could do right now, is there?"

[Anonymous]

Hiya gys,
Thks Athena for translating "The Sword and The Exquisiteness." Really into Gu Long's style now. All characters and the story itself are have so many surprises. 0.o I love it!
-
Really like the Resurrections of Yu Peiyu. And nice to read another main character that sweats [being chased down] before becoming ultra powerful. And all these love triangles, my head hurts. haha. Yu Peiyu is the luckiest man alive. Just so many girls after him -- its like a cult classic. haha

[Goofy]

is there any specific reason why Yu Peiyu used his old name for a new face?

Wouldn't it be smarter to appear as a new person totally in order to investigate the matter more easily?

I took it that his handsome face was unrecognizable so even if people make investigation on him, they would still could not connect him with yu peiyu.

?????

[Athena]

Thanks Anonymous!

Mei Simang climbed up the roof and he found a spot where they could oversee the entire room.
Jin Yanzi was very worried and thought:Why is she still sleeping? She should be more alert.
The four rogues had drawn their sabres and were standing outside of Silver Blossom's room and readied themselves.
Suddenly a light burnt in the room and sweet laughter was coming from the room.
The door opened and a beautiful young woman stood there smiling at the Four Beasts. She wore a thin dress revealing her wonderful figure and she had a very sweet innocent but sexy look on her face.
The Four Beasts were stunned and just gazed at her, even the old Mei Simang thought:My goodness! This is the sister of Jin Yanzi?!?
Silver Blossom laughed:"Good evening! What can I do for you?"
The four robbers stuttered:"I.....we....I....ehhh..."
Saliva was practically drooling from their chins.
Silver Blossom said:"Please come in, don't just stand there in the cold. Do you like a cup of tea?"
The Four Beasts were too captivated by her charm and beauty. The four of them are accustome to stealing, killing and raping. But somehow they didn't know what to do when they saw this young girl this friendly towards them.
One of the men composed himself and loudly said:"We are lucky that such a beautiful Miss is inviting us for tea. I, the Black Panther, Qin Biao will drink the first cup."
A tall man in a black robe entered the room, his face was full of scares and he looked quite gruesome.
Silver Blossom greeted him:"I'm the one who is lucky. It is seldom that I can entertain such a noble hero like you."
Qin Biao laughed loudly, another man spoke:"Damn it! I will drink a cup too."
The remaining three men entered too. The first one was big and fat, the second one was very skinny and was missing half an ear.
The third one looked rather normal but somehow his movements were very fallacious. Giving people an uncomfortable feeling.
Jin Yanzi was disgusted by these men and felt that none of them looked human.
But still Silver Blossom remained smiling and gave each and everyone a sweet smile.
The fat man began to laugh:"What a sweet lass! I, the Red Tiger Zhao Gang, have roamed the world many years. But never have I seen a girl like you. I want to devour you right now."
The third man said:"Miss, please forgive him. He doesn't know any manners, but he is quite nice."
After he spoke his body sort of coiled up.
Zhao Gang said:"Although I don't have a nice face like you, I'm much more of man than the White Snake Lord."
All of four of them weren't suspicous of Silver Blossom and talked and laughed loudly. Only the second man was still silent he didn't look at Silver Blossom. But when he walked by her he pinched her on the buttocks. Silverblossom pouted in his ear:"I thought you were a gentleman."
The man coldly replied:"I'm no man, I am a wolf."
Silver Blossom smiled:"You're a wolf?"
The man said:"Yes, I am Greywolf."
Zhao Gang was inspecting the bed and said:"She sure smells nice. I sure want to put her on the bed and...hmmmmm"
Greywolf scoffed:"Don't forget we are here on business."
Silver Blossom smiled:"Do all of you rather drink wine?" She poured four cups of wine. The White Snake Lord smiled:"You have very pretty hands, but I don't know if you have used your pretty hands to put poison in our cups."
Zhao Gang jumped up and loudly said:"Even so I will drink the first cup."
With that he grabbed a cup and drank the wine, Qin Biao who looked at Zhao Gang for a minute and saw he wasn't poisoned also drank. He said:"This Miss is a smart girl, she wouldn't dare to poison us."
Mei Simang asked Jin Yanzi:"Do you think she put poison in the wine?"
Jin Yanzi said:"No, I don't think so. But she should have."
Mei Simang smiled:"Miss Jin, you're wrong. Putting poison in the wine is too obvious and easy detectable. Your sister won't use such a silly plan."
Jin Yanzi sighed:"What is she planning?" Mei Simang said:"Your sister has thought it out how to deal with them. Her plan is ten times better than Miss Jin's plan and also ten times better than my plan. I don't think we shall have to intervene tonight."
Silver Blossom asked the White Snake Lord:"Won't you drink the wine?"
The White Snake Lord smiled:"I like to have something with my wine."
Silver Blossom asked:"What do you want with your wine?"
The White Snake Lord said:"I think you know, also you must know our intentions now."
Silver Blossom said:"But those things aren't tasty with wine."
The White Snake Lord said:"But when I look at those things I can drink three cups of wine."
Silver Blossom smiled:"Very well!" She went over to the corner of the bed and took out a big parcel.
She opened and the four beasts were staring at those treasures before them.
Zhao Gang said:"I have never seen such a treasure before in my life. After this I can rest for a very long time."
The White Snake Lord smiled:"Just a minute! We should ask the permission of this young Miss here first."
Zhao Gang yelled:"What? Asking permission?!? I do as I please here."
The White Snake Lord laughed:"Asking doesn't hurt."
Zhao Gang asked Silver Blossom:"Sweetheart, do you want to give us this treasure or not? Stupid me! Why do I use the word not, like she has a choice....hahahahaha"
Silver Blossom said:"I already prepared this for you. You can take it away. And I want to present another treasure to you."
Zhao Gang immediately asked:"What is that treasure? Show us!"
Silver Blossom said in a very seductive manner:"To me that is the most precious thing I have. Care to guess?"
Zhao Gang shook his head and said:"I don't know."
Silver Blossom said:"Perhaps a glance is enough." With that she removed her dress and stood naked in front of these four men.
Their eyes were all focussed on her beautiful body and it seemed like their eyes were glowing with lust.
Zhao Gang swallowed his saliva and said:"The best treasure I have seen. If anyone dares to say that this isn't a treasure I will poke out his eyes."
The White Snake Lord asked with surprise:"Are you really willing to give yourself to us?"
Silver Blossom said in a sweet voice:"Every woman has to get married some time, the only thing a woman wants is a true man."
She gently caressed her own body and said:"Look I am no longer a little girl."
Zhao Gang said:"Whoever dares to say that you're a young girl I will puch him back to his mother's womb."
Qin Biao sternly said:"What are your motives? A beautiful woman like you can easily find a dozen handsome men. What do you want to gain from us?"
Silver Blossom said in a very sincere tone:"Although none of you are handsome but all of you are true noble heroes. Only foolish girls are hoping for a charming handsome prince. But I love true men."
Zhao Gang stood up and said:"Well said! Those girly boys don't know the first thing about handling women. I can promise you that I will give you more pleasure than any of those girly boys can ever give you!"
Suddenly Silver Blossom sighed:"There is only one problem, there is only one of me."
Zhao Gang roared:"I don't have a woman yet, you're mine!"
Silver Blossom lowered her head and said:"Mr. Zhao is indeed a good choice. If I can have a husband like you I won't have any regrets, but......"
She then gave Qin Biao a sad look.
Qin Biao didn't let her finish and said:"Old Zhao, you're only the second brother. I can let you have all the other treasures but this treasure belongs to me. Because I'm the eldest and the leading brother of all of you."
Zhao Gang sneered:"You're the leader because I let you."
Qin Biao angrilly said:"What! Do you question my authority?"
Zhao Gang said:"What if I am?"
Silver Blossom said:"Please don't fight over me. I feel very bad if anything happens to any of you."
The White Snake Lord said:"Miss is right. The best way to solve this problem is to let her pick her own husband."
The White Snake Lord thought he was going to get picked because he was the most handsome one in the group.
But in fact all the other three thought they were going to get chosen by this treasure.
Because if she didn't like me, why would she give me those meaningful looks.
So the other three beasts called out:"That's a good idea!"
Zhao Gang laughed:"Little Treasure! You're Diao Chan(*) and I am Lu Bu (*), we're made for each other."
Silver Blossom bit her lip and glanced at the four men. Qin Biao said:"Tell us who you love, don't be afraid."
Zhao Gang said:"Pick me and I will make sure none of them will dare to lay a hand on you."
All four of them were very confident that she fell in love with him. If a woman has such a powerful effect on men, this woman is not to be trifled with.
Mei Simang was flabbergasted, he never thought the sister of Jin Yanzi would be such a formidable young woman.
He smiled wryly and thought:It is a good thing that I am 68 years old. If not I will certainly jump down and.......

End of chapter 12



*A Famous love couple during the Three Kingdoms Period

[Athena]

To Goofy: I think Yu Peiyu wanted to keep his name because he had lost everything. And his name was given by his father and he felt that he couldn't lose his identity to those conspiritors too.
But you're right. It would have been wise to change the name too.

[Athena]

Chapter 13 Ulterior Motives

Silver Blossom looked at the four men for some time and sighed:"All of you are real heroes I don't know how to choose. The only thing I can come up with is...."
All four of them asked:"What is it?"
Silver Blossom said:"I am only a weak female I just hope my husband can protect me. So like many other women I just hope my husband has superior martial arts."
At this point Greywolf's face changed and wanted to speak. Before he could do so, Silver Blossom continued:"However if the four of you would fight amongst each other I will be sad too. I don't want you to fight or get injured over me."
Greywolf's face returned to normal. Zhao Gang asked:"I don't understand. How will you be able to see which one of us is stronger"?
Silver Blossom said:"If all of you would display your best skill I will be able to see who of you has the best martial arts. And in this way you won't have to fight over me."
Zhao Gang laughed:"A good idea! A good idea!"
Jin Yanzi softly asked Mei Simang:"What is she planning?"
Mei Simang said:"Your sister is hoping the four of them will kill themselves in a fight."
Jin Yanzi said:"If so why doesn't she come up with a plan that will make them fight amongst themselves?"
Mei Simang said:"She is a clever girl. That Greywolf is a bit suspicious already and if she insisted the four of them should fight he will surely see through her trickery."
Jin Yanzi frowned:"But they're not going to fight now."
Mei Simang smiled:"Your sister has seen through that although they are sworn brothers, but they do not respect or acknowledge each other. Each one of them feels that his martial arts is superior to the other, so in the end they will bound to fight each other till the death. But this way they won't suspect your sister has anything to do with it."
Jin Yanzi sighed and remained silent.

On the other hand Zhao Gang walked up to a pile of bricks and generated his energy to his right palm and smashed a brick into pieces.
Silver Blossom smiled:"Mr. Zhao has very good martial arts, I never thought anyone's palm could be that strong and powerful."
Zhao Gang laughed:"I'm certain that few people have this ability in Wulin."
Silver Blossom nodded in agreement, but glanced at Qin Biao.
Qin Biao sneered:"This type of martial arts is very suitable to chop wood. In a real battle such skills are useless."
Zhao Gang angrilly shouted:"In other words you think you're betther than I."
Qin Biao didn't answer but just coldly laughed, he walked to another pile of bricks and sat on it.
Zhao Gang scoffed:"What are you training here? The Buttocks Skill?"
Qin Biao coldly said:"Your brains don't work but I do hope your eyes are allright."
Suddenly Zhao Gang saw that Qin Biao was slowly descending, the bricks were drilled into the ground. Qin Biao used his internal strenght to drill the bricks into the floor."
Silver Blossom laughed and applauded:"Excellent skill! Mr, Qin's martial arts are truly amazing, don't you agree?"
The White Snake Lord nodded and said:"I haven't seen brother Qin only for a few months. It is hard to believe that you mastered such level in such a short time."
Qin Biao laughed:"If I didn't have such martial arts, how could lead you bunch of......ahhhhhhh"
His laughter stopped and he turned pale, somehow Greywolf sneaked up on him and stabbed a dagger into his back.
Qin Biao said angrilly:"Old Wolf.....you're..you're too vicious....!"
Greywolf coldly said:"I just want to tell you that although old Zhao's martial arts are only good for chopping wood. But your skills are useless too. Do you really expect your enemies will let you sit on them?"
He turned to Silver Blossom and said:"In my opinion the only good martial arts is the one that kills."
Qin Biao wanted to grab Greywolf's neck, but Greywolf quickly leapt away and pulled out the dagger. Blood gushed out of Qin Biao's wound and he fell to the ground.
Zhao Gang angrilly said:"Old Qin may be a stupid moron but we're still brothers. How could you?"
Greywolf coldly said:"With him dead you're the leading brother."
Zhao Gang grunted and stayed quiet.
The White Snake Lord said:"Old Wolf is right, the only good martial arts is the type that is lethal. But my killing skills aren't as good as old Wolf."
He had already positioned himself behind Zhao Gang's back for some time now and after he finished his sentence he launched an attack at Zhao Gang.
Zhao Gang may look dumb but he isn't as stupid as he looks. When he knew that the White Snake Lord attacked him he didn't back away in fact he counter-attacked.
Unfortunately he was a bit too fat, and couldn't avoid the sword stance to his body. The short sword stabbed through his shoulder but he had already grabbed the neck of the White Snake Lord.
He asked with a mean laugh:"Do you think you can escape?"
The White Snake Lord begged:"Second brother Zhao, please spare me!"
Zhao Gang said:"In my heart I have forgiven you, but my hands are not listening to my heart."
With one movement he snapped the neck of the White Snake Lord. Greywolf, who was also a bit shocked to see Zhao Gang killing the White Snake Lord, said:"Impressive, old Zhao!"
Zhao Gang pulled out the short sword and looked at Greywolf:"And then there were only two."
Silver Blossom who arranged the entire scenario was hiding and watching from a corner.
Greywolf walked up to the table and sat down, he said:"Old Zhao, sit down first. Let us talk this over." He poured two cups of tea.
Zhao Gang replied:"Allright! I'm interested what you have to say."
Greywolf said:"Some things in life you can share with others. For instance I would share a bottle of good wine with you anytime. And I believe you would do the same thing, right?"
Zhao Gang said:"So what if I would? Get one with your shit!"
Silver Blossom frowned, she knew where Greywolf was getting at.
Greywolf said:"It is not uncommon to see two women marrying to one man, why won't we share one wife?"
Zhao Gang shouted:"I can share a lot of things, but nobody touches my woman!"
Greywolf coldly said:"The two of us have a lot of enemies, you can kill me. But if so you will have to face your enemies alone. Furthermore if the two of us started fighting no one would know the outcome."
Zhao Gang was silent for some time, he was thinking over Greywolf's words.
After pondering for some time he laughed:"Right, half a wife is better than having no wife. By the looks of it I may not handle this little tart alone."
He raised the cup of tea and said:"My good brother, I will listen you to your suggestion."
Silverblossom walked up and smiled:"It is a very good idea! Drink this cup of tea and you will even like the idea more and more."
Zhao Gang looked at the cup and thought for a minute and put it down. He is not the most brightest man in Wulin but he has roamed the realm long enough to have gained some experience. He didn't learn any good habits but he mastered plenty of nasty habits to survive.
He looked at Greywolf and said:"Have you done something with this tea?"
Greywolf yelled:"Don't be a fool! We're brothers for many years don't let outsiders drive a wedge between us."
Silver Blossom said:"Why won't you drink the tea?"
She casually put her finger in the cup for an instant and put it in front of Greywolf.
She said:"I say there is poison in this tea and if you don't want to drink it. I understand."
Zhao Gang yelled:"Drink the tea! If you don't I will snap your neck!"
Greywolf loudly said:"There wasn't any poison in the tea, but after you put your finger in it. There is poison now."
Silver Blossom said:"You're accusing me?"
Greywolf said:"Yes you, you little crumpet!"
He leapt up and wanted to hit Silver Blossom, she quickly hid behind Zhao Gang.
Zhao Gang angrilly said:"You're the one who put poison in the tea! Do you think I'm a dumb pig!"
Greywolf aimed his two fists at Zhao Gang's chest, Zhao Gang didn't avoid those blows. Greywolf's fists struck him on the chest but Greywolf felt like he was hitting a bag of sand. He quickly wanted to draw his sabre but it was too late. Zhao Gang struck hard on the chest too and he fell down, to finish him off Zhao Gang raised his fist and struck him on the head. Killing him instantly.
Silver Blossom was clapping her hands. Zhao Gang spat on Greywolf's body.
Silver Blossom said:"Mr. Zhao's body is truly amazing! But are you allright? Are you in pain?"
Zhao Gang patted himself on the chest and said:"Those dirty paws of him won't harm me."
Silver Blossom said:"But your shoulder is still bleeding."
She used her finger to gently touch the wound on his shoulder and asked:"Does it hurt?"
Zhao Gang laughed:"Not at all!"
He wanted to embrace her, but she quickly ran away and smiled:"Catch me if you can? If you can catch me I will give you a surprise."
She was a swift as a fox, Zhao Gang couldn't catch her and said:"Little darling! Let me give you a kiss!"
Silver Blossom stopped running and sighed:"You really are a dumb pig."
Zhao Gang said:"What are you saying?" Silver Blossom said:"I just put poison on your wound enough to kill ten pigs. But if you didn't run around to catch me you could have live another two hours."
Zhao Gang roared and collapsed on the ground. Silver Blossom sighed:"Why won't anyone listen to my good advice?"
She opened the door and the henchmen of the Four Beasts were still outside waiting. These men were trained not to move without permission from their leaders, although they heard strange noises from the room they didn't dare to check.
Silver Blossom smiled:"Here are four bodies, would you mind carrying them outside?"
Those henchmen all hurried to the door and saw their leaders dead and were stunned.
Silver Blossom smiled:"I can understand what you are going through. Your leaders died under strange circumstances if you want to avenge them I don't mind."
The men were too shocked and thought why she is still smiling like that. Her clothes are not torn, they were too terrified to even think of avenging their leaders. They knew the deaths of their leaders were related to this strange but beautiful woman. They quickly ran to their horses and fled.
Silver Blossom sighed:"The robbers nowadays are such losers."