The Sword And The Exquisiteness by GU LONG

[Thor]

To Goddess Athena: The Thunder God wishes to express his appreciation for your efforts to translate this intriguing novel. This is a real treat for Chinese illiterates like myself and others.
The Thunder God also give many thanks in advance for hard work that Goddess will undoubtedly be making in the continuing translations.

[Athena]

Thanks Noodles, Goofy, Acidbeastonfire, CrazyT and (Divine brother of the thunder) Thor! <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">
I won't reveal anything right now, all will be clear later on. At least the readers have a clearer picture about who is good and who is evil. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Yu Peiyu didn't turn around to look at other people. He just wanted to get away from everyone. He was absolutely lost, he didn't know what to do.
There were people everywhere and everyone was pushing each other about. Yu was pushing too, suddenly he felt something prick him in the side. So as result he pushed people aside, with his tremendous strength and his strong internal energy those people all fell on the ground. Some of them called out and cursed, but Yu didn't care anymore. He just wanted to rest.
Finally, he reached a remote desolate place and sat down on a rock.
He felt something dripping from his back, he used his hand to wipe it away. Thinking it was sweat, but when he looked at his hand he saw it wasn't sweat but blood. He now realised that someone tried to kill him in the crowd earlier. Fortunately he pushed out and wanted to get away, otherwise....
He broke out in a cold sweat.
He was so extremely tired and disillusioned about everything.
He pondered about lots of things, about Hong Lianhua's friendship.
About the killer of his father, but now he had to acknowledge an imposter as his father. He was angry and sad.
Thinking back he is surprised how he managed to put a smile on his face. He couldn't hold back his tears anymore, his father was dead, his home was gone, all his relatives and friends have deserted him.
The only thing that kept him going and will keep him going is he wants to find out what is going on here. He cannot give up and will not give up, so he will stay alive no matter what. He got up and started walking.

He heard three people sneaking up on him, Yu Peiyu turned around and saw three shadows quickly hide behind a rock. Yu Peiyu pretended that he didn't notice the three men and walked even slower now. All of a sudden three sabres attacked him from behind. Fast and vicious.
Yu Peiyu stopped and bent forward and used his right leg to kick backwards and heard a scream. One of the attackers was sent flying, the other 2 saw that their attack failed and wanted to run.
Yu Peiyu turned around and used his fist to hit one of the man on the back, the man ran a few steps but suddenly he bent forward and fell to the ground.
The remaining man knew he couldn't escape anymore and turned around to fight. He raised his sabre and wanted to hack Yu, Yu seized his wrist the man wanted to used his fist to strike down Yu. But Yu easily used his other hand to grab the fist.
This man was not a weakling but somehow his martial arts didn't mean a thing anymore around Yu Peiyu.
Yu put force into his both hands and squeezed, the man broke out in a sweat and cried out.
Yu Peiyu sternly asked:"Who sent you? Tell me, and I will let you live."
The man laughed:"You will never know"
The laughing stopped and the man's face turned green.
Yu Peiyu quickly took his pulse but it was too late. In a few moments the man's face changed colour a few times and all the flesh in his face dissolved. Yu Peiyu saw that this poison was similar to the poison that killed Hei Gezi when all the problems started.
He knew that this man was sent by that evil mastermind.
He went over to check on the other 2 attackers and saw that both of them were dead. He sighed and realised he used to much strenth just then.
He lifted his head and stared into the air and sighed, he felt an itch in his hands and started to scratch them.
But the itch seemed to get worse, before long he knew there was something amiss.
He looked at his hands and saw that his fingers were swollen and his palms were black.
The itch and the starting numbness began to spread to his arms too.
He tried to pick the sabre on the ground but his hands didn't listen anymore. With great difficulty he could pick a sabre and wanted to chop off one of his hands.
Suddenly an object flew by and sent the sabre flying.
Two tall figures in long robes came out the bushes, both wore a black cloth covering their face except for their sinister looking eyes.
One was a skinny, tall man, the other was quite muscular.

The skinny man laughed evilly:"Scratch, go ahead! Scratch it will make you feel better."
Yu Peiyu couldn't resist and scratched his hands but in an instant he stopped. He yelled to those 2 men:"In the end I couldn't
escape your vile treachery. Just kill me now!
The skinny man said:"Now, you realise you cannot escape. Weren't you feeling high and mighty just a few moments ago by defeating those three."
The muscular man scoffed:"Those three were sent to die, otherwise why would we sent three useless, expendable fools to deal with you."
The skinny man continued:"We knew that you would investigate their bodies after you've dealt with them. We have sprinkled poisonous powder on their clothes. When you touched them you were poisoned, and with every scratch the poison will travel faster."
The muscular man laughed:"Now both of your hands are too swollen up to fight. Can you still be that arrogant and hit us?"
These two men are putting up a two-man comic show to antagonize Yu Peiyu.
Their plan was devious and ingenious, no matter how careful you are it was practically impossible to escape them.
Yu Peiyu was furious and called out:"Just for your own selfish gain you can even sent your own people to death. What kind of monsters are you!"
The skinny man scoffed:"These 3 men were willing to die for the master and his cause. They died a glorious death. Even their families will feel honoured."
The muscular man said:"But when you die no one will even miss you. They won't even know that you're dead. They will just think that you're touring the world."
Yu Peiyu was feeling very cold now and smiled bitterly:"I never would have dreamt that there was such a vicious person in this world...."
The poison began to take effect and Yu Peiyu fell down.
The skinny man laughed:"That is the way in the realm of martial arts, I hack at you with my sabre, you stab me with your sword. It is just a matter of who will die first."
The muscular man said:"Amusing, very amusing."
Both of them picked up a sabre and walked to Yu Peiyu.
Yu Peiyu sighed:"I'm about to die, can you at least tell me who this mastermind is."
The skinny man said:"I'm afraid you're destined to become a muddle-headed ghost."
The muscular man continued:"It's not that we do not want to tell you, but the truth is we don't know who the master is either."

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

[Thor]

Goofy, I think like you. I have a bad feeling about Hong Lienhua. I at this point suspect that he is the mystery person behind all the murders.

[Athena]

To kill some speculations, I can assure everyone now that Hong Lianhua and the Beggars Association belong to the GOOD GUYS. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> This part of the translation will reveal that.

Suddenly the muscular man leapt up and called out:"Snake...a snake!"
And he fell to the ground. The skinny man saw a snake biting him and saw 2 snakes coming for him and quickly avoided the snakes. He said to the muscular man:"I will take care of your family. You can die in peace."He used his sabre to hack the muscular man in the face and left.
The muscular man covered in his own blood said with his dying breath:"I feel honoured that I can die for the master and his cause."
Yu Peiyu watched this in amazement but before long he felt dizzy and fainted.

After some time he gradually woke up, the itching was gone but he felt pain and still couldn't move. He was still feeling very woozy in a haze he saw an old man with a white, silver long beard standing in front of him. When he took a closer look he was happy and surprised and said softly:"Mei Sim..."
The old man was Mei Simang of the Beggars Association, he turned to Yu Peiyu and said softly:"Don't move! My little friends are sucking the poison out of your body."
Yu saw 4 little snakes attached to his body.
Mei Simang was looking at the snakes like a proud parent was admiring his children. He asked with a smile:"Aren't they cute?" After being almost killed by 2 ruthless men and one devious plot, these snakes seem indeed very cute.
Yu Peiyu managed to smile a bit, this was the first time in a long, long time he felt a bit relaxed.
He was thining that perhaps Mei Simang might know the identity of the attackers. Because judging from the martial arts of the 2 men they must be famous martial artists. And Mei Simang being a knowledgeable Wulin senior might recognize them.
Mei Simang saw the pensive face of Yu and knew what he was thinking and sighed:"It could be that I know this man but unfortunately the other man deliberately mutilated his face, so that we cannot trace the identity of this man. Such viciousness is seldom seen."
Yu Peiyu closed his eyes and sighed this lead has also ended.
Mei Simang continued:"I carefully examined, searched the clothers of these men but couldn't find a clue that would reveal their identities. They're not only cunning but also very cautious."
He looked at the hand of Yu Peiyu and nodded. He whistled softly and the snakes let go and crawled back to him. Mei Simang softly said:"Good job! You can rest now."
The snakes seemed to understand him and crawled back into a sack.
Mei Simang said:"Luckily the poison didn't enter your body via a wound otherwise there might be some problems. Now you just need a good rest."
Yu Peiyu wanted to say thanks but knew that a mere [thanks] would not repay the kindness of Mei Simang and would probably insult him too. Also Mei Simang seemed very happy to help.
Mei Simang continued:"I don't know if the gathering has finished, if the gathering is over master Hong Lian wishes to speak to you."
Yu Peiyu said:"I won't go."
Mei Simang asked:"Why?" Yu Peiyu said:"I don't want to drag the Beggars Association into my family problems."
Mei Simang smiled lightly and said:"Master Hong Lian is not the sort of man who is afraid for a bit of trouble."
Yu Peiyu sighed and followed Mei Simang.
Mei Simang said:"I think I heard cheers earlier, I suppose the ceremony is over and the new chancellor of Wulin is installed. With this the peace in Wulin is secured."
Yu Peiyu asked bitterly:"Is it really secured?"
Mei Simang sighed:"I hope it will be."
The feast to celebrate the new leader of Wulin Yu Fanghe has started.
Before long they reached the tent of Hong Lianhua. There was no one near the tent, a voice inside asked:"Who is there?" The voice was deep and powerful, Yu Peiyu was startled and then he heard Hong Lianhua asking:"Has father Mei returned? Did you bring back our lost little sheep?"
Both of them entered, Yu Peiyu saw an elderly majestic looking Taoist priest sitting next to Hong Lianhua. The old Taoist priest sat very straight and examined Yu Peiyu with his pair of shining eyes.
Yu Peiyu lowered his head, the grandeur of that old Taoist priest was incredible.
Hong Lianhua laughed:"You're finally here. Do you recognize this reverend?"
Yu Peiyu said:"The leader of the Kunlun School?"
Hong Lianhua clapped his hands and praised:"Very good! Reverend Tiangang didn't say a word when you entered and yet you were able to recognize him."
Hong Lianhua turned to Mei Simang and asked:"What kind of poison did those men use? And who were they?"
Mei Simang lowered his head and replied:"The identities of those men are unknown and I don't recognize the poison however..."
While he was relating what happened, reverend Tiangang got up and advanced to Yu Peiyu with lightning speed and used his index finger to seal 12 major acupoints of Yu's arms and put a pill in Yu's mouth. He said to Yu Peiyu:"Don't move for the next hour."
Without saying anything else Yu swallowed the pill and reverend Tiangang returned to his seat with the same speed.
Yu Peiyu was also very surprised now and remained silent. Mei Simang lowered his head even deeper and said:"I...I thought.."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"You thought you had removed the poison from brother Peiyu's body?"
Mei Simang said:"I saw that..."
Hong Lianhua explained:"If it wasn't for reverend Tiangang's Diamond Finger and Gold Dissolving Pill the arms of brother Peiyu were lost."
Yu Peiyu was shocked and Mei Simang looked ashamed.
Hong Lianhua asked:"Earlier I asked to see who that person was that shouted something to Yu Fanghe. Did you find something about that person?"
Mei Simang replied:"I asked several people, but no one paid any attention that that person. They only knew that he wore a black robe."
Hong Lianhua frowned and said:"A black robe..."
Of all the attending Wulin people at the gathering almost half the people present wore something black.
Hong Lianhua turned to reverend Tiangang and asked:"What do you think, reverend?"
Reverend Tiangang answered:"A unknown poison, unknown assassins, a devious plot with no flaws."
Hong Lianhua asked:"Could that mysterious black-robed man belong to the Xiantian Wuji School?"
Reverend Tiangang replied:"Even if he isn't a disciple he must have links to the school."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"If you say that Yu Fanghe, Wang Yuluo, Lin Shoujuan and other prominent Wulin heroes were behind this evil plot. Nobody will believe it. Their chivalrous and benevolent deeds over these 20 years are not fake. But if we say that they do not have anything to do with this conspiracy, that doesn't make sense either."
Yu Peiyu said:"Their fame is real, but these men are imposters."
Hong Lianhua smiled bitterly:"I carefully examined their faces and movements. They are not wearing a mask or a disguise. Also if they were no one can be that accurate in acting the manners of someone else. Furthermore if they were disguised and wearing masks how could they fool abbot Tianyun and reverend Chuchen and others who are befriended with them for many years."
Yu Peiyu lowered his head, forgetting about the other people like Lin Shoujuan, Wang Yuluo, etc.
But just his father, the man that impersonates his father is so lifelike. If Yu Peiyu didn't see his real father die he would surely believe that this Yu Fanghe is his father. But who can this be?

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

[divine_comedy]

Continuous suspense from the beginning of the story. Not even Jin Yong himself can do any better.

[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 Athena:
<STRONG>To kill some speculations, I can assure everyone now that Hong Lianhua and the Beggars Association belong to the GOOD GUYS. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> This part of the translation will reveal that.</STRONG></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

It might be wise to keep everything secret and your readers guessing, regardless of what the current translated section reveals. There are SO many twists and double-crosses within double-crosses that it's hard to know who is really good or evil until the very end. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

<font size="1">[ April 11, 2003: Message edited by: TigerWong ]</font>

[Athena]

You're right, I should keep everythin a surprise. I mean the plot within a plot, conspiracy consealed within 10 more conspiracies, etc.
Very exciting and strange events and people. <IMG SRC="smilies/dizzy.gif" border="0">

Also I need the opinions of the readers about a small problem.
I'm trying to find a good substitute for the Chinese word Meng Zhu. Using the word leader all the time is not really appropriate (not to mention not stylistic).
I have found a few words that could more or less replace the word Meng Zhu.
I would like to ask you if you would give me your preference within these few days. Thanks in advance! <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">
1) Administrator: person whose job involves helping to organize and supervise the way an organization or insitution functions.
2) Regent: person who rules a country when the king or queen or unable to rule.
3) Censor: (Ancient Roman official) who supervised the people making sure that the people and the senate upheld discipline and law.
4) Consul (Ancient Roman official) ruling official and commander of the army and head of the senate.

My own preference goes to either consul or censor. But tell me what you like.

<font size="1">[ April 12, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[Athena]

Mei Simang said:"Could it be that these people were hypnotized and are under the control of someone else? I could remember that many years ago something similar happened in Wulin."
Hong Lianhua said:"No, hypnotized men behave differently, very artificial. But these men behave very naturally and don't seem to be hypnotized."
Reverend Tiangang sighed deeply:"A very cunning plan with no flaws."
Hong Lianhua said:"If we say that these men were imposters they seem to real. But if they are not imposters their actions are very questionable. Whether they are following orders from someone else or following their own secret dark agenda, at this moment they have successfully become the leaders of Wulin. This is something which brings a lot of concern and besides the four of us everyone believes their intentions are pure and good."
He added with a wry smile:"This must be the most deadly and masterful plan of the entire history of Wulin."
Reverend Tiangang put up an even more serious face than usual and said:"Young master Yu is our only chance in foiling their plans."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"Because of this his life is in peril. If anything happens to him..."
Mei Simang asked:"But this Yu Fanghe has acknowledged that young master Yu is his son, how can he kill him anymore?"
Hong Lianhua said:"Although he cannot kill young master Yu openly, he could have him assassinated and look like if it was an accident. And accidents do happen and no one has to take any responsibility for an accident."
Mei Simang said:"That explains why nobody tried to ambush young master Yu earlier, when I was trying to cure him. They were afraid there might be witnesses."
Hong Lianhua said:"It will be very difficult for him to leave this place on his own. We have to..."
Reverend Tiangang interrupted Hong Lianhua:"Do you know what the worst thing is that could happen right now?"
Hong Lianhua frowned and asked:"Reverend, have you thought of something?"
Reverend Tiangang said:"If this would happen, young master Yu would surely die."
Suddenly someone outside called out very loudly:"Is reverend Tiangang here? Chancellor Yu would like to speak to you."
Reverend Tiangang's face changed and said:"I will be back in awhile." He got up and walked outside.
Hong Lianhua looked even more worried now and said:"Reverend Tiangang must have thought of something important. What could he have thought of"
Mei Simang softly said:"What a frightening plot! At this point things are dangerous already, could it get any worse? Young master Yu is really in a lot of trouble..."
Yu Peiyu smiled tragically:"I know that I am pushed into the corner of death, even if I won't die I will probably go mad. But anyhow I'm grateful to the people who believe and helped me till the day I die."
Hong Lianhua shook his head and didn't know what to say.
Yu Peiyu said:"I don't know how to thank you, master Hong Lian. Everyone thinks I'm a madman but why do you believe me?"
Hong Lianhua said:"There is a reason...."
He took out a beautifully embroided pouch out of his robe and opened it. Inside was an old piece of paper. He handed the paper to Yu and said:"Read it and you'll understand."
It was quite strange that this piece of old paper would be kept in such a beautifully embroided pouch.
On the piece of paper were only a few character namely: Believe in Yu Peiyu and help Yu Peiyu.
It seemed those characters were scribbled down in a hurry. Yu Peiyu showed Mei Simang the short letter.
Yu Peiyu asked:"Who wrote this letter?"
Hong Lianhua said with a strange sad look on his face:"Your fiancee."
Yu Peiyu was too surprised to see the sad strange look on Hong Lianhua's face and exclaimed:"Lin Daiyu? Do you know her?"
Hong Lianhua nodded:"3 days ago I met her near Shangqiu, she was with her father, Lin Shoujuan and Wang Yuluo. I have known her for a long time but that day she seemed not to recognize me anymore."
Yu Peiyu asked:"You have known each other for a long time?"
Hong Lianhua smiled a bit:"You don't leave your home a lot, do you? That's why you don't many names in Wulin. Lin Daiyu has been roaming Wulin since the age of 13 and every year she quietly leaves her home and has done some rather chivalrous deeds in all these years. And has become quite famous."
Yu Peiyu remembered her strong personality, her good swordsmanship and sighed:"She is very different from me, she is much stronger."
Hong Lianhua said:"She used to be a very open and straightforward girl but that day she seemed different and I began to suspect something was wrong. Anyway I ordered the disciples of Shangqiu to talk to the innkeeper of the inn she was staying at. A disciple disguised himself as one of the waiters and she saw through the disguise and handed that disciple this pouch with the letter."
Mei Simang exclaimed:"No wonder that day Old Song Si hurriedly came to see you, master. He seemed to have urgent news."
Yu Peiyu was silent for awhile and said softly:"She is used to roaming Wulin, she wasn't at home when somehting happened at her house."
Hong Lianhua's face changed and asked:"Something happened at her house too, so this Lin Shoujuan is also..."
Yu Peiyu nodded:"This Lin Shoujuan is also an imposter, but that day...(sigh*)"
He remembered when Lin Daiyu told him what happened and said:"I thought she was also in cahoots with that evil mastermind. She knew then that this was a horrible big conspiracy and she played along with those imposters to avoid suspicion. After all this time now I realise she and I are walking the same path. She is 10 times more intelligent than I."
Hong Lianhua agreed:"Of all the men and women I met, she is the most intelligent one I have ever seen."
Yu Peiyu said:"But that Lin Shoujuan is an imposter why doesn't he kill her? Judging from the situation she must be detained by them. I'm afraid....."

End of chapter 2

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

[Athena]

Chapter 3 Sinister and Ruthless

Hong Lianhua assured Yu Peiyu by saying:"An intelligent and strong girl like her is very capable of taking care of herself. Don't worry abou her, she will be fine."
Hong Lianhua put the letter back into the pouch, Yu Peiyu thought he was going to give the pouch to him. But Hong Lianhua carefully put the pouch back into his robe.
Yu Peiyu said:"If we could get in touch with her, we will certainly...."
At this moment reverend Tiangang entered and sighed:"Another difficult issue is at hand."
Mei Simang asked with a shock:"What kind of trouble do we have now?"
Reverend Tiangang said:"That Yu Fang...he asked me to become the counsellor of Wulin."
Yu Peiyu said in surprise:"Counsellor?"
Hong Lianhua explained:"Besides electing a new chancellor it is the custom to appoint a counsellor. The counsellor is the second in command, in the previous years Shaolin took the leading position and Wudang became the counsellor."
Reverend Tiangang said:"If Yu F...appoints reverend Chuchen of Wudang, it would be difficult for them to carry out their secret agenda. But I live on Mount Kunlun in the western regions therefore makes it difficult for me to question their activities."
Hong Lianhua said with a smile:"Reverend, also your excellent reputation has something to do with it. They could have asked that Iron Overlord. But what was it earlier that you wanted to discuss?"
Reverend Tiangang said:"The thing that worries me most is that this Yu person would demand that young master Yu would go back with him. What should we do about that?"
Hong Lianhua exclaimed:"You're right,....."
Reverend Tiangang continued:"If young master Yu returns to them, he could be ambushed at any time. But when a father demands that his son goes back with him we cannot say no to him, can we."
Hong Lianhua looked very worried and said over and over again:"What can we do? What can we do?"
Mei Simang said:"Young master Yu must run as soon as possible."
Reverend Tiangang shook his head, Mei asked:"If he cannot run what other option is left."
Reverend Tiangang said:"Young master Yu must find a new teacher. When a teacher wants his new disciple to go with him, and learn new martial arts not even a father can say no."
Mei Simang clapped his hands and said:"A good plan!"
Hong Lianhua smiled:"Congratulations brother Peiyu for finding an excellent teacher! Congratulations reverend Tiangang for accepting a brilliant disciple!"
Yu Peiyu was stunned and reverend Tiangang said:"I am not fit to become young master Yu's teacher."
Hong Lianhua interrupted with a smile:"Reverend, if you're not fit in becoming the teacher of young master Yu no one is. Besides this matter concerns the lives of hundreds perhaps thousands Wulin people. Reverend, you must accept young master Yu as your student."
Yu Peiyu knelt down and suddenly a voice outside called out loudly:"Is young master Yu here? Chancellor Yu wishes to talk to you."
Hong Lianhua looked at Yu Peiyu and sighed:"It seems everywhere you go they are watching you."
Mei Simang broke out in a cold sweat.
They walked outside and saw everyone was enjoying the feast. Yu Peiyu felt sad and useless, his life was in the hands of others and he felt like a puppet.
A man in a black robe walked up and said:" Chancellor Yu is in the tent of abbot Tianyun."
They arrived outside the tent of abbot Tianyun. Abbot Tianyun spoke:"Is master Hong Lian here as well?"
Hong Lianhua laughed:"Abbot Tianyun's cultivation is very high, could it be that you have mastered divine abilities?"
Reverend Tiangang entered the tent too.

Yu Fanghe sat next to abbot Tianyun drinking tea, Lin Shoujuan, the Dragonking of Taihu etc. were not present.
Yu Fanghe sat there very tranquil and said:"Peiyu, are you feeling well?"
Yu Peiyu bowed and said:"Father, I'm feeling fine."
Yu Fanghe said:"You have never left home before in your life. From now on everything you should behave correctly. You should listen to the teachings of seniors."
Yu Peiyu replied:"Yes, I will."
One of them was pretending to be a caring father the other was trying his best to look like a filial son.
Yu Peiyu knew that this man was his enemy but still put a very respectful and obedient look.
That Yu Fanghe also knew that this young man
wasn't his son. And nothing would make him more happy as to kick him dead right now. But he put up his facade as a caring loving father.
Hong Lianhua who was watching this entire scene was very much amused.
He knew that it was practically impossible to imagine how difficult it was for these 2 men to act as nothing has happened while in fact everything is different.
Abbot Tianyun smiled:"Young benefactor Yu is a very intelligent handsome young man. I am sure that later on his abilities and prospects will not be beneath you, benefactor Yu."
Hong Lianhua happily said:"I'm happy to inform chancellor Yu that young master Yu has not only an excellent father but also a good teacher."
Yu Fanghe said in surprise:"A good teacher?"
Reverend Tiangang smiled:"I saw that your son is a very intelligent young man with a remarkable talent for martial arts. Therefore I couldn't resist to accepting Peiyu as my disciple, I hope chancellor Yu can forgive me."
Hong Lianhua said:"Wonderful, not only will young master Yu have mastered the martial arts of Xiantian Wuji School but also the martial arts of Kunlun. Young master Yu will certainly become a worthy hero fit to carry the name Yu. Don't you think so, chancellor Yu?"
Yu Fanghe said:"(*cough)....Thank you, reverend Tiangang."
Although Yu Fanghe was smiling but everyone could see that this smile was not very natural and certainly not a happy smile.
Reverend Tiangang said:"Tomorrow morning I will return to Mount Kunlun, Peiyu..."
Hong Lianhua quickly said:"Of course young master Yu will go with his teacher. Chancellor Yu, don't be worried, the special skills of Kunlun are known far and wide. If young master Yu can study those skills as soon as possible it will be a good thing. Also chancellor Yu has to lead Wulin now and must have so many formalities to take care of."
He held Yu Peiyu's arm and said:"From now on you will have to train very hard. No more relaxing for you! I think the next time we will see each other will be at least 3 years later. When that happens we will drink to a heart's contend."
Hong pulled Yu outside very quickly, Yu Fanghe was bemused with this situation.
Abbot Tianyun laughed:"Your son is very fortunate to have a good friend like master Hong Lian."
Yu Fanghe smiled dryly:"Yes, indeed very fortunate."

The next morning all the faces of the heroes looked very red as result of yesterday's drinking.
No matter how drunk the Kunlun disciples are they had to compose themselves. They had to see their leader off.
Inside the tent Yu Peiyu kowtowed to Yu Fanghe, then 8 purple-robed young Taoist priests saw reverend Tiangang and Yu Peiyu off.
Hong Lianhua held Yu Peiyu's hand and said:"Take care of yourself. Don't forget me!"
Yu Peiyu said with a trembling voice:"I...I"
And was very touched.
Suddenly someone said loudly:"Peiyu, I think you won't see Daiyu for a long time. Why don't you see her one more time."
Yu Peiyu turned around and saw Lin Shoujuan and Lin Daiyu.
Yu Peiyu stared into her beautiful eyes and was captivated by her beauty. She stared back to and forgot everything around her.
Hong Lianhua looked at them and just stood there.
Reverend Tiangang suddenly said:"The time on the mountains will pass slowly with loneliness. Love and emotion are not meant to last. Let us go!"
Lin Daiyu watched them go and her ever so strong and cool eyes were filled with tears.

A tenderly voice laughed:"Seeing your fiance gone must make you feel lonely, right?"
Lin Daiyu could smell a very sweet and strong flower fragrance and wanted to turn around.
But Wang Yuluo and Ximen Feng coldly told Lin Daiyu:"Daiyu, let's go."
The sweet voice said:"Women amongst each other have a lot of things to say."
Wang Yuluo said:"Xiantian Wuji School and Baihua Association have no close relations."
Lin Daiyu now saw a beautiful woman in front of her, the figure was the ever so charming leader of the Baihua Association Madame Hai Tang.
Ximen Feng and Wang Yuluo wanted to intervene between Lin and Madame Hai Tang. But Madame Hai Tang gently waved her hands and a thin fog rose up and Ximen and Wang paced back one step and saw that Madame Hai Tang pulled Lin Daiyu away.
She smiled to Lin Shoujuan:"The Flowered Chestnut Sword, you won't mind if I take your daughter away for a few days. Just like men when I see a pretty girl I just want to chat to her for days."
Lin Shoujuan didn't know what to say and was totally lost.
Hong Lianhua was secretly laughing when he saw this.

The 14 flag-poles stood there and the banners defied the wind as usual.
The gathering of Lake Huang every 7 years has now become overblown blossoms. All the heroes gradually left. Seeing that some of the seniors of Wulin are now old and weak, they young ones are showing their ambition. Will the older generation feel melancholic?

Someone sang a tragic song:" Within 7 years,
how many heroes have turned old?
The ambition of Wulin, will it belong to their old dreams...."

Hong Lianhua looked up and saw the banner of the Xiantian Wuji School and heard that tragic song and sighed:"Everthing till the end will end like a dream. Ceased! Ceased!
The overblown blossoms, the flowered butterfly..."
Someone said:"You cannot cease! If you stop who will continue?"
The speaker was Xie Tianbi, the leader of Diancang School.
Hong Lianhua laughed:"Brother Xie is a young hero, how can you understand the melancholy of the famous Song poet Su Dongpo."
Xie Tianbi smiled:"Although I don't understand much about poetry I am still capable of understanding the poems of Su Dongpo. But you have just begun with your work in Wulin and the Beggars Association why the melancholy?"
Hong Lianhua smiled lightly:"Not even heroes can resist the pain of parting. But who is capable of resisting that pain."
Xie Tianbi asked:"Has your new friend, young master Yu left? With reverend Tiangang?"
Hong Lianhua said:"Yes! For some time now."
Xie Tianbi's face changed and stamped his foot and said:"Why did he leave this early?"
Hong Lianhua was surprised by his look and asked:"Early? What do you mean with that?"
Xie said with a gloomy face:"Forgive me, master Hong Lian. I am too late."
Hong Lianhua quicly held his arms and asked:"What are you talking about?"
Xie Tianbi asked:"Have you ever heard of The Wanderer of the Corners of the World?"
Hong Lianhua said:"Of course I have heard of him. He is a mysterious wandering hero and even reverend Chuchen of Wudang once openly praised his chivalry."
Xie Tianbi said:"I just received a carrier pigeon from him with an important message."
Hong Lianhua asked with anxiety:"What?...What is the message, quickly?"
Xie Tianbi sighed deeply and closed his eyes and said:"The Wanderer wrote that the leader of the Kunlun School, reverend Tiangang passed away half a month ago."
Hong Lianhua cried out with shock:"NO!!!!!"

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

[GoldenArm]

And the plot thickens! I am thoroughly enjoying this story and that you update it quite regularly. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[divine_comedy]

Is there any other Gu Long novel that is as suspenseful or as good as this one ?
I don't like the Xiao Li Fei Dao stories. When I first read the translations, they were great, and I immediatelly ordered the chinese books. What a disappointment.

[tungfuurue]

well I gotta say this as well

thanks for translating that probably less known Gu Long novel , peifu peifu <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">


to divine_comedy : why don't you try out Yuanyue Wandao or Tianya Mingyue Dao? I think those are very good, especially the latter one (Fu Hongxue is my fav Gu Long hero <IMG SRC="smilies/devil.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> )

[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 Athena:
<STRONG>
Also I need the opinions of the readers about a small problem.
I'm trying to find a good substitute for the Chinese word Meng Zhu. Using the word leader all the time is not really appropriate (not to mention not stylistic).
I have found a few words that could more or less replace the word Meng Zhu.
I would like to ask you if you would give me your preference within these few days. Thanks in advance! <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">
1) Administrator: person whose job involves helping to organize and supervise the way an organization or insitution functions.
2) Regent: person who rules a country when the king or queen or unable to rule.
3) Censor: (Ancient Roman official) who supervised the people making sure that the people and the senate upheld discipline and law.
4) Consul (Ancient Roman official) ruling official and commander of the army and head of the senate.

My own preference goes to either consul or censor. But tell me what you like.
</STRONG></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

I like Regent. Or Hegemon.

[Han Solo]

A chairman or president may suite it better as they as a whole are a council of the wuilin and election, do occur.

Reverend Tiangang should be counselor, chancellor or vice-president etc rather than guardian. Another suggestion, he can be a lord protector.

[Athena]

Thanks everyone for your kind words!
As to your suggestions I rather like chancellor too, but wouldn't that fit the position Meng Zhu better, Han Solo? <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
I will replace guardian for counsellor as suggested by you! Again thanks Han Solo <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">!

Tigerwong: By the way thanks for your reply!
I thought of hegemon too, but I couldn't really use in the following context for example: Hegemon Yu asked to speak to you, reverend Tianyun.
But regent or even chancellor are beginning to grow on me too. Even more than consul or censor. But I will wait another few more days, before I make a final decision.

Hong Lianhua asked again with a trembling voice:"Are you certain your information is correct?"
Xie Tianbi said:"The Wanderer used more than 10 days to look for the truth and when he actually saw the body of reverend Tiangang he sent a carrier pigeon to inform me as soon as possible."
Hong Lianhua was shaking:"In other words this reverend Tiangang is an imposter too?"
Xie Tianbi sighed deeply:"When I saw that he didn't say a word on the platform I was a bit suspicious and when he became the counsellor. I was...."
Hong Lianhua interrupted him:"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Xie Tianbi said:"I wasn't sure at that time."
Hong Lianhua said:"Now I have sent Yu Peiyu right in the hands of the enemy. Damn it! Out of the frying-pan into the fire."
Xie Tianbi:"That's why I rushed over here after immediately receiving the news."
Hong Lianhua broke out in a cold sweat and stammered:"That's why he left his disciples here and only took Yu Peiyu with him. It...it will make it easier for them to kill him. It is my fault!"
Xie Tianbi said:"Everything was planned with the upmost precision. Otherwise the Kunlun School has very strict rules about accepting new disciples, how come this reverend Tiangang can accept a new disciple that easily? I'm afraid..."
Hong Lianhua laughed sadly:"What a flawless, evil plan! You cannot defend and protect yourself against it..."
He turned to Xie Tianbi and said:"Thank you for telling me! Perhaps it is not too late."
Xie Tianbi asked:"Aren't they gone for some time now?"
Hong Lianhua said:"With our speed we can certainly catch up with them."
Xie Tianbi said angrilly:"We needn't uphold any Wulin rules against evil,vile men like them. When we see him we might as well play along for a minute and see what his intentions are first."
Hong Lianhua agreed:"You're right! Let us go!"

Only a short translation today!

<font size="1">[ April 13, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[Ren Wo Xing]

Hmm...this is actually starting to make me canny...

What's going to happen next? Maybe that Xie fellow is going to turn out to be the traitor, and not the reverend..

[Athena]

The fog was getting thicker, Yu Peiyu was walking behind reverend Tiangang. He was looking at the long beard and the grand posture of reverend Tiangang.
He was thinking about everything that happened these past days. Not knowing whether to feel sad or happy about his current situation. The Kunlun School is renowned in the world, becoming a Kunlun disciple is a very difficult thing.
The rules and regulations are very strict, but without his unfortunate encounters he wouldn't have become the disciple of reverend Tiangang.

Reverend Tiangang said:" We have to travel a long way, we must make haste."
Yu Peiyu replied:" Yes, master."
Reverend Tiangang said:" Kunlun has very strict rules and requires a very high discipline. Are you ready for that?"
Yu Peiyu said:"Master, I'm not afraid of hardship."
Reverend Tiangang said:" You're my youngest disciple after we return you'll have to do many tasks. You look too gentle and frail. I wonder whether you can stand it."
Yu Peiyu said:" Master, at home I had to do lots of hard jobs. I'm not afraid for any kinds of hardships."
Reverend Tiangang said:" Very good, up ahead is a well. Get some water!"
Yu Peiyu answered:" Yes, master."

Farther up ahead was indeed a well. He lowered the bucket to get some water. The surroundings here reminded him of his home, courtyard and his father. His tranquil, benevolent smile.
He couldn't stop his tears from rolling anymore, he used his sleeve to wipe them away. Unfortunately he lost his grip and the bucket fell into the well again. He tried to grab it but slipped and fell into
the well.
It was impossible to climb out of it even with his superior martial arts. But the strange thing was he started to learning martial arts at a very young his footwork was very stable.
The water was very cold and Yu Peiyu tried his best to climb but with no luck. Everytime he slips because of the slimy walls. But why didn't reverend Tiangang save him after all this time?

He didn't cry out for help and at some point he heard the galloping sound of a horse. Suddenly a girl asked:"Who has fallen into the well? Is it........could it be...Yu.....?"
Reverend Tiangang said:"Yes, it is Yu Peiyu."
The girl asked:"Revernd, you saw him fall into the well. Why won't you save him? Do you want him to die?"
Reverend Tiangang said seriously:"He said that he was ready to face all kinds of hardship. But he doesn't understand that many trials in life come unexpectedly. I want to condition him now so he will be prepared for the trials to come."
The girl said:"Reverend, please forgive me for being rude. But I think he has suffered enough now."
Reverend Tiangang smiled:"Benefactress, why are you this concerned?"
The girl didn't say a word for some time, she seems to have difficulty answering that question. In the end she said loudly:"I followed you here because I wanted to say something to....him."
Reverend Tiangang said:"In that case, I will help him get out now."
He lowered a long rope into the well and Yu Peiyu climbed the rope to get out. His clothes were wet, his face turned red from embarrassment and didn't dare to raise his head.
The girl handed him a silk handkerchief with her beautiful white hand and said with a tender voice:"Wipe away the water on your face."
Yu Peiyu lowered his head even lower now because he heard that this simple sentence was filled with care and love. He didn't know whether he should accept the handkerchief or not.
Reverend Tiangang loudly said:" Raise your head like a true man!"
Yu raised his head and saw Jin Yanzi, this straightforwarded girl was looking at him with care and tenderness.
Reverend Tiangang said:"Benefactress, you can tell him what you wished to say. But please hurry we have a long way ahead of us."
This stern old Taoist priest saw that this matter had to do with love and stroked his beard and gave the 2 of them privacy.

Jin Yanzi smiled lovingly and said:"Take the handkerchief."
Yu Peiyu couldn't tell anymore if the liquid on his face was water or sweat and stammered:"Thank you, Miss."
Jin Yanzi said:"You must be surprised, why I followed you here?"
Yu Peiyu was drying his face and said:"What can I do for you, Miss?"
Jin Yanzi sighed:"I don't know but ever since I met you I just couldn't bear to part with you. So I followed you here. Whenever I want something I just act on my feelings and do it."
Yu Peiyu stuttered:"I....Miss...."
In the distance he saw another horse and somebody standing next to the horse.
Yu Peiyu coughed:"Miss, I understand your feelings. However the young master of the divine sabre is standing there waiting for you. Miss, I think it is best that you..."
Jin Yanzi interrupted him with a cold laugh:"Don't mind him. He can wait as long as he wants to. Why worry about him."
After saying this her voice became tenderly again:"I just want to ask you, do you want to see me again in the future?"
Yu Peiyu was stuttering again:"I....I...."
Jin Yanzi bit her lip and said:"I'm a girl and I am bold enough to tell you my intentions. Why don't you speak?"
Yu Peiyu sighed:"I'm an unfortunate man, I think it is best that we won't see each other anymore."
Jin Yanzi was shocked and stood there for some time and said with a trembling voice:"Fine,.....good!"
She mounted her horse and rode off.
Yu Peiyu stood there holding her handkerchief and saw her off with his eyes. Feeling melancholic, all of a sudden a horse rode towards him and a sabre hacked at him.
The horse was as fast as a touring dragon and the sabre was swift as the wind. Judging by that hack the wielder is fit enough to be called a top martial artist.
Yu Peiyu couldn't leap away so instead he rushed forward. He felt the sabre passing by his back.
The young master of the divine sabre laughed arrogantly:"This hack is only a small warning. The next time if you're in the way I will chop off your head."
Yu Peiyu was bemused by this entire incident and saw that his robe was cut open by the sabre. Just another centimetre he was dead.
Reverend Tiangang sighed:"These love tribulations are very troublesome, I hope you can cope with them."
Yu Peiyu said:"I.....I..."

Reverend Tiangang said with an earnest face:"Don't say a thing! Let us go."
Reverend Tiangang walked with a normal pace but Yu Peiyu had difficulty catching up. The past events of these few days have taken its toll on his energy and also his wet clothes were not making it any easier for him to travel. But he didn't say a word in front of his strict teacher.

The fog was gone but it was still very clouded much like the face of reverend Tiangang. The dried clothes of Yu Peiyu were wet again by sweat.
Yu Peiyu couldn't help panting and his legs felt tired, his head was feeling woozy.
Luckily reverend Tiangang stopped in front of a abandoned temple. He looked at Yu Peiyu and shook his head:"Peiyu, you're still not strong enough to endure hardships. Let us rest inside."
Yu Peiyu saw the statue of the local god and saw his face was looking very sinister and had a mysterious grin.
Yu Peiyu couldn't stand it anymore and lay down in front of the shrine.
Reverend Tiangang said:"Get up! Don't lie in front of the shrine."
Yu Peiyu got up but didn't resent his teacher. He felt that only a strict teacher can produce extraordinary disciples.
Reverend Tiangang continued:"All the Kunlun disciples have to endure hardships. Especially you, you have many trials in front of you that is why you have to prepare yourself for them."
Yu Peiyu said:"I understand, master."
Reverend Tiangang was looking outside and saw the leaves were blown off by the wind. This world famous Kunlun leader was captivated by the arrival of Autumn and said softly:"It is about to rain again....Heaven is so unpredictable, but life is unpredictable too. Child, remember this. You can never rely fully on anyone, you can only rely on yourself."
The wind started to blow harder and Yu Peiyu shivered now. This sudden change of weather could be a sign of a bad omen.
Reverend Tiangang said:"Peiyu, come here."
Yu Peiyu walked over to his teacher. Reverend Tiangang took out a rice cake out of his sack and handed it to Yu Peiyu.
With a seldom seen warm smile he said:"Eat up, child. When I was your age I got hungry particular easy too."
His ever so strict teacher showed his affection towards him. Yu Peiyu held the rice cake and wept and said:"What about you, master?"
Reverend Tiangang smiled:"This rice cake is very special, not everyone can eat it. After you have taken it you will understand."

Somebody outside laughed:"Since this rice cake is so special I would like to taste it too."
The speaker walked inside, he was panting and there was something funny about his laugh.
Yu Peiyu said happily:"Master Hong Lian, why are you here?"
Reverend Tiangang stroked his long beard and smiled:"I don't think you have rushed over for this rice cake."
Hong Lianhua said with a laugh:"Reverend, you're very sharp. But I do have something to show you."
He took out an object out of his robe and presented it in front of reverend Tiangang.
The object was very small and because it was dark no one could see clearly what it was.
Reverend Tiangang bent over to take a closer look and smiled:"Whatever it is, it must be very special since master Hong Lian...."
Before he could finish Hong Lianhua used his hand to smack up and hit reverend Tiangang on the eyes. Suddenly a flash of lightning brightened the temple and a sword pierced through reverend Tiangang's back.
He called out and struck out a palm. Hong Lianhua made a somersault in the air and landed 2 metres away.
The force of that palm destroyed the shrine and the statue came crackling down.
Reverend Tiangang fell to the ground and blood oozed out of his wound. He asked with his dying breath:"Why....you....you...!"
But he was dead before he could finish.

<font size="1">[ April 17, 2003: Message edited by: Athena ]</font>

[Athena]

Yu Peiyu was too surprised to react and the rice cake fell out of his hands. Hong Lianhua was backed against a wall and was panting heavily also the colour of his face was a bit strange.
However, he wasn't too late Yu Peiyu was still alive.
Xie Tianbi appeared too and exclaimed:"Fortunately, we were not too late."
Hong Lianhua sighed:"You should not have killed him, we could have interrogated him."
Xie Tianbi said:"What is there to interrogate? Furthermore,...."
Yu Peiyu shouted:"What are you doing? Why did you kill my master!"
Xie Tianbi said:"If we didn't kill him, he would have killed you!"
Yu Peiyu sain with a shock:"WHAT!"
Xie Tianbi said:"You will understand later on."
He held on to Yu Peiyu's arm and said to Hong Lianhua:"The conspirators must have henchmen around to rendezvous with this imposter. I will bring young master Yu to a safe location and will return to help you."
He pulled Yu outside and the 2 of them quickly left. Yu Peiyu was too flabbergasted to say anything now and just walked along.
Hong Lianhua stood at the door of the temple and said softly:"Bring it on."
He pulled out the sword out of reverend Tiangang's back, there was another flash of lightning. The blood dripped of the sword and Hong Lianhua saw something. All of a sudden he began to shake and coughed up blood.

Xie Tianbi explained to Yu Peiyu:"This reverend Tiangang is a fake too. They want to take your life and if you had eaten that rice cake, you would be dead now."
Yu Peiyu was shocked and exclaimed:"Really?"
Xie Tianbi said:"If you don't believe me, fine. But you mustn't doubt the intentions of master Hong Lian."
Yu Peiyu said:"But....but, he....he.."
He remembered the incident with the well, could it be that reverend Tiangang really wanted to harm him? But the grandeur he had, that couldn't be faked, or could it?
He was really confused and was pulled by Xie Tianbi. Suddenly he felt the hand of Xie Tianbi was very cold. Extremely cold.....
Yu Peiyu shivered and said:"There is something strange about your hand."
Xie Tianbi turned around and smiled:"What are you talking about?"
Yu Peiyu watched him and replied:"I mean, I mean you look like...."
Suddenly he yelled:"You are the imposter, your eyes..."
Xie Tianbi quickly sealed the 3 acupoints on Yu's palm. And he flung Yu over his head.
Xie Tianbi laughed evily:"You're very smart. But smart people die quicker."
He wanted to used his foot to step on Yu Peiyu's chest, Yu couldn't move anymore. But he could use his left hand to grab his foot.
Xie Tianbi scoffed and used more force into his foot.
Yu Peiyu couldn't stop his foot and said angrilly:"You're the one that killed my father. I have looked everywhere for you."
Xie Tianbi laughed:"Now you have found me. What do you want to do? Your father died at my hands and now you will die at my foot. HAHAHAHA!"
Yu Peiyu couldn't block his foot any longer also he kept hearing Xie Tianbi laughing.
Finally, he coughed his blood on Xie Tianbi's robe.
Suddenly Xie Tianbi heard a sound and saw a sword flying towards him. He leapt up and with a somersault he landed a few metres away.
He saw a person floating towards him, looking very angry and his eyes were set to kill.
The sword pierced through a tree and was stuck there. Hong Lianhua threw the sword with everything he had.
Xie Tianbi's face changed and with difficulty put a smile on his face and asked:"Master Hong Lian, have you defeated the henchmen so soon?"
Hong Lianhua stared at him with his bright eyes and said slowly:"Who are you?"
Xie Tianbi raised his head and laughed:"Me?...Who I am?....Brother Hong Lian, don't you recognize me anymore?"
His laughter sounded worse than any form of crying.
Hong Lianhua walked up and said again slowly:"I ask you again: Who are you?"
Xie Tianbi backed a few paces and said:"I...brother..."
Hong Lianhua said coldly:"You look like the real Xie Tianbi, too lifelike even. I would like to slice off your flesh bit by bit. I want to see how it is possible to impersonate my friend Xie Tianbi."
Hong Lianhua said these words with calmness and coldness, it had more effect than cursing these words.
Indeed, Xie Tianbi shivered when he heard that threat. And laughed arrogantly:"Good, Hong Lianhua! I never thought you would see through my disguise. I used 3 years to study Xie Tianbi and finally after 3 years of hard work I succeeded. Not even himself would be able to tell the difference. What gave me away?"
Hong Lianhua said:"That sword! The leader of Diancang would never use that kind of sword. And you should remember the following, Diancang disciples don't casually throw or leave their swords behind.
If the sword is present, so is the wielder. If the wielder is dead, the sword will be lost."

Hong Lianhua was stunned and regretfully said:"Yes, of course. I have totally forgotten about that. Hong Lianhua, you are very sharp. No wonder my master told me that you're a very difficult person to deal with."
Hong Lianhua made a fist and asked:"Who is your master?"
Xie Tianbi arrogantly laughed:"You will never know, and when you do find out you will die! Even people thousand times superior to you have died at the master's hands."
Hong Lianhua laughed tragically:"You're right in the entire analects of Wulin nobody can matches his vile and despicable plans."
Xie Tianbi said loudly:"Wulin will fall under his rule. Hong Lianhua, you are a smart man. Think carefully and you will know what to do."
Hong Lianhua walked a few paces towards him and said:"I want to kill you. At this moment I just want to kill you."
Xie Tianbi said:"I have my orders to kill Yu Peiyu, therefore I had to kill reverend Tiangang. But don't forget you're my accomplice, if you want to kill me you have to punish yourself too."
Hong Lianhua said regretfully:"That was the biggest mistake in my entire life. I was so stupid in believing you. I will punish myself for this in the future. But you....you.."
With speed Hong Lianhua attacked with 3, 4 fists. Not many people in Wulin have duelled with Hong Lianhua. But now Xie Tianbi realised that this young leader of the Beggars Association had awesome fist and palm stances. Every stance was generated with extremely powerful internal energy.
Especially now, he generated his anger into his fists and palms. This alone could struck fear in the hearts of people.
Yu Peiyu now shouted:"You cannot kill him!"
Both Hong Lianhua and Xie Tianbi were surprised by his roar. Hong Lianhua asked angrilly:"Why can't I kill him?"
Yu Peiyu used his left hand to unseal his three sealed acupoints and stood up. He looked very pale and his eyes were filled with hate. This normally frail, gentle-looking young man has turned into a savage now.
Yu Peiyu said loudly:"Not only did this fiend kill my father he also killed my teacher. ONLY I AM ALLOWED TO KILL THIS BASTARD!"
Hong Lianhua smiled wryly:"Allright! He is all yours."
Yu Peiyu stormed towards Xie Tianbi, Hong Lianhua saw that his footwork was not stable and his movements were flawed. Those were the effects of his pain and anger, Hong Lianhua warned Yu Peiyu:"You must be cautious."
Xie Tianbi laughed sinisterly:"If someone's near him to help why should he be cautious."
Yu Peiyu gritted his teeth and said:"No one is going to help me kill you."
Xie Tianbi felt assured and said arrogantly:"That is more like it! I hope you will stick by your word."
If he warded off the attack while he was talking and backed up against the tree and pulled out the sword.
He used the sword to attack with 7 fast techniques.
This "Swift Rapid Gale Sword" was not a Diancang skill, but when it came to the viciousness of the techniques it was above any Diancang swordsmanship.
Yu Peiyu chose the attack as a form of defense and didn't care anymore. Xie Tianbi's techniques seemed to be losing effect against his powerful will to win.
Suddenly Xie's attacks sliced open Yu Peiyu's robe and made three flesh wounds. But the heavy rainfall washed away the blood very quickly.

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

[Athena]

To Ren Woxing: Guess you are right! Reverend Tiangang was a good guy and that Xie Tianbi was one of the lackeys of the conspirators.
Poor reverend Tiangang, I rather liked him!

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

[Ren Wo Xing]

Lovely, I adore being right <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

"Swift Rapid Gale Sword"...hmm...what is it in the original Chinese?

Sounds like Feng Buping's "Kuang Feng Kuai Jian"