Little Li's Dagger Translation

[Meh]

Go ahead. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[KJ]

how many chapters are there in the SLFD novel?

[TigerWong]

89. We have quite a ways to go! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Meh]

*Sighs* You really shouldn't remind me how many more chapters there are. It's really depressing. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I really need to get my act together. This 2nd part of Chapter 21 is taking me weeks to translate.

[TigerWong]

You shouldn't feel bad. I just updated a bit and I'm STILL on Chapter 2! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[KJ]

are you translating a novel too, TigerWong?

[TigerWong]

Yeah, Big Time Celebrity. It should be somewhere on this forum.

[Meh]

All right folks. Back to translating again after that long lay-off. Here's the rest of chapter 21. I'll probably be translating a few chapters this week, seeing as how I can't be going home for Thanksgiving this year. Enjoy. Hope I didn't get rusty. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Chapter 21 Continued...

Although he is incredibly old, he still has much energy, especially in those eyes.

The old man blew into his teacup and drank some tea. Then he suddenly said, “The Plum Flower Bandit only does evil, the Scholar Tan Hua is honorable and talented.”

He looked at the audience. “Do you all know who I’m talking about?”

The Pony-tailed girl said, “Who are these people? I’ve never even heard of them.”

Old Man Sun chuckled. “Then you must not be very knowledgeable. These two people are both very famous. The Plum Flower Bandit has appeared only twice in the past thirty years. Yet the thousands of regular bandits combined could no commit as many crimes as he did.”

The Pony-tailed girl smiled. “So what about this Tan Hua?”

Old Man Sun said, “He is the son of a big official. His family is amazing, in three generations seven family members passed the imperial examination. Only no one managed to make Zhuan Yuan*. By his generation, the two brothers are even more talented than their elders. So their father was really hopeful that one of them could become a Zhuan Yuan.”

*[Zhuan Yuan is the title for getting first place in the imperial examination. Tan Hua, as I’ve mentioned earlier, is third. The title for the second place escapes me at this moment, though.]

The Pony-tailed girl said with a smile. “Tan Hua is already quite excellent. Why is becoming a Zhuan Yuan so important?”

Old Man Sun said, “Who’d have thought that when the first young master took the examination, he was again a Tan Hua. Everyone in the family was feeling gloomy. And all hope rested on the little young master of the Li family. Unfortunately, fate was cruel to the family. The second son also only received a Tan Hua. Their father, with much regret and sadness, passed away in two years. The elder Li Tan Hua also caught an incurable illness and died a little later. This little Li Tan Hua’s heart died with them, resigning from his post and retired.”

When he got here, he took another sip of the tea.

Ah Fei was already mesmerized by this story. He feels happier when people praise Li Xun Huan even more than when they praise him. Only to hear the old man continue, “This person not only is an amazing scholar, but also skilled at the martial arts. He was taught a very powerful kung fu when he was a kid.

The pony-tailed girl said, “So is the story you’re telling today about these two people?”

The old man said, “That’s correct.”

The pony-tailed girl said, “Then it really must be exciting. Except... except how can a Tan Hua possibly get mixed up with a criminal like the Plum Flower Bandit?”

The old man said, “Obviously for a reason.”

“What reason?”

Old Man Sun said, “Because Li Xun Huan is the Plum Flower Bandit. The Plum Flower Bandit is Li Xun Huan.”

Ah Fei immediately became angry, wanting to say something, yet the pony-tailed girl simply shook her head. “This Mr. Tan Hua must be incredibly wealthy. Why would he possibly be a bandit and a rapist? That makes no sense. I don’t believe this.”

Old Man Sun said, “Not just you. I don’t believe it either. So I looked into the matter.”

The pony-tailed girl said, “You must’ve found something, right?”

Old Man Sun said, “Of course. This story is complicated, exciting and very strange...” When he got here, he suddenly stopped talking, closed his eyes and began sleeping.


The pony-tailed girl acted like she’s very impatient and began to pester her grandpa. “Why did you stop?”

Old Man Sun simply blew into his pipe.

The pony-tailed girl smiled. “You really know how to draw an audience. Stopping just when you’re getting to the good part.”

Her face suddenly brightened. “Oh... I get it now. You want to drink wine.”

At this point, not only did she understood, but so does everyone else in the restaurant. People started to reach into their pockets looking for money, while a waiter began to go around collecting tips.

Only now did this old man talk again. “It all started at Happy Cloud Manor.”

Pony-tailed girl cut in. “Happy Cloud Manor? Isn’t that Fourth Master Long’s home? That’s a really nice place.”

Old Man Sun said, “Of course. But this nice place was given to him by Li Xun Huan. Because they’re sworn brothers, and his wife is a cousin of Li Xun Huan.”

These two people continued to chatter with each other. Amazingly enough, they were able to pretty much tell the whole story. When he got to the part about how Li Xun Huan accidently hurt Long Xiao3 Yun, and then got caught, the audience sighed. When he got to how Lin Xian Er was captured, how fast the youngster Ah Fei’s sword is, his eyes seemed to wander towards Ah Fei and Lin Xian Er. The pony-tailed girl’s pair of big eyes also tend to glance at their table from time to time.

Although he didn’t show it, Ah Fei couldn’t help but feel that these two people know who they are. Could they be telling this story just for them?”

Only to hear the pony-tailed girl say, “If that’s the case, then didn’t the Plum Flower Bandit die at the hands of Ah Fei?”

Old Man Sun said, “Because Master Zhao, Seventh Master Tian didn’t believe that he killed the real Plum Flower Bandit. They say Li Xun Huan is the real Plum Flower Bandit.”

The pony-tailed girl said, “So just who is really the Plum Flower Bandit?”

Old Man Sun said, “No one has seen the face of the real Plum Flower Bandit. No one knows who’s right and who’s wrong. Yet people like Master Zhao and Seventh Master Tian are respected people. Their words are facts. As long as they say Li Xun Huan is the real Plum Flower Bandit, who’s going to argue? Therefore, Reverend Xin Mei decided to take him to Shaolin Temple for a trial.”


He smoked his pipe again, then continued. “Yet when they reached Shaolin Temple, it was actually Li Xun Huan who took Reverend Xin Mei there!”

When he said this, even Lin Xian Er was shocked. Ah Fei was shocked even more. Both started to wonder just what happened on the trip.

Thankfully, the pony-tailed girl helped them ask the old man.

Old Man Sun said, “It turns out that they were ambushed by the Five Poison Kid on the road, killing Seventh Master Tian and four Shaolin disciples. Reverend Xin Mei then decided to release Li Xun Huan after getting poisoned. Li Xun Huan, seeing that only Shaolin has the necessary antidote for Xin Mei’s poison, carried him back to Shaolin.”

Pony-tailed girl gave a thumbs up. “This Li Tan Hua really is a heroic person. If it were someone else under the same circumstances, he would’ve definitely fled.”

Old Man Sun said, “You’re most correct. Unfortunately, the monks at Shaolin not only did not thank him, they want to kill him.”

The Pig-tailed girl asked shockingly,. “Why?”

Old Man Sun said. “Because this story came from Li Tan Hua himself. The monks at Shaolin don’t believe a thing he said.”

The Pig-tailed girl then said, “But... but Reverend Xin Mei can vouch for him.”

Old Man Sun laughed. “Except Reverend Xin Mei died soon after reaching Shaolin. Other than Xin Mei, no one else on this Earth knows the truth!”

When he said this, sighs came from all over the restaurant.

Ah Fei is almost ready to explode, and can’t help but ask, “So has that Mr. Li been executed yet?”

Old Man Sun’s eyes glittered. “Although Shaolin is incredibly famous and is filled with top-ranked fighters, it’s still pretty hard for them to kill Li Xun Huan.”

The Pig-tailed girl also glanced at Ah Fei. “Yet when it comes to fighting, even the best cannot handle attacks by many enemies. Li Tan Hua’s flying dagger might be unrivaled in the martial world, but he still can’t beat all the Shaolin disciples.”

Old Man Sun said, “Although Shaolin has many disciples, each an expert in fighting, who would possibly attack first? Who’d dare challenge the first dagger of Li Xun Huan?”

The Pig-tailed girl immediately became excited, clapping her hand. “You’re right. The legendary dagger of Little Li never misses. No one would dare to approach him. So I’m guessing he’s long gone by now.”

Old Man Sun said, “But he didn’t go.”

“Why?”

Old Man Sun replied, “Although no one at Shaolin would approach him, Li Xun Huan also can’t find a way to escape either Besides, with the situation still unresolved, he can’t leave.”

The Pig-tailed girl said. “If he can’t go and can’t fight. Then what can he do?”

Old Man Sun said, “As he’s surrounded by hundreds of Shaolin monks, he knows that once he releases the dagger, he’ll die. After all, one dagger can’t possibly kill hundreds of people.”

The Pig-tailed girl said, “Then this is a problem for him. A person can’t possibly hold out forever.”

This just so happen to be what Ah Fei was worried about. He doesn’t know what to do either.

Old Man Sun said, “When they were having this conversation, it was just outside the room where they’re holding Reverend Xin Mei’s funeral. So Li Xun Huan sneaked into the room right away afterwards.”

The Pig-tailed girl let out a gasp. “So he basically trapped himself?”

Old Man Sun said. “The Shaolin monks also thought that he’d try to escape. That’s why they’re really regretting it now.”

“Why’s that? Should they be happy Li Tan Hua trapped himself?”

Old Man Sun continued, “Not only was the body of Xin Mei in the room, but so are countless scriptures very important to Shaolin.”

The Pig-tailed girl then said, “Yet they only have to wait a few days outside. Then Li Xun Huan will simply die of hunger and thirst.”

Old Man Sun said, “They’re thinking the same thing, of course. Unfortunately, Li Xun Huan also trapped Reverend Xin Shu in the room with him. They can’t possibly let Xin Shu die with Li Xun Huan.”

“Of course not.”

“Therefore, they have to bring food and water inside everyday, so neither Xin Shu nor Li Xun Huan dies.”

The Pig-tailed girl clapped her hands and smiled. “Shaolin has long been considered the sacred ground of the martial world. No one in hundreds of years had ever tried to do anything inappropriate there. Yet Li Xun Huan alone has turned the place upside down. Not only can the monks not do anything to him, they also have to feed him everyday. That’s just hilarious.”

She’s full of giddy now. “This Li Tan Hua really is some character. Your story is awesome, grandpa.”

At this point, Ah Fei’s just overwhelmed with joy. He had to restrain himself from yelling to everyone in the room that Li Xun Huan is his good friend.

Yet Old Man Sun only let out a sigh. “You’re right. However, he’s still going to be buried in Shaolin sooner or later.”

The Pig-tailed girl asked, “Why?”

Old Man Sun seemingly glanced at Ah Fei. “Unless someone can prove that Li Xun Huan is not the Plum Flower Bandit, that Reverend Xin Mei really was killed by the Five-Poison kid, there’s no way Shaolin would let him go!”

The Pig-tailed girl asked, “Then who can prove this?”

Old Man Sun was silent for a moment, then said, “Unfortunately, absolutely no one!”

End of Chapter 21

[Goofy]

absolutely delight chapter. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

and you have updated. <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0">

thanks Meh, <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">

well, hope you can find turkey to eat anyway...

[CFT]

Meh,

Great job with the translations.

In reply to your query about the ranking of the contestants in the imperial exam:

2nd place: Jun See (Cantonese transliteration; advancing person)

4th place: Bong Ngan (Cantonese transliteration; Tie Eye)

I don't speak Mandarin so I haven't a clue how to say it in pinyin.

[Meh]

Sorry. But I can't make out what those words in Mandarin would be. Thanks anyway, though.


Chapter 22: The Plum Flower Bandit Reappears

The lunch is over, the story is over, the people are leaving, as they left, everyone talked about the predicament Li Xun Huan’s in.

Lin Xian Er kept looking at Ah Fei, who’s deep in thought. None of the dishes on their table was touched.

After a while, the Pig-tailed girl put down her chopsticks and asked, “Grandpa, do you think Li Tan Hua is innocent?”

Old Man Sun said, “Even if I know he’s innocent, what can I do?”

The Pig-tailed girl said, “But what about his friends? Are none of them willing to help him either?”

Old Man Sun said, “If he were trapped elsewhere, then maybe someone would try to save him. But he’s trapped at the Shaolin Temple. So I’m afraid no one can save him.”

The Pig-tailed girl said, “So he’s just going to die at Shaolin?”

Old Man Sun thought for a long time, then said, “There certainly is a way, except the chance of success is very small.”

When he heard this, Ah Fei’s eyes brightened.

The Pig-tailed girl asked, “What is it?”

Old Man Sun said, “If the real Plum Flower Bandit is still alive, and reappear, then Li Xun Huan is obviously absolved of all guilt. If he’s not the Plum Flower Bandit, then he’d have no reason to kill Reverend Xin Mei.”

The Pig-tailed girl sighed. “This possibility really is slim. Even if the Plum Flower Bandit is still alive, he obviously is hiding right now, waiting for them execute Li Xun Huan.”

Old Man Sun put his smoking pipe on the table. “Are you finished with your noodles?”

The Pig-tailed girl said, “I was pretty hungry. But after hearing this story, I can’t eat anything now.”

Old Man Sun said, “In that case, let’s go. We can’t save Li Tan Hua by sitting here anyway.”

As the Pig-tailed girl walked to the door, she glanced at Ah Fei again, as if saying, “If you just sit here, then how can you save him?”

After Lin Xian Er saw them leave, she chuckled coldly. “What kind of people do you think these two people are?”

“What kind?”

Lin Xian Er said, “Based on his look, the old man’s inner strength is very high. That little girl’s steps are light and quick. Her lightness kung fu is at least as good as mine.”

“Really?”

“In my opinion, they’re definitely not normal storytellers. They must have another reason for coming here.”

Lin Xian Er continued, “They purposely tell this story to you, so you can go commit suicide.”

“Suicide?”

Lin Xian Er sighed. “If you knew that Li Xun Huan is trapped at Shaolin, then you’d obviously try to save him. Yet how can you possibly take on the entire Shaolin Temple?”

Ah Fei is still deep in thought, not responding.

Lin Xian Er said, “Besides, they might be lying. So you’ll get tricked.”

She suddenly held Ah Fei’s hand, then said sweetly, “Even if they’re telling the truth, that Li Xun Huan really is in trouble, if you go, you’ll only break Li Xun Huan’s concentration. If those monks caught you, then he’d try to save you. So you’d be hurting him instead of helping.”

After some more thinking, Ah Fei said, “You’re right.”

Lin Xian Er said, “So you promise me you won’t go to Shaolin?”

“Yes.”

From the speed of his response, Lin Xian Er couldn’t help but question his honesty of the answer.

When the two people got back to the hotel room, Ah Fei said, “Since we’re not going to Shaolin, you should go back.”

“What about you?”

Ah Fei responded, “I... I want to take a walk outside.”

Lin Xian Er suddenly grabbed his hand, her voice shaking. “Are you going to pretend to be the Plum Flower Bandit?”

Ah Fei stared at the floor for a long time, then after a long sigh, said, “Yes.”

This ‘Yes’ came out very strong, as if nothing can change his mind.

Lin Xian Er said, “Then... then why do you ask me to go back?”

Ah Fei said, “Because this is my problem.”

Lin Xian Er said, “You’re problem is my problem.”

Ah Fei said, “But Li Xun Huan is not your friend.”

Lin Xian Er responded, “Your friend is my friend.”

Ah Fei’s face is now filled with gratitude, yet he did not speak.

Lin Xian Er said, “Since you value friendship so much, then why can’t I? Although I’m useless, but at least I can provide emotional support.”

Ah Fei suddenly held her hand tightly, still cannot speak, but his eyes, his expression, already spoke for him.

His silence spoke louder than any words can.

Lin Xian Er smiled sweetly. “If you’re going to pretend to be the Plum Flower Bandit, then you’ll need someone to rob.”

“You’re right.”

Lin Xian Er said, “It can’t be anybody, right?”

Ah Fei said, “Obviously, we need to find a rich family who’s money was ill-gotten.”

Lin Xian Er’s eyes rolled. “I have just the person.”

“Who?”

Lin Xian Er said, “This person used to be a bandit. He stopped after when he turned fifty or so, but he still does some dirty dealings.”

Ah Fei said, “Do you know his name?”

Lin Xian Er thought for a moment, then said, “I remember that it’s Zhang Sheng Qi, but now he’s called Zhang Yuan Wai, Zhang Da Shan*.”

*Note: Da Shan literally translates into ‘big kindness’.

Ah Fei raised his eyebrows. “A big kind guy?”

Lin Xian Er said, “He’ll steal ten thousand taels of silver, then spend a hundred to fix roads. At night he’d kill a hundred people, but in the daytime he’d help the sick.

It’s incredibly easy for bandits to become a kind person.”


Zhang Sheng Qi lies on his sofa, looking at the pot over the fire, brewing bird soup.

It’s snowing outside again, but inside it’s warm as the Spring.

He closed his eyes, wanting to take a nap. Suddenly, he heard a noise, as the pot rolled over and broke.

Shocked, he opened his eyes, a man in black appeared in front of him. No one knows where he came from.

Although Zhang Sheng Qi has retired for a while now, his kung fu is still in top shape, yelling loudly, “Pathetic little robber. How dare you come to my place!”

As he spoke, he got into fighting position, about to attack this man in black.

At this moment, a light appeared in front of him.

Zhang Sheng Qi did not see where it came from, or even what kind of weapon he used. Only that five blood marks appeared on his chest.

The Plum Flower Bandit has reappeared!

At tea parlors, bars, everyone talked about this among themselves.
Could it be that the killer of Zhang Sheng Qi is the real Plum Flower Bandit?
Who’s his next target?
The rich people no longer could sleep again.

At dusk, a bell sounded in the monastery, monks with serious and cold faces one by one appeared in the rooml.

Their footsteps seemingly even lighter than usual, because for the past few days, their minds have been quite occupied.

On the top of Mt. Song*, the cold is even more brutal, snow fills the whole mountain, as a person walking up in a hurry. It’s one of Shaolin’s non-monk disciples, ‘The Hero of Nan Yang* Xiao Jing”.


*Note: Mt. Song is the mountain where Shaolin’s located. Nan Yang’s a city, but I have no idea where.

Xiao Jing’s footsteps are also light, not making a noise as he touches the ground, yet just as he entered the courtyard, Reverend Xin Hu in the abbot’s room yelled, “Who is it?”

Xiao Jing stopped outside, bent over, and said, “Student Xiao Jing, I have something to report.”

There are only three people in the abbot’s room. Xin Hu, Xin Jian, and Bai Xiao Sheng.

Xiao Jin doesn’t dare to say too much useless stuffs. As he entered the room, he bowed again and said, “The Plum Flower Bandit has reappeared!”

Xiao Jing continued, “Three days ago, the former bandit Zhang Sheng Qi was suddenly killed, his valuables stolen. The only marks on his body is are blood marks of a plum on his chest.”

Xin Jian and Bai Xiao Sheng looked at each other, both looked extremely pale.

After who knows how long, Xian Hu sighed. “Now that the Plum Flower Bandit has reappeared, maybe Li Xun Huan wasn’t lying after all.”

Bai Xiao Sheng looked at Xin Jian, did not speak.

Xin Jian walked slowly to the window, looking at the snow outside. “But this might also proved that Li Xun Huan IS the Plum Flower Bandit!”

Xin Hu said, “Please explain.”

Xin Jian said, “If I were the Plum Flower Bandit, knowing someone is going to die for me, I’d stay low for a while. Otherwise, wouldn’t I have just saved Li Xun Huan?”

Bai Xiao Sheng nodded. “You’re right. The only reason for the Plum Flower Bandit to appear now is to clear Li Xun Huan of all crimes. If I were the Plum Flower Bandit, I would also never do this.”

Xin Hu said, “In that case, what are your suggestions?”

Xin Jian said, “If Li Xun Huan isn’t the real Plum Flower Bandit, then his associates wouldn’t be doing this for him.”

Xin Hu also stood up and walked over to the window. “Who’s guarding Li Xun Huan right now?”

Xin Jian said, “It’s second brother’s students Yi Rui and Yi Chen.”

[Meh]

Xin Hu said, “Tell them to come here.”

When Yi Rui and Yi Chen got in the room, he didn’t turn around, only asked, “Did you send your fifth uncle his dinner?”

Yi Rui said, “Yes. But...”

Xin Hu asked, “But what?”

Yi Rui said, “I followed the directions and put the food at the door. The quantity is the same as yesterday’s, twice as much as normal and another cup of water.”

Yi Chen added, “I carried the food basket, because I wanted to see what’s going on inside, as I stepped back a bit, I saw Li Xun Huan take the basket, looked at it, and threw it back out again.”

“Why?”

Yi Rui answered, “Because he said the food’s terrible, there’s no wine, so he wouldn’t eat.”

Xin Hu’s filled with rage. “Where does he think he is? A restaurant?”

Yi Rui and Yi Chen had been in the monastery for over ten years now. Never have they seen the abbot* actually getting mad before. The two didn’t dare to look up.”

*Note: I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned that Xin Hu is the abbot of Shaolin. It’s rarely mentioned(he’s mainly referred as reverend) in the book. But in the few instances it was mentioned, I sort of fudged on my translation because I didn’t know what the head of a monastery is suppose to be called. Hehehe. ^_^

After a long time, when he calmed down, Xin Hu asked, “What does he want to eat then?”

Yi Rui said, “He wrote a list and threw it out, and told us to follow his cooking directions. Any mistake and he’ll throw it out again.”

The list said:

Red Steamed Winter Bamboo
Mixed Vegetables Pot
Sour Vegetables with Mushrooms
Cooked Centerless Vegetable
To Fu with Mushrooms and Baby Bamboo

*Note: The above translation could anywhere be right on the money to totally off(I’d bet on the latter). I don’t even know how these dishes are cooked even in Chinese. And some of these vegetables probably don’t even have an English name. O_O


In addition to the 4 dishes and one soup, he also wanted 1.5 kg of high quality Zhu Ye Qing(type of wine), as if Shaolin temple is a high quality Capital City vegetarian resturant.

No matter who sees this list wouldn’t know whether to laugh of cry. But Xin Hu simply said calmly, “Just do as he says.”

Xin Jian immediately said, “Big brother you...”

Xin Hu cut him off, “If Li Xun Huan doesn’t eat, neither can fifth brother. His health has been deteriorating the past year or so. He doesn’t have the stamina to go without food for too long.”

Xin Jian looked at th floor. “But if we do this, then wouldn’t it prove that Li Xun Huan is controlling us?”

Xin Hu’s eyes sparkled. “I already have a plan. So who cares if he gets his way for a couple of days.”

Ah Fei lied on the bed.

It’s been four hours. He just lied there, not moving, as if his whole body turned into a stone.”

He simply waits.

Because by not moving, he can save his energy. He needs energy to get food, and need food to survive, to combat nature.

Several times, even the most cunning wild rabbits thought he was just a stone. Once, he was so weak and hungry he had no energy left. If that wild rabbits didn’t jump on top of him, he might’ve died of hunger.

Another time he played dead for two days before a wild dog came to him.

This type of patience and endurance is not a natural talent, it came only after countless practice.

At first, he’s not very good at it. He can’t help but shrivel himself up. But now, he doesn’t feel anything anymore. As long as he feels that there’s no need to move, he won’t move an inch.

When Lin Xian Er came back, she though he’s already asleep.

Her clothing today is quite strange, a plain grey cloth, covering all parts of her body.

She went to get some information, and had gone for four hours.

As Ah Fei suddenly sat up, which really scared her. But then she smiled, “So you’re just pretending to be asleep, wanting to scare me?”

Li Xian Er combed her hair, then bit her lips. “You don’t like me?”

Ah Fei shook his head.

Lin Xian Er innocently looked at him, then went over and kissed his cheeks. “You’re so good.”

Ah Fei stood up, and asked, “You have news?”

She shook her head. “Shaolin has always been very cautious on matters. They must observe for a long time before taking action. They’d rather not do something than to do something wrong.”

Ah Fei said, “But it’s been six days.”

Lin Xian Er said, “Maybe they don’t believe that the Plum Flower Bandit killed Zhang Sheng Qi, because the Plum Flower Bandit always does a string of crimes, not just one at a time.”

Ah Fei thought for a long time, then said, “But they’ll have to believe sooner or later. I’ll make them believe.”

Lin Xian Er said, “Come with me. I’ll show you a place.”

“Where?”

“Your second victim.”

It’s nighttime. The snow has melted. Their clothing has been changed, so no one noticed them.

Lin Xian Er suddenly pointed at the sign of a pawn shop. This is a big pawn shop, with a big sign that says ‘Shen Ji Pawn Shop’.

Ah Fei said, “What’s so special about this sign?”

Lin Xian Er did not respond, only pointed at another sign on a restaurant. “Look at this one.”

This restaurant’s business is very good. Both floors are full of customers. The sign says ‘Sheng Ji Restaurant’.

Actually, every five or six shops on this street seems to have the ‘Shen Ji’ name. And they all seem to have great business.

Lin Xian Er said, “All these are opened by Third Brother Shen.”

Ah Fei said, “Now where are we going?”


Lin Xian Er said, “Just follow me.”

Ah Fei doesn’t like to ask too many questions anyway, so he didn’t ask her to explain.

As they walked, she suddenly pointed to the sky. “Look, a shooting star.”

Ah Fei stayed silent for a while, then asked, “Did you make a wish?”

Lin Xian Er said, “A shooting star always passes by too quickly. No one has enough time to make a wish, unless he knows that the shooting star will appear. But who could know that? I think it’s all a big lie.”

Ah Fei said, “Even so, it can still allow people to have dreams and hopes, and that’s always good.”

Lin Xian Er said, “I never thought you’d know about such superstition.”

Ah Fei stared into the distance, where the shooting star disappeared. His eyes showed much sadness, then said, “I knew this since I was a little kid.”

Lin Xian Er watched those eyes closely, then said soothingly, “You remembered your mother, didn’t you? Did she tell you about it?”

Ah Fei didn’t respond, just walked ahead quickly.

Ah Fei originally thought he saw a huge mansion, but as he got closer, it seemed to have disappeared.

Lin Xian Er looked at the wall surrounding the place. “This is a tall wall. Could it be 40 feet?”

“That sounds about right.”

Lin Xian Er asked, “Do you think you can jump over?”

Ah Fei said, “No one can jump that high. If you want to get in, I can think of another way.”

Lin Xian Er said, “This is Third Brother Shen’s home.”

Ah Fei asked, “Is he my second victim?”

Lin Xian Er said, “I know you don’t want to hurt merchants. But there are many different kinds of merchants.”

“Which kind is him?”

“The worse, dirtiest kind.”

She smiled. “Think about it. How else can he open so many businesses in the city? Why else would he have such tall walls in his house?”

Ah Fei said, “There’s nothing wrong with having tall walls. And there are no laws against having too many businesses.”

Lin Xian Er said, “The tall walls means that he’s scared from doing all his crooked dealings. He has so many shops because he takes them from others?”

Lin Xian Er said, “The Shen family is very big and rich. Last generation it had five siblings. This generation, there are sixteen brothers. The sixteen brother opened forty some businesses.”

Ah Fei said, “So each one owns three or so. That’s not a big deal.”

Lin Xian Er responded, “But all of them belong to Third Brother Shen.”

“Why?”

End of Chapter 22

[CFT]

OK, I'm not totally sure about the spelling of number 4, but here are the characters in big5 encoding:

2. 進 士 (Jun See)

4. 榜 眼 (Bong Ngan)

[Meh]

Ah. I got it now. Jin Shi and Bang Yan. Thanks. Odd that I've never heard of the term Bang Yan. They seem to only list the top three when it comes to the exam in tv series. *Shrugs*


Chapter 23: Into a Trap


Lin Xian Er and Ah Fei came on this cold, windy night to the front of a large mansion. Pointing at the unusually tall wall, Lin Xian Er said, “This is Third Brother Shen’s house. He and his brothers opened forty some businesses together, but now they’re all his, because his fifteen brothers have all entered the casket.”

Ah Fei asked, “How did they die?”

Lin Xian Er said, “Officially, from illnesses. But no one knows what really happened. Everyone found it strange how fifteen perfectly healthy people can all die within a three year period, when Third Brother Shen wasn’t sick at all.”

Ah Fei did not say anything else, just one simple sentence. “I’ll go meet him tomorrow night.”

With perfect hand-feet coordination, Ah Fei climbed over the wall.

After flipping over, he saw a large garden with many houses. At this hour, most lights are out as people are asleep.

Lin Xian Er found a servant who drew a map for him. So Ah Fei knows exactly where to look.

Third Brother Shen is still awake, this cunning businessman’s hair is already white, yet still sat under the candlelight with his abacus, calculating his earnings.

This abacus skills aren’t the fastest, because his fingers are short, yet quite thick. How could a man from such a rich family have hands like the workers?

Because when he was a child, his dad kicked him out of the house, so he spent five years outside. No one knows what he did, some say he was a beggar, some say he went to Shaolin and worked manual labor, and learned some great kung fu. That’s whey when his brothers and cousins died, no one would dare say anything, despite their suspicions.

Obviously, he denied all allegations, but he can’t deny that pair of hands he has. It’s a pair that has obviously learned a type of Iron Fist kung fu, and quite well at that. Otherwise, his eldest cousin wouldn’t have suddenly died while spitting out blood.

Ah Fei suddenly pushed open the window, entering the room.

Third Brother Shen has a very good reaction, yet by the time he noticed the window was open, Ah Fei is already in front of him. He could not believe someone has this type of speed, scared out of his wits, and just froze.

Ah Fei looked at him coldly and asked, “Are you Third Brother Shen?”

Third Brother Shen just kept nodding.

Ah Fei said, “Do you know what I’m doing here?”

He still just kept nodding his head.

Ah Fei said, “Do you have anything to say?”

This time, Third brother Shen stopped nodding, and started to shake his head.

Ah Fei’s sword came out, yet at this instant, he sensed that something’s wrong, an intuition similar to that of an animals, like a rabbit sensing a wild wolf. But he did not hear anything, nor see even a shadow of that wolf.

Without hesitation this time, Ah Fei pulled out his sword again!

As fast as the shooting stars, his sword cut through Third Brother Shen’s chest, only to hear several clanking sounds. Apparently, the sword cut onto a metal plate, no wonder he can’t cut through it.

After his attack, Third Brother Shen immediately rolled under the table. Ah Fei immediately jumped, trying to escape, but unfortunately, he’s still slow by a step.

At this time, a net dropped from the top of the building, the net is as big as the room, so everyone in it will get caught.

Ah Fei is not caught under the net.

Strangely enough, he did not panic or even feel frightened, instead he just felt sadness, because suddenly realized how it feels to be an animal caught by a hunter.

And it’s impossible for an animal to escape the traps of a hunter.

Ah Fei did not struggle.

He knows it’s useless.

At this time, two shadows fell on top of the net, each with a long staff. Soon, eight of Ah Fei’s pressure points had been sealed.

These two people are Shaolin’s Xin Jian and Bai Xiao Sheng.

Third Brother Shen is no longer under the table, because there’s a hidden passageway under it.

Obviously, this was all a trap.

Bai Xiao Sheng’s face is filled with delight. “I knew you were going to come here, do you give up?”

Ah Fei did not respond.

Although he can still talk, he didn’t bother responding, nor ask, “How did you know I was going to be here?”

His eyes are hollow, as if he’s not thinking at all.

He can’t think? Or doesn’t want to think? Or can’t bring himself to think.

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “I know you’re trying to save your friend Li Xun Huan, so you pretended to be the Plum Flower Bandit.”

Ah Fei said loudly, “I AM the Plum Flower Bandit. I don’t have to pretend. I also don’t know who Li Xun Huan is.”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “Really... brother Xin Jian, he said he’s the Plum Flower Bandit, do you believe him?”

“No.”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “But this is pretty hard to prove. Brother Xian Jian, do you know who killed Hong Tian Lei?”

”The Plum Flower Bandit.”

“How did he die?”

“Although his body has the mark of the plum flower, the attack that killed him was on his Xuan Ji Pressure Point.”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “In that case, the Plum Flower Bandit is not only a great fighter, but also a master of pressure points, then.”

“Correct.”

Bai Xiao Sheng Smiled, turning to Ah Fei, “If you can tell me the names of the pressure points I just sealed, we’ll agree that you’re the Plum Flower Bandit, and then immediately release Li Xun Huan. How about it?”

Ah Fei bit his teeth hard.

Bai Xiao Sheng sighed. “You really are his good friend. For him, you’re willing to sacrifice your life. But I wonder how important you are to him. If you can make him come out of that room, then that would be quite good.”


There’s wine in the cup.

Li Xun Huan has the cup in his hands.

At the corner of the room is a thin, seemingly weak monk, although past the middle age, but doesn’t look too old, and carries a look of a bookworm.

No one would believe that this is Reverend Xin Shu.

Although he’s Li Xun Huan’s hostage, his mind is still at peace, sitting quietly at the corner.

Li Xun Huan suddenly said to Xin Shu with smile, “I can’t believe Shaolin has wine of his quality, how about a cup?”

Xin Shu shook his head.

Li Xun Huan said, “I’m drinking wine in front of your brother’s corpse. Does that count as rudeness?”

Xin Shu said, “It’s universally accepted that people use wine as a way to toast others. No matter the place, you’re not being rude at all.”

Li Xun Huan said, “Very good. No wonder people say that once you enter the monastery, your heart is more free.”

Xin Shu’s peaceful expression changed a bit, as if trying to hide some pain.

Then he sighed, his face filled with sorrow, whether for the deceased or for him, no one knows.

Li Xun Huan looked at his wine cup, then also sighed. “To be honest, I didn’t expect you to be the one to save me this time.”

Xin Shu said, “I didn’t save you.”

Li Xun Huan said, “Fourteen years ago, I resigned from my government post, although the official reason is because I was tired of being in politics, the reality is, if you hadn’t written that scripture saying that I have dirty dealings with bandits, my mind would not have been so set.”

Xin Shu closed his eyes, then said, “The old power-hungry Hu Yun Ji has long died, why do you bring him up again?”

Li Xun Huan said, “You’re right. Once one enters the monastery, he’s a different person. Still, I would never believe that you’d be the one to save me today.”

Xin Shu opened his eyes, then said loudly, “I already told you, I didn’t save you. But because my inner power is so weak, I couldn’t escape your grasp. You don’t need to feel like you owe me anything.”

“But unless you hinted at me to escape here, I might not have chosen to come into this room. If you had struggled, I might not be able to truly trap you here.”

Xin Shu moved his mouth, but no words came out.

Li Xun Huan smiled, “Monks should not lie, besides, it’s just us two here.”

Xin Shu suddenly said, “Although I do have the intention of saving you, it was not because of that incident.”

Li Xun Huan did not seem surprised, and asked, “Then why?”

From his look, Xin Shu seemingly doesn’t know what to say.

Li Xun Huan did not force him, instead just finished his wine.

At this time, someone from outside the window yelled, “Li Xun Huan, look out the window.”

This is the voice of Xin Jian.

When Li Xun Huan finally looked out the window, his expression immediately changed.

He never thought Ah Fei would fall into their hands.

Bai Xiao Sheng just stood there looking smug, then said, “Li Tan Hua, I guess you should recognize him, right? For you, he’d rather be known as the Plum Flower Bandit. How do you think you should thank him?”

Xin Jian said loudly, “If you want to save his life, you better come out and surrender.”

Li Xun Huan’s hands started to shake. He didn’t see Ah Fei’s face, because his face is on the ground, as if suffered some major injuries.

Xin Jian suddenly raised Ah Fei’s body. “Li Xun Huan, I give you four hours. If you don’t come out with my sixth brother by sunset, you’ll never see your good friend again.”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “Li Tan Hua, this person is quite good to you, you really should respond in kind.”

[Meh]

Li Xun Huan doesn’t know what to do.

He saw how they dragged Ah Fei around like a dog, how his scars showed the torture he’s been through.

Yet this youngster did not say a single word.

He only glanced at the window, his expression that of calmness, as if to tell Li Xun Huan that he doesn’t care for death.

Li Xun Huan sighed. “My good friend. I really understand what you’re thinking. You don’t want me to save you.”

Xin Shu kept looking at him, then suddenly asked, “So what are you going to do?”

Li Xun Huan drank three more cups, then smiled. “Of course I’ll give myself up. You can tie me up any time you want.”

Xin Shu said, “But you know you’ll die if you leave!”

“I know.”

“Yet you’ll still go?”

“Of course.” His response is so certain, leaving no room for argument.

Xin Shu said, “Don’t you think this is too stupid?”

Li Xun Huan smiled. “Everyone does a few stupid things in his life. If everyone only does smart things, then wouldn’t life get too boring?”

Xin Shu thought over those words, then said, “You’re right. A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. You know you’ll die if you do this. But you still must do it!”

Li Xun Huan chuckled, “At least you certainly know how I think.”

Xin Shu continued, “Friendship comes first, before life and death. Li Xun Huan really is Li Xun Huan.”

Li Xun Huan did not look at him, just said, “I’ll go first.”

Xin Shu suddenly said, “Hold on!”

It’s as if he suddenly made an important decision, his eyes stared at Li Xun Huan. “I wasn’t finished.”

“Really?”

Xin Shu said, “I already told you, I have another reason for saving you.”

“Right.”

Xin Shu said, “This is a big secret of Shaolin, and affects many people, so I didn’t want to tell you.”

Li Xun Huan stood there listening.

Xin Shu said again, “Shaolin has countless rare books, some are Buddhist scriptures, others are kung fu manuals.”

“I know this, of course.”

Xin Shu said, “For the past hundred years, more than a few people have tried to steal these things from Shaolin, but no one has succeeded.”

He continued, “Although monks do not kill, these scriptures are still the basis of our temple. So anyone tries to steal it will receive the wrath of Shaolin.”

Li Xun Huan said, “I rarely hear anyone who dares to rob this place.”

Xin Shu said, “You’re an outsider, so you obviously don’t know the details. Actually, there has been seven instances where Shaolin has been robbed, one is for calming the heart, while the others are all top kung fu manuals.”

Li Xun Huan couldn’t help but be taken aback, “So who is it?”

Xin Shu said, “The weirdest thing is that there were no evidence of the robberies, nor any trails for us to investigate.”

After the first two robberies, we have significantly upgraded our security, yet the robberies still continued. Originally, third brother guarded the room, but he’s since retired.”

Li Xun Huan said, “This is quite a big deal. Why hasn’t there been any rumors?”

Xin Shu said, “Because this is so important, the abbot warned everyone to close their mouths, so including you, only nine people know about this.”

Li Xun Huan said, “So other than the seven reverends, who’s the eighth person?”

“Bai Xiao Sheng.”


Li Xun Huan sighed, “This guy really does get into a lot of other people’s businesses.”

Xin Shu said, “After third brother left, second brother and I took his place as the guardian, and only for the past half a month.”

Li Xun Huan said, “If Reverend Xin Mei was guarding the room, then why did he leave?”

Xin Shu said, “Because second brother suspects that the Plum Flower Bandit has a hand in this, so he had to look into it. Who’d have thought that he’d never come back.”

After a while, Xin Shu said, “Second brother and I have been old friends, before he left, he took out the three most sacred scriptures from the book room, and hid them in three separate places. Only the abbot and I know where they are.”

“And one is in this room, right?”

“Correct.”

Li Xun Huan said, “No wonder they’re so hesitant to attack this room.”

Xin Shu said, “Simply because this series of robberies are so strange, second brother and I made an assumption, that there is perhaps an insider.

Although we’ve been suspicious, neither of us dare to say it, because other than us seven reverends, no one else could’ve stolen those scriptures.”

Li Xun Huan’s eyes brightened. “So the thief could very well be one you seven.”

Xin Shu said, “Us seven brother have all been in here for at least ten years, we trust each other deeply. Except...”

“Except what?”

“Except when second brother left, he told me he’s deeply suspicious of one person among us seven.”

Li Xun Huan immediately asked, “Who’s that?”

Xin Shu shook his head. “He didn’t say it, because he didn’t want to make wrongful accusations, he only hoped that the thief really is the Plum Flower Bandit.”

When he got here, Xin Shu’s throat tightened, unable to speak.

Li Xun Huan said, “I understand how Xin Mei feels, but how can he watch as that thief still free, when he has no chance to say his name?”


Xin Shu said, “Second brother thought about this, so before he left, he told me, if he were to ever die on the trip, I should read his diary, because the name of person he’s suspicious of is on the last page.”

Li Xun Huan said, “So where is it now?”

“Originally with the rare scripture, but now in my hands.”

He took out a book, which Li Xun Huan immediately grabbed. Every single word talks about Buddist principles, with no words talking about the suspect.”

Li Xun Huan asked, “So did the suspect tear out the last page?”

Xin Shu said, “Not only that, but also the scripture is now a blank book!”

Li Xun Huan said, “If that’s the case, then the suspect already knows that the second brother suspects him.”

“Correct.”

“But only you and the abbot knows of the location, so do you suspect...”

Xin Shu said, “Not totally. Because if the suspect knows that the second brother is suspicious of him, he’d follow the second brother moves closely, and perhaps found the hidden location that way. But...”

“But what?”

“Actually, when second brother came back, he was still alive. And he shouldn’t have died!”

When he heard this, Li Xun Huan was quite shocked.

Only to see Xin Shu tightened his fist. “Although I’m not an expert on poison, I still learned a lot about it the past few years from our books. So when I saw second brother’s condition as he came back, I knew that he can be saved, or at least shouldn’t have died so quickly!”

Li Xun Huan said, “So you’re saying...”

Xin Shu said, “Obviously, whoever stole the scriptures also killed second brother.”

Li Xun Huan suddenly felt that this room became very small, as he tried to gasp for breath.

He circled the room, calmed down, and then asked, “So how many people came here to look at him?”


Xin Shu said, “Big brother, fourth brother, fifth brother, and seventh brother all have been here.”

“So anyone of them could be the murderer?”

Xin Shu nodded, “This is a huge misfortune of our monastery. I shouldn’t have told you, but now I realized that you’re not the type who betrays your friends. So I want you to...”

“You want me to help you find the real killer.”

“Correct.”

Li Xun Huan thought for a moment, then asked slowly, “But what if the killer is Xin Hu?”

Xin Shu suddenly froze, sweat poured down his forehead.

Li Xun Huan said, “Even if everyone at Shaolin knows that the killer is Xin Hu, no one would admit it, would they.”

Xin Shu didn’t respond, because there’s nothing to say. Everyone treats Shaolin as the renowned institution in the martial world. What would they say if Shaolin’s abbot is a killer?

Li Xun Huan said, “Even if I can prove that Xin Hu is the killer, I bet you still wouldn’t say any nice words for me, in order to protect your reputation.”

Xin Shu sighed. “You’re right. For the reputation of Shaolin, I am willing to sacrifice everything.”

Li Xun Huan said, “Then why do you ask me to do this?”

Xin Shu said, “Although I won’t do anything that will damage Shaolin’s repuation, as long as you can prove who killed brother Xin Mei, I’ll will make sure he dies with me.”

Li Xun Huan said, “How could a monk talk about murder? Looks like you’re still attached to the outside world.”

Xin Shu said, “Even Buddha himself has been angry, much less just a mere monk.”

Li Xun Huan said, “With these words, I’m content.”

Xin Shu said, “You mean you know who the killer is?”

Li Xun Huan said, “I don’t. But I know someone who does.”

Xin Shu said, “Obviously, the killer himself does.”


Li Xun Huan said, “Other than the killer, another person does. That person’s in this room.”

“Who?”

Li Xun Huan pointed at the corpse of Xin Mei, “Him!”

Xin Shu said, “Regrettably, he can no longer talk.”

Li Xun Huan chuckled, “But sometimes even the dead can talk.”

He took off the cover sheet on Xin Mei’s body. Sunlight shined on his face, which looked dark grey.

Li Xun Huan asked, “Have you ever seen a victim of the Five-Poison Kid?”

“No.”

End of Chapter 23

Also End of Book 1. This book is seperated into four books, although plot-wise, it's one big story. So it's no big deal. But it does gives you an idea of how far along we are in the book. I am 25% done.

*Celebrates by eating a turkey sandwich* <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[KieuFeng]

phewwww. i am in suspense! can't wait for more translation GREAT JOB MEH!

[Acidbeastonfire]

gosh...i swear i was gasping for air as i was reading this. Meh, you should issue a warning with your translations :
" Not for the faint hearted!"

Well done!

[Goofy]

excellente!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">: <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

well turkey is turkey in whatever form.

did you have pumpkin pie as well? <IMG SRC="smilies/drool.gif" border="0">

[Meh]

I actually had Ma-puo tofu for my Thanksgiving dinner. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> I'm not too into this tradition.


Chapter 24: Catching the Traitor

Li Xun Huan sighed. “Then you’re really quite lucky. Because it’s hardly a pretty sight.”

Obviously, anyone who dies from poison must look pretty bad.

Li Xun Huan closed his eyes, then said slowly, “A few years ago, I saw a person who died from his poison. In a few seconds, his whole face turned black, and soon after, his whole body decayed.”

Xin Shu stared at Xin Mei’s body, then yelled, “But second brother has been dead for several days...”

Li Xun Huan opened his eyes again. “That’s right. He’s been poisoned for several days, yet his body still hasn’t decayed, do you know why?”

Xin Shu shook his head.

Li Xun Huan said, “Because he was given another type of poison!”

Xin Shu said, “You... you mean...”

Li Xun Huan said, “Although he was poisoned by the Five-Poison Kid, it’s not too severe, and was held in check by his inner power. So the poison had not acted when he came to Shaolin.”

“That’s right.”

Li Xun Huan said, “The killer must’ve been afraid that he’d divulge the secret. Wishing he’d die quickly, he added another type of poison.”

Xin Shu said, “There are many ways to kill a person. Why use poison?”

“Because no matter which method he uses, there will be evidence. But since Reverend Xin Mei was already deeply poisoned, this method will leave no traces.”

Xin Shu said, “That’s true. This way, everyone would think that he’s killed by the Five-Poison Kid.”

Li Xun Huan said, “This person is very calculating, but he forgot one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“He forgot that poisons can counteract one another. It’s only because he put in heavy doses of his lethal poison, that it prevented Five-Poison Kid’s poison from acting. So Xin Mei’s body remained in such good condition even after all this time!”

Li Xun Huan’s eyes glowed, “After Reverend Xin Mei came back, did he eat anything?”


Xin Shu said, “Just a cup of medicine.”

“Who gave him the medicine?”

“The medicine was made by seventh brother Xin Jian. But the person who fed him the medicine are fourth brother Xin Zhu and sixth brother Xin Deng.”

He sighed again. “So all three are suspects.”

Li Xun Huan said, “There are two famous types of poisons in this world. The first tends to be odorless and tasteless, but can make a person die in a horrific way, so it would not just kill someone, but also horrify those watching.”

Xin Shu said, “The Five-Poison Kid’s poison is obviously in this category.”

Li Xun Huan continued, “The second kind might be more easy to detect, but can make someone die without showing any symptom, sometimes so that no one would even think he had died from poison.”

“You’re saying that the killer used this type?”

Li Xun Huan nodded. “It’s only due to their opposite nature that these two poisons would clash. Although the first type of poison is horrifying, this second type of poison might be more deadly. Very few people can mix this type of poison.”

He stared closely at Xin Shu and asked, “How many people in Shaolin knows how to use this?”

Xin Shu took a deep breath. “This...”

Li Xun Huan said, “Shaolin is the head of the martial world. It’s disciples would obviously not learn something as despicable as this, right?”

Xin Shu said in a sure tone, “There’s absolutely nothing like this taught at Shaolin!”

Li Xun Huan said, “Reverend Xin Zhu and Xin Deng...”

Xin Shu cut him off. “Xin Zhu became a monk at the age of nine. Xin Deng was a monk while he was a baby. I bet none of them had even seen any poisons in their life.”

Li Xun Huan chuckled. “Well, in that case, who would the killer be?”

“You’re saying it’s seventh brother Xin Jian?”

Li Xun Huan did not speak.

Xin Jian became a monk late in his life. Before he entered Shaolin, he was already famous in the martial world, an expert at using poison!


A game of Go is being played in the pavillion.

Bai Xiao Sheng lightly held his piece, snowflakes fell along with his piece, into the snow on the ground.

The scenery is indeed beautiful, but everywhere is filled with hint of murder, and everyone felt extremely uptight.

Reverend Xin Hu, Xin Zhu, Xin Deng, and Xin Jian are all here.

Ah Fei knelt by the side of the pavilion, not even bothering to raise his head.

Xin Hu looked at him, then asked, “Do you think Li Xun Huan will come?”

Bai Xiao Sheng smiled. “Of course.”

Xin Hu said, “He’s the type of person who’d sacrifice himself for a friend?”

“This is because even thieves have their own codes.”

Xin Hu sighed. “Hopefully, you’re right...”

His voice suddenly stopped.

He already saw Xin Shu.


Xin Shu has entered the pavilion, but by himself.

Xin Hu stood up to welcome him, and asked, “How are you?”

He didn’t ask anything else, simply greeted Xin Shu, really is something only an abbot of Shaolin can do.

Xin Shu said, “Thank you, brother. Thankfully I was spared.”

Xin Shu continued, “He went to get the scriptures.”

Xin Jian asked, “Scriptures? What scriptures?”

Xin Shu said, “The missing scriptures from the library.”


Xin Jian’s mouth twitched, then laughed coldly. “So it was him after all! Then why would you let him go?”

Xin Shu said, “Because he’s not the thief!”

Xin Jian said, “Then who is it?”

Xin Shu said, “It’s you!”

Xin Jian’s mouth twitched again, but immediately calmed down. “Fifth brother, how could you say these things? I don’t understand.”

Xin Shu said, “If you don’t understand, then who does?”

Xin Jian turned to Xin Hu, then said, “Please say something, big brother. I have certainly have nothing more to say.”

Xin Hu’s expression also changed. “Second brother was obviously killed by Li Xun Huan. Why are you helping him now?”

Bai Xiao Sheng became a little angry. “If I remember correctly, brother Xin Shu and Li Xun Huan both passed the imperial examinations the same year.”

Xin Jian said coldly, “Fifth brother had obviously also taken Li Xun Huan’s poison.”

Xin Shu ignored them, and said, “The poison that killed second brother was not Five-Poison Kid’s.”

Xin Jian cut in. “How would you know?”

Xin Shu laughed coldly. “Do you really think no one knows of what you did? Or did you forget that second brother left something before he died.”

He pulled out Xin Mei’s diary.

Xin Hu said, “What is this?”

Xin Shu said, “Before second brother left, he already knew who the traitorous thief was. But since he didn’t want to do anything before getting all the evidence, Xin Mei wrote down the name on this book, so that in case he died, there would be some evidence.

Xin Hu said with a shock, “Really?”

Xin Jian cut in again. “If there really is my name in that book, I’ll...”

Xin Shu said, “What will you do? Although you tore up the last page, how could you know if he didn’t also write your name elsewhere?”

Xin Jian’s body shook, yelling, “Fifth brother is conspiring with an outsider to frame me. Please look into this, big brother.”

Xin Hu still just stood there, looking at Bai Xiao Sheng.

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “Anyone can write those words.”

Xin Jian said, “That’s right.. Even if my name is in the book, it doesn’t prove that second brother wrote it.”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “From what I know, Little Li Tan Hua is a fine scholar. He’s skilled in the art of writing.”

Xin Jian added, “That’s right. If he wants to copy someone’s handwriting, it should be very easy.”

Xin Hu looked at Xin Shu. “You tend to be a very cautious person, brother. Why are you being so impulsive right now?”

Xin Shu’s expression remains unchanged, staring at Xin Jian. “If you don’t think this isn’t enough, I have another piece of evidence.”

Xin Hu said, “Oh? Please say it.”

Xin Shu said, “The ‘Da Muo Yi Jin Jing’ hidden in second brother’s room is gone.”

“Really?”

Xin Shu said, “Li Tan Hua calculated that the thief hasn’t had a chance to send away this book, so it must still be in Xin Jian’s room. He has went with my students to get it now.”

Xin Jian suddenly jumped up and began to yell, “Big brother, don’t listen to him. He wants to frame me!”

As he said this, his body is already outside.

Xin Hu raised his eyebrows, got up, and followed behind him.

In an instant, they all arrived at Xin Jian’s room.

The door is already open.

Xin Jian rushed inside, sliced open a closet, and revealed a hidden compartment.

[Meh]

The ‘Yi Jin Jing’ scripture is inside.

Xin Jian said loudly, “This book was originally in the second brother’s room. It’s because they want to frame me that they put it here, but this trick has been used hundreds of times in the past. How could someone as smart as the big brother be duped by your petty tricks?”

When he finished, Xin Shu said, “Even if we did try to frame you, how could you know we put this scripture inside that closet? Why didn’t you look elsewhere first?”

Xin Jian suddenly froze, his head full of sweat.

Xin Shu let out a sigh of relief. “Li Tan Hua already calculated that only this method can make you admit your guilt.”

Only to hear someone laugh, “But this method really is quite risky. If he doesn’t fall for it, then there really is no way for us to catch him!”

In the midst of the laughter, Li Xun Huan appeared.

Xin Hu sighed deeply, then bowed to greet him.

Li Xun Huan returned the gesture.

Xin Jian back-tracked slowly, but Xin Zhu and Xin Deng already blocked his path. The expression on their faces are deadly.

Xin Hu said, Dan E, Shaolin treated you so well, how could you do something like this?”

Dan E is Xin Jian’s name before becoming a monk.

Dan E, sweating profusely, said, “I... I admit my mistake.”

He suddenly dropped on his knees and said, “But I was being manipulated by someone else.”

Xin Hu said loudly, “Who?”

Bai Xiao Sheng suddenly cut in, “Actually, I think I know.”

Xin Hu said, “Please, do tell.”

Bai Xiao Shen said, “Him!”

Everyone immediately turned towards where Bai Xiao Sheng was pointing at, but they didn’t see anyone.


By the time they turned back, Xin Hu’s expression changed greatly.

Bai Xiao Sheng’s hand is already on his back, his fingers controlled Xin Hu’s four major pressure points.

Xin Shu’s expression also changed. “It’s you!”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “I simply wanted to borrow some books. Who’d have thought you people are so stingy.”

Xin Hu said, “We’ve been friends for over ten years. I’d never thought you’d do something like this to me.”

Bai Xiao Sheng sighed, “I didn’t want to do this either. But since Dan E wants to drag me down with him, I have to do this.”

Dan E immediately jumped up, picking up the ‘Yi Jin Jing’ scripture, and laughed. “That’s right. You’ll have to escort us down the mountain. If any of you want to see your abbot alive, then you better not make any sudden moves.”

Despite his immense anger, Xin Shu could not help but simply watch.

Xin Hu said, “If you people value Shaolin, then forget about me. Capture this traitor right now!”

Bai Xiao Sheng said, “It doesn’t matter what you say. They won’t play around with your life. The life of the Shaolin abbot is way too important.”

As his last word came out, his smile suddenly stopped!

The dagger shined!

Little Li’s Flying Dagger is out of the hand!

The dagger has flown into his throat!

No one saw how the dagger came out.

Bai Xiao Sheng had kept Xin Hu as his shield, his throat behind Xin Hu’s throat. He only left a tiny bit of his throat out.

It can hide behind Xin Hu’s throat at any time.

In this situation, no one would dare to make a move.

But as the dagger shines, faster than lightning, Little Li’s Flying Dagger reached his throat!

Xin Shu, Xin Zhu, Xin Deng, all immediately went over to protect Xin Hu.

Bai Xiao Sheng’s eyes filled with hate, staring at Li Xun Huan. His whole body showed immense disbelief and shock.

Even in death, he could not believe that Li Xun Huan’s dagger is in his throat.

His mouth is still trying to say something, except he couldn’t say it. But everyone can see that he was trying to say, “I’m wrong... I’m wrong...”

That’s right. Bai Xiao Sheng knows all, sees all, but was wrong about one thing.

Little Li’s Flying Dagger is much more faster then even he had ever imagined!


Bai Xiao Sheng fell.

Li Xun Huan sighed. “Bai Xiao Sheng wrote a ‘Book of Weaponry’, ranking the top weapons in the world. It’s unfortunate that he’d die from one of the weapons that he ranked.”

Xin Hu bowed several times, then said, “I was wrong too.”

His expression suddenly changed. “Where’s that traitor?”

Dan E had taken advantage of the confusion and fled.

A person like him would never miss an opportunity like this. In an instant, he had left the courtyard.

The disciples don’t know about this event yet, so even if they see him, they wouldn’t stop him.

As he reached the pavilion, Ah Fei was just about to get up.

Although Bai Xiao Sheng sealed his pressure points very tightly, it still loosened after all this time.

When Dan E saw him, hate filled his eyes. He wanted to take out all his frustration on Ah Fei.

After going through so much torture, how could Ah Fei defend himself?

So to kill Ah Fei can’t possibly take long.

Without saying a word, Dan E attacked, Shaolin’s fist is world-renowned, and Dan E has been in Shaolin for over ten years, so he’s obviously quite good at it.

This punch contained all his power, fast and deadly, can easily kill. Dan E realized that he has plenty of time to escape even after killing Ah Fei.

But who’d have thought that as this instant, Ah Fei’s hand suddenly shot out.

He moved later, but struck first!

Dan E only felt his throat icy cold, with sharp pain along with the coldness, his breathing stopped, as if he was being suffocated.

His face is filled with disbelief... he knew this youngster is very fast, but what did the youngster use to penetrate his throat?

He’ll never know the answer.


Dan E also fell.

Ah Fei got up, catching his breath.

Xin Hu and the others have caught up by now, and also were shocked, because no one thought that this youngster in this condition could possibly kill Dan E!

A stick of ice stuck in Dan E’s throat.

The ice has begun to melt.

This youngster only needed a stick of ice to kill one of the top seven reverends of Shaolin.

Xin Hu looked at that pale white face, not knowing what to say.

Ah Fei didn’t even look at them, only walked towards Li Xun Huan, then he immediately smiled.

Li Xun Huan also smiled.

Xin Hu’s voice is still weak, “Why don’t you two come to my...”

Ah Fei cut him off, “Is Li Xun Huan the Plum Flower Bandit?”

Xin Hu said, “No.”

“Am I the Plum Flower Bandit?”

“No.”

Ah Fei said, “If we’re both not, then we can now, right?”

Xin Hu forced a smiled. “Of course, but I think perhaps you should rest up here....”

Ah Fei cut him off again. “Don’t worry about that. Forget that I can actually walk out, even if I have to crawl out, I’d still crawl down the mountain this instant.”

Xin Zhu, Xin Deng both dropped their heads. No one had ever been so disrespectful to a Shaolin abbot in hundreds of years. But they can only swallow this.

Ah Fei had already grabbed Li Xun Huan’s hands, and started to walk out of Shaolin.

Li Xun Huan turned around and said, “Today we part, if we meet again someday, forgive this lack of respect.”

Xin Shu said, “I’ll escort you out.”

Li Xun Huan said, “Escort like not escort. Not escorting like escort. Why would reverend need to make the distinction?”

When they’re out of eyesight, Xin Hu took a long deep breath. He didn’t say anything, but the silence is much more painful than any words.

Xin Zhu suddenly said, “Brother you shouldn’t have let him go.”

Xin Hu said, “Why?”

“Although Li Xun Huan did not steal our scriptures nor killed second brother, we still can’t prove that he’s not the Plum Flower Bandit.”

Xin Hu said, “So how can he prove that?”

Xin Zhu said, “He can do so by finding the real Plum Flower Bandit.”

Xin Hu sighed again. “I know he’ll find out, and then escort him here. This isn’t important. It’s just those six scriptures...”

Although the thief has been caught, the scriptures are still not found, who did he give these to?

Who’s really behind all this?

Li Xun Huan doesn’t like to walk, especially in the snow, but he has no choice now, with the icy wind cut like knives, there are no carriages.


But Ah Fei is quite accustomed to walking. In other people’s minds, walking is tedious, but for him, it’s relaxation. The more he walks, the more energy he recovers.

They shared their stories with each other, and Li Xun Huan began to think, then said, “You’re not the Plum Flower Bandit, neither am I. So who is it?”

Ah Fei stared into the distance. “He’s already dead.”

Li Xun Huan said, “Did he really die? Did you really kill the Plum Flower Bandit?

Ah Fei did not speak.

Li Xun Huan suddenly chuckled. “Have you ever thought that perhaps the Plum Flower Bandit might not be a man?”

“If he’s not a man, then who is he?”

Li Xun Huan smiled, “If he’s not a man, then he’s obviously a woman.”

End of Chapter 24

For those of you who have watched the adaptations for this novel, this is usually where they start to deviate from the book. So don't be surprised in the stories later on are quite different from what expected.