Chu Liu Xiang (Chor Lau Heung) Summaries

Hua Mei Niao/The Trush - Part 2

Original novel written by Gu Long

Fan translation by Athena

Li YuHan told Chu LiuXiang that this was his father's wish. Chu calmly asked if he had a choice, Li smiled and said no. Hu couldn't stand it anymore and yelled at Li, that asking Chu to fight 6 martial arts expert like Shuai YiFan is asking to kill himself. Li didn't answer and kept smiling. Chu told Hu to remain calm, it would be a honor to die in the Emerald Green Manor. Hu asked him if he had any chance of winning, Chu replied that he didn't. Hu told him that they could make a run for it now. Chu sighed and said it was too late. Suddenly, 5 figures walked out and closed in on Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua. These 5 men wore black robes and their faces were veiled. But Chu could still feel the grandeur these 5 men had, each and every one of them were top martial arts experts. The first man was very tall and held a bronze sword, the second was short and skinny, the third one was big and tall. All of them used a precious sword. The fourth one had an average height and used an ordinary sword. The fifth one was short and stout and used a wooden sword. These 5 men were all WuLin seniors with martial arts not inferior to Shuai YiFan. Chu asked them if they would remove their veils, the third man spoke with a loud voice saying that wouldn't be necessary. Hu said they were still missing one martial arts expert.

Liu said that wasn't a problem and paid her respects to the 5 seniors and said she learned this formation too and would replace Shuai YiFan. The first senior asked why her husband wouldn't fill up that position. Liu was unable to answer that question. The second senior said in a stern voice if she thought her martial arts was better than the descendant of the Li family. After he spoke, he whirled his sword into a thousand silver dots. Liu WuMei just stood still and didn't move or block the dots because she knew that he was just using a void technique to test her. The second senior stopped whirling and told the others that she had passable martial arts.

Liu WuMei walked up to Li GuanYu and asked him if she could use his sword and, without hesitation, she drew Li GuanYu's blade. Li GuanYu wanted to say something but he couldn't utter a single word, he looked angry and anxious.

Hu TieHua walked up and stood beside Chu LiuXiang and told Chu that he will stay here and together they would fight them. Chu sighed and said it was better that one would die and the other could escape. Liu said that if Hu joined the duel, Chu will certainly lose. Chu told Hu to think this over carefully and used his finger to write something on Hu's hand palm. Chu wrote the character "save". Hu understood that Chu wanted him to save Su RongRong and the others. Hu told him that he understood. Chu said he knew that Hu will never disappoint him and wrote another character on his hand, namely "run". Chu wanted Hu to leave this place at once when he saved the 4 girls.

Chu held Hu's hand and told him with a smile that he should understand that if he wanted to survive this fight, he must not be distracted by other matters. He hoped that Hu could carry out his wishes. Hu remained silent for awhile and finally he nodded. He was feeling very cold and couldn't bare to let go of Chu's hand because he knew that this might be the last time they would hold each other's hands. Chu patted him on the shoulder and looked at Hu for a moment and turned around and said: "I'm ready, we can begin now."

Liu WuMei smiled and asked Chu if he wanted to use a weapon. Chu said calmly that it wouldn't make any difference if he used a weapon.

The fifth senior laughed and said that Chu was indeed very bold. Chu said that he was always very afraid before any fight but when he had to fight, all fear just disappeared. Suddenly, swift as a fox, Chu advanced towards Liu WuMei and used "The Double Dragon Stealing The Pearls" stance to attack Liu's eyes. Liu WuMei was too surprised to react and quickly step back a few paces. However, this was just a ruse. Chu's left hand was attacking and his right hand's thumb and index finger grabbed the tip of the blade and Liu felt an enormous strength passing through her body causing to let go of her sword. She could hear Chu saying to her: "Thank you for lending me your sword."

Chu now held that magnificent sword. He used 3 fingers to hold the tip and used the guard and the hilt to attack the chest of the third senior. The third senior exclaimed: "A very fast hand indeed!" and avoided Chu's attack and returned 2 attacking techniques. Liu was still feeling numb. Seeing the formation was activated, Li YuHan saw no choice but to draw his sword and replace his wife. The sword formation surrounded Chu LiuXiang.

Hu TieHua saw Chu's attacking, seizing the sword, and assault and wanted to cry out in praise but he restrained himself. Hu knew that Li was not as good as Liu and with Li replacing his wife, the power of the sword formation was already weaker. Hu decided to look for the 4 girls and left the main hall. He could still hear the swords, Hu was pondering how he would find the girls. The Emerald Green Manor was a very big place and it would take too much time to search every room. However, he knew that everyone had to eat sometime and decided to head for the kitchen.

After arriving in a remote area of the manor, he saw a group of muscular men shadow-boxing. Suddenly, he thought of something and removed his upper robe and pretended to be one of those men. No one even noticed him when he blended in. He saw some maids and servants talking and flirting with each other. Suddenly, Hu heard a argument going on, a cook was arguing with a stable-boy. It seems that the cook was not giving the stable-boy and colleagues enough food. The argument become more and more intense, the stable-boy wanted to hit the cook but the cook knew some martial arts and knocked the stable-boy down. Hu saw a chance to infiltrate and and struck down the cook. The cook was of course no match for a martial arts expert like Hu and he asked him whether he was working in the stables too. Hu scoffed and said this will teach him a lesson, the stable-boys are not to be trifled with. All of a sudden, a young maid walked up and asked what was going on here. Hu turned around a saw a pretty young woman. All the other servants and maids were afraid of her. Hu TieHua laughed and explained the whole situation to her. The cook wanted to say something but this maid told him to be silent. Everyone called this maid Miss Ping.

Miss Ping looked at Hu and asked why she never saw him before, Hu said he was usually busy in the stables. Miss Ping said it was a waste that someone with good martial arts should be a stable-boy. She turned to the other stable-boy and asked if Hu was really one of them. Hu was still laughing but he was preparing himself to fight if it was necessary because he knew that this maid knew martial arts and, judging from her eyes, she must be an expert too. However, the stable-boy said Hu was his brother-in-law and came a few days ago to help out. Miss Ping seemed to believe his story and asked the cook if the dishes and pastries were prepared. The cook looked worried and Hu said she couldn't blame him because some guests just arrived and he could assist in the kitchen. Miss Ping gave him a chance to prepare the light refreshments. Hu TieHua prepared some refreshments and Miss Ping told him to follow her. They were to deliver this food to some very difficult young ladies.

Hu was thrilled that he had finally found them. As he followed Miss Ping, he thought when he freed the 4 girls they can certainly rescue Chu and turn the entire Emerald Green Manor upside-down together. As they walked, he couldn't keep his eyes of Miss Ping. She kept smiling to him and he seemed to feel extremely happy. Suddenly, she stopped and Hu was standing in front of a room. Miss Ping whispered something in his ear: "Come and see me, tonight." Hu was very happy to hear that and wanted to say something but before he could, Miss Ping already advance forward and sealed 4 of Hu's acupoints. She clapped her hands and 4 young boys came to her. She told them to tie Hu up and told them to tell young Madame Li (Liu WuMei) that they have captured the one they were looking for. She also ordered that the stable-boy to be punished for collaborating with the enemy. Hu asked her how she figured it out. Miss Ping smiled and said how could one not recognize the famous Hu TieHua. She added that Liu WuMei knew that Hu would try to look for the 3 girls and the only way was to follow the lead of food. Furthermore, she said that men were also very gullible when dealing with pretty young women. Hu TieHua sighed and said he should have been more alert.

Chu LiuXiang was still holding tip of the blade and was still trapped in the formation. The 6 experts were surrounding Chu and Chu was being pressed into a corner. The net of swords was closing down on Chu. Li GuanYu was still sitting there and looked very anxious and his hands were shaking. It looked like he wanted to pick up a sword and join the fight. A servant came up to Liu WuMei and whispered something to her, when she heard the message, she smiled. She knew that Hu was now captured.

Chu was trapped in the corner, and the 6 swords were about to strike down on him. And no one in the world could avoid these 6 swords.

However, suddenly the energy generated by the swords was gone and Li YuHan and the fifth senior seem to be frozen. Chu advanced to Li YuHan and used his left hand to press down on Li's chest and used his right hand to grab his hand holding the sword. Chu used the sword of Li to ward off the attack of the first senior. The second senior was holding 2 swords now, one was his own sword the other was the sword Chu used. The formation was foiled. Everyone feared that Chu LiuXiang might kill Li YuHan and ceased their attacks. Chu smiled and said to the second senior that he had heard of the name of master Ling FeiGe 20 years ago and was very pleased to finally meet him now.

Ling FeiGe was very surprised and asked him how he recognized him. Chu said the first man he recognized was the fifth senior, the famous "Jade Sword" master Xiao Shi. Xiao Shi said to Chu that he and Li GuanYu were old friends and nothing else matters and removed his veil. Chu continued and said that he knew these 5 experts were probably close friends of Li GuanYu and one of them must be Li's brother-in-law, Ling FeiGe. Ling asked Chu how he recognized him. Chu said he recognized him through his martial arts. Ling said he didn't use his own style. Chu said that was true, but he also knew that Ling FeiGe was renowned for using double short swords. Although he was using an ordinary sword today and wasn't used to the habit of using one sword. When they were engaged in battle, Ling would sometimes fold up one of his hands like it was holding an invisible sword. Chu used this to his advantage, that's why he was holding his sword the other way around to wait for a chance to put his sword in the hand of Ling FeiGe. Chu also said that a habit was very difficult to lose and that's how he figured out how to stop this formation. The formation was designed for 6 swords only, but with 7 swords in the formation, the formation was being obstructed. Another senior spoke to Chu and said that's why Chu could seize Li YuHan. Chu said he never intended to harm Li. Liu asked Chu to release her husband.

Chu asked if he released Li would they release him? Liu said only if Chu release Li, they would let him go. Li told her that was not possible and told Chu if he killed him he would still not make it out alive. Liu cried and said that Li was willing to do everything for her, before she could finish her sentence Li flung his head backwards to Chu's chest and used his both legs to kick down Chu. Ling FeiGe, Xiao Shi, and the others knew that Chu only needed to use strength and he could use his internal energy to snap Li's heart veins. Li rolled out of Chu reach and Chu fell down. Liu WuMei advanced forward with her sword to stab Chu LiuXiang. But suddenly 5 swords stopped her. Xiao Shi, Ling FeiGe and others stopped her. Xiao Shi scolded that Chu spared Li's life and yet they were so ungrateful as to kill Chu. Li said he will never forget what Chu did and will think of ways to repay Chu. Xiao Shi said these were words sounded better. Li YuHan said he couldn't let Chu go because his father wanted him dead, so he had no choice but to obey his father's wishes. Li GuanYu was sitting there and he looked very upset and angry. Xiao Shi sighed and asked the others what their opinion were. Ling FeiGe and the other 4 looked very troubled.

Li YuHan said that his father suffered from a paralysis 7 years ago due to extensive training to reach the level of using sword energy, and asked how the 5 masters could bare to see. Before he could finish, Xiao Shi said he wanted to know what Li GuanYu hoped to gain by killing Chu LiuXiang. Li YuHan said he didn't know and told Xiao that he must not forget his friendship with his father. Xiao said that he didn't need to keep reminding him about what his father did for him. Xiao Shi withdrew his sword and said he made his decision. The first senior sighed and followed Xiao's decision. Ling FeiGe sighed and said that not only is Li GuanYu his brother-in-law, but also his close friend. Ling said that he wouldn't interfere with anything anymore. Whether they killed Chu or let him go, he wouldn't say or do a thing. The fourth senior said that he followed Ling's decision. This senior didn't like to talk and after he said that, he turned around again.

The third senior stood there not knowing what to do. He said that Li GuanYu saved his life once, he was willing to do anything to repay Li GuanYu. But his actions would affect the entire WuDang School, so how could he... this senior couldn't finish his sentence. Xiao Shi said to him that he understood now, he was in a dilemma because he was still worried about his position as guardian elder of the WuDang School. The third senior was reverend TieShan of WuDang. Xiao Shi said that after this incident, he himself cannot be the leader of the YuJian School anymore. He will retire as soon as this is over and he welcomed reverend TieShan to join him. Reverend TieShan stood there not knowing what to do. Chu LiuXiang smiled and told him he should follow the example of the other masters. If he did that, people will say that reverend TieShan is someone who will always repay his benefactor. Reverend TieShan suddenly raised his left hand and struck his own right shoulder. He shattered his own shoulder, Xiao Shi called out and asked him why he did that.

Reverend TieShan said with a wry smile that everyone can see now, including Chu LiuXiang. It's not that reverend TieShan doesn't want to stop them, but he cannot stop them anymore. Liu WuMei was shocked to see this, reverend TieShan told her what she was waiting for. Li and Liu kowtowed to reverend TieShan and thanked him. Chu LiuXiang said that having a friend like reverend TieShan was indeed fortunate. Liu WuMei raised her sword and stabbed forward. Chu LiuXiang was thinking how death will feel like. In an instant, he thought of the things he did in his childhood playing with Hu. Chu was looking at Liu and even she looked like she wasn't willing to kill Chu. Li YuHan apologized to Chu and hoped he will forgive them. Chu found this very funny. Liu said she did this because there wasn't another way. Chu closed his eyes and the sword was about to pierce through Chu.

At this point a table was pushed over and someone yelled: "St....Stop....now!" Chu LiuXiang never thought someone would save him and was surprised to see the person who saved him.

Hu TieHua was tied up by Miss Ping, and she was having a good time in teasing him. Suddenly, a servant walked in and told them what just transpired in the main hall up till the part when reverend TieShan shattered his own shoulder. Hu was very anxious when he heard what happened. The servant was saying that perhaps someone might save him and he asked Hu what sort of people might save Chu in this situation. Hu said there were plenty of experts around, for example, the "Lonesome Wanderer" Dai DuXing of the Beggars Association, or the reverend TianFeng of the southern ShaoLin monastery, or their good friend Ji BingYan. Hu scoffed that these were experts could save Chu. The servant said that he saw someone that looked like an old Buddhist monk. Hu was thrilled to hear that, but the servant said he was mistakened, it wasn't a Buddhist monk but just a bald man. Hu was furious, and suddenly he heard a noise. Someone was throwing things. Miss Ping said to the servant they must be having a tantrum again. Hu asked them whether "they" were Su RongRong and others. Miss Ping smiled and said she will take Hu to his friends.

When he was brought into the room, he saw that there were some insulting things written and drawn on the wall. All insults were directed towards Li GuanYu, Li YuHan, and Liu WuMei. Hu was very amused to see that, he would have laughed if it wasn't for the sad mood he was in. Hu saw 4 beautiful young women sitting in the room, one of them was talking in Cantonese to Miss Ping. Suddenly she turned to Hu and exclaimed: "Aren't you master Hu TieHua?" Hu smiled with a wry and said he recognized them too and Li HongXiu told him what happened. When they returned to China, they met Li and Liu and they tricked them into coming to the Emerald Green Manor and held them captive ever since.

Su RongRong asked Hu whether he saw Chu LiuXiang and how he was doing now. Hu said he did see Chu, but he wasn't sure how he was at this moment.

Su's voice changed and pleaded to Hu to tell them what happened to Chu. Hu couldn't tell them, he was afraid he might hurt their feelings. But Su RongRong guessed already and she sat down on the floor. Li HongXiu and Song TianEr helped her up. Hei ZhenZhu moved toward Hu and ordered him to tell them what happened to Chu or she would kill him. Su RongRong asked Hei ZhenZhu to let Hu go because Hu couldn't bear to tell them the news of Chu. Su RongRong had tears in her eyes. Li HongXiu, Song TianEr and Hei ZhenZhu were staring at Hu. Hu was feeling very sad and didn't know what to say to them.

All of a sudden a man stormed in. It was Li YuHan.

Li HongXiu, Song TianEr and Hei ZhenZhu were furious when they saw Li YuHan come in. Li HongXiu sternly questioned him about the nerve he had to come here. Song TianEr demanded to know where Chu LiuXiang was. Hei ZhenZhu yelled at Li, telling him he would be wise to kill her now, if not, she would surely avenge Chu.

Hu TieHua was challenging Li YuHan to a duel. But Li YuHan looked very strange, frightened even at this moment. Liu WuMei rushed in too and cried and saying it is all her fault. She drew a dagger and wanted to kill herself, but Li stopped her and told her that he loved her too much to let her go. Hu TieHua and the 4 girls didn't understand a word they were saying. Suddenly, Li YuHan sternly said to someone that he should back away or else. Somehow, he had obtained the Rainstorm nails and aimed it at Hu and the girls and with the other hand he held Liu's hand tightly. At this point, they heard someone sighing and telling Li and Liu it was pointless to go on. It was Chu LiuXiang--he didn't die. Chu he didn't dare to go in, he was afraid that Li would use the Rainstorm nails. Hu was exhilarated to see Chu alive and asked how he escaped. Chu said someone saved him, Hu quickly asked who. Chu told Hu what happened, it was Li GuanYu who saved Chu. Li GuanYu never wanted to harm Chu LiuXiang, this entire plot was designed by Li YuHan and Liu WuMei.

Li used his father's name to ask several martial arts experts to kill Chu. Li GuanYu couldn't speak anymore due to his illness so he couldn't stop his son and his daughter-in-law from plotting against Chu. Fortunately, in the final moment, Li GuanYu saw that Chu was about to be killed, he was so anxious, upset, angry that all those emotions managed to awake the spark of life that was dormant for these past few years. Liu and Li were shocked to see that Li GuanYu could walk and talk again so they quickly fled to this room. Furthermore, the other 5 seniors were extremely angry for being tricked. Chu told the 5 martial arts experts that he would take care of this business.

Actually, Chu could tell this entire story another time. Song TianEr, Li HongXiu and Hei ZhenZhu found it very strange that he would talk about this right now. On top of that, they were hurt that Chu didn't even to talk or look at them. But only Su RongRong knew that Chu was doing this to divert Li's attention. If Li lost his concentration, Chu would easily take away the Rainstorm nails.

Li's attention wasn't diverted and asked Chu whether he was finished. Li said Chu must have figured out almost everything. Chu said he did. Liu WuMei was responsible for the deaths of those disciples of the Stone Avalokitesvara and giving the anti-dote to the king of Qiu Ci, princess PiPa, Hu TieHua and Ji BingYan. The only way to know the whereabouts of the Stone Avalokitesvara and know how to make the anti-dote must be someone close to the Stone Avalokitesvara. Liu WuMei must be a disciple of the Stone Avalokitesvara. The reason why Liu WuMei killed all her fellow martial arts sisters was that she received orders from her teacher to kill them. The Stone Avalokitesvara saw that her plan was about to succeed, she would become the new ruler of the kingdom of Qiu Ci. Those disciples would only be a burden to her, and that's why Liu could kill all those girls very quickly. They never expected to be killed by their own martial arts sister. Liu WuMei was probably a spy for her teacher to observe the Emerald Green Manor. Li laughed and said that Chu was smart but a bit too smart. And said that Chu must die or they would die. Hu angrily cursed him whether he was out of his mind. Li said he didn't care anymore. Liu spoke at this moment and said she never hid her identity, Li knew she was a disciple of the Stone Avalokitesvara. She asked if she could tell her story at this point, Chu said he was all ears.

She and Qu WuRong were both orphans, raised by the Stone Avalokitesvara. She wanted them to forget about emotions, and when Liu and Qu grew older, they wanted to know who their parents were.

The Stone Avalokitesvara would be very angry when they asked this question. But she treated Liu and Qu better than the rest of her disciples and, sometimes when she felt lonely, she would ask Liu to join her to drink her sorrows away. Once she told Liu that she killed Qu's parents in order to take Qu as her disciple. When Liu heard this she was shocked and wanted to know if her parents were killed too by the Stone Avalokitesvara. She told Liu that she was an orphan abandoned and she found her and raised her. Although Liu couldn't prove otherwise, she began to feel suspicious but remained her respect towards her teacher. However, Qu WuRong was just the opposite. She became distant to the Stone Avalokitesvara and her beauty increased as she grew older. In the end, Qu's beauty was destroyed by the Stone Avalokitesvara. Liu became very afraid but her teacher assured her she wouldn't harm her. After some time, she asked the Stone Avalokitesvara if she could roam the realm on her own. The Stone Avalokitesvara pondered for awhile and agreed. She prepared a banquet for her and after the feast she could go.

Liu was very happy that she could leave, but when she walked for a few kilometers she felt an enormous pain in her stomach. The wine she drank was poisoned and she had no choice but to go back, but she didn't. Liu added that when her teacher was drunk, she would tell her a lot of secrets, for example, how to make anti-dotes for some of her poisons. And she also told Liu that opium was a good pain-killer, so Liu always had some opium on her and she used it to stop the pain of the poison. She would rather suffer the tremendous torment than go back to her teacher.

The 4 girls felt sorry for her, Hu know understood everything now. That night that mysterious killer who used the Rainstorm nails was Liu. And the whole story of looking for an anti-dote for Hu was just a ruse. They hired an assassin to kill Chu, however, Chu still gained the upperhand and they had to silence the assassin. Hu smiled to Chu saying he was indeed the reincarnation of Kung Ming ZhuGe Liang.

Liu added that the opium was losing effect. She knew that the Stone Avalokitesvara once told her she only feared one person in this world. Everything she learned would pale in comparison to this person. Liu said that only this person could create an anti-dote for the Stone Avalokitesvara's poison. Liu had put off this quest for this person for a very long time because this person was the most feared and powerful martial arts expert alive. But in the end, she went anyway and the price for the cure was to bring the head of Chu LiuXiang to this mysterious martial arts expert. That person told Liu that she only had 2, 3 months to live so she must act quickly. Li YuHan yelled and told Chu he would give him to the count of 5 to kill himself or he would use the Rainstorm nails against Hu TieHua and the girls. He started counting, Chu laughed and said that Li wasn't too bright. He said the silver box was empty. Li scoffed saying he wasn't a fool. Chu said that he and Hu used up all the nails against DuGuo Weng and Du YuPo. Li laughed out loud and said he didn't believe Chu, however, he was beginning to hesitate and couldn't stop himself from examining the holes where the nails were suppose to shoot out. Chu quickly advanced and pushed his hand into the air, Li wanted to avoid Chu's attack but Chu was just too quick and 27 nails were shot into the roof.

Li YuHan looked stunned, it seemed that he lost all hope. Li had tears in his eyes and Liu was crying too at this moment.

Everyone felt sorry for them. Chu wanted to help them and the 4 girls agreed with him. Only Hu was still angry and said they couldn't trust them. Chu asked them who that mysterious martial arts expert was and they would get the anti-dote for her. Liu said she didn't want to endanger anyone's life now, not anymore. She said with a wry smile, that they could ask WuLin seniors like Shuai YiFan, Xiao Shi, DuGuo Weng, Du YuPo, etc. to kill Chu. If she knew that these WuLin seniors could get the anti-dote, she would have asked them to get it for her. But she didn't because she knew that these WuLin seniors were no match for this person. Hu TieHua didn't believe it and wanted to know who was capable of defeating all these WuLin seniors.

Chu said he already guessed who this person was. It was the Matriarch of Water, Yin Ji. Everyone was shocked to hear this name. Because everyone knew that Yin Ji was not a woman to be trifled with. Hei ZhenZhu was worried for Chu and asked him why Yin Ji wanted him dead. Even Liu wanted to know the reason because she didn't dare to ask Yin Ji at the time. Chu said that several months ago, a small bottle of Sacred Water was stolen from the Divine Water Palace and they suspected that Chu was the thief. Chu told a disciple of the Divine Water Palace that he would go to the Palace 1 month later to explain everything. But too many things happened and he forgot the entire thing.

Liu WuMei and Li YuHan were very grateful that Chu was willing to help them but they felt ashamed of the things they did and told Chu he didn't need to risk his life for them anymore. Chu said he had to go to the Divine Water Palace soon to explain the theft of the Sacred Water. Su RongRong added that the palace was a beautiful place, it resembled heaven on earth. She saw the place when she visited her aunt some time ago. But Liu WuMei said she saw an entirely different place. It was full of horror, danger and it took her a lot of time to find the location of the Divine Water Palace. When she finally did know where the palace was, she had to go to a small, old convent named PuTi convent.

There was an old nun that is deaf and dumb. Hu asked how did Liu communicate with this nun. Liu said this nun would be deaf and dumb if she didn't want you to go the Divine Water Palace, but if she wants you to go, she would be able to hear you. After the nun heard her story she let Liu drink a cup of tea and after drinking it, she fell asleep. She woke up and found herself put in a wooden box. Luckily, it wasn't locked and she found herself floating down a stream. After awhile, she smelled something burning, smelled the foul smell of blood. She saw she was surrounded by corpses and was terrified. Suddenly, she heard a female voice talking to her. She said she already saw the condition and if Liu could bring the head of Chu LiuXiang within 2, 3 months she can be cured. Liu said she never saw the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji, but after some time, she smelled a fragrance and passed out again and when she woke up she was at the convent again.

Everyone found it strange that 2 persons who went to the same place had seen 2 different sceneries. Su asked her whether she was tricked by someone into going to the wrong place. Liu said she got the information of the Divine Water Palace from a respected WuLin senior, namely "The Gentleman's Sword" Huang LuZhi. Everyone listened to Li HongXiu telling what she knew of Huang LuZhi. She said that Huang never told a lie, even during a duel, if the adversary asked what stances will he use, Huang would tell his opponent every move he is going to make. It caused him to lose a few battles in his life. But Huang was a very benevolent man, so even when his adversaries won, they wouldn't dare to harm his life. Liu was very impressed by the knowledge Li HongXiu had. Su RongRong sighed and said she would like to meet Huang LuZhi once. Chu told her that she could because he's nearby.

Indeed, they could hear 3 men walking towards them. One of them was Xiao Shi, the other was the first senior. He looked very friendly but refined and the other man was the third senior. This was the old man who didn't like to talk and looked like the average man on the street. Of all the 5 experts he missed that grandeur the rest of the 4 experts had. But nonetheless his martial arts was not inferior to the other 4.

Li YuHan and Liu WuMei kneeled down and begged for their forgiveness. The first senior sighed and said he had never done anything wrong, but now he felt sorry and apologized to Chu. Chu LiuXiang said they shouldn't say that. Xiao Shi said after doing something wrong like this, they couldn't face anyone anymore. But it would be outrageous to leave without a word and Xiao Shi said that's why they came and wanted to pay their sincerest apologies to Chu. Chu said it was just a small misunderstanding and told these seniors they shouldn't take this so serious. Hu was impressed by the fact that these seniors were admitting their mistakes and asking for forgiveness. This was something that not many people could do. Chu asked how Li GuanYu was doing, Xiao replied that although his paralysis was cured about, because he was so enraged by the deeds of his son, he has fallen ill by rage. They just used their internal energies to stabilize his condition, but it would take some time before Li GuanYu is completely healed. Chu also asked about reverend TieShan's injury, Xiao Shi said that reverend TieShan wasn't that young anymore and, with that blow to himself, he had heavily injured himself. He was able to keep his injury under control for a little while, but now he is in worse shape than Li GuanYu. Fortunately, Ling FeiGe was skilled in the art of healing. So Ling is looking after reverend TieShan now.

Li YuHan and Liu WuMei repeated that they deserved to die. Xiao Shi scolded them and said that they were a disgrace to the Li family. Li pleaded that they should spare Liu WuMei and he would accept responsibility for everything that happened. Xiao Shi angrily said she was responsible too, the reputation of the Emerald Green Manor was destroyed by the both of them. Liu was crying and said it was her fault. Su RongRong and the other girls wanted to say something in their favor but they didn't want to say. Suddenly, the first senior spoke to them and said that although they were instructed by Li GuanYu to execute the family rules of the Li family but when they heard the story of Li and Liu, they felt sorry for them too. Now they would say something on behalf of them. Xiao Zhi said with a wry smile that they agreed to lecture them for some time. Xiao Shi blamed the first senior for revealing their intentions too early. The first senior said that they suffered enough now. Everyone knew now that the first senior was the famous "Gentleman's Sword" Huang LuZhi.

But they still didn't know who that average looking man was. Huang and Xiao didn't introduce the third senior either. He looked younger than Xiao Shi, Huang LuZhi, and the others but his martial arts was very good and not inferior to the others. He must be a famous respected WuLin senior, otherwise, he couldn't be Li GuanYu's friend. But Chu, Su, Li and Song couldn't think of someone that this third senior could be.

Su RongRong asked Huang LuZhi a few questions concerning the nun and the location of the Divine Water Palace. He said that this nun was a very unique person and he didn't know her background. He said if she didn't want to tell anyone, she will have her own reasons, why bother her with her own private matters. As for the location, he heard it from a friend. When he said that he (un)intentionally glared at the third senior. Su asked him if he could tell her who told him the location. He said she could ask anything about himself but he cannot reveal any secret of his friends. After that Huang said that he took leave.

The third senior bowed to Chu and left too. Xiao Shi asked Huang if he didn't care what happened here. Huang said that even a righteous magistrate cannot pass judgement on domestic affairs. He added that Li GuanYu will calm down after a few days. Xiao Shi was rather annoyed by Huang's carefree attitude and told Li and Liu to stay away for some time. Li GuanYu was still fuming and it was best that they leave the Emerald Green Manor for the time being. If they stayed, it would only slow down Li GuanYu's healing process.

At a expensive restaurant, Chu, Hu, Su, Li, Song, Hei, Li and Liu were having dinner.

Hei ZhenZhu, Li and Liu looked pensive. The others were not concerned. They believed that Chu was able to overcome any foe. But Chu was worried, because he knew what the Stone Avalokitesvara was capable of and she only feared the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji. That meant that she must be even more formidable and the secret of the Divine Water Palace was even a bigger mystery.

Hu asked them what they thought of that mysterious third senior. The 3 girls said they didn't know who that man was. Li HongXiu asked Li YuHan if he knew. Li said this third senior was invited by Huang LuZhi. Huang said that his friend had superb swordsmanship and only a few were his match. Even Xiao Shi and the other 2 masters didn't know him either. This third senior didn't resemble any famous, respected swordsmen of this time. And if Xiao Shi didn't know him, he must be very mysterious. Xiao Shi was the leader of the YuJian School and amongst his friends were a lot of WuLin seniors so Xiao knew a lot of martial arts experts of this time but even he hadn't a clue who that man was.

Su RongRong told everybody that no one can recognize the third senior because he wore a mask. Su smiled and said this third senior must be an expert on the art of disguise. That's why he could fool so many people and after she said that, she gave Chu a look. Hu said now he knew why that man looked so strange. Hu said that only 3 experts were able to make such excellent masks. He said the first one was the Xiao Shen Tong (Child Prodigy), he was famous when he was 7, 8 years old but he died very young. Hu added that the Xiao Shen Tong wasn't a bad man. Suddenly he noticed that Su RongRong looked a bit sad and had tears in her eyes. Li HongXiu continued that the second one was called the Human Demon with 1000 faces. But many years ago he was killed by the famous hero of the Da Xue Tie Qi School, Tie ZhongTang. And Tie burnt down the Myriad Palace that the Human Demon built destroying all his masks.

Third one was even a more dangerous and hated man. He was the infamous rapist Hong NiangZi. Even Liu WuMei heard of him and Li HongXiu said that almost everyone in WuLin wanted him dead. Liu asked if it was possible that Hong NiangZi was the third senior and the friend of Huang LuZhi. Chu smiled and said that wasn't possible. First of all, Huang was a respected gentleman, he would never be friends with an infamous thug. Secondly, Hong NiangZi only made masks of handsome faces because he believed he was the most handsome man of his time so he wouldn't make faces that looked like the average man on the street. Thirdly, Hong NiangZi was killed 20 years ago by the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji. When he was killed, someone hung up his corpse and attached a note saying that Hong NiangZi was killed by Yin Ji. So his masks were probably confiscated by the Divine Water Palace.

Hu said that it was probably that the masks of Xiao Shen Tong were being used and looked at Su RongRong. Su said it was impossible because she was the younger martial arts sister of Xiao Shen Tong. And he passed all his masks down to her. Hu TieHua knew that Li HongXiu, Song TianEr and Su RongRong all had a sad past, they were orphans and were more or less brought up by Chu.

Chu LiuXiang said that when he left the Emerald Green Manor, Huang LuZhi had something to say to Chu. Huang said that he hoped Chu and his friends will forgive his friend because he suffered a lot in his life. Li HongXiu asked Chu why Huang said that. Chu replied that perhaps the third senior was the one who told Huang about the location of the Divine Water Palace and he also hoped they will not pursue this matter anymore. Chu said he promised Huang he wouldn't and said everyone had the right to protect his own secrets. As long as these secrets do not endanger anyone else, no one has the right to ask about it.

Hu agreed with Chu.

Hei ZhenZhu avoided Chu's eyes for a long time. But now she apologized to everyone for causing so much trouble and wanted to go back to the desert. Song TianEr and Li HongXiu objected and said they were sworn sisters now and couldn't just leave. Hei ZhenZhu said although the desert isn't paradisem it's still her home. But when she thought of home her voice changed. Her father is dead now and there isn't anyone to go back too. Li HongXiu said their home was her home too. And Su RongRong added that they were a family now and Song TianEr said if she left, they would follow her. Hei ZhenZhu didn't speak, she just looked at Chu LiuXiang with tears in her eyes. Her eyes were saying: "They don't want me to go, but what about you."

Chu smiled and said although they were not sworn brother and sister, they were friends now, and she wouldn't abandon a friend at a moment like this, would she? This was a very smart move by Chu and Hei ZhenZhu sighed deeply and wanted to say something. But Chu asked her if she could accompany Li HongXiu and Song TianEr to the PuTi convent because they lacked the WuLin experience Hei ZhenZhu had. Hei ZhenZhu sat down again and remained silent. Chu said that Li HongXiu, Song TianEr and Hei ZhenZhu didn't know the way and they should ask Li YuHan and Liu WuMei to lead the way. As for himself and Hu TieHua, they would go directly to the Divine Water Palace and Su RongRong would be their guide. It was decided then they would split into 2 groups.

Chu, Hu and Su reached a small village near the Divine Water Palace. They were staying at an inn and heard 4 men talking quite loudly. One of them told the other 3 to be more careful because they just saw the famous "Gentleman's Sword" Huang LuZhi with a friend drinking at a nearby wine shop. The 4 became very cautious now because they knew that Huang LuZhi was a formidable martial arts expert. They quickly got up and left. When they saw Su RongRong, they were dazzled by her beauty. But the thought of Huang LuZhi nearby stopped them from doing anything. Chu, Hu and Su guessed that the friend of Huang must be that mystery man. After Hu and Chu drank to their heart's content they returned to their rooms to rest. Suddenly they heard someone calling Chu. The voice told him to come out. Hu was the first to storm out and Chu followed him. They saw a dark shadow moving very fast. Both Hu and Chu were shocked to see that that man move so fast. Chu asked Hu to stay here and protect Su RongRong, he would follow that man.

It was late in the night, Su was fast asleep. Hu returned to his room but he heard some people walking by and enter a room. Those people began to discuss something. 4 of them were those men who were afraid of Huang LuZhi. Suddenly one of the 4 earlier men killed the 2 men who just entered and told his 3 companions that there was no need to divide the loot into 6 parts. The killer told the other 3 that they should leave this place now. Hu knew that they were robbers and were probably pursued by someone. Hu wanted to know what the loot was and wanted to stop them. However, before he could leap out, someone else preceded him. It was a beautiful young woman dressed in a white robe. Hu knew that this woman was a martial arts expert. The 4 men were shocked that someone surprised them, but when they saw it was only a young girl they were not so afraid. The white-robed girl told them they were not allowed to kill anyone in this area. If not, they would pay the consequences, she gave them 2 options.

The first one was to eat the corpses and use their tongues to lick up the blood. The 4 men laughed and said they were not cannibals. The girl replied calmly that the second option was much easier and told them to follow her.

Hu wanted to follow them but couldn't leave Su RongRong alone. Hu was very curious. Suddenly Su opened her window and told Hu to come over. She smiled and said she wasn't asleep because she was kept awake by their drinking. But she also heard the other incidents and told Hu to follow them. Hu was pleased and asked her to join him. She declined saying that that girl probably would recognize her. She told Hu that that girl was Gong NanYan, a disciple of Yin Ji. Hu was still hesitant of leaving her behind. She assured him she would be fine and she was very capable of taking care of herself. Hu praised her and said no wonder that Chu LiuXiang often praises her in front of Hu. She blushed when she heard this. Hu was thinking that Chu was indeed a lucky man.

Hu TieHua used his art of levitation to try and pursue Gong NanYan. However, they were gone, but he could hear a vague hitting sound and saw light in a shop. Hu found it strange that a shop would be open at this time of the night and decided to have a look and saw that this shop sold coffins. Two men were inside hammering at the lid of the coffin. Hu told them to stop. Both men were terrified and said they knew nothing. Hu opened one of the coffins and saw that one of the 4 robbers was inside. He was dead and so were his other 3 companions. Hu asked the shopkeeper why these men were dead. The shopkeeper timidly told Hu that he had nothing to do with the death of those 4 robbers. He told Hu that a young girl brought these men here and ordered the 4 men to buy a coffin. The 4 men obliged and before he knew, the 4 men dropped dead and the young girl was gone. The shopkeeper was afraid he might get involved and ordered the assistant to quickly seal the coffin and bury them. Hu asked if the 4 men had any valuables. The shopkeeper said he didn't see anything, but he noticed that in the beginning, one of the robbers was carrying a large bag. But when he put their bodies into the coffin it was gone. The shopkeeper said that perhaps the young girl took it. Before the shopkeeper could say anything more, Hu TieHua was gone too. After that incident, the shopkeeper fell ill for 7 days and when people asked him what happened he just said he had a terrible nightmare.

Chu LiuXiang was following that strange man. Suddenly the man stopped in front of Chu and turned around. They arrived at a local school building. The man said that Chu LiuXiang lived up to his reputation. Chu examined this old man and said that the "Lonesome Wanderer" was perhaps the only man that Chu cannot catch up with. This old man was the Dai DuXing. He laughed and said he wanted to talk to Chu alone. He didn't want others to hear them, and he had no intentions to test Chu's art of levitation. Chu LiuXiang knew that Dai DuXing wanted to test him, because old people were often very stubborn and wanted people to respect them. And Chu knew this of course and went along with him.

Dai DuXing said he pursued these 4 robbers for some time. He followed them here but didn't take their lives. Dai asked Chu if he knew why, Chu said he didn't. Dai said that these 4 robbers were so foolish that they came to this place. And it is said that no one is permitted to kill near the Divine Water Palace. If anyone ignores this rule, he/she would pay the ultimate price. Dai DuXing said to Chu that he wasn't afraid of Yin Ji but he didn't want to have any problems with women. Chu smiled secretly and knew that this old senior was not willing to be looked down upon. Chu agreed with him. Dai invited Chu for some wine and food that he prepared here. After a few drinks, Chu asked if Dai DuXing knew that the Divine Water Palace was after him and the Beggars Association must have received news. That must be why Dai DuXing came here to aid Chu.

Dai said he came here to warn Chu and also to repay Chu for saving the Beggars Association. Dai DuXing said he had something to tell Chu that concerned the traitor NanGong Ling. Chu asked if WuHua was involved. Dai sighed and told Chu that although WuHua was a Buddhist monk, he seduced a young disciple of the Divine Water Palace and caused her death. Dai said that Chu must have known about this. Chu asked Dai how he knew this because Chu didn't tell anyone. Dai praised Chu for keeping this a secret. He continued his story and said that although NanGong Ling deserved to die, the elders of the Beggars Association decided not to strip away his title of the leader of the Beggars Association and his body would be cremated according to the traditions. Because they didn't want to the family shame to be made public. When they checked the personal belongings of NanGong Ling they found a small wooden fish. *(a percussion instrument made of a hollow wooden block, originally used by Buddhist monks, nuns to beat rhythm when they chant)*

When the elders saw the wooden fish they knew this belonged to WuHua because the disciples of the Beggars Association were not very religious people. Everyone blamed WuHua for ruining NanGong Ling. NanGong Ling used to be a nice, friendly child who was really filial. All the elders had high hopes for him. Chu LiuXiang thought it is only logical that all parents in the world believe that if their son/daughter turns bad it is the fault of someone else. When elder Wang saw this wooden fish he became very angry and picked it up and smashed it. However, there was a small booklet concealed in the wooden fish. The elders thought it would be best if they burnt the booklet, but elder Wang said this booklet might concern the Beggars Association so they decided to read the contents. Dai DuXing explained this to Chu because the disciples of the Beggars Association are known to be chivalrous men and do not invade other people's privacy. So hence the explanation to Chu and Chu nodded and said nothing.

It seemed that the booklet was WuHua's journal and the contents were disgusting. Chu said that these might be disgusting matters but WuHua must be very proud of those accomplishments. Because he couldn't tell anyone about these foul accomplishments he wrote them down in his journal. Dai praised Chu that he knew how the minds of the villains work and that's why no matter how formidable the adversary of Chu is, he will always lose.

Chu thanked Dai and asked whether this journal had anything to do with the Divine Water Palace. Dai said it has and that's why Dai came to look for Chu. Chu asked if he could have a look into the journal. Dai said he wanted to give it to Chu for examination but WuHua was a famous Buddhist monk. A lot of wealthy people invited him to their homes to lecture on Buddhism but WuHua, on the other hand, was having affairs with the maidens of those families. So in order to protect and prevent those girls from the shame, Dai burnt that revolting journal. Chu said that Dai did a good thing, such a fould journal should be disposed of.

Dai continued and said that WuHua was probably the first man who entered the Divine Water Palace. The Matriarch of Water Yin Ji was a faithful Buddhist follower and she invited WuHua to lecture on Buddhism. WuHua thought this would be an good opportunity to steal some of the Sacred Water. However, the disciples of Yin Ji were very stern and cold women and WuHua had no opportunity to talk to them. And Yin Ji told him to go to a certain spot and lecture on Buddhism. She wouldn't let him stay in the palace. After he finished his lecture, she would tell him to leave the valley again. The 4 disciples would see him off every time, seeing that he had not chance of succeeding. But one day, one of those girls smiled at him. That girl was SiTu Jing, she looked at him with love in her eyes. WuHua saw a chance to seduce her. He pretended to slip and fell off a waterfall. WuHua had to stay and dry his clothes. Yin Ji told 2 disciples to take him to a small temple at the end of the valley.

WuHua thought his plan failed because those girls were not SiTu Jing. SiTu Jing came through a secret passage to the temple. Chu was thinking whether there were lots of secret tunnels leading to the Divine Water Palace. Dai continued that SiTu Jing was a close disciple of Yin Ji. WuHua easily seduced her and he asked her to bring him a bottle of the Sacred Water. SiTu Jing did what she was told. Chu was surprised that SiTu would be so quickly seduced and it seemed that she was very keen in meeting WuHua. Dai said that was strange too, because everyone knows that the disciples of the Divine Water Palace were beautiful but they all had ice-cold personalities. SiTu Jing offered herself to WuHua within a few days, that was a bit strange. Chu said that perhaps there was more to it than meets the eye.

Suddenly Hu TieHua came and asked why Dai DuXing only invited Chu for wine and drinks. Hu told Chu and Dai what he saw. Dai guessed that the reason Gong NanYan left the Divine Water Palace was probably because Yin Ji told her to take care of Chu LiuXiang and those 4 robbers had the misfortune to meet her. Chu said with the candles burning, it would be very easy to be detected by someone and they put out the candles and put away the food. Just as they wanted to leave, they saw 2 shadows coming this way with incredible speed. Both Chu LiuXiang and Dai DuXing were experts in the art of levitation and knew that these 2 shadows must be top martial arts experts. One of the shadows was even better, it looked like he was pushed forward by the wind. The shadow remained elegant and refined.

Hu TieHua glanced at Chu and Dai, Hu was always very proud of his own art of levitation but it seemed that tonight every expert who was better than him in this art were gathering here. Dai told them to hide outside and see who these 2 experts were.

Chu and Hu recognized them. One of them was Huang LuZhi and the other was the mysterious senior. Chu and the others heard them talking, they said something about being good friends for more than 20 years. The mysterious expert said that he was very fortunate to be Huang's friend. Huang said he believed that the mystery man was the most reliable man he ever met. The mystery man said that no one in WuLin can believe that the famous Gentleman's Sword can be friends with a man like him.

He continued and said he wanted Huang to be here with because he said that Huang will meet the most beautiful young girl he had ever met. He continued and said that he should have taken care of her all these years. Huang said that was all in the past and told him to drink something first and wait.

Finally a young girl came, both Chu and Hu recognized this girl as Gong NanYan. Chu felt a bit bitter because he felt that the mysterious expert was having a affair with this pretty young girl. But the mysterious expert wasn't expecting her and asked about a girl named JingEr. He asked if her teacher had changed the date. Gong replied coldly that the date had not been changed but JingEr will never be able to see him again. The mysterious man asked if she was.... but he couldn't finish the sentence, Gong said that she left this mortal world and will suffer again. Gong told him that JingEr died for the reputation of the Divine Water Palace and he should be proud to have such a good daughter. Now Chu, Hu and Dai understood this mystery man was the father of SiTu Jing, Chu felt sorry for him. The mysterious expert asked if he could visit her grave. Gong said there was no need for that and told him to leave now. He asked her who was responsible for her death, Gong replied coldly that Chu LiuXiang was responsible for her death.

Chu was angry with Gong for telling such a lie and never thought that she could say such things so lightly.

The mysterious man smashed a table and said why he didn't kill Chu that day. Huang was saying that he couldn't believe that this would happen. The mystery man laughed loudly and said it was retribution, he "Hong NiangZi" the man who was responsible for the deaths of numerous girls would lose his only daughter. He had no right to hate anyone, this was heaven's way to get back at him.

He was crying now. Chu, Hu and Dai never thought that this mystery man was the infamous Hong NiangZi. No wonder this mystery man had such high martial arts and was well-versed in the art of disguise. But they were wondering why he was still alive, didn't he die at the hands of the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji?

Dai stepped out and said that he, Dai DuXing, swore to rid WuLin of Hong NiangZi 20 years ago. Huang quickly said that the real Hong NiangZi died 20 years ago, he is now a different man. Dai laughed and said that he heard that the famous "Gentleman's Sword" never lied, but today he was telling the biggest lie ever. Huang calmly replied that Hong NiangZi turned over a new leaf 20 years ago, now he is just an old man who lost his only daughter. He suffered enough for these 20 years. Dai sternly said those girls who died at his hands were innocent too. Huang said that Hong had paid for his crimes now, he is a different man. He is the most well-disciplined man he ever met in the world. But he added if Dai really wanted to kill Hong, he will not intervene. However, seeing his best friend die, Huang said he will not live on. Dai sighed and said that Hong was really fortunate to meet someone like Huang LuZhi. Dai continued and said seeing that Hong was grieving for his daughter so much he will let him go. Chu noticed that Dai's voice was changing and wasn't that clear anymore. After Dai said that, he raised his fist and attacked Hong. Hong didn't move at all to block. Because Dai was falling and was immobilized. Huang also fell to the ground and asked Hong why. Dai was saying that both of them were blind to trust him. Hu wanted to rush out but was stopped by Chu.

Hong NianZi bowed to Dai and thanked for not killing him, and he said that Dai will not be sorry for not killing him. Now he turned to Huang and said that he didn't know what to say to him. By this time, both Dai and Huang fainted. Before Huang passed out he said that he will never be wrong about Hong NiangZi. Hong NiangZi had tears in his eyes and kneeled down and kowtowed 3 times to Huang and said he was sorry.

These 3 words were filled with sorrow, tears, and friendship. After this he left. Chu explained to Hu that Hong wanted to see his daughter one more time and he knew that Huang LuZhi will not let him go because of the danger. Chu told Hu he will follow Hong and asked Hu to look after Huang, Dai and Su.

Following Hong NiangZi wasn't an easy task, perhaps Chu was the only man that could follow Hong. Hong NianZi seemed to be very familiar with this place. At this point, it was almost dawn. Chu knew when it was dawn, it would be impossible to follow Hong anymore. Besides, with this fog forming, it would be very difficult to stay behind Hong without him noticing.

And indeed Hong NiangZi was nowhere to be seen, Chu could only see a cave up ahead. Chu guessed that Hong must be in there and decided to hide and wait till he comes out. Chu waited for a very long time, he guessed that Hong NiangZi must be waiting for dusk. Finally someone came out but it wasn't Hong NiangZi but a pretty young girl. It was Gong NanYan. Chu was confused, when he took a closer look he saw it wasn't Gong but someone looking like her. This young girl had superior art of levitation, she crossed ridges very elegantly and refined. Chu finally saw it this young girl was Hong NiangZi. Chu was impressed by his art of disguise, Hong was able to transform himself into a girl and mimic a graceful young woman without any flaws. Chu follower him closely and saw that Hong NiangZi had some wrinkles and crow's-feet around the corners of his eyes. This was not a disguise but Hong NianZi's real face. Chu finally understood why Hong NianZi was so proud of his own appearance. Because he was so fair, he exceeded numerous women, a man who looked like a woman more than the average woman. That was indeed strange, Chu noticed that he looked a lot like Gong NanYan perhaps the 2 were related somehow.

Chu followed him closely and noticed that he stopped and was digging and removed some items from his bag leather bag. Chu found it funny what he did and continued to follow him. Hong reached a babble and blew air into his leather bag and put into the water. He hoped to flow down the stream to reach the palace. Chu was worried because he was couldn't follow him anymore. Suddenly the leather bag broke, someone used something to punch a hole into it. Gong NanYan was standing on a small raft and asked him to come aboard. Chu noticed how much the 2 of them looked alike, almost in everything in manners, tone of voice, appearance. Gong was flirting with Hong and said no wonder "she" could forget him after all these years. Hong asked her if "she" was still thinking of him. Gong asked him if he ever thought of her. Hong said in these 20 years he forgot a lot of things. Hong NianZi reacted to her advances, Chu knew that Hong was probably using her to guide him to his daughter's grave. Hong asked softly if Gong could take him to his SiTu Jing's grave. Gong said she will lead him to the grave but now they should do something else. Hong NiangZi and Gong NanYan were making love to each other.

After some time Chu could hear Gong and Hong NiangZi talking about "her" again. Chu wondered who this "she" could be. After awhile Chu heard a cry of pain and he saw Hong NiangZi bleeding from his chest. Hong asked her why. Gong said he should know why. Hong said that she must be in love with her, Gong yelled why she couldn't be in love with her. Hong NiangZi fell down. Gong dumped his body into the water and dressed herself and left again. Chu silently dived into the water and followed Gong's raft. Everyone knows that Chu's art of levitation is unmatched, but Chu thinks that he is even better in swimming.

Finally he reached the Divine Water Palace Chu walked very cautiously because he remembered Su RongRong's words. Su's aunt told her when she was in the palace not to wander about or else she would get into trouble.

Chu found this place to be absolutely beautiful, it really was paradise on earth. Chu was totally lost what to do now, how would he explain everything to Yin Ji about the Sacred Water. Chu noticed a little temple and decided to investigate. He remembered that this must be the temple where SiTu Jing and WuHua met.

So here must be a secret tunnel. Suddenly he heard a sigh and it was too late to hide anymore. He saw a beautiful middle-aged woman in elegant white clothes coming out the secret tunnel. Chu thought this woman was Yin Ji but she said she wasn't the woman he was looking for. Chu asked her name, she said why ask the name of a person who was about to die.

She told Chu she only had one relative over in this world and she said she wasn't willing to see the loved one of her niece die. Chu knew now that she was Su RongRong's aunt. Su's aunt smiled and said that only Chu had the audacity to come here. She thanked him for taking care of Su RongRong these years. Chu said it was nothing and asked if she could help him and told her she wanted to meet Yin Ji. Su's aunt said that was too dangerous and asked him to leave while it was still possible. Chu said he wanted her to tell him where the secret tunnel was. Su's aunt told him that the tunnel lead to Yin Ji's quarters and said that she couldn't tell him. At this time they heard a lovely bell sound, Su's aunt asked if Chu had any companions. Chu said that he came alone. She interrupted him and said that the general alarm was struck. Chu knew that he couldn't bring any misfortune to Su's aunt and decided to leave the temple at once. He saw a few white figures coming this way there was no place to hide so Chu dove into the lake and hid there. A few girls asked if Su's aunt saw anyone she said she didn't see anyone. The few girls were a bit suspicious but when Su's aunt got annoyed they didn't dare to ask anymore.

Chu felt uneasy in the lake, although the lake was as clear as crystal, he felt something unauspicious was about to happen. Chu raised his head out of the water to see what was going on and saw 3 figures. They were Hu TieHua, Dai DuXing and Huang LuZhi.

They were now surrounded by a dozen of white-robed girls and Su's aunt asked them what they want here. Huang LuZhi respectfully said who they were. Hu, Dai, and Huang were famous martial arts experts, but the white-robed girls seemed to be unimpressed and told them to put down their weapons and wait for punishment. Hu laughed and said he didn't understand what they meant with putting down the weapons and waiting for punishment. Su's aunt was sighing and said why they should be so stubborn. Huang said they were looking for 2 friends. Su's aunt became annoyed and asked him if he knew what this place was. And there were no friends of his here. Huang quickly added that he didn't mean the disciples of the palace. One of the younger disciples said they were about to die, there was no need for any further debate. Dai DuXing became very angry now and said he wanted to talk to Yin Ji and told these juniors to move away. One of the girls scoffed and said they will take their bodies to their teacher.

Dai DuXing drew a black short staff and Hu drew a iron sabre. Su's aunt said angrily that in the last 20 years no one dared to defy the Divine Water Palace, and 7, 8 disciples attacked Hu and Dai. Huang LuZhi wanted to urge them not to fight but soon he was surrounded by 3, 4 disciples. Huang sighed and drew his sword. Those disciples had good martial arts but they now stood eye to eye with 3 of the most top leading martial arts experts. The adversaries of Hu had great difficulty withstanding Hu's attacks. Huang and Dai kept their grandeur of a respected WuLin senior but Hu was giving them everything he had. Because he wanted to rescue Chu LiuXiang. The disciples of the Divine Water Palace had no combat experience and were no match for these old veterans of WuLin. But Chu knew that the 3 would lose eventually, their enemies kept increasing and they would not have enough strength to defeat them all. Chu wanted to storm out to help but he knew that would be useless because then all 4 would be captured and all hope would be gone. The only chance was to find Yin Ji's weakness and defeat her, then he would have a chance in rescuing Hu and the others. Chu also knew it would be only matter of time before the famous Matriarch of Water Yin Ji would come here and deal with the strong intruders herself.

Before long, one of Hu's opponents was injured. He said if it wasn't for the fact that she was a girl he would have killed her with that stroke.

One of the other girls scoffed and said that Hu's martial arts was not really good. Hu TieHua said he wanted to see how good she was. The girl flew up and attacked Hu's face. Hu sealed her stance and she quickly changed technique to hit Hu on the forehead. Hu anticipated this and sealed of that blow too. That girl quickly retreated and didn't dare to attack rashly anymore. Hu laughed at her and said that she wasn't that good either. Chu knew that Hu said this to make the opponents angry. If they were angry they couldn't focus clearly and indeed, Hu injured another disciple. Dai DuXing laughed loudly and said that if he didn't maintain his grandeur of a WuLin senior they would be seriously hurt by now. Huang sighed and said these girls lacked experience and told the disciple to call for their teacher. Chu thought that Huang LuZhi was a true gentleman.

Chu LiuXiang became worried, he knew that the disciples of the Divine Water Palace all had good martial arts and their teacher Yin Ji must be even more formidable. If she was here the whole situation will be different.

Suddenly, Chu felt the water of the lake was changing. Chu quickly dived and hid behind a large rock in the lake. He saw 2 large rocks moving away and 2 persons come out the hole. One was Gong NanYan and the other was a very tall woman. Chu was wondering if that woman was the famous Matriarch of Water Yin Ji. Gong NanYan was embracing this woman and looked at her with deep love and Gong was gently touching the cheek of the woman. The woman was gently feeling Gong's hair. Chu felt that they looked like lovers more than teacher and disciple. Chu was confused, was this woman Yin Ji, or could it be that Yin Ji was a man. Gong NanYan finally let go of her and stared at this woman with deep profound love. Chu could now see the face of the other woman too. She looked very determined and very majestic, she gave people that only she was supreme Chu had no doubts anymore this woman was the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji. Only Yin Ji could have such a majestic, determined face.

If it wasn't for her feminine figure Chu would have thought that Yin Ji was a man.

Yin Ji didn't surface. She swam to a large rock and sat on it and gave Gong NanYan a sign. Gong nodded and pressed a rock, suddenly a powerful jet of water shot Yin Ji out of the lake. Yin Ji sat on the jet of water and looked like a the goddess of mercy, the Avalokitesvara. All the disciples stopped fighting and looked in awe to their teacher. Even Hu TieHua, Dai DuXing, and Huang LuZhi were impressed by Yin Ji's grandeur. Gong NanYan coldly told Hu and the others to come over and pay their respects. Hu TieHua laughed loudly and asked if Yin Ji thought she was an immortal of goddess.

Gong NanYan was a bit shocked by his arrogance and asked one of the girls who these people were. One of the girl said they were Hu TieHua, Huang LuZhi, and Dai DuXing. Gong NanYan asked them if they had the audacity to come here and behave atrociously. Dai said that although they weren't invincible, they had passable martial arts. Yin Ji asked Gong NanYan who this man was. Dai laughed and said that when he roamed the realm Yin Ji wasn't even born yet. So her disciple wouldn't know his background either.

Gong coldly said that Dai used to be a chivalrous robber. When he turned 30 he became the disciple of the leader of the Beggars Association, Lu Nan. Although Lu Nan was his teacher, Zhu Ming was the one who taught Dai martial arts. So he is a high-ranking elder of the Beggars Association. Yin Ji asked her if Dai was as good as his older martial arts brother Zhu Ming. Gong replied that Zhu Ming was known as "Metal Fist and Iron Palm" his internal energy and palm techniques were unmatched in the entire history of the Beggars Association. Dai will never reach that level, but Dai's art of levitation was superior to Zhu Ming. And Dai used to use a sword but now he integrated his 49 Returning Wind and Dancing Willow sword techniques into his staff techniques. Dai was the best martial arts expert of the Beggars Association at this time.

Dai was flabbergasted, he never thought that they would know practically everything about him. Yin Ji scoffed and said that even Zhu Ming didn't dare to come to the Divine Water Palace to wreak havoc.

Yin Ji asked Gong about Hu's background. Hu thought that they would never be able to guess his background.

Gong said that Hu was quite similar to Chu, no one seems to know who was their teacher. They were children of wealthy families, and liked martial arts very much so their parents hired some martial arts teachers to instruct them. But none of these teachers were experts, so it was believed some expert must have taught them martial arts or they found a martial arts manuscript. Hu smiled and said that knowing this much was very impressive. Gong continued and said: "However, he and Chu grew up together but their martial arts doesn't resemble each other. Hu's martial arts is more fierce and vigorous. Resembling the martial arts of the Tie Xue Da Qi School."

By this time Hu stopped smiling and was very surprised. Gong continued and said after the great hero Tie ZhongTang restored the glory of the Tie Xue Da Qi School, The Emperor of the Night and his son and a senior of the Tie Xue Da Qi Men decided to leave China and retire on some island at sea. This senior was known as the Barefooted Fellow. And on their way they passed through Chu and Hu's hometown, so it's very likely that The Emperor of the Night taught Chu LiuXiang and the Barefooted Fellow taught Hu TieHua.

(For more details of The Emperor of the Night and other characters please read Gu Long's novel "The Heroes of the Da Qi School (*DA QI YING HONG CHUAN)".

Hu TieHua sighed and said that although it is not entirely correct, it was not far from the truth. No wonder the Divine Water Palace is feared by everyone. But Yin Ji herself was rather shocked to hear the names of the Tie Xue Da Qi School and the Emperor of the Night. She asked her disciples what they wanted here, Su's aunt said they were looking for a friend.

Hu said they were indeed looking for a friend and if he's not here, they will leave. Yin Ji told Gong to tell them if they can push her off this jet of water they could leave. Gong wanted to repeat these words to them but Hu said they weren't deaf and asked them if Yin Ji was a woman of her words. Gong said they always say what they mean.

Dai and Hu looked at each other and looked happy. They saw Yin Ji sitting on the jet of water with ease and knew she must have mastered a superior art of levitation and her internal strength was even more formidable. If she had challenged Hu, Dai, and Huang one by one they couldn't have declined due to their reputations, but now seeing that Yin Ji was that overconfident they feared nothing. They were sure that the 3 of them would be very capable of pushing her down of the jet of water. Hu asked if they could discuss a plan, Yin Ji waved her hand and Gong said they could do whatever they want.

Hu said to Dai and Huang that Yin Ji will lose this time. Huang said that they had to be careful because Yin Ji was not a woman to be trifled with. Dai said that Huang worried too much and said that with 3 of them attacking simultaneously with at their fullest strength they could easily push her down. Huang was a very cautious man and thought of something and said that if they attacked together and if Yin Ji would avoid the blow. They will not have the chance to try another attempt and will probably fall into the lake and be captured.

Dai frowned and believed he was right, Huang said that it would be best if they attacked separately. Dai said if they did that wouldn't such an attack be much weaker? Huang explained and said that he will attack first and use a broad and wide sword technique, Hu will follow closely and if he sees that Huang didn't succeed he will launch his attack. By this time Yin Ji will have changed her position and she will have used up some energy. And if Hu failed she will surely not be able to avoid Dai's attack. Dai liked this idea a lot, but Hu said that this idea had some flaws too. Yin Ji's internal energy was above theirs and she sat on a pillar of water, meaning she would be steadier and if she would use her palms to beat them out of the air. With no place to stand steady they would not be able to withstand her palms. Dai smiled and said that Hu must have a good idea. Hu said that they should attack in one go and half way they should change direction and aim for the jet of water. Dispersing the water with it Yin Ji will fall into the water.

Both Dai DuXing and Huang LuZhi looked pleased and praised Hu TieHua. Chu LiuXiang seized this opportunity to go through the secret tunnel Yin Ji used.

Gong NanYan impatiently asked whether they were finished and asked what method they came up with. Huang wanted to speak but was quickly cut off by Hu. The 3 martial arts experts leapt up and jumped on the stepping stones to reach the center point of the lake. All the disciples were impressed by the art of levitation displayed by the 3 experts.

They attacked and aimed for Yin Ji. Suddenly Hu whistled and they changed direction. Yin Ji pushed her hands down onto the jet of water and 3 small spurts of water shot out towards the chests of the 3 men. It was too late to avoid it and the 3 felt an enormous force hitting them and they fainted.

Chu LiuXiang was seen by a disciple in the lake but Chu could quickly pressed one of her acupoints to prevent her from warning the others and swam ahead. He knew that the quarters of Yin Ji must be guarded so he pushed the immobilized girl up the surface. 2 other girls saw her and wanted to pull her up and Chu quickly advanced forward to press their acupoints and smiled to them and said he didn't want to harm them. The 3 girls were assured by his gentle smile and felt at ease. They were filled with curiosity, they wanted to know who this handsome man was. Chu noticed that the quarters of Yin Ji were very simple but organized.

Chu unsealed the acupoint of one of the girls and asked her friendly where he could hide them. Normally these girls will rather die than to speak but somehow they felt they could trust Chu and they knew that Chu had only good intentions.

The girl smiled and pointed to a wall and said that place would be very safe. Chu walked towards the wall and asked if this was the place she meant and she said yes and said that if he put them into the closet they would be quite safe. Chu thanked her and said that when she could leave the palace she should come and visit him. He would take her to some nice places. The girl blushed and gently smiled saying: "Thank you."

After saying thank you Chu sealed her acupoint again.

Chu LiuXiang went through Yin Ji's wardrobe. He saw some men's clothes in the wardrobe and wondered if there really was a man here in the Divine Water Palace. He saw bubbles in the water, he knew that Yin Ji was returning he quickly hid himself in the wardrobe. However he was too late to close the wardrobe securely and saw Yin Ji emerging from the water. It seemed like someone was gently pushing her out of the water, Chu was shocked to see that she had such incredible martial arts. Judging from what he saw, Chu knew that the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji was superior to the Stone Avalokitesvara. Chu LiuXiang wouldn't be a match against her.

Yin Ji looked troubled and didn't notice that the 3 disciples were gone. She sat at her bed and was looking at the ceiling thinking of something or someone. Chu was concerned for Hu and the others, he also knew that he would be discovered sooner or later and pay the ultimate price. But Chu remained calm.

After some time, Gong NanYan came in and sat on Yin Ji's bed too. Gong told Yin Ji that the prisoners were locked away and will be questioned. Yin Ji asked her where she went the other night when she was sent on a errand to tell Huang LuZhi and Hong NiangZi to leave the area. Gong NanYan smiled and asked her if she was jealous. Yin Ji angrily asked what she meant with that. Gong said that Yin Ji was afraid that she would have a sort of relationship with Hong NiangZi. Gong continued and said that they indeed shared a night of passion, and praised Hong NiangZi for being a really special man. Gong NanYan said that the movements Yin Ji made were exactly the same as Hong NiangZi's movements.

Yin Ji slapped her at this point, Gong gently rubber her cheek and softly said that Yin Ji was jealous. Gong embraced Yin Ji and gently bit her ear and said that she loved to see Yin Ji jealous, and that everything she did was worth seeing Yin Ji becoming jealous. Yin Ji was crying and asked her why she did that. Gong said she slept with him to get even with him. She told Yin Ji she was going insane, she wanted to know when Yin Ji embraced her if she would think of Hong NiangZi. If the movements Hong NiangZi made were the same as Yin Ji used to cherish her. Yin Ji told Gong that she was thinking too much.

Gong said she wanted to avenge Yin Ji, she said that Hong NiangZi left Yin Ji although she loved him very much. And he used her love to threaten her of letting him go. Yin Ji didn't speak but sat there sobbing.

Chu LiuXiang finally understood, the famous Matriarch of Water despise all men. She was attracted to women, that's why she had so many beautiful disciples. Furthermore, she built secret tunnels to the quarters of her disciples.

Chu also remembered why Su RongRong's aunt warned Su numerous times not to wander about in the palace. She was afraid that Yin Ji would see Su and like her. However, Yin Ji met Hong NiangZi. Although he was a man, he looked like a beautiful young woman. Yin Ji fell in love with him and they became lovers. But Hong NiangZi didn't want to stay at the palace for the rest of his life and wanted to leave. He knew that Yin Ji would never let him go so he used her secret to threaten her. Yin Ji saw no choice but to let him go and told him never to come back again. Gong NanYan looked like Hong NiangZi, that's why Gong became the lover of Yin Ji.

Chu LiuXiang discovered the secret of Yin Ji, but he couldn't use the information to threaten her because he isn't Hong NiangZi. So all hope was gone.

Gong was licking away Yin Ji's tears and massaged Yin Ji's bosom. Yin Ji pushed her away and told her to leave now. Gong asked her if she didn't want to, Yin Ji interrupted her and said she wasn't in the mood for anything. Gong NanYan left. Chu LiuXiang was still stuck in the wardrobe, after a long time Yin Ji walked to the wardrobe and closed it firmly and locked it.

After some time, Yin Ji spoke and said that he promised not to come here anymore. Chu LiuXiang was almost scared to death but he realized that Yin Ji thought he was Hong NiangZi. She continued and said that she swore never to see him again and that's why she ordered Gong NanYan to leave. She asked him why he ruined Gong, she was just a girl and he had ruined her life, why do it to someone else?

Chu now knew why she locked the wardrobe, because she didn't want to see Hong NiangZi again. She continued and said she will never forgive him and said it was Hong NiangZi who broke his promise when he returned to this place. And she will not be merciful again. Chu LiuXiang was trying to remember how Hong NiangZi sounded and suddenly said if she really wanted to see him dead. Although Chu couldn't fully mimic Hong's voice he hoped that Yin Ji would not notice because they haven't seen each for more than 20 years.

Yin Ji scoffed and said she let him go once and will not do it again. Chu sighed and said if she was really not willing to see him one more time. Yin Ji remained silent. Every word that Chu said he thought it over before he said it. Chu asked her how SiTu Jing died. Yin Ji sighed and said SiTu Jing never knew she was her daughter. Chu said he knew that she would keep this a secret. She wanted everyone to know that she was a sacred maiden. Because Yin Ji was a bit hesitant every time SiTu Jing asked about her own parents she became suspicious and believed that Yin Ji killer her parents. Chu sighed and said she was a poor girl.

Yin Ji continued and said that SiTu Jing waited for a chance and then that despicable monk WuHua arrived. She knew that WuHua was a ShaoLin monk and knew a lot of martial arts experts and wanted to use him against Yin Ji. So she seduced him.

Chu now knew why SiTu Jing presented herself to WuHua. However, WuHua used her to get a bottle of the Sacred Water and when he got it, he left her. When she noticed she was pregnant, she was afraid that Yin Ji will harshly punish her. That's why she committed suicide. She continued with a sad tone that she will never hurt SiTu Jing, she never knew that Yin Ji was her mother. This was a sad incident. Chu sighed and asked Yin Ji that she knew what went on, but why say that someone stole the Sacred Water? Yin Ji said in order to protect this secret, she looked for a scapegoat, and that scapegoat was Chu LiuXiang. She sighed and said that besides him, all men deserved to die, and in order to protect the reputation of the Divine Water Palace and her own reputation, the death of one Chu LiuXiang is of no concern to her.

Chu asked that killing Chu had nothing to do with him not showing up and the agreed time. Yin Ji said Chu would have died anyway.

Chu asked her if she knew Liu WuMei. Yin Ji said she did. Liu was the disciple of the Stone Avalokitesvara. Chu said she did something very spectacular recently. Yin Ji asked what that was, Chu said that she wanted Yin Ji to cure her and the price for the cure was to kill Chu LiuXiang.

So she managed to kill Chu.

Yin Ji asked what poison and what cure. Chu asked her if she was really unaware. Yin Ji said that Liu WuMei was not poisoned. Chu LiuXiang thought he was tricked by Liu and was furious.

Yin Ji suddenly asked if he knew how she was going to deal with him. Chu said he hoped that she wasn't going to throw the wardrobe into the lake. Yin Ji sighed and said that he was a very intelligent man, but unfortunately intelligent people make mistakes too. Chu said if she was really not willing to see him one more time.

Yin Ji scoffed and said: "Chu LiuXiang, enough of your tricks. Since you know so many of my secrets, do you really expect me to let you live?"

Chu asked her how she knew, Yin Ji said he gave himself away when he said that Liu WuMei killed Chu LiuXiang. Yin Ji said that Liu would tell the entire WuLin that she killed Chu, because Chu had many friends and they would probably avenge him if he was murdered. Chu sighed and said that she was more intelligent than he thought. Yin Ji coldly said it took more than one Liu WuMei to kill Chu. Chu laughed and said if she was willing to let him out and have a fair fight.

Yin Ji said that sort of tricks would not work on her. Chu said if she didn't let him out she would never know what happened to Hong NiangZi. Yin Ji became silent for a long time and she suddenly called out for her disciples. 4 girls came in and she ordered them to take the wardrobe to the center of the lake and leave it there. Chu LiuXiang thought he was a goner, he will be left for dead in the water. He felt the wardrobe being lifted and water gushed through the openings. The pressure was gaining, but suddenly the water gushed out and the wardrobe was brought back to the quarters of Yin Ji. She ordered the 4 disciples to leave.

Yin Ji asked him where Hong NiangZi was, Chu said he will tell her if she agreed to one condition. He wants a fair fight against her. Yin Ji said Chu will die for sure, and agreed.

She opened the lock and Chu walked out.

But he saw that Yin Ji looked different, her grandeur was gone. She didn't look majestic anymore, she looked like an ordinary woman who was grieving. Chu sighed and said that he never knew that Yin Ji loved Hong NiangZi that much, if only he knew, perhaps everything would be have worked out differently. Unfortunately, he will never know that anymore. Yin Ji uttered never a few times and sternly asked if Chu killed him. Chu asked her if she could think clearly and deduct for herself. Yin Ji suddenly had difficulty standing. She aged a lot in a matter of moments. She sighed and said why that girl was so foolish. Chu said that Yin Ji should know why Gong NanYan killed Hong NiangZi. Yin Ji was broken, she felt tired and heavy. Chu sighed and said that he planned to confuse her so she cannot concentrate. Chu added that he didn't want to have this sort of advantage in a fight.

Yin Ji suddenly restored herself and said coldly that killing doesn't require a good mood, and told Chu to attack.

Chu asked again if she was fit to battle.

Yin Ji said that he should be concerned about himself. If he could withstand 10 of her stances he would not have learnt martial arts in vain.

Chu smiled and said that she was very arrogant. After he said arrogant, he quickly advanced forward to attack her. He was as quick as lightning. But Yin Ji just raised her hand and a tremendous force came crushing on Chu sealing all Chu's possible attacks. Chu couldn't even get near her, he thought that the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji had a sort of similar martial arts as the Stone Avalokitesvara. Using strange, but brilliant and dangerous stances. But Yin Ji's martial arts were related to the force of water, like gigantic waves crashing down and destroying everything in it's path. Chu kept changing techniques but in vain, Yin Ji coldly said that he allowed Chu to finish 47 stances and she asked if that's enough. Chu said it was and told her to counter attack. She asked him how many stances he could withstand. Chu said he wasn't sure, perhaps none or perhaps 700, 800 stances. Yin Ji scoffed and said with Chu's martial arts, if he could withstand 7, 8 of her stances she would let him go.

Chu laughed and said whether she would regret this.

Yin Ji angrily said: "Let's see if you can withstand one blow."

And she raised her palm and pressed it towards Chu, Chu could feel the power in this stance and knew he couldn't avoid it and let it come to him. That stance pushed him into the lake. Yin Ji was surprised because she deducted that with Chu's martial arts he would only be able to withstand 7 stances of her. It was very strange that he would be defeated with only 1 stance. But she saw Chu moving in the water like a fish and jumped in the water too. Chu LiuXiang thought everything was over because the only chance of winning was if he fought her in the water. Her powerful palms wouldn't be so strong in water.

The lake became restless, waves were forming and all the disciples were anxious. They didn't know what was going on, some of the girls asked Gong to see where their teacher was. Gong quickly went to the quarters of Yin Ji and saw no one, but she did notice the 3 disciples that Chu immobilized. She unsealed their acupoints and asked them what happened here. The 3 girls were too shocked to say anything and said they didn't know what happened to them. All of them saw 2 fast figures moving at rapid speed in the water, they looked like dragons.

After some time, they saw it was their teacher battling someone. Gong NanYan never thought there was anyone who could fight Yin Ji and she never dreamt that this man was not losing.

Although she couldn't see clearly if Yin Ji's opponent was Chu LiuXiang she had a hunch that it must be him. When she thought of Chu LiuXiang she remembered his carefree attitude and his ever so charming smile.

Chu felt the pressure of the water, he had great difficulty maintaining his movements. Normally, other martial arts experts cannot use their palms to generate any power in the water, but Yin Ji's martial arts were related to water so fighting in the water only weakened her a bit. Fortunately, Yin Ji was becoming slower and her stances were losing power. Chu found it strange that she would be weakened so quickly but suddenly he realized that she couldn't breathe in the water and he could. Yin Ji was surfacing for air, and Chu tried to stop her and grabbed her legs. She was furious and wanted to strike him on the head. But Chu used his head to bump into her stomach causing her to fall over and he quickly embraced her. She was fuming because the only man that ever touched her was Hong NiangZi. Chu LiuXiang knew he had won, Yin Ji was running out of air, Although this was not a beautiful victory but none the less a victory is still a victory. Gong NanYan now pushed the mechanism at the rock and a jet of water pushed Chu and Yin Ji out of the water. Both of them were on the jet of water and Chu knew if Yin Ji took one breath of air he will be dead. Seeing no alternative, he kissed her on the lips, mouth to mouth and nose pressing against her nose.

All the disciples were flabbergasted because only their teacher made use of that jet of water. But today, another person was on it and he was embracing and kissing their teacher. They were all stunned, their teacher the ever so high and mighty Matriarch of Water, was being kissed and intimately embraced by a man. But this was not a kiss of love but a kiss of death.

Chu LiuXiang felt the heart of Yin Ji beating faster and faster, Chu knew if he didn't give her the chance to breathe she should die. He looked at her, and she did the same. Her eyes that were filled with resentment and hate were now replaced by sadness and tears. Chu couldn't stand the tears of a woman and his grip loosened. He could have seized the chance to kill her now or at least seal her acupoints. Suddenly, the jet of water stopped and both of them fell into the water again.....

What will happen?

Part III

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