Eastern Dawn, Clear Wind and Fresh Snow
Linghu Chong sent a decapitating slash at his opponent. It had been a month since his discovery of the cave and Yue Lingshan's change of heart. In that time he had cried, he had wailed, he had even thought about ending his own life. But in the end his natural stubbornness would not let him take that way out. He had decided to face his problems. If Yue Lingshan no longer loved him then so be it, but he was not going to give up without a fight. He was determined to at least try to win her back.
That same determination also helped him overcome the shock of learning his school's secret. So what if his predecessors had committed a horrendous act. It just meant he had to work harder at winning back honour for them. So someone had countered the Martial Arts of his school. He would just have to improve his own skills to the point where he could counter the counter techniques.
To this end he had studied the techniques carved onto the cave walls. The sophistication of the techniques were breath taking and opened his mind to the true power of his art. He doubted even his Shifu knew some of the techniques depicted there. It was not just Mount Hua techniques that he studied but also those of the four other schools as well. His intensive studies had greatly improved his own skills but even so he knew he had only scratched the surface and was still along way from being able to counter the counter moves.
Now however there was an opportunity to put to practice what he had learned. Tian Boguang had arrived an hour ago demanding that Linghu Chong leave the Cliff with him. Of course Linghu Chong had refused and drew his sword ready to fight to the death. To his surprise Tian Boguang seemed reluctant to used force, instead he had proposed a contest. If Linghu Chong could last up to thirty moves in a fight with him, then Tian Boguang would leave, however if Linghu Chong could not last the designated number of moves then he had to go with Tian Boguang.
Linghu Chong thought the proposal over. He knew that he could not overcome the rapist in a fair fight so this offered the best chance he had of getting rid of him. Besides if he did loose then he would kill himself and deny Tian Boguang his prize. Having made up his mind he attacked.
Tian Boguang parried the blow and returned a backhanded swipe aiming at Linghu Chong's head. Linghu Chong backed away using the footwork of South Mount Heng to evade the rapid strikes of his opponent. The unexpected change in style confused Tian Boguang allowing Linghu Chong to keep his distance then counter attack with the devastating sword work of Mount Song.
But in his eagerness to finish the fight he got too close and Tian Boguang used his superior strength to brush the attack aside and take the fight to the close range that he favoured. Linghu Chong tried to use the South Mount Heng footwork to get away but this time Tian Boguang was ready for him and used his own footwork to keep close to his opponent.
Linghu Chong leapt into the air and did a backwards flip using the light aerial attacks that were the signature moves of North Mount Heng. Striking with the weightlessness of floating flower petals, Linghu Chong unleashed a series of lightning fast strikes to Tian Boguang's head. Tian Boguang's sword became an shield of steel as he fended of the attack.
Landing lightly Linghu Chong used the powerful ground hugging sweeps of Mount Tai to try and literately cut Tian Boguang's feet from under him. However his inexperience in executing the move meant that he was a second slower than he needed to be and Tian Boguang stepped on the flat of his sword trapping it, then followed with a punch to the chest that knocked Linghu Chong to the ground.
Looming over his defeated opponent Tian Boguang spoke:
“Impressive, in a few short months your sword art has improved greatly. But the moves you used didn't seem to be of Mount Hua”
“My school's art are as unfathomable as the ocean, how could a simpleton like you understand them” replied Linghu Chong as he picked himself up.
“More like a puddle. They couldn't even last thirty moves against me” barely had the mocking words left his mouth then something struck him in the chest with so such force that he was sent sprawling to the ground. As he touched his chest Tian Boguang found a single leaf there. For a moment he thought that the mysterious person who had saved Linghu Chong the first time they met had returned.
Laughter came from the cave and a man emerged. He looked to be about 70 or 80, and wore a rough hemp jacket with matching trousers. His white hair was held loosely in place by a piece of string and his unkempt beard grew like a bush from his face. When he spoke it was with a surprisingly cultured voice which seemed at odds with his appearance:
“If this boy had learnt the true art of our school then it would be you who would have been defeated.”
Linghu Chong stared in dumb silence at the new arrival. Who was this man? Was he really an elder of his school? If so what was he doing at Repentance Cliff and why had he Shifu never mentioned that someone of such importance was here?
Cautiously Tian Boguang picked himself up. As he stared at the man he remembered stories of a legendary Mount Hua swordsman. Could this be him? Bowing low he saluted the man:
“If I may be so bold, I would like to enquiry if elder is the legendary Feng Qingyang?”
Linghu Chong could feel his jaw hit the ground. Surely this caveman could not be his granduncle, the same man that once claimed to be one of the three most powerful martial artist under Heaven.
“You are quite knowledgeable for your age.” replied Feng Qingyang with a chuckle. The old man turned to Linghu Chong and was annoyed that the youngster had not greeted him. Clearly he had some doubt about his identity.
Tian Boguang spoke with as much respect as he could muster:
“Elder Feng, please accept my humble apologies for my earlier remark. But I have an agreement with your grandnephew. I trust Elder Feng would not force us to break it?”
“Don't try that trick with me boy. If I wanted to break your deal you would not be breathing right now. However your agreement did not specify when Linghu Chong had to take those 30 moves of yours, nor how many attempts he gets. Now I have decided that he gets two attempts and you will return tomorrow morning for the second contest. Have you any objections?”
Although far from satisfied the rapist knew better than to press his luck. Bowing once more he beat a hasty retreat.
####
Linghu Chong walked into the cave after Feng Qingyang. Swift as a gust of wind the old man spun around and took the sword form Linghu Chong's hand then leapt into the centre of the cave. Linghu Chong stared in awe as Feng Qingyang started performing the Mount Hua sword art. The moves were executed with a precision and power Linghu Chong never thought possible. Feng Qingyang went through the entire set of Mount Hua sword art in breathtaking speed, the sword in his hand become an extension of his will and seemed to move with a life of its own.
It was as if the carvings on the walls had come to life and showed Linghu Chong the peak of what his school's art could achieve in the hands of a true master. Never before had he seen Mount Hua's art performed with such perfection, compared to this man even his Shifu seemed like a novice.
As Feng Qingyang finished Linghu Chong fell to his knees and saluted him:
“Humble apprentice greets Granduncle Feng”
“So you don't suspect that I am a fraud any more?”
“Humble apprentice would never dare”
“Why not? I would” Feng Qingyang chuckled as he spoke and Linghu Chong had to fight the urge to join in. It seems that his Granduncle had a very healthy sense of humour.
Feng Qingyang helped Linghu Chong up then patted him on the shoulder:
“So that fool Yue Buqun is not quite blind yet. At least he still knows how to pick apprentices.”
“Granduncle, with all due respect I ask you not to insult my Shifu.”
“And what if I continue insulting him?”
“Then your humble apprentice would have no choice but to excuse himself from your presence”
Linghu Chong had expected his words to be met with anger but instead Feng Qingyang laughed even louder:
“I didn't think there was anyone like you any more. So few youngsters know how to show the proper respects to the Shifus these days. Very well I promise not to insult him again. Now will you stay and learn from me?”
“Providing Granduncle does not insult my Shifu then yes”
“This feels like its me begging you to learn”
“Humble apprentice would never dare”
Feng Qingyang stroked his heard:
“Tell me why did you loose to Tian Boguang?”
“He was too fast, too strong.”
“So?”
Linghu Chong stared blankly at Feng Qingyang, unable to comprehend his words. The old man shook his head and continued:
“If strength and speed was all that martial arts is about, then an Ox would be the best Martial Artist in the world. Heaven gave men intelligence so I suggest you use it. Now think, why is a farmer able to lead an Ox, many times his own weight, around the field without the Ox trampling him?”
“Because the farmer leads the Ox by the ring in its nose”
“And why does that work?”
“Because the nose is the weakest part of the Ox.”
“Exactly! No matter how strong the Ox is, if you find its weakness then it is powerless.”
Linghu Chong felt like a great fog had been lifted from his mind. To beat Tian Boguang he needed to find the man's weakness. Going through his encounters with the man he tried to think of any holes in his fighting style. Unconsciously he started musing out loud:
“Tian Boguang's greatest strength his his speed, so if I can stop him building up speed then I can beat him”
“At last you get it. For a moment there I thought I was wasting my time.”
“But Granduncle how am I suppose to achieve this?”
“I hope you have a steady supply of candles and a good memory, for tonight I intend to teach you an art that will allow you to do just that.”
“What art is that Granduncle?”
“Dugu Nine Swords.”
####
Tian Boguang walked up the cliff just after dawn, eager to get the duel over with. The appearance of Feng Qingyang had unsettled him, but he was still confident of victory. After all it had been only one night and legend though he was, even Feng Qingyang could not perform miracles.
As the plateau came into view he saw Linghu Chong standing in the muddle of the flat ground, his hands resting on the pommel of his sheathed sword. Feng Qingyang was sitting in the pavilion stroking his beard and wearing an amused smile. As Tian Boguang met his opponent's gaze a small seed of doubt was planted in his mind. Linghu Chong was completely relaxed, as if the upcoming battle had already been decided.
Tian Boguang drew his blade and let out a huge roar as he charged, trying to unnerve Linghu Chong and drive away his own growing fears. As soon as the blades met Tian Boguang knew he was in trouble. No matter how fast he moved or were placed his strike Linghu Chong's sword would always be there. His opponent placed his sword at precisely the right place to stop him building up the momentum he needed.
In desperation Tian Boguang tried to shoulder charge into Linghu Chong hoping to disrupt his tactic with the unexpected move. He froze as the point of Linghu Chong's sword rested on the side of the neck. Tian Boguang could not comprehend how his opponent had read what was supposed to be a random move. But what he did know was that he was no longer a match for Linghu Chong:
“Bravo Linghu Chong. Well are you going to finish this?”
“Our deal was that you leave if I win. But be warned, if we ever meet again I will bring you to account for all the women's lives that you have ruined.”
Tian Boguang offered a final salute to his vanquisher and Feng Qingyang before taking his leave. Linghu Chong turned to see his own smile reflected on his Granduncle's face:
“Not bad boy. You anticipated his last attack by studying his body movements and placing your sword were he would be.”
“Humble apprentice thanks Granduncle for passing this supreme art to me” said Linghu Chong as he knelt at Feng Qingyang's feet:
“You are still far from obtaining supreme art. But it seems fate has degreed that our destinies are linked. I will stay and guide you until you have mastered the whole of Dugu Nine Sword.”
There were no words sufficient to express Linghu Chong's gratitude at this honour Feng Qingyang was bestowing on him. So he just bowed his head and accepted the priceless gift.
####'
Dongfang Bubai was practically dragging Yilin with her as they reached the foot of Mount Hua. Dongfang Bubai had appeared at North Mount Heng ten days ago and insisted Yilin come with her. After obtaining permission from Dingyi the sisters had left. The trip had been taken in high spirits as both sisters relished the chance to spend sometime together. However when Yilin asked her sister about the destination of their trip Dongfang Bubai would give her an impish smile and say it was a surprise.
Yilin took her hand away from her sister and refused to go any further until she knew why they were at Mount Hua:
“Oh very well. As we are here I might as well tell you. I have brought you to see the person you've been pining over”
“Jiějiě, you don't mean?”
“Yes. Linghu Chong will be here soon”
Yilin's face burned with embarrassment and anger. Turing sharply she started to storm off:
“Yilin where are you going?”
“Mount Heng”
Quick as a flash Dongfang Bubai was standing in front of her sister:
“Yilin...”
“Jiějiě, I can't believe you did this. I am to take holy vows next year. The fact that I have these thoughts about Linghu Dage is already a sin.”
“But...”
“Jiějiě! If you ever want to see me again then never mention this again”
Pushing pass her sister Yilin walked off without looking back. As Dongfang Bubai stared after her she whispered to herself:
“My silly girl, you don't know how fortunate you are to have the chance to express your feelings. Others can only bury them deep inide their hearts.”
####
Tian Boguang approached her sheepishly. It had been a day and a night since his defeat at Linghu Chong's hand and he greatly feared reporting his failure to her. Despite her obvious beauty the only emotion he felt in her presence for uncontrollable terror. Seeing him approach Dongfang Bubai spoke:
“Well where is he?”
“I am sorry but I was unable to fulfil my mission.”
“Impossible, with your skills you should have been able to capture him with ease.”
“I would have but an unexpected obstacle showed up.”
“Oh and what was that?”
“Feng Qingyang was staying at Repentance Cliff and my meagre skills were no match for that legend”
“Well this is interesting. One of the three legends are back in the Martial Arts world. I may have to investigate this myself” thought Dongfang Bubai to herself.
Tian Boguang fell to his knees:
“Lady I have tried my best, I beg you to show mercy”
“But of course” Dongfang Bubai's words were accompanied by a flick of her fingers. A needle travelling faster than the eye could see penetrated Tian Boguang's throat and severed the nerves connecting his body to his head crippling him from the neck down.
The paralysed Tian Boguang stared up in horror at Dongfang Bubai:
“Why?”
“Did you really think I was going to let you get away with destroying the lives of all those women. Now you can wait to eaten by wolves, die of thirst or bite of your own tongue. I leave the choice to you.”
“No please don't”
“No please don't? How many woman begged you with those words before to ruined them. Today I return the same mercy you showed them.”
Dongfang Bubai walked away her ears deaf to the pitiful cries of Tian Boguang.
####
Yilin wondered if she was born under a cursed star. Not even two hours had passed since she had left her sister and already she was in trouble. She had ran into three bandits and now found herself fighting for her life. It seems that she always got into trouble whenever she was alone. She would have laughed if she wasn't in such peril.
The bandits were armed with short single edged swords. They were all large burly men and while not very skilled, were competent with their weapons. Yilin had managed to wound one of them in the arm, but now the other two were attacking her from both sides. She twisted and turned using the agile movements of her school's art to stay away from their blades.
However the bandit she had wounded, got to his feet and threw some kind of white powder in her face. As soon as she inhaled the powder she started feeling drowsy and fell to her knees. Her sword was kicked away from her and the bandits jumped on her like animals, tearing her clothes and groping her with their filthy hands. Yilin tried to fight but could find no strength.
One of the bandits flew into the air as if pulled by an invisible rope. Before the other bandits were even aware of what happened to him, strong fingers gripped the back of their necks. There as a loud snap and both men slumped to the ground dead. As darkness overwhelmed her Yilin looked up and saw a pair of emerald eyes, then she saw no more.
####
Linghu Chong staggered from the cave still groggy with sleep. He had spent most of the night studying with Feng Qingyang. His Granduncle was a hard taskmaster and only when the first rays of dawn appeared did he call a stop. The scene that greeted Linghu Chong woke him up immediately.
He stared at what could only be described as a mini hurricane in the middle of the plateau. But this was no natural phenomena. For one thing it was red and occasionally Linghu Chong could spot flashes of a hand coming from the hurricane and striking at something in its centre.
To Linghu Chong's horror he saw it was his Granduncle standing in the centre of the crimson hurricane. Like the eye of the storm, Feng Qingyang was the still centre surrounded by chaos. The legendary swordsman was making tiny adjustments to his stance and posture as he avoided the phantom hands the came at him from the hurricane.
Suddenly the figure of a woman emerged from behind Feng Qingyang. With index and fore fingers extended she lunged for the back of his head. Feng Qingyang leaned to his right and the fingers passed harmlessly to his side. As he leaned to the right he sent his left palm out in a backhand blow aiming for the woman's chest. The woman leapt over the attack and landed in front of Linghu Chong.
As Feng Qingyang stepped forwards to continue the fight but Linghu Chong ran between the combatants:
“Granduncle please stop. She's my friend...I think?”
“You think? Boy are you still asleep?”
Dongfang Bubai turned around and giggled at the exchange:
“Brother Dong is that you?” asked the confused Linghu Chong.
“Yes and no.” replied Dongfang Bubai his a cheeky smile.
###
Linghu Chong laughed as they talked in the cave. Dongfang Bubai had explained that her name was Dongfang Bai and that Dong fangbo was a pseudonym she went by when travelling. The scene outside the cave was a misunderstanding with Feng Qingyang. She had come bringing food and wine for Linghu Chong but ran into his Granduncle. Unable to resist the opportunity to test herself against such an opponent they had had a friendly spar.
Linghu Chong could not believe the audacity of his friend in challenging someone as prominent as his Granduncle but secretly he admired her courage. Feng Qingyang had decided to leave the youngsters alone when it was obvious that they knew each other, but as he left he gave Dongfang Bubai a smile that showed he had enjoyed their little contest as much as she had.
As they talked Linghu Chong felt himself relaxing in a way he had not felt in months. For some reason being in the company of Dongfang Bubai made him feel completely at ease and he soon found himself telling her everything in his heart. Afternoon turned to evening and evening to night yet still they talked.
As he talked about his relationship with Yue Lingshan, Dongfang Bubai noticed his eyes drop in sadness. It was obvious that the memories were painful to him and she wanted to ask him to stop. But then an idea came to her:
“You know there is a woman who greatly admires you”
“Bro..I mean lady Dongfang you don't mean you...”
“No not me! My sister Yilin”
“Yilin is your sister?”
Dongfang Bubai nodded:
“We got separated years ago and recently found each other. I think the two of you...”
“Lady Dongfang, I appreciate your sentiment but love is not something that can be replaced or substituted. If I was to be with Yilin for the reason of easing my own pain it would be unfair to her.”
“Even so you should tell her this face to face so that she can stop pining after you.”
“You're right. Once I've served my punishment I'll make a trip to Mount Heng and explain it to her.”
“When would that be?”
“About six months”
“What six months? That's far too long. I am taking you to she her now.”
“Lady Dongfang I respect your concern with your sister, but I cannot disobey my Shifu.”
“You owe me two lives, I am claiming one of them back now, so lets go.”
“Yes I owe you my life and if you wish to take it I won't resist, but I will not leave here alive.”
Dongfang Bubai had never had any difficulty in killing people but the idea of killing Linghu Chong filled her with dread. She tried telling herself that it was because they were friends but deep down she knew it was more than that. Pushing the thought aside she concentrated on the problem of getting him away from the cliff. As physical force was out of the question she decided to adopt another tactic.
Ignoring Linghu Chong see walked to his bed and laid down. Shocked by this breach of etiquette Linghu Chong shouted after her:
“Lady Dongfang, what are you doing?”
“I am staying until you decide to leave with me”
“But you can't, its not proper for a man and woman to spend the night alone”
“That's your problem. Goodnight”
Linghu Chong could only stare at her, unable to decide whether to be angry or amused.