Chapter 11 : Undying Love

The young master replied quickly: “I didn’t eavesdrop, I just leaving my room and saw Lin Daiyu dashing out of the room holding a sword.”

Silver Blossom smiled: “This Miss Lin is really strange, isn’t she? Just recovered from her illness and instantly she wants to kill and fight again. Could it be that this Yu Peiyu didn’t take good care of her?”

The young master answered with a scoff: “That Yu Peiyu must have taken advantage of Lin Daiyu when she was ill. Why else would she storm out with her sword and yell: Yu Peiyu, come out! Today I want to settle my score with you. It is either you or I!”

The young master continued: “At that point I knew that fellow was called Yu Peiyu too.”

Silver Blossom looked at Jin Yanzi and laughed: “It seems that Yu Peiyu must have taken advantage of her. That is why she wants to kill him. Sister, what do you think of this Yu Peiyu?”

Jin Yanzi knew the reason for Yu Peiyu’s actions and she didn’t feel explaining it to others. Also she was feeling sad and melancholic thinking back to that day in the cave with Yu Peiyu.

She just coldly responded: “Why can’t you keep silent and let him finish his story?”

Silver Blossom stuck out her tongue and didn’t speak anymore.

The young master continued: “Yu Peiyu must feel bad about what he did so he didn’t come out. She stood outside and cursed for some time and afterwards she went back into the room.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “Was Yu Peiyu still there?”

The young master answered: “He just stood there dazed. All the people in the inn were aroused now and came to watch this arguement. Most of them thought it just a quarrel between husband and wife and several people wanted to calm Lin Daiyu down. However she kicked those people aside as result the other people kept silent and watched.”

Silver Blossom smiled: “She is very fierce.”

The young master said: “She went in and started cursing him again. Her words made it seem like Yu Peiyu was the most despicable man on the world. Yu Peiyu just sat there and listened and didn’t say a word.”

Silver Blossom said: “As the saying goes: It takes two to dance. Since Yu Peiyu didn’t retort, there really is no point in scolding anymore.”

The young master said: “I thought the same thing, but she went on like a madwoman and in the end she used her sword to stab him.”

At this point Jin Yanzi shrieked: “Didn’t he defend himself?”

The young master glanced at her reaction and said: “He didn’t even avoid her sword.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “Was he seriously injured?”

The young master said: “She didn’t want to kill him with one stance, so she aimed for his shoulder. Her second stance made a deep cut on his chest.......”

Jin Yanzi interrupted him: “How could she hurt him like that?”

The young master scoffed: “Ohh, she didn’t stop with mere two stances. She continued to curse him and her sword didn’t stop stabbing or cutting him.”

Jin Yanzi had tears in her eyes now and said: “Didn’t someone intervene?”

The young master said: “The bystanders saw her kicking a few people aside earlier. They were afraid of her now.”

Jin Yanzi angrilly said: “What about you? Why didn’t you stop her? Were you afraid of her martial arts too?”

The young master lowered his head and said: “I wanted to stop her, but......but.....when I heard his name was Yu Peiyu too.....I.....I...became very angry and didn’t want to be bothered by it.”

Jin Yanzi screamed: “So you let him be murdered?”

The young master gave her a cold look and said: “Why do you care so much? Do you know this Yu Peiyu too?”

Jin Yanzi loudly answered: “So what if I do know him. What if I do have feelings for him? What is it to you?”

The young master was fuming, he raised his cup with a shivering hand and drank.

Silver Blossom smiled: “Did she really kill him?”

The young master had his eyes on Jin Yanzi for awhile and scoffed: “It is true. He is dead, killed by Lin Daiyu.”

Jin Yanzi screamed: “You....you...you...”

The young master loudly said: “He himself didn’t defend or avoid Lin Daiyu. He wanted to be killed by her, why should I interfere in this affair.”

Jin Yanzi looked at him with disappointment, sadness and paced back to the door. By now she was weeping she turned around and dashed outside.

Silver Blossom was stunned for a minute but then she giggled: “So Yu Peiyu is dead. And was killed by a woman, I wonder how third little sister will react to the news.”

The young master looked awful and he smashed his cup on the floor.

Jin Yanzi returned to her room and went to her bed. She used the sheets to cover her head and cried her eyes out.

She never thought that she would be this upset.

After a very long time she felt that someone was touching her shoulder. It was Silver Blossom.

Silver Blossom consoled her by saying: “Please, don’t be sad.”

Jin Yanzi thought she was her closest relative and embraced her and started to weep again.

She sobbed: “I don’t know why I am this sad, I just know him for one day. I don’t even know how he looks like.”

Silver Blossom was surprised and said: “One day? Just one day?”

Jin Yanzi said: “Although it was only one day, it is enough for me to reminisce about it for the rest of my life.”

Silver Blossom blinked her eyes and asked: “Did he treat you very well?”

Jin Yanzi nodded.

Silver Blossom smiled: “But the young master of the divine sabre is also very good to you.”

Jin Yanzi said: “That is different, he treats me well because he wants me. And Yu ...young master Yu is willing to sacrifice his life just to save me.”

Silver Blossom coldly said: “I don’t think that Yu Peiyu is such a good man....”

Jin Yanzi raised her head and looked at her and said: “Do you know that he could have......had me? I.....I.....wanted to be with him but he didn’t want to harm me....so...he.....”

Silver Blossom shivered and said loudly: “He turned you down, perhaps because he looked down upon you.”

Jin Yanzi shook her head and said: “No! You don’t know....”

Silver Blossom scoffed: “I don’t know? I know that he is an ungrateful man, you should hate him and not cry over him.”

Jin Yanzi said: “I did hate him a little bit, but now I understand his intentions. He was afraid that I will sacrifice my own happiness and fortune to save him. He would rather have me hating him, rather to see me hurt. Just by this intention he deserves my love and I will never forget him.”

Silver Blossom was stunned and scoffed: “If he would turn me down I would hate him for the rest of my life.”

Suddenly the door opened, the young master of the divine sabre stood there, looking very pale.

Jin Yanzi angrilly yelled: “How dare you enter my room? Get out!”

The young master stood there not moving after some time he sighed: “You don’t have to be sad anymore. Yu Peiyu isn’t dead.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “But you...just...”

The young master answered: “I just said that to make you angry. But now seeing you this sad I can’t bear to see you in this state.”

Jin Yanzi didn’t know what to say.

The young master said: “If no one intervened Yu Peiyu would have been killed by Lin Daiyu. But at the critical point someone quickly stopped Lin Daiyu.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “Who?”

The young master responded: “Hong Lianhua.”

Jin Yanzi said: “Does this Yu Peiyu know Hong Lianhua too?”

The young master said: “Although Hong Lianhua saved him, but he didn’t know Yu Peiyu. He even disliked this Yu Peiyu, but he felt that this Yu Peiyu didn’t deserve to be killed.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “How would you know?”

The young master said: “At this time Yu Peiyu was bleeding heavily and sat on the ground. But Hong Lianhua just ignored him and went over to console Lin Daiyu. Yu Peiyu just sat there dazed.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “What happened afterwards?”

The young master said: “Afterwards Hong Lianhua accompanied Lin Daiyu to leave the inn. If Hong Lianhua was befriended with Yu Peiyu he would at least go over and take care of his wounds.”

Silver Blossom sighed after hearing this: “That the case, why did he save Yu Peiyu? This Hong Lianhua is truly a famous busybody living up to his reputation. ...But why did he stopped them at the critical moment. According to my deduction he must have followed Yu Peiyu and Lin Daiyu for some time.”

The young master said: “Hong Lianhua wasn’t the only one following Yu Peiyu and Lin Daiyu.”

Silver Blossom asked: “Who else?”

The young master said: “After Hong Lianhua and Lin Daiyu were gone a girl appeared and smiled to Yu Peiyu. She said: [I knew someone would save you, that’s why I didn’t help you.] If this girl didn’t follow them, she wouldn’t have said those words.”

Silver Blossom scoffed: “This Yu Peiyu really does have a lot of lovers.”

The young master said: “However when Yu Peiyu saw this girl he was terrified and didn’t take care of his wounds. He used his art of levitation to leave the inn. This Yu Peiyu has a really high level of this art even with injuries he was faster than that girl.”

Silver Blossom asked: “Who was that girl? What does she look like?”

The young master said: “She wore a white dress, and was very beautiful. Judging by her martial arts she must be an expert too. I have never seen her before, nor did I hear any friends of mine talk of such a girl. Perhaps she is a new martial artist in Wulin.”

He was still looking very pale and looked at Jin Yanzi in a melancholic way and finally he said: “I have told you everything I know. There is bound to be some special reasons, but I do not know them. I also don’t know where Yu Peiyu went.”

His voice became gradually more emotional and said: “If I would see him I will tell him to look for you. I...I...now know where your heart is, no matter what your feelings are for me, I will and shall never do anything to harm you anymore.”

After saying this he turned around and walked away.

Normally he was quite obnoxious when around Jin Yanzi, but now he did leave with dignity.

Silver Blossom smiled: “Although he is quite annoying normally, he is quite a man today.”

Jin Yanzi sighed after awhile: “He never harmed me, but I did break his heart.”

Silver Blossom said: “I didn’t know he was listening in on our conversation too. However if he didn’t hear your words he would not have left.”

Jin Yanzi sighed: “He followed me around because he believed that although I treat him coldly. But I treat other people even cooler. Now that he has heard me say that I love someone else. He has given up and I am also at ease that this matter is settled.”

Silver Blossom giggled: “You shouldn’t have given up entirely on him. You could keep him on a string for the rest of your life and have a free servant. And the two of us need a servant like him.”

Jin Yanzi never thought of this crazy idea but she was too troubled to chide Silver Blossom. She just sighed: “I am very tired, I want to rest.”

However Silver Blossom didn’t leave, she sat at her bed and asked: “Why do you think that this Miss Lin would want to kill Yu Peiyu?”

Jin Yanzi turned around and closed her eyes.

Silver Blossom said: “According to me I don’t think this Miss Lin really wants to kill Yu Peiyu. I heard at least two strange clues for my theory in that story, didn’t you hear it?”

Jin Yanzi asked: “What are those clues?”

Silver Blossom said: “Judging by the way young master Yu treated Miss Lin, he would surely be cautious around her. And they were together longer than one day.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “What is wrong with that?”

Silver Blossom explained: “Just by that she could have many chances to kill him. Why would she pick a place like an inn? There are so many people there and she created quite a scene.”

Jin Yanzi thought for awhile and said: “It could be that she was too angry and couldn’t control her temper anymore.”

Silver Blossom smiled: “If a woman really hates a man so much that she wants to kill him. She wouldn’t argue or even talk to him anymore, but if they are argueing that means she doesn’t want to kill him yet. Sis, you’re a woman too. Do you think my reasoning is correct?”

Jin Yanzi thought for awhile and nodded.

Silver Blossom said: “Also if Miss Lin really wishes to kill Yu Peiyu at that time. She would kill him with one slash or blow. Certainly not the way she did it.”

Jin Yanzi said: “Perhaps she wanted to torture him.”

Silver Blossom giggled: “I think this Miss Lin isn’t a vicious woman and if she really wanted to torture him she wouldn’t inflict mere light wounds.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “Why do you say that? How can you tell that young master Yu only suffered from light wounds?”

Silver Blossom said: “He used his art of levitation to escape from that mysterious girl.”

Jin Yanzi pondered for a minute and asked: “What do you think the intentions of Lin Daiyu were?”

Silver Blossom said: “I think she deliberately created a scene for other people. It was an act to deceive someone.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “What would be the reason for this?”

Silver Blossom shook her head and said: “That I do not know. Perhaps you would know.”

Jin Yanzi coldly said: “I just know that Lin Daiyu hates Yu Peiyu very much. And she has her reason for hating Yu Peiyu if anyone in this world has a solid reason for killing Yu Peiyu that person would be Lin Daiyu.”

But in her heart she knows that things are not that simple as it seems. In fact things are more complicated than she could dream.

The next morning Silver Blossom already readied the carriages and was ready to depart.

Jin Yanzi couldn’t sleep the entire night when she heard some noises outside she put on her clothes and opened the door. She asked Silver Blossom: “Are we leaving this early?”

Silver Blossom smiled and excused herself: “I told those men to be quiet not to disturb you. But they are just so incompetent.”

Silver Blossom said coldly: “Even if they didn’t disturb me you would, right?”

Silver Blossom’s face turned red, she now knew that Jin Yanzi wasn’t that simple as she initially thought.

Jin Yanzi asked her: “Seeing you in this state I take it you already know where we should be heading for, right.”

Silver Blossom smiled: “Sis, seeing that you didn’t ask so I didn’t....”

Jin Yanzi interrupted her: “I am asking now.”

Silver Blossom said: “The two of us are traveling alone with carriages full of treasures. This isn’t really a wise, so I would like to ask you whether you know anyone who could safeguard our treasure for the time being.”

Even now Jin Yanzi knew that her new sworn sister isn’t an easy girl to deal with. But she had no idea what she wants from her.

After pondering for some time Jin Yanzi said: “Asking someone to safeguard this treasure is still not very convenient. Even if you would feel safe, the protector would not find it easy to protect such a treasure.”

Silver Blossom agreed with her.

Jin Yanzi continued: “However there is one place not far from here that is safe enough to protect our chests.”

Jin Yanzi said: “The Tang Clan in Sichuan province is renowned.....”

Before she could finish Silver Blossom happily interrupted her: “I have heard of the fame of the Tang Clan of Sichuan too. If we could put these chests there that would be perfect. No one would dare to steal from the Tang Clan. But members of the Tang clan are quite introvert, if we don’t know them I don’t think they will be willing to help us.”

Jin Yanzi smiled: “Don’t you know that your sis is also closely befriended with the famous Four Maidens of the Tang Clan. In fact they are my sworn sisters too.”

Although Jin Yanzi felt that Silver Blossom was acting a bit too happy but she felt it was nothing wrong with that. She just felt that her sworn sister was a bit too happy with this treasure.

However the reason why Silver Blossom wanted to become “friends” with Jin Yanzi was because of her relationship with the Tang Clan. If not for this relationship Jin Yanzi was killed by Silver Blossom in that cave.

Silver Blossom happily said: “Sis, if the Four Maidens of the Tang Clan are your sworn sisters. That means that they are my sisters too. I never thought that a lonely girl like me would have so many friends and sisters in one time.”

Jin Yanzi smiled: “The Tang Clan has very strict family rules, the daughters and daughter-in-laws have little friends in Wulin. I’m bound that they will be very happy to have a pretty and smart sister like you too.”

Jin Yanzi thought that Silver Blossom was a poor girl and never had so much precious valuables before, so it would be natural for her to put so much value on her cargo. Thinking of this she already forgot her caution towards Silver Blossom and felt rather sorry for being that cool to her.

So she became rather friendly and talkative to Silver Blossom again.

On their way to Sichuan province they enjoyed the famous scenery of Sichuan.

On their way to the TangMansion they saw a lot of beggars. These beggars were not even begging for money and even politely let merchants go first. They even looked rather proud and arrogant.

Silver Blossom said: “These beggars must know martial arts, could it be that they are disciples of the Beggars Association.”

Although she said it softly to Jin Yanzi but a beggar turned around and smiled: “Miss you should mind your own business and not interfere with affairs of others.”

It was an elderly beggar, although he wore rags and looked rather dirty he was quite distinguished and handsome.

Silver Blossom stuck out her tongue and smiled: “Sir, you have a very good hearing. Sir, you must be an elder of the Beggars Association.”

The beggar turned around and looked rather annoyed. He looked coldly at Jin Yanzi for a moment and said: “I am not an elder nor am I any Wulin senior. Miss, you must be mistaken.”

Silver Blossom wanted to ask something but the beggar walked to the side of the road and took out a gourd and drank some wine, totally ignoring the two girls.

They passed the old beggar before long. Silver Blossom whispered to Jin Yanzi: “This man really is hot-tempered. I didn’t even offend him and he is angry with me.”

Jin Yanzi didn’t answer after awhile she said: “Further ahead is the Family Li Village, you can go to the family Li inn and lodge there. I will meet up with you there.”

Silver Blossom was surprised and asked: “Where are you going?”

Jin Yanzi said: “I just remembered that I forgot to do something.”

Silver Blossom asked: “Shall I accompany you?”

Jin Yanzi looked a bit annoyed and said: “I told you to wait at Li Trespass, within three days I will meet up with you.”

Silver Blossom smiled: “Whatever you say.”

Jin Yanzi watched till Silver Blossom was gone and the carriages were gone and turned around and rode back.

She rode back to the old beggar, who was still sitting next to the road.

The beggars of the Beggars Association always carried pouches on their rags. The number of pouches represent their status within the association, the more pouches the higher the status. If the beggar does not have any pouch that means that disciple has just entered the association.

Judging from the posture and appearances of this old beggar he must have rather good martial arts. But the strange thing was that he did not even have one pouch.

Most of the beggars Jin Yanzi and Silver Blossom met during their way to Sichuan were travelling in groups. But this old beggar was travelling alone and looked very arrogant.

Jin Yanzi wanted to know where Hong Lianhua was, she wanted to ask him what happened exactly that day concerning Yu Peiyu and Lin Daiyu.

But when she saw that this beggar was looking quite strange she was very curious.

She gently approached the beggar, who was sleeping now, she didn’t want to wake him.

Suddenly the beggar spoke: “The carriage contains valuable cargo you should go and protect your carriage. What do you want from an old beggar like me? Do you want to give me some money?”

Jin Yanzi thought: He has very sharp eyes.

If the carriages were loaded with gold and silver the tracks left behind would be different from the tracks Jin Yanzi and Silver Blossom’s carriages left behind.

Any Wulin expert would see that in an instant.

Suddenly the old beggar laughed loudly: “The famous Jin Yanzi is waiting for an old beggar to wake up. If people would see this they wouldn’t believe it.”

Jin Yanzi was shocked and asked: “Sir, do you know me?”

The old beggar laughed: “I not only know the little golden swallow. I also know the old eagle.”

The teacher of Jin Yanzi was the famous chivalrous robber Celestial Eagle Yun Tiechi. Yun Tiechi roamed and was renowned in the realm of martial arts for more than 30 years. He made many enemies, in his final years he accepted Jin Yanzi as his only pupil. When Jin Yanzi left her teacher to roam Wulin, Yun Tiechi was severly ill.

Yun knew that his enemies were still looking for him so he sternly instructed Jin Yanzi not reveal the name of her teacher.

Even one of the most knowledgeable experts in Wulin like Hong Lianhua didn’t know who the teacher of Jin Yanzi was.

But now she heard this beggar was able to call out her name and the name of her teacher, she was very startled.

She managed to put a smile on her face and asked: “May I know your name, sir? How do you know my teacher.....?”

The old beggar frowned and said in an aggravated tone: “If one does not want others to know your secrets, you should not have commited those crimes. Miss, do you understand what I mean? As for my name even if I told you you wouldn’t know who I am.”

Jin Yanzi didn’t know why he was angry and didn’t dare to speak anymore.

The old beggar looked at her and laughed: “What is it that you want from me?”

Jin Yanzi said: “I would like to meet your leader master Hong Lian. Sir, if you would be so kind.....”

Before she could finish the old beggar angrilly interrupted her: “You want me to lead the way to Hong Lianhua?”

Jin Yanzi saw the anger on his face and his sharp eyes were staring at her. She felt afraid of his eyes and suddenly the old beggar started to smile again. But when he smiled he looked very distinguished.

She never met anyone who would swift moods as quick as this man.

The old beggar laughed: “If you want me to the lead to Hong Lianhua, get on your horse and follow me.”

Jin Yanzi was now very confused by his behaviour.

The old beggar started to walk away and turned around and loudly said: “I told you to follow me! Why are you still standing there?”

Jin Yanzi had no choice but to follow, she got on her horse and followed the beggar.

On their way Jin Yanzi saw several groups of beggars, but when they saw the old beggar they looked afraid. They didn’t even approach him to greet him, furthermore when some beggars were talking and laughing but when they saw him they looked very earnest.

The beggar ignored the other beggars too, Jin Yanzi began to suspect that this man wasn’t a disciple of the Beggars Association.

But why was he dressed like a beggar and why did he go the same way as the other beggars.

She began to regret her decision to follow him. This man was very mysterious, could it be that he was a formidable enemy of the Beggars Association. She thought that she was just looking for Hong Lianhua, why would she go with him.

She quickly rode the other way and left the beggar. She rode and rode till she lost all sight of the creepy beggar and even the other beggars.

When she saw that no one was around she was relieved and said softly to herself: “I...”

But before she could finish what she thought a cold voice said: “If you’re looking for Hong Lianhua, you’re going the wrong way.”

She looked over and saw the creepy beggar standing next to a tree.

Jin Yanzi was startled she quickly rode the other way to escape from him.

After some time she was exhausted and her horse was getting tired. She stopped and rested, but the creepy beggar was there too and coldly said: “This is the wrong way too.”

This man was like a phantom following her everywhere and popping up at nowhere.

Although she was a very brave girl she was getting really really scared.

She shrieked with fear: “What...what do you want from...me?”

The beggar looked at her and smiled: “You wanted to see Hong Lianhua I’m just leading the way.”

Jin Yanzi said: “I...I don’t want to see him now anymore.”

The beggar looked coldly at her and said: “I told you I would take you to see him. Now you must let me take you to Hong Lianhua.”

If someone else would say this to Jin Yanzi she would have drawn her sword but now she was too afraid of this creepy beggar to do anything let alone fight.

She even lost her will to escape and obediently followed him.

After walking for some time the creepy beggar turned around and said: “You must be regretful for approaching me.”

Jin Yanzi gritted her teeth but didn’t answer.

The creepy beggar continued: “But you should not feel sorry, because I was the one who approached you.”

Jin Yanzi was surprised and asked: “You deliberately lured me to you? Why?”

The creepy beggar said: “I have my reasons.”

Jin Yanzi looked at him suddenly her eyes were drawn to the eyes of that creepy beggar.

She wanted to avoid looking at him but she couldn’t resist the temptation of not staring at those shining eyes.

Those eyes had a very powerful effect on her.

Jin Yanzi asked: “What are your reasons for luring me over?”

Saying this she broke out in a cold sweat.

The creepy beggar said: “There are three reasons. The first reason is because you’re the only disciple of Yun Tiechi.”

Jin Yanzi asked: “Are there any old grudges between my teacher and you?”

The creepy beggar didn’t answer and continued: “The second reason is because you’re looking for Hong Lianhua.”

Jin Yanzi said: “What is there between you and Hong Lianhua?”

The creepy beggar ignored her question again.

Suddenly he smiled: “The third reason...hehehe... is because you’re a beautiful young woman.”

His smile was ever so eerie and disgusting. The creepy beggar now looked very lecherous at Jin Yanzi.

Jin Yanzi was terrified, she felt disgusted the way the creepy beggar was looking at her.

The beggar smiled: “You don’t have to be afraid. I won’t harm you.”

Jin Yanzi stuttered: “What..what do you want from me?”

She was now wishing that she really had wings and could fly like a swallow.

Several times she wanted to look the either way but she kept being drawn to the eyes of the creepy beggar.

The beggar started to talk again: “I wanted you to look for me. Because I want to protect you and to take care of you.”

His voice sounded very calm and soothing.

Jin Yanzi felt a bit tired and felt like she was asleep. But after a minute or so she felt awake again and said: “Yes, I want you to protect me.”

The creepy beggar continued: “Now you realise that I’m the closest and dearest man to you in the entire world.”

Jin Yanzi answered: “Yes, you are very close to me.”

The beggar said: “That’s why you will answer all my questions without hesitation.”

Jin Yanzi responded: “Yes, I will tell you everything you want to know.”

The beggar smiled: “Good! The first thing I want to know is, did Yun Tiechi leave you a martial arts manual? This manual contained a very ancient type of martial arts.”

Jin Yanzi replied: “No.”

The beggar asked: “Why?”

Jin Yanzi said: “My teacher said that only a few wise people in this world would be able to comprehend this martial arts. According to my teacher I do not have the potential to master this skill, that’s why he didn’t teach me.”

The beggar asked: “Where did he leave the manual?”

Jin Yanzi answered: “My teacher said that the manual will only lead to more bloodshed in Wulin. So before he died he hid the manual somewhere safe. Only he knows the location of it.”

The beggar asked: “Do you know where it is?”

Jin Yanzi said: “No, I don’t. My teacher never kept any secrets from me but he knew it will be very difficult for me to keep the location safe. So he didn’t tell me.”

The creepy beggar angrilly cursed: “Damn the old fool! After searching for many years I finally found out that you were his only pupil. I never thought he would do this. Damn him! He even took this secret along to the grave.”

Jin Yanzi continued: “According to my teacher whoever manages to master this skill will become invincible. If the manual falls into the hands of evil men Wulin will be thrown into chaos. That’s why he instructed me to keep his identity a secret.”

The creepy beggar frowned and didn’t speak for quite some time.

Suddenly he asked: “What do you want from Hong Lianhua?”

Jin Yanzi replied: “I wanted to know something from him.”

The beggar asked: “What is it that you want to know?”

Jin Yanzi said: “I wanted to know what happened between Yu Peiyu and Lin Daiyu?”

The creepy beggar asked: “Why are you interested in other people’s affairs?”

Jin Yanzi said: “Because I love Yu Peiyu.”

The creepy beggar smiled evily and said: “No, you don’t love Yu Peiyu. You love me, do you understand?”

Jin Yanzi suddenly bursted out: “NO! I love Yu Peiyu! Not you! Not you!”

The beggar was surprised to see her fierce reaction, he took out a golden necklace with a black pearl attached to it. And held it in front of Jin Yanzi.

He dangled the necklace in front of her, Jin Yanzi became calm again.

The beggar said: “No matter who you love, I am still the closest person to you in the entire world. And you will listen to my every command”

Jin Yanzi said: “Yes.”

The beggar said: “I want you to remove your clothes.”

Without hesitation Jin Yanzi removed her clothes. The disgusting beggar admired her beautiful figure and body.

Suddenly he heard a noise coming closer the beggar sighed: “Unfortunately there isn’t any time. Put your clothes on!”

Jin Yanzi put on her clothes, the beggar said: “You will now forget everything I just asked you. You will only remember I am your closest relative. I am like your teacher, your best friend and your husband.”

He put away his necklace and clapped his hands.

Jin Yanzi woke up from her spell and softly said: “You are my teacher, friend and husband. But who are you?”

The beggar smiled: “I will tell you my name. I am Guo Pianxian, the oracle of Wulin. No one can match my talent in the world.”

Jin Yanzi repeated: “Guo Pianxian.”

Guo Pianxian laughed arrogantly: “I used to be an elder of the Beggars Association, a guardian of Wudang, man of wealth in the northern provinces. I was even the husband of Madame Hai Tang of the Baihua Association. I have many identities in Wulin. Sometimes even I am amazed by the many identities I have.”

Jin Yanzi repeated: “Guo Pianxian, my husband, unmatched talent in the world....”

On the other side a large group of beggars have assembled. Their leader the famous Hong Lianhua was sitting on a rock looking pensive.

After awhile he asked his confidant the loyal Mei Simang: “Do you think he will come?”

Mei Simang replied in a serious tone: “The disciples here have reported seeing a man matching his desciption. Although they aren’t sure whether it is him but he looks very similar. As instructed they stayed away from him.”

Hong Lianhua sighed: “He has disappeared for about 15 years now. His reappearance is most strange.”

Mei Simang said: “Don’t you have a clue what he wants.”

Hong Lianhua smiled wryly: “Do you think he wants to take over the leadership of the Beggar Association? I don’t think so knowing him he wants something bigger.”

Mei Simang said: “I never could guess what he wanted but I know only one thing. He will bring disaster along with him. No matter what we have enough men here to deal with this traitor.”

Hong Lianhua looked troubled: “He is still an elder of our association.”

Mei Simang said: “I know he is also a guardian of Wudang. Just by this he has broken a rule of our association. He can’t be an elder of us and be a guardian of another Wulin school. Master, you could deal with accordingly.”

Hong Lianhua still looked troubled and said: “But who can prove he is a guardian of Wudang?”

Mei Simang was stunned and didn’t know what to say.

Hong Lianhua sighed: “This man has done many evil things in his life, but no one has been able to present evidence of his crimes. The first person who wanted him dead would be our late leader.”

Mei Simang frowned: “What do you have in mind?”

Hong Lianhua said: “As soon as I received his letter I began to think of ways to trap him. But still no luck.”

Suddenly they heard a tapping noise.

Mei Simang looked very earnest and said: “He has come.”

All the disciples looked very anxious and they saw an elderly beggar walking in front of them now.

It was Guo Pianxian looking very arrogant.

Hong Lianhua saw that Jin Yanzi was with him and whispered: “Why is Jin Yanzi with him?”

Mei Simang said: “Most likely she has fallen into his hands.”

Guo Pianxian walked over to Hong Lianhua and observed him from top to toe and said: “We haven’t seen each other for many years. It is hard to believe that the little boy of then is now a famous young hero.”

Hong Lianhua respectfully said: “Thank you, you’re too kind.”

Guo Pianxian asked: “Do you recognize me?”

Hong Lianhua said: “Although we haven’t seen each other for many years. I still vividly remember the appearances of elder Guo.”

Guo Pianxian now angrilly said: “That being case why don’t you pay proper respects to an elder!”

Hong Lianhua was taken by surprise and didn’t know how to answer.

Mei Simang said: “Master Hong Lian is the leader of the Beggars Association. He needn’t pay respects to an elder of the association. However elder Guo should pay your respects to master Hong Lian.”

Guo Pianxian laughed: “You’ve become the leader now. Congratulations!”

His laughter sounded very loud and clear, the disciples were impressed by his internal strength.

Guo Pianxian stopped his laughter and looked at Hong Lianhua and asked: “Who allowed you to become the leader of our association.”

Mei Simang said: “Those were the wishes of the late master.”

Guo Pianxian said: “Show me that will.”

Mei Simang said: “The late master didn’t write a will, but his final words were that master Hong Lian would succeed him.”

Guo Pianxian coldly asked: “Who were present when the later master died?”

Mei Simang said: “I was present too.”

Guo Pianxian laughed loudly: “Just because you were there too he has the right to become the leader of the our association.”

Mei Simang angrilly said: “Elder Guo, what do you mean with that? Are you suggesting I am lying?”

Guo Pianxian said: “How dare you to speak in my presence? Who gave you the authority to talk to me in that tone?”

Mei Simang said: “I’m just telling the truth.”

Guo Pianxian sneered: “Telling the truth! You’re not fit yet to speak in my presence.”

After saying this Guo Pianxian waved his hand and before Mei Simang could defend himself Guo Pianxian slapped him twice in his face and threw him aside.

Mei Simang is a very friendly old man and all of the disciples of the association liked him very much. Although most of them were afraid of Guo Pianxian’s martial arts and fame. They were all angry to see Mei Simang getting mocked all of them stood up and readied themselves. Some of them even loudly questioned Guo Pianxian’s actions.

Guo Pianxian loudly chided: “The two main criteria of becoming the leader of our association has always been prestige and martial arts. As elder of the association I have the right to investigate this matter. The rest of you should keep silent!”

Although his voice carried a long way, he couldn’t surpress the anger of the beggars.

He turned to Hong Lianhua: “Hong Lianhua! What kind of leader are you? The disciples of our association are becoming more and more insolent!”

Hong Lianhua initially ignored the protests of the other beggars. But when he heard that Guo Pianxian addressed him he smiled and waved his hand: “Would all the brothers just be quiet for a minute.”

His voice didn’t carry as far as Guo Pianxian but all the beggars instantly settled down.

Hong Lianhua smiled: “The discipline of our association hasn’t changed a bit. But the brothers here are not used to that elder Guo is giving orders. You cannot blame them, anyone who has left us for about 15 years has little power to order around anymore.”

Guo Pianxian’s face changed and said: “In order words they have forgotten about me.”

Hong Lianhua said: “Not forgotten, but they all assumed that elder Guo left the association 15 years ago.”

Guo Pianxian angrilly asked: “What is the meaning of that?”

Hong Lianhua smiled: “The later master told everyone that elder Guo has left the association. All the disciples could clearly remember the words of the late master. I don’t think you’ll have any suspicions about that.”

Guo Pianxian scoffed: “He didn’t say that he banned me. But he told everyone I left. What a good friend he was!”

Hong Lianhua continued: “The late master knew that elder Guo was accustomed to a carefree life. Elder Guo is also not a person who puts a lot of value to a mere title like elder of the Beggars Association. With your martial arts and fame when the late master died you could have succeeded him easily.”

Guo Pianxian laughed loudly: “No wonder everyone in Wulin praises Hong Lianhua. Not only are you intelligent but also a great orator.”

Hong Liahua turned to Jin Yanzi and said: “Welcome, Miss Jin. What can I do for you?”

Jin Yanzi said: “I’m here with him.”

Hong Lianhua asked: “Miss Jin knows our elder Guo?”

Jin Yanzi said: “He is my dearest person in the world.”

Hong Lianhua was a bit surprised to hear that and said: “Well, I never knew that.”

He wanted to find out if Guo Pianxian has done anything to her but he was disappointed to hear her response.

Guo Pianxian said: “Initially I was afraid you were too young to lead us. But now I’m assured, you’re a great leader.”

Seeing that he couldn’t win the beggars over, he quickly started to praise Hong Lianhua. This man is a true sycophant.

Hong Lianhua was thinking: He must realise not that he cannot count on the support of the brothers of the association. If you can’t beat them, join them. What a piece of work this Guo Pianxian is!

He felt relieved now and smiled: “I’m most grateful that elder Guo has still the best interest for the association.”

When he finished his sentence his eyes were drawn to the creepy eyes of Guo Pianxian.

He wanted to divert but it was too late.

Guo Pianxian smiled: “One man cannot perform all the tasks of our association. I think you want me back in the association, don’t you?”

Hong Lianhua replied: “Yes, I do.”

Guo Pianxian smiled: “From now on we will rule the association together.”

Hong Lianhua answered: “Yes.”

All the beggars felt strange that their leader would listen to all the suggestions of Guo Pianxian. But the rules of the association are very strict so everyone kept silent.

Mei Simang quickly shouted: “Master! You cannot listen to him! You must reconsider!”

Guo Pianxian sternly said: “This man has shown no respect to his superiors. He should be punished.”

Hong Lianhua stuttered: “He....he....”

Mei Simang knelt in front of Hong Lianhua and said: “Even if the master has to punish me severly I have to say this. We cannot allow this man to have any power over the association if he does great disaster will fall upon us.”

Hong Lianhua looked troubled.

Guo Pianxian took out his necklace with the black pearl again.

He dangled casually in front of Hong Lianhua and said: “He deserves to die! Issue an order!”

All the beggars were terrified.

Mei Simang kowtowed and said: “I am not afraid to die, but you must not let...”

Guo Pianxian interrupted him: “This man has shown disrespect to his superiors more than once. Also he dares to question the orders of the master. He has already broken the First and the Seventh Directive of our association. According to our rules he should die the death of numerous wounds.”

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

Jin Yanzi said: “Yes.”

Her eyes were focussed on the black pearl too. Hong Lianhua said: “Yes, he deserves to die.”

Mei Simang roared and passed out.

All the beggars were stunned that their leader would issue an order to execute Mei Simang. However no one dared to raise objections.

The rules of the Beggars Association were upheld always ten times stricter than other martial arts schools and/or associations.

The order of the leader was similar to an imperial decree, no one has the right to question it.

Even if the leader is wrong as a subject/disciple you cannot question or refuse the orders of the leader. If you do you will pay the ultimate price.

The reason for this is because the association was founded during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907 A.D. - 960 A.D.). During that period China was thrown into chaos, the Tang dynasty had lost total central command over all regions. And warlords popped up everywhere.

The founder of the association upheld the principle of in times of chaos, extreme measures and utmost disciplie had to be taken and upheld. This principle has been upheld by all the previous leaders of the Beggars Association.

When Hong Lianhua issued his order, Mei Simang was overcome by disappointment and anger.

Guo Pianxian smiled sinisterly: “Didn’t all of you hear the order of the master? Where are the disciplinary disciples?”

At this moment four beggars walked up with tears in their eyes.

Guo Pianxian was still dangling his necklace. Guo Pianxian said: “Hong Lianhua, you can now....”

Before he could finish there was a sharp noise coming towards and before he realised what that was. The pearl was shattered.

Guo Pianxian stepped backwards and angrilly said: “You...you....!”

Hong Lianhua laughed loudly: “Do you really think I will fall that easily under your hypnotic spell? Think again!”

Guo Pianxian angrilly said: “Hong Lianhua! You had me fooled!”

Hong Lianhua laughed: “If I didn’t play it that convincing how can expose your evil plans? How can I present the evidence of your wicked deeds to the brothers of the association?”

All the beggars were surprised and happy to see this change of events.

Mei Simang was extremely happy and shouted: “What the late master couldn’t do, has finally been realised by master Hong Lian. Guo Pianxian’s days are numbered, the late master can rest in peace now.”

Guo Pianxian’s face looked very pale but he arrogantly said: “What plans? What evidence of my wicked deeds? I don’t understand a bit.”

Hong Lianhua angrilly said: “Don’t think you can talk your way out now!”

Guo Pianxian scoffed: “What have I done wrong? You were the one who issued the execution of Mei Simang, now you regret that decision that is not my business.”

Guo Pianxian easily put the blame on Hong Lianhua and made sure he stayed out of shot.

Not even Hong Lianhua had anticipated this, he was too shocked to retort.

Guo Pianxian loudly addressed the other beggars: “Listen to my brothers! Hong Lianhua said that I used hypnotic spells. Can he present evidence that I used this sort of cheap trickery? If not he is merely slandering me.”

All the beggars looked at each other and were too surprised to speak.