Summary

 

Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua were sitting in a restaurant drinking wine and enjoying the busy streets of the city. They were glad to get out of the desert, and they were enjoying life. Ji BingYan went home to his family. And now Chu and Hu were wondering where Su RongRong, Song TianEr, Li HongXiu and Hei ZhenZhu could be.

Hu TieHua assured him with the intelligence and martial arts of the 4 girls no one can harm them. All of a sudden they noticed a young couple drinking wine. They looked very distinguished, Hu took noticed of this couple a long time. He envied this young man for having a wife who enjoys wine as her husband. The handsome young man approached Chu and Hu and asked them if they could join them. Hu agreed and the young man called his wife to join them. The young woman was beautiful, but somehow she lacked something on her face. When Chu took a closer look he saw that she didn't have any eyebrows and she just drew her own eyebrows.

When Chu looked at her, he remembered all those women in the desert killed and their eyebrows shaven off. Chu was thinking, could this woman be the "Hua Mei Niao." The young man introduced himself. He was Li YuHan and his wife was called Liu WuMei. Li asked the names of Hu and Chu. Just as Hu introduced himself, a man shouted in the restaurant: "There is master Chu, the famous heroic robber. Everyone come and see!" Hu stopped this man and asked his name and how he recognized Chu. The man said he was instructed by someone to say that, that man said he was a friend of Chu. Hu asked this bloke if he saw that mysterious man's face, he said he didn't, but he saw that the man was holding a birdcage in one hand. In it was a trush. Hu jumped up when he heard that, Chu told Hu to let him go.

Li YuHan said to Liu WuMei, she finally had the chance to meet Chu LiuXiang. They should drink to heart's content, but Liu WuMei smiled and said that Chu lost his mood, everyone was staring at him. Chu laughed and said it was better for him to go now and left. Hu followed him down and praised Li YuHan and Liu WuMei. Chu calmly retorted that Liu could be Hua Mei Niao. Hu said it was impossible and wouldn't believe it. Chu knew he couldn't convince his stubborn friend yet. As they walked out, a man came in the restaurant and asked who was Chu LiuXiang. He introduced himself as Tao ChangHua a ShaoLin disciple and wanted to pay his respects to Chu. He emphasized ShaoLin extra loud. Chu had no intention to meet this man and said to Hu: "You are very famous, everywhere you go everyone wants to meet you." Before Hu could respond, Tao and his friends all thought Hu TieHua was Chu LiuXiang and paid their respects. Suddenly Hu TieHua said to them that he was Chu, but Chu was just a petty robber and didn't deserve this much respect. Tao quickly introduced his friends, they all had names like "divine sabre, invincible fist, celestial palm, etc." Hu was secretly laughing. All these "experts" were second-rate WuLin people. Hu continued and said that Chu wasn't the best, his friend Hu TieHua was better in martial arts and after he said that he pointed at Chu. At this point, all those people rushed over to pay their respects to the famous "Hu TieHua."

Suddenly 2 black figures flew inside wearing masks. Tao ChangHua asked Hu whether they were Chu's friends. Hu said no, and said to him that he should show welcome because he was a ShaoLin disciple. Tao wanted to muster some courage but when he saw that one of the black figure picked up a brick and turned it to dust with his bare hands, he was terrified and took a few steps back. The black figure said he wanted to see how powerful ShaoLin palm techniques were. At this time, Tao fainted and one of his friends looked at Hu and thought with Chu LiuXiang here no one can harm us. One of the black figure spoke again and said that they came for Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua, the rest should stand aside. Quickly those so-called experts took their distance between Chu and Hu.

The black figures flew away, Chu and Hu followed them out. After reaching a desolate area the 2 figures stopped and removed their masks, they were Li YuHan and Liu WuMei. They prepared a lot of delicacies for Chu and Hu, they asked Chu and Hu to forgive them for their disguises. Hu thanked them for saving them from those boring WuLin people.

Chu suddenly asked whether Li YuHan was related to the Emerald Green Manor and how he addressed Li GuanYu. Li said Li GuanYu was his father. Both Chu and Hu were impressed. Everyone in WuLin knew that Li GuanYu was proclaimed the best swordsman 30 years ago during a assembly of swordsmen many years ago. His 81 Blizzard sword techniques were greatly admired by lots of martial arts experts. Li modestly thanked them and said his father was bedridden for some years now. So in his opinion Xue YiRen was now the best swordsman but the most intelligent must still be Chu LiuXiang. Li added that Chu did 2 important things this year, that was foiling NanGong Ling and WuHua's plans and saving the reputation of the Beggars Association and the ShaoLin Monastery.

Liu WuMei smiled and said when it comes to being open and aboveboard no one could match Hu TieHua. They both invited Chu and Hu to stay at the Emerald Green Manor, but Chu said he was still looking for some friends. Li said it was a shame he couldn't go, because some people were dying to see him. Hu askd who they were, Liu answered that they were 4 beautiful, intelligent, young girls with good martial arts and one of them was exceptionally bright and was well-versed in lots of different arts, her name was Su RongRong.

The next day, Chu, Hu, Li and Liu left in 3 carriages to the Emerald Green Manor. Several times Chu LiuXiang asked Li and Liu how Su RongRong and the other were staying at their place, but they just smiled and didn't answer and told Chu everything will be cleared up when they arrive at the manor.

Chu and Hu were sitting in a different carriage. After travelling for some time, they decided to rest at an inn. Chu and Hu were discussing Li and Liu's martial arts in the evening when both of them were alone in their room. Hu was impressed that Li not only mastered his father's sword techniques but also learnt the "Golden Silk" palms of the so-called deceased "Immortal Fang." This Immortal Fang didn't have any pupils of his own and was a greatly respected WuLin senior, he was also a close friend of Li GuanYu. Chu agreed but said that his wife, Liu WuMei, must be better than her husband. Her art of levitation is especially excellent. Chu frequently asked her about her teacher or family but she never really answered. According to Chu, she didn't belong to the 7 leading martial arts schools, or the 4 prominent WuLin associations and there wasn't a martial arts expert with the family name Liu. After awhile they heard some quarreling noises coming from Li YuHan and Liu WuMei's room. Hu laughed and said to Chu that even they had domestic disputes. Suddenly they heard Liu WuMei crying in pain. Hu TieHua rushed out and Chu LiuXiang followed, but the entourage of Li and Liu stayed outside and didn't enter to ask what was wrong. Both Hu and Chu found it strange could it be that their servants, maids were deaf or did they often hear the crying that they're not bother with it?

Chu and Hu heard Li YuHan and Liu WuMei arguing. Liu was telling her husband to kill her and rid herself of this torment. Li comforted her, but she said the poison was unbearable. Hu and Chu were surprised because they knew Li GuanYu possessed superb medical knowledge and knew lots of friends who were well-versed in the art of poison. So it's strange that she still suffered. Chu told Hu, it's best to return their rooms, because Liu WuMei was a proud woman, she didn't want them to see her in this state. As they walked back to their room, a bird was startled and flew away, a series of sharp objects flew at great speed towards Chu. If it wasn't for the startled bird, Chu would have died. With one fist he knocked Hu TieHua down and he himself landed on top of him. They heard a series of "ting, ting ting" sounds, numerous silver-like nails were stuck in the ground next to them. Hu said to Chu this was probably the infamous "Rainstorm Nails." But Chu already pursued the assassin.

However, it was dark and foggy at this time, Hu was afraid that Chu might be ambushed again so he quickly followed him. Unfortunately it was pitch dark and he couldn't see a thing. After taking a few steps he noticed a small silver box on the ground and picked it up to examine. All of a sudden, someone attacked him and he quickly counter attacked. He heard the voice asking: "Is that you, little Hu?" it was Chu's voice. He saw someone holding a silver box and thought this was the assassin. Chu couldn't catch this assassin due to the fog. He said this man was well-trained in the art of levitation. When Chu leapt over the wall this man was already meters ahead. Hu asked whether he could catch him, Chu joked and said he might if he wasn't too drunk.

They examined the box and concluded this device must have shot out the "Rainstorm Nails." The Rainstorm nails is said to be the king of the secretive weaponry, even that clever device made by the Stone Avalokitesvara is no match for the Rainstorm nails.

They were puzzled by the fact that the assassin would throw this precious box away. Chu commented if it wasn't for the bird, both of them would be dead now.

They saw that the candles were out in Li and Liu's room, they must be asleep now. Chu and Hu returned to their room. Hu was thirsty after an entire night of action and poured himself some wine. Chu pulled him outside to examine the nails stuck to the floor first. As they walked out, a small insect flew over the cup of wine and dropped to the floor dead, the wine was so poisonous that the fragrance was strong enough to kill. Unfortunately, Chu and Hu left the room already. Otherwise, they could see this strange situation.

27 nails were stuck in the ground, only the heads of the nails were visible. Chu and Hu were shocked to see the speed and force the nails had. Hu used a small knife to get 2 nails out and examined it. Chu warned him that the nails were very sharp and told him to be careful. Hu assured that the Rainstorm nails were not poisoned because they were dangerous enough without poison. They returned to their room, Hu asked Chu whether he wants to drink wine too. Chu declined and said he wanted to drink tea. Chu sat down and wanted to reach for the teapot, he didn't see the dead bug. Hu was bringing the cup near his mouth when suddenly Chu knocked the cup out of his hand.

Hu said what was wrong with him. Chu explained to him that his teacup was in his wrong hand and the spout of the teapot was facing a different direction. Chu explained to Hu because he lived a long time on a boat, he had acquired some habits because there was limited space on a boat. So Chu always made sure that his teacup and teapot were always put in the same way he wants. It is obvious now that someone entered their room and put poison in the teapot and hence the different layout of the teapot and teacup. If there is poison in the tea there must be poison in the wine. Chu poured the remaining tea in the wine jar and when the 2 beverages mixed they saw a green smoke emitting from this cocktail of poison. They concluded that the poisoner and the assassin were working together. Hu was afraid that Li YuHan and Liu WuMei were harmed and quickly rushed into their room.

Li YuHan apologized, saying his wife was resting. He went out and was surprised to hear what happened. He praised Chu LiuXiang's martial arts, because even the renowned martial arts expert, reverend YiChen, couldn't avoid the Rainstorm nails. Chu commented that he was just lucky. Li YuHan said he heard a lot of friends of his father talk about these nails so he knows the history behind it. According to him, the Rainstorm nails were invented by a man called Zhou ShiMing. He was the third son of one of the famous Twin Swords of HuNan. Because he had a strange disease, he couldn't learn martial arts and was confined to a wheelchair. But he was very bright and invented many ingenious machines, like wooden men that brought him food and drinks. He turned his entire room into a house full of booby traps. His 4 brothers, on the other hand, became famous martial arts experts and were known as the The 4 Righteous from JiangNan. Once he asked his brother to hire the best carpenter of China. He wanted to work on a new project. This carpenter went by the name Song. Carpenter Song and Zhou ShiMing worked on this special project 3 years. Every month, the Zhou family would give the Song family a large amount of money, so the members of the Song family were not worried about carpenter Song. 3 years later, after completion, carpenter Song could go home now and when he stepped out of the house he fell to the ground and was dead. It was said that he died because of a heart attack.

The Song family didn't dare to raise objections because the Zhou family had power and wealth. Chu commented that carpenter Song was probably the first victim of the Rainstorm nails. Days later, he asked his brothers to invite a number of martial arts experts to a banquet. Everyone invited came because of the fame of the deceased Twin Swords of HuNan and the 4 Righteous of JiangNan. During the banquet, Zhou ShiMing challenged the famous secretive weaponry artist Hou NanHui aka the Eight-Armed Celestial Monkey. Hou could simultaneously fire away 8 different kinds of secretive weaponry and he concealed numerous darts, short arrows, needles, etc. in his clothes. Hou was a close friend of the 4 Righteous and didn't want to hurt the friendship but Zhou ShiMing was very provocative and Hou had no choice but to accept the challenge. Suffice to say, Hou died at Zhou ShiMing's hands along with some other few secretive weaponry artists. Everyone could see that the nails were shot out of the silver box but no one could avoid them.

Hu commented why Zhou ShiMing's 4 brother didn't stop him from killing innocent people. Li continued and said that the 4 Righteous wanted to use this opportunity to establish and secure their position in the realm of martial arts. However, the enemies of the Zhou family feared for their lives now they had such a powerful weapon and the enemies decided to strike first and thought of all sorts of ways to kill the 4 brothers. One by one, the 4 Righteous were killed and in the end, the enemies set fire to the Zhou mansion. Zhou ShiMing died in the fire and his inventions were burnt to a crisp. The whereabouts of the Rainstorm nails were unknown. For the last few decades, this box had popped up several times and a lot of martial arts experts were killed by it or in the process of getting the box for themselves.

Li YuHan added that perhaps the assassin knew that Chu LiuXiang was too powerful and this device was useless against Chu so he tossed it away. Hu agreed with his analysis. Li asked Chu if he had an idea who was behind this, Chu said he didn't know. Liu WuMei walked in now and said that no one was capable of escaping from Chu, so they should feel assured. Hu was thirsty and the sight of a beautiful woman always wants him to reach for wine. Suddenly Chu sealed Hu's 5 acupoints.

Chu told Hu to look at his hand. Hu saw it was swollen up, it must have happened when Hu picked up those nails. Chu asked Li if he recognized this poison, Li said he didn't. Hu wanted to chop of his arm to prevent the poison from spreading. Chu said after sealing his acupoints he prevented the poison from spreading for the next 2 hours. Suddenly Liu WuMei told her husband how he could forget the senior with 7 fingers. Li told his wife he remembered now. They met this senior with 7 fingers at the Ancient Pine Manor. He was still drinking wine with uncle "Xiong." He was probably still there. Hu asked them who this man with 7 fingers was and uncle Xiong. Li said that uncle Xiong was his father's friend but wasn't a WuLin man. The seven-fingered man was a famous WuLin senior, but because he encountered something tragic, he didn't want his name revealed.

They said they would go and ask this man for help and the Ancient Pine Manor wasn't far from here. Hu said Chu will accompany them. When they turned their heads they saw Chu sitting on the bed panting heavily and looked awfully pale. Liu WuMei diagnosed that Chu must have caught a cold and because of his extreme fatigue. The illness is very serious, Hu also knew that martial arts experts were hardly ill but when they were ill it is very serious even lethal. He was worried sick, when he wanted to chop his arm of he wasn't a bit worried but now he was. Hu insisted that they would heal Chu first, Chu said that Hu's condition was worse. Both had the best thing for each other. Liu WuMei said she had some medicine, it would lighten Chu's condition but he must not use martial arts of strain himself for the time being. Li said that was the best solution, Chu would take this medicine first and after they got the antidote for Hu they would concentrate on Chu.

Hu TieHua was feeling very anxious the entire day. He wondered who this man was with the 7 fingers. Chu and Hu only knew of a famous thief with the description, aka The seven-fingered thief, but he got this name because he had 2 extra fingers on one hand, so in fact he had 12 fingers. Chu asked them whether Hu thought that Li and Liu were lying to them. Hu didn't understand why Chu said that, the only thing he wanted was that they would hurry back. In the night, it was raining so it was difficult to distinguish any sounds. All of a sudden, a window opened and a pair of eyes looked at them and ran off. It was just a black cat. Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua were famous martial arts experts, they never thought they would be startled by a mere cat.

After awhile, Chu fell asleep. Hu thought they were defenseless in this state and he remembered the Rainstorm nails. He picked up the silver box. At least now they had some means of protection, he put the nails back in the box.

Again the cat came again and was staring. Hu wanted to wave and chase the cat away but somehow the cat flew and landed on the table. The cat was breathing heavily and was about to die. There was a note attached to the cat.

It said the following:
"Chu LiuXiang, Chu LiuXiang, don't you think you are almost in the same pitiful state as this cat? Do you still want to live on?"

Hu TieHua was furious when he read this note, he wanted to curse them but was afraid he would wake Chu. Hu knew that the killers were aware that Chu was ill and know they were challenging him. Hu glanced at Chu for a moment and picked up the silver box and rushed outside. Hu would rather face the enemy right in the face. He called the killer for a fight. Hu heard a voice telling him that he was over here and was waiting. Hu heard where this voice was coming from and rushed over to that direction. The killer fled, while Hu chased him. Hu told him to stand still and fight this out. The killer laughed and said he was just in front of Hu, if he caught up with him they would fight. After chasing the killer for awhile, Hu decided to jump towards the killer with all his might. But when he did this, he bumped into an old noodle vendor, overturning his car with bowls, noodles and soup. After raining, the road was already slippery but now with the spilled soup, it was even more impossible for Hu to stand up. The killer stood still and laughed at Hu. Hu got up and wanted to run over and hit the man but the old vendor grabbed Hu's hand telling him to pay for the damage. Hu wanted to swing away his grip, but he noticed the old man had a powerful grip and with 5 of his acupoints sealed he couldn't use extra force. Hu knew that this old man was a martial arts expert too. He thought this old vendor was in cahoots with the killer and now he would surely die here. But the old man whispered in his ears: "I will help you, he can't escape."

The old man continued to yell at Hu telling him to pay. All of a sudden, the old man threw Hu towards the killer and before he could react Hu yelled at him that the killer will recognize what he was holding. The killer didn't move. Hu asked him why he wanted to kill Chu. The killer said he had no motive. Hu asked him if he was following orders from someone. The killer said he wasn't. Hu wanted to remove the killer's black veil to reveal his identity. The killer laughed and told Hu if he wanted to be ungrateful he should go ahead. He reminded Hu that someone saved him from the Stone Avalokitesvara's disciples, who gave him the anti-dote. Hu was surprised and asked him if he was the "Hua Mei Niao." The killer just hmmd, and said that if he really wanted Chu and Hu dead, he would have let them die a long time ago. He added if Hu wants to be ungrateful he should use the Rainstorm nails to kill him. Hu TieHua sighed and told him to go now, the killer quickly fled.

The old man praised Hu TieHua by saying during the 3 kingdoms period, general Guan Yu let Cao Cao go at the Hau Rong Road. Now Hu TieHua did a similar thing. Hu TieHua thanked the old man for his help. The old man told Hu his name, this old man was none other than Dai DuXing, an elder from the Beggars Association. Hu heard of him before, he was a respected WuLin senior, wherever injustice was done he would rush to that place and rectify the wrongs did to poor innocent people. So almost every villain in WuLin was afraid of this old man. He told Hu he was here for a purpose. He wanted to thank Chu LiuXiang for his help for protecting the reputation of the Beggars Association and foiling NanGong Ling's evil plans. Hu said that Chu and Dai DuXing were both busybody who like to interfere with other people's hidden agendas. Dai laughed and asked Hu who that strange man was. Hu said he was called Hua Mei Niao and asked whether Dai heard of him before. Dai said he didn't, perhaps it was a martial arts expert who used this fake name to conceal his identity. But he was puzzled by the fact that this man led Hu here for a purpose, but what? Then it dawned to Hu, they were leading him away from the inn and Chu. Hu quickly rushed back.

Chu LiuXiang was alone in the room, still asleep. A man in a black robe sneaked in and drew his sword and pointed it at Chu's chest. Hu was running like hell to get back, his face was all wet by rain, sweat and tears of anxiety.

The black-robed man stabbed his sword. In the nick of time, Chu avoided the sword and grabbed the man's wrist. The man took a close look, Chu looked healthier than ever--he wasn't ill at all! Chu sealed the man's acupoint and told the man he was expecting him. Chu told the man he wasn't ill but he had some burning questions for him, for example, who he was. The man sighed and said that Chu LiuXiang was indeed a formidable man, he said that Chu could anything to him. Chu asked him why he wanted him dead, did he take orders from someone? The man said yes and wanted to say who the mastermind was but before he could say so, a small metallic sharp object pierced through him. He only said: "It..... is......it...is...."

Chu LiuXiang quickly asked: "Who is it?"

The man fell to the floor and died. Chu LiuXiang heard Li YuHan asking if he was alright. Liu WuMei and Li YuHan entered the room and they said they were fortunate to return just in time. Chu sighed and said they were indeed very fortunate to arrive at the right moment.

Liu WuMei apologized for being so rash to kill the man, she said when she saw a dark figure in Chu's room she was afraid that Chu couldn't deal with him in his sickly state. Chu said it wasn't her fault. Li smiled and said they never knew that Chu would recover so fast. Chu, Li, and Liu never saw this man before when they examined the corpse. Li picked up the sword of the assassin, Chu recognized the sword. Yi DianHong uses this type of sword too, he concluded that this man must be a martial arts brother of Yi DianHong. They examined his clothes and found he had a banknote worth 200,000 taels of silver with him and a bronze tablet. It was obvious that someone paid him to kill Chu. Liu said they could follow the trail of the banknotes. Chu said that would be useless, the mastermind wouldn't use his own identity to withdraw money from the bank. But Chu concluded this mastermind must be very rich, otherwise, he couldn't just take out 200,000 taels of silver, so there aren't many people with that much wealth. Li remained silent and suddenly asked Chu what he could make out of the bronze tablet. Chu saw that on one side there were markings of 13 swords surrounding a hand and on the other side there was a number, namely 8.

Liu and Li concluded that this man and Yi DianHong must belong to a band of assassins, that are trained and controlled only to kill. This man must be the eighth assassin and Yi DianHong must be their number 1 killer. Liu commented that those "swords" were frightening, but even more must be that hand. Chu didn't speak, he felt sorry for Yi DianHong. Now he also understood why he ran off when he decided not to kill anymore. He must running away from that "hand." Liu WuMei smiled and said that hand will be in trouble soon, because Chu LiuXiang is bound to track him down. Chu said he wasn't planning to do so and wants pays his respects to Li GuanYu first and this hand will eventually look for him, so he await his arrival.

Li YuHan asked Chu where Hu TieHua was. Chu said he stormed out some time ago. Liu and Li wanted to look for him now, but Chu said that wasn't necessary because he heard his voice already.

Indeed, they could hear Hu TieHua talking to another man. The other man asked Hu if this was the right place, Hu said it was and leapt over the wall and was thrilled to see Chu alright and Li YuHan and Liu WuMei' return.

The voice outside asked if Chu was alright. Chu answered he was fine and asked the man to come in. The man declined and Chu asked why. The man said when he entered, he will have to thank Chu and kowtow perhaps, with his age, it would be very embarrassing to do that. The man added that he will speak to Chu soon when he was alone. Before Chu could react he was gone already. Chu asked Hu who this man was and why did he want to thank Chu. Hu said that Chu didn't help him directly but helped the Beggars Association. Chu asked whether this man was a disciple of the Beggars Association. Hu said not a disciple but an elder, even Ren Ci was his junior. Chu asked whether this elder was the famous Dai DuXing aka the Lonesome Wanderer. Hu said it was Dai DuXing indeed and Hu said he met the mysterious Hua Mei Niao too. Before Hu could speak, Chu put something in his mouth and said he should first just take the antidote that Li YuHan and Liu WuMei had obtained with difficulty.

The next day, when they were travelling again, Chu and Hu were sitting in their carriage. Hu was annoyed by the fact that Chu didn't let him tell Li and Liu what happened last night. Chu said calmly that perhaps they were now discussing how much Chu knew of their plans. Hu asked him what plans, Chu answered plans to kill him. Hu was very annoyed and said that these people helped him, invited them to their house and why would they plot against them. Chu explained to Hu if Su RongRong and the others were at the Green Emerald Manor, why are Li and Liu still out here roaming about. And their so-called "coincidence" meeting them, if they were really looking for Chu and Hu, why didn't they just say so. Furthermore, no one knew about Chu's illness except Chu, Hu, Li and Liu how come the assassin would come that very same night? And Li and Liu came back just before the assassin could reveal the identity of the mastermind and killed him.

Hu asked what about the man who lured him away that was Hua Mei Niao, was he in cahoots with Li and Liu? Chu said by this time they should know that Hua Mei Niao is just an alias and it could be that Hua Mei Niao is their alias. Hu retorted even if it was so, Hua Mei Niao didn't have any ill intentions. Chu said that this was a way to cover herself up, in the event that she fails, Chu will not harm her because she saved his life and that of his friends. Hu said why he was that suspicious of her, Chu said he had his reasons. Hu retorted that at least they could not be responsible for the Rainstorm nails because they were in their room. Chu asked Hu if he saw them in their room, because they assumed Li and Liu were in there. When Li and Liu were talking, Liu made sounds of agony that could fool people into believing that they were in their room. Hu didn't speak, Chu said he only deducted the main plot of their plans.

They could have tricked, forced Su RongRong and the others to the Emerald Green Manor. But Hu asked, even if Li and Liu were the Hua Mei Niao how could they know where the Stone Avalokitesvara lived and why did they want to kill Chu? Chu said these were 2 points that he hadn't figured out either.

Hu was concerned now, and said if this was true, they must have something waiting for Chu at the Emerald Green Manor. Hu was slowly beginning to believe Chu's theory, and understood that they didn't want to ruin the reputation of the Emerald Green Manor and used the Rainstorm nails to try and kill Chu. When they failed they were afraid that Chu knew they had this weapon and threw it away. Also, only the famous Li family could obtain the Rainstorm nails and only they could afford to hire an assassin with 200,000 taels of silver.

Hu laughed and said they didn't succeed and they even lost 200,000 taels of silver and the Rainstorm nails to Chu. Chu smiled and said he rather have the 200,000 taels of silver. Both of them laughed and forgot all about the danger that awaited them and the fact that if they died in the Emerald Green Manor the money and the precious silver box will return to their previous owners. But somehow Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua seemed to be unfamiliar with the concept of danger.

They were nearing the Emerald Green Manor. They saw a group of young girls playing. Hu said to Chu that these young girls would be very good martial arts experts if they learned martial arts. Chu said that was true. Suddenly a young girl ran up to Chu and Hu's carriage and presented them flowers and asked them to buy these fragrant flowers. Hu smiled and asked her if they were really that fragrant. The girl asked him to smell them to be sure. Before Hu could hold the flowers and smell them, Chu snatched them away from the girl saying there were a lot of thorns. The girl giggled and said there weren't any thorns. Chu said if that's true he would buy them, unfortunately, he didn't know any pretty girls to wear the flowers and wanted to hurl the flowers back to her. The girl leapt backwards and fled. Hu TieHua asked him why he did that. Chu said if he didn't she would have killed him. He shredded the petals of the flowers and there were 10 odd black needles concealed in the petals. Hu said to Chu those must be poisonous needles but how did he see them. Chu commented it was fortunate that he saw something was amiss. If she gently threw those flowers, both of them would be dead now. He said he found it odd that a poor young girl like her who sold flowers had such soft hands. Usually these poor girls had to gather flowers during the day and help out with the domestic chores at home and she spoke fluent Chinese with no local accent. Hu praised Chu for his keen eyes and sharp perception. He asked Chu if this girl was sent by Li YuHan and Liu WuMei. Chu said it probably was, because Su province was the territory of the Li family. Both men laughed at the face of danger.

They have reached Tiger hill, the Emerald Green Manor is not far away anymore. Li YuHan and Liu WuMei were very amicable during the entire trip. They were acting like tour guides and explaining some of the local famous places to Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua.

When they reached a lake, Chu commented that this was probably the Lake of Swords. This was also the place where Li GuanYu held the great assembly 20 odd years ago. While admiring the scenery, Chu said he would have like to be here when Li GuanYu was holding the great gathering sampling tea and discussing martial arts.

Suddenly an old man sighed and said that the scenery hadn't changed but the people have. Chu and Hu turned around and saw an old man drinking tea. Chu asked if he was one of the swordsmen present that time. The old man said he was, but now he was old and feeble. Chu and Hu knew that the invited swordsmen were all top martial arts experts at that time, and now, after all these years, they must be even more powerful. It couldn't be a coincidence that this old martial arts expert would visit this place now, they assumed he must be waiting for someone. Hu asked his name, the old man said he was Shuai YiFan. Chu and Hu had heard of him before he was a famous swordsman and got the nickname "Star Plucking Scholar." Shuai YiFan laughed heartily, causing the leaves to fall of the trees and told Chu LiuXiang to join him for tea. Chu and Hu knew that Shuai was waiting for Chu and Li YuHan and Liu WuMei were nowhere to be seen.

Chu sighed and smiled and told Shuai he was willing to drink tea but discuss swordsmanship he wasn't.... Chu was interrupted by Shuai before he could finish his sentence. Shuai said in a stern voice that although he was old, his sword wasn't and drew his sword. It was a magnificent weapon. The blade looked like crystal clear water. Chu could feel the sword's energy even though he was standing a few meters away. Hu praised the sword. Shuai said this sword hadn't be drawn for almost 30 years and now it saw the light again and Chu should feel proud. Chu asked Shuai whether someone asked him to kill Chu LiuXiang.

Shuai YiFan said he guessed right and asked him to draw his weapon. Chu leapt up high in the sky and broke a long twig off the tree and landed again. Shuai YiFan was very impressed by Chu's art of levitation. He got his nickname "Star Plucking Scholar" because of his superb art of levitation but even he could not accomplish what Chu just did. Chu raised the long twig, there were still some leaves stuck to it and told Shuai YiFan he was ready.

Shuai asked him: "Is this your weapon?"

Chu said: "It is."

Shuai angrily said: "Impudent youngster, even Li GuanYu didn't have the nerves to be this disrespectful to me."

Chu said calmly: "I don't mean any disrespect."

Shuai angrily asked: "Then what's the meaning of this?"

Chu replied with a smile: "If you know how to use an item, every thing in this world can be lethal weapon. But if you lack the superior martial arts, than having a precious weapon will be useless in a battle. Being a WuLin senior, you must be familiar with this theory, right?"

Hu TieHua was secretly laughing.

Shuai YiFan took a few steps forward, and Hu was shocked. It seemed that Shuai had become one with his sword and emitted a very powerful lethal energy.

Hu was getting worried now, he felt the energy of the sword pressing against himself, and for Chu LiuXiang this must be even worse. Suddenly, Chu leapt up into the sky. Shuai followed. It seemed that his sword could follow Chu's every maneuver. Chu looked like a soaring dragon, but Chu started to descend. Chu raised the twig and the leaves flew towards Shuai. Shuai whirled his sword to protect him. By this time, Hu saw that the sword was almost swallowing Chu LiuXiang and those leaves were shattered into oblivion by the sword's energy. Chu was flung away. Both of them landed, Shuai's sword energy was also gone. He stood there still, it seemed that he was now turned into a blunt sabre. Hu saw that the bark of Chu's twig was gone, shattered by the energy generated by Shuai YiFan.

Chu praised Shuais' swordsmanship and Shuai called out a few times "good" and tossed his sword into the Lake of Swords.

Chu said that he just was lucky to avoid the sword of Shuai, besides, he couldn't defeat him so.... Shuai interrupted him and told him not to speak. Chu was silent. Shuai stood still for awhile and turned his back and walked away.

Chu sighed saying that the grandeur of WuLin seniors was indeed extraordinary. Shuai heard his comment and turned around and praised Chu saying that Chu could remain so respectful even after winning. With juniors like Chu, seniors like himself were redundant. He asked Chu why Li GuanYu wanted him dead. Chu said there were no grudges between him and Li GuanYu. Shuai said that Li saved his life once and he was willing to put down his own life for Li. That's why he came here to try to kill after retiring from WuLin all these years. Chu said he understood, Shuai again said a few times good and left without a trace.

Chu sighed and said that seniors like Shuai are becoming fewer and fewer. Chu commented that Li GuanYu was willing to do everything for his son and daughter-in-law.

Hu asked Chu how he won this battle. Chu explained that Shuai's energy was very powerful, he used the leaves to distract the energy of the sword. Shuai concentrated his energy on those few places of the sword and because of that, other places were left unguarded. So when the energy was busy shattering the leaves, Chu used the twig to attack him. Although the attack was successful, he was forced away by the strong energy. Chu said it was a dangerous move because one wrong calculation and he would have died. Although Chu's attack was successful, he could harm Shuai a bit. But with his powerful energy broken, he could not immediately launch such an attack again, so if he decided to attack again they would have to see whose stances, techniques were better. And Chu added that no one could beat the Stone Avalokitesvara when it comes to stances and techniques so if Shuai YiFan would fight the Stone Avalokitesvara he would surely lose. Also, Shuai hasn't mastered to fully control the swords' energy and use it in his stances if he could do so, he would be invincible.

Chu and Hu moved on and after walking for some time they saw a red lantern hanging in the sky. It looked very strange. Chu and Hu decided to investigate it. They reached an abandoned pagoda. The place looked spooky, especially in the night with only a red lantern hanging from it. On the highest story, there were some characters. Chu and Hu couldn't read them because of the distance. Chu told Hu he would go up and take a look, Chu leapt up and reached the top story and read the characters, it said:

"Chu LiuXiang will perish here."

Chu was shocked to read it and wanted to come down. Suddenly a large net dropped on him. It was made from iron and gold wires. It descended with tremendous speed and was about to trap Chu, but Chu always kept a distance. Suddenly a spear was thrust towards his knees. Chu was shocked but he quickly used his palm to hit the roof of the 5th story to avoid the thrust but the net caught up with him and Chu was trapped. The spear caught the net and Chu was hung out to dry. Hu TieHua quickly leapt up to save Chu. Chu told him to be careful, because these 2 were easy to deal with. Suddenly a large figure descended down on Hu, Hu knew he couldn't avoid and drew a his short sabre and counter attacked. This sort of action would lead to the death of both parties, and true martial arts experts would not lower themselves to these actions. However, sometimes such techniques could be used to change the situation of a battle to one's favor.

The dark and big figure was very quick and avoided Hu's blow and the other man withdrew his spear causing the net with Chu in it to fall towards Hu.

Chu bumped into Hu, and Hu fainted because of the force Chu came down. Hu gradually woke up and Chu was still lying on top of him in the net. He saw the 2 attackers. One was an old midget and the other was an old sturdy big woman. Hu asked them who they were, the old man asked Hu to look at his bald head. Hu remembered someone wufa (No hair), he was the (in)famous WuFa WuTian (defy all laws human and divine) DuGou Weng (The Old Dog Butcher) and his wife Heavely Nets and Earthly Snares Du YuPo (Old Fishing Grandmother Du).

There were all sorts of legends, stories concerning these 2, but everyone knows one thing: one should not antagonize them because you would surely pay the consequences. Hu TieHua scoffed saying if he lost in a fair fight he wouldn't have anything to say. He said that DuGou Weng wasn't a true hero. DuGou Weng laughed and said the most important thing was bringing your opponent down. Hu was concerned about Chu because he didn't move. DuGou Weng said he sealed Chu's acupoints and was standing in front of Chu laughing.

Chu suddenly grabbed his feet and pulled him down. DuGou Weng was too shocked to know what happened. His wife wanted to rush forward to help but Chu told her to stand down if she valued her husband's life. She stood still and looked very concerned, for she loved her husband a lot. Du Gou Weng was cursing that Chu used underhanded tricks and wasn't a true hero. Chu smiled and said the most important thing was to bring your opponent down. DuGou Weng was stunned by this remark, and Hu TieHua was laughing out loud and crawled out under Chu. Chu said when one of his acupoints was sealed he could still move his body a bit, and he moved it so that when Hu bumped into him his other acupoints would unseal his acupoints. DuGou Weng said in a cold tone that Chu LiuXiang was indeed a man with many ideas and quick resourcefulness. Du YuPo pleaded that they were just trying to repay Li GuanYu's favor. DuGou Weng told Chu to kill him, otherwise, he will never let this matter rest. Chu said what if he didn't. Du YuPo was very anxious and told her husband to keep quiet, if he continued this provocative talk Chu really might kill him. DuGou Weng said if he died, they would continue their marriage in a different life time. Hu TieHua said that Chu was a true gentleman and he would certainly not kill them. DuGou Weng said if he didn't kill him they will regret it someday.

DuGou Weng and Du YuPo left, and they will never roam the realm again. Both Chu and Hu praised the love that was still there after all these years.

After a series of attacks, Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua finally reached the Emerald Green Manor. Li YuHan and Liu WuMei came out to greet them and said they were very worried that Chu and Hu would get lost here and added they were just about to look for them. Chu thought that the most important thing was to meet up with Su RongRong, Li HongXiu, Song TianEr and Hei ZhenZhu. Li said everything in due time and smiled. They led Chu and Hu to the main hall and saw an old man sitting in an armchair. That must be the famous Li GuanYu, he was looking sickly and looked at his precious sword that was in front of him. Chu sighed and thought this was the famous swordsman 30 years ago. Now he was just sitting there waiting for death to come by. Li introduced Chu and Hu to his father. The old man didn't even move when he heard the names. Li apologized on behalf of his father, Chu and Hu said it was understandable. Hu said that they didn't want to disturb Li GuanYu and wanted to go to another place to ask Li YuHan and Liu WuMei about their intentions. Both Chu and Hu were not willing to say nasty words in front of an old man, respecting your elders is something that every WuLin person is supposed to uphold.

Li quickly said his father didn't like to be alone and he asked Chu and Hu to stay and keep his father company. Chu and Hu couldn't decline such a request. Li GuanYu now looked sad and anxious somehow. Li YuHan frowned and put his ear near his father's mouth and said he understood now. Li YuHan told Chu that his father had something to say to them.

Li YuHan said the following, Li GuanYu had specialized himself in swordsmanship for many years and had discovered 2 interesting points. The fist one was he found something very strange about the 2 most famous sword styles of the last few decades. The Heretic Sect had a sword style named "The 9 Soul-Fearing Disorientated Myriad of Excellence." Although it only had 9 stances, those 9 stances could become 729 techniques. Every technique was skilled and refined even better than "The 2 Poles Swordsmanship" of the WuDang School (2 poles are Yin and Yang). Everyone knew "The 2 Poles Swordsmanship" of WuDang, but "The 9 Soul-Fearing Disorientated Myriad of Excellence" was relatively unknown. But it was not because more people saw "The 2 Poles swordsmanship". It is because only a selected group of WuDang disciples with the right level of martial arts could learn this style. The reason was that no one could master the 9 stances and all the changes of those 9 stances of "The 9 Soul-Fearing Disorientated Myriad of Excellence" and the learners will use what they learnt to roam about giving people the impression that this style is not so good and the disciples of the Heretic Sect are often unrighteous women and men so they will never reach the highest level of martial arts.

Chu suddenly talked to Li and Liu, telling them if a man or woman is sincere in his actions he will always have the self-confidence to win the battle. Liu said that she heard that Chu had this self-confidence and that is why he always won every duel he had ever encountered.

Chu calmly commented that the reason why he had this confidence was that he had never done anything wrong to anyone in his life. If he did do something evil, he would have been defeated a long time ago, regardless of how good his martial arts was.

Before Liu could react, Li quickly said that the famous hero Tie ZhongTang was a good example. When Tie ZhongTang battled the leader of the Heretic Sect DuGu Can, everyone thought he would lose this battle. Tie ZhongTang was only 30 years old, so when it comes to internal strength, DuGu Can had more powerful energy. The stances, techniques of the TieXue DaQi School were not so refined and spectacular as the Heretic Sect. In the end, they both fought for 3 days and 3 nights, Tie ZhongTang was injured on 13 different places and his robe was drenched in blood. But in the end, he used his "Little Constellation Palm" to hit DuGu Can on the chest causing DuGu Can's heart veins to snap and killing him. DuGu Can never thought he would lose. (*FOR DETAILS READ GU LONG'S NOVEL DA QI YING XIONG ZHUAN/ The Heroes of the DaQi School)

Hu TieHua commented that if he could meet the Tie ZhongTang, the hero, he would invite Tie to drink to his heart's content for 3 days in a row.

Li continued telling the findings of his father. The second point was there wasn't an invincible sword formation in the world. The QuanZhen School had the "The Big Dipper Formation" and the WuDang School had "The 8 Trigrams Formation". According to Li GuanYu's research, no great martial arts expert ever died in "The 8 Trigrams Formation". Of course, numerous martial arts expert died at the hands of WuDang Taoist priests. The reason was that it's very difficult to find 8 martial arts experts to fill up the positions of the formation. If there is only a small difference in the level of martial arts of the experts the adversary could use that as a weak spot to break the formation. And the 8 experts must have a good team coordination, if not, there is another flaw in the formation. The current WuDang School will have difficulty finding 8 experts of the same level. Hu commented saying at least WuDang have 5 experts of the same level.

Li YuHan said Hu was correct. The leader of the WuDang School and the 4 Guardian Elders were very suitable, but they were still missing 3 experts and if they asked their disciples, the formation will be weakened and WuDang will also not ask the help of other experts to fill up the empty spots. Also, the leaders of WuDang will never participate in the formation. It would have a bad influence on their reputation. Hu said the findings of Li GuanYu were very accurate. Li said his father invented a formation for 6 experts but he is very sad for not being able to see this formation against a top martial arts expert. Chu asked who were suitable to fill up the 6 positions. Li was thinking for a moment. Chu asked if Shuai YiFan was suitable, Li said he would be most suitable. But Li added that thanks to his father's fame and friendship, he was finally able to invite 6 top swordsmen to fill up the positions. But now they needed a top martial arts expert with incredible intelligence, resourcefulness and with a record of defeating countless martial arts experts.

Chu LiuXiang remained calm and smiled. He asked who was in Li YuHan's opinion suitable for this role. Li YuHan said in his opinion there was only one man who fits this description and that man was CHU LIUXIANG.

Will Chu survive this sword formation?

* * *

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?

* * *

Chu LiuXiang felt a hand in the water, someone sealed one of his acupoints. When he opened his eyes he saw Gong NanYan smiling evilly. He saw he was back in Yin Ji's quarters and Yin Ji was here too and looked like before, cold and indifferent. Gong coldly said that no one can be victorious in the Divine Water Palace, not even the famous Chu LiuXiang. She asked him if he had anything to say. He said he had nothing to say now. Gong smiled haughtily and asked Yin Ji what they should do to him. Yin Ji told her that Gong was the one who captured him so she can decide what Chu's fate is. Gong NanYan laughed evilly and said that was fine too and walked towards Chu. Suddenly Yin Ji asked Gong whether she would use the same method against Chu as she did with Hong NiangZi.

Gong NanYan was stunned and she asked if Chu told her that. Yin Ji told her that she didn't expect anyone to see her secret. Chu saw that Gong NanYan's hands were shaking. After awhile, Gong recovered a bit and said loudly that she killed Hong NiangZi and if she was wrong, Yin Ji was welcome to kill her. Gong turned to Chu and said that he should die too for spying. She was about to strike Chu, but suddenly she flew up and bumped into the wall. At this time Yin Ji stood up. No one saw her getting up.

Gong NanYan never dreamt that Yin Ji would harm her, she was crying and asked Yin Ji why she struck her down. Yin Ji asked her why she could kill him, Gong asked who she meant Chu LiuXiang or Hong NiangZi? Yin Ji remained silent but Chu saw her hands shaking. Gong NanYan yelled that Yin Ji only loved Hong NiangZi, she was just a replacement for him. She continued that Yin Ji killed him to avenge him, but she asked Yin Ji if she knew why she killed Hong NiangZi. Yin Ji sighed and said she knew the reason. Gong asked if she knew why... Yin Ji interrupted her and said that if Gong didn't kill him, probably she would have done it herself. But when Gong killed him she would kill Gong to avenge Hong. No one was allowed to kill Hong NiangZi.

Gong NanYan understood and told Yin Ji not to forget who saved her. Yin Ji said she didn't forget and said that she would bury Gong with glory. Gong NanYan was silent for a few moments and then she said she understood another reason why Yin Ji struck her. She said that Yin Ji probably didn't want anyone to know that someone helped her in the battle with Chu LiuXiang. If she was dead, no one will ever know Yin Ji lost to Chu.

Yin Ji sighed and told Gong she always was a smart girl but sometimes a bit too smart. Gong NanYan faintly said that she herself didn't know whether she was smart or foolish. After saying that she closed her eyes and shall never open them again.

It remained very silent in the room. Yin Ji turned to Chu and asked him if he thought she killed Gong to keep her secret. Chu said that he believed Yin Ji wasn't such a person. Because Gong was that kind of person, she believed that Yin Ji would do such a thing. Yin Ji stared into the blank and said that Chu wasn't that sort of person, so he believed that Yin Ji wasn't that kind of person either.

Yin Ji knew that if Chu LiuXiang was really a cold-blooded man he would have killed her. Yin Ji asked him why he lost. Chu said it didn't matter anymore if he knew or did not know. Yin Ji said that he was too benevolent and that's why he lost today.

Chu asked her if she was ever benevolent.

Yin Ji scoffed and said she didn't even have a heart, how can she be benevolent? Chu LiuXiang thought all hope was gone now, but Yin Ji said to him that she lost everything now, so his life meant nothing to her. She said she was even too tired to even kill him. She unsealed Chu's acupoint. Chu asked if she was... Yin Ji interrupted him and said what she thought was of no concern of his and he should leave now before she changed her mind. She called out for a disciple and told this girl to Chu to the other prisoners and release them all.

Chu bowed to her and thanked her deeply. Yin Ji closed her eyes and looked like a monk in meditation. Chu knew that she will probably never wake up again.

The stone door to her quarters came down, sealing the room off from the rest of the world and sealing off her life. Chu LiuXiang felt melancholic about Yin Ji's death. The disciple looked in awe at Chu LiuXiang, she hadn't had a clue who this handsome man was and his relationship with her teacher. Chu sighed and walked behind the girl.

Before long, he saw Hu TieHua, Dai DuXing and Huang LuZhi walking towards him. Chu and Hu both asked the same question together: "How come you're here?" Both men laughed when they heard the same question, they were very happy to see each other again.

Hu TieHua asked Chu what happened to him, Chu said that his story was very long and said that Hu should tell his story first.

Hu looked at Dai and Huang and smiled wryly and said they weren't a match for the Matriarch of Water and if it wasn't for Su RongRong's aunt, they would be dead by now. Chu asked if she freed them. Hu said that Su's aunt and another disciple were sent to interrogate them. The other disciple wanted to torture them, but Su's aunt stopped her and said they should not use such awful methods. The other disciple became angry and accused Su's aunt of collaboration and said some very nasty things. Su's aunt lost her tolerance and sealed one of her acupoints. Chu was surprised that Su's aunt risked something like this.

Hu said that they were surprised too when they saw this because it is commonly known that the rules set by the Divine Water Palace were very strict. Especially helping the enemy and lying to the keeper. Su's aunt released Hu, Dai and Huang and told them to look for Chu because she feared for Chu's life. Chu quickly asked what happened to Su's aunt. Hu sighed and said that she told them to take care of her eldest martial arts sister from time to time. Her sister was the nun at the PuTi convent. Because she broke the rules once, she severely punished for it. Chu said that Su's aunt must be afraid to suffer the same punishment as her eldest martial arts sister so she decided to take her own life.

Hu said that he was afraid of that too, when they walked out of the room. The stone door closed and when they turned their heads to help it was too late. The stone door was sealed and she wouldn't answer or open the door again. Chu sighed and said silently that Yin Ji and her disciples were very proud people. They wouldn't let other people see how they die. Hu didn't understand Chu, but said he was very thankful.

After awhile, Chu asked where Su RongRong was. Hu said that she told them the location of the Divine Water Palace and she herself went to the PuTi convent to meet up with Li HongXiu, Song TianEr and the others. Hu said that Su was not worried for a bit, she said that Chu was able to overcome any danger he encountered. Dai smiled and said that she advised them not to pick a fight but when they came to this place they forgot her advice.

Huang LuZhi approached Chu and asked if Chu knew where his friend was. And said that Chu probably knew who his friend really was. Chu said he knew about his friend's past and felt sorry for him, but unfortunately he was.. Huang became very pale and asked if "he" was dead. Chu only sighed. Huang said that although Hong NiangZi deserved to die for his crimes but now Huang just wanted to know who killed him. Chu said that the killer was dead now, Yin Ji avenged him already. Chu added that they were finally together again as a family and told Huang he needn't be sad. Huang said Chu was right, with the things Hong NiangZi did in his prime. Heaven was not too cruel towards him. By this time, Huang had tears in his eyes.

Chu was worried now, because Su and the others were still not here. He turned towards the disciple of Yin Ji and asked her name. The disciple was listening to their conversation with awe, she was very surprised now. And hesitantly said her name was Nan Ping. Chu gently asked her if she could guide them to the PuTi Convent. Nan Ping was hesitant and said she didn't receive orders from her teacher to take them there. Chu told her not to worry and said her teacher will not blame her. Nan Ping stood there not knowing what to do, Chu gently held her hand and softly pulled her and said: "Let's go."

Nan Ping blushed and wanted to struggle loose but didn't and wanted to say something but didn't say. She just followed him.

Hu shook his head and said no matter what kind of girl she is, she cannot resist that smelly old insect. He just didn't understand. Dai smiled and said it was very simple. Hu asked if Chu had some sort of spell over these girls, why can't he see it? Dai laughed and said if Hu saw, there would be trouble then.

After some time, Nan Ping told them that this was PuTi convent. It was one of the many entrances of the Divine Water Palace. If anyone needs a favor they can also see her eldest martial arts sister, the old nun. Nan Ping said although she looked fierce, she really is a very kind-hearted woman. Nan Ping felt very secure near Chu, Chu still held her hand and she didn't even struggle to get loose.

They arrived near the entrance of the PuTi convent they saw that it was the same as Liu WuMei told them. Nan Ping walked up to a rock and knocked at a ring, she explained that her eldest martial arts sister was always in the convent and if she heard the noise she would open the entrance. But after some time, no one opened it. Hu asked Nan what her martial arts sister did wrong. She was not very willing to talk about it and said she wasn't sure. Hu asked if they could open it, Nan said the entrance can only be opened from the other side. Hu suddenly thought of something and said that her eldest martial arts sister was deaf and dumb so she can't hear them. Nan said she could, but Hu found it strange and asked if she could read lips then. Nan said her eldest martial arts sister was blind too. Hu was completely lost now. Nan Ping tried again but no response either, Chu put his ear to the wall but couldn't hear anything. Dai gave him a metal bowl and said using that would help. And Chu heard some faint noises, a man was talking it wasn't Li YuHan's voice.

Chu and Hu were very anxious and Hu asked if there was another way. Nan said they had to make a detour and that would take hours. Chu figured out that Li HongXiu and Song TianEr were sleeping because of the tea with a sleeping potion in it. And a group of people were after the girls. The old nun must have stopped them and the enemies must have put an ultimatum. Hu asked why the nun didn't open the entrance, Chu said that she couldn't let other people see the entrance while enemies were lurking about. Nan Ping looked at Chu, her eyes were filled with praise and admiration. Chu said this was mere his deduction, he could be wrong. Nan said softly that Chu must be right and she said that they should be worried because her eldest martial arts sister had the best martial arts of all the disciples.

But Hu said that these were not ordinary people and if she was really capable in defeating them, she would have done so already. Dai asked Chu if he had any idea who these men were, Chu guessed that they must be in cahoots with Liu WuMei. Hu suddenly thought of something and rang the mechanism again but this time extremely hard. Everyone could hear the sound very clearly. Hu did this so that those men can guess where the entrance to the Divine Water Palace was. And if they know where it was, the nun didn't have to protect that secret anymore. And no sooner said than done the entrance was opened.

It was an old Buddhist shrine, the yellow curtains were drawn so it was impossible to see what god was being worshipped.

The old nun sat there and Li HongXiu, Song TianEr were asleep. There was another man and a woman with veils. The woman in veil looked very happy to see Chu and Hu. Suddenly the nun shot out a number of needles and Hu quickly dodged but the needles were too fast and a few were stuck in his shoes. Fortunately, he still wore the shoes that Ji BingYan gave him with hard soles, good for hiking in the desert. Otherwise, he would be dead now or his legs were gone. Hu leapt outside and wanted to land on a tree however a black figure flew towards him with a sword. Hu couldn't avoid it anymore and was sure he was going to get hurt. At this point, something blocked that sword. Hu quickly entered the convent again.

Nan Ping was sitting at the side of the nun and was telling her something. Nan Ping gave Chu an eye and said that they were friends of their teacher and she asked Nan to take them here. Chu said that when Nan Ping saw her teacher again everything will be clear. He knew that she was afraid to get punished by leading them here. Hu saw that the woman in veil was standing and her cushion was gone, Hu thanked her for saving him. It seems that Chu's deduction wasn't wrong after all. These 8 experts outside were sent by Liu WuMei and Li YuHan to capture Song TianEr and Li HongXiu. But how did Liu manage to find so many experts? A voice from outside spoke and said that they had no intentions to harm the others, if they just handed over the traitor they would go. If not, they will kill everyone. Hu asked who they were and who was the traitor. The voice outside didn't speak anymore. The man with the veil wanted to storm outside but the nun stopped him. The woman with the veil urged him to listen to the nun, and stay here for awhile.

Every time the woman with the veil spoke, the feet of the nun would make a strange metallic noise. Hu saw her feet were bound by a long chain stretching to the shrine. The voice scoffed and said that it was a disgrace that a man should seek protection from a woman. Such a coward was unfit to be a hero.

The man with the veil was furious and leapt up and moved towards the door. This time, the nun and the woman with the veil were unable to stop her. But somebody landed in front of the man and it was Chu LiuXiang. The man told him to go away and not to interfere. Chu LiuXiang smiled and said that his affairs were his affairs too. The man said he didn't recognized him and asked Chu who he was. Chu sighed and said that although you don't want to recognize me, I still remember you. The man raised his hand and wanted to strike Chu' throat. Chu didn't block or avoid, the man stopped half way and looked at Chu.

After a long time Chu sighed and said: "Brother Hong, I know you're a proud man but now isn't the time to hide anything. If you still do that means I'm not your friend."

The man stood still, the woman walked towards him and held his hand. She had tears in her eyes now.

Hu TieHua said: "Brother Hong and Miss Qu, I didn't recognize you."

The man and woman with the veils were none other than Yi DianHong and Qu WuRong.

Qu WuRong was crying and said she wasn't able to take care of Yi DianHong and now they needed help from others. Hu said that he was the one who hacked off Yi DiangHong's arm. He stormed outside and said that anyone who was an enemy of Yi DianHong was also an enemy of Hu TieHua. 2 swords flew towards Hu, Dai DuXing and Huang LuZhi rushed outside too. Huang said that these men had very vicious sword techniques.

Yi DianHong told Chu LiuXiang to take his friends and leave, this was not their problem. Chu LiuXiang wouldn't leave and he showed them a bronze tablet. This was the bronze tablet he took from the assassin that Liu WuMei and Li YuHan hired. 13 swords surrounding a hand. Yi DianHong looked frightened and asked how Chu got this tablet. Chu said that this "hand" only added suffering and pain to this world. He asked if Yi DianHong would help stop this "hand." Yi DiangHong's face turned pale and said that he knew that Chu was not afraid of anyone but "he" was different. He continued and said that he was raised by "him" and "he" taught Yi DianHong martial arts. Even if "he" wanted to kill Yi DianHong, he will not harm "him." Chu asked if the "hand" was here. Yi DianHong said that if "he" was here the fighting would have stopped a long time ago. Because "his" swordsmanship is unequalled in the realm.

Chu asked what about Xue YiRen (the man in the blooded robe). Yi DiangHong said that the swordsmanship of Xue YiRen was just fancy needlework in the eyes of "him."

Yi DianHong explained that Xue YiRen had beautiful techniques but "he" had practical stances designed for killing.

Chu asked how many men were here today, Qu said there were 8 originally 10 but Qu and Yi DianHong managed to kill one. And another left half way. Qu WuRong said that her teacher, the Stone Avalokitesvara, once told her that if she was in trouble she could always ask the old nun of the PuTi convent for help. Because this old nun was said to be a very benevolent martial arts expert. Her eyes were getting wet when she mentioned her teacher, she remembered the pleasant times with her teacher and forgot the hatred against the Stone Avalokitesvara. Chu LiuXiang knew that love changed this girl from a cold, indifferent person to a warm, forgiving woman.

Qu suddenly asked if that missing assassin was killed by Chu, Chu smiled and said the assassin was hired to kill Chu. Qu WuRong said that was strange because that man had the weakest martial arts of all of them.

The old nun was using her feet to pull the chains, Chu asked Nan Ping what was wrong. Nan Ping looked at Qu and said that her eldest martial arts sister was upset because Qu suggested that she wasn't capable of protecting them and wants to go outside and fight those men.

Nan Ping sighed and said these chains were made from a unbreakable alloy. Chu suddenly saw the shrine moving and heard a panting sound. Someone was behind the yellow curtain. The chains were tight to another person's feet too. Chu asked Nan Ping what was going on here, Nan Ping sighed and said none of them ever saw that man behind the curtains. This was a secret of the Divine Water Palace.

Suddenly, the man behind the yellow curtain roared and jumped out he was entirely wrapped in the yellow curtain. Chu told Yi DianHong and Qu WuRong to stay and protect Li HongXiu and Song TianEr.

The strange man leapt outside and a sword was about to stab him but he could avoid the sword in the last moment and the old nun and the strange man each jumped to one side surrounding the man with their chains. The chains hit the man and went straight through him cutting him into the halves.The strange man and the nun proceeded to another assassin and used the same method again.

Chu LiuXiang never thought he saw such a practical and lethal way of killing. Dai DuXing, Hu TieHua and Huang LuZhi were fighting the other 7 assassins. The strange man and the nun were surrounding them all including Hu and the others. Hu, Dai and Huang didn't know how to block those chains and retreated out of the chains an assassin used his sword to block. But his sword was flung out of his hand and he too was halved by the chains. Soon another assassin was killed by this method.

Chu LiuXiang said it seemed like the strange man was blind, he relied on sound to change positions. But who was this strange man and why was he wrapped in the yellow curtain. Why did Yin Ji tie these 2 people together?

The remaining 5 assassins didn't dare to attack anymore but they couldn't leave because the "hand" would not let them.

Chu LiuXiang said that they could go now, one of the assassins could believe his ears and asked what he meant with that. Chu said they were free to go and there were no strings attached. The 5 assassins quickly fled, Hu asked Chu why he let them go. Chu said these men were mere puppets of the "hand." And the "hand" will soon find 13 new puppets to work for him. If these 13 puppets fail he will simply find another 26 puppets to do his bidding.

Hu TieHua understood, Chu was letting them go so they would lead Chu to the "hand."

The nun and the strange man quickly followed those assassins. Chu didn't try to stop them and was glad they went. Chu told Hu that he and Dai DuXing and Huang LuZhi should stay here and look...

Before Chu could finish his sentence, Hu said that he wasn't going to be left behind this time. And he quickly followed those assassins. Chu turned to Dai DuXing and Huang LuZhi and asked them to take care of things here and if Su RongRong arrived they can tell her what happened. Dai and Huang told Chu not to worry.

Dai smiled to Huang and said the 2 old ones were better of now. Huang said Dai was right, because Chu had 3 burdens (Li HongXiu, Su RongRong and Song TianEr) on his hand. Dai said it was a burden in their eyes but in the eyes of youngsters that burden could be seen as fortune.

Chu caught up with Hu TieHua and together they tried to pick up the trail of the assassins. Suddenly they heard the cries of 5 men. When they arrived they saw the 5 assassins dead and a tall, skinny man in a black robe looked at the 5 wounds and looked very pleased. Although he wore a mask his eyes were dead and cold.

The nun and the strange man arrived too and they leapt up and used the same method against this black robed swordsman. The black robed swordsman didn't turn around to block and it seemed he was about to be halved too. But suddenly his sword stabbed the strange man and a blood gushed out of the curtain. The black robed swordsman didn't even turned his head to stab. Chu LiuXiang and Hu TieHua were impressed by the speed and stance used by him.

The strange man fell and the nun forgot everything and went by his side forgetting all danger. The swordsman scoffed and said that someone like her who was so emotional was unfit to learn martial arts and wanted to strike her down too.

Chu LiuXiang shouted him to stop, the swordsman didn't look at Chu and asked: "Master Chu?"

Chu LiuXiang said that he was and asked if he was the "hand." The swordsman said he was. Hu TieHua stood beside Chu and wanted to fight this swordsman together. The swordsman sighed and said that normally if they 2 of them would be able to help each other in a battle. But today they were too exhausted now. If they rested for a few days and fought him the would be able to withstand 500 stances but today they would surely by dead in a few stances.

The swordsman said he was disappointed he said that 10 years ago he met a nameless swordsman and fought him for 2 full days. After that battle he couldn't find any worthy opponents anymore. However when he heard the stories of Chu LiuXiang he wanted to meet him but today he was disappointed.

He sighed and said it was a pity to kill Chu today and said he couldn't spare Chu because a man like Chu would only make him restless.

He aimed his sword at Chu and advanced towards him. Chu could feel the energy generated by the swordsman and he told Chu if he could withstand 150 stances he would let Chu live.

The swordsman just stood there without using any stance, but still everyone could feel the energy of the sword and the man combining into a lethal weapon. Chu said that he was disappointed in his swordsmanship and said that he had seen many flaws in his technique.

The swordsman coldly said that if that's the case Chu should attack now. But Chu didn't, the swordsman said that Chu was worried about Hu. Hu was hypnotized by the powerful force of the sword energy. Normally Hu wasn't someone who was quickly stunned but he was simply too tired to resist that energy.

Chu knew that this man was right and he couldn't fight freely with a stunned Hu TieHua. This man was like a demon of swords and was practically indestructible because of his intense fixation on death and killing.

Chu looked at the nun, she was sitting beside the strange man and did nothing. The swordsman said that he could kill Chu within one stance and raised his sword to attack. Chu was too tired and worried to fight back anymore

Fortunately someone shouted: "Stop!"

The sword frozed and the man said he just wanted to see who called him and he could kill Chu anytime now.

The voice behind the man said that if he moved he would surely die. The voice sounded lovely and sweet but also very forceful. It was Su RongRong.

Chu smiled and told the swordsman to believe her, if he turned his head he would see what she was holding in her hands. The swordsman said that no matter what she had in her hands he was always able to kill Chu first. Chu wanted him to turn over and look, because the swordsman concentrated all his energy on the sword and if he moved Chu could counter attack. But the swordsman knew what Chu was thinking.

The swordsman said that he had Chu cornered even if she used the Rainstorm nails to hit me I will still be able to kill you.

Chu said that he guessed what Su had in her hands. The swordsman scoffed that if she didn't have the Rainstorm nails how would she be able to threaten him.

Chu smiled and said what if she had nothing in her hands. The swordsman said if she came empty-handed he would know without turning over. Chu asked in surprise if he hand eyes on the back of his head. The swordsman said if he stabbed Chu now he would know if she had the Rainstorm nails or not.

Chu said if she had the Rainstorm nails, 27 nails will hit him in the back.

The swordsman said that if Chu LiuXiang can die with him, it wouldn't be a total lost.

Chu smiled and told him to stab because if he couldn't stab him, he himself would be hit by the 27 Rainstorm nails.

The swordsman said that if he didn't want to stab what will happen. Chu said that Su will also not fire the nails and he could leave as he wished. No one will stop him.

The swordsman said that how will he know if she.... Chu interrupted him and said if he would leave now she would not use the nails against him. The swordsman asked what guarantee did he have, why should he believe Chu.

Chu said if he didn't believe him he was welcome to stab him, but if he didn't want to he had no choice but to trust Chu.

The swordsman pondered for awhile and laughed loudly saying if he couldn't trust Chu who can he trust in this world, he took leave and told Chu they would meet again. As he walked he told Chu that he hoped Chu would take care of his health and that he wouldn't fall ill in these 3 months because he didn't want to be disappointed again.

Chu, Su and Hu saw him walking faster and faster and before long he was gone.

Su RongRong sat down when he left, her clothes were wet with cold sweat and she looked very pale. Chu helped her up and gently thanked her. Su said she was afraid that he might return.

Chu explained that he wouldn't because he was afraid to be tricked. If he knew that Su came empty-handed he will be fuming and couldn't calmly concentrate anymore to generate the same lethal sword energy. By that time Chu will be able to defeat him, so Chu was very certain the black robed swordsman will not return and see if Su had the Rainstorm nails.

Su asked Chu how much chance of winning he had when he encountered the swordsman again. Chu smiled and said when he fought the Stone Avalokitesvara he didn't have a chance at all but he won in the end after all.

Chu LiuXiang walked towards the nun and she was crying and looked very tired. She suddenly spoke to Chu. Chu and Su were surprised, she begged them to do something for her. She said that they must be very curious when he was hiding in the curtains and who he was. Chu said everyone was entitled to have secrets no one is allowed to interfere with the affairs of others. The nun nodded and told them she hoped they will never unwrap that curtain and find out the truth. Chu assured her that he and his friends didn't like to expose other peoples' secrets.

The nun sighed and said that Chu was a true gentleman, she hoped that Chu would cremate them and scatter their ashes into the babble that runs to the Divine Water Palace. She smiled and said that when they were dead they could finally return to the Divine Water Palace.

Chu LiuXiang said: "Shi Tai, are you....

The nun interrupted him and told that this was the first time they met but she felt she could trust Chu and hoped he would carry out her last wish. She said she will wish him luck from beyond. The nun sat and recited some sutras and fell dead next to the strange man.

Su RongRong was crying now, at this point Hu woke up from his trance and asked how Su came here and where was the black robed swordsman.

Hu also asked what happened, Chu told him what transpired and Hu was rather shocked to hear it.

They cremated the bodies and Hu couldn't stop himself from wondering who that man was in the curtain, was it her martial arts sister with a mutilated appearance, or was he her lover. They didn't even know the gender of the strange man, they assumed it was a man but it could also be a woman. Su wanted to say something because the wind blew up a corner of the curtain and she saw the hand belonging to the strange man, it looked like a hairy, black claw. Could this mean "it" was an animal but even Su didn't speak, because even humans have hair on their hands even humans have deformed hands sometimes. But the secret will never be revealed because the fire consumed every secret.

Yi DianHong and Qu Wurong left, Chu knew that they were introvert people and they loved it. So he didn't stop them from leaving. Dai DuXing insisted in seeing them off, because he himself was a lonely man with a warm heart. Huang LuZhi wanted to find the body of Hong NiangZi, their friendship was something to be respected. Chu gave Huang the ashes of the nun and the strange man. He knew that Huang would be able to carry out the wishes of the nun because he was a gentleman too.

Song TianEr and Li HongXiu woke up now and told Chu that Liu WuMei was suffering from the effects of the poison so she stayed at the house of a woodcutter to rest. Chu knew that she was too afraid to face them if they discovered her secrets.

Li HongXiu asked Chu that Liu pretended to be poisoned and wanted to lure Chu to the Divine Water Palace. So he would be killed there avenging her teacher the Stone Avalokitesvara. Chu said that must be it. Chu sighed and said that Li YuHan must be tricked as well.

They approached the house, Li HongXiu asked the woodcutter if they were in. The woodcutter nodded.

When they entered the house, they saw Li YuHan sitting there drinking and looking pale. He didn't even notice them coming in. Chu asked him where Liu was, Li smiled and said she was resting. Chu saw someone lying in bed covered up by blankets. Hu sat down and wanted to pour himself some wine, but Li YuHan told him there wasn't much wine left if he wanted to drink he should buy his own. Hu was surprised to hear this remark. After awhile Chu told Li that he couldn't find an anti-dote for Liu because she wasn't poisoned. Chu expected Li to become very angry but he didn't and said that Liu will be very happy to hear this news. Li was laughing but he laughter sounded like crying. Chu was always a man who didn't believed in revenge or getting even. Also he felt that putting pressure on a woman is not the right thing to do. He took leave and wanted to go.

Song TianEr said she wanted to know why Liu WuMei tricked them and pulled away the blankets. She was scared out of her wits, she saw Liu lying there dead pale and a few ants were crawling out of her nose. Song TianEr was vomiting and Su RongRong, Li HongXiu turned their heads away. Hu TieHua said loudly: "She is dead." Li YuHan said she wasn't dead, she was just resting. He told them not to wake her.

Hu knew that he was too hurt to accept the death of his beloved wife. Although Li was smiling tears came out of his eyes.

The 4 friends found an inn and sat down to rest, they discussed what happened to Liu. Li HongXiu said she didn't expect Liu to commit suicide. Su sighed and said it could be that she was really poisoned. Li HongXiu said that Yin Ji had no reason to lie to Chu because she was about to die too. Su RongRong said that perhaps she believed she was really poisoned and she more or less scared herself to death. It was all in her mind.

Li HongXiu sighed too and said that Liu didn't lie to them in the end.

Song TianEr asked them if Li YuHan was really staying there to wait for Liu to wake up. She said he was really sad and started crying. Su RongRong softly said that time will heal all wounds.

Hu was patting Chu on the shoulder and said that he defeated the number one martial arts expert the Matriarch of Water Yin Ji, why is he still feeling down. Chu just smiled wryly.

Hu said he shouldn't feel upset about Liu's death, it wasn't his fault.

Chu sighed and said that almost everything worked out, except Hei ZhenZhu left without a word. He sighed again.

Hu laughed and said everything unhappy was over, they should prepare themselves for the happy times to come.

Suddenly he stopped and looked at the woman who brought the wine over. Although she wasn't ugly, but she wasn't a beauty either. However she looked very haughty and arrogant. She heavily put the tray down and walked away and didn't even look at Hu TieHua. Chu saw Hu looking dazzled, and smiled to him and asked if he wanted to stay here too.

Hu rubbed his nose and suddenly saw the woman looking at him.

Hu laughed loudly and said: "Do you think I shall fall for the same trick twice?"

 

THE END.