Chapter 8

When Geng Shao Nan saw how dangerous his ShiFu’s situation was, he cried out with alarm and was just about to charge out with Yu Xin Cheng when Red Cloud has already retreated two steps, relieved from immediate danger. What had happened was that though Red Cloud was not Yu Luo Cha’s match, yet his inner energy cultivation was still quite rich. Therefore during the most crucial moment, he hurriedly generated his inner energy to momentarily freeze her sword, thus alleviating the force of her attack. He then immediately retracted his sword and retreated, barely able to catch his breath.

Yu Luo Cha smiled faintly and said, “We have fought over one hundred stances but was still unable to determine a winner. I think we should just forget about this whole score and stop fighting.” Yu Luo Cha was only saying these words for Zhuo Yi Hang’s sake for she was trying to allow Red Cloud to save some face. But Red Cloud has already fought to the point of where his head was spinning with dizziness, and now that he was unable to defeat a youngster in front of his own disciples, how could he be willing to give up? To him, Yu Luo Cha’s words were simply oil that poured over his fire. His face grew green with rage and with a grind of his teeth, he whipped out his sword and charged towards Yu Luo Cha again!

With a flare of her slender eyebrow, Yu Luo Cha laughed icily and said, “Ha! So you still wanna fight?” and thus with a swipe of her sword, she pierced towards his right side. This move was again a stance taken out of the Wu Tang sect; it was named “White Crane Preys on Fish.” According to logic, Red Cloud has already experienced the repercussions of one mistake and should be careful not to repeat the same mistake again. Therefore, he should have hastened back to defense mode. But Red Cloud has spent a few dozen years studying the sword skill of his sect, so that the act of uniting the sword with the heart as one has long become a habit. As soon as he saw Yu Luo Cha use a stance from his very own sect’s sword skill, he couldn’t help but rush to take the outer position again and with a side sweep, he used the “Intercepting the river battle” stance. With a back sweep, Yu Luo Cha forced Red Cloud’s sword to twirl around before a loud “ding dong” sound was heard and Red Cloud’s sword was immediately seen to fly out of his hands!

Taoist Priest Yellow Leaf was incredibly frantic as he pushed Zhuo Yi Hang and cried, “Why aren’t you going out yet?” But words are often slower than words, for Yu Xin Cheng and a few other sect members have already charged forward one after the other. Zhuo Yi Hang was completely stupefied with shock as he extracted his sword in a state of frenzied bewilderment. But sounds of metal clashing and scraping against each other were immediately heard as Yu Luo Cha’s white dress fluttered by. A white flash slithered through the crowd and in just a blink of an eye, the long sword in the hands of all five Wu Tang disciples have been shocked out of their hands!

Geng Shao Nan, who was so willing to risk his life in order to save his ShiFu just a moment ago, found out the moment he stepped foot onto the battlefield that just one glare from Yu Luo Cha was enough to terrify him to the core. Having completely lost his courage, he actually didn’t dare to exchange stances with Yu Luo Cha and could only drop to the floor and roll away from the battle. Only when he had rolled to the walls did he finally stop.

When Red Cloud saw his disciples humiliate themselves in such an embarrassing manner, his bloodshot eyes burned with fury as he picked up a long sword from the floor and then charged towards Yu Luo Cha again. Yu Luo Cha only laughed coldly and said, “You should probably wait for your disciples to pick up their swords as well.” But in just a blink of an eye, Red Cloud has already attacked with three stances!

Yu Luo Cha blocked and sealed with her sword when suddenly, her blade turned downwards with the speed of lightning. Zhuo Yi Hang happened to arrive right at that very moment, and though his arms and legs were limp, yet when he saw his martial arts uncle come under danger, he had no choice but to pierce out with his sword. Yu Luo Cha cried, “You!” and then suddenly screamed sharply before she tossed away her sword. As her weapon crashed to the ground, Yu Luo Cha also backed up more than ten feet but it could already be observed that her arm was injured as blood seeped through her white dress!

Yu Luo Cha has always been a proud and competitive person who strives towards victory. Yet for Zhuo Yi Hang’s sake, when she first began her fight with Red Cloud, she was already planning to let Red Cloud take advantage of the fight by a stance or two. But when she saw how aggressive and unrelenting Red Cloud was, she couldn’t stop herself from losing her temper and as the fight escalated to its intense moments, how could she be willing to let it all slide? It was only when she had defeated Red Cloud and then extracted the weapons from the Wu Tang disciples did she regret her action. Not sure of how to resolve this mess, when she saw Zhuo Yi Hang pick up his sword and charge forward, she purposely allowed Red Cloud’s sword blade to lightly drag across her arm, so that she may pretend to be injured and retreat in defeat!

But the person who was most surprised was probably Red Cloud who thought that he must have been dreaming when he saw Yu Luo Cha throw away her sword and retreat in defeat. Even though he was holding his sword in his hand, he actually didn’t dare to charge forward to attack Yu Luo Cha. At this very moment, Tie Fei Long was suddenly heard to explode into a thunderous howl while Yellow Leaf was also heard to cry out hoarsely!

What had happened was that when Zhuo Yi Hang ran forward, the sounds of metal crushing and blades breaking simultaneously ensued. When Yellow Leaf saw how his sect’s disciples were all an embarrassing farce and how Zhuo Yi Hang was teetering and tottering about, obviously far from being Yu Luo Cha’s match, he understood that such a situation no longer allowed him to hesitate or insist on his principles. Therefore, he immediately expanded his arms and hurriedly flew towards the battle center. On one side of the room, Yellow Leaf was seen to fly up. While on the other side of the room, with a sweep of his sleeves, Tie Fei Long also soared out like a large bird. [1] The palms of both fighters met up with each other and with a loud explosion, both men were shocked backwards. Tie Fei Long roared ferociously, “Yellow Leaf! Have you no shame?!” By that time, Yu Luo Cha has already retreated with a scream after she intentionally let herself be wounded. Yellow Leaf nearly jumped out of his skin as his heart pounded wildly in his chest. But he couldn’t be bothered with answering Tie’s words and could only cry out hoarsely, “Yi Hang! Are you hurt?” He thought that Zhuo Yi Hang must have undergone some kind of harm already, but Red Cloud immediately hollered out instead, “Brother! Let’s just go!”

Tie Fei Long brought up his fists and was itching to charge forward again when Yu Luo Cha who was leaning against the sandalwood table called out, “Father! Your daughter I tied them in battle, there’s no need to fight anymore.” Tie Fei Long asked, “Why do you say that?” Yu Luo Cha replied, “Taoist Priest Red Cloud kindly allowed me to win one match, but when I combated their second generation disciple, I was also defeated by one stance. Therefore we’re even, neither one of us has lost.” Tie Fei Long said, “Since that is the case, then we’ll forget about this whole incident! Yellow Leaf, you have important matters to take care of, so I won’t detain you!” He then brought his hands down and returned to his seat, lifting up his tea cup as a gesture of biding farewell to his guests.

Red Cloud didn’t know whether he should laugh or cry, but Yellow Leaf understood very well that if they continued to fight, it would most definitely prove to be unbeneficial to them. Therefore he could only force back his anger and force out a fake smile as he expressed farewells to Tie. Tie Fei Long remarked, “In front of Taoist Priest Purple Sun’s shrine, please ask him to forgive me for my discourtesy.” Yellow Leaf replied, “I dare not forget!” Zhuo Yi Hang bowed alongside Yellow Leaf as they retreated, but when he suddenly saw Yu Luo Cha leaning against the door frame with what seemed to be a smile and yet did not resemble a smile on her face, he hurriedly turned around, no longer daring to turn back for another look.

The crowd departed from the Tie mansion and all along the trail, Red Cloud’s face was taunt with displeasure as he did not utter a single word for very very very long time. Taoist Priest Yellow Leaf rode alongside Zhuo Yi Hang, purposely allowing themselves to fall behind the crowd before he said to Zhuo in a soft voice, “This Yu Luo Cha’s sword skill is truly brilliant and unfathomable, which goes to show that her fame truly is well deserved. But why would she be wounded by you?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “That was thanks to third uncle.” Yellow Leaf chuckled and said, “I don’t think that even I could defeat her” and thus Zhuo Yi Hang knew that Yellow Leaf did not believe his words and couldn’t help but blush. Yellow Leaf continued, “It seems to me that she was purposely looking out for you.” Zhuo Yi Hang knew that his martial arts uncle was already suspicious therefore could only relate to him the full details behind his encounter with Yu Luo Cha. When Yellow Leaf heard to the part of where Yu Luo Cha combated the six villains on top of Mountain Hua’s peak, he secretly marveled to himself with surprise. After he had finished listening to the full details of Yu Luo Cha’s background, he was even more startled. He remained silent as he pondered over Zhuo’s words for a long time before he nodded his head and thought to himself: This female bandit’s ways are indeed unorthodox, for even though she may be “demonic,” yet at the same time she seems to possess a bit of the heroic valor. And thus he said, “So she was su*ckled by a mother wolf? No wonder she is so wild and unruly! But you yourself belong to the educated elite classes, it’s not very fitting for you to associate with her.” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Please do not misunderstand uncle, your disciple I do not have any personal relationship with her.” Yellow Leaf laughed and said, “Let’s hope so. Otherwise, as a sect leader, you will be laughed at by your fellow disciples!” But Zhuo Yi Hang was thinking to himself: I’d rather not be the sect leader.

They traveled alongside the Yellow River and passed by the TongPass to enter into Henan before heading south from Nanyang to enter into Wubei. All along the trip, they had each other to converse and chat amongst, so that the journey was not at all lonely. But amongst the conversations of Red Cloud, Yu Xin Cheng, Geng Shao Nan and the likes, it could be easily detected that they harboured great resentment and hatred towards Yu Luo Cha. Although Taoist Priest Yellow Leaf’s attitude was somewhat better, yet he still viewed Yu Luo Cha as belonging to the demonic and eccentric classes. Zhuo Yi Hang secretly lamented to himself as he ruminated over how difficult it is to dissipate the misunderstandings that exists between human beings.

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Summary

After traveling for 12 days, they arrived at the Wu Tang mountain where all the religiously practicing disciples and non-practicing disciples were already waiting for them. They along with Taoist Priest White Stone and Green Palm came out to receive Zhuo Yi Hang, accompanying him into the inner room to see Taoist Priest Purple Sun’s corpse.

It has already been 2 months since Purple Sun’s death, but since they wanted to wait for Zhuo Yi Hang’s return, they did not lower the corpse into the ground and used tonics to preserve the corpse in order so that it will not decompose. When Zhuo Yi Hang saw the corpse, he fainted with distress.

He gradually awakened after a long lapse and immediately discovered that all four of his martial art uncles along with the 12 eldest disciples of the second generation were there, organized into two rows with a somber expression.

Yellow Leaf then brought up the issue of succession again, using the many acts of kindness and beneficence that Purple Sun bestowed upon Zhuo as the reason for him to abide by his Shifu’s last wishes and accept the position of the sect leader. When Zhuo voiced that he was too young and inexperienced, his martial arts uncles insisted that his youthful energy was exactly what their sect needed, whereas they themselves were simply too old to take on such a task.

When Zhuo looked over to Yu Xin Cheng, Yu Xin Cheng immediately commanded four other brothers forward and performed obeisance, once again insisting that everyone in the sect is in absolute support of Zhuo’s succession. Yu Xin Cheng was afraid that Zhuo’s hesitation was due to his apprehension towards the possibility that his fellow sect members may feel that his succession was undeserved, and therefore he was especially keen to indicate that their feelings were otherwise. When Zhuo looked around the room at the 12 martial art brothers, he had to admit that amongst them, there was nobody else who had the talent and ability to take on such a daunting responsibility. And even if they did select another candidate, others would not be satisfied with such an arrangement.

Finally Yellow Leaf reminded Zhuo that if he continued to tarry, his ShiFu’s burial would continue to be delayed which means that they would be unable to lower the corpse into its burial plot. Zhuo thus finally said that even if he was to take over the position, he must wait until three years later because he was now a convicted criminal on the run from the law.

Zhuo has kept the details of this incident a secret from his martial arts uncle and fellow sect members all along the journey because this concerned a very serious matter and they had many disciples along with them during the trip. But now, Yellow Leaf took Zhuo to one side and Zhuo explained everything in detail to him. After he finished listening to everything, Yellow Leaf suddenly asked, “Then Yu Luo Cha knows about this matter?”

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Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Yu Luo Cha most definitely knows. Amongst the six villains who battled with her on Mountain Hua’s peak, there were two who were Manchurian spies.” Yellow Leaf asked, “Since she is a bandit of the Underground world, shouldn’t the fact that somebody else is also trying to capsize the imperial government make her happy now that she’s getting what she has wanted all along?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “She feels only true hatred towards those people. Not only her, but Wang Zhao Xi feels the same way as well. Within the hearts of the Underground heroes, they feel that though the Emperor’s position may be something which can be seized, yet the country most definitely cannot fall into the hands of a foreign race.”

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Summary

After Yellow Leaf analyzed over the situation, he agreed with Zhuo that he should proceed to the capital as soon as possible to report to the Crown Prince and clear his name. Yellow Leaf then went outside to discuss over the situation with Red Cloud, White Stone and Green Palm. White Stone then suggested that since this is the case, then during these three years the position of the sect leader could only be momentarily transferred upon Yellow Leaf. Yellow Leaf had no other choice but to accept the responsibility for the time being.

During the next few days, the burial rite for Purple Sun was finally conducted. Afterwards, most of the disciples also left the mountain to return to their homes but Zhuo remained on the mountain to mourn. One night, Yellow Leaf asked him to come to his room and then asked Zhuo whether his father has arranged a marriage for him when he was alive. Zhuo answered no.

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Yellow Leaf then asked, “So are you interested in anybody?” Zhuo Yi Hang’s face blushed deeply as he hesitated briefly before answering, “No” while within his heart, he found it very strange that his martial arts uncle would ask him such questions. Yellow Leaf continued, “You’re no longer a young kid, I think it’s about time for you to arrange a marriage.” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “But I am still in my mourning period, how could I talk about such things as marriage?” Yellow Leaf chuckled and said, “I may not be from the wealthy governmental families, yet in regards to these ancient customs, I do know a thing or two. While in the midst of mourning, all marriage rites should be delayed for three years. But it is still acceptable for one to talk about and arrange marriages.” Zhuo Yi Hang felt a jolt come from within as he hurriedly said, “I really have no intentions of doing such things.”

After thinking over Zhuo’s words for a while, Yellow Leaf laughed and said, “Considering your talents and superb qualities, you should be matched with a virtuous girl of extraordinary talents and beauty. The martial arts of that Yu Luo Cha may indeed be powerful, but she is nevertheless a ruthless bandit of untamed wildness. I suggest you to not take much notice of her.” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Your disciple I did not have such an intention, but uncle you have mentioned this matter more than once. Is it because you do not believe my words?” Yellow Leaf replied, “You are the most extraordinary talent of our sect and now the heavy responsibility of our sect rests upon your shoulders. I was only afraid that you would lose your way and end up falling into the dark paths.” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Uncle you can be reassured. Your disciple I will know to take good care of myself.” Yellow Leaf answered, “That is good. But upon coming across a suitable girl of virtue, I must help you to quickly establish a proposal so that you don’t get distracted by outside attractions.”

Zhuo Yi Hang was becoming increasingly alarmed, for even though he truly has not thought to matters of marriage with Yu Luo Cha yet, but for some reason, he found that after encountering her, all the women of the world were merely soiled earth in comparison. Yu Luo Cha’s strong and forceful personality may sometimes scare him and it could even be said that he detested such a personality. Yet at the same time, it seemed to have burned a mark into his heart.

Now hearing his uncle’s words, Zhuo was sensing that he wanted to be his matchmaker, causing him to be so worried that he repeatedly waved his arms and said, “Your disciple really does not want to talk about matters of matrimony at such a young age.” When Yellow Leaf saw his anxious expression, he couldn’t help but be secretly amused and yet at the same time, he also couldn’t help but be secretly worried. He could tell that Zhuo’s insistence of having no feelings towards Yu Luo Cha was unlikely to be truthful and therefore thought to himself: Since he is acting like this, then it is better not to push him. When he can meet a better choice, we’ll let them spend more time together and then we don’t have to worry that he won’t gradually transfer his affections.

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Summary

When Zhuo saw his uncle smile to himself faintly and did not pursue the topic, he let out a breath of relief and expressed his intentions of leaving for the capital. He had originally wanted to leave later, but after this conversation with his uncle, he wanted to leave as soon as possible. But Yellow Leaf said that he didn’t want Zhuo to travel to the capital by himself and therefore suggested that he should be accompanied by his martial arts uncle Taoist Priest White Stone. Amongst the Wu Tang 5 elders, White Stone ranked in the fourth place, but he was also the youngest in terms of age. He was only in his early fifties at this point and has been a Taoist Priest for just ten years. Zhuo knew that his uncle was originally surnamed He and it was only after his wife died did he become a Taoist Priest. Zhuo Yi Hang accepted such a proposition with joy and thus with a smile on his face, Yellow Leaf got up and reminded him to rest early.

Amongst his four uncles, Zhuo was somewhat closer to White Stone. Therefore now that White Stone was willing to accompany him on his trip, Zhuo was quite excited. After a visit to his ShiFu’s tomb, Zhuo bid his farewells to his uncles and descended the mountain with his uncle White Stone.

After more than 10 days, they’ve just arrived at the Eastern regions of HeNan when White Stone suddenly asked Zhuo whether he wanted to take a trip to Song Shan. When Zhuo asked him why he took a sudden interest to the Song Mountain, White Stone remarked that it was a famous landmark and deserving of a visit. When Zhuo asked whether they could visit this landmark after their trip to Beijing, White Stone insisted that they could spare the time. Therefore Zhuo could only follow him while secretly marveling at how strange it was that his uncle never mentioned anything about this in advance.

The Song Shan was comprised of two peaks; one which houses the Shaolin temple located in the ShaoShi Shan region, just a dozen miles away from TaiShi Shan. Therefore Zhuo asked his uncle whether he was interested in visiting the Shaolin temple. White Stone said no, causing Zhuo to be more confused, for if his uncle didn’t want to go to Shaolin, then why would he want to travel around the Song Mountain?

The two of them ascended the TaiShi mountain early the next mourning. All along their journey, the beautiful scenery captured their interest and freshened up their spirits. They then arrived at a famous old cedar tree which was rumoured to be more than 2000 years old; it was called the “General Cedar.” Zhuo was marveling at how even a 100 year old person would merely be an infant when compared to this tree when White Stone suddenly said, “Listen! It sounds like somebody’s coming!”

They retreated behind the old cedar as three officers appeared. Zhuo recognized that one of them was none other than the Imperial bodyguard Shi Hao and secretly mused at how this man would actually have the sensibility to visit such a picturesque mountain. It was then that he suddenly noticed the hand that White Stone had placed on his own was trembling ever so slightly.

Shi Hao then marveled to the “Official Li” at how having safely transported the imperial emissaries to the local institution, their burden has now been lightened significantly. The “Official Li” also remarked on how that the Crown Prince was now supposed to ascend the throne, Yun Yan Ping and his gang most likely wouldn’t dare to harm the imperial emissaries. When Zhuo heard these words, he immediately conjectured that these imperial emissaries must be emissaries Zhou and Li who seemed to have already been found and safely delivered from any harm. Zhuo also noticed that his uncle had a very peculiar expression on his face and was just about to say something when his uncle signaled for him to remain silent.

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When the three people got to the top of the mountain, Shi Hao remarked, “The leaves on this old cedar are still so lusciously green. What a remarkable sight. Why don’t we go and rest beneath the old cedar for a while?” The “Official Li” sighed and remarked, “They say that ever since the beginning of time, the Beauty has been like the famed Warrior for never can they allow the world to see their white head. This tree is known as ‘The Great General,’ but even though it has now reached the old age of 2000 autumns, yet its head still has not turned grey yet. Such is really a sight that fills people of my generation with both admiration and envy.” Zhuo Yi Hang thought to himself, “This person has actually had a bit of education.”

As the three people approached closer and closer, White Stone was just about to jump out when suddenly the mountain breeze brought forth the sounds of young girls’ laughter and chatter, causing the three people to stop in their tracks. After a while, a young girl bounded down from the peak of the mountain. She was about seventeen or eighteen years of age and was holding a little girl around ten years old by the hand. The little girl was laughing and jumping about as she descended the mountain, but when she saw the three strangers, she said “Look sister! There’s some people here! Tell them to go away so we can play hide and seek!” During that moment, Taoist Priest White Stone’s hand was again trembling slightly.

The one whom they called “Official Li” was in his early forties and had quite an imposing and domineering presence. He ran towards her and said, “Hey little girl, what’s your name? Where’s your mother?” The little girl said, “None of your business!” but still added, “I don’t have a mama, I only have an auntie.” The older girl glared at the “Official Li” and said, “Hua mei, ignore them. Let’s go back.” The young girl asked, “Jiejie, are they officials? Auntie said that officials are bad people. Alright, I’ll listen to you, I won’t play with him.”

The older girl held onto her little sister’s hand and swivelled around when the “Official Li” hurriedly called out, “Hey, we’re not bad people. Please take us to see your Auntie.” The older girl said, “My auntie does not want to see you guys.” There was another officer standing beside the “Official Li” and he seemed keen on soliciting his superior’s approval, therefore with a leap forward, he stood in front of the young girl and said with a sinister grin, “What a pretty little girl! Why won’t you play with us? How about we take you to play in the capital? That’s where the real fun is.” He then extended his hands to touch the girl’s face as “Official Li” cried out, “Old Hu, stop your insolent behaviour right away!” But before he could even finish his words, the young girl’s slender hand has already swept out and a loud slapping sound followed as a hard slap landed smack on the officer’s face.

Zhuo Yi Hang almost burst out laughing as he thought to himself: These officials have taken advantage of their power status for so long that they are used to going around taking advantage of woman and young girls as if it was no big deal. This hard slap that he got from the young girl was truly well deserved! The young girl’s movements are quite impressive and it seems that she has practiced martial arts before.

The officer who was just slapped in the face was called Hu Guo Zhu, and his position was a grade below that of “Official Li” and Shi Hao. The three of them all work together in the Imperial Bodyguards department and will therefore always get together to drink and seek pleasure with women. When he heard his superior tell him to “stop his insolent behaviour,” he was already quite bitter within his heart for he was secretly thinking to himself: Humph! What are you pretending to be so prim and proper for? And after further sustaining such a hard slap, his anger flared up immensely. He charged forward and tried to catch the young girl. The young girl pushed her little sister to one side and then with a light block, dissipated Hu Guo Zhu’s force. With push of her palms, she caused Hu to retreat three steps and then shouted out, “Hey! Are you guys looking for a fight?”

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Summary

Hu Guo Zhu was a sub-commander within the Imperial Bodyguards and was furthermore a skilled fighter from the Kun Lun Sect who had a bit of name within the martial arts world. But now being pushed back by a young girl in front of his colleagues, he of course lost all face and screamed to the young girl, “Humph! You want to start a fight with me?” The young girl replied, “It’s not me who wants to start a fight with you, it’s you who wants to start a fight with me.” Hu Guo Zhu said, “Fine. It doesn’t matter who wants to fight with whom, but there will definitely be a fight here today!”

The Official Li originally wanted to stop him, but then he decided that it might be a good idea to have a look at the girl’s martial art skills and see whether she was taught by that person. The young girl placed her little sister on top of a slab of rock and told not to go anywhere while she watched the fight. The little girl clapped her hands and cheered, “Yay! Watch the fight! Watch the fight! Jiejie, you have to win this fight!” The young girl jumped out and called out to Hu Guo Zhu who was red in the face for judging from the basis of levitation skills, he knew that he was already a grade below that young girl.

Shi Hao warned Hu that the girl was a trained fighter, but Hu still clamped towards the young girl’s face using the “Golden Dragon Extends Claw,” a stance taken from the Kun Lun Sect’s “18 Dragon Shadow Formations.” But he only ended up clasping empty air for the girl has already dodged and then struck out at him with the “Crushing Palms” to “crush” his chest. Hu was greatly taken back and was barely able to escape her attacks.

No longer daring to take the battle lightly anymore, Hu then switched from the “18 Dragon Shadow Formations” to the “Black Tiger Fists” which emphasized the use of strength. Though the girl’s levitation skills were good, yet her strength was nevertheless below that of the man, therefore at this point, they were equally tied.

The young girl changed her palm stances again and because Hu’s movements were not as agile as the girl’s, this time he ended up sustaining two palm strikes. Luckily, they weren’t impacted onto his vital areas.

The “Official Li” repeatedly shook his head and then told Shi Hao to bring back Hu Guo Zhu while taking extra care not to hurt the girl. In terms of palm skills, Shi Hao might not have been able to win over the young girl, but he had a deep reserve of inner energy and therefore his palms encompassed Yin power within them as well. That year when he encountered Wang Zhao Xi, he performed the “Feet Shattering Tiled Steps” skill and even Wang Zhao Xi had to avoid him. Since this girl’s abilities were below that of Wang’s, how could she possibly withstand Shi Hao? Shi Hao was thus able to separate the two fighters by pushing them both backwards.

The young girl was just about to advance again when “Official Li” shouted, “Young girl, there’s no need to fight anymore. We’re all one family! Is your father not surnamed He?” The girl was stunned and did not say anything for a long time.

The “Official Li” smiled faintly and said, “Now can you bring me to see your auntie?” But as soon as he finished his sentence, someone jumped down from the adjacent mountain cavity and said coldly, “What did you come here for?” The person who said these words was a middle-aged nun around 40 years of age. As soon as “Official Li” saw her, he immediately ran forward and asked with surprise why she has become a nun.

The nun ignored him and simply took the two girls’ hands and said, “There are too many bad people in this world. Let’s go home” when the “Official Li” bounded forward and asked whether he could have a few words with her. “Official Li” then proceeded to apologize to the nun, calling her “Xia mei” and admitting that he had made a terrible mistake many years ago, but have now come to take her back home. The nun snorted with disgust and retorted, “Who am I to you? You go and be your official while I’ll be my nun. Don’t come around here causing trouble again.”

“Official Li” then said that the Crown Prince was set to ascend the throne any day now, and because he was a trusted servant of the Prince, he believes he will one day be bestowed a high title and that is why he has come to bring her home. The nun got very angry (while also a bit embarrassed) as she chastised him for spewing slanderous words. Li only laughed and said, “No wonder you’re so angry, I suppose you haven’t heard yet: Hu has died and she has not left behind any daughters or sons, so my home will now be all yours.” With a chilling laugh, the nun said with an icy expression, “Get out of my sight! Fourteen years ago you divorce me for your wealth and riches …” while the “Official Li” interrupted, “But that was solely my mother’s idea, it had nothing to do with me.” The nun snapped back, “You think I’m some kind of shameless woman with no principles? Divorcing a wife is like throwing out a bucket of water. Let’s see you go recover every droplet of that spilled water back to me!”

The “Official Li” persisted, “But even if you won’t do this for my sake, you can at least do it for Shen er’s sake.” A tremble shook through the nun’s body as she turned back around and asked, “How is Shen er?” “Official Li” replied, “He is at home waiting for his mother’s return!” The nun snickered and snapped, “You think I really know nothing? Shen er was not willing to live under his step-mother’s poor treatment and ran away from home a long time ago! Did you want me to tell you where he has gone?” Defeated, the Official Li’s face immediately turned a shade of grey as he suddenly jumped up and shouted, “Ha! So you are hiding him!” The nun sneered and said, “Look! Just that one little test was enough to uncover your mask. You have come only for your son, so don’t spew your load of garbage at me! Now get out of my sight!”

The “Official Li” said, “I want both of you to return home with me” but the nun was as cold as a slab of ice as she said to the “Official Li,” “Shen er is not here.” “Official Li” then asked, “Then where is he?” The nun hardened her face and did not reply, “Official Li” continued, “Humph! I know you’re still pining away for that Long kid. But he’s not interested in you anymore!” Angered, the nun immediately pounced forward and with a sweep of her hands, “Official Li” sustained a hard slap in the face in exactly the same fashion as Hu Guo Zhu.

“Official Li” snarled, “You nasty shrew!” and grasped forward. With a twist of her body and a “Seven Stars Hands,” the nun struck out consecutively. Li just dodged her attacks and said, “I have already given you a break, now aren’t you going to stop?” while he slashed out with his left palm and swept out with his right palm, executing movements which very clearly indicated that he was a skilled fighter who specialized in the inner martial arts. The nun was incredibly enraged and repeatedly struck out in a rampage. Luckily, the martial arts of “Official Li” were quite high, but he was still forced back repeatedly as he gradually arrived in front of the cedar tree.

Taoist Priest White Stone immediately leaped out and by just applying a hand on Li’s shoulders, he pushed him aside. When the nun saw him, she was simultaneously happy and surprised as she cried out, “Brother! When did you get here?”

The real name of this nun was He Qi Xia and she was the sister of Taoist Priest White Stone. More then 20 years ago, there were two families that asked for her hand in marriage. Both families had a reputable name within the martial arts world; one was E-Mei sect’s Long Xiao Yun while the other was the present “Official Li” whose full name was Li Tian Yang. Since both the Long and Li were family friends with the He family, He Qi Xia’s father was unable to determine whose proposal to accept and therefore left it for his daughter to decide. At that time, He Qi Xia was only a young girl of sixteen or seventeen years of age, and it was based solely on the fact that she felt that Li Tian Yang was the slightly better good-looking of the two did she end up choosing him.

But since Li Tian Yang was quite greedy for riches and fame, he therefore traveled to the capital after his marriage. Because his martial arts were quite good and since he was educated, he therefore caught the eye of an official who offered him his daughter’s hand in marriage. However, Li Tian Yang did still have a bit of conscience left within him and didn’t immediately abandon his wife at the capital. He waited until they returned home before reporting the news to his parents and asked his mother to do the dirty work of breaking the news of divorce to his wife. At that time, he already had a three year old son and Taoist Priest White Stone still has not become a priest yet. White Stone had gone to the Li family and pleaded for the case that because his sister and Li have already been married a few years and even have a son, therefore it seems too drastic a decision for them to resort to separation.” But the Li family was adamant and did not retract their decision, causing White Stone to be infuriated and thus broke off all ties and relations with the Li family.

Now, fourteen years later, Li Tian Yang has already become the Commander amongst the Imperial Bodyguards while Long Xiao Yun has disappeared. He Qi Xia returned to her ShiFu’s home on TaiShi Shan after she was kicked out of the Li family, but since her ShiFu death seven years ago, she has already gotten used to the life in the mountains and therefore proceeded to shave off her hair, becoming a nun.

When Li saw White Stone, he was quite alarmed. He asked White Stone to please help him persuade He Qi Xia, but White Stone only retorted with bitterness that he had already did his part in trying to persuade him fourteen years ago. Embarrassed, Li was momentarily speechless.

Since Zhuo Yi Hang has also followed behind White Stone, when Shi Hao saw him he immediately greeted him. Since Shi Hao didn’t want to interfere with Li’s family business, he then asked Zhuo to go over to one side for a few words.

Zhuo asked Shi Hao whether he was intent on arresting him now that he was a wanted criminal, but Shi Hao just laughed and said that the Crown Prince misses him very much and that he was absolved from the all criminal suspicion a long time ago. Because the Emperor was severely ill, all matters of the state have now been handed over to the Crown Prince two months ago. Emissaries Li and Zhou ran from Zhuo’s home that day and have arrived safely in HeNan, settling down in the home of a local official before sending out a letter to the Crown Prince that details their encounters. After a thorough investigation, the Crown Prince has already sent out wanted criminal notices to arrest Yun Yan Ping. Through the various clues, this case has eventually ended up on the tails of Wei Zhong Xian, but Wei is the head of the Eastern Coalition and he has long planted his roots of power. Therefore the Crown Prince did not want to start a hard battle during a period where he was to officially ascend the throne any day. But Shi Hao ensures Zhuo that the Crown Prince misses him very much and when he left with Commander Li on this mission of escorting the emissaries back home, the Crown Prince has ordered him to be on the lookout for any news regarding Zhuo. Zhuo Yi Hang remarked that he plans to travel to the capital to see the Crown Prince regarding another matter but cannot travel together with them since they have to escort the emissaries.

At this time, the two of them were suddenly interrupted by a high shriek of “Get out of here!” coming from the nun. It seems that all attempts at reconciliation have failed and Li has angered her once again.

With a saddened expression, Li had no other choice but to leave. The nun screamed to him that she never wants to see him again, and with a sigh, Li could only signal to Shi Hao and descend the mountain.

After the three of them left, Zhuo turned back around to greet the nun and discovered that the young girl was already standing beside the nun while the little girl was sitting on Taoist Priest White Stone’s lap. White Stone laughed and said to her, “Say hello to Zhuo gege!” He turned to Zhuo and said, “You haven’t met my daughters yet have you?” he then pointed to the older one to say, “She is He E-Hua” and then lifted up the younger one to say, “And she is He Lu Hua.” He Lu Hua squeaked with excitement, “Zhuo gege!” while He E-Hua has already started to reveal the shy and embarrassed behaviours of a stereotyped girl as she softly muttered a greeting with her head lowered, causing White Stone to erupt into loud guffaws.

Such is: Pity the young boys and girls, caught in the waves of love.

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[1] “large bird”: The direct translation should be “wild goose.”