Chapter 3

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Point Summary Form

• The Honoured Consort Zheng said with alarm to the Eunuch Wei, “What is the meaning of this?” Wei Zhong Xian said softly, “You, your son and your brother are all conspiring to take over the throne, I, Wei Zhong Xian being a loyal servant of our lord, purposely pretended to join your group in order uncover your evil plans, did you think I would really rebel against the lord?”
• The Crown Prince was not sure whether he could believe this Eunuch Wei’s words, but then he thought to how this Eunuch had just taken over the East Coalition, regardless of whether his words were honest or not, as long as he was helping him now, that was all that matters.
• Therefore the Prince commanded the Honoured Consort, State Uncle and Chang Xun to be tied up tightly and was just about to retreat when Wang Zhao Xi was suddenly heard to shout, “Uncle Meng, I’m coming!”
• The Crown Prince suddenly remembered and asked the Honoured Consort where she hid his primary martial arts trainer.

• With a look from Wei Zhong Xian, the four commanders revealed the secret entrance to the dark cave.
• Wang Zhao Xi ran in with the four guards, and after taking only a few steps, the sounds of shouting and weapons impacting against each other can be heard.
• Wang Zhao Xi lighted up a torch and ran forward with the commanders towards the sounds of fighting.
• They saw a burly man engaged in intense battle with the two watch guards.
• The man was Wang’s father in law, Meng Can.
• When Meng Can heard sounds of combat occurring outside, he immediately knew that something was happening, which was why he used his inner Qi to force apart the chains on his hands and then used the chains as his weapon to engage in fierce battle with the guards in the Palace of Celestial Purity.

• The two watch guards were both skilled fighters, and the heavy chains still intact on Meng Can’s feet were severely impending his movements.
• Although Meng Can had wounded the guards, yet he himself had to also sustain seven or eight cuts from their blades.
• When the 4 commanders ran up, the two guards were filled with relief and joy as they shouted for them to quickly come over to finish off Meng Can.
• But instead, the four commanders split up in two groups and killed off the two watch guards in just a split of a second.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

With his sword in his hand Wang Zhao Xi immediately rushed ahead, but the first thing he saw was his father-in-law completely drenched in blood. He hurriedly ran forward to help him out of the cave while saying by Meng’s ear, “Father, it is your son-in-law.” Meng Can replied, “Where’s Xia er? Have you seen her?” His trembling voice was very weak and he was uttering every word with extreme difficulty. Wang Zhao Xi replied, “Xia mei is also outside.” Hearing this, Meng Can was suddenly infused with strength as he clung onto Wang’s shoulder as they walked out of the cave together.

Within the palace, the Crown Prince Chang Luo was in the midst of conversing with Zhuo Yi Hang. Zhuo Yi Hang’s grandfather was a Supreme Commander and his father a Vice-Minister, therefore once their names were mentioned the Crown Prince would naturally know who they were. The Crown Prince said, “Your father was wrongfully accused, I will certainly clear his name for him.” Meng Qiu Xia had already arrived in the inner palace and was standing by Zhuo Yi Hang when she suddenly saw Wang Zhao Xi come in supporting a person covered from head to toes with blood. She was extremely alarmed, but when she steadied her gaze and discovered that it was her own father, her distress at that moment was akin to having her soul suddenly flee her body and her spirit shattering into a million pieces. With tears spurting from her eyes, she immediately ran forward. Meng Can said, “Crown Prince, please forgive me for not being able to serve you.” With his left hand clinging onto his daughter and right hand clutching onto his son-in-law, Meng Can was about to say more when suddenly two imperial bodyguards came dashing in from outside the hall. With a strange sounding cry, one came from the left side while the other attacked on the right as they both simultaneously struck out at Wang Zhao Xi. With a twist of his body, Wang Zhao Xi extended out with his elbows to knocked over one of the guards and then followed with his palm to force back the second guard. When he collected himself and took a look, he discovered that the guard was the man who had hunted after him when he was in the Shaan Xi area and who was later scared away by Yu Luo Cha. He was a commander of the imperial bodyguards, Shi Hao.

Shi Hao had always been a very proud and arrogant person, thus having been forced back with just one strike of Wang Zhao Xi’s palm, he immediately flexed his shoulders to attack again. The Crown Prince shouted, “Shi Hao! What do you think you’re doing?” Shi Hao replied, “This man is a famed bandit in the Shaan Xi area!” The Crown Prince said with surprise, “What? He is a rebel?” Shi Hao replied, “When I saw him in the Shaan Xi area, he was pretending to be Commander Zhuo’s bodyguard. I was a blind fool and actually let him off the hook so easily. Little could I have known that Yu Luo Cha would later stand up for him and kill three of my guards.”

The Imperial Bodyguards were in charge of the external matters of the palace, while the imperial guards of the East and West Coalitions dealt solely with the internal affairs. They were all unconnected and independent from each other. Shi Hao’s group had entered from the Gate of Supreme Harmony after hearing about the news of an attack. The Imperial Bodyguards were directly under the command of the Emperor himself and thus if they really were to search and capture any rebels or rioters, even the Crown Prince himself can do nothing about it. The Crown Prince thus asked, “Who is this Yu Luo Cha? Is this person a male or female bandit?” Shi Hao replied, “She is the present era’s most powerful and deadly female bandit. If she could stand up for him, they must be related in some way.” After saying this, Shi Hao looked as if he was preparing to attack again when Wang Zhao Xi suddenly laughed out loudly and said, “Commander Zhuo’s grandson is right here, you can ask him yourself whether I am indeed his family’s bodyguard?” Zhuo Yi Hang looked over at Wang Zhao Xi and said with clear sincerity, “Crown Prince, this Brother Wang is indeed my family’s bodyguard. I brought him along with me into the palace tonight in order to help your highness in capturing the rioters.” Shi Hao growled, “Then why did Yu Lou Cha help you?”

Although Meng Can was severely wounded, yet his mind was still very alert and aware as he immediately bowed to the Crown Prince and said, “This man is my own son-in-law, he came with my daughter here tonight in hope to rescue me. I’d like to beseech you Commander Shi, please do not wrongfully accuse others.” Meng Qiu Xia was standing beside her father at that moment, and although her father’s voice was very weak and fragile, yet his every word can still be heard very clearly. Her whole body suddenly became very hot, and though she wasn’t even sure whether it was a result of her shyness or her happiness, yet her heart continued to flutter about uncontrollably.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Point Summary Form

• During the past few years, Meng Can had served as the martial arts trainer within the Palace of Compassion and Celebration and was on good terms with the Crown Prince.
• A few days ago, he personally captured the offender of the “Case of the Clubbing Assault.”
• Now it was also because of the Crown Prince, that he was tortured to such a blood pulp, giving cause for the Crown Prince to be quite apologetic.
• Therefore hearing Meng Can’s words, he immediately said, “Commander Shi, Master Meng and Lord Zhuo most definitely wouldn’t lie, let them go.”
• Meng Can then said that it was most likely because Yu Luo Cha was a malicious bandit that she would purposely give Shi Hao a hard time.
• Shi Hao wanted to respect the Crown Prince’s orders and also because Meng Can was nevertheless considered as his elder, therefore although he still harboured suspicion in his heart, he could only retreat.

• The Crown Prince offered to bring Meng Can back to his palace in hope to aid him in recuperating, while also asking Zhuo Yi Hang & Wang Zhao Xi to come along with them as well.
• But Meng Can replied, “I thank your highness’s concern, but your unworthy servant is afraid that he will not be able to serve you ever again. Please allow your humble servant to return home in order to prepare for his funeral.”
• The Crown Prince judging from Meng’s wounds knew that there was indeed no hope for him and therefore let him go while also offering his own coach as a transportation vehicle as well as giving him medicine from the palace.

• After they returned home, Zhuo Yi Hang, Meng Qiu Xia and Wang Zhao Xi all helped Meng Can onto his bed.
• After Meng Can had rested a while, he opened his eyes and with difficulty asked them to come in closer for he had something to tell them.

• Zhuo Yi Hang thought they were discussing some private matters therefore quietly began to step out.
• But Meng Can immediately asked him back in and inquired about whether Zhuo was the prized disciple of Priest Purple Sun, and after validating that he indeed was, Meng thanked him for helping himself and his son-in-law thus asked him to remain in the room as well.
• Zhuo therefore remained and Wang poured out a cup of tea for Meng Can.
• Meng Can then said that he supposed Wang Zhao Xi and his father were displeased with his actions during the last few years, because they disliked him taking the position of a servant within the palace.
• He then asked Wang whether he knew the reasons why he decided to take the position of the primary martial arts instructor within the palace.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meng Can’s expression was grave and solemn even though his body was trembling severely. Nobody dared to say anything. After a while, Meng Can said in a low voice, “You should all know that I am good friends with JiBei’s Hero Luo, Luo Jin Feng. Five years ago, Luo Jin Feng suddenly suffered a terrible death. Are you all aware of that?” Wang Zhao Xi replied, “I’ve heard some JiangHu friends mention that incident.” Meng Can then said, “Luo Jin Feng was an extremely brave and righteous man, a true and loyal patriot of his country. Years ago, he journeyed outside the country’s borders and procured some secret information. He discovered that the Manchurians were conspiring to invade, continually sending undercover agents into our country to bribe a whole group of people to work for them and act as internal spies. Included within this group are high and powerful officials of the government as well as skilled fighters of the martial arts world. Luo Jin Feng was able to uncover the identities of two of these traitors, but he was never able to discover the actual name of the second person.” With ardent fervour and anger filling their hearts, Zhuo Yi Hang and Wang Zhao Xi simultaneously asked, “Who are these two people?”

Meng Can replied, “One of them is Ying Xiu Yang from the borders of the Chuan area.” Wang Zhao Xi murmured an “Oh” in acknowledgement. Meng Can then continued, “Ying Xiu Yang’s whereabouts have always been secretive and mysterious, but within these ten years nobody knows where he is or what he is doing. The other person is a skilled fighter within the palace, but we do not know whether he is an Imperial Bodyguard or a member of the East or West Coalitions. However, we do know that he would come into contact with high and respected officials, thus this mysterious person is even more important than Ying Xiu Yang. After Luo Jin Feng discovered this secret, he was murdered as soon as he stepped foot back into our country. But just before he died, he was able to tell me about this secret. For me to enter into the Palace of Compassion and Celebration as the primary martial arts trainer was also his suggestion.” It was only at this time was Wang Zhao Xi finally able to understand why his father-in-law decided to enter the palace. It was because he was trying to investigate this incident.

Meng Can sighed and continued, “It’s a shame. I’ve been working in the palace for five years now, yet I haven’t been able to uncover even one or two traces.” After resting for a while, he again continued, “The secret wars occurring within the palace are dreadfully intense. Although the Crown Prince is more intelligent than his father, as well as harbouring the desire to rule the country in a just and proficient manner, yet I’m afraid that in the end he won’t be able to escape the furtive attacks. I don’t want any of you to take a position within the palace, but I do hope that you can all remember the name Ying Xiu Yang.”

Meng Can was able to finish all his words in one sitting but his breathing has suddenly become very rushed and choked. Meng Qiu Xia lightly brushed his back for him as Meng Can suddenly asked, “Where’s Bai Min?” Meng Qiu Xia replied, “He’s in Uncle Liu’s home. It was Wang gege who rescued us and took us over to the Liu’s residence.” Wang Zhao Xi thought to himself: this Bai Min is obviously his favoured disciple, no wonder Qiu Xia and he are so close.” Feeling the pangs of jealousy again, Wang Zhao Xi said, “Uncle Meng, since you desire to see Brother Bai, then let me bring him here to you.” Meng Can smiled bitterly and said, “There’s no need. It’s too late. Oh, Zhao Xi, why are you calling me ‘uncle’? After my death, you and Qiu Xia have to take good care of each other and remember to treat each other with love and respect. To be able to see the two of you here together now makes my heart feel incredibly relieved and happy … very happy.” His voice started to become disjointed and incoherent, gradually growing softer and softer. He was not able to finish all his words, as with a final jerk of his legs, his breathing stopped completely.

With a hoarse scream, Meng Qiu Xia burst out into a desolate wail. Wang Zhao Xi knelt down in front of the body and paid his respects by knocking his head against the floor a few times before saying, “I will ask Uncle Liu to help organize the funeral, and there will also be your Bai gege.” Meng Qiu Xia said with tears in her eyes, “What about you? Aren’t you going to help me as well? Why should we bother others?” Wang Zhao Xi murmured, “I … I …” and though he wanted to say more, yet he nevertheless refrained from doing so. It was at this time that suddenly somebody started knocking from outside. Zhuo Yi Hang descended the stairs and opened the front doors to discover that it was the Crown Prince’s envoy.

The Crown Prince had sent over an agent to inquire about Meng Can, and when he heard the news of his death he also felt incredibly remorseful and apologetic. Later, the agent returned again to deliver the Crown Prince’s invitation welcoming Zhuo Yi Hang to stay at the Palace of Compassion and Celebration as his guest. Zhuo Yi Hang took the invitation and asked the Crown Prince’s envoy to stay in the waiting room while he himself entered into the inner rooms to change his clothes and say his farewells to Wang Zhao Xi.

Wang Zhao Xi had prepared a memorial tablet for his father-in-law, and with Zhuo Yi Hang they both arrived in front of it to pay their respects. After completing that, Wang suddenly pulled Zhuo into the inner rooms and softly whispered, “Brother Zhuo, since the Crown Prince is asking you to enter the palace, he must be hoping to give you an important mission or position. But I would like to dissuade you from taking any governmental position.” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “I am still in the position of a mourner. Why would I become a governmental official?” According to the ancient customs of the families that served as governmental officials for many generations, when a family member is in mourning they must remain so for three years and within these three years and they must not take a governmental position, get married or engage in any pleasure.

Wang Zhao Xi then asked, “Brother Zhuo, are you going to be bringing your father’s honoured remains back to Shaan Xi to be buried?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Yes, that is my intention. But the journey will be long, I wonder if I can safely bring my father’s remains back to my ancestral home?” Wang Zhao Xi said, “Based on Brother Zhuo’s abilities, you should be able to travel to anyplace with no problems. But I do want to warn you to take caution of one person.” Zhuo Yi Hang asked, “Who?” Wang Zhao Xi replied, “Yu Luo Cha!” Zhuo Yi Hang asked with curiosity, “Why?” Wang Zhao Xi replied, “She’s had a few run-ins with your Wu Tang sect. Zhuo Yi Hang asked, “Why is it that I’ve never heard anything about it before?” Wang Zhao Xi replied, “It is only a recent occurrence.” He then related the incidents of Yu Luo Cha robbing his grandfather and ridiculing his martial arts brothers to Zhuo Yi Hang.

Zhuo Yi Hang angrily condemned, “A vicious and despicable wench indeed!” Wang Zhao Xi’s eyebrows knitted together with displeasure. He couldn’t have guessed that Zhuo Yi Hang’s snobbish upper-class attitude would be so strong and would actually ruthlessly insult Yu Luo Cha with such a haughty attitude, using such words as “wench.” Wang, himself being the son of the Underground world’s famed Lord would naturally also feel offended by these words. Therefore he coldly remarked, “The mercilessness of Yu Luo Cha’s actions are indeed rarely seen or heard of. However she is nevertheless a charismatic female who simultaneously exhibits the traits of a noble-spirited male. For centuries, there hasn’t been such an extraordinary woman to appear within the marital arts world.” Zhuo Yi Hang said dryly, “Really? Then I hope I can have the chance to encounter her.” Wang Zhao Xi was immediately alarmed as he thought to how Zhuo Yi Hang had nonetheless performed an act of goodwill towards him earlier, how could he possibly watch him walk into a death trap?

Wang hurriedly said, “Brother Zhuo, I believe it is wiser if you don’t meddle with her. Your position and status is so exalted and important, if anything happened to you, that would only add to my sins.” Although Zhuo Yi Hang was still disgruntled within his heart, yet on observing at how sincere and genuine Wang’s manner was, he then conceded, “Since that is the case, then I won’t go and seek her out.” Wang Zhao Xi said, “That’s right. Although Brother Zhuo's martial arts may indeed by powerful, yet it will still be unwise to clash with her. Besides, Brother Zhuo if you wanted to return home, naturally you will go through Dai Tong, passing by Shan Xi and the Northern Shaan area. As long as you don’t enter into the Southern Shaan area, then you can avoid encountering Yu Luo Cha.” Zhuo Yi Hang thanked him for his concern and then signalled his intent to depart when Wang Zhao Xi suddenly whispered in his ear, “Brother Zhuo, after you return home, if anything happens please go to the Yan An City to find your unworthy brother. You only need to state my worthless name and there would most definitely be friends of the JiangHu who would inform me.” Zhuo Yi Hang’s character had always been honest and straightforward, therefore at this moment he only felt this person to have a very mysterious background, yet never would he have imagined that Wang would actually turn out to be the son of a powerful Lord within the Underground world.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Point Summary Form

• After Zhuo departed from Wang, he rode the Prince’s horse and travelled straight into the palace.
• He was shown into a courtyard surrounded by stone fences in which a few martial artists were performing for the Prince who was watching from a elaborately decorated pulpit.
• According to the feudal system reinstated by the Ming dynasty’s founding emperor Zhu YuanZhang, descendants of royal lineage were to only be honoured as a Lord of foreign lands. To avoid the foreign lords from rebelling, they establish very strict regulations such as the foreign lords were not allowed back into the capital, lords were not allowed to correspond amongst each other, and they are also not allowed to interfere with the governmental politics. Once they disobey these rules, their ranks will be immediately taken away from them and they will be demoted to the level of an average peasant while being taken to FengYangCity’s “prison,” forced to be incarcerated within its high walls forever.
• Therefore although Ming Shen Zong often indulges and spoils the Honoured Consort and Chang Xun, yet Chang Xun stealing back into the capital without permission was a direct violation of the ancestral rules.
• As well, many high officials were also supportive of the Crown Prince, therefore though Ming Shen Zong was partial towards his second son, yet he couldn’t afford to be reckless.
• Originally when Wei Zhong Xian observed how the Honoured Consort Zheng and her son are favoured by the Emperor, he purposely sided with her, therefore joining together their forces and utilizing the other person’s power to their own purposes. Through the Honoured Consort’s help he was able to take over the Eastern Coalition, but after seeing that the situation had suddenly changed, he immediately joined the Crown Prince’s clique, causing the Crown Prince to be incredibly pompous over his new addition of power.

• Zhuo Yi Hang thought to himself: though the second prince may indeed be an incompetent disappointment, yet nevertheless he was still the brother of the Crown Prince, they really shouldn’t be so mistrustful and guarded towards each other. And since his brother was conspiring a rebellion, to capture him is indeed understandable, but to take such pleasure in another’s pain is nevertheless not what a true gentleman should do.
• Thinking over these royal battles, Zhuo couldn’t help from feeling a chill from the bottom of his heart as he also thought how despite the fact that Meng Can had died for the Crown Prince, yet after the Crown Prince heard of the news of Meng’s death, he did not seem a bit saddened or apologetic, causing Zhuo Yi Hang to eliminate most of his intentions of joining the Crown Prince’s force of power.

• Seeing how Zhuo was looking as if he was lost in deep thought, the Crown Prince tried to arouse his interest by bringing him to the attention of the performance occurring below.

• Seen was 4 men all with a long bamboo pole balanced upon their shoulders as on top of each bamboo sticks there stood a youngster who was holding onto the bamboo stick with the left hand, and was wielding their sword with their right hand.
• Although the men on the ground were running and dodging around, yet the end of the stick that was balanced on their shoulders was nonetheless firmly fastened.
• The youngsters that were on top of the sticks were not only securely seated, but they were also playing around with their swords.
• Zhuo Yi Hang having observed how that though the youngsters were just swishing their swords around freely, without any established opponent or purposeful attack, yet their stances were not without organization or order, and their levitation skills were certainly far above the calibre of the average martial artists.

• The Crown Prince clapped his hands together and amongst the crowd of guards came out a man in his mid fifties sporting a goatee, his face of a red purplish colour. He was also carrying a bamboo pole in his hands.
• He ran into the middle of the court and snapped the pole into two pieces, driving the ends of the pole into the ground while he himself jumped up onto the tip of the pole’s other end.
• To be able to drive the bamboo pole hard into the ground was already a hard task, but to be able to stabilize one’s balance on top of the pole’s narrow end was even more difficult. Thus the person must not only possess levitation skills of a very high grade, but the usage and dispersion of their strength must also be properly and exactly executed.
• The man then shouted “alright!” as the four youngsters on the bamboo sticks suddenly jumped down and started to run towards him with their swords in their hands.
• The man on the pole extended his two hands, grab the youngsters running towards him from the left side and threw him towards the right side, while throwing the youngsters running towards him from the right side to the left side. Yet not only was he able to grab and throw these youngsters while still remaining standing on the pole, but what was even more impressive was how he threw the youngsters right back on top of the bamboo poles that were remained balanced on the shoulders of the 4 men.

• When the Crown Prince clapped his hands again, the performance halted.
• The man with the goatee gave a slight smile and also jumped down to the floor, but the two poles of bamboo were still firmly rooted in the ground.
• Zhuo Yi Hang was able to discern with one look that the pole has become quite a portion shorter, thus arousing his attention.
• With a laugh, the man then plucked the bamboo poles out of the ground, leaving behind two small holes on the ground. It should be understood that the poles were made of very weak material while the dirt ground was quite hard, the person must have concentrated his internal energies on the tip of his toes in order to drive the pole into the ground. Such a degree of internal energy is certainly far above the league of the amateurs.
• The Crown Prince called him over and introduced him to Zhuo, saying that he was the most skilled martial artist within the Western Coalition, and was granted to him by his father.
• His name was Zheng Hong Tai.
• Zheng Hong Tai extended out his hands to shake Zhuo’s hands, and Zhuo found that Zheng Hong Tai suddenly exerted force as his hand felt like it was being bound by metal.

• Zhuo Yi Hang thought to himself that this Zheng Hong Tai must be purposely trying to test the level of his martial arts, therefore he relaxed his palms and Zheng suddenly felt as if his hand was holding on to cotton as Zhuo Yi Hang’s hand had already slipped out of his grasp with the agile speed of a fish.
• Zheng Hong Tai was impressed by Zhuo’s cultivation of inner energies as he immediately guessed that he must belong to either the Wu Tang or Song Yang sect, causing Zhuo Yi Hang to be alarmed at how he could have guessed his background with just that one stance.
• Zhuo consequently related to Zheng his background and ShiFu.
• Shortly after, the Crown Prince ushered Zhuo into the study.

• Since Emperor Shen Zong was already old, the Crown Prince was expected to ascend to the throne very shortly in the future which was why he was in desperate need to procure more talents to order to aid him in expanding his power.
• Seeing that Zhuo Yi Hang was not only skilled in both the literary and martial spheres, but was also the descendant of a family that has served the government for many generations, the Prince therefore highly valued Zhuo and expressed his wishes to establish him as a governmental official.
• But Zhuo used the excuse of how he was expected to remain in mourning for three years to decline the Prince’s offer, while also insisting that he wanted to bring the remains of his father back to his ancestral home so that he may also take care of his old grandfather.
• Thus the Crown Prince expressed his admiration for Zhuo’s filial piety, commenting on how loyal officials often originated from families that stresses filial piety.
• The Prince therefore did not force Zhuo to accept his offer, but he did insist that Zhuo return to the capital once he has finished burying his father’s remains.
• He also asked that Zhuo remain in the palace for the next few days

• After a few days, Emperor Shen Zong had no choice but to ban the Honoured Consort to the deserted palace while Chang Xun was removed of his rank and imprisoned. The State Uncle Zheng was hung.
• All the governmental officials who have been wrongfully accused also received their deserved recognition, clearing their names.
• Zhuo Yi Hang’s father Zhuo Ji Xian was also honoured as the Vice Instructor of the Prince, giving cause for Zhuo Yi Hang to be very relieved and satisfied

• After Zhuo received a permission from the Crown Prince for a brief departure, he then traveled to the Meng family’s abode to visit Wang Zhao Xi.
• But little could he have guessed that Wang Zhao Xi and Meng Qiu Xia would already be gone.
• Zhuo returned to the palace and told the Crown Prince about this.
• The Crown Prince seemed very disappointed and upset over this as he immediately asked someone to record down Meng Can’s bravery and to draw the pictures of both Meng’s daughter and son-in-law so as to aid them in searching for them in the future.
• But in his heart Zhuo was thinking of how the Prince never cared about Meng Can when he died, and yet now he was deliberately putting on a performance in order to win other people over to his side.

• After a few days as Zhuo was officially departing from the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince suddenly said that there was somebody else who wanted to come with Zhuo on his trip.

• He brought out the man who performed martial arts the other day: Zheng Hong Tai.
• Zheng smiled and said, “If we journey together, then no matter how powerful of a bandit we may encounter, we should be able to handle them together.”
• Zhuo Yi Hang immediately asked, “what if we encountered Yu Luo Cha?”
• Zheng Hong Tai's face immediately changed colour as he forced himself to smile and say, “If we don’t interfere with Yu Luo Cha’s business, there would be no need for us to worry.”

• The two of them left the capital, conversing about martial arts all along the journey, enabling the time to pass quite easily.
• After about 20 odd days, they were passing through the Western Shan area and arriving at the borders of the Shaan-Xi territory.
• All along the journey, there continually appeared people who would greet Zheng Hong Tai.
• After arriving near Hua Shan, Zhuo Yi Hang immediately thought to how at the top of the mountain was a temple, and within the temple was a Taoist priest called Zhen Qian, an old acquaintance of his ShiFu’s. ShiFu had once told him that when he returned to his ancestral home, he was to stop by and pay his respects to this Taoist priest.
• After Zhuo told Zheng Hong Tai about his intentions, Zheng said, “That’s perfect, why don’t we just stay here for a few days while I wait here for a few friends.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the early morning of the second day, Zhuo Yi Hang invited Zheng Hong Tai to ascend Hua Shan with him, but Zheng Hong Tai declined the offer by saying that he has to attend to other things for the time being. He instead ushered Zhuo to depart early so that he may also return promptly, therefore Zhuo Yi Hang was left to trek up Hua Shan all by himself. Hua Shan was celebrated as one of the five renowned mountains of China, it encompassed five peaks which included the SunFacingPeak, Geese Plummeting peak, LotusFlowerPeak, CloudStandPeak and the JadeMaidenPeak. The five peaks gathered around each other, closely connected together as if one peak was growing out of the other. The form of the mountain takes the shape of a blooming flower that was emerging out of the clouds, creating an image that is both picturesque and overwhelming.

Zhuo Yi Hang journeyed for quite a while before finally arriving at the GeesePlummetingPeak by noontime. The overcastting clouds enveloped over the top of the peak as the skies darkened and a heavy mist settled in. Zhuo Yi Hang was worried that a huge rainstorm would be coming this way but luckily, the temple was already within sight. He stepped inside to find that within the sparsely decorated temple, a few worshippers could actually still be found. Zhuo Yi Hang walked past the meditation hall and ascended the stairs to the main hall when he suddenly saw a young woman hastily rush by. The beauty of her face was as exquisite as the immortals from heaven and although Zhuo Yi Hang had merely caught that one glimpse of her colours that flitted by like the flight of a startled phoenix, yet already he felt as if his mind was being dazed and his soul was being extracted from him. Zhuo Yi Hang thought to himself: if the rainstorm begins just as she has descended halfway down the mountain, she will most definitely be caught in the storm. That would really be terrible.

After Zhuo Yi Hang had arrived in the main hall, he presented his name and asked for permission to be received. Priest Zhen Qian was incredibly delighted to see him and invited him into the meditation room while telling a young apprentice to bring in Hua Shan’s famed tea. On behalf of his ShiFu, Zhuo Yi Hang paid his respects to Priest Zhen Qian. Zhen Qian replied, “I haven’t seen your ShiFu for about ten years now. I never would have expected him to have produced such a wonderful disciple.” After a brief pause, he continued to say, “Your third martial arts uncle, Priest Red Cloud came here a month ago.” Zhuo Yi Hang asked with curiosity, “What did my third uncle come here for?” Zhen Qian replied, “I heard that within your Wu Tang sect, there were five second-generation disciples who all had a finger severed and then ridiculed by Yu Luo Cha. Now Red Cloud wants to find Yu Luo Cha to settle this score. I tried to persuade him again and again to not engage in these silly quarrels with youngsters. He left afterwards, so I wondered whether he really did go seek her out after all?” Zhuo Yi Hang thought to himself: I keep hearing everyone speak of this Yu Luo Cha. I wonder exactly how fierce and vicious this demoness is?

The two men conversed for a little while longer as flashes of thunder continued to spark outside, warning of rain. Zhen Qian said, “I’m afraid that there will be a huge storm coming. Why don’t you rest here tonight?” But Zhuo Yi Hang was concerned about Zheng Hong Tai and his father’s cremated remains, therefore he immediately replied, “I still have a friend who is waiting for me. Descending the mountain should take less time, I think it is better that I immediately return right now.” Zhen Qian thus sent his regards to Zhuo’s ShiFu before he personally showed him to the mountain’s exit.

As Zhuo Yi Hang reached halfway down the mountain, the sound of thunder suddenly blasted out as dark clouds enveloped the sky and the raindrops threatened to descend.

Zhuo Yi Hang looked around and suddenly discovered that halfway down the mountain was a huge cave. Found etched on the slab of the crag near the entrance of the cave were three large words reading “YellowDragonCave.” Outside the cave was a grove of bamboo trees, a few old pine trees, as well as stone tables and stools. Zhuo imagined that this most likely was a result of the priests within the temples having discovered the scenery around the cave to be especially divine, therefore deciding to manage the property. The cave was perfect for being used as a place to momentarily escape the rain, thus Zhuo Yi Hang uttered, “Just my lucky day,” and dashed inside. As soon as he entered into the cave, the sound of thunder rang incessantly outside as a heavy rainfall started to pour down.

The cave was deep and eerily silent as Zhuo Yi Hang walked towards the middle of the cave when suddenly a beautiful sight lighted up in front of his eyes. Lying on a stone bench within the cave was actually a young woman, a beauty whose exquisiteness can humiliate the flowers and triumph over snow. It was the same girl he saw within the temple. Watching her sleep with the sweetness of a HaiTang [1] in spring, her loveliness was made all the more charming. Zhuo Yi Hang belonged to a wealthy and illustrious family that stresses the importance of self-regulation in the act of abiding by ancient customs and manners, thus he almost didn’t even dare to observe the girl directly. But seeing that she was in the midst of her sweet slumber, he didn’t dare to wake her up either as he thought to himself: what if she wakes up and then misconstrues my intentions, thinking that I’m one of those flirty coquets?

Therefore he lightly stepped away from the girl, returning towards the entrance of the cave and sat down in silence to watch the great downpour occurring outside even though his heart was jumping around restlessly. He thought to how the beauty of that girl was something that can seldom be seen in this world, yet at the same time he did not dare to turn around to have another look.

After sitting for a while, Zhuo Yi Hang suddenly felt that the chilly temperature of the cave to be bitingly cold. He thought to himself: I am a practitioner of martial arts and yet even I am feeling the nippy chill. How could the young girl inside the cave possibly withstand this temperature? I’m afraid that she might get ill from this draft. Then he also thought: In a situation that leaves a solitary male and female alone together, I must try to avoid any misunderstandings and evade any improper allusions. Yet how can I possibly watch her fall ill from this cold? Matters of propriety are nevertheless still relatively minor issues, I would rather let her scold and reprimand me when she wakes up. Therefore he lightened his footsteps again and quietly approached the centre of the cave, took off his outer coat and gently placed it on her body before softly retreating again.

He was only able to walk a few steps before he suddenly heard from behind him the sounds of the girl getting up. Zhuo Yi Hang didn’t dare to turn around, but only heard the young girl rebuke in a severe tone, “Who’s there that dares to take advantage of me?”

Zhuo Yi Hang hurriedly stammered, “Young Ma’am, please do not misinterpret my intentions. When I found how bitingly cold the cave was, I was worried that you would catch a cold which is the only reason why I would dare to be so audacious so as to add another garment to you.” The young girl suddenly sighed and said, “Please turn around.” Zhuo Yi Hang was surprised and perplexed as he turned his head around, still not daring to look at her directly.

The young girl returned the outer coat to Zhuo and said, “I was watching you, and I saw what you just did. Mister, you are truly a sincere and genuine gentleman. Throughout my whole life I have never met anyone like you. I’m afraid that had somebody else been in your place, they would have attempted to take advantage of me.” Zhuo Yi Hang’s face was burning from embarrassment as he thought to himself: why are the words of this girl so upfront and frank? The girl was heard again to say, “I purposely yelled at you a while ago just to scare you. Please don’t take notice of it.” Zhuo Yi Hang’s eyebrows knitted together with slight displeasure as he thought to himself: why are her emotions of delight and displeasure in such an unpredictable and antithetical manner? How can she treat the act of scolding others as a joke? Judging from his expression, the young woman was able to guess his emotions as she laughed and said, “My nature is like this, which is there are so many people that are terrified of me. From now on, I will try to change my ways.” Zhuo Yi Hang felt that her words were incredibly odd and nonsensical as he became even more confused while thinking to himself: If your nature is indeed like this, then why should you suddenly change it? What does the act of whether you will change or not have anything to do with me?

The young girl having observed how he continually remained silent while his countenance communicated signs of displeasure immediately asked, “Mister, are you still angry at me?” Zhuo Yi Hang immediately answered, “What do you mean by these words Ma’am? Why would I possibly be angry at you?” The young girl said with joy, “I knew that you wouldn’t be angry at me. You are such a kind person. Since the day I was born, I have never encountered somebody who’s taken care of me as you did.” Zhuo Yi Hang asked, “Where are your father and mother?” The young girl replied, “Before I could even understand a single thing, my father and mother had already died.” Zhuo Yi Hang immediately said apologetically, “Oh! Please forgive me for asking these insensitive questions, I’m afraid that I have reminded you of your sorrows.” With a sweep of her jade-like hands, the young girl suddenly started to grab onto his shoulder.

With a flash of his body, Zhuo Yi Hang immediately dodged away. The young woman’s body tottered about as if she was going to fall when Zhuo Yi Hang used his fingers to hook onto his sash and with a quick flicker, he used his sash to knock against her slim waist, thus preventing her from falling down. The young woman steadied her balance before saying with embarrassment, “The floor’s wet, my foot slipped. Had Mister not lend out a helping hand to steady me, I would have fallen down.” She suddenly laughed and said, “Actually my words were wrong, I should have said that you lend out a helping sash to steady me, not a hand.” Zhuo Yi Hang’s face blushed a colour of red, spreading all the way to his scarlet coloured ears. The young girl suddenly asked, “Are you afraid of me too?” Zhuo Yi Hang was puzzling over why this young girl’s words sounded so crazy and bizarre when he suddenly remembered: it must be because she doesn’t have a father and mother, therefore causing her to feel deep unhappiness within her heart. No wonder she is acting like this. Therefore he said, “I just find young Ma’am to be very pitiable.” The young girl cut off his words as she asked with a slightly trembling voice, “Pitiable?” Zhuo Yi Hang continued to say, “And also very admirable. Young Ma’am you were left by yourself to live in this world to the present day, and yet still you would ascend Hua Shan by your solitary self to light incenses in prayers. Had you not possessed great courage, it would not have been possible.”

The young girl lowered her graceful neck and said, “Your words are so accurate. Why do you seem like such an old friend to me? Hey, what’s your name? I forgot to ask you.” Zhuo Yi Hang imparted his name to her before asking the girl her name in return. The young girl replied, “My surname is Lian. But I don’t have a name, why don’t you give me a name?” The rain outside was gradually ceasing as a waft of wind came blowing in, causing the ends of the young woman’s garments to dance lightly in the wind, her posture graceful and exquisite, causing Zhuo Yi Hang to suddenly remember the phrase, “Skirt of the Rainbow, Garment made of Plumage” [2] as he immediately blurted out, “How about Ni Chang? Wouldn’t that be nice?” The young woman’s face suddenly underwent a change of colour as she angrily shouted, “Who are you? Confess!” Zhuo Yi Hang croaked with alarm, “I’m Zhuo Yi Hang remember? If Miss Lian does not like that name you don't need to use it, but there’s really no need to be that angry.” The young woman’s eyes flashed briefly as she studied Zhuo Yi Hang, the look in her eyes were like sharp blades that were piercing into him. After hearing his words, she remained silent for a while before saying, “I lost my temper again, the name you gave me is very nice. From now on, I’ll call myself Lian Ni Chang.”

Zhuo Yi Hang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead as he thought to himself: this young woman is truly very scary. Lian Ni Chang suddenly asked, “It seems that Mister are very skilled in martial arts, may I ask why you came to Hua Shan?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “I merely learned a few measly tricks from the Wu Tang sect, in no way can I be said to deserve the praise of the two words ‘very skilled.’ Currently, I am in the process of taking my father’s remains back to my ancestral home, and since I happened to past by Hua Shan, I thought I should pay a visit to the temples and light a stick of incense in prayers.” Most likely our readers would have guessed by now that this young woman was Yu Luo Cha, Lian Ni Chang. Coincidently the name that Zhuo Yi Hang would come up with would actually turn out to be her original name. Yu Luo Cha was filled with suspicion, and when she tested him earlier, she already discovered that he was a skilled martial artist of the Wu Tang sect, his proficiency far above that of Geng Shao Nan’s. Even Taoist Priest Red Cloud would have to admit of being slightly below Zhuo in terms of martial arts proficiency. She had originally thought that he must be here to seek revenge, but little could she have guessed that he would not make any attempts to conceal his identity. Judging from his expression, he definitely didn’t seem to be aware of the fact that she was Yu Luo Cha, causing her to be silent, losing all traces of her smile. It must be known that Yu Luo Cha had a merciless hand and had Zhuo Yi Hang harboured a single intention of concealing anything, then the result would have been terribly severe.

With a dazzling smile, Yu Luo Cha said, “I heard that Wu Tang sect’s sword skills were without a match in this world, how can they possibly be considered as measly tricks?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “The road to knowledge knows no end. There will always be another level of heaven beyond the one that we know of. Every sect’s martial arts has their own strengths, how could anything be said to be unmatched in the world? It only happens that Wu Tang and Shaolin are both sects with a long history, producing heroes and honourable men in every generation, thus causing the people of the martial arts world to generously heap on words of exalted praise. As for myself, my nature is much too slow and untalented, for even though I have a famed teacher, yet I excel in neither my literary nor martial arts studies, certainly not deserving to be even mentioned.” By this time, Zhuo Yi Hang had already suspected that Yu Luo Cha knew martial arts which was why he took pains to speak in a particularly humble manner. Yu Luo Cha listened carefully and gave a slight nod of her head before suddenly rushing towards Zhuo Yi Hang and with a swipe of her sleeve that moved with the speed of lightning, she clasp down on Zhuo Yi Hang’s wrist.

Zhuo Yi Hang was incredibly alarmed as he thought to himself, how could it be that I wasn’t able to evade that move? His face was red with embarrassment as he struggled to free himself. Yu Luo Cha purposely released his hand. Outside, the rain was starting to cease while traces of strange whistling sounds can be heard throughout the mountain. Yu Luo Cha then said, “Oh! I’m very scared. Whenever I’m scared, I want to find somebody to stay with me. Are you going to leave me too?” Zhuo Yi Hang couldn’t be sure whether her actions were purposefully executed, and he couldn’t figure out whether she knew marital arts or not. But observing her delicate and fragile appearance, he couldn’t stop himself from saying, “If Ma’am is scared, then let me accompany you home.” Yu Luo Cha walked towards the cave’s entrance and looked towards the skies saying, “The rain will be stopping soon and there will be someone waiting for me. There’s no need to bother you.”

After a while, the rain stopped and the clouds dispersed as Yu Luo Cha said, “Alright, I have to go home now.” Zhuo Yi Hang had originally wanted to ask her: You have no father and mother, who else would be in your home? But observing at how mysterious and secretive her words and actions were, for some reason, within his heart, Zhuo suddenly became a little afraid of her. Therefore he dared not ask about her history and background in such a bold manner but said instead, “Since that is the case, I have to descend the mountain as well.” Yu Luo Cha replied, “Then go.” As Zhuo Yi Hang reached the cave’s entrance, Yu Luo Cha suddenly called him back. Zhuo Yi Hang turned around with fright. Yu Luo Cha then said, “I want to ask you to do one thing for me.” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Tell me what it is. If I can do, then I will.” Yu Luo Cha said, “I don’t want you to tell anybody else that you've encountered me today.” Zhuo Yi Hang smiled and said, “This can be done easily. We are merely casual acquaintances, once our encounter is over, then it is over. Why would I talk about it?” Yu Luo Cha’s eyes reddened as she suddenly asked, “So in your heart, I don’t even exist?” Zhuo Yi Hang didn’t know how to react as he could only say, “I have to return to my ancestral home in the Northern Shaan area, we most likely won’t have the chance to meet again in the future. But if we do see each other again, then I will definitely treat you as my good friend.” Yu Luo Cha waved her hand and said, “Fine, then leave.” Zhuo Yi Hang immediately ran down the mountain and it was only when he reached a cavity in the mountain did he finally dare to turn his head around for a look. The faint silhouette of Lian Ni Chang standing in front of the crag can still be vaguely discerned.

When Zhuo Yi Hang returned to the inn, Zheng Hong Tai asked, “You’ve been to Hua Shan to offer a stick of incense in worship right? Did you see Priest Zhen Qian?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Yes.” Zheng Hong Tai suddenly sighed, “It’s too bad that the Priest Zhen Qian never intrudes into other people’s affairs.” Zhuo Yi Hang realized that there was another meaning behind Zheng’s words, thus he asked, “Is there something wrong Elder Zheng?” Zheng Hong Tai seemed as if he wanted to say more, but in the end he refrained from doing so as he suddenly asked instead, “On your journey up the Hua Shan, aside from Zhen Qian, did you happen to encounter any other people with notable abilities?” A thought flashed across Zhuo Yi Hang’s mind as he also simultaneously remembered Yu Luo Cha’s words and replied, “No.” Zheng Hong Tai did not persist with his question, but changed the subject and conversed with Zhuo about the affairs of the marital arts world instead. After they finished their dinner, they then separated to their respective bedrooms to rest.

During the middle of the night, Zhuo Yi Hang was in the midst of slumber when he suddenly heard some whistling sounds to come from afar, causing him to immediately jump out of his bed. Someone was tapping lightly on his door as Zheng Hong Tai’s voice can be heard to say, “Brother Zhuo, open the door.” When Zhuo Yi Hang unlocked the door, Zheng Hong Tai entered and immediately started to light up an oil lamp before suddenly asking, “Brother Zhuo, are you afraid of Yu Luo Cha?” Zhuo Yi Hang asked with surprise, “What?” Zheng Hong Tai replied, “I only want you answer my question honestly, are you scared of her?” Zhuo Yi Hang then said, “I’ve never seen her before, why would I be afraid of her?” Zheng Hong Tai exclaimed with joy, “That’s great! Then since she robbed your grandfather and ridiculed your martial arts brothers, you must want to seek revenge right?” Zhuo Yi Hang replied, “Unless my ShiFu gives me the order, I don’t want to purposely seek her out in revenge.” Zheng Hong Tai said, “But what if you happen to encounter her?” Zhuo Yi Hang felt this was becoming stranger by the moment as he jumped up and said, “Are you saying that Yu Luo Cha is here now?”

Such is: Like an illusion and like a dream, resembling rain and resembling cloud.

_________________________________________________________

[1] “HaiTang”: Flowering Chinese Crabapple

[2] “Skirt of the Rainbow, Garment made of Plumage”: translated from the phrase “NiChang YuYi” which forms Lian Ni Chang’s name. It was said that the Tang Emperor, Tang MingHuang (also known as Tang XuanZong) once had a dream that took him to the moon where immortals were dancing to divine melodies, their skirts and garments billowing within the breeze as they danced. When he awoke, he was inspired by this dream to have the “NiChang YuYi” song to be composed. It is also said that Tang MingHuang’s favoured concubine, the Honoured Consort Yang YuHuan was famed for her superb dancing to this melody.