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Novel Excerpts - Qi Jian Xia Tian Shan (I)

Author: Liang Yu Sheng

Original Language: Chinese

Portions in Comic Sans MS typeface are hastily skimmed over.
 

Chapter 1: Doubly Ambushed
 

Physician Fu Qing Zhu and and his adopted niece Mao Wan Lian arrived at the peak of Mt Wutai. It was March 29, Year Thirteen of Kangxi Reign, when a major religious ceremony was being held at Qing Liang Temple on Mt Wutai. Many devotees came here to partake in it. Emperor Kangxi, who had been to the temple five times since his ascension, was expected to show up at this grand event too. The conversation among the commoners indicated that Kangxi won't be present, as he was usually accompanied by a large retinue. This time round, only small troops were around. Instead, Duo Duo, the Prince of Er, would attend the event on his behalf.

A group of soldiers accompanying an eight-man sedan arrived. They were from Prince of Er Residence. All of sudden, a young woman, wearing a veil across the face, pounced at the sedan, unsheathed a short, very shiny sword, her left palm shattered the sedan's jade door to pieces, while her left hand thrust the sword into the sedan, "Duo Duo, meet your doom today!"

The person in the sedan, with a turn of the palm, locked her elbow. The young lady was about to make another poke, when she opened her eyes wide and let off a scream. She hastily withdrew her sword in panic and backed off a few steps. At the same time, a young man, with three leaps, swooped down like a big bird, throwing three pearl darts. The young woman had yet to collect herself. On seeing the flying darts, she quickly blocked them with her short sword. Given her skills, it wasn't difficult for her to strike down all three darts; however, she had had a shock just now and hadn't calmed down and only managed to deflect two. The third still went zipping through into the sedan.

The pugilists were surprised at the turn of the event, and did not understand why the girl would help Duo Duo instead. Monk Tong Ming had already squeezed through the crowd towards the front and shouted, "Do not let Duo Duo off!" And those pedlars and Mourning Sect's Chang Ying and Iron Pagoda Cheng Tong, etc all rapidly came out. By then, the young man was already in front of the sedan. Suddenly, the sedan's curtain was drawn open and a dart came soaring at the speed of comet towards the young man. The dart hit his left shoulder, and blood sluiced out. Fortunately, it wasn't a vital nerve point on the body. Among the few hundred guards, half encircled the sedan while another half defended against the nearing attackers. Brandishing her sword like wind, the masked lady brought the young man to one side.

Chang Ying and Cheng Tong, one wielding a Mourning Club, the other twin five-petal axes, cried out as they struck, "Duo Duo, come out and face death." Then to their surprise, the person inside the sedan was not Duo Duo but a lady. Chang Ying, and the rest were all former subordinates of Lord Lu and they came here to exact vengeance on Duo Duo. When the Manchurians captured the Central Plains, Ming government still held authority over an area in the South. Lord Lu ruled Zhejiang province for five, six years until Duo Duo, who was a governor then, suppressed them. His former followers planned a secret revolt in Hangzhou, their secret was leaked out and hundreds were captured and imprisoned. They escaped on the eve of Duo Duo’s wedding and more lives were lost then. That was 16 years back when their deep-rooted enmity with Duo Duo was forged.

Being knights-errant of the pugilistic fraternity, they had no desire of implicating Duo Duo's family. So both sides ground to a standstill as a noble lady came out, "If there is nothing else, leave." And she opened the temple door, about to step inside. Chang Ying lifted his Mourning Club and yelled, "She's the one who injured Mr Zhang. Since she is setting herself against us, why should we show her mercy?" With a wave of his hand, a few mourning nails were flung at her back. Without paying any special attention, on hearing the whoosh on her back, Lady Er, with a swipe of her hand, seized all the nails with very polished skills. This infuriated Monk Tong Ming and the rest even more. Raising their weapons, they charged. Lady Er had already entered Qing Liang temple amid the hubbub.

At this time, the thunders of drums bellowed from below the mountain, and a legion of crack soldiers, part of which was on horsebacks, rushed up. These soldiers were in bright armours, carried sabres or spears in right arms, and shields in the other. On being attacked by weapons, they would raise their shields, quickly follow up with counter-movements with their sabres and spears. All that was heard were the ear-splitting clangs, and within a short moment, the whole Qing Liang Temple had been enveloped. They were the elite Forbidden Palace Guards, responsible for protecting the royal palace and princes' residences.

The young masked girl was shielding the injured young man. She zipped around the encirclement, suddenly moving forward, backward, left or right, or discharging concealed darts, or suddenly striking with her sword, agile as monkey, slippery as eel. She was about the break out through a small gap when there was an abrupt cry, "Heading somewhere?" And then appeared a straight sword at lightning speed.

The young lady, bent her body, tilted her shoulder, a straight sword swept past her head. Quickly, she stabbed her short sword upwards, towards the wrist of the attacker. This move was executed with utmost fatality. Unexpectedly, the attacker was no pushover either. Without retracting his straight sword to blockade her, with a rotation of his wrist, aimed his sword at the young woman's wrist too. The two blades skimmed and left, and both avoided the other party's lethal moves by attacking, both of whom were secretly taken aback.

The young lady lifted her head, and noticed that her enemy carried a haughty air, and had an imposing build. He ought to be someone of importance, as she pondered, someone shouted, "Isn't that the odious Duo Duo?" which greatly startled the lass.

On discovering Duo Duo, Mourning Sect's Chang Ying and Iron Pagoda Cheng Tong attempted to rush towards him. The young lady's attacks became tighter and quicker, but owing to his mighty strength, when her sword touched his, she felt a pang of paralysis. Without defence from the young lady, the injured young man was struck down by Duo Duo's henchmen and dragged away.

By this time Chang Ying and Cheng Tong had arrived, "Miss, please move back!" The young lady gave Duo Duo a cold, mean stare, and knowing that she was not his match, left to rescue the young man.

Chang Ying and Cheng Tong charged ferociously; knocked down over ten Forbidden Palace Guards. Duo Duo was fuming, "Let me deal with these two treacherous miscreants." With a swipe of his straight sword, sparks fluttered, and the tip of Chang Ying's Mourning Club was shaved off. However, Duo Duo's metal shield was also split apart by Cheng Tong's double axes. Duo Duo threw away his broken shield, and began executing Mt Chang Bai Clan's Wind and Thunder Swordplay against the two.

Cheng Tong and Chang Ying were known to be tough guys, their weapons were like fog, their strengths were immense, and they were evenly matched against Duo Duo. Chang Ying’s Mourning Club moved like a venomous python, sweeping and gushing forward; Cheng Tong's axes were like shifting mountains, pressing onwards heavily. Duo Duo's skills weren't that bad either, accompanying his sword are sonorous sounds of wind and thunder, swallowing, spitting, stabbing, withdrawing, like a soaring eagle in the sky; striking and chopping after appraising, sometimes like a ferocious tiger crouching on the ground, a ray of sword-sheen, like an enveloping weapon, showed no signs of relenting.

As they battled, Monk Tong Ming bellowed belligerently, joined in and chopped vehemently. As Duo Duo’s straight sword and Monk Tong Ming’s sabre met, there was a loud clash, sparks came off, and both felt inflammations at their chests. Monk Tong Ming, without changing form, inched forward, and conveniently slid his sabre towards Duo Duo's stomach. Duo Duo swerved slightly and sidestepped, his sword turned around towards the back of Monk Tong Ming. Monk Tong Ming, without turning his head, identified the stance with his ears, reversed his sabre to cut the enemy's wrist. This would lead to injury on both sides should Duo Duo not retract his move.

No matter what, Duo Duo was still a prince. While Monk Tong Ming dared jeopardise his life with such a risky move, Duo Duo dared not. He hastily performed "Bow Down and Plant Willow", and withdrew his sword, feeling slightly astounded and frightened.

At that moment, the Forbidden Palace Guards at the sides were helping him ward off oncoming pugilists. His troops of two, three thousand soldiers had also arrived. The street performing lady suddenly shot an arrow, swoosh and a ray of blue light was released, darting up the sky. This flame arrow was a signal. Once the signal was sent, Lord Lu's remnant subordinates retreated, broke out through the encirclement. Duo Duo raised his head and his eyes met the street performing lady’s. He had intended to intercept Monk Tong Ming, but changed his mind and pursued the street performer instead.

The female street performer's footwork was very quick, and as Duo Duo gave chase, he was unconsciously led towards a dangerous spot at Linjiu Peak. Duo Duo peered around, and realised how treacherous his surroundings were. The Forbidden Palace Guards were below chasing Lord Lu's former subordinates, leaving him alone with the female street performer on the high peak. Seeming to read his mind, she shot a snake flame arrow at him. Duo Duo dodged, next was a blast, the flame shot past him, setting the wild grass nearby ablaze. The lady taunted him by swishing her sword and looking at him condescendingly.

Duo Duo was unable to take it lying down. Having experienced hundreds of battles, and not having been defeated, how could he be afraid of a mere woman? Moreover, she looked like “the queen of reprobates of Zhenan”, Liu You Fang. Eliminating her would greatly benefit the Imperial Court. “The reprobates of Zhenan” in Duo Duos's case file were actually the remnant subordinates of Lord Lu whose activities Duo Duo had been monitoring closely through reports submitted by local magistrates to Military Department, which sent him a duplicate copy, seeking his advice. Liu You Fang was appointed leader of the group when her father General Liu Jing passed away in the recent years. She hadn't reached 30 years old then. Though young, Lord Lu's subordinates submitted to her willingly.

Under her provocation, Duo Duo couldn't hold back anymore, and struck at her. She swerved slightly to avoid his blow, her steel sword thrust towards the left. Duo Duo advanced and smack hard, intending to disarm her. However, when, Liu You Fang's sword stacked atop his blade, with a slight pull, borrowed the enemy's strength to strike at him, and Duo Duo was uncontrollably dragged forward by two steps. Making use of the momentum, Duo Duo flipped his sword back, and dissolved Liu You Fang's internal strength. A cold shimmer revolved around Liu You Fang's weapon.

Liu You Fang's Wuji Swordplay, derived from the strengths of Taichi and Wudang arts, was extremely lithe. When Duo Duo's sword rolled back, she also made use of the situation, "Wind Returns to Tease Willow", with a clang, parried his blow. Once again, she retracted her sword and turned tail, retreating though not having lost.

Duo Duo angrily followed. Suddenly, Liu You Fang, like a giant bird, jumped onto a rock overhang adjoining two igneous ridges. The overhang was less than a metre wide, and about 30 metres in length, below them was a deep valley. As semblance of victory got into his head, Duo Duo also leaped onto the rock overhang without giving any thoughts. Immediately, Liu You Fang began a battle against Duo Duo on the precarious overhang, her steel sword seeming to spew a silver rainbow.

Liu You Fang's movement was light and limber while Duo Duo's skills were well-seasoned. As they exchanged blows, all that was heard were the roaring winds of their swords, the two were covered by metallic chill coming from their swords. After over 100 moves, there was still no clear winner. The Forbidden Palace Guards and Monk Tong Ming and the rest, in their pursuit and escaping, had also reached Linjiu Peak. On seeing how dangerously Duo Duo and the woman were dueling at the risk of their lives, the two factions were utterly startled. They watched the duel atop the overhang, and, at the same time, fought frantically among themselves.

By this time, Fu Qing Zhu and Mao Wan Lian had already perched themselves on a tall rock outcropping, observing the situation below. Mao Wan Lian queried, "Uncle Fu, isn't that lady street performer using our Wuji Swordplay?"

After a while, Fu Qing Zhu recalled, "I got it, she could be considered your senior martial sister. Twenty years ago, my junior martial brother Si Nan was good friends with Lord Lu's general Liu Jing. He adopted Liu Jing's daughter, and begun teaching her martial arts when she was six. Si Nan ranks alongside Mt Tian’s Reverend Hui Ming as the world's two foremost masters of the arts of sword. Indubitably, she must be Liu Jing's daughter. Alas, her overall skills are slightly below Duo Duo. Otherwise, she would have won long ago based on sword techniques alone."

As they spoke, the combat between Liu You Fang and Duo Duo grew fiercer. Unexpectedly, Liu You Fang switched her sword to the left hand, her torso jerked, Duo Duo slashed with his sword, Liu You Fang made a “Delicate Chest Ingeniously Tumbles the Cloud”, back-flipped ten metres away. Her right hand released something black from her head, it was her unique concealed weapon, "Cloud Tapestry Webbing", it was a web of made of fine steel wires, at the edges of the net were reversed hooks. Duo Duo was caught off guard and his shoulder was snagged by the Cloud Tapestry Webbing, its hooks cutting into his flesh. Liu You Fang pulled vehemently, and blood gushed out. Duo Duo let out a soft cry, but still held on, his sword swooshing up and down, tightly sealing his vital pressure points.

Liu You Fang, sprinted forward aggressively. At the critical moment, a voice came from above the left cliff, "Here I come!" Followed by a shriek from another side, "Chu Zhao Nan, why are you here?" Abruptly, someone flew down like a shooting star, landing on the overhang, juxtaposing himself between Duo Duo and Liu You Fang. Without affording time to stabilise himself, his sword had already sliced the steel rope joined to Cloud Tapestry Webbing. Without further ado, he engaged Liu You Fang. Duo Duo removed the reversed hooks and was about to back off when he found a smiling monk blocking his way at the ridge. It was none other than Monk Tong Ming. He was equally astounded and confounded, and had no other options but to put himself into another skirmish with Monk Tong Ming.
 

Chu Zhao Nan's appearance shocked all the pugilists. Even Fu Qing Zhi furrowed and related to Mao Wan Lian ,"The foul demon I mentioned earlier this morning is this person. He is known as ‘Gallivanting Dragon Sword’ Chu Zhao Nan, and was Dhyana Master Hui Ming's disciple. For twenty years, he enjoys equal prestige with his senior martial brother Yang Yun Cong as Sword of Mt Tian. However, their personalities are at extreme poles. Yang Yun Cong was gallant and magnanimous, devoting his entire life to restoring the Han rule. Chu Zhao Nan cares only for his self-interests and was soon bought over by traitor Wu San Gui and became his chief drill instructor. After Yang Yun Cong died a strange death, being the only one left who possesses the supreme Mt Tian skills, he has turned the world into his oyster.”

At this moment, on the narrow rock overhang adjoining the two peaks, Liu You Fang and Chu Zhao Nan faced each other and duelled with swords. Without any room to turn around, both were in a precarious state, especially Liu You Fang. Chu Zhao Nan's swordplay was indeed exquisite, no matter how fast Liu You Fang's steel sword was, from the eyes of the onlookers, when it seemed that she was about to hit a vital nerve point on Chu Zhao Nan's body, her move instantly became ineffective. Before the onlookers could make it out, he seemed to have dodged successfully, followed by a quick counterattack. Fu Qing Zhu said to Mao Wan Lian, "It's time I show myself," and instructed, "Stay put here." With a leap, he plunged down like a gigantic roc.

At this moment, Chu Zhao Nan happened to be using "Extreme Stare, Torrential Waves," pointing the sword towards Liu You Fang's chest. Liu You Fang's steel sword was swiped away by Chu Zhao Nan, and it was now too late for her to retreat. Fu Qing Zhu arrived at the nick of time, his Wuji sword in his right hand attacked from the top, while his left hand grabbed Liu You Fang's shoulder, exerting internal strength, pulled her backwards. Liu You Fang made use of the pull and performed a somersault midair, landing lightly on the edge of the other side of the perilous cliff.

Chu Zhao Nan raised his sword to block and felt a powerful internal strength surging forth from the attacker. He had intended to repel him down the valley before the opponent could stabilise himself. However, when the two swords clashed, an incredibly potent strength came shoving at him and he was jarred back two steps. He was secretly alarmed. But on ruminating that Mt Tian swordplay was peerless, even if the opponent possessed deep, unfathomable internal energy, he would not survive under his sword. Thus, without further delay, he began wielding all the lethal moves, with every strike aiming accurately at the opponent's vital nerve points.

That Fu Qing Zhu, with his tens of years of internal strength cultivation, did not manage to topple him with his mid-air assault, was equally surprised. Within a twinkle of the eye, the two had exchanged 50, 70 blows, and both parties did not hold back. The two swords flowed about at lightning speed, their fights became more intense, and from a distance, only rays of silver waves sandwiched between two shadowy silhouettes could be perceived, even top pugilists like Monk Tong Ming, etc were so shocked they could hardly breathe.

As he battled, Chu Zhao Nan became bolder and his sword swifter. Fu Qing Zhu, on the other hand, changed his stance and his swordplay became slower. Yet, however quick Chu Zhao Nan was, he was unable to break through, for no matter where his sword poked, it was ricocheted by a strong, repelling force. Fu Qing Zhu seemed to be carrying a thousand catty object, it seemed particularly laborious as he brandished his sword about; yet, it appeared that his body was surrounded by an invisible rock-solid wall as an intangible shimmer from his sword circled about. Being a top-notch swordsman himself, Chu Zhao Nan could tell that it was a vastly superior form of internal energy swordplay.

However, neither was able to gain an edge and both were getting anxious. All of sudden, Fu Qing Zhu moved his sword to the side, revealing a vulnerability. Chu Zhao Nan's sword got ready to pierce him, Fu Qing Zhu with a minor dodge, locked Chu Zhao Nan's blade as the sword in Fu Qing Zhu’s his arm changed direction suddenly. His left hand immediately chopped at Chu Zhao Nan’s head. Chu Zhao Nan was taken off-guard, with a twirl of his sword, his left palm also greeted Fu Qing Zhu's. All that was heard was a loud blast, followed by yells across the mountain. Both of them were like an airborne kite with snapped string, plunging down into the deep ravine below the rock overhang. As Fu Qing Zhu fell half-way, he grabbed hold of a pine tree branch by the cliff. On the other hand Chu Zhao Nan fell right into the bottomless ravine.

Meanwhile, Monk Tong Ming pressed on, and had Duo Duo cornered between him and Liu You Fang. At the same time, all the Forbidden Palace Guards Duo Duo brought along had ascended Mt Wutai and hemmed in the devotees and laypeople who were at the mountain, as well as Lord Lu’s remnant subordinates.

Liu You Fang bartered, “Duo Duo, do you wish to live?” Duo Duo trying to look indifferent, said, “What does it matter?” Liu You Fang said, “If you wish to live, tell your troops to withdraw. We shall not attack each other today. And you must not harass or arrest the laypeople at your whims.” Duo Duo gave it some thought and asked, “And what of the future?” Liu You Fang answered, “Whatever that will happen in the future is something else. You are not likely to let us off, and neither will us let you off.” Duo Duo laughed, “Fair enough, so be it.” He lifted his sword and relayed the order.

At once, all his troops sheathed their swords and sabers, and the laypeople and Lord Lu’s subordinates were free to go. Duo Duo strutted off the overhang, brimming with hatred. The lass with a gauze on the face leaned on a rock, fiddled about, appearing to be groping for some concealed darts. Mourning Sect’s Chang Ying who was standing behind her stopped her, “Miss, don’t do anything foolish. Our leader has already given out the order, we can’t break our words.”

By now, Fu Qing Zhu had climbed up, and Liu You Fang greeted her elder whom she had not met for ages. After that, she led her followers over Linjiu Peak and descended the mountain from the other side. The lass wearing a veil was also invited to come along with them, though they weren’t of the same groups.

On the way, everyone was very quiet, feeling rather dejected at the failure. But they understood Liu You Fang did so in order to minimize the number of casualties. Liu You Fang seemed to be in a good mood. Seeing Mao Wan Lian was such a ravishing beauty, and was so elegant and refined, she liked her very much. She tried to strike up a conversation with Mao Wan Lian, but the latter seemed rather preoccupied and subdued.

In less than two hours, they arrived at a manor. Liu You Fang explained to Fu Qing Zhu, “This is the manor of an elder in the pugilistic circle, Wu Yuan Ying. We are temporarily putting up as his place.” Fu Qing Zhu asked, “Did you mean Eternal Sea Sect’s famous disciple Wu Yuan Ying. We are old friends.” Liu You Fang, “That’s him alright.”

Liu You Fang told one of her men who was left at the manor to inform Wu Yuan Ying that they would meet him and Han Zhi Bang, leader of Heaven and Earth Society, later. Together with the rest, she went to the backyard. After they settled down, Liu You Fang, in an earnest tone, enquired the veiled girl, “Miss, forgive my impudence. Do you mind telling us about your background, and showing us your true identity?”

The maiden removed her veil, and all eyes were upon her. Some of them mumbled weird noises. She was the spitting image of Duo Duo’s wife. Monk Tong Ming blurted out, “Are you a Manchu or a Han?” The maiden stared at Monk Tong Ming, “I am a Han, naturally.” Cheng Tong asked, “What about your name and clan?” The maiden smiled, “Everyone bears a name, a name is but a form of address that allows calling each other more conveniently. You may call me Yi Lan Zhu. As for my mentor, an unworthy maiden like me would old tarnish his name.”

Yi Lan Zhu’s eyes swept across everyone. It was obvious to her that they were rather suspicious of her. She raised her voice, “As to why I would shield Duo Duo’s concubine, I believe that there’s no need for me to explain. As pugilists, all of you should understand that my actual intention was to assassinate Duo Duo, but it turned out to be his concubine. Most certainly, I wouldn’t attack a harmless lady. That she injured Mr Zhang was unexpected.”

Fu Qing Zhu wrote a note saying, “This girl looks distraught and has all the cares of the world on her shoulders, she must have very painful reasons.” and asked Mao Wan Lian to pass it to Liu You Fang. Liu You Fang was aware of her elder’s peerless medical skills and what he wrote coincided with her analysis. She began comforting her in a gentle tone, “Miss, don’t be wary. That we are asking you these questions is because we would like to get to know a friend like you. If you do not mind, I’ll call you younger sister.” Yi Lan Zhu, moved to tears, called out softly, “Sister!”

At this time, Wu Yuan Ying, on hearing of Fu Qing Zhu’s arrival, sent an attendant to invite him over. Fu Qing Zhu proceeded to the study to meet owner of the manor Wu Yuan Ying. Wu Yuan Ying said that Han Zhi Bang was nearly 40 and was still single and that he had been carrying a torch for Liu You Fang for years. Liu You Fang, though already thirty, was still single, and seemed unwilling to get married. Wu Yuan Ying hoped that Fu Qing Zhu would act as their go-between, playing matchmaker on behalf of Han Zhi Bang. Fu Qing Zhu only agreed to sound her out. And Wu Yuan Ying brought Fu Qing Zhu to the main hall and introduced Han Zhi Bang to him. Fu Qing Zhu taught Wu Yuan Ying’s adorable 11 year-old son Wu Cheng Hua, who was playing chess with Han Zhi Bang, a concealed weapon technique, “Water Sleeve Capturing Darts”.

Subsequently, Liu You Fang and her subordinates were invited into the hall. Monk Tong Ming, Chang Ying, Cheng Tong were especially delighted to meet Han Zhi Bang. Liu You Fang smiled respectfully.

Fu Qing Zhu observed and thought, the relation between man and girl is so enigmatic. That Han Zhi Bang was willing to travel great miles to come to help Liu You Fang showed that his feelings for her were more than ordinary. However, looking at Liu You Fang’s expression, amidst her respect was certain aloofness. It’s not possible to bring them together.

Liu You Fang proposed for a merger between Lord Lu’s subordinates and Heaven and Earth Society. Han Zhi Bang agreed and willingly made Liu You Fang the head honcho of the alliance and ordered his men to obey Liu You Fang. However, some of his men were unhappy over this arrangement.

After that, they talked about what happened at Mt Wutai. Liu You Fang said, “That demon, Chu Zhao Nan, was indeed very difficult to deal with. Apart from Elder Fu, none of us was his match. Now that he had been jolted off into the valley by Elder Fu, I hope that we have seen the last of him.” Fu Qing Zhu dissented, “I couldn’t subdue him either. Don’t be too complacent yet. Given his skills, he might survive the fall.”

Han Zhi Bang, who was listening attentively, suddenly clapped his hands loudly, “I remember one person. Perhaps, he might be able to subdue this demon.” Monk Tong Ming asked impatiently, “Who is that person?” Han Zhi Bang continued, “I have never met him either, all that I know is that he is called ‘Divine Eulalia of Mt Tian’, Ling Mo Feng.” Liu You Fang remarked, “What a very odd sobriquet.” Han Zhi Bang explained, “This is a special breed of miscanthus sinensis that resembles a tiny arrow, and grows solely on Mt Tian. It is razor-sharp, is hard as gold, and it hurts excruciatingly when one gets pricked by it. His swordplay is deadly and his speech biting. And, hence, his nickname. But he is very famous in the Northwest. Everyone in the region holds him in high esteem, and the mountainfolk and shepherds there are on very good terms with him. However, he’s a loner, and wherever he goes, he would settle in quietly among the town folk. It’s very difficult to find him. Before coming to Shanxi, I have sent quite a few men to scout for him.” On hearing such a legendary person, everyone was in awe.

Han Zhi Bang went on to talk about some legendary tales of Divine Eulalia of Mt Tian. Fu Qing Zhu asked, “The swordplay of this person seems very exquisite, Reverend Hui Ming had another disciple? How could I not have known about it?”

Liu You Fang interrupted, “Let’s put aside Divine Eulalia of Mt Tian for now, and discuss about more pressing tasks. Firstly, Mr Zhang is being detained at Mt Wutai. We would be letting his father down if we don’t save him. Secondly, it’s atypical of Duo Duo to bring a huge battalion of Forbidden Palace Guards with him. There must be more to it than meet the eyes. It has been 31 years since the Manchurians entered the Central Plains. Now, only, Formosa and Huijiang have not been annexed. There is not much Formosa could do, being an offshore island. But if the Northwest and the regions beyond could form an alliance against the Manchu and seek help from Formosa, this might perhaps pose a sufficient threat to the Manchu government. I have heard that the Manchu government is planning to capture the Northwest. Duo Duo’s trip here might have something to do with it. Why don’t we investigate?”

Fu Qing Zhu asked, “Who is Mr Zhang?” Liu You Fang answered, “He is the son of our General Zhang Huang Qi, and a martial nephew of Mr Wu. He is Eternal Sea Sect’s third generation disciple. We have to save him, by all means.”

Fu Qing Zhu said, “If you don’t mind, I would like to pay Mt Wutai a visit with Miss Mao.” Fu Qing Zhu’s skills were top-notch and was undoubtedly the prime choice. However, no how knew how capable Mao Wan Lian was, and so, did not voice out anything momentarily. Monk Tong Ming shouted, “Why not let me go with you, Elder?” Mao Wan Lian smiled, “Though my martial arts may not be very good, but at least I won’t get caught.” At that time, there was a crow cawing in the garden. Fu Qing Zhu beamed, “That crow on the tree outside is so irritating, Wan Lian, go catch it.” Mao Wan Lian got up, with a leap, was already in the centre of the garden, and without any movement, her body levitated, and flew gracefully up the tree. The crow squalled once, flapped its wings, Mao Wan Lian’s toes gave a gentle tap on the branch, and she shot up quickly by many metres. The crow had just lifted off, but was already caught by Mao Wan Lian with one scoop, much to everyone’s bewilderment. Monk Tong Ming stuck out his thumb, “With such lightness kungfu, of course, you are qualified to go!” Everyone burst into chuckles.
 

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