"FIRST SHIFU, SECOND SHIFU, THIRD SHIFU, FOURTH SHIFU, Sixth Shifu, Seventh Shifu!" Guo Jing cried in one breath, as a woman and five men were led into the banqueting hall.
Armed and of exceptional appearance, the Six Freaks of the South had not disclosed their names when their vessel was hailed by Captain Zhang's men on Lake Tai, but exchanged a few words in the dialect of the rivers and lakes and accepted the invitation. The loyal pirate followed Laurel Lu's order to the letter, personally escorting the Freaks back to Roaming Cloud Manor, fearing the whole way that he was leading Squire Lu's enemies inside the estate.
Guo Jing's reaction had somewhat reassured Squire Lu, but before he could find out more about these newcomers, a voice boomed, "Is the she-demon here with you?"
"Not now!" Pulling him back, Jade Han hushed her cousin, Ryder Han. She'd recognised the boy sitting next to Guo Jing the moment she stepped inside – Lotus, in male disguise.
The Cyclone Mei I remember doesn't look or sound like her, Squire Lu observed with relief. He put his hands together in a gesture of respect as Guo Jing introduced his teachers.
"I have long admired the Heroes' unparalleled reputation. Pardon my rudeness for staying seated – I do not have full use of my legs."
He then ordered the servants to set a second table for the new guests.
Qiu Qianren, meanwhile, had paid no attention to the Six Freaks, other than flashing a half-smile when they appeared at the doorway. He was entirely focused on the feast.
"Who is that?" Once again, it was Ryder Han who spoke.
"One of the supreme martial masters of our age. His reputation is paramount in the wulin."
"Apothecary Huang of Peach Blossom Island?" Jade Han said.
"The Divine Vagrant Nine Fingers?" Ryder Han guessed.
Squire Lu shook his head. "This is Master Qiu, Iron Palm Water Glider."
"Master Qiu Qianren?" Ke Zhen'e, the most senior of the Freaks, was impressed.
Qiu Qianren was visibly pleased by the reaction to his name. He stopped eating for a moment and threw his head back in laughter.
Once the table was set, the Six Freaks seated themselves according to their seniority. Guo Jing turned to Lotus. Smiling, she shook her head and he moved over alone.
After Guo Jing had settled at his shifus' table, Squire Lu said with a smile, "I didn't think Brother Guo knew any martial arts. It turns out he is a disciple of the most esteemed masters."
"I hope sir will forgive me for concealing my martial knowledge." Guo Jing jumped to his feet reverentially. "I am not naturally gifted and I have barely scratched the surface of my mentors' kung fu." The Freaks were pleased by this humble response.
"It is said that the Six Heroes have won fame across the south." For the first time, Qiu Qianren addressed the new arrivals. "If the Heroes would join us, it would be of immense benefit to our enterprise."
"Master Qiu was about to explain the business that brought him here, just as you arrived," Squire Lu added.
"We are all men of the martial world. Our code of heroic righteousness requires us to prevent suffering from befalling our fellow men," Qiu Qianren said proudly. "The Great Jin Empire's army is poised to head south at any moment. War is inevitable. As the two armies clash, how many lives will be lost? How many ruined?
"We all know the saying, 'Fortune smiles on those who oblige the heavens, death descends on those in opposition.' I am here to make contact with the martial masters of the south, so we can work together to make sure the Song court will not ignore the escalating situation and will at last understand the precarious position it is in.
"With pressure mounting from within and without, it has become clear that the best option would be to surrender before we are forced to endure the humiliation and the strife that would follow a defeat on the battlefield.
"When we accomplish this task, the people's gratitude alone shall justify our efforts. Needless to say, wealth and rank would also be bestowed on us."
The Sixth Freak, Gilden Quan, shot a warning glance at his brethren – Let our host respond first – while giving the most hot-headed among them, Ryder Han and Jade Han, a sharp tug on the sleeve.
"I may keep the company of pirates and thieves, but I know where my allegiance lies." Squire Lu chose his words carefully. He was aghast to hear a master he so respected make such a treacherous suggestion. "If the Jin army comes to take our realm, I shall fight to the death alongside the martial masters of the south." He paused and then decided to make a jest of it. "I think Master is testing our loyalty."
"My dear brother, don't be so short-sighted!" Qiu Qianren exclaimed. "What good can come of helping the Song against the Jin? The only fate that awaits is that of Yue Fei – a lonely death in the Storm Pavilion."
"My enemies will be here at any moment. I was hoping to ask Master for his assistance. But, since our principles are irreconcilable, I would rather see my throat slit and my blood pouring out onto the floor than seek your help . . . Please!" Squire Lu cupped his hands in a perfunctory gesture of farewell, then pointed towards the way out.
The Freaks, Guo Jing and Lotus Huang were impressed by Squire Lu's bold response.
Smiling, Qiu Qianren pinched the lip of his wine cup between his thumb and his index finger. He turned the cup around before releasing his hold and striking its rim with the base of his palm. A ringlet of porcelain half an inch deep clattered to the table with a pop. He placed the drinking vessel next to its severed rim, showing off the clean edge.
Smashing ceramics required no skill, but to crack it so neatly with only his palm? That demonstrated exceptional mastery of internal neigong!
"Traitor! Enough of your tricks!" the fiery Ryder Han exploded, before his host could think of a rejoinder to the threat. He hopped out of his seat and planted himself before Qiu Qianren. The Freaks would never let a traitor slip away without a challenge.
"Nothing pleases me more than the chance to put a great martial reputation to the test. All of you together, please," the martial Master said.
"Indeed, the Six Heroes of the South are a united front, against one man or a thousand," Squire Lu added.
The Second Freak, Zhu Cong, understood the warning – none among them could beat Qiu Qianren in single combat. "We six martial siblings would be honoured to learn from a renowned master of the wulin," he said, with a wave of his hand. The rest of the Freaks leapt to their feet.
Qiu Qianren stood up and carried his chair to the centre of the hall, away from the tables.
"Come, we'll play sitting down."
He settled on the chair and rested his ankle on the opposite knee. The other foot tapped at the ground.
The Freaks inhaled sharply at this arrogant response. Only the most supreme martial master would slight his opponents so.
"Master, allow me to fight on behalf on my shifus." Guo Jing planted himself in front of his teachers. He had seen Qiu Qianren's strange skills and knew none of his teachers could match him. Even though he would likely die at the hand of this Master, as a disciple, it was his duty to keep his mentors from harm.
"Raising you was no mean feat. Why throw your life away so young, boy?" Qiu Qianren cackled.
"Move!" the Freaks ordered in unison.
Afraid that he would be restrained, Guo Jing bent his left knee and drew a circle with his right palm, without another word.
Haughty Dragon Repents.
He had been working hard on this move and his control over its power had grown exponentially since the day he learned it from Count Seven Hong. He thrust his palm, channelling only two-fifths of his inner strength, with ample back-up in reserve.
Qiu Qianren had noted how mediocre Ryder Han's kung fu was when he leapt out of his seat, so he had assumed the apprentice's skill would be negligible. Little did he imagine that a boy barely out of his teens could produce such a mighty force. He threw his feet down and sprang into the air.
Crack! The red sandalwood chair splintered.
"Insolent boy!" The first crack in Qiu Qianren's composure.
"I hope the Master will deign to instruct me," Guo Jing said referentially, well aware that it was very rude to strike one's senior, especially a master with such exquisite kung fu.
While Guo Jing hesitated over his next move, Lotus cried out, "No need to be civil to this awful old fossil." A ploy to distract the Master. Never before had insult been thrown with such audacity into his face.
Outraged, Qiu Qianren lunged at Guo Jing, his palms thrusting furiously. Then he remembered he was fighting a novice; he must maintain his composure. At the last moment, he turned a blow with his right hand into a feint, and with a disdainful sneer let his left hand fly in a Brow Brush Palm. Guo Jing swivelled away.
The martial Master changed the failed attack into a probe, pulling back in a Grappling Hook. Now, he struck once more in a Brow Brush Palm, before spinning into a low stance, his hand sinking into a Crushing Collapse.
"That's a dreadfully common move!" Lotus cried. "Wild Goose Leaves the Flock, from the Palm of Connected Arms and Six Unions."
Qiu Qianren had spent decades perfecting this very kung fu. Evolved from the Palm of Connected Arms and Five Elements, the moves themselves were not surprising, but the way in which the two arms interacted was unusual. As one palm thrust, the other would twirl, channelling its force into the attacking hand. The arms were connected in a cycle of energy, boosting each other with every blow.
Guo Jing had never seen such seamless coordination between the two sides of the body. His confidence wavered. At a loss whether to block or to attack, he just ducked and shied away. All he could think of was Count Seven Hong's explanation of "repent" and "retreat".
The boy's kung fu is most average. No finesse, just brute force. With that observation, Qiu Qianren fired three successive moves – Palm Piercing Strike, Yin Stirring Push and Mount the Tiger, Scale the Mountain – each one quicker than the last.
Lotus edged closer to the fight, ready to help.
Guo Jing veered from a sideways kick, then hesitated as he noticed the concern in Lotus's eyes.
Qiu Qianren saw his chance. He smacked the young man square in the chest, in a White Snake Spits Tongue.
Gasps filled the hall. No-one could survive such a heavy blow!
The blood drained from Guo Jing's face. Fear rushed through him, and yet he felt no pain. He flexed his arms and shoulders. Nothing.
How was that possible?
Lotus ran to steady Guo Jing. He looked dazed, his eyes had glazed over. "That stinking whitebeard must have knocked him out," she cursed under her breath. "How do you feel?" Tears were rolling down her cheeks.
"I'm fine." He smiled. "Let me try again."
He puffed up his chest and strode over to Qiu Qianren. "Hero of the Iron Palm, please strike me once more."
Seething, the older man summoned his strength and – pang! – hit Guo Jing again. Directly at his heart.
"Shifus, Lotus, this old man's kung fu is very common!" Guo Jing chuckled. "His moves look powerful, but, by striking me, he showed his hand." Then he took a step forward – "Now it's my turn!" – and swung his left arm horizontally.
Circling his arms over his chest, Qiu Qianren thought Guo Jing's swipe would turn into a punch. He had no idea that he was about to face the most intricate move from the Dragon-Subduing Palm: Dragons Tussle in the Wild.
Left arm sweeping, right palm thrusting, each could be a feint or an attack. It was impossible to predict which hand would land the blow.
The moment Qiu Qianren made to block, Guo Jing slapped his other palm into the old man's right shoulder.
Pang!
Like a kite with a snapped string, the martial Master careered through the doorway.
2
A WOMAN OUTSIDE THE HALL CAUGHT THE HURTLING QIU Qianren. She hoisted the martial Master back inside by his collar and dumped him on the floor.
Iron Corpse Cyclone Mei.
She planted herself in the middle of the room, her face, partially obscured by her unkempt hair, turned up to the rafters.
But the horror that followed eclipsed her dramatic entrance.
A tall, lanky figure, clad in a light green robe. Waxen complexion, mouth, nose, facial muscles stiff and dead as wood or stone. Only the eyes were capable of movement. The head of a corpse on a living human body. One look at his face and a chill descended down the beholder's back. Everyone in the banqueting hall averted their eyes as their hearts raced and spines shivered.
Any amusement Squire Lu had felt at Qiu Qianren's humbling by Guo Jing was snuffed out when he caught sight of the new arrivals. She had changed almost beyond recognition, but there was no mistaking her identity. Fear, and grief, took root in his heart.
"Shifu!" To everyone's surprise, Wanyan Kang rose to greet Cyclone Mei.
"Cyclone, my martial sister, it has been more than ten years. Finally, we meet again." Squire Lu cupped his hands in respect. "How is our brother, Hurricane?"
Guo Jing and his shifus looked at each other, startled by this revelation. Had they walked into a trap? Cyclone Mei alone was hard enough to defeat, now they had to deal with her martial brother, too?
Meanwhile, Lotus Huang was pleased that her intuition had been vindicated: I knew he was Papa's disciple! Everything about him reminded me of Papa.
"Zephyr Lu? My little martial brother?" Cyclone Mei's voice was cold as ice.
"Yes, it is I," the Master of Roaming Cloud Manor answered. "I trust you have been well?"
"Well? Can't you tell I'm blind? Hurricane was murdered years ago. Isn't that what you always wanted?"
"Who killed our brother? Was his death avenged?"
Zephyr Lu was surprised to hear that someone had got the better of Twice Foul Dark Wind, but also relieved that this was one enemy he no longer need worry about. He sighed, thinking of those days, another lifetime ago, when they were martial siblings on Peach Blossom Island.
"I'm still looking for them."
"Before we settle the grievances between us, I shall help you find this killer of our kin."
Cyclone Mei snorted in contempt.
"Seek your vengeance here!" Ryder Han bellowed as he smacked the table. He would have leapt out of his seat if Gilden Quan had not restrained him.
"No more empty talk of petty revenge!" Qiu Qianren had finally recovered from the heart-shattering, lung-piercing blow he had suffered at Guo Jing's hands. "You strut around, calling yourself heroes and great men, yet you know nothing of your own shifu's death. Spare me your posturing!"
Cyclone Mei flipped her hand and locked on to Qiu Qianren's wrist. "What did you say?"
The pain bore deep into his bone. He shrieked. "Let go!"
"What did you say?" Mei asked again.
"Apothecary Huang. Lord of Peach Blossom Island. Murdered!" He spat the words out. Cyclone Mei's grip went slack.
"Is it true?" Zephyr Lu did not care about the etiquette of hospitality anymore.
"Why would I lie? He was hunted down by the Seven Immortals of the Quanzhen Sect – Wang Chongyang's disciples – and killed."
Cyclone Mei and Zephyr Lu sank to their knees, sobbing. Lotus Huang fainted, crashing to the floor along with the chair she had been sitting on.
No man, without help, could inflict mortal harm on the Lord of Peach Blossom Island. But, outnumbered and surrounded by Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi and their martial siblings . . .
"Lotus! Wake up!" Guo Jing cradled her. Her pale cheeks and shallow breathing frightened him. "Help her, please, Shifu."
Zhu Cong held his hand under her nose.
"Don't worry; she will be fine. She's passed out from grief." He massaged the Palace of Toil pressure point in the centre of her palm.
She began to come to.
"I want Papa! Papa! Where are you?"
Realisation dawned on Zephyr Lu, despite the double onslaught of shock and grief. Of course! She's Shifu's daughter! That's why she recognised the Dew of Nine Flowers.
"Little sister, we'll kill the Quanzhen monks!" he spluttered through tears. "Cyclone, are you coming with me? If not, then I'll have to kill you first!"
"Papa, we must plan this properly." Laurel Lu had never seen his father so overcome with emotion.
"It's . . . It's your fault, Cyclone Mei. You brought this onto Shifu! You brought this onto me!" There was no stopping Zephyr Lu now. "It was bad enough you did that shameful thing with Hurricane. Why did you have to steal the Nine Yin Manual too? Did you know Shifu broke our legs because of it? All three of us. Your martial brothers! And banished us! I've longed for Shifu to change his mind, to take me back, so I can wait upon him once more, so I can repay his kindness in teaching me. But now he is no more. All my dreams, my hopes – dashed! Gone! Because of you!"
"Stop! I've cursed you for your lack of backbone in the past, and I curse you again now! It was you who wouldn't stop hunting us. It was you who pushed us out to Mongolia. Without you, Hurricane would not have met his death out there! Why are you still wailing about settling our old scores? You should be focused on how we are to avenge our shifu! We must find those Taoist bastards. If you can't walk, I'll carry you myself." Her tears were falling as fast as her words.
"Papa! I want my papa!" Lotus had been repeating those few words for quite some time now.
"We should question him properly," Zhu Cong whispered to Lotus. He went over to Qiu Qianren, flicking his sleeve over the dust and dirt on the martial Master's shirt.
"Our disciple's ignorance has offended the Master. Please forgive him."
"My eyes aren't as sharp as they once were. It didn't count. Let's do it again."
"It was obvious that the Master's kung fu is far superior. There is no need to fight again." Zhu Cong patted Qiu Qianren on the shoulder and shook his left hand.
The Second Freak returned to his seat and picked up his wine cup with a smile. He pinched the edge of the vessel with his thumb and index finger, as Qiu Qianren had done. After turning it a full circle, he touched his palm against the rim. A porcelain ring, half an inch deep, fell to the table. It was exactly the same kung fu.
"The Master's kung fu is most superb. Pardon me for stealing the move. And thank you!" Zhu Cong grinned. "Come, Guo Jing, I'll teach you. Now you'll be able to trick people and give them a good fright."
The colour drained from Qiu Qianren's face. How did he discover my secret? I had it on my person just a moment ago!
No-one could work out how Zhu Cong had managed to replicate the trick.
The Second Freak removed a ring and held it up. "Put it on. Pinch the rim. Make sure the ring is touching it. Now turn." Guo Jing did as he was told. Another ceramic ring fell onto the table. "Many thanks to Master Qiu for lending us the ring. See, this is an adamant – the hardest material in this world."
So it wasn't thanks to his extraordinary control of inner strength! Lotus joined in the laughter before succumbing to tears once more.
"Don't cry, my lady," Zhu Cong said. "Our Master Qiu lives to deceive and play tricks. Your esteemed father's martial skills are incomparable. The Seven Immortals of the Quanzhen Sect are principled. Why would they kill your father for no reason?"
"Qiu Chuji and his cow muzzles must have heard about their martial uncle, Zhou Botong," Lotus blurted out.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. Nothing that concerns you . . ." She started to cry again. Under normal circumstances, she would not have fallen for Qiu Qianren's trick. But, for the first time in her life, it had been months since she had last seen her father, and, furthermore, if the Seven Immortals had found out what had happened between her father and Zhou Botong, then they would have had just cause for a fight.
To distract Lotus from her thoughts, Zhu Cong pulled out two bricks, one bundle of tightly rolled reeds, as well as tinder, a flint and a flint cutter. "Master Qiu keeps all kinds of funny things up his sleeves. Shall we guess their purpose?"
Lotus picked up a brick and tightened her grip. It disintegrated at the slightest pressure. She rubbed a fragment of the remnants between her fingers and it crumbled into dust. A smile spread over her face. "This brick is made of flour! He showed us how he could crush it with his inner strength!"
Qiu Qianren's face flitted between sickly green and pallid white. He had been hoping the lie about Apothecary Huang would create an opportunity to escape. But all his illusions were being exposed by the filthy scholar. He turned and tried to slip away.
Cyclone Mei grabbed the martial Master and hurled him to the ground with a backhanded throw.
"What you said about my teacher just now. Was it a lie?"
Qiu Qianren whimpered in pain.
Lotus noticed that one end of the reed was scorched. "Second Shifu, can you smoke this and conceal it in your sleeve?"
The Freaks were wary of Lotus Huang because of her father, but, for the moment at least, they were united against Qiu Qianren. Zhu Cong was quietly pleased she called him Shifu, as he had always felt a connection with her irreverent quick wit. He did as she requested, and, with a serious expression, he inhaled.
Laughing and clapping, Lotus turned to Guo Jing and Zephyr Lu. "That's what the awful old fossil was doing when he was practising his internal kung fu!"
She approached Qiu Qianren and smiled sweetly. "Allow me."
As she helped the martial Master back onto his feet, she tapped his Spirit Path pressure point, positioned under his fifth vertebra, with her Orchid Touch.
"So, what happened to my papa?" she barked. "I'll kill you if you say he's dead!" Her hand flourished. The steel point of her Emei Needle was now pressed into his chest.
Everyone suppressed their laughter at her interrogation methods.
Qiu Qianren succumbed to waves of aches and itches. "Perhaps he is not dead. It is impossible to be sure."
"That's more like it!" Beaming, Lotus rubbed the Empty Basin point on his right shoulder blade to ease the discomfort.
"You said the Seven Immortals of the Quanzhen Sect killed our teacher. Did you see the fight with your own eyes? Or did you simply hear about it?" Zephyr Lu asked, hoping to get more information out of the martial Master than Lotus had.
"I heard about it."
"From whom?"
Qiu Qianren said, after a pause, "Count Seven Hong."
"When was this?" Lotus cut in.
"A month ago."
"Where?"
"At the summit of Mount Tai. We were duelling. He lost and he mentioned it in passing."
Laughing, Lotus grabbed him by the shirt and plucked a handful of his beard. "Another lie! We were with Count Seven a month ago!" She turned to Guo Jing. "Show him another one of your palm thrusts."
"Of course!" Guo Jing leapt over.
Qiu Qianren spun and scampered away from the young man. Seeing Cyclone Mei in the doorway, he scurried back into the hall.
Laurel Lu stepped forward to restrain Qiu Qianren, but the older man pushed back and Laurel stumbled backwards. The so-called martial master was not entirely without skill, or he would not have challenged the Freaks.
"Tell me how you walk on water with the iron tub on your head." Lotus put a restraining hand on Qiu Qianren's shoulder.
"That was my unique lightness kung fu. It is why I'm known as Iron Palm Water Glider."
"Really? Are you still trying to fool us?"
"At my old age, my martial skills aren't what they used to be. But I never lost my qinggong."
"In that case, show us your Water Gliding kung fu. There's a big fish pond in the courtyard. Through the doors, under the osmanthus tree on the left."
"A pond? I can't possibly—" A flash, and something tightened around his ankles. The White Python whip. Before he knew it, he was hanging upside down.
"You've talked enough!" Cyclone Mei dragged Qiu Qianren through the banqueting hall's doorway and, with a flick of her wrist, tossed him into the fish pond in the courtyard.
Lotus followed him outside and held her Emei Needles over the edge of the stone pond.
"Show us how you glide on water! Or my needles will make you sink to the bottom!"
Qiu Qianren pushed off with his feet, hoping to jump out. But he launched himself straight at Lotus's steel spikes. Pricked on the shoulders, he fell back with a splash.
"I put logs on the riverbed. Five or six inches from the surface," the old man confessed, shamefaced and dripping wet. "The vat is made of a very thin sheet of iron. Its opening is sealed and it only holds three inches of water."
Her curiosity satisfied, Lotus went inside with a chuckle. Qiu Qianren hopped out of the pond and disappeared into the night, his head hung low.
3
CYCLONE MEI HAD COME TO ROAMING CLOUD MANOR BENT ON unleashing carnage, but, after the tears and the laughter, her bloodlust had been chased away. Now, her thoughts had turned to her shifu. As she listened to Lotus Huang's giggly, animated re-enactment of Qiu Qianren's tricks, Cyclone Mei knew she could no longer steel her heart against her martial brother.
"Zephyr Lu, set my disciple free. In honour of our shifu, I shall let our past enmity go." She sighed. "You drove my husband and I into Mongolia . . . It's all been the work of fate."
"He is yours."
Zephyr Lu had also realised how futile it had all been: Cyclone Mei has lost her husband and her sight. She has nothing and no-one left in this world. I might be crippled, but I have my wife and my son, I have a home and I have my business. My life is a hundred times better than hers. What sense is there in raking up the past?
"I shall set off for Peach Blossom Island tomorrow," he said, after a pause. "Would you care to join me?"
"Really?" This one word crystallised years of fear and yearning.
"Yes. I know to step foot on the island without invitation is a grievous offence, but Qiu Qianren's lies have made me miss our gracious teacher even more."
"We'll go to see Papa together," Lotus said. "I'll entreat him on your behalf."
Cyclone Mei stood rooted to the spot, lost to the present. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. "No, I can't. I'm too ashamed. Our teacher took pity on me and granted me a new life. Raised me, taught me. And I, this feral heart, spawn of wolves, betrayed him. I'm worse than a beast . . .
"Every day, I think of him. I pray for his good health and that he might set me free with a strike to my cheek!" She struck herself twice across the face.
"Shifu, I . . . I've wronged you." She struck herself once more. Her cheeks burned fiery red. "I shall take my life, once I have avenged my husband. The Seven Freaks of the South, fight me if you dare!"
Ke Zhen'e stepped forward and banged his iron staff on the floor. "Cyclone Mei, you can't see me, nor can I see you," he said, his voice rising above the ringing of metal on stone. "Your husband lost his life that night, but he also took our Fifth Brother Zhang Asheng with him."
"That's why there are only six Freaks now," she said aloud to herself.
"We promised Elder Ma Yu we would never seek you out for revenge, but today you have found us. The heavens and earth might be infinite, yet our paths always converge. Perhaps the Lord of the Heavens does not wish us to exist together in this world. Please make your first move."
"After you." Cyclone Mei sniggered. "All of you."
The rest of the Freaks had long taken up position behind Ke Zhen'e. Now, they brandished their weapons as one.
"Your disciple shall make the first move against Cyclone Mei." Guo Jing bowed at his mentors.
"Please hear me out!" Zephyr Lu wished he had the authority or the kung fu to diffuse the situation. "There might be past discord between Sister Mei and the Six Heroes, but both sides have already suffered bereavements as a result. Might I propose that, today, we only fight to win, without causing injury? The Six Heroes are united in all their deeds, but fighting six to one might appear unfair. Dare I ask my sister to teach our young friend a few moves?"
"How could I fight with a nameless youth?"
"It was I who killed your husband," Guo Jing said. "My shifus have nothing to do with it."
Cyclone Mei had already determined Guo Jing's location from his voice. She howled, sprang and plunged her claws at the crown of his head.
Guo Jing swerved aside. "Master Mei, I was only six years old. I was a child. It was by accident that I hurt Master Chen. But I take full responsibility. You need only come for me. I will not run. Kill me, skin me alive, deal with me as you wish. But you must promise never to trouble my six shifus again."
"You won't run?"
"I won't."
"Very well! The Freaks and I both have lost someone dear to us. It's my wretched fate, and theirs too. What can we do? All the hatred and animosity between us belongs to the past. Now, boy, come with me."
"Sister Mei," Lotus interrupted. She had an idea. "Guo Jing has shown he has courage and yet the jianghu heroes will laugh at you until their jaws ache!"
"What do you mean?" Cyclone Mei snarled.
"He is the only disciple of the Six Heroes of the South. The Heroes' martial skills have improved phenomenally in the past few years; they could take your life with a wave of a hand. But they chose to let you go, to let you save face. Yet, here you are, boasting with your big words."
"Pah! I don't want their mercy. Freaks, let's see if your kung fu has really improved!"
"They have no need to fight you. You probably can't even beat their disciple!"
"If I can't kill that boy within three moves, I will smack my head into a pillar and die right here!" Cyclone Mei remembered Guo Jing's kung fu from the Prince of Zhao's residence. She had no idea of the vast improvements he had made under the guidance of the Divine Vagrant Nine Fingers.
"Three moves? That's too few. Let's do ten. We all stand here as witness."
"I would be honoured to receive fifteen moves from Master Mei." Guo Jing had caught on to Lotus's ploy. He was confident his Dragon-Subduing Palm could withstand Mei's attack.
"We shall ask Brother Lu and the gentleman accompanying you to keep count," Lotus said.
"Who? I came here alone. I have no need of company!"
"Then who is standing behind you?"
Cyclone Mei swung a backhand, swift as lightning. But the man in green was faster. He evaded her, silent as a ghost.
Since Cyclone Mei had come to the south, she had had this queer feeling, as if she were being followed. She had called, lashed out around her, but had found nothing. She had even begun to think her mind was playing tricks on her. Yet, that night, when she was ambushed by Gallant Ouyang's snakes, someone had sent her attackers away with flute song. She had kowtowed in gratitude, kneeling for hours, but received no reply. Nothing. Not a sound. No departing footsteps. Lotus's words at last confirmed her suspicions.
"Who are you?" Mei asked. "Why are you following me?"
The man ignored her questions. Cyclone Mei lunged. The man did not lift his feet or shift his body, but she only managed to grab at air. The room was shocked by the stranger's skill. It was far beyond anything they had known.
"Master, I have been tardy with my welcome," Zephyr Lu said. "Would you care to sit down and join us for a drink?"
The man turned and drifted out of the hall.
"Was the Master the flute player?" Mei asked. "Cyclone Mei is most grateful."
"He's gone," Lotus said.
"Gone? I . . . I heard nothing."
"Go after him!"
Cyclone Mei seemed far, far away. She did not hear Lotus. Then the malice, the thirst for vengeance returned. "Here comes the first move, boy!"
She flashed her talons. They glowed a ghostly green, poised to strike.
Guo Jing shouted, "I am ready—"
Mei's right palm swirled before he could finish the sentence. Her left hand darted. The sharp claws scratched at Guo Jing's face. He tilted out of the way, flipped his left palm and thrust.
Cyclone Mei heard the approach, but there was no time to dodge.
Pang! Her shoulder.
The force pushed her back three steps. Yet, in an instant, she was on the offensive again. Moments later, she had Guo Jing's left wrist in her grip, her claws digging into three vital points – the Inner Pass, the Outer Pass and the Gathering Convergence.
Numbing pain radiated from his arm. Guo Jing had heard about Cyclone Mei's explosive speed and unpredictable moves from his shifus. He knew he would not have the skill to dodge or block, but he did not expect her to turn on him so quickly after taking a blow.
And yet, true to the spirit of the Dragon-Subduing Palm, Guo Jing had strength in reserve. Now, he unleashed it. Curling the index and middle fingers of his right hand, he struck her in the chest.
This was half of Shun the Concealed Dragon. His other hand was supposed to reach in with a Grappling Hook, but Mei had it in her grasp.
A punch? A palm thrust? Cyclone Mei twisted to the right.
Once more, the same shoulder was hit.
Though she avoided the full brunt of the blow, an enormous force drove her back. She flicked her wrist and flung Guo Jing away.
Thwack! They each slammed into a pillar. Roof tiles, bricks and dust rained down. The waiting staff fled into the courtyard, yelping in fear.
The Freaks looked at each other. When had Guo Jing learned such superior kung fu?
Ryder Han glanced at Lotus Huang. She must have taught him the move! He was grudgingly impressed by the martial arts of Peach Blossom Island.
Cyclone Mei darted back and forth. Ruthless claws scratched at Guo Jing from every direction. Lightning quick and never the same stroke twice. A strong gust trailed every move.
But Guo Jing stood his ground, each counter-thrust fierce and powerful. He knew he was not quick enough to respond creatively to each individual attack, so he stuck to Count Seven Hong's advice. Whatever came his way, he answered with the Dragon-Subduing Palm.
Starting from the Haughty Dragon Repents, he launched the moves one by one, until the fifteenth and final in his repertoire. Then he began again.
The tactic worked. Forty moves on, Cyclone Mei had not advanced half a step.
A triumphant smile spread over Lotus's face. The Freaks stared at their disciple in wonder.
Zephyr Lu was dazzled by the improvement in Cyclone Mei's kung fu. If he were fighting her, he would have been dead within ten moves.
And how extraordinary is our Brother Guo, he thought with admiration. To attain such deep martial knowledge at his tender age! I overlooked his talent. How fortunate that I treated him with the utmost courtesy.
Zephyr Lu turned his eyes back to his martial sister. In the flickering candlelight, her face glowed with a luminescent pallor acquired over years of hiding from daylight. She had also dabbed some petal sap on her cheeks, as if it were rouge.
Memories from Peach Blossom Island invaded Zephyr Lu's mind. He was too young to have had romantic thoughts then, but he remembered how much he had adored his beautiful, kindly big sister. She looked after him like he was her own brother. Her beauty had not waned, but an air of malice clung to her. Zephyr Lu knew it did not stem from her time on Peach Blossom Island. He thought of his crippled legs and the hatred he had felt towards Twice Foul Dark Wind after his banishment. He prayed the fight would end amicably.
Wanyan Kang watched in envy and frustration. It was only a couple of months since he had almost defeated this young man. Now, he stood no chance.
"Sister Mei, admit that you have lost! You have already exchanged more than eighty moves!"
Cyclone Mei knew Lotus was exaggerating. The true count was closer to sixty, but it was already sixty too many. She had sacrificed so much to hone her kung fu. And yet she could not defeat a teenaged boy!
She clawed and slashed, desperate to deal the death blow, so intent on revenge and so surprised by Guo Jing's improvement that she had forgotten a frenzied mind in combat can lead to the downfall of even the most seasoned martial master. She had driven herself into a state that – compounded by her blindness – curtailed the power of her far superior martial skills.
So far, thanks to his strength and stubbornness, Guo Jing had managed to keep Cyclone Mei at arm's length. However, he had already repeated Count Seven Hong's formidable palm thrusts in the same sequence half a dozen times.
Soon, he had reached a hundred moves.
Cyclone Mei was confident she had the measure of his limited repertoire and changed tactics. No more fighting at close quarters. She stepped back ten paces. Flitting back and forth, she drew out his palm thrusts to drain his strength.
As she had predicted, great focus and much energy was required to launch the Dragon-Subduing Palm. Soon, the might of Guo Jing's blows began to diminish.
Cyclone Mei lunged, sweeping her arms up and down. A deadly fusion of the Nine Yin Skeleton Claw and Heartbreaker Palm.
Fearing for Guo Jing, Lotus Huang shouted, "Sister Mei, why won't you admit you've lost? It's almost two hundred moves now!"
Mei was by now a whirlwind of palm thrusts and sharp claws, impervious to any distraction.
"Psst! Over here!" Lotus beckoned Guo Jing.
He threw a Traverse Great Rivers, followed by a Wild Goose Approaches Land, pushing Mei away. Then he looked up.
Why is she pointing and running around the pillar? He could not understand.
"Fight her from here!" Lotus cried.
Ah! Now he got it.
Guo Jing leapt to the closest column. Cyclone Mei lunged, following the sound of his feet. He ducked. Her talons sunk into the wood.
Whoosh! A palm thrust.
No time to dodge. Mei pushed back with her left hand. The fierce force sent her stumbling back, freeing her claws from the wooden support.
Immediately, she pounced. Her talons flashed with the fury of lightning.
Guo Jing was still finding his footing after the last clash. A strip ripped from his sleeve. His arm was scored, but no blood was drawn. He threw another palm thrust and ducked.
Once more, Mei's left claw dug into the column. She shrieked in frustration.
"Master Mei, my kung fu is no match for yours. Please have mercy!" Guo Jing lowered his guard.
It was obvious Guo Jing could not lose, fighting in this new way, but his words gave Cyclone Mei the chance to claim victory and save face. Zephyr Lu hoped this would signal the end of the duel.
"If this was a simple martial contest, I would have admitted defeat after three moves. But this is revenge. I may have lost, but I shall kill you all the same!" Cyclone Mei replied.
Three thrusts from her right hand, then three from her left. All striking the same spot on the pillar. With a roar, she launched both palms.
Crack! The support snapped.
There was barely time to react. A thunderous crash pursued Laurel Lu into the courtyard as he ran with his father in his arms. Half of the hall had collapsed.
The only one who failed to escape was Commander Duan of the warden's office. Without the benefit of martial-arts training, he could not foresee the consequences of the blind woman's actions. He screeched for help, his legs pinned under the main lintel. Wanyan Kang dived into the rubble, shoved away the wooden beam and yanked the man back to his feet. He did so only because he thought the chaos would give them a chance to escape. Just as he turned to make a run for it, the Jin Prince felt a spot of numbness spreading from the small of his back. He did not see the person hitting his acupressure point.
Cyclone Mei had ears only for Guo Jing. She picked out his footsteps, despite the commotion, and lunged.
They were once again consumed by their duel. Their faint silhouettes blurred into one shadowy storm. Hands sliced the moonless night with shrill cries. Kicks whipped up a dusty wind. Cyclone Mei's joints cracked and popped.
The night robbed Guo Jing of his sight; defeat was surely imminent. He dodged and ducked blindly. A murky shadow of Mei's sweeping left foot. A hasty right kick at her shin.
"It's a feint!" Laurel Lu cried. That was how Wanyan Kang had defeated him the other day.
If Guo Jing's kick found its target, it would fracture the leg at contact. But Cyclone Mei had already twisted away. He was now swinging straight into her talons. He shot his left hand at her wrist with the inner strength he held in reserve.
A quick move, but of limited power.
Mei twirled her claws, deflecting the shove with ease. She dug three nails into his hand and dragged. Guo Jing thrust his right palm in a last-ditch defensive block. She swerved away and, laughing, jumped back, out of range.
Guo Jing looked at the back of his hand.
Three red lines. Each with a hint of something darker than blood. Scorching hot and a little numbing. Like he had been burned.
Mongolia, the cliff. A long night, like tonight. Fragments came to Guo Jing. Skulls, in a stack of nine. His shifus talking. The Nine Yin Skeleton Claw. Deadly venom. Her talons.
She scratched my arm earlier tonight, but did not draw blood, and now . . .
"Lotus, I've been poisoned."
Guo Jing lunged, throwing two palm strikes at once. In desperation, he stamped and swatted in one movement. He wanted to subdue her quickly so he could force her to give him the antidote.
Mei felt the air stirring long before the blows could find their mark.
Ke Zhen'e charged, with his iron staff raised. His martial siblings and Lotus Huang followed, hot on his heels, forming a ring around Cyclone Mei.
"Sister Mei, why are you still fighting?" Lotus demanded. "You have lost! Give him the antidote!"
No answer.
Mei had to keep her focus on the gusts of air that hinted at Guo Jing's palm thrusts. She could not afford to be careless against such powerful moves.
Picking up on his exertions, she thought with satisfaction, The poison will only spread faster. I don't care if I die here today – I have at last avenged my Hurricane.
Guo Jing was now blundering about with a lazy half-smile on his lips. His head felt light. His sight was becoming blurry. He was not sure why he was fighting. A rising tide of tranquillity washed over his body. The numbing ache had deadened his left arm.
The poison was taking root.
"Guo Jing, step back!" Lotus charged at Cyclone Mei with her Emei Needles.
Her voice dispelled the fogginess in his head for a moment. He pushed his left palm in a Sudden Advance, the eleventh move of the Dragon-Subduing Palm. Sluggishly, his palm drifted towards Cyclone Mei.
She stood firm and let it hit her on the shoulder.
The blow pushed her over.
Ryder Han, Woodcutter Nan and Gilden Quan rushed to restrain Mei. She flexed her arms and flung Han and Quan away. Then she swiped at Nan with her claws. He ducked and rolled out of her reach.
Mei had just got to her feet when Guo Jing's palm arced into her back. She fell forwards and landed, sprawled, face down on the floor.
Had she not heard him coming? No-one had the mental energy to comprehend how Guo Jing could have sent Cyclone Mei flying, not once, but twice.
The world had become a swaying blur. Guo Jing fell to his knees, not far from his opponent.
Lotus dashed over to steady him. Cyclone Mei's talons flashed once more at the sound of footsteps, and she climbed to her feet.
An incredible pain ripped through her fingertips. Hedgehog Chainmail! She flipped into a Jumping Carp to put some distance between her and Lotus.
"Hey, catch!"
Cyclone Mei did not recognise the voice, but she could sense something sizeable hurtling towards her. What kind of weapon is this? she wondered, as she swung her right arm to block. Crack! The object was smashed into pieces.
An even stranger noise followed. She could feel the shift in the air. Something even larger was hurtling towards her. She shot out her left hand to bat it away.
Everywhere she struck was flat, smooth and hard.
Unable to find anything to grip on to, Cyclone Mei sent it flying with a kick. Just then, she felt something wriggling inside her shirt. Cold and slimy.
What kind of sorcery is this? She reached in and closed her fingers around . . .
Cyclone Mei froze, still as a statue, her hand held awkwardly in her shirt pocket. The only signs of life were the beads of sweat rapidly forming along her hairline.
Where are my things?
She could hear a bottle being uncorked.
"Is this it?" The same voice that shouted at her just now.
Sniffing.
"Ingest it and put it on the wound." An older, gruffer voice.
Cyclone Mei understood. Distractions, they were, so the thief could empty her pocket.
Zhu Cong had known that the antidote must be on Cyclone Mei's person. But what could he do to circumvent her sharp senses and quick reflexes? He noticed a few goldfish flapping in a puddle, their tank shattered by a falling pillar from the hall. They would do, he thought, scooping them up. He hurled the chair at Mei and charged at her with the table, buying enough time to plant three goldfish inside her collar. That final shock had allowed him to put his sleight of hand to use, lifting the contents of her pockets. Not for nothing was Zhu Cong known as both "the Intelligent" and "Quick Hands".
Cyclone Mei turned on the last person to speak, and clashed with a metal staff.
So, it was Ke Zhen'e who figured out my antidote!
As she began to understand what had just happened, three weapons struck at her simultaneously: Ryder Han's Golden Dragon whip, Gilden Quan's steelyard and Woodcutter Nan's shoulder pole.
Holding them off with one hand, she reached for the White Python whip, coiled around her waist. A chill blade sliced at her wrist: Jade Han's sword.
Zhu Cong handed Lotus Huang the antidote and said to Guo Jing, "Yours, I believe." He put the dagger he had taken from Cyclone Mei inside his disciple's shirt, then lunged at Mei, brandishing his folding fan.
This was the fight Cyclone Mei and the Freaks had trained hard for, over the past decade.
"Please stop! Please – listen to me!" Much as Zephyr Lu admired the extraordinary skills on display, he wanted to stop it before things got even more out of hand. But no-one heard him.
The stupor clouding Guo Jing's mind began to clear. The wound on his arm still hurt, but the venom in his veins was neutralised.
Once more, Greybeard Liang's python blood had saved Guo Jing, though the young man had yet to realise it. This time, instead of repelling serpents, it had slowed the spread of Cyclone Mei's poison. Without it, not even the remedy Zhu Cong stole would have been able to revive him.
Back on his feet, Guo Jing joined his shifus, biding his time. He let his palm float forward, slow and deliberate. He held his strength back until his hand had almost reached their blind opponent.
The sudden impact of his Thunder Rocks a Hundred Miles knocked Cyclone Mei off her feet.
"Shifus, please let her live!" Guo Jing stooped to hold back Ryder Han and Gilden Quan's weapons.
Cyclone Mei vaulted back up and lashed the White Python whip into a circle of protection once more. She had been defenceless against Guo Jing's silent approach.
"We won't trouble you again, Master Mei," Guo Jing said. "Please go in peace."
"Give me back the Manual and all our grievances will be forgotten." She stopped whipping. "Words on paper are no use to a blind woman, but I would like to take it back to its rightful owner."
Zhu Cong had witnessed the evil deeds she had committed with the infernal kung fu from the Manual. How could he let her have the book again? Yet, what she said was true. She had no eyes to read. Seeing her standing on her own, lost and crestfallen, he reached inside his shirt.
"Is it this one?"
4
A WHIRL OF GREEN MATERIALISED BEHIND CYCLONE MEI AS she snatched the Manual from Zhu Cong. No-one could tell how the man had crept up on her, nor could they understand how he had seized her. Somehow, he managed to grab the back of the fearsome martial Master's shirt and carry her off. She did not have the chance to lift a finger against him. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared into the woods beyond the manor, leaving in their wake a shocked silence, broken only by the faint gurgle of waves lapping at the shore.
The man kept his fingers locked onto the major pressure points on Cyclone Mei's back, rendering her immobile. Once deep in the forest, he threw her down.
"You wailed and grieved at the craven's lie." He pointed at her heart. "Does that mean Shifu is still in there, somewhere?"
"Shifu!" Cyclone Mei cried. She crawled over to hug his legs tightly. "Thank the heavens and earth! You are well!"
"Aren't you ashamed to call me thus?"
"Strike me dead. Please. Shifu!" she sobbed. "If I could hear you say yes, I'd die with a smile on my lips. I have wronged you and I have wronged Shimu. Shifu . . ."
She reached up and took his hand, swinging it gently, as she had done whenever she'd had something to ask of him. He had never once refused her.
Apothecary Huang grunted in half-hearted agreement. He felt a flush of warmth swell through him, accompanied by a wave of memories.
Cyclone Mei bowed joyfully, knocking her head against the ground. She lifted the Nine Yin Manual high with both hands.
"Shifu, I have been carrying this book on my person. I am blind, I will never see again, but I am determined to return it to you."
Apothecary Huang took the Manual and put it inside his shirt. "Far too much damage has been done by this book. The martial arts you learned are included in this second volume for one reason alone – to be unpicked and countered with the skills discussed in the first volume. You would have known, if you had read it. You and Hurricane must have suffered so much trying to master these techniques, but you do realise that it has all been in vain, don't you? If the Nine Yin Skeleton Claw, Heartbreaker Palm or White Python Whip had any power, do you think Hurricane would have been killed by a child?"
She kowtowed fervently, agreeing with his every word.
"Once you defeat that boy who wields the Old Beggar's Dragon-Subduing Palm, make yourself a quiet life with Zephyr. You wouldn't want people in the jianghu making trouble with you because you can't see."
Realising he still cared for her, Cyclone Mei let her emotions get the better of her. "Shifu!Shifu!" she cried loudly, tugging the hem of his robe.
"Come, let's go." Apothecary Huang did not want his heart to soften further, for fear it would complicate their already troubled relationship. He offered a few more words of advice and led her back.
At Roaming Cloud Manor, everyone was struggling to comprehend the latest turn of events. How had the stranger in green managed to spirit Cyclone Mei away so effortlessly?
Eventually, Ke Zhen'e spoke. "Our heartfelt apologies for the damage our disciple has caused to your beautiful manor."
"Master Ke, please," Zephyr Lu replied. "It would be remiss of me not to thank you for averting disaster with your presence."
"Shall we retire to the inner hall?" Laurel Lu said, then turned to Guo Jing. "Brother Guo, does your wound still hurt?"
"It's much better—"
Before Guo Jing could say any more, the green swirl reappeared with Cyclone Mei.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Cyclone Mei said to Guo Jing, "Boy, you struck me with the Dragon-Subduing Palm you learned from Count Seven Hong. I was not able to counter it because I am blind. I haven't got long in this world and I don't care about winning or losing, but if word gets out that Cyclone Mei failed to defeat the Old Beggar's teenage disciple, I will have brought shame to Peach Blossom Island. So, we will fight again."
"I was never your match," Guo Jing replied. "The only reason I escaped with my life was because I took advantage of your impediment. I admitted defeat long ago."
"There are eighteen moves to the Dragon-Subduing Palm. Why didn't you use them all?"
"Because I am slow and stupid . . ." He saw Lotus signalling at him to hide the truth, but he decided to answer honestly. "Master Hong only taught me fifteen moves. He also said I am not his disciple."
"So . . . You only learned fifteen moves and you still got the better of me. Can that Old Beggar be so powerful? No, we must fight again."
Cyclone Mei had moved on from the urge for vengeance. This was now a matter of protecting Apothecary Huang's martial reputation.
"I can't even beat young Miss Huang. How could I hope to defeat you? I have always held the martial arts of Peach Blossom Island in the highest regard."
"Sister Mei, why are you going on about this? We all know no-one can beat Papa!" Lotus tried to lighten the atmosphere.
"No! We must fight again!"
Cyclone Mei decided to let actions speak. She swiped her claws at Guo Jing, forcing him into a hurried response.
"In that case, I hope to learn from Master Mei," Guo Jing said humbly.
"Use your silent palms," Cyclone Mei demanded, turning her wrists to flash her talons. "You can't beat me with these noisy moves!"
Guo Jing hopped back several paces. "No. I cannot oblige. If someone took advantage of my First Shifu's indisposition with such tricks, I would hate them with every fibre of my being. How could I do to you something I would despise in others? Just now, I fell for your poison and it slowed my movement, so you weren't able to hear the approach of my attacks. Faced with a life-and-death situation, the silent strikes saved my life. But, in a contest, it would be immoral and unfair. I fear I cannot follow your command."
"I told you to use them because I have my ways to overcome it. I have no need of your moralising!" She was quietly impressed by his principled stance.
Guo Jing glanced at the stranger. Did he teach her a countermove while they were away?
"It would be my honour to receive another fifteen moves from Master Mei," he said, knowing he had no choice in the matter. He hoped the Dragon-Subduing Palm would be enough to keep him alive.
Guo Jing stepped back before tiptoeing towards Cyclone Mei. His palm floated forward. Then he heard a very faint hissing sound approach.
The next thing he knew, Cyclone Mei had twirled her wrist in a backhanded Grapple and Lock, straight at his attacking arm. Her aim was so precise, he swore she had regained her sight.
He recoiled in shock and sidled to her left, settling into a Traverse Great Rivers at an even more ponderous pace. He had barely gained an inch when another hiss ripped through the air.
Somehow, Cyclone Mei had figured out exactly where he was and rained down a torrent of attacks. Her talons almost caught him.
How does she know where I am? he thought as he scurried away. He took extra care with his third, and most confident, attempt. Haughty Dragon Repents.
Hiss!
Mei's claws, hard as steel, lashed out at his wrist.
Guo Jing was now certain that her new prescience was related to the noise. He glanced at the stranger as he held off Cyclone Mei with his fourth move. The man flicked his finger surreptitiously and a speck of earth tore through the air.
That's how he warns her! How can he predict my moves? Guo Jing decided to admit defeat immediately after the fifteenth exchange.
Cyclone Mei could now draw on the insights she had gained into the young man's unchanging kung fu to devise ways to counter his attack.
The stranger sent three crumbs of masonry flying one after another. Suddenly, she switched to the offensive. She ripped the air with three lethal moves. Guo Jing buckled under the weight of the onslaught, and only managed to send two palm thrusts in response.
The air fizzed with whooshing clumps of earth. Lotus was flinging handfuls of rubble into the air, some aimed at the stranger's pebbles, others just to create a distraction. But, as his projectiles flew into the cloud of dust, the hisses became shrill whistles. They knocked any debris out of the way without slowing or veering from the trajectory the man had set.
The Freaks and Zephyr Lu lamented the failure of Lotus's intervention, but, at the same time, they were awestruck by the stranger's power. At mere flick of his finger, a speck of earth could pierce through flesh and bone.
Lotus stared at the man in disbelief. Cyclone Mei had gained control of the fight and Guo Jing was struggling to defend himself.
Whoosh! Another bit of masonry zoomed past. Then one more. They crashed together in an explosion of sparks and shrapnel.
Cyclone Mei swooped on Guo Jing with all her strength.
Guo Jing was outmatched and overwhelmed. Woodcutter Nan's advice flashed across the young man's mind: If all else fails, run!
5
"PAPA!" LOTUS CRIED, THROWING HERSELF AT THE STRANGER in the green robe. "Pa! Your face . . . What happened?"
Cyclone Mei paused mid-move, tilting her head to listen.
This is my chance! Guo Jing pushed his right palm forward slowly, so there was no sound or movement of air to alert Cyclone Mei of its approach. The moment his hand connected with her shoulder, he unleashed all his inner strength, holding nothing in reserve. He then struck her other shoulder with his left hand in the same manner. The combined force sent Mei tumbling in a somersault. She lay on the ground, unable to stand up.
At Lotus's words, Zephyr Lu rose to his feet, forgetting his disability. But, the moment he lifted his foot, he was toppled by his decades-old injury.
Holding Lotus close, the man peeled a layer of skin from his face to reveal handsome, chiselled features. Lotus snatched the mask and, with a smile, put it over her tear-stained cheeks.
"What brings you here, Papa?" She coiled her arms around his neck, bobbing with joy. "Why didn't you teach that awful old fossil a lesson when he cursed you?"
"What brings me here? You, of course!" Apothecary Huang replied, with a touch of sternness.
"So you've done it, at last, Pa? What great news!" Lotus clapped, taking no notice of his tone.
"No. I have broken my word in order to come looking for you."
That dampened Lotus's mood somewhat. She knew how much the theft of the Nine Yin Manual by Hurricane Chen and Cyclone Mei had weighed on her father. He had vowed to use his wit and knowledge to recreate the kung fu in the stolen second volume, using only the contents of the volume that was still in his possession. He would often say, "The Nine Yin Manual was written by a mortal man. If it can be done, then Apothecary Huang can do it too! If I cannot recall the martial skills set down in the second volume, I will not take one step beyond Peach Blossom Island!"
Realising she had caused her father to break a promise he had kept for as long as she had been alive, Lotus said solemnly, "I'll be good, Pa. I'll always listen to you, until the day I die!"
"Help your Sister Mei."
In truth, Apothecary Huang was delighted to find Lotus unharmed. Her words melted away the last traces of anger he had felt when she ran away.
As Lotus lifted Cyclone Mei back to her feet, Zephyr Lu came forward, supported by his son. Together, the two disciples of Peach Blossom Island bowed at their teacher's feet, sobbing with joy.
Apothecary Huang sighed. "Good Zephyr, stand up. I was too quick to blame you."
"I trust Shifu has kept well?" Lu asked referentially.
"I have yet to succumb to rage."
"You aren't talking about me, Pa, are you?" Lotus giggled.
"You have played your part," Apothecary Huang replied, with a snort.
Lotus stuck her tongue out, then changed the subject. "Pa, can I introduce you to my friends? They are Guo Jing's shifus, the renowned Six Heroes of the South."
Apothecary Huang looked to the heavens. "I am not here to make the acquaintance of strangers."
The snub riled the Freaks, but they knew it would be better to swallow their pride for now, having witnessed his extraordinary martial skill.
"Do you need to pack? We shall head home at once," Apothecary Huang said to Lotus, ignoring everyone else.
"I have no luggage, but there is something I should like to return to its owner." Lotus took the bottle of the Dew of Nine Flowers from inside her shirt. "Brother Zephyr, these pills are not easy to make. I should give them back."
Zephyr Lu declined Lotus's offer with a polite wave. "It is the most joyous surprise to set eyes on Shifu again. If you would stay for a while, it would be—"
Taking no notice of the invitation, Apothecary Huang pointed at Laurel Lu. "Is he your son?"
The young man immediately kowtowed. "Grandmaster!"
Apothecary Huang grunted an acknowledgement at the fourth bow. Instead of helping the young man to stand, he grabbed Laurel Lu's collar with his left hand and thrust his right palm into his shoulder.
"He is my only son . . ."
It was not a weak strike. Laurel Lu stumbled and fell backwards. When he found his feet again, he seemed unhurt.
"Well done for not teaching him your kung fu," Apothecary Huang said to Zephyr Lu. "The child was trained by the Immortal Cloud Sect?"
Zephyr Lu was relieved that Huang was only testing his son's martial skills. "As your disciple, how could I forget Shifu's rule? I would never dream of sharing my knowledge without permission. His mentor is Master Withered Wood, Abbot of Cloudy Perch Temple in Lin'an."
"Master? That man isn't worthy of that title. His offshoot of Shaolin Temple kung fu is so feeble, they aren't even worthy of being our servants. You are a hundred times his superior. From tomorrow, you may teach your son yourself."
Overjoyed, Zephyr Lu said to his son, "Quickly, thank the Grandmaster for his benevolence!"
Laurel Lu prostrated in gratitude, knocking his head on the ground four more times. Apothecary Huang held his head high and showed no acknowledgement of the honour.
For years, Zephyr Lu had watched his son's kung fu training from afar, frustrated that his hard work brought little advancement. All Laurel needed was a nudge in the right direction, he often thought.
Although he had lost the full use of his legs, Zephyr Lu never neglected the training of his arms. He was also learned in martial theory. But he had hidden it all from his family, fearing his son might ask him for lessons if he found out. Zephyr Lu could not betray the bond of trust bestowed upon him by his mentor.
And now, in one day, not only had he been welcomed back to Peach Blossom Island, he had also been granted the permission to share his hidden knowledge with his only son. At last, the young man's kung fu would improve! Zephyr Lu wanted to thank his Shifu, but his words were caught by the lump in his throat.
Apothecary Huang shot a look of disdain at Zephyr Lu's emotional display and said, "This is for you."
He waved his right hand and two pieces of paper drifted towards Zephyr Lu, one after the other. He was standing more than ten feet from his disciple, yet the two leaves fluttered in the air as if borne on a breeze. Only a consummate master could channel his inner strength into something so soft and light, and manipulate it as if it were weighty and substantial. To hurl a rock hundreds of jin would have been much easier. Everyone watched in awe.
"What do you think of Papa's kung fu?" Lotus asked proudly.
"It's magical." Guo Jing was gobsmacked. "You must learn properly when you get home."
"You're coming too, aren't you?"
"I'll travel with Shifus first – but I'll visit!"
"No! We have to stay together!" Lotus grabbed his hand, but Guo Jing had accepted with a heavy heart that, after tonight, they would have to part.
Zephyr Lu caught the flying pages and saw that they were covered in script. By the light of a torch, he recognised Apothecary Huang's handwriting. Both pages were filled with a martial training formula.
Shifu's calligraphy is so much more powerful and alert these days, he observed as he skimmed the pages.
On the top right of the first leaf was the title Swirling Leaf Kick. He knew this and the Cascading Peach Blossom Palm were his teacher's most cherished inventions, but neither Lu nor his five martial siblings had been taught this kung fu.
I haven't got the legs to learn this now, Zephyr Lu thought, regarding the pages wistfully. But Laurel does, and I will help him master it. He carefully stowed the instructions in his shirt and bowed in gratitude.
"This is all very different from what you may remember. The moves might be the same, but this starts from a foundation in neigong," Apothecary Huang explained. "If you meditate and cultivate your energy according to my formula, your inner strength will build up, and if your progress is quick, you will walk without crutches in five or six years." The martial Master sighed. "Your legs will never regain their full strength, they will never be fit for martial arts – but, if you follow my instructions, you will walk again."
For years, Apothecary Huang had regretted his rash punishment, so he had set his mind to creating a way to help his four blameless, exiled disciples regain the use of their legs. When he succeeded, his pride led him to name the new technique after an existing, unrelated martial skill – Apothecary Huang would never admit he was wrong.
"Find Tempest and your two little brothers. Share it with them," Apothecary Huang said, after a pause.
"Alas, Brother Wu passed away some years ago. I have yet to find news of Big Brother Qu and Brother Feng, but search for them I shall," Zephyr Lu promised, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Shifu has been thinking about us, all these years!
Apothecary Huang had not known of Brother Wu's passing. He turned his hawk-like gaze onto Cyclone Mei, his heart aching at the loss of yet another disciple. She could not see his glare, but its sharpness made everyone else uneasy.
"Cyclone, you have committed great evil, but you have also endured great suffering. Though your sight is gone, if you stay on the righteous path, I doubt anyone would wish to trouble a disciple of Old Heretic Huang."
Mei knew that was a public acknowledgement of her readmission to Peach Blossom Island. Tears burst forth once more at this unexpected good news.
Paying no attention to Mei's emotional outburst, he continued, "Stay at Roaming Cloud Manor. Zephyr will look after you."
Cyclone Mei and Zephyr Lu thanked their shifu as one.
Laurel Lu stepped forward and took Cyclone Mei by the arm. "Allow me to show you to your room. My mother will wait upon you with refreshments." Gently, he led her to the private quarters at the heart of the manor.
"Might I invite Shifu to step inside to rest his feet?" Zephyr Lu asked.
Ignoring the invitation, Apothecary Huang glared at everyone gathered, before focusing on Guo Jing. "You are Guo Jing?"
"Yes, Master Huang." The young man kowtowed.
"You killed my disciple Hurricane Chen? You must have some skill!"
"I was a child." Guo Jing was alarmed by Huang's tone. "I was captured by Master Chen and I panicked. I hurt him by mistake."
Apothecary Huang snorted at the response, then he said frostily, "Treacherous though Hurricane Chen was, it was a matter for us to deal with. Not an outsider!"
"He was six years old, Papa!"
Unsettled by his daughter's decision to stand on the boy's side, Huang continued, "Old Beggar Hong has never taken a disciple, yet he taught you fifteen moves of his most celebrated kung fu. You must have something about you. Or perhaps you tricked him into indulging you? You defeated my disciple with the Old Beggar's moves. The next time we meet, I'll never hear the end of it!"
"Pa, look at him! Does he look like he knows how to flatter? It was me! I coaxed Count Seven into teaching him. Don't be so mean – you're scaring him!"
"I know the Beggar only taught you so he could make fun of me," he said, furious that Lotus should choose to defend Guo Jing once again.
He had expected to find his beloved daughter ill at ease in the jianghu, having run away in a fit of petulance. After all, she had never set foot beyond the comforts of Peach Blossom Island until a few short months ago. Yet, here she was, blossoming with confidence and speaking up for the boy against her own father. A kernel of jealousy took root, nourished by the anger he felt towards Guo Jing for killing his disciple, and the slight estrangement he could discern in Lotus's attitude towards him.
"I know he taught you so you could defeat Cyclone Mei, so he can rub in my face the fact that I have no disciples and those I once had are useless—"
"Pa, who said Peach Blossom Island has no disciples?" Lotus cut her father off. "Guo Jing took advantage of Sister Mei's indisposition. He just got lucky! When we were in Yanjing a few months ago, Sister Mei had him completely in her power, riding on his shoulders like he was a horse. I wish you had seen that. He looked so downtrodden! And the Old Beggar couldn't do anything about it!" Lotus was happy to bend the truth to sway her father. "Tell him to blindfold himself and fight Sister Mei. No, better still, let me show him the might of Peach Blossom Island."
Since her kung fu was at about the same level as Guo Jing's, if she made a good show of fighting him, perhaps she could appease her father by coming to a draw after a few dozen moves.
"I'll fight with my father's most simple kung fu," she announced. "You'll see it's more than a match for Count Seven Hong's most vaunted moves."
"You always beat me," Guo Jing said, picking up on her ploy.
"Take this!" Lotus swung her arm in a horizontal swipe known as Torrent and Tempest, from the Cascading Peach Blossom Palm repertoire. The air parted with a whoosh.
Guo Jing responded with the Dragon-Subduing Palm, but how could he put genuine power into his moves? In no time at all, he was overcome by Lotus's complex and ever-changing martial choreography, taking several painful hits to the body.
"You've lost!" Lotus made a point of not holding back, or else her father would not be appeased. She knew Guo Jing was stout enough to stomach it.
"Enough of your games!"
Apothecary Huang's face had turned the hue of cast iron. No-one had caught how he had repositioned himself to enter the fight. His movements were as hard to see as the words he uttered. In a trice, he had lifted each of them up by their collars. He set Lotus gently down with one hand and hurled Guo Jing away with the other.
Guo Jing careered through the air, unable to summon his strength. Nonetheless, the moment his feet reconnected with the earth, he found his footing, standing upright and tall, as steady as if his feet were nailed to the ground.
If Guo Jing had crashed face down, purple and swollen and sore, perhaps Apothecary Huang might have been satisfied. Though grudgingly impressed by the young man's footwork, such an act of defiance could not be left unchallenged.
"Since I have no disciples, I shall test your kung fu personally." Apothecary Huang could barely contain his fury.
The young man bowed deeply. "A lowly novice like myself would never dream of fighting the Master."
"Fight me? A boy like you?" Apothecary Huang sneered. "I shall stand here, perfectly still. You will launch your Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. If I so much as flinch or lift a finger in my defence, then I have lost. Understood?"
"I—"
"You have no say in this."
Guo Jing assumed that Apothecary Huang would deflect his strength and send him flying. If that's all it takes to fix everything, then it's worth falling over a few times, he told himself.
"Come, make your move, or I'll come after you!" the martial Master taunted. He could detect a hint of eagerness in the young man's show of reluctance. After all, it was a rare and valuable opportunity to try out one's martial learning on a master.
"It would not be my place to defy the Master's orders."
Guo Jing lowered into his opening stance, his elbow slightly crooked. Then he traced a circle with his palm to gather his inner strength before launching the hand at Apothecary Huang. Haughty Dragon Repents. His most confident move. He channelled less than half of his strength, as he was wary of hurting Lotus's father – and was even more afraid that the force of the thrust would rebound back onto him.
The moment he pressed his hand on Huang's chest, it skidded away. The martial Master's torso was slippery, as if slick with oil.
"Why are you holding back? You think I can't withstand your precious Dragon-Subduing Palm?"
Guo Jing mumbled an apology and launched the second move, Leap from the Abyss. Inhaling deeply, he drove his left hand forward as his right palm darted low to strike at Apothecary Huang's abdomen.
"That's more like it."
Guo Jing held back his strength until his fingertips touched Apothecary Huang's clothes, just as Count Seven Hong had taught him.
Yet, in that split second between unleashing the energy and feeling it reaching its target, Guo Jing's connection with his opponent vanished – the martial Master had tugged in his stomach.
It was too late to retrieve his force now.
He heard the crunch of bone snapping out of joint.
Guo Jing jumped a few steps back. A shattering pain shot down his wrist. He could not lift his hand.
Never put all your strength into the attack – he remembered Count Seven Hong's warning too late.
The Freaks were outraged, but they could not fault Apothecary Huang. He had kept his word. He had not dodged or struck back.
"Now it's my turn."
The air stirred with Apothecary Huang's words. A flying palm. Though in great pain, Guo leapt back and ducked sideways. He dodged the palm thrust, but threw himself straight into the kick that followed, which morphed into a sweep and then a hook. Guo Jing was sent sprawling to the ground.
"Papa, no!" Lotus threw herself over him.
Apothecary Huang's strike eased into a claw, and he grabbed at Lotus. The moment he had lifted her out of the way, he sliced down with his left hand.
Not a hint of mercy. He meant to kill.
The Freaks charged in unison. Gilden Quan was the closest and he swung his steelyard into the wrist of Apothecary Huang's attacking hand.
Apothecary Huang took no notice of the attack until he had set Lotus down. Then, for the first time that night, he turned his attention to the Freaks. In an instant, he had snatched up Quan's steelyard and Jade Han's sword, striking them together. They clattered to the ground in four useless pieces.
"Shifu . . ." But what could Zephyr Lu say to dissuade his teacher?
"Pa, if you hurt him, you'll never see me again!" Lotus sprinted towards Lake Tai.
Stunned by her words, it was some time before Apothecary Huang reacted. By then, all that remained of Lotus Huang was a straight line cutting into the surface of the water.
He followed her to the shore and gazed at the swell she left in her wake. He knew she was an excellent swimmer, having grown up with the tides of the East Sea. As a child, she often spent whole days in the water. And this was only a lake. But it is in the nature of parents to worry.
Zhu Cong took advantage of the respite to set Guo Jing's wrist, and this stoked Apothecary Huang's anger further. "Kill yourselves. All seven of you. Now. You will suffer much more if you don't."
Ke Zhen'e held his iron staff sideways across his chest. "A true man has no fear of death. What is there to fear in suffering?"
"The Six Freaks of the South are finally home. If we should meet our fate by Lake Tai, we'll have no regrets," Zhu Cong added. They were now in combat formation; whether they had their weapons or not, they were poised.
I can't let my shifus throw their lives away because of me! Guo Jing scrambled forward and stood in front of his teachers.
"It was I alone who caused Hurricane Chen's death. My shifus have nothing to do with it." He took a step towards Apothecary Huang. "I will pay with my life."
Then it occurred to Guo Jing that, if Apothecary Huang struck him down, here and now, given his mentors' fiery temperament – especially First Shifu, Third Shifu and Seventh Shifu – they would immediately take up arms to avenge him. It would still end the same way, with all of them dead because of him.
So Guo Jing straightened up and said, "However, I have yet to avenge my father's death. Would the Master kindly grant me thirty days to fulfil my duty as a son? Then I shall go, willingly and promptly, to Peach Blossom Island to meet my fate."
By now, Apothecary Huang's rage had subsided somewhat and he was more occupied with thoughts of Lotus. In no mood to wrangle with Guo Jing, he gave a dismissive wave of his consent and disappeared into the night.
Everyone was left rooted to the spot, dazed by all that had transpired in just one evening. No-one believed Apothecary Huang would let Guo Jing off so easily. One thing was certain: darker plans were at work.
It was Zephyr Lu who broke the silence. "Please come to the rear hall to rest."