"WAIT!" GALLANT OUYANG STEPPED FORWARD.
"What do you want now? You think you lost unfairly?" Though exasperated by this interruption, Count Seven Hong was still grinning from ear to ear at Guo Jing's bookish talent. He could never have predicted the result of the third trial. Even if his silly disciple sent the Venom's nephew tumbling another dozen times, he would not be as shocked as he was now.
"Brother Guo recalled more than what was recorded in the book," Gallant Ouyang explained. "He must have set eyes on the original Nine Yin Manual. Forgive my impertinence, but I should like to search him."
"Don't you remember what your uncle said about losing?" Count Seven retorted. "Lord Huang has chosen his son-in-law. Why are you making trouble?"
Viper Ouyang rolled his eyes. "The Ouyangs won't be played for fools!"
To the Venom, the Nine Yin Manual was far more important than any marriage. If his nephew suspected Guo Jing had the original Manual, then he must get to the bottom of it.
Back on his feet again, Guo Jing undid the belt fastening his shirt and pulled it open. "Master Ouyang, you are welcome to search me."
He removed every object on his person and laid them on a boulder. A handful of silver pieces, a handkerchief, flint and tinder, and some other personal items.
Snorting with contempt, Viper Ouyang reached out to pat Guo Jing down. He was planning to strike Guo Jing in the abdomen with his Exploding Toad kung fu, leaving an injury that would lie dormant for three years before it claimed his life.
But, before he laid his hands on the young man, he heard Apothecary Huang cough, and saw that the Heretic's left hand was hovering over the back of Gallant Ouyang's neck. If Viper Ouyang went ahead with his attack, Apothecary Huang could retaliate by crushing his nephew's spine.
Count Seven Hong could barely suppress a giggle at Apothecary Huang's reaction. Now my silly disciple is his son-in-law, the Heretic goes out of his way to protect him. Well, I guess I can't call him silly, with a memory like that.
After a thorough search, Viper Ouyang could find nothing on Guo Jing other than the clothes on his back. He did not for one moment believe Apothecary Huang's superstitious hogwash about his dead wife choosing her son-in-law, however. His nephew's explanation made much more sense.
Pinning the young man down with his glare, Viper Ouyang throttled his staff once more. Golden rings jangled at its head and a metal covering flipped up to reveal two small holes, from which two serpents slithered out and curled themselves around the shaft.
Lotus and Guo Jing both took a step back.
"Guo Jing." Viper Ouyang's voice had taken on a higher pitch. "Where did you learn the contents of the Nine Yin Manual?"
"I've never set eyes on the Nine Yin Manual. Brother Zhou Botong told me—"
"You call Zhou Botong 'brother'? Have you met him?" Count Seven interrupted.
"He is my sworn brother."
Count Seven burst out laughing. "That's absurd! He's decades older than you."
Viper Ouyang continued his line of questioning. "Twice Foul Dark Wind stole the second volume of the Nine Yin Manual and Hurricane Chen died by your hand. You took the Manual from him, did you not?"
"I beg your pardon, sir – I was only six years of age at the time and had not learned how to read. I knew nothing of the Manual and took nothing from him."
"You claim to have never set eyes on the Manual, but you just recited the text in full. Explain yourself!" There was an edge of impatience to Viper Ouyang's voice.
"I didn't recite the Nine Yin Manual. It was a text I learned from Brother Zhou. A martial theory he invented. He told me no disciple of the Quanzhen Sect is allowed to learn the Manual's kung fu. His martial brother Double Sun Wang Chongyang gave that decree before he passed away."
Apothecary Huang sighed. How silly of me not to have thought of Zhou Botong! After all, he is the custodian of the Manual and he's been stuck in his little cave all these years. What was there to do but read the Manual, over and over again? I should have known it wasn't a power beyond this world that taught it to the boy. Perhaps this coincidence is a sign that Lotus and this boy are fated to be married?
"Where is Zhou Botong now?"
Viper Ouyang's question brought Apothecary Huang back to the present. "Brother Viper, Brother Seven, we haven't seen each other for many years. I propose we drink and feast together for the next three days."
"Shifu, I'll cook for you," Lotus added. "Our lotuses are exceptional. I'll make you steamed chicken with lotus petals, as well as water caltrop and lotus leaf soup – you'll love them."
"Look how happy you are, now that you've got your way," Count Seven replied, with a teasing glint in his eyes.
It was true. Now that her wish had come true, she felt a warmth towards the whole world. Even Gallant Ouyang seemed a little less repulsive.
"Shifu," she said, with a radiant smile, "Uncle Ouyang and Brother Ouyang, please follow us."
Viper Ouyang put his hands together and bowed. "Brother Apothecary, I thank you for your hospitality, but it is time for us to leave."
It was the Nine Yin Manual that had enticed Viper Ouyang into travelling thousands of li to Peach Blossom Island. When he received Gallant Ouyang's letter about Lotus Huang, in which he also mentioned that the Manual was in the hands of a blind woman who was a former disciple of Apothecary Huang, he reasoned that, if their families were joined, he would be gifted a chance to take the Manual for himself. But now their suit had failed, with all hope of obtaining the Manual in this way extinguished, there was no point in staying any longer.
"Brother Viper, you have come such a long way; do allow me to play the host for a few days."
"Uncle, I am sorry I failed to win the lady's hand, but Uncle Huang did say that he would teach me some kung fu," Gallant Ouyang said.
Viper Ouyang sighed. He should have known the lad would not give up so easily. No doubt he was looking for an excuse to spend more time with the girl in order to seduce her.
Feeling a little sorry for Gallant Ouyang, Apothecary Huang said, "Young Master Ouyang, your uncle's kung fu is peerless. Few of us can even dream of attaining such heights. You don't need to look to outsiders for martial guidance. However, I have managed to acquire a smattering of wayward knowledge. If you don't find them too lowly, pick a subject. I shall teach you everything I know."
Gallant Ouyang considered his offer. I should ask for something that will take the longest to learn, so I get to spend more time with Lotus . . .
He bowed deeply and said, "I have long admired Uncle Huang's insights into the Five Elements and the Mysterious Gates. I would be most honoured if Uncle were willing to share his knowledge."
Now, it was Apothecary Huang's turn to pause. Gallant Ouyang coveted the secrets of his proudest scholarly achievement. Not only was he well versed in the literature of the field, Apothecary Huang had also developed his own interpretations and made his own discoveries. He had shared but a morsel of his knowledge with his daughter; how could he pass it on to a stranger? Yet, he had given his word, and his word was his bond.
At last he spoke: "There is much to impart concerning the Mysterious Gates. Which area interests you?"
"I am awed by the intricacy of Peach Blossom Island's layout. I hope Uncle will grant me permission to stay here for a few months to study and experience the immense wisdom behind its planning," Gallant Ouyang said, thrilled at the thought of spending so much time with Lotus.
Apothecary Huang glanced at Viper Ouyang. Is this the Venom's doing? What is he planning?
Viper Ouyang noticed this flicker of concern and turned to his nephew. "You ask too much. The topography of Peach Blossom Island is Brother Apothecary's life's work and the key to its defences. How can he share such secrets?"
"No-one could cause me harm, even if this island were a slab of bare rock," Apothecary Huang sneered.
"Of course, I let my tongue run away with me. My apologies," Viper Ouyang said, though his words carried little conviction.
Count Seven Hong chuckled. "Old Venom, I don't think your goading has had the desired effect."
Apothecary Huang stuffed the xiao flute down the back of his shirt. "Please follow me to my study," he said tersely.
Alarmed, Gallant Ouyang looked to his uncle, unsure what to do. Receiving the slightest nod of affirmation, he trailed after his host.
The group meandered through the bamboo grove for some time, until, suddenly, a vista opened up onto a lotus pond. Large white blossoms stood tall and proud over rippling green leaves. Floating on the surface of the water, they suffused the air with a light fragrance.
They followed Apothecary Huang across the pool on a narrow stone causeway and arrived at a handsome, rustic hut. It was constructed from unpeeled pine logs and entangled in vines, and the sight of it alone seemed to cool the midsummer air. Once they entered the study, mute servants came forward with tea that was jade green in colour, ice cold to the touch and refreshing to the core.
Count Seven Hong admired the surroundings and said, with a smile, "We all know the saying, 'Three years a beggar, you yearn no more for rank.' If I lived here in your magical world for three years, Brother Apothecary, I bet I would yearn no more for my beggar's life!"
"Brother Seven, I would love nothing more than to have you on the island. We can drink and talk!"
"That would be agreeable indeed." Count Seven Hong was touched by the earnest invitation. "Sadly, I am born to toil, though I wish I could live in such peace and tranquillity, like you, Brother Apothecary."
"I am certain you two would create some extraordinary martial techniques, if you managed to spend a month or two together without falling out," Viper Ouyang added.
"Are you jealous?" Count Seven laughed.
"No, not at all. There is nothing more wonderful than serving and bringing glory to the martial arts," Viper Ouyang said.
"Well, well, are we speaking in opposites again?" Count Seven replied.
Viper Ouyang smiled. He would remain on good terms with the Beggar and the Heretic until he was confident he had the ability to defeat them with just one move.
Apothecary Huang pressed his hand against the edge of his desk and an ink-wash landscape painting on the western wall lifted, revealing a hidden cupboard, from which he reverently removed a scroll. He stroked it gently before turning to Gallant Ouyang. "This scroll contains the plans to Peach Blossom Island. Every single building, path, trap, gateway and door is marked on here, with notes on how they relate to the Five Elements, yin and yang, and the Eight Trigrams. Take it and learn from it."
Bowing, Gallant Ouyang reached out to accept the map with both hands as disappointment spread through him. His hopes of staying on Peach Blossom Island – staying close to Lotus – had been dashed.
"Wait!" Apothecary Huang barked.
Gallant Ouyang jerked his hands back.
"You must stay in Lin'an while this map is in your possession. Three months from now, I will send someone to retrieve it. You may only learn the content by heart. You must not copy any portion of the map or let anyone else set eyes on it."
I'm only interested in your trifling knowledge so I can be near your daughter, Gallant Ouyang grumbled to himself. Now, you want me to hang on to this scroll for three months and vouch for its safety? This is a rotten deal!
As Gallant Ouyang deliberated over how to refuse, it occurred to him that Apothecary Huang would most likely send his daughter to collect the map.
Now, that would be a chance to get close to her! Eagerly, he reached out again and thanked Apothecary Huang for his generosity.
Lotus Huang held out the amulet of rhinoceros horn and earth dragon. "Uncle Ouyang, I don't think I should keep this treasure."
Viper Ouyang hesitated for a moment – It's miserly to take back a gift, but I can't let the Heretic keep an antidote to my poisons – then grabbed it. Then he raised his hands to bid them farewell.
Apothecary Huang did not entreat him to stay, as was the custom of the age. He simply accompanied the Ouyangs out of the study.
Count Seven Hong followed them to the door. "Brother Viper, remember we agreed to meet again at the summit of Mount Hua in twenty-five years? That date is soon upon us. Look after yourself. We shall fight to our heart's content, this time."
"I don't think any of us need compete." Viper Ouyang smiled faintly. "The title of the Greatest Martial Master Under the Heavens has been taken."
"Has my Brother Viper invented some indomitable technique?"
"I know my skills are paltry. I could not hope to gain such a title." The curious smile was still painted on Viper Ouyang's face. "I am talking about the Master who taught our Master Guo."
"Well, this Beggar does dream about winning the title, I won't deny it. But, with our Brother Apothecary's ever improving skills and your sprightly old age – and I'm sure King Duan hasn't been idling away the years in his palace – I doubt I'd stand a chance."
"Of all the masters who have taught our Master Guo, I fear Brother Seven might not be the most accomplished one."
"What—?"
"You mean Zhou Botong the Hoary Urchin?" Apothecary Huang cut in.
"Indeed! The Urchin clearly knows the Nine Yin Manual inside out. I fear none of us – not the Heretic, not the Venom, not the King, not the Beggar – will ever be his match."
"I would not be so sure," Apothecary Huang said. "The Manual is but words on paper. Martial arts live in the body."
2
VIPER OUYANG HAD NOTICED THAT APOTHECARY HUANG quickly changed the subject away from Zhou Botong's whereabouts when he was questioning Guo Jing. The Heretic must be hiding something to do with this wayward member of the Quanzhen Sect. He was determined to find all there was to know.
Thanks to Count Seven Hong's dry, arched comments, he had been able to turn their parting conversation back to the Hoary Urchin. And, as predicted, Apothecary Huang's pride led him to take the bait.
"The Quanzhen Sect's kung fu is exceptional and we have all experienced it first hand," Viper Ouyang said, seizing the chance to push Apothecary Huang further. "Now, the Hoary Urchin can combine what he already knows with the kung fu set down in the Nine Yin Manual. I dare say, even if Wang Chongyang came back to life, he wouldn't be able to defeat his little martial brother. As for us? Even less likely."
He threw the last few words out casually, then paused to let them sink in.
"Well, perhaps it is the Quanzhen Sect's turn to prosper."
Another pause, then a sigh.
"We three toil all our lives. Yet, in the end, we lose out by failing to foresee this turn of events."
Apothecary Huang said immediately, "Even if the Hoary Urchin's kung fu was better than mine, he still could not surpass our Brother Viper and Brother Seven, here. This I know for a fact."
"You are too modest, Brother Apothecary. We have always been equals. You speak as though you know, without a doubt, that Zhou Botong cannot defeat you. This, I fear . . ."
Viper Ouyang shook his head and let his words hang in the air.
"You shall find out at the Contest of Mount Hua," Apothecary Huang said.
"Thinking of it, it has been years since I last heard about the Urchin. Perhaps news of his antics did not reach the remote corner I call home. Do you happen to know his whereabouts these days?" Viper Ouyang paused and then added, "And, Brother Huang, you know I have always had the greatest admiration for your kung fu. And yet – if I may be blunt – when you say he is not your match, I must admit I am not entirely convinced. I don't think we should take anything for granted."
Apothecary Huang knew Viper Ouyang was goading him into revealing more about Zhou Botong, but his pride would not let such a slight pass.
"The Hoary Urchin is on Peach Blossom Island. He has been my prisoner for fifteen years."
Count Seven Hong raised his eyebrows in surprise, but Viper Ouyang just laughed. "Don't pull our legs, Brother Huang."
Beckoning everyone to follow him, Apothecary Huang flew into the bamboo grove as if he were airborne, so light and quick were his steps. Count Seven Hong raced along with equally remarkable qinggong, carrying Guo Jing with his left arm and Lotus with his right. Viper Ouyang, taking his nephew by the arm, brought up the rear.
Though Zhou Botong's cave was a fair distance from the study and the way was full of twists and turns, it only took a moment for them to reach it.
"Hmm?" Apothecary Huang muttered under his breath, surprised to find the cave empty. He tapped the ground lightly, gliding up and floating forward, as if he were weightless. A few more similar leaps brought him to the mouth of the cave.
He touched down with his left foot. The ground gave way beneath him.
A right kick, mid-air. It changed his downward motion into a forward thrust, propelling him into the cave.
He landed on his left foot once more. Another hollow.
There was no momentum left in his body to counter gravity. So, in a fluid backhand move, he drew the jade flute from the back of his collar. Holding it horizontal, he touched its end lightly against the cave wall.
Out he shot. Fast as an arrow.
In the blink of an eye, Apothecary Huang had slipped in and out of the cave.
Count Seven Hong and Viper Ouyang cheered his elegant, lightning-fast reflexes, but at that very moment – plop! – the martial Master plunged. Yet another hole. This time, outside the cave.
Apothecary Huang stepped on something a little moist and soft. But the ground was at last solid. He tapped with the tip of his toes and leapt once more into the air.
By now, everyone had gathered in front of the cave. He landed next to his daughter and an awful stench attacked his nostrils.
He looked down. His shoes were caked with faeces.
How could a martial master as quick-witted and agile as Apothecary Huang have fallen prey to such a prank?
Apothecary Huang snapped a branch from a nearby tree and prodded the ground. Only the three points he had stepped on had been dug out. He had to give Zhou Botong credit for predicting his movements so accurately. Only in the last trap had the Hoary Urchin emptied his bowels.
Apothecary Huang re-entered the cave. It was empty but for a few clay jars and bowls. Then he noticed a faint message written on the wall.
Laughing silently at Apothecary Huang's misfortune, Viper Ouyang rushed inside to see what he was studying so intently. To the Venom's mind, the contents of this cave, even something as minor as a needle or a thread, could determine whether he would at last be able to lay his hands on the Nine Yin Manual. Time was of the essence and he could not afford to be complacent.
Tiny words were carved on the cave wall:
Old Heretic Huang, you shattered both my legs and held me captive here for fifteen years. I should have done the same to you; that would have made me feel better. But, when I thought about it, I decided to let it go. I am presenting you with a fragrant reminder of the Hoary Urchin instead. Please, please—
The rest of the text was obscured by a leaf.
Apothecary Huang peeled it off and immediately realised his mistake. It was attached to a thread. He heard it – and leapt to the left.
Seeing Apothecary Huang flinch, Viper Ouyang jumped to the right.
Bing bong! Bing bong! Several clay jars tumbled down from above, splashing urine onto the two men.
Count Seven Hong let out a belly laugh. "What an aroma!"
Apothecary Huang swore loudly at the indignity of it all, but Viper Ouyang just pulled a wry smile. Lotus ran back to the house for clean clothes, returning with an extra robe for Viper Ouyang.
Once he had changed into fresh clothes, Apothecary Huang examined the cave from top to bottom and left to right. No further ambushes. Where the leaf had been affixed, there were two lines of extremely small writing:
Never must this leaf be removed, or stinky piss shall pour forth from up high. Please heed this warning. Ignore at your peril.
Though angry, Apothecary Huang could not deny the humour of the set-up. Then it struck him.
The urine was still warm!
He rushed out of the cave.
"The Urchin can't have gone far. We'll find him."
It will be an intense fight when we do, Guo Jing thought.
But, before he could raise any objection, Count Seven grabbed him and pulled him along after Apothecary Huang, who was speeding towards the east of the island, with Viper Ouyang following close behind.
Soon, they spotted Zhou Botong strolling along at a leisurely pace.
Apothecary Huang raced ahead. In an instant, he was right behind Zhou Botong, aiming a palm at the Hoary Urchin's neck.
Zhou Botong sidestepped it with a nonchalant turn of his body, then spun to face Apothecary Huang. "You smell lovely!"
Apothecary Huang was shocked. The strike, swift and lethal, had contained the full force of his internal strength, accrued over a lifetime of martial practice. It was also fuelled by the humiliating treatment he had suffered in front of two of the world's most esteemed martial greats. The Hoary Urchin he knew could not have evaded it with such ease. He paused to appraise his opponent.
For no discernible reason, the Hoary Urchin had bound his hands over his chest. He seemed very pleased with himself and gave Apothecary Huang a big smile.
Guo Jing ran up to greet him. "Brother, Lord Huang is my father-in-law. We are all family now." He hoped the news would defuse the tension.
"Father-in-law? Why did you not listen to me? I told you the Heretic was cunning. And most eccentric. Do you think his daughter will be easy to live with? You're going to suffer until your dying day.
"My dear brother, I've told you before. You can do anything you want in this world, so long as you never take a wife. I warned you already.
"You haven't completed the marriage ceremony, have you? Well, what are you waiting for? Run for your life! Now! Hide! Far, far away! Somewhere so remote that she'll never find you, even if she searches for a lifetime . . ." Zhou Botong rambled on without realising Lotus had tiptoed up behind him.
"Brother Zhou, guess who's behind you?" she said.
He turned. No-one. Then he caught a glimpse of something hurtling towards him. Once again, he leaned sideways.
Pak! The soiled clothes hit the ground. A foul stench choked the air.
"Heretic, you broke my legs and kept me here for fifteen years. In return, I made you step in poo and poured some piss on your head. That's it. I've done right by you, haven't I?" Zhou Botong rocked back and forth, convulsing with laughter.
Apothecary Huang considered the Hoary Urchin's words. It was true that the ambush in the cave was insignificant compared to the suffering he had inflicted on Zhou Botong. He put his hands together in a gesture of respect. "Thank you, Brother Botong, for your generosity. I have wronged you all these years and I apologise. May I ask why your hands are tied?"
"The hermit has his reasons. The heavens' mysteries must not be revealed." Zhou Botong shook his head in dejection.
3
OVER THE YEARS, ZHOU BOTONG WAS TEMPTED MANY TIMES to leave the cave and challenge Apothecary Huang. But, each time, after careful consideration, he stopped himself.
His kung fu was not strong enough to defeat his gaoler. He would probably die in combat, or have his movement locked by his pressure points, leaving the cave – and the Nine Yin Manual – undefended. He could not let the Manual fall into that man's hands.
Though he had been held on Peach Blossom Island for fifteen years, Zhou Botong's disappearance did not cause alarm among his martial nephews, the Seven Immortals of the Quanzhen Sect. Familiar with their martial uncle's temperament, they assumed he was enjoying himself in some far-flung, secluded place. They knew, if he did not want to be found, no-one – mortal or immortal – would be able to locate him. It never occurred to them he could have been captured. The idea of mounting a search effort never crossed their minds.
Zhou Botong had only recognised the martial potential of the Competing Hands, a game he devised to alleviate the boredom of captivity, after Guo Jing had pointed it out. Now, he need not fear Apothecary Huang anymore. After all, who could deal with two Zhou Botongs at the same time? He could at last make the Heretic pay for the suffering he had endured since arriving on Peach Blossom Island. The only problem was, he had yet to settle on a plan.
When Guo Jing had left to investigate the snake formation, the night before, he was once more left alone in the cave. As usual, Apothecary Huang's flute song wreaked havoc in his mind, dredging up his past entanglements. This time, he was all the more disturbed by the competing tugs of the zither and the whistling. Then a thought intruded upon his struggle.
Why is Guo Jing not affected by the flute? His kung fu is far inferior!
Zhou Botong had asked himself that question the first night he met Guo Jing. Now, having spent some weeks with him, he knew the answer.
He has a childlike simplicity and openness. He's yet to learn all the strange, wonderful and troublesome emotions that bind men and women. "Strength grows when desire is weak." Why am I still obsessed with revenge? It's laughable to be so petty, at my age!
The Hoary Urchin was not a Taoist monk, but he had spent the majority of his life with the Quanzhen Sect, and their veneration of peace and tranquillity undisturbed by desires and worries had rubbed off on him.
Coming to terms at last with his inner burdens, Zhou Botong stood up and stepped outside, laughing.
The sky was a deep blue, dotted with a few white clouds.
The heavens were as clear and light as his heart. The torments Apothecary Huang had subjected him to seemed as trivial and commonplace as a flock of chickens foraging for bugs.
He simply did not care.
Still, I should leave a little memento for the Heretic. I'll probably never set foot on this island again. With that thought, Zhou Botong put the Nine Yin Manual inside his shirt and gleefully set about preparing his traps.
Several steps away from the cave, it struck him. This place is a maze! How am I going to find my way out? And I can't leave Brother Guo stranded here either; he'll certainly come to harm. I'll take him with me. Let the Heretic try to stop us! One Heretic cannot beat two Hoary Urchins!
Chuckling, he waved his arms and flicked his wrists in merriment.
Crack! A small tree snapped in two.
When did my strength improve so much? he asked himself, taken aback. This has nothing to do with the Competing Hands.
He rested his hand on the tree stump and tried to ascertain what had just happened.
He flung both arms out.
Crack, crack, crack, crack!
Half a dozen trees. Felled in an instant.
This is kung fu from the Nine Yin Manual! When . . .? When did I learn that? A cold sweat broke out all over Zhou Botong's body, soaking him from head to toe.
He ran, screaming, "Ghosts! Ghosts!"
Though Zhou Botong had read the Nine Yin Manual many times over the years, he had faithfully followed his martial brother's dying decree and never put into practice the martial skills within.
However, in order to teach Guo Jing, he had read the text out and explained it, over and over again. Without conscious effort on his part, the contents had wormed its way into Zhou Botong's mind and seeped into his being as he slept.
After all, the Hoary Urchin was a quick and intuitive learner, with a deep understanding of the martial arts, and the Manual's kung fu was rooted purely in the Taoist tradition, just like his.
Now, his every move was informed by the theories laid out in the Nine Yin Manual. Its teachings were firmly implanted within him.
"Rot!" he squealed, realising what had happened. "I pulled a prank on Guo Jing and it rebounded on me!"
Zhou Botong slapped himself across the head, again and again, overwhelmed and full of regrets. Then another idea struck him. He tore a few strips of tree bark and fashioned them into a rough rope. With the help of his teeth, he tied his hands together.
"If I can't get the Manual's kung fu out of my head, then I'll never be able to fight again. Not even against the Heretic. I will not disobey my martial brother," he promised himself, sighing dramatically. "Urchin, oh, Urchin, you've brought this on yourself. Your little prank backfired spectacularly. You are the butt of the joke now!"
NEEDLESS TO say, Zhou Botong's answer left Apothecary Huang none the wiser as to why his hands were tied. He assumed it was yet another of the Hoary Urchin's games.
"Hoary Urchin, you have met Brother Ouyang before, and this is—"
"This must be Count Seven Hong," Zhou Botong said. He had already circled the group several times, sniffing theatrically. "He's a good man. As the saying goes, 'The celestial net of justice catches all who err.' My piss only drenched the Heretic and the Venom. You injured me with your palm strike once, Viper Ouyang, and I've just returned the favour. Now, we're equal."
With a disdainful curl of his lip, Viper Ouyang whispered into Apothecary Huang's ear, "Look how fast he moves! His kung fu – both internal and external – is clearly superior to ours. It's best not to upset him."
You haven't seen my kung fu for twenty years. How do you know it isn't as good as his? Apothecary Huang thought, before turning to Zhou Botong. "I shall repeat what I've said many times before. Hand over the Nine Yin Manual and you are free to leave the island."
Even now that Cyclone Mei had returned his wife's copy, Apothecary Huang still wanted Zhou Botong to surrender the original, so he could burn it as an offering, and his wife could read it in the underworld.
"I'm bored of this island. It's time for me to leave," Zhou Botong said.
"Then give me the Manual." Apothecary Huang held out his palm.
"I've given it to you already."
"Nonsense. When did that happen?"
Zhou Botong chuckled. "Guo Jing is your son-in-law, isn't he? So what belongs to him, belongs to you. I've taught him the whole Nine Yin Manual. From cover to cover. Have I not given it to you, then, in a way?"
"Is . . . Is that really what you taught me? The Nine Yin Manual?"
"Do you think I can make up something so complex?" Zhou Botong doubled over with laughter.
The truth left Guo Jing reeling, wide-eyed and dumbstruck.
The Hoary Urchin was delirious with joy. This look was worth all the hours, days and weeks he had put in. All the hard work. Even the predicament he faced at that very moment.
"You didn't tell me it was the Nine Yin Manual."
Zhou Botong loved nothing more than toying with his sworn brother's honest nature. "Huh? Don't you remember me saying that, because you're not part of the Quanzhen Sect, you wouldn't be defying my martial brother's final decree by learning from it?"
Apothecary Huang glared at Guo Jing before turning to Zhou Botong. "I would like to burn the original Nine Yin Manual as an offering to my late wife."
"Brother, could you do the honours?"
Guo Jing walked up to his sworn brother, reached inside his shirt and pulled out two thread-bound volumes, half an inch thick.
With his hands still tied together at the wrists, Zhou Botong clapped his palms over the books and said, "Here are the two volumes of the Nine Yin Manual. Take them – if you've got the skill."
"What do you mean?"
Zhou Botong tilted his head and pondered the question.
"The skill of binding and mounting," he said, with a giggle.
"Huh?"
The Hoary Urchin raised his hands over his head and thrust them skywards. Thousands of pieces of paper fluttered above him like a swarm of butterflies, dancing in the sea breeze, drifting east and flying west, impossible to catch.
An exceptional feat of internal kung fu. I could not tear such a thick pile of paper into so many small pieces in the blink of an eye, Apothecary Huang said to himself, stunned to find Zhou Botong suddenly so skilled. It took him a moment to collect himself. His mind slipped back to thoughts of his wife, fuelling his outrage at the Hoary Urchin's act of defiance.
"Hoary Urchin, you presume to mock me, do you? You will not leave this island today!" Apothecary Huang lunged, striking his palm at Zhou Botong's face.
Zhou Botong swerved a fraction to dodge the blow, his hands still tied together. He swivelled left and right as Apothecary Huang's palms sliced noisily around him, and neither so much as grazed his person.
The Cascading Peach Blossom Palm was Apothecary Huang's signature martial invention, but, twenty moves in, he had yet to force the Hoary Urchin to fight back.
The Heretic was about to channel more strength into his attack when he realised in horror what he was doing. How can I fight a man whose hands are tied? he thought, and he leapt back three paces.
"Untie your hands. Show me the might of the Nine Yin Manual. If you don't, I fear I may cause you harm again."
Zhou Botong shook his head, his face a mask of misery. "My hands are bound for a reason, and I will not break these bonds, no matter what."
"Then I'll break them for you!" Apothecary Huang shouted, grabbing at his wrists.
"Argh! Help! Help!" Zhou Botong threw himself to the ground and began to roll from side to side.
"Father!" Guo Jing rushed forward, curbed by a hand on his arm, pulling him back.
"Don't be silly," Count Seven Hong muttered, under his breath. "Just watch."
Zhou Botong was writhing on the ground with extreme agility. Not one of Apothecary Huang's strikes or kicks landed.
Guo Jing, transfixed by his display, recognised the Slithering Snake Pouncing Fox technique from the Nine Yin Manual, and cheered when Zhou Botong performed a particularly nimble dodge.
This only enraged Apothecary Huang further. His palm strikes were like sharp blades, slicing strips from Zhou Botong's sleeves and the hem of his robe. Even the tips of his hair and beard were trimmed by the searing force of Apothecary Huang's internal strength.
Zhou Botong knew he could not dodge Apothecary Huang much longer. If he were hit, it would be the end of him – or result in grievous injury, at the very least.
The Heretic now launched a renewed flurry of attacks. His left palm swept sideways. His right hand sliced down diagonally. Each blow contained three sly and lethal twists.
Caught between the two attacking hands, Zhou Botong realised now was the time to act. He summoned strength to his shoulders and – pang! – the ropes snapped. He raised his left arm to block, and at the same time twisted his right arm around to scratch his back.
"Ah, I can't ignore this itch any longer!"
Apothecary Huang was flabbergasted. How could anyone take the time to scratch an itch in such an intense fight? He let fly another three ferocious attacks, each containing the full force of a lifetime of martial training.
Zhou Botong sighed. "I can't overpower you with just one hand. But there's no other way. I will never disobey my martial brother."
He channelled all his energy into his right arm and let his left hang limp by his side. He was fully aware that his own kung fu was no match for Apothecary Huang's. The moment they connected, a great force pushed him back. He staggered and stumbled as he fought to keep his footing.
Palms raised, Apothecary Huang pounced. Zhou Botong was still reeling from his last attack.
"Fight with both hands! You can't block with just one arm!"
"No! I will only use one!"
"As you wish."
He struck down at Zhou Botong's lone arm with both hands and let his internal energy pour forth.
Thump!
Zhou Botong collapsed on his backside, his eyes closed. Blood shot out of his mouth, followed by a strangled gurgling sound. His face was now as white as paper.
Apothecary Huang stepped back. No-one could fathom why Zhou Botong had refused to fight back properly with both hands. Even if he could not win, he would not have lost within a handful of moves.
Zhou Botong opened his eyes, stood up slowly and said, "The Hoary Urchin fell for his own prank. Without realising it, I learned the kung fu from the Nine Yin Manual, against my martial brother's dying wish. If I'd used both hands, you would not have been able to subdue me."
Full of remorse, Apothecary Huang fell silent. Zhou Botong had not bound his hands and fought at a disadvantage just to spite him. He realised he had imprisoned this man for fifteen years for no real reason, and had now injured him once more in an irrational fit of rage. He reached into his shirt and took out a jade casket. He lifted its lid, counted out six pills and handed them to Zhou Botong.
"These Dew of Nine Flowers are made from rare and precious herbs. Take one every seven days. They will reduce the pain and aid the healing process. Brother Botong, I am very sorry for injuring you again. I, Apothecary Huang, humbly apologise. The injury you have suffered today will heal quickly, thanks to your deep neigong. I will see you off the island myself."
Nodding in gratitude, Zhou Botong took one of the pills and channelled his qi to heal his body. A moment later, he spat out a mouthful of darkened blood.
"Heretic, no wonder they call you Apothecary. This pill of yours is most effective. Hmm . . . What does my name, Botong, mean?"
It sounds just like "bottom"! Lotus thought, giggling silently, but, wary of her father's grave expression, she knew better than to make such a joke.
Zhou Botong pondered his question for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Heretic, I'm leaving now. Do you want to make me stay?"
"You are free to come and go as you please, Brother Botong. Should you wish to visit the island again, I shall welcome your return with all my heart, as my best friend and an honoured guest. I will send for a boat now."
4
GUO JING CARRIED ZHOU BOTONG ON HIS BACK, FOLLOWING Apothecary Huang to the shore, where half a dozen boats were moored in the bay.
"Brother Apothecary, there is no need to arrange another boat; Brother Zhou can sail with us," Viper Ouyang said.
"How very kind of you," Apothecary Huang replied, gesturing at a servant. The man disappeared into one of the larger boats and returned with a tray of gold ingots.
"Brother Botong, please accept this gift to fund your antics. Your kung fu is most certainly stronger than mine and I am full of admiration. If you decide to take part in the next Contest of Mount Hua, then I shall withdraw. The Heretic concedes that you are the Greatest Martial Master Under the Heavens."
Zhou Botong blinked and pulled a silly face, plainly delighted. But, the moment he looked over at Viper Ouyang's ship, he frowned and shook his head in disapproval.
Hoisted at the stern of the grand vessel was a large white flag embroidered with a double-headed snake, two forked tongues protruding from its open mouths.
Viper Ouyang made a rasping tone with a wooden flute and the vegetation seemed to come alive. Led by two servants, the snake herders of White Camel Mount guided their flock down to the bay. They slithered up the gangplanks in tidy rows and disappeared below deck.
"I hate snakes! I'm not setting foot on the Venom's boat!" Zhou Botong said.
"Of course. You are very welcome to use my boat." Apothecary Huang smiled and gestured towards a smaller vessel nearby.
Zhou Botong shook his head. "I want that big one!"
Apothecary Huang's face darkened as he saw where Zhou Botong was pointing. "I am afraid I cannot let you use that boat," he said in a queer voice. "It's being repaired."
The ship was impressive. Ornate, clean lines, the paintwork new, glistening like gold and jade. There was no visible sign of damage. It looked like it had never been used.
"I want the new boat! Why are you being so mean, Heretic?"
"Ill fortune sails with that vessel. Its passengers succumb to sickness or meet with disaster. That is why it is docked here and never used. I am not being mean. If you don't believe me, I will reduce it to ashes this instant." At Apothecary Huang's command, four servants ran towards the boat, each holding a flaming torch.
Zhou Botong flopped to the ground, pulling on his beard and crying loudly. Everyone was at a loss what to do – all except for Guo Jing. He was used to his sworn brother's tantrums and he was smiling on the inside.
"I want the new boat! I want the new boat!" the Hoary Urchin insisted, bawling like a newborn baby.
Lotus Huang raced ahead to stop the servants, returning a few moments later.
"Brother Apothecary, I will keep the Hoary Urchin company on this ill-starred vessel," Count Seven Hong said. "This old beggar is no stranger to ill luck. We shall fight fire with fire. Let's see if my dark cloud is blacker than your boat's curse."
"Brother Seven, do stay on the island for a few more days. Surely there is no need to leave so soon?"
"Beggars great and small are gathering in the city of Yueyang in Hunan soon, to hear this aged one appoint my successor. If I meet my fate without naming the next in line, the beggars of this world will be left without a chieftain. When the matter is settled, it would be my pleasure to visit you."
"You are a generous man, Brother Seven, devoting your life to the service of others, perpetually galloping back and forth."
"Beggars don't ride. It's my feet that do all the galloping! Wait, are you slyly insulting me? If I gallop, then I must be a horse!" he said, in good humour.
Lotus chuckled. "Shifu, you said it – not my pa."
"The martial father is never as close as a real father. I'd better find myself a beggar woman and get her to give us a beggar girl."
Lotus cheered and clapped. "I'd love a little martial sister. I'd cuddle her all day!"
All the while, Gallant Ouyang's eyes were fixed on Lotus. The sunlight gently brushed her cheeks, radiant as spring blossom, beautiful as a dawn sky. She gazed at Guo Jing so tenderly, so full of feeling, her affection so plain to see. One day, I will kill that wretched lad, he promised himself in a fit of jealousy.
Count Seven Hong held his hand out to help Zhou Botong to his feet. "I'll travel on the new boat with you. We know the Heretic is full of schemes, but we won't let him trick us."
Zhou Botong was overjoyed. "Old Beggar, you're so kind," he said. "We should be brothers."
"Brother, wouldn't it be odd to swear brotherhood with my shifu?" Guo Jing asked, before Count Seven Hong could reply.
"Who cares?" Zhou Botong laughed. "Your father-in-law is letting me sail in the new boat. I'm happy and I want us to be brothers."
Lotus giggled. "What about me?"
"I don't believe anything a lass says. One look at a beautiful woman is guaranteed to bring bad luck." Zhou Botong glared at her, then linked arms with Count Seven. Together, they marched towards the boat.
Apothecary Huang threw his arms wide to block their path. "I am not deceiving you. No journey in that boat will end well. There is no need for either of you to put yourself in such danger. And yet, forgive me – I would prefer not to say any more on the matter."
"You have made yourself very clear. I will praise your friendship, even as I die from seasickness."
Despite his jovial tone, Count Seven knew Apothecary Huang's warning was genuine. But he also knew nothing could change the Hoary Urchin's mind, and he could not let an injured man sail into danger alone.
"Perhaps I worry too much. Your extraordinary kung fu should see you safe." Apothecary Huang turned away from them and glared at Guo Jing. "Go with them, lad. Tell me, did Zhou Botong reveal to you that you were learning the Nine Yin Manual?"
"He never said so." Guo Jing shook his head. "I saw Cyclone Mei practise the Nine Yin Skeleton Claw. It was inhuman. I would have refused to learn, if I'd known it was—"
"Oh, you knew!" Zhou Botong cut Guo Jing off. There was no better time to pull a prank than when everyone else was deadly serious. "I only taught you the first volume! You told me you tricked Cyclone Mei into lending you her copy of the Manual. You made your own and learned it by heart. I remember you saying that Twice Foul Dark Wind's kung fu was too brutal and you weren't interested in it. But I told you Cyclone Mei had got it all wrong because Apothecary Huang didn't understand the text. He taught her the wrong method. And then I said I could show you how to correctly interpret the Manual."
"You . . . You never said any of that . . ." Guo Jing trembled uncertainly.
Zhou Botong blinked, a picture of sober sincerity. "I did. And you were delighted to hear it!"
It was hard for Apothecary Huang to believe Guo Jing could have learned the Nine Yin Manual by heart without knowing what it was he was committing to memory. Surely, Zhou Botong, with his childlike honesty, must have blurted out the truth. He did not imagine a martial master would joke about something so serious. Guo Jing was a lying, conniving cheat, who deceived people by playing dumb.
What's more, Zhou Botong's suggestion that it was Apothecary Huang who had led Hurricane Chen and Cyclone Mei's training down the wrong path was a mortal blow to his pride. They had misinterpreted the Manual, but not because of his instructions. He had already experienced enough upheaval and disillusion in one day. His wife had not chosen her son-in-law from beyond the grave. He had conceded the martial title he coveted to his prisoner of fifteen years. The man his daughter had given her heart to had turned out to be a treacherous knave. He could no longer hold back the tide of fury.
"Father . . ." Guo Jing said fearfully.
"I am not your father-in-law, you devious boy! If you set foot on Peach Blossom Island again, I will show no mercy!"
Apothecary Huang struck a servant from behind with the back of his hand. "This will be your fate!"
A low groan escaped from the servant's tongueless mouth as his body hurtled into the sea. The strike had ruptured his five internal organs, and he vanished beneath the waves. The other serving men fell to their knees in unison, fearing for their lives.
All of Apothecary Huang's servants had once been rogues and vagabonds. He had investigated each of their crimes before bringing them to the island, where he pierced their eardrums and cut out their tongues.
"I, Apothecary Huang, known as Heretic of the East across the jianghu, am not an upright gentleman," he had once said. "Naturally, I have no interest in keeping the company of upright gentlemen. As for my servants, the more evil and villainous they are, the more they are to my liking."
Weighed against the crimes he had committed, the servant's death was not to be pitied. But the senseless way in which he had been dispatched brought forth the same thought in everyone's mind: No wonder he's known as the Heretic! That servant took the brunt of his anger for no reason.
Unsure how he could have caused such offence, Guo Jing fell to his knees.
Apothecary Huang knew he was in danger of killing Guo Jing on the spot, he was so furious, but such an act would be unworthy of a martial master of his stature. Putting his hands together in a gesture of respect, he turned to Zhou Botong, Count Seven Hong and Viper Ouyang and, through gritted teeth, said, "Please."
"Guo—" Before Lotus could say any more, her father grabbed her hand and dragged her away.
Zhou Botong was struggling to contain his laughter, even as Apothecary Huang disappeared into the woods, and the merry convulsions were making his injury worse.
"The Heretic is so gullible. He's fallen for my prank again. He believed everything I said! I made it all up! This is so much fun!" He gave in to his mirth.
"So Guo Jing knew nothing?" Count Seven Hong had not been expecting such a revelation.
"Of course he knew nothing. Guo Jing believes with his whole being that the Nine Yin Manual is infernally wicked. Do you think he would have learned a word of it, if he knew? But, now that you've memorised it, brother, there's no way you can get it out of your head, is there?" Zhou Botong dissolved once more into laughter, the pain gripping his chest.
"This is a joke we can ill afford, Hoary Urchin. I will find Brother Apothecary to set things right."
Count Seven Hong ran into the forest, but it was criss-crossed with paths and trails, impossible to guess which one Apothecary Huang had taken. The servants had dispersed as soon as their master left the shore, so, unable to find anyone to guide him, Count Seven Hong gave up and returned to the others. Then he remembered. "Nephew Ouyang, could you lend me the map of Peach Blossom Island?"
"Please don't take offence, Uncle Hong, but, without Uncle Huang's permission, I am not at liberty to show the map to anyone."
Count Seven Hong sighed at his own stupidity. Of course he won't help – he wants the Heretic to hate my silly disciple!
Flashes of white appeared among the trees as the thirty-two dancers and musicians presented to Apothecary Huang emerged from the forest. The woman in front curtseyed to Viper Ouyang. "Master Huang asked us to return with my lord."
With barely a glance in their direction, Viper Ouyang waved them onto the ship and turned to Zhou Botong. "I will sail behind you. Should there be any trouble, I will gladly offer you assistance."
"Spare me your fawning! I want to find out what strange contraptions the Heretic has hidden on that ship. We won't come across any dangers if you sail behind us. Where's the fun in that? If you spoil my fun, I'll pour another jar of pee over your head!"
"Very well," Viper Ouyang said. He put his fist against his palm in a gesture of farewell and boarded his ship with his nephew.
5
GUO JING WAS STILL STARING AT THE SPOT WHERE LOTUS HAD vanished into the woods.
"Brother, come aboard. Let's see what this inanimate ship will do to us three living, breathing men!" Zhou Botong took Count Seven Hong's arm in his left hand and Guo Jing's in his right, pulling both of them up the gangplank at a sprint.
The crew of half a dozen men were waiting silently on board.
The Hoary Urchin took one look at the mute servants and said gleefully, "If one day the Heretic truly lives up to his wicked name and cuts out his darling daughter's tongue, then I'll say he's earned his title." Guo Jing shuddered at the thought.
Zhou Botong chuckled at his sworn brother's reaction. "Did I frighten you?" He gestured at the crew to get them underway. They lifted the anchor and unfurled the sails without a word. The south wind guided the boat gently into the sea.
"Let's find out what's so odd about this ship," Count Seven Hong said.
The three of them examined it carefully from the bow to the stern and from the deck down to the hold. Nothing seemed unusual or out of place. In fact, every spar and surface glistened with fresh paint. The galley was well stocked with water, rice, wine, meat and vegetables.
"The Heretic lied!" The Hoary Urchin felt cheated. "He said something wasn't right, but it all looks fine! Spoilsport!"
But Count Seven Hong still had his suspicions. He leapt onto the mast and rocked it a few times, before turning his attention to the sails, giving them a good tug. Everything appeared to be in perfect working order.
He watched as the gulls swooped and soared over the blue expanse, where sea and sky blended into one. The three sails pulled taut by the wind and took them northwards. His sleeves flapped in the sea breeze, and a carefree joy lifted his heart. Then he noticed Viper Ouyang was tailing them, keeping a distance of some two li.
He jumped down onto the deck and gestured for the crew to sail north-west. A few moments later, the Venom's vessel also changed course.
Why is he following us? Count Seven Hong was certain Viper Ouyang could not be keeping them company out of concern for their safety. If the Venom had grown a heart, then the sun would henceforth rise from the west.
The Beggar kept the discovery to himself, lest the Hoary Urchin throw another tantrum. He signalled the helmsman to head east. The sails all turned at once, and, as they were no longer catching the wind in full, the ship began to slow down. Once again, Viper Ouyang also changed course, still stubbornly tailing them.
Perhaps they'll try to board, Count Seven Hong thought, and he returned to the cabin. There sat Guo Jing, downcast and in a daze.
"I'll teach you a trick," Count Seven Hong said, to boost his disciple's spirits. "This is how we beggars wrangle for food. If they won't give you anything, you harry them outside their house for three days and three nights."
Zhou Botong giggled. "What if they've got nasty dogs and they set them on you?"
"Since they're so rich and yet know no kindness, sneak in at night and steal their treasures. Such a deed hurts no-one."
"Do you understand what your shifu is saying?" Zhou Botong turned to Guo Jing. "He's telling you to pester your father-in-law until you get what you want. If he still won't give you his daughter and he threatens to beat you up, go back at night and spirit her away. The best thing is, you're stealing a living treasure. You just need to say, 'Come, precious!' and she'll follow you! Easy!"
Guo Jing could not help but smile. Watching Zhou Botong pace up and down the cabin, he was reminded of someone. "Brother, where will you go now?"
"I don't know. I'll wander around – wherever takes my fancy. I've been on that little island for too long, the boredom was killing me."
"May I ask you for a favour?"
"If you're asking me to go back to help you steal your woman, then no!" Zhou Botong waved frantically to bat the idea away.
"No, not that . . ." Guo Jing flushed bright red. "I was hoping Brother would visit Roaming Cloud Manor, near Yixing, on the shore of Lake Tai."
"What for?"
"The lord of the manor, Zephyr Lu, is a great man and true hero. He was a disciple of Peach Blossom Island. Thanks to Twice Foul Dark Wind, his legs were broken by my father-in-law and he has been crippled ever since. Since Brother found a way to recover fully, I was hoping you might share your method."
"Oh, yes, that's simple. And, if the Heretic breaks my legs again, I'll know how to mend them once more. Break them now, if you don't believe me!" Zhou Botong sat down and extended his legs, goading Guo Jing with an impudent stare.
Guo Jing smiled. "I'm confident of your skills."
The cabin door crashed open and the helmsman tumbled through, his face ashen. He waved his arms and stamped his feet in panic, but he could utter no words to explain his fear. They leapt up and rushed after the man. Had the danger Apothecary Huang prophesied come true?
6
LOTUS HUANG CRIED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE HOUSE, FURIOUS that her father had dragged her away before she could bid Guo Jing farewell. She ran into her room and slammed the door.
Now his rage had subsided somewhat, Apothecary Huang began to wonder if he had done his daughter wrong by condemning Guo Jing to death. He wanted to say a few words of comfort, but when he went to her room, his knocks were ignored. The door remained shut at supper time. He ordered a servant to bring her dinner, but the poor man was sent sprawling out of the doorway, along with the food he had brought for her.
Papa always keeps his word – he'll kill Guo Jing if he comes back to Peach Blossom Island. But, if I go looking for him, Papa will be left on his own. There'll be no-one here to keep him company.
For once, Lotus was at a loss what to do. Some months ago, after her father had said a few stern words to her, she had run away without a second thought. But when she was reunited with him at Roaming Cloud Manor, the first thing she had noticed was how grey he was at the temples. In the short time she was gone, he seemed to have aged ten years. The sight had weighed on her heart. She swore never to cause him to worry again, yet now . . .
She buried her face in her bed and sobbed.
If Mama were alive, she'd know what to do, she wouldn't let me suffer like this.
At the thought of her mother, she got out of bed and headed to the main hall.
Once outside, Lotus was greeted by a glittering heaven, full of stars. The summer air was heavy with the scent of flowers.
Guo Jing must be dozens of li from the island, now. Would they ever see each other again? She dried her tears on her sleeve and walked into a knot of blossoming trees.
Following a path carpeted by fallen petals and leaves, she was soon at her mother's tomb. In this part of the island, the trees were always lush and rare flowers bloomed all year. Her father had personally selected each of the plants that surrounded her mother's grave, collecting the most famous and unique flora under the heavens. Fragrance and beauty vied with each other under the moonlight.
Lotus put her hand on the tombstone, pressing down on the left and right side several times, before giving it a shove. The stone slab shifted to reveal a tunnel. She stepped into the unlit passage and followed it deeper underground. After the third turn, she triggered another mechanism to open a second stone gate. Once she had entered the burial chamber, she took out some tinder and a flint to light the coloured-glaze lamps on the altar.
Emotions swirled within her at the sight of her mother's portrait.
Mama, when I die, will I finally get to meet you? Is this how you look? So gentle and beautiful. Where are you now? Are you up there, in the heavens? Or down there, in the underworld? Maybe you're here, in this chamber, with me? Mama, perhaps I should stay in this room forever, so I can be with you always.
Not only had Apothecary Huang painted his wife's portrait and hung it in the burial chamber, he had also filled the space with many precious objects – antiques, jewellery and scrolls of paintings and calligraphy. A keen connoisseur, he had built up an impressive collection when he roamed the lakes and the seas, using his martial prowess to commandeer treasures from royal palaces, wealthy families and notorious bandits. When his wife passed away, he had interred everything with her body to keep her company.
Lotus looked from her mother's likeness to the jewels laid out around her. Warmed by the glow of the lamp, the pearls, jades and ambers glistened.
These treasures have no feelings, yet they are unchanging for hundreds and thousands of years. Lotus's sorrow was reflected in their sheen. I shall turn to dust and earth, yet, on that day, these pretty things will still be here, as perfect as they are now. Is it because we have become aware that our lives must be fleeting? Was it because she was so clever that Mama was only allowed to live to twenty?
As she gazed at the portrait, she lost all sense of time. Eventually, she blew out the lamps and parted the woollen drapes to reveal her mother's jade sarcophagus. Feeling its coolness, she leaned against it and curled up on the ground. Sadness filled her heart, but she found some comfort in being there, as if she were pressing close to Mama.
The swing between extremes of joy and grief in this one day had exhausted Lotus, and soon she fell into a deep sleep.
She was back in Zhongdu, the Jin capital, in the Prince of Zhao's residence, fighting a group of martial men alone. Then she was on the northern border road, where she came across Guo Jing. Just as they got talking to each other, she thought she saw her mother. She wanted to see Mama's face, but it would not come into focus. She tried to get a good look at her, but suddenly Mama flew upwards into the sky. She ran and ran, earthbound, while Mama ascended higher and higher. Now, she could hear Papa's voice, calling Mama's name. His cries grew clearer and clearer.
Her father was calling from the other side of the drapes. She was not dreaming anymore. He was here, in the burial chamber.
Papa used to take her down here to see Mama all the time. He would carry her in his arms and report to his wife in great detail all the little things they had done that day. In recent years, these trips had become few and far between.
Hearing her father's voice right now did not surprise Lotus, but she was still angry with him and preferred not to make herself known. She decided to stay hidden behind the drapes until he had left.
"I made you a promise. I promised to find the Nine Yin Manual and burn it as an offering to you, so your spirit up there can learn its full contents again. You tried so hard to remember it. For fifteen years, I failed you. Today, I can at last fulfil my word."
Did Papa get the Nine Yin Manual today? Lotus was confused.
"I do not intend to kill your son-in-law. They insisted on taking that boat."
Does he mean Guo Jing? Why is he talking about the boat again? Lotus was worried, but her father said nothing further on the matter. Instead, he launched into a repetitive soliloquy detailing the solitude he had endured since her mother's passing. She had never heard him open up like this, and she realised how much pain she would heap upon him if she were to run away again.
We have years ahead of us, Guo Jing and I, she told herself. One day, we will meet again. We're not even twenty yet.
"The Hoary Urchin's kung fu is now superior to mine; I will not be able to send his soul to you. He destroyed the Manual today, the copy he lent you, all those years ago. I thought he had made me break my word to you. Who knows what higher powers induced him to insist on sailing out in the pageant boat I had built for our reunion?"
Papa has always forbidden me to play on that boat . . . but how can a boat bring Papa to Mama?
Lotus did not know that, when her mother died, her father planned to take his life, as the ultimate act of devotion. For a man of his martial skills, killing himself by hanging or poison would take a long time. His lifeless body would be left undefended from the abuse of his servants, too. So he decided to turn to the sea. He travelled to the mainland to capture the most skilled shipwrights. He had them build a very particular boat: the wooden hull was held together with glue and ropes, instead of being nailed tight with iron. In the bay, it was the most lavish of vessels, but, in open waters, as waves lapped and crashed, it would quickly come apart and sink.
Apothecary Huang's plan was to sail out with his wife's remains. He would play the "Ode to the Billowing Tide" as the ship disintegrated, and together they would find their final resting place beneath the waves. Such a death would be worthy of his status as a martial great and a fitting end to his life. Yet, each time he built up his resolve to take to the seas, he found he could not bear to take his infant daughter along or leave her behind. In the end, he built a tomb to inter his wife's body temporarily. At the same time, he continued to maintain and repaint the boat every year, to keep it in the best possible state of repair. He would set sail once his daughter had grown up and found a suitable home, when no earthly worries could hold him back.
Since Lotus did not know the story behind the boat, she had no idea of the danger Guo Jing was in, until she heard her father say, "Cyclone did return the Manual she took. But I know that you weren't able to set down that final strange passage accurately. Even with your extraordinary memory, how could it be possible to remember something you couldn't comprehend?
"Now sailing to you on the boat I made for us are the Hoary Urchin, who knows the Manual inside out, and the lad, Guo Jing, who can recite the text without a single mistake. When the sea takes them, I will have fulfilled my promise to you.
"I have sent as offerings two sets of the Nine Yin Manual – living flesh, instead of dead paper. Your spirit above must have the memory of heavenly creatures. Your mental abilities now must far exceed those of your mortal self, all those years ago. You can check the Manual in their minds against your memory, so you can at last rest in peace. Though, it's perhaps a little unfair on Old Beggar Hong, making him give his life for no reason.
"In one day, I will kill three supreme martial artists to keep the promise I made to you. When we meet again, you can proudly proclaim, 'My husband lives by his word – he carries out every vow he makes to his beloved wife!'"
A bitter laugh echoed in the stone chamber.
"Guo Jing didn't lie. He couldn't have taken the Manual from Cyclone, as the Hoary Urchin claimed. The passage of nonsense that came out of Guo Jing's mouth was structured, and longer than our incomplete, garbled version. Cyclone also wrote down a few lines of poetry, before she lost her sight. Knowing that lad's intellect, he'd have taken them to be part of the Manual and recited them out loud. But he didn't. The Hoary Urchin was pulling my leg. No doubt he lied when he said Guo Jing knew he was learning the Nine Yin Manual, too. It's not plausible, with his history with Cyclone and Hurricane.
"Lotus is so very fond of this honest fool. Her heart will hurt so much when she finds out he died at sea. But who in this world goes through life without a broken heart? Joy is limited, sorrow plentiful, the soul breaks, always! I never intended to kill Guo Jing! Lotus, Lotus, I have not done you wrong!"
The last words were spoken directly to Lotus, as if Apothecary Huang had sensed her presence in the burial chamber.
The boat must be fitted with some horrible, deadly contraptions! The thought made Lotus's hair stand on end and sent a chill to her heart, freezing her whole being. Given her father's precision and rigour, his design would not fail. Guo Jing, her shifu and Zhou Botong might have already fallen victim.
She wanted to rush out and beg her father to save them, but fear and shock had made her legs weak and she could not even stand. She tried to cry out, but her voice would not obey her. Slumped against her mother's coffin, all she could do was listen to his departing footsteps and the fading echoes of his melancholy laugh, ringing like a song and a sob.
Lotus tried to gather her wits. I must find Guo Jing. If I can't rescue him, then I'll die with him! Knowing her father's temperament and his obsessive love for her mother, there was no point asking him for help, especially after what he had said about offering the Manual to her spirit.
When she recovered her strength, she sprinted from the entrance of the tomb, all the way down to the shore, and leapt onto the first boat she could find. She shook the sleeping crew awake and ordered them to set sail immediately. As they emerged from the bay, she heard the sound of thundering hooves and her father's flute song floating on the breeze.
Lotus looked back to shore and saw Ulaan galloping back and forth along the shoreline, his coat glistening in the moonlight.
Ulaan must feel so sad, so constricted, here, on this island, she said to herself. He might be an exceptional steed, but his strength would be of little use if he boarded the boat with her.
Where do I start to look for Guo Jing on this boundless sea?