Chapter - 27 (27) (1/2)

Someone heard a ghost crying on Yunnan's sea, thorny gate provided another source of amusement.

The nun in white was lost in thought for half a day. Seeing Wei Xiaobao approaching with a big grin on his face, she knew that he was the one who put poison on the Sutra. She sighed and said, ”If not for your intelligence and quick-thinking, it would be difficult for me to escape losing my life in the enemy's hand today. It would not be a big deal, I was more afraid I would be humiliated. Only, killing people is not something to be proud of, no need to be this happy.”

Wei Xiaobao quickly erased the smiling expression from his face. ”Yes,” he replied.

The nun in white added, ”This kind of sinister and ruthless method is not the way of prestigious house or upright sect's disciples. In critical situation, you have no choice but to use it to deal with the villains, but from now on you must not use it recklessly.”

Wei Xiaobao complied again. He said, ”Today was the first time I ever used that method. Frankly, my martial art skill is too lacking, I can't fight a just and honorable fight with them; otherwise, a man must fight like a real man, victory must be achieved handsomely. How could I use such a fooling around method?”

The nun in white stared at him for half a day before asking, ”You have been at Shaolin Temple, Qingliang Temple, for many days, could it be that the martial art master Shifu at the Temple did not teach you any martial art?”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Martial art, I have learned some. It's a pity that junior did not learn the proper way; I only learn some superficial styles, but did not cultivate internal strength.”

The nun in white cast a glance toward Ah Ke before she asked, ”And why is that?”

”There was not enough time to train,” Wei Xiaobao replied.

”What do you mean not enough time?” the nun in white asked.

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Because disciple has offended Miss Ah Ke, she wanted to kill me. The situation was urgent, I had no choice but to carelessly learn some moves to protect my life.”

The nun in white nodded. She said, ”Just now when you talked to those lamas, you repeatedly said that I am your Shifu; why is that?”

Wei Xiaobao blushed. Ah Ke interjected, ”Shifu, he is harboring a bad thought, he wanted to do obeisance to you and take you as his master.”

The nun in white smiled and said, ”Wanted to do obeisance to me and take me as his master cannot be considered a bad thought.”

”It's not,” Ah Ke anxiously said. She knew that Wei Xiaobao's real intention in wanting to do obeisance and take the nun in white as his master was so that he could entangle her all day every day, but of course she could not say it.

The nun in white said to Wei Xiaobao, ”You have called me Shifu, naturally I cannot let you call in vain.”

Wei Xiaobao was greatly delighted; immediately he kneeled down and respectfully kowtowed eight times while calling out loudly, ”Shifu.”

The nun in white smiled and said, ”Now that you have entered my school, you must abide by the rule: you must not fool around.”

”Yes,” Wei Xiaobao replied, ”Toward bad people disciple will fool around, but toward good people I will always follow the rule strictly.”

Ah Ke made faces to him and stuck out her tongue at him, while in her heart she was unspeakably angry. ”This little vile creature has done obeisance to Shifu and be her disciple; from now on I can't kill him anymore, and will always be entangled by him. I can't push her away, I can't kick him, it's a serious headache.”

The nun in white had been besieged by the six lamas, were it not for Wei Xiaobao's help, she would not have the good fortune. Afterwards Sangjie and the other, seven lamas pursued her, she could only helplessly let herself be captured; her situation was indeed very dangerous. Although her age had surpassed four decades, her appearance was very beautiful. If she fell into these evil lamas' hands, she was bound to suffer enormous humiliation. By the will of heavens this little kid was completely crafty and cunning, and was able to eliminate the enemies one by one, and thus he had helped her preserving her purity; the gratitude in her heart was unspeakable. Seeing that Wei Xiaobao was cherishing the idea of having her as his master, she decided to agree; thinking that the little kid was naughty, loved to act willfully and make a scene, but that it should not make her worry. If he received her nurture and training, someday he might make a name for himself in Jianghu.

According to Wulin rule, since Wei Xiaobao had entered Chen Jinnan's school, without Shifu's permission he could not do obeisance and take somebody else as his master. However, he did not know all these rules; even if he did, right that moment he did not care. The nun in white had agreed to accept him into her school, now he could constantly see Ah Ke. Even if Kangxi abdicated his throne and gave it to him, he would not want it. He was very lazy in training martial art, he thought that most likely he would have to train hard under the nun in white, the headache would be inevitable. But as long as he could be with Ah Ke, more bitter matter would feel as sweet as syrup; therefore, he did the eight kowtows while bursting with joy, indeed he felt as if a treasured object has fallen from heaven just for him.

Seeing his delight, the nun in white thought he was happy to have found a brilliant master and henceforth would train hard to master the excellent martial art. If she knew his real intention, perhaps she would kick him until he rolled around eight times, and although she had just accepted him into her school, would expel him immediately.

Ah Ke's little mouth flattened, she said, ”Shifu, look at him this happy, he will really spoil our family.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”A martial art master whose skill is number one in the present age has accepted me as her disciple, naturally I am exceedingly happy.”

The nun in white smiled and said, ”You must not talk nonsense about me as the number one martial art master of this age. Now that you have entered my school, you need to know your master's Buddhist name. My Buddhist name is Jiu Nan [lit. nine difficulties/disaster]. Our school is called the Tie Jian Men [iron sword school]. Your Shizu [master ancestor] was a Taoist Priest, whose title was Mu [wood] at the top and Sang [mulberry] at the bottom; he has passed away. Although I am a Buddhist nun, my martial art skill actually belongs to Taoist branch.”

”Yes,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”Disciple will remember.”

The nun in white Jiu Nan added, ”Ah Ke, you and him, who is a bit older?”

”Naturally I am,” Ah Ke replied.

”I am older,” Wei Xiaobao said.

”Alright,” Jiu Nan said, ”The two of you need not argue, whoever entered the school first is older. From now on there is no more 'Miss Ah Ke' or 'little vile creature'; one is 'Chen Shijie', the other is 'Wei Shidi'.”

With a loud voice Wei Xiaobao called, ”Chen Shijie.”

”Humph,” Ah Ke snorted; in front of her Shifu, she did not dare to curse, but she cast him a malicious look.

”Ah Ke,” Jiu Nan said, ”The minor matter of the past should not be taken to heart forever. This time Xiaobao has rendered some meritorious deed by saving you and me, two people. Even though he has offended you, he has done more than enough to redeem it.” Speaking to this point, she gently sighed, thinking, ”This child is intelligent and sharp, it's a pity he has met misfortune since he was young by being a eunuch.”

She continued, ”Previously Xiaobao was bullied and humiliated by others, he was forced to be a eunuch. As his martial older sister, you must pity his wretched fate and look after him a little bit. This is actually better, there won't be male-female division between the two of you, when you are together later on you must not have any misgivings. It's much more convenient. However, you must not tell anybody about this.”

Ah Ke complied. Thinking that this little vile creature was a eunuch, his rudeness to her in the past was not too big of a deal; her anger somewhat subsided. Turning to Zheng Keshuang, she called out, ”Zheng Gongzi, are you injured?”

Limping, Zheng Keshuang walked over; he said, ”Not too bad, only my leg is twisted.” Thinking that previously he boasted by saying that he had more than enough force to cope with the lamas, while when things came to a head he failed miserably, and they had to rely on this little kid to repel the enemy, his face blushed with shame.

”Shifu,” Ah Ke said, ”What should we do? Shall we still go to Hejian Prefecture?”

Jiu Nan hesitatingly said, ”Going to Hejian Prefecture to take a look is fine, but we must guard against that Lama Sangjie returning. Right now I am unable to move freely.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Shifu, you can stay here and take a rest, I'll go find a large carriage.”

Wei Xiaobao could not find any carriage, but he bought an ox cart from a peasant family, and invited Jiu Nan and the others, three people, to ride on it, while he drove the cart slowly to continue their journey. Luckily Sangjie did not reappear.

When they reached another small town ahead, they abandoned the cart and hired two large carriages. Along the way Wei Xiaobao asked his Shifu to take several more 'snow ginseng jade toad pills'. Jiu Nan's internal energy was profound, with the efficacious medicine giving her a boost, her internal injury was healing really quickly.

After traveling for two days, they arrived at Hejian Prefecture at noon. After putting up at an inn, Zheng Keshuang went out to scout the area and hear the news. More than two hours later he came back dejectedly, saying that he inquired everywhere in the city, but unexpectedly no one knew anything about 'Turtle-slaying Assembly'.

Jiu Nan asked, ”Zheng Gongzi, from where did you hear about this 'Turtle-slaying Assembly'?”

Zheng Keshuang replied, ”The two River Heroes Feng Brothers, Feng Bupo and Feng Bucui asked Tian Di Hui to deliver a letter to Taiwan, inviting my Fu Wang [father king] to send an envoy to preside over the 'Turtle-slaying General Assembly'. The letter says that the general assembly will be held on the fifteenth of this month at Hejian Prefecture. Today is the eleventh, so it is only four days away.”

Jiu Nan nodded. She slowly said, ”The two brothers from the Feng Clan, aren't they from Huashan Pai?” Lifting her head up, she looked outside the window, remembering the matter of many years ago.

Zheng Keshuang said, ”Fu Wang sent me to preside over the general assembly; I presumed the Feng Clan brothers would definitely send people to wait for me respectfully in here, who would have thought … humph …” His expression showed that he was really angry.

Jiu Nan said, ”Perhaps the Tatars have obtained the information and made some moves, hence the Feng Clan brothers changed the date and place.”

Zheng Keshuang resentfully said, ”Even if that's the case, they ought to notify me.”

While they were still talking, a waiter knocked the door and said, ”Zheng Keguan [lit. 'guest' Zheng], there are people outside seeking an audience with you.” Zheng Keshuang was greatly delighted; hastily he went out.

A moment later, he hurriedly came back, saying, ”The Feng Clan brothers have personally come here; they really apologized to me, saying that they knew that I brought more than twenty attendants, hence for the last several days they were waiting outside the city to welcome me, who would have thought that we have sneakily [orig. the gods unaware, the ghosts unconscious] entered the city? Right now they have prepared a big feast for us to wash the dust and welcome us. Would everybody please come with me?”

Jiu Nan shook her head and said, ”Zheng Gongzi should go alone, and please do not mention anything about me being here.”

Zheng Keshuang was rather disappointed; he said, ”Since Shitai is not willing to be disturbed, how about Miss Chen and Wei Xiongdi come with me?”

”They also do not need to go,” Jiu Nan replied, ”On the day of the general assembly, we will all go together.” That night Zheng Keshuang returned to the inn completely drunk.

Around midnight, his more than twenty attendants also arrived at the inn, only everybody's hands and feet were bandaged and tied with splints, making them did not look elegant at all.

Early morning the next day, Zheng Keshuang recounted what happened in the big banquet the previous night to Jiu Nan, Ah Ke and Wei Xiaobao. He said that the Feng Clan brothers were very respectful to him, they invited him to sit at the seat of honor, and did not stop praising the Zheng Clan for erecting the banner of righteousness, resisting the Manchurian Qing in Taiwan alone. Jiu Nan asked him who else had come to the feast.

Zheng Keshuang said, ”There are already many people arrived here. In the past few days people are coming one after another. It was decided that we will have the general assembly at midnight of the fifteenth, at the Locust Tree Plain, eighteen li west of the city. The midnight assembly is to guard against the Qing Court's ears and eyes. Actually the Feng Clan brothers are too cautious. With these many heroes and warriors assembled here, even if there is a large number of a Qing troop coming here, we will kill and have them completely routed.”

Jiu Nan asked in details the names of the heroes and warriors attending the meeting, but Zheng Keshuang was unable to come up with anything. He only said, ”There were several hundred people eating and drinking together. Every one of the several dozen leaders came to propose a toast to me for Fu Wang's sake. They all announced their school, sect, name and surname, but I am not able to recall that many names at once.”

Jiu Nan did not say anything; she mused, ”This Zheng Gongzi has an attractive outward appearance in vain, he actually does not have any talent.”

After recuperating in the inn for several days, Jiu Nan's injury was completely healed. She restrained Ah Ke and Wei Xiaobao from coming out and wandering aimlessly, to avoid meeting Wulin characters and creating some trouble. Zheng Keshuang, however, left the inn every day early in the morning, and did not return until very late at night. Every day there was Jianghu hero or warrior who invited him to a banquet.

When the night fell on the fifteenth, Jiu Nan put on the clothing that Wei Xiaobao bought for her. She dressed as a middle-aged woman, her head was covered in black head wrap; she put yellow powder on her face, and drew her eyebrows slanted downward. No one would recognize her true identity. Wei Xiaobao and Ah Ke dressed as ordinary young man, young woman. Zheng Keshuang, however, was wearing brocade gown. He removed his fake braid and put on the attire of Ming Dynasty nobility; he looked beaming and buoyant.

Jiu Nan had not seen her former country's attire for a long time; seeing his clothing and adornment, she was both delighted and rueful. Seeing his godly charm, jade-like appearance, Ah Ke felt like her soul was even more intoxicated. Only Wei Xiaobao, who felt ashamed of his inferiority, cursed in his heart 'embroidered pillow son of a b1tch' seventeen, eighteen times.

About the first watch of the night [between 7-9 pm], the Yanpin Mansion's attendants drove a large carriage to take the four of them to the Locust Tree Plain for the assembly. The Locust Tree Plain was a large piece of flat land surrounded by hills all around it. It was the place where the locals held market days, or religious festivals, or having theatrical performances. In the darkness one could see that the plain was packed with people.

As soon as Zheng Keshuang arrived, a joyous sound thundered all around them. Several dozen people surged forward to greet him and flock around him. Jiu Nan took Ah Ke and Wei Xiaobao to sit far away underneath a large locust tree. By this time there was a continuous flow of people from east, west, south and north. More and more people assembled on the grassy field.

Wei Xiaobao thought, ”That treacherous bandit Wu Sangui tied enmity with really a lot of people. Our Tian Di Hui and the Mu Palace have made a bet to see who can kill him first. This 's personal enemies number in millions, if somebody made their move first, unavoidably Tian Di Hui and Mu Palace lose.”

The round bright moon slowly rose to the top of their heads. On the grassy field, an old man, tall and well-built, with long white beard fluttered in the wind, stood up, cupped his fist, and said, ”Gentlemen, heroes and warriors, zaixia Feng Nandi salutes you.”

The crowd of heroes stood up to return his salute and said together, ”Old Hero Feng, how are you?”

In a low voice Jiu Nan said, ”He is the father of the Feng Clan brothers.” She remembered how she had had a casual acquaintance with him on the summit of Mount Hua. At that time, when she, under the name 'Ah Jiu' [lit. 'nine'], met with Jianghu heroes and warriors, she was only a young teenage girl, Feng Nandi was at the prime of his life; yet today he was already on the brink of old age. Presumably his Shizu [ancestor master] Mu Renqing, and his Shifu, the 'Copper Pen and Abacus' Huang Zhen, had both passed away; but what about his Shishu [martial uncle] Yuan Chengzhi? Her feelings toward this man were carved into her bones. But for more than twenty years she had not heard any news about him. For the last several years her heart was like an old well without any ripple [i.e. widow who does not remarry]. Suddenly seeing an old friend tonight, she could not restrain myriads of thoughts from invading her heart; all of a sudden her feelings welled-up in her breast.

Wei Xiaobao saw the glistening tears on her eyes. ”Why does Shifu suddenly want to cry as soon as she saw this old man Feng?” he mused, ”Could this old man be her old sweetheart? There is no harm in me playing a matchmaker, let she and her old sweetheart mend whatever broken heart she might have. It's just that Shifu is still very young, she can't possibly fall in love with this old man.”

He heard Feng Nandi with loud, clear and ringing voice said, ”Friends, we gather together in here today, everybody is already aware what important matter we are facing. Our Great Ming's rivers and mountains is occupied by the Tatars. The main culprit is that unpardonably wicked, the one deserving ten thousand deaths …”

From all around the crowd of heroes shouted together, ”Wu Sangui!” With everybody shouted together, it really sounded like a thunder reverberating throughout the range of hills. Someone then shouted, ”Big traitor!” Another one shouted, ”Son of a turtle.” Yet another one shouted, ”Son of a b1tch.” And, ”F*ck his eighteen generation ancestors.” Everyone cursed and swore for a while before the voices gradually calmed down.

Suddenly there was a high-pitched childish voice shouted, ”F*ck his nineteen generation ancestors' granny.” The crowd of heroes was actually full of hatred, but suddenly heard this cussing, they could not help but bursting out in loud laughter.

The voice indeed belonged to Wei Xiaobao. Ah Ke angrily said, ”Why did you say such an unpleasant words?”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Everybody was cursing, why can't I?”

”But nobody said such an unpleasant words,” Ah Ke replied.

Wei Xiaobao smiled without saying anything. ”People were saying words ten times more unpleasant,” he mused.

Feng Nandi said, ”The big traitor's crime is great, his evil extreme, everyone gnashed his teeth in hatred. Although that little brother is young, he knew that we all wish to feed on his raw flesh and spread his dead skin in our bedroom. Tonight everybody gathers here, it is precisely to discuss a brilliant plan on how to put this traitor to death.”

Immediately the crowd of warriors offered their suggestions one after another. Someone said that they all should go to Yunnan, force their way into Ping Xi Wang Mansion, and massacre Wu Sangui's entire family, without leaving anything; not even their chicken or their dogs. Someone else responded that the Thief Wu had numerous troops and horses under his command, open attack would be difficult to succeed, hence it was not a good way to assassinate him. Someone said that killing him with one stab was too easy for him; it would be better to have his eyes gouged, his hands broken, and made him suffer unbearable pain. Someone said that they had better used violent poison, so that his whole body would rot slowly.

A middle-aged woman dressed in black said that it would be best to have Wu Sangui's entire family, old and young, massacred; leaving him, one man, alone, so that he would feel the suffering of being lonely and desolate. Another middle-aged man said that Wu Sangui surrendered to the Qing because of his love toward Concubine Chen Yuanyuan, whom Li Chuang

[58] forcibly took away; it would be better to capture Chen Yuanyuan, so that Wu Sangui would die of broken-heart. Someone else responded that although Wu Sangui was a lecher, the love of his life was after all power and position, riches and honor; hence it would be best to let him achieve fame, riches and honor, but let his wife, sons and daughters to be impoverished, to reduce them to be beggars on the earth, but don't let them die.

Several hundred heroes cheered loudly; they all said, ”With a punishment like that, it can be considered a punishment for his entire family.”

A man said, ”Manchurian Qing Tatars favor him considerably, they set the evil thief as the Ping Xi Wang

[59], his power and influence reach the heavens. Killing his wife and children is already not easy, taking away his power, riches and honor would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens.”

A Yunnan native stood up and recounted how Wu Sangui bully common people in Yunnan, how he kill people like mowing grass, and how he create all kinds of disaster. The listening warriors were filled with righteous indignation, their blood was boiling. Several people said if they let Wu Sangui wield power for one more day, several more innocent common people would die under his hands. But on how to get rid of this dangerous traitor, nobody had a really good idea.

By this time Feng Nandi, father and sons' subordinates arrived with the delivery of beef, flat bread, wine and water. The crowd of heroes cheered and ate and drank to their hearts' content. As soon as wine entered these warriors' belly, their speech became even more unrestrained and their ideas became even wilder.

Someone said that after they capture Chen Yuanyuan, they must open a brothel, and let Wu Sangui become the big turtle.

As soon as Wei Xiaobao heard this idea, he agreed with all his heart. ”This brothel must be opened in Yangzhou,” he called out.

A warrior laughed and said, ”Xiao Xiongdi's [little brother] idea is fine. When that time comes, will you or will you not go to have a visit?”

Wei Xiaobao was about to reply, ”Naturally I will go,” but in a glance he saw Ah Ke's angry look; thereupon he did not dare to say it out loud.

”Xiaobao,” Jiu Nan said, ”Do not talk like these obscene people of the marketplace.”

”Yes,” Wei Xiaobao complied, but in his heart he mused, ”In the business of opening a brothel, perhaps among several thousand people in here, no one has expertise like laozi's.”

After the people ate and drank for some time, Feng Nandi stood up and said, ”We all are rough martial people who, risking death, are used to use saber and spear to kill our enemies, who are bound by righteousness, but we are shallow and crude in facing important matters of the world. Right now I am asking Mr. Gu Tinglin to give us advice. Mr. Gu is a profound scholar of the present age. After our country was broken, he, the Senior, rushed around all parts of our country, contacting virtuous warriors, concentrating his thoughts and efforts to plan and prepare the restoration of our country. Everybody admires him very much.”

There were not a few among the crowd who had heard Gu Tinglin's name, perhaps from ten people, eight or nine had heard about his reputation; immediately thunderous applause erupted from all directions.

A thin, old man stood up from among the crowd, he was none other than Gu Tinglin. Cupping his hand across his chest, he said, ”Feng Daxia [great hero] praised me like this, Xiongdi is really ashamed and dare not accept the honor. Just now I have heard everybody's opinion, each one harbors loyal and patriotic heart, each one is determined to put this big traitor to death, Xiongdi is indeed full of admiration. The men of old said, 'Unity of will is an impregnable stronghold'; someone else has said, 'sincerity splits open metal and stone'. If everybody is working as one, determined to deal with this criminal ringleader, even of he has a gargantuan ability, we can still succeed.”

The crowd of heroes erupted in cheers, ”Right, right! We can certainly succeed.”

Gu Tinglin said, ”The schemes all of you have raised, every one of them is a brilliant idea, it's just that to deal with this treacherous bandit, we must change according to the situation. It's hard to decide in advance which plan would work best. In Xiongdi's humble opinion, we all must advance separately at the same time, we will act as circumstances dictate: first, naturally we must never leak the secret, otherwise this traitor will step up his guard. Second, we must not be reckless, everything must be planned well before we go into action, so that we will not deliver our lives in vain. Third, we all are good Xiongdi; we must not fight with each other and harm the yi qi in striving to set the meritorious deed first.”

The crowd of heroes replied, ”Yes, yes, Mr. Gu is absolutely right.”

Gu Tinglin continued, ”Heroes and warriors of every school, sect, clan and society gather here today. If from now on we return to our separate ways, our strength will be scattered too much. If we form one large clan, the number of people is indeed too large; it will be too easy for the Tatars and that Thief Wu to detect our presence. I wonder if you have a good idea.”

The crowd of heroes fell silent. After quite a while, someone said, ”I wonder if Mr. Gu has a wise opinion.”

Gu Tinglin said, ”From what Xiongdi saw, all heroes from eighteen provinces are represented here. We form one union per one province, altogether we will have eighteen 'turtle-slaying alliances'. Oh, by the way, 'turtle-slaying alliance' does not sound too elegant, it would be better to call it 'weeding-out traitor alliance'; what do you think?”

One after another the crowd of warriors clapped and cheered. They said, ”The words of a scholar is definitely different from crude people like us.”

Before his participation in the 'turtle-slaying assembly' at Hejian Prefecture, Gu Tinglin had had careful deliberations; he felt that if the crowd of heroes had one mind to kill Wu Sangui, everybody made one vigorous effort and advance bravely, killing him might not be too difficult. But the real important matter was not to kill this traitor to China, rather, it was to drive the Manchurians away and recover Han people's rivers and mountains. If in order to put to death one person the number of casualties is significant, and their vitality harmed, it would be damaging to their great undertaking of recovering the country instead.

Feng Nandi said, ”Mr. Gu's idea is extremely brilliant. Since nobody has any objection, we are going to form 'weeding-out traitor alliance' for eighteen provinces. Each province will elect their own alliance leader. The way we determine which province we will belong to is not according to our native place, but according to which province our school or sect is located. For example, Shaolin Temple's lay disciples may be from Liao Dong or Yunnan, but they will all belong to Henan province. Huashan Pai disciples will all belong to Shanxi province. What do you think?”

The crowd of heroes responded, ”It should be so. Otherwise, people from the same school, the same sect, the same clan or the same society from different provinces will belong to various alliances; it would be a complete mess.”

Someone stood up and said, ”What about our Tian Di Hui? We have quite a number of halls in different provinces, while our zongduo [lit. head/chief helm – headquarters] location is not fixed either. May I ask how should we decide which province we will belong to?”

Wei Xiaobao noticed that the speaker was actually Qian Laoben. ”Turns out he is also here,” he thought, ”I wonder how many of my Green Wood Hall's brothers are here.”

At first some people among the crowd were apprehensive, they were afraid that the elected 'meng zhu' of each province would inevitable lower their own position. Listening to Feng Nandi's explanation, they understood and all doubts in their heart gone. Immediately they split up into their respective province to elect their leader.

”Shifu,” Wei Xiaobao asked, ”Which province should we join?”

”I won't join anything,” Jiu Nan said, ”I am coming and going alone, I don't need to join any alliance.”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Based on your, Senior's status and martial art, you should be the 'meng zhu' of the entire world's alliance.”

”Hey,” Jiu Nan said, ”You must not say those words again, so that nobody would hear it and we won't provoke any ridicule.”

In her heart, among the heroes attending the assembly, there was no one whose status was more respected than hers. This Great Ming's rivers and lakes originally belonged to her Zhu family anyway. As for the martial art cultivation, other than learning the Iron Sword School martial art under Taoist Priest Mu Sang's tutelage, more than ten years ago she had a fortuitous meeting that her 'hundred-chi bamboo pole' was advancing one step forward, so that compared to Priest Mu Sang of the past, she had far surpassed him like the 'green is born of blue, but the green beats the blue'. Looking at the present age, perhaps other than Yuan Chengzhi, whose whereabouts was unknown, no one could be considered her match.

The crowd of heroes on the grassy field was divided into eighteen groups, with about seventy, eighty people standing up, scattered around the field. These were people with outstanding talent, who, like Jiu Nan, were not willing to be the 'meng zhu', but were not willing to accept orders from other people either. Understanding clearly that these were martial art masters of Wulin world with eccentric characters, Gu Tinglin and Feng Nandi did not force them, thinking that since they had attended the assembly, when there is any problem in the future, they might lend a hand in secret.

Before long, several provinces had already had their 'meng zhu' elected. Henan province elected the Abbot of Shaolin Temple, Hui Cong Chanshi [Dhyana Master]. Hubei province elected the Zhangmenren [sect leader] of Wudang Pai, Priest Yun Yan. Shanxi province was Zhangmenren of Huashan Pai, 'Awe-inspiring on Eight Sides' Feng Nandi. Yunnan province was Mu Jiansheng, Mu Gongzi of the Mu Palace. Fujian province was Yan Ping Jun Wang's second son, Zheng Keshuang. All these people were in favor with the public, in a short while nobody raised any objection.

As for other provinces, there were minor disagreements, some people refused to concede, hence they could not make decision. In the end they asked Gu Tinglin to impartially mediate; eventually all provinces had elected their leaders, including three Tian Di Hui's 'xiang zhu' [fragrant hall masters] elected to be the 'meng zhu' in three provinces. It could be considered that Tian Di Hui had gained considerable face that day.

Presently the elected alliance leaders of all provinces met together, but it turned out that only thirteen were present, Dhyana Master Hui Cong, Priest Yun Yan, and the others did not attend the assembly, only their disciples participated on behalf of their masters.

In a loud and clear voice Feng Nandi said, ”Now that the eighteen provinces' 'meng zhu' have been elected, Xiongdi is not going to announce their revered surname and great names in public to avoid the secret from leaking out.”

The alliance leaders met for a while. Feng Nandi also said, ”We are respectfully asking Mr. Gu Tinglin and Chen Zongduozhu of Tian Di Hui to be chief military strategist [orig. 'zong jun shi' – chief army master] of the eighteen provinces' 'weeding-out the traitor alliances'.” The crowd of heroes broke off in thunderous applause. Hearing his Shifu was highly revered by this crowd of heroes by being appointed as the chief military strategist of this 'weeding-out the traitor alliances', Wei Xiaobao was very proud.

Immediately the crowd of heroes split into several groups to discuss how they were going to kill Wu Sangui. A pile on the east, a bunch on the west, the discussions were very enthusiastic.

Jiu Nan took Wei Xiaobao and Ah Ke back to the inn. Early in the morning the next day they hired a carriage and continued their journey eastward. Jiu Nan knew that as the crowd returned to their native places, they might came across some acquaintances along the way, hence she did not remove her disguise.

Seeing Zheng Keshuang was no longer following them, Wei Xiaobao was greatly delighted; he did not stop talking about the 'turtle-slaying assembly' the previous night. After listening to him for a while, Ah Ke shot him malicious look and said, ”I know why you are this happy.”

”You are very smart,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”You have guessed it right. With these many people want to kill Wu Sangui, how could we be unsuccessful? Naturally I am very happy.”

”Humph,” Ah Ke said, ”Definitely you are happy not because of that. How can there be any goodness in your heart?”

”That's strange,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”Why am I happy then?”

Ah Ke said, ”It's because Zheng Gongzi … Zheng Gongzi …”

Seeing her upset expression, Wei Xiaobao deliberately provoked her, he said, ”Ah, I forgot. Zheng Gongzi is really a good man. When I went out to hire the carriage just now, I saw him with four good-looking women, he was talking and laughing with them. When he saw me, he told me to send his regards to Shifu and you.”

Ah Ke's heart skipped a beat. ”Why … why didn't you say so earlier?” she said, ”What else did he say?”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”He said that those heroines wanted to visit Taiwan to have fun, he is taking them along, saying that he must fulfill his land … land something.”

”Friendship of the land-owner,” Ah Ke said with clenched teeth.

”That's right, that's right,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”Turns out Shijie was behind me just now, you have heard everything.”

Ah Ke angrily said, ”I did not hear it until now.” Speaking to this point, her voice broke.

After traveling for more than ten li, they heard sound of hooves behind them, several dozen riders were coming fast at them. A delighted expression appeared on Ah Ke's face. But those dozens of riders swept past the large carriage, galloping to the east without stopping at all. Ah Ke's countenance sank.

”What a pity, what a pity,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”It is not.”

”What a pity what?” Ah Ke said.

”What a pity it was not Zheng Gongzi catching up with us,” Wei Xiaobao said.

”He … Why would he want to catch up with us?” Ah Ke asked.

”Perhaps he wanted to invite you to Taiwan to have fun with them,” Wei Xiaobao replied.

”Wah!” Ah Ke broke up crying.

Jiu Nan understood the content of her female disciple's heart. ”Xiaobao,” she scolded him, ”Stop playing dirty trick to provoke your Shijie.”

Wei Xiaobao was very delighted in his heart, but his mouth said, ”Yes, yes.” Yet he continued, ”The prince's descendants and young masters of nobility all over the world have three wives four concubines, they are people with the least conscience. When those four good-looking heroines reach Taiwan, I'll say it will be difficult for them to come back. When this Zheng Gongzi reaches Zhejiang, Fujian, perhaps he will take several more beautiful women.”

”Xiaobao,” Jiu Nan spoke harshly.

”Yes, yes,” Wei Xiaobao said.

The three of them travelled until noon, and stopped by a small family noodle shop by the road. Suddenly they heard hoof beats, several dozen more riders coming from the west. When the riders arrived outside the noodle shop, they dismounted and entered the restaurant. Someone called out, ”Kill the chicken, cut the beef, make some noodles, quick, quick!” And then they all sat down.

As soon as Wei Xiaobao saw them, he recognized these people as Xu Tianchuan, Qian Laoben, Guan Anji, Li Lishi, Feng Jizhong, Gao Yanchao, Priest Xuanzhen, Fan Gang, and the other martial art experts from the Green Wood Hall of Tian Di Hui. He thought, ”Although at the assembly last night I said several words, cursed several people, but there were so many people around, the atmosphere was chaotic, they were far away from where I was. It must be that they did not recognize me in the dark, otherwise, why didn't they come to greet me? If I make myself known to them right now, we will talk about all kinds of matters endlessly. Plus if they saw me having another Shifu, they might not like it. I might as well pretend that I did not see them.” Thereupon he turned his body sideways and did not look directly at them.

A moment later, the food and wine Xu Tianchuan and the others ordered were being delivered one after another. They picked the chopsticks and were about to eat when suddenly there were more hoof beats, another group of people arrived at the restaurant. Someone called out, ”Kill the chicken, cut the beef, make some noodles, quick, quick!”

Ah Ke was very delighted that she called out, ”Zheng … Zheng Gongzi has arrived.” Turned out this group of people was Zheng Keshuang and his attendants.

Hearing Ah Ke's call, he turned his head and saw her. Greatly delighted, he walked over and said, ”Miss Chen, Shitai, you are here. I looked for you everywhere but could not find you.”

The noodle shop was actually very small and narrow, the Tian Di Hui warriors occupied six tables, plus Ah Ke and the others occupied another table, there was no other table. A Zheng Mansion's attendant said to Xu Tianchuan, ”Hey, old man, why don't you crowd together some more? Let us have several tables.”

During the 'turtle-slaying assembly' the previous night, Zheng Keshuang was wearing Ming Dynasty's nobility attire, catching everybody's attention. Xu Tianchuan and the others were aware that Tian Di Hui was, in fact, an organization under Yan Ping Jun Wang. They originally wanted to offer up their seats; however, this attendant was really rude that as soon as they heard it, they were all angry. ”Damn it,” Priest Xuanzhen cursed, ”Who do they think they are?”

Li Lishi signaled him with his eyes, he said in a low voice, ”We are on the same side, don't lower ourselves to their level. There is no harm in giving them some seats.” Immediately Xu Tianchuan, Guan Anji, Gao Yanchao, and Fan Gang, four people stood up and moved to Feng Jizhong's table, and thus freed up one table.

By this time Zheng Keshuang had already sat down by Jiu Nan. Ah Ke glowered at Wei Xiaobao and said, ”You lied on my face; you said Zheng Gongzi is taking four whatever heroines with him …”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”As soon as Zheng Gongzi arrived, you don't want to sit next to me anymore, if you see me, you won't be able to eat your noodle; it has nothing to do with what I said.” He walked over to Xu Tianchuan's table and sat down; he said in a low voice, ”Just pretend you don't know me.”

As soon as Xu Tianchuan and the others saw him, they were pleasantly surprised. But every one of these people was Jianghu veteran and was very astute. When they heard him, they understood immediately, they all remained calm and collected.

”We'll pretend that we have never met each other,” Wei Xiaobao continued in a low voice, ”Xu San Ge, please pass it on to everybody.”

Xu Tianchuan stood up and walked over to Li Lishi's table; he said in a low voice, ”Our Hall's Wei Xiangzhu is here; he wants everybody to pretend we don't know each other.” Li Lishi and the others did not even turn their heads, they continued eating and drinking, but their hearts were delighted. In a short moment the information had been passed to other tables.

On the other table, Zheng Keshuang was in high spirit; he said in a loud voice, ”Shitai, during the meeting last night, the numerous heroes elected me as the Fujian province's 'meng zhu'. We were discussing important matters until daybreak. When I returned to the inn, I looked for you, but you have already left. We pursued along the way, luckily we can meet you here.”

Jiu Nan said, ”Congratulations Zheng Gongzi. However, this is a secret important matter, we must not mention it in public with numerous people around.”

”Yes,” Zheng Keshuang said, ”Fortunately there are no other people in here. These crude peasants won't understand even if they heard it.”

Actually, the Tian Di Hui warriors were dressed as peasants, they were all bare-footed, some even carried a hoe or toothed rake. There were too many people in the meeting last night that Zheng Keshuang did not recognize them.

Wei Xiaobao lowered his head and ate the noodle, he said in a low voice, ”This fellow is very arrogant; in Hejian Prefecture these past few days he boasted everywhere, saying that our Tian Di Hui is his Taiwan Yan Ping Mansion's subordinate, he said that when Zongduozhu sees him, he is very respectful that he does not even dare to breath out loud. He also said that our certain hall's Xiangzhu Cai Laoge [old brother] was formerly his yeye's [paternal grandfather] stable hand, that certain hall's Xiangzhu Li Laoge also fetched chamber pot for his yeye …”

Guan Anji angrily said, ”How can there be such thing? Although Cai Xiangzhu, Li Xiangzhu were Koxinga's [orig. Guo Xing Ye – master of Guoxing] subordinates, they were military officers who went to fight battles …”

Xu Tianchuan said in a low voice, ”Guan Fuzi, lower your voice.” Guan Anji nodded.

Wei Xiaobao continued, ”He also made many negative remarks and malicious words about our Green Wood Hall's Yin Xiangzhu. Others commented that Yin Xiangzhu has died early on. This fellow responded, 'That's right. This fellow surnamed Yin's martial art skill was low, his leadership skill was also second rate, I knew early on that he would be a short-lived ghost' …”

Guan Anji was extremely angry; he raised his palm to strike the table heavily. Xu Tianchuan deftly reached up and caught his wrist.

Wei Xiaobao knew that this group of warriors would not want to offend Yan Ping Mansion's people, much less this fellow was their Wangye's [master king] son. If he did not instigate wantonly, it would be hard for him to provoke them into action. Seeing these people getting angry, he was secretly delighted, but he maintained grim expression on his face. He said, ”This fellow talked nonsense; which is not a big deal, actually. But along the way he kept bragging, he mentioned many secret and important matters of our Society. Even to people he has just met he said something like 'high mountain ridge arose from the earth, a group of mountain creeks is elegant for all eternity'. He claimed to have sat on the Red Flower Pavilion on the mountain peak, Zongduozhu burned six incense sticks, he himself burned seven incense sticks. Other people did not understand what he was saying, he then explained in details …”

The crowd of warriors shook their heads. He revealed a secret of their society just like that, if this information ever reached the imperial court's eagle claws' ears, the lives of Tian Di Hui's brothers would be in danger. But with their own eyes they had seen Zheng Keshuang's frivolous expression, even the attendants he brought were bossy and domineering; why would they think Wei Xiaobao was telling lies? Moreover, just now they heard him bragging to a woman about the 'turtle-slaying assembly' the previous night, immensely proud of himself he proclaimed to be the Fujian province's alliance leader.

Wei Xiaobao said, ”I'll say we must kill his loftiness, otherwise he might harm our important matter.” The crowd of heroes slowly nodded their heads. Wei Xiaobao continued, ”I am asking Feng Dage to beat him up, but don't hit him too hard, just teach him a lesson. And then I will come out to avenge his grievance. I am asking Feng Dage to pretend that you lost to me.” Feng Jizhong nodded slightly. Wei Xiaobao added, ”Qian Laoben, you spoke in the meeting last night, I am afraid this fellow would recognize you.”

”Yes,” Qian Laoben said in a low voice, ”I am going to make myself scarce first.”

There were still quite a number of Zheng Mansion attendants who did not have any seat. Seeing a few empty seats among the Tian Di Hui warriors' tables, one of them nudged Xu Tianchuan's back lightly and said, ”Hey, there are still empty seats over there, why don't you move and let us have this table?”

Xu Tianchuan sprang up and cursed, ”We let you have one table and that's still not enough? Laozi hates to see young masters of rich family relying on force to bully others the most.” Coughing out, 'whoosh!' thick phlegm shot out toward Zheng Keshuang.

Zheng Keshuang was talking to Ah Ke, he was caught totally off-guard; by the time he heard the wind, the phlegm was already too close to his cheek. Hastily he dodged, but the phlegm still landed on his neck. It was slimy and sticky; really disgusting. Hurriedly he pulled his handkerchief and busily wiped it, while cursing loudly and angrily, ”Disregarding the law and natural morality these several mud-footed peasants are attacking me!”

An attendant immediately sent a punch toward Xu Tianchuan. ”Aiyo!” Xu Tianchuan cried out. Without waiting for the punch to reach his face, Xu Tianchuan threw his body backward; he was pretending to be in a very difficult situation, while bellowing, ”Help! Murder! Murder!” Zheng Keshuang and Ah Ke laughed aloud.

Feng Jizhong stood up, pointed at Zheng Keshuang and shouted, ”What's so funny?”

Zheng Keshuang angrily replied, ”I want to laugh, what does it have to do with you?”

Feng Jizhong stretched out his hand. 'Slap!' A heavy slap landed on Zheng Keshuang's face. Zheng Keshuang was both startled and angered; he threw his body forward and repeatedly punched with both fists. Feng Jizhong dodged to the left and evaded to the right, and then he turned around and ran out of the door. Zheng Keshuang ran after him, while sending a punch straight to Feng Jizhong's face. Feng Jizhong leaned sideways to evade.

Feng Jizhong understood Wei Xiaobao's intention; he must let this young master Zheng to suffer as much humiliation as possible to pull down his arrogance. Hence he only sent a punch to the east and a kick to the west, going around and around fighting with him.

Xu Tianchuan called out, ”As heroes of Henan's Mount Funiu, we must not let our prestige to fall under this fellow's hands.”

The rest of the warriors also cheered and yelled; they all knew that although there was no harm in fooling around with this young man, they must not let him know their real background. Therefore, although they were cursing and shouting, they did not utter even half an inappropriate word, or anything that would disgrace his family or school.

Li Lishi shouted, ”This time we go out from Funiu Mountain to do business, before even reaching the marketplace we are lucky to come across this richly bedecked fellow. We might as well capture him, have his old man to pay us one million taels as the ransom.”

Seeing their young master was unable to defeat this crude peasant in a short time, plus hearing from their shouts that these people were actually bandits and robbers from Mount Funiu, the Zheng Mansion attendants pulled out their weapons and charged forward. Xu Tianchuan, Fan Gang, Priest Xuanzhen, Gao Yanchao, Guan Anji, Li Lishi, and the others immediately made their moves. 'Bing, bing, bang, bang!' The fight was very noisy.

Although those Zheng Mansion attendants were hand-picked warriors, how could they match the Tian Di Hui warriors? Much less just a few days ago they were injured by the lamas, every one of them suffered either broken arm or broken leg. In just a short period of time, they were all subdued by Tian Di Hui heroes. Only Tian Di Hui heroes were being lenient to them; they only snatched away their weapons and surrounded them, but when snatching their sabers or swords, they did not harm them at all.

On the other side, Zheng Keshuang had fought more than a dozen rounds; he saw Feng Jizhong's hands and feet were clumsy, he kept staggering along as if his stances were extremely unsteady. Zheng Keshuang gathered his spirits, unleashing everything he had learned his entire life. He wanted to show off in front of Ah Ke, to win favor of this extremely beautiful woman. His fists created strong winds, his kicks made noise; move by move he pressed on. Feng Jizhong appeared to have barely enough strength to parry; often times he managed to evade at the nick of time [orig. jian jun yi fa – a thousand jun (unit of measure equivalent to thirty catties) one hair, 'a thousand pounds hang by a thread'].

Ah Ke watched with anxious heart; she did not stop calling softly, ”Aiyo, what a pity, he missed only a little.”

Wei Xiaobao came near and said, ”Shifu, you, Senior has not completely recovered, these bandits are very vicious, when Zheng Gongzi is defeated, you, Senior, must not fight with them.”

Ah Ke angrily said, ”Don't you see he has complete upper hand? How can he lose? Really talk nonsense.”

Jiu Nan smiled and said, ”These people do not seem to have evil intention toward Zheng Gongzi at all; they are just playing with him. The opponent's martial art skill is a lot higher compared to Zheng Gongzi's.”

Ah Ke was incredulous. ”Shifu,” she asked, ”Are you saying that this robber's martial art is stronger than Zheng Gongzi?”

Jiu Nan smiled and said, ”Do I need to tell you that? This man's martial art skill is indeed excellent, I am afraid they are not necessarily some Funiu Mountain robbers. If they were really robbers, they would not carelessly blurt it out, saying that they were going to kidnap him and ask for a ransom.”

Wei Xiaobao thought, ”In the end, Shifu's insight is very clear.” He said, ”In that case, why don't disciple urge them not to fight?”

Ah Ke shot him a malicious look; she said, ”What face do you have? What skill do you have that you can urge them not to fight?”

Wei Xiaobao said, ”Although this robber's martial art is strong, there must be holes in his punching and kicking. Zheng Gongzi cannot beat him, I guarantee that within ten moves I will beat him and make him flee to the wilderness.”

Jiu Nan knew his martial art skill was meager, but perhaps he had some strange or weird tactics, enough to score victory. ”These people do not seem to be evil people, you must not harm their lives.” After a short pause, she continued, ”Those lowly tricks such us knock-out drug, poison and so on, must not be used, unless you are facing a life and death situation. You have entered my Iron Sword School, you must not damage our school's reputation.”

”Yes, yes,” Wei Xiaobao said, ”I hear and obey Shifu's instruction, I simply will not harm them.”

Jiu Nan sighed gently, as her mind suddenly revisited the Huashan's summit, when the Iron Sword School's Sect Leader Yuzhen Zi came to pick a fight with Priest Mu Sang. Yuzhen Zi had committed any imaginable misdeed: raping, looting, and so on. Speaking about Iron Sword School's reputation, first of all, the number of disciples was very few, their reputation was not resounding; secondly, due to Yuzhen Zi's conduct, in reality their reputation was not too great anyway. This young disciple was frivolous and jumpy, if he did not step into the proper way, it was very likely that in the future he would become Yuzhen Zi's direct descendant, and that would be greatly inappropriate.