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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VII (V)

What had happened was that Qin Hongmian had failed to carry out a planned assassination in Gusu and gotten separated from her beloved daughter. As had been agreed, she travelled south to Dali to where her sister-in-arms lived. The Wang family of Gusu had sent Granny Rui and Granny Ping after Mu Wanqing. But Qin Hongmian, who was eight or nine days behind them, had not been troubled on her journey.

After reaching the Valley of Ten Thousand Dangers and learning what had happened, she set out together with Mrs Zhong. On their way, they had encountered the Three Evils - that is, Madam Ye, the Crocodile God and Yunzhong He. The three had been hired by Zhong Wanchou to make life difficult for Duan Zhengchun, and quickly told Mrs Zhong what they knew. Of course, the Crocodile God said nothing about having taken Duan Yu as his master. On hearing that Mu Wanqing was somewhere in Zhen'nan Palace, Qin Hongmian immediately decided to go with them.

Zhong Wanchou loved his wife more than life itself and was a jealous man. After she had left, he could not settle and his heart was troubled. In the middle of the night, not caring that his wounds had not yet healed, he decided to follow. Outside Zhen'nan Palace, he bumped into Dao Baifeng leaving in a hurry. Both were filled with resentment which had nowhere to go, and were at blows in moments without even exchanging a word.

After some time, Dao Baifeng found herself flagging. It was at that moment that a figure in black flitted past, sobbing. It was Mu Wanqing. Both called out to her, but she ignored them.

"I need to look for my wife," Zhong Wanchou said. "I don't have it in me to keep fighting you."

"Where are you going to find her?" Dao Baifeng asked.

"To the house of that dog-bastard, Duan Zhengchun. Things will go badly the moment she lays eyes on him!"

"Why?"

"Duan Zhengchun is full of honeyed words," Zhong Wanchou replied. "That pretty boy knows better than anyone how to ensnare a woman with his sweet tongue, and I am going to kill him."

A pretty boy? Dao Baifeng thought. He's more than forty, with a great big beard. But he does have a roving eye. This horse-faced fellow does have a point.

She asked his wife's name, and found out that it was Gan Baobao. Dao Baifeng had known, of course, that the Beautiful Yaksha had been her husband's first lover. Jealousy flaring up in her, she had gone with Zhong Wanchou to the palace.

Although it was heavily guarded, the soldiers naturally did not bar the highborn lady's way. The pair thus made it to the chamber without a single person raising the alarm. From outside the window, they had heard every flirtatious word that Duan Zhengchun spoke to Qin Hongmian and Gan Baobao.

Dao Baifeng was so infuriated that she felt she might explode. But Zhong Wanchou, hearing his wife defending him in such a proper manner, was filled with joy. In a bound he was by his wife's side, holding her in his arms tenderly and happily. "Baobao, thank you, you're so good to me," he said. "If he bullied you in any way, I'll fight him to the death."

It was only after some time did he remember his wife's acupoints had been blocked. Turning to Duan Zhengchun, he added: "Go on, release my wife's acupoints."

"You people have kidnapped my son," the other man retorted. "Return him and I'll naturally release your lady wife."

Zhong Wanchong pinched and patted his wife's side, but although he was prodigiously skilled, there was nothing that could compare to the Duan family's Yiyang Finger technique. He only managed to tire himself out, green veins standing out on his forehand. Mrs Zhong was itchy and hurting all over from his ministrations, but the acupoints on her legs had not been even the least bit unsealed. "Silly, stop making a fool of yourself!" she said.

Her husband stopped awkwardly. His anger, bottled up inside him, burst out in a shout. "Duan Zhengchun, come bloody fight with me! Three hundred rounds!" He dusted off his palms, getting ready for a brawl.

"Sir Duan, the young master has been kidnapped by the Crocodile God and his band," Mrs Zhong said in an icy voice. "They wouldn't necessarily listen to my husband, even if he asked them to let him go. My sister-in-arms and I will go, and hope for a chance to rescue him. We may have some hope then. At the very least, we'll not let them give the young master any trouble."

Duan Zhengchun shook his head. "I can't agree to that. Mr Zhong, please leave. Bring my son back and trade him for your wife."

Zhong Wanchou burst out furiously: "This Zhen'nan Palace of yours is a dissolute, shameless wasteland! If my wife is left here, she will be in great danger."

"Another rude word out of your mouth, and I'll stop being polite," Duan Zhengchun growled, his face red with anger.

Dao Baifeng had said nothing since entering the room. Now she suddenly interrupted, saying: "What's the purpose of leaving these two women here? Is it for Yu'er, or is it for yourself?"

Duan Zhengchun let out a huff. "Even you don't believe me!" With one finger, he released the acupoint on Qin Hongmian's waist, then took another step towards Mrs Zhong, intending to do the same. Immediately, Zhong Wanchou was standing protectively in front of his wife, waving his hands frantically. "You shady fellow, you know exactly how to take advantage of women. But you're not touching my wife's body."

The other man let out a hollow laugh. "This particular skill may be quite simple, but no one else can release her from it. If too much time passes, I'm afraid the lady will become a cripple."

"If my perfect and beautiful wife becomes a cripple, I'll tear your dog-bastard son to a thousand pieces," Zhong Wanchou roared, enraged.

"You want me to release the lady's acupoints, but don't want me to touch her," Duan Zhengchun said, laughing. "What do you want me to do?"

Zhong Wanchou was at a loss for words. Then his temper flared up again, and he shouted: "Who told you to seal her acupoints in the first place? Aiya! What a bad thing! When you sealed her acupoints, you touched her with one finger. In that case, I'm going to touch your wife with one finger."

Mrs Zhong rolled her eyes. "Again with the nonsense! Aren't you afraid of becoming the butt of a joke?"

"What joke? I can't let others take advantage of me like that!" her husband said.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VII (IV)

On seeing that his son had been taken captive by the Crocodile God, Duan Zhengchun could not spare a thought for where his daughter had gone. He jabbed at the Crocodile God with a finger, but Madam Ye intercepted the blow with a wave of her arm, slashing towards the veins in his wrist. Duan Zhengchun hooked his hand back, only to see Madam Ye stab towards the back of his hand with a little laugh. In just moments, the two had exchanged three blows. This woman is someone to be careful of, Duan Zhengchun thought.

Qin Hongmian now gripped the top of Duan Yu's head in one hand. "Do you care anything for your son's life?" she called.

Startled, Duan Zhengchun stopped his attack. He knew that the woman had a horrible temper, and hated his first wife - Dao Baifeng - with a bone-chilling hate. If she chose to use her strengh, she could kill Duan Yu. "Hongmian, my son has been hit by your daughter's poison arrows," he called urgently. "His injuries are not minor."

"He's taken the antidote and he won't die, so I'll take him along with me for now," she replied. "Let's see if you still want to be a lord, or if you want your son."

The Crocodile God gave a bellow of laughter. "Looks like this young fellow will have no choice but to take me as his master."

"Hongmian, I'll say yes to anything. Just...just let my son go," Duan Zhengchun said.

Qin Hongmian's feelings towards Duan Zhengchun had not weakened after eighteen years apart. Hearing him speaking with such emotion, her heart softened towards him and she said: "You really...really will agree to anything?"

"Yes, yes!" Duan Zhengchun replied.

At this point, Mrs Zhong interrupted, saying: "My sister-in-arms, are you really going to believe what this faithless fellow says? Second Master, let's go!"

The Crocodile God leapt up and twisted in mid-air with Duan Yu in his arms, landing on the roof of the house opposite. Two loud thuds signified that Madam Ye and Yunzhong He had each taken down a palace guard.

"Duan Zhengchun!" Mrs Zhong called. "Are we going to have a fight today?"

Duan Zhengchun knew that if he called on all the forces at his disposal, he might be able to defeat his enemies. But his son was in their hands and any attack would risk his life as well. There was also the fact that his relationship with the sisters before him was anything but normal.

"Baobao," he said gently. "Are you...are you going to make things difficult for me as well?"

"I'm the wife of Zhong Wanchou," Mrs Zhong said. "What rubbish are you spouting?"

"Baobao, I've missed you often all these days."

Her eyes welled up with tears. "The day I knew that Duan Yu was your son, my heart...my heart hurt." Her voice, too, had softened.

"My sister-in-arms, are you falling for his tricks again?" Qin Hongmian called.

Mrs Zhong clasped her hand. "Very well, let us go." Turning back, she added: "Bring Dao Baifeng's head and come pay your respects at the Valley of Ten Thousand Dangers. We may give your son back then."

"The Valley of Ten Thousand Dangers?" Duan Zhengchun saw that the Crocodile God, who was still holding Duan Yu, was getting further away, while Gao Shengtai and Chu Wanli were trying to surround him. He sighed. "My brother Gao, let them go."

"The young master-" Gao Shengtai began.

"We'll think of something else." Even as he spoke, he was making his way to Gao Shengtai's side. "Our enemies have fled," he called. "Stand down!" With another leap, he was next to Mrs Zhong. "Baobao, have you been well all these years?" he asked gently.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

With a deft, discreet movement of his wrist, Duan Zhengchun stabbed a finger at the Gate Acupoint on her waist. The woman, caught by surprised, crumpled. Duan Zhengchun caught her with his left arm, pretending to be shocked. "Aiya! Baobao, what happened to you?"

Unaware of the trick, Qin Hongmian hurried over, calling out: "Sister, what is it?"

Duan Zhengchun hit out with his Yiyang Finger technique, touching her Gate Acupoint as well. Both women were now clasped in Duan Zhengchun's arms, and each shot him a hateful glare. Tricked again, they seemed to be saying. How could I have been so careless? Having fallen for his tricks so many times, I still failed to guard against him at such a time as this.

"Brother Gao, your injuries are not fully healed yet. Back to your rooms to rest," Duan Zhengchun called. "Wanli, muster the troops and guard our compound." Both men bowed and obeyed.

Still holding the women, Duan Zhengchun returned to the warm inner room. He ordered the cooks and maids to set the table for a banquet and lay out the cutlery. After the servants had left, Duan Zhengchun hit at the Leaping and Spring Acupoints in both women's legs, so they would be unable to walk. Then he cheerfully released their Gate Acupoints.

"Duan Zhengchun, you...you're still bullying people!" Qin Hongmian shouted.

The man turned and made a very low bow. "The fault is mine. I should have made my apologies."

"Who wants your apologies?" Qin Hongmian snapped. "Let us go!"

"The three of us haven't seen each other for more than ten years. This meeting is a rare occasion, and there must be many words for us to say to each other," Duan Zhengchun said. "Hongmian, you are as impetuous as ever. Baobao, you are more beautiful than ever. You look even younger than you were when we were together."

Before Mrs Zhong could reply, Qin Hongmian said: "Hurry up and let me go! My sister-in-arms may be more beautiful, but I am uglier than ever. What do you get out of staring at an ugly old hag like me?"

Duan Zhengchun sighed. "Hongmian, take a look in the mirror. If you're an ugly old hag, then those literary men who write about peerless beauties would have to say instead: 'A beauty that captivates fish and fowl, with the appearance of an ugly old hag'."

Qin Hongmian couldn't help but let out a small laugh. She tried to stamp a foot, but her leg was numb and she couldn't move. "Nobody came here to joke with you! What kind of lord are you, grinning and laughing like an idiot monkey?"

Looking at her furious, scowling face in the candlelight, Duan Zhengchun was reminded of an evening long ago, when they had pledged their love to each other. His heart was suddenly moved, and he went over and kissed her on the cheek. Qin Hongmian was perfectly capable of moving the upper half of her body. With a crisp, resounding smack, she slapped Duan Zhengchun. It would have been easy for him to avoid the blow, but he made no move to do so. Instead, he whispered in her ear: "I would be a carefree ghost, if I died under the Asura's Knife."

The woman trembled. Tears began to flow down her face and she sobbed. "You...always you with these easy words."

Qin Hongmian's weapons of choice had been a pair of Asura daggers, leading the martial world to call her the Asura's Knife. The night she had given herself to Duan Zhengchun, he had kissed her cheek, she had slapped him, and he had whispered the same words. She had heard these words in her mind hundreds of times. Hearing him speak them in person now, she was happy and angry, filled with sweetness and bitterness, with a hundred emotions coursing through her.

"Sister, this man knows how to endear people to him with his honeyed tongue," Mrs Zhong said quietly. "Don't fall for it again."

"Right, right," Qin Hongmian replied. To Duan Zhengchun, she added: "I'll never believe your nonsense again."

Duan Zhengchun went over to Mrs Zhong. "Baobao, may I kiss you too?" he asked, smiling.

"I am a woman with a husband," she replied solemnly. "I will not allow anyone to ruin the good name of my husband. If you touch me, I'll bite my own tongue and die right here in front of you."

The words were spoken in a steely tone and her face was grim. Duan Zhengchun did not dare to push the issue. Instead, he asked: "Baobao, what sort of a husband have you married?"

"My husband is an ugly man with an odd temperament. His martial skills do not compare to yours, his talent does not compare to yours, and he definitely has none of your wealth and riches," she replied.

"But he loves me with his whole heart, and I treat him the same way. If I ever let him down in the slightest way, let heaven punish me and earth extinguish me. Let me never be reincarnated even though I face ten thousand dangers. The place where we live is called the Valley of Ten Thousand Dangers. It takes its name from this deadly oath I have sworn."

Duan Zhengchun could not help but respect her words. He no longer dared to bring up their romance of years ago. But her white face was as pretty and charming as before, as were her cherry-red lips. Although he said nothing, how could he have forgotten the feelings he had for her? Hearing her speak so devotedly of her husband, he felt a twinge in his heart.

He let out a long sigh. "Baobao, I am an unlucky man. I don't have the fortune of being treated that way by you. I...I knew you first. It's my own fault."

His tones were desolate and Mrs Zhong heard the depth of sincerity and emotion in his voice. She knew he wasn't seeking to deceive her, and her eyes reddened again. The three looked at each other in silence, their thoughts on things long past. In all their hearts was a mixture of joy and sorrow.

After a long time, Duan Zhengchun said quietly: "You've taken my son, but why? Baobao, where is this Valley of Ten Thousand Dangers?"

A coarse voice spoke from outside the window. "Don't tell him!"

Duan Zhengchun was startled. Chu Wanli and his men are on guard outside. How did anyone sneak in here without anyone knowing?

Mrs Zhong's face fell. "Your injuries aren't healed. What are you doing here?"

A woman's voice then called out: "Mr Zhong, go in!" At that, Duan Zhengchun got an even bigger shock, and his face turned red to his ears.

The curtains of the chamber were lifted aside, and Dao Baifeng strode in looking furious. Behind her was a very ugly man with a long face like a horse's.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VII (III)

Mu Wanqing stared at him with wide eyes, hardly believing her ears. "W-what?" she asked shakily. "You're saying my husband is my brother?"

"Wan'er, do you know who your master is?" Duan Zhengchun asked. "She is your own mother. I...I'm your father."

Shocked, angry, and very pale, Mu Wanqing stamped her foot and cried: "I don't believe it! I don't! I-I don't believe it!"

There was a sudden soft sigh from outside the window. A woman's voice called: "Wan'er, let's go home!"

Mu Wanqing spun around. "Master!"

The window opened and just outside stood a middle-aged woman with a sharp face and slender eyebrows. She was very beautiful, although a mixture of stubborness and ferocity gleamed in her eyes.

Seeing his former lover suddenly make an appearance, Duan Zhenchun was shocked but delighted. "Hongmian, Hongmian, I...I've often thought of you all these years."

"Wan'er, get out of there!" Qin Hongmian said. "You shouldn't stay even a moment in the house of a fickle-hearted man like him."

Looking at their expressions, the chill in Mu Wanqing's heart grew deeper. "Master, h-he tricked me. He said you're my mother, and he said he's my...my father."

"Your mother died long ago, and your father is dead too," Qin Hongmian said.

Duan Zhengchun hurried over to the window. "Hongmian, come in," he said softly. "Let me look at you a while longer. Don't leave; stay here and let us be together forever."

Qin Hongmian's eyes brightened. "You said we can be together forever. Are you telling the truth?"

"Of course! Hongmian, not a day has passed where I did not think of you."

"And you are willing to part with Dao Baifeng?" Duan Zhengchun hesitated, looking pained. "If you truly feel pity for our daughter, then come with me. You are never to think of Dao Baifeng again, and never to come back here."

Listening to their conversation, Mu Wanqing's heart sank lower and lower. Her eyes brimmed with tears, so that the faces of Duan Zhengchun and her master were a blur. She knew that the two standing before her were her parents, as much as she refused to believe it was true. The feelings of the past few days, the dream of marrying Duan Yu... Now he had turned out to be her brother from a different mother, and her hopes of their growing old together, bonded for life like a pair of mandarin ducks, were going up in smoke.

"It's only that I am Lord Zhen'nan of Dali City," Duan Zhengchun was continuing in the same soft voice. "I am responsible for all things civil and military, and I can't leave - not even for a day."

"You said that eighteen years ago, and today, eighteen years later, you're still saying the same thing," Qin Hongmian said forcefully. "Duan Zhengchun, you fickle-hearted and base creature, I...I hate you so..."

Suddenly, the ringing sound of exchanged blows came from the eastern corner of the roof, followed shortly by the sound of blows from the western side. The voices of Gao Shengtai and Chu Wanli called in unison: "Assassins! Brothers, on guard at your positions! Make no rash moves."

"Wan'er, aren't you coming?" Qin Hongmian shouted.

"Coming!" Mu Wanqing cried, leaping out of the window and into the arms of the woman who was both mother and master to her.

"Hongmian, are you really leaving me like this?" Duan Zhengchun called miserably.

Qin Hongmian's tones suddenly became gentle. "Brother Chun, you've been a great lord for years. Surely you've had enough. Come with me, and from today I will listen to your every word. I will never scold you or hit you. Look at your adorable daughter - how can you not cherish her?"

In a rush of spirits, Duan Zhengchun called: "Yes, I'll come with you!" Qin Hongmian stretched out her hand to him in delight.

Suddenly, an icy voice called from behind her. "Sister-in-arms, you...you've been taken in by him again. He'll humour you for a few days, then come back here to be a lord again."

Duan Zhengchun's heart jolted. "Baobao, it's you! You're here too."

Mu Wanqing turned, seeing that the speaker was a woman in a green silk blouse. It was Mrs Zhong from the Valley of Ten Thousand Dangers, the Beautiful Yaksha Gan Baobao. Behind her were four other people. One was Madam Ye, another was Yunzhong He, and the third was the Crocodile God of the South Seas, who had clearly returned from wherever he had gone. The fourth, to her great surprise, was Duan Yu. One of the Crocodile God's big hands was locked around Duan Yu's neck, looking as though he could snap it any moment. "My husband, what has happened?" Mu Wanqing called.

The Crocodile God had gone into Duan Yu's room while he was still in a daze and recovering from his injury, carrying him outside. He had never been poisoned, and as the lethality of Mu Wanqing's arrows was in the poison, rather than in the arrows themselves, he was little hurt. Shocked into alertness by his abduction, he had overheard some of the conversation between his father, Mu Wanqing, and Qin Hongmian - not everything, but enough to understand the meaning. On hearing Mu Wanqing call him her husband, he felt a pang in his heart. "My sister, from now on the love between us will be as that of siblings," he said. "It will...it will be the same."

"No it won't!" Mu Wanqing said hotly. "You are the first man who has seen my face."

But she knew that since she and he shared the same father in Duan Zhengchun, they were half-siblings and could never marry. If anyone on earth had dared to throw an obstacle in the way of her marriage, she could have killed them with her arrows. But now, the obstacle in her way was nothing less than fate itself. No matter how skilled she was or how many techniques she knew, it was something that could not change. She suddenly felt as though everything around her had turned to ash. With a kick of her legs, she fled.

"Wan'er, where are you going?" Qin Hongmian cried.

Mu Wanqing was past caring about even her master now. "You've wronged me, I'm ignoring you," she called back, picking up speed.

A soldier in the palace compound tried to block her way, shouting: "Who's that?" Mu Wanqing shot her arrows at him, hitting him in the throat. Her feet never stopped moving, and before long she was swallowed up in darkness.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VII (II)

Duan Zhengchun and his wife stared fixedly at their son's wound. The blood seeping out turned from black to purple after a little while, and then from purple to red. It was only at this that they heaved a collective sigh of relief, knowing that their son's life was safe.

Dao Baifeng picked up her son and carried him into a bedroom, pulling a blanket over him and taking his pulse. It was beating steadily and strongly, with no sign of weakness. She felt some surprise at this, even as her heart leapt. Assured, she returned to the main room.

"Everything alright?" Duan Zhengchun asked.

Dao Baifeng did not reply. To Mu Wanqing, she said: "Go and tell the Asura's Knife, Qin Hongmian-"

On hearing those words, Duan Zhengchun went pale. "You...you..." he began.

Ignoring her husband, Dao Baifeng continued her sentence to the girl. "Tell her, if she wants my life, she should feel free to make her attempts in an upfront and open manner. Wouldn't people laugh their heads off at the underhanded tricks she just tried?"

"I don't know who this Asura's Knife - Qin Hongmian - is at all," Mu Wanqing replied.

"Then whose orders are you acting on to kill me?" Dao Baifeng asked, puzzled.

"My master," the girl said. "My master bade me kill two people. The first is you. She said you have a red mark on your hand, that you go by the name of Dao Baifeng, and you are a daughter of the Baiyi clan. She said also that you are very beautiful, and that your favoured weapon is a whip. She never...never said that you disguised yourself as a nun. When I first saw you, you were using a horsetail whisk and called yourself the Sage of the Jade Hollow. I never thought that you were the person that...that my master bade me to kill, and even less did I think you were my husband's mother..." At this, tears began to flow from her eyes.

"The second person that your master bade you kill," Dao Baifeng said. "Was it the Beautiful Yaksha, Gan Baobao?"

"No, no!" Mu Wanqing cried. "Gan Baobao is my master's sister-in-arms. She had a letter delivered to my master, saying that two women have caused her great pain her whole life, and that this great wrong must be revenged..."

"Ah, yes," Dao Baifeng said. "The other woman goes by the name of Wang, and she lives in Suzhou, right?"

"Yes, how did you know? My master and I went to Suzhou to kill her first. But this wicked woman has many slaves under her, and she lives in a very odd place indeed. I never saw her face, and I was chased by her slaves all the way to Dali."

Duan Zhengchun was listening to this conversation with his head lowered. His face turned red and pale in turns.

Tears suddenly rolled down Dao Baifeng's cheeks. Turning to Duan Zhengchun, she said: "See you look after Duan Yu well. I'm...I'm leaving."

"My lady, all that is in the past," her husband replied. "Why take it so much to heart?"

"You may not take it to heart, but I do, and so do other people," she said softly. With a sudden soaring leap, she vaulted out of the window. Duan Zhengchun reached out to snatch at her sleeve, but she hit at him with an open palm. He nimbly avoided the blow by moving his head aside, but tore her sleeve. Turning, she said angrily: "Do you really want to fight?"

"My lady, you..."

With a kick of her feet, Dao Baifeng had leapt to the roof of the building opposite, and was several metres away in a few more leaps. Chu Wanli's voice could be heard in the distance, shouting: "Who is it?"

"It is I," Dao Baifeng replied.

"Ah, the princess," he called back. After that, there was no sound. Dao Baifeng was far away.

Duan Zhengchun stood there in silence for some minutes, then heaved a sigh as he moved back into the main room. He saw that Mu Wanqing was extremely pale, but had not fled. Moving up to her, he gripped her right arm with both hands and, with a cracking noise, fixed her dislocated arm. I shot poisoned arrows at his wife, Mu Wanqing thought. What kind of torment will he deal me for that?

But Duan Zhengchun simply sat dejectedly in a chair, slowly pouring himself a cup of wine. He drank it down with a gulp, then sat staring blankly at the window from which his wife had leapt. After some time, he slowly poured himself another cup, downing it with another loud gulp. Some twelve or thirteen cups disappeared this way, until he had drained a full jar of wine. He began pouring from a fresh jar - pouring very slowly, but drinking exceedingly quickly.

Finally, Mu Wanqing ran out of patience. "Whatever twisted, vicious methods you are thinking about to punish me with - hurry up and do it!"

Duan Zhengchun lifted his head, staring unwaveringly at Mu Wanqing. After a long time, he shook his head steadily and sighed. "Very like, very like! I should have seen it long ago, the look, and the temper..."

Mu Wanqing had no idea what he was talking about. "What are you saying? Utter nonsense."

Duan Zhengchun said nothing. He stood up and with a sudden swift movement of his left hand, snuffed out a candle behind him with a gust of wind from his palm. He repeated the movement with his right hand, extinguishing another candle. He did this five times, snuffing out five candles while always looking straight ahead. His movements were natural and easy, his palms moving like running water or clouds across the sky.

"That...that's the Five Smoke Wisps technique!" Mu Wanqing cried. "How do you know that too?"

Duan Zhengchun gave a bitter laugh. "Your master has taught you that, I suppose?"

"My master said she would never teach this technique to anyone. She said she would bring it to her coffin with her."

"Huh! She said she would never teach it to anyone, and would take it to her grave?"

"Yes, but whenever my master thought I wasn't around, she would practise it on her own. I've seen plenty of it in secret."

"She would often practise this technique in secret?"

Mu Wanqing nodded. "Yes. Master would always be in a bad mood after practising this technique, and yell at me. How...how do you know it too? You're even better at it than my master, it seems."

Duan Zhengchun sighed. "This Five Smoke Wisps technique - I taught it to your master."

Mu Wanqing was stunned but had no reason not to believe him. She had often seen that her master could not extinguish a candle in a single stroke, but would have to try two or three times before she succeeded. It was nothing like Duan Zhengchun's easy wave of his hand. "So you are my master's master," she said awkwardly. "That makes you my grand-master?"

"No!" Duan Zhengchun said, shaking his head. Resting his cheek on his hand, he said softly to himself: "So every time she practised this technique, she would get into a bad temper. And she said she would never teach it to anyone, but bring it to her coffin..."

"So you-" Mu Wanqing said.

Duan Zhengchun wagged his hand at her, signalling for her to stop asking questions. After some time, he suddenly said: "You're eighteen this year, born in September - right?"

Mu Wanqing leapt to her feet. "You know everything about me! Who are you to my master?" she asked curiously.

Duan Zhengchun's face was a picture of pain and misery. In a hoarse voice he said: "I've...I've done badly by your master. Wan'er, you-."

"How? You look like a good and agreeable person to me."

"Your master's name. She never told you what it was?"

"My master told me to call her You Gu'ke - the Visitor in the Valley. But what her real name was, I have no idea."

"You Gu'ke, You Gu'ke," Duan Zhengchun said hoarsely. Du Fu's poem Beautiful Maiden suddenly came to mind, and each word stabbed his heart:

A peerless beauty, living alone in an empty valley.

She says she is of a good family; it has been humbled to the earth.

[...]

Her husband with a vagrant heart seeks a new lover with jadelike beauty

[...]

On seeing his new love smile, his old love weeps unheard.

After some time, he asked again: "How has your master lived, all these years? Where do you live?"

"My master and I live in a valley behind a tall mountain," Mu Wanqing replied. "My master calls that place You Gu (The Hidden Valley). It is only now that the two of us have ever left it."

"And who are your parents? Did your master never tell you?"

"My master says that I was an orphan who was abandoned by my parents. My master picked me up from the roadside and adopted me."

"Do you hate your parents?"

Mu Wanqing tipped her head to one side and bit her pinky finger.

On seeing this, Duan Zhengchun felt a terrible ache in his heart. Mu Wanqing was surprised to see two large tears roll down his cheeks. "Why are you crying?" she asked.

Duan Zhengchun turned his back to her, brushing the tears away. Feigning a laugh, he said: "Crying? I've just had a few too many drinks, and the alcohol is taking effect."

Mu Wanqing did not believe a word. "I plainly saw your crying. Only girls cry. Do men cry too? I've never seen a man cry, except for boys."

Duan Zhengchun felt great sorrow that she knew nothing at all of the world. "Wan'er, I will treat you well in the days to come, to make up for my past mistakes," he said. "If there is anything your heart desires, let me know of it, and I will do my best to give it to you."

The girl had been very anxious ever since attacking Dao Baifeng with her arrows. Hearing this, she said delightedly: "So you don't blame me for shooting arrows at your wife?"

"As you said: 'A master’s love is profound, and a master’s orders hard to disobey.' The affairs of the previous generation have nothing to do with you. I don't blame you. But you must not be rude to my wife in the future."

"What if my master asks me about it one day?" Mu Wanqing asked.

"Bring me to see her and I will tell her in person," the man replied.

Mu Wanqing clapped her hands in glee. "Great!" Then she crowned. "My master said, every man on earth is fickle and unkind. She never receives any men."

A flicker of surprise crossed Duan Zhengchun's face. "Your master never sees any men?"

"Yes, she usually gets Grandma Liang to buy salt for her. But once Grandma Liang was ill, and got her son to buy it and send it over instead. Master was so angry and got him to leave it outside the door. She didn't let him into the house."

"Hongmian, Hongmian," Duan Zhengchun said with a sigh. "Why make life so difficult for yourself?"

"You just said 'Hongmian' again," Mu Wanqing said. "Who on earth is this Hongmian?"

Duan Zhengchun hesitated for a moment, then said. "This can't be hidden from you forever. Your master's real name is Qin Hongmian, and she is also called the Asura's Knife."

Mu Wanqing nodded. "No wonder your wife asked so fiercely if I knew the Asura's Knife, the first time she saw me shoot my arrows. At the time I had no idea. I didn't mean to lie. So my master is called Qin Hongmian. That's a beautiful name. I don't know why she never told me of it."

"When I hurt your arm just now - does it still hurt?" Duan Zhengchun asked.

Seeing the warmth and kindness on his face, Mu Wanqing smiled. "It's much better. Let's go and have a look at...at your son, shall we? I'm afraid the poison on the arrows won't have dissipated completely."

"Alright!" said Duan Zhengchun, getting to his feet. "And if you have anything you want, let me know."

Mu Wanqing suddenly blushed. Looking aside bashfully, she said: "It's just that...that now I have attacked your wife, I'm afraid she'll...she'll be angry with me."

"We shall slowly beg her forgiveness, and perhaps in time she'll not feel that way," he replied.

"I never beg anyone for anything," Mu Wanqing retorted. "But for my husband, a little begging won't hurt." Screwing up her courage, she suddenly asked: "Lord Zhen'nan, if I tell you my heart's desire, will you really...really give it to me?"

"As long as it is within my power, I will fulfil your wishes," he said.

"You musn't go back on your word."

Duan Zhengchun smiled. Going up to the girl, he stroked her hair lightly. His eyes were overflowing with tender affection as he said: "Naturally, I will not go back on my word."

"Our marriage," Mu Wanqing said. "You must take charge of it and make sure he is not faithless." She beamed as she spoke the words.

Duan Zhengchun's expression changed completely. He backed away slowly, collapsing into a chair and saying nothing for a long time. Sensing that something was wrong, Mu Wanqing said in a trembling voice: "You...you will not consent to our marriage?"

"You cannot marry Yu'er," the man said. His words were mumbled but their tone was sure.

Mu Wanqing felt a chill touch her heart. Miserably, she said: "Why not? He...he promised me himself."

But all Duan Zhengchun would say was: "Evil fate! Oh, evil fate!"

"If he doesn't want me, I'll...I'll kill him, and then kill myself. I...I swore it to my master's face."

Duan Zhengchun shook his head steadily. "It's not possible!" he said.

"In that case, I'll go ask him myself why it isn't possible," Mu Wanqing said.

"Yu'er...himself...doesn't know," Duan Zhengchun said. The girl's look of misery now was the same look Qin Hongmian had eighteen years ago, when she had first heard the bad news. Unable to bear it any longer, he blurted out: "You can't marry Duan'er, and you can't kill him."

"Why not?" Mu Wanqing demanded.

"Because...because...because Duan Yu is your own brother!"

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VII (I)

A great feast had been laid in the dining hall when Duan Zhengchun and his family returned. Apart from the Duan family, Mu Wanqing was the only guest. Servant girls - nearly twenty of them - stood at the edges of the room. Mu Wanqing had never found herself in such a grand setting before. Every dish was one that she had never seen or even heard of. Even so, Duan Zhengchun and his wife treated her as part of the family. In fact, it felt as if two married couples from different generations had gathered to celebrate. The thought made her shiver inside with delight.

Duan Yu, however, noticed that his mother was still behaving coldly towards her husband. She drank no wine and ate no flesh, taking only vegetables for herself. He poured a cup of wine, holding it in both hands as he stood up. “Mother, I offer a toast to you. Congratulations on your reunion with my father, which allows the three of us to enjoy domestic bliss.”

“I don’t drink,” the Sage of the Jade Hollow replied.

Duan Yu poured another cup and caught Mu Wanqing’s eye. “Miss Mu would like to offer you a toast as well,” he said. The girl took the cup and stood up.

The Sage thought it would not do to treat Mu Wanqing too coldly. So she said with a smile: “Young lady, my son is full of mischief and completely beyond parental control. In the future, you must help me keep him in line.”

“If he doesn’t listen to me, I’ll box his ears,” Mu Wanqing replied.

The Sage laughed and glanced sideways at her husband. “That’s the way it should be,” Duan Zhengchun said, smiling as his wife reached out to take the cup from Mu Wanqing. In the candlelight, her skin was bright and clear as jade, except for a blood-red mark on the back of her hand, near her wrist. Seeing that mark, Mu Wanqing startled.

“You... Are you... Could you be Dao Baifeng?” she asked in a trembling voice.

“It’s an odd surname, to be sure,” said the Sage, smiling. “How did you know it?”

“So you...you are Dao Baifeng?” Mu Wanqing asked again. “You’re a woman of Baiyi clan, and you used to wield a soft whip, right?”

Although the Sage saw Mu Wanqing was clearly agitated, she did not suspect anything yet. “Yu’er has been good to you. It seems he even told you my family name. Well, your husband is half a Baiyi, you know. It’s no wonder he’s so wild.”

“So you really are Dao Baifeng?” Mu Wanqing persisted.

“Of course!” the Sage replied.

On hearing that, Mu Wanqing cried out: “A master’s love is profound, and a master’s orders hard to disobey!” With a wave of her right hand, she sent two poison arrows winging towards the woman.

The four had been chatting so comfortably throughout dinner, as intimately as family. Who would have expected Mu Wanqing to suddenly attack? Dao Baifeng’s skills were roughly at the same level as Mu Wanqing. But the two were sitting so near each other, and the attack had been so sudden, that she could not defend herself. In other words, there was no way the arrows could have missed. Duan Zhengchun, who was sitting behind Mu Wanqing, cried out and stabbed at the girl with a finger. Even so, he could not save his wife.

Duan Yu had seen Mu Wanqing kill people with those arrows as swiftly as speaking. The poison on the tips was very potent, and could cause blood to coagulate in a person’s veins. The moment Mu Wanqing had swirled her sleeves, Duan Yu had known something was wrong. Although he was standing beside his mother, he had no way of deflecting the attack since he knew nothing of the martial arts. Instead, he slid into his Light Steps Over the Waves technique, sliding in front of his mother. The two arrows buried themselves in his chest with little thuds. At the same moment, Mu Wanqing felt a numbness spreading out from her back. She fell forward onto the table, unable to move.

Duan Zhengchun desperately darted forward, sealing eight acupoints around the area where Duan Yu had been hit so that the poison in his bloodstream would not reach his heart. Then with a flip of his hand, he dislocated Mu Wanqing’s right arm with a crack. Now that she was unable to fire off more arrows, he unsealed her acupoints and said with force: “Get the antidote!”

“I...I only wanted to kill Dao Baifeng, not harm my husband,” Mu Wanqing said in a trembling voice. Gritting her teeth against the pain in her arm, she took out two bottles of antidote from inside her tunic. “Make him swallow the red ones, and spread the white one his wounds. Hurry! We cannot save him if we are too slow.”

Dao Baifeng saw the girl’s concern for Duan Yu was sincere, and had roughly guessed at the cause. She snatched the bottles of antidote, putting the two red pills in her son’s mouth. She gently plucked the arrows from his wounds, spreading the white powder on them. “Thank heaven,” Mu Wanqing said. “He...he will come to no harm. If he did, I’d...”

What the panicky three did not know was that Duan Yu had eaten that king of all venomous creatures, the Venomous Crimson Bullfrog. He was immune to all poisons, and the poison on Mu Wanqing’s arrows would not have bothered him in the least, even if he had not taken the antidote. However, the arrow wounds in his chest hurt. Duan Yu had seen many times how those who had been hit with her poison arrows had died, and believed that he was soon to find himself among them. In his fear and agitation, he fainted in his mother’s lap.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (XIII)

As things stood, Duan Yu would not be hurt, but would have no chance of hitting his opponent either. After several more minutes, the Baoding Emperor called out: “Yu’er, slow down. Approach him directly. Aim for the acupoint on his chest.”

“Yes!” Duan Yu replied, slowing his pace and moving towards the Crocodile God. But he lost his nerve as he looked his opponent directly in his snarling, yellow face. Duan Yu’s feet faltered and his stance wavered. The Crocodile God clawed wildly at him, catching him on the side of his head and drawing blood from his left ear. Even more frightened by the pain, Duan Yu even more beat a rapid retreat, hiding behind his father once again. “Uncle, that won’t work,” he said bitterly.

“None of those who bear the Duan name retreat when they face their enemies,” Duan Zhengchun said angrily. “Your uncle was right. Get back out there and continue the fight.”

But his mother, feeling sorry for him, interrupted. “He’s already faced more than sixty blows from the man. Is that not good enough for the Duan clan? What more do you want? Yu’er, you won long ago. You don’t need to fight anymore.”

“Don’t worry,” Duan Zhengchun replied. “I promise he won’t die.”

Angry and sad, the Sage of the Jade Hollow said nothing more, but tears welled up in her eyes and threatened to spill over.

Duan Yu could not bear to see his mother like this. Drumming up his courage, he strode forward again, saying loudly: “I’ll fight you once more.” With a determined heart, he began walking in a circle in his peculiar slanting fashion, moving more and more slowly as he drew closer to the Crocodile God. Without meeting his eyes, he reached out with both hands, grabbing at his opponent’s torso.

Seeing how weak Duan Yu’s grasp was, the Crocodile God let out a shout of laughter. He dodged and countered with a blow of his own, hitting out at Duan Yu’s shoulders. But he had not expected Duan Yu to slip aside with light feet. Both of them had now switched places and were very close, with the Crocodile God’s chest just touching Duan Yu’s finger. Making sure of his position, Duan Yu hit out at his opponent’s Chest Acupoint with his right hand, while aiming for the Spirit Palace Acupoint with his left.

He had no knowledge of how to use his inner energies despite having hit two vital spots. In fact, the Crocodile God could have slowly shaken Duan Yu off without even exerting himself. But when his acupoints were hit, the Crocodile God lashed out in alarm, striking with both hands at his enemy’s face. The blow was aimed at Duan Yu’s eyes, invoking the logic that the best defence is a good offence. Martial arts scholars say that even the strongest enemies must break their holds to protect themselves against such moves, thus allowing oneself to escape danger in a crisis.

But of course, Duan Yu knew nothing of how one should react to enemies. When the Crocodile God slashed at him, his first reaction was not to dodge the attack. Both his hands remained firmly pressed to his opponent’s acupoints, and the mistake put matters in his favour. The Crocodile God’s internal energies were thrown into turmoil, as they encountered bottlenecks where Duan Yu had placed his hands. At the same time, energy began to surge out of his Chest Acupoint. His outstretched arms stopped dead in the process of reaching for Duan Yu’s eyes. The Crocodile God took a deep breath to steady himself, willing his energy forward.

Duan Yu felt a surge of energy entering his body from the Lesser Merchant Acupoint on his thumb. The Crocodile God’s energy was completely unlike that of the seven Boundless Sword disciples. Duan Yu trembled, momentarily unsteady. He knew that this was a moment of crisis, and that he was likely to die the moment he removed his fingers from his opponent’s acupoints. No matter how uncomfortable he felt, he had to hold on.

Standing just feet away from Duan Yu, Duan Zhengchun could see his son’s face slowly turning bright red. He immediately stretched out his index finger, touching Duan Yu’s Great Vertebra Acupoint  at the top of his spine. The Duan family’s Yiyang Finger technique was famous, and for good reason. A warm, gentle force slid towards Duan Yu, stimulating his own internal energies. The Crocodile God shook violently, before slowly crumpling to the floor. Duan Zhengchun reached out a hand to support his son. Duan Yu’s internal energies began to resume their normal flow, while the energy that the Crocodile God had sent into his body began to trickle into his body’s storage. Even so, he was too winded to speak.

By his subtle use of the Yiyang Finger technique, Duan Zhengchun had helped his son subdue the Crocodile God. Everyone in the hall understood this, but even so, it was undeniable that the Crocodile God had been defeated by Duan Yu. But the man was not so easily knocked over. The moment Duan Yu’s hands left his acupoints, he willed energy into his limbs and leapt up, staring at Duan Yu with small dark eyes. The expression on his face was most odd - a mixture of astonishment, sadness and rage.

“Third Master Yue!” Mu Wanqing called. “I guess you’re a bastard son of a whore now, since you refuse to acknowledge Duan Yu as your master.”

“Well, I’m going to do something you never expected,” the Crocodile God growled. “I’ll call him my master if I have to, because a bastard whoreson is not what I am.” And so saying, he suddenly knelt and hit his head loudly eight times on the ground, saying: “Master, your disciple is kowtowing to you now.”

Before the stunned Duan Yu had time to reply, the Crocodile God had gotten back up and left the hall. He leapt onto the roof, where a pained cry sounded out. Then there was a loud bang, and a person was thrown into the hall. It was a palace guard, and his chest was red and dripping with blood. His heart had been torn out and his limbs were spasming. He was not quite dead. It was an awful sight. Although the guard did not possess the skills of Chu Wanli, he was no ordinary soldier. Even so, it had been a simple matter for the Crocodile God to injure him so grievously. The four great warriors could do nothing for the man. Everyone in the room had gone pale with shock.

“My husband, this disciple of yours is simply too much!” Mu Wanqing said angrily. “The next time you see him, he deserves a bitter punishment.”

Duan Yu’s heart was hammering in his chest. “My victory was pure luck, and thanks largely to my father,” he said. “If we do meet again, I fear my heart may be clawed out by him too. How could I manage to punish him?”

Gu Ducheng and Fu Sigui carried the body of the dead man out, while Duan Zhengchun issued orders to provide for his family and arrange for a proper burial. Mr Huo, who looked mostly drunk and only slightly awake, left trembling to do as he said.

“Yu’er, that set of moves was derived from the great Fuxi’s sixty-four hexagrams, was it not?” the Baoding Emperor asked. “But who taught it to you? It must truly have been a brilliant teacher.”

“I learnt it accidentally, in a cave,” Duan Yu said. “I had no idea what I was doing right and wrong. Please instruct me in the proper methods, uncle.”

“But how did you learn it in a cave?” his uncle asked.

Duan Yu thus gave a brief account of how he had fallen into Wuliang Mountain’s deep valley and found his way into a cave, where he discovered an illustrated scroll which depicted each step. Of the jade statue and the naked woman on the scroll, he said nothing. After all, how could he tell his uncle, aunt, father and mother about the naked image of the fairy lady on the scroll? And if Mu Wanqing found out that he was infatuated with the lady, she would no doubt fly into a rage. If the story was incomplete, well - it was just like how Confucius had edited the Spring and Autumn Annals - just something left out at the storyteller’s whim.

“This sixty-four hexagram technique conceals an amazing flow of internal energy,” the Baoding Emperor said. “Go through the moves for us, from beginning to end.”

“Yes, sir,” Duan Yu said. He focused his thoughts and began the footwork. Most of his audience were highly skilled in the workings of inner energy themselves. Even so, they could only understand a fraction of the technique’s mysteries. Duan Yu’s movements took him in a large circle, and he finished exactly where he had started.

“Wonderful!” the Baoding Emperor said enthusiastically. “This technique has no equal under heaven, and it is the greatest good luck that Yu’er has managed to learn it. Your mother will return to her residence today. Have a drink or two with her before she departs.” He turned to the Empress. “Let us depart.”

“Yes.” The Empress rose in assent.

Duan Zhengchun and the others respectfully escorted the nobles out of the hall, all the way to the decorated archway which opened onto Zhen’nan Palace.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (XII)

Duan Yu pointed behind the Crocodile God. “One of my masters is already standing behind you.”

The man had not sensed anyone and glanced back in alarm. Duan Yu took a slanting step forward as he did so. Moving like a drifting breeze, he reached for the Crocodile God’s chest, aiming for the man’s Shanzhong Acupoint with his thumb. It was clumsily done. But Duan Yu’s body held within it the internal energy of seven Boundless Sword disciples. Even though he wasn’t actively channelling this power, it was still a considerable force. 

The Crocodile God felt an obstruction in his chest, for Duan Yu’s left hand was now touching his Shenque Acupoint, just over his navel. Although there had been many acupoints listed in the scrolls containing the Divine Art of the Northern Darkness, Duan Yu had only practiced what was written about the Lung and Ren Meridians. The two acupoints he had targeted were located on the Lung Meridian.

Startled, the Crocodile God exerted his own energies to resist. Instead, he felt his energy seeping out through his Shanzhong Acupoint and his whole body getting weaker as a result. Duan Yu had picked him up and turned him upside down, so that his feet were waving in the air. When he let go, the Crocodile God’s large bald head hit the ground with a thud. Fortunately, the floor of the great hall was covered with carpets, so the Crocodile God came to no harm. He sprang to his feet with a Leaping Carp manoeuvre, grabbing at Duan Yu with his left hand.

The onlookers were completely taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. Duan Zhengchun had wanted to intervene when he saw the Crocodile God’s swift, fierce attack. But his son had taken another odd, slanting step to the left, evading his opponent’s clawing fingers with just one stride. “Incredible!” Duan Zhengchun cried. The Crocodile God chopped towards Duan Yu with his other palm. Duan Yu offered no resistance, but simply slipped aside with another two steps.

Angry and surprised that he had failed to hit Duan Yu with two moves, the Crocodile God let out a roar of rage and lunged for the boy’s midsection with both hands outstretched. They were only several feet apart and every particle of his energy had gone into the attack - his arms, his hands and even his fingertips were surging with power. In his fury, he no longer cared that the so-called future of the South Seas Clan would be torn to pieces if the blow struck true.

“Watch out!” cried four voices in unison. They belonged to the Baoding Emperor, Duan Zhengchun, the Sage of the Jade Hollow and Gao Shengtai. In two steps, Duan Yu moved lightly as a feather to stand behind the Crocodile God, landing a pat on the back of his bald head.

The Crocodile God felt as if a shadow had touched him. My life is over, he thought. But the brief contact also told him that Duan Yu’s blow had absolutely no force in it. With a hiss of breath, he had clawed five bloody streaks on the back of Duan Yu’s hand. Duan Yu had hurriedly drawn back, but the Crocodile God’s strength was far from spent. The momentum of his slash, carried forward and down, meant he left five claw marks on his own forehead.

Duan Yu had successfully dodged three attacks, making him the victor. But a sense of childish mischief had led him to smack the Crocodile God’s head in passing - a move that had very nearly resulted in him being snared by his opponent. He had no idea that his internal energies were strong by now, and even less idea of how to use them. Pale with fright, he stumbled over to hide behind his father.

The Sage glanced at her son. Well, I see. You’ve learnt this strange martial art from your uncle and father, and hidden it from me.

“Third Master Yue!” Mu Wanqing called loudly. “You couldn’t beat him with three blows, and in fact you took a nasty tumble. Hurry up and kowtow to your new master.” 

The Crocodile God tugged at his ear in an awkward manner, his face red. “It doesn’t count. He didn’t even try to hit me.”

Mu Wanqing waggled her finger at him. “Aren’t you ashamed? If you don’t call Duan Yu your master, you’re a bastard son of a whore. Would you rather call him your master, or be a bastard?”

“Neither!” the Crocodile God snarled. “I want to fight him properly.”

Duan Zhengchun had not yet managed to make sense of his son’s extraordinary footwork. He said quietly: “Don’t hit him - just wait for an opportunity to target his acupoints.”

“I’m scared,” Duan Yu whispered back. “I don’t think I can do it.”

“Don’t be afraid,” Duan Zhengchun replied. “I’ll be here, taking care of everything.”

Encouraged by his father’s support, Duan Yu came out from behind his father’s back. “You couldn’t knock me over in three blows,” he said. “You have to call me master now.” The Crocodile God howled in anger, lashing out at him with his palms.

Duan Yu slipped past the blow with a light step backwards and sideways; a tea table shattered with a crack under the force of the Crocodile God’s blow. Very calmly and with great focus, he began to recite lines from the Book of Changes.

“Look at the course of one’s life - advance, retreat. When one rests, he loses all consciousness of himself. When he walks in his courtyard, he sees no one in it. The cauldron has the places of its ears changed - progress is stopped. It is not to one’s advantage to move at all. Like the ram butting against the fence, he cannot retreat, nor can he advance.”

He had stopped watching the Crocodile God entirely, but was concentrating entirely on his own footwork -  moving left and right, advancing with slanting steps and retreating with regular ones. The Crocodile God was lashing out more quickly and fiercely than ever, and the hall rang with clatters, clangs and crashes as he destroyed chairs, tables, teapots and teacups. But not a single blow landed on Duan Yu’s body.

In the blink of an eye, the Crocodile God had rained more than thirty blows down on the furniture around him. Both the Baoding Emperor and the Guardian Prince of the South had realised by now that Duan Yu had only a shallow grasp of the techniques he was using. It was clear that he didn’t know any martial arts at all, but had - it seemed to them - been taught this almost-mystical footwork by a great master. Every step referenced one of the sixty-four hexagrams in the Book of Changes, but was unimaginably bizarre even so. Had Duan Yu been in a proper fight, he would have been subdued with a single blow. But instead, he chose to pace around in his own fashion. As strong as the Crocodile God was, he simply couldn’t touch him.

After a little while, the two brothers exchanged worried glances. If the Crocodile God just closes his eyes and ignores Duan Yu completely, but lashes out around him, he will no doubt hit him within seconds. But the Crocodile God’s face was turning yellow and his eyes beginning to bulge. This strategy had clearly not occurred to him, and no matter how he attacked, he always missed Duan Yu by a foot or two.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (XI)

The Crocodile God had hurried to Zhen’nan Palace right after speaking to Yunzhong He, hoping to spirit Duan Yu away and induct him into his South Seas Clan. But exchanging a single blow with Duan Zhengchun had caused him to feel a little trepidation. It would not be easy for him to kidnap Duan Yu when he was surrounded by so many highly-skilled people. He feared that he would not even be able to take on his disciple’s father. 

So when Duan Yu said he would fight the Crocodile God himself, the big man could not have hoped for a better turn of events. He would be able to catch hold of the young man in one move, and the others - no matter how highly-skilled they were - would not dare to intervene. They would only be able to watch, wide-eyed, as he spirited his disciple away. “Alright, show me your three moves,” he called. “I won’t use any internal energy and I won’t hurt you.”

“Let’s make the rules clear first,’ Duan Yu replied. “So what happens if you can’t defeat me within three moves?”

The Crocodile God laughed again. He knew Duan Yu was a weak scholar with less ability than a tied-up chicken. Even half a move would be enough to subdue him. “If I can’t beat you in three moves, I’ll call you my master.”

“Alright, everyone heard that,” Duan Yu said, smiling. “Are you going to keep your word?”

“When Second Master Yue says something, he always means it!” snapped the Crocodile God.

“Third Master Yue,” Duan Yu said.

“Second Master Yue!”

“Third Master Yue!”

“Oh, hurry up! Why are you wasting time like this?” the Crocodile God growled. Duan Yu took two steps forward, standing directly opposite him.

Everyone gathered - apart from Mu Wanqing, that is - had watched Duan Yu grow up. They knew he was a scholarly young man who had no interested in martial arts, and had never taken the time to learn them. In fact, when the Baoding Emperor and Duan Zhengchun had tried to force him to learn them, he had run away from home. He did not have the ability to take on a regular soldier, let alone a highly-skilled professional.

At the start, everyone knew he had been deliberately provoking the Crocodile God for sport. But now, it looked as though he was really going to have to fight that idiot. Although the Crocodile God wanted to take Duan Yu as his disciple and had said he wouldn’t hurt him, the wild, fierce man was clearly unpredictable. It would not do for the precious scion of the family to risk life and limb this way.

The Sage of the Jade Hollow was the first to speak up. “Yu’er, stop your nonsense. There is no need to pay attention to riffraff like him.”

“My lord marquis, issue orders to have this ruffian apprehended,” the empress added.

Gao Shengtai bowed. “I hear and obey.” He turned, raising his voice. “Chu Wanli, Gu Ducheng, Fu Sigui, Zhu Dancheng - listen! Her Majesty has ordered this ruffian to be apprehended.”

The four bowed in unison. “We hear and obey.”

Seeing that those gathered were preparing to attack him, the Crocodile God growled: “Come on then, you big fellows! I’m not afraid. You two - you’re the emperor and empress? You come on too!”

“Wait, wait,” Duan Yu said, waving his hands frantically. “Let me take his three moves first!”

The Baoding Emperor knew that his nephew often did things that people did not expect, and perhaps had a trick or two up his sleeve. In any case, the Crocodile God was not out to kill him, and his men and Duan Yu’s mother were both nearby. He decided that there was no harm in letting things continue as they were. “Be still!” he commanded. “Let this wild ruffian see what a prince of Dali is capable of.”

Chu Wanli and his four men had been rushing forward, but stopped at the emperor’s word.

“Third Master Yue, let’s be clear about things,” Duan Yu said. “If you can’t beat me in three moves, you’ll have to call me your master. But even if I become your master, you’re too stupid for me to actually teach your any martial arts. Agreed?”

“You teach me?” snapped the Crocodile God. “What kind of bloody martial arts do you even know?”

“Alright, we are agreed,” Duan Yu replied. “After I become your master, my word will be as law and cannot be disobeyed. Whatever I order you to do, you must do - or you will be dishonouring your ancestors and breaking the rules of the martial community. Okay?”

The Crocodile God laughed. “Well, naturally. And if I become your master, the same will apply to you.”

Duan Yu considered his Light Steps Over the Waves technique. It would not be too difficult, he thought, to evade the Crocodile God’s three strikes. But having never sparred with anyone before, and knowing how powerful his opponent was, he had no assurance of victory. He decided it would be best to leave himself an avenue for retreat.

“We are agreed,” he said. “But to have me as your disciple, you must also defeat my masters here. This will prove that you are indeed more powerful than my masters. Only then will I accept you as my master.” If he catches hold of me within three moves, I will name every person here as my master and he will have to beat them one by one.

“Alright, alright!” the Crocodile God said. “You keep talking and take no action, and that’s nothing like me at all. Us of the South Seas Clan fight when we say we fight, and there’s no ambiguity about it.”

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (X)

Mu Wanqing tensed, knowing instinctively that it was an enemy, and that the person was moving very fast. There was a rustling noise as other men arrived on the rooftop. “Sire!” she heard Chu Wanli shout. “Why have you come to the palace in the dead of night?”

“I’m here to see my disciple!” a coarse, rough voice growled back. “Hurry up and get my good disciple out to meet me!” It was the Crocodile God of the South Seas.

Mu Wanqing was shocked. She knew the palace was heavily guarded, and that Duan Yu’s parents, along with their high officials - that is, Lord Gao and his companions - were highly skilled in martial arts. But the Crocodile God was so powerful that if he and the other brigands - Madam Ye, Yunzhong He and the as-yet-unknown Number One - had chosen to carry off Duan Yu, it would not have been easy to stop them.

“And who is your disciple, good sir?” Chu Wanli said. “Why would any disciple of yours be in Zhen’nan Palace? Leave at once!”

There was suddenly the sound of ripping silk. A big hand had torn the curtain at the door in half, and the Crocodile God was standing in the room. His beady eyes swept across the room, and he burst into a loud laugh when they landed on Duan Yu. “So my good disciple is here. Fourth Brother was right,” he said. “Hurry up and beseech me to be your master and teach you martial arts.” He stretched out a hand like a claw, grabbing at Duan Yu’s shoulder.

Seeing how forcefully the Crocodile God moved, the Guardian Prince was afraid that the man would hurt his son. He flung out his hand and both their palms met with a smack. The impact sent a shock down each man’s arm, rocking them to the core. “Who are you?” the Crocodile God asked, surprised. “I’m here to take my disciple away - what’s it to you?”

“I am Duan Zhengchun,” the Guardian Prince said, smiling. “And that boy is my son. Since when did he become your disciple?”

“He insisted on taking me on as a disciple,” Duan Yu interjected. “I told him I already had a master, but he refused to believe me.”

The Crocodile God looked at Duan Yu, then turned his gaze to Duan Zhengchun. “Your skills are no doubt formidable, but the young man knows nothing at all. I don’t believe you are father and son. Duan Zhengchun, we are not too shabby ourselves. You can claim him as your son if you like, but the way you’ve been teaching him martial arts is all wrong. Your son is a good-for-nothing! Ah, it’s a pity.”

“What’s a pity?” Duan Zhengchun asked.

“Your son is very like me - a rare natural talent. Give him ten years with me and he’ll be a hero in the martial arts world.”

Duan Zhengchun was caught between anger and amusement. But the single blow he had exchanged with the Crocodile God had shown him that this man was a formidable fighter. He was still thinking of a reply when Duan Yu broke in. “Number Three! Your skills aren’t good enough to be my master. Go back to the Island of Ten Thousand Crocodiles in the South Seas and work on your skills for another twenty years. Then we’ll discuss martial arts.”

“Who are you to say my skills aren’t good enough?” the Crocodile God roared, outraged.

“Let me ask you this: Wind and thunder - increase. The junzi is to imitate virtue and correct fault. What does that mean?”

The Crocodile God was speechless for a moment. “What does that even mean?” he growled. “Utter nonsense!”

“See, you don’t even know these simple precepts. And you want to talk of martial arts?” Duan Yu retorted. “Now let me ask you this: Increase what is inferior; decrease what is superior - the people will be boundlessly joyful.  What descends from above reaches to all below, so great and brilliant is its course. Now what does this mean?”

Hearing Duan Yu tease the Crocodile God using these lines from the Book of Changes, the Emperor and his officials could not help but chuckle. Mu Wanqing had no idea what was being said, but guessed - correctly - that the bookworm was showing off.

Seeing the mocking smiles on the faces around him, the Crocodile God guessed that Duan Yu was probably saying something insulting. With a roar of fury, he clawed at the young man with an open palm. Duan Zhengchun moved half a step forward, putting himself between them.

“I’ve just told you martial arts secrets. Everything I’ve said contains boundless mysteries, but you have no idea. You narrow-minded person! And you want to be my master? Why, the smiles of everyone in the world would crack with laughing at you. Ha, my masters are sages in grottoes and learned old scholars, and even monks of great virtue. And you? Why, even after ten years of study, you might not even be worthy of calling me master!”

“Who is your master?” the Crocodile God roared. “Get him over here and let me see what he’s capable of!”

It had become clear to Duan Zhengchun that only one of the Four Brigands had come to the palace. The Crocodile God was no weakling, but his skills were still a notch below Duan Zhengchun’s own. He thought that he might as well take the opportunity to make sport of the man, perhaps to the amusement of the emperor, empress and his own wife. So he said nothing to stop his son from provoking the Crocodile God further.

Duan Yu saw the smile on his uncle’s face, and the tacit consent of his father’s expression, and became even more cocky. “Alright, I’ll go get my master. You stay here if you dare. Don’t run away now,” he said.

“I have been all over the world in my time,” the Crocodile God retorted. “Who am I afraid of? Hurry up, go!” Duan Yu turned and left the room.

The Crocodile God cast his gaze around the room, noting the suppressed smiles on every face. This disciple of mine is completely worthless, he thought. Worse than a fart in the wind. How good can his teacher be? I’m not a bit afraid of him.

With a scuffing of boots, two people entered the room. From outside, Duan Yu called: “Has the old fellow run away? Dad, don’t let him go. My master is coming.”

“Run away?” the Crocodile God said. “Damn it, hurry up and get your master in here. Are you refusing to be my disciple because your current teacher won’t consent to it? Well, I’ll break his dog-farting neck. When you have no master, you’ll have no choice but to take me as your master. Hah! What a brilliant plan.”

Even as the Crocodile God was congratulating himself on his brilliance, Duan Yu entered the room with a person. Everyone burst out laughing when they saw who it was.

It was a man wearing a little hat and a long robe. His mouth was framed by a skinny moustache, and his squinty eyes were red. His head appeared to be shrinking back into his body, and his shoulders were stooped. He looked altogether quite wretched. Those gathered recognised him as Mr Huo, the assistant to the palace’s accounts master. He always looked as if he were half-asleep, or perhaps half-awake, and loved gambling with the domestic servants. 

At present, he looked somewhat drunk and his shirtfront was covered with grease. Duan Yu had him by the arm, but he was clearly reluctant to enter the room. Once within the chamber, he fell to the floor and kowtowed to the emperor and his lady. The emperor, not recognising the man, said shortly: “Enough!”

Still holding onto Mr Huo’s arm, Duan Yu said to the Crocodile God: “Old Man Yue, this man has the most trifling skills of all my masters. You have to beat him before you can try your skills against my other masters.”

The Crocodile God howled with laughter. “If I don’t manage to crush him to a pulp in three moves - why, I’ll ask you to be my master instead.”

Duan Yu’s eyes lit up. “You mean it? A real man means what he says. If he doesn’t, he’s a bastard whoreson.”

“Come on then!” the Crocodile God. “Come on!”

“If it’s just three moves, there’s no need to take on my master. Why, I’ll do it myself.”

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (IX)

The man sitting in the centre of the room was, in fact, the emperor of Dali. His name was Duan Zhengming. He was also known by his regnal title, the Baoding Emperor. The kingdom of Dali had been founded during the Five Dynasties period. To be precise, it had been established in the second year of Heavenly Fortune, during the Later Jin Dynasty. In other words, Dali had been a kingdom some twenty-three years before the military revolt which led Zhao Kuangyin to found the Song Dynasty.

The Duans had been people of Wuwei Prefecture. Duan Jianwei, the very first to bear that surname, had served the Meng family under the Nanzhao regime and been given a title: Officer of Peace and Tranquility. Six generations later, his descendant Duan Siping was appointed military commissioner of Tonghai. In the Dingyou Year, Duan Siping founded the Duan Dynasty, and was given the title: Sacred Ancestor and Emperor of Martial Prowess and Learning. 

Fourteen generations later and some 150 years later, Duan Zhengming now occupied the throne.

At this time, the Northern Song was nominally ruled by Emperor Zhezong in the capital of Bianliang. But as he was still very young, it was his grandmother - the Grand Empress Dowager Gao - who held true power. It was she who appointed officials to their posts, did away with superfluous regulations, and won the adulation of the people. Under her, the land was at peace. She was the first wise and honest female ruler in China’s history, and had been compared to certain famously benevolent male counterparts.

The kingdom of Dali was located in the wilder southern regions. Its rulers had traditionally been Buddhist, and although they styled themselves emperors, they had always exercised the greatest forbearance and respect when it came to dealing with their Song Dynasty neighbours. This included never raising arms against them. The Baoding Emperor had reigned for eleven years. He espoused three precepts: to defend order, establish peace and secure the blessings of heaven. Under his reign, the borders were quiet and the nation and its people at peace.

Seeing how Mu Wanqing had not knelt to him, and had in fact boldly asked if he was the emperor, the Baoding Emperor could not help but laugh. “I am,” he replied. “Have you enjoyed yourself in Dali City so far?”

“I haven’t seen any of it,” the girl replied. “We came straight here to see you.”

“Well, Yu’er shall bring you about tomorrow and show you some of the sights,” the emperor said, still smiling.

“Great. Will you come with us, then?” At that, everyone present laughed.

The Baoding Emperor looked to his lady, sitting by his side. “My empress, this child wants us to go about the city with her. Shall we?” The woman smiled, but said nothing.

Mu Wanqing looked her up and down. “Are you the empress? You are quite beautiful,” she said.

The emperor burst out laughing. “Yu’er, Miss Mu has such an innocent and honest charm. She amuses me greatly.”

“Why do you call him Yu’er?” Mu Wanqing asked. “He often talks of his uncle - that’s you, right? You know, he’s very afraid that you’ll be angry with him after his recent escapade. But don’t hit him, alright?”

“I was going to sentence him to fifty lashes,” the emperor replied. “But since you’ve asked, I’ll pardon him. Yu’er, you had better thank Miss Mu.”

Duan Yu was very pleased to see how Mu Wanqing had put the emperor in a merry mood. He knew his uncle was an amiable man, and so sketched a deep bow to Mu Wanqing, saying: “Many thanks for speaking up on my behalf.”

Mu Wanqing returned the bow, saying softly: “I’m just relieved to hear that your uncle won’t hit you. You don’t have to thank me.” She turned to face the emperor, adding: “I always thought emperors were rather fearsome and terrifying people, but you’re...you’re really nice!”

The Baoding Emperor had, of course, been praised by his royal father and mother when he was much younger. But apart from that, he had only been treated with respect and fear by his subjects. No one had ever told him that he was “really nice”. Mu Wanqing’s behaviour had all the natural charm of uncut jade or unrefined gold, and nothing of the refined etiquette that he was used to hearing from his courtiers. His affection towards her grew. Turning to his wife, he asked: “What do you have to give her?”

The empress slipped a jade bracelet off her wrist. “Here, this is for you.”

Mu Wanqing took the bracelet and slipped it onto her own wrist. She smiled suddenly. “Thank you,” she said. “Next time, I’ll find something pretty and give that to you.”

The empress smiled back. “Then I thank you in advance.”

Suddenly, a noise was heard several buildings to the west. This was followed by another noise from the pavilion right beside them.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (VIII)

The party reached the south gate of Dali City in the evening. Upon seeing the two great banners - Guardian of the South and Protector of the Country - the townsfolk burst into cheers. “Long live the Guardian Prince of the South!” they cried. “Long live the Great General!” Duan Yu’s father waved at them in reply.

Mu Wanqing saw that Dali City was densely populated, with level paved roads and a prosperous marketplace. After crossing several streets, they reached a broad, straight road, at the end of which was erected many palace buildings covered with yellow clay tiles. The setting sun reflected off their gleaming surface, turning them a brilliant gold that dazzled the eye. 

The soldiers all dismounted just before a great arch, upon which was written in gold: Sacred Path of Vast Compassion. This must be Dali Palace, Mu Wanqing thought. So my husband’s uncle lives in a palace. He must be some sort of high official, and probably a prince or a great general as well.

As the group made their way under the arch, Mu Wanqing saw that the words Sheng Ci Gong - the Palace of Sacred Kindness - were inscribed in gold on a plaque on the great door. A court eunuch hurried up to them. “My Lord, the Emperor and his lady await you in your dwelling,” he said. “Would that you and your lady return to Zhen’nan Palace for an audience with them.”

“Alright,” the Guardian Prince said.

“Well, that’s funny,” Duan Yu said, chuckling.

His mother shot him a sideways look. “What’s so funny?” she sniffed. “I will await the Lady in her palace.”

“The Lady has requested that you attend her with all haste, as she has urgent matters to discuss,” the eunuch interjected.

“What urgent matters?” the Sage said in an undertone. “She is always full of cunning schemes.”

It was clear to Duan Yu that all this had been deliberately arranged by the Empress. She knew that Duan Yu’s mother would not be willing to return to her own dwelling, and had therefore set out for Zhen’nan Palace in the hopes of reuniting her and his father. Duan Yu was extremely pleased at that prospect.

The party remounted after making their way back out, riding east for about two li before they reached a large mansion. There were two banners outside, again embroidered with Guardian of the South and Protector of the Country. A plaque overhead proclaimed that this was Zhen’nan Palace. Imperial guards were clustered around the entrance, bowing deeply as they welcomed their lord and lady home.

The Guardian Prince entered the building first, followed by the Sage. But as soon as her foot touched the first step, she stopped dead, her eyes red. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Duan Yu half-pulled, half-dragged her through the main door, saying: “Father, I’ve brought Mother home with great effort. What prize do you have for me?”

The big man was filled with joy. “Ask your mother for a prize, and whatever she gives you, I’ll give you as well.”

The woman smiled through her tears. “I say to give you a good hiding.” Duan Yu stuck out his tongue.

The rest of their party had formed up in two lines in the main room. “Brother Tai,” the Guardian Prince said. “You’re hurt - go sit down.”

“Sit down and wait a little while,” Duan Yu said to Mu Wanqing. “I’ll come keep you company after I’ve seen the Emperor and Empress.” Mu Wanqing didn’t want him to go, but knew she couldn’t stop him. She nodded her head a little aggrievedly, sitting down at the head of the table. Everyone else remained standing until the Guardian Prince, his wife and their son had entered the inner chamber. Then Gao Shengtai took a seat, although Chu Wanli, Gu Ducheng and Zhu Dancheng stayed on their feet.

Mu Wanqing ignored them. Looking around the room, her eyes landed on a large plaque hanging on the wall. The Pillar of the Nation, it said. In smaller characters below were written the words: Dingmao Year, in His Majesty’s hand. The main pillars of the room were inscribed with other words. There were too many to take in at a single glance - and in any case, she didn’t recognise half the characters. 

A servant brought tea, respectfully raising the tray high above her head. These people are really strange, Mu Wanqing thought. She noticed that only herself and Gao Shengtai had tea. The others, who had been so bold while facing their enemies, were now behaving respectfully and cautiously. They didn’t even dare to breathe too loudly, let alone act like heroes who were skilled in martial arts.

After waiting an hour, Mu Wanqing became impatient. “Duan Yu!” she cried. “Duan Yu, why have you not come out yet?”

Although the room was crowded with people, everyone had been standing so quietly that Mu Wanqing’s shout made them all jump. Gao Shengtai smiled. “Don’t be impatient, Miss,” he said. “His highness will be out shortly.”

“Who?”

“Young Master Duan is the heir of the Guardian Prince of the South - so that makes him ‘his highness’, no?”

“His highness,” Mu Wanqing muttered to herself. “That bookworm doesn’t resemble any kind of highness at all.”

It was then that another eunuch walked out of the inner chamber. “The Emperor bids the Marquis of Virtuous Enlightenment and Mu Wanqing enter,” he said. 

Gao Shengtai had respectfully risen to his feet when the eunuch entered the room, but Mu Wanqing had obstinately stayed seated. The way she was addressed displeased her greatly. “He doesn’t even say “Miss”,” she said softly. “Is my name to be used so casually?”

“Miss Mu,” Gao Shengtai said. “Let us go call upon the Emperor.”

Although the girl was afraid of nothing, the thought of seeing the emperor unsettled her a bit. She followed after Gao Shengtai, crossing a long corridor, then a courtyard, and what seemed like an endless series of rooms. Finally, they stopped outside a reception room.

“The Marquis of Virtuous Enlightenment and Mu Wanqing call upon the Emperor and his Lady,” the eunuch announced, pushing the entrance curtains apart.

Gao Shengtai shot a glance at Mu Wanqing and walked into the room, going to his knees before a man and a woman seated in the very centre. Mu Wanqing did not kneel. She looked at the man, who had a long beard and was wearing a yellow robe. He was clear-eyed and good-looking. “Are you the emperor?” she asked. 

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (VII)

The group made their way towards Dali, with the Sage of the Jade Hollow, Mu Wanqing, Duan Yu and Gao Shengtai on horseback, while Chu Wanli, Gu Ducheng and Zhu Dancheng walked beside them. After several miles, they saw a small troop of mounted horsemen heading in their direction. Chu Wanli hurried forward to speak to their leader, who shouted a command. The horsemen dismounted in unison, kneeling on the ground.

“No need for all that,” Duan Yu said, waving his hand and smiling. The leader brought them three horses, so that all members of their party were mounted. Then he turned about, leading the way with his troop. The iron-shod hooves clattered on the ground as they headed towards the main road.

Seeing all this ceremony, Mu Wanqing knew for sure that Duan Yu was no ordinary man. I thought he was just a decrepit scholar who was able to marry whoever he wanted, she thought worriedly. But he’s clearly someone of high status, perhaps even kin to the emperor or some sort of high official. Why, he’ll look down on a wild girl like me. My master always said that the richer a man is, the less kind he is, and that when he gets married it must always be an appropriate match. Well, he’d better marry me. If he starts wavering or conjuring up obstacles to our marriage, I’ll chop him to bits. I don’t care how high-ranking his family is.

Unable to conceal her worries any longer, she kicked her horse up to beside Duan Yu’s. “Hey,” she called. “Who are you, really? And what we said on the mountain top - does it really count?”

Hearing Mu Wanqing bring up marriage in that straightforward manner, with people all around them, made Duan Yu feel awkward. “I’ll explain everything to you when we reach Dali,” he said with a smile.

“If you change...change your mind...I’ll, I’ll...” Mu Wanqing could not finish the sentence. Duan Yu saw that her entire face was flushed and tears stood in her eyes. She looked even more charming than she usually did, and a great love for her swelled in his heart. 

“I couldn’t hope for more,” he said softly. “Don’t worry. My mother likes you a lot, too.”

Mu Wanqing smiled through her tears. “Why should I care if your mother likes me or not?” she whispered back. What she really meant, of course, was: “As long as you like me, that’s enough for me.”

Duan Yu’s heart jumped in his chest. He looked around and saw his mother looking at the both of them, a half-smile on her face, and was deeply embarrassed.

It was now late afternoon. They were twenty or thirty li away from Dali City when they saw a great cloud of dust ahead of them. What seemed like several thousand soldiers were galloping towards them, two mustard-yellow banners flying overhead. Embroidered on one were the words “Guardian of the South” in red thread, while on the other was embroidered “Protector of the Country” in black. “Dad has come to welcome you in person,” Duan Yu called to his mother.

The Sage of the Jade Hollow humphed and drew her horse to a halt. Gao Shengtai and most of the others dismounted, leading their horses to the side of the road. But Duan Yu trotted up to the head of the group. After a moment’s confusion, Mu Wanqing followed him.

In moments, the two groups had closed the distance between them. “Dad, mum is back!” Duan Yu called in a loud voice.

The two bannermen made way for a man in a purple robe, who rode forward on a large white horse. “Yu’er, you really have been causing an outrageous amount of trouble,” he roared. “You’ve caused Uncle Gao to be hurt so badly. See if I don’t break both your legs!”

Mu Wanqing was taken aback. Huh, I wouldn’t stand for it if you were to break my husband’s legs, even if you are his father, she thought. The man had a big square face and a fierce expression. His eyebrows were bushy and he had large eyes, and something of the air of a king. Seeing that his son had returned safe, he looked furious. But much more than that, he was also delighted. Good thing my husband looks like his mother and not like you, Mu Wanqing thought. I am definitely not attracted to a fierce face like that.

Duan Yu spurred his horse forward. “Dad! Peace and happiness be upon you, old man,” he said, smiling.

“What happiness are you talking about?” his father growled. “At least you haven’t driven me to the grave with anger.”

“Why, if your son hadn’t left, he wouldn’t have been able to bring your wife back to you,” Duan Yu said, grinning. “It’s really an impressive feat, you know. So let my good deeds cancel out my crimes, Dad. Don’t be angry.”

The purple-robed man snorted. “Even if I don’t hit you, your uncle isn’t going to let you get away with this.” He squeezed his horse with his legs and the great animal sped straight towards the Sage of the Jade Hollow.

Mu Wanqing saw that the horsemen in front of her were wearing embroidered uniforms. Their armour was clean and bright, and their weapons were polished so that they reflected the sunlight. The first twenty men carried banners, one side of which bore the words: Dali’s Prince Duan, Guardian of the South. On the other side was a tiger’s head, with the following words: Great General Duan, Protector of the Country. Although her character was such that she feared nothing, the militaristic display aroused a sense of respect in her. “Hey, this Guardian King, Protector of the Country guy - that’s your dad?” she asked Duan Yu.

The young man laughed and nodded. “And your father-in-law,” he said in a whisper.

Mu Wanqing reined in her horse abruptly. Her heart was suddenly filled with with a great confusion, and she stayed still for some time before turning the horse and sending it trotting towards Duan Yu. Even though the road was thronged with people, she was filled with a sudden inexplicable loneliness. She felt she had to be close to him to find a semblance of peace.

The Guardian of the South had reined in his horse several paces short of the Sage’s. Now both were eyeing each other without saying a word. “Mother, Dad has come in person to welcome you,” Duan Yu said.

“Go tell your aunt that I will stay with her for a few days,” the Sage replied. “Once the brigands are beaten off, I will return to the Jade Hollow.”

“Wife, are you still mad at me?” the Guardian asked, laughing. “Well, I’ll make it up to you after we both get home.”

The Sage’s expression darkened. “I am not going home,” she said. “I’m going to the palace.”

“Very well, let’s all go to the palace first,” Duan Yu said. “We can pay our respects to my uncle and aunt. My uncle will be furious at me having slipped out to play, and father probably isn’t going to speak up on my behalf. You’ll have to put in a good word for your son.”

“The older you get, the worse you behave,” the Sage replied. “You need a good lashing from your uncle to sort you out.”

“When he hits the son, it is the mother’s heart that hurts,” Duan Yu said, grinning. “Better that he doesn’t hit me at all.”

His mother laughed. “Pah! He should hit you all the harder - I won’t feel sorry for you at all.”

The first meeting between the Guardian and the Sage had been tense and awkward. But Duan Yu’s jokes and wisecracks had made his mother laugh and broken the ice. “Dad, that’s a good horse you have there,” Duan Yu said. “Why don’t you let mother ride it?”

“I’m not going to,” his mother retorted, spurring her horse forward.

Duan Yu kicked his own horse in pursuit, grabbing the bridle of his mother’s mount. His father, meanwhile, had dismounted and was now leading his white horse up to them. Chuckling all the while, Duan Yu picked his mother up and seated her on the white horse. “A beauty without compare like you, riding this white horse, looks more attractive than ever,” he said. “Why, you look like the Goddess of Mercy herself, come to earth.”

“That Miss Mu of yours is the real beauty without compare,” his mother replied, smiling. “Are you making fun of your mother, old lady that I am?”

The Guardian turned to look at Mu Wanqing. “She’s...she’s Miss Mu,” Duan Yu said. “A good...a good friend that your son has made.” But the expression on his face made it clear to his father that Duan Yu meant something else altogether. The Guardian saw that Mu Wanqing was a very pretty girl, and secretly rejoiced. Yu’er has good taste. But he also noticed a certain wildness in the girl’s eyes, and that she did not come forward to pay her respects. So this is some sort of village girl with no manners, he thought.

He then turned his attention to Gao Shengtai, whose injuries filled him with worry. Going up to him, he asked: “Brother Tai, how are your wounds?” He placed a finger on the pulse point at the man’s wrist.

“My Du Meridian has been damaged,” Gao Shengtai replied. “But it’s nothing. You...you don’t need to waste your energies on me.” But before he had finished, the Guardian had already reached out with his right hand, touching three acupoints on the back of Gao Shengtai’s neck, then pressed his palm against the man’s waist.

He kept it there for the length of time it would have taken to brew a cup of tea, tendrils of white steam rising into the air around his head. When he took his palm away, Gao Shengtai said: “Great enemies are nearby, Brother Chun. Why do you waste your energies on me at this time?”

But the Guardian just smiled. “Your injuries are not small. The earlier they are healed, the better they will be. If we had waited to see Big Brother, he would not have let me act, but would have healed you himself.”

Mu Wanqing noticed that Gao Shengtai, who had been very pale, now had cheeks that were flushed rosy with health. So my husband’s father has tremendous internal energies, she thought. In that case, why is Duan Yu...completely ignorant of martial arts?

Chu Wanli led a horse over and helped the Guardian into the saddle. He and Gao Shengtai rode side by side, speaking of enemy movements in low voices. Duan Yu and his mother also headed for the Dali City, talking and laughing while surrounded by steel-clad guardsmen. Mu Wanqing was inevitably overlooked.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (VI)

Zhu Dancheng made a formal bow to the Sage of the Jade Hollow. “Today, Dancheng came close to losing his life. Many thanks for your help.”

The nun laughed. “I haven’t touched a weapon for more than 10 years,” she replied. “I’m afraid my skills are all rusty. Brother Zhu, who was that man?”

“The Four Brigands have come to Dali,” Zhu Dancheng said. “That man was only the fourth, and you saw what he was capable of. You can imagine what the other three are like. Perhaps...perhaps you had better return to the palace for a time, and take shelter there. We can settle other matters once the Brigands have been dealt with.”

A faint look of irritation passed across the nun’s face. “Why should I go to the palace? If the Four Brigands come here and I fail to defeat them all - well, I would die. And that is that.”

Zhu Dancheng did not dare to say more, but cast a meaningful glance at Duan Yu, hoping that the young man would come to his aid.

Duan Yu picked up the horsetail whisk and gave it back to his mother. He threw Yunzhong He’s iron rake into the small pond nearby. Then he said: “Mom, the Four Brigands are truly terrible. Let me go with you to Uncle’s house, even if you don’t want to go back home.”

The Sage shook her head. “I’m not going.” Her eyes reddened, and she looked on the verge of tears.

“Alright, then I’ll stay here with you.” Duan Yu turned to Zhu Dancheng, adding: “Fourth Brother Zhu, could I trouble you to let my uncle and father know that both of us will be staying here, joining forces to defeat those evil four?”

“You have no shame,” his mother said, smiling. “What skills do you have, that you think you can help me fight off the Four Brigands?” But despite her smile, the tears in her eyes now overflowed and ran down her cheeks. She turned around, rubbing at her face with her sleeve.

Why is Duan Yu’s mother a nun? Mu Wanqing wondered, surprised at the exchange. And it’s almost certain that Yunzhong He will return with the other three - so why doesn’t she want to go back home? Ah. The hearts of men are fickle and inconstant indeed. My husband’s father must have a new love, frustrating his wife so much that she left home. Filled with compassion for the woman, she said: “Sage of the Jade Hollow. I will help you fight off your enemies.”

The Sage subjected her to a close scrutiny, before suddenly saying in a fierce voice: “Tell me the truth! Who is the Asura’s Knife - Qin Hongmian - to you?”

Mu Wanqing flared up too. “I already told you, I’ve never heard the name. I have no idea whether this person is a man or a woman, or even a human or a wild beast.”

At these words, the Sage felt a wave of relief wash over her. Surely she would not have said “wild beast” if she was really a descendant of the Asura’s Knife, she thought. Although Mu Wanqing had spoken roughly, the nun’s next words were in a gentler tone. “Do not misunderstand! Your technique - when you shot the darts just now - was very similar to that used by a woman I know. You even look something like her, and that raised my suspicions. Miss Mu, who are your parents and which house do you come from? Your skills are admirable - you must be from a respectable house.”

Mu Wanqing shook her head. “I never had any parents. I was brought up by my master. I have no idea what my parents’ names were.”

“What is your master’s name, then?”

“You Gu’ke.”

“You Gu’ke? You Gu’ke?” The nun cast a questioning glance at Zhu Dancheng.

Zhu Dancheng shook his head. “Dancheng has been in the southern wilds where news is hard to come by. I know little of the great heroes of the central plains. This You Gu’ke must be some great master living in the secluded forests.” He was saying, in effect, that he did not know who You Gu’ke was.

As he was speaking, they heard the sound of hooves coming from beyond the trees. “Fourth Brother, is the young master well?” a voice creid.

“He is here, and he is safe,” Zhu Dancheng called back. In moments, three riders had come into view. They were Chu Wanli, Gu Ducheng and Fu Sigui. The men dismounted, kneeling down to pay their respects to the Sage of the Jade Hollow.

Mu Wanqing, who after all had grown up in the wilderness, felt annoyed with the extended formalities. All these men are clearly highly skilled, she thought. Why are they kneeling in this way?

The Sage saw that the three men’s clothes were clearly in disarray. Fu Sigui had a wound on his face, which was bound up in white cloth. Gu Ducheng’s clothes were speckled with traces of blood. And Chu Wanli was left with only half his long metal staff. Worried, she asked: “What happened? Were your enemies very strong? Sigui, are you badly hurt?”

Fu Sigui puffed his chest at her words, saying fiercely: “Sigui was not proficient enough. I am very ashamed of myself for letting your worry, your highness.”

“’Your highness’?” the Sage replied. “I should think that your memory is what needs to be more proficient.”

Fu Sigui bowed his head. “Yes! Please forgive me, your highness.” His address was clearly a habit that was hard for him to break.

“And where is Lord Gao?” Zhu Dancheng asked.

“Lord Gao has suffered a slight internal injury,” Chu Wanli replied. “He was not able to ride at a gallop, but he will be here shortly.”

“Ah!” the nun cried softly. “Lord Gao is hurt, too? It’s not...it’s not serious, is it?”

“He was fighting with with the Crocodile God of the South Seas. At the fiercest point in their battle, Madam Ye suddenly attacked him from behind. Lord Gao was unable to ward her off, and she managed to land a palm on his back.”

The Sage grabbed Duan Yu’s hand, saying: “Let’s go see how your Uncle Gao is doing.” The pair began making their way out of the forest, with Mu Wanqing following. Chu Wanli tied their horses to a tree and went after them as well.

In the distance, a horse was walking slowly towards them, a rider slumped on its back. The group hurried forward, seeing that the rider was indeed Gao Shengtai. Duan Yu moved swiftly to the front of the group, saying: “Uncle Gao, how are you feeling?”

“Alright,” Gao Shengtai replied. He lifted his head up, and seeing the Sage of the Jade Hollow, hurriedly scrambled to dismount and pay his respects. 

“Lord Gao, you’re hurt,” the Sage said. “Please, there is no need for these formalities.”

But the man had already dismounted. Making a deep bow, he said: “Gao Shengtai wishes peace and happiness on your highness.”

The Sage made an answering bow. “Yu,” she said to her son. “Go help Uncle Gao.”

Mu Wanqing was filled with suspicion. This Gao fellow is highly skilled. In just a few moves, he managed to chase off Madam Ye with his metal flute. So why is he so respectful towards my husband’s mother? He even called her ‘your highness’. Unless...my husband...is some sort of prince? But this scholarly idiot is always behaving strangely - nothing like a prince at all!

“My Lord should return to Dali to recuperate,” the Sage said to Lord Gao.

“I will,” he replied. “But the Four Brigands have also come to Dali, and it is no longer safe here. I beseech your highness to return to the palace for a time.”

The Sage sighed. “I have pledged never to go back there in my lifetime,” she said.

“In that case, we will stay here in the Jade Hollow for your protection,” Gao Shengtai said. “Sigui, hurry back to make your report.”

“Yes, sir!” Fu Sigui replied. He hurried back towards where the horses were tethered.

“Wait!” the Sage cried. She bowed her head, deep in tought. Fu Sigui stopped dead.

Mu Wanqing saw how the woman’s expression had changed. She looked to be facing some deep dilemma that was not easily resolved. The afternoon sun shone on her face, illuminating and giving colour to her cheek. Even though she was middle-aged, she had lost none of her beauty. My husband’s mother is beautiful indeed, Mu Wanqing thought. Why, she almost looks like a painting of the Goddess of Mercy.

After some time, the woman raised her head. “Alright,” she said. “Let’s all go back to Dali. Far be it from me, that I should let these men face danger for my sake.”

Delighted, Duan Yu flung his arms around her neck. “That’s my good mother!” he cried.

“Your servant will return ahead of you, to make my report,” Fu Sigui said. He hurried towards the horses, and leaping onto his mount’s back, galloped off towards the north. Chu Wanli led the other horses over for the Sage, Duan Yu, and Mu Wanqing to mount.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (V)

It was at this moment that a nun emerged from the temple. Seeing Duan Yu picking himself up off the ground, she moved to lend him a hand. “What mischief have you gotten yourself in this time, yelling like that?” she asked, smiling.

The nun was older than Duan Yu, but still very pretty. The familiar way in which he put his arm around the woman’s waist, and smiled at her in delight, filled Mu Wanqing with an involuntary rush of jealousy. Heedless of the foe at her back, she spun towards the nun, her palm slicing towards the woman’s face. “Why are you holding him like that?” she cried. “Let him go!”

“Sister Mu, mind your manners!” Duan Yu said.

Hearing him defend the nun made Mu Wanqing even angrier. Before her feet had touched the ground, she had already channelled more energy into her outstretched hand. The nun - who was holding a horsetail whisk - flicked her own hand lightly. The horsetail described an arc in the air, wrapping itself around Mu Wanqing’s wrist. There was no little strength in that contact, and Mu Wanqing felt herself being forced to one side. She stumbled several steps before steadying herself, shouting in fear and anger: “You are a holy woman! Do you have no shame?”

Yunzhong He, meanwhile, had been delighted when the pretty nun emerged. It’s my lucky day, he thought. Two birds with one stone - I’ll carry both these women off. But then he saw how the nun’s horsehair whisk turned aside Mu Wanqing’s skilful blow, and knew that the woman had considerable skill. He mounted the abandoned horse, watching events unfold. Both the women are beautiful. It works, no matter which one I can take with me.

“Little mistress, what nonsense are you spewing?” the nun was saying to Mu Wanqing. “Who...who are you to him?”

“I am Duan Yu’s wife,” Mu Wanqing retorted. “Let go of me.”

The nun gaped in surprise. Then, she burst out laughing and grabbed Duan Yu by the ear. “Is that true?” she asked him.

“Well, it’s true in a way, but in a way it isn’t,” he laughingly replied.

The nun pinched his cheek. “You never learnt a scrap of your father’s skills, but you’ve clearly picked up all of his licentious racketing ways. I should break your legs for this, see if I don’t.” She looked Mu Wanqing up and down, then made her pronouncement. “Ah, this is a pretty young lady. But a wild one, too - she needs some discipline before she’ll do.”

“What business is it of yours, whether I’m wild or not?” Mu Wanqing cried in a rage. “If you don’t let go of me, I’ll shoot at you with my darts!”

“Try it,” the nun said.

“You can’t do that, Sister Mu!” Duan Yu said. “Don’t you know who she is?” He wrapped an arm around the nun’s neck. Furious, Mu Wanqing sent two darts flying at the woman with a wave of her hand.

The nun’s face had been wreathed in smiles, but at the sight of those darts, her expression changed. She wrapped the horsehair of her whisk around the darts with a wave of her hand, arresting their flight, and shouted: “Who is Qin Hongmian - the Asura’s Knife - to you?”

“Who is this Asura’s Knife? Qin Hongmian? Never heard of her,” Mu Wanqing shouted back. “Now let my husband go!” It was, of course, her husband that had his arms around the nun - instead of the other way round. But Mu Wanqing still felt that it was the nun’s fault.

Seeing how the nun had turned white, Duan Yu said pleadingly: “Mum, don’t be angry.”

These words left Mu Wanqing completely stunned. In fact, she could barely believe her ears. “What?” she asked. “She...she’s your mother?”

“Didn’t you hear me call out for my mother just now?” Duan Yu replied, smiling. Turning to the nun, he said: “Mother, this is Mu Wanqing. Your son has met many dangers in the past few days, and been treated most abominably by his foes. But luckily, Miss Mu here has saved my life several times.”

Then a voice from among the trees called out: “Sage of the Jade Hollow! Beware, for one of the Four Brigands is here!” The voice was followed by a man, who came running at a sprint. It was Zhu Dancheng. Seeing the expression on the nun’s face, he thought she must have already come off worse in a battle with Yunzhong He. “H-have you already fought him?” he asked in a quavering voice.

“It’s not too late to fight,” Yunzhong He called. Even as he spoke, he had already stood upright on the saddle - and so lanky was he that it seemed as if a flagpole had been planted on the horse’s back. The man suddenly leaned forward, his right foot hooked around the saddle’s edge even as his iron rakes clawed at the nun. But the woman had darted to the horse’s left, flicking the two little darts caught in her horsehair whisk at Yunzhong He as she did so. Yunzhong He dodged. The nun flourished her whisk at his left leg, and this time he stood still for the blow, the rake in his left hand clawing at her back. The nun dodged, however, flailing at him with the whisk again. Yunzhong He took a step forward, his left foot on the horse’s head. With the advantage of height, he slashed down with the rake in his other hand.

“Get down!” Zhu Dancheng roared. He leapt onto the horse’s saddle, thrusting at Yunzhong He’s left leg with his Judge’s Pens. But the man blocked them with the rake in his left hand, taking advantage of his weapon’s much longer reach to hit back. Even as he did so, the horsehair whisk darted toward his legs. The rakes in Yunzhong He’s hands danced as he fended off both opponents, never letting his guard slip. 

Standing high on the horse’s back, he had no need to guard his chest and head, as they were out of reach. Noticing this, Mu Wanqing shot a dart with a puff of air, hitting the horse’s eye. The animal gave a piteous neigh, falling to its knees. In a blink, the nun had the horsetail wrapped around the rake in Yunzhong He’s right hand, while Zhu Dancheng flung himself forward, hitting out three times in quick succession. This happened even as the nun and her enemy were engaged in a furious tug-of-war.

Yunzhong He was much stronger than any of his enemies. But half his energy was focused on fending off Zhu Dancheng’s Judge’s Pens, while the other half was avoiding Mu Wanqing’s poison arrows. He felt an impact that shook his whole arm, and saw the horsehair whisk and iron rake leave his hand and tumble through the air. He knew that he would not come out best in this battle.

“Those from Dali only manage to win through sheer numbers!” he spat. Setting both feet firmly on the saddle, the man jumped. His body shot upwards like an arrow, and his remaining rake hooked a branch of a nearby tree. A somersault took him away from the battle. Mu Wanqing shot a dart at him with a little “pah!” of air, but the projectile simply stuck in the tree’s branches. Yunzhong He was rapidly becoming a tiny speck in the distance now, and there was a clang as both the horsehair whisk and the rake fell to earth.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (IV)

Zhu Dancheng was abruptly attacked from behind, his opponent’s iron rakes making an audible hiss of air as they shot towards him. He twisted around, catching the man’s weapons on his Judge’s Pens with a clang. The momentum forced Yunzhong He back, and a rake’s five fingers caught the horse’s rump and drew blood. With a piteous cry of pain, the animal sped up. Before long, it had put some distance between itself and Yunzhong He. 

But now, one horse was being ridden double and the other was injured. The situation was no longer sustainable, and both Zhu Dancheng and Mu Wanqing recognised this and were quietly anxious.

But Duan Yu was all unknowing of the danger. “Is this man so dangerous?” he asked. “Fourth Brother Zhu, surely you must be able to defeat him.”

Mu Wanqing shook her head. “It’s a pity I’m hurt and can’t help Fourth Brother Zhu against this enemy.” Then she had an idea. “I’ll pretend to fall from the horse. I’ll lie on the ground, and perhaps I’ll be able to shoot two darts at him and hurt him that way. You just ride on, don’t wait for me.”

Hearing this, Duan Yu grew frantic. Reaching awkwardly behind him, he hooked one arm around her neck and the other around her waist. “No, that won’t work!” he cried. “I can’t let you risk yourself like that!”

Mu Wanqing blushed. “Idiot, let go of me!” she snapped. “Fourth Brother Zhu is right there. This isn’t appropriate at all!”

“I’m sorry!” Duan Yu apologised. “Please don’t take it amiss.”

“You’re my husband,” the girl replied. “What’s there to be sorry about?”

Yunzhong He had closed the gap between them as they were talking, and now came doggedly on. Zhu Dancheng waved his hand frantically at them, urging them to flee, even as he leapt off his horse and barred the way. He knew he could not possibly have won in a fight, but hoped to slow Yunzhong He down and prevent him from catching up with Duan Yu. But the fact was that Yunzhong He was actually determined to chase Mu Wanqing down. He slipped off the road into the fields beside it, darting around Zhu Dancheng, before getting back on course again and speeding towards the couple.

Mu Wanqing lashed at their mount with a whip. But the horse was already foaming and at the edge of its strength. “If only we were on Black Rose,” Duan Yu remarked. “This brigand probably wouldn’t be able to catch up with us.”

“That hardly needs to be said,” the girl remarked.

They rounded a corner of the mountain and found themselves on a broad, straight road with nowhere to hide. There was, however, a corner of a yellow wall hidden in the trees to the west, next to a little pond. “Ah! Let’s go there!” Duan Yu said.

“No!” Mu Wanqing objected. “It’s a dead end. We’ll be trapped.”

“Just listen to me,” Duan Yu replied. And grabbing the reins, he pulled the horse’s head in that direction.

Up close, Mu Wanqing could see that the yellow wall belonged to a temple. On the noticeboard outside was written “Yuxu Temple” - that is, Temple of the Jade Hollow. Thoughts tumbled through the girl’s head. This idiot has fled to a place like this, from which there is no escape. I’ll hide in a dark corner, and attack that beanpole with my darts. When they were right up close to the temple, they heard a bellowing laugh. It was Yunzhong He, and he was only several yards away.

Duan Yu suddenly broke out in a shout. “Mother! Mother, hurry up!” he cried. “Mum!”

“Shut up, you idiot!” Mu Wanqing said angrily.

Yunzhong He laughed. “Wouldn’t help you now even if you called for your grandma or grandpa.” He leapt at them.

Mu Wanqing pushed Duan Yu off the horse with one palm flat against his back, saying: “Hide in the temple!” She shot a dart at Yunzhong He with her other arm, but he dodged it. Seeing the girl leap off the horse as well, he clawed at her with the iron rake. But she sidestepped the move, and was now crouching under the horse’s belly, where she sent three more darts flying at him. Yunzhong He bobbed and weaved and avoided each one.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (III)

Once back in the saddle, Duan Yu headed east. As they went, Zhu Dancheng kept up a steady stream of conversation on poems and literature. He was afraid that Duan Yu would be annoyed with him, and thought it a pity that he did not know the Book of Changes, which would have most engaged the young man. But Duan Yu was in high spirits, and a lively debate ensued. Mu Wanqing, however, could not get a word in.

Before long, they had reached the main road. At the noon hour, the three stopped by a roadside eatery for some noodles. Halfway through their meal, a shadow loomed by the door. A tall, thin man came in, sat down, and slapped the table with his palm. “Two horns of drink and two slabs of beef! Hurry now!”

Mu Wanqing had no need to see his face. That unpleasant voice - alternately piercing and coarse - told her it was Yunzhong He, the Exceedingly Ruthless and Entirely Evil. Luckily, she was seated facing the interior of the restaurant, so he would not have seen her face. Dipping a finger into her noodle soup, she wrote on the table: “Fourth Brigand.”

Zhu Dancheng dipped his finger into his own bowl, replying: “Leave now. Don’t wait.” Mu Wanqing grabbed Duan Yu’s sleeve and both made their way deeper into the restaurant, while Zhu Dancheng drew back into a dim corner.

Yunzhong He’s eyes had been fixed on the main road ever since he entered the restaurant. But hearing movement behind him, he turned. Seeing Mu Wanqing’s form just sinking behind a cupboard, he shouted: “Who’s that? Stop moving!” Getting up, he moved towards the cupboard, reaching out a long arm to grab her.

Holding a bowl full of soup, Zhu Dancheng stepped out abruptly from his corner. “Aiya!” he cried, pretending to slip. The scalding hot soup splashed towards Yunzhong He. The two men were very close and Zhu Dancheng had moved quickly. Although Yunzhong He had dodged, the eatery was very small and half the soup still spattered on his face and obscured his vision. Angrily, the man snatched at Zhu Dancheng, intending to disembowel him on the spot. But as soon as the bowl had left Zhu Dancheng’s hand, he had picked up a table and thrown it at his opponent. Bowls, cups and plates flew towards Yunzhong He. With a cry, the man sank his fingers into the tabletop. Seconds later, the crockery made contact.

Yunzhong He was a powerful fighter, but being suddenly ambushed in a restaurant had left him somewhat flustered. He flooded his body with inner energy, so that the dishes and bowls simply bounced off him. Even so, he was left dripping with soup. It was embarrassing. From outside came the sound of hooves. Two people were galloping to the north. Yunzhong He dragged his sleeve across his face, wiping the soup away. Then he heard a sharp whistling sound. Something was flying towards his chest.

The man took a deep breath, abruptly sucking in his chest so it contracted by half an inch. His left hand chopped down through the air, flipping palm-up at the last moment. His fingers closed around a pair of Judge’s Pens, which his enemy had aimed at him. 

Zhu Dancheng desperately flared his own energies, trying to retrieve the pens. He was not as strong as Yunzhong He, and the move should never have succeeded. He should have lost his pair of precious weapons to his opponent. But luckily for him, Yunzhong He’s hands were full of grease from the soup. His slippery fingers lost their grip, and Zhu Dancheng managed to reclaim his weapons.

The brief exchange had shown Zhu Dancheng that his enemy was quick on his feet and a powerful fighter besides. “You with the iron staff, and you with the axe! Block the door, so this beanpole can’t escape!” he yelled. He was bluffing, for he had heard Chu Wanli and Gu Ducheng speak of an encounter with a tall, skinny man whom they had just managed to drive off by working together. 

Yunzhong He did not know this, of course. Damn, so those fellows with the staff and the axe are outside lying in wait, he thought. There’s no way I’ll win if it’s one against three. His desire to battle leaving him, he ran into the courtyard and escaped over the wall.

“The beanpole is escaping!” Zhu Dancheng cried. “After him! We cannot let him escape this time!” He himself ran out the door, leaping onto his horse and riding after Duan Yu.

After galloping several miles, Duan Yu and Mu Wanqing had eased the reins and let their horses walk. Before long, they heard hoofbeats. It was Zhu Dancheng on his horse. They reined in their horses, waiting to ask him what had happened. But suddenly: “Oh no! He’s here!” Mu Wanqing cried. A tall, beanpole-like silhouette was loping swiftly and lightly down the main road.

“Amazing qinggong!” Zhu Dancheng cried, impressed despite himself. He flicked his whip at the hindquarters of Duan Yu’s steed and all three horses surged forward, leaving Yunzhong He far behind. They galloped for some miles before Mu Wanqing heard her horse’s breath coming in gasps. She had no choice but to slow their pace, but that enabled Yunzhong He to draw near to them again. Although the man was nowhere near as a fast as a horse in a gallop, his endurance was unflagging.

Zhu Dancheng knew that Yunzhong He had seen through his ruse. It was no use trying to scare him again. With at least six miles to go, he knew that Yunzhong He would catch up sooner or later. Zhu Dancheng had hoped to make it to Dali City, where they would have nothing to fear. But the horses were slowing and the situation becoming more dire. 

They continued on another mile or so, before Duan Yu’s horse suddenly stumbled, unseating its rider. But Mu Wanqing dismounted, moving so swiftly that she caught him before he even touched the ground. Gripping the back of his tunic, she put one hand on her saddle and vaulted back onto her horse. Zhu Dancheng was far behind them, to head off their enemy should he appear. He had been unable to help when he saw Duan Yu fall, but shouted out: “Nice one!” at Mu Wanqing’s quick reaction.

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter VI (II)

Duan Yu didn’t want to go back home. But now that Zhu Dancheng had found him, it would seem he had no choice. He thought he might find some means of slipping away as they made their way down the mountain. Mu Wanqing, for her part, was dying to ask Duan Yu what had happened to him over the past seven days. However, it seemed inappropriate to talk about it with Zhu Dancheng there.

Zhu Dancheng had brought along some dry rations, which he distributed to the two young people. They made their way down without incident, and after walking some distance, came upon five handsome horses tethered among the trees. They belonged to the five officials who had been searching for Duan Yu. Zhu Dancheng led three horses over, waiting for Duan Yu and Mu Wanqing to mount before getting on his own steed and following behind them. They stopped to rest at a small inn, renting three rooms. Zhu Dancheng also bought a pair of new pants for Duan Yu, relieving him of his bare-bottomed status.

Shutting the door of her own room, Mu Wanqing sat down and stared at the red candle that was on a table. She was happy and anxious at the same time. My beloved searched for me despite all the danger he faced, she thought. It seems that his feelings for me run deep. I’ve been cursing him for being a fickle-minded man these past few days; now I see that I’ve wronged him. Look at how respectfully that Zhu Dancheng speaks to him. It’s clear he is the son of some great official. And I am just a girl with no family to speak of. How awkward it will be for me to follow him home, even though we are engaged. What if his uncle and father treat him badly? What if they don’t take me seriously? Ha, I’ll shoot them all with my poisoned arrows. All except Duan Yu.

Just as she was thinking these fierce thoughts, two light taps sounded at her window. Mu Wanqing extinguished the candle flame with a wave of her hand. She heard Duan Yu’s voice coming from outside the window. “It’s me,” he said.

The sound of his voice, seeking her out so late at night, made her heart hammer wildly in her chest. She felt her cheeks burn in the darkness. “What is it?” she whispered back.

“I’ll tell you when you open the window.”

“No!” She slid into a fighting pose, thinking as she did so how odd it was that she should be afraid of a weak, scholarly young man.

Duan Yu didn’t understand why Mu Wanqing was refusing to open the window. “Alright, then hurry up and come out,” he said. “Let’s get going.”

With one swift jab, Mu Wanqing made a hole in the flimsy paper window. “Why?” she asked.

“Brother Zhu is sleeping, don’t wake him up,” Duan Yu replied. “I don’t want to go home.”

Since Mu Wanqing had been worried about meeting Duan Yu’s parents, she was delighted to hear this. She gently pushed the window open and leapt out. “I’ll get the horses,” Duan Yu whispered. Mu Wanqing waved her hand to stop him. Slipping one arm around his waist, she took a deep breath and ran the both of them up to the top of the wall. Once on top, they quietly jumped over to the other side.

“The horses’ hooves will make a noise, and your Brother Zhu will hear them at once,” she said.

“Good thing you thought of that,” Duan Yu said, grinning.

The pair headed east, hand in hand. After some time without hearing any sound of pursuit, they relaxed. “Why don’t you want to go home?” Mu Wanqing asked.

“My uncle and father will lock me up the moment I get back, and I’ll never be let out again,” Duan Yu said. “I may never see you again.”

Mu Wanqing was very pleased to hear this. “Alright, then we shouldn’t go to your home,” she said. “From now on, the two of us will wander about in the wild, living a carefree life. Where shall we go now?”

“First, we must make sure Fourth Brother Zhu and Uncle Gao don’t catch us. And next, we have to avoid the Crocodile God.”

The girl nodded. “Yes. Let’s head northwest. With any luck we can find a village in which to hide. After ten days, or a week, when my wounds have fully healed, we will have nothing to fear.”

The two immediately set off in the direction she had specified, not daring to tarry. They hoped to leave Wuliang Mountain as far behind as they could.

When day broke, Mu Wanqing said: “I’m sure Gu Suwang’s bunch of fools are still searching for me. If we travel during the day, we risk being found. Let’s find somewhere to rest and hide. We will eat and sleep in the day, and travel at night.”

Duan Yu, not knowing anything of the martial world, simply replied: “Alright, whatever you say.”

“After we eat, you had better tell me exactly what you did over the past seven days,” she continued. “If I hear even the faintest suggestion of a lie, you-” She suddenly broke off talking and yelped in pain.

Looking up, they saw three horses tethered under the shade of a willow tree up ahead. A man was sitting on a boulder with a scroll in his head, wagging his head as he recited something to himself. It was Zhu Dancheng. Duan Yu’s jaw dropped and he seized Mu Wanqing’s hand. “Let’s go!”

But it was clear to Mu Wanqing that Zhu Dancheng had heard the two of them sneaking away last night. Knowing that they would have been forced to move slowly and take the road since Duan Yu had no qinggong, he had simply saddled the horses and looped around them. 

She frowned. “Idiot, he’s already caught us. Where are we going to go?” She took a few steps forward. “Hey! Are you studying for the imperial examination or something, with your nose in a book so early in the morning?”

Zhu Dancheng laughed. Looking at Duan Yu, he said: “Young master, guess what poem I’m reading?” Then he recited in a loud voice: 

A lone bird calls in an old tree.

An ape howls in the lonely mountain.

My eyes filled with a thousand hurts,

I tremble before nine spirits.

Who does not fear hardship? 

Yet I am grateful to my homeland.

The Chu make only one promise,

Their words carry a heavy weight.

A man fulfils his promise

Who then will dispute his honour?

“Is this not Wei Zheng’s Reflections?” Duan Yu asked.

Zhu Dancheng smiled. “The young master has indeed read widely, and I hold him in high esteem.” Duan Yu understood what the other man had been trying to tell him, through the poem. He had braved the dangers of the night to follow after him because he owed Duan Yu’s uncle and father a debt of gratitude, and did not want to fail them. He was also reminding Duan Yu that he had agreed to return home, and should not go back on his promise.

Mu Wanqing had already gone over to untie the horses. “I don’t know if we were on the correct road to Dali,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter,” Zhu Dancheng replied. “One may go left or right, east or west, but eventually one will reach Dali.”

Yesterday, he had let Duan Yu ride the best horse. But today, he took that horse for himself. That way, should the couple attempt to escape on horseback, he would have no trouble catching up.