Chapter 10: THE PIECES IN MOTION

WHEN THE SCHOLARS HAD FIRST arrived in the Ming Empire's capital, Famin Jie had just concluded his communion in solitude inside the Secret Place. Within the walls of the Sanctuary at the top of the Celestial Peak in Huangshan mountain range, Master Lo too had arrived in the very steps of the monastery.

"The prompting in my heart has led me back into the halls of the Sanctuary. I have many fond memories here for it is where my life in the knowledge of truth first began many years ago," said Master Lo delightedly. "My arrival is even more blessed that I am able to see you again, my dear friends," he said to the Keeper and Famin Jie.

"Disturbed has been my spirit of late and my dreams have become dark during the night. I have returned in search of the answers to the disturbances of my peace, but good to see you it is, friend," said Famin Jie.

"It is indeed truly a delight to see you again, Master Lo, and very timely as well," said the Keeper. "I am also certain that the promptings within your heart are of reasonable cause. Divine orchestration has brought us all here in preparation for what has and is to come. Such is the nature of Heaven, to direct the paths of unlikely individuals to do mighty things," he said with a smile.

"As much as I am overjoyed to see you once again, we must be focused upon the task that has been entrusted to us. In my solitude in the Secret Place I meditated and cried out for the revelation of Heaven's will. My cries... did not go unanswered," said Famin Jie to the group which looked to him eagerly in anticipation of what he was to say. "Believe me when I say that a figure with a powerful presence descended from the top of the mountain. It appeared before me with instructions from Heaven. He said that the time for the restoration of the great Way is nigh, and the orchestration of key events present and future are in place to see it done. The only thing required of us now is obedience... by journeying to Beijing to meet the emperor," said Famin Jie earnestly to everyone listening.

"A mysterious figure descended from the peak of the mountain you say?" said the Keeper. "None inhabit the mountain's peak. But if what you say is true, then that presence, which has not revealed itself for a very long time, is a sign of a great time of testing. Truly our situation has become momentous," he said deeply whilst stroking his silky white beard.The rest merely looked to each other and shrugged.

"Well, I'm not sure how in the world we're going to manage to get to Beijing and meet the emperor, but seeing as I have no place else to go, I will go with you. It'd be a long journey, but Beijing seems like a good destination," remarked Jirgal.

"I see the nobility of this cause and long have I searched for a meaningful undertaking since the day of my banishment. I too, therefore, will accompany you there," pledged Zuo Shilong.

"I have been brought here for good reason and in obedience, I will be with you through this great task with courage and faith," said Master Lo with assurance and encouragement.

"It is done then," remarked the Keeper. "The sages of old have long sought the restoration of the great Way and Heaven is finally fulfilling that same dream we share to this day. Go forth in peace and let not the darkness cause you to stray." To Zuo Shilong, the Keeper presented a long metallic rod of elaborate engravings. The mid-point of the staff was carved with an ancient writing style that could be most closely read as "Never for self-gain, but for the benefit of others". It was heavy, but wonderfully balanced and adamantine.

"This once belonged to a great fighter who also found his way here many years ago. Before he passed away, he requested that the staff be gifted to whoever was of worthy character," said the Keeper. "I believe I have seen that worthy character in this young monk. It wields the power to stop a tiger with one swift blow. May it serve you well in the cause of righteousness." Zuo Shilong graciously accepted the gift which the Keeper wrapped in cloth and tied with silk cordage.

"You honor me with this tremendous gift, Keeper. I feel unworthy, but... I shall wield it skillfully and virtuously," said Zuo Shilong. He did not question the decision of the wise Keeper. With these words, the group proceeded out of the Huangshan range through a broad path behind the Sanctuary that led directly North towards the capital. The restoration of the Way over all the Middle Kingdom now rested upon a humble teacher, a meek sword master, a fallen monk, and a wise-cracking nomad descended from the horse masters of the steppe.

The distant howls and cries of the Yeren continued to echo through the valley and the mountains in response to the great disturbances in the delicate balance of the metaphysical realm which they painfully feel within their very own life force.

****

After hiring a boatman to ferry him across the river, Sun Xin pushed his mount towards the mountains of the Wudang located to the north of Huguang at the border of the province. The thickness of the forest and the steep uneven terrain was cause for the slowing of his pace lest the horse slip and become lame. At the edge of the mountains, a multitude of people scrambled hurriedly through the woods. "You there, stop!" he called out to one of the fleeing townsfolk. "What has happened?"

"Marauders have overtaken the village and burned it to the ground!" she cried. "We tried looking for soldiers to help us, but we couldn't find anyone! Please save us. They're still hunting us down!"

"Everyone, make your way to the Wudang temple. Make haste to the foot of the mountain!" Xin said to the people.

The people listened and redirected their route toward Wudang Mountain to find refuge among the warrior priests and nuns of the temple.

Looking to the east, Sun Xin observed a company of figures clad in black robes and demonic war masks pursuing the villagers with great speed. They wielded sabers, ropes, and pikes of sorts which they used to cut down stragglers. As the people cried and fled in a panic, Sun Xin dismounted swooped in with his sword drawn to meet them head on.

He crossed blades with the first two attackers, but it became immediately apparent that they were no ordinary fighters. They were much stronger and faster than those from their counterparts and quickly he found himself becoming unable to compensate. The first attacker was surprisingly resilient and able to withstand several fatal blows before finally succumbing to the attacks. The second stood his own against Xin's techniques with unexpected reflexes and strength. Xin strained to take him down as well. A series of rapid fire kicks and open hand techniques were necessary to keep him at bay and finally defeat him. After the second fighter fell, over one dozen of the other attackers charged with great speed towards Xin.

He grew alarmed and was forced to retreat uphill to lure them away from the townsfolk. His strategy was simple and classic. The fastest of the group would charge ahead of the rest. He would then turn to slay him and then fall back to repeat the process. Despite his reputation for having great speed, Xin had difficulty maintaining his pace ahead of the vicious pack as their snarling and growling became audibly closer and closer. Eleven remained and Xin judged that he should stand his ground against them. They surrounded Xin with weapons at the ready. Some perched on branches directly above poised to strike at any angle. Their breathing was eerily labored. With a loud screech they attacked, but all of a sudden, out from the brush and foliage canopy, several Wudang priests leaped at the occultists, striking them down with their blades using the fluid techniques for which they were renowned.

Xin eased his stance and watched as the Wudang priests bring down the attackers methodically and gracefully. The battle lasted only several moments and one managed to escape into the thickness of the forest. The priests turned to attend to the refugees who have already begun the climb up the mountain to the temples at the peak. One of the priests approached Sun Xin and greeted him fist in hand.

"It has been a long time, Xin" she said, her voice warm and tart. Xin recognized her as one of his old training partners during his brief stay at Wudang. Her name was Yang Mai and had been a close friend to Xin during their younger days. Her beauty had matured since they had last met, but her round face retained its smooth and fair complexion.

"It has indeed been some time, good friend," replied Xin as he returned gesture. "I am afraid there is not much time for pleasantries for I am on an errand of great urgency." They turned to examine the bodies of their defeated foes. "There is something very dark at work in our lands and that this in accord with the arrival of our new enemies the Pale Foreigners. It is of no mere coincidence," he said.

"Yes, I too have recently heard much of these mysterious visitors from an alien land. They bring malice and ill-intent. I connect their arrival with the sudden surge of activity among the sects," said Yang. Xin leaned over one of the dead and removed the ghastly mask on the body's face. What he saw was not pleasant in the least. The occultists face had deformed to abnormal proportions that no longer resembled a man. His skin was a pale blue and his pupils were near white. The others also possessed the same mutations. The sight of it startled Yang.

"What foul alchemy could have caused this?" she asked in disgust. On the belts of every occultist hung a small calabash canteen that contained a bitter-smelling black potion.

"I believe this is the source of their new-found abilities and fierce physical appearance," said Xin as he poured the gourd's contents.

"Even its odor is evil. The sects have been experimenting with elixirs and potions of long lost alchemies. I am not surprised," she said. "This sect has been Wudang's rival for many years. They are the antithesis of Wudang. Their wiles rarely succeed, though."

Xin and Yang then proceeded up to the mountain following the refugees and the other priests that escorted them up the precarious and ancient moss-covered stone steps towards the palace of temples at the top. The Wudang monastery was nestled cozily upon of the mountain as it had always been for hundreds of years. It was a very sacred spiritual place for the priests who spent their days venerating many deities whose images stood as the centerpieces for many of the temples throughout the monastery grounds. The mountain was covered with thick forest and was continually shrouded in gray mist and clouds which further added to the mystical aura for which Wudang Mountain was well known. Hours of climbing steep stone steps led to the very top where the Purple Cloud Temple stood majestically at the heart of the complex themed with bright red walls and forest green rooftops surrounded by towering trees and shallow cliffs covered in lush vegetation. At the base of its steps in the small yard and beyond, the refugees hustled together for warmth as the priests distributed what little food and blankets they could provide. Many of the priests were delighted upon Sun Xin's unexpected reappearance.

Together with the elders of the priesthood they gathered around Xin to hear what he had to say. He told them that the attack upon the villages and how the noticeable rise of terror organizations and secret societies across the land was merely the beginning of their woes. He warned them that safe havens like the monastery were under imminent attack from such secret societies that would only likely grow in strength and frequency. He had told them what he knew concerning the arrival of the Terukk and the unfortunate turn of events that has caused their initiation of hostility with the Ming.

"This sudden act of hostility is but a taste of the hardships to come for us and the people. The arrival of the Pale Foreigners has initiated a movement amongst all followers of Wulin but I have yet to discover whether the Foreigners are directly responsible for these uprisings," Xin told them. "Of this we can be certain: the forces of the Underworld are rallying against us and we must be ready to take a stand for our own survival." He had also respectfully requested, that though the priests of Wudang were exempt from militaristic services, they would still be called upon to defend their homeland in aid of the Scholars for the Ming's struggle against the Foreigners was now also their very own as well..

After he had given the Wudang priests these warnings and requests he bid them farewell and good fortune for any impending battles they may have against the enemy.

He left the mountain the following morning with great speed some few hundred li up north towards the edge of the province where yet another sect of great warrior monks have established their domain in the mountains of Shaoshi. After days pushing his mount to full gallop for days of expedient travel through the old roads and beaten paths of the provinces, Sun Xin stumbled upon a large clearing in the forest far in the distance. From the elevated beaten path where he had directed his horse, he saw legions of men encamped in valley.

A thousand trees had been cut and thousands more tents had been erected at this large gathering of men dressed in black robes similar to those he had defeated at the foot of the Wudang Mountains. An army of dark occultists and rebels from the secret societies were being united under a common banner and was amassing at the very doorstep of the civilized world. Herds of foul Nian-like beasts gathered in the makeshift stables of their remote encampments. A very tall and imposing figure at the head of the encampment was stirring up this dark army, their thundering shouts and chants echoed across the valley and reverberated through the trees. What they were shouting and chanting was unclear, but it became apparent that the words were not of the Middle Kingdom for it possessed a negative power that weighed heavily upon Xin. Large vessels were erected at the rear of the camp and emitted large plumes of steam with a hue of blue. Companies of men made their way through them entering on one side, and exiting out the other. What it was he was observing, Xin could not be certain, but the very arrangement looked sinister.

"Who're they?" he asked himself. "Black Dragon School? Eye of the Serpent and Crimson Moon? An alliance of the three?" These questions aggravated the sense of urgency he developed since leaving Wudang Mountain.

He could not observe them for more than a few moments as he was no longer able to tolerate the oppression he felt from their accursed shouting and chanting. Xin discovered he was not alone in his oppression when he heard the painful howls of the Yeren in the distance.

From the west, yet another creature of ancient myth emerged from the woods and gazed upon the black army in the valley. Far into the distance, Sun Xin observed that it had the body of a lion, the face of a dragon, and the long pointed horn of a unicorn. It was perhaps the legendary creature Xiezhi –a beast supposedly possessing supernatural instincts with the sole purpose of dispensing justice and punishment against wrongdoers. It appeared that it was poising itself to take aggressive action whenever it would happen. He sighed and shook his head before massaging his eyes. He looked into the distance once again and saw it gone.

"I need to get it together. I'm starting to see things," he told himself.

Bearing witness to all these things further hastened Sun Xin's steps towards the capital. He reared his horse and galloped north towards the Shaoshi Mountains to seek more urgent aid for this new domestic crisis. The monks there knew of him and were on good terms with him despite how much they disagreed with his methods. Their support would prove to be indispensable to the Scholars for the great battles ahead.

****

After the party of four had left the Sanctuary at Huangshan, Zuo Shilong passed the time by engaging in deep conversation with Famin Jie whom he had been calling "teacher". He wanted to know so much about this "Way" that Famin Jie continually spoke of and what it meant for people and society. It was unlike anything he had ever heard and it greatly intrigued him though he struggled to comprehend it.

"The Way is. It is Heaven's revelation to man and the transcendent moral path given to us so that we should live in accordance with it. This is what it means to be in harmony with the Way. It is infinite; it is timeless, eternal. It is from the immaterial and transcendent Way that the cosmos and all of physicality were birthed. It nourishes all things with power, balance, harmony, and fine-tuned perfection. It is inseparable with Heaven for they eternally existed in the beginning. Being the cause of the infinitely complex universe, the Way is the source of all truth, wisdom, and knowledge. It is the only window into knowing the character, nature, and power of the Most High. Those who live in accord with the Way obey the will of Heaven and those who obey Heaven's will are therefore in harmony with the Way. Thus it is the standard of righteousness and the key to the perfect civilization. The Middle Kingdom has thrived for thousands of years because our ancestors obeyed Heaven and because the Way prevailed over all the land. It was sufficient so that even long after it had been lost and forgotten, Heaven's blessings continue to this day... though I am afraid that the Spirit has retreated from us in these times," Famin said sadly. He looked ahead in deep thought as Zuo Shilong continued his queries. His mind struggled to comprehend such questionable beliefs.

"How do we know if we're living in accordance with the Way?" he asked.

"It has been written since time immemorial and preserved through the ages. The Way is this written Word."

"Where is it?" he asked.

"I will reveal it to you when the time is right," Famin Jie answered.

Zuo Shilong continued to listen nonetheless.

"The ultimate expression of the Way is Love. This makes it the greatest of all the ethics! The Old Master said 2,000 years ago: 'I have three treasures in me. The first of these is Love.' Therefore I can say that Love is synonymous with the Way of Heaven."

"How can the Way of Heaven be love? Death, disease, famine, and war abound. If it were indeed 'love', Heaven would not allow such afflictions to fall upon the world? Evil men would be instantly struck down and suffering in any form would be no more," said Shilong passionately.

"Many men have chosen the path of wickedness and that choice is theirs alone. However, the standard of Heaven is perfection in all things, and therefore by that same standard it may seem, no one is worthy. It is by divine mercy that we have not all been 'instantly struck down' already. We are given much time to change our ways to choose righteousness. All people will be judged and those that deserve punishment will be granted it. Both the worst and greatest of men are short of Heaven's standards. Even if one bridge is far longer than the other, it is for naught if it cannot reach the other side. By man's efforts alone, the other side is unreachable. How do we reach the other side? It is by only the Way."

"That is a profound teaching, teacher Jie. But I am still not satisfied. What about the millions of suffering innocents all over the world inflicted with disease, hunger, and death? Why should not Heaven miraculously catch someone falling from the mountain to save him from death?" asked Zuo Shilong meaningfully.

"Why stop there? Why should not Heaven restrain your foot to keep you from stumbling over a rock or catch your cup to keep the tea from spilling? What you are asking for, friend, is a reality other than humanity. We cannot know why there is so much pain allowed in the world, but we can bear witness to the grand orchestrations of Heaven navigating through the darkness so that we may experience the ultimate victory that comes with choosing love and choosing to walk in righteousness despite the great tribulations we face. In the end, we will realize there are reasons why we are not always rescued from disaster and suffering: so that we may also see the sovereignty of Heaven... and the triumph of truth and light overcoming deceit and darkness," Famin Jie preached.

Zuo Shilong looked ahead with a blank stare while massaging his bald head. He was trying to grasp the profundity of what Famin Jie had shared. Jirgal had been at the rear of the group and was listening intently.

"My head hurts," he said.

"So... how did you discover the Way in your life?" Zuo asked. "Learning the Way is a continuous undertaking that requires eternity. Just like you I had begun asking many questions in my life. Though I was young, I had wealth, land, influence, and a promising career. I did not care for the philosophical or of the spiritual. I was enthralled with what the world had to offer," Famin's face turned gloomy as he collected his memories. "Life for me then was like climbing a mountain where my ultimate goal lay in reaching the peak: wealth, power, and land. When I had finally reached the peak did you know what I found?" he asked Zuo Shilong seriously. "Nothing. I found absolutely nothing."

The rest of the group kept silent except Jirgal. "Well that's quite encouraging," he quipped sarcastically with noticeable discouragement.

"Reaching my ultimate goal only to find nothing was at the top tore me apart. I searched desperately for what it was that was missing in my life. My spirit grew much clouded and my mind was full of noise. In my arrogance I had failed to listen to wiser counsel and in one night, I lost everything I had worked for. I was a broken man. For many months I wandered the wilderness in my grief until I had stumbled upon the Sanctuary. The Keeper took me in as his brother and loved me. It was in the Sanctuary I had found rehabilitation and my journey of discovering the Way first began. First I humbled myself and acknowledged the sovereignty of Heaven. Second I became still and quite so that I could listen and not just hear. Third, through humility and stillness of mind and spirit, I cultivated a passionate and sincere search for the truth. Heaven saw me and answered the longing of my heart. Thus began my journey of discovery of the Way."

"How then can I begin my discovery of the Way?"

"In meditation, surrender yourself completely to Heaven and open your heart to receive Heaven's Way. With a genuine conviction, release yourself from carnal pursuits. Follow the Will of Heaven and love your neighbors impartially," answered Famin Jie plainly.

"Just who exactly are my neighbors?" Zuo asked. Before Famin could produce a response, a large, muscular man sitting limp and bloodied on the back of his horse approached them from the north. Master Lo caught him before he could fall.

"My men... all killed. They killed them all!" he mumbled, barely able to either speak or open his eyes. "They ambushed us out of nowhere, those beasts of the night. I can still hear their screams and their blood, but I made it out. I tried to fight but-but, they were everywhere," the large man rambled before he slipped into unconsciousness. On his horse was slung a large long-handled saber. It was the crescent blade that Zuo Shilong immediately recognized. "That is Buff Baby. He is a bandit of the mountain whom the teacher and I encountered prior to our arrival at the Sanctuary," said Zuo Shilong.

When the sun had set, the group set up camp while Famin Jie and Master Lo nursed Buff Baby's wounds by the campfire. The smell of Famin's herbs inside the bandages filled the air as Master Lo treated him with fine acupuncture needles to relieve the pain.

"Earlier you had asked who were your neighbors," said Famin Jie to Zuo Shilong. "The true question is: will you be a neighbor to all people?" Zuo Shilong pondered upon the teacher's words for the rest of the night. He could not reconcile treating the wounds of a man that would have killed them before. By dawn the group had awakened to the moans and groans of Buff Baby who was emerging out of his unconsciousness though was apparently still in pain. He had fully awakened soon after Famin Jie and Master Lo had administered additional treatments. Buff Baby had remained silent throughout breakfast barely blinking an eye or bothering to look at the others around him. It was when they were making preparations to leave that he finally spoke.

"I... uhm... I thank ye masters for coming to my aid. I would've perished on my own," he said in the low tone of his deep voice.

"What happened to you and your merry band?" asked Famin Jie.

"We had been pursued for days through the woods and mountains by attackers dressed in dark robes and masks. We had fought as hard as we could, but alas we were separated. I suspect I am the sole survivor. I took my mount and fled for the next few days before finding you all." He paused for a moment and looked down. "They were not human. Their strength and ferocity was that of a beast," he recalled. After he had finished telling them his story he grabbed his share of food and stuffed his face. The rest of the group looked at each other in concern of his story and whether or not they would suffer a similar end while en route to the capital. Safety was now their priority and avoiding conflict was of utmost importance.

"We can expedite our journey if we head northeast to the Grand Canal towards the city of Hangzhou and cut through Shandong province on a ferry," said Master Lo as he surveyed an old map. "I also know of old unknown roads that would help ensure our safe passage where ambush would be most difficult."

As soon as they had prepared to leave, Buff Baby kowtowed before Master Lo and Famin Jie in deep gratitude for saving his life. While on his knees he pledged his allegiance to them and begged forgiveness from Famin for their earlier hostile encounter. "I pledge my services to you, Masters for saving my life despite my unworthiness and my crimes. From this day forward until my death, I pledge my skills and my blade for your protection and for the battles you will engage," declared Buff Baby before them.

With a gentle smile on his face, Famin picked him up from his feet and reassured him. "The biggest battles a person will face are of the mind and of the spirit, my friend. I have forgiven you on the very same day we made our first encounter. I am overjoyed at your repentance, but there is no need for such passionate pledging. However, we would be delighted if you would join us. We have more than enough provisions to make room for one more," said Famin. Buff Baby was overwhelmed with gladness upon receiving the offer and grabbed Famin Jie and Master Lo off their feet in a bone-crushing embrace.

"We do not doubt your great strength or that you have recovered so quickly, sir. Put me down now," said Master Lo as respectfully as he could. Buff Baby let them down gently and laughed in embarrassment. Zuo Shilong observed him not sure whether or not the bandit was to be trusted. He'd be sure to keep an eye on him.

"Do not think for a second I will share my rations with you so easily, big guy," joked Jirgal. "No, really, I will not."

Buff Baby released a hearty laugh though he stopped and winced when it aggravated his injuries. So the company of five continued their trek north towards the capital taking the roads and trails that leaned to the east. Despite fancying himself as a "notorious" bandit, Buff Baby was quite child-like, loud, and a bit talkative as he often bragged about his adventures or exploits in the brief time he was a rogue, if he legitimately ever was one. Zuo Shilong shook his head while Jirgal just rolled his eyes.

"I certainly hope you do not harbor hard feelings over our previous encounter, monk," said Buff Baby. "It is never easy to accept that there is someone who in truth is more skilled in combat than you."

"Oh, is that why after the end of our fight you were the one asleep on the ground and I remained uninjured?" said Zuo Shilong with a smirk.

"Do not think for a moment that your lucky hit proved anything, for luck was all it was, and luck it shall always be for you!" Buff Baby spat.

"Care to test your theory?" Both warriors jumped from their horses ready to brawl when Master Lo jumped in between them and scolded them for acting like children.

"We've no time for these shenanigans!" he shouted.

Jirgal sat in the background laughing apparently entertained and thoroughly amused at the friction between the monk and the bandit.

"The last time some tough guy challenged me to a fight..." he gestured aiming a bow, "I just shot him in the foot." He giggled with satisfaction at the memory. Famin Jie just shook his head at their silly behavior.

"Humility is the key to resolving conflicts with your neighbors before they even start," he told them. Buff Baby and Zuo Shilong remained silent for the rest of the day while Jirgal whistled and hummed, carefree as he usually was.

****

After nearly a nonstop journey cutting through the province of Huguang, Sun Xin finally made it to the Shaolin monastery at the heart of Shaoshi Mountain. He dismounted and rubbed his stallion's crest.

"Good boy, Cloud," he said as he brushed the mane. The horse breathed deep and heavy, but still managed to nibble the treats from Xin's hand.

The entrance upon the red buildings of the monastery had two stone lions on either side, the ferocity of their faces representing the explosive combative arts for which the warrior monks were most renowned. He was greeted by one of the students who immediately recognized him and welcomed him inside the temple grounds. There, in the courtyard, he watched the monks practice their forms in unison, shouting with each defining technique. They were fast, precise, and powerful, masters of many weapons. Their skills were able to impress any warrior of the highest caliber. Just like the Wudang priests who practiced the internal combative arts, Xin had also good relations with the Shaolin sect, masters of the external combative arts. On more than one occasion he had come to their aid in battle and had earned asylum within the monastery. There in the stone Pagoda Forest near the temple, he spoke with the monastery's abbot and Master dressed in yellow and red robes and held a long staff called a Xizhang that featured a large ornament with hanging rings on the top end.

Sun Xin explained all that was happening to the country and what he had witnessed on his way in an effort to convince the Master that the very temple of Shaolin was in grave danger.

"We of the Shaolin Monastery abstain from worldly pursuits and the affairs of men. But it seems we will not be able to avoid this coming threat. We will take up arms for the emperor just when the time is right," they pledged. They and several of the elder monks devised various contingency plans should the worst come to pass.

Xin assured them that the Scholars and the Imperial Army would come to their aid should they come under serious attack, and advised them to retreat to the capital should the monastery be overrun by the Underworld amassing in hidden place across the provinces. The warrior monks were not unfamiliar with battles against overwhelming odds. Their one thousand year history had been marked by continual warring with rival sects, bandits, and invaders.

By law they were subject to the emperor and were required to serve militarily if they were called upon during times of crisis. The monks knew that time was imminent and assured Xin that they would be ready to act should anything happen. They proceeded to contact the other schools of the Shaolin sect to coordinate with them and make arrangements for the time of crisis.

"I must ask you, Swordmaster, if upon your travels you encountered a wandering monk from this temple," asked the abbot. "His name is Zuo Shilong. He is most inquisitive and rather naïve concerning life," said the abbot.

"I'm sorry, I have not. I would have most definitely remembered him," Xin answered.

"If you should find him... tell him to take care and be watchful of the paths he treads." Sun Xin agreed and after he and his horse had eaten and briefly rested, he continued his rugged journey to Beijing, ferrying across the Wei River and passing many towns and villages. His heart worried for the innocent people of these places who lived quiet simple lives. Many lay undefended now that the imperial forces were being called elsewhere in light of recent events.

The people were the most vulnerable to threat upon the Middle Kingdom. It was for them that he decided to take his sword to the

wilderness in the first place. Remembering this hastened his journey.