Chapter 16: RIPENED FOR WAR

I have been polishing this sword for ten years;

Its frosty edge has never been put to the test,

I hold it and present it to you now, sir:

Is there anyone suffering from injustice?

-Jia Dao (Tang Dynasty)

TRIALS OF THE MIDDLE KINGDOM: BOOK TWO

CLASH OF ALLIANCES

Previously...

The winds of change blew strongly across the Middle Kingdom, and there was not a place where it could not be felt. Along with it came the cold, autumn air sweeping in from the North, blowing from the icy tundra and frozen wilderness that lay beyond the vast plains and grasslands. The imminence of a cold, cold winter was of little importance, however. There was yet another danger that stirred in the darkness and it could be felt by all who knew of its near-arrival. Not even the wolves howled, for an impending doom was threatening to engulf the Ming Dynasty and the world beyond its borders.

For four and a half thousand years, the Middle Kingdom stood as a beacon of majesty, a great civilization standing alone yet proud with pride, surrounded by wild jungles, and guarded by impenetrable mountain ranges inhabited by barbarians and tribes unknown. Many kings and emperors have laid claim to the Middle Kingdom's ever-shifting territories, establishing various dynasties, and launching eras of great wars sometimes lasting hundreds of years. Despite it all, the Middle Kingdom had always managed to find its feet, more proud and prosperous than ever before.

To the North, beyond the Great Wall which divided the "barbarian" horse nomads from the empire, the expanses of the Northern Yuan steppe stretched beyond the horizon. It served as the homeland of the Menggu nation, great archers and horsemen whose tribes had once been united and had nearly conquered the world. Their century-long rule over the Middle Kingdom came to an end when a peasant and warrior monk named Zhu Yuanzhang rose from the ashes to reunite the people in order to oust the horse masters once and for all. He established himself as the emperor of a new dynasty. He called it Ming as it was the beginning of a bright new era which ended a very dark age. Still, long after they had been ousted, rogue clans of Menggu continued to raid and pillage the outskirts of the empire like a knife that continued to prod an open wound. Prolonged conflicts with them were beginning to take its toll.

Many nations greatly admired the Middle Kingdom and for hundreds of years paid handsome tribute to the Ming emperor to symbolize their submission to the power of the Empire above all other kingdoms. However, this was no longer to be. After one hundred twenty four years, the supremacy of the Ming Dynasty had finally been opposed by a challenger.

A great and terrifying new force had emerged from a dark, unknown corner of the world. This time, it arrived not from the steppes of the north or the deserts of the west, but from the sea, and it challenged the very supremacy the Ming Empire had long claimed. All the Middle Kingdom now waits in fear, anticipating the imminent arrival of that foreign power. The great war of the age was nigh, and all within the emperor's court knew it. The power called itself "Terukk". Terrifying were they- tall, startlingly pale with skin as white as ivory, ears long and pointed like that of a bat, and eyes as red as molten steel. Beyond their unsettling physical appearance and evil intent, naught but mystery shrouded them.

There had only been but a small number in the beginning, a lightly-armed diplomatic assembly who had made their presence known to the capital and to other provinces along the eastern coast. They sought trade and cultural exchange with the great Ming Empire, or so they said. Only deceit and treachery followed in their wake. Many officers within the Imperial Secret Police, puppets of traitorous eunuchs within the court and the spy bureaus from the Eastern and Western Depots, had completely defected to them, and many civil servants within the imperial and provincial governments had been seduced into the Terukk cause.

It was not long until a political cabal known as the League of Martial Scholars had discovered a conspiracy unfolding within the emperor's palace that they intervened to save the royal family and their country. They ousted the traitorous officials and declared war on the foreigners. The course of action was an open defiance to the Terukk presence. Fortunately the defectors and their lackeys, nearly one hundred thousand strong, had all been slain in the first great battle of this new war... after they had already been mutated out of their own humanity by foul Terukk alchemy. Enemies from across the empire were still at large, possibly conspiring with the Terukk and amassing forces from within Wulin- the Middle Kingdom's underworld. The traitors' knowledge of the government and its workings would be employed to overthrow the very nation they once swore to serve, for they had been seduced by their lies and deceit, buying into false promises of power and life and the establishment of a "new world order".

Five core members led the order that was the League of Martial Scholars. They commanded a small army of scholar-warriors known as "Martial Academicians"-talented individuals secretly selected from the student body of their Academy and main headquarters in Guangzhou city.

The Martial Scholars had yet another secret weapon: a legendary swordsman of incredible skill and strength named Sun Xin; he shared their creed. For years he had fought under their banner, working furiously in service to their creed by combating the agents of the Underworld and resisting the new foreign invaders with whom they collaborated. With the Underworld undergoing an awakening, and creatures thought only to be of myth making sudden appearances, the fate of the Middle Kingdom now hung in the balance.

After all that had been done to preserve the Ming Dynasty from subjugation and collapse, there were still others whom the Terukk had not expected to stand in the way of their conquest. A mysterious hermit, a "sage", had emerged from secrecy to answer a call he believed was divine.

"Heaven," he said, "has ordained my steps." He had made many claims, some seemingly outlandish or downright preposterous of things concerning the rise of evil and its connection to the arrival of the Terukk. His name was Famin Jie, and he stood before the Emperor telling him the truth of what was transpiring, that the Middle Kingdom was undergoing a series of great trials which were not just of flesh, blood and bone, but of the spirit. The emperor had decided to heed his counsel after bearing witness to a tremendous and inexplicable vision which he took as a sign that the sage indeed spoke the truth. The rest of the emperor's court had their doubts concerning the sage and have kept a close watch on his intentions throughout their ordeal.

News about what had occurred with the Terukk had already spread throughout every city, town, and village in the Middle Kingdom. The millions that roamed the streets conducted their everyday business with a growing tension and fear that could be felt in the very earth. Festivities were postponed and many had already taken measures to evacuate their homes should the worst come to pass. The city gates were becoming flooded with refugees from near and far, seeking safety behind the massive, impervious walls. Even traveling merchants and poor peasant farmers knew that the resurgence of the Underworld was no coincidence, for it was as if the ones amassing in the dark were answering a call that not only heralded the arrival of the Terukk, but the dawn of a terrible new era.

The fate of the entire Middle Kingdom rested on the shoulders of the few who stood within the walls and halls of the Forbidden City... and upon a small band of misfits brought together by divine providence: a failed bandit leader, a banished Shaolin monk, a poor Menggu merchant, and a crazed pyrotechnician.

The massive imperial palace which the emperor called home was now the most heavily-guarded place in the known world, protected by hundreds of armored Martial Academicians and thousands more by the elites of the Ming Imperial Army. Despite this, the young emperor felt completely vulnerable and helpless and he found little peace from the assurances of his court...

RIPENED FOR WAR

"I trust everything is on schedule with the Empire's preparation? Is the construction of an expanded navy proceeding according to plan?" said Emperor Zhu Youcheng looking to his ministers and officials for assurances. He paced worriedly before his throne, and his golden robes swayed to follow his movements. The golden headdress crown resting over his brow stayed crooked but he gave it no attention. "I need to hear it again, that every measure we are taking to ensure our defense is at its fullest potential. I want to be able to list them over and over in my mind."The emotional stress was becoming evident in his body. The young ruler, the wealthiest and most powerful monarch in the known world, was tensed and his shoulders hunched over as he stood with a slouch and a clenched jaw.

No one in the League of Martial Scholars or the ministers present in the hall could do anything to bring him some peace of mind. Everything that had taken place in the palace and the empire was unprecedented. Emperor Zhu Youcheng studied the faces of the new figures standing before him one by one, imprinting their faces into his mind. This secret and influential order that now spearheaded the nation's defenses had operated in shadow for many years under the nose of the empire long before he became ruler. It made him tick to know that they now helped him run his administration... but even the steely gaze he directed toward them softened upon remembering how they had saved his palace from destruction. They still had much to prove to him however, and despite this, he chose to trust the new members of his administration. He could not fight alone.

Nevertheless, the reports testified to the rapidity and efficacy of the administration. No ruler could have asked for more. "We have strategically stationed two garrisons around each of the city's walls, Imperial Majesty, with the southern side guarded by twenty thousand troops fully armed and backed by a dozen batteries of the newly-forged cannons. All refugees entering the city are being screened to ensure that each has the proper paperwork required to gain entry. Furthermore, the warships that had survived the recent battle are currently undergoing repairs and rearmament. The garrisons along the southern borders are currently being reinforced by the generals while the troops are being retrained and resupplied. Transitioning soldiers from years of farming in the garrisons to immediate battle effectiveness is no easy task... but they are making excellent progress nonetheless. The Ministry of War has worked tirelessly to ensure the efficacy of our preparations," reported Lu Guanying, leader of the League of Martial Scholars. "The Martial Scholars have very useful connections in the provinces that have optimized the logistical problems of preparing for war," he added.

Though the initial threat of the Terukk's mutant army had been dealt with swiftly, the Emperor, the officials of his court and the League of Martial Scholars knew that the real threat was well on its way. Their recent victory had surely only hastened the enemy's machinations against them.

"Through the coordinated efforts with the Ministries, the largest cities in the empire are being fortified as effectively as the capital, even as more refugees from exposed provinces are seeking entry. The same could be said of the Nine Border Garrisons in the north," said Lu Guanying with a hint of satisfaction. "Every piece is moving as fast as it can, I assure you, Emperor. There was never a time in history where developments occurred so efficiently. Even as we speak, many of your highest ranking officers and their troops congregate in several key strategic locations around the empire and are securing the old defenses."

"What about the traitors your Academicians have recently captured? Have any of them spoken yet?" the emperor asked.

"Many more have been arrested by another one of our bureaus in the south. Unfortunately, no torture or interrogation techniques have managed to compel them to reveal our enemies' plans. The survivors are locked in the underground dungeons and put in cangues. Despite this, Imperial Highness, I assure you that the council of my Order and our Academicians will deal with them swiftly, and employ every possible means to achieve our ends."

"I believe you, Scholar," the emperor said. "I admire the effectivity and efficiency of the Martial Scholars, even though they are technically working outside of the law. However, given with what I am hearing, I have no choice but to be satisfied and mandate that your work is of my government." He leaned back against his golden dragon throne and rubbed his chin. "I am pleased that you have captured the traitorous officials, but they're not even worthy of cangues. If they will not provide useful information, kill them. Execute them in the square. Have your Academicians arrest their immediate family members as well. If you suspect that they are withholding information, remove their heads. We cannot afford any sort of leniency. Now, tell me of our maritime defenses."

In response, Shang Jian, the strategist of the Martial Scholars, stepped forward to make a report and bowed. "Admiral Han Bin is leading a large squadron of heavy warships toward the southeastern coast as the first line of naval defense in the sea. The pirates and their lord, Mizushima, are still at large and continue to pose and imminent threat upon our seas. We can safely assume that they are waiting upon their Terukk lords. Our navy can equalize their threat in the meantime. Dozens of other ships are also patrolling the Grand Canal, armed with the improved weapons and armaments designed by General Jin's engineer Big Bang, I mean... Fung," he reported.

"With the prevailing winds and favorable currents that travel generally southward, the squadrons travel with the speed of horseback and will have arrived to their destinations by the end of the week. I would also like to add that the shipyards along the Grand Canal and in the old capital of Nanjing continue to work day and night. Soon their dry docks will be flooded and our navy will be stronger than it has ever been in decades. Our maintenance of a mere fifty ships will soon be three hundred." The Scholars spoke with great confidence, taking much pride and placing great hope in the strength of the Ming military.

"They were right," the young emperor thought as he sighed. The whole nation was already scrambling to muster every ounce of strength for the war. Every industry, every soldier, and every loyal civil servant across the empire was already commissioned to do everything needed to defend against the imminent invasion. "Yes, yes of course," the emperor muttered. He leaned on his knees and rubbed his eyes, then massaged his head, and took a deep long breath. "Let them come. Their hubris and insolence will be their undoing. If they think toppling the Ming would be so easy, they will be decimated by my fury," the emperor boldly proclaimed, his clenched fists shivered under his long flared sleeves.Despite his numerous anxieties, he sat with an imposing confidence befitting of his role as emperor. "I need to speak with the sage. Perhaps he could provide the spiritual insight that I require."

Faith, something the Martial Scholars and the ministers of the inner court thought little about, was what he needed most. It grew thinner the more he thought about their dire state of affairs. There was no use in staying distressed about the situation when everything that could be done was already being done. Having Famin Jie close to his counsel provided him some peace of mind and he was going to need him for spiritual guidance-something the Martial Scholars could not provide. That meek and humble sage held so much power, controlled and hidden. To have such a gift resulted in the attainment of higher wisdom that none else, not even those in the Ministry of Rites nor the leaders of the temple sects, held.

There was also great urgency in addressing the alarming threat of Wulin-the Underworld amassing deep within the wilderness expanses and cities across the Ming. It was an existential threat that the army should have subdued at the beginning of the Ming. That said, imperial commander He Feishen, the highest ranking officer in the entire Ming army, made a hasty entrance into the emperor's court. He had just returned from overseeing the army's preparations outside Beijing and from the relocation of his family within the capital's Imperial District. He arrived directly from the field after requesting an audience directly with the emperor; he had not even bothered to change into his official bright red robes. He had not even taken the time to groom himself and he seemed rather frustrated. The breeches of protocols were somewhat forgivable given the circumstances, and the emperor was too pragmatic to care. The warrior's tall, broad-shouldered frame and powerful presence commanded the attention of even the Martial Scholars.

He kowtowed before the Emperor and gave him a high salute before making his statements in the presence of the palace officials and the Martial Scholars. He was riled up and so eager for war that he unwittingly neglected expressing the required honorifics before the Emperor. Given the current state of affairs, that too was forgivable. His steel-toned voice directly reflected his fuming warrior spirit.

"We are all aware that the snow-skinned bastards are on their bloody way. However, our recent battles against their grunts do little to testify to the true strength of their forces," he said with a tone that sounded almost like a growl. His bulky, adamantine armor had been repaired and polished. The interwoven mountain-pattern scales shone beautifully even with the soft light of the overcast sky. "It is important that we do not underestimate them and be ready to face the possibility that their army may be superior to our own in more ways than one. But I am ready; needless to say-I am greatly dissatisfied that military preparations are not moving as swiftly as I had hoped. I have come to express my concerns about the bureaucratic obstacles that hamper our forces." His facial expression was fierce and his eyes shot a gaze that could pierce armor. Though he had just turned fifty, his entire countenance and body language screamed for battle. Those in the army say that his prowess in combat and unmatched leadership abilities were legendary in the and even before, when his physical and mental tests in the Ming Military Examinations had proven that he was, in fact, without equal. His subordinate officers claimed his martial arts abilities were unparalleled in the army and that he had only just begun to reach the zenith of his career. He is Yue Fei reincarnated! they claimed.

With the addition of his impressive military record, his younger brother, General He Jin, appeared laid back in comparison.

"As the field marshal and imperial unit commander of the army, I request that I be granted full control over all the land-based forces, independent of the meddling of the bureaucrats from the War Ministry. I guarantee that our military's effectiveness in this conflict will be greater than it has ever been. I continue to wrestle with these pesky paper-pushers, obstacles that inhibit me from training and mobilizing our forces the way I know best. Grant me this and we will increase the efficiency of our forces like never before," Feishen declared with a raised fist. "The effeminate officials pushing papers in the Ministry of War do not realize that warfare extends far beyond old books and scrolls. The pesky mandarins they have assigned to the field are starting to annoy me. Their lack of real-world experience makes them unqualified to make military decisions, Majesty. Unblemished hands are not worthy to point the direction in which my armies should march." He looked upon the civil servants with a hint of disdain and perhaps some bigotry. It was a drastic change in policy but even the Emperor saw the wisdom in it.

The Emperor smiled and chuckled with the imperial commander's expressed concerns. He admired Feishen's passion for leadership and warfare. "Your outspokenness and candidness about this important matter is well-received. I am reminded of more military-oriented times, when the first emperors of this dynasty held the army in higher official status than the civil service. It wasn't until the after the death of my ancestor Yongle that the status quo had been reversed. Let it be so, Imperial Commander; I grant you and the Five Military Commissions powers that place the army under your full unimpeded command; I officially decree that we return to the orientation of martiality of times past... but I would advise you to completely not disregard the authority of the Ministry of War. You must still adhere to proper procedures and protocols, and I implore you to not go rogue with your command. I know how passionate you are about war, Commander, but you must still heed their advisement throughout this conflict, for even you must still answer to this court. For better or worse, this empire has a working bureaucracy for good reason. Everything you do must still be reported through the proper channels in order to promptly notify the Martial Scholars and the Ministry. Be sure to send your gratitude to the Martial Scholars for insisting on this return to older tradition."

"Thank you, Imperial Majesty. As you wish, Imperial Majesty," he said as he was kowtowed before the emperor. He shot a discriminatory glare at the ministers of the court standing right behind him, but his spiteful expression eased somewhat knowing that the respectable Martial Scholars oversaw and supervised the inner workings of the court. He had also grown to respect their influence and power, and he had found their deep connections across the Ming Empire to be quite admirable. He was also frustrated that his younger brother He Jin for years had been well-acquainted with them yet he, the highest-ranking officer in the Ming army, had not. Feishen bowed his way out of the emperor's court and proceeded toward the long walk to exit the palace complex. There was much work left to do but he knew exactly how to accomplish it.

"What of the rallying sects of this Underworld you speak? What offenses can we expect from them? Do they currently pose any serious threats to the Empire?" asked the emperor.

Tian Qiu the Martial Scholars' polymath answered, "There are many factions and organizations that comprise this so-called Underworld, Majesty. They're naught but terror groups and fanatics, the lot of them. Based on our limited information, we can safely assume that the larger, more prominent sects such as Crimson Moon and the Shan Gui Mountain Ghosts are full participants in this movement. The participation of notable warlords, troublemakers leading merry bands of mercenaries, and even masters of martial arts schools is almost guaranteed. And yes, they can be very problematic for the empire should they succeed in forming alliances in the name of the empire's downfall."

"I did not realize that this 'Underworld' was such a serious entity to threaten the Ming Empire. I do not understand how they have managed to exist under the governance of my predecessors. It's infuriating," said the emperor.

Shang Jian took the initiative to speak his mind in the court. "Addressing the problem of the rebels amassing in the Underworld is a high priority. Many of the traitorous palace and provincial officials collaborate with those who have sworn their allegiances our enemies. Alas, despite our connections, none of our contacts have provided any more useful information. We know close to nothing about what is awaiting us in the shadows and it safe to assume that the eunuch traitors continue to conspire against us with Wulin-the Underworld. With majority of our armed forces and industries currently preparing for all-out war, we do not have the immediate resources to launch an offensive against the rebels of the Underworld," Shang Jian lamented.

The emperor listened intently as he rubbed his chin. "There has to be some way to deal with this rebel problem without compromising the strength of our defenses against the incoming threat," he said.

"This is now the current problem-a problem that if solved, would greatly cripple the enemy," interjected Tian Qiu, the polymath of the Martial Scholars. He stepped forward to address the court. "When Sun Xin was making his way to the capital, he witnessed one such an army amassing amidst the woods in the lower province to the south. We know that this congregation is a great assembly, possibly alliances forming in the Underworld. Logically, we can assume that this is a large part of the Terukk strategy to conquer us. They must be dismantled and defeated before the Terukk invasion or else we will be forced to fight with our combat forces divided on two fronts."

"To accomplish this, we must launch a reconnaissance operation to discover what they're plotting and thwart it all before they can be enacted. We must learn of the ones who rally and command them... and if possible, maybe even eliminate them once and for all – sever the head of the snake. Our swordsman, the Wandering Wolf, is more than qualified for this task," Lu Guanying added.

He paused for a brief moment and turned to reach into his belt compartment. "The second matter I would like to bring to your attention is this." Tian Qiu raised a small bamboo cylinder that contained a toxic mix of various unknown chemical compounds. It was the Terukk potion the many sects of the Underworld were consuming.

"This is the powerful drug used to mutate the defectors who fought for the Terukk in the Battle of Liaodong. I have observed the effects of this potion and it could very well determine victory or defeat in the battlefield. There is a catch, however. Though it drastically increases strength and endurance, it sacrifices the vital functions of the mind. I believe this is a negative side effect that the Terukk have yet to correct, as far as we know. However, the drug allows them to be more prone to suggestion and indoctrination. We have personally witnessed these effects upon the mutants and they fought with unsurpassed ferocity, endurance, and strength. This potion, if perfected, can be a great advantage for our enemies. This cannot be allowed to happen especially now that we have evidence of its distribution across the Underworld. We must locate manufacturing and distribution centers and destroy it, if not put an end to this some way."

Murmurs and gasps filled the court.

"The traitorous eunuchs within my court were being administered this potion or elixir, like we have proven. They seemed capable of clear thought," said the Emperor.

"The amount they consumed was but a refined and soft dosage designed to make them more willing to comply with the Terukk agendum. Still, the controlled amount was not sufficient to create the drastic changes we witnessed on the mutants on the battlefield. We must put an end to the manufacturing and distribution of this potion and prevent our domestic enemies from acquiring any form of physical advantage. It can mean disaster for the entire empire if the potion achieves widespread circulation in the black market and in the greater Underworld. Without the potion, they will be more vulnerable. In tandem to an overthrown leadership, they will be in disarray. At the very least, we can obtain vital information that can allow us preparation in time to respond to their plans."

The entire court murmured and whispered to each other in agreeing excitement.

Emperor Zhu Youcheng stood from his throne and formally issued the command and the Martial Scholars kowtowed before him to receive his decree.

"Then let this mission begin immediately. Prioritize this above the rest and I grant you complete freedom to accomplish them as you see fit! Failure is not an option! Now, however, I must attend to other matters of state. There is still an empire to maintain." The court bowed in response.

"Speaking of the Wandering Wolf, where is he?" asked Lu Guanying.

- -

"Well, well, well..." croaked the large, ugly man as he and several of his friends entered the underground tavern. He marched slowly toward the table where Sun Xin was enjoying a cup of oolong tea and fried tofu slices. The big man's boots made a steady clot clot beat as the hardened heels landed on the wooden floorboards. He leaned over Xin's table and placed his large, tattooed arm onto the surface. Sun Xin ignored the man as if he weren't there, and casually took a sip of the tea. He closed his eyes as he savored the steamy fragrance of the fermented leaves. The other men inside the tavern who immediately recognized the gangsters made sure to vacate the premises hastily. The rest simply made way and lowered their heads, trying to avoid any possibility of confrontation.

"What brings you to this shady part of the capital, ye Lone Wolf?" he asked directly in front of Xin's face. His breath reeked with a stench akin to a decaying corpse. His companions, who sported similar tattoos, surrounded Sun Xin with their arms crossed and with breathing as heavy as that of horses.

"I'm not in the mood for you, Yao Jia. Leave me be," Sun Xin said bluntly. The thug was a well-known troublemaker in big cities, and Xin has had interesting interactions with him before.

"Ohhh, I'm so scared," mocked Yao. "This is my turf now. I own this entire block. Don't mistake our previous encounter and you still need to pay for what you did to my face," he said pointing to his crushed, crooked nose. Sun Xin raised his gaze to look at Yao in the face.

"You were given ample warning before I laid a hand on you but you didn't listen. I fail to see what's worse with your face? It's as ugly as I remember, though my treatment seems to have been an improvement," he said with a smirk. Yao leaned forward to grab Xin's collar but in a fluid blur of motion, Xin yanked the thug and slammed his head onto the wooden table. Yao's eyes rolled back and he flopped to the ground unconscious, stiff as a wooden dummy. In response, Yao's companions rushed to attack. The first one swung a wide haymaker at his head but Xin parried the blow with a raised arm and knocked the wind out of his lungs with a chest-crushing straight punch. Upon impact, he felt a bone break beneath his fist. The thug fell into a fetal position, clutching his abdomen as he regurgitated what was in his stomach. Sun Xin leaned forward to duck beneath the attack of the second thug who had broken off the leg of a chair to use as a club. The thug was immediately disarmed and bashed in the head with the same block of wood. The third attempted to grapple him from the rear so the fourth could get some free strikes to his body. Xin snapped his head back into the thug's mouth and spun around to finish him off with the wide haymaker to the jaw. Several bloodied teeth poured out of his mouth as he hit the ground face first. The fourth thug un-holstered two large war hammers from his hip but had somehow managed to ensnare himself into one Xin's powerful chokeholds. He struggled to remove Xin's arm from his neck and he flailed like a fish for several moments until lack of air had caused him to snore and be still. He slumped onto the wooden floor face-first into the second thug's vomit, arms and legs twitching.

The tavern became completely silent all of a sudden and peace was restored... only to the dismay of the tavern keeper. Sun Xin took one last sip of his tea and proceeded as if nothing had happened. Violence was his greatest answer, and it seemed to always have been the correct one.

He stood from his seat and flexed his neck for a crack then proceeded toward the exit after tossing the tavern keeper a small bag of coins. "When these scumbags wake up, tell them that if they ever cause trouble here again, I'll be using the sword." The owner was still in some shock after witnessing the altercation and nearly missed catching the coin purse. Sun Xin sighed then proceeded to head back into the capital city's Imperial District. "They never learn," he muttered to himself as he lifted his scarf to cover his mouth and nose. A small flight of stairs led him back up to street level where only armed guards sparsely patrolled the streets to enforce the night curfew. To avoid them altogether, he bolted toward the nearest structure and free ran up the side of the building by transferring his forward speed into an upward momentum. He scaled the wall with ease to reach the edge of the veranda. He muscled up and planted his feet onto the roof tiles then cut across the streets by leaping from rooftop to rooftop where he could see in the distance, the fortified walls snaking around the perimeter of the Imperial District. He never liked the dust of the streets but he loved the elegance and sheer immensity of the capital city. It was a very colorful and wealthy place and exploring it helped him to forget just how much worse the world was becoming even before the Terukk had arrived. Crime was on the rise while gangs and outlaws were becoming more daring as they increased in number. The Underworld had also been experiencing a reawakening, boldly defying all he had done to stand against them for the past ten years. Instead of the clans and sects clashing with each other, they had now banded together and focused their attention on him.

Sun Xin's eyes focused on the run as he transitioned to full sprint over the roof tiles, being sure to place one foot in front of the other in precise rhythm. The freedom of the air was priceless and there was nothing like clearing a large gap between buildings using nothing more than speed, momentum, and precision. The rush of running the rooftops was different and perhaps more profound than a full gallop was for a horseman or the open seas for a sailor; but as much as he enjoyed vaulting over the gables and bounding above the city streets, his body was now struggling to match his desired pace. He did not want to admit his lifestyle was slowly catching up with him. Such a fact was evidenced when he lunged off the corner eave of the large structure and nearly missed the neighboring balcony. He would have fallen to his death had he not reacted quickly with his hands, but that reaction alone required more strength than usual. Fatigue was affecting his presence of mind and his ability to focus on an activity that should have been effortless and instinctive.

Not long after he had just begun his sprint, Sun Xin was straining just trying to maintain speed alone. Spending weeks traveling nearly nonstop from Guangzhou to Beijing was a monumental feat even for a high-caliber bladesman who had already spent a decade wandering the Middle Kingdom. The journey was most exhausting. The mental and emotional stress was far more draining than the physical exhaustion, however, and it was making traversing the rooftops a dangerous activity rather than a stress reliever.

He paused for a moment to control his breathing and center his internal energy. It was even difficult now that frustration and anger were clouding his concentration. He walked toward the highest point and perched on it with a deep squat. "Sigh, if only I could talk to you again, Master," he said under his breath. "You always knew how I could get myself together even if I did not want to listen. I've always felt assured knowing that you were there to listen and provide counsel. But... for all your wisdom, I believe you're still mistaken. Your softness had made you weak, and it ultimately caused your death. Though you would disagree, Master, I must do this my way."

Master Lo's sword was slung across his lower back, hanging right above his own. He unsheathed it from its deep red scabbard and observed its form. It was old but well-balanced and had been visibly handled with great care. The sword was rather plain. It sported no ornate designs or engravings save for a flower on the guard, and a nicely molded pommel for good balance. The blade had even lost some its luster but he could still feel the smoothness of its craftsmanship as he ran two fingers across its length. Despite its ordinary appearance, there was no sign of damage. Not even a chip could be found after so many years. He lightly tapped the blade and it cut the tip of his finger. "You were humble in every way, Master, right down to your very tools," Xin whispered as he sucked the blood droplet from his fingertip. "Perhaps too humble."

Sun Xin gripped the sword and returned it to its scabbard. He swallowed his sadness, buried his grief, and channeled it into useful hatred like he had always done. "I will avenge you, Master. Your name will be the last thing he hears over the sound of his dying breath."

The distant memories of his family's death still flashed behind his closed eyes. Some nights he would awaken with great rage, reliving the events of that fateful day.

"Revenge" was a funny word but it was easily justified by calling it "justice" or "punishment", but the only person he was really hurting in the end was himself. His targets and victims were all dead but he only continued to struggle with his thoughts and feelings. Of course, he was in denial about that as well. He hated that Pale Foreigner Kurr, and his hatred would make killing him tremendously more satisfying... he could not care less about the cost. He will deal with the damning consequences of the Swordsman's Curse later.

That other metaphysical phenomenon that had found its way into his very being was profoundly different from the Swordsman's Curse. It did not surge through his body as raw energy but instead flowed through him like water seeking the lowest possible point. Inexplicable as it was, Sun Xin could not deny that its profundity was far more powerful than the ever-so-familiar Curse, albeit in an unexpected way.

Whatever it was that had caused Kurr to flee, it left the Pale Foreigner unable to provide an answer for the effortlessness of his attack. The mysterious sage Famin Jie had attributed it to the "enabling of Heaven" and called it effortless action. It had succeeded where the Swordsman's Curse had nearly cost him his life. Only time will reveal its secrets and he would have discover them sooner or later. He hoped to learn how to summon the ability whenever he chose.

Sun Xin unsheathed his own trusted sword for a good polish and closely examined its glimmering texture. A hairline crack and two miniscule nicks along the blade had already appeared where there was once only a frosty edge. He had used Martial Scholar Zhen Shu's renowned steel to break many weapons, including other legendary swords, but with Kurr's enchanted black blade, it had taken its first noticeable damage. He tilted his head trying to recall his battles with the snow-skinned foreigner. The warrior was vastly different and far more powerful than all the others he had faced over the years, but his hatred for him far outweighed his curiosity. Xin's eyes narrowed and he smiled under his scarf as he imagined the killing blow landing into his opponent's body. He was highly anticipating the moment. There was so much that had learned much from their previous encounters. Kurr had proven to be the strongest opponent he had ever faced and was in fact, his first true archenemy.

Such thoughts occupied his mind in the early morning hours in the vast capital city where he observed the rising sun from the rooftops. But even there he could no longer find rest for his weary mind. Maybe, just maybe, that sage Famin Jie was on to something-something he knew to be much higher than himself, the Martial Scholars, and the emperor. He leapt to the ground to patrol the winding city streets where he pushed through the thickening crowds of people preparing to go about their day. Every passing city block, he could hear the citizens anxiously discussing their fears about the Terukk and what they could possibly be planning next.

"It's the end of the world. There's nowhere to run!" they cried from the upper balconies.

Others were more confident about the situation.

"The Ming Army is the greatest in the world. No barbarian foreigners are a match. If we can oust the Menggu, we can oust anyone!" the men at the nearby shop exclaimed. Sun Xin was himself unsure of the future. He could only hope that he could do his part in preventing the deaths of countless innocents. The war would allow him to both save and take more lives than he ever had as a drifter or as an agent for the Martial Scholars. Sun Xin wandered about the city's endless streets to take in the sights, sounds, and the smells to ease his mind, but an atmosphere of anxiety and apprehension had already spread throughout the city streets and the people had lost a skip in their step...

Later that day, the core members of the League of Martial Scholars convened with Sun Xin to discuss the seemingly impossible operation. The glare of focus was stronger than ever in Sun Xin's eyes; whenever he spoke, his steely tone earned him the respect of even the highest of society's gentry. It was evident that he was already mentally prepared more than anything else.

"The congregation of rebels from the Underworld which I had seen converged in the forest valley between the Wudang and Shaoshi mountains-less than a week away on foot. A small army should not be hard to locate... but I doubt they will remain stationary, and I will not find answers there. At this point they would have moved on. I have a 'friend' who frequents the remote regions of the Central and Northern provinces." Xin pointed to a location further West on the map. "The man is a master tracker, survivalist, and man-hunter. Nothing happens in the wilds without his knowing. I am the only one to whom he has passed his secrets so... I trust him and he trusts me. His familiarity with the happenings of the Underworld would be invaluable, but he never stays in one place for more than a week. If I can track him down, he can provide invaluable information and perhaps identify the army I beheld."

"Do this swiftly and be certain about it. There is very little time for preparation as it is and our resources are already spread thin. The sooner we know what the enemy is planning, the faster we can respond appropriately. The people must be preserved," said Lu Guanying to the rest of the Martial Scholar council.

Sun Xin was no stranger to quests and 'adventures'. He had spent much of the last ten years fulfilling the multiple roles of assassin, spy, saboteur, and even as an honorary prefect. There was not much he had not already seen and even less that would be cause for surprise. This campaign was different, however. Xin knew it and it nagged at him like a restless anxiety. After all, there had never been such a time in the history such as this.

It was in such a circumstance that Xin most remembered his Master Lo and is reminded of his profound teachings. He greatly missed him and he felt extremely guilty and regretful for having treated him the way he did. He swore to honor his Master's memory by avenging his death. There was no time for reminiscing. Sun Xin proceeded to make preparations for his departure.

"I need a five-man strike team of your best Academicians, Headmaster. I don't usually ask for company, but given the uniqueness of our situation, some reliable support could be most helpful. Extra sets of eyes and ears couldn't hurt," Sun Xin said to the Lu Guanying.

"I know the utmost importance of your mission, comrade, but regrettably all the Academicians present in this city are tasked with guard duty and are now spread thin. Even with the arrival of reinforcements, we barely have enough to securely guard and patrol the palace. I have already made contact with our West Academician Bureau to reinforce us with a company of one hundred twelve, but they have yet to arrive. Our other Academician stations have squads already occupied with the usual operations in the other cities." He paused for a moment. "The best I can do for you is two agents." He winced, regretting that he could not provide him with a full team. "I can promise that they are some of the most skilled and experienced within the Academician brotherhood."

"They will have to do." Sun Xin was willing to accept any help he could get until Famin Jie approached them and offered his salutations.

"Good to see you are well, Headmaster. I came to extend my best wishes to the Wanderer. My prayers go with you," he said as he redirected his gaze to Xin. "A great responsibility has been laid upon your shoulders and it seems that victory on the home front depends on your success. How do you feel about this?" Famin Jie asked.

"This is what I was born to do, Sage. It's destiny that I now embark on this quest. I think only of the mission and what needs to be done in the time I have been given. The greater repercussions can worry for themselves after the deed has been done," replied Xin.

"An interesting policy," said Famin Jie. "A spiritual battle must be fought in spirit. This conflict we now face is as much as a spiritual battle as it is a physical one."

"So... how do I succeed in the spiritual fight?" Xin asked.

"Deal with the darkness within yourself just as your master had instructed. Remember what he told you before he passed," Famin answered. "You cannot do this on your own. You must call upon Heaven and live in the Way." Sun Xin merely glanced at him wishing he could agree with the sage's spiritual rhetoric.

Lu Guanying casually cleared his throat, trying not to react to his old-fashioned religious dispositions.

"I sincerely hope I can understand mysterious wisdom one day, friend. For now, it is cunning and some cold, hard steel that will grant us the victory we seek," Xin replied tersely.

"I pray that you understand this truth before dire circumstances force it upon you... Anyhow, I have also overheard that you are in need of some companions. Since only two are available, I was wondering if you were willing to include three others on your journey," smiled Famin Jie. As if on cue, Jirgal, Buff Baby and Zuo Shilong approached them from the stairs. They walked to Famin Jie and wore curious looks on their faces.

"It is very good to see you again, comrades," Xin said as he nodded and saluted them with fist in hand. He redirected his gaze at Famin Jie. "I am not accustomed to having much company when I go abroad, but they are good fighters. I will be glad to accommodate them on the journey."

"Don't worry. I promise they will be more of a blessing than a burden on this most important mission," Famin Jie assured him. He placed unusual faith in the trio despite not having known them for long... and despite the fact one of them was an outlaw.

"As long as they can keep up, I am sure we will have no issues."

"Ha! I've lived my life on the move for years. I did not accumulate a large following for no reason. I will follow you and honor my fallen comrades through this mission," Buff Baby declared. Even as his head hung low remembering his fallen gang, he still towered over everyone present.

"I'm happy to go with you as long as I can get going. I'm becoming very bored in this palace. There's always a restriction on what I can and cannot do and where I can go. Very tiresome," Jirgal expressed.

"I would like to second that," said Zuo Shilong.

Preparations for departure were underway as the two Martial Academicians approached Sun Xin. They wore the trademark Academician robes of light gray and white, lightly armored with spaulders, bracers, and studded cuirasses of thick hardened leather. Each one carried a bow slung across their backs and a quiver full of arrows strapped their hips. Bladed weapons encased in ornate scabbards dangled from their waist straps. They approached Sun Xin to salute him.

"It's an honor to accompany you, Sword Master," said Wen Xiao as she saluted him. "I was with you in the battle on Liaodong Peninsula. It's a privilege to fight alongside you again."

Sun Xin nodded and returned the salute.

To Buff Baby and Zuo Shilong, Lu Guanying presented to them the cuirass piece of the Martial Scholars' armor. It covered the torso and sported tassets that covered their upper legs.

"On behalf of the League of Martial Scholars, I would like to thank you for your invaluable contributions to the battle. Accept these as gifts to express our gratitude. They may be light but they will do well to protect you in close quarters. They will also not slow your movements," said Lu Guanying.

"There's not much breathing room in this thing," said Buff Baby as he attempted to slip into the cuirass. His massive pectorals bulged out from underneath the armor, stretching the cordage that wove the armor pieces together.

"I'm afraid that is the largest size we have in stock," said Lu Guanying as he shrugged.

"Hey, you are right. It is light. I like it very much!" said Zuo Shilong excitedly as he walked around while flexing and stretching in the armor. He grinned from ear to ear, no longer concerned that the armor would slow his movements. "I wish I had this when that knife-wielding maniac tried to mug me several weeks ago. Who on earth tries to mug a poor monk carrying one small satchel??" he questioned aloud.

"A knife-wielding maniac, obviously, pffft," Jirgal quipped as he gingerly adjusted the armor's fitting.

"You, Jirgal, are a cheeky little grunt," the Shaolin monk said pointing two fingers at him. Jirgal returned the gesture with a sarcastic grin. Xin shook his head.

I am taking children with me on the most important mission of my career, he thought. He could not complain that they were not all Martial Academicians. He knew that an assignment such as the one before him was unique. The additional eyes and ears could prove more useful than detrimental. They have, after all, proven themselves useful on the battlefield. Times were different now as well. Multiple bounties from the Underworld had been placed upon his head.

"There is one other thing. Our ally Big Bang has expressed his desire to join you on your trip," said Lu Guanying hesitantly. "You may see him on your way out... or hear him coming from afar. Well, I bid you good fortune and ample luck. Be careful, comrade. I will look forward to your return."

"Farewell, Headmaster. There is no such thing as luck. Only skill, some steel, and all the right choices win battles."

Before they departed, Famin Jie imparted some words of wisdom to the company but not before hearing the team's complaints.

"Mentor, I am not so sure it would be a good idea for me to be traveling with him!" exclaimed Zuo Shilong as he pointed at Buff Baby with two fingers. Buff Baby laughed in mockery.

"Don't worry, monk. I'll restrain myself from wringing your neck if you get on my nerves," he said as he wiped his nose.

Zuo Shilong merely face-palmed and massaged his forehead. "See, that is what I mean."

"This experience would be very good for the both of you. You will enter this mission as bitter rivals but you will come out of it as brothers. Stay out of trouble, follow closely, and listen carefully to instruction. I also beseech you to not act foolishly in search of heroism," Famin Jie instructed to them.

"Mentor, I have become greatly accustomed to your presence while on the road. To be honest, I feel, well, afraid to venture without your calm and reassuring presence," expressed Zuo Shilong.

Famin Jie pulled him away from the group for a private word. "Let me tell you, my friend. Having you and the others for company was a great blessing, but this journey is something you all must undertake together. My being with you makes no difference. I am but a man. I fail, I make mistakes, get anxious, angry and even fearful just like everyone else. You mustn't put your trust in men, but the One above the earth and all the spirits."

To Jirgal the lowly Menggu tradesman, he imparted some words. "You, my friend are more precious than gold. You have a good heart and great things are in store for you. Keep your head up. You are worth more than you know. Do not mind that you are not a great warrior for it is the meek and the humble that are lifted up and exalted above all others."

"Thanks... I think. I do wish you could come with us. If one of those big monsters attacks us again, you won't be there to tell it to sod off," said Jirgal.

"The beast fled not because of anything I did, but because of that for which I stood. With faith, even you could be enabled to perform such feats. For now, my place is in the court with the emperor, the good scholars and the civil servants. There is a battle being waged here, though we do not see it. Besides, I have yet to recover from our epic journey from the South. The swelling in my feet has yet to subside," Famin Jie chuckled and winked. He turned to face Sun Xin and he looked at him with a sort of pride that Xin had only ever received from Master Lo many years ago.

"This task that has been placed on your shoulders is a very heavy one, my friend. Your own strength can fail you, but Heaven never fails," he said. "You mustn't find your strength from within for I am quite certain you will encounter much more than you will expect." He leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "The supernatural is emerging and you will notice a sharp increase in its frequency. There is more to this conflict than meets the eye."

"I can't say that I doubt that. I have seen a thing or two these past couple of weeks – things that have surprised even me," Sun Xin commented.

Famin Jie provided the team with a generous supply of herbs for any injury or ailment. "You may encounter many unexpected troubles in the journey ahead. These medicines are the least I can give. Take good care of each other, friends."

"I will keep your words in mind, Sage. Be well and look forward to our return... if that is indeed the will of Heaven," said Sun Xin as he bowed and gave his thanks.

Sun Xin, Buff Baby, Zuo Shilong, Jirgal and the two Academicians packed their mounts with supplies and provisions for the journey south. They would be sure to avoid all main roads and trade routes in order to ensure the secrecy of their mission. There were now a team of five excluding Sun Xin. Wen Xiao was the only female. She was highly skilled, headstrong, bold and attractive, and has been with the Martial Academicians since her teens. Riding close behind her was her elder brother Wen Ping who was more content sticking his nose into a book rather than training in the martial arts.

Lu Guanying looked upon the team with unease. He as uncomfortable that a traveling merchant of the lowest social class, a rogue adventurer who fancied himself a bandit lord, and an undisciplined monk who was banished from the temple would be accompanying his most valued agent. He felt that perhaps they would be more burdensome than helpful. Famin Jie was quick to observe his discomfort and made an effort to reassure him.

"By the will of Heaven, even the smallest and unlikeliest of men are able to do the greatest things. They helped turn the tide of battle in Liaodong and they had managed to emerge from obscurity only to find their way into the courts of the world's most powerful ruler. I am sure they will be able to complete the missions for which they were called," Famin Jie assured him. Lu Guanying nodded and smiled in appreciation for his encouragement.

The squad of six mounted their steeds and prepared to exit the city when all of a sudden, a loud shouting emerged out from one of the street corners adjacent to the Imperial District. Fung, otherwise known as 'Big Bang' came riding toward them on horseback, bouncing around and barely able to keep control of the steed.

"It appears that Headmaster Guanying was right about Big Bang," said Zuo Shilong.

"I'm coming with you and you're not going to stop me! The Imperial forges, smithies, and craftsmen are making my cannons, my rockets, my bombs, my hand guns, my land mines, and... and... that's it," he said counting the fingers of his left hand. "Now that that's done, I am going with you all so that I can field test some new weapons I designed for myself!" he said erratically. Big Bang's horse was heavy-laden with supplies and gear. He himself carried a bulky utility belt full of gadgets and tools and ammunition aside from the two large bulky duffel bags strapped to his back where hand cannon barrels large and small protruded from the openings. He still wore an awkward grin on his face but was clearly very excited to accompany Xin and his team on this crucial and dangerous mission. "What, bub? You're going to need me and my babies!" he said pointing to his gear. Zuo Shilong face-palmed again and the rest of the crew turned to Sun Xin to seek his opinion.

"We may yet have some use for you, Fung. You have proven yourself on the mission to Liaodong and have saved my life once already. I am choosing to trust you on this mission as well," said Sun Xin.

"Yes!" he hissed excitedly. "We're gonna have some fireworks exploding right up their-"

"Relax," Sun Xin interjected."Conserve your energy throughout the duration of this operation."

"Great, now we're all going to blow up," said Jirgal as he shook his head.

Xin was right. Half this mission was going to be spent babysitting a bunch of children. He was worried his patience would wear thin before they even got to the next province.

Now, the team of seven finally proceeded to exit the city. They weaved through the dense city streets, meandering through the crowds, stalls, and monumental buildings of Beijing, through the imperial and southern districts until they arrived at the city's edge. Many refugees were making their way into the city, congesting the streets in order to seek protection behind the walls. The whole empire was on edge for the foreign and domestic threats that loomed beneath the horizon.

The team galloped out of the massive gates within the thick, high walls that snaked around the perimeter of the capital, passed by the scattered suburbs surrounding the walled city, and then headed toward the army encampments some several li from the city outskirts. The troops that patrolled the main roads and trade routes that connected the towns made way for the team and saluted them as they passed through the gate checkpoints. By noon, they faded down the lonely roads, riding out of sight.

The route taken by Xin and the team was old and long-forgotten but was also much more scenic, albeit difficult to traverse. Gorges, flowery fields, and pristine pastures made it difficult to believe that their nation was at war or that malevolent forces threatened to consume the empire. The journey would take several days and that was time he was not so sure they had. This mission was vital, nonetheless. The capital and the Scholars knew very little of their enemies' plans or whereabouts. Sun Xin remained mostly quiet and was just beginning to realize the amount pressure that had been put on his shoulders. He scoffed at the overwhelming task and straightened his mounted posture.

Much rested on the outcome of this mission which would determine the fate of all the people caught in the path of the Terukk. He tried not to let it make him anxious but he had to be honest with himself. His strategy was vague and hardly promising but he took pride in his ability to control the outcome. That is what he was always good at doing, but this operation was different. The Art of War said: "Know your enemy and know yourself, win a hundred battles.Know not your enemy but know yourself, win one and lose one. Know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will fail every battle." Sun Xin knew his enemies. but with recent events, he was not so sure if he knew himself all too well anymore.